South Africa: Home Affairs sets the record straight on Aline Mauwa

The Department of Home Affairs has in a statement set the record straight with regard to the passing on of Aline Mauwa, a refugee who was among the protestors who occupied pavements in Brooklyn, Pretoria, in 2019.

The department said it refutes claims made by the Women and Children at Concern (WCC) group which claims that Mauwa died a brutal and abusive death caused by denial of health care in Lindela.

Sadly, this statement contains deliberate misrepresentation of facts which the department seeks to correct, for the benefit of society.

According to the department, Mauwa passed away at Leratong Hospital on Saturday afternoon following a short illness.

She had been receiving treatment at the clinic inside the Lindela and nearby hospitals since early August 2021.

She first visited the clinic in Lindela on 06 August 2021 and received treatment and was regularly monitored. Two days later, on 08 August 2021, she was transferred to the Yusuf Dadoo Hospital for further treatment. After receiving treatment, she returned to Lindela.

A day later, on 09 August 2021, she visited the clinic in Lindela for a different ailment. She received treatment at the clinic and was regularly monitored.

On 28 September 2021, she was referred to Yusuf Dadoo Hospital for treatment of the ailment she reported on 09 August 2021. She returned to Lindela after treatment.

On 09 October 2021, the clinic in Lindela referred her to Leratong Hospital where she passed away.

Contrary to the WCC statement, Mauwa did not pass away in Lindela.

Anybody who alleges negligence in the treatment of a patient must prove it by reporting the matter to the Health Ombud, who was specifically appointed for that purpose, and/or the Health Professions Council of SA (HPCSA), rather than issue false and inflammatory media statements, the department said.

The department is working with the United Nation's High Commissioner for Refugees to assist the family with funeral arrangements.

It is worth mentioning that Lindela and the clinic inside, run by full-time medical and nursing staff, have been subject to several oversight visits by different institutions.

The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs visited Lindela on 11 May 2020. In addition, the SA Human Rights Commission visited the facility on 29 September 2021, said the department.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-10-14. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Hong Kong: HK reports 1 imported COVID-19 case

The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating one additional imported COVID-19 case involving a 30-year-old woman who arrived from Indonesia.

The patient, a foreign domestic helper, arrived in Hong Kong on September 17 on flight CX798. The virus test taken upon arrival as well as the six tests conducted during the compulsory quarantine period at a designated quarantine facility were all negative for COVID-19.

She received two doses of the Sinovac vaccine on July 9 and August 11 in Indonesia.

Upon completion of the compulsory quarantine on October 7, she returned to her employers residence at Tower 10, Phase 3, the Graces, Providence Bay in Tai Po. Symptoms developed the next day.

Another test on October 12 yielded a positive result but with a low viral load, while the test result after admission to hospital was indeterminate. An epidemiological investigation is underway.

As a prudent measure, the places where the patient resided and visited in Hong Kong during the incubation period have been included in a compulsory testing notice, the centre noted.

A total of 61 cases were reported in Hong Kong in the past 14 days, one of which is a local case with an unknown infection source and the rest are imported.

For information and health advice on COVID-19, visit the Governments dedicated webpage.

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South Africa: Mchunu welcomes KZN Water Master Plan

Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has commended the KwaZulu-Natal Water Master Plan which spells out the water-related challenges and outlines the short, medium and long term solutions to ensure water security in the province.

Initiated by the provincial government and launched last month, the KwaZulu-Natal Water Master Plan and Borehole Intervention Programme aims to improve access to safe and clean water in rural communities for domestic consumption, agriculture and other economic activity.

Mchunu - who is currently on a three-day visit to assess the state of water projects in the province and accelerate the delivery of water and sanitation in the province - said the master plan is a step in the right direction.

"We will take it as work in progress and refine planning as we go. At this moment, we have to pinpoint communities without water and ensure effective implementation of the plan," Mchunu said.

Speaking during one of the sessions with the executives of the provincial government, led by Premier Sihle Zikalala who presented the plan, Mchunu expressed his concern over incomplete water projects in the province and assured that the projects will be followed up, and there will be an investment on more sustainable projects, including boreholes and water pipelines.

Mchunu announced that there will be a Sanitation Framework designed for the whole country for the facilitation of sanitation services delivery.

The framework will be observed mainly by municipalities and we are looking forward to a more dynamic engagement, not to only try and understand the issues in the province but rather to focus on the delivery of the essential services of water and sanitation, the Minister said.

Zikalala said the provincial government aims to work closely with local government to ensure the effective implementation of the recently launched master plan which is meant to ensure universal access to water in the province.

South Africa, in particular KwaZulu-Natal, is facing water service challenges caused by constrained water sources, insufficient water infrastructure maintenance and recurrent droughts driven by climatic variation just to name a few.

Ours is a task to bring relief to communities in need and accelerate the delivery of water and sanitation related services, Zikalala said.

The Premier also commended Mchunus visit, noting that this will ensure that the work of three spheres of government is being integrated, and critical in making more impact on peoples development.

All of us should commit and reinforce funding for water projects and infrastructure development in the province. We are grateful for the commitment by the Department of Water and Sanitation led by the Minister, to ensure that the achievable implementation of the Master Plan is realised, the Premier said.

As part of the medium-term measures the provincial government through the department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), has built 250 boreholes in six districts, including Amajuba, uMkhanyakude, Zululand, uMzinyathi, uThukela and Harry Gwala.

Zikalala said the plan will require no less than R150 billion in the next 10 to 15 years.  SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa: Somali leaders, taxi associations called to find solution to defuse Gqeberha violence

The Select Committee on Trade and Industry, Economic Development, Small Business Development, Tourism, Employment and Labour has appealed to the Somali community leaders and taxi associations in Gqeberha to meet urgently and find a solution to defuse the reported tensions.

The call follows the burning of about eight minibus taxis allegedly by Somali shop owners at Durban Road in Korsten, Gqeberha, on Wednesday afternoon.

According to police reports, violence broke out following a motor vehicle accident between a taxi and a sedan believed to belong to a local businessman.

It is alleged that retaliation between local businessmen and taxi drivers ensued and resulted in eight taxis being set alight, two taxis damaged and a civilian vehicle set alight. No injuries were reported.

In a statement on Thursday, Committee Chairperson, Mandla Rayi, said the committee condemns any act of violence directed either at minibus taxi operators or at Somali owned spaza shops.

The reported violence should not occur and certainly our people should not allow to be divided by these acts of violence. The leaders of the Somali community in that area and the management of minibus taxi operators should urgently meet and seek a resolution on this matter.

The revival of the economy after it was negatively affected by the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic in March last year is the responsibility of all. Regional economies like Gqeberha are a key component and should be used as a point of strength, Rayi said.

Rayi appealed to the leaders of the Somali community, taxi associations in Gqeberha and other peace role players to find a solution to the problem, and defuse the tensions that have the potential to perpetuate violence.

[This] is an antithesis to the call for the revival of the economy in Gqeberha, said Rayi.

Rayi said the brandishing of heavy weaponry among citizens, as reported in Gqeberha, is a matter that needs to be investigated and acted upon by relevant law enforcement agencies.

Meanwhile, Police Minister, General Bheki Cele and Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale, are today visiting Gqeberha following violence and wanton destruction of property.

The Police Ministry and senior South African Police Service officials will travel to the area and receive a full report from the provincial SAPS management on this incident, as well as the spate of murders that have taken place in the Walmer township over the weekend, Police Ministry spokesperson, Lirandzu Themba, said.  SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa: R11bn allocated to Presidential Employment Stimulus

A total of R11 billion in new funding has been allocated by National Treasury for the next phase of the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES) in the 2021/22 financial year.

The Presidency has announced that phase two will be launched on 1 November 2021.

This was revealed at a media briefing on Thursday, led by the Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele, together with the Minister of Employment and Labour, Thulas Nxesi and Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Patricia de Lille.

The Presidential Employment Stimulus was launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in October 2020 in response to the devastating impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on employment.

As part of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, the stimulus aims to create new employment, provide livelihood support and protect existing jobs in vulnerable sectors.

Addressing the briefing, Gungubele said Phase 2 of the employment stimulus has now commenced implementation, which will support the continuation of some programmes from Phase 1, as well as a range of new programmes.

The recruitment of 287 000 young people as school assistants is already underway, and participants will be placed in November. Phase 2 will include the establishment of a new Social Employment Fund, which will support work for common good in communities provided by organisations outside of the State.

Phase 2 will also support the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, including the establishment of the national Pathway Management Network, the revitalisation of the National Youth Service, and a new model of skills training for unemployed youth linked to employment, Gungubele said.

The Minister said the stimulus represents a new way of working across government to achieve a common objective, as 11 national departments were responsible for implementing programmes supported by the stimulus in Phase 1.

To date, more than 550 000 jobs and livelihoods have been supported as part of Phase 1, with an overall target of 694 120 opportunities.

Gungubele said several programmes are still in implementation, and the number is expected to increase further.

This represents more than half a million South Africans, who have already benefitted directly from the stimulus, either through employment or by receiving a grant to sustain their own economic activity.

Gungubele said the continued success of the employment stimulus reflects governments commitment to address unemployment and to support employment while the labour market recovers.

Scaling up public and youth employment

Minister of Employment and Labour, Thulas Nxesi, has reiterated that government is steadfast and resolute in fighting unemployment, inequality and eradication of poverty in the country.

He said the Presidential Employment Stimulus supports a wide range of programmes, which have an explicit focus on youth, given the severity of youth unemployment in South Africa.

In Phase 1, [a total of] 84% of participants across all programmes, including public employment and livelihoods support, were young people below the age of 35, and two-thirds of all participants were women, Nxesi said.

Phase 2 of the employment stimulus supports the implementation of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, which aims to provide support and expand opportunities for young people who are unemployed.

The Minister revealed that a total of R838 million has been allocated for this programme as part of the overall budget for the stimulus.

As part of this intervention, the Department of Employment and Labour is leading the establishment of the national Pathway Management Network, which is also known as SA Youth. This network allows young people to register and receive active support to find employment, and aggregates opportunities from a wide range of partners within and beyond government, he said.

In Phase 1 of the employment stimulus, a total of 170 000 unemployed youth were placed in various work opportunities through the Pathway Management Network, of which 132 406 were placed as school assistants and 2 000 were placed in jobs in global business services.

The Pathway Management Network will provide an entry point for young people to access opportunities during Phase 2 of the stimulus, by registering their profile on SAYouth.mobi.

Nxesi said Phase 2 of the stimulus will also support demand-led training as a new approach to skills development that links training for young people directly to jobs that are available.

Adding on to youth employment, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Patricia de Lille, said that governments employment efforts are also focused on ensuring that specific targets are set for the employment of women and youth.

The Minister said the PES has focused on ensuring that the work performed creates real public value, which can be seen and felt by the communities in which it takes place.

For example, the more than 300 000 school assistants, who were employed through the stimulus, relieved the burden on teachers during a period in which they had a significantly higher workload due to COVID-19, De Lille said.

In addition to providing overall support for the stimulus, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) was able to expand its own employment programmes in infrastructure with additional funding in Phase 1.

I am very proud that as DPWI, aside from the EPWP programme, we were also able to employ graduates in various projects in the department as part of the PES Programme. This included the employment of graduates for the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme, as well as artisans and professionals in facilities management and waste management, De Lille said.

During the 2020/21 financial year, the department appointed 1 886 beneficiaries and more than 500 of these graduates were able to secure external employment. For the current financial year, the department has recruited 1 296 beneficiaries, which comprises 737 females and 559 males, and 98% youth in all nine provinces.

De Lille has praised the Presidential Employment Stimulus for encouraging real innovation in how public employment programmes across government are delivered - from recruiting participants to the type of work that is supported.  SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa: Police visibility to increase in Gqeberha after public violence

Police visibility will be significantly increased in Gqeberha in the wake of public violence and the destruction of property that saw several businesses and taxis torched this week.

The announcement was made by Police Minister Bheki Cele during a visit to the city on Thursday.

Cele, who was accompanied by Police Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale, met with local business and taxi operators during the visit.

On Wednesday, violence broke out on Durban Road in Kirsten after a motor vehicle accident between a taxi and a sedan allegedly belonging to a local businessman.

Initial investigations revealed that the single incident led to the torching of several vehicles and property.

According to police reports, alleged retaliation between the local businessmen and taxi drivers ensued resulting in eight taxis being set alight, two taxis were damaged and a civilian vehicle was also set alight. No injuries were reported,

Addressing the media shortly after inspecting the extent of the damage and meeting affected parties, Cele said beyond the increase in police visibility, investigations would probe why the situation escalated to the point of violence.

There was crime committed here; property was destroyed, there was arson, there were cars and taxis burned.

Citing the Firearms Act, the Minister said the investigation would look to bring to book those who discharged their guns.

Private citizens are not allowed to go around displaying or firing firearms. They [guns[ will be taken in for ballistics and their owners will have to explain why they utilised the firearm in public.

Durban Street, he said, was allegedly notorious in many ways.

Police will have to clean it, Cele said.

Police will have to find everyone that committed crime. Secondly, the police will have to search and find those guns that were fired here. People will come here and clean the streets. Only legal business needs to be conducted here, he said.

Police, he said, would remain in the area until peace had been restored.

The one thing that we said and agreed on in the meeting was that when we come back, we will have to come with SARS Customs and the Department of Home Affairs to ensure that everyone who is here has the papers to be in the country and run a business.

Everyone making business in South Africa pays tax, you cant go to a country, run a business and not pay taxes. We agreed on that, he said.

We are encouraging businesses that are closed to reopen so that livelihoods that were affected can come back and they stick within the law. If they dont, police have the responsibility to enforce the law.  SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa: Gauteng Education placement period commences on Friday

The Gauteng Department of Educations placement period for the 2022 Online Admissions for Grades 1 and 8 will begin on Friday, 15 October and end on 30 November 2021.

In a statement on Thursday, the department said it is important to note that parents and guardians will be sent SMSes, to the numbers they used to apply, with offers of placement.

They will then have to log on to www.gdeadmissions.gov.za using their credentials to accept an offer within 7 days.

However, parents and guardians must also note that in the event an SMS states that your child or children are placed at a certain school, this will be regarded as a successful placement to the mentioned school only. There will be no need for a parent/guardian to access the system to accept an offer in that regard, the statement read.

The department said SMSes will be sent out on a continual basis until the end of the placement period on 30 November, meaning that not all parents/guardians will receive an SMS on the first day of the placements period, but can receive one at any point during the placement period.

If parents and guardians have not received an SMS, they are welcome to use their credentials and log on to www.gdeadmissions.gov.za and check whether they have received an offer or not.

It is paramount to indicate that in the event a parent or guardian may have forgotten or lost their credentials, they must click on Forgot Password on the landing page and follow the prompts to regain access to the system. Alternatively, parents and guardians are welcome to interact with our call centre on 0800 000 789 for assistance, the department said.

The department said it has identified 10 high-pressure schools during the application period, which received an overwhelming number of applications that exceed the capacity of learners that they can afford to accommodate.

The department has therefore appealed to parents that such schools will be unable to accommodate all those that applied.

However, we request and appeal for patience from parents and guardians during this placement period. We, as the GDE, will ensure that alternative space is appropriately provided for all applicants at schools that have the adequate capacity, the department said.

Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi, has thanked all applicants who have enabled the department to reach the next stage of this years Online Admissions.

Lesufi said during the application process, some schools received more applications than what they could accommodate. He gave the example of Parktown Boys High School, where they had to select about 210 learners out of about 1 441 qualifying applicants.

We would therefore like to caution parents and guardians that not all applicants would be accommodated at their preferred school. Thus, we appeal for calm and patience from all applicants during this placement period.

Our officials will work tirelessly to ensure that learners are accommodated at alternative schools. The department is committed to assist schools at high pressure areas to build more classrooms to accommodate more learners for future admissions, Lesufi said.

The MEC said the fact that the school that received the most number of applications is a township school, Inqayizivele Secondary in Tembisa, is an indication that the department has changed the landscape in the improvement of township education.

Following are the schools that received an overwhelming number of applications:

1. Inqayizivele Secondary School

Capacity: 340

Applications Received: 1916

2. Hoerskool Langenhoven

Capacity: 300

Applications Received: 1477

3. Parktown Boys High School

Capacity: 210

Applications Received: 1441

4. Hulwazi Secondary School

Capacity: 320

Applications Received: 1375

5. Jeppe High School For Boys

Capacity: 208

Applications Received: 1276

6. Sir Johan Adamson High School

Capacity: 280

Applications Received: 1248

7. Lesiba Secondary School

Capacity: 350

Applications Received: 1240

8. Hoerskool Jeugland

Capacity: 260

Applications Received: 1154

9. Hoerskool President

Capacity: 450

Applications Received: 1130

10. Eqinisweni Secondary School

Capacity: 370

Applications Received: 1123

- SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-10-14. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
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The two countries are close to an agreement for the resumption of official relations. A sign of progressive detente after years of tensions, but obstacles and divisions remain, especially over Yemen. King Salman also calls for "tangible results" to rebuild a climate of "trust" between the two nations.

Tehran (AsiaNews) - Iran and Saudi Arabia are close to an agreement for the resumption of official diplomatic relations between the two countries and the reopening of their respective consulates, in a sign of progressive detente after years of hostility and proxy conflicts.

According to an anonymous institutional source living in the Wahhabi kingdom an agreement to put an end to the tensions of the recent past would be "imminent".

"In principle," the source stressed to Afp, "they have reached an agreement to reopen their consulates... and I think the announcement of a normalization of relations could come within the next few weeks." In recent days, the same official authorities in Tehran had shown cautious optimism, stressing that the talks - which also include Yemen, one of the main elements of division - of the last period have taken "the right direction."

Tehran and Riyadh broke off relations in 2016, following the assault on the Saudi consulate in Iran, in response to the execution of the Shiite leader Nimr al-Nimr. The controversy triggered heavy repercussions at the regional level, particularly the economic, diplomatic and commercial isolation of Qatar considered too close to Tehran.

The two powers are on opposite sides in many issues, from Yemen to Syria. However, in April, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (Mbs) said he wanted good relations with Tehran. A change also determined by the change of administration in Washington, with the passage from the "maximum pressure" of Donald Trump, to the attempt of Joe Biden to revive the nuclear agreement.

The last round of talks between the two countries took place on September 21 and others are scheduled "shortly". Tehran would like to reopen the respective consulates in the Iranian city of Mashhad and in the Saudi city of Jeddah, as a goodwill gesture. The meetings take place in a relaxed atmosphere, although elements of friction remain when going into details.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on October 8 that "several agreements" had been reached; Saudi counterpart Faisal Bin Farhan al-Saud spoke of meetings in the "exploratory phase," but the hope is to "resolve" the elements of conflict, primarily Yemen.

Last month, Saudi King Salman expressed hope that talks with Iran would "lead to tangible results to build trust" and revive bilateral cooperation. He went on to call on Tehran to cease "all forms of support" for armed groups in the region, with a particular reference to the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have stepped up missile and drone attacks against the Wahhabi kingdom.
Maine Health Care Workers Seek Emergency Relief from Shot Mandate

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Liberty Counsel

Oct. 14, 2021



BOSTON, Oct. 14, 2021 /Christian Newswire/ -- Today, Liberty Counsel filed an emergency injunction pending appeal to the First Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of more than 2,000 health care workers against Governor Janet Mills, health officials of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention and five of Maine's largest hospital systems.

The governor originally stated health care workers must receive a COVID-19 injection by October 1 and then extended the deadline for compliance to October 29. However, this requires that plaintiffs accept an injection that violates their sincerely held religious beliefs by no later than tomorrow, Friday, October 15, 2021.

Gov. Janet Mills' executive order purports to override both Title VII employment law and the First Amendment Free Exercise clause. Her discriminatory order mandates the shots and states health care workers cannot raise religious exemptions claims.

On August 12, 2021, Governor Mills announced that Maine will require health care workers to accept or receive one of the three, currently available COVID-19 shots to remain employed in the healthcare profession. This edict would force numerous doctors, nurses, medical professionals, and other health care workers to choose between the exercise of their sincerely held religious beliefs and their employment. Governor Mills and state officials explicitly and illegally claim that federal law does not apply to health care workers in Maine and that no protections or considerations will be given to their religious beliefs.

Gov. Mills has threatened to revoke the licenses of all health care employers who fail to mandate that all employees receive the COVID-19 injection, despite the unconstitutional fact that she is discriminating against religious employees who decline vaccination while favoring those who decline for secular, medical reasons.

Accommodations for patient-facing health care workers, those who work directly with patients, with sincerely held religious objections to the shots cannot mean one thing in most states and not in the vast majority of Maine. This is evident with employers granting accommodations to health care employees in Oregon, California, Washington, New Mexico, Missouri, Texas, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Colorado, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Florida. These health care providers include top education and research hospitals such as University of Colorado, University of Chicago, University of Maryland, Temple University; some of the largest health care providers in the nation including Kaiser Permanente, Trinity Health, and Advocate Aurora Healthcare with hundreds of thousands of employees providing patient-facing care and accommodating the subset of those with sincere religious beliefs; and mid-size and smaller health care providers that have also readily accommodated patient-facing personnel with sincere religious beliefs.

In addition, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act clearly requires that every employer with over 15 employees must provide religious accommodations "unless an employer demonstrates that he is unable to reasonably accommodate an employee's or prospective employee's religious observance or practice without undue hardship." For months, health care employees have worked every day with reasonable accommodations and history underscores that the state and the employers can continue to provide accommodations.

Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said, "The court must stop Governor Mills from discriminating against health care workers with sincerely held religious beliefs that prevents them from receiving the COVID injection. She cannot override federal law and dictate that they must inject an experimental substance into their bodies. All Maine health care workers have the legal right to request reasonable accommodation for their sincerely held religious beliefs and forcing shots without exemptions is unlawful."

Liberty Counsel provides broadcast quality TV interviews via Hi-Def Skype and LTN at no cost.

SOURCE Liberty Counsel



CONTACT: Mat Staver, 407-875-1776, Liberty@LC.org



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Vice President attends 3rd Eurasian Women's Forum

Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan lauded the Eurasian Women's Forums contributions to connecting and empowering women in her speech at the first plenary session of the ongoing 3rd Eurasian Women's Forum on Wednesday.









Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan. VNA/VNS Photo



The forum, themed Women: A Global Mission in a New Reality, takes place virtually from October 13 to 15, gathering participants from more than 100 countries and international organisations.



Praising the theme, Xuan said the forum creates conditions to discuss opportunities and challenges that globalisation, the 4th industrial revolution, and the COVID-19 pandemic are generating for the world, as well as for women.



The Vice President spoke about Viet Nams experience and achievements in gender equality promotion across all social aspects, saying that the proportion of female National Assembly deputies, and key female leaders at ministries and ministerial-level agencies, stand at more than 30 per cent and 50 per cent, respectively.



She said Vietnam has also launched many initiatives to enhance the role of women as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 term, the ASEAN Chair in 2020, and the President of the 41st General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly.



She called on countries to work together to solve urgent issues involving women such as mitigation of impacts of COVID-19, climate change, and conflict and violence.



The role of women in socio-economic recovery and development should be promoted, Xuan said, adding that coordination should be strengthened to boost the making and effective implementation of policies and laws for the comprehensive development of women.



The Vietnamese delegation is expected to attend and deliver speeches at a number of thematic sessions at the forum.
Vietnam receives more Covid-19 vaccines and medical equipment from Europe

An additional 560,000 doses of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine and 12.5 tonnes of medical equipment was transported from some European countries to Vietnam on Thursday.













Covid-19 vaccine and medical equipment arrive in Hanoi from some European countries on October 14



The goods included 100,000 vaccine doses donated by the Slovakian government, 60,000 doses donated by the Croatian government, 400,000 other doses bought from the Hungarian government, and 12.5 tonnes of medical equipment worth USD 380,000 donated by Vietnamese people living in Hungary.



Between October 8-13, Vietnam also received roughly 2 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as gifts from the United States, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccines donated by the US to 9.5 million doses.



According to the Ministry of Health, as of October 13, Vietnam has received about 90 million doses of vaccine from COVAX, bilateral donations, and its own order.



Up to now, the country has administered one dose of Covid-19 vaccine to more than 54 percent of the population over 18 years old and full doses to about 22 per cent of the population. It is expected that by the end of October 2021, Vietnam can achieve a vaccination rate that would shift the phase to a safe adaptation to the virus.
Vietnam reports high unemployment rate due to Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has negatively affected the labour situation in Vietnam with the unemployment and underemployment rate rising to the highest level since the first quarter of 2020.













People wait to receive unemployment allowances in Thanh Hoa Province



According to a new report from the General Statistics Office (GSO), the working labour force in the economy in the third quarter of 2021 decreased sharply compared to the previous quarter and compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, unemployment and underemployment among working-age increased to the highest level since the first quarter of 2020.





"In nine months of 2021, the unemployment rate of the working age population was 2.91% which hit 3.72% in the third quarter. The urban unemployment rate was higher at 3.78 percent, than the rural area of 2.39 percent," Pham Hoai Nam, director of the GSO's population and labour statistics department reported at a meeting held on October 12 in Hanoi.

More than 1.7 million people of working age were unemployed in the third quarter of 2021, an increase of 532,200 compared to the previous quarter and an increase of 449,600 compared to the same period last year, he said.



The underemployment rate at working age in the nine months was 3.04 percent, of which the urban and rural area was 3.0 percent and 3.07 percent, respectively.

This is different from the common trend observed in our country with underemployment in rural areas often more severe than in urban areas, Nam said.

Nam said that the complicated developments of the 4th wave of Covid-19 and the prolonged social distancing period in many localities had pushed the unemployment rate in the third quarter far beyond the usual 2-per cent figure.



The unemployment rate of people of working age was 5.54 per cent, up 2.18 percentage points from the previous quarter and 1.6 percentage points over the same period last year.



The office's report also said that the complicated and prolonged situation of the Covid-19 epidemic has significantly affected peoples lives and economic development, especially in some southern localities.



As of September 21, 2021, the government had provided financial support of nearly VND13.8 trillion (USD 600 million) to nearly 17.6 million low income people, exported 136,349.6 tonnes of rice from the national reserve to more than 2.4 million households with nearly 9.1 million people facing difficulties due to the epidemic in 30 provinces and cities.
Berlin (dpa) - Every Russian fencer entered into the Olympic Games will be allowed to compete in Rio de Janeiro, world fencing governing body FIE said Wednesday.



"In accordance with the request of the IOC (International Olympic Committee) executive board, the FIE has established a pool of Russian fencers eligible for the Rio Olympics," an FIE statement said.



"It consists of all 16 fencers who have qualified for the Games, plus the four P-accreditation (reserve) athletes."



On Sunday the IOC decided against a blanket ban on all Russian athletes for the August 5-21 Games but rather left it to the sports federations to decide which Russians would be eligible to compete in Brazil.




Berlin (dpa) - The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will rule by late Sunday on an appeal by the Russian Paralympic Committee regarding the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) suspension of Russia from the Paralympic Games, it was announced Monday.



In a statement, the IPC said CAS will hear the appeal in Rio de Janeiro and will announce a final ruling by midnight CET on August 22 (2200 GMT August 21).



The IPC on August 7 suspended the entire Russian team from the 2016 Paralympics for the Russian committee failing to fulfil membership responsibilities and obligations, including compliance with the IPC and world anti-doping codes.



The 2016 Paralympics will run from September 7-18 in Rio de Janeiro.




US submarine collision raises red flag on maritime security

17:04, October 13, 2021 By Qing Ming ( People's Daily Online

Graphic/Global Times

US nuclear submarines are really making a splash these days. First, they elbowed aside their French counterparts in an extravagant submarine deal that America had secretly signed with Australia, a  stab in the back  so hurtful that it prompted France to recall its ambassadors. Then, on October 2, a US nuclear submarine collided with an unknown object in the South China Sea, an area the US never gets bored of barging and roiling around in.

It took nearly a week for US officials to disclose little to no information on the incident. Two unnamed US defense officials revealed last week that 11 sailors had been injured despite the submarine remaining fully operational, but they stopped short of offering any hint at what might have caused the collision.

Unlike the deal-stealing farce that has soured bilateral relations, the submarine collision is of particular international concern, requiring a full and sound investigation and explanation. Thats because the incidence took place in the waters of busy shipping lanes and waters that house a treasure trove of fishery resources and other commercial prospects. More importantly, a nuclear-powered submarine, unlike a fishing boat or other naval vessel, once involved in an accident, could possibly turn into a slow-motion Chernobyl  that has the potential to cause unimaginable environmental hazards for centuries to come.

Zhou Chenming, a researcher with the Yuan Wang think tank, voiced his concern over the incidence. Drawing a parallel between the recent US submarine collision and the one that occurred 21 years ago involving the Russian nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine K-141 Kursk, which killed all 118 personnel on board, Zhou warned that the American nuclear submarines, with their single-hull structure (differing from the Russian sub with twin hulls), might cause some nuclear waste to leak out when struck severely.

China, among other nations, has called for the US to clear up the facts on the US nuclear submarine accident. At a regular press conference held on October 11, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian criticized American officials vague statement and irresponsible attitude, as well as their stonewalling and cover-up attempts, as he demanded answers from the US side.

It is incumbent on the US to clarify the details of the accident and explain the following questions, the spokesperson said, going further to ask that, First, where exactly did the accident take place? Second, did the accident cause nuclear leakage and pollute the marine environment? Third, will this accident impact the navigation safety and fishery in the area where it took place?

The US side should take a responsible attitude, give a detailed account of what happened as soon as possible and make a satisfactory explanation to the international community and regional countries, he added.

Apart from the possible environmental hazards that such a collision can result in, some experts also worry that the unruly movements of US nuclear submarines can disturb fisheries and torpedo offshore fishing infrastructures. At present, many countries have their fishery presence in the South China Sea, for example, the Norwegian fish farming company SalMar ASA, one of the world's largest companies engaged in salmon production and processing, has built the worlds first automated offshore fish farm. If the expensive infrastructure for those fisheries gets struck by a rampaging submarine, or worse still, if the radioactive materials that power such submarines leak into the sea, the economic and environmental tolls would be beyond calculable, some have worried.

Sometimes, you have to hope beyond hope that the US would act responsibly on issues of global concern, such as issues pertaining to maritime security. Remember that when Japan, against the fierce opposition of China, South Korea, and even its own domestic fishermen, revealed its determination to discharge nuclear wastewater generated from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, the US quickly moved to express its support for its allys reckless decision, regardless of whether radioactive-polluted fish might end up on everyones dinner tables.

But as the only superpower, which boasts the worlds most extensive and advanced nuclear arsenals, the US should beware that the global village is not a lawless place without a traffic light to be seen, with its irresponsible and reckless voyages in international waters having the chance to harm itself as well as other nations. To prevent future tragedies, the US must detail the causes of the incidence, and the damages that have resulted. Any stonewalling or cover-up is unacceptable.

(Web editor: Meng Bin, Bianji)
In video call with Merkel, Xi urges enhanced ties with EU, Germany

Xinhua) 08:06, October 14, 2021

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with German Chancellor Angela Merkel via video link in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 13, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel via video link on Wednesday. They reviewed the development of China-German and China-EU relations in recent years in a friendly atmosphere and had an in-depth exchange of views over relevant issues.

Hailing Merkel's contribution to promoting China-German and China-EU relations during her tenure, Xi said that "for making acquaintances, the most valuable thing is mutual understanding, and for people to have mutual understanding, the key lies in knowing what is on each other's mind."

"This saying is not only a good illustration of our in-depth exchanges over the years, but also reflects the important experience in maintaining the smooth and sound development of China-German relations over the past 16 years," Xi added.

As the Chinese people put a premium on friendship, said Xi, China will not forget old friends and will always keep the door open for Merkel, voicing the hope that Merkel will continue supporting the development of China-German and China-EU relations.

The Chinese president said they have had multiple in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations, major international and regional issues and state governance, among other topics, which have advanced bilateral ties and ensured collaboration between the two countries in responding to global challenges.

In a spirit of mutually beneficial cooperation, China and Germany have achieved win-win results by giving play to the complementarity of the two countries' economies. The sound development of China and Germany have also contributed more to the global economy, Xi said.

"This has demonstrated that countries can avoid the zero-sum game and achieve mutually beneficial results on a win-win basis, and this should be the main tone that the two sides should adhere to in bilateral ties," said Xi.

Noting that 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, Xi said that keeping bilateral ties on the right course is of crucial importance.

"China always views its relationship with Germany from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is ready to maintain high-level exchanges with the German side, promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, tap the potential for cooperation in traditional fields, while exploring new areas of pragmatic cooperation in energy transition and the green and digital economy, among other areas, to further advance bilateral ties," said Xi.

Xi pointed out that pursuing peace and development is the common aspiration of China and the EU, saying that both sides advocate safeguarding multilateralism, support trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and believe that the common interests of China and the EU far outweigh contradictions and differences.

Noting that this is a critical period for the global fight against COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic recovery, Xi said that China and the EU, as two important forces in the world, have a responsibility to strengthen cooperation and work together to deal with global problems in the face of increasing global challenges and rising instability and uncertainty.

He said the two sides should view China-EU relations from a broader perspective, understand each other objectively and comprehensively, and handle differences rationally, peacefully and constructively.

"It is hoped that the EU can insist on independence, truly safeguard its own interests and the unity of the international community, and work together with China and other countries to resolve the issues of peace and development," Xi said.

For her part, Merkel said she remembered all the exchanges she had with Xi over the past more than 10 years, and they had candid and in-depth discussions on issues of common concern, which have enhanced mutual understanding and promoted the sound development of Germany-China relations and EU-China cooperation.

During her tenure as German chancellor, China has achieved rapid development and has shown great potential, Merkel said, adding that she believes the EU should develop its relations with China independently.

"I believe that EU-China relations can overcome various complicated issues and continue to develop," she said.

Germany appreciates China's efforts to cope with climate change and protect biodiversity, stands ready to work with China to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and continues to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation to jointly cope with global challenges, Merkel said.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Chinese ambassador slams AUKUS pact as "textbook case" of nuclear proliferation

Xinhua) 08:10, October 14, 2021

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (L) greets Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in front of 10 Downing Street, in London, Britain, on June 15, 2021. (Tim Hammond/No. 10 Downing Street/Handout via Xinhua)

Chinese Ambassador for Disarmament Affairs Li Song said that AUKUS is an awkward example set by the United States, Britain and Australia in their so-called "leadership" in non-proliferation.

GENEVA, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- The AUKUS pact among the United States, Britain and Australia, which will enable Australia to build nuclear-powered submarines with technology provided by the United States and Britain, is a "textbook case" of nuclear proliferation based on the Cold War mentality and narrow-minded geopolitical calculation, a Chinese diplomat said Wednesday.

Answering questions at a virtual press conference, Chinese Ambassador for Disarmament Affairs Li Song said that the deal constitutes a serious challenge to the letter and spirit of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

He told journalists from the United Nations Correspondents Association that AUKUS is also an awkward example set by the United States, Britain and Australia in their so-called "leadership" in non-proliferation.

"As the depositary states of the NPT, the United States and Britain are to help Australia, a non-nuclear-weapon state, to obtain nuclear-powered submarines, sensitive nuclear materials including tons of weapon-grade Uranium, and other relevant technologies and equipment. Such cooperation has never happened in the history of the NPT," Li said.

"To put it in a nutshell, AUKUS is like a fire, the comprehensive safeguard mechanism is like a piece of paper. You just can't cover the fire with paper," he added.

U.S. President Joe Biden leaves the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, Oct. 5, 2021. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

The Chinese envoy further pointed out that such cooperation will lead to a wider range of impacts to regional nuclear-weapon-free zones in South Pacific and Southeast Asia, spur regional arms race, undermine regional unity and cooperation, and therefore disturb regional peace and stability.

"Nuclear proliferation is not welcomed in Asian Pacific," said the ambassador, noting the recent incident of foreign nuclear submarine in South China Sea further indicated "that those submarines which traveled all the way across the globe will only bring trouble to our region."

"They are also not welcomed by regional countries and peoples," Li said.

A nuclear-powered U.S. Navy fast-attack submarine was damaged after it "struck an object" while submerged in waters in the Indo-Pacific region on Oct. 2, the U.S. Navy said in a statement. A U.S. defense official told U.S. Naval Institute (USNI) News that about 11 sailors were hurt in the incident.

The Capitol and a stop sign are seen in Washington D.C., the United States, on Feb. 13, 2020. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Xi Jinping champions harmony between man and nature

Xinhua) 08:15, October 14, 2021

-- Chinese President Xi Jinping announced new measures to remedy biodiversity loss at a key United Nations conference in Kunming.

-- The solutions, along with China's consistent efforts to protect biodiversity, reflect Xi's thoughts on the relationship between human and nature, which originate from his personal experiences, develop during his work at various posts, and draw inspiration from the Chinese culture and a realistic view of the world.

-- Xi's belief in the harmonious development of human and nature guides China's path toward a greener future, with growing resonance across the world.

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech via video link at the leaders' summit of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) held in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Oct. 12, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

KUNMING, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- As planet Earth continues to face the degradation of biodiversity, Chinese President Xi Jinping envisions a homeland where man and nature can live in harmony, with economy and ecology thriving side by side.

"All beings flourish when they live in harmony and receive nourishment from nature," Xi said in an address to a key United Nations (UN) conference on biodiversity protection via video link on Oct. 12.

He announced a new set of measures, including China's earmarking of 1.5 billion yuan (232 million U.S. dollars) for a new fund on biodiversity protection, saying that the country encourages global participation in it.

The latest solutions proposed at the conference together with the country's consistent efforts to remedy biodiversity loss reflect Xi's thoughts on the relationship between human and nature, which originate from his personal experiences, develop during his work at various posts, and draw inspiration from the Chinese culture and a realistic view of the world.

VISION OF HARMONY

When he was 13, Xi once enjoyed swimming in the Lijiang River in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region with friends. He was stunned by what nature had to offer.

"The river was blue and clear, glistening in the sun. Fishermen's baskets by the river are full of golden carp. It just felt like a fairy tale," Xi recalled.

With this memory of being mesmerized by nature's beauty during his formative years, Xi has put great emphasis on environmental protection wherever he served, and gradually formed his thoughts on the harmonious co-existence of human and nature.

Back in 1985, while serving as the chief of the Communist Party of China (CPC) committee of Zhengding County, Hebei Province, Xi directed the formulation of the local economic and social development plan, which included this remark: "(We) would rather not be affluent than allow pollutants."

At the time, China's decades-long economic take-off had just started, and sustainable development was yet to become the go-to option.

File photo taken in 1983 shows Xi Jinping in his office in Zhengding County, north China's Hebei Province. (Xinhua)

In 1999, as the acting governor of Fujian Province, Xi paid a visit to the county of Changting, a mountainous area in the west of the province. Upon learning about the severe soil and water loss in the region, he urged local officials to work continuously to deal with the soil erosion in eight to 10 years and bring benefits to the people.

The rehabilitation of the local ecosystem was soon started, with the establishment of an ecological park, where Xi donated 1,000 yuan to plant a camphor tree. Today, Changting is one of the greenest counties in Fujian, with more than 80 percent of the land covered by forests.

In the neighboring province of Zhejiang, cement mills and mines were once the backbone of Yucun Village. While these industries provided lucrative jobs, the thick dust and waste from the plants made the village almost unlivable.

In 2005, serving as chief of the Zhejiang provincial committee of the CPC, Xi visited the village, where he first proposed a guiding theory that endures to this day: "Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets."

The signature remark is part of Xi's Thought on Ecological Civilization, which was formally established at the country's national conference on ecological protection in May 2018.

The thought is composed of several other key principles, including ensuring harmony between human and nature, regarding a sound ecological environment as the most inclusive benefits to people's well-being, seeing mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands and deserts as a community of life, protecting the environment through the best institutional arrangements and the strictest rule of law, as well as getting deeply involved in global environmental governance to come up with a worldwide solution for environmental protection and sustainable development.

This has brought about tremendous changes in China.

The ensuing actions taken by the Chinese under the guidance of Xi's thought have strongly refuted those who thought they were hard-wired to see the trade-off between ecology and economy.

Chinese President Xi Jinping makes an inspection tour of the Saihanba forest farm, the world's largest artificial plantation, in north China's Hebei Province, Aug. 23, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

After Xi's 2005 visit to the village in Zhejiang, mines and cement plants were shut down. As the local ecology improved, tourism became a major industry, helping locals become even more affluent.

"The formation of Xi's Thought on Ecological Civilization is closely related to the fact that Xi worked at the grassroots level for a long time. He understands the people, feels for their sufferings and speaks their language," said Huang Chengliang, a researcher with a think tank for eco-civilization studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

This year, while making an inspection trip in Guangxi, Xi revisited the Lijiang River and reiterated his belief that "ecological advantages can never be traded for gold."

"Once the environment is destroyed, people will lose the foundation on which they depend for survival and development," he said.

"When we talk about ecology, the most fundamental thing is to pursue harmony between man and nature. Such a philosophy is not only in line with the current trend in the world, but also originates from the cultural tradition of the Chinese nation that has lasted for thousands of years," Xi said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping visits a section of the Lijiang River and learns about local efforts in the ecological conservation of the river in Yangshuo, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, April 25, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

In classical Chinese philosophy, man is taken as an integral part of nature.

Xi's thought, deeply influenced by traditional Chinese culture and based on China's practices, is "the oriental wisdom" contributed by the Chinese "to the transformation of human society from industrial civilization to ecological civilization," Huang noted.

COMMANDER IN CHIEF

Since Xi took the helm as Chinese president in 2013, China has made unprecedented efforts to fight pollution, protect the ecosystem and combat climate change.

Back in 2013 and 2014, Chinese people came to be concerned about air pollution caused by the fine PM2.5 particles, so did Xi.

"In the past few days, the first thing I did when I woke up in the morning was to check Beijing's air quality, hoping that there was less smog," he told guests attending an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Beijing in 2014.

"We are going all out to clean up pollution with unprecedented efforts," he promised Chinese and foreign guests. "I hope Beijing and the rest of China will always have blue skies, green mountains and clear waters, so that our children can live in a good environment. This is also an important part of the Chinese dream."

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) waters a sapling as he attends a tree planting activity in Beijing, capital of China, March 29, 2017. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

With Xi as the top commander, China declared war against pollution. In 2015, a revised environmental protection law came into effect, with provisions hailed as "the strictest" in history. Central authorities began to conduct environmental supervision on a regular basis, imposing fines on polluters and punishing officials with violations. In 2017, the 19th National Congress of the CPC identified pollution control as one of China's "three tough battles," along with poverty relief and risk control. In March 2018, China incorporated ecological civilization into its Constitution for the first time.

Xi's vision for blue skies has gradually come true. In 2020, the percentage of days with good air quality was 87 percent in 337 cities at and above the prefecture level, up by 5.8 percentage points from the 2015 level.

A war often comes with costs. In weighing the pros and cons, Xi again draws wisdom from Chinese culture.

"If you drain the pond to catch all the fish, you will certainly gain a lot today, but there will be no fish for the next year," he once said.

China has imposed a 10-year ban on fishing in the country's longest river, starting from the beginning of this year, with 228,000 fishermen on 110,000 boats relinquishing their nets, an ambitious move to reverse the region's biodiversity loss.

Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects the water situation of the Yangtze River, comprehensive renovation of waterfronts, as well as ecological and environmental protection and restoration while visiting the Xuejiawa ecological park in Ma'anshan, east China's Anhui Province, Aug. 19, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

"The cost of the fishing ban in the Yangtze River is not small, but it is worthwhile to protect the ecology of the whole basin," Xi said during a 2020 inspection of Anhui Province, which is located on the middle and lower reaches of the river.

This year, nearly 500 Yangtze finless porpoises have been detected in Poyang Lake, the country's biggest freshwater lake linking with the Yangtze River, as the fishing ban helps the country's longest waterway recover from dwindling aquatic resources and degrading biodiversity.

Across the country, wildlife has made a remarkable comeback, with increased numbers of many rare species catching public attention. These include wild Asian elephants roaming around human settlements in the southwest, Siberian tigers in the northeast, Chinese mountain cats and crested ibis in the northwest, milu deer in the central regions, and Bryde's whales off the coast of Shenzhen in the south.

In May, Xi presided over a study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, where a lecture was given by an ecology expert, followed by lively discussions.

"China's modernization has many important characteristics, and one of them is man-nature harmony," Xi said at the meeting.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan visit a wildlife sanctuary in Harare, Zimbabwe, Dec. 2, 2015. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

SPEARHEADING GLOBAL EFFORT

Xi has also led China in making institutional innovations in ecological conservation. By drawing ecological conservation "red lines" nationwide, the country has placed no less than 25 percent of its land area within the boundaries for environmental protection.

"When it comes to environmental protection, one must not cross the line, or one will be punished," Xi said.

Thanks to the "red lines" mechanism, the habitats for wild animals have been expanding and their populations are growing. The number of giant pandas in the wild, for example, has grown from 1,114 to 1,864 over the past four decades.

China's proposal of drawing a "red line" for ecological protection to mitigate and adapt to climate change has been selected by the UN as one of the 15 best nature-based solutions around the globe.

The country contributed about 25 percent of global vegetation growth from 2000 to 2017, the biggest contribution of any country. Up to 10 percent of the new plant varieties identified worldwide in the past decade came from China, according to a recent white paper on biodiversity conservation.

At a time when environmental issues, including climate change and biodiversity loss, are recognized as global challenges, Xi's idea about man-nature harmony has been brought onto the world stage on various occasions.

"At present, there exists an acceleration of the global extinction of species. The loss of biodiversity and the degradation of the ecosystem pose a major risk to human survival and development," Xi said at the United Nations Summit on Biodiversity last September.

"COVID-19 reminds us of the interdependence between man and nature. It falls to all of us to act together and urgently advance protection and development in parallel, so that we can turn Earth into a beautiful homeland for all creatures to live in harmony," he said.

In April, while addressing the Leaders Summit on Climate, Xi made another call for concerted global efforts to "foster a new relationship where man and nature can both prosper and live in harmony."

On combating climate change, at a UN meeting in September, Xi made a widely praised promise that China would not build any new coal-fired power projects abroad. A year earlier, he made the pledge that China would strive to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.

Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses the general debate of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly via video on Sept. 22, 2020. (Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

At the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15), Xi announced that the country would continue to re-adjust its industrial structure and energy mix and vigorously develop renewable energy, while making faster progress on planning and developing large wind-power and photovoltaic bases in sandy areas, rocky areas and deserts.

"If we humanity do not fail nature, nature will not fail us," Xi said, urging efforts to build a community of all life on Earth.

Themed "Ecological Civilization: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth," the COP15 in Kunming, Yunnan Province, features heated discussions on how countries can best achieve the goal of living in harmony with nature.

Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, executive secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, said that the philosophy of ecological civilization is "critical for all countries to achieve the global biodiversity goals."

"The Chinese notion of unity of nature and man, we hope, will be a good example for other countries to follow or to emulate," she said.

"China has included ecological civilization in its national development policy as well as in its constitution," said Dechen Tsering, director of United Nations Environment Programme's Asia and the Pacific Office.

"This sets a good example and could serve as a template for guiding the global strategic direction, where we need an ecological balance with our planet," she said.

Some 300 km northwest of Kunming, tourists often look for the best spot to capture the picturesque view of Erhai Lake. While visiting the lake in 2015, Xi took a photo with local officials.

"Keep this photo and let's see if the water is clearer when I come back in a few years," he said.

From a teenager attracted to the beauty of nature, to a leader in global environmental governance, Xi's belief in the harmonious development of human and nature guides China's path toward a greener future, with growing resonance across the world.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
"Power highways" push forward carbon emission reduction in China

Xinhua) 08:26, October 14, 2021

-- China has built a massive power network often termed "power highways" to transmit electricity from its resources-rich west to the more developed, power-thirsty east.

-- As the country is striving to meet its carbon commitment to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060, the power highways have seen increasing transmissions of electricity generated by green energy.

-- The trend of green power transmission is set to continue as China keeps up its capacity of clean and renewable power generation.

YINCHUAN/XINING, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- On the western fringes of Maowusu, a major desert in northern China, rows of power towers stand on an area of about 26.7 hectares.

Every day, nearly 100 million kWh of electricity is transmitted from the facilities to the eastern coastal city of Qingdao about 1,300 km away.

The infrastructure is part of China's massive power network often termed "power highways," built to transmit electricity from its resources-rich west to the more developed, power-thirsty east.

The power highways use ultra-high-voltage (UHV) transmission, the world's most advanced power transmission technology. China is the first country to fully grasp the UHV technology and put it into commercial use.

File photo shows facilities of the Yindong 660kV high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission project at sunset in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. (Xinhua)

As the country is striving to meet its carbon commitment to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060, the power highways have seen increasing transmissions of electricity generated by green energy.

In 2020, China's 22 UHV power lines delivered 531.8 billion kWh of electricity, of which 244.1 billion kWh were generated from renewable energy sources, accounting for 46 percent of the total, according to a July report released by the National Energy Administration.

China's northwestern region is not only rich in fossil fuels but boasts abundant clean energy resources such as solar and wind power. The large areas of desertification land also provide space for developing power generation facilities.

In recent years, the new energy industry has experienced explosive growth in the region.

Northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region is an important supplier of the west-to-east power transmission program. Over the past 10 years, the installed capacity of Ningxia's new energy power generation has increased 29 times from 850,000 kW to 25.74 million kW, local statistics showed.

Photo taken on Oct. 19, 2020 shows facilities of the Lingzhou-Shaoxing 800kV high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission project in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. (Xinhua)

In the northwestern province of Qinghai, the amount of electricity produced using new energy resources has accounted for 61 percent of the total installed capacity, official data showed.

In December last year, the world's first UHV power line dedicated to transmitting clean electricity was put into operation in the province, stretching over 1,500 km from Qinghai all the way to central China's Henan Province. So far, the line has delivered more than 16 billion kWh of clean electricity to other parts of China.

"The electricity transmitted through the line in one second is enough to meet an average household's demand for two years," said Li Binshan, head of the Qingnan converter station at the origin of the power line.

At full capacity, the line can deliver 40 billion kWh of electricity generated by clean and renewable energy annually to regions including central China. It is equivalent to that produced by 18 million tonnes of raw coal, cutting 29.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Aerial photo taken on Aug. 17, 2020 shows a photovoltaic power station at the green industrial development park in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Hainan, northwest China's Qinghai Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Long)

The trend of green power transmission is set to continue as China keeps up its capacity of clean and renewable power generation.

Multiple UHV power line projects will be built in northwest and southwest China during the country's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) period. They are expected to have a capacity to transmit a total of 56 million kW of power.

The power transmitted across regions and provinces is estimated to increase from 220 million kW in 2019 to 360 million kW in 2025, according to a report by the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization.

Experts noted that the optimized energy allocation across regions on a large scale will enable China to develop and utilize new energy more efficiently.

Yan Zhibin, the deputy chief engineer of State Grid's Ningxia branch, said a new power line is being planned to transmit mainly clean electricity to central China's Hunan Province.

"It will serve to promote the consumption of power generated by clean energy sources as China continues to adjust its energy structure and produce more green electricity," he said.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Chinese community offers aid to victims of volcanic eruption in Spain

Xinhua) 08:49, October 14, 2021

Photo released by the Canary Islands Volcanological Institute on Sept. 29, 2021 shows lava flowing out of the Cumbre Vieja volcano reaching the ocean on the island of La Palma, Canary Islands archipelago, Spain. (Spanish Institute of Oceanography/Handout via Xinhua)

MADRID, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese residents living in the Canary Islands of Spain have donated over 40,000 euros in cash and some protective material to people affected by the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano on the island of La Palma.

Representatives of various associations of the Chinese community in the Canary Islands delivered the aid to the leader of the island's local government on Tuesday to show their solidarity with the islanders.

The secretary general of the Canary Island's Young People's Association, Xu Lejian, said in an interview broadcast on Spanish television, that the donation reflected their feelings towards the islands, "we feel like Canary islanders because we have grown up here, and the Canary Islands are our second homeland," said Xu.

Wang Wei, representative of the Union of Chinese Associations in the Canary Islands, said, "we are together in this and we share the feelings of the victims."

Almost 7,000 people have now had to be evacuated as the lava continues to spread from the eruption which, on Wednesday, has entered its 25th day of eruption.

The lava, which has destroyed an estimated 1,300 buildings, covered almost 600 hectares of land, much of which was dedicated to cultivating bananas, the island's main crop. On Monday the lava also destroyed a cement factory, leading to the emission of noxious gases and forcing 3,500 residents to remain indoors.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
International experts: China an important contributor to global human rights progress

09:13, October 14, 2021 By Wang Li ( People's Daily

Photo taken on June 17, 2021 shows a woman in Qonggyai county, Shannan city, southwest Chinas Tibet autonomous region practicing Tibetan carpet weaving skills. A total of 29 women are currently weaving Tibetan carpets at a green industrial park in Qonggyai county. (Peoples Daily Online/Wang Hu)

China has made remarkable achievements in human rights and contributed its wisdom and solutions to global human rights governance, promoting the worlds human rights cause, said heads of social organizations, experts and scholars from countries including China, the United Kingdom (UK), France, Japan, Pakistan, Laos, and Venezuela.

They expressed such views at online side events at the 48th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), which were held by social organizations and human rights research institutes including China Society for Human Rights Studies and China NGO Network for International Exchanges (CNIE).

The country won wide recognition at multiple side events for its achievements in protecting the rights of ethnic minority groups as well as other aspects of its human rights progress.

Through institutional and policy guarantees, China ensures that ethnic minority citizens enjoy rights to equality and freedom and to economic, social and cultural services. China helps all ethnic minority areas accelerate their economic and cultural development, according to attendees at these side events.

Chinas efforts and achievements in promoting overall, comprehensive, proactive, and substantial protection of the rights of people of all ethnic groups in its Tibet autonomous region over the past 70 years since the peaceful liberation of the region have fully demonstrated socialist systems advantage and characteristic of protecting the rights of ethnic minority groups, said Yang Zongke, president of Northwest University of Political Science and Law in China.

Chinas experience in protecting human rights in Tibet has offered the world good examples of human rights protection, Yang said.

Chinas success in reducing poverty in Tibet has further guaranteed a fair and just environment for human rights development, strengthened the capabilities of impoverished population in Tibet to take part in social and economic development and share the fruits of development, and better safeguarded the rights of residents in the region to subsistence and development, representing a historic achievement in human rights in Tibet, said Kelsang Drolma, a researcher on Tibetan economy and society with the China Tibetology Research Center.

By showing the realities of the sound economic and social development in northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, participants in these side events have debunked the false allegations against the region made by a handful of Western countries who have attempted to smear China.

Carlos Martinez, an independent researcher and political activist from the UK, said that he hasnt seen any phenomenon of the so-called cultural extinction or religious persecution in Xinjiang during his visits to the region in recent years. The accusation of human rights violations in Xinjiang made by certain Western countries is entirely groundless, according to him.

Muhammad Zamir Assadi, a journalist with Independent News Pakistan, said he has visited Xinjiang and had a wonderful time there. During his stay in the region, he could truly feel that the Chinese government respects the traditional culture and folk customs of the ethnic minority groups in Xinjiang very much and fully guarantees local Muslims freedom of religious belief, according to Assadi.

Last month, Chinas State Council Information Office released the Human Rights Action Plan of China (2021-2025), the countrys fourth human rights action plan. It attracted wide attention and became a hot topic at online side events.

Chinas fourth human rights action plan is in line with the countrys social and cultural environment and shows the countrys attention to safeguarding the rights of special groups and commitment to solving problems including poverty, said Sitsangkhom Sisaketh, Lao deputy permanent representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG).

China has set a good example to countries around the world by issuing and implementing the action plan, he said.

China has made significant progress in protecting human rights, said Rajmi Manatunga, first secretary of the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UNOG.

China has met the poverty eradication target set out in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule, which is particularly impressive and has a profound influence on the international community, Manatunga noted.

Chinas fourth human rights action plan is rich and comprehensive in content and worth recommending and encouraging, Manatunga said.

There are good practices of respecting and safeguarding human rights in different industries in China, which are worth further studying and sharing by the international community, said Bard A. Andreassen, professor of human rights at the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights, University of Oslo and research director of the research group on human rights and development at the Faculty of Law, University of Oslo.

The Chinese government has issued four human rights action plans consecutively. It is an important manifestation of the constant development of Chinas human rights, said Tang Yingxia, deputy director of the human rights research center of Chinas Nankai University.

A highlight of the latest human rights action plan is that it uses a whole chapter to specify peoples environmental rights and enrich the connotation of environment-related human rights, which demonstrated Chinas high attention to the field, Tang noted.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Chinese, Chilean FMs talk over phone on ties, cooperation

Xinhua) 10:03, October 14, 2021

BEIJING, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday held a phone conversation with Chilean Foreign Minister Andres Allamand over bilateral ties and cooperation.

Chile is the first South American country to establish diplomatic ties with New China, one of the first countries to publicly support the restoration of the lawful seat of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the United Nations (UN), and is also an important partner of China in Latin America, Wang noted during the phone talks, adding that China's relations with Chile have long been at the forefront of its relations with Latin American countries.

The two countries' joining hands in the fight against COVID-19 have added new connotations to their traditional friendship, said Wang, noting that the two countries have overcome the impact of the pandemic, boosted the substantial growth of bilateral trade despite the challenges, and made steady progress in practical cooperation.

The two sides should continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests, deepen cooperation on vaccine research and development as well as use, and promote the building of a global community of health for all, Wang said.

He added that the two sides should continue to promote high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road, and advance cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment, mining, clean energy, science and technology, astronomy and people-to-people exchanges.

As developing countries, China and Chile should strengthen strategic coordination on multilateral affairs, jointly safeguard the international system with the UN at its core and the international order based on international law, practice true multilateralism and defend international equity and justice, Wang said, adding that China has officially filed an application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and is willing to maintain communication with Chile on this issue.

For his part, Allamand said China-Chile relations have created many "firsts."

Chile is very glad to render China just support at the important historical moment when the PRC restored its lawful seat in the United Nations, Allamand said, thanking China for providing strong support for Chile's rapid vaccination.

Chile has always been a firm comprehensive strategic partner of China and unswervingly adhered to the one-China policy, he said, adding that Chile looks forward to strengthening cooperation with China in fighting the pandemic as well as in economy and trade.

Allamand said Chile supports multilateralism, approves the major global initiatives put forward by China and firmly supports China's efforts to join the CPTPP and its hosting of Beijing Winter Olympics.

The two sides exchanged in-depth views on China-Latin America relations, saying that the Forum of China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) has become an important platform for promoting mutual respect, equal cooperation as well as mutual benefit and win-win results, and both sides agreed to jointly promote the success of the Third Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
"Diplomatic relations" between U.S., Taiwan a pipe dream: spokesperson

Xinhua) 10:04, October 14, 2021

BEIJING, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- The establishment of "diplomatic relations" between the United States and China's Taiwan is a pipe dream, Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said Wednesday.

Ma made the statement when commenting on a Taiwan official's remarks about establishing "diplomatic relations" with the United States by 2028.

The Taiwan question is China's internal affair and the core and most sensitive issue in Sino-U.S. relations, Ma said.

He urged the United States to abide by its commitment on issues related to Taiwan, and refrain from sending wrong signals or even giving support to "Taiwan independence" forces, so as not to further damage China-U.S. ties and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Commenting on Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's remarks on cooperation and exchanges between Japan and Taiwan, Ma reiterated China's opposition to any form of official relations between China's Taiwan region and countries that have diplomatic ties with China.

"We hope the Japanese government will abide by the principles of the four political documents between China and Japan, and properly handle issues related to Taiwan," Ma said.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Interview: China's experience in preserving biodiversity deserves comprehensive study -- Kyrgyz expert

Xinhua) 10:08, October 14, 2021

BISHKEK, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- China's experience in preserving its biodiversity deserves more comprehensive study, Kyrgyz expert Sheradil Baktygulov has said.

China noticeably supports the protection of biodiversity, and its philosophy of ecological civilization, enshrined in the country's constitution, is important for all countries to achieve their own biodiversity goals, Baktygulov told Xinhua in an interview on Tuesday. China this week is hosting the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

"The experience of China deserves a comprehensive study, since it is so far the only country in the world that on a systemic basis and at a very high level deals with the creation of an ecological civilization," said Baktygulov.

"It is about the harmony of human society and nature to ensure a better life for ordinary people," he stressed.

China is one of the first countries to sign on to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

It has ratified two protocols to the convention: the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the Nagoya Protocol on access and benefit-sharing, he said, adding that since 2019, China has been one of the biggest donor countries to the core budget of the convention and protocols.

Speaking of the idea of building a community of all life on earth, Baktygulov said that it is close in spirit to the people of his region, since the concept of collective decision-making and action has always been present in their history.

"Therefore, the idea of building a community of all life on earth is understandable and close, because it offers common values for humanity. The most important task is to organize people and countries not hierarchically, from top to bottom, but, on the contrary, to trust and let the community members decide for themselves how to act, while sharing responsibility with them," he said.

The approach provides a way for moving from a unipolar world to a multipolar world, which is an attractive idea for many countries.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
China-proposed ecological philosophy gains recognition as Kunming Declaration adopted

Xinhua) 10:09, October 14, 2021

The Kunming Declaration is adopted at the High-Level Segment of the first part of 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Oct. 13, 2021. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

KUNMING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Kunming Declaration was adopted Wednesday at the ongoing 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province.

Chinese Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu declared the adoption of the declaration at the High-Level Segment of the first part of COP15.

"The declaration will send a powerful signal, showing the world our determination to solve the problem of biodiversity loss, and our stronger actions on the issues discussed at this high-level meeting," Huang said.

The Kunming Declaration is a political declaration and the main achievement of this conference. The declaration commits to ensuring the development, adoption and implementation of an effective post-2020 global biodiversity framework to reverse the current loss of biodiversity and ensure that biodiversity is put on a path to recovery by 2030 at the latest, towards the full realization of the 2050 Vision of "Living in Harmony with Nature."

It declared that putting biodiversity on a path of recovery is a defining challenge of this decade, requiring strong political momentum to develop, the adoption and implementation of an ambitious and transformative post-2020 global biodiversity framework and putting forward the 17 commitments.

"The Kunming Declaration details some of the key elements needed for success: mainstreaming, redirection of subsidies, rule of law, full and effective participation of indigenous people and local communities," said Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, executive secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

"The Declaration points us in the right direction, with Parties committed to negotiate a post-2020 framework that is effective in bending the curve of biodiversity loss," she added.

The declaration took note of the theme of the UN Biodiversity Conference 2020: "Ecological Civilization: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth." Ecological civilization is a philosophy proposed by China.

The philosophy, first put forward at a national conference on ecological environment protection in 2018, comprises several principles including ensuring harmony between humans and nature and regarding a sound ecological environment as the most inclusive advantage to people's well-being. It also notes that mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands and deserts should be seen as part of a community of life, and the environment should be protected through the best possible institutional arrangements and under the strictest rule of law. China should also become deeply involved in global environmental governance to devise a worldwide solution for environmental protection and sustainable development.

Zhao Yingmin, vice minister of China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment, said the Kunming Declaration is the first political document to embody the ecological civilization philosophy under the framework of the UN multilateral environmental agreement.

He said that given the many uncertainties facing the international community during the pandemic, it is all the more important for the international community to gather confidence, consensus, wisdom and strength.

"The declaration will play a leading role in the development and implementation of an ambitious, pragmatic and balanced post-2020 global biodiversity framework, providing the basis and political guidance for subsequent negotiations," Zhao said.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Commentary: Saving Mother Earth demands stronger global teamwork

Xinhua) 10:10, October 14, 2021

BEIJING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The city of Kunming in southwest China, hailed by many as one of the world's most biologically diversified places, is in the global spotlight for hosting the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations (UN) Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15).

At a time when the extinction of plants and animals is accelerating at an alarming rate, the "City of Eternal Spring" itself stands as a strong reminder that the world community should be more united, ambitious and effective in saving the Earth's ecosystems from further destruction. By holding the meeting, China is also sending out a clear message that it is willing to work with other nations in building a community of all life on Earth.

While China has made some notable headway in recent years in protecting wild animals and improving its ecosystems, the work to leave a greener and more sustainable planet can only be accomplished in a collective fashion.

The Kunming Declaration, adopted on Wednesday at the ongoing COP15, has demonstrated a broad international political will on biodiversity as it commits to ensuring the formulation, adoption and implementation of an effective post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework to reverse the current loss of biodiversity and ensure that biodiversity is on the path to recovery by 2030 at the latest, so as to fully meet the 2050 Vision of "Living in Harmony with Nature."

To those ends, Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his video speech addressing the COP15 on Tuesday, urged the international community to "enhance cooperation, build consensus and pool strength."

Under the current global circumstances, Xi's call for stronger multilateral biodiversity cooperation bears even greater significance.

On the one hand, never before has biodiversity loss been such an imminent danger threatening the survival of the human race. For some time, while global awareness of biodiversity protection is increasing, actions often fall short. As a result, humanity is bearing the brunt of its own ignorance and inaction: the planet is heating up; species are disappearing; ecosystems are declining; and extreme weather events are popping up all over the world.

"Humanity stands at a crossroads with regard to the legacy it leaves to future generations. Biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate, and the pressures driving this decline are intensifying," the UN Convention on Biological Diversity stated in the fifth edition of the Global Biodiversity Outlook.

On the other, while the need to promote multilateralism is expanding, work to act on its true values is facing an acute challenge. Some developed countries which engage in zero-sum thinking are seeking to join forces among themselves for global hegemony under the pretext of multilateralism. This self-serving stratagem will severely undermine the world's joint efforts to promote mankind's general welfare on all fronts, including more biodiversity.

The window for human beings to repent and act is short. According to a report drafted by the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, to prevent what scientists have described as the sixth mass extinction event in Earth's history, which risks the survival of all humanity, almost a third of the world's oceans and land should be protected by 2030. That only leaves the global community with less than ten years to build consensus and search for solutions.

"We need bold actions," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged at the COP15. He also called on countries to support developing countries, including through significant financial resources and technology transfer, among others.

This is exactly what China has been advocating and practicing all along. The ongoing meeting has also seen China's fresh promises, including establishing the Kunming Biodiversity Fund to support biodiversity protection in developing countries, and China is taking the lead by investing 1.5 billion yuan (233 million U.S. dollars).

At the same time, to achieve its goal of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, China will also put in place a "1+N" policy framework, and continue adjusting its industrial structure and energy mix. Earlier last month, Beijing has pledged that the country, in support of green and low-carbon energy in the developing world, will not build new coal-fired power projects abroad.

The battle to reverse biodiversity degradation is arduous, and must be won. In the fight for humanity's shared better future, China will continue to walk its talk and honor the true meaning of multilateralism. Yet a final victory is only possible if everyone joins the fight.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Breaking the threshold of academic qualifications, young carpenter in China becomes college instructor

People's Daily Online) 10:44, October 14, 2021

"Vocational education has not only enabled me to find the direction in my life, but also changed my fate," said Wang Zongheng, the first college instructor born in the 2000s to take up a role at a vocational technical institute in northeast China's Heilongjiang province.

Wang Zongheng competes in the first National Vocational Skills Competition. (Photo/chinahlj.cn)

In December 2020, 20-year-old Wang, then a student at the Heilongjiang Forestry Vocational-Technical College, competed in the first National Vocational Skills Competition as one of the representatives of Heilongjiang province and won a gold medal in carpentry. That was the only gold medal won by the Heilongjiang delegation at the competition.

After his graduation ceremony held in June, Wang became a practical training instructor at his alma mater. He is also the first post-00s practical training instructor at this college.

Both Wang's great-grandfather and grandfather were carpenters. Under the influence of his family, Wang became interested in carpentry when he was a little boy. But after his studies at college, Wang found that the specialist courses were different from his previous exposure to woodworking. "Traditional carpentry is not so strict about data, whereas in the professional circuit the seam size cannot be off by a hair's breadth," Wang said.

To improve his professional skills, Wang ensured that he was the first to arrive at the practical training base and the last to leave every day. He even made use of his sleeping time to study the drawings he didn't understand earlier in the day. For him, it was not uncommon to go to bed at two or three o'clock at night. In just one year, Wang's weight dropped from 110 kg to 80 kg.

Through his tireless efforts, Wang finally became a member of the teaching staff of his alma mater.

Many of his schoolmates expressed their disbelief. Remarks like "this teacher is surprisingly only just two years older than me" and "this post-00 teacher is in the same picture with his post-00 students" appeared from time to time.

Wang is not the first graduate to teach at the Heilongjiang Forestry Vocational-Technical College. Back in 2017, the college proposed to make skilled talents stay at the campus. Xu Yan, a post-95 young man, and the woodworking project winner at the 44th World Skills Competition, as well as Wang's practical training instructor, was the first graduate of the Heilongjiang Forestry Vocational-Technical College to stay and teach at their alma mater.

"For excellent and experienced artisans like Xu and Wang, we must break the 'threshold' of academic qualifications to make them contribute to the development of Heilongjiang. So that they can help us train more great artisans," said Zhang Zhigang, the dean of the School of Home Engineering, Heilongjiang Forestry Vocational-Technical College.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Chinese clean energy company contributes to Brazil's sustainable development

Xinhua) 13:15, October 14, 2021

SAO PAULO, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- The trend for renewable energy generation and use of such sources in Brazil is heading in the right direction towards a sustainable future, and Chinese solar batteries and electric vehicles manufacturer Build Your Dreams (BYD) is making a contribution.

"We were the first to bring electric buses to Brazil when there was no such a product in the country," Li Tie, general manager of the Brazilian branch of BYD, told Xinhua in a recent interview while recalling the company's early days in the country.

From the northeast cities of Recife and Salvador to Porto Alegre in the South, BYD brought electric buses imported from China and displayed them in major Brazilian cities, telling local bus operating companies that BYD's electric buses were not "products from the future" but "available technologies."

Over the past few years, BYD's production lines of renewable energy products have expanded in Brazil step by step. It opened the first office in Sao Paulo in 2013; the assembly plants for electric buses and lithium iron ferrous phosphate batteries were established in Campinas, Sao Paulo state, in 2015; the electric bus chassis and solar panel factories were set up in Campinas in 2017; and a battery factory was established in Manaus, Amazon state, in 2018.

According to Li, electric chassis is a core technology of BYD and has major functions such as driving, gearing and braking. A chassis carries BYD's innovative technologies in its batteries, controls and generators.

As the condition of roads in Brazil differs from that in China, electric buses produced earlier had difficulties running on the Brazilian roads. To address the problem, BYD Brazil has modified over 100 techniques and established a process of design, manufacturing and testing on the basis of local demands to adapt to the Brazilian market.

Later in October, BYD Brazil will deliver 12 articulated electric buses to the municipality of Sao Jose dos Campos in the state of Sao Paulo for a fast connection express line. The buses carry the latest biosafe technology, antivirus and antibacterial armchairs, USB sockets and video mirrors.

Brazilian government's emphasis on the use of renewable energy has increased BYD's confidence in and commitment to the market.

Li said, BYD was the first company promoting and leading the development of electric buses and solar power generation, and such technologies have been supported and encouraged by local government. BYD is also leading Brazil's automobile industry towards hybrid and even pure electric mobility by offering batteries to electric vehicle manufacturers and energy storage companies.

BYD "brought 100 percent Chinese technology adapted to the Brazilian market, which was developed by both Chinese and Brazilian engineering," said Marcello Von Schneider, institutional director of BYD Brazil, who believes that the exchange of knowledge and technology is a victory for Brazil to learn to use this technology.

Calling BYD a "sustainable solutions company," the Brazilian executive said BYD wants to change "the concept of mobility in Brazil" and to bring modern and sustainable mobility with zero emission.

As one of the key markets for vehicles in the world, he believes Brazil is ready to be "a global player" in the transition to clean energy and sustainability.

"Brazil can be a pioneer and leader in this process," said Von Schneider. "Cities benefit from the non-emission of polluting gas with an electric bus."

BYD Brazil has planned to bring a few electric passenger car models to the Brazilian market in 2022, Li said.

Talking about development and cooperation between China and Brazil in terms of sustainability, Li said that with abundant resources from Brazil and advanced technologies from China, the combination would be promising and reciprocal for both sides.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Interview: China makes powerful, inspiring commitments to biodiversity conservation at COP15, says WWF Int'l chief

Xinhua) 13:32, October 14, 2021

KUNMING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- China has made concrete commitments to preserving biodiversity, including creating more protected areas and setting up a new fund, under the guidance of the concept of ecological civilization, said the chief of a global conservation organization.

The Chinese concept is "a vision that puts nature at the heart of our society, recognizing the value of nature from social, from economic, from cultural perspectives," Marco Lambertini, director-general of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) International, told Xinhua in an exclusive interview on Tuesday.

"Looking at nature effectively is the foundation for prosperous, equitable and safe society and safe future for humanity," Lambertini said via video link on the sidelines of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, known as COP15.

At the meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced an initiative to establish a biodiversity fund and take the lead by investing 1.5 billion yuan (233 million U.S. dollars) to support biodiversity protection in developing countries.

He added that the country is moving faster to establish a protected areas system with national parks as the mainstay, and will release implementation plans for peaking carbon dioxide emissions in key areas and sectors.

"The statement was very welcome, very powerful and very inspiring," Lambertini said, noting that China's first set of new national parks covers an area almost equivalent to the whole of Britain.

As "such an important economy in the world and such an important part of commerce in the world," China's commitment to "greening trade and greening investment abroad is a super important contribution," he said.

COP15 kicked off in China's southwestern city of Kunming on Monday. Themed "Ecological Civilization: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth," it is the first global conference convened by the United Nations to highlight ecological civilization, a philosophy proposed by China.

"I think this concept, ecological civilization, is fundamental because it is deeper than sustainable development," Lambertini said.

"It's putting nature at the heart of our society as recognizing its value as a foundation for our economy, our health, our well-being of individuals. That's a really important and overarching principle and vision," he added.

Lambertini highlighted the importance of COP15 that brings countries around the world in "common direction and common effort" to reverse biodiversity loss.

"It's a super important conference to send a clear signal to the world, to the markets, to the economies that we have to change the course. We have to correct our course of development and economic growth," he said.

"We need to develop and particularly develop in a way that supports the least developed economies in the world, and do it in a way that does not affect the environment and destroy the environment as we have done until now," he added.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
6th batch of China-donated COVID-19 vaccines arrives in Laos

Xinhua) 13:45, October 14, 2021

VIENTIANE, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The sixth batch of China-donated Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines has been handed over to the Lao side upon arrival at the Lao capital Vientiane on Wednesday.

Chinese Ambassador to Laos Jiang Zaidong, after handing over the one million doses of vaccines to Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, said the COVID-19 outbreak is spreading around the world, and the epidemic situation in Laos is still developing.

The ambassador said winning the fight against the epidemic is the longing of all and the real need of the Lao people. As a community with a shared future, China is willing to continue to take the anti-epidemic assistance to Laos as a priority.

The Chinese side is striving to donate altogether 6.8 million doses of vaccines to Laos in this year, to help the Lao side to exceed the annual vaccination target and to jointly build a global community of health for all, said the ambassador.

Kikeo said the COVID-19 epidemic has seriously hurt people's health and affected normal life. China, actively providing vaccines, dispatching medical experts and sharing anti-epidemic experiences around the world, has played a vital role in the global fight against the virus.

At present, Laos is hit by a third wave of the epidemic. The whole country is confronted with risks and difficulties, said the Lao official.

On behalf of the Lao party, government and the people, Kikeo expressed the heartfelt thanks to the Chinese side, for the timely assistance of another one million doses of vaccines and of the strong impetus and firm confidence in the fight against the epidemic.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Senior citizens in Shanghai nursing home rock out in music video

People's Daily Online) 13:59, October 14, 2021

What can you expect when your movement is restricted to a wheelchair? A group of wheelchair-bound and white-haired seniors with an average age of 91 at a social welfare home in Yangpu district, east Chinas Shanghai, enjoyed some fun while dancing in a music video, expressing their positive attitude towards life in a unique way just like the younger generation.

(Photo/Shanghai Observer)

The music video entitled Dancers in Wheelchairs was released on the social welfare homes WeChat and Douyin (known as TikTok overseas) accounts on Oct. 12 to celebrate the Double Ninth Festival, which falls on Oct. 14 this year as the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. The festival is an occasion to care for and send blessings to the elderly across China.

The video will probably change peoples impression of wheelchair-bound seniors, said Qiao Yihao, head of the welfare home.

People are inclined to believe that seniors are no longer energetic when wheelchair-bound. We want to break that stereotype, said Huang Rongyan, deputy director of the welfare home.

We found that these wheelchair-bound grandpas and grandmas like music and dance, and that music is a good therapy for them, so we came up with the idea of filming a dance-music video for them, Huang added.

The welfare home invited professionals to choreograph and do makeup before filming these seniors, whose performance surprised the staff.

(Photo/Shanghai Observer)

According to Ge Yan, a nursing staff member, these elderly residents immersed themselves in the act of dancing and enjoyed it. The rehearsal was very soothing and they were always happy during the process, Ge said.

Although they forgot their dance moves and needed to practice again and again, no one gave up, said Luo Xin, another nursing staff, adding that they relished in the chance to dance and they were very proud of themselves.

These seniors were excited about the filming of the music video. I felt like I was 20 years younger after taking up a fingerboard, said 94-year-old grandma Chen.

I never thought of filming a music video at such an age. I also felt that my body and soul were both young when dancing, Chen added.

Some seniors asked for more photos since it was the first time that they played the guitar.

Qiao Yihao believes that art has the power of healing for seniors with cognitive disorders and physical disabilities. The music video is just a start, Qiao said, noting that the welfare home will try out more art-related activities to make the elderly residents happier.

Internet users have spoken highly of the video. A netizen commented that the music video is very healing. It seems that getting old is no longer a terrible thing, another netizen said.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
UN official: China's achievements in sustainable transport remarkable

Xinhua) 14:07, October 14, 2021

"China has achieved remarkable achievements in sustainable transport over the past decades," said Liu Zhenmin, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic, Social Affairs in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Xinjiang farmer-painters popularize ancient culture through canvas

Xinhua) 16:29, October 14, 2021

URUMQI, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Rehman Hapiz, a 76-year-old farmer-painter, has never been to Paris, a place more than 10,000 km from his hometown, but his creation has.

His painting "Harvest Festival" portraying a harvest scene in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was exhibited in Paris in 1987. The artwork depicts an old man singing while playing a musical instrument as young men and women, surrounded by bumper harvest, dance happily.

Rehman Hapiz, hailing from Kumkusar Township in Makit County, said that the vivid and colorful piece of artwork is his favorite.

The county is home to Daolang (swordsman) culture and the paintings created by the farmers are one of its highlights.

"I've been painting for 55 years. I record my life through my artworks, as it can give me a sense of accomplishment," he said. "Almost everyone here can draw. It's our tradition."

Kumkusar Township is located on the edge of the Taklimakan Desert. In the early days, the place was marred by poor transportation, restricting the life of the people there. The locals used to draw on the ground or on the walls using charcoal, chronicling their life and pursuits through unique Daolang-style paintings, said Xu Jiawei, head of Kumkusar cultural station.

Daolang means "gathering" in the local dialect, as residents in Kumkusar often gathered to go hunting or catch fish in the past.

"The themes of the Daolang paintings are close to the daily life of farmers, integrating their imagination and creativity, making the artworks widely popular all over the world," Xu said.

More than 2,800 Daolang paintings have been exhibited at home and abroad in recent years and over 1,000 works have been collected by world-famous exhibition halls. Currently, Kumkusar has more than 300 well-known farmer-painters and another 800 amateurs.

Zhang Jun, Party secretary of Kumkusar, said that the price of a Daolang painting can hit 1,000 yuan (about 155 U.S. dollars), and the most expensive one was auctioned for 18,000 yuan.

"Farming in peak season and painting in off-season is a common sight in Kumkusar," said Zhang, adding that Daolang paintings have gradually become an important cultural carrier for the locals.

"To facilitate better protection and inheritance of the culture, we organize free training sessions every year for farmers as well as children," he said.

Relying on the Daolang culture, Kumkusar has been promoting the development of the tourism industry. The town has launched nearly 10 creative products such as postcards, scarves and refrigerator stickers.

"I earned more than 40,000 yuan this year by selling Daolang paintings and other products. Works showing natural landscapes and ethnic Xinjiang culture are most popular among tourists," said Rehman Hapiz, who currently teaches more than 300 students.

"Though I am 76, I still want to teach more young people and draw more pictures to make our culture known to all," Rehman Hapiz added.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Gun violence kills more American children, teens: AP

Xinhua) 16:39, October 14, 2021

People take part in the "March for Our Lives" gun control rally in Chicago, the United States, on March 24, 2018. (Xinhua/Wang Ping)

NEW YORK, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Gun violence is killing an increasing number of American children, from toddlers caught in crossfires to teenagers gunned down in turf wars and drug squabbles, the Associated Press reported Monday.

In 2019, 991 people aged 17 or younger were killed in gun violence in the United States, the article quoted the website Gun Violence Archive as saying, which tracks shootings from more than 7,500 law enforcement, media, government and commercial sources.

That number increased to 1,375 in 2020. This year the situation is becoming increasingly worse. Through Monday, shootings had claimed 1,179 young lives and left 3,292 youths injured.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation data backs that up. A report released by the agency on Sept. 28 showed homicides among people aged 19 and younger rose more than 21 percent.

The article cited a case in St. Louis, where 9-year-old Caion Greene died in March when someone opened fire on his family's car. A 17-year-old is charged in the crime.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Photo taken on Oct. 13, 2021 shows a visitor to an exhibition of cultural and creative products during the Li Bai poetry festival in Ma'anshan City, east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Duan) HEFEI, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- A poetry festival kicked off Wednesday to commemorate Li Bai, a famous Chinese poet from the Tang Dynasty (618-907), in Ma'anshan City of east China's Anhui Province. More than 500 representatives attended the opening ceremony of the 33rd Li Bai poetry festival, including poetry experts, scholars and poetry lovers from across the country. A poem recital activity will also be held online this year between Chinese and Japanese poem enthusiasts to promote bilateral cultural exchange. Li Bai is a household name in China as Shakespeare to the UK or Tagore to India. He lived between 701 and 762, also a golden age of Chinese poetry, and his poems are brimful of patriotism and romanticism. He spent his last days in Ma'anshan and wrote about 50 poems about the city throughout his life. It is said he was buried at the foot of Daqing Mountain in the city after he passed away. A total of 871 poems have been submitted to the organizing committee to participate in this year's festival. More than 100 statues of Li Bai and figures that appeared in his poems have been collected from all over China for exhibition at the festival. Participants will pay homage to places in and around Ma'anshan City where Li Bai once visited. They will also pay a visit to Li Bai's tomb on Thursday. The first Li Bai poetry festival was held in 1989 in Ma'anshan, and it has become a shining cultural activity of the city ever since. Ma'anshan was named as Chinese City of Poetry by the Poetry Institute of China in 2014.


Delegates are united in desire to see greater international cooperation The "Bengbu Consensus" was reached during the sixth annual conference of the Taihu World Cultural Forum, and it was released at the closing ceremony in Bengbu, Anhui province, on Wednesday. The consensus noted the current world situation, stressed cultural diversity, environmental protection, cooperation in combating COVID-19, poverty alleviation, technological innovation and cooperation. It also called for international cooperation to advance the Belt and Road Initiative and benefit people across the globe. With the theme "Mutual Learning Among Civilizations: Jointly Building a Community of Shared Future for Mankind", the forum included parallel discussions on the BRI, cinematography, poverty alleviation and other fields in building a community of shared future for mankind. During the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, there was a system that enabled the government to help send home foreigners who met with accidents at sea and drifted to China. Most of those people came from what are now Japan, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Vietnam. "For example, when a Korean fisherman drifted to what is now Fujian province, the government would spend money to transport him to what is now Beijing, the capital, and send him to the Korean diplomatic corps to take him back home. China didn't establish diplomatic ties with Japan during the Qing Dynasty, but when Japanese people drifted to China, the government sent them to the Korean leader of the time, who had such ties with Japan, and asked for them to be sent back to Japan," said Liu Xiaofeng, a professor with the Department of History at Tsinghua University in Beijing, during a meeting about the BRI as part of the forum. The BRI, a project to build the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, was proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013. As of Aug 23, more than 200 cooperation agreements with 172 countries, regions and organizations had been signed under the BRI framework, according to the Ministry of Commerce. "What will China's Belt and Road Initiative bring to the world? From the history of ancient Chinese saving those who drifted on the sea, we know that China actually brings the power of peace and development to the world. So the initiative, which carries the cultural spirit of Chinese civilization, can bring more possibilities to the world," Liu said. As a country crossed by the ancient Silk Road, Azerbaijan has many legacies from the old trading route, including ancient cities, castles and public bathhouses, which are still carefully protected. Akram Zeynalli, Azerbaijan's ambassador to China, said: "Our country supports the values contained in the Belt and Road Initiative. It calls on us to respect the interests of others while pursuing our own, and urges us to work for the common interests of all the countries. "Azerbaijan has never seen the BRI as just an initiative for infrastructure development, but as a mechanism and platform to improve relationships between countries and enhance people-to-people communication." Chen Ganglong, a professor with the School of Foreign Languages at Peking University, pointed out that cultural communication requires people to observe and experience other cultures in an immersive way and to try to understand their uniqueness. He cited the example of a project to translate poems from countries along the route of the BRI. "Although people have different ways of expressing themselves in poems, their pursuit of a better life and virtues are the same," he said. "Rather than viewing a foreign culture through stereotypes, we have to better try to understand it with a cordial attitude and get to know the many facets of the culture, its features and its connection with other cultures."


Korea's national debt is increasing by W3 million every second (US$1=W1,115).

According to the National Assembly Budget Office on Sunday, national debt will stand at W965.9 trillion by the end of this year as a result of the third supplementary budget that was put together in March.

The office estimates that the country's debt is swelling by W3.05 million a second for the remaining 201 days of the year.

The office has been displaying the national debt on its website since September 2013. It rose by W1.18 million a second that year and has increased 2.5 times over the last eight years.

As of Sunday, Korea's per-capita debt stood at W17.61 million and is expected to surpass W20 million in 2022. President Moon Jae-in said at a fiscal strategy meeting last month, "We must maintain an expansionary fiscal stance at least until next year."

Other major countries around the world have begun to rein in spending triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.

According to a report earlier this month by the Korea Institute of Public Finance, Canada, Germany, the U.K., and the U.S. have started to normalize their expansionary fiscal policies. Germany decided in April to achieve fiscal balance by 2023 and limit national debt to 0.35 percent of GDP.
Administration officials told reporters that people seeking to enter the United States illegally would continue to be subject to the so-called Title 42 order put in place by former President Donald Trump that prevents many border crossers from seeking asylum.

The lifting of restrictions for non-essential travelers at the land borders comes just weeks after the administration of President Joe Biden announced it would allow fully vaccinated foreign citizens to fly into the country beginning next month. An exact date for the new rules has not been set, but officials said they would be in effect in early November.

The borders have been shut down at all automobile, train and ferry crossings since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the exception of essential travel such as trade.

The United States announced Wednesday that it will reopen its land borders with Canada and Mexico for fully vaccinated travelers beginning next month.

The Biden administration has been under pressure from U.S. lawmakers, as well as Canada and Mexico, to lift the restrictions, which they say has cut off families and deprived the United States of billions of dollars of tourism dollars.

In a related matter, the Indonesian resort island of Bali is preparing to welcome international travelers from several countries back to its renowned beaches on Thursday after being closed for more than a year due to the pandemic. Visitors from China, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates will have to show proof of being fully vaccinated, undergo testing upon arrival and quarantine in their hotel rooms for at least five days.

The World Health Organization released Wednesday a proposed team of experts to investigate the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic that has sickened nearly 239 million people around the globe, including nearly 4.9 million deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.

The proposed team of experts, known as the Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens, includes specialists in fields like laboratory safety and biosecurity, a nod towards speculation among Western governments pressing for consideration of whether the virus emerged from a laboratory in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, where it was first detected in late 2019.

A team of investigators dispatched to Wuhan earlier this year concluded the outbreak likely began as an animal-to-human transmission, but the report was criticized by many as incomplete, mainly due to the Chinese government's refusal to cooperate with the investigation. In July, a senior Chinese health official rebuffed WHO's future plan to study the origins of COVID-19.

The U.S. intelligence community was ordered by Biden to come up with its own determination of the origins of the pandemic, but reportedly told the president it could not reach a definitive conclusion.

The nation's top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, acknowledged Wednesday the coronavirus may never be eliminated and that "much of the world" remains in the pandemic phase of the outbreak.

Fauci, the Infectious Diseases Director at the National Institutes of Health and Infectious Diseases, made the assessment during a regular White House briefing on the pandemic. "It is going to be very difficult, at least in the foreseeable future and maybe ever, to truly eliminate this highly transmissible virus," he said. To put the battle against the coronavirus in perspective, Fauci said "There's been only one disease that's a human disease that's been eradicated and that is smallpox." He said "much of the world" is still "in some aspects in the pandemic phase of the outbreak" but is "now seeing now a decline in acceleration" of new cases.

The U.S. continues to lead the world in coronavirus deaths, with more than 717,000, and in new infections, with nearly 44.6 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center.
Two U.S. businesses, the Colonial Pipeline Company that delivers fuel to much of the eastern part of the country and the JBS global beef producer, were targeted in major ransomware attacks in May. Colonial paid $4.4 million in ransom demands, although U.S. government officials were soon able to surreptitiously recover $2.3 million of the payment. JBS said it paid an $11 million demand.

This year has seen an epidemic of ransomware attacks in which hackers from distant lands remotely lock victims' computers and demand large extortion payments to allow normal operations to resume. Ransomware payments topped $400 million globally in 2020, the United States says, and totaled more than $81 million in the first quarter of 2021.

U.S. officials are meeting on Zoom calls with their counterparts from at least 30 countries to discuss ways to combat the clandestine attacks. Russia, a key launchpad for many of the attacks, was left off the invitation list as Washington and Moscow officials engage directly on attacks coming from Russia.

The White House is holding a two-day international conference starting Wednesday to combat ransomware computer attacks on business operations across the globe that cost companies, schools and health services an estimated US$74 billion in damages last year.

Other U.S. companies were also attacked, including CNA Financial, one of the country's biggest insurance carriers -- Applus Technologies, which provides testing equipment to state vehicle inspection stations -- ExaGrid, a backup storage vendor that helps businesses recover after ransomware attacks -- and the school system in the city of Buffalo, New York.

Attackers have also targeted victims in other countries, including Ireland's health care system, the Taiwan-based computer manufacturer Acer and the Asia division of the AXA France cyber insurer. A senior White House official, briefing reporters ahead of the ransomware conference, said the U.S. views the meetings "as the first of many conversations" on ways to combat the attacks.

At a summit in Geneva in June, U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin created a working group of experts to deal with ransomware attacks.

"We do look to the Russian government to address ransomware criminal activity coming from actors within Russia," the White House official said. "I can report that we've had, in the experts group, frank and professional exchanges in which we've communicated those expectations. We've also shared information with Russia regarding criminal ransomware activity being conducted from its territory." "We've seen some steps by the Russian government and are looking to see follow-up actions," the official said, without elaborating.

While U.S. officials say they know the identity of some of the attackers in Russia, Moscow does not extradite its citizens for criminal prosecutions. One of the major topics at the conference, the Biden official said, will be how countries can cooperate to trace and disrupt criminal use of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

The countries scheduled to join the U.S. at the ransomware conference are Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, the Czech Republic, the Dominican Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Lithuania, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Poland, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. The European Union will also be represented.

The senior White House official said, "I think that list of countries highlights just how pernicious and transnational and global the ransomware threat has been." Aside from government action, the Biden administration has called on private businesses, which most often are blindsided by the ransomware attacks, to modernize their cyber defenses to meet the threat.
The International Monetary Fund on Wednesday warned that Korea's sovereign debt ratio is growing at the fastest rate among 35 advanced countries.

In its Fiscal Monitor report, the IMF said the ratio of Korea's gross debt to GDP will surge from 47.9 percent in 2020 to 66.7 percent in 2026, the biggest increase among the 35 advanced countries.

The Czech Republic is expected to rank second with a rise from 37.8 percent 53.7 percent over the period and Malta third with 53.3 percent to 65.4 percent.

The average is expected to edge up from 120.1 percent to 121.1 percent.


Some 710,000 jobs were lost over the past four years among people in their 30s and 40s, who form the backbone of Korea's economy. Jobs dwindled from 12.42 million in 2017, when President Moon Jae-in took office, to 11.71 million last year. That means the employment rate in that age group fell from 77.5 percent to 76.2 percent over the same period, sending Korea's ranking in the OECD into freefall to 30th place among the 38 member states. In contrast, in major countries like Germany, Japan and the U.K, the employment rate in their 30s and 40s continued to rise to the 85-percent level over the same period.

If temporary jobs with less than 15 hours of work a week are excluded, the actual employment rate among Koreans in their 30s and 40s is probably the lowest in the OECD. The number of people in the age group who have simply given up looking for work increased around 30 percent over the last four years, while the number of employed people in their 30s has declined for 19 straight months. The Moon Jae-in administration's anti-business and anti-market policies, including sharp increases in the minimum wage, have led to a decline in quality jobs available to people in their most productive years.

In manufacturing, 37,000 jobs were lost over the past year, while small businesses that employ any workers other than the owner and family declined by 48,000 over the past year, down for 34 months in a row. The government patted itself on the back last month by announcing that the number of employed people in Korea increased by 670,000 over the past year, and called that a "clear recovery trend." But most of those jobs were short-term positions for senior citizens in such areas as guarding parking lots and picking up leaves. As proof, figures show that the number of people who work less than 17 hours a week increased by 340,000.

Instead of trying to fix the fundamental cause of the malaise, the government has been focusing on stop-gap measures. Last year, Cheong Wa Dae asked Statistics Korea no fewer than 204 times to provide data before officially publishing them, and one-third of that was job figures. That shows just how eager the government has been to mislead the public.


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Entering 202 1 , what measures should the global economy take to meet the challenges under the influence of epidemic? And how can the recovery model be successfully launched? Global uncertainties and unstable factors are increasing. The complexity must n...
We regularly write about fertilizer prices because that particular input accounts for a large share of variable production expenses. The recent surge in fertilizer prices has been widely discussed but this weeks post breaks down the latest data to provide five insights.

1) From Lows to Highs

This past year we wrote that fertilizer prices were approaching decade lows. Twelve months later, fertilizer prices now approach decade highs. In early October anhydrous ammonia was at an average of $856 per ton, slightly off the 2013 highs of $892 per ton. But diammonium phosphate  DAP  and potash are considerably higher than previous highs. Current DAP prices are $780 per ton, compared to the previous high of $710 in late 2011. Potash is currently at $725 per ton, at well more than the previous high of $645 in 2012.

Nitrogen receives the majority of attention but current phosphorus and potash prices are arguably a more-significant challenge than nitrogen. All prices have increased but its phosphorus and potassium that are at decade-high levels.

2) Timing Matters

Figure 2 shows the changes in fertilizer prices since spring 2021 and spring 2020. Again that shows that phosphorus and potassium prices have increased the most in the past 18 months. The degree of sticker shock depends on which time frame we consider. Anhydrous ammonia prices are 14 percent more than spring 2021 and 59 percent more than spring 2020 prices. Theyve almost doubled since September 2020. This fall many producers are pricing fertilizer at levels almost double the decade-lows they locked in a year ago.

3) Record Expense per Acre

Fertilizer prices dont change uniformly so its important to consider the acre-level implications. Figure 3 shows the estimated cost of applying a corn-fertilizer blend of 180-70-70. Currently the fertilizer expense totals $171 per acre, an increase of $72 per acre from spring-2020 levels. Furthermore the current expense is more than the spring average prices of $160 per acre observed during 2011-2013. This past fall we noted the expense hit a low of $92 per acre.

Of course an acre of corn in 2022 has a greater yield potential than the same acre in 2011-2013, which means the cost per bushel in 2022 is less. While not shown, fertilizer expense was a high of $1 per bushel budgeted yield in 2011 and would be $0.95 per bushel at current prices. Fertilizer was a low of $0.59 per bushel in 2017.

4) Relative Price Matters

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All fertilizer is more costly but producers should still consider the prices of alternatives. Figure 4 shows the price relationship between anhydrous ammonia and urea. On average a unit of nitrogen from urea costs 1.25 times the price of a unit from anhydrous ammonia. Relative urea prices have been at more than that long-run average since 2019 but have recently jumped to 1.55, the most since 2012.

While not shown, liquid-28-percent prices are also historically high relative to anhydrous ammonia. That said, liquid 28 percent might be more appealing than urea for producers considering those alternatives.

In most cases the decision to switch nitrogen inputs is complex; it involves equipment and timing considerations. That said, the combination of increased fertilizer prices and historical differences between alternatives could provide an opportunity for some producers. Relative price could become even more important if supply-chain and availability concerns continue.

5) Increased Fertilizer and Corn Prices

There are several ways to consider the current fertilizer-price situation  cost per acre, cost per bushel or even fertilizer expense as a share of budgeted revenue. Each of those is helpful to consider but they collectively underscore how difficult it can be to summarize the situation in a single chart or soundbite.

Figure 5 shows fertilizer expense in comparison with budgeted revenue. Current data suggest fertilizer expense will account for 18 percent of projected revenue in 2022, an increase from recent years. Notice that measure of fertilizers financial burden was at a high of 20 percent in 2015, which was not when fertilizer expense per-acre basis peaked.

Again, there are many ways to attempt to summarize the current situation. But its important to keep in mind that the financial hurdle  or pain  of fertilizer depends on fertilizer prices, commodity prices and the overall crop-budget situation. In other words, be careful jumping to a conclusion about profitability, crop budgets or acreage allocations in 2022 based solely on fertilizer prices. Reduced fertilizer prices by themselves dont necessarily mean crop budgets are profitable or that corn is more attractive than soybeans. Conversely, increased fertilizer prices dont necessarily mean crop budgets are unprofitable or corn is less attractive.

Wrapping it Up

The wild swing in fertilizer prices during the past 12 months will be remembered for many years to come. Looking ahead, uncertainty about where prices go in the next six months, combined with concerns about availability, can create significant angst and stress. In addition to the insights and charts, a helpful starting point for producers is updating and reviewing their specific budgets  including both costs and revenue projections.

In conclusion, singularly focusing on fertilizer costs can distort our thinking. For 2022, increased fertilizer prices will be offset in part by commodity prices considerably better than just a few years ago.
(The Center Square)  The Swedish company Saab held a grand opening ceremony on Wednesday for its new 112,000-square-foot factory in Indiana where it will produce part of the new T-7A trainer aircraft for the U.S. Air Force in a partnership with Boeing.

Gov. Eric Holcomb attended the event, along with former governor Mitch Daniels, now president of Purdue University, and the top leadership of Saab, including Marcus Wallenburg, the chairman of the board, Micael Johansson, the president and CEO, and Erik Smith, the U.S. CEO. They were joined by Leanne Caret, the president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security.

The factory is in West Lafayette, in a research park on the edge of the Purdue University campus called the Discovery Park District. Saab says it expects to employ 300 people here by 2027, many of them technical assemblers and engineers.

The new facility is Saab's first aerospace production facility in the United States.

A spokesman for Saab said Indiana and West Lafayette were chosen because of the proximity to St. Louis, where the T-7As will be assembled at the Boeing factory, and because of the proximity to Purdue University.

"It's super important for us. They're really good in aerospace technology, so we can recruit from there," spokesman Petter Larsson, of Saab, said of Purdue. He said there are now 60-70 people employed at the plant, and that production of the planes is expected to start sometime next year.

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The West Lafayette factory is being described as state-of-the-art and involves a $37 million investment in Indiana. Saab said in a statement this week that the management of the facility will work collaboratively with Purdue on research and development in sensor systems, artificial intelligence and more and that the company plans to export products and technology directly from the factory.

This opening marks a historic moment for Saab, Johansson said. This high-tech facility and its growing workforce are a result of Saabs continued investment in the United States.

Saab, better known in the United States as a car company, actually started out in Sweden as an aerospace company and has been producing both fighter jets and civil aircraft in Sweden for 84 years, Larsson says.

The factory is the 7th for Saab in the United States, but the first one involved with the manufacture of aircraft.

Boeing was awarded a $9.2 billion contract in 2018 to supply 351 of the planes and also 46 training simulators to the U.S. Air Force over several years and entered into an agreement with Saab to assist with production.

Larrson said it's not certain when production will begin at the West Lafayette facility, but that it is slated to be sometime next year. Once begun, production will gradually increase, he said.
Press Release

October 14, 2021 De Lima files bill requiring Senate concurrence in termination, repeal of treaties Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima introduced a measure providing for Senate concurrence in the abrogation, termination, or repeal of treaties and international agreements. De Lima filed Proposed Senate Bill (SB) No. 2436 which explicitly requires the concurrence of at least two-thirds of the Senate to any act of withdrawal from, or abrogation of, a treaty or an international agreement, before the same becomes effective. "This bill aims to protect the interests of our people by making sure that the constitutional checks that are in place during our entry into treaties remain so during our withdrawal from the same," she said. It may be recalled that, last March 15, 2018, the President unilaterally announced that the Philippines was withdrawing from the Rome Statute and, on the next day, the Notice of Withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) was submitted to the United Nations. Petitions were subsequently filed with the Supreme Court questioning the constitutionality of Mr. Duterte's unilateral withdrawal from the treaty, including a petition filed by opposition Senators, entitled Sen. Francis Pangilinan, et al. v. Alan Peter Cayetano, et al., G.R. No. 238875. On 16 March 2021, the Supreme Court, in said case, proclaimed that "the President's discretion to withdraw [from treaties] is qualified by the extent of legislative involvement on the manner by which a treaty was entered into or came into effect." De Lima noted that, the Supreme Court, according to the Supreme Court imposition of Senate concurrence as a condition may either be made piecemeal, through individual Senate resolutions pertaining to specific treaties, or through an encompassing legislative action, such as a law, a joint resolution by Congress, or a comprehensive Senate resolution. "Thus, according to the Supreme Court, a law may be passed to impose Senate concurrence as a condition prior to withdrawal from treaties," she said. In highlighting the need for Senate concurrence, De Lima cited Retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, who earlier stated that "[i]f the Senate does not assert its prerogative to concur, it will lose its prerogative to concur." The lady Senator from Bicol said the participation of the legislative branch in the treaty-making process was deemed essential to provide a check on the executive in the field of foreign relations. "By requiring the concurrence of the legislature in the treaties entered into by the President, the Constitution ensures a healthy system of checks and balance necessary in the nation's pursuit of political maturity and growth," she noted. Even as the President has near exclusive access to information and expertise from our Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and his many sources of intelligence, De Lima stressed that the Senate has two crucial things: a direct mandate from the people and the constitutional power to disagree with the President in treaty-making. Ultimately, De Lima said the Senate represents the legislative will of the whole country that is why it stands to reason that Senate should be able to express its power to give or withhold concurrence to the withdrawal from treaties and international agreements, just as it is able to express legislative concurrence to their ratification. "In as much as a law requires both executive and legislative action before it is repealed, it is submitted that a treaty, akin to a law, should also require both executive and legislative action," she said. "Otherwise, it would lead and, indeed, has already led to an absurd situation, whereby an action of unilateral withdrawal by the Executive, not sanctioned by the Filipino people through their duly elected representatives in the Legislature, would be legally and constitutionally invalid and, supposedly, ineffective domestically, yet has been considered binding on the Philippines as a State on the international level," she added.
Press Release

October 14, 2021 Bong Go pushes for sufficient budget for DOH to ensure success of pandemic response and recovery efforts Senator Christopher "Bong" Go underscored the need to ensure that sufficient funding is available to sustain and further enhance efforts to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed budget of the Department of Health for 2022 was deliberated on during a hearing by Finance Subcommittee "D" presided by Sen. Pia Cayetano on Wednesday, October 13. In his manifestation during the hearing, Go, who serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, particularly called for the inclusion of additional resources to ensure the continuous provision of allowances for the country's healthcare workers (HCWs). "Sa ating laban kontra COVID-19, isa sa pinaka-importante na dapat nating masigurado ay ang kapakanan ng ating healthcare workers. Sabi ko nga, hindi naman mababayaran ng kahit anuman ang buhay (nila), ngunit mahalaga ito bilang pagkilala sa sakripisyo ng ating mga healthcare workers para sa ating bayan," he said. Go reiterated his appeal for the passage of a measure he co-sponsored which provides for a fixed monthly allowance to HCWs throughout the duration of the current state of emergency. Senate Bill No. 2421 takes into consideration an earlier bill that Go authored and provides a COVID-19 Risk Allowance in lieu of the special risk allowance, active hazard duty pay, life insurance, and other allowances granted under Bayanihan 2. All HCWs deployed in "low risk areas" will be given P3,000; those in "medium risk areas" will be given P6,000; those in "high risk areas" will be given P9,000. "Sa ilalim ng panukalang ito, mas maraming healthcare workers na ang makakatanggap ng allowances. Hindi na limitado lamang sa mga directly exposed sa COVID-19 patients dahil nga hindi naman talaga natin alam kung sino ang exposed sa virus na ito. Hindi natin nakikita itong COVID-19, (kaya) kailangang maisama natin sa budget para dito," appealed Go. In line with this, Go also called for the adequate provision of funds for the implementation of a directive of President Rodrigo Duterte which increased the salary grade of Nurse II positions from SG 15 to SG 16. "We do not want low morale among the ranks of our nurses. Nagsasakripisyo rin po ang mga ito. We should thus provide them with better pay," he emphasized. Given its crucial role in addressing the pandemic, Go likewise sought support for additional funds for the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine which is the pioneer testing center in the country. "We all know that the RITM was our primary testing center at the start of the pandemic. Naalala ko nga noong 2019 'yon pa ang binawasan at nagkataon ito pa ang isa sa pinakaimportanteng opisina ng DOH. Hindi natin akalain na ang RITM na po nauna na nakapag-conduct ng test," he said. He earlier fought for additional budget for RITM prior to the start of the pandemic to increase it to P223.8 million for 2020 and P393.8 million for 2021. Go also called for greater budget allocations for the Epidemiology and Surveillance and the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response programs of the DOH as well as the One Hospital Command Center (OHCC), all of which are crucial to the government response to the pandemic and other infectious diseases. "Ang OHCC (ang umaalalay) sa mga pasyente para malaman kung saan bang ospital ang may bakante pang kama. Sila ang isa sa pinaka-importanteng opisina ngayon na nagta-traffic ng lahat 'dahil gusto ma-accommodate. Hindi na nila kailangan maghintay sa labas ng ospital dahil dito mas nagiging maayos ang referral ng mga pasyente," he said. The senator went on to note the P45.4 billion in the Unprogrammed Fund for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccine booster shots and requested that further assessments be made to ensure their efficient procurement as the DOH and Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases study the possibility of giving booster shots to HCWs in the near future. "Importanteng paghandaan na natin ito. Baka kailanganin natin ng booster lalo na dahil sa mga naglalabasang variants ... Dapat din natin masiguro, Madam Chair, na may sapat na pondo para sa mga vaccinators dahil tuluy-tuloy ang pagbabakuna natin hanggang sa susunod na taon. Napansin ko na sa kalagitnaan ng taon naghanap pa sila ng pondo para dito," he said. On this note, the lawmaker reminded fellow lawmakers to further ensure that there is enough funding for hospitals and health facilities such as the Lung Center of the Philippines, Philippine Heart Center, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Philippine Children's Medical Center and other major hospitals. "Siguruhin din po natin na may sapat tayong pondo para sa pag-increase ng ating testing capacity at dapat may sapat ding pondo ang mga ospital para tugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng mga pasyente," he said. Go strongly reminded the DOH to keep working hard to help the nation overcome the ongoing crisis while ensuring that there are no irregularities in its transactions. "Utilize your budget judiciously. Nagpapasalamat po ako sa inyong sakripisyo para sa bayan. Kayo ang frontline agency ngayong pandemya at alam kong pagod na pagod na rin kayo at nagkakasakit na rin ang iba sa inyo. Pero isipin po natin ang kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan," said Go. "Nakapag-sumite na ang DOH sa (Commission on Audit) ng kanilang Agency Action Plan and Status of Implementation. Kaya kung may kakulangan man, dapat iwasto agad at pagbutihin lalo ang trabaho," he ended.
Press Release

October 14, 2021 Lacson Blasts Gov't Hospitals' Humongous Off-Budget Income: Konsensya Issue Ito More at: https://pinglacson.net/article/lacson-blasts-govt-hospitals-humongous-off-budget-income-konsensya-issue-ito How could government-run hospitals have billions of pesos in off-budget income in the past several years, yet still charge Filipinos who are confined there? Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson raised this question Wednesday during his interpellation of the Department of Health (DOH)'s proposed budget for 2022. Lacson stressed the huge amounts could have been used to help defray the expenses of poor patients, especially those who lost their livelihood due to the Covid pandemic. "Why would we still charge patients hospitalization fees at a time of pandemic? Should it not be that the amount be used to cushion the suffering of our people who are confined in government hospitals?" he asked. DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III replied, "Yes, Sir." "Hindi ba parang may kaunting konsensya issue rito (Should there not be an issue of conscience here)? We're not using the budget yet we're charging patients," Lacson added. "I think a review of these off-budget accounts is in order para maipuno natin sa pangangailangan (so we can help those in need)," he said. Also, Lacson noted this may be a sign that something is wrong with the management of government hospitals. "Kumikita naman, bakit di nagagamit? That's my point (They are earning income but why is that income not put to good use? That's my point)," he said. Lacson cited the Budget Expenditure and Sources of Financing (BESF), where the DOH's off-budget accounts indicated government hospitals' retained income for 2021 hospital fees amounted to P448.439 billion. Duque admitted being "dumbfounded" by the P448-billion amount and promised to look into this. "We'll look into these, and have it reviewed right away," he added. Philippine Heart Center executive director Joel Abanilla said the amounts are "shockingly and ridiculously high." Off-Budget Accounts under the BESF reflect Retained Income/Receipts for the DOH from all its 'retained hospitals' with the following sources/nature of revenues: hospital fees, drugs and medicines, rent/lease income, seminar/training fees, certification fees, income from hostels/dormitories and other like facilities, income from printing and publication, and other business income. The class/nature of its expenditures only indicated "Augmentation of MOOE and CO." Duque later cited a clarification from his office indicating the off-budget account for 2021 amounted to P21.3 billion instead of P448 billion, as the Eastern Visayas Medical Center submitted inaccurate figures that should have been P448 million and not P448 billion. He said the DOH will coordinate with the Department of Budget and Management to have this corrected. Still, he said the DOH will still review the hospital incomes due to the huge amounts involved. According to Lacson, off-budget accounts amounted to P4.789 billion in 2016, P9.092 billion in 2017, P6.156 billion in 2018, P7.667 billion in 2019, and P8.035 billion in 2020. "We are among the few countries without zero billing in government hospitals. In countries like Cuba, citizens need not pay for hospitalization if they are confined," Lacson noted. "It doesn't make sense that the DOH does not spend its off-budget accounts, yet is still punishing our patients by billing them, especially during the time of Covid when so many have lost their livelihood. They have to run to senators, congressmen, mayors, and governors for help. It's rather cruel for government hospitals to be charging patients when so much is left in their off-budget accounts," he added. Meanwhile, National Kidney Transplant Institute director Rose Marie Rosete-Liquete said their service cases have no balance billing even for Covid cases.
Press Release

October 14, 2021 Villar renews call for cash aid to farmers DUE to the huge damage to agriculture estimated to reach more than 600 million by typhoon Maring that battered some areas of the country, Sen. Cynthia A. Villar cited the urgent need of cash aid to Filipino farmers. Based on the latest data from the Department of Agriculture (DA), typhoon Maring had affected 29,063 farmers and fishers, with a volume of production loss at 36,354 metric tons (MT) and damaged 32,882 hectares of agricultural areas in Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas. Aside from the latest typhoon, Villar noted that the low palay prices and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic saw the need to provide financial assistance to farmers whose lives and income were also severely affected by these challenges. The Cash Assistance to Filipino Rice Farmers Act of 2020 that would benefit over 1.673 million small rice farmers is still awaiting the signature of President Rodrigo Duterte. Villar, chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Food Committee, initiated the move to institutionalize the giving to the rice farmers the excess collections from the P10-billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) collection of the Bureau of Customs (BOC). "The Cash Assistance for Filipino Rice Farmers Act of 2020 recommends that any amount in excess of the P10-B RCEF collection by the BOC shall automatically be given as cash assistance to rice farmers who are tilling 2 hectares or less of rice land, which is estimated at 1.673 million as listed in the Registry System of Basic Sectors (RSBS)," said Villar. This financial subsidy to farmers, Villar noted, is pursuant to the mandate of Republic Act 11203 or An Act Liberalizing the importation, Exportation or Trading of Rice or the Rice Tarification Law. Villar said Filipino rice farmers are continuously facing the many challenges brought about by the liberalization of rice importation in 2019, the series of destructive typhoons that hit their farms and the Covid-19 pandemic. "So I strongly believe that our farmers need more support and assistance to cope up with the several challenges, especially now that we are in a pandemic, and their health is also at risk," she said. "This would alleviate their living condition brought about the declining palay prices due to several factors and the coronavirus pandemic," added Villar. Towards this end, she said, the state shall provide monetary assistance to the hardest hit segments of our small farmers in the form of actual giving of cash to them. Villar related that excess collection in 2019 amounting to P2.135 billion and the P5.408 billion in 2020 were already allocated as cash assistance to our rice farmers under the General Appropriations Act of 2021. The BOC, In their September report, said it has recorded a collection from rice importation amounting to P11.69 billion in tariffs from the 1.74 million metric tons (MT) of rice imports from January to August this year. ### Villar, muling nanawagan ng cash aid para sa mga magsasaka DAHIL sa malaking pinsala sa agrikultura na aabot sa mahigit P600 milyon dulot ng bagyong Maring na rumagasa sa ilang lugar sa bansa, iginiit ni Sen. Cynthia A. Villar ang agarang pinansiyal na tulong sa mga Pilipinong magsasaka. Base sa pinahuling data ng Department of Agriculture (DA), naapektuhan ng bagyong Maring ang 29,063 magsasaka at mangingisda na ang volume ng production loss ay 36,354 metric tons (MT). Napinsala rin ang 32,882 ektaryang agricultural areas sa Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Bicol Region at Western Visayas. Bukod sa pinakahuling bagyo, ang mababang presyo ng palay at ang Covid-19 pandemic ang ilan din sa mga dahilan upang bigyan ng pinansiyal na tulong ang mga magsasaka na apektado ang kanilang buhay at kita ng mga ganitong hamon. Kasalukuyang hinihintay pa ang lagda ni President Rodrigo Duterte para maisabatas ang Cash Assistance to Filipino Rice Farmers Act of 2020 na pakikinabangan ng may 1.673 milyong maliliit na magsasaka. Isinulong ni Villar, chairman ng Senate Agriculture and Food Committee, para ma-institutionalize ang pagbibigay sa rice farmers ng sobrang koleksyon ng Bureau of Customs (BOC) mula sa P10-billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF). "The Cash Assistance for Filipino Rice Farmers Act of 2020 recommends that any amount in excess of the P10-B RCEF collection by the BOC shall automatically be given as cash assistance to rice farmers who are tilling 2 hectares or less of rice land, which is estimated at 1.673 million as listed in the Registry System of Basic Sectors (RSBS)," ayon kay Villar. Iginiit ni Villar na ang financial subsidy sa mga magsasaka ay alinsunod sa mandato ng Republic Act 11203 o An Act Liberalizing the importation, Exportation or Trading of Rice or the Rice Tarification Law. Sinabi ni Villar na patuloy ding nahaharap ang Filipino rice farmers sa mga hamon dulot ng liberalization ng rice importation noong 2019, ang mga nakapipinsalang bagyo na sumisira sa sakahan at ang Covid-19 pandemic. "So I strongly believe that our farmers need more support and assistance to cope up with the several challenges, especially now that we are in a pandemic, and their health is also at risk," sabi ni Villar. "This would alleviate their living condition brought about the declining palay prices due to several factors and the coronavirus pandemic," dagdag pa ni Villar. "Towards this end, she said, the state shall provide monetary assistance to the hardest hit segments of our small farmers in the form of actual giving of cash to them." Ipinahayag ni Villar na ang P2.135 billion na sobrang koleksyon noong 2019 at P5.408 billion noong 2020 ay nailaan na para sa cash assistance sa ating rice farmers sa ilalim ng General Appropriations Act of 2021. Sinabi ng BOC sa kanilang September report na naitala nila ang P11.69 bilyon mula sa taripa sa 1.74 million metric tons (MT) ng rice imports noong January hanggang August ng taong ito. ###
Turkish spy service, National Intelligence Organization (MIT), has arrested two alleged Iranian intelligence agents collaborating with six other Turkish citizens for an operation to kidnap a former Iranian military officer, reports say.

The two alleged Iranian spy agent and their collaborators, all of them not identified, were arrested in the eastern Turkish province Van where the ex-Iranian military official lives, on Sept. 24.

The Iranian intelligence officers, state-run news agency Anadolu notes, were found to be trying to create a network with a budget of $30,000. The network members were reportedly ordered by Iranian Intelligence officers to offer the wife of ex-Iranian military man, $10,000 to help them in abduction.

The wife, the agency notes, received threats by the network that her family living in Iran will be harmed if she refused. The latest botched espionage operation will further more deteriorate relations between the two countries.

In February, Turkey briefly detained an employee of the Iranian consulate in Istanbul in connection with a probe into the assassination of an Iranian dissident in Turkey in 2019, Daily Sabah reports.
According to information published by Aeronautics Group on October 14, 2021, the leading provider of integrated turnkey solutions based on unmanned system platforms, payloads and communications for defense and HLS applications has concluded a successful evaluation week of the Orbiter system, operating from the Finnish Border Guard's Turva offshore patrol vessel, demonstrating high capabilities in a marine environment.

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Orbiter UAS (Picture source: Aeronautics Group)

Over the course of the week, the Orbiter system was tasked with various maritime mission scenarios, including search &rescue, identification, surveillance &reconnaissance of suspicious vessels and figures, while transmitting a real-time video stream to the vessel's command &control center. This evaluation was carried out as part of the Border Guard's Valvonta 2 (Surveillance 2) project, which is designed to examine the future integration of UAVs on board its vessels.

Turva is a Finnish offshore patrol vessel. Built-in 2014 by STX Finland Rauma shipyard for the Finnish Border Guard, she is the largest vessel of the fleet as well as the first patrol vessel in Finland powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Turva is 95.9 meters (315 ft) long and 17.4 meters (57 ft) wide, making her the largest vessel ever commissioned by the Finnish Border Guard as well as longer than any existing or past vessel commissioned by the Finnish Navy. Fully laden, she draws 5 meters (16 ft) of water. At design draught, the vessel has a deadweight tonnage of 660 tonnes while her maximum deadweight is around 1,800 tonnes. Her complement will be approximately 30.
According to a press release published by Naval Group on October 13, 2021, the third of the four Argentinian offshore patrol vessels (OPV) ordered by the Argentine Navy, OPV 87 A.R.A. Storni, was delivered in the presence of Captain Santiago Villemur, representative of the Argentine Navy in France.

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Third Gowind-class Offshore Patrol Vessel Almirante Storni (Picture source: Naval Group)

A.R.A. Storni has been delivered to the Argentine Navy today in Concarneau in the presence of Captain Santiago Villemur, representative of the Argentinian Navy in France, who also handed over the commandment of the ship to Commander Oscar Latorre.

This delivery was carried out by teams from Naval Group and Kership, a joint-venture between Piriou and Naval Group. It is part of the contract signed by Naval Group with Argentina in 2019 for the delivery of four multi-mission patrol vessels. A.R.A. Bouchard (former LAdroit) was delivered in December 2020 and A.R.A Piedrabuena on April 13th this year.

With the delivery of A.R.A. Storni, the program keeps progressing as scheduled to conclude with the delivery of the last vessel scheduled for April 2022. A 44-people crew from the Argentine Navy has been trained in the operation and maintenance of the vessel.

This third patrol vessel of the series acquired by the Argentine Navy offers the same assets and features as those of the A.R.A. Piedrabuena. Better armed and motorized than the Bouchard, equipped with an active stabilization system and a bow thruster, it is also Ice proven, i.e. adapted to navigation in the cold waters of Antarctica.

The Gowind design is a family of steel monohull frigates, corvettes, and offshore patrol vessels developed in 2006 by France's Naval Group, formerly known as DCNS, to conduct missions in the littoral zone such as anti-submarine warfare (ASW). The Gowind family includes vessels with lengths from 85 to 111 meters (278 ft 10 into 364 ft 2 in) and displacement from 1,000 tons to 3,100 tons.

The Gowind design can deploy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), and underwater unmanned vehicles (UUVs). An aft deck has been provided allowing for a 10-ton class helicopter or UAV operations.

The platform's weapon system consists of multi-functional radar and MICA surface-to-air missiles (SAM). It is armed with Exocet anti-ship missiles. The propulsion system is based on Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD) and includes water jets for improved maneuverability in shallow waters and high-speed performance.
Ilya Nemenman was instrumental in Emory becoming a global leader in theoretical and modeling approaches to living systems. Now he has been named a 2021 Simons Investigator, one of the most prestigious recognitions for theoretical scientists in the prime of their research careers.

The Simons Foundation has named Ilya Nemenman one of its 2021 Simons Investigators, one of the most prestigious awards for a theoretical research scientist. The Emory College of Arts and Sciences professor of physics and biology has been instrumental in helping Emory become a global research leader in theoretical and modeling approaches to living systems.

The recognition for Nemenman, a pioneer in developing theories to model and make quantitatively precise predictions of biological information processing systems, comes with $100,000 annually for five years, with the potential for one five-year renewal. The award allows Nemenman to add post-doctoral researchers and students to Emorys highly collaborative Theory and Modeling of Living Systems (TMLS) initiative.

TMLS unites researchers from several Emory College departments, the Emory University School of Medicine and the Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory, with the aim to cultivate research to understand biology with a precision historically reserved for the physical sciences.

Im very proud and pleased to have been selected, but I honestly think that its more important that Emory has been able to grow this cluster of excellent people at the interface between physics and biology that is nearly unrivaled anywhere else in the country, Nemenman says.

Originally trained in cosmology, Nemenman helped establish Emory as a global leader in the domain of theoretical biology and biophysics with his innovative idea that laws of the universe might have equivalent rules in complex biological systems. He has since identified numerous ways to distill cosmic order from the apparent randomness in biological networks.

Some of Nemenmans work uses methods developed by Italian physicist Giorgio Parisi, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in October 2021 for his groundbreaking theoretical methods to understand complex systems.

Nemenman laid the groundwork for TMLS more than a decade ago, helping attract to Emory the nucleus of quantitative physicists and biologists who could develop new theoretical approaches, working closely with experimental collaborators, says Stefan Boettcher, chair and professor of Emorys Department of Physics.

Since the TMLS launched in 2017, Nemenman has published findings with those experimental collaborators on subjects as varied as the distribution of sensory errors in songbirds vocal learning, the dynamics of a worm perceiving and escaping pain and the collective cellular sensing underlying mammary gland development.

Such efforts to understand dynamics in biological systems  from single cells to entire ecologies  have the potential to make inroads in drug development, medical diagnostics and more.

Ilya has tremendous breadth in what hes doing, Boettcher says. Its amazing that it is possible for him to employ arcane technology from the venerable field of statistical physics in a fashion that is applicable to life science matters. He is incredibly imaginative and creative.

Nemenman, who also served as chair of the American Physical Societys Division of Biological Physics and is a Fellow in the society, hopes the Simons Investigator designation helps encourage more researchers to think creatively in exploring the general domain of complex interacting biological systems.

Already, the pandemic has sparked more interest in the interdisciplinary field. The TMLSs visibility also grew in the last year with a series of virtual webinars and workshops with global participation, including one examining how mathematical models might help get a handle on COVID-19.

Nemenmans expertise, along with his tremendous commitment to mentorship, helped bring those events to life. They also showcased Emorys leadership in exploring scientific questions with real-world impacts, says Deborah W. Bruner, senior vice president for research at Emory.

Dr. Nemenmans timely research and insistence on interdisciplinary collaboration is what fuels great innovation, Bruner says. I am delighted that the Simons Foundation recognizes his creative and promising scholarship and the work being done at Emory to further elevate it.

Nemenman plans to use the Simons funding to attract interested scientists to Emory as post-doctoral fellows in his research group.

His goal is that their work helps them go on to become colleagues at other research universities, the way that former post-doc Audrey Sederberg  who co-developed a theoretical model for neural activity in the mouse brain before joining the faculty at the University of Minnesota  did.

Another former post-doc, Andrew Mugler, recently won the National Science Foundations Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award and is an assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh.

I can talk to an amazing group of researchers here, to shape these ideas and do this work, Nemenman says. You never work alone, so in many ways this award is just the latest of the incredible things this community weve built at Emory has achieved.
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The Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences will host the Cross-Laminated Timber Industry: Current Status and Future panel discussion and reception on Tuesday, Oct. 19, from 2-4:30 p.m.

The event will be held in the Conference Hall, room 1101, in the Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Building at 602 Duncan Drive in Auburn, Alabama. Industry stakeholders, faculty, students and members of the public are welcome to attend. Preregistration for the discussion is not necessary. Guest parking will be available on the third and fourth levels of the South Quad Parking Deck across from the school.

Cross-laminated timber, or CLT, is a prefabricated wood panel made from wood stacked and glued crosswise in alternating directions to create pressed layers. This unique engineering gives the panel exceptional strength and strong fire-protection characteristics while being light and easy to assemble.

CLT is considered a sustainable material that is safe and cost-effective for commercial construction, while offering structural simplicity and benefits such as reduced waste, improved thermal performance and design versatility.

Because of its high strength and dimensional stability, it can be used as an alternative to concrete, masonry and steel in many building types, said Janaki Alavalapati, dean of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. Due to its performance compared to conventional materials, it is also gaining in popularity among residential builders.

Guest panelists include industry representatives Derek Ratchford, CEO of SmartLam, Dothan, Alabama; Jason Reynolds, senior director, WoodWorks Wood Products Council; and Mike Kensler, director of Auburn Universitys Office of Sustainability. Adam Maggard, Alabama Extension specialist and Auburn assistant professor of forest systems management, will serve as moderator.

The School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences actively seeks to increase awareness of the many benefits of CLT and to promote its use within the South, according to Maggard.

Due to its numerous economic and environmental benefits, the growing use of CLT shows promise for many industries within the southeastern region of the U.S., including developers and contractors, architects and engineers, and foresters and landowners, Maggard said.

The School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Forest Products Development Center has a rich history of research, development and intellectual property advancements in the areas of adhesives and lumber improvement for engineered wood products.

Auburns interdisciplinary research conducted through the Forest Products Development Center and the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering and College of Architecture, Design and Construction, combined with the universitys strong relationships with forestry stakeholders, positions it to become an epicenter for mass timber innovation, said Brian Via, the Regions Professor in Forest Products and director of the Forest Products Development Center.

According to WoodWorks, as of March 2020, 784 mass timber projects had been constructed or were in design in all 50 states in the multifamily, commercial or institutional categories. Lending to this growth and the vast expanse of southern yellow pine in the South, there is a great deal of momentum for building with CLT and other mass timber.

To foster this emerging industry with the Southeast, the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences plans to host an international conference, The Sustainable Future of CLT in the South: Grow, Design, Build, April 27-29, 2022. For more information, email Maggard at adm0074@auburn.edu.

To learn more about the upcoming conference and other CLT-related developments, visit auburn.edu/sfws.
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Doctors Alliance head sentenced to one year of freedom restraint in sanitary breach case

 RAPSI, Eugeny Varlamov

11:12 14/10/2021

MOSCOW, October 14 (RAPSI)  Anastasia Vasilyeva, the leader of medical workers' union Alyans Vrachei (Doctors' Alliance, an organization recognized by the Russian Justice Ministry as a foreign agent), was sentenced to one year of restriction of freedom in a case over breaching sanitary norms at an unauthorized rally.

The defendant was not allowed into the courtroom because she was late for the hearingI.

Vasilyeva is prohibited to cross Moscow city limits and subjected to a night curfew.

In early October, prosecutors demanded to restrict Vasilyeva's liberty for 20 months.

Investigators allege that Vasilyeva took part in the unauthorized event on January 23 on Pushkin Square in Moscow, where coronavirus-positive persons ordered to isolation were identified among the rally participants. A criminal case over violation of sanitary and epidemiological rules was opened over this fact.

Earlier, several allies of jailed Alexey Navalny, including Lyubov Sobol and his brother Oleg, were convicted in this case.
Russian Supreme Court upholds harsh ex-Inter RAO board members sentence for espionage

 Moskva city news agency, Alexander Avilov

16:36 14/10/2021

MOSCOW, October 14 (RAPSI)  The Supreme Court of Russia on Thursday upheld severe sentence passed on ex-board member of Inter RAO energy holding Karina Tsurkan against her long prison sentence for espionage, her attorney Anna Stavitskaya told RAPSI.

In December 2020, the Moscow City Court found Tsurkan guilty of espionage and sentenced her to 15 years in penal colony. The court also forfeited 656 million rubles ($9 million) seized from Tsurkan to the state.

Prosecutors demanded an 18-year jail sentence for Tsurkan.

Investigators claimed that in August 2004 Tsurkan became an agent involved in confidential and unofficial cooperation with a Moldovan secret service.

In April 2015, while staying in Moscow she received a digital version of a document on project prepared by the Ministry of Energy. The project was allegedly related to the actions of Russian energy companies in the sphere of international cooperation. In September of the same year, she transferred the document to a secret service, according to case papers.

The woman denied wrongdoing and claimed that she did not know representatives of foreign secret services and did not see the document in question.




The UAE Cabinet, chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the federal budget for 2022-2026 with a total expenditure of AED290 billion ($79 billion).



Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, noted that this approval is a testament that the UAE Government, under the leadership of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will continue to work to achieve the happiness, security, and decent life for the UAE people, reported state news agency WAM.



He pointed out that approving the largest budget in the UAEs history reaffirms that a decent life for the UAE people will always be a top priority, and building a more balanced national economy is a basic approach to achieving the comprehensive development of the Union.



He also noted that the wise leadership has laid solid foundations for government work  ones that help achieve the countrys strategic goals and support its path towards sustainable economic and social development, which is a key pillar for the next 50 years.



He reaffirmed that directing financial resources to achieve development goals in the UAE is a priority for the wise leadership, stressing on the importance of investing in human talent by continuing to improve education, health and social development sectors. That, in addition to creating a flexible business environment and consolidating the pioneering infrastructure that the country enjoys  in order to advance the foundations of digital and knowledge-based economy.



Mohamed Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, stated that the federal general budget draft for the cycle 2022-2026 was approved in accordance with the provisions of Federal decree law No. 26 of 2019 on public finance and international best practices. This comes with the aim of directing government spending and raising its efficiency, to enable federal entities to implement and achieve their goals and programmes with the desired efficiency.



Mohamed Hadi Al Hussaini stressed on the importance of cooperation between the Ministry of Finance and various federal entities on budget preparation procedures.



He noted that based on the directives of the wise leadership, the 2022 budget was allocated to upgrade government services, provide the highest levels of social care, health and educational services, bolster infrastructure, and create an attractive development and economic environment.



The Ministry of Finance presented the federal general budget draft for the fiscal year 2022 as part of the cycle 2022-2026 to the Cabinet, in light of the recovery of the national economy and the various activities of economic sectors in the country, with a total of AED58.93 billion.



The 2022 budget was distributed as follows:



Social development/ benefits AED24.2 billion (41.2 percent of the total general budget) were allocated to social development and social benefits programmes.



AED9.6 billion (16.3percent of the total general budget) were allocated to public and university education programmes.



AED6.1 billion (10.4percent of the total general budget) were allocated to public education programmes.



AED3.5 billion (5.9percent of the total general budget) were allocated to university education.



AED4.9 billion (8.4percent of the total general budget) were allocated to health care and community protection to provide the highest levels of health care services.



AED3.5 billion (6percent of the total general budget) were allocated to programmes to guarantee social rights and social integration at the Ministry of Community Development, reaffirming the countrys care for groups that deserve support, and providing subsidies to special groups that need care.



AED4.8 billion (8.2percent of the total general budget) were allocated for social benefit programmes/pensions, implementing the wise leadership's directives to provide a decent life for retired civil and military workers.



AED1.5 billion (2.6percent of the total general budget) were allocated to other services.



2. Government Affairs AED21.5 billion (36.5percent of the total general budget) were allocated to general government affairs sector, to manage government affairs, provide the finest security services, achieve justice for all society members, and implement the wise leaderships vision to have the UAE as a secure and safe country for citizens and residents.



AED2.3 billion (3.8percent of the total general budget) were allocated for infrastructure and economic infrastructure.



AED19.4 billion (32.9percent of the total general budget) were allocated to the social development sector.



AED8.5 billion (14.5percent of the total general budget) were allocated for other federal expenses.



AED2.4 billion (4percent of the total general budget) were allocated for financial investments.



AED980.5 million were allocated for federal projects, with an amount of AED751.5 million allocated for energy and infrastructure projects.
Acwa Power, a leading developer, investor and operator of power generation, green hydrogen and desalinated water plants worldwide, is showcasing its portfolio of renewable energy solutions at the 23rd Water, Energy, Technology and Environment exhibition (Wetex), which opened today (October 5) in Dubai.

This year, in its 23rd round, Wetex is going to be more critical than ever due to the economic implications incited by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prioritising innovation today is key to unlocking growth  and Wetex is the ideal platform that gathers stakeholders, governments and companies who are eager to explore and reciprocate insights and visions on forward-looking smart technologies and electrification solutions for a collective prosperous future.

The event will address important topics on rapid changes and challenges in the energy, water and environment sectors in addition to exploring best practices and green solutions to counter environmental challenges.

As a jubilee sponsor, Acwa Power aims to cement its role as a global accelerator of energy transformation at this year's event, said a statement from the company.

The Saudi company will be exhibiting its record-breaking projects in the UAE that has played an instrumental role in lowering tariff levels in the global renewable energy and water desalination sectors and opened new opportunities in energy efficiency and water production.

These include Shuaa Energy 1, (MBR Solar Park Phase II); Noor Energy 1 (MBR Solar Park Phase IV), Shuaa Energy 3 (MBR Solar Park Phase V); Umm Al Quwain IWP; and Taweelah IWP, the largest desalination project in the world, it stated.

Chairman Mohammad Abunayyan said: "As always, Acwa Power is pleased to play a strategic role in one of the largest and most important global water, environment, and energy exhibitions being hosted by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa). We are honoured to have established a robust partnership with Dewa to develop and operate vital projects that promote the sustainable development of the UAE and fortify Dubais position as a global hub for sustainability."

With a constantly evolving portfolio of clean energy plants, Acwa Power has been a prominent contributor to the development, investment, and operation of renewable energy plants internationally, with 77% of its current global portfolio utilising low carbon or renewable energy sources, he noted.

Abunayyan also highlighted that Acwa Powers participation at this years edition will emphasise on the companys efforts to lead the energy transition globally to enable the economic, social and environmental sustainability plans for countries and communities.

It is partaking in five leading seminars at the event with its Chief Portfolio Management Officer and Acting Investment Officer Rajit Nanda joining a session alongside industry experts to discuss the future of solar energy in the Middle East.

Chief Technology Officer Bart Boesman will run a seminar on Disrupting, Emerging and Innovating Technologies in Energy, Water and Environment while its Chief Digital Officer Alvaro Perez will lead a robust session on how digitalisation is applied to decarbonisation and the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in renewables.

Meriem Bellizem, Business Development, Senior Manager will run a session on empowering women to take leading role in the energy transition and finally Dr Andrea Lovato, VP and Head of Renewables Development will lead a session on renewable energy being a catalyst for rapid decarbonisation.
Deutsche Bahn (DB) and Siemens Mobility have developed the worlds first train that is controlled by digital technology and is fully automated , operating by itself in rail traffic.



The driver remains on the train to supervise the journey with passengers on board. Shunting, such as turning the train around, is done without on-board personnel. The project partners DB, Siemens Mobility, and the City of Hamburg have invested a total of 60 million in the digital S-Bahn Hamburg, which is part of DBs Digital Rail Germany project.



Dr Richard Lutz, CEO of DB: Today were experiencing the true turn of an era: The railroad has arrived in the digital future and Digital Rail Germany has become a reality. With automated rail operations, we can offer our passengers a significantly expanded, more reliable and therefore improved service  without having to lay a single kilometre of new track. It is our goal to make rail transport attractive to ever-larger numbers of people, which is the only way we can achieve the mobility transition.



"We are making rail transport more intelligent. Trains drive the perfect timetable automatically, accurate to the second and energy-optimised," says Dr. Roland Busch, CEO of Siemens AG. "This way, we are supporting our partner Deutsche Bahn in its goal of making train travel more attractive and protecting the climate. With our technology, our customers can transport up to 30 percent more passengers, significantly improve punctuality and save more than 30 percent energy.



The digital S-Bahn Hamburg marks a world premiere. The new technology has already been officially approved and, since it features open interfaces, can immediately be used by operators worldwide for all types of trains.



Dr Peter Tschentscher, First Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg: "Digitisation holds a lot of potential for the entire Hamburg S-Bahn network. We are creating greater capacities on the existing tracks and improve reliability and punctuality of rail travel. The premiere of the digital S-Bahn at the ITS World Congress is a strong signal for efficient and climate-friendly mobility of the future."



The digital S-Bahn had its premiere run at the opening of the Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress (ITS) in Hamburg. During the congress, four digital S-Bahn trains will operate automatically along the 23-kilometer section of S-Bahn Line 21 between the Berliner Tor and Bergedorf/Aumuhle stations.



The technical basis for digital rail operations is the future European Automatic Train Operation (ATO) standard, combined with the European Train Control System (ETCS). The trains receive their control signals via radio. The four digital S-Bahn trains in Hamburg will provide regular scheduled passenger service beginning in December.



Plans to digitalize Hamburgs S-Bahn entire system by the end of the decade are already under way, and investments in trains and infrastructure are being made. The technology is projected to be used nationwide for regional and mainline rail systems.  TradeArabia News Service
Saudi Arabia's National Developmental Housing Corporation (Sakan) has signed an agreement worth SR1.62 billion ($432 million) with Al Birr Charitable Society to build 5,000 new homes for the needy families in the Riyadh region.

The agreement aims to provide housing support to citizens and improve family quality of life in line with Saudi Vision 2030, reported Arab News citing Acting Riyadh Governor Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz said.

Those families who are registered with Al Birr Charitable Society - based on the support mechanism approved by the Jood platform - will benefit from the agreements, he stated.

The deal was signed at a key ceremony held in the presence of Housing Minister Majid Al Hogail and other senior officials at Qasr Al Hukm.

Al Hogail praised the role of the Jood Housing platform in empowering NGOs to provide financial resources in partnership with community members, helping families in need.

The platform seeks to enhance the role of development agencies in achieving family stability for beneficiaries through the provision of housing units in cities and governorates across the kingdom, he added.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged the air cargo industry to continue working together at the same pace, with the same levels of co-operation as during the Covid-19 pandemic to overcome future challenges and build industry resilience.

Sustainability, modernisation, and safety were highlighted as key priorities for the industry post pandemic. The call was made at the 14th World Cargo Symposium (WCS) in Dublin.

IATAs Global Head of Cargo Brendan Sullivan said: During the crisis, air cargo has been a lifeline for society, delivering critical medical supplies and vaccines across the globe and keeping international supply chains open. And for many airlines, cargo became a vital source of revenue when passenger flights were grounded.

"In 2020, the air cargo industry generated $129 billion, which represented approximately a third of airlines overall revenues, an increase of 1015 per cent compared to pre-crisis levels. Looking towards the future, the outlook is strong. We need to maintain the momentum established during the crisis and continue building resilience post pandemic.

Outlook for air cargo

The outlook for air cargo in the short and long-term is strong. Indicators such as inventory levels and manufacturing output are favourable, world trade is forecast to grow at 9.5% this year and 5.6% in 2022, e-commerce continues to grow at a double-digit rate, and demand for high-value specialised cargo  such as temperature-sensitive healthcare goods and vaccines - is rising.

This year cargo demand is expected to exceed pre-crisis (2019) levels by 8% and revenues are expected to rise to a record $175 billion, with yields expected to grow by 15%. In 2022 demand is expected to exceed pre-crisis (2019) levels by 13% with revenues expected to rise to $169 billion although there will be an 8% decline in yields.

Sullivan said: The surge in demand for air cargo and attractive yields are not without complications. Pandemic restrictions have led to severe global supply-chain congestion and created hardships for aircrew crossing international borders.

"Resourcing and capacity, handling and facility space and logistics will be an issue. This will create further operational challenges for our industry that must be planned for now. But we have demonstrated resilience throughout the crisis and with that same focus we will overcome these challenges.

IATA highlighted three major projects moving the industry towards digitalisation and the progress being made in each:

- E-air waybill is at 75% now and is expected to achieve 100% by the end of 2022.

- Its ONE Record vision, enabling the whole supply chain to work together off one standardised and exchangeable set of data has 17 pilots in progress involving 145 companies and three customs authorities.

- Its Cargo XML messaging standards are being accepted by an increasing number of customs authorities.

E-air waybill, ONE Record and Cargo XML are big industry projects. And they are moving us in the right direction. So that is good. But we need to continue working at the same pace as we did during the Covid-19 crisis, said Sullivan.

Safety was highlighted as a priority for the industry, specifically the transport of lithium batteries.

Demand for lithium batteries continues to rise as does the risk from lithium battery related fires. Our main concern has been around accidents from rogue shippers who  mis-declare shipments. But the incident on the ramp at Hong Kong International Airport earlier this year reminded us just how big the challenge is. The investigation indicated that loading and handling was as per regulation and the consignment was declared correctly, said Sullivan.

IATA called for:

- Regulatory authorities (EASA and FAA) to accelerate development of a test standard that can be used to demonstrate that fire containment pallet covers and fire-resistant containers are capable of withstanding a fire involving lithium batteries.

- Government authorities to step up and take responsibility for stopping rogue producers and exporters of lithium batteries.

- Industry to step up and expand the collection of incident data and develop methods for the data to be shared to support the airlines safety risk assessment processes.

Sullivan also noted that: Frictions have increased across the world. And there are big political problems such as protectionism and vaccine inequality that will need time to resolve. But we have agreed treaties that need ratification, like the World Trade Organisations Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) which focuses on business and trade. Despite the political tensions we encourage countries to make good on their agreements.

As of today, 154 countries have ratified the agreement  94% of WTO membership. Governments yet to ratify the TFA are urged to do so, and signatory countries should implement it as soon as possible. The cost of inaction is high. Full implementation could boost global trade by $1 trillion per year, reducing global trade costs by an average of 14%.-TradeArabia News Service
Saudia Dairy and Foodstuff Company (Sadafco) has appointed Patrick Stillhart as the new chief executive officer of the company effective November 1.

The company move comes following Waltherus Matthijs's request to step down from his position as CEO, effective as October 31.

However, Matthijs will continue to provide direction and support to the company's business and for ensuring a smooth transition of his duties to the new CEO.

An industry veteran, Stillhart brings with him more than 23 years of stable and progressive career experience in the branded food FMCG industry to his new post.

During his tenure, Stillhart had held many senior positions within Nestle, Cereal Partners Worldwide (a joint venture between Nestle and General Mills), and DKSH, covering various businesses, across the Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and European markets, including cereals, coffee, confectionery, and ice cream businesses.

He graduated with a bachelor's degree in marketing and an MBA from the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland.-TradeArabia News Service
Exalto Emirates, a leading global provider of marine equipment brands, showcased its new product offerings at the third edition of the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (ADIBS), running from October 13-16 at the Adnec marina.



Exalto Emirates is utilising the event as a distinctive platform to exhibit brands to some of the latest products, sophisticated technologies and equipment suitable for commercial and leisure boats. The show will also help Exalto Emirates strike valuable deals, discuss cooperation, and find partnerships to help enhance business prospects and promote the growth of the sector.



Top-notch offerings



Exalto Emirates diverse product range that provides high efficiency has played an integral role in cementing the brands position as a leading supplier of electrical and mechanical marine parts and equipment in the UAE and several countries from the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent.



To date, the brands ever-increasing portfolio includes over 15,000 products that integrate pioneering technologies. Thus, illustrating Exalto Emirates continuous endeavour to evolve and adapt to the changing market.



John Paul, General Manager of Exalto Emirates said: In fact, with Expo 2020 Dubai and other events taking place, the countrys economic growth is picking up pace again. The boating industry has witnessed an enormous surge during the pandemic as travel was limited and the public looked for other ways of spending their leisure time and invested in purchasing boats and upgrading existing ones.



We expect better results in the years to come as the government is heavily investing in marine infrastructure and the boating and yachting industry is seen as a key element in the development of the region.



The recently established Leisure Marine Industry which looks after the interests of the local and regional marine industry, coordinates with government and semi-government authorities and generally promotes boating while encouraging safe boating practices and creating environmental awareness of which Exalto Emirates is a founder and member will play a significant role in the years to come having kicked off with the hosting of the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference currently taking place in Dubai, he added.



Exalto Emirates had on display several technologically advanced products like underwater LED boat lights from Lumishore, marine speakers from JL Audio.



Paul added: Technology is transforming the boating industry rapidly. To stay on trend and ahead of competitors, we are constantly exploring products that will revolutionise the boating experience of our customers. We strive to be trailblazers in the industry in this regard. This approach has prompted us to distribute tech-savvy marine products that are unique to the market.



To ensure maximum exposure for its products, the brand has been running #PowerOnBoard, a social media campaign to promote the complete range of Mastervolt products. As a continuation to this campaign, the brand also set up an Instagram wall at ADIBS that saw great engagement from attendees.  TradeArabia News Service
UAE and South Korea have met to further strengthen trade and investment between the two countries, whose non-oil trade in the first six months of 2021 has grown to $2.1 billion.

Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, has welcomed an official delegation from South Korea led by Yeo Han-Koo, South Korean Minister for Trade, to discuss the prospect of pursuing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and South Korea to strengthen economic ties, enhance investment opportunities and mark a new era of bilateral cooperation with one of Asias most important markets.

UAE is South Koreas largest trading partner in the Arab world, with bilateral trade exchange valued at $9.4 billion in 2020.

The UAE has already started negotiations on two such deals, following the launch of talks with India and Indonesia in September. It underscores the countrys ambition to move fast by striking new trade agreements with high-growth markets in Africa and Asia under a clear social and economic strategy for the next 50 years.

We are working around the clock to consolidate the UAEs position as a global trade and logistics hub that connects the world to the broader region and beyond, Dr Al Zeyoudi said.

South Korea and the UAE are natural trade and investment partners with shared goals to deliver sustainable economic growth. Todays intention to launch CEPA is a step forward in our vision for a mutually beneficial partnership that creates new jobs and investment opportunities. It reinforces our position as a gateway for goods and services that can flow through Africa, Asia and Europe under an economic blueprint for the next 50 years.

UAE is Koreas Special Strategic Partner in the Middle East and our bilateral pursuit of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement will upgrade our thriving bilateral partnership to the next level, Yeo Han-Koo said.

CEPA would serve as a leverage to further expand bilateral trade and investment. And it would intensify future-oriented cooperation between two countries and serve as a framework for achieving more concrete outcomes from our bilateral collaboration.

In recent years, foreign direct investment has focused on strategically important national industries, such as renewable and nuclear energy, hydrocarbons, healthcare and logistics.

Prominent projects include the $20 billion Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, with construction led by Korea Electric Power Corporation in a consortium that also includes Hyundai, Samsung, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and Doosan Heavy Industries and Construction.

Earlier this year, Mubadala was part of a consortium that acquired a majority stake in South Korean cosmetic pharmaceutical company Hugel for $1.5 billion. While in 2020, South Koreas NH Investment & Securities joined a group of asset management and sovereign wealth funds to invest $20.7 billion in Abu Dhabi National Oil Companys midstream assets.-- TradeArabia News Service
Sustainability and future of hybrid work will be key focus topics at The Microsoft Hub at the 41st Gitex Technology Week, taking place from October 17 to 21 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Built around the theme of Creating a Bolder Digital Future Together, the Microsoft Hub will demonstrate innovations in areas of sustainable smart cities and tools for organisations to adapt and thrive in the hybrid world.

The pandemic is in decline, but the world of hybrid work is very much here to stay, said Sayed Hashish, General Manager, Microsoft UAE. Together with our partners, we look forward to showcasing some of the ground-breaking innovations which will empower our customers to thrive in the digital economy and hybrid work environment.

At the Microsoft Hub, the company will also unveil latest initiatives and products that will shape the future of sustainable city management. We have partnered with Schneider Electric, to bring Dubais sustainability vision to life, added Hashish. Our collaboration, running on Azure and powered by the Microsoft Cloud, demonstrates how a combination of cutting-edge technologies can translate large amounts of data into actionable, sustainability focused outcomes. This will turn urban environments from being part of the climate problem into becoming part of the solution.

Partners who will join Microsoft at its hub at Gitex include Digital Okta, Cloud 4C, Crayon, Liferay, Intertec and Jedox among others.

Microsoft will also be hosting several experts and speakers in its Tech Talk area. Panel discussions, keynote speeches and workshops will shed light on emerging technology trends across industries. Other experiences include Xbox station, Surface devices, and a jolt of energy delivered through an AI powered coffee machine.

Microsoft Hub will be located at Hall 7 of the Dubai World Trade Centre.-- TradeArabia News Service
Telecommunications is getting an opportunity to double-down on smart connectivity and maximise value creation by fully harnessing technology and adopting new business models.

This is possible because the world and telecoms industry is undergoing a transformation and thus creating a new normal in which connectivity has become the lifeblood of economies and societies, said Khalifa Al Shamsi, Chief Corporate Strategy & Governance Officer, Etisalat Group.

He was delivering a keynote on Driving the Connectivity Renaissance at the 12th Global Mobile Broadband (MBB) Forum hosted by Huawei with industry partners GSMA and Samena council.

This years forum brought together industry stakeholders to discuss the importance to reconnect, rebuild and reimagine a fully connected and intelligent world.

Al Shamsi highlighted how it is integral for telcos in the new normal to gain new competencies especially with an acceleration towards a cloud-based service model, services being separated from infrastructure, digital players taking precedence and ecosystems scaling up to offer co-creation opportunities.

Digital is the new norm however at the same time connectivity and digital services are also two sides of the same coin.

He also shared insights on how digital lifestyle and Industry 4.0 accelerates the requirement for value-added connectivity while growth in core services creates further demand and stimulates technology evolution.

This can be achieved by creating smart and programmable connectivity for segments by harnessing the full power of technology transformation in addition to innovating the business model.

He cited examples that require low latency and bandwidth such as IoT, autonomous cars, remote surgery and gaming.

The new normal has also created an opportunity to reinvent connectivity with 5G playing a key role and with telcos already having assets and competencies that help them meet the requirements of sophisticated customer segments. All these can be achieved with the support of the wider ecosystem to co-create and gain mutual benefits. It is most critical for telcos to focus on important pillars, mainly strategy, technology and the operating model supported by the best talent pool in the industry, reiterated Al Shamsi.-- TradeArabia News Service
Abuhimed Alsheikh Alhagbani Law Firm (AS&H) in co-operation with Clifford Chance has acted as issuers counsel to Acwa Power, a Saudi-based utility project developer, on its $1.2 billion landmark IPO and $10.9 billion listing on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul).

It is the largest IPO in Saudi Arabia since Saudi Aramco's public offering in 2019. The institutional investor tranche, which was marketed domestically and internationally to raise more than $1 billion from investors under Regulation S, accounted for 90 percent of the IPO and was 248 times oversubscribed, attracting funds exceeding SR1.127 trillion (over $300 billion)  an unprecedented sum for a Saudi IPO.

Acwa Power is a developer, investor and operator of power generation (including renewable energy) and desalinated water production plants.

Registered and established in 2004 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Acwa Power employs approximately 3,500 people and is currently present in 13 countries in the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and Southeast Asia. Acwa Powers portfolio includes 64 assets at a total project cost of SR248 billion ($66 billion).

A strong contingent of lawyers from both AS&H and Clifford Chance advised on this transaction.

The AS&H team was led by Mansoor Alhagbani, Partner, Head of the Capital Markets & Financial Regulatory, with support from associates. A cross-border Clifford Chance team was jointly led by Dubai-based Partner and Head of the Middle East Equity Capital Markets Practice, Mike Taylor, and Paris-based US Securities Partner Alex Bafi.

A Clifford Chance team led by Dubai-based Partner Richard Parris advised on the projects related workstreams. - TradeArabia News Service
Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts has signed plans to launch a new luxury resort in Los Angeles, scheduled for 2025.

An agreement has been signed with owner and developer Gary Safady, making Bvlgari Resort Los Angeles the second Bvlgari property in the US, following the opening of the Miami property in 2024, and the 12th in the Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts collection.

Nestled amidst the Santa Monica Mountains less than five miles from Rodeo Drive, the property will be surrounded by 33 acres of a hillside park and natural wildlife.

Plans call for 58 rooms and suites and eight private estates, the Bvlgari dining experience Il Ristorante - Niko Romito, a 10,000-square-foot spa, state-of-the-art-gym featuring Bvlgaris workshop training method, a private cinema and an eight-seat sushi bar.

Drawing inspiration from nature and its environs, the architecture of the building will be curated by the South African design firm Studio Saota, as well as the Milanese architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel.

The resort, formerly known as The Retreat, will be built in line with the environmental criteria certified by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), the widely used green building rating system in the world.-TradeArabia News Service
Ethiopian Airlines has announced that it has signed an interline agreement with Airlink, an airline based in Johannesburg, South Africa, to allow passengers to enjoy seamless travel with a single ticket and lower fare tickets between points within the carriers networks.

With the agreement between the two carriers, passengers can book their itineraries on both airlines easily. The partnership attracts more customers providing ease of connectivity to their destinations served by both Ethiopian and Airlink.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Tewolde Gebremariam said: We are happy to enhance our co-operation and add Airlink to our list of growing partners in Africa. As South Africa represents the continents largest market and with the significant changes in the regions industry players, implementation of this interline agreement will create ease of access to those travelling to/from South African regional airports and Ethiopian destinations across five continents.

The Ethiopian carrier has been implementing various partnership agreements with African and global carriers to expand its accessibility to its customers. The partnership with Airlink will increase connectivity options for customers in the regions of South Africa with the vast network of Ethiopian Airlines in the continent and beyond.

Ethiopian Airlines connectivity options are crucial in fulfilling the increasing demand of customers. Ethiopian and Airlink will handle each others travellers check-in and baggage for all their flights. Airlink provides services between smaller, under-served towns and larger hub airports.

Through the interline agreement, customers from South Africa will benefit from more than 60 African destination of Ethiopian.-TradeArabia News Service
Crew on board the Shenzhou XIII spacecraft - Zhai Zhigang (C), Wang Yaping (R) and Ye Guangfu (L). [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

China plans to launch the Shenzhou XIII manned spacecraft early on Saturday morning, carrying three astronauts who will stay inside the country's Tiangong space station for six months, one of the lead officials in the country's manned space program said.

Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of the China Manned Space Agency, said at a news conference on Thursday afternoon at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China that the mission will also feature the first spacewalk by a Chinese woman.

It is expected to become the longest space journey by Chinese astronauts, doubling the time of their peers in the Shenzhou XII mission.

The Shenzhou XIII spacecraft is scheduled to be launched at 12:23 am Saturday by a Long March 2F carrier rocket at the Jiuquan center, Lin said. It will transport Major General Zhai Zhigang, the mission commander, Senior Colonel Wang Yaping and Senior Colonel Ye Guangfu to Tiangong's core module Tianhe, or Harmony of Heavens.

Wang is China's second female astronaut to participate in a spaceflight and was a member of the Shenzhou X mission in June 2013. She will become the first Chinese woman to enter the Tiangong space station and conduct a spacewalk, Lin said.

Zhai is the country's first astronaut to take a spacewalk, having done so when he was mission commander during the Shenzhou VII mission in September 2008. Ye will be making his first journey to space on Saturday.

Lin said the Shenzhou XIII crew is tasked with a wide range of tasks, including performing two to three spacewalks to install a small robotic arm onto a larger one; verifying key procedures and technologies such as the manual control of the robotic arms and the robotic arm-assisted movement of station modules; checking the performance and capability of devices inside the station; and testing support instruments for astronauts' lives and work during long-term flights.

He added that they will conduct scientific experiments and technology demonstrations in space medicine, microgravity physics and other fields.

Liquid propellants have started to be injected into the rocket that will carry the astronauts to space, according to Lin.

Shenzhou XIII will be the fourth spacecraft to visit China's permanent space station  named Tiangong, or Heavenly Palace  and the second crewed ship to transport astronauts to the orbiting outpost.

The first astronauts inside Tiangong  Major General Nie Haisheng, Major General Liu Boming and Senior Colonel Tang Hongbo  finished their 92-day Shenzhou XII mission in mid-September.

They flew 90 days with Tiangong and made two spacewalks to use a large robotic arm and other equipment to install and adjust devices outside the station. They also performed a number of scientific experiments and technological tests and made video calls with President Xi Jinping and hundreds of researchers, teachers and students in Hong Kong.

One of China's most challenging and sophisticated space endeavors, Tiangong will consist of three main components  a core module attached to two space labs, with a combined weight of nearly 70 metric tons. The entire station is expected to operate for about 15 years in a low-Earth orbit, about 400 kilometers above the planet.

The station's core module Tianhe was lifted by a Long March 5B heavy-lift rocket at the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan province in late April.

The craft is now connected with the Tianzhou 2 unmanned cargo ship that was launched from the Wenchang facility in late May, and the Tianzhou 3, another unmanned cargo ship that was lifted from Wenchang last month.

The biggest and heaviest spacecraft China has ever constructed, Tianhe is 16.6 meters long and has a diameter of 4.2 meters. The craft's weight, at 22.5 tons, is equal to the combined weight of 15 standard-size automobiles. It has three parts: a connecting section, a life-support and control section, and a resources section.

In 2022, two large space labs will be launched to connect with the core module. Moreover, two manned missions and two robotic cargo flights will be made that year to continue construction of the Tiangong station, which is scheduled to become complete and start formal operation around the end of 2022.

Upon its completion, Tiangong will be manned regularly by groups of three astronauts in periods lasting several months. During handovers to new three-astronaut groups, the station will accommodate up to six astronauts.
GENEVA, Oct. 14 -- The Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other International Organizations in Switzerland hosted a press conference via video link on October 13.

Chinese Ambassador for Disarmament Affairs Li Song answered questions on issues concerning the establishment of the alliance AUKUS among the US, Britain, and Australia.

When asked about the remarks on the establishment of AUKUS and their move to help Australia obtain nuclear-powered submarines, Amb. Li said that AUKUS is an awkward example set by the US, Britain and Australia in their so-called "leadership" in the international non-proliferation work.

AUKUS is an outcome of the Cold War mentality and narrow geopolitics. The nuclear submarine cooperation among the three countries can be regarded as a textbook-level nuclear proliferation case, which goes against the spirit of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and also poses a severe challenge to relevant provisions.

As depositary states of the NPT, the US and Britain are to help Australia, a non-nuclear-weapon state, to develop nuclear-powered submarines, including the sensitive nuclear materials such as tons of weapon-grade enriched Uranium, and transfer of relevant technologies and equipment. Such cooperation has never happened in the history of the NPT. The comprehensive safeguard mechanism for non-nuclear-weapon states by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has never been applicable to such cooperation.

In addition to nuclear proliferation risks, AUKUS will lead to a wider range of impacts to regional nuclear-weapon-free zones in South Pacific and Southeast Asia, intensify regional arms race, undermine regional unity and cooperation, as well as the regional peace and stability.

Nuclear proliferation is not welcomed in Asian Pacific. Amb. Li also noted that the recent incident of a foreign nuclear submarine in the South China Sea further indicated that those submarines which traveled all the way across the globe can only bring trouble to our region and will not be well accepted by regional countries and peoples.
by Shafique Khokhar

The first stone was laid in August 2020. Catholics devoted to the Mother of God gathered in the Church of St Francis Xavier to pray for missionaries as well as peace and prosperity in their country.

Sargodha (AsiaNews)  The Apostolic Nuncio to Pakistan, Archbishop Christophe Zakhia El-Kassis, blessed the new grotto dedicated to Mother Mary in Sarghoda (Punjab).

All this was possible because of the contribution of the faithful and the hard work of all those who toiled tirelessly to build the Grotto of Mother Mary, said Fr David, the local parish priest. Above all, this is a sign of our respect and dedication to Mother Mary, he added.

In Pakistan Christians celebrate the month dedicated to the rosary with great spirit and devotion.

"I entrusted my father to Mary while they were taking him to the operating room, said Kashif Anthony, coordinator of National Commission for Justice and Peace in the Archdiocese of Karachi.

He was not alone fighting for his life at that moment. We too as a family fought and prayed to Mary to save his life, Anthony said.

His father, Javed Charagh, worked as a catechist at St James parish in Korangi; he was saved by a miracle. After a second heart attack, doctors and nurses gave him only a few hours to live.

An elderly Catholic priest, Fr Leonard Stager, laid the grottos first stone in August 2020. He also led the movement to build the grotto.

To mark the inauguration, local Catholics gathered at the Church of St Francis Xavier in Sargodha, where they prayed for peace and prosperity in Pakistan, dedicating special prayers for the work of Catholic missionaries.
The attack struck the Palmyra region, hitting a communications tower and several targets in the area. Damascus' defense system intercepted several other missiles. Seven other people were wounded. Last week, a similar raid in the same area killed two militiamen.

Damascus (AsiaNews/Agencies) - A new raid by the Israeli Air Force against sensitive targets in the province of Homs, in the center of Syria has killed a Syrian army soldier and three pro-Iranian fighters who operate on Syrian soil in support of Bashar al-Assad.

The news was reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (NGO based in the United Kingdom and a dense network of correspondents in the territory). A note of the official Sana agency explains: "Around 23.34 local time the Israeli enemy conducted an air aggression [...] in the region of Palmyra, hitting a communication tower and several targets in the surrounding area".

The Israeli air raid - which flew over the border triangle between Iraq, Syria and Jordan - allegedly hit several Iranian positions around the air base called T4, including a communication tower.

The same Observatory sources add that the nationality of the killed pro-Iranian fighters is not known at the moment and the Syrian air defense system intercepted several missiles before they could reach their intended targets. Seven other people, including three Syrian soldiers, were wounded.

Last week there was a similar attack against the base, also by fighters with the Star of David, in which two militiamen linked to Teheran died, at least six were wounded. Israel very rarely confirms its attacks in neighboring Syria, but at the same time warns that it will not allow Damascus to become the bridgehead of Iranian forces, its sworn enemy.

In the past, Israel has carried out numerous operations in Syria and Lebanon, thanks to the green disk received by the then US President Donald Trump, who during his four years in office has formed a strong alliance with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In Syria alone, 50 operations against strategic targets were recorded in 2020, according to Israeli military sources. The situation does not seem to have changed under the new administration led by Democrat Joe Biden, who so far has tolerated - if not authorized - Israeli military operations across the border that in many cases also involve Lebanese territory.
by Fady Noun

Snipers killed at least five people at the Tayouneh roundabout, one of the hot spots of Lebanons civil war. Judge Bitars investigation is at the centre of the tensions. His work is bringing to light the responsibilities of the Shia party in the disaster of August 2020.

Beirut (AsiaNews)  Scenes of violence reminiscent of the civil war (1975-1990) played out yesterday at the Tayouneh roundabout, one of the iconic sites of that war, a hot spot of the first demarcation line that emerged during the conflict.

The boulevard that runs through it separates the predominantly Christian neighbourhoods of Ain El Remmaneh from the predominantly Shia neighbourhood of Chyah.

The violence broke out around 11 am, credible sources report, when shots were fired from some building roofs against Hezbollah and Amal protesters on their way to the courthouse to obtain through street pressure the removal of Judge Tarek Bitar from the investigation into the explosion at the Port of Beirut on 4 August 2020, an event that devastated the capital.

Following the first shots, snipers and Shia militiamen exchanged heavy fire, even using B-7 grenades, for three hours, this despite a massive army presence. The tragic toll was five people killed and 20 wounded, this according to hospital sources, cited by news agencies.

The shootout sparked panic in the streets and surrounding neighbourhoods. The great school of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, located on the edge of Tayouneh Square, was evacuated amid panic.

Civil Defence personnel helped distraught residents, evacuating them from exposed buildings. Ambulances poured in to pick up the wounded in the deserted streets.

The army, whose intelligence services were caught off guard, cordoned off the area and patrols were seen moving into buildings from which shots had been fired.

In a statement, the army warned that soldiers would open fire without warning against any armed civilian. Tensions subsided in the afternoon, but it is obvious that such a serious incident will likely provoke a major crisis in the country.

At the core of the incident is the investigation into the tragic explosion at the port of Beirut.

Developments seem to have reached a major turning point, with an arrest warrant issued against Ali Hassan Khalil, a former Minister of Finance and current right-hand man of Nabih Berry, Speaker of Lebanons National Assembly, and a witness summons against former Prime Minister Hassan Diab.

The issue is aggravated by the fact that the investigating magistrate, Tarek Bitar, is acting within the framework of an exceptional judicial structure, the Court of Justice, whose jurisdiction extends to crimes against state security, and whose ruling is not subject to appeal.

Last Monday, during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Najib Mikati, in power for only a month, Shia and allied ministers threatened to quit if Bitar was not taken off the case.

However, the position of Lebanons president, Michel Aoun, in this regard is quite clear. The cabinet does not have the right to remove a judge because of the principle of the separation of powers. Only the High Judicial Council (HJC) can do so, if it finds a serious breach of the duties of the office on Mr Bitars part, whom Hezbollah accuses of having politicised the investigation.

Before ruling in the matter, the HJC must ensure that the accusations are justified, especially since Judge Bitar has not yet indicted anyone.

Legally and politically, Hezbollah's position has also been greatly weakened by the inappropriate visit by one of its senior officials, Wafic Safa, to the Palace of Justice where he met with the HJCs president and the prosecutor general at the Court of Cassation. This direct (and unusual) intervention by the Shia party during an ongoing investigation raises serious questions.

According to the L'Orient-Le Jour newspaper, in a piece penned by Scarlett Haddad, Hezbollah has clear information that Judge Bitar intends to pin most responsibility for the port explosion on it, in particular over the ammonium nitrates arrival in Beirut and its use to make explosives.

According to the same sources, the judge plans to sanction Wafic Safa, head of Hezbollah's coordination unit, for what he considers to be repeated interference in the port file.

If this is the case, the image the Shia party wants to project of itself would be dealt a serious blow since it would be implicated in an unprecedented catastrophe in the history of Lebanon.

Moreover, Judge Bitars investigation could come on the eve of legislative elections and is certain to have an impact not only on Hezbollah voters, but also on its relationship with its main Christian ally, the Free Patriotic Movement, which has not shied away from showing its support for the judge.
by Sumon Corraya

The violence follows the alleged desecration of a Quran during the Hindu festival of Durga Puja. For Bangladeshs Religious Affairs Minister, restoring peace is the priority, people urged not to take justice in their own hands.

Chandpur (AsiaNews)  Three people died after clashes broke out overnight pitting Islamic extremists, local police and Hindu faithful near a Hindu temple in Hajiganj, in the southern district of Chandpur.

The violence follows news posted on social media, especially Facebook, claiming that a group of Hindus desecrated a copy of the Holy Quran in Comilla during the celebrations of Durga Puja, an annual Hindu festival celebrated from 11 to 15 October.

Within hours, Muslim extremists responded to the alleged offence, by vandalising numerous Hindu idols and temples as well as Hindu homes.

In the evening, a violent clash broke out between two factions, which also involved the police.

In addition to the three confirmed deaths, several people were wounded in the village of Hajiganj, including 17 policemen; in the city of Comilla, where the alleged desecration took place, more than 30 people were wounded in the violence.

It was an act of provocation, said Nirmol Pal, secretary general of the Comilla City Puja Celebration Committee. To interfere with our celebrations, Muslims put a copy of the Quran in our holy place and accused us of desecrating it.

According to one version of events circulating on social media, an alleged eyewitness, Kazi Tanim a Muslim from Comilla, claimed on his Facebook profile to have seen someone bring a copy of the Quran into the Hindu temple and then place it at the foot of a statue.

Many now fear that these clashes could be the beginning of more tensions and the end the religious harmony that had lasted in this region for many years.

For his part, Religious Affairs Minister Faridul Haque Khan urged people to restrain themselves and refrain from taking justice in their own hands. The priority now is to maintain religious harmony and peace.

We are closely monitoring the situation in Comilla, he said. The local administration has been instructed to investigate what really happened. Anyone involved in destroying religious harmony [in the country] must be brought under the ambit of law and arrangements be made to give proper punishment.

At present, the local administration in Chandpur has banned all public gatherings. In addition to Comilla and Hajiganj, clashes were reported in Chattogram, Kurigram, and Moulvibazar.
The military junta will not block the visit of special envoy Erywan Yusof, but he will not be allowed to speak with the country's former leader, who is still on trial. The military criticizes the UN for using "double standards." Diplomatic standoff within Asean.

Yangon (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Myanmar's ruling military will not allow the Asean special envoy to meet former National League for Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. But he will be allowed to enter and visit the country and talk to the current leadership, says military junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun.

On February 1, the Tatmadaw (the Burmese army) took control of the country with a coup d'etat, arresting Suu Kyi, who is currently on trial, and then violently repressing the anti-coup protests.

Zaw Min Tun criticized the United Nations for approving the appointment of the military junta's UN ambassador with some delay. International organizations, he said, "should avoid double standards when they are engaging in international affairs".

The international community is trying to put pressure on the Burmese army and force it to accept a five-point peace plan proposed by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) that was accepted in April by General Min Aung Hlaing, the country's self-proclaimed prime minister.

Asean's special envoy, Erywan Yusof, stressed that the junta's inaction is tantamount to a withdrawal from the agreements. In recent weeks, some member countries of the Association have questioned General Min Aung Hlaing's participation in the Southeast Asian organization's summit meetings. The foreign ministers of the member countries have not yet reached a decision on the matter.

However, Erywan said a few days ago that he had consulted the parties in Myanmar, adding that he is looking forward to visiting the country even though he will not be able to meet Aung San Suu Kyi.
The Attorney Generals Office said in a statement that Theodore Jeremenko, a 10-year veteran with the MDTA, had seen Ginyard commit a traffic violation at Conway Street and Interstate 395 in downtown Baltimore, and followed him onto Interstate 95, where he attempted to stop the vehicle. Ginyard was speeding, and weaving out of traffic, the office said.
The Commercial Vehicle Height Monitoring System is used to record images of commercial vehicles traveling on a truck restricted. The vehicles height conveys to the monitoring system that the vehicle passing the camera is a truck. When a truck is detected by the system, photos and video are taken of the vehicle from the front to capture the registration identification of the vehicles cab. The fine is a warning for the first offense, $125 for the second offense and $250 for the third.
Sometimes this stuff is hard to believe. Over the past five years, in particular, one could easily conclude that the United States had become profoundly anti-immigrant, anti-refugee  more so than at any stage in the recent past, with racism either in full revival or fully emboldened, on the march with torches and guns. And, as I write this, news reports tell of efforts by allies of the former president to turn Americans against the Afghanistan refugees. Stephen Miller, who served as a senior adviser to Donald Trump on immigration policy, is part of the campaign to smash American empathy for the Afghan evacuees, particularly among Republicans, according to The Associated Press.
We certainly cant blame Mayor Brandon Scott for being concerned about the possibility of violence. Mr. Bannon is regarded as a key figure in the organizing of the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol (and has so far declined to cooperate with congressional investigators). And white nationalists and Mr. Yiannopoulos arent exactly strangers, either. The city would be wise to take the necessary precautions, including summoning a significant police presence. But denying anyones constitutional right to express their opinion, no matter what claptrap it might be, is not a good look for Baltimore or any other community in the United States. If the neo-Nazis can march through Skokie, Illinois, in front of Holocaust survivors, as the ACLU so famously fought for in 1978, Baltimore can surely withstand the presence of this hate group for an afternoon.
Our world-class orchestra is a treasure, and if you have not treated yourself to a trip to the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, you must. We are fortunate to have new musical director James Conlon, an icon from the Los Angeles Opera, at the helm.
Election officials have been pleased with the new vote-by-mail system implemented this spring out of concern for the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Just under 300 people voted in person across all three primaries on Election Day as voters opted to drop off their ballots at one of eight drop boxes across the city or return them by mail.
Duluth, MN (55816)

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Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. High 36F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph..

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A century ago, the Italian author Luigi Pirandello wrote a three-act play entitled Six Characters in Search of an Author, which explored the difficulty of differentiating between illusion and reality. The analyst of the recent border clash between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan faces the same challenge. The event, which saw the most serious fighting between independent Central Asian republics, offers several plausible explanations with divergent policy implications.

BACKGROUND: In late April 2021, fighting broke out along the frontier between Kyrgyzstans Batken province and Tajikistans Sughd province. The immediate dispute arose over management of the Golovnoy water distribution facility separating what the Kyrgyz call the Ak-suu and the Tajiks refer to as the Isfara River. As in the past, local residents threw rocks and employed some small arms and light weapons. On this occasion, though, the fighting soon escalated to engage professional military forces. As a result, dozens died, hundreds were wounded, and thousands fled to other locations before a ceasefire took effect on May 1.

From one perspective, the fighting arose due to long-unresolved tensions over demarcation and demography. Local competition for arable land and water has been worsened by the artificial borders created by the previous Soviet authorities, which complicate the management of trans-border resources. The Fergana Valley  which includes parts of northern Tajikistan, southern Kyrgyzstan, and eastern Uzbekistan  is particularly replete with ethnic exclaves, in which the nationals of one Central Asian republic are enveloped by the territory of a neighboring country. Of note, more than one-third of the 972km-long state boundary between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan remains to be demarcated.

Yet, the recent fighting had disturbingly novel elements, which suggest a more active role of national leaders in causing the crisis. For the first time, conflict parties used heavy weapons such as artillery and tanks. This escalation, moreover, follows the recent escalations of other intrastate conflicts in the former Soviet Union, such as in Nagorno-Karabakh between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The recent clash also began after Kyrgyzstans government in March proposed swapping parts of Kyrgyzstans Batken region for Tajikistans territory of Vorukh, an enclave enveloped by Kyrgyzstans territory. President Emomali Rahmon immediately rejected the trial balloon and then made a rare visit to Vorukh. Tajik officials may have seen the swap proposal as a threat since President Sadyr Japarov also announced that Kyrgyzstans armed forces would hold major military exercises in the area. In addition, policymakers in Dushanbe may have believed that the months of political turmoil in Kyrgyzstan would impede Bishkeks response. The fighting also came when both leaders were burnishing their populist credentials, with Japarov having assumed power irregularly and Rahmon rumored to plan transferring power to his son.

IMPLICATIONS: Russias role in the recent conflict is also opaque. As in last years Belarus and Nagorno-Karabakh crises, the initial Russian government response was hesitant and muted; official statements simply called for a cessation of fighting. The minor role of the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in these crises was particularly striking given that its members were involved. Though the CSTO has been building a peacekeeping force and conflict management mechanisms for more than a decade, Russia created an ad hoc force to enforce the Armenia-Azerbaijan ceasefire. Kyrgyzstans government has long sought CSTO mediation of its border conflict with Tajikistan, but Moscow never supported the initiative, even though independent Russian analysts warned about an impending upsurge in fighting and called for preventive action. The outbreak of yet more chaos in Moscows designated sphere of influence could arguably have reflected poor Russian foresight and intelligence, Russian preoccupation with internal challenges, and general imperial overstretch. One analyst bluntly concluded that, in neighboring states, Russias actual influence has been more illusory than real.

An alternative explanation of Moscows behavior during the Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan conflict perceives Russian actions as more purposeful. Rather than considering Russias response as primarily reactive, this interpretation would view the Kremlin as manipulating the tensions between its neighbors to gain leverage with them, as they each compete for favor with Moscow, and advantages regarding third parties.

Russia has steadily been increasing its military strength in both countries, citing the threat from terrorists operating from Afghanistan. Now their heightened mutual tensions give both states another reason to deepen their defense ties with Russia. Between April 19 and 23, shortly before the Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan border clash, Russia conducted exceptionally large bilateral exercises with Tajikistan, citing the need to prepare for adverse Afghanistan scenarios. That Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited Dushanbe on the same day, April 27, as Tajikistans military launched a well-coordinated offensive against several points along its border with Kyrgyzstan certainly raises eyebrows. Meanwhile, the fact that the CSTO and other Moscow-led multinational institutions played little role in managing these crises could reflect Moscows preference for more controllable bilateral means. These mechanisms include dispatching special envoys, meeting directly with individual national leaders, and exploiting countries dependence on Russian security and economic ties.

One reason Moscow might exploit the crisis to consolidate influence in Central Asia is to counter third parties. There are several challengers to Moscows aspirations for regional hegemony whose policies may inadvertently have contributed to the recent fighting. Though the U.S. is ending its troop presence in Afghanistan, media reports state that the Pentagon may want access to military bases in Central Asia. On April 23, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with his Central Asian counterparts through the C5+1 framework, while the U.S. Envoy to Afghanistan, Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, made a high-profile visit to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan to discuss Afghanistan-related scenarios. Despite the Sino-Russian strategic partnership, Moscows enthusiasm for Chinas growing presence in both its Central Asian neighbors also has its limits. Russias previously dominant economic position in both countries is under threat from Beijings Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and other regional integration initiatives. The declining U.S. economic role in the region gives China opportunities to expand its commercial activities, while Afghanistans deteriorating security environment is pushing China to increase its security role to defend its economic and security interests along its western border. Whatever its causes, the recent Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan conflict will discourage PRC investment in both countries. Other challengers to Russias regional primacy include Turkey, which has leveraged its partnership with Azerbaijan to project greater influence in the Turkic countries of Central Asia, and Iran, which recently negotiated a new defense pact with Tajikistan. Of likely concern to Moscow, China has been deepening its ties with Iran and Turkey, which like Central Asia are important partners in Beijings BRI.

CONCLUSIONS: Assessing the relative importance of these explanations is of more than academic interest. Policymakers will want to craft policies. If the recent fighting is a product of unresolved questions dividing the former Soviet republics due to poorly delineated borders and resource competition, the parties, with third-party assistance, should redouble local efforts to manage them through national reforms and regional compromises on shared resources and infrastructure. In this regard, the recent incident should give the C5+1, the OSCE, and other multinational bodies, along with local NGOs, new opportunities to execute innovative proposals. They and others should also conduct additional research on, for instance, the impact of social media in impeding border compromises and escalating local disputes into wider inter-state conflicts. Significantly, the fighting between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan arose when tensions between these two countries and Uzbekistan decreased. Indeed, whereas Uzbekistan pursued the most uncooperative policy towards its neighbors during its previous government, Tashkent has become one of the most collaborative partners in recent years. Not only is this critically important given Uzbekistans central location at the heart of Central Asia and its potential border conflicts, but Tashkent has shown how good leadership can dampen these possible conflicts.

Conversely, if the latest fighting marks a transition to a new era of armed confrontation between Central Asian states, then the Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan conflict raises the prospects of more unfrozen conflicts and forceful border changes. This latter perspective would align with the hypothesis that Moscow may exploit tensions to advance its influence, directly and relative to third parties like China. One means to counter this adverse impact would be to support proposals to establish mechanisms among Central Asian leaders to manage such border tensions independently of external powers.

AUTHOR'S BIO:

Dr. Richard Weitz is a Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Political-Military Analysis at the Hudson Institute.

Image Source: Public Domain


Kazakhstan is undergoing several contradictory processes that superficially seem disconnected. Relations between Astana and Moscow have worsened visibly, despite the fact that both countries are members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). Influential Russian Duma deputy Viacheslav Nikonov has insisted that Kazakhstan is actually an artificial state created by the Soviet regime. According to Nikonov, the northern part of the country, with a large number of ethnic Russians and/or Russian-speakers, is actually part of Siberia and was an unlawfully given to Kazakhstan. Kazakh authorities rejected these statements and arrested Ermek Taichibekov, an ethnic Kazakh intellectual who has advocated close ties with Russia. Simultaneously, while increasingly hostile to Russia, members of the Kazakh political elite have sought to forge a reconciliatory message, wrapped in historical allusions, to Kazakhstans Russians in support of their peaceful assimilation.

BACKGROUND: History is continually present in Kazakhstans political context. In the beginning of the post-Soviet era, Kazakhstans uncertainty regarding its ability to survive as an independent nation motivated a drive to forge strong ties with Russia and Eurasianism emerged as an appropriate ideological foundation for this effort. Proponents of Eurasianism saw the Russian empire, or the USSR, as the legitimate successor to the Mongol empire and its legacy of positive symbiosis between Slavic and Turkic peoples. Yet, while Turkic peoples have an important place in Eurasianist thinking, it remains a largely Russocentric ideology.

As time progressed, Kazakhstans political elite increasingly prioritized sovereignty and independence from Russia. While the country continued to maintain an externally friendly relationship with Russia, and even became a member of the Russia-led Eurasian Union, the political undercurrent moved in the opposite direction. Kazakhstan actively collaborated with the West, sent their brightest youth to Western universities, and planned a switch from the Cyrillic to the Latin alphabet. Kazakhstans desire to distance itself from Russia was also fueled by the actions of Russian politicians or quasi-politicians such as the late Eduard Limonov and Alexander Potkin (Belov).

While these individuals can be regarded as marginal actors, the Kazakh elite consider their actions, aimed at detaching Northern Kazakhstan with its large presence of ethnic Russians from the country, to enjoy the Kremlins ear, as well as the support of a visible segment of the general Russian population, who regard Kazakhstan as an artificial state. At the same time, Kazakhstans elite has continually emphasized the importance of interethnic peace and promoted a peaceful and gradual assimilation of the countrys ethnic Russians. The old Eurasianism is considered insufficient for this purpose, and new historical paradigms have emerged. In particular, these draw on the history of the Bronze and early Iron Age, in pursuit of two goals. First, to demonstrate the deep historical roots of Kazakhs and their statehood and second, to demonstrate to ethnic Russians that they are not an ethnically alien body in Kazakhstan.

IMPLICATIONS: The history of the Bronze and early Iron Age has become an important subject in the countrys intellectual discourse. Kazakhstans President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev published an article in the newspaper Egemen Qazaqstan, dedicated to the 30-year anniversary of Kazakhstans independence. He stated that our people lived in the territory of Kazakhstan as early as the time of Sakka, or the early Iron Age. The presidents pronouncement was elaborated further by several Kazakh publicists, some of whom openly proclaimed that Kazakhs trace their heritage to Indo-European Aryans as well as to the Mongol empire, which they consider to be a mostly Turkic state.

The argument that Turks emerged a thousand years ago  and physically appeared to be Indo-European  was articulated in the 2019 movie Tomiris, a great success that was introduced to a U.S. audience in 2020. Here, Tomiris, the queen of the Massagetae, speaks the ancient Turkic language. At the same time, she has blond hair, which is usually attributed to Caucasians, and does not have the clearly Asiatic features of todays Kazakhs. Moreover, during one of her interviews, the actress who played the queen noted that she does not care about her bloodline, and stated that her ancestors comprise people of different ethnicities. She also added that many Kazakhs have a variety of ancestors, among them Caucasians. The young Tomiris was played by a Russian girl, implying that Turks could look like Caucasians, and that Caucasians or Indo-Europeans are actually the same as Turks, simply called something else.

There are several implications of this equation of ancient Turks and even Kazakhs themselves with ancient Indo-Europeans. It demonstrates that Kazakhs are not newcomers and that their ancestors lived in the territory of present-day Kazakhstan for thousands of years, that Kazakhstans statehood has a thousand-year history, and that the borders of ancient empires in the area have neatly coincided with the territory of present-day Kazakhstan since the Bronze Age. Moreover, the message is that Indo-European or Aryan Kazakhs are ethnically (and implicitly culturally) related to advanced Western or European civilizations, which provides an additional justification for cultural and to some extent geopolitical approaches to the West.

Moreover, the detachment of the notion of Kazakh from a specific ethnic lineage implies that anyone, even Caucasian-looking, could be considered Turkic or Kazakh if he or she knows the Kazakh language. This vision of Kazakhs as a cultural or linguistic category, as members of a Kazakh world, is structurally quite similar to the definition of the Russian world elaborated by the Kremlin. The point of the doctrine is that Russian-ness is not defined by ethnicity, and no difference exists between ethnic Russians and Russian-speaking minorities  a difference that is quite important for racially-focused Russian nationalists. Instead, culture and language play paramount roles. Russias Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu (whose father is of Tuvan origin) is in this reading as Russian as any Slavic-looking person despite Shoigus Asiatic features.

Those who embrace this philosophy underscore that it was an essential ideological framework for imperial expansion. This thinking has clear foreign policy implications  for example, it was the principal political argument for the annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine. Yet the doctrine also encourages the assimilation of ethnic minorities and implicitly promotes peace and stability within the community that it encompasses. Kazakhstan, with its own variation of a Kazakh world, encourages assimilation of ethnic Russians and, implicitly, seeks to minimize the negative implications of increasing tension with Russia. The Kazakh elites appeal to, and interpretation of, Bronze and early Iron Age history serve a similar function.

CONCLUSIONS: While Kazakhstans political elite is increasingly moving away from Russia, it simultaneously seeks to avoid antagonizing the remaining Russians. Thus, a historical mythos has been created, which emphasizes that Indo-Europeans and Turks are actually the same people, or that Indo-Europeans who speak non-Turkic languages are really Turks who have forsaken their true ancient Turkic roots. By studying Turkic language, Kazakh in this particular case, they can become accepted as Kazakhs, and become fully integrated into Kazakh society.

AUTHOR'S BIO:

Dmitry Shlapentokh is Associate Professor of History, Indiana University at South Bend.

Image Source: Public Domain
San Andreas, CA (95249)

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Cloudy skies early, then off and on rain showers overnight. Low 48F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..

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Uncertainty looms in Buea Unknown

A gendarme officer is reported to have died from a mob action after he allegedly fired his gun killing a little schoolgirl.

The incident occurred on Thursday morning at a security checkpoint around the Divine Mercy Co-Cathedral in the city of Buea in Cameroons South-West Region.

Although state authorities are yet to issue an official statement, open sources say the gendarmerie officer, lynched by a mob, had in an attempt to immobilize a car at a security checkpoint, shot and killed a three-year-old schoolgirl who was being accompanied to school by her parent.

Onlookers and passersby are said to have taken the laws into their hands. They were later joined by a thick crowd to administer mob justice on the suspect gendarme.

A video of the mob action that has gone viral shows policemen watching helplessly as the gendarme is stoned.

Before long, the situation degenerated into a popular protest as the irate crowd marched with the corpse of the little girl from Molyko to the Governors Office and back.

At the Governors Office, the crowd chanted songs demanding an end to security checkpoints that have been transformed into extortion posts.

FCFA 500! FCFA 500, they chanted, urging authorities to sanitize the security corps in the country plagued by corruption.

Some of the protesters claim the gendarme shot at the car, killing the schoolgirl, because the driver of the car failed to stop and offer a FCFA 500 (less than a dollar) bribe.

The Governor of the South-West Region, Okalia Bilai Bernard was on hand to receive the irate population.

The Governor called for calm, describing the situation as unfortunate.

It is indeed a shocking incident. An innocent child has been killed. All of us are in shock. I want to assure you that those who did it, some are already in the hands of the law, the Governor said.

Meanwhile, the remains of the little girl were displayed at Bongos Square in Clerks Quarters. A woman in an advanced age stripped naked to protest against brutality by security forces.

The headless corpse was paraded down to the esplanade of the Molyko Stadium, paralyzing traffic.

At press time, the road leading to the Molyko Stadium and the entire vicinity had been overtaken by a huge crowd. The stadium had been opened for the irate population and the Bishop of the Diocese of Buea, His Lordship Michael Bibi was about addressing the population.

Its a developing story
The Mass that was planned for Michael Salerno was canceled in consideration of all victims of child sexual abuse, wrote Christian Kendzierski, a spokesman for the archdiocese, in an email to The Baltimore Sun after the newspaper asked about the scheduled event. For St. Leos to continue with its plans on holding this Mass would have been a violation to those victims and all survivors, and so they decided to cancel.
One thing he did was he interviewed a man in England that was the clock keeper for Big Ben, she said. He was interested in how they would take care of that, and he said it was fantastic. He would have joke nights. He would interview Steve Allen and people like him. But he never saw himself as a radio host. He always saw himself as an entertainer, and he said, I love entertaining people.
The number of Carroll County Public Schools students who are in quarantine for being a close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 has once again dropped significantly. Meanwhile, the county health department reported the second straight weekly drop in new COVID-19 cases, while it also announced one death linked to the virus.
Spearheaded by councilman Robert Wagner, the revised legislation before the council would require farm breweries to have a minimum of 25-acres of land, produce at least 2 acres of ingredient  excluding water  used in the brewing process and be at least 300 feet away from a property line, among other restrictions. One amendment added by councilman Chad Shrodes removed the requirement that brewers own and occupy the land the brewery is on, but the other proposed by Wagner will require brewers to produce 35% of their total product at the brewery.
After opposition from Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs, a parliamentary committee on Wednesday rejected the anti-forced conversion bill amid protest from the lawmakers belonging to minority communities in the country.

Irked by opposition to the bill, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Member of the Provincial Assembly (MNA) Lal Chand Malhi was quoted by Dawn newspaper as saying that rejection of the bill will result in minorities being cornered and turn their lives into a "living hell", reported Dawn.

"You are cornering minorities and such decisions [rejecting the bill] will make life a living hell for minorities in this country," he said.

Malhi claimed that the bill had not been rejected by the Ministry of Religious Affairs or the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) but had been dismissed on the instructions of Mian Mithu.

Mithu, the pir of Bharchundi Sharif, has been blamed for the forced conversions of Hindu girls in rural Sindh.

The bill came under discussion during a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee to Protect Minorities from Forced Conversions, where Religious Affairs Minister Noorul Haq Qadri said the "environment is unfavourable" for formulating a law against forced conversions, reported Dawn.

He warned that forming a law on forced conversions would deteriorate peace in the country and "create further problems for minorities". "They (the minorities) will be made more vulnerable," the minister said.

Young people from minority community are generally kidnapped in broad daylight and forcibly converted to Islam. Meanwhile, Muslim members had taken the stance that forced conversion was not a problem in Pakistan, reported Dawn.

Moreover, PTI lawmaker Ramesh Kumar said that while they were not opposing willful conversions, many Hindus were promised money and marriages in order to lure them into converting to Islam.

"And when they are not given what they are promised, they return home. This means that they did not convert of their own free will," he added.

He went on to say that opposing legislation against forced conversion indicated that the "government is worried about [the reaction by] elements involved" in the problem, reported Dawn.

Clerics had expressed reservations over the bill in August, calling it a conspiracy and suggesting that the government should not fall into the trap of the West by taking it to parliament.

At a meeting, chaired by Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Chairperson Dr Qibla Ayaz, they had reviewed the draft bill and objected to several clauses, including the minimum age of conversion.

A copy of the draft bill, which is available with Dawn, shows that any non-Muslim, who is not a child, and is able and willing to convert to another religion will apply for a conversion certificate from an additional sessions judge of the area where he or she is residing.

The draft law highlights that the application will have to include the name of a non-Muslim who is willing to change the religion, age and gender, CNIC number, details of parents, siblings, children and spouse (if any), current religion and the reason to convert to the new religion.

The proposed law states that the "Judge may award a time period of 90 days to the non-Muslim to undertake a comparative study of the religions and return to the office of the Additional Sessions Judge."

The judge will, after satisfaction will issue the certificate of change of religion.

The proposed law also awards punishment between five to 10 years and a fine from Rs100,000 to Rs200,000 to any person who uses criminal force to convert a person to another religion.

While any person who is an abettor to a forced conversion will be liable to imprisonment from three to five years and a fine of Rs 100,000.

It has been highlighted that the age of the person willing to convert his/her religion will be determined by either the child's birth certificate, or school enrolment certificate, or Nadra B-Form.

"Only in the absence of such forms the child's age may be determined on the basis of a medical examination," the draft added.

The proposed law also states that the case of forced conversion will have to be disposed of within 90 days by the court, while appeal against a conviction or acquittal of an offence under this Act can be presented before the respective high court within ten days from the date on which copy of the order passed by the Court of Session is supplied to the appellant, Dawn reported.

(ANI)

Also Read: China implements lockdown in Xinjiang's Ghulja city amid COVID surge
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden on Friday issued the first-ever presidential proclamation of Indigenous Peoples Day, lending the most significant boost yet to efforts to refocus the federal holiday celebrating Christopher Columbus toward an appreciation of Native peoples.

The day will be observed Oct. 11, along with Columbus Day, which is established by Congress. While Native Americans have campaigned for years for local and national days in recognition of the countrys indigenous peoples, Bidens announcement appeared to catch many by surprise.

This was completely unexpected. Even though weve been talking about it and wanting it for so long, said Hillary Kempenich, an artist and member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. In 2019, she and other tribal members successfully campaigned for her town of Grand Forks, N.D., to replace Columbus Day with a day recognizing Native peoples.

President Biden on Indigenous People's Day Today, we recognize Indigenous peoples resilience and strength as well as the immeasurable positive impact that they have made on every aspect of American society. - President Biden

Im kind of overwhelmed with joy, said Kempenich. She was waiting Friday afternoon for her eighth-grade daughter, who grew up challenging teachers depictions of Columbus, to come home from school so Kempenich could share the news.

For generations, Federal policies systematically sought to assimilate and displace Native people and eradicate Native cultures, Biden wrote in the Indigenous Peoples Day proclamation. Today, we recognize Indigenous peoples resilience and strength as well as the immeasurable positive impact that they have made on every aspect of American society.

In a separate proclamation on Columbus Day, Biden praised the role of Italian Americans in U.S. society, but also referenced the violence and harm Columbus and other explorers of the age brought about on the Americas.

Making landfall in what is now the Bahamas on Oct. 12, 1492, Columbus, an Italian, was the first of a wave of European explorers who decimated Native populations in the Americas in quests for gold and other wealth, including people to enslave.

Today, we also acknowledge the painful history of wrongs and atrocities that many European explorers inflicted on Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities, Biden wrote. It is a measure of our greatness as a Nation that we do not seek to bury these shameful episodes of our past - that we face them honestly, we bring them to the light, and we do all we can to address them.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden felt strongly about recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day. Asked if Biden might seek to end marking Columbus Day as a federal holiday, she replied, I dont have any predictions at this point.

John Echohawk, executive director of the Native American Rights Fund, said the presidents decision to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day was an important step.

Former President Trump on Columbus Day Sadly, in recent years, radical activists have sought to undermine Christopher Columbus legacy, Trump said at the time. These extremists seek to replace discussion of his vast contributions with talk of failings, his discoveries with atrocities, and his achievements with transgressions. - Former President Trump

Big changes happen from each small step, and we hope this administration intends to continue making positive steps towards shaping a brighter future for all citizens, Echohawk said.

Bidens acknowledgment of the suffering of Native Americans also marked a break from President Donald Trumps ardent defense of intrepid heroes like Columbus in his 2020 proclamation of the holiday.

Sadly, in recent years, radical activists have sought to undermine Christopher Columbus legacy, Trump said at the time. These extremists seek to replace discussion of his vast contributions with talk of failings, his discoveries with atrocities, and his achievements with transgressions.

Biden made the announcement on the same day the White House was disclosing its plans to restore territory to two sprawling national monuments in Utah that Trump had stripped of protections. One, Bears Ears, is on land that Native American tribes consider sacred.

Bidens campaign against Trump saw tribal activists mobilize to get out votes for the Democrat, in activism that tribal members credited with helping Biden win some Western states.
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PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)  Oct. 11 might feel a little different across Oregon this year.

The second Monday in October, long celebrated as Columbus Day, will now officially be recognized as Indigenous Peoples Day in Oregon - a recognition of the Native American communities here long before Christopher Columbus set foot in the Americas.

Among tribal leaders in Oregon, the change represents overdue recognition and hope for the future, as well as a feeling that more could be done to recognize and support Indigenous communities.

Oregon has many different Indigenous communities including nine federally recognized tribes: Burns Paiute of Harney County; Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians; Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde; Confederated Tribes of Siletz; Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Reservation; Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs; Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians; Coquille Indian Tribe; and Klamath Tribes. According to the 2020 census, there are 129,081 Oregonians who identify as full or part American Indian and Alaska Native, comprising 3.1 percent of the state's population.

Roberta Frost, secretary of the Klamath Tribes tribal council, told The Oregonian/OregonLive that progress like this always moves in increments, and that the new Indigenous Peoples Day recognition is just one step in that process.

At some points in our history we were almost invisible, so this is a small step forward, Frost said. It's not everything, but it's an acknowledgement that we're still here, we still have vibrant societies.

Gail Hatcher, vice chairwoman of the Klamath Tribes tribal council, added that it's not just about the present or the past but the future as well.

When we are recognized and seen for who we really are, and what we celebrate and why we celebrate it, that's a huge step for my grandchildren and their children, she said. The prayer that I have is that they will always be seen from this day forward.

The Legislature overwhelmingly approved a bill declaring Oct. 11 to be Indigenous Peoples Day this spring, on a 22-7 vote in the Senate and a 50-5 vote in the House. The legislation was sponsored by the Legislature's only Indigenous lawmakers, Rep. Tawna Sanchez, D-Portland, and Rep. Teresa Alonso-Leon, D-Woodburn.

Oregon is one of 13 states to recognize the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples Day, joining fellow western states California, Alaska, Arizona and New Mexico. South Dakota celebrates the day as Native American Day, and was the first day to replace Columbus Day, doing so in 1989.

The recognition of Indigenous People's Day is one more step toward shedding a light on the history of oppression and racism in our state and country, Rep. Sanchez wrote in an email. We can no longer pretend that what we learned in the history books is all there is to the story. Teaching the future generations the truth will go a long way toward healing the trauma of the past.

The discussion among local and state governments to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day began to accelerate in 1990, at the International Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas, sponsored by the United Nations, though governments didn't begin adopting the new holiday en masse until the 2014.

Oregon tribes said the local effort has been years in the making, with tribal officials and youth activists leading the way.

The Oregon legislation is explicit in its goal to establish Indigenous Peoples Day as an alternative to Columbus Day. Text of the legislation itself begins by saying Columbus' voyage opened the door to heinous crimes against humanity, including but not limited to the introduction of transatlantic slavery and genocidal acts against Indigenous People.

For some Indigenous Oregonians, that denouncement is particularly important.

Brigette McConville, vice chair of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs tribal council, said the replacement of Columbus Day has been a long time coming.

It was a false celebration to begin with, she said. When they started enacting this Indigenous day across the whole nation, I think it was good, I think it was positive, it brought up the morale of all Native people.

Robert Kentta, cultural resources director and tribal council member for the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, said Columbus Day was never a holiday his community celebrated. The state's official recognition of the new holiday is a sign of respect that Indigenous Oregonians have long wanted, he said.

We've had some pretty difficult times with the United States and the state of Oregon in our history, Kentta said. The state switching from celebrating Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day is a big signal to the rest of Oregonians that we're in that more collaborative and respectful time period where our Indigenous history is being considered a significant contribution to the state of Oregon.

The new holiday should be a recognition of the past, present and future of Indigenous peoples, Oregon tribal officials said - acknowledging the wrongs of the past, recognizing that Indigenous communities are still here, and working together for a better future.

Stacia Hernandez, chief of staff to the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde tribal council, said it's important not just for the different tribes to band together, but for all cultures in Oregon to support one another as well - no matter the conflicts of the past. To her, that's part of the great potential for Indigenous Peoples Day.

It's about recognizing the harms that have occurred, but growing from those and learning how to communicate with one another and to make sure that those harms that happened in the past are never perpetuated in the future, Hernandez said. Every culture and every community has a very unique past, and I think it's about holding each other up when times are hard and moving forward and taking that step together.

For all the hope and appreciation, however, some disaffection remains.

Armand Minthorn, board of trustees member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, said state officials have more work to do to mend relationships with Oregon's Indigenous communities, including better and more frequent communication, as well as more collaboration, especially on public lands.

For the State to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day is one thing - it's another thing for them to walk their talk, he said in a written statement.

He also said non-Native people could do more to learn about their Indigenous neighbors, and work to break hurtful stereotypes. The statewide recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day doesn't necessarily change the day-to-day life on reservations and in other Indigenous communities in Oregon, he said, but there is plenty of room for a brighter future.

As Natives, we don't really celebrate this day. Because every day is Indigenous People's Day for us. Minthorn said. As long as we continue to recognize our ancestors, we recognize our traditional ways and language, things will continue to be the same. It would be of great benefit for others to help us with that. Because we live side by side and share the same resources, why can't we work side by side?
There are more traditional takes on this subject, of course. The Matter of Black Lives: Writings From the New Yorker (Ecco, $35) is no anthology of hate crimes, but by nature of being 75 years of New Yorker stories about Black America, it touches on the 2015 massacre at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church (a story by Edwidge Danticat), rural lynching (Rebecca West), segregation and George Floyd. Its also far from a litany of systemic suffering. Speaking of Key and Peele: Among the treats here is a great 2015 Zadie Smith profile of the comedy team. Say Their Names: How Black Lives Came to Matter in America (Grand Central, $30) is a familiar but welcome one-stop shop of reportage by veteran journalists on the issues (policing, inequality) that coagulated into nationwide protests. It can also be boiled down to James Baldwins question: How much time do you want for your progress?
Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter (6 p.m. Oct. 18; 5 p.m. Oct. 22 at AMC River East): Finally, after several game but frustrating attempts, heres the first fully successful documentary about a high-flying Chicago chefs triumph and torment. Director Rebecca Halperns portrait of Trotter (who died in 2013) is neither hagiography nor smear job. Its a clear-eyed account of Trotters path to fame, and his role in putting Chicago fine dining on the map  remaking the map, really  as well as what that cost him on the way up, and down. Astute contributions from, among others, Trotter mentee/rival Grant Achatz and longtime Chicago arts and culture writer Mark Caro flesh out the nuances. The man was a bully, and clearly Trotter lost track of what was an act and what wasnt. Its a relief to see a film about a famously tricky personality that, like its subject, isnt afraid of contradictions. Also streaming virtually Tues. Oct. 19-Sun. Oct. 24.
They were cast in the Broadway production of the show in 2017 and met hostility from the start, according to the complaint. Reid eventually requested a transfer from the Broadway production and started with the Chicago company of Hamilton in March 2019, according to the complaint, and came out publicly as transgender and gender-nonconforming. They were constantly misgendered by co-workers, at times in a pointedly hostile or callous manner, according to the complaint.
Under the Trees Voices, from Joffrey rehearsal director Nicolas Blanc, is more delicate  subtle by comparison  although Blanc, like Arai, relishes in painting the stage with geometric patterns and clean lines. Under the Trees Voices was created as a tribute to Blancs late grandfather and is inspired by the solitude he experienced at the height of the pandemic. For this writer, it is easily Blancs best work for this company. He leans into Ezio Bossos exquisite score with luscious ensemble dancing and intricate partnering, all bathed in gorgeous amber hues by lighting designer Jack Mehler. While standouts abound  soloist Christine Rocas reasserting her dominance as one of Joffreys leading ladies and a surprisingly rich pairing in Temur Suluashvili and Gayeon Jung, who gave the performance of her career on Wednesday  this is mostly about being and moving together. How gratifying.
One is to reflect and report on the fevered history of the debate about abortion in the United States over the last half a century while offering at least a modicum of fairness to both sides, even though few even acknowledge any place to meet. Another is to tell the particular story of the real Roe, the late Norma McCorvey (played in director Vanessa Stallings Goodman production by the moving Kate Middleton), a convenient yet unpredictably complex plaintiff who went on to disavow her iconic place in American history and lend her name, face and actions to the anti-abortion cause. Another is to explore the morality (or lack thereof) of the lawyer Sarah Weddington (Christina Hall), and ponder whether or not she sacrificed an individuals rights for what she saw as a greater cause while conveniently riding roughshod over that defenseless person. And yet another is to worry over the durability of the decision in the light of the changing composition of the United States Supreme Court and the stated intent of President Donald J. Trump to overturn Roe v. Wade as expeditiously as possible, by ensuring his Supreme Court nominees resist the landmark decision.
The police chief in the community of Kongsberg, near the capital of Oslo, said there was a confrontation between officers and the assailant, but he did not elaborate. Two other people were wounded and hospitalized in intensive care, including an officer who was off duty and inside the shop where the attack took place, police said.
Scientists said they could also use the meteorites to reconstruct their paths from outer space through the atmosphere to the ground, at which point the rocks may have lost about 90% of their mass. During the trip through the air, meteorites can heat up to around 2,000 degrees Celsius, or more than 3,600 degrees Fahrenheit, while traveling at 50 times the speed of sound, though they may be cool to the touch by the time they reach the ground.
After a second round of gunfire, Sykes grabbed the handgun from the Hondas glovebox and fired shots into the crowd in the direction of the bar, hitting one woman in the shoulder. She fell to the ground and the couple fled to their home, the prosecutor said.
In an email to CPS employees Wednesday, the district said employees and vendors who do not report proof of full vaccination to the district by Friday must consent to weekly testing. Staff members who have not provided proof of being fully vaccinated or have not signed up for testing will be ineligible to work for CPS until they are in compliance, per the email. Employees ineligible to work will not be paid, the district said. Failing to provide proof of full vaccination or failing to submit to testing will subject employees to discipline, up to and including termination.
We were just overcome with joy that hes survived, let alone made some improvements along the way, said Yanezs father, Carlos Yanez Sr. The good thing we are most happy about is that his personality is still there, and his humor and his outlook on things.
Ashrafi told England that while she had no interest in suing, the station might not be so lucky with other women in the future, according to the court filing. The court document said England thanked her and asked who he should talk to. Ashrafi said she did not mention names, but she directed him to start with the morning shows, which would include McGurren and DeNicolo, both of whom were working with Ferguson at the time.
These charges are the beginning, we hope, of bringing some measure of closure to the grieving family of these two innocent little girls who were sitting in a parked car when they were struck by gunfire, Brown said. Because of this senseless gun violence, far too many parents in our city are grieving for a murdered child like Serenity, or praying for their recovery of serious wounds like Aubrey.
My maternal grandfather was a sweatshop worker, and I was born during the Great Depression. Clearly Ive risen considerably above my familys humble origins. Yet I romanticize them. Its a street-corner boys way of hanging on to childhood. My buddy Marshall Ansell moved to Sweden and was in charge of acquiring books in Middle Eastern languages for the national library.
After all, the landlords know the Department of Buildings lackluster safety record as well as anyone. They can see the mayor so far has limited her tactics to the scofflaw list; a requirement for hard-wired, tamper-proof smoke detectors that phases in over 10 years, and efforts to sue some delinquent landlords in court.
He always says to me, Ive done the best I could,  Klonsky said. I can rest easy. He doesnt feel like he slacked off. I think thats terribly important. Me and my husband came by the other day, visiting, and he said Im counting on you young people to fix this mess. There is a sort of abiding optimism and hopefulness that doesnt really leave him. I would say to him, arent you angry? Arent you depressed about this, especially when Trump got elected? He said no. We just got to fix it. We made this mess, we just got to fix it. 
But shes is in a politically fraught situation with the dispute over vaccination mandates. She wants to encourage workers to get vaccinated but doesnt want to suspend significant portions of the workforce, particularly not police officers, as Chicago crime remains high. Lightfoot, who has repeatedly backed away from ultimatums she has issued to the Chicago Teachers Union in other labor disputes, doesnt want to back down from the mandate, which leaves her with relatively little room to maneuver.
I get it. Weve got a (schools) CEO. Weve got Meza for Law and we got a Latina for procurement. Its hard to change how government was 30 years ago in 2 years, if you look at structurally how its placed, Cardona said. But we still continue to fight for equity.
Eight days is all it took, according to Jones, to uncover a corruption scheme so rampant that shutting down the public library was the only viable option. There was no time to involve the office of Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois John R. Lausch or any other authority with means to conduct a legitimate investigation.
His attitude was, again, remarkably upbeat. Hell need his inherent positivity more than ever when he begins his prison sentence. I find no personal satisfaction in this outcome of justice, though I believe it is deserved and a longtime coming. He committed crimes. He will be paying for them. Its time for the rest of us to show grace, not glee. James wife will lose her husband, his kids will lose their father and his parents will lose one of their sons.
A poetry festival kicked off Wednesday to commemorate Li Bai, a famous Chinese poet from the Tang Dynasty (618-907), in Ma'anshan City of east China's Anhui Province.

More than 500 representatives attended the opening ceremony of the 33rd Li Bai poetry festival, including poetry experts, scholars and poetry lovers from across the country. A poem recital activity will also be held online this year between Chinese and Japanese poem enthusiasts to promote bilateral cultural exchange.

Li Bai is a household name in China as Shakespeare to the UK or Tagore to India. He lived between 701 and 762, also a golden age of Chinese poetry, and his poems are brimful of patriotism and romanticism. He spent his last days in Ma'anshan and wrote about 50 poems about the city throughout his life. It is said he was buried at the foot of Daqing Mountain in the city after he passed away.

A total of 871 poems have been submitted to the organizing committee to participate in this year's festival. More than 100 statues of Li Bai and figures that appeared in his poems have been collected from all over China for exhibition at the festival.

Participants will pay homage to places in and around Ma'anshan City where Li Bai once visited. They will also pay a visit to Li Bai's tomb on Thursday.

The first Li Bai poetry festival was held in 1989 in Ma'anshan, and it has become a shining cultural activity of the city ever since. Ma'anshan was named as Chinese City of Poetry by the Poetry Institute of China in 2014.
When Chun Wai Chan first arrived in the United States years ago, he didn't think that one day he would join the prominent New York City Ballet.

The NYCB's shows returned to the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in September after more than a year and a half due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Chan had his first show as a soloist in the NYCB on Sept 25.

"I hope that I can become a link between the Chinese and American ballet industries so that more Chinese audiences can know about American dance styles, and more American audiences can learn about traditional Chinese culture through me," Chan tells China Daily.

Born in Huizhou, South China's Guangdong province, Chan was admitted to Guangzhou Arts School in 2004 when he was 12. In 2010, he entered the Prix de Lausanne, an annual international competition for young dancers held in Switzerland, and became a finalist. Chan earned a full scholarship from the competition and moved to the US to study with the Houston Ballet's second company, Houston Ballet II, when he was 18.

Chan joined Houston Ballet in 2012. In 2016, he became the first Chinese dancer in the history of the company to play the Nutcracker Prince in The Nutcracker. He was promoted to a principal dancer for Houston Ballet at age 25.

"Although the stage is not the Olympic Games, every time I stand on it, I feel the Chinese flag flying along with me," says Chan, adding that as a main dancer for Houston Ballet, he sometimes has audience members telling him that they are proud of what he has achieved being from a different part of the world.

The NYCB was co-founded in 1948 by George Balanchine, who's considered the father of US ballet. As one of the most influential 20th-century choreographers, Balanchine created a new contemporary style described as neoclassical. The NYCB is now the largest dance organization in the US, with an active repertory of over 150 works, most of which are in Balanchine's style.

The most dominant style of ballet in China is the Vaganova method, which was devised by Russian dancer Agrippina Vaganova, and because of this different style, it has been hard for Chinese ballet dancers to join the NYCB, Chan says.

"I never expected to join the NYCB," says Chan, who is currently the only Chinese dancer in the dance company.
Speakers at a key United Nations biodiversity meeting said Wednesday biodiversity and ecosystem-based approaches, or nature-based solutions, are essential to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and related goals for climate change and food security.

"It is a global responsibility that all governments fully comply with the Sustainable Development Goals, integrate them into their internal regulations and strategic plans, implement these plans and monitor them as well," said Akif Ozkaldi, vice minister of agriculture and forestry of Turkey, at a roundtable themed "Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development."

The Turkish vice minister co-chaired the roundtable with Zhang Zhanhai, chief engineer of China's Ministry of Natural Resources during the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) in Kunming, in southwest China's Yunnan Province.

Luthando Dziba, head of conservation services of South African National Parks, said in the introductory speech that biodiversity provides people with food resources, contributes to income directly and indirectly, and serves as a safety net, including the one for green recovery from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"Biodiversity shaped human civilizations in the past and will shape the future," said Gao Jixi, director of Center for Satellite Application on Ecology and Environment of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, calling for greater efforts in preserving biodiversity and realizing common prosperity of man and nature.

Representatives from around 30 countries including Turkey, Bolivia, Nepal, Russia, Sweden, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Peru, the Republic of Korea and Mongolia attended the roundtable.

While sharing their countries' practices and achievements in coordinating biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, the representatives pledged further actions in biodiversity conservation under the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel via video link on Wednesday. They reviewed the development of China-German and China-EU relations in recent years in a friendly atmosphere and had an in-depth exchange of views over relevant issues.



Hailing Merkel's contribution to promoting China-German and China-EU relations during her tenure, Xi said that "for making acquaintances, the most valuable thing is mutual understanding, and for people to have mutual understanding, the key lies in knowing what is on each other's mind."

"This saying is not only a good illustration of our in-depth exchanges over the years, but also reflects the important experience in maintaining the smooth and sound development of China-German relations over the past 16 years," Xi added.

As the Chinese people put a premium on friendship, said Xi, China will not forget old friends and will always keep the door open for Merkel, voicing the hope that Merkel will continue supporting the development of China-German and China-EU relations.

The Chinese president said they have had multiple in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations, major international and regional issues and state governance, among other topics, which have advanced bilateral ties and ensured collaboration between the two countries in responding to global challenges.

In a spirit of mutually beneficial cooperation, China and Germany have achieved win-win results by giving play to the complementarity of the two countries' economies. The sound development of China and Germany have also contributed more to the global economy, Xi said.

"This has demonstrated that countries can avoid the zero-sum game and achieve mutually beneficial results on a win-win basis, and this should be the main tone that the two sides should adhere to in bilateral ties," said Xi.

Noting that 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, Xi said that keeping bilateral ties on the right course is of crucial importance.

"China always views its relationship with Germany from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is ready to maintain high-level exchanges with the German side, promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, tap the potential for cooperation in traditional fields, while exploring new areas of pragmatic cooperation in energy transition and the green and digital economy, among other areas, to further advance bilateral ties," said Xi.

Xi pointed out that pursuing peace and development is the common aspiration of China and the EU, saying that both sides advocate safeguarding multilateralism, support trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and believe that the common interests of China and the EU far outweigh contradictions and differences.

Noting that this is a critical period for the global fight against COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic recovery, Xi said that China and the EU, as two important forces in the world, have a responsibility to strengthen cooperation and work together to deal with global problems in the face of increasing global challenges and rising instability and uncertainty.

He said the two sides should view China-EU relations from a broader perspective, understand each other objectively and comprehensively, and handle differences rationally, peacefully and constructively.

"It is hoped that the EU can insist on independence, truly safeguard its own interests and the unity of the international community, and work together with China and other countries to resolve the issues of peace and development," Xi said.

For her part, Merkel said she remembered all the exchanges she had with Xi over the past more than 10 years, and they had candid and in-depth discussions on issues of common concern, which have enhanced mutual understanding and promoted the sound development of Germany-China relations and EU-China cooperation.

During her tenure as German chancellor, China has achieved rapid development and has shown great potential, Merkel said, adding that she believes the EU should develop its relations with China independently.

"I believe that EU-China relations can overcome various complicated issues and continue to develop," she said.

Germany appreciates China's efforts to cope with climate change and protect biodiversity, stands ready to work with China to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and continues to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation to jointly cope with global challenges, Merkel said.
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U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday warned that the United States would turn to "other options" if diplomacy fails to curb Iran's nuclear program, saying "time is running short."

Blinken on Wednesday met with his counterparts of Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the State Department over bilateral and trilateral cooperation as well as regional security issues, including Iran.

During a joint press conference after their trilateral meeting, Blinken reiterated that diplomacy is the most effective way to ensure that Iran would not develop a nuclear weapon.

"We are prepared to turn to other options if Iran doesn't change course," he said

The United States and Iranian officials began indirect talks in Vienna this April to restore the 2015 nuclear agreement, formally knowns as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The two sides still have significant differences after six rounds of negotiations, which have been suspended since June.

"I'm not going to put a specific date on it, but with every passing day and Iran's refusal to engage in good faith, the runway gets short," he said.

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid told reporters that the concern about Iran's nuclear capability was at the center of his visit. "Israel reserves the right to act at any given moment in any way" to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, he said.

The former Donald Trump administration withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in May 2018 and unilaterally re-imposed old and new sanctions on Iran. In response, Iran has gradually stopped implementing parts of its commitments to the deal since May 2019.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said on Tuesday that Iran's actions "will be commensurate with the steps of other parties" in future talks aimed at reviving the nuclear deal.

The Wednesday meeting of the top diplomats came shortly after the first anniversary of the normalization between Israel and the UAE, which was brokered by the United States last summer.

UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said at the press conference that he would soon visit Israel at Lapid's invitation, calling for new areas of cooperation between two countries.

The three countries are launching two trilateral working groups on religious coexistence and water and energy issues, according to Blinken.

He also reaffirmed that the Joe Biden administration supports a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians and will move forward with its plan to reopen a consulate in Jerusalem to deepen ties with the Palestinians, a move that the Israeli government opposed.
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The governments of Mexico and the United States agreed to reopen their common border in November, following vaccination progress against COVID-19, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador announced on Wednesday.

"The northern border will be opened. We will have normalcy on our northern border as of Nov. 1," Lopez Obrador said during his daily press conference from the National Palace in Mexico City.

The Mexico-U.S. border has been closed to "non-essential" traffic since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The closure imposed restrictions on travel for tourism or shopping, but did not affect trade or other essential crossings, such as transit for goods and for work or health reasons.
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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses the Fifth Committee of the UN General Assembly, which handles budgetary affairs, at the UN headquarters in New York, on Oct. 13, 2021. [UN Photo handout via Xinhua]

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday asked for nearly 3.12 billion U.S. dollars as the world body's regular budget for 2022.

"To fully implement the mandates entrusted to us, we will require a total of 3.12 billion U.S. dollars before re-costing, which represents a net reduction of 2.8 percent compared to 2021, despite additional activities and mandates," he told the Fifth Committee of the UN General Assembly, which handles budgetary affairs.

The proposed budget covers a total of 10,005 posts, or a net increase of 46 posts over 2021. Most of the added posts (43) would be for the UN relief agency for Palestine refugees to support education, health care and general assistance, he said.

After a rocky start at the beginning of 2021, the liquidity situation of the United Nations improved in the course, said Guterres.

2021 started poorly, with collections in the first quarter trailing estimates by nearly 199 million dollars, added to the 808-million-dollar arrears from the previous year, he said.

The world body saw a record collection in April of 1 billion dollars, bringing the total to 76 percent of the year's total assessment. That was also a record for early collection. The improved liquidity has allowed the United Nations to lift most of the temporary cash-management measures, he said.

"However, this should not lull us into complacency. The overall total masks numerous fluctuations in collections each month, pointing to the challenges of planning budget implementation with such uncertainties. Our fair-weather regulatory framework leaves much to be desired, and it is my hope that member states will see the need for full and predictable funding so that we can focus on the delivery of our mandates guided by the budgets and not by cash on hand," said Guterres.
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The second United Nations Global Sustainable Transport Conference is expected to help achieve the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change in the Decade of Action, according to a curtain raiser press briefing held Tuesday.

The conference, scheduled to take place from Oct. 14 to 16 in Beijing, will bring together key stakeholders from governments, U.N. system and other international organizations, the private sector, and civil society to discuss the integrated and cross-cutting nature of sustainable transport and its multiple roles in supporting the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.

Siddharth Chatterjee, U.N. resident coordinator in China, said the conference comes at a critical juncture as the world looks for a way forward to achieve the 2030 Agenda and recover from the COVID-19 crisis, while focusing on the Paris Agreement at the same time.

"It will provide a chance to focus attention on the opportunities, challenges, and solutions towards achieving sustainable transport worldwide," Chatterjee said.

Liu Zhenmin, U.N. under-secretary-general for economic and social affairs, emphasized the importance of sustainable transport in achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

He said that years of progress toward eradicating poverty and hunger were reversed by the pandemic in 2020, and climate change grows more deadly with each passing year.

Two years into the U.N. Decade of Action for the SDGs, Liu said that accelerated progress is needed simultaneously across multiple goals and targets, and focused efforts should be made in areas where there are deep and systemic links across economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development, adding that sustainable transport is one of these crucial areas.

Liu explained that transport is vital for promoting connectivity, trade, economic growth and employment, but the sector accounts for 24% of global CO2 emissions.

Resolving these trade-offs is essential to achieving sustainable transport and, through that, sustainable development, he said.

Liu, also secretary-general of the conference, said all modes of transport  road, rail, aviation and waterborne  will be addressed at the upcoming event.

The concerns of vulnerable groups, such as women, young people, the elderly, people with disabilities and the poor, as well as many developing countries, including the least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing states, will receive particular focus, he added.

The first Global Sustainable Transport Conference was held in 2016 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The decision to convene the second conference was made in 2018 by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres following a resolution adopted by the U.N. General Assembly 2017.
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Astronauts from foreign countries will participate in joint flights on board China's space station after its construction is completed, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced on Thursday.



China welcomes foreign astronauts to its space station to carry out international cooperation, deputy director of the CMSA Lin Xiqiang told a press conference ahead of the Shenzhou-13 spacecraft launch, which is scheduled for 12:23 a.m. (Beijing Time) on Oct. 16 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

The Shenzhou-13 spacecraft will take three astronauts -- Zhai Zhigang, Wang Yaping and Ye Guangfu -- into space for the construction of China's space station.
In this age, where everything is political, there is a rising trend of many in the Church advocating for external causes that have the appearance of virtue and compassion. While it is good & essential for Christians to be engaged with social issues, the problem with certain movements is that they present a false compassion  a compassion not founded in truth.

Underneath, their values are not aligned to our faith which is based on the Truth of Gods word. In some cases, they are opposed to it.

Though well-intentioned, the outcome is ultimately destructive. Such a compassion gravitates to solutions that ignore the true complexity and causes of real-world issues, resulting in further harm to the problems being addressed.

For Christians to be involved in such a cause can only result in damage to our integrity, degrading our primary witness as representatives of Christ.

Rise of BLM & anti-racism

A prime example of this trend is the rise in support for the recent anti-racist movement that has taken the world by storm, and the organisation behind it - Black Lives Matter (BLM). Many saw this as a reckoning against racism past and present toward minorities living in the West, and blacks specifically. On the surface, it seems obvious to get behind anything against racism, and given that minorities were historically oppressed in the West, isnt it a good thing to at least acknowledge it?

As a result, governments, corporations and institutions felt pressure to speak out against racism and show support in various ways. Many churches around the world joined in as well, having forums to discuss the harm caused by racism and hear from minorities about their suffering. Some went even further.

For example, bishops from the Church of England very publicly renounced their white privilege and took the knee as a gesture of support for BLM. And though many churches and Christian leaders remained ambivalent on the issue, few have turned a critical eye on the organisation and its agenda.

The true nature of BLM

Given the impact of this movement on the Churchs relationship with different ethnic groups, it goes without saying that its values and behaviour should be scrutinised to determine if they are compatible with Christianity at all. So let us take a brief look at the organisation and its background to establish if it aligns with a Christian world view.

BLM rose to prominence on the heels of the high-profile deaths of two African Americans, Michael Brown and George Floyd, at the hands of police. Protests were organised, and claims were made that the deaths were a result of police brutality targeting black men, and that it was evidence of systemic racism.

The founders of BLM describe themselves as trained Marxists. Co-founder Patrice Cullors was mentored by Eric Mann  a Marxist terrorist involved with the bombing of Government buildings and police stations in the 70s. Marxism is a materialist philosophy that has no place for religion and sees it as a crutch for humanity.

What is more, BLMs particular flavour of Marxism substitutes class warfare (rich vs. poor) for race warfare (White vs. Black). In other words, all oppression, inequalities, and differences in outcome of wealth & status are directly or indirectly the result of racism.

These beliefs are rooted in Critical Race Theory (CRT)  an offshoot of Marxism which besides assigning all inequality to racism, defines it as inherent to white people. This whiteness cannot be eliminated but must be atoned for through an essentially pseudo-religious process of making amends for historical and current oppression of minorities.

Before it mysteriously vanished, a page on the organisation's website describing its values included the aim of disrupting the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure. This is no surprise as Marx viewed the family as a tool of Capitalism.

Then there are the fruits of BLMs activism: widespread damage and violence from BLM-instigated riots & looting that broke out last year. The result in the US was an estimated 1 to 2 billion dollars in property damage, and hundreds of people injured. Dozens of businesses, many run by black families, have closed their doors forever thanks to the looting and damage.

This is all without getting into the questionable nature of BLMs claims around systemic racism or their explanation of disparities experienced by African Americans. In short, they dont add up, as dealt with by a number of reports examining the evidence.

However, it should be said that we can both acknowledge the historic mistreatment of minorities, while also realising that no other culture in history has created a society in which people from all races and ethnic backgrounds can co-exist peacefully and flourish. Besides, if there was a movement that would redress the wrongs of the past, it certainly does not look like this...

BLM & Christianity

So given the true nature of this organisation and the violent outworking of its ideology, it should be clear by now this is not something the Church should be involved with. It cannot be reconciled with Christianity; it is something that seeks to replace it.

Where the Bible teaches that we are all one & equal under Christ  no Jew nor Greek... slave nor free (Galatians 3:28), BLM & anti-racism divides humanity down racial lines and assigns qualities accordingly. Where the Bible teaches of individual sin and the need for repentance before God, BLM substitutes it with a racial guilt and a virtue attained through activism and confessing ones privilege.

Where Christians seek to hold authority to account while respecting it as ordained by God (Romans 13:1), BLM seeks to overthrow authority by force and replace it with its own. I could go on, but it is plain to see this is completely incompatible with our world view.

This should serve as a caution for those ready to jump on board with contemporary movements having the appearance of virtue. Where we do not scrutinise their claims to ensure they are truthful and worthy, the result may be damage to the credibility of the Church and its message  to glorify God, if not bringing further harm to the very issues we seek to address.

Our compassion must be grounded in truth and so should every cause we support.
According to TMR, the Global RFID Tags market accounted for $4.91 billion in 2017 and is expected to reach $18.2 billion by 2026 growing at a CAGR of 15.7% during the forecast period. Some of the key factors such as rising demand for RFID tags in the aerospace industry, and the increasing number of these tag applications within retail stores are driving the market growth. However, lack of a battery power as compared to others act as the restraining factor for the market growth.

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology has completely across several sectors owing to the fact that they prevent theft of certain materials, track shipments in real time, and implement advanced technology at low cost. It is a type of wireless communication technology that uses radio waves to track and identify objects, with reduced costs, increased asset traceability and visibility, and improved reliability.

By Type, Passive Tags segment is likely to grow during the forecast period as they do not have an internal power source and rely on the power induced by the reader. Because of the lack of a battery, these tags are cost-effective, durable, and smaller and so are used to perform many activities such as access control, inventory management, supply chain management, and tool tracking due to which these tags are increasing among end-users.

By geography, Asia Pacific is estimated to have a lucrative growth mainly due to the rising demand for these tags in this region. They are installed by the organizations as a piece of their security so as to prevent the risk of danger and loss. Organizations are continuously adopting automated product identification systems for their supply chain management system in order to improve the efficiency of their inventory allocation.

Some of the key players in this market include Honeywell International, NXP Semiconductors, Alien Technology, AMS AG, Atmel Corp, Confidex Ltd, GAO RFID Inc., HID Global Corporation, Impinj, inc., Invengo Information Technology Co. Ltd., Omni-Id, Inc., RF Code, SMARTRAC N.V. and Zebra Technologies Corp.

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Product Types Covered:

 Tags

 Software

 Reader

 Other Product Types

Types Covered:

 Semi-Passive

 Passive

 Active

Frequency Bands Covered:

 Active Ultra-High

 High

 Low

 Microwave

 Ultra High

Form Factors Covered:

 Paper Tickets

 Label

 Key Fob

 Implants

 Card

 Button

 Wristband

 Other Form Factors

Wafer Sizes Covered:

 300mm

 200mm

 450mm

 Other Wafer Sizes

Materials Covered:

 Glass

 Metal

 Paper

 Plastic

 Other Materials

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End Users Covered:

 Telemetry

 Surveillance and Security

 Transportation

 Consumer Goods

 House ware

 Medical

 Beauty

 Government

 Banking, Financial services, and Insurance (BFSI)

 Footwear

 Security & Access Control

 Retail

 Defense

 Aerospace

 Logistic & Supply Chain

 Healthcare

 Transportation

 Commercial

 Agriculture

 Other End Users

Regions Covered:

 North America

o US

o Canada

o Mexico

 Europe

o Germany

o UK

o Italy

o France

o Spain

o Rest of Europe

 Asia Pacific

o Japan

o China

o India

o Australia

o New Zealand

o South Korea

o Rest of Asia Pacific

 South America

o Argentina

o Brazil

o Chile

o Rest of South America

 Middle East & Africa

o Saudi Arabia

o UAE

o Qatar

o South Africa

o Rest of Middle East & Africa

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- Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments

- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants

- Market forecasts for a minimum of 9 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets

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- Strategic analysis: Drivers and Constraints, Product/Technology Analysis, Porters five forces analysis, SWOT analysis etc.

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Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances
According to TMR, the Global Cultured Dairy Products market to grow at a CAGR of 8.7% during the forecast period. Some of the key factors influencing the market are new product launches and gaining prominence towards organic food and beverage products to the numerous health benefits. However, recall of products over various issues devices hampers the market growth of cultured dairy products market.

Cultured dairy products, or cultured milk products, are dairy foods that have been fermented with lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, and Leuconostoc. The fermentation process increases the shelf life of the product, while enhancing the taste and improving the digestibility of milk.

Based on Product, Cheddar Cheese segment is constantly enhancing its growth due to characteristics Cheddar cheese is a relatively hard, off-white (or orange if colorings such as annatto are added), sometimes sharp-tasting, natural cheese.

By Geography, Asia pacific is estimated to have a lucrative growth due to the product capacity, production, value, consumption in this region. Asia Pacific has a substantial growth in the market because of high production of dairy products.

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Some of the key players in Global Cultured Dairy Products market are Agropur Cooperative, AMUL, Arla Foods amba, Dairy Farmers of America, Inc., Danone, Dean Foods Company, Fonterra Co-Operative Group Limited, Groupe Lactalis SA, Parmalat S.P.A., Megmilk Snow Brand Co., Ltd., Meiji Co., Ltd., Nestle SA, Royal FrieslandCampina N.V., SanCor Cooperativas Unidas Limitada and Saputo, Inc.

Distribution Channel Covered:

 Food Specialist

 Hypermarkets and Supermarkets

 Independent Retailers and Convenience Stores

 Online Retailers

Products Covered:

 Cheddar Cheese

 Cream Cheese

 Kefir

 Yogurt

 Other Products

End Users Covered:

 Food Processing

 Food Service

 Retail

 Other End Users

Regions Covered:

 North America

o US

o Canada

o Mexico

 Europe

o Germany

o UK

o Italy

o France

o Spain

o Rest of Europe

 Asia Pacific

o Japan

o China

o India

o Australia

o New Zealand

o South Korea

o Rest of Asia Pacific

 South America

o Argentina

o Brazil

o Chile

o Rest of South America

 Middle East & Africa

o Saudi Arabia

o UAE

o Qatar

o South Africa

o Rest of Middle East & Africa

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 What our report offers:

o  Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments

o  Strategic recommendations for the new entrants

o  Market forecasts for a minimum of 9 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets

o  Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)

o  Strategic analysis: Drivers and Constraints, Product/Technology Analysis, Porters five forces analysis, SWOT analysis etc.

o  Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations

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o  Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments

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The global RegTech market size is expected to reach USD 55.28 billion by 2025, expanding at a CAGR of 52.8% over the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The rising number of fraudulent activities has been a significant factor driving the growth. Additionally, increasing need for risk and compliance management has led to the increased adoption of regulatory technology (RegTech) solutions. Implementation of these solutions helps reduce compliance costs and improves efficiency. It also speeds up business processes, enhances their reliability, and reduces hassle for customers and the risk of compliance failures.

RegTech solutions include transaction monitoring, risk and compliance management, regulatory reporting, identity and control management, and regulatory intelligence, among others. Customers can choose an appropriate RegTech solution depending on their preference owing to the presence of a wide variety of solutions in the market. The risk and compliance management segment held the largest revenue share in 2018 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 49.7% over the forecast period owing to the increasing demand for compliance management.

The regulatory intelligence segment accounted for over 12% of market share in 2018 and is expected to expand at the highest CAGR over the forecast period. A large number of small and medium enterprises are deploying RegTech solutions to avoid additional compliance costs and the costs incurred due to frauds. In 2018, U.S. led the regulatory technology market in North America. U.K. is expected to continue to dominate the Europe market over the forecast period owing to the entry of a large number of companies in the market.

Browse Details of Market Report @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/regulatory-technology-market

The European Union established various regulatory standards to monitor the increasing number of fraudulent activities in the financial sector. Regulatory compliance is expensive for both financial institutions and regulators and is also time-consuming. Choosing appropriate standards for managing fraudulent activities in a rapidly transforming financial industry is a necessity as well as a challenge.

RegTech Market Report Highlights

 Risk and compliance management segment generated the highest revenue in 2018 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 49.7% over the forecast period

 North America is projected to expand at a CAGR of 51.6% from 2019 to 2025 owing to various advancements in information technology and growing adoption of RegTech solutions, especially in the financial industry

 Key players operating in the regulatory technology market include NICE Actimize; PwC; IBM; London Stock Exchange Group plc; BWise; Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc.; Accuity; RIMES TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION; Wolters Kluwer; Compendor; Infrasoft Technologies Ltd.; and Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, among others

RegTech Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global RegTech market on the basis of organization size, application, and region:

RegTech Organization Size Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2025)

 SMEs

 Large Enterprises

RegTech Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2025)

 Risk & Compliance Management

 Identity Management

 Regulatory Reporting

 Fraud Management

 Regulatory Intelligence
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According to a new report published by Polaris Market Research the worldwide Photovoltaic Materials Market is anticipated to reach around USD 44,073 million by 2026. In 2017, the Polycrystalline Silicon segment dominated the global market, in terms of revenue. In 2017, Asia-Pacific accounted for the majority share in the global Photovoltaic Materials market.

The increase in the adoption of renewable energy sources drives the growth of this market. Growing concerns regarding environmental pollution caused by fossil fuels and their limited availability support the market growth. There has been an increasing demand of solar technology owing to low operating costs and less maintenance. Governments are increasingly investing in the development of solar technology to accelerate the adoption of renewable sources, thereby supporting market growth. However, high installation costs of solar systems limit the growth of the market. New emerging markets, and declining costs of photovoltaic materials would provide growth opportunities in the coming years.

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Asia-pacific dominated the global Photovoltaic Materials Market during the forecast period. A significant rise in the initiatives taken by governments of China, India, and Japan to promote the use of solar technology to reduce carbon footprint supports the growth of the market in the region. Incentives provided by the governments to the commercial sector industries using solar technology has resulted in high demand of photovoltaic materials in the region. China leads the Asia-Pacific Photovoltaic Materials market during the forecast period. Regions such as North America and Europe export solar cells from Asia-Pacific, thereby supporting market growth in the region. Increasing awareness regarding use of renewable sources and green technologies augments the market growth in the region. Leading global players are expanding their presence in developing nations of India, Indonesia, and Malaysia to tap the growth opportunities offered by these countries.

The various types of photovoltaic materials include Monocrystalline Silicon, Polycrystalline Silicon, Cadmium Telluride, and Copper Indium Gallium Selenide among. The Polycrystalline Silicon segment is expected to lead the market during the forecast period owing to affordable manufacturing process and use in varied applications. The Copper Indium Gallium Selenide segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

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The well-known companies profiled in the report include DuPont, Targray Technology International, Inc, Shin-Etsu Chemicals Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Material Corporation, Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation LLC, Atecom Technology Co., Ltd., American Elements, Ferrotec Corporation, Topray Solar, Hangzhou First Applied Material Co. Ltd., 1366 Technologies Inc., NovoPolymers NV among others. These companies launch new products and collaborate with other market leaders to innovate and launch new products to meet the increasing needs and requirements of consumers.

Photovoltaic Materials Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Material Type Monocrystalline Silicon Polycrystalline Silicon Cadmium Telluride Copper Indium Gallium Selenide Others

Photovoltaic Materials Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Product Back Sheets Encapsulants Front Sheets Others

Photovoltaic Materials Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by End-User Commercial Residential Utility Others

Photovoltaic Materials Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Region North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe Germany UK France Italy Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific China India Japan Rest of Asia-Pacific Latin America Brazil Middle East & Africa



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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.

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San Francisco, 14 Oct 2021: The Report Pore Strips Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Ingredient (Non-charcoal, Charcoal), By End Use (Home, Salon), By Region (North America, Europe, APAC, CSA, MEA), And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028

The global pore strips market size is expected to reach USD 2.14 billion by 2028, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2021 to 2028. The millennial population has radically reshaped the beauty and personal care industry in recent years. Millennials are becoming more conscious of their physical appearances and looks and are willing to use diverse products that are proven to give effective skin nourishment and quick fixes. Inspired by these trends, numerous pore strip manufacturers are launching products that contain natural ingredients, such as aloe vera, lemon, orange, and charcoal.

With the increased access to the internet and social media apps such as Instagram and YouTube, consumers are looking to explore skincare products, including pore strips, on these platforms to gain the necessary information related to effective at-home skincare routines. With detailed videos from how to know your skin type to what kind of night/day routines to follow, these apps have a wide variety of content that suits the needs of beginners as well as experts.

Emerging markets and the increasing demand for overseas goods are further driving online spending. Consumers in emerging countries such as China and India prefer local e-commerce companies, such as Tmall in China and Flipkart in India. Consumer spending in the U.S. and some countries in Europe has witnessed a slight drop owing to the global recession. However, the market has witnessed significant growth in recent years due to the rising demand from emerging markets, such as China, India, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and other South Asian countries.

As consumers have been spending less on beauty and grooming products over the past year and a half, many skincare companies have responded to the crisis by shifting gears and offering hand sanitizers and cleaning agents instead.

According to global reports, the beauty and personal care industry in the U.S. can decline by up to 35% in the worst-case scenario. In-store and offline purchases of pore strips accounted for approximately 85% of purchases. Due to the closure of stores worldwide amid the COVID-19 pandemic, 30% of stores were shut down and it is estimated that 23% of the stores will permanently shut down.

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Pore Strips Market Report Highlights

The home end-use segment grabbed the largest share of over 65.0% in 2020. The growing fashion consciousness among consumers is expected to boost the growth of the segment

By ingredient, the non-charcoal segment accounted for the largest share of over 70.0% in 2020. Changing consumer perception toward organic products and the growing utilization of environmentally sustainable products are fueling the demand for naturally derived ingredients

Asia Pacific held the largest revenue share of more than 40.0% in 2020 and is expected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period owing to the increasing product adoption in the region

List of Key Players of Pore Strips Market

Kao Corporation

Walgreen Co.

Ulta Beauty

Earth Therapeutics

Sephora

LOreal

Tonymoly Co., Ltd.

Boscia

Hip Hop

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San Francisco, 14 Oct 2021: The Report Shapewear Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By End User (Male, Female), By Distribution Channel (Hypermarkets & Supermarkets, Specialty Stores, Online), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028

The global shapewear market size is anticipated to reach USD 3.7 billion by 2028, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 8.0% from 2021 to 2028. The growth of this market is fueled by factors such as changing lifestyles, increased use of compression wear among the geriatric population, and developments in garment designs and fabric technology. Furthermore, the rise in online sales of compression wear and shapewear, as well as the rising demand for plus-size clothes, has fueled the growth of the market.

The market is also influenced by a variety of cultural factors. When it comes to the body, the concept of perfection is being replaced with the concept of self-love and comfort in one's own shape and size. The market has been influenced by this body-positivity philosophy.

Shapewear is not about hiding defects for millennials and Gen-Z shoppers; rather, it is seen as apparel that improves rather than alters one's appearance. As a result, Gen Z-focused manufacturers like Honeylove have gained a wider audience by avoiding the term "shapewear" and instead of offering "sculptwear" in a variety of sensual styles with flattering elements that women want to flaunt in public.

Most of these companies also have enormous communities - Shapermint, for example, has four million members  who are encouraged to share their photos using shapewear across various social media platforms. Skims' inclusive strategy, which includes varied ad campaigns and a wide assortment of items in all shapes and colors, has also made it popular with millennials. They have one of the broadest size ranges (XXS to 4X) and a wide selection of skin tones to accommodate people of all ethnicities.

Women nowadays expect work-life flexibility intimates that may keep their bodies in tip-top form and make them appear attractive. Many firms are examining this as a customer-centric strategy and expanding their product portfolios to include lighter, firmer, and more practical products for everyday use throughout the year.

Access Research Report of Shapewear Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/shapewear-market

Shapewear Market Report Highlights

The female segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 94.0% in 2020 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.9% over the forecast period

The specialty stores distribution channel accounted for the largest revenue share of 58.4% in 2020 and is estimated to ascend with a CAGR of 8.1% over the forecast period

North America accounted for the largest revenue share of 38.8% in 2020

List of Key Players of Shapewear Market

Nike, Inc.

Adidas AG

Spanx Inc.

Triumph International Corporation

Leonisa

Wacoal America, Inc.

Ann Chery

2XU Pty. Ltd.

Under Armour Inc.

Skins International Trading AG

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An automotive side airbag which is also known as curtain airbags is part of the passive safety system inside an automobile. It is generally inflatable devices that help in protecting the passengers and drivers head and chest during a side-impact crash while an accident takes place

Demand Scenario

The global automotive side airbags market was USD 6.40 billion in 2018 and is estimated to reach USD 9.71 billion in 2025 at a CAGR of 6.14% during the forecast period

Growth by Region

Asia-Pacific region leads the market with more than half of the market share in 2018 owing to the demand for enhanced safety features across all automotive segments, including mid-range and entry-level vehicles in the region. Europe, on the other hand, holds the second position with more than 27% share in 2018 due to the presence of major automobile manufacturers and rapid technological developments focusing on enhanced safety features in the region. North America is also expected to grow due to rising disposable income in the region paired with the wide-scale preference of automobiles with safety features by people in the region.

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Drivers vs Constraints

The market is mainly driven by rising public concerns and awareness of vehicular safety especially in the developing automotive markets such as China and India paired with the growing importance of crash test and NCAP ratings of vehicles globally. Also, rising automotive sales are also propelling the growth of automotive side airbags market globally. However, the growth is hindered by lack of regulation for airbags in medium and heavy-duty vehicles.

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Industry Trends and Updates

Kia Motors Corporation, South Koreas second largest automobile manufacturer has launched its first dedicated hybrid model named as Niro inbuilt with enhanced safety features with first and second-row side or curtain airbags to protect the passengers during a crash.

Autoliv, Inc., a global leader in automotive safety to all leading car manufacturers had delivered over half a billion airbags for side protection to reduce injuries and fatalities to the occupants chest during side-impact collisions of their vehicle. This newly patented side airbag was launched in cooperation with Volvo and Mercedes.

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Vitamin test Market Research Report, by Type (Vitamin B12, Carotene, Folic Acid Test), Technology (high-performance liquid chromatography), End-User (Hospitals and Clinics, Ambulatory Surgical Centre, Diagnostic Centre)-Forecast Till 2027

Market Highlights

The Vitamin test market is expected to witness tremendous growth owing to the rising prevalence of vitamin deficiency. Other key factors such as the change to sedentary lifestyle, increase in smoking, and increasing consumption of junk food and packaged food, growing geriatric population, rising consumer awareness for vitamin benefits, and technologically advanced laboratories are contributing towards the growth of the market. However, factors such as, high cost of vitamin test, limitations of the tests like false positives and false negatives and lack of awareness in developing countries are expected to restrict the market growth during the forecast period.

ALSO READ @ http://www.marketwatch.com/story/vitamin-test-market-regional-growth-key-values-future-demand-covid19-impact-business-opportunities-and-challenges-2027-2021-05-06

Segmentation

The global Vitamin test market is segmented on the basis of type, technology, and end-user. the vitamin test market, by type, is categorized into vitamin B12 & folic acid test,folic acid (folate) test , carotene (beta carotene) test, vitamin K1 test, vitamin E test, vitamin d 25-dihydroxy (calcitriol) test, vitamin C test, vitamin B12 test, vitamin B6 test, vitamin B5 test, vitamin B3 (niacin) test, vitamin B2 (riboflavin) test, vitamin a (retinol) test, vitamin B1 test. On the basis of Technology, the market is segmented into high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), radioimmunoassay, ELISA tests, chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA)and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. On the basis of end-user, the market is segmented into hospitals and clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, diagnostic centers, research centers, and others.

Regional Analysis

The Americas is the largest in the market owing to the increasing prevalence of vitamin deficiency and growing healthcare expenditure. According to the The United States Department of Agriculture in 2014, 50% of Americans are deficient in vitamin A, vitamin C, and magnesium. Such a high incidence of vitamin deficiency drives market growth in this region.

Europe (UK, Belgium, France, and Netherlands) is the second largest vitamin test market during the forecast period. The increasing in awareness for vitamins and vitamin testing drives the market in this region. The European Laboratory of Nutrients (ELN) is an advanced laboratory for testing the nutrient levels in European population. Every year European Laboratory of Nutrients (ELN) organizes an international symposium titled Advanced Clinical Nutrition - Nutrients for Prevention and Cure of Disease'. Thus enhancing vitamin testing market in this region.

Asia-Pacific was projected to be the fastest growing region for the global vitamin test market in 2017. The market is expected to witness growth owing to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases in this region. Also, the presence of technologically advanced countries like China and Japan in this region is expected to influence the market growth in this region.

The Middle East and Africa accounts for the least share due to low per capita income and lack of availability of well-trained healthcare professionals. However, the rising healthcare services both at the hospital level and in the community are expected to influence the market in a positive way.

Access Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/vitamin-test-market-6377

Key Players

Some of the key players in the global Vitamin test market are VitaMe Technologies Inc., R-Biopharm AG, Abbott Laboratories, ImmunoDiagnostics Inc., F. Hoffman-La Roche, Siemens AG, Diazyme Laboratories, DiaSorin S.p.A, ORGENTEC Diagnostika GmbH and others.

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At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Statistical Report, Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.
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The Global PP Non-woven Fabric Market Report, in its latest update, highlights the significant impacts and the recent strategically changes under the present socio-economic scenario. The PP Non-woven Fabric industry growth avenues are deeply supported by exhaustive research by the top analysts of the industry. The report starts with the executive summary, followed by a value chain and Marketing channels study. The report then estimates the CAGR and Market revenue of the global and regional segments.

Base Year: 2020

Estimated Year: 2021

Forecast Till: 2027

The report classifies the market into different segments based on type and product. These segments are studied in detail, incorporating the market estimates and forecasts at regional and country levels. The segment analysis is helpful in understanding the growth areas and potential opportunities of the market.

Get | Download FREE Sample Report of Global PP Non-woven Fabric Market @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-1757

A special section is dedicated to the analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the growth of the PP Non-woven Fabric market. The impact is closely studied in terms of production, import, export, and supply.

The report covers the complete competitive landscape of the Worldwide PP Non-woven Fabric market with company profiles of key players such as:

Ahlstrom

Kimberley-Clark

Mitsui Chemicals

Polymer Group

Toray Industries

Action Non-wovens

Asahi Kasei

Avgol

CHTC Jiahua Non-woven

Dalian Ruiguang Non-woven

Dongguan Wei Chun Non-woven

DuPont

Fibertex

First Quality

Fitesa

Foss Manufacturing

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PP Non-woven Fabric Market Analysis by Type:

Spunbond Non-woven Fabric

Staple Non-woven Fabric

Meltdown Non-woven Fabric

Composite Non-woven Fabric

PP Non-woven Fabric Market Analysis by Application:

Building

Car

Filter

Other

PP Non-woven Fabric Market Analysis by Geography:

North America (USA, Canada, and Mexico)

(USA, Canada, and Mexico) Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Rest of Europe)

(Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Rest of Europe) Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, South-East Asia, Rest of Asia-Pacific)

(China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, South-East Asia, Rest of Asia-Pacific) Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Rest of Latin America)

(Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Rest of Latin America) The Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, South Africa, Rest of the Middle East and Africa)

Key questions answered in the report:

What is the expected growth of the PP Non-woven Fabric market between 2022 to 2027?

Which application and type segment holds the maximum share in the Global PP Non-woven Fabric market?

Which regional PP Non-woven Fabric market shows the highest growth CAGR between 2022 to 2027?

What are the opportunities and challenges currently faced by the PP Non-woven Fabric market?

Who are the leading market players and what are their Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT)?

What business strategies are the competitors considering to stay in the PP Non-woven Fabric market?

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DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research report provider, enriching decision-makers, and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research reports, customized research reports, company profiles, and industry databases across multiple domains. Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise, and meaningful data at a lightning speed.

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The Global Planters Market Report, in its latest update, highlights the significant impacts and the recent strategically changes under the present socio-economic scenario. The Planters industry growth avenues are deeply supported by exhaustive research by the top analysts of the industry. The report starts with the executive summary, followed by a value chain and Marketing channels study. The report then estimates the CAGR and Market revenue of the global and regional segments.

Base Year: 2020

Estimated Year: 2021

Forecast Till: 2027

The report classifies the market into different segments based on type and product. These segments are studied in detail, incorporating the market estimates and forecasts at regional and country levels. The segment analysis is helpful in understanding the growth areas and potential opportunities of the market.

Get | Download FREE Sample Report of Global Planters Market @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-1761

A special section is dedicated to the analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the growth of the Planters market. The impact is closely studied in terms of production, import, export, and supply.

The report covers the complete competitive landscape of the Worldwide Planters market with company profiles of key players such as:

John Deere

CNH

AGCO

KUHN

Kubota

Kinze

Gasparoo (Maschio)

Lemken

Grimme

Great Plain

Kverneland

Nonghaha

Henan Haofeng

Bonong

Yaao Agricultural

Agricultural Machinery

Shandong Dahua Machinery

MENOBLE

Woer

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Planters Market Analysis by Type:

Centrifugal Spreader

Sowing Machine

Planters Market Analysis by Application:

Cereals

Corn

Cotton

Other

Planters Market Analysis by Geography:

North America (USA, Canada, and Mexico)

(USA, Canada, and Mexico) Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Rest of Europe)

(Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Rest of Europe) Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, South-East Asia, Rest of Asia-Pacific)

(China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, South-East Asia, Rest of Asia-Pacific) Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Rest of Latin America)

(Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Rest of Latin America) The Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, South Africa, Rest of the Middle East and Africa)

Key questions answered in the report:

What is the expected growth of the Planters market between 2022 to 2027?

Which application and type segment holds the maximum share in the Global Planters market?

Which regional Planters market shows the highest growth CAGR between 2022 to 2027?

What are the opportunities and challenges currently faced by the Planters market?

Who are the leading market players and what are their Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT)?

What business strategies are the competitors considering to stay in the Planters market?

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About Us:

DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research report provider, enriching decision-makers, and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research reports, customized research reports, company profiles, and industry databases across multiple domains. Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise, and meaningful data at a lightning speed.

For more details:

DecisionDatabases.com

E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.com

Phone: +91 90 28 057900

Web: https://www.decisiondatabases.com/
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --A Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. and Nissan Middle East have been charged to pay in excess of AED 1.3 billion (including interest) to the Partner "Al Dahana FZCO" in a landmark ruling in the case filed by the latter. A

The case, first filed in 4th July, 2019, sought compensation for damages suffered due to breach of contract committed by Nissan, its subsidiary Nissan Middle East and two appointed Directors. The Dubai Court of First Instance initially issued its judgement ordering Nissan to jointly pay Al Dahana over AED 1.3 billion, inclusive of A interest, on 29th September, 2021.A

Following the review of presented evidence and provisions of the law, on 4th October, 2021, the Dubai Court of Urgent Matters issued a precautionary attachment order over goods and moveables, bank accounts and balances of the two companies and valued the debt owed by them to be approx AED 1.3 Billion including interest.

Speaking about the landmark ruling, Mr. Nasser Watar a CEO for Al Dahana Group said, "Al Dahana is extremely happy with the court's verdict and would like to thank Dubai Courts for their impartial and just ruling. We feel heard, and believe this will pave the way forA other regional companies to seek justice as well."
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/ --A 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 Zinka 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 a 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 Zinka ZP-Circle Photo Paper

Bluetooth 5.0 compatible A 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 A About Canon Middle EastA A Canon Middle East, a subsidiary of Canon Europe, is the operational headquarters for Canon in the Middle East is based in Dubai, UAE.A A A 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.A A Canon's corporate philosophy isA Kyosei a '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.A A A 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 A
Litchfield, CT (06759)

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Sunny along with a few clouds. High 43F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph..

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Clear. Low around 25F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.
The woman tried to leave the home and they struggled, but Faison wouldnt let her go. He told her to sit down in a chair and she did, after which he began to call her numerous names, the warrant said. When she tried to get up, Faison grabbed her by the neck with both hands and squeezed. The woman told police she felt like she was going to pass out.
The First Amendments Free Speech Clause protects Care Nets rights to speak, to publish speech, to be free from content and viewpoint discrimination to be free from unconstitutional conditions, to be free from vague laws allowing unbridled discretion, to be free from overbroad laws, to not speak, and to not publish speech,' the lawsuit states. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution protects Care Nets rights to operate, publish, speak, and not speak, in accordance with its religious beliefs.
Chris DiPentima, president of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association, said manufacturing support in Connecticut over the last five or six years provided survival tools. New funding for manufacturing programs approved this year by the General Assembly and Lamont will help expand programs to promote manufacturing in Connecticut.
The $400,000 city initiative, which is still in the planning stage, will join more than 80 other Open Streets programs  also known as ciclovias, or cycleways  in and outside of the U.S. The city plans to finalize the dates and route for the pedestrian walkway by the end of the year after talking with NRZs, business associations, and major institutions, but it will likely include portions of Albany Avenue, Farmington Avenue, Park Street, north Main Street and Franklin Avenue.
I dont know how we dig our way out of this, but it is definitely a systemwide issue and one that is going to take some time to get through and to get out of, said Heather Gates, the president and CEO of Community Health Resources, which operates a wide range of programs for adults and children impacted by mental illness, substance use disorder or trauma, in Connecticut.
Ridership could rise even higher if the new Inland Route offered direct, one-seat rides from Hartford to Boston, AECOM found. If half of the east-west round trips continued on to Hartford rather than traveling west to Pittsfield, Mass., the line would see up to 720,000 boardings in 2040  a 54% increase over Massachusetts ridership forecast.
The class of about 10 students discuss collective trauma and how to build peace among those from different backgrounds, which are largely reflected by the multi-faith student body: about 40% is Christian, 40% is Muslim, and 20% is Jewish and other faith traditions. The way it makes us have discussions with each other is just perfect, Moujahed said.
More recently, a video was posted to YouTube showing a young man being handcuffed outside the school while another young man shouts obscenities, prompting scores of comments on the New Britain Talks page on Facebook. The city has said the man being handcuffed was a 19-year-old who isnt a student at the school, but instead a repeat trespasser who had been warned before to stay away.
Senior Fahsha Goffe suggested that one part of either a class or after-school group should be The Social Dilemma, a 2020 docudrama about the risks of social networking. Part of its focus was on how social media users can wind up being manipulated without ever realizing it.
The Biden administration has taken notice of how Connecticut has continued to put families first. Our state has made historic investments in early childhood education to provide support for families in unprecedented ways, said Max Reiss, a Lamont spokesman. What were doing in Connecticut is what the president is looking to do at the national level, and were proud to serve as a model.
Television has greatly evolved since Sue was writing in Hollywood in the 1980s. From her experience then, she was concerned that her stories and characters would be diminished when they were adapted. But as the power of television has transformed over time, so too has the quality from writing and acting to the production values and viewing experience, Humphrey said in a statement issued through A+E and also posted on Graftons Facebook page.
Jason said they were actually saving for a different project  a horror or thriller. The pandemic put a halt on that and he pivoted to something more intimate that required a smaller crew and only a few actors. Jason struggled to find a setting for the young lovers; the couple goes to an Airbnb to hash things out.
We are currently focused on supporting our ER team as they process the events that occurred last night, and ensuring the ongoing safety and welfare of our patients and team members, the statement said.
The existing tunnels, built in the 1940s, are housed at Langley Air Force Base and will be demolished. The flight dynamics research center will be on the NASA side of the base, away from lower-lying areas that are prone to flooding, Meade said.
Weve had people who ate here in the 1950s and 60s  locals and tourists, he notes. People have come in for 50th wedding anniversaries after having early meals here. That repeat business is what matters most to us. We want them to feel like its their home away from home.
A year later, Rochambeau and his troops traveled across Connecticut to meet up with Washington on the Hudson River in New York. The two formed a combined force that marched to Yorktown and ultimately trapped and defeated British troops commanded by Gen. Charles Cornwallis. Lafayette and his troops had held Cornwallis in place before the siege, while de Grasses fleet blocked any potential escape by water.
Lubbock, TX (79409)

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Partly cloudy. High 67F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..

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Lubbock, TX (79409)

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Mainly clear skies. Low 33F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

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Mainly clear skies. Low 33F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
In the Telangana High Court, there were only 13 judges on duty for almost two years, as remaining posts were vacant. (DC Image)

Hyderabad: The Union government on Wednesday issued notifications appointing 7 judicial officers - Perugu Sree Sudha, Chilakur Sumalatha, Dr. Gurijala Radha Rani, Munnuri Laxman, Noonsavath Tukaramji and Addula Venkateshwara Reddy and ITAT member Patolla Madhavi Devi - as judges of the Telangana High Court, increasing the total number of judges from 11 to 18. These posts are filled under judicial quota.

Around one-and-a-half-years ago, these names were proposed by the Collegium of Telangana High Court and forwarded to the Supreme Court to consider them as judges of the Telangana High Court under judicial quota.

On August 17, the Supreme Court Collegium headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana, expressed his consent and forwarded the names to the Union government to examine and appoint them as judges. However, the Union government took a long time to convey its nod and at last, last week, it approved the list and sent it to the President of India for his endorsement.

In the Telangana High Court, there were only 13 judges on duty for almost two years, as remaining posts were vacant. In 2021, after Justice Ramana took charge, the judges posts in Telangana High Court were increased from 24 to 42. But the posts have not been filled up. Two months ago, Justice Kondandaram retired from services and Justice P. Keshava Rao died due to ill health. Recently two judges - Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao and Justice T. Amarnath Goud - have been transferred to various High Courts. One judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has been transferred to Telangana High Court. But, he is yet to assume charges. Now, there are totally 11 judges on duty, and with these appointments, the number of judges will increase to 18.

Newly-appointed judges

* P. Sree Sudha - Presently presiding the Cooperative Tribunal, she was born on 6 June 1967. She was the district judge of Nizamabad in 2002. She also rendered services as the Director of the Judicial Academy in united Andhra Pradesh.

* C. Sumalatha - Presently chief judge of City Civil Court in Hyderabad, she was born on 5 February 1972 in Nellore. Promoted as district judge in 2006. Did doctorate.

* G. Radha Rani - Presently principal judge of Ranga Reddy district courts, she was born on 29 June 1963. Promoted as district judge in 2008.

* M. Lakshman - Presently presiding officer of the Labour Court in Hyderabad, he was born on 24 December 1965. Promoted as district judge in 2008 and was the principal judge of Khammam.

* N. Tukaram - Presently Hyderabad metropolitan courts sessions judge, he was born on 24 February 1973. Promoted as district judge in 2007 and worked as district judge in Rajahmundry, Vizag and other courts.

* A. Venkateshwar Reddy - Chief judge, city small causes court, he was born on 1 April 1961. He was the principal judge of Ranga Reddy district.

* P. Madhavi Devi - Presently judicial member in Income Tax Appellate Tribunal and practiced as an advocate in the High Court.
The Union Jal Shakti Ministry issued a notification on July 15, as per the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014, fixing the jurisdictions of the Godavari River Management Board and the Krishna River Management Board. - PTI Photo

Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday issued an order handing over only four components (projects), on river Krishna that fell under the state jurisdiction, to the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) in compliance with the Gazette Notification issued by the Union Jal Shakti Ministry in July this year.

The AP government, however, attached a rider that the handing over of the projects be done "simultaneously only", implying that neighbouring Telangana too fulfil its similar obligation as per the Jal Shakti notification.

In addition, AP Water Resources Secretary J Syamala Rao attached a note to the KRMB Chairman requesting that necessary action be taken with respect to Jurala project also, under Telangana jurisdiction, on the upstream of river Krishna that affects inflows into Srisailam reservoir.

Syamala Rao requested that the KRMB take over all projects of both states, including the ongoing projects upon completion, that affect inflows into the common reservoirs and that draw water directly from them.

The Union Jal Shakti Ministry issued a notification on July 15, as per the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014, fixing the jurisdictions of the Godavari River Management Board and the Krishna River Management Board.

The notification said the KRMB would exercise jurisdiction over the projects and its components like head works (barrages, dams, reservoirs, regulating structures), part of canal network and transmission lines on river Krishna.

"While the State Governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana shall be responsible for managing natural calamities, the KRMB shall advise the two State Governments on the management of disaster or drought or flood in the river Krishna, particularly in reference to the release of water for the management and mitigation of the natural calamities," the Central notification said.

The notification formally came into force on Thursday.

The AP government, however, agreed to immediately hand over only the Srisailam project spillway and river sluices, Pothireddypadu head regulator and Srisailam Right Main Canal, Handri-Neeva Lift Irrigation Scheme and the Muchumarri Lift Irrigation Scheme to the KRMB.

It also agreed to transfer the posts sanctioned in various cadres and respective field offices under these four projects to the Central body.

At a special meeting of the KRMB in Hyderabad two days ago, the AP government insisted on including the powerhouses on river Krishna, the main bone of contention between the two states, in the prioritised list for handing over to the Board.

"AP is ready for prioritised implementation of the (Jal Shakti) notification but truncated implementation with exclusion of powerhouses will not be acceptable," the state Water Resources Secretary asserted at the Board meeting.

The Board decided that "all direct outlets (components) from the main reservoirs of Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar projects which are listed under Schedule-II of the Gazette Notification may be prioritised by respective state government for handing over to the KRMB by October 14, 2021."

The KRMB prioritised 15 projects in both states for handing over, including the two main powerhouses each under AP and Telangana control.
There has been a sudden spike of new cases in Warangal Urban, which increased to 17 from six on Thursday. (DC file photo)

HYDERABAD: Telangana on Thursday reported 168 new Covid-19 cases, which is a continuation of the downslide. There has been a steady decline in cases as the daily numbers are less than 200 for the last two weeks.

Due to the festive season, testing of samples has also come down to 31,442.

However, there has been a sudden spike of new cases in Warangal Urban, which increased to 17 from six on Thursday.

Government doctors state that it is also due to the weather conditions in the region as many people are not able to come to primary health centres because of continuous downpours.

Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation limits recorded 57 new cases, Nalgonda 11, Karimnagar and Medchal Malkajgiri 10 cases each.

The total number of cases in the state stands at 6,68,618 while the death toll is 3,935.
Visakhapatnam/Raipur: Akkiraju Haragopal alias RK, the central committee member of the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist) has reportedly died of illness in a forest bordering South Bastar of Chhattisgarh.

While the top Maoist leader died on Wednesday, reports about his death came out only a day later. He was said to be suffering from pneumonia and other ailments. He carried a reward of Rs 50 lakh on his head.

We are receiving inputs that Ramakrishna died in a forest in the borders of south Bastar on Wednesday. But we are yet to confirm the news, Dr Abhishek Pallav, Dantewada district superintendent of police told Deccan Chronicle.

Bastar Inspector general of police Sunderraj also maintained that the police was trying to confirm the report. Visakhapatnam district superintendent of police Krishna Rao said the death of RK was confirmed.

The 70-year-old Central Committee member had earlier escaped a few police encounters. In one encounter, held in Malkangiri district of Odisha in 2016, his son Munna was killed. RKs wife and former Naxalite Padma, who is staying in Alakurapadu village of Prakasam district in AP and sympathisers of the outlawed group refused to comment on the development.

They (police) killed RK about 50 times and we dont believe the news, said a sympathiser based out of Hyderabad.

Padma surrendered to police about a decade ago and was eking out a living by tailoring. She was still in the village till last reports came in and was refusing to talk to anyone on the reports of RKs death.

Though his name used to figure during several encounters and reports emerged later that he escaped, RKs presence was confirmed at least twice -- one each in Guntur district and Balimela (Odisha) encounter, in the second of which he is said to have sustained a bullet injury in 2016.

RK, son of a teacher in the backward Planadu region of Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh, was attracted to the Naxal ideology from his school days and was actively involved in the Radical Students Union, the student wing of the Peoples War Group which merged with Maoists post the peace talks held by then YS Rajasekhar Reddy-led Congress government in 2004.

He went underground about four decades ago and came into the mainstream for a brief period during the peace talks.

A committed worker of the erstwhile PWG, he served as the state secretary and went on to become the member of the central committee. A tech wizard, RK also handled the technical research for the outlawed group and his name figured in the landmine blast at Alipiri targeting former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.

He led the Technical Research Arms Manufacturing (TRAM) unit of the CPI (M), which is mainly involved in making arms and weapons required for the group.
Hyderabad: The Centre's much-hyped gazette on irrigation projects came into force on Thursday but all the projects on Krishna and Godavari now remain under the control of the Telangana government.

While AP government issued orders on Thursday handing over projects on Krishna to KRMB, the TS government did not issue such orders.

The Centre issued the gazette on July 16 bringing all projects on Krishna and Godavari under the jurisdiction of the respective river boards -- KRMB and GRMB --with effect from October 14.

The Centre too appears not keen on a takeover of the projects anytime soon as no clear directions were given to the TS government to hand over the projects within a prescribed period.

This being so, the TS government dashed off a letter to KRMB on Thursday stating that it will not hand over its hydel power stations at Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar. Besides, it also sought several modifications in the minutes of the KRMB meetings held since July demanding that AP should not divert more than 34tmc from Srisailam reservoir.

The Centre had identified 49 projects with all their outlets in Krishna to be taken over when the gazette was issued in July.

This number came down to 29 by August, further down to 21 in the October 10 meeting and to 15 in the October 11 meeting. But, the Centre could not take over even these 15 projects.

In the Godavari, an agreement was reached only to hand over the Peddavagu, a joint project of TS and AP.

As if this was not enough, the TS government appointed a committee to examine which projects could be handed over to the Centre and submit its report in 15 days.
The search for a vaccine for children against Covid-19 could end soon with the subject expert committee (SEC) of the Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) recommending emergency use authorisation (EUA) for the indigenously developed Covaxin for those aged between two and 18. Once the Drugs Controller- General of India (DCGI) gives its final nod, it would become the first vaccine globally for the use in children of age two. The two-dose vaccine will be administered with a gap of 28 days, compared with 4-6 weeks for adults, experts say. The manufacturers of Covaxin conducted phase 2 and phase 3 trials on children in the age groups of two and six, six and 12 and 12 and 18 and submitted data to CDSCO in September. The final approval would be granted after assessing these data.

India has been known for its vaccine manufacturing capabilities but has not been into developing new ones in a big way. The making of Covaxin by Bharat Biotech with the help of government agencies Indian Medical Research Council (ICMR) and the National Institute of Virology (NIV) proved the mettle of the scientific community in the country, and as such, it was a promising development.

Covaxin has played a pivotal role in Indias vaccination programme against the pandemic along with Covishield, developed by Oxford University and manufactured by Serum Institute of India in India. It may, however, be remembered that the World Health Organsiation (WHO) is yet to give its EUA to the vaccine; lack of adequate data is said to be the reason why the world health body remains undecided on the indigenously made vaccine, though 10 months have passed since Indian authorities okayed its emergency use in India. Most nations do not consider vaccination with Covaxin enough to consider people to be fully inoculated with no WHO approval.

Governments as well as people who have been lucky to have escaped or survived the virus have been looking up to vaccines as the most important tool in the fight against the microorganism. Scientists were successful in deciphering the genetic code of the virus quickly and began the process of making a vaccine. It still took months for many nations, including those that are scientifically advanced, to complete the scientific processes testing their safety and efficacy, among other parameters, before getting the approval of the agencies concerned. It is to be noted that the due process was followed before the grant of approval despite the tearing hurry and pressure from governments all over the world.

It is true that lakhs of children have returned to school last month and this after remaining confined to their homes for about 18 months. Vaccinating them would be a reassuring process for the parents who are in the dilemma whether to send them to school or not, what with the warnings of a third wave filling the air. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that the vaccines that are administered to the children meet all the scientific requirements, and their data is assessed as per the norms the international community would also approve of. Nothing less is enough.
Emporia, KS (66801)

Today

Windy and becoming cloudy in the afternoon. High around 55F. Winds S at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early will become partly cloudy later at night. Low 37F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.
Written by ACM





*Strasbourg/Angelo Marcopolo/- In what might probably be marked as a Record-High Bad Faith in Establishment's Medias, Vote Counting, and Strange Health Care services, Prague, at Europe's Heart, Before Chairing the EU Next Year (2022), gave, in Fact, a Landmark Popular Support to the Main Ideas and Values Supported by its embattled Prime Minister Andrej Babis, who, (against False Appearances), practicaly Succeeded into stimulating Almost an absolute Majority of 54% among the Voting People !

This was Against a distand Minority with Not even 44% of Votes, in a dispersed Opposition, hastily and clumsily set up in some Shaky pseudo-"Coalitions", among Even Opposed or Heteroclite, various Small Parties, (Including with ...Pro-Babis' Ideas in certain cases : See Infra), which attempt to Hide the Fact that those who are Mainly Opposed to the current Prime Minister on Topical Key Issues, Lost badly, being the most Rejected by the People (Ibid)...

Spectacularly United, in Public, Together with the Prime Ministers of Hungary, Victor Orban, and Slovenia's Janos Jansa (currently EU President-in-office for 2021), as well as USA former Vice-President Mike Pence, at Budapest's Castle recent Heads of State/GovernmentSummit for Europe's "Demography", and Against Replacement by a Massive Immigation, from Non-European Foreign Countries, mainly Islamic, wihOut any Cultural Integration in the History and Values of the Host Country, some Days ago, Babis, (already a Critical, Outsider element in EU Politics), was Suddenly Hit, at the Last Minute Before the Election 2021, by unproven allegations Against his personal Integrity by Mediatic so-called "Pandora" Papers, where some Accused him to have, Reportedly, a link to ..."a Castle in France', through Czech off shore Companies, Bought ...Since 2009" (sic !) ...i.e. about 12 (Twelve) Years Earlier, (which, at any case, Already Belonged to Other Czech Companies Also Before that)...

Babis immediately Denounces Fake "Slandering", and observes that this is "Not any International" move, But Only something pushed by a "Mafia" in his own Country, Czechia, which seeked Revenge for his Anti-Corruption Fight, during Many Years, Since 2013, (See Infra). However, Despite the Fact that Even "Wikipedia", (which has an Extensive Record of Many and Various Accusations against him) does Not Publish that rocambolesque Claim Hitting him, Nevertheless, a Few Days Before the Vote, Only the Words : "Babis ... Pandora Papers ...Chateau in France" (sic ! ) Repeated by a lot of Establishment's Medias without Explanations, reportedly Might have Misled some Voters, serving as a Pretext for an (Otherwise Suspect) Blow up of Opposition's Bulletins OverNight, and/or a Simultaneous Exceptional "Disappearance" of some pro-Babis Candidates' usual Bulletins, Dissuading eventual Denonciations of Last Minute "Fraud" in favor of his Opponents at the Late Night Counting, (almost as f.ex. at the Infamous "Biden v. Trump" Row on the Results mainly of Controversial Postal/Absentees' and/or Electronic Votes OverNight on November 2020)...

So, his Competitors, echoed by most Establishment's Medias, Hurry up to Claim an alleged Tight "Victory" for them, at the Last Minute, ...Even if a Careful Analysis of the Votes, on the Contrary, Reveals a quite Strong Popular Support for pro-Babis' Political Views by a clear Majority of Czech People, and several Converging Facts provoke legitimate Suspicions of probable Electoral Fraud Against him, (See Infra) !

Indeed, all the First Indications on the Electoral Date, when the Ballot Boxes Closed, was that Babis was clearly Winning the race, with his Big Party "ANO" (means "Yes !") coming clearly 1st, with Slightly Less than 30% of the Votes, and most probably due to Govern anew.

+ This was Expected to be done, with the conditional Cooperation, inter alia (See Infra), Also of an Atypical New Rightist Party, credited with about 10% of the Votes : that of "Freedom and Direct Democracy", (Created by Japan-Origin Tomio Okamura, mutatis-mutandis, as Also mainstream "PanEuropa" movement Founder, Coudenhove-Kallergi, Born at Tokyo by a Japanese Mother and a European, Austro-Hungarian Father), as well ns with a smaller and atypical, Old "Social-Democrat" Party. In fact, Prime Minister Babis had Succeeded to broker an Original Alliance between atypical Rightist and Leftist Parties ! (See Also Infra).

That's why he was Already Supported Even by an Historic "Communist" (sic !) Party, to which were Expected to be Added, this time (from 2021 Elections) Also Many Other Small Parties, particularly New ones : Such, as, f.ex., of the "Oath", just Created by the former Attorney who had Denounced a Large Corruption in a Governing Party Back on 2013, Against which Babis Entered Politics for the 1st Time, Created his own Party ("ANO"), and Became Deputy Prime Minister, and Finance Minister, (i.e. a Potential new Ally, who Succeeded Now to Arrive 1st among All Small Partis !). As well as probably Supported and by anOther Small Party, which had just managed to Double its Voters : the "Free Citizens" Party, of an Atypical Right, until recently Member of Nigel Farage's Group of MEPs in EU Parliament. Perhaps Backed also by the Small Rightist Party "Free Block" or "Sovereignity", which has just Tripled his Votes between 2013 and 2021, (etc).

---------------------------

Facing them was Not Any Big Party at all, But Only 2 Coalitions, both composed from Various Medium or rather Small Parties, often of quite Different Orientations :

- F.ex. the 3 Parties' Coalition "Together", with Two Center-Right Parties : The "Christian-Democrats", and "Tradition" (alias "TOP 09"), as well as the Conservative "ODS" ("Civic Democratic") Party, whose Joint Results Approached Babis' Party Result.

- Most Probably Allied to the Heteroclite "Pirates" and "various Mayors" (sic !) Coalition, simply Named "Pirates and Mayors" (re-sic !!), Expected to score a Little-bit More than the Above-mentioned Rightists of "Freedom and Direct Democracy", Babis' Allies (Comp.Supra).

+ But these Dispersed Opposition Parties had Obviously Exhausted their Political Forces on 2021, withOut Hope to Attract Any Eventual Ally among various Smaller Parties, (Except, perhaps, of the "Greens", who Fell Now Down to Less than Only ...0,9% (sic !) of the Votes, Becoming Irrelevant)...

----------------------------------------------

=> Finally, (and Even taking into Account those Last-Minute Changes, UnExpectedly made by Late Counting and that Suspicious Last-Minute Slandering of Babis, with Fake Accusations : Comp. Supra + Infra), the Results of the Czech People's Votes were the Following :

- Leaning FOR Prime Minister Babis : His own Party "ANO" ("Yes") 27,13% (First in MPs : 72), + Atypical Rightists of "Democracy and Direct Democracy" 10%, New Party "Oath" 4,68%, "SocialDemocrats" 4,65%, "Communist" Party 3,60%, "Free Citizens" 2,76%, "Sovereignity/Free Block" 1,33%, etc. => i.e. a Total of an Absolute Majority of Czech People's casted valid Votes at about 54 % !

- Opposition AGAINST him : Coalition "Together" 27,79% (But Second in MPs: 71), Coalition "Pirates + Mayors" 15,61%, "Greens" 0,9%, etc. => I.e. a Total of an obvious Minority of People's Votes at about Only 44%...

---------------------------------------------------------------

>>> Nevertheless, a strange Late Counting of Ballots, Suddenly seems to have Systematicaly Altered, at the Last Minute, OverNight, severale Initialy much More "pro-Babis" Czech People's Vote Results, (Comp. Supra), Pushing towards an Astonishingly Harsh Elimination of Many such Votes and Even of Too Many Small Political Parties, Old and New, Favorable to the current, embattled Czech Prime Minister :

- In Fact, ALL Small Parties which would Cooperate with Babis, Suddenly saw the Number of Ballots giving them Votes, Systematicaly Slashed, Reduced, Cut and Thrown Lower than the Crucial Threshhold of 5% Needed in order to have any MPs in the Parliament, as NEVER BEFORE in the History of the Country !

Indeed, f.ex., the "SocialDemocrats" (Part of Babis' Government) were thus Excluded from the Parliament, for the 1st Time since 1990 (i.e. practically Since the Fall of Berlin Wall) !... And the "Communist" Party of Czechia, (which Supported Babis' Government), was Also Excluded from the Parliament, for the 1st Time (Since the Liberation from the NAZIs) on 1945-1948 ! Even The Frontrunner, New and Biggest among All Kinds of Small Parties, the "Oath", (Created Now by the Attorney Famous for having Revealed the Largest Governemental Corruption in the Country, back on 2013 : Comp. Supra + Infra), was Excluded in an Identical way... Same Methods Abused also OverNight in order to Exclude anOther 2 or 3 pro-Babis' Small Parties, Old or New, (Comp. Supra).

=> Thus, a Total of More than 915.307 valid Votes casted by Czech Citizens, (Almost 1 Million of People), in a Country like Czechia, with just 10 Millions of Inhabitants, ie. the Equivalent of More than 17% of the Votes, something Like the 3rd Biggest Political Party in that Country, were Entirely Wiped Out of the Democratic System, just by that Strange, Last-Minute OverNight re-Counting of the Ballots, (a Notoriously too "Easy" Moment for Eventual Fraud)...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

+ Remains, as Last Resort, the traditional and Crucial Decision of atypical and popular President Milos Zeman, on Whom he is Now going to Give an Official Mandate to try to Form the New Government of the Country.

A Meeting between Zeman and Prime Miniser Babis had been Scheduled for Sunday, October 10. Popular President Zeman has Already given to Others and to Babis himself a Mandate to try to forge a Government Even with a Minority, at the Beginning, and has Vowed to Always choose the Head of the Biggest Party in the Parliament : I.e. Now too Babis' "ANO" ("Yes !"), which has Just Got the Biggest Number of MPs (72, instead of 71 for "Together"), and is a real Autonomous Party, Instead of a Mere Coalition of Smaller Parties, as those of the Opposition, (Comp. Supra).

>>> But, Suddenly : - AnOther Last-Minute Patatrak ! The President of the Country, reportedly, is obliged to Enter in a Hospital, with his Health Suddenly Affected by UnKnown yet Events, for This precise Moment ! And Rccently, Suspecting a kind of Sympathy, between Zeman and Babis, the Opposition, and particularly the "Pirates", had Asked to Give a part of that Competence to Name a Prime Minister, instead, to the Speaker of the Parliament...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

+ Meanwhile, however, it's Also the main Political Choices, made by the Czech People's Votes, which Reveal anOther Crystal-clear pro-Babis' positions Preference, by Droping his Most Fiercely Opposed Adversaries :

>>> Indeed, Even Among the Various Components of that Opposition's 2 Coalitions (Comp. Supra), the "Pirates", who were, Notoriously, the Most Aggressive Against Babis' Counter - Massive Non-European, mainly Islamic Migration Policy, and were Accused by him to Push for LGBT Lobby Interests, "Same Sex" Marriage between Homosexuals, Drugs' Legalisation, and even to "Destroy the Visegrad Group" Alliance with Hungary, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, etc., Surprizingly Lost an Auful Lot of Votes and MPs, Falling Down to Only ... 4 MPs, (Instead of the 22 MPs they had Before), i.e. Losing - 18 MPs Less ! To the point that, If they were Not in Coalition with Various "Independent Mayors", they Might Even have been Excluded from the Parliament, (as having become a Too Small Party)...

+ In Addition, among the 3 Participants in the Other, "Together" Coalition of the Opposition, it's Not the 2 Center or "Center-Right" (EPP) Parties, But Only the "Conservative" Party of "ODS" (alias "Civic Democratic" Party), with its Anti-Mass Migration, Critical vis a vis the EU, and pro-Cultural Integration Policies, who Won the 1st Place. "ODS" is Also reportedly Favorable to a Cooperation with "ANO", in case Babis withdraws.

++ Moreover, the FrontRunner Party of the Opposition is Not Just Anyone : "ODS" (alias "Civic Democracy"), Indeed, was Governing the Country during ...the Biggest and Wider-Spread ever Scandal of Corruption in the whole History of Czechia, Back on 2013, when Even the Then Prime Minister himself, Together with Many Ministers, other Top Politicians, etc., had been Obliged, by a Growing Series of Damning Revelations and Scandalous Findings, to Quit, one after another, Until an Entirely New Governing Team was Elected to Replace them All, while Many had Already been Detained into Prisons, as profoundly Corrupted, in an alleged Plot to Influence the State for their Personal Enrichement... In the Meantime, about 400 Policemen had Raided the Government's Offices, and of various Top Lobbyists, Confiscated Tens of Kgs in Gold, etc., as several Security Officers (even of the Military) were Accused for "Abuse of Power" and "Corruption", including for having Bribed MPs, Manipulated the Prime Minister's Wife, etc. Andrej Babis, originaly a Businesman, had notoriously Entered in Politics then, and Created his succesful Party "ANO", in order to, precisely, Fight against such kind of Widespead State Corruption (Comp. Supra).

=> In Consequence, (and given Also a Growing Number of various New Small Parties in Czechia, More radically Opposed to Mass Migration, EU Bureaucracy, LGBT, etc., that "Eurofora" had Not even the Time to Mention here), the Question seems Raised, Whether those who obviously Strived to Undermine Babis' Government, (Comp. Facts cited Supra), Might, Eventually, Soon Find themselves at an Even "Worse" Situation for their Interests, Than Before...

(../..)

("Draft-News")
This blog covers software patent news and issues with a particular focus on wireless, mobile devices (smartphones, tablet computers, connected cars) as well as select antitrust matters surrounding those devices.
The scene as Kim Jong-un watches invincible soldiers demonstrate extreme physical prowess and demonstrations that earn the admiration of the superiors. It gave an impression of the high degree of training that North Korean troops have, which should be feared by the forces of Seoul.

Invincible soldiers made the supreme leader elated as they crushed bricks with bare hands and were pushed on sharp nail beds with a scratched, seen in the video.

It was bizarre to see the NoKor soldiers going through choreographed and agile kicks and punches that were seen as inhuman. They were shirtless to emphasize their training as well.

NoKor army boasts martial arts, other dangerous stunts in exhibition

The exhibition of martial arts prowess by members of the North Korean army is a part of the opening segment of a defense exhibit held this week, and showing the dictator newest nuclear weapons on display, reported the Sun UK.

What can only be seen are crazed and intentional blasting layers of brick to smithereens, with hands and even their heads. More dangerous stunts were done by hammering on the soldiers' arms or hands, and lying on a nail bed while a block on his chest was hammered simultaneously, noted Uazmi.

One trooper broke two bottles made of glass and placed them in a pile lying on the ground. A video showing one soldier on the ground, lying on the glass while someone pounded a concrete block and smashing it with a sledgehammer, cited Eminetra.

Read Also: Kim Jong-un Opens Direct Line With South Korea To Forward Peace Talks in the Peninsula

The North Korean leader wore a dark suit with a pale blue tie, as he enjoyed the show while sitting near his sister Kim Yo-Jong while watching the spectacle of a soldier performing extreme feats!

A famous presenter, Ri Chun-hee, made remarks about the soldiers, mentioning they have are important to the party because these men show how strong, brave, and high morale is in the Korean People's Army (KPA).

This exhibition celebrates the anniversary and foundation of the Ruling Workers Party. KMJ went next to a nuclear missile last Tuesday. Kim added the collusion of Seoul and the US might force a nuclear war.

He stood close to the biggest missiles produced, but Pyongyang was just all about more self-defense, but not start a simple conflict.

The NoKor leader remarked no one likes war, which needs a preventive to stop it to protect national sovereignty, saying that North Korea's number on the opponent is war itself.

Arms race form both Koreas

North and South of the Korean peninsula are racing to get the most advanced weaponry like nuclear-tipped ICBMs and necessary hardware into their respective arsenals.

Seoul had its first-ever submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) fired by its navy. Other plans by South Korean military planners will be aircraft carriers and F-35 stealth fighters already bought.

Pyongyang has improved the nuclear missile program, with experts remarking the work on their nuclear reactor to make fuel for nuclear warheads.

To this effect, the US is ready to deal with Kim Jong-un to fix the row, once and for all. But, the NoKor leader said he's not interested in dealing yet.

Kim Jong-un watches invincible North Korean soldiers demo their skills in the exhibition for the whole world to see.

Related Article: Kim Jong Un Ignores Joe Biden's Offer To Restart Negotiations; Pyongyang Would Rather Talk to Seoul To Promote Peace

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The marine officer, who posted a rant, will plead guilty to the charges leveraged against him by the Pentagon and military leadership, making plausible excuses for the Afghan debacle. The higher-ups in the chain of command will have the option to hide forever or face the consequence of wrong choices.

Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Scheller Jr. took to social media and posted his rant about how the president and his officials failed the nation by committing error upon error till the US was driven away by third-world insurgents.

Immediate, he was silenced and taken to the brig to stop him from saying anything more, as public opinion lambasted the White House.

Scheller is a true American patriot

The counsel of Stuart Scheller said that he would admit guilt for his comments and the charges against him, reported the Daily Mail.

Last August, he posted the rant after 13 US servicemen died in the line of duty at Kabul airport by a suicide bomber of ISIS-K. He said the higher-ups could have done better to protect Americans, and they should be held to account for it.

Update from Marine Lt. Col. Stu Scheller, who was fired for criticizing military leadership on Afghanistan: If you agree then step up. pic.twitter.com/UvBqQdhyZM  Kristina Wong  (@kristina_wong) August 28, 2021

Scheller, in his uniform, spoke his sentiments fueled by anger and rage about how the incompetence of the leadership slew the troopers. He added it was time for patriots to rise and bring down the corruption in the system constitutionally in a thunderous voice, noted the Express Digest.

Later, he was arrested and stayed in solitary for a week, as he was supposed to be tried on Thursday at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Scheller, a marine officer to pleads guilty when the time comes as an example of taking accountability.

Read Also: Fundraising Gathers $2 Million for Jailed US Marine Who Demanded Accountability for the Afghan Pullout; Patriot Asks To Clear Him Against Administration's Political Persecution

Stuart Scheller will acknowledge the six violations of the military code for calling to attention the fate of the 13 slain service members. To many, it was not him who should be charged.

Marine officer willing to plead guilty

One of his attorneys, Tim Parlatore, spoke to The Hill that the marine would plead guilty to the charges. He explained his client asked for accountability from top leaders who will not get brave. So, Scheller will take the ultimate sacrifice and admit to fake charges and show them how to bear responsibility.

The lawyer said his client would not pull back from his decision, so a deal for an honorable discharge or a discharge with honorable conditions is preferred.

But Parlatore added that despite his client's resolve, it is a trumped-up charge to silence him. A reprimand is enough, but he does not deserve detention like a criminal. He is more innocent than those who caused the Afghan debacle. His client intentionally endangered his retirement and was fired from his post then jailed for nothing to make his point felt by superiors.

Scheller tended his resignation in a written form and even forfeited a $2million pension, but his withdrawal has not been accepted officially.

Last October 5, Scheller was released from confinement. His lawyers said an Initial Review Officer (IRO) hearing is set to check the marine officer pre-trial detention at 1:30 pm.

Unusually, the Marine Corps wants a closed trial and not even a recording of the court session too. However, the media wanted a delay in the hearing because of the odd condition so that the federal court would get involved.

Related Article: US Marine Sacked for Criticizing Biden in Furious Rant Following Afghanistan Disaster that Killed 13 Marines

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The government has started preparing for the vaccine campaign with states, pharmacies, and medical organizations in anticipation of the FDA's approval.

White House Urges State Leaders for the Vaccination of Kids

In a recently published article in The Hill, On Tuesday, the White House coronavirus task group encouraged state officials to be ready to start vaccinating children with COVID-19 as early as next month once the Pfizer-BioNTech will have its emergency use authorization from the US FDA,

On a regularly scheduled call, administration officials warned governors that school-aged children might be eligible for the doses by early November and urged states to have plans in place to get them vaccinated, according to a person on the call.

Meanwhile, Jeff Zients, the White House's pandemic response coordinator, informed governors that the White House had enough vaccine to inoculate approximately 28 million children aged 5 to 11, according to a recently published article in NBC News.

Read Also: Kids Could Get Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine by October, But Their Dosage Will Be Different From Adults; Here's Why

Pfizer-BioNTech Asked US FDA for an Emergency Use Authorization

Pfizer said last week that it had filed an emergency use authorization application to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its COVID-19 vaccine in children aged 5 to 11. On Oct. 26, an FDA advisory group will meet to consider the application.

Furthermore, Pfizer enlisted 4,500 participants from the United States, Finland, Poland, and Spain to research elementary-school-aged children. Pfizer claims the research indicated the lower dose was safe and effective in clinical studies, including children. Still, no specifics on the efficacy of the vaccinations in children's clinical trials have been made public, according to a report published in ABC News.

Separate vaccination studies for toddlers and preschoolers are now underway, with findings due before the end of the year. In early 2022, a Pfizer vaccine for children under the age of five is anticipated to be available.

FDA and CDC Must Agree To Administer COVID-19 Inoculation Among Kids

Before any vaccinations are given to children, the US Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must confirm that the pediatric COVID vaccinations are safe and effective. Later this month and the first week of November, key meetings with independent advisors to those agencies are planned.

In a published article in NBC Chicago, the federal government bought 65 million pediatric two-shot doses from Pfizer in anticipation of the FDA and CDC approving the vaccine for children. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, 70 percent of vaccination providers for children are registered to give COVID injections.

Whether parents will accept the vaccinations for their children is still up in the air, and it may rely on the clinical trial's results, which are expected to be published in the coming weeks. According to a September survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, roughly a third of parents with children aged 5 to 11 were ready to vaccinate their children right immediately, while another third preferred to "wait and see." Since July, the data showed a modest increase in vaccination acceptability among parents of elementary-school-aged children.

Related Article: Education Secretary Encourages State Governors to Mandate Eligible Students To Get Vaccinated

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The White House Select Committee has recently issued another subpoena to former DOJ official Jeffrey Clark as former United States President Donald Trump continues to call for an investigation into the 2020 election fraud.

In a statement, Trump said that if the 2020 presidential election fraud isn't "solved", Republicans will band together and not vote in the 2022 midterms and the 2024 presidential elections. Since his loss, the Republican businessman has continued to claim that he should have been the rightful winner against Democrat Joe Biden.

Trump's Claim of Election Fraud

Amid his attempts to reverse the results of the 2020 presidential elections, Trump has also criticized legislators and judges who did not support his beliefs. Despite this, the Republican businessman has yet to provide substantial evidence that proves his loss was wrongfully given.

But on Wednesday, Trump continued his efforts of undermining Biden's presidential election win by criticizing a Georgia judge who dismissed a fraud suit. The former U.S. president denied that there was little evidence supporting his claims. Trump said that he won and that authorities "thoroughly and conclusively documented" it, Newsweek reported.

The incident is increasing pressure on the House Select Committee as it continues its investigations into the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and Trump's involvement in the incident. Many in Trump's circle are actively trying to avoid getting involved with the committee's investigations and are trying to evade accountability.

Read Also: Joe Biden's Agenda Not To Prioritize Fossil Fuel Development in the US Backfired With a Looming Fuel, Energy Crisis

This has made it even more difficult for the committee to perform its responsibilities properly as these individuals are considered crucial witnesses in the unprecedented incident. If they are able to drag out the investigation long enough, the midterm elections could potentially shut down the efforts to look into the Jan. 6 riot if Republicans are able to reclaim the White House.

Members of the committee are struggling to do their jobs and have warned Trump's colleagues who have dismissed subpoenas could face criminal referrals. The move would put the Justice Department of the Biden administration in the hot seat, CNN reported.

Subpoena to Former DOJ Official

Amid the tense situation, the committee has issued another subpoena to Trump's former DOJ official, Jeffrey Clark. The official was ordered by the committee to appear before them on Oct. 29. Rep. Bennie Thompson, one of the chairs of the committee, said they needed to understand Clark's role in the incident.

The decision to subpoena Clark comes after Democrats and Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee released conflicting reports last week. The issue was related to accusations that former President Trump pressured the DOJ to investigate election fraud claims.

On one hand, Democrats on the committee claim that Trump was dedicated to following through with Clark's plan to ask state legislatures to appoint replacement electors and fire former Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen. Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin said that the report showed how close the American people came to a constitutional crisis.

However, the GOP report, on the other hand, downplayed the issue and argued that the meeting held on Jan. 3 was only done to "formally and finally decide the issues at play, which were two-fold: whether to send Clark's draft letter and whether to remove Rosen as acting attorney general and replace him with Clark", Fox News reported.

Related Article: WHO Chief Criticizes Use of Vaccine Boosters in More Regions, Saying It's 'Immoral', 'Unfair'

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Taliban blames the US for the Islamic State terrorist group's (ISIS) increasing threats in Afghanistan, where a violent competition has disturbed the newly proclaimed Islamic Emirate's early days.

Taliban Blames U.S. for the Increasing Threats of ISIS-K

In a recently published article in Newsweek, Ahmad Yasir, protocol officer of the Taliban's political office in Qatar, is one of the senior Taliban officials who believe that outside powers are to blame for ISIS' presence in Afghanistan, where the jihadists claimed responsibility for an attack on a Shiite Muslim mosque last week that killed dozens of people and injured hundreds more.

"Yes, there is no question that the evil hand is behind the ISIS assault," Yasir said when asked by a news source whether the ISIS danger had risen since the departure of US troops at the end of August and if the Taliban particularly blamed the US for this heightened threat.

Qari Saeed Khosty, the Taliban's social media coordinator, also blamed the US for the ISIS presence. He rejected the idea that the Afghan government's new leadership would need to collaborate with the US to combat a shared adversary, according to a published article in CBS News.

Read Also: Taliban Refuses To Form 'Inclusive' Government Despite International Pleas as Militant Group Rolls Back Civil Liberties

Ministers from Muslim-Nations To Make Women's Rights Plea

Foreign ministers from a number of Muslim-majority nations are organizing a trip to Kabul, in part to persuade the Taliban that denying women and girls access to education is a violation of Islam. The idea has the backing of western diplomats, who understand that appeals to universal principles from them would be met with less resistance by the Taliban than if the plea came from leaders of most Islamic nations.

Since taking control in mid-August, the Taliban have prohibited females from attending secondary school, citing a variety of reasons and implying that the restriction is just temporary. The Turkish foreign minister, Mevlut avusolu, and his Indonesian colleague, Retno Marsudi, perhaps the world's most senior Muslim female diplomat, are the two foreign ministers most likely to visit Kabul, according to a published article in The Guardian.

Recep Tayyip Erdoan, the Turkish president, suggested the formation of a G20 permanent working group to handle the humanitarian situation and guide the Taliban toward a more inclusive style of governance at the G20 special meeting on Afghanistan on Tuesday. Turkey has been trying to get a foothold in Afghanistan for months, but its plan to manage Kabul International Airport was shelved owing to a lack of Taliban security assurances.

Conflict Among Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and ISIS-K

The Taliban has its origins in Afghanistan, where the organization arose from a mujahideen insurgency against a Soviet invasion that lasted from 1979 to 1988. The war also spawned Al-Qaeda, which would take root in Afghanistan as the Taliban seized control of most of the nation until 2001 when the 9/11 attacks spurred a US-led military effort to destabilize the Taliban-led government.

In a published article in The New York Times, the Islamic Emirate would resurface as an insurgency for the following 20 years, until it was restored in August when US troops left. However, when the US invaded Iraq again, overthrowing longstanding leader Saddam Hussein and igniting a sectarian conflict in which both Sunni and Shiite Muslim groups took up weapons, Al-Qaeda expanded abroad.

Related Article: US Does Not Recognize Taliban Interim Government Yet, All Men Cabinet Includes US-Designated Terrorist



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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been trying to become "financially independent" since stepping down as senior royals. One way they've done this by engaging the corporate world, where they've taken on new roles and signed multi-million dollar business deals.

The pair just announced their foray into the financial world by becoming "impact partners" and investors in Ethic, a sustainable investing business with $1.3 billion under management.

The move was revealed on the Archewell website, with the duo stating that the jobs will allow them to "put their principles into action." So far, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's largest contract appears to be with Netflix, with whom they will collaborate to develop content that also informs and inspires.

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle's business deals

The deal's precise value is unknown, however it has been speculated that it might be worth $112 million. A documentary on Prince Harry's Invictus Games and a children's series about a little girl named Pearl and her experiences are in the works, with Meghan serving as executive producer.

Netflix, which has over 200 million customers globally, will have exclusive rights to their productions. According to insiders, social messages, racial justice, gender fairness, and the environment are extensively featured in Prince Harry and Meghan's concerts.

Meanwhile, during Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's visit to New York last month, it was alleged that Harry was seen carrying a mic. The black cable could be seen coming out of his trouser pocket and into his shirt, leading to speculation that the pair was taping footage for their Netflix deal, MIRROR reported.

The Archewell Foundation, which the Duke and Duchess of Sussex founded, was recognized for its charitable efforts. The royal couple has a long history of supporting charitable causes, even inviting guests to give to a charity on their wedding day in 2018.

Following their departure from the Royal Family, Harry and Meghan announced the launch of their non-profit in 2020 as one of their first projects.

The Sussexes gave hint of major social media comeback

According to a royal expert, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have given away a major hint that they are planning a major social media comeback. When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as senior royals in 2020, they ceased posting on their SussexRoyal account, The Sun reported.

However, if their recent royal trip to New York is any indication, the pair may be posting for fans again soon. Meghan and Harry may make a comeback on their own social media accounts or through their Archewell foundation.

Prince Harry previously spoke to Fast Company about the perils of social media, but he hasn't ruled out a comeback when the time is "right." During a 15-minute address at an online conference that cost $1,750 (1,342) per ticket for attendees to log on, Meghan Markle compared individuals on social media to drug addicts.

Read Also: Princess Diana Documentary Reveals She Witnessed Father Slap Her Mother; Here's What The Royal Has Been Through Before Marrying Prince Charles

Decision about Lilibet's christening is not yet final

In addition, reports regarding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 4-month-old daughter Lilibet's christening were debunked by the couple's spokesperson. On Wednesday, October 13, the spokesman informed E! News that plans for the baptism "have not been finalized," and that reports of a forthcoming Church of England christening were "mere speculation."

The couple had Lili in June and christened their now 2-year-old son, Archie, in July 2019 at Windsor Castle. Two months after his arrival, the ceremony took place.

Related Article: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Will Not Attend Tribute For Princess Diana; Do The Sussexes Plan To Christen Lilibet in The UK?

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The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Wednesday that 26 scientists were being assigned to a new advisory board that will be responsible for studying the origins of the coronavirus despite Beijing's continued refusal to cooperate in the investigations.

Despite the announcement, many are skeptical of the new panel's chances of succeeding due to Beijing keeping its stance of denying access. However, the advisory board could still be in a position to get a clearer picture of how to determine where similar diseases like the coronavirus could come from.

WHO's New Advisory Board

The team includes an American scientist and a Chinese researcher, who are from two countries that are at the core of the COVID origin arguments. The group also has the head of a Swiss biosafety center that sends a signal the WHO will consider the possibility of a lab leak alongside other theories about zoonotic spillover.

The WHO's new advisory board will work on assessing recent studies on the possible animal reservoirs of the coronavirus. The team will then advise the WHO on any possible future field research that they may need to conduct, including looking at labs where the first human infections were recorded in Wuhan, China, Axios reported.

The advisory board is named the Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins on Novel Pathogens, or shortened to SAGO. It will also include scientists from about two dozen countries around the world. The head of the WHO's emerging disease unit, Maria Van Kerkhove, called the establishment of the new group a "real opportunity."

Read Also: Joe Biden Urges Companies To Ease Supply Chain Bottlenecks as White House Fails To Guarantee Arrival of Christmas Presents

Kerkhove said that the advisory group was a way for the health agency to get rid of all the doubts and politics surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. She said that it would enable health officials worldwide to focus on what we know and what we don't know.

Despite the announcement of the new advisory group, Beijing continues to deny access to the WHO. The Chinese government rejected a plan by the health agency for a second phase of the probe in July this year. The efforts may delve into various hypotheses about the coronavirus' origins, NPR reported.

Refusal to Cooperate With Investigations

While many people pushed for the so-called "lab leak theory" that claimed the virus escaped from a lab in Wuhan, China, the WHO has dismissed the allegations. However, in recent months, the theory has once again gained traction, partly fueled by Beijing's continued secrecy and denial of access.

Beijing has denied WHO scientists access to bat caves and wildlife areas in China's Enshi prefecture in Hubei province. The area is located six hours west of Wuhan and would be the health agency's search area for samples that could identify if animals in the region served as intermediate hosts for the infection.

The Discovery of the disease in wildlife animals could be the evidence that scientists need to support that the virus "evolved naturally." The efforts could clear Beijing of any involvement with the spread of the coronavirus. Many find that Beijing's resistance suggests that it may have something it wants to keep hidden from the WHO, the New York Post reported.



Related Article: Nancy Pelosi Scolds Reporters, Saying They Should Do a Better Job in Selling Reconciliation Package

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In the wake of rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait, Taiwanese Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng stated on Thursday that the island would not launch a war with China.

Taiwan's Defense Minister Released a Statement

In a recently published article in MSN News, Taiwan will not initiate a conflict with China but would defend itself "full on," Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng warned on Thursday amid heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait that have alarmed the international community.

Taiwan, a major semiconductor manufacturer, has said repeatedly that it would defend itself if attacked but will not "move rashly" and prefers to maintain the status quo with China. Chiu told a parliamentary committee that the Republic of China would not initiate or start a war, but that if there are any moves, the enemy will be met full on.

Read Also: China Violates Airspace of Taiwan Nearly 150 Times; Biden Administration Warns the Communist Country

Tensions Between Taiwan and China

Military tensions with China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, are at an all-time high, according to Chiu, who also predicted that by 2025, China would be capable of launching a "full-scale" invasion, according to a report published in Channel News Asia.

He was speaking after China launched four days of mass air force incursions into Taiwan's air defense identification zone, beginning on October 1, as part of a pattern of what Taipei perceives as increased military intimidation by Beijing.

There have been no shots fired, and Chinese aircraft have remained far clear of Taiwanese airspace, focusing their activities in the southwestern part of Taiwan's air defense zone. In a briefing to parliament before Chiu's appearance before legislators, the ministry warned China that if its troops went too near to the island, it would face harsh retaliation.

In a published article in The Straits Times, Chiu agreed with a lawmaker's assessment that China's capabilities are restricted by its lack of mid-air refueling capability, which means it only has H-6 bombers and Y-8 anti-submarine and reconnaissance aircraft that have flown into the Bashi Channel, which divides Taiwan and the Philippines.

According to charts put out by Chiu's ministry, Chinese fighters have stayed considerably closer to China's shore. Their goals, he added, are to put pressure on Taiwan on the one hand and to show the rest of the world that they have the capacity to frighten away and block foreign armed forces from becoming involved on the other.

China's Washington Embassy Complains to the U.S.

On Wednesday, China's Washington embassy claimed it had protested to the US government about a meeting between Taiwan's de facto ambassador and top US diplomats, as well as Taiwan's army chief, Hsu Yen-visit pu to the US, according to a report published in Business Times.

It is said that the United States should not dream about gaining China's assistance and cooperation while ignoring China's red line on Taiwan.

According to Taiwan's official Central News Agency, Chiu said earlier this week that Hsu was not in the United States on a covert trip, but rather as part of routine yearly exchanges.

Related Article: Taiwan Refuses To Bow To Pressure From China as President Tsai Ing-wen Pledges To Do "Utmost" To Defend The Country



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Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated that EU gas supplies are at optimum supply, as agreed on. But, he said Gazprom would not pipe in more than required. That depends on the EU leaders to decide what they'll do.

According to the Kremlin last Wednesday, the EU gets the supply it signed for, and no increase will be allowed. But, Russia says that its actions do not mean it has weaponized gas supplies as some have charged.

Renegotiation might help the energy crisis

To date, Gazprom, a Russia-based energy firm which is the biggest one, said the gas is flowing to Europe, based on levels before the energy crisis, reported the Express UK.

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov informed that agreed levels are piped in, and contracts are followed in a press conference. He said there would be no free gas or increases, and it would be Gazprom and the EU to decide the outcome if there is renegotiation.

The deputy energy minister Pavel Sorokin will keep its timetable for gas to be supplied in storage until November 1. He added Russia would not provide extra gas supplies to Europe as well, cited 7 News.

Europe on the rocks

Gas prices in the European market have skyrocketed in October, which prompted some to accuse Putin of controlling the gas lines for its new Nord Stream 2. It stretches from the Baltic to Germany, and he is not using gas as leverage too.

The Ofgem is preparing for the worst scenario should there be less gas available tomorrow. Gas will be an expensive commodity and stay at a record level. Already EU gas supplies are at the behest of Vladimir Putin and the firm Gazprom as is the US which is feeling the pinch.

Read Also: Joe Biden's Agenda Not To Prioritize Fossil Fuel Development in the US Backfired With a Looming Fuel, Energy Crisis

Fuel crisis experienced globally

A global shortage of gas supply by Russia drove the prices of this valuable commodity to 250 percent from January of this year.

According to Sky News which four suppliers are discussing with Ofgem, they are talking about entering its Supplier of Last Resort (SOLR) system.

This system works when the energy firm has crashed, prompting its customers to go to a solvent company without interruption of their supplies. There is a good chance the rising gas prices will affect countless households if the crisis is not solved anytime sooner. Already the current price has affected many, especially this coming winter.

Sources in the energy industry have reported that a few of these four companies have stopped buying supplies by tomorrow.

The energy market is turning into a wholesale massacre, including Pure Planet, abandoned by its backer BP that decided to cut its losses. Leading cease financial help to the beleaguered energy firm.

Still, one executive of the most prominent energy firm mentions the dire situation, which will push equally more stable companies in the SOLR mechanism but have fewer customers than Pure Planet, according to a representative from the smaller firm that has 250,000 customers. Other smaller firms might fold as the gas supply dwindles, including Ampower, Zebra Energy, and Neon Reef as the victims of the energy recession.

First established in 2003, SOLR is a mechanism to keep gas supplied to households in times of crisis. It seems that it got worse than ever on the energy tap.

Gazprom did not increase the EU gas supplies, which caused energy firms to crash, but Vladimir Putin says renegotiate. It's the leader of the member state's move now.

Related Article: The EU Should End Hostilities With Russia To Resolve Europe's Energy Crisis, Give Vladimir Putin an Olive Branch, Not Thorns

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Some Republicans continue to show their public support of Donald Trump even as investigations into the Jan. 6 Capitol riot continue.

As of press writing, at least three Republican officials continue to stand by Trump's allegations from last week when he said that the real insurrection was on Nov. 3 and not Jan. 6.

After Joe Biden was named the winner of the 2020 Election, the ex-POTUS has not stopped saying that it was rigged. Until today, Trump continues to say that he should've won the election.

Republicans continue to support Donald Trump

Last weekend, Sen. Chuck Grassley joined Trump at a rally in Des Moines, where he talked about the former president's 91 percent approval rating among Republicans.

Grassley also announced that he would be running for his eighth term in Senate, which seemed timely because the confirmation was made shortly after he showed Trump his support.

The independent state legislature doctrine is misused

Other than Grassley, Rep. Steve Scalise, the second-ranking Republican in the House of Representatives, refused to answer an important question during an interview.

When asked if he thinks the 2020 election was rigged, Scalise said that some states did not adhere to their state-passed laws that govern the election for president.

According to the Huffington Post, the Republicans use a tactic known as the independent state legislature doctrine.

This tactic is one of their ways of saying that they were cheated during the election without using controversial words such as rigged, stolen, or fraud.

Read Also: Is Donald Trump planning a rally?

Republicans do not want to weigh in on the Capitol riot

Additionally, it gives Republicans the opportunity to question the election result without making it seem like they are positing a wild conspiracy theory.

The publication also claimed that some Republicans tend to change the subject when asked to comment on the 2020 election result.

For instance, Rep. Chip Roy talked about the dead bodies in Texas after he was asked to comment on Trump's allegations that the election result was rigged.

Despite the ongoing criticisms from his critics, Trump continues to decry the 2020 election fraud and attack the work of the bipartisan congressional committee that's been investigating the Capitol riot.

"You cannot study Jan. 6 without studying the reason it happened, Nov. 3. If we had an honest media this Election would have been overturned many months ago, but our media is almost as corrupt as our political system," Trump said in a statement.

Donald Trump wants to invoke his executive privilege

According to The Independent last week, reports revealed that Trump was planning on invoking his executive privilege in the Capitol riot investigation.

However, there's a possibility for Joe Biden to overturn this request. The POTUS already approved the release of some of the documents relating to the Jan. 6 event that took many lives.

White House Counsel Dana Remus also said that Biden has defined that an affirmation of Trump's executive privilege is not in the best interest of Americans.

Once applied, all document requests will be released virtually, which includes everything relating to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

Related Article: Joe Biden Approves Release of Documents Relating to Jan. 6 Capitol Riot; POTUS Could Remove Donald Trump's Executive Privilege

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Attorney General Josh Shapiro just announced that he will be running for governor of Pennsylvania in 2022. However, his decision could pose some repercussions to the 2024 presidential election.

According to CNN, Shapiro is a Democratic candidate who will most likely not adhere to Donald Trump's requests if the latter decides to run for president in the 2024 election.

However, Shapiro's win in the swing state is not guaranteed. After all, he will be competing against Republic nominee, former Rep. Lou Barletta.

Barletta was one of Trump's earliest supporters in Congress. And the ex-POTUS was also the one that encouraged Barletta to run for senator in 2018.

Even though Barletta didn't win at the time, it's evident that he has close ties with Trump.

The fate of Pennsylvania in 2024 lies in their new gov.

An analysis by the publication's editor-at-large, Chris Cillizza, said that the future of Pennsylvania in 2024 will depend entirely on which governor will win next year.

Pennsylvania has been one of the most contested states in America over the last two elections. In 2016, Trump beat Hillary Clinton in the state by fewer than 45,000 votes.

Last year, Joe Biden beat out Trump by just over 80,000 votes.

So, Cillizza is predicting that if Barletta wins as governor of Pennsylvania next year, he could do Trump's bidding regarding the alleged election fraud, among many other things.

On the contrary, if Shapiro wins, he won't likely do Trump's dirty work.

Read Also: Pennsylvania Republican Senators Likely To Audit 2020 Election Votes

Joe Shapiro announces his 2022 gubernatorial run

In his statement, Shapiro said that he would continue to stand up to the attacks on democracy.

Shapiro also vowed to strengthen voter intimidation laws, improve the mail-in ballot process, and make sure that every voter's voice will be heard.

"I have shown up, I've listened and I surely have learned. As Pennsylvania's attorney general, the powerful have been put on notice and the people have been heard. I've fought for those who have been wronged, citizens who've been left out and communities that have been forgotten. I've stood up for them, brought people together and I've got things done," Shapiro said via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Lou Barletta hopes to get Donald Trump's endorsement

Barletta announced his gubernatorial bid in May via a lengthy video on Twitter.

He began his announcement by saying that the Pennsylvania that the residents grew up in is slipping away. Due to the pandemic, the way of life of Pennsylvanians has changed.

According to Barletta, the problems brought about by the pandemic became much worse because of the politicians that are currently in position.

More specifically, Barletta name-dropped Gov. Tom Wolf and the Harrisburg insiders as the main reason why Pennsylvania is becoming much worse.

Barletta said that he decided to run for governor so that Pennsylvanians could take back their commonwealth.

At the time of his announcement, the Associated Press claimed that Barletta is the most prominent figure to launch a gubernatorial bid in Pennsylvania.

While speaking with the publication earlier this year, Barletta said that he would work to earn Trump's endorsement in next year's race.

Related Article: Resolution to Dispute the 2020 Pennsylvania Election Results by Republican Law Makers Recently Introduced

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A 13-story building in Kaohsiung's Yancheng District was engulfed by a massive fire that killed at least 46 people on Thursday, Oct. 14.

According to reports, 62 residents between the ages of 8 and 83 had already been rescued.

Approximately 100 of the residents living in the building are senior citizens with physical disabilities.

The blaze started at 2:54 a.m. local time, and more than 377 rescue workers were immediately deployed to the scene.

As of press writing, 41 people have also suffered injuries, and they were rushed to a nearby hospital.

Initially, authorities reported that only seven people died following the massive fire. However, the city's fire chief Lee Ching-hsiu said that there must be more casualties because some residents may be trapped between the seventh and 11th floors or the residential part of the building.

Taiwan president releases statement following the fire

Following the incident, Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen released a statement expressing her condolences to those that lost their loved ones in the fire.

She also vowed to provide support to those affected by the accident and to provide shelter to those in need.

"Facing this serious accident, we extend our deepest condolences to the victims, and we wish the injured a speedy recovery," she said via CNN.

Read Also: Arizona Boy, 11, Faces Felony Charges For Starting Brush Fire, Causes $30,000 Damage

The cause of the deadly fire remains unknown

As of late, the cause of the fire remains unknown. But authorities are still reviewing the CCTV footage in the building so they still cannot rule out human factors.

The names of the individuals that were killed in the fire have not been disclosed. And the identities of those that were injured remain unknown.

According to the BBC, it took firefighters more than four hours to extinguish the blaze.

One of the residents said that they heard a loud bang that sounded like an explosion just before the fire broke out.

And in the days leading up to the fire, residents also heard boom sounds from the power lines.

Following the incident, fire officials urged the public to ensure that trash is disposed of properly to avoid it from accumulating. They also encouraged everyone to keep staircases unobstructed in cases of emergency.

The 13-story building is reportedly 40 years old. And its lower section housed restaurants, karaoke bars, and a cinema that were no longer in use.

Deceased residents rushed to the morgue, hospitals

Photos from the fire were published via the New York Post, and it shows bodies covered in cloth being transported out of the building.

Another snap shows a group of firefighters taking a break after they managed to put out the fire for more than four hours.

And a photo of the building from across the street shows how old it looks.

The building's entire ground floor is also covered in black smoke and ashes following the fire.

Less than a year ago, three Taiwan factories were also damaged in a massive fire.

Reports revealed that the fire broke out at the Sci Pharmtech Inc. factory in Taoyuan City's Luzhu District.

Two factory workers were injured and one immigrant from the Philippines died due to the fire.

Related Article: Fact Check: Did a Fire Caused by Gender Reveal Party Damage More Property Than 2020 Protests?

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It is everybody's dream to go to space, and 'Star Trek' actor William Shatner just achieved that dream.

Shatner, also known as Captain James T. Kirk, is considered the oldest person to travel to space. Through Amazon founder and Blue Origin owner Jeff Bezos, Shatner has reached space on Wednesday.

William Shatner Goes to Space

Shatner blasted off above a Blue Origin's New Shephard rocket on Wednesday at 7:50 a.m. Pacific Time from a West Texas region 25 miles north of Van Horn, per Cnet. This experience lasted about 10 minutes. After the separation of the capsule from its booster, Blue Origin's New Shepard crew experienced zero gravity and saw the view of the Earth.

ABC News said that the New Shepard reached a height of 347,539 feet above ground level with a maximum velocity of 2,235 mph.

The tourist spacecraft carried Shatner and three other astronauts. Among those included are Blue Origin vice president of mission and flight operations and a former NASA engineer and flight controller Audrey Powers; co-founder of a life science company Medidata Solutions Glen de Vries; as well as a former space mission architect for NASA Chris Boshuizen.

The actor William Shatner became the oldest person to travel to space. The Star Trek star traveled to space with three other passengers on a mission that lasted about 10 minutes. Champagne corks popped. There was lots of laughter, high-spirited relief. https://t.co/usxXJKBDs7 pic.twitter.com/SPH1Inv6F9  The New York Times (@nytimes) October 13, 2021

According to Cnet, the launch was originally planned for October 12, but it was postponed due to the wind forecast. Aside from the said launch postponement, the lift-off was also delayed by 30 minutes.

On the other hand, the 90-year-old actor Shatner is now the oldest person to travel to space, beating the record of the 82-years-old Wally Funk who only held the title for almost three months.

Moreover, Shatner was overwhelmed by this 10-minute travel to space experience and talked to Bezos, saying that everybody in the world should have this moment in their life. He also suggested putting it on 3D so the people could watch it through goggles.

"I am so filled with emotion. It was extraordinary. I hope I never recover from this. I hope that I can maintain what I feel now. I don't want to lose it. It's so much larger than me and life." Shatner furthered, per ABC News.

Shatner also tweeted a quote from Sir Isaac Newton after this experience.

I do not know what I may appear to the world, but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, diverting myself in now & then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me. pic.twitter.com/ZY2Ka8ij7z  William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) October 13, 2021

Read Also: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 Screen Durability an Epic Fail? Users Complain Over Cracking Issue

Blue Origin New Shepard: Everything You Need to Know

For those who don't know, this is the second crewed flight of the New Shepard. The first flight carried Bezos together with his brother Mark, a Dutch teenager Oliver Daemen, as well as Wally Funk. For background information of Funk, she is a pioneer pilot who was denied entry to NASA's astronaut corps in the 1960s due to her gender, per New York Times.

Moreover, New Shepard is the centerpiece rocket of Bezos' space tourism business.

Its name originated from one of the astronauts who walked on the moon and the first American to reach space in 1961, Alan Shepard.

Here's a look at Shatner's journey to space--from his launch to splashdown.

Related Article: 'Star Trek' Actor William Shatner Space Flight: New Launch Schedule, Full Details of Captain Kirk's Blue Origin Trip
The FluBot malware is a growing concern for many Android users. The Australian government recently issued a warning against the malware after thousands of its citizens received FluBot-infected texts and voicemails. Unfortunately, many users were still tricked into downloading the virus.

FluBot is a dangerous malware for a lot of different reasons. First, it would tempt users to download it through deceptive messages. Second, it would infect user device and steal their data. Using the data stolen, FluBot would access the victim's bank account and eventually steal their money.

According to Scamwatch, over 16,000 complaints were filed against FluBot, with 13 of them losing over $10,542. Australians specifically lost more than $30 million to scams in September, almost double the number compared to last year's cases.

New Android FluBot Voicemail Attack Strategy

According to news.com.au, FluBot first arrived in Australia on August 2. It is recognized as a scam text sent and spammed to masses. FluBot often entices users to download it with different strategies. There are three strategies recorded up to date.

Read Also: Google Play Store Photo Editor Apps Are Actually Android Malwares! Uninstall 3 Dangerous Apps Now

In the first report, FluBot impersonated courier services like Amazon, DHL, FedEX and the Royal Mail (in the U.K.). It would inform the target victim about an undelivered package and instruct them to download an app to reorganize its delivery.

On the second wave, FluBot used its own notorious reputation to scare users. It would show Android users a message saying, "Android has detected that your device has been infected... You must install an Android security update to remove FluBot."

UPDATE: The installation page for #Flubot has changed to look like a warning page. If you see this page close the page IMMEDIATELY and DO NOT click Install security update. Advisory update to follow. pic.twitter.com/TDam5HEphz  CERT NZ (@CERTNZ) September 30, 2021

More recently, FluBot used scam strategies with voicemail messages. Scamwatch_gov tweeted photos of this deceptive text. In the first picture, FluBot sent the message, "I want to send you a voice message on Zello! Tap to download." The second photo revealed the link address on the so-called iiNet app and its two-minute voicemail message.

WARNING! Weve seen some changes to the #Flubot #scam voicemail text message wording (image 1) and the screen that the message links to (image 2). Clicking on Download voicemail app will download Flubot. Delete these messages and dont click on links! pic.twitter.com/F0uriSPXMM  Scamwatch_gov_au (@Scamwatch_gov) October 12, 2021

On all three of these circumstances, downloading the app would automatically install FluBot and infect the Android device.

How to Remove FluBot Android

Delia Rickard, the deputy chair of Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), told news.com.au that "(FluBot) it's a very sophisticated scam and potentially very dangerous. It can compromise people's bank accounts."

FluBot also proved itself to be extremely difficult to remove. Rickard said there are only three ways to remove it. "Just getting rid of that app doesn't get rid of that problem," she warned.

First, users should contact an IT professional to wipe the virus from the device. Second, users could try downloading an antivirus software that should detect and get rid of FluBot. Lastly, if the two options fail, users could opt for a factory reset on their device.

When infected, Rickard warned victims not to open any of their accounts. Instead, they should contact IDCARE or call 1800 595 160.



Related Article: Facebook Update To Help Teens Take Time 'Off' Instagram; Bans Developer For Making App To Take Time 'Off' Facebook Itself
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Takashi Uemura in a scene from Shinji Nishijima's documentary "Target" / Courtesy of BIFF



By Kwak Yeon-soo



Filmmaker Shinji Nishijima was a Korea correspondent for TBS-JNN when Kim Hak-sun, a former sex slave, broke the silence and testified about Japan operating an organized military brothel program during the World War II.



One of his colleagues, The Asahi Shimbun correspondent Takashi Uemura, first reported on Kim's testimony on August 11, 1991, three days before the victim told her story at a press conference.



More than 20 years later, the truth-seeking reporter became the target of Japan's right wing activists, scholars and journalists.



In 2014, right-wing tabloids accused him of fabricating his 1991 report on women being forcibly taken to provide sex to Japanese soldiers. They branded him a traitor and threatened to kill his family.



Uemura, who retired from journalism to start a teaching job at a university, lost his position due to mounting complaints from haters. His teenage daughter's photo and personal information were exposed online. He separated from his family as he was left with no choice but to move to Korea as visiting professor at the Catholic University.



The threats extended to Uemura's former workplace, The Asahi Shimbun, representative of Japan's left-leaning newspaper. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's right-leaning government publicly criticized the daily, accusing it of spreading fake news on wartime sex slavery.



Nishijima who had interviewed Kim in a similar period and filed a similar story, thought it was strange that Uemura, among Japanese reporters who interviewed Kim, became the only target of criticism. So he decided to unearth the case and make a documentary about it.





Filmmaker Shinji Nishijima / Courtesy of BIFF

"If Uemura is a fake reporter, I should be called a fake reporter as well. A news reporter who tried to tell the truth became a target of criticism and the deadly attack against him continues today." he said during a recent interview with The Korea Times.



He blamed the government for siding with far-right nationalists and standing at the forefront of the conspiracy movement to cover up the truth about wartime sex slavery.



"I think the wartime sex slavery issue is not properly reported in Japan, because there is increasing pressure from the government to avoid reporting on the subject. People who raise their voice against the government are vulnerable to attacks by the nationalists," he said.



Nishijima looks into the year of 1997 when Abe founded the nationalist "Institute of Junior Assembly Members Who Think About the Outlook of Japan and History Education" and led the "Japanese Society for History Textbook Reform."



The reform eventually gave permission to publishers to play down Japan's atrocious acts during World War II and revise the language describing women forced into sexual slavery by imperial Japan.



Nishijima notes that this revisionist act came just four years after the Japanese government's 1993 apology for the wartime coercion of women into prostitution. The conservatives were quick to erase the portrayal of imperial Japan that they considered too negative.



"There is a movement in Japan where people try to pretend that historical matters that are unflattering to Japan never happened. Abe took The Asahi Shinbun's problems to intimidate other media into self-censorship," he said.



For his new documentary, "Target," Nishijima interviewed supporters of Uemura. Asked why he didn't interview right-wing figures who attacked the former Asahi Shimbun journalist's reports as "fabrication," the director said he wanted to simplify the thematic message in the film.



"I thought about interviewing both sides to have equal say about the wartime sex slavery issue, but I worried that I wouldn't be able to deliver my message clearly. My intention was not to inform the audience about the controversy surrounding the sex slavery issue, but to raise the question of whether political attacks on an individual is fair," he said.



Uemura sued Yoshiko Sakurai, a journalist and wartime sex slavery denier who claimed that the Asahi Shimbun report was fabricated. More than 100 lawyers in the Hokkaido region came forward to defend the former Asahi reporter and the activists raised money for his court fees.



However, Japan's highest court dismissed his case of defamation last year, upholding earlier court rulings. Uemura's suits against Sakurai and publishers were initiated in 2015.



In 2018, a Sapporo district court ruled that Sakurai's editorials damaged Uemura's reputation, but didn't defame him. In 2019, the Tokyo District Court acknowledged he was defamed by the publisher of the weekly magazine, "Shukan Bunshun," and a scholar, but rejected his claim of damages.





Video footage of the late Kim Hak-sun, a former sex slave, is on display at an exhibition held in Kyoto, Japan, in this July 24 file photo. The "Statue of Peace," representing wartime sex slaves, was also exhibited there. Yonhap
gettyimagesbank



Regional banks becoming too dependent on online platforms



By Park Jae-hyuk



Concerns are rising over the growing reliance of BNK, JB and DGB financial groups on Naver Financial, Kakao Pay and Toss, which could eventually lead the regional banks to become overly dependent on the online platforms.



Critics point out the regional banks are paying large sums of commissions to the platform operators, which could end up costing their customers money.



"Their excessive commission payments will eventually be passed on to their consumers," Financial Economy Institute researcher Kang Da-yeon said.



Major commercial banks based in Seoul have also taken issue with the alliances formed between regional banks and fintech firms, saying the trend could weaken efforts by conventional banks to gain a competitive edge over platform operators in the financial industry.



The Seoul-based commercial banks refused in August to use refinancing platforms operated by Naver and Kakao, while the regional banks welcomed those platforms hoping to expand their reach across the country.



The commercial banks criticized the regional lenders for disrupting the ongoing efforts by conventional financial institutions to block big tech firms' growing influence over the banking industry. Amid the intensifying conflict, financial authorities decided recently to reconsider their plan allowing Naver and Kakao to operate refinancing platforms.



However, the regional banks have continued to strengthen their partnerships with tech firms, claiming that they have no other choice. A representative from one of the regional banks said that they are more vulnerable to competition with big tech firms than commercial banks which have ample capital reserves.





BNK Kyongnam Bank Managing Director Kim Jin-han, left, and Seo Rae-ho, Naver Financial's financial business department head, pose at the bank's main branch in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, Oct. 8, after signing a memorandum of understanding for strategic cooperation in digitizal financial services. Courtesy of BNK Kyongnam Bank


By Kim Bo-eun







Woori Financial Group said Thursday that it donated 500 blood donation cards to the Korea Childhood Leukemia Foundation.







Woori group's vice president Choi Dong-soo delivered the donation cards to the foundation's chief, Seo Sun-won, at a ceremony at the foundation's headquarters in northern Seoul, Wednesday.







Donation cards can be used at medical institutions to receive blood transfusions free of charge. The donation cards will be used for children battling cancer and rare incurable diseases.







Woori group said that the cards were provided by employees on a voluntary basis. The financial group has been campaigning to encourage employees to donate blood amid a dire lack of blood at hospitals due to the COVID-19 pandemic.







Blood banks at hospitals are virtually empty because of the lack of blood donors, as less people have been taking part in donations amid the pandemic.







"We hope the cards, donated by our executives and employees amid the blood supply crisis due to the extended COVID-19 pandemic, help and provide hope to children fighting cancer and rare, incurable diseases," a Woori Financial Group official said.







"We will strengthen our ESG management through various projects contributing to society, which our executives and employees can take part in."







Woori Bank set up a partnership with the Korean Red Cross in 2006 to provide blood donations, and has been holding a blood donation campaign every year since.







Woori group has also been engaging in other efforts to contribute to society, such as supporting small independent businesses nationwide via loans and marketing, along with donating masks and meal kits to the underprivileged.








National Tax Service (NTS) Commissioner Kim Dae-ji speaks during a parliamentary audit of the tax agency at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Oct. 8. Yonhap
By Jun Ji-hye



Burton Yi, the head chef at Grand Hyatt Jeju's Steak House located within Jeju Dream Tower, is a world-class chef specializing in steak, as he started his career with Austrian-born celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck who is cited as one of the world's best steak chefs.





Chef Burton Yi / Courtesy of Jeju Dream Tower

Yi worked at various Puck restaurants, from the flagship two-Michelin-star restaurant Spago Beverly Hills, to one-Michelin-star CUT Singapore.



After leaving Puck, Yi ventured out to Macao and became the executive chef at Wynn Palace's SW Steakhouse, which has the sole distinction of being the only steakhouse to receive a Forbes five-star rating.



After joining Grand Hyatt Jeju in July, he has put his 20-year steak knowhow to use in launching the "Dream Burger," which contains quality ingredients including U.S. prime beef.



"I use a blend of three different cuts of U.S. beef  chuck roll, brisket and short rib. The chuck and brisket give a great 'beefy' flavor, while the short rib enhances the mixture as the fat in the short rib does not render as fast," Yi said during an interview with The Korea Times.



"In lieu of the typical lettuce and tomatoes and ketchup, I top the burger simply with aged cheddar cheese, crispy shallots, slices of smoked bacon and an onion jam made from Jeju onions that are abundant here. Last but not least, the secret sauce that brings everything together, is the jalapeno mayonnaise."





The "Dream Burger" introduced recently by chef Burton Yi at Grand Hyatt Jeju's Steak House / Courtesy of Jeju Dream Tower
South Korean Ambassador to the United States Lee Soo-hyuck, at podium, delivers his opening remarks at the start of an annual parliamentary audit at the South Korean Embassy in Washington, Oct. 13. Yonhap



South Korea and the United States are working closely together to restart the Korean Peninsula peace process, South Korea's ambassador to the U.S., Lee Soo-hyuck, said Wednesday.



Lee said the countries are also discussing ways to bring North Korea back to the dialogue table that may include the provision of humanitarian assistance to the impoverished North.



"(We) are discussing various ways to build trust such as the provision of humanitarian assistance to create a favorable condition for talks with North Korea," the South Korean diplomat said in a parliamentary audit.



"South Korea and the United States are also closely discussing ways to restart the peace process for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and establishment of peace," he added.



Amb. Lee also said the U.S. understands what he called the rational purposefulness of seeking a formal end to the Korean War.



"I believe the U.S. is approaching the issue seriously and understands its rational purposefulness," he said when asked by a member of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee.



South Korean President Moon Jae-in proposed declaring a formal end to the 1950-53 war during the United Nations General Assembly held last month in New York, insisting the move could help kickstart the denuclearization of the North by providing some assurances to Pyongyang over its security.



Pyongyang currently remains unresponsive to U.S. overtures, and has stayed away from denuclearization talks with the U.S. since early 2019.



The U.S. has said it supports providing humanitarian assistance to the people of North Korea regardless of any progress in denuclearization talks with the North.



The top national security advisers of South Korea and the U.S. earlier said their countries will continue to seek engagement with North Korea.



"The U.S. side reaffirmed the U.S.' sincerity that it holds no hostile policy toward North Korea and also reiterated its stance that it will engage in negotiations with North Korea anytime, anywhere without preconditions. The two sides agreed to continue working closely on concrete ways to engage with North Korea," South Korea's National Security Council said of a meeting between South Korean National Security Adviser Suh Hoon and his U.S. counterpart, Jake Sullivan, held in Washington on Tuesday.



Lee said the U.S., however, is not considering redeploying its tactical nuclear weapons to South Korea.



"The United States maintains that it has not considered deploying tactical nuclear weapons and that it has no plans to do so or should it," the ambassador said.





South Korean Ambassador to the United States Lee Soo-hyuck attends the annual parliamentary audit at the South Korean Embassy in Washington, Oct. 13. Yonhap
Plaintiffs and their supporters walk toward the Tokyo District Court in Tokyo, Oct. 14. The court is hearing five ethnic Korean residents of Japan and a Japanese national demanding the North Korean government pay compensation over their human rights abuses in that country after joining a resettlement program there that promised a "paradise on Earth," but without the presence of a defendant  the North's leader. AP-Yonhap



North Korean defectors in Tokyo symbolically summoned Kim Jong Un to court on Thursday over a repatriation program they describe as "state kidnapping".



The unusual case is a bid to hold Pyongyang responsible for a scheme that saw more than 90,000 people move to North Korea from Japan between 1959 and 1984.



The program mainly targeted ethnic Koreans but also their Japanese spouses, lured by fantastical propaganda promising a "paradise on Earth".



Five participants in the repatriation scheme who later escaped from North Korea are demanding 100 million yen ($880,000) each in damages as they make their case in the Tokyo District Court.



They have accused Pyongyang of "deceiving plaintiffs by false advertising to relocate to North Korea", where "the enjoyment of human rights was generally impossible".



As there are no diplomatic relations between Japan and North Korea, Kim has been summoned as the head of the North's government.



"We don't expect North Korea to accept a decision nor pay the damages," Kenji Fukuda, the plaintiffs' lawyer, said at a briefing last month.



"But we hope that the Japanese government would be able to negotiate with North Korea" if the court rules in the plaintiffs' favor, he added.



In all, 93,340 people took part in the repatriation program carried out by the Red Cross Societies in Japan and North Korea, and paid for by Pyongyang.



The Japanese government also backed the scheme, with media touting it as a humanitarian campaign for Koreans struggling to build a life in Japan.



During Tokyo's 1910-1945 colonial rule of the Korean peninsula, millions of Koreans moved to Japan, either voluntarily or against their will.



When Japan surrendered, hundreds of thousands remained, reluctant to return to their devastated homeland.



They were stripped of their Japanese nationality and became stateless, and many believed propaganda films portraying an idyllic life in North Korea.



Part of the defectors' complaint concerns separation from their families still trapped in the isolated country.



"I don't know what happened to my family. Maybe the coronavirus has hit them, maybe some of them have died of hunger," Eiko Kawasaki, one of the five plaintiffs, said last month. (AFP)






South Korea and Japan are arranging phone talks between President Moon Jae-in and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, but no final agreement has been reached, a senior presidential official said Thursday.







The official at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae made the remarks after Japan's Kyodo News reported that, citing government sources, arrangements are under way for the two leaders to hold phone talks as early as Thursday.







"No exact timing (for phone talks) has been decided, but (the two sides) are still in arrangements," the official told Yonhap News Agency by phone. "Telephone conversation will be possible either today or tomorrow if the two nations agree."







Moon has congratulated Kishida, who took office on Oct. 4, on his election and expressed hope to work togther to move relations between Seoul and Tokyo forward.







South Korea and Japan have long been at odds over territory and other historical disputes stemming from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.







In 2019, Japan imposed restrictions on exports of three key industrial materials critical for South Korea's chip and display industries.







South Korea views the Japanese moves as retaliation against 2018 South Korean Supreme Court rulings ordering Japanese firms to compensate South Korean victims of forced labor during Japan's colonial rule.







In recent months, Seoul has been pushing to improve bilateral relations at a time when the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has been seeking to reinforce a regional network of democratic alliances and partnerships to counter China's growing assertiveness. (Yonhap)






By Kang Seung-woo







The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has signed a record of discussion with Colombia's Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism to help the South American country establish a foundation to promote policies for its shipbuilding industry and innovation in related small- and mid-sized companies.







The signing ceremony was held in the Colombian capital of Bogota, Wednesday (local time), where Korean Ambassador to Colombia Choo Jong-yeon, KOICA country director Kim Hyun-geun, Colombian Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Maria Ximena Lombana Villalba and other dignitaries attended.







Under its social agreement for economic growth and job creation from 2018 to 2022, the Colombian government chose the shipbuilding sector as one of its core national industries and is making efforts to nurture it.







However, the industry there has been held back from securing a foothold in overseas markets by failing to create added value due to its focus on ship repair, glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), and small ships, resulting in the need to improve policies and its industrial ecosystem to shift to a steel ship-centered industry.







KOICA will support the establishment of a mid- to long-term development plan for the Colombian shipbuilding industry, while inviting Colombian officials involved in the industry to Korea for training in shipbuilding policy, design and production.







"Colombia's shipbuilding industry has great potential to affect exports and employment. KOICA and MINCIT (Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism) Colombia have worked closely to develop Colombia's industries, and we are looking forward to this project," Lombana said.







Choo said, "The shipbuilding industry is a field where Korea and Colombia can cooperate. Korea is a traditional shipbuilding powerhouse and Colombia has a geopolitical advantage."







The KOICA country director also said the project involves sharing Korea's experience in shipbuilding, policies, management and technology development.







"We will make active contributions for this to become a cornerstone of development for the Colombian shipbuilding industry," Kim added.






South Korea and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced Thursday that they will launch official talks toward a bilateral free trade agreement, Seoul's trade ministry said.







Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo met his UAE counterpart, Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, in Dubai, and issued a joint statement that calls for pushing to forge a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.







The CEPA is a type of free trade agreement that emphasizes a broader scope of economic cooperation and exchanges on top of market opening.







"The UAE is South Korea's key partner country under 'the special strategic partnership' and the two nations have been working closely on energy fields and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic," Yeo said. "The CEPA is expected to further boost transactions and investment in bio, aerospace, hydrogen and renewable energy, and many other fields."







South Korea's trade volume with the UAE stood at $9.4 billion as of 2020.







The trade ministry said it will soon begin due domestic procedures to initiate the talks with the UAE, though it did not provide a specific timeframe.







South Korea has clinched a series of free trade agreements with major trading partners, including the United States, China, as well as Chile, Peru, Colombia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in recent years as part of its efforts to boost growth in the country's export-driven economy.







ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam. (Yonhap)


The main entrance of Seoul National University / gettyimagesbank



By Jun Ji-hye



Nearly half of all underage co-authors listed in research papers from Seoul National University (SNU) were the children of SNU professors, a ruling party lawmaker said, Thursday, calling for harsher disciplinary action against misconduct involving research by professors abusing their status.



According to Rep. Seo Dong-yong of the Democratic Party of Korea, who is on the National Assembly Education Committee, the university's 22 research papers that listed minors as co-authors were concluded as cases of misconduct. Among them, nine involved children of SNU professors.



Among the nine cases, four professors listed their own children as co-authors, while five listed children of their colleagues.



Other than children of SNU professors, there were more cases involving children of their acquaintances, such as friends and relatives, Rep. Seo said.



For example, a professor at SNU's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences was found to have listed his own daughter and a daughter of his friend as co-authors of a research paper that contained the results of a microbiology experiment conducted by researchers at his laboratory.



He also asked his colleague to be listed as a lead author instead of himself in order to avoid potential problems if the family relation between him and his daughter were exposed.



Of the minors, nine were admitted to SNU later, although it is unknown how much their "co-authoring" of papers contributed to their admissions.



Even after those cases of misconduct were confirmed, the university imposed only light punishments, issuing a warning against most of the professors in question.



A university official explained that most cases were not subject to disciplinary measures as the university can only take action in cases of misconduct involving research that occurred in the past three years.



"We issued a warning anyway (regardless of the period), considering the severity of the cases," the official said.



In addition, the university's previous explanation about minors' use of its research facilities was found to be far from the truth.



Last year, the university said some students of elite high schools, such as science high schools, were using its research facilities as part of its research and education program.



But no under-age co-authors listed in the research papers in question participated in that program.



"In most cases, SNU professors gave preference to their own children or children of their colleagues, friends or relatives by listing them as co-authors of research papers, although they did not contribute fairly to the research," Rep. Seo said. "As the university receives support from the state budget, stronger disciplinary action will be necessary against any misconduct involving research."



The lawmaker added that appropriate countermeasures should be drawn up to prevent a recurrence of such cases.



Regarding the issue, the university said it will increase the period for disciplinary action in cases of misconduct involving falsified authorship of research papers to 10 years from the current three years.






Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said Thursday the government is determined to improve the quality of meals for military service members following heavy criticism that troops are poorly fed.







"Recent soldier meal issues are something that should not have happened, but at the same time, it showed that our military food system has reached its limit," Kim said during a state affairs coordination meeting in Sejong, some 120 kilometers south of Seoul.







The prime minister said that military food supply deals with contractors will shift, in phases, to competitive tendering basis from private contract basis. He added that the government will also beef up food service workforces in the military.







The government will also expand its budget to increase soldiers' daily meal cost.







"Some people may feel uncomfortable about these changes, but food for troops is not an issue that can be compromised," he said.







The quality of military meals gained public attention recently after active-duty soldiers uploaded photos of their meals to a Facebook page that serves as an anonymous bulletin board for troops, which led to an apology by Defense Minister Suh Wook.







Meanwhile, at the state affairs meeting, Kim also called for a regulatory reform roadmap for autonomous vessels as they can be game changers in the shipbuilding industry. (Yonhap)






The defense ministry plans to provide financial compensation for South Koreans who operated in North Korea as part of U.S. military intelligence units during the 1950-53 Korean War, officials said Thursday.







The ministry will offer 10 million won ($8,400) each to the civilians who worked for the units, including the Korea Liaison Office (KLO), from 1948-1953, as they have been excluded from the compensation list due in part to limits in confirming their merit in foreign operations.







During the war, the U.S. military recruited Koreans to glean on-the-ground information in North Korean regions, including Hwanghae and Pyongan provinces, as high-tech equipment, such as spy satellites and high-altitude drones, were not available at that time.







The military said it plans to deliver the compensation money in the near future, as many potential recipients are aged 85 or older. Families of the deceased can also apply for the compensation.







The decision came years after the National Human Rights Commission of Korea advised that the parliament and the military should prepare new rules to recognize KLO veterans in 2007.







The two Koreas, meanwhile, technically remain at war, as the Korean War ended with an armistice and a peace treaty has never been signed. (Yonhap)


Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Park In-ho, third from left, and other dignitaries unveil the signboard of the Republic of Korea Air Force Headquarters Space Center in Gyeryongdae, South Chungcheong Province, Sept. 30. Courtesy of the Air Force



By Nam Hyun-woo



Korea's military is facing criticism for failing to set up a comprehensive space strategy, resulting in the Army, the Navy and the Air Force proposing space plans that are redundant, as well as creating unnecessary competition, a lawmaker said, Thursday.



According to a report submitted by the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses to Rep. Ki Dong-min of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, the state-funded institute argued that the country's space defense capabilities remain at "an insufficient level," despite a series of policies having been implemented since the Ministry of National Defense issued its basic plan for developing the country's space defense capabilities in 2013.



The report continued: "Despite space policy's mounting tasks, the support of the defense ministry, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), and each military organization that implements space policy is insufficient, and the missions and functions that each organization must perform are not clearly identified."



According to Rep. Ki, the defense ministry has only three staff members responsible for space policy and the JCS has none, with the ministry saying that it will "review expanding its manpower in space policy after the JCS establishes the specific concepts and military strategies for space operations." The JCS is now working on its military space strategy with a plan of completing documentation of it within this year.



However, Ki argued that the ministry's basic plan comes higher than that of the JCS' unfinished military space strategy in the chain of command. Thus, the defense ministry is "dodging its responsibility as the leading entity of the military's space strategy."



"The defense ministry's passive stance appears to neglect its role as the control tower of the country's space forces," Ki said.



Against this backdrop, the Army, the Navy and the Air Force have each been striving to increase their presence in the military's space defense capabilities.



On Sept. 30, the Air Force established its space center, which will be in charge of setting up its space strategy. It plans to set up an optical satellite surveillance system, space climate forecast system and other satellite-based surveillance systems by 2025, and then further expand its capabilities for space operations.



While the Air Force is claiming its lead in Korea's space defense capabilities, the Army is vying for leadership, announcing plans to increase its space-related staff.



During a National Assembly audit on Wednesday, the Army said that it uses "90 percent of the military's entire global positioning system (GPS) and 67 percent of its satellite communication capabilities, as it has the largest demand for space operations, among the others," and that "the development of space capabilities is a must," for the advancement of the Army's combat system.



Reportedly, the Army and the Air Force are clashing, as the former is seeking to join the latter's project of developing a GPS with homegrown technology, citing the system's importance for the Army.



In July, the Army announced that it was pursuing a space defense project dubbed "Pegasus," saying that "it would lay the ground for the Army to lead the JCS's space operations."



The Navy is also seeking to improve its presence in space operations, with a plan to introduce a new missile system that can intercept enemy extraterrestrial short- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles.



"The necessity for setting up a space force is continually growing, but the appropriate military space strategies and concepts have yet to have been established, while the competition between each branch of the armed forces is hampering any constructive debate on space force development," the report said.



"In keeping with the increasing military importance of space, advanced nations are allocating generous budgets, but the Korean military's space capability is lagging far behind them," Ki said.



"The defense ministry should be in charge of the country's military space programs and expand their manpower. For this, the Air Force should play an incubating role and then make efforts to strengthen unity with the other branches of the armed forces."


Kim Man-bae, owner of Hwacheon Daeyu, an asset management firm, speaks to reporters after arriving at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office for questioning, Oct. 11. Yonhap





A Seoul court questioned a key suspect at the center of a snowballing regional development corruption scandal on Thursday to determine whether to issue an arrest warrant for him on bribery and other charges.







Prosecutors sought the warrant to arrest Kim Man-bae on Tuesday on charges in connection with how his previously little-known firm, Hwacheon Daeyu Asset Management, reaped massive profits from a 2015 development project in the city of Seongnam, south of Seoul.







The former journalist allegedly colluded with Yoo Dong-gyu, then acting president of Seongnam Development Corp. in charge of the project, to engineer a contract between the two sides to remove a clause limiting the amount of profits that the firm could take from the project.







Prosecutors alleged that Kim caused more than 110 billion won (US$92 million) of losses to the Seongnam city government by removing the clause. He was also accused of giving Yoo 500 million won as part of a deal to pay him a total of 70 billion won.







Kim also allegedly paid a 5 billion-won bribe to the son of Rep. Kwak Sang-do, in the name of severance pay, to curry favor with the lawmaker.







Upon arriving at the court, Kim said he denies all allegations against him.







"I will my strongly make my case in court," he said.







The scandal has reverberated widely not only because of the scale of profits that Hwacheon Daeyu and its seven affiliates amassed but also because of its possible impact on the presidential race as Yoo is considered a close aide to Gyeonggi Gov. Lee Jae-myung, the ruling Democratic Party's presidential nominee.







The main opposition party has accused Lee of masterminding the whole scheme and has called for an independent counsel investigation into the scandal while urging Lee to step down as presidential candidate.







When pressed by reporters about his relationship with Lee, Kim said they shared no special ties. Lee said he met the governor just once for an interview.







Kim also rebutted reports of him having said in private that an unidentified person was a major shareholder of Cheonhwa Dongin No. 1, an affiliate of Hwacheon Daeyu.







Yoon Seok-youl, former prosecutor general and a leading opposition presidential hopeful, claimed that Lee was the person in question and urged him to admit to the allegations and volunteer to be investigated.







"Such person does not exist and I don't remember saying as such," Kim said.







Thursday's court questioning is expected to last until the evening. (Yonhap)


A member of a civic group dedicated to fighting online sex crimes calls for harsh punishment of Cho Ju-bin, the mastermind of a notorious Telegram blackmail ring, in front of the Supreme Court in Seoul, Thursday. The top court confirmed a lower court's 42-year prison sentence for Cho, who was indicted in April last year for organizing a criminal ring with other Telegram users, blackmailing women including minors into filming sexually exploitative content and distributing the materials to paying members of a Telegram group chat. Yonhap
Filmmaker Im Kwon-taek / Courtesy of BIFF









By Kwak Yeon-soo







BUSAN  Having created more than 100 films over his 60-year-long career, Im Kwon-taek is a prolific filmmaker who has focused on exploring the meaning of Koreanness throughout his cinematic oeuvre. With his overseas success during Korean cinema's darker days, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest Korean filmmakers of all time.







A pioneer of modern Korean cinema, Im has brought numerous iconic stories to the silver screen, including: "Seopyonje" (1993), "ChunHyang" (2000) and "Chihwaseon" (2002).







From his 1962 debut with "Farewell Duman River," a film about independence fighters in Manchuria during Japanese colonial rule, to 2014's "Revivre," which explores the subject of death, he has persisted in his desire to make significant films in the industry with his own unique vision.







Im recalled that early in his career, he made commercial films with entertaining qualities, aiming to imitate Hollywood movies. It was in the mid-1970s that he realized that continuing to do so was an absurd dream, so he began to develop a storytelling style that conveys more of Korea's history and culture.







Explaining how his 1979 film, "The Genealogy," which depicts people who try to maintain their family name during the Japanese colonial period, set a standard for his other films, the director noted, "'Jokbo (The Genealogy)' allowed me to find my signature style of filmmaking."







Im lived through a period of film censorship, which began during the 1910-45 Japanese colonial era and continued through the 1950-53 Korean War and the subsequent military regimes. When democratization was achieved in the late 1980s, following years of pro-democracy protests that took the lives of numerous people, he was finally able to make a breakthrough into a more artistic period.







Im is a major figure of the new wave cinema of the turn of the millennium, which resulted in a boom in Korean cinema and intrigued international audiences at film festivals. His 2000 film, "ChunHyang," the plot of which centers on a traditional folk tale and incorporates "pansori" (traditional narrative music), became the first Korean film ever to compete in the Cannes International Film Festival.







A scene from the 2002 film, "Chihwaseon" / Korea Times file





Two years later, Im won the Best Director Award at Cannes for "Chihwaseon" (2002), which featured actor Choi Min-sik as a 19th-century painter battling alcoholism and a repressive regime.







He also received the Honorary Golden Berlin Bear, which recognizes a filmmaker's lifetime achievements, at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2005.







Such overseas success, ironically, created trouble for him at home.







Im confessed that, owing to the pressures of working, he was unable to enjoy the actual process of making films.







"It was deeply painful and burdensome for me to live up to people's expectations when I felt that I was not good enough. The pressure coming from the media frenzy kept me away from enjoying the process of making the film. I constantly worked in pain," Im told reporters at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).







Even after winning the awards, Im felt that he had a debt to repay. "I gained a reputation by winning awards from overseas film festivals, but they also sort of limited me. If I had not been obsessed with film festivals, I could have expanded my artistic vision much more," he added.







A scene from the 1981 film, "Mandara" / Korea Times file





He elaborated on how his films' themes explore Korean values and sentiments.







Im showed affection toward his earlier films, such as the 1981 film, "Mandara," about Buddhist monks, and the 1996 feature, "Chukje (Festival)," a reenactment of traditional funeral rituals in Korea.







Although he has made more than 100 films so far, he said that there is still one idea that he has not been able to develop as a film.







"As a director who has made over 100 movies, I have filmed almost everything that I could think of. Regretfully, however, I couldn't make a film about Korean shamans and the religious spirit of Korean people. I thought about making one, but I didn't have an opportunity. And now, even if I have the chance, I am at this vantage point of age where I should give that opportunity to someone else who can do better," he said.







The director expressed his content with the overseas success of Korean filmmakers as world-class creators. He talked about the time when he called director Bong Joon-ho after watching the Oscar-winning film, "Parasite."







"Until a few years ago, it troubled me to watch Korean films because there were holes in them. But Bong's film, 'Parasite,' felt nearly complete," he said. "I think Korean films have finally become world-class."







Asked if he has plans to make another film, Im said that he's at the age where he should distance himself from the industry.







"I'm struggling toward the end of my career. I feel like now is the right time to distance myself from the industry and give more opportunities to younger filmmakers," he said.







A scene from the 2000 film, "ChunHyang" / Korea Times file





Continuing, the director said he expects that moviegoers will return to theaters after the pandemic.







"Looking back at history, films have always given people comfort, motivation and pleasure. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought weird changes to our daily lives, but I'm confident that the film industry will boom again because everyone has the desire to go to theaters," he said.







Im thanked his wife for being there for him throughout his long career.







"I've never expressed my gratitude toward my wife in public because it's quite embarrassing. But I would like to use this time as an opportunity to thank her. I could not make much money so our life has not been easy, but she put up with me for decades," Im said.







At the 26th BIFF, he received the Asian Filmmaker of the Year Award for his prolific career, spanning six decades, and his role in promoting Asian films around the world.






Former South Korean Prime Minister Lee Wan-koo died Thursday after battling blood cancer, officials here said. He was 71.







Lee served as prime minister shortly between February and April in 2015 under then President Park Geun-hye before stepping down over bribery allegations.







Considered a political heavyweight in Chungcheong Province, Lee entered politics in 1995 after working as a provincial police commissioner. He served three terms as a lawmaker for the conservative New Party Korea, United Liberal Democrats and Saenuri Party, also holding key positions in those parties.







In 2006, he was elected the governor of South Chungcheong Province but resigned in 2009 in protest of the then Lee Myung-bak administration's plan for the administrative city of Sejong.







Lee was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, in 2012 but recovered after a stem cell transplantation. The disease, however, recurred in 2016, forcing him to be hospitalized again.







Lee is survived by his wife and two sons. (Yonhap)


Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, center, the presidential candidate of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, attends a meeting with leaders and advisory group members of the party, held at the National Assembly in Seoul, Wednesday. Join Press Corps



By Jung Da-min



It has been usual for a presidential candidate of a party, either ruling or opposition, to see an increase in their support rate right after being selected to represent the party, as public attention and expectations have usually escalated during the months of primary campaigns.



But for Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, who was selected on Sunday as a final candidate for the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), the usual trend is not applicable. Rather, his support rate has fallen, which political analysts say results from a land development scandal allegedly involving him and an internal party dispute over vote counting in the primary.



In the hypothetical two-way races with presidential contenders of the conservative main opposition People Power Party (PPP), as part of a survey by Gallup Korea of 1,006 adults from Monday to Tuesday, right after Lee's primary victory, the support rates for Lee declined from those in the previous poll conducted two weeks ago. The PPP is now in the final stage of selecting its presidential candidate.





Main opposition People Power Party (PPP) leader Lee Jun-seok, left, and floor leader Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon hold placards at a party meeting in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Thursday, demanding the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) accept a special counsel investigation into a controversial land development project involving DPK presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung. Joint Press Corps
'Living with COVID-19' requires new strategy



South Korea is busy setting out a new strategy for allowing life to return to normal next month, phasing out strict quarantine measures and social distancing rules against COVID-19. This is welcome news as Koreans are eager to get out of the dark tunnel after undergoing the unprecedented public health crisis.



The country plans to work out a "living with COVID-19" scheme as it is hard to eradicate the virus completely. What makes it possible to coexist with the highly contagious virus is the power of vaccines. Korea hopes to meet its goal soon of realizing herd immunity by fully vaccinating over 70 percent of its population.



The United States, Britain and other advanced countries have already adopted such an approach toward a return to normalcy with the help of vaccination. Now, South Korea is on track to follow that path, as slightly over 60 percent of the country's 51 million population have so far been fully vaccinated. Health authorities are seeking to ramp up the rate to 70 percent by Oct. 23.



However, we cannot let our guard down against the pandemic as there have been reported cases of some fully vaccinated people coming down with breakthrough infections. There are also concerns that vaccines may not be effective in stopping COVID-19 variants such as the Delta strain. Therefore it is necessary for us to maintain at least a minimum level of quarantine and social distancing rules, while getting back to the pre-pandemic way of life on a gradual basis.



On Wednesday, the Moon Jae-in administration launched a government-civilian committee to make thorough preparations for the transition to normalcy. The 40-member panel with 30 private-sector experts is required to come up with a roadmap to carry out the smooth transition without any glitches. The committee, led by Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, will hammer out a new strategy on how to devise an exit plan and change how the country fights the pandemic.



First of all, the panel needs to present a plan to change the country's response to COVID-19 in line with the envisioned transition to normal life. The authorities have so far categorized the coronavirus as the pandemic. Now, they need to treat COVID-19 as an infectious respiratory disease similar to seasonal influenza.



As Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Commissioner Jeong Eun-kyeong pointed out, the country should shift its strategy from suppressing the virus to managing it under the "living with COVID-19" scheme. As such, the government will have to ease its tight quarantine and social distancing guidelines. It is also necessary to lift business restrictions gradually such as business operating hour limits and caps on the number of people at private gatherings.



Most of all, the authorities should prepare for a contingency plan to deal with the worst-case scenario  a possible surge in infections in response to loosened measures. It is also urgent to restructure the healthcare system to focus more on treating critically ill patients and preventing deaths, while expanding at-home treatment of patients with light symptoms.


By Troy Stangarone





After the turbulence of the Trump administration it should be no surprise that the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan in August reawakened questions about the United States' willingness to support and defend its partners and allies. While the immediacy of those concerns has passed, there are good reasons to believe that the United States views its commitment to South Korea very differently than Afghanistan.



After more than seven decades, the security, economic, and people-to-people ties between the United States and South Korea are deeper than they were in the case of Afghanistan.



The security ties between the United States and South Korea are based on the mutual defense treaty and seven decades of security cooperation on and off the Korean Peninsula. While the United States supported the government in Afghanistan, its commitment was not of the same as its commitment to South Korea.



The United States and South Korea also share a robust and growing economic relationship. Despite the pandemic, the two countries did an estimated $154.9 million in trade and goods and services in 2020. The United States remains South Korea's second largest trading partner, while South Korea is the United States' sixth most important trading partner.



Prior to the pandemic, Afghanistan was only the United States' 105th largest trading partner. U.S. exports of goods only amounted to $758 million. In contrast, U.S. exports to South Korea in 2019 were more than $56 billion.



People-to-people ties are also helpful to support the relationship. There are nearly 2 million Korean Americans in the United States, while South Korean government data indicates that more than 156,000 Americans lived in South Korea in 2019.



These ties are buttressed by tourism and education. Prior to the pandemic, the United States was the fourth largest source of tourists in South Korea. According to the Korea Tourism Organization, roughly 1 million Americans visited South Korea in 2019. U.S. data suggests nearly 2.3 million South Koreans visited the United States that same year.



Education also helps to bring the two countries together. While only a small portion of the foreign students in South Korea come from the United States, South Koreans are the third largest source of international students at U.S. universities, and the second largest on a per capita basis according the International Education Institute.



In time, people-to-people ties with the United States and Afghanistan might have flourished, but South Korea's ties to the United States are significantly more robust. The depth of the relationship is also evident in U.S. attitudes towards South Korea. The Korea Economic Institute recently released a survey of U.S. attitudes towards the Korean Peninsula. The survey was held from August 30th until September 7th, just after the last U.S. troops had departed Afghanistan.



It found that Americans have a favorable view of South Korea. 65 percent have either very favorable or favorable views. Only 9 percent of Americans have a negative or very negative view of South Korea.



These favorable views extend to the alliance and the economic relationship. A strong majority of Americans believe that the alliance is in the national security interest of the United States. Despite growing partisanship in Washington, U.S. views of the alliance aren't a partisan issue. 64 percent of Americans are supportive of the alliance, with similar numbers of Republicans and Democrats viewing it as in the interest of the United States.



We see similar results for the economic relationship. 63 percent of Americans view the economic relationship as beneficial to the United States. Here as well there is essentially no difference between the views of Republicans and Democrats.



The challenges of Afghanistan are unlikely to change these perceptions. We asked Americans whether the situation in Afghanistan was likely to influence their views of U.S. security commitments abroad and 35 percent said it would have no impact on their views of U.S. security commitments, while 22 percent said it was make them more likely to be supportive of those commitments. Only 14 percent said they thought the situation in Afghanistan would make them less likely to support U.S. security commitments abroad.



The American public hasn't supported the U.S. presence in Afghanistan in the same way. A Pew Research Poll released as the last U.S. troops departed Afghanistan suggested that 54 percent of Americans supported the decision to withdraw U.S. troops. Polling by Gallup going back to the beginning of the Afghan War suggests that Democrats and Independents have consistently been much more skeptical of the U.S. troop presence in Afghanistan than Republicans.



The consensus that we see on U.S. views of South Korea never existed on Afghanistan. None of this suggests that the U.S.-Korea alliance will not face challenges in the years ahead, but it does illustrate that the American public views the U.S. presence in South Korea much differently than it did the U.S. presence in Afghanistan.





Troy Stangarone (ts@keia.org) is the senior director of congressional affairs and trade at the Korea Economic Institute.


By Yun Byung-se





In diplomacy, semantics and symbolism are no less powerful than actual policy or strategy. The U.S. administration's use of the terms "linchpin" and "cornerstone" vis-a-vis its alliances with Korea and Japan, respectively, is a case in point. They are used with strategic rationale and episodes behind them.



"Linchpin" was first used at the Toronto summit between President Barack Obama and President Lee Myung-bak in June 2010. At the joint press conference, Obama emphasized that the U.S.-ROK alliance was "the linchpin of not only security for the Republic of Korea and the United States but also for the Pacific as a whole."



Since then, "linchpin" has entered the scene in most ROK-U.S. joint statements at various levels, with only slight changes to the applicable regional scope such as Northeast Asia, Asia, Pacific, Asia-Pacific and now Indo-Pacific. This practice has not been affected by the change of governments in either side of the Pacific  a very strong tradition of continuity.



To illustrate, the latest ROK-U.S. Leaders' Joint Statement of May 21, 2021, between President Joe Biden and President Moon Jae-in reaffirmed the alliance as a "linchpin for the regional and global order," which was preceded by "the linchpin of security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region" during their earlier telephone conversation.



This language is not much different from that used for President Moon's conservative pro-alliance predecessors  President Lee and President Park Geun-hye, who were very close to their U.S. counterparts. As a matter of fact, the U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS), in a rare tone, reported in 2017 that between 2009 and the end of 2016, relations between the two countries had reached their most robust state in decades.



In contrast, according to another CRS report of December 2010, President Obama's "linchpin" remark above stirred some anxiety in Japan, which has traditionally considered itself to be the most significant U.S. partner in the region. "Linchpin" had been an expression used to describe the U.S.-Japan alliance for some time.



Japan's concern was short-lived when Obama coined a new term  "cornerstone"  and started using it officially for the U.S.-Japan alliance. As in the case of "linchpin," "cornerstone" has become a built-in fixture in defining the nature and role of their alliance, whether by Trump or Biden.



For Korea, the "linchpin" is a synonym for comprehensive strategic alliance, just as Japan is seeking an equal partnership with the U.S. Both Korea and Japan are all ironclad alliances of the U.S. in Asia which anticipate regional as well as global roles. From the standpoint of the decades-old U.S. hub-and-spokes strategy, both Northeast Asian allies of the U.S. have served as very strong spokes. In an era of networked security and geopolitical rivalry, they are more important as two key pillars for regional peace and security.



This inter-relationship can be lucidly explained by former Secretary Hillary Clinton's famous three-legged stool logic: "Obviously, we cannot sit on that stool if there is only one leg or two, and we cannot sit on it if one leg is longer or shorter than the other two."



The Biden administration has attached the utmost importance to strengthening not only its trilateral cooperation with Korea and Japan, but also the bilateral relations between its two Asian allies. A special State Department statement issued ahead of the Northeast Asia tour by Secretary of State Tony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in March highlighted this point and this visit heralded a series of trilateral meetings until recently.



More importantly, the above statement touched upon the key rationale of a trilateral relationship. It noted that a "robust and effective trilateral relationship between the three countries is critical for our joint security and interests in defending freedom and democracy, upholding human rights, combating climate change, promoting regional and global peace, security, and the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific and across the globe."



However, the biggest hurdle is now the Seoul-Tokyo leg of trilateral relations with the U.S. which is viewed as the weakest. The relationship between these two partners of the U.S. is at its nadir since their normalization of relations in 1965, due to some past history-related decisions and the ensuing tit-for-tat. No light is in sight yet.



This unfortunate state of affairs has multi-faceted implications on the bilateral, regional and global landscapes during a time of tectonic changes in the world, including U.S.-China strategic competition and many common challenges we face together, such as the North Korean nuclear conundrum.



Korea and Japan have shared values like democracy, human rights and the market economy. Economically, they are highly interdependent still. Security-wise, they are operationally integrated through the U.S. They are close partners in enforcing U.N. resolutions to monitor North Korea's illicit activities, as well as in intelligence cooperation through the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and Trilateral Information Sharing Arrangement (TISA).



Both countries are key actors in regional cooperation fora, such as the ASEAN+3 (ASEAN plus Korea, Japan and China), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the East Asia Summit (EAS), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), among others.



Their strained relationship tends to overshadow all these important aspects and stand in the way of maximizing their full potential, including possible participation in the Quad  comprised of the U.S., Japan, Australia and India.



In this regard, precious lessons can be drawn from the bold leadership of the past, which turned the ever-worsening relationship into new partnerships. For instance, President Kim Dae-jung and Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi adopted in 1998 the landmark Korea-Japan Joint Declaration and 43-point action plans to "overcome their unfortunate history and build a future-oriented relationship based on reconciliation as well as good-neighborly and friendly cooperation."



No doubt, the current impediments between Seoul and Tokyo are very daunting, but they are not insurmountable, as was manifested in 1965, 1998 and 2015. The inauguration of a new Japanese government under the leadership of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida can serve as good momentum for a fresh start to strengthen the weakest leg. Certainly, it takes two to tango. A mutually reinforcing "linchpin" and "cornerstone" are a sine qua non for Pax Pacifica.





Yun Byung-se is a former minister of foreign affairs of South Korea. He is now a board member of the Korea Peace Foundation and a member of several ex-global leaders' forums and taskforces, including the Astana Forum and its Consultative Council, as well as the Task Force on U.S. Allies and Nuclear Weapons Proliferation sponsored by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.






Yanolja, a leading South Korean travel platform operator, said Thursday that it signed an agreement to buy a 70 percent stake in e-commerce businesses of Interpark for 294 billion won ($248 million).







Yanolja said its move to acquire Interpark's travel, performing arts, shopping and book businesses is intended to make inroads into the global travel market dominated by foreign platform companies.







"The two companies will cooperate to strengthen the competitiveness and advancement of the leisure industry at home and globally in the future post-pandemic era," it said.







Interpark will set up a new e-commerce firm in charge of its travel, performing arts, shopping and book businesses, Yanolja said, without disclosing a specific timeframe. Interpark's non-e-commerce subsidiaries in bio and healthcare are excluded from the deal.







Yanolja said it will also look into ways to support the local travel industry, along with its business expansion.







In July, Yanolja received a 2 trillion-won investment from Softbank's Vision Fund, the second-largest investment into a South Korean company after $3 billion for e-commerce giant Coupang.







Last year, Yanolja logged an operating income of 16.1 billion won and sales of 192 billion won in South Korea despite the pandemic-caused slump in the tourism industry.







When its overseas sales are counted, last year's overall revenue is estimated at 300 billion won. (Yonhap)


President Moon Jae-in, center, poses with Samsung Biologics CEO John Rim, left and Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel during a vaccine partnership event held between Korea and the United States at a hotel in Washington, D.C., May 22. Yonhap



Samsung chief Lee cited as 'hidden contributor'



By Kim Yoo-chul



Moderna has approved the domestic use of its COVID-19 vaccines to be produced by its South Korean business partner Samsung Biologics, two sources directly involved with the matter said, Thursday.



While chances are low the mRNA-based biotech Moderna will let Samsung Biologics handle the total distribution process of its vaccines to be manufactured at Samsung's facility in Incheon's Songdo, Moderna's approval for the domestic use of its vaccines will be a huge plus in terms of backing Seoul's efforts to increase the local vaccination rate, and plans for initiating a round of booster shots for people in their 60s after their initial immunization, they said.



"The South Korean government's requests for Moderna vaccines to be produced at Samsung Biologics' Songdo facility for domestic use have been approved by Moderna. Samsung Biologics will distribute some 2.8 million doses of Moderna vaccines currently being stored at its domestic storage house once the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety completes qualification tests," one source said, Thursday.



Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine was approved for use in South Korea back in May, but commercial availability of Moderna vaccines manufactured in the country was subject to qualification tests by the drug safety ministry. The Moderna vaccines currently available here are all manufactured overseas.



Samsung Biologics, which manufactures Moderna's COVID-19 vaccines, said earlier it was aiming to mass-produce Moderna vaccines within the third quarter of this year. Officials said the Samsung affiliate was producing Moderna vaccines, most of which will be distributed to international markets other than the United States, in accordance with its previously announced schedule. Under their contract, Samsung Biologics is responsible to manage labeling and vaccine packaging processes.





In this file photo, Moderna vials sit on a table. AFP-Yonhap




South Korea's wine imports nearly doubled in the first eight months of 2021 from a year earlier as more people enjoyed drinking at home and alone amid the coronavirus pandemic, data showed Thursday.







Asia's fourth-largest economy imported $370.5 million worth of wine in the January-August period, up 96.5 percent from a year earlier, according to the data by the Korea Customs Service and industry sources.







The figure surpassed last year's imports worth about $330 million and exceeded those of beer, which amounted to $147.8 million in the eight-month period.







Industry sources said wine imports soared in the first eight months as people preferred drinking by themselves at home instead of going to bars amid the coronavirus pandemic.







France was the largest exporter of wine to South Korea at $116.2 million, followed by the United States at $61.04 million, Chile at some $57 million and Spain at $28.65 million.







In contrast, beer imports dipped in the first half as imports of Japanese brands tumbled on a boycott of goods from the neighboring country due to Tokyo's curbs on exports of key materials to Seoul.







Also responsible was the growing popularity of homegrown craft beer among local drinkers, according to the sources.







South Korea's beer imports fell to $226.9 million last year from $281 million in 2019. In particular, imports of Japanese brands plunged to $5.7 million last year from $39.8 million, according to the data. (Yonhap)


Squid Game's soaring popularity has thrust many of its cast members into the spotlight, few more so than Anupam Tripathi. The 32-year-old actor stars as Ali Abdul, or Player Number 199, a Pakistani migrant worker desperately working to support his family in both Seoul and Pakistan. And Tripathi's moving portrayal of the compassionate character in the thrilling series known for its twists and turns that has conquered the world in one rapid wave.



So, what is there to know about this rapidly rising star?



He moved to South Korea in 2010 to pursue acting



Originally from New Delhi, India, Tripathi began singing and acting in 2006, and four years later moved to Korea to attend Korea National University of Arts. According to Variety, he mastered Korean in less than two years, even earning a scholarship for his undergraduate study, and later for his postgraduate study as well.



Though it was his role in Squid Game that catapulted his popularity, Tripathi began his acting career in Korea in his third year of university, with his first credited role being in the 2014 drama film Ode to My Father. Since then he is had other minor roles in films such as Netflix's plot hole-ridden sci-fi sensation Space Sweepers (2021) and in popular television dramas such as Descendants of the Sun (2016) and Hospital Playlist (2020).





Anupam Tripathi in a still from Squid Game / Courtesy of Netflix
Police at the scene after an attack in Kongsberg, Norway, Oct. 13. Several people have been killed and others injured by a man armed with a bow and arrow in a town west of the Norwegian capital, Oslo. AP-Yonhap



A man armed with a bow fired arrows at shoppers in a small Norwegian town Wednesday, killing five people before he was arrested, authorities said.



The police chief in the community of Kongsberg, near the capital of Oslo, said there was ''a confrontation'' between officers and the assailant, but he did not elaborate. Two other people were wounded and hospitalized in intensive care, including an officer who was off duty and inside the shop where the attack took place, police said.



''The man who carried out the act has been arrested by the police, and there is no active search for more people. Based on the information we have, there is one person behind this,'' Police Chief Oeyving Aas said.



Acting Prime Minister Erna Solberg described the attack as ''gruesome'' and said it was too early to speculate on a motive. The prime minister-designate, Jonas Gahr Stoere, who is expected to take office Thursday, called the assault ''a cruel and brutal act'' in comments to Norwegian news agency NTB.





An arrow is seen in the wall after an attack in Kongsberg, Norway, Oct. 13. AP-Yonhap
JR Dickerson poses for a photo on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2021, at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky. Photo by Corrie McCroskey | Staff


AI/ML - Software Engineer, Information Intelligence Seattle , Washington , United States Machine Learning and AI Summary

Posted: Oct 9, 2021 Role Number: 200298510 Imagine what you could do here. At Apple, great ideas have a way of becoming great products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Do you want to make Siri and Apple products smarter for our users? The AI/ML Information Intelligence teams are building groundbreaking technology for algorithmic search, machine learning, natural language processing, and artificial intelligence. The Search Infrastructure team is seeking an exceptional engineering manager who can partner with leadership and other teams to drive experiences from product definition to release. The team will be responsible for building PetaByte-scale data processing pipelines and generating insights to serve our customers with up-to-date and high-quality information, and to power Apple's amazing range of products. The successful candidate will manage a software engineering team to deliver scalable, reliable search infrastructure. Key Qualifications 5+ years of hands-on software development experience, a strong grasp of computer science fundamentals, and love learning new technologies.

3+ years of engineering management experience. You have a track record demonstrating the ability to build and lead a team, including hiring, mentoring, motivating and elevating the performance of a team.

Excellent strategic visioning, planning, prioritization, and organization skills.

Ability to establish strong partnerships and manage complex cross-functional relationships.

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

Experience in building highly scalable and distributed systems on cloud platforms, preferably AWS or GCP. Description In this role, you will build and lead a diverse, hardworking team of experienced and thoughtful engineers to build truly innovate and new features related to data pipeline and quality, in order to power Apple Safari, Siri, and Spotlight Search. This role will work closely with a large number of cross-functional partners including Apple product domains, product managers, operations, quality assurance, and other software engineering teams to build high quality search experiences. You will the capabilities of building and serving search data both for features and scale, and define/execute a technical roadmap. To support your team, you will motivate and mentor them, and dedicate a good part of your time to developing talents, identifying a goal for each team member to grow and contribute to their full potential performance. You will be successful by proactively engaging your team, identifying and resolving broken processes and encouraging a respectful, high performing team culture. Education & Experience BS or MS degree in Computer Science/Engineering, or equivalent industry experience.


We will be at home during the Thanksgiving holiday.

We will make a brief trip away from home.

We will spend most of the Thanksgiving holiday away from home.

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The US section of the International Marxist Tendency held its largest-ever National Congress on the weekend of October 9 and 10. As the morning sun lit up the bright fall-colored foliage around the Pittsburgh Congress venue, 170 delegates and comrades filed into the meeting hall to take their seats.

The participants were buzzing with energy, and not only due to the wonderful services of the comrades running the espresso bar. It was the first time we were able to organize an in-person national gathering of the IMT since the start of the pandemic nearly two years ago, and the mood was one of jubilation.

A period of rapid growth

Since the start of 2020, the organization has doubled in size and expanded to dozens of new cities. After long months of holding meetings primarily virtually, comrades were elated to come together in person and celebrate the immense progress that has been made since the last Congress.

With comrades in attendance from over 50 cities and 29 states, the event provided a glimpse of the truly national scope of the organization, which has begun to sink roots in every corner of the country. Of special significance was the participation of several delegations from the South, which has been the fastest-growing region of the organization in the last period. For the first time, there were comrades in attendance who had travelled from Atlanta, Georgia; Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, and Asheville in North Carolina; Fort Mill, South Carolina; Baltimore, Maryland; Washington, DC and the surrounding Virginia area; Austin, Dallas, and Houston in Texas; and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

There were also first-time delegations and participants from a dozen other new cities from coast-to-coastquite literally from Portland, Oregon to Portland, Maine. In addition to the many cities where comrades have begun the work of building new branches, some of these efforts have already yielded such rapid success that the newly-built branches qualified for voting delegates, as in the case of Chicago, Seattle, Portland, Detroit, Ann Arbor, Flint, New Haven, and Providence.

Given the spectacular growth of the IMT in the recent period, over half of the US population now lives in a metropolitan area where the organization has a presence. This represents an important achievement in the vast continental expanse of the US, and our nationwide reach was keenly felt by the participants, who mingled with comrades from every region of the continental US between sessions.

The US section of the International Marxist Tendency held its largest-ever National Congress / Image: Socialist Revolution

Internationalism

When the delegates had all settled into their seats, comrade Laura Brown stepped up to the speakers platform to call the meeting to order and deliver the opening comments. The bright colored banner hanging on the wall behind her echoed the ever-present theme of the weekends sessions: Marxism on the Rise!

In her welcome remarks, Laura took a moment to honor the legacy of comrades Hans-Gerd Ofinger, Roque Ferreira, and Alfredo Pena / Image: Socialist Revolution

After recognizing the delegates and highlighting the growth of the organization since the last Congress, Laura took a moment to honor the legacy of those comrades who are no longer with us by asking for a minute of silence. As an example, the COVID-19 pandemic and its criminal mishandling by the capitalists and their states took the lives of two leading comrades of the International: Hans-Gerd Ofinger, a founding member and leader of the German section of the IMT, and Roque Ferreira, a leading member of the Brazilian section. The Congress also recognized the loss of comrade Alfredo Pena, who was a founding member of the NYC branch and a life-long militant class fighter. Laura pointed out that if the comrades had been at the event, they would have been glowing with pride to see the progress that has been made in the growing forces of revolutionary Marxism in the belly of the beast of world capitalism.

After the introductory comments, it was time for international greetings. Normally, a comrade from the International Secretariat in London would have been in attendance to lead off the morning session on World Perspectives. Unfortunately, federal travel restrictions made it impossible for comrades from other countries to join us in person this year. However, warm video greetings and interventions were transmitted from various sections of the IMT around the worlda powerful reminder that we are by no means an International in name only! Thanks to the professional work of the comrades on the AV team, and equipped with a projector and sound system, it felt almost as if the comrades from the International were there in the hall with us.

Comrade Oleg Bulaev spoke on the situation in Russia, highlighting the growing popularity of the Communist Party in lockstep with the declining approval ratings of Vladimir Putin. The changing tide of the class struggle will open up many opportunities for our comrades in the land of Lenin and Trotsky. Next up was Adam Pal, who delivered a detailed report on the events in Afghanistan and the ignominious defeat of US imperialism after two decades of disastrous occupation and hundreds of thousands of lives lost.

Our whirlwind tour of the global capitalist crisis then took us to Latin America, where Caio Dezorzi addressed the Congress from Sao Paulo. Caio spoke of the havoc wrought by the pandemic and exacerbated by the government of Bolsonaro. The Fora Bolsonaro! slogan, initially launched by our Brazilian comrades of Esquerda Marxista, has gained a broad echo for good reason! Jorge Martin then spoke on the critical situation in Cuba and the need for an international struggle to defend the revolution against the mortal threat of capitalist restoration.

Warm video greetings and interventions were transmitted from various sections of the IMT around the world / Image: Socialist Revolution

Up next was Rob Sewell who reported on the civil war in the British Labour Party, where the comrades of Socialist Appeal have stood firm and are quickly becoming a reference point for the revolutionary youth in Britain.

Finally, Fred Weston delivered greetings on behalf of the International Secretariat in London and presented a brief update on the many hot spots of the class struggle around the world. He touched on recent events in Afghanistan, Russia, China, and on the changes unfolding in the consciousness of the working class in one country after another. The general picture of the global situation is as somber for the ruling class as it is promising for revolutionary Marxiststhere has never been a better time for our ideas to take root around the world!

Perspectives for revolutionary socialism in the US

After concluding the session on World Perspectives, John Peterson, Editor of Socialist Revolution, took the stage to lead off the discussion on US Perspectives. Presenting a sweeping overview of the changes that have reshaped the political landscape in recent decades, John explained the underlying conditions that gave rise to Trumpism on the one hand, and a reborn socialist movement on the other.

Ultimately, the historical impasse of the capitalist systemand of American capitalism in particularis the driving force behind the rise of revolutionary ideas among the young generation. The crises and contradictions of our time stem from the fact that this system should have been overthrown over a century ago. Profit-driven production for the market and the constraints of the nation state have long outgrown their ability to take humanity as a whole forward. This is clearly demonstrated by the climate catastrophe, and the capitalist classs impotence when dealing with the urgent and dramatic measures demanded by the situation.

John Peterson, Editor of Socialist Revolution, took the stage to lead off the discussion on US Perspectives / Image: Socialist Revolution

Meanwhile, billionaires like Jeff Bezos have accumulated such obscene wealth that they are toying with leaving the world and its problems behind, by embarking on recreational space voyages. Coupled with such mind-boggling wealth disparities, declining living standards, the pandemic, and the earth-shaking events of the George Floyd movement, it is not hard to see why the process of class struggle is intensifying. John spoke about the growing wave of strike activity at companies like Kellogs, Nabisco, and among construction workers in the Pacific Northwest. The militancy of those organized in IATSE, whose 60,000 members authorized a strike by a virtually unanimous vote, shows that the stage is being set for a rise in open class struggle on a scale weve not seen in living memory.

Last summers mass movement against systemic racism and police terror was the most momentous event of 2020, and marks a turning point in US history. It was an inspiring and unprecedented outpouring of solidarity, and a sign of the kind of mass struggles in store in the years ahead. As stated in the US Perspectives document, the centerpiece of the discussions on day one:

The events of the last few years can leave no doubt that we have well and truly entered the epoch of the world revolution. With last summers George Floyd movement, American workers have had a glimpse at their revolutionary potential and future. If a strong Marxist organization with roots in the key industries and layers of the working class had been in position across the US last summer, 2020 could have marked the beginning of the end for world capitalism.

Johns remarks were followed by a lively discussion by the delegates, all of whom added various angles and debated the amendments which the branches had submitted to the draft document. The session was a culmination of a months-long exchange of ideas within the organization, aimed at producing the highest quality perspectives document to date. After the delegates voted on the various amendments, the final draft was put to a vote and approved unanimously by the Congress.

Raising resources for the work of the IMT

The US Perspectives session was followed by a thorough report on the work of the IMT around the world, delivered once again by Fred Weston via video. Comrades were inspired to hear about the growth of so many sections of the International, and the many new footholds we are establishing in one country after another.

All the delegates brought in various angles and contributions to the enrich the discussion of US Perspectives / Image: Socialist Revolution

To close out the first day of the Congress, comrade Pete Walsh gave an inspiring launch to an organization-wide dues-increase campaign. Pete explained that much of our recent progress comes down to our ability to harness the opportunities implicit in the objective situation, and it takes material resources to do this. In light of the many ordeals faced by revolutionaries throughout history, the act of digging deep to collectively finance our activities presents us with a more bearable burdenan additional sacrifice many comrades were willing to make.

After all, the capitalists will never fund the force that will overthrow them, and our financial independence guarantees our political independence! We are beholden only to our comrades, our program, and the ideas of Marxism!

After a successful first day filled with much discussion, learning, debate, and applause, it was time for an evening of food, drinks, camaraderie, and revolutionary singing.

Comrades gathered outside for booming renditions of Solidarity Forever, Bella Ciao, Das Einheitsfrontlied, and many other songs which brought the world socialist movement ringing out into the Pittsburgh night.

Building camaraderie and singing revolutionary songs at our National Congress in Pittsburgh last weekend! Solidarity forever  pic.twitter.com/JZ817KfEI6  Socialist Revolution (@usimt) October 14, 2021

American Bolshevism in the 2020s: the road to revolution

Day two was dedicated to the topic of Bolshevism and the concrete tasks facing Marxists in the US at the present juncture. Antonio Balmer kicked off the first session with an overview of the development of the IMT over the last period, and organizational perspectives for the decade ahead of us.

The US section of the IMT began in 1998 as the undertaking of a single cadre living in Fargo, North Dakota, armed only with the ideas and methods of the International, and confidence that great historic events would confirm our perspectives. Since then, the IMT has steadily spread from coast to coast, laying the foundations for the type of organization that can assemble around its banner the most serious of the leftward moving revolutionary youth of this generation.

Antonio Balmer kicked off the second day with an overview of the development of the IMT over the last period, and organizational perspectives for the decade ahead of us / Image: Socialist Revolution

While previous decades presented major challenges in the spreading of Marxist ideas, today we see that the tide has turned decisively among the layer of the working class that has grown up in the post-2008 era. The past decade has revealed a clear leftward trajectory: from the vague class content of the Occupy movements We are the 99%; to the rise of the liberal reformism of modern-day democratic socialism; to the rising interest in unequivocally revolutionary ideas. Today, Marxism is viewed favorably by 27% of Millennials and 30% of Gen Z. Translated into hard numbers, these statistics suggest that some 39 million young people are open to the ideas defended by the IMT!

However, these tens of millions of young people remain largely isolated and atomized. Our task is to transform this radicalization from an amorphous undercurrent into an organized and disciplined political force that can play the role of an enormous transmission belt for carrying revolutionary ideas into the struggles of the working class. The 2021 Organizational Resolution, which was also debated and approved unanimously by the delegates, highlighted the legacy and modern relevance of Bolshevism as a method for training the cadres who will act as a backbone and a skeletal framework for a much larger organization down the road.

The subsequent afternoon sessions then delved into the specific platforms of our work nationally, giving the comrades a chance to hear reports of our activities in the labor movement, on picket lines, with other organizations in the movement, and among the youth on campuses across the country. The sessions gave a general picture of an active and energetic cadre organization that is picking up steam and learning to sink roots among a broader layer of the working class. As our branches grow and develop, they become increasingly efficient training grounds for the political education of new comrades, who receive a grounding in the foundations of Marxism and the basic skills and methods for building the branches.

The Sunday afternoon sessions delved into the specific platforms of our work in the movement / Image: Socialist Revolution

John Peterson delivered the closing comments to bring the Congress to a rousing finale. Drawing from the Hegel quote that opens our US Perspectives document, John highlighted the idea that our epoch is a birth-time and a period of transition. We are on the threshold of a new dawn which, in a flash and at a single stroke, brings into view the form and structure of the new worldthe dawn of world socialism.

It is our great fortune to be fighting for the socialist revolution at a time when history is preparing a mass audience for Marxist ideas. John recalled the words of the poet William Wordsworth, who took inspiration from the experience of the Great French Revolution: Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive. But to be young was very heaven! These words capture the sense of revolutionary optimism that drives our fight for socialism in our lifetime.

Comrade Johns closing remarks were met with a standing ovation and a heartfelt eruption into the Internationalethe anthem of the world working class. After such an inspiring and energizing event, it was hard for many to say their goodbyes and part ways. But comrades journeyed back to their cities with a redoubled commitment and a sense of urgency for the political tasks before us, as well as an eager excitement to see how much bigger our next national gathering will be.

If you would like to participate in events like this and want to join the fight for socialism in our lifetime, contact us!

We are on the threshold of a new dawn which, in a flash and at a single stroke, brings into view the form and structure of the new world ` the dawn of world socialism. Image: Socialist Revolution
The Junior Chamber International of Curepipe (JCI Curepipe) is organizing a National Blood Donation Campaign across Mauritius, in collaboration with the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) and Youth Volunteer Mauritius.

JCI believes that service to humanity is the best work of life. The blood bank has a very low level of blood pints available which is alarming. Following the national call for support made by NBTS, JCI Curepipe, as one of its community initiatives, initiated blood donation campaigns across the island in order to help NBTS get more pints of blood. The initiative also seeks to ensure that more people are educated about the importance of blood donation.

JCI Curepipe also partnered with different malls and other organizations across the island to maximise the impact of the blood donation campaigns.

As per the JCI Curepipe President, Mr. Satiam Gokool, Hosting a blood donation campaign is a great way to give back to the community, and blood supplies are critically low right now. Were excited to partner with the Youth Volunteer Mauritius and the NBTS to help anyone who needs the lifesaving gift of blood. Following our 3rd Blood donation event, we have been able to collect 134 blood pints in total. I take this opportunity to encourage and call out to the generosity of the Mauritian population to humbly donate their blood to save lives. Cultivate a mindset of donating blood, be kind, be humble, choose to the reason another person lives and donate blood.

So far, blood donation campaigns have been organized at La Citadelle Mall in Port Louis, Nurses Network at Belle Etoile and Bagatelle Mall at Bagatelle.

The future blood donation campaigns are as follows:

Date Venue 23/10/2021 SoFlo, Floreal 6/11/2021 Kendra Mall, St Pierre 13/11/2021 Flacq Coeur de Ville 20/11/2021 Grand Baie Coeur de Ville 27/11/2021 BoVallon, Mahebourg 4/12/2021 Farmers Service Centre, Goodlands

The Community Impact Coordinator for the National Blood Donation Campaign, Ms. Kooshilla Saraye highlights that: The blood donation campaigns have been a success. The experience has been humbling so far and we hope to be able to help the people in need through the collection of blood pints. The public is invited to join the initiative to help save lives through collection of blood pints. One blood pint can save up to 3 lifes. The public is highly encouraged to join the initiative to help save lives through donation of blood.

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Peach Payments has set up an office in Mauritius recently in pursuit of its pan-African expansion strategy. As a FinTech start-up that was set up in South Africa in 2012 and expanded into Kenya in 2018, the company is set to make a significant contribution to the pan-African FinTech landscape as a key event sponsor at the Africa FinTech Festival (AFF) which is being held in a virtual format by the Mauritius Africa FinTech Hub (MAFH) from 13 to 15 October 2021.

Peach Payments is a world-class payment gateway offering simple, seamless and secure online payment services which enable businesses to easily accept payments on their websites and mobile apps, integrating with leading e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce, Shopify, Wix and Magento.

As the organisation expands its footprint, the companys vision has also grown to meet the customer where they do business digitally, be it on an e-commerce site, app, SMS, or mobile phone, and make it easier for them to succeed.

The companys numbers speak for themselves. Last year, Peach Payments saw a 400% increase in customer acquisition and revenue growth of 130%. After securing investment last year from a funding round led by UW Ventures in partnership with Allan Gray, the company raised another new round of funding in April 2021, again led by UW Ventures in partnership with Allan Gray, alongside Launch Africa Ventures and other existing investors. The investment raised from these rounds is being used to fund the companys expansion into Africa.

Commenting on the setting up of operations in Mauritius, Peach Payments co-founder Andreas Demleitner says, Growth into Africa is key, and our expansion into Mauritius has been an eagerly awaited milestone, based on the island economys stellar reputation as a FinTech hub for Africa. We are happy to have on board Sandeep Chagger, who brings his vast experience in the financial services sector in Mauritius and who has already been instrumental in setting up our operations on the ground.

On the way forward, he adds,

While scaling up our current operations in Kenya and Mauritius, the team is investigating opportunities in other East and West African countries. In this context, our participation at the Africa FinTech Festival will serve to help our organisation remain at the forefront of new opportunities in the exciting realm of FinTech as this pioneering event brings together all FinTech stakeholders across Africa  be it other FinTech start-ups, regulators, investors or academia.

Elaborating upon the companys participation at the AFF, Peach Payments co-founder Rahul Jain says, We are honoured to be a key event sponsor at the Africa FinTech Festival, with the third edition being held in Mauritius under the theme of FinTech, Sustainability and Innovation: The power trio to fast-forward Africas growth. I will be speaking on two occasions, once on the topic of scaling up in Africa and what are the keys to a successful Pan-African expansion, and another on how FinTechs can thrive in the new normal with a focus on digital payment providers.

He concludes on the note that Sandeep Chagger, Country Director for Mauritius, will round up the organisations participation at the AFF as the moderator for a session on how FinTech ventures can raise capital to catalyse their growth.

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Lehigh Dining by Sodexo expanded this fall with new additions such as Hillside Cafe, offering Starbucks Coffee, smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, and more. There is also now the Farmshelf, bookcase-sized smart indoor farms, located at Cort @ Lower UC and Rathbone Student Restaurants, which allows the culinary team to grow their own hydroponic herbs. The culinary team is growing basil, parsley, thyme, and mint. The mint has been used in the cucumber salad and fruit salad and the basil features in their marinara sauce.
Alcohol sales across the country surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Lehigh Valley was no exception. From March 2020 through March of this year, residents around the region spent more than $7.6 million on one brand and size of vodka alone.
Recently, I came across an old high school friend who happened to start his own service and repair contracting business. He reached out to me via social media and excitedly told me that after 20 years of working for a large company, he has decided to go on his own. He went on to tell me all the knowledge he had acquired during his journey and how he can be there for me and my company whenever I needed his service. He assured me he did not have the high overhead that many larger companies carry and that his prices would be fair and competitive.
Allentown faces a decision on how to use more than $57 million in American Recovery Act funding and Hendricks said he believes that money should go toward infrastructure improvements to allow the city to hold property taxes level. Some of the money could be used for housing programs, but avoiding tax increases would benefit both homeowners and renters, whose landlords pass along tax increases as increases in rent.
The motorbikes have been an issue for a couple years. One of the issues we have with the motorbikes, our police, what they can do doesnt have teeth. We need to be able to take these bikes off the street once and for all. We should create a law so we have the strictest enforcement to be able to handle these issues, so its not a $100 fine, its upward of $500, so those people realize maybe I shouldnt be driving on the sidewalk, driving up one-way streets and violating the law, and also work with leaders and developers throughout the area and maybe create a space thats suitable for our bikes thats not in Center City.
In the case of the Church, Dailey added, that mindset [and] approach is led by the Holy Spirit, so being synodal is engaging people widely in the process of coming to understand where the Spirit is leading the Church. So, a synod on synodality is an attempt to do the very thing on which the gathering is focused. Its a worldwide listening session on the subject of listening and being a global church.
What you may not know is this same crowd prevented DePasquale from getting the records, perhaps after realizing what he was going to find out. Will Gov. Wolf and his administration ever let anyone outside his control check on registration integrity?
While balancing the budget each year becomes more and more difficult, and the competition for existing funds becomes greater each year, the need to find a method to fund public safety training for first responder services is paramount if we truly want to fix whats currently wrong with our system. Failure to act will only cause greater issues and could lead to people not training at all due to the cost.
Columbus never set foot in this country and has nothing to do with U.S. history. This is only divisive because people are making it that way. One side has to always be against the other, regardless of the damage caused to the country  or maybe tearing the country apart is the point.
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Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-13 00:48:01|Editor: huaxia

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Empty registration desks are seen at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, Indonesia, Oct. 14, 2021. International visitors from 19 countries with a COVID-19 positivity rate of less than five percent have been allowed to come to Indonesia, Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said at a meeting in Jakarta on Wednesday. (Photo by Bisinglasi/Xinhua)

by Hayati Nupus

JAKARTA, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian resort island of Bali is waiting in excitement for international tourists as it will reopen on Thursday.

As many as 8,000 rooms in 35 three- to five-star hotels are ready to be occupied both for quarantine and accommodation when international tourists are on the island, the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association's Chairperson Hariyadi Sukamdani said.

"We have been preparing this for 19 months with caution. We are ready to welcome international guests," Sukamdani told Xinhua on Monday.

Sukamdani estimated that in the early phase only about 2,000 rooms would be used, but the number would increase if more visitors come.

The tourism in Bali is reviving in recent weeks as more and more domestic tourists are coming with the hotel occupancy rate increased by 35 percent, Sukamdani said.

The development came as Indonesia's daily new COVID-19 cases dropped sharply in recent days.

With the relaxation of public mobility restrictions, shopping centers, cinemas and restaurants are allowed to reopen. The government has also sped up the vaccination program.

Deputy Governor of Bali Tjokorda Oka Sukawati said that thousands of attractive tourist facilities, including restaurants, hotels and malls in the resort island are ready to welcome foreign tourists under strict health protocols.

Meanwhile, 99 percent of the Balinese have received their first doses of COVID-19 vaccines and 80 percent have got the second doses.

Sukawati hoped that reopening the island would revive the tourism sector which in 2019 generated 53 percent of the province's revenues.

Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said that foreigners who come from countries with a COVID-19 positivity rate of less than 5 percent and those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are allowed to come to Bali.

As long as their tests are negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours before their departures and have proofs of accommodation bookings, the tourists are allowed to visit Indonesia.

"They must also have health insurance with a minimum coverage value of 100,000 U.S. dollars, which includes financing for handling COVID-19," Pandjaitan explained.

They only need to follow a five-day quarantine, a duration that has been cut from the previous eight days, before exploring the beauty of the island, Pandjaitan said.

"If results of PCR tests on the 4th day are negative, they are allowed to leave the quarantine on the 5th day."

Upon arriving at Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, every visitor are required to take a physical examination and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, among others. The airport has prepared PCR test booths with a capacity of 3,840 tests per day. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-13 20:11:49|Editor: huaxia

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Li Xiaofeng, CEO of Huawei in Lebanon, speaks at the Huawei Authorized Learning Partner (HALP) program signing ceremony in Beirut, Lebanon, Oct. 12, 2021. Huawei Technologies in Lebanon launched the Huawei Authorized Learning Partner (HALP) program with the American University of Science & Technology (AUST) on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

BEIRUT, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Huawei Technologies in Lebanon launched the Huawei Authorized Learning Partner (HALP) program with the American University of Science & Technology (AUST) on Tuesday.

Li Xiaofeng, CEO of Huawei in Lebanon, said this agreement will enable AUST and Huawei to boost digital transformation across industries with specialized and customized training based on Huawei courses and solutions.

"Trainees will have technical knowledge and practical skills in related domains, which will lead to more opportunities in career choice and development," he said.

AUST Vice President Riad Sakr noted that the first course in Artificial Intelligence (AI) under HALP was offered during the fall 2021-2022 academic semester, with more than 140 students and professionals registered.

"At AUST, we are committed to contributing to a better society, by preparing students for effective and responsible membership in their professional and social communities," Sakr said during a ceremony held at the university.

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon Qian Minjian said that he hopes the HALP program of Huawei, launched with AUST, will have great outcomes to boost the digital growth in Lebanon, adding that "students of AUST will make full use of the AI lab donated by Huawei, learn skills and do well in scientific research, and contribute to Lebanon's national revitalization with your talents."

The ambassador noted that "the Chinese embassy will encourage more Chinese enterprises to cooperate with Lebanon in various fields while promoting government aid programs."

"Let us jointly build the Belt and Road Initiative and achieve more results and build a monument to friendship between the two countries," he added. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-13 22:35:29|Editor: huaxia

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An Afghan vendor waits to sell second-hand goods at a market in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, on Oct. 13, 2021. Since Taliban's takeover of the country in mid-August, growing poverty and unemployment in cash-strapped Afghanistan have given rise to the business of trading second-hand home appliances and goods. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

KABUL, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- "More and more Afghans visit specialized markets for second-hand goods. A number of people try to sell things to buy immediate needs while some people attempt to find cheap stuff they can afford," shop owner Sayyed Khalid told Xinhua on Wednesday.

Since Taliban's takeover of the country in mid-August, growing poverty and unemployment in cash-strapped Afghanistan have given rise to the business of trading second-hand home appliances and goods.

The economic woes hit the impoverished country following freezing of over 9 billion U.S. dollars of Afghanistan central bank's assets by the United States as well as a halt of funds by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Since late August, thousands of Afghans had waited in long queues to withdraw their savings. On Aug. 28, the Afghan central bank issued an order to all banks, setting a temporary limit of withdrawals of 200 U.S. dollars, or 20,000 afghani, for one customer every week.

"We enjoy a peaceful environment after Taliban took over Afghanistan, but the economy can not breathe currently," Khalid said.

He noted that the small industries and businesses were collapsing, and the construction of buildings and houses was suspended while the number of shoppers declined in business hubs.

"More Afghans opt for second-hand clothes and shoes as their living condition worsens," dealer Kamaluddin told Xinhua on Wednesday.

"I came to buy things because goods are cheap. A lot of people lost their jobs after recent political changes. They sell their home appliances before immigrating to neighboring countries. They are going abroad," he said.

Official figures show that about 54.5 percent of Afghans were living under the poverty line in 2019, but the number soared to 72 percent in 2020.

At the weekend, a Taliban delegation urged the U.S. side to lift the ban on Afghan assets during a meeting with U.S. representatives in Doha, the capital of Qatar.

On Monday, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed to the Taliban to fulfill their human rights and humanitarian obligations.

"The economy of Afghanistan is breaking down. Banks are closing and essential services, such as healthcare, have been suspended in many places. I urge the world to take action and inject liquidity into the Afghan economy to avoid collapse," Guterres tweeted.

He said the international community will pay a heavy price if it does not help Afghans now.

In September, 3.8 million Afghans received food assistance while 450,000 people get healthcare services provided by the UN and other aid agencies.

The international community and the UN must seek ways to create the conditions that would allow Afghan professionals and civil servants to continue working to serve the Afghan population in the cash-strapped and foreign-aid depending Central Asian country, Guterres said.

"I have brought some of my house appliances to sell and solve my financial problems," said Sayyed Abed, a Kabul resident, hoping that the international community will help to put an end to the suffering of the Afghan people.

Abed also urged the Afghan politicians to get united, put aside differences and join hands to form an inclusive government.

The Taliban's newly formed caretaker government has recently paid salaries to government employees for two months in a number of ministries, including ministries of education and public health.

The majority of some 400,000 state employees have not received wages since July.

"It is a moral obligation of a government to provide the basic necessities to the citizens," he said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-13 22:51:57|Editor: huaxia

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President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov (C) speaks at the oath-taking ceremony for the new Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Oct. 13, 2021. The new Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, headed by Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the President's Administration Akylbek Zhaparov, took the oath of office on Wednesday. (Press office of Kyrgyz government/Handout via Xinhua)

BISHKEK, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- The new Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, headed by Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the President's Administration Akylbek Zhaparov, took the oath of office on Wednesday.

The oath-taking ceremony was held at the country's parliament with the attendance of President Sadyr Zhaparov.

The Parliament of Kyrgyzstan approved the new structure and members of the Cabinet and President Zhaparov later signed a decree on the appointment of members of the Cabinet of Ministers.

The new Cabinet consists of the chairman, four deputy chairmen and 15 ministers.

The previous Cabinet was dismissed by the president on Tuesday. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-13 23:49:21|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with German Chancellor Angela Merkel via video link in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 13, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel via video link on Wednesday. They reviewed the development of China-German and China-EU relations in recent years in a friendly atmosphere and had an in-depth exchange of views over relevant issues.

Hailing Merkel's contribution to promoting China-German and China-EU relations during her tenure, Xi said that "for making acquaintances, the most valuable thing is mutual understanding, and for people to have mutual understanding, the key lies in knowing what is on each other's mind."

"This saying is not only a good illustration of our in-depth exchanges over the years, but also reflects the important experience in maintaining the smooth and sound development of China-German relations over the past 16 years," Xi added.

As the Chinese people put a premium on friendship, said Xi, China will not forget old friends and will always keep the door open for Merkel, voicing the hope that Merkel will continue supporting the development of China-German and China-EU relations.

The Chinese president said they have had multiple in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations, major international and regional issues and state governance, among other topics, which have advanced bilateral ties and ensured collaboration between the two countries in responding to global challenges.

In a spirit of mutually beneficial cooperation, China and Germany have achieved win-win results by giving play to the complementarity of the two countries' economies. The sound development of China and Germany have also contributed more to the global economy, Xi said.

"This has demonstrated that countries can avoid the zero-sum game and achieve mutually beneficial results on a win-win basis, and this should be the main tone that the two sides should adhere to in bilateral ties," said Xi.

Noting that 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, Xi said that keeping bilateral ties on the right course is of crucial importance.

"China always views its relationship with Germany from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is ready to maintain high-level exchanges with the German side, promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, tap the potential for cooperation in traditional fields, while exploring new areas of pragmatic cooperation in energy transition and the green and digital economy, among other areas, to further advance bilateral ties," said Xi.

Xi pointed out that pursuing peace and development is the common aspiration of China and the EU, saying that both sides advocate safeguarding multilateralism, support trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and believe that the common interests of China and the EU far outweigh contradictions and differences.

Noting that this is a critical period for the global fight against COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic recovery, Xi said that China and the EU, as two important forces in the world, have a responsibility to strengthen cooperation and work together to deal with global problems in the face of increasing global challenges and rising instability and uncertainty.

He said the two sides should view China-EU relations from a broader perspective, understand each other objectively and comprehensively, and handle differences rationally, peacefully and constructively.

"It is hoped that the EU can insist on independence, truly safeguard its own interests and the unity of the international community, and work together with China and other countries to resolve the issues of peace and development," Xi said.

For her part, Merkel said she remembered all the exchanges she had with Xi over the past more than 10 years, and they had candid and in-depth discussions on issues of common concern, which have enhanced mutual understanding and promoted the sound development of Germany-China relations and EU-China cooperation.

During her tenure as German chancellor, China has achieved rapid development and has shown great potential, Merkel said, adding that she believes the EU should develop its relations with China independently.

"I believe that EU-China relations can overcome various complicated issues and continue to develop," she said.

Germany appreciates China's efforts to cope with climate change and protect biodiversity, stands ready to work with China to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and continues to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation to jointly cope with global challenges, Merkel said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 00:56:03|Editor: huaxia

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-- Chinese President Xi Jinping announced new measures to remedy biodiversity loss at a key United Nations conference in Kunming.

-- The solutions, along with China's consistent efforts to protect biodiversity, reflect Xi's thoughts on the relationship between human and nature, which originate from his personal experiences, develop during his work at various posts, and draw inspiration from the Chinese culture and a realistic view of the world.

-- Xi's belief in the harmonious development of human and nature guides China's path toward a greener future, with growing resonance across the world.

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech via video link at the leaders' summit of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) held in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Oct. 12, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

KUNMING, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- As planet Earth continues to face the degradation of biodiversity, Chinese President Xi Jinping envisions a homeland where man and nature can live in harmony, with economy and ecology thriving side by side.

"All beings flourish when they live in harmony and receive nourishment from nature," Xi said in an address to a key United Nations (UN) conference on biodiversity protection via video link on Oct. 12.

He announced a new set of measures, including China's earmarking of 1.5 billion yuan (232 million U.S. dollars) for a new fund on biodiversity protection, saying that the country encourages global participation in it.

The latest solutions proposed at the conference together with the country's consistent efforts to remedy biodiversity loss reflect Xi's thoughts on the relationship between human and nature, which originate from his personal experiences, develop during his work at various posts, and draw inspiration from the Chinese culture and a realistic view of the world.

VISION OF HARMONY

When he was 13, Xi once enjoyed swimming in the Lijiang River in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region with friends. He was stunned by what nature had to offer.

"The river was blue and clear, glistening in the sun. Fishermen's baskets by the river are full of golden carp. It just felt like a fairy tale," Xi recalled.

With this memory of being mesmerized by nature's beauty during his formative years, Xi has put great emphasis on environmental protection wherever he served, and gradually formed his thoughts on the harmonious co-existence of human and nature.

Back in 1985, while serving as the chief of the Communist Party of China (CPC) committee of Zhengding County, Hebei Province, Xi directed the formulation of the local economic and social development plan, which included this remark: "(We) would rather not be affluent than allow pollutants."

At the time, China's decades-long economic take-off had just started, and sustainable development was yet to become the go-to option.

File photo taken in 1983 shows Xi Jinping in his office in Zhengding County, north China's Hebei Province. (Xinhua)

In 1999, as the acting governor of Fujian Province, Xi paid a visit to the county of Changting, a mountainous area in the west of the province. Upon learning about the severe soil and water loss in the region, he urged local officials to work continuously to deal with the soil erosion in eight to 10 years and bring benefits to the people.

The rehabilitation of the local ecosystem was soon started, with the establishment of an ecological park, where Xi donated 1,000 yuan to plant a camphor tree. Today, Changting is one of the greenest counties in Fujian, with more than 80 percent of the land covered by forests.

In the neighboring province of Zhejiang, cement mills and mines were once the backbone of Yucun Village. While these industries provided lucrative jobs, the thick dust and waste from the plants made the village almost unlivable.

In 2005, serving as chief of the Zhejiang provincial committee of the CPC, Xi visited the village, where he first proposed a guiding theory that endures to this day: "Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets."

The signature remark is part of Xi's Thought on Ecological Civilization, which was formally established at the country's national conference on ecological protection in May 2018.

The thought is composed of several other key principles, including ensuring harmony between human and nature, regarding a sound ecological environment as the most inclusive benefits to people's well-being, seeing mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands and deserts as a community of life, protecting the environment through the best institutional arrangements and the strictest rule of law, as well as getting deeply involved in global environmental governance to come up with a worldwide solution for environmental protection and sustainable development.

This has brought about tremendous changes in China.

The ensuing actions taken by the Chinese under the guidance of Xi's thought have strongly refuted those who thought they were hard-wired to see the trade-off between ecology and economy.

Chinese President Xi Jinping makes an inspection tour of the Saihanba forest farm, the world's largest artificial plantation, in north China's Hebei Province, Aug. 23, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

After Xi's 2005 visit to the village in Zhejiang, mines and cement plants were shut down. As the local ecology improved, tourism became a major industry, helping locals become even more affluent.

"The formation of Xi's Thought on Ecological Civilization is closely related to the fact that Xi worked at the grassroots level for a long time. He understands the people, feels for their sufferings and speaks their language," said Huang Chengliang, a researcher with a think tank for eco-civilization studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

This year, while making an inspection trip in Guangxi, Xi revisited the Lijiang River and reiterated his belief that "ecological advantages can never be traded for gold."

"Once the environment is destroyed, people will lose the foundation on which they depend for survival and development," he said.

"When we talk about ecology, the most fundamental thing is to pursue harmony between man and nature. Such a philosophy is not only in line with the current trend in the world, but also originates from the cultural tradition of the Chinese nation that has lasted for thousands of years," Xi said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping visits a section of the Lijiang River and learns about local efforts in the ecological conservation of the river in Yangshuo, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, April 25, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

In classical Chinese philosophy, man is taken as an integral part of nature.

Xi's thought, deeply influenced by traditional Chinese culture and based on China's practices, is "the oriental wisdom" contributed by the Chinese "to the transformation of human society from industrial civilization to ecological civilization," Huang noted.

COMMANDER IN CHIEF

Since Xi took the helm as Chinese president in 2013, China has made unprecedented efforts to fight pollution, protect the ecosystem and combat climate change.

Back in 2013 and 2014, Chinese people came to be concerned about air pollution caused by the fine PM2.5 particles, so did Xi.

"In the past few days, the first thing I did when I woke up in the morning was to check Beijing's air quality, hoping that there was less smog," he told guests attending an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Beijing in 2014.

"We are going all out to clean up pollution with unprecedented efforts," he promised Chinese and foreign guests. "I hope Beijing and the rest of China will always have blue skies, green mountains and clear waters, so that our children can live in a good environment. This is also an important part of the Chinese dream."

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) waters a sapling as he attends a tree planting activity in Beijing, capital of China, March 29, 2017. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

With Xi as the top commander, China declared war against pollution. In 2015, a revised environmental protection law came into effect, with provisions hailed as "the strictest" in history. Central authorities began to conduct environmental supervision on a regular basis, imposing fines on polluters and punishing officials with violations. In 2017, the 19th National Congress of the CPC identified pollution control as one of China's "three tough battles," along with poverty relief and risk control. In March 2018, China incorporated ecological civilization into its Constitution for the first time.

Xi's vision for blue skies has gradually come true. In 2020, the percentage of days with good air quality was 87 percent in 337 cities at and above the prefecture level, up by 5.8 percentage points from the 2015 level.

A war often comes with costs. In weighing the pros and cons, Xi again draws wisdom from Chinese culture.

"If you drain the pond to catch all the fish, you will certainly gain a lot today, but there will be no fish for the next year," he once said.

China has imposed a 10-year ban on fishing in the country's longest river, starting from the beginning of this year, with 228,000 fishermen on 110,000 boats relinquishing their nets, an ambitious move to reverse the region's biodiversity loss.

Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects the water situation of the Yangtze River, comprehensive renovation of waterfronts, as well as ecological and environmental protection and restoration while visiting the Xuejiawa ecological park in Ma'anshan, east China's Anhui Province, Aug. 19, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

"The cost of the fishing ban in the Yangtze River is not small, but it is worthwhile to protect the ecology of the whole basin," Xi said during a 2020 inspection of Anhui Province, which is located on the middle and lower reaches of the river.

This year, nearly 500 Yangtze finless porpoises have been detected in Poyang Lake, the country's biggest freshwater lake linking with the Yangtze River, as the fishing ban helps the country's longest waterway recover from dwindling aquatic resources and degrading biodiversity.

Across the country, wildlife has made a remarkable comeback, with increased numbers of many rare species catching public attention. These include wild Asian elephants roaming around human settlements in the southwest, Siberian tigers in the northeast, Chinese mountain cats and crested ibis in the northwest, milu deer in the central regions, and Bryde's whales off the coast of Shenzhen in the south.

In May, Xi presided over a study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, where a lecture was given by an ecology expert, followed by lively discussions.

"China's modernization has many important characteristics, and one of them is man-nature harmony," Xi said at the meeting.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan visit a wildlife sanctuary in Harare, Zimbabwe, Dec. 2, 2015. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

SPEARHEADING GLOBAL EFFORT

Xi has also led China in making institutional innovations in ecological conservation. By drawing ecological conservation "red lines" nationwide, the country has placed no less than 25 percent of its land area within the boundaries for environmental protection.

"When it comes to environmental protection, one must not cross the line, or one will be punished," Xi said.

Thanks to the "red lines" mechanism, the habitats for wild animals have been expanding and their populations are growing. The number of giant pandas in the wild, for example, has grown from 1,114 to 1,864 over the past four decades.

China's proposal of drawing a "red line" for ecological protection to mitigate and adapt to climate change has been selected by the UN as one of the 15 best nature-based solutions around the globe.

The country contributed about 25 percent of global vegetation growth from 2000 to 2017, the biggest contribution of any country. Up to 10 percent of the new plant varieties identified worldwide in the past decade came from China, according to a recent white paper on biodiversity conservation.

At a time when environmental issues, including climate change and biodiversity loss, are recognized as global challenges, Xi's idea about man-nature harmony has been brought onto the world stage on various occasions.

"At present, there exists an acceleration of the global extinction of species. The loss of biodiversity and the degradation of the ecosystem pose a major risk to human survival and development," Xi said at the United Nations Summit on Biodiversity last September.

"COVID-19 reminds us of the interdependence between man and nature. It falls to all of us to act together and urgently advance protection and development in parallel, so that we can turn Earth into a beautiful homeland for all creatures to live in harmony," he said.

In April, while addressing the Leaders Summit on Climate, Xi made another call for concerted global efforts to "foster a new relationship where man and nature can both prosper and live in harmony."

On combating climate change, at a UN meeting in September, Xi made a widely praised promise that China would not build any new coal-fired power projects abroad. A year earlier, he made the pledge that China would strive to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.

Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses the general debate of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly via video on Sept. 22, 2020. (Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

At the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15), Xi announced that the country would continue to re-adjust its industrial structure and energy mix and vigorously develop renewable energy, while making faster progress on planning and developing large wind-power and photovoltaic bases in sandy areas, rocky areas and deserts.

"If we humanity do not fail nature, nature will not fail us," Xi said, urging efforts to build a community of all life on Earth.

Themed "Ecological Civilization: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth," the COP15 in Kunming, Yunnan Province, features heated discussions on how countries can best achieve the goal of living in harmony with nature.

Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, executive secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, said that the philosophy of ecological civilization is "critical for all countries to achieve the global biodiversity goals."

"The Chinese notion of unity of nature and man, we hope, will be a good example for other countries to follow or to emulate," she said.

"China has included ecological civilization in its national development policy as well as in its constitution," said Dechen Tsering, director of United Nations Environment Programme's Asia and the Pacific Office.

"This sets a good example and could serve as a template for guiding the global strategic direction, where we need an ecological balance with our planet," she said.

Some 300 km northwest of Kunming, tourists often look for the best spot to capture the picturesque view of Erhai Lake. While visiting the lake in 2015, Xi took a photo with local officials.

"Keep this photo and let's see if the water is clearer when I come back in a few years," he said.

From a teenager attracted to the beauty of nature, to a leader in global environmental governance, Xi's belief in the harmonious development of human and nature guides China's path toward a greener future, with growing resonance across the world.

(By Xinhua writers Lu Yun and Cheng Yunjie. Xinhua reporters Wang Wen, Wang Jianhua, Qi Fei, Ji Zhepeng, Pang Mingguang and Ding Yiquan contributed to the story. Video reporters: Hong Yan, Liu Chunhui, Sun Min and Wang Anhaowei; video editor: Yang Zhixiang) 


Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 12:19:05|Editor: huaxia

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Staff members convey China-aided medical supplies at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Laos, Oct. 13, 2021. A new batch of China-aided COVID-19 vaccines arrived in Vientiane on Wednesday. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

VIENTIANE, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The sixth batch of China-donated Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines has been handed over to the Lao side upon arrival at the Lao capital Vientiane on Wednesday.

Chinese Ambassador to Laos Jiang Zaidong, after handing over the one million doses of vaccines to Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, said the COVID-19 outbreak is spreading around the world, and the epidemic situation in Laos is still developing.

The ambassador said winning the fight against the epidemic is the longing of all and the real need of the Lao people. As a community with a shared future, China is willing to continue to take the anti-epidemic assistance to Laos as a priority.

The Chinese side is striving to donate altogether 6.8 million doses of vaccines to Laos in this year, to help the Lao side to exceed the annual vaccination target and to jointly build a global community of health for all, said the ambassador.

Kikeo said the COVID-19 epidemic has seriously hurt people's health and affected normal life. China, actively providing vaccines, dispatching medical experts and sharing anti-epidemic experiences around the world, has played a vital role in the global fight against the virus.

At present, Laos is hit by a third wave of the epidemic. The whole country is confronted with risks and difficulties, said the Lao official.

On behalf of the Lao party, government and the people, Kikeo expressed the heartfelt thanks to the Chinese side, for the timely assistance of another one million doses of vaccines and of the strong impetus and firm confidence in the fight against the epidemic. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 15:04:42|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has underlined upholding and improving the people's congress system and continuously enhancing whole-process people's democracy.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while addressing a central conference on work related to people's congresses, held from Wednesday to Thursday in Beijing. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 16:40:29|Editor: huaxia

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Vice President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Ahmed Saeed delivers a speech via video during the Ecological Civilization Forum of the first part of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, on Oct. 14, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 17:52:04|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, addresses a central conference on work related to people's congresses, held from Oct. 13 to Oct. 14 in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has underlined upholding and improving the people's congress system and continuously enhancing whole-process people's democracy.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while addressing a central conference on work related to people's congresses, held from Wednesday to Thursday in Beijing.

The people's congress system, made by Chinese people under the CPC leadership, is a great creation in the history of political systems as well as a brand new system of great significance in the political history of both China and the world, Xi said.

The people's congress system has provided an important institutional guarantee for Chinese people, led by the CPC, to create the miracles of fast economic growth and long-term social stability over the past 60 years, particularly over the four decades of reform and opening-up, Xi said.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the CPC Central Committee has continued to innovate the theories and practice of the system of people's congresses, he said.

Noting that institutional advantage is vital for a country to seize its strategic initiative, Xi said both history and reality show that a country will be stable if it has a steady system, and a country will be strong if it has a sound system.

He stressed efforts to fully enforce the Constitution and safeguard its authority and sanctity, and to improve the Chinese socialist system of laws so that good laws are in place to promote development and ensure good governance.

He also stressed that people's congresses should properly and effectively exercise their power of oversight in accordance with the law, and deputies to the people's congresses should fully exercise their duties.

While the people's congresses should enhance self-building, the overall leadership over the people's congresses by the Party should also be enhanced, Xi said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 20:14:16|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping started delivering a keynote speech via video link at the opening ceremony of the Second United Nations Global Sustainable Transport Conference, which was held Thursday. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 20:26:57|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, addresses a central conference on work related to people's congresses, held from Oct. 13 to Oct. 14 in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has underlined upholding and improving the people's congress system and continuously enhancing whole-process people's democracy.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while addressing a central conference on work related to people's congresses, held from Wednesday to Thursday in Beijing.

The people's congress system, made by Chinese people under the CPC leadership, is a great creation in the history of political systems as well as a brand new system of great significance in the political history of both China and the world, Xi said.

The people's congress system has provided an important institutional guarantee for Chinese people, led by the CPC, to create the miracles of fast economic growth and long-term social stability over the past 60 years, particularly over the four decades of reform and opening-up, Xi said.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the CPC Central Committee has continued to innovate the theories and practice of the system of people's congresses, he said.

Noting that institutional advantage is vital for a country to seize its strategic initiative, Xi said both history and reality show that a country will be stable if it has a steady system, and a country will be strong if it has a sound system.

He stressed efforts to fully enforce the Constitution and safeguard its authority and sanctity, and to improve the Chinese socialist system of laws so that good laws are in place to promote development and ensure good governance.

He also stressed that people's congresses should properly and effectively exercise their power of oversight in accordance with the law, and deputies to the people's congresses should fully exercise their duties.

While the people's congresses should enhance self-building, the overall leadership over the people's congresses by the Party should also be enhanced, Xi said.

"Democracy, a shared value of humanity, is a key tenet unswervingly upheld by the CPC and the Chinese people," Xi stressed.

Democracy is not an ornament to be used for decoration; it is to be used to solve the problems that the people want to solve, Xi said.

"Whether a country is a democracy or not depends on whether its people are really the masters of the country," Xi said.

"If the people are awakened only for voting but enter a dormant period soon after, if they are given a song and dance during campaigning but have no say after the election, or if they are favored during canvassing but are left out in the cold after the election, such a democracy is not a true democracy," Xi said.

"It is in itself undemocratic to use a single yardstick to measure the rich and varied political systems and examine the diverse political civilizations of humanity from a monotonous perspective," Xi said.

The whole-process people's democracy in China not only has a complete set of institutions and procedures, but also full participation and practices, Xi said, noting that it is the broadest, most genuine, and most effective socialist democracy.

"The system of people's congresses is an important institutional vehicle for realizing whole-process people's democracy in China," he said.

Under the leadership of the Party, the country will continue to expand the people's orderly political participation and strengthen legal protection for human rights to ensure that the people enjoy extensive rights and freedoms as prescribed by law, Xi said.

Li Keqiang, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji and Han Zheng -- who are members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee -- as well as Vice President Wang Qishan attended the meeting.

Li Zhanshu, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, delivered the concluding remarks.

In his remarks, Li Zhanshu hailed Xi's speech as "a guiding document powered with Marxist truth."

He called for full implementation of the guiding principles of Xi's speech and stressed upholding the leadership of the Party to ensure that all the work of people's congresses proceeds under the Party's leadership. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 20:44:15|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday sent a congratulatory letter to the 130th session of the China Import and Export Fair, which is also known as the Canton Fair.

The fair opened on the same day in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province.

In his letter, Xi noted that the Canton Fair made significant contributions to facilitating international trade, internal-external exchanges, and economic development since its founding in 1957.

Facing global changes and a pandemic both unseen in a century, the world economy and trade are undergoing profound transformations. The Canton Fair, therefore, should help foster China's new development paradigm, innovate its mechanism, create more business models, and expand its role to become a vital platform for the country's opening-up on all fronts, Xi said.

This platform should also help advance the high-quality development of global trade and facilitate the "dual circulation" of domestic and overseas markets, Xi said.

China is willing to join hands with all other nations and practice real multilateralism to build a world economy featuring high-level openness, he said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 22:55:17|Editor: huaxia

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Combo photo of U.S. President Joe Biden (C), British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (R), and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. (Xinhua)



"In my opinion, it is good to be friends with each other, but bad to be friends against someone," Putin said.



MOSCOW, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The AUKUS, a security partnership between Australia, Britain and the United States, "undoubtedly" undermines regional stability, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said.

"In my opinion, it is good to be friends with each other, but bad to be friends against someone. This impairs the stability that we all talk about and we all care about," Putin said during an interview with U.S. TV channel CNBC on Wednesday.

He said that he hopes the situation will not develop according to some unpredictable scenario and will not cause any additional tensions in the region.

Australia, Britain and the United States announced the establishment of the AUKUS partnership on Sept. 15 and under the arrangement, Washington and London will support Canberra in building nuclear-powered submarines.

Russia has repeatedly voiced its concerns over the new bloc.

Russian officials told U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland during her recent visit to Russia that the AUKUS not only hurts the existing security architecture in Asia-Pacific, but also carries the risk of undermining the global nonproliferation regime, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Thursday. 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 00:18:45|Editor: huaxia

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-- U.S. State Department is implementing "an intricate plan" to smear Chinese businesses in Zimbabwe "through disinformation, lies and sensationalism in the independent media and social platforms."

-- Zimbabwean officials, media outlets and citizens have joined in a chorus of condemnation of the sinister move by the United States, and voiced support for ties between Zimbabwe and China.

-- Zimbabwean Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has pointed out that despite U.S. efforts to sway public opinion against China, such misinformation "is not going to destroy that comprehensive partnership between the two peoples."

by Tichaona Chifamba, Zhang Yuliang and Cao Kai



HARARE, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor of the U.S. State Department is implementing "an intricate plan" designed by Washington to smear Chinese businesses in Zimbabwe "through disinformation, lies and sensationalism in the independent media and social platforms."





That is a plot exposed in an article published on Sept. 21 by Zimbabwe's largest daily newspaper The Herald, which revealed that the United States is funding and training local reporters to write anti-China stories and discredit Chinese investments.

Following the shocking exposure, Zimbabwean officials, media outlets and citizens have joined in a chorus of condemnation of the sinister move by the United States, and voiced support for ties between Zimbabwe and China.





U.S. FUNDING FOR ANTI-CHINA REPORTS

In the article, The Herald said it received exclusive details indicating that "private media journalists were being trained by the Information for Development Trust," a self-proclaimed Zimbabwean independent investigative journalism center, with funding from the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe.

Noting that a workshop drawing about a dozen private media journalists was held on Sept. 14-15, the article said the journalists "were allocated regional/geographical areas of focus with emphasis on areas where Chinese businesses are involved," such as mining, construction, energy, infrastructure, loans and environment.

They were told to portray Chinese companies as "causing harm to communities, environment and workers," the article noted.

"One attendee at the workshop revealed that journalists involved in the workshop have already been given areas and topics to work on according to areas of interests as well as geographical areas," it said.

The next phase, according to the revelation, is producing content and publishing stories in various media outlets, with journalists receiving payment of 1,000 U.S. dollars per story from the U.S. embassy through its proxy.

"U.S. embassy officials bragged during the workshop that they had ... previously sponsored media institutions on the so-called accountability issues," the article said.

It noted that they also funded some journalists that are now strategically positioned within the independent media, and have been "availing resources to 'people that matter' to focus on resource governance and labor issues and providing the 'right instruments.'"

Besides the U.S. plot, the European Union and some Nordic countries are also sponsoring similar workshops, it added.

Local residents read The Herald in Harare, Zimbabwe, Oct. 14, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang)





SAYING NO TO "DIRTY MONEY"

In an opinion published on Sept. 24, titled "Never Be Used against China by the United States," The Herald called on "all right-thinking citizens" to condemn ill attempts to "smear the image of China and its investors in Zimbabwe," pointing out that such schemes fully reflect the plotters' "jealousy and chicanery."

"It is unfortunate that some sections of the media have accepted dirty money to go on this crusade to demonize Chinese companies who are providing employment, livelihoods and paying taxes for the benefit of the nation," it said.

"Various false claims are made against Chinese companies and nationals without any attempt to validate them or to give audience to the supposed aggressors," it said, adding that "Western countries want to perpetuate this racist and hateful behaviour in an effort to knock out China from its well-earned place in Zimbabwe."

"Unlike the boastful U.S., though, China is not interested in dominating the world and would rather belong to a global commonwealth of shared values," it said.

Zimbabwean Vice President Constantino Chiwenga speaks during a handover ceremony of China-donated vaccines at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Sept. 26, 2021. (Photo by Chen Yaqin/Xinhua)

Zimbabwean Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has also urged citizens not to be hoodwinked and misled by anti-China reports funded by U.S. money.

"We get so many uninvited voices talking about the friendship between Zimbabwe and China, trying to destroy what has been achieved through the help from the People's Republic of China," said Chiwenga.

Rangarirai Shoko, editor-in-chief of the New Zimbabwe Inter-Africa News Agency, said the U.S. attempt to stir up anti-China reports under the disguise of "supporting free press" is in fact aimed to smear Africa-China cooperation.

Yet it will not shake the foundation of bilateral cooperation, nor change China's influence in Africa, Shoko said.

The U.S. plot has also been criticized by social media users. For example, a netizen called NewDispensation pointed out in a tweet to the U.S. embassy that if it truly hopes to help Zimbabwe achieve development, it would have offered engineering and technology courses to the country.

"Terrorism journalism is all you want to teach people and spread your propaganda to them," read the tweet.





"QUIET DEEDS SHOUT FAR"

Many Zimbabweans firmly believe that the cooperation and friendship between Zimbabwe and China, as well as between Africa and China, will not be undermined by the United States.

Noting that "China's cooperation with Africa and Zimbabwe never attaches political or economic strings," the opinion by The Herald described China as "a friend and role model."

"The future of Zimbabwe lies with progressive forces such as China ... Zimbabwe is in a good space, to be a friend of China," it added.

Meanwhile, Chiwenga has pointed out that despite U.S. efforts to sway public opinion against China, such misinformation "is not going to destroy that comprehensive partnership between the two peoples."

The vice president thanked China for its continuous support of Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as providing the African country with COVID-19 vaccines.

"Apart from the generous support in the health sector, we are indebted to the people of China for the support towards infrastructural development in all sectors of Zimbabwe's economy," he said.

Photo taken on Sept. 1, 2021 shows the construction site of the expansion project of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare, Zimbabwe. (Photo by Wanda/Xinhua)

Through Chinese investments, the infrastructure projects in Zimbabwe, either underway or completed, have resulted in higher living standards for many, he said.

George Charamba, press secretary in the Office of the President of Zimbabwe, has also spoken highly of the "profound contributions" of the Chinese people to Zimbabwe's development.

He said the two countries cherished their comprehensive partnership. "Quiet deeds shout far," Charamba said. (Video reporter: Zhang Yuliang, Chifamba, Cao Kai; Video editor: Liu Xiaoyue)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 01:05:25|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese astronauts Zhai Zhigang (C), Wang Yaping (R) and Ye Guangfu will carry out the Shenzhou-13 spaceflight mission, and Zhai will be the commander, announced the China Manned Space Agency at a press conference on Oct. 14, 2021. (Xinhua)

JIUQUAN, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Zhai Zhiguang, Wang Yaping and Ye Guangfu, the Chinese astronauts to live and work for six months in the country's under-construction space station, made their public debut as a crew on Thursday at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

The Shenzhou-13 spaceship will be launched at 12:23 a.m. Saturday (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, announced the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) at a press conference.

The trio will stay in orbit for six months, which will be a regular duration for following Chinese astronauts to work and live in the space station, said Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of the CMSA.

Zhai, who performed China's first spacewalk in the Shenzhou-7 mission in 2008, will be the commander of the mission.

Wang, who attended the Shenzhou-10 mission in 2013, will be the first Chinese female astronaut to visit China's space station and carry out extravehicular activities.

Ye is a newcomer to space. He was selected to join the second batch of Chinese astronauts in 2010 and made his first public appearance after completing a European Space Agency's (ESA) underground training mission in 2016.

On Sept. 20, China launched cargo spacecraft Tianzhou-3 to deliver supplies for the Shenzhou-13 mission, including one extravehicular space suit for back-up, supplies for extravehicular activities, space station platform materials, payloads and propellants.

Currently, the two cargo crafts, namely Tianzhou-2 and Tianzhou-3, are docked at the two ends of the Tianhe core module to form a linear shape, waiting for the arrival of Shenzhou-13 crew members.

The combination of the Shenzhou-13 manned spaceship and a Long March-2F carrier rocket is being transferred to the launching area of Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Oct. 7, 2021. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua)

EXPECTATIONS

It has been 13 years since Zhai participated in the Shenzhou-7 mission. He has been dedicated to training and maintained high expectations for his new mission.

"My love for flying, my love for my profession, and my love for the aerospace industry of my motherland have been inspiring me," said Zhai when meeting the press Thursday.

Wang earned the title of China's first space teacher after delivering a televised science lecture to an audience of over 60 million schoolchildren during the Shenzhou-10 mission in 2013.

She confirmed on Thursday that she will give a new lecture during the Shenzhou-13 mission, encouraging Chinese students to bring up what they want to know about space.

Wang also revealed that it will be the first time for Chinese astronauts to celebrate the Spring Festival in space, and they will unpack special packages for the traditional Chinese holiday.

In 2016, Ye became the first Chinese astronaut attending the ESA's underground astronaut training course CAVES.

When asked about the experience of CAVES at the press conference, Ye said exploring the space and building a space home are the common mission and pursuit of all astronauts. "I am looking forward to meeting with my international counterparts in space and wish they can pay a visit to China's space station as a guest."

TASKS

According to the CMSA, the upcoming Shenzhou-13 mission will include two or three extravehicular activities, installation of important devices for mechanical arms as well as various sci-tech experiments and applications.

Lin noted that the Shenzhou-13 team has received special training and made full preparation for the upcoming mission.

The Shenzhou-12 crew have shared their three-month experience with the trio, especially on details and skills about extravehicular activities.

The Shenzhou-13 crew received targeted training courses on spacewalks, research projects, rendezvous and docking tests, and transposition docking of the cargo craft captured and guided by the mechanical arm.

They also had drills for a newly-added error mode of the space station complex, including the core module Tianhe, the Shenzhou-13 spaceship, and the two cargo crafts, namely Tianzhou-2 and Tianzhou-3.

It will be physically and psychologically challenging to work and live in a zero-gravity environment for six months, Lin said, adding that the astronauts will have in-orbit exercises and mental health support to help them stay at their best.

The ground team will optimize their menu and provide psychological support based on the monthly assessment of the astronauts' status, said Lin.

Chinese astronauts for the upcoming Shenzhou-13 mission Zhai Zhigang (C), Wang Yaping (R) and Ye Guangfu meet the press at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Oct. 14, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Zhenhua)

MORE COOPERATION

China plans to carry out more extensive and in-depth international cooperation on its space station, making it a space lab for the benefit of all mankind.

China welcomes foreign astronauts to its space station to carry out international cooperation, said Lin at the press conference.

"The construction of China's space station will provide a better platform for wider international cooperation, including joint astronaut flights," Lin said.

He said the cooperation on astronaut selection and training has already taken place between China and foreign countries.

The CMSA has worked with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs to invite UN member states to conduct scientific experiments aboard China's space station.

In June 2019, China released the first batch of nine jointly-selected international cooperation projects, involving 17 countries in aerospace medicine, life sciences and biotechnology, microgravity physics and combustion science, astronomy, and other emerging technologies. 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 10:17:56|Editor: huaxia

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TRIPOLI, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Libyan Navy on Wednesday said a Coast Guard patrol rescued 70 illegal migrants off the country's Western coast.

The migrants had remained at sea for three days and was about to drown when the patrol rescued them, the Libyan Navy said.

The rescued migrants include 11 women and seven children, it said, adding that they were taken to Tripoli Naval Base, provided with humanitarian and medical assistance, and handed over to the anti-illegal immigration department.

Libya has been suffering insecurity and chaos since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, making the North African country a preferred point of departure for illegal migrants who want to cross the Mediterranean Sea to European shores.

Rescued migrants end up inside overcrowded reception centers across Libya, despite repeated international calls to close those centers. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 17:29:41|Editor: huaxia

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KAMPALA, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Uganda will deploy a contingent of 160 police personnel to Somalia for peacekeeping operations, the Uganda Police Force said Thursday.

The officers have finished a six-month training course and will be deployed in December under the African Union Mission in Somalia, the police tweeted. "In Somalia, the officers will provide public order management, and protection of African Union personnel and facilities."

The team is part of the Formed Police Units within the African Union, which rotates on an annual basis. This forthcoming deployment will mark the tenth rotation of Uganda's police units in Somalia.

Uganda started deploying units in Somalia under the African Union mission in July 2012. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 17:57:01|Editor: huaxia

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LUANDA, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Angolan President Joao Lourenco on Wednesday appealed for more investment in free areas and new zones for sedimentary basin exploitation.

The Angolan head of state made the appeal on the first day of "Russian Energy Week" held via videoconference, adding that Angola has restructured its oil sector.

Lourenco stressed that a bidding strategy has been approved for new oil blocks for the period 2019-2025, which foresees bidding for more than 50 blocks to increase oil production.

The government aims to guarantee the self-sufficiency of refined products and is promoting the implementation of three refineries that will enable Angola to reach a refining capacity of about 425,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

Lourenco said Russian companies, which have experience in creating steel mills, fertilizer plants, and power generation plants, are welcome to invest in the gas sector.

"With all these projects, the country will be able to create opportunities for the development of new renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, biomass and others," Lourenco said.

He said Angola is committed to strengthening cooperation with the Russian Federation and is open to all companies that want to invest in the diversification and development of the Angolan economy. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 21:35:18|Editor: huaxia

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ABUJA, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian military on Thursday said a total of 29 Boko Haram militants were recently killed in the country's northeast region, following a series of anti-operations by troops.

Bernard Onyeuko, the spokesman for the military, told reporters in Abuja at a press briefing that some 13 other militants and informants or collaborators were arrested as the military intensified the anti-terror operations in the northeastern state of Borno in the past two weeks.

"Cumulatively, within the period, a total of 29 terrorists were neutralized and 13 terrorists including their informants or collaborators and logistics suppliers were arrested in the course of the operations," Onyeuko said.

A total of 13,243 militants and their families have so far surrendered to troops in that region of the country since June, he said, adding this was as a result of "the sustained aggressive posture with vigor" of the military.

The series of land and air operations conducted in different locations across the northeast theater had reduced the operational capabilities of the Boko Haram terror group, Onyeuko said.

Boko Haram has been trying to establish an Islamist state in northeastern Nigeria since 2009. The terror group has also extended its attacks to other countries in the Lake Chad Basin. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 19:38:27|Editor: huaxia

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TEHRAN, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service Enrique Mora and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri met here on Thursday and held talks on issues of mutual interest, the website of Iran's Foreign Ministry reported.

During the meeting, both sides discussed relations between Iran and the European Union, Afghanistan issue, and the lifting of U.S. sanctions.

No further details about the talks have been released so far.

On Monday, the ministry's spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said that Mora's trip follows consultations between the two sides on relations, Afghanistan and the 2015 nuclear accord, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 21:17:08|Editor: huaxia

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SOFIA, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Eight illegal immigrants were injured when a van, driven by a drugged driver, crashed in Bulgaria on Wednesday evening, the Ministry of Interior said Thursday.

The vehicle that carried 34 foreign citizens without identity documents went off the road and crashed into bushes between the villages of Veselie and Yasna polyana, some 60 km north of the border with Turkey, the ministry said in a press release.

The injured passengers received abrasions and bruises without danger to life, it said. They were transported to a hospital for examination, and one was hospitalized.

The foreigners said they were from Afghanistan, the ministry said.

Meanwhile, the ministry said that the driver, a 48-year-old Bulgarian citizen, tested positive for amphetamines, and did not have a driver's license.

He and the passengers were detained, the ministry said, adding that an investigation is underway.

According to official data, during the first eight months of 2021, Bulgarian law enforcement authorities arrested 765 immigrants trying to illegally enter the country and 1,143 trying to leave it. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 22:26:05|Editor: huaxia

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CAIRO, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson discussed on Thursday means of promoting bilateral ties, especially in defense, security and anti-terrorism fields, the Egyptian presidency office said in a statement.

The two leaders, in a phone conversation, also tackled the topic about reviving tourist flows from the United Kingdom (UK) to Egypt.

Additionally, the talks touched upon regional issues of common interest, Libya in particular, the statement said, adding that Sisi and Johnson agreed on boosting the ongoing political path until achieving the aspired elections by end of the year.

They also stressed the importance of the exiting of all foreign forces from Libya.

The statement added that both leaders further discussed the latest developments of the controversial issue of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

The Egyptian president stressed the importance of reaching a fair, legal and balanced deal over the operation and filling of the GERD in a way that preserves Egypt's share of the Nile River and rights of the other parties as well as maintaining regional stability. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 23:07:49|Editor: huaxia

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GENEVA, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Syngenta Group, a world-leading agriculture company, has urged rapid action and more innovation to protect the planet's biodiversity and fight climate change.

Speaking to Xinhua via a video call, Jeff Rowe, president of Syngenta Seeds, said that farming relies on biodiversity, which is crucial for plant pollination, healthy soils, and water purification.

Maintaining agricultural biodiversity is of vital importance to feeding the world, said the official of the Switzerland-based seeds and crop protection firm owned by ChemChina.

In the next 30 years, 50 percent more food needs to be produced to feed 2 billion more people on a planet with finite resources, he said.

"Crop diversity is really critically important. We're also interested in soil biodiversity, which is a new area for us," he said, adding the company looks forward to working with farmers in China and elsewhere in this regard.

He also said another important way to protect biodiversity is to limit and possibly stop deforestation, and "one of the best ways" to do that is to improve the productivity of existing arable land.

Rowe's opinion comes as China is hosting a key biodiversity conference, calling for pooling strength to build a community of all life on Earth.

During the ongoing 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in China's southwest city of Kunming, world leaders, international organizations and experts have warned of alarming biodiversity loss and the urgent need to come up with ambitious and effective solutions.

"Food security, much like biodiversity, is one of the big societal issues that we face across the globe," he said, adding that his company has invested 10 billion RMB (about 1.55 billion U.S. dollars) in new product research and development every year to help China modernize its seed industry and deal with food security.

"We bring science to these types of problems," he said, adding that its company pays attention to improving productivity for growers so that people won't go to bed hungry every night.

Asked about the company's role in tackling climate change and the upcoming 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties, which would be held in Glasgow, Rowe highlighted the need for more research and innovation to develop seeds that can withstand extreme weather events.

"Climate change is affecting all of us around the world. Agriculture in general has not been as active or as involved as we should be as an industry on this very important topic. It's something that the Syngenta Group leadership spends a lot of time on."

"We want to bring our innovation and our ability to connect with the public and understand policymakers' objectives so that agriculture becomes part of the solution," he noted. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-13 02:00:46|Editor: huaxia

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NEW YORK, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. federal government is striving to persuade more people to get vaccinated on their own, or push ahead with mandates, while party-line action, vaccine hesitancy and even resistence still uphold in some states and sectors against the Democratic administration's universal call for vaccination against the coronavirus.

"We've obviously been trying very hard," Anthony Fauci, chief medical advisor to the U.S. president, told CNN on Monday. "We try to get trusted messengers out there and try and get this away from being an ideological or political statement, get back into the realm of pure public health, and try to convince people."

There is evidence that mandates are working in academic settings and at corporations such as airlines, and the best way for the United States to assure that a decline in cases, hospitalizations and deaths will continue is to get "a lot more" people vaccinated, added Fauci, also director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

The number of Americans getting a dose of COVID-19 vaccine has jumped to about 1 million a day, and the rate of people getting booster shots is now outpacing the rate of people getting their first doses. However, about a quarter of the eligible U.S. population remains unvaccinated against coronavirus, according to official figures.

Tuesday's vaccination updates by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that 216,889,814 people had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, making up 65.3 percent of the whole U.S. population. Fully vaccinated people stood at 187,215,471, accounting for 56.4 percent of the total. In addition, 7,786,263 people, or 4.2 percent of fully vaccinated group, received booster shots.

Meanwhile, according to The New York Times (NYT) data analysis, the 7-day average of confirmed cases of the pandemic stood at 89,526 nationwide on Monday, with the 14-day change striking a 24-percent fall. The COVID-19-related deaths were 1,853 on Monday, with the 14-day change realizing a 10-percent decrease.

PARTY LINE

U.S. states with stricter restrictions to combat the COVID-19 pandemic led by Democratic governors had a lower spread of the virus than Republican-led states, according to a new research published on the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, which underscores how preventative restrictions have been "politicised" and that it is health professionals who should be calling the shots.

Researchers from the Binghamton University calculated a Public Health Policy Index (PPI) to determine how stringent a state's public health policies were, and analysed those findings against the state's transmission of COVID-19 and the governor's political affiliation, finding that states with Democratic governors had a PPI that was 10 points higher on average than states with Republican governors.

On average, the 10-point difference in PPI led to an eight percent increase in the expected number of COVID-19 cases in most Republican-governed states between March and November 2020 when the national number of COVID-19 cases peaked. "The main lesson of this research is that better public health requires a less partisan approach to the making of public health policies," said a statement by the study's co-author Olga Shvetsova.

Republican state officials have always been doubling down on their pandemic-related efforts. Texas businesses and other private entities are banned from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for employees, Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, said in an executive order issued on Monday. "The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and our best defense against the virus, but should remain voluntary and never forced," he said.

Coming in response to the federal government pushing large businesses to require vaccines for employees, Abbott's order makes no exception for hospitals and healthcare facilities, many of which require vaccines for COVID-19, flu and other communicable diseases because patients may be immunocompromised or too young to be vaccinated. His order applies only to the COVID-19 shot, allowing entities to require vaccines for other diseases.

Until now, elected officials in Texas have banned governmental entities from requiring vaccines and have banned places of public accommodation from requiring vaccines of their customers, but have allowed private businesses to determine whether to require vaccinations of their staff.

REFUSAL STRONGHOLD

Millions of U.S. adults are not covered by the vaccine mandates. Experts fear the country is bumping up against the ceiling of persuadable people, one that is significantly lower than the threshold needed for broad immunity from Delta and, possibly, future variants. "The overwhelming majority of eligible adults who remain unvaccinated in the United States are hard-core refusers," reported NYT on Tuesday.

The arrival of boosters is making efforts to coax the unvaccinated even more difficult. In a September survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation, 71 percent of unvaccinated respondents said the need for boosters indicated that the vaccines were not working. "This vaccine has tested me like nothing before and I've been doing this for 40 years," Gary Wiltz, director of the Franklin health center, was quoted as saying.

About 56 percent of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated, a level that exceeds some early estimates about what it could take to achieve so-called herd immunity against the coronavirus. That percentage will surely rise once the shots are authorized for children under 12. But Delta is so contagious that experts have revised their optimum coverage estimates to 90 percent or higher, according to the report.

One vaccine news hard for commuters to swallow was that, at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), a public benefit corporation responsible for public transportation in the New York City (NYC) metropolitan area, "the full accurate number" of its workers who have received at least one shot is 71 percent to 75 percent, far lower than the city's overall -- roughly 84 percent of adults in NYC have gotten at least one COVID-19 shot.

An agency mandate that went into effect at the start of last week requires all MTA employees to provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a weekly negative test in order to work. "The MTA's low vaccination rate combined with last week's mandate could worsen a dire crew shortage that has for months crippled city subway and bus service," reported New York Daily News on Monday.

Given the MTA's estimate, anywhere from 4,200 to 6,800 of the agency's employees have received shots but for some reason declined to provide proof. If the resistence sustains, the agency will have to confirm the workers' vaccination status if they got their shots at an MTA or New York State facility, and asks all other workers to submit their proof of vaccination through an online portal. Enditem
JENAGURU Arts Centre founder and musician Clive Malunga has accused Zanu PF of neglecting war veterans, adding that he was seeking an audience with President Emmerson Mnangagwa to air out areas of great concern.

Malunga, a war veteran who rose to stardom in the late 1990s through his award-winning song and accompanying video Nesango, said it was sad for the regime to ignore its cadres, who are wallowing in abject poverty.

In an interview with NewsDay Life & Style yesterday, Malunga said government should sympathise with war veterans, who have stood with it through thick and thin.

I thought by now the ruling party would sympathise with dedicated cadres, Malunga said.

What does it take for an individual to be recognised by own country, through hard work and wisdom? If what I advise His Excellency later becomes true, can I not be recognised as someone who has a far-reaching eyesight? he said.

I donated a lot of money towards the reburial of former freedom fighters, I raised a lot of money through Zimbabwe-Mozambique Friendship Association, for the safekeeping of the Mutare Beira Corridor railway line, he said.

I organised Jenaguru Music festivals, recorded other artistes, honoured artistes, through higher learning institutions, donated stationery to many schools, assisted many orphanages with food and clothing and built tombstones for many musicians, among other things.

Malunga took to social media to vent his anger.

Who in Zimbabwe has advised the current President on issues of great concern? It is Clive Malunga, who foresaw the G40 uprising.

It is the same person who led Cdes to State House, demanding compensation.

Why do you pretend as if I dont exist? Malunga asked rhetorically.

Last year, Malunga was left counting his losses after his Jenaguru Arts Centre built over 25 years ago was razed down by the Harare City Council.

We are not in Gaza or Palestine where Israelites destroy peoples things and we are not at war with each other. So, the government should make sure these institutions are not run based on partisan lines where people look at where you come from or who you support. There is unfairness in all this, Malunga said then.

People in power should make sure institutions are fair, because the blame will always go to Zanu PF. People should not label others or me as sell-outs because I am not a sell-out.

Malungas Nesango video was for years one of the best visual music productions in the country. The video relives some liberation war scenes, with Rhodesian Forces helicopters descending on guerillas, horses chasing suspected guerrillas, military vehicles on patrol and liberation fighters pungwes (vigil meetings) with villagers.

The video was one of the best visual productions of yesteryear.

It came with a unique flair. It was like an excerpt from a war movie. It exuded creativity and automatically became the video of the year on ZTV in 1997. Newsday


THE MDC Alliance yesterday claimed that Zanu PF supporters mounted a roadblock in Gutu, kidnapped and beat up some opposition supporters at their meeting with party leader Nelson Chamisa, who is on a whirlwind tour of Masvingo province.

Chamisas tour has been marred by violence, with Zanu PF supporters blocking and attacking his entourage, protesting against what they claim was his support for the Western-imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe.

The kidnapping and torture claims by Chamisas party came at a time when civic organisations, United Kingdom and the United States condemned political violence in the country.

This followed claims yesterday that at least six MDC Alliance members were kidnapped on their way from the meeting.

Six MDC Alliance members have been kidnapped and beaten on their way back from a meeting being addressed by Chamisa, the party said in a statement.

They were attacked at Gutu Garage in Mupandawana. This was at an illegal roadblock manned by Zanu PF youths. Police were present watching the attack.

The MDC Alliance also claimed that one of its councillors in Masvingo had his vehicle stoned in Gutu and three people he was travelling with went missing after clashes at the illegal Zanu PF-manned roadblock.

Zanu PF acting spokesperson Mike Bimha said he was not aware of the incident.

I am in Victoria Falls as I speak. I have not heard of that. I was busy with the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce meeting, Bimha said.

Political tension in the country has caught the attention of the international community with US and UK senators voicing their concern.

US Senator and member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch said President Emmerson Mnangagwas administration should take concrete steps to respect human rights. The US warned that continuous attacks on citizens and opposition were some of the many reasons sanctions would remain in force.

Political violence by Zanu PF against the opposition is unacceptable. There must be accountability. The Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act required Zimbabwes government to take concrete, tangible steps towards good governance including respect for opposition, rule of law and human rights, Risch said.

A British Liberal Democrat politician and member of the House of Lords, Jonathan Oates said the latest developments in Zimbabwe were worrying.

Deeply worried to hear of the attack on opposition leader Nelson Chamisas convoy. Important that Zanu PF and Mnangagwa condemn such violence unreservedly and that police bring perpetrators to book. Political violence should be condemned, Oates said.

A local electoral lobby group, the Election Resource Centre (ERC) said the incidents of violence were a cause for concern, particularly ahead of the 2023 harmonised elections.

We deplore the incidents of violence at a Zanu PF provincial co-ordinating committee meeting in Mutare and attacks of the MDC Alliance convoy which included stoning cars, barricading roads with burning logs and assaulting members of the MDC Alliance and are certain that most Zimbabweans would wish to dissociate themselves from such acts, the ERC said yesterday.

Acts of intimidation and inter- or intra-party-political violence should not be tolerated in a democracy and those responsible for instigating such violence should be brought to justice.

In this regard, we call for political parties and their leaders to conduct themselves peacefully. There must be a full investigation of incidents of violence and all those found responsible must be held accountable.

The ERC said political parties should refrain from using language that incites violence. Newsday
Multiple federal health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration, have warned people not to use ivermectin, specifying that in human use it is only meant to treat infections caused by some parasitic worms and head lice and skin conditions like rosacea.
In August, Lightfoot announced a vaccine mandate for all city employees with an Oct. 15 deadline, which hits Friday. Last week, she followed up, announcing that any employee who does not report their vaccination status by Friday will be placed on unpaid leave. Those who report that they are unvaccinated by then will have to get tested twice a week at their own expense.
Weve got to do better than that. We need to get the curve to go much further down, Fauci said in a briefing of the White House Coronavirus Task Force. Eighty- or ninety-thousand cases a day is not where you want to be.
We were all concerned the dog had not survived until Jessica was able to get closer and hear movement, said Gina Carbonari, executive director of the Ulster County SPCA. The rejoicing on the surface to the news was just incredible and renewed everyones motivation to get this little dog to safety.
MTA officials have held town halls urging workers to get shots and set up vaccination sites at workplaces. And its board earlier this year amended a $500,000 benefit offered to families of employees who die from COVID-19, requiring that those who succumbed to the disease after June 1 to be vaccinated in order to be eligible for the money.
A source with direct knowledge of BOPs plans confirmed all inmates would soon be out of the hellish 12-story lockup a judge once slammed as disgusting, inhuman as anything Ive heard about (in) any Colombian prison.
He had just stopped by the restaurant where his mother works to pick up her house keys after misplacing his own when he was ambushed getting out of his car around the corner from his home, the mom explained.
A man running from the scene was chased and caught by cops and is being questioned. He had not been charged, and police said it wasnt clear what sparked the shooting.
She cried at the hospital, said the girls aunt at the time. I told her it could have been a lot worse. I told her she was a hero.
The obsessed NYPD officer accused of wounding her former lover and shooting to death the exs new flame got into an altercation with the two women at least once in the weeks before the bloodbath, friends of the victims said Thursday.
If Cruz does not strike a deal, he would still face a jury but it would decide whether he gets the death penalty or life in prison, not whether he is guilty, the South Florida Sun Sentinel explained.
Murdaugh, who was at a rehabilitation facility in Orange County, Fla., was charged with two felony counts of obtaining property by false pretenses related to the missing insurance payout that was supposed to go to the sons of his familys housekeeper, who died after falling at the Murdaugh house in 2018.
Smith claims he had no idea what Murdaugh wanted when he called him on the morning of Sept. 4, but that he showed up because he saw the man as a brother. Thats when Murdaugh allegedly told Smith to kill him, trying to make sure that his surviving son, Buster, got his $10 million life insurance payout.
The attackers would then hold the victims against their will, pistol-whip them, beat them up and force them to drive to nearby ATMs to withdraw cash from their accounts, according to prosecutors. One of the assailants also tried sexually assaulting a victim, and one even urinated and wiped human feces on at least one victim, authorities said.
The booster proposals come as drugmakers and health officials warn that protection from the countrys three coronavirus vaccines gradually decreases over time, particularly against the highly transmissible delta variant. All three appear to offer strong protection against death and hospitalization even after several months, but vaccinated people have experienced breakthrough cases that some experts believe could be avoided with an additional shot.
After the collapse of the Surfside condos, located 25 miles away, in June, Hook said that safety is at the forefront of our minds despite the backlash he had received from residents for sharing information about the building to local officials who ordered the evacuation.
Publicly, Hamilton is a beacon of diversity and appears committed to causes seeking social justice and harmony. Behind the curtain, however, the Companys management will force out a Black, transgender cast member simply because they stood up for themselves and advocated for a more equitable workplace, and therefore called that public image into question, Lawrence Pearson and Linsday Goldbrum of the New York law firm Wigdor LLP, told the Daily News in a statement.
The attacker, a white man believed to be in his 30s, backed up his pickup truck at high speeds near Bobby Gayle and his friend in the city about 45 miles south of Sacramento, according to local NBC affiliate KCRA. Bobby asked the man to slow down.
The family is not going to go travel 3,000 miles to be a prop in some Hollywood production and sit there and not be able to make their victim impact statements, Abrams said. This is not some movie where its gross spectacle. This is their lives, and theyve suffered for 40 years.
Under the deal, NYCHA will have to update transfer request forms so tenants can specify that the reason for a request has to do with handicap-accessibility issues, as well as why the apartment is inaccessible. The new forms also must note that a prospective tenants rejection of an inaccessible apartment wont count against them, as it might have previously under the so-called three strikes rule.
According to prosecutors and impeachment testimony, Parnas issued the donations to the super PAC and at least one Republican member of Congress at a time when he was working with Giuliani and Trump on smearing ex-U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, who had refused to participate in the effort to tar Biden.
They also shared photos taken with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and failed Nevada gubernatorial candidate Adam Laxalt. Parnas and Fruman planned to funnel Muravievs cash to both DeSantis and Laxalt, among several other politicians in at least three more states that had already or were about to legalize marijuana, according to prosecutors.
We stand here today to say to Cordell: We stand with you, Benjamin said. We need a real unifier for this seat. We need someone who can pull Central Harlem in, East Harlem in, the Upper West Side in, and make sure that everyone feels that they deserve a seat at the table.
Two other men who worked for Trump  former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and longtime Trump social media director Dan Scavino  were scheduled for depositions Friday, but they have both been pushed back as well, according to the aide. Meadows, like Patel, has been given a short postponement as he is in talks with the panel. Scavinos deposition has been rescheduled because there were delays in serving his subpoena.
The case has sparked outrage in Vietnam, and authorities tried to justify the brutal killings by saying the dogs were a threat to spread COVID. However, there is little scientific evidence suggesting dogs and cats can spread the virus to people.
Officials initially placed the death toll at seven, but the figure has steadily increased as efforts to find victims drag on. By late afternoon, authorities said 32 bodies had been sent to the morgue, while a further 14 people who showed no signs of life were taken a hospital, and ultimately pronounced dead. Another 41 people were injured in the fire, the deadliest such disaster the nation has faced in decades.
In recent months, however, the Democratic leadership has given far too much power and influence to the small number of loud radical extremists in the party. It is as if AOC is the majority leader of the House and Ilhan Omar her deputy. The Squad managed to derail an initial proposal to fund Israels Iron Dome. Fortunately, this effort was rebuffed by a subsequent overwhelming vote of support. But then Andy Levin, not a member of the Squad but a left-leaning Democrat, introduced legislation that would falsely declare the Gaza Strip, the Western Wall and the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem to be occupied territory. His benighted bill had the support of several mainstream Democrats. Although the defunding of Iron Dome was voted against by the vast majority of Democrats and the Levin bill would suffer the same fate, many pro-Israel moderates are concerned that such anti-Israel legislation is even proposed.
It wasnt my best day... I shouldnt have shared that, Johnson reflected in hindsight. Because at the end of the day, that goes against my DNA. I dont share things like that. And I take care of that kind of bulls--- away from the public. They dont need to know that. Thats why I say it wasnt my best day.
Youve got Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon playing these two very strong characters, and in the second season instead of bringing a man in to upset that balance they brought in a woman, Margulies explained. Hats off to that, because the truth is women are more afraid of women. They dress for women. We dont dress for men. We dress for each other. We want to impress each other much more... It made so much sense, and I thought, Ah, a show that gets women. This is great.
We need some of the worlds greatest brains and minds fixed on trying to repair this planet, not trying to find the next place to go and live, William told BBCs Newscast on Thursday.
The scale measures transmission by how many new infections are detected per 100,000 people in a county, in addition to the percentage of positive tests. The county, which has a seven-day average of 75.7 new cases per 100,000 people, was at the highest level on the scale for more than two months, and now is deemed to have substantial transmission.
We have things like frog and internal organs [kidneys, liver, gizzards] on the menu, she says. We have bones and skin. I worried that Americans would see these things and get scared, but my partner  this is more than a business to him. He said, These are famous dishes from Hunan! Its about more than making money. He wanted to bring authentic food to people who are away from their hometown. Its a sentimental thing.
Further complicating the issue is that even though there are more qualified applicants than spots, programs enroll fewer students than seats. The Florida Center for Nursing found that in 2019 there were about 6,400 empty slots statewide. About one out of three nursing schools actually said they did not get enough qualified applicants to fill all their seats.
Rare Breed Triggers sued the ATF after the latter told Triggers in August that it needed to stop making its signature trigger; a modification allowing an AR-15 to fire at faster rates, or it could face fines and jail time, WFTV reported.
He told law enforcement officials the drone was harassing him and that he could not legally possess the gun because of his 29 prior felony convictions.
The Murdaugh family told the sons their mother tripped over the family dog and died weeks later from her lingering injuries. The death was never reported to the Hampton County coroner, who asked state police to investigate why she was not called to review what she would consider an accidental death.
At issue: Floridas ban on mask mandates and its decision to withhold money from school districts, including Orange Countys, that imposed such rules on their students. The states actions prompted the U.S. Department of Education to offer federal grants to make up for those losses  and Florida to then say it would take away even more money, equaling the amount of any extra federal funds.
Health officials also want $4 million for a state education and prevention campaign to publicize accurate information about medical marijuana, money to buy vehicles to take samples of THC-infused edible products to a testing lab in Jacksonville and additional funding to open three regional offices within the Office of Medical Marijuana Use, according to documents submitted to the Legislature.
For hours on Wednesday, over a dozen people shared their memories about the teen. One girl remembered how Marcano became her first friend in elementary school. Another remembered seeing Marcano in the front office at school one day, crying because she missed her mom. Through tears and with shaky hands, another friend said she and Marcano shared secrets, outfits and many nights of dancing at the yearly Miami Broward Carnival to celebrate their Caribbean culture.
Murdaugh told Satterfields sons at her February 2018 funeral that he would get insurance settlements for her death and take care of them, according to a lawsuit filed by the sons. Murdaugh managed to secure more than $4 million from his insurers, but he only told the sons about a $500,000 settlement and then never sent them a dime, the lawsuit said.
The demands for documents and testimony from Clark reflect the committees efforts to probe not only the deadly insurrection but also the tumult that roiled the Justice Department in the weeks leading up to it as Trump and his allies leaned on government lawyers to advance his baseless claims that the election results were fraudulent. Trump loyalists stormed the Capitol in an effort to disrupt the congressional certification of Democrat Joe Bidens victory
The majority of these deaths were among people between the ages of 20 and 44  many in their prime working age. The stress, challenges and uncertainties brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic have fueled the overdose crisis and accelerated drug use among individuals already struggling with substances. This crisis has shattered countless lives and families and has now become larger than we could have ever envisioned.
If you are suffering, we implore you to seek help for yourself. If you know someone who is, encourage them to go get medical help and treatment. Untreated, mental illness can lead to disaster. Mental-health disorders not only affect the individual, the collateral damage to those you love can be devastating. However, with medical treatment, the chances for a healthy, happy, successful life are high.
We do not need energetic, motivated young people like Nick in jail. We need them working on solutions to the technical and social challenges of climate change in the context of a fully mobilized economy and society. But until our society is truly mobilized, the best use of their time may very well be organizing civil disobedience campaigns.
Walts vision could still be realized. There is plenty of land within Disney World and there are plenty of urban visionaries with innovative ideas (one of my favorites is Via Verde in the Bronx). This would be a huge form of compensation that goes beyond wages, while making Disney World workers some of the happiest in the world, no acting necessary.
I also think that we have a responsibility at the state level to do whatever we need to do legislatively to be able to protect Floridians from mandates that could result in them losing their jobs, DeSantis said. We have to protect the jobs of Floridians.
The strangest property of this new signal is that it is has a very high polarisation, Ziteng Wang, the lead author of the study said. This means its light oscillates in only one direction, but that direction rotates with time.
Disney went to great lengths to keep his land buys under wraps, but a few weeks before the official announcement, the Orlando Sentinel reported: The Sentinel has pieced together bits of information from many parts of the nation and believes it can authoritatively state that the long-rumored mystery industry in Orange and Osceola Counties is a Disney attraction.
Once you get aboard theres going to be many invitations for you to engage in different ways. Do you want to express affinity for the Resistance? Do you want to support your loyalty to the First Order? Do you maybe just kind of want to hang out with the smuggling crowd because they look more interesting? The people you meet, the missions you undertake, the choices you make will affect the way you see this story play out  the things youll be invited to attend and the mission youll be given to do, all kinds of supporting the way you have decided you kind of want to live out this adventure.
Cape Town, South Africa (PANA)  A large crowd of people loyal to former President Jacob Zuma on Thursday gathered near the Durban city centre to celebrate his recent release from prison
Tunis, Tunisia (PANA) - Tunisian President Kais Saied announced on Wednesday he had decided to withdraw the diplomatic passport of any personality who had solicited foreign intervention in the country's internal affairs
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
Liberty restriction of municipal lawmaker for sanitary breaches at illegal rally upheld

 Moscow's Basmanny District Court, AGN Moskva

17:01 14/10/2021

MOSCOW, October 14 (RAPSI)  The Moscow City Court on Thursday upheld restriction of freedom for 1.5 years imposed on municipal lawmaker Dmitry Baranovsky in a case over violation of sanitary rules during an unauthorized rally held in the city in January, the courts press service told RAPSI.

In late August, Baranovsky was found guilty of inciting to the violation of sanitary and epidemiological rules. He was prohibited from leaving his place of living from 10 pm to 6 am, changing his permanent place of residence without notification of an authorized specialized body, attending mass events and participating in them, and leaving Moscow and Moscow Region without special permit.

According to the Interior Ministry, coronavirus-positive persons ordered to isolation were identified among participants of the rally held in Moscow on January 23, 2021. A criminal case over violation of sanitary and epidemiological rules was opened over this fact.




Moscow court to hear appeal against sentence of lawyer convicted of bribery mediation

 Moscow's Nikulinsky District Court

17:45 14/10/2021

MOSCOW, October 14 (RAPSI)  The Moscow City Court will hear an appeal against sentence of lawyer Alexander Vershinin defending several defendants in notorious cases, who has received 2.5 years in penal colony for mediation in bribery, on October 26, RAPSI has learnt from the courts press service.

Moscows Nikulinsky District Court convicted and sentenced Vershinin in late June. In addition to the jail term he was prohibited from legal practice for 3 years.

Another defendant, developer Alexey Dobrynin was found guilty of large-scale fraud and received 3.5 years behind bars.

Investigators claimed the lawyer attempted to take money from his client promising to drop a criminal case against the latter. Vershinin pleaded partially guilty.

The attorney represented the interests of ex-Minister for Open Government affairs Mikhail Abyzov charged with the 4 billion-ruble ($64 million) embezzlement, defended alleged crime boss Oleg Medvedev, known as Oleg Shishkanov, bankers Alexey and Dmitry Ananyev. He also was a defense lawyer for convicted ex-top investigator Mikhail Maksimenko.

Vershinin also defended ex-minister Alexey Ulyukayev during his arrest and represented the interests of ex-policeman Denis Yevsyukov sentenced to life for mass murder.
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By SA Commercial Prop News

In his budget speech, finance minister Pravin Gordhan lashed out, asking why the commercial property sector wasnt honest in negotiating rentals with government.



The department of public works spends over R3bn/year leasing office space in privately owned buildings on behalf of national government departments.

A review of these leases confirms government is being fleeced. Cabinet is outraged but shouldnt be because irregular leases are the main reason the departments audit opinions have got steadily worse over eight years and are now in the disclaimer zone.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) and National Treasury wont give figures on how much government is losing on leases; some officials believe the cost could be cut by 50% with better management.



The lease review flags how government is paying for accommodation thats unoccupied or thats occupied by non-governmental organisations. In other cases its paying rentals that exceed the going rate per square metre. Leases are also being entered into without adherence to the required procurement system or valid lease agreements.



In his budget speech, finance minister Pravin Gordhan lashed out, asking why the commercial property sector wasnt honest in negotiating rentals with government.



But the SA Property Owners Association (SAPOA) says Gordhans comment was unjustified because the real problem is governments own inefficiency and mismanagement.

Sapoa says this is made worse by public works property management strategy, a black economic empowerment job creation and poverty alleviation policy which has limited fair market competition.

It has not helped that the department, which should have strong negotiating power, has been unwilling to engage with listed and institutional property owners.
By SA Commercial Prop News

More than 600 poor households in Limpopo's Mutale area will receive RDP houses by April next year.

Mutale local municipality mayor Tshitereke Matibe made the announcement during a public participation meeting in Makuya-Domboni village, outside Mutale at the weekend.

"The 620 RDP houses will be built this financial year... We urge our ward councillors in our 13 wards to help identify the needy, poor and homeless people so that we can speed up the delivery of houses. We want our poor communities to own and live in decent houses that we will build," said Matibe.

The community members clapped enthusiastically in response to the announcement.

The meeting also included officials from Home Affairs, the South African Social Security Agency, Government Communication and Information System and the Vhembe district municipality as well as the regional Education Department.

Local companies were encouraged to register on the municipality's database.

Vhembe district mayor Lucas Manyuha announced that the district would spend R373 million on water and sanitation projects this financial year.

"We are a water services authority district municipality and we want to speedily deliver...water and sanitation services," said Manyuha.

The mayor added that the municipality will refurbish the Makuya Thusong Services Centre in Mutale and appoint cleaners to maintain it.

Regional Education Department representative Mukondeleli Makhari advised parents whose children walk more than 5km to school to inform the department.

"This will help them benefit from the department's scholar transport system," said Makhari.

Community member Calvin Likhithwa told the delegates that water shortages were a serious problem in rural villages.

"We are forced to share water with animals," said Likhithwa.
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman participated in 4th G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FCMBG) Meeting under G20 in Washington DC.

The FMCBGs on Wednesday discussed developments in global economy, global commons, support to vulnerable countries & International Taxation.

The FM noted that for recovery, ensuring equitable vaccines for all is a significant challenge and keeping up the support, building resilience, enhancing productivity and structural reforms should be our policy goals.

For taking forward discussions on climate change, the Finance MInister noted the centrality of UNFCCC & that failure in fulfilling existing international commitments on climate finance and technology weakens our collective efforts. The FM asked for climate justice to guide further discussions.

Sitharaman appreciated OECD for providing support for the agreement as set out in the Statement on a two-pillar solution. This agreement helps to address tax challenges arising from digitalisation of economy and in dealing with Base Erosion and Profit Shifting issues.

Later in the day, the FM also addressed the Roundtable organised by USIBC and FollowCII in Washington D.C., US. It was attended by CEOs and business leaders from insurance, private equity, technology, energy and pharma sectors amongst others.

Business leaders thanked the minister in laying down the vision for future growth and congratulated the Government in steering the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed keen interest in scaling up their investments in India.

As part of her US visit, Sitharaman is also meeting heads of various corporations to explore various investment potential and make in India initiatives. As part of this, she met Curtis L. Buser, Chief Financial Officer, OneCarlyle, in Washington D.C. Government's initiatives towards business reforms like creation of institutional framework in CBM, NMP, work towards InvestmentCharter & a spectrum of opportunities at IFSC, GIFTCityGujarat was mentioned. FM underlined the company's interest to invest in India.

Sitharaman also met B. Marc Allen, Chief Strategy Officer, Boeing. The discussion was broadly in the areas of skilling, research and development (R&D), manufacturing automation, innovation and aerospace sector.

As part of the meetings with top CEOS of American companies, the FM also met Milind Pant, CEO, Amway and Stanley C. Erck, CEO, Novavax.
Uttar Pradesh is all set to export bananas to Iran.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), an apex organiSation under the Union ministry of commerce and industry, will dispatch the first-ever shipment of bananas from Uttar Pradesh to Iran by sea route through Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.

Officials of APEDA's regional office in Uttar Pradesh said the shipment will be sent by registered exporter M/s Desai Agro Foods from Mango Pack House at Malihabad in Lucknow district.

"It will be the first time that the international market will taste the bananas from Uttar Pradesh. The fruit is being procured directly from farmers of Palia Kalan, Lakhimpur, and brought to the packhouse. Two containers of 40 feet will be sent to the Iranian market on trial basis," said an APEDA official.


Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday morning visited the All India Institute of Medical Sciences to meet and enquire about the health condition of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Manmohan Singh was admitted to the AIIMS Cardio centre on Wednesday evening after he complained of fever and weakness. The source said that the health minister stayed with Manmohan Singh for some time and enquired about his health in detail. Manmohan Singh is getting the treatment by a team of doctors under the guidance of Dr Nitish Nayak. He had developed a fever two days ago and was feeling weak before being rushed to AIIMS. The source at AIIMS said that he was also complaining of neck pain. The former PM had tested positive for Covid infection in April this year during the second Covid surge and had been admitted to the AIIMS.




Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday appealed to the people to make limited and judicious use of electricity saying that the power demand has increased due to changes in weather.

In a tweet in Hindi, he said, "Not only the state, but the entire country is currently facing a severe power crisis. Rajasthan is also no exception to this. The demand for electricity has increased due to the change in the weather system. The gap between demand and supply has widened."

"The state government is in constant touch with the central government to increase the supply of coal so that power generation can run smoothly and people can get uninterrupted power supply. An appeal to all of you is to make limited and judicious use of electricity. The power equipment which are not in use, keep them off, save electricity," he added.

Gehlot also shared a government ad on his Twitter handle which said that China, UK and European countries, India and the state are simultaneously facing the coal crisis.
Hong Kong, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/13/2021 -- Hong Kong is to be a 'smart port,' as the government seeks to find new ways to improve Hong Kong's status as an international transportation centre. Recently unveiled plans show that integrating digital technology into business operations and processes in the maritime and port industry will be used to create a 'smart port' that is designed to help increase the volume of trade and attract new organisations and investors into the region. It is part of a broader initiative that includes adding a range of new maritime business services, including ship registration and ship finance and management, as well as tax breaks for members of the maritime. Overall, the plans have as their goal furthering the economic development of Hong Kong, especially in the wake of the recent pandemic and the impact that this continues to have on the local economy. Under the plans Hong Kong will enter a new phase with a higher status as a centre for international trade, finance and transportation.



As a logistics headhunter with a wealth of experience in the Asia Pacific region, DSJ Global is focused on remaining on top of developments, such as the smart port, that could generate opportunities for organisations and individuals alike. The firm was established in 2008 and has grown alongside the end-to-end supply chain industry - today, the team has a deep understanding of the people and businesses that keep global supply chains running. Key to this has been establishing a database of more than a million mid-to-senior professionals, as well as a network of contacts with businesses across the sector, from disruptors such as start-ups to international megabrands. DSJ Global is not just a specialist logistic headhunter but also operates in a number of other key fields, including procurement and technical operations. A combination of permanent, contract and multi-hire solutions enables the firm to provide tailored services, whatever the very individual needs of an organisation may be.



DSJ Global is a logistics headhunter with extensive end-to-end supply chain hiring experience and the unique advantage of a robust international connection. The firm is part of an international workforce of 1000+ operating across 6 countries and so has a genuinely international reach. It is also the recruitment partner of choice to hundreds of world-leading companies as part of the Phaidon International group. This dual aspect to the work that the firm does ensures that its operations as a logistics headhunter are truly international in scope. People are at the heart of the business at DSJ Global. The firm invests heavily in its own team, training consultants on a regular basis and providing best-in-class recruitment technology and strategies to work with. There are many roles available via DSJ Global today, including: Senior Electrical System Architect, Legal Counsel [Biopharma Company], Director of Marketing, Senior Supply Chain Manager and Senior Strategic Procurement Management.



"Like for many sectors, 2020 marked a defining moment for recruitment. Challenged by uncertainty, but unwavering in our commitment to our clients, we have endured through 2021 with a sense of duty to clients and candidates", commented Andrew McNellis, Managing Director at DSJ Global. He went onto say, "as we reflect on the challenges of virtually securing and retaining talent, we're inspired by a team who have demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and continue to help all our clients secure top talent on a global scale."



To find out more about Logistics headhunter in Hong Kong visit https://www.dsjglobal.hk



For any media enquiries please contact Gary Elliott at Iconic Digital  020 7100 0726.



For all other enquiries please contact DSJ Global HK: +852 3008 1912.



For more information about DSJ Global services, please go to https://www.dsjglobal.hk.



About DSJ Global HK

DSJ Global HK is transforming the process of recruitment to make it more agile and adaptable to the challenges that businesses in the logistics and supply chain industry face today.
NorthWest Healthcare Properties Management Limited (the Manager), as manager of Vital Healthcare Property Trust (Vital), advises that it has successfully completed the $115m placement of new units (the Placement), which forms part of the $140m capital raising announced on 13 October 2021 (the Offer).

The Placement was underwritten at a fixed price of $2.90 per unit, representing a 3.7% discount to the closing price of $3.01 on 12 October 2021. Existing unitholders that participated in the Placement were given priority to obtain a pro rata allocation.

Vital's Fund Manager, Aaron Hockly, said We are delighted with the outcome of the placement, which was well supported by existing institutional unitholders and broker firm clients. The capital raising provides Vital with the funding to support the acquisition of The Tennyson Centre, one of Adelaide's leading "Cancer Centres of Excellence" and a quality addition to our portfolio."

Settlement and allotment of the new units issued under the Placement is expected to occur on 20 October 2021.

Forsyth Barr Group Limited and Goldman Sachs New Zealand Limited acted as underwriters of the Placement.

The Unit Purchase Plan opens on Tuesday, 19 October 2021

Eligible unitholders will receive their personalised application forms to apply for up to $15,000 of new units in the unit purchase plan (the UPP) component of the Offer from Tuesday, 19 October 2021. Unitholders can apply online at www.vitalunitoffer.co.nz until 5.00pm (NZ time) on Wednesday, 3 November 2021.

Record Date: 5.00pm NZ time, 12 October 2021

Announcement of Offer: 13 October 2021

Unit Purchase Plan Opening Date: 19 October 2021

Entitlement letter sent to eligible unitholders: 19 October 2021

Unit Purchase Plan Closing Date (last time for online applications, or for receipt of an Application Form by Computershare, with payment): 5.00pm NZ time, 3 November 2021

Unit Purchase Plan issue price announced: 4 November 2021

Allotment of new units under the Unit Purchase Plan and commencement of trading: 10 November 2021

These dates are subject to change and are indicative only. The Manager reserves the right to alter the key dates, subject to applicable laws and the NZX Listing Rules. The Manager reserves the right to withdraw the unit purchase plan at any time prior to the issue of the units under the unit purchase plan at its absolute discretion.

For further information in respect of the Placement and UPP, please refer to the capital raising presentation released to the NZX on 13 October 2021.

Please see the link below for details

Vital announces successful completion of $115m Placement

Source: Vital Healthcare Property Trust

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Wilaya de Dajla, Oct 12, 2021 (SPS) - The President of the Republic, Secretary General of the frente POLISARIO, Mr. Brahim Gali, affirmed that national unity made the dirty colonial maneuvers to erase the Sahrawi people of existence.

During his speech at the said event, the President declared of course, if that meeting frustrated the despicable and imminent colonial maneuvers that sought to definitively eliminate the Saharawi people, as people and as a country .

He has also praised the European Court of Justice position, emphasizing that any agreement of countries, companies or entities with the Kingdom of Morocco that affects the territory of Western Sahara, its territorial waters or space air will be considered as shameful support and participation in an illegal, aggressive and expansionist process in the looting of the wealth of an oppressed and defenseless people.

The verdict of the European Court is an explicit call to the EU countries and the world to put an end to the Moroccan occupation of Western Sahara, as an illegal situation, and it is an appeal to the Spanish State to assume its responsibility to complete decolonization of Western Sahara.SPS

125/090/TRA
Durga calmly understands and counters the evil in order to achieve her solemn goals. Durga, in her various forms, appears as an independent deity in the Epics period of ancient India, that is the centuries around the start of the Common Era.

by Anwar A. Khan

Bangladesh is a land of holy places, and large religious festivals. The Durga Puja is a celebration of the victory of good over evil, with several variations of the tradition all over the country. Durga Puja specifically celebrates the victory of the goddess Durga over the bull demon Mahishasura. According to legend, Durga was summoned by the gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, to defeat the demon, which had set out to conquer the world. To help her win the battle, each of the major Hindu gods gave Durga weapons and other objects to assist her.

Durga went into battle mounted on a lion and on the tenth day of the battle, she finally killed the demon. Navratri commemorates the nine days and nights of the battle between good and evil, but Durga Puja is celebrated only on the last five days, when according to legend, Durga leaves her heavenly abode to visit earth each year. The festival is a special occasion for Bengali Hindu families to come together from all over the country and celebrate with their relatives and communities.

The five days festival is celebrated with gaiety and grandeur in Bangladesh. Devotees of goddess Durga offer prayers and seek blessings of the goddess. During the Puja, goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati as well as lord Ganesha and Kartikeya are also worshipped by devotees along with goddess Durga.

Durga is an ancient deity of Hinduism, according to archeological and textual evidence available. A key text associated with Durga Puja observations is Devi Mahatmya, which is recited during the festival. Durga was likely well established before the time this Hindu text was composed, which scholars variously estimate to between 400 and 600 CE. The Devi Mahatmya mythology describes the nature of demonic forces symbolised by Mahishasura as shape-shifting, deceptive and adapting in nature, in form and in strategy to create difficulties and achieve their evil ends.

Durga calmly understands and counters the evil in order to achieve her solemn goals. Durga, in her various forms, appears as an independent deity in the Epics period of ancient India, that is the centuries around the start of the Common Era. From the medieval period up through present day, the Durga Puja has celebrated the goddess with performing arts and as a social event, while maintaining the religious worship.

The Durga Puja festival is a ten-day event, of which the last five mark the popular practices. The festival begins with Mahalaya, a day where Shakta Hindus remember the loved ones who have died, as well the advent of Durga. The next most significant day of Durga Puja celebrations is the sixth day, called Shashthi where the local community welcome the goddess and festive celebrations are inaugurated. On the seventh day (Saptami), eighth (Ashtami) and ninth (Navami), the goddess along with Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha and Kartikeya are revered and these days mark the main Puja (worship) with recitation of the scriptures.

It is an annual festival for Hindus of a grand magnitude. The primary goddess revered during Durga Puja is Durga, but her stage and celebrations feature other major deities of Hinduism, such as, goddess Lakshmi (goddess of wealth, prosperity), Saraswati (goddess of knowledge and music), Ganesha (god of good beginnings) and Kartikeya (god of war). The latter two are considered to be children of Durga (Parvati). The Hindu god Shiva, as Durga's husband, is also revered during this festival.

The festival begins on the first day with Mahalaya, marking Durga's advent in her battle against evil. Swami Chinmayananda said, Man, the imperfect, the bound, the sorrowful, has a thousand enemies within. He is riddled with negative thoughts fears, yearnings. These are selfishness, jealousy, meanness, prejudice and hatred just to mention but a few. The Sadhak must get rid of these lawless villains within. With Mother Durga's kripa, these destructive masters are to be annihilated. Invoke the Mother Terrible to help us annihilate within ourselves all negative forces; all weaknesses, - all littleness.

The festival is an old tradition of Hinduism, though it is unclear how and in which century the festival began. Surviving manuscripts from the 14th century provide guidelines for Durga puja, while historical records suggest royalty and wealthy families were sponsoring major Durga Puja public festivities since at least the 16th century. The prominence of Durga Puja increased during the British Raj in its provinces of Bengal and Assam. In the contemporary era, the importance of Durga Puja is as much as a social festival as a religious one wherever it is observed

Bangladesh is home to the second-largest group of Hindu Bengalis in the world. Durga Puja is a famous Hindu festival when Goddess Durga is worshipped. It is also known as Durgotsava. Durgoutsob refers to all five days festivity. Dhakas most prestigious puja is held at the Dhakeswari National Temple, Dhaka Universitys Jagannath Hall, Ramna Kali Temple, Ramakrishna Mission, and Loknath Brahmachari Ashram and also many other parts of the country. The festival is being marked by puja, aroti, recitation from scriptures, distribution of proshad, offering of devotional songs and bhajans. Goddess Durga is the embodiment of female power. She is also the Mother Goddess, deeply revered by her devotees. This festival is the biggest festival of the Bengali Hindus and is celebrated with great fanfare in Bangladesh.

On each day of this festival, devotees offer a flower worship (pushpanjali) and the priest conducts an aroti. At the end of these five days, the idols are immersed in water. As the devotees bid farewell to the Mother Goddess they softly say Aasche bochor aabar hobe (We will celebrate your arrival again next year). Like Swami Sivananda, Hindus believe, Durga (Devi) is synonymous with Shakti or the Divine Power that manifests, sustains and transforms the universe as the one unifying Force of Existence. 'Shakti is the very possibility of the Absolute's appearing as many, of God's causing this universe. God creates this world through Srishti-Shakti (creative power), preserves through Sthiti-Shakti (preservative power), and destroys through Samhara-Shakti (destructive power). Shakti and Shakta are one; the power and the one who possesses the power cannot be separated; God and Shakti are like fire and heat of fire.

Even when skies turn to gray, we wish that the Goddess will bless Hindus way; to give them strength to overcome it all; and achieve all their desires and goals. Let the divine blessings of the Goddess overflow in their life. Durga Puja is an auspicious Hindu festival celebrated across Bangladesh, India and bordering countries. People celebrate this day with great enthusiasm and zeal. This celebration is also referred to as the Festival of Durga or Worship of Durga as this festival marks the triumph of Goddess Durga against Mahishasura, the demon buffalo. This wonderful spiritual festival, held annually in Bangladesh and elsewhere among the Hindu community in the world. It is celebrated for 10 days. The tenth day, also known as Dashami marks the Visarjan (immersion in water) of the idol with grand celebrations and processions. This year, Durga Puja 2020 begins on October 22 and will go on till October 26.

According to a directive issued by puja organisers Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee, all Durga Puja idols in the country must be immersed by October 26, 2020, the day of Bijoya Dashami. They have said, We are respectful to all religions. We are giving the directives to maintain the sanctity of other religions.

A week prior to the festival, the city gears up and can be seen wearing a look of eagerness and excitement as it prepares itself to welcome the Goddess home. A week before Navratri begins; the idols of Goddess Durga are being painted and made ready except for the eyes. On the occasion of Mahalaya, the Goddess is invited on earth with rituals and so on this day, the eyes are drawn on the idols in an auspicious ritual called Chokku Daan. It is believed the Goddess descends to earth at the time of drawing the eyes on the idols.

On the sixth day of Navaratri i.e. the first day of Durga Puja; the beautifully decorated idols are brought home or into magnificently decorated public pandals. The idol is then decorated with flowers, clothes, jewellery, red vermillion and various sweets are kept in front on the Goddess. The idol of the Goddess is accompanied by the idol of Lord Ganesh. Goddess Durga is considered to be Lord Shivas wife Parvatis avatar and thus mother of Lord Ganesh.

The festival of Durga Puja is coloured with devotional zeal, mythological legends, detailed rituals, extravagant pandals and magnificent tableaus of the divine Mother Goddess and her children. The ten-day festivities of Durga Puja provide one and all with a chance to spread festive cheer and wish their loved ones peace as well as prosperity. The nine different forms of the Goddess of Power, Durga or Shakti, as per the Hindu religion are worshipped during this time.

The last six days of the festival, namely, Mahalaya, Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Nabami and Bijoya Dashami are celebrated with great pomp and show. The Durga Puja revelry is not limited to elaborate rituals, but extends to various cultural, music and dance performances given by armature as well as professional artists during this time.

On the final day of Vijayadashmi, the devotees bid teary-eyed farewell to the Goddess and her children as it is believed that they leave for their heavenly abode. Their idols are submerged in the water amidst the resonating sound of drums to symbolise their departure.

May this Durga Puja light up for Hindus in Bangladesh and elsewhere throughout the world! We wish that Goddess Durga empowers them with unmatched happiness, great success and good luck. To conclude, we wish to enunciate a few words of a famed poem: Nil akasher megher bhela, Padma phuler papri mela, Dhaker taale kasher khela, Anande katuk sharadbela. Shubho Durga Puja. A very Happy Durga Puja to all our brothers and sisters of Hindu community in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India and across the world!

-The End 

The writer is an independent political analyst based in Dhaka, Bangladesh who writes on politics, political and human-centred figures, current and international affairs.
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Because its new to South Florida, locals may have little understanding of Jollibees world influence, but the fast-food chain has operated 5,800 locations in 33 countries since the late 1970s, mostly in the Philippines. The first Jollibee began its life as an ice-cream stand in Manila in 1975 and started franchising in 1978, beating out Ronald McDonald, who didnt step foot in the Philippines until 1981.
I think thats the right way to do it, Giselle Verlangieri says. We should follow the guidance. We need to be vaccinated. We need to have the mask on. We were in New York...a week ago and you know every place you go like theater, you go to a show, you go to a comedy show, go to a restaurant, you go to a deli  if you want to sit down in the deli, they ask you for your ID and your vaccination card.
It takes a lot of gumption, for employees that are part of a particular group that one does not usually think of being a victim to file a claim, Filippi said. White people alleging discrimination is not the traditional claim that evolved from the Civil Rights Act of 1964. There was an intent of Congress with that Act to eliminate discrimination who individuals historically [had been] discriminated against and that did not include Caucasians, he said.
The gas stations, convenience and liquor stores were robbed from late February to late March. As authorities moved in on Burke the day of his arrest, he led officers on a high-speed chase in South Florida before abandoning his vehicle and running through multiple private backyards. He even broke into a home and got in a fist fight with someone inside, authorities say.
The Republican senator wrote in another tweet Monday that he met last week with leaders of pilot unions who expressed deep concern over the vaccine mandates. A spokeswoman for Southwest pilots said no one at the union had talked to Cruz. A spokesperson for Cruz did not respond to emailed questions from The Associated Press about whether the Republican senator had any firsthand knowledge of pilots or air traffic controllers skipping work.
The first question is, are the Palestinians human rights being violated, yes or no? The answer is clearly yes. If we know that the Palestinians human rights are being violated, then what should we do about that? Violence is not the answer, but not violent protest and boycott and so on is the answer. It was the answer in Montgomery, Ala., when Martin Luther King and other faith leaders in the Black community put together a boycott of the Montgomery bus system. It was the answer in South Africa when leaders there encouraged the world to boycott South Africa until apartheid ended, and I think it is the answer any place, anywhere peoples human rights are being violated, including in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, Hardy said.
if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi...
MBABANE  Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini has said the youth that is on the streets calling for change will have their chance to vote for change.

Dlamini was speaking during a live interview with CNN TV on Tuesday. He said in 2023, the country would be going to the polls and that was where those calling for change would have a chance to vote for the Members of Parliament (MPs) who would be in a position to introduce the changes they wanted. Dlamini said they were at the Dubai Expo to showcase the countrys economy and cultures. He said they were hoping to tell the world about Eswatinis potential for investment and trade.

Investments

He said just like many countries that were hit by COVID-19, Eswatini was planning to revive the private sector through attraction of foreign investments and also domestic investments.

He said the protest actions were not for democracy but in demand for economic delivery because of the high level of unemployment caused by the COVID-19 layoffs and shutting of the economy. He said primarily people have been protesting for poor service delivery. He admitted that people were also protesting for political reforms.

When asked why the army was on the streets for the second time as during the June/July unrest the army was deployed, the PM denied that the army was on the streets. He said it was only the police on the streets. We have not yet deployed the army, said Dlamini. He said in as much as sometimes the police got overwhelmed by the protesters, the army had not yet been released because the protests were still peaceful.

Reforms

When asked if the countrys authorities understood what was meant by political reforms, Dlamini responded to the positive. He, however, said the reforms had to follow the Constitution which spoke very well on what needed to be done when one wanted these reforms. He said this originated particularly from parliamentarians who understood very well what they needed to do in order to achieve those reforms.

He said the country was proud of the fact that it was the last remaining absolute monarchy in Africa. He said the King did not have a tenure, but was there for life. He said the system had been the same for kings in the past. The PM mentioned that what needed to be done was that if there were any changes being proposed, they should follow the Constitution. He said what was seen on television was an exaggeration of what was happening in the country. The majority of the people, more than 80 per cent are still in favour of the existing status, he added.

However, social media users were of the view that the PM was not stating clearly what was happening on the ground. One particular issue that they thought the PM had misrepresented was that 80 per cent of emaSwati were in favour of the existing system.
MBABANE  A shopping spree by three dirty men who had over E68 000 on them at Bhunu Mall in Manzini, sold out an alleged dagga dealer.

Police then received information that the trio allegedly committed a housebreaking and theft offence at Maphalaleni at a house of Cisco Shabangu, where they made away with a sum of E100 000 and other items. Acting on that information, the law enforcers then reportedly proceeded to Shabangus homestead where upon investigations, they discovered bags of the habit forming drug and expensive cars parked thereat. Shabangu, who is aged 29 years reportedly owns properties valued at over E2 million, which include a lavish homestead.

In terms of the Prevention of Organised Crimes Act (POCA), the Crown has since obtained an order to preserve three top-of-the-range cars belonging to Shabangu. The cars are; a Range Rover (Evoque), Gd-6 Toyota Hilux and a Mitsubishi Triton. In motivating the application to preserve the cars and the money, Principal Crown Counsel Elsie Matsebula contended that the cars were acquired using proceeds of unlawful activities.

Vehicles

She brought it to the attention of the court that the motor vehicles and the money as per police investigations were under the ownership of Shabangu, who had no lawful source of income to acquire such. I do add that per investigations conducted by the police leading to the discovery of such motor vehicles as well as the lavish homestead, Detective Moses Msibi in the company of other officers received a tip-off on the morning of July 6, 2019 that there were about three dirty males carrying a lot of money and were on a shopping spree at the Bhunu Mall in Manzini, submitted Matsebula, who is also the Head of the Asset Forfeiture Unit.

She narrated to the court that upon arrival, the police confronted the three males and after introductions, they (three males) showed them a lot of money loaded in their pockets. They (trio) according to Matsebula, further freely led the police to their mode of transport (Honda Fit), which was parked at the underground parking bay of the Bhunu Mall.

Investigations

She related that as per investigations, the police accosted the first male, who later told them he was Mpumelelelo and they found him at the Bhunu Mall underground toilets. She told the court that a body search was conducted on him and a sum E4 040 was retrieved. Police proceeded to Truworths Clothing shop where they found two males fitting clothes in the fitting room. After proper introductions and with caution, they were searched and money was found on them, she submitted. Matsebula submitted that a sum of E7 890 was found on Mpendulo Mazibuko and a sum of E1 652.90 was found on Wandile Sikhondze of Mpolonjeni, who was the driver of the motor vehicle.

She told the court that Sikhondze was a taxi driver based in Mbabane. She said during a search, police discovered dagga and dagga seeds in blue plastic bags which were hidden in the boot. They were taken to the Honda Fit where we discovered a sum of E64 850. Suffice to add that they were unable to disclose the source of the money which was collectively E68 727, she submitted. Per investigations, police received information that the trio allegedly committed a housebreaking and theft offence at a house of the respondent (Shabangu) where they made away with a sum of E100 000, averred the Crown.

She said the police then found it necessary to interview Shabangu in order to find out the source of the money as they suspected that he might be involved in money laundering, judging from the amount of cash kept at home instead of the bank.

Summoned

Matsebula told the court that in July 2019, the respondent availed himself at the Mbabane Police Station after being summoned by the police to assist them. Shabangu, according to Matsebula, related how he generated money. She said following that, police obtained an order compelling First National Bank to provide them with documents pertaining to Shabangus credit.On the same month, police decided to pay the respondent a visit at his homestead acting on the strength of a search warrant, though they could not find him as he eloped after spotting the police car hence they found his girlfriend, one Dlamini, as well as a maid Lethu Mavimbela, contended Matsebula.She informed the court that after a request to search the premises was granted, police discovered dagga weighing 244.2kg and dagga seeds weighing 2kg, hidden inside Shabangus house as well as a tent in the yard.

Furniture

I do add that several motor vehicles were also found parked outside Shabangus homestead. During an interview the trio said the dagga belonged to the respondent. The police also noted the house had flashy furniture, she argued. She avowed that from the photos that were taken at Shabangus homestead, it was clear that he lived through large scale farming and selling of dagga. Matsebula highlighted that this was because the dagga that was found littered there was twofold; as it comprised of one ready for the market while the other was being dried upside-down inside a two- room shack specifically built for such an unlawful purposes.
SITEKI  Lugongolweni residents are calling for the suspension and subsequent removal of the police officers responsible for shooting businessman Nhlanhla Kunene.

Over 3 000 residents who were joined by members of political parties marched for almost three kilometers from Mzilikazi to the Siteki Police Station to hand over their petition to the Station Commander, Edwin Dlamini. Kunene was allegedly shot dead by police officers manning a roadblock last Thursday night around Mpaka.

Convene

The marchers convened at the Mzilikazi Puma Filling Station at around 8am. They were joined by members of the Peoples United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), Communist Party of Swaziland (CPS), Swaziland Liberation Peoples Movement (SLPM), EFF Swaziland, Ngwane National Liberatory Congress (NNLC), Swaziland Democratic Party (SWADEPA) and Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT).

Others were Lugongolweni Member of Parliament (MP) Enos Magongo, Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) Simangele Mtsetfwa, NNLC President Sibongile Mazibuko, PUDEMO President Mlungisi Makhanya, SNAT President Mbongwa Dlamini and PUDEMOs Head of International Relations Affairs Siboniso Mkhabela. The organisers of the march were Musa Sifundza, Sifiso Mabuza, Mcolisi Sinisela, Shepherd Dlamini and Khetha Dlamini. The marchers were joined by over 20 pupils from Lubombo Central and Good Shepherd High School.

Standstill

Traffic came to a standstill for almost two hours as the marchers made constant stops and danced while singing political songs. Some businesses closed as early as 9am. Police officers and army personnel were found in strategic positions leading to the town and around the towns streets. The protesters marched around Jacaranda Street where they sang and read speeches for over 30 minutes before delivering their petition. They were joined by over 100 public transport workers from the Siteki Bus Rank. As such, public transport was not available from 9am until 2pm after the marchers had dispersed. They also demanded an independent inquest into the death of Kunene and to hold those responsible accountable. They also demand the provision of support to the families of those who died at the hands of security personnel and compensation for the survivors.

Handing over the petition was Khetha Dlamini, who was one of the organisers. About 30 police officers with shields and batons were strategically positioned inside the police station to maintain peace and order. A police officer who appeared inside the police station with a gun almost sparked violence as the marchers pelted stones to police officers on guard. However, the situation was eventually calmed by the march organisers. We state that our society will never be the same. The blood of the deceased was not spilt in vain. We will not surrender our call for self-rule and self-determination as people. We will continue the peaceful fight even in the face of adversity, reads the petition. The youth also stated in the petition that they would continue to mourn all those who died while fighting for freedom.

Rights

They further noted that those who exercised their rights were subjected to incarceration such as Members of Parliament (MPs) in Hoseas Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Ngwempisis Mthandeni Dube. We demand justice for Nhlanhla Kunene, Mlondi Dlamini, Madamba Matsenjwa and Boy Ginindza, who was beaten and ran over by a police van, read a section of the petition. One of the organisers, Sifundza, told the marchers that they were expected back tomorrow to get feedback on their demands. Let us come in numbers on Friday (tomorrow) for our answers. Comrades, go back home and mobilise more people, he said. On another note, the marchers further demanded the release of pupils who were arrested on Monday and yesterday by Siteki police. The pupils were later released.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Lawyer Thulani Maseko accompanied by Khetha Dlamini were invited by the Station Commander, Edwin, to inspect their cells and bring feedback to the marchers. We have found that there were no pupils inside the police cells and were told they were released, Khetha said, when addressing the marchers.
NHLANGANO  A pupil from Nzongomane High School was allegedly shot by the police during a protest at the school yesterday.

The pupils were said to be protesting at the school, which was when police came to disperse them. It is said that the police then fired warning shots and the pupils ran helter-skelter. The pupils ran out of the school gate, which was when the police then allegedly fired live rounds. The pupil got shot in his left foot and was left bleeding. It was said the bullet went through the foot from the back. It is said other pupils then called for help and further alerted the pupils parents.

A good Samaritan took him to Nhlangano Health Centre where he was given first aid. It was established that the pupil was later transferred to Hlatikhulu Government Hospital for further medical attention. In an interview with the pupils mother, Phindile Mdluli, she said they were shocked by the incident. She said she was currently at the hospital with his son who was admitted. I am worried about the bullet hole as the nurses say its too big and is still bleeding, said Mdluli.

During an interview at 7pm yesterday, Mdluli said police were currently at the hospital having been called by the nurses to alert them of the injured pupil. The Hlatikhulu police were said to have recorded statements and told Mdluli they were yet to call the Nhlangano Police Station to establish which officers were on board a police kombi as they were not aware of the incident.

Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati said they would compile a report of all the incidents regarding the protests.
MANZINI  Government has given in to one of the demands of the protesting pupils by approving the filling of vacancies in learning institutions in the country.

These include teachers, head teachers, regional education officers (REOs), lecturers and principals of colleges. The approval was confirmed on Tuesday during a Cabinet sitting. This was revealed by Minister of Public Service Mabulala Maseko during the Ministry of Education and Training meeting with school stakeholders at Mfanyana Hall in Manzini yesterday.

Vacancies

He said where there were vacancies of head teachers, government would soon fill them. Maseko said government had approved the employment of two REOs in Manzini and Lubombo. He said although he had no figures of the lecturers and principals who would be hired, vacancies would be filled at William Pitcher Training College and Ngwane Teachers Training College.

He mentioned that head teachers of both primary and high schools would also be hired.

On teachers, he said the ministry had an audit that found that, about 730 teachers were in surplus and underutilised. He said they would be re-deployed to other schools. Maseko said the ministry would have a waiver for the employment of teachers because it was controlling the Wage Bill. He highlighted, however, that there were financial challenges. Maseko said due to that properties were damaged in the country, this led to a lot of businesses that brought revenue being affected. The minister said this meant tax was reduced and negatively affected the country in that investors were not secure.
Leading real estate developer Sodic has signed a long-term syndicated facility worth EGP1.57 billion ($100 million) with Arab African International Bank (AAIB) and Banque Misr (BM) to finance its West Cairo flagship development Sodic West.

The facility will be used to refinance EGP1.1 billion outstanding on the EGP1.3 billion medium-term facility signed in April 2017 and to partially finance the remaining Capex on the investment portfolio of leasable assets and real estate development projects in Sodic West.

The signing of the facility with two of Egypts leading banks, which acted as co-lead arrangers of the facility agreement, reflects Sodics credibility as a developer and the banks confidence in Sodics ability to deliver on its commitments.

This credibility, coupled with Sodics long-term relationships with Egypt's leading banks, facilitate the companys access to the debt market, supporting Sodics growth endeavours.

The facility comes in line with Sodics goal to prudently increase its leverage to enhance shareholder returns and comes as a testament to Sodics solid financial performance, strong cash flows, and liquid balance sheet.

Sodics leverage remains low, with bank debt outstanding recorded at EGP2.4 billion on June 30, 2021, reflecting a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.4x.

The signing ceremony was attended by Magued Sherif, Sodics Managing Director; Sherif Alwy, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of AAIB, Akef ElMaghraby, Vice Chairman of BM, and senior members from Sodic and both banks.

Commenting on the transaction, Omar Elhamawy, Sodics Chief Financial Officer, said: It is a pleasure to work again with AAIB and Banque Misr on this facility and to renew our long-term strategic relationship with these two leading banks. The facility will allow us to develop our investment portfolio of recurring revenue assets while preserving our cash resources and balance sheets liquidity to support ongoing operations and pursue growth opportunities.

The leading role of AAIB in financing real estate developers, relies on our expertise in offering comprehensive liquidity solutions needed for the execution of real estate projects, while enhancing investments, and providing credit facilities that cater to the needs of investors and developers, added Alwy.

This facility was a reflection to our belief in the importance of the role played by the Egyptian banks in supporting the real estate sector, addressing its financial needs, and encouraging NUCA projects that aspire to create new communities to combat overpopulation, representing an integral part of Egypts Vision 2030.

ElMaghraby praised the cooperation between AAIB and BM, which led to the arrangement of this facility. He also emphasised that Banque Misrs involvement in this facility reflects its leading role in supporting the Egyptian economy, particularly in the real estate sector, one of the most impactful sectors and the driving force behind other sectors in the local economy.

He added that supporting real estate is contributing to driving sustainable development plans in Egypt by establishing new integrated communities in new cities.-- TradeArabia News Service
An international consortium comprising the alternative energy business unit of OQ, Marubeni Corporation, Linde and Dutco has signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) for the development of a green hydrogen and green ammonia project at Salalah Free Zone (SFZ).



Salalah enjoys a rich solar and wind resources supported by a world-class shipping infrastructure at the Port of Salalah; all of which position the region to be a global hub for the production and export of green hydrogen and green ammonia, reported Oman News Agency (ONA).



The project, named SalalaH2, targets the production of up to 1000 tons per day of green ammonia, utilizing OQs existing ammonia plant in Salalah. An electrolysis facility with a capacity of up to 400 MW will be constructed to produce green hydrogen. Approximately 1 GW of solar and wind energy, produced either by existing or new facilities, will be used to power the electrolyzer.



The consortium is currently conducting studies that will provide the basis for an investment decision. Various offtake streams will be explored and coordinated with the OQ ammonia plants current off-taker including the co-firing needs of coal fired power plants in Asia, the renewable feedstock needs of fertilizer plants in Europe and the decarbonisation needs of the global shipping industry.



The project is set to create a positive impact on Omans national economy through the diversification of its energy infrastructure, the transformation of its skills base and the transfer of new technologies into the region.



Dr Salim Al Huthaili, CEO of Alternative Energy at OQ said: OQ is excited to enter into this unique opportunity as the integration of the Salalah cluster between LPG, methanol and ammonia is already bringing great synergies. Integrating green molecules, and green hydrogen into the system is a true transition story to pave the path towards decarbonization.



The potential of low carbon hydrogen production is promising in Oman and this partnership reflects OQ's, and our shareholder OIAs deep commitment towards maximizing value and diversifying Omans economy in line with Vision 2040.



Yuji Sato, General Manager of the Middle East and Africa Department, Power Division in Tokyo, Japan, stated: Marubeni is keen on leading the development of this project to support the hydrogen economy in Oman, utilizing our abundant experience in acting as a lead developer of renewable projects in the Middle East and the world. We are committed to the energy transition and an active participation in the decarbonisation of the world economy. We are delighted to be part of this project in Oman, one of our most important markets in the region.



Philippe Peccard, Lindes Vice President for Clean Energy, said: At Linde we believe that hydrogen and its derivatives will play a key role in reshaping the global energy landscape, and as a leader in the production, processing, storage and distribution of hydrogen, we are proud to be a partner in the SalalaH2 project which we expect to be transformational for the local society.



Tariq Baker, Vice Chairman, Dutco group of companies, stated: Dutco has strategically positioned itself to be part of the hydrogen economy through driving new investments in the value chain of production of green hydrogen and green ammonia. The diversified and unique set of global capabilities of the members of this Consortium will greatly contribute to making the SalalaH2 project a showcase project that will allow Oman to position itself as a global player in the production and export of green hydrogen/green ammonia.
SAL Saudi Logistics Services, a market leading air cargo handler, has signed a cargo ground handling agreement with Qatar Airways Cargo. SAL will provide comprehensive ground logistics support at Saudi Arabias main airports, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Medina.

This agreement is in line with one of the companys strategic growth initiatives of increasing the number of partnerships with leading regional and global airlines that have high cargo shipping capacities.

Hesham Alhussayen, CEO of SAL, commented: This agreement will enhance logistical operations between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Moreover, given Qatar Airways global reach and substantial shipping capacity, we look forward to providing it with cargo ground handling services to the highest international standards. This new partnership reflects our growing network of international and domestic relationships across airlines, regulators, government agencies, and global industry organisations.

He added: Over the year and a half, SAL has responded to the Covid-19 pandemic by boosting our operational efficiencies to meet the unprecedented demands of handling a wide variety of emergency, medical, and other life essential goods to those who need them most. This journey reinforced our belief in the power of partnerships and, as such, we have signed several cooperation agreements to expand our ground handling and logistics services even further.

Guillaume Halleux, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways commented: Through our agreement with SAL Saudi Logistics Services, we will be offering fast and efficient handling for all types of cargo including cool chain cargo at Saudi Arabias main airports. SAL and Qatar Airways Cargo share a common vision of customer centricity and service excellence.

SAL provides premium cargo chain support for multiple airlines operating into and out of Saudi Arabias airports. The company is also broadening its services within airports and will extend its logistics network to increase connectivity between land, sea and air transportation hubs, economic zones, and major population centres, in line with the Vision 2030 objective of transforming the kingdom into a global logistics hub.-- TradeArabia News Service
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a leading global IT services, consulting and business solutions organization, has won the World Leadership Congress Award in the Best Operational Excellence category.



The award celebrates TCS Saudi Arabias world-class operations at the All-Women Business Process Services and IT Center in Riyadh as well as its efforts in supporting the local community.



The World Leadership Congress and Awards were hosted by the World Federation of CSR Professionals for the first time in Saudi Arabia, this year. The annual Leadership Awards recognize the achievements of selected high profile corporate business leaders for their ability to steer their businesses through turbulent times and apply the best business practices to manage and keep their operations running. The jury consisted of leaders from different fields including CEOs, activists, directors, and thought leaders.



TCS won the Operational Excellence Award for its focus on talent development for employees, as well as supporting the community it operates in through involvement, innovation and commercial potential. The All-Women Center is a venture by TCS and its business partners with a unique business model developed to serve customer needs and help local communities. It harnesses the best of TCS expertise to train and develop professional capabilities in Saudi women to support them in pursuing fulfilling careers and realizing their potential in the Kingdom.



The centre provides long term career opportunities in the fields of finance and accounting, human resource operations, supply chain management, data management, IT and digital related services and helps customers across20 countries.



Sumanta Roy, Head of TCS Middle East, Africa, and Mediterranean, said: We are delighted to win this award for our operational excellence, customer-centricity and focus on helping build up the local community. These efforts, especially with the All-Women Center in Riyadh, bring us closer to our vision of building greater futures through innovation and collective knowledge.



The award committee said: TCS is an iconic brand and their presence in Saudi Arabia is exemplary, especially in regard to the All-Women Business Process Services & IT Center in Riyadh. This first-of-a-kind model is customer centric, diversity driven, and caters to the local market with operational discipline. We congratulate Tata Consultancy Services Saudi Arabia on winning this eminent award.



TCS was named the Top Employer in the Middle East region by the Top Employers Institute for six consecutive years. In the past, TCS has won a Silver at the King Khalid Sustainability Award and eight significant awards at the Oman World Quality Congress.  TradeArabia News Service
The Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) will again sponsor the International Media Centre at WTM London 2021  and by doing so, the popular destination will help get the message out via the worlds press that travel and tourism is back on the agenda.

It is the 13th year that GNTO has sponsored the Media Centre, having signed up in 2008 and continuing to do so ever since.

GNTO UK & Ireland office Director Eleni Skarveli said: We are proud to be part of the effort afforded by WTM London to work together to rebuild the tourism industry as we learn to adapt after the Covid pandemic.

Now, more than ever before, countries need to work with the international media to get their message out. Well be at WTM London to show how Greece is looking to the future, with new experiences and product offerings, all in a Covid-safe environment.

As sponsor of the Media Centre, Greece will have an additional platform to promote itself through trade and consumer publications across print, broadcast and online, as well as bloggers and others that move in the new media.

The Greek stand will host a large delegation to WTM London, including regional tourist boards, travel trade partners, travel agencies, resorts, operators and other players.

When travel opened up this summer, Greece proved a huge favourite among UK holidaymakers desperate for some sunshine in a destination that they felt confident to travel to.

Recently, Greece announced international collaborations with various airlines, tour operators and key players.

WTM London Exhibition Director Simon Press said: Its the continuation of a long-term partnership. This year, more than ever, the international media will be a key component of WTM Londons mission to relay the message that the world is opening up again and ready for international visitors.

Greece has long been a favourite among Brits, as well as visitors from other key markets who know theyll get a warm welcome when they visit. For that reason, when people were able to travel this summer, Greece was one of the stand-out destinations.

WTM London takes place from November 1-3 at ExCeL, London, and will be followed by WTM & TF Virtual on November 8-9.-TradeArabia news Service
New Delhi, Oct 14 (UNI) India and the US will conduct a joint military exercise 'Yudh Abhyas' at the Joint Base ElmendorfRichardson in Alaska (US) from October 15, an official statement said.

The exercise is a part of the ongoing enhancement in the Indo-US Defence Cooperation.



The Indian Army contingent participating in the exercise comprises 350 personnel of an Infantry Battalion Group.

"Exercise Yudh Abhyas is the largest running joint military training and defence cooperation endeavor between India and USA. This will be the 17th Edition of the joint exercise which is hosted alternately between both countries," a defence ministry statement said.



In February, another edition of the exercise was held at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Bikaner, Rajasthan.

"This exercise is another step in the growing military cooperation between the two countries," the statement said.

The exercise will culminate on October 29 after a 48 hours long validation event.

The exercise aims at enhancing understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the two armies. The joint exercise will focus on Combined Arms Manoeuvres in cold climatic conditions and is primarily aimed at sharing tactical level drills and learning best practices from each other.

UNI AO ING
Moscow, Oct 14 (UNI/Sputnik) The Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group (banned in Russia) shelled Syria's Idlib de-escalation zone eight times over the past 24 hours, Rear Adm. Vadim Kulit, deputy head of the Russian Defence Ministry's Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria, said at a briefing.

"Eight shelling attacks from the positions of the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group were registered in the Idlib de-escalation zone over the past day in the provinces of Idlib (1 attack), Aleppo (5), Hama (1) and Latakia (1)," Rear Adm. Kulit said.

He said the Syrian side recorded no attacks.

Rear Adm. Kulit said efforts are continuing to stabilize the situation in Daraa province. With the mediation of the Russian reconciliation center, 179 people in several localities settled their status over the past day; 72 pieces of weapons and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition have been surrendered.

The Russian Defence Ministry's Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides and Control over the Movement of Refugees in the Syrian Arab Republic was established in February 2016.

Its tasks include the signing of agreements on illegal armed groups and individual settlements joining the regime of cessation of hostilities, as well as coordinating the delivery of humanitarian aid.

UNI/SPUTNIK ASN
New Delhi, Oct 14 (UNI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited former prime minister Manmohan Singh at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, where he was admitted on Wednesday.

The Congress leader visited the ailing former prime minister and also met his wife Gursharan Kaur. Gandhi wished Singh a speedy recovery.

89-year-old Congress stalwart was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday evening for routine check-ups as he complained of weakness and fever persistent since past few days.
Sheridan Start-Up Challenge Announces Six Finalists

IMPACT 307, Sheridans business incubator, has announced six finalists for the 2021 Sheridan Start-Up Challenge entrepreneur competition.

IMPACT 307, with business incubators in Casper, Laramie and Sheridan, is a business development program of the University of Wyoming. It is administered by UWs Office of Research and Economic Development.

This years challenge attracted 40 applicants, and the top 11 plans were selected for the semifinal round by a panel of local entrepreneur judges. The six finalists will compete to win business funding from the $100,000 seed fund established for the event.

This is a strong indication of the entrepreneur culture that exists in Sheridan. We have a creative and committed community that supports the development of new ventures, says Scot Rendall, IMPACT Sheridan director.

The following is a brief summary of each finalist, including the company name, the entrepreneur and the innovative business idea:

-- Brit Schmit LLC, founded by Brittni Schmit, is a line of womens jumpsuit and romper apparel that overcomes some of the traditional limitations of wearing these garments.

-- Farm to Table Beef Brand/Marketing, founded by Taylor Kerns, is a marketing company that will unite Sheridan-area ranchers under one brand and sell farm-to-table fresh beef products to larger retail outlets.

-- Mittens Moisturizer, founded by Kaya Pehringer, is an artisan line of body lotion products made from locally sourced goats milk that is healthy for skin and will be marketed throughout the state.

-- Outter Limits, founded by RJ Bungert, is an innovative, durable, go-anywhere lunchbox cooler concept that was devised through years of experience working in Wyoming coal mines.

-- Oyster City Mushroom Farm, founded by Jeremiah Attebury, is a large-scale, year-round gourmet mushroom farm that will provide fresh mushrooms to local and regional markets.

-- SonaPure, founded by Austin Ledingham, is a company that is developing a hearing protection system for dentists, hygienists and staff that focuses on quality, comfort and convenience.

The semifinal round included a number of quality business ideas, and the judges decided that they wanted to hear follow-on pitches from six finalists on Pitch Night, says Rendall, who adds that this is the first time the Sheridan Start-Up Challenge will have six finalists in its five-year history.

The finalists will spend the next month working with IMPACT Sheridan to hone their business plans and final pitches. Finalist Pitch Night is scheduled Wednesday, Nov. 10, at 5:30 p.m. at the WYO Theater in Sheridan. For those who wish to avoid public gatherings, a livestream option to view the program will be offered.

The Sheridan Start-Up Challenge is made possible through the support of Sheridan County, the city of Sheridan, the Wyoming Business Council, the Homer and Mildred Scott Foundation, and Davis & Cannon LLP.

For more information, call Rendall at (307) 675-1939 or email srendall@uwyo.edu.


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Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 10:53:04|Editor: huaxia

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Photo taken on Oct. 13, 2021 shows a view of the skyline of Singapore. Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry announced Thursday that based on advance estimates, the country's GDP grew by 6.5 percent year on year in the third quarter of 2021, moderating from the 15.2 percent growth in the previous quarter. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)

SINGAPORE, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry announced Thursday that based on advance estimates, the country's GDP grew by 6.5 percent year on year in the third quarter of 2021, moderating from the 15.2 percent growth in the previous quarter.

On a seasonally-adjusted basis, Singapore's economy grew by 0.8 percent quarter on quarter, compared to the 1.4 percent decline in the previous quarter.

In a breakdown, Singapore's manufacturing sector expanded by 7.5 percent year on year in the third quarter, extending the 18 percent growth in the previous quarter. The continued growth was supported by output expansions in all clusters, except for the chemicals cluster.

The construction sector expanded by 57.9 percent year on year in the third quarter, following the 117.5 percent growth in the previous quarter. Growth was largely due to low base effects given the slow resumption of construction activities after the Circuit Breaker period last year.

Meanwhile, the services producing industries expanded by 5.5 percent year on year, compared to the 10.8 percent expansion in the previous quarter.

The advanced GDP estimates were computed largely from data in the first two months of the quarter, according to the ministry. These figures are intended as an early indication of the GDP growth in the quarter, and are subject to revision when more comprehensive data become available.

The ministry said it will release the preliminary GDP estimates for the third quarter in November. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 12:19:06|Editor: huaxia

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CANBERRA, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- One in five Australian experts who have spoken about COVID-19 in the media have received abuse, a study has found.

The Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) on Thursday published a survey of 50 scientists who have spoken about the pandemic in print, television, online and radio.

It found that 31 were subjected to trolling in the wake of their media appearance and 20 percent received death threats and/or threats of physical or sexual violence.

The AusSMC also worked with highly-regarded journal Nature to survey more than 300 international experts, finding that 15 percent experienced death threats and 22 percent received threats of physical or sexual violence.

Forty percent of Australian experts and 60 percent of international scientists said the personal attacks impacted their willingness to speak about the pandemic again.

"Scientists are facing pandemic levels of abuse for simply trying to help us all wrap our heads around COVID-19," Lyndal Byford from the AusSMC said in a media release.

"For some, the abuse they received for this public service has made them think twice about appearing in the media again," she said. "If experts take the understandable Naomi Osaka approach, and stop speaking to the media, all of us will be worse off."

One participant in the survey who wished to remain anonymous said they received a "near-continuous flow of hate mail" after appearing in the media.

"I had offensive material industrially stapled to my front door at home. I have been threatened in airports by unknown people. I had lies sent to senior colleagues and ministers of the crown in efforts at character assassination including efforts to cover me with corruption allegations."

Australian scientists who publicly rejected claims that SARS-CoV-2 leaked from a lab were also targeted.

According to a Sydney Morning Herald report last October, Professor Edward Holmes from the University of Sydney "became the target of online attack after he co-authored a paper in Nature Medicine debunking the pervading conspiracy theory that the virus was engineered in or escaped from a laboratory in Wuhan."

He was accused of being paid by China, and of mass murder for failing to support the lab theory.

Virologist Danielle Anderson from the Peter Doherty Institute received an email telling her to "eat a bat and die" after critiquing the "lab leak" theory based on her own experience in China.

A scientist close to her, who spoke to Xinhua on condition of anonymity, said that political motivation was put ahead of science and truth in the search for the origins of the coronavirus. If a scientist insists on telling the truth, rather than joining the "political correct" smear campaign against China, she would be labeled as a puppet of China and get abused.

Dominic Dwyer, a medical virologist who was on the World Health Organisation (WHO) team that examined the origins of the pandemic, was also abused.

"We know the information on the origins of SARS-CoV-2 is still incomplete, but these gaps shouldn't be used to support a political stance, encourage the blame game or criticize others, especially behind the anonymity of social media," he told the Australian Financial Review (AFR). Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 14:50:03|Editor: huaxia

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ASADABAD, Afghanistan, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 people were wounded after an explosion ripped through a busy road in Asadabad, capital of eastern Afghanistan's Kunar province on Thursday, a witness said.

"We heard a huge blast in Asadabad in the morning, causing panic among the residents. The whole place has now been sealed off," an eyewitness told Xinhua.

The Taliban security forces arrived at the site shortly after the blast, keeping people from gathering at the scene, the eyewitness said.

Besides, a provincial health official told Xinhua that 11 wounded were admitted to a hospital in the city after the incident.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.

Militants affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) outfit are active in the region. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 15:14:45|Editor: huaxia

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ISLAMABAD, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Five people were killed and four others injured when a jeep plunged into a ditch in Haveli district of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, local media reported Thursday morning.

According to the reports, the accident occurred as the jeep driver tried to save the vehicle from an iron rod present in the standing position in the middle of the road, resulting in the killing of five people on the spot.

The deceased and injured were shifted to the hospital, rescue workers said.

All the passengers belonged to the same family and came to Khwaja Bandi of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir for a wedding, rescue workers said.

Road accidents are quite frequent in Pakistan mainly due to poor roads, badly maintained vehicles and unprofessional driving. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 15:59:58|Editor: huaxia

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ASADABAD, Afghanistan, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- A Taliban official was killed and 11 people wounded when an explosion hit a Taliban security forces' vehicle in Asadabad, capital of eastern Afghanistan's Kunar province, on Thursday, a provincial source said.

"The blast occurred near a bridge in Karhali locality of the town in the morning. Abdullah who served as the Taliban's police chief for Shegal district in Kunar lost his life in the incident," the source who declined to be named told Xinhua.

Meantime, Attahullah Sapay, head of the provincial hospital, said that one body and 11 wounded were admitted to the main provincial hospital following the explosion.

Among those wounded were seven civilians, including a woman and two children, and four Taliban members, he told Xinhua.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. Militants affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) outfit are active in the region.

The security situation remained generally calm but uncertain across Afghanistan since the Taliban's takeover in mid-August.

However, a spate of bomb attacks were launched by IS-affiliated militants in Kabul, northern Kunduz and eastern Nangarhar provinces in recent weeks. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 18:50:57|Editor: huaxia

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ULAN BATOR, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia will establish an independent forestry agency next year to combat desertification, the country's Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene said Thursday.

He made the announcement while introducing national budget plans for 2022 to the parliament, saying that the new agency was part of the cabinet's efforts to support the "Billion Trees" tree-planting campaign.

The campaign was officially launched on Oct. 4. Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh earlier told the United Nations General Assembly that the country aims to combat climate change and desertification through the campaign.

The Asian country has a total land area of 1,564,116 square km and only 7.9 percent is now covered by forests.

Around 77 percent of the country's total territory has been affected by desertification and land degradation, according to the country's Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 19:14:57|Editor: huaxia

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PHNOM PENH, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- A new batch of 2 million doses of China-donated Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, on Thursday, a senior health official said.

A plane carrying the jab landed at the capital's airport shortly before 11:00 a.m. local time, said Ministry of Health (MoH) Secretary of State Yok Sambath.

"It's a new batch of 2 million doses of Sinovac vaccine, which is donated by the Chinese government to the Cambodian government," she told reporters. "This donation is a new testament to the unbreakable ironclad friendship between Cambodia and China."

Sambath said the new vaccines will be used to support the Southeast Asian nation in its booster dose campaign.

To date, Cambodia has received a total of 37.6 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines from three sources through bilateral procurement, the World Health Organization (WHO)'s COVAX Facility, and donations.

A total of 28.5 million doses, or 75.8 percent, were Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines purchased from China, and 6.3 million doses, equivalent of 16.7 percent, were donated by China to Cambodia, according to the MoH.

Cambodia launched a COVID-19 vaccination drive in February. As of Oct. 13, the country had administered at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccines to 13.5 million people, or 84.6 percent of its 16-million population, the MoH said.

Of them, 12.1 million, or 75.8 percent, had been fully vaccinated with both required shots, and 1.14 million, or 7.17 percent, had received a booster dose, it added. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 20:11:52|Editor: huaxia

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ISLAMABAD, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- A wanted terrorist was killed during an exchange of fire with security forces in the country's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, the military said on Thursday.

The Pakistani military personnel conducted the intelligence-based operation in Mir Ali area of North Waziristan district in the province, the army's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

The operation was carried out upon confirmed reports of terrorists' presence in the area, said the ISPR statement.

Pakistan has recently witnessed a rise in terror attacks on security forces in KP and southwest Balochistan provinces. A number of military operations has been carried out in the regions over the last several months to eradicate militants and their camps. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 20:12:03|Editor: huaxia

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GAZA, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Qatar on Thursday resumed financial aid to thousands of needy families in the besieged Gaza Strip, home of more than 2 million Palestinians, a senior Qatari diplomat said.

Qatari Ambassador to Palestine Mohammed al-Emadi said in a press statement that the distribution of aid money to 100,000 needy families in the Gaza Strip, 100 U.S. dollars for each, has started on Thursday.

He added that the needy Palestinian families are to receive the cash monthly distributed by the United Nations through Gaza banks. Israel retains the right to supervise the list of eligible recipients.

In September, al-Emadi said that Qatar was working on finding alternatives to disbursing the funds in Gaza after it had been suspended since the last round of tension between Israel and Hamas, which ended on May 21 after it went on for 11 days.

Since 2014, Qatar has sent over 1 billion dollars in aid money to the Gaza Strip. It has also pledged 500 million dollars for reconstructing what had been destroyed during the tension in May. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 20:37:12|Editor: huaxia

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DHAKA, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh enjoys a very popular tea culture. While there are numerous tea stalls in capital Dhaka, a certain kind of tea, "Raja Mama" stands out for its very special flavors which are the current trend in the city.

In Bangladesh, "Raja" means king, and "Mama" means uncle. The "Raja Mama" tea is deemed unique for offering varied flavors and drinking from a clay cup.

Azahar Uddin Raja is the owner of "Raja Mama" tea stall.

He decorated his tea stall a little differently, with beautiful Middle Eastern antique brass teapots, wooing tea connoisseurs not only from Dhaka but also from elsewhere in the South Asian country.

"I heard about his tea stall at a friend's house. Then we decided to drink tea here," a customer named Mosammat Khadija Akhter told Xinhua.

She first came over with friends from Gazipur located on the outskirts of Dhaka. "Sometimes I would come again. It is a very good place. I really enjoy drinking this tea."

A man who called himself Ratul from Motijheel in central Dhaka said he noticed comments about the "Raja Mama" tea at a food bank on social media and came to try it.

"Actually a very different taste. I have never taken such tea anywhere before. This is the best type of tea I have ever taken," he said.

"I wish all the best for this stall and for everyone in the stall," he added.

Raja, the "Raja Mama" owner, is from Mymensingh, 122 km north of Dhaka.

As he was poor and could not afford completing his higher studies, Raja went abroad to work in Dubai and made the tea stall business plan there.

He said he wanted to see "whether the taste of this foreign tea can run in my country. Today, I'm blessed to be able to bring foreign flavored tea to the people of my country."

"I make this tea with original condensed milk and cashew nuts, pesto, raisins and wood nuts," he explained.

"Today, I have 18 (tea) shops and 40 workers," he said, adding that he started the whole business on a rickshaw van initially. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 20:39:27|Editor: huaxia

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COLOMBO, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Two Iranian inmates detained at the Colombo Remand Prison in Sri Lanka's capital Colombo were killed after consuming an alcohol based sanitizer, local media reported here Thursday.

Prisons Spokesman Chandana Ekanayake said 10 other Iranian inmates jailed in the facility were hospitalized after they drank the same sanitizer.

Ekanayake said the sanitizers were provided by the Iranian Embassy to the inmates due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The prisoners have been detained on charges of heroin trafficking and consumed the sanitizer late on Wednesday, the spokesman said.

The injured inmates were not in critical condition. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 20:54:12|Editor: huaxia

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ISLAMABAD, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Thursday suspended its flight operations to Afghan capital of Kabul over security concerns, said a PIA official.

The airlines' operations are being halted owing to security reasons and will remain suspended until further notice, Spokesman for the PIA Abdullah Hafeez Khan told Xinhua.

He said that despite unfavorable circumstances in Afghanistan, the PIA chartered flights were being operated in and out of Kabul solely on humanitarian grounds, adding that the PIA continued its operations when other airlines were reluctant to continue their operations considering the country a "war zone region".

Pakistan's national flag carrier has so far evacuated over 3,000 passengers in the wake of rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan, according to PIA officials.

The evacuees also included officials of the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and journalists. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 21:21:06|Editor: huaxia

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An airport worker transports packages of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine at Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Oct. 14, 2021. A new batch of 2 million doses of China-donated Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Cambodia on Thursday as the Southeast Asian nation has planned to reopen its socio-economic activities in all areas by year's end. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- A new batch of 2 million doses of China-donated Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Cambodia on Thursday as the Southeast Asian nation has planned to reopen its socio-economic activities in all areas by year's end.

"It's a new batch of 2 million doses of Sinovac vaccine, which is donated by the Chinese government to the Cambodian government," Cambodian Ministry of Health (MoH) secretary of state Yok Sambath told reporters at the Phnom Penh International Airport.

"This donation is a new testament to the unbreakable ironclad friendship between Cambodia and China," she said.

To date, Cambodia has received a total of 37.6 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines from three sources through bilateral procurement, the World Health Organization (WHO)'s COVAX Facility, and donations.

A total of 28.5 million doses, or 75.8 percent, were Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines procured from China, and 6.3 million doses, equivalent of 16.7 percent, were donated by China to Cambodia, according to the MoH.

Cambodia launched a COVID-19 vaccination drive in February. As of Oct. 13, the country had administered at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccines to 13.5 million people, or 84 percent of its 16-million population, the MoH said.

Of them, 12.1 million, or 75.8 percent, had been fully vaccinated with both required shots, and 1.14 million, or 7.17 percent, had received a third dose or booster dose, it added.

Sambath said that thanks to its high vaccination coverage, the kingdom is expected to reopen its borders for fully vaccinated foreign tourists by the end of this year.

Government chief spokesman Phay Siphan said the country has seen a "great success" in its vaccinations against COVID-19 thanks to the wise leadership of Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and the strong support from China.

"I can say that our joint COVID-19 fight should serve as a role model for international cooperation," he told Xinhua.

World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Cambodia Li Ailan said the WHO has seen the impacts of Cambodia's COVID-19 vaccinations, which helped the reductions of severe disease, hospitalizations, and deaths among those fully vaccinated.

"Cambodia's high vaccination coverage provides a good basis for reopening economy and society safely and responsibly," she said.

"However, COVID19 vaccination alone is not enough. We need a good combination of vaccination, public health and social measures, and health care capacity," she added.

Thong Mengdavid, a research fellow at the Mekong Center for Strategic Studies of the Phnom Penh-based Asian Vision Institute, said Cambodia ranked the second in ASEAN for the highest number of COVID-19 vaccinations, behind only to Singapore.

"With its high vaccination rate, Cambodia is considering resuming its nationwide economic activities soon including tourism, manufacturing, construction and other SMEs business," he told Xinhua.

"The plans would help rejuvenate national growth and resilience, enhance social development and promote business-friendly activities for future foreign investment from both regional and international contexts," he added.

Sar Lina is a 30-year-old hairdresser in Phnom Penh. Lina and her husband had so far received three doses of Sinovac vaccine, and her two children, aged six and 10, had been fully vaccinated with two shots of Sinovac jab.

"My job is at high risk of catching this disease because I'm in close contact with customers every day, so the vaccine is really essential to protecting my life," she told Xinhua. "I feel quite safe now after having received a booster dose with Sinovac vaccine."

Lina said she's totally confident in the safety, quality and efficacy of the Sinovac vaccine in protecting her life and family from this highly contagious disease.

"I hope that with its high vaccination rates, Cambodia will be able to reopen its socio-economic activities in all domains in the near future," she said.

Cambodia confirmed 268 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, pushing the national total caseload to 115,875, the MoH said, adding that 25 more fatalities had been recorded, bringing the overall death toll to 2,582. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 23:42:59|Editor: huaxia

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YANGON, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's Foreign Affairs Ministry said the country is looking forward to the confirmation on the ASEAN special envoy 's visit, a press release said here on Thursday.

Regarding a visit by the special envoy, also the Second Minister of Brunei's Foreign Affairs Erywan bin Pehin Yusof, the ministry said it had explained the exercise of maximum flexibility in accommodating the ASEAN special envoy's visit to Myanmar, which was planned to be made earlier this week.

In response to the recent press statement by the special envoy, Myanmar's Foreign Affairs Ministry called for access to all parties concerned on his visit to Myanmar. "As Myanmar has been prioritizing peace and tranquility in the country, some requests which go beyond the permission of existing laws will be difficult to be accommodated," it said.

The ministry said Myanmar welcomes the special envoy and believes that he will carry out his position in a neutral and impartial manner in accordance with the principles enshrined in the ASEAN Charter and based on the ASEAN spirit.

The ministry reaffirmed that the country is committed to constructively cooperate in the implementation of the five-point consensus reached in April by ASEAN leaders regarding the situation in Myanmar.

The leaders called for an immediate end to the violence in Myanmar with constructive and inclusive dialogues and pledged to provide humanitarian aid to the country.

Myanmar declared a state of emergency on Feb. 1 this year and the state power has been held by the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Sen-Gen Min Aung Hlaing. Enditem
" " The Cecil Hotel had seen better days by the time this picture was taken in 2005. It was declared a landmark by the City of Los Angeles in 2017. Jim Winstead/Wikimedia/CC BY 2.0

Tucked into downtown Los Angeles is a 19-floor hotel with 700 rooms and an otherwise unremarkable exterior. But within the walls of this structure, nightmarish scenes of humanity's darkness unfolded. It's the Cecil Hotel, an L.A. cultural touchstone, a haunted abyss, and a symbol of opulence riven by urban decay.

"In all my years as a historical journalist, I have never come across a building where so many documented terrible things have happened," emails Hadley Meares, who also has a podcast called Underbelly L.A. "By far, it is the most cursed space I have ever come across."

It's also the setting of one of the creepiest viral videos of the internet era, an elevator surveillance tape showing the last minutes of Elisa Lam, a Canadian student and former guest of the hotel. A Netflix series explores her disappearance and other mysteries that the hotel spawned.

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The Dream and the Nightmare

The Cecil started life very differently. Built in 1924, it was intended to be a jewel of the downtown area, featuring a marble lobby, alabaster statues and gorgeous stained-glass windows.

" " The lobby of the Cecil Hotel still showed traces of its former grandeur in 2008. John Blanding/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

That dream very quickly became a nightmare.

Just a few years later, the Great Depression began strangling the nation. Vast swaths of L.A. near the hotel degraded into a poverty-stricken area known as Skid Row, where thousands of homeless people gathered.

"The Cecil opened during the boom time days of the Roaring Twenties, and there were high hopes for its success," says Meares. "However, the stock market crash [of 1929] and subsequent depression really hurt downtown Los Angeles, particularly the area where the Cecil was located. The area went further downhill after World War II, and the Cecil became known as cheap home of last resort for lost souls, criminals and the underserved elderly."

From the 1940s through the 1960s, guest suicides occurred with regularity. Some unfortunate people died within their rooms, from poison, gunshots or razor blades, while others flung themselves from the rooftop. One jumper even landed on  and killed  a pedestrian on the sidewalk below. An unstable woman threw her newborn baby out of the window.

In 1964, Goldie "The Pigeon Lady of Pershing Square" Osgood, was brutally murdered and her case was never solved. The retired telephone operator had earned her warm nickname for her habit of feeding birds nearby.

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The Night Stalker Checks In

Darker still is the hotel's link to Richard Ramirez, a serial killer who lived at the hotel for weeks during his long and sensational murder spree in the mid-1980s. Known as the "Night Stalker," Ramirez was convicted of 13 murders and other offenses that were noted for their extreme brutality and sadistic twists.

Ramirez was known to prowl among Skid Row residents. According to some sources, after the killings, he'd discard his blood-spattered clothing in the hotel's trash bins without anyone taking much notice.

So casual was Ramirez about his deeds that he'd sometimes lounge around in the homes of his victims, partaking of snacks from the fridge while soaked in their blood. He also burglarized the homes, stealing cash and valuables, and in some instances, even body parts.

"Just thinking of Richard Ramirez, allegedly bringing eyeballs of his victims back into his filthy room at the Cecil chills me to the bone," says Meares. That's exactly what he did after killing Maxine Levenia Zazzara, a 44-year-old woman who was shot and stabbed to death in 1985.

After a circus-like trial in which Ramirez reveled in the spotlight, the Night Stalker was sentenced to death. But before he could be executed, he died in 1989 from complications of cancer.

At the Cecil, though, his horrific memory lived on. Just a short time later, another serial killer, Austrian Jack Unterweger, lived at the hotel for a time. Authorities believe he chose the location intentionally as a dark homage of sorts to Ramirez, whose crimes and subsequent celebrity were attractive to Unterweger.

Unterweger was, after all, a man who'd been previously convicted of murder at the age of 23. His life sentence in Austria was shortened to only 15 years, largely because of his writing prowess and intelligence, which he leveraged to convince others of his supposed complete rehabilitation.

Then, he traveled extensively, killing women in other countries, too.

He eventually murdered at least three prostitutes during his time at the Cecil Hotel. He was extradited to Austria and convicted. But the same night he was convicted, he hanged himself in his cell.

All of these grisly details serve as the historical backdrop for 2013, when the hotel became the setting for what's become one of the creepiest unsolved deaths imaginable.

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The Mystery of Elisa Lam

Elisa Lam, a 21-year-old student from Vancouver, was reported missing at the beginning of February 2013. She had been staying at the hotel in a section offering hostel-like accommodations to foreign tourists. (The hotel also had another part with private rooms for regular guests and a third section with low-cost "single room occupancy" and shared bathrooms, for long-term residents.)

" " The exterior of the Cecil Hotel is seen in Los Angeles on Feb. 20, 2013, around the time the body of Elisa Lam was found in a water tank on its roof. ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images

By the middle of the month, building occupants had reported instances of low water pressure, as well as discolored and malodorous water dripping from the taps. Maintenance workers opened the hotel's water cistern and found Lam's body inside.

Surveillance video from the elevator, which is still online, seems to portray a young woman in distress. Lam enters the elevator, pressing multiple buttons, peering in and out of the elevator as if she's being pursued, and wildly gesticulates as if she's having an animated conversation with someone.

Could she have ingested too many recreational drugs? Was she being harassed or stalked by a murderer? Or was she having a psychotic breakdown?

To this day, no one knows how Lam's naked body wound up in the water tank. The door to the roof was locked. And no one can explain how the cistern's heavy lid was closed behind her.

"To me, the fact the Lam's phone was never found  or at least the police have never released that it was found  is the most enticing aspect of the case," says Meares. "Think of what that phone could tell us!"

Officially, Lam's case is called an accidental drowning, and her bipolar disorder is sometimes cited as a potential cause of her strange behavior.

With all of the strange and awful incidents that happened there, it's easy to wonder: Is the Cecil Hotel some sort of a magnet for evil that draws out the worst in human nature? Or is it simply that in an area so permeated with suffering and depravity, it was bound to be the scene of countless acts of violence and despair?

The Cecil is known  unsurprisingly  for hauntings and paranormal activity. Ghost hunters have scoured its halls for clues to supernatural events. And its creepy past inspired the fifth season of American Horror Story.

For now, the Cecil is closed, but there are plans to renovate and reopen it with a mix of hotel rooms and long-term housing. Perhaps a few new coats of paint will refurbish the blood-curdling spirit of a place that's seen the worst of humankind.

Now That's Interesting In 1987, rock band U2 wanted to make a raucous live music video for their hit song, "Where The Streets Have No Name." The band skirted authorities and filmed in downtown L.A. amidst rowdy fans and Skid Row residents. You can see the Cecil Hotel in the background as they perform.
opinion

Swaziland (eSwatini) has sent an urgent plea to the World Health Organisation (WHO) for help in getting through the coronavirus crisis as deaths continue to rise.

Swazi Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi has written requesting for an International Emergency Medical Team to work in the kingdom for at least four weeks.

She said Swaziland needed critical care physicians, critical care nurses, biomedical technicians and epidemiologists. She wanted people in place by 15 January 2021.

She said the kingdom faced unprecedented public health challenges because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Swaziland was going through a second wave and the number of deaths was double that of the first wave.

On Wednesday (13 January 2021) she announced a further 13 deaths bringing the total so far to 332. According to official Ministry of Health figures, there have been a total of 12,124 positive cases since the crisis started. The population of Swaziland is about 1.1 million people.

In her letter to the WHO Nkosi wrote, 'The high number of new cases has resulted in health systems that are now overstretched, including a severe shortage of oxygen supply to the people who need it. The second wave is also resulting in more client admissions as a majority of the clients are presenting with symptoms, which rapidly progress to severe and critical illness. Furthermore, the capacity to manage critically ill patients is not adequate in the face of the rapidly rising numbers of patients presenting with severe illness.'

She added, 'The country now has 11 COVID-19 treatment centres, nine public and two private with a total bed capacity of 437. Bed occupancy rate is rising every week. The country has 29 beds for critical care with all 29 occupied, giving an occupancy rate of 100 percent.'
Fresh spices and fruits on display at a market in Abuja, Nigeria

Nearly 60,000 people in Swaziland (eSwatini) face starvation or death without immediate action, Save The Children reported.

They are among more than 347,000 people in the kingdom who face acute food shortage and need urgent humanitarian assistance. This includes about 180,000 children.

The population of Swaziland is about 1.2 million people.

Save The Children said 'nearly 60,000 people [are] experiencing emergency levels of hunger, meaning that without immediate action, they could face starvation or even death'.

In a statement, Save The Children said, Swaziland had experienced a rapid deterioration in food availability over past months due to coronavirus (COVID-19)-related job losses, high food prices, and erratic rainfall leading to a poor harvest at the end of 2020.

It reported, 'The latest figures show that 31 percent of the population is now suffering from the food crisis, a markedly worse situation than the last hunger assessment in 2019, when 18 percent of the population was experiencing severe hunger.'

Save the Children has launched an emergency programme with the Swazi National Disaster Management Agency and plans to scale up its response to ensure critical food packages and nutritional supplements reach children and their families.

The agency is urgently calling on donors to release funds to support the emergency response and stave off a hunger crisis.

Save the Children's Executive Director in eSwatini, Dumisani Mnisi, said, 'The situation in eSwatini has been rapidly deteriorating and it's finally reached a tipping point.'

Mnisi added, 'We are calling on the international community for support as we rally together to face this challenge.'
There has been a 'drastic deterioration' in human rights in Swaziland (eSwatini), a United Nations group investigating the kingdom, ruled by absolute monarch King Mswati III, was told.

Human Rights Watch said since the 1973 Royal Decree, 'political parties are banned, the judiciary is severely compromised, and repressive laws have been used to target independent organizations and harass civil society activists'.

In a submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review of Swaziland, Human Rights Watch said, 'There has been no progress on essential rights reforms, including the removal of all legislative and practical restrictions to free exercise of civil and political rights, in particular those related to freedom of association and expression to allow the registration and operation of political parties; introducing greater political freedoms through free, fair, transparent democratic elections; ensuring the right to health without discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity; abolition of the death penalty; and decriminalization of same-sex relations and prevention of discrimination based on marital status and sexual orientation.

'The government has yet to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture, despite previously agreeing to do so.'

Human Rights Watch added, 'The government has yet to repeal, or amend as appropriate, a number of repressive laws that restrict basic rights to freedom of association and assembly, despite these rights also being guaranteed in eSwatini's 2005 constitution.

'Police have sweeping powers under the Public Order Act. The king's 1973 decree banning political parties remains in force despite repeated calls from local political activists to have it revoked. The constitution does not address the formation or role of political parties. Section 79 of the constitution provides that eSwatini practices an electoral system based on individual merit and excludes the participation of political parties in elections. Traditional leaders and chiefs have powers to restrict access to their areas, and have often used these powers to bar civil society groups and political groups like the Ngwane National Liberatory Congress (NNLC) and the People's United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO).'

It added, 'Restrictions on freedom of association and assembly continue. On October 20, 2020, the High Court heard a challenge by the eSwatini Sexual and Gender Minorities (ESGM), a human rights community-based advocacy organization which aims to advance the protection of human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and intersex persons. In September 2019, the eSwatini Registrar of Companies had refused to register ESGM as a company saying that "ESGM's objectives were unlawful because same-sex sexual acts are illegal in the country."'

Human Rights Watch is calling on the Swazi Government to guarantee freedoms of association, assembly, and expression, including freedom of association on the basis of sexual orientation and to revoke the king's 1973 decree on political parties, allow the registration and operation of political parties, and introduce multi-party democratic elections.

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Earlier this month (March 2021) Freedom House in its annual report declared Swaziland was 'not free'.

It reported, 'The king exercises ultimate authority over all branches of the national government and effectively controls local governance through his influence over traditional chiefs. Political dissent and civic and labor activism are subject to harsh punishment under sedition and other laws. Additional human rights problems include impunity for security forces and discrimination against women and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) people.'

The Universal Periodic Review is a process through which all UN Member States are provided the opportunity to review the human rights records of all other Member States. At the same time, each State under review has the opportunity to report on human rights conditions within their own borders, including actions that have been taken to address concerns detailed by other States.
The Swaziland (eSwatini) Ministry of Health has revealed that it has underestimated the number of people who tested positive with coronavirus in the kingdom.

Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi said there had been a further 1,017 cases that had previously gone unreported.

In a statement she said the ministry had asked health facilities across the kingdom to submit their testing registers to the National COVID-19 Laboratory in Mbabane.

'From these records, it was found that there were 1,017 unreported COVID-19 cases who were tested and treated within certain health facilities.'

She added, 'Cases of those who died were recorded immediately so as to facilitate their burial, thus the backlog is not inclusive of those who died while undergoing treatment.'

She said as of 12 April 2021 a total of 18,393 people tested positive and 669 died. A total 17,682 had recovered and there were now only 39 'active cases' in Swaziland. She said cases were 'at an all-time low'.

In a separate statement, Nkosi said the Swazi Government had obtained US$15.8 million from the Kirsh Foundation and US$1.5 million from the Taiwanese Government to fund the purchase of vaccines. Swaziland was also hoping to secure 100,000 doses of the Russian Sputnik vaccine.

To date the kingdom has only received 32,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine and there were no firm dates for receiving further supplies.
analysis

Even as eSwatini's Parliament shows some life, with lively debates that have lead to the withdrawal of some of the regime's bills, it remains an undemocratic institution under the king's absolute control.

King Mswati III turns 53 today. Fresh from Sherbone School in Dorset, England, he ascended the throne at just 18, inheriting a system carefully built by his father, King Sobhuza II. Over the years, he has exercised control over the country, routinely quelling dissent and populating institutions with people agreeable to him and his policies across all three spheres of government.

Now, 35 years later, one institution - Parliament's House of Assembly - is showing signs of independence, vigorously debating the government's bills and notices to the point of rejecting some. But there is no official opposition in the house, owing to there being no political party representation. Instead, some members of Parliament (MPs) have formed a collective akin to one.

Radical MPs have steadfastly opposed some of the government's laws and positions, but they are few and have had little support and impact on decision-making. This could change, though, as the number of MPs who have organised themselves into an effective coalition has progressed and they are critically debating bills, raising motions and defeating many of the government's positions.

A history of rule

eSwatini became an independent state in 1968. Before then, it had been many things under settler rule.

After successive white administrations, the country became a protectorate of the South African Republic, under Boer rule, in 1894 through what was called the Third Swaziland Convention. With the British the victors of the South African War in 1903, it became a British protectorate and would remain a colony of Britain until independence.

Under a constitution drafted and implemented by the British, Swaziland became a democracy, with parliamentarians voted for through their political parties, for just four years. In April 1973, Sobhuza II - who had become king after independence, having been designated paramount "chief" in 1922 by the colonial government - declared a state of emergency, abolishing the independence constitution and dissolving the house of assembly. He would rule by decree until 1978, the year the country's first general elections were held and a new constitution introduced, effectively banning political parties from participating in the political system.

King Sobhuza II died in 1982, leaving behind an electoral system called Tinkhundla. Under this system, one representative would be elected to Parliament from an administrative division (called inkhundla) created by combining a number of imiphakatsi governed by traditional leaders. For the purposes of elections, usually three imiphakatsi would combine to form a constituency, from which one MP would be elected. The system started with just over 40 tinkhundla. The number went up to 55 years later and is now at 59, after some constituencies were deemed too big and further divided.

It is this electoral system that King Mswati III inherited along with his throne in 1986. It is a system he has presided over, as an absolute monarch, for many years. And it is a system that the country's 2005 Constitution further strengthened.

Section 94 of the Constitution, for example, empowers the king to appoint 20 of the about 31 House of Senate members "in his discretion after consultation with such bodies as [he] may deem appropriate". Then, once constituencies have sent their representatives to the House of Assembly, Section 95 prescribes that the king add 10 of his own. The constitution of the houses makes it his Parliament.

A significant year

Except for episodes of protests and futile outspokenness by some MPs in past parliaments, there has never been a serious opposition coalition in the House of Assembly - at least nothing organised and sustained. Suspect decisions have been taken and controversial bills passed into law by past parliaments with little opposition from inside the house. Then came 2020.

Progressive MPs in the house rejected at least two bills and one legal notice last year, sending them back for further consultations.

In June, the house was to pass the Opium and Habit-Forming Drugs (Amendment) Bill into law. It was a bill prepared in haste by the Ministry of Health and presented by Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi. Deputy speaker Phila Buthelezi was in favour of passing the bill, as was attorney general Sifiso Khumalo, an ex officio member of the house. The minister claimed that the bill, if passed into law, would open the cannabis industry to eSwatini citizens and help revive the country's ailing economy.

There were reports, however, that an American company called Stem Holdings had already received preliminary approval, and would soon be granted a monopoly licence to farm and process cannabis and industrial hemp in the country. The cannabis bill would be the instrument to put a stamp on it all.

A group of MPs, led by Bacede Mabuza of Hosea Inkhundla, rejected the bill. A select committee led by Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo had not conducted satisfactory consultations, said Mabuza, who suggested that the health ministry's portfolio committee take over the process. Members of the house then voted overwhelmingly with Mabuza, rejecting even Khumalo's select committee report on the bill.

A bill to tackle cybercrimes

In August, the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology published the Computer Crime and Cybercrime Bill in the government gazette. With Minister of Information Princess Sikhanyiso (King Mswati III's daughter) on maternity leave since November 2019, it fell on acting minister Manqoba Khumalo to table the bill.

Among other things, the bill sought to criminalise sharing fake news on any medium, especially social media, with some offences carrying a fine to the tune of R10 million.

It was seen by many to target some of the independent and online news sites that are now popular among eSwatini citizens. Prominent among them is Swaziland News, a site that publishes investigative stories about even the most powerful in the country, including the royal family. The police detained editor Zweli Martin Dlamini after he published two stories about the king in early 2020, and confiscated his laptop and other devices. The police later said they were investigating him for suspected sedition.

Dlamini fled to South Africa and continued to publish stories, some about Princess Sikhanyiso. The bill came in the wake of this and commentators saw it as a politically motivated piece of law.

Mlungisi Makhanya, leader of the banned People's United Democratic Movement (Pudemo), said the bill was laughable. "The cybercrimes bill that you are talking about, I want you to check the Zimbabwean bill. Word for word. Those guys, they literally plagiarised and copied the Zimbabwean bill, section by section. They went and took [Emmerson] Mnangagwa's bill and only replaced Zimbabwe with eSwatini.

"We are not resolving challenges that are potentially facing Swaziland. We are getting inspiration from other dictatorships to try and strengthen [a] tin-pot dictatorship here."

Members of the House of Assembly rejected the bill, with Manzini North MP Macford Sibandze saying the law targeted "citizens and the independent media". Siphofaneni MP Mduduzi Simelane, a vocal dissenter on most issues debated in Parliament in 2020, was particularly harsh: "We can't arm this brutal government with such a law. It will use it against the citizens. We have seen this happening before."

The bill was subsequently withdrawn. It was yet another victory for progressive sections of the eSwatini Parliament.

Car clash

Then, in October, MPs went on to reject Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg's Legal Notice 183 of 2020, which ruled that vehicles imported into the country shall not be older than seven years at the date of purchase. Many of the cars on eSwatini roads are imported from Japan. Some of these cars are as old as 15 years when they are bought. It is all many eSwatini residents can afford.

Not many people in the country are employed in the formal economy. Many scrape a living in the informal sector and in neighbouring South Africa. They do not have a credit profile. So, for cars, they go to the many Pakistani dealers in Matsapha and other towns. Prices range from R35 000 to a little over R100 000, depending on the make. And buyers can arrange to pay in instalments, over many months.

For days, members of the House of Assembly debated the notice and rejected the finance minister's stipulated seven years, eventually settling for 12.

Simelane spoke strongly against the notice, saying it goes against "public interest". People in rural parts of the country depend on these cars to get to towns and health centres, he said. Government ambulances sometimes cannot attend to emergencies such as women in labour, for example, because there are often fuel shortages.

The ministry's initial claim was that these cars are an environmental concern, but it later admitted that the ban was a measure towards improving the country's earnings from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). A member state's share of revenue drops when most of its imports are from outside SACU countries. Rijkenberg hoped that the ban on most Japanese car imports would help improve eSwatini's profile in the customs union, leading to an increase in receipts.

In the end, it did not matter as MPs rejected the notice.

Progressive elements of the house would have scored even more victories had their resolution on the controversial Prevention of Organised Crime Act been successful. The act, passed in 2018 before the current MPs were elected to Parliament, was later used to target cannabis growers in the country. MPs opposed the manner of the act's application in 2020 and sought to repeal it. However, their efforts proved futile as only a court of law can order the repealing of a law already approved by both houses of Parliament and assented to by the king.

No democracy

That 2020 was a particularly busy year for the eSwatini Parliament, especially the House of Assembly, may appear to be democracy in action to the outside observer. But human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko - jailed in 2014 for 15 months, after questioning the independence of the judiciary - warns against looking at recent events in Parliament as democracy in action.

"The mere fact that some bills have been withdrawn does not necessarily mean that that's a victory for democracy, or even a victory within the context of democracy. And besides, we don't know if they are withdrawn permanently. They might come back at some point, in a different form," he said.

"I am not even sure if the 'fights' in Parliament are informed by an intention to advance democracy in Swaziland ... That's why I am not sure that can be said about this Parliament."

Mabuza, however, said he and some of his colleagues are exercising their rights by speaking up in Parliament. By opposing motions and bills openly and at this scale, they are "exercising democracy without fear. We now want to talk [about what] exactly the issues of the electorate [are], because we have been representing the people."

When asked if he hopes to see the end of the current system, he said: "If the people of eSwatini want the change from Tinkhundla to democracy, then us representatives need to represent them. Because we are the voice of the people. So, whatever they want, we need to do it without fear or favour."

The system is the problem

Maseko said the main problem in eSwatini is the system of governance, and that meaningful debates in the service of democracy should be directed at that. "But there is never a debate around the system of government. The elephant in the room is the system.

"Even if one accepts that there are one or two MPs who appear to be progressive, they have not challenged the root cause of the problem of the Swazi people, which is Tinkhundla as a form of government. That is where we have a problem in this country. All these other things don't matter. There has been no direct challenge of the system by this Parliament. Of course, these people are elected through the very same problematic system.

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"If perhaps the debates were saying these bills are intended to entrench Tinkhundla as a system of governance and therefore they can't be allowed, perhaps one could say there is some hope. If that were the position. That is, if their argument was that the system is an impediment to achieving greater democracy for the whole of Swaziland."

Makhanya agreed with Maseko. "One can start by saying, at the moment, our opposition to the regime is an opposition to a system that goes beyond spontaneous individual actions here and there. It is about the system.

"So, a pronouncement by a member of Parliament, a progressive pronouncement, does not change the systemic repression of a regime," said Makhanya.

"Small victories matter, definitely. But it is important that we don't get jaundiced from small victories and start confusing a need for a solution for a bigger problem by elevating small victories, making them appear like they signify real victories."

Makhanya reiterated Maseko's point that these seemingly progressive moves would mean more if they were directed at the system of governance itself. He said this affects every aspect of the country's running. "But our position has always been clear, my brother. In Swaziland, the king enjoys executive, judicial and legislative absolutism. It is for that reason, for example, that in November last year Judge Ticheme Dlamini of the high court said to litigants on a matter that was before him that these people must seek the intervention of the king to resolve the matter.

"This is a judicial question and here is a judicial officer of the high court, instead of adjudicating the matter based on what the law says, he is sending the matter to the king. And there is nowhere in the Constitution where it says legal matters must be resolved by paying respect to the king. What instrument is the king going to use to resolve legal matters?"

Makhanya said Parliament operates in a similar vein.

Still a site of struggle

Pudemo still views Parliament as important, despite its limitations. Makhanya said his organisation is willing to work with MPs who want to fight for the people.

"Even where we take a principled decision as a party to say we are not going to participate in Tinkhundla elections, for instance, it does not mean that we are not going to regard Parliament as an important site of struggle.

"But we simply say ... if we were to tell our people that if you elect us into this platform, this platform will automatically transform into a representative platform, we would be lying.

"But if we do have people who are there, who are willing to fight for the people, they will always find an ally in Pudemo. And that has always been our posture."
The Swaziland (eSwatini) Acting Prime Minister has told police to halt mass demonstrations expected to protest the police's action surrounding a suspicious death.

They were due to take place on Friday (21 May 2021) and follow protests on 17 May that ended in violence. Police shot an innocent bystander in the eye with a rubber bullet at point blank range.

Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku cited government rules around the present coronavirus pandemic that bans large gatherings.

In a statement he said, 'We have asked the police to be vigilant and ensure there are no gatherings that will breach these regulations and expose emaSwati to the dangers of this uncompromising virus.'

Describing the 17 May protests, he said, 'It is most concerning when a group of unruly people intentionally resort to violent confrontation towards the police and private citizens.'

He added, 'In upholding the rule of law we implore the police to ensure that all perpetrators of this violence are brought to book to prevent any future incidences that will violate the rule of law and the rights of others.'

The protests are about the circumstances surrounding the death of Thabani Nkomonye, a 25-year-old law student. Police say he was the victim of a car accident on 8 May, but his body was not discovered until 13 May.

There is widespread suspicion in Swaziland that Nkomonye was killed by police.

In a statement the Swaziland Solidarity Network, a group campaigning for democracy in the kingdom ruled by King Mswati III as an absolute monarch, said. 'Police brutality in the country is endemic. Throughout the years it has claimed many innocent lives. If taking to the streets will lead to a change in attitudes from those in power then Swazis should neither be intimidated nor blackmailed.'

Colani Maseko, President of the Swaziland National Union of Students (SNUS), one of the groups organising the protests, said, 'The youth must not listen to anything that will come from the Acting Prime Minister or anyone representing the King's Government because they just want to disturb the protest and we can't allow that.'
Media freedom in Swaziland (eSwatini) is getting worse and a regional campaign group is calling on absolute monarch King Mswati III to respect human rights.

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) wrote to the King to express 'concern at the deteriorating media freedom and freedom of expression environment' in the kingdom.

It said that 'media freedom violations are on the increase' and there is a 'lack' of media rights.

MISA said, 'harassment, intimidation and physical violence against journalists are all common and result in almost constant self-censorship'.

Zweli Martin Dlamini, the editor of the Swaziland News, an online newspaper, has been forced into exile in South Africa. Eugene Dube, editor of the Swati Newsweek website, has also been forced into exile in South Africa.

'Dlamini and Dube's "crimes" have been to write articles deemed to be too critical of the King,' MISA said.

King Mswati and the Swazi Government have filed high court papers in South Africa seeking to stop eSwatini publications from publishing stories on the King, his family and associates without their prior consent.

'Such a lawsuit presents Eswatini and the King as intolerant to criticism and averse to being held to account,' MISA said.

It added section 24 of the Swaziland Constitution promotes freedom of expression. MISA told the King, 'But this right remains elusive for media workers in your country. In addition, the lawsuit filed in South Africa also flies in the face of this constitutionally guaranteed right.'

It called on the King to respect the principles of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (ACHPR) Declaration on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, which expressly calls on African governments to promote freedom of expression and of the media in their respective countries.

MISA said, 'We urge the eSwatini authorities to demonstrate their commitment and adherence to constitutionally guaranteed rights by allowing the media to operate freely without any harassments, assaults, threats or reprisals for doing their work.'

It called on the King 'to intervene in the cases against Dlamini and Dube and ensure that they are allowed back into the country to freely continue with their constitutionally guaranteed professional rights without hindrance'.
Pro-democracy protests continued across Swaziland (eSwatini) despite a ban on marching imposed by the kingdom's absolute monarch.

Marches took place in at least 10 locations - mainly in rural areas.

Police fired teargas and live ammunition in an attempt to disperse protestors. There were many injuries, including to two journalists.

Swaziland is ruled by King Mswati III as an absolute monarch. Political parties are banned from taking part in elections and the King chooses the Prime Minister and government cabinet ministers as well as top judges and civil servants. Groups advocating for democracy are outlawed under the Suppression of Terrorism Act.

Campaigners who marched on Friday (25 June 2021) and Saturday called for wholesale political reforms and want to elect their own prime minister.

Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku on behalf of the King had declared marches to deliver petitions illegal and the National Commissioner of Police William Dlamini warned police would show 'zero tolerance' and 'unleash the full might of the law' against anyone defying the ban.

The Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN), a prodemocracy group banned in the kingdom, reported, 'The most violent protests occurred at Siphofaneni where police once again retreated immediately after infuriating the local population. In the aftermath of that clash the road passing though the town was completely closed as trucks were burnt. This was eerily similar to what occurred at Msunduza the previous day.'

Wonder Dlamini, a journalist for the eSwatini Observer, a newspaper in effect owned by the King, was shot with a teargas cannister at close range at Lugongolweni.

Andile Langwenya, a reporter for the online publication Independent News, eSwatini, was hospitalised after being tear-gassed by police at Msunduza. Sifiso Sibandze, Independent News Editor, said, 'Police should stop employing hooliganism tactics when doing their job.'

At Msunduza, the Observer reported, 'Teargas canisters were also shot in all directions and to nearby residential places and in the absence of the Red Cross volunteers, journalists were forced to assist some children who were overwhelmed by the teargas by whisking them to safety.'

The Observer also reported, 'The protests that broke out across the country seemingly fuelled an ongoing conversation about police brutality and political reforms in the country. Previous protest marches had been calm and the protesters spoke of their frustration over being led by an unelected prime minister among a litany of many grievances.

'The issue of the elected PM had been foremost, with other grievances becoming only ancillary. The manner in which the protests quickly escalated into a national occurrence reflected long standing frustrations and rage by communities.'
As many as 19 people have reportedly been killed during the prodemocracy protests in Swaziland (eSwatini).

The Communist Party of Swaziland (CPS) reported five people had been certified dead at the Mbabane Government Hospital in the Swazi capital.

In a statement on Wednesday (30 June 2021) it said more than 50 people had been admitted to the hospital with gunshot wounds.

A dusk to dawn curfew was imposed on Tuesday after weeks of protests across Swaziland where King Mswati III rules as an absolute monarch. Pollical parties are banned from taking part in elections and groups advocating for democracy are outlawed under the Suppression of Terrorism Act.

'In Nhlangano town [on Tuesday night],the military killed one person and injured at least four, including a child of about nine years old,' the CPS reported.

It added, 'Nurses from the Manzini Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital report that this morning they received three cases of protestors who died after getting shot by the military during the Tuesday night protests at Matsapha. Many more have been admitted with gunshot wounds inflicted by the military.'

It added, 'At least five people have been confirmed dead following attacks by military during the Manzini-Matsapha protests since [Tuesday] night.'

CPS said, 'In Mankayane, five have been confirmed dead, shot by the military.'

Internet connections across the kingdom have been shut down. CPS said, 'The regime used the internet blackout to invade people's homes, randomly assault, shoot and kill people, hoping that attacks would not be detected.'
press release

Dozens killed, more than 150 hospitalised, and hundreds detained

Last absolute monarchy on the African continent has repressive track record

'We are urging the authorities in Eswatini to end this escalating crackdown' - Deprose Muchena

The government of Eswatini has launched a "full-frontal assault" on human rights in a crackdown on pro-democracy protesters which has seen dozens killed by the security forces, said Amnesty International.

Amnesty is aware of the names of more than 20 people who have been killed by state security forces, while at least six others who participated in protests are unaccounted for.

Some bodies at Dups Funeral Home and Crematorium, in the city of Manzini, have not yet been identified. More than 150 people have been hospitalised and are being treated for gunshot wounds in Manzini and the executive capital Mbabane. Hundreds of protesters have been detained and face criminal charges, including malicious damage to property. A prison capacity crisis is looming amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

While there have been acts of violence associated with the protests, the authorities have failed to act in a differentiated and proportionate manner. Instead, police and soldiers have used excessive force - including live ammunition - against protesters.

Protests erupted in the southern African country last month began following the unexplained death in May of 25-year-old law student, Thabani Nkomonye, allegedly at the hands of the police. His body was found in a field in the district of Nhlambeni, six miles outside Manzini. Protesters are demanding reform in a country where political activism has been suppressed for years.

Since protests began, human rights defenders and activists have been subjected to an orchestrated campaign of intimidation, including being placed under unlawful surveillance with state helicopters hovering over their homes.

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Amnesty is calling on the Eswatini authorities to allow independent pathologists and medical doctors access to those who have been killed, and ensure they can conduct full medical examinations to ascertain the full circumstances surrrounding their deaths.

Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International's East and Southern Africa Director, said:

"The government of Eswatini has launched a full-frontal assault on human rights.

"Dozens of people have been killed for daring to demand that their government respects human rights, many of them human rights defenders and activists.

"The authorities must carry out a prompt, thorough, impartial, independent and transparent investigation into reports of use of excessive force.

"We are urging the authorities in Eswatini to end this escalating crackdown, and ensure that people can peacefully exercise their human rights - including by allowing them to freely express their opinions without fear of violent retaliation."

Internet shutdown

Since the start of the protests, the Eswatini authorities have imposed a blackout on the internet. Amnesty is calling for an end to the telecommunication blackout, which is a brazen violation of the rights to freedom of expression and information.

Eswatini is the last absolute monarchy on the African continent. The authorities use repressive laws - including the 1938 Sedition and Subversive Activities Act, and the 2008 Suppression of Terrorism Act - to silence critics. For many years, journalists, human rights defenders and political activists have been jailed simply for speaking out against repression.
press release

On Friday, 2 July 2021, the Southern Africa Litigation Centre supported the filing of an urgent application in the High Court of Eswatini before Honourable Justice Qinisile M. Mabuza (Melusi Simelane v MTN Eswatini, Eswatini Mobile and others).

The application was filed to oppose the internet shutdown in the country after the Eswatini Communications Commission allegedly ordered network providers, Eswatini Post and Telecommunications, Eswatini MTN and Eswatini Mobile (the Respondents) to turn off internet connectivity to subdue mobilisation of recent protests that have been taking place in the country. Simelane was represented by Celemusa Bhembe.

During the hearing, attorneys representing the Respondents proposed that they will provide access to the internet services, with limitation to social media sites like Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter. The Applicants declined this proposal arguing that the citizens of Eswatini have a right to freedom of information without hindrance and that limiting access to internet services amounts to infringing and hindering access to information.

The attorneys for the Respondents applied that the matter be referred to a full bench, due to the constitutional nature of the matter. The Honourable Judge agreed and endorsed the Respondents' application to have the matter referred to a full bench of the High Court of Eswatini.

The Judge instructed that the Respondents file their answering affidavits on 6 July 2021, and that the Respondents' file their replying affidavits on 8 July 2021.

The parties are yet to be advised when the matter will be set down.

Background

Protests started in May 2021, following the unexplained death of Thabani Nkomonye, a final year law student. Since the beginning of the protests, several videos have emerged showing police using violence to disperse protesters. Police are seen using excessive force, and tear gas to disperse protesters. Eswatini has deployed the military to crack down on protests.

MTN issued a statement stating that MTN Eswatini had implemented the directive to implement the internet shutdown after it carefully assessed it and in line with its license conditions and the group's digital human rights due diligence framework.

Click here for a statement by SALC condemning the human rights violations in Eswatini in light of recent protests.
Mbabane  In the small and usually quiet Swaziland (today the kingdom of ESwatini) important street protests have been underway for some days. The Bishop of Manzini Jose Luis Ponce de Leon and the members of the Council of Churches of Swaziland met with the President of the Republic once again inviting calm and dialogue. "As I said in the past, explains the Bishop, fighting fire with fire will bring our country to ashes. However, restoring calm must not suggest that the reasons for the unrest have been addressed. An inclusive and open dialogue without excluding anyone is the only possible way to move forward". As Pope Francis wrote in Fratelli Tutti: "Authentic social dialogue involves the ability to respect the other's point of view and to admit that it may include legitimate convictions and concerns. (Fratelli Tutti, 203). The Bishop then appealed for the restoration of internet services in the Country, otherwise our information will be dependent on foreign media.

The ability to communicate will also allow Churches, NGOs, and other organizations to share their appeals for calm and dialogue. Churches will also be able to provide an essential spiritual support in this time of crisis. "We continue to pray to the Father in the name of Jesus that the Holy Spirit will pour out upon all of us the gift of wisdom to know God's will and the gift of courage to take the necessary steps to carry it out".

Yesterday, Sunday, July 4, after the Angelus, Pope Francis recalled the situation in the small State of Southern Africa with these words: "News is arriving from the dear nation of Eswatini, in southern Africa, news of tension and violence. I invite those who hold responsibility, and those who are manifesting their aspirations for the future of the country, to a common effort toward dialogue, reconciliation and the peaceful settlement of different positions".

In the past week, security forces have killed at least 20 people and six others who had participated in the protests are missing. At least 150 people were injured by firearms, hospitalized in the hospitals of Mbabane and Manzini, while hundreds of protesters were arrested. The protests began a month ago, led by young activists, after the death of a university student, Thabani Nkomoye. (F.F.)
The Army in Swaziland (eSwatini) has taken full charge after mass prodemocracy protests left many people dead, according to a Human Rights Watch official.

Dewa Mavhinga, director for Southern Africa, added reports received by the organisation were that the Army were on a 'killing spree'.

He said police in Swaziland had reported that the Army had refused to have joint operations so military deployment was not under civilian authority or oversight.

Mavhinga reported, 'From a police source, the army is now fully in charge for real .. not even the police knows what the army is doing now.

'They only call the police to collect bodies of people shot and killed.'

The Times of Swaziland reported on Sunday (4 July 2021) 'Army declares We have taken over' and added those who failed to obey instructions 'will face full wraith of troops'.

The Times reported the first sight of the army being deployed on the streets was on the previous Tuesday after protesters turned violent. As well as killings there are reports of widespread lootings.

A group from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) was in Swaziland on a fact-finding visit, but has yet to make a public statement.

Protests have been taking place across Swaziland for several weeks. People marched on local government offices delivering petitions asking for democratic reforms. King Mswati III rules Swaziland as an absolute monarch. He choses the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers. Political parties are banned from contesting election and groups advocating for democracy are outlawed under the Suppression of Terrorism Act.
press release

Amid pro-democracy demonstrations in the kingdom over the past two weeks, journalists for a South African media organisation were arrested, detained and tortured by members of security forces. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) strongly condemns these repressive methods and expresses grave concern for journalists and media organisations working in the country.

Journalists Magnificent Mndebele of South Africa and Cebelihle Mbuyisa of Eswatini suffered torture by suffocation at the hands of security forces. On assignment for online news site New Frame, the journalists were covering the pro-democracy movement gripping the kingdom.

Investigating the killing and wounding of numerous people during violent repression of demonstrations since 26 June, the two reporters were returning on 4 July from the funeral of the one of the victims when they were arrested and threatened at gunpoint by police at a roadblock. They were taken to a police station in Sigodvweni, in the centre of the kingdom, where they were interrogated and beaten. Police also tortured them by placing plastic bags over their heads to suffocate them. The journalists were freed after lawyers for New Frame, learning of their detention, sought help from colleagues based in Eswatini, who obtained their release. Forty-eight hours later, the journalists returned to South Africa.

Monica Laganparsad, news editor for New Frame, told RSF that the two journalists are knowledgeable about developments taking place in Africa's last absolute monarchy, which they cover regularly on the ground. They are among the few foreign journalists who have been able to enter the kingdom. This was the first time they had suffered such mistreatment.

"What security forces did to these two journalists is abominable and criminal," said Arnaud Froger, head of RSF's Africa desk. "The mistreatment these two journalists endured occurred in the context of growing repression of press freedom in Eswatini. We call on officials to not resort to predatory methods against journalists and media organisations who are simply bearing witness to the situation in the country."

The violence inflicted on the two reporters was not an isolated case. Ten days ago, Andile Langwenya of the online Independent News and Wonderboy Dlamini, of government media organisation Swazi Observer, were hospitalised after being targeted by tear gas fired by security forces during demonstrations.

Stepped-up attacks on the press, coupled with a recent internet blackout ordered by authorities, are only increasing difficulties that journalists face while doing their jobs in Eswatini. Zweli Martin Dlamini, editor in chief of the Swaziland News newspaper, told RSF that he had been repeatedly persecuted by authorities over the course of his career. He was forced into exile in South Africa in 2020, as RSF reported, after receiving death threats from Princess Sikhanyiso, daughter of King Mswati III, and being tortured by police. Several months ago, the king sued the journalist and his newspaper in the High Court of Mpumalanga in South Africa, seeking to prohibit publication of articles criticizing the monarchy. The court has not yet issued a decision. Eugene Dube, editor in chief of Swati Newsweek, has also been hit by the wave of repression on journalists in Eswatini. In April 2020, he was brutally interrogated after criticizing official handling of the Covid-19 public health crisis. He has been in hiding ever since.

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Responding to the increased repression, Golden Maunganidze, journalist and regional governing council chairperson of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), sent an official letter to the king, expressing concern for the state of press freedom in the country. He urged the monarch to allow reporters Diamini and Dube to return safely to Eswatini. There has been no reply to the letter.

Eswatini ranks 141 of 180 countries in RSF's 2021 World Press Freedom Index.
opinion

In late May, Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari instructed mobile networks to suspend Twitter access in the country. Outraged citizens accused the government of censorship and clamping down on dissent. In January, Uganda's government ordered telecoms operators to suspend all internet gateways ahead of elections already marred by brutal crackdowns. In 2019, the Sudanese government responded to democracy protests with a near blackout of the internet, while simultaneously launching a wave of violence against citizens. And at the end of June, one of the world's last absolute monarchies, Eswatini, ordered a shutdown of the internet.

First published in the Daily Maverick 168 weekly newspaper.

Protests had started in May following the unexplained death of Thabani Nkomonye, a final-year law student, but it was the emergence of several videos showing police using violence and teargas to disperse protesters that rattled the government. Although permission has been given for the network to be switched back on, the 10-day block achieved its purpose - individuals' ability to receive and share information was severely restricted, with the result that few people outside Eswatini know what is happening, and - more importantly - what happened in those days of darkness. In all cases, MTN was the...
Activists in eSwatini went to court to challenge an internet shutdown they say impacts their freedom and livelihoods. Will similar legal challenges arise elsewhere in Africa?

No WhatsApp, Facebook or Twitter.

Cases of internet shutdowns in Africa are on the rise.

Uganda imposed a blackout in January, Nigeria banned Twitter in June and two weeks ago eSwatini - a tiny landlocked nation in Southern Africa where recent protests against the absolute monarch have turned violent - became the latest country to curtail internet access.

Unable to check in on his family and communicate with his clients, consultant and human rights activist Melusi Simelane decided to sue the government for the shutdown.

Simelane's case, the first of its kind in eSwatini, was dropped on Thursday after the government lifted restrictions it said were imposed to maintain security.

30-year-old Simelane told the Thomson Reuters Foundation why he turned to the courts and what lessons his experience could hold for others impacted by enforced blackouts.

What is the current situation in eSwatini?

Over the weekend, pro-democracy protesters were attending memorial services all over the country. Police and military were present and some memorials turned violent. Internet is back up, but we do not know what will happen today. We are hoping for dialogue with government so that we can have a country that benefits all.

What was the impact of the internet shutdown for people in eSwatini?

We are a small country of 1.1 million people. We cannot afford to survive on big industries. Most of our small and medium businesses rely on WhatsApp and Facebook to make a living. A vendor selling airtime, for example, what happens to that person's dinner or rent?

People could also not communicate with loved ones, to see if they were safe. It was impossible for people to study or work from home, and the economy was already suffering because of COVID-19.

It drastically impacted people's access to information and right of expression in a sensitive time.

Why did you decide to take legal action?

Sometimes I tell other activists: "We allow this to happen". We don't know our Bill of Rights, we don't even know we have courts and commissions to protect us, and this lack of knowledge enables the situation.

Sometimes, living in an absolute monarchy, it can feel pointless, but for me, as an activist, it is about making enough noise to expose human rights abuses. People need to know their rights and bring matters to the fore.

While some are protesting on the streets, others must also use the courts to challenge abuses. We need different strategies. There are mechanisms in place to protect our rights and we must make use of them.

Why was the case withdrawn?

In this specific case, we asked for the internet to be turned back on, and it was, so we withdrew the case. But now we are looking to the future. We want to be ready for anything that may happen.

What legal precedents could stop this from happening again? The rule of law must prevail over any political situation.

Companies must be empowered in the future when given an order by governments to shut down the internet to say, look, we cannot do that because courts have pronounced this an infringement on human rights.

What lessons were learnt from seeking legal action?

One needs patience. The struggle for political freedom and social justice is a long one. It might not be finished by me but eventually it will happen, patience is a virtue.

I understand that litigation can be expensive but there are organisations around the world dealing with this. I turned to the Southern Africa Litigation Centre for pro-bono legal support.

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These types of organisations are using the law to tackle human rights infringements.

People have been calling for change, and they have been silenced. But I am glad that we are standing up again, on the streets and in the courts, to make sure our voices are heard.

What was the government's response?

Asked to comment on the court case, Sabelo Dlamini, a government spokesperson, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation: "Citizens have a right to seek legal recourse and to exercise that right."

Manqoba Khumalo, the country's minister of commerce, industry and trade, said that drastic measures had to be taken to resume a sense of normalcy. "This was not out of spite, it was an issue of national security...it could have been worse if the protests were not stopped," said Khumalo.
analysis

Embattled Eswatini King Mswati faces a test of his popularity after calling his people to a meeting at the palace on Friday to address the lethal and destructive protests which have just rocked the country.

Opposition forces are calling for a boycott of this so-called "Sibaya" with the king and are planning protests against it at the same time.

Some have also raised concerns about the king calling such a large gathering when the country is supposed to be in the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic

To further complicate the day, a delegation of regional ministers will be in Eswatini at the same time, to consult with various forces about the protests earlier this month.

However, it is not yet clear if the ministers, representing the security organ troika of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), will meet the political opposition and civil society.

Foreign ministers Naledi Pandor of South Africa, Lemogang Kwape of Botswana and Frederick Shava of Zimbabwe visited Eswatini for one day on 4 July and met only a government delegation. When the government's opponents remonstrated with the ministers about this, they agreed to return to Eswatini to meet them.

On...
analysis

The king of Eswatini has summoned the nation to convene at Ludzidzini Royal Palace on Friday ahead of another mass anti-monarchy protest as police collect bullets from dead bodies to conceal evidence for crimes against humanity.

This comes in the midst of political tensions that manifested into chaos after the King, through Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku, issued a decree banning all pro-democracy protests; dozens have been killed while State security agents desperately grab dead bodies, remove bullets to conceal evidence.

Police took the body of Sicelo Mathunjwa (35) of Hosea in the southern parts of Eswatini to Good Shepherd Hospital where a bullet was allegedly removed from his body.

Kholiwe Mathutjwa, Sicelo's aunt, said an autopsy was conducted on Sicelo's body on Thursday, 8 July at the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial ( RFM) Hospital. She said as a family they managed to take pictures.

"At the post-mortem, we discovered that he was shot at close range behind his left ear and the bullet pierced through to the other end, there were no other visible scars. On Friday, 9 July we learnt that the body was taken to the Good Shepherd Hospital in Siteki for a second autopsy which was done...
analysis

Banned opposition party Pudemo is to launch a boycott of Swazi products to target businesses in which Mswati and the royal family has interests.

The US government and the Eswatini opposition have condemned the country's government for arresting two dissident members of Parliament on Sunday. The US embassy in Eswatini said it was "deeply troubled" by the "unacceptable" arrests of Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube.

The banned People's United Democratic Movement party (Pudemo) also criticised the government for the arrests and said it would launch an international boycott of Swazi goods on 6 August to deny King Mswati the revenue he needed to pay his security forces to "brutalise" the population.

The arrests of Mabuza and Dube have puzzled some Swazi observers, as 10 days ago Mswati appeared to absolve them of any role in fomenting the violence, looting and arson that rocked the country this month.

Swaziland News reported that the European Union ambassador to Eswatini, Esmeralda Hernandez Aragones, had visited the Mbabane police station on Sunday to inquire about the arrested MPs.

The news site quoted her as saying she had personally called the Attorney-General about two weeks ago seeking clarity on the warrants of arrest then issued...
Two Swaziland (eSwatini) members of parliament have been charged under a terrorism law after speaking out for democracy in the kingdom.

Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube appeared in court on Monday (26 July 2021) and were remanded in custody until 2 August. A bail hearing has been scheduled for Thursday.

They have been charged under the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2011.

Swaziland is not a democracy and is ruled by King Mswati III as an absolute monarch. Political parties are banned from taking part in elections and MPs are elected on 'individual merit'. Individuals who advocate for democracy are routinely charged under the terrorism act.

The arrests came after weeks of protests in Swaziland. As many as 100 people might have been killed by security forces, according to an estimate by the Communist Party of Swaziland. The Swaziland Solidarity Network put the figure closer to 70.

The arrests have been condemned by prodemocracy organisations. The Peoples' United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) called for an international boycott of Swazi goods on 6 August to deny King Mswati the revenue he needed to pay his security forces to "brutalise" the population.

The US embassy in Swaziland said in its statement, 'The people of Eswatini have the constitutional right to be heard through, and represented by, their own freely chosen representatives in Parliament.

'The suppression of the right of individuals - including members of Parliament - to freely express their opinions is unacceptable.'
Johannesburg  Rights groups have condemned Eswatini's arrest of two lawmakers this week and the use of force against pro-democracy protesters. The southern African kingdom, Africa's last absolute monarchy, has been rocked by protests since June.

Protests re-ignited Thursday in Eswatini, previously known as Swaziland, as two pro-democracy members of parliament appeared in court.

Mthandeni Dube and Mduduzi Mabuza were arrested earlier this week on charges of terrorism for inciting unrest and violating COVID-19 regulations.

The unrest began over a month ago with protests calling for political reform.

Twenty-five-year-old Vuysiwa Maseko is a member of the Swaziland National Union of Students, which is among the central groups leading the demonstrations.

He says the arrests exemplify the lack of freedom in the country.

"Indeed, it's angering and raging because these are the people's representatives in parliament," said Maseko. "They are the voices of the voiceless and arresting them means government is shutting 1.1 million voices - the population of Swaziland."

Weeks of demonstrations have cost the landlocked country's economy at least $200 million.

They've also cost lives. Local police have confirmed over 30 people have been killed and many more arrested.

International organizations and governments have condemned the response by authorities, calling the use of force excessive.

Amnesty International spokesperson Robert Shivambu says the lawmakers should be released immediately.

"They have committed no crime and have been targeted by the government solely for for their political views," said Shivambu. "We believe that both MPs are victims of political witch hunt, which is designed to silence any critical voice that is demanding political reforms and human rights."

Government spokesperson Sabelo Dlamani declined to comment in response to the condemnation.

Instead, he deferred to Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini's parliamentary address on Wednesday, in which he vehemently denied political motivation for the lawmakers' arrest.

UN Alarmed at Eswatini Protest Violence

The protests in the tiny landlocked southern African country, formerly known as Swaziland, first erupted in May following the death of a 25-year-old law student, allegedly while in police custody

But the prime minister also said the rule of law would be upheld and applied to anyone who incited violence under the guise of free expression.

Until the government meets with the public for peaceful negotiations, Amnesty International spokesperson Robert Shivambu says more episodes of violence are feared.

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"The government thinks that the only way to respond to these protests is crackdown that we have seen, they have deployed the police and the army to crack down on dissent. So we are we are concerned that things could escalate," said Shivambu.

The international support is welcome by student protesters like Maseko.

But members of the United Eswatini Diaspora say they want to see more than just talk from the international community.

Qhawekazi Khumalo says they want countries, from neighboring South Africa to other global powerhouses, to halt business with the government.

"We're calling for sanctions of all Swaziland products, particularly those that Emaswati are business shareholder in, and those are some of the things that the world has authority, you know to do," Khumalo said.

The jailed members of parliament remain behind bars after a judge deferred a decision to grant them bail at a Thursday hearing. A new date for a ruling has yet to be announced.
The Kingdom of Eswatini successfully hosted an inaugural virtual national health research conference from 26 to 27 August 2021. The conference was held under the theme "COVID-19, an emergency and evolving Global Public Health threat; the Role of Research". It was organised by the Ministry of Health (MOH) in collaboration with Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) and supported by the International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs (ICAP), The U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the the World Health Organization (WHO).

The conference was opened by His Excellency the right Honourable Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini Mr Cleopas Sipho Dlamini who was represented by the Minister of Agriculture Honourable Jabulani Mabuza. Also present at the official opening was Minister of Health Senator Lizzie Nkosi, US Ambassador Her Excellency Jeanne Maloney, the WHO Country Representative Dr Cornelia Atsyor, Principal Secretaries in the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology and other senior government officials.

The conference brought together international and local scientists, health professionals, policy makers, researchers, the private sector, academia and development partners. The aim of the conference was to ponder and intensify debate around the evidence underpinning the COVID-19 pandemic. The world is now a year and half into the COVID-19 pandemic; hence it is opportune time to review and share the numerous lessons learnt and look at the challenges that still exist.

Speakers and presenters highlighted how research and innovation has helped scientist to deliver rapid diagnostics for use in community settings, identify optimal protective equipment (PPE) to protect health care workers and the public, evidence-based infection prevention and control (IPC) measures such as mask-wearing and social distancing in health care and community settings as well as major clinical trials for the evaluation of candidate therapeutics, identifying a handful of which have had positive results on cutting deaths.

It was also emphasised that research and the evidence that research yields are critical elements for improving national health security and health equity, as well as economic development. Research and Development has delivered safe and efficacious COVID-19 vaccines at an unprecedented speed.

In his speech the Prime Minister mentioned that the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini has prioritised research and is one of the strategic directions in the post COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan and the National Development Plan. The Prime Minister also emphasised that the world is constantly evolving hence the need to provide information about global trends and most importantly, local factors is imperative. This allows for interventions, approaches and strategies that are responsive to the current challenges.

"The past two years have cemented and emphasized the importance of research, particularly in the health sector. Events such as this conference propel collaborations and potential linkages; allowing for knowledge dissemination and knowledge fluidity," he said.

The Prime Minister also noted that the COVID-19 has given us the opportunity to fast track policy reforms that will enable Science, Technology and Innovation to be prioritized and used to attain sustainability across all sectors. He noted that the world is now moving towards a knowledge-based economy and research is a crucial component to effectively champion development. He emphasized that as the world ventures into new territory, it's time to act and think anew; and most importantly rise to the occasion.

"Worth mentioning is the role of research in mitigating the impact of the virus and the vaccines developed to control the virus. The role and importance of research can, therefore, not be understated. Research provides the solutions needed to combat the challenges faced by health care systems worldwide, he said.

The WHO Country Representative Dr Atsyor said that high-quality research is essential for "the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. She noted that there have been lessons at every stage of the response to the pandemic. She added that research, evidence, and information are the foundation for sound health policies.

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Furthermore, ICAP Wafaa El Sadr, applauded the government of Eswatini recognizing the importance capacity building on human and health research through in service and preservice training. The Ministry of Health strongly supported the Health Research Training Program (HRTP) where over a period of 5 years, 40 fellows were enrolled into a one-year research mentorship program that provided practical research skills.

Different researchers made presentations during the two-day conference, sharing lessons learnt, best practices and challenges observed during the response to the pandemic. During the closing of the conference, Minister of Health who was represented by the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Simon Zwane expressed appreciation to the scholars and scientists who shared their knowledge with guests. She made emphasis that the vast knowledge shared at the conference will go a long way in shaping policy and helping the country to respond better to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manzini  "The situation in the country remains 'calm' with sporadic episodes of violence. Some school buildings were set on fire. The army was deployed on June 29 and has not been called back to the barracks since then. Concers were raised regarding the request to allocate more money to the security forces and the risk of making this a military state". This is what the Bishop of the only diocese of the kingdom of eSwatini, based in Manzini, His Exc. Mgr. Jose Luis Gerardo Ponce de Leon, IMC, reported in describing the situation of the small monarchical state of southern Africa which at the end of June was shaken by unprecedented popular protests (see Fides, 5,7,15,17,23/7/2021).

However, "the government has not yet given any indications about the way forward and how the issues raised by the unrest would be addressed", highlights the Bishop, noting how "some oposition groups have called to boycott businesses linked (or believed to be linked) to the Royal family in order to put pressure on the government and achieve the very much needed national dialogue".

A delegation from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) met with civil society, political parties and church organizations to ascertain the facts. "The SADC fact finding mission report has been presented to government but as far as I know the contents have not been made available to the public - explains the Bishop -. For the sake of the SADC image (among other reasons) it is important that everyone has access to it as the consultation involved the government and many other organisations: NGOs, political groups and churches. Social media has offered a space to opposition groups in particular to share their view on the present situation of the country and possible ways forward. I believe it is a new initiative brought by the unrest and being available to everyone has created an important space to share different views".

His Majesty called the nation to three days of fasting and prayer (26 - 28 August). This was welcomed by the three Christian church bodies: the Council, the League and the Conference of Churches of eSwatini and the Council of the Churches of Swaziland". "The Council of Churches (the Catholic Church being one of the founders of this body) provided the Church members with intentions of prayer for those days helping the faithful to present to God in prayer the political and social problems we are facing. At the same time some underlined that action should follow prayer and that one should not expect God to solve our problems without our own commitment".
Hundreds of prodemocracy demonstrators in Swaziland (eSwatini) gathered outside the UN office inn the kingdom's capital Mbabane demanding an end to King Mswati's absolute monarchy.

Ten representatives of the Political Party Assembly (PPA), a coalition of five banned political parties, met with the UN Resident Coordinator, Nathalie Ndongo-She on Friday (10 September 2021).

Swaziland is not a democracy. Political parties are barred from taking part in elections and groups advocating for reform are banned under the Suppression of Terrorism Act. No members of the kingdom's Senate chamber are elected by the people and the King appoints the Prime Minister, cabinet ministers and top judges among others.

The meeting was part of a Global Week of Action that included efforts to deliver petitions of protest at local government offices and an attempt to block the border with South Africa.

Later, the UN issued a statement on social media, 'The United Nations continues to stand in solidarity with the people of eSswatini & is working to help restore peace to the nation.'

Sibongile Mazibuko, President of the Ngwane National Liberatory Congress (NNLC), who was one of the political leaders who delivered the petition said King Mswati refused to engage them on democratic reforms despite numerous attempts.

'We have reached a point whereby we have no alternative but to approach the United Nations because there are UN Conventions which he signed. We have seen the United Nations resolving political conflicts in countries like Sudan and we believe they will take action and assist us achieve democracy,' she said.
The people of Swaziland (eSwatini) should exercise their right to choose their political system and justice must be done for lives lost during the continuing unrest in the kingdom, according to a briefing paper from the South Africa-based Helen Suzman Foundation just released.

Swaziland is not a democracy and over the past months protests for reform have been repressed with excessive might from police and security forces.

Political parties are barred from taking part in elections and groups advocating for reform are banned under the Suppression of Terrorism Act. No members of the kingdom's Senate chamber are elected by the people and the King appoints the Prime Minister, cabinet ministers and top judges among others.

At least 21 protestors had reportedly been killed by 30 June 2021. HSF reports, 'Video clips surfaced on social media of police officers physically assaulting protesters and using live ammunition at the violent protests. The UN Human Rights Committee on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) had previously noted its concerns over the use of force by the government of eSwatini.

'In particular, it raised concerns regarding the permissive conditions in Article 41 of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act and provisions of the Public Order Act which leaves it to the discretion of individual police officers to decide whether it is expedient to use force. In essence, the police force have violated the right to security of the person using this legal provision.

'Around the 30 June 2021, the government ordered an internet shutdown to make it difficult for the people of eSwatini to communicate within its borders and with the outside world. For instance, MTN admitted to shutting down the internet following a directive from the eSwatini Communications Committee. This led to an urgent application in the High Court of eSwatini by the Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC).'

SALC said the said internet shutdown led to violation of freedom of expressions, information and association. The matter has yet to be heard.

On 2 July 2021, The Southern African Development Community (SADC) started a fact-finding mission in Swaziland through the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security. This was criticised by civil society organisations as being too late and out of touch.

HSF said, 'The government's response to the political demands of the people for a reform of the current monarchy into a democratic government ought not to have been the use of force or limitation and infringement of freedom of expression, and sharing and attaining of information. This violated its domestic laws and international obligations.'
Soldiers in Swaziland (eSwatini) have been accused of assaulting a group of young people who had been having a braai (barbecue) at a private home.

It happened at Mbangweni on Saturday (11 September 2021) when a group were celebrating a 21st birthday. Soldiers heard them and demanded that they leave the home because they were breaking a curfew. When they did so they were allegedly assaulted.

This was one of a string of alleged assaults made by army personnel on civilians in Swaziland.

The Times of eSwatini reported armed soldiers entered the house and kicked open doors and assaulted people who were not involved in the celebrations, according to a participant it called Andile.

It reported, 'Andile further narrated that the soldiers allegedly forced them all out to the tar road where they were forced to do push-ups with their fists for over 30 minutes. He alleged that while doing the push-ups, they were assaulted with a mop stick.

'Andile said the mop stick broke and the soldiers allegedly took a thorny hedge stick and assaulted them with it. He explained that while they were doing the push-ups, the soldiers brought some of the half-cooked meat and threw it on the ground and forced them to eat it. He said some of the meat was still raw and hot from the fire.'

It added, 'Andile alleged that some swallowed bones due to the manner they were forced to eat the meat.'

An Army spokesman would not comment on the allegations.

Soldiers in Swaziland have a long history of assaults on civilians. In September 2020 a video was widely circulated on the Internet that appeared to show two soldiers whipping two civilians. The 30-second video showed two men laying on the ground while one was whipped with what appeared to be a branch of a tree. It was reported the assault went on for several minutes.

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In November 2019 a pregnant woman was slapped and thrown to the ground by two soldiers at Nsubane in the southeast of the kingdom. When she went to the army barracks to report the matter she was assaulted again.

In March 2019 the High Court ruled the army should pay E70,000 damages to a man it tortured. High Court Principal Judge Qinisile Mabuza also criticised the kingdom's police for not investigating alleged assaults on civilians by members of the army.

In October 2018 soldiers were said to have tortured farmers who crossed the border at Dwalile to retrieve their straying cattle.

In a separate case in June 2018 three soldiers were charged with assault for burying a man alive after they accused him of stealing a phone from them at Mbekelweni.
press release

The African Development Bank Group's Board of Directors has approved a loan of $86.72 million to co-finance the second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

The multi-phase project will provide water to the Gauteng region of South Africa and generate hydroelectricity for Lesotho. The project entails harnessing the waters of the Senqu/Orange River in the Lesotho highlands by constructing a series of dams for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

The Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority, a state-owned entity in South Africa charged with financing and implementing bulk raw water infrastructure projects, will use the funds to construct the Polihali Dam and reservoir, a 38 kilometer-long water transfer tunnel, roads and bridges, telecommunications infrastructure, and to extend electricity and other development infrastructure to Lesotho. The new construction will complement facilities built during the project's first phase. The Lesotho Highland Development Authority will implement the part of the project that falls within Lesotho's borders.

"The two governments' partnership on this project around the shared water resources from the Orange-Senqu River Basin serves the interests of their mutual development agenda and also deepens regional integration," said Dr. Beth Dunford, African Development Bank Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development.

"The intervention will be the first major project to be financed by the Bank in the water sector in South Africa and it will complement the Bank's current support in the energy and transport sector, diversify the Bank's portfolio and consolidate the Bank's strong partnership with the country," she added.

Once completed, the project is expected to boost transfer capacity between Lesotho and South Africa to 1,260 million cubic meters/year, up from the current 780 million cubic meters/year, and enable additional generation of hydroelectric power in Lesotho. Expected project benefits include greater water security in South Africa's Gauteng region and a boost to Lesotho's socio-economic development due to infrastructure improvements and increased hydropower capacity.

These developments are expected to positively impact 26 million people in South Africa and boost a region that accounts for 60% of the country's economic output. In Lesotho, the project will benefit more than 85,000 people in the project area, and generate more than 6,000 jobs over the next six years. Lesotho's economy will also receive a boost from the royalty payments it will receive for water transfers.

The project, with a total cost of $2.171 billion, is also receiving financing $213.68 million in loans from the Shanghai-based New Development Bank. The South African government will contribute $1.871 billion as well as a loan guarantee. The first phase of the project was completed in 2003 and inaugurated in 2004.

To date, the African Development Bank Group's active portfolio in South Africa comprises 23 operations with a total commitment of about $4.5 billion in financing.

Contact:

Olufemi Terry | Communication and External Relations Department | African Development Bank | email: o.terry@afdb.org
Dangote Cement Plc led 13 other companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) to remit a total tax of N289.4billion to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and other agencies in first half of 2021.

Aside paying the statutory 30 per cent income tax, companies operating in the country are meant to pay Education tax, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) tax and Nigeria Police Trust Fund levy.

Analysis of the companies results revealed that Dangote Cement, followed by MTN Nigeria Plc are the most tax paying companies in the country, while Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) leads the banking sector in tax expenses during the period.

Dangote Cement, followed by MTN Nigeria had emerged as the highest income taxpayer in the country last year.

The foremost indigenous cement manufacturer came first among top 100 elite companies listed on the NGX posting into the coffer of the federal government a princely sum of N97.24billion in 2020, while MTN Nigeria paid N93.6billion.

Also, United Bank for Africa (UBA) with branches in 20 African countries, United States of America, United Kingdom and France came second in the category of bank with highest tax expenses in first half of 2021, followed by Guaranty Trust Holdings Company Plc (GTCO).

The breakdown revealed that Dangote Cement in H1 2021 reported tax expenses of N89.62billion, an increase of 144 per cent from N36.71billion remitted to FIRS, among other revenue generating agencies.

From MTN Nigeria's profit & loss figures, it reported tax expenses of N73.29billion in H1 2021, 64 per cent increase from N44.69billion reported in H1 2020.

However, ETI's tax expenses grew by 45 per cent to N23.4billion in H1 2021 from N16.08billion reported in H1 2020, while UBA's tax expenses closed H1 2021 at N15.061billion from N12.7billion in H1 2020.

With decline in profit, GTCO reported 12 per cent decline in tax expenses to N13.64billion in H1 2021 from N15.44billion in H1 2020.

Access Bank reported N10.56illion tax expenses in H1 2021 from N13.27billion in H1 2020 as Zenith Bank Plc reported N10.94billion tax income in H1 2021, 6.2 per cent increase from N10.3billion in H1 2020.

On its part, FBN Holdings reported N7.15billion tax expenses in H1 2021, 24 per cent increase over N5.77billion in H1 2020.

In the Fast-moving Consumer Goods (FCMG) category, Nestle Nigeria plc reported tax expenses to N11.65billion in H1 2021, about 3.2 per cent decline from N12.04billion reported in H1 2020.

Seplat Energy Plc made the group of 14 companies with N10.11billion tax expenses in H1 2021 as against tax income of N12.06billion recorded in H1 2021.

Nigerian Breweries Plc and Guinness Nigeria Plc tax expenses in H1 2021 was N4.2billion and N4.5billion respectively.

In addition, Lafarge Africa Plc tax expenses grew significantly by 55 per cent to N8.43billion in H1 2021 from N5.4billion in H1 2020, while BUA Cement's recorded N6.3billion tax expenses in H1 2021, 45 per cent increase from N4.35billion recorded in H1 2020.

Analysts have expressed that listing on the NGX, means companies must be transparent in tax payment to government agencies where they operate.

They hinted that, joining elite companies on the NGX means failure to pay might force government to shut operations, leading to job losses.

A tax expert at a PwC Nigeria, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, in a chat with THISDAY noted that companies tax remitted to government are meant to facilitate economy growth.

According to him, taxes paid by companies are based on laws and regulations, stressing that banks, among others are meant to play by the rules which has to do with full disclosure.

He explained further that a good number income that companies generated are exempted from tax.

According to the Chief Economist/Head, Investment Research, PanAfrican Capital Holdings, Moses Ojo, financial institutions are operating under CAMA that mandated 30 per cent payment of the CIT, two per cent as Education tax.

"These taxes are remitted to the federal government. The only tax that goes to the state government is PAYE."

On economy development, he said that: "companies' income tax contributed significantly to budget finance of the federal and state government for."

The Vice-President, Highcap Securities Limited, Mr. David Adnori said that these companies on the NGX over the years maintained stronger profit, which is meant to contribute to government tax revenue.

He expressed that most companies that were reluctant to come to the stock market were hiding their financials or were scared of take-over by wealthy Nigerians.

According to him, "Once the government can work together with the FIRS to enforce tax laws, there would be no hiding place for companies. Thus, they will be forced to come to the market."

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Early this month, the publisher of Next Money, Mr. Ray Echebiri had said listed companies stand on the corporate ladder with regards to the various performance indices.

He noted that: "Any company that makes it to the corporate elite club of Nigeria's Top 100 Companies is automatically a candidate for further ranking by Revenues, Profits, Market Capitalization, Number of Employees and Tax Payment."

According to him: "In other words, the information used in the analyses are extracted from the annual reports and accounts of the various companies published in 2020 irrespective of whether a company's year-end is March, June, September, December, or any other month in 2020."

Echebiri said accounts of publicly-held companies are more believable because they are usually subjected to regulatory scrutiny and approval.

He explained that his group had no doubt that there are many private companies that would easily count among the top 100 companies in the country given their huge balance sheet size, the sizeable revenue they post yearly and the mouth-watering profits they declare.
Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (Lekki Port) has announced the appointment of Laurence Smith as its Chief Operating Officer with effect from 15 October 2021.

Laurence Smith joins Lekki Port with a wealth of experience of over 20 years in the maritime industry, during which he has held strategic positions in different organizations including DP World Limassol, INTELS and APM Terminals in Nigeria, Cyprus, Southampton and Spain. Mr. Smith is experienced in the day-to-day management of terminals, quality assurance, health & safety and strategic deployment of labour.

As Operations Manager for DP World Limassol in Cyprus between 2018 and 2020, he was responsible for the restructuring of the Company's operations department to meet the needs of the customer, whilst also reducing the fleet equipment rental costs.

During his time with APM Terminals Apapa as Chief Operating Officer, he oversaw the strategic landscape for the terminal. In 2016, he worked as the General Manager, Operations for INTELS where he introduced analytic measures to reduce cost inefficiencies of the organization.

He holds certifications in Port Management and Terminal Management from Middlesex University and Kent University respectively. He is also well-grounded in Port safety having received an International Safety Certificate through NEBOSH.

Mr. Smith will lead efforts in collaboration with the Executive Management of Lekki Port, the EPC contractor, China Harbour Engineering LFTZ Enterprise and the Container Terminal Operator, Lekki Freeport Terminal, to get Lekki Port ready to start port operations before the end of 2022.
Abuja  The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Bello has made a case for a special revenue status to be accorded the FCT to enable it to meet up with its burgeoning infrastructure need.

He stated this yesterday in Abuja, at an advocacy and sensitisation meeting on the review of the existing revenue sharing formula.

The minister, who was represented by the Director of Human Resources Management, Dr. Bashir Mohammed, called for a new revenue sharing formula that is fair and equitable, taken into consideration the role the territory was playing in national development.

He said the FCT administration would be in a position to execute projects that are of the highest quality if there is a corresponding increase in revenue sharing formula.

The minister said the FCT needs a special revenue package to do more projects that would have a direct impact on the residents.

He said an additional budget was required to execute the ongoing projects in the territory that are capital intensive.

"In the FCT, there are issues of compensation, abandoned and ongoing projects, so the present allocation is inadequate. We want a revenue formula that enhances the capacity to deliver high-quality services and dividends of democracy to Nigerians," the minister said.

Bello stressed that the review of the present allocation formula was long overdue, maintaining that the prosperity of the capital territory directly or indirectly has a rub-on effect on the entire nation's development.

In his remarks, the FCT Commissioner at Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Tanko Abari thanked the FCT minister for organising the meeting.

He said the RMAFC has begun the process of reviewing the subsisting vertical revenue allocation formula in line with changing realities given the last review was carried out in 1992.

He enjoined all the stakeholders to be proactive as the commission is prepared to take all views and recommendations on board.

Based on the extant sharing arrangement, the federal government (including special funds) is entitled to 52.68 per cent while state governments get 26.72 per cent. Local government areas receive 20.6 per cent while what comes to the FCT is only one per cent.
The African human rights campaigner has helped convict 800 men of wartime sexual violence against women. She has been given a $1 million prize to help even more women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

As Julienne Lusenge's name was announced as the winner of the Aurora humanitarian prize and the $1 million (860,000) that comes with it, she was left completely lost for words.

Through tears, she managed to say "thank you" to the audience, before promptly leaving the stage again.

At that moment, she had something else on her mind.

"After applying for the award, I was thinking about all the victims of sexual crimes," she told DW. "I was thinking about the women displaced by war, the widows and orphans left behind by war."

It was only a few minutes later that she jumped up again and interrupted the continuing ceremony in Venice, Italy, to deliver her acceptance speech.

Helping thousands of women

Lusenge is one of the most prominent human rights activists in Africa. She has spent 40 years supporting victims of sexual violence, often in times of war, and fighting for women's equality.

Most recently, Lusenge was co-chair of the commission that published a damning report into the sexual abuse committed by World Health Organization (WHO) workers during the 2018 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

"In our investigation we found that aid workers, including those from the WHO, had been demanding sex for their work," she said. "They recruited people without properly looking into their profiles.

"We are demanding reforms and deeper investigations to make sure the people who committed these crimes are prosecuted," she said. "We also want to see reparations paid to the victims."

Decades of fighting for women's rights

Born in 1958 in Watsa, in northern DRC, Lusenge became a journalist and focused on telling women's stories in rural villages. When the neighboring province of Ituri, which borders Uganda, dissolved into conflict in 1997, she began hearing devastating reports of armed groups of men raping women.

In 2000, she and seven other journalists founded Women's Solidarity for Inclusive Peace and Development (SOFEPADI) to help provide medical and psychological support to survivors, as well as legal representation in court. To date, SOFEPADI has given care to more than 7,500 survivors of sexual violence and helped bring 800 perpetrators to justice.

Then, in 2007, Lusenge helped set up the Fund for Congolese Women (FFC) to help raise money from international donors for grassroots groups that fight gender-based violence and work toward economic empowerment, .

'I could really feel death coming'

Fighting for victims' rights has landed Lusenge in plenty of difficult situations. She is often threatened by armed groups and has to travel with security.

"On one occasion, I had went to Bunia to evaluate a project when armed men entered my hous,e demanding to know where I was, " she said.

"People from my organization, who were at my home, claimed they didn't know me and said they were just students renting the place.

"I was forced to hide instead of going back home, as were the people who were working with me. On that occasion I could really feel death coming," she said.

The Aurora Prize

Winning the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity -- named after Aurora Mardiganian, a survivor of the Armenian genocide -- was a proud moment for Lusenge.

"I cried because it was very moving and emotional," she said. "I saw the whole path I had taken: 43 years of working, constantly looking for resources to help women.

"I was often a banker, meeting with people to try and raise money, and sometimes they have no empathy with what you are trying to do," she said.

What's next?

With her win, Lusenge becomes the sixth Aurora Prize laureate. She will donate the $1 million grant to three organizations: the Fund for Congolese Women, the League for Congolese Solidarity and the Association of Mothers for Development and Peace.

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"There are lots of people with lots of needs still, through conflict and lack of security," she said. "It's sometimes difficult to decide exactly where it should go. But we will be able to help lots of people."

Aurora has also recommended that she donate $250,000 to people in need in Nagorno-Karabakh, following the 2020 conflict in the region between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Aurora has pledge to match her donation.

"Julienne Lusenge's exceptional achievements remind us of the impact one person can have, even when encountering the seemingly insurmountable pressure and risks," said Lord Ara Darzi, the chair of the Aurora Prize Selection Committee and co-director of the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London.

"By recognizing her courage, commitment and selflessness, we are hopeful that she can also inspire each one of us to think about what we can do to stand up on behalf of those whose rights are abused and who are in dire need of our solidarity and support," Darzi said.
analysis

Young migrants make up over 20% of the youth population across the European Union. In cities like Hamburg in Germany, half of all children and youth under the age of 18 have a migration background (50.4%), meaning they or their parents were born abroad.

This means millions of young people across Europe have connections to places other than the countries where they live. They stay in touch with friends and family abroad through the internet. They are fluent in the languages of their country of origin and the country where they reside. And they get involved in the politics of the 'home' country through diaspora organisations. In other words, migrant youth live transnationally - their lives are a constellation of people, places, and practices around the globe.

People's lives and identities are not necessarily bound to one nation-state. Migrants can be both integrated and connected to 'home'.

Researchers have studied migrants' transnational lives for decades. But one thing they have overlooked is just how physically mobile migrant youth are.

Recent research shows that migrant youth travel to their countries of origin with surprising frequency. More than half of migrant youth in several European countries travel 'home' at least once a year.

Our research project is taking a closer look at this mobility and how it affects the lives of migrant youth. We focus on young people with a Ghanaian background in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Ghana. The project includes ethnographic case studies in the four countries and a large-scale survey of high-school students in Europe.

The ethnographic case study in Germany included 20 young men and women (aged 15-25) who live in Hamburg. Some were born in Ghana, some in Germany, and all had been mobile between the two countries. The small sample size allowed us to follow young people's lives for over a year. This way, we could explore their mobility and its effects in depth. This included accompanying them to Ghana to understand what happens on their visits and why this matters.

Diverse mobility

Our research is showing that young people's movements - or what we call 'mobility trajectories' - are very diverse. While many young people stay in Ghana when their parents migrate, some migrate to Europe themselves. Others grow up in Europe with parents who migrated. And many young people living in Europe visit Ghana frequently, regardless of their own migration history.

For the young people in our Germany case study, travelling to Ghana represents different things.

What it means changes over time, as young people travel back and forth. It also changes depending on where they go, who they visit, and what happens during their travels.

Akosua (19) was born and raised in Hamburg and has visited Ghana five summers in a row. She used to find her time there boring because she didn't have any local friends. But on a recent trip, Akosua attended make-up school in a busy, urban salon. There, she befriended local young women. Together, they learned new skills and compared life between Ghana and Germany. Through this experience, Akosua got to know Ghana as an independent young woman. Her trip opened up new perspectives on what opportunities Ghana could offer her in the future.

Trips to Ghana also help young people reflect on their own development. Ella was born in Hamburg but grew up mostly in Ghana until she was 16. At age 20, Ella returned to Ghana for the summer. Family and friends commented on how much she had changed since she moved to Germany.

People said I've grown, I've become more independent, more serious with life.

Ella's trip represented an important transition in her life: she realised she was no longer a child, but a woman.

Mobility also allows young people to connect with their family and heritage in ways they cannot do remotely. Esra (19) was born and raised in Hamburg and made her first trip to Ghana aged 17. There, she met relatives she had only seen in photos and visited her parents' hometown. After her trip, Esra told me: "Before I was like, 'Whatever, I know my mum comes from Ghana'. But now I know where my mother was in Ghana, where my father was in Ghana. It's more real than when you hear (about) it".

'Getting to know Ghana in another way'

The young people in our study had various experiences travelling to Ghana - they went to rural and urban places, visited relatives and friends, felt out of place and right at home. Some visited Ghana every year, others every few years, while a handful had been once or twice.

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All these trips shaped young people's relationships to Ghana. They changed the way young people felt about the country and how often they wanted to travel there. And they shaped what role young people envisaged Ghana playing in their lives.

Akosua wanted to return to Ghana to volunteer and "get to know Ghana in another way". Ella aimed to have an international career between Ghana and Europe. And Esra couldn't wait to return to Ghana to spend more time with her family. They all imagined themselves living transnational lives between two - or even more - countries.

Migrant youth don't just maintain transnational connections and activities from a distance. Their trips 'home' help them create and update their relationship with the countries their families come from. The people, places, and events they encounter on their travels give them inspiration, connection and opportunity - and teach us something about what it means to be mobile global citizens.

Laura J Ogden, Researcher, Globalisation, Transnationalism and Development, Maastricht University
Nigeria's dependence on crude oil makes its economy vulnerable. But the transition to an economy not based on oil won't be easy.

The oil sector has an outsize influence on Nigeria's economy despite representing a relatively small proportion of the gross domestic product: about 9% in 2020. But, in the same period, crude oil sales made up one-third of the government's budget revenue and about 90% of the West African nation's export earnings.

"This is bad because it makes Nigeria a very volatile country," said Tokunbo Afikuyomi, a UK-based economist who writes for the Nigerian financial publication Stears Business.

When the price of crude oil is lower than government projections, gaping holes emerge in the federal budget.

Though this has been a problem in Nigeria for at least the past decade, the coronavirus pandemic has made it worse. The slump in global oil prices at the beginning of the pandemic meant Nigeria's oil revenues were around 65% lower than anticipated in the first half of 2020, causing a massive budget shortfall.

Furthermore, diminished oil sales means less money circulating in the country, making it tough for Nigeria's manufacturers to import the raw materials or components they need.

Finite fossil fuels

There are additional reasons why the nation of 206 million people should reduce its dependency on oil and gas, Taiwo Oyaniran, the associate director of the global consulting company PwC in Nigeria, told DW.

"What is happening globally is that a lot of countries are moving away from fossil fuels like crude oil as a source of energy, and they are moving towards clean energy," Oyaniran said.

"So it is quite important for us to consider other sources of revenue generation as a country," he added.

Plus, Oyaniran said, Nigeria's oil resources will eventually be exhausted, making it "absolutely essential" to develop other areas of its economy.

Nigeria is seeking to advance agriculture, information and communications technology (ICT), and the creative industries, such as the thriving music and Nollywood film industries, as potential export alternatives.

Agriculture largely unproductive

Before the discovery of oil in Nigeria in the 1950s, agriculture was the backbone of its economy.

Half of Nigeria's workforce currently works in agriculture, Afikuyomi said, so "there is a school of thought that it's almost impossible to grow the economy or do any exports or any production without agriculture."

Palm oil, cocoa beans, sesame seeds and cashew nuts are among the crops identified as potential export earners.

Nigeria was once the world's leading exporter of palm oil, a vital global ingredient in many processed foods.

The government is investing heavily in the palm oil industry, providing, for example, an agricultural credit scheme that helps operators buy quality and up-to-date seedlings and set up new plantations and mills.

But it's a question of whether the agricultural sector can increase exports, analysts say, because it mainly involves small-scale farmers who are relatively unproductive, even compared with other African nations.

Nigeria's farmers can produce about 7,000 kilograms (15,400 pounds) of tomatoes per hectare (2.47 acres). In contrast, Kenya can produce 20,000 kilograms of tomatoes on a similar piece of land, according to Nigerian economist Afikuyomi.

Oyaniran also used tomatoes to illustrate the challenges in Nigeria's agricultural sector.

"Almost 50% of tomatoes get destroyed from the farm gate to the market," he said, because of logistical issues arising from "poor road networks, poor packaging systems, and insufficient cooling and refrigeration systems."

Until Nigeria can solve these issues, he said, "we are not likely going to see huge investments coming into the agribusiness space."

Eyeing the ICT industry

Nigeria has long been home to one of the continent's most vibrant tech hubs.

The coronavirus pandemic gave the ICT industry an additional boost. Companies desperately sought remote working solutions for their employees, and people stuck at home turned towards digital communications, online banking, and shopping.

Jumia, Nigeria's largest online trader, reported turnover growth of about 30% for the first quarter of 2020. As a result, the ICT sector contributed nearly 18% of the GDP in the second quarter of 2020 compared to 10% in 2018.

A large part of this increase came from financial technology (fintech) as the need for cashless payments, mobile transactions and easy loans exploded during the pandemic.

Nigeria attracted just over $134 million in fintech venture capital in 2020, capturing more fintech funding than anywhere else in Africa.

An estimated two out of five Nigerians are financially excluded. This, combined with the country's youthful population and increasing smartphone penetration, "creates the perfect recipe for a thriving fintech sector," according to KPMG, an international consulting company.

"We're seeing more and more unicorn companies, companies valued at more than $1 billion [ 860 million], popping up in Nigeria's tech innovation ecosystem, so that's only going to grow and grow," Afikuyomi said.

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The ICT sector, including fintech, still faces myriad hurdles, such as Nigeria's patchy and erratic electricity supply, a fragmented fiber-optic internet network, and a shortage of trained software engineers.

Infrastructure not enough

The country's crumbling infrastructure is a major impediment to Nigeria's push to pivot from oil.

In 2020, President Muhammadu Buhari's administration announced a new infrastructure drive, with multibillion-dollar plans to upgrade roads, railways, bridges, airports and power supply.

Oyaniran said Nigeria's growing insecurity was one of the biggest threats to economic-diversification efforts.

Boko Haram insurgents still hit Nigeria's northeast. The northwest is wracked by banditry and kidnapping, whereas the north-central is plagued by violent disputes between farmers and nomadic herders. The southern part of the country has also seen its fair share of attacks and kidnappings.

"Unless we are able to effectively curtail the security issue, the expected outcome from all the investment in infrastructure might not be realized," Oyaniran said.
"With effect from 1st December, 2021, Federal Government employees shall be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination..."

The Nigerian government has directed all its employees to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus as this will soon become a prerequisite for gaining access into their various offices.

The Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, announced the new directive at its briefing on Wednesday.

Mr Mustapha said beginning December 1, 2021 all federal government employees will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or present a negative PCR result to gain access to their offices.

"With effect from 1st December, 2021, Federal Government employees shall be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result done within 72 hours, to gain access to their offices, in all locations within Nigeria and our Missions," he said.

He noted that appropriate service wide circular will be issued to guide the process.

Mr Mustapha had on September 2, 2021, said the COVID-19 vaccination will be compulsory for federal civil servants once vaccines are available for everyone.

At the time, he said one of the reasons for compulsory vaccination of civil servants is because they will be travelling on behalf of the nation.

International affairs

Mr Mustapha said the government of the United Kingdom (UK) has eased restrictions on fully vaccinated travellers from Nigeria to the UK with effect from 11th October, 2021.

He said Nigeria welcomes this development and assured that the PSC shall continue to review the country's protocols based on global developments, science and national experience.

He said a revised protocol will be issued in the next 24 hours.

The chairman also said the aviation authorities in collaboration with the diplomatic sector have made reasonable progress in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He said the Minister of Aviation on Wednesday presented the position of African countries on Vaccine Passport which some economic blocks and countries wish to impose, for travel purposes.

"This is because African countries have found it difficult to access the vaccines for their citizens in sufficient numbers," he said.

He also said the PSC has decided to remove South Africa, Turkey, and Brazil from the list of countries where travellers were restricted from arriving.
The Senate on Tuesday revisited Section 87 (1) of the Electoral Bill and adopted direct primaries for all political parties in the country.

The direct primaries clause adopted by the Senate in the proposed Electoral Amendment Bill is not a revolt against state governors but an opportunity to protect legislators from the governors, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, Kabir Gaya (APC, Kano), has said.

The senator stated this when he appeared on "Politics Today" a programme on Channels TV on Tuesday.

Mr Gaya appeared alongside the member of the House of Representatives representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos).

The Senate had, on Tuesday, reviewed its earlier decision on the controversial section 52 (3), and also adopted the position of the House on Section 87 on mandatory direct primaries for all parties.

87(1) of the bill now reads, "A political party seeking to nominate candidates for elections under this Bill shall hold direct primaries for aspirants to all elective positions, which shall be monitored by the Commission.

While direct primaries involves the participation of all party members in the selection of party candidates, the indirect primaries involves the use of delegates who are usually leaders and members of the executives at the ward, local government and state levels, to elect the party's candidate(s) at a congress or convention.

Back in July, the Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila had moved the amendment to allow direct primaries, which was adopted by the House during the clause by clause consideration.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported that the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), kicked against the proposal, describing it as undemocratic.

Mr Gaya, a former governor of Kano State in the Second Republic, said the decision to include the direct primaries is not to revolt against the governors but to protect the federal lawmakers from their interference.

"Sometimes, governors have delegates, and they decide who will be the next House of Representatives member, the next senator.

"The best legislators are those who come back often, because of experience, but these days, because of what is happening, because of interference of indirect primaries, you find out that only 30% will come back to the National Assembly. Of course, you are losing 70%. You are losing experienced people.

"In the National Assembly, the more you come, the more experienced you become. This is a means of empowering the legislators," he said.

Reacting to concerns about the cost of running direct primaries by political parties, Mr Gaya said it is the only means to get credible candidates into elective positions.

"Direct primary is the easiest form of democracy anyone can subscribe to.

"In every locality--for example, I have 172 wards in my constituency, if we are going to do direct primaries, all those 172 wards will have people, when you set up to buy votes, it will be difficult to buy votes in 172 locations. You have got to be a popular candidate or aspirant so that you can be voted for.

"I was a product of this primary in 1991. We did direct primary when I was running for governor, and I won.

"As a young man, people felt I am not that strong enough, but I went round every constituency in my state, that time it was Kano and Jigawa before Jigawa was created. I went around and I became popular. People came out to defend their candidate, which was me. They were there, people line up behind their candidates. And then we were voted into office. I believe that direct form is the most credible.

"In the case of delegates, someone can put them in one hole, and the highest bidder can take over the party. Someone with money, who is not even a member of the party, can say, I want to run for this office because he has money, he can buy delegate.

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"Unfortunately, if as a candidate, I have paid money, I will see it as an investment. Because I won't see it as a political appointment, rather as a business. The officer will be corrupt when you do a direct primary.

Mr Gaya also said the lawmakers deleted section 52(3) in response to the outcry by Nigerians. He said that the conference committee will meet in the next couple of days to harmonise the two bills.

Mr Benson, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, said the indirect primaries will end money bags in political parties.

The lawmaker stressed that popular aspirants will not need to go to small parties to participate, rather, try their popularity in the big parties.

Although both chambers have set up the conference committee, concerns remain on the composition of the committees.
THE High Court has been reduced the 12-month jail term of three popular music promoters Arnold Kamudyariwa (DJ Fantan) Tafadzwa Kadzimwe (DJ Levels) and Damma, born Simbarashe Chanachimwe.

Their sentence has been reduced to three months with an option to pay a $2 000 fine each coupled with conditions of good behaviour for the next five years.

Fantan and colleagues were out on bail pending appeal.

Their appeal was heard by judges of appeal, Pisirayi Kwenda, and Benjamin Chikowero after the state conceded their sentence was too harsh.

The three were convicted in January this year on their own guilty plea by the Harare provincial head magistrate, Vongai Muchuchuti.

Muchuchuti slapped the trio with a 12-month jail sentence each before suspending six months of the jail terms on conditions of good behaviour.

The three landed in jail after they organised a New Year's Eve bash against national Covid-19 regulations which bars gatherings.

The party was attended by thousands of music fans in Harare's Matapi Flats.

Fantan and accomplices told the court in mitigation that they were ready to become brand ambassadors and lead the youths in Covid-19 awareness campaigns.
The House of Representatives has asked that the oil benchmark for the 2022 budget should be set at $60 per barrel.

This will be different from the $57 brought by the executive.

The House also called for zero allocation for government agencies who refused to implement the 2020 budget as appropriated.

This followed a debate on the 2022 budget on the floor of the House on Wednesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that some members of the House said that since the crude oil is put at $80 per barrel, the benchmark should be increased to $60.

Hon. Leke Abijide (ADC-Kogi) stated that the benchmark of $57 per barrel was a bit low, considering the $80 per barrel as at now, adding that it should be increased to $60 per barrel.

According to him, "Aside this area, the budget is one of the best ever by the president and it deserves our commendation."

He also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for making capital projects a priority, while raising concern over the issue of borrowing and the exchange rate.

"With the exchange rate, what I did with my Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIP) last year, I may not be able to do this year because of the exchange rate and that is the only thing to perform in my constituency," he said.

The Leader of the House, Hon. Alhassan Ado-Dogwa, said that the 2022 budget is the highest in history and it is imperative to invest in infrastructure and agriculture.

Others, according to him, included education and health, adding that they were the cardinal principle of Buhari's administration.

He stated that the legislature, in partnership with the executive, must endeavour to sustain the January to December budget process.

He urged the various committees to also work on oversight to ensure that the budget passed by the lawmakers and assented to by the executive is implementable.

Him. Onofiok Luke (PDP-Akwa Ibom) commended the House for sustaining the January to December budget implementation and working to ensure a cordial relationship with the executive.

He, however, said that the provision of N50 million for hazard allowance in the 2022 budget proposal for medical officers, which was why they went on strike, would not augur well.

He commended the federal government for capturing the hazard allowance in the face of COVID-19 pandemic, adding that medical officers were at risk because of their exposure.

"We have had a whole lot of brain drain in the last few years, there is need to up their hazard allowance from N5,000 to something that will boost the moral of medical personnel.

"We also need to be at pace with how the world is moving in terms of technology, in order to fortify our security personnel with requisite gadgets," he stated.

He said that there was the need to ensure that the judiciary was well taken care of in the 2022 budget.

He said that the country's debt servicing should be critically looked into, considering the astronomical rise in Nigeria's total debt.

He added that the borrowing should be put into productive use such as power, road and public infrastructure, among others.

Hon. Sergious Ogun (PDP-Edo) called for the review of the budget performance quarterly by various committees in the House in view of poor budget implementation by government agencies.

"Are we really saying we are seeing changes in line with the yearly budget implementation.

"This will help us to put government agencies on alert, and where they are doing well we will commend and also give appropriate sanction where they are not," he said.

Toby Okechukwu (PDP-Enugu) said that the yearly budget had always been a motion without movement, adding that: "The subsidy regime baptised by under recovery" is hurting the economy.

"We cannot continue to subsidise, there is no way we can commit debt to recurrent expenditure and still want change," he said.

Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, the Minority Leader, said: "I thank the House for living up to the expectation of Nigerians by committing the budget to debate, which means we are ready to move the country forward."

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He charged various committees to be up and doing by going to find out which projects were yet to be implemented by government agencies to enable the House do its work.

He added that their findings would inform what the lawmakers would do moving forward.

"My worry is the loan, but when loan is taken, it should be for good purpose. We should look at how to strengthen power.

"The budget should be able to address abnormality to ensure that all our hospitals and instrastruvtire are up to date.

"On the issue of budget implementation, I want to say that the onus is on the committees. Because some agencies are refusing to implement the budget and I see no reason why we should continue to patronise such agencies.

"I submit that National Assembly should not give one naira to any agencies that has not implemented the budget.

"Funds from agencies which failed to perform must be moved to other areas like education," he said. (NAN)
Concerned about the number of out-of-school children in Katsina State, the United Nations Children's Funds in collaboration with the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has commenced 'Back to School and Behavioural Change Campaign' to avert the menace.

The campaign which is targeted at returning over 200,000 out-of-school children, including Al-majirai to schools in 2021, was supported by the UNICEF and sponsored by Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Speaking at the unveiling of the programme in Katsina, the State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Badamasi Lawal, said the outbreak of COVID-19 and banditry had triggered the number of out-of-school children in the state, particularly in Kafur and Kankara Local Government Areas.

According to statistics released by the State SUBEB Director, Social Mobilisation, Abdulmalik Bello, the state has 775,000 out-of-school children across the 34 local government areas of the state as a result of banditry and COVID-19 pandemic.

Lawal, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Musa Abdul Dankama, noted, however, that the back to school campaign would reduce the number of out-of-school children across the 34 Local Government Areas of the state.

He reiterated that the state government under the leadership of Governor Aminu Bello Masari, had prioritised the education sector hence the employment of 10,000 teachers, prompt payment of teachers' salary and timely provision of instructional materials to schools.

He admonished traditional and religious leaders in the state to support the state government's effort of revitalising the education sector by ensuring the enrolment, retention and completion of school by all children irrespective of gender affiliations.

Earlier, the SUBEB Executive Chairman, Lawal Buhari Daura, represented by Ashiru Sani, applauded UNICEF for supporting the state government in curtailing the number of out-of-school children and other educational challenges afflicting the state.
Over 2,287 people were killed in numerous violent attacks across the country between July and September 2021, according to a report by SBM Intelligence, a research organisation that compiles and analyses data about happenings in the country.

The report was a compilation of media reports on killings in Nigeria in the third quarter of 2021.

The violent incidents include those perpetrated by Boko Haram, militia herdsmen, gang clashes and bandits.

The breakdown of the people killed shows that 1,153 civilians, 105 soldiers, 67 police officers, two immigration officers, one civil defence corps officer, and one customs officer were affected.

Others include: 27 cultists, 29 members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), 10 vigilantes, 23 kidnappers, and 24 armed robbers.

In the period under review, the North-west region of the country recorded the highest number of killings with 961 deaths. Zamfara, a state in the North-west region, recorded the highest number of killings with 495 deaths.

The North-central came second with 646 deaths, followed by the North-east with 336 deaths.

The development means that the Northern part of the country accounted for 85 per cent of the killings that occurred in the country in the period under review.

In the Southern part of the country, South-east region recorded 137 deaths, followed by the south-south with 105 deaths, while the south-west had 102 deaths.

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According to the report, Imo state is the epicentre of the killings in the Southern part of the country with 59 deaths.

In the past few months, the insecurity in many parts of the country has worsened.

In the northern part of the country, bandits and Boko Haram insurgents have carried out a series of violent attacks, as well as destruction of properties and abductions.

The development made many state governments in the north to develop stringent measures like shutting down telecommunications services and markers in a bid to contain the activities of bandits.

In the southern part of the country, killings and attacks on national facilities like police stations, prisons, offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) among others have been recorded.

IPOB has been blamed for the violent attacks in the south-east, but the group denied the allegation.
During the 37 months that Mr Dasuki lasted as NSA, Mr Adesanya had at least two knotty multibillion-dollar issues to resolve with the Nigerian government.

Sometime in 2013, Nigerian multi-billionaire businessman, Leno Adesanya, approached a secrecy seller in the British Virgin Islands, Trident Trust Company Limited, to help family members of Sambo Dasuki, the National Security Adviser at the time, to register a shell company, Hydropower Investments Limited.

In the documentation submitted for the company's incorporation, Mr Adesanya indicated that Hydropower Investment was set up to own real estate and investment portfolios.

The businessman also indicated that the company would, on behalf of the Dasuki family, hold 1.5 million shares in Sino Africa (Nigeria) Limited, a 19-year old company that has him (Adesanya) and a certain Uche Nwokedi as directors.

Hydropower Investments, company documents also showed, will also hold for the Dasukis 10 million shares in Sunrise Power & Transmission (Nigeria) Co. Limited, a company that is locked in a long-drawn dispute with the Nigerian government over the Mambilla power project. The legal dispute is stalling the key funding from the Chinese EXIM Bank to execute the Mambilla project, an ambitious electricity generation infrastructure considered key to tackling Nigeria's long-standing power sector crisis.

The shell company, Hydropower Investments, was registered on November 14, 2013, with Mr Adesanya and Abubakar Atiku Dasuki, a son of a former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, as directors.

But while Mr Adesanya serves as the face of the company and uses his Lagos home as the contact address for the offshore firm, he holds no single share. The shareholders and ultimate beneficial owners of the company are Abubakar Atiku Dasuki, (17,000 shares), Hassan Sultan Dasuki (16,500 shares) and Asmau Iman Dasuki (16,500 shares). Abubakar was 31 years old at the time the company was established while Hassan and Asmau were 18.

The three shareholders are children of former NSA Dasuki, one of the most powerful figures in Nigeria at the time the company was incorporated, and awarded a combined 11.5million shares in Mr Adesanya's companies -- Sunrise and Sino Africa.

There is no evidence that Mr Dasuki or his children paid for the shares. When the registration agent, Trident Trust Company, sought to know how the shareholders sourced the funds with which they planned to acquire the assets, Mr Adesanya simply provided a vague response, telling them the assets would be "carried interest through a loan to be arranged by the sponsor (Leno Adesanya) of the project."

The uncovering of Mr Adesanya's offshore link with the Dasuki family came from Pandora Papers, a trove of 11.9 million leaked confidential records obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, ICIJ.

The ICIJ coordinated a team of 617 journalists from 150 news outlets, including PREMIUM TIMES, who spent two years poring through the leaked records, tracking down sources, and digging into court files and other public records from dozens of countries. It is the biggest collaboration of investigative journalists - from 117 countries and territories - in history.

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 the Adesanyas and Dasukis, who seek to shroud their financial activities, often suspicious, in secrecy.

It remains unclear why Mr Adesanya would provide a loan to buy several million shares from his own companies in favour of the children of one of the country's most powerful political personalities at the time.

Mr Adesanya. speaking through his representative, said he derived no favours from Mr Dasuki and added that "the children wanted to start doing business and they were advised by me to set up an offshore company for discretionary purposes."

Illicit finance experts said roundabout schemes like that are sometimes designed to funnel bribes to compromised officials or to return favours already received or expected to come.

PREMIUM TIMES has no evidence that that was the case here, although Mr Dasuki was a key political officeholder in Nigeria at a time two of Mr Adesanya's companies were seeking major favours from the Nigerian government.

Responding to an inquiry from PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Dasuki said, through a representative, he did not ask Mr Adesanya to register the company for his children. He said business people sometimes render unsolicited favours to government officials even without their knowledge.

He added that, moreover, his children were adults, who could make business decisions on their own.

Businessman Adesanya and a top Secret

However, Mr Adesanya appeared to have strategised hard to keep his business relationship with the Dasukis a top secret. For one, although the share transfer transaction was done about eight years ago, the businessman is yet to file documents at the Corporate Affairs Commission reflecting the new ownership structures of both Sunrise Power and Sino Africa. That has left the CAC in the dark about the changes.

Mr Adesanya has also continued to be the face of Hydropower Investments, remaining the main liaison between the registration agent and the company, and effectively shielding the Dasukis from being apparent in the running of the firm. His Lagos home is the main contact address of the company and his email contact is the official email address listed for the company.

The businessman left instructions with Trident Trust to hold on to all documents related to the company and that on no condition should the firm's documents or correspondences be couriered to Nigeria, ostensibly so they are not intercepted by authorities.

In what also appeared a strategy to conceal the identity of the Dasuki kids, Mr Adesanya, in correspondences with Trident Trust, kept referring to them as his cousins. When he was asked to provide proof of address for the three shareholders, the businessman falsely claimed the Dasukis lived with him in his Lagos address and then provided a notarized document to back the claim.

Adesanya, Dasuki and multi-billion issues with government

Sambo Dasuki, a retired army colonel and father of the three Hydropower Investments shareholders, was appointed national security adviser on June 22, 2012, by then-President Goodluck Jonathan.

He remained in that influential position until July 2015, months after Mr Jonathan lost reelection when he was removed by President Muhammadu Buhari. While in office, Mr. Dasuki was immensely powerful, enjoyed unrestricted access to the presidential villa, and consistently had the president's ears.

Those who related with Mr Dasuki during his term in office said he was mostly genial and approachable with a consistent desire to solve the problems, official and unofficial, of anyone able to reach him.

During the 37 months that Mr Dasuki lasted as NSA, Mr Adesanya had at least two knotty multibillion-dollar issues to resolve with the Nigerian government.

For about 20 years before the Jonathan government took charge, a business dispute had arisen between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Lutin Investments Limited, a BVI company owned by Mr Adesanya and his family, over a contract for the supply of ocean vessels with equipment for the storage of petroleum products and related activities.

A Lutin Resolution

In 1993, Lutin and the NNPC submitted the dispute to international arbitration, which, in May 2007, ruled in favour of Lutin. The arbitrator ordered the NNPC to pay Lutin damages in the amount of $55,281,109, plus 10 percent compound interest; 20,480, plus 10 percent compound interest, and N4,692,930, plus 21 percent compound interest. The arbitrator added that all interest obligations must begin to accrue from July 7, 1993.

Mr Adesanya then approached the French Tribunal de Grande Instance on July 6, 2007, for recognition of the arbitration award. He succeeded. The NNPC then appealed to the Paris Court of Appeal. But on December 2, 2014, the court affirmed the decision of the Tribunal de Grande Instance.

However, even before the Paris Court of Appeal gave its verdict, Mr Adesanya had begun to negotiate with the Jonathan-led government (in which Mr Dasuki was a key player) for the payment of the arbitral award which had then accrued to $477 million.

In the end, the administration paid him about $55.3 million as full and final settlement, although he later protested, saying he did not obtain the consent of his board before signing the agreement with the NNPC.

A chunk of Sunrise Power

The second business logjam that Mr Adesanya battled to resolve during the Jonathan administration concerned the $6billion Mambilla power project which was awarded to his company, Sunrise Powers and Transmission Company Limited, but which later became the subject of an intense business dispute and power play.

The Mambilla power project, first conceived in the 1970s and expected to produce 3,050 megawatts of electricity, has stalled owing to controversies surrounding the award of the contract to Sunrise Power.

The award was sequel to a 2003 agreement under the Olusegun Obasanjo-led administration to construct the 3,050MW plant in Mambilla, Taraba State, on a build, operate and transfer basis.

The Jonathan government, in which Mr Dasuki played a prominent role, worked very hard to resolve the logjam. For instance, in 2012, the then president directed the Ministry of Power to fast-track amicable resolution of the dispute arising from multiple lawsuits.

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The ministry then initiated discussions with the contending contracting partners. The discussions and negotiations culminated in the execution of a General Project Execution Agreement between the government, Mr Adesanya's Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited (SPTCL) and Sinohydro Corporation of China on November 23, 2012.

In fact, things moved so fast that in January 2015, the federal ministry of power issued an award letter to Sinohydro Corporation, CGGC of China and Sunrise Power, for the execution of the project, with Sunrise as the local content partner for the project.

It is unclear if Mr Dasuki offered Mr Adesanya and his company help in any way. But it was within that period - November 2013 - that Mr Adesanya discreetly incorporated Hydropower Investments for the Dasukis and then awarded them 10 million shares in Sunrise Power and another 1.5 million shares in another of his companies -- Sino Africa.

However, after the Jonathan government left office, the legal tussle returned and has remained unresolved, again stalling the execution of the Mambilla project.

Dasuki, Adesanya and EFCC

Soon after the end of the Jonathan administration, the anti-graft agency, EFCC, launched an investigation into a bribery scheme, involving indicted former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, some bank chiefs, and oil tycoons. Those investigated included Mr Adesanya and Benedict Peters, managing director of Aiteo Group, were accused of bribing officials of the electoral body INEC with an estimated $115 (23 billion naira at the prevailing rate) to influence the 2015 elections.

In addition to the cash brought by Ms Madueke, companies belonging to Mr Adesanya and Mr Peters were said to have contributed to the slush fund.

Some INEC officials were charged and a number of them have been convicted and jailed. Ms Madueke was also charged but she shunned her trial.

Mr Dasuki, too, was arrested in December 2015 by the State Security Service over allegations he diverted 2.1 billion dollars security funds. The Buhari government repeatedly cited national security concerns for Mr Dasuki's continued detention despite courts ordering his release. The SSS eventually released Mr Dasuki in December 2019.
President Muhammadu Buhari presented a total budget of N16.34 trillion to a joint session of the National Assembly last Thursday.

The 2022 budget of the Federal Government has passed the second reading at the Senate.

The passage of the Appropriation bill comes after a lengthy debate which lasted two days.

President Muhammadu Buhari presented a total budget of N16.34 trillion to a joint session of the National Assembly last Thursday.

More than half of the senators made their contributions on the floor of the Senate during the debate. Some lawmakers commended the federal government for 100 per cent implementation of the 2020 budget and about 60 per cent implementation of the 2021 budget.

Others also used the opportunity to call for infrastructural developments in their constituencies.

A few senators faulted the projections of the budget, especially the federal government's plans to borrow to fund the budget while others commended the executive for its plan on economic recovery.

At the end of the debate, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for submitting the budget on time.

The National Assembly, he said, is ready to work and pass the budget before the end of December.

He agreed with senators who spoke on the need for more revenue generation and remittance from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

He said the books of the MDAs will be monitored closely to ensure more revenue generation and remittance from them.

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Borrowing, Mr Lawan said, is not bad "as long as we ensure that what is borrowed is used capitally for infrastructural development."

He also urged the petroleum committees to be alert to the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and to ensure that government funds are appropriately applied.

After the second reading, the budget referred to the committee on appropriations, which will distribute it across the standing committees of the upper legislative chamber after which the MDAs will appear before them and defend their 2021 budget performance and 2022 allocations.

The committee was given four weeks to report back to the whole house.

The Senate suspended its plenary till 9 November to allow for budget defence sessions.

Budget details

The budget contains a crude oil benchmark price of $57 per barrel and daily oil production estimate of 1.88 million barrels (inclusive of condensates of 300,000 to 400,000 barrels per day).

This includes Grants and Aid of N63.38 billion, as well as the revenues of 63 Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs).

The budget also contains a non-debt recurrent expenditure of N6.83 trillion, personnel cost of N4.11 trillion and debt service of N3.61 trillion.

Statutory transfers, the category to which the National Assembly falls, have been put at N768.28 billion while Pension, Gratuities & Retirees Benefits was put at N577 billion and Overhead cost at N792.39 billion.
" " Every animal gets rid of its waste differently, and the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) has some particularly curious coprohabits. AlonzoDesign/Peter Dazeley/Getty Images

Most of us agree it's nice to have a special, separate area where everyone can relieve themselves. It's objectively great that, instead of finding piles of human feces all over the airport or grocery store, we extend to one another the courtesy of crapping in mutually-agreed-upon spaces. So civilized!

The very human-ness of this act might be why, when a group of lemurs all use a shared public toilet, we're all, now isn't that interesting?

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But let's not fool ourselves  lots of animals species poop in latrines, or middens, and it's not just us fancy-pants primates. Nor even just vertebrates! While the act of defecating in dung heaps is common in all manner of mammals from moles to otters to elephants, some species of ants make refuse chambers in their nests. And lest we assume the public toilet is a modern invention, the oldest animal latrine ever discovered was created 240 million years ago by a herd of Dinodontosaurus  giant, herbivorous reptiles that kind of resembled a modern rhino. This prehistoric pile of poo was gargantuan, covering an area of almost 10,000 square feet (900 square metres), with a poop density of around 94 turds per square meter.

And speaking of modern rhinos, the critically endangered white rhinoceros can tell us a lot about what's probably going on when animals poop in huge, communal piles. Because white rhinos are seriously into smelling each other's crap.

" " A group of white rhinos (Ceratotherium simum) gather near a water source in South Africa. RyersonClark/Getty Images

But let's back up a step. In the past, researchers have come up with lots of different reasons that a population of animals would want to create a communal midden rather than just go behind the nearest tree or wherever. Since we humans mostly confine our poop to a communal area for sanitation reasons, some biologists have assumed that other animals might be doing the same. Social insects like ants and spider mites probably do keep their biological waste and uneaten food separate from their communal living spaces with the intention of keeping harmful bacteria at bay. But given that most other animals, like the white rhino, don't make any bones about just strolling up to a giant poop pile and giving it a good, thorough snuffle, they're probably not all that worried about germs. Communal latrines have also been thought to mark borders of territories, or even communicate to predators that this herd is large enough that lunch isn't going to serve itself to them on golden salvers.

But for some species, scientists think the purpose of communal latrines is for intraspecies communication, period.

" " Dung beetles crawl over a white rhino midden in the Hluhluwe game reserve in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Peter Chadwick/Getty Images

"White rhinos use communal defecation sites to communicate  this is the only reason they do this." says Courtney Marneweck, an ecologist and doctoral student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and lead author of a recent study investigating the role of dung in white rhino communication. "They can identify age, sex, territorial state, estrous state of the depositor and even how long ago they were there. Although I did not test it in my study, I also believe that they can recognize individuals, too."

One interesting thing about white rhino midden-making behavior is that every rhino of every age in the area will use the same dungheap, but the only one allowed to poop right in the very center of the pile is the resident dominant male. He is also the only one that kicks his dung around afterwards, spreading his smell around the midden, but also carrying the smell of his poop with him everywhere he walks.

According to Marneweck, lots of other animals  both herbivores and carnivores  use communal defecation sites for communication, sometimes only to mark territory and pick up signals from other animals, sometimes just for keeping track of estrous females, and often both.

"Particularly for herbivore species, there's this hypothesis that communal defecation sites could potentially be for parasite avoidance  basically, don't crap where you eat," says Marneweck. "I highly doubt that this is the case, though. I think that communication is the reason for all species."

So, next time you're in a public bathroom, you might want to look around or take a sniff, and see what it tells you.

" " Three black rhinos (Diceros bicornis) gather above their midden in Tanzania's Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Dennis Jones/Getty Images

Now That's Interesting Sloths don't use latrines, but they only poop about once a week (it's the only reason they climb out of their tree)  and because it takes their food up to a month to digest, they're always very constipated. Each week they undergo what has been described as "an ordeal akin to childbirth."
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 14, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures Gnel Sanosyan visited the town of Shurnukh to inspect the ongoing construction of 13 residential homes intended for residents whove been deprived of their properties.

The first phase construction works are expected to be completed by yearend. The program will be completed entirely in three years, he said.

Barns are also under construction.

The government allocated 470 million drams for the project.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 14, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan will depart for Minsk on October 14-15 to take part in the session of the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers, the foreign ministry said in a statement today.

The minister will have meetings with the counterparts of the CIS states in Minsk.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 14, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian participated in an event in Rome dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the foundation of Elettronica Group, a famous Italian company engaged in providing services in the fields of defense, cyber-security.

Elettronica Group is one of the worlds leading companies providing services in the fields of defense, cyber-security and new technologies. The company uses huge resources for conducting research and development programs and has offices in different parts of the world. During the event Armen Sarkissian delivered welcoming remarks, stating that Armenia is interested in the cooperation with Elettronica Group in areas of cyber-security, mathematics and artificial intelligence. The President said that Armenia has a great development potential in these areas, adding that his dream is to make Armenia one of the best places of artificial intelligence in the world, the Presidents Office said in a statement.

The event was also attended by top officials of Italy, including the foreign minister, the minister of defense, the French economy minister and many others.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 14, ARMENPRESS. During todays hearings at the International Court of Justice, convened over Armenias request to indicate provisional measures against Azerbaijan, Armenia presented numerous evidence proving Azerbaijans intention to ethnic cleansing, torture of Armenian captives.

It was presented to the Court that Azerbaijan, according to the international humanitarian law and the 2020 November 9 trilateral statement, has been obliged to return all Armenian prisoners of war and civilians held, however, it still keeps holding the POWs and civilian captives. The rapporteurs mentioned both the unconfirmed captives and the 45 confirmed captives.

The fact that Azerbaijan has detained these 45 persons is indisputable, the rapporteur representing Armenias interests said, adding that their names and other information are presented in the documents, they are persons with clear names, faces and have families.

The rapporteur reminded that the special forces of Azerbaijan captured Armenian servicemen near Hin Tagher and Khtsaberd villages even in December 2020. It was emphasized that these two villages were not included in the areas which the Armenian troops needed to leave in accordance with the trilateral statement.

Numerous videos proving the killings and ill treatment of Armenian servicemen by the Azerbaijani servicemen have been presented to the Court.

Today you can hear that all these POWs are criminals and holding them in detention has no link with ethnic cleansing, meanwhile all evidence prove the ethnic cleansing, the rapporteur said.

The International Court of Justice, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, is holding public hearings over Armenias request to indicate provisional measures against Azerbaijan.

On September 16, 2021, Armenia instituted proceedings against the Republic of Azerbaijan before the International Court of Justice with regard to alleged violations of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD).

Armenia also requested the Court to indicate certain provisional measures as a matter of extreme urgency, including the return of Armenian prisoners of war and civilian captives from Azerbaijan, as well as the closure of the so-called Military Trophies Park in Baku.

The hearings will last until October 15.

Armenia is represented by a group at the hearings, which involves famous international experts who will help to present the countrys interests.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 14, ARMENPRESS. The development of common energy resource markets in the territory of the Eurasian Economic Union is a necessary pre-condition for the full utilization of the economic integration potential in the union, from which all member states will benefit in the long-term prospect, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during the October 14 online meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council.

Pashinyan thanked Belarus for organizing the session and welcomed the presidents of Uzbekistan and Cuba, who participated by virtue of having an observer status.

He expressed hope that disputed issues and development of the future agreement on the matter will be resolved in reasonable timeframes.

Pashinyan noted that eliminating the obstructions for mutual trade in the union is a priority.

The implementation of existing agreements in this area will strengthen the foundations of the unions activities, and the absence of obstacles within the union will raise not only mutual trust between member states, but will also increase competitiveness in external markets, Pashinyan said, stressing that it is necessary to boost efforts for eliminating obstacles, harmonizing productive supply chains, increasing transit potential taking into account the interests of business communities and citizens rights of member states.

The Armenian PM expressed certainty that applying and developing digital technologies would contribute to this process.

PM Pashinyan said right now the union must also protect its internal markets from the negative effects related to economic pressure from third countries. Armenia is ready to closely cooperate in direction of finding ways for developing a common approach in this issue, he said.

Addressing global challenges, Pashinyan also spoke about climate change, which in his words is impacting also not only the economy but social processes. He called for partnership in developing measures to mitigate climate change consequences, encouraging the restoration of green spaces and adapting low emission-level economies.

In this context he highlighted the Eurasian Economic Commissions work in the direction of developing an ecologically clean transportation. The Armenian PM asked the commission to jointly intensify the work with member states and involve business communities and scientific circles.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 14, ARMENPRESS. A meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan took place on October 14 in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, on the initiative of the Russian side.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press servic eof the MFA Armenia, the Foreign Ministers discussed issues related to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, including the implementation process of the November 9, 2020 trilateral declaration.

Armenian FM Ararat Mirzoyan highly appreciated the Russian mediation efforts aimed at the ceasefire, and in the context of ensuring the security of the Armenians of Artsakh, emphasized the presence of the Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno Karabakh.

At the same time, Minister Mirzoyan drew the parties' attention to the fact that some provisions of the November 9 declaration have not been implemented yet, emphasizing the need for a speedy and unconditional repatriation of the Armenian POWs and other detainees.

Referring to the meeting with the mediation and participation of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs in New York, Minister Mirzoyan once again reaffirmed that the comprehensive settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict should be carried out within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, based on the components and elements known to the parties.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 14, ARMENPRESS. The Defense Ministry of the Republic of Artsakh denies the statement of the Azerbaijani Defense Minsitry about discovering and capturing an UAV.

On October 14, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan spread another misinformation that an UAV belonging to the Defense Army, which was conducting reconnaissance flights, was allegedly discoveredand captured by the units of the Azerbaijani armed forces. We officially announce that its disinformation and has nothing to do with the reality, ARMENPRESS reports the press service of the Defense Minstry of Arstakh announced.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 14, ARMENPRESS. In line with the agreement reached between the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia Arshak Karapetyan and the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, General of the Army Sergey Shoygu, the Russian Defense Ministry provided the Armenian Ministry of Defense with 50,000 doses of "Sputnik-V" vaccine.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the MoD Armenia, the vaccines were delivered to Armenia on October 14 with a military airplane.

The vaccines will be used for the needs of the Armed Forces of Armenia, and a part of the batch will be allocated to the Ministry of Health for vaccination of civilians.

The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia thanks the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation for transferring the batch of vaccine to the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, as well as for providing effective assistance in the fight against the epidemic, reads the statement of MoD Armenia.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 14, ARMENPRESS. The Azerbaijani armed forces have violated the ceasefire regime on the line of contact with the Artsakh Republic, there are wounded, ARMENPRESS reports the Armenian Unified Infocenter informed,a dding that soon the Defense Army of Artsakh will provide official information.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 14, ARMENPRESS. The Defense Army of Artsakh issued a statement about the ceasefire violation by the Azerbaijani side. ARMENPRESS reports the statement issued by MoD Armenia reads as follows,

In the evening of October 14, the Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire at the positions of the Defense Army located in the eastern border section of the Republic of Artsakh, as a result of which 6 Armenian servicemen have received gunshot wounds. The Command of the Russian peacekeeping unit in Artsakh have immediarely been informed about the incident.

The Ministry of Defense of the Artsakh Republic states that it continues to adhere to the ceasefire regime and calls on the Azerbaijani side to refrain from destabilizing actions.
The Primate of the Artsakh Diocese, His Grace Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan met in Yerevan with the U.S Western Coast Office of the Armenian Relief Society , Artsakh President's Adviser on Diaspora Affairs Azatouhi Simonyan and the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Artsakh, Lusine Gharakhanyan.

October 14, 2021, 11:41 Primate of the Artsakh Diocese met with the members of U.S Western Coast Office of the Armenian Relief Society

STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 14, ARTSAKHPRESS: Azatouhi Simonyan, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Artsakh on Diaspora Affairs, informed "Artsakhpress".

According to him, during the meeting they touched upon the role of the ARS in the realization of the patriotic programs, the continuation of the upbringing of spiritual values in Artsakh, the reforms and programs taking place in the educational system.
President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian participated in an event in Rome dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the foundation of Elettronica Group, a famous Italian company engaged in providing services in the fields of defense, cyber-security.

October 14, 2021, 14:37 My dream is to make Armenia one of the best places of artificial intelligence in the world. Armen Sarkisssian

STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 14, ARTSAKHPRESS-ARMENPRESS: Elettronica Group is one of the worlds leading companies providing services in the fields of defense, cyber-security and new technologies. The company uses huge resources for conducting research and development programs and has offices in different parts of the world. During the event Armen Sarkissian delivered welcoming remarks, stating that Armenia is interested in the cooperation with Elettronica Group in areas of cyber-security, mathematics and artificial intelligence. The President said that Armenia has a great development potential in these areas, adding that his dream is to make Armenia one of the best places of artificial intelligence in the world, the Presidents Office said in a statement.

The event was also attended by top officials of Italy, including the foreign minister, the minister of defense, the French economy minister and many others.
After making three appearances in the Bachelor franchise, Alisha Aitken-Radburn has found her happy ending, sharing the exciting news of her engagement to fellow Bachie alum Glenn Smith.

Taking to her Instagram on Thursday night, Alisha shared a photo of the happy couple, and showed off her new bling.

Alisha Aitken-Radburn and Glenn Smith are a Bachie success story! Photo: Instagram/Alisha Aitken-Radburn

"MEET MY FIANCE!," she captioned the images, revealing Glenn popped the question on Wednesday evening.

"Sunset at South Perth Foreshore. My heart is bursting."

Glenn also took to his own Instagram account to tell his followers "she said yes!"

"I get to marry my dream girl and best friend! Words cant express how happy I am, Not just today but every day! The moment I met you in Fiji I knew you were the one. I love you," he added.

RELATED:

After making her reality TV debut on the Honey Badgers season of The Bachelor, Alisha and Glenn fell in love on the spin-off series Bachelor in Paradise in 2020.

Congratulations from fellow Bachie participants quickly flooded in with most recent winner Holly Kingston - who stole Bachelor Jimmy's heart - wrote: "Congratulations team!!!"

Renee Barrett wrote: "Wooooo" with lots of heart emojis.

We first met Aisha on the Honey Badgers season of The Bachelor. Photo: Channel 10

After the show, Alisha revealed how she and Glenn kept their romance under wraps before it aired.

"Lots of messages about how we stayed ''hidden'' but have clearly done a bunch of stuff,' Alisha said in a lengthy Instagram post.

"I guess we just got lucky, @glennsmith87 wasn't SUPER recognisable from his season of Bachelorette (sorry babe) and you may or may not be surprised how fast people forget old cast of shows once new ones are airing."

It's been a busy time for the 28-year-old who recently launched her latest project: a political podcast titled In the House and In the Senate.

Story continues

Speaking with Yahoo Lifestyle, Alisha says that she couldnt be more proud of the venture as it has been a long time coming.

Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyles daily newsletter.

Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com.
Kindergarten students within the Auburn Enlarged City School District were able to check out the ins and outs of a dairy farm, all without leaving their classroom.

Children in Meg Gremli's class at Herman Avenue Elementary School watched a virtual farm tour Wednesday. The video was shown on YouTube through Zoom, live at Mulligan Farm in Avon, to classrooms all over the country and in Canada. The tour event was hosted by American Dairy Association North East.

Greg Szklany, multimedia communications specialist with the association, said these events help children learn about where their food comes from.

"It's a great opportunity to have farmers and students be connected with each other," he said. "More and more consumers now are further removed from agriculture and so being able to educate students and just the general population about where their food comes from, how it is produced, how it is produced responsibly, sustainably, are great opportunities to showcase today's program."

During the virtual tour, Kelsey O'Shea, industry relation specialist with the association, asked those watching how many of them had been on a farm. Gremli and many of the students raised their hands. O'Shea also mentioned that people watching the tour on Facebook Live could type in questions.

O'Shea introduced farmer Emilie Mulligan, who said she is a fourth-generation farmer and she and her cousin manage Mulligan Farm. Mulligan noted the farm has over 20 employees plus specialists. She first walked over to the farm's calf stock.

"These white houses in front of us are called hutches, and these are where our newest additions to the farm live," she said. "So they spend their days sleeping, eating and hanging out."

Motioning to some nearby calves, Mulligan said they were fed their breakfast that 6:30 a.m., they would get lunch around noon and they would receive dinner around 6 p.m. She said the calves get grain, water and milk that is produced on the farm and is then pasteurized.

At one point when some cows were shown clearly on camera, several of the students in Gremli's classroom burst into exclamations of "Cows!" O'Shea could be hear saying they were receiving questions asking if the cows have names and what the yellow tags in their ears were. Mulligan said there are 3,000 animals on the farm, so not all of them have names. Instead of names, she said, they have yellow ear tags, with every calf having a different number on their tag, which help employees identify them.

Later, when a cow is seen laying in some straw, a student asked Gremli if that was the cow's bed, to which the teacher said yes. When one cow got close to the camera, a couple students said "Wow!" and reached out their arms, as if to grab the animal.

After the virtual tour ended and the students were about to go to lunch, Nolan Swartz, 5, talked about what his favorite part of the event was.

"Seeing the baby cows," he said.

Gremli said she thought the virtual tour went well.

"I think it's important for kids to just be able to experience all that life and the world has to offer. A farm isn't something that they've all been to or experienced and unfortunately, due to the pandemic, we absolutely can not take a field trip there," she said. "So the next best thing is, let's the bring the farm into the classroom. We can see and hear, we can't smell or touch anything, but it's just a way to flood them with a multitude of different experiences."

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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The House of Representatives on Tuesday voted to raise the debt ceiling, but there was opposition to the $480 billion temporary extension.

U.S. Rep. John Katko joined fellow Republicans in voting against the debt limit increase. It passed along party lines, 219-206.

Katko, R-Camillus, has voted for debt ceiling increases before but disagreed with how the Democrats presented the measure. Instead of considering the debt limit hike as a standalone bill, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi scheduled a vote on a resolution to set the rules for debating three unrelated bills. Extending the debt limit was included as a provision in the resolution.

By tucking the language in the resolution, Republicans argue it prevented debate on the matter. Katko described it as a "procedural shortcut" that meant the debt ceiling would not be considered as a standalone bill.

"Congress has a responsibility to fund the government and ensure our nation's financial obligations are met," he said. "Last night, Congress should have engaged in a serious, bipartisan and long-overdue debate on the future of federal spending and the national debt."

With passage in the House, the debt ceiling measure goes to President Joe Biden for his signature. The Senate passed the legislation last week along party lines.

The congressional action delays a long-term solution to the debt ceiling problem. The Treasury said Congress needed to act by Oct. 18 or the federal government would run out of money.

The debt limit has been extended to Dec. 3.

Republicans have been reluctant to partner with the Democrats on a debt limit hike, in part, because of ongoing discussions about a multi-trillion dollar package that contains many of Biden's legislative priorities, from expanding Medicare to establishing a national paid leave program. There have been disagreements among Democrats on how to proceed with that legislation. Those disagreements are also preventing the passage of a bipartisan infrastructure deal that has already cleared the Senate but is awaiting House consideration.

In less than two months, Democrats  who control both houses of Congress and the White House  will need to figure out how to advance their legislative agenda and address the debt limit to avoid a fiscal crisis at the end of the year.

Politics reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding.

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Empire State Development's tourism office is posting weekly fall foliage reports. Below is the report posted Oct. 13, 2021:

This is the sixth 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.

Beautiful peak foliage will be found in most areas of the Catskills region this weekend, along with areas of the Adirondacks, Thousand Islands-Seaway, Chautauqua-Allegheny, and Central New York regions, according to volunteer observers for Empire State Developments I LOVE NY program.

In the Finger Lakes, Steuben County observers in Corning predict near-peak conditions with 80% color change and average-to-bright seasonal hues. In Tioga County, Owego spotters predict 60% color transition and foliage at midpoint of change, with red, brown, yellow, and green leaves of average brilliance. In the Chemung County town of Elmira, reports expect midpoint to near-peak foliage, with 50% color change and orange, red, rust, and green leaves of average brilliance. In Tompkins County, foliage is approaching near-peak conditions in the hillside surrounding Ithaca, while leaves in the city and along Cayuga Lake will be less changed. Overall, expect 45% color change with average-to-bright yellow leaves, along with pops of orange and red in higher elevations. In Monroe County, reports from Greece expect nearly 60% color change and a good blend of bright red, orange, yellow, and green leaves. Despite some still visible green foliage, some of the bright yellow locust leaves are beginning to fall. It is expected that even at peak, there will still be green foliage visible, especially closer to lakeside Lake Ontario, while will colors be bolder into the hills and inland, south and west of the city.

Schuyler County reports from Watkins Glen and Montour Falls expect foliage to be at midpoint of change with 50% color transition and touches of red among bright shades of gold. Foliage should reach midpoint of change in Wayne County around Lyons, where trees are at 55% transition featuring muted red and orange leaves. In Yates County, up to 40% change is predicted with yellow leaves of average brilliance, along with some orange and brown leaves. Livingston County spotters in Geneseo predict up to 35% change with mostly green leaves. In Cayuga County, Auburn observers are predicting foliage around midpoint of change and a little less than 30% transition, with orange and yellow leaves of average brilliance. Onondaga County reports from Bear Lake Nature Center in Baldwinsville anticipate more than 35% change, between just changing and midpoint, with muted shades of dark red, and burnt orange leaves. In Syracuse, spotters at Burnet Park predict 20% change this weekend, with touches of red in the mostly green trees, and some yellow. In Ontario County, spotters in Canandaigua are predicting up to 25% color change with mostly green leaves.

In the Catskills, Delaware County spotters reporting from Delhi predict peak foliage this weekend, with up to 90% percent color change and muted-to-average rust and orange leaves, along with some bright yellow in higher elevations. In Greene County near Hotel Vienna in Windham, peak foliage with nearly complete leaf change featuring yellow, orange, and some green leaves of average brilliance is expected. Reports from the upper elevations of the county (above 1500 feet) predict peak to just-past-peak foliage, with red, orange, and yellow leaves of above-average brilliance, along with some purple. In Ulster County, foliage will be peak at Belleayre Mountain Ski Area in Highmount, with muted-to-average shades of red and yellow. Volunteers in West Shokan are predicting near-peak to peak foliage, with up to 90% color change featuring very bright yellows and some bright reds. Colors are brighter and more beautiful in higher elevations. In Kingston, foliage will be at midpoint of change, with color transition around 45-50% and bright green, red, and yellow leaves. Sullivan County observers from Forestburgh, about 20 miles from Port Jervis, expect peak foliage this weekend, with 75% color change and brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds, along with muted shades of wine, gold, and peach. Spotters in Swan Lake also expect peak foliage, with more than 60% color transition and bright, quickly changing yellow leaves, along with some red and orange of average brilliance.

In the Adirondacks, Essex County spotters predict peak foliage at Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington this weekend, with more than 80% color change and brilliant red, orange, yellow, and purple leaves. Observers in Schroon Lake and Newcomb are also predicting peak conditions, with bright shades of orange and yellow, and some reds. Lake Placid reports expect foliage to be past-peak with some shades of red, orange, and yellow remaining. Volunteers near Lake Champlain in Crown Point predict that leaves will be at midpoint of change this weekend, with 50-60% color transition and muted-to-average shades of gold and rust, along with an occasional splash of orange or red.

In Franklin County, peak foliage will arrive in the Malone and Mountain View areas this weekend with 95% color change and very brilliant yellows and oranges, and deep reds. Foliage will be just-past-peak but still picturesque in Tupper Lake and Mt. Arab, where reports predict 95% color change showcasing bronze, ginger, canary, turmeric, and pumpkin leaves of above average brilliance, along with intermittent hues of scarlet and burgundy, and various yellow tints against a cinnamon backdrop. Many of the leaves are still intact and should continue to provide exceptional leaf peeping opportunities. Foliage will be past-peak in Saranac Lake, with nearly complete leaf transformation. Yellow and orange leaves remain, but are starting to drop, and the overall landscape is becoming less vibrant.

In Hamilton County, Lake Pleasant spotters predict peak foliage with nearly complete leaf change and average-to-bright shades of yellow and orange. In Herkimer County, Old Forge will have just-past-peak foliage with near-total leaf change. The color brilliance is declining slightly, but there are still a lot of very bright oranges, golds, and yellows, along with many darkening reds, and falling leaves have made a rich yellow-gold blanket covering the forest floor. In Warren County, reports from Queensbury predict near-peak foliage, with 75% color change and rapidly transitioning bright red and yellow leaves. Observers in Lake George are also predicting near-peak hues, with up to 65% color change and mostly yellow, along with orange leaves of varying brilliance, and some pops of vivid red in the northern portion of the county, where colors are noticeably brighter.

In the Thousand Islands-Seaway region, peak will arrive in St. Lawrence County this weekend, according to spotters in Canton. Look for 70% color change with brilliant red and orange leaves, along with some bright yellow. Jefferson County reports from Wellesley Island and inland predict near-peak and peak conditions this weekend, with more than 90% color change in some places and a brilliant range of fall colors. Foliage will be near-peak in parts of Oswego County. The northern portion of the county is awash with bright reds, oranges and yellows, while muted green shades are giving way to pops of color in the southern part.

In the Chautauqua-Allegheny region, Cattaraugus County observers in Little Valley are anticipating peak conditions with 70% color transition and bright, beautiful shades of yellow and light orange, along with pops of bright orange and red. Leaves will be just-past-peak at Allegany State Park with 60% color change and muted yellow leaves. Foliage throughout the park is still colorful, and the oaks are just starting to transition. In Chautauqua County, spotters in Chautauqua expect near-peak foliage this weekend, with 65% color change and average-to-bright shades of yellow, orange, and red, especially near Chautauqua Institution and Panama Rocks.

In Central New York, foliage conditions expected to be near-peak to peak this weekend in Madison County, according to spotters at Stone Quarry Hill Art Park in Cazenovia. Expect 65% color change and average-to-bright citrus oranges and yellows. Leaves will also be heading toward peak in Broome County around Binghamton, where 65% or more color change is predicted, highlighted by bright seasonal colors. Near Herkimer in the southern part of Herkimer County, reports predict that leaves will be 60% changed and between midpoint and near-peak, with muted shades of yellow and red. Montgomery County observers at Sand Flats Orchard in Fonda predict up to 75% change and near-peak foliage, with bright orange, yellow, and red leaves emerging throughout the Mohawk Valley. In Otsego County, Cooperstown observers are predicting near-peak foliage, with 70% color change and average shades of green, yellow, and orange, along with some reds. Many leaves have already dropped, reducing the overall brilliance. Utica spotters in Oneida County predict foliage approaching midpoint of change, with muted-to-average orange and yellow leaves, along with touches of red and some browning. About 55-65% color transition and foliage at midpoint-to-near-peak of change is anticipated in Schoharie County around Seward, where of red and yellow leaves pop against an otherwise orange, brown, and green backdrop. More color change has been observed inland than along waterways.

In the Capital-Saratoga region, Fulton County foliage spotters at Mountain Lake in Bleecker predict near-peak foliage this weekend with 75% color change and bright shades orange and red, with some emerging sumac reds. Albany County reports from Cohoes Falls and along I-787 toward Albany predict 60-65% change and near-peak conditions, with muted yellow, orange, rust, and red leaves, along with some leaf droppage. Eastern Rensselaer County observers predict near-peak foliage with 60-65% color change and a good mix of brilliant purplish-red leaves, along with various shades of red, orange, and yellow. In Saratoga County, Saratoga Springs, 55-60% color change and near-peak foliage is expected, featuring a bright rainbow of yellows, oranges, reds, and greens.

In the Greater Niagara region, Erie County foliage spotters in East Aurora predict that foliage will range between midpoint and near-peak of change, with 60% color transition and muted shades of yellow and orange. Volunteers in Buffalo predict leaves approaching midpoint of change, with 35% color transition and bright fall shades of red, orange, and yellow. In Genesee County, observers in Byron also expect foliage around midpoint of change, with 35% color transition and a mix of muted fall shades. In Niagara County, Lewiston reports expect foliage to be at midpoint of change with 40% color change and some brilliant yellow, orange, and red leaves. Niagara Falls spotters predict 35% color change and midpoint conditions with increasing amounts of yellow leaves of average brilliance, along with shades of orange and red. In Wyoming County, reports from Warsaw expect 50% color change with average to bright yellow, red, and green leaves. At Letchworth State Park, leaves are 40% changed and conditions are approaching midpoint, with average shades of yellow and orange.

In the Hudson Valley, Dutchess County volunteers in Poughkeepsie predict 60% color change and bright, near-peak foliage of yellow and orange, along with some spots of red and green. Spotters reporting from Beacon and Fishkill expect around 40% change with red and yellow leaves of average brilliance. Not as much color change is noticeable on the mountains, which are still mostly green, while more change is visible at ground level. Leaves will be at midpoint of change in Columbia County around Hudson, with 40% transition and average-to-bright burnt sienna, gold, and yellow leaves, along with touches of red. Orange County spotters in Newburgh predict foliage approaching midpoint of change with orange and red leaves of average brilliance, and a considerable amount of remaining green. Observers in Goshen predict 25% change with average-to-bright touches of orange and red, and foliage observers in Cornwall expect 20% or more color change by the weekend, with emerging yellow leaves, and some orange-red. In Putnam County, Cold Spring spotters expect around 10% change with touches of golden-yellow, red, and orange leaves appearing over the muted green backdrop.

Rockland County foliage spotters in New City predict up to 50% foliage change and conditions approaching midpoint, with bright orange, yellow, and red leaves joining the still mostly green backdrop. At Bear Mountain State Park in Bear Mountain, look for 45% change with muted yellow and red leaves emerging. Foliage should be reaching midpoint of change this weekend in Westchester County, according to White Plains spotters, who predict 45% color transition and a good mix of bright red, green, and yellow leaves.

On Long Island, Nassau County reports from East Meadow predict 25% color change with some yellow, orange, red, and purple leaves of average brilliance. Overall, trees in Nassau County and western Suffolk County are beginning to change, with anywhere from 10 to 25% projected by the weekend depending on the area. Parkways including the Northern State, Southern State, Meadowbrook and Wantagh are still mostly green with some trees starting to change color. Trees around lakes and ponds and areas closer to the waterfront on both the north shore and south shore are showing more change, with 30% or more transition in a few areas expected. Volunteers at Hempstead Lake Park in Hempstead predict more than 45% change this weekend featuring large patches of bright maroon, crimson, lemon yellow, golden yellow, and rust. Spotters at Valley Stream State Park predict more than 10% change and mostly green leaves becoming more yellow. In Suffolk County, North Shore reports from Sunken Meadow State Park and Kings Park are expecting 20% change, with muted touches of yellow and red. Sycamore trees are nearly all changed in the center of Sunken Meadow, and some black walnut trees are changing, while maples are taking their time. Observers from Montauk Point in The Hamptons are expecting less than 10% color change this weekend, with mostly green leaves.

In New York City, volunteers reporting from the Sunset Park neighborhood in south Brooklyn predict 30% color change with mostly green leaves, and some oranges and reds of average brilliance. Spotters from the DUMBO area predict 30% foliage change with yellow leaves of average brilliance, while observers in Williamsburg and Greenpoint are expecting a little more than 10% transition with bright yellow, rust, gold, and light green leaves, along with some early droppage. In the Bronx, Morris Park reports predict 20% change with red and yellow leaves of average brilliance. On Staten Island, spotters in Snug Harbor expect 35% change with muted-to-average touches of red, yellow, and orange. Up to 15% transition is expected for the Upper West Side of Manhattan, where foliage change is still minimal.

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ROCHESTER  Two men from the Rochester area have been charged in a federal indictment with pepper-spraying police officers during the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

According to court documents unsealed Wednesday, Cody Mattice, 28, and James Mault, 29, each face charges including engaging in physical violence with a deadly or dangerous weapon while in a restricted building.

Prosecutors say photos and videos from the Capitol breach show Mattice tearing down a barrier and spraying pepper spray into a tunnel where officers were stationed.

Mattice was arrested last week at his home in Hilton, New York.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Harvey said during a detention hearing in Rochester on Tuesday that a text on Mattice's cellphone sent to a friend or family member said, I also maced a cop."

WHEC-TV reports that an attorney for Mattice questioned whether the cellphone belonged to Mattice.

The defense said Mattice is not a flight risk or a danger to the community. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen reserved judgment until Friday.

According to prosecutors, Mault, of Brockport, New York, is identifiable in photos and videos from the Capitol area in a hard hat covered with stickers including one from Ironworkers Local 33 Rochester.

Mault told the FBI agent who interviewed him that he wore his hard hat because members of Antifa were known to attack Trump supporters, prosecutors said.

Mault was arrested last week in Fort Bragg, where he has been stationed in the U.S. Army, and is being held in a federal facility in Raleigh, North Carolina.

According to the indictment, photos from the Capitol show Mault spraying a chemical agent toward police officers.

Mault's family members told WHEC that that while Mault was at the Capitol, he did not engage in insurrection and never fought with police.

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Fed up with traffic jams? Imagine a world where your taxi takes to the skies and lands on top of your office building, recharges and sets off afresh.

That's the vision of Stephen Fitzpatrick, founder and CEO of Britain's Vertical Aerospace, which is set to raise $394 million in a merger with a blank-cheque New York-listed company, and who says his aircraft will be flying by the mid-2020s.

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And he's not alone. Some of the world's most high-profile engineers and airlines believe Vertical is onto something with its plan for zero-emission mini-aircraft to almost silently take four passengers through the skies for up to 120 miles (193 kms).

American Airlines, aircraft lessor Avolon, engineers Honeywell and Rolls-Royce, as well as Microsofts M12 unit are investing in the merger, which is expected to complete by the end of the year.

Fitzpatrick, who also set up OVO Energy, Britain's no.3 energy retailer, said Vertical flights between London's Heathrow airport and its Canary Wharf financial district will take 15 minutes and cost 50 pounds ($68) per passenger.

That potential is attracting airlines' attention. More than 1,000 VA-X4 aircraft have been pre-ordered by customers. Interest in the zero-emission aircraft comes at a time when aviation companies are under mounting pressure from investors to help decarbonize the sector and boost their environmental, social and governance scores.

"We are going to sign deals. We're finding the appetite and the demand from airlines to be really strong," Fitzpatrick told Reuters.

The biggest challenge for Vertical is certifying its aircraft, which Fitzpatrick said it is on track to do by the end of 2024, funded by new money from the merger.

Test Flights

Fitzpatrick first had the idea back in 2015 when he sat for hours in 10 lanes of gridlocked traffic in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Back then, there weren't many competitors, he said, but today analysts estimate there are more than 100 companies working on rival electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVOTL) aircraft.

The VA-X4 is still in construction and will start test flights early next year. Fitzpatrick believes Vertical's partnerships will help it emerge as a winner.

Using battery technology from the car industry, and tried and tested electrical propulsion units and motors, and backed by Honeywell's electronics, Fitzpatrick has "no doubt" that the VA-X4 will fly.

Certification will depend on the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

"The process of certifying the aircraft is known. The technologies are new, but the steps we need to go through are relatively similar to other aircraft," said Fitzpatrick, who has recruited senior engineers from both Airbus and Rolls-Royce.

Developing a new mode of transport comes with other challenges such as the infrastructure, but Fitzpatrick is confident.

"We're already in discussions with, for example, Heathrow Airport," he said, pointing out of his office window to potential skyport locations on rooftops.

As for convincing passengers, that's where airlines come in.

"I think the brand association with trusted airlines is really going to help passengers embrace the new technology," he said.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.
Kawasaki has announced that it will only sell electric motorcycles in some of the developed countries by 2035. The motorcycle maker's electrification ambition came into the limelight two years ago when it unveiled an electric motorcycle concept at the EICMA Milan Motorcycle Show.

The EV prototype came based on the Ninja 300 motorcycle but the final version of the bike, however, could use a unique design.

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Kawasaki had also released the information on the initial specs of the electric prototype. It featured the power of 27 hp for acceleration and an output of 13 hp for cruising. The company also informed that it offered a range of 100 km and weigh 219 kg.

(Also read | More affordable 2022 Kawasaki Versys 1000 breaks cover: Things to note)

The motorcycle company that has committed to launching about 10 new electric motorcycles by 2025, these specs and no substantial progress towards the development of a full-fledged model can make things difficult for it. The brand that promised to sell only electric motorcycles in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and Japan, these four years till the deadline remains crucial.

Kawasaki currently sells around 3,80,000 motorcycles per year in North America and hence it transition towards electrification can become taxing as many other electric motorcycle brands have already entered and have started developing their electric models.

(Also read | 2022 Kawasaki Vulcan S goes on sale in India. Check price here)

The company also has a strong following in India and has recently launched models in the country such as 2022 KX250 and KX450 which are off-road or dirt motorcycles. Now one has to wait and see what it has to offer in the country as India too has started its journey towards the adoption of electric mobility.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW), a joint venture between General Motors and two Chinese automakers, announced on Thursday its new vehicle deliveries jumped 23.3% year on year to 1,270,148 units for the first nine months of 2021, 390,057 units of which were sold in the third quarter.



The deliveries of the GSEV (global small electric vehicle) platform-based models reached 109,978 units in the third quarter, resulting in 571,011 units in their cumulative volume.



Wuling MINIEV; photo credit: SGMW



As of September 2021, the total deliveries of the Wuling MINIEV surpassed 400,000 units since it went on sale in July 2020. The entry-level all-electric model recorded a delivery volume of 35,169 units in September, honored the best-selling new energy vehicle (NEV) model in China for the 13th month in a row.



KiWi EV; photo credit: Baojun



In addition, SGMW said it received over 12,000 orders of the Baojun KiWi EV 40 days after the GSEV-based car model hit the market on August 31.

On Sept. 16, the Asta (dubbed Xingchen in Chinese) hit the market as Wuling brand's first strategic SUV bearing the global silver badge. It took the automaker only 26 days to deliver 10,000 Asta SUVs.

SGMW launched its in-house developed smart mini-sized battery swapping station on Sept. 15 at the 2021 World New Energy Vehicle Congress (WNEVC). The innovative facility was put into use for the self-driving logistics vehicles at SGMW Baojun manufacturing base in October last year, and has already completed over 2,000 battery swaps.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- Bosch entered into a strategic agreement with Chinas intelligent EV technology startup, U Power, with funds invested through its subsidiary venture capital, U Power announced today.

U Power, Bosch signing ceremony; photo credit: U Power



Per the agreement, the two companies will be cooperating in integrated chassis technologies, supporting the development of U Powers UP Super Chassis. In the meantime, the startup announced the completion of its Pre-A+ round of financing, led by Boschs newly established Boyuan Capital. The investment marked the capitals first-ever investment since establishment.

U Power was founded by Li Peng, a former executive of Great Wall Motor, in April 2021, aiming to redefine the automotive development process by dividing chassis from the body. The companys self-developed UP Super Chassis is customizable for different hardware standards and software platforms, improving productivity. The said chassis is estimated to shorten R&D time to one year while lowering up to 60% of production cost.

CEO of Boyuan Capital, Zhu Lin said, that under the trend of intelligent vehicle making, the value of the traditional automotive supply chain has changed. A lot of new players entered the field, with U Power being particularly technological and promising.

Nowadays, Chinas intelligent EV industry has been undergoing increasingly fierce competition. With the progress made in vehicle modularization and intellectualization, the body-chassis-separated manufacturing pattern became possible. Several international startups have already shown results in the field, cooperating with major automakers.

In China, the super chassis concept remains fresh. Founder of U Power, Li Peng, said many companies from different backgrounds crave to enter into the future mobility field, but automaking has a high barrier. U Power aims to realize automaking freedom through its UP Super Chassis technology.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- NIOs executive, Pan Yu, said at a conference that automakers need to enhance cooperation with local semiconductor providers to prevent the chip shortage from happening again in the future.

Photo credit: NIO



Pan Yu, the assistant vice president to NIOs supply chain development sector, addressed the three stages of challenges the automotive chip supply chain underwent. The process started with a misjudgment of the supply and demand balance, causing a slashed production capacity, followed by frequent black swan events. Then comes the current stage of the long-term influence brought by the pandemic, resulting in an even greater scissors difference in global semiconductor supply and demand.

The initial misjudgment was an inevitable result of the information opaqueness among the auto industry chain, from automakers to Tier 1 companies to subcontractors and semiconductor providers. The auto industry needs to transform the chain into a net for demands to be more transparent, leading the front tier design, providing strategic supports all around, said the executive.

Pan Yu suggested three directions to improve the situation. Firstly, Chinese semiconductor companies should be more grounded and play to their strengths. For example, the already mature process capability should be given priority to enhance. In terms of mainstream technologies, companies need to focus on the ones that are closest to widely-used international products, making it easy for automakers to deploy. With ample manufacturers domestically, being an alternative supplier is also a feasible option.

As to the entire industry, the executive proposed to offer local semiconductor suppliers an opportunity by providing an application scenario and opening up the supply chain. Government policies are also helpful for companies to improve business operations and profitability.

Automakers and semiconductor providers should work together to build a virtuous cycle, realizing products and target market iteration based on vehicle users real needs. By upgrading user experience, Pan Yu added, both parties will see an increase in sales.
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Beijing (Gasgoo)- Japanese automaker Honda Motor Co. will only introduce electrified vehicles from 2030 on in China, with first 10 models from new electric vehicle (EV) brand in the coming five years, the company announced on Wednesday.

In order to help realize both carbon neutrality and zero traffic collision fatalities by 2050, Honda aims to increase the ratio of EVs and FCVs within overall unit sales to 40% by 2030, to 80% by 2035, and then to 100% by 2040. To achieve the targets, Honda announced it will no longer launch new gasoline-powered models after 2030 in China and will electrify all newly-added models, such as hybrid vehicles and EVs, in the market.

Models from e:N series; photo credit: Honda

At the virtual conference, Honda also unveiled its all-new battery electric vehicle brand, the e:N as well as two mass-produced models from the brand, the e:NS1 to be made by Dongfeng Honda and the e:NP1 to be made by GAC Honda. Both new models will go on sale in China in Spring of 2022.

For expanding the e:N Series portfolio, Honda is working on three concept models, the e:N COUPE Concept, the e:N SUV Concept and the e:N GT Concept, with a goal to start selling these new models within the next 5 years. Honda plans to introduce 10 e:N Series models over the next 5 years, and also envisions exporting these models from China.



Photo credit: Honda

Apart from product development, the automaker will also step up efforts on sales and production including the supply chain. In terms of sales, Honda will create an area dedicated to the e:N series in its dealership locations across the country. Moreover, further ahead, Honda is planning to launch dedicated e:N dealerships in major cities of China, which will specialize in sales of e:N Series models.

Photo credit: Honda

For production, both joint ventures will build new, highly-efficient and environmentally-responsible EV production plants, which are expected to start production in 2024, to strengthen their separate production systems and capabilities.

Photo credit: Honda

As for batteries, Honda will accelerate collaboration with its strategic alliance partner, CATL, and further strengthen its highly-competitive battery supply system.

In the first nine months of this year, Honda sold 1,107,814 vehicles, up by 3.9% from a year earlier. Sales of Honda hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) leapt 31.2% year on year to 169,613 units during the period.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- As of September 2021, XPeng Inc. (XPeng) had deployed in 121 Chinese cities a total of 439 own-brand supercharging stations, 40 of which were newly launched last month, the Guangzhou-based EV manufacturer announced on Thursday.



A XPeng P7 at XPeng's supercharging station; photo credit: XPeng



According to XPeng's update, the company's charging network has also included 108 destination charging stations, 27 of which were deployed last month, as well as 1,648 free charging stations that cover 221 cities across China.

XPeng is the first EV startup in China to offer free lifetime charging services for its customers, aiming to popularize its smart EVs by providing easy access to free charging facilities and improving customer experience.

Last month, XPeng began deploying its supercharging stations in 20 cities, including Mohe, Chinas northernmost city.

The EV startup also signed contracts in September for 100 supercharging stations, indicating a rapid expansion of XPengs charging network in the near future.

The company wishes to deploy over 500 own-brand supercharging stations in the country by the end of this year and speed up the deployment of its charging system in non-first-/second-tier cities.

The plan for the fast expanding energy supply network is also designed to support XPengs vigorously growing sales. The carmaker saw its monthly deliveries for the first time topped 10,000 units in September, while also achieving a 199% year-on-year hike.
It was less than an hour before opening at the Flagstaff Mall when store employees heard a loud crash and witnessed a man wearing a stolen FedEx shirt frantically flee through a service hallway.

Police arrested 26-year-old Ramon Muniz on Sept. 27,after he allegedly stole a white delivery van from a gas station in Winslow and later crashed the vehicle into the mall entrance, bending metal traffic poles and causing an estimated tens of thousands of dollars in damage.

According to online court records, Muniz faces 22 charges, including multiple felony counts, after he was arrested and booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility.

Reports from law enforcement agencies suggest many of those charges are for crimes that were committed before the collision occurred.

Details of the lengthy crime spree involving multiple vehicle thefts and a string of attempted burglaries were released to the Arizona Daily Sun in a report from the Flagstaff Police Department.

Muniz was indicted by a grand jury in the Coconino Superior Court last week. Among the charges were counts of endangerment, vehicle theft, credit card theft, attempted burglary and criminal damage.

According to the report, Muniz was living in Show Low when officers allege he stole a red pickup truck from his father in the early hours of the morning of the mall collision. Police eventually connected multiple traffic incidents to Muniz as he made his way toward Flagstaff.

The first was a call for service made to the Arizona Department of Public Safety when a commuter reported that the red pickup had pulled up behind his vehicle parked on the side of the road.

The caller said Muniz claimed to be a police officer and said he needed the car for an emergency, according to the report. The caller said he was assaulted by the suspect before he returned to the truck and fled.

Then, another call for service reported the red truck had hit another vehicle, running it off the road in the process. The second caller said the suspect drove away without stopping. Neither of the incidents caused serious injury.

The crime spree continued when police received reports of a non-injury collision involving a tow truck that had crossed the I-40 median and ran into a fence, according to the report.

Police used video footage taken from inside the tow truck to describe an altercation between a man suspected to be Muniz and the driver. Officers later learned that the incident also involved the red truck.

Police said the red truck had initially pulled up behind the tow truck before Muniz allegedly entered the other vehicle and attempted to drive away. As he started to flee, the tow truck driver was able to enter the vehicle.

Police said the driver can be seen punching the suspect as the vehicle crossed the median and eventually collided with a fence.

Muniz then fled the accident in the red truck, according to the report. Eventually, the truck stopped at a gas station in Winslow, where it would later be recovered by officers.

In an interview with a Flagstaff police investigator, Muniz reportedly admitted to stealing the white delivery van from the gas station parking lot before crashing it into the Flagstaff Mall. Muniz told officers the mall collision was unintentional, according to the report.

But witnesses and first responders suggested otherwise. A responding officer reported after an initial survey of the scene that the collision appeared intentional. Another witness, who was sitting in a vehicle in the malls parking lot, estimated that the van was traveling at 20 to 30 mph when it collided with the traffic barriers outside the entrance.

Once inside, multiple mall employees reported seeing a man in a FedEx shirt flee from the vehicle. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts suggest Muniz attempted to break into the Dillards department store before fleeing through a mall service hallway.

Inside the service hallway, another eyewitness said they saw Muniz discard the FedEx shirt as he made his escape. The crime spree continued after the suspect made his way out of the mall, according to the report.

Reports made to police suggest a man matching Munizs description then attempted multiple thefts at the Flagstaff Fire Department Station No. 3. Separate reports suggest the suspect may have also attempted vehicle thefts at a nearby RV dealership.

According to the report, the suspect allegedly stole a set of City of Flagstaff keys from inside a vehicle in the fire stations bay before attempting to steal a pickup truck belonging to a firefighter, also taking the firefighters bank card in the process.

After searching the surrounding area, Muniz was eventually located shortly after the mall collision by a police officer in the Mountain Meadows neighborhood. He was knocking on the front door of a residence, according to the report. He was arrested at gunpoint.

The report alleges Muniz later told investigators he was looking for a place to hide in the neighborhood, and that he committed the crimes because he was stressed about being broke.

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U.S. Air Force airman Mark Gooch was found guilty Wednesday of kidnapping and first-degree murder for killing a Mennonite woman after her body was found in a forested area outside of Flagstaff.

Jurors in the Coconino County Superior Court deliberated for less than six hours over two days before returning the guilty verdict against Gooch, 22, who had been stationed at the Luke Air Force Base prior to his arrest.

Prosecutors say Gooch traveled more than seven hours to kidnap Sasha Krause, 27, from her Mennonite community in Farmington, New Mexico. Her body was found by a camper who was in search of firewood a month later in the Sunset Volcano Crater National Monument area.

Gooch was convicted on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping and now faces life in prison for the murder charge. Coconino County Superior Court Judge Cathleen Brown Nichols separately convicted Gooch of a misdemeanor charge of theft, related to Krause's belongings. He is scheduled to appear before a judge for a Nov. 24 sentencing.

Gooch showed no emotion during the trial or when the verdict was announced. He stood in a military stance, with one hand resting over the other behind his back. As he left the courtroom Wednesday, he looked at two family members who sat behind him. They declined to comment.

Krause was an occasional Sunday school teacher in Farmington, where she worked in the publishing ministry. She is remembered by those who knew her as a light in her community, a bookworm and a churchgoer with a soft-spoken demeanor.

She was reported missing on Jan. 18, 2020, after disappearing while gathering supplies at the church for the next day's Sunday services.

When investigators first arrived at the forested area outside of Flagstaff, they found Krause face down in the cinders with her hands bound by duct tape and a .22-caliber bullet fired into the back of her skull.

As a devout conservative Mennonite who practiced nonviolence, prosecutors suggested Krause might not have fought back when she was kidnapped. An autopsy did not suggest the presence of defensive wounds.

During 10 days of testimony, prosecutors painted the picture of a heartless act of violence against Krause that manifested from Goochs contempt for Mennonites. They said Gooch committed the crime under the shroud of darkness as he traversed remote parts of the country.

The defense argued the motive did not fit Goochs good character and that the state did not produce enough objective evidence tying him to the crime. They said Gooch, who was raised in the Mennonite faith, had visited Farmington in search of fellowship and had been cooperative with investigators.

Jurors were not presented evidence of DNA, hair follicles, blood spatters or eyewitness testimony. Gooch was ultimately linked to the crime using financial records, cellular location data and surveillance footage.

Based on communication with cellular sites, a cellphone expert testified during trial that Goochs phone was the only device that communicated with the same towers as Krauses phone before her signal dropped off west of Farmington headed toward the Flagstaff area.

Investigators were aware of the cellphone pings when they initially interviewed Gooch before his arrest. In the interview, Gooch said he swung by the church on a Saturday to check out their sign, though the records place him in the area for more than three hours, the prosecution said.

The jury also heard testimony from an Arizona Department of Public Safety ballistics expert who said the bullet recovered during Krauses autopsy is traceable to a rifle Gooch unlawfully possessed in his air force dorm.

The defense called a separate ballistics expert who disputed the claim, testifying that his analysis was inconclusive after he had attempted to replicate the state experts findings.

Sides of the story

Attorneys on both sides went over the evidence one final time on Friday before the jury was sent to deliberate for about two-and-a-half hours. The jury returned to deliberate Wednesday morning at 9 p.m. and delivered the verdict around noon.

Defense attorney Bruce Griffen said he respected the jurys decision and suspects it was based on the overwhelming amount of circumstantial evidence.

We thought we raised legitimate, powerful arguments of reasonable doubt, Griffen said. The battle in this case was between the lack of objective evidence, and the substantial amount of circumstantial evidence, and that was the jury's task to deal with.

Coconino County Attorney Bill Ring said his office will seek swift justice upon Gooch. He thanked the jury for its service.

The jury drew this conclusion from the facts and the evidence presented by the Coconino County Attorney's Office and Sheriffs Department, he said. Through some hard work, the community will be a safer place tonight.

Throughout the trial, more than a dozen witnesses took the stand, including sheriffs investigators, phone experts and Mennonite community members who lived with Krause in Farmington, including the general manager of the publishing ministry where she worked. Paul Kaufman said Wednesday his heart goes out to both families, and the community doesn't want to be vindictive toward Gooch.

We desire his complete repentance, that he would turn from darkness to light, Kaufman said.

Goochs father was called to testify by the defense and spoke to his sons peaceful character. He told the jury that, as far as he knew, Gooch had never officially joined the faith after being raised in a Mennonite community in Wisconsin where he worked on his family's dairy farm and went to school through eighth grade.

To the best of my knowledge, he wasnt of a converted heart, Jim Gooch said.

Gooch later rejected the religion and joined the U.S. Air Force. Sean Clements, a spokesman for the air base, said proceedings would begin soon to discharge Gooch from the Air Force following his conviction.

All military members must adhere to the highest standards of character and behavior, both on and off duty, Clements said.

Prosecutor Ammon Barker said in his closing argument that Gooch relished in the suffering of churchgoers like Krause. Goochs resentment was displayed to the jury through text messages that were sent between him and his brothers.

There is no evidence suggesting Krause and Gooch knew each other before her disappearance. Barker argued the lack of a personal connection only served to make the case even more terrifying.

Updated for correction at 1:12 p.m. on Oct. 14.

Felicia Fonseca with the Associated Press contributed to this story.

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WASHINGTON  Arizona projects got $110 million last year and will get another $159 million in the fiscal year that started this month, or more than 9% of all funding nationally under the Great American Outdoors Act for those two years.

The money, dedicated largely to national parks but also to federal lands and tribal schools, has been welcomed by tourism and environmental groups, who said it is long overdue.

The National Park Service has been underfunded over the years, said Kevin Dahl, senior program manager for Arizona in the National Parks Conservation Associations Southwest region.

These are our jewels, and with visitation and with normal wear and tear, theres a lot of buildings, a lot of roads, trails, etc. and those all need regular maintenance, he said. When you dont maintain them over time, the backlog of maintenance becomes pretty high.

For national parks, the backlog of deferred maintenance totaled $11.9 billion in 2018, according to data from the National Park Service. More than $507.4 million of that was for projects in Arizona, with $313.8 million needed in the Grand Canyon National Park alone.

Joe Galli, senior adviser in public policy at the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, said the funding is critical to not just the park, but the region.

Its very good for improving facilities and maintenance, and enhancing the visitors experience, those things are critical to the lifeblood of visitation in Arizona which is a critical component of our economy, he said.

National parks funding is just one element of the Great American Outdoors Act, which took effect last year. The act, which is permanently funded with revenues from offshore oil and gas leases, is expected to eventually provide up to $1.9 billion a year.

The act is designed to fund projects that provide needed maintenance for critical facilities and infrastructure. It calls for 70% of that funding to go to the National Park Service, 15% to the U.S. Forest Service, and 5% each to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Indian Education.

The program generated $1.42 billion in fiscal 2021, which ended Sept. 30. It is expected to fund $1.52 billion in projects in fiscal 2022. Arizona has done relatively well in both years.

Of the $89.6 million allocated to Bureau of Indian Education projects in fiscal 2021, $85.4 million went to schools in Arizona or on the Navajo Nation. In fiscal 2022, the state is scheduled to get $56 million of the $89.5 million total for schools.

Funding for national park projects in the state will climb steeply, from $20.2 million for the Grand Canyons historic powerhouse last year to almost $82 million in fiscal 2022, that will go to projects at the Grand Canyon, the Petrified Forest National Park and the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.

The wastewater treatment center is really important because up to 6 million people visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, and its a really small town that lives there to serve that, Dahl said of one project for the coming year.

At the Petrified Forest, the visitor center that was built in the 60s and needs maintenance to bring it back up to speed with current requirements for public buildings, he added.

Those projects, along with others coming in the next three years, will help the parks get back to pre-pandemic visitor numbers, he said. Not only will it let the National Park Service catch up on much-needed repair, it will also show the parks in their best light, for U.S. and foreign visitors, an important source of revenue.

Before the pandemic, in the West, up to half the visitors are from foreign countries, and outdated dysfunctional toilets does not show America in the best of lights, Dahl said. If you put things off, they get worse, so its great that the GAOA is helping us catch up with this really needed repair.

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Cui Chenxi holds the English textbook in which a picture of a bee is actually that of a hoverfly.



An eagle-eyed 12-year-old boy who found an error in an English textbook has been vindicated by the publisher promising to correct the mistake in the next print edition, Liaoshen Evening News reported.

Cui Chenxi, a seventh-grader from Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, found that the picture of a bee in the textbook was actually a hoverfly.

"The differences between bees and hoverflies are quite easy to spot. Bees have two pairs of wings, while hoverflies have only one. The belly is fat for bees but thin for hoverflies," Cui told the newspaper.

The publisher admitted the mistake after consulting with experts. It said it would replace the picture in the next print edition and thanked Cui for noticing the mistake.

Cui's mother described her son as a devoted lover of biology.
PHYSICIANS DECLARATION

GLOBAL COVID SUMMIT  ROME, ITALY

International Alliance of Physicians and Medical Scientists

September, 2021

(view in Italian) (Slovak) (Dutch) (Spanish) (Croatian) (Chinese)

[UPDATE: as of 2:30pm ET on 10/12 over 11,900 doctors & scientists have signed the Rome Declaration. Please join us by reading and signing below.]

We the physicians of the world, united and loyal to the Hippocratic Oath, recognizing the profession of medicine as we know it is at a crossroad, are compelled to declare the following;

WHEREAS, it is our utmost responsibility and duty to uphold and restore the dignity, integrity, art and science of medicine;

WHEREAS, there is an unprecedented assault on our ability to care for our patients;

WHEREAS, public policy makers have chosen to force a one size fits all treatment strategy, resulting in needless illness and death, rather than upholding fundamental concepts of the individualized, personalized approach to patient care which is proven to be safe and more effective;

WHEREAS, physicians and other health care providers working on the front lines, utilizing their knowledge of epidemiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology, are often first to identify new, potentially life saving treatments;

WHEREAS, physicians are increasingly being discouraged from engaging in open professional discourse and the exchange of ideas about new and emerging diseases, not only endangering the essence of the medical profession, but more importantly, more tragically, the lives of our patients;

WHEREAS, thousands of physicians are being prevented from providing treatment to their patients, as a result of barriers put up by pharmacies, hospitals, and public health agencies, rendering the vast majority of healthcare providers helpless to protect their patients in the face of disease. Physicians are now advising their patients to simply go home (allowing the virus to replicate) and return when their disease worsens, resulting in hundreds of thousands of unnecessary patient deaths, due to failure-to-treat;

WHEREAS, this is not medicine. This is not care. These policies may actually constitute crimes against humanity.

NOW THEREFORE, IT IS:

RESOLVED, that the physician-patient relationship must be restored. The very heart of medicine is this relationship, which allows physicians to best understand their patients and their illnesses, to formulate treatments that give the best chance for success, while the patient is an active participant in their care.

RESOLVED, that the political intrusion into the practice of medicine and the physician/patient relationship must end. Physicians, and all health care providers, must be free to practice the art and science of medicine without fear of retribution, censorship, slander, or disciplinary action, including possible loss of licensure and hospital privileges, loss of insurance contracts and interference from government entities and organizations  which further prevent us from caring for patients in need. More than ever, the right and ability to exchange objective scientific findings, which further our understanding of disease, must be protected.

RESOLVED, that physicians must defend their right to prescribe treatment, observing the tenet FIRST, DO NO HARM. Physicians shall not be restricted from prescribing safe and effective treatments. These restrictions continue to cause unnecessary sickness and death. The rights of patients, after being fully informed about the risks and benefits of each option, must be restored to receive those treatments.

RESOLVED, that we invite physicians of the world and all health care providers to join us in this noble cause as we endeavor to restore trust, integrity and professionalism to the practice of medicine.

RESOLVED, that we invite the scientists of the world, who are skilled in biomedical research and uphold the highest ethical and moral standards, to insist on their ability to conduct and publish objective, empirical research without fear of reprisal upon their careers, reputations and livelihoods.

RESOLVED, that we invite patients, who believe in the importance of the physician-patient relationship and the ability to be active participants in their care, to demand access to science-based medical care.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has signed this Declaration as of the date first written.
The Pony Express Barn & Museum in Marysville, Kansas, will host Head Em Up and Move Em Out, a presentation and discussion by Jim Gray at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021.

The museum is located at 106 S. Eighth St.

Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Contact the Pony Express Barn & Museum at 785-562-3825 for more information. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.

Free admission to the museum will begin at 1 p.m., and the museum is open from 1-4 p.m. that day.

The early days of ranching and trail driving required stamina and determination. The drover of yesteryear had little choice but to face the elements placed before him if he was to get his wild cattle to market. This presentation will explore how todays massive beef industry owes its beginnings to the men and women who were bold enough to head em up and move em out.

Jim Gray is a sixth-generation Kansan who co-founded the COWBOY (Cockeyed Old West Band Of Yahoos) Society to promote and preserve Kansass cowboy heritage through the bi-monthly newspaper, Kansas Cowboy. The executive director of the National Drovers Hall of Fame, he is the author of Desperate Seed: Ellsworth Kansas on the Violent Frontier and writes the newspaper column The Way West.

In our modern world, we forget that the food on the shelf and in the cooler comes from our farms and ranches, said Gray. Beefsteak was once a steer on the hoof, and so it was 150 years ago when cowboys pointed their herds across the open plains to the railroad corrals of the Kansas cattle towns. The method of delivery has changed but the spirit of the cowboy will never change as long as cattle graze and beef is on the menu.

Head Em Up and Move Em Out is part of Humanities Kansas's Movement of Ideas Speakers Bureau, featuring presentations and workshops designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.

The Pony Express Barn itself was built in 1859-60 and in the 20th century had a role in the food supply chain with butchering services and refrigerated food lockers.

For more information about Head Em Up and Move Em Out in Marysville contact the Pony Express Barn & Museum at 785-562-3825.

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More than 150 students learned how to stay safe and handle emergency situations on Thursday during a Progressive Agriculture Safety Day event.

Held at the Gage County Fairgrounds, 155 students registered to attend the biennial event.

This marked the fifth year an Ag Safety Day was held in Gage County since being relaunched. One new thing for the event is that it was nearly entirely organized by Tri County FFA students.

This is the first year really that Tri County FFA has done everything, said Dave Barnard, Tri County FFA director. They did all the groundwork about a year ahead of time. My kids learn as much as (the attendees) do, going around organizing and things like that. They did a great job of contacting people. It takes a lot of legwork.

Progressive Ag Safety day was started in 1995 and sponsors more than 400 events in North America each year, reaching more than 100,000 participants.

Third and fourth grade students attended the Gage County event from Southern, Diller-Odell, Tri County, St. Joseph Catholic and St. Paul Lutheran schools.

Some of the topics included safe digging, what to do if theres a fire, boat safety, ATV safety, firearm safety, CPR and healthy lifestyles.

Barnard stressed that the event had lessons everyone could benefit from, not just students who live on a farm.

Its for anyone that lives in a small community, Beatrice or wherever, he said. I know that a lot of our kids are one or two generations removed from production agriculture, but theyre the same kids who visit grandpa or grandma on the farm, have uncles, maybe a sleepover at a classmates, so theyre all exposed to it.

He added the end goal of the event is for the children to be advocates of safety and spread the lessons they learn.

I hope the child shares with their parents what they learned today, Barnard said. If even a small thing in their future life they remember, if they know to leave a down power line alone or what to do if its across the car, if they see an animal they dont know they should stay clear, those are the kind of advocates Im looking for.

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Each year satellite imagery and ground truthing are combined to create a geospatial data layer that reveal which crop was grown on each field throughout the United States. This annual United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS) analysis and resulting map is called the Cropland Data Layer (CDL). The CDL provides an estimated acreage of each major crop.

The online interface to view the CDL is called CropScape (https://nassgeodata.gmu.edu/CropScape/). For Saline, Jefferson, and Gage counties, imagery is available on CropScape from 2001 through 2020. The 2020 CDL was released online on February 1, 2021. Full coverage of the continental United States started in 2008. The quality of the imagery has improved over time and is now analyzed on a 30-meter (almost 100 feet by 100 feet) resolution. There are four additional data layers created called crop frequency layers for corn, soybeans, wheat, and cotton. A crop frequency layer shows the number of years a specific crop was grown in a field between 2008 to 2020.

There are several analysis tools in CropScape that are useful to agronomists, farmers, and others involved in production agriculture in Saline, Jefferson, and Gage counties. The area of interest tool and area of interest statistics tool allows someone to determine the estimated number of crop-specific acres in a county. For example, the 2020 Saline County estimated acres of the major crops were the following: 153,160 corn acres, 113,336 soybean acres, 5,796 alfalfa acres, and 1,635 winter wheat acres. However, the 2010 Saline County estimated acres of the major crops were the following: 129,762 corn acres, 91,487 soybean acres, 3,399 alfalfa acres, and 7,910 winter wheat acres. Over the last 10 years the increase in corn, soybeans, and alfalfa acres was about 48,000 acres and the decrease in winter wheat and pasture was about 56,000 acres. Looking at the crop frequency layers; continuous corn acres are mostly located in the northern quarter of Saline County where there are nearly level irrigated fields. However, most of the winter wheat acres and higher frequency of wheat in the crop rotation occur in the Loveland Hills of Saline County (Loveland Hills  located south and west of the Turkey Creek where soils formed from Peorian loess, Loveland loess, and glacial till). These trends are not surprising to me or local farmers but shows the value of CropScape in tracking shifts in acres between crops over time and helps verify regional specific crop rotation differences.

CropScape has been useful when clients call me with questions like I am looking at putting a cash rent bid on some ground around the airport, how many years has it been planted to soybeans? or I consistently notice that part of this new farm (160-acre tract) yields better, any ideas why? Nebraska Extension recently hosted the inaugural Southeast Nebraska Alfalfa & Wheat Expo in Crete on September 2. So, I wanted to know the average length of time area farmers kept an alfalfa stand. Using CropScape, I could determine by looking at the year-by-year imagery that most alfalfa fields were kept from 4 to 7 years before being planted to another crop. I encourage you to check out CropScape for yourself or schedule an appointment with me if you need assistance in navigating the website.

For more information about using CropScape and other general inquiries about agronomic resources from Nebraska Extension, feel free to contact me at nathan.mueller@unl.edu or 402-821-1722. Know your crop, know your tech, know your bottom line at croptechcafe.org.

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This newly proposed levy would fund the hiring of 28 new officers and staff members for the Billings Police Department; bring on 10 new firefighters and staff a new mobile response team; pay for a new judge for the city's municipal court; add three new criminal division prosecutors, two legal assistants and two paralegals for the city attorney's office; and hire three new code enforcement officers.

Of the 28 potential new hires, Billings Police would add 10 new patrol officers and two new sergeants to increase the department's presence on the street, something Billings Police Chief Rich St. John referred to as "proactive policing," which he calls the key to reducing crime rates.

Many of the initiatives the public safety mill levy would fund come directly from a pair of studies presented to the city earlier this year aimed at improving performance and operations at the police and fire departments.

The two studies were performed by the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Public Safety Management. Representatives from CPSM observed operations at the Billings Police Department and the Fire Department last year and then made a host of recommendations in two reports presented to the city earlier this year.

"It's important voters understand what (the public safety mill levy) is," said Billings city administrator Chris Kukulski.
Its kind of like were having a divorce here. The West Coast operators, theyre leaving the facility. They dont want to be part of it anymore for various reasons and thats it, so be it, Sen. Steve Fitzpatrick told the Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee in February. But instead of being civil about it and walking away and doing their fair share to keep the property in good condition, its like theyre trashing the facility on the way out. So, to take our divorce analogy, what theyre doing is trashing the house and keying the car on their way out the door. Thats whats going on here and its just wrong.

In the months before the legislative session, the Colstrip owners had stalled on passing a maintenance budget for 2021. The owners from Washington and Oregon  Puget Sound Energy, Avista Corp., PacifiCorp and Portland General Electric  objected to paying for repairs that extended the life of the plant beyond their time in Colstrip. There had already been movement in Washington to prevent utilities from passing to customers costs for power plant upgrades unnecessary to serve Pacific Northwest customers.

The maintenance dispute was followed by NorthWestern notifying the other owners that it wanted arbitration on whether a unanimous vote was needed to close the power plant. NorthWestern isn't in favor of closing Colstrip in 2025.
Gov. Greg Gianforte on Thursday announced four applicants for each of the vacant judgeships in Yellowstone and Gallatin County District Courts.

The public can provide comments or letters of support on the applicants through Nov. 13 at 5 p.m.

Yellowstone County District Court Gregory Todd announced earlier this year he will retire at the end of December, creating the vacancy in the 13th Judicial District. The Legislature, meanwhile, funded a new position in Gallatin County, the 18th Judicial District, which has three judges although an analysis of the caseload there found a need for more than six.

The applicants, which include past candidates for district court judge positions, a sitting city court judge and the Gallatin County attorney, are:

13th Judicial District judgeship in Yellowstone County:

 Alexander Roth, a criminal defense lawyer in Billings who ran for a judgeship in 2018.

 Jeana Lervick, the chief in-house counsel and deputy county attorney for Yellowstone County.
Grazing was suspended in 2013 following previous lawsuits by environmental groups contending the areas contain key wildlife habitat that is a corridor for grizzly bears between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. Conservation groups contend grizzly bears have been killed because of sheep station activities.

The groups also say bighorn sheep, which can acquire deadly diseases from domestic sheep, and greater sage grouse use the area.

Grazing resumed following the release of a 2017 environmental impact statement considering the effects of sheep grazing on wildlife.

Western Watersheds Project and the Center for Biological Diversity were among the groups that filed a new lawsuit in early 2019 challenging the governments decision allowing sheep owned by the University of Idaho to graze in the Centennial Mountains of Idaho and Montana.

The sheep station has two grazing areas in those mountains straddling the two states totaling about 25 square miles.

In the lawsuit, Bush ruled the government hadnt sufficiently examined the projects potential effects on grizzly bears and bighorn sheep, and didnt objectively analyze alternatives. He also ruled that the government had adequately examined the effects of grazing on sage grouse.
Recent rainfall has dramatically improved drought in North Dakota, and this week's snow and rain storm could keep the pattern going.

Meanwhile, the state Agriculture Department has put on hold a program that will reimburse eligible ranchers for a portion of feed transportation expenses, while officials await details of a similar federal program.

Rain helped much of southeastern North Dakota creep out of any drought category for the first time this year. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map, released Thursday, now rates most of the area as "abnormally dry," a level below the four drought categories. The area last week was in moderate drought, the lowest category.

About 90% of North Dakota still remains in some form of drought, but extreme drought -- the second-worst category -- now covers only about 46% of the state, down from 58% last week.

Nearly all of Burleigh and Morton counties were in extreme drought last week, but after heavy rain over the weekend, much of the two counties is now in lesser drought categories.

"A strong surface low pressure system brought heavy rainfall across the Dakotas and northern Minnesota, leading to broad (drought) improvements," wrote National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Meteorologist Adam Hartman.

A pocket of exceptional drought, the worst category, remains in Golden Valley County in the southwest, but that area received several inches of snow from a Wednesday storm that roared through the Rockies and Plains and also brought record rainfall to parts of western and central North Dakota. That precipitation should be factored into next week's drought report.

After nearly two years of drought, we are extremely thankful for this heavy, wet moisture," said Beach Auditor Kimberly Gaugler, who added that snow reports in the county were as high as 8 inches.

Bismarck had 1.47 inches of rain on Wednesday, breaking the city's Oct. 13 record of 0.97 inches set in 1940. The amount was close to the city record for wettest calendar day in October -- 1.68 inches on Oct. 4, 2013, according to the National Weather Service.

Dickinson (1.57 inches) and Minot (1.6 inches) also broke city precipitation records for the date on Wednesday. Dickinson's record had stood for more than a century.

The widespread weekend rainfall of 2-4 inches significantly boosted soil moisture in North Dakota. The weekly crop report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service rated topsoil moisture supplies 54% short or very short, and subsoil supplies 65% in those categories. Last week's percentages were 72 and 77, respectively.

North Dakota pasture and rangelands were rated 76% poor or very poor, and 81% of stock water supplies were in those categories -- both slight improvements.

However, the recent precipitation is "just a drop in the bucket for what is needed to end the long-term drought" in the West, AccuWeather Meteorologist Brian Lada wrote.

The most recent drought briefing from the National Weather Service indicates the same, saying "Drought is expected to persist through the fall, with some improvement of drought conditions recently due to widespread rain."

Rancher aid

The state in late August reactivated the Emergency Feed Transportation Assistance Program and approved $2.5 million to fund it. The program reimburses a portion of hay hauling expenses for drought-stricken ranchers.

Applications were to open in mid-September, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture around that time announced the expansion of the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-raised Fish Program to help cover feed hauling costs for drought-impacted ranchers. The state has delayed applications for its program.

We are awaiting details of the USDA program and will develop parameters around it so that we dont overlap, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said Thursday. Livestock producers interested in the state program should continue to keep records and receipts for transportation costs for purchased feed or feed put up outside of normal operations.

Updated details can be found on www.nd.gov/ndda/eftap as they become available. Producers with further questions can email haytransport@nd.gov or call 1-844-642-4752.

USDA on Wednesday announced an online tool available to help ranchers document feed transportation costs for its program, and said it will begin taking applications later this fall.

The ELAP Feed Transportation Producer Tool is a Microsoft Excel workbook that enables ranchers to input information specific to their operation to determine an estimated payment. Final payments may vary depending on eligibility. A tutorial video is available at fsa.usda.gov/elap.

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.

Wildfires wane

The hot, dry conditions over the summer and early fall have led to about 2,400 wildfires in North Dakota burning about 125,500 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.

However, "Activity has been down due to the (wet) conditions over the past week," said Beth Hill, acting outreach and education manager for the North Dakota Forest Service.

All western and central North Dakota counties except for Burleigh, Emmons and Kidder continue to have some form of outdoor burning restrictions in place. The entire state was in the low fire risk category on Thursday.

Some people are not ready for this blast of winter weather, but the snow and cold is a welcome relief for fire crews that have been battling wildfires (in the West) for weeks, AccuWeather National News Reporter Bill Wadell said.

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.

Reach Blake Nicholson at 701-250-8266 or blake.nicholson@bismarcktribune.com.

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Two North Dakota museums are set to welcome some of the foremost dinosaur specimens in the region, one of which will be hauled out of a hole in Montana via helicopter on Saturday and delivered to Dickinson.

The city-run Dickinson Museum Center's Badlands Dinosaur Museum is set to receive a 76 million-year-old tyrannosaur skeleton encased in a concretion. Paleontologists will clean up and remove the skeleton from the huge, hard lump of rock throughout the next two years in a public viewing lab.

"It's a huge deal for Dickinson. It's a real step forward for our museum. We're really growing," Curator Denver Fowler said. "It's definitely one of the nicest dinosaurs you can see in this region."

The North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck on Saturday will unveil its updated Dakota the Dinomummy exhibit. The 67 million-year-old, mummified Edmontosaurus is returning to display at the State Museum, its permanent home.

The specimens are some of the finest to be shown in North Dakota, according to the paleontologists involved in their display.

The state is a fossil hotbed, with museums in Bismarck, Bowman and Dickinson dedicated to showcasing dinosaurs, many found in the fossil-rich Hell Creek Formation of south-central and southwestern North Dakota.

"It is a nice concentration of great paleo-museums that are well-supported by the public, and so that's what makes all this possible, because if there's not a place for these specimens to go, then the work doesn't get done to go out and find them and collect them," North Dakota Geologic Survey Senior Paleontologist and Curator Clint Boyd said.

'Centerpiece for us'

In 2017, museum paleontologists found the tyrannosaur's feet and ankles sticking out of a cliff on public land near Glasgow, Montana.

They dug into the site in 2018 and 2019, excavating protruding bones of the skeleton, which Fowler said lies curled on its side.

The creature fell into a river and was washed upon a river bank. Its belly burst from rotting, and its tail curled over its head, which pulled back, Fowler said.

The main block containing the skeleton measures 8 feet by 10 feet and weighs 9,000 to 13,000 pounds.

"We haven't seen the head yet, but usually with these specimens that are all curled up like this, they're usually quite intact," Fowler said. The skeleton could be as long as 30 feet from nose to tail.

A Chinook helicopter from the Billings Flying Service will perform the heavy lift on Saturday. A flatbed trailer will transport the specimen to Dickinson for display at the museum, which is a federal repository for public-land fossils.

JE Dunn Construction in coming weeks will help the museum lift and flip the block so paleontologists can clean its underside.

"We've had other skeletons in these same blocks have skin preserved," Fowler said. "We're hopeful that this might have some actual skin as well, but we don't know until we clean it up."

Fowler said paleontologists have several means of cleaning and preparing the skeleton, such as air scribes, which are tools like a mini-jackhammer that vary in size, depending on the scope of work.

Workers also can use acid to weaken the rock, which Fowler said might be useful in delicate or rough-textured areas such as the skull or backbone.

Few other comparable tyrannosaur skeletons exist in museums, Fowler said. The skeleton is expected to be "one of the nicest tyrannosaurs, hopefully, that you can see in our region," he said.

Paleontologists on Saturday also will be transporting a second tyrannosaur skeleton that isn't as complete as the other but has nice skull bones, including jaws with teeth, Fowler said. The researchers have found four tyrannosaurs in the area.

"We really hit a really good area for these tyrannosaurs," he said.

Several people have already expressed interest in studying the main specimen, he said.

The lifting operation costs $55,000-$60,000 and is covered by grants from the federal Bureau of Land Management, TC Energy and ConocoPhillips.

The museum, a top attraction for Dickinson, is on track to see about 19,000 visitors this year, the most since the city took over the dinosaur operation in 2015, according to Director Bob Fuhrman.

The tyrannosaur skeleton "is going to be a real centerpiece for us," he said. He has visited the dig site, and he called the specimen "impressive, just as they were starting to work it out of the ground at that time."

"They go out there every summer, and so it's pretty exciting every year. There's always the potential of something great coming back from the field," Fuhrman said.

Most visitors stop at the museum while traveling to nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park or Glacier and Yellowstone parks, according to Dickinson Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Terri Thiel.

Fowler has been focused on the educational experience for visitors, detailing the process from finding to preparing specimens, she said.

The museum has "become a lot more of an educational center than what it had previously been," Thiel said.

Dakota the Dinomummy

Dakota has been displayed previously at the State Museum, but it has been in the lab for three years as paleontologists have done more cleaning and preparation.

"There are areas that could not be seen before on Dakota that will be in this new exhibit," Boyd said.

In 1999, teenager Tyler Lyson discovered the duck-billed dinosaur's remains on his uncle's ranch near Marmarth. The specimen was unearthed in 2004, and workers revealed the carcass from the rock in subsequent years.

The new Dakota exhibit will feature part of the specimen, taken apart where it was previously fractured, and placed in life position.

"We have the right arm from about the elbow all the way to the tips of the fingers, which is completely cleaned up, like three-dimensionally on all sides, and it's sitting up in an elevated stand, so you can see all the way around it," Boyd said. "It has all the skin, it's got the fingernails, it looks like an arm sitting there on display."

Previously, Dakota was lying down and wasn't as well-cleaned as now.

"By comparison for people who are like, 'Oh, I've seen Dakota before,' it's like, 'No, you've never seen Dakota like this before,'" Boyd said. More information on the exhibit premiere is at bit.ly/3aCPFFa.

Dakota's body block, from the hips to the neck, is still in the lab undergoing cleaning. It will be displayed in the future.

"This gets some really nice, beautiful pieces of Dakota back on display for people to see so they don't have to wait for years for the whole thing to be finished," Boyd said.

The museum is offering $5 tickets for behind-the-scenes tours to see the work ongoing on the body block. Tickets are available at bit.ly/2YPqBaZ.

Dakota contains fossilized skin, one of fewer than a dozen known specimens like it, Boyd said. Ongoing research is helping paleontologists understand how such preservation happens, he said.

The dino's body sat out long enough after death that its skin dried against the bones and was buried and preserved.

Fowler said Dakota and the tyrannosaur are going to be "really nice, new things to see in North Dakota in terms of dinosaur fossils and other fossils."

"I think it shows some of what our institution here in Dickinson, also the State Museum, is really doing," he said.

Reach Jack Dura at 701-250-8225 or jack.dura@bismarcktribune.com.

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Active cases of COVID-19 in North Dakota crept back above 4,000 on Thursday, hospitalizations climbed over 200 again, and the state reported four more virus-related deaths.

The Health Department's coronavirus dashboard showed 633 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases, with active cases statewide rising to 4,001 after staying below the 4,000 mark for four days. Active cases in Burleigh-Morton counties declined for a seventh straight day, however, to 832.

The four newly confirmed deaths brought North Dakota's pandemic death toll to 1,662. Twenty deaths have been reported in just the past three days. The Health Department no longer publicly reports the county, sex and age range of newly confirmed deaths, but the death total for Burleigh County on the dashboard has increased by two this week, to 223, while the total for Morton County has remained unchanged, at 105.

There were 202 COVID-19 patients in hospitals, up 19 from Wednesday and only the second time this year that the total surpassed 200. The first time was Monday. Only about 8% of staffed inpatient beds statewide were available Thursday.

The most recent state data showed 172 available staffed inpatient beds and 14 available intensive care unit beds statewide. In Bismarck, CHI St. Alexius Health had three available general care beds but no ICU beds; Sanford Health had no available beds listed in either category.

Sanford Health Bismarck incoming President and CEO Todd Schaffer said Oct. 7 that the hospital anticipated its peak of COVID-19 patients to last around a week to 10 days, based on internal modeling. A graph of that peak would look more like a hill than a mountain, he said.

Chief Medical Officer Chris Meeker on Thursday said the medical center's modeling has been fairly accurate during the recent case surge fueled by the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus. Modeling had the hospital reaching about 50 cases in Bismarck, and there were 47 COVID-19 patients earlier this week, Meeker said. He anticipates the modeling to continue to remain accurate.

Meeker said some of what concerns him is the high positivity rate in Burleigh County and the surrounding region.

"Until we see that number start to go down, we know that COVID-19 is going to remain in our community," he said.

The coronavirus transmission risk is considered high in the Bismarck-Mandan region, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As of Thursday morning, Sanford Bismarck had 43 COVID-19 patients, five of whom were in intensive care. Three were on ventilators. Four patients were in the emergency department, one was in labor and delivery and one patient was in the pediatric unit.

COVID-19 cases, deaths and hospitalizations all have been rising for three months due to delta.

The state's 14-day rolling average test positivity rate reported dropped slightly for a third straight day but remained just under 8%, well above the state target of less than 5%.

North Dakota has had 140,186 confirmed COVID-19 cases since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, with 134,523 recoveries and 5,600 hospitalizations.

More information

The state's vaccine dashboard shows 54.3% of eligible North Dakota adults and 32.2% 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 the 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 but four of North Dakota's 53 counties, 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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In recent months, the U.S. Census Bureau released demographic data from the nations 2020 Census. As North Dakotas data become available, were able to examine how our community changed over the 10-year period between the 2010 census and the 2020 census.

Some trends we can observe are not surprising. For instance, our region has become increasingly urban. However, our regions nuanced patterns of migration, births and deaths over the decade may have a few surprises for you. Following, I dive into the data from commerce.nd.gov/census to show which of our local communities have changed the most.

From 2010 to 2020, the total population of North Dakota grew by 16%, from 672,591 to 779,094 residents. Our region -- Planning Region VII (Burleigh, Emmons, Grant, Kidder, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Sheridan and Sioux counties) -- also grew by 16%. This means that our region's growth from 141,864 to 164,906 residents reflects an average growth rate when compared with the rest of the state. However, growth patterns within Region VII reveal that some communities shrunk while others exploded.

Indeed, virtually all of Region VIIs growth occurred in the Bismarck Metro Area (defined as Burleigh, Morton and Oliver counties). The metro area grew 21%, from 110,625 to 133,626 residents. By contrast, the total population of the regions seven other counties -- 31,280 residents  is a mere 41 more people than in 2010.

On the whole, Burleigh and Morton counties both experienced 21% population growth, but this too hides more nuanced 10-year trends. Oliver County, home to the city of Center and the smallest of the three counties in the metro area, did not show such growth. It grew by merely 31 people to a total of 1,877. Further, the 21% growth rate of Burleigh-Morton is better understood by looking at Bismarck, Mandan, rural Burleigh, rural Morton and Lincoln separately.

Burleigh Countys city of Lincoln had a whopping 77% rate of growth, from 2,406 to 4,257 residents. Mandans growth rate (32%) is impressive as well, bringing the citys population from 18,331 to 24,206. In the same period, Bismarck and rural Burleigh (Burleigh County excluding Bismarck-Lincoln) had somewhat similar growth rates. Bismarck grew from 61,272 to 73,622 (20%), while rural Burleigh grew from 17,630 to 20,579 (17%).

Interestingly, rural Morton (Morton County excluding Mandan) had only 9,085 residents in 2020 -- 55 fewer people than in 2010. Thus, rural Morton did not experience the growth that rural Burleigh experienced. Morton County grew distinctly via Mandan while Burleigh County grew throughout, but especially in Lincoln. It seems that Morton and Burleigh counties are urbanizing somewhat differently.

Worth noting, the higher growth rates of Lincoln and Mandan relative to Bismarck seem to follow unique paths. From the 2000 census to the 2010 census, Mandans growth rate equaled Bismarcks 10% rate in that period. This reveals that Mandans accelerated growth relative to Bismarck is a more recent trend. Meanwhile, from 2000 to 2010, Lincolns population grew by 39%. Thus, Lincolns accelerated growth was already underway near the start of the millennium.

Altogether, area residents are living in Lincoln and Mandan at greater rates than before. Bismarcks sister cities have been thriving. Watch out, Bismarck!

Ellie Shockley is a political psychologist, social scientist and education researcher. This column represents her personal views and not the views of any organization. She completed a doctorate at the University of Chicago and postdoctorate at Nebraska. She lives in Mandan. Find her past columns at EllieShockley.com

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One of the key points in explaining many North Dakota Game and Fish Department numbers is understanding the index is not a census. Not every pheasant, deer or grouse in the entire state is counted. Think of how time-consuming, expensive and impossible this would be.

Instead, routes are determined and surveyed each year to compare from past years and historical numbers to form an index. Is the population stable compared to last year? Lower than historical numbers or growing over multiple years? This allows biologists and game managers to understand the trends.

North Dakotas roadside surveys conducted in late July and August indicate pheasants were down from last year, while sharp-tailed grouse and gray partridge numbers were about the same.

Jesse Kolar, Game and Fish upland game supervisor, said results of the annual upland late-summer counts were expected.

Recent weather patterns have shifted toward a drier period, particularly this year with a warm, open winter and exceptional drought across much of the state, he said. Hunters should expect to find similar numbers to 2020, with the exception that there will be fewer acres of typical grassland cover to walk.

Total pheasants (45) observed per 100 miles are down 23% from last year, and broods (5) per 100 miles are down 30%. The average brood size (six) remained unchanged. The final summary is based on 266 survey runs made along 102 brood routes across North Dakota.

Observers in the northwest counted eight broods and 68 pheasants per 100 miles, down from 10 broods and 80 pheasants in 2020. Average brood size was six.

Results from the southeast showed three broods and 24 pheasants per 100 miles, down from five broods and 42 pheasants in 2020. Average brood size was four.

Statistics from southwestern North Dakota indicated six broods and 59 pheasants per 100 miles, down from seven broods and 65 pheasants in 2020. Average brood size was seven chicks.

The northeast district, generally containing secondary pheasant habitat with lower pheasant numbers compared to the rest of the state, showed three broods and 24 pheasants per 100 miles, compared to three broods and 22 pheasants last year. Average brood size was five.

Kolar said sharptail hunters should expect to find mainly adult grouse this fall. He said numbers along the Missouri River are still high compared to long-term averages, so hunters who can find cover should have average to good hunting. The eastern part of the state has fewer sharp-tailed grouse, with isolated hot spots.

Many rangelands that hold grouse on an average year will be too open to hunt this fall, and most grouse will likely be found in shrubland and woodland draws and/or near riparian areas, Kolar added.

Sharptails observed per 100 miles are up 2% statewide. Brood survey results show observers recorded two sharptail broods and 19 sharptails per 100 miles. Average brood size was six.

Although partridge numbers have shown a slight increase, Kolar said most of the partridge harvest is incidental while hunters pursue grouse or pheasants. Partridge densities in general, he said, are too low to target.

Partridge observed per 100 miles are up 9%. Observers recorded one partridge brood and 10 partridge per 100 miles. Average brood size was 10.

The grouse and partridge seasons opened Sept. 11 and continue through Jan. 2, 2022. The pheasant season runs from Oct. 9 through Jan. 2, 2022.

Doug Leier is a biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

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Publishing Identity Governance for Workday Video to Email

Many organizations still face the challenge of manually on-boarding, provisioning and de-provisioning access as workers change roles and leave the organization.

How do you ensure employee have access to the right applications and data at the right time?

In this video, you will learn how integrating SailPoint cloud identity governance with Workday implementation is designed to go beyond basic access management and tackle compliance requirements.

Watch the brief video to learn about more solution capabilities and understand how it works.

The Roaring 20s [Twitter, also Substack] summarizes 1920s financial news from the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times day by day. It's a fascinating insight into the ups and downs of another eraone that ours is often held to echo withand I won't spoil how interesting it'll get if the author keeps it up until October 2029.

On Thursday, British investors aren't swayed by Vladimir Lenin's appeal for help to alleviate a severe famine ravaging the country. A few years ago, millions of pounds went poof when Russia's sole stock exchange in St. Petersburg closed. Lenin counters the British business community by calling the famine a humanitarian crisis; old debts can be settled later. He believes his Bolsheviks will be victorious in the current Russian Civil War and promises to repay any and all goodwill soon. Historical Fact: America ultimately answers Russia's plea for relief while Britain provides very little. Lenin's posse will soon emerge victorious and establish the Soviet Union in 1922. Russia won't have another stock exchange until 1991.

As of October 1921, the WSJ was 7 cents a copy.
A Texas couple on their way to Las Vegas was told at the airport that one of their bags was six pounds too heavy. When they opened it up, out popped their pet chihuahua, who had snuggled into a cowboy boot that was packed inside the suitcase.

The tiny stowaway, Icky, looked like he had just woken up from a nap, according to Insider, who spoke to his humans, Jared and Kristi.

From Insider:
A Cincinnati police officer "shelved" rape kits for years, reports Fox 19 News, likely leading to identifiable rapists remaining at large and denying defendants access to potentially exonerating evidence. Christopher Schroder, 52, has reportedly agreed to resign as part of a plea deal on a charge of dereliction. He remains under investigation by local prosecutors, who are also trying to determine the extent of the problems caused by the unprocessed evidence: "it's going to be hundreds of cases," said prosecutor Joseph Deters.

The officer "is accused of doing nothing. OK. He literally had active cases where he wasn't doing his job," Deters told FOX19 NOW.

"We're reviewing, literally, over a decade of cases right now, to see if he affected any of them. And, you know, I don't know that anybody appreciates the significance of what this means," the prosecutor said. "And I don't know how far back this goes. But CPD is taking it incredibly seriously and we're going to get to the bottom of it."

So there potentially could be rapists out there that have never even been contacted and rape victims whose rapists are still free?

"Yes," Deters responded. "And that's what CPD is actively attempting to resolve right now."
This massive package of desiccated, possibly sentient leaves from beyond the gulfs of space itself was harvested by priest-kings waiting for the day when the powers that covered their planet in the noxious weed will return. Here in my hands, the very flesh of the Old Ones quivers with anticipation for the day when it will be set free to consume all this pathetic world.

Even at the rapid rate my spawn drink the green ichor, the gargantuan bag will last at least a year.

As I partake of what was promised to be a fountain of health and vitality, my skin crawls with delicious dread at the memory of the pungent horror that is surely watching me behind its mycelium prison. Dare I place a value upon just one discolored sliver from a plant that crawls through the mineral soil of an alien dimension, filled with monstrous creatures and predatory gods? And yet, bafflingly, I am in possession of one pound of the terrible plant material.

The elixir made from boiling nettle leaves has been a very effective treatment for hay fever, which is no doubt a hallucination brought on by an ancient streak of hereditary insanity on both sides of my accursed bloodline.
KSWO 7 reports that 20-year-old Brittney Poolaw was found guilty of first-degree manslaughter after miscarrying at 17 weeks.

An autopsy report showed that the fetus tested positive for methamphetamine, amphetamine and another drug in the liver and brain. An OBGYN testified on the stand Tuesday as an expert by the state. The doctor confirmed the fetus was at the gestational age of about 17 weeks and that methamphetamine use can have an effect on the pregnancy, though he said it may not be the direct cause of death for the fetus. The Medical Examiner detected a congenital abnormality, placental abruption and chorioamnionitis as well.

Just to reiterate: the doctor said that the presence of those drugs may not have killed the fetus. Poolaw was sentenced to four years in prison anyway  not for negligence, but for first-degree manslaughter.

Certainly there will be some people who argue that, because Poolaw may have allegedly been using drugs, this was a unique situation  possibly even deserved!  and not a portent of a future desired by anti-abortion activists. But, as the National Advocates for Pregnant Women point out:

Oklahoma's murder and manslaughter laws do not apply to miscarriages, which are pregnancy losses that occur before 20 weeks, a point in pregnancy before a fetus is viable (able to survive outside of the womb). And, even when applied to later losses, Oklahoma law prohibits prosecution of the "mother of the unborn child" unless she committed "a crime that caused the death of the unborn child."

In other words: this is absolutely the legal future that some anti-abortion activists want.

Woman found guilty for First-Degree Manslaughter [Tyler Boydston / KSWO ABC 7 News]

Image: Lorie Shaull / Flickr (CC-BY-SA 2.0)
A team at MIT has developed a technique for getting plants to behave like glow-in-the-dark toysthey can absorb light, store it, and then radiate it back out.

This team has been working on glowing plants for a while now; in 2019 they debuted plants that were treated with an enzyme based on the same chemical that make fireflies glow (previously). This new trick works via nanoparticles made of strontium aluminate, which can absorb light.

The scientists coated the particles in a layer of silica to protect the plants from damage, and injected them into the spongy outer layer of the plants called the mesophyll.

When the scientists shone a light on the leaves, the plants absorbed it and radiated it back out brightly "for several minutes". As MIT's press office notes in its release:

This film can absorb photons either from sunlight or an LED. The researchers showed that after 10 seconds of blue LED exposure, their plants could emit light for about an hour. The light was brightest for the first five minutes and then gradually diminished. The plants can be continually recharged for at least two weeks, as the team demonstrated during an experimental exhibition at the Smithsonian Institute of Design in 2019. [snip] The MIT researchers found that the "light capacitor" approach can work in many different plant species, including basil, watercress, and tobacco, the researchers found. They also showed that they could illuminate the leaves of a plant called the Thailand elephant ear, which can be more than a foot wide  a size that could make the plants useful as an outdoor lighting source.

Thus far it looks like the nanoparticles do not harm the plant or interrupt its normal photosynthesis, but this is early days, so obviously lots more study will be needed. But assuming it doesn't cause the plants long-term harm  or, y'know, cause them to go all "nature will find a way" and spawn generations of homicidal ambulatory bioluminescent triffids (probably unlikely; this technique isn't a form of genetic engineering)  it's an intriguing way to create a potentially very-low-carbon, and gorgeous, source of ambient light.

Their unpaywalled (and nicely written) paper describing the research is here.
Here in Los Angeles I frequently get postcards in the mail offering free weed delivery to my house. Across the Pacific Ocean, in Singapore, a 41-year-old Omar Yacob Bamadhaj will be executed by hanging for having weed.

He was caught with two pounds of cannabis in the trunk of his father's car as he was entering Singapore from Malaysia in 2018. He says his confession was forced because drug enforcement authorities threatened to hang his father and him.

Bamadhaj must have been extremely desperate to bring weed into Singapore, which has a zero-tolerance policy about recreational drugs. Singapore courts are well-known for their harsh sentences. Even a tiny amount of weed can result in a lengthy prison sentence.

From High Times:
They called it "The Big Rick." At 11 am on April 30th, 2021, each networked display screen in a large Illinois school district played "Never Gonna Give You Up." Three hours later, the automated bell system played the song, instead of a bell tone, to dismiss students from school. Why? A group of techy high schoolers who had discovered serious security vulnerabilities wanted a laugh.

This story isn't one of those typical rickrolls where students sneak Rick Astley into presentations, talent shows, or Zoom calls. I did it by hijacking every networked display in every school to broadcast "Never Gonna Give You Up" in perfect synchronization. Whether it was a TV in a hall, a projector in a classroom, or a jumbotron displaying the lunch menu, as long as it was networked, I hacked it! Minh Duong

Minh Duong had port scanned the IP range of the internal district network as a freshman, discovering exposed devices. Almost four years later, he decided to take advantage of the vulnerabilities for a senior prank.

"Setting up the stream was arguably the most time-consuming part of preparation because testing was an absolute pain. I only needed a single projector for development, but it's not easy when classes are using them during the day. So I tested at night instead. I would remotely connect to one of the PCs in the computer lab with the front camera facing the projector. Then, I would record a video to test if the projector displayed the stream correctly." Minh Duong

The group evaded disciplinary action because they sent a detailed, 26-page report to the tech team showing exactly how they had done the prank, and giving tips to improve security.

The vulnerabilities exploited to gain initial access were implementation-specific (meaning D214 was at fault for using default passwords). However, I discovered vendor privilege escalation vulnerabilities in all of Exterity's IPTV products, allowing me to gain root access across all systems. One of these bugs was a simple GTFO-bin, but the other two are novel vulnerabilities that I cannot (and should not) publish. Minh Duong

In a blog post, Duong documents exactly how he conceived and executed the prank. He now attends the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
An upstate New York chain of truck stops plans to add a new location in Niagara County, if the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency agrees to provide nearly $700,000 in tax breaks over 10 years.

The Bruckel family of Avon, N.Y., wants to spend $8.2 million to construct a new full-service Quicklee's travel center on three vacant parcels at 6005 Porter Road in the Town of Niagara. That's off I-190 west of Military Road and Packard Road.

Plans by the family's PEMM LLC call for the 8-acre site to include a 12,000-square-foot facility, with a 1,200-square-foot restaurant and drive-thru for travelers, as well as gas pumps. It will also offer a service area for minor truck maintenance and repairs, according to PEMM's application to NCIDA. And it will include a weight station.

Quicklee's, which was started by President Peter Bruckel in 1995, has 23 locations in the Rochester area, the Finger Lakes, the Southern Tier and northern New York. Most are gas stations and convenience stores, but this will be the chain's third travel center. The company primarily focuses on tourism and distribution networks, and will service tourist buses while providing promotional materials for local attractions.

The company plans to create 20 new jobs with the project, with an estimated annual payroll of $750,000 after three years.
Starbucks said workers had expressed a need for better training during listening sessions. The company stressed that the workers at those stores still have their jobs and have been offered hours at other stores.

Starbucks Workers United said it believes the company's actions are meant to disrupt union organizing, scatter pro-union workers and dilute their efforts  all common union-busting tactics.

Workers said enduring facility and training problems were not addressed until the locations attempted to form a union, and that the company hasn't shut down locations across the country that have requested help with similar issues.

"Starbucks split up an entire store that they knew had a strong union majority and prevented them from working together," said Casey Moore, a Starbucks Workers United worker at the Williamsville store.

Starbucks seeks vote on union at all 20 Buffalo stores That move, if granted, would likely delay the voting process and make it more difficult for organizers to win a majority in favor of a union, said the organizing workers and a labor expert.

Workers have said they feel daunted by the strong and sudden presence of Starbucks executives, and that closing down the store seemed to be a clear attempt at intimidation.

"A lot of our pro-union partners are not very open or vocal for fear of retaliation, so the likelihood of them carrying this message to other stores with managers that are not familiar with us is a lot less likely," said Michelle Eisen, who works at the Elmwood store.
I asked Ruch if, as many musicians on both the local and national scale have noted publicly, there were any upsides to the relative paucity of available live gigs during the worst days of the pandemic. Did necessity become the mother of invention for Organ Fairchild?

Covid definitely allowed us to record more than we would have been able to otherwise, although there were those awkward periods where we werent sure how safe it was for the three of us to even get together, masked, in close confines, the guitarist said. So there were lots of stops and starts. But there were bright spots and nice outcomes.

One of those outcomes is the bands debut album, Brewed in Buffalo, tracked at drummer Kertzies home studio in Amherst, and mastered by Buffalo native Alan Evans of Soulive, at his Iron Wax Studios in Massachusetts. The album's release will be celebrated with a performance on Oct. 22 at The Cave (71 Military Road).

With the album out and gaining listeners via streaming as far away as Brazil, New Zealand, Argentina, Spain and Israel, Ruch said the plan is to hit the road and build on that buzz, with gigs in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Erie, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany on the horizon.
The quality of life in West Seneca is also a priority for Smaczniak. That would include recreational aspects of the town, he said.

We definitely need to see if the town if satisfied with the one rink we have, Smaczniak said, of the ice rink in West Seneca. Ice demand is increasing. We need to see, do we have a need for a second rink?

Susan K. Kims

For Kims, 69, who is retired after working various jobs, including as an insurance broker, a key issue before the town is transparency. Kims said that information "should be available.

Especially for the taxpayer ... they all want to know what their money is being spent on and how it's being spent, she said.

Kims has Republican and "Back the Blue" endorsements in the race. She was born near Pittsburgh and moved to West Seneca in 1976. Her education included Erie Community College and courses in a business school.

On the issue of transparency, Kims said she would encourage open conversation.

If you have a resident who gets up and speaks ... if they ask a question, it should be answered, Kims said. Sometimes ... you sit there, and you hear nothing.
Through his company or as an individual, Buchheit has donated tens of thousands of dollars over the years to candidates on both sides of the aisle, including Howard and Garcia. He is a pilot, and the Sheriffs Office runs an aviation reserve unit that wants pilots on standby. Pilots are called upon to help perform search and rescue missions, air surveillance and air transportation, says the Sheriffs Office website.

The Facebook page of Susan Howard, the sheriffs wife, shows her and Buchheit at the controls of an airplane, and the sheriff and his wife on a later excursion to Alaska with him. Buchheit did not return a telephone message seeking comment for this article.

According to the PBAs grievance, Buchheit was issued a star badge identifying him as an aviation captain though reserve deputies are not to receive such badges. Furthermore, the grievance says, Mr. Buchheit was issued an ECSO identification card that identifies him as a sworn member  and makes no conspicuous reference to being a reserve employee.
I am a Delaware district voter. If Mayor Byron Brown wants my vote and, I would hope, the votes of others he will have to correct the inner city housing problem I witnessed as I drove from South Buffalo to North Buffalo along Bailey Avenue. I wasnt shielded by traveling Route 198 or another highway that bypasses this part of town. I was especially remorseful on the block between Doat and Genesee streets. It is a short block with homes in chronic disrepair.

I was saddened when I saw three elementary-aged students, backpacks in tow, entering their front door. The porch was falling into the ground, plastic was covering windows and it looked like a miserable place to come home to. However, if it is all that you know, it is your castle. This is not good enough for the citizens of Buffalo, the city Brown touts as having a renaissance. This renaissance must also occur for the children who live in the inner city. This eyesore is his eyesore. He has the ability to use his corporate connections, the laws, policies and developers to correct the living conditions for many Buffalo Public Schools students and their families.
Northampton, MA --News Direct-- onsemi

In the United States, Americans commemorate National Hispanic Heritage Month, by honoring unique histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

onsemi has long been committed to celebrating the uniqueness of our employees, promoting an inclusive culture that recognizes diverse heritages. As we work towards embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout our workplace, we invite you to share in the celebration of National Hispanic Heritage month by learning more about our Vice President of Global Assembly and Test Operations, Jose Hernandez Lopez.

If anyone would have told me when I grew up in Mexico City that one day I would become a leader at a large multi-national organization, I would have probably laughed in disbelief, Hernandez Lopez told Hispanic Network Magazine earlier this year.

Hernandez Lopezs journey began in 1993 as a junior engineering student at Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana in Mexico City. That same year, he decided to expand his horizons and dream big. Jose realized that the best option to propel his career forward was to pursue higher education at a prestigious graduate institution in the United States.

I was blessed to secure a full-ride Fulbright scholarship sponsored by the U.S. Institute of International Education and Mexicos Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONACYT) Jose stated.

In the fall of 1994, Jose enrolled in the Master of Science in engineering program at the University of Texas at Austin. Transitioning to a demanding graduate education program in the U.S. forced Jose to enhance his English proficiency, adapt to a vastly different educational model, and supplement his understanding of advanced engineering concepts, he notes. Hernandez Lopez recalls that more often than not, he felt overwhelmed by the academic and cultural adaption challenges. However, he always looked forward with a firm determination to succeed and make his family proud.

Story continues

In late 1995, Motorola Corporation approached Hernandez Lopez with an opportunity to join a semiconductor manufacturing facility in Guadalajara, Mexico as part of a young talent program aimed at the development of a qualified and diverse pool of future leaders. He jumped on the opportunity and joined Motorola de Mexico in February 1996.

For the subsequent six years he found himself immersed in an accelerated career development process that allowed him to travel the world engaging competitive companies in materials technology development programs. Hernandez Lopez leapfrogged through multiple levels in the organization, enrolled into a prestigious Executive Master in Business Administration program, and became a key strategic member in the spinoff of Motorolas Semiconductor Components Group into a new company - ON Semiconductor.

As a result of the dotcom market bubble burst at the end of 2000, the entire semiconductor industry fell into a deep recession. By March 2001, the company had shut down operations in Mexico, and Hernandez Lopez was asked to lead the factory shutdown as the General Manager.

This was perhaps the most emotionally taxing assignment in my career, but personally also an opportunity to rapidly broaden my experience and solidify my professional maturity.

In early 2003, On Semiconductor offered Hernandez Lopez the opportunity to relocate to its headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. While apprehensive at first, he was amazed by the environment, where he felt treated as equal, judged on his professional capabilities, and never stigmatized for being a Hispanic immigrant.

I was able to quickly adapt to the American culture while always staying true to my Mexican heritage.

In 2013, he accepted a new challenge to go on an international assignment to lead the Malaysia manufacturing operations. Hernandez Lopez found himself immersed in a new level of diversity and complexity. Malaysia is a melting pot where Malay, Indian and Chinese ethnicities, and Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian religions have found a way to almost seamlessly integrate into a harmonious society as Hernandez Lopez states.

This further expanded his appreciation for the immense value of diversity in our societies and our organizations. Hernandez Lopez strongly feels that understanding and respecting other cultures can open the doors to a new world of experiences and opportunities.

I am immensely grateful for such an amazing career at onsemi.

Despite many job opportunities outside of onsemi over the years, Hernandez Lopez affirms he is still here because he strongly values the fundamental ethical principles and core values that onsemi observes.

Our longstanding core values of initiative, integrity, and respect are not a slogan, they are a way of life. I will continue to pay it forward by promoting the development of a young and energetic diverse workforce around the world.

For any questions regarding the DEI initiative at onsemi, please contact DEI@onsemi.com.

Please visit the onsemi Culture Web page to learn more about how the company celebrates its people.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from onsemi on 3blmedia.com

View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/hispanic-heritage-month-employee-spotlight-vice-president-of-global-assembly-and-test-operations-jose-hernandez-lopez-267030017
Wisconsin Elections Commission administrator Meagan Wolfe will not be traveling to Brookfield on Friday for a private interview, as originally demanded by former state Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman, who is leading a GOP-ordered investigation into how the 2020 election was conducted.

The state Department of Justice and Gableman, who was hired by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, to lead the probe, also have reached a mutual agreement to reduce the special counsels overall request for election-related documents. The new agreement, paired with similarly revised requests to the mayors and city clerks in the states five largest cities, means all the subpoenas Vos submitted have been blunted and all interview requests have been put on hold for now.

We have agreed that no one from WEC will be appearing or testifying tomorrow, and we have also agreed to continue discussions about the possibility of future testimony and under what conditions that may take place, DOJ spokesperson Gillian Drummond said Thursday.

Drummond said Gablemans initial demand for a mountain of election-related records covering possibly hundreds of thousands of documents has been amended to now only include documents the commission already has compiled in response to public records requests. Gableman last week made similar concessions to the mayors and city clerks in the states five largest cities, who also received subpoenas.

In a new video posted to YouTube Thursday, Gableman said he agreed to reduce his request in order to facilitate faster responses from the Elections Commission and city officials. He added those documents will provide a starting point, with the understanding that additional information would be provided on a mutually agreeable timeline.

In cases where public officials are not interested in working with us, we have no alternative but to exercise the power granted to us by the state Assembly in order to compel them to testify and produce the documents this office has requested, Gableman said.

Gableman said city and state officials have no reason to treat the investigation as an adversarial process, adding that he does not have the power to prosecute anyone questioned or subpoenaed.

This is wise because it prevents public officials from pleading the Fifth in order to avoid providing information or giving testimony that is relevant to this investigation, he said.

Gableman, as he has throughout the investigation, did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.

The new agreement follows Attorney General Josh Kauls scathing rebuke of what he called a fake investigation on Monday.

In a letter to Gableman, Kaul, who is representing the Elections Commission, questioned the legality of the special counsels request that Wolfe provide in-person testimony with investigation officials at an address in Brookfield listed as Regus, a provider of office spaces, coworking environments and meeting rooms.

Kaul said state statute authorizes subpoenas compelling testimony before any committee of the legislature, or of either house thereof and any such meeting occurring outside the state Capitol would require due public notice in advance.

In short, based on currently available information about your offices investigation, the subpoenas call for sworn testimony at an office in Brookfield are not lawful under the controlling statutes and legislative rules, Kaul wrote in the letter.

Kaul also questioned whether Gableman has the authority to grant immunity to anyone who testifies  something Gableman said he would grant to city clerks and mayors in a video posted on YouTube over the weekend.

Vos has allocated nearly $680,000 in taxpayer money for the one-party investigation, which is focused on some of the procedures voters and clerks relied on in casting and processing ballots. Although some have raised the prospect of fraud, no claims of large-scale cheating have been substantiated, and the investigation, so far at least, is not seeking to review any ballots.

A recount and court decisions have affirmed that President Joe Biden defeated Donald Trump in Wisconsin by almost 21,000 votes. Four voters out of roughly 3 million who cast ballots have been charged with fraud.

The nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau is also reviewing the 2020 election. That review was also ordered by Republicans and is expected to be completed this fall.

In a video last month, Gableman said hes not trying to overturn the election results, even though he told Trump supporters in November, without evidence, that he thought the election had been stolen.

Despite Kauls criticism of Gablemans ongoing investigation, Vos said on Monday subpoenas he signed earlier this year on behalf of Gableman were issued correctly and he has no plans of calling off the review.

The five cities at the focus of Gablemans probe  Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Kenosha and Racine  all received private grants from the Center for Tech and Civic Life, funded by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, to help administer the 2020 presidential election. Under the grant, Milwaukee was allocated $2.2 million, Madison $1.3 million, Green Bay $1.1 million, Kenosha $863,000 and Racine $942,000. The Center for Tech and Civic Life says the group seeks to modernize elections and make them more professional, inclusive and secure.

Republicans have claimed the private group essentially took over administration of the 2020 election in Green Bay, but officials there have said the allegations are completely without merit, and that it followed state and federal laws. A federal judge found nothing in the law to prohibit clerks from using the money.

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Three Columbia County Sheriff's deputies shot a suicidal, armed person after authorities say the person pointed a weapon at the deputies, the Wisconsin Department of Justice said.

Deputies Ryan Fleischhacker, Brian Johnson, and Timothy Schultz shot the person, whose name has not been released, at a field near Highway 33 in the town of Scott on Sunday afternoon, the DOJ said.

After a negotiation, the person pointed a weapon at the deputies, authorities said, and the three deputies shot at the person. Authorities found a loaded gun at the scene that they believe belonged to the person, the DOJ said.

The person, whose gender, age or other identifying characteristics have not been disclosed, was given medical care immediately after the shooting and taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries, the DOJ said.

It was not immediately clear if the loaded gun was the weapon pointed at the deputies.

The Department of Justice is investigating the incident along with the State Patrol and the State Crime Laboratory. The findings of the ongoing investigation will be given to the Columbia County District Attorney.

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(CNN) -- President Vladimir Putin has rejected accusations that Russia is deliberately driving natural gas prices higher in Europe by withholding exports.

Speaking at an energy conference in Moscow on Wednesday, Putin called the accusations "politically motivated" and without evidence. His comments came as EU officials said lower than anticipated supplies of Russian gas were partly to blame for Europe's energy crisis and pledged to accelerate the bloc's efforts to wean itself off fossil fuels.

"Russia is not using any weapons," Putin said. "Even during the hardest parts of the Cold War, Russia regularly fulfilled its contractual obligations and supplied gas to Europe," he added.

Russia last interrupted gas exports to the European Union in January 2009 after failing to agree prices and pipeline transit tariffs with Ukraine. It also reduced gas flows briefly to Ukraine in 2006 and 2008 as the result of pricing disputes.

State-owned Gazprom warned of a repeat of the 2009 crisis in 2014 after Ukraine failed to pay its energy bills and Russia's relations with the West plummeted over its annexation of Crimea. That threat never materialized.

Putin struck a more conciliatory tone on Wednesday, saying that Russia was "prepared to discuss any additional steps" with European governments to tackle the worsening energy crisis.

"Russia flawlessly fulfills its contractual obligations to our partners, including our partners in Europe," he said. "Moreover, we always strive to meet our partners halfway."

Wholesale electricity prices in Europe have increased by 200% compared to the 2019 average, according to the European Commission. The surge is the result of soaring natural gas costs, driven by high demand in Asia and lower-than expected deliveries from Russia.

Most EU countries rely on gas-fired power stations to meet electricity demand, and about 40% of that gas comes from Russia, according to Eurostat.

Last month, the International Energy Agency called on Russia to supply more natural gas to Europe to help alleviate the crisis, saying that although Russia is meeting contractual obligations to European customers, exports are down from their 2019 level.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Wednesday that Russia has increased gas supplies to Europe to the maximum possible level under existing contracts and cannot exceed those thresholds.

Russian officials have previously said that speeding up the approval of the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline linking Russia with Germany could help bring down natural gas prices. The pipeline was completed last month despite years of opposition from countries including the United States, which warned that it would boost Moscow's influence in Europe.

The Biden administration announced in July that it had reached a deal with Berlin that would allow the pipeline to go ahead in exchange for German assistance to Ukraine. It is now awaiting clearance from German authorities.

The European Commission on Wednesday unveiled a series of measures aimed at tackling the energy crisis, including speeding up the transition to renewable forms of energy.

EU member states have put in place a series of emergency measures to help consumers and businesses cope with the decade-high electricity costs, including direct financial support to households, state aid for companies and targeted tax reductions.

 Amy Cassidy, Chris Liakos, Wale Azeez and Katharina Krebs contributed reporting.

This story was first published on CNN.com "Vladimir Putin says Russia is not using energy as a weapon".
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 13)  A total of 12,686 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been wasted in the country since March, a Health official reported on Wednesday.

Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said this is due to a number of reasons, the most common of which are temperature excursions.

"Ibig sabihin niyan, either na-frozen 'yung hindi dapat ma-freeze na vaccine, or 'yung frozen na vaccine  'yung mga Pfizer atsaka Moderna  have gone past their required temperature," she explained during a Senate committee hearing on the Department of Health's proposed budget for 2022.

[Translation: That means vaccines were frozen when they shouldn't have been, or frozen vaccines like Pfizer and Moderna have gone past their required temperature.]

Cabotaje said other causes of wastage include incidents of fire in storage facilities, or vials were accidentally dropped.

Some vaccines also had no label and therefore cannot be administered while others were considered spoiled after particulate matter was discovered, she added.

Senator Risa Hontiveros said that based on the average amount of 544 per shot, the wastage is worth more than 6.9 million.

The country has so far received over 87 million doses, of which around 50 million have been administered.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 13)  Health Secretary Francisco Duque agrees that Cabinet officials should not be barred from participating in the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee's probe into the government's use of pandemic response funds.

Duque made his position public on Wednesday after Senator Franklin Drilon asked if he supports the calls of hundreds of medical professionals for President Rodrigo Duterte to stop "obstructing" the ongoing investigation.

"Yes, we are all one in the pursuit of truth and accountability," Duque said during the Senate Committee on Finance's deliberation on the Department of Health's proposed budget for 2022.

Duque pointed out that his department had a perfect attendance in congressional hearings on the use of COVID-19 funds  which had largely looked into the government's purchase of "overpriced" face masks and face shields from Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation.

But this was before the President signed a memorandum last week ordering Cabinet members to ignore the summons of the Senate panel headed by Senator Richard Gordon.

Duque said he believes the probe could help "ferret out the truth" on pandemic spending. But he also suggested that certain adjustments be made to ensure officials summoned by lawmakers have time to address the health crisis.

For instance, he said, the number of hearings held in a week's time could be reduced.

"Maybe the frequency may be looked into," he told the Finance committee. "Like for example, in one week, how many times, maybe once? It's just a suggestion."

Before this, Drilon was first to mention that the hearings could be subject to a "reasonable setup," particularly as regards the number of officials in attendance.

"We note that it is upon your initiative that almost all the directors of the Department of Health would attend the hearings," the senator told Duque. "We do not require that many, but maybe as resource person, you ask them to be present... But we do not want to be pictured as paralyzing the COVID efforts of this government."

Duque said he is willing to raise the issue with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea for a possible compromise with the Blue Ribbon Committee.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 14)  The poll body remains firm that the voluntary substitution option for political aspirants should not be removed, despite growing calls from several members of Congress.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said instead of banning the provision altogether, lawmakers should consider coming up with specific limitations.

"What needs to happen is that Congress should introduce restrictions of some sort on the exercise of the statutory privilege of substitution," said James Jimenez, spokesperson of the agency, in a tweet.

Section 77 of the Omnibus Election Code allows a candidate of a registered or accredited party to be substituted in case of death, disqualification, or withdrawal.

Unlike the first two cases or death and disqualification, withdrawal calls for voluntary substitution.

Senate President Tito Sotto and Senator Koko Pimentel have both sounded the alarm on the withdrawal option being "abused" by some parties.

Jimenez said he believes in the importance of the provision, although he admitted that it is being used as a "strategy."

"I deplore the thinking that results in this 'strategy,' but [I've] also seen the intrinsic worth of the system of substitution," he said.

Jimenez, apparently commenting on the substitution scheme, also tweeted: "There was a time when these negotiations happened behind closed doors, before the deadline for filing [certificates of candidacy] passed."

"Now, though, it's all being played out in the open, and it makes the public uncomfortable seeing what used to be hidden from them," he added.

Some aspirants who filed their candidacies are speculated to be just "placeholders" until the November 15 substitution deadline.

Among them are Sen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, who is vying for the presidency under the Cusi faction of the ruling PDP-Laban, as well as the presidential and vice presidential candidates of the Lakas-CMD.

Dela Rosa admitted he wants Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte to take his place, while Lakas-CMD's Prospero Pichay said the party is still open to having the presidential daughter as its substitute standard bearer.

On Thursday, Deputy Speaker and Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rufus Rodriguez filed House Bills 10380 and 10381 on prohibiting substitution of candidates and declaring incumbent officials resigned upon filing, respectively.

READ: Comelec: Substitution option cannot be removed
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 14)  The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) scrutinized its financial service providers (FSPs) before tapping them for cash aid distribution, an official said Friday.

DSWD Assistant Secretary Glenda Relova said they chose FSPs for the social amelioration program based on the qualifications approved by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. These include having a license to operate as an electronic money issuer, experience in commercial rollout, financial capability, and an established business model.

Of the seven firms that sent their business proposals to the DSWD, six  including Starpay  passed the agency's scrutiny.

"Lahat po ay masusi na pinagdaanan ito," Relova said.

[Translation: All of them underwent a thorough selection process.]

The assurance comes after Starpay was likened to the controversial Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. In a Senate hearing early this week, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan noted that like Pharmally, Starpay is also a little-known firm that was tapped for a major government project.

Pharmally won several contracts worth over 8 billion from the government  including those awarded for the supply of allegedly "overpriced" face masks and face shields - even though the company had a paid-up capital of just 625,000.

Meanwhile, Starpay was tasked to deliver the bulk of cash aid worth "more than 50 billion"  beating other more established FSPs like GCash, Sen. Manny Pacquiao previously said.

Initially, all six FSPs were asked to handle the distribution of cash aid for the same number of beneficiaries, Relova explained.

But the agency had to "recalibrate" after learning that most of the beneficiaries did not provide contact numbers. She said only Starpay and RCBC "signified" they can distribute financial assistance to those without contact numbers.

Relova also said all funds given to FSPs are "accounted for."

"Wala po tayong nawawalang pondo," she added.

[Translation: We don't have missing funds.]
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 14)  A former vice mayoral bet of ruling party PDP-Laban will be filling the vacancy left by Noli De Castro in presidential aspirant Manila Mayor Isko Moreno's senatorial slate.

Moreno's party Aksyon Demokratiko on Thursday confirmed Joseph Peter "Jopet" Sison has joined them and will be running for senator, replacing the veteran broadcaster who withdrew his candidacy yesterday.

Sison, the former Quezon City chairman of the Liberal Party, ran for the city's second highest post under PDP-Laban in 2019 but lost to Vice Mayor Gian Sotto. He was also 4th District councilor from 1992 to 1998.

He served as assistant general manager of the National Housing Authority from 2001 to 2005, then president of the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation from 2006 to 2012.

Sison was also an assistant executive producer and co-host of ABS-CBN's legal drama series "Ipaglaban Mo!"

Aksyon Demokratiko said Sison will be joining Moreno and vice presidential aspirant Dr. Willie Ong in Batangas tomorrow. The local chief executive will be meeting political and local leaders in the province.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 14)  Sen. Kiko Pangilinan is hoping for healing and reconciliation with the family of Senate President Tito Sotto after deciding to compete against him in the vice presidential race in 2022.

Speaking to CNN Philippines' The Source on Thursday, Pangilinan echoed the dilemma of his wife, Megastar Sharon Cuneta, about the competing bids of the two men she "greatly loves."

Sotto is the husband of Cuneta's maternal aunt, veteran actress Helen Gamboa. He announced his bid as early as last month, in tandem with Sen. Ping Lacson.

READ: Lacson, Sotto officially announce presidential, VP bids

Pangilinan said the day before the announcement, he called Sotto to explain that it was not really his plan to run vice president but that Vice President Leni Robredo asked him to be her running mate.

"Syempre hindi madali ang sitwasyon gaya ng nasabi rin at na-post ni Sharon but I guess lahat naman ng pamilya mayroon talagang hindi pagkakasundo, merong mga tampuhan, hidwaan," he added, "Our family is no different except that syempre very public ang aming naging differences."

[Translation: Of course, the situation is not easy like what Sharon posted but I guess all families have differences, bickerings. Our family is no different except that of course, our differences are very public.]

"Masakit para sa atin (It hurts) and I am hoping, Sharon and I prayed about it also, that in the end, like all other families that go through rifts, we hope that there will be forgiveness and reconciliation for the hurts that may have been caused."

The senator shared that Sotto calmly acknowledged the issue.

"Sabi niya ganyan talaga, nangyayari yan (He said things like this really happen) and I appreciate that. There was recognition that these things happen even if we prefer a set of different circumstances," Pangilinan added.

Pangilinan is running in tandem with Robredo under the Liberal Party, which he serves as president. Robredo is the party chair but she is running as an independent bet.

Aside from the Lacson-Sotto tandem, Robredo and Pangilinan will go head-to-head with the tandems of Manny Pacquiao-Lito Atienza, Isko Moreno-Willie Ong, Bato dela Rosa-Bong Go, and Bongbong Marcos, who has yet to announce his running mate.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 14)  Senate President Tito Sotto will head the anti-illegal drug operations in the country if he wins the vice presidency, but the campaign will undergo a huge turn from the Duterte administration's bloody war on drugs, Sotto's running mate Sen. Ping Lacson said on Thursday.

The presidential aspirant said Sotto personally volunteered to take over the daunting task of overhauling the program if they win in next year's elections. He added that Oplan Tokhang will no longer be continued since it has been carried out "indiscriminately."

"Sabi niya masyadong focused ang Duterte government sa law enforcement kaya nagkaroon ng maraming issue. Under his management style, law enforcement will only be one component. Ang mas gusto niya i-focus ang prevention and rehab. Ito ang nakakaligtaan, dapat holistic ang approach," Lacson said in a forum.

[Translation: He said the Duterte government focused too much on law enforcement, which encountered a lot of issues. Under his style, this is just one of the components. He wants to focus on prevention and rehabilitation, which were ignored. The approach must be holistic.]

Lacson, a former chief of the Philippine National Police, expressed full confidence in Sotto since he previously chaired the Dangerous Drugs Board.

Aside from the drug war, Lacson also said he will introduce changes to the pandemic response, which focused too much on lockdowns. He also vowed to put an end to the "double standard" shown by President Rodrigo Duterte during corruption investigations.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 14)  If elected president, Vice President Leni Robredo said the country will explore trade and investment talks with China only in areas where it has no dispute with the East Asian giant.

"For China, we will collaborate with them in areas that we have no conflicts, such as trade and investments, much like what Vietnam has been doing," she said during the Rotary Club of Manila membership meeting on Thursday.

In the case of the West Philippine Sea, Robredo said she will only entertain discussions with Beijing once it recognizes Manila's victory at The Hague.

"But when it comes to the West Philippine Sea, we cannot deal with them without their recognition of the arbitral ruling," Robredo said.

"For example, we only agree to joint exploration with them if there is recognition of our rights as declared by the arbitral tribunal," she added.

On July 12, 2016, an arbitral tribunal in The Hague favored the Philippines against China's claims to virtually all of the South China Sea.

READ: PH wins maritime arbitration case vs. China

Earlier this year, the Department of Foreign Affairs fired off a number of diplomatic protests amid the incursion of over 200 Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

Likewise, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana issued strongly-worded statements calling for the removal of Chinese vessels, further urging China to stop its aggressive actions that "disturb" peace in the region.

President Rodrigo Duterte in May said the arbitral win was "just" a piece of paper. But late last month, the executive said the noncompliance from the side of China cannot diminish the worth of the arbitral award.

RELATED: SWS: 47% of adult Filipinos believe govt. 'not doing enough' in West PH Sea dispute

Meanwhile, Robredo said she will continue to strengthen relations with the US, while "creat[ing] better ties" in the areas of protection for Filipinos living there.

Part of bolstering US ties include "increasing exports, bolstering trade, military and intelligence capabilities, and of course protecting the West Philippine Sea," Robredo said.

"We also need to strengthen our diplomatic relations with our other allies, ASEAN countries, EU, Great Britain, Australia, and all the others. And in countries where there are large concentration of OFWs," she said.

"We will be open to working with everyone so long as it is to the best interest of the Filipino people," Robredo said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 15)  A magnitude 4.3 earthquake hit Canaman, Camarines Sur on Thursday night, state seismologists said.

In a bulletin, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the quake was felt at 10:08 p.m. at a depth of one kilometer. It was tectonic in origin, which means there was a movement in the Earth's crust.

Initial reports said it was a magnitude 4.2 earthquake.

Damage to structures is expected, Phivolcs said.

Following this tremor, a series of quakes were felt in the same location but the agency did not specify if these were aftershocks.

Intensity VI, or very strong shaking, was felt in Pili, Camarines Sur

Intensity V, characterized by strong vibration, was felt in Sipocot, Camarines Sur

Intensity III, or weak shaking, was felt in Iriga City, Camarines Sur

Intensity II, or slightly felt shaking, occurred in Legazpi City, Albay

Intensity I, or scarcely perceptible shaking, was felt in Mercedes, Camarines Norte

Phivolcs also reported intensities felt in other areas:

Intensity V - Canaman, Camarines Sur

Intensity IV - Calabanga, Camaligan, Gainza, Ocampo, Pili, and Sipocot, Camarines Sur

Intensity III - City of Naga

Intensity II - Buhi, Camarines Sur

Local authorities said they are continuously monitoring and are assessing the situation on the ground.
(CNN)  A number of high-powered lawyers who have represented Donald Trump in the past are sitting out his latest legal battle, as the former President prepares to assert executive privilege to block congressional investigators from getting information on the January 6 insurrection.

That's left Trump with a relatively small legal team without a lot of experience litigating issues of executive privilege as he readies for a court fight that could test major issues of presidential authority.

Some go-to attorneys have been spooked by Trump's reputation for sometimes not paying as a client, according to several people familiar with conservative legal circles. Others watched closely as lawyers fled Trump's prior teams, frustrated by him as a client or facing their own ethical predicaments. Others still want themselves and their firms to stay far away from Trump's insistence that the election was stolen.

"It's not a 10-foot pole" for law firms distancing themselves from Trump, "it's a 1,000-foot pole," said John Yoo, a University of California at Berkeley law professor who held a senior Justice Department position in the George W. Bush administration.

More than a half-dozen prominent attorneys who took notable roles in defending Trump or his advisers in the past are not assisting him this round. Those include Jay Sekulow and Ty Cobb, according to sources familiar with Trump's legal effort.

And at least four well-known lawyers were repeatedly approached by Trump's team for help in recent weeks -- and said no, a source familiar with the discussions tells CNN.

Among the four is William Burck, the white-collar lawyer who represented 11 Trump associates in and after the Mueller investigation. Burck turned Trump down three times in recent months, according to people familiar with the former President's orbit, because he wanted to stay away from how toxic Trump's situation has become after the attempt to overturn the election, the people said.

Trump said in a statement that he had never asked the four lawyers who turned him down, including Burck, for help. "I don't even know who they are, they are just looking to get publicity," the ex-President said. "I am using lawyers who have been with us from the beginning."

"I do pay my lawyers when they do a good job," Trump added.

Indeed, lawyers who worked in Trump's White House or campaign are still at work for the ex-President and now focused on more narrow tasks, such as handling executive privilege discussions with the National Archives or communicating with potential ex-White House witnesses called to Capitol Hill.

Two former legal advisers -- Patrick Philbin from the Trump White House counsel's office and Justin Clark from the 2020 campaign -- are still involved.

Clark, for instance, signed letters outlining Trump's executive privilege concerns to four witnesses under subpoena.

The toxic client

Large sections of the legal industry have publicly distanced themselves from Trump for years, and especially at the end of his presidency, when he pushed dozens of lawsuits to challenge his 2020 electoral loss and spread unfounded voter fraud accusations. Those lost cases have already resulted in the suspension of his celebrity attorney Rudy Giuliani's law license, prominent conservative attorney Cleta Mitchell's departure from her firm and the sanctioning of several other attorneys who worked on a case in Michigan. Giuliani and another lawyer, Sidney Powell, are also facing defamation lawsuits seeking billions of dollars in damages.

Even longtime Trump law firms like Jones Day announced publicly that they wouldn't be involved in his legal challenges to the election.

The three lawyers in addition to Burck who have turned down Trump's entreaties in recent months, one source said, are the conservative heavy-hitters Charles Cooper, Mark Filip and Paul Clement.

Cooper, a former assistant attorney general with experience in congressional subpoena fights, told CNN he would watch any court fight about Trump and executive privilege "from the bleachers." He declined to comment further.

During Trump's impeachment over his dealings with Ukraine, Cooper brought an unconventional court challenge on behalf of a National Security Council witness that put on ice the House's ability to get testimony from that witness, Charles Kupperman, his boss John Bolton and then-White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney.

Filip, a former acting attorney general, and Clement, a former solicitor general, work at the same elite law firm, Kirkland & Ellis, that represents Trump's last attorney general, Jeffrey Rosen, in the Capitol Hill probes into January 6.

Rosen already spoke to the Senate Judiciary Committee for hours about Trump's attempts to fire him and overturn the 2020 election, making his lawyers' involvement more difficult to secure -- and even less likely. The firm declined to comment.

Disjointed legal effort

In the January 6 aftermath, Trump's legal approach has structured itself differently from past investigations, such as the Mueller probe and during the Ukraine impeachment, where presidential privilege and litigation czars emerged. In those cases, Trump enlisted personal lawyers, witnesses' attorneys, the Justice Department and White House counsel's office experts to coordinate.

But the ex-President now has no coordinating attorney leading his team, according to several people familiar with his approach. There also isn't a main attorney who's handling messaging on behalf of the former President.

Trump's legal machine has been disjointed at times. Several people close to the former President have told CNN in recent days that they are not aware of a broad, cohesive legal strategy ready to respond on his behalf or a litigation heavyweight waiting in the wings to go to court.

So far, Trump's legal response has largely consisted of writing letters to witnesses and weighing in on a congressional request to the National Archives, which houses his presidential papers.

To the witnesses, Trump's legal team said he may want to assert executive privilege. The witnesses may have to decide on their own whether they will comply with subpoenas they've received or fight them in court, the people said.

That leaves Trump's team primarily dealing with the National Archives. Philbin and Pat Cipollone, former White House counsel, have also been involved behind the scenes there -- but both could be key witnesses to Trump's actions in the last days of his presidency, complicating the roles they could play in the wider investigation.

However, the pair already opened a Washington, DC, office of a California-based small litigation law firm with other former Trump administration colleagues, making it likely they'll continue to handle some legal needs for the former President.

Legal heavyweights needed

A larger, more experienced firm may be needed if the Trump executive privilege fight heads into appeals. Past presidents have used some of the most elite law firms in Washington to help them post-presidency, including the Clintons keeping a decades-long relationship with their private attorney David Kendall at Williams & Connolly and Ronald Reagan turning to Ted Olson, who had high-ranking Justice Department experience, to counsel him when he testified in a 1990 trial related to the Iran-Contra affair.

"You'd want to see a top 10 national law firm with a big, experienced DC office" handling cases that test constitutional issues, such as how much say a former president has over the confidentiality of his records, said Yoo, the former Bush administration Justice official. "You don't see that here. It's quite glaring."

Post-Watergate-era law allows for former presidents to have some say over what they want to keep protected in their presidential records -- and to litigate what should stay confidential if they choose.

A split has already materialized between what Trump wants and what the Biden White House's position is. Last Friday, Trump's political organization said it believed that more than 40 documents in the hands of the National Archives should stay confidential. The Biden White House, however, didn't oppose the documents going to the House investigation.

That sets up the possibility of a complex and expensive court fight -- where Trump may need to sue if he disagrees with the National Archives' approach to his papers. It's possible that the questions he could raise in court about executive privilege may need to be settled by the Supreme Court, Yoo said.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Top conservative lawyers steer clear of Trump's latest legal fight"
(CNN) -- Should UK government officials be allowed to send each other "disappearing messages" on WhatsApp? A High Court judge has ruled that two campaign groups can pursue their case to end the practice.

Nonprofit groups Foxglove and the Citizens were given the go ahead on Tuesday to challenge the use of disappearing messages by UK officials, which they describe as "government by WhatsApp." Apps such as Signal and WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook, allow users to send messages that disappear automatically after a set amount of time.

The campaigners have accused the government of breaching laws on freedom of information and the Public Records Act 1958, which requires the government to preserve certain official documents in the public interest. They began legal proceedings after writing to the government in March, asking Prime Minister Boris Johnson to ban disappearing messages.

The Cabinet Office  which supports the prime minister and the cabinet  requires officials to delete WhatsApp chat messages at the end of a conversation, according to the campaign groups, which said the rules were revealed for the first time in court on Tuesday.

The Cabinet Office said it does not comment on specific legal cases.

"Ministers will use a range of modern forms of communication for discussions, in line with legislative requirements, and taking into account government guidance," a Cabinet Office spokesperson said Wednesday in response to questions from CNN Business.

Disappearing messages

Scrutiny of UK government communication practices has increased since Dominic Cummings, Johnson's former top aide, posted Whatsapp messages online in June that appeared to show private chats with the prime minister. That same month, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) acknowledged that it allowed ministers and civil servants to set their messages to delete instantly.

In July, UK Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham launched a formal investigation into the use of private correspondence channels at the Department for Health and Social Care, saying information in private email accounts or messaging services is often forgotten, deleted or lost.

"The suggestion of ministers and senior officials using private correspondence channels, such as private email accounts, to conduct sensitive official business is a concerning one," Denham said in a statement at the time. "It concerns the public to feel there may be a loss of transparency about decisions affecting them and their loved ones."

Foxglove director Cori Crider said Tuesday the case was the first of its kind and raised "a critical issue in modern government."

"We're doing this to defend the integrity of our public debate. We can't learn from history if the evidence has vanished into thin air," she added.

Clara Maguire, director of the Citizens, said that a lack of government transparency has contributed to policy failures and hampered the response to the coronavirus pandemic.

"We believe this case goes to the very heart of this problem and we look forward to proving government by WhatsApp is not only dangerous but also unlawful," she said.

This story was first published on CNN.com "WhatsApp messages are being deleted by UK officials. Should that be allowed?".
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 14)  Presidential aspirant Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson detailed on Thursday why a last-ditch effort to field one candidate to represent the opposition failed, saying a meeting with Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Franklin Drilon left him feeling offended.

Lacson and his running mate Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III met with the two opposition leaders for the second time on Oct. 2, the second day of filing of candidacy.

Admitting he did not personally notice it, Lacson said he was informed by Sotto that Drilon had indicated in a hand gesture that the unified opposition wanted to field Robredo and Sotto for the top two national posts. He said the action insinuated that he should withdraw his plan to run in the 2022 presidential polls.

"I was only informed by Senate President after our meeting. Sabi niya, 'Hindi mo ba napansin na 'yung dalawang daliri ni Frank nakaturo sa aming dalawa?' Parang effectively telling me in my face to withdraw and create a new tandem between the Vice President and the Senate President," he said during a media forum.

[Translation: I was only informed by Senate President after our meeting. He asked me, 'Didn't you notice that Frank's fingers were pointed at us?' It seemed to say that I should withdraw because they will create a new tandem with the Vice President and the Senate President.]

Lacson said he would have walked out from the meeting if he personally noticed Drilon's alleged hand motion.

"It's too insulting to say the least, in your face sabihin sa iyo na mag-withdraw [tell you to withdraw]," he added.

During the second meeting with Robredo and Drilon, the senator said he had decided that he will not withdraw his presidential bid.

"Doon ko na-confirm na ang [That's where I confirmed that the] unification effort is only to unify under them, nothing more," he said.

Robredo eventually confirmed her presidential run with Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan as her running mate, after several failed attempts to unite presidential aspirants Lacson, Isko Moreno, and Manny Pacquiao against the Duterte administrations standard bearer.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 14)  Vice President Leni Robredo said Thursday her senatorial slate for next year's national elections is already complete.

"We have already finalized our slate," Robredo said during the Rotary Club of Manila membership meeting on Thursday.

Robredo did not disclose the names of the senatorial aspirants under her wing but said only three personalities are from the Liberal Party.

"I have not been authorized to reveal it first. After we announce our senatorial slate, youll see that our slate is composed of representatives from different parties," she added.

Last week, Robredo bared her initial list of senatorial bets: Senators Risa Hontiveros and Leila de Lima, former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, and former Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat.

Robredo said while she is still the chairperson of the Liberal Party, she decided to run as independent as "our symbolic way of showing this openness."

"The 2022 elections is not just about me or our party, or between the personalities. Its really the collective power of the people," she added.

Robredo's running mate is Senator Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan.
(CNN)  A 37-year-old man has been arrested and charged after five people were killed and two injured in a bow and arrow attack in the Norwegian town of Kongsberg on Wednesday.

The suspect is a Danish citizen who lives in the town, police said in a statement early Thursday. The suspect, who has not been named by police, was arrested on Wednesday afternoon and transported to the nearby city of Drammen.

Police have not disclosed what charges the suspect is facing. Authorities released the latest statement to counter what they said was speculation on social media that other perpetrators were involved.

The perpetrator is believed to have acted alone, police said.

Speaking to media after the attack, Oyvind Aas, police chief of the county seat Drammen, said authorities had not ruled out the possibility of a terror attack. "From the course of events, it is natural to consider whether this is an act of terrorism," he said.

However, Aas added, "the apprehended person has not been questioned, and it is therefore too early to say anything about this and what was the person's motivation."

The suspect moved across a "large area" in the course of the attack and was apprehended at 6:47 p.m. local time, a police statement said.

Speaking at a news conference in Oslo, the capital, Erna Solberg, the country's outgoing Prime Minister, described the developments in Kongsberg as "gruesome" and promised "all necessary resources" were being deployed.

"The perpetrator has carried out horrific acts against several people. It is a very dramatic situation that has hit Kongsberg society hard, and the events shake us all," she said.

The attack comes on the eve of a new government after last month's parliamentary elections unseated the long-ruling Conservative Party. Labour leader Jonas Gahr Store is due to assume the role of Prime Minister on Thursday.

In a Facebook post, Store described the attack as a "cruel and brutal act."

"My thoughts and deepest sympathy now go to those affected, their families, and to the police, health personnel and aid workers who are now working full time to provide an overview and assist those who need help," he said.

According to Aas, one of the injured is an off-duty policeman who was in a store.

"The injured have been taken to hospital for treatment. The Kongsberg municipality has been notified and has set up crisis teams to assist and follow up with those who need it," he said.

Kongsberg is located 85 kilometers (about 53 miles) west of Oslo.

Police in country are now temporarily armed

Local police began receiving emergency calls from central Kongsberg at 6:13 p.m. local time, according to a statement by the southeastern police district.

The calls reported a person walking around with "what was supposedly a bow and arrow."

Shots were fired by police during the arrest, Aas said.

"It took some time from the time our first patrol was on the scene until he was arrested. We will return to a more detailed description of the course of events when we have a better overview of what happened," he said.

Police across the country have now been given the rare order to carry firearms as a precaution.

"Due to the serious incident in Kongsberg where several people were killed and injured tonight, the police in Norway are temporarily armed," the Norwegian Police directorate said in a statement on Wednesday.

"This is an additional emergency measure," the statement added. "The police currently have no concrete indications that there is a change in the threat level in the country."

Under Norwegian law, officers typically must have prior approval to carry firearms.

The attack comes just over a decade since Norway's worst terrorist attack.

In July 2011, Norwegian far-right extremist Anders Behring Brevik killed 77 people, many of them teenagers, in a bomb attack and gun rampage. He was sentenced to 21 years in prison, the maximum possible term.

In August 2019, another man stormed an Oslo mosque armed with guns before being overpowered. That year, the country's intelligence service repor

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Suspect charged after 5 killed in bow and arrow attack in Norway, police say"
During its regular meeting Oct. 5, the Schuyler City Council debated school crosswalks in town.

Council members approved a resolution to establish a crosswalk on West 22nd Street and on the west side of Chicago Street  near Schuyler Elementary School  with accompanying signs. But Third Ward Council Member Jane Kasik asked if signs with blinking lights would work better to help keep students safe.

I always wondered if thats enough, if people actually read the sign versus the (blinking) lights, Kasik said.

City Attorney Richard Seckman noted there had been no signage there before, meaning it couldnt be enforced.

You have to have something there before you can enforce anything, and I think they want to do the least restrictive before they do more and see if it works, Seckman said.

Second Ward Council Member Dan Baumert questioned why the city never pursued obtaining a push-button crosswalk sign for Schuyler Middle School. The school is located along Highway 15.

That was controlled through the state through the Nebraska Department of Transportation, Seckman said. They were making the decisions on what was and was not going to be done.

Baumert noted that recently he had been traveling through Ashland, which had a push-button sign located along a state highway. Baumert asked if itd be possible for the city to try to get the push-button sign again.

Well probably have to show that theres a need, Seckman said.

Baumert said he would be in favor of that type of sign to save money on having to hire a crosswalk guard. But, Seckman said, the state still may require the city to have the guard.

Mayor Jon Knutson indicated he would look into the matter further.

Right before the regular council meeting, the Community Development Agency met during which city officials OKd selling lot 15 in the Water Tower Subdivision to Granville Homes for $15,000.

You might recall we did an identical thing a year ago, almost a year ago to date, on lot 16, for the same amount on the west side, Seckman told council members. This is on the east side of Chicago and last years was on the west side. (Its the) same price, same terms.

Knutson noted this would make five houses in a row in the subdivision.

The city of Schuyler has seen progress in housing recently, with Schuyler Community Development being given a $203,000 grant to purchase nine acres of land along East 22nd Street for a future housing development. The land is currently owned by the Mares family and the closing date of that sale was Oct. 28 as of the City Councils Sept. 30 meeting.

The Schuyler City Council also:

 Approved a permit to move a house to 720 W. 13th St.; the building is being moved directly across the street;

 Heard a report from Emergency Manager Michelle Evert that from Sept. 26 to Oct. 3, Colfax County saw 16 new cases of COVID-19 and about half of its population aged 12 and older is vaccinated;

 Appointed Art Lindberg, Chris Langemeier, Ryan Novak, Eduardo Deleon and Don Meister to the Board of Appeals.

Hannah Schrodt is the news editor of the Schuyler Sun. Reach her via email at hannah.schrodt@lee.net.

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In a recent grant application, a telecommunications company and public power district have proposed an innovative way to close the rural internet service gap in Nebraska, along the same lines of an idea that has previously been discussed by Columbus area public power officials.

The high cost to build high-speed internet infrastructure prevents many telecom companies from serving rural areas. However, the lack of and need for internet access in rural locations became painfully obvious in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic sent people out of the office to work from home online.

Nearly all of the grant applications for the $20 million Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program (NBBP) came from telecom companies, but one application proposed a one-of-a-kind partnership between telecom and public power.

Nebraska law prohibits public power districts from selling internet service to residences and businesses, but by working together, Glenwood Telecommunications Company and South Central Public Power District could significantly reduce the cost of providing high speed internet access to under-served rural areas, specifically in Clay, Nuckolls and Webster counties.

The public power district would own, install and maintain fiber optic cables and would lease use of them to the telecom company.

The type of relationship being proposed by Glenwood and South Central is similar to one that Loup Power District officials have speculated about in recent months, and in which Nebraska Public Power District's Pat Pope has long had an interest.

In fact, South Central's General Manager Craig Cox said Pope has played a big role in getting the idea this far.

If actualized, it would be the first telecom-public power partnership of its kind in Nebraska.

Glenwood General Manager Stan Rouse said the plan proposed in the NBBP grant application would expand Glenwood's existing broadband service infrastructure in the area.

Meanwhile, Cox said the power district could use the extra fiber to connect its substations and remote equipment, something Loup President/CEO Neal Suess has also mentioned as a benefit.

Cox said the project would cost of a lot of money initially, but that South Central is looking at the long term benefits of having broadband capability throughout its service territory. Rouse echoed that sentiment.

"Families not only want this, they need and deserve this. There are homes in rural areas that do not have access to internet, unless they subscribe to satellite or something with far lower speeds than fiber," Rouse said. "(High speed internet access) allows individuals to work from home and provides access to distance learning, as well as remote health care. There is also an economic impact as real estate values increase and businesses develop."

The point about economic development is one Pope has made many times in the past.

But, Cox stressed that it's still all just an idea -- nothing is set in stone.

"The NRTC (National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative)  did a pretty detailed study for us on what it would take, as a starting point, and put together the cost and some designs so that we could go out with those and apply for grants," Cox said.

Things look promising so far, Cox said, but cost remains a significant concern. South Central and GTC will have to wait to see what happens with the grant application.

"We know it's in its infancy," Rouse said. "I think we're both committed to trying to make it work and -- with assistance from grants and other funding -- we will do what we can to expand more reliable and robust broadband networks to people, which will improve life in rural Nebraska."

Molly Hunter is a reporter for The Columbus Telegram. Reach her via email at molly.hunter@lee.net.

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Editor's note: This story has been updated to show the accurate numbers for the tax levy.

On Tuesday the Platte County Board of Supervisors approved the levy for the next year, which will be lower than the prior year.

During the regular board meeting, the supervisors approved the tax levy for the 2021-22 fiscal year for school districts, fire districts, townships, cities and villages, Platte County, Educational Service Units 7 and 8, Ag Society and Sanitary and Improvement District No. 7. The county levy was set for .1947 compared to this past year it was .2105, according to District 6 Supervisor Jerry Engdahl.

Board Chairman and District 2 Supervisor Jerry Micek said he is thankful the levy was lowered.

I think were the only one in the area who has lowered their levy, Micek said.

The board setting the levy comes off the heels last month of the supervisors approving the 2021-22 fiscal year budget.

Last year, the county's operating budget was $52,417,787.38. Meanwhile, this years operating budget is lower at $49,342,582.71, a decrease of 6%.

Additionally, this years property tax evaluation was $5,932,145,717 while the previous one was $5,679,735,973.

Also, during the supervisors' meeting, the board approved Micek  as the chairman  to sign the Certificate of Cost Allocation Plan for the past fiscal year that ended on June 30. Chief Deputy County Attorney Breanna Anderson-Flaherty said the plan is based on the actual cost for child support. The documentation includes expenditures and different values for the fiscal year of 2020, she added.

District 3 Supervisor Jim Scow asked Anderson-Flaherty if the plan was prepared by Lincoln-based Maximus Consulting Services Inc., which the county has used in previous years. Anderson-Flaherty confirmed it was done by Maximus.

The plan also details roughly $40,000 in reimbursements that the county will receive, Anderson-Flaherty said. The funds will be used in 2022, she said.

The cost that they determine for the actual fiscal year 2020 is what we use in 2022, so its about two years behind, she said.

Additionally, the board OKd the purchase of new stun guns for the Platte County Sheriffs Office. Sheriff Ed Wemhoff asked for five new stun guns as replacements for the deputies and officers in the Platte County Detention Facility. The cost comes out to $6,047.40, Wemhoff said.

I currently have a couple of deputies who do not have Tasers, and they have proven to be quite effective with the amount of hands-on risk we have to go through due to the potential of medical injuries for our deputies, as well as our public, Wemhoff said.

The stun guns will come out of the countys capital account.

Andrew Kiser is a reporter for The Columbus Telegram. Reach him via email at andrew.kiser@lee.net.

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" " Content on the dark web is deliberately hidden by its owners and requires special software  specifically, a browser called Tor  to access. ETham photo/Corbis/Getty Images

Ever heard of the website Silk Road? The U.S. shut down this infamous online black market and prominent member of the dark web in 2013. Search engines don't index any of the websites on the dark web, which means you can't get there by using Google or Yahoo or your search engine of choice. The dark web is known as a place where illegal goods and services can be bought and sold, and for that reason, it's earned a reputation for being a little seedy and salacious.

Sometimes people use the term deep web interchangeably with the dark web, but the two are not the same. The deep web also is inaccessible by search engine, but it's largely composed of sites and content that aren't public for reasons like paywalls or privacy concerns. You probably access the deep web regularly without even realizing it. For example, if you log on to your medical provider's website to send messages to your doctor or to check your latest test results, that's the deep web. Same goes for reading internal memos on your company's corporate intranet. Not because it's dark or dangerous, but because it's not available to see without proper login credentials. Deep web content makes up most of the internet  by some estimates, 96 percent or more, says CSO Daily.

The difference is that deep web content isn't accessible simply because it hides behind logins or paywalls, while dark web content is deliberately hidden by its owners and requires special software  specifically, a browser called Tor  to access. So, there are plenty of reasons to log on to the deep web, but are there legitimate reasons to seek out the dark web? Sure.

Tor started out as a way for users to communicate while staying completely anonymous, by sending search requests through a vast network of proxy servers around the world, so that anything you view can't be traced back to your computer. Tor still works the same way, though enterprising individuals have taken advantage of the anonymity to buy and sell all manner of vices. Still, people have reasons to stay anonymous without engaging in crime. Tor is useful in countries where internet access is monitored or restricted. As CSO Daily points out, journalists and law enforcement agencies visit the dark web to stay ahead of the news, while lawyers may look for information on their legal opponents there and everyday citizens concerned about online privacy may meet up on the dark web as well.

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Downloading Tor

If you want to explore the dark web, head to the Tor Project's website to download Tor.

Tor stands for "The Onion Router," with the onion serving as a reference for the different layers of the internet. It's available for Windows, Mac and Linux platforms, as well as Android and Apple mobile devices. In general, once you download and install Tor, you're good to go, though there are some things you should know. First, using Tor is slow, like the early days of dial-up internet, simply because it takes time to route your search requests through all those anonymizers. Second, accessing specific websites directly is a little different. Dark websites end with ".onion" instead of the typical ".com," ".edu," ".org" or whatnot. Also, sites don't have straightforward, easily memorized web addresses. Even if you're trying to get to the dark web version of Facebook (and yes, there is one), "facebook.onion" isn't going to get you there. There are random letters and numbers mixed in there, too. And finally, since the whole point of Tor is that no one knows who you are or where you're located, your search results might appear in a different language, because it'll assume you're somewhere else in the world based on the way the proxies happen to route your traffic.

In most places, Tor is completely legal to use, though there are some exceptions, like in China and Venezuela. That doesn't mean you can legally partake in the dark web's illegal offerings; just that having or using Tor itself is no reason for you to get in trouble.

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Staying Safe on the Dark Web

Be wary of buying services or products, even those that aren't illegal, because the dark web's anonymity makes it a haven for scammers. Be wary of sites that may infect your computer with viruses or other malicious software that could give hackers access to your passwords, or, say, your webcam. Also, since illegal and disturbing content abounds, and it is still illegal to access illegal content even if it's harder for the authorities to track you down, click and surf with extreme caution.

In addition to Tor's three layers of encryption, the browser also deletes your browsing history, erases your tracks and prevents sites from identifying and tracking you, explains Wired. Tor's security measures aren't foolproof, but they're pretty good. Keep in mind that if you use your real name, address, email address or other identifying information anywhere on the dark web, you're giving away the protections provided by Tor.
Though deceased, Leroy Cork Shildt III will appear on the Nov. 2 ballot as the only candidate for mayor of the borough of Mount Holly Springs.

Shildt died on Sept. 26 following a battle with COVID-19.

Word of his death came after the paper ballots were printed and the voting machines programmed with the final list of candidates, said Bethany Salzarulo, director of elections and voter registration for Cumberland County. Once we are this far into the election cycle, there is no taking off names.

At this point, only a write-in candidate could challenge Shildt for the four-year office of borough mayor and that person would have to garner more votes, Salzarulo said.

While its conceivable that Shildt could win the vote, a winners certificate is sent out to each successful candidate asking the person if they accept being elected to office.

Since Shildt would be unable to respond, the office of mayor would be vacant and it would fall on the borough council to appoint someone to serve a two-year term leading up to the 2023 municipal election, Salzarulo said. She added the winner of the mayor seat in 2023 would then serve two years until the 2025 election when the office of mayor reverts back to a four-year term.

Transition

During a meeting Monday, the council appointed Brian Robertson to serve as interim mayor through Dec. 31. For that to happen, Robertson had to resign from the council after serving for only about a month.

There has been a lot of flux in the borough government lately. The transition on the council started in the summer when Katie Daniels resigned due to moving to a different municipality. There were two applicants for her vacant seat  Robertson and Deborah Halpin-Brophy  the latter of whom was appointed by the council to replace Daniels.

Last month, Cindy Goshorn resigned from the council to address some personal matters, Borough Manager Tom Day said. Goshorn was replaced by Robertson who served until Monday when he resigned from the council to serve as mayor. Goshorn returned on Monday to resume her service on the council.

After Shildt passed away, borough officials approached Robertson and asked if he was interested in serving as mayor through the end of the current calendar year, Day said. At first, Brian didnt know what the position of mayor was. He read up about it and came back to council.

Cork was a good friend, Robertson said Monday. His daughter and our daughter were the same age. I knew him quite well. He was a good guy. Its a shame he didnt get vaccinated.

A retired dentist, Robertson has been a borough resident for about 41 years. He maintained a practice in Mount Holly for 37 years before moving into Carlisle his last two years in business. For about 25 years, Robertson served as scoutmaster for Troop 170. Both Goshorn and Robertson are on the Nov. 2 ballot as candidates for the council.

There has also been a major staff change. This summer, Sara Jarrett announced plans to resign as secretary/treasurer of Mount Holly Springs to work as the assistant borough manager of Emmaus in Lehigh County.

Mount Holly launched a search for a replacement that included advertising the position on social media, online job sites and with the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, Day said. There were probably around 40 applicants for the position. We interviewed close to 18 of them  the administrative committee [of council] and myself. We narrowed it down to three and selected Nanette.

Nanette Dusharme of the Carlisle area was hired as the new borough secretary/treasurer. Her first day was Oct. 4 with a starting wage of $19 an hour, Day said.

During the meeting Monday, the council approved a motion setting aside a page in the minute book as a tribute to Shildt who served eight years on council before he was appointed mayor in late May 2019 to fulfill the unexpired term of P. Scott Boise who resigned.

Email Joseph Cress at jcress@cumberlink.com.

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PITTSBURGH  The federal judge in the capital murder case against Robert Bowers in the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue massacre told lawyers Wednesday she wants a list of pretrial motions and plans to reassess the status of the long-delayed case in January.

U.S. District Judge Donetta Ambrose presided over a two-day evidentiary hearing in Pittsburgh this week to determine whether prosecutors will be allowed to use statements at trial that Bowers is believed to have made to police and investigators immediately after the attack.

Ambrose gave the sides more than a month to make arguments in writing after hearing officers, paramedics and investigators recount statements by Bowers that indicate he was motivated by a hatred of Jewish people. Bowers was not in court for this week's hearing.

Bowers, 49, of Baldwin, Pennsylvania, faces charges of hate crimes violations, obstruction of religious belief and firearms offenses for the Oct. 27, 2018, attack on three congregations during Sabbath services in the Tree of Life synagogue building. Bowers is accused of killing 11 people and wounding seven, including five police officers.

He was shot three times by police before being taken into custody.

Bowers faces a potential death sentence if convicted, but his lawyers have said in court documents that he has been willing to plead guilty in return for a sentence of life without parole, an offer prosecutors apparently did not accept. There is no trial date set.

Pittsburgh police Officer Andrew Miller testified Wednesday that he heard Bowers say, I had to do it, Jews are the children of Satan. They're murdering our children.

Another Pittsburgh officer, John Persin, said Bowers spelled out the initials HIAS, an acronym for a Maryland nonprofit group that helps refugees find safety and freedom. The organization, founded as the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society in 1881, says it is guided by Jewish values and history.

Pittsburgh police homicide detective Robert Shaw told Ambrose that he read Bowers his Miranda rights against self-incrimination in an ambulance, and that Bowers invoked his right to legal counsel. Miranda rights were repeated to Bowers in the hospital where he was taken for treatment, Shaw said.
The state Department of Health reported 107 new cases of COVID-19 and four additional deaths for Cumberland County Thursday.

The county has now reported 28 deaths in October, the highest total since 36 in February, with all of those coming in the last nine days. The county totaled 21 deaths in September.

The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 decreased to 112 in Thursday's report, two fewer than Wednesday. There are 22 adults in intensive care (two more than Wednesday) and 16 on ventilators (the same as Wednesday). Seven adult ICU beds remain open of the 108 currently staffed across the county, and 43 of 95 ventilators in the county are in use.

Thursday's report included 239 test results, with 14 probable cases. Comparing just the number of negative tests (132) and confirmed positive tests (93), the county saw 41.3% of its tests come back positive.

The countys seven-day average of cases now sits at 105.14. Its 14-day per capita rate sits at 637.28.

The southcentral region reported 846 cases and 19 additional deaths Thursday, with 255 cases in York County and 85 cases in Dauphin County.

Franklin County reports 91 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 Thursday (four more than Wednesday), with two of 30 currently staffed ICU beds available in the county and 19 of 35 available ventilators in use. There are 16 adults in intensive care and 13 on ventilators.

Dauphin County reports 121 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 Thursday (four more than Wednesday), with 28 of 198 currently staffed ICU beds available in the county and 74 of 177 available ventilators in use. There are 32 adults in intensive care and 21 on ventilators.

School-age children

In its weekly update for the sixth week of the school year, the department reported another 176 cases among children aged 5-18 in Cumberland County during the week of Sept. 29 to Oct. 5, a decrease of 14 from the previous week. That brings the total number of cases in Cumberland County for this school year to 949.

Statewide, the number of cases among 5- to 18-year-olds decreased for the second week in a row with 7,046 cases reported. The state said the total number of cases in that age group for the school year thus far is 42,182.

Early Warning Dashboard

Cumberland County saw an increase in its in percent positivity and its incidence rate per 100,000 people in the Health Department's weekly update to its Early Warning Monitoring System Dashboard Friday. Cumberland County saw its percent positivity rise to 13.1% for the week of Oct. 1-7, up from 11.5% the previous week. The incidence rate per 100,000 people increased to 259.3, up from 241.1 the previous week.

Philadelphia County, which includes the city of Philadelphia, holds the second lowest percent positivity in the state for the week of Oct. 1-7 at 4.5% and the lowest incidence rate per 100,000 people at 91.4.

Penn State Health update (Oct. 13)

Penn State Health lists a COVID-19 dashboard on its website tracking cases at each of its acute care hospitals  Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center, Hampden Medical Center and Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center. The dashboard will be updated every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Wednesday's update shows 118 total cases (113 adults, 5 pediatrics) in the health system's four hospitals  25 are fully vaccinated (21.2%) with five in an ICU and one on a ventilator, 73 are nonvaccinated (61.8%) with 23 in an ICU and 12 on a ventilator, and 20 are unknown status patients. Four of the five children hospitalized are unvaccinated (with one at unknown status), with no one in an ICU and no one on a ventilator.

Holy Spirit Medical Center in Camp Hill has 32 COVID patients. Twelve are fully vaccinated adults (one in ICU and one on a ventilator) and 20 unvaccinated adults (two in an ICU and two on a ventilator).

Hampden Medical Center has nine COVID patients. Seven are not fully vaccinated (three in an ICU) and two are fully vaccinated.

Vaccinations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention labels Cumberland County as having "high" transmission of the virus  the highest level, which is the transmission level for every county in the state. Community transmission is determined by the number of new cases per 100,000 people in the last seven days and the positivity rate over the last seven days, so the classification could vary from day to day based on those numbers.

In data updated Wednesday evening, the CDC says Cumberland County has seen 61.2% of its total population of 253,370 become fully vaccinated. For the county's vaccine eligible population of people ages 12 and older, 70.6% have been fully vaccinated.

County numbers in the southcentral region (for Oct. 14):

Adams County (pop. 103,009): 51 new cases; 12,652 total cases (10,396 confirmed, 2,256 probable); 43,498 negatives; 210 deaths; 48.8% of county population vaccinated

51 new cases; 12,652 total cases (10,396 confirmed, 2,256 probable); 43,498 negatives; 210 deaths; 48.8% of county population vaccinated Bedford County (pop. 47,888): 46 new cases; 6,444 total cases (4,374 confirmed, 2,070 probable); 12,202 negatives; 158 deaths; 34% of county population vaccinated

46 new cases; 6,444 total cases (4,374 confirmed, 2,070 probable); 12,202 negatives; 158 deaths; 34% of county population vaccinated Blair County (pop. 121,829): 79 new cases; 16,401 total cases (12,917 confirmed, 3,484 probable); 46,326 negatives; 368 deaths (+2); 45.4% of county population vaccinated

79 new cases; 16,401 total cases (12,917 confirmed, 3,484 probable); 46,326 negatives; 368 deaths (+2); 45.4% of county population vaccinated Cumberland County (pop. 253,370): 107 new cases; 26,899 total cases (21,240 confirmed, 5,659 probable); 99,328 negatives; 595 deaths (+4); 61.2% of county population vaccinated

107 new cases; 26,899 total cases (21,240 confirmed, 5,659 probable); 99,328 negatives; 595 deaths (+4); 61.2% of county population vaccinated Dauphin County (pop. 278,299): 85 new cases; 33,428 total cases (28,739 confirmed, 4,689 probable); 125,602 negatives; 621 deaths (+3); 57.2% of county population vaccinated

85 new cases; 33,428 total cases (28,739 confirmed, 4,689 probable); 125,602 negatives; 621 deaths (+3); 57.2% of county population vaccinated Franklin County (pop. 155,027): 59 new cases; 20,902 total cases (17,245 confirmed, 3,657 probable); 63,491 negatives; 431 deaths (+1); 44.2% of county population vaccinated

59 new cases; 20,902 total cases (17,245 confirmed, 3,657 probable); 63,491 negatives; 431 deaths (+1); 44.2% of county population vaccinated Fulton County (pop. 14,530): 10 new cases; 2,096 total cases (1,056 confirmed, 1,040 probable); 4,904 negatives; 26 deaths; 29.9% of county population vaccinated

10 new cases; 2,096 total cases (1,056 confirmed, 1,040 probable); 4,904 negatives; 26 deaths; 29.9% of county population vaccinated Huntingdon County (pop. 45,144): 28 new cases; 6,562 total cases (5,416 confirmed, 1,146 probable); 19,765 negatives; 151 deaths (+1); 45.6% of county population vaccinated

28 new cases; 6,562 total cases (5,416 confirmed, 1,146 probable); 19,765 negatives; 151 deaths (+1); 45.6% of county population vaccinated Juniata County (pop. 24,763): 6 new cases; 2,753 total cases (2,498 confirmed, 255 probable); 6,499 negatives; 112 deaths; 39.1% of county population vaccinated

6 new cases; 2,753 total cases (2,498 confirmed, 255 probable); 6,499 negatives; 112 deaths; 39.1% of county population vaccinated Lebanon County (pop. 141,793): 48 new cases; 19,894 total cases (17,041 confirmed, 2,853 probable); 61,931 negatives; 322 deaths (+2); 49.6% of county population vaccinated

48 new cases; 19,894 total cases (17,041 confirmed, 2,853 probable); 61,931 negatives; 322 deaths (+2); 49.6% of county population vaccinated Mifflin County (pop. 46,138): 42 new cases; 6,847 total cases (6,462 confirmed, 385 probable); 17,276 negatives; 187 deaths (+1); 47.5% of county population vaccinated

42 new cases; 6,847 total cases (6,462 confirmed, 385 probable); 17,276 negatives; 187 deaths (+1); 47.5% of county population vaccinated Perry County (pop. 46,272): 30 new cases; 5,068 total cases (3,918 confirmed, 1,150 probable); 12,932 negatives; 115 deaths (+1); 45.8% of county population vaccinated

30 new cases; 5,068 total cases (3,918 confirmed, 1,150 probable); 12,932 negatives; 115 deaths (+1); 45.8% of county population vaccinated York County (pop. 449,058): 255 new cases; 59,415 total cases (48,455 confirmed; 10,960 probable); 190,689 negatives; 934 deaths (+4); 53.9% of county population vaccinated

ZIP code-level counts (updated Oct. 14):

17013: 3,278 positives, 15,274 negatives - +81 since Oct. 8

17015: 1,943 positives, 7,524 negatives - +35 since Oct. 8

17050: 3,092 positives, 15,656 negatives - +60 since Oct. 8

17055: 3,462 positives, 17,908 negatives - +80 since Oct. 8

17011: 3,224 positives, 14,947 negatives - +66 since Oct. 8

17007: 469 positives, 1,903 negatives - +7 since Oct. 8

17065: 339 positives, 1,327 negatives - +6 since Oct. 8

17324: 362 positives, 1,398 negatives - +8 since Oct. 8

17241: 882 positives, 3,371 negatives - +27 since Oct. 8

17257: 2,259 positives, 7,634 negatives - +38 since Oct. 8

17240: 211 positives, 677 negatives - +5 since Oct. 8

17025: 1,473 positives, 6,064 negatives - +35 since Oct. 8

17070: 1,367 positives, 5,794 negatives - +24 since Oct. 8

17043: 471 positives, 2,188 negatives - +11 since Oct. 8

17019: 1,605 positives, 5,931 negatives - +35 since Oct. 8

17266: 26 positives, 135 negatives - +2 since Oct. 8

School district and college case counts (updated Oct. 14)

The Sentinel's case counts for Cumberland County school districts and colleges or universities are updated Monday and Thursdays. The policy for each school districts reporting is noted in the list below.

Big Spring School District (reports active cases in past 14 days with school exposure): 22 student cases and 7 staff cases as of Oct. 14.

(reports active cases in past 14 days with school exposure): 22 student cases and 7 staff cases as of Oct. 14. Carlisle Area School District (reports cases as they occur and updates a chart): 11 new cases since Oct. 11; 141 cases this school year (started Aug. 25.)

(reports cases as they occur and updates a chart): 11 new cases since Oct. 11; 141 cases this school year (started Aug. 25.) Camp Hill School District (posts chart that includes total case count): 8 student cases and 1 staff case since Oct. 7; 37 student cases and 6 staff cases this school year (started Aug. 25.)

(posts chart that includes total case count): 8 student cases and 1 staff case since Oct. 7; 37 student cases and 6 staff cases this school year (started Aug. 25.) Cumberland Valley School District (reports weekly and total number of cases with school exposure): 11 cases since Oct. 11; 156 cases this school year (started Aug. 31.)

(reports weekly and total number of cases with school exposure): 11 cases since Oct. 11; 156 cases this school year (started Aug. 31.) Mechanicsburg Area School District (chart lists total cases actively being monitored, updated Tuesday and Friday): 10 positive and presumed positive cases being monitored as of Oct. 12.

(chart lists total cases actively being monitored, updated Tuesday and Friday): 10 positive and presumed positive cases being monitored as of Oct. 12. Shippensburg Area School District (reports weekly and total confirmed case counts involving school exposure on Mondays): 16 new cases since Oct. 4; 136 cases this school year (started Aug. 19.)

(reports weekly and total confirmed case counts involving school exposure on Mondays): 16 new cases since Oct. 4; 136 cases this school year (started Aug. 19.) South Middleton School District (posts notices as cases occur, updates table of case counts weekly on Fridays): 9 new cases since Oct. 5; 66 cases this school year (started Aug. 25.)

(posts notices as cases occur, updates table of case counts weekly on Fridays): 9 new cases since Oct. 5; 66 cases this school year (started Aug. 25.) West Shore School District (reports active cases with school exposure within past 14 days): 50 student cases and 7 staff cases as of Oct. 14.

(reports active cases with school exposure within past 14 days): 50 student cases and 7 staff cases as of Oct. 14. Dickinson College : 5 student cases and 2 employee cases since Oct. 11; 27 student cases and 22 employee cases this semester (started Aug. 30.)

: 5 student cases and 2 employee cases since Oct. 11; 27 student cases and 22 employee cases this semester (started Aug. 30.) Messiah University : 4 new student cases and 1 new employee case since Oct. 11; 46 student cases and 16 employee cases this semester (started Aug. 7.)

: 4 new student cases and 1 new employee case since Oct. 11; 46 student cases and 16 employee cases this semester (started Aug. 7.) Shippensburg University: 7 new student cases and 3 new staff case since Oct. 11; 134 student cases and 14 employee cases this semester (started Aug. 1.)

(Counties with a percent positivity above 5% in a week go on the Department of Health's watch list)

Pennsylvania: Percent Positivity - 9.6% last 7 days (9.0% previous 7 days) Incidence Rate per 100,000 people last 7 days - 215.5 (205.6 previous 7 days)

Adams County: Percent Positivity - 15.6% last 7 days (15.9% previous 7 days) Incidence Rate per 100,000 people last 7 days - 259.2 (283.5 previous 7 days)

Cumberland County: Percent Positivity - 13.1% last 7 days (11.3% previous 7 days) Incidence Rate per 100,000 people last 7 days - 259.3 (241.1 previous 7 days)

Dauphin County: Percent Positivity - 13.6% last 7 days (13.3% previous 7 days) Incidence Rate per 100,000 people last 7 days - 299.7 (285.7 previous 7 days)

Franklin County: Percent Positivity - 18.3% last 7 days (19.1% previous 7 days) Incidence Rate per 100,000 people last 7 days - 270.3 (339.3 previous 7 days)

Lebanon County: Percent Positivity - 14.9% last 7 days (14.0% previous 7 days) Incidence Rate per 100,000 people last 7 days - 271.5 (226.4 previous 7 days)

Perry County: Percent Positivity - 19.9% last 7 days (16.6% previous 7 days) Incidence Rate per 100,000 people last 7 days - 272.3 (263.7 previous 7 days)

York County:

Percent Positivity - 15.6% last 7 days (14.1% previous 7 days)

last 7 days (14.1% previous 7 days)

Incidence Rate per 100,000 people last 7 days - 287 (276.4 previous 7 days)

Email Jeff at jpratt@cumberlink.com. Follow him on Twitter @SentinelPratt.

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DEAR ABBY: I'm a woman in my mid-30s without much family. I'm an only child and have no relationship with my father. The relationship I have with my mother is extremely toxic.

I have suffered my entire life from a severe shopping addiction. I recently relapsed, and I'm trying to recover financially. I can't afford counseling right now, and I can't ask for help from my mother because of how horribly she shames me about my addiction. In fact, I have realized that having her in my life at all is a massive trigger because she constantly puts me down for not being financially stable as an adult. She also constantly compares me not only to herself when she was my age, but to others in my generation.

How can I tell her I no longer want her in my life for the sake of my mental health and addiction recovery? -- PULLING BACK IN TEXAS

DEAR PULLING: I'm not sure if you are already aware of it, but many people use shopping as a way of coping with depression. You may be one of them. Before taking on that difficult conversation, do some research and find out what county mental health services may be available in your area. They are usually offered on a sliding fee scale. There are also 12-step programs for compulsive shoppers that you might find helpful. Please go online and research some of them as well.

As to what to say to your mother, try this: "Mom, I know I need help for my shopping addiction. I am seeking it now. While I am in recovery, you won't be hearing from me for a while, so don't worry. We will talk eventually."

DEAR ABBY: I lost my best friend of 32 years in a car accident three months ago. She was the best friend a person could possibly have. She would not only give you the shirt off her back, but she would then ask what else you needed. We had been through so much together. This would be the kind of thing I would turn to her for comfort while going through. She was cremated, and I didn't see her before that, so I didn't get closure. I feel so empty and unfinished. What do I do? -- NOT WELL IN THE SOUTH

DEAR NOT WELL: Please accept my sympathy for the loss of your dear friend. The circumstances of your loss make it more difficult, but it is not insurmountable. Because there is no "place" you can go to mourn her, you might find closure by writing her a letter telling her all the things you weren't able to say before her death. Then choose a private site you both used to enjoy, read it aloud to her and burn it, knowing she will always be alive in your heart. If this is not sufficient, consider asking your physician or religious adviser about a grief support group to help you work this through.

DEAR ABBY: I am childless, but I have a niece I've given lots of money to over the years. She's in her mid-40s with a young child and a husband who has a low-paying job.

Although she has several degrees, she has worked mostly as a waitress. They live in a tiny apartment and during these rough times, I have been paying their rent. She rarely acknowledges it. I have never discussed it with her parents, and I have no idea how much they have (or have not) helped her.

I'm conflicted about helping her/them because this is such a tough time. I can't see how they're going to make their lives better without help. I'm wondering if you have some advice on how I can best assist them or if I should stop. -- LOSING FAITH IN COLORADO

DEAR LOSING FAITH: You haven't spoken to your niece's parents about what you have been doing. Why not? If you do, it may give you a clearer picture of her situation. I wish you had been more forthcoming about why she isn't using any of the college degrees she has earned. If her parents are helping her, you may need to be doing less.

Your niece should research to find out whether government assistance is available. If it isn't, and you can afford it, consider continuing the financial assistance until the COVID situation is under control. Then your niece and her husband can get back on their feet, and you can stop being treated like an ATM.

DEAR ABBY: I have a male best friend I adore. When I tell other men about my bestie, they feel intimidated because he has a key to my apartment. We are not dating; we just have sex sometimes, and everyone that I try to be with knows about him. Must I give up on my bestie to be with the man I love even though Bestie and I promised each other that we will never break our bond for anyone? -- COMPLICATED IN TENNESSEE

DEAR COMPLICATED: If you hadn't been having sex sometimes with your bestie, the "man you love" might have been able to accept him. The answer to your question is yes, you WILL have to make a choice. Now, the question I have for you is, which man do you think is the keeper?

DEAR ABBY: I am in a nearly two-year relationship with a man I love. In so many ways, this is the relationship I've always hoped for and, being in my early 30s, I'm feeling ready to settle down. The problem? He doesn't fight fair.

I have put an exorbitant amount of effort into remaining calm and loving during arguments to prevent our relationship from deteriorating, but he seems incapable of meeting me halfway. His unfair fighting comes in the form of aggressive tones, obscene faces, looking at his phone while I'm talking and sometimes ignoring me entirely.

These arguments are usually over minor issues that are nowhere near warranting a full-blown fight (for example, dishes not being done when he came home from work because I work from home and put it off to do during nonwork hours).

Our relationship is otherwise great, but if I'm going to commit to someone for life, I want them to be capable of having calm and healthy conversations. He thinks I'm controlling when I ask him not to use aggressive tones or make faces. What do I do? -- FIGHTING FAIR IN OREGON

DEAR FIGHTING: I will assume that the man you are in love with is around the same age as you. By the time someone reaches their 30s, their personalities are usually set. This man behaves the way he does because it works for him. It enables HIM to control YOU.

If he values your relationship, he should be willing to discuss this in couples counseling so these conversations are constructive rather than adversarial. If he isn't, however, keep looking for a more suitable mate because this Mister ain't Wonderful.

DEAR ABBY: I'd like to alert your readers to something that happened to me so it may keep it from happening to them. In her later years, my dear mother was afflicted with dementia. When it became clear she could no longer live alone, I went to live with her.

One day, I went looking for the albums of photos from when my brothers and I were kids, family vacations, etc. After searching high and low and not finding them, I asked Mom what had happened to them. Turns out, she threw them out because she didn't remember any of the people in the pictures! To say I was devastated would be an understatement.

I couldn't be angry with Mom. It wasn't her fault. But Abby, your readers need to know that it can happen to them. My mother has been gone for 10 years, and I still wish I had those photos. -- MISSING MEMORIES IN MASSACHUSETTS

DEAR MISSING: I'm glad you wrote. Your letter is a reminder that when family members begin to age, it's important to make the time to sit down with them and go through family pictures. My own dear mother urged her readers to not only review those photos, but also to write on the backs the date they were taken and the names of who is in them. This is a precious gift because memories do start to fade. It can stimulate wonderful conversations if people are willing to make the effort.

DEAR ABBY: I am a middle-aged divorcee. I recently took up ballroom dancing, which has been a long-held dream, and I'm enjoying my life. However, there are few single men my age around. Most of the available men are 20 years older or 20 years younger.

From Day One, I have had a crush on one of the few men my age in the dance group. We eventually became best friends, spending all our free time together. I soon learned that he is married, but separated and looking to divorce. However, he has a crush of his own, and he talks to me about her constantly. We have so much in common, but he only has eyes for her.

I realize it isn't healthy for me to pine away for someone who doesn't think of me the way I think of him. Yet walking away would mean losing my dance partner and best friend and going back to sitting out dances, watching from the sidelines, or worse, sitting alone at home.

Do I maintain the status quo and suffer in silence over his rejection? Or would it be healthier to move on, upend my life and isolate myself from him when I have no other circle of friends to support me? -- DANCING AWAY IN PENNSYLVANIA

DEAR DANCING: Because of the pandemic, leave things as they are -- for now. However, as soon as it's feasible, find another dance group -- or two -- to join. If you do, you will establish other relationships with both women and men, and have a better chance of finding what you're looking for.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069

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I figure Ill be on a lot more yachts, Rudd said. Im excited to expand my yachting life. And Ill probably try to get better at brooding in really soft light. I like to ponder. I think this is going to help me become more inward and mysterious. And Im looking forward to that.
The Virginia Department of Tax Administration released final implementation guidelines last month.

If the county adopts an ordinance, stores would collect the tax at the time of the sale and remit it to the state. Money raised must go to support environmental cleanup, litter and pollution mitigation, or environmental education efforts or to provide reusable bags to recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Women, Infants, and Children Program benefits.

Plastic bags solely used to prevent damage or contamination of multiple items such meat, produce, dry cleaning and prescription drugs would not be subject to a tax.

Allshouse said county staff could have an ordinance ready sooner than the budget cycle, but that county staff thinks it makes a lot of sense to keep it in that process.

It is a tax that we want to share with stakeholders, she said. We have to be mindful of the impacts it may have on businesses. We want to make sure we have time to communicate information out into the community.

Supervisor Donna Price said she was especially pleased with the restrictions on how revenues can be used.
Snook said the major needs the refugees will have are affordable housing and jobs.

Ned Gallaway, chair of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, asked the community to consider what direct action they can take to welcome refugees.

The big affordable housing crisis is not going to be solved over the next couple of weeks so in the meantime, if youre a landlord or youre somebody that has a house or space available and can make that available to this effort, we need to hear from you. You can specifically reach out to the IRC, and they will work with you, he said.

If youre a new business or youre open and running, consider providing some job opportunities for those who are relocating.

Harriet Kuhr, director of the IRCs Charlottesville and Richmond offices, said the most major need the organization is trying to fill for refugees is housing. There are a lot of legal restrictions. For example, people cant put refugees up in a spare room. It must at least be a separate apartment. Theyve also struggled to find people willing to lease to refugees with no American credit history.
Moses, who is running as a Democrat in the 59th district and works as a physician, said he had seen the impact of the virus first hand. Though there have been peaks and valleys, Moses said the virus is still very much present and causing harm, particularly among those unvaccinated.

The evidence in support of vaccines is definitive at this point; there have been billions of doses of vaccines administered around the world, Moses said. I think that overall we now know that it is not only safe but also an effective means of decreasing the overall morbidity and mortality of the COVID-19 syndrome.

Fariss, the incumbent Republican, began by citing a widely discredited claim that the COVID-19 vaccines were developed too quickly. However, Fariss said he is no longer skeptical of the virus harm after experiencing a related personal loss and said that he thinks anyone who can get vaccinated should.

I think it would be awful to get sick, go to the hospital and then a health care worker gets sick because they were trying to make me better and, in the case that I know that first affected me, take it back to their family and their family gets sick and die from it, Fariss said.
Charlottesville is getting a reputation as a city that destroys its own.

Once that rumor becomes widespread, what kind of applicant would want to work here? And keep in mind that there are several vacancies to fill.

The most recent will be that of city manager.

Last week, Chip Boyles resigned effective Oct. 29. He will have been in the position less than nine months.

He cited continuation of  personal and professional attacks, which he said are not good for the city, for other city staff, for me or for my family.

The uproar centers on Boyles firing of then-Chief of Police RaShall Brackney on Sept. 1. Brackney left her position immediately but remains on administrative leave through Nov. 30 and is due pay and benefits for a year, since she was terminated without cause.

That language means Brackney didnt violate any policies or make any other mistakes that would subject her to disciplinary procedures.

There is no smoking gun in this, Boyles said at one point. It was a combination of things that made me believe we were headed down the wrong direction.
Everyone eligible should be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of long-distance travel or employment.

Vaccination should be voluntary but those who don't get vaccinated should be frequently tested for COVID-19 as a condition of long-distance travel and employment.

Both vaccination and testing should be voluntary and not required as a condition of long-distance travel or employment.

I defer to the judgment of lawmakers as long as they base their decisions on a consensus of medical professionals.

Vote

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Personnel

CMMC's Arrington sues DOD to clear her name

Katie Arrington, who spearheaded the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program at the Department of Defense, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday to spur the Pentagon into resolving her languishing personnel case.

Arrington's security clearance was suspended on May 11 according to the lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. One day after the clearance suspension, Arrington was placed into paid, non-duty status.

According to the complaint, the memorandum suspending Arrington's clearance stated that the action "is being taken as a result of a reported unauthorized disclosure of classified information and subsequent removal of access" by the National Security Agency.

Since then, Arrington has been unable to fulfill her duties as chief information security officer for acquisition and sustainment. Most prominent among these duties is the management of the CMMC program, which is designed to compel compliance with a strict cybersecurity regime among defense contractors. The program has proved controversial, especially among small businesses, because of concerns about costs.

The lawsuit alleges that the move to sideline Arrington "was designed to interfere" with the running of CMMC, "which NSA did not support."

Additionally, Arrington's political background as an elected Republican state representative in South Carolina and as a 2018 candidate for Congress endorsed by then-President Donald Trump is not winning her friends in the Pentagon, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges that "certain high-ranking DOD officials" are "using the NSA's decision as a pretext to remove her."

The lawsuit also points to "unknown individuals within DOD [who] have improperly, and possibly illegally, leaked privacy protected information concerning [Arrington] to unauthorized third parties for the purpose of further causing harm." This information, much of which has been shared on LinkedIn, a hotbed of CMMC commentary, includes what the complaint characterizes as "completely false and defamatory" information, including assertions that Arrington had been fired by DOD or that her clearance had been revoked.

After five months of non-duty status, Arrington is seeking some answers. "It is rare that an individual holding a Senior Executive Service position  would be left dangling in this way," the complaint states, adding that defense officials "are purposefully delaying or failing to take action in this matter in order to compel [Arrington] to resign."

Arrington is asking for DOD to complete any personnel actions currently in progress as well as the chance to address any charges against her. The lawsuit also seeks a "name-clearing hearing" and an order to DOD to share information about the ongoing personnel actions with Arrington's lawyers.

"If DOD takes any formal action against her clearance, Arrington would be entitled to the equivalent of a 'name clearing hearing,'" Arrington's lawyer Mark S. Zaid explained in an email exchange with FCW. "But this claim allows us to push harder for that to happen. It is a very novel approach we take on occasion when someone's reputation is at issue."

The CMMC program itself is currently on pause amid an internal DOD review. Defense officials have been urging contractors to continue preparing for the program's implementation while the review is ongoing.

This article first appeared on FCW, a Defense Systems partner site. Photo credit: DOD photo of Katie Arrington briefing a Norwegian defense industry association via video conference on the CMMC program in January 2021. By USAF Staff Sgt. Brittany A. Chase.
Benton County is boosting its employee benefits, including a one-time bonus, because of the pandemic.

The Benton County Board of Commissioners at its Oct. 5 meeting unanimously approved a plan that will offer $600 one-time bonuses, add two holidays to the ones employees already receive and offer health and wellness days during the coming year.

The county is using American Rescue Plan Act funds to pay for the program, board Chair Xan Augerot said. County officials estimate that the bonus program will cost approximately $445,000.

COVID-19 and the stressful year and a half we have powered through were a major motivator for this recognition, Augerot said by email. We have discussed various permutations of this staff recognition for several weeks. ARPA funds may be used for COVID bonuses, but trying to tease out the who, when, and why some might be deserving and others not appeared to be very challenging.

The bonuses are paid out on a sliding scale, depending on the number of annual hours the employee works. Those at 2,000 hours or above receive the full $600. The award drops to $450 for 1001 to 2000 hours, to $300 for 501 to 1,000 hours and $150 for 100 to 500 hours.

Employees can receive the money as additional compensation, as a pre-tax contribution to their health savings account or as a pre-tax contribution to a deferred compensation account.

The additional holidays that county employees will receive are Friday, Nov. 26, the day after Thanksgiving, and Dec. 23.

Employees also will be available to participate in three to five health and wellness events in which they can engage in activities during their worktime, such as meet with counselors with the employee assistance program, receive chair massages, play creative games and brain teasers and use respite spaces.

Lili'a Neville, senior strategic programs manager for the county, said the intent "was really to provide a range of days in which different types of events could be offered to our employees."

Neville said it is likely there will be an employee input process as part of the program.

Our people have been such great, community-minded champions, but they are all tired, Augerot wrote. This move is an acknowledgement of the fact that they are the ones that make it possible for us to be at your service, every day. "

"At your service every day" is the motto of the county organization.

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 Benton County move does not seem likely to be duplicated by other major municipal organizations in the mid-valley.

Linn County is not doing this, Alex Paul, spokesman for the county, said.

Albany spokesman Matt Harrington said that city already offers the day after Thanksgiving as a holiday. The city also has an employee assistance program, Harrington said, but he added that the employee is generally participating on their own time."

Harrington said there were no plans for a cash bonus.

The city of Corvallis also is not planning any COVID-19-related employee benefits, City Manager Mark Shepard said.

City leadership is extremely thankful for the dedication, endurance and flexibility exhibited by city staff under challenging times in this pandemic, Shepard said in an email. However, the city is not currently contemplating making any cash payments to employees. I am not comfortable using public funds for direct bonus payments to employees.

I feel we must be careful with the use of public funds, especially when we ask the community to support ongoing services through their taxes, levies, bonds, or service fees. As such, we look for ways to acknowledge city staff without using public funds to make cash payments.

Contact reporter James Day at jim.day@lee.net or 541-812-6116. Follow at Twitter.com/jameshday or gazettetimes.com/blogs/jim-day.

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Eight Republican candidates for governor answered questions from a forum audience at the Elks Lodge in Corvallis on Wednesday, Oct. 13 on a night in which the partys response to the coronavirus pandemic was on full display.

Almost no one inside of the venue wore a mask during the forum despite signs at the front encouraging their use and indoor mask mandates still in place. This opposition to masks was reflected in the remarks of some candidates, and it was by no means the only clear frustration with the realities Oregonians have been living with during the era of mandates.

If there was one overarching theme of the night, it was take back our state. Every candidate used some version of the term, with all of them calling the Nov. 8, 2022, election winnable for a Republican candidate. None want another eight to 12 years under a Democrat in the statehouse.

With Gov. Kate Brown term-limited and unable to seek reelection, the field is wide open this time around.

On the Democrat side, nine candidates have declared their intentions to run so far, and several others are forming exploratory committees. The most well-known so far include House Speaker Tina Kotek, State Treasurer Tobias Read, retired Portland businessman Wilson Bright and 2018 Independent candidate for governor Patrick Starnes.

The eight candidates who spoke in Corvallis on Wednesday were oncologist and 2016 governor candidate Bud Pierce; mayor of Sandy, Stan Pulliam; Baker City Mayor Kerry McQuisten; Medford microchip business owner Jessica Gomez; CEO of YouWalk Today  a business that makes combination walker/wheelchairs  Paul Romero; Alsea School District Superintendent Marc Thielman; Albany Army veteran John Fosdick; and Republican political consultant Bridget Barton.

The candidates acknowledged that it will take a lot to do what no Republican has done since Vic Atiyeh in 1982: win the governorship. The candidates were amicable toward one another, and most agreed they would be happier with anyone up on the stage over whoever the Democrats put forward.

But despite Oregonians consistently voting blue, none of the GOP candidates distanced themselves much from President Trumps style of conservatism.

One of the most notable exchanges was between Pulliam and Pierce. Pulliam asserted, in answering a question from the audience about abortion, that Pierce ran previously as a pro-choice candidate in 2016, though on Wednesday night said he was pro-life.

Pierce took time out of the next question answering period to say he has viewed the issue of right to life with more clarity later in his life.

He also turned and addressed Pulliam directly: If you want a unified Republican Party, unifying behind a candidate, you need to be very careful about how you handle these kinds of forums. That can lead to maybe success in the primary but failure in the general. People should be careful with their comments.

Benefits of the forum

Organizers of the forum said it was planned during the lull period in the election cycle. Despite so many early entrants, candidate forums typically dont kick into high gear until the spring.

One thing that was voiced to us in August was that to do this in October would keep the candidates busy during this time that is sort of dead time, so early before the election, Benton County GOP Chair Julia Wegner said. It keeps their faces and ideas fresh.

Those in attendance said that the forum helped them get a clearer sense of the candidates.

I liked Marc (Thielman), Bridget (Barton) and Kerry (McQuisten), said Lois Goering of Corvallis. I thought they did very well. Marc could really do a wonderful job with the education issues were facing. Kerry is somebody who really understands small businesses and rural areas.

There were probably a couple who stood out to me, said Paul Hernandez, another attendee. Marc and Paul (Romero), but I also liked Kerry. They were upfront and direct with their answers.

Two of the questions from the audience focused on fears surrounding voter fraud during the last general election. The very first question posed to the candidates was about how they would ensure secure, honest voting. The second question asked, in part, if candidates believed Donald Trump won the 2020 election.

Nearly every candidate backed the idea that the 2020 election, and even all of Oregons vote by mail elections of the last 25 years, was fraudulent. Only Pierce said he had to trust the election. McQuisten said that she believed Trump had won, but we cant prove it.

To date, no coordinated voter fraud efforts have been uncovered pertaining to the 2020 general election. Independent and even Republican-led audits of statewide elections systems, like the one recently completed in Arizona, have not uncovered data indicating an errant conclusion in the presidential election.

Other questions from the audience included concerns over the power sector, illegal immigration, abortion, critical race theory in schools and how to deregulate business in Oregon.

What the candidates said

 Pierce used his opening remarks to talk about what he learned during his last race for governor in 2016. He also talked about the way losing his wife, Selma Moon Pierce, last November reshaped his perspective and turned him more toward his faith. Once the primary is over, rally around the person who wins, because I can assure you, any of the group up here is far superior to what the other side is able to offer us, and to lead us to that Promised Land."

 Fosdick, 33, mentioned his service in the Army National Guard, serving in Iraq in 2009 and 2010. He also said he wanted to get more young people involved in politics. I want to bring my name in there and do something and see if other people my age are actually interested in doing something other than picking their nose. One of the things I really want to focus on is that everything we do going forward affects every single Oregonian.

 Pulliam used his time to ask how many people in the room had considered moving away from their home state of Oregon in the last couple of years. Many hands shot up, to which he said, This is the reaction I get everywhere I speak.  The hands go up. Those are the stakes. Were trying to do something that hasnt been done in over 40 years as Republicans, and thats get one of us in the governors office. Weve got to do it right.

 Gomez focused on her business experience, running a microchip manufacturing business in Southern Oregon: There's a real anti-business sentiment in Oregon right now, and its hurting us. In my life Ive gone from a homeless teenager to the CEO of a successful tech company, so I know what it takes to be successful and I know what its going to take to get this state back on track.

 Thielman pointed to his experience running the Alsea School District, especially his effort to keep schools open throughout the pandemic. Im the guy who kept the school open. More than just saying, Were going to fight to reopen schools, I actually reopened them.

 Barton touted her more than 30 years of experience as a conservative political consultant, particularly her work in the 1990s to pass a law that allows charter schools in Oregon. We cant lose sight of how important it is, the messages and the history we instill in our children.  We have a catastrophic loss of learning in these children.

 Romero focused largely on his efforts to highlight election fraud, particularly as it pertains to his unsuccessful bid for the U.S. Senate last year. He called it successful, though provided few specifics: Last July, I was told that I lost the U.S. Senate primary with just over 30% of the vote.  The kicker was that in November, we found out from some other entities that I actually won that race with just over 60% of that vote.  Since the night of that election, weve been investigating all kinds of voter fraud here in Oregon.

 Kerry McQuisten highlighted her efforts to fight pandemic mandates which closed small businesses and enforced mask-wearing. Her efforts to get a resolution overturning the mandates even garnered statewide and national attention to Baker City. (City Hall) phone lines were overwhelmed, we couldnt keep up with the calls.  People from all across the state started asking if I could run for governor.

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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United Airlines is planning to operate direct flights between Denver and Munich, Germany beginning in 2022, the airline announced Thursday.

Munich is one of the largest travel hubs in Europe, offering flight connections to dozens of countries across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, according to Denver International Airport. In 2019, Munich was the airports seventh-largest market in Europe with nearly 35,000 annual travelers.

Uniteds continued investment in more international flights from Denver is encouraging, said airport CEO Phil Washington. This new service to Munich provides more options for those traveling to Europe and also for connecting passengers through DEN.

The new service is set to begin on April 23, 2022, the airport said. This will make United Airlines the second airline to offer nonstop service between Denver and Munich, behind the German airline Lufthansa.

United Airlines also offers daily direct flights between Denver and Frankfurt, Germany. These flights were paused during the COVID-19 pandemic but are expected to resume on March 4, 2022, the airport said.

The Denver to Munich operation is part of United Airlines largest ever transatlantic expansion, the airline said.

Given our big expectations for a rebound in travel to Europe for summer, this is the right time to leverage our leading global network in new, exciting ways, said Patrick Quayle with United Airlines. Our expansion offers the widest range of destinations to discover."

The 2022 expansion includes 10 new flights to cities in Germany, Ireland and Italy, and five new destinations: Amman, Jordan; Bergen, Norway; Azores, Portugal; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and Tenerife, Spain.

The Denver to Munich flights will operate daily, year-round onboard a Boeing 787-9, the airport said.
The Colorado Farm Bureau said their map proposals reflect the interest of "farmers, ranchers and real Colorado." They left out the help they got from a shadowy nonprofit.
Argentinas Grupo Datco, the owner of fibre-optic infrastructure firm Silica Networks, has announced plans to begin testing 5G and fibre-based fixed wireless access (FWA) technology.

According to local media Telesemana, the aim is to test the technology on specific economic activities that require high-quality and efficient telecommunications to sustain their operations, including oil exploration areas.

The report cited the Buenos Aires-based telecom and IT company's CEO Horacio Martinez as saying: 5G provides new alternatives for data transmission, primarily in Fixed Wireless mode. We are exploring this path and have commissioned teams to assess the future of its development.

Datco will be using its concession in the 3.5 GHz band and its extensive fibre-optic network for the trial, above all with improving connectivity in the Vaca Muerta formation in southern Argentina, said the report.

Martinez said not all 4G deployments will necessarily be migrated to 5G, and from a cost-benefit point of view, 4G still has a lot to offer.

According to the report, Datco last year reached a deal with Telcosur, the telecommunications unit of Argentinian gas giant TGS, to add Sixfox technology to microwave antenna towers deployed in Patagonia and interconnect their 1,800 kilometres of fibre networks in the region.
The ongoing dispute over the planned withdrawal of temporary spectrum in South Africa looks set to continue after the regulator ICASA announced its plans to take on operator Telkom and its objections to the end of the temporary spectrum scheme.

Telkom has announced that it hopes to stop the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) from withdrawing temporary radio frequency spectrum given out at the start of the Covid-19 outbreak last year, suggesting it could have a catastrophic" impact on its network performance and also on its customers. It has therefore filed papers asking the High Court to set aside ICASA's decision.

The temporary spectrum has, not surprisingly, turned out to be very popular with operators at a time when much of the population has been forced to stay  and often work  at home. As a consequence customers have used a lot more data, for which the extra spectrum proved very helpful, allowing mobile operators to deliver faster connectivity to customers.

But ICASA doesnt want this situation to continue indefinitely. After twice extending the deadline it said in August that operators must return the bandwidth by the end of November.

As Reuters points out, ICASA has said more than once that it was never its intention to assign the spectrum on a long-term or semi-permanent basis or to perpetuate what it suggests might become an anti-competitive, unfair and unjust spectrum licensing regime, under the guise of pandemic relief.

This isnt the only court case ICASA is involved in. Telkom and fellow operator MTN also have objections to ICASAs plans to auction permanent high-frequency spectrum  including 5G-capable spectrum. It looks like it could be some time before South African end users get the lower cost and higher performance that many hope new spectrum will bring.
Moscow, ID (83843)

Today

Rain. Low around 35F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch..

Tonight

Rain. Low around 35F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch.
The Dothan Houston County Library System Board of Trustees elected new officers at its regular meeting on Oct. 13. The newly-elected officers include the following, all of whom will serve until October 2022.

ChairBrad Kimbro

Vice-ChairDr. Ashli Wilkins

TreasurerTed Hall

SecretarySpencer Bienvenu

The elected officers, along with the immediate past chair, comprise the boards executive committee.

It is wonderful to serve on a board where all of its members are so focused on a single goal: ensuring that we provide great library service for our community, said Immediate Past Chair Gloria Jeffcoat. We have accomplished a lot in the past year, with the development of our strategic plan and the adoption of our budget, and we have a great team in place to lead the library.

The future is bright for the Dothan Houston County Library System.
MONTGOMERY  Alabama lawmakers will gather later this month to draw new legislative and congressional district lines, a process undertaken every 10 years after census numbers are released, Gov. Kay Ivey announced Thursday.

The special session will begin Oct. 28, Ivey wrote in a letter to lawmakers. In the letter, Ivey praised the effort to boost census participation. The numbers allowed Alabama to maintain seven congressional seats instead of losing a seat as state officials had feared.

Lawmakers will draw new district lines for congressional districts, the Alabama Legislature and the state school board. District lines will shift to accommodate large population growth in, and around, areas of Baldwin County, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa and Auburn while other areas of the state saw stagnant or declining population growth.

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Sen. Jim McClendon, the co-chairman of the reapportionment committee, said they are still working on the proposed maps as they try to accommodate both population changes and requests from legislators.

Legislators want the same district they had that elected them, McClendon said, adding that is not always possible because of court orders and requirements on drawing lines. When we make those changes there is always resistance, he said.
Vietnam exported $107.25 million worth of fruit and vegetables to South Korea in the first eight months of this year, up 3.47 percent year-on-year.

The export value of vegetables and fruit to this market reached $11.1 million in August, up 13.66 percent over the same period last year, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

Six kinds of Vietnamese fruit have been exported to the Asian market including: coconuts, pineapples, white and red dragon fruit, mangoes and bananas.
Investors in wind power projects are racing to complete construction this month to enjoy an incentive feed-in tariff, but face procedural hurdles and those caused by Covid-19.

This month the developer of a plant in Quang Tri Province is rushing to complete construction and begin test runs, but is being slowed down by the various administrative procedures they have to go through.

The chairman of the investing company, who asked not be identified, said the plant needs to operate at least 70 percent of capacity, which means when wind is week this cannot be done.

"We made much effort but the test depends on the weather."

To encourage renewable energy, Vietnam will give wind power projects that begin operation before Nov. 1 a feed-in tariff of 9.8 U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour to offshore projects and 8.5 U.S. cents for onshore ones. The tariff lasts 20 years.

But of the 106 wind power farms that have registered to provide 5,655.5 megawatts of power, there were only six that have received operational permit by the end of last month.

Developers complain about the large number of permits they need to acquire to start the project, for example the fire safety permit, and there are many unexpected challenges that lie ahead in getting these permits.

"We wont be relaxed until the final permit is given, as from now until it is difficult to anticipate what will come up," the chairman in Quang Tri said.

He proposed that the Department of Planning and Investment in the province increase work hours of its employees, even at night, to support developers in acquiring permits.

Several challenges contributed to construction delay.

Some developers said that the fourth Covid-19 wave slowed their projects by two months, as experts were unable to enter the country, while the transportation of equipment faced blockages as authorities tightened social distancing.

Hoang Ngoc Quy, CEO of a developer HBRE, has been letting workers take three shifts to work 24 hours a day in the last three days.

He proposed that the government provides incentive policies, especially in loans, to support wind power farms.

The best support to extend the deadline until December next year for onshore projects and December 2025 for offshore projects.

Vu Chi Mai, head of component for renewable energy and energy efficiency at the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), said that Covid-19 caused unexpected impacts on the projects, and therefore the deadline should be pushed back three to six months.

Ha Dang Son, deputy director of the Vietnam Low Emission Energy Program, said that the extended deadline should be given to certain projects depending how severe the Covid-19 impact was, not to all projects, as some have not even started.
The Transforming exhibition introduces 35 artworks from nine local sculptors, all seeking to honor contemporary art.

Co-organized by the Vincom Center for Contemporary Art (VCCA) and Luong Art Space, the exhibition takes place from Oct. 10 to Jan. 2, 2022.

Nine famous sculptors, including Dao Chau Hai, Le Thi Hien, Khong Do Tuyen, Le Lang Luong, Luong Van Viet, Tran An, Thai Nhat Minh, Luong Trinh, and Dao Tan, used stones from a traditional village in northern Ninh Binh Province, transforming their pieces, colors, and shapes with a contemporary touch.

Artworks at the Transforming exhibition. Photo courtesy of the exhibition

Curator Khong Do Tuyen said the exhibition introduces a flexible perspective connecting tradition and modernity.

"The artistic evolution of 'Transformation' introduces sculptors view of their homeland, origin, where countless generations of elite artisans have created many architectural and artistic works," said Tuyen.

Talking about the sculpture at the exhibition, Luong Xuan Doan, president of Vietnam Fine Arts Association said: "Vietnamese contemporary sculpture will continue to evolute differently... Each sculptor is challenging themselves. I feel their voices through these works, since they are creating a constant source of energy that nurtures hope for contemporary Vietnamese sculpture."

The exhibition is open to the public at VCCA, B1-R3 Vincom Mega Mall Royal City, 72A Nguyen Trai Street, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi. Along with the exhibition, VCCA will organize talks with local artists, experts, and art critics. Entry is free.

It also adopts strict pandemic prevention measures, limiting the number of visitors, requiring health declarations, and asking visitors to wear masks.
Expats ready to live with Covid, want quick return to normalcy

A foreign woman is at Nguyen Van Binh Book Street in HCMC, which has reopened after months of closure, October 9, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

With vaccination and masks, foreigners living in HCMC and Hanoi are not too afraid of falling sick with Covid and want a return to normalcy.

At a time when large cities are gradually resuming social and economic activities, foreigners are cautiously getting back to their daily routines.

Charlotte Brown, an Australian living in District 1, HCMC, says she went out walking and shopping and caught up with her friends after months of lockdowns.

She visited various places around the city without any fear of being infected since everyone around her was wearing masks.

Also, security guards at places where she showed up systematically checked peoples temperature and scanned QR codes at the entrance.

To protect herself, Brown wears a mask and sanitizes her hands religiously.

"I am ready to live with the pandemic and do not want it to control my life."

Indian man Radhakrishnan MB, also of HCMC, has been as excited as his employees to return to office.

Though a bit wary of possibly spreading the infection, he is not afraid he will fall sick thanks to the vaccination, and plans to return to the gym.

He says he feels a bit sad that many small shops where he used to buy things before have not reopened possibly because of financial difficulties. He also misses the hustle and bustle that existed in the city before the pandemic.

In Hanoi, Fran Araujo, a Spaniard, says he is delighted to go around their building with his "hyperactive" two-year-old. Besides, he is able to again ride his bicycle around the city every morning.

He does not fear contracting Covid since he has had the vaccine and strictly follows safety measures. His one worry is that his family could be quarantined if he tests positive.

Fran Araujo rides his bike to Ba Vi, Hanoi, in October, 2021. Photo courtesy of Araujo

Hanoi has a low number of new cases now, most of them in isolated areas, Araujo points out.

Though some people are very careful and even wear two masks, most have already started to drop their guard, queuing up at many places and gathering on the street, habits from the past, he says.

"I am just careful and responsible."

Tui Munday, an American woman also living in Hanoi, has been to Thong Nhat Park twice so far after being cooped up indoors for a long time. She went to a shopping mall once but did not enter since it was too crowded. Nonetheless, she does not worry much because she has had one shot of a vaccine.

She is impressed that Vietnamese, even children, keep their mask on most of the time and complain less than westerners.

After weeks of letting food and beverage establishments to serve takeaways, Hanoi has allowed on-site dining and reopening of parks, hotels and public transportation starting Thursday.

Restaurants and hotels must function at half their maximum capacity. Owners and their employees must be fully vaccinated, and make sure that customers maintain distances from each other.

Museums and parks must only serve groups of up to 10 people each.

Expectations for various plans

Brown hopes the HCMC government will allow cafes and restaurants to open with safety measures in place because people need social interaction.

Many countries have shown that certain activities could be allowed for vaccinated people, she says and hopes to see the city get back its hustle and bustle this Christmas.

In October HCMC allowed most activities to resume thanks to lower infection and mortality rates though eateries can only sell takeout food unless authorized by competent authorities to offer dine-in services.

In Hanoi, Munday says she badly wants to go and do some grocery shopping as it is not easy to buy everything online and to travel by public transport. She also looks forward to meeting her friends for coffee and drinks.

Araujo says he misses racing and is waiting to ride outside Hanoi.

What most foreigners look forward to even more is convenient travel within the country and internationally.

The country resumed flights on 19 routes including the Hanoi-HCMC route Sunday, on a 11-day trial basis, in which only fully vaccinated people are welcome aboard.

Plans for resuming international flights have not been finalized.

Tui Munday is at Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, October 2021. Photo courtesy of Munday

Munday says as a businesswoman she needs to travel to various places in Vietnam, other countries in Asia and the U.S. for meetings and networking.

But she realizes it will take a bit longer for all that.

Araujo wishes his family can go to Spain to introduce their little daughter to her grandparents.

International flights are imperative for people to visit their families and for companies that have factories in a number of countries.

Radhakrishnan expects international travel from Vietnam to take around six months to recover. He himself is in no hurry to travel yet since his country, India, has strict quarantine rules.

William Anderson, an American, does not expect the situation in HCMC to improve too quickly either and thinks most people have to work remotely until Tet.

Anderson said many people in HCMC are acting as if the pandemic is over, and this "recklessness" worries him quite a bit. Travel may not recover soon, he fears.

"The key point of international travel is that foreigners can easily come back to Vietnam after visiting their families."
The Ministry of Health approved Thursday the administration of Covid-19 vaccines for those aged 12-17, prioritizing those aged 16-17.

The Covid-19 vaccines administered have to be approved by the health ministry for the particular age group, in accordance with instructions from their manufacturers.

The vaccines have to be administered in two doses, with both being of the same vaccine. Parents or other legal guardians must sign their consent for the children's vaccination.

The ministry did not explicitly say which types of Covid-19 vaccine would be used for children aged 12-17. So far, only the Pfizer vaccine has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this particular age range.

Localities can formulate plans and begin giving out first vaccine shots from later this month, once all conditions are met, the ministry said. Local health departments would cooperate with their education department peers to list all students from 6th to 12th grades.

The shots would be given at fixed vaccination points and mobile vaccination stations. In localities where students are allowed to study in-person, children can be vaccinated at their schools.

Vietnam has vaccinated around 39.8 million adults with at least one Covid-19 vaccine shot and 16.5 million have been fully vaccinated.

Children under 18 account for around 17 percent of all Covid-19 infections in Vietnam, according to data from the health ministry.
A staff cleans a room on a train in Hanoi, Oct. 13, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

Health authorities confirmed 3,458 new Covid-19 cases Wednesday, up 519 from a day before, bringing the fourth wave tally to 845,050.

HCMC led with 1,162 new cases, followed by Binh Duong, 501, and Dong Nai, 486.

Hanoi recorded 29 new cases.

1,191 patients were discharged, bring the tally to 787,286.

106 deaths were recorded, mostly in HCMC, bringing the countrys death toll since the pandemic started to 20,869.

Vietnam has given 56.3 million vaccine doses, in which 16.4 are second.

Hanoi will resume on-site services at restaurants and coffee shops starting 6 a.m. Thursday with 50 percent of capacity allowed.
Travel agencies in tourism hotspots have begun launching new tour package programs incorporating strict pandemic restrictions to welcome domestic tourists and recover from Covid blows.

With the country shifting from a 'zero-Covid' strategy to living safely with the pandemic and most localities easing Covid restrictions and reopening tourism activities, several travel agencies have been looking for ways to bring back tourists by launching tour packages that cater to new normal requirements.

One common requirement for all tours is that every tourist must be fully vaccinated with the second dose administered at least 14 days before arrival or furnish a certificate showing they had contracted and recovered from Covid. They also need to show a negative Covid certificate using the PCR method within 72 hours before departure.

On Tuesday, authorities in Quang Binh Province, Vietnams Cave Kingdom, approved major tour operator Oxalis Adventure trialing a tour package program that welcomes fully vaccinated domestic tourists from now until June next year.

As envisaged, tourists from HCMC and Hanoi would arrive in Quang Binh by charter flights or buses to join the tour package that allows them to stay at isolated homestays and explore pristine caves like Tien and Tu Lan Caves over five days and four nights.

Travel firm Crystal Bay Intourist in the central province of Khanh Hoa, home to beach resort towns Nha Trang and Cam Ranh, has ought approval from provincial authorities to pilot a month-long tour program starting October 16.

The four-day-and three-night tour package will have tourists from Hanoi and HCMC arrive in Khanh Hoa on charter flights and stay at Cam Ranh Riviera Beach Resort & Spa. They will be allowed to visit some tourist destinations in Nha Trang like Long Son Pagoda, Cham temple Ponagar Tower, Yangbay eco-tourist site and cruise tour on Nha Trang Bay.

Cam Ranh Riviera Beach Resort & Spa in Khanh Hoa Province. Photo courtesy of the resort

In Ha Long Town, Quang Ninh Province, which plans to reopen inter-provincial tourism from November 1, Lux Group is preparing a cruise tour that will allow tourists from Hanoi to explore the world famous Ha Long, Bai Tu Long Bay, Lan Ha and Cat Ba Island in two to four days.

Six Senses Con Dao, the only five-star beach resort on the Con Dao archipelago in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, has been allowed to welcome back domestic tourists on charter flights from October 15 to join a seven-night tour package.

The package enables visitors to enjoy long beaches and engage in eco-tourism activities inside the resort.

High hopes

Travel firms say that package tours with pandemic restrictions can be considered the only solution in the early stages of tourism revival, given several challenges including inconsistent quarantine policies among localities and expensive operational costs including air tickets for charter flights and regular testing for staff.

Nguyen Chau A, director of Oxalis, said all his staff are fully vaccinated and the company is ready to welcome back tourists after a long time.

Oxalis's tour programs mainly involve exploring caves, pristine forests and natural landscapes with little contact with large crowds. Therefore, he expected Quang Binh to be one of the first localities to successfully reopening domestic tourism.

Ngo Huu Truong, general director of Crystal Bay Intourist, said his company was awaiting approval from provincial authorities to start welcome first visitors from later this week.

"I hope the launching of these tour package programs will help people feel safe about traveling again after a long time of social distancing and give a boost to the tourism industry.
Forty-five countries, including the United States, are demanding that Russia provide answers about the poisoning of Kremlin dissident Alexei Navalny.

In August 2020, Navalny survived an assassination attempt while on a trip to Siberia. After medical treatment in Germany, he returned to Russia where he was arrested, tried on a spurious charge, and imprisoned. The U.S. Government assesses that agents from Russias FSB intelligence agency poisoned Navalny, using a Novichok nerve agent.

The forty-five countries submitted questions to the Russian Federation about the assassination attempt on October 5 at the Hague. The presentation of the questions coincided with a meeting of the Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, or OPCW, which is the 41-member policy-making body charged with promoting the effective implementation of and compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention. As a State Party to the Chemical Weapons Convention, Russia is required to provide answers to the questions within 10 days.

It is essential that Russia sets out in detail the steps taken to investigate and shed light on the use of a chemical weapon on its territory, said a joint statement by the 45 countries.

In a separate statement, the U.S. Department of State noted, The United States and many in the international community have long sought clarity on Russias attempted assassination of Mr. Navalny with a chemical weapon on August 20, 2020, and whether it intends to cooperate with the OPCW. Russias continued lack of transparency and cooperation surrounding the poisoning is particularly concerning.

Any use of chemical weapons is unacceptable, and anyone who uses them should be identified and held to accountThere can be no impunity for such actions, the State Department declared. The United States calls on Russia to answer the questions in accordance with its obligations and to make clear to the international community what it has done and is doing to insure that there is no further use of chemical weapons from Russian territory.
On August 17, French military forces operating in the Sahel deployed a drone to the Dangalous Forest in northern Mali near the border with Niger, targeting members of ISIS in the Greater Sahara terrorist group and its leader, Adnan Abu Walid Al-Sahrawi. A French Special Forces unit was sent to confirm the identity of those killed by the strike. On September 15, once there was no question that Abu Walid indeed was among the dead, French President Emmanuel Macron made the announcement, calling the killing "a major success" for the French military after more than eight years fighting terrorists in the Sahel.

The United States welcomes the announcement from our partner and ally France that its troops killed Adnan Abu Walid Al-Sahrawi, said State Department Spokesperson Ned Price. We commend Frances continued commitment to countering terrorism and protecting civilians in West Africa in coordination with our African partners.

In late 2010, Abu Walid joined al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. Over the next five years, he was a member and later a leader of several al Qaida-aligned terrorist groups. In May 2015, he declared his allegiance to ISIS, and formed the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara terrorist group, which today operates in Mali, Niger and has in recent years involved itself in the Salafi-jihadist insurgency in Burkina Faso.

Abu Walid has been the commander of ISIS/GS since the groups formation in 2015. Under his command, ISIS/GS launched numerous attacks against African, French, and U.S. forces, including a May 2019 ambush of a Nigerien military unit near the Niger/Mali border, which resulted in the deaths of 28 soldiers; a January 2018 suicide attack against French forces in Mali; a 2017 attack in Niger that killed five Nigerien and four U.S. soldiers; and a 2016 attack on a military outpost in Mali that killed four soldiers and several civilians. And according to the office of French President Macron, last year, Abu Walid personally ordered the killing of six French aid workers and their Nigerien colleagues.

As the leader of ISIS in the Greater Sahara, Walid Al-Sahrawi bears responsibility for the violence that has taken the lives of countless civilians and military personnel in the Sahel, said Spokesperson Price.

The United States is committed to continuing to support the efforts of our African partners, France, and the international community to improve the safety and well-being of civilians in West Africa
The US Preventive Services Task Force, an independent panel of experts, released an updated draft dealing with changes to how the aspirin drug is used for older citizens.

The previous guidance recommended daily low-dose aspirin for people over 50 who were at higher risk for heart attacks or strokes in the next decade and who werent at higher risk for bleeding. Now, that is changing.

What does the new guidance say?

The new guidance says, "People ages 40 to 59 who are at higher risk for Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and do not have a history of CVD should decide with their clinician whether to start taking aspirin... People age 60 or older should not start taking aspirin for heart disease and stroke prevention."

While use of aspirin for prevention can still be recommended by a doctor, no one is recommended to take it without consultation. The draft recommendations dont apply to people who have already had heart attacks or strokes; the task force still recommends that they take aspirin preventively.

Aspirin only has a benefit if someone is at increased risk for heart disease. They shouldnt be starting just because they have reached a certain age, said a member of the 16-person task force, Dr. Chien-Wen Tseng, a professor of family medicine at the John H. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii.

Why has the guidance changed?

Aspirin works by thinning blood. This helps prevent heart attacks by letting the blood flow through the heart easier. About 659,000 Americans die from heart disease a year. In context, that is 1 in every 4 deaths.

While this is all well and good, easier flowing blood is harder to coagulate. Therefore, if someone who is taking aspirin falls or gets a cut, they are much more likely to lose a significant amount of blood before the wound scabs. It has been ascertained that the risk of increased blood loss for under 60s is a greater threat to someone's health compared to heart disease.

The CDC estimates more than 36 million adults fall a year. Aspirin intake would increase the risk of serious blood loss from this.

If you have doubts about your aspirin intake then you should consult your doctor.
The South Korean TV series, Squid Game, has gone viral.

A new poll from Morning Consult found that nearly 1 in 4 people in the United States has streamed Squid Game since it made its debut on 17 September.

In light of this historic news, our team took a look back at some of the most popular shows that have been streamed on Netflix.

Most Streamed Netflix Shows

In September at CodeCon, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos released some of the most sought-after information on the internet: series streaming data.

Streams by number of accounts

As of 28 September, the most viewed series on the streaming platform were:

Bridgerton: Season 1 -- 82 million accounts Lupin: Part 1 -- 76 million accounts The Witcher: Season 1 -- 76 million accounts Sex/Life: Season 1 -- 67 million accounts Stranger Things 3 -- 67 million accounts Money Heist: Part 4 -- 65 million accounts Tiger King: Season 1 -- 64 million accounts The Queen's Gambit -- 62 million accounts Sweet Tooth: Season 1 -- 60 million accounts Emily in Paris: Season 1 -- 58 million accounts.

At the time of the conference, Squid Game was just gaining traction and thus did not make the list. However, with more than 111 million accounts having viewed at least a few minutes of the show it is now the leader of the list.

Number of hours streamed

Sarandos also revealed data on the number of hours certain programs have been streamed, which provides additional context into the viewing preferences of the platform's subscribers.

Bridgerton: Season 1 -- 625 million hours Money Heist: Part 4 -- 619 million hours Stranger Things 3 -- 583 million hours The Witcher: Season 1 -- 452 million hours 13 Reasons Why: Season 2 -- 496 million hours 13 Reasons Why: Season 1 -- 476 million hours You: Season 2 -- 457 million hours Stranger Things 2 -- 427 million hours Money Heist: Part 3 -- 426 million hours Ginny and Georgia: Season 1 -- 381 million hours

Netflix during the pandemic

With many people stuck at home this past eighteen months, many streaming records have been broken.

Bridgerton

Bridgerton, the historical romance series with a modern twist, topped both of the lists. Released in December 2020 and was seen by 41 percent of all Netflix subscribers. The series, based on the book series by Julia Quinn, peaked at Number 1 on Netflix in 83 countries and made it onto the top ten list in all countries with Netflix except Japan.

Netflix has confirmed that the series will be back for a second season in January and will focus on the oldest Bridgerton sibling, Anthony.
Celebrity chef's group feeds hungry La Palma residents

Working in close proximity to the red-hot lava flowing from a volcano on the Spanish island of La Palma, emergency workers anxiously await their lunch break - and while any food would do, it tastes better when it comes from a celebrity chef's kitchen.

Chef Jose Andres' non-profit World Central Kitchen (WCK) has been delivering hot food, sandwiches and water to thousands of evacuees as well as the emergency workers overseeing residents' removal from harm's way.

"Although there are so many of us, it seems like there's a lack of personnel ... including those who come down to give us a sandwich! It seems silly but after eight hours on the ground it's fundamental," said Captain Diego Ortiz of the Guardia Civil police force.

Arriving in one of the emptied neighbourhoods in a van, WCK volunteer Pablo Pais told Reuters: "The lava's very close. Until the day before yesterday there were still people in these houses."

The non-profit started cooking 200 meals a day early in the eruption - which began on Sept. 19 - and is now making 1,400, with the amount growing daily, said Olivier de Belleroche, a 45-year-old chef from Madrid who works for WCK.

After the director of a local hotel suggested using up all the hotel's food stocks as creeping lava threatening to cut off power lines, WCK and its partners organised a large convoy of food for the military, rescue workers and evacuees, he said.

"It's very emotional, that sense of constantly being on the alert, so many people losing their homes," Belleroche mused after pulling a tray packed with dozens of sealed hot meals out of the oven in a bustling kitchen ceded by a supermarket chain.

"You grow more involved with the people - I've been doing this for four weeks now," he added, explaining that initially he had come just for a few days.

WCK head Andres is known for his innovative cooking and credited with popularising tapas in America in the 1990s.

He has recently partnered with the Archewell charity of Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle to set up a series of community relief centres in disaster-stricken areas around the world.
Welcoming Thao, Stephanie DHose congratulated him on his appointment as Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium and wished him a successful term of office to take the two countries relations to a new height. She expressed her delight at the development of the ties between the two countries and two parliaments particularly, reflected by a visit of Vietnamese Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue to Belgium last year. The Belgian official highlighted the significant role of the parliaments at the time of COVID-19 and the ever-changing global situation. She proposed the two nations to further beef up inter-parliamentary partnership and expected to pay a visit to Vietnam in the coming time.

She also highly spoke of what Vietnam and Belgium have achieved to boost their economic cooperation over the previous years and pledged she will give a further push to the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).



She later suggested the two sides seek opportunities for expanded partnership in culture, education and people-to-people exchange.

Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao said there are still plenty of room for Vietnam and Belgium to expand cooperation in various areas during the meeting with Belgian President of Senate Stephanie D'Hose in Brussels. (Photo: VNA)



Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao emphasised he will try his best to deepen the bilateral ties in all areas.



Looking ahead to the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam-Belgium diplomatic ties (1973  2023), Thao forwarded the invitation of Vietnamese leaders to leaders of Belgium's parliament to visit Vietnam in the near future.



He said there are still plenty of room for the two countries to strengthen cooperation in the fields of mutual interest, such as renewable energy, smart agriculture, seaport, logistics, digital economy, climate change and smart cities.



He asked Belgium to soon ratify the EVIPA and promote other EU members to do the same so this can open more opportunities for Belgian and EU enterprises to do business in Vietnam and expand their presence in neighbouring areas.



He underscored that priority should also be given to cultural and student exchange, and education cooperation to enhance the mutual understanding between the two countries' people./.
Illustrative image (Source: VNA)



However, Vietnam and many other countries that have yet to produce vaccines are facing difficulties in vaccine access.



Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long said one of the roadblocks lies with the purchase and import of vaccines as Vietnam has to satisfy almost requirements of vaccine suppliers, including the risk of overdue shipment.

He also pointed out the global vaccine scarcity, even in the case of the COVAX mechanism that has yet to complete its plan on providing vaccines for countries, including Vietnam.



The health ministry has continuously urged localities to speed up the inoculation. (Photo: VNA)



Moreover, changes in vaccine policies like those regarding the expansion of vaccination eligibility and vaccine boosters have also exerted impacts given the global vaccine shortage, Long said.



According to the minister, the Government and the Prime Minister have made drastic instructions to seek more vaccine sources for the country.



The health ministry has also worked to accelerate the inoculation, and as a result, Vietnams vaccination rate stays high as compared with that of many other countries in the world, even surpassing 1 million doses each day.



Long said economic recovery and the resumption of social activities depend on vaccination, adding that his ministry has continuously urged localities to speed up the inoculation./.
Lao students receive gifts from the program. (Photo: TDO)

The program brought nearly 150 portions of sticky rice and connected benefactors to donate 600 kilograms of sticky rice and 300 kilograms of fresh fruit to Lao students in Quang Nam.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Trong Duong, Rector of Quang Nam University, over the past 2 years, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lao students have not been able to go home, and face difficulties in learning when they have to study online. The university always supports the students in learning and living, he said, adding that many groups, voluntary organizations as well as units and departments have visited, shared and encouraged the students.

Chairman of the Quang Nam Journalists Association Le Van Nhi said the Association will continue to support more Lao students in Quang Nam in the near future, and hoped that units and individuals will continue to accompany the program for more support.

The tradition of peace, friendship and cooperation between Quang Nam and the neighboring provinces of Laos in particular, and between the two countries Vietnam - Laos in general, has been affirmed by many meaningful activities over the past time. Through activities such as the program "Connecting Vietnamese hands", we hope to promptly support and accompany the students, fostering more affection between them and Quang Nam as well as Vietnamese people," Mr. Nhi added.

After the program, the Provincial Journalists Association will continue to connect to have more resources to support and help Lao students in Quang Nam. Previously, the program visited Lao students at Pham Van Dong University and Dang Thuy Tram Medical College in Quang Ngai province./.
Some crewmembers of warship damaged on Oct 13 delivered to permanent base, ship towed to Odesa

Some crewmembers of the Ukrainian Navy ship damaged the day before in the Black Sea (on October 13) was delivered to the point of permanent deployment. The rest of the team and the military involved are stabilizing the ship, which is being towed to Odesa, according to the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

"As of 8.30 on October 14, 2021, personnel not involved in damage control measures were delivered to the point of permanent deployment. Servicemen feel good," the Armed Forces of Ukraine said in a message on Facebook on Thursday morning.

The Armed Forces said that the personnel of the emergency rescue squad of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are additionally involved.

"Now the ship is being towed to the basing point in Odesa, accompanied by ships and boats of the Ukrainian Navy and the state-owned enterprise Marine Search and Rescue Service of the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine.

On Wednesday, October 13, a ship of the Ukrainian national fleet suffered damage in the Black Sea because of poor weather.

According to the military, the Ukrainian Navy has launched a rescue operation, interaction with the state-owned enterprise Marine Search and Rescue Service of the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, and the State Emergency Service began. The rescue operation involved eight ships and boats and four aircraft.
Ukrainian MFA protests over sending of 'humanitarian convoys' by Russia to Donbas across border section not controlled by Kyiv

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has sent a note of protest to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation over Russia's continued illegal practice of sending so-called "humanitarian convoys" to the territory of Ukraine.

"On October 14, the Russian Federation once again ignored the previously expressed repeated warnings of Ukraine and without its official consent, in violation of Ukrainian legislation, conditions and modalities for the delivery of humanitarian aid, illegally sent the 103rd so-called "humanitarian convoy" of the Russian Federation to the temporarily occupied territories in Donetsk and Luhansk regions," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine said on Thursday.

The trucks crossed a section of the state border of Ukraine not controlled by the government of Ukraine, through the Russian Donetsk and Matveyev Kurgan border checkpoints.

"The absence of legal grounds made it impossible for the representatives of the border and customs authorities of Ukraine, envisaged by the Ukrainian legislation, to register the cargo," the ministry said.

In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine sent a note of protest to the Russian Foreign Ministry demanding that the Russian Federation stop committing illegal actions against the sovereignty of our state and unswervingly adhere to international law and Ukrainian legislation.
The war in Donbas is a challenge that Ukraine needs to overcome for the sake of peace in the future, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said addressing the cadets of the Luhansk military lyceum on the day of taking the oath on the island of Khortytsia (Zaporizhia region).

The President of Ukraine said that the Luhansk military lyceum was destroyed in 2014. He expressed confidence that the restoration of this educational institution is a matter of time. "The day will come when you will gather in the restored Luhansk military lyceum in peacetime, under the blue-yellow flag of Ukraine and remember this day. And be sure to plant an oak sprout from Khortytsia. And you will gather, I am sure, every year after graduation: without losses, with the same composition or even more  together with your parents or together with your children, telling them how you began the path of defenders of Ukraine  a state that does not stare at someone else's, but protects and always returns that belongs to it," he said.

Zelensky said that the temporary occupation of territories is "our challenge and we need to overcome it in order to finally say: peace has come, Donbas and Crimea are with us again."
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky during his trip to Zaporizhia met with the G7 ambassadors.

"During a working trip to Zaporizhia, I had a working lunch with the heads of diplomatic missions of the G7 countries. The issues of peaceful settlement in Donbas, reforms and transformation of Ukraine were discussed," the president wrote on Twitter.
International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaks during a joint news conference at the end of the Summit on the Financing of African Economies in Paris, France (Photo : Ludovic Marin/Pool via REUTERS)

International Monetary Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva on Wednesday distanced herself and the fund from a data-rigging scandal involving her former employer, the World Bank, but said she did not expect the saga to hamper decades of close collaboration between the two institutions.



Georgieva, who was cleared of wrongdoing in the matter by the IMF's executive board on Monday https://www.reuters.com/business/imf-board-resume-debate-over-georgievas-future-later-monday-2021-10-11, had sharply criticized a report prepared by law firm WilmerHale for the World Bank's board, and the decision to make its findings public.



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The law firm's investigative report https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/84a922cc9273b7b120d49ad3b9e9d3f9-0090012021/original/DB-Investigation-Findings-and-Report-to-the-Board-of-Executive-Directors-September-15-2021.pdf alleged that Georgieva and other senior World Bank officials applied "undue pressure" on bank staff to make changes to boost China's ranking in the bank's 2018 business climate report.



Georgieva vehemently denied the accusations, and she and her lawyer faulted WilmerHale for not telling her she was a subject of the probe.



Some of her backers, including Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz called the report a "hatchet job" by World Bank President David Malpass, and Mark Weisbrot, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, called for Congress to investigate Malpass's actions in the matter.



Malpass has not commented on the probe's targeting of Georgieva, saying only that the report speaks for itself. The bank also canceled the Doing Business report https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/statement/2021/09/16/world-bank-group-to-discontinue-doing-business-report, and is now implementing reforms aimed at ensuring research integrity https://www.reuters.com/business/world-bank-taking-steps-boost-research-integrity-after-data-rigging-scandal-2021-10-11.



Georgieva, a longtime World Bank official, on Tuesday insisted in an interview with Reuters that the data issues were limited to the bank's controversial Doing Business series, and had nothing to do with the work of the fund.



"Look for the problem. It is on the other side of 19th Street," she told reporters on Wednesday, a reference to the Washington address of both institutions.



At the same time, she underscored her belief that the controversy would not harm strong ties between the two.



"I love the bank, and I love the fund," she said, adding, "This is a twin institutional setup that has delivered for the members. ... We have major, major challenges, where our institutions are best at addressing and working together."



Those included efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing high debt levels among developing countries and joint work on financial sector assessments.



The World Bank underscored its commitment to a "constructive relationship" and said it looked forward to productive meetings this week with IMF colleagues and its members on urgent challenges facing developing countries, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and high debt levels.



Georgieva brushed aside questions on whether a proposed new IMF Resilience and Sustainability Trust overlapped with the mandate of the World Bank, saying that fund officials were working closely with their bank counterparts in developing the new instrument.


Ex-Giuliani associate Parnas used Russian funds to 'grease the wheels,' prosecutor says

Lev Parnas, Ukrainian-American businessman and former Giuliani associate, leaves the United States Courthouse in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S. (Photo : REUTERS/Carlo Allegri)

Lev Parnas, a onetime associate of former Donald Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, used $100,000 from a wealthy Russian businessman to make illegal donations to U.S. politicians, a federal prosecutor said on Wednesday.



Parnas used the funds to "grease the wheels" to help the businessman, Andrey Muraviev, obtain licenses to operate legal cannabis companies in the United States, Assistant U.S. Attorney Aline Flodr said in her opening argument in Parnas' trial on charges of violating campaign finance laws.



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"They wanted those politicians to do favors for their business," Flodr told a jury in federal court in Manhattan, referring to Parnas and his co-defendant, Andrey Kukushkin.



"That is what secret foreign money infiltrating American elections looks like," she said.



The trial overseen by U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken has drawn attention because of Parnas' ties to Giuliani, a forceful supporter of Trump's false claims that the former president, a Republican, lost the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden because of widespread voter fraud.



The Ukrainian-born Parnas has said he worked closely with Giuliani to investigate Biden's son Hunter, who had past business dealings in Ukraine.



Parnas' role was highlighted when the U.S. House of Representatives impeached Trump in 2019 for abusing the powers of his office to investigate political rivals. The Senate subsequently acquitted Trump in a trial.



Parnas' trial could shed light on how campaign finance operates behind the scenes. Flodr also said Parnas concealed an illegal $325,000 donation to Trump's unsuccessful 2020 re-election bid, a separate allegation from the charges related to the marijuana businesses.



Kukushkin and Parnas have pleaded not guilty. Another Giuliani associate, Igor Fruman, has already pleaded guilty to soliciting money from a foreign national.



In his opening statement, Parnas' defense attorney Joseph Bondy said Muraviev's money was not used for the donations but for other purposes.



"There was no plan to take this money from a foreign National and violate election law," Bondy said, adding that the $325,000 donation came from a legitimate business, not from a "shell company" as Flodr argued.



Bondy said Parnas' interest in the marijuana venture waned as he grew closer to Giuliani, who Bondy described as "not a cannabis guy."



Kukushkin's attorney, Gerald Lefcourt, said his client - a Muraviev associate - had nothing to do with campaign contributions.



Wesley Duncan, a Republican who ran unsuccessfully to be Nevada's attorney general in 2018, testified that he solicited a $10,000 donation from Parnas, but ultimately received the funds from Fruman.



Duncan said his campaign returned the funds to Fruman because he suspected them to be illegal. He did not say why he became suspicious about the money's origins.



The Parnas case is separate from a federal inquiry into Giuliani's dealings in Ukraine, including whether the former New York mayor violated lobbying laws while working as Trump's lawyer.



Giuliani has not been charged with any crimes and has denied wrongdoing. His lawyer has said Parnas' case and the lobbying probe are unrelated.


Syria's President Bashar al-Assad addresses the new members of parliament in Damascus, Syria in this handout released by SANA (Photo : SANA/Handout via REUTERS)

The United States does not intend to support any efforts to normalise ties with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad or rehabilitate him until there is irreversible progress towards a political solution in Syria, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday.



Blinken's comments at a news conference come at a time when a shift is underway in the Middle East among the Arab allies of the United States, who are bringing Assad in from the cold by reviving economic and diplomatic ties.



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Jordan, a staunch U.S. ally, fully reopened its main border crossing with Syria in late September, to boost the countries' struggling economies and reinforce a push by Arab states to reintegrate Syria after shunning it over its civil war.



Jordan's King Abdullah also spoke to Assad for the first time in a decade this month while the Egyptian and Syrian foreign ministers met last month on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York, in what Egyptian media said was the first meeting at that level for about a decade.



"What we have not done and what we do not intend to do is to express any support for efforts to normalise relations or rehabilitate Mr Assad or lifted a single sanction on Syria or changed our position to oppose the reconstruction of Syria, until there is irreversible progress toward a political solution, which we believe is necessary and vital," Blinken said.



The United States has suspended its diplomatic presence in Syria since 2012.



Blinken said in the nine months since President Joe Biden took office on Jan. 20, Washington has focused on expanding humanitarian access to Syria, sustaining the campaign against Islamic State and making clear the U.S. commitment to demand accountability from Assad's government.



But Syria has not been a foreign policy priority for the Biden administration, analysts note, as Washington largely concentrated on countering China. The administration has yet to apply sanctions under the so-called Caesar Act, which came into force last year with the aim of increasing pressure on Assad.



"As we're moving forward in the time ahead, keeping violence down, increasing humanitarian assistance, and focusing our military efforts on any terrorist groups that pose a threat to us or to our partners...These are going to be critical areas of focus for us," Blinken said.


Kyle Bass, founder of Hayman Capital Management, speaks during the Reuters Global Investment 2019 Outlook Summit in New York, U.S. (Photo : REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/Files)

Hayman Capital Management L.P. founder Kyle Bass's failed bet against the Hong Kong dollar got cash linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump's adviser Steve Bannon, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday.



The details were laid out by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in an enforcement action against GTV Media Group, a startup with ties to Bannon and Chinese businessman Guo Wengui, Bloomberg reported.



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The startup had raised $339 million through an unregistered share sale last year, the report said, citing the securities regulator.



In June 2020, $100 million of those proceeds were transferred to a hedge fund that is managed by Bass's Hayman Capital Management, the report said, citing two people with direct knowledge of the matter.



The hedge fund, which takes positions in the Hong Kong dollar and other Asian currencies, lost 95% of the $30 million it invested, the report added.



Hayman Capital Management or Bass, however, have not been accused of any wrongdoing, the report said.



Last month, GTV was among three media companies that agreed to pay more than $539 million to settle charges with the SEC that they illegally sold stock and digital assets to thousands of investors.



A spokesperson for Hayman Capital Management did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. GTV Media could not be reached for comment.


Alan Ruck, Brian Cox, Jesse Armstrong, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin and Jeremy Strong poses while attending the premiere of the third season of "Succession" in Manhattan, New York, U.S., (Photo : REUTERS/Andrew Kelly)

The cast of Emmy-winning "Succession", the biting drama series about power struggles in a family media empire, celebrated the premiere of the show's third season on the red carpet in New York on Tuesday.



Actor Jeremy Strong, who plays media executive Kendall Roy, said he felt lucky "to be part of something that is such a sort of cultural lightning rod and part of people's lives and at the center of the culture in a meaningful way."



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"Succession" has been widely lauded, its second season winning Golden Globes last year for best drama series and best actor in a drama series for Brian Cox, as well as seven Emmys, including for Strong's lead acting performance.



The third season, which debuts on AT&T Inc's HBO on Oct. 17, will explore the aftermath of Kendall Roy's decision to publicly air allegations of wrongdoing in the family firm.



"It's almost continuous from where we left off in season two," said Cox. "That means that the potential is enormous, but also at the same time that the road is precise."



Kendall is one of four Roy siblings angling to take control of the family's vast media holdings, with his siblings played by Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook and Alan Ruck.



"It's fun to watch billionaires self-destruct," said Ruck, when asked about the show's appeal. "They are sort of the authors of their own demise. So let them go, let them do it."


Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Issued An Urgent Caution About The Baptism Of Their Daughter Lilibet (Photo : REUTERS )

Amongst rumors regarding the location of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's baby Lilibet's christening, the couple's representative provided some insight on the couple's current plans for the occasion.



According to circulating reports, Lilibet Diana, the latest member of the Sussex family, will follow in the footsteps of her two-year-old brother Archie and have her baptism in the United Kingdom. However, one royal insider allegedly stated that a christening in the United Kingdom "is not going to happen."



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Rather than having the baptism take place where the rest of the royals have been christened in the United Kingdom, it is more likely that Harry and Meghan's four-month-old will be baptized in the Episcopal Church in the United States because of reasons that will shortly be explained.



According to royal profiler Ingrid Seward, members of the Royal Family such as the Queen, Prince Charles, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are unlikely to attend the arranged event.



She told The Sun that if Lilibet - the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's second child, due in June - were to be christened in the United States, "perhaps" Harry's pals would consider traveling out and attending the celebration.



She continued saying that she doesn't believe that the Royal Family would have any time to come and fly over and that for six months in advance everything is usually mapped out already. Hence her skepticism when it comes that issue.



Lilibet will be the first of the Queen's grandchildren or great-grandchildren not to have a royal baptism within the Church of England if the event takes place in the United States.



While Lili does not now hold a royal title, she is nonetheless a member of the British royal family's line of succession. The infant is now eighth in line to the throne, behind her grandpa, Prince Charles, uncle, Prince William, cousins Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, as well as her father, Prince Harry, and brother, Archie.



For now, no pictures are going to be released from the royal family in regards to the youngest Suxxexes as Royal Expert, Christopher Anderson. The reason being is that as the children grow older they would be hounded by paparazzi relentlessly.



Also that both parents are doing their best to shield them from that sort of trauma as long as they can for them both to have a normal childhood. Which any British Royal would attest to growing up.


Ice-T (Photo : David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)

Few Hollywood celebrities are as versatile as Ice-T. Most renowned for his prolific rap career, the 63-year-old produced over eight solo albums and seven albums with heavy metal band Body Count. Aside from rapping, Tracy Lauren Marrow, Icy-T's real name, is also a songwriter and producer, and has been starring on "Law & Order: SVU'' since 2000 as NYPD Detective/Sergeant Odafin Tutuola. However, Ice-T's most prized profession is being a father to his three children.



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Ice-T is the father of two daughters and a son, and each of the three children is from a separate relationship. Discover everything there is to know about Ice-children T's below.



LeTesha Marrow is Ice-T's eldest child and daughter. LeTesha was born to Adrienne, the rapper's high school sweetheart, on March 20, 1976. Ice-T was barely 18 at the time, and he and Adrienne completed their high school years, taking care of their baby daughter together. The couple subsequently broke up, and LeTesha spent her childhood living with her father.



Now 45-years-old, LeTesha has become a writer, director, and actress. She is the mother of her son Elyjah Marrow, born in 1995. According to reports, at the young age of 19, Elyjah was arrested in Marietta, Georgia, in June 2014 and charged with involuntary manslaughter after his roommate Daryus Johnson died in an accident. According to police officials at the time, Elyijah did not practice "proper weapons safety" when carrying a gun, which resulted in Daryus being shot and murdered unintentionally. Elyjah was charged with a variety of offenses the next year and was imprisoned until September 2019, according to several sources.



On November 23, 1991, the rapper welcomed his second child and only son, Ice Tracy Marrow Jr. with fiancee Darlene Ortiz. They met at a bar while Ice-T was filming "Breakin", a 1984 breakdancing musical film.



Tracy, now 29, has developed into a carbon copy of his renowned father. He's even joined his father's band Body Count as a backup vocalist! However, according to reports, Tracy got into a little bit of trouble with the law in 2012 when he was 20-years-old when he was detained on an outstanding $10,000 warrant arising from a prior speeding conviction. He subsequently verified on Twitter that he had been released from jail and had paid his fine. Tracy has been featured on his mother Darlene's social media pages on occasion, most recently on Mother's Day in May. Darlene commemorated the event by sharing several photographs of her son throughout the years. She has also expressed how much she adores her son and being his mother on multiple occasions.



Ice-T's youngest child is Chanel Marrow, whom he has with his 42-year-old wife Coco Austin. Chanel was born on November 28, 2015, more than 13 years after Ice-T married Coco. Chanel is now five years old and has developed into the cutest little girl imaginable. Additionally, admirers believe she resembles a wonderful combination of her famous parents!



Ice-T and Coco have recently come under fire for the way they are raising Chanel. Coco made headlines in September when she shared a photo of her daughter sporting French tips for school picture day. Additionally, the pair raised eyebrows when Coco stated in an August interview with Us Weekly that she is still breastfeeding Chanel and referred to it as a "bonding time." However, during a recent appearance on The View, Ice-T made it clear that he is ignoring the naysayers. He stated that each parent has a unique way of parenting, and he and his family are doing well, despite the numerous criticisms they have received.


Egypt and Qatar have 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.
Egypt has so far partially vaccinated 27.4 million citizens against the coronavirus and fully inoculated 14.4 million others, Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, the minister of higher education and acting health minister, said in a statement on Wednesday following the weekly cabinet meeting.
US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry asserted Egypt is already in a position which enables the country to lead in transition to renewable energy.



Egypt has chances for becoming the first country in solar and renewable energies worldwide, Kerry told reporters following talks with Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry at the Foreign Ministry's HQ on Wednesday.

Shoukry and Kerry held talks earlier to discuss recent concerning the climate change issue as well as cooperation in the field of renewable energy



Kerry further said Egypt has been chosen to play host and chair an upcoming meeting of a UN conference for climate "COP 27" in 2022.



So the US is working together with Egypt as far as next steps are concerned, added Kerry.

In statements after the talks, Shoukry reiterated Egypt's commitment to strategic partnership and cooperation with the US.



Climate change is a topic to build on to boost joint cooperation, said Shoukry.



He said he met with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad and Shoukry to discuss ways of promoting cooperation on the climate change file.

During his meeting with the Prime Minister, US special presidential envoy said that his country will encourage US companies to invest in Egypt in the fields of renewable energy and electric vehicles, Cabinet Spokesperson Nader Saad said



He also extended thanks to President Abdel Fattah El Sisi for Egypt's commitment towards environmental and climate change issues.

Kerry added he was keen to make Egypt his first stop in his regional tour, highlighting Egypt's efforts to establish the largest solar station in the world.

From his side, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly hailed the strategic Egyptian-US ties, stressing that the US is a key partner to Egypt.



Madbouly welcomed growing investments of the US companies in Egypt, noting that he would work on removing all obstacles facing US investors.



He reviewed Egypt's efforts to address climate change, referring to plans for getting cars to operate by natural gas in lieu of diesel oil.



He also noted that the country has encouraged the use of electric cars in order to achieve sustainable development goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.



The Prime Minister added in the meeting that Egypt is working on expanding the establishment of water desalination stations, highlighting its issuance of green bonds.

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Egypt reported 861 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, bringing the total infection tally officially to 314,977 since the outbreak began in February 2020, said Health Ministry in its daily coronavirus update statement.

The ministry also reported 41 new coronavirus related deaths in the past 24 hours nationwide, bringing the total number of deaths from the virus to 17,806.

The statement added that 899 patients have been discharged after recovering from the virus, bringing the total number of recoveries to 265,663.

Egypt has administered more than 23.3 million COVID-19 vaccine shots out of over 60 million doses delivered to the country so far, Health Minister Hala Zayed told a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

Over 8.2 million people have been fully vaccinated with the two recommended jabs.

Zayed explained that the total administered doses include 15.1 million initial doses and 8.2 million second doses since the start of the country's vaccination campaign earlier this year.

As the country seeks to ramp vaccinations, Zayed said the health ministry is planning to increase the number of the vaccination centres from 1,100 to 2,002 by installing new camps at all public hospitals nationwide.

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The Lebanese Army warned on Thursday that it would open fire at anyone firing live rounds, calling on civilians to evacuate an area in a predominantly Shia suburb of Beirut as a rally to demand the dismissal of the Beirut port blast lead investigator left a number of dead and injured.

Gunfire at the rally, which was organised by the Shia Hezbollah and Amal movements, killed two people and wounded 12, according to a doctor at a local hospital.

In an earlier statement, the army reported "bursts of gunfire in the area of Tayouneh - Badaro," adding that it "rushed to cordon off the area and deploy in its neighbourhoods and their entrance. Patrols started as did the search for the shooters to detain them."

Prime Minister Najib Mikati called for calm to be restored and warned against attempts to drag Lebanon into violence.

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France on Thursday expressed concern over the deadly unrest that erupted in Lebanon over the investigation into last year's Beirut port blast and urged all parties to calm the situation.

"France is deeply concerned over the recent hindering of the smooth running of the investigation... and the violence that has occurred in this context. France calls on all parties to bring about a de-escalation," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

According to the authorities, at least six people were killed in clashes on Thursday, all of them by gunfire.

The clashes erupted after a demonstration organised by Shia parties against the lead investigator into the blast turned violent.

Judge Tarek Bitar has in recent days been in the sights of the Shia Hezbollah and Amal parties, particularly for insisting on subpoenaing top officials in his probe.

The French statement said that the "Lebanese judiciary must be able to work independently and impartially within the framework of this investigation, without hindrance, and with the full support of the Lebanese authorities."

"The Lebanese people are waiting for full light to be shed on the port explosion. They have a right to the truth."

The explosion on August 4, 2020, killed more than 200 people and destroyed large swathes of the capital.

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Ethiopian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Dina Mufti said on Thursday that Ethiopia was ready to resume talks on Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

Ethiopian foreign ministry spokesperson Dina Mufti said on Thursday that Ethiopia is ready to resume talks on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).



In statements to Sky News Arabia, Mufti said that Ethiopia expects the current chair of the African Union, DR Congo, to send delegations soon to Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan to hold talks on the GERD issue.

In September, the United Security Council issued a presidential statement calling on the three countries to resume the GERD talks as soon as possible according to a specific timeframe to reach to a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam under the auspices of the African Union.

Egypt and Sudan welcomed the statement but Ethiopia slammed it at the time.

The talks between the three countries reached a deadlock in April after a failed round in Kinshasa, followed by Addis Abba's unilateral decision to commence with the second filing of the dam despite the rejection and warning of the downstream countries.

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Egyptian military's high appeals court on Wednesday upheld life sentences for 32 people accused of plotting to kill President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and a former Saudi crown prince, their lawyer said.

The court decided to reject all appeals and uphold the verdict for all but two defendants, whose sentences were reduced to 15 years, Khaled El-Masry wrote on Facebook.

A life sentence in Egypt is capped at 25 years' imprisonment.

In June 2019, a military criminal court handed down life sentences to the 32 defendants in the case. Of the more than 290 defendants originally appearing in the case, 264 were sentenced to between three and 15 years in jail.

The defendants were charged with setting up terrorist cells that committed crimes including planning to assassinate El-Sisi and Saudi Arabia's former crown prince and interior minister, Mohammed bin Nayef.

Excerpts from a public prosecutor's investigation in 2016 published in local media revealed the defendants were plotting to assassinate El-Sisi and the former crown prince while they were on pilgrimage to the Islamic holy city of Mecca in 2014.

It became locally known as the "El-Sisi assassination" case.

The suspects were arrested on charges of belonging to an affiliate of the terrorist-designated Islamic State group in North Sinai, where security forces have for years fought against terrorists.

Some were charged with the targeted killing of three judges in North Sinai in 2015, while others were charged with the targeting of tourists and security forces.

Terrorists in North Sinai attacked Egyptian forces after the 2013 ouster of Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood amid mass protests against his rule.

Since February 2018, the authorities have been conducting a nationwide operation against terrorists in North Sinai and the country's Western Desert.

* This story was edited by Ahram Online

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Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi affirmed on Thursday during a phone call with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson the need for the international community to continue to play a serious role in resolving the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) issue.

Egypt and Sudan have expressed the desire to continue the GERD talks under the auspices of the African Union to reach a legally-binding agreement, a demand endorsed last month by a UN Security Council presidential statement.

Egypt and Sudan have called for maximising the international role in endorsing the AU-sponsored negotiations on the GERD dispute, with Egypt calling such a role indispensable.

In his phone call with Johnson, El-Sisi highlighted the importance of reaching a balanced, fair, and legal agreement on the filling and operation of the dam, a statement by Egyptian presidencys spokesman Bassam Rady read.

This, El-Sisi said, should be achieved in a way that protects Egypts water security, ensures the interests of all parties, and preserves regional stability.

The president also underlined the need for all parties to show good faith and the necessary political will during the negotiations in line with the UN Security Councils presidential statement.

UN Climate change summit

During the phone call, El-Sisi and Johnson agreed on intensifying coordination between the two countries to ensure a positive outcome from the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26).

The conference is scheduled to take place from 31 October to 12 November in Glasgow, Scotland.

This comes in light of the importance of the Egyptian role in addressing the climate issues on the regional level as well as Egypts endeavour to host the next round of the conference in 2022, Rady said.

Egypt has been selected as a nominee to host the COP 27, scheduled for November next year, as it is Africas turn to host the conference.

El-Sisi and Johnson also discussed a number of regional issues of mutual concern, Rady said.

They agreed on supporting the ongoing political path in Libya and the holding of elections by the end of the year, as well as the exit of all foreign forces and mercenaries from the country.

The two leaders also discussed encouraging British tourism to Egypt, which is attempting to attract foreign tourists to its resorts in the Red Sea and South Sinai.

Two million people work in Egypts tourism sector, which represents a big part of the national economy and is a main source of hard currency for the country.

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Egypt urged Thursday all Lebanese parties to exercise self-restraint and refrain from violence to avoid the evils of strife, in the wake of the recent developments in Lebanon that took place on the same day.

Egypt follows with great concern the developments of the situation in Lebanon, and regrets what the Lebanese scene witnessed today, Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Hafez said.

Earlier on Thursday, at least six people were killed in Beirut as gunmen opened fire on a protest, organised by Hezbollah and Amal movements, calling for the removal of the judge probing the deadly Beirut blast in 2020.

Lebanese Army as a result warned on the same day that it would open fire at anyone firing live rounds.

Egypt calls on all Lebanese parties to prioritise the supreme interest of Lebanon and its people with commitment to the determinants of the constitution and the law, according to Hafez.

This should be achieved in a way to ensure the stability and security of Lebanon, preserves the resources of its brotherly people, and takes them out of the vicious crisis circle, the spokesman affirmed.

The spokesman urged the Lebanese government and state institutions to assume their responsibilities in managing the country, resolving the crisis, and restoring stability to enable the international community in helping Lebanon move forward toward a better future.

The Beirut blast in August 2020 killed more than 200 people, left hundreds of thousands homeless, and destroyed large parts of the capital, causing the former Lebanese government under Hassan Diab to resign and left the country without a functioning cabinet for a year.

Judge Tarek Bitar, who is currently probing the case, is the second to lead the investigation into the blast after Fadi Sawan was removed after charging former top officials with negligence over the blast.

On Monday, Lebanon's Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah openly called for replacing Bitar, accusing him of being biased and politicised.

From his side, Lebanons new Prime Miniser Najib Mikati called for the restoration of calm, warning against attempts to drag Lebanon into violence.

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The artefacts of The Kings of the Sun exhibition arrived in Egypt on Thursday and is now at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, a year after being on display in the Czech capital Prague.

The exhibition was officially inaugurated in August 2020 at the National Museum in the Czech capital Prague by Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Khaled El-Enany and Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, in the presence of the Czech ministers of culture, environment, finance, and health.

The exhibition was opened in tandem with the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the start of Czech archaeological work in Egypt. On display were 90 artefacts that were unearthed during the excavations conducted by the Czech mission in Abusir archaeological sites.

The Kings of the Sun was the first Egyptian archaeological exhibition held in Prague and received more than 500,000 visitors.

Among the most valuable items on display were a basalt statue of King Raneferef, carved around 2460 BC, alongside other objects and statues from the Old Kingdom.

Mostafa Waziri, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the exhibition was extended in Prague from January 2020 to September 2021.

Waziri asserted that the exhibition has contributed to the rise in the number of tourists to Egypt from the Czech Republic.

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Egypts Health Ministry said 14 citizens suffered from suffocation as "limited" fire broke out on Wednesday in the main hall allocated to host El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) in the Red Sea governorate.

No deaths were reported.

Civil protection units brought the fire under control, the GFFs administration said in a statement, adding that flames devoured a small part of the hall prepared to host the opening of the festival.

The cause of the fire is being investigated, the administration said, suggesting a short circuit took place.

The press conference of the fifth GFF will be held today at 4pm as scheduled, the administration affirmed.

The Red Sea city of El Gouna is scheduled to host the fifth GFF between 14 and 22 October.

In its statement, the health ministry said 20 ambulances, medical teams, and mobile clinics were dispatched to the scene.

Eight people were sent to the nearby El Gouna Hospital, the ministry said. The rest were treated on site.

Business Tycoon Naguib Sawiris, the founder of the GFF, tweeted a photo of the El Gouna conference centre that will host the festival, saying it was unaffected and that the fifth GFF will be held as scheduled.

Established in 2017, El Gouna Film Festival is held annually to showcase a diverse range of films in the attendance of a large number of actors, actresses, and filmmakers.

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Air Marshal Mohamed Abbas Helmi, commander of the Egyptian Air Force, talks to Ahmed Eleiba about the evolving role of the Air Force

On 14 October 1973, the Israeli air force launched an offensive against Egypts airports in the Delta with the purpose of sapping Egypts aerial strength and preventing its planes from striking Israeli forces.

Egyptian planes, taking off from the Mansoura and Anshas airbases, intercepted the attack.

The skirmishes, in which more than 150 aircraft from both sides took part, lasted more than 50 minutes, making what would be called the Battle of Mansoura the longest aerial battle in modern history.

Despite the numerical and qualitative superiority of the enemy, Egypt downed 18 Israeli planes.

The remainder turned tail and fled, a scenario that would recur during the rest of the war.

The crucial aerial victory is why 14 October was named Armed Forces Day. To mark the occasion, Al-Ahram Weekly interviewed Air Marshal Mohamed Abbas Helmi, commander of the Egyptian Air Force, who spoke of the role of the Egyptian Air Force in the 1973 War, and its role today.

A preliminary air strike paved the way for the crossing of the Suez Canal in the October 1973 War. How was it executed, and how extensive were the preparations?

Preparations for the October War began immediately after the end of the 1967 War. The Air Force had learned lessons and began to equip itself for the next war conflict.

The first step was to rebuild a combat force of aircraft and pilots. The air force was restructured into separate brigades. An aerial reconnaissance brigade was created and equipped with modern surveillance and tracking equipment.

Although the number of pilots at the end of the 1967 War exceeded the number of aircraft, the reconstruction phase required yet more pilots and enrolment in the air force academy was increased. It was also necessary to prepare the theatre of operations.

The Air Force constructed new airbases and fortified operation rooms at every airport and airbase. It increased the numbers of runways and built fortified bunkers to house the aircraft and for maintenance purposes.

The Air Force played an important role in the War of Attrition which helped prepare it for the October War. On 10 December 1969 Egyptian pilots had their first confrontation with the Phantom, the most modern aircraft in the American arsenal.

An aerial battle took place at 11am over Ain Sokhna in the Gulf of Suez. Eight phantoms attacked the area to strike an Egyptian radar station. They were intercepted by eight Egyptian MIG-21s. An Egyptian pilot downed the first Phantom in Ras Al-Masallah on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Suez.

What was on the role of the Air Force during the 1973 War?

The Air Force was at the vanguard of the combat action. A preliminary air strike threw the enemy off balance at the outset of the war.

More than 200 aircraft took part in the main offensive which targeted Israeli installations in Sinai. The operation was conducted in total radio silence to avoid being picked up by enemy monitoring devices.

To avoid detection, aerial formations flew at very low altitudes and along carefully chosen flight paths. The passage of our aircraft over the heads of our ground forces played a huge part in raising the morale of the troops on the ground.

Our planes crossed the Suez Canal in a single sortie and struck the Israelis main command centre at Um Marjam in order to sever the enemys communications.

They continued to strike pre-identified targets, knocking out three main runways in three airfields  Al-Maliz, Beir Tamada and Ras Nasrani  as well as three subsidiary runways in the same air bases.

They took out 10 HAWK air defence batteries, two artillery installations, and numerous administrative sits. The operation lasted for about 30 minutes. Since more than 90 per cent of targets were hit successfully a planned second sortie was cancelled.

How do you rate the skills of Egyptian pilots today?

Egyptian pilots grasped the technological innovations of the latest aircraft, the Rafale and the F-16 block 52, in record time.

The same applies to technical crews. The latest pedagogical techniques, equipment and facilities are used to train and equip pilots and technical crews to the standard required by the Air Force.

During the October 1973 War the Egyptian pilot proved his resilience and efficacy in combat and it is a source of pride that todays pilots carry on that tradition.

The current generation has proven its skills on every occasion in the Air Force has been called into play, in the Martyrs Right Operation in Sinai, Comprehensive Operation Sinai (COS) 2018, missions to safeguard borders and deter terrorist infiltration, joint drills and manoeuvres with allies and participation in combat operations with Saudi Arabia such as the Revival of Hope Operation.

To what extent does the Egyptian Air Force cooperate with the air forces of friendly nations in training and the transfer of expertise?

Our Air Force has always been held in high esteem by our allies, witness the desire of so many nations to participate in joint exercises that involve the transfer of expertise and combat skills.

Among the many joint manoeuvres with Arab states are the Yarmouk 3 aerial exercises with Kuwait, the Hamad 2 joint aerial/naval exercises and the Khaled Ibn Al-Walid joint drills with Bahrain, the Faisal 2 and Gulf Shield 1 joint aerial training exercises with Saudi Arabia, the Aqaba 3 joint exercises with Jordan and the Khalifa 3 joint naval drills and the Zayed 2 joint air/naval drills with the UAE.

We also hold joint exercises with allies outside the Arab region, the Eagle Salute and the Bright Star series of exercises with the US, the Cleopatra series of joint naval exercises with France, the Medusa series of joint naval exercises with Greece and, more recently Cyprus, and the Protectors of Friendship series of joint paratroop manoeuvres with Russia. In all these joint drills we benefit from the exchange of expertise.

The Air Force is equipped with different hardware systems. How does it deal with the diversity?

Diversity in weaponry is an advantage. For one thing it means we are not dependent on a single supply source.

The Air Force designs training programmes for specific weapon systems. Integrating them involves staging joint exercises to enhance interoperability.

Teams are also rotated so they become familiar with the different systems and the particular advantages of each.

How have regional transformations, and changes in the threats facing Egypt, affected the Air Force?

Regional instability and the penetration of terrorist organisations into some countries have imposed a new reality which demands constant, around-the-clock vigilance.

The Air Force, with its comprehensive weapon systems, undertakes assignments in coordination with the Armed Forces general command and set by the political leadership.

Air Force units have collaborated in raids against terrorist lairs in all parts of the country. They undertake reconnaissance sorties, surveillance activities and other necessary operations to secure Egypts borders in all directions and intercept infiltrators.

The war against terrorism has placed new tasks on the shoulders of the Air Force. What expertise has the Armed Forces acquired during this ongoing battle?

Irregular warfare has proliferated, pitting small groups of non-state actors against standing state armies. Our pilots have acquired new skills and combat methodologies while carrying out the additional tasks which have been assigned to the Air Force, not least intercepting arms and drug smugglers.

Because of the internal security situation in the country the Air Force has also had to undertake such tasks as transporting funds and even student exams to the provinces given the difficulties of safeguarding land routes.

The Air Forces flying ambulances have also transported people from all parts of the country to hospitals to enable them to receive emergency treatment.

Air Force personnel are trained to undertake these extra duties without neglecting combat readiness and combat efficacy. When performing irregular tasks assigned to it the Air Force never suspends training for operations. It works unceasingly to protect Egypts skies.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 18 October, 2018 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: Protection from above

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Gunfire killed six people and wounded 30 at a Beirut rally organised by the Shia Hezbollah and Amal movements Thursday to demand the dismissal of the lead investigator into last year's port blast.

Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi told a press conference that the death toll had climbed to six.

He said that some of the victims where shot in the head.

The deaths include a 24-year-old woman who was hit in the head by a stray bullet while inside her home, a doctor at the Sahel hospital in Beirut's southern suburbs told AFP.

The Lebanese Red Cross put the number of wounded at at least 30.

AFP correspondents in the area heard heavy gunfire.

Lebanese television broadcast images of men carrying rifles and heavy weaponry.

The protest outside the Justice Palace was called for by the powerful Hezbollah group and its allies who are demanding the removal of Judge Tarek Bitar.

It was not immediately clear what triggered the gunfire, but tensions were high along a former civil war front-line between Muslim Shia and Christian areas.

The right wing Christian Lebanese Forces mobilized supporters Wednesday evening after Hezbollah and its allies called for the protest at the Justice Palace, located in a Christian area. Videos circulating on social media showed supporters of the Christian Lebanese Forces marching in the streets, carrying large crosses.

A journalist with The Associated Press saw one man open fire with a pistol during the protest, as well as gunmen shooting in the direction of protesters from the balcony of a building. At least two men were seen injured and bleeding. The army deployed heavily and sent patrols to the area to search for the gunmen, following the exchanges of gunfire between the Muslim and Christian sides of the capital.

In a statement, Prime Minister Najib Mikati appealed for calm and urged people ``not to be dragged into civil strife.''

The army reported "bursts of gunfire in the area of Tayouneh - Badaro".

"The army rushed to cordon off the area and deploy in its neighbourhoods and their entrance. Patrols started as did the search for the shooters to detain them," it said.

In a follow-up statement, the military warned that it would open fire at anyone firing live rounds, calling on civilians to evacuate the area.

Hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrates that had been improperly stored at a port warehouse detonated on August 4, 2020, killing at least 215 people, injuring thousands and destroying parts of nearby neighborhoods. It was one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history and has further devastated the country already roiled by political divisions and unprecedented economic and financial meltdown.

Bitar, the second judge to lead the complicated investigation, has come up against formidable opposition from Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah group and its allies who accuse him of singling out politicians for questioning, most of them allied with Hezbollah.

None of Hezbollah's officials have so far been charged in the 14-month-old investigation.

The armed clash could derail the country's month-old government even before it begins tackling Lebanon's unprecedented economic crisis.

A Cabinet meeting was canceled Wednesday after Hezbollah demanded urgent government action against the judge. One Hezbollah-allied minister said he and other Cabinet members would stage a walkout if Bitar isn't removed.

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With gun battles breaking out in the Lebanese capital Thursday after shots were fired at protesters, we look at how the apocalyptic blast that devastated the port of Beirut last year has rocked the country.

Devastation

On August 4, 2020, one of the world's biggest ever non-nuclear explosions destroys much of Beirut's port and wrecks swathes of the capital.

The blast was caused by a fire in a warehouse which had held a vast stockpile of the industrial chemical ammonium nitrate for six years.

The huge explosion leaves more than 200 people dead and 6,500 injured and the city in a state of shock.

The tragedy strikes as Lebanon is mired in what the IMF later calls one of the world's worst economic crisis in 150 years.

A plummeting currency, massive layoffs and drastic banking restrictions impoverish large parts of the population.

'Deep Changes' Needed

International aid begins to arrive and on August 6 French President Emmanuel Macron walks through the devastated Gemmayzeh neighbourhood.

His visit is praised by many Lebanese angry at their own leaders, whom they accuse of corruption and incompetence.

Macron calls for "deep changes" but the next day President Michel Aoun rejects any international probe into the disaster.

Public Anger

On August 8, thousands demonstrate, angry at their leaders over the explosion. Clashes with security forces erupt.

The next day, the international community pledges around $300 million in aid but demands it be directly distributed to the population and that a transparent probe into the blast is carried out.

People 'Betrayed'

On August 10, prime minister Hassan Diab resigns amid further demonstrators.

At the end of the month, diplomat Mustapha Adib is named as Lebanon's new premier.

But on September 26, after weeks of political deadlock, Adib bows out.

Macron says he is "ashamed" of Lebanese leaders who he claims have "betrayed" their people.

Hariri Back

On October 22, three-time prime minister Saad Hariri is nominated again, promising a government of experts to stop the economic collapse.

Diab continues as caretaker PM.

On December 2, at a second aid conference, Macron urges Lebanese politicians to form a government.

Diab Charged

Just over a week later the lead investigator into the explosion charges Diab and three ex-ministers with negligence.

But the probe is soon suspended, and a court removes the investigator in February.

In June, rights groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch call for a UN investigation into the blast.

'Immunity'

In early July, the new judge investigating the blast says he has summoned Diab and taken steps towards indicting former ministers and security officials.

Parliament says it needs more evidence before it waives immunity for three former ministers who are also lawmakers, a position that the lead investigator rejects.

On July 15, Hariri steps down, unable to form a government.

Billionaire Najib Mikati, Lebanon's richest man -- already twice premier -- manages to form a new government on September 10 after a 13-month vacuum.

Deadly Protest

But the new government has been shaken by demands from the powerful Shia group Hezbollah for the judge investigating the blast, Tarek Bitar, to be removed.

He was forced to suspend his probe on Tuesday after the former ministers he had summoned on suspicion of negligence filed lawsuits against him.

One of them, a top Shia leader from the Amal movement, threatened "political escalation".

Amal and Hezbollah called Thursday's rally which ended in violence, with their supporters marching on the Palace of Justice to demand the judge's sacking.

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A bomb ripped through a vehicle carrying a Taliban police chief in eastern Afghanistan on Thursday, killing him and wounding 11 others, officials said.

The blast happened in Asadabad, the capital of Kunar province, targeting the Taliban police chief for Shigal district, said an official from the Islamist group.

"The police chief has died and eleven people have been wounded," he told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

A doctor in Kunar central hospital confirmed to AFP that it had received 11 wounded people, including four Taliban fighters and seven civilians.

No one claimed responsibility for the attack but the Islamic State-Khorasan group, who are active in eastern Afghanistan, have claimed similar attacks on the Taliban in the past.

The Taliban have battled with IS-K since its emergence in Afghanistan in 2014.

IS-K has claimed responsibility for some of the most recent attacks, including a suicide bombing among worshippers last week in a Shia mosque in Kunduz province that killed around 100 people.

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Fitch Ratings expects sukuk momentum to go on over the medium term fuelled by investor appetite, funding diversification and refinancing needs.

A report Fitch released on Wednesday highlighted Egypts ongoing efforts to issue its first sovereign sukuk (Islamic bonds) per a law ratified by the President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi in August.

Last week, Egypt started to obtain financial facilities to issue sukuk (Islamic sovereign bonds) and green bonds to the tune of $2 billion, paving the way to tap into the $2.7 trillion Islamic financing system. Egypt's public treasury needs these financial facilities, which mature in three years, to fund the FY2021/2022 budget deficit.

Meanwhile, sukuk issuance from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regions countries; including Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey and Pakistan reached $57.3 billion in the third quarter (3Q) of 2021, according to the report.

On the other hand, the report pointed out that issuance dropped by 27 percent quarter-over-quarter, as expected, primarily due to yearly seasonal patterns and implementation challenges related to Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) standards.

Global outstanding sukuk reached $775.4 billion in 3Q of 2021, which is 2.8 percent higher than 2Q of 2021, the reports data showed.

Meanwhile, Fitch-rated outstanding sukuk volume amounted to $132.2 billion, with 79.2 percent of issues being investment grade, according to the report.

Fitch continues to see revised terms and new clauses added to international sukuk documentation, driven by market calls for compliance with AAOIFI sharia standards and UAEs Higher Sharia Authoritys resolutions and guidelines. Most sukuk nonetheless continue to be structured so as to create economic effects similar to conventional bonds, limiting the impact of the changes so far, the report said.

On his side, Global Head of Islamic Finance at Fitch Ratings Bashar Al-Natoor explained that sukuk supply-demand imbalance will continue to be a key growth factor but not without headwinds, which include additional AAOIFI-compliance complexities for sukuk, and reduced borrowing needs and fiscal deficits for some of the sukuk-issuing sovereigns due to higher oil prices.

Globally, $162.1 billion of sukuk were issued in 2019 compared to $124.8 billion in 2018, representing market growth of 30 percent and consistent with growth over the past five years with a robust demand on sukuk in 2020, according to recent data published by the Islamic Finance Foundation

The Foundation expected market momentum to continue into 2021, as issuers lock in long-term funding at historically low rates.

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The Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy and a multinational consortium signed two agreements on Wednesday planning a wind power farm with a capacity of 500 megawatts in the Gulf of Suez region.

According to a statement by the cabinet on Thursday, the consortium consists of Egypts Orascom Construction, Frances ENGIE, and Japans Toyota Tsusho Corporation.

The project will cost around $600 million, the statement quoted Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mohamed Shaker, who attended the signing ceremony, as saying.

The commercial operation of the project is expected to start in 2024, the minister noted.

The project will achieve carbon dioxide (CO2) savings estimated at about one million tons annually, Shaker said.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Japans Ambassador to Cairo Masaki Noke and Deputy French Ambassador in Egypt Francois Legue attended the signing ceremony.

The project will also secure 1,100 direct job opportunities during the construction phase in addition to a large number of other job opportunities in related services, Shaker noted, adding that some of the projects equipment will be locally manufactured.

Orascom revealed in a statement on Thursday it would carry out construction of the wind farm and will have a 25% stake in the project. It said that it would develop, construct and operate for 20 years the wind farm located in Ras Ghareb, Red Sea governorate.

Orascom added the project would triple the consortium's wind energy capacity to more than 750 MW.

In late 2019, the same multinational consortium inaugurated a 262.5 MW wind plant in Ras Ghareb, Egypts first private and largest wind farm.

The electricity ministrys cooperation with the private sector is part of Egypts strategy to raise the countrys electricity generation capacity from renewable sources to 42 percent by 2035, Shaker affirmed.

Egypt inaugurated in 2018 a 220 MW wind plant at Gabal Al-Zeit in the Gulf of Suez, financed by soft loans from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Egypt has taken big steps to increase the total energy produced from renewables, including the establishment of one of the world's largest solar parks at Benban in Upper Egypts Aswan.

Egypt has advanced from 26th place in 2020 to 20th in 2021 among the worlds top 40 markets in the Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index (RECAI), which was released in June.

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The Arab world today is at a crossroads, with the transition to more open political systems looking possible in many of the Arab countries.

The Arab world is in transition after a decade of uprisings, upheavals, revolutions and civil wars. By their very nature, transitions are critical phases in the history of nations, and this is also the case with the Arab countries.

The last ten years have witnessed almost the withering away of state institutions, and the very notion of the nation-state has sometimes seemed to be on the brink of disappearing. Egypt itself was under a threat of this sort for a brief period from 11 February 2011, the day when former president Mohammed Hosni Mubarak relinquished power, to 30 June 2013, when Egyptians from all walks of life descended on Cairos Tahrir Square to push for the overthrow of the rule of the Muslim Brotherhood.

That day will go down in history as the beginning of the end of the phenomenon known as Political Islam across the Arab world. Today, the tide of history is shifting once again to the benefit of the nation-state and nationalist-inspired attempts at the rejuvenation of the state in the Arab world.

However, in order to succeed, transitions need enlightened and progressive leaders and strong state institutions and political forces that enjoy sufficient legitimacy to bring about fundamental changes in state structures and the philosophy of governance. In other words, there needs to be a broad consensus for authoritarian regimes to transition to more democratic ones based on a commitment to good governance and the peaceful transfer of power in free-and-fair elections.

The Arab countries are well placed today to jump-start their transition to good governance. And whether dealing with the situation in Libya, Tunisia, Syria, Iraq, or to a lesser degree in Lebanon, the world is willing to help. Elections are scheduled for this year or next in many of these countries: in Libya next December, if things go to plan according to the agreed-upon timetable; and in Lebanon in the first quarter of next year. The Iraqis went to the polls on 10 October to elect a new Iraqi parliament.

Syria, the battleground for foreign and regional confrontations through proxies, is still searching for a way out of the destabilisation of the last decade. Despite the war unleashed in Syria in March 2011 against the rule of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, the latter is still in power with a new constitutional mandate, however dubious this might appear to be in the eyes of those foreign, regional and Arab forces that have tried to overthrow the Syrian regime.

Today, the winds of change are also blowing in the opposite direction in Syria, and some of those very powers that previously worked against the Syrian regime have begun either reopening their embassies in Damascus or having their leaders call the Syrian president in developments not seen since March 2011.

The UN-instituted Constitutional Commission in Syria is scheduled to meet again on 18 October in Geneva as part of another attempt to come up with a Constitutional Document that can garner the support of the Syrian government, the Syrian opposition, whatever this term might mean in practice, and the foreign powers that have backed it.

The situation in Syria has come to symbolise all that has gone wrong with what we could call the democratic winds that blew across the Arab world in 2011. In retrospect, we have come to realise today that a great gulf has existed, and I presume continues to exist, between the democratic aspirations of the Arab peoples and the political forces that have come to the fore to claim that they are the true incarnation of these aspirations.

It goes without saying that the forces that came to the forefront in leading the democratic movement in Syria have themselves by definition been anti-democratic. Their only commitment to democracy has been the ballot box, and once in power they have shown no willingness to relinquish it. The Constitutional Declaration made by the Muslim Brothers in Egypt in November 2012 is a reminder of how undemocratic are all the groups that hail from Political Islam. Syria remains a living testimony of how far Political Islam has been willing to go to reach power through the tacit help of foreign powers.

The situation in Libya is no different from that in Syria, but there is a major difference between the two cases in that the neighbouring countries of the former, Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia, have provided a counterweight to the disintegration of Libya, realising, rightly, that such disintegration would run counter to their national security. For a brief period, Egypt suffered terrorist attacks from across its western borders.

The UN and the international community have been pushing for a successful political transition in Libya through the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2510 of 12 February 2020, which was adopted in its entirety in the Berlin Declaration of 19 January 2020.

According to the timetable agreed among the various Libyan political forces, with the support of their respective international and regional backers, presidential and parliamentary elections are scheduled in Libya on 24 December this year. According to recent reports, the Libyan National Assembly has decided to hold the presidential elections on this date and to postpone the legislative elections until next year. But there is no consensus on this unnecessary separation between the two sets of elections.

In Iraq and Lebanon, elections are seen as the starting point for transitioning to more representative political regimes not based on sectarian or religious grounds. This is a tall order, however deep are the popular demands in both countries for more democratic forms of governance. To illustrate how challenging this transition could prove to be, there has been the regrettable decision by the Lebanese parliament not to allocate seats for women in the next elections out of fears that this could adversely impact the sectarian distribution of power in the country.

I have not discussed the situation in Yemen. This is because although Yemen witnessed a popular uprising in 2011 led by the Muslim Brotherhood, regional and Arab intervention in Yemeni affairs complicated the situation, and four years later Yemen saw a proxy war between Saudi Arabia on the one hand and Iran on the other. That war is still raging, and despite incessant efforts by the UN at mediation between the warring parties, it would be surprising if it came to an end before the Saudis and the Iranians work out their political differences that have seen each side trying to checkmate the other.

The Arab world today is at a crossroads. Either the transition to more open political systems succeeds, or it descends into a stalemate that will block the emergence of more democratic regimes in the Arab countries. The decisive moment could come when some Arab countries lead by example and decide to guide the transition to democracy.

* The writer is former assistant foreign minister

*A version of this article appears in print in the 14 October, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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Al-Ahrams second annual conference for pharmaceuticals promises to provide an integrated work programme for the localisation of the industry in Egypt .

Under the patronage of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli, Al-Ahram Establishment will on Saturday launch the second edition of its annual pharmaceutical conference. The conference, which will take place on 16-17 October, will discuss localising the drug industry in Egypt and providing practical solutions to its problems.

Abdel-Mohsen Salama, chairman of Al-Ahrams board of directors, said the establishment is keen on organising its annual pharmaceutical conference, praising the efforts exerted in the pre-conference preparatory work, including the scale of extensive discussions in its sessions, and the effective participation in terms of numbers and quality of attendees.

The conference represents a pioneering experience in following up on the implementation of the recommendations of the first edition, which were carried out in cooperation with the various sectors of the Health Ministry and all partners organising the event, Salama added.

The conference will be held under the chairmanship of Mahmoud Al-Metini, the president of Ain Shams University, and the honorary presidency of Ashraf Hatem, the chairman of the parliamentary Health Committee.

The opening session of the conference is scheduled to be attended by Abdel-Sadek Al-Shorbagi, the chairman of the National Press Authority; Salama; and Alaa Thabet, the editor-in-chief of Al-Ahram.

Mohamed Awad Tageddin, the advisor to President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi for health and prevention affairs, will also participate in the event.

Al-Ahram, in its 145-year history, has been keen to support the states efforts in upgrading services provided to the Egyptian citizen, especially in healthcare and medicine, according to Salama.

There have been excellent and significant accomplishments in the field of healthcare and medicine in Egypt as acknowledged by various international organisations, Salama stressed.

Thabet said that Al-Ahram has made all the necessary preparations, including organising the preparatory sessions and meetings for the conference in cooperation with partners, to ensure that the event would serve as a permanent platform to shed light on all aspects of the Egyptian pharmaceutical sector in terms of safety and in compliance with the highest standards, as well as opening new markets.

The event will also highlight the fact that Egypt provides the appropriate climate to attract more global partnerships, and Arab and foreign investments, to meet the needs of the Egyptian market and contribute to increasing exports, Thabet added.

The Egyptian market with a population of more than 100 million is promising. There are 165 drug factories operating in Egypt in addition to 40 to 50 new factories under licensing. However, despite the figures, drug exports amount to $300 million, considered a small amount compared to other countries.

Al-Metini stressed that the success of the conference in its first edition testifies to the serious discussions that characterised its sessions and the important recommendations the conference issued.

The second edition will shed light on ways to meet the challenges and risks that the pharmaceutical industry faces and to discuss ways to improve it. It will also discuss ways to develop scientific research and ensure the success of the process of the transfer of technology and localising industry, he said.

A large exhibition will be held on the sidelines of the event, Hossam Zayed, the general coordinator of the conference, said. The exhibition will be held in cooperation with major drug companies: the General Division of Medicines in the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, the cosmetics and nutritional supplements division in the General Federation of Chambers of Commerce, the Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industry, the Egyptian Society for Research and Drug Manufacturing, and the Export Council for Medical Supplies.

Zayed noted that several preparatory sessions were held in order for the conference to achieve the aspirations and expectations of citizens, doctors, pharmacists, and drug officials.

He explained that the conference will include discussions on the strategic partnership with international companies and the role of the Egyptian Pharmaceutical City, the challenges and opportunities in light of the lessons learned from the coronavirus pandemic, and the problems faced by research and development in the sector and the way out.

Participants in the conference will also shed light on universal health insurance and healthcare as well as the future of pharmaceutical exports and the digitisation of the health care sector to support Egypt as a regional centre for the pharmaceutical industry.

Speakers at the conference will include Tamer Essam, the president of the Egyptian Medicines Authority, Major General Bahaa Zeidan, the president of the Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement, Ashraf Ismail, the president of the General Authority for Accreditation and Health Control, and Hossam Sadek, the executive director of the Universal Health Insurance.

The event will also see the participation of Amr Mamdouh, the president of the Egyptian Medicine City, representatives of various concerned institutions in Egypt and local drug companies, chairmen of the boards of directors of foreign drug companies operating in Egypt, and representatives of the Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industry and Commerce.

The conference will conclude its proceedings by presenting a work plan to localise the pharmaceutical industry and find all the required solutions for many of the problems that hamper this effort, he added.

The first edition of the pharmaceutical conference formed a committee to follow up on the implementation of its work programme, vision, and recommendations in cooperation with the Ministry of Health.

Moreover, the Standing Committee of participants in the conference has submitted the recommendations of the first edition to the concerned authorities who were tasked with following up on their implementation as part of a continuing dialogue and interaction between all parties involved.

The Standing Committee plans to work on implementing the recommendations of the second edition in a similar manner.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 14 October, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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When MPs return on Sunday, they will have a host of new draft legislation on their agenda.

Topping the list is the new government-drafted general unified finance law which was approved by the Senate in July.

Fakhri Al-Fiqi, head of parliaments Budget Committee, said the law aims to upgrade the system of drafting the states annual budget.

This will come by merging two pieces of legislation regulating the annual state budget and government accounting into a single bill, Al-Fiqi said, adding that these two pieces of legislation were passed a long time ago and had become unable to keep pace with the latest changes in budgeting and accounting.

A report prepared by the Budget Committee explained that the general finance law helps achieve the governments economic reform plans and enhance the governments socio-economic development objectives. The government believes that this will never be possible without merging two laws which regulate Egypts financial performance  the states Public Budget Law 53/1973 and Government Accounting Law 127/1981, the report said. The step to unify the two laws comes upon the recommendation of international financial institutions and in light of the worldwide shift to digital and mechanised budgetary and accounting systems, according to the report.

Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait said the finance law was a very progressive step because it targets transparency during the preparation of the countrys annual budget in terms of using the e-signature system and modern mechanised methods which help achieve fiscal discipline, rationalise public spending and boost accountability and budgeting performance.

The bill is part of the governments economic and structural reforms that go in line with modern international methods in the area of budgeting and accounting, Maait said.

Article I of the new finance law states that all state institutions covered by the annual state budget will be subject to the law. These institutions include the states administrative units, local administration units, general and service organisations, private funds and accounts, economic organisations and projects funded by private accounts.

Another legislative priority on parliaments agenda are the new amendments to Law (17/2010) regulating the participation of the private sector in implementing infrastructure and service and public utilities projects. This will come through allowing the private sector to implement works related to designing, funding, implementing, operating, utilising and maintaining public projects, a report prepared by the Budget Committee said, adding that the amendments also allow the states administrative system to award contracts to private sector companies in a much easier way to implement most infrastructure projects in areas of transport, electricity, communications, information technology, water, sanitary drainage, education, etc.

The report said the amendments come within the states new strategy of carrying out a number of mega-development housing projects, the most important of which is building a new administrative capital. The role of the private sector in these projects is very important and so it is necessary that the Law (17/2010) be amended to give it a larger role in this respect in the coming period, the report said.

The draft amendments were referred to parliament a long time ago, according to Yasser Omar, deputy chairman of the Budget Committee. Omar said they should be up for discussion now because it is high time to give a boost to mega national projects which have become beyond the financial capacity of the state and government contracting companies. He added that when new amendments go into effect they will open the door for the private sector to undertake the implementation of a greater number of mega national projects.

Omar also explained that the new amendments will help simplify procedures required for winning project contracts and eliminate administrative obstacles which will make it much easier for private companies to tap into the field of mega projects.

In a procedural session on 2 October, Parliament Speaker Hanafi Gibali revealed that a raft of government-drafted legislation was referred to parliament in the last days. We have new amendments to the Criminal Procedures Law (150/1950), the States Resource Development Fee Law (147/1984) and the Regulation of the Possession of Ammunition and Weapons Law (394/1954), Gibali said.

Informed sources said the amendments to the Criminal Procedures Law, approved by the cabinet in September, aim to address the problem of the increasing number of unused cars parked in public places. To meet this objective, the amendments will cut short the expiry of lawsuits filed before courts from three years to six months, thus allowing the government to expropriate unused cars parking in public places without need for a judicial ruling, said a source, adding that if an unused car is parked in a public place for more than six months, it would be automatically expropriated by the government without a need for a judicial order.

MPs also have their share of draft laws. On 2 October, Gibali referred two laws drafted by MPs Hala Abul-Saad and Emad Saad Hammouda.

The law drafted by Abul-Saad, a member of the Conservatives Party, aims to relieve citizens who do not pay taxes on time from paying additional fees.

The law demands the government to waive collecting these fees if a taxpayer settled due taxes ahead of the date of the implementation of the law, Abul-Saad said.

The law drafted by Hammouda, head of the Housing Committee, seeks to amend some articles of the law regulating the performance of the Organisation of the New Housing Communities (59/1979).

Two other MPs  Ayman Abul-Ela and Mervat Abdel-Azim  also submitted draft laws. Abul-Ela drafted a new law entitled the Medical Responsibility Legislation which obliges medical service providers, particularly hospitals, to offer the best services in terms of accuracy and commitment. Those who offer service not in accordance with well-defined scientific standards or commit a medical mistake due to gross negligence will be severely punished,  Abul-Ela said, adding that his draft bill also aims to toughen penalties on those who accept conducting abortion operations unless pregnancy is life-threatening to the mother.

Abdel-Azims draft law aims to contain Egypts runaway population growth by offering a financial incentive of LE50,000 a year to every family which has only two children. This incentive will be provided over 10 years only, while those who have more than two children will be deprived of the LE50,000 incentive and of receiving any kind of state subsidies,  Abdel-Azim said.

She argued that Egypts population is increasing at a very rapid pace and so we should move fast to raise awareness of this increase and its future dangers for Egyptians.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 14 October, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol has issued a subpoena to a former Justice Department lawyer who positioned himself as an ally of Donald Trump and aided the Republican president's efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 election.

In this Sept. 14, 2020, file photo, Jeff Clark, then-Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division, speaks during a news conference at the Justice Department in Washington. [Photo: AP]

The subpoena to Jeffrey Clark, revealed Wednesday, came amid signs of a rapidly escalating congressional inquiry. At least three of the people who were involved in organizing and running the rally that preceded the violent riot are handing over documents in response to subpoenas from the committee.

The demands for documents and testimony from Clark reflect the committee's efforts to probe not only the deadly insurrection but also the tumult that roiled the Justice Department in the weeks leading up to it as Trump and his allies leaned on government lawyers to advance his baseless claims that the election results were fraudulent. Trump loyalists who wrongly believed the election had been stolen stormed the Capitol in an effort to disrupt the congressional certification of Democrat Joe Bidens victory.

Clark, an assistant attorney general in the Trump administration, has emerged as a pivotal character in that saga. A Senate committee report issued last week shows how he championed Trump's efforts to undo the election results and clashed as a result with Justice Department superiors who resisted the pressure, culminating in a dramatic White House meeting at which Trump ruminated about elevating Clark to attorney general.

The Select Committees investigation has revealed credible evidence that you attempted to involve the Department of Justice in efforts to interrupt the peaceful transfer of power, the chairman of the committee, Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, wrote in a letter to Clark announcing the subpoena.

While Trump ultimately did not appoint Clark acting attorney general, Clarks efforts risked involving the Department of Justice in actions that lacked evidentiary foundation and threatened to subvert the rule of law, Thompson added.

The committee has scheduled a deposition for Oct. 29 and demanded documents by the same date. A lawyer for Clark declined to comment.

The Jan. 6 panel has so far sought testimony from a broad cast of witnesses, but its demands of Trump aides and associates are potentially complicated by Trump's vow to fight their cooperation on grounds of executive privilege.

Already one witness, Steve Bannon, has told the committee he will not cooperate based on Trump's directive, though lawmakers have said they were engaging with two other Trump officials  former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and former Defense Department official Kashyap Patel. It is also unclear whether Dan Scavino, Trumps longtime social media director and one of his most loyal aides, will cooperate.

Biden has formally rejected Trumps claim of executive privilege surrounding a tranche of documents requested from the former presidents time in the White House, and set up their potential release to Congress in mid-November. White House counsel Dana Remus wrote to the National Archives in a letter released Wednesday that Biden believes that an assertion of executive privilege is not in the best interests of the United States.

Others, though, are cooperating, including some of the 11 who organized or staffed the Trump rally that preceded the riot. They were given a Wednesday deadline to turn over documents and records, and have also been asked to appear at separate depositions the committee has scheduled.
Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket launches carrying passengers William Shatner, Chris Boshuizen, Audrey Powers and Glen de Vries from its spaceport near Van Horn, Texas, Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. [Photo: AP]

In this image provided by Blue Origin, William Shatner exits the Blue Origin capsule as he is greeted by Jeff Bezos near Van Horn, Texas, Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. [Photo: Blue Origin via AP]

This undated photo made available by Blue Origin in October 2021 shows, from left, Chris Boshuizen, William Shatner, Audrey Powers and Glen de Vries. [Photo: Blue Origin via AP]

Hollywoods Captain Kirk, 90-year-old William Shatner, blasted into space Wednesday in a convergence of science fiction and science reality, reaching the final frontier aboard a ship built by Jeff Bezos Blue Origin company.

The Star Trek actor and three fellow passengers hurtled to an altitude of 66.5 miles (107 kilometers) over the West Texas desert in the fully automated capsule, then safely parachuted back to Earth. The flight lasted just over 10 minutes.

What you have given me is the most profound experience," an exhilarated Shatner told Bezos after climbing out the hatch, the words spilling from him in a soliloquy almost as long as the flight. I hope I never recover from this. I hope that I can maintain what I feel now. I dont want to lose it.

He said that going from the blue sky to the utter blackness of space was a moving experience: "In an instant you go, `Whoa, thats death.' Thats what I saw.

Shatner became the oldest person in space, eclipsing the previous record  set by a passenger on a similar jaunt on a Bezos spaceship in July  by eight years. The flight included about three minutes of weightlessness and a view of the curvature of the Earth.

Sci-fi fans reveled in the opportunity to see the man best known as the brave and principled commander of the starship Enterprise boldly go where no star of American TV has gone before. The internet went wild, with Trekkies quoting favorite lines from Kirk, including, Risk: Risk is our business. Thats what this starship is all about.

This is a pinch-me moment for all of us to see Capt. James Tiberius Kirk go to space, Blue Origin launch commentator Jacki Cortese said before liftoff. She said she, like so many others, was drawn to space by shows like Star Trek.

NASA sent best wishes ahead of the flight, tweeting: "You are, and always shall be, our friend.

The flight brought priceless star power to Bezos space-tourism business, given its built-in appeal to baby boomers, celebrity watchers and space enthusiasts. Shatner starred in TVs original Star Trek from 1966 to 1969, when the U.S. was racing for the moon, and went on to appear in a string of Star Trek movies.

Bezos is a huge Star Trek fan  the Amazon founder had a cameo as an alien in one of the later movies  and Shatner rode free as his invited guest.

As a favor to Bezos, Shatner took up into space some Star Trek tricorders and communicators  sort of the iPhones of the future  that Bezos made when he was a 9-year-old Trekkie. Bezos said his mother had saved them for 48 years.

Bezos himself drove the four crew members to the launch pad, accompanied them to the platform high above the ground and cranked the hatch shut after they climbed aboard the 60-foot rocket. He was there to greet them when the capsule floated back to Earth under its brilliant blue-and-red parachutes.

Hello, astronauts. Welcome to Earth!" a jubilant Bezos said as he opened the hatch of the New Shepard capsule, named for first American in space, Alan Shepard.
A former Louisiana State Police trooper pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a federal charge in the 2019 video recorded beating of a man whose injuries included a broken jaw and broken ribs.

Jacob Brown is charged with deprivation of rights under color of law in the beating of Aaron Bowman following a north Louisiana traffic stop.

Aaron Larry Bowman cries during an interview at his attorney's office in Monroe, La., Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, as he discusses his injuries resulting from a Louisiana State trooper pummeling him with a flashlight during a traffic stop. [File photo: AP]

Wednesdays hearing in Monroe was held via video conference. Browns September indictment came amid federal scrutiny of other troopers who punched, stunned and dragged another Black motorist, Ronald Greene, before he died in custody.

The Greene and Bowman beatings took place less than three weeks and 20 miles (32 kilometers) apart. Body camera videos of the incidents remained under wraps before The Associated Press obtained and published them this year. Civil lawsuits alleging abuses by state police have been filed in both the Greene and Bowman cases.

Brown was allowed to reman free pending trial, with bond set at $50,000. We are very disappointed in the fact that he was not detained this morning, Donecia Banks-Miley, an attorney for Bowman, said outside the courthouse.

This Dec. 10, 2020, file photo, provided by the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office shows Louisiana State Police Trooper Jacob Brown. [File photo: Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office via AP]

I'm praying that we all get justice, a subdued Bowman said as he stood with his attorneys and supporters, including Greene's mother.

The federal probe of Greenes 2019 death has grown to include an examination of whether police officials obstructed justice t o protect the troopers who beat Greene after a high-speed chase.

Video and police records show Bowman was struck 18 times with a flashlight in 24 seconds after local deputies pulled him over for a traffic violation near his Monroe home. Brown later said Bowman had struck a deputy and the blows were pain compliance intended to get Bowman into handcuffs.

Bowman, 46, denied hitting anyone and is not seen on the video being violent with officers.
KYODO NEWS - Oct 15, 2021 - 00:06 | All, Japan, Coronavirus

People whose lives have been upended by the coronavirus said Thursday they are hoping for government policies that improve work conditions and bring business back to pre-pandemic levels as Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida dissolved the House of Representatives for an Oct. 31 general election.

Medical and elderly care workers have been hit particularly hard, often facing increasingly long hours and increased workloads at low wages.

Noriko Doi, a 53-year-old caregiver in Tokyo, said her patients love to chat when she visits them at home, and voiced concern that they are not getting out enough.

"This is a job where human interaction is key. You can't replace that with machines. We want to be treated better," she said.

Yoshihiro Shimaguchi, who runs a gift shop in Sapporo, the capital of Japan's northernmost main island Hokkaido, called for steps to revive regional economies that have slumped amid a fall in tourism.

The 58-year-old said his shop did not benefit from the "Go To Travel" program, implemented last year to promote domestic tourism through government subsidies, because it happened amid a surge in infections in Hokkaido and during the tourism off-season.

"Business still hasn't returned to normal. It's tough," he said.

The food services industry has also been hit hard, as repeated states of emergency have forced restaurants to close early and stop serving alcohol.

Yoshiki Nishino, a 31-year-old manager at an "izakaya" pub in Toyama on the Sea of Japan coast, lamented the shift to eating at home triggered by the pandemic.

"I'd like to see policies that let people dine out safely and without having to worry about the coronavirus," he said.

Kazunori Miwa, who runs an eatery in Nagoya, central Japan, expressed doubt over whether the government's assertions that restaurants are hotbeds for infection are factual.

"There needs to be a study into why COVID-19 cases have gone down," the 54-year-old said.

Students who entered universities in and around Tokyo have spent much of the pandemic taking online classes due to the states of emergency, giving them little opportunity to consult with professors or meet friends in person.

"I finally feel like a university student," said Yuma Yoshida, who is in his second year at Keio University and had been signing in from his family's home in Aomori, northeastern Japan, before in-person classes resumed this month.

The 19-year-old, a first-time voter, said he believes education is the country's foundation and will be watching the candidates' views on the matter.
KYODO NEWS - Oct 14, 2021 - 16:10 | All, Japan, Coronavirus

Japan's vaccination minister Noriko Horiuchi on Thursday inspected the National Institute of Infectious Diseases as part of efforts to propel the country's coronavirus vaccination program to cope with a possible rebound of infections.

Speaking to reporters after her first visit to the institute in Tokyo since assuming the post, Horiuchi stressed the importance of listening to the voices of people working in the field of virology to reflect their views in policymaking.

The minister and Takaji Wakita, head of the institute, discussed ways to promote the country's vaccination program, as the government is planning to start administrating third doses in December to people who have gone at least eight months since receiving their second dose.

As for ongoing vaccinations, the country's health ministry is considering advising men in their 20s and younger to receive the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc., rather than one by Moderna Inc., due to rare cases of heart disease reported in Japan and abroad after receiving the Moderna shots.

Some countries including Sweden have decided to pause use of the Moderna vaccine for young men, citing higher risks of heart disease, while recommending they receive the Pfizer vaccine.

When asked about the issue, Horiuchi stopped short of clarifying whether the government will recommend administering the Pfizer vaccine for younger men.

So far, the COVID-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca Plc are currently available in Japan, all of which are administered in two doses. As of Wednesday, more than 65 percent of the country's population had been fully vaccinated, according to government data.

While Japan has been seeing a steady decline in infections across the country amid the progress of vaccination, health experts are concerned about a possible infection rebound.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met the government's top COVID-19 adviser Shigeru Omi for the first time since assuming the office earlier this month and exchanged views over the government's future coronavirus response.

Omi told reporters after the meeting that the prime minister plans to strengthen the medical system, which had been strained due to a fifth wave of infections this summer, and enhance the virus testing system.

Earlier this week, Kishida said in a lower house plenary session he will soon present an outline of his coronavirus response, which reflects on the shortage of hospital beds this summer.
KYODO NEWS - Oct 14, 2021 - 17:50 | All, World, Japan

Japan, the United States and South Korea are considering bringing together their senior officials in charge of North Korea issues in Washington possibly next week, their first such meeting since the change of Japanese prime minister, diplomatic sources said Wednesday.

The meeting is expected to demonstrate their trilateral cooperation as North Korea continues to alarm the region such as through the recent test-firing of short-range ballistic missiles and what Pyongyang claims to be a newly developed hypersonic missile.

The participants would be Takehiro Funakoshi, head of the Japanese Foreign Ministry's Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, Sung Kim, U.S. special representative for North Korea, and Noh Kyu Duk, South Korea's special representative for Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs, the sources said.

The three last met in person on Sept. 14 in Tokyo.

Last week, Japan's parliament elected Fumio Kishida as prime minister and the successor to Yoshihide Suga, who stepped down after about one year in office amid mounting criticism over the government's coronavirus response.

During their envisioned meeting in the U.S. capital, the three are likely to share their concerns over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile development programs and affirm the need to pursue its denuclearization.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said North Korea's missile launches, conducted in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions, should be taken "very seriously" as they create "greater prospects for instability and insecurity."

Japan, for its part, has protested to North Korea against the weapons tests.

South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui Yong said earlier this month that the time is ripe for considering easing sanctions on North Korea as a way to entice Pyongyang to the negotiating table.

The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has been reiterating its willingness to engage with North Korea toward its denuclearization, but no progress has been seen so far.

The United States and its Asian security allies -- Japan and South Korea -- have no diplomatic ties with the North. The Korean Peninsula has been divided as the 1950-1953 Korean War ended in a cease-fire.

Washington, which fought alongside Seoul, technically remains in a state of war with Pyongyang.
KYODO NEWS - Oct 14, 2021 - 19:11 | World, All

Forty-six people were killed and 41 injured in a predawn blaze at a commercial and residential building in Taiwan's southern port city of Kaohsiung on Thursday, authorities said.

The fire broke out in the 13-story building in the city's Yancheng District at 2:54 a.m. and was extinguished at 4:51 a.m., according to the local fire bureau.

Nearly 70 people were rushed to hospital, though some of them died.

The cause of the fire has not been determined. The over 40-year-old building was last inspected on Tuesday.

Its first six floors were commercial and housed a theater, but they had been left idle for quite some time.

The seventh floor and up were residential and had 120 families living there.
By Ryotaro Nakamaru, KYODO NEWS - Oct 14, 2021 - 20:07 | All, Japan, Feature

Opposition parties in Japan are banding together for the Oct. 31 general election in a bid to break the near-monopoly on power the Liberal Democratic Party, led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, has held for the past six decades.

The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, the Japanese Communist Party and two smaller groups have formed an alliance to coordinate campaign promises and field fewer candidates in order to avoid competing for voters.

The House of Representatives, the more powerful lower chamber of parliament, has 465 seats, 305 of which are controlled by the LDP and its coalition partner Komeito. The CDPJ holds 110 and the JCP has 12.

"Our goal is to realize a change in government," CDPJ leader Yukio Edano said at a party meeting on Thursday.

Traditionally, opposition parties have each fielded their own candidates in single-seat districts, meaning voters critical of the government were split among several choices, giving an advantage to the LDP and Komeito.

For the upcoming election, the CDPJ and the JCP have agreed to consolidate candidates in around 220 of the 289 single-seat districts, making them much more competitive.

"We will do everything we can to seize victory in these districts," said Akira Koike, head of the JCP's Secretariat, on Wednesday.

The LDP has only been ousted from power twice since its founding in 1955. The second time, from 2009 to 2012, was by the forerunner to the CDPJ, the Democratic Party of Japan.

Those three years, during which relations with the United States soured and the Fukushima nuclear disaster happened, have left a bad taste in the mouths of voters, said Tobias Harris, senior fellow for Asia at the Center for American Progress, a Washington-based think tank.

"The CDPJ still suffers from the DPJ's legacy. The public learned to trust the DPJ, gave it a chance to govern, but was then disappointed," Harris said. "The reality is that the LDP benefits from the perception that it is a competent, natural party of government and has to really misgovern to be penalized."

The CDPJ, JCP and their partners, Reiwa Shinsengumi and the Social Democratic Party, were left scrambling to coordinate after Kishida called the general election for Oct. 31 rather than either of two later dates that had been floated, Nov. 7 or 14.

With ballots to be cast just 17 days after dissolving the lower house on Thursday, it will be the shortest campaign in the post-World War II era.

"Short campaigns tend to favor whoever is in power because they have more resources to tell the public what the central issue of the election is," said Toru Yoshida, a political science professor at Doshisha University in Kyoto. "The opposition doesn't have the same means to reach out to voters."

Kishida has said a simple majority, 233 seats, for the LDP and Komeito would mean victory and give him a mandate to carry out his COVID-19 and economic policies.

The quick timeline also appears to have limited the scope of the CDPJ and JCP's efforts to consolidate candidates, as they were unable to reach an agreement in about 45 single-seat districts.

Giving a glimpse of the chaos behind the scenes, Reiwa Shinsengumi leader Taro Yamamoto abruptly announced he will run in a Tokyo constituency that already had prospective contenders from both the CDPJ and JCP, only to face a wave of criticism and retract the decision days later.

The left-leaning alliance is also expected to have a difficult time differentiating its campaign promises from those of Kishida, who has vowed to implement a "new capitalism" that focuses on economic growth and redistributing wealth to the middle class.

"The opposition must feel like they've had their proposals flipped on them," Yoshida said.

The CDPJ and its partners have also adopted a shared platform pledging to lower the consumption tax from the current 10 percent and reduce carbon emissions without using nuclear power, as well as repeal controversial 2015 legislation expanding the role of the Self-Defense Forces.

One area where the alliance, which excludes more right-leaning groups such as the Japan Innovation Party and the Democratic Party for the People, may appeal to voters is social issues such as giving married couples the option to use different surnames.

Kishida, a moderate, has called for further debate and seems especially reluctant to recognize same-sex marriage, saying the matter "concerns the very basis of the family" and requires "extremely careful consideration."

But Harris, of the Center for American Progress, voiced doubts over whether social issues will be enough to get voters out in support of the opposition, especially considering their disappointment with the DPJ's turn in power.

"Are the voters ready for more competitive politics again, or will they continue to look to the LDP and Komeito for stable government over change and competition? I suspect that the latter remains true," he said.

Related coverage:

Japan opposition lambastes "inconsistent" Kishida ahead of election

Japan PM Kishida dissolves lower house for Oct. 31 election
New Delhi:

The Indian Air Force inducted the first unit of Chinook helicopters at its Chandigarh airfield on Monday. The IAF had received its first Chinook choppers on February 10 at the Mundra port in Gujarat. After the induction ceremony, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said that, aCountry faces a multiple security challenges; we require vertical lift capability across a diversified terrain. Chinook has been procured with India specific enhancements; it's a national asset.a He also said that, aChinook helicopter can carry out military operations, not only in day but during night too; another unit will be created for the East in Dinjan (Assam). Induction of Chinook will be a game changer the way Rafale is going to be in the fighter fleet.a

The Chinook is an advanced multi-mission helicopter. It contains a fully integrated, digital cockpit management system, Common Aviation Architecture Cockpit and advanced cargo-handling capabilities that complement the aircraft's mission performance and handling characteristics, a Boeing statement said.

A

#Chinook : Induction - 25 Mar 19 -

IAF received its first CH-47F (I) Chinook heavy-lift helicopter on 10 Feb 19 at the Mundra port in Gujarat. On 25 Mar 19, it will be formally inducted into the Helicopter fleet of IAF at Chandigarh.

Photo Courtesy a Boeing India pic.twitter.com/hCfRzGmlmY a Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 25, 2019

aWe look forward to delivering this phenomenal capability to India,a David Koopersmith, vice president and general manager, Boeing Vertical Lift said. aFrom coastal operations to high-altitude mountainous missions, these aircraft will play vital roles with the Indian armed forces.a India ultimately will receive 22 AH-64E Apache attack, and 15 CH-47F(I) Chinook transport, helicopters. aChinook can deliver heavy payloads to high altitudes & is eminently suited for operations in the high Himalayas. It will greatly enhance Indiaas capabilities across a range of military & HADR missions,a the air force had said on Twitter.

Indian firm Dynamatic Technologies manufactures critical components for H-47 Chinook, one of the world's most advanced multi-mission, heavy-lift transport helicopters. India is procuring 15 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters from Boeing. Dynamatic Technologies had delivered the first set of aft pylon and cargo ramp assemblies for the Chinook in February 2015. This first delivery was mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his inaugural address at the Aero India Exhibition in 2015, it said.

"This is a remarkable milestone in our partnership with Boeing," said Udayant Malhoutra, CEO and Managing Director of Dynamatic Technologies, adding, "We are manufacturing complex assemblies for global OEMs and have become an integral part of the worldwide supply chain, incorporating globally accepted standards of aerospace manufacturing in our facilities."

(With agency inputs)

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Ahmedabad:

A Congress victory "by mistake" in the Lok Sabha election will see Pakistan celebrate Diwali, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani claimed on Sunday.

"While this is not going to happen, but when the results (of the general election) are announced on May 23 and (if) the Congress wins by mistake, then Diwali will be celebrated in Pakistan because they (Congress) are all associated with it," Rupani said in Mehsana at the launch of the Bharatiya Janata Party's 'vijay sankalp' rally.

"The people of the country will ensure Narendra bhai (Narendra Modi) wins on May 23, after which there will be grief in Pakistan," the BJP leader said.

Rupani attacked Congress leader Sam Pitroda for demanding proof of the Balakot airstrike.

"The world knows Pakistan shelters terrorists. And Sam Pitroda, Rahul Gandhi's teacher, says it is wrong to blame Pakistan for the act of five-seven youths (who carried out the Pulwama attack).... Congress leaders speak the language of Pakistan," Rupani said.

The chief minister accused the Opposition of insulting the armed forces. "Who are you trying to support by negating the words spoken by the heads of the armed forces (after the Balakot airstrike) he asked.

In response to accusations that the previous National Democratic Alliance government freed Masood Azhar, who then went on to form terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed, Rupani alleged that it was the Congress former that had released several terrorists during its tenure.

The BJP leader also accused the Congress of indulging in vote-bank politics and "encouraging separatist forces".

Describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah as "sons of Gujarat" who were working to make India stand tall among the league of nations, Rupani said disparate Opposition parties were uniting only with the aim of defeating Modi.

"When Narendrabhai is moving in the direction of making India a 'Ram rajya', the Opposition parties have come together. The Congress, communists, terrorists, naxals, corrupt, Mamata, Mayawati, Akhilesh, Chandrababu... all selfish people have come together (against him)," he said.

Calling the 2019 election a fight to the finish, Rupani exhorted party workers to make history with the ballot
New Delhi:

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking constitution of a larger bench to decide the issue of who controls the services in Delhi. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi told the Delhi government counsel that it will look into the matter. The apex court had on February 14 referred the issue of control of services to a larger bench after delivering a split verdict.

The two-judge bench comprising Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan had said that the Centre should have the final word on posting and transfer of bureaucrats in the national capital administration, but their disagreement on finer details resulted in a split verdict and the matter got referred to a larger bench. The Supreme Courts verdict came as a big blow to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who has been at the bad terms with the Centre ever since he took charge in 2015.

A two-judge bench agreed on disputes pertaining to the anti-corruption branch, setting up of a commission of inquiry, control over electricity boards, land revenue matters and appointment of public prosecutors.



Justice AK Sikri said transfers and postings of Joint Secretaries and officers above will be in the domain of Lieutenant Governor; for those below them, the recommendation will be routed through the Council of Ministers of the elected government in Delhi.



However, Justice Ashok Bhushan differed saying that the Delhi government has no control over appointments. Transfer and appointment of "higher" officers will rest with the Centre, he added.



The Centre alone will control the Anti-Corruption Bureau and can only pass orders under the Commission of Inquiry Act.

The bench also said that the Delhi government will have the powers to appoint a Special Public Prosecutor, and decide the minimum rate of the agricultural land in the national capital. The power to regulate electricity will also rest with the Delhi government.

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New Delhi:

The Supreme Court has issued notice on plea seeking direction to the CBI to file status report in disproportionate assets case against Mulayam Singh, his sons Akhilesh and Prateek Yadav. The case dates back to 2007. "We want to know what has happened to this case? There is a status report of 2007. What has happened? We would like to know whether the case is registered?" the apex court quizzed the CBI.

The two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta issued a notice to the CBI on a petition seeking to know the status of probe.

A bench was hearing the fresh please filed by political activist Vishwanath Chaturvedi. In 2005, Chaturvedi had filed the PIL in the top court seeking a direction to the CBI to take appropriate action to prosecute Mulayam Singh Yadav, Akhilesh, his wife Dimple Yadav and Prateek Yadav, the other son of Mulayam Singh, under the Prevention of Corruption Act for allegedly acquiring assets more than the known source of their income by misusing their power of authority.

The apex court, in its verdict of March 1, 2007, had directed the CBI "to enquire into allegations" and find out as to as to whether the plea with regard to disproportionate assets of SP leaders was "correct or not".

Later in 2012, the court dismissed the review petitions of Mulayam Singh, Akhilesh and Prateek against its verdict and had directed the CBI to go ahead with the probe against them in the disproportionate assets case.

It, however, had allowed the review plea of Dimple Yadav and had directed the CBI to drop the inquiry against her saying that she was not holding any public office.

The court had also modified its March 1, 2007 order and ordered the CBI to file the status report before the court and not to the government.

Chaturvedi, in his fresh plea, said, "Despite the yawning gap between the complaint made/court's directions and the pendency of filing of a regular Case in this matter, an unusually long period as already escaped without any action being taken on the matter for 11 long years".

Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh constituency, the party announced on Sunday. Azamgarh is the constituency of his father Mulayam Singh Yadav while the SP chief representated Kannauj constituency from 2000 to 2012.

Akhilesh Yadav's father Mulayam Singh Yadav is the sitting lawmaker from Azamgarh, which has a sizeable Muslim-Yadav vote bank. However, this year, the SP patriarch has been shifted to Mainpuri -- another Samajwadi Party bastion.

In 2014, his wife Dimple had contested the seat as he became the chief minister of the state. On March 8, the party had once again named sitting MP Dimple as its candidate from Kannauj.

Besides Akhilesh, the Samajwadi party also announnced the candidature of former UP minister Azam Khan from Rampur constituency. Khan is currently a sitting legislator from the the Rampur constituency. He has been representing constituency since 1980 when he first elected as an MLA on Janata Party (Secular) ticket.

(With agency inputs)
Guwahati:

Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is a key person for the BJP in the Northeast and is above party chief Amit Shah for the affairs related to the region, the saffron party's general secretary Ram Madhav said on Sunday. Madhav made the statement when asked why Sarma cannot contest despite being responsible for 25 seats, while Shah is the party in-charge of the entire country and still contesting from Gandhinagar.

"That means Himant Biswa Sarma's burden is much more than Amit Shah's, probably. Because he has to handle 5-6 governments here. He has to handle the entire election campaign in the Northeast," he said at a press conference in Assam's Guwahati.

"That needs a lot of energy and time, so the party cannot confine him to one seat. We needed his time and energy for the larger campaign for all candidates in the Northeast," he said.

Putting to rest all speculation, Shah on Thursday night said that Sarma will not be offered a ticket to contest the Lok Sabha elections.

Despite the state unit sending his name unanimously, Sarma was asked to concentrate on developing the state and strengthening the party's base in the Northeast, Shah said in a series of tweets in Hindi.

Sarma also took to Twitter to say that he accepted the decision "humbly" and the region will not disappoint Shah in making Narendra Modi Prime Minister again.

Earlier, Sarma himself had said on a number of occasions that he will not contest the Assembly elections in the state in 2021, indicating he was looking for a national role.

BJP sources said he was named as the candidate for the prestigious Tezpur constituency in Assam while preparing the state unit's panel of names for the elections.

This, however, did not go down well with BJP's central election committee comprising PM Modi and Shah, as the party's sitting Tezpur lawmaker Ram Prasad Sarmah resigned from primary membership immediately after learning about the omission of his name.

The central leadership did not accept Sarmah's resignation and asked the state unit to reconsider the panel of candidates, which did not include the parliamentarian from Tezpur constituency.

Later, Sarma's close aide and Assam Tea Tribes Welfare Minister Pallab Lochan Das was given ticket from the Tezpur seat.

Madhav also said the party may consider sending Sarma to the Rajya Sabha from Assam.

The senior BJP leader also commented that Sarma will convince the party's youth members and sympathisers, who were upset over denial of ticket to him.

To another question on giving tickets to existing state ministers, Madhav said: "Putting up a state minister is not a new practice. The best face is put forward. We found that our best available candidates are some legislators, so we fielded them. Once they are elected, we will get other best candidates for those legislator's seats."
New Delhi:

CBSE CTET 2019 correction window is now open. The Central Board of Secondary Education or CBSE, the official organisation supervising the CTET July 2019 has opened the application correction window on its official website.

According to CBSE applicants can correct any entry or chance the particulars uploaded by the candidate from March 25, 2019 (Monday) to April 1, 2019 (Monday). The Board has also said that no corrections will be allowed under any circumstances after this date. Candidates, who have already registered for the CTET will be allowed to make corrections in applications at the official website, ctet.nic.in.

Online registration for 12th edition of Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) on official website was held till March 12, 2019 and the fees were accepted till March 15.

CTET July 2019 examination will be held on July 7, 2019 (Sunday).

CTET 2019 application correction: How to apply

Follow these steps to make the correction in your CTET 2019 July application:

Log on to CTET official website www.ctet.nic.in.

Click on the link "Correction in Application Form for CTET July 2019"

On next page login with your application number, password and security pin given there.On next page, make the necessary changes.

The candidates will be allowed to make changes in their following particulars i.e. name, father and mother name, date of birth, category, differently abled category, Paper opted (i.e. Paper I or CTET - JULY-2019 4 Paper II), Subject for Paper II, First choice of Centre, language I and/or II opted, Address of correspondence and the name of the Institution/College/University from where he/she has obtained his/her B.Ed Degree/Diploma in Elementary Education etc.

Save and submit the details

The admit cards are expected by June 2018. Fee once remitted shall not be refunded or adjusted for any future test under any circumstance.

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New Delhi:

The Congress on Monday moved the Election Commission demanding stall of release of Prime Minister Narendra Modis biopic on the grounds that it is a politically-motivated film aimed at getting extra mileage for the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls.

Omung Kumar-directed film 'PM Narendra Modi' starring Vivek Oberoi is slated for release on April 5, just before the general election begins from April 11.

A Congress delegation comprising Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, R P N Singh, and Randeep Singh Surjewala, went to the Election Commission with a representation seeking stalling of the film's release just ahead of the polls.

"The purpose of this film is only political -- to get some extra mileage in the elections. We believe, it is not just a corrupt practice, but the very launch of the film is motivated," Sibal told reporters outside the Election Commission (EC).

He alleged that three of the producers belonged to the BJP and actor Oberoi was also from the ruling party.

"So, the whole purpose is to gain advantage. This is violative of all norms. This is no artistic venture. It is a political venture and that is what we have told the Election Commission and should not be allowed. It does not allow for a level playing field," the senior Congress leader said.

"It violates the spirit of article 324 of the Constitution, it violates the cable network rules, it violates section 126 of the representation of people act," he said.

The Congress has requested the EC to give a "reasoned order" on why its representation is either accepted or rejected.

"The content, timing and motive (of the movie) is political," Sibal said.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Chief Electoral Office said it was awaiting a reply from the makers of the biopic after it felt that the film was allegedly violating the model code of conduct.

On March 20, East Delhi Returning Officer K Mahesh suo motu issued notices to the production house and music company behind the film and two leading newspapers for publishing advertisements of the biopic.

Delhi Chief Electoral Officer Ranbir Singh said the concerned parties have been given time till March 30 to reply and they will examine it and take action accordingly.

The film also features Boman Irani, Manoj Joshi, Zarina Wahab and Prashant Narayanan.

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi:

The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday ordered Pakistani government to ensure the protection and take over the custody of the two underage Hindu girls, who were allegedly forcefully converted to Islam and married to Muslim men on the eve of Holi, according to local media reports. The court was hearing a petition filed by the girls and their spouses Safdar Ali and Barkat Ali seeking protection from adverse action. As per the petition, the girls converted because they were impressed by Islamic teachings and didnt inform their parents out of fear.

Hearing the petition, the judge said, "This is an extremely sensitive issue, Pakistan's respect is joined to it. Ensuring the rights of minorities is our responsibility."

A government representative told the court that the inquiry will be completed within a week. On this, the court ordered deputy commissioner (DC) of Islamabad to take over the custody of the girls and ensure their safety.

"Until the final report is submitted, they will remain your guests. Even if the girls are placed in a shelter home, the federal government must ensure their protection. A district and sessions judge will be appointed a guardian in this case," the judge said.

Earlier in the day, Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday asked Pakistan to safely return the minor Hindu girls to their family, citing that the girls are minor, therefore, cant decide about their conversion to another religion and marriage.

"The age of the girls is not disputed. Raveena is only 13 and Reena is 15 years old. Even the Prime Minister on Naya Pakistan will not believe that girls of this tender age can voluntarily decide about their conversion to another religion and marriage. Justice demands that both these girls should be restored to their family immediately," she said.

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Lahore:

A man suspected to have assisted in solemnising the wedding of two Pakistani Hindu minor girls, who were reportedly abducted and forcefully converted to Islam, was arrested on Sunday, as the teenagers approached a court in Pakistanas Punjab province seeking protection, according to a media report. The two girls, Raveena (13) and Reena (15), were allegedly kidnapped by a group of ainfluentiala men from their home in Ghotki district in Sindh on the eve of Holi. Soon after the kidnapping, a video went viral in which a cleric was purportedly shown solemnising the Nikah (marriage) of the two girls, triggering nationwide outrage.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had also ordered a probe into the issue. According to Geo TV, the teenagers approached a court in Bahawalpur in Pakistanas Punjab province seeking protection. "Police have meanwhile arrested a man from Khanpur who is suspected to have assisted in the nikah (marital contract) of the girls," it said.A

However, it is not confirmed whether the arrested man is the cleric who performed their marriage. Earlier there were reports that the cleric who performed the minor girlsa marriage was arrested from Khan Pur in Sindh.

Family of Reena and Raveena who were forcefully converted to Islam registered FIR with local police for "abducting to compel to marriage". Age in FIR is 14 & 16. Under Sindh Child Marriages Restraint Act every citizen under 18 falls under definition of child and cant be married pic.twitter.com/RN2RpjPATB a M. Jibran Nasir (@MJibranNasir) March 22, 2019

War of words erupts betweenA Sushma Swaraj and Pakistanas Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry

Earlier in the day, a war of words broke out between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistanas Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry over the reported abduction, forced conversion and underage marriages of the two Hindu teenagers.

The spat started soon after Swaraj sought details from the Indian envoy in Pakistan into the reported abduction of two Hindu teenaged girls. Swaraj, while tagging a media report about the incident, tweeted that she has asked the Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan to send a report on the matter.

Pakistanas Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry responded to her tweet, saying it was his countryas ainternal issuea. In a Twitter post in Urdu on Sunday, Chaudhry said the prime minister has asked the Sindh chief minister to look into reports that the girls in question have been taken to Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab.

He said the prime minister has also ordered the Sindh and Punjab governments to devise a joint action plan in light of the incident, and to take concrete steps to prevent such incidents from happening again.

The Hindu community in Pakistan has carried out massive demonstrations calling for strict action to be taken against those responsible, while reminding Prime Minister Khan of his promises to the minorities of the country.

Last year, Khan during his election campaign had said his partyas agenda was to uplift the various religious groups across Pakistan and said they would take effective measures to prevent forced marriages of Hindu girls.

Pakistan Hindu Council chief and Member of National Assembly from the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Ramesh Kumar Vankwani condemned the incident and demanded that the bill against forced conversion, which was unanimously passed by Sindh Assembly in 2016 and then reverted due to pressure of extremist elements, must be resurrected and passed in the assembly on priority basis.

Rights activist Jibran Nasir tweeted that the sisters were converted at the Dargah Barchundi Sharif and were taken to Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab following their marriages. Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan.

According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. Majority of Pakistanas Hindu population is settled in Sindh province.A According to media reports, approximately 25 forced marriages take place every month only in Umerkot district in Sindh province.

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New Delhi:

India's indigenous supersonic fighter jet Tejas will for the first time participate in aerial displays during the five-day Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) in Malaysia. India has been projecting the Tejas aircraft in a big way as it has been manufactured indigenously at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) for the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. The Indian Air Force will participate in the Maritime Aero Expo for the first time, during which it will showcase its indigenously-developed light combat aircraft Tejas.

The IAFs' team departed from Air Force Station Kalaikunda for Langkawi on March 22 via Myanmar, Yangon. "India's indigenous supersonic Light Combat Aircraft(LCA)-Tejas & the world's lightest supersonic fighter which has already joined IAF, is for the 1st time taking part in aerial displays during 05 day Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition," the IAF said on its official Twitter handle.

"Today was the final practise session before the opening display for LIMA 2019, commencing 26th March 2019. IAF's Tejas (LCA) during the practise session today at Langkawi International Airport, Malaysia," the IAF tweeted.

The IAF also posted pictures and a video of the Tejas aircraft practicing. The Langkawi International Maritime Aero Expo (LIMA-2019) is planned in Langkawi, Malaysia from March 26 to March 30, which will provide an opportunity to the IAF air-warriors to interact with their Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) counterparts and foster close relationship between the two services.

This will serve as a foundation for any future interaction with the Malaysian Air Force. It will also provide an opportunity to RMAF to assess the capabilities of LCA, an official statement said.

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New Delhi:

The JD-S has returned the Bangalore North seat to ally Congress after the party failed to find any suitable candidate to contest from the constituency. The Congress grabbed the offer with both hands and thanked its southern ally for the kind gesture. "Congress is thankful to Shri H D Deve Gowda ji and the JD(S) for their kind gesture of giving back the Bengaluru North Lok Sabha seat to the Congress. Together, let us reclaim democracy," AICC General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge KC Venugopal tweeted.

The Congress and the JD(S) are fighting the coming Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka in an "alliance of compulsion". According to their seat-sharing pact, the Congress will contest on 20 seats while the JD(S) will field its candidates on 8 seats. Karnataka sends 28 members to the Lok Sabha.

After initially demanding 12 seats, it was easy for the JD(S) to convince the Congress for eight seats. However, the easier it was to negotiate, the harder it is for the regional party to find winning candidates on at least five of the eight seats it has got as per the seat-sharing pact reached between the parties.

The JD(S) has its considerable presence in just six districts of the Old Mysore region. With no suitable candidates and presence of organisational structure in at least five of the eight seats, the Gowdas have now reportedly asked the Congress to loan candidates who can fight on JD(S) symbol.

Amid the crisis, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has accused the Congress leaders of backstabbing by creating hurdles for JD(S) candidates. Even though Kumaraswamy didn't take any names, he said, "Few people in Congress tried to create speed breakers for my candidates. I won't let JDS workers do the same. The country is important to me. No matter how much they backstab my candidates, JDS workers and I won't do the same."

With the accusations from the JD(S) leader, the rift between the erratic allies in Karnataka is once again out in the open. Both parties had also formed a post-poll alliance to form the government in Karnataka after fighting the state Assembly elections against each other. However, their alliance has always been patchy and reports of fissures kept coming from time to time.
New Delhi:

Jet Airways Founder and Chairman Naresh Goyal and his wife Anita Goyal on Monday resigned from the board of the crisis-hit airline. The decision was taken at the airline's board meeting in Mumbai. The development comes as a majority of the airline's fleet has been grounded amid non-payment of dues to banks, suppliers, pilots and lessors.

Jet Airways said Naresh Goyal, Anita Goyal and one nominee of Etihad Airways PJSC would step down from the board. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad is a strategic partner with 24 per cent stake in Jet Airways. Naresh Goyal would also cease to be the chairman, the filing said.

Following Goyal's exit, the lenders will nominate two members to the Jet Airways' board. Meanwhile an interim management committee will be constituted top manage the airline's daily operations.

According to reports, lenders had been pushing for Naresh Goyal's exit to infuse Rs 1,500 crore funds. Lenders wanted Naresh Goyal to give up his controlling stake and exit the board for fresh funding.

The airline's notification to the exchanges said that the airline will get "immediate funding support of up to Rs 1,500 crore by lenders by way of issue of appropriate debt instrument against security of its assets."

The news of Goyal's exit led to a rally in Jet Airways' shares. The Jet Airways stock closed 13 per cent higher, outperforming the broader market which settled around 0.9 per cent lower amid global growth concerns.

Saddened with Goyal's exit, Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet termed the development a "a sad day for Indian aviation".

"Today is indeed a sad day for Indian aviation. By launching a truly world class airline, Naresh and Anita Goyal made India proud.

This is also a wake-up call for Indian policy makers. We urgently need to address structural challenges that make Indias airlines uncompetitive to airlines around the world," he said in a statement.

Jet Airways, which has been operating for more than 25 years, is grappling with financial crunch and is also looking to raise fresh funds.

The airline has suspended operations on at least 14 international routes till end-April and over 80 planes are on the ground. As many as 54 aircraft have been grounded due to non-payment of lease rentals.

Days ago, the pilots of the Jet Airways had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu to intervene in the matter and direct the board over pending salaries.

However, Jet Airways, which is facing the worst financial crisis of its 25-year existence with more than one billion dollars of debt, claimed that all employees except for pilots and engineers are getting paid on time.









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New Delhi:

Delhi Police on Friday took Separatist Mohammad Hasan Antoo into custody from national custody when he was trying to enter Pakistan High Commission. According to reports, Antoo runs an organisation International Forum of Justice and Human Rights.A

Reports suggest he was invited by the Pakistan High Commission to attend the Pakistan Day.A

Spot visuals: One person has been detained from outside the High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi, where Pakistan National Day is to be celebrated today. pic.twitter.com/BGgLqBrYiJ a ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2019

Ahead of Pakistan High Commission's reception of the Pakistan National Day, intelligence agencies had alerted the Delhi police.A A

India will not send any official representative to the Pakistan National Day event at the Pakistan High Commission on Friday in protest against the invitation extended to Hurriyat leaders from Jammu and Kashmir, informed sources told IANS.

The invitation to the separatists indicated that Pakistan was again meddling in India's internal affairs and hence the time was not conducive to send an official representative to the event, the sources said.

Diplomatic ties between the two nuclear-armed neighboursA have been strained following the Pulwama attack on February 14 Pulwama for which Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed responsibility. Pakistan National Day is observed every year on March 23 through the Pakistan High Commission decided to organise the event this year a day earlier.A

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New Delhi:

Giving up chairmanship after more than 26 years, embattled Jet Airways' founder Naresh Goyal on Monday quit as a board member, with the lenders taking control of the cockpit and deciding to infuse Rs 1,500 crore immediately into the ailing airline.

Struggling to stay afloat amid a debt burden of over Rs 8,000 crore, the board of the country's first private full-service carrier also approved the conversion of banks' debt into equity and induction of nominee directors of the lenders, who would become majority stakeholders.

In an emotionally-charged letter to the 22,000-strong employees, Goyal also said the approval of the debt-recast plan will put the carrier on a "sounder and sustainable" financial footing.

Heres the full letter:

My dear Colleagues,

For the past 25 years, Jet Airways has been a way of life for Anita and me. Very few people are fortunate enough to live their dreams and we have been truly blessed to be one among those few.

My dream started out as the simple yearning of a simple man, a desire to bring the joy of flying to every Indian. Two and a half decades later, what we have built together, far exceeds anything I dared to imagine back then.

I have watched with pride as our airline has grown from a fleet of just 4 aircraft flying to 12 destinations in our first year, to a peak fleet of 124 aircraft connecting our guests to over 550 destinations worldwide. We connected the length and breadth of India at a time when flying was still considered a luxury in our country, growing to become Indias premiere full-service airline and a true flag-bearer of warm Indian hospitality around the world.

This has all been possible because of the tireless, unrelenting efforts of each and every one of you, tight-knit members of our Jet Airways family, setting guest-service benchmarks to the envy of our competitors, helping us collectively realise our dream of our Jet Airways emerging as a global gold standard of warm Indian hospitality. It has truly been a labour of love that Anita and I, together with all of you have built collectively with our blood, toil and tears. Looking back I would not want to change a thing. Not the triumphs, nor the trials and tribulations, challenges nor sweat equity.

But, today, as I ponder on the past and look to the future, I do realise that there must come a day when the torch that we have carried all this while, will need to be passed on. Today, I would like to take a moment to appreciate and acknowledge the beautiful people in my life: the ones I have laughed with and cried with, the ones I have shared my deepest thoughts with, as well as the ones that have recently appeared full of kindness and compassion, and I know, without a doubt that I have been blessed beyond words. I would also like to take this moment, to acknowledge the contribution of my wife, confidant and partner Anita without whom this journey would just not have been possible.

And now I would like to humbly and with immense love and gratitude, inform you that both Anita and myself are stepping down from the Board of Directors of Jet Airways with immediate effect. Our airline stands poised to turn the page, ready to fly out from the turbulence of recent months and soar forth into a bright new future. Our shareholders have approved the Bank-led Resolution Plan (BLRP), which marks a definitive step in our efforts to guide Jet Airways onto a sounder and sustainable financial footing. There is light at the end of the tunnel and that is why I feel the time is now right for us to hand over the reins of our beloved airline to a new generation of leaders that I am certain will take Jet Airways to even greater heights.

I would be lying, if I said this was not an emotional moment for us. Jet Airways, its employees both past and present, shareholders, partners, regulators, and most importantly our dear guests, are our family and there is no sacrifice both Anita and I would not make to ensure the best interests of our Jet Airways family are safely secured. We have not come to this decision lightly but this is not the end of the journey, rather it is the start of a brand new chapter. I am stepping down as the Chairman of the Board, but both Anita and I remain committed to seeing Jet Airways embark on a dynamic new chapter.

In a different capacity, we shall remain just as devoted to cementing Jet Airways place as the gold standard of service excellence in Indian skies. And we look forward to sharing the next chapter in our airlines journey with you as it soars ahead into a new dawn, filled with hope for a future of growth, prosperity and success.

Lastly, both Anita and I would simply like to thank you all for the dedication, commitment and service over the past twenty-five years.

Most sincerely,

Naresh Goyal

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Baghouz:

Dozens of Islamic State group jihadists emerged from tunnels to surrender to US-backed forces in eastern Syria on Sunday, a day after their "caliphate" was declared defeated. Syria's Kurds warned that despite the demise of the proto-state, the thousands of foreign jihadists they have detained are a time-bomb the world urgently needs to defuse.

An AFP reporter saw dozens of people -- mostly men -- file out of the battered jihadist encampment in the remote village of Baghouz near the Iraqi border to board pickup trucks. "They are IS fighters who came out of tunnels and surrendered today," Kurdish spokesman Jiaker Amed said.

Some sported thick beards and wore long woollen kaftans over their dark-coloured robes, or a chequered scarf around their faces, as they trudged out of their final hideout under the drizzle.

"Some others could still be hiding inside," said Amed. World leaders were quick to hail Saturday's announcement by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces that the last shred of land controlled by IS in Syria had been conquered.

But the top foreign affairs official for the country's semi-autonomous Kurdish region warned IS members captured during the assault still posed a threat.

"There are thousands of fighters, children and women and from 54 countries, not including Iraqis and Syrians, who are a serious burden and danger for us and for the international community," Abdel Karim Omar told AFP.

"Numbers increased massively during the last 20 days of the Baghouz operation," he said.

He also warned of the continuing danger posed by IS sleeper cells. As the SDF's months-long assault closed in against the last IS strongholds in the Euphrates Valley, jihadists and their families gradually gathered in Baghouz.

While some managed to escape, many foreigners stayed behind, either surrendering or fighting to the death. According to the SDF, 66,000 people left the last IS pocket since January, including 5,000 jihadists and 24,000 of their relatives.

The assault was paused multiple times as the force allowed people to evacuate from the enclave on the banks of the Euphrates. The SDF has screened droves of people scrambling out of Baghouz in recent weeks, detaining suspected jihadists and trucking civilians and IS relatives to camps further north.

Most relatives have been crammed into the Al-Hol camp, a facility built for 20,000 people but which now shelters 72,000. The Kurdish administration in northeastern Syria has warned it does not have the capacity to detain so many people, let alone put them on trial.

But the home countries of suspected IS members are reluctant to take them back, due to potential security risks and the likely public backlash.

Several held in Syria have been stripped of their citizenship.

"There has to be coordination between us and the international community to address this danger," Abdel Karim Omar said.

"There are thousands of children who have been raised according to IS ideology," he added.

"If these children are not re-educated and re-integrated in their societies of origin, they are potential future terrorists."

The SDF's main support has been the international military coalition launched by the United States in mid-2014 to counter the expansion of IS.

Its aerial campaigns against IS hubs across a "caliphate" which once spanned territory the size of the United Kingdom have levelled major cities and contributed to the biggest wave of displacement since World War II.

According to the Airwars monitoring NGO, at least 7,500 civilians have died as a result of coalition actions in four and half years. The conflict in Syria has killed more than 370,000 people since it erupted eight years ago, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor says.

US President Donald Trump has vowed to drastically scale down US military presence in Syria once IS is defeated, leaving the Kurds exposed to threats by Damascus and Turkey.

Ankara sees the SDF as a terrorist organisation and Abdel Karim Omar warned that any cross-border offensive risked leading to mass breakouts from the jails where jihadists are currently held.

"Any new threat or new war would give an opportunity to these criminals to slip out," he said. IS, faced with multiple offensives in Syria and Iraq since 2014, has morphed from a territorial force back into a clandestine insurgency group carrying out hit-and-run attacks in both countries.

The SDF's top commander said Saturday that anti-IS operations were entering a new phase. Mazloum Kobane said the new focus would be IS sleeper cells that "are a great threat to our region and the whole world."

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New Delhi:

Seaplane operations will soon be a reality in four islands of Andamans with the opening of its bidding process, under an ambitious project to attract more tourists to the picturesque archipelago, officials said on Sunday. As many as 17 islands in Andamans have also been identified for holistic development, that include building infrastructure, to promote tourism. Bidding has been opened for seaplane operations at four locations in Andamans, Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, Hut Bay and Long Island, under the UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme of the Centre, a Home Ministry official told PTI.

With the civil works completed at Diglipur airport on the northern tip of Andamans, air operations by Andaman Airways are set to commence from June 2019.

Additional airfields are being explored at Car Nicobar, Campbell Bay and in Port Blair, for a second airstrip, the official said.

Port Blair has already been declared as an authorised immigration check post for entry into or exit from India with valid travel documents for all classes of passengers.

Paving the way for Ease of Tourism, as many as 30 islands have been exempted from the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) regime.

The requirement of mandatory registration of foreigners arriving in the island within 24 hours of their entry has also been done away with.

The key sectors identified for the holistic development of Andaman and Nicobar islands include infrastructure, tourism, green energy and skill development.

To begin with, five IslandsAvis, Long, Little Andaman, Smith and Rosshave been identified for the project and another 12 islands will be added later.

Improvement of connectivity has been given the top priority to promote tourism, the official said.

Four tourism-based projects have been developed under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. Requests for Qualification (RfQ) have been floated for projects in Long Islands, Smith Islands and Aves Islands while Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance has also been obtained for these four projects including at Neil Island.

The lifeline of the Andamans, the Andaman Trunk Road, is all set to receive an upgrade following the grant of CRZ clearance in December 2018 for the Middle Strait Bridge, another official said.?

In principle approval has also been obtained for Chatham-Bambooflat bridge in Port Blair, in fulfilment of a long standing demand of the island residents.

A Detailed Project Report is being prepared for the proposed Phase-1 of the Andaman Marine Drive from Junglighat to Dundas Point.

In addition, Rs 270 crore has been earmarked for providing 100 per cent rural road connectivity in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the official said.

Out of this, Rs 100 crore has been released by the central government.

According to the data available with the Union Home Ministry, more than 16 lakh tourists have visited the Andaman and Nicobar Islands since 2015 till October 2018 to see the natural beauty, beaches, flora and fauna and historically-significant landmarks in around 38 inhabited islands out of the 572 islets.

The archipelago has received 4,02,393 tourists, including 11,818 foreigners, till October 2018 while it received 4,87,229 tourists, including 15,310 foreigners, in 2017.

In 2016, as many as 4,00,019 tourists, including 15,467 foreigners, had visited the Andamans and in 2015, a total of 3,11,358 tourists, including 14,674 foreigners, had gone to the Union Territory, the data said.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands comes under the administrative control of the Home Ministry.

The Andamans was in news last year in the wake of killing of John Allen Chau, 27, by members of the reclusive Sentinelese tribe in North Sentinel Island.

The archipelago has been inhabited for several thousand years, at the very least.

The earlier archaeological evidence goes back some 2,200 years; however, the indications from genetic, cultural and linguistic isolation studies point to habitation going back 30,000-60,000 years, well into the Middle Palaeolithic, according to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Tourism Department.

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New Delhi:

The Supreme Court on Monday told the Election Commission to file an affidavit mentioning its stand on increasing the proportion of EVM votes verified with paper trail. The judges also felt the Election Commission should increase the percentage of votes randomly verified against the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT).

A Bench of Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta directed that the affidavit has to be filed by 4 pm on Thursday this week.

"No institution including judiciary should insulate itself from suggestions/ improvements," Supreme Court asks Election Commission to file on affidavit why physical verification of VVPAT Paper trail should not be extended to more than one polling station per assembly segment.

The petition filed by leaders of various political parties seeks physical verification of VVPAT Paper trail for at least 50 percent of the polling stations. The Court had issued a notice to the Election Commission during the last hearing and had asked the Election Commission to depute a senior official to assist the court.
New Delhi:

JD(S) patriarch and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda on Monday filed his nomination from Tumkur as the ruling alliance candidate, but will have to face two rebel candidates from ally Congress.

Defying the electoral arrangement between the coalition partners under which Tumkur was allotted to JDS, sitting Congress MP S P Muddahanumegowda filed his papers.

Muddahanumegowda filed his nomination wearing the Congress party's scarf and said he still has faith about getting a ticket from his party.

"I'm filing my nomination as the Congress candidate... I'm not filing the nomination for fun, I'm a Member of Parliament from Tumkur and I'm contesting" he told reporters ahead of filing his nomination.

Responding to a question about Congress reportedly offering Bangalore North ticket to him, he said, "I'm a Member of Parliament from Tumkur, I don't have powers to contest from anywhere, I should not do it also.

I'm not a big leader to contest from anywhere...What should I do going to Bangalore North?"

"Tomorrow is the last date for filing nomination, I still have faith...Anything may happen any time in politics. There is time till 3 PM tomorrow, I will wait," he said to a query about his move in case the Congress does not give him a ticket.

The JD(S), which had got eight tickets, Monday conceded Bangalore North seat to the Congress that had secured 20 of the total of 28 seats in the deal.

Meanwhile, according to reports, K N Rajanna, another Congress leader and former MLA, also filed his nomination on Monday from Tumkur as an independent candidate.

Announcing his decision to file the papers from Tumkur, Congress MLA KN Rajanna said he would vote for the Gowda if he chooses to contest as Congress candidate. We request Deve Gowda to contest from Bengaluru North instead of Tumkur. If Deve Gowda wants to contest from here, let him contest on Congress ticket, we all will vote for him, he told news agency ANI.

After filing the nomination from Tumkur, Gowda said he did not want to hurt Muddahanumegowda and that he chose to contest from the seat on demands of several Congress and JDS leaders.

I've worked as Lok Sabha MP for 29 years, that's why I had said I won't contest elections. I had decided to make sure Prajwal Revanna contests from Hassan. Farooq Abdullah, Mamata Banerjee, Ghulam Nabi Azad and many leaders, including my friends, suggested me to contest, he said.

I know when we took this decision it might have hurt the sitting MP from Tumkur SP Muddahanumegowda. I don't want to hurt him, Congress leaders conveyed everything to him...I chose to contest from Tumkur on the demand of many Congress and JD(S) leaders, Gowda added.

As soon as the seat sharing was announced, Muddahanumegowda, along with the Deputy Chief Minister, who is from Tumkur, had requested JD(S) to give the seat back to Congress, amid simmering discontent within the party's local leadership about ceding the seat to the alliance partner.

They had also requested the Congress high command to renegotiate the seat with the JD(S), as the grand old party had earlier decided that all the sitting members, including Muddahanumegowda from Tumkur, will get the ticket.

However, Parameshwara had later said they were okay if Deve Gowda himself contests from Tumkur.

BJP has fielded G S Basavaraj as its candidate from Tumkur.

According to sources, JD(S) bagged Tumkur seat after hard bargaining with the Congress as the party did not concede Mysore, another seat it had demanded, due to strong resentment from CLP leader Siddaramaiah, as it is his home turf.

Mysore and Tumkur both come under old Mysuru region,where the Vokkaliga community, seen as a strong vote bank of the JD(S), is dominant.

Congress too has considerable presence there.

If Muddahanumegowda contests from Tumkur as a rebel candidate, it will add to the Congress-JD(S) coalition worries as the alliance is facing backlash at several places, including Mandya and Hassan, with party workers are unhappy with the seat arrangements.

For the coalition to emerge as a formidable opposition to BJP and win more number of seats, it is crucial for the Congress to transfer its votes to JD(S) and vice-versa, including Mandya.
New Delhi:

Meena T Pillai, a member of the Board of Studies of English and Comparative Literature at the Central University of Kerala, has resigned from her post in protest against the HRD Ministrys order asking researchers to pursue PhD only on topics of national interests. After receiving the order from the HRD Ministry, the Kerala University had issued a circular on March 13.

The circular reads, "All the Heads of the Department are hereby directed to convene the meeting of faculties and to prepare a shelf of projects to be taken for research study pertaining to their subject considering national priorities. The student can opt from the shelf of projects."

Reacting to the order, professor Pillai said that the circular was shocking to her. She also asked who will decide what are the national priorities and that why should research be restricted.

"I was absolutely shocked when I read this circular. How can a circular like this be passed to all departments, and remain unnoticed? The only thing I could do is resign from the board. I thought it was a very insignificant act on my behalf, but the only thing I could do. Who decides what national priorities are? And why should research be restricted to just that?" NDTV quoted the professor as saying.

The HRD Ministrys move to restrict the PhD topics was also criticised by Congress president Rahul Gandhi who took a jibe at Education Minister Prakash Javadekar over the circular.

"Now, self-attested wise minister (Javadekar) of a very wise Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) will tell the intellectuals of the country how they should do their work. It has been rightly said that 'a little knowledge is a dangerous thing'," he wrote in a Facebook post.

Another Congress leader and parliamentarian from Thiruvananthapuram Shashi Tharoor termed the HRD ministrys instruction disgraceful and asked people to join professor Pillais protest by voting against the troglodytes.

"Disgraceful HRD instruction that researchers can pursue PhDs only on topics of 'national interest' prompts Kerala professor to quit. The rest of us can join her protest by voting the troglodytes out!" Tharoor wrote on Twitter.

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New Delhi:

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Pulwama terror attack and asked if the prime minister had eaten 'beef biryani and slept', while the attack took place. "Indian Air Force dropped bombs in Balakot. On this, BJP chief Amit Shah said that 250 terrorists were dead and Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that NTRP tapped 300 cell phones," Asaduddin Owaisi said.

"You can see that 300 cell phones were there in Balakot, but you failed to see how 50 kg RDX was moved to Pulwama under your nose, Owaisi said. "I want to ask PM Modi and Rajnath Singh whether they ate beef biryani and slept," Asaduddin Owaisi added, as quoted by ANI.

Asaduddin Owaisi will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2019 from Hyderabad. He said, If anyone says that there are two national parties in India, I will say no to them because one national party is BJP and the other is 1.5 BJP," he said. "There is no difference between BJP and Congress," Asaduddin Owaisi asserted.

After the Pulwama attack, in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed by Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists, the Congress had launched a scathing on the prime minister for shooting for a documentary at Jim Corbett National Park on that fateful afternoon on 14 February,

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar had also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for conducting rallies and critising the Opposition in light of the Pulwama terror attack.

Sharad Pawar also criticised the prime minister for being absent from an all-party meeting that was called by the Centre over the Pulwama terror attack.

"An all-party meeting was called by the Centre after Pulwama attack. We were told that the meeting had been called by the PM. When I reached, I saw that the prime minister was not there," Sharad Pawar said.
New Delhi:

US President Donald Trump was on Sunday declared that he had been completely exonerated after his campaign was cleared of colluding with Russia in the 2016 election. US Attorney General William Barr has said Special Counsel Robert Mueller did not find proof that Donald Trump and his campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government. On Friday, Mueller handed over his report to Attorney General William Barr, who has said he will write his own account of the special counsel's findings. The investigation had cast a shadow over the Trump presidency for nearly two years with the Democratic leadership alleging that Russian interference helped him in the 2016 polls.

The special counsels investigation did not find that the Trump campaign or anyone associated with it conspired or coordinated with Russia in its efforts to influence the 2016 US presidential election, the attorney general said.

Mueller, in his report, did not draw a conclusion - one way or the other - as to whether the examined conduct constituted obstruction, Barr told the lawmakers.

For each of the relevant actions investigated, the report sets out evidence on both sides of the question and leaves unresolved what the special counsel views as difficult issues of law and fact concerning whether the presidents actions and intent could be viewed as obstruction, Barr said, adding Mueller ultimately determined not to make a traditional prosecutorial judgment.

In the letter, he also said the Department of Justice has determined that there is not sufficient evidence to establish that Trump committed obstruction of justice.

After reviewing the special counsels final report on these issues; consulting with department officials, including the Office of Legal Counsel; and applying the principles of federal prosecution that guide our charging decisions, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and I have concluded that the evidence developed during the special counsels investigation is not sufficient to establish that the President committed an obstruction-of-justice offense, the letter read.

The special counsels investigation did not find that the Trump campaign or anyone associated with it conspired or coordinated with Russia in its efforts to influence the 2016 US presidential election, it said, adding, the report identifies no actions that, in our judgement, constitute obstructive conduct.

The Democrats were banking heavily on the results of the Mueller investigation to defeat Trump in the 2020 elections. Many were also talking about impeaching the president if the report reveals collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign.

It was complete and total exoneration, the president told reporters in Florida as he was returning from Mar-a-Lago to Washington DC.

Terming the allegation of collusion the most ridiculous thing ever, Trump said, Its a shame that our country had to go through this. To be honest its a shame that your president had to go through this.

He had been repeatedly claiming that he was a victim of witch hunt, while asserting that there was no collusion between his campaign and the Russians.

This was an illegal takedown that failed and hopefully somebody is going to be looking at their other side, Trump said.

After a long look, after a long investigation, after so many people have been so badly hurt, after not looking at the other side where a lot of bad things happened... it was just announced there was no collusion with Russia, he said, adding Its a complete exoneration.

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New Delhi:

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will blow the poll bugle in Rajasthan on Tuesday in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections. He will address two poll campaign rallies in Sriganganagar district's Suratgarh and Bundi district headquarters, besides a meeting of his party workers. He will later meet his party workers at Ramlila Maidan in Jaipur, which would be attended by shortlisted booth-level activists from all 200 Assembly segments of the state.

"Preparations for the meetings have been completed for Rahul Gandhi's visit to the state," a party leader said.

Rajasthan, which has 25 Lok Sabha seats, will go to polls in two phases. Elections on 13 seats will be held on April 29 and on remaining 12 seats on May 6.

In an interview with news agency PTI earlier this month, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot said is "complete unanimity" among all senior Congress leaders in Rajasthan on the names of the candidates to be fielded in almost all of the 25 Lok Sabha seats, asserting that his party will accomplish its "mission 25" in the state. The Rajasthan Congress chief also asserted that the Lok Sabha polls will be fought on "bread and butter" issues and not on emotional matters that the BJP wants to take the narrative to. The BJP-led government is trying to shift the narrative away from issues of economic non-performance and job creation, he told PTI in an interview.

Asked about the issue of infighting over ticket distribution which had reportedly been a concern in assembly polls, Pilot said there is a set process for ticket distribution in the Congress and at every level, all stakeholders are involved in the decision making, from the district to the national level.
New Delhi:

The indirect tax body has asked its field officers to step up vigilance in order to check illegal movement of currency, liquor and gold in the run up to general elections beginning April 11. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has also asked the tax officers to share intelligence and seizure information with other government agencies on real-time basis. General elections for the 17th Lok Sabha will be held in seven phases beginning April 11 and will continue till May 19. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

The CBIC's instructions follow a multi-departmental meeting called by the Election Commission earlier in the month on sharing of intelligence with a view to checking illegal activities.

In its instructions, the CBIC said, "All out efforts should be made to detect and seize illicit currency, liquor, gold, FICN (Fake Indian Currency Note), NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances), and other contraband items. Strict vigil should be maintained on domestic as well as cross border movement of vehicles, trains, and private chartered flights as well as commercial flights."

It said the field formations and officers should be duly sensitised to step up the preventive vigilance mechanism to rule out illicit movement of currency and commodities and conduct effective checking and surveillance during the election period to curb illegal activities.

"Intelligence units under your jurisdiction may be directed to gather information and develop intelligence to effectively accomplish this task. Mobile squads and special teams may be constituted to target sensitive areas, commodities and suspicious entities," the CBIC said, adding that information should be shared with the board on a daily basis.

It said coordinated efforts on the part of different government agencies is required and hence it is imperative that intelligence and detection/seizure information be shared with other agencies on a real-time basis. Close coordination has to be maintained with election authorities as well, it added.

The Election Commission in its multi-departmental meeting had underlined the need for greater coordination among different government agencies to keep a tab on expenditure incurred by candidates and political parties.
Washington:

India's lunar mission Chandrayaan 2, scheduled to launch next month, will carry NASA's laser instruments that allow scientists to make precise measurements of the distance to the Moon, according to the US space agency officials.

During the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference held at Texas, US last week, NASA confirmed that Chandrayaan 2 and Israeli lander Beresheet, due to touch down April 11, will each carry NASA-owned laser retroreflector arrays.

"We are trying to populate the entire surface with as many laser reflector arrays as we can possibly get there," Lori Glaze, acting director of the Planetary Science Division of NASA's Science Mission Directorate, was reported as saying by 'Space.com'.

Retroreflectors are sophisticated mirrors, that reflect laser light signals sent from the Earth. The signals can help pinpoint precisely where the lander is, which scientists can use to precisely calculate the Moon's distance from Earth.

Read | NASA is sending helicopter to Mars, could explore Alien skies

While five such instruments already exist on the lunar surface, they have some flaws, according to Simone Dell'Agnello, a physicist at the National Institute for Nuclear Physics National Laboratory at Italy.

"The existing reflectors are big ones," said Dell'Agnello adding that individual reflectors instead of arrays, would waste fewer laser pulses and allow more-precise measurements of the moon's surface.

Those analyses could become so detailed that scientists could see the daily rise and fall of any lander surface the device is resting on as that surface expands and contracts with the Moon's dramatic temperature changes.

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London:

UK Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday admitted that she did not have enough support to get her EU divorce bill through the House of Commons in a third vote and called on British lawmakers to reconsider their stand in order to avert a no-deal Brexit by the April 12 extension date.

In a statement to formally update Parliament on her European Council meeting last week where the EU agreed to a short delay to the March 29 Brexit deadline, the British premier said she remained committed to guarantee Brexit even if it isnt as initially planned for this Friday and would continue to lobby MPs to get the support required for another vote on the withdrawal agreement agreed with the European Union (EU).

It is with great regret that I have had to conclude that as things stand, there is still not sufficient support in the House to bring back the deal for a third Meaningful Vote, May told the Commons.

I continue to have discussions with colleagues across the House to build support, so that we can bring the vote forward this week and guarantee Brexit. If we cannot, the government made a commitment that we would work across the House to find a majority on a way forward, she said.

The British PM confirmed that her Conservative Party MPs would be whipped to vote against an amendment tabled by fellow Tory MP Oliver Letwin, to wrest control of parliamentary proceedings away from the government to hold indicative votes on alternatives to Theres Mays Brexit plan ? already rejected twice before by the Commons with huge margins over the controversial Irish backstop clause.

I must confess that I am sceptical about such a process of indicative votes...No government could give a blank cheque to commit to an outcome without knowing what it is, May said, promising to engage constructively over the indicative votes but without any commitment on backing any particular alternative.

She warned that the UK would have to seek a longer delay to Brexit and be forced to participate in European Parliament elections on May 23 if the Commons did not approve her withdrawal agreement for a third time this week as a compromise.

She said: I hope we can all agree, we are now at the moment of decision. And in doing so we must confront the reality of the hard choices before us.

Unless this House agrees to it, No Deal will not happen. No Brexit must not happen. And a slow Brexit which extends Article 50 beyond 22nd May, forces the British people to take part in European elections and gives up control of any of our borders, laws, money or trade is not a Brexit that will bring the British people together.

Mays Parliament statement came soon after she summoned her Cabinet for an emergency meeting, following a weekend dominated by rumours of plots and coups by both pro and anti-Brexit wings of her Conservative party.

It marked the beginning of yet another hectic week in Westminster, where MPs will try and gather support for one of many options, including a second referendum or even revoking Article 50 and reversing Brexit altogether.

Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn attacked the government, branding Mays approach over Brexit as a national embarrassment.

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It is time for Parliament to take control, he said, confirming that the Labour Party would be backing the Letwin amendment which takes power to control business in the House of Commons away from the government on Wednesday, to allow MPs to put forward business motions relating to Brexit.

While the default position remains, the UK crashing out of the EU without a deal unless an agreement is passed through Parliament, May told MPs that the government has laid the necessary statutory instrument changing the Brexit date in the Commons on Monday.

However, effectively the Brexit date has already changed under international law with the EU legislation delaying the deadline last week. If British MPs fail to pass the statutory instrument, it would create some legal uncertainty but it would not change the internationally-recognised Brexit date, which is now set as April 12 -- with an offer of a further extension until May 22 if the withdrawal agreement clears the Commons hurdle in a third vote this week.

Meanwhile the European Commission released a comprehensive document detailing its no-deal preparedness, stating that it is increasingly likely that the UK could leave the 28-member bloc without a deal on April 12.

In such a scenario, the UKs relations with the EU would be governed by general international public law, including rules of the World Trade Organisation, an EU statement said.

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New Delhi:

BJP leader Subramanian Swamy is known for making controversial remarks. So it came as no surprise when he made some sensational remarks about the Gandhi family during the News Nation Conclave. In a no-holds-barred conversation with News Nations Ajay Kumar, Swamy spoke on range of issues including the topic closest to any BJP leaders heart  Ram Mandir. Swamy promised that the construction of Ram temple will begin in July this year if the BJP is voted to power. He hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being the most secular and liberal leader in the RSS setup.

He claimed that if the pro-temple people start working on the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Mandir, nobody, not even the Supreme Court can object to it. Later, the session veered to the Gandhis and Swamy claimed that they are Christians and that they pray at the chapel constructed within their houses. When asked about janeyudhari Rahul Gandhi, Swamy claimed that the Congress president is a biggest liar, who holds four international passports. The BJP lawmaker said that the Gandhis sport Rudraksha just for dikhava (show).

Swamys fight against Sonia Gandhi and her Cambridge diploma is widely known. Swamy attempted to prove in court that Sonia Gandhi had lied in her election affidavit about her educational qualifications. Later, officials at 10 Janpath had said Sonia Gandhi had acquired a diploma in English from Cambridge but not from the university. The word "university" in the Lok Sabha publication was a "typographical error", they had said.

Swamy spoke about this entire issue in detail and said that Sonia Gandhi must be conferred with the Guinness Record for longest typographical error in the world.

In the election year, Ayodhya is one the key issues in the Hindi heartland. Uttar Pradesh  the politically-sensitive state which sends 80 members to the Lok Sabha  will go to polls in seven phases starting April 11, the Election Commission announced on Sunday. Voting in Uttar Pradesh will be held on April 11, April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.
Bangladesh: Durga Puja celebrations commenced in Bangladesh with the holding of Maha Shashti puja in mandaps across the country. The celebration started with the face of Durga idol being unveiled on Kalparamba in the temples. Meanwhile, the vibrant pageant of Durga Puja led to violence and vandalism for the Hindu minority group of Bangladesh as Islamic extremists exhibited barbaric behaviour over a Facebook hearsay. A Facebook publish allegedly exhibiting Hindus insulting the Quran went viral on social media on Wednesday night time after which the spiritual fanatics took to the streets to vandalize a number of Durga pandals.

Denying the claims of insulting Quran, Shibu Prasad Dutta, the general secretary of Cumilla Mahanagar Puja Udjapon Committee, said that someone placed a copy of the Quran at a Durga Puja pavilion in Nanua Dighir Par early in the morning when the guard was asleep. The miscreant took some images of this and ran away. Within a few hours, using Facebook, the propaganda spread fast with the provocative pictures, confirmed a district official. He hinted at the role of some Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islam workers. As many as three Hindus have reportedly been killed in the violent clash, however, the police is yet to confirm the same.

Durga Puja is the biggest festival of Hindus in Bangladesh. As per the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad this year 32,118 mandaps will organise Durga Puja across the country which is nearly 2000 more than the last year. Capital city Dhaka itself has 238 puja mandaps this year. However, due to the Covid pandemic, the level of celebration will remain restricted as no cultural programmes like dance competitions, processions, and outdoor activities have been permitted during the puja.

Durga Puja 2021: No idol immersion in public places says DPCC

Sudden firing in Durga puja, girls worshipping suffered badly

Muslims don't allow Hindus to perform puja at Durga Temple
" " Anonymous British street artist Banksy's Walled Off Hotel, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank town of Bethlehem, is part art gallery and part political statement. Ilia Yefimovich/Getty Images

Thanks to internationally renowned street artist Banksy, you can travel to a Bethlehem resort with this slogan: "The worst view of any hotel in the world." In doing so, you'll also venture smack-dab into the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

It's called the Walled Off Hotel, and it rests immediately adjacent to the Palestine Wall, meant to keep Palestinians from freely traveling into Israel. It really is a fully functioning hotel, albeit one in a contentious area, filled with artwork by Banksy (and other artists) offering commentary on a deadly conflict that seems as if it will never end.

An entire hotel, as art?

Well, Banksy's no stranger to audacious artwork. The hotel is regarded as a follow-up to Dismaland, a temporary installation that sprung up in 2015 near the resort of Weston-super-Mare in Somerset, England. The "bemusement park" was a scathing critique of consumerism in modern life, and it attracted huge crowds but was dismantled at the artist's order after a month.

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An Extended One-year Run

The Walled Off Hotel first opened in 2017 and was meant for a one-year run. Instead, four years later, it's still operating. No one's sure why Banksy  who remains titillatingly anonymous  has made an exception for the timeline of this particular installation.

" " The facade of the Walled Off Hotel showcases its particular brand of gritty charm along with a sumptuous view of the wall dividing Palestine from the West Bank city of Bethlehem. picture alliance/Getty Images

But there's no mistaking its draw. Since its opening, the hotel has welcomed more than 140,000 visitors, a number that would undoubtedly be higher had the coronavirus pandemic not temporarily halted business.

This is no bombed-out building. Instead, the hotel features everything from spartan to luxurious accommodations. And, of course, there are the endlessly creative touches, including security cameras mounted like deer heads on the walls, alongside sledgehammers and slingshots, all symbols of the violence and suppression rampant in these parts.

For about $60, budget-minded travelers find themselves in a bunker-style room outfitted with surplus items from Israeli military barracks. On the other end of the scale, you can spend nearly $1,000 per night for the presidential suite. As the hotel's website says, this "palatial suite is equipped with everything a corrupt head of state would need."

No matter the price of the accommodations, the art in every room is considered priceless. That said, upon departure, guests are required to sign a disclaimer that they haven't taken anything from the room.

Nicole Jacobs-Licht is an artist and teacher from Atlanta who describes herself as a huge fan of Banksy's work. She visited the hotel in 2018 and loved every moment of the experience. But her description makes it clear that a visit to this area requires a spirit of adventure and some fortitude. She said the worst part was crossing the boundary between the two contentious nations.

" " The piano bar/dining room in the hotel features statues choking on tear gas fumes and offers guests warm scones, freshly brewed tea and the aptly-named Walled Off salad. HAZEM BADER/Getty Images

"I was interrogated very much about why I was there, where I was going, why was I solo," she says via email interview. "I said I was there to see the religious sites and visit the museums (as the hotel said I should say; it's also why I paid for a transfer to and from the hotel, to help me navigate all of that). Traveling as a woman solo is questioned by the Israelis. I was definitely not welcomed, and [I was] taken into an interrogation room."

There are no international airports in Palestine, so you can only enter overland through Israel; the Palestinian border is controlled by the Israeli authorities, so crossing can be a bit of a challenging experience. As the Walled Off website states: "Airport security at Tel Aviv, however, is legendary. Expect to be asked about the purpose of your stay and if you intend travelling to the West Bank. If you answer 'yes' you may be held up for some time."

If you decide to make the journey to the Walled Off Hotel, Jacobs-Licht makes a few recommendations. For starters, she says, don't just stop by the hotel and gawk  be sure to book a room, for multiple nights, if possible, to really get the full experience.

She stayed in a different room each night, including the Banksy Scenic Suite, Scenic Suite 2, the phenomenal Presidential Suite, and the Budget Barracks.

" " A guest room inside the Walled Off Hotel features a comfortable bed under a mural by Banksy. Anthony ASAEL/Getty Images

"The artwork is unique to the hotel and the conflict, it is like being inside a museum. Everywhere is an artwork. Every room is an artwork. It is a cerebral and visual experience."

In all, she spent four nights, giving her a chance to soak up the artwork and also take day trips to see parts of Palestine.

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Advice for Visitors: Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Preparation is vital. She recommends that people watch documentaries about the conflict so that they understand the complexities and harsh realities of the political situation before they visit. She also said to make the most of the experience by trying everything, including the well-reviewed museum inside the hotel.

"Have proper tea and breakfast in the Walled Off restaurant, surrounded by art and meeting other travelers," she says. "Go on the Green Olive Tours, offered to teach more about the wall and the conflict; one tour includes discussing the wall at the hotel, and the Banksy pieces on it, and walking you through the Aida Refugee Camp."

These experiences will also help you connect with other travelers, who will share their perspectives on the situation.

It's worth noting that although this area is technically under the control of the Israeli military, legally, its status is much murkier. Various checkpoints and roads around the hotel make the journey there from Israel challenging. But it is ultimately regarded as a safe place to be  at least, for the moment. And given the hotel's high ratings and its educational potential, the effort seems to be worthwhile.

"The Palestinians are lovely people in a bad situation," says Jacobs-Licht. "I was able to speak English with everyone. I walked alone at night by myself and felt safe. Women stopped to talk and hugged me. Everyone wanted to talk. I traveled by bus to Jerusalem city, went through the locals' checkpoint at the wall. It was very eye opening."

" " The view from the balcony of a room at the Walled Off boasts stunning vistas of the wall itself and breathtaking views featuring the scenery of continuous war. Ilia Yefimovich/Getty Images

For anyone who loves art or yearns for another perspective on one of the world's most heart wrenching dramas, the Walled Off Hotel offers rooms with many different views. But until further notice, it's closed to the public until the coronavirus pandemic situation improves. You can check the website for updates on room availability.

The address of the Walled Off is 182 Caritas Street, Bethlehem, Palestine and the email address is: reception@walledoffhotel.com.

Now That's Interesting Next to the hotel is Wall Mart, where you can buy spray paint and create your own Banksy-style stencils. Then, you can stroll right outside and leave your own artistic statement on this infamous border wall. It won't last long  the wall is regularly painted over so that new visitors can leave their marks. But it's a shared experience for anyone who appreciates the collision of politics and art.
" " Ancient limestone dice, dating from the Middle Ages, don't look so different than the dice we roll today. DEA/A. DAGLI ORTI/De Agostini/Getty Images

Dice have been around for most of recorded history. Used in everything from board games to divination to gambling, they've been tossed by civilizations across the globe.

Dice probably arose independently in several regions, and so their exact origins are shrouded in mystery. But dice seem to be a staple of human ingenuity. "The idea to attribute values to the different sides of one object was, of course, a revolutionary idea," says archaeologist Ulrich Schaedler, director of the Swiss Museum of Games.

Let's take a closer look at that revolutionary idea with a brief history of dice.

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Sticks, Stones and Knucklebones

When most people think of dice, they generally picture a six-sided white cube sporting one to six black dots on each side. But this hasn't always been the predominant dice template.

Ancient dice were often made of stick, shell or seed and most were two-sided, often with one flat side and one rounded side, like a shelled peanut. Sometimes the two sides were decorated with paint or carvings to further differentiate them. Two-sided dice were widely used by ancient peoples across the globe, from the Aztecs to Native Polynesians. Some modern cultures, like the Navajo Nation, still use them for traditional games.

Astragals, also known as knucklebones, are fascinating objects in their own right. As their colloquial name suggests, knucklebones are literal bones taken from the back ankle of a sheep, goat, deer, horse or other large, hoofed mammal. They have been used as four-sided dice since at least the fifth century B.C.E. by numerous civilizations, including Indigenous Americans, ancient Greeks and ancient Egyptians, who prized them so highly that they were sometimes buried with their favorite astragals. In Roman antiquity, each of the four sides was given a name corresponding to its shape: the belly, the hole, the ear and the vulture.

Tossing knucklebones is not a truly random process. Two of the sides  the belly and the hole  are much broader than the other two and are therefore more likely to come up. Ancient Romans assigned points accordingly. The broad sides were worth 3 and 4 points, while the ear and the vulture were worth 6 and 1 points, respectively. "They were aware of this different probability," says Schaedler, "So, good luck comes very rarely, but bad luck comes also very rarely."

"Dice changed over time from natural objects, such as shells and sticks or astragals, to manufactured objects," says Anne-Elizabeth Dunn-Vaturi, a researcher at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Today, plastic or metal versions of knucklebones are popular in some parts of Europe. But none of these dice resemble anything you'd find in a Vegas casino. So the question is: Where and why did dice become cubes?

" " These game objects made from ivory  dice, knucklebones (astragals) and counters  were found at Volubilis, a partially excavated city in Morocco, and date from the first to the thirrd century B.C.E. DEA/A. DAGLI ORTI/De Agostini/Getty Images

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Squaring Up and Squaring Off

The oldest known cubic dice date back to around 2500 B.C.E. and come from the Indus Valley, which encompasses much of present-day Iraq (as well as parts of Afghanistan, Pakistan and northern India). Scholars aren't quite sure what prompted people to use a six-sided shape, but they speculate that it probably had something to do with adding randomness  after all, a cube has more configurations than a four-sided astragal, which in turn has more configurations than a two-sided stick. Early cubic dice were made from clay or bone; later models were sculpted from marble, metal or even amber.

Even though these archaic dice were recognizably cubes, they still differed from the modern casino format. "Today, dice are almost always made with the opposite sides adding up to seven," says Jelmer Eerkens, an archaeologist at the University of California Davis. "But a lot of ancient dice are not in that configuration." A common arrangement in the pre-medieval Netherlands, for example, put 1 opposite 2, 3 across from 4, and 5 opposing 6. The modern "opposing sevens" configuration became standard sometime in the late Middle Ages.

Polyhedral dice (a term that includes our friend the cube) were used in many ancient games. In Rome, they were the basis for tali and tesserae  in China, they were critical pieces in liubo, a mysterious Zhou Dynasty-era game that also involved bamboo sticks, chips, ivory game pieces and a knife.

Of course, not all ancient dice were made for fun and games. Some had a much more serious purpose: foretelling the future.

" " A Roman dice game recovered from a first-century B.C.E. Gallo-Roman barge discovered in the Rhone river in 2004. Patrick Aventurier/Getty Images

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Rolling Fortunes

When asked about quantum mechanics, Albert Einstein famously quipped that "God does not play dice with the universe." But it seems that the ancient Greeks and Romans would have taken issue with Einstein's proclamation; they believed that it was possible to divine the gods' will with a roll of the dice.

The name for this custom is astragalomancy, which derives from the astragals used by early practitioners. As time went on, however, manufactured dice became increasingly popular. The problem was, these dice weren't particularly random. "These Roman period dice, they're asymmetrical," says Eerkens, "they're six-sided dice, but they're not cubes." Many were elongated into rectangular prisms, or slanted toward one side.

But according to Eerkens' research, that might not have bothered Roman fortunetellers. "Because they thought the gods sort of controlled the outcome," he says, "it just mattered that all the different possibilities were present on a die."

Of course that reasoning wouldn't fly in a Vegas casino  under Nevada law, the penalty for gambling with asymmetric dice is one to five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. So, next time you find yourself at the craps table, maybe leave the ancient divination dice at home.

Now That's Interesting Today, the infamous d20 dice are a geeky badge of honor usually associated with Dungeons & Dragons or other tabletop role-playing games. But it isn't a modern invention. The oldest d20s, which date back to Hellenistic Egypt, were made from semi-precious stones and covered in cool-looking glyphs.
" " The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) provides interactive educational opportunities enabling visitors to better understand the influence African Americans have had on American music and culture. Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Nearly 20 years ago, in 2002, members of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce floated the idea of a national museum dedicated to African American music. After all, African Americans have had a strong influence on the nation's music scene, and Nashville is known as Music City. After much research, changes in plans and a global pandemic, the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) finally opened its doors in early 2021.

The 56,000-square-foot (5,200-square-meter) museum sits in the heart of Nashville and features seven galleries showcasing various aspects of African American influence in the national music scene, including spirituals, blues, jazz, hip-hop and more. Their stories are told via interactive exhibits and a 1,600-item collection of artifacts, memorabilia, clothing and other pieces.

" " Visitors can explore the music of legendary bluesman Robert Johnson and others in the fabulous blues exhibit. Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Plan to spend at least a couple of hours here, starting with a stop in the Roots Theater, where you can catch a short flick giving you an overview of the topic. Next, check out the Rivers of Rhythm Pathways, an animated timeline of American music history. Then, moving through the galleries in chronological order, Wade in the Water tackles the history and survival of religious music, beginning with the arrival of enslaved Africans in America. The Crossroads gallery delves into the blues, A Love Supreme looks at jazz, and One Nation Under a Groove explores rhythm and blues. Finally, The Message delves into the origins of hip-hop and rap.

Dr. Marquita Reed-Wright, NMAAM's collections manager, archivist and gallery manager, says in a Zoom interview that visitors should come ready to have fun while learning all about African Americans' musical innovation and creativity over the centuries. Just don't expect to see a lot of iconic artifacts from famous artists. "We're not trying to be a hall of fame," she says. "We're using artifacts to tell the whole story, not the story that fits the narrative."

" " Musical genres from fusion, jazz and funk to soul, rap and hip-hop are celebrated at the museum with exhibits featuring greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Tupac Shakur, Jimi Hendrix and Bo Diddley, among many others. Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Here are four displays or experiences Reed-Wright says you shouldn't miss.

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1. Hip-Hop MC Booth

In the hip-hop MC booth, part of the Message Gallery, you can choose a song and rap along with it, or select a popular beat as a backing track and freestyle. "You can also do a rap battle against a friend," Reed-Wright says. "It's very popular."

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2. George Clinton's Performance Outfit

The museum showcases one of the outrageous costumes of George Clinton, considered the godfather of funk, whose Parliament-Funkadelic Collective developed an influential and eclectic form of funk music that drew on science fiction and psychedelia in the 1970s.

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3. Singing with the Choir

In this interactive exhibit, you stand in front of a green screen as Dr. Bobby Jones and The Nashville Super Choir appear. Then you then sing along with them, effectively becoming part of the choir. Your performance is recorded.

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4. Trombone from the International Sweethearts of Rhythm

A lot of people have never heard of the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, Reed-Wright says. But the all-female, interracial jazz band was a sensation in the 1930s and 1940s, performing across the nation and in Europe. "The trombone we have was donated by Helen Jones Woods, an original band member, and it's just so beautiful," she says, noting this exhibit highlights women in jazz as well.

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Planning Your Visit

The museum is located in downtown Nashville, directly across the street from the world-famous Ryman Auditorium. If you plan to visit, check out the website for hours, directions and current COVID-19 guidelines for visiting.

Now That's Enterprising When music legend Jimi Hendrix was just 8, he wrapped some rubber bands around a cigar box to create his own guitar. In doing so, he joined other prominent African American musicians who got their start playing a cigar-box instrument, including Blind Willie Johnson (guitar), Lightnin Hopkins (guitar), Charlie Christian (guitar) and George Benson (ukulele).
LONDON, October 14, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best has revised the outlooks to stable from positive and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a-" (Excellent) of Abu Dhabi National Takaful Company P.S.C. (ADNTC) (United Arab Emirates).

The Credit Ratings (ratings) reflect ADNTCs balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

The revision of the outlooks to stable reflects AM Bests expectation that ADNTCs rating fundamentals will remain commensurate with their current assessments over the near to medium term.

ADNTC has a track record of strong operating performance, with a five-year (2016-2020) weighted average return on equity of 17%. Combined life and non-life underwriting returns grew at a compound average growth rate of 22% over the period from 2015 to 2019, reaching AED 70.3 million in 2019. However, underwriting returns contracted in 2020 to AED 15.1 million, with challenging operating and macroeconomic conditions in the UAE contributing to weaker sales and underwriting margins in the companys family (life) takaful business. This life insurance portfolio has historically been a core driver of the companys underwriting profitability. ADNTC has taken a series of actions, including the restructuring of its reinsurance programme and changes to product features, which AM Best expects to contribute toward the maintenance of strong underwriting performance over the coming years.

The company has a niche and established position in the UAE insurance market as a successful takaful operator, which is supported by its strong relationships with local Islamic banks. Following several years of annualised double-digit top line growth, the company in 2020 experienced a 13% contraction in gross written contributions (GWC) to AED 425.3 million. The effect was more pronounced on the company's family takaful portfolio than on its general takaful portfolio, which remained stable over the year. In the overall UAE insurance market (including takaful and conventional insurers), the company maintains a midtier positioning in terms of total business written.

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AM Best considers the takaful regulations in the UAE to be sufficiently strong, given the protection it provides to policyholders. ADNTCs risk-adjusted capitalisation on a combined basis, as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), is at the strongest level. ADNTC undertook a rebalancing of its investment portfolio during 2020, increasing its exposure to equity and real estate investments. While these actions have increased investment risk, ADNTC maintains a buffer over the threshold for the strongest BCAR assessment. AM Best expects prospective risk-adjusted capitalisation to remain comfortably above the strongest threshold as the company executes its business plan. ADNTC has a moderately high dependence on reinsurance, which has increased over 2020 following changes to the reinsurance structure for its family takaful business. However, the associated credit risk is managed through the use of a reinsurance panel of sound financial strength.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Bests Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Bests Credit Ratings, Bests Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Bests Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider 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/20211014005999/en/

Contacts

Romeo Berti, ACA, CMA

Financial Analyst

+44 20 7397 0267

romeo.berti@ambest.com



Alex Rafferty, ACA

Associate Director, Analytics

+44 20 7397 0312

alex.rafferty@ambest.com



Christopher Sharkey

Manager, Public Relations

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Director, Public Relations

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Singapore, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Art Haus, an NFT-based project for artistic works, has introduced an Artists in Residence section to its platform. Each resident artist becomes a keyholder who can unlock curatorship. They receive commissions on major sales by artists they curate, about half of the 15% fee charged by Art Haus.



Art Haus' developers created the platform to assist artists, collectors, and curators in manoeuvring the NFT market. This distinct NFT platform integrates a selection of curation mechanics and subscription levels. It aims to offer the marketplace a host of genuine and unique collections. Unlike the competition, Art Haus is offering an artist residency program.

Artist Residency

Among the crucial parts of Art Haus's strategy is the exclusive artist residency. Artist in residence programs exist to welcome artists and curators to stay within the premises of an institution.

Creators can apply to join as an artist in residence. Each candidate is thoroughly assessed. It is done to guarantee that they'll discover value in signing up with Art Haus to premiere an exclusive collection.

Artists that get residency can lean on the team to explore NFTs in a supportive environment. For one, the exclusive galleries are only accessible to keyholders. It suggests that the collector has done their part to become a member of this incubator for the digital arts. These collectors typically aren't your ordinary users. These collectors are major in discovering the following Beeple and getting in on the ground floor of their innovative legacy.

Protection Through Artist Residency

Knowledgeable artists looking for a residency must take into consideration Art Haus as their residence for numerous reasons. For one, the developers made the whole program to service the requirements of these imaginative minds. For instance, there are a host of thoughtfully incorporated protections for web content creators that make it a smart choice.

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The artist residency program ensures creative freedom and sovereignty for artists. It takes place with personalized well-known smart contracts for all Art Haus NFTs. It makes sure that artists add to a genuine body of work that's genuinely and probably their own. Many existing platforms cut operating expenses by minting artists' functions to contracts shown with many other artists. Art Haus, on the other hand, is devoted to altering the status quo.

Artists having a home for their work on the blockchain with their branding is essential to the team. Not only for the artist's benefit, however, to provide collectors with the chance to own something developed totally for the artist. Collectors can feel confident understanding that they own genuine work. Also, they will not see the case of the NFT platform going out of business.

Residuals

Another vital feature that has artists moving to Art Haus is its residual commissions. When you create and offer your art with Art Haus, you can try out the most recent advancements in secondary royalties. Other platforms that recognize them locally. On the other hand, Art Haus is committed to adopting global criteria.

This technique adds excellent value to the residency program. Many NFT artists have a substantial collection of NFTs that regularly change hands between collectors.

Art NFTs and Auctions in Art Haus

The NFT market continues to expand at a remarkable rate. More artists, curators , and collectors are meeting up and trading tokens, principles, and techniques than ever.

Platforms such as Art Haus offer a host of beneficial protections for both parties. Hence, it makes it the perfect destination for those looking for unique opportunities in the marketplace. Thus, Art Haus offers a vital role in encouraging these content creators and collectors to drive ROIs to new heights. Artists looking to discover more regarding the platform's residencies can go here.

One of the core elements of Art Haus is its public auctions. NFT auctions give creators and collectors lots of opportunities. For artists, it allows them to get the most from their collections. It also supplies investors with a far better opportunity to snatch up unique pieces for a steal. Notably, the ZORA protocol powers Art Haus auctions.

Media Contact 

Joshua M.

mail@art.haus

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2021) - Bam Bam Resources Corp. (CSE: BBR) (OTC Pink: NPEZF) (FSE: 4NPB) ("Bam Bam" or the "Company") is pleased to report that recent results from the 2021 soil sampling program are extremely encouraging. 997 soil geochemical samples were collected in 2021 to extend existing copper, silver, and gold anomalies. Two very significant zones of copper/silver/gold were identified at the DeSoto Copper Oxide Target and the newly identified Copper-Gold Target.





Figure 1

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A very large, multi-point copper/silver anomaly at the DeSoto Oxide Target was extended an additional 274 meters (900 ft) northward. The DeSoto anomalous copper soil zone is outlined using a 100 ppm copper value threshold (see map).

The new Copper-Gold Target Zone is over 1,600 meters (5,249 ft) across. Very limited historic underground workings at the Last Chance Mine on the southwest edge of the Target area produced silver, lead, and zinc. Surface rock chip samples from the Copper-Gold Target include:





Table 1



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Core drilling is planned for the copper-gold target in late October.

The Covered/Exotic(?) Copper Target is a completely new target zone emerging from the data. Geologic mapping during 2021 has identified ferricrete zones with iron-oxide cemented colluvial gravels. These zones occur adjacent to topographic ridges and drainages that appear to confine weakly anomalous Cu, Zn, and Fe. Additional surface sampling is planned prior to drill testing. Most of this target is located on private land wholly controlled by Bam Bam with a small portion located on Bam Bam's unpatented lode mining claims.

David Greenway, President and CEO, commented: "While the step-out and in-fill drilling continues on our Majuba Known Copper Oxide Zone, it is encouraging for the surrounding targets to continue to get larger. During these economic times when new, large copper deposits are rare, I am very pleased to have a project like Majuba expanding so quickly."

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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").

Engagement of Marketing Service Provider

The Company has engaged Mining Investor Resources Media Ltd., doing business as miningIR,com ("MIR"), to provide the Company with investor marketing services through mining and resource news, lead generation services, social media services, and information company profile page for an initial period of 13 months beginning October 18, 2021, subject to the terms of the service agreement (the "MIR Agreement") executed between the Company and MIR. Pursuant to the terms of the MIR Agreement, MIR will be paid an aggregate cash amount of $36,000 for its services. Neither MIR nor its affiliates currently own any securities of the Company. MIR and the Company are unrelated and unaffiliated entities.

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.

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LONDON, Oct 14 (Reuters) - Britain said Brexit minister David Frost would meet with European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic in Brussels on Friday to see if a "substantial gap" between the two sides over the transit of goods to Northern Ireland can be bridged.

A British government spokesperson welcomed the "considerable effort" made by the EU to address issues with the so-called Northern Ireland Protocol but said "a substantial gap" remained between the two sides.

"Both we and the EU now have proposals on the table. We need to discuss them intensively in the days to come to see if the gaps can be bridged and a solution found which delivers the significant change needed," the spokesperson said. (Reporting by Kylie MacLellan in London and Phil Blenkinsop in Brussels; editing by Michael Holden)
Dublin, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Colombia Buy Now Pay Later Business and Investment Opportunities (2019-2028) Databook - 75+ KPIs on Buy Now Pay Later Trends by End-Use Sectors, Operational KPIs, Retail Product Dynamics, and Consumer Demographics" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

BNPL payment in the country is expected to grow by 138.9% on annual basis to reach US$ 469.4 million in 2021.

BNPL payment industry in Colombia has recorded strong growth over the last four quarters, supported by increased ecommerce penetration along with impact of economic slowdown due to disruption caused by Covid-19 outbreak.

Medium to long term growth story of BNPL industry in Colombia remains strong. The BNPL payment adoption is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period, recording a CAGR of 38.4% during 2021-2028. The BNPL Gross Merchandise Value in the country will increase from US$ 196.5 million in 2020 to reach US$ 4574.0 million by 2028.

Reasons to buy

In-depth Understanding of Buy Now Pay Later Market Dynamics: Understand market opportunities and key trends along with forecast (2019-2028). Understand market dynamics through essential KPIs such as Gross Merchandise Value, Volume, and Average Value Per Transaction.

Insights into Opportunity by end-use sectors - Get market dynamics by end-use sectors to assess emerging opportunity across various end-use sectors.

Develop Market Specific Strategies: Identify growth segments and target specific opportunities to formulate BNPL strategy; assess market specific key trends, drivers, and risks in the BNPL industry.

Get Insights into Consumer Attitude and Behaviour: Drawing from proprietary survey results, this report identifies and interprets key Buy Now Pay Later KPIs, including spend by age, gender, and income level.

Scope

Colombia BNPL Market Size and Spending Pattern

Gross Merchandise Value Trend Analysis

Average Value Per Transaction Trend Analysis

Transaction Volume Trend Analysis

Colombia Buy Now Pay Later Market Share Analysis by Key Players

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Colombia Buy Now Pay Later Spend Analysis by Channel: Market Size and Forecast

Online Channel

POS Channel

Colombia Buy Now Pay Later in Retail Shopping: Market Size and Forecast

Gross Merchandise Value Trend Analysis

Average Value Per Transaction Trend Analysis

Transaction Volume Trend Analysis

Colombia Buy Now Pay Later in Home Improvement: Market Size and Forecast

Gross Merchandise Value Trend Analysis

Average Value Per Transaction Trend Analysis

Transaction Volume Trend Analysis

Colombia Buy Now Pay Later in Leisure & Entertainment: Market Size and Forecast

Gross Merchandise Value Trend Analysis

Average Value Per Transaction Trend Analysis

Transaction Volume Trend Analysis

Colombia Buy Now Pay Later in Healthcare and Wellness: Market Size and Forecast

Gross Merchandise Value Trend Analysis

Average Value Per Transaction Trend Analysis

Transaction Volume Trend Analysis

Colombia Buy Now Pay Later in Education: Market Size and Forecast

Gross Merchandise Value Trend Analysis

Average Value Per Transaction Trend Analysis

Transaction Volume Trend Analysis

Colombia Buy Now Pay Later in Automotive: Market Size and Forecast

Gross Merchandise Value Trend Analysis

Average Value Per Transaction Trend Analysis

Transaction Volume Trend Analysis

Colombia Buy Now Pay Later Analysis by Consumer Attitude and Behaviour

Buy Now Pay Later Sales Uplift by Product Category

Buy Now Pay Later Spend Share by Age Group

Buy Now Pay Later Gross Merchandise Share by Income

Buy Now Pay Later Gross Merchandise Value Share by Gender

Buy Now Pay Later Adoption Rationale Gross Merchandise Value Analysis

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/sctie8

CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900




CHICAGO, October 14, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cresco Labs (CSE:CL) (OTCQX:CRLBF) ("Cresco Labs" or "the Company"), a vertically integrated multistate operator and the number one U.S. wholesaler of branded cannabis products, announced today the execution of a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the outstanding equity interests in Laurel Harvest Labs, LLC ("Laurel Harvest"), a Pennsylvania Clinical Registrant, for a closing consideration equal to US$80 million (the "Transaction"). The Transaction is expected to close in Q4 of 2021.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005257/en/

Cresco Labs Announces Agreement to Acquire Pennsylvania Vertically Integrated Operator Laurel Harvest (Photo: Business Wire)

"As the medical market continues to grow and as legislators develop plans for adult-use, we are increasing our depth in the key state of Pennsylvania to strengthen our wholesale leadership while growing profitability and scale through new retail. This acquisition will provide Cresco Labs with immediate incremental cultivation capacity, simplify our ability to expand production capacity further, and add six additional retail dispensary permits in the state," said Charlie Bachtell, CEO of Cresco Labs. "Importantly, we are excited to further our commitment in research and development through one of the few Chapter 20 clinical registrant licenses in the state. Laurel Harvest and its academic clinical research partner, Temple University, have established one of the most sophisticated cannabis research programs in the country. As an organization focused on normalizing and professionalizing the cannabis industry, we sincerely look forward to supporting and expanding upon this research that will continue to help create safe, effective and accessible cannabis products."

The Transaction will include a newly constructed indoor cultivation facility in Lancaster County allowing for new cultivation capacity, the foundation to expand the facility further, and another strategic point of distribution that is complementary to Cresco Labs cultivation facility in Brookville. As part of the acquisition, Cresco Labs will also acquire the real estate of Laurel Harvests cultivation facility and Scranton dispensary.

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Laurel Harvest Operational Highlights

Approximately 52,000 sq. ft. of indoor grow/processing space

Foundation for an additional 52,000 sq. ft. of indoor cultivation space

One operational dispensary in Montgomeryville

A second dispensary in Scranton currently under construction

Ability to open an additional four dispensaries throughout the state

Laurel Harvest Clinical Registrant Highlights

One of eight original Chapter 20 licenses in Pennsylvania

Academic clinical research partnership with Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

Six current ongoing cannabis research studies

Pennsylvania Market Highlights

5 th most populous state in the U.S. with approx. 13 million people

A top medical cannabis market with over $1bn in annualized retail sales

According to data from Headset, Cresco was the #1 sold cannabis brand in the state in Q3 of 2021

Terms

The consideration amount for the Transaction is Eighty Million Dollars (US$80,000,000) (the "Purchase Price"), plus earnout amounts payable upon achievement of certain post-closing milestones. The Transaction will be completed on a cash-free, debt-free basis with a mutually agreed upon normalized target level of working capital.

The Purchase Price would be payable upon closing of the Transaction, subject to the adjustments and lock-up agreements contained in the definitive agreements and will be comprised of a mix of cash and stock.

The Transaction is subject to, among other things, the approval and receipt of all required CSE, regulatory and court approvals.

About Cresco Labs Inc.

Cresco Labs is one of the largest vertically integrated multistate cannabis operators in the United States, with a mission to normalize and professionalize the cannabis industry. Employing a consumer-packaged goods ("CPG") approach, Cresco Labs is the largest wholesaler of branded cannabis products in the U.S. Its brands are designed to meet the needs of all consumer segments and comprised of some of the most recognized and trusted national brands including Cresco, High Supply, Mindy's Edibles, Good News, Remedi, Wonder Wellness Co. and FloraCal Farms. Sunnyside, Cresco Labs national dispensary brand, is a wellness-focused retailer created to build trust, education and convenience for both existing and new cannabis consumers. Recognizing that the cannabis industry is poised to become one of the leading job creators in the country, Cresco Labs operates the industrys largest Social Equity and Educational Development initiative, SEED, which was established to ensure that all members of society have the skills, knowledge and opportunity to work and own businesses in the cannabis industry. Learn more about Cresco Labs at www.crescolabs.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains "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 the Companys beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Companys control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, may, will, should, could, would, expects, plans, anticipates, believes, estimates, projects, predicts, potential or continue or the negative of those forms or other comparable terms. The Companys forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Companys actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to those risks discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Companys Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2020 filed on March 26, 2021, and other documents filed by the Company with Canadian securities regulatory authorities; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Because of these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on the Companys forward-looking statements. No assurances are given as to the future trading price or trading volumes of Cresco Labs shares, nor as to the Companys financial performance in future financial periods. The Company does not intend to update any of these factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the Companys forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information, any future event or otherwise. Except as otherwise indicated, this press release speaks as of the date hereof. The distribution of this press release does not imply that there has been no change in the affairs of the Company after the date hereof or create any duty or commitment to update or supplement any information provided in this press release or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005257/en/

Contacts

Media:

Jason Erkes, Cresco Labs

Chief Communications Officer

press@crescolabs.com

Investors:

Jake Graves, Cresco Labs

Manager, Investor Relations

investors@crescolabs.com

For general Cresco Labs inquiries:

312-929-0993

info@crescolabs.com
RED BANK, N.J. & TORONTO, October 14, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CyborgTech today announced an equity investment from PureFacts Financial Solutions, a leading global financial technology company. With its new partners, CyborgTech plans to fuel the rapid development, support exponential growth, and drive innovation of the award-winning advisory platform, Cy.

Launched in 2019, Cy helps financial advisors successfully engage with clients throughout the investment journey, from the first point of contact to onboarding the client, and providing ongoing service. The comprehensive end-to-end wealth management and robo-advisory platform provides proprietary financial planning and client profiling workflows, rate of return and loss simulation/risk tolerance calculations, and an innovative portfolio optimization engine. Cys powerful, quantitative engine can screen the full universe of mutual funds, ETFs, UCITs and separately managed accounts to build personalized machine-optimized portfolios that fulfills clients loss tolerance and return needs while seeking consistent performance through full market cycles. Cy is flexible and scalable and built to serve asset managers including the leading bond ETF provider, PIMCO.

"This is an exciting milestone for Cy and CyborgTech. Not only are we increasing our capacity for growth, but we are also solidifying our relationship with knowledgeable, experienced technology professionals that share our vision to redefine the investor experience," says Don Schreiber, Jr., Chief Visionary Officer of CyborgTech. "This partnership bolsters our strategic focus on enhancing the advisor and investor experience and further expanding our position in the WealthTech space."

"Like PureFacts, CyborgTech is dedicated to improving investor outcomes," says Robert Madej, PureFacts Founder and CEO. "By joining forces and combining our respective areas of expertise, we can create a unique global wealth tech and financial services platform."

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CyborgTech will leverage PureFacts deep product innovation, data aggregation, and AI expertise to expand the enterprise-grade robo-advisory platform that pairs human financial advice with machine optimized portfolios.

About CyborgTech

CyborgTech is a leader in the FinTech space combining a new vision for investing and best-in-class investing technologies. Cy is a robo-advisory platform that pairs human advice with machine optimized portfolios for loss and return. The enterprise grade platform can be white-labeled for broker-dealers, RIAs, asset managers, and other institutions. For more information visit investwithcy.com.

About PureFacts Financial Solutions

PureFacts is a recognized world leader in revenue management, fee billing and commission calculation software. Ranked a 2020 WealthTech100 Company and Top 15 Canadian Innovator, PureFacts provides wealth management solutions for the financial services industry in Canada, US, UK, Europe, and APAC. The companys transformational WealthTech solutions use artificial intelligence and machine learning to facilitate wealth management data aggregation and complex calculations that enables wealth managers to future-proof their businesses and accelerate their growth. For more information visit www.purefacts.com.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This is not an offer to buy or sell any security. There is always the possibility of loss, including the loss of the initial investment. Cy is a proprietary wealth management platform developed by WBI Investments, Inc. ("WBI") in conjunction with CyborgTech, LLC. It should not be assumed that the future results of any specific investment strategies analyzed by Cy will be profitable or suitable for all investors. Moreover, the analysis provided by the Cy optimization platform analysis may vary with use and time. All investing involves risk, including loss of principal. While WBI seeks to manage and monitor risk, there is no way to remove risk. There is no guarantee objectives will be achieved. Additional information about WBIs advisory operations, services, and fees are in the Form ADV, which is available upon request or on the SEC's website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. Consideration for the WealthManagement.com Industry award and FinTech Breakthrough awards are no guarantee of future performance. WBI did not pay a fee but did submit applications for consideration. For more information on the award categories and criteria, visit wealthmanagement.com and fintechbreakthrough.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005169/en/

Contacts

Media

Ann Schreiber

President

CyborgTech, LLC

800-772-5810
Facebook is ramping up its fight against leakers following the disclosures of whistleblower Frances Haugen. According to The New York Times, Facebook is limiting access to some internal groups that deal with sensitive issues like safety and elections. That the change, which was made to prevent further leaks, immediately leaked is both highly amusing and emblematic of some of the bigger issues the company is currently facing.

Ever since Haugen revealed herself as the whistleblower, one of the more noteworthy aspects of her story is that the documents she provided to Congress and the Securities and Exchange Commission were widely accessible to employees. The documents included slides detailing the companys research into teen mental health , as well as numerous memos about how the company has handled rules for VIPs, misinformation and other thorny issues.

As The Times points out, the reason these documents were so readily available is because Facebook has long had an open culture that promotes sharing. And employees themselves often take to its internal communication platform, Workplace, to discuss controversial issues facing the company.

But now the social network is moving away from that openness. The company is making some internal groups private, and will remove employees whose work isnt related to safety and security, according to the report. Sensitive Integrity discussions will happen in closed, curated forums in the future, the company told employees in a memo.

On one hand, the fact that news of the change immediately leaked would seem to back up that the company is in fact more leaky than it has been in years past. But it could also signal increasing unrest among employees, some of whom are reportedly concerned that walling off teams that work on important issues could ultimately do more harm than good.
A surge in natural gas prices has seen a number of companies go out of business. The collapse of the two firms now brings the total number to 14 so far this year, affecting more than two million customers. Photo: Chris Radburn/PA Images via Getty Images

The collapse of two more energy suppliers has created a fresh wave of fear in the sector, and has affected a further 250,000 UK customers.

Pure Planet, which is backed by oil giant BP (BP.L), and Colorado Energy have both ceased trading amid rising wholesale energy prices.

Pure Planet said it had been caught between rising costs and the UK's energy price cap, which restricts what companies can charge consumers.

It said the crisis had left its business "unsustainable" and that rules prevented us from covering our costs.

A surge in natural gas prices in recent months has already seen a number of companies go out of business. The two firms collapse now brings the total number to 14 so far this year, with more than 2 million customers affected.

In September alone, nine suppliers went bust including Avro Energy and Peoples Energy, with business and energy minister Kwasi Kwarteng cautioning that more could collapse in the coming weeks.

Read more: Gas price crisis: PM expected to back millions in bailout loans for industry

The reasons behind the dramatic increase in power prices include low gas reserves, strong commodity and carbon prices, heightened global demand, and low wind output.

Kwasi Kwarteng says the price cap is non-negotiable. Fair enough, Pure Planet's founders said. But that doesnt mean helping supply companies needs to be non-negotiable too. If he doesnt act fast, hell have no suppliers to be minister of.

Pure Planet supplied gas and electricity to around 235,000 domestic customers, and Colorado had 15,000. Energy regulator Ofgem will now move these households to new suppliers.

"Ofgem's number one priority is to protect customers," said Neil Lawrence, director of retail at Ofgem.

"I want to reassure affected customers that they do not need to worry: under our safety net we'll make sure your energy supplies continue."

Read more: Why UK is facing energy crisis and what it means for consumers

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It comes as a key gas supplier also exited the wholesale market. The company CNG, which is backed by commodities giant Glencore (GLEN.L), said it will no longer supply gas to its utilities clients.

It supplies roughly 46,000 small firms, as well as up to 15 small domestic energy suppliers, through its wholesale business.

Paul Stanley, chief executive of CNG, said the company has been forced into an impossible position after many of its energy customers ceased trading. Around 18 CNG utility customers now need to find alternative sources of gas.

The news also follows comments from billionaire industrialist Jim Ratcliffe, who last night warned that prices will remain sky-high for the whole of winter, and that the industry could be forced to shut down in the event of a bad winter

He blamed the UK government for failing to secure enough gas supplies relative to other European countries.

Economically... were in a bad place as it is after COVID so you dont really need to be shutting industry down, and thats not great for British industry if were telling all our customers we cant supply them, he said.

The energy crisis could see Brits pay up to 30% more for their energy bills next year.

Watch: Energy crisis: Boris Johnson reportedly backs multi-million pound plan to support businesses
OKLAHOMA CITY, October 14, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gulfport Energy Corporation (NYSE: GPOR) ("Gulfport" or the "Company") today announced that it has entered into the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement ("Amendment"), which amends and refinances the Companys Credit Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2021 ("Exit Facility").

"Gulfport continues to make progress in strengthening its financial position, today announcing the successful amendment to its exit facility. The amended facility increases our liquidity by more than $160 million, which is expected to provide us with the necessary financial flexibility to continue to execute our business plan and provides additional clarity around our ability to return capital to shareholders. We appreciate our banks working closely with us in connection with this amendment and for their continued support to our organization," commented Tim Cutt, CEO of Gulfport.

The amendment announced today provides for, among other things:

an increase in aggregate elected lender commitments from $580 million to $700 million;

a repayment of the term loan under the Exit Facility

a change to the leverage ratio covenant to permit a maximum ratio of net funded debt to EBITDAX of no more than 3.25 to 1.00, as of the last day of each fiscal quarter of the Company;

the ability to make certain restricted payments from free cash flow, subject to certain leverage and elected commitment availability conditions;

the elimination of the $40 million availability blocker that applied in advance of certain successful midstream resolutions;

a revision of the applicable rate for all borrowings under the credit agreement, which reduces the 100-basis point LIBOR floor to zero and reduces the price grid by 25 basis points at each level of utilization; and

the ability to repurchase outstanding senior notes of up to $150 million, subject to certain leverage and elected commitment availability conditions.

The Amendment also provides for semiannual redeterminations of the borrowing base around November 1 and May 1 of each year, beginning May 1, 2022, and extends the maturity date to October 2025 from May 2024.

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The Amendment was provided by a syndicate of 14 financial institutions, including JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent.

Financial Position and Liquidity

As of September 30, 2021, Gulfport had approximately $4 million of cash and cash equivalents, $200 million of borrowings under its Exit Facility, $115 million of letters of credit outstanding and $550 million of outstanding 2026 senior notes.

Pro forma for the Amendment, Gulfports liquidity at September 30, 2021, totaled approximately $389 million, comprised of the $4 million of cash and cash equivalents and approximately $385 million of available borrowing capacity under its new revolving credit facility.

About Gulfport

Gulfport is an independent natural gas-weighted exploration and production company focused on the exploration, acquisition and production of natural gas, crude oil and NGL in the United States with primary focus in the Appalachia and Anadarko basins. Our principal properties are located in Eastern Ohio targeting the Utica formation and in central Oklahoma targeting the SCOOP Woodford and SCOOP Springer formations.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are statements other than statements of historical fact. They include statements regarding Gulfports current expectations, management's outlook guidance or forecasts of future events, projected cash flow and liquidity, its ability to enhance cash flow and financial flexibility, future production and commodity mix, plans and objectives for future operations, the ability of our employees, portfolio strength and operational leadership to create long-term value, the rejection of certain midstream contracts and the assumptions on which such statements are based. Gulfport believes the expectations and forecasts reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, Gulfport can give no assurance they will prove to have been correct. They can be affected by inaccurate or changed assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Important risks, assumptions and other important factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements are described under "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of Gulfports annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and any updates to those factors set forth in Gulfport's subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K (available at https://ir.gulfportenergy.com/all-sec-filings). Gulfport undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements, to report events or to report the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Investors should note that Gulfport announces financial information in SEC filings, press releases and public conference calls. Gulfport may use the Investors section of its website (gulfportenergy.com) to communicate with investors. It is possible that the financial and other information posted there could be deemed to be material information. The information on Gulfports website is not part of this filing.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014006049/en/

Contacts

Investor Contact:

Jessica Antle  Director, Investor Relations

jantle@gulfportenergy.com

405-252-4550

Thomas Renouard  Senior Analyst, Investor Relations

trenouard@gulfportenergy.com

405-252-4550

Media Contact

Reevemark

Hugh Burns / Paul Caminiti / Nicholas Leasure

212-433-4600
Addition Expands Portfolio of Specialty Manufacturing Companies

ST. LOUIS, October 14, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HBM Holdings ("HBM") announced today it has acquired Control Devices, LLC of Fenton, MO. Control Devices, a portfolio company of Goldner Hawn founded in 1963, is a leading designer and manufacturer of highly engineered flow-control products utilized in niche applications across a diverse array of end markets.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211013006178/en/

The acquisition expands HBMs portfolio in the industrial components space, adding Control Devices to the existing roster of Mississippi Lime Company, Aerofil Technology, HarperLove, and Schafer Industries.

"Control Devices application engineering expertise, design content, and proven growth strategy make them an outstanding fit for the HBM portfolio," said Anderson Fincher, CEO of HBM. "We see a terrific opportunity to support the management team in accelerating growth for the company as HBM builds in this market and expands further into the industrial components space."

For more than 50 years, Control Devices has been trusted to deliver solutions to their customers application-specific challenges. The company has a long history of demonstrated engineering expertise with an in-house engineering team, diverse markets served, and a reputation for outstanding quality.

Scott Kerns, Control Devices CEO, commented, "We are excited to become part of the HBM portfolio. HBM is the right owner for us. HBMs buy-and-build approach will accelerate our growth strategy, and takes our ability to serve customers to the next level."

Mr. Kerns and the current Control Devices leadership team will remain in their roles and continue to drive the growth strategy for the business. The Control Devices sales, engineering and operations teams have long tenure and valuable expertise in the industrial applications for flow control.

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Terms of the Control Devices transaction were not disclosed.

ABOUT HBM HOLDINGS

HBM Holdings is an investment and management company that acquires, supports, and operates middle-market businesses in industrial products and services. With a strategy focused on growing a diversified portfolio using a long-term buy and build approach, HBM provides its businesses with professional management expertise, financial resources, and high potential human capital to accelerate their growth. HBM invests in high-performing companies in the precision machined components, packaging, chemicals and minerals, and environmental services sectors. The firms portfolio of companies includes Mississippi Lime Company, Aerofil Technology, HarperLove, and Schafer Industries. For more information, visit https://hbmholdings.com.

ABOUT CONTROL DEVICES

Control Devices, founded in 1963 and headquartered in Fenton, MO, is a leading designer and manufacturer of engineered flow control solutions in the gas, air and liquid markets. Control Devices offers customized and standard valves, condensate traps, refrigerant distributors, and other products that serve as critical components in end-product applications, including medical systems, air compressors, fire suppression systems, and specialty gas HVACR, and heavy truck braking systems.

For more information, visit https://www.cdivalve.com/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211013006178/en/

Contacts

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

HBM HOLDINGS

Amy Fields

SVP Administration & Chief People Officer

agfields@hbmholdings.com

T +1 314-376-2550
Eighth annual IKEA Life at Home Report highlights elements of personal and shared spaces that can make for better living

BURLINGTON, ON, Oct. 14, 2021 /CNW/ - Following a year of unimaginable change, IKEA set out to understand how people around the world adapted their life at home through the global home furnishing retailer's annual research project. More than uncovering the number of people in Canada who made a change to their home in the past year (60 percent), or the increased importance of green space or private gardens to the ideal home (35 percent and 33 percent respectively), the IKEA Life at Home report also highlighted that more than a third of people in Canada (35 percent) who felt more positive about their home in 2021, also saw their mental wellbeing improve. This, while nearly four out of 10 Canadians (37 percent) have experienced a negative impact on their mental health throughout the past year.

The IKEA Life at Home report highlights that more than a third of people in Canada (35 percent) who felt more positive about their home in 2021, also saw their mental wellbeing improve. (CNW Group/IKEA Canada)

"Now we know the ideal home is a greener, spacious and more comfortable place to live, where we can be close to the people we care about and do the activities that make us feel good," affirms Kathy Davey, Head of Home Furnishing and Retail Design, IKEA Canada. "A happy home is great for the mental wellbeing of us all and we're excited to continue helping Canadians find ideas and inspiration that can help them create the homes that support the relationships and rituals that are most meaningful to them."

Although more than 40 percent of Canadian adults rated time alone as an important activity to maintain a sense of mental wellbeing at home, extended time at home brought many families closer together as nearly four in ten people in Canada (38 percent) said their relationships with their families had improved in the last 12 months. Some relationships didn't fare as well as more than a quarter of Canadians (26 percent) noted that their friendships had suffered during this time.

Beyond the home, communities and neighbourhoods played an important role in peoples' lives during the past year as almost three quarters of people in Canada (74 percent) spent more time in their local neighbourhoods.

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More than 34,000 people from 34 countries, including Canada, shared their thoughts on mental wellbeing and life at home, reflecting on the impact of the last 12 months and how they feel about the future in the IKEA Life at Home Report.

Top of the sleep-loving charts: 72% of people in Finland say sleeping is most important for achieving mental wellbeing, much more than Canada's 56% of people who embrace sleep for wellbeing.

Finding home space for headspace: 16% of people in France, Ireland, and Canada note that where they live doesn't sufficiently meet their wellbeing needs.

Seeking professional support: 35% of people in Portugal turn to their therapist to talk about their mental health and wellbeing, versus only one in five in Canada (20 percent)

The world's decluttering hotspot: 38% of people in Australia say having a home that is easy to keep clutter-free has become more important to them, similar to the 37 percent of people in Canada who note "easy-to-clean" as a top feature of an ideal home.

Discover more about the full interactive report at lifeathome.ikea.com and for tips and inspiration to balance a better life at home, Canadians are encouraged to dive into Swede Space. The online video series at ikea.ca/SwedeSpace showcases useful, affordable solutions from making room for exercise, to establishing flexible workspaces across the home.

ABOUT IKEA CANADA

Founded in 1943 in Sweden, IKEA is a leading home furnishing retailer, offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible can afford them. IKEA Canada is part of Ingka Group which operates 374 IKEA stores in 30 countries, including 14 in Canada. Last year, IKEA Canada welcomed 31 million visitors to its stores and 117 million visitors to IKEA.ca. IKEA Canada operates business through the IKEA vision - to create a better everyday life for the many people and does so through its local community efforts and sustainability initiatives. For more information on IKEA Canada, please visit IKEA.ca.

About the research

The quantitative research was carried out by YouGov on behalf of Ingka Holding B.V.  IKEA Group. YouGov is an international research and data analytics group. YouGov interviewed a total sample of 34, 387 adults aged 18+ in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Russia, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, China, Japan, South Korea, India and Australia. The survey was conducted in 34 countries between 24 June and 28 July 2021, via online panels for each country. Quotas have been applied on gender, age and region, and data was weighted according to the dimensions of gender, age and region on the basis of an ideal weighting from statistics in each country, so that the results are representative of the population in regard to the target group. Bases: All adults = 34,387

About Ingka Group

Ingka Group (Ingka Holding B.V. and its controlled entities) is one of 12 different groups of companies that own and operate IKEA retail under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. Ingka Group has three business areas: IKEA Retail, Ingka Investments and Ingka Centres. Ingka Group is a strategic partner in the IKEA franchise system, operating 380 IKEA stores in 30 countries. These IKEA stores had 839 million visits during FY19 and 2.6 billion visits to www.IKEA.com. Ingka Group operates business under the IKEA vision - to create a better everyday life for the many people by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible can afford it.

SOURCE IKEA Canada

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The fund's investors are BlackRock, HarbourVest Partners, Northleaf Capital Partners, Hollyport Capital and Kensington Capital Partners.

MONTREAL, Oct. 14, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - Inovia Capital, a multi-stage venture capital firm building global tech champions, announced today the close of Inovia Continuity Fund I, L.P., its first multi-asset continuation vehicle in the order of US$334M.

Inovia Announces Closing of $334M Continuation Vehicle Transaction to Support Growth of High-Performing Portfolio Companies (CNW Group/iNovia Capital)

Inovia welcomes new Limited Partner, BlackRock's Secondaries and Liquidity Solutions group ("BlackRock"), and existing investor HarbourVest Partners as co-leads of the fund. Additionally, long-standing investor Northleaf Capital Partners joins Hollyport Capital and Kensington Capital Partners as participants in the fund. The closing of the fund brings Inovia's total capital under management to over US$1.9B.

"We are pleased to partner with Inovia on this multi-asset continuation fund," said Veena Isaac, Managing Director of BlackRock's Secondaries and Liquidity Solutions team. "We have been impressed by the quality and strength of the assets, and Inovia's active role in supporting their growth."

The launch of this new fund provides Inovia with the necessary capital to acquire partial and full interest in high-performing portfolio companies from its vintage venture funds. This continuation vehicle further supports the growth of these companies over the coming years and bridges the gap between the time horizon of funds and the time horizon of building global companies.

"Inovia has been a proven partner over many years for HarbourVest and we are excited to expand our relationship with them through this investment," said Mike Pugatch, Managing Director, HarbourVest Partners. "General Partners are increasingly looking for solutions that allow them to offer a liquidity option to their investors as they seek to extend the life of their investments, and we are pleased to have brought our long-standing expertise in the secondary market to bear in structuring this continuation fund with Inovia."

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"Northleaf is excited to deepen our partnership with Inovia and bring our secondaries expertise to support the launch of this innovative fund which strengthens the position of Inovia as a leading, multi-stage, technology investment firm." said Ian Carew, Managing Director and Venture Partner at Northleaf Capital Partners.

The new fund will support nine high-performing portfolio companies from different Inovia funds: Bench Accounting, Clearco, Top Hat, TrackTik, TripleLift, Vidyard, as well as AlayaCare, AppDirect, and Snapcommerce which are also Inovia Growth Fund I, L.P portfolio companies' co-investments.

"At Clearco, we know that becoming ubiquitous requires us to become long-term, trusted partners to founders. Inovia has the same philosophy," said Andrew D'Souza, Co-Founder and CEO of Clearco. "Inovia has been a trusted partner of ours from the beginning, and they've supported our growth. The Inovia Continuity Fund allows us to extend that partnership as we scale our company."

This first continuation fund is an important milestone for Inovia, broadening its reach and furthering its strategy to build global, sustainable tech companies. "With Inovia Continuity Fund I, we are equipping ourselves to support companies beyond the traditional venture capital cycle," said Chris Arsenault, Partner at Inovia Capital. "This is part of the firm's roadmap to support entrepreneurs from seed to IPO and beyond."

About Inovia Capital

Inovia Capital is a multi-stage venture capital firm that partners up with audacious founders ready to build sustainable global technology companies. Inovia supports founders with dedicated, long-term mentorship, a global talent network and strategic guidance for global scale. Inovia Capital manages over US$1.9B across early and growth-stage funds and holds offices in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, San Francisco and London. For more information, visit inovia.vc .

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SOURCE iNovia Capital

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DUBLIN, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Biohazard Bags Market Research Report by Product Material, Application, End-user, and Region - Global Forecast to 2026 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Research and Markets Logo

The Global Biohazard Bags Market size was estimated at USD 187.15 million in 2020, is expected to reach USD 198.68 million in 2021, and projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.50% reaching USD 273.10 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 Biohazard Bags 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

Story continues

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 competitor's 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 Global Biohazard Bags Market, including Abdos Labtech Private Limited, Bel-Art - SP Scienceware, BioMedical Waste Solutions, LLC., Bioscience International, Clean Harbors, Inc., Cole-Parmer Instrument Company, LLC, Dana Poly Inc., Daniels Health, DELUXE SCIENTIFIC SURGICO PVT. LTD., Dynalab Corp., Heathrow Scientific., International Plastics Inc, Minigrip ltd., Stericycle, Suez S.A., Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Thomas Scientific, Transcendia Inc., Tufpak, Inc., and Veolia Environnement S.A.



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 Biohazard Bags Market?

2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Biohazard Bags Market during the forecast period?

3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Biohazard Bags Market?

4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Biohazard Bags Market?

5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Biohazard Bags Market?

6. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Global Biohazard Bags Market?

7. What modes and strategic moves are considered suitable for entering the Global Biohazard Bags 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 Dynamics

5.1. Introduction

5.2. Drivers

5.2.1. Awareness on advantages of appropriate waste management practices in healthcare sector

5.2.2. Rising number of hospital beds coupled with rise in patients in developing regions

5.2.3. National and international guidelines for proper collection and disposal of hospital waste

5.3. Restraints

5.3.1. Health hazards caused due to reduced awareness of medical waste

5.4. Opportunities

5.4.1. Increasing incidence of infectious diseases with rise in aging population in developed economies

5.4.2. Augmenting healthcare sector in developing regions

5.5. Challenges

5.5.1. Little or no training in medical waste disposal



6. Biohazard Bags Market, by Product Material

6.1. Introduction

6.2. Cellophane

6.3. HDPE

6.4. LDPE

6.5. Polypropylene



7. Biohazard Bags Market, by Application

7.1. Introduction

7.2. Chemical & Pharmaceutical

7.3. General Healthcare Waste

7.4. Highly infectious

7.5. Sharps



8. Biohazard Bags Market, by End-user

8.1. Introduction

8.2. Clinics

8.3. Diagnostic Laboratories

8.4. Hospitals

8.5. Pharmaceutical/Research Laboratories



9. Americas Biohazard Bags Market

9.1. Introduction

9.2. Argentina

9.3. Brazil

9.4. Canada

9.5. Mexico

9.6. United States



10. Asia-Pacific Biohazard Bags Market

10.1. Introduction

10.2. Australia

10.3. China

10.4. India

10.5. Indonesia

10.6. Japan

10.7. Malaysia

10.8. Philippines

10.9. Singapore

10.10. South Korea

10.11. Taiwan

10.12. Thailand



11. Europe, Middle East & Africa Biohazard Bags Market

11.1. Introduction

11.2. France

11.3. Germany

11.4. Italy

11.5. Netherlands

11.6. Qatar

11.7. Russia

11.8. Saudi Arabia

11.9. South Africa

11.10. Spain

11.11. United Arab Emirates

11.12. United Kingdom



12. Competitive Landscape

12.1. FPNV Positioning Matrix

12.1.1. Quadrants

12.1.2. Business Strategy

12.1.3. Product Satisfaction

12.2. Market Ranking Analysis

12.3. Market Share Analysis, by Key Player

12.4. Competitive Scenario

12.4.1. Merger & Acquisition

12.4.2. Agreement, Collaboration, & Partnership

12.4.3. New Product Launch & Enhancement

12.4.4. Investment & Funding

12.4.5. Award, Recognition, & Expansion



13. Company Usability Profiles

13.1. Abdos Labtech Private Limited

13.2. Bel-Art - SP Scienceware

13.3. BioMedical Waste Solutions, LLC.

13.4. Bioscience International

13.5. Clean Harbors, Inc.

13.6. Cole-Parmer Instrument Company, LLC

13.7. Dana Poly Inc.

13.8. Daniels Health

13.9. DELUXE SCIENTIFIC SURGICO PVT. LTD.

13.10. Dynalab Corp.

13.11. Heathrow Scientific.

13.12. International Plastics Inc.

13.13. Minigrip ltd.

13.14. Stericycle

13.15. Suez S.A.

13.16. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

13.17. Thomas Scientific

13.18. Transcendia Inc.

13.19. Tufpak, Inc.

13.20. Veolia Environnement S.A



14. Appendix



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/xb8g19

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com

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SOURCE Research and Markets
Ugwueke named CEO of Distinction; Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital care team receives COVID-19 Healthcare Hero award

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare President and CEO, Michael Ugwueke, DHA, FACHE, was honored with the THA CEO of Distinction Award, the organization's highest honor, recognizing exceptional leadership and service to the healthcare field in a Chief Executive's career.

(PRNewsfoto/Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare)

Ugwueke's honor is one of two of the THA's top awards Methodist received at the organization's Annual Meeting held this week in Franklin, Tenn.

With more than 30 years' experience in healthcare, Ugwueke began his career at MLH in 2007 as CEO of Methodist South Hospital. Two years later, he took on the dual role of CEO of Methodist North Hospital as well to his scope of responsibility. In 2013, Ugwueke was appointed chief operating officer for the MLH system before becoming president and CEO in 2017.

"Michael encourages an open and collaborative working relationship within the MLH workforce that includes 13,000 MLH Associates and 2,500 provider members of the MLH medical staff," said Richard Aycock, MD, gastroenterologist and medical staff representative of the MLH Board of Directors. "We share his goals of advancing healthcare quality and improving healthcare access for all. He leads by example, demonstrating across the MLH system the importance of being at our best, every day, for those we serve.

"Michael's commitment to transparency, communication and preparedness fosters a calm confidence across our team, especially as we continue to navigate this pandemic together," added Aycock.

The THA also honored pulmonologist Paul Deaton, MD, and registered nurses Callie Lillard and Hanan McNamee with Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital, with the COVID-19 Healthcare Hero Award for their work in caring for a severely ill pregnant patient during the early months of the pandemic.

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"It's a special calling to be a nurse or medical professional, maybe even more so now," said Aycock. "Throughout this pandemic, we continue to see shining examples of unparalleled courage and compassion. The COVID-19 Healthcare Hero award collectively recognizes three individuals for their unwavering dedication to overall patient care, one patient at a time."

The team of Deaton, Lillard and McNamee united together in the care of Susie Espinoza, who was admitted to the hospital in May 2020 with a severe COVID infection while she was 26 weeks pregnant. Days after she was admitted to the hospital, Espinoza was intubated and placed in a medically induced coma and remained that way for months as caregivers fought to save her life. At 32 weeks pregnant, Espinoza delivered her son, Brandon, by C-Section while still in a coma.

Throughout her hospitalization, the team stayed in constant contact with Espinoza's family and made sure to document Brandon's first weeks with photo collages they posted in her hospital room, giving her one more reason to stay strong. The team provided not only medical care but also placed priority on her emotional well-being, by continuing to talk with Espinoza even during her two-month coma.

"What took place during that time was nothing short of a miracle only by the grace of God and the caring hands of Dr. Deaton, Callie and Hanan," said Espinoza. "They are more than heroes to me. They are now my family."

Today, Espinoza is home with her family and is rebuilding her strength.

For a complete list of this year's THA award honorees, please visit THA.com.

About Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare:

Based in Memphis, Tennessee, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare has been caring for patients and families regardless of ability to pay for more than 100 years. Guided by roots in the United Methodist Church and founded in 1918 to help meet the growing need for quality healthcare in the greater Memphis area, MLH has grown from one hospital into a comprehensive healthcare system with 13,000 Associates supporting six hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, outpatient facilities, hospice residence and physician practices serving communities across the Mid-South. From transplants and advanced heart procedures to expert neurology services and compassionate cancer care, MLH offers clinical expertise with a focus on improving every life we touch.

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SOURCE Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
DUBLIN, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Norway Buy Now Pay Later Markets 2021-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Research and Markets Logo

According to the Q2 2021 BNPL Survey, BNPL payment in the country is expected to grow by 38.2% on annual basis to reach US$ 5805.2 million in 2021.

BNPL payment industry in Norway has recorded strong growth over the last four quarters, supported by increased ecommerce penetration along with impact of economic slowdown due to disruption caused by Covid-19 outbreak.

Medium to long term growth story of BNPL industry in Norway remains strong. The BNPL payment adoption is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period, recording a CAGR of 20.9% during 2021-2028. The BNPL Gross Merchandise Value in the country will increase from US$ 4200.0 million in 2020 to reach US$ 21973.2 million by 2028.

Reasons to buy

In-depth Understanding of Buy Now Pay Later Market Dynamics: Understand market opportunities and key trends along with forecast (2019-2028). Understand market dynamics through essential KPIs such as Gross Merchandise Value, Volume, and Average Value Per Transaction.

Insights into Opportunity by end-use sectors - Get market dynamics by end-use sectors to assess emerging opportunity across various end-use sectors.

Develop Market Specific Strategies: Identify growth segments and target specific opportunities to formulate BNPL strategy; assess market specific key trends, drivers, and risks in the BNPL industry.

Get Insights into Consumer Attitude and Behaviour: Drawing from proprietary survey results, this report identifies and interprets key Buy Now Pay Later KPIs, including spend by age, gender, and income level.

Market Share by Key Players

Scope

Norway BNPL Market Size and Spending Pattern

Gross Merchandise Value Trend Analysis

Average Value Per Transaction Trend Analysis

Transaction Volume Trend Analysis

Norway Buy Now Pay Later Market Share Analysis by Key Players

Klarna

Afterpay

Norway Buy Now Pay Later Spend Analysis by Channel: Market Size and Forecast

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Online Channel

POS Channel

Norway Buy Now Pay Later in Retail Shopping: Market Size and Forecast

Gross Merchandise Value Trend Analysis

Average Value Per Transaction Trend Analysis

Transaction Volume Trend Analysis

Norway Buy Now Pay Later in Home Improvement: Market Size and Forecast

Gross Merchandise Value Trend Analysis

Average Value Per Transaction Trend Analysis

Transaction Volume Trend Analysis

Norway Buy Now Pay Later in Leisure & Entertainment: Market Size and Forecast

Gross Merchandise Value Trend Analysis

Average Value Per Transaction Trend Analysis

Transaction Volume Trend Analysis

Norway Buy Now Pay Later in Healthcare and Wellness: Market Size and Forecast

Gross Merchandise Value Trend Analysis

Average Value Per Transaction Trend Analysis

Transaction Volume Trend Analysis

Norway Buy Now Pay Later in Education: Market Size and Forecast

Gross Merchandise Value Trend Analysis

Average Value Per Transaction Trend Analysis

Transaction Volume Trend Analysis

Norway Buy Now Pay Later in Automotive: Market Size and Forecast

Gross Merchandise Value Trend Analysis

Average Value Per Transaction Trend Analysis

Transaction Volume Trend Analysis

Norway Buy Now Pay Later Analysis by Consumer Attitude and Behaviour

Buy Now Pay Later Sales Uplift by Product Category

Buy Now Pay Later Spend Share by Age Group

Buy Now Pay Later Gross Merchandise Share by Income

Buy Now Pay Later Gross Merchandise Value Share by Gender

Buy Now Pay Later Adoption Rationale Gross Merchandise Value Analysis

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/v5pmul

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

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During the live demonstration the glass treated with C-Bond BRS will be shot multiple times with a handgun and an AR-15 rifle without the bullets penetrating the glass

HOUSTON, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- C-Bond Systems (the Company or C-Bond) (OTC: CBNT), a nanotechnology solutions company, today announced its Patriot Glass Solutions division will host a joint demonstration of C-Bond BRS (ballistic-resistant system) with its new distributor, Scottish Window Tinting, in Denver on October 21, 2021.



During the presentation, several pieces of glass treated with C-Bond BRS will be shot at multiple times with a 9 mm handgun and an AR-15 rifle without the bullets penetrating the glass. Upon successful demonstration of the full functionality and capabilities of C-Bond BRS, Patriot Glass Solutions expects to attract new customers in both the public and private sectors.

Interested attendees including media, legislators, architects, construction firms, school districts, and more should contact the Company at the email address below for more information and to gain access to the event.

Patriot Glass Solutions protects personal, commercial and government property from looting, rioting, break-ins, and gunfire. Its leading products are C-Bond BRS, a ballistic-resistant film system, and C-Bond Secure, a multi-purpose glass strengthening primer and window film mounting solution that deters forced entry, as well as other types of specialized window film including solar or green film, anti-eavesdropping film, graffiti control film, bird strike film, decorative film, and more.

C-Bond BRS is validated to provide NIJ Level I, Level IIA, Level II, and UL 752 ballistic-resistant protection by a third-party laboratory. It is installed at many schools and high-security facilities across the U.S.

C-Bonds glass strengthening technology is protected by 22 patents/patent-pending applications. The C-Bond solution increases the strength of the window glass unit, enabling the glass to dissipate higher energy by targeting and repairing the microscopic flaws and defects that are naturally distributed on the glass surface. These surface imperfections weaken the glass structure and initiate failures. C-Bond chemically bonds to the defects increasing both strength and flexibility.

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About C-Bond

C-Bond Systems, Inc. (OTC: CBNT) is a Houston-based nanotechnology company and marketer of the patented and patent-pending C-Bond technology, which is independently proven to strengthen glass in automotive and structural applications. The Companys Transportation Solutions Group sells C-Bond nanoShield, a liquid solution applied directly to automotive windshields, primarily through distributors. The Companys Patriot Glass Solutions sells ballistic-resistant glass solutions and forced entry deterrent solutions directly to private enterprises, schools, and government agencies, primarily through its majority-owned subsidiary, A1 Glass Coating. The Company also sells MB-10 Tablets, a disinfection product on EPAs List N. For more information, please visit our website: www.cbondsystems.com, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cbondsys/ and Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBondSys. If you are interested in attending the live demonstration of C-Bond BRS in Denver on October 21, 2021, please contact atomek@cbondsystems.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release about our future expectations, including the likelihood that during the presentation, several pieces of glass treated with C-Bond BRS will be shot at multiple times with a 9 mm handgun and an AR-15 rifle without the bullets penetrating the glass; the likelihood that upon successful demonstration of the full functionality and capabilities of C-Bond BRS, Patriot Glass Solutions expects to attract new customers in both the public and private sectors; constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and as that term is defined in the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time, and our actual results could differ materially from expected results. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the Companys ability to successfully commercialize its products; the effect of the COVID-19 global pandemic on the Companys and its customers ability to operate; the Companys and its customers ability to source materials; the Companys ability to raise capital; as well as other risks. Additional information about these and other factors may be described in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) including its Form 10-K filed on April 14, 2021, its Forms 10-Q filed on August 16, 2021, May 14, 2021, and November 16, 2020, and in future filings with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this statement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

Contact:

Allison Tomek

C-Bond Systems

6035 South Loop East

Houston, TX 77033

atomek@cbondsystems.com

Brokers and Analysts:

Chesapeake Group

410-825-3930

info@chesapeakegp.com




Average Time to Foreclose Nationwide Increases 11 Percent From a Year Ago; U.S. Foreclosure Starts Increase 67 Percent From a Year Ago

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ATTOM, licensor of the nation's most comprehensive foreclosure data and parent company to RealtyTrac ( www.realtytrac.com ), the largest online marketplace for foreclosure and distressed properties, released its Q3 2021 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, which shows there were a total of 45,517 U.S. properties with foreclosure filings  default notices, scheduled auctions or bank repossessions  up 34 percent from the previous quarter and 68 percent from a year ago.

Powering Innovation with Property Data (PRNewsfoto/ATTOM Data Solutions)

The report also shows there were a total of 19,609 U.S. properties with foreclosure filings in September 2021, up 24 percent from the previous month and up 102 percent from September 2020.

"Despite the increased level of foreclosure activity in September, we're still far below historically normal numbers," said Rick Sharga, executive vice president at RealtyTrac, an ATTOM company. "September foreclosure actions were almost 70 percent lower than they were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic in September of 2019, and Q3 foreclosure activity was 60 percent lower than the same quarter that year. Even with similar increases in foreclosures over the next few months, we'll end the year significantly below what we'd see in a normal housing market."

Foreclosure starts jump up nationwide

Lenders started the foreclosure process on 25,209 U.S. properties in Q3 2021, up 32 percent from the previous quarter and up 67 percent from a year ago  the first double digit quarterly percent increase since 2014.

U.S. Foreclosure Starts

States that posted the greatest number of foreclosure starts in Q3 2021, included California (3,434 foreclosure starts); Texas (2,827 foreclosure starts); Florida (2,546 foreclosure starts); New York (1,363 foreclosure starts); and Illinois (1,362 foreclosure starts).

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Among the 220 metropolitan statistical areas analyzed in the report those that posted the greatest number of foreclosure starts in Q3 2021, included New York, New York (1,456 foreclosure starts); Chicago, Illinois (1,122 foreclosure starts); Los Angeles, California (1,102 foreclosure starts); Miami, Florida (992 foreclosure starts); and Houston, Texas (866 foreclosure starts).

Counter to the national trend of quarterly increases, among those metropolitan areas with a population greater than one million that saw a decline in foreclosure starts in Q3 2021 were Charlotte, North Carolina (down 32 percent); Portland, Oregon (down 26 percent); Rochester, New York (down 17 percent); San Jose, California (down 13 percent); and Hartford, Connecticut (down 6 percent).

"So far the government and the mortgage industry have worked together to do an extraordinary job of preventing millions of unnecessary foreclosures using the foreclosure moratorium and mortgage forbearance program," Sharga added. "But there are hundreds of thousands of borrowers scheduled to exit forbearance in the next two months, and it's possible that we might see a higher percentage of those borrowers default on their loans."

Highest foreclosure rates in Nevada, Illinois and Delaware

Nationwide one in every 3,019 properties had a foreclosure filing in Q3 2021. States with the highest foreclosure rates in Q3 2021 were Nevada (one in every 1,463 housing units with a foreclosure filing); Illinois (one in every 1,465); Delaware (one in every 1,515); New Jersey (one in every 1,667); and Florida (one in every 1,743).

Among 220 metropolitan statistical areas analyzed in the report, those with the highest foreclosure rates in Q3 2021 were Atlantic City, New Jersey (one in every 709 housing units with a foreclosure filing); Peoria, Illinois (one in every 754); Bakersfield, CA (one in every 923); Cleveland, Ohio (one in every 936); and Las Vegas, Nevada (one in every 1,167).

Bank repossessions increase nationwide

Lenders repossessed 7,574 U.S. properties through foreclosure (REO) in Q3 2021, up 22 percent from the previous quarter and up 46 percent from a year ago the first quarterly increase since Q1 2016.

U.S. Completed Foreclosures (REOs)

States that posted the largest number of completed foreclosures in Q3 2021, included Illinois (965 REOs); Florida (564 REOs); Pennsylvania (480 REOs); Michigan (401 REOs); and New York (370 REOs).

Average time to foreclose increases 11 percent from last year

Properties foreclosed in Q3 2021 had been in the foreclosure process an average of 924 days, up slightly from 922 days in the previous quarter but up 11 percent from 830 days in Q3 2020.

Average Days to Complete Foreclosure

States with the longest average foreclosure timelines for homes foreclosed in Q3 2021 were Hawaii (2,070 days); Nevada (1,989 days); Kansas (1,901 days); New York (1,659 days); and Washington (1,611 days).

States with the shortest average foreclosure timelines for homes foreclosed in Q3 2021 were Montana (94 days); Wyoming (102 days); Mississippi (133 days); Missouri (213 days); and Virginia (272 days).

September 2021 Foreclosure Activity High-Level Takeaways

Nationwide in September 2021 one in every 7,008 properties had a foreclosure filing.

States with the highest foreclosure rates in September 2021 were Florida (one in every 3,276 housing units with a foreclosure filing); Illinois (one in every 3,508 housing units); Delaware (one in every 3,834 housing units); Nevada (one in every 4,009 housing units); and New Jersey (one in every 4,487 housing units).

10,289 U.S. properties started the foreclosure process in September 2021, up 23 percent from the previous month and up 106 percent from a year ago.

Lenders completed the foreclosure process on 2,682 U.S. properties in September 2021, up 8 percent from the previous month and up 33 percent from a year ago.

U.S. Foreclosure Market Data by State  Q3 2021

Rate Rank State Name Total Properties with Filings 1/every X HU (Foreclosure Rate) % Q2 2021 % Q3 2020

U.S. 45,517 3,019 34.02 68.48 14 Alabama 727 3,102 -7.87 64.00 23 Alaska 82 3,837 20.61 56.62 34 Arizona 556 5,402 36.21 92.68 39 Arkansas 237 5,782 31.39 62.96 9 California 6,111 2,320 112.35 143.92 42 Colorado 361 6,611 25.73 86.65 10 Connecticut 601 2,524 41.58 132.52 3 Delaware 286 1,515 52.94 188.89

District of Columbia 26 12,122 38.19 106.91 5 Florida 5,421 1,743 -0.56 20.04 16 Georgia 1,252 3,421 45.16 136.84 24 Hawaii 135 4,020 68.97 58.06 43 Idaho 98 7,384 40.14 107.43 2 Illinois 3,659 1,465 34.36 151.31 7 Indiana 1,435 2,012 21.85 28.46 12 Iowa 474 2,947 306.02 98.24 22 Kansas 337 3,778 -7.56 -33.73 40 Kentucky 330 6,012 6.32 16.26 20 Louisiana 572 3,601 2.93 1.44 17 Maine 211 3,520 60.81 27.38 11 Maryland 870 2,814 16.90 700.00 28 Massachusetts 664 4,363 108.23 226.10 30 Michigan 1,037 4,432 65.13 142.59 41 Minnesota 393 6,204 19.12 0.00 35 Mississippi 243 5,444 26.79 48.60 25 Missouri 691 4,038 9.68 25.93 47 Montana 34 15,005 -12.71 10.75 44 Nebraska 103 8,131 13.25 1,055.41 1 Nevada 855 1,463 31.03 67.65 36 New Hampshire 114 5,568 36.67 99.36 4 New Jersey 2,169 1,667 31.20 1.32 13 New Mexico 307 3,055 40.86 72.51 26 New York 2,058 4,044 21.87 30.47 19 North Carolina 1,293 3,579 55.56 180.00 46 North Dakota 28 13,324 24.19 82.32 6 Ohio 2,598 2,002 22.43 16.29 21 Oklahoma 464 3,732 -44.39 75.38 48 Oregon 114 15,517 16.42 23.68 31 Pennsylvania 1,269 4,486 9.68 21.43 32 Rhode Island 102 4,592 17.25 12.02 8 South Carolina 1,081 2,115 -19.05 88.89 50 South Dakota 17 22,857 104.97 48.52 27 Tennessee 701 4,228 54.26 39.19 18 Texas 3,076 3,556 67.39 48.08 33 Utah 231 4,706 158.33 675.00 45 Vermont 31 10,806 45.07 17.49 38 Virginia 618 5,686 69.23 252.56 37 Washington 550 5,648 -24.53 60.00 49 West Virginia 40 22,305 55.91 91.30 15 Wisconsin 792 3,402 34.04 85.29 29 Wyoming 63 4,394 -7.87 64.00

Report Methodology

The ATTOM U.S. Foreclosure Market Report provides a count of the total number of properties with at least one foreclosure filing entered into the ATTOM Data Warehouse during the month and quarter. Some foreclosure filings entered into the database during the quarter may have been recorded in the previous quarter. Data is collected from more than 3,000 counties nationwide, and those counties account for more than 99 percent of the U.S. population. ATTOM's report incorporates documents filed in all three phases of foreclosure: Default  Notice of Default (NOD) and Lis Pendens (LIS); Auction  Notice of Trustee Sale and Notice of Foreclosure Sale (NTS and NFS); and Real Estate Owned, or REO properties (that have been foreclosed on and repurchased by a bank). For the annual, midyear and quarterly reports, if more than one type of foreclosure document is received for a property during the timeframe, only the most recent filing is counted in the report. The annual, midyear, quarterly and monthly reports all check if the same type of document was filed against a property previously. If so, and if that previous filing occurred within the estimated foreclosure timeframe for the state where the property is located, the report does not count the property in the current year, quarter or month.

Interested in finding out more about our pre-foreclosure and foreclosure data?

Contact ATTOM for Foreclosure Data Licensing Details.

Visit RealtyTrac.com for Foreclosure Search and Listings.

About ATTOM

ATTOM provides foreclosure data licenses that can power various enterprise industries including real estate, insurance, marketing, government, mortgage and more. ATTOM multi-sources from 3,000 counties property tax, deed, mortgage, environmental risk, natural hazard, and neighborhood data for more than 155 million U.S. residential and commercial properties covering 99 percent of the nation's population.

About RealtyTrac (Powered by ATTOM's Property Data)

RealtyTrac.com is the largest online marketplace for foreclosure and distressed properties, helping individual investors and real estate agents looking to gain a competitive edge in the distressed market. Realtytrac.com enables real estate professionals the ability to find, analyze and invest in residential properties.

Media Contact:

Christine Stricker

949.748.8428

christine.stricker@attomdata.com

Data and Report Licensing:

949.502.8313

datareports@attomdata.com

Cision

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SOURCE ATTOM
MELBOURNE, Australia, October 14, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm, said: "The third quarter has demonstrated the resilience of our people in dealing with ongoing COVID-19 challenges. It has been another difficult quarter operationally and despite improving versus the prior quarter, we recognise the opportunity to raise our performance. We have consequently modestly adjusted our guidance.

"We are progressing against our four pillars and striving to make Rio Tinto even stronger, notably to become the best operator. This will ensure we continue to deliver attractive returns to shareholders, invest in sustaining and growing our portfolio, and make a broader contribution to society, particularly in relation to the drive to net-zero carbon emissions."

Production* Quarter 3

2021 vs Q3

2020 vs Q2

2021 9 months

2021 vs 9 mths

2020 Pilbara iron ore shipments (100% basis) (Mt) 83.4 +2% +9% 237.5 -2% Pilbara iron ore production (100% basis) (Mt) 83.3 -4% +10% 235.6 -5% Bauxite (Mt) 14.0 -3% +2% 41.2 -4% Aluminium (kt) 774 -3% -5% 2,393 +1% Mined copper (kt) 125.2 -3% +8% 361.2 -9% Titanium dioxide slag (kt) 209 -29% -30% 787 -7% IOC iron ore pellets & concentrate (Mt) 2.2 -8% -20% 7.2 -6% *Rio Tinto share unless otherwise stated

Q3 operational highlights and other key announcements

We continue to prioritise the safety of our people and communities as we learn to live with COVID-19. Our all injury frequency rate (AIFR) of 0.37 has seen an increase versus the third quarter of 2020 (0.35), but an improvement against the prior quarter (0.39).

We now expect Pilbara shipments to be 320 to 325 million tonnes (previously at the low end of 325 to 340 million tonnes) following modest delays to completion of the new greenfield mine at Gudai-Darri and the Robe Valley brownfield mine replacement project due to the tight labour market in Western Australia. Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) pellets and concentrate full year guidance has been reduced to 9.5 to 10.5 million tonnes (previously 10.5 to 12.0 million tonnes). Refined copper guidance has been reduced to 190 to 210 thousand tonnes (previously 210 to 250 thousand tonnes) due to an incident at the Kennecott smelter in September. We made small adjustments to bauxite and mined copper, and reintroduced guidance for titanium dioxide following resumption of operations at Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) in South Africa.

Pilbara shipments in the third quarter were 83.4 million tonnes (100% basis), 9% higher than the prior quarter and 2% higher than the third quarter of 2020. Pilbara iron ore production of 83.3 million tonnes (100% basis) was 4% lower than the third quarter of 2020 due to heritage management, brownfield mine replacement tie-ins and project completion delays. This also resulted in an increase of SP10 production in the third quarter that will continue into the fourth quarter.

Bauxite production of 14.0 million tonnes was 3% lower than the third quarter of 2020 due to equipment reliability issues and overruns on planned shutdowns at our Pacific operations.

Aluminium production of 0.8 million tonnes was 3% lower than the third quarter of 2020, due to strike action at the Kitimat smelter. On 2 October, we reached a new Collective Labour Agreement for our British Columbia operations, which includes the Kitimat smelter and the Kemano hydropower facility. The smelter will steadily ramp up following a period of reduced production due to industrial activity.

Mined copper production of 125.2 thousand tonnes was 3% lower than the third quarter of 2020 due to lower recoveries and throughput at Escondida as a result of the prolonged impact of COVID-19, partly offset by higher recovery and grade at Kennecott in Utah and improved performance and increased mill feed at Oyu Tolgoi.

On 22 July, we announced the approval of a $108 million investment to investigate the feasibility of an underground mine below the existing open pit at Kennecott. Infrastructure from previous underground projects will be extended to access the North Rim Skarn orebody, allowing for the development of crosscuts and further drilling of the resource. Potential underground mining would occur concurrently with open pit operations and result in increased copper output.

Titanium dioxide slag production of 209 thousand tonnes was 29% lower than the third quarter of 2020. On 24 August, RBM in South Africa resumed operations following stabilisation of the security situation, supported by the national and provincial government, as well as substantive engagement with host communities and their traditional authorities.

Production of pellets and concentrate at IOC was 8% lower than the third quarter of 2020 due to labour and equipment availability issues impacting product feed. The annual planned concentrator shutdown was completed in September.

At the Oyu Tolgoi underground project in Mongolia, as a result of COVID-19 impacts and outstanding non-technical undercut criteria, first sustainable production will be no earlier than January 2023 (previously October 2022), subject to the timing of commencement of the undercut. The full impact on the cost of the integrated project is subject to further analysis once we have clarity on the timeline around the completion of the undercut criteria and ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.

On 27 July, we committed funding of $2.4 billion to the Jadar lithium-borates project in Serbia, subject to receiving all relevant approvals, permits and licences and ongoing engagement with local communities, the Government of Serbia and civil society.

On 16 September, we made a statement regarding the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) issuing Rio Tinto Limited with penalty assessments in respect of the amended assessments issued on 2 March 2021 related to the denial of interest deductions on an isolated borrowing used to pay an intragroup dividend in 2015. We are confident of our position and have disputed the primary tax and penalty assessments. In accordance with the usual practice, we have paid 50% of the primary tax up-front as part of the objections process.

In the third quarter, we entered into three partnerships to progress our work to decarbonise our value chain. These include one with Komatsu to fast-track the development and implementation of zero-emission mining haulage solutions, one with Sumitomo Corporation to study the construction of a hydrogen pilot plant at our Yarwun alumina refinery in Gladstone, Queensland, and one with Caterpillar for the development of zero-emissions autonomous haul trucks for use at one of our Western Australian mining operations.

The full third quarter production results are available here

Story continues

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014006120/en/

Contacts

Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com

Media Relations, UK

Illtud Harri

M +44 7920 503 600

David Outhwaite

M +44 7787 597 493

Media Relations, Americas

Matthew Klar

T +1 514 608 4429

Media Relations, Australia

Jonathan Rose

M +61 447 028 913

Matt Chambers

M +61 433 525 739

Jesse Riseborough

M +61 436 653 412

Investor Relations, UK

Menno Sanderse

M: +44 7825 195 178

David Ovington

M +44 7920 010 978

Clare Peever

M +44 7788 967 877

Investor Relations, Australia

Natalie Worley

M +61 409 210 462

Amar Jambaa

M +61 472 865 948

Rio Tinto plc

6 St Jamess Square

London SW1Y 4AD

United Kingdom

T +44 20 7781 2000

Registered in England

No. 719885

Rio Tinto Limited

Level 7, 360 Collins Street

Melbourne 3000

Australia

T +61 3 9283 3333

Registered in Australia

ABN 96 004 458 404

riotinto.com

This announcement is authorised for release to the market by Steve Allen, Rio Tintos Group Company Secretary.

LEI: 213800YOEO5OQ72G2R82

Classification: 3.1 Additional regulated information required to be disclosed under the laws of a Member State

Category: General
Rajesh Bhat Among 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs at 2021 Builders + Innovators Summit

SAN FRANCISCO, October 14, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) is recognizing Rajesh Bhat, CEO and Co-Founder, Roostify as one of the 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs of 2021 at its Builders + Innovators Summit in Healdsburg, California. It is the second time that Mr. Bhat has been recognized with this award.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005741/en/

Rajesh Bhat, Co-Founder and CEO, Roostify (Photo: Business Wire)

Goldman Sachs selected Mr. Bhat as one of 100 entrepreneurs from multiple industries to be honored at the two-day event. Mr. Bhat is a proven innovator and technologist who had the vision to create an easier and more efficient way of securing a loan and purchasing a home. He created Roostify in 2012 to provide Americans with increased transparency, simplicity, and a better experience in the home lending process.

"On behalf of Roostify, Im incredibly thrilled and honoured to be recognized as part of this group of builders and innovators," says Rajesh Bhat, CEO and Co-Founder, Roostify. "Our goal has been to simplify the home lending process, and ultimately make buying a home a frictionless and enjoyable experience. Being recognized in this way is continued validation of our commitment to innovation and the vision of our passionate team."

"Innovation doesnt happen just anywhere; it thrives where theres a wide range of thoughts and perspectives," said David M. Solomon, Chairman & CEO of Goldman Sachs. "One of our great strengths is our ability to bring together people from different walks of life and to spark conversations today that will lead to breakthroughs tomorrow. The leaders weve chosen to highlight at our Builders + Innovators Summit are truly remarkable, and we are pleased to recognize Rajesh Bhat as one of this years most intriguing entrepreneurs."

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In addition to honoring 100 entrepreneurs, the summit consists of general sessions and clinics led by seasoned entrepreneurs, academics and business leaders as well as resident scholars.

About Roostify

Roostify was founded in 2012 to modernize and simplify the manual, inefficient mortgage process and create a more enjoyable experience for the customer and lender. Today, Roostify is helping lenders process more than $50 billion in loans each month, from large enterprise banks to thriving independent brokerages. We empower lenders to accelerate and simplify the lending process to help lenders and customers alike unlock more of lifes big moments.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005741/en/

Contacts

Adam Bernards

Roostify@fullyvested.com

416-322-2863
There is an imbalance between demand and supply of general insurance due to the tedious workflow and processes that insurance intermediaries and insurance companies face.

Singaporean insurtech company Surer, which automates the workflow and processes via a cloud-based platform, helps insurance intermediaries get rapid access to insurance quotations and insurers to distribute their products more efficiently. By digitalizing the insurance work for insurers and intermediaries, its platform enables them to save time, focus on their clients and scale their business.

Surer was launched in September 2020 by Gordon Tay, Renfred Tay and Derren Teo with a mission to solve the enormous mismatch in demand and supply in a $1.7 trillion general insurance industry.

The company has raised a $1 million seed round to enhance its platform and scale in Asia. Norwegian investor Kistefos, Markel Digital Investment and an angel investor participated in the latest round. Antler joined in its previous funding.

In June 2021, Surer added a new feature, the Instant Quote Marketplace, which allows users to get quotations automatically and instantaneously.

The company is currently operating its service in Singapore, but plans to enter other markets like Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Gordon Tay said.

We are focusing on building a digital ecosystem that serves for parties creating (the insurers) and distributing (the intermediaries) insurance products, and we run a B2B2C model, co-founder Gordon Tay said. It is opposed to many other insurtech companies that operate an aggregator model, going direct to the consumer (B2C), he added.

Surer claims that it has seen strong traction with more than 350 intermediary signups and demo requests. Approximately $1 million in gross written premiums (GWP) was transacted, and the company expects to generate $1.5 million in GWP transactions by the end of this year.

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Asias general insurance market is about $564 billion, and Singapore has approximately $2.9 billion, Gordon Tay mentioned.

Similar models to Surer outside of Southeast Asia include WeFox in Europe and Turtlemint in India, which have proven successful, Gordon Tay noted.

There are other insurtech players like online brokers -- including Singapores MoneySmart and PolicyPal, and Indias PolicyBazaar and Indonesias PasarPolis, and Malaysias PolicyStreet -- which are not Surers competitors but can be partners. The online brokers create products underwritten by the insurers and then sell them directly to consumers through their online platform. They can list their products on Surers platform (the Instant Quote Marketplace) and leverage the Surer intermediary force as an additional distribution channel (in addition to their online channel), Tay explained.

Kistefos has a strong investment portfolio in Norway and Europe, including companies delivering financial services. We see huge potential in Asian markets, and Surer has shown the ability to capitalize on the trend of digital transformation in the insurance industry in the region, Bengt Rem, CEO of Kistefos, said.
Beethoven was commissioned in 1817 to write two symphonies: he completed his Ninth Symphony in 1824, but the 10th remained in its early stages at the time of his death three years later (Crice Denyer/CC BY)

Ludwig van Beethoven died in 1827, three years after completing his Ninth Symphony, which many consider his masterpiece. He had started to work on a 10th Symphony, but the deterioration of his state of health did not allow him to complete this project, which remained in the draft stage.

Since then, musicologists and Beethoven lovers have wondered  and lament not knowing  what this symphony could have become. Now, thanks to the work of a team of music historians, musicologists, composers and computer engineers, Beethovens vision has come to life.

Responsible for the artificial intelligence (AI) side of the project, I led a scientific team from the AI start-up Playform that taught a machine Beethovens entire body of work and his creative process.

A full recording of his 10th Symphony was released on 9 October 2021, and was performed on stage for the first time in Bonn, Germany, crowning more than two years of effort.

Past attempts hit a wall

To create something that Beethoven could have written, the AI had to know all of the composers work (Hulton Fine Art Collection / Getty Images)

Around 1817, the Royal Philharmonic Society in London commissioned Beethoven to write his Ninth and 10th Symphonies. Written for an orchestra, symphonies have four movements: the first is played at a fast tempo, the second at a slower tempo, the third at a moderate or fast tempo, and the last at a fast tempo.

In 1824, Beethoven completed his Ninth Symphony, which concludes with the timeless Ode to Joy.

When it came to the 10th Symphony, however, the composer left little behind, other than some musical notes and a handful of ideas he had jotted down.

There have been some past attempts to reconstruct parts of Beethovens 10th Symphony. Most famously, in 1988, the musicologist Barry Cooper ventured to complete the first and second movements. He wove together 250 bars of music from the sketches to create what was, in his view, a production of the first movement that was faithful to Beethovens vision.

Yet the sparseness of Beethovens sketches made it impossible for symphony experts to go beyond that first movement.

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Assembling the team

In early 2019, I was contacted by Dr Matthias Roeder, the director of the Karajan Institute, an organisation in Salzburg, Austria, that aims to promote the links between music and technology.

He explained that he was putting together a team to complete Beethovens 10th Symphony in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the composers birth. Aware of my work on AI-generated art, he wanted to know if AI could help fill in the blanks left by Beethoven.

The challenge seemed daunting. To pull it off, AI would need to do something it had never done before. But I replied that I was ready to give it a try.

Roeder then formed a team that included the Austrian composer Walter Werzowa. Famous for writing Intels signature jingle, Werzowa was tasked with putting together a new kind of composition that would integrate what Beethoven left behind with what the AI would generate.

A page of Beethoven's notes for his planned 10th Symphony (Beethoven House Museum , CC BY-SA)

Mark Gotham, a computational music expert, led the effort to transcribe Beethovens sketches and process his entire body of work so the AI could be properly trained.

The team also included Robert Levin, a musicologist at Harvard University who also happens to be an incredible pianist. Levin had previously finished a number of incomplete 18th-century works by Mozart and Johann Sebastian Bach.

The project takes shape

In June 2019, the group gathered for a two-day workshop at Harvards music library. In a large room with a piano, a blackboard and a stack of Beethovens sketchbooks spanning most of his known works, we talked about how fragments could be turned into a complete piece of music and how AI could help solve this puzzle, while still remaining faithful to Beethovens process and vision.

The music experts in the room were eager to learn more about the sort of music AI had created in the past. I told them how AI had successfully generated music in the style of Bach. However, this was only a harmonisation of an inputted melody that sounded like Bach. It didnt come close to what we needed to do: construct an entire symphony from a handful of phrases.

Meanwhile, the scientists in the room  myself included  wanted to learn about what sort of materials were available, and how the experts envisioned using them to complete the symphony.

At every point, Beethovens genius loomed, challenging us to do better. As the project evolved, the AI did as well

The task at hand eventually crystallised. We would need to use notes and completed compositions from Beethovens entire body of work  along with the available sketches from the 10th Symphony  to create something that Beethoven himself might have written.

This was a tremendous challenge. We didnt have a machine that we could feed sketches to, push a button and have it spit out a symphony. Most AI available at the time couldnt continue an uncompleted piece of music beyond a few additional seconds.

We would need to push the boundaries of what creative AI could do by teaching the machine Beethovens creative process  how he would take a few bars of music and painstakingly develop them into stirring symphonies, quartets and sonatas.

Piecing together Beethovens creative process

As the project progressed, the human side and the machine side of the collaboration evolved. Werzowa, Gotham, Levin, and Roeder deciphered and transcribed the sketches from the 10th Symphony, trying to understand Beethovens intentions. Using his completed symphonies as a template, they attempted to piece together the puzzle of where the fragments of sketches should go  which movement, which part of the movement.

They had to make decisions, such as determining whether a sketch indicated the starting point of a scherzo, which is a very lively part of the symphony, typically in the third movement. Or they might determine that a line of music was likely the basis of a fugue, which is a melody created by interweaving parts that all echo a central theme.

The AI side of the project  my side  found itself grappling with a range of challenging tasks.

First, and most fundamentally, we needed to figure out how to take a short phrase, or even just a motif, and use it to develop a longer, more complicated musical structure, just as Beethoven would have done. For example, the machine had to learn how Beethoven constructed the Fifth Symphony out of a basic four-note motif.

One of the music experts said the AI reminded him of an eager music student who practices every day, learns, and becomes better and better

Next, because the continuation of a phrase also needs to follow a certain musical form, whether its a scherzo, trio or fugue, the AI needed to learn Beethovens process for developing these forms.

The to-do list grew: we had to teach the AI how to take a melodic line and harmonise it. The AI needed to learn how to bridge two sections of music together. And we realised the AI had to be able to compose a coda, which is a segment that brings a section of a piece of music to its conclusion.

Finally, once we had a full composition, the AI was going to have to figure out how to orchestrate it, which involves assigning different instruments for different parts.

And it had to pull off these tasks in the way Beethoven might have done.

Passing the first big test

In November 2019, the team met in person again  this time at the Beethoven House Museum, in Bonn, where the composer was born and raised.

This meeting was the litmus test for determining whether AI could complete this project. We printed musical scores that had been developed by AI and built off the sketches from Beethovens 10th. A pianist performed in a small concert hall in the museum before a group of journalists, music scholars and Beethoven experts.

We challenged the audience to determine where Beethoven's phrases ended and where the AI extrapolation began. They couldnt.

Journalists and musicians gather to hear a pianist play excerpts from the piece (Ahmed Elgammal/CC BY-SA)

A few days later, one of these AI-generated scores was played by a string quartet at a news conference. Only those who intimately knew Beethovens sketches for the 10th Symphony could determine when the AI-generated parts came in.

The success of these tests told us we were on the right track. But these were just a couple of minutes of music. There was still much more work to do.

Ready for the world

At every point, Beethovens genius loomed, challenging us to do better. As the project evolved, the AI did as well. Over the ensuing 18 months, we constructed and orchestrated two entire movements of more than 20 minutes apiece.

We anticipate some pushback to this work  those who will say that the arts should be off-limits from AI, and that AI has no business trying to replicate the human creative process. Yet when it comes to the arts, I see AI not as a replacement, but as a tool  one that opens doors for artists to express themselves in new ways.

This project would not have been possible without the expertise of human historians and musicians. It took an immense amount of work  and, yes, creative thinking  to accomplish this goal.

At one point, one of the music experts on the team said that the AI reminded him of an eager music student who practices every day, learns, and becomes better and better.

Now that student, having taken the baton from Beethoven, has presented the 10th Symphony to the world.

Ahmed Elgammal is a professor and the director of the Art & AI Lab at Rutgers University. This article first appeared on The Conversation .

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Dyke system expanded: 2.2 km-long by 0.85 km-wide

Fine-grained spodumene identified in several new areas

Dyke system is wide open for expansion

ST. JOHNS, Newfoundland and Labrador, October 14, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sokoman Minerals Corp. ("Sokoman") (TSXV: SIC) (OTCQB: SICNF) and Benton Resources Inc. ("Benton") (TSXV: BEX) (jointly "the Alliance") are pleased to announce that prospecting has expanded the area containing lithium-bearing pegmatite dykes, now known as "The Kraken Pegmatite Swarm", to an area measuring approximately 2.2 km-long by 0.85 km-wide. In the past two weeks, the Alliance has focused their prospecting to the east of the original discovery and now have identified multiple areas of spodumene-bearing pegmatites dykes ranging from 0.5 m to 10.0 m in thickness from possible stacked swarms striking approximately 50 degrees and dipping 45-65 degrees east with unknown strike length. A total of 55 samples were collected over the eastern-half of the swarm area and assay results are expected within the next few weeks. All samples were submitted to Actlabs in Ancaster, Ontario for analysis by Sodium Peroxide Fusion ICPOES + ICPMS.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005177/en/

Golden Hope Project: Kracken Pegmatite Swarm Sampling and Proposed Drone Survey

The Alliance also received further assays from a second phase of sampling collected from a till covered area, west of the original discovery, with samples of sub-crops and large local boulders returning anomalous results of rubidium, tantalum and lithium. One sample of a large, angular, purple pegmatite boulder located 600 m west of the original lithium zone graded 1.04% Li 2 O. The sampling has demonstrated that the dyke system contains economic grades of lithium, is widespread, and open along strike.

The Alliance is planning detailed geological mapping and a high-resolution drone survey that will include imagery, lidar and magnetic datasets to assist in the mapping and targeting the dyke system for drilling which will commence shortly. The companies have already completed a 5,709 line-km Heliborne High-Resolution Aeromagnetic & Matrix Digital VLF-EM Survey flown by Terraquest Ltd. with the final data currently being processed. The survey will provide the structural / lithological setting and help identify gold-bearing structure extensions, as well as any unrecognized structures including those potentially related to the lithium-bearing pegmatites.

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Bentons President and CEO, Stephen Stares, states: "The Alliance has discovered and released high-grade results up to 2.37% Li 2 O which is the first of its kind in Newfoundland. As the Alliance continues to advance the lithium potential, its quickly becoming evident that the Kraken dyke system is a large, highly-evolved, pegmatite field similar to the geological environment and setting of other large systems in the Appalachian belt, including the important deposits held by Piedmont Lithium Inc in the Carolinas, eastern US, as well as in the geologically equivalent Avalonia Project being advanced by Ganfeng Lithium in the Caledonides of Ireland."

QP

This news release has been reviewed and approved by Timothy Froude, P.Geo., President and CEO of Sokoman Minerals Corp., and Nathan Sims, P.Geo., Senior Exploration Manager for Benton Resources Inc., both the 'Qualified Person' under National Instrument 43-101.

COVID-19 Protocols

To ensure a working environment that protects the health and safety of the staff and contractors, Sokoman and Benton are operating under federally and provincially mandated and recommended guidelines during the current COVID-19 alert level.

About Sokoman Minerals Corp.

Sokoman Minerals Corp. is a discovery-oriented company with projects in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The companys primary focus is its portfolio of gold projects: flagship, 100%-owned Moosehead, Crippleback Lake (optioned to Trans Canada Gold Corp.) and East Alder (optioned to Canterra Minerals Corporation) along the Central Newfoundland Gold Belt, and the district-scale Fleur de Lys project in northwestern Newfoundland, which is targeting Dalradian-type orogenic gold mineralization similar to the Curraghinalt and Cavanacaw deposits in Northern Ireland, and Cononish in Scotland. The company also recently entered into a strategic alliance with Benton Resources Inc. through three large-scale joint venture properties including Grey River, Golden Hope and Kepenkeck in Newfoundland. Sokoman now controls independently and through the Benton alliance over 150,000 hectares (>6,000 claims  1,500 sq. km), making it one of the largest landholders in Newfoundland, Canadas newest and rapidly-emerging gold districts. The company also retains an interest in an early-stage antimony / gold project (Startrek) in Newfoundland, optioned to White Metal Resources Inc., and in Labrador, the company has a 100% interest in the Iron Horse (Fe) project that has Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) potential.

Mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the companys property.

About Benton Resources Inc.

Benton Resources Inc. is a well-funded mineral exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol BEX. Following a project generation business model, Benton has a diversified, highly-prospective property portfolio in Gold, Silver, Nickel, Copper, and Platinum Group Elements and currently holds large equity positions in other mining companies that are advancing high-quality assets. Whenever possible, BEX retains Net Smelter Return (NSR) royalties for potential long-term cash flow. Benton has also recently entered into a 50/50 strategic alliance with Sokoman Minerals Corp. (TSXV: SIC) through three large-scale joint venture properties including Grey River, Golden Hope and Kepenkeck in Newfoundland that are now being explored.

THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements."

Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Alliances expectations; risks related to gold price and other commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Alliances prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Alliances disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Alliance does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Alliance's expectations or projections.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005177/en/

Contacts

CHF Capital Markets

Cathy Hume, CEO

Phone: 416-868-1079 x251

Email: cathy@chfir.com



Sokoman Minerals

Timothy Froude, P.Geo., President & CEO

Phone: 709-765-1726

Email: tim@sokomanmineralscorp.com



Benton Resources

Stephen Stares, President & CEO

Phone: 807-475-7474

Email: sstares@bentonresources.ca



Website: www.sokomanmineralscorp.com, www.bentonresources.ca,

Twitter: @SokomanMinerals, @BentonResources

Facebook: @SokomanMinerals, @BentonResourcesBEX

LinkedIn: @SokomanMinerals, @BentonResources
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

Stellantis adds Detroit-based Ignition Media Group to its marketing/media agency roster.

Ignition Media Group, based in Detroit, joins Stellantis' marketing partner roster

Stellantis engages Ignition's Soundcheck practice, serving as a sounding board and multi-cultural thought partner

Alliance builds upon Stellantis' commitment to developing marketing messages that are representative of its multi-brand portfolio and customer base

Today, Stellantis announced the addition of Ignition Media Group to the company's media and marketing agency roster. Ignition Media Group, through its Soundcheck practice, will serve as a sounding board and multicultural thought partner to assist in shaping and fortifying Stellantis' media and marketing strategies across the company's robust multi-brand portfolio. Ignition Media Group is based in Detroit, Michigan.



"The addition of Ignition Media Group to our strategic marketing partner roster will help us provide a smarter, more comprehensive and cohesive approach to our media and marketing strategies, providing us with more candid assessments to consumer-facing work overall," said Marissa Hunter, vice president of marketing, Stellantis North America. "Through this newly formed alliance with Ignition Media Group, our commitment to minority-owned economic empowerment also continues to evolve and take shape, ensuring that we are both audience aware and culturally inclusive across our multi-brand portfolio."



"We are ecstatic to be working with Stellantis and to join them on their path toward ensuring their marketing messaging is representative of their current and desired consumer base," said Dennis Archer, Jr., CEO of Ignition Media Group. "The Stellantis leadership is adamant about making certain talent attraction, marketing and advertising creative, and philanthropic strategies are reflective of an evolving domestic and global marketplace. The makeup of our team, to include advertising, consulting and philanthropic professionals, aligns well with their goals, and we look forward to working with them and alongside their agency and other external partners."



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"As we continue to strengthen our corporate diversity, inclusion and engagement strategies, our newly formed partnership with Ignition Media Group will help play a significant role in these efforts," said Lottie Holland, director  diversity, inclusion, engagement and EEO compliance, Stellantis North America. "Our commitment to creating a diverse network of partners across all facets of our business, representing our workforce, our customers and our community, is a critical building block in shaping our collective future."



Ignition Media Group will focus on the Stellantis' North America brands, including Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, Jeep and Ram.



Ignition Media Group

Founded in 1998 by Dennis Archer, Jr., Ignition Media Group (Ignition) is an African American-owned boutique marketing and consulting firm headquartered in Detroit. We make it our mission to become deeply immersed in our clients' fields and to identify the most hard-hitting and effective opportunities for them to tell their stories and achieve their business objectives. For more information, visit www.ignitionmediagroup.com.



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

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SOURCE Stellantis
Energy Brokerage Firm Establishes London Presence

HOUSTON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Atlas Commodities ("Atlas"), a Houston-based full-service commodities brokerage boutique firm specializing in all energies, including power, natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGL), and crude oil/products, plans to expand client opportunities by establishing its European presence with the addition of Tony Timmings, a broker based in London, England, United Kingdom.

European NGL Broker Tony Timmings Joins Atlas Commodities LLC

"We're thrilled to announce we're expanding our brokerage operations internationally. The timing couldn't be better."

According to Adam Lewis, president of Atlas, "We're thrilled to announce we're expanding our brokerage operations internationally. The timing couldn't be better to have Tony join TJ James, head of the NGL desk and broker Chris Wielgus for clients in Europe and the United States to leverage his international presence. The continued support for global NGL prices is being led by Brent crude and the rest of the energy complex. Hence why we are delighted to have Tony join our team." Wielgus added, "Historically low inventories, high exports, and lower production from recent outages have created a longer-term bullish environment. We have seen higher volatility and with that, the ensuing mania has only underscored the fragile global ecosystem that defines the modern NGL landscape and the importance of having proper global coverage."

"I am very excited to be joining Atlas Commodities and really look forward to providing clients with a wider global audience; especially at this time when I can be of most service to meet the demands of our portfolio of clients. I trust we will be able to deliver higher liquidity for European clients, and faster performance for the traders in the United States. As a team, we bring over 20 years of experience in the NGL markets and a very dedicated approach to accurate price discovery," stated Timmings.

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Timmings started his career at Charles Schwab Europe as a stockbroker during the dot-com boom before moving on to work for Traders Knight Securities. He moved into the commodity markets, brokering tanker FFAs (forward freight agreements) at shipbroker SSY Futures LTD. He went on to work for GFI Group and Tullett Prebon in the same marketplace, gaining over ten years in the tanker freight market. Tony arrives from OTC Europe LLP, where he has spent nearly a decade in natural gas liquids, brokering swaps and options.

Craig Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Iapetus Holdings LLC, Atlas' parent company, stated, "Our shop's talented group of brokers is set up to leverage volatility in the energy markets and see continued growth. Adam Lewis, president of ACL, has been a valuable addition to the team. Under his leadership, we're continuing to grow abroad by onboarding Tony. Our boutique firm continues to deliver on the promise to provide outstanding service to our clients and meet their trading needs, and this international expansion is proof of it."

Atlas is a full-service commodity brokerage firm providing portfolio diversification and the ability to hedge production and consumption against price fluctuations. The Atlas team facilitates trading for institutional buyers, sellers, producers, processors, and end-users in all energies, including power, natural gas, and crude oil. TJ James is the firm's NGL desk lead. Taylor founded Atlas in 2006 after his tenure as a natural gas options broker, as well as a NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange) and over-the-counter market trader.

About Iapetus Holdings

Iapetus Holdings, LLC, is a privately held, minority and veteran-owned portfolio of energy and utility services businesses and alternative investments. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Iapetus brings an entrepreneurial, forward-thinking approach and a deep bench of experienced individuals with diverse backgrounds in finance, energy, safety, risk management, marketing, human resources, and various other spectrums. The Iapetus suite is a multimillion-dollar portfolio with offices throughout the U.S., efficiently structured to deliver optimum results for clients. The operating companies include Atlas Commodities, Atlas Field Services, Atlas Retail Energy, Soaring Eagle Technologies, Gold Coast Utility Specialists, and Hyperion Safety Environmental Solutions. Iapetus is the proud sponsor of a 501c3 non-profit, Atlas Scholars. For more information, visit iapetusllc.com.

Contact: Sally Lechin 832-385-9806

media@iapetusllc.com

#InternationalEnergyTrading #NGLTrading #LPGTrading #InternationalEnergyBroker

Iapetus Holdings LLC logo (PRNewsfoto/Iapetus Holdings)

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SOURCE Iapetus Holdings
NEWARK, N.Y., Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ultralife Corporation (NASDAQ: ULBI) will report its third quarter results for the period ended September 30, 2021, before the market opens on Thursday, October 28, 2021.

Ultralifes Management will also host an investor conference call and simultaneous webcast at 8:30 AM ET on October 28, 2021. To participate in the live call, please dial (800) 915-4836 at least ten minutes before the scheduled start time, identify yourself and ask for the Ultralife call. A live webcast of the conference call will be available to investors in the Events & Presentations Section of the Companys website at http://investor.ultralifecorporation.com. For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, a replay of the webcast will be available shortly after the call at the same location.

About Ultralife Corporation

Ultralife Corporation serves its markets with products and services ranging from power solutions to communications and electronics systems. Through its engineering and collaborative approach to problem solving, Ultralife serves government, defense and commercial customers across the globe.

Headquartered in Newark, New York, the Company's business segments include: Battery & Energy Products and Communications Systems. Ultralife has operations in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit http://www.ultralifecorporation.com.

Company Contact:

Ultralife Corporation

Philip A. Fain

(315) 210-6110

pfain@ulbi.com Investor Relations Contact:

LHA

Jody Burfening

(212) 838-3777

jburfening@lhai.com




DES MOINES  The United Auto Workers has called a strike of Deere & Co. for the first time in 35 years.

After negotiating with the Moline, Illinois-based agricultural and construction equipment manufacturer for two months, the union announced just after midnight that its 10,100 members in Iowa, Illinois and Kansas would go on strike and begin picketing outside of Deeres plants.

Our members at John Deere strike for the ability to earn a decent living, retire with dignity and establish fair work rules, UAW International Vice President Chuck Browning said in a statement. We stay committed to bargaining until our members goals are achieved.

Brad Morris, Deere vice president of labor relations, said in a statement that we are determined to reach an agreement with the UAW that would put every employee in a better economic position and continue to make them the highest paid employees in the agriculture and construction industries."

Workers strike: Kellogg food workers across US launch rare strike

UAW Local 838, which represents about 3,000 workers in Waterloo, the companys largest plant, posted Thursday morning on Facebook that members will report for strike duty at 7 a.m. Local 450, which represents about 850 workers at Deere's Des Moines Works in Ankeny, posted a strike schedule on Wednesday afternoon, informing employees that they would begin picketing at midnight Wednesday if Deere and UAW didnt reach an agreement.

Meanwhile, Deere posted on its website that employees and others will be in the companys factories every day to continue production. The strike comes as Deere is struggling to keep up with demand.

The UAW first gave the company a strike deadline after 90% of employees voted against a six-year labor pact on Sunday.

Strike preparations began even as talks continued between both sides Wednesday. Workers said Deere told them not to come in for second shifts in Ankeny and Ottumwa. They said the company also told employees not to report for work at its Waterloo plant after 11 p.m.

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Deere is one of Iowa's largest industrial employers, with about 6,600 UAW-represented workers.

Labor shortages: Labor shortage leaves union workers feeling more emboldened

Employees removed locks from their toolboxes before leaving Wednesday, and managers read talking points to their employees, advising them that the contract they rejected would have paid them well. Deere salaried employees erected barricades outside the Ankeny plant Wednesday afternoon, preventing access to the campus.

Outside of John Deere's Ankeny location on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021.

Workers plan to picket Deere around the clock until the two sides reach a contract. The UAW will provide members $275 a week in strike pay as long as the strike continues.

The strike comes after Deere's factory employees worked through the height of the pandemic, even as some other manufacturers temporarily shut down.

In May, company managers told the Des Moines Register that they were struggling to hire enough workers. Based on the company's recent pace of production, executives told analysts in August that Deere had already booked all of its possible orders for some agricultural and construction machinery through the end of next fiscal year, in November 2022.

'I joined as soon as I was hired': Black, Hispanic workers benefit from unions, study shows

Deere is making more money than it ever has. Executives project that the company will turn a $5.7-$5.9 billion profit this year, beating its previous record year by at least 63%.

CEO John May received $15.6 million in 2020, up 160% from the $6 million he earned in 2019. Much of his extra pay came in company stock and bonuses for Deere's financial performance.

The contract that members rejected Sunday would have increased wages by 5% or 6%, compared to what the workers made earlier this year. Deere promised 3% pay bumps in 2023 and 2025, as well as higher monthly payments for retired workers on the company's pension plan. But the company would have ended the pension plan for new employees hired after Nov. 1.

The last strike of Deere, in 1986, lasted for 163 days.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: John Deere workers on strike; UAW members to picket outside plants
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Veterans and Military Families for Progress ("VMFP") is gravely concerned about one aspect of the withdrawal from Afghanistan that is not receiving much attention publicly from government officials or the media: The psychological effects of the pullout on veterans' mental health.

(PRNewsfoto/Veterans and Military Families for Progress)

Veterans and Military Families express concerns over mental health after Afghanistan withdrawal.

Whether or not the withdrawal is appropriate is not at issue here. VMFP is aware that the pullout as an action by itself has the capacity to trigger deep emotions that require support and assistance for veterans to navigate. Veterans are reporting feelings of confusion and distress as to the value of their service in the theater. VMFP is concerned that veterans are at greater risk of depression and potentially self-harm as a result. No veteran should be saddled with such feelings of self-doubt after serving their country honorably and at the American people's direction.

This mental health crisis has rippling effects. It impacts the loved ones of those who have served. Imagine having lost a family member in this conflict and then struggling with thoughts that their loss was in vain. Sadly, too often care for others tangentially effected by a loved one's service remains outside the reach of existing institutions. It is our strong belief that by at least addressing the issue where possible, others who are impacted may well experience a degree of consolation.

A related aspect of the pullout further complicates the situation. The potential for non-Americans who assisted veterans in performing their duties to be left behind adds to the emotional distress. Veterans may experience profound feelings of guilt for any harm done to friendly individuals who cooperated and assisted in the mission. This too is unacceptable on several different levels. It is simply wrong and immoral to endanger individuals who put themselves at risk to assist the United States. Veterans should not have the added burden of concern for individuals in whom they placed their trust and safety during their tour of duty. Abandonment of these individuals sets a horrible precedent for future conflicts as it will inevitably discourage future cooperation and endanger both the mission and the safety of U.S. servicemen and missions.

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VMFP strongly encourages all relevant government agencies and veterans service organizations to immediately implement the following:

Direct financial resources and social services to assist veterans in coping with psychological issues associated with the pullout.

Demand that government officials provide for the well-being of non-Americans who assisted American servicemen and women in their service, whether they are at the airport in Kabul or in the rural areas.

Media Contact: Matthew Cary, mattcaryindc@gmail.com

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SOURCE Veterans and Military Families for Progress
TORONTO, Oct. 14, 2021 /CNW/ - West Red Lake Gold Mines Inc. ("West Red Lake Gold" or the "Company") (CSE: RLG) (OTCQB: RLGMF) (FSE: HYK) announces that it intersected 77.87 grams per tonne gold ("gpt Au") over 1.9 metres ("m") at the Rowan Mine. Drilling targeted gold zones over a 200 m strike length in the area of the Rowan Mine Shaft on the West Red Lake Project, located in the prolific Red Lake Gold District of Northwestern Ontario.

West Red Lake Gold Mines Inc. logo (CNW Group/West Red Lake Gold Mines Inc.)

The Company's surface drill program at the Rowan Mine was designed to test near surface gold mineralization for a potential surface bulk sample.

Drill Highlights Include:

77.87 gpt Au over 1.9m at 42m below surface from hole RLG 21-098

including 160.20 gpt Au over 0.6m at 42m below surface

7.48 gpt Au over 0.9m at 13m below surface from RLG 21-097

2.74 gpt Au over 2.0m at 6m below surface from RLG 21-100

3.70 gpt Au over 1.5m at 14m below surface from RLG 21-104

4.84 gpt Au over 1.5m at 32m below surface from RLG 21-109

1.26 gpt Au over 4.5m at 20m below surface from RLG 21-110

1.52 gpt Au over 7.5m at 32m below surface from RLG 21-111

2.86 gpt Au over 3.0m at 17m below surface from RLG 21-112

2.98 gpt Au over 4.2m at 150m below surface from RLG 21-113

3.96 gpt Au over 4.5m at 170m below surface from RLG 21-114

(Please refer to our website - www.westredlakegold.com - for a full drill results table)

West Red Lake Gold completed 3,669 m of diamond drilling in twenty holes, including nineteen holes along a 200 m portion of the Rowan Gold Zones near the Rowan Mine Shaft, plus one hole in the northeastern portion of the NT Zone. The drill program at the Rowan Mine was designed to test near surface gold mineralization which could be suitable for a surface bulk sample.

A program of surface channel sampling was performed subsequent to the drill program. Assay results for the channel samples are pending and it is anticipated that they will be released in the coming weeks. The surface samples were designed to further test for near surface gold mineralization for a potential bulk sample location within the 200 m long area that was drilled at shallow depth.

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A program of surface channel sampling was also undertaken on the southern portion of the NT Zone. Assay results for these samples are also pending and are anticipated to be released in the coming weeks.

Exploration drilling is next planned at the NT Zone to target the Porphyry Hill Zone situated along the eastern side of the northeastern portion of the NT Zone structure.

Mr. John Kontak, President of West Red Lake Gold stated: "We are very pleased to have sampled the surface and near surface area of the Rowan Gold Deposit for geological information which could potentially lead to designing a near surface bulk sample. We look forward to receiving and reporting the gold assay results from the surface channel samples in the near future. The next step in our exploration plan is to explore the northeastern portion of the NT Zone with drilling to explore the potential of the Porphyry Hill Zone."

Technical Information

The technical information presented in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Kenneth Guy, P.Geo., a consultant to West Red Lake Gold and the Qualified Person for exploration at the West Red Lake Project, as defined by National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects" ("NI 43-101").

All drilling was completed using NQ size core. Gold analyses on the samples collected by West Red Lake Gold were performed by SGS Laboratories Ltd. Analysis consisted of a fire assay of a 50-gram sample with an atomic absorption finish. Samples assaying over 10.0 gpt Au are re-assayed with gravimetric finish. Samples noted to contain visible gold are analyzed via total metallic assay method. A rigorous Quality Control and Assurance Program is in place using control samples including blanks and standards.

The Rowan Mine property presently hosts a National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") inferred mineral resource of 4,468,900 tonnes at an average grade of 7.57 grams per tonne Au containing 1,087,700 ounces of gold with a cut-off grade of 3.0 grams per tonne (NI 43-101 Technical Report dated February 16, 2016 filed on sedar.com and authored by John C. Archibald, B.Sc., P.Geo. and Peter Bevan, P.Eng., and John Kita, P.Eng.).

The inferred resource is located in the area of the historic underground Rowan Mine site and situated within a 1.8km strike length portion of the regional scale Pipestone Bay St Paul Deformation Zone.

About West Red Lake Gold Mines

West Red Lake Gold Mines is a Toronto-based minerals exploration company focused on gold exploration and development in the prolific Red Lake Gold District of Northwest Ontario, Canada. The Red Lake Gold District is host to some of the richest gold deposits in the world and has produced 30 million ounces of gold from high grade zones. The Company has assembled a significant property position totalling 3,100 hectares in west Red Lake (the "West Red Lake Project") which contains three former gold mines located 15 km west of the Red Lake mine complex. The Mount Jamie Mine and Red Summit Mine properties are 100% owned by the Company and the Rowan Mine property is held in a 69% - 31% joint venture with Evolution Mining Limited. The West Red Lake Project property covers a 12 km strike length along the Pipestone Bay St Paul Deformation Zone and the Company is continuing to explore the property both along strike and to depth during 2021.

About Evolution Mining

Evolution Mining is a leading, globally relevant gold miner. Evolution operates four wholly-owned mines, post completion of the divestment of Mt Carlton announced on 5 October 2021- Cowal in New South Wales, Mungari in Western Australia, Mt Rawdon in Queensland, and Red Lake in Ontario, Canada. In addition, Evolution holds an economic interest in the Ernest Henry copper-gold mine in Queensland.

https://twitter.com/westredlakegold

https://www.linkedin.com/company/west-red-lake-gold



The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements". When used in this document, the words "anticipated", "expect", "estimated", "forecast", "planned", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements or information. These statements are based on current expectations of management, however, they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this news release. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements. West Red Lake Gold does not undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date hereof, except as required by securities laws.

SOURCE West Red Lake Gold Mines Inc.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/October2021/14/c2103.html
When we have same-day Tuesday elections and the polls are just open for 12, 13 hours, there are a lot of people who cannot vote that day, Levy said. The right to vote is basic. We should be able to take it for granted, but we cant. We have to really work to protect it.

Spotsylvania NAACP President Moe Petway expressed concern that during that countys Souls to the Polls event, there were candidates from the Republican party approaching voters throughout the day.

Petway said the NAACP will request that Spotsylvania relocate its early voting satellite office located at 4924 Southpoint Parkway. He said its too close to the countys Republican headquarters, which is at 4920 Southpoint Parkway.

Acors noted that the countys office of elections leased the building for the sole purpose of early voting in late August 2020 and the Republicans arrived two doors down afterward.

Acors said the location is convenient because its in the same vicinity of the main office of elections at 4708 Southpoint Parkway.

Still, Acors said the satellite office will probably be moved. She said there have been incidents in the parking lot involving supporters of opposing parties.
My brother was healthy. He was still pretty much young and he had everything to live for, Mike Mitchem added. He had five kids and a grandson and now all of them have lost him. Its hard on my parents. Theyre 73, and my mom said your kids are not supposed to die before you.

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Kevin Mitchems decline was more gradual than his wifes. He seemed to be improving at one point, and the family got their hopes up, only to discover the respiratory disease had done irreparable damage to his lungs.

Kevin Lee Mitchem died on Oct. 8. He was 48.

In the midst of the grief, Mike Mitchem said hes dealing with another emotion.

Part of our pain is anger, he said. Anger because people are still not getting the vaccine. If you think about it, you need to have certain vaccines before you can even go to school. Whats the big deal about this one?

Mike Mitchem said his brother and sister-in-law had not been vaccinated, even though family members who had been inoculated encouraged them to do the same.

Theyd just been leery. They were going off what theyve been hearing and reading on the internet, he said.
Former President Donald Trump, saying Virginia is very, very winnable, on Wednesday night called in to a GOP Take Back Virginia rally in Henrico County and urged his supporters to help elect Glenn Youngkin as Virginias next governor.

Youngkin, who is in a tight contest with Democrat Terry McAuliffe, skipped the event in Glen Allen, which featured a number of speakers who repeated baseless charges about widespread election fraud.

Glenn Youngkin is a great gentleman, Trump said, in a brief interview with radio host John Fredericks, a former top Virginia Trump campaign official who organized the event. Weve got to get him in. I know Terry McAuliffe very well and he was a lousy governor, said Trump, who donated $25,000 to McAuliffe during the Democrats first run for governor in 2009.

Terry was a terrible governor and you have a chance to get one of the most successful business people in the country  and he did it in a quiet, professional way  in Glenn Youngkin, Trump said.

I hope Glenn gets in there and hell straighten out Virginia, hell lower taxes, do all of the things we want a governor to do. I really believe that Virginia is very, very winnable but everybody has to go out and vote.
The bond rating reflects MWHCs strong and consistent operating performance and its leading market position in a stable service area. MWHC has demonstrated effective cost management and resilience through the coronavirus pandemic and, with the benefit of CARES Act relief funds, has maintained strong operating performance in fiscal 2020. Fitch expects operating performance will continue to be strong and stable with operating EBITDA [earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization] margins around 10%.

In other words, MWHC is in no danger of going broke.

Neither is Cigna. The giant insurance companys net income (i.e. profit) for just the second quarter of 2021 was $1.5 billion from the $43.1 billion it collected in total revenue from June through August of this year, according to its own financial report. And most of that revenue came from customer premiumsincluding from the same people in the Fredericksburg region who now have to pay out-of-network costs for any care they get at MWHC.

Cigna has engaged in similar standoffs over the cost of care with Dignity Health in California and Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Florida, so this is nothing new.
Deere & Co. has issued this statement early today.

"The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) has called a strike against Deere & Company, affecting more than 10,000 workers at 14 facilities across the United States.

"John Deere is committed to a favorable outcome for our employees, our communities, and everyone involved, said Brad Morris, vice president of labor relations for Deere & Company. We are determined to reach an agreement with the UAW that would put every employee in a better economic position and continue to make them the highest paid employees in the agriculture and construction industries. We will keep working day and night to understand our employees priorities and resolve this strike, while also keeping our operations running for the benefit of all those we serve.

"Deere & Company does not currently have an estimate of when employees affected by the strike will resume activities or the timing for completion of negotiations with the UAW."

In a posting on one.deere.com, the company's communication channel, Deere officials said:

"In response to news of the UAW's strike, we have activated our Customer Service Continuation (CSC) Plan. As part of John Deeres CSC plan, employees and others will be entering our factories daily to keep our operations running. Our immediate concern is meeting the needs of our customers, who work in time-sensitive and critical industries such as agriculture and construction. By supporting our customers, the CSC Plan also protects the livelihoods of others who rely on us, including employees, dealers, suppliers, and communities."

Quad-City Times

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With the event set for July, the John C. Fremont Days festival is months away, but that doesnt mean the citizens who set up this popular event stay dormant until the heat comes back.

The board of directors for the fan-favorite event had their annual meeting Tuesday night to ask for public comments.

Last years event was hindered by the pandemic.

Board members for this next Fremont Days agree its full steam ahead.

The usual vendors should be participating, but deliberation from the public was needed for any new additions.

One citizen gave multiple suggestions to the board. One suggestion involved setting up more staging areas around the event and hiring the man who blows glass, who attended Fremont Days years ago. His last suggestion caught the ears of the board.

An entry level smoke-off.

The event, which was only discussed briefly, would involve amateur meat-smoking enthusiasts and cooks to face off in a peoples choice competition. The board discussed their fondness of the idea and began deliberating about what areas and supplies would be needed.

The suggestion which is just in its infancy, does seem like a likely addition to the 2022 Fremont Days. The board is continuing to find avenues that the competition could take, like sponsorships from local meat suppliers, what meat should be used, where the competition should take place and many more.

This idea ended with the open to the public portion of the annual meeting. This will not be the last time the board meets though to set up the event as it slowly marches closer.

The 2022 John C. Fremont Days is set to kick off on July 8.

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Two local chamber of commerce executives were recognized as Professionals of the Year by the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce Executives (NCCE).

One of those winners was executive director of Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce Tara Lea.

The NCCE fall conference is held annually in a different region of Nebraska. Sometimes in the Northeast or Southwest. It usually is an event to honor executives that have outperformed. This is the first year that awards were given at all, so heres to being the first one, Lea said.

The new awards program was launched by NCCE in combination with Chamber of Commerce Month, which was proclaimed in October by Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts. The award portion of the ceremony was kick-started by Jonathan Jank, president of NCCE, and the Seward County Chamber & Development Partnership.

This award is given to local chamber leaders who are recognized for their exceptional work and professionalism in business development, innovative programs with measurable results, organizational effectiveness and leadership.

Lea received the large community award which applied to a population at or more than 5,000 people. In addition to leadership positions in both NCCE and the Mid-America Chamber Executives, Lea has guided her community through a rebranding effort, launched unique community events and sponsorship opportunities, and found new ways to give local business exposure through social media.

Fremont really is the most amazing place, sometimes it markets itself. What really happened this year and since the beginning of COVID was creativity. Finding new and effective ways to market to our members during the pandemic, Lea said.

Lea is looking ahead to the future.

We will continue to try and bring light to this amazing community. This area is strong with economical growth and business development. We are still growing day by day. This is just the beginning, Lea said.

Tina Biteghe Bi Ndong, executive director at the West Point Chamber of Commerce, took home the small community award for a population below 5,000 people.

Chamber professionals are the forever advocates of main street businesses, local commerce and community growth both in their regions and the state. Their work helps build community identity and connectedness, Jank said. Tara Lea and Tina Biteghe Bi Ndong take this mission to heart every day. Their energy and success are examples for all of us.

Jank commended the women.

Its great to recognize executive directors at both big and small communities, Jank said. Lea and Biteghe Bi Ndong are just two great examples of outstanding, long faithfully serving executives. Through the challenges of the pandemic they kept their hands steady for their local businesses. It was an honor to highlight their good work.

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OMAHA -- Alice Buffett Magnet Middle School teacher Lee Perez was named Wednesday as the 2022 Nebraska Teacher of the Year.

Perez, a teacher for 13 years, is an ESL teacher at Buffett, which is in the Omaha Public Schools in northwest Omaha.

Perez said that as he works to teach his students a new language, he also celebrates their backgrounds and cultures in the classroom, according to a news release from the Nebraska Department of Education.

Perez said in his application for the award: "It is important to embrace diversity. We should acknowledge that being different is special and these differences should be showcased during learning."

Perez said his message to other teachers is to be "kind, culturally aware and tolerant and that kindness should be our new pandemic."

Perez earned a bachelor's degree in secondary education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

A panel of Nebraska educators chose Perez for the honor.

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Turkey says it is prepared to help the Taliban overcome a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, but will not formally recognize Taliban rule in the war-torn country.



Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu made the remarks on October 14 as he hosted the foreign minister of Afghanistan's Taliban-led government, Amir Khan Muttaqi.



Cavusoglu told reporters that engaging in talks with the Taliban is not same as recognizing the hard-line Islamist group as the country's legitimate government.



"Afghanistan's economy should not collapse," Cavusoglue said. "That is why countries which have frozen Afghanistan's assets abroad should be more flexible so that salaries can be paid."



The Taliban's self-appointed government is trying to gain legitimacy through international recognition after seizing power in August by ousting Afghanistan's internationally backed government.



The war-torn country's economy is in free fall with most aid cut off as winter nears, food prices rising, and unemployment spiking.



Muttaqi arrived in Ankara after talks with U.S. and European diplomats in Qatar where he warned that Western sanctions on the Taliban threaten to further undermine security in Afghanistan.



Muttaqi said in Turkey that a freeze on Afghanistan's assets held in other countries is contributing to an economic crisis that could lead to fresh waves of refugees leaving Afghanistan.



A Taliban spokesman said earlier that Muttaqi and other ministers would discuss humanitarian aid, migration, air transport, and trade with Turkish officials in Ankara.



As the Taliban delegation was arriving in Turkey on October 14, Russia's Foreign Ministry announced that it is expecting a visit by Taliban delegates next week.



The Moscow talks on Afghanistan also are expected to involve representatives from China, Pakistan, India, and Iran.



NATO member Turkey kept its embassy in Afghanistan open after Western countries withdrew following the Taliban takeover. Ankara has been working with Qatar to help operate Kabul's main airport and re-open it to international travel.



Only two airline carriers -- Islamabad-based Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Afghanistan's privately-owned Kam Air -- currently operate chartered flights. They operate at high costs due to insurance payments.



The cost of a one-way PIA ticket from Kabul to Islamabad is now about $2,500, up from $300 before the Taliban seized power in August.



Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at a virtual meeting of the Group of 20 most powerful economies that the international community should keep the channels of dialogue with the Taliban open, to patiently and gradually steer them toward establishing a more inclusive government.



Erdogan said Turkey, which already hosts more than 3.6 million Syrians, cannot bear an influx of migrants from Afghanistan, warning that European nations would also be affected by a new wave of migrants.



Muttaqi's visit to Turkey comes a day after Cavusoglu told reporters that he and ministers from other countries plan to visit Kabul for talks with the Taliban.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, and AFP
Near SHAYMAK, Tajikistan -- In a remote stretch of land near the Wakhan Corridor not far from Tajikistans mountainous border with northeastern Afghanistan, China's regional ambitions are adjusting to a new reality on the ground.

Next to an old Soviet outpost and believed to have existed for at least five years, a collection of strategically located buildings and lookout towers controlled by Chinese troops are part of Beijing's nascent but growing hard-power footprint in the region focused on security in neighboring Afghanistan.

Though both the Chinese and Tajik governments officially deny the existence of the base and Chinese personnel, a visit by an RFE/RL source near the compound and the surrounding area saw Beijings first military footprint in Central Asia in full swing as it finds itself at a crossroads following the Talibans August takeover of Afghanistan.

Through interviews with current and former officials in Afghanistan and Tajikistan, details provided by people living near Chinas unofficial military base, expert analysis, and observations by an RFE/RL source in the area, an image emerges of a rising China slowly shifting its role into security matters in the region.

But that image is one that Beijing finds increasingly complicated.

China is navigating increasingly strained ties between the Tajik government and the Taliban and searching for a way to cooperate with Afghanistan's new Taliban regime in order to protect its regional interests, particularly targeting Uyghur extremists in Afghanistan, which Beijing has blamed for attacks in its western Xinjiang Province and still views as a threat.

"The situation in Afghanistan is awkward for China," Haiyun Ma, an associate professor at Frostburg State University who studies Beijings relations with countries in Central and South Asia, told RFE/RL. "You have a Taliban regime that has ties to terrorists, including Uyghur [extremist] groups, but Beijing is exploring how much it can work together [with it]."

Details about the Chinese military site, such as its funding and ownership, are unclear, as is the exact nature of Chinas mission along the Tajik-Afghan border.

But local residents describe regular sightings of military drones flying overhead and the presence of surveillance equipment. While RFE/RL could not independently corroborate which country operates the drones, their use points to a growing monitoring role at the facilities.

Two locals who had visited the facilities on multiple occasions and spoke to RFE/RL under condition of anonymity said the site consisted of Chinese, Afghan, and Tajik personnel and that an arrangement allowed for information to be gathered and shared among all three parties.

But the Talibans return to power in Kabul has disrupted this cooperation, according to a Tajik government source who spoke to RFE/RL on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to the media.

According to the official, the Afghan contingent has not been replaced since the fall of the Western-backed government in Kabul on August 15. Afghan troops had previously rotated out every two months, he said, but the facilities now only consist of Chinese and Tajik personnel.

This presents another wrinkle for Beijing as it looks to solidify its presence in Tajikistan and adjust to the shifting situation in Afghanistan, particularly how willing and able the Taliban is to cooperate on counterterrorism.

Beijing has forged a pragmatic and, at times, tense working relationship with the Taliban over the decades, and RFE/RL reported earlier this month -- citing Afghan and Tajik military sources -- that the Taliban relocated Uyghur fighters from an area near Afghanistan's 76-kilometer border with China.

China has moved to expand its military links to the region as well, conducting bilateral military exercises with Central Asian countries bordering Afghanistan and forming in 2001 the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) -- a Beijing-led security bloc that also includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, India, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

China also funded and trained an Afghan brigade that operated in the Wakhan Corridor, according to a 2018 report by Hong Kong's South China Morning Post, a report that Beijing denied, saying it had not built a training camp and there will be "no Chinese military personnel on Afghan soil."

"China sees counterterrorism as an effective way to address its concerns and expand its influence in Central Asia," said Ma.

China's stepped-up security presence is driven in part by a desire to protect its investments and by Beijing's view that Central Asia can act as a bulwark against extremism in Xinjiang -- where the Chinese government has imprisoned more than 1 million Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and other Muslim minorities in internment camps.

The Chinese government has faced severe international criticism for human rights abuses in Xinjiang and some Western parliaments have accused the camp system as amounting to genocide, but Beijing has justified its crackdown as necessary in order to curb Islamist extremism in the area.

The militants are believed to be members of the Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP) -- a Uyghur extremist group that Beijing blames for unrest in Xinjiang and refers to by its former name, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM).

The Taliban allowed Uyghur fighters to operate in Afghanistan during its rule in the 1990s and is believed to still have links to them. China has demanded on multiple occasions that the Taliban cut any ties with the militants.

But while the reported relocation marked a sign of coordination between the Taliban and Beijing, it is unclear if the group will hand over the fighters to Chinese authorities, an official in Tajikistan's state border services, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told RFE/RL.

"The question is whether China can expect the Taliban to be a reliable partner," said Ma. "The Talibans ideology means there will be limits on what it is willing to do to work with Beijing."

Outpost On Chinas Western Frontier

While the Chinese deployment in Tajikistan represents a strategic and symbolic step by Beijing toward playing a bigger part in the region's security matters, it is a modest presence in a remote area located more than 132 kilometers from Murghab, the nearest town, which has a population of about 4,000.

But the unofficial base is part of a wider expansion of Chinese economic and political influence across Central and South Asia in recent years under the guise of President Xi Jinpings signature, multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative, of which the Tajik government has become an enthusiastic partner.

This focus on Xinjiang is reflected in the deployment in Tajikistan.

A 2019 Washington Post report found that Chinese personnel at the base were distinct from the People's Liberation Army, Chinas main military force, and were instead paramilitary units, likely from the People's Armed Police.

That paramilitary unit has conducted drills in recent years with Central Asian militaries and hosted officers at its training academies. The People's Armed Police has also played a prominent role in the repression of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang.

Concerns over the porous borders of Afghanistan and Tajikistan also led to a secret agreement between both countries and Beijing that The Wall Street Journal reported in 2019 granted China the right to repair or expand 30 to 40 preexisting outposts on the Tajik side of the border.

The alleged agreements have led to Chinese personnel replacing their Tajik counterparts along lengthy sections of the Tajik-Afghan border where they patrol on their own, according to the report. A Tajik official confirmed this account to RFE/RL.

"The overall numbers of Uyghur fighters [are] small, and China has exaggerated them, [but] Afghanistan now has the potential to become a magnet and safe haven for jihadi groups of all stripes," Daniel Markey, a former State Department official and expert on South Asia at the U.S. Institute of Peace, told RFE/RL. "China has legitimate reasons to want to better seal up its land border."

China's 'War On Terror'

Chinese military strategists and policymakers have long been anxious about the potential threats of extremism in the Middle East and Central Asia spreading to China.

In a 2014 speech by President Xi to the country's communist leadership -- obtained as part of a leak of documents by The New York Times in 2019 -- the Chinese leader warned that conflict in Afghanistan and Syria could directly affect Xinjiang and amplify risks for China.

Uyghur militants had traveled to and fought in both countries, Xi said, and could return to western China as experienced fighters to push for their cause of an independent homeland that they call East Turkestan.

"After the United States pulls troops out of Afghanistan, terrorist organizations positioned on the frontiers of Afghanistan and Pakistan may quickly infiltrate Central Asia," the Chinese leader said. "East Turkestans terrorists -- who have received real war training in Syria and Afghanistan -- could at any time launch terrorist attacks in Xinjiang," he claimed.

It was these concerns that led to Beijing taking up its current foothold in Tajikistan, Edward Lemon, an expert on Central Asia at Texas A&M University, told RFE/RL.

"The building of the facility in Tajikistan was directly linked to the perception by the Chinese government that the border between Tajikistan and China was a weak spot through which Uyghur militants based in Afghanistan could pass," he said.

For decades, Beijing has moved to suppress all forms of Uyghur resistance to its rule. Muslim ethnic minorities make up the majority of Xinjiangs population of 25 million, with Uyghurs -- who speak a Turkic language and have long faced discrimination and restrictions on their cultural and religious activities -- the largest among them.

The push for an independent homeland has long been a nonviolent political cause for many Uyghurs in China and abroad, but that desire coupled with repression against the ethnic group has also fueled a more extreme movement willing to carry out anti-Chinese violence over the years.

In the 1990s, ETIM, a Uyghur militant group fighting to separate from China, emerged in Afghanistan and received protection from the Taliban.

Beijing later courted and negotiated with the Taliban leadership to cut ties with the group and, similar to now, former Taliban leader Mullah Omar relocated the fighters and restrained the militants' activities. But they stopped short of expelling ETIM or handing them over to Chinese authorities.

Beijing accused ETIM of helping to orchestrate attacks inside China, but little was heard from the group throughout the 2000s, especially after its leader was killed in 2003. That was until the group calling itself TIP issued a video in 2008 in which it threatened to attack China during that year's Summer Olympics, held in Beijing. TIP said it was a successor to ETIM, although China continues to call it by the older name.

TIP has grown because of Syria, where thousands of Uyghurs who left China are believed to have gone since 2014, adding to fears that they could relocate to Afghanistan or other areas neighboring Chinas western border.

While Western officials and analysts question the ability of Uyghur militants to carry out significant attacks inside China, a surge in anti-government incidents in Xinjiang -- including 2009 ethnic riots and a May 2014 attack on an outdoor market that killed 39 people -- helped fuel Beijings current crackdown on Uyghurs.

At home, this took the form of a "peoples war" on terrorism, which escalated into the current camp system in Xinjiang. Abroad, this led to an extended campaign to target, surveil, intimidate, and extradite Uyghurs of all backgrounds around the world.

Research published in June by the Uyghur Human Rights Project and the Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs suggests at least 395 Uyghurs have been deported, extradited, or rendered back to China since 1997, though the true figure could be higher.

Complicated Partners

Militant threats remain the focus of China's unofficial presence in Tajikistan, but the facilities and Beijing's counterterrorism agenda are also linked to the country's complicated geopolitical relationship with Russia, as well as the current tense relationship between the Taliban and the Tajik government.

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia has maintained its edge as Central Asias main security guarantor and sees the region as part of its traditional sphere of influence, even while the Kremlin has come to accept China's economic supremacy.

Moscow maintains a 7,000-troop military base outside of Dushanbe, the Tajik capital, and has begun to reinforce its security footprint in the country with tanks and heavy weaponry following the Taliban's return to power.

Wary of provoking Moscow, Beijing moved cautiously as it expanded its presence in Tajikistan.

In 2017, the Development Research Center, an influential Beijing-based think tank linked to Chinas cabinet, hosted a handful of prominent Russian researchers to probe their reactions to a Chinese security deployment in Tajikistan.

Alexander Gabuev, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Moscow Center, was one of the participants. He told RFE/RL that the private meeting was focused on explaining China's motivations for such a presence and that its purpose was for logistics and monitoring rather than a formal military base.

"It was mostly about sensing where the Kremlin's red lines would be on certain issues and what Moscow could or couldn't tolerate from China in Tajikistan," Gabuev said, noting that the participants were asked whether the use of private mercenaries or official Chinese personnel would be more tolerable for Russia.

Both China and Russia have concerns about instability spreading from Afghanistan and of the country becoming a staging ground for terrorist groups, but the arrival of Chinese servicemen in Central Asia was initially an unwelcome development for the Kremlin, Gabuev said.

"[The base] was an unpleasant surprise for Russia, but Moscow understands quite well that the Chinese military presence will be limited to Tajikistan," he said. "[The Kremlin] doesnt want a broader Chinese expansion across the region, but since China is already there they will look to cooperate."

China and Russia have thus far looked to solidify their defenses around Afghanistan and have cautiously engaged with the Taliban, but swelling tension between Kabul and Dushanbe could also further complicate Beijing's ambitions in the region.

Emomali Rahmon, Tajikistans autocratic president, has accused the Taliban of carrying out "terrible violence" against the Afghan people and said he will not recognize a Taliban government that fails to reflect the ethnic diversity of Afghanistan. Dushanbe has also hosted several exiled politicians and former officials from the Afghan government that was ousted by the Taliban in August.

These acts have led to a spiraling row between the two sides and raised the possibility of cross-border violence. An official in Dushanbe raised the alarm when he said ethnic Tajiks from Afghanistan who had fought with the Taliban were planning to cross over into Tajikistan and were amassing weaponry, RFE/RL reported.

This led to Salam Hanafi, the Taliban's acting deputy prime minister, to warn Tajikistan not to interfere in Afghanistan's domestic affairs, saying that "every action has a reaction."

The escalation has already prompted the Kremlin to react, with Moscow saying Russia is ready to protect Tajikistan in the event of any incursions from neighboring Afghanistan.

The outbreak of fighting between the two sides remains low at the moment, says Lemon, but the added tensions are an unwelcome development for Beijing.

"This could put [China] in a difficult situation if fighting came near where Chinese troops are stationed," he said.

Preparing For A New Era

A suicide bombing on October 8 at the Gozar-e Sayed Abad Mosque in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz killed at least 50 people and injured more than 140 others in the deadliest attack since U.S.-led international forces withdrew from the country.

The attack was claimed by Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), the Afghan affiliate of the terrorist group that remains violently opposed to Taliban rule.

The Amaq News Agency, the group's official propaganda organ, also claimed that the attacker was a Uyghur militant who joined the group and carried out the bombing because the Taliban was working with China to "expel and oust [Uyghurs]" from Afghanistan.

While the bomber's identity has not been independently confirmed, the development gets to the heart of what many analysts say is a central challenge for China as it focuses on counterterrorism in the new Afghanistan.

The base in Tajikistan and the thrust of Beijings efforts have concentrated on securing Chinese borders and preventing militants from staging attacks inside the country. But with targeting China itself becoming more difficult, many militants have shifted their focus to Chinese targets spread out across Central and South Asia.

Kyrgyzstan's state security service said that a 2016 suicide bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Bishkek was carried out by an Uyghur militant from TIP and was financed by Al-Qaedas Nusra Front. Islamic State, meanwhile, took credit for kidnapping and killing two Chinese teachers in Pakistan in 2017.

Pakistan, which is home to nearly $60 billion worth of Chinese investment into infrastructure through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), also saw a series of violent assaults from different groups against Chinese workers in July and August, including two bombings and a gun attack.

The Kunduz bombing and the spate of attacks across the region highlight the growing array of militant groups targeting Chinese interests and the difficult path ahead for Beijing as it pushes the Taliban to cooperate with its counterterrorism efforts, which are narrowly focused on Uyghur fighters.

According to Ma, if at the urging of China the Taliban targets Uyghur militants too hard, they could begin to "feel threatened and look to partner potentially with other groups, like [IS-K]."

"If you press the Taliban too hard to cooperate, you can undermine their legitimacy and they will have less control over these [fighters], said Ma. "This is a central dilemma for China."

Written and reported by Reid Standish in Prague with reporting by RFE/RLs Tajik Service in Tajikistan.
A Gazette investigation shows an increasing number of soldiers, including wounded combat veterans, are being kicked out of the service for misconduct, often with no benefits, as the Army downsizes after a decade of war.
A multi-state investigation led to the arrest of a Colorado Springs man suspected of killing his wife, law enforcement said Thursday.

The North Plainfield (N.J.) Police Department received a missing person report on Oct. 4 for a woman missing out of Colorado Springs, New York State Police said.

The Sag Harbor Police Department in New York received a call from New Jersey police that Masany Cruz may have been at the Sag Harbor Inn. When Sag Harbor police checked the hotel, they found her husband, William Cruz, alone at the inn. Police took him into custody, transported him to the hospital and later released him, New York State Police said.

During the same day in Colorado Springs, police responded to a check-the-welfare call in the 2600 block of Grand Vista Circle and found Masany Cruz dead inside an apartment, Colorado Springs police said.

A multi-agency investigation determined that Masany Cruz was last heard from Sept. 14 and that William Cruz arrived in Long Island around Sept. 18. New York State Police arrested William Cruz on Wednesday as a fugitive from justice based on a warrant out of El Paso County, New York State Police said.

William Cruz was held at the Southampton Town Police Department for arraignment Thursday in Suffolk County First District Court, they said.

Also on Thursday, more than two months after John William Fitzpatrick, 55, died after allegedly being shot by his son, Colorado Springs police announced they were investigating Fitzpatricks death as a homicide.

John Ellis Fitzpatrick, 26, was arrested on May 6 for second-degree assault and for the illegal use of a firearm after police were called to the 3300 block of North Arcadia Street just before 6 p.m.

John William, who was shot in the abdomen, was rushed to a Colorado Springs hospital, but died on July 28, nearly two months after the shooting.

On Thursday, police said the charges against John Ellis would be upgraded to homicide charges by prosecutors with the Fourth Judicial District Attorneys Office.

John Ellis was booked into the El Paso County jail on May 6, but court records show he bonded out a day later. Jail records indicate he isnt currently being held.

Masany Cruz and John William Fitzpatricks deaths, police said, marked the citys 28th and 29th homicides this year, respectively. At this time last year, Colorado Springs had seen 32.
Manitou Springs police requested the public's help identifying a thief who broke into two Manitou Springs businesses, stole items and vandalized the businesses.

The two incidents happened around 10 p.m. Monday, first in the 400 block of Manitou Avenue and later in the 500 block of El Paso Boulevard. Officers have "reason to believe" the two incidents were connected, police said.

The burglar stole or damaged nearly $4,000 worth of property, police said.

Officers described the burglar as 5 feet 8 inches, thin build, wearing a white beanie and white winter jacket with reflective bands on the sleeves, police said.

The Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers offered a $500 reward for information leading to an arrest of individual(s) responsible. Police encouraged those with information to reach out to the Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers at crimestop.net or at 719-634-STOP (7867), to remain anonymous. People with information can also call the Manitou Springs Police Department at 719-685-5407.
A complaint states that in an Aug. 23 video, My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell said he flew Peters on his private plane to the seminar, as reported in newspaper articles and on a YouTube video posted by Lindell. It appears that Peters has accepted, and is continuing to accept thousands of dollars worth of services, travel, security and favors from Mr. Lindell in violation of the Colorado Constitution, the complaint states.
Children's Hospital Colorado continues to see unusually high pediatric hospitalizations, officials said in recent days, as respiratory illnesses that generally surge in the winter emerge earlier than usual, and rates of COVID-19 infection among children remain high.

"Fortunately, we here at Children's Hospital Colorado have been able to meet the recent (COVID-19) surge, but we're in a difficult moment in time," Sean O'Leary, the hospital's director of pediatric research, told reporters at a press conference Wednesday. "Respiratory viruses that we normally see during the winter are at very high levels right now, and those combined with children with COVID-19 have led to a pretty full hospital."

COVID-19 infection rates among Colorado children have been higher than any other age group during the recent surge, which began in August and has persisted into October. O'Leary said the infection rates in September were higher for children than at any previous point during the pandemic, which is in its 19th month.

There are still comparably few pediatric hospitalizations: Gov. Jared Polis told reporters Wednesday that out of the more than 900 confirmed COVID-19 patients statewide, 19 are under the age of 18. The bulk of deaths, in Colorado and nationwide, are among older people.

Still, O'Leary pushed back on the idea that COVID-19 is "benign" for children.

"With well over 500 pediatric deaths as I speak, COVID-19 fits squarely in the top-10 causes of childhood deaths in the United States," he said. Children's has treated more than 1,000 COVID-19 pediatric patients, he added, and has dealt with several deaths.

Though COVID-19 has attracted the most attention, it is not just the current pandemic that's driving volume increases, pediatric hospital officials say.

As of late last week, 83% of Children's intensive care beds were filled. RSV  a common respiratory disease that's particularly dangerous for children  typically peaks in the winter. But transmission has hit unprecedented highs already, starting in August. Rhinovirus has also begun to spread. The extent that COVID-19 is impacting pediatric patient volumes, officials have said, is because of several factors: the increased transmissibility of the delta variant; children returning to school; and the fact that the youngest Coloradans can still not be vaccinated.

"This is historic. This doesn't happen," Mike DiStefano, the chief medical officer at Children's Colorado Springs campus, told The Gazette last week. "I've been doing this for 15, 18-plus years, and this is not when we see our respiratory surge. It's really, highly unusual."

He added that the various respiratory illnesses  including COVID-19 and RSV  are "all equal at this point," in terms of causes of hospitalization and hospital visits by children. "Not one is more extreme than the other; they're all high." Despite DiStefano and O'Leary's concerns about increased volume, Children's is still accepting transfers from other states, DiStefano said, and has not reached capacity.

Children's officials told the Gazette in August that the system's overall patient volume was 20% higher than typical for that point in the year. ICU patients from all sources  not just COVID-19  were 60% higher than typical, while emergency departments had seen their volumes jump by as much as 50%.

Children's is not alone in experiencing a spike in its patient load. Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children, though also not at capacity, is "certainly very full, depending on the day," said spokeswoman Stephanie Sullivan.

"Its really a combination of a variety of medical, surgical and respiratory cases, but not predominantly COVID," she wrote in an email Wednesday.

Exacerbating the problem, O'Leary said, are staffing constraints. That issue is not isolated to pediatric hospitals: As of Tuesday, 35% of Colorado's hospitals reported imminent staffing shortages. O'Leary said Children's plans its staffing for surges in peak winter months. With respiratory illnesses rising and nurses in particular leaving, Children's is "facing difficulties," he said.

Last year was unique, officials have said, in that RSV and influenza cases among children were markedly lower than in previous years. That's likely because children were not in school during the end of the first semester last year, and universal mitigation measures like masking further helped blunt spread.

But with children back in school, and influenza season rapidly approaching, officials have expressed concern about rates this year  and stepped up calls for children to receive their flu inoculations.

"I think the concern is, if we continue to trend, how we're trending and we add in flu, it could get pretty difficult for our community," DiStefano said.
U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colorado Springs, is slamming President Joe Biden for directing the Justice Department to address what Attorney General Merrick Garland labeled as a disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence against school administrators, board members, teachers and staff.

Garland issued a memo Oct. 4 informing leading federal law enforcement agents  including the director of the FBI, the assistant attorney general overseeing the DOJs criminal division and federal prosecutors  to prepare to implement a series of measures designed to address the rise in criminal conduct directed toward school personnel.

The measures, which are set to be unveiled in the coming days, will feature collaboration with local leaders. Garland in the memo directed the FBI to begin meeting with those leaders within 30 days to facilitate the discussion of strategies for addressing threats against school administrators, board members, teachers, and staff. The meetings are also intended to open dedicated lines of communication for threat reporting, assessment, and response.

Garlands memo came four days after the National School Boards Association wrote a letter to Biden calling on him to take action against the immediate threat educators face, citing flashpoints in California, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, Virginia, North Carolina, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Washington, Texas, Wisconsin, Wyoming and Tennessee.

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, NSBA President Viola Garcia and interim Executive Director Chip Slaven said in the letter. This propaganda continues despite the fact that critical race theory is not taught in public schools and remains a complex law school and graduate school subject well beyond the scope of a K-12 class.

The letter said threats against educators could be the equivalent to a form of domestic terrorism and hate crimes and called on Biden to investigate, intercept, and prevent the current threats and acts of violence against public school officials.

Slaven, in a statement released after Garlands memo, cheered the federal action.

The U.S. Department of Justices swift action in response to NSBAs request 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, he said.

But Lamborn, leading an Oct. 13 letter to Biden featuring 12 other GOP members of Congress, said he viewed the move as a weaponization of the nation's chief federal law enforcement agency against parents concerned.

The Colorado Springs Republican played down the threats against schools, saying the NSB could only cite a handful of examples of alleged extremism nationwide while adding most examples appear to fall far short of the U.S. governments definition of domestic terrorism.

While we agree that there must be safeguards in place to protect public schools and education leaders as they do their jobs, the examples provided by the NSBA often amounted to mostly shouting and not specific acts of violence against individual board members, the letter said.

From there, Lamborn pivoted to concern over a major push to implement Marxist critical race theory and worries that Bidens administration has been silent to the harassment, intimidation and even violence associated with Antifa.

Americans have a right to speak out and organize in favor or against public policies without fear of being targeted by the federal government, the letter said. We are very concerned about your administrations attempt to weaponize the power of the federal government to go after parents, who are simply expressing their First Amendment rights at local school boards meetings.
Fewer than 60% of Colorado's health care facilities are at least partially in compliance with the state's vaccine mandate, and despite pleas from health organizations, the state will not loosen its inoculation requirement next week, officials said.

The state's Board of Health passed an order in August requiring more than 2,400 Colorado health care facilities to vaccinate 100% of their workforce by Oct. 1. They also must report their progress every other week. But facilities and industry leaders have called that threshold "aspirational," and they've called for the health board to lower the requirement from 100% to 90%, to be in line with the state's flu inoculation standards. The board is set to meet again next week, and officials had hoped it would decide to loosen its order.

But health officials have rejected that call. That may change, the officials said, depending on what the federal government institutes with its own health care worker mandate. But for now, Colorado's facilities must fall into line.

"Since the passage of our emergency rule, the federal government announced plans to require vaccination in federally regulated facilities," Jill Hunsaker Ryan, the executive director of the state Department of Public Health and Environment, wrote in a letter to facilities late last week. " ... Given the uncertainty of what the federal requirement will entail, CDPHE will not pursue additional rulemaking at the October 21, 2021, Board of Health meeting but will instead wait to harmonize with the federal rule."

The requirement, the state health department said in an email Wednesday, "carries the weight of law" and facilities must follow it.

The decision leaves facilities with a little more than two weeks before the state will begin issuing citations for those out of compliance, health care industry officials said Wednesday. It's unclear how many facilities are in full compliance, nor is it clear the vaccination levels across specific industries  like long-term care facilities and hospitals.

But the health department said in an email that of 2,422 facilities covered by the order, 1,394 had complied with the initial requirement that they report their vaccination levels by Oct. 1. Just over 196,000 employees from those facilities have been vaccinated. The health department did not respond when asked how many total employees worked within those organizations and should have been vaccinated by the beginning of the month.

The 1,394 facilities that are least partially in compliance represent 57% of the total covered by the order. That leaves more than 1,000 who are completely out of compliance with the order, even setting aside if they've hit the 100% rate.

"CDPHE has notified facilities that have not reported that they are out of compliance with the rule and will face citations if they do not report," the health department said.

The agency told The Gazette that full data will be available soon. A hospital official said Wednesday that the next batch of data must be reported by facilities Friday, and her understanding is that the state would release the data publicly after that.

Doug Farmer, whose Colorado Health Care Association represents nursing homes in the state, said he hadn't seen new data on how many long-term care employees had complied. But by the end of September, one in five  roughly 7,500 workers  were still unvaccinated. Facilities had not started significant layoffs or terminations at that point, Farmer said. But the state will begin enforcement actions Nov. 1, he said, and facilities will have to begin taking steps by then.

The state has said it will use "progressive" disciplinary actions for out-of-compliance organizations, state health department spokeswoman Jessica Bralish said last week, including revoking and summarily suspending licenses.

Farmer and Cara Welch, spokeswoman for the Colorado Hospital Association, both said it remained unclear exactly how the state would enforce the requirements and what the exact ramifications will be for those out of compliance. Farmer said his understanding is that the state would initially work with facilities collaboratively but "it's unclear what will happen on the 31st" if that work is unsuccessful.

"I'm concerned about the uncertainty, just now knowing exactly what that will mean," he said. "When the end of September deadline came around, there were some people that quit their jobs, some people that were fired. But I'm uncertain at this point just how many will choose on Oct. 31 to say, 'I'm not going to do this, I'm not sure I want to work in health care anymore.'"

"We can't really afford to lose anyone," he added. Long-term care facilities have long warned that their staffing levels are at the breaking point already.

Farmer's organization, as did Welch's, supported the vaccine mandate, though both said they were less supportive of the 100% requirement.

Welch echoed the concern about uncertainty about what will come next.

"Some are very close to 100%, then they've got exemptions for that bit that's not there," she said. "Other facilities are working hard to get above 90%. It's still mixed, and the hospitalizations are working very hard to be in compliance and come into compliance, but we'll have some that will have to terminate some of their employees."
Organize an ensemble and go see the Mason City High School Vocal Music Department kick off its 95th concert season with their annual fall concert on Monday, Oct. 18.

The concert will start at 7:30 p.m. at the North Iowa Community Auditorium and is free for anyone to attend. The performance will feature the talents of 200 students in four performing groups. There will be music selections that will appeal to all generations, from world music to contemporary gospel pieces.

We no longer have to restrict audience size, so there is plenty of seating for everyone at NIACC, said Joel Everist, Director of Choral Activities. We are asking all members of the community to show their support for our students returning to the stage.

Students making up Mason City High Schools chamber choir will sing The Music of Stillness, a new work by Iowa composer Elaine Hagenberg. The mixed chorus, a 9th through 12th grade choir, will perform Baraka Na Wewe, Homeward Bound and Come to Me, O My Love.

The auditioned ensemble of sophomores, juniors, and seniors making up the varsity choir will open with Mozarts Cantate Domino. In addition, they will perform three multicultural works: Shule Aroon, Rondes and Sisi Ni Moja.

The concert choir, which has earned a superior rating at IHSMA State Contest consecutively for more than 65 years, will close out the performance. The ensemble will be performing Thixo Onothando, Liebst du um Shonheit by Clara Wieck Schumann, Haydns Kyrie Eleison, and the new gospel work Rejoice!

All of the choirs will combine for a mass ensemble performance of Battle Hymn of the Republic.

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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Chautauqua Talks at Floyd County Museum in Charles City -

Come reminisce with former local resident, Richard Cole, about growing up in Charles City from 1945 - 1955. Topics of discussion will include Washington Elementary, Oak Park, the Polio Pandemic, and more. Starts at 1 p.m. and runs until 3 p.m. Call (641)-228-1099 or

fcmiowa@gmail.com

if you have questions.
In May of 1911, The Bystander, a statewide publication from Des Moines, honored John D. Reeler of Mason City with the following: Mason City has the honor of having the finest barber shop owned by any colored man in the state of Iowa, and one of the finest in the state, the honored John D. Reeler, proprietor.

Not for much longer would John have the honor bestowed upon him by The Bystander. He was planning to turn his business, located in the first National Bank Building, from a barber shop to that of a chiropodist, a foot specialist.

Born in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1856, Johns father listed his occupation as a white washer, a painter. Carrie, Johns wife, was born in Missouri in 1869. Married in 1889 they made their home in Mason City, becoming leaders in North Iowa through their involvement in the Negro Grand Lodge, Eastern Star and Union Memorial Methodist Church.

The open ceremony in 1933 for the Negro Grand Lodge recognized the contribution and leadership of John to the Masonic community. Deceased for two years, the remarks told of John being a charter member. During his 46 years as a member he served as Grand Master and held a variety of leadership positions while promoting the works of the lodge as a 33rd degree Mason. Tributes paid to him at his funeral talked of him admired for his kindly disposition, good judgment and energy.

During those years Carrie was involved in the Eastern Star organization as Grand Treasurer and Grand Matron.

Following Johns death, Carrie became a member of the Progressive Widows Club serving as their chaplain. The group organized activities for widows such as concerts, a theatre party and pie socials and offered support for members of their community.

Very involved in her church Carrie would assist in leading worship services with other church members. A founding member of the Womens Society for Christian Service Carrie offered her time to many in need.

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Deere & Co. workers are officially on strike.

According to the local 281 United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of Americas (UAW) Facebook page, union representatives did not come to a tentative agreement with Deere by the hard strike deadline of 11:59 p.m. Wednesday.

Talks between UAW and Deere stalled just before a midnight deadline, while workers spent the day making picket signs and bracing for the first major strike by Deere workers since 1986.

At 11:53 p.m., the local 281 UAW Facebook page posted, "Effective 12:00am Local 281 is on strike. Please make sure to show up for your assigned picket duty."

The UAW union rejected the company's latest offer on Sunday.

The strike affects workers in Illinois, Iowa and Kansas. Each Deere plant covered by the contract is organizing its own strike outside of its respective buildings, most of which will begin striking at 6 a.m. Thursday. Once a strike is started at a plant, it will continue for 24 hours a day, seven days a week until an agreement is reached, union leaders have said.

Workers say the agriculture manufacturer isn't offering adequate wage and benefit increases as the company enjoys record profits. Union members say they experienced mandatory overtime, an increasing workload and lack of support from managers.

In its latest offer, Deere bargained for incremental wage increases over six years, equal to about a $1.20 raise in hourly pay at the end of the six-year contract, according to employees. For the 2020 fiscal year, Deere & Co. net income totaled $2.751 billion, according to the company.

Economists say a strike of significant length could spell trouble for the Quad-Cities economy, home to Deere's world headquarters, thousands of employees and dozens of companies that rely on business with Deere.

Strike pay will be available for Deere employees. According to the UAW, weekly strike pay is $275 per week, or $55 per day, beginning on the eighth day. A bonus check is paid the week prior to the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

John Deere is offering competitive wages and benefits for all employees, said one executive with knowledge of the negotiations. Every position and employee is unique, the executive said, and Deere is committed to working with the UAW to reach a tentative agreement.

Meanwhile, Deere is reassigning some duties for salaried employees not involved in the strike, according to a salaried employee who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss company matters.

Melanie Mergen is Local News Editor for the Globe Gazette. You can reach her at melanie.mergen@globegazette.com.

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CEDAR RAPIDS  Redrawing Iowas legislative and congressional election boundaries is the No. 1 priority when legislators meet again in an Oct. 28 special session, Gov. Kim Reynolds said Thursday at the annual Iowa Ideas conference, and more relief for Iowa taxpayers will top the agenda when lawmakers convene next year for their regular session.

One day earlier, the governor threw into the special session mix the issue of prohibiting workplace COVID-19 vaccine mandates. But top GOP legislators said Thursday the issue probably would be considered only if the right solution is ready when they return to the Capitol later this month.

The Biden administrations vaccine mandate is an alarming level of federal government overreach, said House Speaker Pat Grassley, R-New Hartford. But we want to do it right, and ensure our solution will protect Iowans personal freedoms without unintended consequences. When we have a solution, we will move forward.

Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, R-Ankeny, said his 32-member caucus shares concerns about unending federal overreach, but finding the right path to resist this invasion of federal law, while not creating more burdens for employers, will take time. If the right solution is ready for the upcoming special session, it may be considered.

The Republican governor, appearing in Cedar Rapids for a wide-ranging interview as part of The Gazettes Iowa Ideas conference, said conversations about a legal response to workplace vaccine requirements are ongoing but wont detract or distract from the redistricting issue. Lawmakers earlier rejected a set of elections maps drawn by the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency, and are coming back this month to consider a second version.

Thats the No. 1 focus, and well see where they go from there, Reynolds said.

Much of the governors focus the past 18 months has been on pandemic-related issues, and she credited efforts to keep Iowans working and to reopen businesses ahead of many other states with helping put state government in a position where it has a $1.24 billion surplus and $800 million in reserves.

In hindsight, Reynolds said, she would have not closed Iowas schools early in the spring semester of 2020 had more been known then about the coronavirus pandemic, which peaked in Iowa last November.

But we were in uncharted territory, there wasnt a playbook and seemingly each week the information was changing, she said.

I tried to be balanced and really take into account what we knew, look at the data and make decisions from that, but in hindsight I wouldnt have had to do that, referring to closing schools. I just think our children are going to be dealing with this for quite some time. Its been tough.

Tax cuts

On the prospects for tax cuts in the next legislative session, given Iowas surplus position, the governor said, Were over-collecting, and we need to return that back to the taxpayers.

Reynolds said another issue her administration is working on is the resettlement of Afghan refugees who fled when the Taliban took control. She said up to 700 refugees may settle in Iowa, so state officials are working on housing issues and lining up businesses that can assess the Afghans skills and make hiring decisions.

Weve only had just a couple of families that have come in to date, but we anticipate that increasing, she said. We stand ready to work with them and welcome them to the state.

To watch the interview with Reynolds, go to youtube.com/watch?v=kSsaGTEQT4g.

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The man shot by a Davenport police officer Wednesday afternoon has died, according to Iowa Department of Public Safety.

Bobby Klum, 37, was reportedly walking near the intersection of 8th and Iowa streets with a handgun pointed at his head. Police responded to the area around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday and tried to defuse the situation, according to a news release from the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

The Department of Public Safety said Klum "refused to comply with officers commands. Officers discharged two less-lethal rounds with allegedly no effect. One police officer discharged his duty firearm, striking the subject in the mid-torso."

Klum was transported to Genesis East Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

An autopsy has been scheduled at the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner. An investigation is being conducted by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. The name of the officer will not be released until after being interviewed by the DCI.

Klum was on parole for a sex offender registration conviction from 2017, and would have remained on parole until Jan. 20, 2024. He was sentenced in that case as a repeat offender, with convictions from Scott and Rock Island counties. At sentencing, Scott County District Judge John Telleen gave Klum the maximum term in prison of 15 years, with at least three years to serve before parole could be granted. Klum was given credit for time served in the Scott County Jail awaiting trial and sentencing, Telleen also ordered Klum to remain on the sex offender registry for another 10 years.

Klum was placed on work release on July 10, 2018, according to Iowa Department of Corrections electronic records and paroled on Jan. 18, 2019. He was placed back into the work release program on Nov. 4, 2020, and paroled again on March 23, 2021.

Since 2013, Klum had served time for third-degree burglary, second-degree theft, conspiracy to commit a felony, and violation of Iowas sex offender registration statutes. He had been convicted at least four times for aggravated misdemeanor charges of driving while barred  once in 2019, and three times in 2020.

Klum was on the sex offender registry for a 2007 conviction in Rock Island County of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a girl between the ages of 13-16. The charge is a Class 2 felony under Illinois law that can carry a prison sentence of three to seven years.

According to Rock Island County Circuit Court records, Klum was placed on probation for two years for his sex abuse conviction. When he violated his probation in 2009 he was sentenced to 14 months on probation. He violated probation again in 2010 and was sentenced to a term of 18 months on probation. Klum was discharged from probation in Rock Island County on Jan. 13, 2011.

Klum also had felony convictions in Rock Island County of obstructing justice in 2009, and felon in possession of a firearm in 2016.

He was never sentenced to prison for any of his felony convictions in Illinois.

He had two court cases currently pending in Scott County.

On Aug. 24 during a hearing in Scott County District Court, Klum pleaded guilty to a fifth charge of driving while barred during a hearing in Scott County District Court. He was to be sentenced Dec. 8.

On Aug. 17, Klum was again charged with violating Iowas sex offender registry statutes. He faced three counts of violating the registration statutes, with the offense dates being May 14, June 16 and Aug. 17. Each is a Class D felony under Iowa law with a prison sentence of five years. He also faced an enhanced penalty for being a repeat offender. A pre-trial conference was to be held Jan 7.

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According to Iowa DNR conservation officer Matt Washburn, waterfowl hunting can be one of the most expensive types of hunting.

Some people, particularly young hunters, will never get started hunting due to the price tag of equipment and necessities alone.

Washburn is trying to change that.

Washburn and a small group of North Iowa hunters are hosting a youth hunt for eight young hunters on Saturday morning at Jason Hahn's farm.

"We're trying to give some younger kids an opportunity who probably wouldn't have got to go waterfowl hunting otherwise," Washburn said. "An opportunity to go on a waterfowl hunt with all the equipment and all that stuff taken care of for them."

Friday night, before the next morning's hunt, the kids, ranging from age 12 to 16 years old, will meet at Hahn's farm for an instructional class.

The instruction will focus on identifying different types of waterfowl, along with hunter safety and specifics of the next day's hunt.

Saturday morning, the kids will be up bright and early with a mission to hunt primarily geese with Washburn, Hahn and a couple of other adults.

"Honestly, I think what a lot of kids don't realize is how nice it is to get up in the morning, be out in the nature and see the day start," Hahn said. "See the sun come up and see what mother nature actually has to offer instead of sitting on your phone all morning."

After the morning hunt, the group will eat breakfast back at Hahn's place. With any luck, the group will also learn how to properly clean waterfowl.

The idea started a few years ago, when Hahn and his group of 10-15 friends thought it would be a good idea to do a veteran's hunt. Washburn often hunted with Hahn, and figured out a way to make it happen.

After a successful veteran's hunt in 2019, the group wanted to extend its impact to the youth of North Iowa. They did it last year, and are excited to hold another this weekend.

"We just like to let the kids that aren't fortunate to maybe have the equipment and the gear," Hahn said. "Maybe they don't even know somebody that is involved in hunting, and they would like to try it out."

Gunnar Davis covers sports. Reach him via email at Gunnar.Davis@GlobeGazette.com or by phone 641-421-0598.

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The challenge is finding a way to pay for the projects, Robinson said.

Theres not a lot of funding coming from federal and state, so were going to have to address how then are we going to fund the building of these structures, he said. It has to be done.

There must be a way to pay for it without raising taxes, he said, adding that he would look for innovative ways to cover the projects costs.

For the board of supervisors seat in the Banister District, Jessie Barksdale is challenging incumbent Charles Miller. The Callands-Gretna District has three candidates: Ryland Brumfield, Darrell Dalton and Robinson.

The Dan River District has Timothy Chesher challenging current supervisor Joe Davis.

For the school board, Raymond Ramsey is running unopposed in the Banister District and incumbent Calvin Bunky Doss and Hancock are on the ballot for the Callands-Gretna District.

In the Dan River District, Kelly Merricks hopes to unseat incumbent Cassandra Crump.

Merricks said her top priorities would be retention of teachers and staff and giving them more support.

So much is being asked of our teachers now, Merricks said.
Silvers said anybody that is affected by a cluster is notified. He pointed out that other parts of the dashboard  showing cases among students and staff  is updated daily.

That dashboard showed 17 students and two staff members at Grimsley had active cases of the coronavirus as of Wednesday evening. However, these cases are not necessarily traced directly to each other or to a contact within a school setting.

As far the cluster dashboard, Silvers said updating that takes more time because its just such a different process and its not routine. I think its just a case of were making sure everything is right.

At High Point Friends, the state reported a cluster involving nine cases, five among staff and four connected to children. No one from the school responded to messages seeking comment on Wednesday.

The states report also indicated that Greensboro Academy had five new cases among children in a cluster previously reported there, for a total of 12 cases.

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A judge denied bond Thursday morning for Maurice Evans Jr., the 15-year-old accused of fatally shooting another teenager at Mount Tabor High School.

In court, Evans' attorney said his client has reason to fear for his life.

Evans was indicted Sept. 27 on a charge of murder. Forsyth County prosecutors allege that he shot William Chavis Renard Miller Jr., also 15, to death outside a classroom at Mount Tabor High School just after noon on Sept. 1.

He has been held at a juvenile detention center in Guilford County since being taken into custody later the same day.

J.D. Byers, Evans attorney, previously asked a judge to release Evans into the custody of his parents, but a judge previously denied that request at two different hearings.

Forsyth County District Attorney Jim ONeill said at a hearing in juvenile court last month that Evans and Miller, both students at the high school, had a dispute over the summer that culminated in the shooting.
The pie-shaped map is clearly the most complex on the table, requiring that the city move some 24 precincts containing tens of thousands of voters.

Committee member Marlene Sanford objected, however, and said this would create the perfect storm of voter confusion.

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I spent many hours talking about it over the course of the last week and Im convinced that it is an issue that we need to make council aware of, she said.

Sanford, who represents the Triad Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition, instead offered a new map that moved only four precincts. Also in that map, four of the citys five districts would contain at least a part of downtown for broad representation.

Sanford told the committee that with the simpler map, the city avoids confusing voters, who would have to research unfamiliar candidates from a new district.

But other members of the committee stood firm on the pie-shaped map, saying it offers the bold change that council members are seeking, maintains racial and economic integrity and allows better representation of downtown.

Committee member R. Steve Bowden, an attorney and representative of the George C. Simkins Memorial PAC, challenged Sanford.
New streams of lava are pouring forth from the volcano in the Canary Islands that has forced nearly 7,000 people to flee their homes in the 24
WINSTON-SALEM  A judge denied bond Thursday morning for Maurice Evans Jr., the 15-year-old accused of fatally shooting another teenager at Mount Tabor High School.

In court, Evans attorney said his client has reason to fear for his life.

Evans was indicted in late September on a charge of murder. Forsyth County prosecutors allege that he shot William Chavis Renard Miller Jr., also 15, to death outside a classroom at Mount Tabor High School just after noon on Sept. 1.

He has been held at a juvenile detention center in Guilford County since being taken into custody.

J.D. Byers, Evans attorney, previously asked a judge to release Evans into the custody of his parents, but a judge denied that request at two different hearings.

Forsyth County District Attorney Jim ONeill said at a hearing in juvenile court last month that Evans and Miller, both students at the high school, had a dispute over the summer that culminated in the shooting.

The shooting was captured on security cameras, and according to ONeill, Evans threw away the gun in a trash can on campus before leaving the school.
Mault described being caught up in the crowd and the mass of people pushed him closer and closer to the Capitol Building. Mault claimed to have no choice but to move forward because of the press of people behind him, the complaint states. Mault ended up right next to an entrance to the Capitol Building but denied entering the Capitol Building.

Mault also allegedly denied knowing a man seen with him, Cody Mattice, who agents later learned had accompanied Mault and four others from New York on a bus driven by Maults father to attend the protest.

Mault was positively identified, the release states, by the hardhat he wore that was plastered in unique stickers, one of which identified his Ironworkers union in Rochester.

His name was first brought to investigators by an anonymous source. (The source) claimed to have seen a picture of Mault inside the Capitol Building, the complaint states.

In the eight months since Jan. 6, more than 600 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol.
But Lawrence pointed to a subsection of that policy that directs the city manager to establish polices that will insure that there is no discrimination in any function or area of City government.

He argued in the letter that the section does not specify any protected classes, and that the citys vaccine mandate discriminates against those who are not vaccinated.

Jeffrey Hirsch, a professor of labor and employment law at UNC-Chapel Hill, said he saw most of the legal claims of the letter as borderline frivolous.

Thats not how a court would read that, he said of the letters reading of the city ordinance. It is pretty clear this is part of a larger whole, that the city isnt intending to say you cant make distinctions based on any grounds whatsoever. Theyre implicitly incorporating that earlier list (of protected classes).

Distinctions based on factors that are not protected classes are normal in a workplace, he added.

You discriminate based on all kinds of things at work: Whos a good employee? Whos a bad employee? he said. Theyre arguing this definition of discrimination that just isnt serious.
GREENSBORO  Three Guilford County nursing facilities were newly listed this week in a state report that shows ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks, along with new cases at other facilities.

Friends Homes at Guilford, Greenhaven Health and Rehabilitation Center and Guilford House all had new outbreaks, according to Tuesdays report from the N.C. Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services.

Friends Homes had two cases among staff and none involving residents, while Greenhaven had four cases among staff and 10 cases connected to residents, the report said.

Emails seeking comment from those facilities were not answered by Wednesday evening.

Guilford House had one case among staff and three involving residents, according to the report.

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A spokesperson from Guilford House said in an email that during the facilitys weekly COVID-19 testing, it identified three residents and a staff member who tested positive for the virus. All were vaccinated and did not experience any major symptoms related to the virus, the spokesperson said.

The residents will finish their 10-day quarantine period this week. The staff member was sent home and has since completed their quarantine period, she said.
Anne Stuhldreher directs The Financial Justice Project in the treasurers office of the city and county of San Francisco, and is a fellow with the Aspen Institutes Financial Security Program. She can be reached at Overcharged2021@gmail.com.

OVERCHARGED takes an inside look at how unfair fines and fees criminalize poverty in California. The series tells the stories of people reeling from this approach of raising revenue and the activists fighting for reform.
Leader Abdullah Ocalan refers to the Armenian people, and says in that, "Finding a small Armenia, west of Azerbaijan, will not be a solution to the national problem." He also explains that social democratic confederal system comprising many nationalities will be a suitable solution for many other peoples.

The Armenian people are one of the ancient peoples of the region that witnessed genocides. The issue of the Armenian massacres and their exile, which was recognized by some countries. Leader Abdullah Ocalan explained this issue in his written pleadings inside Imrali prison under isolation.

The leader Abdullah Ocalan points out that the Armenian national cause is the tragedy of capitalist modernity in the Middle East, and says, "The Armenians are an ancient people of the region. They mostly share the Kurds areas.

They also represent a technically advanced culture, and although the Kurds had a similar resistance; However, with the exception of temporary and local examples, no permanent state institutions have been established. Armenians are one of the first Christian peoples. Identity and belief in liberation play an important role in this. Like the Jews who were influenced by their artistic identity around the palaces.

'The cause of Armenian nationalism is Britain'

Leader Ocalan explains that the reason for the current situation of the Armenians nationalism, and points out that Britain is responsible for this, and says, "In order for the Armenians to overcome their problems today, they must abandon their national and religious fanaticism and Christian racism, because this matter harmed them."

The leader Abdullah Ocalan points out that the largest scattered community in the world after the Jews are the Armenians, and says that the Armenian issue is not resolved by the establishment of a small Armenia, and the assessment of the leader Ocalan on the subject is as follows: The Armenians contributed greatly to the culture (civilization) of the Middle East. For five thousand years, they became victims of a great catastrophe due to the conspiracies of modernity of the 19th and 20th centuries.

The establishment of a small Armenia in Western Azerbaijan does not mean that it solves the Armenians nationalism. She could not avoid their tragedy. They will always search for their lost country; That is why the meaning of the Armenian cause today is to find their lost country. But there are other peoples who live in the places where they are trying to find their own country. Stealing a people's country is an unforgivable crime.

Once again, the danger of the nation-state is represented by the Armenian issue. The attempt to establish homogeneous nationalities is the real reason for this fear. The reason for this is capitalist modernity. The perception that comes from Christianity, modernity, and the shape of the world only leads to the elimination of the Armenians.

No matter how cruel and fascist their enemies are; In addition to knowing the causes of the extermination committed against them, the search for new ways is a life task for them.

Leader Abdullah Ocalan's proposal to solve the Armenian cause

Leader Abdullah Ocalan refers to the solution to the issue of the Armenian people and explains it as follows: On the basis of national pluralism, democracy and confederation, Armenians and their ilk can reach the optimal solution. If they focus on the elements of democratic modernity and renew themselves as an Armenian democratic nation, they will restore their historical role in the culture (civilization) of the Middle East. , and find the right path to liberation.Democratic solutions that are not based on the foundations and applications of the nation-state must be put on the agenda.

To solve the Armenian issue, the borders must not only be opened; There must also be a social democratic citizen:

Nubar Malkonian, who conducts historical research on the massacres of Armenians, spoke to our agency about the international conspiracy and the evaluations of leader Abdullah Ocalan regarding the Armenian people.

Malkonian explained the impact of the international conspiracy on peoples, and said in it, "The arrest of the guerrilla leader Abdullah Ocalan created a great void that cannot be filled both for the Kurdish people and for the people of the Middle East."

'The Ocalan model is needed'

Malkonian explained that the leader Abdullah Ocalan's model is more democratic and just than the existing capitalist system, and that it constitutes a model for free life, and said, "Applying this model will undoubtedly be better. People will become freer, more intellectual, and an application of coexistence. There is a definite need to evaluate this model that opens the way for deliverance from the capitalist system that stifles peoples."

'The Armenians lack revolutionary leadership'

Malkonian referred to the assessment of the leader explaining the causes of the Armenian issue is nationalism, and continued, "Of course there are daily and historical problems, such as the problem of not creating a revolutionary leadership for the Armenians, as well as the need to create a struggle approach and a properly studied and evaluated organization of the history of the genocide and the organization of the Armenians in Armenia, Syria and the Diaspora.

Malkonian indicated that he considers the leader Abdullah Ocalan a great revolutionary for the Middle East, and made clear that his views do not only concern the Kurdish people, and said, "The views of the democratic confederation as a project of coexistence are very valuable." by people's war and revolutionary leadership; It carries a great and valuable meaning. People who want to lead the democratic popular revolution and lead the strategy of popular war in the Middle East must certainly follow their example and implement it."

He said, Without a doubt, the thought and struggle for the return of the historical lands will be an important response in order to solve the problems of today. The lands that were stolen are not western Armenia. What has been lost is a civilization that spans five thousand years. They are historical values and culture, what has been lost is the historical land and the beautiful Armenian language. It is the Islamization and assimilation of the Armenian people who were forced to assimilate into the culture of Arabs or Kurds. If those who were displaced deepen their search for these heavy losses, they will come closer to the truth."

'They want to eliminate the thought and will of freedom'

Malkonian commented on the goals of the conspiring countries that continue to impose isolation and said, "They want to terrorize the free decision of the Kurdish people through injustice, pressure, coercion, genocide and exile. One of the goals of isolation is the insistence of the Turkish state on the continuation of chauvinistic racist policies against freedom and peoples, and to break the will and thought of freedom. In order to break hope and destroy the will of the people, especially the Kurdish people."

Malkonian called for the people to stand against these plans and continued, "Comrade Gonzalo of the Peruvian Guerilla was killed in September, under conditions of strict isolation. We must liberate the leader Abdullah Ocalan in October that is the month of revolution and freedom. The Soviet (Russian) people were liberated by the October Revolution. We must do more than ever different things to eliminate isolation in order to build the future."

'We must free him from isolation'

Nubar Malkonian explained that October carries a special meaning for the Armenian revolutionaries as well, and said at the end of his speech, "We must liberate the leader of the PKK from these aggravating conditions of isolation. No leader in the guerrilla deserves arrest, the enemies of peoples and freedom are the ones who deserve places like this."

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ANHA
" " The EPA deemed ethylene oxide a carcinogen in 2016, yet plants across the country pollute the air with unsafe levels of the invisible gas. OSHA

Most of us are aware of the potential cancer-causing substances (aka carcinogens) that we should steer clear of. Asbestos, for example, is known to cause cancer of the lung, larynx and ovaries, as well as mesothelioma.

But residents in two Georgia cities have become aware of a relatively unheard-of carcinogen called ethylene oxide. That's because a WebMD story broke the news in early July 2019 that ethylene oxide was being pumped into the air in surrounding neighborhoods by three medical sterilization plants, two operated by Sterigenics in Smyrna (in metro Atlanta) and one by BD Bard in Covington, Georgia.

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WebMD reported that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began a 10-year study on how ethylene oxide affects human health  in 2007. The results weren't good. In its 2016 report, the EPA determined ethylene oxide causes cancer. And the EPA's latest National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA), which was released in 2018, identified five areas in Region 4 (the Southeast) where the risks of cancer were higher due to exposure to ethylene oxide.

But the EPA decided not warn residents in these areas. The EPA report came as a shock to many Atlanta residents who'd never been informed of the local environmental threat, let alone even heard of the carcinogen in question.

"We were stunned to hear that we've been living right in the midst of this lethal cloud for 12 years," says Lisa Jonas, who lives just south of Smyrna. Her neighborhood is in Fulton County census tract 97, which has the third highest level of ethylene oxide in Fulton County, and the fifth highest in Georgia. "I was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago. It's very scary. We are furious that we have been kept in the dark all this time."

What Is Ethylene Oxide?

Ethylene oxide is a flammable, colorless gas with a sweet odor at room temperature. It's primarily used to produce chemicals like antifreeze, and in small amounts, it's used as a sterilizing agent and pesticide. But because of its ability to damage DNA, it's also a known carcinogen. And it is being released in mass quantities at plants like Sterigenics and BD Bard.

The National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) says people who work at industrial facilities that produce the gas, as well as local residents living near them, are at risk for inhaling uncontrolled ethylene oxide emissions. The molecule is also one of the carcinogens present in tobacco smoke and in some medical products and cosmetics.

Lymphoma and leukemia are the cancers most commonly associated with ethylene oxide exposure, but stomach and breast cancers may also be associated with the chemical. And while cancer, reproductive problems, neurotoxicity and more are the clear risks for chronic exposure, a slew of unpleasant symptoms can result from even acute proximity to uncontrolled ethylene oxide emissions, including respiratory issues, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath and cyanosis, which causes skin to turn blue.

According to a statement from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), officials are working with Sterigenics in Smyrna and BD Bard in Covington, to implement voluntary improvements to control the release of ethylene oxide gas. In July 2018, another Sterogenics plant in Willowbrook, Illinois, was forced to shut down until it installed pollution controls to capture the massive ethylene oxide emissions. The EPA and Illinois EPA are monitoring the effectiveness of the controls, but residents in the area want the plant shut down for good.

Now That's Scary According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers must take a series of steps to protect workers from ethylene oxide exposure, including establishing a regulated area wherever airborne concentrations of the molecule are expected to exceed limits.
" " Pedestrians walk past a sign in Hounslow, west London, warning members of the public about the delta variant of coronavirus. The variant of concern is now responsible for more than 90 percent of cases there. JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images

There are multiple coronavirus variants circulating around the globe since COVID-19 first emerged as a threat some 18 months ago. The latest one to create concern is the delta variant, first detected December 2020 in India. Considered around 60 percent more transmissible than the already highly infectious alpha variant first detected in the U.K., delta has spread to at least 124 countries, including the United States.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky, testified before a Senate committee hearing Tuesday, July 20, that the delta variant is now the most dominant strain in the U.S. and responsible for 83 percent of COVID-19 sequenced samples. In some regions of the country, that percentage is even higher.

Designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global "variant of concern" (VOC), delta was blamed for the deadly wave of infections that decimated India, a country that on June 9, reached a world record daily high of more than 6,000 deaths in one day.

"It potentially could be one of the more difficult viruses to date," says Dr. Paul Goepfert, a professor of medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and an expert in vaccine design.

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What Is the Delta Variant?

Coronavirus disease, or COVID-19, is caused by a single species of virus known as SARS-CoV-2. When the original virus, also called "normal," or "wild type," replicates, or copies itself, the sequence of its molecules, called nucleotides, sometimes changes from the original virus. These changes are called mutations. Most of the time, these variations don't work or make the virus weaker.

But sometimes they can make the virus stronger, more contagious or more resistant to the immune system. These variations of the wild-type virus  or variants  catch the eye of health officials in the global SARS-CoV-2 laboratory network at the WHO's Virus Evolution Working Group. The group is tasked with quickly detecting variants and assessing their possible impact.

Delta is the fourth global variant of concern WHO has identified since the pandemic began. The three others  alpha, beta and gamma  were first identified in the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil, respectively. Scientifically, the delta variant is known as B.1.617.2.

The delta variant has become a VOC due to some mutations in the spike protein, says Mehul Suthar, assistant professor of pediatrics at Emory Vaccine Center and Yerkes National Primate Research Center.

At least four mutations in the delta variant have been associated with faster spread and/or higher infectivity based on previous variants with similar mutations.

" " The spike proteins are those red protrusions rising up from the main "ball," or lipid bilayer membrane, of the virus. Spike proteins are responsible for penetrating host cells and causing infection. Centers for Disease Control

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What Are the Symptoms of the Delta Variant?

With the wild coronavirus, you can expect to have symptoms including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.

However, the delta variant appears to be slightly different. Data gathered from the UK's ZOE COVID Symptom Study app showed people in the U.K. described headaches, sore throats, runny noses and fever to be the No. 1 symptoms.

Blood clots also are a concerning complication of COVID-19. But Dr. Ganesh Manudhane, a cardiologist in Mumbai, India, told Bloomberg he has seen a surprising number and type of blood clots in recent COVID-19 patients across age groups with no past history of abnormal clotting. Several patients developed micro thrombi, or small blood clots, so severe that some developed gangrene and required amputations of fingers or a foot. "We suspect it could be because of the new virus variant," he said.

However, it is important to note that these observations are anecdotal and not based on scientific research at this time.

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How Widespread Is Delta in the U.S.?

The mRNA vaccines are proving their worth in countries where shots are more readily available. In the U.S. just less than half (48.3 percent) of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated (55.7 percent are fully and partially vaccinated). But the number of vaccinated need to increase as new cases of COVID-19 have been rising across the United States due to the delta variant.

Ironically, India is home to the world's largest vaccine manufacturer, but is struggling with a major internal shortage of shots. A little more than 10 percent of the country's population has received one.

"When you have such a low level of vaccination superimposed upon a variant that has a high degree of efficiency of spread, what you are going to see among undervaccinated regions  be that states, cities or counties  you're going to see these individual types of blips," Dr. Anthony Fauci, chief medical adviser to the president, told CNN June 29. "It's almost like it's going to be two Americas."

This information comes barely a month after a June 22 White House COVID-19 Response Team press briefing when Fauci said cases of the delta variant had already doubled in about two weeks. In early May, the delta variant accounted for just 1.2 percent of cases. Today it accounts for more than 80 percent.

In early May, the dominant strain in the U.S. currently was still the alpha variant, known by the scientific name B.1.1.7. But Fauci warned then that delta would soon become the dominant strain. "The delta variant is currently the greatest threat in the U.S. to our attempt to eliminate COVID-19," he said in the press briefing June 22.

And one age group where cases are climbing the most is among the 12- to 20-year-olds. One reason may be because this age group is among the last to get vaccinated, Goepfert says.

"Initially we try to vaccinate our older population and rightfully so and we're seeing the benefits of that in decreased hospitalizations," Goepfert says. "But now we're seeing [infections] that are mainly in younger people and we're focusing on the fact it's not a completely benign infection in younger people. They're not as at-risk but they have problems too with this and some of them get really, really sick."

" " Share of population who have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine. Our World in Data

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Do COVID Vaccines Protect Against the Delta Variant?

It's too early to say for sure whether approved COVID-19 vaccines protect against the delta variant, Goepfert says, but early data is promising.

According to a preprint study conducted in the U.K., one dose of the two-dose Pfizer vaccine provided about 33 percent protection against the delta variant. Two doses were 88 percent effective.

No data has been published, to date, on the efficacy of the two other vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use in the U.S.  the two-shot Moderna vaccine or the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine  against the delta variant. But Fauci told Judy Woodruff on PBS News Hour July 20, that believes in the vaccines' efficacy, but that there will be breakthrough infections among the vaccinated.

"The vaccines protect very well against infection and very, very well against serious disease, but not completely against infection. In fact, if you look at the data from the clinical trials that showed the 93, 94 percent efficacy, that was against clinically recognizable disease. It was not against pure infection, even if the infection was without symptoms," he said. "So, it is not surprising that you are seeing breakthrough infections. The good news is that the people who do get breakthrough infections among vaccinated individuals generally have either no symptoms or very mild symptoms."

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Should You Mask Up Indoors Again?

However, the CDC notes the delta variant might be able to avoid the antibodies our bodies produce after a vaccination or coronavirus infection. And for those who do get infected, the monoclonal antibody treatments (or treatments for those who have COVID-19) might be less effective against the delta variant. And that's not good because a study published June 14 in the science journal the Lancet found that those infected by the delta variant were about twice as likely to be hospitalized than those infected by the alpha variant.

City officials in Los Angeles have taken note and on July 15, the L.A. County Department of Public Health began requiring residents to wear masks again in public indoor spaces, whether they were vaccinated or not. However, the CDC is sticking with the guidelines it set in May that say vaccinated individuals don't need to wear masks, despite significant pushback.

Both Moderna and Pfizer's COVID vaccines are made using mRNA technology. Previous studies have shown that a full double-dose of Pfizer's or Moderna's vaccine provides 95 percent and 94 percent protection against the original virus, respectively. Johnson & Johnson's one-shot vaccine, which uses a modified adenovirus, was found 72 percent effective against the wild-type virus.

"This is becoming a pandemic of the unvaccinated," the CDC's Walensky said during a COVID-19 briefing. More than 99 percent of the deaths in the U.S. are now among the unvaccinated. Getting people vaccinated as quickly as possible is the fastest way out of this pandemic.

Now That's Interesting The WHO began naming these coronavirus variants after letters of the Greek alphabet to simplify the scientific names and avoid stigmatizing countries from where the new strains originate. For example, when South Africa identified a mutated strain of the virus fueling its second wave of COVID cases in late 2020, scientists referred to it as 501Y.V2. But media outlets started calling it "the South African variant" instead.

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Originally Published: Jun 14, 2021
Earl Old Person, the longest-serving elected tribal official in the United States, died Wednesday at Blackfeet Community Hospital after a long battle with cancer, tribal officials said. He was 92.

The announcement was posted Wednesday night on the Blackfeet Nation/Blackfeet Tribal Business Councils Facebook page.

Old Person was elected to the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council in 1954 and served for over 60 years while serving as chair for more than 50 years.

He met many dignitaries, including every U.S. president since Dwight Eisenhower, the British royal family, the Shah of Iran, and other world leaders.

In 1978, the family of the late Jim White Calf bestowed the hereditary chieftainship to Old Person, the news release stated.

Old Person was known for being an orator and leader for the Blackfeet people, the Blackfoot Confederacy and Native Americans across the United States and Canada.

The Blackfeet People have suffered a huge loss today with the passing of Chief Old Person, the news release stated. A chapter in our history has come to a close. The Blackfeet Tribe offers prayers and support to the family of Earl at this time.

Gov. Greg Gianforte said Thursday in an email it was with "heavy hearts we mourn the passing of Chief Earl Old Person."

"With the confidence of his people, Chief Old Person put others before himself to serve a greater good," he said. "Chief Old Person leaves a lasting legacy with his love for people, unparalleled strength of character, dedication to service, and commitment to preserving cultural heritage."

Gianforte said Old Person "dedicated his life as a tireless advocate, educator, storyteller, and song singer, not only for the Blackfeet people, but also for our state and nation. His legacy will live on for many generations."

Services are pending.

Montana's two U.S. senators shared their thoughts about Old Person.

I was saddened to hear the news of Chief Earl Old Person passing away, Republican Sen. Steve Daines said on Twitter. He was a great Montanan and a great American. My prayers are with his family, friends and the entire Blackfeet Nation. It was an honor to know him.

Democratic Sen. Jon Tester said he and wife Sharla were mourning the loss of "a great man and dear friend."

"Chief Old Person was a fierce advocate for the Blackfeet Nation and all of Indian Country for his entire life, and the world is a better place because he was in it," Tester said on Twitter. "He will never be replaced, and we are holding his loved ones and the Blackfeet people in our hearts."

In 2020, the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls bestowed Old Person with its Western Heritage Award.

He has remained a tireless advocate for the advancement of the Blackfeet people, museum officials noted. The University of Montana has awarded him an honorary doctorate of human letters and endowed a $5,000 scholarship in his name for Blackfeet students attending the university. In 1998, he received the Jeannette Rankin Civil Liberties Award and a year later, the University of Lethbridge awarded him the first Christine Miller Memorial Award for Excellence in Native American Studies.

Assistant editor Phil Drake can be reached at 406-231-9021.

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LONDON (AP)  Britain's Prince William has criticized some of the world's richest men for using their wealth to fund a new space race and space tourism rather than trying to fix the problems on Planet Earth instead.

In comments to the BBC aired Thursday, William voiced his disapproval, a day after the former Star Trek actor William Shatner became the oldest man to fly to space in a rocket built by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

"We need some of the world's greatest brains and minds fixed on trying to repair this planet, not trying to find the next place to go and live," said William, who is second-in-line to the British throne.

On Wednesday, the 90-year-old Shatner, who is best known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk in the 1960s television series Star Trek, briefly flew into space with Bezos' space travel company, Blue Origin. Billionaires Elon Musk and Richard Branson are also pumping resources into their own space ambitions.

William, who is formally known as the Duke of Cambridge, was speaking about climate change ahead of his inaugural Earthshot environmental prize awards ceremony on Sunday and in the run-up to the start of the U.N. climate summit in the Scottish city of Glasgow later this month.

During the star-studded ceremony at Alexandra Palace in London, which will see five sustainability projects win 1 million pounds ($1.35 million) each, William will be joined by his wife Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge. The awards take their inspiration from the Moonshot challenge that President John F. Kennedy set for the U.S. in 1961 to put a man on the moon by the end of the decade  a challenge that was met eight years later.

The winners will be chosen by a committee including veteran broadcaster David Attenborough, actor Cate Blanchett and World Trade Organization director Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

William, who has been immersed in environmental issues all his life through the strong interest in them of his father, Prince Charles, and his late grandfather, Prince Philip, voiced his worries about the world his own children will inherit.

He said it would be an "absolute disaster" if his oldest son, George, who he said is "acutely aware" of how resources impact the planet, was having to raise the same issues in 30 years' time.

"Young people now are growing up where their futures are basically threatened the whole time," William said. "It's very unnerving and it's very you know, anxiety-making."

Echoing comments from his father, William urged world leaders to put words into action at the U.N. climate summit in Glasgow, known as COP26.

"I think for COP to communicate very clearly and very honestly what the problems are and what the solutions are going to be, is critical," William said.

The summit is scheduled to take place Oct. 31-Nov. 12. It is being billed by many environmentalists as the world's last chance to turn the tide in the battle against climate change.

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U.S. District Judge Susan Watters has blocked Montana from overriding portions of the private contract governing Colstrip Power Plant.

In an order Wednesday, Watters paused a new Montana law empowering the state attorney general to order power plant repairs and imposing fines of $100,000 a day against noncompliant Colstrip owners. The judge said the law is likely unconstitutional, which she will rule on at a later date.

The lawsuit in which the order was filed concerns Senate Bill 265, which requires that all litigation between the power plant owners take place in district court in Rosebud County, where Colstrip resides. The power plant's ownership agreement that's been in effect for nearly 40 years specifies that legal matters be settled in Spokane Superior Court in Washington.

The contract also spells out how decisions about maintenance and operations are made. In empowering the Montana AG to order repairs, the state has overridden portions of the Colstrip contract.

Attorney General Austin Knudsen received maintenance policing powers in May, when the Republican legislated Senate Bill 266 was signed into law by Gov. Greg Gianforte. The law attempts to prevent the majority owners of the coal-fired power plant from winding down maintenance as they prepare to exit in 2025.

Simply put, Colstrip Power Plant is in trouble. An overwhelming majority of its owners, 70%, do business in Oregon and Washington, and both states of have set deadlines for their utilities to get out of coal in order to reduce the amount of heat-trapping carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere. Washingtons deadline is the end of 2025. Oregon's deadline begins in 2030.

Gianforte made clear when he signed SB 266 into law that he was angered by the Pacific Northwest states' efforts to curtail climate change.

Affordable power generated in Colstrip helped build Seattles big tech economy, but now woke, overzealous regulators in Washington state are punishing the people of Colstrip with their anti-coal agenda, Gianforte said at the May bill signing.

Watters picked up on governors woke quip in her order, stating that evidence suggested the new law was intentionally discriminatory against the power plants out-of-state utility owners from the Pacific Northwest.

The PNW owners have presented evidence, uncontroverted by the state and other defendants, that the purpose of SB 266 is to protect Colstrip Units 3 and 4 from out-of-state corporations and woke overzealous regulators in Washington state, as evidenced by the Governors signing statement and transcript of SB 266 hearings, Watters concluded.

The bill to empower Montanas attorney general to mandate power plant repairs put the owners battle over Colstrips future on public display. Lawmakers siding with the power plants minority stakeholders likened the battle over Colstrips future to a divorce.

State Department of Environmental Quality records obtained by Lee Montana Newspapers show state officials asking power plant operator and minority owner Talen Energy for things the government might enforce under the new law, for which Talen and NorthWestern Energy lobbied.

Its kind of like were having a divorce here. The West Coast operators, theyre leaving the facility. They dont want to be part of it anymore for various reasons and thats it, so be it, Sen. Steve Fitzpatrick told the Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee in February. But instead of being civil about it and walking away and doing their fair share to keep the property in good condition, its like theyre trashing the facility on the way out. So, to take our divorce analogy, what theyre doing is trashing the house and keying the car on their way out the door. Thats whats going on here and its just wrong.

In the months before the legislative session, the Colstrip owners had stalled on passing a maintenance budget for 2021. The owners from Washington and Oregon  Puget Sound Energy, Avista Corp., PacifiCorp and Portland General Electric  objected to paying for repairs that extended the life of the plant beyond their time in Colstrip. There had already been movement in Washington to prevent utilities from passing to customers costs for power plant upgrades unnecessary to serve Pacific Northwest customers.

The maintenance dispute was followed by NorthWestern notifying the other owners that it wanted arbitration on whether a unanimous vote was needed to close the power plant. NorthWestern isn't in favor of closing Colstrip in 2025.

The legislative action and stakeholder support associated with SB 266 was a disheartening development in the face of PSEs effort to explore constructive solutions, said PSE General Counsel Steve Secrist in a press release following Watters order. PSE has consistently worked for constructive solutions regarding Colstrip, including the exploration of transactions and even financial contributions for the Colstrip community. Todays ruling affirms PSEs approach and intent.

Puget had attempted to sell its share of Colstrip Unit 4 to co-owner NorthWestern Energy for the aggregate price of one dollar, but the deal fell apart under scrutiny from regulators and consumer advocates. The company has also given the town of Colstrip $10 million to transition to a post-coal life.

Montanas attorney general chose not to offer a counter argument to the injunction. Watters noted the AGs silence in her ruling.

There have been four different lawsuits concerning Colstrip Power Plant filed since May

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AUSTIN, Texas  Eighteen states threw new support behind Texas' ban on most abortions as the Biden administration waited Thursday for a ruling to determine whether the nation's most restrictive abortion law will be allowed to remain in place.

Montana was one of the states to sign onto the agreement, along with Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah and West Virginia.

The rush to Texas' defense by the mostly Southern and Midwestern attorneys general reflected the broader stakes and how other Republican-led states might pursue their own versions of Senate Bill 8, which bans abortions once cardiac activity is detected, usually around the sixth week of pregnancy. That is before some women know they are even pregnant.

Texas has had the ban on the books since early September, except for a brief 48-hour window last week after a federal judge in Austin put it on hold. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals quickly set that decision aside and is expected to make a more lasting decision in the coming days about whether the law can stay in effect.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland called the law "clearly unconstitutional" while launching a lawsuit against Texas and warned that it could become a model elsewhere in the country unless it's struck down.

Other states that came to Texas' defense accused the Biden administration of overstepping by bringing the challenge, while mostly steering clear of the broader arguments about whether the law itself is constitutional.

"The Attorney General has no authority to act as a roving reviser of state law, challenging as unconstitutional any rule with which he disagrees," Indiana Attorney General Theodore Rokita told the appeals court in a brief filed late Wednesday.

A 1992 Supreme Court decision prevented states from banning abortion before the point at which a fetus can viably survive outside the womb, which is around the 24th week of pregnancy. But Texas' version has mostly outmaneuvered courts so far because it offloads enforcement to private citizens through civil cases rather than to prosecutors through criminal charges. Citizens are entitled to collect at least $10,000 if they prevail in lawsuits against abortion providers or anyone found to have helped a woman get an abortion after the point at which cardiac activity is detected.

The Texas attorney general's office on Thursday again urged the court to leave the law in place while their appeal is pending. Whether the law remains in effect could ultimately wind up back before the U.S. Supreme Court, which last month allowed it to remain in effect without ruling on its constitutionality.

In Montana, a district court judge has halted the implementation of three new laws passed by the GOP-majority state Legislature earlier this year and signed by Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte.

Planned Parenthood of Montana filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the laws, and a fourth banning health insurance plans sold on the federal exchange from covering abortion care. Republican Attorney General Austin Knudsen's office is defending the laws.

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More Montanans were hospitalized for COVID-19 on Wednesday than at any point previously in the pandemic, according to data from the state.

There were 510 Montanans reported hospitalized Wednesday morning, topping the previous high of 506 last November, before a vaccine was available.

A persons vaccine status plays a strong role in the likelihood of them falling ill with COVID-19 and being hospitalized. A report from the state Department of Public Health and Human Services found from Feb. 7 to Sept. 4, nearly 90% of those hospitalized for COVID-19 were not fully vaccinated.

Vaccines became widely available for Montanans after the start of the year. Since February, just 10.5% of the states new cases were among those vaccinated and 11.4% of those hospitalized were fully vaccinated.

From July to September, cases were 4.4 times higher for those not fully vaccinated and hospitalizations were 5.1 times higher.

These data indicate that COVID-19 vaccination is the best protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection and at preventing severe COVID-19 outcomes, such as hospitalization and death, the report found.

RiverStone Health, the public health agency in Yellowstone County, said Wednesday 142 of the statewide hospitalizations were at either Billings Clinic or St. Vincent Healthcare.

Of those patients, 119 were not vaccinated. There were 43 people with COVID-19 in the intensive care unit and 31 on ventilators.

In recent weeks, hospitals around the state have warned of the strain COVID-19 patients have placed on their resources, with St. Peter's Health in Helena saying in mid-September it was using crisis standards of care. Hospitals have reported not being able to accept patients who need care for non-COVID-19 emergencies because of the increased demand on intensive care units.

Unfortunately at this time virtually every hospital is at or near capacity, and thats their staffing capacity, said Rich Rasmussen, the president and CEO of the Montana Hospital Association. Where we are today is we are still in the midst of our surge and many believe we will remain in this surge for the next six to eight weeks.

Facilities are basing that estimate off last falls numbers and that surge, which ran from October until about February, Rasmussen said. Hospitals are also looking to southern states that saw huge spikes in cases when people moved inside to escape the heat of the late summer and what that might mean for Montana, where people will be indoors more as winter hits.

Nearly 150 members of the Montana National Guard have been sent to hospitals and other facilities that requested assistance, and at least eight locations have asked for extensions for Guard members to stay longer. Rasmussen cited that and other flexibilities granted by the state and federal government as helping address some of the problem.

Hospitalization numbers have dramatically increased since the start of summer. According to the state's data, there were 56 hospitalizations during the week that ended June 4.

A monthly epidemiology report produced by the state also noted the increase in hospitalizations.

Average weekly hospitalizations due to COVID-19 peaked mid-November 2020, during the same time as the greatest numbers of new cases were reported, the report from Oct. 1 read. Average hospitalizations have steadily declined since December 2020. Hospitalizations remained stable in spring 2021 but have begun to increase again in July 2021 and continue to climb.

There were 86 deaths reported the week ending Sept. 24.

Hospital employees are exhausted from working at such a high level of intensity for such a long time, Rasmussen said. Facilities are also facing staffing challenges, especially as patients who require intensive care because of COVID-19 are intubated or in the intensive care unit, which requires a higher level of care  and the staffing associated with that.

They want to be able to squeeze the hand of a young mom when she delivers a baby, they dont want to squeeze the hand for the last time of a 45-year-old male who died because they were unvaccinated, Rasmussen said. They see patients they know should be able to walk out of the hospital and theyre not and thats whats really hard for them.

The delta variant, which overtook the state as the dominant variant in July, has led to a spike in cases and hospitalizations among both the vaccinated and unvaccinated, according to state data. By July, the delta variant made up more than half of the samples sequenced in the state, and that rose to nearly all samples by August.

Montana has lagged the rest of the nation when it comes to vaccine uptake. About 54% of the eligible population of those ages 12 and up are vaccinated in the state. That equates to about 49% of the state's total population vaccinated, compared to the U.S. rate of about 57%.

For those that are unvaccinated, mortality is higher, hospital rates are higher, long-haul issues are also at play here that we didnt have in the first round, Rasmussen said.   For anyone who works in health care, it is deeply troubling to them that they have so many patients that otherwise should be able to go home and cant or patients who are willing to take the risk of other extreme measures when they dont have to.

The state health department recently said the amount of monoclonal antibodies it receives to treat sick patients is being rationed by the federal government. And while Rasmussen said so far the state has had enough to meet demands, hospitals are concerned about that going forward.

The challenge for patients is for them to understand that you could choose to take a pass on the vaccine and hope that there is monoclonal antibodies for you but even the monoclonal antibodies are in short supply, Rasmussen said, adding that while the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been approved for use by the FDA, monoclonal antibodies are still under emergency-use authorization.

What hospitals need the most right now, Rasmussen said, is for community members to be vaccinated.

That is the best way to be able to avoid bad outcomes, to avoid (overwhelming) the system, avoid really stressing caregivers, is for community members who have not been vaccinated to consult their physician about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, Rasmussen said.

Rasmussen said that as hospitals are doing everything they can to care for patients, theyre also dealing with hostile situations.

All we ask for is a little bit of patience and a little bit of grace as we deal with what is a very difficult time for families, for patients and the people delivering the health care. It is difficult for them too, Rasmussen said.

Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte has said that he will not mandate vaccines but has encouraged people to consider them. After the legislative session earlier this year, local health departments were stripped of some of their power to issue things like mask requirements to slow the spread of the virus, and the ability to enforce any mandate was largely eliminated. Hospitals are expecting a more intense season for other respiratory illnesses without those measures in place and as colder weather drives people indoors.

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The Many Saints of Newark

On HBO-MAX

(R)

Grade: B+

When Tony Soprano woke up in the morning as a kid, he didnt go get himself a gun.

That came later.

In fact, young Tony was a bright boy with high potential. He dreamed of college.

But Tony didnt have the best work ethic. So he took shortcuts, like cheating on tests. That mistake got him kicked out of school.

So he turned to crime, right? No, lets not get ahead of ourselves.

Young Tony liked to cuddle up to mom when she read him bedtime stories. For a while, he resisted temptation. When he was offered a stolen speaker, he said no. Wouldnt be right, he figured.

We know where hes headed. Were curious as to how he got there  when he crossed over.

The Many Saints of Newark flashes back to Tony Sopranos formative years, his childhood.

Later, Tony would become an American anti-hero during the six Soprano seasons (1999-2007).

Despite all the lives that were shortened by him, he seemed to have embers of goodness burning deep inside. We saw those warm flames flickering during his counseling sessions.

In an inspired casting choice, Tony Soprano is played by Michael Gandolfini, whose dad James died of a heart attack in Rome in 2013 at age 51.

The son is the father of his dad, right?

In interviews, the young Gandolfini, now 22, is quick to point out the obvious, that he did not know Tony Soprano. He only knew his dad.

No, Michael, trust me: you knew Tony, too.

During the life and crimes of Tony Soprano, James became Tony and Tony became James.

Thats the perspective I took as I watched -- and enjoyed -- this two-hour prequel. Its uneven and too busy, but its still compelling and thought-provoking.

Clearly, Saints of Newark, written by David Chase who also wrote the TV series, is laying the groundwork for a spin-off series.

Saints ends with Tony standing over the coffin that holds his Uncle Dickie, who was shot in the head.

As Tony touches the cold hand of his deceased mentor, we can see his future shifting from dreams of college to schemes of revenge.

Saints is packed with interesting characters, waiting to be fleshed out if they dont die first.

Vera Farmiga, a treasure, plays Tonys mom.

But the character we care most about, of course, is the fat kid, who will grow up to rule the neighborhood.

Life is a story of roads not taken, of invitations accepted and others declined.

Which is why traveling back into Tony Sopranos childhood keeps us transfixed. We dont learn enough, but we get a sense of the how nature and nurture combined to create Tony Soprano.

Teachers and parents are apt to wonder if Tony could have been saved -- redirected toward college, career, family.

Maybe Tony, with the right mentor, might have become an alto or a tenor, instead.

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I would like to encourage all my fellow Helenans to lend their full and enthusiastic support to the new ADA trail on Mount Helena. The trail underwent a thorough review process at the city and will give our neighbors of all abilities access to Helenas outdoor beauty. It represents the hard work the disabled community, Helenas Rotary Club, and all the sponsors of this years Ales for Trails.

I have been teaching, researching and writing about environmental history for more than a decade. As I argued earlier in the year when the city made the unfortunate decision to ban e-bikes on trails, the environmental movement has an deep and problematic history of exclusion. Im willing to bet that we all believe in preserving Montanas beautiful natural spaces, but as environmentalists we have to be careful to constantly examine our own biases. Environmentalism succeeds when we combine careful science with goals that reflect the ideas and values of all constituencies, not just the ones who look or think like us. Building a new trail for an underserved user group is exactly the right step for Helenas outdoor recreation community.
A fire in a barrel and firewood is located at the at the center of the crowd to create some heat in the brisk weather. pic.twitter.com/mqXMvZAFrg

Some Milan union workers have been here since 5:30 a.m. They said a storm is on its way to their location.

Milan workers are hoping the strike doesnt last too long, but no they are unsure of when it will end. They arent stopping until gives them their increased benefits.

Some workers in Milan are also accompanied by family members. Workers are talking about the how long they think the strike might last.

Picketers are happy the drizzling has stopped and are hoping the sun comes out soon to bring some warmth. Cars honk in solidarity with the workers as they drive past. pic.twitter.com/o4R71xt8cl

On location at the Milan plant. A crowd of over 20 workers are gathered outside the Deere plant entrance. They were instructed not to talk to the media but welcomed me to take pictures and video. pic.twitter.com/DYKGoiUNRr

Its slightly drizzling here as the sun comes up. But picketers are still in high spirits, playing music from a speaker while talking amongst themselves. pic.twitter.com/l7VKM3Ywri

A crowd of over 50 Deere works are holding UAW on strike signs outside of the main Deere entrance. Picketers were instructed not to talk to the media. The local 281 office had no comment. pic.twitter.com/2xNF5EryPW

"John Deere is committed to a favorable outcome for everyone involved. John Deere is determined to reach an agreement with the UAW that would put every employee in a better economic position and continue to make them the highest paid employees in the agriculture and construction industries.

"In response to news of the UAW's strike, we have activated our Customer Service Continuation (CSC) Plan. As part of John Deeres CSC plan, employees and others will be entering our factories daily to keep our operations running. Our immediate concern is meeting the needs of our customers, who work in time-sensitive and critical industries such as agriculture and construction. By supporting our customers, the CSC Plan also protects the livelihoods of others who rely on us, including employees, dealers, suppliers, and communities."
The school district on Wednesday did not respond to an interview request from the Herald & Review to respond to comments by teachers about the pacing of lessons, grading procedures and oversight by administration.
LOGAN COUNTY  A San Jose man died Tuesday evening after colliding with a semi-truck and a tractor hauling farm equipment on U.S. Route 136.

A press release from Illinois State Police said John A. Harmsen, 34, Lincoln, was driving a John Deere tractor with two gravity wagons. Police said a 2013 Chevrolet truck hit one of the wagons from behind at 7:19 p.m. on Route 136 at 700th Avenue.

Troopers said a 42-year-old San Jose man was driving the Chevrolet, which was then pushed into the eastbound lane, where it was hit by a 2017 Freightliner semi-truck driven by Fredrick W. Eitenmiller, 58, Pekin.

The Logan County Coroner pronounced the San Jose man dead at the scene, ISP said, adding that its Crash Reconstruction Unit investigated the collision. The road was closed for about eight hours after the crash.

The man's name is being withheld until his next of kin has been notified, the release said, and charges are pending.

Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison

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Deere & Co. workers are ready to strike.

With negotiations between United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) and Deere stalled just before a midnight deadline, workers spent Wednesday making picket signs and bracing for the first major strike by Deere workers since 1986.

The UAW union rejected the company's latest offer on Sunday.

Workers say the agriculture manufacturer isn't offering adequate wage and benefit increases as the company enjoys record profits. Union members say they experienced mandatory overtime, an increasing workload and lack of support from managers.

Economists say a strike of significant length could spell trouble for the Quad-Cities economy, home to Deere's world headquarters, thousands of employees and dozens of companies that rely on business with Deere.

One Quad-Cities union worker, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the fear of retribution, said hes given way too many years to Deere to settle for weak benefits.

They crapped on us too many times, the worker said. We've helped this company make all this money, and now it's time that we get our cut.

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The strike affects workers in Illinois, Iowa and Kansas. Each Deere plant covered by the contract is organizing its own strike outside of its respective buildings, most of which will begin striking at 6 a.m. Thursday. Once a strike is started at a plant, it will continue for 24 hours a day, seven days a week until an agreement is reached, union leaders have said.

Meanwhile, Deere is reassigning some duties for salaried employees not involved in the strike, according to a salaried employee who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss company matters.

We were told your old job is second fiddle. Your job will now be showing up at the factory, said the employee.

Despite the change in workload, the employee supported the strike and said, I feel for the hourly employees.

In its latest offer, Deere bargained for incremental wage increases over six years, equal to about a $1.20 raise in hourly pay at the end of the six-year contract, according to employees. For the 2020 fiscal year, Deere & Co. net income totaled $2.751 billion, according to the company.

Deere is communicating information to the public about benefits within the voted-down contract through the website onejohndeere.com. Most recently, it has posted about retirement benefits and potential wage increases.

Workers say some Deere plant managers, though, have presented misleading information about the contract.

According to four union employees across two different plants in the Quad-Cities area who all spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the fear of retribution, managers presented information about wage increases but did not make it clear to employees that it would be necessary to work overtime to make the higher income. Union members say it would be nearly impossible to meet the hourly requirements.

Anybody new that comes in the warehouse wouldn't know any better, one worker said. (Deere) has been around for a long time; they know how to tweak certain things to make it so people can just barely make out certain parts of their pay plan.

Some managers posted general flyers on community cork boards while others spoke to the hourly workers directly.

Contingency plans

Some union workers have been building savings in case there is a strike for a year and half, following instructions that the UAW sent out to make sure they could sustain themselves financially if a strike was necessary, according to multiple Quad-Cities union workers. Workers with children and single parents will feel more financial strain if the strike drags on over weeks or months.

One Quad-Cities union worker said he accrued enough savings to support his wife and two children for quite awhile.

It's not gonna be like fast food, it's a lot of home cooking, the worker said. Costco is probably going to be our best friend for a while for bulk foods like purchases.

Strike pay will be available for Deere employees. According to the UAW, weekly strike pay is $275 per week, or $55 per day, beginning on the eighth day. A bonus check is paid the week prior to the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

Davenport city officials say they have not spoken with Deere or union representatives about the contract negotiations and pending strike.

I hope that they come to an amicable agreement soon, Davenport Mayor Mike Matson said Wednesday afternoon. John Deere is an important member of our community and so are our workers, and that is why I hope they come to an agreement very soon and treat each other with dignity and fairness.

Earlier in the week, Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati expressed similar sentiments, as have the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce and other community leaders.

Despite being prepared for the strike, there is still frustration among union members that drastic measures are necessary.

I'm not happy we have to go on strike to get what's rightfully ours, one worker said.

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A falsehood-fed fire is engulfing American democracy, where more than half of Trump voters -- and 4 out of 10 Biden voters -- support secession from the union.

Those startling numbers are from an online survey by the University of Virginia Center for Politics in partnership with Project Home Fire, an initiative "dedicated to finding common ground in American politics."

According to their survey, 52% of the respondents who voted for Donald Trump and 41% of those who voted for Joe Biden at least somewhat agree with the idea of states seceding from the union. One in four Trump voters strongly agreed.

Eight out of 10 voters for each man view elected officials from the opposition party as "a clear and present danger to American democracy." Four out of 10 respondents could support a president operating without checks and balances. And 4 out of 10 Trump voters surveyed strongly agree that the nation needs a powerful leader "to destroy the radical and immoral currents in our society today," according to findings of an online survey of more than 1,000 Trump and Biden voters in late July and early August.

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"I was surprised that such a large percentage on both sides want the other side to secede," said Larry Sabato, founder and director of the Center for Politics. "That's beyond stunning. It's threatening."

Didn't we settle this matter 160 years ago?

"You're not gonna have secession like you did in 1861," Sabato assured me, pointing out that every state, red or blue, has pockets of the other hue. "Are you going to build a fence around them, or build a wall?"

But not everyone in the Confederate states supported secession; Union-supporting counties in northwestern Virginia broke away from the Old Dominion at the start of the Civil War.

We live in a nation where minority rule is enshrined through the electoral college, and through a U.S. Senate that gives equal weight to California and Wyoming. Gerrymandering has already walled off folks from real democracy; others appear ready to try something else.

"If you look throughout the course of history, and you see times when people have veered towards authoritarian or totalitarian lines of thinking, thats been in times when theres some big withdrawals being made from peoples body budgets," Lisa Feldman Barrett, a psychology professor at Northeastern University, told National Public Radio on Oct. 6. "And the two most expensive things your brain can do is move your body and deal with uncertainty and chaotic circumstances."

Let's not assume these stresses started with Trump, the police murder of George Floyd, or the pandemic. They're as old as our nation's contradictions. America becomes most unsettled when it pursues truth, justice and equality.

Sabato says he's worried, and not just because of the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

"You're talking to a guy from Charlottesville, with the Neo-Nazis marching in front of my home" during that city's August 2017 rally of white supremacists, he said. He called Jan. 6 "probably the dress rehearsal for what's to come."

"The purpose of this study was not just to tell people we're in trouble, because I think most people knew that already, though this suggests we're in deeper trouble than they knew," Sabato said. "The purpose of the study was also to find some common ground between pieces of the Trump coalition and pieces of the Biden coalition."

The common ground appears to be substantial bipartisan support for investment in infrastructure: bridges, roads, ports, rail lines, water and wastewater systems. This gives Sabato a hope he acknowledges may be idealistic.

"We need some idealism," he said. "We need to inject it back into the system and get people thinking how to stave off violence and disaster."

Of course, this common ground has been poisoned by the big lie of a stolen election, a fallacy most Republicans profess to believe in.

Others are just playing along.

"This is their way of taunting the left and making it impossible for Biden and the Democrats to govern," Sabato said. "But they're also destroying our system. Because once people lose faith in the honesty of the election process, it is over. The republic is dead."

We can't stave off this disaster for democracy if we refuse to acknowledge how undemocratic this nation has been from the git-go. What we're witnessing is not so much a radical departure from the norm as a return to form. If there's little-to-no accountability for the attempted takedown of U.S. democracy, it doesn't take a lot of imagination to figure out what's next.

This nation was built not on common ground, but on a foundation of inequality. A home that's truth-resistant will never be flame-resistant.

Williams: Pharrell Williams is not happy. If his Virginia Beach music festival is to continue, that city's leadership must listen and learn Pharrell Williams has reeled in a boatload of awards as a recording artist and producer. But the Virginia Beach natives greatest hit may have been the 2019 Something in the Water music festival on that citys waterfront.

Michael Paul Williams is a Pulitzer Prize winning columnist with the Richmond Times-Dispatch in Richmond, Va.; read more of his columns on Richmond.com.

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UVa-Wise obtained a grant to research lynchings, which allowed Costa to hire three college students to assist. Costa said they have used newspaper articles, records from the NAACP and traced U.S. Census records. They've also tried to find descendants, but none have been located due to the "transient lifestyle" of coal workers at the time.

Woods is one of three black men to be lynched in Wise County, leading to the development of state legislation that made lynching a state crime in 1928. Costa said Woods' death sparked extensive news coverage and conversation across the state. As a result, local leaders urged the legislature to pass the law, the first in the southeastern United States.

With assistance from the Historical Society of Pound, the students and staff at the college have been able to obtain a historical marker from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. The marker, funded by the historical society, will be dedicated in Wise County near the site of the lynching Saturday.

The public dedication ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., at the markers location at 12643 Orby Cantrell Highway in Pound, just east of the VirginiaKentucky border. Parking is available near the signs location, according to a news release.
BRISTOL, Tenn.  The Bristol Tennessee City Council unanimously approved retaining a law firm to advise the city on the odor problems at the Bristol Virginia landfill.

The 4-0 vote, with one member absent, occurred during the councils Tuesday meeting, according to a video recording of the meeting. While the city has no jurisdiction in Virginia, it has received widespread odor complaints from both sides of the state line over its sister citys landfill.

Resolution 21-103 authorized retaining the law firm Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP.

Mr. Mayor, over much of the past year, the city and its citizens have been adversely impacted by offensive odors from operation of the Bristol Virginia landfill, City Manager Bill Sorah said in explaining the resolution.

Council has determined it is necessary to retain legal counsel to advise them of legal options available with respect to the landfill. Staff has identified the law firm of Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP as having the necessary knowledge, experience and personnel to represent the city in very complex legal matters involving this landfill, Sorah said.
We felt that there was a very timely opportunity to not be dependent on the whims of Asia when we have right here, in America, all the skills, capabilities and intelligence to be market-leading, self-sufficient and highly competitive, Blue Star-AGI Co-Chief Executive Officer Marc Jason said in a statement.

This economic development deal was aided by $8.5 million in infrastructure upgrades by the state to Progress Park. These investments include a $3 million expansion of the Fort Chiswell Wastewater Plant, a $1.5 million extension of public sewer infrastructure and a new $4 million water tank, all of which should boost future potential to land more manufacturing jobs, the release added.

In the Richmond region, similar pandemic-driven lessons are being applied in the pharmaceutical space. Leaders gathered in late September at Virginia Commonwealth Universitys College of Engineering to discuss new legislation that would institute a national strategic stockpile of key ingredients for generic medicines.

The bill also would prioritize U.S. manufacturing of such reserves. Per a VCU news release, generic drugs constitute nearly 90% of all prescriptions filled in the U.S., but roughly 87% of active pharmaceutical ingredient facilities for such treatments are housed in other countries.
A granddaughter and her boyfriend have been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the death of an 88-year-old Danville woman, authorities announced Monday evening.

Lindsey Mae Johnson, 24, and 22-year-old Nicasio Antonio Guzman, both of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, are charged in the homicide of Elizabeth Morris Adkins who was found dead in her home at 368 Juless St. on Sunday morning.

The police department cannot speak on the motive for this homicide, as the investigation is ongoing, but investigators do not believe this to be a random act nor are any further suspects being sought, authorities announced in a Monday evening news release.

Police have worked around the clock since discovering Adkins dead shortly after 10:45 a.m. Sunday. Officers responded to a 911 call after someone found the woman unresponsive inside her home. She was pronounced dead on scene.

Evidence at the scene led to the death being investigated as a homicide, police reported in a news release, without providing any other details.

Through the assistance of the members of the local Juless Street community, the suspects in this tragic homicide were identified, arrested and are now being held at the Danville City Jail without bond, police wrote in the news release.
" " This map shows the short-lived Republic of West Florida. Taken from the map 'The British Colonies in North America, 1763-1775.' Rattyrattery/Wikipedia/Creative Commons CC0 1.0

The good old U.S. of A. wasn't always made up of the 50 states that we know today. It took a lot of battles, bloodshed and negotiations to get to this point. Some states took their own sweet time hopping on board the Union train, setting up first as independent "countries," with varying degrees of autonomy.

"The question of whether a state was a separate country largely depends on how one defines a country  does it require a formal government, international recognition by other countries, or just a group of people saying they are a country?" says Jeremy C. Young, communications and marketing manager with the American Historical Association, by email. "I also exclude rebellions that did not lead to a permanent change in government, such as the Confederate States of America." He adds that it's important to note "the United States was created on land that was forcibly taken through various modes of violence from Indigenous nations, communities, and people whose own understanding of that land crossed boundaries that cannot be neatly drawn on maps."

With those caveats in mind here are six states that at one time were considered independent nations. We'll start with two that were formally recognized as such by other countries:

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1. Texas

Texans have always liked to do things their own way, and the beginnings of this state certainly set the stage. The problems all began with the Texas Revolution (1835-1836), which saw the Mexican dictatorship government overthrown by rich U.S. citizens that had been invited into the area. Once dubbed the Republic of Texas, the colonists approached the U.S. for annexation (i.e., to be added to the U.S.A.).

"But the government initially refused to do this, because adding Texas as a slave state, south of the Mason-Dixon Line, would dramatically increase the amount of U.S. territory open to slavery and would likely lead to civil war," Young says. However, in 1846 President James K. Polk did an about-face because he actually wanted more slaveholding states, so Texas officially achieved statehood that year. In fact, expanding the U.S. via this route was a major part of his election campaign.

The Republic of Texas existed for almost 10 years and was recognized by France, Belgium and the Netherlands, and even the U.S.A. as an independent nation.

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2. Hawaii

" " Queen Liliuokalani (1838-1917) was the last monarch of the Hawaiian Islands. She was overthrown in a bloodless coup in 1895. Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The Aloha State was known as the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1795 to 1895, after King Kamehameha united all the islands into one kingdom from small independent communities. That all changed radically in the 1890s when the monarchy was overthrown by wealthy white American colonialists who controlled the sugar plantations. They hoped the United States would annex Hawaii as a territory. "Initially, the U.S. government refused to do this, so the colonizers who had overthrown the Hawaiian government became leaders of the short-lived Republic of Hawaii (1894-1898)," says Young.

The first president of the republic was Sanford Dole (a relative of the family behind the pineapple company that is now Dole Food Company). President Grover Cleveland thought the Hawaiian Queen Liliuokalani should be restored to the throne. But Dole continued to seek annexation and in 1900, Congress created the Territory of Hawaii. The area formally became the 50th state in 1959, not far behind Alaska.

Now, we move into less well-defined territory, as there are states that saw themselves as independent nations, even if they technically were not recognized as such by other countries:

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3. Vermont

The area now known as Vermont was part of the colony of New York, but didn't want to take sides in the war between New York and Britain. So, in 1777 American colonists assembled to declare independence from both. They formed the Vermont Republic. Its 1777 convention saw an exceptionally forward-thinking constitution adopted. In addition to being the first North American constitution, it also banned slavery and gave adult males the right to vote. Even those who didn't own property!

However, not everyone was on board with this maneuver. "For reasons relating to state-based land claims, the U.S. government did not recognize Vermont's independence from New York until 1791, when Vermont was admitted to the Union as the 14th state," Young says. Congress took so long to recognize Vermont that at one point, Vermonters asked Britain if they could be readmitted to their empire. However, in the end, as a counter-balance to the admittance of the slave-owning state of Kentucky, Vermont was admitted to the Union.

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4. Rhode Island

Rhode Island might be tiny, but it always was a trend-setter. Much like Vermont, Rhode Islanders were also not interested in ongoing issues with the Crown. "In response to a British occupation, the colony of Rhode Island declared its independence from Great Britain on May 4, 1776, two months before the rest of the American colonies did," Young says. "Technically, then, it was a sovereign country for two months."

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5. Oregon

Lots of people were moving to Oregon Country in the 1800s, which meant that some sort of law and order had to be achieved. In 1843, settlers created the Provisional Government of Oregon to get the job done. Some settlers felt they should become an independent nation while others felt they should wait to get annexed to the U.S.A. In 1846, Britain finally gave up its claim to the vast territory, and in 1849 the U.S. formally annexed the land, which for the record, was made up of modern-day Oregon, Washington and Idaho.

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6. The Republic of West Florida

This only existed for two months in 1810. "A group of U.S. citizens living in Spanish Florida captured an area around Baton Rouge from the Spanish military. Later in 1810, the U.S. government annexed the territory, and it became part of the state of Louisiana in 1812," says Young.

Now That's Important There's a widespread rumor out there that Texas could leave the U.S. any time it wants to. No matter what anyone says, the Lone Star State cannot do that legally. Much of the confusion stems from language contained in the Joint Resolution for Annexing Texas to the United States, approved by Congress in 1845. While the resolution does state that Texas can split into a total of five states, it does not allow it to separate entirely from the U.S.
Its well-known within dairy and all of agriculture that producers are proactive leaders in land and water stewardship. But that story is less known in Washington, D.C., where lawmakers provide policy incentives that help dairy farmers build on the significant work they have already done. After a summer of real National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF)-driven progress on Capitol Hill, dairys priorities are moving in the right direction.

The success comes from persistence that has broken through the charged political climate. Its also come through the ability of NMPF and others to speak with one voice in support of the industrywide Net Zero Initiative. This unified voice has helped align congressional agriculture policy with dairys environmental goals of becoming carbon neutral or better by 2050 and improving water quality while optimizing water use.

Publicly, this summer saw continued public wrangling about when and whether to move forward with significant legislation, with greater emphasis on the differences between policymakers than on the potential areas of alignment that might help conclude important debates. But away from the national headlines, NMPF has been working with members of both parties to steadily develop momentum to enact policies to improve conservation programs to better meet dairys needs; spur adoption of innovative technologies and practices; and bolster emerging environmental markets.

The triple play of working examples

In August, NMPF led a dozen agricultural and conservation organizations in urging Congress to bolster existing farm bill conservation programs to target climate-smart practices, which hold major potential to help dairy farmers to further reduce emissions that studies show are already on the decline. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow continues to spearhead this legislative effort. Its becoming likely that pending budget legislation will successfully enhance funding for these critical programs. This will better position conservation programs to support dairy producers as they implement new approaches to feed management and undertake advanced nutrient management practices.

Second, NMPF has built on its springtime success in fostering federal incentives toward innovative technologies and practices. After working to win language in the Houses 2022 agriculture spending bill to nudge the Food and Drug Administration to speed up approval of animal feed additives, NMPF then worked with a bipartisan coalition of members to secure dedicated funds to achieve this goal when the bill hit the House floor in July. After that bill was approved, NMPF subsequently worked with senators in both parties to secure both the policy directive and the needed funds in the Senates bill.

This momentum has carried over to the bipartisan, bicameral Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act. This legislation, for which NMPF has led support efforts, creates an investment tax credit to cover 30% of the upfront capital costs of methane digesters and nutrient recovery systems. After advancing the proposal in the Senate this spring, we worked with House members to include key portions of the bill in a spending plan approved last month by the House Ways and Means Committee thats poised to move ahead in Congress.

Third, Congress is continuing to delve into voluntary agricultural carbon markets. After the Senate overwhelmingly passed the Growing Climate Solutions Act in June, action shifted to the House, where its Agriculture Committee held a hearing to inform members on voluntary carbon markets in agriculture. The committee is now considering the next steps regarding the Growing Climate Solutions Act.

Bringing plans to completion

As the saying goes, it aint over til its over. Inside the Capital Beltway, that point is often stated as, Nothings agreed to until everythings agreed to. Legislation is complicated, and loss of focus or a small mistake can make momentary successes quickly fade. But this year has provided an opening for NMPF to successfully pursue the key policy priorities needed to help make Net Zero a reality for dairy. NMPF is determined to bring these efforts to a successful conclusion.

To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com.

(c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2021

October 11, 2021
" " In most states you're under no obligation to tell a prospective buyer your house is haunted, even if asked. Malcolm Fife/Getty Images

Helen Ackley and her family lived with ghosts for years in their turn-of-the-century Victorian in upstate New York. One ghost would shake the children's beds to wake them up in the morning. Another materialized in midair as Helen was painting the ceiling of her living room (and approved of her color choice). Her son once came face-to-face with a long-deceased Navy lieutenant outside the basement door.

The Ackleys didn't keep their spectral guests a secret. Helen was quoted in newspaper stories and the Reader's Digest about the family ghosts, and the home in Nyack was included on the town's haunted house tour. Everyone knew that the Ackley place was possessed  everyone, apparently, except Jeffrey Stambovsky.

In 1989, Stambovsky, a transplant from New York City, bought the Ackley's Victorian mansion for $650,000 without any knowledge that the place was famously riddled with ghosts. When his new neighbors clued him in, Stambosky took the Ackleys to court to cancel the contract and get his money back. In the first trial, the judge denied Stambovsky's claim, citing caveat emptor or "let the buyer beware."

But an appeals court in New York reversed the decision, ordering Ackley to return Stambovsky's money in a colorful ruling that included ghostly quotes from Hamlet and a reference to the movie "Ghostbusters."

"Whether the source of the spectral apparitions seen by defendant seller are parapsychic or psychogenic, having reported their presence in both a national publication (Readers' Digest) and the local press (in 1977 and 1982, respectively)," wrote the court, "defendant is estopped [prevented from going back on her word] to deny their existence and, as a matter of law, the house is haunted."

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A Matter of Law

When a house goes on the market, nearly all states require the seller to fill out a disclosure form reporting any known structural problems, environmental toxins or other "material facts" that could affect the value of the home. But does that go for ghouls, too?

According to a state-by-state analysis by Zillow, there are no states that require home sellers to voluntarily disclose alleged ghostly activities on the property before a sale. In fact, only Minnesota even mentions hauntings in its disclosure law, which frees sellers from having to disclose any "non-material" facts, including if the home was the site of "perceived paranormal activity."

But just because there aren't state disclosure laws explicitly saying that sellers have to mention the creepy sounds coming from the attack or the floating dishes in the kitchen, doesn't mean haunted house-sellers are home free.

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Selling 'Stigmatized Houses'

The Ackley verdict, while not officially state law, set an important precedent for the question of whether or not to disclose paranormal activity. The court ruled that by not disclosing the high-profile haunting to the buyer, it "[impaired] both the value of the property and its potential for resale."

Cindi Hagley is a California real estate broker with The Hagley Group and president of Past Life Homes, a consulting business that helps haunted homeowners sell their bedeviled properties. In general, Hagley errs on the side of caution when it comes to seller disclosures.

"If it affects the material value of the home, it must be disclosed," says Hagley.

That said, Hagley will only disclose a haunting if it's "open and notorious," meaning that there have been multiple sightings and all the neighbors know about it. In real-estate lingo, homes that are rumored to be haunted, or were the site of a high-profile murder or meth lab are known as "stigmatized."

As seen in the Ackley case (you can see the house as it looks today in the video below), the negative notoriety of a stigmatized home could affect the value of the property. But if the haunting isn't "notorious" and only the owners think they've seen or heard something spooky, Hagley might not say anything.

"Sometimes a person will call me and say, 'Hey, my house is haunted and I need to sell; will you help me?'" says Hagley. "I'm kind of sensitive to these things myself. So, if I walk into a home and there's nothing there, I won't disclose it."

Even if your state doesn't force you to disclose the mysterious scraping noises behind the walls or the intermittent moaning in the basement, sellers and their agents are required to answer honestly when directly asked a question about the property. So, if a prospective buyer asks about the garlic hanging over the front door or the hexagram painted on the driveway, you can't lie.

If asked specifically whether your house is haunted, the seller or the agent has to answer truthfully to the best of their knowledge about any encounters with spectral entities. It's probably not a question that comes up in the sale of a two-bedroom condo, but if it's a 19th-century farmhouse with a family burial plot in the backyard, someone is going to ask about ghosts.

Hagley is ready to answer those questions honestly, but if she isn't asked directly she's going to wait until solid offers are on the table before she mentions anything potentially paranormal about her client's home.

"Don't forget, whether the home I'm selling is stigmatized or whether it's a luxury property, my fiduciary responsibility is still to my client, the seller," says Hagley. "I'm going to do what I need to do to get that home sold at the highest and best price, and disclose everything that I have to do legally to protect both me and my seller."

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Did Someone Die Here?

Ghosts are not the only thing that can scare off potential buyers. A lot of people are understandably creeped out at the thought of moving into a home where someone recently died or was the sight of a tragic or violent death, even one that occurred decades ago. But do sellers need to disclose if their property is "psychologically affected"?

Again, the law is generally on the seller's side. According to Zillow, only Alaska, California and South Dakota's disclosure laws explicitly say that sellers need to voluntarily disclose a recent death. In Alaska, the disclosure only covers deaths that occurred in the past year, while California goes back three years.

In South Dakota, there's a slightly gruesome question way down at the bottom of the state's disclosure form that reads, "Since you have owned the property, are you aware of a human death by homicide or suicide occurring on the property?"

In all states, though, if a buyer asks about a death in the home, the seller has a duty to respond truthfully to the best of their knowledge.

"If the buyer asks what happened, I believe you should tell them everything you know," says Hagley, "because if the real estate agent doesn't, the neighbors certainly will."

When Hagley's team is tasked with selling a home that was the site of a high-profile murder, they'll completely redecorate the crime scene and shift the focus to other rooms. "When buyers walk into the home, they're not going to recognize the place from the photos they saw on the 5 o'clock news," she says.

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Originally Published: Oct 13, 2020
For all the governments rhetoric about supporting innovation, the 'bleak' reality of working as an Australian scientist has been painted in stark relief as crushing fatigue and plummeting morale leave professional scientists questioning their longevity in what a key industry figure calls a broken system of insecure work.

Fully 70.6 per cent of the scientists responding to the newly released Professional Scientists Employment and Remuneration Report said their fatigue levels had increased over the past year  up from 54.6 per cent in 2020.

Of the respondents, 62.5 per cent said staff morale had declined in their organisation over the past year  compared with 45.8 per cent the year before  while 29.4 per cent said their organisations overall productivity had fallen over the past year.

Australias scientists are overworked, exhausted, and morale within their organisations is plummeting, said Jill McCabe, CEO of industry group Professional Scientists Australia (PSA), said as the report highlighted pervasive overwork and underfunding across a sector that had struggled to bear the added pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over the last 18 months as weve battled through the pandemic, weve relied on our scientific community more than ever before [and] we owe them a considerable debt of honour for their vital work, McCabe said, adding that the challenges of the pandemic have taken an extraordinary toll.

Scientists are working gruelling hours, with mining and exploration scientists reporting working an average 54.7 hours per week  plus an average 12.7 hours of overtime  with teaching and training scientists putting in a combined average of 60.1 hours work and overtime every week.

Across all fields, scientists reported working an average 52.1 hours per week due to what one respondent called crazy workloads with many, many extra hours required.

Lower pay with high workloads and increased stress in comparison to other fields is a big issue, another agreed.

Widespread financial stress

Compiled by PSA and Science & Technology Australia (STA), the survey included scientists working in agricultural and food sciences, aquatic, biological, chemical, geographical, mathematical, medical, ecological, and other disciplines.

Two-thirds reported cost-cutting in their workplaces over the past 12 months, with 42.4 per cent calling out insufficient skills development, a third reporting a decline in the number of scientists in decision-making roles, and 29 per cent reporting less science-driven innovation in their workplaces.

Survey respondents reported widespread stress from the use of fixed-term contracts that, on average, only guaranteed employment for 18 months at a time  with 44.4 per cent of respondents reporting working on hourly contracts that averaged just six months of employment.

Working as a scientist in Australia is not worth the difficulties you face during your study years, one respondent said. The pay is not that great and does not reflect the amount of labour and time scientists usually invest to obtain a university degree.

Despite the work such scientists are doing to advance Australias most innovative and important industries, just 46.7 per cent of respondents said they are satisfied with their current level of remuneration  down from 53.4 per cent last year  and 35.5 per cent were dissatisfied.

Fewer than half of surveyed microbiologists, forestry scientists, biologists, environmental scientists, biochemists, computer scientists, medical scientists, food scientists, metallurgists, manufacturing scientists and surveyors said they were satisfied with their current remuneration  with some noting that pay is failing to keep up with CPI and 46.6 per cent of respondents agreeing that their remuneration is falling behind market rates.

Taking measure of Australias innovation

My colleagues are leaving in droves due to lack of job security, one-year contracts, no chance ever of a permanent job and the requirement to do at least 10, if not 20, hours a week of unpaid work, one respondent said.

Thats hardly an endorsement of erratic government policies that have left the sector struggling for certainty over the past decade.

Despite the efforts of Malcolm Turnbulls government to paint Australia as an innovation nation through initiatives such as the underfunded National Innovation and Science Agenda (NISA), Australia has languished in World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) innovation rankings.

A 2017 policy vision for 2030, which was supported by senior scientists, aimed to enhance the national culture of innovation  but its vision was diluted when the Morrison government floated and then reversed mooted cuts to R&D investment support.

This year, the government renamed statutory board Innovation and Science Australia (ISA) to Industry, Innovation and Science Australia (IISA), promoting the change as indicative of the Governments emphasis on ensuring that innovation policy is directed towards benefitting Australian industry.

The new figures suggest that those rhetorical benefits have rung hollow for the scientific complex that forms the backbone of Australian industry.

Its not the first time the intense stresses on Australias scientific community have been laid bare: last year, a similar survey identified widespread employment uncertainty and career stress, while another found that women were increasingly likely to walk away from science careers.

Theres a huge risk that many more of our brilliant scientists will hit breaking point and just walk away if we dont fix this broken system of insecure work, Science & Technology Australia CEO Misha Schubert warned.

With 19.9 per cent of scientists indicating that they would leave the profession in coming years, Schubert said, We need stronger investment in science and much greater job security for scientists to avert a disastrous loss of talent and pursue a science-led recovery.
The Gibson Mills food hall-style dining and shopping experience, Gibson Mill Market, announced its latest additions Thursday.

Passionate about serving locally-sourced and handcrafted cuisine, Scratch Made Hospitality Group will introduce three concepts that will participate in making the market a well-rounded foodie destination.

Scratch Made Hospitality is owned by Ryan Bybee and his business partner David Herzing and currently consists of three North Carolina-based concepts: Village Corner Comfort Kitchen and Bar, recently awarded the Best Restaurant in Cabarrus County, Churn Buddies Ice Cream and Barcos Food Company. Barcos will also in open in Oriental in Eastern North Carolina later this year.

The new concepts coming to the Gibson Mill Market are:

Barcos Raw Bar, a satellite raw bar inspired by the soon-to-open Barcos Food Company

Churn Buddies, will expand to open their second location at the Market

Kunis Kitchen, an Asian cuisine concept inspired by Kuni, a Japanese family friend of Ryan
A longtime South Carolina TV news anchor will soon leave his station after more than three decades on air.

Michael Cogdill on Wednesday said he is planning to retire from WYFF, an NBC affiliate based in Greenville.

Ive been blessed to cover so much news  the bad and the good  and to be welcomed into your homes, he said in a video on the news outlets website. Everybody out there is extended family.

Cogdill has been with WYFF since March 1989, when he was hired as an anchor and reporter. Since then, he has interviewed notable politicians and other news makers, according to the station.

He is a tremendous journalist and a gifted storyteller, who has mentored so many young reporters and producers through the years, news director Akili Franklin said on the WYFF website. We are grateful for the legacy hes left.

Next, Cogdill is onto another venture.

In his next chapter, he said he plans to start a consulting company and publish a book. Hes already the author of a novel and two childrens stories.
"We know our jobs have gotten more challenging during the pandemic; we can only imagine how much tougher theirs have become."
MATTOON  Junior Madison Barnes set out to gather information at Mattoon High School's new College & Career Readiness event with a general focus area in mind for her future profession.

"I really want to work with kids somehow," Barnes said while visiting with some of the representatives of more than 30 employers and colleges there. She was accompanied by her mother, Michelle Barnes, who said: "I like this. I think it's helping those who don't really know what they want to do yet see there are more opportunities out there than what they might think."

The event included personnel from Eastern Illinois Area of Special Education, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System, and other businesses that serve children. Various employer representatives there reported high demand to fill positions in those and other fields, including diesel technicians.

Alex Love, a human resources business partner at Sarah Bush Lincoln, said they always hiring for registered nurses, surgical technicians, diagnostic imaging technicians and other healthcare positions. She said events such as the Readiness Night on Tuesday are great resources for meeting students who may want to work in those positions after graduation.

"We just like to talk to students about the different opportunities in healthcare," Love said.

Sarah Bush Lincoln distributed job shadowing applications at the event for students interested in observing healthcare workers on the job. Eastern Illinois Education for Employment System representatives were also on hand to share information about the Health Occupations program for high school students that it conducts and Sarah Bush Lincoln hosts.

EIASE representatives Debbie Rotramel, who is the associate director of special education, and Marlo Spidle, principal of the Kansas Treatment & Learning Center, said there is high demand for special education teachers and related positions, such as occupational therapists and social workers.

"If students have the passion for it, they should do it. It's worthwhile. We have both been doing our jobs for a long time, and I still love my job everyday," Rotramel said. Spidle also said she loves her work, particularly because they have a positive impact on children.

Junior Ashlyn Smith visited the EIASE representatives and several other booths. Ashlyn, whose father, Todd Smith, grew up in agriculture, said she is considering a variety of careers in agriculture and other fields, including as an electrical line worker. Ashlyn said she loves that line workers are among the first responders after a storm and power outage.

Sophomore Evan Diedrich was among the students visiting the Birkey's Farm Store company booth. Diedrich said he is still considering a variety of career possibilities, including in finance like his mother, Bridget Diedrich, and he attended the event to help narrow down those choices.

Birkey's education and recruitment specialist Travis McClure said the company, which has an administrative office and 17 store locations, employs staff members in accounting, marketing, information technology and other professions that some might not associate with agriculture.

McClure said their highest demand area is for diesel technicians, noting that these positions comprise nearly 180 posts in their workforce of approximately 440 staff members. He said Birkey's hires students from the Case New Holland technician program at Parkland College in Champaign and from diesel tech programs at other schools.

"Throughout the whole diesel tech field, there are tons of opportunities there," McClure said.

Contact Rob Stroud at 217-238-6861.

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CHARLESTON  Stephen Szigethy has been serving the Charleston community for years, as a police officer with Eastern Illinois University and the Charleston Police Department, and as a veteran in Afghanistan. Now, he is sharing even more, with his familys connection to an important piece of history  one that is often overlooked.

Szigethy is the son of Hungarian immigrant Steven B. Szigethy, who died in January 2020. His father fled to Canada in the wake of turmoil caused by the Hungary's revolution against the Soviet Union in the late 1950s.

Whenever he left, he pretty much left with just the clothes on his back, said Szigethy. He didnt really talk a whole lot about it.

Szigethy did, however, remember several stories. His father was a participant in the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, which caused thousands of Hungarians to emigrate to the United States and Canada, and many others to lose their lives in the conflict.

Once, his father told him about how he and a group of the revolutionaries ran a firehose into the office of communist secret police and flooded the building, forcing those inside to exit.

He knew what his participation would likely mean if he was caught, said Szigethy.

A Cold War story

Those interested in learning more about the Hungarian Revolution can visit EIU's Booth Library, where artifacts from the revolution are now on display. Some of the items belonged to Szigethys father, including several of his medals awarded to participants in the revolution, and a pufajka or puffy jacket that resembles the one Szigethys father wore when he came to the United States.

Also among the artifacts are a letter from a student publication, uncensored newspapers, and an old radio used to broadcast updates to those involved in the revolution.

Its right here in the heart of campus, said EIU history professor Ed Wehrle. Students can view this piece of history as they walk to class.

The revolt actually began as a student protest before it spread throughout the entire country. The protest against the communist rule eventually led to warfare, resulting in the deaths of thousands of citizens. It also led to thousands of Hungarians needing to flee the country.

Its very much a Cold War story, said Wehrle.

Szigethys father needed to move to Canada, leaving his mother behind for several years. After everything settled, he went back to school in Vienna and became a doctor. He eventually settled in Oblong, Illinois, with his wife, who was also an immigrant. She was born in Columbia.

Stephen Szigethy created the exhibit with the help of Sandor Vasony, who provided him with genealogy and information about his father.

Vasony was also a participant in the revolution when he was only 9 years old.

"I very much hope that you, as a visitor of the exhibition, will recognize the significance of the Hungarian uprising of 1956, the heroism of the Hungarian people, and learn about and remember the atrocities of the evil empire that has crippled the lives of millions starving for freedom for decades, Vasony said in a message to Szigethy.

In the face of very, very difficult odds

The Hungarian Revolution is not something often taught in U.S. classrooms, said Wehrle, because the United States did not really get involved, only sending small parcels of aid.

My father, like many other Hungarians, hoped that help would come from the West, but help never came, said Szigethy.

Still, Wehrle thinks now is an important time to look at the Hungarian Revolution because it is relevant, or it rhymes with current events.

Those resonate a lot, and rhyme a lot with what went on in 1956, said Wehrle. You look at what has recently gone on in Russia, with (Alexei) Navalny sitting in prison, protests in Iran, and women in the streets in Afghanistan facing down the Taliban knowing what the horrific results will be I think the key rhyming is bravery and courage in the face of very, very difficult odds.

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The next phase of Truist Financial Corp.s branch-reduction initiative appears to include the consolidation of its downtown Winston-Salem retail space.

The N.C. Commissioner of Banks website has Truist listed as pending the shifting of its drive-through operations at 150 N. Marshall St. into the 200 W. Second St. branch within its former corporate headquarters.

Truist still would have 13 branches in Forsyth County.

A Truist spokesman said Wednesday the bank did not have immediate comment about the local branch-consolidation plans.

Truist is scheduled to release its third-quarter financial report by 6 a.m. Friday, in which it may update the branch initiative.

Truist has closed or consolidated at least 401 branches in the past 15 months, or from 2,957 on March 31, 2020, to 2,556 on June 30, 2021. That includes 226 branches during the first quarter, but just a net reduction of one during the second quarter.

That put Truist at just above the halfway mark of its plans to close or consolidate 800 branches by first quarter 2022.
Mount Tabor had an additional student for seven overall, along with a staff member. Southeast had an additional student for a total of seven, as well as a staff member listed for the first time.

Walkertown Elementary remains listed with six students, while the cluster at Clemmons Middle involves five students.

Overall, there are 33 students and four staff members listed as infected.

WS/FCS said in a statement Wednesday that we are aware of the state-reported clusters, as our contact tracing team and our partners at the Forsyth County Department of Public Health stay on top of all situations.

In most of our cases, the number has been 5 to 8 COVID-positive students/staff, which our teams still feel is still quite low given that all students have returned to school.

These cases and the others that are brought to our attention are still only representative of roughly 2% of our student population.

The system said the majority of school-related COVID-19 cases continue to be linked to community exposure.

Most of these cases are linked to students who are ineligible to get the vaccine or are unvaccinated, the system said.
Its the kind of store where every time you turn around, you notice something you hadnt seen before. And Kobus loves to share her love of Polish and other foods, often offering a taste of Polish sausage, maybe with a piece of Lithuanian bread thickly slathered with European butter.

On a recent day, Kobus brought out a bottle of unrefined sunflower oil from Russia. This is really hard to find, she said.

She opened a Prince Polo candy bar from Poland and offered a sample. This is like our KitKat. We grew up with these, she said.

At Euro Deli Mart, you can even buy the Russian version of cola, Polish bacon pate and Ukrainian pink herring.

Her customers come from many countries. Almost 30 framed pictures on the wall honor the many nationalities of her clientele. And Im missing six, she said.

They cover pretty much every country in Europe and a few beyond.

Mike Radionchenko, a native of Russia who lives in High Point, was in the other day, stocking up on family favorites. He shops here every couple of weeks for his entire family, Kobus said.
Q: Who is responsible for providing traffic control and student crossing on roads adjacent to schools during drop-off and pickup, the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools or law enforcement agencies?

T.K.

Answer: Jonathan Wilson, the executive director of safety, security and emergency management for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, said the school system is responsible for traffic and safety on its properties only.

Historically, we have provided crossing guards and/or traffic control at main entrances, but it is not required by any law or city code.

We have no ability to enforce laws on city streets that do not belong to the district, he said.

Staffing shortages have caused some schools to make changes with the way that students are dropped off and picked up because they may not have a crossing guard or traffic control.

We have worked in many areas to improve traffic flow on our campuses so as to take as many cars as possible off of city streets in an effort to keep traffic flowing. Weve added lanes, changed patterns and drop-off routines in many cases. We work with city and county officials to also use traffic studies to make improvements, Wilson said.
Winston-Salem police arrested four Greensboro men Wednesday following gunfire at Deacon Ridge apartments in the citys northwestern section, authorities said.

No injuries from the gunfire were reported.

Officers responded at 12:25 p.m. to a reported shooting at 732 Scholastic Court, police said. As officers arrived, they were told that possible suspects were leaving the area in a black Nissan Altima.

Officers later found and stopped the vehicle with four suspects, police said.

Cara Copeland, 35, told officers at the apartment on Scholastic Court that three men entered her apartment and one man had a gun, police said. Copeland said she went to a back bedroom where her boyfriend, Allen Wilson, 35, was located.

Wilson then shot at the three men in self-defense, police said. The suspects quickly ran out of the apartment.

Two men ran out of the front door, and one jumped from the buildings third-floor balcony, police said. The man who jumped off the balcony suffered minor injuries and received medical treatment at a local hospital.

The suspects drove from the apartment complex, but officers stopped their vehicle in the 1800 block of Bethabara Road and arrested them, police said.
GIBSONVILLE  A Yadkinville man is facing several charges, including driving while impaired, after he stole a box truck and led authorities on a chase into Guilford County early Wednesday morning, Gibsonville police said in a news release.

About 4:15 a.m., Gibsonville police officers attempted to stop a yellow, 2010 GMC box truck traveling west on Burlington Road without headlights or taillights, according to police.

The driver of the vehicle refused to stop, making a hard left turn onto N.C. 61 and nearly flipping the truck, police said.

Officers pursued the driver as he continued onto Interstate 40 west, traveling from one side of the road to the other at speeds up to 75 mph, police said.

Eventually, Guilford County sheriffs deputies joined Gibsonville police when the box truck took the South Elm-Eugene Street exit.

The box truck came to a stop at the end of Sebastian Road, partially parked in a wooded area, police said.

As officers exited their vehicles, the box truck began quickly backing up, striking a Gibsonville patrol vehicle. The patrol vehicle was forced back about 20 feet, where it crashed into a deputys vehicle, police said.
Trump continues with the Big Lie that he really won the election and 70% of Republicans now believe President Biden lost. This power base has given Republican-controlled state legislatures the will to pass laws making it more difficult to vote and to give partisan legislatures the power to overturn unfavorable election returns. Both of these types of laws are antithetical to democracy.

Authoritarians change political rules in order to maintain power. Damn the will of the people.

Of course, they dont say that aloud, but they make up lies that there was massive election fraud justifying the need for new laws to defend our democracy from the cheaters. Pure hogwash! And the American people better take action to protect our democracy before it is too late. Republican enablers of Trump must be defeated in 2022.

Miles Taylor, a former Trump national security adviser and Christie Todd Whitman, former Republican governor of New Jersey, laid out a game plan in an Oct. 11 New York Times column (We Are Republicans. Theres Only One Way to Save Our Party From Pro-Trump Extremists). In swing states, conservative Republicans should join forces with Democrats to defeat every Trumper. In red states, Democrats should join Republican anti-Trumpers and elect a moderate if possible. This idea could save the Republican Party and more importantly save our democracy.
One Lincoln teenager was arrested and two more were cited and released after a report of a vandalism at the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house turned into a fight on Wednesday night, according to University of Nebraska-Lincoln Police.

Campus police responded to the residence at 1425 R St., commonly known as the Fiji house, after a caller reported an ongoing vandalism.

UNL Police Assistant Chief Marty Fehringer confirmed to the Journal Star that three teens allegedly vandalized the fraternity house, causing damage to a window and several vehicles.

Fehringer said fraternity members detained the teens until police arrived.

By then, Fehringer said, the incident had devolved into a fight that involved six to eight people. Once police restored order and conducted interviews, Fehringer said three non-UNL students were detained for their alleged roles in the incident.

A 17-year-old boy was cited on suspicion of assault on a police officer, the only felony citation issued as a result of the incident.
There was a second pool of blood, where Prentice had been pulled out of the passenger front seat of the car. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Molsen showed Agnew a photo of the front-seat passenger side of the car.

"And in the picture, do we see what was later discovered to be approximately a half-pound of marijuana in a Ziploc bag?'" he asked.

Agnew said the bag had been next to Prentice's legs or feet, along with a Taurus 9mm handgun, and a backpack with more marijuana.

They found a bag of pills marked to look like Xanax in the trunk, though testing revealed it wasn't a controlled substance.

He said they also found a large amount of currency spilling out of the backseat, where Mills had been, a single shell casing next to the money and the Mini Draco in the backseat.

Mills wasn't injured in the shooting.

Two weeks after the shooting, police arrested Buongkhoy Wal, 17, and state prosecutors charged him in state court with first-degree assault and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony for his alleged role in the shooting.
Matthew Hecker, chief administrative officer of schools for the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln, announced this week he will phase out of his role over the next three years.

Hecker, the former dean of students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will help the diocese hire an assistant in the coming months who will eventually take over his role when he retires in 2024.

Bishop James Conley and the diocese will begin a search this fall, Hecker said, in hopes of identifying a pool of candidates sometime this winter or spring.

Hecker, 64, said the transition will allow him to take on more duties as the diocese's first permanent deacon after he was ordained in May, including assisting Conley with planning and diocesan programs.

"The time is right," Hecker told the Journal Star on Wednesday. "That diaconal identity I have now is being able to serve the bishop and the diocese in other ways besides just the schools."

Hecker was originally named the diocese's superintendent of schools when he was hired in 2018 after Msgr. John Perkinton announced he was stepping down.
Still, he repeated the need for reform to come on both ends  addressing racial biases in policing and prosecution practices while investing in impoverished communities.

"I think you need both," McKinney said. "We could pass all the policy changes we want. But if we're sending individuals back into high-poverty communities, we're probably gonna get the same results.

"You can't pass policy changes and not do anything to decrease poverty and address mental health and those things. I honestly think you need both to ever make this work in any type of way."

One practice in particular the Sentencing Project noted relates to pretrial detainment, which is more likely to be imposed on Black defendants because of income inequalities.

Pretrial detention contributes to racial disparities in prisons because those who remain in jail before trial as they navigate the legal process are more likely to be convicted and sentenced to longer prison terms, according to the report.

Judges regularly consider employment or school enrollment status when sentencing those convicted of crimes, a factor that would work against someone who couldn't afford to post bail.
If the staffing crisis does not improve enough by next summer, Corrections will close existing living units and shift to the new space at the combined Lincoln facility, Frakes said.

Staffing has been an issue since before his tenure, Frakes said, but has been especially difficult for the past few months.

He pointed to the same labor shortage faced in other industries. The state's inspector general for the corrections system previously said the economy has had an impact, but that the stage was set for the current crisis due to a lack of sufficient action over several years.

High turnover and a decrease in applicants has led to more than 625 staff vacancies, Frakes said. There are about 430 vacancies in protective services  security and custody staff  out of 1,300 total positions, according to Frakes. So, about a third of those positions are unfilled.
Rep. Jeff Fortenberry on Thursday hailed the efforts of a human rights organization led by a University of Nebraska medical student in already providing for the evacuation of 6,700 people, including 1,200 Americans, from Afghanistan in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal of military forces.

The Human First Coalition effort has "saved thousands," the Lincoln congressman said during an interview with BBC World Service.

Safi Rauf, who also was interviewed by the BBC, said thousands of endangered Afghans who are members of religious minorities or who helped the U.S. military still remain behind with "their lives in great danger."

The Human First operation is designed to "evacuate people at risk," he said.

Rauf was born in an Afghan refugee camp in Pakistan and immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager. He graduated from high school in Omaha and served as a linguist and cultural adviser in Afghanistan for four years before attending college on the East Coast and enrolling in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He recently deferred his enrollment to the University of Nebraska Medical Center to form Human First.

Included among the evacuees rescued by Human First was an Afghan interpreter who once served as President Joe Biden's translator when he was a senator.
Benton almost certainly lied about his age, since he was only 16.

No details of their individual service have survived. But Kinkeads unit took part in the battle of Shiloh, in Tennessee, April 6-7, 1862. It was the bloodiest battle in American history at that point.

The 77th Ohio spent a year guarding military prisoners in Illinois, then returned to action in late 1863 and early 1864. The regiment was nearly obliterated in the battles of Marks Mills and Jenkins Ferry, Arkansas, in late April 1864, when most of its soldiers were killed, wounded or captured. It saw no further combat during the war.

According to a family history, Kinkead was taken prisoner at Marks Mills and released two months later. A Confederate bullet shattered his left ankle, a wound that would trouble him for years. He and Julius left the Army in December 1864 when their enlistments expired.

After the war, Kinkead became a house painter in McArthur, Ohio, not far from his parents farm. He married Cynthia there in November 1871.
First, an investigative series by The Wall Street Journal reported that for years Facebook has been studying how Instagram, which it owns, has been harmful to young users. Among other bombshells, the Journal quoted a leaked internal document that read: We make body image issues worse for one in three teen girls.

Imagine that as part of Facebooks advertising plan. Not likely.

In her Senate testimony last week, whistleblower and former Facebook employee Frances Haugen quoted more inside documents and accused the social media giant of putting profits before people, comparing it to tobacco companies in addicting youngsters to a toxic product just like cigarettes.

By the end of the week, Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg was back on the cover of Time magazine, but this time with his face partly covered by an image of a smartphone app asking Delete Facebook?

Facebook responded to the allegations, as it has before, with denials or various versions of Were working on it.

If so, I hope they and Congress also take a closer, broader look and probe another long-running but too rarely reported menace encouraged by the social networks: street gang violence in cities like Chicago.
After signing the letter, Clements was forced to do an unconvincing dance, saying, on one hand, that constituents questioned whether their votes were counted correctly and, on the other, expressing absolute confidence and respect for Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen and Gov. Pete Ricketts, both Republicans, who have defended the security of the states election system last fall.

It is notable that none of the other 48 Nebraska legislators, including the legion of pro-Trump Republicans, signed the letter whose lead signer is a self-described conservative America-first, pro-Trump Republican Arizona state senator.

Thats evidence that Clements made, to be charitable, an error in judgment in signing onto the effort to undermine the election.

More important than endorsing an audit that isnt going to occur, however, is that Clements' action in signing the letter vividly illustrates the impact of the redistricting plan supported by a coalition of rural senators and Omaha Republicans that balkanized Lincoln to preserve a rural seat while diminishing the presence of Nebraskas one true blue dot in Legislature.
Friends Eden Laurin, Aubrey Howard and Mia Clarke all had children within six months of each other  and Laurin and Howard described that time as a terribly disappointing time for products and info as new mothers.

Laurin recognized the issues she was facing as one wave in the massive sea of the reality of being a woman. Women have faced issues for years, from getting their first menstrual cycle to menopause and beyond, she said.

The three have turned their problems into profit since they co-founded their womens care brand, Nyssa, in 2018. The brand offers products specifically for those who have given birth: such as postpartum recovery kits, underwear, heat and ice packs, leggings, mirrors and more.

The business launched its first product in September 2019  and two years later, won a first place $5,000 cash prize for the brand in the pitch competition at Racines inaugural Tech-Prize pitch competition, hosted by Visioning a Greater Racine.

Ten entrepreneurs pitched their business proposals to investors and judges at Gateway Technical Colleges Racine Campus on Sept. 18.

Running a business is hard. In the middle of the night, you wake up stressed, Howard said. Any time that all of that work, blood, sweat and tears can be validated for a cash prize, is what keeps us going.

The Tech-Prize competition was the culmination of over two years planning from volunteers who made up the Visioning a Greater Racines Thriving Economy WAVE (Working Action Vision and Engagement) team.

The group modeled Tech-Prize after Grand Rapid Michigans Art Prize, which brings artists from around the world to compete for public and juried prizes.

Tech-Prize co-chair Jeff Daniel noted the challenge of putting the competition together during the COVID-19 pandemic. I dont think we could have done any better; it was phenomenal, he said in a statement.

For more information To view Nyssa's website, which includes products for purchase, Nyssa's Unmentionables Podcast, a form for submitting information that could inspire a future product, articles about women's health and more, go to nyssacare.com.

Founding the business

Nyssa is a womens well-being brand built on two pillars:

Well-designed, innovative products

Resources and language surrounding womens health.

The name Nyssa, which means woman in Arabic and beginning in Greek, really speaks to the brands mission of transformational products for women, Laurin said.

Nyssas headquarters is in Chicago, also where Laurin, now the brands CEO, lives. Howard is based in Michigan and Clark splits her time between Chicago and the United Kingdom.

Laurin and Howard had already started a few businesses together focusing on product development and innovation. But all three women have been friends for more than a cumulative decade.

Theres nothing more terrifyingly awesome than working together with a group of friends, making products that you all believe really strongly in, Eden said. It matters to us because it matters to our lives. This is our mission.

Howard emphasized how many products marketed towards women are makeup and clothing. She noticed a lack of companies offering other necessary womens products.

However, when the children were born, we reached our tipping point and decided we will no longer accept that answer, Howard said.

These tough, vulnerable moments were describing as unmentionables, Laurin said.

Laurin, Howard and Clarke constantly look at data, research and statistics and host focus groups to identify these unmentionables to help design and produce products and develop language and conversations around the issues.

Solutions to issues

The group didnt have a background in science or even apparel technology. They connected with industry professionals and obstetricians/gynecologists for expert info.

Their first product was underwear that holds heat or ice packs, called FourthWear postpartum recovery underwear. Its been since recommended by doctors, doulas and midwives. The inspiration came from the fact that the best thing the group had for postpartum care was flimsy mesh underwear, given to them free from the hospital  but it didnt hold heat or ice that could help the body heal.

The co-founders then launched the FourthCare perineal ice and heat pack, a postpartum ice/heat pack that doesnt look like it came from your dads beer cooler, as the Nyssa website describes. The pack is meant to be in the shape of a womans seat and is lightweight.

In 2020, the company added additional products to create a postpartum collection, and this year the company moved outside of postpartum care and launched its Every Woman Collection, which includes the VieVision Between Legs Mirror, a lighted, hands-free mirror for viewing between the legs for self-checks, self-grooming and the insertion of menstrual or contraceptive devices. It has since gone viral.

The company primarily markets to U.S. customers currently but ships products around the world. Its gained a large following; theres almost 10,000 followers on Nyssas Instagram page.

Were happy our products resonate around the world, Howard said.

We need this conversation around postpartum and knowing your anatomy as a woman, Howard said. Its been really amazing to see it very quickly adopted by people and professionals wanting to put our products in their practice.

The breast and chest ice/heat packs, a part of the Postpartum Collection, are now available at 1,100 CVS stores that have a well-being section, which Laurin said will hopefully push recognition of the brand. Sales are rising week by week, Howard said.

The business doesnt anticipate a brick-and-mortar store within the next year, but is planning to have pop-ups. Nyssa is also planning on adding new products in 2022 that will solve more unmentionables issues, but theyre not announced yet.

Tech-Prize

Laurin said the Tech-Prize competition caught her attention. She has family in Wisconsin said she was impressed by the growing of tech and innovation so close to the Windy City.

It was kind of neat to see another city and how its getting tapped, Laurin said.

The business has participated in conferences and mentorship programs before, but this was the first one Laurin had gone to in person, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The other Nyssa founders and business partners were present via WhatsApp  they received updates from Laurin, including personal mishaps like when her pants zipper broke during the product pitch.

It really speaks to her resilience, Howard said with a laugh.

Laurin noted she was able to connect with resources and gained incredible opportunities from Tech-Prize.

The judges feedback was super valuable, she said. Weve had follow-up conversations with most of the judges. It was hugely beneficial.

Jason Jacobsohn, managing partner at venture capital fund Propellant Ventures, said Laurin told a great story that resonated with the judges. Jacobsohn was a Tech-Prize judge and said hes been judging various competitions for the past 10 years.

Telling an engaging story will generate interest from investors, he said in an email to The Journal Times. The company already had some nice progress with capital raised, and more importantly, customers buying products. The team was resilient and found a way to continue to grow and thrive during the pandemic. Good teams are resourceful.

Jacobsohn said the brand can be successful if the founders continue to execute well  Raising additional capital will help them to bring on my resources (i.e. people), develop more products, and continue to market and sell.

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Culvers CurderBurger, a novelty burger the Prairie du Sac-based chain is selling Friday, for one day only  including in its Racine County locations  tastes not too different from the companys ButterBurger Deluxe with cheese, but with one meat patty instead of two.

The fried cheese curd crown is made with white and yellow curds and a touch of American cheese to impart that creaminess and melt-ability, said its creator, Quinn Adkins, Culvers director of menu development.

The curd patty tastes most strongly of American cheese and Culvers trademark cheese curd breading.

Thick at first, it quickly compresses as you grip the burger. The CurderBurger comes with lettuce, red onion, tomato and pickles, and its the pickle flavor that dominates.

A friend who shared the burger noticed the mayonnaise inside, and questioned why the company didnt go with ranch dressing instead because its what people expect with their cheese curds.

We purposely used our mayonnaise because it is a crucial part of our signature ButterBurger Deluxe, Adkins said. When creating the CurderBurger, we combined two guest favorites, our Wisconsin cheese curds and the ButterBurger Deluxe, to create a flavor that would resonate with our guests.

Susan Bulgrin, who co-owns three Madison-area Culvers franchises, warns that the restaurants will have a limited supply of CurderBurgers Friday on National Cheese Curd Day.

Bulgrin said shes not planning to have extra staff on hand to accommodate potentially large crowds.

She let a Lee Newspapers reporter try a CurderBurger ($5.79) Wednesday to see what all the excitement is about.

A giant fried cheese curd in a bun gained a lot of attention after Culvers social media team dreamed it up as an April Fools Day gimmick and put it out on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Adkins said the team called it a CurderBurger instead of a CurdBurger probably because it rolls off the tongue a little better.

The CurderBurger, as it will be served Friday, puts the cheese crown atop a Culvers hamburger patty instead of the way it was originally introduced on April 1.

Culvers has been selling fried cheese curds since 1997, said Adkins, who has been with the company since June 2015. Theyre sold not just in Wisconsin, but across Culvers 820 restaurants in 25 states.

How popular are they?

Well, put it this way: Last year, we sold more than 40 million orders of cheese curds, he said.

Adkins said there are lots of logistical constraints in offering the CurderBurger as a permanent menu item. He said when the company comes out with a new limited-time-offer item, it takes anywhere from 12 to 18 months to develop and watch.

Culvers spokesperson Eric Skrum said never say never about the burger coming back in the future. At this point though, we are simply focusing on providing the best possible experience for our guests on National Cheese Curd Day, Oct. 15.

Read more restaurant news at: go.madison.com/restaurants

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MADISON  The Wisconsin Association of School Boards released a statement Thursday condemning threats against school board members made by the public amid recent tumult surrounding COVID-19 mitigation policies in schools.

Unfortunately, there have been some isolated incidents in the state recently involving threats to the personal safety of board members, the release read. Such threats cannot and should not be tolerated.

A the beginning of October, Attorney General Merrick Garland directed the FBI and U.S. Attorneys Offices to meet in the next 30 days with federal, state, Tribal, territorial and local law enforcement leaders across the country to discuss strategies for addressing a disturbing trend of increasing threats to teachers and school board members.

Threats against public servants are not only illegal, they run counter to our nations core values, Garland wrote. 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.

Threats against school board members in Wisconsin appear to have revolved around COVID mitigation protocols, such as mask mandates, prompting the state-wide association of school boards to issue their statement with instructions on how members of the public should address local board members.

To help board members hear and understand the message you want to deliver, be clear and respectful in your communications. You can be passionate about the issue, but maintaining a civil, constructive dialogue leads to more informed decision making, the release read. Recognize that boards frequently face difficult choices. The matters at hand can be complex with no easy answers in sight. But school board members share your goal  a successful public education system that helps all students excel.

Incidents here and elsewhere

Up North News, a digital outlet based in Wisconsin, reported in September that a Beaver Dam Unified School Board member who voted twice in favor of requiring masks resigned from his position, citing concerns about the safety of his family. The board member noted such instances as a vehicle idling outside his house late at night and negative communications he has received related to his support for masks, according to the outlet.

Kenosha Unified School Board President Yolanda Santos Adams reported a threatening confrontation at a Sept. 8 City Council meeting where a proposed mask mandate was discussed.

I had a lady point her finger in my face while screaming at me without her mask on, Santos Adams said.

Adams said that she believes that car finish was scratched during an Aug. 24 School Board meeting.

Wisconsin Public Radio also recently reported that school boards in Wisconsin and other states have been forced to end meetings early due to angry mobs. In Oshkosh, an August school board meeting devolved into a shouting match after protestors refused to wear masks as required by the district.

A similar situation occurred here in Kenosha when the Aug. 24 meeting of the KUSD School Board came to a sudden halt before it could begin as a throng of demonstrators objected to having to move into crowd overflow rooms so that social distancing could be maintained. Most of the demonstrators were parents who opposed the administrations proposal to require masks for staff and students in grades 3K to 6.

And on Aug. 9, a meeting of the Burlington Area School District Board got out of control when the board suspended public comments at its meeting as the crowd heckled board members. Speakers were interrupted, including by their own supporters. A majority of that School Board adjourned from an auditorium to another part of the high school. The parents who remained and two members of the board convened their own meeting in a hallway, until police told them they had to leave.

Terry Flores and Pete Wicklund of the Kenosha News and Lauren Henning of The Journal Times contributed to this report.

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UW-Madison announced on Wednesday a $20 million donation for a new academic building that will help clear the way for the demolition of the Humanities Building.

The building will become the new home for the College of Letters and Science, the largest academic school at UW-Madison. Brothers Jeff and Marv Levy gave the $20 million gift to their alma mater in honor of their late parents, whose names will be on the new building, Irving and Dorothy Levy Hall, at the corner of Johnson and Park streets.

The brothers own and operate Phillips Distributing Corp., a Madison-based beer, wine and spirits supplier, and have donated to UW-Madison in the past.

Construction is expected to begin in 2023 with doors opening to students in the fall of 2025.

UW-Madison secured $60 million in taxpayer-supported borrowing in the state budget passed this summer. Officials are raising an additional $15 million from other donors to cover the $95 million price tag.

The word transformational is used quite a bit, but I think you can see that this will be transformational when you compare the existing situation to what will be coming here in 2025, Marv Levy told reporters at Wednesdays announcement in front of Bascom Hall.

The existing situation at Humanities, where many undergraduates take general education courses in their freshman and sophomore years, is dire, UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank said. Water runs down classroom walls and concrete is deteriorating.

Earlier this year, officials had to shut down a portion of the building for about three weeks due to potential structural concerns. Staff were relocated during that time.

The new building will be one of the most heavily trafficked on campus and used by tens of thousands of students each year, said College of Letters and Science Dean Eric Wilcots. Few general classroom buildings have been constructed on campus since the early 1970s, and the university needs this one to accommodate enrollment growth. It will consolidate 10 academic programs across eight campus locations and provide 1,800 seats in 19 classrooms.

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Next years budget plans are progressing in Caledonia and so far are showing the need to borrow money for roads, among other things.
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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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LONDON (AP)  Britain's Prince William has criticized some of the world's richest men for using their wealth to fund a new space race and space tourism rather than trying to fix the problems on Planet Earth instead.

In comments to the BBC aired Thursday, William voiced his disapproval, a day after the former Star Trek actor William Shatner became the oldest man to fly to space in a rocket built by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

"We need some of the world's greatest brains and minds fixed on trying to repair this planet, not trying to find the next place to go and live," said William, who is second-in-line to the British throne.

On Wednesday, the 90-year-old Shatner, who is best known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk in the 1960s television series Star Trek, briefly flew into space with Bezos' space travel company, Blue Origin. Billionaires Elon Musk and Richard Branson are also pumping resources into their own space ambitions.

William, who is formally known as the Duke of Cambridge, was speaking about climate change ahead of his inaugural Earthshot environmental prize awards ceremony on Sunday and in the run-up to the start of the U.N. climate summit in the Scottish city of Glasgow later this month.
Heres some news hot off the griddle: IHOP is coming to Grand Island.

Construction has begun on the restaurant, which will be behind Kens Appliance and Burlington, facing Highway 281. It will be directly across the highway from Discount Tire.

The restaurant will be owned by Mohanad Khmous of Manhattan, Kan.

Khmous was honored by IHOP Restaurants as its 2015 Franchisee of the Year. He and his wife, Annie, operate the restaurants.

Asked when the Grand Island location might open, Annie didnt waffle. She said they hope to have the restaurant open in December.

It will total 4,555 square feet.

Ray OConnor of Grand Island sold the land, which is in Northwest Commons, to Khmous.

Khmous currently owns five IHOPs in Kansas and three in Missouri. This will be his first location in Nebraska.

Khmous doesnt want to operate too many restaurants because he and his wife like to keep close tabs on each.

Were usually in each of our stores multiple times during the week, Annie said.
Every weekday, I ride a Kearney Public School bus. I am a transportation para. I sit with students and ensure bus safety is maintained. Its not a glamorous or high-powered job, but I like it. I like it a lot. Im the one who sees your children before they arrive at school. Im also the one who greets them after a long day in the classroom. Sometimes, they have had a rough day, and I do my best to cheer them up, or maybe no one will make room for them in a seat. Although its dorky to sit with the para, its less anxiety-producing than standing awkwardly in the aisle while the driver waits for you to sit down.

More than one rider has dived into my seat with a thankful look. Add to my job description the fact that I raised five children and am a grandma to 17 grandchildren, and I believe I know children well. The comprehensive sex education standards proposed by the Nebraska Board of Education do not benefit students, but rather cause them harm. These standards have been tabled for now, but that is not enough. These unnecessary standards should be abandoned completely at the state level, and local districts should sign the resolution against them.
An event at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Friday will aim to inform students and community members about redistricting and voting issues while exploring the district and neighborhood.

The Walk Your District event will feature Rep. Jill Billings, D-La Crosse, as a guest speaker, as well as student leaders who will lead the conversations.

The walk begins at 5 p.m. on the lawn of the UW-L Student Union, and will explore the district comprised of the campus and its surrounding neighborhoods.

While walking participants will be able to connect with fellow participants on the issues.

For more information or to request disability accommodations, contact Abi Reiter at 320.583.4611 or reiter6679@uwlax.edu. Additional information can be found at uwlax.edu/calendar/?e=25057.

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A national group that brings conservative speakers to colleges moved an event with Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, of Texas, which had been scheduled to take place on the UW-Madison campus Wednesday evening, off campus because it disagreed with the universitys indoor mask mandate.

UW-Madison officials, however, shared emails that show the group had agreed to follow the universitys COVID-19 health protocols as a condition to rent space in Memorial Union.

The free event was described as a live recording of Verdict with Ted Cruz, a podcast by Cruz and conservative political commentator Michael Knowles. It was hosted by the UW-Madison chapter of Young Americas Foundation, also known as YAF, a national group led by former Republican Gov. Scott Walker that promotes conservative ideas among young people.

Conservative media and politicians have often targeted college campuses in the nations culture wars, focusing on free-speech clashes, debates over diversity and instances where they perceive right-leaning speakers to not be afforded the same respect as liberal speakers.

There may be some fireworks, Cruz said in an announcement released in advance of the event. We may get some lefty students, and we may even get some commie professors coming in to argue in defense of the communist overthrow of our nation.

Emails between YAF vice president Patrick Coyle and the theater manager of the Wisconsin Union show Coyle confirming in late September that YAF team members on site at the event would be sure to follow the universitys health guidelines.

UW-Madison requires masks indoors, allowing for only a handful of exceptions, such as an education-related arts performance.

YAF asked for an exception, but Provost John Karl Scholz denied the request.

We recognize that this creates some inconvenience, but it is consistent with the approach weve taken for our instructors and other public events, such as convocation, this semester, Scholz wrote in a Monday letter to YAF. The only exemptions we are granting at the present time involve artistic performers whose performance itself would be impossible or significantly compromised with a mask.

Other groups have also had their requests for exemptions denied, UW-Madison spokesperson John Lucas said. Among the events that received denials were the Cap Times Idea Fest, an upcoming David Brooks lecture and auditions for the play Don Juan.

Double standard

YAF spokesperson Kara Zupkus said the group agreed for students and YAF staff to wear masks  never the talent on stage, she told the Wisconsin State Journal. She also said UW-Madison has a double-standard mask policy, pointing to four events in which campus speakers appeared unmasked.

A speaker at one event cited by Zupkus apparently failed to follow the mask policy, Lucas said. No exemption was granted for the event, which took place Sept. 17 at the universitys Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership.

UW-Madison wasnt aware of another event Zupkus highlighted, where the universitys College Republicans met indoors without masks, and Lucas said the mask mandate should have applied during the event.

The other two examples Zupkus cited occurred on other University of Wisconsin System campuses, which have their own mask policies.

In response to UW-Madisons denial, YAF moved the event to the Wisconsin Masonic Center, 301 Wisconsin Ave.

A photo of Cruzs event posted to social media Wednesday night showed the crowd largely going unmasked despite the local mask mandate.

Latest order

Under the latest city-county public health order, presenters and performers are exempt from the mask mandate so long as everyone in attendance is fully vaccinated and masked and the presenters stay at least 6 feet away from attendees at all times. Because UW-Madison is part of a state agency, it operates under different rules than what Public Health Madison and Dane County may require.

Cruz, who won the states 2016 Republican presidential primary, capitalized on the venue change to drum up attendance, claiming that UW-Madison is trying to stifle free speech.

Academias war on conservatives continues!! he wrote on Twitter Tuesday evening. Their Marxist COVID mandates wont stop us! Get tickets for our new venue!

A high vaccination rate coupled with the mask mandate has kept COVID-19 cases at UW-Madison low for weeks. UW-Madison reported 60 cases identified through 5,018 on-campus tests over the past seven days.

Editors note: This story has been corrected to reflect that Dane Countys mask requirement exemption for public performances requires everyone attending to be fully vaccinated and masked, while unmasked presenters must maintain 6 feet distance from all attendees.

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YARD SALE: St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, 3602 Marietta Ave., will host a yard sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday in the Silver Spring Cemetery parking lot, across from the church. church. All proceeds will benefit the new building.

CABIN FEVER DANCE: The Denver Womans Club will host a Cabin Fever Dance 7-10 p.m. Saturday at the Denver Fire Hall, 425 Locust St., Denver. Doors open at 6 p.m. Information: visit the clubs Facebook page.

HERITAGE SOCIETY: The Strasburg Heritage Society will meet at 7:30 p.m. Monday at First Presbyterian Church, 101 S. Decatur St., Strasburg. Bonnie Watkins will give a presentation on the Huguenots in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Admission is free.

CRAFT & FLEA MARKET: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, 1580 Fruitville Pike, will host a flea and craft market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23. Several local vendors will be featured. Gift baskets will be raffled off; tickets cost $5. Proceeds will benefit the Childrens Free Care Fund.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY: The Historical Society of Cocalico Valley will host an educational program at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 167 E. Main St., Ephrata. The program, Native Americans, will focus on the culture, history and life of Native peoples, as told by Lenni Lenape descendant Uhma Ruth Py. Admission is free. All attendees must wear a face covering. Information: 717-733-1616.

FALL COMMUNITY DAY: Grace Church Lancaster, 911 Rohrerstown Road, will host its fall Community Day, Trunk or Treat and Car Show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30. Admission is free. The event will feature free games and a bounce house. Children may dress in costume and pick up candy in the trunk-or-treat section. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Car show registration runs from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; preregister online. Registration is free. Car show awards will be presented at 1:30 p.m. Winners must be present to receive awards. Information or to preregister: gracelanc.org/event-info/fall-community-day-car-show-trunk-or-treat/.

VETERANS LUNCHEON: Disabled American Veterans, Red Rose Chapter No. 80, will host its veterans luncheon Tuesday, Nov. 2, at the Lancaster Farm and Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. with the luncheon beginning promptly at 1 p.m. The buffet-style luncheon will be provided by Hess Barbecue Catering of Willow Street. Preregistration is required by Oct. 27. Cost of the luncheon is $20. The event will feature guest speaker Samuel Petrovich, Pennsylvania DAV state adjutant, in addition to a 50/50 drawing, an auction and door prizes. Information or to preregister: davredrosechapter80.org.

BOOK SIGNING: The Lititz Historical Foundation will host an event at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, at Lititz Public Library, 651 Kissel Hill Road, Lititz. Admission is free. After a few brief items of business, local author Jimmy Rosen will present a question-and-answer session and book signing of Got Ghost? Space is limited to 50 people. Reserve seating by Nov. 6. Those who cant attend but would like a book can pre-order for delivery on Nov. 20, by emailing the author at sledwork@aol.com. Information or to reserve seating: 717-626-6225.

4-H ART SPIN CLUB: The 4-H Expressive Arts Club of Penn State 4-H in Lancaster County will offer a six-week 4-H Art Spin Club for youths 8-18 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, Nov. 11- Dec. 23, via Zoom. Participants will learn new skills to create artwork using both traditional and nontraditional materials. Explore painting, drawing, sculpting, mixed media and more. A supply list will be sent to participants. The club is free for 4-H members, $25 nonmembers. Information or to register: Patti VanBrederode, pev3@psu.edu; 717-394-6851.

ELVIS IMPERSONATION: The Denver Womans Club will host A Night with Elvis, starring Jeff Krick Jr., Saturday, Nov. 20, at the Denver Fire Hall, 425 Locust St., Denver. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $15. Food will be available for purchase. Information or to purchase tickets: June, 717-538-5005.

Three weeks notice of an event is appreciated. Please place the date of the event or the deadline date to register at the top of the press release. Email your information to news@lnpnews.com.
When: School board meeting, Oct. 11, with board members Philip Benigno and Lisa Whitacre absent and Michael Talley late.

What happened: The board meeting started 20 minutes late as district leaders and police officers worked to handle a situation in which a woman, wearing a shirt that said Socialism Distancing, refused to wear a mask.

The situation: Compared with the September school board meetings when masks were not enforced, Conestoga Valley posted on its website that the district would require masks at this meeting. Prior to the meeting, President Todd Shertzer informed the woman she would need to wear a mask or she would be removed. The woman declined to state her name, saying she didnt want her employer to know. Five minutes before the meeting when she still hadnt put on a mask, Shertzer shuffled the other five board members in attendance into Superintendent Dave Zuilkoskis office where they stayed until a police officer talked to the woman. Once she left, board members returned.

District comments: When asked Tuesday why board members left the room, spokesperson Katie Meier said, Because the meeting could not start due to a community member refusing to wear a mask as required, the board recessed to another room (in the building) while the situation was addressed.

Public comments: While approximately 100 residents showed up at the Sept. 20 meeting and 27 spoke out against masking, only four residents, including the one who was removed, attended this meeting. During the second time for public comment, resident Mark Gensel spoke for more than 10 minutes against masking and in favor of improved communication.

Enrollment: Chief Finance and Operations Officer Phyllis Heverly Flesher and Assistant to the Superintendent for Secondary Education Donovan Mann gave a presentation on enrollment that included projections and information about the number of students attending in-person school, Conestoga Valley Virtual Academy, cyber charter and home schools. Administrators expect overall enrollment to decrease by almost 400 students over the next five years. In terms of cyber schools, Mann said that as expected, both CVVA and cyber charter schools saw a spike in enrollment last year. However, since its inception in 2007-08, CVVA has seen a steady increase, with 99 students enrolled this year. Mann said the district will continue to find ways to market CVVA to families interested in a cyber option. The district, which has no oversight of cyber charter schools, will pay $1.06 million in tuition for cyber charter students this year.

 Anne Garber, For LNP | LancasterOnline
Ollie Calloway Jones, a retired principal at Carter & MacRae Elementary School known for her fierce advocacy for students and boundless generosity, died Monday. She was 79.

In the city of Lancaster, Jones led Carter & MacRae, one of the countys poorest and most diverse schools, for 11 years, from 2001 until her retirement in 2012.

Born and raised in Gadsden, Alabama, Jones used her Southern charm and no-holds-barred attitude to challenge the status quo and fight to provide equitable opportunities for her students.

She wanted to change this school, and she wanted the kids to feel safe, said Carter & MacRae dean of students Keith Corrigan, who was a third-grade teacher when Jones was hired.

Jones, Corrigan said, made her vision known from the very beginning. Were gonna take this school over, curb to curb, to make sure we do whats best for our families and students, he remembered her saying.

Jones demonstrative nature could have rubbed people the wrong way, but, Corrigan said, people respected her because they knew she had students best interests in mind.

Jones helped boost student achievement, in part because of her commitment to using technology to boost literacy skills. Prior to her retirement, the school was named a Title I Distinguished School for improving Hispanic students science test scores by 36% in one year.

She and her staff revamped the curriculum so social studies and science were taught separately from other subjects, and reading was taught in every classroom every day. School started each day with an intensive, 15-minute workout so students could put aside the stresses of home life.

She rewarded students with lanyards with a gold star on them, ice cream or pizza parties or movie nights, among other activities that some students would never get the chance to experience otherwise.

Her success came against tremendous odds. When she retired, Carter & MacRae had the largest transient and homeless populations and one of the highest poverty rates of any School District of Lancaster school. One-third of its students were non-native English speakers."

I didn't understand the concept of urban schools, period, so I did not accept that these were urban kids. These were just kids, these were just students, and they could learn as well as anyone else," Jones told LNP | LancasterOnline in 2011.

One of Jones notable achievements was Ollies Closet, which, to this day, supplies students with anything from school uniforms and school supplies to soap and bedding. The initiative started when she began developing a reputation for giving students supplies from her own office closet.

Since then, with support from Saint James Episcopal Church in Lancaster, that closet has turned into a locker room-sized storage room full of supplies for kids in need.

Jones earned her teaching degree from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama. She then obtained a masters degree in school administration from the same school and later went on to pursue a doctorate from Vanderbilt University.

She spent many years teaching at elementary and secondary schools across the country before landing in Lancaster. She retired after about 40 years in education.

Her legacy in education not only lives through her work in Lancaster. One of her children, Baron Jones, is a principal at Penn Manor High School.

Jones' obituary states a celebration of life will occur at the discretion of the family. Donations are requested for Ollie's Closet through Saint James Episcopal Church. Donations can be made here.
Columbia Borough police

TRESPASS

COLUMBIA: Gamanuel Celissaint, 29, of Columbia, was charged with defiant trespass after he entered a home without permission in the 600 block of Plane Street at 5:19 p.m. on Oct. 8, police said. Celissaint, who had been warned not to be on the property, threatened the resident after she warned him to leave, police said.

Ephrata police

THEFT

EPHRATA: Three unidentified women were seen taking an entire display of Yankee Candles valued at $1,100 from a CVS Pharmacy at 440 North Reading Road at 1:25 p.m. on Sept. 30, police said. The women concealed the candles in bags and at the bottom of their cart, then left without paying, police said.

Lititz Borough police

TRAFFIC VIOLATION

LITITZ: Bobbi Jo Lawlor, 42, of Mount Joy, was charged with altered, forged or counterfeit documents and plates and two other traffic violations after a vehicle she owned was pulled over with counterfeit inspection and emission certificates in the 600 block of South Broad Street around 2:35 p.m. on Oct. 7, police said. The driver of the vehicle also did not have a license, police said.

Manheim Township police

DISORDERLY CONDUCT

MANHEIM TWP.: Elix Rafael Castro-Cruz, 40, of Mountville, was charged with disorderly conduct after shouting at employees, dumping merchandise on the ground and knocking over a balloon display at Cure Dispensary at 1866 Fruitville Pike at 1:35 p.m. on Sept. 10, police said.

LANCASTER TWP.: Azgar Mohamad Kassim, 38, of Lancaster, was charged with disorderly conduct after yelling at employees, striking computer equipment and refusing to leave a T-Mobile store at 1204 Millersville Pike after he became upset over a bill at 12:13 p.m. on Oct. 5, police said. Kassims actions alarmed others inside the store, who called 911, police said.

DUI

MANHEIM TWP.: Paul Anthony Seachrist, 41, of Leola, was charged with driving under the influence after crashing in the 1200 block of Lititz Pike at 11:44 p.m. on Aug. 9, police said. Seachrist had a BAC of 0.044% and also had amphetamine and methamphetamine in his system at the time of the crash, police said.

ENDANGERING WELFARE OF CHILDREN

MANHEIM TWP.: Lori Kreider, 45, of Lancaster, was charged with endangering the welfare of children after leaving a 12-year-old child on the front porch of a residence in the 400 block of Surrey Drive, falsely believing the childs father lived there, at 4:08 p.m. on Sept. 25, police said. Kreider made no attempts to determine if the childs father was at the residence, then later refused to pick up the child when officers told her about the incident, police said.

HARASSMENT

LANCASTER TWP.: Michelle M. Burke, 46, of Lancaster, was charged with harassment after striking another person in the face during a dispute in the 1200 block of Millersville Pike at 6:45 p.m. on Oct. 1, police said.

LANCASTER TWP.: Rashon D. Smallwood Jr., 33, and Kaiesha S. Stewart, 25, both of Lancaster Township, were charged with harassment after fighting at their residence in the 100 block of Jennings Drive at 1:26 a.m. on Oct. 5, police said. Smallwood threw rocks at Stewart, while Stewart sprayed Smallwood with pepper spray, police said. Smallwood was also charged with disorderly conduct after yelling and screaming after officers told her to stop, police said.

THEFT

LANCASTER TWP.: Deamija Deamonte Robertson, 21, of Lancaster, was charged with five counts of theft from a motor vehicle and three counts of loitering and prowling at nighttime after he was seen entering five vehicles in the 1300 block of Belle Valley Road between midnight and 5 a.m. on Sept. 15, police said. Robertson also entered private property three times during the night, police said.

MANHEIM TWP.: An unknown woman stole $348.30 worth of baby formula, paper products and detergent from a Giant Food Store at 1605 Lititz Pike at 5:08 p.m. on Sept. 15, police said.

MANHEIM TWP.: An unidentified thief stole a $150 set of tools from a vehicle on Esbenshade Road sometime between Oct. 6 and Oct. 8, police said.

MANHEIM TWP.: An unidentified suspect entered two unlocked vehicles on glen Moore Circle sometime during the night of Oct. 7-8 but did not take any items, police said.

MANHEIM TWP.: An unidentified thief entered multiple unlocked vehicles in the 400 block of Butler Avenue and stole $496.50 worth of items including a wallet and loose change sometime during the night of Oct. 7-8, police said.

MANHEIM TWP.: An unidentified thief entered two unlocked vehicles in the 1000 block of McGrann Boulevard and stole a wallet containing $200 in cash sometime during the night of Oct. 10-11, police said.

LANCASTER TWP.: An unidentified man entered an unlocked vehicle in the 100 block of River Road and stole a water bottle and granola bar at 2:29 p.m. on Oct. 11, police said.

TRESPASS

MANHEIM TWP.: An unidentified suspect entered an unlocked residence in the 1600 block of Clearview Avenue and an unlocked vehicle sitting in front of the residence sometime between 5:45 a.m. and 6:15 a.m. on Oct. 8, but did not take any items, police said.

Manor Township police

ASSAULT

MANOR TWP.: Frank D. Hernandez, 32, of Lancaster, was charged with simple assault and harassment after grabbing a woman by the throat, pulling her hair and hitting her in the back of the head during a domestic dispute at her residence in the 1100 block of Williamsburg Road at 12:11 a.m. on Sept. 8, police said. Hernandez also smashed the womans phone, police said.

HARASSMENT

MANOR TWP.: Holli Suzanne Good, 29, of Columbia, was charged with criminal trespass and harassment after breaking into a mans residence in the 100 block of Greenbriar Circle through a broken window and taking one of his dogs at 3:06 p.m. on Aug. 29, police said. Good later returned to the residence at 5:47 p.m. and yelled profanities at a woman, police said.

MANOR TWP.: Julio A. Valentin, 46, of Mountville, was charged with harassment after grabbing a woman by her arms and pushing her during a dispute in the 100 block of Linville Drive at 6:32 p.m. on Sept. 12, police said.

Northern Lancaster County Regional police

ASSAULT

WARWICK TWP.: Deborah Kay Mosier, 67, of Lititz, was charged with aggravated assault and resisting arrest after becoming combative and throwing multiple objects at officers, then continuing to kick officers as she was being arrested in the 600 block of Front Street sometime on Oct. 10, police said. Mosier was being medically evaluated after officers were dispatched to the area for a report of a caller asking for an ambulance and a mortician, police said.

Pennsylvania State police

ASSAULT

CONESTOGA TWP.: Jon Deacon Jr., 51, of Conestoga, was charged with simple assault and harassment after assaulting a woman on Stone Hill Road at 11:01 p.m. on Oct. 7, police said.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

SALISBURY TWP.: Joshua Banicki, 25, of Philadelphia, was charged with criminal mischief after destroying a humidity and temperature sensor and a mirror valued at a combined $990 at a Comfort Inn & Suites hotel at 812 Route 41 while intoxicated at 10:16 p.m. on Sept. 25, police said.
At the beginning of the year, The Caucus and Spotlight PA filed public records requests with the state House and Senate for invoices, receipts, and other documents related to the private law firms lawmakers hired at taxpayer expense in 2019 and 2020.

In response, the legislature provided more than 4,100 pages of records.

Information was often redacted to the point of not being able to identify the case or who was being represented.

It took months for reporters to organize the records and match some of the invoices with other documents to determine the nature of the matters. The results are in the table below.

Based on a close review of the documents, there are up to two dozen additional matters for which the House paid a private law firm in 2019 and 2020. But because of the lack of specificity, the redactions, and the organization of the pages, its impossible to tell for sure. For the same reasons, it is impossible to calculate the total cost to taxpayers for some of the cases.

>> READ MORE: Pennsylvania lawmakers spend millions of taxpayer dollars each year on private lawyers, but rarely disclose who required representation  and why.

The table shows cases that the news organizations were able to identify using invoices and engagement letters, which law firms use to outline the services they plan to provide as well as the costs. Unlike a contract that goes through a bidding process and should be made public on the state treasurers website, the legislature signs these letters with no public disclosure or oversight.

Some cases overlap between the chambers, and a single chamber will sometimes use multiple firms for the same case.

Legislative leaders did not respond to requests to provide more information about redacted or vaguely described cases.

To send a tip about any of the cases in the database, contact reporters Angela Couloumbis and Sam Janesch.

Spotlight PA is on Twitter @SpotlightPA; Angela Couloumbis is @AngelasInk. Follow The Caucus on Twitter @CaucusPA; Sam Janesch is @SamJanesch.
A woman who died in a Shillington house fire Oct. 9 has been identified as Candy Lee Gray, according to the Berks County coroner.

Gray, 49, was a resident of the home at 38 Philadelphia Ave. in Shillington Borough, Berks County. An autopsy performed Tuesday night at the Reading Hospital determined a preliminary cause of death was smoke inhalation, according to Berks County acting coroner Jonn Hollenbach.

The final cause and manner of death will be determined by the forensic pathologist after they receive complete toxicology results and other studies, as well as a review of any findings by the State Police Fire Marshall, Hollenbach said.

An investigation of the fire by the State Police Fire Marshall is ongoing.

Fire crews arrived at the fire shortly before 6 p.m. Saturday -- it was initially reported that Gray was trapped as fire crews were dispatched. Hollenbach said in an earlier statement that the occupant rented the house -- Berks County property records indicate William and Suzanne Hurley own the property.

The Shillington Fire Department was assisted by 11 other departments, according to Eric Kohl, 2nd Lt. and spokesperson with the Shillington Fire Department.
I cannot believe that the U.S. Department of Justice has not put former President Donald Trump, his family and corrupt members of his former Cabinet in prison yet.

Trump openly admitted to journalist Bob Woodward that he deliberately downplayed COVID-19 in the early stages of the pandemic. The U.S. death count from COVID-19 is now over 717,000 people. Some health experts believe that if Trump had acted immediately, he could have saved hundreds of thousands of lives.

The Trump Organization, the former president's family business, is facing criminal charges alleging significant tax fraud. Trump has directed some of his former aides to ignore subpoenas from the U.S. House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. And the Trump campaign still owes millions to some cities for expenses they incurred during rallies.

Most of all, Trump incited the violent insurrection in Washington, D.C., in January. People died that day, and serious damage was caused to the U.S. Capitol building.

How can the U.S. attorney general ignore all of this and not act immediately to place Trump, who I believe to be dangerous, in prison? Why does everyone else have to follow the law, but Trump is still allowed to be in public? Our laws must be followed by everyone, without exception! I believe that Trump should have a life sentence in prison and should never be allowed to run for any office again.

I fear that our democracy will be damaged forever if Trump does not pay for the many, many crimes I believe he has committed in our country.

Charles Roehm

Penn Township
Ask Dr. Jeanette Success On The Way What Do People Say (Think) About Us? Part 2

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. Oh, yeh? Thats one of the biggest lies told. Words are very injuriousboth long ago and today. False words and accusations can be beyond hurtful. Paul had been seen with a Gentile and thought he had taken that person into the Temple. Without investigation they assumed Paul had taken Trophimus into the Temple area. Gentiles were not permitted past the Court of the Gentiles under the direct threat of execution. This event was reported as though it had actually happened (Acts 21:28.) Paul had been seen with Trophimus, an Ephesian was traveling with Paul. Pauls enemies made a giant leap, deciding without checking the facts, that Paul must have brought Greeks into the temple. False accusations are a common way that the enemy tries to make not only Christians look bad. Distorting the truth and twisting the facts or assuming the worst about us is a common way today to dragging people down with the attempt to ruin reputations. Today, social media is a pass to corrupt (if used unwisely) lives. (Life Application Bible Commentary pp 366, 367) Paul was not intentionally trying to cause disruption. He was not even guilty of wrongdoing. But, he was falsely accused. This is the way of the adversary, the father of lies. Woodrow Wilson said, If you want to make enemies, try to change something. This is especially true when trying to bring justice to a situation. The whole city was up in arms so to speak. A great riot followed. When Paul was dragged out of the Temple the gates were closed behind him (Acts 21:30-31). Paul had to defend himself. He was beaten, arrested, and bound with chains. The Roman soldiers also seized Paul. There was a terrible uproar and confusion. The crowd following shouting, Kill him, kill him! Paul was adamant and convincing and politely said to the commander,  May I have a word with you? Paul spoke Greek, which was surprising to the commander. For the commander had also mistaken Paul for an Egyptian who led a rebellion some time ao taking 4,000 members of the Assassins out into the desert. By speaking in Greek he was reclassified as an intelligent man and not a common rebel going around starting riots. Paul held to his Christian beliefs and would not deny his real purpose of being there in the first place. So, what does this speak to us? The only thing that holds up together in the confrontation of false accusation is our faith. Its difficult to hold on to our faith. Sometimes, it takes while to get our message across to those who are unbelieving and set on destruction. Faith is the substance of those things we hope for and it is the evidence of those things we desire to see happen. But, it can happen. Remember anything in your life which you have had to wait for, but you did see the outcome work in your favor. We stand for our belief in Christ and right doing. We know that even today many are persecuted for having faith in Christ. It is widespread persecution and not only for that reason but for many other reasons too. Thanks for reading! Jeanette Grattan Parker is Founder-Superintendent Todays Fresh Start Charter School 4514 Crenshaw Boulevard, LA 90043 323-293-9826 www.todaysfreshstart.org (Ask Dr. Jeanette TM) [email protected]

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At least Four Black Females were Murdered Each Day in 2020

According to statistics released by the FBI this month, more than four Black women and girls were murdered each day in the United States in 2020.

The uniformed crime reporting statistics revealed that those startling numbers were a sharp increase from 2019. The FBI said it recorded at least 405 additional murders of Black women and girls, but reports have strongly suggested that the number represents an undercount. Those reports dont surprise or comfort victims families but only serve as another reminder about the lack of value attached to the lives of Black females.

Theres been no justice, stated Claumisha Reed, whose daughter Zymia Joyner was shot and killed last year. A little more than one month before her 20th birthday, Zymia and 19-year-old Rashard Waldo were shot by an unknown assailant in the 3100 block of Waclark Place in Southeast Washington, D.C.

Since the murder, Zymias mother and siblings have tried to keep one foot in front of the other. Zymia had a lot of things that she had going on, Claumisha Reed remarked. She started a small business selling hair products, and she really wanted to work in obstetrics and gynecology. We lost an angel. Her dreams were cut short.

Zymia counts among the many victims of an increasingly murderous country, with reports noting that murders overall have climbed about 30 percent during the pandemic. Black women are at risk of police violence and systemic racism every day, all day and all night. Marcela Howell, founder and president of In Our Own: National Black Womens Reproductive Justice Agenda. We face the sting of racism at work, in school, on the streets, and in our own homes. We cannot escape it, nor deny racism its too-often deadly toll. We most certainly cannot count on the criminal justice system to value our lives or deliver justice for the Black lives taken by police.

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Rosa Page, the founder of the advocacy group Black Femicide U.S., told The Guardian news outlet that the increase in murders of Black women in 2020 did not surprise her. In her work as a nurse, Page listened for years as Black women and girls described the history of abuse they had experienced or knowing someone else who was abused or murdered. Black women and girls have been indoctrinated to believe everyone matters but themselves, Page told the outlet which first reported on the latest FBI statistics.

According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, Black women were twice as likely as white women to encounter an offender armed with a handgun even before the pandemic. Further, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that homicides of Black women had continued to rise before 2020. Parents, activists, and others said concrete early prevention and intervention plans are desperately needed. They argue that its past the time when Black women are honored with the same value as others.

Zymia was the type of person you would love to be with, her mother, Claumisha Reed, remarked. Her friends loved her, and our family loved her.

Before her death, Zymia had recently completed her sophomore year at Trinity Washington University in Northeast, D.C. Her aspirations included nursing and owning a business. After graduating as a standout student at Dunbar High School, Zymia set her sights on specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. Her love of her children and passion to help others served as a driving force behind her nursing desires.

She lit up a room, Reid proclaimed. She was an outgoing person and was more motivated than most other people we knew. But, on top of that, she was so focused, and you couldnt tell her to stop at something because she was going to accomplish whatever she had set her mind out to accomplish. Zymia enjoyed a large social media following and provided advice to friends who sought it, Reid recalled.

She inspired her friends, and they felt they could talk to her, Reid noted. Zymia would always listen attentively, and when she gave advice, it was the kind of advice that came from the heart, and she would tell it like it is and tell her friends it was up to them if they would heed the advice.
Crawford Presents 26th Annual L.A.M.P.S. Conference

Spiritual leaders of every area of ministry are invited to attend the 26th Annual L.A.M.P.S.(Leaders, Apostolic, Mentoring, Prophetic, Seminars) International Conference. The virtual event takes place starts on Sunday, October 17, and continues through Wednesday, October 20. This years theme is, One Nation Under God: The Gathering based on Revelation 21:24 and Psalm 46:10. The conference donation is $20.

During these perilous times full of danger or risk that we are living in, this seminar will help you be more effective in your calling for the purpose of multiplying strong churches, business, and marketplace ministries around the world, said Apostle Beverly Bam Crawford, event host and pastor of Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church in Inglewood.

The featured speakers are Archbishop Kirby Clements, senior pastor of The Community of the Holy Spirit and the co-founder of The International Connection of Ministries; Rabbi Stewart Dauermann, director of Interfaithfulness and an interfaith futurist; Apostle Jamillah Mantilla, Global Business Imagineer Enterprises, Inc. (GBI); and Pastor Miguel Mantilla, Apostolic Global Favor Prayer Embassy.

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Encouraging all ministry leaders to participate, Crawford added, The purpose of L.A.M.P.S. is to provide guidance, information, instruction and fellowship. Fueled with the oil of the Holy Spirit, L.A.M.P.S. will furnish warmth and light for leaders and ministers who face challenging personal, family and marital situations.

To register, visit www.bamcm.org.
From Border Crisis to Quakes, Women of Haiti Gather to Ignite Their Collective Power

White House correspondent Yamiche Alcindor was among several speakers who encouraged women gathering for the Haitian Ladies Networks annual weekend to harness their political, economic and personal power to deal with the realities of Haiti today, from the border crisis to the aftermath of the recent earthquake.

Alcindors message to the women was to find their purpose, community and personal time for themselves.

There is always going to be more news, and theres always going to be new things happening especially in our community, said Alcindor, host of Washington Week for the PBS NewsHour and political contributor to MSNBC and NBC News. There are going to be more people that need you and more things that you can do, but you have to take time for yourself.

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In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic and several hurricanes, Haiti has endured one crisis after another in recent months. On July 7, President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in his private residence in the capital, Port-au-Prince. On Aug. 14, a massive 7.2 magnitude earthquake rocked Haitis southern peninsula, leaving at least 2,284 dead and more than 12,763 injured. Just two weeks ago, photos surfaced showing U.S. Border Patrol officers on horses whipping Haitians as they tried to enter the United States.

Alcindor told the women attending the Igniting Our Power event that she couldnt separate being Haitian from being a journalist. She made headlines over the last few years after having numerous encounters with former President Donald Trump.

It was in January 2018, and I had just quit my job at the New York Times, Alcindor said. I was sort of in a relief mode, because I hadnt started at PBS yet. I got a call from my aunt while I was out shopping and hanging out with my fiance, now husband.

My aunt called me crying and said, Did you hear what Trump said? I said, No. What did Trump say?

He said Haiti is a shole country. So, what are you going to do about it?

I was like, What? So, it can be a burden in some ways, but its an incredible privilege, Alcindor said. Its an incredible blessing, because what other Haitian American is in my position to ask real questions and get real answers?

Alcindor knew at 21 that she wanted to become a journalist, despite her fathers wishes that she become a lawyer. When she chose her profession, she didnt think that so many people would be invested in her career.

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The thing that sustained me was my people and my community, she said. It was people that I got on Facebook or Facetime with to keep me going, so I implore you to lean on the people that are around you.

She discussed being raised by a Haitian mother who didnt show weakness the first 30 years of her life and taught her to do the same thing. Alcindor said she had to unlearn that, because its normal to take a step back when youre feeling overwhelmed.

Resiliency requires rest, she said. It requires you to take care of yourself; it requires you to really be invested in taking a day off.

Alcindor said that being part of the Haitian Ladies Network warms her heart. It was one of the few organizations in Washington that she joined after relocating from Florida. She applauded the women in attendance for seeking community engagement virtually or in person at the Haitian Ladies Networks 16th annual brunch and fifth symposium. Several Haitian women across the world made their way to Washington to engage in fellowship and discuss recent crises that Haiti is facing in workshops and panels.

Based in Washington, the Haitian Ladies Network is the largest platform connecting women and girls of Haitian descent across the world. A small brunch started by Nadine Duplessy Kearns with a group of friends has expanded to over 75,000 members globally.

Kearns said that when she moved to D.C., she couldnt find a central network of Haitian women so she started having brunch with a few of them. The number of women attending brunch began to grow over the years, and now the organization is worldwide.

This is a space where you dont have to be anything but a Haitian woman, Kearns said. You can come together to reconnect.

We chose Igniting Our Power as the theme this year to recharge everyone, she said. After the triple crises facing Haiti and centuries of escalating turmoil, we tweaked our event programming to include as much information as we need to empower.

Karen Andre, a former political director for President Barack Obama and special assistant to President Joe Biden, held a master class informing women that they must organize, strategize and leverage the connections that they make.

Andre told the women that their cultural norms are holding them back.

The work is done in between the crises, Andre said. We are not proactive enough; we cant wait until the hurricane is above our heads. Politics is created by us and governed by us. If we dont get it together, we will continue to be the authors of our own misfortune.

Guerline Jozef, president of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, expressed similar sentiments.

I am so emotional, and I am upset, Jozef said. I am frustrated and pissed off at our community. We have to be accountable for our own misfortune. We must hold our elected officials in Haiti accountable.

As I continue to be on the border and under the bridge making the sacrifices, Im powerless most of the time, she said. The current administration decided to have a meeting with Haitian leaders. If we are not at the table, then we are on the menu.

Shannon Laguerre, a senior immigration attorney, said that many Haitians are hesitant to give the U.S. government personal documents.

I ask clients why dont they apply for immigration benefits available to them, Laguerre said. They said that they are afraid and suspicious of the government; they dont want to give them their documents. Theres all these amazing programs that are in existence for Haitians such as T visas and S visas.

Andre reminded the women that other groups are willing to help, such as African Americans, Jamaicans and Africans. Haitian women have the potential to become the next Michelle Obama or Oprah Winfrey, she said, and building relationships can help move the needle forward.
Lets Talk Black Education

The honeymoon is over in communities where the Delta variant has taken hold. Since back to school, Ive spent weeks filling in for principals, supervising children, checking childrens temperatures and providing them masks, directing traffic in the parking lot, picking up garbage, wiping down cafeteria tables  all of which are required to run safe schools in these times. Ive talked to other heads of schools that can say the same thing or something similar since the start of this school year. The same culprit continues to affect us all  COVID-19. However, normally we have a village to manage these tasks. Now, we dont.

Staffing shortages are severe and there are no substitutes to be had. Further aggravating the situation, are public health rules that require paid school staff who test negative for COVID-19 but remain unvaccinated to stay home for 10 days at a time, when they are exposed to someone who tests positive. It leaves the rest of us  including the students  without a teacher, cafeteria worker, or janitorial staff. We have to throw on five or six hats in order to ensure that our students are educated.

Necessary? Yes. Sustainable? No.

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Governor Gavin Newsom took a good first step when he required school employees to be vaccinated, but he left a gaping loophole. He allowed school staff to test-out of being vaccinated by committing to take a COVID test twice a week. Then he put the burden on schools to become COVID testing centers overnight for the employees who refuse to get vaccinated.

The result is that these staff who refuse vaccination have to be benched for two weeks every time they get exposed to someone who tests positive for COVID-19. Imagine, if you will, being a part of a 40-person team and every week there are 10 people who are forced to quarantine for two weeks, leaving 30 team members to do the work of 40 during that first week. Thats one person doing their job and the additional work of three coworkers. These types of staffing outages are debilitating schools across the state. There are news reports of schools having to shut down classrooms for lack of staff.

Some major school systems with the political clout have taken matters into their own hands. Los Angeles Unified, for example, has closed the loophole and is requiring all school employees to be vaccinated. The state of California should do the same. California has over 6 million students who cant afford for us to agree to anything less than 100% vaccination for school employees.

Yes, the policy could force out educators who refuse to get vaccinated but, they wont be working anyway if they get exposed to a positive case. Essentially, the unvaccinated have become hard to employ in a school setting. They can go out at any time and take down our schools with them.

We cant risk that.

Editors Note: Dr. Margaret Fortune is the President/CEO of Fortune School, a system of nine, K-12 public charter schools with over 2,300 students focused on closing the Black achievement gap by preparing students for college. She is a State Delegate on the California Democratic Party (CDP) State Central Committee where she also is an elected member of the Executive Board of the CDP Black Caucus. Fortune is Treasurer of National Action Network (NAN) Sacramento and has been an education advisor to two California Governors. She is a graduate of the UC Berkeley and Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government.
Mark Ridley-Thomas Charged Along with Former University Dean in Federal Grand Jury Indictment Alleging Bribery and Fraud Scheme

Politician Allegedly Sought Generous Benefits for Close Relative in Exchange for His Support of County Contracts that Benefited Universitys Social Work School

Longtime politician Mark Ridley-Thomas and the former dean of the School of Social Work at a university in Southern California were indicted today on federal corruption charges that allege a bribery scheme in which a Ridley-Thomas relative received substantial benefits from the university in exchange for Ridley-Thomas supporting county contracts and lucrative contract amendments with the university while he served on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

The 20-count indictment alleges that Ridley-Thomas, now a member of the Los Angeles City Council, conspired with Marilyn Louise Flynn, formerly a tenured professor and the dean of the universitys School of Social Work, who agreed to provide the Ridley-Thomas relative with graduate school admission, a full-tuition scholarship, a paid professorship, and a mechanism to funnel Ridley-Thomas campaign funds through the university to a non-profit to be operated by the relative.

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In exchange, the indictment alleges, Ridley-Thomas supported contracts involving the Social Work School, including contracts to provide services to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and Probation Department, as well as an amendment to a contract with the Department of Mental Health (DMH) that would bring the school millions of dollars in new revenue.

Ridley-Thomas, 66, of Los Angeles, and Flynn, 83, also of Los Angeles, were informed of the indictment this afternoon and have agreed to appear for their arraignments in United States District Court in the coming weeks.

This indictment charges a seasoned lawmaker who allegedly abused the publics trust by taking official actions to benefit his family member and himself, said Acting U.S. Attorney Tracy L. Wilkison. The corrupt activities alleged in the indictment were facilitated by a major universitys high-ranking administrator whose desire for funding apparently trumped notions of integrity and fair play. Public corruption cases are among the most important matters we pursue, and we will continue to investigate and prosecute whenever public officials and others entrusted with taxpayer funds break the law.

This investigation should send a message to public officials that government contracts are not for sale, said Kristi K. Johnson, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBIs Los Angeles Field Office. This indictment reaffirms the FBIs commitment to rooting out corruption by holding accountable those who abuse the trust of the people they serve and who exploit their powerful positions to obtain benefits at the expense of taxpayers.

The indictment outlines a scheme in 2017 and 2018 in which then-supervisor Ridley-Thomas sought benefits from Flynn and university officials to benefit his close relative  described as MRT Relative 1 in the indictment  at a time when MRT Relative 1 was the subject of an internal sexual harassment investigation in the California State Assembly, likely to resign from elected office, and significantly in debt. Ridley-Thomas allegedly wanted to help secure paid employment for his relative to minimize any public fallout for them both in the wake of the sudden resignation from office. Meanwhile, the Social Work School was facing a multimillion-dollar budget deficit, which threatened the schools viability as well as Flynns position and reputation as the schools longtime dean, according to the indictment.

As part of the bribery scheme, Ridley-Thomas and Flynn allegedly took steps to disguise, conceal, and cover up the bribes, kickbacks, and other benefits defendant Ridley-Thomas and MRT Relative 1 received, which included concealing the official acts Ridley-Thomas agreed to perform and did perform in exchange for the financial benefits. The pair also concealed, according to the indictment, the true purpose of the money funneled to MRT Relative 1s nonprofit through the university, which also violated multiple university policies regarding the funding of nonprofits.

Within weeks of Ridley-Thomas contacting Flynn in May 2017 about his relative wanting a postgraduate degree from the university, Flynn began a campaign to secure both university admission and a full scholarship for the relative. Flynn wrote in an email that she intend[ed] to open every door for [MRT Relative 1], whom she noted was closely related to the then-supervisor, the indictment alleges. When a university official said Ridley-Thomas had lots of discretionary money and should give the university $1M each year for three years, according to the indictment, Flynn responded that she and another university official intended to offer the relative a full scholarship, characterizing the exchange as a full scholarship for our [Social Work School] funds.

During a June 2017 meeting, Ridley-Thomas and Flynn allegedly reached a quid pro quo agreement, which Flynn later memorialized in a confidential letter she had hand-delivered to Ridley-Thomas. The indictment alleges that Flynns letter detailed her expectations that Ridley-Thomas would steer new contracts with DCFS and Probation to the Social Work School and secure a lucrative amendment to an existing Telehealth-DMH contract. With the new amendment, Flynn expected the Telehealth contract to generate approximately $9 million per year for Flynns Social Work School.

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In exchange for Flynns efforts to help MRT Relative 1, the indictment alleges that Ridley-Thomas took a series of official actions, including voting in August 2017 to approve a motion to establish a partnership between the county and Social Work School and voting in October 2017 to approve a motion, related to Probation University, that would create a new county payment source for the school. Flynn told university officials in emails that she was very happy to see that [defendant Ridley-Thomas] was as good as his word and that he was really trying to deliver, the indictment alleges.

In the fall of 2017, Ridley-Thomas and MRT Relative 1 began soliciting from Flynn and other university officials a paid professorship for MRT Relative 1 while concealing that MRT Relative 1 was the subject of a sexual harassment investigation. By December 2017, in conjunction with speculation that MRT Relative 1 could be forced out of office, Ridley-Thomas and his relative increased their efforts to secure a paid faculty position for MRT Relative 1, efforts that included Ridley-Thomas exerting pressure on another high-ranking public official to support the Telehealth contract amendment.

On December 14, 2017, about an hour after Ridley-Thomas emailed Flynn saying the high-ranking public official was ready to go, Flynn expedited the relatives enrollment at the university, instructing that the admission should be given the highest priority, according to the indictment. Flynn also agreed, despite the schools multimillion-dollar budget deficit, to tap the Social Work Schools endowed funds to award a scholarship. At Flynns direction, MRT Relative 1 received a full scholarship worth $26,000 for the 2018 spring and summer terms.

The day after learning that the high-ranking public official was ready to go, Flynn also endeavored to quickly secure the paid professorship, even though MRT Relative 1s dual student-faculty status would violate university policy. On December 15, 2017, Flynn allegedly sent an urgent email to a university official, urging the official to get the offer letter out before the holidays to MRT Relative 1 in the interests of showing MRT [defendant Ridley-Thomas] that we can deliver. The university thereafter offered MRT Relative 1 the paid teaching position with a salary of $50,000.

When MRT Relative 1 received an email on February 13, 2018 indicating that the usual hiring process had been waived for his paid professorship, MRT Relative 1 forwarded the email to Ridley-Thomas, who then emailed Flynn the same day to discuss the Probation Reform motion. Days later, when Flynn emailed Ridley-Thomas to request a profitable amendment to the Telehealth-DMH contract, Ridley-Thomas responded to Flynn: Your wish is my command.

In addition to obtaining university admission, a full scholarship and the paid faculty position, Ridley-Thomas also sought to help his relative become the director of a nonprofit. In December 2017, Ridley-Thomas donated $100,000 in campaign funds to a fiscal sponsor (Fiscal Sponsor A) supporting the nonprofit MRT Relative 1 was planning to head (Nonprofit A). Concerned about the optics of a politician donating campaign funds to benefit the politicians relative, Fiscal Sponsor A refunded the $100,000.

MRT Relative 1 then abandoned efforts to head Nonprofit A, founded a new nonprofit (Nonprofit B) with a new fiscal sponsor (Fiscal Sponsor B), and began raising money for Nonprofit B in order to take a salary, obtain healthcare benefits and hire staff. According to the indictment, while soliciting official action from Ridley-Thomas during a meeting on April 26, 2018, Flynn agreed to funnel $100,000 from the Mark Ridley-Thomas Committee for a Better L.A. through the university and Social Work School to Fiscal Sponsor B for the benefit of Nonprofit B and, in turn, MRT Relative 1. Around this time, Flynn allegedly told a university official that the school would get the Telehealth contract but that she had to do a favor to get it.

After the Ridley-Thomas campaign funds were transferred through the university to Fiscal Sponsor B, Ridley-Thomas voted on July 31, 2018 in favor of the amendment to the schools Telehealth agreement that would sustain the program for an additional year and was consistent with the terms Flynn previously requested of Ridley-Thomas.

Both Ridley-Thomas and Flynn are charged with one count of conspiracy, and each defendant is charged with one count of bribery. The indictment also charges both defendants with two counts of honest services mail fraud and 15 counts of honest services wire fraud.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The conspiracy count alleged in the indictment carries a statutory maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. Each bribery count carries a maximum possible sentence of 10 years. Each of the mail fraud and wire fraud charges carry a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years.

The FBI is investigating this matter.

Assistant United States Attorneys Ruth C. Pinkel and Lindsey Greer Dotson of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section are prosecuting this case.
New CFPB Director Rohit Chopra pledges to protect Americans from financial fraud

The U.S. Senate on September 28 confirmed Rohit Chopra to a full, five-year term as Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Chopra returns to the agency where he earlier helped craft and implement key protections to create a level financial playing field for consumers and businesses alike.

At a time when the still-unfolding COVID-19 pandemic has left much of Black America  its people and small businesses financially marginalized, an active and aggressive consumer cop-on-the-beat is especially needed. Based on his previous tenure with the agency, and as a commissioner at the Federal Trade Commission, Chopra is expected to be an advocate for more aggressive enforcement and greater liability for bad actors, including corporate executives, whether the issue is the nations trillion-dollar student loan debt, predatory payday lending, or ensuring accurate credit reporting to support equal access to affordable credit.

Chopras comments before the U.S. Senate Banking Committee during his March confirmation hearing reflect his commitment to financial fairness.

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[W]e must not forget that the financial lives of millions of Americans are in ruin Consumers continue to discover serious errors on their credit reports or feel forced to make payments to debt collectors on bills they already paid or never owed to begin with, including for medical treatment related to Covid-19, testified Chopra.

Congress has entrusted the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with carefully monitoring markets to spot risks, ensuring compliance with existing law, educating consumers, and promoting competition, he continued. This not only helps to protect Americans from fraud and other unlawful conduct, it also ensures that law-abiding businesses, regardless of size, can compete I pledge to be a good partner to each of you and approach the agencys mission with an open mind and attuned to market realities.

An aggressive combination of enforcement and regulation would go a long way towards remedying many of the financial problems that beset Black America.

Analyzing complaints received by census tract data, a new CFPB report published in September found that communities with different racial or ethnic characteristics experience the credit marketplace differently. Moreover, census tracts with the highest share of Black or African American consumers submit the most complaints per resident.

Beginning in March 2020, the number of consumers with credit reporting complaints increased rapidly from levels that were already elevated in 2019A large share of complaints from high Black or African American census tracts concern credit reporting, states the report.

Inaccurate or outdated credit reports can negatively impact access to employment, access to credit as well as the cost of credit for individuals and businesses. For several years, a growing number of employers use credit reports as part of screening job applicants. Applicants found to have spotty or risky credit profiles can be eliminated from consideration. Further, when a small business or consumer apply applies for credit, its costs can be increased due to negative credit reports. Even worse, those who try to correct credit report errors often experience lengthy delays or denials, according to the CFPB report.

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Given the scale and persistence of the racial wealth divide, these differences are hardly surprisingbut they do highlight the active role that consumers in Black or African American communities take in trying to address credit issues. Past barriers limiting access to mainstream credit for racial minorities, the long-term impact of the 2008 mortgage crisis, and continued inequality in access continue to determine the types of opportunities consumers haveand these contexts shape consumer interactions with the CFPB, concludes the report.

Similarly, multiple independent research reports attest to the severe financial impacts of student loan debt.

[B]lack students are leaving college with the highest average debt per borrower and per graduate across all racial groups, according to Legislation, Policy, and the Black Student Debt Crisis, published in 2020 by the NAACP. This is true of both bachelors and associates degree holders  who were both more likely to borrow and borrowed more to finance their education  as well as for Black students across all public and private sectors of higher education.

According to the Brookings Institution, four years after college graduation the average Black graduate owes $52,726 in student debt, while the average white graduate owes $28,006.

Extensive research has established that Black borrowers and other borrowers of color tend to have more difficulty in student loan repayment than their white peers because of past and ongoing racial discrimination, Julia Barnard, a senior researcher at the Center for Responsible Lending wrote in a policy brief published this summer. They are also among the communities hit hardest by the current pandemic and its effects.

The rippling effects of heavy and long-term student debt frequently delay decisions to purchase a home, contribute to high levels of financial stress, and may lead to working more than one job to diminish debt. These real-life concerns are familiar to Chopra.

Following the 2010 passage of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, Chopra in 2011 helped launch the CFPB, serving as its assistant director and overseer of its student loan agenda. Shortly thereafter, he was named its Student Loan Ombudsman, where he led efforts to spur competition in the student loan financing market, and to develop new tools to help student loan borrowers make smarter decisions.

Under Chopra, CFPB delivered hundreds of millions of dollars in refunds for borrowers victimized by deceitful and unlawful conduct by loan servicers, debt collectors, and for-profit college chains.

By the end of its first decade of service, CFPB returned more than $12 billion to more than 29 million consumers, and levied fines on bad financial actors in other consumer finance areas including prepaid cards, credit repair, debt settlement, and pawn and title loans.

Under the Trump administration, however, consumer restitution all but disappeared and many of the hard-won regulations were reversed. A spate of political appointees replaced career civil servants and the agencys actions turned a blind eye away from consumers, favoring instead private enterprises and scant regulation

Those actions were direct opposition to the prior five-year period in which CFPB conducted a series of public forums across the nation as well as publishing research and analysis related to the high-cost, small-dollar loans. The resulting payday rule promulgated under CFPBs first director zeroed in on two lending concerns: the ability to repay and ending the automatic seizure of consumer payments from checking accounts.

While most forms of consumer credit include underwriting to ensure the ability to repay, payday loans typically require only proof of income and an active checking account. By allowing lenders direct access to checking accounts, ample research reveals that most borrowers are unable to meet other financial obligations. In the worst cases, when excessive overdraft charges are incurred, consumers accounts are cancelled by banks, leaving consumers more dependent upon other costly fringe financial services.

Despite the persistence of predatory lenders, Director Chopra begins his job with the support of a 138-member strong coalition of state and national advocates. Additionally, key federal lawmakers like Rep. Maxine Waters, Chair of the House Financial Services Committee and Sen. Sherrod Brown, Chair of the Senate Banking Committee, have offered their support as well.

In a floor speech that preceded the Senate vote, Chairman Brown spoke directly to the hopes of consumers across the country.

Its not surprising that most people dont believe theres anyone on their side fighting for them in the federal government, but we know thats not true, Brown said. Thats why Rohit Chopra will prove them wrong. Hell fight for all those that feel like theyve been left on their own.

Charlene Crowell is a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at [email protected]
New Hope Baptist  A Loving Church on Fire for the Lord

A loving and faithful membership on fire for Christ perfectly describes the New Hope Baptist Church of Los Angeles. The mid-sized congregation has joyfully spread the Gospel for the past 115 years and they dont intend to slow down.

Parishioners worship in the historic edifice located on a manicured campus at 5200 South Central Avenue in South L.A. The expansive building, designed by the renowned African American architect, Paul Revere Williams, features a spacious sanctuary, lighted baptismal pool, sectional choir loft and offices for the pastor, administrative staff and church auxiliaries.

Although the complex is impressive, its the people  the pastors and the members  that have led to New Hopes reputation as a spirit-filled Body of Christ who welcomes others to fellowship and join them in serving the Lord.

I just love my church. Its a family church and a loving church. They just put their arms around you when you come in and its just wonderful, said Joy Randall, chair of the Trustee Board, who was nine-years-old when she joined the church with her family.

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After people sit through a service, they usually want to join our church. I think that seeing a variety of people makes them more comfortable. Were not a church just for Black people, were for Christians, added Patricia Henderson, a member since she was 10-years-old.

Randall and Henderson are among the members with deep roots at New Hope. Randalls parents raised her in the church and she raised her children there, resulting in three generations of her family at New Hope. Henderson treasures Bible lessons she learned as a teen from then-Pastor James S. McKnight.

New Hopes community outreach activities have always made an impact on Randalls life. For decades, members have supported the food distribution and tutoring and education programs.

We also have a benevolence arm where we assist people who come to the church for assistance, said Randall, noting that the pandemic had resulted in reduced finances and even job losses for many residents and New Hope members contribute to aid others in need.

New Hopes multicultural and multigenerational membership is also distinctive, Henderson shared. The congregation is not only comprised of all ages, but also includes White and Latino worshippers who praise God with just as much spirit and enthusiasm as the African American members.

Our church is open to different people and were very faithful to helping individuals. Weve had people come to the church who have had problems and we sit down and talk to them. We try and help people, stressed Henderson.

Many people are assisted through programs held at the churchs B.O. Byrd Memorial Christian Education Center. Older community members are aided by residing at the New Hope Senior Villa, an affordable apartment complex located on Central Avenue and 50th St.

Currently, the New Hope members are seeking a pastor to lead the congregation. The duties include preaching and teaching the Gospel, directing church ministries, and promoting the growth of New Hope. Applicants must possess a college degree, preferably in divinity or its equivalent, from an accredited seminary and have at least six years of experience as a Baptist minister. Other qualifications are upright Christian character, sound personal financial history and successfully pass a background check.

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New Hope resumed in-person worship on Sunday, July 4, following CDC guidelines, which include social distancing, mask wearing and sanitizing stations. Sunday services can also be accessed via live stream, Zoom and conference calls.

To learn more about New Hope Baptist Church of Los Angeles, call (323) 232-4326 or email [email protected]
New Law Prohibits Cemetery Abandonment and Brings Justice to Grieving Families

AB 651, a measure authored by Democratic Caucus Chair Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson), was signed into law and will now prohibit caretakers from neglecting or abandoning cemeteries and will expand contributions that cover cemetery maintenance to avoid disrepair.

AB 651 addresses an issue that was highlighted by the deplorable conditions at one of the oldest cemeteries in Los Angeles County: Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery in the City of Compton. In the case of Woodlawn, many families visited their deceased loves ones only to find their tombstones damaged or missing, and the surrounding cemetery grounds unkempt. Conditions became so severe that families were eventually unable to visit due to restricted access.

Cemetery neglect is a social injustice, especially in communities like the City of Compton that have been historically marginalized, said Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson. Whether its financial mismanagement or simply a lack of funds needed to maintain, it is unacceptable and heartbreaking to allow the final resting place of our loved ones to be neglected or abandoned. AB 651 will provide a necessary remedy that will restore respect and dignity to every community facing similar issues.

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Many of us in Compton have witnessed Woodlawn Cemetery deteriorate over years of neglect, abandonment and financial mismanagement, until volunteers stepped in to try to take matters into their own hands, said City of Compton Mayor Emma Sharif. That kind of deterioration of a cemetery is not what our families, or any grieving families, deserve. We deserve better. This bill by Assemblymember Gipson which was signed into law today by Governor Newsom will put an end to this and hold cemetery authorities accountable in order to preserve public access.

We are pleased that Assembly Member Gipson included in AB 651 the increase in the minimum contributions cemetery authorities are required to make to endowment care funds (ECF), said Jerry Desmond from the Cemetery and Mortuary Association. AB 651 furthers the objective of ECFs to provide for the long term care and maintenance of cemeteries.

Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery is home to many notable figures, including Civil War Veterans; Al Prentice Bunchy Carter, Founder of the LA Chapter of the Black Panthers; and Founders of the City of Compton and Carson.
Objection your honor: Bar Exam Comes Under Further Scrutiny

The state board that licenses attorneys to practice in Minnesota has begun a comprehensive study that could offer new pathways into the profession as early as 2026.

Minnesota is one of 38 states that require new lawyers to pass the Universal Bar Examination, a grueling test that came under increased scrutiny last year.

When the coronavirus pandemic struck, some states allowed law graduates to postpone taking the two-day, 12-hour exam for public health reasons. Meanwhile, George Floyds murder in Minneapolis in May 2020, and subsequent racial unrest that summer, raised awareness of the bar exams role in keeping people of color out of the profession.

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Criticism of the bar exam is nothing new, but it definitely had a lot more momentum with everything that occurred last summer, said Emily Eschweiler, director of the Minnesota State Board of Law Examiners.

The board in June announced it would take two years to study the bar exam, its history in the state and the impact of being a state that admits lawyers based on their scores. The review was timed to coincide with coming changes in the exam itself, which take effect in 2026, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported.

But the Minnesota board will look beyond the test to consider alternative options for determining competency for licensure, such as apprenticeship-style models or the diploma privilege, which in Wisconsin means anyone who completes law school in the state can practice law without taking an exam.

Theres been a lot of discussion over the course of the last year about whether the examination should be the only avenue into the practice and determining competency, Eschweiler said.

The board in 2023 will present recommendations to the Minnesota Supreme Court, which ultimately decides how lawyers are certified to practice here.

Associated Justice Barry Anderson, the Supreme Courts liaison to the examiners board, said Thursday the court is certainly open to the discussion on the ways in which we license lawyers.

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Im not prepared to say theres any problem with the bar exam, he said, but Im also not prepared to say we wouldnt be open to alternatives that might be proposed to deal with concerns that people might have.

Separately, the Minnesota State Bar Association is preparing a request that the Supreme Court set up its own task force to study pathways into the profession.

This is an issue _ the bar exam, its efficacy, how well it measures readiness to enter the profession _ thats been a topic of discussion around the nation. And I think thats all been highlighted by the pandemic, association president Jennifer Thompson said. The time is just really right to look at how we license attorneys and measure readiness to enter the profession.

The examiners boards announcement said its study also would consider the impact of the licensure process on diversity and equity.

Just 9 percent of active lawyers in Minnesota are people of color _ compared with 21 percent of the general population. The bar exam has played a role in that disparity.

Although Minnesota does not track pass rates by race or ethnicity, the American Bar Association said that in 2020, 88 percent of white candidates passed the exam on their first try, compared with 80 percent of Asians, 78 percent of Native Americans, 76 percent of Hispanics and 66 percent of Blacks.

At his installation last week as dean and president of Mitchell Hamline School of Law, Anthony Niedwiecki said the bar exam was created by white people to exclude others from the profession.

The bar exam is racist, Niedwiecki declared. It was built to keep certain people out of the profession, and we should get rid of it. It doesnt test the skills needed to be a successful lawyer, and there are other ways to license lawyers that are more reliable and equitable.

Justice Anderson isnt convinced that racial differences in pass rates are a good reason to reconsider Minnesotas reliance on the bar exam.

Certainly, we want a diverse bar representing the people of Minnesota; thats certainly a goal the court has, he said. Im not sure thats necessarily linked to the bar exam.

Eschweiler said that besides the Wisconsin model, their study figures to explore alternative pathways like New Hampshires Daniel Webster Scholar Honors Program, where law students build portfolios of work in real and simulated settings in lieu of the bar exam.

Another idea, which Utah implemented during the pandemic last year, admits new lawyers to the bar once theyve spent time working under the supervision of an experienced attorney.

The Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System last year called for a new approach to determining whos qualified to practice law. It said the skills new lawyers need and use cannot be identified through closed-book exams with time limits and multiple-choice questions.

Dena Sonbol, dean of academic excellence at Mitchell Hamline, agrees there are problems with the bar exam.

It tests a lot of memorization, while in real life as an attorney you dont have to memorize, she said.

However, adopting the Wisconsin model would be complicated, she said, requiring all three law schools in the state to adopt a common set of admission standards and curriculum. She thinks more incremental changes are in store for the state.

My biggest concern as a lawyer myself . is ensuring that people that are becoming attorneys are people who are competent, skilled and ethical, she said. If there is a way to achieve that without a bar exam, I would definitely support it.
Raising the Million Man March: Remembering and Reaffirming Its Mission

It was 26 years ago, October 16, 1995, that we stood firmly together, 2 million plus strong in Washington, D.C. Called to action by Min. Louis Farrakhan, the Nation of Islam and the critical juncture and demands of our history, we declared our commitment to assume a new and expanded responsibility in life, love and struggle. Below follows an excerpt from the Million Man March/Day of Absence Mission Statement focusing on the shared responsibility of Black men and women in holding themselves responsible, as well as the government and corporate world, and raising issues insightfully and compelling current.

Central to our practice of responsibility is holding responsible those in power who have oppressed and wronged us through various challenges. At the core of the practice of speaking truth to power is the moral challenge to it to be responsible, to cease its abuse, exploitation and oppression, and to observe its basic role as a structure instituted to secure human rights, not to violate them or assist in their violation. And where it has violated its trust, it must be compelled to change.

Historically, the U.S. government has participated in one of the greatest holocausts of human history, the Holocaust of African Enslavement . . . Moreover, even after the Holocaust, racist suppression continued, destroying lives, communities and possibilities . . . We thus call on the government of the United States to atone for the historical and current wrongs it has committed against African people and other people of color. Especially, do we call on the government of this country to address the morally compelling issue of the Holocaust of African Enslavement. To do this, the government must: publicly admit its role and the role of the country in the Holocaust; publicly apologize for it; publicly recognize its moral meaning to us and humanity through establishing institutions and educational processes which preserve memory of it, teach the lessons and horror of its history and stress the dangers and destructiveness of denying human dignity and human freedom; pay reparations; and discontinue any and all practices which continue its effects or threaten its repetition.

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We call on the government to also atone for its role in criminalizing a whole people, for its policies of destroying, discrediting, disrupting and otherwise neutralizing Black leadership, for spending more money on imprisonment than education, and on weapons of war than social development; for dismantling regulations that restrained corporations in their degradation of the environment and failing to check a deadly environmental racism that encourages placement of toxic waste in communities of color. And of course, we call for a halt to all of this.

Furthermore, we call on the government to stop undoing hard won gains such as affirmative action, voting rights and districting favorable to maximum Black political participation; to provide universal, full and affordable health care; to provide and support programs for affordable housing; to pass the Conyers Reparations Bill; to repeal the Omnibus Crime Bill; to halt disinvestment in social development and stop penalizing the urban and welfare poor and using them as scapegoats; to adopt an economic bill of rights including a plan to rebuild the wasting cities; to craft and institute policies to preserve and protect the environment; and to halt the privatization of public wealth, space and responsibility.

In addition, we call on the government of the U.S. to stop blaming people of color for problems created by ineffective government and corporate greed and irresponsibility; to honor the treaties signed with Native Peoples of the U.S., and to respect their just claims and interests; to increase and expand efforts to eliminate race, class and gender discrimination, and to stop pandering to white fears and white supremacy hatreds and illusions and help create a new vision of human and societal possibilities. We also are compelled to call on the government of this country to craft a sensible and moral foreign policy that provides for equal treatment of African, Caribbean and other Third World refugees and countries; that forgives foreign debt to former colonies; that fosters a just and equitable peace and recognizes the right of self-determination of peoples in the Middle East, in the Caribbean and around the world; that rejects embargoes which penalizes whole peoples; that supports the just and rightful claims and interests of Native Peoples, and that supports all Third World countries in their efforts to achieve and maintain democracy and sustainable economic and social development. Finally, we call on the government and the country to recognize and respond positively to the fact that U.S. society is not a finished white product, but an unfinished and ongoing multicultural project and that each people has both the right and responsibility to speak their own special cultural truth and to make their own unique contribution to how this society is reconceived and reconstructed.

We begin our challenge to corporations by rejecting the widespread notion among them, that corporations have no social responsibility except to maximize profit within the rules of an open and competitive market, through cutting costs, maximizing benefits and constantly increasing technological efficiency. Our position is that no human conduct is immune from the demands of moral responsibility or exempt from moral assessment. The weight of corporations in modern life is overwhelming and their commitment to maximizing profit and technological efficiency can and often do lead to tremendous social costs such as deteriorating and dangerous working conditions, massive layoffs, harmful products projected as beneficial, environmental degradation, deindustrialization, corporate relocation, and disinvestment in social structures and development.

We thus call on corporations to practice a corporate responsibility that requires and encourages efforts to minimize and eventually eliminate harmful consequences which persons, communities and the environment sustain as a result of productive and consumptive practices . . . and to respect the dignity and interest of the worker in this country and abroad, to maintain safe and adequate working conditions for workers, provide adequate benefits, prohibit and penalize racial and gender discrimination, halt displacement and dislocation of workers, encourage organization and meaningful participation in decision-making by workers, and halt disinvestment in the social structure, deindustrialization and corporate relocation.

Moreover, we call on corporations to reinvest profits back into the communities from which it extracts profits, to increase support for Black charities, contribute more to Black education in public schools and traditional Black universities and colleges, and to Black education in predominantly white colleges and universities; to open facilities to the community for cultural and recreational use and to contribute to the building of community institutions and other projects to reinvest in the social structure and development of the Black community.

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In further consideration of profit made from Black consumers, we call on corporate America to provide expanded investment opportunities for Black people; engage in partnership with Black businesses and businesspersons; increase employment of Black managers and general employees; conduct massive job training among Blacks for work in the 21st century; and aid in the development of programs to halt and reverse urban decay. Finally, we call on corporations to show appropriate care and responsibility for the environment; to minimize and halt pollution, deforestation and depletion of natural resources, and the destruction of plants, animals, birds, fish, reptiles and insects and their natural habitats; and to rebuild wasted and damaged areas and expand the number, size and kinds of areas preserved. And we unavoidably and unhesitatingly committed ourselves to the righteous and relentless struggle to achieve these goals.

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.
Return of Bruces Beach Improves County Fires Legacy

Chief Daryl Osby comments on the historic restoration of property that currently houses his departments lifeguard operations

Reverberations of cheer are still echoing following California Governor Gavin Newsoms signing of legislation to return Bruces Beach to the descendants of the original owners of the beach resort.

Thanks to the combined efforts of L.A. County Supervisors Janice Hahn and Holly Mitchell, State Senator Steven Bradford and Newsom, the process is underway to restore the valuable acreage illegally taken from Charles and Willa Bruce in 1912.

The enterprising African American couple owned and operated the getaway for the Black community who were denied access to other areas along the beach due to racial segregation. However, Manhattan Beach city leaders claimed the property in the 1920s by using eminent domain laws.

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In 1948, the land was assigned to the State and later shifted to Los Angeles County. Currently, the site where Mr. and Mrs. Bruce managed a restaurant, dance hall, and bathing suit changing rooms is the home of the L.A. County Fire Departments Lifeguard Training Center.

Fire Chief Daryl Osby, who oversees the lifeguard division as well as fire service operations, was among the crowd cheering as Newsom signed bill SB 796, which allows county officials to transfer the land estimated to be worth $75 million back to the Bruce family.

Today is historic. We saw the Governor and the Board of Supervisors do the right thing by signing legislation to give this property back to the rightful owners, so its really a great day, said Osby during an interview with Sentinel Managing Editor Brandon I. Brooks.

Being the fire chief of this department and coming to one of the facilities in my department, I always felt that sullied the L.A. County Fire Departments legacy and today we were able to right that wrong.

Prompting Osby to elaborate on the justice implications of the days event, Brooks asked the chief about the local and national impact of Newsoms action. Osby noted that the governor set an example that will likely inspire other institutions to behave in a similar manner.

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This is precedent setting! It shows that our country  and this is still the greatest country in the world  but weve had some very hard history in this country and this (the Bruces Beach ceremony) shows that today is an opportunity that could catapult across our country that we can right wrongs in our history, he insisted.

Osby is well acquainted with precedent setting, especially since he is the first African American fire chief in the departments history. Appointed in 2011, he is responsible for fire suppression and life safety services for 4.1 million residents and businesses located in 59 cities in the 2,300 square miles in sprawling L.A. County.

Under his command are more than 3,000 firefighters, 1,000 lifeguards, as well as supportive staff. The employees work out of the departments 174 fire and 24 lifeguard stations. Also, Osby manages a budget exceeding $1 billion.

Acknowledging his trailblazing position, Brooks questioned how Osby ascended to the top spot.

Surprisingly, the fire chief explained that he was initially reluctant to become a firefighter after hearing some of the negative encounters that his family members experienced.

My dad and some of my uncles started with the fire service in the 1960s. To be quite frank, growing up, I didnt want to be a firefighter because if you can think about the 60s and 70s and me not experiencing racism firsthand, but seeing it second-hand and how it made my dad feel  a strong Black man and how he was broken down  it wasnt my first career option, recalled Osby.

But at some point, I had friends in the Los Angeles County Fire Department and they said, Darryl, take the test and if you dont like it, quit. That was over 40 years ago. Ive had a very exciting career and particularly now, as chief, its given me an opportunity to give back to my community and African Americans, he said.

Considering Osbys success in fire services, Brooks inquired about the process for other Blacks to join the department. In response, Osby urged applicants to stop by any county fire station or visit lacountyfire.org to learn about the range of positions offered by his agency.

We have a mentoring program and tour program, which is a good way to find about the fire service. As it pertains to African Americans, we have the Stentorians (an African American Firefighter Association) and Im a member and past president of that, Osby said.

Visit their website (https://www.lacitystentorians.org) to find out about professions in the fire service. They have really good mentoring programs for men and women because were looking for African American women also.
Southwest Airlines Continues Scrubbing Flights, Citing Weather, Staffing

Hundreds of Southwest Airlines flights were canceled again recently, including about a dozen trips to and from Los Angeles International Airport, following a weekend of scrubbed flights the airline attributed to weather and other external constraints.

According to flight tracker FlightAware, Southwest canceled roughly 360 flights nationwide as of early Monday afternoon, or about 10% of its schedule, including five originating at LAX and eight others bound for Los Angeles.

On Sunday, more than 1,100 Southwest flights were scrubbed, according to FlightAware.

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In a statement, Southwest officials said the issues began Friday evening, leading to numerous cancellations, primarily created by weather and other external constraints, which left aircraft and crews out of pre-planned positions to operate our schedule on Saturday.

Unfortunately, the out-of-place aircraft and continued strain on our crew resources created additional cancellations across our point-to-point network that cascaded throughout the weekend and into Monday, according to the airline. While we do not have specific airport numbers to share, Southwest Teams have been working diligently to restore stability to the network, and we are experiencing less disruptions on Monday. We hope to restore our full schedule as soon as possible.

The airline also insisted, The operational challenges were not a result of Southwest employee demonstrations, as some outlets are reporting.

Some media reports have speculated that the issues could have been the pilots and other employees calling in sick to protest COVID-19 vaccination mandates. The Southwest Airline Pilots Association went to court last week in an effort to block the mandate. But in a statement reported by Airline Weekly, the union insisted that Southwests weekend of canceled flights were not the result of an employee labor action.

We can say with confidence that our pilots are no participating in any official or unofficial job actions, according to the union statement.

Southwest Airlines directed customers to use self-service rebooking options on Southwest.com, where updates on the status of their travel plans are available.

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To every customer that experienced a cancellation or delay, Southwest offers our sincerest regret regarding disrupted travel plans, and we look forward to a future opportunity to demonstrate our safe, reliable, friendly, and legendary Southwest Hospitality  something that customers should always expect from Southwest Airlines, according to the airline.
Thompson Dedicates Time and Talents to Uplifting Compton

Uplifting Compton motivates Andrew Harley-Drew Thompson to devote his time and talents to the cause. In fact, both his company and his volunteer efforts focus on improving the city of his birth.

As the owner of Screamin Eagles Services, Thompson and his staff of 12 clean up illegal dumping and abandoned encampment sites around Compton. In business since 2014, the firm also performs building and parking lot maintenance, graffiti removal, freight hauling and demolition work.

His volunteer activities include partnering with a local Harley-Davidson dealer to present free workshops for youth to learn about motorcycle riding, care and upkeep. He also holds sessions to train young people about heavy-duty truck operations. Every class highlights the potential careers within each field.

Explaining the reason behind his efforts, Thompson attributes the example set by his grandfather, John McCoullum, who ran a motorcycle shop. In addition to repairing and custom-building bikes, McCoullum taught neighborhood children about the vehicles.

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Im inspired by my grandfather. Hes the reason why I have the drive that I do now. I watched him take kids in the ghetto, bring them to his shop to show them how to work on motorcycles. When he had biker runs, hed take kids with him to get them out of the hood, so they could see that theres more to life than just being in the ghetto, said the 36-year-old Thompson, a former Harley-Davidson worker.

He let them see the value of being a man by taking care of your community and your family. He inspired me to keep that legacy going as I got older. [I try to] get them on the right track at a young age and train them and mold them to be great, he added.

The variety of jobs in this area will help youngsters on the path to greatness, noted Thompson, who said positions range from mechanics to owners to sales associates and marketers. Truck drivers and equipment operators command lucrative salaries as well.

My company owns bobcat tractors and I show youth how to operate them because theres good money in the construction field operating bobcats and heavy duty equipment like that, Thompson said. I learned to operate heavy equipment through my uncle. I had hands-on training watching him at a young age and he was a great teacher!

Thompson applied the knowledge and principles he gleaned from his family to his Screamin Eagles Services, which was actually a major factor in his starting the business. Troubled by the amount of illegal dumping in Compton, he purchased trucks and equipment and began doing volunteer cleanups around the city with the help of like-minded acquaintances.

Later, he learned that cities engaged private companies to remove graffiti and illegal dumping, so he submitted a bid and was awarded the contract to clean up junky sites and marked up buildings in Compton. Recently, Screamin Eagles workers did such great work clearing an encampment by a railroad track that the train CEO publicly commended the firm on an outstanding job.

[Weve picked up] over 1,000 tons in the city of Compton. My goal is to employ more people from the community and actually help clean up encampments throughout the Los Angeles area, said Thompson.

I want to use my skills to change lives and inspire lives in my community and create programs. Everything Im doing is because Im passionate about it, stressed the young entrepreneur, who just established the nonprofit Screamin Eagles Operations to garner support and funding to produce recreational, vocational and life skills programs for Compton young people.

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I just want to keep growing, elevating and spreading positive energy. I want the young and old to understand each other and work together for our future and our community.

To learn about the free sessions, contact Andrew Harley-Drew Thompson on Instagram @ screamineaglesservices.
TWENTIES on BET Returns With The Secret Sauce!

Jonica T. Gibbs, Christina Elmore, and Gabrielle Graham are the three actresses holding it down in TWENTIES which is now entering its second season.

The show follows Hattie,(Jonica T. Gibbs) a masculine-presenting queer African-American woman in her twenties, and her two straight best friends, Marie (Christina Elmore) and Nia (Gabrielle Graham), as they try to find their footing in life, love, and the professional world in Los Angeles.

Because the show is so popular, BET will premiere a new half-hour series touching on key themes explored in Twenties titled Twenties After-Show With B. Scott which will showcase the media personality as the first out, trans non-binary host and executive producer in the networks history. Following each episode of the second season of Twenties, B. Scott will sit with cast and creatives to unpack the narrative, steeped in the queer Black experience.

The after-show premiered on Wednesday, October 13, at 10:30 p.m., following the scripted series airing at 10 p.m. It is executive produced by Waithe and Rishi Rajani with Rocio Melara overseeing for their Hillman Grad Productions banner; alongside B. Scott under their Ahoskie Productions banner; and Sergio Alfaro, Michael Weinberg, Fernita Wynn, and Ray Giuliani for Invent TV with Alberlynne Abby Woods serving as a producer. In 2012, B. Scott became the first trans-non-binary person to appear on BETs 106 and Park and judge the Rip the Runway competition. Theyve also hosted the Style Stage Red Carpet at the annual BET Awards.

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Here is what Jonica T. Gibbs, Christina Elmore, and Gabrielle Graham and to share about season two of TWENTIES.

LOS ANGELES SENTINEL: How have your characters grown from season one?

JONICA T. GIBBS (Hattie): My character has grown a little bit. She has a lot more people guiding her and she has more accountability, and she has a little bit more focus and drive.

LAS: Yes, I agree but shes still messy and thats why I love her so. And you, Christina.

CHRISTINA ELMORE (Marie): Well for Marie, I think, shes waiting to see how shes going to change.

LAS: How so?

CM: Well, her life circumstances have changed, and now we have to see if shes going to evolve with them. The question is, will she make some new choices.

LAS: Thats so true and what shes going to have to deal with, well, a lot of women will understand and relate to. Exciting turn for the character.

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LAS: Ladies, why do you think your show was so well received in the first season. Like, whats the secret sauce? Dont be modest.

JG: Well since you said that, its definitely me.

LAS: Yes Ms. Gibbs, dont be modest. You bring the messy fire.

CM: I didnt want to say that, but I think that Jo-Jo [Ms. Gibbs] is being modest. I think that Hatties definitely the North Star of the show. Its groundbreaking to see a masculine-presenting Queer, Black woman, as a lead of a show.

LAS: True talk.

CM: But its more than that. Because what has made it so relatable is that she [Hattie] feels like all of us. We all know a Hattie.

LAS: We do.

CM: We know someone that has that confidence of a lifestyle even though she doesnt have the accomplishments, and JoJos made Hattie so funny, and so relatable, so authentically truthful, that I honestly think that is the secret sauce.

TWENTIES is executive produced by Lena Waithe, Susan Fales-Hill, who serves as showrunner, Rishi Rajani, and Andrew Coles.

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Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook: @twentiesonbet #TwentiesOnBET

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A new public opinion study suggests a big majority of Americans believe that the spread of misinformation is a problem.

Most also think social media companies, and the people who use them, are largely to blame. But fewer think that they themselves might be responsible.

These findings came in a poll released Friday by the Pearson Institute and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

In the study, 95 percent of Americans said misinformation was a problem when trying to find important information. About half put a lot of blame on the U.S. government. And about 75 percent said social media users and technology companies were responsible.

Only two in 10 Americans said they are very concerned that they had personally spread misinformation. And six in 10 were at least somewhat concerned that their friends or family members had been part of the problem.

Carmen Speller is a 33-year-old graduate student in Lexington, Kentucky. She has disagreements with her family over COVID-19 vaccines. She trusts the vaccines but her family does not. She believes her family has seen misinformation on TV or read it on news websites and that has led them to stay unvaccinated.

Some of Spellers family members think she is crazy for trusting the government for information about COVID-19.

I do feel like they believe Im misinformed. Im the one thats blindly following what the government is saying, thats something I hear a lot, Speller said.

Speller is not the only one who may be having disagreements with her family.

The study suggests that 61 percent of Republican Party members say the U.S. government has a lot of responsibility for spreading misinformation. Thirty-eight percent of Democratic Party members feel the same way.

There is more agreement, however, about the part that social media companies, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, should play. The poll found that 79 percent of Republicans and 73 percent of Democrats said social media companies hold a lot of responsibility for misinformation.

That kind of agreement among Americans could be a problem for big social media companies like Facebook. Facebook has recently faced a lot of criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers.

Konstantin Sonin is a professor of public policy at the University of Chicago. He works with the Pearson Institute. Sonin said the poll is bad news for Facebook.

It makes clear that assaulting Facebook is popular by a large margin  even when Congress is split 50-50, and each side has its own reasons, he said.

The poll also suggested that Americans are willing to blame others but not themselves for the situation. Fifty-three percent of them said they are not concerned that they have spread misinformation.

We see this a lot of times where people are very worried about misinformation but they think its something that happens to other people  other people get fooled by it, other people spread it, said Lisa Fazio. She is a Vanderbilt University psychology professor.

Fazio studies how false claims spread. Most people dont recognize their own role in it, she said.

Im Dan Novak.

Amanda Seitz and Hannah Fingerhut reported this story for The Associated Press. Dan Novak adapted it for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor.

___________________________________________________

Words in This Story

poll  n. an activity in which several or many people are asked a question or a series of questions in order to get information about what most people think about something

assault  v. attaching or criticizing

margin  n. a measurement of difference between things

role  n. the part that someone has in an activity or series of events


A Danish artist is seeking to get back his sculpture in Hong Kong that memorializes the victims of Chinas 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.

The deadline for its removal passed on Wednesday. The artist, Jens Galschioet, said in an email that he hopes to bring the sculpture out of Hong Kong under orderly conditions and without it having suffered from any damage.

Last week, Hong Kong University demanded the removal of the artwork Pillar of Shame by Wednesday morning.

The university said in an emailed statement, We are still seeking legal advice and working with related parties to handle the matter in a legal and reasonable manner.

However, an activist group, the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, released a letter from lawyers representing the university. The letter said the artwork would be considered abandoned if it were not taken away by the deadline.

Galschioet had loaned Pillar of Shame to the group. The group was broken up last month as officials suppressed political activism in Hong Kong. The sculpture has been in place for 24 years.



Chinas leaders sent in the military to end pro-democracy demonstrations in Beijings Tiananmen Square in 1989. Hundreds or possibly thousands of people died in the crackdown.

The ruling Communist Party has since barred any public discussion or memorializing of the events in mainland China. For years, people in Hong Kong held memorial observations there. But Hong Kong officials have banned such gatherings for the past two years. They said concerns over COVID-19 were the reason for the ban.

Galschioet told the Associated Press that he wants the sculpture to remain in Hong Kong. But, as a second choice, he said, the artwork could be placed elsewhere until it can be brought back to the city or another area in China.

We dont exactly know where we should put it, but we think we have a possibility in Taiwan, we have a possibility in the United States, in Washington D.C., maybe in front of the Chinese embassy, and in Europe, he said.

The artist said last week that it would take time to move the sculpture. He expressed concern that the short deadline set by the university meant officials looked to destroy it. Its an attack against the art, and its an attack against the memory about the Tiananmen crackdown, he said at the time.

Galschioet said his lawyer had sent a letter Tuesday requesting a hearing on the issue. The artist added, I would like to emphasize that I consider any damage to the sculpture to be the responsibility of the university.

Im Caty Weaver.

Hai Do adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on reporting from the Associated Press. Ashley Thompson was the editor.

____________________________________________________

Words in This Story

sculpture - n. a piece of art that is made by carving or molding clay, stone, metal, etc...

crackdown - n. a serious attempt to punish people for doing something that is not permitted

deadline - n. a date or time when something must be finished

handle - v. to deal with

emphasize - v. to give special attention to something


Ninety-year-old actor William Shatner, flew into space Wednesday. The performer is known for playing Captain Kirk in the Star Trek television series and films. He is the oldest person to ever reach space.

Shatner was a passenger on a spaceship built by Blue Origin, the company owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

The Star Trek actor and three other passengers flew about 106 kilometers over the desert of western Texas to the edge of space. The ship operates without a pilot. It spent about three minutes at zero gravity then safely returned to Earth by parachute. The flight lasted just over 10 minutes.

How about that, guys? That was unlike anything they described, the actor said as the ship came back to Earth.

Shatner broke the record for the oldest person in space by eight years. Pilot Wally Funk set the earlier record in July, also on a Blue Origin rocket.

Science fiction fans enjoyed the chance to see the man best known as Captain James T. Kirk of the starship Enterprise.

This is a pinch-me moment for all of us to see Captain James Tiberius Kirk go to space, said Blue Origin launch commentator Jacki Cortese before liftoff. She said she, like many others, became interested in the space business because of shows like Star Trek.

Bezos is also a Star Trek fan. He once played an outer space creature in one of the later Star Trek movies. Shatner flew on the ship for free as his invited guest.

The launch brings attention to Bezos space travel company.

Bezos himself drove the four passengers to the launch area. He closed the ships door after they climbed into the 18-meter rocket. And he was there to welcome the crew after the ship returned.

Hello, astronauts. Welcome to Earth! Bezos said as he opened the door and was hugged by Shatner.

The space tourism industry is quickly growing. Many passengers without government spaceflight training have been able to fly into space recently.

Virgin Galactics Richard Branson went into space in his own rocket in July, followed by Bezos nine days later on Blue Origins first flight with a crew. Elon Musks company SpaceX made its first private flight last month, but without Musk as a passenger. Last week, Russia launched an actor and a film director to the International Space Station to film a movie.

Also on the flight was Audrey Powers, Blue Origin vice president. There were two other passengers who paid: Chris Boshuizen, a former NASA engineer, and software businessman Glen de Vries. Blue Origin would not release the cost of their flights.

After the flight, Shatner told Bezos that he gave him the most profound experience I can imagine.

Through tears, the actor said, Im so filled with emotion about what just happened. Its extraordinary. I hope I never recover from this. I hope that I can maintain what I feel now. I dont want to lose it.

Im Dan Novak.

Dan Novak adapted this story based on reporting by The Associated Press. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor.

__________________________________________________

Words in This Story

tourism n. the activity of traveling to a place for pleasure

profound  adj. very strongly felt, very deep

extraordinary  adj. very unusual; very different from what is normal or ordinary

maintain  v. to cause to continue; to keep going


United States officials announced Wednesday that the country will reopen its land borders to non-essential travel in November. The move ends a 19-month-long restriction put in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vehicle, rail and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada and Mexico has been largely restricted to essential travel, such as trade, since the earliest days of the pandemic. The new rules will permit fully vaccinated foreign nationals to enter the U.S. for any reason starting in early November. A similar easing of restrictions is set to begin for air travel to the U.S. By mid-January, even essential travelers seeking to enter the U.S., like truck drivers, will need to be fully vaccinated.

Both Mexico and Canada have urged the U.S. for months to ease restrictions on travel. The latest move follows last months announcement that the U.S. will end country-based travel bans for air travel. Instead, the U.S. will require vaccination for foreign nationals seeking to enter by airplane.

The new rules only affect legal entry to the U.S. Officials warned that those seeking to enter illegally will still be expelled under an existing law known as Title 42. Immigration activists have criticized the law for quickly removing migrants before they can ask for asylum. One official said the U.S. was continuing the policy because crowded conditions where migrants are held may increase the spread of COVID-19.

Travelers entering the U.S. by vehicle, rail and sea will be asked if they are vaccinated as part of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection admissions process. Some travelers may be asked to provide proof of vaccination in a second inspection process.

No testing will be required to enter the U.S. by land or sea. However, travelers must meet the vaccination requirement.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the U.S. will accept travelers who have been fully vaccinated with any of the vaccines approved for emergency use by the World Health Organization. That means that the AstraZeneca vaccine, widely used in Canada, will be accepted.

Officials said the CDC was still working on the process for admitting those who received doses of two different vaccines.

Officials noted that the delay in the vaccination requirement for essential cross-border travel is meant to provide truck drivers and others with additional time to get vaccinated. They added that this will lower the risk of economic problems due to vaccination requirements.

The move toward restoring regular travel comes as COVID-19 cases in the U.S. have dropped to about 85,000 a day. That is the lowest level since July, after an increase caused by the more infectious delta variant of the coronavirus. Case rates in Canada and Mexico have been much lower than in the U.S. throughout the pandemic.

Mexico has not put in place any COVID-19 entry measures for travelers. Canada permits entry of fully vaccinated individuals with proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Canada also permits people to provide proof of a negative test taken within 72 hours of entry to the country.

Im Jonathan Evans.

Zeke Miller reported on this story for the Associated Press. Jonathan Evans adapted this story for Learning English. Susan Shand was the editor.

___________________________________________________

Words in This Story

essential  adj. extremely important and necessary

restore  v. to put or bring (something) back into existence or use.

regular  adj. happening or done very often

variant  n. something that is different in some way from others of the same kind

negative  adj. not showing the presence of a particular germ, condition, or substance
An Albany resident has been arrested on suspicion of murder and other charges relating to the shooting of a man at Timber Linn Memorial Park on Sunday night.

Elijah Matthew Crump, 20, was charged in Linn County Circuit Court at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14 with second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon and menacing.

Judge David Delsman ordered that Crump be held without bail in Linn County Jail. The next hearing in the matter is set for Nov. 1 at 8:30 a.m.

The individual killed was Joshua Thomas Johnston-Partain, 22, of Albany. He was shot multiple times at the city park, and authorities received a report of the incident at 10:49 p.m. Sunday, according to the Albany Police Department, which investigated the case.

At about 11 a.m. Wednesday, police developed information about the location of a subject wanted in connection with Johnston-Partains death, a news release states.

Detectives from APD, the Benton County Sheriffs Office, the Corvallis Police Department, the Oregon State Police, the Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement team and the Lincoln City Police Department responded to Lincoln City in an attempt to locate the man.

The suspect was spotted as a passenger in a blue Pontiac G6 near the Lincoln City outlet shopping mall, according to police. Detectives followed the vehicle northeast on Highway 18 and then east on Highway 22 toward Salem.

APD detectives coordinated with other agencies to intercept and conduct a high-risk traffic stop on the vehicle. However, the vehicle stopped on its own in the parking lot of the Stop n Save Market on Main Street in Rickreall, according to the news release.

OSP, BCSO, LINE and Salem Police Department personnel contacted and detained the occupants of the vehicle without incident, the news release states.

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Crump has an active Benton County case from August in which he is charged with delivery of cocaine and three counts of endangering the welfare of a minor, according to Oregon's online court database.

The next hearing in that matter is scheduled for Oct. 28 in Benton County Circuit Court. Court records from that case indicate that Crumps address is in Albany.

APD detectives continue to investigate the case and those with additional information should contact the APD detectives unit at 541-917-7686.

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Workers value having a job they can be proud of, thats close to home with flexible hours and that has health insurance, according to a survey
It was just a couple weeks ago that new Albany business owner Josh Slamp was hanging out at the Albany Skate Park with his 11-year-old son, Rocco. Slamp was taking a break from skating when another kid came up to him and said Slamp, 47, had to be the oldest skater the boy had ever seen at the Albany park.

Slamp took it as a compliment, and its this legacy of skating that he hopes to bring to life with his new downtown storefront, Stoked 2 Sk8, located inside the Two Rivers Market business complex on Broadalbin Street.

The temporary sign for Slamps business is made out of an old board he skated on for years. While he plans to have a larger sign for his front window at some point, he said this is a good way to celebrate where he came from and how hes rekindled his passion for skating.

He has his son, in part, to thank for that. As his boy got into skating, Slamp himself started to get back onto a board and realize just how rusty hes gotten  but also how much he missed skating in the last 20 years hes spent working in the window drapery business and raising a family.

Its that rekindled passion that helped him realize how much Albany is thirsty for a skate shop.

Theres nothing really youth-centric in downtown Albany and kind of Albany as a whole  certainly nothing skate oriented. Thankfully its more accepted than it was when I was younger, Slamp said. Theres less of a stigma  which is good. (Skating) is exercise, and it can be an art form.

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Stoked 2 Sk8 primarily sells boards and hardware, though Slamp is also a big advocate for skating safely, so he sells protective pads too.

I always tell kids that if you really like to skate, you shouldnt care about not looking cool" by wearing pads and a helmet, Slamp said. If you get hurt, you can be out for a week, a month, even years.

While there are some branded T-shirts and hoodies, Slamp said more apparel will likely be added to the inventory in the future.

The main attraction is the dozens of boards that line the walls, varying in size, shape and design. There are the classic popsicle stick ones that you probably picture when you think of a skateboard, but there are also boards with pointed tips, wheel wells cut into the wood that reduce wheel bite and many other specialty shapes.

Theres even an old school" boards section, with re-releases of the same kinds of Hosoi and Lucero branded boards that Slamp used in his youth.

I try to accommodate a little bit of everything for all different kinds of skaters, he said.

Some of the most iconic art that goes into making boards is the design thats found on their undersides. For his inventory, Slamp has partnered with local board makers in Oregon and the rest of the Pacific Northwest, something that was difficult to do until he secured his storefront.

When Slamp first started skating during the 1980s and '90s, designer boards were few and far between. But skate culture has since gone mainstream  with televised X Games popularizing the sport and the Summer Olympics adopting skating events  leading to a boom in skateboard production, even locally.

The store also has an old PlayStation 2 loaded up with the old Tony Hawk Underground and Pro Skater games that inspired many teenagers, part of a way to draw people in and make the space into a hangout spot for local skaters.

Slamp points to that commercialization as a big reason opening a skate shop is so needed for Albany, which has been without one since another downtown skate shop, On Deck, closed down, he estimated in 2003.

To have something to bring more of us together is crucial.  Were too reliant on online and big corporations, he said. So its nice to have something smaller, more community-based.

The store will host its grand opening noon Saturday, Oct. 16.

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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People are still plenty confused and frustrated about the new mask guidelines handed down last week by the Oregon Health Authority. While the 
Lompoc eatery Floriano's Mexican Food & Fresh Cuts has officially opened the doors to its new H Street location after a year of delays caused by the pandemic.

"Now open! Our new home, can't wait to see you all!" the restaurant announced Oct. 13 on social media.

Manager Antonio Rodriguez co-owns the restaurant with his mother, Maria Rodriguez, wife Katie and his father, Floriano, who originally launched the family businesses 15 years ago.

Comments from local patrons came streaming in on social media that expressed excitement, "I've missed you so much  I'm so excited," "Congratulations! Can't wait to come and check it out," and "Hurray!!!"

The brand-new building  previously owned and occupied by Taco Roco  is located across the street from the old Carrow's building, at 1140 North H Street.

Florian's offers indoor dining and order pickup services. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days per week.

For updates and the menu, go to www.facebook.com/FlorianosMexicanFood.

+2 Floriano's restaurant in Lompoc enters final stage of construction, eyes September grand opening Floriano's Mexican restaurant, currently located at 1129 North H Street in the old Carrows building, will continue its local legacy, serving signature homestyle Mexican cuisine at its permanent location, previously the home of Mexican restaurant Taco Roco.
Officials on Thursday reopened Highway 101 and a train track that closed several days ago due to the Alisal fire, which grew to 16,801 acres and prompted a new evacuation order for the Gaviota area of the coast, where crews were still battling to keep it from crossing Highway 101.

The railroad reopened at about 4:15 p.m., while a 24-mile section of Highway 101, which runs parallel to the track, from Highway 1 to Winchester Canyon/Cathedral Oaks roads reopened at 6 p.m., according to U.S. Forest Service and California Highway Patrol officials.

The blaze remains at 5% containment, with the cause still under investigation.

"We've had some good luck with the Alisal fire in the last day and a half," Santa Barbara County Fire spokesman Chris Childers said during a briefing Thursday morning. "We have some open line between the Sherpa fire [area] and Refugio Canyon that we're going to try and work on [Thursday]; that's our first priority."

+4 Volunteers, animal service workers evacuate livestock during Alisal fire Tammy Thompson, treasurer for the equine evacuation team, said the Earl Warren Showgrounds was hosting 137 evacuated horses, sheep, goats and donkeys by Wednesday, with some coming and going as owners found new locations to house them.

The fire was reported shortly after 2 p.m. Monday near the area of West Camino Cielo and Refugio Road in the Santa Ynez Mountains, a short distance away from the Alisal Reservoir.

It moved quickly from the north side of the ridge to the south side and reached the Pacific Ocean in about three hours, according to Los Padres National Forest Fire Chief Jimmy Harris.

Sundowner winds on Wednesday pushed the fire east into Refugio Canyon and Los Flores Canyon, where an ExxonMobil oil and natural gas processing facility is located.

Additionally, winds pushed the flames partially into the western side of the Sherpa fire burn scar and along the top of the ridge, Childers said.

Personnel on Wednesday successfully secured the ridge going west to Arroyo Hondo and made progress on the fire's east side, although sundowner winds pushed the fire farther west into the Gaviota fire burn scar, he added.

Officials issued an evacuation warning Thursday for all properties within the Hollister Ranch area.

Other evacuation warnings still in effect include the area east of El Capitan Beach State Park, west of Dos Pueblos Canyon Road and south of West Camino Cielo, along with the area east of Calle Mariposa Reina, west of Arroyo Hondo and south of West Camino Cielo.

Evacuation orders in effect now include the area west of Arroyo Hondo to the intersection of highways 101 and 1, including Vista Del Mar School and Gaviota Beach, along with Arroyo Hondo Canyon, Refugio Canyon and the area between El Capitan Beach State Park and West Camino Cielo.

More than 1,300 personnel from Cal Fire, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Kern and Ventura counties, Santa Maria, Lompoc, Montecito, Carpinteria, Vandenberg Space Force Base and the U.S. Forest Service have been battling the blaze. Additionally, at least five fixed-wing tankers and six water-dropping helicopters have been assigned to the fire.

County Fire spokesman Capt. Mike Eliason urged residents to refrain from flying drones in the area of the Alisal fire after receiving reports of drone usage in the vicinity, stating they pose serious risks to firefighters and can impede the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations.

California Highway Patrol officials also cautioned the public of increased traffic along alternative routes that include Highway 154 between Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley and Interstate 5.

An emergency evacuation center was established at Dos Pueblos High School, according to County Office of Emergency Management Director Kelly Hubbard. Evacuees needing assistance can contact the American Red Cross at 833-583-3111.

The Earl Warren Showgrounds has been established as an evacuation center for large animals, and County Animal Services is accepting small animals at 5473 Overpass Road in Goleta. For animal evacuation assistance, call 805-681-4332.

Updated incident information about the fire, including evacuation maps and road closure updates, is available at readysbc.org.
Starbucks said workers had expressed a need for better training during listening sessions. The company stressed that the workers at those stores still have their jobs and have been offered hours at other stores.

Starbucks Workers United said it believes the company's actions are meant to disrupt union organizing, scatter pro-union workers and dilute their efforts  all common union-busting tactics.

Workers said enduring facility and training problems were not addressed until the locations attempted to form a union, and that the company hasn't shut down locations across the country that have requested help with similar issues.

"Starbucks split up an entire store that they knew had a strong union majority and prevented them from working together," said Casey Moore, a Starbucks Workers United worker at the Williamsville store.

Workers have said they feel daunted by the strong and sudden presence of Starbucks executives, and that closing down the store seemed to be a clear attempt at intimidation.

"A lot of our pro-union partners are not very open or vocal for fear of retaliation, so the likelihood of them carrying this message to other stores with managers that are not familiar with us is a lot less likely," said Michelle Eisen, who works at the Elmwood store.
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In the suit, the man accuses Schwetz, the AZA and its board of saying disparaging things about him to his new employer, Chicagos Brookfield Zoo. Shortly after the comments were allegedly made, the man was fired and removed from AZA committee work.

Wake up screaming

The man said he waited to come forward with the allegations because Schwetz controlled every facet of my life, including his employment and his visa. He said Schwetz make it clear to him that if he ever told anyone about the alleged assault she could take away my job, my income, my hope, my relationships.

Since he spent time living in isolation in the jungle doing research when he was young, the man said he was naive and easily manipulated and groomed by Schwetz. He said he shared with Schwetz that he was raped when he was 19, but was too afraid to tell anyone, and she used that against him.

I wake up screaming all the time, the man said as he broke down in tears. I see this defendant and my rapist in the night.

Once he came forward with the allegations, the man said, Schwetz started rumors about him and destroyed his professional reputation.
BOISE  A former state lawmaker made his first appearance in an Idaho courtroom on charges that he raped a young legislative intern earlier this year.

Aaron von Ehlinger attended the court proceeding before Ada County Magistrate Judge John Hawley through a remote video connection Wednesday morning. Von Ehlinger waived the formal reading of the charges against him  rape and forcible penetration by use of a foreign object, both felonies  and the judge set a preliminary hearing for Oct. 29.

Aarons just anxious to have this process run its course, said his attorney, John Cox, later that day. We intend to fight these allegations vigorously, and hes looking forward to his days in court.

Von Ehlinger was a Republican state representative from Lewiston when a 19-year-old legislative intern reported that he brought her to his apartment under false pretenses and raped her. At the time, von Ehlinger denied all wrongdoing and maintained he had consensual sexual contact with the woman. The Associated Press doesnt name people who say they have been sexually assaulted unless they agree to be publicly named.

A legislative ethics committee found that von Ehlinger engaged in behavior unbecoming and said they would support a vote to remove him from the Idaho Statehouse. Von Ehlinger resigned from office before the vote was held.

Von Ehlinger has not yet had the opportunity to enter a plea. In Idahos court system, most felony cases first go through a preliminary hearing, during which a magistrate judge determines if there is enough evidence to justify sending the case to district court. If the case is sent to district court, the defendant is then asked to enter a plea.

Both rape and forcible penetration by use of a foreign object carry maximum penalties of life in prison.

Idaho does not track many statistics related to sexual assault, but a 2016 report on sexual violence from the Idaho State Police found that only 19% of reported rapes result in an arrest, and only 15% of rape reports result in charges being filed. Only 4% of reported rapes result in a defendant being found guilty of a sex crime, according to the report.

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The Noble Experiment  better known as Prohibition  had taken root in Idaho long before the 18th Amendment was ratified.

In 1905, Twin Falls city trustees tried to discourage the sale of alcohol by charging saloon operators an exorbitant amount for an annual liquor license. The following year, a local chapter of the decades-old Womens Christian Temperance Union was organized to create a sober and pure world, according to its publications.

Momentum for prohibition increased.

In November 1909, Twin Falls County voted to abolish liquor, and saloons in the county closed two months later. In 1916, the entire state of Idaho went dry.

The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified in January 1919 and took effect the following year. But that didnt stop residents from making their own liquor.

In 1923, word of an illegal still on Orville Fairchilds farm near Buhl made its way to Twin Falls Sheriffs Deputy Virgil Ormsby.

While the case was not isolated, it was unique, Ormsby told the Twin Falls Weekly News.

The ambitious deputy raided the Fairchild farm and found nothing unusual. He then spotted smoke trickling from a culvert under a road about 400 feet away from the farmhouse. Ormsby climbed into the culvert and knocked on the wall of the pipe; his knuckles were met with an echo.

Ormsby and the other deputies dug into the road surface and found four-inch-thick planks, then found an 8-by-15 room under the planks. Inside the room, they found a complete still, a woodstove and shelves full of reading material, including a book on liquor manufacturing.

Eight jars of moonshine and the still and coils were confiscated. Six barrels of mash were destroyed.

Fairchild claimed the still was not his but pleaded guilty at his hearing.

Hidden History: Nevada atom bomb explosions seen from southern Idaho Las Vegas casinos in the 1950s capitalized on the nuclear arms race by inviting visitors to watch atomic bombs explode in person. Some of the explosions were visible in Idaho.

Hidden History: The founder of the C.R. England trucking empire spends a night in Twin Falls jail Each afternoon, Chester R. England would pull up the wooden sides of his flatbed and find some farmer with a crop to sell. Hed purchase enough produce to fill the truck in Ogden, then sell the fresh crop on his way back to Plain City.

Mychel Matthews is the senior reporter for the Times-News. The Hidden History feature runs every Thursday in the Times-News and at Magicvalley.com.

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Every elected official takes an oath to uphold the US Constitution to protect life and property from enemies foreign and domestic. Governor Little is not stopping Afghanistan's largely unvetted refugees and vaccine mandates. This puts us in danger. There are potentially jihad terrorists among the refugees. The tremendous number of illegal immigrants coming through the wide-open southern border will destroy America if not stopped soon! Globalists for decades have wanted the United States to become a third-world country. Their goal is a world government.

Daily, we see Saul Alinsky's Rules for Radicals, which he dedicated to Lucifer (Satan), being promoted by liberal socialists/Marxists and much of the mainstream media. Alinsky's main rules are: Polarization to divide people; Demonization of those opposed to the Marxist/Socialist agenda and; Deception to use fake news and lies. The end justifies the means!

The spineless Republican establishment like Senator McConnell caving to Democrats created President Trump.

In Idaho, establishment Republicans dislike Constitutional conservatives (falsely called far-right extremists). Actually, constitutional conservatives like Lt. Governor McGeachin and Priscilla Giddings are politically in the middle of the political spectrum. Far right is anarchy and far left is Socialism, Marxism, fascism, Nazism and communism.

If the Republican party wants to prevent Idaho from turning blue, then they should support constitutional liberty candidates. Governor Little has been an authoritative dictatorial leader. He has violated his constitutional oath by violating our Bill of Rights. He needs to be replaced!

We are rapidly becoming a Socialist/Marxist hellhole. The Biden Administration is working to destroy our independence, our Bill of Rights, our economy, our energy, our Judeo-Christian heritage, our military and our culture.

Edmund Burke said: All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. Whether we live in liberty or slavery depends on us to support Constitutional principles. Consult thenewamerica.com to get informed.

A concerned citizen,

Adrian Arp

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Local popularity

All the Wimpy Kid books at the branches of the Blue Ridge Regional Library get checked out, said childrens services librarian Janet Boucher. The first one in the series has had the most check-outs, at 589, and the others vary in numbers depending on how old or new they are, she said.

The kids like the diary format (and that goes for other diary format books we have) and that the Wimpy Kid books are funny, Boucher wrote by email.

I know Ive had to replace some of the titles several times, since they get read and loved to death  I always try to replace them with library-binding books that are made to stand up to lots of use.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid books claimed half of the top 10 list of books checked out over a 10-year period at the Blue Ridge Regional Library system.

In January 2020, then-Martinsville Branch Manager Cecil Holland, now retired, provided a list of the most checked-out books in the preceding 10-year period. The books, with their authors and numbers of times they were checked out, were:

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10. Tales from a Not-So-Glam TV Star by Rachel Renee Russell, 275

9. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul by Jeff Kinney, 328
An artificial intelligence (AI)-based technology called GEM rapidly diagnoses rare disorders in critically ill children with high accuracy. Credit: Charlie Ehlert, University of Utah Health

An artificial intelligence (AI)-based technology rapidly diagnoses rare disorders in critically ill children with high accuracy, according to a report by scientists from University of Utah Health and Fabric Genomics, collaborators on a study led by Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego. The benchmark finding, published in Genomic Medicine, foreshadows the next phase of medicine, where technology helps clinicians quickly determine the root cause of disease so they can give patients the right treatment sooner.

"This study is an exciting milestone demonstrating how rapid insights from AI-powered decision support technologies have the potential to significantly improve patient care," says Mark Yandell, Ph.D., co-corresponding author on the paper. Yandell is a professor of human genetics and Edna Benning Presidential Endowed Chair at U of U Health, and a founding scientific advisor to Fabric.

Worldwide, about seven million infants are born with serious genetic disorders each year. For these children, life usually begins in intensive care. A handful of NICUs in the U.S., including at U of U Health, are now searching for genetic causes of disease by reading, or sequencing, the three billion DNA letters that make up the human genome. While it takes hours to sequence the whole genome, it can take days or weeks of computational and manual analysis to diagnose the illness.

For some infants, that is not fast enough, Yandell says. Understanding the cause of the newborn's illness is critical for effective treatment. Arriving at a diagnosis within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth gives these patients the best chance to improve their condition. Knowing that speed and accuracy are essential, Yandell's group worked with Fabric to develop the new Fabric GEM algorithm, which incorporates AI to find DNA errors that lead to disease.

In this study, the scientists tested GEM by analyzing whole genomes from 179 previously diagnosed pediatric cases from Rady's Children's Hospital and five other medical centers from across the world. GEM identified the causative gene as one of its top two candidates 92% of the time. Doing so outperformed existing tools that accomplished the same task less than 60% of the time.

"Dr. Yandell and the Utah team are at the forefront of applying AI research in genomics," says Martin Reese, Ph.D., CEO of Fabric Genomics and a co-author on the paper. "Our collaboration has helped Fabric achieve an unprecedented level of accuracy, opening the door for broad use of AI-powered whole genome sequencing in the NICU."

GEM leverages AI to learn from a vast and ever-growing body of knowledge that has become challenging to keep up with for clinicians and scientists. GEM cross-references large databases of genomic sequences from diverse populations, clinical disease information, and other repositories of medical and scientific data, combining all this with the patient's genome sequence and medical records. To assist with the medical record search, GEM can be coupled with a natural language processing tool, Clinithink's CLiX focus, which scans reams of doctors' notes for the clinical presentations of the patient's disease.

"Critically ill children rapidly accumulate many pages of clinical notes," Yandell says. "The need for physicians to manually review and summarize note contents as part of the diagnostic process is a massive time sink. The ability of Clinithink's tool to automatically convert the contents of these notes in seconds for consumption by GEM is critical for speed and scalability."

Existing technologies mainly identify small genomic variants that include single DNA letter changes, or insertions or deletions of a small string of DNA letters. By contrast, GEM can also find "structural variants" as causes of disease. These changes are larger and are often more complex. It's estimated that structural variants are behind 10 to 20% of genetic disease.

"To be able to diagnose with more certainty opens a new frontier," says Luca Brunelli, M.D., neonatologist and professor of pediatrics at U of U Health, who leads a team using GEM and other genome analysis technologies to diagnose patients in the NICU. His goal is to provide answers to families who would have had to live with uncertainty before the development of these tools. He says these advances now provide an explanation for why a child is sick, enable doctors to improve disease management, and, at times, lead to recovery.

"This is a major innovation, one made possible through AI," Yandell says. "GEM makes genome sequencing more cost-effective and scalable for NICU applications. It took an international team of clinicians, scientists, and software engineers to make this happen. Seeing GEM at work for such a critical application is gratifying."

Fabric and Yandell's team at the Utah Center for Genetic Discovery have had their collaborative research supported by several national agencies, including the National Institutes of Health and American Heart Association, and by the U of U's Center for Genomic Medicine. Yandell will continue to advise the Fabric team to further optimize GEM's accuracy and interface for use in the clinic.

The research was published online on October 14, 2021, as, "Artificial intelligence enables comprehensive genome interpretation and nomination of candidate diagnoses for rare genetic diseases."

Additional centers that participated in the study include Boston Children's Hospital, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel & University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, HudsonAlpha Institute of Biotechnology, Tartu University Hospital, and the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen).

Explore further Researchers use machine-learning system to diagnose genetic diseases

More information: Francisco M. De La Vega et al, Artificial intelligence enables comprehensive genome interpretation and nomination of candidate diagnoses for rare genetic diseases, Genome Medicine (2021). Journal information: Genome Medicine Francisco M. De La Vega et al, Artificial intelligence enables comprehensive genome interpretation and nomination of candidate diagnoses for rare genetic diseases,(2021). DOI: 10.1186/s13073-021-00965-0
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Researchers are developing a program that could be added to the COVID alert app used on smartphones to better target vaccination campaigns.

The COVID alert app is based on the Google-Apple exposure notification API (GAEN API), a functionality that the tech companies rolled out in April 2020. The Canadian government built an app around the GAEN API, which became the COVID alert app, and managed the system for uploading positive cases. The COVID alert app tracks the contacts an individual has by virtually pinging the smartphones of those around them.

The innovation in the add-on the researchers developed is to use the app to target vaccinations. Instead of targeting specific geographies or demographic groups, the researchers propose a strategy based on individual contacts.

"Digital contact tracing apps can be a simple way to optimize vaccination strategies without people having to give up private information," said Mark Penney, a researcher in the Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Waterloo.

Penney and co-authors recently released a research study showing that such a strategy would almost half the number of vaccines required to bring the pandemic under control.

The new program was specifically designed with privacy in mind and only keeps a record of the number of contacts, not any location or other personal data. The add-on was purposefully made to be "a blunt tool," said Yigit Yargic, a Ph.D. researcher at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and one of the co-investigators on the study.

"We don't want to be able to identify who someone contacts or where they go," he said. "All that we need to know is how many total contacts someone may have. The app keeps a cryptographic token, like a digital handshake, for any contact. It would then prioritize people who have the most contacts for vaccinations."

The research project started at the onset of the pandemic and was in progress when there was a scarcity of vaccines in Canada. As the vaccine rollout began, the strategy used in Ontario was to prioritize vaccines to regions or demographics that were deemed most at risk. The new app takes that same strategy to another level by targeting not just hotspots or vulnerable populations but the people, for whatever reasons, most likely to be vectors for spreading the virus.

"The app might tell you, if you were an essential worker and coming into contact with lots of people, that you should get a vaccine," said Penney. "If you're a person working from home and not meeting many people, you probably wouldn't get a notification to get vaccinated. The point is to target the people who are most likely to spread the disease."

The results of the modelling and simulations for the new app were a resounding success, resulting in a massive increase in the effectiveness of a limited number of vaccines. However, Yargic points out, "the version of the app used in the model is idealized in the sense that only those selected would get the vaccine, and everyone the app selected ends up being vaccinated.

The researchers highlighted that the program can also be used for other infectious diseases. For example, it could be a tool to inform people if they should get a regular flu shot based on their contact patterns.

Penney and Yargic's research paper, "Hot-spotting' to improve vaccine allocation by harnessing digital contact tracing technology: an application of percolation theory," with co-authors Lee Smolin, Edward W. Thommes, Madhur Anand and Chris T. Bauch, was published in the journal PLoS ONE.

Explore further Contact-tracing apps could improve vaccination strategies

More information: Mark D. Penney et al, "Hot-spotting" to improve vaccine allocation by harnessing digital contact tracing technology: An application of percolation theory, PLOS ONE (2021). Journal information: PLoS ONE Mark D. Penney et al, "Hot-spotting" to improve vaccine allocation by harnessing digital contact tracing technology: An application of percolation theory,(2021). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256889
(HealthDay)Plumped-up lips, wrinkle-free foreheadsthey're all part of the promise of dermal fillers, most reliably received at a cosmetic surgeon's clinic.

But cheaper, unapproved "at home" dermal filler pens, bought without a prescription, are another much more dangerous option, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

These pen devices use high pressure to force dermal filler into the body without a needle.

"The FDA's priority is protecting patients, who may not be aware of the serious adverse events that have been reported in connection with their use, such as permanent damage to the skin, lips and eyes," Dr. Binita Ashar said in an agency news release. She directs the Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices in FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

Seeking to bypass more expensivebut much saferinjections from trained professionals, some consumers are using the over-the-counter devices to reduce wrinkles, increase lip volume or change the shape of the nose. Users typically fill the "pen" with a product that's bought separately.

But Ashar said her agency "is warning the public and health care professionals not to use needle-free devices such as hyaluron pens for injection of hyaluronic acid or other lip and facial fillers, collectively and commonly referred to as dermal fillers or fillers."

"These unapproved needle-free devices and fillers are often sold directly to customers online, bypassing consultation with a licensed health care provider, a critical safety measure for patients to make informed decisions about their personal health," she said.

Want to get dermal fillers? Then stick to procedures done in a clinical setting by licensed health care providers using FDA-approved fillers with needles or cannulas (thin tubes), the FDA advised.

One plastic surgeon applauded the FDA's stance.

"I do not support the use of this injector product," said Dr. Thomas Romo III, a plastic and facial reconstructive surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

"The FDA is monitoring online platforms for these unapproved needle-free devices as well as dermal fillers intended for use with needle-free injection devices," Romo said. He believes there are many factors upping the danger for consumers who try them.

"First, using pressure instead of a needle to force Dermal Fillers through the skin can cause local skin reactions and problems," Romo said. "This includes bruising, swelling, blocked blood vessels and permanent skin or lip loss."

Uneven, unsightly results can occur because the pen devices simply aren't precise enough, he explained.

"Pressure causes the product to go into the area of least resistance," Romo said, and that "can cause bumps and asymmetry of the lip." People using them at home may not understand the anatomy of parts of the face such as the mouth and lips.

"Also, sterile cleaning is necessary between injected individuals and this may not be performed in nonprofessional settings," Romo added. "This could lead to blood-borne infections like hepatitis and AIDS."

According to the FDA's Ashar, some of the outcomes following on the use of unapproved products like dermal filler pens "may be irreversible."

More information: Harvard Medical School has more on Harvard Medical School has more on dermal fillers

Copyright  2021 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

A team of scientists in Montreal and Paris has succeeded in identifying the gene responsible for the development of a food-dependent form of Cushing's Syndrome, a rare disease affecting both adrenal glands.

In their study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, Dr. Isabelle Bourdeau and Dr. Peter Kamenicky identify in the gene KDM1A the mutations responsible for the development of this unusual form of the disease.

The scientists also show, for the first time, that the disease is genetically transmitted.

Bourdeau is a researcher and a Universite de Montreal medical professor practicing at the CHUM Research Centre (CRCHUM), while Kamenicky works at the Hopital de Bicetre, part of the Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris network in France.

Cushing's Syndrome is caused by the overproduction of cortisol, a steroid hormone, by the two adrenal glands located above the kidneys.

"When the tissues of the human body are exposed to this excess of cortisol, the effects for those with the disease are serious: Weight gain, high blood pressure, depression, osteoporosis, and heart complications, for example," said Bourdeau, co-lead author of the study with Dr. Fanny Chasseloup, a colleague from the French team.

This discovery comes nearly 30 years after food-induced Cushing's Syndrome was first described in 1992 by a research group led by Dr. Andre Lacroix at the CRCHUM and his colleagues Drs. Johanne Tremblay and Pavel Hamet.

The form of the disease being studied by Bourdeau and her colleagues is caused specifically by the abnormal expression of the receptors of a hormone named GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide), in both adrenal glands of patients. This hormone is produced by the small intestine in response to food intake. For people with the disease, cortisol concentrations increase abnormally every time they ingest food.

The discovery of the genetic mechanism by the French and Quebec teams was made possible through the use of recent cutting-edge genetic techniques on tissues of patients including those investigated by Dr. Lacroix at CHUM. Bourdeau was aided by CRCHUM researcher Martine Tetreault during the computer analyses related to the research project.

Earlier diagnosis thanks to genetic analysis

"In general, rare diseases are generally underdiagnosed in clinics," said Bourdeau, the medical director of the adrenal tumors multidisciplinary team at the CHUM.

"By identifying this new gene, we now have a way of diagnosing our patients and their families earlier and thus offer more personalized medicine. At the CHUM, genetic analysis is already offered in our Genetic Medicine Division."

In a remarkable demonstration of scientific cooperation, the Quebec and French teams were able to collect and study tissue specimens available in local and international biobanks in Canada, France, Italy, Greece, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Blood and adrenal gland tissue samples of 17 patientsmostly womendiagnosed with GIP-dependent Cushing's Syndrome were compared genetically with those of 29 others with non-GIP-dependent bilateral adrenal Cushing's Syndrome.

This was quite an accomplishment, given the rarity of the disease in the general population. It allowed the researchers to identify the genetic mutations of the KDM1A gene and to determine that the disease is genetically transmitted.

Since 2009, the CHUM has been designated as the adrenal tumors quaternary care center of the Quebec Cancer Program.

Explore further A new immunologic and endocrine syndrome

More information: Fanny Chasseloup et al, Loss of KDM1A in GIP-dependent primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia with Cushing's syndrome: a multicentre, retrospective, cohort study, The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology (2021). Journal information: The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Fanny Chasseloup et al, Loss of KDM1A in GIP-dependent primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia with Cushing's syndrome: a multicentre, retrospective, cohort study,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/S2213-8587(21)00236-9
In this Saturday, April 2, 2011 file photo, pedestrians walk past drawings by autistic children after an event in Bucharest, Romania to mark World Autism Awareness Day. According to a U.S. study published in the New England Journal of Medicine on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021, children with autism didn't benefit from an experimental therapy using the hormone oxytocin, thought to promote social bonding. Credit: AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda

Children with autism didn't benefit from an experimental therapy made with a hormone thought to promote social bonding, researchers reported Wednesday in the largest study of its kind.

"This is really a major setback," said Dr. Linmarie Sikich, a Duke University researcher who led the multi-site U.S. study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. "We were really hoping to find a benefit and just couldn't see it anywhere."

The U.S. government-funded study used a synthetic form of oxytocin, a hormone made in the brain that stimulates uterus contractions and helps mothers bond with their newborns.

Experiments in mice have suggested the hormone may promote sociability, and small studies have hinted that it might have similar effects in children with autism, who often struggle with social interaction.

Nearly 300 children with autism initially enrolled, and 250 of them completed the six-month study. The kids, ages 3 to 17, received daily squirts of nasal spray containing oxytocin or an inactive ingredient for seven weeks, with gradual dose increases after that. The dose could be maintained or reduced if requested.

Small behavior improvements occurred in both groups, but they had no meaningful impact, Vikich said. Separate analyses showed no difference in outcome in kids with mild or severe autism, she said.

One patient in the oxytocin group had a serious side effect thought to be caused by the hormonesedation while driving that led to a car accident. Otherwise there were no major safety concerns in the hormone and placebo groups.

About 1 in 54 U.S. children have autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Behavior therapy is the most effective treatment.

Oxytocin is a naturally occurring hormone and chemical messenger. It is best known for its role in triggering labor and the release of breast milk in women. Synthetic oxytocin is sometimes given to pregnant women by IV to induce labor.

Based on the early research findings, some doctors began prescribing it for children with autism. Some promoters call it "the love hormone" and it is sold online in potions and pills as a mood and relationship booster.

Larry Young, an Emory University scientist who does animal research with oxytocin, said it's too soon to give up on it for treating autism. He said the hormone is better understood today than when the study began nearly eight years ago.

"It makes the social world around us more vibrant in our brain, so we pay attention to it," Young said.

He likened the potential effect in people with autism to removing frost from a windshield that prevents them from reading social cues and emotions.

Without accompanying behavior therapy or guidance, however, that effect could be negative, he said. He cited a hypothetical example in which a child with autism gets a squirt of oxytocin each morning and starts paying more attention to other kids on the school bus. What if the enhanced attention helps the child realize that the kids are being mean and bullying?

"This is a very important study because it does say that just willy-nilly giving daily administrations of oxytocin is not going to lead to improvement," Young said. "Hopefully physicians and parents will learn from this and say this is not something we give as a vitamin" without other treatment.

Joyce Galaverna's son was 13 when he enrolled in the study in 2015. He tolerated the treatments but his behavior showed no improvement.

"The irritability and anxiety levels pretty much stayed the same throughout the study," she said.

The North Carolina family never learned if he had received oxytocin or the placebo.

While the study outcome was a disappointment, Galaverna said her son, Andre, did improve after puberty pangs eased and he enrolled in a nurturing private school. He finished high school in June and now has a part-time job.

University of Virginia autism researcher Kevin Pelphrey said other studies have shown that giving oxytocin by nose may lead to changes in brain regions involved in social behavior. He said the study's use of a behavior checklist to assess the hormone's effectiveness may have limited its findings.

Brain-based measures could be helpful in determining which kids might respond best to the hormone, he said.

"There is still much work to be done in the area of understanding how oxytocin might be utilized to improve social function in kids with autism," Pelphrey said.

Explore further Oxytocin improves social abilities in some kids with autism, study finds

More information: Linmarie Sikich et al, Intranasal Oxytocin in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder, New England Journal of Medicine (2021). DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2103583 , Journal information: New England Journal of Medicine Linmarie Sikich et al, Intranasal Oxytocin in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder,(2021). DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2103583 , www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2103583

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
In new findings published in Neuron, neuroscientists at the University of California San Diego and the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC singled out the specific brain circuit that triggers cocaine relapse in mice. Credit: Shin Lab / Virginia Tech

Relapse is a common feature of addiction recoverytwo in three patients treated for substance use disorder in the United States relapse within 12 months, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Substances of misuse hijack the brain's pleasure and reward systems, reinforcing drug-seeking behaviors by flooding the system with "feel good" chemicals, while also producing long-lasting functional changes in brain regions that regulate decisions and motivation.

Combined, these hard-wired biological changes make drug cravings harder to ignore for some, but researchers are developing new ways to prevent relapse by chemically tweaking individual components of neuronal networks, leaving the rest of the brain intact.

In new findings published in Neuron, neuroscientists at the University of California San Diego and the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC singled out the specific brain circuit that triggers cocaine relapse in mice. When they applied a molecular brake to block activity in this circuit, the mice completely lost their previously avid interest in the drug, resuming normal behavior.

"They went back to baselineas though they never had been exposed to the drug before," said Byungkook Lim, associate professor of biological sciences at UC San Diego, and the study's lead author. "We've uncovered a hidden molecular regulator that may play a key role in understanding the tendency to relapse."

Lim said the finding expands on previous research about how substances of misusecocaine, alcohol, tobacco, and other illicit drugsalter dopamine signaling pathways in the brain, contributing to addiction, a chronic condition that affects 10 percent of American adults, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

The research team, which included co-author Sora Shin, who is now an assistant professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech, began the five-year study by examining changes in brain chemical levels after a prolonged period of withdrawal from cocaine.

The scientists focused on the ventral pallidum, a tiny "stepping stone" brain region that connects cortical, amygdalar, and striatal circuits, making it an anatomical hub for encoding rewards, Shin explained. The researchers discovered that cells in this brain area expressed extremely high levels of a certain protein, dopamine receptor D3 (DRD3), two weeks after withdrawal from cocaine.

"This change in brain chemistry wasn't immediate," Shin said. "DRD3 production ramped up only after prolonged abstinence, which was a compelling find. This led us to ask: What cells are expressing this protein, and where do they connect in the brain?"

Using a harmless virus to illuminate a neural path, the researchers revealed two locations where these cells connected after leaving the ventral pallidum: the lateral habenula and the ventral tegmental area. Shin developed a genetic knockdown system, targeting a specific molecule, and closely monitored rapid changes in calcium levels in living neuronal cells, allowing her to detect dynamic changes in cellular activity. Combining these techniques, Shin and the other researchers individually compared how these two circuits influenced drug-seeking, and how DRD3 contributes to brain-circuit function.

When the researchers blocked DRD3-expressing neurons connecting the ventral pallidum and lateral habenula, the mice lost complete interest in the cocaine.

Cocaine is a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, which means it floods the brain with dopamine by inhibiting cells from reabsorbing excess dopamine. Previous studies have shown that psychostimulant drugssuch as cocaine and amphetamineelevate DRD3 expression in several brain regions, in both humans and animals. But this study identifies a specific DRD3 circuit that appears to directly regulate relapse and drug-seeking behavior after a period of abstinence.

"More research is needed, but modulating activity in this specific brain circuit could be effective in preventing drug relapse," Lim said.

Explore further Unraveling the mystery of why we overeat
Credit: The Conversation

In a trend that coincided with the pandemic, marijuana use among college students in 2020 reached levels not seen since the 1980s. That's according to the latest research from Monitoring the Futurean annual survey that looks at drug and alcohol use among the nation's young people. Below, Jason R. Kilmer and Christine M. Leeboth University of Washington School of Medicine researchers who study marijuana use among college studentsexplain some of the reasons behind the trend, and some of its consequences.

Why is marijuana so popular among college students as of late?

Research has consistently shown that people report using marijuana in order to feel the high, experience enhanced feelings, increase social connections or cope with certain feelings and moods.

Among young adults early in the pandemic, there were modest reductions in motivations for using marijuana for celebratory reasons and slight increases toward using marijuana because of boredom, possibly due to initial physical distancing mandates and stay-at-home orders. However, among the main reasons for using, both before the pandemic and during as well, are feelings of enjoyment or the high associated with marijuana use.

We do not yet know the impact of these shifting motivations for using marijuana or whether patterns seen during the pandemic will continue after.

How many college students are actually using cannabis?

With 18 states legalizing cannabis for non-medical or "recreational" purposesthe first of which did so in 2012access to marijuana has increased, especially for college students over 21 years of age. While the past three reports from Monitoring the Futurea national drug use survey conducted annually by the University of Michiganhave shown that between 43% and 44% of college students report any cannabis use in the past year, over half of college students do not report use. This is important to note because research has shown that when people think "everyone" is doing something, they are more likely to start doing it themselves or do it more.

Different from any use in the past year, researchers often look at past month use as an indicator of current use. Given that about 25% of college students report use in the past month, this suggests that three-quarters of students do not report past month use, and not using marijuana is actually the most common behavior.

How does smoking weed affect academic performance?

As researchers who work with college students, we hear students say things like marijuana is "safe," "natural" or that it's "just weed," but research tells a very different story about potential risks. This is particularly true with the high potency cannabis that dominates markets in legal and medical states.

Published research consistently shows that the more frequently a college student uses cannabis, the lower their GPA tends to be, the more they report skipping class and the longer it takes them to graduate.

Probably the most direct impact to academic performance is a relationship between marijuana use and impaired attention and memory. This relationship has been documented for years, including with college students.

The good news is that studies that follow people as they abstain show that when marijuana use stops, cognitive performance improves, though it can take 28 days of abstinence. So much of this depends on how often someone uses and the type or potency of marijuana they are using. But whatever the case, it certainly seems that the more frequently people use, the more likely they are to experience challenges with attention, memory and other cognitive abilities.

In an August 2021 article about recommended guidelines for lower-risk cannabis use, the authors concluded that people who use cannabis and experience impaired cognitive performance should think about taking a break or significantly reducing how much they use, or the potency of what they use.

Are there any academic or educational benefits?

In our conversations with college students, we hear some students who typically use marijuana say that when they don't use, they can't sit still, or they feel restless and anxious. These students might assume that marijuana use is "helping" them.

Unfortunately, the anxiety and restlessness they experience when not using marijuana can be symptoms of withdrawal. Those things could also be indicative of addiction to cannabis, or what is called a cannabis use disorder. This might mean when students continue to use marijuana, they might feel a sense of less anxiety or restlessness, but are actually making withdrawal symptoms stop by resuming use.

We are not aware of any studies that point to academic or educational benefits of using marijuana.

Are we forgetting anything?

Science has to play catch-up on the cannabis products being sold today. Among the many cannabinoids in cannabis, THC, the psychoactive component typically associated with the "high" from marijuana, is arguably the most well studied. In the U.S., THC concentrations in the 1970s on average were under 2%, reached 3% in the 1980s, were 4% by the mid-1990s and steadily climbed to almost 15% by 2018.

Today, especially in legal markets, we are seeing even higher concentrations. For example, in Washington state, flower productsthat is, marijuana that is smokedcommonly exceed 20% THC. Concentrates, which include dabs, hash oil and other products, routinely exceed 60% THC.

"High potency" cannabis is considered to be anything over 10% THC. Use of high potency cannabis is associated with a number of outcomes, including greater risk of cannabis use disorder and adverse mental health outcomes.

Young people seem to be particularly vulnerable. Although we sometimes hear from people that marijuana use doesn't seem that risky, recent studies make clear that cannabis use may increase harms and risks for those who use. For college students, these issues range from having trouble concentrating and paying attention to feeling antisocial or paranoid.

Explore further Can medical marijuana effectively treat childhood epilepsy?

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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A mobile app could help turn the tide of a rise in breast cancer in women as young as 30 in India, according to new research.

The disease is the most prevalent form of cancer globally and has become a major problem in India, where breast cancer accounts for 25% to 31% of all cancers.

There has also been a significant shift away from older women to those aged 30-50 developing the disease.

Dr Judith Fletcher Brown, at the University of Portsmouth, UK, says a mobile app used by on-the-ground healthcare workers might be the answer to reaching more women and teaching breast examination techniques.

She says that "India has emerged as a hub central to the development of new technology. It really is time the Indian government made a concentrated effort on raising awareness about the early warning signs of this disease as a preventative method.

"The rate of technological innovation and demand in India for mobile devices offer fresh possibilities for the health and wellbeing of the world's largest democracy.

"It's time to invest in innovative mobile technology to combat the rise in breast cancer statistics."

Dr Fletcher Brown suggests a breast healthcare app could be used by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs). These on-the-ground healthcare workers are already accepted by the community, they overcome socio-cultural barriers as part of their normal day-to-day work, and they could encourage vulnerable target groups to engage with the breast cancer education mhealth technology.

Using a bespoke app (operated on a digital tablet with culturally-specific images) ASHAs could educate and demonstrate breast self-examination techniques to help identify the early warning signs of cancer. Similar technology is fast and simple to use.

In her previous research, Dr Fletcher Brown carried out fieldwork in New Delhi, India, and found the reason for such appalling statistics was a lack of awareness about the early warning signs of breast cancer by women. Macro environmental forces including weak political will to fund women's health, combine with a society in which societal protocols which render discussion about cancer as culturally sensitive.

She said that "tragically, the intense focus of the health service resources on Covid-19 patients, means late diagnosis at an advanced stage still remains the main challenge in the war against breast cancer."

Dr Fletcher Brown's latest research, with Diane Carter, Professor Rajesh Chandwani and Professor Vijay Pereira, reveals mobile health technology (mhealth) as an opportunity to improve cancer healthcare knowledge for women in India.

She explained that "smart technology such as mobile phones are a promising tool for disease control interventions in emerging economies and in India the dominant focus has so far concentrated on HIV/AIDS and diabetes education. We suggest broadening the scope of mheath technology to raise breast cancer awareness among Indian women."

Explore further Regular breast checks by trained health workers linked to fewer breast cancer deaths in India
The microtubule network (green) re-organizes at the muscle lesion and attracts myonuclei. Credits: William Roman, iMM. Credit: William Roman, iMM.

Muscle is known to regenerate through a complex process that involves several steps and depends on stem cells. Now, a new study led by researchers at the Instituto de Medicina Molecular Joao Lobo Antunes (iMM; Portugal) and the University Pompeu Fabra (UPF Barcelona; Spain) and published today in the scientific journal Science, describes a new mechanism for muscle regeneration after physiological damage relying on the rearrangement of nuclei. This protective mechanism opens the road to a broader understanding of muscle repair in physiology and disease.

Skeletal muscle tissue, which is important for locomotion, is formed by cells that have more than one nucleus, an almost unique feature in the human body. Despite the plasticity of muscle cells, their contraction can be accompanied by muscle damage. William Roman, main author of the study and researcher at iMM and UPF Barcelona, explains: "Even in physiological conditions, regeneration is vital for muscle to endure the mechanical stress of contraction, which often leads to cellular damage." Although muscle regeneration has been investigated in recent decades, most studies were centered on mechanisms involving other cells, including muscle stem cells, which are required upon extensive muscle damage.

"In this study, we found an alternative mechanism of regeneration that is muscle cell autonomous," says Pura Munoz-Canoves, group leader at the University Pompeu Fabra, and study leader. Researchers used different in vitro models of injury and models of exercise in mice and humans to observe that upon injury, nuclei are attracted to the damage site, accelerating the repair of the contractile units.

Next, the team dissected the molecular mechanism of this observation: "Our experiments with muscle cells in the laboratory showed that the movement of nuclei to injury sites resulted in local delivery of mRNA molecules. These mRNA molecules are translated into proteins at the site of injury to act as building blocks for muscle repair," explains William Roman. On the importance of these discoveries, Pura Munoz-Canoves says: "This finding constitutes an important advance in the understanding of muscle biology, in physiology and muscle dysfunction."

In addition to its implications for muscle research, this study also introduces more general concepts for cell biology, such as the nuclear movement to injury sites. "One of the most fascinating things in these cells is the movement during development of their nuclei, the biggest organelles inside the cell, but the reasons why nuclei move are largely unknown. Now, we showed a functional relevance for this phenomenon in adulthood during cellular repair and regeneration," says Edgar R. Gomes, group leader at the Instituto de Medicina Molecular and Professor at Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, who co-led the study.

Explore further Small pieces of cells are released following exercise in healthy men, possible indicator of muscle damage

More information: William Roman, Muscle repair after physiological damage relies on nuclear migration for cellular reconstruction, Science (2021). www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abe5620 Journal information: Science William Roman, Muscle repair after physiological damage relies on nuclear migration for cellular reconstruction,(2021). DOI: 10.1126/science.abe5620

Provided by Instituto de Medicina Molecular
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

The tiny Pacific nation of Palau has emerged as one of the world's most vaccinated places with more than 99 percent of the eligible population fully protected against COVID-19, according to data released Thursday.

In a population of about 18,000, almost 15,000 people have been fully vaccinated, according to the country's ministry of health and human services.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said that meant more than 99 percent of the eligible population had been fully jabbed.

In a statement, the health body praised what it said was a "remarkable" pace of vaccination, but warned that coverage elsewhere in the South Pacific was patchy.

The figures allow Palausituated about 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) east of the Philippinesto "contesting top spot in the world for COVID-19 vaccination rates" according to the IFRC.

In Europe, Gibraltar lists a 119 percent inoculation rate. But that figure is inflated by visitors from Spain who got jabbed while in the British territory.

Palau was one of the few countries to avoid COVID-19 after closing its borders early in the pandemic, despite the huge cost to its tourism-reliant economy.

That record of zero COVID cases was broken in August when two people who arrived from Guam tested positive.

A handful of cases have been detected at the border since then, but there is no widespread community transmission.

During the crisis Palauans have been able to walk into pop-up clinics and receive the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, and have done so in theirrelatively smalldroves.

The focus is now turning to administering third doseswhich more than 500 people have already received.

"It is important to celebrate the success of reaching high vaccination rates in many Pacific countries, including Palau, Fiji and the Cook Islands," Katie Greenwood, the head of the IFRC's Pacific office, said.

Though she added that it was "critical that we try to get everyone vaccinated ahead of the cyclone season, which threatens to damage homes and infrastructure, stretching resources and services needed to contain COVID-19".

New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research has estimated there could be up to 12 tropical cyclones in the Southwest Pacific between November and next April.

Explore further Palau loses virus-free status with first COVID cases

 2021 AFP
Figure 1. Monthly Trends in Number of Patients With Incident Kidney Failure, January 2018 to June 2020. Credit: DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.27369

In the four months following the COVID-19 pandemic's arrival in the U.S., the number of patients initiating treatment for kidney failure declined by 30%, a new study in JAMA Network Open found. Notably, Black patients and patients living in counties with high numbers of COVID-19 deaths initiated treatment with significantly worse levels of kidney function when compared to prior years.

Lead author Kevin Nguyen, an investigator at Brown University's School of Public Health, said that unfortunately, the results do not mean that patients with chronic kidney disease had fewer incidents of failure or had healthier kidneys. Rather, the decline in patients with kidney failure likely reflects decisions to delay treatment or changes in how health care was delivered early in the pandemic. Treatments often include regular dialysis or kidney transplants, two options disrupted after COVID-19's arrival.

"Treatment in the form of dialysis or a transplant is essential for the survival of people with chronic kidney disease," Nguyen said. "Missed routine care could be potentially catastrophic. So understanding whether and how these initiations of treatment changed with respect to the pandemic is really important."

The goal of the study was to look at how the number and characteristics of patients initiating treatment for newly diagnosed kidney failure changed during the pandemic, Nguyen said. Because the burden of the pandemic has disproportionately impacted people of color and members of low-income families, the researchers also wanted to examine changes specifically within those groups.

They used data from the Renal Management Information System Medical Evidence Form, a national census of all patients with kidney failure who initiate long-term dialysis or receive a preemptive kidney transplant. They studied the changes in the number of patients with kidney failure initiating treatment as well as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a key measure of kidney function, for the period of March 1 to June 30, 2020, and compared the numbers to the corresponding periods in 2018 and 2019. The researchers segmented their analysis by race/ethnicity, county-level COVID-19 mortality and neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics.

Compared to the pre-COVID-19 years, March through June 2020 saw significant decreases in the percentage of patients with kidney failure who received preemptive transplants (2.1% pre-COVID-19 vs. 1.4% during COVID-19) or initiated dialysis treatment (15.8% pre-COVID-19 vs. 13.4% during COVID-19). In April 2020, the number of patients initiating treatment for kidney failure was approximately 30% lower than trends in prior years.

Declines in the measurement of kidney function were observed exclusively among non-Hispanic Black patients (8.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 pre-COVID-19 to 8.1 during COVID-19). There were significant declines in eGFR for patients residing in counties with the highest number of deaths from COVID-19 (9.5 vs. 9.2 during the pandemic), but not for patients residing in other counties.

"In the early months of the pandemic, not only were there declines in the number of people initiating treatment for kidney failure, but for some groups, when they did initiate treatment, it was when they had lower kidney function," Nguyen said.

The largest reduction in the number of patients seeking treatment compared to prior years was in April 2020. Nguyen said that while a gradual rebound in treatment initiation occurred in the later months, it still didn't reach pre-pandemic levels.

The study findings underscore the importance of maintaining continuity of care and improving care for people with chronic kidney disease, Nguyen said, both throughout the pandemic and after it eventually subsides.

"Any disruption in care can have grave consequences for these patients," he said.

The study wasn't designed to examine the specific mechanisms driving these changes, but Nguyen said plausible explanations include patients delaying treatment for fear of getting sick, limited appointment availability, financial or logistical barriers to accessing care, as caused by the economic repercussions of the pandemic. He also noted that in some cases, the provider and patient together may have decided to postpone a transplant.

Explore further Study reveals high burden of COVD-related deaths among kidney transplant recipients and patients with kidney failure

More information: Kevin H. Nguyen et al, Evaluation of Racial, Ethnic, and Socioeconomic Disparities in Initiation of Kidney Failure Treatment During the First 4 Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic, JAMA Network Open (2021). Journal information: JAMA Network Open Kevin H. Nguyen et al, Evaluation of Racial, Ethnic, and Socioeconomic Disparities in Initiation of Kidney Failure Treatment During the First 4 Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic,(2021). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.27369
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Russia on Thursday reported a pandemic high for both new coronavirus infections and fatalities over 24 hours, with the country's vaccination drive at a snail's pace and few restrictions in place.

Officials registered 31,299 new infections and 986 deaths from COVID-19 over 24 hours, bringing Russia's total fatalities to 220,315the highest toll in Europe.

The surging outbreak has come with just 31 percent of Russians fully inoculated, according to the Gogov website, which tallies COVID-19 data from the regions.

A lack of tough restrictions has allowed the virus to spread, though a number of regions have re-introduced QR codes for access to public places.

The Kremlin has balked at re-introducing major restrictions despite calling the country's vaccination rate "unacceptably" low, saying this week authorities have to ensure "the economy continues working."

On Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov once again ruled out a lockdown and said that authorities have to "continue to explain to people that it is necessary to be vaccinated".

"It's irresponsible not to get the vaccine," he told reporters.

But Peskov added that Russia's healthcare system was prepared for the onslaught in coronavirus patients, saying that it is not "overwhelmed".

"The entire medical infrastructure is mobilised," he said.

Health Minister Mikhail Murashko for his part blamed the growing spread on the "behaviour" of Russians and called on them to get vaccinated.

"If we do not introduce general restriction measures now we run the risk of a continuing rise in cases," he was cited by state news agency TASS as saying.

He did not, however, specify possible restrictions.

While several Russian-developed jabs have been available for months, authorities have struggled to inoculate a vaccine-sceptic population.

Independent polls show that more than half of Russians do not plan to get a shot.

Moscowthe epicentre of Russia's outbreakhas so far withheld from bringing back restrictions, but on Monday announced that it would open two dozen sites around the capital where residents could get free express tests.

Independent experts have accused authorities of downplaying the severity of Russia's epidemic.

Under a broader definition of deaths linked to the virus, the Rosstat statistics agency said last week that by the end of August more than 400,000 Russians with the coronavirus had died.

Explore further Russia reports record virus deaths for third day

 2021 AFP
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

As coronavirus cases continue to surge around the nation, President Biden has taken a harder stance against those unwilling to vaccinate by issuing vaccine mandates. Recent polling shows that most Americans continue to support his mandates so farand 65% support a universal mandate.

The survey from a consortium of universities, including Northwestern, Northeastern, Harvard and Rutgers, shows a majority would also support narrower vaccine mandates for students attending school or college and for travelers flying commercially. Six out of 10 Americans also support requiring large companies to either vaccinate or regularly test their employees for COVID-19.

Conducted between Aug. 26 and Sept. 27, the survey of more than 20,000 Americans came as President Biden issued a Sept. 9 executive order requiring all federal employees to be vaccinated. He also directed the Department of Labor to issue an emergency rule requiring workers in companies of 100 or more employees to be fully vaccinated or to submit to weekly COVID-19 testing.

Despite President Biden's actions to curb the spread of COVID-19, another survey conducted at the same time finds that approval of his handling of the pandemic dropped from 57% in June to 49% by September. His approval ratings also declined across political parties, dropping by 5% among Democrats, 7% among Republicans and 8% among Independents. Still, President Biden's coronavirus approval rating remains higher than former President Trump's approval rating of 34% at the same time last year.

"It does not seem that the mandate per se is at play in the approval effects; our data suggest that it was more about frustration with the general pandemic and the steps backwards caused by the delta variant," said political scientist James Druckman, one of the consortium researchers.

Druckman is the Payson S. Wild Professor of Political Science in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and associate director of the Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern.

The pandemic's trajectory also affected what Americans thought of their governorsstates with the highest COVID-19 case rates have lower governor approval ratings (42%) compared to states with lower case rates. Vaccine mandates did influence governors' approval more than Biden's, with governors who prohibited vaccine mandates having the lowest approval ratings of all. The governors who saw the largest declines were those of Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada Ohio, Oklahoma, Virginia and Wisconsin, with their approval rates dropping double digits ranging between 10% and 34%. Republican governors Mike DeWine of Ohio and Brad Little of Idaho saw the largest drops in public opinion in their states, at 34% and 32% respectively.

Overall, Democratic governors have seen a large partisan gap in approval because of a large decrease in Republican approvalfrom 58% in April 2020 to 29% by September 2021. Approval of Republican governors also fell for the same reason, dropping from 77% to 55% over the same period.

Other key findings:

While the majority of Americans across demographic groups support a vaccine mandate, Republicans remain the most resistant. Fewer than half support an overall mandate (43%), and only 35% support a mandate for large companies. In terms of education, 41% of Republicans support a mandate for schoolchildren and 47% for college students.

Though the gender gap for universal vaccine mandates narrowed by 5 percentage points, women continue to be less supportive of requiring everyone to receive vaccines compared to men (63% to 67%).

White Americans are the least likely of any racial group to support an overall mandate, with their support falling 1 point from 62% to 61% while support among other races and ethnicities grew slightly or remained steady. The group most supportive is that of Asian Americans, nudging up from 80% to 83%.

President Biden's support from unvaccinated Americans declined the mostby 11 percentage points from 36% to 25%of any of the demographic groups surveyed.

Explore further As Delta variant infections surge, more Americans favor vaccine mandates
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Why do people hurt the ones they claim to love? That question has driven researchers to discover much about the psychological and sociological predictors and consequences of intimate partner aggression. But an understanding of the neurobiological causesor what happens in the brainremains incomplete.

A new study led by Virginia Commonwealth University researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine the brain activity of 51 male-female romantic couples as they experienced intimate partner aggression in real time.

They found that aggression toward intimate partners was associated with aberrant activity in the brain's medial prefrontal cortex, or MPFC, which has many functions, but among them is the ability to foster perceptions of closeness with and value of other people.

"We found that aggression towards intimate partners has a unique signature in the brain," said lead author David Chester, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Psychology in the College of Humanities and Sciences. "There is something distinct happening at the neural level when people decide whether to harm their romantic partners, a process that differs in a meaningful way from decisions about whether to harm friends or strangers."

The research was led by Chester's Social Psychology and Neuroscience Lab, which seeks to understand the psychological and biological processes that motivate and constrain aggressive behavior. The study, "Neural Mechanisms of Intimate Partner Aggression," will be published in the journal Biological Psychology.

The researchers were able to observe couples' brain activity during intimate partner aggression by asking participants to play a computer game against three people, one at a time: Their romantic partner, a close friend, and a stranger. In reality, they were playing against a computer.

The participants were tasked with pressing a button faster than their opponents. The loser, they were told, would be punished with a nasty blast of sound in their headphones. The researchers measured aggression by giving participants, and their fictitious opponents, the opportunity to select the volume of that sound blast, with higher volume representing more aggression, and lower volume representing less aggression.

"Basically, we gave participants repeated opportunities to hurt or not hurt each of these three people, and we examined how brain activity changed based on who they thought they were hurting," Chester said. "But  no one was actually hurt by this computer game, participants unknowingly played against the computer."

The researchers' findings also extended beyond the lab into the real world. They had participants fill out a validated questionnaire that asked whether they had perpetrated acts of intimate partner violence prior to the study.

They found that blunted medial prefrontal cortex activity predicted some of the participants' real-world acts of intimate partner violence.

"We expected to see that intimate partner aggression was linked to a unique signature of brain activity," Chester said. "What we were surprised about was the ability of this brain signature to predict real-world intimate partner violence."

They also investigated how men's and women's neural activity affected each other's aggression. They found that women's intimate partner aggression was predicted by their male partner's brain response to perceived provocation.

"This result fits with the well-established finding that women's intimate partner aggression may very often be in self-defense," Chester said.

Taken together, he said, the study's results provide new insights into brain regions that are likely to be fruitful targets for interventions that aim to reduce intimate partner aggression and help science build an accurate brain model of such harmful acts.

Chester added that the researchers approached this study with utmost care. Couples were pre-screened to ensure they were not at elevated risk for intimate partner violence. The researchers carefully debriefed each participant individually to make sure they felt comfortable to be reunited with their partner. And they carefully debriefed both partners again as a couple to make sure there were no lingering, negative effects of the study.

"We had robust protocols in place in case anything went wrong, to safeguard the well-being of our participants," Chester said. "It is of paramount importance that studies into intimate partner aggression prioritize the safety and well-being of their participants, and we believe we achieved this goal."

While this study focused on male-female intimate partner aggression, Chester said future work is needed to examine these dynamics across a greater diversity of gender identities and sexual orientations.

More information: David S. Chester et al, Neural mechanisms of intimate partner aggression, Biological Psychology (2021). David S. Chester et al, Neural mechanisms of intimate partner aggression,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2021.108195
After years of hunting down, buying and selling vinyl in person and online, two Missoula collectors have opened a brick and mortar shop, Slant Street Records.

Collin Pruitt and Mike Steinberg want their space on Higgins Avenue to feel curated, so people wont have to flip through, say, piles of dollar copies of Perry Como to get to the John Coltrane.

For Steinberg, collecting vinyl records is an endless pursuit.

"You get interested in an artist and you go down their whole discography," with "continual veins of music to explore," he said.

To Pruitt, theres something special about seeking out old vinyl and rescuing it from sometimes grimy bins, cleaning it up and placing it in a new sleeve. Then you can bring it to a place among its peers and change its context.

The display walls at Slant Street on the day before its official opening only had room for sought-after classics: Joni Mitchells Blue, Yusef Lateefs Eastern Sounds, the Talking Heads debut album, "Talking Heads: 77," and the soundtrack to David Lynchs film Eraserhead. (Steinberg is also the executive director of the Roxy Theater.)

The genre doesnt matter to them as much as quality, Pruitt said. They have country and western, rock and pop, psychedelic and garage rock, jazz and soul, and less easily classified finds, like cult composer Moondog. They have a section for 45s  a far more niche item, Steinberg said  with artists as varied as Mavis Staples and Nirvana.

The shop, which officially opens on Friday, is located at 1413 S. Higgins Ave., next door to Great Harvest Bread Co.

Its the third vinyl outlet in town, joining locally owned staples Ear Candy and Rockin Rudys Record Heaven that weathered the CD boom and bust and subsequent renewed interest in LPs. Slant Street has one set of bins for new vinyl, but their focus is used and vintage, preferring to leave newly pressed albums to Ear Candy.

Both of the Slant Street duo are serious collectors. They have their own vinyl-only shows on KBGA College Radio and have organized local record swaps. Steinbergs father and aunt ran a record store. Pruitts been collecting for over a decade, and became more serious about it after teaming up with Steinberg years ago.

The two seek out peoples record collections and travel around Montana or farther to pick them up. Naturally, the Internet has changed the nature of vinyl sales, and the chance finds of dusty stacks of rare albums are more infrequent. Its easier than ever to buy online, but the pricing has gone up accordingly, too.

Before the store, they were selling online and through a curated section at Bettys Divine, and will continue to do so.

Their long-discussed idea was able to take shape through good luck. They were already renting basement storage space in their building for their records when the storefront became available.

Pruitt loves the musical archaeology of vinyl  going out and looking for records, and the fortuitous nature of what you find. For instance, hes scored rare 45s by Montana bands. Recordings like these have "only seen the light of day because its been discovered at a garage sale," he said. Some of those went toward the Lost Sounds Montana project, which gathers Treasure State albums online and in compilations.

Steinberg is particularly interested in 45s and soul records, which hold music that may not have ever been released on any other formats. (He says he's collected around 4,000 45s.)

He also thinks theres something tactile and almost ritualistic about records, he said. Youll never get to see John Coltrane or Miles Davis in person, but you can hunt down one of their albums. Theres the difference in the listening experience  hearing an album start to finish, as it was intended to, rather than piecemeal on playlists.

The sale, too, can be more meaningful in person with a physical medium, Pruitt said, knowing that a customer is going to walk out the door and hear an amazing piece of music for the first time.

Regarding the name, the space itself is slanted and adjacent to the Slant Streets. They also liked it because it sounds like the name of a shop thats been around for decades, and its a rare place-based name that hasnt been claimed by numerous other businesses and organizations.

Slant Street Records official opening is on Friday, Oct. 15. The hours are Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Monday and Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

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As the Jan. 1 date nears for when medical dispensaries in Missoula County can begin legally selling recreational marijuana to all adults age 21 and over, city and county officials are considering some regulations on the industry.

There are 70 marijuana-related businesses in city limits and another handful in the surrounding county.

Ballots for the Nov. 2 municipal general election are in the mail. Voters will decide whether to implement a 3% local-option marijuana excise tax on the retail value of medical marijuana and recreational marijuana sold in the county.

Voters have the choice of taxing medical marijuana, recreational marijuana or both. The tax would also apply to all associated products containing marijuana.

Meanwhile, the city is planning to take public comment on a proposal to amend city zoning code related to recreational cannabis businesses.

City planners have recommended a 500-foot buffer between dispensaries and a ban on non-transparent glass storefronts, as well as a ban on home cultivation or manufacturing as a legally allowed home occupation. They say the proposed changes would increase safety and preserve neighborhood character.

City council member Gwen Jones summed up her concerns at a recent committee meeting.

Our Hip Strip and downtown have already had a huge impact by (cannabis) stores coming in, she said. For decades, people have worked so hard to create a vibrant downtown and millions and millions have been invested in our downtown area."

She believes cannabis stores should perhaps have a 1,000-foot buffer between them.

"In the space of just 12-18 months were just seeing a huge dramatic change in the entire vibe downtown with marijuana stores that are going in that are basically front-loading as medical prior to the January 1 start date of recreational (sales), Jones said.

In September, the Missoula City Councils land use and planning committee heard from city planners about the proposed changes to zoning laws.

Spencer Starke, a city project planner, said there are 70 marijuana-related businesses in city limits. Of those, 50 are dispensaries and 20 are split between manufacturers, cultivators and mixed-use businesses.

Cassie Tripard, a city planner, said there are a few main "impact concerns" that can be mitigated through zoning codes.

First, there are public health and safety concerns associated with marijuana-product manufacturing, she said. Those include chemical production, the need for proper ventilation, mold prevention, disposal of wastewater and high energy use. To mitigate that, those businesses could be relegated to certain industrial zones.

Second, commercial cultivation and manufacturing within homes can impact residential character and cause disturbances, she said. That activity could be banned within the city, but wouldnt apply to people growing marijuana for their own personal use.

Third, too many businesses clustered in certain neighborhoods can cause saturation, she said.

A map of existing businesses shows a saturation of dispensaries in certain areas, particularly the downtown area, the intersection of West Broadway and Russell and a portion of Brooks," Tripard explained. "If dispensaries continue to cluster, that will lead to a lack of diverse uses in that particular neighborhood, affecting form and access to amenities.

To mitigate this, planners propose the 500-foot radius buffer between any new marijuana businesses.

And finally, opaque or frosted windows cause a reduction in safety for the public, she said.

To obscure products and provide security, many dispensaries have frosted glass installed or otherwise opaque windows, Tripard said. This causes a lack of a transparent, active storefront.

That means people cant see outside to the street from inside a business. She called transparent windows crime prevention through environmental design.

Essentially, people are less likely to commit crimes when people inside buildings can see out on the street, she said. Also, people who see accidents on the street can call for help.

Tripard and her staff recommend a ban on frosted windows. The city must decide whether to let existing businesses keep their frosted windows or bring them into compliance, she said.

City council member Amber Sherrill asked the city planners if theyve considered a cap on the number of business licenses granted to cannabis businesses in the city.

Im wondering if were going to get a flood of this from every place around us, she said.

Only medical dispensaries that were established before November of 2020 are allowed to sell recreational marijuana starting on Jan. 1, but in July of 2023 recreational marijuana business licenses will be available to the general public.

Starke noted that only counties that approved Initiative 190, which legalized recreational sales to adults in Montana, will be able to have recreational business licenses. Counties that didnt approve that initiative will have to vote whether to allow recreational sales.

He noted that all the counties surrounding Missoula County will have recreational sales starting this January, which means planners dont expect Missoula to be an island of recreational sales for the region.

"We took that into account," Starke explained of the decision to not implement a cap.

Council member Heidi West also said limiting the number of recreational licenses is a bad idea.

We didnt want to replicate what we see happening with liquor licenses, she said. Those sell for over $1 million and are largely unattainable. Making a cap could create economic issues in the long run.

Council member Jordan Hess said he doesnt want to over-regulate marijuana businesses.

Voters approved this by an overwhelming margin, so having a light regulatory touch and focusing on safety is a good approach, he said.

Hess noted that if a 500-foot radius buffer between cannabis businesses is implemented, it would effectively create a city-wide cap.

Sandra Vasecka was the only city council member to not move forward with allowing planning staff to draft an ordinance that would amend city zoning code.

She disagrees with banning opaque glass and the 500-foot buffer. she said.

It should be the businesses right to protect their customers privacy, she said. I disagree with frosted glass and also dictating what businesses can buy property and where.

No cannabis business owners spoke at the meeting, and several who were contacted by the Missoulian did not respond to a request for comment.

A timeline for when the city council will discuss the subject can be found online at engagemissoula.com.

Jennie Dixon, a planner for Missoula County, said the county government is also in the process of forming regulations as it pertains to cannabis businesses.

Our focus is going to include energy conservation measures, she said. Our research has shown cultivation activity consumes 7-8 times more than an average commercial use and the county is interested, given our carbon-neutrality goals, in taking a look at that.

Missoulas three county commissioners voted unanimously to approve giving voters the option to implement a sales tax on marijuana products. The county estimates that if the tax is placed on both recreational and medical pot, it would generate around $716,000 every year based on research from the University of Montana.

In 2022, its estimated that $217 million worth of marijuana will be sold in Montana, with nonresident visitors buying nearly $30 million of that chunk.

The county would get 50% of the revenue, while 45% would go to the city and the remaining 5% to the state.

The details would be worked out after the vote, but the county is exploring using a percentage of the revenue to offset property taxes. Some of the money might also go to funding the mobile crisis unit and preventing homelessness.

Medical marijuana in Montana already has a 4% state tax. Recreational marijuana will have a 20% state tax once its legal.

To see if you're registered to vote, visit app.mt.gov/voterinfo/.

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The long-awaited renovations at DeSmet Public School are complete and ready to welcome the next generation of movers and shakers.

The remodel at DeSmet will expand its capacity from 120 students to roughly 225 in anticipation of continued growth in the Missoula valley and combines the older architecture of the building with the modern upgrades for a cohesive finish.

The project began in 2018 when DeSmet superintendent Matt Driessen and school board members began visualizing the future of the school and how it could better serve its community. The team recognized that many communities on the outskirts of Missoula were booming, but their schools were nearing or over capacity.

Every school is overcrowded, but we werent, and as we were looking at it theres only one direction that the housing is going to have to go, and thats in our direction, Driessen said.

The renovations include a new library, cafeteria and several new classroom spaces. Improvements were also made on the buildings exterior with reimagined landscaping and outdoor learning areas.

Voters approved the $6 million bond project in 2019. The district was able to complete the project on time and on budget amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

We have actually built all of this and decreased the tax burden on our constituents by 10 mills, which is about a 9% decrease, Driessen said. I think thats pretty dang impressive.

DeSmet is also planning to develop about 50 houses for middle-class families behind the school building.

Throughout the planning process, the district remained committed to its vision of the school serving as a hub for the community. In an effort to achieve that goal, the cafeteria and gym are accessible from the exterior of the building to be used for activities or events without interfering with children or staff.

Additionally, the new classroom spaces used for home economics and choir can also be accessed from the exterior of the building and will be used for adult education courses in the future.

Many of the classrooms impacted by the remodel are used for the middle school. Middle school teacher David Feeley said that the modernized and larger classroom space is noticeable.

When I went back to my old classroom when we first started (this school year) I felt like I was kind of claustrophobic just because my new classroom is so much bigger, Feeley said. When you get all the stuff in those other classrooms its kind of cluttered. The bigger kids needed a bigger space.

The new library sits at the center of the school.

One general thought of ours was the most important thing that a school can do is educate the children in the center of any educational facility ... so we set it up to have the library in the center and then built off from that, Driessen said.

Two streams representing Grant Creek and Butler Creek, marked by dark blue carpet, converge in the library and flow outside into the outdoor learning area.

The renovations to the building were deliberately planned to bring the outdoor beauty of the Missoula valley indoors by adding large windows in the cafeteria, gym and library.

DeSmet Public School is hosting an open house to showcase the completed renovations on Thursday night from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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ClassPass, a tech firm with a large headquarters office in downtown Missoula, has been acquired by Mindbody, another wellness-focused tech company.

ClassPass was founded in 2013 and offers subscription-based access to fitness centers and wellness experiences. Using an app, customers can pay a flat fee and get access to gyms or yoga studios around the world.

The company built a large office in the First Interstate Bank building in downtown Missoula and employed scores of workers, but the pandemic shuttered many of its operations in 2020. People simply weren't going to gyms or studios.

Now, however, the leaders of both companies say there's a rebound happening in the health and wellness industry.

"Mindbodys intent to acquire ClassPass comes on the heels of recent research and data from both companies that proves consumers are getting back to in-person wellness experiences as studios reopen," a press release from Mindbody states.

"Several markets that have fully reopened are seeing bookings on the Mindbody platform rebounding to pre-COVID levels and ClassPass consumer usage is at 110% of pre-COVID usage for subscribers who have gone back to class."

Mandy Menaker, the head of public relations for ClassPass, confirmed that the company will keep its Missoula office and will continue to operate its app and website.

Fritz Lanman, who lives in Missoula, will remain as ClassPass CEO.

"The ClassPass network includes many businesses already working with Mindbody," he said. "By combining our respective operations, we will create more seamless integrations and unlock new revenue opportunities for business owners using both services, while continuing to support all fitness, salon and spa businesses who choose to work with Mindbody or ClassPass."

Mindbody has secured an investment of $500 million from a group led by global investment firm Sixth Street. Sixth Street has invested in companies like Airbnb and Spotify.

This acquisition comes at a pivotal time for the wellness industry as it continues to rebound from COVID-19 related closures and local and authentic experiences are more important to people than ever, said Josh McCarter, CEO of Mindbody. Our companies share a singular focus on bringing wellness experiences to more people, in more places."

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Earl Old Person, traditional and political leader of the Blackfeet Indian Tribe who served longer than any head of state except Great Britains Queen Elizabeth, died on Wednesday. He was 92.

Fidel Castro claims the title as longest-running head of state, but Earl Old Person beat him, too, said John Murray, Blackfeet Tribal historic preservation officer.

He met every president since Harry Truman up through Barack Obama. He didnt get a chance to meet Donald Trump because he was starting to become ill. But he had an association with Joe Biden when he was a senator.

Old Persons cause of death was cancer.

Old Person was first elected to the Blackfeet Tribal Council in 1954, and served as its chairman from 1964 through much of the next half-century. He was also traditional chief of the Blackfeet Tribe, filling a role with more cultural and social duties.

The family of hereditary chief Jim White Calf passed the traditional chief lifetime title to Old Person in 1978.

As head of the Blackfeet Nation, hes had a very influential relationship with every family on the reservation through the years, Murray said. They called upon him for different personal family issues, traditional issues, he was able to fulfill that role. Whenever there was an event, he was the first person to call  well lets get Earl, and he would always be there.

For example, Old Person sang an honor song last May for the University of Montana graduates of 2021  twice due to pandemic-imposed crowd size limitations  marking his 26th consecutive commencement appearance. Over those years, he celebrated the educational accomplishments of about 40,000 students.

He was 91 and had driven down by himself, UM spokesman Dave Kuntz said. He did both the morning and afternoon ceremony, and was here for a full eight hours. Hes always been a champion for the university and for Blackfeet students. Theres a definite correlation between the number of students and the strong pipeline thats been built by him.

UM awarded Old Person an honorary doctorate in 1995 and endowed a $5,000 annual scholarship in his name.

The entire University of Montana community feels deep sadness at the loss of Chief Earl Old Person," UM President Seth Bodnar said on Thursday. "He not only led the Blackfeet Nation with wisdom and grace but also had a tremendously profound impact on the Griz family. The weight of this loss will last. We are all better for having been influenced by him.

The American Civil Liberties Union gave Old Person its Jeannette Rankin Civil Liberties Award in 1998. State ACLU Director Scott Crichton called him a man of integrity, intelligence and wisdom  Few others have fought so consistently for tribal sovereignty and the protection of Indian rights than has Chief Old Person.

Born in 1929 near Starr School, Old Person became a public face for the Blackfeet Tribe as a young man. A 1947 Missoulian story noted he represented Glacier Park Boy Scouts on a trip to France for a world jamboree. Several stories in the 1950s recorded his participation in efforts to improve conditions on reservations and challenge federal policies. In particular, he pushed a national effort trying to get Indians working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and served as head of the National Congress of American Indians from 1969 to 1970.

The Blackfeet Indian Reservation underwent major changes during his tenure. It opened the Blackfeet Community College in 1974, which now has 2,240 students and a staff of 60. He supported the Museum of the Plains Indian in Browning, as well as the new Iinnii Buffalo Spirit Center that highlights the Tribe's expanding wild bison herds.

He spent decades fighting for protection of the Badger-Two Medicine region southwest of the reservation, which the Blackfeet consider the site of many creation stories and cultural heritage. Earlier this year, the Department of Interior finalized cancellation of the last energy exploration leases in the Badger-Two Medicine.

Old Person was also a living archive of Blackfeet traditional songs and practices.

He had heard those songs when he was a kid, and he could remember those songs, Murray said. When we went through the cultural losses in the 1950s and 60s and early 70s, Earl was able to retain all that. He stayed real close to the culture. People went to him all the time for advice and historical perspective. He had so much knowledge as a principal keeper of the Blackfeet way.

He was also extensively involved in state and national politics, starting with a close friendship with Montana Sen. and Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield and then Sen. Max Baucus. He met numerous foreign dignitaries, including one memorable encounter with the Shah of Iran, who broke a 2,500-year-old protocol by standing up when Old Person asked him to during a ceremony in Tehran.

Back home, Old Person was an active rancher and backer of athletics. The Montana Athletic Indian Hall of Fame inducted him in 2007, and he was honored by the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2014. He was father to six children and stepchildren, as well as a father figure to numerous other children, according to nephew Terry Tatsey.

Political leaders throughout Montana paid tribute to Old Person shortly after news of his death broke on Wednesday evening.

I was saddened to hear the news of Chief Earl Old Person passing away, Sen. Steve Daines wrote on Wednesday. He was a great Montanan and a great American. My prayers are with his family, friends and the entire Blackfeet Nation. It was an honor to know him.

Today, Sharla and I mourn the loss of a great man and a dear friend, Chief Earl Old Person, Sen. Jon Tester wrote on Wednesday. Chief Old Person was a fierce advocate for the Blackfeet Nation and all of Indian Country for his entire life, and the world is a better place because he was in it. He will never be replaced, and we are holding his loved ones and the Blackfeet people in our hearts.

Gov. Greg Gianforte followed on Thursday morning, noting that Old Person put others before himself to serve a greater good.

Chief Old Person dedicated his life as a tireless advocate, educator, storyteller, and song singer not only for the Blackfeet people, but also for our state and nation, Gianforte wrote. His legacy will live on for many generations. Our prayers are with Chief Old Persons family, friends, and the Blackfeet Nation.

Plans for commemorating Old Persons passing were still in development Thursday, according to Tribal spokesman James McNeely. The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council has ordered flags to half-staff from Thursday until his internment, which has not been set. In Browning, residents were raising tepees in All Chiefs Park in memorial to Old Person.

He cant sing for us anymore, Murray said. Its just a great loss.

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LONDON (AP)  Britain's Prince William has criticized some of the world's richest men for using their wealth to fund a new space race and space tourism rather than trying to fix the problems on Planet Earth instead.

In comments to the BBC aired Thursday, William voiced his disapproval, a day after the former Star Trek actor William Shatner became the oldest man to fly to space in a rocket built by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

"We need some of the world's greatest brains and minds fixed on trying to repair this planet, not trying to find the next place to go and live," said William, who is second-in-line to the British throne.

On Wednesday, the 90-year-old Shatner, who is best known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk in the 1960s television series Star Trek, briefly flew into space with Bezos' space travel company, Blue Origin. Billionaires Elon Musk and Richard Branson are also pumping resources into their own space ambitions.

William, who is formally known as the Duke of Cambridge, was speaking about climate change ahead of his inaugural Earthshot environmental prize awards ceremony on Sunday and in the run-up to the start of the U.N. climate summit in the Scottish city of Glasgow later this month.

During the star-studded ceremony at Alexandra Palace in London, which will see five sustainability projects win 1 million pounds ($1.35 million) each, William will be joined by his wife Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge. The awards take their inspiration from the Moonshot challenge that President John F. Kennedy set for the U.S. in 1961 to put a man on the moon by the end of the decade  a challenge that was met eight years later.

The winners will be chosen by a committee including veteran broadcaster David Attenborough, actor Cate Blanchett and World Trade Organization director Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

William, who has been immersed in environmental issues all his life through the strong interest in them of his father, Prince Charles, and his late grandfather, Prince Philip, voiced his worries about the world his own children will inherit.

He said it would be an "absolute disaster" if his oldest son, George, who he said is "acutely aware" of how resources impact the planet, was having to raise the same issues in 30 years' time.

"Young people now are growing up where their futures are basically threatened the whole time," William said. "It's very unnerving and it's very you know, anxiety-making."

Echoing comments from his father, William urged world leaders to put words into action at the U.N. climate summit in Glasgow, known as COP26.

"I think for COP to communicate very clearly and very honestly what the problems are and what the solutions are going to be, is critical," William said.

The summit is scheduled to take place Oct. 31-Nov. 12. It is being billed by many environmentalists as the world's last chance to turn the tide in the battle against climate change.

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PHOTO ARCHIVE

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Earl Old Person, the longest-serving elected tribal official in the United States, died Wednesday at Blackfeet Community Hospital after a long battle with cancer, tribal officials said. He was 92.

The announcement was posted Wednesday night on the Blackfeet Nation/Blackfeet Tribal Business Councils Facebook page.

Old Person was elected to the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council in 1954 and served for over 60 years while serving as chair for more than 50 years.

He met many dignitaries, including every U.S. president since Dwight Eisenhower, the British royal family, the Shah of Iran, and other world leaders.

In 1978, the family of the late Jim White Calf bestowed the hereditary chieftainship to Old Person, the news release stated.

Old Person was known for being an orator and leader for the Blackfeet people, the Blackfoot Confederacy and Native Americans across the United States and Canada.

The Blackfeet People have suffered a huge loss today with the passing of Chief Old Person, the news release stated. A chapter in our history has come to a close. The Blackfeet Tribe offers prayers and support to the family of Earl at this time.

Gov. Greg Gianforte said Thursday in an email it was with "heavy hearts we mourn the passing of Chief Earl Old Person."

"With the confidence of his people, Chief Old Person put others before himself to serve a greater good," he said. "Chief Old Person leaves a lasting legacy with his love for people, unparalleled strength of character, dedication to service, and commitment to preserving cultural heritage."

Gianforte said Old Person "dedicated his life as a tireless advocate, educator, storyteller, and song singer, not only for the Blackfeet people, but also for our state and nation. His legacy will live on for many generations."

Services are pending.

Montana's two U.S. senators shared their thoughts about Old Person.

I was saddened to hear the news of Chief Earl Old Person passing away, Republican Sen. Steve Daines said on Twitter. He was a great Montanan and a great American. My prayers are with his family, friends and the entire Blackfeet Nation. It was an honor to know him.

Democratic Sen. Jon Tester said he and wife Sharla were mourning the loss of "a great man and dear friend."

"Chief Old Person was a fierce advocate for the Blackfeet Nation and all of Indian Country for his entire life, and the world is a better place because he was in it," Tester said on Twitter. "He will never be replaced, and we are holding his loved ones and the Blackfeet people in our hearts."

In 2020, the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls bestowed Old Person with its Western Heritage Award.

He has remained a tireless advocate for the advancement of the Blackfeet people, museum officials noted. The University of Montana has awarded him an honorary doctorate of human letters and endowed a $5,000 scholarship in his name for Blackfeet students attending the university. In 1998, he received the Jeannette Rankin Civil Liberties Award and a year later, the University of Lethbridge awarded him the first Christine Miller Memorial Award for Excellence in Native American Studies.

Assistant editor Phil Drake can be reached at 406-231-9021.

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When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping. To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mothers words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers  so many caring people in this world.

 Mr. Rogers

As one of Missoulas Democratic state legislators, I am always meeting the helpers in our community. These are people who quietly exemplify public service, who work day in and day out to substantively improve the lives of their neighbors, who make Missoula uniquely Missoula. Daniel Carlino is one of those helpers, and I am excited to support his campaign to serve on city council.

Daniel brings a vision backed by concrete plans and informed by years of experience working to empower Missoulas disabled youth and organizing to fight climate change. He has bold but realistic ideas to improve the quality of life for everyone in our community. Some of his proposals include:

 Adding a bicycle-pedestrian path to the Montana Rail Link bridge over the Clark Fork

 Adding crosswalks throughout every neighborhood

 Bringing reliable snow-plowing service to all residential streets

 Targeting TIF funds to invest in affordable housing

 Limiting the number of AirBnbs to preserve our residential housing stock

 Expanding (not just preserving) Missoulas open space and conservation lands

Daniel is also the only Ward 3 candidate committed to fully fund Missoulas Affordable Housing Trust Fund. That fund creates permanently affordable homes for Missoulians struggling to handle our rapidly increasing cost of living. In my years as a public defender, I saw firsthand how housing instability can throw families into a downward spiral. When we dont prioritize housing as a human right, we pay for it later through increased incarceration, hospitalization, and so on. Missoula desperately needs councilors like Daniel who are committed to concrete action to end our housing crisis and ensure everyone in our community has a home.

Carlino, however, does not merely talk about equity  he fights for it. Last year, for example, Carlino helped organize a grassroots movement advocating for an equitable and evidence-based city budget that reflects Missoulas values. This group pressed for, and won, an increase in funding for permanently affordable housing in Missoula that cannot be flipped or converted into Airbnbs.

This past legislative session, Montanas Democratic state legislators fought tooth-and-nail to protect our environment, expand public pre-K, and boost construction of affordable housing. Gov. Greg Gianforte and his far-right allies in the legislature almost always stood in the way.

At the city level, however, we have the opportunity to take real action to strengthen our community. With dedicated community members like Daniel in public service, Missoulas future is bright. I strongly encourage Missoulians in Ward 3 to vote Daniel Carlino for city council.

Danny Tenenbaum represents House District 95 in the Montana Legislature.

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Profoundly disturbing chokecherries to the dual controversies engulfing the University of Montanas law school and computer science department in the past two weeks.

Law school Dean Paul Kirgis resigned Oct. 6 following a student-led walkout over allegations that students were discouraged from reporting sexual harassment and assault. He will return to a faculty position at the school. Associate Dean Sally Weaver is expected to step aside as well.

Then, this week, computer science professor Rob Smith moved to paid leave following reporting by the student newspaper, the Montana Kaimin, about troubling blog posts by Smith about women, Muslims and LGBTQ people. His classes will be taught by another instructor and he cannot set foot on campus as the university investigates the matter.

We commend the law school students for their willingness to speak out, the Kaimin for its brave reporting, and the university administration for its swift action in both matters.

Acting Provost Reed Humphrey will oversee the transition at the law school. 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, he wrote in a letter to the campus community.

UM President Seth Bodnar called Smiths views homophobic and misogynistic and said he was personally disgusted.

Building a culture of respect, empowerment and equity is foundational to our mission at UM as well as personally important to me, Bodnar said. I have directed the appropriate university officials to take immediate action to address this matter through investigatory and supportive measures.

We suspect that many more disturbing details will emerge in the coming days and weeks. The silver lining may be that students will feel empowered to come forward to report wrongdoing, knowing that change may actually occur as a result. That hasnt always been the case in the past.

One aspect of all this that we feel compelled to comment on is the notion that speech does not have consequences.

The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, a national civil liberties group that seeks to defend the rights of students and faculty on campuses, said the university should end the investigation into Smiths blog to uphold its obligations to free expression.

In a statement shared with the Missoulian, the civil liberties group argues that the First Amendment protects Smiths right to comment as a private citizen on matters of public concern even if others find it deeply offensive.

Au contraire. The First Amendment, at its core, simply guarantees that the government will not drag you off to jail for what you say. And even that protection has limits, such as yelling fire in a crowded theater or threatening to shoot the president.

Your employer is free to fire you for what you say  people lose their jobs all the time for statements on Facebook, Twitter and other platforms.

You can be ostracized, praised, ridiculed or shunned. And there is no such thing as a private blog or social media platform. As Smith has discovered, its quite easy to draw a direct line from your personal statements online to your public employment.

We are not suggesting that anyone rush to conclusions. We hope the investigation into Smiths behavior determines whether his despicable statements spilled over into his treatment of his students, and that the university then take the appropriate action.

Historically relevant huckleberries to Aspen Decker, a University of Montana graduate student in linguistics from Arlee who is working to preserve and teach the Salish language.

More than 200 Indigenous languages in the United States have gone extinct in the last 400 years, according to the Language Conservancy.

Only 13 Tribal elders can still speak Salish fluently, Decker said. She and her four children are now among the first generation of bilingual speakers of her community in nearly 75 years.

Shes been busy. She works as an education coordinator at the Montana Museum of Art and Culture, is launching a new student organization called the Indigenous Storytelling Club, and is developing a curriculum for a Plains Indian sign language course.

Last month she kicked off the Montana Book Festival by presenting a land acknowledgement statement in Salish.

I think the importance (of land acknowledgements) is that this land here was our aboriginal territory for over 14,000 years and the word Missoula actually comes from the Salish word Nmesuletk and that means place of the freezing water, Decker said. "It really dates us back to that Glacial Lake Missoula time. I think its important for Missoulians and our local community to really know this history that dates so far back.

We couldnt agree more. Every language lost diminishes our understanding of the world we live in. We hope her inspiration spreads and that Salish remains a proud legacy of a proud people.

Long-awaited huckleberries to the news that the Biden administration will open the U.S. border to fully vaccinated Canadians beginning next month.

Montanas entire congressional delegation and Gov. Greg Gianforte applauded the decision. The administration didnt give an exact date for the opening, which is expected to be in November.

However, the key words are fully vaccinated. U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale and Gianforte all called for reopening the border to all Canadians, regardless of vaccination status.

We strongly disagree. Canada requires travelers crossing its borders to be vaccinated. We believe that is a practical approach, given that the pandemic has not gone away, and the policy should be reciprocated.

Montana set a record Wednesday for the number of its residents hospitalized with COVID-19. Nearly 90 percent of those hospitalized for COVID-19 were not vaccinated.

We welcome Canadian visitors, as long as they are vaccinated.

This editorial represents the views of the Missoulians editorial board  Publisher Jim Strauss and Executive Editor Jim Van Nostrand.

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New Delhi  India could face significant power cuts within days. Government data show that, as of Thursday, 116 of India's 135 coal-fired power plants had nine days' or less worth of coal left in their stocks, and 84 of the plants had less than five days' worth of the fuel left to burn.

Several Indian states, including the one encompassing the capital city of New Delhi, have raised concerns with the federal government and warned of possible power blackouts. Some states have already seen rolling power outages as plants cut their output in anticipation of coal shortages.

Study: Air pollution kills 100k Indian kids annuallyCoal addiction

The specter of power cuts has highlighted the extent to which India, the world's second-most populous nation, still relies on coal for energy  70% of India's electricity comes from coal-fired thermal power plants.

Coal burning is one of the biggest sources of carbon dioxide emissions. It is considered the most environmentally harmful fuel to burn for power generation.

India is not alone, however. China tops the list of coal power producing countries, followed by India and the United States.

From coal to clean

India is Asia's third largest economy, and the government has relied heavily on coal to keep that economic engine cranking as it tries to lift millions more people out of poverty.

The country has already made significant progress in transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources, but experts say there's still a long way to go, and it won't be an easy shift.

"The coal retirement is not happening at a fast pace given that the overall demand is huge. India, being a big country with the total coal capacity of more than 200 gigawatts (GW), it does not have the luxury to announce that it will phase out all coal by 2030 or 2040," Vibhuti Garg, an energy economist at the Institute for Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), told CBS News.

In 2015, as part of the Paris climate agreement, India agreed to increase its installed electricity capacity from clean sources like solar, wind, hydroelectric and nuclear to 40% by 2030. It managed to hit that target this year  nine years ahead of schedule.

Story continues

As part of its plan to reduce coal dependency, India now plans to increase the proportion of its green energy production from the current 40% (101GW) to 60% (450GW) by 2030.

To help make that shift, India is making huge investments in solar and wind energy. The country has increased its solar power capacity more than 11-fold over the last five years alone. But it is also looking at other technologies.

Fuel from water

India is also aiming to outpace other countries in the production of "green hydrogen." With the ability to replace fossil fuels in some industries, many hope that green hydrogen  created by using renewable energy and the process of electrolysis to split the building blocks of water  will become a key clean fuel of the future.

Currently the process is too expensive to scale up significantly, but India is investing heavily to change that. At the recent U.N. General Assembly, Prime Minister Modi said his government was working to make India the world's biggest green hydrogen hub.

"For India, investing in green hydrogen will be like leap-frogging," Ulka Kelkar, an economist and climate change researcher with the World Resources Institute, told CBS News. "If India becomes an early mover in this space, it can prove to be a huge advantage in going green faster."

Roadblocks on the green road

Despite its significant achievements, there are some big obstacles on India's road to a greener future. Storage and transmission of renewable energy is one of them.

Right now, India has sufficient capacity to distribute and store the limited amount of green energy it is producing. But experts say that as the country ramps up its renewable power generation, storing the electricity will be one of the major challenges  but storage technology is advancing, too.

"Beyond 2024-2025, when the battery storage prices will fall, that's when I feel that, at least in the electricity sector, we will see the share of renewable energy going up more," Garg predicted.

Another hurdle, particularly for solar energy, is the space required. Unlike in China, which has become a leader in solar, empty land is scarce in India.

For India to achieve its target of net zero emissions by 2050, the country would need to devote between about 19,300 and 29,000 square miles of land to solar power infrastructure, and another 5,800 to 7,700 square miles to wind energy, according to estimates by IEEFA.

For now, it's coal

While India is irrefutably working to go green, experts say it will realistically take decades to wean the massive country off coal completely. Right now, several factors are making that problematic.

A global surge in fossil fuel prices and an increase in demand for electricity as India's economy roars back from coronavirus lockdowns are both fueling the current power crisis. The weather hasn't helped, either.

Smoke billows from the cooling towers of a coal-fired power plant in Ahmedabad, India, October 13, 2021. / Credit: AMIT DAVE/REUTERS

"An extended monsoon (seasonal rains) this year meant that the underground coal mines remained flooded for a much longer time, decreasing the coal production," Aditya Lolla, an electricity policy analyst at the independent climate change thinktank EMBER, told CBS News.

If the government fails to manage the coal shortage, it will have a significant economic impact. Sectors including manufacturing, construction and services could see their growth dip, which could lead to higher prices for Indian consumers  and consumers of Indian-made goods worldwide.

Garg, the energy economist, told CBS News that the government should "immediately ramp up" coal production and "ensure it reaches the power plants at a much faster pace" to alleviate the crisis in the short-term.

It's advice that emphasizes the challenges India's facing as it tries to grow, and go green.

Biden administration looks to tackle supply chain issues as holiday season approaches

Some school districts mandating students get COVID-19 vaccine for extracurriculars

60 Minutes rides along on the longest-running cattle drive left in America
Let's not assume these stresses started with Trump, the police murder of George Floyd, or the pandemic. They're as old as our nation's contradictions. America becomes most unsettled when it pursues truth, justice and equality.

Sabato says he's worried, and not just because of the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

"You're talking to a guy from Charlottesville, with the Neo-Nazis marching in front of my home" during that city's August 2017 rally of white supremacists, he said. He called Jan. 6 "probably the dress rehearsal for what's to come."

"The purpose of this study was not just to tell people we're in trouble, because I think most people knew that already, though this suggests we're in deeper trouble than they knew," Sabato said. "The purpose of the study was also to find some common ground between pieces of the Trump coalition and pieces of the Biden coalition."

The common ground appears to be substantial bipartisan support for investment in infrastructure: bridges, roads, ports, rail lines, water and wastewater systems. This gives Sabato a hope he acknowledges may be idealistic.

"We need some idealism," he said. "We need to inject it back into the system and get people thinking how to stave off violence and disaster."
It was their fifth overdose that day, Buff said the detective told her. She said he attributed the overdoses to a deadly cocktail of methamphetamine laced with fentanyl.

Buff said the detective told her to be careful cleaning up some vomit and blood in the room. She said the detective told her the blood on the floor, underneath where Lane was laying, came from her bleeding from the nose when she overdosed.

She said there was no blood spatter in the room, and apart from the blood on the floor, there was no evidence that she could see that someone had been shot.

The next day, though, Buff said she couldnt wrap her mind around the idea of Lane dying from an overdose. She thought her granddaughter had to have fallen and hit her head on the edge of the bed or dresser.

She told The News Herald that she called the detective and asked if he was sure there were no signs of trauma on Lanes body. He told her he would call and verify with the medical examiners office, and when he called her back, she said he told her that the medical examiners office said they had cleaned Lanes body head to toe and found no evidence of trauma.

But on Tuesday, Sept. 21, BCSO received preliminary autopsy results that found Lane had died from a gunshot wound, Whisenant said.
It is hard to put words around the feelings of despair and fear I have for this Democracy  for our beloved America in the face of lies from Trump and the Republican leadership who refuse to acknowledge the truth to his lies. American Democracy is fragile and only survives if we protect it every day  every election.

Trump refused to pass the power of the Presidency peacefully. He has convinced many Americans that they cannot trust our democratic process. He is backed by idiots like the Avery County congressman who calls for violence and taking up arms against Americans because of Trumps lies. Every autocrat has overthrown the democracy they come to power in by claiming they were cheated out of power.

Trump cares not for this Constitutional government. He only cares about power  his own. He will sacrifice every principle, every democratic value in pursuit of his own power. Your support of Trump will destroy this country if he is allowed back in power.

Trump filed more than 60 court cases challenging the 2020 election. Every one was thrown out for lack of credible evidence of the fraud allegations by Democrat, Republican, Independent judges who take their commitment to the law and the Constitution very seriously. Every state Trump lost had multiple audits and recounts and none found fraud.
A 28-year-old Butte man accused of fondling a 15-year-old girl and seeking more sexual encounters apologized Thursday before a judge sentenced him to eight years at the Montana State Prison.

Ive had time to reflect on my crime and I regret everything, Brandon Eaton told District Judge Kurt Krueger. If I could redo everything starting from the past I would, starting with what I did to the victim.

Eaton pleaded guilty to sexual assault in July, admitting he fondled the girls breasts in his car in early September 2020. Because the victim was under 16 and he was more than four years older, he could have been sentenced up to 100 years in prison.

Defense attorney Daniel Biddulph asked for five years in custody of the Montana Department of Corrections, with 15 years suspended, saying Eaton was a low risk to reoffend and would get more help in a DOC program than behind bars in Deer Lodge.

Forensic psychologist Christopher Quigley agreed with that, saying Eaton had learning disabilities, was immature for his age and would be bullied and preyed upon in prison.

Prosecutor Samm Cox asked for a 10-year prison term with 10 more suspended, saying Eaton was a father of three who was also raising a fourth child when the crimes occurred.

But he had admitted, Cox said, to engaging in sexual contact with a 15-year-old himself, who is unrelated, and during the course of that offered money and drugs to this child so he could perform sexual acts on her after the original sexual acts.

Krueger often makes statements to defendants during sentencing hearings, but on Thursday, simply said he was imposing a 20-year prison term with 12 of those years suspended.

The case stems from a cybertip to police about private Facebook messages indicating that a 27-year-old man was enticing a 15-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity in exchange for money, goods or services.

Butte police got search warrants to access the information from Facebook and Google and tied the messages to Eaton.

In them, he asks the girl repeatedly if she enjoyed the sexual contact they had and talks of additional sexual acts he would get for $100. He also says he will get her some marijuana, according to charging documents.

When questioned by police, he first denied any wrongdoing but later admitted to fondling her breasts. He said he thought she was 17.

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Physicians with extensive experience treating COVID-19 patients are making virtual rounds with providers at St. James Healthcare through a collaboration with National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado, and St. James. This partnership connects St. James physicians to those at National Jewish, the only facility in the world dedicated exclusively to groundbreaking medical research and treatment of patients with respiratory, cardiac, immune, and related disorders.

Heres how the collaboration works. Each morning, staff in the St. James ICU logs into a tablet computer that connects with critical care specialists at National Jewish Health who join the treatment team via video conferencing from their office in Denver, 780 miles away. The tablet then accompanies the St. James care team on morning rounds of the COVID-19 patients in the ICU.

Not only are we able to share vital information with our partners at National Jewish Health, but also the video conferencing capabilities allow us to build a rapport and provide some visual context to how the patient is feeling, said Jennifer Davenport, MD, St. James Healthcares chief medical officer. Our National Jewish Health colleagues have been a great additional resource for the care team here at St. James, and their experience and knowledge have been beneficial.

In addition to attending the morning rounds, St. James hospitalists can reach out to their colleagues at National Jewish Health as needed.

We appreciate the tremendous work that St. James has done to ensure the health and safety of their entire community, says Bill Janssen, MD, section head, Critical Care Medicine at National Jewish Health. And, we are honored to collaborate with our St. James and SCL Health colleagues and add our medical expertise to what has already been accomplished, as we work together to meet the needs of people who have been hospitalized with COVID-19 in southwest Montana.

To learn more about St. James Healthcare, visit www.sjh-mt.org.

To learn more about National Jewish Health, visit www.njhealth.org.

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WAPELLO  County residents would be required to update their E911 address signs whenever they transfer property, under a proposal presented to the Louisa County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.

Louisa County E911 Board member Bill Small, who represents the city of Wapello on the emergency board, asked the board of supervisors to consider adopting a formal ordinance or other regulation, which would mandate upgrading E911 signage at the time of a propertys transfer.

Small said the E911 board had agreed during its last meeting to seek the countys help with the signage issue. Officials have reported in the past that some older E911 signs in the rural part of the county have faded or have other legibility issues or possibly may not be signed at all.

Small indicated the lack of E911 address signs is also a problem in the city areas, but the supervisors said city councils would need to implement their own ordinances to cover those sites.

Rural residents dont have to pay for the E911 signs, Small pointed out, adding his program also would install the signs under some conditions.
Carlin expressed concerns that China currently produces many medications for the U.S. and the world, and if China decided to cease the production of these drugs, U.S. hospitals and patients could be in danger. He also expressed distaste with concentration camps in China, comparing the country to World War II-era Germany.

As for big government, Carlin pointed to the potential ban of AR-15 automatic weapons as something he didnt support, calling it an attack on 2nd Amendment. He also wanted to encourage college campuses to embrace healthy argument on truth, issues and history as a way to combat what he considered to be attacks on free speech.

Regarding the current debate on COVID-19 vaccines, vaccination mandates and vaccination passports, Carlin said that while he did not identify as an anti-vaxxer, he believed citizens had the right to choose if there is a potential risk to getting the vaccine.

It should appear to anybody that theres a gradual incursion of government thats becoming more controlling rather than standing up for our freedoms, he said, One of the big distinctions between Sen. Grassley and I is that Im a fighter and hes kind of passive (In my time in the State Senate) I really tried to advocate for everyday working people and their realities.
The man shot by a Davenport police officer Wednesday afternoon has died, according to Iowa Department of Public Safety.

Bobby Klum, 37, was reportedly walking near the intersection of 8th and Iowa streets with a handgun pointed at his head. Police responded to the area around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday and tried to defuse the situation, according to a news release from the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

The Department of Public Safety said Klum "refused to comply with officers commands. Officers discharged two less-lethal rounds with allegedly no effect. One police officer discharged his duty firearm, striking the subject in the mid-torso."

Klum was transported to Genesis East Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

An autopsy has been scheduled at the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner. An investigation is being conducted by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. The name of the officer will not be released until after being interviewed by the DCI.
Medical staffers at Guam Regional Medical City help residents complete their registration forms during a mass Covid-19 vaccination effort on Jan. 15, 2021.
Karidat Social Services advocate Calvani P. Deleon Guerrero, sixth from right, receives the 2021 Bridge of Light Award sponsored by Bridge Capital, IT&E, and the Tan Siu Lin Foundation at the recent Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation.
A nurse fills up syringes for patients as they receive their coronavirus disease booster vaccination during a Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination clinic in Southfield, Michigan on Sept. 29, 2021.
If you want to avoid needing a TV licence to buy a new smart TV in South Africa, but still want access to streaming video services such as Netflix, Prime Video, DStv, and Showmax, you will need a good media box connected to a monitor.

You could use a computer to stream video to a non-TV screen in your living room, but an Android-based media box or TV stick would be a much cheaper option.

Streaming devices such as Googles Chromecast, Amazons Fire TV Stick, and Xiaomis Mi TV range enable users to turn any screen with an HDMI port into a Smart TV.

MyBroadband compared the prices on streaming devices from online retailers Takealot, Everyshop, Incredible Connection, and Geewiz.

Some stand-out deals were the Google Chromecast 3.0 going for R685, the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick for R745, and the Amazon Fire TV Stick (2nd Generation) for R968.

All the streaming devices listed here offer resolutions of at least 1080p (full HD), with some of the higher-end options able to stream in 4K.

The devices included in the list also feature dual-band Wi-Fi 5, meaning they can connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks.

It is important to note that Amazons Fire OS does not officially offer DStvs streaming app. Users would have to side-load the application, which the company does not recommend or support.

All Android devices listed below are Google-certified, meaning they offer support for all official apps and official versions of the Android TV OS.

The best TV deals on media streaming devices  as well as their specifications  are listed below.

Google Chromecast 3.0  R685 at Takealot

Google Chromecast 3rd Generation Output Resolution Up to 1080p with 60Hz refresh rate OS Android or iOS with Google Home app Processor Marvell Armada 1500 Mini Plus RAM 512MB DDR3 Storage 2GB Ports 1 x HDMI (CEC compatible), 1 x Micro USB Connectivity 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi Dimensions 51.9 x 51.9 x 13.8 mm

Xiaomi Mi TV Stick  R745 at Geewiz

Xiaomi Mi TV Stick Output Resolution Up to 1080p with 60Hz refresh rate OS Android TV 9 Processor Quad-core Cortex-A53 with Mali-450 750MHz GPU RAM 1GB DDR4 Storage 8GB Ports 1 x HDMI, 1 x Micro USB Connectivity 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2 Dimensions 92.4 x 30.2 x 15.2 mm

Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite (2020 Edition)  R799 at Takealot

Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite Output Resolution Up to 1080p with 60Hz refresh rate OS Fire OS 7 Processor Mediatek MT8695D with PowerVR IMG GE8300 GPU RAM 1GB DDR4 Storage 8GB Ports 1 x HDMI, 1 x Micro USB Connectivity Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 Dimensions 86 x 30 x 13 mm

Amazon Fire TV Stick (2nd Generation)  R968 at Takealot

Amazon Fire TV Stick (2nd Generation) Output Resolution Up to 1080p with 60Hz refresh rate OS Fire OS 5.2.8.0 Processor Mediatek MT8695D with PowerVR IMG GE8300 GPU RAM 1GB DDR4 Storage 8GB Ports 1 x HDMI (CEC compatible), 1 x Micro USB Connectivity 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 Dimensions 108 mm x 30 mm x 14 mm

Mediabox Ranger  R999 at Takealot

Mediabox Ranger Output Resolution Up to 4K with 60Hz refresh rate OS Android TV 9.0 Processor Amlogic S905X with ARM Mali 450 RAM 2GB DDR3 Storage 8GB Ports 1x HDMI, 2x USB 2.0, SD Card, 3.5mm audio Connectivity 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, Ethernet Dimensions 196 x 158 x 50 mm

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (3rd Generation)  R1,123 at Takealot

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Output Resolution Up to 4K with 60Hz refresh rate OS Fire OS 6.2.8.0 Processor MediaTek MT8695 with PowerVR IMG GE8300 GPU RAM 1.5GB DDR4 Storage 8GB Ports 1 x HDMI (CEC compatible), 1 x Micro USB Connectivity 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 Dimensions 108 mm x 30 mm x 14 mm

Xiaomi Mi TV Box S  R1,199 at Takealot, Incredible Connection, and Everyshop

Xiaomi Mi TV Box S Output Resolution Up to 4K with 60Hz refresh rate OS Android TV 8.1 Processor Cortex-A53 Quad-core 64bit with Mali-450 GPU RAM 2GB DDR3 Storage 8GB Ports 1 x HDMI 2.0a, 1 x USB 2.0 Connectivity 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2 Dimensions 95.25 x 95.25 x 16.7 mm

Ematic AGT419 4K  R1,299 at Takealot and Everyshop

Ematic AGT419 4K Output Resolution Up to 4K with 60Hz refresh rate OS Android TV 9.0 (or newer) Processor Amlogic S905X with ARM Mali 450 RAM 2GB DDR3 Storage 8GB Ports 1x HDMI, 2x USB 2.0, SD Card, 3.5mm audio Connectivity 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, Ethernet Dimensions 77 x 53 x 16 mm

Eko Android TV Box 4K  R1,399 at Takealot

Eko Android TV Box 4K Output Resolution Up to 4K with 60Hz refresh rate OS Android TV 10 Processor Amlogic S905Y2 with Mali-G31 MP2 GPU RAM 2GB DDR3 Storage 8GB Ports 1 x HDMI, Connectivity 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1 Dimensions 77 x 53 x 16 mm

Google Chromecast Ultra  R1,499 at Incredible Connection

Google Chromecast Ultra Output Resolution Up to 4K with 60Hz refresh rate OS Android or iOS with Google Home app Processor Marvell Armada 1500 Mini Plus RAM 1GB DDR3 Storage  Ports 1 x HDMI (CEC compatible), 1 x Micro USB, 1 x Ethernet Connectivity 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi Dimensions 58.2 x 58.2 x 13.7 mm

Apple TV HD 32GB  R2,699 at Takealot and Everyshop

Apple TV HD 32GB Output Resolution Up to 1080p with 60Hz refresh rate OS tvOS Processor Apple A8 RAM 2GB Storage 32GB Ports 1 x HDMI Connectivity 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, Ethernet Dimensions 98 mm x 98 mm x 35 mm

Apple TV 4K 32GB  R3,299 at Everyshop

Apple TV 4K Output Resolution Up to 4K with 60Hz refresh rate OS tvOS Processor A12 Bionic RAM 3GB DDR4 Storage 32GB / 64GB Ports 1 x HDMI 2.1 Connectivity 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Ethernet Dimensions 98 mm x 98 mm x 35 mm

Now Read: iPad Mini display woes continue
Have you been on AutoTrader lately? If not, you may be surprised to find that South Africas already stratospheric car prices are even higher.

This phenomenon isnt exclusive to South Africa, though. Across the world, car prices have soared due to a shortage of semiconductor chips.

As a result of the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, the shortage of these chips  as The Wall Street Journal reports  is due to a surge of Covid-19 cases in Southeast Asia (including Malaysia) where the chips are sent for both testing and packaging.

The scarcity of these semiconductor chips has driven some automakers to slow  or in some cases, halt  production of their vehicles.

Skoda, a Czech brand owned by the VW Group, recently announced that it may have to halt production from mid-October until the end of the year, so severe is the shortage.

Even bigger brands, such as Toyota, have had to cut their production by 40%. Of course, the crisis has spiralled all the way down to the end of the supply chain  the consumers wallet.

As stock runs out, car dealerships are becoming desperate. In the past year or so, used car values have increased dramatically as consumers turn to the second-hand market for their next set of wheels.

One sales executive at an unnamed premium car dealership told BizNews that quite simply, the car industry is running out of cars to sell.

But while dealerships and consumers suffer, it seems the carmakers are actually benefitting from the chip shortage.

Speaking to the Financial Times, Mercedes-Benz CFO Harald Wilhelm said the luxury carmaker plans on keeping car prices inflated. Wilhelm said that the company will continue to undersupply the market as it pivots toward a focus on top-end vehicles which have far higher profit margins.

Rival BMW has echoed similar sentiments, with the Munich-based brand saying it has seen a notable improvement in pricing power over the last two years.

As new car prices soar  and stock continues contracting  used car demand and pricing has gone crazy.

A salesperson told me of a buyer who, when trading in his used car, was offered more than the balance owing on his vehicle finance: Trade-in customers are benefitting because trade value is now staying high. One customer traded in a two-year-old vehicle he owed R430 000 on for R440,000.

According to multinational investment bank JP Morgan, the secondhand car market is stronger than ever before. Its data shows used vehicles sold for 40% more in June this year compared with pre-Covid.

But while the semiconductor chip shortage may be good for Mercedes-Benz and BMW profit margins, others worry that the crisis may stall the much-needed global economic recovery post Covid-19. Bloomberg reports that the wait time between ordering chips and taking delivery has increased to 21.7 weeks.

Republished with permission from Biznews  Heres why car prices are going through the roof  including the secondhand market

Now read: Making your car bulletproof to protect against hijackers
As if California needed another calamity, a pipeline bringing oil into Southern California from an offshore drilling platform ruptured this month, causing an ecological disaster on Orange County beaches and lagoons.

The cause of the rupture is still under investigation, but it may be the anchor of a cargo ship, dozens of which are stranded off the Southern California coast because of bottlenecks at major ports.

As efforts to minimize the oil spills damages continue, its political impact has been immediate, intensifying a long-standing quandary for Gov. Gavin Newsom.

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While Newsom has often loudly touted California as a leader in decarbonizing its economy to battle climate change, environmental activists have been pushing him to shut down the states substantial oil industry.

Newsom has paid verbal homage to that goal, but has been unwilling to take more than incremental steps toward it.

The new oil spill ramped up the get-oil-out campaign and once again Newsom endorsed it in principle, saying, As California continues to lead the nation in phasing out fossil fuels and combating the climate crisis, this incident serves as a reminder of the urgent need to usher in a cleaner and greener future that safeguards public health, the economy and our environment.

However, he is clearly not about to substantially speed up the phase-out, telling reporters, Banning new drilling is not complicated.  The deeper question is, how do you transition out and still respect the workforce that, by the way  are also working  on the capping of these wells.

The latter phrase acknowledges that unionized oil industry workers are a major political impediment to shutting it down.

In fact, while California is the nations seventh-largest oil-producing state, we consume roughly three times as much petroleum  principally for cars and other transportation  as we produce, and import enough oil from overseas producers, mostly in the Middle East, to refine a billion-plus gallons of gasoline that we burn each month.

Newsom hopes that California motorists will eventually shift to battery-powered vehicles recharged by solar- and wind-generated electricity. But that transition is still in the embryonic stage and is decades off at a minimum.

The transition from natural gas-fired power plants to renewable sources is well underway but has hit a snag. Because the sun doesnt always shine and the wind doesnt always blow, wind and solar sources wont be reliable enough to shoulder the entire load until there is sufficient storage to provide power when renewable generation is unavailable.

The most advanced storage strategy is the construction of immense banks of lithium-ion batteries, but that depends on having sufficient supplies of lithium, almost all of which is now imported from other countries.

Californias electric power supply picture is already precarious as ever-warmer temperatures hike demand for air conditioning. We flirt with shortages every summer and the state has quietly approved temporary increases in natural gas generation to bridge the gap while major power users such as hospitals and industrial plants have been installing large numbers of diesel-powered backup generators.

Finally, oil and gas do much more than power cars and electric generation. They are basic resources for countless products Californians use every day including fertilizer for agriculture, they power airliners that carry 15 million passengers each month in the state, and are basic ingredients in paving the roads on which we drive nearly a billion miles each day.

Does Newsom want to be the governor who shuts all of that down, or at least makes Californias economy even more expensively dependent on Saudi Arabia and other nations for oil? Probably not.

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how Californias state Capitol works and why it matters. For more stories by Dan Walters, go to calmatters.org/commentary.

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Pikeville, KY (41501)

Today

Sunny skies. High 43F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Mainly clear early, then a few clouds later on. Low near 30F. Winds light and variable.
Russia peacekeepers patrol along Karabakh border delimitation line

Turkish Islamic preachers organization denies reports of his death

Newspaper: What happened to missing Armenia soldiers during recent hostilities?

Armenia MOD dismisses reports about not allowing officers with higher rank than major to go up to combat positions

US virtually completes development of new tactical nuclear gravity bomb B61-12

Newspaper: Officers with higher rank than major not allowed to combat positions during recent hostilities in Syunik

Opposition MP: Granting corridor to Azerbaijan through Syunik Province will be gravest crime against Armenia

US Department of State representative says why Azerbaijan is not invited to Summit for Democracy

Armenian human rights activists to submit letters to ECHR regarding soldiers captured and considered missing

Armenia FM stresses importance of addressable response to Azerbaijan's actions during talk with Greek counterpart

Ex-ruling party official: Armenia authorities found reason for MOD's resignation after his visit to Karabakh

Republican Party of Armenia spokesperson: Nikol Pashinyan gave a confessional testimony in parliament yesterday

Armenia President talks about states' collective responsibility at Bloomberg New Economy Forum

Turkish website reports poisoning of Fetullah Gulen

Armenia FM holds phone talks with Cypriot counterpart, presents situation created after Azerbaijani attack

Mirzoyan, Zas discuss CSTO's possible actions to stabilize situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border, if necessary

Mothers of deceased servicemen demand Armenia PM's resignation

Azerbaijani Armed Forces open fire at tractor in Armenia's Verin Shorzha village

Putin: Events unfolding on Armenia-Azerbaijan border attest to fact that situation has not calmed down in the region

Lithuania supports Armenia's territorial integrity

NEWS.am daily digest: 18.11.21

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
Azerbaijan is carrying out a multi-step operation to undermine the reputation of the Russian peacekeeping mission. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), Davit Babayan, stated this commenting, at the request of Armenian News-NEWS.am, on the accusations of the Azerbaijani side in connection with the alleged shooting in the direction of a car.

"What happened, the Artsakh side allegedly opened fire on an Azerbaijani car, is completely disinformation, an obvious lie. The perpetrators of the incident should be sought in Azerbaijan itself. This is nothing but another staging of Azerbaijani agitprop. What do they want to achieve with that? First, as if to maintain balance. They were the ones who organized the terrorist act that led to the death of a person. It was done impudently, in the presence of Russian peacekeepers, and it is clear that Moscow could not like that. They understand that and want to compensate, as if see what the Armenian side is doing. Even the Azerbaijani diplomats of a number of European structures comment on the actual murder of our citizen in such a way that it gives the impression of being in the Third Reich; their explanations are nothing but a manifestation of hatred towards Armenians.

Second, with such a staged action, they are trying to put Russia in a difficult situation. In the end, it turns out that as if the [Russian] peacekeepers [in Artsakh] are not able to fulfill their responsibilities, they are poorly performing their mission, and so on. That is, this is another blow to Russia. First, they [i.e., Azerbaijanis] kill our citizen next to whom a Russian peacekeeper was sitting [in the tractor], whereas now with these staged actions they are dealing a new blow to the reputation of the Russian peacekeepers.

Besides, there is another new aspect here, and I believe that Azerbaijan will soon try to encroach on our army, to say that they are terrorists and that they should be disarmed; such a theatrical performance. But, naturally, any lie sooner or laterand in our case, very soonwill be clear to everyone as to who is behind what. Azerbaijan's actions are another manifestation of a destructive approach, Baku's unwillingness to resume the negotiation process. It is not ruled out that in this way they want to cancel the planned visit of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs to the region, and at the same time maintain a certain degree of uneasiness and nervousness among the Karabakh society," the Artsakh FM said.

Is it possible to rule out that the next time the provocation will not be directed immediately against the Russian peacekeepers?

"Naturally, this cannot be ruled out because everything can and should be expected from the Azerbaijani side. Let us remember that it was Azerbaijan that shot down the Russian [military] helicopter, let us remember that the Russian ambassador to Turkey, the closest ally and elder brother of Azerbaijan, was killed. And in case of provocations in Karabakh, they can fully use the Turkish track-record. Anything can happen. And, apparently, when the talks on extending the mission of the Russian peacekeepers [in Artsakh] become more active, the Azerbaijanis may resort to the most impudent, inhuman steps," Davit Babayan concluded.
Story Highlights 52% say government doing too many things

Last year, majority favored active government role

Half prefer lower taxes and fewer government services

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Americans have shifted back to favoring a more hands-off approach for government in addressing the nation's problems after a rare endorsement of a more active role last year. Currently, 52% say the government is doing too many things that should be left to individuals and businesses, while 43% want the government to do more to solve the country's problems. In contrast, a record-high 54% of U.S. adults last year said the government should do more to solve problems.

Line graph. Trend in Americans' preference for government activity. Fifty-two percent of U.S. adults say the government is doing too many things that should be left to individuals and businesses while 43% say the government should do more to solve the country's problems. Last year, opinions were reversed, but the current figures are in line with what Gallup has typically measured since 1992.

Gallup's question on the proper government role is asked as part of its annual Governance survey, conducted Sept. 1-17 this year. The shift toward favoring a more active government role in 2020 was seen among Democrats and independents but not Republicans -- likely a response to the coronavirus pandemic and in particular to then-President Donald Trump's approach to handling it. Trump generally opposed government efforts designed to slow the spread of the virus, such as face mask requirements and business and school closures.

Last year marked only the second time in Gallup's 29-year trend that at least half of Americans endorsed an active role for the government on this item. The other pro-government response came in the weeks after the 9/11 terror attacks amid heightened concern about terrorism and a surge in trust in government.

All party groups are less likely now than a year ago to favor a more active government role, but independents' opinions have changed the most. In 2020, 56% of independents wanted the government to do more to solve problems, compared with 38% now. Independents are even less inclined to want a more active government role today than they were in 2019 before the pandemic began, when 45% held that view. The same is true of Republicans, whose opinions did not show meaningful change last year.

Preference for Government Activity to Solve Nation's Problems, by Political Party, 2019-2021 2019 2020 2021 Change,

2020-2021 % % % pct. pts. Republicans Trying to do too many things 72 74 80 +6 Should be doing more 24 22 15 -7 Independents Trying to do too many things 51 38 57 +19 Should be doing more 45 56 38 -18 Democrats Trying to do too many things 27 13 18 +5 Should be doing more 70 83 78 -5 Gallup

Public Prefers Lower Taxes, Fewer Government Services

Americans' preference for a limited government role is also evident when they are asked to consider the trade-offs between taxes and government services. Given a choice, half of Americans say they prefer fewer government services and lower taxes, while 19% want higher taxes and more services. Twenty-nine percent want taxes and services as they are now.

In the five times Gallup has asked this question since 1993, the preference for lower taxes and fewer services has consistently prevailed, held either by pluralities or majorities of Americans, including a high of 56% in 2011. Only as many as 25%, in 2019, have said they wanted higher taxes and more services.

Line graph. Americans' preferences for government services and taxes. Fifty percent of Americans would rather have less government services in order to reduce taxes, up from 42% in 2019. In 2011, a high of 56% held this view. Nineteen percent of Americans say they want more services and more taxes, down from 25% in 2019, the previous high. Twenty-nine percent prefer that services and taxes be about the same as now.

Gallup did not ask this "taxes versus government services" question last year, so it is not possible to know how opinions on the issue might have changed in a year when Americans said they wanted government to do more to solve the nation's problems.

Currently, 77% of Republicans prefer fewer services and lower taxes, while 15% want no change and 7% prefer higher taxes and more services. Half of independents prefer lower taxes and fewer services, while 33% want to keep taxes and services where they are now and 16% want increases in both.

Democrats are mostly split between wanting more services and more taxes (37%) and keeping taxes and services where they are now (40%). Nineteen percent of Democrats prefer lower taxes and fewer services.

Majority Continues to Say Government Has Too Much Power

Consistent with their preferences for lower taxes and fewer services and their belief that the government is doing too many things, 54% say the federal government has too much power. This is essentially unchanged from 56% the last time the question was asked in 2019.

At least half of Americans since 2005 have said that the government has too much power, peaking at 60% in 2013 and 2015. From 2002 through 2004, in the first few years after 9/11, more Americans believed the federal government had about the right amount of power than believed it had too much. Relatively few Americans have ever said the government has too little power.

Line graph. Americans' perceptions of federal government power. Fifty-four percent of U.S. adults say the federal government has too much power, 36% say it has about the right amount, and 9% say it has too little. Majorities have typically said the government has too much power, including a high of 60% in 2013 and 2015. From 2002 through 2004, however, more said the government had the right amount of power than said it had too much.

Eighty-two percent of Republicans, 59% of independents and 19% of Democrats say the government has too much power. Most Democrats, 63%, say the government has the right amount of power.

Although Americans' opinions about federal government power are essentially unchanged since 2019, partisans' views have changed as the presidency switched from Republican Trump to Democrat Joe Biden. Two years ago, the party differences were much smaller than they are today, with 61% of Republicans, 57% of independents and 51% of Democrats saying the government had too much power.

Americans More Inclined to Say Government Regulating Business Too Much

Forty-three percent of Americans say there is too much government regulation of business and industry, while 25% say there is too little and 30% the right amount. Over the past year, the percentage perceiving too much regulation has increased seven percentage points (from 36% in 2020) while there has been a six-point decline in those seeing regulation as about right.

This shift is consistent with the last time the presidency changed from Republican to Democratic control. Spanning the transition from Republican George W. Bush to Democrat Barack Obama between 2008 and 2009, the percentage saying there was too much government regulation also increased seven points, from 38% to 45%.

Opinions moved in the other direction after the White House transitioned from Obama to Trump, though the change was not evident until Trump's second year in office in 2018. In 2016, 47% of U.S. adults thought the government regulated business too much, compared with 45% in 2017 and 39% in 2018.

Line graph. Trend in Americans' opinions of whether there is too much, too little or the right amount of government regulation of business. Typically Americans are most inclined to say there is too much government regulation. The percentage saying there is too much regulation has been higher in Democratic presidential administration than Republican administrations, including a high of 50% in 2011. Americans are usually least likely to say there is too little regulation of business, including a low of 17% in 2001.

Republicans, and to a lesser extent, independents, have become increasingly likely over the past year to say there is too much regulation of business and less likely to say there is the right amount of it. Seventy-two percent of Republicans and 43% of independents now say there is too much regulation. The remainder of independents divide evenly between saying there is the right amount or too little regulation.

More Democrats than last year (45% vs. 31%) say there is the right amount of regulation. That 14-point increase has mainly been offset by a 10-point decline in the percentage saying there is too little regulation. Overall, Democrats divide about evenly between saying there is too little or the right amount of regulation, with relatively few, 11%, saying there is too much.

Perceptions of the Amount of Government Regulation of Business, by Political Party, 2020-2021 2020 2021 Change, 2020-2021 % % pct. pts. Republicans Too much 60 72 +12 Too little 3 6 +3 Right amount 36 20 -16 Independents Too much 35 43 +8 Too little 25 28 +3 Right amount 39 27 -12 Democrats Too much 16 11 -5 Too little 52 42 -10 Right amount 31 45 +14 Gallup

Bottom Line

More Americans typically prefer a limited government role to an active one, think there is too much rather than too little regulation of business and believe the government is too powerful. The COVID-19 situation and the Trump administration's response to it in 2020 may have briefly changed Americans' views on the proper government role, but whatever effect it had has now disappeared. That could reflect changing government policy on the issue as Biden has been more assertive in using government power to take steps to mitigate the spread of the disease than Trump did. For example, Biden has imposed face mask and vaccine mandates for situations in which his administration believes the federal government has the authority to do so. Those steps have been controversial, and the controversy might have swayed some people -- particularly independents -- into thinking such a strong government response is not ideal.

But the reversal in opinions on government activity also may simply reflect a return to normal attitudes, similar to what occurred after 9/11 when Americans at least briefly advocated for a more active government role to deal with a national challenge, before reverting to favoring a more limited approach.

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 history of the world is recorded not only on the printed pages of books that fill the elongated shelves of massive libraries. It is also found in ice cores extracted deep from the glaciers of Antarctica and Greenland, from sediment recovered from the ocean floor, and from the rings and stumps of trees that have lived for centuries.

There, biological and chemical proxies of the Earths past climatesome in the form of fossils, others in the form of bubbles containing past concentrations of greenhouse gaseshave been perfectly preserved, waiting to be studied by researchers in their efforts to determine what future climate will look like.

These archives are things that we have learned to basically read as books because they tell a story, said Larry Peterson, a professor of marine geosciences and associate dean of undergraduate education at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.

Petersonwhose area of research focuses on the reconstruction of past oceans and climates, abrupt climate change, and deep-sea sedimentation processeswas one of four Rosenstiel School scientists who discussed Interpreting the Past to Forecast the Future on Wednesday as part of the fourth installment in the Climate Cafe Series.

Foraminifera, microscopic single-celled organisms found in marine environments around the world, are probably the most important of all the climate archives studied by paleoclimatologists because their calcium carbonate shells provide a fossil record that extends over the last 100 million years, Peterson said.

Theyre very tiny, but they comprise a sizeable fraction of the sediment on the ocean floor because they live in the surface waters, he explained. When they die, their skeletons settle to the sea floor, and its from the chemistry of these skeletons that we know a great deal about past climate.

And what foraminifera and other climate archives tell us is that over the past several millennia, our planet has undergone myriad cycles of climatic changes, conducting what Peterson called a series of natural experiments we can learn from. At various times in the past, the Earth has been warmer than the present, Peterson said. We had dinosaurs that roamed in the Antarctic and palm trees living north of the Arctic Circle. At other times more recently, weve had great ice sheets covering large areas of the northern continents.

In other presentations:

Peter Swart, a professor of marine geosciences who heads the Stable Isotope Lab at the Rosenstiel School, showcased how his team used a 600-year-old sclerosponge from Bahamian waters to construct a record of Atlantic Ocean temperatures dating as far back as the 14th century. Their research has shown a gradual increase in temperature to the present day.

So, the question is what is causing these variations? Swart said. There are two principal theories: one is that the changes are driven by variations in oceanic circulation. And the second one is that changes are driven by what we call atmospheric forcingthat is, changes in the atmosphere.

Hurricane Ida devastated Louisiana, Mississippi, and other southern states this past August, flooding communities, knocking out power to millions of customers, and disrupting local supply chains. Meanwhile, this years California wildfires have charred nearly a million acres and destroyed dozens of homes. But is the impact of extreme weather on human lives a new phenomenon?

The short answer is no, this is nothing new, Arash Sharifi, adjunct professor of marine geosciences, said during his presentation on climate-human interaction over the past 300,000 years.

In his research on the effect of climate variability on human dispersal in West Asia, Sharifi combined multiple paleoclimate records from lake sediments and cave deposits with maps of early human settlements, hypothesizing that during wet periods, humans migrated inland from coastal areas to escape flooding events that occurred hundreds of thousands of years ago.

And by overlapping historical records of famine and drought in the Eastern Mediterranean, Mesopotamia, and Iran, Sharifi also found that such events appear to coincide with dry periods that featured excessive dust.

Lisa Murphy Goes, a lecturer and climate scientist in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences, who interprets the paleoclimate proxy record, discussed climate models and how they are used to look at the drivers of past climate change.

We have these invaluable geological archives from all around the globe that can tell us where and when climate changed, Murphy Goes said. And by combining them with climate model simulations, we can help to answer why those changes occurred. It kind of feels a bit like solving a puzzle.

She pointed out that some scientists believe that dust from North Africa will continue to decline over the next several decades, discussing the potential impacts the decline will have on climate. We know that it can improve local air quality, and it can also further enhance tropical North Atlantic warming, which can provide more favorable conditions for hurricane development, she said. But what impact is this going to have on North American rainfall? Future megadroughts, as strong as the ones that weve seen in the earlier Holocene [geological epoch], would have a significant impact on society, reducing water availability. Therefore, theres a better need to be able to predict and quantify these changes in African dustiness and build better models that can represent the observed changes that weve seen.

Watch the Climate Cafe on the Rosenstiel Schools YouTube channel.
Deadly clashes rock Beirut over port blast probe

Shiite fighters from Hezbollah and Amal movements take aim with a Kalashnikov assault rifle and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher. Photo: AFP

Heavy fighting claimed at least six lives and left dozens wounded in Lebanon's capital on Thursday as an escalation of tensions around last year's massive portside explosion turned parts of Beirut into a warzone.



The army deployed tanks and troops to quell the street battles that sparked memories of the 1975-1990 civil war for a city already traumatised by last year's blast disaster and Lebanon's worst-ever economic crisis.



The bloody unrest, in which the sound of automatic gunfire and grenade blasts mixed with the wail of ambulance sirens, broke out after shots were fired at a demonstration by the Muslim Shiite Hezbollah and Amal movements.



The protesters were rallying against judge Tarek Bitar, tasked with investigating the massive ammonium nitrate explosion at Beirut's port that killed more than 200 people and destroyed swathes of the capital on August 4 last year.



The judge had in recent days been in the sights of Hezbollah and Amal in particular for insisting on subpoenaing top officials in his probe.



Thursday's violence started with sniper fire from residential buildings targeting the Hezbollah and Amal supporters, who returned fire with AK-47 assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades.



"I can't handle these loud sounds, especially the RPGs," said one resident trapped in the combat zone in the city's southern Tayouneh area, who gave his name only as Samer.



"It's the trauma of the Beirut blast coming back all over again."



Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi said the "exchange started with sniper fire, with the first casualty shot in the head".



He said at least six people were killed, all by gunfire, without specifying who fired the shots.



The Lebanese Red Cross put the number of wounded at 30.



In the chaos, bullets smashed into houses and left craters in the walls of buildings, while many panicked civilians were trapped in their homes. (AFP)
(20211014 10:04:21)Western Union International Bank Joins SEPA Instant Credit Transfer VIENNA -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Western Union, a global leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement and payments, announced today that the Western Union International Bank (WUIB) has joined the Single Euro Payments Area Instant Credit Transfer scheme (SCT Inst) as a Direct Participant, further enhancing the companys real-time payment capabilities in Europe.

Joining SCT Inst allows Western Union to offer its consumersacross the 24 countries and more than 2,300 financial institutions that take part in the SCT Inst schemeadditional real-time money transfer and payment options, available 24/7, providing more choice and convenience and further improving speed and reliability. Progressively, SCT Inst participation will enable consumers using Western Unions global financial network, spanning more than 200 countries and territories, to send and receive real-time payments to/ from the schemes participating countries and financial institutions.

Peter Bucher, Managing Director of the Western Union International Bank, said: This is an achievement that showcases how WUIB is a truly agile, customer-focused organization, at the vanguard of digital innovation. We continue to deliver cutting-edge products and services to expand and enhance the relationship with our customers across Europe.

SEPA Instant Credit Transfer enables pan-European credit transfers, with funds made available on the account in less than ten seconds. The scheme forms part of the Single Euro Payments Area, launched in 2008 by the European banking and payments industry with the support of national governments, the European Commission, the Eurosystem and other public authorities. SEPA has harmonized the way non-cash euro payments are conducted and covers several countries beyond the euro area or the European Union.

Shelly Swanback, President, Product and Platform for Western Union, said: Joining STC Inst as a Direct Participant is a significant milestone, reflecting Western Unions role as an important financial services provider in Europe. Already, over 60% of our global account payout transaction volume is delivered in real-time. But we dont stand still: We continue to invest in expanding our real-time payment capabilities, as we work to give consumers additional options and convenience across platforms, devices, borders and currencies.

About Western Union The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a global leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement and payments. Western Unions platform provides seamless cross-border flows and its leading global financial network bridges more than 200 countries and territories and over 130 currencies. We connect businesses, financial institutions, governments, and consumers through one of the worlds widest reaching networks, accessing billions of bank accounts, millions of digital wallets and cards, and over half a million retail locations. Western Union connects the world to bring boundless possibilities within reach. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com.

WU-G

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211013005751/en/

CONTACT: Claire Treacy Claire.treacy@westernunion.com Nicholas Mandalas Nicholas.mandalas@wu.com
October 14, 2021





There are quite a few reasons why, in the current context, one might want to sell the digital asset known as XRP, one of the top digital currencies in terms of market capitalization (XRP occupies, at the time of writing, the 6th spot) .

But before we dive into the heart of todays topic, let us briefly define XRP, the digital asset. This definition will provide an entry point into the reasons why it could be a good idea to sell XRP - perhaps to buy lower at a later time.







In the last part of this article, we will provide a practical example that our readers can follow step by step in order to sell XRP.

What is XRP?





XRP, which should be distinguished from Ripple the Company, is one of the oldest cryptocurrencies on the market. This digital asset, launched in 2012, runs on the XRP Ledger, a network which is the brainchild of Jed McCaleb, Arthur Britto and current Ripple CTO David Schwartz.

XRP distinguishes itself from other cryptocurrencies with fast settlements (4 to 5 second settlement time, compared to the minutes or hours it takes the bitcoin network to finalize transactions) and low fees (0.0001 XRP per transaction).

XRP, designed to facilitate cross-border payments, is used by a strong network of large corporations and financial institutions. The crypto community has been asking and screaming for adoption - however in this corner of the Blockchain industry, adoption is a tangible reality. Santander, Axis (News - Alert) Bank and Yes Bank and many others are part of a very wide consortium of institutions that leverage this digital asset and demonstrate the strength of institutional adoption around this digital asset.

At this point of the article, I know which question you might be asking yourself.

XRP seems to have everything going for it as a digital asset: low fees, fast transaction times and institutional adoption.





Why then would one want to sell XRP, the currency?

This is an excellent question, and one that deserves a detailed answer.

XRP is a pre-mined currency and the supply (1 billion XRP) is quite large, compared to other digital assets (bitcoin for example). While most of that pre-mined XRP is currently in escrow, there is a clear and always present danger for investors as large amounts taken from that escrow can get injected into the markets at very inopportune times. Ripple the company is known to sell XRP to finance its operations, something that has angered the community in the past. However it is worth noting that Ripple is orders of magnitude more transparent than it was regarding those XRP sales. Litigation: it is no secret that the SEC (News - Alert) has filed a lawsuit against Ripple, the company, claiming that it should have registered XRP as a security. Seeing this lawsuit unfold in real time and both parties defend their claims is a thing of wonder. This legal black swan has become a huge headache for retail investors and institutions, since it introduces a level of uncertainty in the markets that is difficult to mitigate. How to trade an asset issued by a company that is being sued by the SEC? Is it even a good idea to stay in this market? Should one countertrade the crowd and stay in the market and wait for the SEC settlement pump? At the moment, there are no right or wrong answers to these questions - the context surrounding the status of XRP is so nebulous that the best approach perhaps might be to stay on the sidelines and do absolutely nothing until the smoke clears. As a result of this lawsuit, several very large exchanges, such as Coinbase, will not allow XRP to be traded - certain exchanges went as far as delisting XRP, perhaps fearing legal action and reputational damage.

How to go About Selling XRP on an Exchange?





In the above section, we have defined XRP the digital asset and we have covered the reasons why it might be a good idea to get out of the XRP market.

But how does one go about selling XRP?

The thing that will complicate a traders quest to sell XRP is that, due to ongoing litigation against Ripple, XRP is not available in many exchanges in the United States. If you are located outside of the United States, the situation might be a little different. XRP-friendly Japan, for example, has never suspended XRP trading and there are even new avenues listing XRP as tradable assets, such as Tao Tao, a Japanese exchange which listed XRP on the 22nd of September.

There are a few things to consider before you even consider logging in and pushing the sell button:

Trading Fees: This is a big one. Most centralized exchanges, which is exactly where you want to be since they are the only ones who carry XRP as a tradable asset (we have yet to see native XRP - not wrapped or synthetic XRP - listed on a Decentralized exchange), adopt the maker-taker model.

Traders can be divided into two groups: makers of liquidity and takers of liquidity. You, as an XRP trader looking to sell your XRP on the market, are a taker of liquidity. The fees exchanges charge to takers of liquidity are higher than those charged to makers. You will need to keep a close eye on maker-taker fees and choose the exchange that charges fees you find reasonable.

Certain exchanges, such as Binance, have a table of fees that is directly linked to your trading volume. The more you trade and the lower your fees are. If you intend to sell a lot of XRP, then it would make sense to take advantage of this fee regime.





Withdrawal Fees: One of the things you really need to keep an eye on as a trader are the withdrawal fees. Selling XRP at a fantastic price - and turning in a big profit - only to be charged withdrawal fees so high that they eat into your profits is not something that is desirable. Therefore, you will need to choose an exchange which is known for its low withdrawal fees.

Transaction limits: If you wish to sell XRP in large quantities, you will need to find an exchange that allows you to do so. And how about the amount that you can withdraw? Are there limits placed on accounts daily, weekly? These are things to consider when shopping for the best exchange on which to sell your XRP.

Customer Support: We certainly do not wish that to anyone, but the possibility of a trade going wrong, for technical reasons, is never zero. And therefore, while it is an excellent idea to choose an exchange based on parameters such as transaction fees, withdrawals fees and limits, you should also consider the quality of customer service. If something goes horribly wrong (during a Black Swan event for example, when everyone is trying to get out of their positions at the same time), you need the guarantee that you will be able to write or speak to someone, and get a timely response.

A Practical Example: Selling XRP on Timex.Io

The remainder of this article will be dedicated to the provision of a practical example. Here, we will show our readers exactly how to sell XRP.

For the sake of simplicity, we will focus on a single exchange, Timex.io. However the steps described here can be applied to any other exchange, the only condition being that these exchanges carry XRP as a tradable asset.

What is Timex.io? The platform describes itself as a hybrid cryptocurrency exchange based on Plasma technology. Timex.io trades are settled on the Ethereum Network, however order matching is conducted in a centralized fashion. Basically, Timex.io offers the best of both worlds, as it offers real-time execution while providing mitigation solutions against front-running and order collisions.

The first thing that we will ask of our readers is to go over to Timex.io.

Of particular interest to us is this page, which will allow us to sell our crypto and find out xrp price aud.





Two types of orders are available on Timex.io: Market orders and Limit orders. It is possible to sell XRP for Australian dollars, US dollars and other cryptocurrencies.

For the sake of this example, we have created an account. Lets log in and see what lies beyond the front page.

As we log in we are treated to a beautiful, minimal user interface (see below). Two trading modes are available for users: basic and advanced.

The Basic mode will vaguely remind users of Uniswaps interface. All that is required of users to execute a trade is to enter the origin currency (here, it would be XRP, since this is the currency we are trying to sell), the destination currency, and the amount. To sell our XRP, we would simply choose XRP from the drop down menu, input an amount, and choose a destination currency.





Clicking on the Advanced button at the lower left of the screen opens up a fully-fledged trading dashboard, with charts and a graphical view of the order book.





Sophisticated users might prefer this mode over the basic view. The section of the screen that is of interest to us is the lower left part. In order to sell XRP, users will be required to enter the amount of XRP they wish to sell, the price per XRP (there is a very convenient option to set the price to the current best price) and then click the big red Sell Button.

The user interface, in both basic and advanced modes, is very clean and shines in terms of user experience as the disposition of elements in the graphical space contributes to the reduction of human errors in the trading process (for example, the buy button is a big green element on the page).

Parting Words

As we have seen above, there are quite a few reasons why one might want to sell XRP and rebalance into other cryptocurrencies. The most obvious reason is the ongoing litigation by the SEC which casts a cloud of uncertainty on both Ripple, the company, and XRP, the digital asset.

Selling XRP, as we have seen in our practical example, is definitely not rocket science (and it should never be). For the sake of simplicity, we have used Timex.io to illustrate the steps one needs to take to sell XRP, however these steps can easily be applied to any other exchange.

Happy Trading, and stay safe in the markets!
Production at John Deere's Waterloo, Iowa, assembly plant. The United Auto Workers hasn't declared a strike against Deere since 1986. (Photo: via Associated Press)

Roughly 10,000 workers at agricultural equipment manufacturer John Deere went on strike at midnight Wednesday evening, beginning one of the largest U.S. work stoppages in recent years.

The strike will affect production at 14 facilities in Iowa, Illinois and Kansas.

The workers had overwhelmingly rejected a tentative agreement negotiated between Deere and their union, the United Auto Workers. The strike will send both parties back to the bargaining table to find a resolution.

The UAW said members had set up picket lines outside Deere plants.

Our members at John Deere strike for the ability to earn a decent living, retire with dignity and establish fair work rules, Chuck Browning, the director of the UAWs Agricultural Implement Department, said in a statement. We stay committed to bargaining until our members goals are achieved.

The last time the UAW struck against Deere was 1986.

Deere managers had spent the days leading up to the strike trying to sell workers on the benefits of the contract proposal. The deal would have kept in place workers current health care plan that does not require premiums, but the total pay raise offered was 11% over six years, and the contract would have assured new workers received lesser retirement benefits than current employees, according to detailsreported by Labor Notes.

Many Deere workers had hoped to eliminate the two-tier system established in 1997, which reduced pension and health retirement benefits for those hired thereafter. Instead, the latest Deere proposal would expand on that system by eliminating defined-benefit pensions altogether for new hires moving forward.

The last time the UAW struck against John Deere was 1986.

Labor Notes reported that the offer doesnt repair the decades-long grievances that workers hold against Deere. One local union leader told the outlet that the membership is not at all in the mood for another concessionary contract.

Brad Morris, Deeres vice president of labor relations, said in a statement Thursday morning that the company would work day and night to understand our employees priorities and resolve this strike. He also said the company would keep our operations running during the work stoppage.

Story continues

We are determined to reach an agreement with the UAW that would put every employee in a better economic position and continue to make them the highest paid employees in the agriculture and construction industries, he said.

UAW Vice President Chuck Browning said Sunday that 90% of Deere workers disapproved of the contract proposal in a ratification vote, sending the union back to the table to get more from the company. Facebook pages run by the unions local affiliates filled with comments from members who were frustrated with both the company and the union and appeared eager to strike.

NO EXTENSIONS!!!! read one typical comment. Its our time to make decent money and have a good contract.

The current six-year collective bargaining agreement expired Oct. 1 but the union and Deere agreed to extend it while they negotiated further. The UAW has represented production workers at the company for nearly 80 years.

HuffPost readers: If you work at John Deere, we would like to talk to you about the strike. Email dave.jamieson@huffpost.com .

Workers expect more in part because the company has been doing so well, boosted by high demand for farm equipment. The company reported a record $1.79 billion in profits for the second quarter of 2021, topping the record set the previous quarter with $1.22 billion.

The Deere strike is one in a series of major work stoppages to hit the U.S. private sector recently, reflecting how unsatisfied unionized workers are with what their employers are offering. Workers at Frito-Lay, Nabisco and Kelloggs all went on strike to pressure their companies into offering more.

Meanwhile, some 60,000 film and TV workers have authorized a strike against the studios, while another 21,000 nurses and other health care workers have authorized one against Kaiser Permanente.

The film workers have set a strike deadline of Oct. 18. If they end up walking off the job, it would be the largest private sector strike in the U.S. since 2007.

This story has been updated with a statement from John Deere.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.
Five men alleged to be members of a street gang have been charged in last year's murder of the Chicago rapper FBG Duck, according to a federal indictment unsealed Wednesday.

The men, Charles Liggins, also known as "C Murda," 30; Kenneth Roberson, also known as "Kenny" and "Kenny Mac," 28; Tacarlos Offerd, also known as "Los," 30; Christopher Thomas, also known as "C Thang," 22; and Marcus Smart, also known as "Muwop," 22, are charged with murder in aid of racketeering and federal firearm violations and assaults in aid of racketeering.

A statement from the U.S. attorney's office for Northern Illinois said the five men, who it said were members of the O-Block street gang, "publicly claimed responsibility for acts of violence in Chicago and used social media and music to increase their criminal enterprise."

The O-Block gang "violently protected ... its territories on the South Side of Chicago" and "allegedly engaged in numerous acts of violence," the statement said  including the murder in August 2020 of FBG Duck, whose real name was Carlton Weekly.

Weekly, 26, and two other people were shot in the upscale community of Gold Coast. Weekly was fatally shot in the chest, the groin and the neck, police said.

He had released music on the Sony imprint Columbia and rapped often about gun violence.

Liggins, Offerd, Thomas and Smart were arrested Wednesday. Roberson was already in the custody of the Cook County Corrections Department.

"There are now five people in custody who weren't in custody before. Five people who were alleged to have committed a murder in broad daylight in the city of Chicago," said John Lausch, the U.S. attorney for Northern Illinois.

"Now it's known to them and it's known to anybody else who might be committing similar acts of brazen violence and who may brag about it or not brag about it that their day has come," he said.

The indictment detailing the charges was filed late last month. It is unclear whether any of the men have attorneys.

The murder count carries a minimum sentence of life in prison and a maximum sentence of the death penalty, prosecutors said.
A number of conspiracy theories are associated with the Denver International Airport. IMNATURE/Getty Images/George Rose/Getty Images

There are a number of conspiracy theories around Denver International Airport.

Some believe the airport is home to a cursed horse statue while others think it has secret bunkers.

Take a look at six theories behind one of the country's busiest airports.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Look up at the baggage claim in Denver International Airport (DIA) and you might be surprised to find a gargoyle overlooking the conveyor belts. Turn down the wrong hallway, and a worker might be stepping off an elevator after visiting the airport's tunnel system.

DIA is filled with unusual artwork and design, and, since its opening in February 1995, some people have turned these odd elements into full-fledged conspiracy theories.

Here's a look at six conspiracy theories that surround one of the country's busiest airports.

One conspiracy theory is centered on the airport's blue horse sculpture

The statue has earned the nickname "Blucifer." George Rose/Getty Images/Ted Alexander Somerville/Shutterstock

As planes land in sunny Colorado, a giant blue horse with blazing red eyes greets passengers, pilots, and flight attendants.

The cobalt-blue horse statue was created by sculptor Luis Jimenez, who died before it could be completed.

In 2006, when Jimenez was working on his piece, titled "Blue Mustang," part of the sculpture fell, which severed an artery and killed him, according to Visit Denver. The manner of death led some to invent a story about the horse coming to life and attacking the artist, The Denver Channel reported in 2020.

Jimenez's children finished the sculpture, and it was unveiled in 2008, according to The Denver Channel.

Today, some still think the statue is cursed. Others believe that the horse's glowing red eyes are a reference to the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, thus earning the statue's nickname "Blucifer," according to Visit Denver. But in fact, the eyes are a tribute to Jimenez's father who owned a neon lights shop in Mexico, The Denver Channel reported.

Some believe the art inside the airport contains hidden meanings

Story continues

A section of the "Children of the World Dream of Peace" mural by Leo Tanguma at Denver International Airport. BGStock72/Shutterstock

Denver's airport has artwork and artifacts sprinkled throughout its 1.5 million square feet. There are gargoyles overlooking baggage claims and a time capsule at the airport's south entrance.

The gargoyle sculptures, titled "Notre Denver" by Terry Allen, sit inside suitcases casting their gaze across the east and west baggage claim areas, according to Fly Denver.

One of two gargoyles at Denver International Airport by artist Terry Allen. Andy Cross/The Denver Post/Getty Images

"To some of the conspiracy theorists, this is a harbinger of something evil or nefarious," DIA's media-relations chief Heath Montgomery told Thrillist's Colin St. John. "But it's not. It's a fun piece of art."

Allen told Thrillist that instead the gargoyles are "looming over the baggage claim as protectors."

The dedication plaque above the time capsule at DIA has also sparked a conspiracy theory.

The plaque reads "New World Airport Commission," a group that never existed, according to DIA's website. According to Visit Denver, some think the airport is linked to the "New World Order," a conspiracy theory that believes a group of global elites is plotting a dictatorship to overtake the earth, a CBS News documentary reported.

A time capsule scribed with a Freemason symbol and the words "New World Airport Commission" at Denver International Airport. Andy Cross/The Denver Post/Getty Images

Also on the plaque is the Freemason symbol. The joined square and compasses represent the centuries-old fraternal society, according to The History Channel. The symbol is also often associated with the Illuminati, a fictitious global cabal that some conspiracy theorists believe runs the world, according to Vox.

The combination of the nonexistent "New World Airport Commission" and Freemason symbol have some people theorizing that the plaque indicates the airport was built by and for secret societies.

Alex Renteria, a spokesperson for DIA, debunked the theory. Renteria told The Denver Channel that the Freemasons created the plaque and that the phrasing refers to the idea that DIA was a new international airport "so, we were considered a new world airport - sort of access to the world."

Arrows point to alleged symbols in the mural "Children of the World Dream Peace." Andy Cross/The Denver Post/Getty Images

In another terminal, two murals painted by Leo Tanguma have fueled other theories.

Some believe that Tanguma's "Children of the World Dream of Peace" and "In Peace and Harmony with Nature" are filled with themes of Nazism, death, genocide, and an apocalyptic single government world, despite their positive titles, according to Uncover Colorado.

In one section of "Children of the World Dream of Peace," some believe the ghost-like soldier represents a Nazi wearing a gas mask, while others have pointed out the letter in the corner is from a child who died at Auschwitz, according to Thrillist. Meanwhile, some people believe that the soldier's saber is killing the Christian dove of peace, Thrillist reported.

In "In Peace and Harmony with Nature," images of children and people in coffins paint a bleak picture.

Sections of Leo Tanguma's "In Peace and Harmony with Nature" murals at the Denver International Airport. BGStock72/Shutterstock

But Renteria told The Denver Channel that the murals are a warning of the potential outcome of climate change, war, and violence.

She added that the art often isn't looked at in its entirety. For example, "In Peace and Harmony with Nature" has two sections. One side shows a scene of destruction while the other shows celebration and happiness.

There are several conspiracy theories about what could be under the airport

The tent-like cover on the main terminal of Denver International Airport. Glenn Asakawa/The Denver Post/Getty Images

One of the most popular conspiracy theories is that DIA is home to bunkers and underground tunnels. Some believe there are bunkers where the Illuminati will flock during an apocalypse while others think the tunnels could be home to aliens and lizard people, according to The Denver Post.

DIA's construction was scheduled to finish in October 1993, but the airport went $3 billion over budget, wasn't completed until February 1995, and went through numerous design changes and contract disputes, according to Uncover Colorado.

The changes - in budget, design, and construction - allowed theories to blossom about what was really going on underneath the airport, Uncover Colorado reported.

According to Renteria, it's true that there are tunnels under the airport - but they're used to transport bags to aircraft and luggage carousels.

"They're not full of conspiracy," Renteria said. "They're full of baggage."

Read the original article on Insider
An Alaska state senators refusal to wear a mask on a plane forced her to drive 750 miles and take a ferry to vote against a public health emergency bill. Now, she has COVID-19.

Lora Reinbold (R-Eagle River) announced Tuesday that she has tested positive and has devised her own home remedy rather than take Tylenol as prescribed by doctors.

Its my turn to battle Covid head on... game on! Who do you think is going to win? she wrote on Facebook.

I am taking lots of vitamins ABCD & Quercitin & zinc citrate. Vit E and aspirin to reduce clotting. I am blessed to have gotten Ivirmectin the de -covider. My Vicks steamer has been a God send! My naturopath gave me tips too- that I am sure will work!

Multiple federal health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration, have warned people not to use ivermectin, specifying that in human use it is only meant to treat infections caused by some parasitic worms and head lice and skin conditions like rosacea.

Ivermectin is not effective in treating COVID-19 and is dangerous in large doses, according to the FDA.

Reinbold was banned from Alaska Airlines, the only airline that travels from state capitol Juneau to her district in Anchorage year-round, in April for flouting the federal mask mandate.

Last month, she asked to be excused from legislative sessions, saying its too difficult for her to travel to Juneau because of the ban.
The prize is awarded by the European and Ibero-American Academy of Yuste Foundation and is given to those individuals, organizations, projects or initiatives who "have contributed to the general understanding and appreciation of the cultural,

scientific values, historians of Europe, as well as the process of unification of the European Community".

Merkel and King Felipe were greeted by flag waving fans and took their time to greet many of them before walking into the monastery.

Later they posed for pictures with Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and took a walk through the monastery.
A bipartisan group of senators announced Thursday they will soon introduce an antitrust bill to rein in Big Tech, improving the prospects for major legislation reaching President Joe Biden's desk.

Introduced by Sens. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, and Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, the bill will be a companion to one of the bipartisan antitrust bills that passed the House Judiciary Committee over the summer.

The Senate bill, the American Innovation and Choice Online Act, provides a big boost to tech critics and anti-monopolists by creating rules of the road for Big Tech platforms such as Facebook, Google, Amazon, and Apple, ensuring they cannot unfairly give preference to their own products and services.

As dominant digital platforms  some of the biggest companies our world has ever seen  increasingly give preference to their own products and services, we must put policies in place to ensure small businesses and entrepreneurs still have the opportunity to succeed in the digital marketplace," Klobuchar said in a statement.

Eight senators have attached their names to the legislation so far, including Republicans Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, John Kennedy of Louisiana, and Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, as well as Democrats Dick Durbin of Illinois, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, and Cory Booker of New Jersey. Republican Sen. Josh Hawley, a vocal critic of the Big Tech companies, is also expected to express support for the legislation.

The bill will focus on establishing new rules to stop anti-competitive behavior among dominant online platforms, give antitrust enforcers such as the Federal Trade Commission and the Justice Department new powers to tackle the companies, and prevent self-preferencing behavior by the tech giants.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

"Big Tech needs to be held accountable if they behave in a discriminatory manner. Our bill will help create a more even playing field and ensure that small businesses are able to compete with these platforms," Grassley said in a statement.

Story continues

Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: News, Policy, Economy, online commerce, Big Tech, Social Media, Apple, Google, Amazon, Facebook, Amy Klobuchar, Chuck Grassley, Senate Judiciary Committee, Monopoly, Antitrust

Original Author: Nihal Krishan

Original Location: Bipartisan group of senators release bill to rein in Big Tech
Deja Harrison's driver's license and military ID. Harrison said she presented both IDs to the casino employee on October 5. Courtesy of Deja Harrison

A Black Army officer is pursuing legal action after a Louisiana casino employee denied her entry.

Deja Harrison said the Harrah's New Orleans guard claimed she wasn't the person on her military ID.

A viral video showed Harrison's interaction with the security guard on October 5.

For Deja Harrison, a visit to a Louisiana casino earlier this month escalated when an employee denied her entry, saying she was not the person on her military ID. Now the 23-year-old US Army second lieutenant is pursuing legal action, NewsNation Now reported.

On October 5, Harrison and her stepbrother went to Harrah's New Orleans to celebrate his birthday. When the electronic scanner at the casino failed to read her state driver's license, she showed the guard her military ID, Harrison told Insider on Wednesday.

"He immediately looked at my rank, and he was like, 'This ID is fake. This isn't you, and there's no way possible that you made this rank in a short period of time,'" she said.

Harrison, a recent graduate of Grambling State University, said the employee's remarks were hard to hear, especially after her efforts during the summer.

"I just commissioned the summer. I just came from a 38-day training, sleepless nights, 16-hour days, walking 12 miles a day with heavy equipment on, and I was just like, wow, this man is telling me I didn't do this," she said. "I've worked so hard to be in the military and to be where I am now."

Harrison posted a video of the encounter on Twitter

In addition to both IDs, Harrison showed the guard a military pay stub and her vaccination card, she said. She started to record the confrontation and posted the video on Twitter.

"You said I had a fake military ID, right?" Harrison said in the video.

"I'm not saying that the ID is fake. I'm saying that I don't think that it's you," the security guard responded.

Story continues

"This is my face. I'm an E-6. Actually, I'm a second lieutenant now," Harrison said while showing the employee her two valid IDs.

At the end of the video, the employee said he was calling the New Orleans Police Department. WDSU reported that it reviewed the local 911 database and that it did not appear the casino called the police during that time.

Harrison told Insider she was humiliated and scared as she waited hours for the police to arrive.

"Honestly, because of this, I haven't been getting sleep," she said.

Harrah's New Orleans issued a statement on October 7

Harrah's New Orleans did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, but it addressed the incident in a public statement last week.

It said its employees check the IDs of guests "who appear to be under 30 years old."

"Our Team Members are trained to evaluate identification in accordance with local regulations. In this case, Ms. Harrison, who appeared to be under 30, presented a Louisiana driver's license that did not clear our electronic verification system," the statement said.

The statement continued: "When asked for an alternative form of identification, she presented a military ID card, but the information on the ID card did not match the information she verbally communicated to our security officers. As a result, in compliance with applicable gaming regulations, our security officers did not permit Ms. Harrison to enter the casino."

-Harrah's New Orleans (@harrahsnola) October 7, 2021

James DeSimone, an attorney representing Harrison, told Insider that they were filing "a civil-rights case on behalf of Lieutenant Harrison" and that they "seek to get justice through the courts."

"We believe in our jury system. We think that a jury who hears this will be similarly outraged at how Harrison was treated when she arrived at Harrah's, how she had the wait two hours in fear that this was not going to end well when the police showed up," DeSimone said. "We will get accountability for Lieutenant Harrison through our system of justice."

Read the original article on Insider
BEIJING (AP)  China and Russia are holding joint naval drills off the Russian Far East in the latest sign of their growing political and military alignment.

The exercises Joint Sea 2021 kicked off with a ceremony on Thursday in Russias Peter the Great Gulf and will run through Sunday.

Chinese state media said the drills would encompass communications, anti-mine, anti-air and anti-submarine operations, joint maneuvering and firing on seaborn targets.

While such exercises have been held before, the reports said this is the first time China has sent anti-submarine warfare planes and destroyers of more than 10,000 tons in displacement for exercises abroad.

China and Russia are united in opposing the dominant U.S. influence in global affairs and have been harsh critics of Washington's foreign policy stumbles in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

While Beijing generally follows Moscow's lead on matters such as Iran, it has grown increasingly assertive in defending what it considers its vital interests regarding Taiwan, the South China Sea and throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Beijing has strongly criticized an agreement for Australia to obtain a fleet of eight nuclear-powered submarines built with U.S. technology announced last month that is largely seen as a response to China's vastly upgraded naval capabilities.
BEIJING (AP)  China is preparing to send three astronauts to live on its space station for six months  a new milestone for a program that has advanced rapidly in recent years.

It will be China's longest crewed space mission and set a record for the most time spent in space by Chinese astronauts. The Shenzhou-13 spaceship is expected to be launched into space on a Long March-2F rocket early Saturday morning from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on the edge of the Gobi Desert in northwestern China.

The first crew who served a 90-day mission aboard the main Tianhe core module of the space station returned in mid-September.

The new crew has two veterans of space travel. Pilot Zhai Zhigang, 55, performed Chinas first spacewalk. Wang Yaping, 41, and the only woman on the mission, carried out experiments and led a science class in real-time while traveling on one of Chinas earlier experimental space stations. Ye Guangfu, 41, will be traveling into space for the first time.

The three later spoke to reporters through a glass barrier at the Jiuquan base, with Zhai saying the length of the mission would be a challenge, but one he was confident they were prepared to meet.

After almost two years of training (together), our crew members now know each other well and have a tacit understanding. I believe that with the power and wisdom of our team, (we) will definitely resolve all difficulties, Zhai said.

Russian cosmonaut Valery Polyakov, who lived on Russias old Mir space station in 1994 and 1995, holds the record for the longest stay in space at more than 14 months.

The mission is expected to continue the work of the initial crew, who conducted two spacewalks, deployed a 10-meter (33-foot) mechanical arm, and held a video call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

China Manned Space Agency Deputy Director Lin Xiqiang said the rocket was fueled and ready to fly. All systems conducting the Shenzhou-13 mission have undergone a comprehensive rehearsal. The flight crew is in good condition and our pre-launch preparations are in order," Lin said at a Thursday briefing.

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The crew's scheduled activities include up to three spacewalks to install equipment in preparation for expanding the station, verifying living conditions in the module and conducting experiments in space medicine and other areas, Lin said.

Chinas military, which runs the space program, has released few details but says it will send multiple crews to the station over the next two years to make it fully functional. Shenzhou-13 will be the fifth mission, including trips without crews to deliver supplies.

When completed with the addition of two more modules  named Mengtian and Wentian  the station will weigh about 66 tons, a fraction of the size of the International Space Station, which launched its first module in 1998 and will weigh around 450 tons when completed. Lin said the two additional modules would be sent before the end of next year during the stay of the yet-to-be-named Shenzhou-14 crew.

China was excluded from the International Space Station largely due to U.S. objections over the Chinese programs secretive nature and close military ties. It made plans to build its own space stations in the early 1990s and had two experimental modules before starting on the permanent station.

U.S. law requires congressional approval for contact between the American and Chinese space programs, but China is cooperating with space experts from countries including France, Sweden, Russia and Italy.

Lin said China was expanding such cooperation, with Ye Guangfu having undergone training with the European Space Agency in 2016, and European astronauts participating in China's sea survival training in 2017.

We welcome astronauts from other countries entering our space station and conducting international cooperation," Lin said. We believe that after the station enters the operation and utilization phase, more foreign astronauts will visit our station.

Commenting on his time with the ESA, Ye called it an unforgettable experience that made me realize that the exploration of the vast space and the construction of a home in space are a shared mission and pursuit for astronauts."

I look forward to the day when international colleagues can travel in space together (with us), and I welcome them to visit Chinas space station, Ye said.

China has launched seven crewed missions with a total of 14 astronauts aboard since 2003, when it became only the third country after the former Soviet Union and the United States to put a person in space on its own. Two Chinese astronauts have flown twice.

Along with its crewed missions, China has expanded its work on lunar and Mars exploration, including placing a rover on the little-explored far side of the Moon and returning lunar rocks to Earth for the first time since the 1970s.

China this year also landed its Tianwen-1 space probe on Mars, whose accompanying Zhurong rover has been exploring for evidence of life on the red planet.

Other programs call for collecting soil from an asteroid and bring back additional lunar samples. China has also expressed an aspiration to land people on the moon and possibly build a scientific base there, although no timeline has been proposed for such projects. A highly secretive space plane is also reportedly under development.
By Josh Horwitz

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - A campaign calling on workers at Chinese tech companies and other high-profile firms to log their working hours on a public internet page has gone viral, in the latest backlash against a culture of overtime.

Organised by four anonymous creators who described themselves as recent graduates, the "Worker Lives Matter" campaign calls on employees at tech firms to enter their company name, position, and working hours in a spreadsheet posted on GitHub.

As of Thursday morning, more than 4,000 people who said they worked at tech giants such as Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, Baidu Inc, Tencent Holdings Ltd and ByteDance had registered their data.

Employees have since also created separate spreadsheets for specific sectors such as real estate, finance, and foreign companies.

A majority of the entries on the spreadsheet show that while a five-day week is the norm, many staffers work 10 to 12 hours a day.

One of the creators said in a post that they hoped the list would be an effective reference tool for workers when choosing jobs.

In another post, the team argued that the "996" practice of working 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. six days a week was rife and working hours were at internet firms were often opaque.

"We hope to make a contribution to the boycott of '996' and the popularization of '955'," said one of the creators on China's question-and-answer site Zhihu in a post viewed 6 million times. "955" mean 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. five days a week.

Alibaba, Tencent, Baidu and ByteDance did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Long work hours are a hot topic for China's tech workers and others among the young, white-collar class.

The issue first gained attention in 2019, when tech workers launched a similar online campaign against "996".

In recent months, criticism of long hours has gained traction because of a government crackdown on tech companies that has shone a spotlight on their treatment of workers.

This year, companies including TikTok owner ByteDance, short video platform Kuaishou and food delivery giant Meituan have cut compulsory weekend overtime. China's top court in August described "996" as illegal.

(Reporting by Josh Horwitz; Additional reporting by Yingzhi Yang; Editing by Robert Birsel)
(Bloomberg) -- A group of private sector employees in China have begun an online campaign to gather their working hours in a protest against the excessive work culture in the country.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The so-called Worker Lives Matter campaign is asking employees in various industries like technology and finance to share what time they start and end their workday as well as how many days they work per week. As of Thursday, the spreadsheet had more than 4,000 entries, including contributions from within tech giants like Tencent Holdings Ltd., Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and ByteDance Ltd.

The countrys grueling work pace -- known as 996 because employees often labor from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. six days a weeks -- was long celebrated by tech billionaires from Alibabas Jack Ma to JD.com Inc. founder Richard Liu. But its come under renewed scrutiny this year, fueled by deaths associated with overwork and a growing chorus of social media complaints. With President Xi Jinping calling on the country to work toward common prosperity, authorities have stepped up warnings against employers to refrain from unreasonable overtime and other violations.

Read more: QuickTake on Chinas 996 culture

We workers also need to live! declared the campaigns page on the software collaboration site GitHub.

The latest campaign echoes an earlier effort by tech employees to protest long working hours. In 2019, a group of Chinese programmers took to GitHub to banish startups accused of mistreating employees from using their open-source code.

In response to growing public pressure, internet companies including ByteDance and Kuaishou Technology have taken initial steps to dial down working hours. Earlier this year, the two short-video giants canceled an alternating system where employees take just one day off per week every two weeks.

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The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine being prepared for shipping. But how to get it into the arms of people in less wealthy countries? (Associated Press)

Let's raise a glass of congratulations to Noubar Afeyan, Robert Langer and Timothy Springer, three newly minted members of the Forbes magazine billionaires roster.

The trio owe their new wealth to the pandemic. More specifically, to the biotech company Moderna's achievement in developing and marketing one of the most efficacious vaccines for COVID-19.

Venture investor Afeyan, Moderna's chairman, is now worth $4 billion by Forbes' reckoning, based on the company's share price; MIT bioengineer Langer, a Moderna co-founder, is worth $3.9 billion; and Harvard biocehmist Springer, an early Moderna investor and owner of 3.5% of the company, is worth $4.8 billion.

Do not underestimate the resolve of the United States government in addressing this issue.

Biden vaccine aide David Kessler

They join Moderna CEO Stephan Bancel on the Forbes list, where he landed last year. He's now worth $10.7 billion.

With the praise out of the way, let's now condemn them and their company for its failure to meet its commitments to provide its life-saving vaccines to the world.

First-world countries have generally fallen short on their promises to provide COVID-19 vaccines to less developed countries. COVAX, or COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access, an initiative of the World Health Organization and other entities to distribute doses worldwide, set a goal in June 2020 to distribute 2 billion doses globally by the end of this year.

COVAX recently acknowledged that it will miss that goal. In fact, the initiative has delivered only 319 million doses thus far. As the medical news website STAT reports, of the 785 million doses that wealthy countries pledged to donate to COVAX as of Sept. 24, fewer than 20% have arrived. Meanwhile, 98% of the population of low-income countries are still unvaccinated.

"Of the more than 6.5 billion doses administered globally, fewer than 4% have gone to people in low-income countries," Tom Frieden, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, observed recently. "Not only is this morally indefensible, it assures the pandemic will be needlessly extended and that millions more may die."

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Frieden is currently the head of Resolve to Save Lives, a group devoted to spurring more equitable global distribution of vaccines.

Moderna has been coming under mounting pressure to increase its vaccine manufacturing, specifically to serve the needs of less-developed countries.

"They need to step up as a company and provide COVAX with doses at not-for-profit prices," David Kessler, chief science officer of the Biden administration's COVID-19 response team, said Wednesday during a panel discussion sponsored by Yale Law School.

Possibly in a response to recent criticism, Moderna this week announced a deal to provide 176.5 million doses of its vaccine to COVAX in the first half of next year. The doses will be sold at the company's lowest price. Moderna also announced that it will build a "state-of-the-art facility" in Africa with the ultimate capacity to turn out 500 million doses per year.

Vaccine experts say that would be an important advance, since most vaccine manufacturing capacity is in the U.S., Europe and China. But Moderna didn't say when or where the facility will be built.

Most vaccine manufacturing takes place in China, the U.S. and Europe. That's keeping the COVID vaccines from being widely distributed in the Third World. (Global Commission for Post-Pandemic Policy)

As Frieden points out, beyond the moral imperative it's in the interest of developed countries to get the rest of the world vaccinated. Unvaccinated populations can harbor new variants of the pandemic virus that could evade the vaccines we have today. That would trigger the need for yet more billions of new vaccines and booster shots.

By some estimates, the world faces an overall shortage of 4 billion vaccine doses. The largest manufacturer up to now has been China, which has administered about half of the 6.5 billion doses given globally.

But China's vaccines, Sinovac and Sinopharm, have been shown to be somewhat less effective than vaccines developed by Moderna and a joint venture of Pfizer and the German company BioNPharm. The two vaccines use similar technology and are roughly equivalent in efficacy.

Moderna has received much of the criticism failing to meet global demand for several reasons. One is that its vaccine production has lagged behind other manufacturers including Pfizer.

Another is that Moderna has been a leading recipient of funding from the U.S. government  $10 billion, according to Kessler's estimate. That includes direct research grants, rights to patents belonging to the government, and bulk purchases of doses.

Pfizer also has received significant help from the government, chiefly in vaccine purchases and access to government-owned research, but didn't accept direct grants from government agencies to develop its vaccines.

"While Moderna deserves substantial credit," Kessler said during the Yale discussion, "the U.S. government has played a very substantial role in making Moderna the company it is. That ups the ante on Moderna, and we have said so."

Neither Pfizer nor Moderna has been shy about the billions of dollars in profits they expect to reap from their COVID vaccines. In the first six months of this year ended June 30, Moderna pocketed $4 billion in profits on $5.9 billion in revenue, almost entirely from its COVID vaccine, its only product.

Pfizer reported $11.4 billion in profits from $33.6 billion in revenue, of which $14.1 billion came from its COVID-19 and other vaccines, for the same period.

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla bridled last year when asked whether Pfizer should abjure profits from the COVID vaccine.

"You need to be very fanatic and radical to say something like that right now," he replied. "The private sector found the solution for diagnostics, and the private sector found the solution for therapeutics and is along [the] way to find more solutions for therapeutics and vaccines.

The notion that the private sector achieved all this entirely on its own is the bedrock of the pharmaceutical industrys position that it deserves everything it can get.

But its wrong. None of the drug industry's diagnostics, therapeutics or vaccines would exist if the U.S. and other developed countries hadnt funded basic research before the companies stepped in to exploit it. The role of public funding in drug development has been an open secret for decades.

As we've reported previously, among the obstacles to more aggressive manufacturing of the COVID vaccines is the stranglehold Moderna and Pfizer maintain on manufacturing licenses.

The U.S. government decided early in the development stage to leave licensing to the companies themselves. That gave them an effective duopoly, as Frieden puts it.

Yet the government has several powerful tools to break up their stranglehold. One is the Defense Production Act, which empowers the president to "allocate materials, services and facilities," including technical information necessary for vaccine production, to serve national defense.

Given that COVID-19 has killed more than 700,000 Americans, the act "really is meant and designed for these situations," Zain Rizvi, a law and policy researcher at Public Citizen, said during the Yale panel. "It is puzzling why all the authority of the Defense Production Act has yet to be used."

Another lever appears to come from the contract Moderna signed with the government's Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) for its research grant.

The contract may give the government the legal right to access and share the ingredient list and manufacturing instructions for its vaccine, according to a letter that Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) sent to Kessler on Oct. 12.

The lawmakers asked for information about the administration's "efforts to accelerate global vaccine manufacturing [and] expand access to COVID-19 vaccines around the world."

Kessler said during the panel discussion that the government has been in "very intense discussions" with Moderna's board and management. "There is very substantial capacity for them to close" the COVID gap, "and they need to do that."

Kessler warned, rhetorically, "do not underestimate the resolve of the United States government in addressing this issue. These companies understand our authorities, and understand that we would not be afraid to use them. But the best recourse is for them to step up to the plate now."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Oct. 13A Connecticut man was charged with murder after he fatally stabbed another man early Wednesday morning at the Fryeburg Fairgrounds.

Anderson Gomes, 28, of Waterbury, Connecticut, was found stabbed near the fairgrounds restrooms about 1:05 a.m., according to Katy England, a spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety.

He died at the scene.

Carlos A. Negron, 46, was arrested around noon on Wednesday and taken to Oxford County Jail. Negron and Gomes knew each other, England said, adding there's no risk to the general public.

The Maine medical examiner's office in Augusta will conduct an autopsy in the coming days.

BDN's Rosemary Lausier contributed to this report.
Oct. 14The Glynn County Police Department tapped a veteran federal law enforcement officer as part of its plans for an expanded command structure.

Capt. Michael Robinson is now in charge of the administrative division, a role he began Monday, said county assistant police chief Rickey Evans.

With Robinson's hiring, former administrative commander Capt. Resden Talbert is now commanding the newly created Support Services Division, Evans said. Support services will supervise specialty teams such as SWAT and hostage negotiation, although its full identity is still being developed, Evans said.

The move expands the department from three to four divisions. Capt. Keith Stalvey is commander of the Patrol Division and Capt. Jeremiah Bergquist is commander of the Investigations Division.

Talbert has been with the county police department 13 years. Bergquist has been with the department 15 years, and Stalvey is a 23-year veteran of the department.

Robinson's extensive federal law enforcement career includes stints with the U.S. Secret Service and the FBI and as a special agent for the Office of the Inspector General. Robinson also served as director of the inspector general academy at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, 1131 Chapel Crossing Road, from which he recently retired.

Robinson will bolster the department's goal of attaining state and national police certification.

"He'll be pretty much over our office of professional standards," Evans said. "He's very knowledgeable on numerous different aspects of law enforcement. He really brings a lot to the table. And he's really just a great guy. We're impressed."

Evans has been overseeing daily operations while newly hired Glynn County Police Chief Jacques Battiste completes the 11-week state law enforcement academy in Forsyth to attain Georgia Peace Officer's Standards and Training (POST) certification. Battiste, 56, entered the academy in late September and is expected to complete the course in December, Evans said.

A veteran of 22 years with the FBI in Washington, D.C., and Quantico, Va., Battiste was serving as the training and tactical coordinator with the Orleans Parish Constable's Office in New Orleans when the county commission hired him in June. Louisiana waived the state's certification process because of Battiste's federal law enforcement background.

Georgia would have extended the same courtesy, except he retired from the FBI in 2017. Georgia's POST standards require that the federal certification be active within three years.
The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the national diaper shortage in North Carolina, according to diaper banks.

The National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) has reported a diaper shortage is affecting about 33% of American households. Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, requests for diapers in North Carolina have increased by 400%, said Michelle Old, founder and executive director of the Diaper Bank of North Carolina.

One in 3 families in the Triangle area experiences diaper need, Old said. The NDBN reported families spend an average of $80 a month on diapers, while 25% of North Carolina's 361,132 children under age 3 live with families earning less than 100% of the federal poverty level.

"Children in low-income families are at greatest risk of suffering the effects of diaper need because many families can't afford diapers," the NDBN said. "Current public support programs help some, but young children have additional needs necessary to build a strong foundation for healthy growth and to reach their full potential."

Diapers account for 14%-16% of a low-income family's monthly budget, according to network data. Old said government assistance programs such as WIC and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) do not cover personal hygiene products. Most (78%) of the families who use the diaper bank work multiple jobs but still cannot afford basic hygiene items, Old said.

NDBN data showed 64% of mothers with infants are part of North Carolina's workforce. Nationwide, 57% of parents needing diaper assistance who rely on child care said they missed an average of four days of school or work in one month because they didn't have diapers, the network reported.

The pandemic also reduced the donations to North Carolina's three NDBN diaper banks. Church groups, corporate organizations and other donors who would normally conduct drives stopped meeting in person. Those drives used to bring in around 400,000 diapers a year, Old said. The three diaper banks distribute more than 3.4 million diapers a year.

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"We are buying more diapers to meet the need than we have in the history of our organization," Old said.

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Tags: News, North Carolina, State

Original Author: Nyamekye Daniel | The Center Square

Original Location: COVID-19 exacerbates diaper shortage in North Carolina
COVID-19 was the No. 1 leading cause of death in the U.S. in January, at the peak of last winter's brutal coronavirus surge, but then vaccines became widely available and it dropped to No. 7 by July, the Kaiser Family Foundation says in a new analysis of COVID-19 fatalities. Then the Delta variant hit and found ample unvaccinated Americans to kick COVID-19 back up to the No. 2 killer in August and September, the leading cause of death for Americans age 35 to 54, and even the sixth or seventh leading cause of death for children.

COVID-19 Deaths

Kaiser Family Foundation

COVID-19 Deaths by Age

Kaiser Family Foundation

In September, "COVID-19 took the lives of 1,899 people per day on average," KFF writes. "By comparison, heart disease, which is typically the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S. each year, leads to the death of about 2,000 Americans per day, and cancer claims about 1,600 American lives per day." Deaths are declining now, but "an average of over 1,600 people per day continued to die of COVID-19 in the first week of October," KFF said, "even as safe and effective vaccines have been free and widely available to adults in all states and D.C. since early May."

KFF also calculated that about 90,000 Americans who died of COVID-19 from June through September would still be alive if they had gotten vaccinated, including 49,000 people in September alone. "The overwhelming majority of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths continue to be preventable," KFF says.

Excess COVID-19 deaths

Kaiser Family Foundation

As of Oct. 7, about 78 percent of U.S. adults 18 and older have gotten at least one vaccine dose, KFF says, and more than 50 million adults remain unvaccinated. "In the first months after the vaccine rollout, Black Americans were far less likely than white Americans to be vaccinated," The New York Times reports. "But a wave of pro-vaccine campaigns and a surge of virus hospitalizations and deaths this summer, mostly among the unvaccinated and caused by the highly contagious Delta variant, have narrowed the gap," erasing it in low-vaccination states like Alabama, North Carolina, and Mississippi.

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If Mississippi  where 1 of every 300 residents has died of COVID 19  were a country, it would have the world's third-highest per capita death rate, Times reporter Mike Baker noted. He also estimates that nearly 500,000 fewer Americans would have died of COVID-19 if the U.S. had managed to keep its fatality rate on par with Canada.

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WARSAW (Reuters) - Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki accused European Union institutions on Thursday of infringing on the rights of member states, as he prepared to present Warsaw's position in a row over the rule of law next week before the European Parliament.

Poland's nationalist government has been at odds with the European Commission in Brussels over judicial reforms, media freedoms and LGBT rights since taking power in 2015, but a recent court ruling that parts of EU law are incompatible with the Polish constitution has brought matters to a head.

"We are at a crucial moment, you could say at a crossroads in the EU's history," Morawiecki told the Polish parliament. "Democracy is being tested - how far will European nations retreat before this usurpation by some EU institutions."

The ruling by Poland's Constitutional Tribunal, an institution the government's critics say has become politicised as part of reforms they say undermine judicial independence, challenges a key tenet of European integration.

Poland says the EU has overstepped its mandate by attempting to prevent the government's judicial reforms, and that the Constitutional Tribunal ruling asserts the primacy of the Polish constitution in a way that is no different from rulings handed down by courts in other European countries.

'VERY SERIOUS'

Asked about Morawiecki's comments on Thursday, Commission spokesman Christian Wigand said the EU executive had "the task of safeguarding the proper functioning of the Union's legal order... and will ensure that the rights of Europeans under the Treaties will continue to be protected..."

He said an in-depth analysis of the Polish court ruling was underway, adding that an initial assessment pointed to "very serious issues in relation to the primacy of EU law".

The court ruling could put at risk some 23 billion euros in EU grants and 34 billion in cheap loans that Poland could otherwise count on as part of the EU's recovery fund after the COVID-19 pandemic.

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It has also spurred talk of a "Polexit", though Warsaw says it has no intention of following Britain out of the EU.

Polish government spokesman Piotr Muller said Morawiecki would attend the European Parliament session in Strasbourg next Tuesday to present Poland's position in the rule of law dispute.

(Reporting by Alan Charlish, Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk and Pawel Florkiewicz in Warsaw, Jan Strupczewski in Brussels; Editing by Gareth Jones)
A donkey. Illustrated | iStock

Virginia is having an election next month, not that you'd know it from how Democratic leadership is behaving.

General elections in Virginia happen on odd years, and this year, Virginians will elect a new governor and determine who controls the state's House of Delegates. The last two presidential elections might suggest this is a solid state for Democrats  Hillary Clinton won Virginia by over five points in 2016, and President Biden won it by 10 points in 2020. But key state races are much closer. In the 2019 election, Democrats outpaced Republicans by about 200,000 votes in House of Delegates races  but the races that decided control of the House had a combined margin of only a few thousand. This year's margins could be similarly narrow.

Virginia will also be a key test for the Democratic Party, a preview of the midterms next year. Historically, parties that control the White House struggle to turn out their voters in off-year elections  and that's especially true of Democrats, with their younger and more economically downscale voting base. If Democrats can buck that trend and maintain control of Virginia's government, it will bode well for their midterm prospects and validate Virginia Dems' strategy of pushing through their campaign agenda. Conversely, if Republicans win with their strategy of running Trumpy extremists for Virginia House seats, 2022 will look grim for Democrats, and democracy itself will be in peril in the state.

So why are Democratic elites paying comparatively little attention to the Virginia race? If the party sleeps on this and loses, it will be a disaster.

Granted, the gubernatorial race between Democrat Terry McAuliffe and Republican Glenn Youngkin (a fervent supporter of former President Donald Trump who is clumsily pretending to be moderate) is getting some national money and attention. But races further down the ballot are woefully neglected. Critical House of Delegates races are thus far flying under the radar, and Democratic leaders aren't doing much to change that. The fundraising numbers don't lie: No Democrat in a competitive House race in the state has more than $450,000 on hand, and most have much less than that as they head into the home stretch of their campaigns.

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That's particularly shameful because Virginia Democrats have a impressive track record for a moderate state. Over the last several years, they've expanded Medicaid, passed measures banning workplace discrimination over sexual orientation, returned the right to vote to 200,000 ex-prisoners, increased education spending, capped the price of insulin, largely decriminalized marijuana, and more. This is solid campaign material and a good proof of concept that Democrats can win if they do things rather than sitting on their hands.

But they still need money for advertising, canvassing, and so on. The national party's neglect is all the more frustrating because state legislative campaigns are comparatively cheap. A whole House of Delegates election typically costs in the mid-six figures  not nothing, but chump change compared to a congressional race. "In the last 20 days these candidates need resources to get their message out, and they'll only spend close to 1 percent of what a U.S. Senate candidate does," Aaron Kleinman, director of research for The States Project, which works on state-level campaigns, told The Week.

Sure enough, Rep. Val Demings (D-Fla.) just raised $8.4 million in a single quarter for her campaign against Sen. Marco Rubio (R) in Florida next year. Ten percent of that would likely be enough for Democrats to maintain control of the Virginia House.

And while Demings is a legitimate (albeit long-shot) candidate, there's a manifest danger of political grifters ruining broader Democratic prospects here. Across the country, fast-talking hucksters have claimed huge money and attention by pandering to Democratic voters with wild promises of how they can defeat the party's most hated rivals. Near-fraudulent candidates have wasted tons of money on doomed vanity campaigns. For example, Kentucky's Amy McGrath raised $96 million in an utterly pointless race against Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). That money could have done real good in smaller races. Instead, McGrath took it and lost by 20 points.

Almost worse are inept (if not corrupt) candidates who raise millions for winnable campaigns, only to lose because they were more interested in funneling money to friendly consultants than actually getting votes. Sara Gideon raised over $74 million in a Senate race against Maine's Susan Collins (R), yet still lost by 8 points in a state Biden carried easily. As Maine resident Nathan Bernard writes, that's probably because she spent tons of money on out-of-state consultants, ran obnoxious dark money ads attacking Collins, and constantly pestered Maine residents for cash even in the final hours of the race  despite the fact that she had $15 million in the bank on election day.

Of course, it's a lot easier to get organic attention and donations for a national race, but that's exactly why party elites ought to be pushing against the trend by paying attention to Virginia. Few have done so  for instance, at time of writing, Biden's official Twitter account has mentioned the Virginia race just once in the past week, and that only to plug McAuliffe. His Facebook account hasn't mentioned the state at all in that period. Maybe others are doing what they can, but as shown by the fundraising numbers above, it clearly isn't enough.

For decades now, Republicans have exploited Democratic inattention to build a foundation of power at the state level. The GOP spends a lot on state elections. They've won hundreds of seats across the country and used granular data to create ultra-gerrymandered district maps in every state they could. In places like Wisconsin, it's now virtually impossible for Democrats to control the state legislature, even if they get a large majority of votes. If the GOP wins in Virginia, they will certainly try the same tricks again  using state-level authority as a springboard to seize national power, as outlined in Trump lawyer John Eastman's memo about how to execute a coup d'etat.

Let's hope Democrats can wake up to the danger and start spending more strategically. The future of the American republic might depend on it.

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(PHOTO: Getty Images)

SINGAPORE  After a night out with friends and colleagues, an unmasked drunk man began verbally abusing police officers who tried to help him at Jurong Point Shopping Centre.

Holland Gary Joseph Bates, 37, was fined $4,000 on Thursday (14 October) after pleading guilty to using abusive words against a public servant, and failing to wear a mask in public, with two similar charges considered for his sentencing. The Briton is an international school teacher.

On 26 June last year, at 1.36 am, the police received a call from a man stating that two drunk Caucasians are causing trouble here. The location given was a walkway outside Jurong Point, outside an Old Chang Kee outlet.

Two teams of police officers made their way down a few minutes later and saw security officers speaking to Bates. One team of officers, comprising Sergeant Muhammad Nasri Mustafa and Sergeant Chua Kian Tiong, then approached Bates, while the other team approached the person who made the phone call.

As Chua and Nasri approached Bates, they identified themselves with their authority card, but Bates, who was not wearing a mask, threatened to kick them if they came closer. The pair said that they were there to help Bates but the latter was hostile, saying that he would take them down if they touched him, just as the others had done to him. Bates did not specify who the others were.

When Nasri requested for Bates identity card, Bates hurled profanities, insisting you police cant do anything to me. Nasri asked Bates to leave the premises, but was ignored. He insisted that somebody had done something to him.

When Bates turned to look away, Nasri pinned him to the ground while Chua handcuffed him, prompting Bates to say, f*** off, you cant arrest me. He was arrested.

He was also asked where his mask was, but Bates replied that he did not know.

Bates lawyer Sankar Saminathan said that after a long period of unemployment, his client returned to teaching in an international school and wanted to make Singapore his home after marrying his girlfriend.

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The lawyer said that there was an incident involving another group of people which had turned ugly. As Bates was drunk, he thought the incident was still ongoing when the police approached him.

Bates had been out with his colleagues and friends that night to try to feel better as there was a possibility of losing their jobs.

He wasnt aware of what happened that night so it took me a while to explain to him. After viewing the video, I told him this is what happened. He has no recollection of exactly what happened after the police came. He is very remorseful for what has happened, said the lawyer.

Im asking for Your Honours compassion because he is gainfully employed again after losing his job for a period of time. He is really not a serious threat. It is just a one-off incident, he added.

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This article originally appeared in Valid Points, CoinDesks weekly newsletter breaking down Ethereum 2.0 and its sweeping impact on crypto markets. Subscribe to Valid Points here.

An under-the-radar rendezvous of core Ethereum developers took place in Greece last week, with major progress being made toward the Merge.

According to ConsenSys Ben Edgington, a Beacon Chain developer, the teams accomplished the transition of a multi-client devnet from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake. Eth1 execution clients and Eth2 consensus clients successfully merged to create a network capable of processing transactions.

This news comes shortly after the announcement of Altairs coming upgrade on Oct. 27. The Altair upgrade is a significant step in the transition to proof-of-stake, giving developers a low stakes warm-up and further functionality on the Beacon Chain. While the puzzle that is the Merge seemingly moved slowly at first, it is beginning to fall into place all at once.

As we approach the eventual transition to proof-of-stake, it is important to note what the upgrade will change and what will stay the same.

Immediate impacts on users and the overall network:

Proof-of-stake allows validators to propose and validate blocks without using the energy currently required to mine these blocks. Proof-of-work miners are required to compete for blocks, incentivizing them to invest in advanced hardware and more energy usage than their mining peers. Proof-of-stake consensus randomly distributes block proposal opportunities to validators on the network, alleviating some of the competition that is so prominent in proof-of-work.

Going hand in hand with energy efficiency, the need for expensive mining equipment and access to energy allows mining pools and large miners to dominate the network. While economies of scale will almost always arise, proof-of-stake allows users with arguably smaller initial investments to become validators on the network. In theory, this counters centralization and adds increased security to Ethereum as validators become diverse and widespread.

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Ether emissions fall

The economics of Ethereum under proof-of-stake will differ from its current status. Ether rewards will depend on a variety of factors throughout the network, but the emission rate is expected to fall below the 2 ether block reward currently issued under proof-of-work.

What wont change immediately with the merge:

The transition to proof-of-stake consensus will not have an immediate impact on gas fees or transaction speed. However, the upgrade will lay the groundwork for sharding, which spreads the networks load across 64 new chains and is a key part of Ethereums roadmap to scalability.

Network users and blockspace consumers should have a similar experience when they are interacting with the Ethereum blockchain. The execution layer will remain the same post-merge and using Metamask or other software wallets should feel the same to end users.

Unfortunately, getting rid of miners does not get rid of MEV, and users of the proof-of-stake network will still be subject to the whims of transaction ordering by those looking to extract value from liquidations, frontrunning and arbitrage. Eth1 clients will still be responsible for the creation of blocks, much like they are today. Therefore, the transaction ordering process will take place the same way, before the blocks are passed to Eth2 clients to finalize the bundled transactions.

Pulse check

The following is an overview of network activity on the Ethereum 2.0 Beacon Chain over the past week. For more information about the metrics featured in this section, check out our 101 explainer on Eth 2.0 metrics.

Disclaimer: All profits made from CoinDesks Eth 2.0 staking venture will be donated to a charity of the companys choosing once transfers are enabled on the network.

Validated takes

Divergence Ventures was caught exploiting airdrops from Ribbon Finance and other portfolio companies. BACKGROUND : The venture firm had made a minimum of at least 705 ETH by gaming future airdrops on multiple addresses, potentially using insider information. While the tactic is often used by DeFi investors, the community is questioning the ethics of using confidential information and immediately dumping the governance token.

OpenSea delisted DAO Turtles, presumably because of concerns around securitization. BACKGROUND : As creators experiment with the possibilities of non-fungible tokens, marketplaces are wary of the financialization of art and NFTs. FTX also announced that it would be avoiding NFTs with royalty mechanisms for regulatory reasons, potentially creating demand for a fully decentralized NFT market.

U.S. regulators continued digging into stablecoins and their issuers, a week after Gary Gensler referred to the tokens as poker chips. BACKGROUND : The exponential growth and lack of transparency throughout the stablecoin industry has worried investors and regulators alike. The Treasury is considering launching a FSOC examination on whether or not stablecoins are a threat to economic stability.

ConsenSys, an Ethereum-focused software company, held funding round talks with a valuation around $3 billion. BACKGROUND: ConsenSys has played an extremely important role in the development of the Ethereum ecosystem since 2014 and is looking to raise $250 million. Metamask, a ConsenSys-backed software wallet, currently generates annualized revenues of around $160 million.

Factoid of the week

Open comms

Valid Points incorporates information and data about CoinDesks own Eth 2.0 validator in weekly analysis. All profits made from this staking venture will be donated to a charity of our choosing once transfers are enabled on the network. For a full overview of the project, check out our announcement post.

You can verify the activity of the CoinDesk Eth 2.0 validator in real time through our public validator key, which is:

0xad7fef3b2350d220de3ae360c70d7f488926b6117e5f785a8995487c46d323ddad0f574fdcc50eeefec34ed9d2039ecb.

Search for it on any Eth 2.0 block explorer site.
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A former chief technical pilot for Boeing Co was charged with fraud on Thursday for deceiving federal regulators evaluating the company's 737 MAX jet, hindering the ability to protect airline passengers and leaving "pilots in the lurch," the U.S. Justice Department said.

Mark Forkner, 49, was indicted by a grand jury in Texas on six counts of scheming to defraud Boeing's U.S.-based airline customers to obtain tens of millions of dollars for Boeing, the government said.

Boeing declined to comment. A lawyer for Forkner did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

According to the indictment, Forkner, largely in the run-up to the Federal Aviation Administration's decision to approve the 737 MAX in 2017, provided the FAA Aircraft Evaluation Group with "materially false, inaccurate, and incomplete information" about a new part of the flight controls for the Boeing 737 MAX, called the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS).

The MCAS, a software feature designed to automatically push the airplanes nose down in certain conditions, was tied to two fatal crashes of the 737 MAX over a five-month period that killed 346 people and led to the FAA's grounding the plane for 19 months, an action which was lifted in November 2020.

"In an attempt to save Boeing money, Forkner allegedly withheld critical information from regulators," said Chad Meacham, the acting U.S. attorney for Northern Texas. "His callous choice to mislead the FAA hampered the agency's ability to protect the flying public and left pilots in the lurch, lacking information about certain 737 MAX flight controls."

The FAA declined comment.

In January, Boeing agreed to pay https://www.reuters.com/article/boeing-737max-justice-int/boeing-to-pay-2-5-billion-to-settle-u-s-criminal-probe-into-737-max-crashes-idUSKBN29D07Q more than $2.5 billion in fines and compensation after reaching a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Justice Department over the MAX crashes, which cost Boeing more than $20 billion.

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The January agreement faulted Boeing's conduct and said it was holding the largest U.S. planemaker "accountable for its employees criminal misconduct." https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/boeing-charged-737-max-fraud-conspiracy-and-agrees-pay-over-25-billion

In January, Boeing admitted in court documents that through two former employees it deceived the FAA about the MCAS.

Prosecutors noted that a key FAA document lacked any reference to the MCAS, and as a result airplane manuals and pilot-training materials for U.S.-based airlines also lacked any reference.

One November 2016 message from Forkner said he was working at "jedi-mind tricking regulators into accepting the training that I got accepted by FAA."

If the FAA required pilot simulator training for MAX pilots, Boeing would have been required to pay Southwest Airlines nearly $400 million to offset the simulator-based pilot training requirements, a 2020 U.S. House of Representatives report said.

In 2019, the FAA required simulator training before pilots could resume flying the MAX.

Forkner is charged with two counts of fraud involving aircraft parts in interstate commerce and four counts of wire fraud. He is expected to make his initial court appearance Friday in Fort Worth, Texas.

If convicted, he potentially faces decades in prison.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Additional reporting by Eric Beech; Editing by Leslie Adler and Rosalba O'Brien)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  Attorneys for the former Minneapolis police officer who fatally shot a woman who called 911 to report a possible rape behind her home are asking a judge to sentence him to 41 months on a manslaughter charge, the lightest penalty recommended under state sentencing guidelines, according to documents filed Thursday.

Mohamed Noor was initially convicted of third-degree murder and manslaughter in the 2017 death of Justine Ruszczyk Damond, a dual U.S.-Australian citizen. He was sentenced to 12 1/2 years on the murder count, but last month, the Supreme Court tossed out Noor's murder conviction and sentence, saying the third-degree murder statute doesn't fit the facts of the case.

Noor is still convicted of second-degree manslaughter and will be sentenced on that count Oct. 21. Sentencing guidelines call for a range of anywhere from 41 to 57 months, with the presumptive sentence being four years.

Noor was taken into custody on April 30, 2019, and has already served more than 29 months. In Minnesota, defendants with good behavior typically serve two-thirds of their sentence in prison, and the rest on supervised release. If Noor receives the presumptive four years for manslaughter, he could be eligible for supervised release around the end of this year.

If the judge agrees with the defense and sentences Noor to 41 months, his release could be imminent.

Prosecutors haven't said what sentence they will seek.

Noors attorneys argue that a 41-month-sentence recognizes the particularly harsh nature of Noor's incarceration, as well as the good behavior he has shown in prison.

Attorneys Tom Plunkett and Peter Wold wrote that by the time Noor is sentenced, he will have served 110 days in administrative segregation in Minnesota's only maximum security prison. While in segregation, he spends 23 hours a day alone in a 6-by-9 foot concrete room and is not allowed visitors, they said.

He is allowed one hour of recreation for three to four days a week, which happens in an empty 13-by-17 foot room that has a telephone and a pullup bar. He is allowed a 10- to 20-minute phone call, and then spends the rest of his recreational time walking in a circle, they wrote.

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He never steps into the light of day, the attorneys wrote, adding: Many days he has no human contact beyond the scrape of a food tray making its way into his cell.

Noor spent the bulk of his incarceration in an out-of-state facility. While there, the COVID-19 pandemic created harsh conditions, his attorneys wrote, saying a lockdown stopped all religious services and has prevented family visits for more than a year.

The attorneys said that while he has been in custody, he has received 19 positive behavior reports. The reports, included in Thursday's court filings, commend Noor for his willingness to help others, his hard work as a janitor and his positive attitude and interactions with others.

In September of 2020, Noor was recognized with a September 11th Worker Award, in honor of those who died on Sept. 11, 2001. A sergeant who recognized him wrote that he was committed to the job and respectful of others and, "It is my hope that you will continue to inspire others to achieve their goals, far beyond these walls.

Noor testified in his 2019 trial that a loud bang on his squad car made him fear for his and his partners life, so he reached across his partner from the passenger seat and fired through the drivers window. His attorneys have said he believed he was saving his partner's life.
Daniel Jenkins

The fourth and final defendant has been sentenced in the case of criminals who robbed and assaulted gay and bisexual men they met through Grindr.

Daniel Jenkins, 22, of Dallas was sentenced Wednesday to 23 years and four months in federal prison, according to a press release from the Department of Justice, which prosecuted the case via the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Texas.

In June, Jenkins pleaded guilty in federal court to one hate-crime count, one hate-crime conspiracy count, kidnapping, carjacking, and one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence. The three others had pleaded guilty and been sentenced earlier.

Over the course of about a week in 2017, according to prosecutors, the defendants used Grindr to lure gay and bi men to vacant apartments in and around Dallas. Then the defendants committed crimes including robbing the men at gunpoint, taking items including their vehicles, forcing them to withdraw cash from ATMs, and taunting them with antigay slurs. One victim was smeared with feces and urinated on, and one sexually assaulted with an object, according to court records. There were nine victims in all.

This defendant targeted innocent victims for violent crimes simply because he believed they were gay, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division said of Jenkins. This sentence affirms that bias-motivated crimes run contrary to our national values and underscores the Justice Departments commitment to aggressively prosecuting bias-motivated crimes, including crimes against the LGBTQI community. We will continue to pursue justice for victims of bias-motivated crimes, wherever they occur.

This defendant singled out victims based on their perceived sexual orientation, then viciously assaulted them, added Chad Meacham, acting U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Texas. The Department of Justice will not tolerate these sorts of heinous, hate-based attacks. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, bigots often lurk online. We urge users of dating apps like Grindr to remain vigilant. There have been several other similar crimes.

In the Dallas case, in March 2019, Michael Atkinson pleaded guilty to conspiracy and kidnapping charges, and in December 2019, Pablo Ceniceros-Deleon and Daryl Henry pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime and other charges. Atkinson was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison, Ceniceros-Deleon to 22 years, and Henry to 20 years.
Maria Cano  better known as the "Arepa Lady"  has been a staple in Jackson Heights, Queens for decades. After fleeing violence in Colombia, she started selling arepas (corn cakes) from a street food cart since the late 1980s, becoming so popular she and her family were eventually able to open up two storefronts in New York City and potentially a third on the way.

However, the origins of her venture were not easy.

"When you arrive as an immigrant in the United States, life is very difficult because you don't know anyone, you don't know the language," she told CBS News in Spanish. "Having young sons that were in school was tough."

Cano, now 77, was a former lawyer and judge in Medellin, but as drug lord Pablo Escobar's terror grip continued to widen and government employees became targets of assassinations, she knew it was time to go. Cano left with three of her four sons  all under the age of 18 at the time  and settled into New York City so they could have "better opportunities" in life. The fourth son, who was in college at the time, eventually joined them.

But it was difficult to make ends meet to start, she said. With the help of a friend, Cano was introduced to the street vendor world, where she learned how to make her signature arepas with cheese.

"I had never made arepas before," she said, with a laugh. "But necessity creates solutions. It was something I needed to do. In a desperation to pay rent, feed my kids and satisfy the needs of an entire family, I saw an opportunity."

Maria Cano has been a staple in Jackson Heights, Queens for decades. / Credit: Alejandro Osorio

To make matters even more stressful, Cano and her sons were undocumented and the risk of being deported was another reality they had to experience. Her youngest son, Alejandro Osorio, was about four years old when he came to the U.S. with his mother. Osorio, who now runs the successful family business, told CBS News that the beginnings were a "real struggle."

"She used to work from 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. because that's the only time cops wouldn't really harass you," he said, adding that she didn't have a street vendor license.

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"So, she would work those hours to be able to work and even then, like sometimes they will come in and confiscate those products, give you crazy tickets and that's because she got lucky, she never got arrested," he said.

Cano finally got a vendor permit around 10 years ago, Osorio said, but it was a seasonal one. According to New York City's mobile food vending license page, those only last from April through October. The city put a cap on the number of permits for selling food on streets to 3,000 in 1983.

Last month, a viral video showing sanitation workers throwing out a street vendor's fresh produce in the Bronx sparked outrage, and for Osorio, it brought "flashbacks" to one winter when he was teenager.

"My mom got three carts confiscated [by the NYPD] that winter," he said. "And we were like super dead broke, and we had to go to a church for food."

Maria Cano, a former judge, was known as the

Despite the adversity, Cano and her sons finally opened their first storefront location in 2014 after saving up $70,000 for six years. (They later relocated). She now has two brick-and-mortar restaurants with her nickname and face  one a few blocks from where she sold arepas on Roosevelt Avenue and another in Brooklyn. A third location is in the works, according to Osorio.

The flagship Jackson Heights venue has welcomed the likes of Mayor Bill de Blasio, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other public figures who have enjoyed munching on the famous arepas. Most patrons who generally frequent the store today are immigrants or children of immigrants, Osorio said. He thinks in part, that helped quell that impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the business because the neighborhood is filled with immigrants.

Osorio believes that customers gravitated toward his mother when she worked at the cart because she was a "maternal figure" for others.

"People really liked to sit there and feel like they're back at home eating an arepa or a meal from their parents, and you get that love, that warmth from being back home," he said.

Cano retired in 2017 and returned to Medellin prior to the pandemic. She told CBS News that she's "very proud" of what she helped build.

"It was a triumph because of all the effort we did," she said.

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SYDNEY (Reuters) - Ron Brierley, the New Zealand-born former corporate raider who shot to fame by launching high-profile takeovers through the 1980s, was sentenced to 14 months in an Australian prison on Thursday after pleading guilty to child pornography offences.

Brierley, 84, had bail revoked and was taken into custody after a sentencing hearing at Sydney District Court, to remain in prison until Dec. 13, 2022, according to a court filing reviewed by Reuters.

He was however eligible to apply for parole after seven months, meaning he may be entitled to leave prison in May 2022, the filing said.

Brierley's sentence would have been longer but the judge, Sarah Huggett, cut it by quarter because of his guilty plea, the filing added.

The former businessman's lawyer, Penny Musgrave, told Reuters by telephone that representatives for Brierley had filed a notice of intention to appeal against the sentence, but declined to comment further.

Brierley, who was knighted for services to business management in 1988, was arrested at Sydney Airport in Dec. 2019. Police at the time said child pornography was found on his laptop and hard drives during a luggage search.

He was charged with six counts of possessing child abuse material, and pleaded guilty to three counts earlier this year.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern asked for the process to strip Brierley of his knighthood to begin following the plea, but she said later that he had offered to forfeit the knighthood instead.

Known for his aggressive shareholder activism, Brierley began his corporate career in 1961, starting his own investment company in his native New Zealand.

By the 1980s, his company was the largest on the New Zealand stock exchange by market capitalisation, before he turned his attention to Australia. He remained active in the corporate world until his retirement in 2019.

(Reporting by Byron Kaye)
By Crispian Balmer

ROME (Reuters) -An Italian judge suspended on Thursday the trial of four Egyptian security officials over the disappearance and murder of an Italian student who was killed in Egypt, because of concerns the men might not know about they had been charged.

The decision means the case will now return to a preliminary court that will have to decide whether to make a fresh effort to locate the four senior officials and hand them their writs.

Earlier on Thursday, a prosecutor had said Italy had made numerous efforts to track down the suspects in the killing of Giulio Regeni and accused Egypt of refusing to reveal their whereabouts and of repeatedly undermining the investigation.

However, judge Antonella Capri, after more than seven hours of deliberations, ruled in favour of court-appointed defence lawyers who had argued that the proceedings would be void if there was no evidence the four Egyptians knew about the case.

Regeni's family were bitterly dismayed by the decision, their lawyer Alessandra Ballerini said.

"It is a setback, but we are not going to give up. We demand that those who tortured and killed Giulio do not go unpunished," the lawyer told reporters after the ruling.

Regeni, a postgraduate student at Britain's Cambridge University, disappeared in Cairo in January 2016. His body was found almost a week later and a post-mortem examination showed he had been brutally tortured before his death.

Italian and Egyptian prosecutors investigated the case together, but the two sides later fell out and came to very different conclusions.

The Italian prosecutors say Major Magdi Sharif, from Egypt's General Intelligence, Major General Tarek Sabir, the former head of state security, police Colonel Hisham Helmy and Colonel Ather Kamal, a former head of investigations in Cairo city, were responsible for the "aggravated kidnapping" of Regeni.

Sharif has also been accused of "conspiracy to commit aggravated murder".

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The suspects have never responded publicly to the accusations and Egyptian police and officials have repeatedly denied any involvement in Regeni's disappearance and killing.

MISSING EVIDENCE

Prosecutor Sergio Colaiocco had earlier laid out 13 points before the court that he said illustrated how Egypt had first tried to sabotage the investigation and had then prevented the suspects from being officially informed of the charges.

He said Egyptian investigators had dragged their feet in the case, ignoring 39 out of 64 separate requests for information. He said the material that was handed over was often useless, such as video from the metro station where Regeni had vanished and which was blank for the 20 minutes he had been there.

"There was a complete recording from the day before and from the day after. Of course it might be pure chance," he said.

He added that Italy had tried on around 30 occasions, through diplomatic and government channels, to obtain the addresses of the suspects, with the then prime minister Giuseppe Conte telling Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in 2020 that the lack of cooperation was harming bilateral relations.

"I do not think it was humanly possible to do more (to find the officials)," Colaiocco said, adding that the case was so high profile it was impossible to imagine they knew nothing about it.

Regeni had been in Cairo to research Egypt's independent unions for his doctoral thesis. Associates say he was also interested in the long-standing domination of Egypt's economy by the state and military. Both subjects are sensitive in Egypt.

Egyptian police initially said Regeni died in a road accident. They later said he was the victim of a kidnapping by gangsters, who were subsequently killed in a shootout.

(Additional reporting by Marco Carta; Editing by William Maclean and Alistair Bell)
SheKnows

While the Cambridges and the Sussexes have been going about their royal duties and philanthropic endeavors like business as usual, there still seems to be some lingering tension between the two royal couples. But with Prince William and Kate Middletons upcoming 2022 trip to America for the continuation of the Duke of Cambridges Earthshot Prize, []
By Andrea Shalal and David Lawder

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -G7 finance officials on Wednesday endorsed 13 public policy principles for retail central bank digital currencies, saying they should be grounded in transparency, the rule of law and sound economic governance, the Treasury Department said.

"Innovation in digital money and payments has the potential to bring significant benefits but also raises considerable public policy and regulatory issues," Group of Seven finance ministers and central bankers said in a joint statement.

"Strong international coordination and cooperation on these issues helps to ensure that public and private sector innovation will deliver domestic and cross-border benefits while being safe for users and the wider financial system."

The finance officials met in person, with some joining by video, in Washington on Wednesday during the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank under the leadership of British finance minister Rishi Sunak.

In their joint statement, the G7 officials said central bank money in the form of Central Bank Digital Currencies, or CBDCs, would complement cash and could act as a liquid, safe settlement asset and an anchor for the payments system.

They said the principles were meant to support policy and design deliberations within and beyond the G7, complementing recently published work by a group of central banks and the Bank for International Settlements.

No G7 authority has decided to issue a CBDC, and careful consideration of the potential policy implications will continue, the statement said.

"We reaffirm that any CBDC should be grounded in our long-standing public commitments to transparency, the rule of law and sound economic governance," the statement said. "Any CBDC must support, and do no harm to, the ability of central banks to fulfill their mandates for monetary and financial stability."

The G7 officials stressed the importance of rigorous privacy standards, cybersecurity, the need to protect users' data and transparency on how information will be secured and used.

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They said such currencies must be energy efficient and operate in an open, transparent and competitive environment, while underscoring the importance of interoperability on a cross-border basis and the need to minimize any harmful spillovers to the international monetary and financial system.

They reiterated that no global stablecoin project should begin operation until it addresses legal, regulatory and oversight requirements, echoing a similar statement made by the larger Group of 20 finance officials earlier Wednesday.

Stablecoins are a type of digital coin pegged to traditional currencies.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal and David Lawder; Editing by Tom Hogue and Leslie Adler)
A new HBO Max documentary is describing details about actor Brittany Murphy's tragic final days.

In the two-part "What Happened, Brittany Murphy?," premiering Thursday, director Cynthia Hill examines Murphy's life from her childhood as an aspiring starlet in New Jersey to her heartbreaking death inside her West Hollywood mansion.

Murphy rose to fame playing the lovable Tai Frasier in 1995's "Clueless," and went on to become a Hollywood It Girl, starring in serious dramas, including "Girl, Interrupted" (1999) and "8 Mile" (2002), and comedies like "Just Married" (2003) opposite then-boyfriend Ashton Kutcher.

A new HBO Max documentary,

But after marrying the mysterious British screenwriter Simon Monjack in 2007, Murphy's career and personal life took a dramatic turn. The one-time Hollywood A-lister underwent a dramatic weight loss and began exhibiting erratic behavior, according to colleagues including Alex Merkin, director of one of Murphy's last films, the 2009 thriller "Across the Hall," who details Murphy's bizarre on-set antics in the documentary.

Murphy died in December 2009 at age 32 of untreated pneumonia with contributing factors of anemia and drug intoxication from prescription and over-the-counter medications, according to Ed Winter, former assistant chief at the Los Angeles County coroners office, who also appears in the documentary.

To tell the story of Murphy's life, director Hill and her team talked to the late star's friends and colleagues, as well as those close to Monjack, including his mother, Linda, and brother James.

Among the documentary's revelations:

1) Murphy was beloved in Hollywood.

Kathy Najimy, Murphy's co-star on "King of the Hill," tells filmmakers that Murphy's death was all the more tragic because she was so "wonderful."

"There was nobody else like her," Najimy says. "She wasn't a Hollywood girl. The movie of her life is like: Who walks into a room and almost every single person there is thrilled that you're there, and then knows that when she leaves the room and goes home, she's the same freaking person?"

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Clueless (CBS via Getty Images)

Murphy's "8 Mile" co-star Taryn Manning echoes Najimy's sentiments, comparing Murphy to a "butterfly," while "Clueless" director Amy Heckerling says Murphy's "sweetness" transcended onto the screen. "She was just genuine," says Heckerling.

2) Friends saw red flags in Murphy's relationship with Simon Monjack.

Those close to Murphy saw trouble right away in her relationship with Monjack. Najimy recalls Murphy acting "hypnotized" by Monjack. "We all were scared and freaked out," she says, later noting "He was making all her decisions. He was clearly getting her money."

Roger Neal, a publicist hired by Monjack and his mother-in-law, Sharon Murphy, after Brittany Murphy's death, details how Monjack "started building a wall around" Murphy, while taking over management of her finances. Neal later alleges in the doc that Monjack blew through $3 million of Murphy's money in three years.

Simon Monjack and Brittany Murphy. (Michael Bezjian / WireImage)

Alex Merkin, director of the 2009 thriller "Across the Hall," tells filmmakers that he couldn't reach Murphy without going through Monjack. "I learned that she didn't have access to her own email address. I learned she had no access to her own phone," says Merkin.

Former People magazine journalist Sara Hammel says in the doc that while she was reporting on Murphy, she heard "talk" about Murphy's friends staging an intervention at Murphy's home to show the actor and her mother "documentation" about Monjack's brushes with the law. "Brittany and her mom said, 'No, We love Simon and we believe Simon. Sorry.' And the intervention failed," says Hammel.

3) Murphy previously dated A-listers Ashton Kutcher and Eminem.

Najimy notes that Murphy met the unknown Monjack in 2006 during "a little dip" in her life. "Her judgment was muddled and desperate and she became prey to things she thought would help her," says Najimy.

Brittany Murphy and Ashton Kutcher in, Just Married. (Alamy)

At the height of her career, Murphy had high-profile romances with her "Just Married" co-star Ashton Kutcher and her "8 Mile" co-star Eminem. She was also briefly engaged to talent manager Jeff Kwatinetz and production assistant Joe Macaluso.

"I know there were situations that left her heartbroken," says director Heckerling, who adds that Murphy "must have been searching for something" she couldn't find in Hollywood when she began dating Monjack.

4) Monjack allegedly had a long history of telling lies.

In one of the documentary's most chilling moments, filmmaker Allison Burnett recounts meeting Monjack at a Hollywood dinner party, where Monjack introduced himself as a billionaire screenwriter whose grandfather founded British Steel. He also said he'd dated Madonna and had battled brain cancer with an experimental shark cartilage treatment.

Burnett tells filmmakers he later learned that "every single word" out of Monjack's mouth was a lie. "I can't stress enough how convincing this man was," recalls the director.

Elizabeth Ragsdale, Monjack's former fiancee and the mother of one of Monjack's two children, says she understood exactly how Monjack won over Murphy's heart. "He worked his spell on her and she fell for it like I did," she says.

Publicist Roger Neal compares Monjack's life to a jigsaw puzzle. "He had all these secrets nobody knew about, all these little secrets," Neal recalls.

5) Monjacks brother described him as manipulative.

Monjack's brother James reveals that Monjack, who died less than six months after Murphy, always had the ability to control others. "From early childhood, Simon had the ability to manipulate the environment to get what he wanted out of it," James says.

Monjack's mom, Linda, says his personality began to change after his father died when he was 16. After that, Monjack's life became increasingly "unreal."

However, Linda tells filmmakers that Monjack, who "fell in and out of love easily," really did love Murphy and was "devastated" after her death. "When you saw them together, they literally fell into each other's eyes," she recalls.

6) Monjack may have been behind Murphys drastic weight loss.

After the success of "Clueless" and "Girl, Interrupted," Murphy shed pounds and bleached her hair blond in order to be considered for leading lady roles. But what began as a glam makeover seemingly went too far, with Murphy losing a shocking amount of weight. Her thinness sparked rumors of an eating disorder, which she denied having in interviews.

Monjacks ex-fiancee Elizabeth Ragsdale says in the doc that when she saw media photos of an emaciated Murphy, she knew that Monjack, who constantly pushed Ragsdale to get thinner when they were together, "had something to do with that."

"He loved anorexic women," says Ragsdale.

7) People were creeped out by Monjack's relationship with his mother-in-law.

After Murphy's death, fans noted that Monjack and Sharon, still lived together in Murphy's West Hollywood mansion. The pair sparked gossip when they posed together for pics that found Sharon resting her head on Monjack's chest. According to one reporter in the doc, the grieving in-laws even began sharing the same bed.

Roger Neal, the publicist hired by Monjack and his mother-in-law, says the pair's unusual behavior was certainly "tabloid media fodder," but Neal denies there was ever a romance between the two.

In 2010, Sharon Murphy called the rumors disgusting" while speaking to People, adding, Were close friends and were family. Its an awful and ridiculous thing to say.

"What Happened, Brittany Murphy?" premieres Thursday on HBO Max.
The exterior of the ICE Imperial Regional Detention Facility in Calexico, Calif., in 2017. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune)

Held in solitary confinement and unable to sleep, Carlos Murillo Vega spent his days pacing around the cell with walls so close he could almost touch both with arms outstretched.

Murillo was born in Mexico and raised in Holtville, a California town near the Mexican border. He says he is a U.S. citizen but lacks the necessary paperwork to prove it. After being detained by immigration authorities in December 2019, he thought the situation would be resolved within weeks. Now Murillo, 40, is suing the private detention company that held him in isolation for more than a year.

The lawsuit was filed Thursday by the California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice and other groups in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California against the Management and Training Corp., a Utah-based private prison company. It's the first such case under a new California law that allows people to sue private detention center operators for failing to comply with the standards of care outlined in the facilitys contract.

When he arrived at the Imperial Regional Detention Facility in Calexico, Murillo alleges in his suit that an employee had offered him a choice about where to be housed: general population or protective custody. The employee warned that general population was more dangerous. Murillo, grateful for the advice, accepted the offer of protection.

"What followed was a Kafkaesque nightmare of isolation, abuse, and callous disregard for Mr. Murillos physical and mental health," the lawsuit states.

When Assembly Bill 3228 passed in 2020, supporters hailed it as the first of its kind. Detainees could previously sue the federal government for damages over civil rights abuses, but the Federal Tort Claims Act does not apply to private companies. The new legislation cemented a clear path to bring similar claims against those companies under state tort law and clarified the standard of care that must be provided.

Last year, after AB 3228 was signed into law, spokesman Issa Arnita said the company was committed to the highest level of care as detailed in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's performance standards. Arnita said Thursday that he could not comment on litigation.

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"This was the case before AB 3228 was signed, and it continues thereafter," Arnita said. "Theres nothing more important to MTC than to treat the men and women in our care with dignity and respect."

Murillo is seeking damages "in excess of $75,000" for his injuries, which he maintains include physical pain, emotional distress, psychological trauma and mental deterioration.

Lisa Knox, legal director at the California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice, said the law offers advocates a tool to build a record of abuses taking place in California detention centers.

"The more money the companies have to spend fighting these lawsuits, the more their bottom line is impacted," she said. "We really see this as the first case of hopefully many."

Knox declined to say how or why Murillo was arrested by ICE, or how he was released from custody. ICE did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Murillo says he is entitled to U.S. citizenship through his late U.S.-born military veteran father. Immigration lawyers are separately fighting his deportation case.

In addition to the Imperial facility, Management and Training Corp. has contracts with ICE to operate four other detention centers. It is the third-largest for-profit prison company in the country.

ICE requires contractors to follow its own minimum requirements for the treatment of people in custody. Those standards allow for solitary confinement for disciplinary reasons and for administrative reasons, such as when a person presents a significant threat to safety or security.

In limited circumstances, facilities can use administrative segregation as a means of protective custody, when "there is documentation and supervisory approval" that segregation is necessary "and that no reasonable alternatives are available," according to the standards.

Detainees in the general population live in a dormitory with access to a recreation yard, religious programming, a library and other services. Those in segregation spend 23 hours a day alone in a cell. People held in immigrant detention are not being charged with a crime but waiting to find out whether they will be allowed to stay in the country or be deported.

Though he wasn't being disciplined, Murillo lived in the same conditions as those who were. Unable to visit the library, he read the Bible repeatedly, he told The Times, returning frequently to Isaiah 43:26: "Put me in remembrance. Let us plead together. Set forth your case, that you may be justified."

Murillo viewed that verse as God answering his prayers for release.

In October 2020, 10 months after he was first detained, Murillo and the other men in protective custody were moved to an empty dormitory while their unit underwent maintenance. For nearly two weeks, he was able to socialize, call his family and use the library.

After returning to segregation, Murillo's mental health sharply declined, the lawsuit states. He couldn't sleep, frequently felt hopeless and sometimes contemplated suicide. He became paranoid that staffers were playing mind games with him.

Murillo repeatedly asked to be moved into a general population dormitory. But, according to the lawsuit, facility staff denied the requests, citing his original choice to be placed in protective custody.

Murillo's lawyers contend that the Management and Training Corp. violated three of the ICE care standards: requiring that an individualized assessment be made in each case for detainees in protective custody, ensuring detainees in administrative segregation have access to services available to the general population, and conducting a review once a week for the first month of segregation and every 10 days thereafter.

Immigrant advocates have long complained that private contractors freely violate the federal government's minimum standards of care. Inspectors at the Department of Homeland Security found in 2019 that ICE often doesnt hold detention facilities contractors accountable for failing to meet those standards and had imposed financial penalties only twice in nearly three years.

Last year, inspectors found the Imperial facility in violation of detention standards, including what it described as "serious violations" related to its use of administrative segregation.

Inspectors said the facility operators were "using administrative segregation as a long-term solution for detainees in protective custody and overly restricted detainees by not offering privileges similar to those offered to detainees in general housing units."

In response to the report, ICE officials said they would work with the facility to maintain compliance with detention standards.

"Typically, detainees who request protective custody have concerns about being in the general population due to gang affiliation, gang drop out, or a criminal conviction involving a minor," an ICE representative stated in comments at the end of the report. "Detainees at the IRDF do receive segregation reviews at appropriate intervals."

In January, the California Department of Justice also issued a report condemning the Imperial facility for keeping people in administrative segregation "indefinitely." Three detainees who began in voluntary protective custody reported to California Department of Justice inspectors that their requests to be returned to the general population had been denied without explanation.

"Imperial treats detainees in administrative segregation as restrictively as those in disciplinary segregation, submitting detainees in protective custody to harsh and isolating conditions," inspectors wrote.

Murillo's lawyers say none of these reports had any effect on the conditions at the Imperial facility before his release in February.

Since Murillo was released, he says he has not fully recovered from the effects of the prolonged isolation. He has difficulty concentrating and gets anxious in small spaces, even his own bedroom. He frequently has nightmares and wakes up in a panic.

He sees bringing the lawsuit as a duty that extends beyond justice for himself.

"Im not the first person thats gone through this and Im not going to be the last," he said. "When theres money to be made, theyre always going to bend the rules."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
By Tetsushi Kajimoto

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese firms overwhelmingly want the government to draw up an extra budget of $90 billion or more to ease the pain caused by COVID-19, a Reuters poll showed, indicating support for new Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's additional stimulus plans.

The monthly Corporate Survey results come as Kishida, who took over from Yoshihide Suga as premier last week, ordered his cabinet to compile an economic package targeting households and businesses hit hard by the pandemic.

Kishida has pledged to draw up economic measures worth "tens of trillions of yen" to revive the world's third-largest economy, which is already saddled with the industrial world's heaviest debt load. Japan's debt is more than twice the size of its annual economic output.

"All we need is proactive fiscal spending that will blow away negative impacts of the pandemic," a manager of a retailer wrote in the survey on condition of anonymity. Some retailers and face-to-face service-sector firms were among the hardest hit by the pandemic.

In a written response, some other managers sounded cautious about the spectre of politically-motivated spending as Oct. 31 elections draw near, while others voiced scepticism about effects of stimulus in boosting the economy.

"We agree on the need of measures to revive the COVID-hit economy, but we don't want pork-barrel spending," the manager of a chemicals firm wrote.

The Corporate Survey showed 87% of firms urged a large extra budget to fund the stimulus, with 40% demanding an outlay of 10 trillion-20 trillion yen and 23% calling for 20 trillion-30 trillion yen or even more.

In the survey, COVID countermeasures topped the list of spending items, picked by half the firms, followed by 15% seeking support for restaurants and tourism, 12% calling for environment steps and 10% demanding digital transformation.

"Industries facing difficulty need be rescued but that doesn't mean merely extending life" of zombie companies, wrote a manager of a transport equipment maker. "We want proactive spending in areas needed to maintain Japan's competitive edge."

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Companies also called for measures to strengthen supply chains for chip making and promote factory automation and use of artificial intelligence (AI) to encourage Japanese manufacturers to shift production back home.

The Sept. 29-Oct. 8 survey canvassed about 500 large and mid-size Japanese non-financial corporations, of which some 267 firms responded.

On overseas economies, a majority of Japanese firms voiced concerns that a slowdown in Chinese economy, Japan's largest trading partner, would affect their business, as market jitters linger over Chinese firm Evergrande and real estate problems.

Two-thirds expect China's economy to manage a moderate slowdown under the state control. Some 13% said a slowdown would be temporary as the authorities are expected to roll out stimulus to accelerate the world's second largest economy.

Some 10% saw the Chinese economy bottoming out towards next spring, and just 11% expected the slowdown to morph into a financial crisis.

"It depends on how the coronavirus will be contained, but we cannot avoid impact unless demand for inbound (Chinese tourists) returns," a service firm manager wrote.

($1 = 112.3200 yen)

(Reporting by Tetsushi Kajimoto; Editing by David Dolan and Edmund Blair)
The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department said Thursday it has been responding to subpoenas from the FBI since 2019 in relation to allegations levied against former detective Roger Golubski.

Despite many inquiries from both the public and media over the past three years, we did not disclose our cooperation with the investigation out of concern that it could interfere with the work of federal authorities, spokeswoman Nancy Chartrand said in a statement Thursday afternoon.

The department issued the statement after news broke that a federal grand jury investigation is underway into Golubski, who has been accused of using his badge to terrorize and rape vulnerable Black women for years.

The news comes after years of reporting by The Star on accusations against Golubski. That has included numerous columns by Melinda Henneberger, opinion editor and columnist for The Star. Henneberger has spoken with alleged victims of Golubski and their families, and reported on decades of misconduct, abuse and manipulation.

Separately, the newspaper engaged in a partnership of reporting with KCUR detailing the former detectives connection to several slain Black women in Kansas City, Kansas.

Golubski, 69, faces allegations that he exploited women for sexual favors and coerced some of them into fabricating testimony to clear cases he investigated. He retired in 2010 from the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office in Kansas declined to comment to The Star, saying she could not confirm or deny such an investigation.

Morgan Roach, an attorney representing Golubski, also declined to comment, citing pending litigation.

Last year, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation said it shared with authorities information about possible federal violations that it discovered during its own investigation of Golubski. The KBIs criminal investigation started in 2019.

Social justice organizers and activists welcomed the news Thursday.

This was really just like, finally, said Ricee Cade, a community organizer in Wyandotte County with MORE2, a social justice organization. Hopefully this just snowballs into a bigger investigation because this is just the tip of the iceberg.
President Biden will announce Thursday during a visit by Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta to the White House that the U.S. will donate an additional 17 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to the African Union.

Why it matters: Biden is belatedly seeking to bolster U.S. engagement with the region, which has been a low priority as the administration goes all in on countering China in the Indo-Pacific. But Biden's choice for the first African leader to visit his White House has raised some eyebrows.

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Driving the news: Kenyatta, who has pledged to crack down on corruption in Kenya, is under scrutiny after his family was named in the Pandora Papers for owning at least 11 offshore companies with more than $30 million in assets.

The controversy put the White House in a bind. In a pre-visit press briefing, a senior official was pressed as to why Biden would give such a prominent platform to someone facing corruption allegations.

The official replied that "Kenyatta is very much an elder statesman in the region" whose voice carries weight, "including hopefully with [Ethiopian] Prime Minister Abiy."

Between the lines: The White House is hoping Kenya  a key U.S. security partner and the fifth-largest recipient of U.S. foreign aid  will press Abiy's government to show restraint in the current civil war.

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A nurse administers a COVID-19 vaccine to Gizelle Carrillo, 14, in August at Eagle Rock Junior/Senior High School. The L.A. and San Diego school districts face lawsuits challenging their mandates for students to be vaccinated. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

California's two largest school districts  Los Angeles and San Diego  are targeted in lawsuits challenging their student COVID-19 vaccination mandates, alleging the vaccines are too new and that unvaccinated children face discrimination and the denial of their equal right to a public education.

Both school systems were ahead of the state in requiring student vaccines as a measure to make campuses safer and to limit spread of the coronavirus in the community  and their mandates are more comprehensive than the state requirement, which has yet to be codified into law.

In Los Angeles, an individual parent who is not named filed suit Friday. In San Diego, the parent group Let Them Breathe filed suit Monday. That group had previously filed pending litigation against the state's student mask mandate.

The litigation against each district was prepared by Aanestad, Andelin & Corn, a law firm based in San Diego County. The two lawsuits use nearly identical language in challenging the legal basis for the mandates.

Many parents want to see long-term studies of this new vaccine before they would consider getting their child vaccinated. Every student has a right to an in-person education under California law," said Sharon McKeeman, the founder of Let Them Breathe, which has organized against student vaccine mandates under the name Let Them Choose. She called the mandates "unscientific and unlawful.

Health experts broadly contend that the vaccines are safe and effective and that providing them to children has significant public health benefits. They also acknowledge that the balance of risks and benefits in children is not as clear-cut as it is for adults.

Both school districts require that all students 16 and older be fully immunized by the start of the spring semester. The COVID-19 vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech has been fully approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in that age group. Students who dont comply must enroll in a form of independent study to remain in the school system.

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L.A. Unified also extends the requirement to 12- to 15-year-olds, a group that can get the Pfizer vaccine through an FDA emergency use authorization. The agency has not granted full approval of any COVID-19 vaccine for this younger age group, and that may not happen by the time the requirement takes effect  which is one of issues raised in the complaint.

In addition, the L.A. district has an earlier restriction affecting students 12 and older in extracurricular activities. They are supposed to be immunized by Oct. 31. According to the district's timetable, to continue participation uninterrupted, they would have needed to take their first of two shots by Oct. 3.

Both districts allow exemptions for medical necessity but not for personal or religious beliefs.

San Diego school board President Richard Barrera has said the district is not offering personal belief exemptions because families may end up abusing that loophole, resulting in low vaccination rates.

The lawsuits argue that the school systems lack the authority to mandate vaccines  calling it "within the sole province" of the state Legislature and state health department.

The state has not taken this position, and this week the L.A. Unified requirements were praised by Dr. Mark Ghaly, who heads the California Health and Human Services Agency.

"I commend leaders across the state for leaning in on getting more young people vaccinated and connecting a requirement to attend in-person education," Ghaly said in a message recorded for the L.A. board of education meeting Tuesday. "We have a safe, effective and necessary tool to keep our schools moving forward."

Separately, Gov. Gavin Newsom this month announced the start of a process to require COVID-19 vaccines statewide for all students, but this effort would include a personal belief exemption unless the Legislature acts to eliminate it.

The litigation argues that COVID-19 poses a very low risk to children, a view thats not widely shared among public health officials. The suit also alleges that children rarely spread coronavirus infections, though many experts say that contention is either wrong or unproven.

Out of every 100,000 children, 8,035 have been diagnosed with COVID-19 during the pandemic, according to the latest figures from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Childrens Hospital Assn. The case rate has been increasing since July, reaching a peak that was higher than the one seen during the devastating winter surge.

The pediatricians group recommends vaccination for adolescents 12 and older.

The litigation, in three dozen pages of arguments, references research in support of its claims and decisions in other countries that run counter to the conclusions of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The mandates, according to the suit, unlawfully deny children their right to public education by relegating them to an inferior independent study program.

"Keeping healthy children out of the classroom is contrary to California law, is not necessary to reduce cases of COVID-19 in schools, and is not in the best interest of students, parents, or school districts," the lawsuits state.

Both school systems approved their student vaccination mandates in September and also have one for employees.

The L.A. Unified employee mandate takes effect Monday, when unvaccinated employees will no longer be able to report to work on campus.

The district would not release information on how many employees had yet to comply.

During a presentation on the value of vaccines at the board of education meeting Tuesday, a senior district staffer said there were "contingency plans" in place, without elaboration. Board members did not ask questions or discuss the employee vaccine issue.

At that meeting, the districts mandate won praise from a senior county health official, Dr. Robert Gilchick, who also addressed a common fear about the vaccine: that it could cause myocarditis, an inflammation of part of the heart muscle. Gilchick said that the risk was small and that virtually all cases were minor. He added that the risk of developing myocarditis was 16 times higher for those who get COVID-19 than for those who get the vaccine.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
One of two people shot outside a Lexington apartment building died, Lexington police said Thursday.

Andre Holloway, 46, died at University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital where he was taken after the shooting, according to the Fayette County coroners office.

The death was the 30th homicide in Lexington this year and the second in the last nine days.

Police said they first received a call about shots fired in the 1300 block of Centre Parkway, near Tates Creek High School, at 8:13 p.m. When officers arrived at the apartment complex, they found Holloway with gunshot wounds lying in the breezeway, said Sgt. Donnell Gordon.

A 54-year-old female also was shot and was taken to the hospital by a third party, Gordon said. Her injuries werent life-threatening.

Police said investigators dont yet know what led to the shooting and dont have any information regarding a suspect. Police also dont know if the man and woman knew each other.
Michael Dell called his company's plan to spin off VMware "a great thing" for both businesses during the virtual Dell Technologies Summit on Wednesday.

Why it matters: His remarks come six months after Austin-based Dell announced that it's spinning off its ownership stake in VMware, meaning the company will offer VMware shareholders a special cash dividend between $11.5 and $12 billion.

Dell Technologies owns roughly 81% of VMware, a California-based cloud computing and virtualization software company, through its $67 billion purchase of data storage company EMC in 2016.

Even after the spinoff, founder and CEO Michael Dell will own about 41% of VMware and remain chairman of both companies, CRN reported in May.

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What they're saying: "We have done an enormous amount of co-innovation with VMware, and that's going to continue," Dell promised stakeholders Wednesday.

Jeff Clarke, Dell Technologies' chief operating officer and Michael Dell's right-hand man, added that the company "won't be replicating" what VMware does: "You will see us continue to move into more higher value software on top of our products that are traditional core platforms."

The annual Dell Technologies Summit is seen as a chance to show stakeholders why they should continue to invest in the future of the company.

Dell, 56, founded the company in his University of Texas dorm room 37 years ago and has since grown it into one of the world's biggest technology providers. Dell is one of the largest employers in Central Texas, with roughly 14,000 workers.

As for the next 37 years, Dell said: "We're actively reinventing the company."

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DULUTH  When vaccinated Canadians are allowed to drive into the U.S. for any reason next month, it will mark a long-awaited reunion for the communities and businesses along Minnesota's northern border.

"We consider ourselves sister cities with Fort Frances (Ontario), and we balance each other out," said Tricia Heibel, president of the International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. "There are certain community services, like a movie theater and bowling alley, we can't afford to maintain on our own. We have Menards, they have Walmart."

"While the commerce aspect is important," she added, "we're also looking forward to a full community reconnection, a reunification."

Canadian travelers with proof of COVID-19 vaccination can enter the U.S. by land starting on an unspecified date in November, the Department of Homeland Security announced late Tuesday. With nonessential travel closed off since March 2020, it will be the end of a 20-month separation.

American travelers to Canada have been allowed to cross with proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test since August; the U.S. won't require tests for ground travel but will require them for foreign nationals flying into the country.

"It wasn't very balanced of us to have this delay, but better late than never," Heibel said.

For the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino, which sits six miles from the border on Hwy. 61, "November can't come soon enough," said marketing director Todd Ford. "We've been missing our Canadian friends and customers for way too long now."

The casino and lodge in the northeast corner of the state gets a majority of its business from Canadians, many of them traveling from the largest city on Lake Superior  Thunder Bay, Ont.

"We have seen a lot more visitation from guests downstate this year, but we could never replace the Canadians," Ford said. "It's going to be a fun reunion, and we're looking forward to it."

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The Canadian shoreline of Rainy Lake is less than a thousand feet from Cantilever Distillery and Hotel in Ranier, Minn.  but few across the border have had a chance to sip spirits there since it opened in early 2020.

"We're very excited about it  I feel there's going to be an influx, and it's a great opportunity to welcome back our Canadian friends during a slower time of year," said general manager Ed Gackley. "And there are so many people with family on both sides of the border."

"Family is essential," he added.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar said in an interview she has worked "obsessively" on the issue, which she said has disproportionately impacted border states.

"This will be a game changer for resorts Up North that have traditionally relied on a lot of visits from Canadians," she said. "This will also be timely for holiday gatherings. ... We've had so many friends and relatives separated."

Northern Minnesota Reps. Michelle Fischbach and Pete Stauber also have been urging the Biden administration to loosen restrictions for months.

"I am so glad these businesses  that have gone through two devastating tourist seasons  can finally start recovering," Fischbach said in a statement. "I look forward to welcoming Canadians back to Minnesota very soon."

The high rate of Canadian vaccination  73% of Canadians are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, compared to 57% of Americans  helped convince the Biden administration to relax border restrictions.

As eight-hour waits to drive into Canada through International Falls demonstrated in August, there may still be some wrinkles to iron out, however.

"We know there's going to be growing pains in opening up car borders and checking for vaccination," Klobuchar said. "It's about getting the policy started and the implementation."

Brooks Johnson  218-491-6496
Dave Chappelle's latest special, "The Closer," has been defended by Netflix head Ted Sarandos. David Livingston/Getty Images

In an email, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos said on-screen content doesn't translate to real-world harm.

Sarandos cited a decline in violent crime in recent decades despite an increase in violent content.

He was defending Dave Chappelle's "The Closer," which has been criticized for transphobic comments.

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said this week the company believes on-screen content "doesn't directly translate to real-world harm," in another defense of Dave Chappelle's new comedy special, Variety reported.

The streaming giant has come under fire from some of its employees for hosting the special, "The Closer," which activists say features transphobic comments. In the special, Chappelle says "gender is a fact" and defends "Harry Potter" author JK Rowling, who has also been criticized for transphobic comments. Chappelle also said he identifies with TERFs, or trans-exclusionary radical feminists.

Sarandos initially defended the special in an email sent to company leadership on Friday, according to The Verge. He doubled down on the remarks in a company-wide email sent on Monday and obtained by Variety after Netflix employees protested the special and the decision to keep it on the platform.

"With 'The Closer,' we understand that the concern is not about offensive-to-some content but titles which could increase real-world harm (such as further marginalizing already marginalized groups, hate, violence, etc.)," Sarandos wrote. "While some employees disagree, we have a strong belief that content on screen doesn't directly translate to real-world harm."

He continued: "The strongest evidence to support this is that violence on screens has grown hugely over the last thirty years, especially with first-party shooter games, and yet violent crime has fallen significantly in many countries. Adults can watch violence, assault, and abuse - or enjoy shocking stand-up comedy - without it causing them to harm others."

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In response to the comments, GLAAD released a statement pushing back against Sarandos's claims about the impact of media: "GLAAD was founded 36 years ago because media representation has consequences for LGBTQ people. Film & TV have been filled with stereotypes and misinformation about us, leading to real-world harm, especially for trans people & LGBTQ people of color."

One transgender Netflix employee who spoke out against the special in a viral Twitter thread last week also argued that transphobic content translates to physical harm, listing off transgender people who have been killed.

The employee, Terra Field, was suspended by the company but was later reinstated.

Chappelle's "The Closer" was the third most-watched piece of content on Netflix in the US on Wednesday.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Columnist Nicholas Kristof is leaving the New York Times as he considers running for governor in Oregon. His departure is the surest sign yet that he plans to make a full pivot from journalism to politics.

Kristof has been on leave from his column as he mulled the bid. According to The New York Times, the paper's opinion editor Kathleen Kingsbury praised Kristof in an email to staff for "elevating the journalistic form to a new height of public service with a mix of incisive reporting, profound empathy and a determination to bear witness to those struggling and suffering across the globe."

Kristof, an Oregon native, joined the newspaper in 1984 and is the recipient of two Pulitzer Prizes. In a statement sent to the paper's staff, Kristof said working for the Times "has been my dream job" and added that he was resigning "very reluctantly."

"I've gotten to know presidents and tyrants, Nobel laureates and warlords, while visiting 160 countries," Mr. Kristof said in his statement. "And precisely because I have a great job, outstanding editors and the best readers, I may be an idiot to leave. But you all know how much I love Oregon, and how much I've been seared by the suffering of old friends there. So I've reluctantly concluded that I should try not only to expose problems but also see if I can fix them directly."

The move comes two days after Kristof filed to organize a candidate committee, which allows him to raise money and hire staff.

Carol Butler, a Kristof adviser, told CBS News on Tuesday, ""Nick has been exploring this race for governor for a few months." She said launching the committee was "an important next step," but was not a formal announcement.

Oregon's current Democratic Governor Kate Brown cannot run again due to term limits. Several other candidates have already entered the race, including Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek and Oregon State Treasurer Tobias Read.

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North Carolina Democrat Charles Graham discusses viral campaign ad

FDA advisers endorse Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine booster shots

Robert Gates says watching the Afghanistan withdrawal sickened him
Getty Images

North America has become the world's biggest victim of ransomware attacks, a study by Chainalysis showed.

Most of the crypto-based attacks were associated with Russia-based cybercriminal groups, the study added.

In July, President Joe Biden urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to do more to address ransomware attacks.

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North America has become the world's biggest victim of ransomware attacks - paying a hefty $131 million in cryptocurrency to criminals in the span of a year - in step with the rapid rise of cryptocurrency adoption, a new study by Chainalysis showed.

And in the period between July 2020 to June 2021, most of the cryptocurrency-based attacks were associated with Russia-based cybercriminal groups including Evil Corp, which has been previously linked to the Russian government, Chainalysis said. Others included NetWalker, Egregor, Phoenix Cryptolocker, and Doppelpaymer, the study added.

Top ransomware strains by funds received from North America - July 2020 to June 2021 Chainalysis

Cryptocurrency users in North America paid more than double what those in Western Europe did, which was the second most targeted region, the New York-based data analytics firm found.

Part of the reason for the difference could be attributed to North America being the second-largest cryptocurrency economy in the world, accounting for 18.4% of global activity, Chainalysis said.

"Simply put, more Americans are devoting a higher share of their purchasing power to cryptocurrency than in nearly every other country," the study said.

The explosion of ransomware attacks in the past year has posed significant security threats, impacting critical infrastructure from military facilities to medical centers.

In July, President Joe Biden urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to do more to address ransomware attacks, warning that the US would take "necessary action" to defend itself, the White House said. Multiple initiatives have since stemmed from the Biden administration to rein in these attacks, including two new enforcement teams from the Justice Department.

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Cybercriminals often encrypt crucial files of businesses and hold the data for ransom until they are paid an amount in crypto. Cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin have been the favored payment method of hackers to skirt law enforcement, as ownership can be difficult to trace.

These methods were on display during the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack in April, which led to gas shortages and outages up and down the East Coast. A similar attack soon followed, with JBS, the world's largest meat producer, forced to shut down operations at major plants.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Thousands of John Deere workers are on strike after union negotiations for increased benefits fell through.

At midnight on Thursday, over 10,000 employees of the agricultural brand went on strike at 14 facilities across the United States. The workers carried picket signs demanding John Deere provide safer work environments and better pay and benefits, according to the United Auto Workers Union.

Our members at John Deere strike for the ability to earn a decent living, retire with dignity and establish fair work rules, said UAW's Vice President Chuck Browning. We stay committed to bargaining until our members goals are achieved.

JOBLESS CLAIMS FALL TO POST-PANDEMIC LOW OF 293,000

The strike came after 90% of UAW's membership rejected a tentative agreement reached by the UAW and John Deere that would have delivered a raise of at least 5% in wages to workers. UAW members set a deadline for Wednesday, 11:59 p.m. for an improved offer to be delivered, and the strike took effect when the deadline was not met, according to Fox Business.

Deere & Company, the owner of John Deere, does not know when employees on strike will resume work or when negotiations with the UAW will be completed, but Brad Morris, the company's vice president of labor relations, said John Deere is "committed to a favorable outcome for our employees, our communities, and everyone involved."

"We are determined to reach an agreement with the UAW that would put every employee in a better economic position and continue to make them the highest paid employees in the agriculture and construction industries," Morris said in a statement. "We will keep working day and night to understand our employees' priorities and resolve this strike, while also keeping our operations running for the benefit of all those we serve."

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Last week, Kellogg's workers at all the company's U.S. plants went on strike, protesting a loss of premium healthcare and holiday pay, in addition to a reduction in vacation time.

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The strikes come as the U.S. grapples with supply chain issues that threaten to cause huge spikes in the costs of goods. Last month, food prices rose to their highest levels in a decade, with prices of vegetable oil, cereal, and other commodities skyrocketing.

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Tags: News, Work, Worker Benefits, employment, Strike

Original Author: Asher Notheis

Original Location: Over 10,000 John Deere workers go on strike due to contract dispute
Diego Cervantes, 16, gets a shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at First Baptist Church of Pasadena in May. (Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press)

With coronavirus case rates on the downswing nationally  and especially in California  there's growing optimism that the highly infectious Delta variant may finally be starting to lose its months-old grip.

Still, COVID-19's presence, while not as potent as earlier in the year, looms large, especially heading into the fall and winter.

"We seem to have turned a corner in our fight against COVID. But we've turned corners before only to run into oncoming trains," Dr. Robert Wachter, chair of UC San Franciscos Department of Medicine, said at a recent campus forum. "Part of the challenge for us relates to the fact that Delta is far better at its job of infecting people than the original virus was. So our future will be determined in part by the answer to this question: Is Delta as bad as it gets?"

The even bigger question, though, is what's the endgame, what's the path out of the pandemic?

It's virtually impossible to imagine a scenario in which the coronavirus would be eradicated worldwide, experts say.

"Theres been only one disease thats a human disease thats been eradicated, and that is smallpox," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government's top infectious disease expert.

It's also unlikely that the coronavirus will be "eliminated"  meaning there is no year-round transmission of the disease nationwide  any time soon, if ever, Fauci said. It's doubtful that in the near future, the U.S. will achieve the same sort of victory over COVID-19 as it eventually did with polio, which is no longer diagnosed nationally but is still a threat in other countries.

A more likely situation, at least in the near term, is getting COVID-19 under "control," meaning "theres a low level of infection that doesnt disrupt society in any meaningful way," Fauci said this week.

Some African countries, for instance, have achieved that level of general protection against malaria.

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The United States, however, remains far away from doing the same with the coronavirus.

Fauci has set a goal of fewer than 10,000 new COVID-19 cases a day nationally.

And while the new U.S. case rate has dropped more than 40% since the peak of the Delta surge, daily counts remain nine times above Fauci's aspirational threshold.

And California, for all its progress, is still classified as having "substantial" community transmission, the second-worst category on the four-tier scale set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Statewide, new daily coronavirus cases have fallen by 66% from the Delta peak: from about 15,000 new cases a day to a little over 5,000 cases a day.

There are still about 1,500 Americans  and about 100 Californians  dying of COVID-19 every day. Those rates are nowhere near the height of the winter surge, but the toll is still devastating to those who've lost loved ones.

How do we get control

So how do we get there?

"Obviously, you know what the answer is: Its vaccination," Fauci said during a briefing.

Unless vaccination rates improve dramatically, some experts have said, it's possible the pandemic could still roar back  especially later in the year, when more people are traveling and gathering indoors during the holiday season.

"To avoid the cycle of surges every few months, we do need to see a significant increase in vaccination coverage," Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said last month.

Overall, more than 56% of Americans and 60% of Californians of all ages have been fully vaccinated, according to the CDC.

But there is still a long way to go. Vaccination rates among adolescents, teenagers and younger adults need the most improvement.

Vaccinating more adults will help protect children

With children younger than 12 still not eligible to get vaccinated, there's increasing data showing that getting more teens and adults inoculated will help protect children from infection.

A study from Sweden cited by CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky examined nearly 2 million people from 800,000 families. The study found that as the number of family members with COVID-19 vaccinations increased, the risk to family members who remained unvaccinated decreased.

"Families with three or more family members vaccinated provided greater than 90% protection for those who were unvaccinated," Walensky said Wednesday.

Lowering the community transmission levels also protects children. A CDC-led study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics that looked at the risk of COVID-19 in children during periods of high transmission found "children had similar infection rates compared with adults  confirming that risk in community translates to risk inside the household," Walensky said.

Timetable for shots for younger children

Currently, only people 12 and older are eligible to be vaccinated. But a decision to authorize the shots for children ages 5 to 11 could come by early November, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said during a briefing this week.

An advisory committee to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will meet Oct. 26 to discuss the topic and then offer recommendations to the agency. The FDA will then decide whether to authorize the vaccine for use on an emergency basis.

A CDC advisory committee will meet Nov. 2 and submit its own recommendations. The agency will then offer its own clinical recommendations to healthcare providers.

That timetable means young children could be partially vaccinated by Thanksgiving and fully protected by Christmas.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland's foreign ministry summoned the Belarusian charge d'affaires on Thursday after Polish police found the body of a migrant near the border with Belarus.

It was the second time in a week that Aleksandr Czasnouski had been called in to answer questions about the situation at the frontier, where Poland has imposed a state of emergency following a surge in migrants from countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq trying to enter the European Union country via Belarus.

"Police found this morning another body of a person who was trying to cross the border," foreign ministry spokesperson Lukasz Jasina said by telephone.

The second issue discussed was a humanitarian convoy which Poland wants to be allowed into Belarus, he said.

The Belarusian embassy in Warsaw did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

It was the sixth body found by Polish authorities near the border since the surge of migrants.

Czasnouski was also summoned to the ministry last week after border guards said Polish soldiers patrolling the frontier were shot at from the Belarusian side.

The European Commission, and Warsaw say the flow of migrants has been orchestrated by Belarus as a form of hybrid warfare designed to put pressure on the EU over sanctions it imposed on Minsk. Belarus has denied this.

Human rights advocates have accused the Polish government of treating migrants inhumanely and not letting them apply for international protection. The government says the migrants are Belarus's responsibility as they are legally on its territory, and that offers of humanitarian aid have been refused.

In Brussels, the EU executive summoned envoys from Poland, Lithuania and Latvia on Thursday over the fate of migrants stuck on their borders with Belarus.

Polish Lawmakers are due to vote on the construction of a wall equipped with motion sensors and cameras at a cost of over 1.6 billion zlotys ($407 million). Poland began building a barbed wire fence in August.

($1 = 3.9350 zlotys)

(Reporting by Alan Charlish and Anna Koper, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
WARSAW (Reuters) - The lower house of the Polish parliament voted on Thursday in favour of a government plan to spend more than 1.6 billion zlotys ($400 million) on building a wall on Poland's border with Belarus in a bid to stem the flow of migrants trying to cross.

Lawmakers in the Sejm, where the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party has a thin majority, voted to adopt the bill, which will now go to the opposition-dominated Senate. It was not immediately clear how the bill would fare in the Senate.

In August, Poland began building a barbed wire fence along its border with Belarus to curb the illegal border crossings despite criticism that some migrants were being treated inhumanely. The wall, which would come with motion sensors and cameras, would further bolster border security.

Poland and fellow EU countries Lithuania and Latvia have reported sharp increases in migrants from countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq crossing their borders from Belarus, in what Warsaw and Brussels say is a form of hybrid warfare designed to put pressure on the EU over sanctions against Minsk.

(Reporting by Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk and Alan Charlish; Editing by Giles Elgood)
Watch: Prince William: Great minds should save earth not travel space

Prince William has opened up on his Earthshot Prize, which will award global innovations to combat climate change - and has revealed he hopes his six-year-old son George won't be having the same conversation in 30 years.

Speaking on the BBC's Newscast, he said: "For me it'd be a disaster if George is sat here talking to you still saying the same thing in 30 years - because by then it'll be too late."

The royal stressed he believes "young people are going to dominate this (issue)".

"Children love being outside, playing, getting muddy - adults may not remember their inner child," he added, suggesting that children have a stronger bond to the great outdoors.

Prince William, pictured with wife Kate and son George at a UEFA EURO 2020 match in London on 29 June 2021, has spoken about his son's understanding of climate change. (Getty Images)

He said: "George has been doing litter picking at school, and was confused and annoyed." William explained that his son's class at Thomas's Battersea "went out litter picking and the next day they did the same route.

"He couldn't understand how it was all back again the next day, and where it was coming from!"

Sympathising with his son, William went on, "these are the questions we need to be asking ourselves, why is that OK for that litter to come back 24 hours later?"

He explained that in George, he and Kate are already seeing "a definite sense of realisation and understanding," about the environment - "like not overusing water, turning off light switches- things like that were instilled in me when I was young," he said.

The Queen is known to be thrifty in her personal life, and clearly, the genes have been passed down.

"Charlotte's still a little bit young," William added, "and she's not quite sure and actually Louis just enjoys playing outside the whole time, he lives outside.

"It is slowly dawning on them that these things matter - but when you're young you just want to have fun and I don't want to give them the burden of that worry," added the hands-on dad.

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The Cambridges with their children. (Reuters)

William also spoke about his father, Prince Charles, acknowledging that the Prince of Wales had often been mocked in the past for his interest in the environment and climate change.

"It's been a hard road for him," admitted the Duke. "My grandfather started out helping the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) with nature and biodiversity but my dad started to progress it with climate change.

"He's had a very rough ride and he's been proven to be well ahead of his time."

Of the Earthshot Prize, he added, "It's about inspiring and finding solutions that can be around us right now and in the future rather than concentrating on what we have to give up and can't do.

The Duke of Cambridge said the "amazing" entries in his Earthshot Prize competition should fill the world with "optimism and hope" as he announced the finalists. (PA)

"Even if we all did a little now, it's not going to be enough," he went on.

"We need those heroes who can step up and come up with solutions - it's about thinking outside the box in a way that makes us richer, healthier and happier."

Like his brother Prince Harry, William has spoken regularly in praise of the vaccine scientists, and said,

"Where we've come with the development of these vaccines, it's an enormous thing, I've been blown away by the research the science, how quickly it's been done.

"Younger generations can now say, 'if we can fix this, we can also tackle environmental challenges'

"The idea that we can't do it is waning away."

The Cambridge's children are growing up in a world where climate is "much more talked about" William said.

"We are seeing a rise in climate anxiety, young people are growing up in a world where they're worried about the future the whole time and feeling that about the climate that we live breathe and walk around in, is very anxiety-making.

The Prince added:

"I want the things that I've enjoyed - the outdoor life, nature, the environment - I want that to be there for my children, and not just my children but everyone else's children."

Watch: Prince Charles talks climate change
President Vladimir Putin appeared to be channeling the stereotype of Russias uneducated working classes this week when he mocked and patronized an experienced American business journalist. Unleashing his inner gopnik during an on-stage interview, he claimed she must be too beautiful to understand his complex argument.

The exchange took place Wednesday at a Russian Energy Week panel in Moscow moderated by CNBC journalist Hadley Gamble. The reporter had pressed Putin on reports of Russia withholding gas supplies to Europe to drive up prices, and after the Russian leader dismissed the claim, she asked how Moscow could convince its European partners that its a reliable gas supplier in light of such reports.

A beautiful woman, pretty. I tell her one thing, and she says something completely different. As if she didnt hear what I said, Putin said, turning to the male members of the audience.

His chauvinistic joke came as Kremlin-owned media outlets covering Undersecretary of State Victoria Nulands visit to Russia went into overdrive to mock her as just a token female in government, lamenting the advancement of femininity in the West.

Russia Throws Tantrum Over Crazy American Women in Government

Clearly those out-dated sentiments are not so alien to Putin himself.

I will repeat it for you once again, Putin said, before insisting that Moscow has actually increased its gas supplies to Europe and that there is nothing to support [the idea] that we use energy as a kind of weapon.

Did I really say something so hard to understand? he asked.

He went on to lash out at European leaders for suggesting Moscow could be using energy as a weapon, calling them out of their minds for voicing such complete nonsense.

And while he called it politically motivated blather to suggest the Kremlin might take advantage of soaring gas prices to get German regulators to approve the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, he said such an approval would significantly relieve tensions on the energy market.

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He later noted that it was entirely possible gas prices could soon reach $100 a barrel.

In a separate interview with Gamble on the sidelines of the event, Putin appeared to react defensively to a question about whether hes given any thought to potential successors.

I prefer not to answer such questions, this is my traditional response, said Putin, 69. He went on to note that the situation allows me to run for another 6 years but I havent taken a decision in this regard.

According to a Kremlin transcript, the interview concluded with him taking a jab at the citizen who many saw as his single biggest political rival until he was thrown behind bars in a politically motivated case.

What about Mr. [Alexei] Navalny? Gamble asked the Russian president. Are you interested in improving his quality of life?

The citizen that youve mentioned is now in prison, he said.

Acknowledging that conditions in Russian prisons are not the best, Putin said hes not alone.

There are other people who also violated Russian laws, and we dont intend to put them in any exclusive conditions, including those who use political activity as a cover.

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The return to full-time learning at New Britain High School after a year of COVID-19 restrictions has been marked by vandalism and a string of violent episodes.

In the first two weeks of classes, New Britain police were called for 14 incidents or complaints  up from nine calls during the same two-week period in 2019, the last year when all students attended in-person classes. Among the calls this year were three fights, an assault, three thefts from parked cars and lesser incidents.

During those first two weeks, fixtures in some bathrooms were heavily damaged, fights broke out on several days, and some students reported that others  mostly freshmen and sophomores  were wandering through hallways during classes and cursing teachers who questioned them. School was briefly suspended.

The situation got so bad that someone created an Instagram account soliciting images of fights at the school. It posted at least six short videos purporting to be student fights in the lobby, on the fields and outside the bus pickup area; the account was abruptly closed last week.

More recently, a video was posted to YouTube showing a young man being handcuffed outside the school while another young man shouts obscenities, prompting scores of comments on the New Britain Talks page on Facebook late last week. The city has said the man being handcuffed was a 19-year-old who isnt a student at the school, but instead a repeat trespasser who had been warned before to stay away.

In the video, officer wrestle the 19-year-old to the floor and a staffer is seen repeatedly pushing the younger teen as he appears to try to intervene, prompting criticism on social media of the rough treatment. Administrators said they are conducting an internal investigation into the incident.

Mayor Erin Stewart said Tuesday that administrators need to enforce disciplinary measures to keep everyone else safe.

Our students deserve to learn in a safe environment, our parents deserve the comfort of knowing their child is safe in school, and our teachers deserve a safe space to educate, Stewart said.

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Administrators believe this years disruptions were partly fallout from the pandemic. Schools were closed for much of the past year and a half, so this years freshmen and sophomores had either little or no experience of in-person high school classes  or discipline expectations.

New Britain High School already has two police officers assigned full time, security staffers, guidance counselors and a student assistance center staffed with a counselor and assistants.

In addition, the district used federal aid to hire dozens of social workers, special education teachers and teaching assistants to help students readjust to in-person classes after a year and a half of one-again, off-again virtual learning. Sarra said resources are sufficient; instead, the problem is that a few dozen students havent adapted to in-person classes.

Calming the violence

The incident on YouTube was a setback for educators who had hoped that several weeks of turmoil were over.

They had blamed the vandalism at the beginning of the school year on a global social media challenge called #DeviousLicks, and recently issued a warning to parents that students would be disciplined if they took part in a new challenge: #Slapateacher.

In mid-September, Principal Damon Pearce announced classes would go all-virtual for three days to reset attitudes and give staff a chance to plan how to deal with 60 to 70 students with the most disruptive behavior. After community backlash, the school reduced the shutdown to one day, and administrators transferred more than a dozen students to other buildings or programs.

Weve had an uptick of behaviors  of our bathrooms being vandalized, of students acting out, Superintendent Nancy Sarra acknowledged at the time.

She has heard from parents at two virtual forums this year, with many urging the schools adopt a get-tough approach to discipline. But she and other administrators have said while they wont tolerate misconduct, they have a commitment to teach all students - including those who arent adapting well to school this year.

Every student matters here in New Britain and we have to have a plan specific to that student to help them grow. Thats our job, she told parents.

Sarra plans another forum later this year.

Despite the most recent incident last week, educators say theyve made substantial progress addressing behavioral issues that gripped the 2,200-student school in the first few weeks of the semester.

New Britain High School is operating a peer mediation group that lets a student volunteer work with two classmates who are in conflict. Also, Principal Damon Pearce is having students talk with an administrator after theyre caught skipping classes, causing fights, disrespecting staff or violating other significant rules. Educators want to stress counseling and mentoring rather than suspensions or other punitive measures, Sarra said.

But the schools also are beefing up security, with plans to replace outdated surveillance equipment with a new system costing more than $400,000 and employing about 200 cameras in and out of the building.
By Alexandra Alper

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Republican U.S. senators led by Marco Rubio on Thursday called on the Biden administration to blacklist Honor, a former unit of embattled Chinese telecoms giant Huawei, describing the firm as a threat to national security.

In a letter dated Thursday, seen by Reuters, Rubio described Honor as essentially an "arm" of the Chinese government with newly unfettered access the same prized U.S. technology currently denied to Huawei. The letter adds to a growing chorus of China hawks calling for the blacklisting.

By spinning off the Chinese telecom giant's budget smartphone brand in November 2020, "Beijing has effectively dodged a critical American export control," Rubio wrote in the letter also signed by Senators John Cornyn and Rick Scott.

"By failing to act in response, the Department of Commerce risks setting a dangerous precedent and communicating to adversaries that we lack the capacity or willpower to punish blatant financial engineering by an authoritarian regime."

Honor and the Department of Commerce in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Huawei declined to comment beyond noting a prior statement that said it would not hold any shares or be involved in managing Honor following the spinoff. The Chinese Embassy in Washington said the U.S. had kept "smearing" Huawei without presenting solid evidence to support its accusations.

The Trump administration placed Huawei on a trade blacklist in 2019, arguing the company posed a national security threat, which Huawei denies. Putting the company on the so-called entity list has meant its U.S. suppliers have had to obtain special licenses to sell key items like semiconductors to the firm.

Google was also barred from providing technical support to new Huawei phone models and access to Google Mobile Services, the bundle of developer services upon which most Android apps are based.

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As sanctions against the company began to bite amid tighter controls, Huawei announced the Honor sale to a consortium of over 30 agents and dealers.

In August a group of 14 Republican Congressmen led by Michael McCaul, the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, also called on the Commerce Department to blacklist Honor, alleging the company was spun off to evade U.S. export controls and to give Huawei access to blocked semiconductor chips and software.

On Monday, Honor said on Twitter https://twitter.com/Honorglobal/status/1447547538748280834 it had "succeeded in confirming cooperation with a number of supplier partners in the early stage" and that its Honor 50 smartphones would be equipped with Google Mobile Services.

(Reporting by Alexandra Alper; Additional Reporting by Brenda Goh in Shanghai; Editing by Diane Craft and William Mallard)
Sergio Ramirez's most recent novel has become a prohibited book in his native country of Nicaragua. Its copies remain, held without any justification, in some dark corner of a customs office of President Daniel Ortega's government.

Thus, along with "Ulysses," "1984," "Lady Chatterleys Lover," "The Satanic Verses" and other literary works that have been banned, Ramirez's latest work, "Tongolele no sabia bailar" ("Tongolele didn't know how to dance") is read clandestinely yet massively throughout Nicaragua.

We pass it on WhatsApp. There are private reading groups in the universities. The boys from the schools show it to their parents. Closed forums were created on Facebook. What is happening with that novel is crazy," said Juan Pablo, an anthropology student at Nicaragua's National Autonomous University of Nicaragua. He is not being identified by his full name because, like many people in the country, he fears the government's repression.

But in a world dominated by the internet, stopping the distribution of a novel in its physical format only encourages online reading and increased interest in all of an authors body of work  nothing better for a book.

All forbidden books have appeal. I believe that to induce a young person or a child to read, the best way is to lock up some books with a label that says forbidden. That child will find a picklock to read it," Ramirez said with a smile on a video chat with Noticias Telemundo, speaking from Madrid, where he lives.

Government prosecutors accused Ramirez last month of laundering money, property and assets; undermining national integrity, and provocation, proposition and conspiracy and ordered the search of his home.

It was then that Ramirez, who has won some of the most prestigious Spanish-language awards, including the Jose Donoso Ibero-American Literature Prize (2011) and the Cervantes Prize (2017), began to see his stay in Europe, for health reasons, as an imposed exile.

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It's also like experiencing the same injustice twice.

In these things, what I call the philosophy of aging helps, seeing things through another lens. When Somoza accused me of the same crimes in 1977, I saw the world differently," he said, referring to charges brought by the dictatorship of the late Anastasio Somoza.

"I said, Well, this is an incentive for me to continue fighting, and I returned to Nicaragua, challenging Somoza," Ramirez said wearily.

Apart from his acclaimed literary career, Ramirez is one of the founding leaders of the Sandinista Revolution, which toppled the right-wing government and ushered in a socialist revolution. He became the country's vice president until he broke from politics and, above all, from Ortega's Sandinista leadership in 1990.

Members of the Sandinista National Liberation Front directorate  Defense Minister Humberto Ortega, Interior Minister Tomas Borge, junta member Sergio Ramirez, junta member Daniel Ortega and political coordinator Bayardo Arce  before the final campaign for general elections in Managua, Nicaragua, on Nov. 2, 1984. (Pat Hamilton / AP file)

More than four decades after the victory of Sandinismo, he is once again persecuted by a repressive regime, but this time under Ortega, whose dictatorial government is a vengeful specter of all the dreams of Ramirezs generation.

Exile, at whatever age they impose it on you, is a disgrace," Ramirez said. "But I think the worst thing that can happen to a writer is to be exiled from their [native] language. This is what happened to Milan Kundera or Sandor Marai, because the Hungarian language and the Czech language are insular. In that case, if they ban you within your country, you remain speechless, they cut out your tongue, whereas banning me in Nicaragua there's digital media and, secondly, I have a vast language, a language that has no internal borders," he said.

The ghost of Sandinismo

Ramirez is the most recent target of the repressive and totalitarian machine imposing itself in Nicaragua. As the next presidential elections approach in November, more than 130 political prisoners are being held to silence dissidents and dismantle opposition movements and institutions.

However, Ramirez always goes back to literature.

Why a government that controls the country's armed forces and security apparatus is afraid of a novel, preventing its arrival in bookstores, has to do with Ramirez's role: Since 2018, he has been a fundamental voice in denouncing the government's strategy of repression. In 2018, Ortega's government clamped down on protesters, leading to the deaths of hundreds of people and the exiles of 100,000 Nicaraguans.

In "Tongolele," Ramirez captures the atmosphere of the months of attacks and persecutions in 2018. The book is the final volume of a detective trilogy starring Inspector Dolores Morales, a disenchanted ex-guerrilla who lost his leg in the battles against the Somoza dictatorship.

In another reality, Morales would have been a hero for the rest of his days, but in Ortegas Nicaragua, he was forced to resign from his police job because of his stubborn denunciations of prevailing corruption.

In the book, his great nemesis emerges: Anastasio Prado, head of the dictatorial secret services, who is called Tongolele because of his white lock of hair, reminiscent of the legendary actor Yolanda Montes, whose streak of white in her dark mane was known throughout Latin America.

Ramirez said Morales, the main character, "is a cynic, but he blindly believes that he is helping to preserve a regime that represents a revolution that no longer exists."

"He believes that all this contributes to the consolidation of that power, that anything goes, that the rest is bourgeois ethics, because proletarian ethics is something else," Ramirez said. "This is very marked in a sector of the traditional left in Latin America that defends these old projects, already out of date, as if they still had a future, as if they had something to offer."

Against the backdrop of social misery and the decline of political leaders who are increasingly old and corrupt, Ramirez sketches a sharply current novel that portrays with acid wit the end of the revolution that he himself helped to forge.

Bans always arouse curiosity, especially political bans. So my aspiration at the moment is obviously to have a lot of readers," Ramirez said with a laugh.

I'm not interested in it being a passing book on current Nicaraguan issues or because it's been banned, but rather that it's seen for what it is: a political novel, because it touches on realistic current issues, but also magical, because it touches on that magical regime, based on esoteric values, that we have in Nicaragua."

Noticias Telemundo asked Ramirez several questions about the book.

NT: Anastasio Prado serves as a reflection of mediocre officials who perpetuate social control in totalitarian systems. Have you met many such bureaucrats in Nicaragua?

SR: I have always been interested in novels with a political theme. Not the figure of dictators as such, because dictators become marginal figures, but how they come to modify the lives of those below, those who belong to the repressive apparatus.

After all, Tongolele becomes a tragic character because he ends up being the victim of the same repressive machinery that he helps move. It is a world full of betrayals, duplicities, falsehoods, and that is what I was interested in highlighting. Highlight the characters of the secondary framework, who are the ones who, after all, make up the story, the ones who make the story.

NT: There is great use of dialogue and historical references in your works. Is this aesthetic commitment deliberate?

SR: Yes. I believe that the novels should serve as living histories of the countries. Fiction has that pedagogical value that perhaps it does not intend, but it teaches better than a history book full of statistics and dates would teach. We learned our countrys history by repeating the dates and places of battles, but we did not get to know the soldiers who were behind it, those soldiers with [Simon] Bolivar who crossed the Andes barefoot, sick. That to me is the story, the feat.

NT: What differences do you perceive in the noir crime genre cultivated in Latin America and the classic detective stories?

SR: In the classic novel  the most popular is that of Agatha Christie  the police inspector begins to tie all the strings and at the end he has the luxury of sitting the suspects in a room and explaining to them who the culprit is. That has impeccable and relentless logic. In Latin America, there is no logic. Because power has no logic and power controls everything.

In other words, Inspector Maigret [the lead character of Georges Simenon's crime novels] knows that he is afraid of the judge and the prosecutor, but that is within the order established by law. But it is different in a corrupt judicial system, where the police and the prosecution are all arms of the same power.

NT: That is an aspect that you have deeply explored in your most recent novels.

SR: It is not possible to understand that logic from the perspective of the Cartesian detective novel, where everything is fulfilled according to a pre-established scheme. That is why it seems to me that there is an important modification in what the Latin American crime novel is, because it is penetrated by crime.

The police are accomplices or flirt with drug trafficking. They dont mind locking up a prisoner and beating him up in an interrogation room. That would be a sin in a British crime novel.

NT: There is a lot of chance in Inspector Morales trilogy. Did you want to show how the search for justice is a titanic task for many people in the region?

SR: Well, unfortunately, in Latin America the bad guys get away with it. Many evil ones die in their bed, quietly, or surrounded by millions. Someone who embezzled PDVSA [the state oil company] in Venezuela has a life in Italy or France, and nothing happens to him.

NT: In many of your works there's a narrative of disenchantment; Morales emerges as a witness to the shipwreck of his ideas. Why choose an old guerrilla to tell the end of the Sandinista revolution?

SR: Inspector Morales is an old guerrilla who grows old as the revolution ages. The revolution becomes a ghost. And he is seeing that with a critical eye. ... What was the use of losing a leg fighting against a regime if now this other regime looks so much like that one?

That, in a persons life, is a drama. And I believe that in Nicaragua, there are many like Morales who make this reflection and ask: Why? For that? Its a very screwed-up, very dramatic question.

NT: You are part of that group of Latin American leaders who bet on revolutions to change their countries. Do you think there is a future for leftist governments in Latin America after all the corruption and repressive scandals?

SR: It seems to me that there is an error when viewing the left as a homogeneous whole. I believe that if a ghost haunted Latin America in times of armed revolutions, it was social democracy. Social democracy was the great enemy of revolutions, more than the right, because it was a deceptive disguise for capitalism, and therefore social democratic regimes were despicable.

Today the modern left in Latin America is willing to respect electoral results. It is very different from the authoritarian left that only sees elections as a means to seize power and stay there. That left that by blindly defending power ends up ruining countries, isolating and sinking them, what is its reason for existing?

But the left that contributes to the modernization of democratic systems, of electoral systems, seems to me to be worthwhile, and I am referring to the Broad Front in Uruguay, the Socialist Party in Chile or the Brazilian Socialist Party.

NT: Do you still consider yourself a man of the left?

SR: In that sense, yes, because I keep my ideals about change. I believe that Latin America is the most unequal continent in the world, and that needs corrections. It's not about a market economy but about compassionate and humanitarian rules, which is what I think the democratic left represents.

NT: Why do you think the Ortega regime felt threatened by "Tongolele"?

SR: I believe that authoritarianism or dictatorships of the left or right are enemies of the written word. And one has to clear not only [enemies] of words that inform  they attack the media and shut them down but also of the creative word, that is to say, that a regime believes that it is threatened by a novel and orders its ban seems to me a very weak system.

NT: Did you ever think that this novel would have such an international impact?

SR: I think my case has served as a trigger to make the situation in Nicaragua known through the ban, persecution and criminalization of an author. And, through that window, people have been able to look at what they don't know or have forgotten: that the presidential candidates are all imprisoned, the political leaders, peasants and youth, as well.

There's persecution and thousands of exiles. That is what is behind the novel. I have had the privilege of opening that window and allowing people to take a look at what is happening in Nicaragua.

NT: How do you think history will judge the legacy of leaders like Fidel Castro and Daniel Ortega?

SR: I think there was a heroic time of the revolutions in which Fidel Castro embodied the rebellion of Latin America, the resistance against imperialism, but it seems to me that this reading of history has changed a lot. In 20 or 30 years, Castro is going to be seen as a tyrant rather than a liberator. He is a person who ruled a country for 60 years. Thats the most remarkable thing, isnt it?

In Ortegas case, he was a dark figure since the revolution. He wasnt Castro, who captivated with his snake-charmer glow. Ortega was never that, but rather a dull and shy man. Ortegas fame is going to be what he earned in 2018 with the murder of about 500 young people on the street. Nobody can erase that.

Furthermore, among the young people of Nicaragua, the Sandinista revolution has fallen into the most complete discredit, if not forgotten. Nobody wants to know about armed struggle. Nobody wants to know about confrontations. That is why the 2018 insurrection was peaceful. They were unarmed boys wanting change but are not willing to take up arms.

NT: Would you like to be remembered for your literary work or for your political legacy?

SR: I think that a writer survives in his books and that there are some books that people prefer more than others. A French friend told me that when a writer disappears, he goes to purgatory. And from purgatory he can go to the hell of oblivion or the heaven of survival.

There are writers who when they disappear they stop being read. It is like a law of life. And years later they are recovered again. It is a great unknown, but obviously I would like to be remembered for my books, not for my political life, which is an asterisk. What Ive wanted all my life is to be a writer.

An earlier version of this story was originally published in Noticias Telemundo.

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Secretary of State Antony Blinken faces congressional pressure to take seriously a series of mysterious health crises described as "Havana syndrome" that represents an unmitigated national security threat, according to senior senators in both parties.

We are extremely alarmed that reports of these incidents continue to grow, Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat, and several other committee members wrote in a new letter to Blinken. "It is clear that this threat continues to target U.S. diplomats and related personnel, and reflects a significant, unmitigated threat to our national security.

American diplomats and officials around the world have suffered brain injuries with no obvious cause, a mystery named after Havana, the city where it was first detected, that was most recently reported in Colombia. The affliction has worldwide reach, however, as CIA Director Bill Burns team reportedly endured an attack during a recent trip to India  a range of operation stoking suspicions that Russia or China is targeting Americans.

It is pretty clear that this is either a device or a weapon that uses pulsed radio frequencies or directed microwave energy, Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, told NBCs Andrea Mitchell. And it is very real. But, unfortunately, we still do not know who the adversary who is wielding this device or weapon is.

DECLASSIFIED STATE DEPARTMENT REPORT FINDS CRICKETS AND MASS PSYCHOLOGY TO BLAME FOR HAVANA SYNDROME

New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a Foreign Relations Committee Democrat who helped spearhead the letter to Blinken, acknowledged that Russia has the technological ability to carry out such attacks.

We know there are several states that have this kind of technology. And each of us, I would guess, have our own suspicions about who's responsible, she said in a joint appearance with Collins. "Russia certainly is one of the countries that . . .[has] had the technology, probably longer than anybody, maybe even longer than the United States. And so figuring out who else has it and whether they have the global reach to be able to do these kinds of attacks is another piece of what we have got to look into.

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That assessment has not easily taken root in government circles, as officials who reported the unexplained injuries have struggled to persuade their colleagues that an injury had occurred at all. The reported targeting of the CIA directors team drove the crisis home for one of President Joe Bidens top spy chiefs, but the lawmakers suggested that Blinken has devoted less attention to the problem.

We continue to hear concerns that the department is not sufficiently communicating with or responding to diplomats who have been injured from these attacks, Menendez, Shaheen, and nine other senators wrote Wednesday to Blinken. We are also concerned that the Department is insufficiently engaged in interagency efforts to find the cause of these attacks, identify those responsible, and develop a plan to hold them accountable.

Idaho Sen. James Risch, the top Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee and a senior member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and three other Republicans also signed the letter.

State Department spokesman Ned Price acknowledged that the department had not always done a sufficient job in addressing these anomalous health incidents but cited Blinkens meeting with victims and administrative moves to remedy the management of the reported attacks and expedite care for the officials involved.

We take every single report of an anomalous health incident extraordinarily seriously, Price told reporters Thursday. So we have made improvements in terms of our communication. We have made improvements in terms of our inspections and our defensive measures. We have made improvements in terms of our training so that, again, our employees know how to respond should they become subject to one of these, that their family members also have the information they need.

Shaheen and the other 10 senators urged Blinken to prove it by appointing a new task force leader who would report directly to him.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

We ask that you take this step now to demonstrate that the State Department does take this matter seriously, and is coordinating an appropriate agency-level response, they urged. We wish to support the State Department and U.S. personnel through every means possible, and to support the Department in effectively addressing this national security threat. We look forward to receiving your response, and to your heightened engagement on this issue.



Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: News, Foreign Policy, National Security, Antony Blinken, CIA, Cuba, Russia, Senate Foreign Relations

Original Author: Joel Gehrke

Original Location: Senate Democrats say Blinken not taking significant, unmitigated threat of Havana syndrome seriously
The South Carolina Supreme Court ruled unanimously Wednesday to dismiss a challenge to Gov. Henry McMasters move to leave the federal supplemental pandemic unemployment program early.

McMaster announced May 6 the state would exit the program at the end of June, ending South Carolina residents' ability to be part of the supplemental program, which paid an additional $300 a week to those on unemployment.

Our goal has always been to usher in a rapid economic recovery that will lift all South Carolinians and benefit generations to come, and weve done that, McMaster said in a statement. Rather than working to incentivize South Carolinians to accept one of the thousands of available jobs in our state, these federal benefits presented a clear danger to the health of our states businesses by keeping people home. Now, we will continue our tireless work to match qualified South Carolinians with available jobs around our state.

Four named plaintiffs filed the lawsuit, claiming the supplemental unemployment payments were part of the Social Security Administrations payments to citizens, which are protected. The court ruled, however, the only connection the Programs have to the SSA is that the funds to be distributed to recipients pass through bank accounts of the Social Security Administration.

Therefore, the lawsuit was dismissed just as it was in circuit court. The state cited a decrease of the unemployment rate in the state from 4.6% to 4.2% since the announcement as proof of its effectiveness, stating that 25,000 more South Carolina residents are now employed.

The federal programs were voluntary and states had the option to participate, South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce Executive Director Dan Ellzey said in a statement. As South Carolina employers ramped up their hiring in the spring of this year and employment opportunities continued to outnumber individuals looking for work, it became evident that it was time for the state to focus more on reemployment.

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Thousands of South Carolinians have found employment since the termination of the federal programs, but there are still tens of thousands of open positions and opportunities currently available.

Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: News, South Carolina, State

Original Author: Jon Styf | The Center Square

Original Location: South Carolina Supreme Court dismisses federal unemployment case against McMaster
A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 aircraft. Chris Parypa Photography/shutterstock

Southwest Airlines' cancellations have affected travelers across the US, not just in Florida.

The reason goes back to Southwest's "point-to-point" route network that differs from other airlines.

A flight between two cities in California can be impacted by bad weather in Florida, for example.

The worst of Southwest Airlines' Columbus Day weekend meltdown appears to be over as cancellations are dwindling. As of Thursday morning, only 30 flights have been canceled for the day, according to flight tracking company FlightAware, down from thousands in the combined days prior.

But the weekend's events have left some flyers in regions as far as the West Coast wondering why their flights were canceled when bad weather and air traffic control issues in Florida were to initially blame. The reason traces back to how Southwest schedules flights across its nationwide route network that differs from many of its competitors.

"Southwest operates a very complex spider web-like point-to-point route network," Henry Harteveldt, travel industry analyst and president of Atmosphere Research Group, told Insider. "A flight, let's say, from Florida to California may make multiple stops along the way, like a proverbial puddle jumper."

The point-to-point strategy has proved effective in allowing the airline to serve a greater number of US cities without having to contract regional airlines, as is the default of the major airlines when serving low-demand markets. Meltdowns like the one experienced over Columbus Day weekend are few and far between.

Major carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines alternatively operate what's known as a "hub-and-spoke" route network. Each airline has a handful of hubs across the US from where flights will usually arrive or depart.

Most Delta Air Lines flights, for example, will start or end in either New York, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Boston, Detroit, Atlanta, Minneapolis, or Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Southwest, while having bases at airports across the US, will send aircraft hopscotching across the country and to its international destinations. Examples of its point-to-point routes include Sacramento, California to Ontario, California; Raleigh to Tampa, Florida; and Long Island, New York to West Palm Beach, Florida.

"If there is bad weather in Florida and a flight is canceled, it can cascade down that flight and affect flights between points that are hundreds, perhaps thousands of miles away from where the bad weather took place," Harteveldt said.

Southwest also offers "one-stop, no plane change" flights where passengers on through flights can stay on board the aircraft during these intermediary stops. New cleaning procedures during the pandemic, however, require passengers to disembark.

However, the network strategy can fall apart during periods of "irregular operations," such s bad weather, if not promptly corrected, as evidenced by the weekend's events. And that could leave customers flying between San Francisco and Los Angeles, for example, without an aircraft.

"What is clear is: Southwest does not have a good set of strategies to anticipate, manage and recover from weather disruptions and other causes of irregular operations," Harteveldt said. "Southwest knew that there was bad weather that would hit the central US last week, they knew that there was going to be bad weather in Florida. They should have been able to make arrangements for those events, perhaps pre-canceling flights."

Southwest told Insider that the event was exacerbated by the conservative approach to staffing that resulted from the pandemic.

"Going forward, we're continually assessing our operational plan with staffing in mind," a Southwest spokesperson said in a statement to Insider. "We're continuing to aggressively hire; we've reduced our planned flying through this lens in the past and we won't hesitate to do it again. We want to give our people maximum flexibility to recover during these wider-scale disruptions."

Read the original article on Business Insider
By Victoria Klesty and Nora Buli

KONGSBERG, Norway (Reuters) - A bow-and-arrow attack in which a Danish convert to Islam is suspected of killing five people in a Norwegian town appears to have been an "act of terror", police said on Thursday.

Investigators named the suspect as Espen Andersen Braathen, a 37-year-old living in the Kongsberg municipality where the attacks took place on Wednesday evening.

A police attorney told Reuters that Braathen had acknowledged killing the victims. His lawyer confirmed only that Braathen was cooperating with police and giving a detailed statement.

Police had been concerned about signs of radicalisation in the suspect before the attacks, carried out with a bow and arrow and other weapons, a senior officer said.

Flags flew at half-mast across Kongsberg after the deaths of four women and a man, all aged between 50 and 70. Three others, including an off-duty police officer, were wounded.

"The events at Kongsberg appear at the moment to be an act of terror," the PST security police said in a statement, adding the investigation would determine the motive.

Regional police chief Ole Bredrup Saeverud said the suspect had converted to Islam.

"Police have previously been in contact with the man in relation to trouble connected to radicalisation. We haven't registered anything in regards to him in 2021, but previously," Saeverud told a news conference.

The head of Norway's PST security police, Hans Sverre Sjoevold, said Braathen had a history of being "in and out" of health institutions.

Determining whether the attack was an act of terrorism or the result of a psychiatric issue "will be a vital, important part of the investigation", he told Reuters.

The method of the attack, said Sjoevold, was similar to many politically motivated attacks carried out in Europe in recent years.

"The use of knives, public places... The police are not present, so they can carry out the ... attack. That's quite typical for these operandi," he told Reuters.

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ARROW IN THE BACK

On Wednesday, Kongsberg resident Markus Kultima, 23, who works in a beer shop, witnessed parts of the attack.

"I saw a man come walking with an arrow in his back," Kultima told Reuters. He said it was the off-duty officer who told him to head home.

Braathen was in custody and was believed to have acted alone, police said. A court will decide on Friday how long police can keep him in custody.

Police attorney Ann Iren Svane Mathiassen told Reuters: "He has told us that he has killed them and he has explained himself in detail about what happened... He admits to the facts of the case but we haven't asked him yet about the question of guilt."

She said police wanted a psychiatric evaluation to determine whether he is fit to stand trial, and that those killed "appear to be random victims".

A relative of the suspect, speaking on condition of anonymity to Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet, described him as mentally ill and said the family had suffered threats for several years.

The death toll was the worst of any attack in Norway since 2011, when far-right extremist Anders Behring Breivik killed 77 people, most of them teenagers at a youth camp.

The attacks took place over "a large area" of Kongsberg, a municipality of about 28,000 people in southeastern Norway, 68 km (42 miles) from the capital, Oslo.

Police said they received reports of a man carrying a bow and arrow at 1612 GMT on Wednesday. He was first observed by a police unit a few minutes later, fired arrows at the police and was apprehended after a hunt lasting about 35 minutes.

"It is likely that all the killings took place after the first police sighting of him," Saeverud said.

Images from one of the crime scenes showed an arrow that appeared to be stuck in the wall of a wood-panelled building.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, on his first day in office after winning an election last month, said his thoughts were with the people of Kongsberg, the victims and "those who live with the shock."

He told a news conference the attack highlighted shortcomings in Norway's psychiatric care, with "one in four or one in five" people who are referred for treatment being turned down.

King Harald wrote a letter of condolence to the town's mayor, saying: "The rest of the nation stand with you."

Those laying flowers and candles in tribute spoke of their shock in a country where mass killings are rare.

"I want to show my sympathy and empathy to all those affected here in town and across Norway actually because it affects all of us, regardless of who we are - young and old," Kongsberg resident Line Leirmo said.

(Writing by Terje Solsvik and Gwladys Fouche, additional reporting by Nerijus Adomaitis in Oslo and Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen; Editing by Robert Birsel, Peter Graff, Toby Chopra, Alison Williams, Timothy Heritage and Nick Macfie)
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP)  Syria's defense ministry said on Thursday that one of its soldiers has been killed and three injured in an overnight Israeli airstrike on a telecommunication tower in the central province of Homs.

A military official said the strike shortly before midnight in the Palmyra region hit the tower and some posts around it. The official did not identify the targets further. Syrian air defenses were activated to respond to the incoming missiles, which the defense ministry said originated from the Tanf region in southeast Syria.

In a rare acknowledgement their bases had been struck, Iran-backed groups in Syria vowed retaliation. The groups said they will have a harsh response to the Israeli strikes in Palmyra.

The groups also blamed the United States for the strikes, which originated from Tanf, where the U.S. has a small outpost in the area that straddles the Baghdad-Damascus highway.

The groups said the strikes hit service and youth centers, causing a number of causalities, between dead and wounded. The groups did not provide details.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, said the strikes hit an airbase known as T4, adding that Iran-backed militiamen based in it were targeted.

Israel has staged hundreds of strikes against Iran-linked military targets in government-controlled Syria over the years but rarely acknowledges or discusses such operations.

Recently, there has been an intensification of such strikes, with the last being on Friday in the same area, wounding six soldiers.

Israel sees the Iranian presence on its northern frontier as a red line, and it has repeatedly struck what it has described as Iran-linked facilities and weapons convoys destined for Lebanons militant Hezbollah group.
MOSCOW (Reuters) - A Taliban delegation will arrive in Moscow next week for the so-called Moscow format talks on Afghanistan, Russia's TASS news agency quoted the Russian foreign ministry as saying on Thursday.

The Moscow talks also involve China, Pakistan, India and Iran.

(Reporting by Anton Kolodyazhnyy; Writing by Olzhas Auyezov; Editing by Toby Chopra)
Tia Mowry has strong thoughts when it comes to a woman's post-baby body.

Touching on the topic of "snapback culture," the 43-year-old actor and author took to Instagram to offer her viewpoint on the race for women to get back into shape after pregnancy.

"Pregnancy was such a special time in my life and I loved it and my bump!" she captioned a carousel of photos, including a mirror selfie taken when she was pregnant.

Related: Its so freaking hard. Im not where I want to be yet. But Im not where I used to be," she wrote.

The mom of 10-year-old son Cree and 3-year-old daughter Cairo continued, "I also loved my body before pregnancy. Were led to believe we should love one over the other. But it was important for me to be super proud of BOTH bodies instead of feeling pressured to be a part of the snapback culture.

"I think instead we can look at our bodies and love and acknowledge them for keeping us alive and keeping our babies alive! Mamas, we can allow our bodies to just BE while we nourish them (and our little ones!) with good things, instead of buying into the snapback culture."

It's not the first time the "Family Reunion" star has spoken out about losing pregnancy weight.

In 2020, after giving birth to Cairo, she revealed she had lost 68 pounds.

"Im very proud that I did it my way and in my time. I didnt feel rushed to snap back. I enjoyed breast feeding and spending quality time with #cairo and my son #cree," she wrote on social media at the time. "To all the women who are feeling pressured after birth. Do YOU! Do what makes YOU proud and do it in YOUR time. Not anyone elses."

Mowry, who first gained small-screen fame on the 1990s sitcom Sister, Sister alongside her twin sister, Tamera Mowry-Housley, also has embraced her gray hair.

Related: Most mothers can agree that having a baby forever changes your body, whether its fuller hips, a softer midsection or breasts that are never quite as perky as they once were. And we live in a culture where "getting your pre-baby body back" is assumed to be a nearly universal post-partum goal.But some moms are just fine with their post-baby body, finding that with those changes comes a new kind o

"I'm not about hiding who I am," Mowry told TODAY, noting that when she put on nearly 70 pounds during her pregnancy, she would show off her belly too. "I'm all about wanting to change the narrative that people think they need to be perfect. Growing older is a blessing."

Related:
Photo Illustration by Sarah Rogers/The Daily Beast / Photos Getty

Donald Trump is the biggest loose cannon in the world.

If Joe Biden actually ends up spending trillions of dollars to radically transform America, it will be because Trump sabotaged not one, but two U.S. Senate seats in Georgia after refusing to accept his own defeat, giving Democrats a surprise majority in both houses of Congress to go along with the White House.

He could have an even bigger, and more damaging, impact on Republicans going forward. The only thing we know for sure is that he will not be ignored. Indeed, he is already meddling.

Lets start in Virginia, where two replacement-level stooges are competing to become the states next governor. The race features former Gov. Terry McAuliffe, who is working hard to fend off Republican businessman Glenn Youngkin. In recent years, Virginia has become a Democratic state, but polling has this race very close. To prevail, Youngkin must (a) win back lots of normal suburban Northern Virginia voters who might once have voted for a Mitt Romney (and may be upset about Bidens performance and/0r hot-button cultural issues like Critical Race Theory), and (b) avoid angering or alienating Trumpy voters.

A Trumpy Wannabe Tries to Spend His Way to Victory in Va.

For months, Youngkin has tried hard to thread this needle, but on Wednesday night, that was complicated by a rally in support of the states GOP ticket that was headlined by Steve Bannon and featured a phone call from Trump himself. Youngkin wisely skipped the event, which began with the pledge of allegiance being delivered to a flag that was present at the peaceful rally with Donald J. Trump on Jan. 6.

It was an opening McAuliffe campaign was waiting forin a campaign where he's tried, sometimes in vain, to tie Youngkin to Trump, observed ABC News Political Director Rick Klein. Seizing on the moment, McAuliffe tweeted, Last night was the darkest moment of Glenn Youngkin's campaign yeta Donald Trump rally for Glenn where supporters celebrated the Jan. 6 insurrection. Glenn, for the sake of our democracy: denounce last night's rally and Donald Trump's dangerous lies. Enough is enough.

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Again, Youngkins only shot is to win back normal suburban voters, while also not alienating Trumps fans in the Commonwealth. But Trump and his supporters wont give him the space to do that. He cant own what happened, but he also cant disavow it. Trump would never allow that, nor would his supporters.

This is a glimpse of what Republicans running for Congress nationwide can expect next year. Indeed, mainstream Republicans are already being ritualistically forced to affirm Trumps supposedly stolen re-election (and the nobility of the subsequent insurrection). They are not allowed to just pretend it didnt happen and move on.

Along those same lines, just hours before the rally in Virginia, Trump released a statement saying, If we dont solve the Presidential Election Fraud of 2020 (which we have thoroughly and conclusively documented), Republicans will not be voting in 22 or 24. It is the single most important thing for Republicans to do.

This should be interpreted as a serious threat because it speaks to the very efficacy of voting. Trump is not saying that he will tell his voters to stay home in 2022 to punish Republicans. He is making a much more furtive and veiled threat: He will tell the voters not to waste their time voting, unless, of course, other Republican politicians (a) buy into the bogus premise that the election was stolen from him, and (b) support whatever election reforms he says will prevent that from happening again.

This is a devious way of holding Republican politicians hostage to his demands while avoiding being labeled a spoiler.

Nice elections you got there. Be a shame if something happened to them.

The beauty is that Trump doesnt even have to deliver on his mob-boss threat; he just has to issue it, and Republican politicians will bend to his will. Thats because the threat is believable, first because Trump doesnt care about the party, and second because Trump has demonstrated that he is careless and erratic. In this regard, he is employing Nixons madman theoryagainst his own party.

Every compromise made to appease him or kick the can down the road (in hopes he will fade away) only empowers him more.

Trump isnt just the biggest X factor in the 2024 presidential race, he may prove the greatest unknown in the 2021 and 2022 elections. He is the elephant in the roomthe known unknown. His actions are unpredictable and chaotic, making it impossible for Republicans to plan for, much less manage, them.

Elections come and go. Trump is forever. And all he demands is everything.

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TUNIS (Reuters) -Tunisia's president on Thursday called one of his predecessors, Moncef Marzouki, an enemy of the country and withdrew his diplomatic passport after he demanded that France end its support for Tunisia under Kais Saied's leadership.

Saied is under strong international pressure, especially from Western powers, to announce a clear road map for a return to constitutional politics after seizing a wide range of powers in July.

He unveiled a new government on Monday, but gave no indication that he was ready to relinquish control.

Last week, Marzouki, who was president from 2011 to 2014, called on the French authorities "not to help the dictatorial regime in Tunisia".

Saied on Thursday asked the justice minister to open an investigation into allegations that Marzouki had conspired against state security.

"I will withdraw his diplomatic passport because he is among the enemies of Tunisia," Saied said, referring to Marzouki.

He rejected Western involvement, saying it was a matter for Tunisians, adding: "We will not allow anyone to interfere."

A presidency statement said he had informed the U.S. ambassador of Tunisia's "dissatisfaction" that the House Foreign Affairs Committee was due to discuss Tunisia at a hearing called "Examining the State of Democracy and Next Steps for U.S. Policy".

The United States has been important to Tunisia since its 2011 revolution in providing security assistance and working with other major donors to support public finances.

Along with other members of the G7 group of advanced economies, which include France, it has urged Saied to return to a constitutional order in which an elected parliament plays a significant role.

Thousands protested in Tunis last week against Saied's seizure of almost total power, raising fears of further unrest.

His intervention followed years of economic stagnation and political paralysis, but it has cast into doubt the democratic gains made by Tunisians during the revolution that triggered the Arab Spring uprisings.

(Reporting by Tarek Amara; Editing by Toby Chopra, Giles Elgood and Alison Williams)
By Simon Lewis

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The State Department on Thursday defended its handling of so-called Havana Syndrome health complaints, after a bipartisan group of U.S. senators said they were concerned the unexplained ailments were not being taken seriously enough.

Around 200 U.S. diplomats, officials and family members overseas are believed to have been struck by the mysterious ailment - with symptoms including migraines, nausea, memory lapses and dizziness.

It first came to public attention in 2016 after dozens of diplomats at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba, complained of the sickness, but officials are yet to reach a firm conclusion of the syndrome's cause or whether an adversary is responsible.

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, along with other senators, including fellow Democrat and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Robert Menendez and the committee's ranking Republican, James Risch, wrote to Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the issue on Thursday.

They urged him to announce a successor to Ambassador Pamela Spratlen, the official who had been leading the State Department's investigation into the incidents but is resigning.

"We ask that you take this step now to demonstrate that the State Department does take this matter seriously, and is coordinating an appropriate agency-level response," the senators wrote.

State Department spokesman Ned Price responded to the letter during a regular press briefing, saying Blinken "has no higher priority than the health and the safety, and the security of our workforce and their family members and dependents." He added Blinken had met with sufferers of the syndrome and had taken steps to investigate the incidents.

For example, the State Department had sent teams of security engineers and occupational safety experts to inspect the locations where health incidents were reported, Price said.

"We take every single report of an anomalous health incident extraordinarily seriously," he added.

Blinken is set to travel to Bogota next week, according to the Colombian foreign ministry. At least five families connected to the U.S. embassy there have been affected by unexplained health incidents, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.

(Reporting by Simon Lewis; Editing by Sandra Maler)
Theyre all the rage: fillers.

Because we cant all be born with plump lips and have that collagen in our cheeks forever.

But sometimes you can go overboard and suffer the consequences (by that, we mean Internet trolls critiquing your paparazzi shots).

Men are not immune: Ricky Martin got raked over the coals for looking a wee bit bloated during a Zoom chat about his tour with Enrique Iglesias. And even Tom Cruises less than chiseled cheeks raised eyebrows during a recent outing with his son.

The latest: Though we are unclear what procedure (if any) Victoria Beckham had done, the fashion designer certainly looked different Tuesday on Good Morning America to promote her new makeup tint.

Twitter naturally reacted immediately, with some showing concern about the part time Miami residents health.

What happened to her? asked one of the 47 year old Brit.

Others were downright nasty.

Each time I see lip fillers I lose faith into everything a woman says, all her ideals shatter and her IQ drops dramatically.

At least a few jumped to the mother of fours defense:

Please do not be rude! Do you know how much time it takes to get the makeup and lips right? The mental anguish of looking good in todays society? Just trying to fit in is so hard and uses so much energy.

If Mrs. David Beckham did indeed get lip fillers, small injections of hyaluronic acid, the result should only last about six to 12 months if she isnt happy with the look. Or maybe she is happy, and just Twitter isnt.
Walgreens Boots Alliance acquired majority stakes in two companies, VillageMD and CareCentrix, as part of the pharmacy chain's plan to provide more care inside its stores and people's homes.

The bottom line: These deals will move the company "away from retail and just dispensing pharmaceuticals," Walgreens CEO Roz Brewer told CNBC.

Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free

By the numbers: Walgreens is investing billions of dollars.

$5.2 billion in VillageMD, giving Walgreens a 63% ownership stake. More VillageMD clinics, which provide basic primary care, will be attached to Walgreens stores.

$330 million in CareCentrix, giving Walgreens a 55% ownership stake. CareCentrix helps provide follow-up care to people who are discharged from hospitals, with the goal of keeping them from going back to the hospital.

Last month, Walgreens paid almost $1 billion to boost its ownership of Shields Health Solutions, a company that helps hospitals run their own specialty pharmacies, to 71%.

Between the lines: This is a copycat economy. CVS Health has invested in clinics and post-acute care for years, and now Walgreens is going all in.

Yes, but: Prescriptions drugs and vaccines will still be a major part of what Walgreens does.

For example, Walgreens administered 34.6 million COVID-19 vaccines so far in 2021, and that includes 5.6 million shots since August, when demand ticked up amid the Delta variant and more mandates went into effect.

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U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-RIGHT-WING RALLY

People gather near the Capitol building during a right-wing rally in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 18, 2021. Credit - Liu Jie--Xinhua/Getty Images

I think its important to admit when my professional judgement was wrong. I did so freely at the start of this month, acknowledging that my skepticism for old-fashioned letter-writing campaigns was statistically off. (It turns out that it works, and theyre going gang-busters this week as Virginias races hit their final stretch.) I was probably too rosy about Democrats willingness to (eventually) forgive disgraced New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. And my skepticism about Joe Bidens chances have been as sincere as they have been long held and also proven incorrect.

But the error in judgment that smacks the most right now is that I was outright incredulous at the Justice for J6 rally, which sought to cast the mob that stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6 as victims. These were violent individuals who marched, on orders from President Donald Trump, to the Capitol with the express intent of setting aside the results of last years elections to keep Trump in power. The crowd was undemocratic, unruly and, frankly, un-American. The nonsense Trump spewed that day and many times since has perverted faith in the American experiment and corrupted future elections. As I sat writing this last night, Trump even put out a statement demanding Republicans boycott elections in 2022 and 2024 if, in his words, we dont solve the Presidential Election Fraud of 2020 (which we have thoroughly and conclusively documented). Like I said: pure insanity.

As it turns out, hours before Trumps latest outburst, a federal judge referred dozens of inmates treatment in D.C. jails to the Department of Justice. Could, perhaps, the same conspiracy theorists who believe Trump was cheated of a victory last November also be correct in asserting the government is mistreating those it arrested for acting on those beliefs?

Roughly 40 suspects are now in jail in D.C. awaiting trial for charges stemming from that day, and their lawyers say their rights are being denied. Some, they say, have been denied access to food and showers. U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth said jail officials failed for four months to move ahead with treatment for one defendant who broke his wrist while held without bail. A surgery initially scheduled for June still hasnt taken place. Lamberth called it more than just inept and bureaucratic jostling of papers.

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The suspect, who faces four felony charges including spraying officers with pepper-spray gel and rioting at the Capitol, hardly cuts a sympathetic silhouette. Christopher Worrell is an accused member of the Florida Proud Boys, an extremist group that is alleged to have helped lead the breach of the Capitol back in January. He is accused of traveling to D.C. on other peoples money, marching on the Capitol wearing tactical gear and radio equipment and aiming his ire at officers just before the barriers were breached. His charging document is fairly inscrutable. If youre looking for a classic face for a victim, Worrell isnt where youd start.

Still, its tough to ignore the facts of what followed, especially in a bureau of prisons widely known to be overwhelmed, under-resourced and branded a human-rights violation just two miles away from the U.S. Capitol. For more than a year, the Districts Department of Corrections kept inmates in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day in the name of constricting the spread of COVID-19 among inmates. Advocates have, not wrongly, argued those choices have unfairly burdened Black inmates who are merely awaiting trial. In a country that postures as a beacon for human rights, D.C.s prisons arent the transmission tower.

There was a pretty big eye-roll when fewer than 450 protesters showed up last month to call attention to the rights of Jan. 6 protesters, arguing that they were victims of political oppression and suffering for speaking the truth. It seemed like a fringe sequel to the bloody attempt to derail Congress sign-off on election results.

But the lack of participation a few weeks ago doesnt negate that maybe the activists werent entirely wrong about detention facilities that are widely acknowledged as harsh. As Lamberth asked jail officials and their lawyers about the conditions facing the prisoners awaiting trial: Does no one care?

Most of Washington was rightly offended by the Jan. 6 riot. For months, the vestiges were seen on Capitol Hill in the form of fencing, military sentries and beefed-up security. Those crowds violated Washingtons standards. But Washington should also be offended by the treatment of some of the people in those crowds in prison.

To be perfectly clear: nothing that happened on Jan. 6 is excusable. The violence that played out on Capitol Hill was unacceptable then and remains so today. But just as those who were arrested during last years protests against police brutality deserved to have their civil rights respected, so too do the insurrectionists who sought to topple democracy. Its for courts, not police in the field or corrections officers in extrajudicial settings, to decide their fate.

And that brings discomfort, at least to me. Emotionally, its impossible to summon the same feelings I have for those marching for racial justice as those marching to set aside dozens upon dozens of judges rulings that Joe Biden is the rightful President of the United States. Intellectually, though, if you stand for one groups right to be processed through a criminal justice system fairly and with respect, you have to stand for the others. Because thats the thing about rights: they extend to everyone in this country, even the people you vehemently disagree with.
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T-Mobile announced in August that the names, Social Security numbers and other personal information of about 50 million people who did business with the cell phone carrier had been compromised in a data breach.

See: 5 Things Most Americans Dont Know About Social Security

Find: 10 Reasons You Should Claim Social Security Early

Earlier, in April, it was the School of Medicine at Stanford University that confirmed hackers had leaked stolen personal data obtained via a compromised file transfer system, part of a bigger breach that impacted other health systems in the U.S.

Another month, another piece of bad news. While weve grown accustomed to hearing about hacking, you still might be amazed and appalled by the many ways a scammer can fraudulently use your Social Security number.

Discover some of the awful  but very real  consequences that might happen if your SSN gets stolen, and learn how to prevent or deal with these worst-case scenarios.

Last updated: Oct. 14, 2021

aodaodaodaod / Shutterstock.com

Hackers can use your SSN to get credit cards in your name.

"The important thing for people to understand is that once someone has your Social Security number, particularly in combination with your name and address, they can do pretty much anything that requires your SSN," said Brian Focht, an attorney and head of the Law Offices of Brian C. Focht in Charlotte, North Carolina, who lists cybersecurity and privacy law among his practice areas.

Focht said that fraudulently obtaining credit cards is by far the most common SSN scam that he sees in his practice. It is possible for a hacker to get a credit card with just your name, address and Social Security number. Once the credit cards are in place, fraudsters can run up a lot of debt.

Generally speaking, criminals aim to get the most they can with the least effort, Focht said. In his view, keeping your SSN safe requires two things: understanding and implementing security best practices, and luck.

"The best that anyone can do these days is be suspicious about anyone/anything that asks for personal information," Focht said. "If it doesn't seem right, it's probably not. Beyond that, there's just a lot that is way out of anyone's control."

Story continues

Pro tip: If you suspect someone has opened a credit card in your name, Focht said your first calls should be to the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Don't just contact one  call all three.

Discover: Social Security Benefits Might Get Cut Early  What Does It Mean for You?

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They can use your SSN to open a phone account in your name.

It's easy for criminals to open a phone account in your name if they have your name, address and SSN, Focht said. One of his clients learned that her SSN had been stolen when she received a Verizon Wireless bill. It turned out that someone had opened an account in her name, then purchased several expensive phones, charging them to the account.

"What was particularly irksome in her case was that the accounts were opened using an address the client hadn't lived at for more than a decade," Focht said.

Pro tip: Focht said that phone companies usually have fraud departments to deal with stolen services. Immediately let the department know what is going on, and then follow up with a letter. You might need to send a copy of that letter to the credit agencies if the issue shows up on your credit report.

Look: Next Years Social Security Checks Could Get Biggest COLA Bump in 13 Years

RyanJLane / iStock.com

They can use your SSN to claim your tax refund.

In 2020, nearly 170 million people filed tax returns for tax year 2019, including traditional non-filers who submitted information to get their economic impact payments. That year, the Internal Revenue Service issued nearly 126 million refunds, accounting for about 74% of all filers. The average refund was $2,549.

So, imagine the shock if  rather than that long-awaited check  you instead received notice that someone else already filed a return in your name and received your tax refund.

This can happen if a scammer gets your name and SSN and simply files a return in your name. While your best bet is to keep your SSN private, both the IRS and Federal Trade Commission can assist you if this happens.

Pro tip: There are many things you can do to help protect your tax refund. Learn to recognize phishing emails seeking your personal information and calls from scammers posing as your bank, credit card company or the IRS. No bank, taxing authority or responsible business typically asks for your SSN online. Treat any such request as a scam.

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They can use your SSN to get a drivers license in your name.

When asked for a photo identity, you are likely to whip out your driver's license. It is accepted as proof of who you are, where you live and how old you are. So if an identity thief is able to obtain a driver's license in your name, it opens many fraudulent doors.

To get a driver's license, you generally have to pass a written test, a driving test and an eye exam, and provide your name, address and SSN. A hacker might be able to get a driver's license in your name without you even knowing it.

Pro tip: If you believe that your name and Social Security number were used to obtain a fraudulent driver's license, immediately contact your state Department of Motor Vehicles. Warning signs could be traffic tickets issued in states you have never visited or warrants for your arrest you know nothing about.

Related: Are Social Security Benefits Taxable?

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They can use your SSN to open a bank account in your name.

If you think back to when you opened your first bank account, you'll remember that the bank didn't require much information other than your name, address and SSN. That means that anyone with your SSN can easily open a bank account in your name, especially if the identity thief already obtained a driver's license in your name.

Why would someone want to open a bank account in your name? You can be sure it is not to add to your savings. The hacker could use it as a landing spot for transfers from your legitimate bank account.

Pro tip: The minute you suspect your SSN has been stolen, call the fraud departments of the three credit reporting agencies and place a fraud alert on your file. This tells creditors to call you before they open any new accounts in your name.

It's also critical to keep on top of your money. Using an online banking app makes it easier to monitor your account.

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They can use your SSN to drain your existing bank accounts.

Identity hackers also can use your stolen SSN to dip into any of your existing bank accounts. Armed with that knowledge, they simply can transfer money.

If they hacked your SSN, they might have obtained your passwords and the answers to secret security questions, too, such as your mother's maiden name. The drain on your accounts might be gradual  or you might wake up to find your entire savings gone. Hackers also have begun to use apps such as Zelle to transfer money illegally.

Pro tip: It's important to protect yourself from hackers and scammers. Monitor your bank account on a daily basis to identify the slightest unfamiliar withdrawal or other changes to the account. The earlier you catch the fraud, the easier it will be to deal with it.

Karin Hildebrand Lau / Shutterstock.com

They can use your SSN to claim your Social Security check.

Although you are regularly asked to use your SSN for identification, its primary purpose is linked to your Social Security benefits. The government keeps track of your earnings and your Social Security tax payments with your SSN, and you need it in order to claim Social Security retirement or disability benefits.

For example, if you are eligible for Social Security retirement benefits but have opted to wait until you reach full retirement age, a hacker with your SSN could apply for those benefits in your name. Because Social Security benefits are usually deposited directly into a bank account, you might not even discover this until you try to apply for benefits years down the road.

Pro tip: It's a good idea to check your Social Security account once or twice a year to make sure everything looks as it should. If you believe that a scammer is using your SSN to collect your Social Security benefits, call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 800-269-0271.

Theft Threat? How To Protect Your Financial Information From Data Hungry Apps

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They can use your SSN to get a loan in your name.

Steven J.J. Weisman, author of "Identity Theft Alert: 10 Rules You Must Follow to Protect Yourself from America's #1 Crime," said that one of the worst things an identity thief can do with your Social Security number is to obtain a loan in your name. To do this, the hacker would first need to use your SSN to access your credit reports. Then, using the data, an identity thief could get a loan in your name  and never pay it back.

This is not only bad for your credit, Weisman said, but it can also affect your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, get insurance or obtain a loan. All of these things often depend on having a good credit report.

If this type of fraud happens to you, you need to contact the lender involved, the police and the FTC. The issue can be difficult and time-consuming to fix.

Pro tip: Weisman said it's easier to safeguard your SSN than it is to repair ruined credit after someone has stolen it.

"You should not carry your Social Security number in your wallet or purse," he said. "You should not provide it as an identifying number to everyone who asks for it. Many places ask for it but don't need it by law."

The lesson here: Always ask if your SSN is actually needed.

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They can use your SSN to receive medical treatment under your insurance.

Medical records typically lay out a patient's complete identity, according to CNBC  which means that if there's a breach affecting healthcare systems, hackers can do a lot with what they've stolen. That includes accessing your medical insurance.

Weisman said scammers can incur large medical bills in your name that might not be covered by your medical insurance. In that case, you'll be hounded by collection companies for payment. This will definitely hurt your credit score.

Pro tip: Weisman said you need to stay on top of your medical records. "Just as you should regularly check your credit report, you also should regularly check your medical records to make sure that there are not mistakes," he said.

Today, most medical providers have online records but not all do. Ask your provider how best to review your records.

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They can use your SSN to identify themselves when picked up for criminal activity.

In some types of SSN fraud, you, the victim, can get arrested and thrown in jail. This could happen if the SSN thief commits a crime and uses your name and SSN to identify himself when apprehended. Weisman said this scenario becomes even worse when the hacker posts bail and then doesn't show up for the hearing.

"In that event, criminal charges will be on record against the identity theft victim (you), who will have difficulty straightening this out," said Weisman, an attorney who includes identity theft as part of his practice.

Pro tip: If you do become a victim of this type of fraud, Weisman said you should contact the credit reporting agencies and demand they remove the false information from your credit report. You also should file a criminal complaint for identity theft with the local police so that it is a matter of record.

Find Out More: How To Fix a Mistake on Your Credit Report

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They can use your SSN to pay for their utilities.

For a customer to use their services, it's pretty standard for utility companies to ask for your Social Security number as a way to check your credit history, according to the FTC. But this just means there's another opportunity for a hacker to get your personal information and unfairly wreak havoc on your finances. Once your SSN lands in the hands of hackers, they can freely open utility services under your name for their personal use. You might not see any signs of this until you receive a notice for a past due payment.

Pro tip: Before you mindlessly give out your SSN, take a moment to ask about the company's security policies and what measures are in place to protect you and your SSN.

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They can sell your identity to launch spam attacks.

Although it might seem as if credit cards and loans are the endgame for most hackers who steal your SSN, that's not always the case. Hackers also use your SSN to access information about you to sell.

According to an NPR report, some documents can sell for big money  and there was a big leap in price from 2020 to 2021. Details about credit cards with account balances of up to $1,000 can fetch the hacker $150, up from $12 a year ago. The fee goes up to $240 for information about accounts with balances as high as $5,000. Stolen online banking logos for accounts with a minimum balance of at least $2,000 go for $120.

Pro tip: Your SSN is precious, so try to find an alternative before opting to give it out. Alternates could include your driver's license or an account number.

More From GOBankingRates

Jami Farkas contributed to the reporting for this article.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: You Wont Believe What Hackers Can Do With Your SSN
SYDNEY (AP)  One of New Zealands best-known businessmen Ron Brierley was sentenced in a Sydney court on Thursday to 14 months in prison for possessing thousands of child sex abuse images.

The 84-year-old former corporate raider had pleaded guilty to the charges in New South Wales state District Court in April, but was released on bail until his sentencing.

Brierley, who has admitted having a lifelong obsession with young girls, was arrested at Sydney International Airport in 2019.

The convictions related to 40,000 images found on devices in his airport luggage and at his home in Sydney.

His lawyers had argued against a prison sentence and said a community penalty would be appropriate.

But Judge Sarah Huggett ruled that anything short of imprisonment would be manifestly inadequate. She accepted his expression of remorse and that he acknowledged the harm of his actions, but rejected the contention that he didn't know the images were illegal.

Huggett sentenced him to 14 months in prison with a non-parole period of seven months. He faced a potential maximum of 10 years.

The judge noted the vast number of images, the many victims involved, the long-term possession of the material and his motivation being the sexual interest in girls.

The offenders fall from grace has been radical, she said, noting he had previously contributed to charitable and other community works.

Brierley in the 1970s and 80s executed a series of aggressive business maneuvers that grew Brierley Investments Ltd. into one of New Zealands largest corporations. His profile had faded somewhat following the 1987 stock market crash, but he continued to make business deals in New Zealand and in his new home of Australia.

Business publication NBR lists Brierley as among New Zealands 100 wealthiest people, with an estimated fortune of 220 million New Zealand dollars ($153 million).

Following his guilty plea, he was stripped of a knighthood and his name was scrubbed from a theater and sports field at the New Zealand high school he had attended, Wellington College.

Denise Ritchie, a long-time campaigner against sexual violence directed at women and children, welcomed Brierleys prison sentence.

Offenders like Brierley fuel an abhorrent trade that requires children to be sexually degraded, exploited and violated in front of cameras. His countless girl victims will carry a psychological burden for the rest of their lives," Ritchie said in a statement.
As the Cold War escalated in the 1950s, families across the country built fallout shelters in their basements and backyards. The fallout shelter was connected to the home's long, narrow cellar  one of the other 1930s additions  and access was gained from the first floor via a descending staircase under the original staircase.

Julie said they don't have plans for many renovations themselves, just what "needs to be fixed." There are some improvements they would like to do in the kitchen and master bathroom and, in the coming years, they want to repaint the exterior. They hope to have any major fixes done by the house's 200th anniversary in 2026.

Sitting in relative isolation, what then would have been about five miles beyond the outskirts of Lynchburg, an island in the midst of the sprawling plantation, during the 1864 Battle of Lynchburg a cavalry skirmish took place on the property, and Union troops pillaged Miller's home.

As the story goes, Miller took precautions before their arrival and buried gold coins and important financial certificates around the property in waterproof cylinders. Some would not be recovered until his death several years later.

"We haven't found any," interjected Julie.

"Well, we haven't really been looking," Richard added.
Business Insider - Nov 14

Longbows, or Yumi, have been used in Japan for centuries. But today, a handmade bamboo bow can cost over $2,000. At over 2 meters tall, these bows are difficult to handle. And making them is just as challenging.
Honda Motor is planning to expand its presence in China with new models of electric vehicles under a new brand.

The e:N Series is slated to make its debut in spring 2022. Honda will be rolling out two EV models.

The firm says the lineup will expand to 10 models over the next five years. It is considering exporting some of these cars from China.

Honda is also planning to build two dedicated plants in the country. The aim is to start operations in 2024. Honda's goal is to convert its entire global lineup to electricity or fuel-cell power by 2040.

Other Japanese automakers are introducing eco-friendly models in the world's biggest market.

Toyota plans to increase its EV models from the current six to 15 in China, as well as in North America and other markets by 2025.

Nissan plans to roll out nine EV and hybrid models by 2025.
Mumbai (Maharashtra): Actor Anushka Sharma shared a beautiful Durga Ashtami post on her social media, dedicated to her little daughter Vamika.

Taking to her Instagram handle on Wednesday, Anushka shared a picture in which she can be seen cuddling her daughter, who is wearing a pink top.

Making me braver and more courageous every day. May you always find the strength of the goddess in you my little Vamika. Happy Ashtami, Anushka wrote the caption.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by AnushkaSharma1588 (@anushkasharma)

Fans and members of the film fraternity flooded the post with likes and comments.

So precious, Tahira Kashyap wrote, adding a heart emoticon.

Vaani Kapoor also dropped a heart emoticon in the comments section.

Virat and Anushka got married in a fairytale wedding that was only attended by the couples family and friends on December 11 in 2017. Post their nuptials in Italy, the couple hosted grand receptions in Delhi and Mumbai.

The duo had welcomed their daughter at Mumbais Breach Candy hospital on January 11, 2021.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Anushka, who was last seen in the 2018 movie Zero, co-starring actors Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif, has produced two acclaimed projects  Amazon Prime Video web series Pataal Lok and Netflix movie Bulbbul.

She is currently producing Qala, which marks late actor Irrfan Khans son Babils debut.
Varanasi, October 14: The Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh is fast emerging as the export hub for green vegetables within the country, thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths consistent efforts to enhance farmers income on the one hand and do justice to the fertile land of the region on the other.

Huge consignments of fresh green vegetables were flown to the Gulf countries for the second time recently in less than two years from Purvanchal despite the crisis unleashed by the novel coronavirus, benefitting farmers substantially in terms of income. The increased frequency of exports of green vegetables and mangoes to the UK and the Gulf region from Purvanchal has also enabled not only the large Indian expatriate population, but other foreign residents, as well as the sheikhs of the Gulf region, to get to taste their choicest Indian vegetables and fruits more often.

Air India Express flight carrying 2MT of green vegetables reaches UAE

Recently, an Air India Express aircraft carrying two metric tonnes of green vegetables originating from Prayagraj, Bhadohi and Varanasi, the parliamentary constituency of the honourable Prime Minister, took off from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Babatpur to reach Dubai and Sharjah regions of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), said Regional In-Charge of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority(APEDA) Dr CB Singh.

The vegetables being exported include okra, sweet gourd (nenua), pointed gourd (parwal), ivy gourd (kundru) and elephant foot yam (jimikand). Earlier, in 2020, langda mangoes, green chilly and black salt rice had been exported to the UK, Qatar and the UAE.

Modi-Yogis resolve to double farmers income pays off despite Covid

Another significant development that has taken place due to PM Modis and CM Yogis efforts is that farmers are exporting food items directly, sans involvement of middlemen which is bringing them more financial benefits while ensuring transparency in the system. The farmers are exporting their farm produce through the Farmer Producer Organization (FPO). The FPO also facilitates training of the farmers and ensures availability of good seeds and fertilisers to them. In times of calamity and natural disasters, the farmers get adequate compensation also.

The FPOs have enhanced income of around 40,000 farmers of Purvanchal. It is worth mentioning here that there are around 15-20 farmers associated with one FPO whereas about 35 to 40 FPOs are active in Purvanchal.

Purvanchals mangoes, vegetables and rice are a big hit in UK & Gulf markets

According to the Regional In-Charge of APEDA Dr CB Singh, while the Government had been working towards developing Varanasi into an agri export centre since long, it finally came into being on November 1, 2019 following a Buyer and Seller Meet held in the city in which 20 exporters, 25 FPOs and farmers associated with 120 FPOs took part.

Singh added that 3 metric tonnes of fresh green chillies were flown to London from Varanasi via Delhi until April 23, 2020. It was followed by export of three metric tonnes of fresh langda mangoes to Dubai in May, 2020, and 1.2 MT of mangoes to London, a new market for Purvanchal mangoes in June, 2020.

Within a span of 2 years, Purvanchal exports several metric tonnes of vegetables, rice and mangoes to Gulf & UK

Furthermore, exporters purchased 80 metric tonnes of black salt rice from farmers of Chandauli district, popularly known as the rice bowl of UP, with the efforts of APEDA in June, 2020. Around Rs 68 lakhs raised from the export of the rice was directly transferred to the bank accounts of 152 farmers. Besides, 532 metric tonnes of regional rice, including 12 metric tonnes of the famous black salt rice of Chandauli was exported to Qatar in December. Omans Global Logistics Group also visited Varanasi in order to boost exports.

In order to bring more economic benefits to farmers, export licences are being given to more and more FPOs since July, 2020. It has played vital role in increasing the income of farmers significantly.
Dhaka [Bangladesh]: At least three people were killed and 60 injured including journalists, police and common people, in the communal violence during Durga Puja celebrations in Chandpurs Hajiganj upazila.

The incident occurred on Wednesday when the Hindu devotees were celebrating Durga Puja, the greatest religious festival of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, reported Dhaka Tribune.

Earlier in Cumilla, at least 50 people were injured as a group of religious extremists clashed with law enforcers in Nanua Dighirpar area over reports of demeaning the Holy Quran at a Puja Mandap, reported Daily Star.

The religious extremists started rushing to the Mandap area around 9 am after a video went viral on social media. Members of law enforcement agencies arrived within a very short time at the mandap where Hindu devotees were celebrating Durga Puja, said police.

Spreading rumors of insulting the Quran, the puja mandapa of Nanua Dighi par in Comilla was attacked. https://t.co/KmljSISWFu pic.twitter.com/4oM1gS46yJ  Bangladesh Hindu Unity Council (@UnityCouncilBD) October 13, 2021

To quell the situation, the deputy commissioner and superintendent of police in the district held a meeting with the local Hindu community and others around 10 am, reported the Daily Star.

By then, several groups under banners of different Muslim religious organisations gathered in Nanua Dighirpar. As the meeting was ongoing, the mob attacked the mandap around 10:30 am, said locals and police, reported Daily Star.

Police and administration sources confirmed three incidents of attack in Banshkhalis Chambal area, Kali Mandir municipality and Karnaphuli upazila.

In Kurigrams Ulipur upazila, several temples were vandalised and one was even set on fire.

Authorities imposed Section 144 in Hajiganj following the violence and deployed eight platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to restore law and order situation.

The administration in Chattogram deployed eight BGB platoons in six upazilas of the district last night, after several temples of the Hindu community were reportedly attacked in Banshkhali and Karnaphuli upazilas, reported Daily Star.

Sources at the local administration said two platoons of BGB troops have been deployed in Hathazari and Banshkhali upazilas each, one each in Patiya, Sitakunda, Fatikchhari and Chandanish upazilas of the district.

Meanwhile, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has warned that those involved in the Cumilla incident will be brought to justice and no offender will be spared.

Its an act of an evil communal force, and those who attack Hindu temples wont be spared either, even if they belong to any party, Obaidul Quader said while addressing the Mahastami (8th day) of Durga Puja at KIB premises in the capital on Wednesday evening.

He said a united resistance has to be built against those who want to destroy the communal harmony in the country before the national election, reported Dhaka Tribune.
Gov. Pete Ricketts has taken another step to try to ease the capacity issues at some of the state's hospitals.

Ricketts on Thursday announced he was issuing another executive order aimed at making it easier for more people to be available for direct patient care.

The order temporarily suspends certain state statutes to allow health practitioners and administrators, including audiologists, alcohol and drug counselors, physical therapists and speech pathologists to be able to care for COVID-19 and other patients.

The order also allows those professionals to practice without a state license if they have a license from another state that's in good standing, and it also temporarily suspends some of the requirements for getting an initial license and reinstating an expired or lapsed license.

Ricketts said the order takes effect immediately and will be effective though the end of the year unless he acts to rescind it.

The executive order comes on top of earlier moves by Ricketts, including an executive order issued in August that loosened some licensing and continuing education requirements for nurses and a directed health measure that suspends any inpatient elective surgeries that can safely be postponed anywhere from four to 12 weeks.
A roundup of legislative and Capitol news items of interest for Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021:

INTERACTIVE HUNTING ATLAS

Iowa hunters can access an Interactive Hunting Atlas to find new places to go hunting at iowadnr.gov/hunting.

The site features more than 680,000 acres of hunting land owned by state, county or federal governments. Information is updated as public hunting lands are acquired.

This tool allows hunters to see which zone the public area is in, type of shot allowed, wildlife likely to be found and also get an overhead look at the terrain. The mobile version of the atlas will show hunter location on the area, if granted permission.

The atlas view from above, which can be printed, allows hunters to zoom in on an area, see how to get there, the lay of the land and where one parcel of public hunting land is in relation to others.

The hunting atlas also includes private land enrolled in the Iowa Habitat and Access Program where private landowners receive assistance to improve habitat on their land in exchange for opening the property to hunters.
Thats the No. 1 focus, and well see where they go from there, Reynolds said.

Much of the governors focus the past 18 months has been on pandemic-related issues, and she credited efforts to keep Iowans working and to reopen businesses ahead of many other states with helping put state government in a position where it has a $1.24 billion surplus and $800 million in reserves.

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In hindsight, Reynolds said, she would have not closed Iowas schools early in the spring semester of 2020 had more been known then about the coronavirus pandemic, which peaked in Iowa last November.

But we were in uncharted territory, there wasnt a playbook and seemingly each week the information was changing, she said.

I tried to be balanced and really take into account what we knew, look at the data and make decisions from that, but in hindsight I wouldnt have had to do that, referring to closing schools. I just think our children are going to be dealing with this for quite some time. Its been tough.

Tax cuts

On the prospects for tax cuts in the next legislative session, given Iowas surplus position, the governor said, Were over-collecting, and we need to return that back to the taxpayers.
Reynolds noted that lawmakers took up a measure during their regular 2021 session dealing with the issue of vaccine mandates in the workplace, but the issue stalled without making it to her desk.

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Members of the Senate Human Resources Committee voted 7-6 to approve a measure that would bar businesses from mandating their employees be vaccinated. Employers also couldnt use a vaccination history, refusal to receive a vaccination or refusal to provide proof of vaccination in establishing workplace compensation, terms, conditions or privileges.

Senate File 193 also would have prohibited state officials from including vaccination information on an Iowans drivers license or identification card. The bill was not debated in either chamber, but Reynolds indicated it has become a topic of conversation as legislators prepare for an Oct. 28 special session to consider a second proposal to redraw Iowas legislative and congressional boundaries based on 2020 population data.

Were continuing to work on it, were continuing to have good conversations with the Legislature, Reynolds told the radio audience. The Biden administration is a moving target. Its an overreach. Its ridiculous. He has no consistency in what hes doing ....
The Board of Regents, and the Iowa university administrators it oversees, is finally getting the message.

In looking after the education and safety of the young adults under their charge, the regents and the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and University of Northern Iowa can shrug their shoulders at sexual bias or discrimination and abuse involving people of color, they can sell their utilities to the highest bidder and refuse to release details and they can decrease the proportion of their spending that supports teaching. The courts might hold them accountable for some of it. Theyll endure some mild carping from the public about other parts.

The people they really need to worry about are Republicans controlling state government, since they control some of the purse strings and can target university policies through legislation.

And the only thing that will reliably seize their attention is an instructor or administrator saying something they disagree with. That gets people dragged before oversight committees, it gets new laws drafted and it becomes part of the justification for providing the schools with far less money than they say they need.
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While state leaders have usually tried for an equal balance among those three, property taxes made up 37% of the $10.76 billion Nebraskans paid two years ago, Beck said.

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State and local sales taxes accounted for 29% and state income taxes 28%, with the other 6% from other revenue sources, he said.

The Blueprint plan would abolish state income taxes entirely for people making up to $50,000 a year or couples making up to $100,000.

Individuals would have a single tax bracket and corporations two, with 4.99% the top tax rate for both.

Itemized income tax deductions would end under Blueprints plan, along with sales tax exemptions outside of those on food and most medical goods and services.

Smith told his North Platte audience last month that Nebraska needs such steps to win a competitive battle for workforce and investments with neighboring states.

But OpenSkys Beck countered Wednesday that most of the tax cuts, economic benefits and population growth under the Blueprint plan would flood to eastern Nebraska.
Monday was Columbus Day, a federal holiday that many, including myself, observe in honor of the achievements of Christopher Columbus. His story is the genesis of the American dream. He was born into a modest family of weavers who lived above their shop in the Italian city-state of Genoa.

Columbus accomplishments belong among a select few human events that changed the course of humanity. His early life defines a self-motivated man. He went to sea at the age of 14, later studying navigation in Greece and mapmaking in Portugal; while there he apprenticed on ships traveling to Africa, Ireland, England and Iceland.

After the Muslims conquest of Constantinople in 1453, trade routes to the Orient were closed to European merchants. Columbus singularly believed that the Orient could be reached by a sea route to the west. The weavers son brought his plan to the governments of Portugal, England, France and Spain. Only Spains King Ferdinand and Queen Elizabeth accepted his offer. It took six years to convince them to fund his expedition. In 1492 he sailed west into the unknown in search of the Orient. On Oct. 12 he landed on the island of San Salvador, located between the two continents that make up the western hemisphere.
The brutal killing of two boys accused of shoplifting in Colombia has reignited fears of militant violence in the country five years after a peace deal between the government and revolutionary group FARC.

The boys, aged 12 and 18, were seen in videos posted online bound by the wrists after being detained by civilians in the remote town of Tibu, near the border with Venezuela.

They were taken away by armed men on motorcycles and were found dead by the side of the road later on Friday, 8 October, according to local reports. Video from the scene showed the youngest shot in the head with a sign around his neck saying "thieves".

The regions police commander in Norte de Santander, Colonel Carlos Martinez, blamed the now-defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and offered a reward of 100 million pesos, or about $27,000 USD, for their capture, according to El Pais.

In an interview with Caracol Radio, Mr Martinez ordered the arrest of three locals he said were complicit in the execution of the boys, who are believed to be from Venezuela.

"[They took] justice in their own hands," Mr Martinez reportedly said. "Thats what the authorities are for."

The civilians have denied any involvement, saying they called authorities multiple times but that they never arrived. According to reports of video, the armed civilian men said they would hand the children over to authorities.

Colombias ombudsman has launched an investigation, while Venezuelas prosecutor general Tarek William Saab wrote an official request to Colombias government demanding answers in the murder of two apparent Venezuelan citizens.

Colombia president Ivan Duque Marquez, currently in Washington DC on an official visit, said the government had continued to clash with armed forces in the region.

"This type of situation hurts a lot and more when it comes to such fratricidal acts, the forcefulness of the public force will remain in that area of aathe country," he said

Story continues

Colombian office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights condemned the double homicide.

"We urge the authorities to investigate these events. We call for respect for the life and protection of children," they said in a statement.

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Brad Hundt came to the Observer-Reporter in 1998 after stints at newspapers in Georgia and Michigan. He serves as editorial page editor, and has covered the arts and entertainment and worked as a municipal beat reporter.
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The European and Asian energy crunch is uncovering some inconvenient truths about the status and vulnerabilities of global energy systems as the world strives to begin the long journey toward decarbonization. The current energy deficit has thrown into stark relief the fact that fossil fuels, including coal, are still the fallback plan whenever pressure is applied to energy security.

Around the world, countries are burning more coal than ever, even as they ramp up their promises to curb emissions and draft ever more ambitious climate change mitigation strategies in preparation for this months COP26, the 26th annual United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to be held in Glasgow, Scotland. China, which has pledged to reach carbon neutrality by 2060 and has recently promised to stop funding overseas coal projects, has now loosened limits on domestic coal production, increased coal imports, and even turned to stranded Australian coal assets that it had been unofficially embargoing for nearly a year. India is in danger of running out of coal entirely. And Europe has returned to coal as well as energy prices surge and geopolitical tensions ramp up between the EU and the Kremlin over natural gas imports.

For all of the investment that China and the European Union have put into renewable energy alternatives, it clearly hasnt been enough. Renewables still account for a problematically small portion of the energy mix and are far from achieving the kind of production capacity to allow the world to move away from fossil fuels, as the current energy crunch has so starkly highlighted. Indeed, the road to decarbonization will probably be marked by many more energy crunches as the world tries to walk a tightrope between phasing out fossil fuels and maintaining energy security and independence.

Against this backdrop, a group of ten European Union countries, led by France, are making a plea to include nuclear power as a major part of the EUs decarbonization roadmap. Nuclear power is one of the more powerful, efficient, and proven forms of carbon-free energy productions, and its advocates argue that phasing out fossil fuels in time to meet the emissions targets set by the Paris climate accord will be all but impossible without embracing and scaling up nuclear energy.

France sent a letter to the European Commission positing nuclear as a "key affordable, stable and independent energy source" that could protect consumers in the European Union who are currently being battered by skyrocketing energy costs from being further "exposed to the volatility of prices." The letter was co-signed by Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Romania. Most of these nine signatories already rely on nuclear for a large portion of their domestic energy mix. Indeed, 26% of electricity produced within the EU comes from nuclear plants.

Despite the fact that nuclear already plays a key role in the global energy industry and has already offset huge amounts of emissions that would have otherwise been produced by burning fossil fuels, nuclear is still a hard sell for many politicians and bodies drafting climate change strategies. While nuclear does not emit greenhouse gases, the issue of nuclear waste weighs heavily on politicians who are being urged to include nuclear in the EUs green taxonomy. Radioactive nuclear waste stays hazardous to humans and many other forms of wildlife for thousands of years.

Of course, this threat -- while very real -- pales in comparison to the more urgent hyper-threat of catastrophic climate change. In August the United Nations sounded a code red for humanity when the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its landmark 6th Assessment Report on the global status of climate change. The report said, in no uncertain terms, that humans have already irreversibly altered the climate and the window of opportunity to mitigate further damage is rapidly closing.

Despite this urgent imperative, the EU remains staunchly divided, with France leading a pro-nuclear movement while Germany just as vehemently argues against nuclear expansion. And, unfortunately, it doesnt look like they will reach a consensus in the immediate future, even within an energy crisis and earnest appeals to the European Commission.

By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com

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Coal prices have soared so high recently that China had to halt its brief boycott of Australian coal in order to make up the energy deficit in the country

So far this month Australia has approved three mine extensions as it continues to back what the government sees as a vital industry

While countries around the world have turned their backs on coal due to its high emissions, Australia is one country that is unlikely to follow suit

Australia continues to back its coal industry as many Western nations have turned their back on the dirtiest fossil fuel, approving its third coal mine extension in a month and bolstering partnerships for long-term coal exports.

We already know the demand is there, with China requiring increasing coal to bridge its fuel demand gap, but Australia is one of the few remaining nations outside of Asia to continue to back coal as a major energy source.

Earlier this month, Australia approved its third coal mine extension within a month. In September, Environment Minister Sussan Ley approved extensions for the Whitehaven Coal and Wollonggong Coal mines. The latest extension approval was for the Glencore Mangoola thermal coal mine in New South Wales, allowing it to continue production for eight more years, mining approximately 52 million tonnes of coal.

But its not just other countries that are putting pressure on Australia to join them in curbing its coal production. In May, a ruling from Australias high court encouraged the countrys environment minister to reconsider coal mine expansions due to the obligation the ministry has to the Australian childrens future, as well as the general impact of coal production and use on climate change.

While environmental activists and international energy organizations are less than happy with Australias ongoing support for coal, many Australians back the decision to expand mines because of their contribution to the countrys employment. Around 400 workers are currently employed at Glencore, and the expansion will add 100 construction jobs.

Australia is the worlds biggest exporter of coal, with strong links to the Asian market. To date, Australia has made no pledge to reduce carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050, unlike many of its Western counterparts. Many countries across Europe and North America have vowed to rapidly reduce carbon emissions, an aim that is expected to be reinforced in the upcoming COP26 climate summit in Glasgow this month, which Australias Prime Minister Scott Morrison will attend.

However, shortly after the announcement of the third expansion project, Australias resources minister proposed the establishment of a state-run $180-billion lending option for the coal industry, with the stipulation that borrowers support a net-zero carbon emissions target. This strategy comes as banks and insurers become less willing to lend to the dying coal sector.

Australias dependence on coal is not surprising considering its close proximity to the Asian market, where coal demand remains high. Several Asian countries, most notably China and India with their ever-expanding populations, continue to rely on coal, as well as oil and gas, to meet their national energy demand.

Related: Is The U.S. Still A Swing Producer Of Oil?



While China unambiguously needs as much coal as it can get its hands on to avert a [fourth-quarter] slowdown due to the tyranny of rolling power shortages, geopolitical tensions with Australia have waylaid the most convenient source of high-calorific coal from Down Under Vishnu Varathan, head of economics and strategy for Asia and Oceania treasury department at Mizuho stated of Chinas reliance on coal imports.

However, in late 2020, China ended its coal imports from Australia following difficult trade relations, namely Australias support for an international inquiry into Chinas management of the Covid-19 pandemic. Coal is Australias third-largest export to China, a country that accounts for 32.6 percent of all Australian exports, with Australia exporting more to China than it imports.

After reportedly telling utilities and steel mills to stop all Australian coal imports, China began to import its coal from regional exporters Indonesia, Mongolia, and Russia. India has apparently been buying discounted coal that was left stranded in Chinese customs following the falling out between China and Australia. In recent months, Indian cement makers and sponge iron plants have sought to boost supplies with this low-cost option.

The Chinese stockpile of Australian coal, and its willingness to sell the supply at a discount, suggests the dedication it had to cutting trade ties with Australia. However, the energy crisis experienced in recent months has finally proved too much for China to continue holding a grudge. Fuel shortages and high energy costs have led the Chinese government to resume Australian coal imports. This month, China released Australian coal from bonded warehouses in addition to receiving 450,000 tonnes of Australian coal cargoes at the beginning of the month.

During the time that China refused imports, Australia did not just simply wait for China to come running back, rather it fostered its relationship with India. Australia held its first joint working group meeting on coal and mines with India this September to encourage greater participation in Australias ongoing coal production. Australia identifies India as a key market for some of its lower-grade coal, with prices significantly undercutting those of the premium coal products imported by China

With little commitment to net-zero aims, ongoing support for coal plant expansion projects despite a high court interjection, and ongoing trade links with high-demand countries across Asia, it seems unlikely that Australia will curb its coal production or make it more carbon-friendly any time soon, despite international pressure to do so.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

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Another comment by the prince suggested that the relationship between Russia and Saudi Arabia is as strong as ever and OPEC+ is here to stay

The prince also suggested that OPEC+ has plenty of spare capacity, although emphasized the importance of bringing this supply online gradually

Saudi Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman had a message for oil markets this week, that OPEC+ will continue to do what it is currently doing and, in time, there will be balance in oil markets

Is it not time to add more barrels than OPEC is already providing? was the question posed to HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman by journalist Ryan Chilcote at Russian Energy Week.

But his answer offered the energy markets a much bigger message.

Balance is Coming

While he didnt answer yes or no, his response certainly suggested that whatever OPEC+ was doing is precisely what it will continue to do.

By end of this year, we will be at balanced stocks, Prince Abdulaziz assured the forum, adding that the long game is what the market should be eyeing.

We should look way beyond the tip of our noses. Because if you do, and take 22 into account, you will end up by end of 22 with a huge amount of overstocks.

The message here is clear. Balance to the oil markets is coming, even though OPEC isnt going to add more barrels right now. OPEC is playing the long game - and if they add too many barrels in now, the market will again be oversupplied next year. So dont hold your breath waiting for OPEC to give into U.S. pleas to turn on the taps - more than promised, that is - to bring down prices.

OPEC+ is staying the course.

Rest assured, OPEC+ has already agreed to lift production again in November, December, January, and February - by another 400,000 bpd each month, HRH added. And OPEC+ has already increased its production quota by 400,000 bpd in September and October.

But while the group has lifted actual production in response to these new figures, the overall production by the group has failed to meet the full allotted volumes.

Nevertheless, the increased production, should OPEC+ produce the full amount according to its plan, would be more than a million barrels per day on average between now and the end of February.

We struck that agreement because we believe it would create a balance by this end of the year, Abdulaziz said.

Yes, OPEC Has Spare Capacity

Setting aside the definition of spare capacity for a moment, which varies based on how long one thinks it should take a producer to ramp up production, the Saudi Prince confirmed that OPEC+ has spare capacity.

...we want to make sure that we reduce these excess capacities that we have developed as a result of and the Covid and the consequences of Covid. We want to do it in a gradual, phased-in approach. And we believe we will have a challenging year in 22 if we dont attend to the situation remarkably with the same resolution.

Some analysts would argue that OPEC+s failure to ramp up production over the last couple of months as promised indicates that not all OPEC+ members have the spare capacity that they used to.

The IEA, which defines spare capacity as capacity that can be tapped within 90 days, estimates that as of the beginning of 2021, the spare capacity of OPEC+ totaled 9 million bpd. But production problems in Nigeria and Libya, sanctions on Iran and Venezuela, and more than a year of trimmed production in Russia and Saudi Arabia are eating into that spare capacity - or at best, rendering some of that spare capacity immediately untappable.

The EIA, on the other hand, defines spare capacity as that which can start up within 30 days. It is these differing definitions of spare that cause the market to worry that excess capacity wont be there when the market calls for it.

Spare capacity is where the market power really is. Promising spare capacity is promising the market that you have the power to ramp production up to meet demand and keep prices at ideal levels.

Climate Change is Real And Trumps Energy Security

A message about climate change was also touched on: it is an issue that is even more important than energy security - a rather bold statement given todays unsettled energy markets in the midst of shortages.

While we try to address energy security, we also should be mindful of the challenges and mitigation of a more important issue also, which is climate change. We believe solidly as OPEC does, that our job is to ensure the energy security when it comes to oil. But it takes a diversity of sources of energy for any of us to do that. Yet, we could also work with the other challenge, which is climate change.

Long Live OPEC+

Russian President Vladimir Putin just days ago suggested that its deal with OPEC could continue beyond 2022. And now, the Prince is backing up that claim in his referring to Russias Alexander Novak as his nearest and dearest friend, adding that energy markets need attendants, and needs a collaborate work.

The concept of an ongoing collaboration between two oil-producing titans is a critical component affecting oil prices. With the U.S. now benched as a swing producer, Saudi Arabia and Russia are currently in the drivers seat regarding price setting.

As such, any hint that the duo is headed for a breakup could send prices plummeting.

It Could Be Worse

Russian Energy Week also gave the Saudi Prince a chance to pat himself and the rest of OPEC on the back for a job well done. According to HRH, OPEC has done a great job balancing supply and demand.

Referring to climate change and energy security in tandem, HRH argued that it shouldnt be a zero-sum game. I think there are ways forward - solutions forward - that enable us to address both, but address both comprehensively.

Oil prices might be high - an incremental increase of 29% according to HRH, but that pales in comparison to the 500% increases in gas prices or 300% increases in coal prices, and 200% increases in NGLs.

OPEC is the Energy Regulator

HRH sees OPEC as being in charge of the oil markets. It is not just a swing producer but a regulator.

If these markets [gas, coal, NGL], if these industries were attended to as what we have done immaculately [sic] in OPEC+ - clearly we have a lot to congratulate ourself with we have done a remarkable job of being the so-called regulator of energy markets.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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Russia is currently pumping 9.9 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil, but has the capacity to increase production to up to 11.4 million bpd, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Thursday.

Nevertheless, the output level should be guided by the market, Novak added.

Russias oil production in October will be 9.9 million bpd, as Moscow is aligning its output with the OPEC+ agreement, Novak said at the Russian Energy Week forum today.

The country has previously reached maximum production of 11.3 million bpd-11.4 million bpd, the official added, noting that Russia has no problem in boosting output to that level. However, it is necessary to take into account the situation on the oil market, Novak said.

The deputy prime minister, who is in charge of leading Russias participation in the OPEC+ deal, also said that the current oil prices and supply-demand balance adequately reflect the situation, and Russia doesnt expect extreme volatility on the oil market in the short term.

Russia expects its crude oil plus condensate production to return to pre-pandemic levels by May 2022, Russian officials, including Novak, have said in recent months.

As per the latest quota distribution of the OPEC+ group, Russia, the leader of the non-OPEC producers in the pact, has a ceiling of 9.913 million bpd for Novemberthe same as OPECs de facto leader and top producer, Saudi Arabia.

Russias crude oil production is trickier to estimate than the output levels of the other OPEC+ members because official Russian data doesnt discriminate between crude oil and condensate production, but condensates are excluded from Russias OPEC+ quota.

Bloomberg estimates put Russian crude and condensate production in September at 10.7 million bpd. If condensate production was around 880,000 bpd, this would put Russian crude oil output at 9.83 million bpd, which would be 130,000 bpd above quota, as per Bloomberg calculations.

Analysts say that Russia may have reached its capacity to produce oil.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Azerbaijan and Iran have agreed to resolve their diplomatic crisis through dialogue amid tensions that erupted last month over exercises near their shared border and a dispute over a possible Israeli military presence in Azerbaijan.

Both sides announced the de-escalation effort on October 13 after they said Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian had spoken by phone the previous evening.

"The sides noted that recent rhetoric has harmed bilateral relations and that any differences should be settled through dialogue," the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

In September, Iran protested and threatened unspecified action over what it alleged was the presence of archenemy Israel in Azerbaijan, which reportedly used Israeli drones last year in an intense battle with Armenia over the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Baku has denied that there's an Israeli presence in the country.

Iran's military then staged major exercises near the border with Azerbaijan, further ratcheting up tensions.

Azerbaijani authorities' imposition of customs duties on Iranian truck drivers bound for Armenia has also grated on relations.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry said on October 13 that Amir-Abdollahian had stressed that both sides' would like to "avoid misunderstandings and boost relations."

"Tehran and Baku have enemies and the two governments should not give them the opportunity to disrupt relations," Amir-Abdollahian was quoted as saying.

Baku has long bristled at Tehran's backing of Armenia in its decades-long "frozen conflict" with Azerbaijan over the breakaway Azerbaijani territory of Nagorno-Karabakh and neighboring districts.

By RFE/RL

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Marine Le Pen, the far-right candidate who reached the run-off vote against Emmanuel Macron in 2017, is running for president of France again and said she would stop all wind power construction and dismantle wind turbines in the country if elected in the April 2022 election.

I will stop construction of new wind farms and will launch a campaign to dismantle them, Le Pen told RTL France in an interview on Thursday.

Asked about her stance on renewable energy, Le Pen said that wind and solar power are not renewable energy sources; they are intermittent energy sources.

In addition, Le Pen pledged in the interview to scrap all subsidies for wind and solar power generation. These subsidies cost $7 billion-$8.1 billion (6-7 billion euro) every year and burden consumers energy bills, she added.

The candidate, who lost to incumbent centrist President Macron in the 2017 run-off, also vows to build six nuclear EPRs, European Pressurised Water Reactors.

Le Pen is again expected to make it to the run-off at the presidential election in April, although French far-right television pundit Eric Zemmour polls strongly in recent surveys and takes some of the support that would have otherwise gone to Le Pen.

Both Macron and Le Pen pledge support to nuclear power generation in France, which accounts for around 70 percent of the total electricity generation in the country.

France aims to become a leader in green hydrogen production and reinvent nuclear power by building a small modular reactor by 2030 as part of a wider $34.6 billion (30 billion euro) plan to decarbonize industry and slash emissions, Macron said earlier this week.

Frances bet on nuclear powerunlike Germanys decision to phase out all nuclear plants after the Fukushima disasterhas been vindicated in recent weeks as Europes natural gas and power prices hit record highs.

France also led a group of EU member states, including Finland and several central and eastern European countries, who pushed earlier this week for including nuclear energy in the upcoming green investment rules of the European Union.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Michael Godfrey was in the middle of telling a judge what he had done for, as he put it, his accuser the now-17-year-old girl who told police he sexually assaulted her during violin lessons when she was 10.

How he and her family had such a bond that they had nothing but great things to say about him; how the girl even gave him a heartfelt farewell note calling him her favorite teacher when she and her family moved to Alaska.

The gestures and good words were all before the girl, during therapy at age 14, disclosed that Godfrey had molested her during lessons.

In turn, Douglas County District Judge Leigh Ann Retelsdorf had a message for Godfrey: You can call the girl your accuser all you want, but these arent accusations anymore; theyre a crime for which youve been convicted.

And the judge had a message for about 10 people who showed up in support of the 79-year-old Godfrey, a well-known violin teacher in the Dundee area. That group included a woman who walked past the victim Wednesday and called her a horrible person.

The judges message: Godfrey can tell you whatever he wants about his version of events, but the fact is he pleaded no contest and was found guilty of sexual assault.
A project already underway will add a 384-bed high-security unit and 32-bed mental health unit at the combined Lincoln facility and is expected to be complete in June 2022, according to Corrections spokesperson Laura Strimple.

If the staffing crisis does not improve enough by next summer, Corrections will close existing living units and shift to the new space at the combined Lincoln facility, Frakes said.

Staffing has been a problem since before his tenure, Frakes said, but has been especially difficult for the past few months.

He pointed to the same labor shortage faced in other industries. The states Inspector General for the corrections system previously said the economy has had an impact, but that the stage was set for the current crisis because of a lack of sufficient action over several years.

High turnover and a decrease in applicants have led to more than 625 staff vacancies, Frakes said. There are about 430 vacancies in protective services  security and custody staff  out of 1,300 total positions, according to Frakes. So about a third of those positions are unfilled.
LINCOLN  A proposal by an obscure state board to obtain more authority over public power districts has created a firestorm of concern and confusion among those utilities and some environmental groups.

The Nebraska Power Review Board, at its meeting Friday morning, will discuss whether the five-member board, appointed by the governor, should have the final say over contracts reached between power districts and energy suppliers, such as wind farms, and be able to weigh in on whether existing power plants should be decommissioned.

A representative of the states public power utilities said she was puzzled about the purpose of such a change, and an official with the Sierra Club expressed concern that it could hinder expanded use of renewable energy.

Shelley Sahling-Zart of the Nebraska Power Association, which represents the states public power districts, said that such changes could have unintended consequences, and take away local control now in the hands of elected utility boards, such as those at the Omaha Public Power District and Nebraska Public Power District.

Lets articulate clearly what problem youre seeking to address. Were just guessing on some things (now), said Sahling-Zart, a vice president with the Lincoln Electric System.
Safety for us all

Besides the terrible tragedy of the more than 700,000 Americans who have died from COVID, I am dismayed by the selfish, ignorant and dishonest behavior exhibited by so many.

People dont understand that getting a vaccine or wearing a mask is as much about our collective society as it is a personal benefit. A healthy person needs to get the vaccine because, despite these advantages, she could still contract the disease and infect someone else who isnt as fortunate. A classroom of students should mask up because someone could be immunocompromised. It is about all of us. It is not anyones right to defy mandates or recommendations. This freedom could kill someone else.

I have the greatest contempt for the people who know the seriousness of how COVID is spread but continue to be dishonest. These are the Republican governors who refuse to mandate masks and go so far as to abolish local governments from enforcing them; this, despite the rising sickness in their state!

These governors will tell us that they are respecting peoples constitutional rights. I dont know of any constitutional right that endangers others. A good example here is laws against driving intoxicated.
NORMAL  The staff at Illinois State University's Innovation Hub are looking for short-term solutions while seeking a permanent physical space. Their previous plans were derailed when the developer pulled out of the Trail East project last month.

The Hub was expecting to rent space in the new building once it was finished. That space would have been used for a startup incubator, with makerspace also run by the Hub located elsewhere in the community. The two programs form the basis of the Hub's focus on economic development.

This is not the first setback the Hub has faced in pursuing a physical location. It had planned to have the makerspace in the former fire station on Gregory Street. When the pandemic hit, that building was turned into a COVID testing site.

Now organizers are looking for ways to move forward with providing services from the Hub without having a physical location. That includes shifting to offering more virtual programming, said ISU Associate Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies Craig McLauchlan.

Were going to have to go to a more virtual space, at least for the present, he said.

The Trail East location would have offered the Hub, and ISU, a presence in uptown Normal and been easily accessible from public transportation, including buses and trains with the nearby Amtrak station.

The connection to the Trail East building was also complicated by a lawsuit, since dismissed, over the mural on one of the existing walls on the site, McLauchlan said. Plans had called for the mural to be incorporated in the new building.

The location is also the site of a recent poster tribute to ISU graduate student Jelani Day, who was found dead in early September after going missing in late August. The towns removal of the poster sparked community backlash and a protest earlier this month.

The Hub will ideally be a place to bring together a lot of the programs already happening across campus, McLauchlan said. It is something that happens in academia.

In many ways, they all are happening in silos, he said.

Community involvement is also a central focus for the Hub. The incubator will accept applications not just from the ISU community, but from the wider Twin Cities and McLean County.

If we dont involve the community, we are destined to fail, McLauchlan said.

The entire reason for the Hub is the community, said Rex Schaeffer, director of strategic partnerships.

All of the concept of the Hub is to drive economic development in the community, he said.

Stevenson Fellow Lindsey Kren started working on the Hub this fall. Kren said she and many of the other fellows started off focusing on the community development side, but that economic development like the Hub can be a big part of improving the community.

One thing she would like to see the Hub do is provide a chance for collaboration and mentorship between small businesses, she said. That is one thing they would not need a physical space to do.

The Hub could provide a space for interaction and relationship building, Schaeffer said.

Small-business people like to be around small-business people, he said.

The Hub could then be leveraged to help gain short-term access to some of the equipment small companies might need but cannot afford, like prototype testing materials, Schaeffer said. The Hub will also provide access to the other 15 Illinois Innovation Network hubs across the state.

ISU asked for help naming the Hub in the fall of 2020. Names and some of the components of it, such as the incubator and makerspace, have been picked out, McCauchlan said. However, the plan was to announce the name at the groundbreaking for the Trail East building. The staff are looking for another good chance to announce the name.

As they resume the search for a physical space, staffers hope to find a place near campus but not necessarily on campus. That way it is accessible to students, faculty, staff and the wider Bloomington-Normal community.

If youre going to have community involvement, we cant hide ourselves in the middle of the Quad, McLauchlan said.

Contact Connor Wood at (309)820-3240. Follow Connor on Twitter: @connorkwood

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LASALLE COUNTY  Authorities say they are continuing to seek evidence in the death of 25-year-old Illinois State University student Jelani Day, whose body was found last month in the Illinois River.

LaSalle County Sheriff Adam Diss said in a social media post Wednesday that members of a multijurisdictional investigation unit are meeting daily to follow up on the case, which has drawn national attention.

He said investigators are looking over hundreds of hours of security camera footage, and the Plainfield Fire Department dive team performed a search for items connected to the case. However, no results were found from that search.

Day was last seen in Bloomington in Aug. 24, and his car was found in Peru two days later. The body was discovered in the river on Sept. 4 and confirmed as Day's on Sept. 23.

Illinois State Police, Bloomington Police, Peru Police, the LaSalle County sheriff's and coroner's offices are assisting in the investigation, as is the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit, he said. Anyone with information on Day's death is asked to call 815-433-2161.

Diss and LaSalle County Coroner Richard Ploch did not respond to The Pantagraph's requests for comment Wednesday. Ploch's office previously told The Pantagraph that toxicology reports were still pending.

State police said Sunday that a DNA test backlog did not delay identification of the student. His mother, Carmen Bolden Day, earlier this week sought to address rumors circulating on social media, saying none of her son's organ's were missing and as far as she was aware "this is not a case of organ harvesting."

Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison

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OTTAWA  Caffeine and evidence of nicotine and cannabis use were found during toxicology testing in the investigation of Jelani Days death.

LaSalle County Coroner Rich Ploch said the office received the results Wednesday, but he declined to comment on the reports content due to the ongoing investigation.

NMS Labs, a national reference laboratory Horsham, Pennsylvania, prepared the toxicology report, which was obtained by The Pantagraph under the Freedom of Information Act.

The lab received tissue samples taken from the liver, kidney and brain on Sept. 8.

Days body was found Sept. 4 in the Illinois River near Peru. The 25-year-old Illinois State University graduate student had been reported missing Aug. 25 and his vehicle was located Aug. 26 in a wooded area in Peru.

The lab noted positive findings for caffeine, cotinine and Delta-9 carboxy THC. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cotinine is a compound formed after the chemical nicotine enters the body. In the report, Delta-9 carboxy THC is identified as a byproduct produced in the body after cannabis is consumed.

According to the report, the amounts of caffeine and cotinine found in his system are not typically toxicologically significant.

A cause of death for Day has not been released by law enforcement.

In response to the release of Day's toxicology results, the family's attorney, Hallie Bezner, said, "The toxicology report was exactly what we expected it to be and unfortunately provides no answers as to what happened to Jelani."

LaSalle County Sheriff Adam Diss said in a social media post Wednesday that members of a multijurisdictional investigation unit are meeting daily to follow up on the case, which has drawn national attention.

He said investigators are looking over hundreds of hours of security camera footage, and the Plainfield Fire Department dive team performed a search for items connected to the case. However, no results were found from that search.

Illinois State Police, Bloomington Police, Peru Police, and the LaSalle County sheriff's and coroner's offices are all involved in the investigation, as is the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit. Anyone with information on Day's death is asked to call 815-433-2161.

A celebration of life was held for Day last Saturday in Danville, where Day graduated from high school. Alabama A&M University, where Day completed his undergraduate work, and ISU, where Day was pursuing a graduate degree in speech language pathology, also held memorial services for him last week.

Contact Kelsey Watznauer at (309) 820-3254. Follow her on Twitter: @kwatznauer.

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NORMAL  The Town of Normal will be closing streets on Saturday for Illinois State University's homecoming festivities. That includes closures on College Avenue, University Street, North Street, School Road and Uptown Circle.

A full map of the closures can be found at https://arcg.is/eaSvD0.

The closures will start at 6 a.m. Saturday to accommodate the 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk and the parade. The run/walk starts at 8 a.m. and the parade starts at 10 a.m.

There is no set schedule for when the streets will re-open. The town will be allowing free parking at the College Avenue parking deck. Parking is also available at the Trail East, Trail West and Parkinson lots.

Contact Connor Wood at (309)820-3240. Follow Connor on Twitter: @connorkwood

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Of the stories that Timuel Dixon Black Jr. told or relayed to generations that have come through the South Side of Chicago, his wife Zenobia Johnson-Black said he would often retell the tale of how his parents came to Chicago in 1919 to what is now the Bronzeville area when he was 8 months old, leaving Birmingham, Alabama.

He looked around and noticed the injustice, Johnson-Black recounted. So he said to his mom, when he was 8 months old: S---, Im leaving this place! He took credit for bringing his parents up here because he didnt know how to change his diaper, so his mother had to come and his daddy had to come to take care of his mama and him.

At 102 years of age, Black died Wednesday, according to a family friend. Blacks wife said he entered hospice care Oct. 1.

During his time in Chicago, Black went on to become a teacher, writer, lecturer, decorated military veteran, archivist and the citys unofficial chief historian who chronicled the evolution of Black life and culture. In his writings, lectures and appearances, he was able to describe with great detail what it was like to grow up during moments that became historically significant to the citys identity.

You have an individual who, because of the span of his life, his lived experience, both witnessed history, made history and wrote the history book, said former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Not many people have that kind of breadth and depth. He put his thumb on the scale and tipped it. Because of the life he led and not only what he saw, but what he wrote, he made all our lives richer.

Since 1919, Black walked the streets of Bronzeville (aka the Black Belt) and remained there except for a few interludes and during World War II, he wrote in his 2019 memoir, Sacred Ground. Black arrived in Chicago with the first wave of Blacks fleeing racial violence and discrimination in the South.

Its in that telling of his arrival to Chicago as the youngest of three that Shermann Dilla Thomas (the Chicago Urban Historian, for those on TikTok) connected with Black.

He always started his story like that because he wanted you to think about how bad the South must have been to come to Chicago at a time of the most violent race riot, Thomas said. The whole country knew about it. And still his family moved to Chicago without anything being resolved. The opening would always draw laughs, but when I told him I understood why he was telling that story, I could see him sit up and look at me; and thats something Ill never forget.

Blacks grandparents were born enslaved. His father was a sharecropper who went on to work in steel mills first in the South and later in the Midwest. Black grew up seeing firsthand how restrictive housing covenants, racial wage gaps and discrimination in educational opportunities and jobs shaped segregation in the city and essentially created a Black underclass, but also gave birth to a unique, Black metropolis.

At first, his middle-class family lived in a small building at East 49th Street and South St. Lawrence Avenue, where they were the only Black family, he said in a taped interview produced for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. But quickly, the building, block and entire community became home to only Blacks, he said.

In his writing and oral history projects, Black described not only the pain of living through segregation, but also the joys of living in a thriving Black community. Spurred by the circumstances, the Black community created its own taxi cab services called jitneys, established grocery stores and corner markets, and formed thriving schools and organizations, he said. Housing discrimination meant that even affluent Black families lived close to those who were struggling  creating symbiotic relationships where residents influenced one another and had social circles with people of varying means.

It was a community of joy because there was so much hope. There was a friendship and kinship, Black said in that interview.

Black graduated from DuSable High School in 1937 where he said he sat next to Nat King Cole before the crooner became famous. At school, he socialized with Dempsey Travis, who went on to become a Chicago real estate magnate, and John H. Johnson, who became a media mogul and millionaire. He considered playwright Lorraine Hansberry his younger sister.

When Black was 24, he was drafted into the military and shipped to Europe during World War II. In the Army, he traveled throughout England, Poland, France, Germany and other countries. He was awarded four bronze stars for his service (and a Croix de Guerre, a military honor accorded by France to noncitizens) but in 1945 he returned to Chicago where he was met with extreme prejudice and hostility.

When I came back home, I went back to the same job that I had, he said in an interview.

Seeing African Americans still struggling after serving in the military set Black on a path to fight for social justice and equity. At his mothers urging, he enrolled at Roosevelt University and went on to get a masters degree from the University of Chicago. After graduation, he started his career as a teacher.

First, Black taught at various schools in the city, including Roosevelt High School, Hyde Park High School, Farragut High School and his alma mater, DuSable. As an educator, he emerged as a leader and activist. He not only started organizations to mobilize Black residents to vote and attend protests, he was elected president of the teachers union.

In 1963, Black was tapped by A. Phillip Randolph to coordinate Chicago residents to participate in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. That same year, he was among a group of Black candidates who ran for City Council to push against the citys political guard. Black didnt win but during his campaign he was quoted as saying it was time to end plantation politics, a phrase that drew national attention.

Three years after running for office, Black shifted his career focus from teaching in Chicago Public Schools to teaching at the college level, his records show. He worked as a dean with the City Colleges of Chicago and later as vice president for academic affairs at Olive Harvey College. In a controversial firing from City Colleges, Black drew widespread attention and that led to him being named director and chairman of community affairs for City Colleges, where he stayed until around 1975. When that administrative role was eliminated, Black went back to the classroom as a professor, a position he kept for another 14 years.

In the early 1980s, Black threw himself into registering voters and campaigning to help get the citys first Black mayor, Harold Washington, elected. He is credited with helping to register 250,000 people to vote by visiting dozens of churches, block club meetings, restaurants, grocery stores, train stations, bus stops and other establishments.

In that era and area, we organized politically, socially, economically because we had the base of power, he said in a TV interview in 2012. We felt a sense of responsibility to all.

Black retired from City Colleges in 1989, but his work continued long after that. He lectured at nearly every college in the city and appeared as a keynote speaker at dozens of school programs.

In 2003, he wrote a book, Bridges of Memory, which was a compilation of interviews of Black residents who were part of the earliest migration to Chicago. He later published a companion book that examined the second wave of Black migrants. According to Susan Klonsky, friend and collaborator on Blacks Sacred Ground memoir, he intended to write a third book about the children of those who migrated from the South, but it did not reach fruition. All of his books were written longhand, with no computer, Klonsky said.

Black was in Chicago during the lynching and burial of Emmett Till, an event that helped spark the civil rights movement. He was in Chicago when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited to draw attention to poverty and racism. He was in Chicago to watch the city elect Washington as its first Black mayor and when Barack Obama rose to the presidency.

He was a trusted adviser to Washington and Obama. Always, he was an ambassador for the city, which earned him the moniker senior statesman of Chicagos South Side.

Chicago, for my generation, was in fact sacred ground, he said in a podcast interview with Emanuel in January 2018. We loved the city in spite of the difficulties along racial lines that we had experienced. For me, and others like me in my generation, this has been a place that gave us the inspiration and opportunity to move ahead and break the barriers that existed.

A jazz aficionado who said he started listening to that music when he was 5, Black worked to celebrate the art form and ensure its long-term preservation in the city. He was a longtime board member at the Jazz Institute of Chicago and helped organize its local jazz festivals. Today, the organization gives out a community service award bearing his name.

According to his wife, Black has received more than 10 honorary degrees and sat on more than 50 boards.

For decades, he was often called upon by journalists and authors to give a historical perspective to the citys struggles and triumphs.

Blacks legacy is entrenched as evidenced in the thoughts of many members of the Chicago community.

Former President Obama said the city and the world lost an icon. Over his 102 years, Tim was many things: a veteran, historian, author, educator, civil rights leader and humanitarian, he said. But above all, Tim was a testament to the power of place, and how the work we do to improve one community can end up reverberating through other neighborhoods and other cities, eventually changing the world.

Eve Ewing, an author, sociologist, poet, playwright, former teacher and current assistant professor at the Crown Family School of Social Work at the University of Chicago, said Black was a hero of hers since she was a kid. My heart is heavy, but I have no right to be sad because he has given us so much and is leaving behind all the tools we need: to love ourselves, to know our history, and to be good listeners and keepers of stories.

Chicago Tribune columnist, radio host and author Rick Kogan was a big fan of both Black and Studs Terkel. They just dont make them like Tim and Studs anymore, he said. To have been fortunate enough to spend time with Tim Black and his old dear friend Studs Terkel was to be witness to vivid history lessons of Chicago, civil rights, social justice and everything else that should matter in this world. The two of them together were the living knowledgeable history of all that should be deemed good about Chicago, and life. They were like brothers of a splendid sort.

Those sentiments were shared by Ida B. Wells great-granddaughter Michelle Duster. Mr. Timuel Black embodied intelligence and achievement as well as humility and graciousness. Despite his awe-inspiring resume, he could be self-deprecating at times and had a good sense of humor about himself. Even though he was a trailblazer and firsthand witness to many history-making events, he gave others room to contribute and shine.

Black touched those in the business world, including Andrea Zopp, managing partner at Cleveland Avenue, a privately held Chicago venture capital firm focused on the food and beverage industry. Timuel Blacks legacy and impact are profound, she said. An accomplished historian and uniquely engaging storyteller, he was literally living history. His lived through incredible, powerful moments in Chicagos history and shared his perspectives and thoughts in writings and speeches so that we could learn, be informed and be better.

Black interviewed NDigo publisher Hermene Hartman for both Bridges of Memory books. A friend of the family, Hartman said his lifes work is notable. Blacks work yielded many awards and honors, including being the first recipient of Chicagos Champion of Freedom award in 2013 and being the first honoree inducted into the Illinois Black Hall of Fame at Governors State University in March 2021. He has been a stalwart in our community, meaning that every major event, every major person, every major activity, hes been there, Hartman said. If he didnt lead it, in charge of it, he was certainly a principal for and about issues involving social justice and equity in our community. Thats been his lifes work.

A consummate and meticulous documenter, in 2010 Black donated all of his photographs, memorabilia, audiotapes, paperwork and other research materials to the Carter G. Woodson Regional Librarys Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection. At the time, his collection was the largest the library had ever assembled and it chronicled political, justice and labor movements in the city along with the history of jazz in Chicago.

Black married twice and had two children with his first wife. In addition to Johnson-Black, Black is survived by his daughter, Ermetra Black-Thomas. He was preceded in death by his son, Timuel Kerrigan Black.

Even as he aged, Black remained active in the community. Black would participate in giving tours of his beloved South Side, all the locales that held history for him. Through the University of Chicago Civic Knowledge Project, helmed by Bart Shultz, residents and tourists got to learn about Black working closely with King.

If youve ever been on any tours ... in which Tim is the tour guide on a bus and they go around and point out the churches that his parents belonged to and the places where great moments in the Civil Rights movement in Chicago occurred and where the labor unions that became fortresses in the labor movement were located, you kind of get the sense that hes not kidding about sacred, Klonsky said about Blacks Bronzeville.

Black aggressively campaigned for the Obama Presidential Center to be brought to the South Side by writing and publishing letters of support in the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Defender and other publications. Of his accomplishments, his wife of 40 years said he never met a cause he didnt like, so much so that their mailbox was always full of thank-you notes and solicitations. And he contributed to them all  the Illinois Holocaust Museum, the DuSable Museum, the ACLU, Doctors Without Borders.

In addition to the many known activities and events and operations and projects hes been involved with, we were able to endow a scholarship, the Timuel Black Community Solidarity Scholarship at the University of Chicago, and he was quite proud of that, Johnson-Black said.

He always says to me, Ive done the best I could,  Klonsky said. I can rest easy. He doesnt feel like he slacked off. I think thats terribly important. Me and my husband came by the other day, visiting, and he said Im counting on you young people to fix this mess. There is a sort of abiding optimism and hopefulness that doesnt really leave him. I would say to him, arent you angry? Arent you depressed about this, especially when Trump got elected? He said no. We just got to fix it. We made this mess, we just got to fix it. 

Former Chicago Tribune reporter Lolly Bowean contributed.

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CHICAGO  First lady Jill Biden wrapped up a visit to Illinois on Wednesday with a stop at a community college before heading to Pennsylvania during a three-state tour in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.

She toured the Arturo Velasquez Institute in Chicago with Education Secretary Miguel Cardona and elected Illinois officials including Gov. J.B. Pritzker. The night before she visited the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago to see an exhibit honoring victims of COVID-19.

Biden was expected in Allentown, Pennsylvania, later in the afternoon where she was set to meet with Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra at a center for children and families, according to the White House.

Earlier this week she was in Kansas City to tour El Centro Academy, a dual-language early childhood education program.

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School year 1966-67, I was a guest student in England and then had a wonderful summer trying to learn some French in Strasbourg, AlsaceLorraine, where they spoke German.

The years tuition was $375 and I traveled by ship. The five-day Atlantic cruise to England was cheaper than an eight-hour jet plane ride. The experience gave this Illinois boy a lifelong interest in things international.

I visited many churches and saw so many plaques with so many names remembering those lost in what was called the Great War. There were, of course, other plaques remembering those lost the second time around.

To my surprise, there were others remembering those lost in what were called the Afghan wars of the 1870s. It had something to do with the Khyber Pass. The British lost that one.

In our own time, the Russians tried to bring the glories of socialism to the Afghans, but as with the Brits, were driven out. In the new century, it was our turn, with a 20-year experiment in liberal democracy. How could our 20-year, trillion-plus-dollar effort have collapsed in just a few days?

I had an Afghan taxi driver in New York City, and he said an Afghan would take on 500 others and never retreat. Something to think about: having defeated three of the greatest military powers in the word.

In military operations, politics and not least, international business, a grip on the culture of others means success or failure. We know Japanese bow a lot. Germans tend to be formal.

I have a friend in an international organization. At a meeting, he turned to the person sitting beside him and said Hi, my name is Axel. After a bit he turned to me and in German went on Ja, Herr Varner  After 20 years, we are not on a first name basis. Stiff to us, but it is their way. We call these traits surface culture and it is important to pick up on it in business dealings. In the end we are all human beings, but to underestimate the distance between surface culture and we are all human, can be fatal.

Start with a fun one. Quite recently my German wife pulled out in front of an oncoming truck. She said they had their turn signal on. She never had Illinois high school driver education. On the German Autobahn, trucks are limited to 55 mph, and around cities, cars are slowed down to 80 mph, but on the rest of the Autobahn, there is no speed limit. Yet that Autobahn is twice as safe as our interstates. Culture is not genetic, but a learned behavior, and is instilled both early and deeply.

My life began at 16 when I got my wheels. In Germany, it is 18 and the first two years are probationary. My young niece went through a traffic light one half second too late. The fine was $250 and another $450 of driving lessons. A turn signal means just that in Germany.

Military examples are useful. It is well known the Japanese surrendered aboard the battleship Missouri in Tokyo Bay Sept. 2, 1945. Less well known is that Gen. MacArthur flew to Atsugi airfield near Tokyo a few days before. Pilots from that field had shot down 300 of our bombers. With his staff members knees shaking, the corncob pipe in hand, he calmly walked out in front of over 1,000 fully armed Japanese soldiers. They were in awe of his courage, his long legs and especially his respect for Japanese culture. The emperor had told the soldiers to lay down their arms and he knew every one of them would. 99.9% of Americans knew exactly what they wanted to do with that emperor, but MacArthur knew better as he was the center of Japanese identity. Many generals have won wars but MacArthur, understanding that deeper culture, won the peace.

That same friend grumbled to me that everyone here is on the take. How many million doses of the vaccine sent in good faith to certain countries have simply wound up missing? Once again avoid stereotypes but corruption, big and small, plagues too much of Latin America and numerous other places. I have a good story on this. It was confidently predicted that when President Jimmy Carter gave away the Panama Canal the Panamanians, in great part because of corruption, did not have it in them to run it. We did not just pack up and leave but had a 20-year transition. I have been on the ground there and feel they are running a very tight ship. Several years ago, 74% of voters approved a major canal expansion. The voters knew the money would be well used and not make its way to Swiss banks.

A quick political example: President Bill Clinton and I strongly believed China would evolve toward a more liberal democracy because that is the right thing to become. It isnt going that way is it?

So be it politics, military or business success or failure is to understand and work with that vast space between surface culture and we are all human. My insight into Afghanistan is only that three major powers got it wrong. Wonder what will happen when a fourth gives it a try.

Carson Varner is a professor of finance, insurance and law at Illinois State University.

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Social commentator, Bernard Allotey Jacobs has expressed fury over the LGBTQ+ community fighting for the legalization of their activities in Ghana.



There is currently anti-LGBTQ+ bill proposed by Ningo-Prampram MP, Sam George, before Parliament to outlaw homosexual activities and ensure any person who publicly identifies himself or herself as a member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) faces a jail sentence or fine.



But an elite group has stood against the passage of the bill arguing it is a violation of fundamental human rights, hence incurring the wrath of many Ghanaians.



Their position has been interpreted by some Ghanaians as either they promoting homosexual practices or are members of the LGBTQ+ community.



Contributing to a panel discussion on Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo'', Bernard Allotey Jacobs, being against gay activities, likened them to animals.



''You are an animal If you are gay'', he fumed.



To him, the push for legalization or acceptance of homosexual practices in Ghana is an agenda by the Western superpowers but strongly believed their agenda won't materialize in Ghana.



''The whole thing is targeted on Africans, more on Africans. You can't go and do that in Thailand. You can't go and do that in Indonesia. Why Africa? Why? The birthplace of civilization! What has happened to us?'', he expressed his disgust.







Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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The Northern Regional House of Chiefs has called on stakeholders in the educational sector to develop strategies to improve on falling educational standards in the region.



The house expressed worry over the dwindling performance of students in both the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), describing it as a canker that needed to be cured.



Out of the 16,116 candidates who wrote the 2020 WASSCE in the region, only 1,890, representing 11.7 per cent, passed in six subjects.



Again, only 12,020, representing 44.5 per cent, of the 27,806 candidates who wrote the BECE in 2020 passed in six subjects, indicating that more than 50 per cent of the students failed.



The house made the call at a stakeholders meeting in Tamale, the Northern Regional capital, to appraise students performance in the BECE and the WASSCE in the region.



The forum was jointly organised by Norsaac, an NGO, and the Ghana Education Service (GES) .



Prioritising education



The Paramount Chief of the Kumbungu Traditional Area, Naa Iddrisu Abu, who chaired the event, described the situation as unfortunate and said it needed the attention of the government and other stakeholders to employ realistic measures to address.



While urging his fellow chiefs to prioritise education-related matters in their respective jurisdictions, Naa Abu advised parents to take proper care of their children, including providing them with their educational needs, to brighten their future.



"We are going to visit schools from time to time to talk to pupils, students and teachers to encourage them. Traditional rulers must prioritise the future of the youth by initiating interventions that will brighten their future and bring development to their communities, he added.



The Paramount Chief of the Mion Traditional Area, Naa Mahamadu II, proposed the holding of annual district education review meetings to make chiefs and the people appreciate the importance and standard of education in their respective communities.



Commendations



The Northern Regional Director of the GES, Dr Peter Attafuah, commended Norsaac and other stakeholders for supporting his outfit to address the challenges of poor performance by pupils and students in the region.



He said the prevailing situation was a major concern to the directorate, and appealed to the chiefs to also let their voices of reason prevail in their various communities.



For his part, the Executive Director of Norsaac, Mr Mohammed Awal, said the expectation of the organisation was to see the region appear at the top of WASSCE and BECE performance league tables.









Source: graphiconline.com









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Assembly Members within the Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly (WGMA) have kicked against the closure of the Empire Cement Ghana Limited, a cement factory in the area.



According to the assembly members, the factory which was about 85 percent complete fell under the governments flagship program; One District, One Factory (1D1F) policy.

The factory is envisaged to create about 13,000 direct and indirect jobs for the youth in the area when operationalized.



They have called on the government to investigate the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which halted construction works at the cement factory, describing their treatment towards the company as unfair.



One of the Assembly Members of New Gbawe, Mr Andrew Oppong, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, at a press conference accused the Pambros Salt Industries Limited of being behind the actions of the EPA to close down the factory and asked that government immediately intervened in the matter.



The Assemblymember said operators of the Cement Factory had assured the Assembly and all stakeholders within the municipality that, it had the needed production technology and had committed to a Gh60,000 bond over a three-year period to be paid to the neighboring company should it default in its operations.



These include the use of cyclone technology and proper construction methodology to ensure an air and water-tight production environment. The company has also gone ahead to propose the establishment of an Environmental Fund where monies would be lodged, should they breach any environmental process.



Mr Oppong expressed the need to protect investors and not to sabotage an investment that would help reduce the unemployment rate within the catchment area.

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Source: Peacefmonline.com/ghana









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The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has announced that it has completed the Pre-Qualification phase for licensing of all Operators of Private Lotto (OPL) for the 2021/2022 licensing year.



The NLA in a statement has also asked all OPls, who submitted their duly completed Pre-Qualification Forms to NLA, to contact the Operations Office at the NLA Head Office, Fortune House , Accra for Licensing Application Forms and Payment Terms.



According to the statement, NLA, in collaboration with the security services, will clamp down on all unlicensed lottery operators to sanitize the lotto industry Effective 1st November 2021.



The National Lottery Authority (NLA) wishes to announce the completion of the Pre-Qualification phase for licensing of all operators of private lotto (OPL) for the 2021/2022 licensing year.



Subsequently, all OPls who submitted their duly completed Pre-Qualification Forms to NLA are hereby requested to contact the Operations Office at the NLA Head Office, Fortune House First floor, Accra for Licensing Application Forms and Payment Terms, the statement added.



Read full statement below: Police introduces shuttle services for Personnel



LICENSING OF OPERATORS OF PRIVATE LOTTO FOR 2021/2022



The National Lottery Authority (NLA) wishes to announce the completion of the Pre-Qualification phase for licensing of all operators of private lotto (OPL) for the 2021/2022 licensing year.



Subsequently, all OPls who submitted their duly completed Pre-Qualification Forms to NLA are hereby requested to contact the Operations Office at the NLA Head Office, Fortune House First floor, Accra for Licensing Application Forms and Payment Terms.



The deadline for submission of duly completed Licensing Application Forms and for making payments is October 29, 2021. Licensing of OPLs for the 2021/2022 licensing year will commence on November 1, 2021.



NLA would like to encourage OPLs to take steps to regularize their operations. Effective 1st November 2021, NLA, in collaboration with the security services, will clamp down on all unlicensed lottery operators to sanitize the lotto industry.







Source: Peacefmonline.com/ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Dr. Christopher Ampadu, a lecturer at Pentecost University, has described the LGBTQ+ group as a satanic community.



According to him, homosexuality is a Satan agenda against marriages and this is the more reason why Ghana shouldn't legalize nor accept the practices of the LGBTQ+ community.



A bill has been proposed by some Members of Parliament (MPs) led by Sam George, the Ningo-Prampram MP, to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana but the bill have also been vehemently opposed by a group of scholars, lawyers and Civil Soceity Organizations.



The group comprising the Lead Counsel for President Nana Akufo-Addo during the 2020 Presidential petition, Lawyer Akoto Ampaw, Prof. Raymond Atuguba; the Dean of the University of Ghana (Legon) School of Law, politician Charles Wereko-Brobbey among others argue that the bill is a violation of the fundamental human rights enshrined in the 1992 constitution.



There is currently a debate on whether or not the bill should be passed into law.



According to Dr. Christopher Ampadu, who doubles as the West African Director of Samaritan Strategy, the bill needs to be passed, if not, Satan will have his way in the country.



"This homosexuality is a Satan agenda to destroy the Ghanaian marriage knowing that once Satan ruins marriage with man marrying man and woman marrying woman, marriage will be destroyed. Now, once it's destroyed, family life will be also vanished. And if it's disappears, what will become of the Ghanaian society?'', he said during Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo'' on Thursday, October 14.







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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Deputy Communications Director of the NPP, Mame Yaa Aboagye has appealed to party supporters to remain united before and after its Presidential Primaries.



According to her, unity, mutual respect and hard work will guarantee them peace in breaking the eight (8).



The NPP will from next year begin the process of electing new officers from constituency to national level including its Presidential Primaries.



As the party gears up for the Primaries, there already tantrums from camps of Presidential aspirants against one another.



Mame Yaa Aboagye urged the party supporters to say things that will strengthen the party in breaking the 8.



Its too early to be fighting over who will succeed President Akufo-Addo in 2024. I think it is important we all help achieve our vision and deliver on our promises to Ghanaians because that will guarantee our breaking the 8. Whenever we get the opportunity to talk, lets all project the good works of President Akufo-Addo and his government.



There is so many things to talk about, from building of infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, constructing of roads, free SHS, payment of allowances etcThere is a lot to talk about today instead of fighting for tomorrow. If we project what we have done today, we wont be facing difficulties in projecting whoever (candidates) delegates will vote for. Lets consolidate our gains today to secure us victory in 2024.





She insisted that every member of the party must be on board for this dream and vision to be achieved.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Reliable information reaching Peacefmonline.com indicates that, a former Member of Parliament(MP) for Navrongo Central in the Upper East Region of Ghana and also the Minister for Aviation in the New Patriotic Party(NPP) government under President Akufo-Addo until January 2021, Joseph Kofi Adda, has passed away.



He took the leadership of the Aviation ministry in 2018.



Information gathered confirms that he died in the early hours of Thursday, 14th October at the age of 65.



Mr Adda had taken ill shortly after he returned to Accra from a trip to Navrongo.



Kofi Adda was married with two children. He is a Christian and a Catholic.





Career



He worked as an Executive officer at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ghana in 1979. Between 1983 and 1984, he worked as a Research Analyst intern at the Third World Trade Institute, New York, USA. Over the next two years, he was an account Executive and Management trainee at the Equitable Financial Service, Inc., in New Jersey, USA. Mr. Adda has also worked at Essex County College, Newark, New Jersey, USA (1986  1988), Thomson McKinnon Securities Inc., New York (1989  1991) and with Deloitte and Touche Consulting, (West Africa), Accra (1991  1994).



Since 1994, Joseph Adda has been the Director of Omni Consulting International (Ghana) Ltd.[3] Between 1996 and 2000, he worked in various capacities at the Ministry of Finance, Ghana.



He was a Financial Economist and a Management Consultant and the immediate past Minister for Aviation.



Political Career



Adda first became a Member of Parliament in 2003. He won the by-election for the Navrongo Central constituency after the death of the incumbent, John Achuliwor. He retained his seat in the 2004 parliamentary election.



His constituency was a part of the 2 parliamentary seats out of 13 seats won by the New Patriotic Party in that election for the Upper East Region.



He was appointed the Minister for Manpower Development and Employment by President John Kufuor in 2005.



On 28 April 2006, he was moved in a cabinet reshuffle to the position of Minister for Energy.



He was later replaced by Felix Owusu-Adjapong as Minister of Energy by President Kuffuor.



Kofi Adda retained his seat when the NPP lost the general elections in 2008. He however lost the seat in the 2012 elections to Mark Woyongo.



Cabinet Minister



In May, 2017, President Nana Akufo-Addo named Joseph Kofi Adda as part of nineteen ministers who would form his cabinet.



The names of the 19 ministers were submitted the Parliament of Ghana and announced by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Prof. Mike Ocquaye. As a Cabinet minister, Joseph Kofi Adda is part of the inner circle of the president and is to aid in key decision making activities in the country.









Source: Peacefmonline.com









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A National Communications Team Member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Akwasi Mensah has commended the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo-Prampram constituency, Mr Sam Nartey George and other MPs who sponsored the LGBTQI+ Bill currently before Parliament.



He also commended the Clergy, Muslim Leaders and Traditional Leaders who are supporting the Bill.



Eight members of Ghanas Parliament have jointly submitted a private bill to push for the criminalization of LGBTQI+ activities in the country.



The LGBTQI+ Bill, which they term as a Bill on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values, was presented to Speaker, Alban Bagbin on Tuesday, June 29, 2021.



The proponents of the bill want the promotion, advocacy, funding, and acts of homosexuality to be criminalized in the country.



The Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram constituency, Sam George, who led the MPs to make the presentation, said it is a landmark legislation that has taken the last 14 weeks working with a fantastic team of professionals to put together. It is in my humble opinion a world-class piece of legislation which should be reference material for other Parliaments seeking to pass similar legislation.



The LGBTQI+ Bill, presented to the Speaker, is the first major step taken towards the criminalization.



The bill will be assessed by a parliamentary committee after a referral from the Speaker, and subsequently debated on the floor of the House.



The Bill respects the fundamental human rights of all persons, including those found engaging in the prohibited acts, but spells out a rigid punitive measure in line with our social, cultural and religious stance as a nation. Let me be clear here, homosexuality is not a human right. It is a lifestyle choice. A sexual preference, Sam George stated.



The other members of parliament that joined in presenting the bill include, Emmanuel Bedzrah (MP, Ho West) Della Adjoa Sowah (MP, Kpando), John Ntim Fordjour (MP, Assin South), Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini (MP, Tamale North), Helen Adjoa Ntoso (MP, Krachi West), Rita Naa Odoley Sowah (MP, La Dadekotopon) and Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor (MP, South Dayi).



Although the Bill has received massive support from the public, especially the clergy, the eight have been lambasted by persons who are also not in favour of the bill with some coming directly at Sam George.



Speaking with Ekourba Gyasi Simpremu on Atinka TVs morning show, Ghana Nie, Mr Peter Akwasi Mensah said the NDC will put their weight behind the MPs.



He called on all stakeholders, especially the public to support the course.



Homsexuality is not good so we are all coming together to support them, he said.



Mr Peter Akwasi Mensah noted that the Constitution indicates that although people have their human rights, their right should not contradict the national interest.













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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged on ECOWAS institutions to flag issues that have the potential to derail the democratic processes of member states.



He said the recent crises in Mali and Guinea tended to derail efforts made at various levels of the electoral process to consolidate democracy in member states, adding: Good governance should and must imperatively exclude political manoeuvres to maintain power beyond constitutional requirements.



President Akufo-Addo made the call at the commencement of the ECOWAS high-level parliamentary seminar in Winneba in the Central Region yesterday.



The four-day seminar, which is being attended by Members of the ECOWAS Parliament, is on the theme: Two decades of democratic elections in ECOWAS member states: Achievements, challenges and the way forward.



The President said recent events in Mali and Guinea had undermined democratic governance in the ECOWAS region, but said the bloc was committed to maintaining democratic governance.



Advice



He urged ECOWAS parliamentarians to take a critical look at the effectiveness of the various electoral systems and processes to ensure free and fair elections and also guarantee accountable governance in member states.



According to him, the authority of any elective public office holder was vested in the people, which could only be expressed legitimately through free, fair and credible elections.



That is why, having dedicated nearly half a century of my life fighting for the entrenchment of democratic values in Ghanas body politic, the accession to power by any other means, other than the ballot box, remains for me wholly unacceptable, no matter the ostensible justification, he added.



President Akufo-Addo said that was in tandem with the ECOWAS supplementary protocol on democracy and good governance, which he said must be protected by all.



Those who claim to have solutions to the myriad of problems confronting our countries should convince the populations to give them the chance through the ballot box to put their solutions to work, the President added.



He further said the strength of any democracy was determined by the credibility of its electoral process and respect for the will of the people, and we cannot overlook the fact that instability has followed disputed elections in many parts of our continent.



He said good governance frowned on schemes to hold on to power beyond constitutional requirements, and that when it happened, the marriage between the elected and the electorate becomes forced, the environment becomes toxic and the mandate becomes precarious.



He, therefore, charged stakeholders in the electoral process to work to ensure that there were no lingering questions about the legitimacy of an election, adding: There will always be winners and losers in an election; that is the system of governance we subscribe to.



President Akufo-Addo accepted a proposal by the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Dr Sidie Mohamed Tunis, to be one of the three-member Champions of the process by ECOWAS MPs to be elected directly by the electorate of the various countries.



Amendment of constitution



Dr Tunis said there was the urgent need for member states to pay attention to the phenomenon of amending constitutions before elections or before the expiration of the tenure of an incumbent President.



According to him, amending a constitution to conform to current realities was not, in itself, a problem, but that it only became a challenge when the proposed amendments were aimed at protecting the governing elite, at the expense of the citizenry.



The truth is that this practice is eroding the gains we have made as a community, sinking the region into more chaos and creating a serious reputational risk for ECOWAS as an institution, he said.





Source: graphiconline.com









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The General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr John Boadu, says the governments ban on illegal mining activities affected the party in the Western Region during the 2020 election but stressed that the ban was for the good of the nation.



He said the NPP had majority parliamentary seats in the Western Region but after the 2020 election lost many, adding that, "Prestea Huni-Valley constituency was one of them and even in Tarkwa-Nsuaem constituency we nearly lost that seat."



Mr Boadu said, "I am so gratified it caused us in the just-ended election but it was to protect our forest reserves, including water bodies from individuals who illegally tampered with it".



The General Secretary disclosed this to the media during the Western Regional NPP annual delegates conference held at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa.



It was on the theme: "Consolidating our gains of 2020 election, the role of stakeholders."



"We cannot sit down unconcern and watch few people destroy the country because of politics without taking any action. President Akufo-Addo took a bold decision and we supported him," he said.



"In as much as we try to protect the environment, we would also provide alternative livelihood for people who have been displaced as a result of government decision to halt illegal mining in this region"



Mr Boadu said, "Currently if one gets a concession, the government would provide the needed machines and equipment that are environmentally friendly to these miners to enable them to go about their duties."



"As we speak now, we have even procured 200 processing machines to be given to these miners to help them practise safe mining," he announced.



He emphasized that the government would resolve this issue once and for all to ensure the safety of every citizen and the generations unborn.



Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, the Western Regional Minister, said the government would do more to transform the Region and assured residents to be patient.



He appealed to NPP supporters to protect the interest of the party to enable them to win the 2024 polls.



Mr Joe Ghartey, MP for Essikado-Ketan constituency, on behalf of the Western Regional NPP Parliamentary Caucus, charged the youth to be decorous in their behaviour and urged them to propagate the good work of the party.



"We cannot afford to leave Parliament because both sides in the house have 137 seats. We will, therefore, depend on the MMDCE's and constituency executives to hold forth while we are away," he added.



Mr Kojo Acquah, Municipal Chief Executive of Effia-Kwasimitim, who spoke on behalf of all MMDCE's, said they would work tirelessly to ensure NPP break the eight years governance cycle in Ghana.



The NPP Western Regional Chairman, Mr Francis Ndede Siah, commended the NDC for cooperating in the confirmation of the five MMDCE's and implored them to do the same for the remaining nominees.

Source: GNA









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" " On Sept. 27, 2019, three House committees subpoenaed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the House impeachment investigation of the Trump-Ukraine affair. Pompeo was subpoenaed for failing to produce documents on Ukraine. Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

If some local magistrate  or, say, the United States Congress  ever lays a subpoena on you, the best thing to do, probably the easiest thing to do, is just to show up in court  or, say, on Capitol Hill  and save yourself all the headaches.

You could ignore the subpoena, of course; it happens, more than you might expect. If you choose that route, though, get ready for a world of legal hurt involving lawyers, lots of wasted time, possible fines and, maybe, some jail time.

Neither option is great. That comes with subpoenas.

"[Y]ou're legally bound to show up," Anthony Madonna, a professor of political science at the University of Georgia, says. "The problem with that has always been enforcement."

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What Is a Subpoena?

Simply, subpoenas are documents that allow attorneys (or Congresspeople) to gather useful information. That info is used in court proceedings or in Congressional investigations. Subpoenas, generally, are the same whether they're issued by Congress or some other governmental entity. From FindLaw:

There are two types of subpoenas. The first, called subpoena ad testificandum (pronounced "ad test- te-fi-kan-dum"), requires you to testify before a court, or other legal authority. The second, called subpoena duces tecum (pronounced "doo-seez tee-kum"), requires you to produce documents, materials, or other tangible evidence.

In most cases, an attorney usually requests a subpoena, and somebody like a justice of the peace, a clerk  even a notary public  signs off on it. Then, it's usually served, in person, to the one being subpoenaed.

In the case of a Congressional subpoena, it's issued by a committee, often performing a duty known as Congressional oversight to probe possible wrongdoing in the government.

Congress famously issued subpoenas to get to the bottom of the Teapot Dome scandal in the 1920s and during Watergate in the 1970s. More recently, the Republican-backed Benghazi report in 2016 is a prime example of the use of subpoenas to investigate, as are the Democrat-fueled inquiries into the administration of Donald Trump, his finances and any possible connections to Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

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Why Would Anyone Ignore a Subpoena?

Congress, if you hadn't noticed, is a political body that often acts like it. Interacting with it often means dodging a lot of political potholes. Among the most publicized of those who have defied a Congressional subpoena in recent years are former attorney general Eric Holder (in 2012, see Now That's Interesting, below) and former White House counsel Harriet Miers (in 2008).

In early 2019, Democrats leading the House Judiciary Committee subpoenaed White House counsel Don McGahn to testify in regards to special counsel Robert Mueller's report on Russian interference in the 2016 election. Trump ordered McGahn to ignore the subpoena, citing a "testimonial immunity" for senior advisers to the president. Trump famously called the Mueller inquiry a "witch hunt" and blamed "angry Democrats."

Later in the year, on Sept. 27, 2019, three House committees subpoenaed Trump's Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the House impeachment investigation of the Trump-Ukraine affair. Pompeo was subpoenaed for failing to produce documents on Ukraine.

For those faced with a subpoena of the non-Congressional variety, going to court  perhaps facing people you don't want to see (a soon-to-be-ex in a divorce case, a driver who plowed into you, your former boss)  is hardly enticing. Sometimes, ignoring a subpoena and taking your legal lumps seems like the safer bet.

Spoiler: It probably isn't.

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What Happens If You Bolt on a Subpoena?

The courts, and Congress, have ways of enforcing subpoenas. They're not always effective. They often take time. But they have their ways.

If you ignore or defy a subpoena, the court that demanded your presence can find you in contempt. A fine or jail time is possible.

In the case of defying a Congressional subpoena, the committee that issued to subpoena votes to issue a contempt citation, and then the full chamber votes on it. If it passes, Congress has three ways to prosecute contempt charges, according to the Congressional Research Service (CRS):

"[A] single house of Congress [may] certify a contempt citation to the executive branch for the criminal prosecution of an individual who has willfully refused to comply with a committee subpoena. Once the contempt citation is received, any prosecution lies within the control of the executive branch." That means that the Justice Department (a part of the executive branch) can decide whether to bring a criminal prosecution. Often, citing executive privilege or other protections, Justice simply declines to prosecute. "Congress may try to enforce a subpoena by seeking a civil judgment declaring that the recipient is legally obligated to comply. This process of civil enforcement relies on the help of the courts to enforce congressional demands." Congress, in this case, would file a civil suit against the subpoena-stiffer. "The civil lawsuit route has its own problems. It moves really slowly," Madonna says. "The civil lawsuit is used sort of as a leverage. They're negotiating with the executive branch and usually get whatever it is they're looking for through that."

The third type of enforcement is "inherent contempt power," a rarely used and mostly outdated method. A chamber of Congress can actually have the subpoenaed would-be witness jailed for refusing to cooperate. From the CRS:

The inherent contempt power is a constitutionally based authority given to each house to unilaterally arrest and detain an individual found to be 'obstruct[ing] the performance of the duties of the legislature.'" It was last used in 1935

If you defy a Congressional subpoena and are found guilty of contempt, it's a misdemeanor, "punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 nor less than $100 and imprisonment in a common jail for not less than one month nor more than twelve months."

The penalties for ignoring non-Congressional subpoenas vary with jurisdiction, and are at the discretion of the presiding judge.

Whether it's bucking Congress or your local magistrate, ignoring a subpoena clearly is a gamble. If the paperwork and hours in court don't get you, the fine and/or jail time might. And in the end, it's hard to predict what will happen. If there is an end.

"One of the lines I always like to tell my students is, 'Rules matter until they don't,'" Madonna says. "At the end of the day, rules matter until somebody decides we're going to stop enforcing them or we're going to enforce them a different way. That's scarily or sadly always the case."

NOW THAT'S INTERESTING While attorney general under President Barack Obama, Eric Holder defied a subpoena from a Republican-led House committee ordering him to turn over documents relating to a federal gun-running operation dubbed Fast and Furious. Thousands of documents eventually were released, but a settlement in the showdown between the executive and legislative branches over contempt of Congress charges (the first brought against an AG, who is head of the Department of Justice) wasn't reached until April 2019  seven years after the House began legal proceedings.

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Originally Published: May 30, 2019
Hiscox Group expanded into Thailand by acquiring DirectAsia in 2014. Subsequently, the company inherited over 100+ years of experience and best practices in the insurance industry. Hiscox is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is an A-rated business with significant capital strength and is well known for offering specialist insurance products such as high-value household and motor, small business, and fine art insurance. In Thailand, DirectAsias primary business is car insurance.

Voravudh Varikarn, the CEO of DirectAsia Thailand, shares, As the first digital car insurer in Thailand and we are proud to now be celebrating our seventh year. On average, we have been growing 50% annually. It is all due to our steadfast commitment to serving our customers online and onboarding partners to support the process. Our iON Go partner has helped us to identify the good drivers and rewards them. We have collaborated with Shell, KTC, and Priceza. One of our customers favorite privileges is provided by our partner, Wizard Car Care.

DirectAsia has accumulated over 300,000 policies and employs 160 people. The companys solid technical infrastructure facilitates an efficient operation, requiring less staffing. By 2025, the management teams goal is to be the #1 digital car insurance broker in Thailand.

On the B2B side, DirectAsia sealed the deal with True Leasing for 30,000 policies for its car and service fleet. Renowned for its unbeatable value and service, the insurer has a network of 1000+ garages in the country, and 365 are located in Bangkok. One of their main objectives is to constantly increase the number of garages and dealers available to their customers. The brand continues to expand the partnership and service network to support the customer base and its growing business.

In September this year, we received the prestigious Motor Insurance Initiative of the Year  Thailand from Motor Insurance Initiative, a leading auto insurance organization. The team and I are grateful for this recognition. Our customers are at the heart of everything, and the companys goal is to continue to enhance the online journey and make the process hassle-free. With Easy Quote, Easy Renewal, and Easy Fix services, we continue to strive in that direction and evolve our process to be the #1 digital car insurance broker by 2025, Khun Voravudh said.
As temperatures rise, countries near the equator and in the southern hemisphere  including most of the worlds least developed countries  will experience the greatest increase in energy consumption. Credit: Climate Impact Lab

As the earth's climate warms, residents of affluent nations will find some relief with air conditioning, but people in lower-income countries may have to pay vastly more for electricity or do without cooling, says a new study co-authored at the University of California, Berkeley.

The research, published today in Nature, provides a dramatic new view of how climate change will aggravate the global gap between rich and poor nations. It found that even as temperatures rise, electricity consumption in the U.S. might increase only slightly by the end of the century. But in some emerging countries, demand for energy could rise dramatically as residents seek access to air conditioning, while others will still be so poor that air conditioning will remain an inaccessible dream, the researchers found.

Earlier models, based on broad assumptions and limited data, predicted that rising temperatures would impose dramatic new coststhe "social costs of carbon"across much of the globe. But those models were flawed because they were based only on conditions in affluent nations, said lead author Solomon Hsiang, co-director of the Climate Impact Lab and professor of public policy at UC Berkeley.

"Prior analyses ignored energy usage data from the developing world, where billions live in poverty and lack energy access," Hsiang said. "Studies simply assumed people everywhere behaved similar to the U.S. or the U.K. But their conclusions were exactly backward. Our data show that richer populations can protect themselves from the impacts of warming, but the global poor don't have this luxury."

Ashwin Rode, director of scientific research at the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago and a member of the Climate Impact Lab, illustrated the point with stark data:

"While some form of air conditioning is present in 90% of homes in the United States," Rode explained, "this is currently true for only 5% of homes in India. As climate change causes heat waves to become more intense and frequent in future decades, the data show that electricity to power cooling technology, like fans or air conditioners, remains out of reach for more than half of the global population."

The Climate Impact Lab is a joint initiative by more than 30 researchers from the Rhodium Group; the Rutgers Institute of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences at Rutgers University; the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at University of California, Santa Barbara; the University of Delaware; Princeton University; Fudan University in China; the University of Chicago and UC Berkeley.

A major project for the Climate Impact Lab researchers is to measure the social costs of carbon using economic statistics and big data analytics more powerful than any tools previously used in the field. The analysis of expected energy use and costs is the first published paper in a series that is expected to look at the social costs of carbon reflected in agriculture, health, labor, sea level rise and other areas.

Such research is already having a profound impact as global leaders work to develop policies that limit climate change and mitigate its human impact. Earlier this year, U.S. President Joe Biden issued executive orders directing key regulators to assess the economic risks posed by climate change and to address the equity implications of environmental changes, both topics addressed by the new study.

"Our hope is that the best available data-driven science will be used to design climate change policies in the U.S. and internationally," Hsiang explained. "Our children and grandchildren cannot afford for us to make these decisions based on intuition or gut feelings." Researchers at the Global Policy Lab in UC Berkeley's Goldman School of Public Policy have been crunching numbers for five years to help bring this vision to life, he added.

In its basic form, the social cost of carbon is the most holistic way of looking at the impact on humans of each additional ton of climate warming carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases pumped into the atmosphere.

Seen through a global lens, the numbers reported in the new Climate Impact Lab research seem almost like good news:

For every ton of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere now, the research found, annual energy expenditures across a warming world would fall by $1 to $3. The world emits more than 30 billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every year, and that computes to a savings of up to 0.17% of the world's gross domestic product, they authors concluded.

But these global numbers hide important disparities between rich nations in relatively temperate zones and poor nations that are often closer to the equator. The impacts of climate change on electricity usage could be mild for some and severe for others.

The research found that demand for electricity in the U.S. is likely to rise by a modest 2.7% by 2099. But in Indonesia, it could rise by nearly 100% by the end of the century, and in India by 145%. In Africa, Ethiopia would see demand more than triple, while in Nigeria it is projected to rise by nearly 2,100%.

In emerging countries such as India, Nigeria and Mexico, more people may be able to access air conditioning as the years pass. But, the researchers said, this demand will pose challenges for the electricity grid, and for policymakers who have to plan and maintain the energy infrastructure.

The new findings demonstrate "the critical role of economic development in shaping how energy consumption patterns respond to climate change," the paper concludes. "We find that much of the world will remain too poor in the coming decades to spend substantially on energy-intensive cooling technologies."

More information: Ashwin Rode et al, Estimating a social cost of carbon for global energy consumption, Nature (2021). Journal information: Nature Ashwin Rode et al, Estimating a social cost of carbon for global energy consumption,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03883-8
In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, the Shenzhou-13 manned spaceship atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket is transferred to the launching area of Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China, Oct. 7, 2021. China is preparing to send three astronauts to live on its space station for six monthsa new milestone for a program that has advanced rapidly in recent years. Credit: Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua via AP

China is preparing to send three astronauts to live on its space station for six monthsa new milestone for a program that has advanced rapidly in recent years.

It will be China's longest crewed space mission and set a record for the most time spent in space by Chinese astronauts. The Shenzhou-13 spaceship is expected to be launched into space on a Long March-2F rocket early Saturday morning from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on the edge of the Gobi Desert in northwestern China.

The first crew who served a 90-day mission aboard the main Tianhe core module of the space station returned in mid-September.

The new crew has two veterans of space travel. Pilot Zhai Zhigang, 55, performed China's first spacewalk. Wang Yaping, 41, and the only woman on the mission, carried out experiments and led a science class in real-time while traveling on one of China's earlier experimental space stations. Ye Guangfu, 41, will be traveling into space for the first time.

The three later spoke to reporters through a glass barrier at the Jiuquan base, with Zhai saying the length of the mission would be a challenge, but one he was confident they were prepared to meet.

"After almost two years of training (together), our crew members now know each other well and have a tacit understanding. I believe that with the power and wisdom of our team, (we) will definitely resolve all difficulties," Zhai said.

In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, Chinese astronauts, from left, Ye Guangfu, Zhai Zhigang and Wang Yaping wave to reporters as they arrive for a press conference at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center ahead of the Shenzhou-13 launch mission from Jiuquan in northwestern China, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. China is preparing to send three astronauts to live on its space station for six monthsa new milestone for a program that has advanced rapidly in recent years. Credit: Ju Zhenhua/Xinhua via AP

Russian cosmonaut Valery Polyakov, who lived on Russia's old Mir space station in 1994 and 1995, holds the record for the longest stay in space at more than 14 months.

The mission is expected to continue the work of the initial crew, who conducted two spacewalks, deployed a 10-meter (33-foot) mechanical arm, and held a video call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

China Manned Space Agency Deputy Director Lin Xiqiang said the rocket was fueled and ready to fly. "All systems conducting the Shenzhou-13 mission have undergone a comprehensive rehearsal. The flight crew is in good condition and our pre-launch preparations are in order," Lin said at a Thursday briefing.

The crew's scheduled activities include up to three spacewalks to install equipment in preparation for expanding the station, verifying living conditions in the module and conducting experiments in space medicine and other areas, Lin said.

China's military, which runs the space program, has released few details but says it will send multiple crews to the station over the next two years to make it fully functional. Shenzhou-13 will be the fifth mission, including trips without crews to deliver supplies.

When completed with the addition of two more modulesnamed Mengtian and Wentianthe station will weigh about 66 tons, a fraction of the size of the International Space Station, which launched its first module in 1998 and will weigh around 450 tons when completed. Lin said the two additional modules would be sent before the end of next year during the stay of the yet-to-be-named Shenzhou-14 crew.

In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, the Shenzhou-13 manned spaceship onto of a Long March-2F carrier rocket prepares to be transferred to the launching area of Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China, Oct. 7, 2021. China is preparing to send three astronauts to live on its space station for six monthsa new milestone for a program that has advanced rapidly in recent years. Credit: Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua via AP

China was excluded from the International Space Station largely due to U.S. objections over the Chinese program's secretive nature and close military ties. It made plans to build its own space stations in the early 1990s and had two experimental modules before starting on the permanent station.

U.S. law requires congressional approval for contact between the American and Chinese space programs, but China is cooperating with space experts from countries including France, Sweden, Russia and Italy.

Lin said China was expanding such cooperation, with Ye Guangfu having undergone training with the European Space Agency in 2016, and European astronauts participating in China's sea survival training in 2017.

"We welcome astronauts from other countries entering our space station and conducting international cooperation," Lin said. "We believe that after the station enters the operation and utilization phase, more foreign astronauts will visit our station."

Commenting on his time with the ESA, Ye called it an unforgettable experience that "made me realize that the exploration of the vast space and the construction of a home in space are a shared mission and pursuit for astronauts."

"I look forward to the day when international colleagues can travel in space together (with us), and I welcome them to visit China's space station," Ye said.

In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, Chinese astronauts, from left, Ye Guangfu, Zhai Zhigang and Wang Yaping meet the reporters at a press conference at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center ahead of the Shenzhou-13 launch mission from Jiuquan in northwestern China, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. China is preparing to send three astronauts to live on its space station for six monthsa new milestone for a program that has advanced rapidly in recent years. Credit: Ju Zhenhua/Xinhua via AP

China has launched seven crewed missions with a total of 14 astronauts aboard since 2003, when it became only the third country after the former Soviet Union and the United States to put a person in space on its own. Two Chinese astronauts have flown twice.

Along with its crewed missions, China has expanded its work on lunar and Mars exploration, including placing a rover on the little-explored far side of the Moon and returning lunar rocks to Earth for the first time since the 1970s.

China this year also landed its Tianwen-1 space probe on Mars, whose accompanying Zhurong rover has been exploring for evidence of life on the red planet.

Other programs call for collecting soil from an asteroid and bring back additional lunar samples. China has also expressed an aspiration to land people on the moon and possibly build a scientific base there, although no timeline has been proposed for such projects. A highly secretive space plane is also reportedly under development.

Explore further 3 crew leave China's space station for Earth after 90 days

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Credit: Pexels.com

As the number of Spanish-speaking English learners has increased in U.S. schools, research and attention have focused on how to boost students' reading and speaking skills. A first-of-its-kind study from the University of Kansas has examined three key cognitive functions and their role in learning to write, showing that a lack of focus on bilingual education has contributed to Hispanic English learners falling behind.

The KU study showed specifically how important word retrieval skills, verbal language skills and ability to store information in memory are key in the population's writing ability. The research, co-written by Anqi Peng, doctoral student in educational psychology at KU; Michael Orosco, associate professor in educational psychology at KU; Hui Wang, doctoral student in educational psychology at KU; H. Lee Swanson of the University of New Mexico; and Deborah Reed of the University of Iowa, was published in the Journal of Educational Psychology, which is currently ranked No. 1 in Google Scholar Metrics for Educational Psychology & Counseling journals.

Using structural equation modeling with Software R, KU researchers analyzed a battery of tests given to 374 students in grades 35 in both Spanish and English and an assigned writing task in English for the study.

"We found all three variables had a significant predicting effect on students' English writing ability," Peng said. "In the English model, phonological awareness had a moderate effect, while oral language development and working memory had larger effects. In the Spanish model, oral language development had a negative effect."

In other words, phonological ability, or word retrieval skills in both languages, positively predicted English writing performance. English oral language development, or verbal language skills (e.g., vocabulary) was also a positive predictor, but those who were proficient Spanish speakers were less likely to be proficient English writers. Working memory of both languages positively affected English writing. Taken together, the researchers said the findings show that only instructing EL students in English presents difficulties to learning to write in the language.

The students in the study speak Spanish as their first language. Yet in school, they receive academic instruction in English only.

"You're asking these kids to write academically in a second language, but they're not getting any academic instruction in their native language. We're seeing students struggling in writing, largely because we're not emphasizing it enough early," Orosco said, noting the skill is more difficult to teach and assess than the more popular measures of reading and math. "It is difficult assessing writing. Students need to write to a comprehensive test of written expression designed to measure a broad range of skills such as spelling, grammatical conventions, vocabulary and development of characters. A basic standardized test can't assess these skill sets. Also, grading a comprehensive writing test is labor-intensive. This is the largest writing study ever taken on this population."

The National Assessment of Educational Progress, which annually tests proficiency of U.S. students in key areas, does not regularly assess writing, largely because it is labor intensive. However, the authors argue that, in addition to showing which cognitive functions are key in teaching writing to early adolescent English learners, U.S. education needs to focus more on teaching writing as a whole. In classroom observations, Orosco said he commonly notes teachers focusing heavily on teaching mechanical and technical writing skills in English without academic writing skills and concepts instruction at the elementary level. In addition, a bigger emphasis is put on reading development than writing during literacy time.

The results also support better understanding of brain function and how children learn. The effects of phonological awareness and oral language development (e.g., vocabulary) on writing proficiency suggest more attention should be paid to brain sciences when preparing future generations of teachers. To that end, Orosco has spearheaded the Mind, Brain and Education graduate certificate in KU's School of Education & Human Sciences, designed to incorporate neuroscience, psychology and cognitive science to boost research in those fields for new approaches in teaching.

The study also demonstrates the negative effects of the nation's lack of bilingual education. Research has long showed the benefits of bilingualism, yet the U.S. is one of the few first world countries that does not emphasize bilingual education. Politics and English-first initiatives have hampered the education of English-learner students, as evidenced by the negative relation between Spanish oral language development and English writing. It has also affected the students' native language skills as they age and deprived English-native students of the benefits of learning second languages, Orosco said, indicating the importance of education policy that supports bilingual education for all students.

"This study has the potential to change the practice of teaching writing across the U.S. and impact future research in this area," said Rick Ginsberg, dean of KU's School of Education & Human Sciences. "Documenting the importance of instruction in both Spanish and English through such a carefully designed study should sound an alarm for schools not taking a bilingual education approach in teaching writing with the growing population of Hispanic students in this country."

The authors also said that more research is necessary to better understand how students learn and how teachers can better instruct writing. Very little evidence is available on writing development of English learners at any level, and better understanding of cognitive processes will only help ensure better education on a vital academic skill, they said.

Explore further Teaching in English seems to have no negative impact on students' Swedish

More information: Anqi Peng et al, Cognition and writing development in early adolescent English learners., Journal of Educational Psychology (2021). Journal information: Journal of Educational Psychology Anqi Peng et al, Cognition and writing development in early adolescent English learners.,(2021). DOI: 10.1037/edu0000695
Diane Brisson holds her 12-year-old Yorkie, Champagne, at home in Pinellas Park, Fla., on Dec. 17, 2020, the day Brisson had her beloved pet put down at home using a private service, Lap of Love. The service provides veterinarians for home pet euthanasia. Credit: Marsha Thompson via AP

Clarence the giant schnauzer came into Penny Wagner's life as a puppy nearly eight years ago, at a traumatic time for her family.

She and her husband, Steve, had recently lost their 21-year-old daughter in a car accident. Soon after, their other child went off to college and Steve returned to work, leaving Penny home alone with her grief. That's when they brought Clarence into the family.

Earlier this year, the beloved pet became critically ill with advanced kidney disease. Their veterinarian wouldn't allow them to stay with him until the end at the clinic due to COVID protocols, so they decided to have him put down at home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in a favorite laundry room spot.

A vet working with a company called Pet Loss at Home arrived and greeted Clarence and the Wagners. She gave the couple all the time they needed before administering two injections, one to relax the 90-pound dog and the other to let him go. The couple cuddled him as they cried, and their other dog, Cooper, was able to say goodbye as well.

"He'll always have a special place in my heart," said a tearful Wagner. "I think he was very comforted by the fact that he was home and that he was with loved ones up to the moment we said goodbye."

Private services that offer home euthanasia for pets have been busier than ever since the pandemic led to restrictions on humans inside veterinary practices and animal hospitals. But home euthanasia isn't for everybody. It tends to cost more, and some pet owners believe it is unduly upsetting to small children and other pets in their households.

The vast majority of pet euthanasia is still done in a clinical setting, though some vets have begun to offer end-of-life care at home as part of their practices.

For Wagner, the human touch was a gift. The same is true of Diane Brisson, 72, in Pinellas Park, Florida.

Brisson used Lap of Love when it came time to bid farewell to Champagne, her 12-year-old Yorkie, last December. Champagne was the only dog her mother, since passed, enjoyed. Champagne fell critically ill with pancreatitis and other organ failure, and Brisson couldn't bring herself to leave him at the vet alone at the end.

"I couldn't have asked for anything more peaceful," she said.

Penny Wagner appears with her two dogs, Clarence, left, and Cooper in Albuquerque, N.M., on April 8, 2020. Clarence died peacefully March 9 after Wagner and her husband hired a private service that provides home euthanasia for pets. Credit: Steve Wagner via AP

Lap of Love allowed her to have a neighbor with her for support. The neighbor took photos as Champagne sat in Brisson's lap in a favorite chair, the only piece of furniture she brought from her hometown in Massachusetts when she moved to Florida. The vet waited patiently until Brisson was ready to let go. The doctor placed Champagne in a small wicker basket with a white satin pillow and a lavender satin blanket after he passed to take him away for cremation.

"I stayed with him for about 20, 25 minutes and said, 'OK, you're going to be with nanny now. You're going to watch over me with her and you're going to take care of her up there, and she's going to take care of you,'" Brisson tearfully recalled.

Lap of Love returned Champagne's ashes to Brisson. She plans to have them scattered at sea back in Massachusetts, along with her own ashes when the time comes.

Dani McVety, a hospice veterinarian in Tampa, Florida, founded Lap of Love in 2009. She considered her ability to help people manage grief to be rare among vets.

"A lot of times doctors aren't necessarily comfortable with that because they haven't been trained to do it," she said.

She and her senior medical director, vet Mary Gardner, teach a course on end-of-life care at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.

"When I first started Lap of Love, I figured it would be a part-time job. I don't think any of us knew that it could actually be a full-time thing where there would be enough people in any given area that would want this help," said McVety.

Her company operates in 35 states with more than 230 vets.

In general veterinary practices, McVety said, euthanasia costs vary widely, depending on the services sought. It can be as inexpensive as under $100. At an emergency hospital, it may be more. Like Pet Loss at Home, Lap of Love's fees vary based on location. In Tampa, for instance, Lap of Love charges about $300. Each client receives a clay paw print.

Most clients pay for the vet to take their pets for cremation. Others drive there themselves or elect to bury their pets at home.

Timmy, a rescue poodle owned by Linda Sheffield, appears in her car in Marietta, Ga., on Oct. 12, 2020. Timmy died this year after Sheffield consulted an animal communicator, who told her the dog was gravely ill. Credit: Linda Sheffield via AP

After Clarence was gone, the vet who assisted the Wagners sent a condolence card with marigold seeds inside, suggesting they plant them in the dog's honor. They did, and sent her a photo when the flowers were in bloom.

Pet Loss at Home has served more than 35,000 families since 2003. It operates with about 75 doctors in 50 metropolitan areas, including Seattle, San Francisco, Denver, Houston and Minneapolis. The pandemic has caused a dramatic increase in business, said Rob Twyning, who founded the company with his wife, Karen, a veterinarian.

"Right now the phone is ringing off the hook," said Twyning, in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. "We have so many calls that we just can't help everybody."

Pet Loss at Home charges anywhere from $300 to $600 or more, depending on the city and the drive time.

"It's about comfort," he said. "At home, your pet is familiar with the smells and sounds. A vet clinic is filled with other pets' smells. It's filled with other noises, like barking dogs. It's typically a shiny table where the pet will be elevated. A lot of the time, it's not a veterinarian. It's a technician. At home, you can take your own time."

Twyning's vets serve mostly dogs and cats but have handled other species too, from snakes to parrots.

In Marietta, Georgia, 73-year-old Linda Sheffield went in a different direction last year when her rescue poodle, Timmy, fell ill with a collapsed larynx. She consulted animal communicator Nancy Mello, though she didn't let on that Timmy had been diagnosed and was on strong medication. With Timmy showing no outward symptoms during four or five video sessions, Sheffield made the decision to put him down.

"She told me Timmy didn't have long to live," Sheffield said. "I'm very skeptical but she claimed that he told her, `I can't breathe, I can't breathe,' over and over again. I thought the medicine was really working."

Sheffield, a veteran dog rescuer who takes in senior pets, offered Timmy one last car ride. She drove him to her vet, who met them outside and administered the euthanasia drugs in the car as she held him on her lap. She then placed him in his bed on the seat beside her and drove him to the crematorium herself.

"This is the vet that he knew, who cared for him," Sheffield said. "He loved to go for car rides and he got to be with me."

Explore further Why your veterinarian may refuse to euthanise your pet

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
A French court gave the government until end-2022 to make up for lost time.

A French court on Thursday ordered the government to make up for its failure to meet its own greenhouse gas reduction targets, saying it needed to "repair" the emissions overshoots.

Four NGOs backed by a petition carrying 2.3 million signatures took the French state to court in 2019 in what they called "the case of the century", asking the judges to rule on the government's alleged climate target shortcomings between 2015 and 2018.

The Paris administrative court found that France emitted 15 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent beyond its targets over that period.

It ordered Prime Minister Jean Castex and his government to take measures "to repair the damage" caused by the failure to compensate for the excess emissions.

The court gave a deadline of December 31, 2022, to set things right, leaving the methods to achieve this up to the government.

The court had already accepted the plaintiffs' reasoning in February, ruling that France had failed to respect its own "carbon budget" based on the COP 21 UN climate accord signed in Paris in December 2015.

However, on Thursday it rejected a provision demanded by the plaintiffs that failure to meet the deadline should result in 78 million euros ($91 million) in penalties every six months until the target was fully achieved.

"We won," tweeted both Cecile Duflota former government minister and now head of Oxfam Franceand Greenpeace France boss Jean-Francois Julliard.

"The government is now forced to keep France's climate promises," said Notre Affaire a Tous, a third plaintiff that fights against environmental protection violations through court action.

The fourth plaintiff, Fondation Nicolas Hulot, created by President Emmanuel Macron's former environment minister, said: "France has been sentenced to repair the consequences of its climate inaction."

The ruling is the latest in a series of court decisions putting pressure on France to meet its own environmental targets.

In July, France's highest administrative court, the Council of State, ordered the government to take measures by March 31, 2022, to honour its commitments in terms of greenhouse gas reductions.

France has committed to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 40 percent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and to reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.

The 2015 Paris agreement, a binding treaty, called for a limit on global warming of 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) over pre-industrial levels, and "preferably" 1.5C degrees.

Based on progress so far, experts say the world is currently unlikely to meet either target, instead heading for close to 3C degrees.

Explore further French court to hear landmark case on climate inaction

 2021 AFP
Irrigation water use was one of the characteristics Srinivasulu Ale, Ph.D., modeled in future cotton production under changing climate conditions. Credit: Texas A&M AgriLife photo

With crops, farmers will adaptthey always have and always will. To help this adaptation, however, a Texas A&M AgriLife research project has used artificial intelligence modeling to determine what traits cultivars will need to be successful under changing climate conditions.

The project's other goal was to help extend the life of the Ogallala Aquifer. Safeguarding the aquifer will require understanding how crops adapt to future cropping practices, especially since climate change predictions indicate summers will be warmer and dryer in the future.

Toward these goals, a Texas A&M AgriLife team has completed an assessment of climate change impacts on cotton yield and irrigation water use. "Potential genotype-based climate change adaptation strategies for sustaining cotton production in the Texas High Plains: A simulation study" is published in the international Field Crops Research journal.

Supervising the project was Srinivasulu Ale, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Research geospatial hydrologist in Vernon, and associate professor in Texas A&M's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering.

"We know there are declining water levels, and already the groundwater conservation districts are putting restrictions on how much farmers can pump and use," Ale said. "There are concerns farmers may have to eventually transition from irrigated to dryland agriculture to conserve the Ogallala Aquifer."

The team designed virtual cotton cultivars with greater drought and heat tolerances, higher yield potential and longer maturity. These virtual cultivars were then compared to a reference cultivar to assess climate change impacts on cotton yield, irrigation water use and different genotype-specific traits for climate change adaptation.

"Dr. Ale has a worldwide reputation as a leader in resilient agriculture in response to climate change," said Rick Vierling, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center director, Vernon. "He's worked in many crop speciessorghum, wheat and cottonwhich provides for a much broader, resilient research program for climate adaptability."

Simulating cotton cultivars for future knowledge

Ale said the team's goal was to look into the future, based on global climate model projections, and determine: How are cotton yields going to change under the future scenarios? And how might those potential yields vary across the High Plains, from north to south?

The project's models described crop growth, development and yield as a function of weather conditions, soil properties and crop management practices. These dynamic models use fundamental mechanisms of plant and soil processes to simulate crop growth and development.

"We know the temperature increases from north to south, and the precipitation decreases moving from east to west, so we studied the cultivars that the producers are using currently," Ale said. "We used a crop model to see how the cultivars will perform under future conditions because conducting field experiments simulating climate change impacts is very difficult."

In the project, cotton growth and yield were simulated under irrigated and dryland conditions at three locations in the High Plains regionBushland, Halfway and Lamesaunder 18 future climate scenarios.

Joining Ale on the project were his former graduate student Kritika Kothari, Ph.D., who is now at the University of Kentucky in Lexington; Jim Bordovsky, AgriLife Research agricultural engineer, Halfway; Clyde Munster, Ph.D., and Vijay Singh, Ph.D., both in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering; John Nielsen-Gammon, Ph.D., Texas state climatologist, Bryan-College Station; and Gerrit Hoogenboom, Ph.D., Institute for Sustainable Food Systems and Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville.

The model was trained using Bordovsky's datasets of historical data collected since 2011. The crop growth models are complementary to field experiments and must be evaluated based on the measured data from the field before they can be used in any application.

Seasonal irrigation water use is expected to increase due to changing climate conditions. Credit: Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Kay Ledbetter

Evaluated in this study, relative to the reference cultivar, were:

Two types of drought-tolerant cultivars with modified root physical and soil hydraulic properties.

Two heat-tolerant cultivars with increased range of optimal temperatures for boll addition and partitioning to boll.

One high yield-potential cultivar with bigger leaves and greater partitioning to seed growth.

One longer-maturity cultivar with earlier flowering and longer reproductive phase.

The crop model allows input files to be added about the cultivars and the opportunity to change the parameters. For example, one way to enhance drought tolerance would be by modifying the root characteristics in the model. In drier conditions, a plant starving for water will send its roots deeper into the soil to get water. So, the model can examine what difference expanding the root system makes on withstanding the drought stress.

"Let's say we were trying to see how the cultivar characteristics focused on drought resistance can be enhanced to overcome the negative effects of climate changewill a high-yielding variety do better, or one that is heat tolerant? We use the model's capabilities and hypothetically simulate those virtual cultivars and then try to see their performance in comparison to the reference cultivar," Kothari said.

Simulation results

The simulations helped the researchers make the following projections:

Under the projected climate change, irrigated cotton yields could increase due to carbon dioxide fertilization if growing season temperatures remain below the optimal limits.

Seasonal irrigation water use was projected to increase under most climate models, depending on the rainfall projections.

Under the dryland conditions, the beneficial effects of carbon dioxide fertilization were suppressed by temperature stress and water stress.

"We tested six virtual cultivars for their resilience to climate change based on their yield and seasonal irrigation water use relative to the reference cultivar," Kothari said.

The high-yielding cultivar, characterized by higher potential leaf size and increased partitioning to seed plus shell, was desirable for irrigated cotton production. The long-maturity cultivar, with earlier flowering and longer reproductive duration, was found suitable for dryland cotton production. Heat-tolerant cultivars would be another safe choice, especially for the warmer southern High Plains region.

Planning for the future

The evaluated models can help assess the climate change impacts on aspects of crop production such as crop yield, irrigation water requirement and water-use efficiency. Breeders can use that information to work toward the future.

"This study is useful to the breeders as they develop new cultivars," Ale said. "They can take these guidelines and then focus on the cultivars expected to do better under the future climate scenarios."

Also, he said, from the producer's point of view, this information is useful for planning resources with climate change impacts in mind. For example, in the southern region, where the sandier soils are, crop performance is slightly different from northern areas of cotton production, and breeders can begin making those adjustments.

The study's results are also applicable to agronomy. For example, producers can time their planting so that the plants' critical stages will not occur during the highest temperature times.

"There are uncertainties involved in simulations, but these ideas will give both breeders and producers some guidancesome idea on how agriculture is going to be in the future and what can we do to adapt to it," Ale said.

Explore further Climate change adaptation requires new cultivars to protect food security

More information: Kritika Kothari et al, Potential genotype-based climate change adaptation strategies for sustaining cotton production in the Texas High Plains: A simulation study, Field Crops Research (2021). Kritika Kothari et al, Potential genotype-based climate change adaptation strategies for sustaining cotton production in the Texas High Plains: A simulation study,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2021.108261
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

(HealthDay)Doctors who discuss COVID-19 in the media frequently face abuse and harassment, including threats of death or violence, a new report reveals.

More than two-thirds of experts surveyed have experienced trolling or personal attacks after speaking about COVID-19 in media interviews, a worldwide survey of more than 300 scientists found.

Further, a quarter said such harassment is a frequent price they pay for trying to educate the public about COVID-19, reporting that such attacks "always" or "usually" follow a media appearance.

Dr. Amesh Adalja is an infectious disease expert and senior scholar with the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security in Baltimore. He often speaks to media, and said the survey captures the unfortunate fact that "personal attacks are a reality of being a subject matter expert during this pandemic.

"On a daily basis, I get threats and insulting messages on all forms of social media as well as via email," Adalja said. "Because this pandemic is largely viewed through whatever tribe a person happens to belong to, if you upset the tribe usually you will be attacked. It really speaks to the denigration of scientific learning and a lack of respect for reason in today's society."

Spurred by high-profile examples of harassment against top doctors in the United States and Europe, the Nature journal sent a survey out to hundreds of scientists who regularly appear in the media to ask about their experiences. The journal received 321 responses.

More than 9 of 10 experts said they'd had good experiences with journalists in discussing COVID-19.

But once their words hit print or their interviews aired, trouble often followed:

15% said they'd received death threats

22% received threats of physical or sexual violence

59% had their credibility attacked.

As a result of all this, nearly a third said their reputations had been damaged by the reaction to their media appearances, and 42% reported emotional or psychological distress from the abuse.

Nasty comments and ugly threats directed against doctors and scientists aren't new to the COVID-19 pandemic, experts said.

"During the Ebola issue in 2014, I was called 'Obama's Muslim' even though I didn't vote for Obama and am an atheist," Adalja said. "I also recall during Ebola being told I should be hanging from a lamp post.

"I've been sworn at countless times, called 'dirt-skinned,' and told to go back to where I am from," Adalja continued. "I was born in Philadelphia."

Michael Head, a senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton in England, agreed in comments provided to Nature. The report on the survey was published Oct. 14 in the journal.

"For those of us who have been pulling apart anti-vaccine misinformation from pre-pandemic times, the presence of these attempts at intimidation is very wearying, but not surprising," Head said.

But Head added that, in his view, "the intensity of such harassment has gone up significantly across the pandemic, including becoming more organized and frightening than simply mindless comments on social media."

The survey found that male and female scientists experience similar levels of abuse. It appears their expertise makes them a target, rather than their gender.

"The online abuse occurs most intensively after media engagements, and especially after those that address restrictions to social mixing, the wearing of face masks, or vaccination," Susan Michie, director of the UCL Center for Behavior Change at the University College London, told Nature.

More than 2 of 5 experts who received abuse following a media appearance waved it off, and didn't bother to tell their employer about it.

Of those who did report the harassment, nearly 80% said that they received support from their employer.

For example, one scientist who received a death threat said her university gave her a parking space closer to her office, and the IT department blocked some e-mailers who regularly sent her abusive comments.

"I suspect that these negative experiences reflect a wider malaise in public discourse in society, fueled by social media and growing social and political tribalism," Simon Clarke, an associate professor in cellular microbiology at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, told Nature.

"This is a problem for the whole of society, but this survey highlights that scientists are far from being immune to its effects," Clarke continued. "As in other areas of public life, there is a real risk to society if worries about threats of violence prevents people from engaging fully in debate and discussion about science.

"When discussions about scientific fact are only held behind closed doors, for fear of personal repercussions to the scientists, then we are taking a dangerous backward step. This will lead to greater distrust in scientists and frankly, lead to worse science," Clarke concluded.

More information: The Harvard Kennedy School has more about Journal information: Nature The Harvard Kennedy School has more about COVID-19 misinformation

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Figure 1. 13C and 15N incorporation in the digestive tubules of Elysia timida. Light microscopy picture and corresponding 13C and 15N NanoSIMS images of E. timida incubated in artificial seawater enriched with 2 mM NaH13CO 3 and 20 M15NH 4 Cl, for 6 h in the presence of light. Digestive tubules (dt) appear green on the light microscopy micrographs due to the presence of numerous chloroplasts. After 6 h of incubation strong 13C and 15N enrichment is observed in these structures. Credit: DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.1779

A team of researchers affiliated with multiple institutions in Portugal and France has found evidence suggesting that sea slugs that steal photosynthesizing machinery from the algae they eat use it to boost their own reproduction efforts. In their paper published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the group describes their study of the unique creatures and what they learned about them.

Prior research has shown that some kinds of sea slugs retain photosynthesizing machinery (chloroplasts) from the algae they eat and then store it in their own bodies for long periods of timesometimes for as long as a year. And remarkably, during the storage period, the chloroplasts remain functional. Prior research has also shown that the sea slugs draw energy from the chloroplasts; after installing them in their own bodies, they cease eating. The process, known humorously as kleptoplasty, has led the little creatures to be described sometimes as "solar powered slugs." In this new effort, the researchers suggest that the slugs retain chloroplasts for another reasonto boost their reproductive efficiency.

The researchers found that material produced by the gut-implanted chloroplasts made its way into reproductive tissue. That led to the slugs producing more eggs than their non-solar-powered cousins. They note that spawning for sea slugs is an energy-intensive endeavor. They are hermaphrodites, and mate by running their heads into one another. Each has a tiny penis that unspools from a position behind one of their eyes and inseminates the other. Each slug produces hundreds of eggs and each egg comes with its own nutrient pack. The chloroplast material appears to give the slugs a reproductive energy boost, which leads to the production of more eggs. More specifically, the researchers found that the slugs use material from the chloroplasts to produce polyunsaturated fatty acids in their reproductive organs, boosting their reproductive energy. The researchers note also that the process of making chloroplasts useful is a one-time event. There is no mechanism for integrating them so completely that they could be passed down to offspring.

Explore further How some sea slugs keep their ability to carry out plant-like photosynthesis

More information: Paulo Cartaxana et al, Photosynthesis from stolen chloroplasts can support sea slug reproductive fitness, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2021). Journal information: Proceedings of the Royal Society B Paulo Cartaxana et al, Photosynthesis from stolen chloroplasts can support sea slug reproductive fitness,(2021). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.1779

 2021 Science X Network
Icefin is a small robotic oceanographer that allows researchers to study ice and water around and beneath ice shelves  and develop the technology to explore other oceans in our solar system. Credit: Cornell University

Geographically and logistically, Antarctica is about as far away from anywhere as you can get on this planet. Yet in the scope of our solar system, Earth's southernmost continent is right in our own backyard.

Britney Schmidt is in Antarctica through February 2022 with a small team of researchers to explore the confluence of glaciers, floating ice shelves and ocean using a submarine robot called Icefinthe first mission of its kind. But the whole time, she'll also be thinking about worlds beyond Earth.

"My team and I focus on how ice and oceans work across the solar system, including Earth. Particularly, we focus on Europa, the innermost icy moon of Jupiter," Schmidt says.

Europa is the best place beyond Earth to look for life in the solar system, Schmidt says. To prepare for immanent missions to Europa and other ocean worlds, she's leading teams studying polar ice and climate here on Earth.

"We're trying to explore underwater, under ice, the hardest environment you can imaginethe most like Europa," Schmidt said. "If we want to explore Europa with an underwater probe someday, we've got to do it here first."

The members of her Planetary Habitability and Technology lab, which is transitioning with Schmidt from Georgia Tech to Cornell, are working to better understand how oceans work both on Earth and beyond, and to develop tools for further exploration.

Credit: Cornell University

This mission assembles a diverse team of geologists, biologists, physicists, astronomers and chemists on the science side, and engineers from aerospace, mechanical and electrical disciplines, as well as computer science. Scientists and engineers on her team work "in the same loop, in the same room," Schmidt says. "The interdisciplinarity that Cornell seems to embrace and enable is exciting."

Schmidt's arrival at Cornell in July strengthened those cross-disciplinary ties between colleges, specifically in the area of robotics and autonomy, a high-priority research theme across the university. With joint appointments as an associate professor in the Department of Astronomy in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences in the College of Engineering, Schmidt will be a key asset in expanding Cornell's robotics program into the area of planetary exploration.

For example, Schmidt is on the ice-penetrating radar team of NASA's Europa Clipper mission, which will launch in the mid-2020s to explore the outer solar system. Department of Astronomy (A&S) faculty members Jonathan Lunine and Alexander Hayes are also involved in this mission, as is Principal Research Scientist Michael Mellon. Altogether Cornell scientists are on five of Clipper's 10 instruments and will play a major role in mission planning and analysis of data.

For now, Schmidt and four colleagues from her team are working with colleagues from across New Zealand to deepen understanding of ocean worlds and to develop and test new tools. Icefin, their underwater, under-ice robotic oceanographer, will allow the team to access areas beneath the Ross Ice Shelf from previously unexplored angles.

Britney Schmidt, associate professor of astronomy and of earth and atmospheric sciences, and her team set up their field site in Antarctica in 2018. Theyre currently in Antarctica through February 2022. Credit: Cornell University

Icefinshaped like a torpedo, 13 feet long and 10 inches widecarries cameras, sonar equipment, speed sensors, water column measuring tools and other devices. The team slips it into open water through a hole drilled in thick ice on the surface.

"We developed this tool to get into environments that have never been observed directly," Schmidt says. "It allows us to make transects under the ice, and measure the ocean directly where it's interacting with the ice."

In the Ross Ice Shelf and Europa Underwater Probe (RISE UP) project, Schmidt and collaborators are using Icefin to learn the limits of life on Earth and to gain an understanding of the evolution of Jupiter's icy moon Europa. Field work for this project is being conducted in McMurdo Station in Antarctica and in the nearby seas, and receives funding from NASA and support from Antarctica New Zealand and the National Science Foundation (NSF). In late 2019, Icefin explored under the Ross Ice Shelf (RIS) near its grounding linethe place where glacier, land and ocean all meet, the most dynamic part of a glacier system.

In austral summer 201920, the Antarctic team traveled even farther away from the U.S. base at McMurdo for a similar project: to explore the Thwaites Glacier grounding line using Icefin, for the Thwaites Melt project, funded by NSF and the National Environment Research Council.

The Icefin underwater vehicle has sonar, chemical and biological sensors that help researchers characterize sub-ice environments. Credit: Cornell University

The team is now deploying a brand-new sensor onboard Icefin under the sea ice near New Zealand's Scott Base, along with a University of Otago team. This new sensor will make it possible to understand ice shelf melting and sea ice physics in new ways.

From there, the team will fly with Icefin to a new location with New Zealand's Antarctic Science Platform program. There, the robot will explore a subglacial channel that connects lakes and streams underneath the Antarctic Ice sheet with the open ocean underneath the RIS.

"We're going to drop the robot straight into the channel where there's water rushing out from beneath the ice sheet. That's never been done before," Schmidt said. "It allows us to see what's happening with the entire hydrology of Antarctica, in situ. It's exciting, looking at the interactions between the water beneath the ice and the ocean."

Explore further Robotic submarine snaps first-ever images at foundation of notorious Antarctic glacier
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Facial recognition, body cameras and other digital technologies are increasingly used by police departments, municipalities and even gated communities, but these tools manufactured by private companies raise the specter of unchecked surveillance, a University of California, Davis researcher suggests.

"These tools raise concerns about a lack of balance between police, who need tools to do their jobs, and the rights of individuals to privacy," said Elizabeth Joh, professor of law at UC Davis and author of a new article scheduled to be published Friday in the journal Science.

Joh points out in the article that private companies making millions of dollars on these tools are effectively shielded from appropriate public scrutiny. Further, she recommends that state- and national-level legislation be implemented to regulate the use of such equipment.

The article, "The corporate shadow in democratic policing: Technology companies can elude accountability," appears in a special policy section of the journal.

"Communities and individuals subjected to these policing technologies deserve transparency about how their police use these tools, whether there are potential flaws, and of course, whether these tools are worth using at all," she said. "And although companies do have justifiable concerns about their intellectual property, invocations of proprietary information cannot become an all-purpose shield against public accountability when their customers are police departments."

Most of the forms of automation technology in policing, observed Joh, are developed by private companies, raising concerns that the companies are becoming de facto policymakers, she said.

The surveillance tools, she added, could have flaws that cause doubts about how individual defendants in a criminal case are identified, raising concerns about whether the defendant's rights were violated.

"When it comes to new investigative methods used by police departments, local communities may be concerned that a proposed approach may have racially discriminatory impacts, may be flawed in design or in execution, or may simply be unjustified given its cost balanced against limited public resources," she said in the article.

Use of these tools will only increase, Joh predicts, making it imperative that there be some oversight of their use to allow for public accountability and transparency.

Recent nationally known police incidents in which cameras were used, such as the death of George Floyd, "were not calls for technological tools," Joh said in the article. "If anything, this national attention to policing reminds us that policing remains a social institution."

Explore further Pandemic policing undermines public health measures, disproportionately targets Black and minority ethnic communities

More information: Elizabeth E. Joh, The corporate shadow in democratic policing, Science (2021). Journal information: Science Elizabeth E. Joh, The corporate shadow in democratic policing,(2021). DOI: 10.1126/science.abi9150
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Researchers from University of Edinburgh and University of Maryland published a new paper in the Journal of Marketing that examines the impact of firm-generated social media content on firm stock price in real time.

Firms increasingly follow an 'always on' approach to social media marketing and post social media content multiple times during a day. For example, 92% of firms use their Twitter accounts more than once a day, with 42% of those tweeting 15 times a day and 19% tweeting 610 times a day. Although marketing managers engage heavily with this contemporary marketing practice, they are unable to demonstrate its immediate contribution to firm's financial outcomes.

This new research uses a combination of tweets disseminated by a sample of S&P 500 IT firms and ultra-high frequency trading data to examine the impact of firm-generated social media content on firm stock price in real time. The price impact estimation approach exploits the variance of sub-second level changes in stock price to capture the temporary and permanent stock price impacts of firm-generated tweets. Firms should aim for their firm-generated content to induce permanent price impact because it reflects information about the value of their firm. Temporary price impact can increase transaction costs for investors and the cost of capital acquisition for firms themselves because it reflects uncertainty about firm value. One could say, therefore, that permanent price impact is positive, while temporary price impact is undesirable, and potentially negative, especially if it leads to a higher firm cost of capital.

The researchers find that firm-generated tweets induce both permanent and temporary price impacts, which are linked to the tweet attributes of valence (i.e., positive and negative sentiment) and subject matter (i.e., consumer and competitor orientation).

Tweets reflecting negative or positive valence are consistently linked with a reduction in permanent price impact and an increase in temporary price impact as measured by the variance in stock price. Similar findings are obtained for tweets that only reflect a consumer or competitor orientation, although the impacts are smaller. Thus, both findings indicate that tweets reflecting only valence (positive or negative) or subject matter (consumer or competitor orientation) are associated with an increase in temporary price impact and a decrease in permanent price impact. "Our results show the importance of interaction effects between tweet valence and subject matter in generating permanent price impact. The average negative and positive valence tweet when viewed through the lens of consumer or competitor orientation generates a permanent price impact, while a competitor-oriented tweet with a negative valence is likely to have the highest permanent price impact," explains Lacka.

From the perspectives of marketing practice and intraday social media marketing strategy design, this is a crucial finding because valence as a singular attribute is associated with decreasing permanent price impact. Boyd says "The implications of our study are clear. Investors in financial markets pay attention to firm-generated social media content and their ability to act on information at sub-second levels allows for instantaneous incorporation of social media content." This is possible because of a new non-human breed of investor that now make most trade-by-trade decisions in financial marketsthe so-called algorithmic traders or 'algos.' Algos scour many sources, including firms' social media content such as tweets, for any indication of firm relevant information and act on it, often all within milliseconds. Marketing managers need to be aware of this when designing social media posts and campaigns.

When social media posts contain what could be referred as "partial information" (i.e., only valence or subject matter), they lack the context that allows investors to make inferences about firm value. However, when, for example, tweet valence is set in the context of a specific subject (e.g., customer or competitor), it, on average, offers valid information that can be acted on by investors. "Our study shows that by carefully incorporating attributes, such as valence and subject matter, marketing managers can design social media content to generate varying degrees of permanent or temporary impact," Ibikunle points out.

In conclusion, these results suggest that firms should reflect valence and subject matter in their tweets if their aim is to improve the informativeness of their stocks with respect to firm value. Kannan says that "By using permanent price impact as a metric to evaluate the long-term impact of tweets, social media managers can design campaigns that have an enduring impact on firm stock price, which should be a desirable outcome for firms." Not all intraday tweets will, nor should they, induce permanent impact on a firm's stock price. Some tweets are aimed at the creation of social media 'buzz,' which is similar to the temporary price impacts we examine in this study. Firms can achieve social media 'buzz' by disseminating tweets as we show that tweets, in general, mostly generate temporary price impacts. The researchers urge caution, however, because temporary price impacts are linked to larger transaction costs for investors and cost of capital for firms.

More information: Ewelina Lacka et al, EXPRESS: Measuring the Real-Time Stock Market Impact of Firm-Generated Content, Journal of Marketing (2021). Journal information: Journal of Marketing Ewelina Lacka et al, EXPRESS: Measuring the Real-Time Stock Market Impact of Firm-Generated Content,(2021). DOI: 10.1177/00222429211042848
The dendritic hydrogel is an antibiotic-free protection for wounds that kills drug-resistant bacteria. Credit: Malkoch Group/KTH Royal Institute of Technology

In the fight against multidrug-resistant bacteria, scientists in Sweden have developed a new kind of antibiotic-free protection for wounds that kills drug-resistant bacteria and induces the body's own immune responses to fight infections.

Reporting in Journal of the American Chemical Society, researchers from KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital say that the new treatment is based on specially-developed hydrogels consisting of polymers known as dendritic macromolecules.

KTH Professor Michael Malkoch says the hydrogels are formed spontaneously when sprayed on wounds and 100 percent degradable and non-toxic. "Dendritic hydrogels are excellent for wound dressing materials because of their soft, adhesive and pliable tactile properties, which provide ideal contact on the skin and maintain the moist environment beneficial for optimal wound healing," he says.

The antibacterial effects of the hydrogels have yet to be fully understood, but the key lies in these macromolecules' structure. It's distinguished by well-ordered branches that terminate with a profusion of cationic, charged contact points.

"Bacterial cells are interactive, and so are dendritic macromolecules," he says. "When they meet, it doesn't turn out well for the bacteria."

Karolinska Institutet Professor Annelie Brauner says that despite containing no antibiotics, the hydrogels show excellent antibacterial qualities and were effective against a broad spectrum of clinical bacteria, killing both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including drug-resistant strains isolated from wounds. The material also reduces inflammation.

The hydrogels were tested against several clinically relevant infectious bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). The hydrogels were shown to be 100 percent effective in killing P. aeruginosa; and almost equally effective in killing S. aureus.

When bacterial cells meet dendritic macromolecules, it doesnt turn out well for the bacteria," says Michael Malkoch. Left, a P. aeruginosa bacteria cell before exposure to the dendritic hydrogel, and afterward showing clear damage. Credit: Malkoch Group/KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Cell infection tests demonstrated that the gel not only efficiently killed clinical drug-resistant bacteria from wounds, but also induced the expression of naturally-existing antimicrobial peptidesor endogenous antibioticsin human skin cells.

"These endogenous antibiotics help fight bacteria and clear the infection," Brauner says. "Contrary to traditional antibiotics, where bacteria may develop resistance quickly, resistance towards antimicrobial peptides, is very rarely seen."

The hydrogel is even more successful in killing methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) when compared to a commercially available hydrogel wound dressing in use today.

The dendritic polymers that comprise the hydrogel are based on polyethylene glycol (PEG) and propionic acid (bis-MPA). Resembling beautifully pruned apple trees, dendritic polymers' branches terminate with numerous peripheral contact points carrying a cationic charge which interact strongly with negatively-charged bacterial cell membranes.

"Their well-designed, branched structure and scalability makes them ideal scaffolds for biomedical applications," Malkoch says.

Malkoch's lab has been targeting skin infections with the dendritic-based platform for more than a year, and the new publication reports that the synthesis for the hydrogels is less complicated and easily scalable.

"The gel is an outstanding contribution in the fight against multidrug-resistant bacteriaespecially in current times, when we are running out of available antibiotics," Brauner says.

Explore further Next generation wound gel treats and prevents infections

More information: Yanmiao Fan et al, Dendritic Hydrogels Induce Immune Modulation in Human Keratinocytes and Effectively Eradicate Bacterial Pathogens, Journal of the American Chemical Society (2021). Journal information: Journal of the American Chemical Society Yanmiao Fan et al, Dendritic Hydrogels Induce Immune Modulation in Human Keratinocytes and Effectively Eradicate Bacterial Pathogens,(2021). DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c07492
The schematic diagram of experiments. (A) CE parts in vacuum chamber and spectrometer. (B) Measurement mode A: FEP on fans and directly contact with quartz or acrylic. (C) Optical photograph of the CE parts. (D) The working principle of the measurement mode B. (E) Measurement mode B: FEP attached to quartz or acrylic with nylon, etc. on fans. Photo credit: Ding Li, Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Credit: Science Advances, doi: 10.1126/sciadv.abj0349

Contact electrification can arise when physical contact occurs between two materials. In a new report now published on Science Advances, Ding Li, and a team of scientists in nanoscience, nanoenergy and materials science in China and the U.S., detailed atomic-featured photon emission spectra between two solid materials. Electron transfer can take place at the interface from an atom in one material to another atom in another material, alongside photon emission, during contact electrification.

This process can assist contact electrification induced interface photon emission spectroscopy (CEIIPES) to detect spectroscopy corresponding to contact electrification at an interface, and impact the awareness of interactions between solids, liquids and gases. The physics of this research can be expanded to X-ray emission, Auger electron excitation and electron emission during contact electrification, which remains to be explored. The work leads to a general field known as contact electrification induced interface spectroscopy (CEIIS).

Triboelectrification

Contact electrification is a scientific term used for the well-known phenomenon of triboelectrification and defines the charges produced by physical contact. The concept is universal in both daily life and in nature, occurring between shoes and the ground, when clouds move in the air and when the Earth shakes. While the process was first recorded more than 2600 years ago, scientists still debate the mechanism behind the process. Research in the field has evolved with modern technologies to describe the true complexity of the phenomenon, although some observations are inexplicable or contradictory. In this work, Li et al observed atomic featured photon emission spectra during contact electrification at a solid-solid interface by contacting fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) with acrylic, or FEP with quartz. Compared to triboluminescence, the characteristic photon emission induced by contact electrification can carry abundant information about the energy structure at interfaces. Li et al suggested three possible physical processes to understand photon emission arising from electron charge transferred during charge electrification. The process is known as contact electrification induced interface photon spectroscopy (CEIIPES) and can allow researchers to study electronic transitions at solid-solid interfaces.

Interface electron transition induced photo emission spectra and related energy levels in CE at low pressure for the FEP-acrylic group. (A) The spectra recorded at 24 Pa with identified hydrogen and oxygen atomic spectra. a.u., arbitrary units. (B and C) For hydrogen spectra, higher-resolution grating was used for further confirmation. (D) Electron energy radius on Bohr model of hydrogen atom. (E and F) Energy levels for identified atomic lines in (A). Credit: Science Advances, doi: 10.1126/sciadv.abj0349

Li et al formed the core parts of a hollow cylinder sandwiched between a metal cover and a metal base, within which they drove four metal fans using a motor. The team attached the materials for contact electrification (CE) to the metal fans or to the cylinder, and induced CE at the interface during fan rotation. They measured the pressure using a pressure motor and controlled the differential flow of the inlet and outlet of the vacuum chamber through flow meters. If a photon signal originated from the core, they could record it using a spectrometer with a sensitive charge-coupled device detector. Li et al noted photon emission associated with the physical processes of CE. For instance, photon emissions with atomic spectra features were associated with electron transitions during contact electrification and the scientists defined this phenomenon as contact electrification induce interface photon emission spectroscopy (CEIIPES).

Physical processes of electron transfer

Interface electron transition induced photo emission spectra and related energy level in CE at different pressures for different contact materials groups. (A and D) CEIIPES of the FEP-acrylic group at different atmosphere pressures. (B) Enlarge and identifications of atomic lines in CEIIPES of the FEP-acrylic group at 200 Pa. (C and F) CEIIPES of different groups at different atmosphere pressures with identifications of atomic lines. (E) The peak intensity of selected atomic lines changes with atmosphere pressure. Credit: Science Advances, doi: 10.1126/sciadv.abj0349

Interface electron transition induced photo emission intensity is comparable to the H atoms at the interfaces for FEP-acrylic group and FEP-quartz group. (A) Take the H 656.2-nm line for example and the corresponding illustrations in (B) and (D). (C) Color spectra of elements H and O in the range of 400 to 700 nm, showing different functions of them for electron transfer at CE. The ratio of intensity is comparable to the ratio of H atoms at the interfaces. Credit: Science Advances, doi: 10.1126/sciadv.abj0349

Energy diagram for interface electron transition induced photo emission. (A) The schematic diagram of FEP and quartz interface at atomic level. (B) Energy diagram of electron transition between hydrogen and fluorine. (C) Energy diagram of electron transition between oxygen and fluorine. (D) Energy diagram of electron transition between hydrogen and oxygen. In addition, the schematic diagram of possible physical processes of electrons transitions and the associated photon emission, also known as Wang transition, when two atoms are close to each other (E to H). Credit: Science Advances, doi: 10.1126/sciadv.abj0349

The team next illustrated the physical processes underlying photon emission lines relative to the energy levels and electron transitions in the setup. For example, when the FEP material contacted quartz, electron transitions occurred for these materials including transitions between atoms such as hydrogen and oxygen at the surface of quartz. The team summarized the possible physical routes for electron transitions among different atoms during contact electrification and noted two possible methods for electron transition to excited states, including (1) electron transition from molecular orbit to the excited state of an atom, or (2) the excitation of an atom from a lower energy level to higher energy level inside an atom. Furthermore, an excited state electron can transit to a lower energy level by emitting a photon. Contact electrification induced interface photon emission spectroscopy (CEIIPES) is different from fluorescent spectra for molecules, where CEIIPES is associated with photon emission relative to electron transfer between two atoms. Comparatively, fluorescence spectra are associated with electron transition between molecular levels with many vibrational levels. The team then highlighted the role of the hydrogen atom during contact electrification, where H atoms possessed unique roles during the experiments. The present studies only demonstrated photon emission relative to CEIIPES at solid-solid interfaces, the team intend to use the method and reveal more interesting phenomena at solid-liquid, solid-gas, gas-gas and gas-liquid, as well as liquid-liquid interfaces.

Outlook

In this way, Ding Li and colleagues observed atomic featured photon emission spectra during contact electrification between two solids. During the work, electrons transferred from one atom of a specific material to another atom in another material at the interface during contact electrification in a process known as contact electrification induced interface photon emission spectroscopy (CEIIPES). The process occurred through energy resonance transfer when atoms from different materials were brought close to each other. The team analyzed the processes underlying contact electrification to better understand how two materials were charged after contact electrification to assess interactions between liquids, solids, and gases. The work is specific to solid-solid interfaces and is applicable for more general cases such as X-ray emission and Auger electron excitation.

Explore further Dynamics of contact electrification

More information: Ding Li et al, Interface inter-atomic electron-transition induced photon emission in contact-electrification, Science Advances (2021). Ding Li et al, Interface inter-atomic electron-transition induced photon emission in contact-electrification,(2021). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abj0349 Walter Jamieson, The Electrification of Insulating Materials, Nature (2008). DOI: 10.1038/083189a0 Journal information: Nature , Science Advances

 2021 Science X Network
The mission is one of several this year by non-professional astronauts including Yusaku Maezawa.

Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa said Thursday he had no fear ahead of his "dream-come-true" launch to the International Space Station (ISS), a Russian project aimed at boosting its space tourism credentials.

The mission is one of several this year by non-professional astronauts, including 90-year-old "Star Trek" actor William Shatner who on Wednesday completed a space flight on board a Blue Origin rocket.

Maezawa, 45, is the founder of Japan's largest online fashion mall and the country's 30th richest man, according to Forbes.

"I've got a list of one hundred things I want to do on the station like play badminton," Maezawa said at a news conference on Thursday.

"The closer it gets the more excited I get. I'm not afraid or worried," he said.

Maezawa and his assistant are set to blast off from the Russia-leased Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in December, accompanied by Russia cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin.

They are scheduled to spend 12 days on board the ISS and Maezawa has said he plans to document his journey for his YouTube channel with over 700,000 subscribers.

"I want to tell you that dreams do come true," he said in Moscow on Thursday. "Go for goal. Everything depends on you."

He will be the first space tourist to travel to the ISS with Russia's space agency Roscosmos since 2009 when Canadian Guy Laliberte, co-founder of Cirque du Soleil, travelled to the station.

Earlier this month, Roscosmos sent an actress and a director to the ISS where they are filming scenes for the first movie in orbit. They will return to Earth on Sunday.

Maezawa's three-person crew will travel aboard the Soviet-designed Soyuz rocket that for decades has ferried astronauts from around the world to the ISS.

Last year, however, Russia lost its monopoly for ISS flights to Elon Musks's SpaceX that successfully delivered NASA astronauts to the station in a Crew Dragon capsule.

SpaceX made history this year by sending the first all-civilian crew around the Earth's orbit in a mission called Inspiration4.

The US company also plans in 2023 to take an all-civilian mission on a flight around the moon, funded by Maezawa who plans to be among the eight people on board.

Competition in the space tourism sector is heating up as more players emerge.

Blue Origin, the company of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, completed two missions beyond the Earth's atmosphere this year.

Virgin Galatic of billionaire Richards Branson offers a similar experience of a few minutes in weightlessness before coming back to Earth.

Both Bezos and Branson were aboard for their company's respective maiden voyage.

Explore further What a blast: The rush of amateur astronauts

 2021 AFP
This image provided by the Southwest Research Institute depicts the Lucy spacecraft approaching an asteroid. It will be first space mission to explore a diverse population of small bodies known as the Jupiter Trojan asteroids. Credit: SwRI via AP

Attention asteroid aficionados: NASA is set to launch a series of spacecraft to visit and even bash some of the solar system's most enticing space rocks.

The robotic trailblazer named Lucy is up first, blasting off this weekend on a 12-year cruise to swarms of asteroids out near Jupiterunexplored time capsules from the dawn of the solar system. And yes, there will be diamonds in the sky with Lucy, on one of its science instruments, as well as lyrics from other Beatles' songs.

NASA is targeting the predawn hours of Saturday for liftoff.

Barely a month later, an impactor spacecraft named Dart will give chase to a double-asteroid closer to home. The mission will end with Dart ramming the main asteroid's moonlet to change its orbit, a test that could one day save Earth from an incoming rock.

Next summer, a spacecraft will launch to a rare metal worldan nickel and iron asteroid that might be the exposed core of a once-upon-a-time planet. A pair of smaller companion craftthe size of suitcaseswill peel away to another set of double asteroids.

And in 2023, a space capsule will parachute into the Utah desert with NASA's first samples of an asteroid, collected last year by the excavating robot Osiris-Rex. The samples are from Bennu, a rubble and boulder-strewn rock that could endanger Earth a couple centuries from now.

In this image released by NASA, a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with the Lucy spacecraft aboard is rolled out of the Vertical Integration Facility to the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The robotic trailblazer named Lucy is slated to blast off on Saturday on a 12-year cruise to unexplored swarms of asteroids out near Jupiter. Credit: Bill Ingalls/NASA via AP

"Each one of those asteroids we're visiting tells our story ... the story of us, the story of the solar system," said NASA's chief of science missions, Thomas Zurbuchen.

There's nothing better for understanding how our solar system formed 4.6 billion years ago, said Lucy's principal scientist, Hal Levison of Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado. "They're the fossils of planet formation."

China and Russia are teaming up for an asteroid mission later this decade. The United Arab Emirates is also planning an asteroid stop in the coming years.

Advances in tech and design are behind this flurry of asteroid missions, as well as the growing interest in asteroids and the danger they pose to Earth. All it takes is looking at the moon and the impact craters created by asteroids and meteorites to realize the threat, Zurbuchen said.

This Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021 file photo shows NASA's Lucy spacecraft with its housing at the AstroTech facility in Titusville, Fla. It will be first space mission to explore a diverse population of small bodies known as the Jupiter Trojan asteroids. Credit: AP Photo/John Raoux, File

The asteroid-smacking Dart spacecraftset to launch Nov. 24promises to be a dramatic exercise in planetary defense. If all goes well, the high-speed smashup will occur next fall just 7 million miles (11 million kilometers) away, within full view of ground telescopes.

The much longer $981 million Lucy missionthe first to Jupiter's so-called Trojan entourageis targeting an unprecedented eight asteroids.

Lucy aims to sweep past seven of the countless Trojan asteroids that precede and trail Jupiter in the giant gas planet's path around the sun. Thousands of these dark reddish or gray rocks have been detected, with many thousands more likely lurking in the two clusters. Trapped in place by the gravitational forces of Jupiter and the sun, the Trojans are believed to be the cosmic leftovers from when the outer planets were forming.

"That's what makes the Trojans special. If these ideas of ours are right, they formed throughout the outer solar system and are now at one location where we can go and study them," Levison said.

United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, center right, with the Lucy spacecraft aboard is rolled out of the Vertical Integration Facility to the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The robotic trailblazer named Lucy is slated to blast off on Saturday on a 12-year cruise to unexplored swarms of asteroids out near Jupiter.. Credit: AP Photo/John Raoux

Before encountering the Trojans, Lucy will zip past a smaller, more ordinary object in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Scientists consider this 2025 flyby a dress rehearsal.

Three flybys of Earth will be needed as gravity slingshots in order for Lucy to reach both of Jupiter's Trojan swarms by the time the mission is set to end in 2033.

The spacecraft will be so far from the sunas much as 530 million miles (850 million kilometers) distantthat massive solar panels are needed to provide enough power. Each of Lucy's twin circular wings stretches 24 feet (7 meters) across, dwarfing the spacecraft tucked in the middle like the body of a moth.

Lucy intends to pass within 600 miles (965 kilometers) of each targeted asteroid.

"Every one of those flybys needs to be near-perfection," Zurbuchen said.

United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with the Lucy spacecraft aboard is rolled out of the Vertical Integration Facility to the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The robotic trailblazer named Lucy is slated to blast off on Saturday on a 12-year cruise to unexplored swarms of asteroids out near Jupiter.. Credit: AP Photo/John Raoux

United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with the Lucy spacecraft aboard is rolled out of the Vertical Integration Facility to the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The robotic trailblazer named Lucy is slated to blast off on Saturday on a 12-year cruise to unexplored swarms of asteroids out near Jupiter.. Credit: AP Photo/John Raoux

The seven Trojans range in size from a 40-mile (64-kilometer) asteroid and its half-mile (1-kilometer) moonlet to a hefty specimen exceeding 62 miles (100 kilometers). That's the beauty of studying these rocks named after heroes of Greek mythology's Trojan War and, more recently, modern Olympic athletes. Any differences among them will have occurred during their formation, Levison said, offering clues about their origins.

Unlike so many NASA missions, including the upcoming Dart, short for Double Asteroid Redirection Test, Lucy is not an acronym. The spacecraft is named after the fossilized remains of an early human ancestor discovered in Ethiopia in 1974; the 3.2 million-year-old female got her name from the 1967 Beatles song "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds."

"The Lucy fossil really transformed our understanding of human evolution, and that's what we want to do is transform our understanding of solar system evolution by looking at all these different objects," said Southwest Research Institute's Cathy Olkin, the deputy principal scientist who proposed the spacecraft's name.

In this image released by NASA, a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with the Lucy spacecraft aboard is rolled out of the Vertical Integration Facility to the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The robotic trailblazer named Lucy is slated to blast off on Saturday on a 12-year cruise to unexplored swarms of asteroids out near Jupiter. Credit: Bill Ingalls/NASA via AP

One of its science instruments actually has a disc of lab-grown diamond totaling 6.7 carats.

And there's another connection to the Fab Four, a plaque attached to the spacecraft includes lines from songs they wrote, along with quotes from other luminaries. From a John Lennon single: We all shine on . . . like the moon and the stars and the sun.

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
The ASU research group (L to R): Abhishek Singharoy, John Vant, Jonathan Nguyen, Petra Fromme, Chitrak Gupta, Wade Van Horn. Credit: The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University

In the late 1600s, the Dutch tradesman Anthoni van Leeuwenhoek began investigating the world of the very small using the first microscope, discovering a riotous world of protists, bacteria, and other previously unseen organisms. Subsequent generations of scientists have developed ever-more-sophisticated means of probing the microscopic world, bringing many mysteries of the biological realm into stunning relief.

Now, researchers at the Biodesign Center for Applied Structural Discovery (CASD) and ASU's School of Molecular Sciences (SMS), as part of a multi-institutional research collaboration, are carrying the field of microscopy a step further, refining a technique known as cryogenic electron microscopy, or cryo-EM.

The technology involves flash-freezing a biological sample of interest, then using a beam of electrons to image and record thousands of 2D images, assembled by means of computer into an atomic profile of the sample's structure. Such density maps, as they are known, can then be converted into a detailed 3D image.

The method is particularly useful for ferreting out subtleties of protein structure, which are often missed through conventional modelling strategies. Such information is critical for the understanding of health and disease. Since proteins are the primary targets of most pharmaceutical drugs, a fuller picture of their structure and function is essential for designing more effective treatments, with fewer side effects.

The new research describes a method for producing more accurate structures, through a sophisticated statistical method known as maximum entropy. This approach, which has been effectively applied in many domains, ranging from protein research and neuroscience to ecology and the behavior of animal populations is ideally suited to the refinement of cryo-EM data, producing the most unbiased structural model of a biological sample.

Molecules like proteins assume complex, 3-dimensional forms and can also change shape during their functioning. "Complex biomolecules actually exist in an ensemble of states, and you can take a kind of snapshot of these molecules in different conformations," says Abhishek Singharoy, corresponding author of the new study. Some of these conformations may persist in time, but others are extremely ephemeral, coming and going on time scales measured in billionths of a second.

The new technique described allows researchers to model these transitory structures, which can play a vital role in biological processes but are often missed using traditional cryo-EM techniques.

The ASU team is joined by researchers from the University of Illinois; Purdue University; Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences, Grenoble, France; the University of Florida; and Stony Brook University.

"This work highlights how the integration and streamlining tools developed by labs with complementary expertise can be used in combination with experimental data to advance our understanding of structural biology," said Alberto Perez of the University of Florida.

The group's findings appear in the current Cell Press journal Matter, appearing on the journal's cover.

Just chill

A range of modern imaging techniques allow researchers to investigate crucial molecules of life, including proteins, nucleic acids, and even single molecules. Cryo-EM, a variant of electron microscopy, was first developed in the 1970s. The technique was later recognized with the the 2017 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, awarded to Jacques Dubochet, Joachim Frank, and Richard Henderson, pioneers in the field, for developing cryo-electron microscopy for the high-resolution structure determination of biomolecules in solution.

Like other forms of electron microscopy, cryo-EM replaces photons of light used for illuminating samples in conventional light microscopy with a beam of electrons. Because resolution of an object by microscopy is limited to roughly one half the wavelength of light used to illuminate the sample, the shorter wavelengths of electrons, which are dependent on their momentum, enable scientists to visualize tiny structures with astonishing clarity.

Cryo-EM is one of a triad of methods used for research in structural biology, joining X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). Each method has its own strengths. While X-ray crystallography can produce stunningly detailed structures in very high resolution, especially using X-ray free electron lasers or XFEL technology, the method struggles to image large or complex structures, including membrane proteins, as they are challenging to crystalize. The same is true of NMR.

Cryo-EM comes of age

Imaging large, complex biomolecules is where cryo-EM hits its stride, because samples do not require crystallization and can be studied in their native surrounding environment. In recent years, a new generation of high speed cameras have been developed to help capture the dynamic activity of various biomolecules. The tricky part arises when researchers try to produce a 3D structural model from the raw data provided in the initial 2D density map of the molecule. Previously, this has involved making an educated guess about what the structure may look like and fitting the information provided in the density map into this model.

Inaccuracies can arise from the overfitting of raw data into the structural model. The new approach instead makes no assumptions about the final molecular structure apart from constraints that are known with certainty. By producing the most unbiased structure, this maximum entropy approach can help researchers fill in the blanks during structural determination, better accounting for the contribution of various conformations that may exist at very low frequency. A full understanding of biomolecules like proteins requires the simultaneous determination of the structures of all the relevant states that these molecules can assume.

To visualize this in simple terms, imagine trying to produce a model that illustrates the behavior of a boy who is standing still for an hour, except for occasional, fleeting movements of arms and legs. On average, nothing changes, and a resulting model of the boy would consist of a static, motionless image. A maximum entropy approach on the other hand would allow all various gestures, how ever brief, to contribute to the final image, yielding a much more accurate representation.

The new study presents six examples of elaborately folded proteins of various sizes, including large membrane and multi-domain systems. The results emphasize the ability of a maximum entropy statistical package known as CryoFold to discover molecular ensembles, including rare low-probability structures that have been experimentally validated and recognized as functionally relevant.

The maximum entropy technique can be used in conjunction with existing methods of data fitting in an iterative process capable of turning low resolution data into high resolution, 3D structures with a high degree of confidence. Such advances are helping cryo-EM reach its full potential by characterizing the entire conformational landscape of proteins and other important biomolecules.

"This work integrates multiple physics-based approaches to refine protein structures from cryo-EM data, providing not a single, static image of the protein, but rather a collection of structures, which is more representative of the true, dynamic nature of proteins," said Chitrak Gupta, co-author and a researcher in CASD and SMS.

Explore further World record resolution in cryo electron microscopy

More information: Mrinal Shekhar et al, CryoFold: Determining protein structures and data-guided ensembles from cryo-EM density maps, Matter (2021). Journal information: Matter Mrinal Shekhar et al, CryoFold: Determining protein structures and data-guided ensembles from cryo-EM density maps,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.matt.2021.09.004
Credit: University of Waterloo

Despite breakthrough diabetes research over the past century, people with diabetes still need to rely on obtaining blood samples to monitor their sugar levels. Daily glucose monitoring by tracking blood sugar levels is essential for managing both types 1 and 2 diabetes, however the current methodfinger prickingis invasive and can become burdensome with how often it needs to be done.

Since 2014, flash glucose monitoring was first introduced in Europe and this method uses a small, water-resistant sensor applied to the back of the upper arm. Compared with finger pricking monitor, this approach is more convenient but these sensors have known accuracy issues and some could fail altogether.

In the quest to eliminate invasive glucose monitoring for people with diabetes, research led by Wenyu Gao, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Waterloo, explores using saliva instead of blood to monitor glucose levels.

Working in the research lab of Professor Kam Tong Leung, Gao developed a prototype sensor that uses nanomaterials to test the sugar level in saliva samples. Even though saliva contains multiple components which need to be separated before testing, the accuracy of saliva-based sensor is over 95% when compared with the result of commercial blood glucose monitoring system.

Gao's prototype saliva sensor uses copper nanomaterials which are anchored on a base strip made of graphene sheet. Graphene is an inexpensive carbon material that generally does not react with other compounds. "Graphene strips are thin and flexible just like paper, so you can deposit the materials on the top and it's still flexible," says Gao. "It's a promising substrate in biosensors."

The copper nanomaterials anchored to the graphene are present in three layers, in a core-shell structure made of Cu, Cu2O, and CuO. In this saliva sensor, glucose reacts with the Cu2O layer changing the number of electrons in the copper atom. This changes the electric current proportional to the amount of glucose present, which can then be measured as a blood sugar level.

In addition to alleviating the pain associated with commercial products for obtaining blood samples, there is another advantage to developing options using nanomaterials. "Currently, commercial products are based on enzymes such as glucose oxidases, which limits the shelf life of these products to only a few months," says Gao. "Enzymes are biological catalysts that are easily affected by the changing environment, causing them to lose their activity. We want to change these products to nanomaterials, which can last longer."

The research team compared their saliva glucose sensor to other enzymatic and non-enzymatic glucose sensors currently available. They found that their non-enzymatic sensor has a wider range of glucose levels it can detect and a higher sensitivity, meaning it is able to detect smaller amounts of glucose more effectively.

In the scientific community, progress is often dependent on collaboration and partnerships, and this project is no different. As a master's student, Gao studied biosensors at the Beijing Jiaotong University. She was attracted to studying her Ph.D. with Professor Leung at the University of Waterloo through existing partnerships between the two schools, an interest in experiencing another culture and working with new scientific equipment. Here, she met Xiaojing Zhou, a visiting professor from University of Newcastle, Australia who proposed using a graphene strip as the base substrate.

"A lot of the interesting work, including Wenyu's saliva-based sensors, rely on fundamental chemistry occurring at the surface," says Professor Leung. "Two-dimensional materials like graphene are promising new nanotechnology materials that take advantage of this."

While the results of this research are promising, the potential for commercialization is still likely several years away. There are some challenges to be worked out in the method. For instance, the reaction needs to be carried out in a high pH solution to ensure that the copper nanomaterial can be oxidized. Since saliva has an approximately neutral pH, it cannot be tested directly and it first needs to be added to a base like sodium hydroxide. Also, in addition to glucose there are other compounds in saliva that the glucose needs to be separated from before the reaction can be done accurately. Nonetheless, Gao remains optimistic about the future of this approach.

"We still have a long way to go, but I think that in the future we can still solve these problems step by step."

Explore further Personalized sweat sensor reliably monitors blood glucose without finger pricks

More information: Wenyu Gao et al, Nonenzymatic Saliva-Range Glucose Sensing Using Electrodeposited Cuprous Oxide Nanocubes on a Graphene Strip, ACS Applied Nano Materials (2021). Wenyu Gao et al, Nonenzymatic Saliva-Range Glucose Sensing Using Electrodeposited Cuprous Oxide Nanocubes on a Graphene Strip,(2021). DOI: 10.1021/acsanm.1c00381
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Some of the worst hit families experiencing food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic found that Government financial intervention didn't effectively address the issue, new research has found.

The study looked at food insecurity among young families in Peru, where the global pandemic caused by COVID-19 has resulted in one of the worst economic shocks seen around the world. An international team of academics looked at food insecurity following the first nine months of the pandemic, and which factors influenced families' ability to afford food.

The paper, published in Nutrients found that prior financial circumstances had the biggest bearing on food insecurity. Although the Peruvian government provided financial support to families through Bonos financial payments, those that received the support did not experience any improvement in food security than other families in a similar situation who didn't get a payment.

The Bonos payments were issued in tranches during the national lockdown in Peru between March and July in 2020 and targeted 7 in 10 Peruvian households. The intervention was a single payment of PEN 760 per household, which is equivalent to 82% of the monthly minimum wage.

Professor Vimal Karani, Professor of Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics at the University of Reading, and lead author of the paper said:

"Our findings suggest that the short-term interventions of the Peruvian government and others around the world to help support families affected by the economic shock of COVID-19 were not effective.

"While the Bonos payments are recognized as one of the best tools at their disposal, our findings suggest that Peruvian families continued to be concerned about how they were going to put food on the table, resorting to missing meals or deliberately eating less nutritious food to make ends meet.

"It shows how significantly poverty and food security are linked, and how governments around the world need to take fundamental action to address poverty to avoid the long-term health and societal impacts of food insecurity."

The study is the first of its kind to look at the relationship between economic conditions and food security in low- and middle-income countries over a long period. The longitudinal study draws on data first collected in 2002 and has tracked economic conditions including from birth. The research team hope that the study will be a model for other studies into the relationships between food, food security and poverty.

Professor Karani said:

"By continuing to track the same individuals over such a long time, we hope to be able to better understand some of the influences on non-communicable diseases and their relationship with food and poverty.

"COVID-19 has had such a huge effect on the world, and while our study was not initially designed to look at how the impact of a global pandemic would affect long-term health, such data will be incredibly important to ensure that we understand the true cost to our health."

Explore further Higher rates of food poverty during COVID are likely to remain, new research shows

More information: Katherine Curi-Quinto et al, Role of Government Financial Support and Vulnerability Characteristics Associated with Food Insecurity during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Young Peruvians, Nutrients (2021). Katherine Curi-Quinto et al, Role of Government Financial Support and Vulnerability Characteristics Associated with Food Insecurity during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Young Peruvians,(2021). DOI: 10.3390/nu13103546
Illustration of planet formation around a Sun-like star, with the building blocks of the planets in the foreground. Credit: Tania Cunha

A compositional link between planets and their respective host star has long been assumed in astronomy. For the first time now, a team of scientists deliver empirical evidence to support the assumptionand partly contradict it at the same time.

Stars and planets are formed from the same cosmic gas and dust. In the course of the formation process, some of the material condenses and forms rocky planets, the rest is either accumulated by the star or becomes part of gaseous planets. The assumption of a connection between the composition of stars and their planets is therefore reasonable and is confirmed, for example, in the solar system by most rocky planets (Mercury being the exception). Nevertheless, assumptions, especially in astrophysics, do not always prove to be true. A study led by the Instituto de Astrofisica e Ciencias do Espaco (IA) in Portugal, which also involves researchers from the NCCR PlanetS at the University of Bern and the University of Zurich, published today in the journal Science, provides the first empirical evidence for this assumptionand at the same time partially contradicts it.

Condensed star vs rocky planet

To determine whether the compositions of stars and their planets are related, the team compared very precise measurements of both. For the stars, their emitted light was measured, which bears the characteristic spectroscopic fingerprint of their composition. The composition of the rocky planets was determined indirectly: Their density and composition were derived from their measured mass and radius. Only recently have enough planets been measured so precisely that meaningful investigations of this kind are possible.

"But since stars and rocky planets are quite different in nature, the comparison of their composition is not straightforward," as Christoph Mordasini, co-author of the study, lecturer of astrophysics at the university of Bern and member of the NCCR PlanetS begins to explain. "Instead, we compared the composition of the planets with a theoretical, cooled-down version of their star. While most of the star's materialmainly hydrogen and heliumremains as a gas when it cools, a tiny fraction condenses, consisting of rock-forming material such as iron and silicate," explains Christoph Mordasini.

At the University of Bern, the "Bern Model of Planet Formation and Evolution" has been continuously developed since 2003 (see infobox). Christoph Mordasini says that "insights into the manifold processes involved in the formation and evolution of planets are integrated into the model." Using this Bern model the researchers were able to calculate the composition of this rock-forming material of the cooled-down star. "We then compared that with the rocky planets," Christoph Mordasini says.

Indications of the habitability of planets

"Our results show that our assumptions regarding star and planet compositions were not fundamentally wrong: the composition of rocky planets is indeed intimately tied to the composition of their host star. However, the relationship is not as simple as we expected," lead author of the study and researcher at the IA, Vardan Adibekyan, says. What the scientists expected, was that the star's abundance of these elements sets the upper possible limit. "Yet for some of the planets, the iron abundance in the planet is even higher than in the star" as Caroline Dorn, who co-authored the study and is a member of the NCCR PlanetS as well as Ambizione Fellow at the University of Zurich, explains. "This could be due to giant impacts on these planets that break off some of the outer, lighter materials, while the dense iron core remains," according to the researcher. The results could therefore give the scientists clues about the history of the planets.

"The results of this study are also very useful to constrain planetary compositions that are assumed based on the calculated density from mass and radius measurements," Christoph Mordasini explains. "Since more than one composition can fit a certain density, the results of our study tell us that we can narrow potential compositions down, based on the host star's composition," Mordasini says. And since the exact composition of a planet influences, for example, how much radioactive material it contains or how strong its magnetic field is, it can determine whether the planet is life-friendly or not.

"Bern Model of Planet Formation and Evolution"

Statements can be made about how a planet was formed and how it has evolved using the "Bern Model of Planet Formation and Evolution." The Bern model has been continuously developed at the University of Bern since 2003. Insights into the manifold processes involved in the formation and evolution of planets are integrated into the model. These are, for example, submodels of accretion (growth of a planet's core) or of how planets interact gravitationally and influence each other, and of processes in the protoplanetary disks in which planets are formed. The model is also used to create so-called population syntheses, which show which planets develop how frequently under certain conditions in a protoplanetary disk.

Explore further A quarter of sun-like stars eat their own planets

More information: Vardan Adibekyan, A compositional link between rocky exoplanets and their host stars, Science (2021). Journal information: Science Vardan Adibekyan, A compositional link between rocky exoplanets and their host stars,(2021). DOI: 10.1126/science.abg8794
A blooming field of carinata. Credit: Bill Anderson

Replacing petroleum-based aviation fuel with sustainable aviation fuel derived from a type of mustard plant can reduce carbon emissions by up to 68%, according to new research from University of Georgia scientist Puneet Dwivedi.

Dwivedi led a team that estimated the break-even price and life cycle carbon emissions of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) derived from oil obtained from Brassica carinata, a non-edible oilseed crop. The study was published in GCB Bioenergy.

"If we can secure feedstock supply and provide suitable economic incentives along the supply chain, we could potentially produce carinata-based SAF in the southern United States," said Dwivedi, associate professor in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. The aviation industry emits 2.5% of all carbon dioxide emissions nationwide and is responsible for 3.5% of global warming. "Carinata-based SAF could help reduce the carbon footprint of the aviation sector while creating economic opportunities and improving the flow of ecosystem services across the southern region."

Biden's sustainable fuel tax credit

Dwivedi's findings come at an opportune time. In September, President Joe Biden proposed a sustainable fuel tax credit as part of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge, which brings federal agencies together to scale up the production of SAF nationwide. Biden set the goal of a 20% drop in aviation emissions by 2030 and achieving a fully zero-carbon aviation sector by 2050.

The proposed tax credit requires a 50% reduction in life cycle carbon emissionsa standard that carinata exceeds, according to the team's findings.

The price for producing SAF from carinata ranged from $0.12 per liter on the low end to $1.28 per liter, based on existing economic and market incentives. The price for petroleum-based aviation fuel was $0.50 per literhigher than carinata-based SAF when current economic incentives were included in the analysis.

"Current policy mechanisms should be continued to support manufacturing and distribution of SAF. The Grand Challenge announced by President Biden could be a game-changer in supporting carinata-based SAF production in the southern region," Dwivedi said.

Growing carinata in the Southeast

Dwivedi is part of the Southeast Partnership for Advanced Renewables from Carinata, or SPARC, a $15 million project funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Through SPARC, researchers have spent the past four years investigating how to grow carinata in the Southeast, exploring questions related to optimum genetics and best practices for the highest crop and oil yield. With those answers in place, Dwivedi is confident about carinata's role in supporting the regional economy and environment.

"In the South, we can grow carinata as a winter crop because our winters are not as severe compared to other regions of the country," he said. "Since carinata is grown in the 'off' season it does not compete with other food crops, and it does not trigger food versus fuel issues. Additionally, growing carinata provides all the cover-crop benefits related to water quality, soil health, biodiversity and pollination."

The missing piece of the puzzle, according to Dwivedi, is the lack of local infrastructure for crushing the seed and processing the oil into SAF. His current research focuses on modeling the economic and environmental feasibility of producing and consuming carinata-based SAF across Georgia, Alabama and Florida by taking a supply-chain perspective.

"Our results would be especially relevant to the state of Georgia, which is the sixth-largest consumer of conventional aviation fuel in the country, hosts the busiest airport in the world, and is home to Delta, a leading global airline company," he said. "I am looking forward to pursuing more research for providing a sustainable alternative to our current model of air travel. Carinata has the potential to be a win-win situation for our rural areas, the aviation industry, and most importantly, climate change."

Explore further Biden administration targets 20% drop in aviation emissions

More information: Asiful Alam et al, Breakeven price and carbon emissions of carinatabased sustainable aviation fuel production in the Southeastern United States, GCB Bioenergy (2021). Journal information: GCB Bioenergy Asiful Alam et al, Breakeven price and carbon emissions of carinatabased sustainable aviation fuel production in the Southeastern United States,(2021). DOI: 10.1111/gcbb.12888
Britain's Prince William visits a London school to promote the 'Generation Earthshot' educational initiative.

Britain's Prince William ignited controversy on Thursday by blasting space tourism and saying that more attention should be paid to problems closer to home ahead of the COP26 climate summit.

The comments by Queen Elizabeth II's grandson were scheduled to be aired in a BBC interview later Thursday, a day after 90-year-old "Star Trek" star William Shatner became a real space traveller on Blue Origin's second crewed mission.

The company's maiden human flight in July had included its founder Jeff Bezos of Amazon and was seen as a breakthrough for the emerging space tourism sector.

But Prince William said: "We need some of the world's greatest brains and minds fixed on trying to repair this planet, not trying to find the next place to go and live."

Virgin Galactic, which offers a similar experience of a few minutes of weightlessness and a view of the Earth's curvature from the cosmos, launched its founder Richard Branson in July, a few days before Bezos.

The comments by William, second in line to the UK throne, were rebuffed by critics who pointed to the scientific value of mankind's decades-old forays into the final frontier.

British space scientist and broadcaster Maggie Aderin-Pocock said she agreed with William that humanity had made a "mess" of Earth, and had to learn the lessons.

"But it can't be our only focus. Space is inspirational. Because of 'Star Trek', I became a space scientist, now I work on climate change," she said on ITV.

"I'm going to COP26 next month to talk about how space is helping us with climate change. So yes, we need to focus on climate change, but it can't be the only thing."

The group Republic, which campaigns to abolish Britain's monarchy, said William should "keep his ill-informed opinions to himself".

"This is politics, and while space tourism is questionable, science benefits from space exploration," it tweeted.

"We may agree or disagree, but lectures from a hypocrite who can't be properly challenged are a real problem."

'Ahead of the curve'

William was speaking ahead of the inaugural Earthshot Prize awards ceremony on Sunday, his initiative to honour those working on environmental solutions.

Looking ahead to the COP26 summit in Glasgow, which begins on October 31, he warned world leaders against "clever speak, clever words, but not enough action".

"It would be an absolute disaster if (son) George is sat here talking to you... in like 30 years' time, still saying the same thing, because by then we will be too late."

William's father Prince Charles, a lifelong environmentalist, has also spoken out on the need for action from the leaders rather than words in the build-up to the UN climate summit.

"He's had a really rough ride on that, and I think you know he's been proven to being well ahead of the curve, well beyond his time in warning about some of these dangers," William said.

"But it shouldn't be that there's a third generation now coming along having to ramp it up even more."

Queen Elizabeth, Charles and William are all due to attend events at the two-week summit.

The gathering will try to persuade major developing economies to do more to cut their carbon emissions, and get the rich world to cough up billions more to help poorer countries adapt to climate change.

"I want the things that I've enjoyed - the outdoor life, nature, the environment - I want that to be there for my children, and not just my children but everyone else's children," William said.

"If we're not careful we're robbing from our children's future through what we do now. And I think that's not fair."

 2021 AFP
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

The EU authorities' assumption that glyphosate does not spread through the air has been disproven. The results of the German study "Pesticide pollution of the air" prove that glyphosate and dozens of other pesticides are traveling through the air for miles into national parks and cities. The analysis was initially published in 2019 and has now been peer-reviewed by independent scientists and published in the journal Environmental Sciences Europe. It was commissioned by the Bundnis fur eine enkeltaugliche Landwirtschaft and the Umweltinstitut Munchen and is the most comprehensive data set on pesticide pollution in the air in Germany. However, the EU authorities responsible for the approval process concerning the use of glyphosate have so far excluded air transport.

Boris Frank, chairman of the Bundnis fur eine enkeltaugliche Landwirtschaft: "The EU approval process for glyphosate is built on false facts. Our study, which has now been reviewed by an independent scientific panel, shows that the agricultural toxin binds to dust particles and is carried through the air for many miles into the country. Glyphosate ends up in protected natural areas, on organic fields and in the air we breathe. Glyphosate must not be re-authorized under any circumstances."

In the peer-reviewed study "Pesticides and pesticide-related products in ambient air in Germany," the agricultural toxin glyphosate was detected at every single one of the total 69 measuring points distributed throughout Germany. It was found far away from potential fields of origin, even in national parks like the Bavarian Forest or on the Harzer Brocken. Glyphosate is classified as "probably carcinogenic to humans" by the World Health Organization (WHO) and has a devastating effect on insects and their habitats.

Christine Vogt, expert for agriculture at the Umweltinstitut Munchen: "It has now been clearly proven that agricultural toxins spread far more than what was assumed by the approval authorities so far. We call on the EU authorities to incorporate these scientifically confirmed findings into the re-evaluation of glyphosate. Anything else would be an act of gross negligence." Currently, the public participation process for the re-authorisation of glyphosate from 2022 is underway. The Bundnis fur eine enkeltaugliche Landwirtschaft and the Umweltinstitut Munchen therefore submit the study "Pesticides and pesticide-related products in ambient air in Germany" to the relevant authorities.

In addition to glyphosate, dozens of other pesticides were recorded in the ambient air as the study shows. "We detected 109 different pesticides, including 28 that are not approved for use in Germany," says Dr. Maren Kruse-Pla, lead author of the study and scientist at the research office TIEM Integrated Environmental Monitoring, which conducted the analysis. "At each sampling site, we identified at least one pesticide. In most of them, there were several active substances, and at one site there were even 36 different substances. We have a chemical cocktail in the air whose effects on humans and animals are completely unknown."

The Bundnis fur eine enkeltaugliche Landwirtschaft and the Umweltinstitut Munchen support the demand of the European Citizen's Initiative Save Bees and Farmers to gradually ban all synthetic pesticides in the EU by 2035. In the meantime, the european pesticide approval process must take the long-range transport of pesticides via the air and the combination effect of different active substances into account. The process for authorizing glyphosate after 2022 is a good place to start.

Explore further Study: Levels of glyphosate represent low health risk to breastfeeding mothers in Spain

More information: Maren Kruse-Pla et al, Pesticides and pesticide-related products in ambient air in Germany, Environmental Sciences Europe (2021). Maren Kruse-Pla et al, Pesticides and pesticide-related products in ambient air in Germany,(2021). DOI: 10.1186/s12302-021-00553-4

Provided by Bundnis fur eine enkeltaugliche Landwirtschaft e. V.
A Russian Soyuz rocket on Thursday blasted into space carrying 36 new satellites from British operator OneWeb, which aims to provide broadband internet everywhere in the world.

The rocket, operated by Europe's Arianespace, took off at 0940 GMT from the Vostochny cosmodrome in Russia's Far East, broadcast live by the country's Roscosmos space agency.

"LIFTOFF!" Roscosmos tweeted after the launchthe seventh this year carrying OneWeb satellites.

OneWeb, a London-headquartered company, is working to complete the construction of a constellation of low earth orbit satellites providing enhanced broadband and other services to countries around the world.

The company is competing in the race to provide fast internet for the world's remote areas via satellites along with tech billionaire Elon Musk and fellow billionaire Jeff Bezos of Amazon.

The UK company plans for its global commercial internet service to be operational by next year, supported by some 650 satellites.

Arianespace, which has worked with Russia for close to two decades, is under contract to make 16 Soyuz launches between December 2020 and the end of 2022.

With this latest mission, a total of 358 satellites are now in orbit for the constellation, Roscosmos said.

Explore further Russian Soyuz rocket launches 34 new UK satellites

 2021 AFP
Titans eccentric orbit causes variations in gravitational tidal forces. Credit: Burkhard,et al 2021

Strike-slip faulting, the type of motion common to California's well-known San Andreas Fault, was reported recently to possibly occur on Titan, Saturn's largest moon. New research, led by planetary scientists from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), suggests this tectonic motion may be active on Titan, deforming the icy surface.

On multiple ocean worlds, for example Jupiter's Europa and Saturn's Enceladus, expressions of strike-slip faulting are well documented. Researchers believe the motion along these faults is driven by variations in diurnal tidal stressesthe push and pull caused by the relative motion of a moon and its planet.

Lakes and seas on the surface

Titan has a thick crust made of rock-hard water ice. And Titan is the only place besides Earth known to have liquids in the form of lakes and seas on its surface. However, Titan's liquids are hydrocarbons, such as methane and ethane.

With limited observational data available, Liliane Burkhard, doctoral candidate and graduate student researcher in the Department of Earth Sciences at SOEST, and co-authors examined the possibility for strike-slip tectonics using physics-based faulting models. The model calculations take into account the tidal stress on Titan, the orientations of candidate faults, crustal properties (including pore fluid pressure), and the stress needed to cause the surface material to fail or crack.

Possible slip directions on (a) Titan and (b) San Andreas Fault. Credit: Burkhard et al. (2021). Credit: University of Hawaii at Manoa

"Titan is unique because it is the only known satellite to have stable liquids on the surface," said Burkhard. "We, therefore, were able to make an argument for integrating pore fluid pressures in our calculations, which can reduce the shear strength of the icy crust and may play a key role in the tectonic evolution of Titan."

In this novel study, the scientists found that a combination of diurnal tidal stresses and pore fluid pressures promotes shear failure for shallow faults on Titan. Further, faults near the equator that strike near east-west are optimally oriented for potential failure.

"This is an exciting revelation," said Burkhard. "Our results suggest that under these conditions, shear failure is not only possible, but may be an active deformation mechanism on the surface and in the subsurface of Titan, and could potentially serve as a pathway for subsurface liquids to rise to the surface. This can potentially facilitate material transport that could affect habitability."

Future missions

In the future, Burkhard hopes to conduct more research on the deformation of not only Titan but also other icy moons to uncover their tectonic history and astrobiological implications. Several remote sensing missions are scheduled to launch within the next few years to investigate Ganymede (ESA JUICE, 2022), Europa (NASA Clipper, 2024) and Titan (NASA Dragonfly, 2027).

"Combining new observations with our modeling techniques will strengthen our understanding of the icy crust and pinpoint the best location for exploration with a future lander mission and possibly access to the interior ocean," she added.

Explore further Dragonfly mission to Titan announces big science goals

More information: Liliane M.L. Burkhard et al, Strike-slip faulting on Titan: Modeling tidal stresses and shear failure conditions due to pore fluid interactions, Icarus (2021). Journal information: Icarus Liliane M.L. Burkhard et al, Strike-slip faulting on Titan: Modeling tidal stresses and shear failure conditions due to pore fluid interactions,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.icarus.2021.114700
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

She lived in England during the age of Dickens, taught school in Illinois as America expanded west, wrote for a scrappy newspaper in Detroit after the Civil War, and spent her latter years in San Diego sharing a fortune.

Ellen Browning Scripps was a sharp, generous, worldly person. But she probably never imagined the grand chapter she was writing in the city's history about a century ago when she founded and funded a medical clinic, a hospital and a marine biology station.

Her donations turned out to be seed money that helped transform San Diego into a mecca for science and medical talent, a place where every October there's a good chance someone who does or once did research here will get a call from Stockholm when the Nobel Prizes are awarded.

That point was driven home this month, when three "locals" got the call.

Two had ties to Scripps Research, the elite biomedical institute that arose from the clinic that Scripps created in sleepy La Jolla in 1924. Ardem Patapoutian, a Scripps neuroscientist, won the Nobel in physiology or medicine for helping discover cell receptors that enable people to sense heat, cold, pain and touch. Benjamin List, a German scholar, won the prize in chemistry for developing a better way to create molecules, aiding drug development. It's mostly based on work he did years ago at Scripps.

The third figure is Klaus Hasselmann. a German scientist who shared the Nobel in physics for his insights about Earth's climate and global warming. In the early 1960s, he was a professor at the University of California, San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography, which rose from the marine station Scripps created in 1903.

At least 27 people who have won the Nobel Prize worked in San Diego at some point in their careers.

Rare air

It's an exclusive club. Fewer than 1,000 people worldwide have been awarded the Nobel since the first prize was conferred in 1901.

This year's recipients will receive, or share, $1.14 million and get a gold medal. The medals are so valuable that UC San Diego put special security precautions in place when one of its economists, Harry Markowitz, donated his Nobel to the school in 2017. He also donated $4 million.

Although Americans are generally aware of the Nobels, few understand what most laureates did to earn one. Broadly speaking, they are conferred on people whose work turns out to be of great benefit to humankind. They are often given to people who moved on from where they did their groundbreaking work, which is true of many of the laureates associated with San Diego.

UCSD chemists Mario Molino and Paul Crutzen helped discover that a class of chemicals known as CFCs was destroying Earth's ozone layer, increasing people's exposure to potentially harmful ultra-violet radiation, earning them a Nobel in 1993.

Markowitz pointed out little understood risks in investing money, especially as it pertains to the stock market.

Scripps Research chemist Barry Sharpless won a Nobel for his insights about molecules, which are indispensable to all living things.

And years before he arrived at the Salk, Francis Crick co-discovered the molecular structure of DNA, a finding he made with James Watson in 1953.

As history notes, Crick marched into the Eagle pub in Cambridge, England, and proclaimed that they had "found the secret of life."

Newspaper fortune

Many are responsible for turning San Diego into the sort of place that nurtures and attracts people with Nobel-worthy talent. Few have been as influential as Scripps, who promoted the city until she died in the 1932, at age 95.

In photos, she can appear delicate and meek. She wasn't.

In 1844, Scripps and her family spent six weeks in a barque sailing from England to America. They made a difficult trek to rural Illinois, where Scripps earned a college degree, something then uncommon among women.

She taught school for years, then delved into the family's newspaper business in Detroit, where she used her financial acumen to help grow the paper, expand its holdings and create linkages between the Midwest and West. She also became a nationally syndicated columnistanother role that was not often filled by women in the 1800s.

She also became prominent in the women's suffrage movement, working to earn women the right to vote.

By the time Scripps moved to San Diego in 1891, she had made a fortune in newspapers and was eager to share it, especially to promote two lifelong interests, medicine and science.

In the 1920s, she founded the Scripps Metabolic Clinic and Scripps Memorial Hospital. But her greatest contribution may have come in 1903, when she helped found a tiny marine biological station.

It evolved into the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, which went from obscurity to prominence during World War II when it became an important cog in the Navy's network of research centers.

Scripps helped develop better ways to find and track enemy submarines, and to improve surf forecasting, which proved to be indispensable when Allied forces landed at Normandy during D-Day.

The partnership was largely created by Roger Revelle, a charismatic, ever-on-the-go Scripps oceanographer who worked for the Navy during the war.

He pressed the Navy to invest in the institute, arguing that it needed such expertise, especially in San Diego, which had emerged as one of the largest naval ports in the country. Revelle helped found the Office of Naval Research, which cemented the relationship.

The Navy didn't need a lot of convincing. The institute was filled with rising young stars such as Walter Munk, who would become known as the "Einstein of the oceans" for his scientific contributions. In the 1960s, he helped mentor another young Scripps professorHasselmann, this year's winner of the Nobel in physics.

Revelle also was a bright light. Before the war, he'd started doing climate change research that later led many scientists to refer to him as the "father of the greenhouse effect." Revelle served as director of Scripps from 1950-64, building upon the investments that the Scripps family had made in the station years ago.

Fueled by military, space race

Many sailors and Marines who had passed through San Diego during the war returned to the city when hostilities ended. They were drawn by its beauty and hopes of finding work in local defense and aircraft plants.

Many of them became engineers who helped the Navy shift from the age of propellor-driven planes to jet aircraft. By the late 1940s, the Cold War with the Soviet Union deepened the need for scientists and engineers who worked on nuclear power, jets and missiles. In October 1957, when the Soviets launched Sputnik, the first man-made satellite, the space age was underway.

Revelle had been preparing for a moment like this. By the mid-1950s he was pushing the University of California Board of Regents to establish a campus in La Jolla. The issue also was being pressed by important local companies such as General Atomics, which was pursing the peaceful development of nuclear energy.

The Regents authorized the development of institutes in La Jolla that would be heavily focused on physics and engineering. It soon became clear that Scripps Oceanography would become the foundation of a major new research university.

Revelle believed that talent attracts talent. So he began by recruiting a starNobel laureate Harold Urey, the University of Chicago chemist who helped develop the atom bomb during the Manhattan Project.

"Urey was crucial to UCSD's success, for his presence first intrigued and then attracted other excellent faculty members," historian Nancy Scott Anderson wrote in a history of the university.

The other early faculty recruits included Maria Goeppert Mayer, who won the Nobel in physics in 1963, and astronomer Margaret Burbidge, who won the National Medal of Science in 1983.

Further enhancing La Jolla's appeal, Frederic de Hoffmann, director of General Atomics, created a series of summer conferences that drew the biggest names in science, including Nobel laureates Hans Bethe and Glenna Seaborg and astronomer Freeman Dyson, who later spent his winters at UCSD.

The message was clear: La Jolla was the place to be. And Revelle and his collaborators weren't the only ones who capitalized on that.

Jonas Salk, who invented the first reliable vaccine to fight polio, established a private biomedical institute across the street from UCSD in 1963. He wanted to tap into and be part of the rapidly emerging science community in La Jolla.

He told potential faculty that they would have no teaching duties, and that they could pursue any idea they wanted. They could do so from the institutewhich is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings in science, set atop a coastal bluffor they could live and work elsewhere as non-resident fellows.

It was a powerful and effective pitch. Early on, the Salk recruited Crick, Salvador Luria, Jacques Monod, and Renato Dulbeccoall of whom had, or would, win a Nobel Prize. Salk also hired famed Manhattan Project physicist Leo Szilard, who was allowed to change his focus to biology.

"My father made it clear that the Salk was going to be intellectually interesting independent of what others were doing," said Peter Salk of La Jolla, one of Salk's three sons. "And he did."

It didn't hurt that San Diego averages nearly 270 days of sunshine a year, and institutes like the Salk have magnificent views of the ocean.

"When I was coming to the Salk I got a call from my real estate agent who said that he'd found an incredible house up on Mount Soledad," Dulbecco told the San Diego Union-Tribune years ago. "The price was about $60,000 and I had to decide that day.

"I bought it."

Explore further Nobel panel to reveal 2021 prize for physics

2021 The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
JOHNSBURG  The race for Johnsburg town supervisor has incumbent Andrea Hogan seeking reelection to a third term to continue work on infrastructure projects, and challenger Thomas Zauner, who wants to attract more business to town.

Hogan, the Democratic candidate, said she is proud of the work the town has done to obtain grant funding to upgrade the water district. Hogan said she also wants to upgrade water infrastructure including replacing tanks and lines, which are about 100 years old at this point.

The town has purchased some equipment so it can repair sidewalks.

In next years budget, Hogan said she is increasing baseline pay to $15 per hour for all year-round staff. She believes this will help with employee retention.

We have fabulous people working for the town and we want to keep them, she said.

If reelected, she wants to continue to obtain more grant funding for a proposed sewer district. The town just received $750,000. None of the town has sewer and she wants to hook up about 100 properties along Main Street. The total price tag is about $9 million.

Hogan said she would like to continue working to develop more housing in town. Johnsburg needs more workforce housing and homes for young families, she said.

She wants to extend broadband service to any parts of the community that are lacking it.

In addition, she wants to create more events that will develop a sense of community.

I think everybody acutely felt that sense of isolation over the last couple of years, she said. I really feel its important for our communities to put together programming that will bring people back to together, and get them focused on shared goals, shared values. How do we connect as human beings?

Hogan said she would like the opportunity to serve for another term.

Ive now got the experience. Ive got the connections and Ive got the passion, she said.

Thomas Zauner

Zauner said he is running because he believes the town needs more activities. He works as a bus driver and custodian at Johnsburg Central School and said the kids are suffering.

He would like to see more places where students can participate in activities such as bike racing or outdoor activities.

Zauner said he would also upgrade roadways in town.

Some of the roads are pretty rough, he said.

Zauner said he believes the town needs more business. Dollar General had been considering Johnsburg but could not find a suitable location. If elected, Zauner said he would try to see if the company would reconsider locating somewhere on Route 28, maybe not in the core downtown, but on the outskirts.

Zauner said he would like businesses to consider locating in Johnsburg  even if it was only part time. He cited the example of Bay Optical, which has a storefront in Warrensburg that is open two or three days a week. For example, Johnsburg could use a veterinarian.

Zauner said he would not want to see the town overdeveloped with housing so it starts to look like something like Clifton Park.

Zauner said he would take good ideas from anyone in the community, regardless of political party or background. There are a lot of people that are skilled in different areas.

Im willing to be open and listen to different people, he said.

Zauner, 65, is a retired postmaster. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 30 years starting as a carrier and working his way to oversee post offices in Clifton Park and Cambridge. He retired in 2017.

He has lived in town for four years. His wife is originally from Johnsburg.

Its a nice, small community, he said.

Zauner has the Republican and Freedom Justice independent lines.

Four candidates are seeking two seats on the Town Board. Incumbent Arnold Stevens is the Republican candidate. Also running are Pete Olesheski of the Community Unity party, Robert Nessle of the Save the Park party and Kim Smith running under her self-named party.

Democratic Town Clerk Kathleen Lorah is being challenged by Jean Comstock, who has the Republican and Peoples Voice lines.

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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HUDSON FALLS  A public discussion scheduled for next week asks a question residents have been grappling with for more than 30 years: Is garbage incineration good for the future of Hudson Falls?

The Oct. 21 discussion, sponsored by the Clean Air Action Network of Glens Falls and the Southern Adirondack Democratic Socialists of America, will focus on the Wheelabrator trash-burning plant in Hudson Falls.

The plant is among the top air polluters in Warren and Washington counties, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and was found to be one of the top polluting incinerators in the country for lead, mercury and carbon monoxide, according to 2019 report released by the New Schools Tishman Environment and Design Center in New York City and the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives.

The discussion will feature a panel of three experts in the fields of environmental justice, public health and ecological sustainability.

The panel includes Ana Baptista, the assistant professor of professional practice and chair of the graduate program in Environmental Policy and Sustainability Management at the New York; David Carpenter, a public health physician and professor of environmental health scientist at the University at Albany, who serves at the director of the Institute for Health and the Environment; and Fred Magdoff, a professor emeritus of plant and soil science at the University of Vermont.

Paul Hancock, professor emeritus at Green Mountain College, will moderate the discussion, which is expected to run between 90 minutes and two hours.

The first 45 minutes of the panel will feature brief talks from the three panelists, which will be followed by a Q&A session.

The free event will be held in-person at the Sandy Hill Arts Center at 214 Main St. in Hudson Falls and streamed online via YouTube. All attendees must register in advance by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/3adfmfpx.

In-person attendance will be capped at 20 in order to accommodate social distancing. The event is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.

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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Donate a gift card

A $20 gift card to a grocery store or monetary donation allows a family to purchase a turkey for the holiday.

As a recipient shared, My family is forever grateful that we have access to JFS resources when we need it the most. Thanksgiving is a time for family and with the turkey drive, JFS makes sure my family enjoys a traditional dinner together.

Throughout the year, JFS serves as a community staple by providing thousands in need with hearty foods and basic essentials. Last year 7,500 people turned to JFS for nutritional support. With an increased demand, in August, JFS tripled the size of its pantry and now also offers fresh fruit, vegetables, poultry, meats and more to assure individuals and families enjoy well-rounded nutritious food. The agency anticipates distributing 100,000 pounds of food, plus holiday meals by the end of this year.

We want Thanksgiving to be a time when families can come together and enjoy a holiday meal. For many community residents, this year continues to be filled with uncertainty, especially due to the economic environment. We understand that it may be more difficult to put food on the table, so at JFS, we are committed to providing food to those in need, said Andrea Steinberg, JFS Chief Executive Officer.
There is an organized family in the city of Pleasantville, Chestnut-Lee said then. They have helped with getting certain school board members their seats, and because of that and their affiliation to those school board members and other politicians feel obligated to do what those particular family members want them to do, and I am not one of those people. Right now our board is split. We have a faction on the board that represents that particular family. Then there is another part of the board who truly cares about the students of this district and moving this district forward and continuing to do whats right.
State Sen. Paul Sarlo, D-Bergen, Passaic, toured Stockton Universitys Atlantic City and Galloway Township campuses Wednesday, the school said.

Sarlo, the chairman of the New Jersey Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, was there to see the progress of the city campus and the surrounding University District, as well as the growth of the main campus in Galloway, the college said in a news release.

Sen. Sarlo has been a great supporter of Stockton and a champion for higher education in New Jersey, Stockton President Harvey Kesselman said Thursday. We are thrilled to show him how the states investment in Stockton is benefiting not just our students, but the city of Atlantic City and the region.

Sarlos tour included the John F. Scarpa Academic Center and the residential complex on the Boardwalk, which opened in fall 2018. A second residential complex is under construction and planned to open in 2023.

This has been a multiplier investment of taxpayer dollars that is benefiting New Jersey students, preparing our future workforce and helping to diversify the economy of Atlantic City and the region, Sarlo said.
+2 Unemployment benefits end but labor shortage continues Stephen Bartosiewicz couldnt wait to get back to work after receiving unemployment briefly 

Some hospital staff, however, report an increase in support for health care workers.

Brian Cahill, a spokesperson for Shore Medical Center in Somers Point, said that while patients have occasionally been frustrated by visitation restrictions, people have gone above and beyond to show their appreciation.

COVID has presented incredible challenges for everybody in health care over the past 18, 19 months, Cahill said. The patient community has been very supportive of everybody who works in the hospital, and the great job that our heroes have done, and we have not seen any behavior issues.

Sarnese said the pandemic has given hospitals an opportunity to revisit their safety protocols. Limiting entry points to enable COVID-19 screening, for example, allows hospitals to funnel visitors past security cameras.

Amy Mansue, president and CEO of Inspira Health in Vineland, said COVID-19 has prompted her company to strengthen its anti-violence policies. She said employees are being trained in verbal de-escalation techniques that emphasize empathizing with patients and working to understand the underlying feelings a patient or visitor is trying to express. Mansue said other employees, including security staff and staff who work in high-risk areas, are receiving advanced training on these topics.

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The last thing anyone impacted by that disaster needs right now is to be incurring late penalties, said Eric Bronnenkant, head of tax at Betterment, an online wealth management company.

He suggested late filers also seek to obtain any stimulus payments for which they have yet to file.

The IRS will waive the usual fees and requests for copies of tax returns. Taxpayers should put the disaster designation New Jersey  Hurricane Ida in bold letters at the top of Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, and submit it to the IRS.

The IRS disaster relief page has details on other returns, payments and tax-related actions qualifying for the additional time.

What if you live outside those counties? You can still get the relief, providing you can document storm damage. Affected taxpayers who reside or have a business in a disaster area should call the IRS disaster hotline at 866-562-5227 to request the same extension.

As of early October, the IRS was still behind in processing returns.
A pot lid. A beat-up Nintendo controller. A headless figurine. Nearly a year after Hurricane Laura hit southwest Louisiana, Clair Marceaux could still pick bits and pieces of her familys lives out of the feral lawn surrounding the concrete slab where her house once stood.

The storm crashed ashore near her home in Cameron, Louisiana, on August 27, 2020, just shy of Category 5 strength. More than 4.5 meters (15 feet) of storm surge sheared her house off the slab and carried it away. When her family returned to survey the damage, nothing remained but rubble.

My husband just kept stacking up cinder blocks because what else are you going to do? Marceaux said. Its not like you have anything to repair. Its just like (the house) was never there.

Louisiana is facing climate threats both acute and chronic, from the battering of more intense storms to the creeping erosion of rising sea levels. State demographic data are already showing people leaving the coast for higher ground. The state government considers climate change an existential threat to many of its communities.

Natural disasters brought on by climate change are forcing people from their homes from Central America to Southeast Asia. The United States is no exception.

As part of an in-depth exploration of climate migration worldwide, VOA traveled to Louisiana to document the impacts of a devastating year of natural disasters on the states Gulf of Mexico coast.

Marceaux used to watch the marsh birds from her porch less than 3 kilometers (2 miles) from the Gulf, savoring her morning coffee and the smells of breakfast cooking. A year after the storm, the memories still choked her up.

Its traumatic to come here. Its traumatic to talk about it, she said.

Marceaux is the port director for Cameron Parish, the county home to the largest liquefied natural gas export facilities in the United States. To show VOA journalists around in the August heat, she swapped business attire for jeans and a T-shirt that read Lache Pas  Cajun for dont give up.

Buildings and homes are flooded in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, near Lake Charles, La. Buildings and homes are flooded in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, near Lake Charles, La. Soncia King holds onto her husband, Patrick King, in Lake Charles, La., Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, as they walk through the flooded street to their home, after Hurricane Delta moved through. (Gerald Herbert | AP) Clair Marceaux lost her home in Cameron, La., to Hurricane Laura in 2020. (VOA News) LEFT: Soncia King holds onto her husband, Patrick King, in Lake Charles, La., Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, as they walk through the flooded street to their home, after Hurricane Delta moved through. (Gerald Herbert | AP) RIGHT: Clair Marceaux lost her home in Cameron, La., to Hurricane Laura in 2020. (VOA News)

Year of devastation

With sustained winds of 240 kilometers per hour (150 mph), Laura was the strongest hurricane on record to hit Louisiana since 1856. (Hurricane Ida tied that record this year.)

But the storm that wiped away Marceauxs home was not even a hurricane two days earlier. Laura exploded from a tropical storm to a hurricane pushing the upper limit of Category 4 in just 36 hours as it passed over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Hurricane Laura made landfall on Aug. 27, 2020. (NOAA)

Attributing any individual weather event to climate change is a challenge. There has been severe weather since the dawn of time without human influence. Hurricanes happen, especially in Louisiana.

But researchers say global warming is loading the dice in favor of more extremes. Warmer waters are raising the odds that a storm will undergo the kind of rapid intensification that Laura did. And increasing ocean temperatures are making stronger hurricanes more likely.

Hurricane Laura inflicted $19 billion in damage across the region.

But there was more to come.

Three more major weather disasters would strike southwest Louisiana over the next nine months. Hurricane Delta hit just six weeks after Laura. A freakish Arctic blast in February burst pipes across town. And a 30-centimeter (1-foot) deluge on one day in May triggered another round of heavy flooding.

Experts note that the warming atmosphere holds more water, which is leading to heavier rainstorms and rainier hurricanes. And there is evidence  though not conclusive  that melting Arctic sea ice is affecting polar wind patterns and allowing frigid air to wander south. That may be bringing extreme cold to unexpected places more often.

Nic Hunter Lake Charles mayor

If you asked me about climate change 10 years ago, I probably would have said I think thats a bunch of hogwash or some type of made-up agenda, said Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter. I dont believe that today.

While Hunter does not expect that Lake Charles will be hit with multiple major climate disasters every year, certainly we would be foolish to think that we would never see events like that again, he said.

The cascading impacts of the repeated weather disasters extend far beyond the shredded roofs, flooded homes and wrecked buildings. They are affecting the economy of southwest Louisiana long after the storms have passed.

The lingering effects demonstrate how climate change is about more than just extreme weather. Its impacts ripple through society.

In southwest Louisiana, the extensive damage has left many residents without homes and many employers without workers.

Steamboat Bill's, a popular Lake Charles seafood restaurant, is operating with less than half its usual staff, according to owner Kathi Vidrine. (VOA News)

Want a job here?

The lunchtime crowd streamed into Steamboat Bills, a popular crawfish shack in Lake Charles, Louisiana, 48 km (30 miles) north of Cameron. The decor is Cajun kitsch at the restaurant, located just over the Calcasieu River Bridge from the Phillips 66 oil refinery. A stuffed alligator dangles from the ceiling with Mardi Gras beads around its neck. Sculptures of zydeco musicians hang on the walls.

Waitresses carried mounds of fried Gulf shrimp and bowls of crawfish etouffee.

Everythings local. Comes from Louisiana, said owner Kathi Vidrine.

With spiky red hair, sparkling eyes and an accent that betrayed her Chicago roots, Vidrine worked the room, chatting with customers and friends.

You want a job here? she asked a 16-year-old customer.

Vidrine was not just making conversation. She really needed the help.

Owner Kathi Vidrine replaced the roof twice at her restaurant, Steamboat Bill's, after Hurricanes Laura and Delta. (VOA News)

Steamboat Bills was still suffering the effects of a year of repeated weather disasters when VOA visited in August.

Roof damage from Hurricane Laura had led to water damage inside. Vidrine had fixed that damage. But six weeks after Laura, Hurricane Delta took off the roof that we just put on, she said. So, we started all over again. So, that was crazy.

But the bigger problem has been finding workers.

The restaurant has been running short-staffed and has cut its hours since it reopened in March. It takes about 50 people to run Steamboat Bills, Vidrine said. I need about 30 more people. Ive got 20, and all my family (are) working.

She blamed the shortage on the extra federal unemployment benefits offered because of the pandemic, though a study found that ending those benefits early did not drive many people back to work.

The other reason, Vidrine acknowledged, is because it has gotten much harder for workers to find a place to live.

I had two people who lost their houses. One is living with the parents, she said. There are so many (people) that have moved away.

Theres so many destroyed buildings in this town, and the ones that arent destroyed are condemned, she added.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

The Capital One Tower, severely damaged in Hurricane Laura, remains abandoned more than a year later. (VOA News)

Gateway to the city, destroyed

From a distance, the mirrored turquoise sheen of the 22-story Capital One Tower dominates the skyline of the lakefront business district in Lake Charles. Up close, however, the building is covered with almost as much plywood as glass.

Its like our gateway to the city, said Becky Franks, marketing manager at staffing firm Manpower. The company had its offices on the 15th floor. It was overwhelming to see such a massive structure, you know, just destroyed, she said.

The local chamber of commerce got Franks and her colleagues temporary offices in the chambers building. But filling jobs for their clients has been harder.

There just arent enough workers. And you see that down every street with every business, she said.

The labor shortage is not unique to Lake Charles. Businesses across the country are having a hard time filling jobs since the COVID-19 pandemic rearranged peoples work lives.

But U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that the situation is worse in Lake Charles.

At the depth of the crunch in April 2020, the number of nonfarm employees across the state of Louisiana shrank to 85% of its pre-pandemic size. The city of Lake Charles took a similar hit.

Storms Add to, Prolong Lake Charles Pandemic Workforce Losses

Percentage change of workers compared to February 2020

Lake Charles Louisiana Sources: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

But in August, as the rest of the state recovered, the destruction of Hurricane Laura knocked Lake Charles workforce down further. And the repeated storms kept it down. A year after Laura, while the state workforce was back to 93% of its pre-pandemic levels, Lake Charles employee rolls were still down at 84%.

Its because theyre not here. Its because they dont have a place to live, Franks said. Thats been a huge struggle.

Blue tarps cover damaged roofs in the Lake Charles neighborhood of Greinwich Terrace. (VOA News)

The largest hurdle

Blue tarps outnumber shingled roofs in the mainly low-income, African American neighborhood of Greinwich Terrace. Those tarps cover roofs damaged in the storms that still have not been repaired a year after Hurricane Laura.

Joyce Nash fared better than many of her neighbors. The high school custodian said that the water came up to her windows in the last flood, but the house is still habitable after a year of devastating storms.

My neighbors arent able to come back because their home isnt livable, she said. They want to come back, but they cantbecause of the horrible conditions.

Joyce Nash (seated) lives on a Greinwich Terrace street lined with abandoned houses. (VOA News)

The streets are lined with abandoned houses. One neighbor is living in a home that Nash doubts should be lived in. But there are not many options.

If you try to move and go somewhere else, where we got to go? We have nowhere to go because the rent is so high, Nash said. They have no homes here for us to move (to).

Mayor Hunter acknowledges the problem. Housing is by far the largest hurdle that we have to recovery, he said.

Hurricanes Laura and Delta damaged nearly half of the residential buildings in Calcasieu Parish, where Lake Charles is located, according to a November 2020 analysis by the consulting firm McKinsey & Company. More than a quarter sustained major damage or were destroyed. And that does not include the effects of the winter freeze or the spring flood.

The city government estimates that housing damage adds up to $235 million. Out of a population of nearly 80,000, Hunter told VOA that 5,000 to 7,000 people are still displaced. Enrollment in the parish or county school district was down by 14% at the beginning of the school year.

Resilience challenged

Louisiana people tend to see themselves as resilient, said Craig Colten, Louisiana State University emeritus professor of geography and anthropology. They see dealing with disasters as like going to the gym: The more hurricanes you endure, the stronger you are, he said. But psychologists, of course, dont tend to agree with that.

Craig Colten Professor of geography and anthropology

Each time a storm hits, it drives the resilience of the population further down, and they have farther to go to get out of the depressed state of the economy and their social well-being, Colten said.

That does not bode well for southwestern Louisiana in a future in which climate change brings more severe and more frequent storms, he said.

Each time theres a big event, the population will decline a bit, Colten predicted. Theyll become shrinking cities over the long term.

New Orleans saw its population plunge after Hurricane Katrina, he noted, and it has not fully recovered 16 years later.

The impacts can be even greater outside the big cities, he added. Once the population drops below a certain point, they shut down your post office. You cant support the grocery store. You cant support the schools.  There might be a tipping point, and everybody begins to head inland.

That process may already be under way in Cameron.

Only 9,500 people lived in the entire parish before Hurricane Rita hit in 2005. After the storm, the population dropped by about 2,000. It had not recovered much before Laura hit. Its not clear how many have left this time, but port director Marceaux expects the population to drop further.

We used to have a movie theater here when I was a little kid. We had clothing stores. We had all the amenities any small town needs, she said. And those things simply havent come back since Hurricane Rita. Even more of them were destroyed (in) Hurricanes Laura and Delta.

She and her family are staying. Her and her husbands jobs are here, and her daughter is in high school. They bought a damaged house from a neighbor who has moved away. The family is living in a recreational vehicle until the repairs are done.

She recognizes that the situation is becoming more precarious as the climate changes. But this is home.

The concrete slab is all that remains of Clair Marceaux's home after Hurricane Laura. (VOA News)

I never did really understand why outsiders want to know, Why do you want to live here? Well, why did they want to live where they live? she asked.

No one is immune to natural disasters.  Its not a situation where just because someone lives in North Dakota or Wyoming or somewhere in Europe or Asia or any other continent, theyre going to escape it.

Were not going to be climate refugees. I mean, I guess we already are in some ways.

But I think its a question that everyone in the world needs to be asking. Not just us.
I do not know the answers to these questions. What I do know is that there is a deplorable lack of respect for the property of others. And I cant help concluding that this problem is, at least in part, the result of parental failures.

So what is the solution to this problem? It must begin with teaching children at an early age the importance of respecting the rights and property of other people. Theres too much, "Its all about me" and too little, "I need to respect the rights and property of other people."

Now I am not suggesting that vandalism of parks and public parks is entirely the result of bad parenting, though that is undoubtedly part of the equation. So also is consumption of alcohol to the point of excess.

There is room for debate as to whether alcoholic beverages should be banned from parks and other facilities open to the public or if there should be increased surveillance with stiff penalties for public drunkenness. A solution might be a combination of both, with consumption of alcoholic beverages allowed during daylight hours but banned after dark.

It is essential that public attention be focused on this matter. The Quad Cities is a wonderful place to live. The parks and recreational facilities with which we are blessed are one of the reasons this is such a wonderful place to live. We cannot allow them to be destroyed by vandals and others who have no respect for the rights and property of others and totally disregard the common good.

Dan Lee, a regular columnist, is the Marian Taft Cannon Professor in the Humanities at Augustana; danlee@augustana.edu.

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Robb Ewoldt, a soybean and livestock farmer outside of Davenport, said he'd been lucky so far in not having issues with getting parts he needed.

While the strike isn't a situation he needs to actively deal with, it's a concern that sits in the back of his mind. There are many what-ifs that could become real problems, like equipment failure or need to replace a part that just can't be found.

Those what-ifs can snowball. If an integral part breaks, they may not be able to replace it. If they can't replace it, the equipment may not run right, or at all. If it can't run, they can't harvest, and they have only so much time before it's too late.

He knows one farmer with a broken combine and no assurances that it will be fixed soon.

"That's a crop that we grow, we sell to pay our bills, and if we can't harvest it and sell it, we're in trouble," Ewoldt said.

Dierickx said if there had been a catastrophic break on his equipment rather than a small one, he wasn't sure what Plan B would have been.

Deere is known for its availability of parts and good, reliable equipment, he said. Those are the main reasons people buy Deere products.
According to Iowa Law, the human resources records of police officers and other government employees are confidential, with a few exceptions. One is listed in Iowa Code 22.7(11)(a)(5): "the fact that the individual resigned in lieu of termination, was discharged, or was demoted as the result of a disciplinary action," then "the documented reasons and rationale for the resignation in lieu of termination, the discharge, or the demotion," should be considered public record.

Sisler said Denoyer did not resign in lieu of termination.

"Andrew Denoyer verbally resigned on the evening of Sept. 27, 2021. Denoyer was not asked to resign, nor had any internal investigation been opened by the Eldridge Police Department. Denoyer approached me and resigned on his own free accord," Sisler said in an email.

Per his union contract, Denoyer was compensated for unused vacation days and personal time after resigning and will continue to have health care benefits through the city until Oct. 31, according to Eldridge City Clerk Denise Benson. Benson said that had Denoyer been fired, he would only have received comp time, as that was worked hours.
"Other issues are unfunded mandates like (police) body cameras. I think we should have body cameras, but it doesn't mean we should put that burden on the local departments. It should be a local decision, not a state decision. I oppose all these financial burdens we're putting on the taxpayers."

Thoms, 62, and wife Sara have three grown children and 10 grandchildren.

A lifelong resident of Rock Island, he attended Black Hawk College and retired in 2005 after 29 years with Thoms-Proestler Co., a family-owned wholesale food service company where he worked his way up from warehouse worker to vice president of operations where he managed 250 employees.

Thoms has been a longtime community volunteer, focusing on youth services. He sits on the boards of directors for Junior Achievement, HavLife Foundation, the Putnam Museum, the YMCA and the YWCA Quad Cities as he works to raise money for construction of the new facility in downtown Rock Island. He also serves on the facilities committee for the Rock Island-Milan School District and used to used to sit on the board of directors for Bethany for Families and Children.

Thoms said the other issue he'd like to tackle is economic development across the state.
"We always need volunteers; we always need funding, especially with a new population coming to our community. Donations go directly back to our clients. We help with housing, medical bills, medical care and employment services."

U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Moline, helped obtain much of the funding Fontaine spoke about. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Bustos helped secure $6.3 billion in funding for communities and agencies helping Afghan refugees following the downfall of the Afghan government after U.S. troops withdrew in August.

Bustos met with Fontaine Wednesday afternoon to discuss the Afghan refugee resettlement program.

"I think what could make this go the best possible (way) is if our community stands up and is helpful and welcoming," Bustos said. "If you see somebody that looks new to our community or see them out and about, be welcoming. This is what our country was built on; people who came from all over the world and settled in this country. That's what makes us a strong community."

Bustos said she visited Afghanistan in 2014, where she observed the situation on the ground and met with American military personnel and members of the Afghan Parliament.
Of the stories that Timuel Dixon Black Jr. told or relayed to generations that have come through the South Side of Chicago, his wife Zenobia Johnson-Black said he would often retell the tale of how his parents came to Chicago in 1919 to what is now the Bronzeville area when he was 8 months old, leaving Birmingham, Alabama.

He looked around and noticed the injustice, Johnson-Black recounted. So he said to his mom, when he was 8 months old: S---, Im leaving this place! He took credit for bringing his parents up here because he didnt know how to change his diaper, so his mother had to come and his daddy had to come to take care of his mama and him.

At 102 years of age, Black died Wednesday, according to a family friend. Blacks wife said he entered hospice care Oct. 1.

During his time in Chicago, Black went on to become a teacher, writer, lecturer, decorated military veteran, archivist and the citys unofficial chief historian who chronicled the evolution of Black life and culture. In his writings, lectures and appearances, he was able to describe with great detail what it was like to grow up during moments that became historically significant to the citys identity.
He was rewarded for his expedience. Trump endorsed Grassley to the cheers of the crowd, and to Grassley's delight.

With his decades of experience  and Iowa's privileged place in the nominating calendar  Grassley had the chance to loosen Trump's grip on the Republican Party. Instead, he validated it.

Grassley said last week that it "wouldn't be too smart" not to accept Trump's endorsement given his popularity.

Perhaps, but these are the words of a mere politician. A statesman with decades of service whose loyalty to country rose above party and personal ambition would never have said that. He would never have even been on that stage.

It's important to know that what Grassley is doing now is quite different than what he did after the 2020 election. Then, as Trump used every corrupt impulse he possesses to try to overturn the will of the American people, Chuck Grassley kept his head down. He didnt repudiate Trump, but he also didnt jump on the bandwagon, as Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley did.

You almost got the sense that Grassley and others like him didnt understand, or couldnt believe, the danger Trumps actions represented to this country.

Then came the Jan. 6 insurrection.
Officials at Monument Health and Vibra Healthcare conducted a ceremonial groundbreaking Thursday for a specialty hospital slated to be built within two years.

The building site lies near the northwest corner of Catron Boulevard and U.S. Highway 16 intersection, in Rapid City. Construction of the hospital, to be devoted to two main types of long-term care, was first announced in May.

Thursday's ceremony took place at the Monument Health Orthopedic and Specialty Hospital.

Vibra Healthcare, partnering with Monument Health, is a Pennsylvania-based corporation with extensive experience in managing critical care hospitals.

The new hospital is scheduled to contain 54 beds, including 36 private rooms for in-patient rehabilitation care and 18 private rooms for long-term acute care, said Paulette Davidson, president and CEO of Monument Health, in her address during the ceremony.

Were celebrating a new collaboration, Davidson said. We are working on caring for more of our families and our communities closer to home.

Mark Longacre, vice president of operations for the Rapid City Market for Monument Health, and Becky Burton, executive vice president of sales, marketing and managed care for Vibra Healthcare, also spoke at the gathering.

Dan Daly, communications specialist for Monument Health, stressed after the gathering that long-term acute care  which will comprise 18 of the hospitals beds  is a new service for the area.

LTACH (long-term acute care hospital) services have not been offered in this area before, Daly said. Thats a new service.

Officials from Monument Health and Vibra Healthcare noted that patients requiring such care currently need to travel long distances to states such as Wyoming and Montana to receive it.

Dr. Kelly Stacy, executive medical director of Monument Health, discussed the phrase long-term acute care in an interview after the ceremony.

Its an acute event thats going to cause long-term consequences, she said.

Stacy cited COVID-19 as an example.

COVID is a perfect example, she said. You have patients who have COVID illness where theyre in the ICU or very sick for two, four or six weeks, and they become very debilitated because of that.

A statement from Monument Health also noted serious respiratory, cardiac, multi-system, neurological and infectious disease, as well as wound healing and other conditions, with hospital stays often exceeding 21 days, as examples of long-term acute care.

The 36 rehabilitation rooms to be included in the new hospital offer an expansion of current Monument Health services, Daly said.

The rehabilitation services have been offered in Rapid City before, but we have outgrown our location, he said.

Daly noted that Monument Health currently offers in-patient rehabilitation treatment to up to 16 patients at a time in rented space at The Village at Skyline Pines Assisted Living and Memory Care. Those services are expected to be absorbed by the new hospital.

According to Monument Healths website, this rehabilitation care is devoted to patients requiring hospitalization and who require close medical supervision by a physician who specializes in rehabilitation.

Monument Health officials said the new hospital is estimated to cost $26 million, with construction beginning in November. They anticipate a construction period of 16 to 24 months.

Burton, of Vibra Healthcare, said Vibra Healthcare will work with Monument Health to hire staff members and manage the new hospital. She said Vibra Healthcare operates more than 70 critical care hospitals and acute medical rehabilitation hospitals in 18 states.

Longacre anticipated a staff of about 200 at the new hospital, including a range of medical and administrative positions.

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Blistering winds along with heavy snow and rain descended upon the region Tuesday afternoon and then continued into Wednesday, with communities such as Deadwood, Spearfish and Lead receiving at least one to two feet of snow.

The storm also sparked road closures and cancellations throughout the area, including the suspension of classes at Rapid City Area Schools and Douglas School District.

The campuses of Western Dakota Technical College and Black Hills State University were also closed on Wednesday.

Weve received 3.4 inches of snow at the weather office in Rapid City with over an inch and a half of rain by 5 a.m., Melissa Smith, a meteorologist and hydrologist with the National Weather Service in Rapid City, said Wednesday morning in a telephone interview.

She said the maximum wind measured in Rapid City was 58 miles per hour at 9:22 a.m. At the airport, it reached 64 mph at 7:51 a.m. The highest area wind gust, measured unofficially, was recorded at 12:25 p.m., three miles northwest of Wasta, where the wind touched 79 miles per hour.

Smith also reported, by Wednesday morning, more than a foot of snow in Spearfish and Sturgis and just shy of two feet in Lead.

Tuesday constituted the sixth wettest October day since records began being kept in 1888, Smith said. But theres recent precedent for this kind of weather in the Black Hills, she said.

We had our big blizzard back in 2013 when Rapid City had 25.5 inches of snow in October with 19 inches on Oct. 4 (of 2013), she said. Its not unheard of having big winter storms this time of year.

The South Dakota Department of Transportation issued various road closures and warnings that were clearing on Wednesday afternoon. More information can be found at https://www.sd511.org.

Black Hills Energy reported 750 area outages on Tuesday during the height of the storm, said Mutch Usera, the company's senior community relations manager. By about 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Usera said, the number of outages had been cut to 283, with 239 of those falling near Pactola Lake and concentrated in Silver City. Usera said the power restorations may occur at different times, depending on the situation surrounding the outage. He encouraged people to check for updates on the company website, at https://www.blackhillsenergy.com/outages.

Black Hills Energy officials said power restoration efforts extended through the Black Hills communities of Rapid City, Lead, Deadwood, Spearfish, Sturgis, Custer, Hill City and the Pactola Lake area.

In Lead, where the area weather conditions might be among the roughest, winter supplies have been sliding from the shelves.

Its been constant, said Toby Jones, assistant manager of Twin-City Hardware, Lumber, Rental & Office Supply in Lead. Weve almost sold out of what we have here, and were waiting for (reinforcements) from our truck.

Jones said shovels and scrapers have been in the highest demand.

Darton Brown, assistant manager of Lead Ace Hardware, said he sold a hefty supply of shovels on the days leading up to the storm, as well as three large snow blowers on Wednesday morning. Brown said store traffic on Wednesday, though, was limited.

Its actually been pretty slow, he said. Most people have the sense to stay home today.

As Brown looked out the window, he saw mostly stillness, interrupted by the work of snow plows.

Not everyone has been disturbed by the weather. Jones said hed heard plenty of lovely weather jokes among customers in the store, noting that people in town are used to the rough weather. Brown echoed those sentiments.

I had a call from someone this morning, Brown said, wanting a sled.

Some preliminary statistics

Official precipitation totals were not available on Wednesday, but the National Weather Service collects unofficial observations from a variety of sources. Those include a measurement of 16 inches of snowfall at 12 p.m. Wednesday six miles south of Deadwood; 14 inches of snowfall at 9 a.m. Wednesday two miles north of downtown Spearfish; 12 inches of snowfall at 12 p.m. Wednesday in Hill City; 6 inches of snowfall at 9 p.m. Tuesday two miles west of Custer; 5.5 inches of snowfall at 6 p.m. Tuesday two miles east of Sturgis; and 2.8 inches of snowfall at 2:20 p.m. two miles southwest of downtown Rapid City.

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The Daly Mansion is hosting three great events in October, the Holly Jolly in November and Holiday Tours in December.

The Tammany Trot Trail 5K and Fun Run are Saturday, Oct. 16, Romancing the West, a documentary concert, inside the mansion Thursday, Oct. 28, and Trunk or Treat is on Halloween.

The second annual Tammany Trot Trail Run is 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16.

Were really excited because the funds raised through this race will be used to update our public restroom facility, said Courtney Hartelius, event coordinator. We havent been able to update them since the 90s. Weve been having a lot of big events like the Celtic Festival, the Brewfest and weddings, and we want to provide our visitors and guests with more adequate and reliable space.

The restroom facilities are also used by the public when they visit the grounds.

Instead of running around the mansion multiple times this year, the Bessenyey family is opening the Bitterroot Stock Farm land to be part of the long course.

So, participants will not only get to run through the mansion grounds but also run through the historic Bitterroot Stock Farm, Hartelius said.

The one-mile fun run at 10:30 a.m. is perfect for anyone not wanting to go 5K but still wanting to participate.

It includes a costume contest and there will be prizes for first and second for the long run and first place and best costume for the fun run, Hartelius said. The courses are for all walkers, runners, joggers and we wanted to make it accessible for all skill-sets. This has a bit of a hill and last year we had people walk it.

The Tammany Trot and fun walk/run cost $30 for adults, $10 for ages 10-17, and youth aged 9 and under can participate for free. Racers can register and pay the registration fee at dalymansion.org.

Im excited, weve put a lot of work into this one, Hartelius said. Im really glad Stacie [Duce, Daly Hospital Foundation] reached out to combine all three races. This one may be colder, but part of the runners swag bags is commemorative runners gloves with the race logo.

All runners and walkers will get swag bags full of goodies donated from local businesses  The Paper Clip, Murdochs and Dr. Molly Gannon, DDS; First Security Bank and Super One Foods.

This is the final race of the Trifecta that included the Moriah Hughes Run and Colors of Cancer. There will be a Facebook Live at the end with a drawing to see who will win the $500 cash prize for participating in all three races and supporting all three causes.

The Romancing the West documentary concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 28, in the living room of the Mansion. Only 60 seats are available and tickets cost $20.

Its a critically-acclaimed, time-traveling, documentary concert, Hartelius said. There will be a projector screen and the performers will sing music specifically about the historical images.

The presentation is about the west and is called, How the West Was Sung.

Its a celebration of hope, faith and woven histories of the great west, Hartelius said. Performers are Christina Martin, Butch Martin and Martin Gerschwitz. Its inside, its that time of year when there are fewer things to do. It could be a fun date night, a fun girls night, if you like live music, history and performance and want to be inside the mansion.

This will be the Daly Mansions second year to host a Trunk or Treat, this year held from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31.

Last year we had such positive feedback and great attendance that we wanted to put this event on for the community children again, Hartelius said. It is a free community event, and we are looking for people who want to participate as trunks. They get to park on mansion grounds and hand out candy to the Trick or Treaters. Its free to be a trunk we just ask them to bring individually wrapped candy.

This year the Stock Farm Club is donating a free hot chocolate station for attendees to enjoy. Last year there were 20-25 trunks and 500-600 Trick or Treaters. Any style of car is welcome, decorations are not required but are encouraged.

We ran out of candy after the first half-hour last year and are trying to be more prepared, Hartelius said. Were excited to see the same number of kids. Wear your costumes, enjoy walking through the leaves, and Trick or Treating on the grounds.

The Holly Jolly craft fair will be Friday, Nov. 19, and Saturday, Nov. 20. The mansion is also organizing a Holiday Feature Tour series for the second and third weeks of December.

Come to the mansion, Hartelius said. We are closed for tours in October in preparation for our fall and winter events, but the grounds are open and free to the public, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. We had a great summer. We were grateful to how many people came to the events and the other community organizations that chose to work with us. It felt good to work with people again.

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U.S. District Judge Susan Watters has blocked Montana from overriding portions of the private contract governing Colstrip Power Plant.

In an order Wednesday, Watters paused a new Montana law empowering the state attorney general to order power plant repairs and imposing fines of $100,000 a day against noncompliant Colstrip owners. The judge said the law is likely unconstitutional, which she will rule on at a later date.

The lawsuit in which the order was filed concerns Senate Bill 265, which requires that all litigation between the power plant owners take place in district court in Rosebud County, where Colstrip resides. The power plant's ownership agreement that's been in effect for nearly 40 years specifies that legal matters be settled in Spokane Superior Court in Washington.

The contract also spells out how decisions about maintenance and operations are made. In empowering the Montana AG to order repairs, the state has overridden portions of the Colstrip contract.

Attorney General Austin Knudsen received maintenance policing powers in May, when the Republican legislated Senate Bill 266 was signed into law by Gov. Greg Gianforte. The law attempts to prevent the majority owners of the coal-fired power plant from winding down maintenance as they prepare to exit in 2025.

Simply put, Colstrip Power Plant is in trouble. An overwhelming majority of its owners, 70%, do business in Oregon and Washington, and both states of have set deadlines for their utilities to get out of coal in order to reduce the amount of heat-trapping carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere. Washingtons deadline is the end of 2025. Oregon's deadline begins in 2030.

Gianforte made clear when he signed SB 266 into law that he was angered by the Pacific Northwest states' efforts to curtail climate change.

Affordable power generated in Colstrip helped build Seattles big tech economy, but now woke, overzealous regulators in Washington state are punishing the people of Colstrip with their anti-coal agenda, Gianforte said at the May bill signing.

Watters picked up on governors woke quip in her order, stating that evidence suggested the new law was intentionally discriminatory against the power plants out-of-state utility owners from the Pacific Northwest.

The PNW owners have presented evidence, uncontroverted by the state and other defendants, that the purpose of SB 266 is to protect Colstrip Units 3 and 4 from out-of-state corporations and woke overzealous regulators in Washington state, as evidenced by the Governors signing statement and transcript of SB 266 hearings, Watters concluded.

The bill to empower Montanas attorney general to mandate power plant repairs put the owners battle over Colstrips future on public display. Lawmakers siding with the power plants minority stakeholders likened the battle over Colstrips future to a divorce.

State Department of Environmental Quality records obtained by Lee Montana Newspapers show state officials asking power plant operator and minority owner Talen Energy for things the government might enforce under the new law, for which Talen and NorthWestern Energy lobbied.

Its kind of like were having a divorce here. The West Coast operators, theyre leaving the facility. They dont want to be part of it anymore for various reasons and thats it, so be it, Sen. Steve Fitzpatrick told the Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee in February. But instead of being civil about it and walking away and doing their fair share to keep the property in good condition, its like theyre trashing the facility on the way out. So, to take our divorce analogy, what theyre doing is trashing the house and keying the car on their way out the door. Thats whats going on here and its just wrong.

In the months before the legislative session, the Colstrip owners had stalled on passing a maintenance budget for 2021. The owners from Washington and Oregon  Puget Sound Energy, Avista Corp., PacifiCorp and Portland General Electric  objected to paying for repairs that extended the life of the plant beyond their time in Colstrip. There had already been movement in Washington to prevent utilities from passing to customers costs for power plant upgrades unnecessary to serve Pacific Northwest customers.

The maintenance dispute was followed by NorthWestern notifying the other owners that it wanted arbitration on whether a unanimous vote was needed to close the power plant. NorthWestern isn't in favor of closing Colstrip in 2025.

The legislative action and stakeholder support associated with SB 266 was a disheartening development in the face of PSEs effort to explore constructive solutions, said PSE General Counsel Steve Secrist in a press release following Watters order. PSE has consistently worked for constructive solutions regarding Colstrip, including the exploration of transactions and even financial contributions for the Colstrip community. Todays ruling affirms PSEs approach and intent.

Puget had attempted to sell its share of Colstrip Unit 4 to co-owner NorthWestern Energy for the aggregate price of one dollar, but the deal fell apart under scrutiny from regulators and consumer advocates. The company has also given the town of Colstrip $10 million to transition to a post-coal life.

Montanas attorney general chose not to offer a counter argument to the injunction. Watters noted the AGs silence in her ruling.

There have been four different lawsuits concerning Colstrip Power Plant filed since May

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A former Henrico County firefighters suit alleging her rights were violated when she was fired following her arrest at a demonstration during the inauguration of President Donald Trump can now go to trial, a federal judge has ruled.

Rosa Dianne Roncales, who lost her job in April 2017, filed suit in 2019 alleging her free speech rights and due process rights were violated by four of her former fire department superiors and Henrico County. Last year, U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck dismissed the county as a defendant.

In a partially-redacted, 54-page opinion unsealed Thursday, Lauck held that there were issues of fact for a jury to decide and rejected a request for dismissal from fire officials named in the suit. Lauck also turned down a bid from Roncales for a ruling in her favor without a trial on her claim her due process rights were violated.

Roncales was arrested at the Jan. 20, 2017, inauguration in Washington. The suit says that Roncales attended the inauguration protest on her own time and wore nothing that would identify her as an employee or member of the Henrico Fire Department.

She was arrested with more than 200 others and charged with rioting, inciting a riot, conspiracy to riot and multiple counts of destruction of property. All of the charges against her were ultimately dismissed.
Police are investigating the slaying of a driver who was shot in his car in Henrico County on Tuesday before driving into Richmond, where he died of his injuries.

Police said Wednesday evening that they had arrested his assailant, 25-year-old Deontre L. Maryland of Richmond, and charged him with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Police said he fired into the victims car before riding off on a bicycle.

The victim was identified as Hassan Dixon, 51, whose last known address was on Patrick Avenue in Richmond near the Henrico County line.

The shooting occurred just before 7 p.m. Tuesday in the 600 block of East Laburnum Avenue, near its intersection with Parkview Avenue, Henrico police spokesman Lt. Matt Pecka said.

Pecka said an adult male driver  later identified as Dixon  was in a sedan when Maryland arrived on a bicycle. The two engaged one another, and during their interaction, shots were fired into the vehicle.

The driver then left the scene toward Parkview Avenue and was later located at Carolina Avenue and Meadowbridge Road in Richmond. The driver died of his injuries at the scene, Pecka said.
Rosemary Salomone, a Kenneth Wang Professor of Law at St. Johns University in New York City, said the school district was operating responsibly.

Its just unfathomable that hes even making these claims because theyre not even close to having any constitutional grounding, she said.

The School Board voted for the mandate Aug. 10, and State Health Commissioner Norm Oliver issued a public health order with the requirement two days later.

Roszel contacted Monacan High ahead of the beginning of the teacher workweek in August. Having no medical or religious exemptions, he was put on administrative leave.

The [administration] team at Monacan handled it very delicately and with grace, Roszel said in an interview Thursday, adding he later had a Zoom meeting where he was given the choice to resign or be terminated.

Human resources pushed resignation very, very hard, Roszel said. I felt that I needed to stand up for myself and point out to CCPS, as well as the residents of Chesterfield County and my students, that this was wrong, and I was going to stand for what was right. I wasnt going to be forced to quit my job I just worked so hard to attain.
One of the first responsibilities of a U.S. attorney is to be able to form relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, he said.

At the same time, he said, I absolutely need to reconnect with the folks here in the Roanoke office, many of whom he has worked with in the past. They dont have to win me over, he said, because I know the work they are doing every day.

Kavanaugh has practiced before all of the judges in the Western District, which has seven courthouses. In his new job, the bulk of his work will be administrative.

Some of the offices policies will be guided by the administration of President Joe Biden, who nominated Kavanaugh for an appointment that was confirmed last week by the Senate.

In June, Attorney General Merrick Garland announced that he was imposing a moratorium on federal executions while the Justice Department conducts a review of its policies and procedures. He gave no timetable.

Under the administration of former President Donald Trump, the Justice Department authorized federal prosecutors to seek the death sentence for Samuel Silva, who is charged with killing a fellow inmate in the U.S. Penitentiary in Lee County.
At a news conference Thursday in Richmond, Gov. Ralph Northam called Wednesdays rally truly disturbing. Northam, who deployed the state police and National Guard to Washington on Jan. 6, said that false claims that participants in Wednesdays rally made about the election threaten public safety and the countrys democracy.

Mr. Youngkin, you need to make a choice: You can be part of our democratic institutions or you can try to destroy them, Northam said.

In a statement Youngkin disavowed violence during the Jan. 6 rally.

While I had no role in last nights event, I have heard about it from many people in the media today. It is weird and wrong to pledge allegiance to a flag connected to January 6. As I have said many times before, the violence that occurred on January 6 was sickening and wrong.

Wednesdays rally was organized by John Fredericks, a conservative radio host and former Trump campaign official in Virginia. Winsome Sears, the GOP candidate for lieutenant governor, was the only statewide GOP candidate to attend. Trump, a last-minute addition, called into the rally to urge Republicans to back Youngkin, and the others on the GOP ticket, calling Virginia very, very winnable.
But leaving those districts largely intact would have cascading effects on adjacent districts.

Both mapmakers would add several Chesapeake precincts from District 4 in order to get District 3 to the required population. The Republican mapmaker would add a few precincts from Henrico in order to restore the required population to the 4th District. The Democratic mapmaker would add more Chesterfield County residents to the 4th District.

5th District

The current 5th District sprawls from Fauquier County south through Charlottesville and Albemarle County to Danville and the North Carolina line.

The GOPs proposed new 5th District would not extend to the edges of Northern Virginia. In addition to western Chesterfield and part of Henrico, it would include the counties of Goochland, Amelia and Fluvanna in greater Richmond, as well as a host of Southside localities.

The GOPs proposed 6th District, currently represented by Republican Rep. Ben Cline, would add Charlottesville and Albemarle, both currently in the 5th District.

Del. Marcus Simon, D-Fairfax, questioned the GOP mapmakers cartography.
This peer can offer them the resources that they need to navigate that path to recovery, whether it could be inpatient ... whatever it is and also some additional case management, he said.

******

Carey, now a truck driver, said he would jump at the chance to get back into recovery counseling work.

Even though it could mean a cut in income, he said he believes his background helps him help others.

People who are in recovery and have turned their life around ... we have a better understanding when the clients come to us when theyre dopesick, or maybe they have family issues, he said.

Dopesick is a common term among addicts  and the title of the nonfiction book by former Roanoke Times reporter Beth Macy  that describes the withdrawal symptoms chronic drug users can experience in the throes of active addiction.

We can understand the pain that they go through. We can understand some of their thought processes and the low self-esteem, he said. It is also harder for someone in recovery to fool someone else in recovery about how they are doing or what they are feeling and thinking, Carey said.
She said the sit-ins organizers hope that it will mirror the mood of the festival.

We just want a peaceful sit-down, she said. We dont want to pour gasoline on a fire.

The plan is to gather on the beach at 3rd Street, where the festivals main concerts were held, she said. A time has not been set.

Cannon, who has family in Virginia Beach, is from Richmond and has lived in Georgia since 2020. Shes an avid festivalgoer and went to Something in the Water, which she described as the best one shes ever attended.

With him having it right on the ocean, there was beauty in it, Cannon said. It was magical. And to have all of our original Virginia Beach celebrities there was icing on the cake.

The Facebook fan group launched in the weeks leading up to the 2019 festival as a way to help ticketholders make the most of the event. Members offered tips on parking and the ways to navigate the festival grounds.

In recent days, its become a place for people to share their thoughts about Williams criticism of city leaders.

No justice. No peace, one member commented.
My brother was healthy. He was still pretty much young and he had everything to live for, Mike Mitchem added. He had five kids and a grandson, and now all of them have lost him. Its hard on my parents. Theyre 73, and my mom said your kids are not supposed to die before you.

Kevin Mitchems decline was more gradual than his wifes. He seemed to be improving at one point, and the family got their hopes up, only to discover the respiratory disease had done irreparable damage to his lungs.

Kevin Lee Mitchem died on Oct. 8. He was 48.

Amid the grief, Mike Mitchem said hes dealing with another emotion.

Part of our pain is anger, he said. Anger because people are still not getting the vaccine. If you think about it, you need to have certain vaccines before you can even go to school. Whats the big deal about this one?

Mike Mitchem said his brother and sister-in-law had not been vaccinated, even though family members who had been inoculated encouraged them to get their shots.

Theyd just been leery. They were going off what theyve been hearing and reading on the internet, he said.
Herring also criticized Miyares for sending people to jail for small amounts of marijuana as a junior prosecutor. Miyares was an assistant commonwealths attorney in Virginia Beach before working as a political consultant.

Miyares said that if elected, he would support a bill that would allow the attorney general to prosecute certain cases if a local commonwealths attorney fails to.

Miyares cited a case in Fairfax County handled by Commonwealths Attorney Steve Descano, in which prosecutors reached a deal with a man who sexually abused a girl for years that would cap the mans sentence at 17 years.

The girls parents opposed a plea deal and told The Washington Post they were disappointed in Fairfax County prosecutors.

You have some commonwealths attorneys up here that have forgotten their victims, Miyares said.

If youre not willing to do your own job, let me do it for you. Let me hold these scumbags accountable. Let me go after these rapists and these sick child molesters, because if youre not willing to do your job, Im going to do your job.
Keene, who also chairs the Culpeper County School Board, said he has fought for parental choice at the local level.

We gotta keep it going. Mr. Youngkin is the man at the top whos going to support us in doing that, he said. He is for parents and our individual freedoms.

McAuliffe has responded to his opponents claims by accusing Youngkin of modeling himself after former President Donald Trump in seeking to divide people. The Republican gubernatorial nominee did not speak the 45th presidents name at the Culpeper rally; a few in the crowd donned their Make America Great Again caps.

Youngkin said he almost fell down when McAuliffe made the statement at last months debate about parents not interfering in schools.

The last 20 months has been parents coming together, asking please open our schools five days a week  teach (students) how to think, not what to think. Tell us what material is being used in the classroom or the library so we can choose what we want in our kids lives, the gubernatorial candidate said. Parents have a fundamental right to be engaged in their kids education.
Three years ago, my then-7-year-old, Bettie, interrupted our bedtime story and exclaimed, Mom! I know Im not a boy. But I dont feel like a girl. Am I both?

My child had just come out as transgender. Bettie soon asked our family to start using the neopronouns zie, zir and zirs rather than the feminine pronouns she, her and hers or the masculine he, him and his. Bettie identifies as genderfluid and nonbinary, so gendered pronouns dont feel right to zir.

Sometimes its hard to remember them because theyre unfamiliar, but it is essential to call transgender and nonbinary people by their chosen names and pronouns. A 2020 national survey on LGBTQ youth mental health found that those who reported having their pronouns respected by all or most of the people in their lives attempted suicide at half the rate of those who did not have their pronouns respected.

Because this is a matter of life and death for youths like Bettie, we scheduled a meeting with zir teacher, counselor, principal and Montgomery County Public Schools director of elementary education to make sure the school used zir pronouns, too. It quickly became clear that no one knew what they were legally empowered and required to do to support Bettie.
In just the first three quarters of 2021, Virginia already has received $142 million from participating in RGGI. Every quarter, nearly half of Virginias new proceeds will be deposited in the flood fund  the other half goes to programs helping working-class families reduce their electricity bills  and these revenues will keep coming for years to come.

Having an ongoing source of funding is key, as flooding and other destructive effects of climate change are only getting worse. Through establishment of the Community Flood Preparedness Fund and its ongoing participation in RGGI, Virginia is making a critical investment in protecting communities from flooding that upends local economies, destroys peoples homes and even claims lives. Though more resources will be needed, the flood fund can help catalyze the type of smart and equitable action that all Virginians deserve.

Thanks to the new Community Flood Preparedness Fund, there is help. Local and tribal leaders from all across the state should apply to bring it home.
Education history worth

honoring and preserving

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.'s recent op-ed column about the Pine Grove School in Cumberland County as a test for environmental justice raises timely issues.

He wisely asks if the two major-party candidates in this year's Virginia gubernatorial race will commit to supporting community efforts to stop construction of a landfill that would imperil Pine Grove. And Chavis recognizes that action is needed, not simply words. (As governor, Terry McAuliffe correctly stated that Rosenwald schools were endangered in Virginia  unfortunately, no action followed.)

We have been strong supporters of Rosenwald schools, including through activities with Second Union (Rosenwald) School Museum in Goochland County. These schools are treasures to be honored and understood as a response, during the Jim Crow era, that brought together diverse individuals and communities to educate Black youths. A meeting between Virginia native, Tuskgee Institute leader and former enslaved youth Booker T. Washington and Jewish businessman Julius Rosenwald led to a partnership that resulted in construction of more than 5,000 schools, with community involvement a key element of their funding and construction.
Im with Jamis getting the hackles up on the back of her neck about this, Hull wrote. Stupid is as stupid does.

Ive come to the conclusion that I can turn my eyes the other way when I drive by what I consider a stupid, offensive sign on Peaks Street here in Bedford. Im not sure if Im brave enough to stop and inquire about the sign. I am curious what their explanation would be.

I would definitely have to hope that they would engage in a civil conversation, Hull added. But, I have my doubts. And at 80 years of age maybe Ill just pass. Ive learned that some can be really stupid jerks.

Stephen Hatchett of Roanoke wrote that he spied a similar flag hanging on a shed off Timberview Road in Roanoke County. Thats the southern ingress to the marvelous Carvins Cove recreation area. No small number of mountain bikers park their cars along Timberview, within eyeshot of that shed.

Hatchette kindly sent me a picture of the banner in question. Even with the K partially obscured by some trees. Its still unprintable.

Classy, huh? Hatchett wrote. Just no accounting for taste and no consideration for others nor childrens eyes. Such is the world we now live in ... sad. Sigh ...
A man accused in a deadly shooting last year in the parking lot of a busy Salem shopping center appeared in court Wednesday and pleaded no contest to second-degree murder.

Zane Chandler Christian, 26, was facing charges for the death of his estranged wifes fiancee. The shooting happened on a November afternoon outside Lakeside Plaza during a planned custody exchange of the two children, ages 3 and 4, that Christian shared with his wife, according to prior court proceedings.

Emily Christian, who said the couple had separated about two years earlier, testified in March that he had arrived at their meetup angry because his monthly child support payments had been raised. He keyed her SUV, she said, prompting 27-year-old Rico Allen Turner to step in.

Security footage played during a preliminary hearing showed Turner get out of the vehicle and push Zane Christian, who responded by rushing him with what appeared to be a handgun, according to prior newspaper coverage. The entire altercation spanned just around 97 seconds.

Turner was shot, and died at a hospital that night.
Now, to a point, most everyone agrees with the statement. Making threats against public officials is and should be illegal. But efforts to intimidate individuals based on their views strikes me as disturbingly vague, coming from an agency with armed officers and legions of lawyers. Can a parent tell an elected school board member that they will work to defeat him in the next election? Can a board, faced with a roomful of angry parents murmuring, claim to feel intimidated and call for federal security? Can mere dissent from board policy be deemed intimidation? Should we read the memo itself as veiled intimidation?

Garland would certainly deny that such things are intended, but Ive read and heard a lot of opposition to this memo and the implied threat of the federal government policing local school board meetings. Does security at a local school board hearing really need to be a federal matter?

Interestingly, one group who would seem to answer no is the Virginia School Boards Association.

On Sept. 29, the National School Boards Association, based in Alexandria, released a letter to President Joe Biden calling for federal law enforcement to help deal with the growing number of threats of violence and acts of intimidation occurring across the nation. (Its not clear to me the extent to which Garlands memo was in response to this letter.)
Last December, the outgoing Trump administration said it was preparing a few measures that would, among other things, strip anonymity from cryptocurrency. However, the Biden administration has declared a freeze on all agency rule-making, pending a review by appointees to be made.

That could change if unnamed high-level sources speaking to the media this week are to be believed.

Considering the recent surge in popularity for crypto among investors and its significance in this years most dangerous ransomware attacks, the time may have come for serious regulation.

Bloomberg has cited anonymous sources familiar with the matter as saying that the Biden administration is weighing an executive order that could lead to regulations on cryptocurrency

But while crypto doom-and-gloom stories are now circulating widely, further examination of the Bloomberg anonymous source statements this is still an exploration event.

According to the news agency, the administration is first considering an executive order that would require federal agencies to study the crypto industry and recommend appropriate oversight, which could include regulation, economic innovation and national security

So at this point, we might only end up seeing what the administrations potential strategy is for crypto, but it sounds like a relatively long road to any particular destination.

That doesnt mean that crypto investors are on edge right now. Something will come eventually, and it will likely be a big disappointment for a digital coin world that thrives on anonymity and monetary freedom.

There have already been plenty of recommendations, including Intelligence Committee senators who have proposed an increase in measures to regulate and trace cryptocurrencies.

Last year, the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) proposed a new rule that would require cryptocurrency wallets not hosted by financial institutions in the U.S. to be tied to verified identities.

The proposal would require banks and money services businesses dealing in crypto, including exchanges, to collect and report on crypto owners who use wallets that arent held by any custodian.

Treasury secretary Janet Yellen recently has also said the government should create a regulatory framework for cryptocurrency

None of this is surprising given the fact that the cryptocurrency market has now hit a whopping $2 trillion. That is a huge market running amok.

Since last year, cryptocurrency has been the fourth most traded asset, following real estate, stocks, mutual funds and bonds. A recent poll conducted by CNBC and Momentive now finds that 10% of investors surveyed have invested in cryptocurrency

In 2019, cryptocurrency theft skyrocketed year-over-year, with losses from digital currency crime topping $4.4 billion, a 150% increase over the first nine months of 2018.

In 2020, due mainly to improved security, crimes targeting the cryptocurrency sector dropped by more than half compared to the previous year.

Yet, this year crypto was used in several ransomware attacks, in the U.S. and abroad.

In May, Colonial Pipeline revealed that it paid hackers nearly $5 million in Bitcoin to regain access after a massive ransomware attack. Two months earlier, one of the largest insurance companies in the United States, CNA, was reported to have secretly paid $40 million to regain control of its network under similar circumstances.

In July, cyber criminals hijacked VSA software used by Florida-based IT firm Kaseya, which provides IT services to thousands of small- and medium-sized businesses.

Elsewhere, last week, the Bank of England said that as the risk grows, increased bitcoin and crypto regulation is needed.

Last month, China expanded an earlier ban on bitcoin and crypto mining, cracking down on all crypto trading activity.

The Peoples Bank of China has announced that all transactions of crypto-currencies are illegal, effectively banning digital coins across the board.

Others are attempting to control crypto by making their own digital legal tender.

El Salvador recently added bitcoin as a parallel legal tender, and Panama is preparing to follow suit.

The European Central Bank also confirmed earlier this year that it was exploring the possibility of a digital euro currency of its own.
Federal officials are expected to resume command of firefighting resources on Wednesday after the Alisal fire grew to more than 6,000 acres on Tuesday and with 0% containment, as gusty winds have impeded efforts to drop retardant from the air, according to a U.S. Forest Service spokesman.
" " The Hermes ship from "The Martian" features a large, wheel-shaped section that rotates on its journey between Earth and Mars. 20th Century

Imagine that you're inside a vehicle  or other machine  spinning around so fast that the force presses your body against the wall or seat. As you spin faster and faster that pressure forcing you against the wall increases (and conversely it decreases as the spin slows down). The weight feels just like the force of gravity that keeps your body grounded to the earth.

If you're like most people, your most dramatic experience with this type of spinning force is probably from an amusement park ride  specifically a classic Rotor Ride that has produced a great deal of joy (and yes vomit) since the middle of the 19th century.

But a handful of people, including astronauts and military pilots, experience the same phenomenon in a human-rated centrifuge, a machine that spins to produce these high "G forces," also called acceleration. They experience this G-force aboard high-performance aircraft during high speed turns, and during launches into space and when spacecrafts rapidly slow as they reenter Earth's atmosphere.

" " If you've ever ridden a modern version of the Rotor Ride like this one circa 1950, you've experienced a type of artificial gravity. FPG/Wholly Owned/Getty Images

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What Is Artificial Gravity?

In a very real sense, this type of rotation produces gravity  artificial gravity to be precise. It provides weight to your body  weight that your bones and muscles cannot distinguish from the weight that Earth, or another planet, provides on account of its sheer mass.

Consequently, for decades, science fiction writers have envisioned rotating spaceships that create artificial gravity for astronauts during the longest phases of space missions. These phases are when they are not extra-heavy due to the ship accelerating to build up speed, or decelerating in the atmosphere, but weightless due to the craft coasting, negating the effects of gravity.

Two examples of such artificial gravity in science fiction are the 2015 film "The Martian" and the 1968 epic "2001: A Space Odyssey." "The Martian" features an interplanetary craft, the Hermes, with a large, wheel-shaped section that rotates on its journey between Earth and Mars. As the camera zooms in, you notice that "up" for astronauts inside the Hermes is always toward the center of the wheel, while "down," the "floor," is the rim. Space Station V in "2001: A Space Odyssey" is a spinning station that generates artificial gravity equal to that of the moon's gravity.

Apart from mere comfort, there are good reasons why we need artificial gravity on long distance space missions. For one, in weightlessness our bodies changes in ways that could be harmful when astronauts arrive at their destinations  such as Mars  or return to Earth. Bones lose mineral content (they soften, becoming vulnerable to fracture); muscles atrophy (they shrink and weaken); fluids shift toward the head and also are excreted from the body, causing changes in the cardiovascular system and lungs; the nervous system is thrown out of whack; and in recent years space medicine researchers have found what could be permanent eye damage in some astronauts. Add to that research suggesting that gravity may be required for humans to have a normal pregnancy in space and it almost seems like a no-brainer that any spacecraft carrying humans around the solar system either should rotate, or have some part of the ship that does.

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Researching Artificial Gravity

Are NASA and others researching this possibility?

The answer is yes. Since the 1960s, NASA scientists have been considering the prospect of artificial gravity by way of rotation. However, the effort, funding and overall enthusiasm has waxed and waned through the decades. There was a surge in research in the 1960s when NASA was working on sending man to the moon (the budget for NASA at that time was nearly 5 percent that of the entire federal government 10 times what it is today).

While NASA has not emphasized research on artificial gravity over the past half-century, scientists both inside and outside of the space agency are studying a range of situations. Mice spinning in a small centrifuge aboard the International Space Station survived with no problem and Earth-bound humans are learning how to adapt in spinning rooms. There's one at the Ashton Graybiel Spatial Orientation Laboratory at Brandeis University and the DLR Institute of Aerospace Medicine in Cologne, Germany, is home to the DLR Short-Arm Centrifuge, Module 1. It's the only one of its kind in the world researching the effects of altered gravity, especially as it pertains to health risks that occur in microgravity.

" " The DLR Short-Arm Centrifuge, Module 1 at the :envihab research facility of the DLR Institute of Aerospace Medicine in Cologne, is a special unit and the only one of its kind in the world, offering enhanced possibilities for researching the effects of altered gravity, especially as a countermeasure to the health risks that occur in microgravity conditions. German Aerospace Centre/DLR

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Why Don't We Have Rotating Spaceships?

But if the need for artificial gravity is so clear, why bother with research in space, or on Earth? Why don't engineers simply get to work designing spinning ships, like the Hermes?

The answer is that artificial gravity requires a trade-off, because all that spinning creates problems. As on the Rotor Ride, moving your head while you're spinning that fast causes nausea. Spinning also impacts the fluid in your inner ear and any other body parts that you move while you're in a rotating environment.

And that nausea, disorientation and movement problems worsen the faster you rotate (the number of revolutions per minute [RPMs]). But the amount of artificial gravity that can be produced depends both on the RPMs and the size of whatever is rotating.

To experience a given amount of gravity  for example one-half the usual amount that you feel on Earth  the length of the radius of rotation (the distance from you standing on the floor to the center of whatever is spinning) determines how fast you need to spin. Build a wheel-shaped craft with a radius of 738 feet (225 meters) and you'll produce full Earth gravity (known as 1G) rotating at just 1 RPM. That's slow enough that scientists are very sure that nobody would get nauseous or disoriented.

Other than the floor being a little bit curved, things aboard such a craft would feel pretty normal. But building and flying such an enormous structure in space would entail numerous engineering challenges.

This means that NASA and any other space agencies or organizations likely to send people around the solar system in the future must settle for a lower amount of gravity, a faster rotation (more RPMs)  or both. Since there is no laboratory on the moon where the surface gravity is about 16 percent that of Earth's surface, making it a great place to research the effects of low gravity, as opposed to weightlessness, there simply isn't not enough data to know how much gravity humans may need for long-term space missions or space colonies. Such data is needed, as is data on how much rotation humans can reasonably tolerate, and that's the rationale for ongoing artificial gravity research.

Now That's Cool The University of Colorado, Boulder is studying ways to design revolving systems that could fit in a room of a future space station or moon base. Astronauts could crawl into these rooms for just a few hours a day to get their daily dose of gravity.
" " Jennifer Lopez (and her platinum rings) attend Fox's "American Idol" XIII Finale at Nokia Theatre L.A. on May 21, 2014 in Los Angeles. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

If phrases like "platinum status" and "going platinum" are to be believed, the precious metal is the best and baddest in all the land. But how elite is it actually, particularly when compared with its best frenemy, gold?

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Platinum Vs. Gold

Platinum is a naturally occurring chemical element that is actually about 30 times rarer than gold, according to Jenny Luker, president of Platinum Guild International USA (PGI), a marketing organization for the platinum jewelry industry. "If all the platinum ever mined were melted and poured into an Olympic-sized pool, the platinum would barely reach your ankles. Gold, however, would fill three pools," she explains via email.

In fact, it's the least common of all the popular precious metals. In appearance, platinum is silvery-white and shiny. Because it looks so similar to white gold, the distinction can be confusing to the untrained eye. "White gold is actually yellow gold that was mixed with other metals and then plated with rhodium to appear more white  a white mask that will unveil a yellow tinge over time," Luker says. "Platinum, on the other hand, will maintain its naturally white color."

That's not to say that it won't change at all, however. "If you look closely at a piece of well-loved platinum jewelry, you'll notice a satiny finish on the surface that developed over time. This change in texture is known as 'patina,'" Luker explains. Many platinum aficionados actually desire this change in appearance.

Platinum is also more durable than gold, which is one of the reasons it is often the metal of choice for engagement rings, (gold prongs are more likely to break than their platinum counterparts.) Unfortunately, all of these attributes have given platinum a traditionally heftier price tag than gold, although Luker notes that the current price difference is minimal.

"Right now, the price per ounce of platinum is actually lower than gold. However, because platinum jewelry is more pure (typically 95 percent platinum versus 58.5 percent gold in 14 kt. gold jewelry) and more dense than gold, it will still cost a bit more than a similar gold ring," she notes. (On July 9, 2019, the price of platinum was $816.60 per ounce. Gold was $1,397.68 per ounce.)

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How Platinum Is Mined

Platinum is mined mainly in South Africa, but also found in Russia and Zimbabwe. The metal is formed when minerals are eroded from their original spot and then carried by water somewhere else (this is called stream bed mining or alluvial mining). Workers sift through the sand or mud looking for gold, diamonds or platinum. Nowadays, platinum is more likely to be mined as ore from deep underground. Workers blast rock into small pieces and transport it to the surface for further processing. Platinum also may be found as a byproduct of processing other metals like nickel and copper. Most platinum is derived from a mineral called cooperite, also known as platinum sulfide. Platinum is even found in outer space. "Platinum has also been discovered in heavy concentrations in meteorites  first reported in F. G. Hawley's research papers, published in 1939," Luker says.

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Uses for Platinum

Although platinum's strength and beauty have made it a jewelry favorite since the ancient Egyptians and Mayans, jewelry-making is hardly its only useful application. About half of platinum's demand is actually for use in catalytic converters for transportation vehicles like buses, cars and trucks, in large part because it's adept at converting harmful engine emissions into less damaging waste. Platinum is also used as a catalyst to make chemicals like silicone, nitric acid and benzene. In fact, the six platinum group metals (iridium, palladium, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium and osmium) are all known for their impressive catalytic skills (meaning these metals increase the rate of chemical reaction between substances without changing their physical properties.)

In the healthcare field, platinum compounds are a component of some chemotherapy drugs, and are also used in pacemakers and even dental fillings. The electronics industry has various applications for platinum, too  for instance, computer hard disks. From a defense standpoint, platinum has been long valued for its strength, which goes far beyond simple scratch resistance. The metal holds up well under high temperatures, boasts stable electrical properties and is highly resistant to chemical attacks. For example, coating jet engine blades with platinum-based products protects them where temperatures can reach 2,000 degrees C (3,632 degrees F).

"Platinum was an important strategic defense metal used during World War II and was not allowed for jewelry application at that time," Luker says. Even today, platinum is so important to economic and defense efforts that it was listed as one of the 35 minerals "deemed critical to U.S. national security and the economy."

With a resume like that, it appears that platinum's reputation and price tag are well-deserved, indeed.

Now That's Misguided Ironically, Spaniards who discovered platinum in Colombia were less than impressed, tossing it by the wayside as an impurity in the coveted silver they were mining. So disdainful of the metal were they that they dubbed it "platina," which means "little silver." From this term, we get the English word "platinum."
" " To some, it might seem as if investigating and re-investigating cold fusion is a waste of time and resources, but some scientists don't see it that way. Yves Forestier/Getty Images

Back in March 1989, at a press conference in Salt Lake City, scientists Stanley Pons of the University of Utah and Martin Fleischmann of Great Britain's University of Southampton made a startling announcement. The researchers had managed to fuse the atomic nuclei of a hydrogen isotope to create helium  the same sort of process that powers the sun  and they'd been able to do it at room temperature, without putting in more energy than the process produced, as this Wired retrospective from 2009 details.

The research raised hopes of a new source of abundant energy that would replace fossil fuels and conventional nuclear power, as a CBS News story from that time reported. But other researchers who tried to duplicate the experiments were unable to reproduce the results, or else concluded that they were caused by experimental errors, according to a 1989 New York Times article. "Most of the scientific community no longer considers cold fusion a real phenomenon," Peter N. Saeta, a professor of physics at Harvey Mudd College, wrote in Scientific American in 1999.

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The Dream Dies Hard

Even so, scientists' interest in cold fusion has never completely gone away, and they've continued to do research on it. Though nobody has been able to prove conclusively that it can be accomplished, that work actually has yielded valuable knowledge in other ways.

Several years ago, for example, Google funded a multi-year investigation of cold fusion that included researchers from several universities and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory as well. The researchers ultimately published a 2019 Nature article in which they revealed that their efforts "have yet to yield any evidence of such an effect."

"Nuclear fusion is a potential energy source that could provide a vast amount of power without harmful byproducts," Jeremy Munday, one of the participants in the Google research, explains in an email. He's a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of California, Davis. "For fusion to occur, the nuclei of atoms, which are positively charged, need to get close enough to fuse (join) together. If this happens, energy is released. The difficulty is that the positively charged nuclei repel each other. If there are a lot of nuclei close together  high density  and they have a lot of kinetic energy (high temperature), this reaction can happen. In nature, the sun is powered by fusion, but the temperatures and densities necessary to sustain those reactions are very difficult on Earth. Cold fusion is the idea that fusion could occur at much lower temperatures, making it feasible as an energy source on Earth.

"It's really hard to rule a phenomenon out, which is one of the reasons these concepts have been floating around for so long," Munday adds. "We didn't find any evidence of cold fusion, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't exist."

" " Scientists Stanley Pons (left) and Martin Fleischmann testify to their cold fusion breakthrough before the House Committee on Science, Space & Technology in 1989. Diana Walker/Getty Images

To a layperson, it might seem as if investigating and re-investigating to find evidence of cold fusion would be a waste of time and resources. But scientists don't see it that way, because as they search, they gather other sorts of knowledge and pioneer technological innovations.

"The spinoffs are perhaps one of the biggest impacts that our research in this area has had," Munday says. "Through the Google collaboration, we have collectively published more than 20 papers in high impact journals such as Nature, Nature Materials, Nature Catalysis, various American Chemical Society journals, etc. and have been granted two patents to-date. In addition to papers directly about lower energy fusion processes, we've had papers about the interesting materials physics and optical properties of metal-hydrides as well as their uses in sensors and for catalysts."

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The HERMES Project

In Europe, a multinational team of scientists recently embarked upon yet another cold fusion investigation, the HERMES project, which will employ more advanced scientific techniques and tools developed in recent years.

"The purpose is to try to look for an experiment that would reproducibly produce some anomalous effects," says Pekka Peljo, in an email. He's the project's coordinator, and an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at the University of Turku in Finland. "We are revisiting some of the previous experiments. Also, we are going to study electrochemistry of palladium-hydrogen and palladium-deuterium systems in detail, utilizing well-controlled model systems such as palladium single crystals. So shortly, HERMES is a combination of fundamental studies on palladium-hydrogen system, repetition of some promising earlier experiments, and development of new approaches. For example, we are going to look at reactions at higher temperatures utilizing proton conductive solid oxides."

Even so, the researchers aren't necessarily expecting to find evidence of cold fusion.

"The majority of the scientific field think it was most likely experimental artifact, i.e., it is not real," Peljo explains. "Basically, when palladium metal is loaded with high amounts of deuterium, it seems that most of the time nothing unusual happens. But sometimes, for reasons not well understood, it seems that something strange can happen. Originally, Pons and Fleischmann observed excess heat, but there are reports of other anomalous effects, such as neutron radiation or helium production. But there are a lot of reproducibility issues. Most likely, these reactions are not actually fusion, but instead some other nuclear reactions taking place in the metal lattice."

The HERMES researchers won't try to recreate Pons' and Fleischmann's research, while Peljo says would be too time-consuming and difficult.

"Instead, we are focusing on nanosized materials, where the loading should be much faster, and stresses due to the volume change upon deuterium insertion should be much smaller," he explains. "One of our main focus is so-called co-electrodeposition experiments, where Pd-D is deposited electrochemically. This approach was developed by Dr. Stanislaw Szpak and Dr. Pamela Mosier-Boss in the U.S. Navy SPAWAR Systems Center in San Diego, California. The experiments are well-documented and their results have been published in multiple peer-reviewed scientific literature, so our first approach is to try to reproduce their results."

"This is a high-risk, high-reward project, i.e., there is a very high likelihood that we will not be able to observe anything anomalous," Peljo says. "On the other hand, if the project is successful, we will have a reproducible experiment to probe these reactions. According to modern physics, no such reactions should take place, so a new theory should be developed to explain these reactions. There is also the possibility of developing novel heat sources, as these reactions are claimed to be producing excess heat from electricity."

Information that the HERMES research gathers about the fundamental properties of palladium-hydrogen systems could also help with developing a better process for producing hydrogen for fuel cells to power automobiles, according to Peljo.

Now That's Interesting The term LENR  low-energy nuclear reaction  now is used by some scientists "to avoid the stigma associated with cold fusion," according to Munday.
" " LED lights come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Pierre Longnus/Getty Images

The light bulb that has lit up our homes since the 1800s was officially on its way out after former President George W. Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Although the act didn't ban the use, purchase, sale or manufacture of incandescent bulbs, it did require household light bulbs to have 25 percent greater efficiency (which means 25 percent less energy use) than the traditional bulbs that used between 40 and 100 watts of electricity. The inefficient incandescent, where 90 percent of its energy is given off as heat, had fallen out of favor with the financially and ecologically concerned.

When the new lighting standards began in 2012, prime replacements for the incandescent light bulb were the higher-efficiency compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) and the light emitting diodes (LEDs). The CFL, though, has its own problems, primarily the inclusion of toxic mercury in the design and a strange, sometimes unpleasant color that even gives some people headaches.

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Enter the LED lights. LEDs have been around for many years  they light up digital clocks, Christmas lights, flashlights, traffic signals, etc. But as far as household lighting goes, LEDs weren't taking off. Certain drawbacks had kept companies from manufacturing them in standard, replacement-size light bulb form. But in the last decade or so, these LED replacement bulbs, the kind you just screw into a lamp like you do an incandescent bulb, have become much more common  which is to say a large number of businesses and households are using them.

A 2017 survey showed that 70 percent of Americans had bought at least one LED light bulb and 38 percent had switched over from incandescent bulbs to LEDs. This percentage has likely increased since 2017.

In this article, we'll look into how LED light bulbs work, why they're a desirable lighting choice, and some of the pros and cons surrounding them. Let's begin with the basics: How does an LED produce light?
" " You won't get far if you follow the stairs to nowhere. Photo courtesy Winchester Mystery House , San Jose, CA

Mrs. Winchester served as her own architect, but it's possible that some ghosts had a hand in designing the house as well. Each night, Mrs. Winchester would retreat to her seance room and receive instruction from the spirits on the progress of her house. The next morning, she'd present her construction workers with hand-drawn sketches of what was to be done.

Sometimes it seemed she didn't care what she built, as long as she could hear the hammers of her crew. The crew might spend a month constructing a room, only to be ordered to destroy it the next month. Because Mrs. Winchester paid well, no one disputed her instructions. Mrs. Winchester had inherited $20 million and just less than half of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company stock [source: Taylor]. This left Mrs. Winchester with a daily income of about $1,000 to spend on her house [source: Taylor]. (Multiply those figures by about 20 to get an idea of how much money that would be in 2008 [source: U.S. Department of Labor].)

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But what of these doors and stairs to nowhere? Doors may open onto walls, or in the case of a second story door, to the outside, resulting in a big fall for anyone who might try to exit that way. A closet door in the second floor seance room opens onto a first-floor sink several feet below. The stairs to nowhere are pretty much what they sound like: Stairs go up until they reach the ceiling, and then they just stop.

The useless stairs might have a simple explanation; the stairs were likely a part of the original house that Mrs. Winchester bought, and when she started adding on to the home, she covered up the stairs. Whether it was accidentally or on purpose, Mrs. Winchester usually covered up her mistakes by just continuing to build around them. Because she had no master plan for the house, her architectural ideas didn't always work out. Since she had no deadline for completion, she'd either tear down the mistake or cover it up with something else.

Some people think that these touches were designed to confuse the evil spirits that were haunting Mrs. Winchester. Believing that ghosts would get lost on stairs that went nowhere or accidentally step out of a door that went outside, Mrs. Winchester might have deliberately installed these weird touches. If this sounds strange to you today, you're not alone. Even at the time that Mrs. Winchester was building the house, she was regarded with suspicion. Some thought her an eccentric with too much money on her hands, and her home took on the nickname "mystery house" not long after her death.

Because Mrs. Winchester left no diary or other communication, we honestly have no idea what might have been going on her mind. What we do have is her house, which is still open to tourists. Is it a monument to madness or money? Is it still haunted? On the next page, we'll poke around inside the Winchester Mystery House.

Stairway to Heaven? While the stairs to nowhere get a lot of attention, all the stairways in the Winchester house are unique. Most stairs in the house are only about 2 inches (5 centimeters) tall. The staircases zigzag back and forth, going around and around in circles. Were these staircases also built to confuse the spirits? Possibly, but the height of the stairs served a very specific purpose. Mrs. Winchester had very bad arthritis, and these small stairs allowed her to get around.
The Build Back Better Act is one of the Democrats attempts to implement the agenda of President Joe Biden. The $3.5 trillion bill includes free community college, universal pre-K, expanded Medicare, an extended child tax credit and paid family medical leave. The bill also addresses climate change. Included in the 2,465 page bill is an incentive that would provide increased tax incentives for electric cars built in union plants.

The most effective way to grow electric vehicle manufacturing in the U.S. is to grow the market, McMaster says in the letter. Essential to that growth are more product offerings, incentives to reduce the overall cost, and consumer education. We want the world class vehicles built and distributed by Americans in our state to be competitive and to succeed. By putting certain vehicles at a competitive cost disadvantage by reducing affordable product offerings, the legislation currently being considered by Congress works against our state, undercuts our residents, and hurts the overall U.S. economy.
COLUMBIA, S.C.  The South Carolina Supreme Court has given the OK to Gov. Henry McMasters decision to withdraw the state from the federal COVID-19 unemployment programs.

The court issued a unanimous decision affirming a circuit court order dismissing a case that requested an injunction to prevent the state from leaving the programs and to reenroll the state in the programs until they ended.

Our goal has always been to usher in a rapid economic recovery that will lift all South Carolinians and benefit generations to come, and weve done that, McMaster said in a statement. Rather than working to incentivize South Carolinians to accept one of the thousands of available jobs in our state, these federal benefits presented a clear danger to the health of our states businesses by keeping people home. Now, we will continue our tireless work to match qualified South Carolinians with available jobs around our state.
PAS senator blasted for linking teen suicides to K-dramas

PAS Senator Mohd Apandi Mohamad has been at the receiving end of brickbats after he suggested that South Korean dramas may contribute to teenage suicides in Malaysia.

He said that this was because many of these shows tend to depict suicide as an option for individuals who have failed in life.

He said this during a Dewan Negara sitting yesterday after PKR Senator Fadhlina Sidek had requested an immediate intervention on the current mental health crisis faced by the nation.

Many of the teenagers who commit suicide - whether you agree or not - are compelled by Korean films and dramas.

[] Agree or not, when theres a failure, there is suicide. Failure, then suicide.

Is it because they are influenced by these Korean dramas? Apandi (above) said.

Other factors

In response, Fadhlina said that while she agreed that Korean dramas contained those elements, there were many other factors that caused suicides among teenagers, including the role of the media.

She said ethics was important, and that the media was responsible for adhering to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on suicide reporting.

Apandis words sparked uproar on the internet, with many netizens requesting data and research to back his claims.

Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh also took to Twitter, labelling the PAS senator insensitive for his comments.

DAPs Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim also joined the chorus by asking which Korean films Apandi had been watching.

What movies had this PAS Senator (been) watching? he said.

Filem apa Senator PAS ini tengok? https://t.co/XmXcK8pbKA  Steven Sim  #Bangsa (@scheekeong) October 13, 2021

He pointed out to an announcement on Korean drama Squid Game becoming Netflixs biggest original debut, asking if it was one of the films the senator was referring to.

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Inikah filem Korea yang bila gagal bunuh diri, ikut kata Senator PAS tu?  Steven Sim  #Bangsa (@scheekeong) October 13, 2021

As of July this year, South Korea topped suicide rates among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member nations and in recent years, several Korean celebrities and media personalities have taken their lives with reasons including depression, cyber-bullying and the pressures of public life.

This has led to the South Korean government developing plans to increase the number of psychological consultations for Korean celebrities.

On Sept 20, it was revealed at the Dewan Rakyat that 1,426 suicides in Malaysia had been recorded in the two and a half years between Jan 1, 2019 and July 31, 2021  about 1.86 cases daily.

According to the government, the main motive for suicide was depression (27.99 percent), followed by financial problems (15.87 percent).

The majority (1,358) of those who committed suicide were in the 19 to 40 age group.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the governments move towards decriminalising suicide is the first step in efforts to improve mental healthcare in the country, adding that treatment for mental health issues is the way to move forward.

If you are feeling depressed or suicidal, or know someone who is, please call the following hotlines:

Talian Kasih

Hotline: 15999

The Befrienders

Hotline: 03-76272929

Agape Counselling Centre Malaysia

Hotline: 03-77855955 or 03-77810800

Life Line Association Malaysia

Hotline: 03-42657995

The Health Ministry and Mercy Malaysia have also set up a psycho-social support line for frontline workers and others who are emotionally affected by the Covid-19 outbreak.

The line can be reached at 011-63996482, 011-63994236 or 03-9359935, from 8am to 5pm.
14 Oct  It's only been a month since she left the Philippines with her two children following her breakup from Paolo Contis, and LJ Reyes admitted that she is not yet ready to forgive and forget.

As reported on Manila Bulletin, the actress, who spoke with "24 Oras" recently, stated that forgiveness is not an easy feat and that it is currently in the works.

"All of us when we get hurt, we get angry, but you work on it every day. To forgive people, to forgive yourself, or whoever. You pray about it," she said. "For me, it's not an easy thing to give. So, just really surrender to God, and I'm working on it."

It is noted that LJ has been busy helping out in the family restaurant in Brooklyn since she flew to the US, though there is no news as to whether she has any plans to return to acting.

As for her two children, the actress stated that Aki, her son from her previous relationship with Paulo Avelino, is now attending school, while her two year-old daughter Summer, her only child with Paolo, is with her all the time.

Aki is now attending school in New York

Spending some quality time with daughter Summer

(Photo Source: LJ Reyes Instagram)
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My sister was just told she has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Ive heard of that causing sudden death in athletes. She says she feels fine and doesnt need treatment now, so is she at low risk? What does her diagnosis mean for me and my family?

ANSWER: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a fairly common heart condition, affecting about 1 in 500 people. In patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the heart walls become too thick because of excess heart muscle tissue, or hypertrophy.

Heart wall thickening can occur in other conditions, as well, such as hypertension, where the heart thickens to pump against higher blood pressure.

In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients, heart thickening is not a response to high blood pressure. Rather, it is most commonly related to abnormalities in the genes related to heart muscle cells. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy usually is diagnosed using an ultrasound of the heart, called a transthoracic echocardiogram.

Many patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have no symptoms, and the condition often is discovered when a provider hears a murmur on cardiac examination and orders a transthoracic echocardiogram to investigate. Other patients may discover that they have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy when they present with symptoms like shortness of breath with activity, chest pain while exerting, lightheadedness or a feeling of abnormal heartbeat.

About two-thirds of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have obstruction, where blood flow through the heart becomes more turbulent related to the thickening of the heart walls and crowding of the inside of the heart. This type of turbulent blood flow is one cause of a heart murmur.

In asymptomatic patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, like your sister, new medications are not needed. However, patients experiencing symptoms related to obstruction may need to have their heart medicines adjusted.

The most commonly prescribed medicine to treat symptoms from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a class of drugs called beta blockers. Some patients can require heart procedures to treat severe symptoms that dont respond to medications. Infrequently, patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who have medically refractory or severe symptoms can require heart transplant.

Oftentimes, one of the main concerns of a patient or family member of a patient with newly diagnosed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Although hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is one of the main causes of sudden cardiac death in young patients, most patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have a normal life span. Your sister should work with a multidisciplinary hypertrophic cardiomyopathy center, such as Mayo Clinic, where providers with extensive experience evaluating and treating patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can provide appropriate and consistent monitoring to determine her risk for sudden cardiac death.

Sudden death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is caused by an abnormal heart rhythm, called ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. A persons risk of sudden cardiac death is unrelated to symptoms. That means that patients who feel well can have high sudden death risk, and very symptomatic patients can have low risk.

When people are diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, testing is performed to understand their risk of sudden death. This testing can include a heart rhythm monitor, a heart MRI and an exercise stress test. Its also important to understand family history when determining sudden death risk. In patients found to be at high risk for sudden death, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator can be implanted to lower that risk.

Because hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be inherited, screening of family members is needed, even if they have no symptoms. The reason to screen asymptomatic family members is because sudden death risk does not correlate with symptoms.

Current guidelines recommend screening first-degree family members of patients who are diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. For your family, this would mean that if your sister has children, they should be screened prior to the onset of puberty. This screening can help them understand their risks and guide what level of activity participation is advised. In addition to being screened yourself, your parents and any other siblings should be screened.

Screening can occur in two ways: via genetic testing or echocardiography. Genetic testing is a blood test that would first be performed in your sister. If the genetic cause of her hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is identified, this can be used to screen you and other family members.

Use a genetic counselor to help with the process of genetic screening. If genetic testing is not pursued or if a genetic cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is not identified in your sister, periodic screening with an echocardiogram for you and the family members discussed would be recommended.

An echocardiogram can be arranged by a primary care provider or a cardiologist. In adults, this should occur every three to five years. In children or adolescents, this should occur every one to three years.

While its great to hear that your sister doesnt have symptoms, she should be aware of any changes and talk with her health care provider. Most patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have a normal life span, but it is important that your sister maintain care with a cardiologist who is comfortable navigating hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

 Jeffrey Geske, M.D., Cardiovascular Disease, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

(Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesnt replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit www.mayoclinic.org.)

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ORANGE CITY, Iowa -- A Spirit Lake, Iowa, man has been found guilty a second time of fatally shooting another man during an argument at a rural Sioux County home.

A Sioux County District Court jury returned its verdict at 9 p.m. Tuesday, finding Gregg Winterfeld, 71, guilty of second-degree murder for the May 9, 2020, death of Grant Wilson, 58, of Cleghorn, Iowa.

He faces a 50-year prison sentence. A sentencing date has yet to be set.

Originally charged with first-degree murder, Winterfeld was found guilty in April of second-degree murder at the conclusion of his first trial, in which jurors found him guilty of the lesser charge and allowing him to avoid a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.

In June, District Judge Jeffrey Neary granted Winterfeld a new trial because of an error made while choosing the jury for his first trial.

Winterfeld shot Wilson at a rural Ireton, Iowa, house while the two were arguing. Winterfeld pulled out a Ruger .22-caliber revolver and shot Wilson in the forehead. Sheriff's deputies who arrived at the scene found Wilson dead inside the house. A woman inside the house at the time of the shooting was not harmed. The three had been drinking beer and whisky throughout the day prior to the shooting.

Winterfeld's attorney said Winterfeld acted in self-defense.

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SIOUX CITY -- Merck's new antiviral pill shown to reduce people's COVID symptoms and increase their recovery is a "profound treatment" in the fight against the global virus, former FDA commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb said in Sioux City.

Gottlieb, a frequent national voice in the COVID-19 pandemic discourse, spoke Tuesday at Morningside University's annual Waitt Lecture Series.

"This is probably the most profound treatment in fact that I've seen from an orally available drug in the treatment of any respiratory pathogen," Gottlieb said of the drug maker's pill, is awaiting FDA approval for home use to treat people with mild or moderate COVID symptoms. "So, for an oral drug to have this magnitude of effect on any respiratory disease, let alone COVID, is pretty meaningful."

Gottlieb said the pill could be used in conjunction with antibody drugs and used for people who have been vaccinated and have breakthrough infections.

His comments came at a news conference at Morningside before his lecture Tuesday night.

The lecture at Eppley Auditorium was Gottlieb's first opportunity he discuss why he wrote his new book, "Uncontrolled Spread: Why COVID-19 Crushed Us and How We Can Defeat the Next Pandemic," and what ideas are out there to prepare for the future.

The main message Gottlieb wanted the Waitt Lecture Series audience to leave with is that there are many things the U.S. can do differently to prepare for the future and they are achievable.

The problems weve identified in studying COVID about where our weaknesses are from a public health standpoint and our infrastructure are all things that could be rectified with good planning and good policy making, he said.

Gottlieb said he wrote the book to look beyond the political narrative in what when wrong and look more at the structural features of government where there are weaknesses. He said he thought at this point Congress would be discussing how to better prepare.

In his speech, he outlined what it looks like to better prepare for the future and looking at public health from the lens of national security.

In his book, Gottlieb detailed how the Center for Disease Control and Prevention was not the best organization to lead the fight against the COVID pandemic. The CDC is more of a retrospective organization, he said, and the nation needed an agency with the ability to design and deploy diagnostic tests, the ability to deploy vaccination sites and the ability to gather information and provide real-time analytics.

Thats not the CDCs culture, its not their ethos, its not their capability, he said.

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SIOUX CITY --- Mike Franken is entering Iowas U.S. Senate race, the Sioux City veteran and Democrat announced Thursday morning on social media.

Franken, a retired three-star admiral in the U.S. Navy, becomes the fifth candidate in the Democratic primary. The Democratic nominee will likely face longtime incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley in next falls general election.

An important part of leadership is doing whats right. In 2002, I cast the sole no vote during deliberations on the invasion of Iraq. Now, Im declaring my candidacy to unseat (Grassley) to represent Iowa in the U.S. Senate, Franken posted on Twitter.

Franken was referring to his vote as a Navy captain while discussing the potential invasion of Iraq with other military leaders in the Bush administration.

Franken also ran in the Democratic primary in Iowas 2020 U.S. Senate race. He received 25% of the primary vote and finished second to Theresa Greenfield, who was defeated by Republican incumbent U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst in the 2020 general election.

Ill be a Senator for all of Iowa, the rural and urban parts and small towns, because theres more that unites us than divides us, Franken said in a campaign news release. We all want health care we can afford, good jobs that allow young people to stay close to home, and leadership from Washington instead of constant partisan bickering.

The other Democratic candidates are former Congresswoman and state lawmaker Abby Finkenauer of Cedar Rapids, farmer and former county supervisor Dave Muhlbauer of Manning, physician Glenn Hurst of Minden and and veterans advocate Bob Krause of Burlington.

Grassley faces a challenge in the Republican primary from Sioux City attorney and state lawmaker Jim Carlin.

The 2022 primary election in Iowa is June 7 and the midterm general election is next November 8.

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Theres been no shortage of terrible stories about COVID-19 losses, but they dont get much more tragic than this.

A Stafford County, Virginia, couple in their 40s contracted the virus and died within about two weeks of each other, leaving behind five children and one grandson.

Kevin and Misty Mitchem were friends from their days at Woodbridge High School, then they married 17 years ago and had four children: Riley, 17; Leah, 14, and twins Taylor and Aiden, 11. Kevin also had one daughter, Angel, from a previous relationship; shes 22 and has a son, Lincoln, who will turn 2 in November.

In the wake of their parents deaths, the four younger children have gone to South Carolina to live with an aunt and uncle, said Mike Mitchem, Kevins brother in Spotsylvania County.

Both our families have been turned upside down, he said on Wednesday. The kids are the main thing, his oldest daughter just had a son and Im sure she wanted him to get close with his grandfather and thats not gonna happen now.

Mike Mitchem said that as best he can remember  because recent weeks have been a blur  his brother developed a cough last month and visited an urgent care in Stafford, where he was sent home with cold medicine. When he didnt feel better in a few days, he returned and tested positive for COVID. He was told to go home and rest.

A few days later, Misty Mitchem, who has diabetes, started feeling unwell, too, and she went downhill fast. She was quickly sent from the urgent care to Stafford Hospital, then rushed to Mary Washington Hospital, which has treated the bulk of COVID-19 patients in the Fredericksburg region.

It was a Wednesday when family members were told Misty Mitchem wasnt able to breathe on her own and had been put on a ventilator  and her kidneys were functioning at only 50 percent. By the next day, Kevin Mitchem was admitted to Mary Washington and family members were told that Misty Mitchem might not make it another 24 hours.

Within five hours, she was gone, Mike Mitchem said, adding that it was only a few days between her first symptom and her death. It really came out of nowhere.

Misty Nicole Newton Mitchem died Sept. 23. She was 46. Shed been trained as a medical transcriptionist, and her obituary described her as a devoted mother and one of the most caring and loving most people ever met.

Her husband didnt have any health-related issues before he got COVID, his brother said.

He never smoked, never drank, didnt do drugs, didnt have diabetes, wasnt overweight, was a heavy equipment operator, did a lot of highway work, Mike Mitchem said. He worked every day. He was always working, always outside, always doing something. Very active.

My brother was healthy. He was still pretty much young and he had everything to live for, Mike Mitchem added. He had five kids and a grandson and now all of them have lost him. Its hard on my parents. Theyre 73, and my mom said your kids are not supposed to die before you.

Kevin Mitchems decline was more gradual than his wifes. He seemed to be improving at one point, and the family got their hopes up, only to discover the respiratory disease had done irreparable damage to his lungs.

Kevin Lee Mitchem died on Oct. 8. He was 48.

In the midst of the grief, Mike Mitchem said hes dealing with another emotion.

Part of our pain is anger, he said. Anger because people are still not getting the vaccine. If you think about it, you need to have certain vaccines before you can even go to school. Whats the big deal about this one?

Mike Mitchem said his brother and sister-in-law had not been vaccinated, even though family members who had been inoculated encouraged them to do the same.

Theyd just been leery. They were going off what theyve been hearing and reading on the internet, he said.

Like many others whove been featured on news reports from their hospital beds, Kevin Mitchem felt remorse at the end, his brother said. He called his mother, told her he loved her and said he was sorry he hadnt gotten vaccinated, said Mike Mitchem, who was with her at the time.

She told her son that was in the past, just get better and then get the vaccine. But that day never came.

Rachael Rhodes is the daughter-in-law of Mike Mitchem, and she encouraged him and his family to get vaccinated, the same way she tries to educate her patients about the importance of vaccines. Shes a doctoral-prepared nurse practitioner who specializes in family medicine and lives in Spotsylvania.

Its incredibly frustrating to be a medical provider right now with all the misinformation being spread online, she wrote in an email. Its become very discouraging to hear reasons why vaccines are being declined by patients/people. Its gotten to the point where its not even worth the discussion anymore because its completely unrelated to anything medical or scientific.

Still, shes saddened by all the preventable deaths and the impact they have on others, including the Mitchems.

My heart breaks for their children, who are going through this terrible situation. The loss of one parent is difficult enough, but to lose both parents within a short time span is devastating, she said.

Mike Mitchem has started a GoFundMe page to raise money for the children. He set up the account for people who might have sent flowers so they can spend their money in a more practical way, he wrote on the site. Its at GoFundMe.com. Search for Helping the 5 orphaned children left behind.

Mike Mitchem plans to split whatever is raised equally between the five children. Their aunt in South Carolina has said shell start a college fund for them. So far, almost $7,000 has been raised.

Its not a lot. Its not going to get them all through school, but its a start, Mike Mitchem said.
POWELL, Wyoming  Its been a busy year for Tag Thompson. He bought his first tractor, using money he earned from selling his steers. He farmed his first field, signing a contract with Briess Malt & Ingredients for his 10 acres of barley. He also paid off a loan that had helped finance the purchase of his first two cows while continuing to raise cattle through his own company.

And he turned 12 years old.

For the ambitious young farmer, agriculture is a way of life. I was born into a farm family, Thompson said. Theyve told me I dont have to choose agriculture, but Ive always been interested in farming. I finally got to be a part of the farm more and more every year, and I kind of just merged into it.

When he was 5 years old, Thompson started showing goats and chickens at the Park County Fair. He wanted to continue with chickens, but the fairs poultry show happens at the same time steers are shown.

I cant sell a chicken [at the Junior Livestock Sale], so Id have to do what I could sell, so I chose steers, Thompson said.

Steers require a lot of time and investment as a 4-H project, and for Thompson, its become a daily commitment throughout the year. Rather than just taking on one or two steers, he had greater ambitions and founded Tag Thompson Cattle Co. in 2020. His brand  T slash inverted T  represents his initials, TNT.

He wanted his own brand, because he paid for his own calves, explained Maria Berchtold, Thompsons mom.

Thompsons herd currently includes one bull, two calves, two cows and one heifer. He soon will be adding to his herd, as he recently was named a NILE Merit heifer recipient for 2022. Through the NILE Merit Heifer Program, breeders donate a heifer to each youth and then mentor them.

I think the mentorship is just as cool as winning the heifer, Berchtold said.

Christensen Red Angus of Park City, Montana, is donating a heifer to Thompson and serving as his mentor. After an entire year of lessons, conference calls and monthly reports, Thompson will show at the 2022 NILE and then take full ownership of the animal.

Thompson is one of 19 youth selected for the 2022 Nile Merit Heifer Program, and one of only two recipients from Wyoming.

Youth between the ages of 12 and 16 are selected based on their merit, future goals, commitment to agriculture and ability to care for the animal.

Thompsons commitment to agriculture is unwavering.

This is my lifestyle, he said.

In his application for the NILE Merit program, Thompson said that cows are my world.

But I would like to add on to that  agriculture and cattle are my world, he said.

Thompson would like to make stickers of the slogan. Through Tag Thompson Cattle Co., he already sells stickers and hats bearing his brand, and he hopes to sell other merchandise.

The young farmer is setting high goals for his business, hoping to one day become nationally known. Thompson would like to raise registered seedstock and sell his bulls and heifers at the Black Hills Stock Show in Rapid City, South Dakota, where he can talk with more people about his company.

He wants to see Tag Thompson Cattle Co. continue to expand, without going into too much debt so that he can make a good financial future for myself in the cattle industry.

In addition, Thompson wants to keep the family farms legacy going. The 12-year-old is in it for the long haul.

I want to grow old with this company, Thompson said.

Earlier this year, Thompsons grandparents, Steve and Julie Thompson, leased him 10 acres to farm south of Powell. Thompson contracted with Briess Malt & Ingredients Co. and planted barley. He worked with Farm Credit Services of America to insure his crop.

Something cool about that is, they said Im the youngest person to buy crop insurance in Wyoming, Thompson said. I would say thats an achievement for me.

Throughout the summer, he did all of the field work, and finished watering the field for a final time right before the Park County Fair.

After harvesting the barley on Aug. 10, Thompson stood in the field as the sun was setting, and he said he felt a little sad.

I grew this all summer, and its just emotional for the first time, he said in a video posted on Facebook.

Thompson hired his grandpa to bale the straw and then found buyers. He carefully tracks his revenue and expenses, and he saves for big purchases. Berchtold helps Thompson manage his finances, and she said her sons entrepreneurial spirit was evident at a young age.

He was selling buckets of water at a barrel race when he was about 4 or 5 years old, Berchtold said with a laugh.

One of his largest investments yet came in the spring: his own tractor.

Thompson had hoped to buy a tractor before his 12th birthday in May, but it was hard to find an older model he could afford.

I started to give up, and then I saw this one in town, Thompson said. Grandpa said it was a good buy, and I thought it was a good buy.

The International 986 was in Thompsons price range, and he bought the tractor in March.

Her name is Reba, because shes red, he said.

Thompson has a knack for coming up with creative names for the cattle and equipment on the farm. Theres Beastbine the combine, inspired by a YouTube video. Thompson has christened calves Friendo Nintendo and Fatticus. A steer he showed at the 2019 fair was named BenJammin Franklin Rodriguez the 3rd Cubit.

This year, he kept things simple with his market steers: Frank and Chuck.

Thompson is finishing his fourth year with the Lonestar League 4-H Club, and he stays busy with a variety of activities. Earlier this year, he learned to weld, and completed his first welding project for the Park County Fair. At the 2021 event, he also had projects in agronomy, veterinary science, public speaking and fashion, modeling in the 4-H Fashion Revue.

Thompson took a Limousin heifer and two market steers  Frank and Chuck  to this years fair, and sold Frank at the Junior Livestock Sale. Dick and Cody Eastman, who own Lesco Enterprises, purchased Thompsons steer.

In his 4-H record book, Thompson included pictures of the first show he attended with Frank, and then saying goodbye after the final show. After spending hours a day caring for his steers and becoming attached to the livestock, Thompson gets emotional when talking about the goodbyes. Its the hardest part of the job, but one that he accepts.

I raise them to show and get attached to, but also to feed a family, he said. Thats what Frank went to, and thats what Chuck went to  they fed a family.

Leading up to the fair, Thompson worked hard to invite buyers to the Junior Livestock Sale, delivering invitations to local businesses.

With the slogan, The Tradition Lives On, the invites included a picture of his GreatGreat Grandma Blackburn at the Park County Fair in the early 1960s, as well as photos of his Grandpa Steve, Grandma Julie and his mom.

Thompson appreciates the lessons he has learned from his parents and grandparents, as well as other family members and friends. He spends a lot of time farming with his grandpa.

I want to farm with him as long as I can and learn from him, Thompson said.

As Thompson gets older, his responsibilities also grow.

This year I stepped up even on Grandpas land more than I ever have, he said. I cant do as much as Mom or Grandpa. I can do everything I can, but I cant do as much.

Berchtold said they dont want Thompson to work all the time  they also want him to have fun and be a kid.

While he gets together with friends and plays video games like most kids his age, oftentimes, Thompson can be found on the farm.

Its just my job  thats all I have to say, he said. Its just what I do.

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Rep. Jeff Fortenberry on Thursday hailed the efforts of a human rights organization led by a University of Nebraska medical student in already providing for the evacuation of 6,700 people, including 1,200 Americans, from Afghanistan in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal of military forces.

The Human First Coalition effort has "saved thousands," the Lincoln congressman said during an interview with BBC World Service.

Safi Rauf, who also was interviewed by the BBC, said thousands of endangered Afghans who are members of religious minorities or who helped the U.S. military still remain behind with "their lives in great danger."

The Human First operation is designed to "evacuate people at risk," he said.

Rauf was born in an Afghan refugee camp in Pakistan and immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager. He graduated from high school in Omaha and served as a linguist and cultural adviser in Afghanistan for four years before attending college on the East Coast and enrolling in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He recently deferred his enrollment to the University of Nebraska Medical Center to form Human First.

Included among the evacuees rescued by Human First was an Afghan interpreter who once served as President Joe Biden's translator when he was a senator.

"I am in continual dialogue with neighboring countries to aid in this monumental rescue effort," Fortenberry said.

"I am particularly grateful to Pakistan for their help, and to Albania for hosting a number of refugees.

"It would be helpful if the State Department could now come through and join with courageous organizations on the ground to get remaining Americans and others facing imminent persecution out," the 1st District Republican congressman said.

Fortenberry told the BBC that "the chaotic, incoherent withdrawal (of U.S. military forces) was a gut-punch to America."

But now, Fortenberry said, the goal is to try to save lives, not just voice criticism.

Reach the writer at 402-473-7248 or dwalton@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LJSdon

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PLATTSMOUTH  Cynthia Vest Kinkead has rested alone beneath a white headstone in her familys large burial plot near the east entrance to Plattsmouths Oak Hill Cemetery ever since her death, in 1910.

Shes about to get some company in that lonely patch of grass.

Later this month, her husband, Civil War veteran Benton Kinkead, will be laid to rest beside her  just a few weeks after the unlikely discovery of his cremated remains in a Seattle funeral home 105 years after his death.

Its believed he will be the first Civil War soldier buried in Nebraska in almost 75 years.

Kinkead, an Army private, fought for the Union forces to save the divided country more than 150 years ago, and was wounded in battle. On Oct. 30, hell finally be buried with full military honors  the folded flag, the bugled taps, the rifle salute  honored by veterans whose grandparents werent yet born when he performed his patriotic duty.

Hes a veteran. Hes going to get a proper burial, said Kermit Reisdorph, an Air Force veteran and former Plattsmouth American Legion commander, who is helping plan the event.

Bill Kinkead, 65, of Duvall, Washington, was stunned to get a call from Nebraska earlier this month about the discovery of the remains of a great-grandfather he barely knew existed. He is probably Benton Kinkeads closest living relative.

Well, thats interesting! Bill Kinkead said of the discovery. I think he deserves to be put to rest. Its kind of interesting that he hadnt been.

Nebraska was still a territory when rebels fired on Fort Sumter, South Carolina, to kick off the war in April 1861. More than 3,500 of its inhabitants served in the Union Army, and 239 of them died.

At least 100,000 veterans settled in Nebraska after the war, lured by the prospect of free land in the Midwest thanks to the Homestead Act. An estimated 20,000 of them are buried here.

Ashes from the Civil War, bones brought back from Vietnam  they all deserve it, said John Surman, department commander for the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War in Nebraska and the Dakotas. It is their blood that guaranteed the freedoms we have.

Plattsmouth historian Harlan Salyer has pieced together the journey that brought Benton Kinkead from his native Ohio to Nebraska, and back again more than a century after his death.

Kinkead was born Feb. 1, 1845, and grew up on his parents farm in rural southeast Ohio. He enlisted in Company D of the 77th Ohio Infantry Regiment in October 1861, along with his brother, Julius.

Benton almost certainly lied about his age, since he was only 16.

No details of their individual service have survived. But Kinkeads unit took part in the battle of Shiloh, in Tennessee, April 6-7, 1862. It was the bloodiest battle in American history at that point.

The 77th Ohio spent a year guarding military prisoners in Illinois, then returned to action in late 1863 and early 1864. The regiment was nearly obliterated in the battles of Marks Mills and Jenkins Ferry, Arkansas, in late April 1864, when most of its soldiers were killed, wounded or captured. It saw no further combat during the war.

According to a family history, Kinkead was taken prisoner at Marks Mills and released two months later. A Confederate bullet shattered his left ankle, a wound that would trouble him for years. He and Julius left the Army in December 1864 when their enlistments expired.

After the war, Kinkead became a house painter in McArthur, Ohio, not far from his parents farm. He married Cynthia there in November 1871.

Five years later, the Kinkeads moved to Plattsmouth with their two children, Ralph and Laura Belle. (A third, daughter Etta, was born in 1880.) As in Ohio, he worked as a house painter  for a time in partnership with his younger brother, Selwin. Cynthia was a member of the First Christian Church, and Benton joined the local Grand Army of the Republic post  the post-Civil War forerunner to todays American Legion and VFW.

At some point, Kinkeads mother, Sarah, also moved to Plattsmouth. She died in 1901 of severe burns after her dress accidentally caught fire.

In the early 1900s, Ralph, a tailor, moved to Seattle, while Laura Belle worked as a schoolteacher in Lincoln and Etta was studying art in Chicago. The family got together at Christmas 1909 and decided it would all follow Ralph in moving to Washington state.

But Cynthia Kinkead didnt make it. On a cold Thursday morning in February 1910, Benton overslept. When he got up, he found Cynthia dead, apparently from a heart attack. She was 60.

By 1913, Benton was living at Ettas home in Seattles Wallingford district. Ralph and his wife, Lillian, lived nearby. So did Laura Belle, who taught at a school in the neighborhood.

Three years later, Benton Kinkead fell ill with pneumonia and died on Nov. 8, 1916, at age 71. He was cremated  a practice far less common at that time than it is today.

But for reasons that are lost to history, his ashes were never claimed by his three children or another relative.

We dont know, said Mike Pauly, an Air Force veteran from Plattsmouth who is working with Reisdorph on Kinkeads funeral tribute. Thats where everything kind of drifts into the clouds.

Bill Kinkead is as baffled as the Plattsmouth veterans. Ralph (who was his grandfather), Laura and Etta all died before he was born, so he never heard many stories of his family history. Donald Kinkead, Bills father, died in 2009 at age 89 without revealing many family secrets.

His father was not someone who would talk about this, said Trudy Kinkead, Bills wife of 35 years. All the other ancestors died young.

The mystery would almost certainly have remained buried had a Washington volunteer with the Missing in America Project not discovered Kinkeads cremated remains this summer at the Butterworth Funeral Home in Seattle.

Across the country, Missing in America Project volunteers visit funeral homes in search of the unclaimed remains of military veterans. Then they arrange for burials, with proper military honors.

The volunteer discovered that Kinkeads wife and brother were both buried in Plattsmouth. He worked with the funeral home and arranged the shipment to Jesse Clark, the maintenance supervisor at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Jesse Clark says, Look, youre not going to believe this, but weve got the ashes of a Union veteran, Pauly recalled.

Officials at Butterworth would not answer questions about the discovery, but it is plausible Kinkeads remains have been there ever since his death. The funeral home is within a mile of his last residence, and it has operated on the site since 1905, according to the funeral homes website.

Pauly and Reisdorph got to work planning a full-scale military service for noon Oct. 30. Surman said it will be authentic, following a template used for the burial of Union veterans more than 100 years ago.

Besides the folded flag and rifle salute, the 1st Nebraska Volunteer Brass Band will play period music on period instruments, while dressed in Civil War-era uniforms. Members of the Plattsmouth High School choir will sing The Battle Hymn of the Republic.

Members of the public will be invited to attend.

The ceremony will wrap up with the commander intoning a traditional closing for the burial of Union soldiers, one not heard in Nebraska for decades.

Taps have sounded. Lights are out. The soldier sleeps. The Camp is dismissed.

And Benton and Cynthia Kinkead will rest in peace, together.

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DES MOINES -- Gov. Kim Reynolds said Wednesday shes having great conversations with state legislative leaders about the potential for considering a bill during the upcoming special session that would prohibit workplace requirements for workers to get COVID-19 vaccinations.

Stay tuned, the Republican governor told a WHO-AM talk radio host in discussing Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts decision to issue an executive order earlier this week prohibiting any entity, including businesses, from imposing COVID-19 vaccination requirements on employees or customers and why a similar challenge to a Biden administration directive isnt being mounted in Iowa. Abbott, also a Republican, indicated his order was prompted by President Joe Bidens moves toward vaccination mandates, which Abbott said was federal overreach.

Reynolds told iHeart radio host Simon Conway she looked at the issue with her legal counsel and concluded under the Iowa Constitutions separation of powers clause she has authority to execute laws, but not to create them  thats the purview of the Legislature. She said she did not think it would survive a legal challenge if she took that action herself.

I believe and my legal counsel believes I do not have the legal authority to do that, she said. I dont support mandates, I support freedom of choice. Well continue working with the Legislature, but I cant fix one unconstitutional mandate with another unconstitutional mandate.

Reynolds noted that lawmakers took up a measure during their regular 2021 session dealing with the issue of vaccine mandates in the workplace, but the issue stalled without making it to her desk.

Members of the Senate Human Resources Committee voted 7-6 to approve a measure that would bar businesses from mandating their employees be vaccinated. Employers also couldn't use a vaccination history, refusal to receive a vaccination or refusal to provide proof of vaccination in establishing workplace compensation, terms, conditions or privileges.

Senate File 193 also would have prohibited state officials from including vaccination information on an Iowan's driver's license or identification card. The bill was not debated in either chamber, but Reynolds indicated it has become a topic of conversation as legislators prepare for an Oct. 28 special session to consider a second proposal to redraw Iowas legislative and congressional boundaries based on 2020 population data.

Were continuing to work on it, were continuing to have good conversations with the Legislature, Reynolds told the radio audience. The Biden administration is a moving target. Its an overreach. Its ridiculous. He has no consistency in what hes doing ....

As these things play out in this country, it is taking a critical labor shortage and a supply chain issue that are potentially devastating our economy and it is just exacerbating that. Its just ridiculous what this administration continues to do, she added.

Reynolds also indicated she is ready to take legal action once the Biden administration and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration release the vaccination mandate rules for businesses. But it muddies the water if in the meantime she has issued an unconstitutional executive order, she said.

Attempts to get reach Iowa Republican leaders in the House and Senate for comment after Reynolds appearance went unanswered.

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This article contains spoilers for The Last Duel.

The Last Duel, which is out this weekend and stars Matt Damon, Adam Driver, and Jodie Comer, offers a gorgeous, vibrant, and devastatingly dark rendering of an actual trial by combat in Paris in 1386. While this wasnt actually the last duel in history, or even technically a duel at all (rather, a judicial combat), it is a true late-medieval story thats preserved from multiple perspectives in both legal documents and narrative accounts. The movie brings to life the ways that patriarchy, as it existed in medieval Christian Europe, was bad for men, and worse for women. In this case, two men are driven to resolve years of feuding with a brutal fight to the death, in front of a massive crowd of spectators.

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But in fact, medieval European patriarchy and its laws werent as simple as the movie suggests. Medieval women were neither quite as objectified or oppressed as the movie portrays them nor were they modernized women seeking a Me Too moment. The film effectively depicts the violence embedded in medieval ideas of elite masculinity while taking historical liberties when it comes to the real nature and function of trials by combat, or how rape accusations worked in medieval Europe, including the consequences women who came forward faced. The Last Duel also makes many changes in the representation of medieval ideas about sex and pregnancy, and in the circumstances of this one woman in particular, Marguerite de Thibouville (played by Comer).

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Heres what we know about the actual historical events from the medieval sources (chronicles, some of the actual litigation and other court records and legal documents, and a sort of legal memo from one of the lawyers involved, writing after the fact). In 1386, in Normandy, a knight and nobleman named Jean de Carrouges (played by Damon) accused the squire Jacques Le Gris (Driver), his frenemy, of having raped Carrouges wife while she had been left alone at Carrouges mothers home. At the time, Carrouges had been in Paris seeking to collect money he appears to have been in rather great need of, especially after a recent failed military expedition. Le Gris denied the accusation, claiming that he had only ever seen Marguerite de Carrouges once in his life, and that he had several noble witnesses who could provide an alibi. He further claimed that Carrouges hated him because he had obtained lands and titles that once belonged to Carrouges father and father-in-law that Carrouges considered his by right; Le Gris charged that Carrouges had also tried to get his first wife to agree to make a false rape accusation. Carrouges demanded of King Charles VI that he be permitted to prove his claim was just, via trial by combat. They fought, Carrouges won, and he spent the 10 or so remaining years of his life as something of a celebrity among the companions of the king (who was by then subject to frequent and debilitating symptoms of mental illness). Carrouges was also a leader of several military expeditions abroad and very well rewarded for his services.

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[Read: Matt Damon. Ben Affleck. A Medieval #MeToo Story. What Could Go Wrong? ]

Medieval Men

The Last Duel really shines in its representations of the way medieval ideas about masculinity encouraged and enabled men to do terrible things to one another and to those in their power. The drives to improve or maintain social status, to be regarded as courageous and honorable, to have a wife of spotless reputation, to be the father of as many children as possible, to never permit disrespectall of these could indeed come together at the elite levels of society to create the potential for violence. In the film, the moral but intolerant Jean de Carrouges, who disdains anyone less courageous and steadfastly loyal than he is (never mind his frequent acts of defiance to his own lord), seeks to confine and dominate his wife, bully his onetime friend, and fight his way to fame, fortune, and higher status. Meanwhile, the libertine, literate Jacques Le Gris, seducing women and extorting money, makes use of his training in Ovid and the art of making love to dominate women, and to impress his lord. These are both types of masculinity that appear often in history and in the literature of the time.

Marguerite de Thibouville

We know that the historical Marguerite de Thibouville was the heiress of a venerable noble family of Normandy, was probably young when she became Carrouges second wife, and was, after the fact, enriched by her husbands fame and fortune in his role as celebrated hero of the last duel. She had at least three children with Carrouges, before he died on one of his many military excursions in 1396; she herself most likely died between 1417 and 1419. Thats fairly thin material, on which the movie constructs a fully fleshed out character, necessarily fictionalized due to the lack of sources.

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The movie turns the character Marguerite into a modern heroine, trapped in a medieval world, and trapped as well between two awful men. She is forced to contend with a society that required obedience and fecundity, and one that blamed the victim if she made a rape accusation. Viewers are supposed to believe Marguerite and side with her. But theres no evidence from medieval sources that making the accusation was in fact Marguerites idea. We have not even one line of testimony from her. If you were writing this story based only on the documents we have, itd be not a he said/she said, but a he said/he said, with her voice silenced.

So when Marguerite speaks in the film, shes either saying something that modern screenwriters invented in their efforts to tell her story or, more troublingly, saying lines that we recognized as coming from the case her historical husband made in his demand for trial by combat. The film, in fact, perpetuates its own kind of silencing, by assuming that she was in agreement with what her husband had said she said. Reading the historical record, we just dont know that this is true. Its all too possible that Carrouges forced his wife to take whatever role she took in this trial that resulted in a vicious and dramatic fight to the death.

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[Read: Ye Olde Goblet of Stanley]

Medieval Justice

Trials by combat had a role in medieval French justice but were rare, frequently condemned, and regularly declared illegal. Even when men, and some women, obtained judicial permission to engage in trial by combat, they or their designated champions only rarely actually followed through, finding ways instead to reconcile or to put an end to the proceedings on some judicial pretext. And when they did fight, they even more rarely chose, or were permitted, to fight all the way to the death. In fact, this gap between the letter of the law and what actually happened is a major feature of medieval justice on a broad scale, and knowledge of that gap is vital to our present-day attempt to distinguish between what their laws said and how those laws actually functioned in society. The law often threatened the harshest of punishments, which sound bizarre to modern sensibilities, but only rarely were these carried out.

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In the film, not only are the men fighting to the death, but Marguerites life is at risk too, because if her husband loses, then the rape accusation will be adjudicated false. And a false rape accusation merits (according to the film) death by burning at the stake. This is actually really unlikely to have happened in medieval France. The closest evidence we have to eyewitness accounts of the duel (from a royal chronicler who was likely there and from Le Gris lawyer, who later voiced his doubts about the trial) either does not even mention Marguerite de Thibouvilles presence or claims instead that she was brought to the combat in a cart (perhaps pregnant or recovering from pregnancy) and immediately sent away by the king. And she was not the accuser. It was her husband who had accused Le Gris of rape and who had demanded trial by combat.

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There is a medieval source, the chronicler Jean Froissart, who mentions the threat of burning for Marguerite de Thibouville, but he was in Flanders at the time of the combat and did not see it firsthand. Froissart clearly enjoyed dramatization in his storytelling across his many works, and he got many of the other facts about this episode wrong, such as the correct location in Paris where the combat took place. He likely drew from old crusader laws that declared a woman who had sought trial by combat and whose champion lost would be executed at the stake, but there is no evidence that anyone ever implemented this rule. It seems to have been intended primarily as a deterrent, to attempt to limit false or frivolous accusations.

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This is not to say that rape was considered trivial. Men convicted of rape could, in fact, be executed or exiled. A woman who made a rape accusation and then admitted she had lied, was, if anything, subject under French custom to whipping or beating. That kind of punishment was, in fact, carried out in a few cases that we know about from surviving court records.

Pregnancy, Sex, and Pleasure

The film invents an infertility problem for Marguerite as a major plot point, presumably in a well-meant effort to explore what sex and pregnancy might have been like for her and to engage with medieval ideas about reproduction. But the way The Last Duel handles these matters is odd. Medieval medical theory did state that women had to feel pleasure to conceive, a theory that could have dangerous application when pregnancy followed an alleged rape. But the movie jumps from this idea about conception into a completely anachronistic depiction of a series of encounters, including an invented interrogation of a kind that would never have occurred at this time but that is very familiar to present-day American viewers of court procedurals, in which Marguerite is asked again and again if she enjoyed sex with her husband.

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Here, the writers are applying modern concerns about female frigidity, as if medieval people were worried about whether women enjoyed sex generally. Thats just wrong. The concern embedded in medieval patriarchal culture was, in fact, just the opposite: that women enjoyed sex too much. Women were generally depicted in literary and religious texts as so weak and prone to temptation that they were all too able to feel pleasure, even when they did not consent to sex. There was far greater concern that they would give in to that temptation, that they would not be able to resist rape because they felt too much pleasure. Men, in this construction, had to keep control of their women.

When it comes to depicting medieval women and medieval systems of justice, The Last Duel replaces the malevolence of medieval patriarchy and adds in relatively modern threats. Its a strange mix of history and fictiona muddle that misses a chance to reveal how the hierarchies of oppression remain static but the manifestations of those hierarchies shift with the times.
This article contains spoilers for Midnight Mass.

The first steps in recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous include turning your life over to a power greater than yourself: a power AA members define as God as we understand him. Midnight Masss Riley Flynn (Zach Gilford), a former altar boy and recovering alcoholic who has embraced atheism while serving time for the accidental death of a young woman, rejects all this. Though hes obliged to attend meetings as a condition of his parole, Riley believes he can and must manage his addiction himself, through reason and psychology. Its not that I want to drink, Riley tells Father Paul Hill (Hamish Linklater), a new arrival on Crockett Island, an isolated community so small that their recovery meetings are mostly one-on-ones. Its that the addictive voice wants to. The recognition of the addictive voice is a key component of Rational Recovery, which removes God, however he is understood, from the process entirely. (Being your own higher power is Father Pauls somewhat scoffing take on Rileys secular approach to recovery.) But when Riley unexpectedly finds himself in the throes of a horrific and overwhelming new compulsion to drink human blood, Father Paulwho knows this compulsion all too welleffectively becomes a prophetic advocate for the addictive voice. Or, in his vocabulary, the voice of Gods angel.

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In Midnight Mass, its substance abuse, more than vampirism, that occasions strong moral judgments, especially when others are harmed.

It may seem counterintuitive that the priest sees a literal messenger of the divine in the bloodsucking, bat-winged, Nosferatu-esque predator that he has smuggled onto Crockett Island, but then its own blood, when drunk by humans, has the power to rejuvenate and give life without endat a price, of course. (Handsome Father Paul, we found out halfway through the story, is actually elderly Monsignor Pruitt, returned to Crockett Island from pilgrimage in Israel, where a chance encounter with the angel transformed him into an unrecognizably younger man: a miracle he now wants to share with others.) More dubious, in a paranormal horror series drenched in Catholicism, is the glaring absence of religious language like demon, devil, or even evil. Father Paul highlights the resonances between Catholicism and vampirism (death and rebirth, eternal life, drinking blood) to the point of identifying the one with the other, but when it comes to resisting or opposing the paranormal, ostensibly iconic evil of the vampire, neither creator Mike Flanagan nor his believing characters ever seem to think in religious termsan odd truncation of vampire lore as well as of religion.

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Midnight Mass isnt antagonistic toward faith or the faithful. Believing characters like Rileys parents, Annie and Ed (Kristin Lehman and Henry Thomas), and the islands anomalous Muslim sheriff, Omar Hassan (Rahul Kohli), are treated as thoughtfully as Riley the unbeliever. Decency, not skepticism, is what Flanagan appears to value most, and there are decent characters of all sorts on Crockett Island. Flanagan has empathy, in fact, for nearly all his characters, even Father Paul, with one glaring exception: Bev Keane (Samantha Sloyan), a vicious, officious church lady with a weaponized scripture verse for every occasion. But when the time comes to put Bev in her place, it isnt Riley who does it, but his mother Annie, and the smackdown is delivered in ringingly religious terms. At the very end, Sheriff Hassan taunts the undead Bev with last of the series many scriptural quotations, a line from Jesus Sermon on the Mount: He makes his sun rise on the evil and the good.

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[Read: Midnight Mass Feels Like the Culmination of Mike Flanagans Career]

Yet that parting shot is the only time in the series that the word evil is used in connection with the vampire scourge, or that God is invoked in connection with the defeat of that evil. And, really, its not being undead that makes Bev evil. In her own mundane, sanctimonious way, Bev has always been evil, devouring her neighbors metaphorically rather than literally. Vampirism has made her more dangerous, but not demonic. This strain of vampirism doesnt turn its victims into amoral monstersthough it comes with a ferocious, nearly uncontrollable thirst, along with all the potential for rationalization, self-deception, and denialism that mark any compulsive appetite.

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Midnight Mass isnt the first vampire story to blend vampirism as a metaphor for addiction with literal substance abuse. (See, among other things, Flanagans fellow lapsed Catholic Abel Ferraras The Addiction.) It is, however, probably the only paranormal horror story to focus so intently on the role of religion in recoveryperhaps not surprising given that Flanagan is himself a former altar boy whose journey of addiction and recovery mirrors Rileys. From the Serenity Prayer repeated at each of Father Paul and Rileys meetings to the centrality of trust in a higher power, the religious dimension of 12-step culture is a focal point for Midnight Mass. At one point Flanagan cuts from Father Paul elevating the Eucharistic host during the consecration at daily Mass to an AA leader holding up a bronze 4-year sobriety coin, a token of fidelity in the communion of the recovering, both scored to a choral rendition of the hymn Holy, Holy, Holy.

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Yet theres no hint of religion as a force pitted against, and perhaps validated by, iconic or paranormal evil. For all the diversity of vampire lore, this feels like a pointed choice on Flanagans part, especially in so intensely Catholic a story. The familiar vampiric aversion to crucifixes and other holy thingsestablished by Bram Stoker, weaponized by Hammer Films director Terence Fisher in his Dracula and other productions, and retained in even the agnostic mythology of Buffy the Vampire Slayeris far from a universal device in vampire fiction, so its no surprise that Flanagan dispenses with it. Yet even the undead in, for example, John Carpenters Vampires, which werent vulnerable to the sacred, were still demonic creatures, and thus presumed enemies of God and the Church. Beyond vampire fiction specifically, in paranormal films from F.W. Murnaus 1926 Faust to the likes of The Exorcist, The Omen, the Conjuring series, and so on, the reality of iconic, eldritch evil has often implied the existence of the divine. If there is a hell, that suggests a heaven; if the devil exists, there must be a God.

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[Read: Midnight Mass Has a Romantic Secret Weapon]

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On the other hand, Murnaus unauthorized Dracula adaptation Nosferatu (which pioneered the lethality of sunlight to vampires) essentially ignored the religious dimension of its source material. Where Stokers Van Helsing used crucifixes to deter Dracula and pressed fragments of a Eucharistic host into putty to create a barrier uncrossable to the vampire, his counterpart in Nosferatu was a naturalist with no interest in religious categories or symbols. Flanagans debt to Nosferatu goes well beyond his vampires cadaverous appearance, from the gothic-arched rectory door to the sacrificial act leading to the vampires apparent undoing. His Van Helsing figure, Dr. Sarah Gunning (Annabeth Gish), is a woman of science who brings a naturalistic perspective both to the islands seemingly miraculous healings and to the volatile effects of sunlight on vampiric tissue. She frames the spread of vampirism among the islands residents, not in terms of the eternal struggle between good and evil, but as a question of viral load. And, indeed, other than its connection to the Holy Land, nothing actually links this predator to an Abrahamic religious context.

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Yet even Nosferatu recognized that the vampire would be associated, at least in popular imagination, with the devil, magic, and sin. When Riley finds himself violently snatched up and pinned down by a bat-winged monster that drinks his blood while the parish priest watches with diabolical calmness, mightnt the former altar boys level-headed rationalism reasonably be expected to waver a bit? When the predator is finally revealed to Crockett Islands alarmed believers during the Easter Vigil Mass, does Father Pauls impassioned introduction of his hideous angel inspire no one present to utter the obvious alternative religious designation? Not pious Annie Flynn? Not Sheriff Hassan, who has warily come to St. Patricks to try to protect his son Ali (Rahul Abburi) from whatever is happening at the church, whether it be Christian proselytism or something worse? Father Paul actually quotes the passage from Isaiah that inspired the well-known hymn On Eagles Wings, as if inviting someone to scream that that thing has bat wings.

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In Midnight Mass, its substance abuse, more than vampirism, that occasions strong moral judgments, especially when others are harmed. The version of me that would come out when I had enough to drinkhe was bad, Riley declares. Crockett Islands resident drunk Joe Collie (Robert Longstreet) is wracked with guilt over a shooting accident that left the mayors young daughter, Leeza Scarborough (Annarah Cymone), in a wheelchair. Over the course of the series, both men are forced to face their guilt by the young women whose bodies they shattered while intoxicated. Joe is confronted by Leeza in his trailer after the seeming miracle (engineered by Father Paul, who has been spiking the communion wine with vampire blood) that restores the use of her legs. For Riley, the confrontation happens in his head, where he sees the mangled corpse of the woman he killed every time he lies down.

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Guilt is real, but, movingly, so is forgiveness, at least of the human sort. Leeza, a daily communicant and perhaps Crocket Islands most authentically Christian character, comes to Joes trailer to vent her rage, to excoriate him with the harm beyond reckoning that he has done to herbut also, more importantly, to tell him that if God can forgive him, so can she. Flanagan even offers a daring image of transcendent forgiveness for Riley at the moment of his sacrificial death: The young woman he killed appears to him, no longer mangled but smiling, taking his hand to usher him into the great beyond.

This isnt necessarily literal, any more than Rileys earlier visions of her corpse. Riley himself has cautioned us, in a memorable exchange with his childhood sweetheart, Erin Greene (Kate Siegel), that what one may experience at the moment of death is not necessarily reality. Still, its still a hopeful, generous image, leaning less into Rileys materialism than Erins hope of a life to come, one in which we are loved and not alone. Even Riley says he hopes Erin is right. Alas, Flanagan ultimately subverts Erins half of that exchange by revisiting it and giving her a mystical, pantheistic monologue at the point of her own sacrificial death: There is no self and we are all God, which is to say, the cosmos dreaming of itself. (In which case, unless this too is an unreal dying experience, the vampire is also God. Does the cosmos prefer the Erin-dream to the vampire-dream? For me, this climactic monologue is the series biggest misstep.)

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In the end, notwithstanding the climactic bloodbath, Flanagans vision is paradoxically hopeful. The worst horrors are ascribed not to addiction or malice, but to weakness and ignorance. Some, perhaps nearly all, who participate in the night of mayhem are later shaken and full of regret, and at least two who are turnedRileys parents, Annie and Edresist the hunger altogether. At first, Ed reflects, it might have seemed that the vampiric compulsion was uncontrollable, like something impossible not to do. But it isnt, Annie. Whatever this is, it dont change who you are. The addictive voice can be resisted. Perhaps, too, there is help from a higher power.
If you grew up watching Brittany Murphys films, its likely that her 2009 death still haunts you in some way. The prodigious stars passing at 32 at homeshe suddenly collapsed on her bathroom floorseemed too strange, too complicated to be caused by pneumonia and anemia. Conspiracy theories ran rampant soon thereafter and have continued for more than a decade: Was her death actually the result of an overdose? Toxic mold? Poison? The result of the FBI watching Murphy and her husband, Simon Monjack? Or maybe her family was involved? Yet HBO Maxs new two-part docuseries about the actress, What Happened, Brittany Murphy?, suggests there is another element to this story entirelyone more mystery we may have missed out on. In a world where society has clung to its fascination with the art of the griftwhether that be stories like LuLaRoe or Anna DelveyMurphys tale, per this shows telling, fits in swimmingly.

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Director Cynthia Hill digs deeper into the bizarre circumstances and theories surrounding Murphys death, as well as the cultural backdrop that made it so tragic. The timing of the show makes sense: Revisiting Murphys story comes amid an ongoing cultural reckoning and reassessment of the medias involvement in ripping young women apart for the sake of a headline. Just as the #FreeBritney movement and recent revisitations of Paris Hilton surrounding her sex tape have prompted society to reconsider the treatment of women in the early aughts, What Happened, Brittany Murphy? reexamines the scrutiny that the actress endured leading up to her death, providing a cautionary tale of how the misogynistic media machine could contribute to someones downfall.

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The two-hour series follows the New Jersey native, raised by single mother Sharon Murphy, as she pursues her Hollywood dreamsand what happens after she realizes them. After relocating to Los Angeles in her preteen years, Murphy landed her first acting roles on sitcoms like Sister, Sister and Boy Meets World before shed earn her breakout role as the endearing newbie-turned-popular girl Tai in the 1995 hit comedy Clueless. As Clueless helmer Amy Heckerling suggests in a talking-head interview, the role paralleled Murphys career: She opted for a Hollywood makeover after an agent described her as huggable but not fuckable.

As Murphy found success with Clueless and gained more prominence in Hollywood, she received more intense criticism. And it consumed her: She read everything written about herself. Eventually, she began dyeing her hair blonde, changed her style, and began dramatically losing weight. In the docuseries, Murphys friend and former King of the Hill co-star Kathy Najimy recalls that after she addressed her concerns about the actresss slimming figure, Murphy explained, If I wanted to be considered as a leading lady, I needed to lose a lot of weight.

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Murphy became an easy punching bag for rabid gossipmongers.

Despite the consequences of her weight loss, it appeared to work: By the early aughts, not long after Murphys physical changes, she had cemented her status as in it girl for leading roles in 8 Mile, Uptown Girls, and Just Married. She attended red carpet premieres and sat front row at fashion shows; she hosted Saturday Night Live; Roger Ebert raved about her in a 2004 review of her movie Little Black Book, praising her for her comic timing and naturalism. Murphys initial mark on Hollywood was as a scene-stealing actress who could oscillate from comedy to dramas seamlessly, but the final few years of her work were comparably forgettable, with roles in direct-to-video thrillers and horror films. Her descent into schlockier fare happened alongside the medias critical obsession over her personal life. First, she dated her Just Married co-star Ashton Kutcher, from whom she endured a public split. Soon after, rumors began swirling about Murphys substance use and strange, unprofessional behavior in interviews and on film sets. And the speculation about her having an eating disorder never really went awayin fact, the docuseries depicts it as an open secret.

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All of this led to Murphy becoming an easy punching bag for rabid gossipmongers, who profited off of young womens pain as the aughts continued on. Earlier in 2009the year Murphy diedthe snarky commentator Perez Hilton predicted that the actress would meet a tragic ending sometime in the next 12 months, less a clarion call to get her help and more a way to further mock her. In the documentary, he says he regrets putting that energy out there. Its gross. But thats definitely telling of the time. 2009, in many ways, was a very gross time, he says. It was so gross a time that, just two weeks before she died in December 2009, Murphy was the subject of a searing Saturday Night Live skit; cast member Abby Elliott portrayed an incoherent Murphy convinced that she had never stopped hosting the show and making excuses for why shed been fired from an upcoming starring role. (The clip was removed online shortly thereafter, seemingly for being in poor taste.)

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But Murphys waning stardom and ridiculed final years may have had another crucial influence: her Svengali husband, Monjack. Throughout the docuseries, the question of Who was this guy? arises repeatedly from Murphys peers and the reporters involved with the case at the time. For fans, Murphys marriage to the British screenwriter in 2007 seemed unexpectedthough the docuseries depicts Murphy as someone eager to settle down, after two failed engagements.

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What Happened, Brittany Murphy? depicts Monjack as a Jamie Spearslike figure, a sociopathic con man who exerted control over Murphys entire life and benefited from his late wifes fame and fortune. The docuseries suggests that Murphys marriage to Monjack was one rooted in power and controlthe words emotionally abusive are never used, but they are clearly implied. We learn that Monjack had inserted himself into every aspect of Murphys life, becoming his wifes agent, business manager, and even makeup artist. All of Murphys numbers were changed; she had no access to her phone or email. Shed spend all of her breaks during filming in Monjacks car and even reached a point where she refused any type of intimacy on-screen, out of loyalty to her husband. The duo became extremely reclusive, never really leaving their home. In the docuseries, reporter Amber Ryland recalls discovering how, in the middle of the night, Monjack would do photoshoots where hed dress Murphy like a doll and encouraged her to become addicted to plastic surgery. Murphy was reportedly hypnotized by him.

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Monjacks strangely entrancing pull played out in his relationship with Murphys mother, Sharon, as well, which is further examined in What Happened, Brittany Murphy? Monjack and Sharon did what one of the talking heads described as a creepy photoshoot following Murphys death. It made them appear as if they were her parents and not mother and son-in-law. Then, there was the news that Monjack and Sharon would share a bed following Brittanys death. It was hard for the public to avert their eyes and not come up with conspiracies like an affair between the two or a plot to get rid of Murphy.

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Were shown how, when conducting interviews about his late wifes death, Monjack would control the conversation, even cutting Sharon off. This dynamic infamously was evident in a conversation with Larry King, where Monjack announced that he and Sharon would be starting the Brittany Murphy Foundation. To raise money for it, Monjack reportedly charged people to come to a memorial for Murphy. The tackiness didnt fare well for the foundation, and eventually it disappeared, and all contributions were refunded.

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The chilling twist people didnt see coming was that Monjack died under similar circumstances as Murphy, just five months later. But while the documentary doesnt reveal anything sordid and shocking about his death itself, what it does offer is a look into several of Monjacks since-uncovered, increasingly disturbing actions. He was a professional fabulist, using fake names in different states where he owed various sums. In three years during their marriage, he had spent $3 million of Murphys money. And one of the two-parters saddest, strangest anecdotes involves Sharon going to pawn jewelry Monjack had given to Murphy, including a replica of Audrey Hepburns Breakfast at Tiffanys tiara, and finding out that none of it was real. But pseudonyms and fake tiaras werent all Monjack was hiding. He also secretly fathered two children with two different women, a daughter, Jasmine, and a son, Elijah.

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An interview with Monjacks mother, Linda, and his brother James helps paint a more holistic picture of Monjack as someone who knew how to manipulate the environment to get what he wanted out of it. He had regularly lied about who he was, it turns out, posing as a billionaire who said he was dying of terminal cancer until he was saved by an experimental treatment from sharks. Hed repeatedly find and date a woman who would fall for him and let him spend her money, only for him to leave when her money ran out. Elijahs mother, Elizabeth Ragsdale, also appears for the first time on camera, saying that she believes Monjack contributed to Murphys death by not having her seek medical treatmentand did the same with himself: He would rather be dead than be discovered as the con artist he was.

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No, What Happened, Brittany Murphy? doesnt overturn the medical findings of Murphys death, as some skeptics might hope. But what it does offer are details of her personal and professional sides that were absent from the tabloidsand a deeper look into the man she married toward the end of her short life. It also exposes a new scenario in which Murphy was the victim of a grift, a thoroughly contemporary story in the age of fabulism, which keeps us enthralled by the events surrounding her death, more than a decade later. Murphys story, as told by the docuseries, still deeply resonates and entrances as we learn there are secrets about Monjack and her relationship that may still not have been discovered.

Still, its impossible not to hypothesize about what Brittany Murphys life and career could have been like, had it not ended so tragically. Maybe Murphy would have found her way back to the center of Hollywood again, getting the help she desperately needed for her mental and physical health. Maybe she would have left Monjack before he drained her of her millions. The saddest part is that this is something no documentary could ever show us, no matter how comprehensive.
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.

I am a retired teacher (grades pre-K to grade 3) with 40 years of experience. For the past several years, Ive been volunteering a couple of hours each morning in one second grade classroom in a Title 1 school. This year theres one child who consistently rocks on two legs of her chair, and so she ends up having her chair taken away. I mentioned to the teacher that I thought shed benefit from an active motion chair; she replied that children take advantage of such chairs. Ive used many varieties of fidget chairs with students, and I know they can help. Do you have any advice on how to broach the subject with the teacher again, so that I can get her on board with this suggestion?

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Wiggle Your Waggles Away

Dear Wiggle Your Waggles,

It sounds like this teacher doesnt have much experience or trust concerning accommodations. For those who may not know, wiggle chairs are stool-like seats with a rounded bottom that allow children to rock around. Some educators see these accommodations more as toys and believe that they cause students to become distracted. But in fact the opposite is true: offering wiggly students fidgets like wiggle chairs has been considered best practice for minimizing distraction and maximizing focus for a few years now and is common in many classrooms across the country. The key is setting clear expectations with the student about the purpose of the accommodation and how it should be used.

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First, Id make a more direct appeal to the lead teacher. A more dedicated conversation may give them the opportunity to reflect on the situation and make a different choice. If that doesnt work, and you still feel strongly, Id talk to your schools resource room or have the school psychologist come in and observe the students behavior. If your school doesnt have a dedicated psychologist, you can request one from your district. The psychologist will have a better understanding of how an accommodation like a wiggle chair may impact the students learning. If the psychologist believes it will be a benefit, they can develop a 504 plan that would mandate the accommodation by law.

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Mr. Hersey (elementary school teacher, Washington)

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My daughter is about to turn 7, and she just started first grade in-person. While she was in kindergarten last year, she spent most of the year learning virtually, so this is her first real experience with public school. She is a very bright and outgoing child, but she struggles in terms of self-control and the level of her emotional reactions, with us at home and with her peers. When she gets excited, she is really, really happy, but if she feels angry, she will yell and use unkind words/tones.

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We are weeks into the school year and have already received an email from her teacher who wanted us to know our daughter has been having trouble keeping her hands to herself. She does not usually do so in aggression (though there have been one or two times she has hit, which worries me), but rather wants to hug, touch someones hair, tickle, etc.

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She has done this since she was little, and we have been working on personal space, boundaries, etc. I have asked to set up a call with her teacher so I can get a better idea how it is looking in class/teachers level of concern. The problem for me is that I tend to worry to the extreme, classically making mountains out of molehills (which is my own issue and one I am working on separately). While I know my instincts are telling me my daughter needs guidance and support at home and school, I am not sure at what level I should be intervening. I feel like my intervention here could run the gamut from a sticker chart to an ADHD evaluation.

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Do you have any advice on how I can keep a level head as a mom while not ignoring the issue? I do plan to work with my childs teacher and school to make sure she gets the support she needs. I am working really hard to separate the behaviors from my child, and focus on all the positives, but my mind gets bogged down, and I tend to obsess/want to solve the problem immediately! Life doesnt work like that, howeverAny help would be appreciated.

Mountains Out of Molehills

Dear Mountains,

In general, when I look at responses to behaviors, I try to have kids start small and work their way up. I think of it the way most people approach most problemsfirst, you try easy, convenient solutions. If that doesnt work, you manage up, and only move on to a more invasive step if the less intensive steps dont work.

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With that in mind, I would say the first step is to stop and take stock. One way of thinking about behavior Ive found really useful is to ask yourself two questions: Is it acceptable? And is it age-appropriate? A child hugging peers when thats not allowed at school isnt really acceptable, but its a much bigger problem at 17 than it would be at 7, because of the different maturity levels at work. For a 7-year-old who hasnt physically been around other people at school in 18 months, being overly forward isnt all that surprising. Remind yourself that its a relatively small problem, and that you and her teacher can work together to solve it.

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A sticker chart is a great start! You can make one at home, and it doesnt require a specialist to create or administer. I would suggest that you begin with a social storyyou can find them online, but you can make one using PowerPoint, explaining that it is okay to want to be friends, but we keep our hands to ourselves at school, etc. At the preschool I worked at, we used the line, Hugs/kisses are for mommies and daddies, which never sat well for me, but maybe you can find an alternative that explains kisses are for not-school.

Try to focus on the behaviors you want her to show! Talk about how its okay to share with friends, to use kind words with friends, and to play games with friends, but we do not use our hands with friends because we need to keep our distance to stay safe. Once youve established the difference between the target behavior and what shes currently doing, you can show her the chart and explain she earns stickers by showing her friends kindness without her hands. On a positive note, this is a great way to bring up the concept of consent! Its never too early to teach kids about respecting other peoples boundaries, and rather than viewing this as your child being terrible, you and her teacher can use this lesson on following school rules to understand why its important to keep her hands to herself unless someone has told her its okay to touch.

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With this behavior, and any behaviors that might come up, you should give the behavior plan a few days to kick in before panicking and looking for a stronger solution, but you should also remember that not every behavior is cause for panic. Kids go through behaviorsall kids. The key is remembering that if you can step over it, its just a molehill. You dont need to bust-out the mountain-climbing gear until youve tried that yet.

Ms. Sarnell (early childhood special education teacher, New York)

After a few months of deliberating, checking out test scores and talking to parents, we decided to send our kid to kindergarten at a local charter school. There is also a neighborhood school equidistant from our house. Honestly, neither school really stood out from the other, and only minor differences led us to enroll her at the charter. Our kid is bright and makes friends relatively easily; she is mostly enjoying school and keeping up with the work.

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We live in a pretty conservative county and disagree with many in our community about COVID precautions. Our child wears a mask to school every day even though the majority of kids do not, and will be vaccinated as soon as vaccines are approved for her age group. The rest of the district recently (and begrudgingly) instituted mask mandates, the rule doesnt cover our charter school but is enforced at the other elementary schools. If it hadnt been for the district mandate, Im positive the other elementary school would be mask-free as well, and I question how long they will keep the mandate in place.

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Besides being deeply anxious about sending her to a school that doesnt seem to give a damn about COVID mitigation, there have been several other minor red flags that have me second-guessing whether this school is a good fit for our family. These things seem petty to me but I cant seem to let them go. For example, the teacher (even after polite reminders) cant seem to remember to dismiss my child on time according to their own dismissal policy; Ive seen school staff treat a particular child who needed help with indifference; the art teacher told my child she needed to color using realistic colors; and school staff brushed off a simple recommendation I made to increase safety for kids (like mine) who ride their bikes to school; just to name a few. I recognize that my response to these incidents is partially due to my unhappiness with their overall response to COVID.

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Ive been seriously considering the possibility of switching her to the other school, because at least then all the kids would be wearing masks. I havent even broached the subject with my daughter, or asked the other school if there is still room to enroll. Im stuck on whether it would do more harm than good to switch her to a different school right in the middle of the semester, especially since theres always the chance Ill be just as unhappy with the other school.

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My husband is also frustrated with the school staff and he would be supportive of moving her to the other school, but hes in the same boat as methe other one could be just as bad, and she might be vaccinated soon so we wont be as anxious about the lack of COVID protocol. Wed like a third-party opinion about whether our concerns are valid enough to move her to a new school at this point in the school year.

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Should We Make the Switch?

Dear SWMtS,

This is a tough one. The good news is that youre still early enough in your daughters schooling experience that a change would be far easier than in later years. I think you need to put aside the pandemic for a moment and ask yourself this: Do I trust the teachers and administrators to keep my daughter safe?

In the end, a schools first and most important job is to keep children safe, so if you dont think the school is making decisions to keep your daughter safe now, do you think that they will suddenly make better decisions when the pandemic has subsided, or when your daughter is vaccinated?

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Its hard for me to speak from a distance, but if my childs school did not institute mask mandates despite what the vast majority of medical experts advise, I think I would worry about the priorities of the adults in my childs school and might be ready to make a change.

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Its true, the grass always seems greener somewhere else, but you at least have evidence that the someplace else is prioritizing childrens health and safety over anything else, and that, I think, would appeal to me enormously.

Best of luck.

Mr. Dicks (fifth grade teacher, Connecticut)

More Advice From Slate

My 5-year-old daughter does dance lessons with a teacher she adores, Miss Emma. Her Christmas concert was this week, and Emma asked each parent to pay $50 for the concert costume. Ive just picked up the costume, and it has a price tag for $25 still attached. Emma is a very kind teacher, but I feel a bit annoyed. I was led to believe she wasnt making a profit on costumes, and if Id known she was going to charge us twice the price, I would have gone to the store and purchased it myself. Should I say something to her?
This piece was originally published on Just Security, an online forum for analysis of U.S. national security law and policy.

A key item in Attorney General Merrick Garlands inbox is gathering dust: Volume 2 of the report by Special Counsel Robert Mueller , whose team investigated possible obstruction of justice by Donald Trump as president. Mueller originally submitted the report in March 2019 to Trumps Attorney General William Barr, who chose to do nothing (or worse than nothing).

Recent actions by the former president to urge witnesses not to cooperate with congressional subpoenas in connection with Congresss investigation of the Jan. 6 insurrection are a reminder of the salience of the Mueller Reports second volume.

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The Mueller report made clear that its obstruction of justice inquiry focused on President Trumps conduct toward law enforcement officials overseeing investigations into the Trump-Russia allegations. The report provided the blueprint for a potential indictment for obstruction. Indeed, one of Muellers top prosecutors, Andrew Weissmann, has revealed that he advised Mueller to state in the report itself that Trump committed obstruction of justice. He also wrote in the New York Times back in November:

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We amassed ample evidence to support a charge that Mr. Trump obstructed justice. That view is widely shared. Shortly after our report was issued, hundreds of former prosecutors concluded that the evidence supported such a charge.

Indeed, it was over 1,000 former prosecutors who reached the conclusion that the conduct of President Trump described in Special Counsel Robert Muellers report would, in the case of any other person not covered by the Office of Legal Counsel policy against indicting a sitting President, result in multiple felony charges for obstruction of justice.

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In essence, volume 2 of the Mueller report contained a bill of particulars based on factual findings that constitute a prima facie case for charging obstruction of justice. These included finding that Trump attempted to persuade then FBI Director James Comey to see your way to letting this go, his firing FBI Director Comey for refusing to shut down the investigation, his suborning perjury by the White House Counsel Don McGahn, his pressure on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to curtail the probe, and his efforts to have the Special Counsel removed.

Intent is, to be sure, an element of the offense. To convict, a criminal obstruction charge requires proof of intent beyond a reasonable doubt. That is a question for trial. Regarding intent, the report makes clear that soon after the firing of Comey and the appointment of the Special Counsel, the President became aware that his own conduct was being investigated in an obstruction of justice inquiry. At that point, the President engaged in  conduct, involving public attacks on the investigation, non-public efforts to control it, and efforts in both public and private to encourage witnesses not to cooperate with the investigation.

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The report goes on to say: The evidence we obtained about the Presidents actions and intent presents difficult issues that would need to be resolved if we were making a traditional prosecutorial judgement. Furthermore, while this report does not conclude that the President committed a crime, it also does not exonerate him.

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In essence, the Mueller Report then chose not to make a traditional prosecution decision about these facts, since they applied to a sitting President.

There can be little doubt that an ordinary citizen found to have engaged in a similar pattern of conduct with law enforcement would be subject to prosecution. Trumps pattern of obstructing justice in the Russia investigation was flagrant, persistent, and on its face met the legal standard forth in federal law for criminal obstruction.

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Special defenses relating to powers of office might be available to an ex-president defendant, but thats an issue for the courts. The president is not above the law. As the final passages of the Mueller report stated:

[T]he protection of the criminal justice system from corrupt acts by any personincluding the Presidentaccords with the fundamental principle of our government that [n]o [person] in this country is so high that he is above the law. United States v. Lee, 106 U.S. 196, 220 (1882); see also Clinton v. Jones, 520 U.S. at 697; United States v. Nixon, supra.

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Nor, surely, is a former president above the law, especially one who continues to engage in a pattern of conduct by trying to get his former aides and associates to defy congressional subpoenas relating to the Jan. 6 insurrection. His efforts have so far resulted in Stephen Bannon, who had no official government position in 2020 and accordingly only a laughable claim to executive privilege, stating he would openly defy Congress by not providing any requested documents or testimony. And even if there were a colorable claim (which there is not) to executive privilege for some of the witnesses over some specific questions, that would still not justify their refusal to appear before Congress.

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The federal obstruction of justice statutes explicitly covers obstruction of congressional, as well as all Executive Branch investigations. For good reason.

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When Mueller issued his reports, it was said that, due to Justice Department policy, a sitting president could not be indicted and instead Congress could opt to impeach and remove a president from office. If Congress declined to act, as it did, the statute of limitations would be tolled and the possibility of indictment would resume after the president again became a private citizen.

The federal statute of limitations for obstruction of justice lasts five years. The window for prosecutorial review remains wide open.

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Even skeptics about the underlying Russia probe covered in Volume 1 should agree that it is a federal crime to intentionally influence someone to withhold a document from or impede a pending proceeding before any U.S. agency or Congress or to tamper with a witness. Obstruction is a criminal offense that stands on its own independent of any case about electoral collusion with a foreign power.

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Failure of the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General to review this matter and make a formal prosecutorial determination on whether Trumps actions constitute criminal obstruction would be a dereliction of duty, transmitting a dangerous signal of impunity from the Justice Department. It would amount to saying: A president may never be prosecuted for crimes while in office. An ex-president will then be given a free pass for those crimes after leaving office. Such a free pass invites any ex-president possessing corrupt intent to engage in continuing obstruction, without consequences.

Granting a president carte blanche to obstruct justice is at odds with the rule of law and Americas founding principles which abhorred arbitrary rule of tyrants. As those more than 1,000 former prosecutors said, we recognize that prosecuting obstruction of justice cases is critical because unchecked obstructionwhich allows intentional interference with criminal investigations to go unpunishedputs our whole system of justice at risk.

Attorney General Garland, a former federal judge, has been described as an institutionalist who rightly seeks to protect the neutrality of the Justice Department and to avoid the appearance of partisanship. That prudential philosophy has profound merit. The North Star of institutionalism must be to preserve and protect the constitutional order from abuse of power that could end up toppling our Republic. Garland should reopen and review the obstruction case against Donald Trump.

More From Just Security:

Appetite for Obstruction: How Autocrats Subvert Democracys Infrastructure

New Data Highlight Growing Worldwide Rule of Law Crisis
The debate over free speech on campus erupted again on Wednesday with the publication of a Washington Free Beacon article alleging that Yale Law School retaliated against a conservative students speech. The school pressured the student, a Federalist Society member, into apologizing for an email deemed racist by multiple classmates, according to the Free Beacons Aaron Sibarium. The story drew widespread scorn from the right: Sen. Tom Cotton described Yales alleged conduct as insanity, a sentiment shared by fellow critics of contemporary higher education in the U.S.

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That response, by itself, should illustrate the folly of Yales actions in this case. Even the slightest appearance of retaliation against conservative students for protected speech only bolsters the victimhood mentality that the Federalist Society cultivates in its members. It provides grist for the grievance-industrial complex that drives the conservative legal movement. And it allows the right to depict institutions of learning as indoctrination factories that instill students with woke groupthink. What happened here is wrong on its own terms. But its especially imprudent in the context of our campus culture wars, in which every perceived slight against a Federalist Society member may be seized upon as proof of a vast conspiracy to suppress conservative viewpoints.

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The YLS controversy began when a second-year student invited his classmates to a Constitution Day Bash. This student, whose name was withheld by the Free Beacon, belongs to both the Native American Law Students Association and the Federalist Society. His email explained that the party, co-hosted by the Federalist Society, would be held at the NALSA Trap House. It would feature American-themed snacks, including, among other things, Popeyes chicken.

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This email prompted as many as nine students to file complaints with the Office of Student Affairs. Associate dean Ellen Cosgrove and diversity director Yaseen Eldik then called the student into their office to discuss the matter. These administrators said the emails language had racist undertones and advised him to apologize; they also asserted that the emails association with FedSoc was very triggering. (The student recorded these conversations, and the Free Beacon has posted the audio.) During their conversations with the student, Cosgrove and Eldik arguably implied that the student would face professional consequences if he did not apologize. For instance, Eldick told the student: The university has changed in its approach to a lot of these issues. And youre a law student, and theres a bar [exam] you have to take, and we think its important to really give you a 360 view.

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Sibarium interpreted this language as a veiled threat, since prospective lawyers must undergo a character and fitness investigation in order to join the bar. According to Sibarium, Eldick implied that YLS might tell the bar that the student lacks the character to become a lawyer unless he apologized. There is another possible interpretation, though: Anyone can bring complaints during the character and fitness investigation, so Eldick might have been warning the student that a disgruntled classmate might try to derail his career by flagging this incident. Whatever Eldick meant at the time, he clarified one month later that we would never get on our letterhead and write anything to the bar about you.

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When law schools treat their students like children, they are inviting nothing but pain.

Social media has flattened this story into a simple narrative: Liberal bureaucrats punish conservative wrongthink to appease woke leftists. The truth is more complicated. No single aspect of the students email is overtly racist, but taken together, the references to a trap house and Popeyes chicken are, at a minimum, fraught. The email was juvenile and unprofessional. Moreover, the schools response was not overtly censorious. In a statement on Wednesday, YLS spokeswoman Debra Kroszner wrote that at no time was any disciplinary investigation launched or disciplinary action taken in this matter, and nothing in the audio contradicts that statement.

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Nonetheless, Cosgrove and Eldiks intervention was misguided. Calling a student into the associate deans office over an email looks like retaliation against free expression; so does floating the possibilityintentionally or notthat the email could prevent future admission to the bar. Facing the ire of school administrators may fall short of true punishment, but its certainly a rebuke designed to send a disapproving message. As a private school, YLS is not bound by the First Amendment; even if it were, these actions may not qualify as unconstitutional retaliation against protected speech. Still, they are serious enough to trigger concerns that the school would admonish a conservative student for expression disfavored by his progressive classmates.

So Yales move here was unwise through the lens of free speech; even if we assume the schools intentions were purewhich is open to debateits response was wrong, full stop. But it is particularly troubling in light of the Federalist Societys long-running claims, integral to the organizations self-image, that their members are a persecuted minority. The Federalist Society was founded on the principle that law schools are dominated by liberal ideologues who seek to snuff out opposing conservative views. It inculcates its members with what George F. Will, a prominent Federalist Society booster, once called the coveted status of victimhood. And it routinely holds events alleging that conservative campus speech is in peril.

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This sense of discrimination is objectively ridiculous: The society is one of the most powerful private associations in the country today. Six sitting justices were Federalist Society members, as are a huge number of lower court judges; about 90 percent of Trumps appellate nominees are affiliated with the organization. Still, the illusion of victimization remains powerful, and provides the glue that binds the Federalist Society together. Its members lift each other up into positions of power, forming a tight-knit network that now dominates the federal judiciary. The Free Beacons article will only bolster this us-vs.-them mentality, providing fodder for the conservative lawyers who insist that liberals are trying to silence them, in Justice Clarence Thomas words.

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In May, Stanford opened an investigation and placed a hold on a progressive law students diploma after Federalist Society members complained that he made fun of them. That punishment exceeds anything YLS did here, but a basic principle can be gleaned from the two cases: Law schools should not get involved over student disputes over protected speech. Doing so does not help the speaker, or their critics, or the school itself. Whether the temptation to jump in is benign or malign, formal intervention only makes matters worse for all parties. Law students are adults. When their schools treat them like children, they are inviting nothing but pain.
Tobacco researchers have known for decades that mentholated cigarettes do outsized harm to Black Americans. And now, a recent study from University of Michigan public health researchers David Mendez and Thuy Le bolsters that understanding.

According to the study, there were 157,000 smoking-related premature deaths among Black Americans, and 1.5 million years of life lost, due to menthol smoking between 1980 and 2018. Thats 12 percent of the U.S. population shouldering 41 percent and 50 percent, respectively, of the total damage caused by menthols during that time frame. Additionally, 1.5 million Black non-smokers who experimented with menthols during their teen years ended up becoming smokers, the study found. The researchers believe this is the first scientific study to quantify the specific level of damage that menthols, the preferred cigarette flavoring among Black smokers, have caused throughout Black communities.

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Menthol flavoring itself isnt deadly, but a more pleasant smoking experience certainly can be. Menthols presence doesnt alter the nicotine levels of a cigarette, but it makes smoking easier to start and, thus, harder to quit. The flavoring also allows for more nicotine to be absorbed, the smoke to be inhaled deeper and with more ease. (Earlier this year, I described smoking non-mentholated cigarettes as inhaling smog.)

The danger of menthols has long been concentrated in Black communities, where the consequences of malicious marketing by the tobacco companies collides with pre-existing health inequities. More than 85 percent of Black smokers smoke menthols, as opposed to 30 percent of white Americans. Black smokers remain more likely to die from tobacco-related causes even though they smoke fewer cigarettes per day than white Americans and attempt to quit more frequently. The backdrop here is limited smoking cessation programs in Black communities, medical racism, inadequate healthcare access, and an onslaught of predatory tobacco advertisements, such as associating smoking menthols with being cool.

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This new study could help bolster a long effort to get the Food and Drug Administration to ban menthol flavoring in cigarettes. The agency announced on October 4 that they are still in the process of issuing proposed product standards that would effectively ban menthol flavoring in cigarettes. This is the latest development in a decade-long saga of the FDA attempting to ban menthols and the tobacco companies suing the agency to stop that from happening. What were trying to do is give ammunition to the FDA so they can make the most reasonable decision. The FDA can only act if they have scientific evidence, said Mendez, one of the authors of the study.

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Enough is enough. Now we have the smoking gun, said Phillip Gardiner, a public health researcher who has investigated smoking for decades. Theres no reason that the FDA should be stalling around any longer.

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University of California San Francisco researcher Valerie Yerger was even more blunt about the data. This analysis demonstrates the contribution of menthol cigarettes toward the annihilation of a people already under siege by a racist society and its myriad of inequities, governmental policies and political domination, she wrote in an editorial last month. Institutionalised racism, its long historical impact, and the associated, yet unresolved, intergenerational trauma experienced by black people in America have made them vulnerable to the clever marketing and predatory dumping of mentholated tobacco products in their communities.
Children aged 12 and up have been able to get a COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S. since May, when the Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization, or EUA, that lowered the age threshold for the Pfizer shot. But the adolescent vaccination rate still lags behind the adult one. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of mid-October, just 55.5 percent of children aged 12 to 15 and 62.8 percent of those aged 16 to 17 have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 78.4 percent of adults have gotten the jab.

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As we await the likely EUA for Pfizers pediatric dose for children aged 5 to 11, its worth asking why some parents are choosing not to vaccinate their adolescents, even as others are lying to health care providers to get their kids an early dose. For Cyndi, a 39-year-old mother who lives in Columbia County, Georgia, its an emotional decision, not a logical one. Cyndiwho requested a pseudonym to avoid potential backlash at workand her husband have three kids, aged 13, 15, and 19. Neither Cyndi nor her children have gotten a COVID-19 vaccine. She talked to me about her thinking in a conversation that has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

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When I first heard about the COVID vaccine, I thought it was a little bit worrisome. I mean, it was a good thingIm not an anti-vaxxer. My kids take the flu shot, they have all their other vaccinations. But it was a little bit concerning to me because the research process was just so fast. And then, when it opened the doors to the kids, I was just really leery about it, because whats it going to be like in 10 years?

When the vaccines first came out, we had really decided that we werent going to get them. We were going to wait it out, because everybody was quarantining anyway and the kids really werent in school at that pointI didnt feel like the kids were really at risk. There are certainly kids that are at a higher risk, but for my children, who are thankfully healthy, even catching COVID would probably be OK. I just felt like if we get them the vaccinetheres just so many unknowns about it, and so we didnt really even consider it.

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But then this past summer, my 15-year-old approached me. She had anxiety about COVID still going on, and everybody was getting really relaxed about masks. She had expressed that she definitely still wanted to wear her mask, and she had expressed that she wanted to get the vaccine.

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So I started considering it, and then when this delta variant hit, I noticed that I kind of flip-flopped. Ill go back and forth where Ill be like, No, we dont need it, and then something will happen and Ill be like, Yeah, were definitely going to go get itbecause the risk versus reward has changed. Now, Ive known so many people who have gotten the vaccine and theyve gotten COVID anyway. Multiple people have gotten sick after theyve gotten the shot. To be fair, it hasnt been bad sick. So I do feel like the vaccine has helped them. But once again, I dont feel like the kids are really, overall, getting that sick to begin with.

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Im not saying that I wont ever get them vaccinated. We might go next weekend. Im just super hesitant because I wish that there was just a little more time in between the research and the distribution. I did read an article about how scientists had been researching these kinds of vaccines for a long time, which is why they produced it as quickly as they did. But when its your kids, its easy not to be logical. Its an emotional decision.

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Every time that Ive really felt comfortable in saying Yeah, lets definitely do this, Id look in our area where, even if you had gotten the vaccine, everybody still had to wear the masks. So there was really not even a reward for getting the vaccine. What makes me concerned is wondering: What if 10 years from now theres some kind of weird side effect? I think [the side effect Ive heard of] was just really Johnson & Johnson, when they were having the blood clots and stuff like that, and from what I gather, it was a tiny percentage. Other than that? I havent even heard of any. Like I said, its not logical. I totally know that.

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Recently, I took my oldest, the 19-year-old, to a doctors appointment, and I inquired about where we could get the vaccine. I dont know if maybe they had run out, but they pretty much just referred usYou could go to Walmart and get the vaccine. Really, if they had been like, Yeah, come right down in here, me and my oldest probably wouldve got it that day. To be honest with you, Id have no problems getting it for myself. Im just busy, and its not worth me having to go out of my way to get it. If they showed up [at my work] with the COVID shot, I would take it for myself. So this whole conversation, it has nothing to do with being against the COVID shot. Im just leery with the COVID shot with my children.

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I do totally acknowledge that we have lost a lot of people to COVID, which is why I do think that high-risk people and older people definitely need the vaccine. But I just dont want our kids to have that fear-based decision-making, running and getting it. Yes, its getting rid of the immediate fear, but whats the potential long term? Like I said, for me, it is totally worth it. But for the kids? I just dont know.

My husband got it. Hes military; he had to get the vaccine because of the mandate. He just recently got the second one not that long ago, and he had zero of the side effects that a lot of people experience.

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But were not outgoing peoplewere definitely grocery-store-and-home type people. I do work at a school. So when I go to work, we bring our masks daily, me and the kids, and we have to wear masks right now. When we go out, we always wear masks, and we have been doing a lot of ordering in or pick up. I think we have actually gone out to eat one time in the past year. That has just become normal to us? Even though it had opened back up in Georgia, it was just still so bad around here that thats just where we were more comfortable. It has just really become our new normal.

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I dont want to come across like Im some kind of anti-vaxxer. I know that Im talking out of both sides of my mouth because I do trust doctors and I do follow doctors recommendations. But like I said, when its your child, its hard as a parent knowing that no strides against childhood cancers are really getting made, and then this is just so quick, like within a year. It just seems like its one more thing. When the vaccine first came out, I thought, Oh, this is just one shot. Then it dawned on me, no, this is not going to be one shot. This is going to be like a flu shot, its going to be every year. I have a feeling thats what its going to end up being.

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In my generation as a parent, youve had to listen to people talk about how vaccines cause autism, which is not true. Youve always heard this bad feeling from a small community, but you cant helpespecially as a parent of somebody with autismyou cant help but maybe have that little seed of doubt. You know its total bullcrap, you know that it is. But anytime something new is introduced to your child, you do have a worry.

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Do I feel like its going to end up being a necessary thing? Yeah, eventually, because unfortunately it doesnt look like COVIDs going anywhere. Thats why I emphasized we havent gotten it yet.

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I hear people who went and got it for their kids, first thing, and I totally understand why they went and did it. In their mind, theyre protecting their child, and they are. And then I understand when parents say theyre not going to do it at all ever, because theyre protecting their child, and in their mind, they are. And Im just kind of standing in the middle shrugging my shoulders going Ill see.

I have family that is in the medical field, and theyre adamant, theyre like, You really need to go get vaccinated. You need to go get them vaccinated. And Im like, Yeah, definitely, I just need to set up the appointment. And then its just  feet get dragged, work happens, school happens, and then my mindsets like, Well maybe they dont need it.

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I dont necessarily agree with a mandate  I do believe in freewill. I do think that these are our bodies and we should have every say on what we get to do with it, you know what I mean? But I do agree that there should be some kind of repercussion. If they came to me at work and they said, OK, we want everybody to get the shot, if you dont get the shot, you have to wear a mask at all times. If we see you take that mask off, youre going to get wrote up and then you could get fired. That would be a consequence, and then I would have to make a decision. I respect that. But I dont agree with forcing people and strong-arming people into doing stuff like that.

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Ive discussed it with my friends. The far majority of my friends, their teenagers have gotten the shot. But theyve also had COVID, so I dont know if that was more so the motivation  my kids probably have never even brought it up with their friends. It is kind of, to each their own, which is maybe why I dont feel so pressured, why I dont feel so judged. Maybe if it was a bigger community, we would feel that way. But around here, if people went and got it, OK, thats great. But if you didnt, it was just kind of like oh, OK.

I do think that well end up getting the vaccine. I do, I really do. And unfortunately, because we procrastinate so much, it probably wont even be like, Oh, I made us an appointment or anything. Well probably be walking through Walmart, picking up dog food, and Ill be like, Hey can yall give us the shot real quick?

Itll be the last-minute decision with no thought, because thats how I do stuff. I wing it, and itll be something that I was so worried about for so long, and then I did it last minute with no thought. And that probably is going to be how it comes to be.
ARCHIVED - DGT clarifies use of roundabouts in Spain



The rules for driving on a roundabout in Spain are the same as those on a straight road

There are few driving manoeuvres that spark more controversy in Spain than negotiating roundabouts, with accidents sadly commonplace and the sound of the horn a constant hum. Communicating the correct way to navigate roundabouts has posed a serious challenge for the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) and so they have recently published a document that hopefully clarifies the matter.

Originally designed to alleviate traffic congestion, roundabouts in Spain have been shown to actually increase delays. But according to the DGT, the theory is not all that complicated: the roads that make up a roundabout are governed by the same traffic rules that drivers must adhere to on a straight section, and once on the roundabout, motorists should simply choose the most appropriate lane depending on the exit they plan to take.

Outside lane

This is the lane a driver should use when leaving the roundabout. In addition, motorists should move to the outside lane if they are going to take the first or second exit.

Inside lanes

Motorists should use the inside lanes if they are taking the third or subsequent exits, or if they need to re-circle the roundabout. When a drivers exit arrives, they should progressively merge into the outer lane. If this isnt possible, drivers are supposed to go around a second time to try again. The DGT is very clear that a driver should never attempt to exit the roundabout directly from an interior lane.

Signalling on roundabouts

It goes without saying that any manoeuvre made whilst on a roundabout should be preceded with the correct indicator, and failure to correctly signal could lead to a 200 euro fine.

It is important to remember that on entering a roundabout, all the vehicles already circulating have priority, and the vehicle located on a drivers immediate right always has the right of way.

Exceptions to the rule

Heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses cant manoeuvre with the same agility as a car or van, and so they are permitted to cross two or more lanes of the roundabout at the same time.

A group of cyclists on a roundabout should be considered as a single vehicle by drivers, regardless of the number of bicycles. Therefore, once the first cyclist enters the roundabout, motorists must wait for the last in the group to do the same before proceeding.

Image: Archive
ARCHIVED - Mandatory training for dog owners in Spain: everything you need to know



The new Animal Protection Law establishes that it is mandatory for dog owners in Spain to have passed a training course

The new Animal Protection Law being introduced in Spain proposes a multitude of obligations and prohibitions aimed at ensuring the rights of companion pets and limiting the abandonment and sacrifice of animals. Social media has lit up with conflicting opinions on the pioneering legislation, with the most controversial measure seeming to be the requirement for dog owners to take a training course to ensure that they are responsible masters

So, what exactly does the law say about this training course?

Specifically, Article 36 of the Animal Protection Law states that an owner or person responsible for a dog must pass an accredited training course that will be determined by the new regulations. In addition, all owners will be required to take out civil liability insurance for their pets, and the law also stipulates that dogs may not be left alone for more than 24 hours.

The aim of the training course is to ensure that owners have the correct knowledge to properly care for their canine companions in the areas of handling and behaviour.

What will the training course entail?

According to the general director of Animal Rights, Sergio Garcia Torres, the training requirement shouldnt prove to be too much of an inconvenience. It will simply be a short, online course, much like the food handling training currently required by hospitality establishments, and it will be completely free of charge. Mr Torres explained that the course is intended to establish a framework of civility around dog ownership that will teach people the importance of behaviours such as picking up after their pet on the street.

What other measures are covered by the Animal Protection Law?

With the new legislation, the Spanish government is doubling down on its goal of making this country zero sacrifice, something which animal activists have welcomed. The law means that euthanasia will only be permitted in extreme cases, where the pet is gravely ill and cannot be cured. From now on in Spain, animal shelters will not be allowed to put dogs to sleep due to overcrowding, and in general, unwanted behaviour that could plausibly be changed with correct training and education will not be considered grounds for putting an animal down.

Image: Archive
ARCHIVED - Terror attack foiled in Spain: five Islamic State members arrested in Barcelona and Madrid



The alleged jihadist group, based in Barcelona, were said to be preparing a terrorist attack

Five people are in prison after a jihadist cell was dismantled in Barcelona and Madrid on Monday October 11. One of them was already in prison and one was being held in an immigration holding pen in Madrid, while the others were in Barcelona. The group was reportedly preparing to carry out a terrorist attack in Spain

Police have been on the trail of this organised criminal group since January, having been tipped off after the arrest of three other alleged jihadists in Barcelona. Two months after the January operation, investigators found out that the alleged terrorist leader was entering Spain. The other members of the group were identified when their leader, an Islamic State soldier who fought in Syria and Iraq, contacted them upon his arrival in Spain.

During their raid on the Barcelona houses and Madrid centre where the suspects were located, officers from the Policia Nacional found machetes and 9mm calibre ammunition. They also found several objects that were used to illegally forge official documents.

Image: Policia Nacional
China is unfamiliar with the region and Slovak universities can be of help. But its motivations may not be earnest at all times.

The University of Economics in Bratislava (Source: Archive of the University of Economics)

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Several lecturers from the University of Economics in Bratislava are working with a problematic Chinese think tank. For several years now, they have been supplying the think tank, and so probably the Chinese communist government as well, with the regular monitoring of what has been happening in Slovakia.

One of their documents, for example, deals with the sustainability of Slovakias pension system and the labour ministers reflections on the parental bonus. Another paper talks about how the countrys position on the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline has changed.
Children can receive a nasal vaccine from mid-October.

News: Receive favorite authors articles by email. Try the new feature and turn on the subscription.

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Flu season started at the beginning of October, according to experts. Vaccination against seasonal influenza is recommended especially for at-risk groups of patients.

Those most at risk of getting the flu are older people, patients with chronic disease and healthcare workers and the employees of nursing homes. The flu vaccine is also recommended for children and pregnant women, the State Institute for Drug Control (SUKL) said.

Experts are pointing to the importance of the vaccination again this year because a combination of the flu and Covid-19 could be especially dangerous, SUKL said.

The overall vaccination rate against the flu in Slovakia is very low, equalling some 5.7 percent.

Novelty on the market

As influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are non-living vaccines, it is recommended that vaccines be given at standard intervals of 14 days to better differentiate any adverse reactions. If the vaccinated person is at a high risk of infection and severe COVID-19 or influenza, both vaccines may be given at any interval or concurrently, each in a different arm, explained Zuzana Kristufkova, President of Slovak Society of the Epidemiology and Vaccination, as quoted by the SITA newswire.

There are three vaccines against the flu registered in Slovakia: Vaxigrip Tetra, Influvac Tetra and Fluenz Tetra. The first 219,880 doses of Influvac Tetra were delivered in Slovakia in early September. Pharmacies expected 200,000 doses of Vaxigrip Tetra by the beginning of October. A novelty in Slovakia, the nasal vaccine Fluenz Tetra is meant for children and teenagers between the ages of 2 and 18. In mid-October, 30,000 doses of this vaccine should arrive in Slovakia.

Flu vaccines are being adjusted every year. It is because the flu virus mutates and can change its characteristics, SUKL said. Annual vaccination, therefore, protects against those strains of the virus that currently predominate in the population.

People interested in vaccination should contact their GPs or pediatricians.

Stronger wave?

Flu season starts in October and ends in April of the following year. In Slovakia, the flu epidemic occurs most often in January and lasts until the end of February. The protection from the vaccine lasts one flu season.

Pharmacists ready for vaccination but there is no legislation Read more

Epidemiologists expect more cases of the flu this season after the influenza virus almost evaporated last year since many people were wearing masks and mass gatherings had limitations.

As the majority of the population did not encounter the influenza virus, resistance to it decreased because they did not strengthen natural immunity, the Slovak Society of Epidemiology and Vaccination added.
https://sputniknews.com/20211013/algerian-police-arrest-17-from-kabyle-separatist-group-reportedly-in-contact-with-zionist-entity-1089904809.html

Algerian Police Arrest 17 From Kabyle Separatist Group Reportedly in Contact With Zionist Entity

Algerian Police Arrest 17 From Kabyle Separatist Group Reportedly in Contact With Zionist Entity

Algerian police arrested 17 members of a separatist group on Wednesday, claiming they were planning an armed attack with Israeli help. 13.10.2021, Sputnik International

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According to Bir Mourad Rais-based Ennahar TV, those arrested were members of the Movement for Self-Determination of Kabylie (MAK), an Imazighen separatist group that seeks self-government for the Kabylie region in Algerias Tell Atlas mountains. They were charged with criminal acts targeting homeland security.The organization was also targeted for raids in mid-September after being blamed for a series of forest fires in Kabylie that killed dozens of people. At the time, Algiers accused Morocco of encouraging the separatists and of helping to spark the fires, and cut off diplomatic relations with its western neighbor.In May 2020, the Paris-based MAK and another group based in London, Rachad, were outlawed by the Algerian government and declared terrorist entities under a new law that punishes Algerians abroad for joining any group that "damages the interests of the country. In 2011, several former senior members of MAK claimed the group was receiving a monthly stipend from the Moroccan government equal to 250,000.After Morocco normalized relations with Israel in December 2020, becoming the fourth Arab state to do so that year, the Algerian government moved to ban talking about peace talks with Israel. Like the other Arab states, Algeria is a signatory of the 1967 Khartoum Agreement, where Arab leaders pledged to hold to three nos regarding Israel in the wake of the catastrophic Six-Day War: no peace, no recognition and no negotiations. Since then, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco have broken that agreement.Tunisia made a similar move to Algeria in the aftermath of Israels 11-day war in Gaza, which killed 256 Palestinians and 13 Israelis.

vot tak Nice catch, Algeria. :) 6

mandrake And the jews are everywhere spreading their decease of violence and plunder - anywhere in or close to the middle east will suit the jews inbred will to cause unrest, to murder and steal. The world ows itself the duty to do something about the criminal jews in palestine - this overt criminality bybthe jews cant be allowed go on and on with impunity! 2

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https://sputniknews.com/20211014/18-year-old-pakistani-woman-gang-raped-in-car-on-motorway-1089921955.html

18-Year-Old Pakistani Woman Gang-Raped in Car On Motorway

18-Year-Old Pakistani Woman Gang-Raped in Car On Motorway

Last year, the gang-rape of a French-Pakistani woman in front of her children on a motorway prompted nationwide protests across Pakistan. The accused were... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

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An 18-year-old woman was gang-raped on the M-4 motorway in Gojra city in the Punjab province of Pakistan. According to local media reports, the prime suspect was arrested by police officials on Thursday. The rape victim met the accused, Hamid, when he contacted her, posing as a potential employer.On Monday, the woman went to Gojra along with another woman for a job interview and they were received by three people - two men Hamid and Rehman, and one woman Laiba. Mahver Khan, district police officer of Toba Tek Singh, was quoted by Samaa TV as saying that the woman would have been present to lend reassurance to the victim.According to reports, the accused asked the victim and her friend to tag along with them in a car to Faisalabad where "the interview" was scheduled. The victim and her friend returned to Gojra and filed a police complaint on Tuesday. According to officials, the victims medical examination has been conducted and samples sent to the forensic laboratory in Lahore. Meanwhile, Punjab Province's chief, Sardar Usman Buzdar, has taken an interest in the matter and has asked the investigating officers in Faisalabad to send him a report.The incident was reminiscent of last years pmotorway gang rape case which led to massive protests across the country. A Pakistani-French woman was raped by two men in front of her two children. The perpetrators broke into their car, which had run out of petrol, robbed them and raped the woman. Later, a Pakistan court sentenced the perpetrators to death.

https://sputniknews.com/20210621/pakistans-imran-khan-blames-rape-on-women-wearing-few-clothes-1083197479.html

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pakistan, arrest, police, gang rape
https://sputniknews.com/20211014/absolutely-not-true-army-official-rejects-claim-that-us-has-lost-ai-battle-to-china-1089933329.html

'Absolutely Not True': Army Official Rejects Claim That US Has Lost AI Battle to China

'Absolutely Not True': Army Official Rejects Claim That US Has Lost AI Battle to China

The battle for artificial intelligence supremacy between the United States, China, and Russia could prove to be the most critical military development of the... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T21:07+0000

2021-10-14T21:07+0000

2021-10-14T21:07+0000

us army

united states

china

artificial intelligence (ai)

us-china relations

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In an interview with the Financial Times, Nicolas Chaillan, a former senior Air Force official, said We have no competing fighting chance against China in 15 to 20 years. Right now, its already a done deal; it is already over in my opinion.The interview made it appear as if China owns a current AI advantage that is impossible to overcome. However, the notion that the AI war has already been lost, is not shared by the Armys Chief Information Officer, Raj Iyer.Iyer flat out rejected Challian's remarks, telling Breaking Defense that the former Air Force official's assessment of the US' AI standings are "absolutely not true." He further explained that the US' global partnerships provide "trade intelligence information" that China lacks in the industry.Iyer did concede that the Chinese are experts at applying AI technologies, largely because theyre willing to use it on their own population. However, he asserts that the actual technology at the US disposal is more advanced than the Chinese.While the Army believes the US has an AI advantage, the RAND Corporation released a report indicating that the combined AI capabilities of China and Russia will approach the US by the end of this year.With China setting its sights on being the world leader in AI technology and the growing cooperation between them and Russia, the United States faces a daunting task to remain the worlds AI leader. Artificial intelligence could be the military technology that comes to define the growing US-China rivalry in the way that nuclear weapons defined the Cold War.

https://sputniknews.com/20211014/china-builds-new-missile-armed-heavy-drone-capable-of-evading-enemy-air-defences-1089920382.html

vot tak The american military personnel are always the last to admit they are behind those of another country. Leave it to brown to promote these deluded nationalist chauvinists. 5

vot tak Amusing article on the expertise exercised by the american military. See at RT: "Even NCIS, which should know better, cant seem to tell Russian warships from US Navy ones" ... It describes how both military and republican aipac trough feeders are unable to tell if a photo is of an american ship or aircraft. Critters are in charge who have very little knowledge of the things they are in charge of. 2

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Nevin Brown

us army, united states, china, artificial intelligence (ai), us-china relations
https://sputniknews.com/20211014/afghan-civil-servants-once-employed-by-taliban-may-reportedly-be-exempt-from-us-terror-related-bans-1089923561.html

Afghan Civil Servants Once Employed by Taliban May Reportedly Be Exempt From US Terror-Related Bans

Afghan Civil Servants Once Employed by Taliban May Reportedly Be Exempt From US Terror-Related Bans

The Biden administration expects over 95,000 Afghan refugees to be brought to the US over the next year, in the wake of the US troop withdrawal from the... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T14:50+0000

2021-10-14T14:50+0000

2021-10-14T14:50+0000

news

us

department of homeland security

afghanistan

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Some Afghan civil servants who were formerly employed by the Taliban government from 1996 to 2001 may be exempt from terror-related inadmissibility grounds (TRIG) and granted entry to the US, according to a draft document cited by Fox News. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) planning document, the status of which is "pre-decisional," purportedly sheds light on the intention of the Department of Homeland Security to issue a memorandum allowing the afore-mentioned Afghan civil servants to dodge TRIG bans if they fulfil specific background and screening requirements.According to TRIG, any individual who is a member of a terrorist organisation or who has engaged or engages in terrorism-related activity as defined by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) is inadmissible for entry to the US. This renders the individual, accordingly, ineligible for most immigration benefits. Definition of terrorism-related activity "is relatively broad and may apply to individuals and activities not commonly thought to be associated with terrorism," according to USCIS. TRIG would be likely to ban those Afghans seeking resettlement in the US who worked under the Taliban regime from 1996 until it was removed from power by the US invasion in 2001 in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. It goes on to claim that some of these individuals at great personal risk from the Taliban attempted to use their positions in humanitarian capacities. After the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in the wake of the US hasty withdrawal, thousands of Afghans were airlifted out of the country and brought to the US. Many of these people had aided the US forces and were deemed to be "at risk" from the militants retaliatory punitive action.The Biden administration earlier revealed it was planning to allow upward of 95,000 Afghans to arrive in America during this fiscal year, assisting in resettling them via $6.3 billion in emergency funding alongside the $28.6 billion disaster relief bill following a spate of recent hurricanes and wildfires. The bills are part of the larger stopgap funding measure, known as a continuing resolution, passed by the Senate and House earlier in October to stave off a partial government shutdown. A previous TRIG exemption authority for Afghan civil servants had been finalised in January 2017 during the administration of then-President Barack Obama. However, it was never published or applied to any refugees, the cited document says. The USCIS believes that the currently anticipated surge in filings from Afghan nationals for admission to the US necessitates allowing Citizenship and Immigration Services officers to exempt terror-related inadmissibility grounds stemming from employment by the Taliban as civil servants between Sept. 1996 and Dec. 2001. Amid voiced concerns regarding the vetting procedures, a US administration official was cited as insisting that the memo would not impair screening and vetting processes currently employed by law enforcement and counterterrorism officials. Evacuees will still be required to pass "all background checks and pose[s] no danger to the safety and security of the United States, and other threshold requirements." The Biden administration has been fending off GOP criticism over its vetting processes allowing Afghans not directly related to the US mission in the war-torn country to enter America. Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., was cited by Fox News as saying earlier: The White House, which recently raised the refugee cap to 125,000 for FY 2022 after it was reduced by ex-President Donald Trump to 15,000, has defended what it has described as its "multi-layered" vetting and screening processes conducted by intelligence, law enforcement, and counterterrorism officials from multiple agencies. *Terrorist groups banned in Russia and many other countries

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https://sputniknews.com/20211014/california-woman-charged-for-allegedly-pushing-excessive-drinking-sex-at-secret-teen-parties--1089905895.html

California Woman Charged for Allegedly Pushing Excessive Drinking, Sex at Secret Teen Parties

California Woman Charged for Allegedly Pushing Excessive Drinking, Sex at Secret Teen Parties

Shannon Bruga, a 47-year-old woman from South Bay, California, has been charged with hosting a string of illegal parties for her son and his friends where she... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T01:14+0000

2021-10-14T01:14+0000

2021-10-14T01:12+0000

sexual assault

teens

alcohol

underage

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Bruga faces 39 criminal charges, 12 felony counts, 10 misdemeanor counts of child endangerment, a single count of misdemeanor sexual battery, three counts of misdemeanor child molestation, and 13 misdemeanor counts of providing alcohol to minors.The parties spanned from June 2020 to May 2021, and were primarily attended by teens between the age of 14 and 15 where she was the lone adult. According to prosecutors, Bruga obsessively organized the parties through text messages and popular social media platform Snapchat. She allegedly helped teens sneak out of their homes, and was adamant that the teens keep the parties secret.At the parties, Bruga would allegedly encourage binge drinking until the point of illness and unconsciousness. Teens routinely would drink until vomiting and risking drowning from passing out in a hot tub. Physical altercations were also reported to have occurred.Bruga supplying alcohol to minors was far from her worst offense, however. According to reports, she pressured teens into sexual encounters and potentially facilitated sexual assaults. One teen claimed that she would watch the teens engage in sexual activities. In one instance, Bruga is accused of escorting a boy into a bedroom where a girl laid on a bed partially conscious. After she left the room, the boy is alleged to have digitally penetrated the girl.It is unknown if any of the teens have been charged with sexual assault as minors names cannot be publicly revealed. Bruga was apprehended in Ada County, Idaho, where authorities believe she was holding similar parties. When Ada County Sheriffs office went to arrest Bruga, there were 10 underaged boys and two girls at her home.She is currently being held in Ada County Jail on a $900,000 bond.

tim Sounds like the sort of thing Ghislaine and Jeffrey organized for Andrew. 3

vot tak As an underage teen back in ca in the last century I dated a couple of women who hosted parties for teenagers. I was horribly taken advantage of and I feel sooo abused.... ;-D 1

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sexual assault, teens, alcohol, underage
https://sputniknews.com/20211014/canadian-officials-to-send-80000-liters-of-water-to-iqaluit-amid-fuel-contamination-concerns-1089907587.html

Canadian Officials to Send 80,000 Liters of Water to Iqaluit Amid Fuel Contamination Concerns

Canadian Officials to Send 80,000 Liters of Water to Iqaluit Amid Fuel Contamination Concerns

Iqaluit, capital of the Canadian Nunavut territory, declared a state of emergency earlier this week after city staffers recovered evidence of fuel... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T04:08+0000

2021-10-14T04:08+0000

2021-10-14T04:07+0000

canada

gasoline

drinking water

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On Wednesday, Iqaluit Mayor Kenny Bell took the time to express gratitude to the Nunavut government, which has pledged to fly in around 80,000 liters of water to help the city combat fuel contamination concerns over the next three days. Per a public health advisory issued earlier this week, residents of the capital city should "not consume tap water for drinking or cooking, until further notice." This also applies to baby formula mixtures. Pregnant women, as well as newborns and infants, were also told to not bathe in the tap water. The advisory came well after social media reports claimed residents had reported illness after drinking tap water, according to The Star. The mayor said the advisory was not issued immediately because the city and Nunavut government agreed that it was not necessary. Furthermore, water tests were meeting the national standards. However, the alert was ultimately posted after a gas smell was noticed to be emitting from an access vault that was unsealed by public works staffers. Bell says the city will "definitely" know what is happening once further tests come back.

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canada, gasoline, drinking water
https://sputniknews.com/20211014/chinese-think-tank-triangulates-spot-where-us-sub-likely-collided-with-mystery-object-1089927204.html

Chinese Think Tank Triangulates Spot Where US Sub Likely Collided With Mystery Object

Chinese Think Tank Triangulates Spot Where US Sub Likely Collided With Mystery Object

Last Thursday, the US Pacific Fleet reported that 11 Navy seamen received minor to moderate injuries after their nuclear attack sub struck an unknown object... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T15:33+0000

2021-10-14T15:33+0000

2021-10-14T16:36+0000

united states

china

south china sea

submarine

incident

uss connecticut

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A Beijing-based think tank believes its honed in on the approximate area where the USS Connecticut bumped into a mystery object during operations in the South China Sea earlier this month.This is an area of major activity by the US military in the South China Sea, Hu explained.The director pointed out that on the morning of 4 October, two days after the sub bump incident, an American carrier group led by the USS Carl Vinson passed through the Bashi Channel. Hu pointed out that it is standard procedure for US submarines to scout ahead of carriers at distances between 300 and 500 km to help assure their safety.If the submarine was part of the carrier group, then it was certainly in the triangle we indicated, the analyst said.Hu indicated that based on American naval strategy against the Soviet Union during the Cold War, US attack subs are typically deployed near ports where enemy nuclear subs are stationed. If that was the mission of the USS Connecticut, that too could help to explain its presumed location at the time of the accident, he said.If the SCSPIs estimates are correct, that would put the errant US sub well within the so-called nine-dash line demarcation of the Peoples Republics claims in the South China Sea. In addition to China, Vietnam also stakes a claim to the waters.Chinese Military Culture Society director and military strategist Du Wenlong told Global Times that if the accident led to any leak of radiation from its onboard nuclear reactor, it could prove catastrophic for the entire planet.Highly enriched uranium used in nuclear submarine reactors is different from industrial-grade enriched uranium used in nuclear power plants. If a nuclear submarine with a displacement of over 9,000 tonnes suffers a nuclear leak under water, the consequences would be very serious, Du said.In its statement last week, the US Navy emphasised that the USS Connecticuts nuclear propulsion plant was not affected by the bumping accident, and remained fully operational, with the sub limping back to port in Guam independently.The USS Connecticut is a Seawolf-class submarine, one of the most advanced, but also the most expensive, kinds of attack subs in the US Navys arsenal. The boat is one of three Seawolf-class subs in service. Thanks to their nuclear reactor, the vessels endurance is limited only by the need to stock up on supplies for its crew, and they are equipped with an arsenal of anti-ship, anti-sub and land-attack weapons. Last week, retired Russian Admiral Vladimir Valuyev said he couldnt imagine that a sub decked out with such advanced onboard navigation systems could simply collide with an underwater reef or rock formation. He suggested that the most likely explanation was that the sub struck a recently built or still under construction oil-drilling installation which the Pentagon was not aware of on its maps.Beijing has urged the United States and any other country or countries involved in the incident to provide relevant details, including the exact location of the incident, the purpose of this trip, and details of what the submarine encountered.On Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian accused the US of failing to providing the relevant information, and suggested that such [an] irresponsible and secretive approach has raised even more suspicion among the international community about the USAs intentions and details of the accident.The South China Sea is one of the most sensitive bodies of water in the world. Along with China, parts of the sea are claimed by Brunei, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The sea is not only a crucial artery for global shipping, but is also rich in fishing and untapped energy resources.Despite laying no claims of its own to the body of water, the United States characterises the South China Sea as a matter of strategic interest for Washington. Since 2010, the US has sought to establish or shore up regional alliances with claimants other than China, and has carried out drills and so-called "freedom of navigation" patrols in the area. Beijing has blasted these efforts, and called on the US to butt out of regional affairs. In the early 2000s, the Peoples Republic and the members of ASEAN (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) began talks on establishing a "code of conduct" in the South China Sea meant to resolve territorial and other disputes without the involvement of outside powers. Washington has done everything in its power to hamper or torpedo these negotiations.

https://sputniknews.com/20211011/china-says-us-approached-nuclear-submarine-accident-irresponsibly-1089838016.html

ASmith_ Its refreshing to see China dig out the grains of facts and drill down on what actually happened after a century of the USA Gov gross, routine lies, two-face actions, propaganda lies and fictional psyops now becoming more routine and the Western Norm. 8

Norwegian Perhaps an internal explosion rather than a collision. These guys like to obfuscate what is really going on. So maybe they blew their own nose off. 7

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Ilya Tsukanov

united states, china, south china sea, submarine, incident, uss connecticut
https://sputniknews.com/20211014/danish-study-deflates-widespread-circumcision-myth-1089910996.html

Danish Study Deflates Widespread Circumcision Myth

Danish Study Deflates Widespread Circumcision Myth

The comprehensive Danish study on sexually-transmitted infections is based on 800,000 men and spans nearly four decades. 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T07:29+0000

2021-10-14T07:29+0000

2021-10-14T07:29+0000

denmark

news

europe

circumcision

scandinavia

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Whereas millions of infants and children are circumcised in various parts of the world in hope that this reduces the risk of contracting HIV and other sexually-transmitted diseases, groundbreaking research from the Danish State Serum Institute (SSI) has found that the belief is incorrect.The SSI research, based on data from over 800,000 Danish men born between 1977 and 2003, saw no greater or lesser chance of HIV infection for circumcised men, but a higher risk of other STDs.The background for the Danish study is the current development of circumcision in Africa. Based on previous studies from Kenya, Uganda and South Africa, which suggested a 50% reduced relative risk of HIV among circumcised young adult men, millions of teenage boys in Africa have been non-ritually circumcised in the past decades. In recent years, more African countries have expanded their circumcision programmes to include infants and young boys.The assumption has been that if circumcision in adulthood reduced a mans risk of getting HIV and other STDs, it probably also will in relation to circumcision early in life. The problem is that the assumption has never been scientifically proven, Frisch said.The new Danish study is in line with international ones. Before, only two smaller cohort studies in the research literature, both from New Zealand, had investigated the importance of boy circumcision and failed to convincingly suggest that boy circumcision protects against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. A registry-based cohort study from Canada, just published in the Journal of Urology, has found no protective effect of boy circumcision against HIV as well.

https://sputniknews.com/20200907/biggest-crisis-since-wwii-denmarks-jews-panicked-by-nascent-ban-on-circumcision-on-minors-1080389348.html

Preterist-ADSeventy The ritual of circumcision was done by the ancient Hebrews and was an outward sign of Hebrew males belonging to God. It was never meant to be a medical procedure to prevent diseases. During the Apostolic period the Judaizers insisted that the Christians be circumcised, a procedure that the Jews continue to this day. The council in Jerusalem in the first century determined that circumcision was not required for Christian males. Yet today newborn males born into Christian families are circumcised. Its another example of how the Jews infiltrated into the Church and completely distorted what the Church is meant to be. 3

Old Shagnasty There is no reason; except for extremely rare critical medical reasons, to perform genital mutilation on either boys or girls. If your stupid religion insists on lopping bits off of your body, wait until adulthood. 2

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denmark, news, europe, circumcision, scandinavia
https://sputniknews.com/20211014/durga-puja-celebrations-in-indias-national-capital-lack-pomp--splendour-due-to-covid-19-crisis-1089894323.html

Durga Puja Celebrations in India's National Capital Lack Pomp & Splendour Due to COVID-19 Crisis

Durga Puja Celebrations in India's National Capital Lack Pomp & Splendour Due to COVID-19 Crisis

Amid fears of the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic, very few Druga Puja committees are performing the puja, while a majority of organisers have gone... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T06:44+0000

2021-10-14T06:44+0000

2021-10-14T06:44+0000

new delhi

india

arvind kejriwal

coronavirus

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Durga Puja, a 5-day grand festival of India's Bengali Community, has traditionally been a much-awaited annual affair. The ceremonial worship of the Goddess Durga, along with visiting various Pandals (a traditional Bengali themed-marquee), Dhunuchi Naach (ritualised dance worship with Bengali incense burner), lip-smacking feasts and prayer offerings are some of the crucial parts of this ancient festival. Interestingly, the Durga Puja festival coincides with another Hindu traditional festival, the nine-day Navratri celebration, which is mostly celebrated among Indian communities in the north of the country. These 10 days spread joy, excitement, and happiness across India every year. The colourful festival that celebrates the power of womanhood is an annual occasion to commemorate the Goddess Durga for conquering the demon king Mahishasura in a fight that exemplifies the victory of good over evil. The festival begins with Mahalaya (the day on which Goddess Durga is believed to have arrived on Earth) and ends with Vijaydashmi (the day of Goddess Durga's victory over the demon king) or Dusshera (the tenth and final day of the Hindu festival of Navaratri). However, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has snatched away the usual sheen of this grand occasion. Last year, most Durga Puja committees performed a Ghat or Kalash' (sacred water vessel) puja, but this year, many committees are performing Pratima puja (idol worshipping) while maintaining COVID-19 restrictions. Delhi's District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has allowed the celebrations, although Puja committees have decided to keep it low-key due to the fears of an impending third wave of COVID-19. Chittaranjan Park (CR Park), known as Delhi's Mini Bengal, is home to some of the splendid and gorgeous Durga Puja Pandals (Bengali marquee) and they are visited by over a million people every year. This year, however, the beautiful idols are back in some of the Pandals, with food stalls prohibited and restrictions on the number of visitors, while celebrations are being conducted in a plain and sombre fashion, unlike last year's muted tone. In Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir, the committee has decreed that the puja will be live-streamed, and Pushpanjali (flower offering) can be performed virtually. The temple is open with strict COVID-19 protocols for only Pratima Darshan (Ceremony of idol worshipping) and visitors are expected to simply enter, pay their respects, and leave. With several out-of-bound areas, organisers have placed boundaries to ensure that visitors come and go in a line. Separate entrance and exits, sanitisers, police at checkpoints, and "wear mask" posters, have become an essential aspect of this year's Puja. Meanwhile, DDMA has asked Durga Puja organisers to make arrangements for the idols' immersion at or near the venues, as local authorities will not make any arrangements: as in previous years. In the wake of rising pollution levels in the Yamuna river, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued guidelines against immersion in the river. Earlier, the Delhi government placed artificial ponds across the city for Durga Puja organisers to immerse their idols. Several organisers told Sputnik that Delhi generally witnesses over 500 pandals every year. This year, however, that number has dropped to around 200. The delicious grand-feast of Durga Puja, Mahabhog, which comprises Khichudi (a Bengali dish made of rice and lentils), Beguni (eggplant fritters), a mixed-vegetable dish, tomato chutney (a sweet and sour sauce), and Payesh (a sweet dessert of rice and milk) is extremely important but is also not allowed on the premises. Although it is cooked inside the temple complex, the organisers have put up 14 distribution points across the CR Park. Devotees can order the Mahabhog and collect it from the distribution points. Other Pandals in CR Park had a similar presentation and some did not opt for Pratima puja (Idol worship). Although the spirit of this auspicious festival is dampened again this year, the organisers, as well as participants, are hopeful that next year's celebrations will be without lockdowns and health restrictions. This Indian festive season began with Navrati on 7 October, and Durga Puja began on 11 October. Both festivals will conclude on 15 October, a date marked as Dusshera.

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new delhi, india, arvind kejriwal, coronavirus
https://sputniknews.com/20211014/energy-leaders-gather-at-russian-energy-week-2021-in-moscow--1089908328.html

Energy Leaders Gather at Russian Energy Week 2021 in Moscow

Energy Leaders Gather at Russian Energy Week 2021 in Moscow

The Russian Energy Week International Forum opened in Moscow on Wednesday and will last until Friday. 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T07:15+0000

2021-10-14T07:15+0000

2021-10-14T07:15+0000

russia

moscow

russian energy week

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The business programme of the Russian Energy Week continues in Moscow with a panel discussion on the future of gas, oil and coal.The session will be attended by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman al Saud, UAE Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazrouei and OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, among other panelists. The fourth edition of Russian Energy Week takes place at the Manege Central Exhibition Hall.The Russian Energy Week forum has been held since 2017; in 2021 it includes over 70 events in various formats.Follow Sputnik's Live Feed to Find Out More!

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russia, moscow, russian energy week
https://sputniknews.com/20211014/ex-obama-ethics-chief-slams-psakis-handling-of-questions-about-hunter-bidens-art-sale-1089929683.html

Ex-Obama Ethics Chief Slams Psaki's Handling of Questions About Hunter Biden's Art Sale

Ex-Obama Ethics Chief Slams Psaki's Handling of Questions About Hunter Biden's Art Sale

Psaki essentially sent a message saying "the White House thinks the public has no right to ask about ethics, Shaub claimed on Twitter. 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T17:56+0000

2021-10-14T17:56+0000

2021-10-14T17:56+0000

jen psaki

hunter biden

us

criticism

ethics

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Walter Shaub, US attorney and former director of the United States Office of Government Ethics during the Obama administration, has criticised White House Press Secretary Jen Psakis response to a reporters question about sales of paintings by Hunter Biden, son of US President Joe Biden.According to the New York Post, at least five prints by Hunter were sold for $75,000 each ahead of a Hollywood show this month, with a team of lawyers moving to vet prospective buyers for a bigger show in New York.When a reporter for the newspaper asked Psaki whether the identity of those who bought Hunters art will remain anonymous, she replied that it still is the purview of the gallerist.Psaki then immediately inquired whether the reporter had another question on something else.Otherwise, were going to move on to some other topics. Lots going on in the world, she said.Shaub, however, did not seem particularly amused by Psakis reaction, tweeting that it is disappointing to hear her send a message that the White House thinks the public has no right to ask about ethics.There is no ethics programme in the world that can be built around the head of states staff working with a dealer to keep the public in the dark about the identities of individuals who pay vast sums to the leaders family member for subjectively priced items of no intrinsic value, he argued in a follow-up tweet.If this were Trump, Xi, or Putin, youd have no doubt whatsoever that this creates a vehicle for funnelling cash to the first family in exchange for access or favours, Shaub added. Nor would you doubt that the appearance of monetising the presidency was outrageous.He also went on to complain about White House staffers hiding from the public things like the names of the buyers of Hunters art, therefore leaving members of the public unable to monitor anther the buyers gain access to government officials after major purchases.They told us Hunter wouldnt know who the buyers are. Then the media discovered he was attending the showings, Shaub remarked. But they emphasised that no prospective buyers would be dealing with the government. Then a man whos up for an administration job was caught at the showing.He further argued that while this situation isnt exactly comparable to the corruption of the Trump admin, he does regard it as a failure to lift the nation out of the mire into which Trump sunk it.Now, look, many Twitter users have made clear they hate hearing this. But it is objectively bad. It would be better not to pretend this isnt bad, Shaub mused. Those individuals should just admit that, like Trump supporters, they dont care about ethics when their guy is in charge.

fluttershield mlp White House for sale, as usual. 0

vot tak Rehiring the psaki pile has gotta be one of the worst pr moves since the trump quislingship's follies. The ioly, repulsive thing drips with dishonesty and smug arrogance. 0

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Andrei Dergalin

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jen psaki, hunter biden, us, criticism, ethics
https://sputniknews.com/20211014/five-afghans-planned-to-hijack-commercial-aircraft-during-kabul-evacuation-us-air-force-reveals-1089905685.html

Five Afghans Planned to Hijack Commercial Aircraft During Kabul Evacuation, US Air Force Reveals

Five Afghans Planned to Hijack Commercial Aircraft During Kabul Evacuation, US Air Force Reveals

In a Wednesday bulletin about the August evacuation from Kabuls Hamid Karzai International Airport, the US Air Force (USAF) unveiled many new details about... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T01:07+0000

2021-10-14T01:07+0000

2021-10-14T01:17+0000

us air force

evacuation

asia-pacific

hijacking

hamid karzai international airport

afghanistan

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The article, about how airmen helped prepare for Noncombatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) from Afghanistan beginning in July, well before the sudden collapse of the US-backed Afghan government in mid-August, highlighted many elements of the chaotic situation never before seen."I knew this was going to be different - all of the assumptions and experiences from the past in Afghanistan were invalid," Cook said in the article. "I spoke with the leadership before they left and made sure they understood that. By the time they walked out the door, I was 100% confident that the team was ready to execute their critical life-saving mission in the most challenging of environments."The Biden administration was firmly set on August 31 as the deadline for withdrawing all remaining US assets from Afghanistan, ending the 20-year-long occupation war that killed at least 240,000 people. The US had made a ceasefire agreement with the Taliban* to be out of the country by May 1, but US President Joe Biden arbitrarily extended the withdrawal date by several months.Meanwhile, the Sunni extremist group launched a widespread offensive that brought most of the country under its control by early August. By August 14, with US personnel evacuations far from complete, then-Afghan President Ashraf Ghani suddenly fled the capital city ahead of the Talibans arrival, and the group captured the city without a fight.The capture, at least a month before it was expected, forced the US timetable up and set off a series of critical events, including the mobbing of the airport by hundreds of thousands of would-be refugees, many of them collaborators with the US occupation who Washington had promised to take with them when they left. The US marshalled aircraft both military and civilian to the airport, along with 6,000 troops in case of an attack by the Taliban or another group, such as Daesh-Khorasan* or al-Qaeda*.Organized ChaosAs the USAF story recounts, told largely from the perspective of Lt. Col. Brian Desautels, commander of a Personnel Recovery Task Force (PRTF), his 170 airmen trained for rescue operations quickly became the equivalent of swiss army knives who filled many roles during the chaotic evacuation.One of their major tasks included keeping track of all the aircraft coming into and out of Hamid Karzai airport. At first it was almost exclusively USAF cargo planes like C-130s and C-17s, but by August 22, the Pentagon had enlisted the service of commercial airliners, as well. There were also transports from the many nations with embassies or detachments in Kabul who came to pick up their personnel, some of whom had to be retrieved via helicopter.The airmen also helped with processing people in the crowds, finding those with paperwork making them eligible to leave and bumping them to the front of the line, since the Marines were all tasked with security. When Daesh attacked the crowd outside the gates on August 26, the airmen helped care for the wounded.Desautels described some of the harrowing events of the day after the Taliban entered Kabul, as Afghans rushed to get a spot on one of the military transports, which were filled to the brim with refugees. He mentions the infamous incident, seen in widely circulated footage, in which people clung to the hull and climbed inside the wheel well of a departing C-17, only to fall from the sky moments after takeoff, or be found frozen to death inside the well upon arrival in Qatar.He also described a situation in which a commercial aircraft of unknown type was almost seized by five people on board. Having received an intelligence tip, "our team worked to get them clear of the NATO ramp, relocated to the north side away from friendly forces, then ultimately onto the south side where the situation was handled," he explained.The bulletin describes other elements of the missions as well, including that apparently many of the airmen didnt have their COVID-19 vaccines, necessitating a mass vaccination effort, and that they stay on board their aircraft during stopovers in several countries along the way to Afghanistan.In the end, the airlift successfully evacuated 124,000 people, 6,000 of whom were Americans, according to the Pentagon.*Terrorist groups banned in Russia and many other countries

feketehollo Sputnik letting the Yanks spin tall stories of their own heroism and skill -- smells to high heaven this garbage 2

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us air force, evacuation, asia-pacific, hijacking, hamid karzai international airport
https://sputniknews.com/20211014/hindus-celebrating-durga-puja-attacked-in-bangladesh-over-quran-desecration-claims-1089922040.html

Hindus Celebrating 'Durga Puja' Attacked in Bangladesh Over Quran Desecration Claims

Hindus Celebrating 'Durga Puja' Attacked in Bangladesh Over Quran Desecration Claims

The violent attacks on Bangladesh's Hindu community took place as they were celebrating Durga Puja, a five-day festival dedicated to a Hindu goddess. Hindus... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T14:45+0000

2021-10-14T14:45+0000

2021-10-14T14:45+0000

bangladesh

bharatiya janata party (bjp)

india

asia-pacific

west bengal

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Members of the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh have been fatally targeted by frenzied Islamist mobs, after claims spread through the country that the Quran had been desecrated at a prayer stall.The attacks across several of Bangladeshs districts, including Comilla, Noakhali and Cox's Bazar, left three people dead and scores injured, according to local media reports. Mobs have also reportedly vandalised temples of Hindu deities, and attacked Hindu homes and businesses in the spate of violence that began on 13 October.Shiba Prasad Dutta, a local Hindu community leader, was quoted as saying by bdnews24.com that a copy of the Quran had been found at a Durga Puja stall in Comilla district on the morning of 13 October. He claimed that within hours, rumours that the religious text had been desecrated started doing the rounds of social media, sparking violent reprisals on Hindus.In a bid to stem the attacks and bring the situation under control, Dhaka has reportedly deployed paramilitary forces in 22 of the countrys 64 districts. Local police said on Thursday that 43 people have been detained for allegedly inciting violence.Meanwhile, Bangladeshs home minister Asaduzzaman Khan said that the authorities would track down those who were behind the violence, which he described as an act of sabotage.I personally dont believe [a Hindu person] can gather the courage to do it. Lets see. Now we are trying to keep everything under control. We will find out the facts, bdnews24.com quoted Khan as saying.Hindu groups have, however, claimed that the attacks on their minority community continue in some parts of the country despite the police action.Outrage in IndiaThe attacks in Bangladesh have triggered significant outrage in India, where allies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have demanded New Delhis intervention in the matter.Suvendu Adhikari, a politician from Modis Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition leader in the West Bengal state assembly, has asked that the Hindu community in Bangladesh be granted immediate relief.Top Hindu outfit Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has asked Prime Minister Modi to take up the attacks with the Bangladeshi leadership and ensure that Hindus are compensated for their losses during the violence.Durga Puja is an annual festival held in honour of the goddess Durga who is the goddess of protection and motherhood and, appropriately - given what has been taking place this year, war and destruction. India foreign ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said at a weekly briefing on Thursday that Indian embassy and consulates in Bangladesh were in close contact with Bangladeshi authorities over the recent violence.

https://sputniknews.com/20201031/condemned-hindu-girl-who-insulted-prophet-on-facebook-goes-missing-in-bangladesh-1080937021.html

https://sputniknews.com/20210326/four-killed-after-police-in-bangladesh-open-fire-at-demonstrators-against-indian-pm-modis-visit-1082459509.html

bangladesh

india

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Dhairya Maheshwari

bangladesh, bharatiya janata party (bjp), india, asia-pacific, west bengal
https://sputniknews.com/20211014/india-completes-excavation-work-at-strategic-all-weather-sela-tunnel-on-china-border-1089914915.html

India Completes Excavation Work at Strategic All-Weather Sela Tunnel on China Border

India Completes Excavation Work at Strategic All-Weather Sela Tunnel on China Border

Beijing has never recognised New Delhis sovereignty over the state of Arunachal Pradesh, a mountainous state located in the eastern section of the India-China... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T10:57+0000

2021-10-14T10:57+0000

2021-10-14T10:57+0000

ladakh region

china

india

arunachal pradesh

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https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/0a/0e/1089918606_0:27:1193:698_1920x0_80_0_0_03812bf7fe78da86ad5af93ff6e2dd60.jpg

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday presided over the "breakthrough blast" on the main tube of the upcoming Sela Tunnel, an all-weather connectivity project in India's Arunachal Pradesh state, which borders Chinas Tibet Autonomous Region.Singh said that the tunnel was important not only for bolstering Indias national security but would also lead to the socio-economic development of the entire region by boosting tourism and employment opportunities for the locals.The minister also lauded the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for playing a crucial role in enhancing operational readiness of the Indian security forces. The BRO is an Indian government agency tasked with construction of roads, bridges and other connectivity projects along the country's border regions.According to a government release, the breakthrough blast marks the end of the excavation work in the high-altitude project. The tunnel, located in the West Kameng district, is expected to be operational by next year. The foundation stone of the high-altitude tunnel was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2019, while construction began in April of the same year. The first blast was carried out in January this year.The Sela Tunnel comprises two tubes, with the first one being 980 metres long and the other being 1,555 metres in length.Upon completion, the over 1.5 kilometre tunnel will be one of the longest bi-lane road tunnels in the world, at an altitude above 13,800 feet, the official statement said.The breakthrough blast ceremony comes a day after China raised objections to the visit of Indian Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu to Arunachal Pradesh and rejected New Delhi's claim over the border territory.The Chinese government has never recognised the so-called Arunachal Pradesh established unilaterally and illegally by the Indian side and firmly opposes the Indian leader's visit to this above-mentioned area, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a briefing on 13 October, when asked about Naidus visit to Arunachal Pradesh.China urges the Indian side to earnestly respect China's major concerns, stop taking any action that would complicate and expand the boundary issue, and refrain from undermining mutual trust and bilateral relations, the Chinese official also remarked.The two Asian powerhouses are already embroiled in a military standoff in the eastern Ladakh region over competing territorial claims which has lasted more than a year. The dispute remains unresolved in spite of 13 rounds of military commander-level talks between the two nations and several high-level exchanges involving the foreign ministers of both the nations.India, meanwhile, has rebutted Beijings claims by describing Arunachal Pradesh as an integral and inalienable part of the country.Indian leaders routinely travel to the state of Arunachal Pradesh as they do to any other state of India. Objecting to the visit of Indian leaders to a state of India does not stand to reason and understanding of Indian people, the Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

https://sputniknews.com/20211011/blame-game-erupts-as-india-china-fail-to-make-headway-in-military-talks-to-cool-border-tensions-1089824708.html

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https://sputniknews.com/20211014/israeli-ministers-face-low-ratings-as-public-dissatisfaction-with-their-policies-continues-to-mount-1089907745.html

Israeli Ministers Face Low Ratings As Public Dissatisfaction With Their Policies Continues to Mount

Israeli Ministers Face Low Ratings As Public Dissatisfaction With Their Policies Continues to Mount

A recent poll indicates that the parties of the current coalition have failed to boost their popularity. The ratings of former prime minister Benjamin... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T04:45+0000

2021-10-14T04:45+0000

2021-10-14T04:45+0000

naftali bennett

israel

benjamin netanyahu

polls

benny gantz

ratings

middle east

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Media polls are not in favour of Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. Although the number of coronavirus patients continues to fall, his party's ratings remain low; a recent survey suggests that he would only get 7 out of 120 seats in the parliament, if elections were held today.Other parties that make up the current coalition have also registered a stagnation in ratings. The Yesh Atid party, the biggest faction of the government, still holds 18 seats, just as it did in the fourth round of Israel's general elections, held in March.The same is true of a number of other parties, including the Blue and White, Labour, Yisrael Beitenu and Meretz, which haven't been able to lift themselves. The reason for this is the Israeli public's dissatisfaction with their current ministers and the policies they have been introducing.Bad Performance:Avigdor Liberman, the chief of Yisrael Beitenu and the man who now controls the Ministry of Finance, has shown very poor ratings, with only 35 percent of a recent poll's respondents evaluating his performance as good. 50 percent gave him a "bad" mark.The reason behind those poor ratings is Liberman's policies, which are seen as being aimed at harming the Ultra-Orthodox community.It started with comments against the Haredi parliamentarians and the constituents they represent. Then it was the decision to double the tax on plasticware -- which is usually used by the Haredi and Arab sectors -- under the pretext that such a move would reduce the usage of disposable utensils.And finally it was the move to cut off the subsidies of kindergartens for unemployed Haredi parents, in a bid to compel them to gain employment.But Liberman was far from the only minister that was put under fire. The chief of the Interior Ministry Ayelet Shaked has also received poor ratings, with 44 percent of respondents giving her a "bad" mark, partially because of their frustration with her entering a liberal coalition and partially due to her inability to promote any significant legislation.The Minister of Transportation, Merav Michaeli, has also been slammed: 43 percent of respondents evaluate her performance as poor. Although she has only been in office for less than half a year, many Israelis feel that traffic jams continue to be a headache, whereas major projects like the construction of roads and light rail are still stuck.The situation doesn't look positive for Foreign Minister Yair Lapid either. His ratings are still high but the mere fact that his policies have been slammed by 42 percent of respondents is an indication that the public might soon turn against him.Since he took office in mid-June, Lapid has managed to anger much of the Israeli public. Domestically, he provoked condemnation after he neglected to attend the coronavirus cabinet meetings, amid a fourth wave that has been taking a toll on the country's public.Internationally, he raised eyebrows in China after taking a pro-American stance and slamming Beijing for the way it treated its minorities, and then in the United Arab Emirates after failing to meet with the country's business people during his first official trip to the Gulf nation.Biggest Winners:However, Israel's current political system has also got a couple of winners, who seem to be enjoying high approval ratings.The first one is Israel's Defence Minister Benny Gantz, whose name has been associated with a relative quiet on the Israel-Gaza border and with the easing of restrictions on Gazans including the expansion of nautical miles and letting Palestinian workers into the Israeli territories.In a recent poll, Gantz has received the support of nearly 60 percent of respondents. Only 28 percent said they disapproved of his policies.Another great winner of the current political situation is former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is only getting more popular, with the aforementioned poll predicting his party Likud would get 34 seats at the Israeli chamber, if elections occurred today.General elections are not on the horizon in Israel at the moment, but if a chance is given, Netanyahu might once again find himself in a position of power.

TruePatriot And how are Bibi's criminal trials going, eh? 2

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naftali bennett, israel, benjamin netanyahu, polls, benny gantz, ratings, middle east
https://sputniknews.com/20211014/javid-sorry-for-covid-19-losses-after-report-decries-one-of-uks-worst-public-health-failures-1089919697.html

Javid 'Sorry' for COVID-19 Losses After Report Decries One of UK's 'Worst Public Health Failures'

Javid 'Sorry' for COVID-19 Losses After Report Decries One of UK's 'Worst Public Health Failures'

After a year-long inquiry conducted by two committees of the House of Commons, UK lawmakers earlier published a report about the governments early response to... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T12:48+0000

2021-10-14T12:48+0000

2021-10-14T12:48+0000

boris johnson

matt hancock

sajid javid

uk

covid-19

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UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid has said he is sorry for the suffering the COVID-19 pandemic has caused, while conceding that there are lessons to learn from this period for the UK government and for governments across the world.Commenting the publication on Tuesday of a health select committee report which found the UK governments management of the crisis one of the worst public health failures in British history, Javid appeared not to regret urging the government to prioritise the economy over introducing coronavirus lockdown.The former Chancellor who was removed in a cabinet reshuffle in January 2020 but later took over as Health Secretary after Matt Hancock quit over an affair with an aide in June, said he had been a "humble backbencher at the time when decisions were made. Javid, who revealed that he had not read the report in detail, added:According to the minister, he was not in a position to look back at every decision made, with the upcoming public inquiry better equipped to handle the matter.Public Health FailureUK ministers and MPs have been weighing in on the publication of a damming report by the Commons Science and Health Committees into the pandemic, which stated that while the UKs pandemic planning had been globally acclaimed, it performed less well than other countries when we needed it most. Accordingly, thousands of lives were lost due to delays and errors by ministers and their scientific advisers.Cabinet Office minister Stephen Barclay refused to apologise 11 times during an interview on Sky News on Tuesday.Tory chairman Oliver Dowden was cited by Sky News as saying he was very sorry, acknowledging that we didn't get everything right.According to Labour Party leader Keir Starmer, saying sorry is the least the PM could do as he urged a public inquiry to be brought forward.Prime Minister Boris Johnson vowed a formal inquiry into the government's response to the pandemic by Spring 2022, promising that high-profile players would be put under the microscope.A 150-page report by the joint Health and Social Care, and Science and Technology Committees, a cross-party group of MP, published the first major probe into the governments handling of its early response to the COVID-19 pandemic on Tuesday.Early 2020 decision failures pertaining to lockdowns and social distancing on the part of the British government had led to many thousands of deaths which could have been avoided, it claimed, as it slammed insufficient community testing capacity, inadequate and chaotic 37bln test and trace system, reluctance to challenge scientific advice, and excess efforts to avoid lockdowns.While hailing the development and deployment of the UKs Oxford University-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine, both officials and scientific advisers were criticised for groupthink and a policy approach of fatalism.Lawmakers were reproached for concluding that herd immunity by infection was the inevitable outcome.The UK's government was found to have made a serious early error as its response to the challenges of the pandemic was too narrowly and inflexibly based on a flu model, claimed the report, failing to draw lessons from Sars, Mers and Ebola outbreaks.The probe cited former government adviser Neil Ferguson as warning members of Parliament that a national lockdown introduced just a few days earlier would have reduced the final death toll by at least a half.

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boris johnson, matt hancock, sajid javid, uk, covid-19
https://sputniknews.com/20211014/lebanese-president-promises-no-more-violence-after-beirut-shooting-1089933681.html

Lebanese President Promises No More Violence After Beirut Shooting

Lebanese President Promises No More Violence After Beirut Shooting

BEIRUT (Sputnik) - Lebanese President Michel Aoun assured his fellow citizens on Thursday that the country's government will not allow any more violence to... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T21:32+0000

2021-10-14T21:32+0000

2021-10-14T21:30+0000

beirut

lebanon

shooting

michel aoun

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Earlier in the day, militants opened fire on a peaceful protest by supporters of Shia political parties Hezbollah and Amal. The attack was followed by an hourslong firefight between armed groups and the military. As a result, at least six people were killed and over 30 were wounded.The president said that the recent events reminded him of the 1975-90 civil war, recalling that the Middle Eastern nation has committed to not letting anything of kind happen ever again.Hezbollah and Amal, on their part, stated that the ill-fated demonstration was organized with the purpose of peaceful expression of opinion and blamed the attack on armed groups from the Lebanese Forces, a Christian party and former militia.The Lebanese Forces leadership rejected allegations of its supporters being involved in today's violence.

beirut

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beirut, lebanon, shooting, michel aoun
https://sputniknews.com/20211014/legal-loopholes-and-zuckerbucks-study-explains-how-facebooks-ceo-bought-the-2020-election-1089908893.html

Legal Loopholes and 'Zuckerbucks': Study Explains How Facebooks CEO Bought the 2020 Election

Legal Loopholes and 'Zuckerbucks': Study Explains How Facebooks CEO Bought the 2020 Election

The 2020 presidential race was a tight one, and Democrat Joe Bidens narrow election victory means that a relatively small number of votes shifting a different... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T06:13+0000

2021-10-14T06:13+0000

2021-10-14T07:52+0000

mark zuckerberg

us

facebook

us democratic party

us election 2020

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Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg funneled hundreds of millions of dollars during the 2020 election into nominally nonpartisan nonprofit organisations that manipulated election-office funding to tip the scales in favour of the Democratic vote, according to a study published by The Federalist. Analysis carried out by William Doyle, Ph.D, principal researcher at Caesar Rodney Election Research Institute in Irving, Texas, shows the private resource funding targeted key battleground states to increase then-Democratic presidential candidate Joe Bidens vote margin against his rival, Republican Donald Trump. It was in states like Georgia, where Biden won by 12,000 votes, and Arizona, where he won by 10,000, that the massive additional resources are suggested as having propelled the Democrat to victory. The report claims that it was not a case of traditional campaign finance or lobbying, but a clever manipulation of legal loopholes that likely allowed the 2020 election to be bought by one of the worlds richest men. Targeted Partisan Funding in Battleground States According to William Doyle and his team, private funding of election administration is what markedly sets the 2020 November presidential campaign apart from all previous ones. Two nonprofits funded by Mark Zuckerberg - The Center for Technology and Civic Life (CTCL) and The Center for Election Innovation and Research (CEIR), ostensibly transferred $419.5 million of the Facebook CEOs private resources into local government elections offices.This infiltration, purportedly carried out at the city and county level, allowed the offices to be wielded as a platform in Democratic voter areas. The methods used to drum up the Dem vote are described as ranging from a plethora of administrative practices and data-sharing agreements to direct outreach campaigns in key swing states.As an example of the latter, the report says that the nonprofits funded self-described vote navigators in Wisconsin. These people were tasked to assist voters, potentially at their front doors, to answer questions, assist in ballot curing  and witness absentee ballot signatures. Furthermore, a staffing agency affiliated with political leader, voting rights activist Stacey Abrams, called Happy Faces, was ostensibly set up temporarily to count the votes on election night in Fulton County, Georgia.Under the guise of supposedly providing assistance for voting during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Center for Technology and Civic Life is reported to have coordinated with local governments to get out the votes in Democratic areas. The analysis enumerates ways the CTCL achieved its goal by resorting to nonprofit organisations, social-media platforms and social-media election influencers. These included promotion of universal mail-in voting  something that Donald Trump had warned from the outset as catastrophic and fraught with election irregularities. Furthermore, the funding into election offices via the nonprofits purportedly worked towards extending deadlines that favoured mail-in over in-person voting. This is believed to have enabled ballot curing, when hundreds of thousands of mail-in ballots could be rejected because of mistakes, such as missing or mismatched signatures. Activist groups rushed to help voters fix  or "cure"  their ballots before it was too late, so they could be counted. Expensive bulk mailings were also believed to have been part of the community outreach programs thus funded.Illegal ballot harvesting was reportedly enabled by CTCL via proliferation of unmonitored private drop boxes as part of the novel mail-in ballot electioneering. The nonprofit CTCL channelled resources, according to the study, to boost numbers of temporary poll workers as part of the covert infiltration of election offices by paid Democratic Party activists. The report claims that staggering sums of additional money poured into elections offices in Democrat-voting areas. With the two above-mentioned private nonprofits responsible for an 85 percent boost in total additional election funding concentrated in heavily Democratic municipalities. Grants with Strings Attached CTCL is shown to have provided 25 grants worth $1 million or larger to recipient cities and counties in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. Out of these, 23 went to areas that Joe Biden won in the 2020 presidential election. Analysis carried out by the Doyle-led team says CTCL funds increased Democratic-voting Green Bay resources to $47 per voter, while rural areas still registered $4 per voter funding. Disparities of this nature, claims the report, are apparent in areas such as Detroit, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Flint, Mich., Dallas, Houston and other cities  recipients of CTCL money. The analysis offers a case study of battleground state  Texas, with Democratic counties shown as having received the highest per-capita levels of CTCL spending. Listed as a Republican voter area, Tarrant County flipped Democrat in 2020. The team also offered its preliminary results in Georgia and Wisconsin, that suggested a similar impact on Bidens vote margin derivative from CTCL spending. Structural Bias In conclusion, the study underscores that use of private organisations, lacking in administrative and financial transparency and not subject to the same rules and checks that public employees and institutions are, means that they cannot be monitored via open-records requests. The analysis shows that a massive influx of private funds enabled a shadow election system to be set in place during the 2020 presidential election. It is claimed to have systematically favoured Democratic voters over Republican voters from deep inside the election system. According to the authors of the report, the structural bias that permeated the 2020 election was likely what allowed Joe Biden to secure an Electoral College triumph. Looking ahead, after conclusion of further state-by-state analysis, the project intends to offer a counterfactual electoral map, reflecting how the 2020 election results would have looked without the CTCL/CEIR $419.5 million. The bombshell report has triggered outrage from the GOP, with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis saying that election reform law had banned Zuckerbucks in this state.Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) questioned the legality of Mark Zuckerbergs partisan 2020 election spending. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) went on Twitter to query whether the elections were for sale? Wisconsin state Assembly Speaker Robin Vos went even further, commissioning an investigation into the work funded by Zuckerberg and his wife in five cities of Wisconsin. This comes as earlier this year, analysis by the conservative Foundation for Government Accountability discovered that in the key swing state of Georgia, an estimated $29 million of the Facebook CEOs money was funnelled into counties later won by Biden.In response to the report, Zuckerberg spokesman Ben LaBolt acknowledged donations worth $350 million to the Center for Tech and Civic Life and $69.5 million to the Center for Election Innovation and Research.

TruePatriot The time for shutting Farcebook down and incarcerating Zuck is here. There's enough evidence alone in the article to convict him of election tampering at minimum, if not treason. 7

IronForge Prosecute Zuckerberg. 4

2

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mark zuckerberg, us, facebook, us democratic party, us election 2020
https://sputniknews.com/20211014/millionaire-real-estate-heir-robert-durst-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-2000-murder-1089934288.html

Millionaire Real Estate Heir Robert Durst Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2000 Murder

Millionaire Real Estate Heir Robert Durst Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2000 Murder

Robert Durst was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday for the murder of Susan Berman inside of her Los Angeles home in 2000. 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T22:09+0000

2021-10-14T22:09+0000

2021-10-15T02:00+0000

murder

prison

sentencing

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The sentencing came after a five-month trial in which prosecutors argued that Durst murdered Berman to cover up the 1982 murder and disappearance of his wife, Kathie Durst, and that he also murdered a neighbor, Morris Black, in 2001. The jury upheld the special circumstances conditions against Durst, which, under California law, allow for defendants convicted of special circumstances murder to either be sentenced to life without parole or be executed. The Los Angeles Country district attorney's office opted not to seek the death penalty, effectively sentencing him to life in prison without parole. Berman's son, Sareb Kaufman, read a statement to the court detailing how much agony Durst's crime has caused him. "I have not had one day off in almost 21 years from the absolute destruction and pain that this had caused me, my mind body and soul tortured by the effect this has had on me for every second for 21 years," he said.Durst was the subject of the 2015 HBO documentary series "The Jinx," which renewed interest in the disappearance of his wife and the murder of Susan Berman. At the end of the series, unaware that he was still being recorded, Durst is heard saying, "What the hell did I do? ... Killed them all, of course." Durst is the son of New York real estate magnate Seymour Durst who invented the National Debt Clock and was an heir to the Durst Organization. Berman and Durst became friends while at UCLA in the 1960s. The two would remain friends, with Durst walking Berman down the aisle in 1984. When Durst was initially under suspicion over the disappearance of his wife, Berman allegedly gave him an alibi and acted as his media spokesperson.The closeness between the two, however, cost Berman her life. On December 24th, 2000, Berman was murdered execution style in her Los Angeles apartment. It wasn't until March of 2015 that Durst was arrested for her murder.Durst was also arrested in 2001 for the murder of his neighbor, Morris Black, after parts of Black's body were found floating in Galveston Bay, Texas. Durst was acquitted of murder but confessed to accidentally killing and dismembering his body. He was found guilty of bail jumping and tampering with evidence and was sentenced to five years in prison. Investigators have been looking into connections between Durst and multiple missing women ranging from 1971 to 1997.Durst, now 78, will spend the rest of his life in a California prison.

Jackal and this poor bastard still cant get rid of his herpes. 2

ECO jerker 1

3

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https://sputniknews.com/20211014/muslim-convert-behind-oslo-bow-and-arrow-shooting-spree-made-threats-before-attack-1089928140.html

Muslim Convert Behind Oslo Bow-and-Arrow Shooting Spree Made Threats Before Attack

Muslim Convert Behind Oslo Bow-and-Arrow Shooting Spree Made Threats Before Attack

Danish citizen and Muslim convert, Espen Andersen Brathen, has been known to the Norwegian police since 2017 and has been described by a close friend as a... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T16:29+0000

2021-10-14T16:29+0000

2021-10-14T16:29+0000

news

europe

norway

terrorism

islam

scandinavia

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The 37-year-old archer who shot five people dead in the Norwegian town of Kongsberg has been identified as Espen Andersen Brathen.Brathen had converted to Islam and, according to the police, had been radicalised, national broadcaster NRK reported.People from his close circle had already alerted law enforcement about him in 2017. A close friend tipped off the police because of the fear that lives might be lost and described him as a ticking bomb, NRK reported.The man was also known to the Norwegian Police Security Service PST, which refused to issue any further comment because the investigation is ongoing.However, according to the PST, although the case bears all the hallmarks of a terrorist attack, the exact motive has yet to be established.We don't know the motives behind the act, and therefore it must be investigated further, a PST spokesman said.PST section leader Arne Christian Haugstyl said that the Kongsberg attack was carried out in a typical Islamist fashion. Nevertheless, the PST assessed that the attack doesn't necessarily lead to a change in the overall threat faced by Norway.In a now-deleted Youtube video, Brathen reportedly issued a number of threats.According to NRK, the accused has several previous convictions. Last year, Brathen was sentenced to a six-month restraining order against two close family members after he threatened to kill one of them.Verdens Gang described Brathen as having major mental challenges throughout his adult life. He has been out of work and has lived alone in an apartment in Kongsberg for a number of years. His circle of friends has been very limited.The victims of Brathen's bow-and-arrow shooting spree were four women and a man, all aged between 50 and 70. Two more people were injured, including a police officer, but their condition is not life-threatening.According to police lawyer, Ann Iren Svane Mathiassen, the perpetrator entered homes to commit murder.A total of 22 police patrols took part in the arrest, which also involved helicopters.

https://sputniknews.com/20211014/nato-chief-decries-archery-attack-in-norway-calling-for-unity-against-hatred-violence-1089924233.html

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news, europe, norway, terrorism, islam, scandinavia
https://sputniknews.com/20211014/norway-police-had-concerned-messages-about-kongsberg-arrow-shooter-in-2020-1089912862.html

Norway Police Warned About Kongsberg Arrow Shooter in 2020

Norway Police Warned About Kongsberg Arrow Shooter in 2020

On Wednesday, a man opened fire with arrows from a bow in a crowded place in Kongsberg, leaving five people killed and two more injured, including a police... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T08:36+0000

2021-10-14T08:36+0000

2021-10-14T09:14+0000

norway

shooting

police

kongsberg

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Oslo police said in a statement that they'd received messages warning them about a man with a bow and arrow in 2020.According to the police chief, the perpetrator in the deadly archery attack in Kongsberg had converted to Islam."The offender has converted to Islam," Police chief Ole B. Saeverud added. He added that the police are asking not to publish photos and videos of the tragedy on social networks. Earlier, he said that all the victims are between 50 and 70 years old. The detained 37-year-old Dane was interrogated at night. According to the police, he admitted that he had done what he was accused of, expressed his willingness to cooperate with the police, but did not explain the motives for the massacre. On Wednesday night, police detained a man in central Kongsberg who had launched arrows from a bow, killing at least five people and injuring two others. The police have not ruled out that it was terrorist attack. The detainee was a 37-year-old Dane living in Kongsberg, who has been charged.

Hajj Qassem Yet another "terrorist" who was known by the police and allowed to do their crime. There is definitely a pattern here. 1

Hess What a Bull? If the perpetrator of crimes is not Muslim, Western authorities have always called him as Muslim "convert" to associated him with Islam. 0

3

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norway, shooting, police, kongsberg
https://sputniknews.com/20211014/norway-police-treating-kongsberg-bow-shooting-as-terror-attack-1089919405.html

Norway Police Treating Kongsberg Bow Shooting as Terror Attack

Norway Police Treating Kongsberg Bow Shooting as Terror Attack

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The deadly archery attack in the Norwegian town of Kongsberg appears to be a terrorist act but it does not change the national threat... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T11:39+0000

2021-10-14T11:39+0000

2021-10-14T14:03+0000

norway

europe

terrorism

police

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"The events in Kongsberg appear at the present time to be an act of terrorism, but the investigation, which is led by South-East police district, will clarify further what events were motivated by. The threat level in Norway is still assessed as moderate," the service said in a statement.Norwegian Police Security Service added that police continuously assesses the threat picture in Norway, and its assessment is that what happened in Kongsberg does not change the national threat picture.On Wednesday evening, police detained a man in the centre of Kongsberg who opened fire with arrows, killing at least five people and wounding three more. The police are now treating it as a terrorist attack. It is known that the suspect, a 37-year-old Dane living in Kongsberg, acted alone.The detainee was interrogated overnight. According to the police, he admitted that he had committed what he was accused of, and expressed a readiness to cooperate with the police, but did not explain the motives behind the massacre. Four women and one man were killed as a result of the Kongsberg, Norway bow and arrow attack; all victims were between 50 and 70 years old.

norway

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norway, europe, terrorism, police
https://sputniknews.com/20211014/norwegian-police-decline-to-say-when-they-first-became-aware-of-bow-shooter-1089929532.html

Norwegian Police Decline to Say When They First Became Aware of Bow Shooter

Norwegian Police Decline to Say When They First Became Aware of Bow Shooter

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Chief of Norwegian Police Security Service (NPSS), Hans Sverre Sjovold, declined to specify when the police first received messages of... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T17:04+0000

2021-10-14T17:04+0000

2021-10-14T17:04+0000

norway

attack

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"I don't want to go into details on when or what NPSS has known about that person. What we can say is that we did know of that person," Sjovold told a press conference when asked what the police had known about the attacker and when.The police are still looking into the motives of the suspect and whether his behavior might prompt others to do the same, the NPSS chief said."Of course, we are also working on finding out whether this can inspire others to undertake terror. That's something we have a big focus on now. But as of now, we cannot say that we are seeing such a thing," Sjovold said.Earlier in the day, Norwegian media reported that the attacker's family had a restraining order against him and the police spoke to the suspect in 2020. The man, who media say is in his 30s, was arrested on Wednesday evening after shooting several people with bow and arrow. Apart from the five people killed, three are wounded.The police said they consider the attack as terrorist act, but will not change the general threat assessment of the country from the current moderate level.

https://sputniknews.com/20211014/suspect-in-norway-bow-attack-violated-restraining-order-from-relative-in-2020-reports-say-1089918753.html

Hess The above is a stupid fucking comment. 0

vot tak The inaction of the nowegian cops allowed breivik free reign to slaughter. Was this again repeated with this latest freak? 0

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norway, attack
https://sputniknews.com/20211014/prince-william-urges-great-minds-to-repair-this-planet-not-search-space-for-next-place-to-go-1089916096.html

Prince William Urges 'Great Minds' to 'Repair This Planet', Not Search Space for 'Next Place to Go'

Prince William Urges 'Great Minds' to 'Repair This Planet', Not Search Space for 'Next Place to Go'

Ninety-year-old Hollywood actor William Shatner became the oldest person to travel to space on 13 October as he was ferried as a tourist aboard the suborbital... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T10:45+0000

2021-10-14T10:45+0000

2021-10-14T10:45+0000

prince william

richard branson

elon musk

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uk

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Prince William has offered his opinion on space tourism, suggesting that entrepreneurs efforts would be better aimed at focusing on saving planet Earth.The prince was commenting on Wednesdays news that William Shatner, known for his iconic role as Captain James Kirk in the US television series Star Trek, had blasted off for a ten-minute sub-orbital flight along with three other individuals on the Blue Origin capsule developed by billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.The mission on 13 October had followed the company's maiden human flight in July, which included its founder Jeff Bezos of Amazon. The prince told the host, Adam Fleming, he had "absolutely no interest" in going as high as space. With billionaire Richard Branson reaching space in his Virgin Galactic spacecraft VSS Unity in July this year, and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk working to develop a game-changer vehicle for space travel and colonisation of Mars, Prince William said there was a "fundamental question" over the carbon cost of space flights. Warning of a "rise in climate anxiety" among young people whose "futures are basically threatened the whole time", the elder son of Charles, Prince of Wales, and Diana, Princess of Wales said: According to the second in the line of succession to the British throne, adults should "remember how much it meant to be outdoors and what we're robbing those future generations of". Touching upon the upcoming annual UN climate change conference, COP26, Prince William warned world leaders against "clever speak, clever words, but not enough action". The prince was speaking ahead of the first Earthshot Prize to reward efforts to save the planet. Five winners will be announced later this month, each receiving 1m. Prince William said that he had taken over the baton of environmental campaigning from his father, Prince Charles, who had a "rough ride" when advocating the urgency of addressing climate change. The new Earthshot Prize, launched in October 2020 to search for innovative solutions to problems facing the planet, was inspired by former US President John F. Kennedy's "Moonshot" programme, which culminated in the US Apollo lunar launches and the first man stepping onto the surface of the Moon in 1969.Speaking alongside UK broadcaster, writer, and naturalist Sir David Attenborough, Prince William had told the BBC last year that the world was at a tipping point, and he felt right now it's my responsibility".

01010010ulez Your family is the part of the problem for people and this planet, piece of s..t you helped to destroy it now you fix it. 0

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https://sputniknews.com/20211014/sure-yeah-netizens-smirk-as-bond-star-says-he-visits-gay-bars-to-avoid-hetero-dck-swinging-1089925571.html

'Sure, Yeah': Netizens Smirk as Daniel Craig Says He Visits Gay Bars to Avoid 'Hetero D*ck-Swinging'

'Sure, Yeah': Netizens Smirk as Daniel Craig Says He Visits Gay Bars to Avoid 'Hetero D*ck-Swinging'

Daniel Craig, who has portrayed James Bond in five films, is known for his very own brand of sarcasm that makes it difficult to tell whether he's joking or... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T15:29+0000

2021-10-14T15:29+0000

2021-10-14T18:05+0000

james bond

society

daniel craig

viral

uk

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Daniel Craig has revealed he likes to frequent gay bars to avoid the aggressive d*ck swinging that one typically encounters at straight venues.The 53-year-old, who is married to Hollywood star, Rachel Weisz, said that when he was young, spending a night out at gay bars allowed him to avoid being in a punch-up, which he said happened quite a lot in venues for straigh people. Craig added that back in the days when he was single, it was also a good way to meet women. The English actor who won international fame playing James Bond in the eponymous film series, beginning with Casino Royale (2006), and in four more blockbusters up until No Time to Die (2021) recalled how he and the podcasts host, his long-time friend Bruce Bozzi, were photographed hugging outside a gay bar in Venice Beach, California, in 2010. While the incident had triggered speculation about Craigs sexuality, the actor himself laughingly dismissed the insinuations. Craig recently added fuel to the fire of speculations after he told Stephen Colbert that he kissed all of his leading male co-stars, which he believes helps break the ice. Rami Malek, who took on the role of a James Bond supervillain in No Time to Die, had earlier mentioned in an appearance on The Late Show in 2019 that he had enjoyed a lip-lock moment with Craig. Twitter users zeroed in on the candid admissions made by 007, with some saying that they similarly frequented such venues because of the fewer fights. However, others on social media had more than a few sarcastic comments about his proclivities.

vot tak Actually, come to think of it, a bond character who prefers the boys would be a more realistic representation of the sorts who inhabit the uk spook services. 3

ECO What a pathetic moron and hypocrite but on the other hand it reflects so well the Briton's mentality and their moral void 3

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https://sputniknews.com/20211014/syrias-anti-daesh-allies-vow-to-respond-to-alleged-israeli-us-aggression-over-palmyra-1089924626.html

Syrias Anti-Daesh Allies Vow to Respond to Alleged Israeli, US Aggression Over Palmyra

Syrias Anti-Daesh Allies Vow to Respond to Alleged Israeli, US Aggression Over Palmyra

At least one soldier was killed and three others injured in what the Syrian military says was an Israeli attack in the skies above Palmyra, Syria shortly... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T13:55+0000

2021-10-14T13:55+0000

2021-10-14T14:55+0000

hezbollah

syrian army

united states

israel

syria

islamic revolutionary guard corps

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A war room coordinating operation between the Syrian army, Hezbollah, and military advisors from Irans Revolutionary Guards has reportedly vowed to respond to Wednesday nights aerial attack outside Palmyra.In a statement published on Thursday morning and attributed to the command of the Allied Operations Room of Syria, the war room indicated that its forces presence in Syria at the invitation of the countrys government has so far been limited only to helping Damascus take on an array of terrorists and the takfiri project led by Daesh (ISIS).*For years, we have been subjected to attacks from the Israeli and American enemy in an attempt to drag us into side battles that were not a priority for our presence in Syria. The Zionists excuse [for the attacks] was that they were targeting precision weapons and sensitive equipment that posed a threat to their usurping entity, the statement said.The Allied Operations Room did not specify the form in which the retaliation would take place, its expected targets, nor its expected time or place.The statement follows reports early on Thursday morning that Syrian air defence forces had engaged multiple inbound targets over Homs province in a desert area near the ancient city of Palmyra. A military source told Sputnik Arabic that the strikes targeted a communications tower and the area around it and that they killed one army soldier and injured three others.In its statement, the Allied Operations Room indicated that as a result of this attack, a number of martyrs and injured from our brothers have fallen, without elaborating on exact casualties.Also on Wednesday night, missiles were reportedly spotted flying into central Syria over at-Tanf, the illegal US Syrian garrison situated near the Jordanian and Iraqi borders.The attacks, which Syrian media have attributed to Israel, follow a separate missile strike carried out on 8 October against the Tiyas T4 airport in Homs eastern countryside. The Israeli military has targeted the airport repeatedly, claiming it contains concentrations of "Iranian" or "pro-Iranian" forces which pose a threat to Tel Aviv. Syrias air defences reported downing most of the incoming missiles in the 8 October strike.The Israeli military almost never comments on its operations in Syria and has not claimed responsibility for Wednesday nights strikes, nor those carried out last week.In a related development, Israels Airports Authority announced on Thursday morning that the airspace around the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights territories would be closed for 24 hours, as is routine following reports of Israeli strikes in Syria.The Allied Operations Room was created in the early 2010s to coordinate Syrian Army and Hezbollah operations, with Syrian high command and Irans Revolutionary Guards Quds Force advisors tasked with overseeing the command.Hezbollah fighters and Quds Force advisors proved instrumental in helping Damascus stop and then reverse an onslaught by terrorist and "rebel" groups including Daesh, al-Qaeda*, and others in the early years of the war in Syria. Since 2015 and the intervention of the Russian military in the anti-terror fight, most of Syrias major population centres have been freed of terrorists and rebel militias. Russian forces joined their Syrian counterparts in drills near Palmyra in early September.* A terrorist group outlawed in Russia and many other countries.

https://sputniknews.com/20211013/syrian-air-defense-engaging-hostile-targets-over-homs-1089903267.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211011/syria-condemns-israels-decision-to-increase-number-of-settlers-in-golan-heights-reports-say-1089843789.html

Holger H. a Propper retaliation would be by leveling Tel Aviv... this would be a Message the zionistas wont forget 10

RussiaRules Good. Get on with it. They will not stop. Syria and Co. must retaliate. Stop talking and do. 3

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https://sputniknews.com/20211014/tehran-warns-israel-against-military-adventure-amid-boasting-idf-can-strike-nuclear-facilities-1089935100.html

Tehran Warns Israel Against Military Adventure Amid Boasting IDF Can Strike Nuclear Facilities

Tehran Warns Israel Against Military Adventure Amid Boasting IDF Can Strike Nuclear Facilities

After increasing talk by Israel about its willingness to strike Iran by itself as a last resort to halt the countrys nuclear program, Tehran has sent a letter... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T23:27+0000

2021-10-14T23:27+0000

2021-10-14T23:27+0000

middle east

israel

iran

warning

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nuclear facilities

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Delivered on Thursday and printed in Irans Tasnim News Agency, the letter comes as Iran makes preparations to return to Vienna for negotiations on reviving the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) next week.Ravanchi said Israel has taken its provocative and adventurous threats to alarming levels in recent months, especially as the Biden administration in Washington continues to slowly press ahead on the Vienna talks. He said the systematic and explicit threats by the Zionist regime  prove that it is responsible for terrorist attacks against [Irans] peaceful nuclear program in the past.Israels Mossad intelligence agency has been blamed for a string of mysterious bombings and accidents in Iran in recent years that have all targeted Irans nuclear program, including the brazen daytime assassination of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, one of Irans seniormost nuclear scientists, on a highway outside Tehran last November.The Israeli government has been highly critical of the 2015 nuclear deal, saying it wont stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, and warning that its increasing volume and purity of enriched uranium points to an increasing danger from Tehran. However, Israeli intelligence has been less alarmist, with both Mossad and IDF intelligence saying Iran is nowhere near getting a bomb and doesnt seem to be trying very hard.In addition, Tehran has forsworn the use of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, with Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ruling they violate Islamic law.Last month, IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi said that the IDF and the intelligence community know a fair amount about what is happening in Iran and are working against Iranian entrenchment throughout the Middle East. Operations to counter threatening Iranian capabilities will continue in various arenas and at any time.Despite the rhetoric, the new administration of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has proven more flexible in its approach to Iran than his predecessor, Benjamin Netanyahu, who was head of government for more than a decade. Also last month, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz told the US magazine Foreign Policy that Israel could accept the JCPOA if the Biden administration demonstrated it had a viable Plan B in case negotiations failed.Still, on Wednesday, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid told his American counterpart, Antony Blinken, during a press conference in Washington, DC, that Jerusalem reserves the right to strike Iran first if necessary.The Israeli governments confidence in its ability to attack Irans nuclear facilities, even though many are located deep inside the country and buried inside mountains, derives from a legendary strike in 1981 against Iraqs Osirak nuclear reactor. The unfinished nuclear plant, which many in the region feared would help Saddam Hussein build a nuclear bomb, was destroyed by IDF fighter jets who flew more than 2,000 miles round trip. Ironically, Iran secretly helped the Israelis plan the strike.

Hampar Tokatlian IsraHell is asking for trouble and their wishes my come true. 13

vot tak Iran can also strike nuclear facilities. 13

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middle east, israel, iran, warning, strike, nuclear facilities
https://sputniknews.com/20211014/uk-eu-facing-intensive-talks-as-brussels-offers-to-slash-80-of-northern-ireland-border-checks-1089913401.html

UK, EU Facing 'Intensive Talks As Brussels Offers to Slash 80% of Northern Ireland Border Checks

UK, EU Facing 'Intensive Talks As Brussels Offers to Slash 80% of Northern Ireland Border Checks

European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic proposed a bespoke Northern Ireland-specific solution during a press conference on Wednesday, with Brussels... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T09:46+0000

2021-10-14T09:46+0000

2021-10-14T09:46+0000

northern ireland

european court of justice

europe

maros sefcovic

brexit

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The UK will engage in intensive talks with the European Union on the package of concessions pertaining to the post-Brexit Northern Ireland Protocol proposed by Brussels, reported Sky News. New plans for the contentious protocol, announced by European Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic on Wednesday, have been touted as "far-reaching" and "ambitious" by the EU.The British government is studying the proposals and "will of course look at them seriously and constructively", a Downing Street spokesman was cited as saying, adding that further talks will be "rapidly conducted" to find common ground. Maros Sefcovic had claimed Brussels was offering a bespoke Northern Ireland specific solution to the Northern Ireland Protocol. From ditching 80% of checks on goods travelling between Britain and Northern Ireland to an offer to establish new "democratic institutions" linking stakeholders in Belfast and Brussels, the proposals outlined by Sefcovic have been called a starting point that falls "a long way short" of sought fundamental changes by Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin also "strongly" welcomed the proposals. UK Brexit minister Lord David Frost and Maros Sefcovic are expected to meet in the next few days to discuss the new package. Brussels Offer Responding to Londons arguments that the NI protocol is not working, with delays and interruptions to supplies between the UK and Northern Ireland, Brussels has acknowledged that the protocol needs to be amended. It has drawn up plans that offer "a type of express lane" that will facilitate the movement of goods across the Irish Sea. Thus, checks on the transport of certain foods, plants and items of animal origin from Great Britain into Northern Ireland will be cut by 80%. Sefcovic illustrated how this would work in practical terms, saying that a lorry delivering, for example, a mixed load of dairy products, fish and confectionary would only require one certificate instead of multiple ones. Customs paperwork will purportedly be cut by 50%, in line with the new offer. The EU will broaden the definition of what products flowing from Britain will be designated as not at risk of entering the wider single market from Northern Ireland to a wider group of businesses and products. This measure would allow small and medium businesses to benefit. The package also presupposes free flow of medicines between Great Britain and Northern Ireland by amending EU laws. Furthermore, mechanisms will be altered to allow for participation of Northern Ireland politicians and communities in implementation of the protocol. In exchange for the concessions on checks, the British side is called upon to ensure that border inspection posts are functioning, with Brussels officials granted access to real-time data to monitor "every link in the supply chain". Sefcovic hailed the measures as able to enhance "stability and predictability" in Northern Ireland. The EU proposals do not address the issue of the European Court of Justice (ECJ), which is the final arbiter in alleged breaches of the NI protocol. Contentious NI Protocol Ahead of the proposals put forward by the EU, David Frost had warned that it would be a historic misjudgement for the 27-member bloc not to rewrite certain key parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol negotiated by Prime Minister Boris Johnson as part of the divorce with the EU. Following the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020, an effective Irish Sea border has been created as a compromise measure to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland.The Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland in the Brexit Withdrawal agreement stipulates that Northern Ireland remains part of the UK's customs territory but has to adhere to some EU rules to allow goods to move freely into the Republic and the rest of the EU. During Brexit negotiations, the UK and EU had underscored that protecting the Northern Ireland peace deal (the Good Friday agreement) was a priority, keeping the land border between the Republic of Ireland (remaining in the EU) and Northern Ireland (in the UK) open. David Frost, who had worked on the original withdrawal document, emphasised that the protocol, in line with which the UK was being asked to introduce a full boundary within the country, apply EU law, and settle disputes in EU courts, was not working on the ground in Northern Ireland. According to him, it was threatening to jeopardise the 1998 Belfast agreement that had put an end to decades of sectarian violence. Downing Street was ready to trigger Article 16 of the Northern Ireland protocol, a safeguard clause allowing either side to dispense with applying the protocol if it "leads to serious economic, societal or environmental difficulties that are liable to persist", warned Frost. As to the post-Brexit role of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) as the arbiter of EU law being applied in Northern Ireland, as part of the protocol, the minister insisted the current arrangements "will not work as part of a durable settlement".

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https://sputniknews.com/20211014/unprofessional-and-imbalanced-move-says-tehran-after-adani-ports-ban-on-iranian-containers-1089911583.html

Unprofessional and Imbalanced Move, Says Tehran After Adani Ports' Ban on Iranian Containers

Unprofessional and Imbalanced Move, Says Tehran After Adani Ports' Ban on Iranian Containers

Indias anti-smuggling agency the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) last month seized almost 3,000kg of Afghan heroin, worth nearly $24 billion, hidden... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T13:11+0000

2021-10-14T13:11+0000

2021-10-14T13:11+0000

donald trump

iran

afghanistan

india

joint comprehensive plan of action (jcpoa)

adani group

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Iran has expressed concerns over a recent advisory by Indias largest ports operator Adani Ports and Special Economic Zones Limiteds (APSEZ) to ban container cargo from Iran. The concern was shared as officials from both India and Iran called a virtual conference to discuss cooperation in drug trafficking on Wednesday (14 October).It is being done "through denial of trade and banning its consignments as an unprofessional and imbalanced move," the statement added. Iranian officials also told Indian counterparts during the virtual meeting that occupation of Afghanistan by foreign forces, infighting between various groups, and severe poverty have all contributed to the rise in narcotics production in the central Asian country.The Indian delegation was led by Satya Narayan Pradhan, the director-general of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and comprised delegates both from the NCB and the foreign ministry.On 11 October, APSEZ announced that it would stop handling ]containerised cargo from Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, almost a month after nearly three tonnes of Afghan opium was seized at the Mundra port on Indias western seaboard. APSEZ, a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises, the Indian business conglomerate backed by billionaire Gautam Adani, controls 13 port terminals, which represents 24 percent of the country's port capacity. It has said that the trade ban is advisory and takes effect on 15 November.The Indian Express reported this week Indias total imports from Iran totalled almost $1.4 billion for the 2020 financial year, which included the imports of chemicals, dry fruits and wool.The decision by APSEZ comes as Irans president Ebrahim Raisi has asked New Delhi to intensify economic cooperation between the two nations since he assumed office in August this year.Iran's foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian - during a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last month - also urged his Indian opposite number, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, to work towards finalising a preferential trade agreement (PTA) at the earliest opportunity.The negotiations for a PTA between the two countries started in 2016 and, so far, five rounds of talks have been held. However, the trade negotiations were adversely affected by former US President Donald Trumps unilateral decision to pull his country out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 and impose punitive economic sanctions on Iran.Since Joe Bidens victory in the 2020 US presidential election, there has been an apparent willingness by the US to re-join the JCPOA and New Delhi has steadily been firming up its economic ties with Iran. Tehran said in July that trade between Delhi and Tehran had increased in the March-June quarter this year by 240 percent compared with the same quarter last year.Iran An 'Important Partner' for India, Says Ex-EnvoyDiplomat and India's former ambassador to Jordan, Libya and Malta, Anil Trigunayat, notes that cooperation between Tehran and New Delhi is crucial for Indian interests, more so since India views Iran as its economic gateway to Afghanistan, central Asia and beyond.Trigunayat reckons that Adani Ports' trade advisory could affect trade between not only India and Iran, but also with Afghanistan.He, however, argues that "plugging the loopholes" in the flow of narcotics between the countries is also important."Both the countries should work towards creating a joint mechanism to combat the flow of illicit drugs from Afghanistan," the former envoy states.

https://sputniknews.com/20210708/president-elect-raisi-to-indian-fm-security-economic-ties-top-priorities-in-india-iran-relations-1083337591.html

https://sputniknews.com/20201225/major-obstacle-indias-indo-pacific-vision-affected-by-us-sanctions-on-iran-say-ex-indian-envoys-1081548919.html

mandrake As usual you wil find cia and mossad behind the shipment of the horse ir smack. Something must have gone wrong since neither cia nor mossad can afford to drop 3 tonnes of high grade smack. So someone in india didnt get his bribe in time! But rest assured indian authorities will sell it back to cia and mossad on the understanding that it wont be resold in india. And all the time Iran is the purported criminal. 3

NthrnNYker59 Of course this was instigated by fascist amerika. Well, hopefully Iran returns the favor by banning any indian cargo destined for the Caspian and beyond.... only permit indian cargos destined for Iran.... Essentially blocking indian exports that transverse Iran. 2

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https://sputniknews.com/20211014/us-asks-russia-to-remove-missiles-violating-treaty-which-washington-unilaterally-scrapped-1089929896.html

US Asks Russia to Remove Missiles Violating Treaty Which Washington Unilaterally Scrapped

US Asks Russia to Remove Missiles Violating Treaty Which Washington Unilaterally Scrapped

The United States unilaterally pulled out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 2019 after accusing Moscow of breaching its terms. Moscow... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T17:22+0000

2021-10-14T17:22+0000

2021-10-14T17:22+0000

russia

united states

intermediate-range nuclear forces treaty (inf)

missiles

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Russia should remove missiles which violate the terms of the INF Treaty from Europe, US special envoy for nuclear nonproliferation Jeffrey Eberhardt has said.Earlier, speaking at a meeting of the United Nations General Assemblys First Committee on Disarmament and International Security, the diplomat suggested that the US wanted to move away from costly arms races with its potential adversaries and restore confidence in the United States as a leader in arms control.Eberhardt was appointed as a special envoy on nuclear nonproliferation in 2019, the same year that the Trump administration unilaterally scrapped the INF Treaty with Russia. The US pulled out of the agreement  which limited the production and deployment of ground-based ballistic missiles in the 500-5,500 km range, after accusing Russia of violating its terms with one of its missiles.Russia attempted to save the agreement by declassifying the missiles capabilities to military attaches and reporters at a military warehouse outside Moscow. Washington scrapped the treaty anyway, and almost immediately began the testing of INF-violating missiles. Lockheed Martin tested one such a missile on Thursday.Before the US pulled out of the INF, Russia accused Washington of ignoring its own obligations under the treaty, including through the unlawful deployment of ground-based combat drones, the production of ground-based intermediate-range missiles for testing purposes for Americas missile shield, and the deployment of Aegis Ashore missile defence system components in Poland and Romania. Moscow expressed particular concern over the Aegis Ashore systems deployment, stressing that its launchers could easily be converted to fire nuclear-tipped Tomahawk cruise missiles at targets in Russia.The INF Treaty was signed in the late 1980s in the twilight of the Cold War. In an effort to reduce tensions between the nuclear superpowers, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev agreed to lopsided demands by the US side to ban missiles in the 500 to 5,500 km range after Washington stationed Pershing and cruise missiles in Western Europe. The signing of the treaty led to the liquidation of nearly 2,700 missiles, over two thirds of them Soviet.The INF was one of several major arms control initiatives abandoned by the US over the past two decades. In 2002, Washington quit the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty banning the creation of a missile shield. In 2020, the US pulled out of the Open Skies Treaty  a post-Cold War agreement allowig NATO states, Russia and other countries to engage in observation flights in one anothers airspace to monitor each others military activities. In early 2021, the Trump administration threatened to let the clock run out on the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), but the Biden administration reached a last minute deal with Russia to prevent the treaty from lapsing.

https://sputniknews.com/20211014/us-army-has-conducted-long-range-precision-missile-test-that-exceeds-maximum-threshold-1089927556.html

Barros US should be kick out from earth! 15

vot tak This eberhardt hypocrite is a very good reason why employing childish bum bandits (neocons) in positions of leadership is a stupid idea. 12

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https://sputniknews.com/20211014/us-capitol-riot-probe-cites-steve-bannon-for-criminal-contempt-1089930912.html

US Capitol Riot Probe Cites Steve Bannon for Criminal Contempt

US Capitol Riot Probe Cites Steve Bannon for Criminal Contempt

WASHINGTON, October 14 (Sputnik) - The US House Select Committee investigating the January 6 events at the US Capitol will cite former Breitbart media chief... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T17:57+0000

2021-10-14T17:57+0000

2021-10-14T17:57+0000

us

capitol

steve bannon

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Mr. Bannon has declined to cooperate with the Select Committee, Thompson said. We reject his position entirely. The Select Committee will not tolerate defiance of our subpoenas, so we must move forward with proceedings to refer Mr. Bannon for criminal contempt.The congressman from Mississippi said Bannon was trying to hide behind former President Donald Trumps efforts to invoke privileges protecting him from having to testify.Ive notified the Select Committee that we will convene for a business meeting Tuesday evening to vote on adopting a contempt report.  The Select Committee will use every tool at its disposal to get the information it seeks, and witnesses who try to stonewall the Select Committee will not succeed, Thompson said.All witnesses were required to provide the information they possessed so that the committee could get to the facts, Thompson added.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.

TruePatriot Yawn. 4

vot tak Good, but will this result in zio-quisling bannon being arrested, or is it just a nominal slap on the hand? 3

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us, capitol, steve bannon
https://sputniknews.com/20211014/us-urges-lebanon-to-conduct-swift-complete-probe-into-beirut-explosion--white-house-1089934030.html

US Urges Lebanon to Conduct Swift, Complete Probe Into Beirut Explosion  White House

US Urges Lebanon to Conduct Swift, Complete Probe Into Beirut Explosion  White House

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The Biden administration urges Lebanese authorities to conduct a swift and complete investigation into the explosion that ripped through... 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T22:20+0000

2021-10-14T22:20+0000

2021-10-14T22:20+0000

beirut

lebanon

explosion

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"We urge Lebanese authorities to complete a swift and complete investigation into the explosion at the port in Beirut," Psaki said during a press briefing.On Thursday, gunfire broke out during a protest held by the Hezbollah group against the judge looking into the 2020 Beirut port blast. As a result, at least six people were killed and over 30 were wounded. The armed forces have arrested nine people in a manhunt for the perpetrators.A powerful explosion occurred in the port of Beirut on August 4, 2020. At least 280 people died, and more than 6,000 were injured. Hundreds of houses and cars were destroyed or damaged. According to the authorities, the explosion resulted from the detonation of 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate seized by customs in 2014 and stored in a warehouse. The Lebanese capital was declared a disaster area.To date, the investigation has not been able to discover all the circumstances of the tragedy and identify the perpetrators. At the same time, the authorities are still not ruling out that the tragedy occurred as a result of deliberate detonation, and not negligence, as established by the official preliminary probe.

https://sputniknews.com/20210824/lebanon-files-lawsuit-against-uk-chemical-company-over-beirut-explosion-reports-suggest-1083701479.html

vot tak What the israeloamerican colonial quislings are saying here is that they want israel's lebanese quislings to frame Hezbollah or Amal in some manner for the explosion, and definitely not look israel's way as the fuse lighter. 4

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beirut

lebanon

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beirut, lebanon, explosion
https://sputniknews.com/20211014/what-is-known-about-the-bow-and-arrow-killing-spree-in-norway-so-far-1089910251.html

What Is Known About the Bow-and-Arrow Killing Spree in Norway So Far

What Is Known About the Bow-and-Arrow Killing Spree in Norway So Far

The Kongsberg attack is the worst to have happened in Norway since Anders Behring Breivik's killing spree in 2011, which left 77 people dead. 14.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-14T06:40+0000

2021-10-14T06:40+0000

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europe

norway

attack

killing

scandinavia

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Five people have been left dead and two injured after a man armed with bow and arrows went on a killing spree in the town of Kongsberg Wednesday evening.Kongsberg is a town and municipality of 25,000 in Viken County, near Oslo. It is the site of the Royal Norwegian Mint and home to Norway's major defence contractor, Kongsberg Gruppen.The Kongsberg attack is the worst in Norway's history since Anders Behring Breivik's killing spree in 2011, which left 77 people dead.

https://sputniknews.com/20211014/situation-in-kongsberg-after-bow-and-arrow-attack-1089908676.html

keyboardcosmetics A 'Danish citizen' suggest nothing but cover-up. We will discover the ethnicity of the attacker only from Social Media (the people's democratic forum) which is why regime-controlled media hate the internet. 4

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Unity ($4.20) delivered a 9-1/4-length beatdown on her seven rivals to capture the first of three $8,500 opening-round Autumn Series divisions on Wednesday night (Oct. 13) at Flamboro Downs, and take speed honours among the two dozen Ontario-sired pacing fillies who competed by way of a sparkling 1:56.3 performance.

After 4-5 favourite Best Watch Out (Brett MacDonald) broke stride heading up the backstretch, J Harris worked Unity clear of Skip Across (Paul MacKenzie) just beyond a :28.2 first quarter. After rating middle splits of :57.1 and 1:26.4, the two-year-old Hes Watching-Beach Of A Time filly steadily widened her advantage over Skip Across through the far turn, amassing five lengths of clearance off the corner before adding another 4-1/4 to that margin at the winning post. Skip Across staved off a mild challenge from Santafes MJ (Austin Sorrie) to preserve second.

Trainer Jack Darling owns and bred Unity, who broke maiden in her Flamboro debut after earning a second-place and a third-place finish through six starts at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

The second division saw Sheza Gamer ($3.50) and driver Jason Ryan sprint to the fore through a :28.2 first quarter before yielding control to Ravishin Ruby (Sorrie) in favour of a pocket ride through middle splits of :58.1 and 1:27. Ryan pulled the three-year-old daughter of Sportswriter and Cams Cupid out of the pocket nearing the top of the stretch, and she surged past Ravishin Ruby to win by 2-1/4 lengths in 1:57.1. P L Ooooooooooyah (Scott Coulter) circled off third-over cover to miss the runner-up spot by a scant neck.

Jerry Duford trains Sheza Gamer, a Home Stretch Holdings Inc. homebred with two wins to her credit  both taken over Flamboro Downs.

SG Alexia ($20.60) and owner-trainer-driver Sylvain Grenier rounded out the trio of Autumn Series winners, withstanding sustained pressure from Banana Muffin to win the third division in 1:59. The sophomore Betterthancheddar filly seized control from Lady Writer (Mark Etsell) at the end of a :28.4 first quarter before dismissing a hard first-over push from Banana Muffin (Christopher Johnson) through middle fractions of :59 and 1:28.4 and subsequently evading the stand-side rally of 65-1 long shot A Sailors Delight (Ondrej Gois) to win by 1-1/4 lengths. Odds-on favourite Einhorn Is Finkle (Scott Coulter) emerged belatedly for third.

In the overnight feature, the $13,000 Preferred 2 Pace, Mikey Camden ($9.50) followed cover into the second lap and continued his advance in the breeze through the far turn to upend Groovy Joe  whose cover he rode into contention  by three-quarters of a length in 1:53. Travis Henry drove the Corey Johnson-trained son of Camluck, now a 21-time winner in his career, for Debbie Element and Raymond Huschka.

To view Wednesday's complete results, click the following link: Wednesday Results  Flamboro Downs.
The Meadows Casino will soon be known as Hollywood Casino at the Meadows, with the name change becoming official on Friday, Oct. 15 as part of its flagship company's transition.

The Hollywood Casino name change to the gaming establishment reflects its new flagship company, Penn National Gaming Inc., which took over the operations in 2019.

The Meadows harness racing track, which opened in 1963, will retain its name.

The history and tradition of this being The Meadows will continue on, Rahul Kaushik, vice president of marketing, was quoted as saying in an Observer-Reporter article. Its part of our DNA. Its part of our core. That was very important.

(With files from the Observer-Reporter)
Officials from the Standardbred Horse Sales Co. remind industry participants that supplemental entries for the Harrisburg Mixed Sale will close at the end of business hours on Monday (Oct. 18).

Those planning to enter the supplemental catalog for the mixed are asked to contact their sales agent or call the sales company office at 717-637-8931.

The two-day mixed sale, to be held Thursday, Nov. 11 and Friday, Nov. 12, follows the annual yearling auction, which begins at noon on Monday, Nov. 8 and runs through Wednesday, Nov. 10.

Sales company president Dale Welk is optimistic that not only the yearling sale will provide plenty of fireworks, but that the mixed sale will, as well:

Even with a pretty tight market of mixed horses that have been heading to sales, our mixed sale has shaped up to really exceed our expectations, Welk said.

We have two excellent breeding stock dispersals, from Herb Liverman (Peninsula Farm, agent) and Warrawee Farm (Preferred Equine, agent), that lead a solid group of broodmares on Thursday, and on Friday, buyers will find some truly outstanding racehorses, from two- and three-year-old stakes winners to fast free-for-allers.

Welk urged buyers to keep a close eye on mixed sale updates, as so many of the sales fabulous fillies and racehorses are coming in straight off wins.

For example, Katies Lucky Day is heading to the mixed after her win in last Sundays Kentucky Filly Futurity. Sunny Crockett, a three-year-old trotting colt, just won the Old Oaken Bucket and Liberty Bell, and theres a two-year-old Walner colt, Wallet, that just won back-to-back Massachusetts Sire Stakes, Welk said.

Both the yearling and mixed sale catalogues have been mailed and both are also online at theblackbook.com website and Equineline app. Past performances for racehorses are also available for download on both platforms.

(Standardbred Horse Sales Co.)
Leamington Raceway has announced it will be hosting a womens driving challenge this Sunday, Oct. 17 as part of its fifth annual Leamington Ladies' Day supporting Harness the Hope.

Founded by the Dustin family 16 years ago, Harness the Hope raises funds, awareness and supports programs that help those affected by cancer. Proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Society of Canada and the Pink Pearl Foundation.

Top Ontario female drivers Natasha Day, Marielle Enberg, Pam Forgie, Samara Johnson, Britt Kennedy, Andrea Leon and Julie Walker will compete in the women's driving challenge, which runs through the afternoon's first five races. Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald will be on-track to make the winner's trophy presentation.

As part of the Harness the Hope day's events, Leamington will host a "Best Dressed in the Backstretch Contest, with $200 prize packs awarded to a winning Best Dressed Horse and Best Dressed Groom who display as much pink attire as possible.

Fans in attendance can enter a "Tuff Enuff to Wear Pink Contest" by wearing pink and filling out a ballot at the Harness the Hope table for a chance to win prizes.

Harness the Hope t-shirts, hoodies, hats, gifts and more will be available to purchase with all proceeds donated to the cause.

First-race post time for Sunday is 1 p.m.

To view Sunday's harness racing entries, click on the following link: Sunday Entries - Leamington Raceway.
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Marocchi served in the U.S. Navy for decades in a career that spanned World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. A recipient of the Purple Heart and Legion of Merit, the Admiral was one of the few Navy officers to complete Army Airborne training.

He also served as a trustee of the Virginia War Memorial for more than 15 years.

He was born Gianluigi Marocchi in Bologna, Italy and arrived in the United States at the age of 2. Marocchi graduated from high school at the age of 15 and college at 18.

He attended the US Naval Academy in Annapolis as a member of the class of 1942 and went into service after Pearl Harbor, according to his obituary.

Severely wounded aboard the USS Birmingham during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, Marocchi nevertheless remained in the Navy until his retirement in 1975, becoming a veteran also of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. As an intelligence officer, Marocchi was instrumental in resolving the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Pueblo Incident. He never stopped exercising, running 5-10 miles a day until he was in his 70s. When he retired in 1975, he had achieved the rank of Rear Admiral and was the Deputy Director of NSA.
While I had no role in last nights event, I have heard about it from many people, he said. It is weird and wrong to pledge allegiance to a flag connected to January 6. As I have said many times before, the violence that occurred on January 6 was sickening and wrong.

Other speakers at Wednesdays Take Back Virginia Rally included former Trump adviser Steve Bannon; Rep. Mark Finchem of Arizona and Virginia state Sen. Amanda Chase, a prominent Trump supporter who has promoted conspiracy theories. Radio talk show host John Fredericks organized it.

At Tuesdays Parents Matter rally Youngkin held in Culpeper, the candidate did not mention Trump, election fraud or any conspiracy theories. During the GOP nomination battle, Youngkin, a former CEO, played up the Trump association in a campaign ad showing Trump praising Youngkin and his company, the Carlyle Group, for helping with the China trade deal.

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In September Youngkin said, With regard to January 6, there is no room for violence in America. None. Absolutely not. And therefore, I think theres no room for it. We must condemn it every day of the week.

McAuliffe has been relentless in playing up the relationship between his opponent and the ex-president while Youngkin has since downplayed it.
Just short of two months after the Finishline Cafe temporarily closed, its owners reopened the community restaurant.

On Saturday, Oct. 2 at 7 a.m., owner/chef Jarvis Brill returned to the kitchen with the help of his mother, daughter and friends. His wife, Jaci Brill, will welcome guests via Facetime from her hospital bed at Regional West Rehab.

On Aug. 7, the driver of an SUV collided with Jaci Brills motorcycle near Rapid City. The accident seriously injured her legs, with lacerations from her thighs to her calves, requiring several blood transfusions and surgeries. Only recently, the woman became stable enough to move from a hospital in Rapid City to Scottsbluff.

It will be longer still before she can leave the hospital. Jaci has been laying down in bed for more than 50 days straight.

Shes gonna need to learn to walk again, Jarvis, her husband, said.

Jarvis had been with Jaci, staying in their camper with their dogs, and only returned to Nebraska Tuesday, Sept. 26. When he came back, he needed to clean the cafe and order new food.

Were excited to be back, he said. Weve missed our customers ... its not like theyre just friends, theyre family.
NEW YORK (AP)  Clarence the giant schnauzer came into Penny Wagner's life as a puppy nearly eight years ago, at a traumatic time for her family.

She and her husband, Steve, had recently lost their 21-year-old daughter in a car accident. Soon after, their other child went off to college, and Steve returned to work, leaving Penny home alone with her grief. That's when they brought Clarence into the family.

Earlier this year, the beloved pet became critically ill with advanced kidney disease. Their veterinarian wouldn't allow them to stay with him until the end at the clinic due to COVID protocols, so they decided to have him put down at home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in a favorite laundry room spot.

A vet working with a company called Pet Loss at Home arrived and greeted Clarence and the Wagners. She gave the couple all the time they needed before administering two injections, one to relax the 90-pound dog and the other to let him go. The couple cuddled him as they cried, and their other dog, Cooper, was able to say goodbye as well.

"He'll always have a special place in my heart," said a tearful Wagner. "I think he was very comforted by the fact that he was home and that he was with loved ones up to the moment we said goodbye."
What were finding throughout the Panhandle is that cases are going up, PPHD director Kim Engel said. As cases go up, later hospitalizations go up and deaths increase.

Engel said rural hospitals are also seeing patients from outside of the area as patients are transferred via the states transfer center, contributing to challenges being experienced in health care.

The number of youth cases continues to increase, with this weeks cases at 97 children. Fifty-nine of those children were ages 10 to 19 and 38 were under the age of 9.

With the increases in cases, PPHD officials reminded people of a treatment that continues to be offered in the Panhandle, monoclonal antibody treatment. Its a three-hour infusion treatment that health officials report has reduced hospitalizations by about 70%. Patients are reporting improvements in symptoms within one to three days.

The key is to talk to your doctor soon after you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and started experiencing symptoms, Tabi Prochazka, of PPHD, said. The treatment is most effective when started by the fifth day of symptom onset, and before severe symptoms have started.
I think, in many respects, people have a vision of manufacturing like it was 50 years ago  it must be a dirty industry. That is not todays manufacturing. If you go to plants today, theres a lot of technology. Theres a lot of a lot of very sophisticated processes that go on. Its really a terrific career opportunity for young people. The biggest challenge is simply getting parents and young people to have that experience and understand what those careers really look like, he said.

Many manufacturing jobs also require some additional education.

There are lots of manufacturing jobs anymore that are really about programming machines and operating machines, rather than actual physical production, he said. Theres a lot of science and math and computer skills needed. Theres this continual opportunity to grow in manufacturing with technical skills.

Getting people into those manufacturing jobs is important for the economy locally and statewide, Sloan said.
Discussion about supervision by Rief seemed to have caused the most discussion, and possibly the controversy that led to his wifes impassioned speech. Among discussion from Rief at that Sept. 20 meeting, he said his role is to handle the operations of the organization, with the councils role to set policy and guide the community direction. Rief said he had directed city staff to direct questions by councilmembers to him, encouraging them to be polite and kindly assist officials but to refer them to him. After four positions in city management, he said, I think the biggest challenge that we have is sometimes we get that one council member, or two in some cases, that dont always have the best interests in mind. They have an agenda. And I think its hard to weed through that.
At some point, Kinkeads mother, Sarah, also moved to Plattsmouth. She died in 1901 of severe burns after her dress accidentally caught fire.

In the early 1900s, Ralph, a tailor, moved to Seattle, while Laura worked as a schoolteacher in Lincoln and Etta was studying art in Chicago. The family got together at Christmas 1909 and decided they would all follow Ralph in moving to Washington state.

But Cynthia Kinkead didnt make it. On a cold Thursday morning in February 1910, Benton overslept. When he got up, he found Cynthia dead, apparently from a heart attack. She was 60.

By 1913, Benton was living at Ettas home in Seattles Wallingford district. Ralph and his wife, Lillian, lived nearby. So did Laura, who taught at a school in the neighborhood.

Three years later, Benton Kinkead fell ill with pneumonia and died on Nov. 8, 1916, at age 71. He was cremated  a practice far less common at that time than it is today.

But for reasons that are lost to history, his ashes were never claimed by his three children or another relative.

We dont know, said Mike Pauly, an Air Force veteran from Plattsmouth who is working with Reisdorph on Kinkeads funeral tribute. Thats where everything kind of drifts into the clouds.
Ratcheting up pressure on the major studios, the union representing Hollywood crews announced Wednesday that its members will go on strike on Monday if they can't reach agreement on a new contract.

A walkout would bring film and television productions across the country to a standstill and would be the biggest Hollywood labor dispute in more than a decade. The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees represents about 60,000 film set workers nationwide.

Wednesday's announcement from IATSE represents a line in the sand for how long the organization will let talks continue without resolution. Negotiations will continue this week, the union said.

"Without an end date, we could keep talking forever," IATSE President Matthew Loeb said in a statement. "Our members deserve to have their basic needs addressed now."

IATSE's film and television contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) first expired on July 31 and was extended until Sept.10.

"There are five whole days left to reach a deal, and the studios will continue to negotiate in good faith in an effort to reach an agreement for a new contract that will keep the industry working," AMPTP spokesman Jarryd Gonzales said in a statement.
One week after being convicted of reduced criminal charges, a Rural Retreat man was arrested again on Oct. 6 after police said he swung a knife at his father while high on drugs.

Johnny Ray Hull III, 27, was charged with armed burglary, misdemeanor assault, felony drug possession and misdemeanor obstruction of justice after deputies responded to a call at 9585 East Bluegrass Trail.

Writing in a criminal complaint, Deputy B.J. Blevins said Hulls father said Hull showed up messed up on drugs and refused multiple requests to leave  at one point keeping his father from closing a door to the residence.

His father advised that Mr. Hull pulled a knife and swung at him, Blevins wrote. He advised he got the knife away from him and threw it away from him.

Blevins said officers asked Hull to step down from a deck, but he wouldnt. He said Hull also pulled away from officers when they went up on the deck to arrest him.

The deputy said officers found a straw with white residue in Hulls pocket.

Subject did advise he had been using meth in the straw, Blevins wrote.
Kim Lefebvre is running for re-election on the Kelso City Council Position 3 against first-time candidate and contractor Jeremiah Harrington.

Both Harrington and Lefebvre say theyre long-term Kelso residents who are running to bring back a sense of unity to the city. Harrington moved from Rainier to Kelso around 2004, and Lefebvre has lived in the city for almost her entire life.

I remember growing up here in West Kelso, and the neighbors were always so friendly with each other, Lefebvre said. We dont have enough gathering places for people to sit down and talk like we used to.

Ballots for the November election will be mailed to Cowlitz County voters on Oct. 15 and are due Nov. 2.

Kim Lefebvre

Lefebvre has been on and off the City Council since 2011, when she was appointed to fill a vacant seat. She won re-election later that year, before leaving the council in 2013 when her family briefly moved out of Kelso. She rejoined the council in 2016 after applying for another recently vacated seat and won re-election by a comfortable margin.

Lefebvre feels COVID-19 has caused the biggest changes in Kelso of anything shes dealt with during her time on the City Council. Given the limited options the council had to respond to statewide orders and mandates during the pandemic, she said she was eager to be able to focus on more local issues.

When the scientists and doctors they have up advising Olympia say its OK to quit wearing masks and people are being vaccinated and things are safe again, thats what Im waiting for. Thats when we can move to other issues, Lefebvre said.

Lefebvre has been in the middle of the citys recent COVID debates, voting for a resolution that opposed vaccine requirement, but voting against a proclamation opposing mask mandates.

As a resident of West Kelso, Lefebvre said she wants her section of the city to keep up with improvements that come to the rest of town. Lefebvre referenced the West Main Street realignment, which began its second phase of construction earlier this year, as a strong project recently undertaken by the City Council.

Its looking really nice on the other side of the bridge with the beautification work, Lefebvre said.

Lefebvre wants to bring well-paying jobs into the city and mentioned a possible development site that has been dormant for her entire stint on the council: the Talley Way extension.

In 2010, the Kelso City Council agreed to cover the cost of sidewalks along the Talley Way road extension to encourage owner and developer Mario Segale to bring businesses to the location. The now-completed extension had been rumored as a location for Costco or a movie theater, but nothing materialized by the time of Segales death in 2018.

We built a beautiful road out there and it would be nice if we were able to use it, Lefebvre said.

Jeremiah Harrington

Harrington got a nursing degree from Lower Columbia College in 2010 and worked for PeaceHealth until around 2018, when he moved into full-time contracting work. His company recently was absorbed into Pacific Tech Construction, where he now works as a project manager.

Harrington said he wanted to join the City Council to counteract the perceived lack of transparency about how the city spends money and makes decisions.

I think we got ourselves in bad positions by trying to protect people from knowing things or thinking they shouldnt know. We need to respect our differences and learn to grow from others opinions, Harrington said.

COVID was the other major catalyst for Harringtons increased political interest. In December 2020, Harrington created a private Facebook group called Support the Courageous, where he and his family went out of their way to visit restaurants in Washington and Oregon that opened in spite of the indoor dining limitations.

Harrington described himself as anti-mandate. He said he appreciated several of the City Councils recent actions on COVID mandates, including holding several council meetings outdoors. In talking to other residents of Kelso, he said the pandemic still caused worry and anxiety from all sides of the vaccine and mask conversations.

I think theres a lot of discussions left to be had, but I dont feel comfortable mandating anyone to get a vaccine or wear a mask in most situations, Harrington said.

Harrington has five kids with his wife, Jennifer, or from their previous relationships. While he knows the Kelso School District and school board have final say in their operations, he wants the city to work more directly with the district on certain projects and after-school programs for students and families.

I dont think the kids wake up in the morning in the City Council territory and then go to school and its a school board issue. We need the whole picture, Harrington said.

On the business side, Harrington said the city needed to look into zoning requirements and fees to make sure they could attract and sustain employers. Harrington pointed to Kalama as a potential model for small business support.

In 2015, Harrington was ordered by a judge to pay $38,000 in damages for a domestic battery case. Harrington said the civil claim was not true and was made because of an already contentious divorce process.

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Residents of the temporary homeless encampment on Alabama Street are returning to the original site, one month after they were removed to allow for a city-led cleanup process

Longview city workers posted signs Wednesday morning around the parking lot that has served as the temporary homeless encampment for the last several weeks. The posted signs tell homeless residents to vacate the parking lot by 8 p.m. Sunday. Cleanup efforts for whatever is left behind in the lot will begin Monday morning.

The lot, which directly borders the original temporary campsite, was a city-owned employee parking lot before becoming a temporary replacement campsite. The posted signs say that next week Longview will conduct a removal of all individuals, personal property, garbage and or debris from the citys property.

Homeless residents were moved out of the original Alabama Street campsite beginning Sept. 13 after the city declared a public health emergency for the temporary site over unsanitary conditions. A city contractor hauled truckloads of trash and leftover materials out of the campsite in late September, cut down damaged trees and repaired the fence that rings the campsite.

Jerry Wilkins, a Cowlitz Family Health Center worker who was contracted by Longview to work with homeless residents during the moves, said the process of moving back to the original site was going faster than the move in September. Wilkins thought the experience of being at a cleaner temporary site with clearly marked spaces for each campsite would improve the experience going forward.

Its the same marked-out spots now at the old site, so I think theyre happy to have a spot they can claim as theirs, Wilkins said.

Tent site layouts also will make the cleaned campsite more navigable. The access issues posed by sprawling, cluttered sites had been a secondary reason for the public health emergency declaration.

According to the posted signs, the Longview Police Department temporarily will seize any property worth more than $100 that is left in the parking lot. Owners will have 60 days to reclaim belongings from the police.

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Two of Longviews largest medical providers, PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente, report high COVID-19 vaccination rates after passing deadlines for their own vaccine mandates announced in August.

As of Tuesday, 97% of PeaceHealth St. John caregivers, about 1,450 people, are in compliance with the COVID-19 vaccination requirement policy, according to the organization. Of those, 4% have approved exemptions.

Kaiser Permanente did not have specific numbers for its Longview clinic. For the Northwest region, including Oregon and Southwest Washington, about 89% of staff and 99% of physicians were fully vaccinated, according to Kaiser.

About 1,000 Northwest region employees submitted a request for an exemption, according to Kaiser. The organization is providing a provisional approval to employees who submitted requests on time, but are awaiting review.

About 1.5% of employees, roughly 170 out of 11,100, were put on leave because they didnt submit either an exemption request or proof of vaccination by Sept. 30, said Debbie Karman, Kaiser spokesperson. Employees have until Dec. 1 to respond and return to work.

We hope none of our employees will choose to leave their jobs rather than be vaccinated, but we wont know with certainty until then, according to a Kaiser statement. We will continue to work with this group of employees to allay concerns and educate them about the vaccines, their benefits, and risks.

PeaceHealth and Kaiser announced their own vaccine requirements in early August, before Gov. Jay Inslees mandate. PeaceHealth employees had to submit proof of vaccination or approved exemption by the end of August. Kaiser employees had until the end of September.

Although Oct. 4 was the last day people could get vaccinated to be in compliance by the state mandates Oct. 18 deadline, state officials Wednesday encouraged workers to get the shot.

The good news is it looks like the vast majority of people in those categories are getting vaccinated, and that is the goal of the requirements is to get people vaccinated. And certainly to protect the very individuals that, for example, healthcare workers ... are charged with being responsible for, caring for, said Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah during a press briefing Wednesday.

Statewide vaccination rates are increasing, with 64.1% of the total population initiating vaccination and 59% fully vaccinated as of Monday.

About 55.9% of Cowlitz County residents had initiated vaccination and 50.8% were fully vaccinated as of Monday.

Cowlitz County COVID-19 cases are decreasing and hospitalizations appear to be flattening.

The county recorded 43 new confirmed cases Wednesday, bringing the total to 11,445 confirmed and 1,369 probable cases. The county recorded five new deaths, with 219 total.

PeaceHealth St. John had 21 COVID-19 inpatients as of Wednesday morning.

COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are decreasing statewide, but remain at high rates, said Lacy Fehrenbach, deputy secretary of COVID-19 response.

In September, unvaccinated people 12 to 64 years old were 19 times more likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19 than vaccinated people, Fehrenbach said. Unvaccinated people 65 years old and older were nine times more likely.

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After a massive crackdown on dangerous apps that saw Google slap a ban on as many as 150 apps recently, the company has now banned more apps from Google Play Store in order to protect users who download apps like these from its store. At Google I/O this year, the company had revealed that there were 3 billion active Android devices today and the removal of these apps will benefit users who might have been tricked into using them.

These three apps that were banned from Google Play Store were using shady tactics to fool users into parting with their personal information and their money. Security firm Kaspersky spotted these applications and stated that the Facebook Login mechanism was used to trick users into parting with their information.

Also read: Looking for a smartphone? Check Mobile Finder here.

The Login with Facebook button on several web services and apps is used to quickly authenticate users and allow them to use a service without having to create another username and password, and it is used by popular services like Spotify and Tinder. However, according to the security firm, these apps were using sign-in data to steal login credentials and access users personal information.

Google banned apps list

The names of the banned apps are "Magic Photo Lab - Photo Editor, "Blender Photo Editor-Easy Photo Background Editor", and "Pix Photo Motion Edit 2021". These apps have been banned from the Play Store.

How to stay safe from these apps banned by Google

Users who have downloaded these apps will have to remove them manually from their phones, and should ideally change their Facebook login details as well.

Users can stick to well-known photo editing apps and now download any shady app, in order to keep their data safe and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. While downloading, be very wary and check the language on the Google Play Store regarding the app and see if there are grammatical and factual errors. Try and verify credentials as far as possible of all apps that you download. Remember, they may look legitimate, but they may not be so at all. The onus is on the user.
The festive season has already begun and now tech companies are starting their own celebrations next week by hosting event after event. The week will begin with Apples Unleashed event on October 18 wherein it is expected to launch its next generation of MacBook laptops and Mac Mini desktops. It will be followed by Googles annual fall event on October 19 wherein the company will launch its Pixel 6 series smartphones and the week will end on October 20 with Samsungs Galaxy Unpacked Part 2 event.

This is the third Galaxy Unpacked event that Samsung has hosted this year. It began the year with its first Galaxy Unpacked event back in January wherein it launched its Galaxy S21 series smartphones. More recently, that is, in August, the company hosted its second Galaxy Unpacked event wherein it launched its Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 smartphones along with its next generation of wearables and hearables. Now, the company is gearing to host the third and probably the last Galaxy Unpacked event for this year.

How and where to watch Samsungs Galaxy Unpacked Part 2 event?

Samsung has announced that its Galaxy Unpacked event will be held at 10AM ET or 7:30PM IST on October 20. Our users are multifaceted and live life in so many colourful, interesting and unique ways. As such, the technology they use every day should reflect their individuality. Join Galaxy Unpacked Part 2 on October 20 to see how Samsung is opening up new experiences for self-expression through technology. The event will be streamed on Samsungs YouTube channel beginning at 10 a.m. ET, Samsung wrote in its invitation.

Samsung fans will be able to view the Galaxy Unpacked Part 2 event live on Samsungs official YouTube channel beginning at 7.30PM IST.

What to expect from Samsungs Galaxy Unpacked Part 2 event?

As far as the details are concerned, Samsung hasnt divulged any details as to what we should expect from its upcoming Galaxy Unpacked Part 2 event. While it did share a video along with its official invite via its official newsroom, the video ended up raising more questions than answering them.

That said, the video did give us some clue as to what we should expect from Samsungs upcoming October 20 event. The companys upcoming event is likely to be focused on its apps and services and the company is expected to share more details in the improvements in various apps such as its music player app and its camera app. We could hear about the companys smart devices portfolio. Other than that, it's hard to guess anything this time.
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

In the 1930s and 1940s, the Rural Electrification Act wired farms to the grid, turning on lights across the American countryside. Parallel efforts added phone service in these sprawling, sparsely populated areas. At long last, farm families and small-town residents could call a faraway relative without driving to find a phone and study at night without using a generator.

Now, rural areas are working to connect in new ways, through improved digital and cellphone networks, as well as alternative forms of transportation. Researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are joining small towns across America to expand affordable, convenient, and energy-efficient transportation choices.

"Cities are huge population centers, but about 60 million Americans live in small towns and farm country," NREL Rural Mobility Project Lead and Transportation Behavior Analyst Andy Duvall said. "Just like people in New York, Chicago, or Dallas, they need to get to the doctor's office, school, and grocery storebut there aren't any subways, transit buses, or taxis, and critical destinations can sometimes be a day's travel away."

Members of these communities without cars of their own or the ability to drive can be largely cut off from the world. An array of DOE-funded projects is creating mobility options for rural populations, most importantly for low-income, aging, and disabled individuals who miss out on jobs and medical appointments unless family and friends can drive them places.

Researchers are collaborating with five small communities on demonstration projects, building knowledge of regional travel patterns and priorities, gathering and analyzing transportation data, and exploring the effectiveness of new transportation options. Projects are underway in Bastrop, Texas; Greene County, Pennsylvania; Hood River, Oregon; the Appalachian region of Ohio; and California's Kern and Tulare counties.

Learning from urban research

NREL, DOE, and other project partners are taking lessons learned in urban areas and applying them to these smaller towns and rural communities. In support of the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT's) Smart City Challenge, NREL Mobility Systems Project Leader Stan Young was embedded in Columbus, Ohio, for four years.

Young shared the laboratory's expertise and resources with municipal staff and consultants, while observing firsthand the city's mobility challenges. The goal was to spur economic growth, improve citizens' quality of life, and decrease the city's carbon footprint through more energy-efficient, convenient, and affordable ways to move people and goods.

In the end, the city arrived at a range of solutions that combine on-demand, automated, connected, electrified, and shared mobility options. Data collected by the project team show that access to on-demand transportation services led to more consistent visits to doctors for preventive healthcare, self-driving shuttles made it possible to deliver more than 130,000 meals during the COVID lockdown, and new transit hubs gave workers access to a pool of more than 20,000 additional jobs.

"Until now, the emerging mobility focus has mostly been on big cities. Small towns and rural communities deserve to benefit from breakthroughs in transportation technology, too," Young said. "Building a better understanding of travel patterns and needs in these areas is the first step."

Discovering smart city's country cousin

NREL and its partners are discovering the transportation issues unique to rural areas as they work with the five communities involved in the initiative. They already knew that low population density, lack of centralized services, and long stretches of road would require a different approach.

As the initiative progressed, it became clearer that a number of other factors compound those challenges. Researchers' observations in Bastrop, Texas, reflect patterns among its 52,000 residents that are emerging in all the communities involved in the project.

Rural areas and those outside cities typically have fewer employment opportunities in the immediate vicinity, meaning workers need to commute farther or move out of the community to find viable jobs. At the same time, the lack of transportation infrastructure can prevent companies from choosing to relocate to these communities.

More than one in five Americans aged 65 and up live in rural areas. As people get older and lose the ability to drive, limited transportation options present barriers to vital medical and social services.

Other issues in small towns and rural areas include the long distances that sometimes must be traveled to reach schools, hospitals, libraries, and grocery stores. In addition, these communities rarely have the funds and volume of demand needed to support a traditional public transportation system.

Lack of transportation options can be compounded by a shortage of reliable broadband internet and wireless services. These conditions can force younger residents to move to cities to find work or skip college because of difficulties accessing online educational resources.

"All of these stumbling blocks can be overcome, but it will demand a different set of solutions for small communities than what we came up with in Columbus and other larger cities," Duvall said.

Hailing a new transportation option

In Bastrop, just an hour southeast of Austin, the team has launched an on-demand ride service using electric vehicles. Trips on the ride service are currently free of charge, enabling passengers to meet practical mobility needs such as getting to medical appointments, grocery stores, and jobs. Frequently taking the place of larger conventional vehicles, the system's electric vehicles translate into lower per-trip fuel consumption and emissions.

National commercial ride hailing services such as Uber and Lyft can be tough to find in small town settings. This can be attributed in large part to spotty network coverage and other technology shortcomings in these areas, lower population density, and less frequent cellphone ownership and credit card use.

The Bastrop system has adopted an alternative model that allows riders to request electric cab or van service with a phone call, as well as via a mobile app. Because the rides are free, passengers do not need to worry about paying by credit card or other means.

Now that the system has operated for six months, the NREL team is examining data on length, number, frequency, and purpose of trips, in addition to displacement of trips using single-occupancy vehicles. Initial results reflect a high demand for the new service.

"While this might seem like old news to someone in a big city, it really is revolutionary for a person in a small town to have a vehicle available to take them from point A to point B in a matter of minutes," Duvall said.

Duvall noted that riders also seem to like the electric vehicles, and that increased comfort and familiarity with the technology in the community could lead to greater interest in electric vehicle ownership, too. Until now, adoption of electric vehicles has lagged in rural areas when compared to urban markets.

The Bastrop system's electric vehicles are charged using electricity from the Texas grid, which relies on one of the country's highest proportions of renewable energy sources. The electric vehicle rides replace transportation in conventional gas-fueled vehicles, resulting in reductions in petroleum use and life cycle emissions.

Driving change past the county line

The rural mobility team is exploring additional mobility options in other towns. While work continues in Bastrop and the four communities in the original demonstration projects, researchers are discussing partnerships with more communities in new locations.

NREL completed a related project in Innisfill, a Canadian town north of Toronto of approximately 40,000 people. Comparable in size and use patterns to some of the U.S. communities being studied, the town focused on improving transportation to serve its growing population more effectively, particularly those without automobile access. After actively pursuing a partnership with Uber to provide a subsidized on-demand mobility service, the community found it significantly increased access to essential transportation with a much lower investment than required for more traditional fixed-route transit systems.

The laboratory is analyzing data on the U.S. projects to better assess energy-efficiency, emissions, and mobility benefits. Eventually, recommendations will be detailed in a guidebook that can be used by other communities to replicate winning strategies.

The team is also seeking partners in new areas with communities that present unique mobility challenges. Researchers are exploring a possible series of projects in collaboration with New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) as part of its Clean Transportation Prizes.

NREL continues to coordinate efforts of the collaborative multi-region team. Quarterly forums bring together the five rural mobility initiatives, along with several other aligned rural mobility groups, to compare notes.

"Pooling our resources will not only help increase mobility options for this handful of communities," Young said. "It will make it possible to level the mobility playing field for smaller rural communities across the United States, giving them access to services previously only found in urban areas."

Explore further Assessing aspects of Uber and Lyft on urban mobility in the United States
A herd of sheep grazes under an industrial-scale solar array in Newfield, New York. Credit: Lindsay France / Cornell University

As industrial-sized solar installations pop up throughout New York and New England states, residents fear the loss of agricultural land. One solution is simple: Sheep.

Cornell University associate professor Todd Schmit is partnering with farmers, solar companies and the American Solar Grazing Association, a nonprofit trade group that connects solar companies with shepherds, to explore the economic benefits of a business cooperative or producer-owned organization that could provide coordination and logistical services for farmers grazing under solar arrays.

"This idea complements the goals of reducing fossil fuel use in New York state and throughout the Northeast," Schmit said. "There are literally thousands of acres going under new solar production, and I think increasing renewable energy production is a great thing, but it's a little ironic if we're promoting renewable energy production, and then because we need to control the vegetation, we're going out there with mowers that are using fossil fuels or spraying it with pesticides that are killing the plants."

Lexie Hain, a farmer in the Finger Lakes region and executive director of the American Solar Grazing Association, sees this as a boon for shepherds but part of the challenge is coordinating between a few large multinational solar companies and many small farmers.

Schmit believes this problem could be solved by helping farmers create a producer-owned business cooperative that could negotiate contracts and share transportation equipment. Beyond grazing, the project also will explore potential benefits of farmers collectively producing and marketing lamb, including sharing processing equipment and creating a value-added brand for marketing "sheep produced under solar arrays."

More than half of the lamb and mutton consumed in the U.S. is imported from New Zealand and Australia, so providing more market opportunities for local shepherds would benefit the New York and New England economies, and reduce the carbon footprint of sheep products consumed here.

While Schmit's three-year, $500,000 projectfunded equally by Cornell and the U.S. Department of Agriculturewill focus on New York, Pennsylvania and the New England states, he hopes lessons learned from the project will be useful to sheep farmers throughout the United States.

"Coming to consensus among a potentially disparate group of farmers about their needs and goals for collective action is the first step to new cooperative development, and without it the enterprise cannot move forward," Schmit said. "As an economist, I think there's a real opportunity for expansion of the industry, and an opportunity to bring new farmers into production agriculture."

Explore further Combining solar panels and lamb grazing increases land productivity, study finds
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A Facebook representative provided false testimony in a lawsuit that accuses the social media giant of violating state campaign finance laws, Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson alleges in court filings.

Both Facebook and Facebook's attorneys knew the testimony was false, Ferguson says in court filings. He also alleges that Facebook set up a formalized process for people seeking information on political ads that requires them to limit their requests "in direct contravention of Washington law."

Ferguson sued Facebook last year, for the second time, alleging the company has "repeatedly and openly" violated state campaign transparency laws by selling political ads without providing legally required details of the spending.

"Facebook is a commercial advertiser, yet it views itself above this law," Ferguson writes in a new filing. "Even after a previous lawsuit and the original complaint in this case, it still refuses to provide the public access to all required information about political ads."

Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company has argued, and continues to, that Washington's campaign finance laws are unconstitutional and violate both the First Amendment's free speech protections and the Commerce Clause, which gives Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce.

In a court filing, it says that it did not provide false testimony because the issue the Attorney General's Office was asking about was outside the agreed upon scope and time frame.

Ferguson's first lawsuit against Facebook, filed in 2018 over the same issue, ended with the company paying a $238,000 fine.

Both lawsuits essentially allege the same thing: That Facebook has been selling political ads in Washington without making information, required by state law, about the ads and the people buying them available to the public.

Washington's strict campaign finance laws require ad sellers such as Facebook to disclose specific information on the names and addresses of people who buy ads, who ads target and the total number of views of each ad.

Facebook calls the law "onerous" and says it violates the First Amendment by compelling the company to make political speechinformation about who is buying political adsthat it would not otherwise make.

"Washington's law forces private parties to convey state-mandated messages to the public on demand, on pain of severe fines for failure to do so," the company wrote last year, asking for the lawsuit to be dismissed.

It is not illegal for Facebook to sell political ads, nor is it illegal for candidates or outside groups to buy them. But, after the 2018 lawsuit, Facebook voluntarily announced that it would stop selling political ads in Washington.

It didn't.

The company sold at least 171 ads to Washington state political committees, which paid the company at least $525,000 since November 2018, according to the Attorney General's Office. For example, the company accepted ads in Seattle's 2019 City Council races, as well as for a wide array of other campaigns across the state, including candidates for state representative, the Port of Tacoma commission, Spokane's City Council and Vancouver's school board.

Facebook, in a court filing, admits it has sold political ads in Washington after it said it would stop doing so. It said people and organizations who buy those ads are violating its policies and that it takes them down when it discovers them.

Facebook has made some details of political ads across the country available through a searchable public Ad Library. However, the library does not include all the legally required information for ads running in Washington state.

The lawsuit against Facebook was initially spurred by requests for ad information from two people: independent journalist Eli Sanders and political consultant Tallman Trask. (Both Sanders and Trask are now students at the University of Washington School of Law.)

Sanders and Trask asked for information on ads Facebook was selling and when they didn't get it, the state Public Disclosure Commission started an investigation. That eventually led to the attorney general's lawsuit, after the PDC declined to settle with Facebook.

As part of the lawsuit, the Attorney General's Office deposed a Facebook program manager. Lawyers asked him if there were any instances, other than the ones brought by Sanders and Trask, when people had requested information on Washington political ads on Facebook.

He said there were none, according to court documents.

"Both Facebook and its counsel were aware that testimony was false," Ferguson writes.

Facebook's attorneys did not object, court filings say, and later, when Facebook attorneys corrected the deposition transcript, they made no changes on that question.

In fact, Zach Wurtz, a political researcher, had made at least nine separate requests and had been in direct communication with Facebook's counsel, according to court filings.

"Facebook's misconduct prevented the State from learning about the additional undisclosed violations," Ferguson wrote.

And, Ferguson says, Facebook told Wurtz to fill out a form in order to get information, asking him to confirm he was a Washington resident and asking him for specific URLs of the ads he was interested in. State law allows anyone to request information, not just Washington residents, and it does not require a requester to provide specific URLs.

Explore further Despite promising to stop, Facebook and Google are still selling political ads in Washington state

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The Valenzuela Solar Farm in the Philippines. Experts and advocates are urging the Philippines to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Credit: IMF Photo/Lisa Marie David (https://flickr.com/photos/imfphoto/51225407894/), CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/)

The Philippines must turn to renewable sources to solve its energy crisis, environmental experts urge, as the country comes under pressure from big corporations to buy into liquefied natural gas (LNG).

With its sole source of natural gas at Malampaya expected to have depleted entirely by the end of this decade, the island nation faces a choice of either importing LNG or steering away from fossil fuels to meet the energy needs of its growing population with renewables.

However, a report by the US-based Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis says: "For the Philippines and other emerging importers in Asia, LNG should represent a fuel of last resorta temporary solution to fill the Malampaya gas supply deficitrather than a sustainable, long-term solution for meeting the Philippines' energy needs."

LNG is made by cooling natural gas into a liquid, which reduces its volume by about 600 times, making it easier to ship, handle and store. Consisting mostly of methane, LNG is cleaner than other fossil fuels such as coal or petroleum and is used for heating, cooking, generating electricity and manufacturing various products. It is also used as a fuel for vehicles.

According to the US International Trade Administration, the current energy mix of the Philippines is composed of coal (47 percent), natural gas (22 percent), renewables (24 percent), including hydro, geothermal, wind, and solar, and oil-based energy (6.2 percent), adding up to a capacity of 23 gigawatts. By 2040 the Philippines will need 43 gigawatts of additional capacity.

"Choosing LNG only extends the life of fossil fuel-based systems, locking in the Philippines to decades of fossil fuel dependency," Laurence Delina, assistant professor at the division of environment and sustainability, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, tells SciDev.Net. "Given the climate emergency, the Philippines should waste no time transitioning to readily available and cheaper wind, solar, geothermal, and sustainable hydro resources."

But US companies involved in power projects in the Philippines are pushing for the import of LNG. A recent white paper, sponsored by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), argues that in 2018 coal accounted for 52.9 percent of carbon emissions in the Philippines, against 40.7 percent for oil and 6.4 percent for gas.

According to the white paper, in 2019, coal-fired power was responsible for an estimated 630 air pollution-related deaths, 1,300 new childhood asthma cases, 240 pre-term births and 149,000 days of sick leave in the Philippines. Using LNG decreases emissions of carbon and particulate matter as compared to coal-fired power generation, leading to public health benefits, the paper says.

"The Philippines and the Asia Pacific Region can realize strong economic and environmental benefits from the use of LNG as a part of its energy demand solutions. The LNG market is still evolving and growing, and it continues to provide safe, clean, and reliable fuel," the paper says.

The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis counters the findings of the white paper by arguing that "many of the assumptions underlying the [white paper's] findings are ill-timed and seemingly ignore current dynamics in the global LNG market and recent developments in the Philippines' energy industry, as well as findings from the international scientific community regarding the incompatibility of greenhouse gas-intensive fossil fuels like natural gas with global climate goals."

The author of the report, Sam Reynolds, an energy finance analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, says: "A wholesale buildout of the Philippines' LNG-to-power fleet would risk locking-in long-term dependence on a foreign imported fossil fuel, to the detriment of cleaner, cheaper domestic renewables."

According to Pep Canadell, executive director of the Global Carbon Project, construction of new long-term infrastructure that will use any type of fossil fuel is inconsistent with the Paris Agreement, an international treaty that seeks to address climate change by limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as compared with pre-industrial levels.

"Although there might be a strategic place for natural gas in a low carbon energy economy, the contribution needs to be small and cannot be growing from where we are now," Canadell tells SciDev.Net. "All forms of fossil fuels need to peak and decline as fast as possiblefirst coal followed by natural gas and oil," he adds.

Explore further The world's slow transition to cleaner energy

Provided by SciDev.Net
Credit: Waymo

The residents of a relatively quiet neighborhood in San Francisco are seeing an influx of self-driving visitors.

A steady stream of automated Waymo cars has reportedly been flowing into a dead end in the city's Richmond District, disrupting routes for passengers and forcing them to turn the car around themselves, local news outlet KPIX reported.

And based on what neighbors are saying, it's not just one or two vehicles coming by.

"There are some days where it can be up to 50," nearby resident Jennifer King told KPIX. "It's literally every five minutes. And we're all working from home, so this is what we hear."

This isn't just a recent development, either, one resident says.

"It's been going on for six, eight weeks, maybe more," Andrea Lewin told KPIX.

The cars use what Waymo calls "lidar" sensors, which give the vehicle a picture of its surroundings. So, when it encounters something like a dead end, these tools would presumably command the vehicle to stop.

As for what's drawing the cars to the dead end in the first place, that's still not fully clear.

Waymo told KPIX the company is looking into the issue to see what can be done. Company representatives did not immediately respond to U.S. TODAY's request for comment.

The Alphabet-owned company expanded its self-driving services to San Francisco in August, encouraging residents to help test its vehicles as part of its "Trusted Tester" program.

Explore further Waymo expanding autonomous ride service to San Francisco

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A week after a lawyer representing one of three men on trial for murder in the death of an unarmed, jogger complained about Black pastors in the courtroom, hundreds came from around the country and held a rousing prayer rally in front of the Glynn County Courthouse.
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Maloney encouraged voters to vote in favor of the request to keep the elections as they are during odd-numbered years, and Wright supported the option too.

Wright said it is important the decision is up to voters, rather than being decided by City Council members, but he leans toward leaving it as it is. He said he wants to see a push toward voter engagement, rather than changing the election cycle.

Mousseau-Holland, who became a United States citizen in 2012 after immigrating from Canada, said she has followed local politics for six-plus years, but has only voted in local races during presidential elections when she was already at the polls.

She said having the elections with the state and federal elections gives people an incentive to learn about local issues on the ballot.

Cunha, emphasizing her opinions are for herself and not on behalf of the council, said the difference between odd-year and even-year elections is evident in voter turnout historically. She cited the number of voters in 2019 compared to 2020 when she was elected to fill Elianor Vessalis unexpired term. In 2019, she said, 6,000 people voted in the City Council race, compared to 32,000 who voted in her election in 2020.
The state and county have different plans, Carstensen explained.

The state only pays out 25%, but they allow you to accrue up to 1,440 hours, whereas the countys policy is we only allow 720 hour accruals and on retirement they pay out 50%, she said. It works out to be, in essence, the same value.

It is also currently uncertain whether or not CNDC employees want to transition.

I dont want to spend too much time or effort exploring these problems if the general feel is, Id like to stay a county employee, Carstensen said. If they want us to explore this to evaluate whether they want to be a county or state employee, Im happy to do it.

Buffalo County Deputy Attorney Mike Mefferd, who serves as the CNDC board chairman, said the board is engaging in those discussions with the employees.

We anticipate that the employees are going to desire to maintain their county employee status under the same general terms and conditions theyve been currently functioning under, he told commissioners.

Commission Chair Pam Lancaster advocated for waiting for more information from CNDC before proceeding further.
After those projects were funded, the program ran out of money for the 2022 fiscal year, Hilgert said.

Another $15 million in the program would have allowed us to be funded, Hilgert said.

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Hilgert said the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs worked very closely with the National Cemetery Administration, which is part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

He met the new undersecretary for Memorial Affairs, who was aware of the Grand Island project.

Hilgert thinks the strong community showing by Grand Island made quite an impact.

I was very proud to be associated with the effort of the community, Hilgert said.

Hilgert asked National Cemetery Administration officials if Grand Island project organizers should do any more in preparation for the 2023 fiscal year.

The answer was absolutely not. Youve done everything you possibly could, Hilgert said.

Hopefully, officials will go down the list next year and the Grand Island project will be funded, he said.
My brother was healthy. He was still pretty much young and he had everything to live for, Mike Mitchem added. He had five kids and a grandson and now all of them have lost him. Its hard on my parents. Theyre 73, and my mom said your kids are not supposed to die before you.

Kevin Mitchems decline was more gradual than his wifes. He seemed to be improving at one point, and the family got their hopes up, only to discover the respiratory disease had done irreparable damage to his lungs.

Kevin Lee Mitchem died on Oct. 8. He was 48.

In the midst of the grief, Mike Mitchem said hes dealing with another emotion.

Part of our pain is anger, he said. Anger because people are still not getting the vaccine. If you think about it, you need to have certain vaccines before you can even go to school. Whats the big deal about this one?

Mike Mitchem said his brother and sister-in-law had not been vaccinated, even though family members who had been inoculated encouraged them to do the same.

Theyd just been leery. They were going off what theyve been hearing and reading on the internet, he said.
The state and county have different plans, Carstensen explained.

The state only pays out 25%, but they allow you to accrue up to 1,440 hours, whereas the countys policy is we only allow 720 hour accruals and on retirement they pay out 50%, she said. It works out to be, in essence, the same value.

It is also currently uncertain whether CNDC employees want to transition.

I dont want to spend too much time or effort exploring these problems if the general feel is, Id like to stay a county employee, Carstensen said. If they want us to explore this to evaluate whether they want to be a county or state employee, Im happy to do it.

Buffalo County Deputy Attorney Mike Mefferd, who serves as the CNDC board chairman, said the board is engaging in those discussions with the employees.

We anticipate that the employees are going to desire to maintain their county employee status under the same general terms and conditions theyve been currently functioning under, he told Hall County commissioners.

Commission Chair Pam Lancaster advocated for waiting for more information from CNDC before proceeding.
Rep. Jeff Fortenberry on Thursday hailed the efforts of a human rights organization led by a University of Nebraska medical student in already providing for the evacuation of 6,700 people, including 1,200 Americans, from Afghanistan in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal of military forces.

The Human First Coalition effort has "saved thousands," the Lincoln congressman said during an interview with BBC World Service.

Safi Rauf, who also was interviewed by the BBC, said thousands of endangered Afghans who are members of religious minorities or who helped the U.S. military still remain behind with "their lives in great danger."

The Human First operation is designed to "evacuate people at risk," he said.

Rauf was born in an Afghan refugee camp in Pakistan and immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager. He graduated from high school in Omaha and served as a linguist and cultural adviser in Afghanistan for four years before attending college on the East Coast and enrolling in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He recently deferred his enrollment to the University of Nebraska Medical Center to form Human First.
The driver, who initially identified himself as Devonne Manson using what the deputy believed to be a fake California drivers license, was asked to accompany the deputy in his patrol car while he was issued a warning for the traffic infraction, Sergeant Hildebrand explained. Throughout the contact, the deputy became suspicious that the driver was not who he said he was. Manson was confronted about his license being false to which Manson then identified himself as Mario Washington out of Illinois and told the deputy he was wanted by police in Illinois. Washington was found to be wanted for first degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and had been on the run for approximately three months. The deputy confirmed Washingtons warrant and Washington was arrested for the outstanding warrant and is being held at the York County Jail pending extradition to Illinois to face charges.
Equity & School Safety

School Resource Officer Organization Says SROs Working to 'Seal Off' School-to-Prison Pipeline

As a June 2021 survey by Ed Week found, school districts all over the country are choosing to end their contracts with local police, make major budget cuts for school police or rework their plans to address community concerns about police and discipline in school. Some of the thinking behind those decisions is that by placing police officers in education settings, schools are creating a "school to prison pipeline," especially for students of color.

As a counterpoint, the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) is trying to convince a K-12 audience that its membership, made up of school resource officers (SROs), is working as a positive force in school communities.

SROs are career law enforcement officers with sworn authority deployed in schools that have agreements with local law enforcement agencies.

Recently, NASRO issued the results of a survey among 1,700 SROs. The study found that while two-thirds of respondents (67%) said their primary function on campus was to do law enforcement, a sizable share also primarily self-identify as mentors/counselors (26%) and teachers (7%). In spite of the dominance of law enforcement as a primary function, the study's authors stated, respondents said they spent more time handling mentor/counselor activities (48%) than law enforcement (46%).

The research also found that on most days, 70% of respondents meet with school administration and 56% work with guidance counselors, school nurses or social workers, which indicates "strong collaboration between SROs and other school staff members."

A big part of the survey was dedicated to understanding how SROs respond in certain types of situations, such as mutual fights with and without injuries, tobacco possession, vandalism, "student drama," theft and truancy. Most of the time, SROs would respond with counseling or mentoring or referrals to school administrators, "casting doubt on the 'school to prison' notion," the researchers noted.

Interestingly, the survey found that the more officer training received by NASRO, the harsher the response from the SRO. Why would that be? The researchers offered a few explanations: "First, it may be that the SRO, who has established a relationship with the student, becomes frustrated with repeat offenses by the student. Second, it may be that the introduction of the SRO to the school system identifies previous 'non-actions' on the part of the school system to pursue harsh remedies. In other words, the school may have elected not to pursue more harsh responses to protect their image or to not get involved in criminal justice procedures electing the easy way out."

When arrests of students occurred  "the most consequential decision an SRO can make"  a third of the time it was because of crimes the SROs observed themselves (36%) or because of crimes observed by school staff (37%). The survey didn't examine what kinds of events would specifically trigger arrests.

When it comes to that most tragic of campus events, an "active shooter," the survey asked different participants to size up the level of confidence they had in the SRO's ability to respond. The SRO gave himself or herself the highest marks for confidence, followed by local police and school administration. From there, it went downhill quickly: faculty and staff weren't sure how confident they were in the SRO's abilities; students were more likely to say they weren't confident; and parents as a subgroup were likely to say they had no confidence at all.

In this case, the researchers suggested, the outcomes were probably tied to poor communications. "Active shooter drills have become perfunctory for school personnel and fail to communicate the importance of such drills [and] students see shortcomings in the drills and the overall school protection strategy that have not been communicated to the SRO," the report stated. "Where there are weaknesses in the confidence of any program, the SRO must look at his or her communications with all interested parties, and further, evaluate the level of partnership with each."
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How has COVID-19 affected the rural health work force and what can we do about it?

That was the question that the Illinois Rural Health Summit organizing group addressed Thursday in its webinar.

Rural Health Work Force panelists included

Amy Fox of Tazwell County Public Health Department

Dr. Hana Hinkle, interim director of the National Center for Rural Health Professions at University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford

Dr. Jim JD Daniels of SIU School of Medicine and a physician

Letitia Haughton Price, president of Illinois Community Health Workers Association.

The emcee was Guddi Kapadia.

Kapadia said rural areas have seen shortages in mental health, public health and healthcare for decades. The pandemic has exasperated that problem.

Daniels said healthcare is like an iceberg in central and Southern Illinois  and COVID-19 dumped salt on that iceberg.

We tried to be transparent but needed skills we didnt have, he said. We are more global, but also more tribal.

Kapadia said the first recommendation was finding incentives that retain the rural health work force.

Hinkle said their sweet spot is getting people from rural backgrounds to practice in rural areas.

That is a tremendous success for us to bring students together. Its a tremendous model we have, Hinkle said.

Kapadia asked how health care worker candidates can enter access points.

Daniels talked about the medical program at Harrisburg High School, Harrisburg Medical Center and Egyptian Health Service.

Its like a hospital where you can see a nurse, dentist and doctor, but its more like stem cells. Students themselves have clearer vision, he said.

He said rural access hospitals did a good job 20 years ago, but we have to be careful that interests dont lead to rural specialists right away.

A big part of medicine isnt the science; its a touch, Daniels said.

Kapadia asked what can be done now to move to a better workforce.

Hinkle said their emphasis is to grow your own," even if the local pool of student candidates aren't the highest achieving academically.

That investment starts locally and they have to grow their own, Hinkle said.

Daniels said he would like to see what can be done for rural high school students.

In a rural area, we dont have to see the glass as half full. We have to know where the faucet is, he said.

Illinois Rural Health consists of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Department of Population Science and Policy, SIU Carbondale Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, The University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health and the SIU Medicine Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development.

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Hugh Muldoon, a Carbondale leader in numerous faith and civic organizations and movements, is being remembered for his tireless dedication to causes of justice, compassion and peace.

Muldoon died Tuesday. He was 82.

A longtime director of Carbondales Interfaith Center  now called Gaia House  near the Southern Illinois University Carbondale campus, Muldoon built relationships with countless students and worked to build cooperation for causes and movements across Southern Illinois.

Hugh Muldoon was one of the first community members I met off campus, Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumna Sarah Brenes, of Waukesha, Wisconsin, posted on Facebook. When Gaia House was called the Interfaith Center, I would walk by on my way to class and one day I came in and met Hugh. He showed me around, took my number and called me about community events and volunteer opportunities. I will never forget his welcome kindness and community spirit.

Juli Claussen, of Carbondale, also first met Muldoon when she was a student at SIU.

I became aware of him because of his community involvement first, and secondly, because of his involvement in the faith community in Carbondale and surrounding areas. He always was a tireless, worker for peace and justice issues in various organizations, and capacities. He kept a lot of these organizations going at times by his enthusiasm and his hard work, she said.

Muldoon was involved in the Southern Illinois Peace Coalition as well as many other groups focused on social justice concerns. Clausen said he frequently participated in community awareness events including marches and protests. He also was a frequent contributor of letters to the editor to The Southern.

In 2019, he threw himself a 30th Anniversary of his 50th Birthday event which featured a meal, dancing and an opportunity for guests to donate to area not-for-profit organizations he had selected. Hundreds attended the event.

Former Gaia House director and community organizer Treesong said Muldoon contributed so much to the community. He addressed Muldoon in a Facebook posting.

Thank you also for your friendly, compassionate, thoughtful, benevolent, transformative presence in our lives and our world. You were always an interesting and supportive person to talk to and be around, even in the rare quiet moments when you weren't busy organizing community events or social functions, Treesong wrote.

Claussen remembered Muldoon as a fixture in the community.

He was a friend, teacher and mentor and champion of the voiceless, tireless and courageous laborer for peace and justice, servant of God, she said.

Plans for a memorial service are pending.

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Up to half of Chicago's rank-and-file police officers could be placed on unpaid leave starting Friday because of a dispute between their union and Mayor Lori Lightfoot over a city requirement for officers to disclose their vaccine status.

The dispute in Chicago is emblematic of tension across the country between unions and employers as cities and businesses seek to enforce vaccine mandates. At least 228 officers have died of Covid-19 this year compared to 245 last year, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.

Covid is the leading cause of death for officers despite them being among the first groups having access to the vaccine at the end of last year.

At least 120 officers in San Francisco will be off the street after failing to comply with the city's vaccine mandate, CNN affiliate KGO reported. Eighty of the 120 police officers work in the department's patrol division, San Francisco Police Officers Association vice president Tracy McCray said.

In a message to officers in Chicago, their union president framed the issue as an employment dispute between the city and the officers.

"I've made my status very clear as far as the vaccine, but I do not believe the city has the authority to mandate that to anybody let alone that information about your medical history and change the terms of employment so to speak on the fly," said John Catanzara, president of the local Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) lodge. Earlier this month, the former president of the union died of Covid. He served as president from 2014 until 2017.

Officers in Chicago have a deadline of midnight Thursday to disclose their vaccine status to the city or be placed on unpaid leave. Catanzara said up to 50 percent of the officers could be placed on unpaid leave. Lightfoot's office didn't respond Thursday to a request for comment.

She has a news conference planned for the afternoon.

"If we suspect the numbers are true and we get a large number of our members who stand firm on their beliefs that this is an overreach, and they're not going to supply the information in the portal or submit to testing, then it's safe to say the city of Chicago will have a police force at 50% or less for this weekend coming up," Catanzara said. "That is not because of the FOP, that is 100% because of the mayor's unwillingness to budge from her hard line so whatever happens because of the manpower issue, that falls at the mayor's doorstep."

Catanzara said the FOP would be seeking a temporary restraining order against the city that would stop them from enforcing the mandate, and said the union planned to file an unfair labor practice charge against the city over their failure to bargain with the union over this issue.

It's not clear if the union has followed through with either of those actions, and Catanzara didn't respond to a request for comment. Lightfoot, at a press conference Wednesday, said she welcomed a potential lawsuit from the FOP.

"He's threatening litigation. I say, bring it," she said.

***
Remember the media cheers for Sen. John McCain when he stopped the effort to repeal Obamacare? McCain was a Republican frustrating a Republican policy goal, which was enough to earn the highest praise in some media circles.

"It was a stunning moment," The New York Times reported, "a flash of the maverick John McCain, unafraid of going his own way despite the pleas of his fellow Republicans."

That was four years ago, and Donald Trump was president. Fast-forward to today, with Joe Biden in the White House and Democrats desperately trying to pass a massive spending bill that has been compared to legislation from the New Deal and Great Society. Another Arizona senator, Democrat Kyrsten Sinema, along with fellow Democrat Joe Manchin of West Virginia, has so far refused to support her party's signature initiative.

Sinema isn't getting the John McCain profile-in-courage treatment. For her stand, she has been called a sellout and a party traitor in the liberal press, portrayed as a nihilistic, angry bimbo on "Saturday Night Live," and pursued by leftist activists who actually chased her into a women's bathroom, harangued her while she was in a stall, and posted a video of the entire ugly incident.

The New Republic ran an article headlined, "Democrats, Stop Negotiating With Traitors" -- with Sinema, along with Manchin, being the "traitors" in question. The Nation published "How Kyrsten Sinema Sold Out; The origin story of the Senate's newest super villain." The New York Times asked simply, "What's Wrong With Kyrsten Sinema?"

"Saturday Night Live" often functions as a sort of televised, in-kind campaign contribution to the Democratic Party. And the party's frustration with Sinema came through loud and clear in an opening sketch. The sketch portrayed Biden at a podium with Sinema and Manchin on one side and progressive Reps. Ilhan Omar and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on the other.

The Sinema character was portrayed as a weirdo who just wants to do bad things. "What do I want from this bill?" she asked. "I'll never tell. Because I didn't come to Congress to make friends, and so far -- Mission Accomplished!" A moment later, she said, "I want no roads." Biden quickly asked, "No roads? Why?" Sinema answered: "Chaos."

Then Sinema delivered a manifesto of sorts. "As a wine-drinking, bisexual triathlete, I know what the average American wants," she said. "They want to be put on hold when they call 911. They want bridges that just stop -- a car falls down. They want water so thick you can eat it with a fork. And I will fight for that, no matter what. Unless my foot hurts. Then I'll go back to Arizona." (The last was a reference to Sinema's recent trip home for treatment of a foot injury.)

The real Sinema, of course, voted for the $1.1 trillion bipartisan traditional infrastructure bill. She just has problems with the three-times-larger social and climate spending bill that is packed with Democratic priorities and has no Republican support. She voted for roads, she voted for bridges, she voted for water -- none of which mattered on "Saturday Night Live."

But all of that was softball compared to Sinema's treatment at the hands of a lefty activist group called LUCHA Arizona. The name stands for Living United for Change in Arizona, and it describes itself as "fighting for social, racial and economic transformation."

LUCHA posted to its Twitter page a video of its operatives approaching Sinema as she took a break from teaching a class at Arizona State University. Sinema declined to talk to the group, so they followed her as she headed toward the women's room. Then they followed her inside, camera running, as Sinema walked into a stall. "We need a Build Back Better plan right now," one said, referring to the Biden bill Sinema is at the moment not supporting. A woman walked right up to the stall door, phone in hand, saying, "We need solutions. The Build Back Better plan has the solutions that we need." Another said, "We knocked on doors for you to get you elected. And just how we got you elected, we can get you out of office if you don't support what you promised us." When one said, "We need citizenship for 7 million --," a toilet flushed and another woman walked out of a nearby stall.

The harassment continued with the camera focused on Sinema's stall door. Then came another flush, and Sinema walked out to wash her hands as an activist, phone in hand, stood next to her and said, "I am a survivor of human trafficking, and it's because of lack of worker protections ..." At that point, finally, the video ended.

It all goes to show that there will be no John McCain, principled-maverick-puts-country-over-party portrayals of Kyrsten Sinema. In a media and activist world dominated by Democrats, McCain stood up to the bad guys -- his fellow Republicans. When Sinema stands up to her fellow Democrats, that's another story altogether.

Byron York is chief political correspondent for The Washington Examiner.

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Its been more than a year since the Wyoming Game and Fish Department finalized its Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management Plan. As the pathogen continues creeping westward, wildlife officials warn that mitigation will happen gradually, too.

CWD is a very slow disease, said Hank Edwards, the agencys wildlife health laboratory supervisor. When you try and do management, that management takes a long time before you see any results. It could be five years, it could be 10 years, it could be longer than that.

Discovered in 1967 in a captive mule deer, CWD was initially found in wild Colorado deer and elk in the early 1980s. It was first detected in Wyoming deer herds in 1985, and in elk the following year.

Since then, the disease has spread through Colorado and Wyoming, affecting deer, elk and moose, and has shown up in 23 other states. But its geographic expansion isnt the only worry. In areas where CWD has already been identified  which now make up roughly three-quarters of the state  more and more animals are becoming infected.

Basically, it increases in prevalence every year, Edwards said. Not that every area does; certainly, we have some areas that increase in prevalence faster than others. But generally, it is a slow increase in prevalence.

What to do now

CWD is an always-fatal prion disease that eats through animals brains. It can spread not only through contact with infected bodily fluids, but from environmental contamination, which can persist for years.

According to Edwards, infected deer can live for up to three years; elk may survive for seven. Most dont show symptoms  which often include weight loss, drooping ears, excessive salivation and lack of coordination  until a few months before they die.

Though no human has been known to contract CWD, the CDC still recommends that hunters test deer and elk from areas with known transmission, and avoid consuming CWD-positive animals. Research on the subject has been mixed, Edwards said, with some studies finding high transmission risk, while others report little to none.

Because Game and Fish advises against eating infected meat, the late onset of physical symptoms can be frustrating for hunters who harvest seemingly healthy deer or elk, only to have the animal test positive for CWD, Edwards said.

With more parts of the state opening for deer hunting on Friday, Game and Fish has been actively reminding hunters of its CWD protocols.

Game and Fish requires those who kill deer in hunt areas 96 and 97, near the center of the state, to submit a sample for testing. And while officials recommend testing deer and elk from dozens of other hunt areas, anyone hunting the species in Wyoming can submit a sample for testing.

The agency posts negative results online, and notifies hunters by letter and email when an animal tests positive. If the positive animal is from an area where CWD hadnt already been found, Edwards calls the hunter personally.

We want those submissions, in those areas where CWD has not been identified, because thats how we track the spread of the disease, Edwards said.

Nearly all of the deer and elk that Game and Fish test for CWD have been killed by hunters. A much smaller share are targeted by the agency for testing, or die in traffic accidents. Still, Edwards said, the vast majority of hunters dont submit samples.

We really rely on the hunting public for our samples, he said. I would have a hard time doing my job if it wasnt for hunters taking the time to submit a sample.

What comes next

Game and Fish has tracked the degenerative brain disease for decades, and its spread, though sluggish, has proven unrelenting.

Weve been in surveillance mode for over 20 years, and that hasnt gotten us anywhere but these herds of high prevalence now, said Martin Hicks, Laramie wildlife management coordinator for Game and Fish. What we learned, at least in southeast Wyoming, is doing nothing does not work when it comes to CWD.

Researchers believe that Laramies deer and elk herds  including the Laramie Mountain, South Converse and Goshen Rim mule deer herds and the Laramie Peak elk herd  were the first Wyoming herds to contract CWD.

The Laramie Mountain herd was also one of the first to be chosen for experimental management. Though its CWD prevalence of roughly 24% pales in comparison to Goshen Rims 40%, the herd inhabits an area with a much higher share of public land, making oversight significantly easier.

If it works there, my goal is to move it east into the Goshen Rim herd and try the same thing in that herd unit, Hicks said.

It could take years to see results, but if preliminary efforts are successful, Game and Fish will likely begin implementing CWD management strategies throughout the state.

The agency began developing its CWD plan in early 2019, but in the Laramie region, itll be at least another year before any of the proposed strategies are implemented. Thats because mitigation is intended to be a public process.

Hicks, then the agencys Wheatland wildlife biologist, held five public meetings on the plan this summer and convened a working group of 11 attendees, including landowners, sportsmen and concerned citizens. The working group will meet this winter to provide input on potential management options, such as reducing artificial feeding to prevent crowding, or adjusting hunting regulations to curtail high-risk populations.

While the working group wont make the decisions, its recommendations will shape the agencys approach. Hicks expects that type of stakeholder review to become an annual process.

Since its the publics resource, ultimately, they have the final say in what we do, he said.

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CHEYENNE  A mask-wearing mandate will continue for at least another month in a Wyoming school district where a student who wouldnt wear a mask got arrested for allegedly refusing to leave her high school.

Grace Smith, 16, might not be involved in future confrontations at Laramie High School, however. The junior was withdrawing after being bullied, discriminated against and worst of all, legitimately threatened, she said at a school board meeting Wednesday.

Albany County School District No. 1 trustees voted 6-1 later in the meeting to extend the districts mask mandate for everybody inside district buildings until Nov. 12. The mask requirement had been set to expire this Friday.

Wyoming has had one of the lowest vaccination rates and highest COVID-19 rates in the U.S. but the district is among just a few in Wyoming to require masks this fall. Smiths anti-mask stance is widespread in this conservative state, where Republican Gov. Mark Gordon has vowed not to return to mask mandates since imposing an unpopular one last winter.

Laramie  home to the University of Wyoming, which has been requiring masks in most of its buildings this fall  has been somewhat more receptive to masks than many Wyoming communities which also have had heated debates over masks this fall.

Police arrested Smith at her high school Oct. 7 after she served two consecutive, two-day suspensions for not wearing a mask.

On Oct. 5, she got a $500 trespassing ticket when she returned from her initial suspension and after talking with our attorney, we decided to push it, she told the Laramie Boomerang.

Returning two days later, she got another $500 trespassing ticket and was arrested after she still allegedly refused to leave. She was unapologetic in Wednesdays virtual school board meeting.

You have bestowed an egregious amount of power upon yourselves, Smith told the trustees. You do not own us as kids. You have no right to tell us who we get to be and you have absolutely no right to make our health decisions for us or for our parents.

School officials have declined to comment on Smiths suspensions or arrest, saying the school district does not comment on student discipline matters.

The recent absence of state and local mask mandates in Wyoming raises doubts about whether theyre justified at school, Trustee Jason Tangeman said at the meeting before casting the only vote against extending the mask requirement.

Im being asked as a layperson on a board to make a health decision, Tangeman said. Are we overreacting?

The other trustees disagreed.

The fight is worth it. I have no intentions of backing down on this one. This is a pandemic. It kills people. It has killed 700,000 people so far, Trustee Kim Sorenson said at the meeting.

Members of the public who spoke at the meeting also mostly supported the mask mandate extension. Laramie is struggling with more than just a virus pandemic, local resident Cynthia Weinig told trustees.

I feel were in a pandemic of political partisanship and division in our community, unfortunately, Weinig said. We as a community need to come together. Its the Wyoming way.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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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.
Jerrod Johnson is the point of the spear of a new wave of soca parang music.

Aptly, Johnson is known in music circles as Bongo Spear. The Palo Seco-born musician catapulted into the national consciousness last year with his parang soca hit Ah Not Eating. His comical refrain of ah not eating nothing dat smelling so after being offered food by a neighbours wife became the unofficial anthem of Christmas 2020.
Mother of four, Rehana Jaggernauth, was beaten, stabbed and strangled before being thrown into the Guayamare River, where she drowned, an autopsy has found.

And her relatives are convinced that Jaggernauth was lured to her death by someone she knew.
Is mask wearing more important than purchasing testing kits for Covid-19? Proper mask wearing prevents you from transmitting or receiving infection.

The testing kits tell you if you are asymptomatic but carrying the virus.

Wearing your mask properly prevents you from spreading it. A Covid-19 testing kit cannot do this. I am of the view that while it is nice to know if you are a carrier how many times do you have to self-test?
An additional $5 million will be awarded to Arizona small businesses recovering from the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and extreme weather conditions.

The funding, announced by Gov. Doug Ducey on Thursday, is part of the Back to Work Small Business Rehiring and Retention program launched in August.

Recipients of the first round of funding have been identified, and distribution of funds has begun, a news release said. The additional $5 million will fulfill outstanding requests from applicants.

Small businesses are the backbone of Arizonas economy, and were dedicated to helping them fully recover, Ducey said in a news release. Im optimistic todays additional investment will help small businesses around the state bounce back from the countless challenges of this past year and build for the future.

This year, wildfires, storms and flooding impacted small businesses operations and employment opportunities. The program will fund up to $10,000 in expenditures for employee hiring/signing bonuses, relocation bonuses for employees that are moving to take an open position, and employee retention bonuses.
Tucson-based Raytheon Missiles & Defense continues to advance the nations ability to defend against attacks by unmanned aircraft  with its own, counter-drone drones.

Raytheons small Coyote drone, paired with a mobile Raytheon radar system, detected and defeated swarms of target drones of varying size and range in recent testing for the Army, the company announced during a major defense event held Oct. 11 through 13.

During the Association of the U.S. Army annual meeting and exhibition in Washington, D.C., Raytheon said it successfully showcased several Coyote counter-drone capabilities during the Armys 10-day summer test period in partnership with the U.S. Armys Integrated Fires and Rapid Capabilities Office.

The Coyote  originally developed by a Tucson tech startup in the 2000s and later acquired by Raytheon  was initially used for things like weather research and reconnaissance.

But Raytheon has created subsequent Coyote versions that can destroy enemy drones by crashing into them or by exploding near them, to help the Army meet an urgent need to defend against drones under development by several adversary nations.

More recently, attention has turned to defending against swarms of drones under development by China and others.
Durst is the grandson of Joseph Durst, who founded the Durst Organization, one of Manhattan's largest commercial real estate firms. His father, Seymour, took the reins of the company and later handed control of it to a younger brother, Douglas.

Robert Durst settled his share of the family fortune and was estimated by prosecutors to have $100 million.

Durst's lawyer, Dick DeGuerin, said they plan to appeal.

Durst, who has numerous medical issues, on Thursday was rolled into the courtroom in a wheelchair wearing brown jail scrubs. His eyes were wide open and he had a catatonic stare.

Several of the jurors returned to the courtroom to witness the sentencing and were seated in the jury box.

The trial began in March 2020 and was adjourned for 14 months as the coronavirus pandemic swept the U.S. and courts were closed. It resumed in May with the jury that reached its verdict Sept. 17.

Berman, the daughter of a Las Vegas mobster, was Durst's longtime confidante who was preparing to tell police she provided a phony alibi for him after his wife vanished in New York in 1982.

Kathie Durst has never been found. Robert Durst has never been charged with a crime related to her disappearance.
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).
According to data from MergerMarket, which is a business development tool designed specifically for the M&A sector, South Korean investors have carried out 69 M&A deals in Vietnam since 2005, with a total value of $5.1 billion.

Despite a general slowdown in foreign direct investment stemming from South Korea during the pandemic, investors from the country are nevertheless continuing their acquisition spree in Vietnam, with millions of US dollars being spent snapping up local groups.

South Korean investors have invariably been near the top of the list when it comes to Vietnamese M&A.

Andrew D. Kim, manager of the Global M&A Center under the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), told an online conference last week that South Korean businesses are actively participating in the merger and acquisition (M&A) market in Vietnam.

Many investors from the country are focusing on consumer goods, industrial materials, and chemicals that accompany the growth of industrialisation and urbanisation in Vietnam, Kim explained.

KOTRAs M&A Team has been supporting South Korean overseas investment in small- and medium-sized enterprises in recent times, covering cross-border M&As, joint ventures, asset deals, and business transfer deals. Last year, JW Pharmaceutical Corporation acquired Euvipharm Pharmaceutical with the assistance of the team in target defining, deal advising, and deal structuring.

JW Pharmaceutical formally launched Euvipharm JSC in Vietnam as part of its strategy to target emerging pharma markets. As a result, JW Pharmaceutical has become the first South Korean company to take over directly operate a Vietnamese pharma group.

Even though South Koreas registered investment into Vietnam was reduced by 40.7 per cent during the pandemic in total, many large enterprises have revealed strategies to continue pouring investment into Vietnam, Kim of KOTRA told the conference.

In August for example, Korea Investment Private Equity announced it will pour an additional $200 million into Masan Group Corporation, Vietnams largest consumer goods group. The fund will participate in the Vietnamese groups rights issues in a third-party placement and take a 2-3 per cent stake.

Once the deal is finalised, Korea Investment will be the latest South Korean shareholders of Masan Group along with the National Pension Service, conglomerate SK Group, and Seoul-based IMM Investment Corporation.

Meanwhile, SK Investment Vina III Pte., Ltd., a subsidiary of SK Group, has this year been increasingly raising its ownership in Imexpharm Pharmaceutical JSC.

A few months previously, SK Group announced an agreement with Masan Group to acquire a 16.26 per cent stake in VinCommerce, one of Masans subsidiaries, for a cash consideration of $410 million.

Wide range of fields

According to data from MergerMarket, which is a business development tool designed specifically for the M&A sector, South Korean investors have carried out 69 M&A deals in Vietnam since 2005, with a total value of $5.1 billion.

Son Won-sik, director of Korean Services at Deloitte Vietnam, pointed out that the growing middle class, coupled with future increased purchasing power for consumer goods, services, and healthcare, is an attractive point for foreign investors.

For the manufacturing sector, Vietnam is still a favourite destination for South Korean buyers thanks to the low labour costs, the legal reforms, a wide range of free trade agreements, and supply chain diversification.

Won-sik added that there will more deals involving South Korean investors in Vietnams healthcare and pharmaceutical fields. It is estimated that by 2050, 21.5 per cent of Vietnams population will be over 65 years old, leading to a huge demand for the health sector in the future.

Meanwhile, more financial institutions from South Korea are eyeing the local banking market following some successful deals, such as KEB Hana Banks purchase of 15 per cent in BIDV and Lotte Cards full acquisition of Techcom Finance.

Vietnams banking utilisation rate is 31 per cent, relatively low compared to other countries, so there is still a lot of growth potential in this industry, Won-sik claimed.

Likewise, the energy and infrastructure sectors are also receiving great attention from domestic and foreign investors alike. Vietnams energy consumption is expected to increase by an average of around 7-8 per cent per year along with high economic growth, with a focus on thermal power and renewable energy.

Notable infrastructure projects in 2021-2025 include parts of the North-South Expressway, including 12 component projects. The undertaking has an estimated total investment capital of $5.2 billion, with about 75 per cent expected to adopt the public-private partnership model.

It means the energy and infrastructure sectors will have ample room for South Korean investors to cash in on, Won-sik said, adding some potential M&A targets in the fields of technology, real estate, and construction.

Change in mindset

It was noted at last weeks online seminar that the appetite of South Korean investors has been changing due to the impacts of the ongoing pandemic. Kim from KOTRA explained that the investing purpose of South Koreans is typically local market entry, which aims to target the growing local consumption and market demand.

The favourite targets for South Korea buyers in Vietnams fast-developing market now include home appliances, food and beverages, apparel, cosmetics and toiletries, and basic chemicals, Kim said. However, retailing and traditional face-to-face business models have not been so welcomed during the pandemic, with wholesale and retail businesses requiring a back-up in the form of online marketplaces or mobile access.

Another pandemic consideration attracting the interest of South Korean investors has involved hygiene and prediagnosis prevention, with rising demand for target companies in the field of hygiene consumables, vaccine tech, and medical diagnostics and distribution.

The overwhelming preference in the form of single holding (shareholding) is also unique to South Korean investors, heightening with the pandemic waves. It is supposed that the instability triggered by the pandemic influenced the South Korean investors appetite for holding controlling power over the targets, Kim added.

In 2019, 78 per cent of Korean foreign direct investment was executed on majority deals, and that figure hit 95 per cent in 2020. Traditionally, South Korean investors prefer to have a single shareholding structure which may be caused by lack of local market intelligence or reliable human resources, Kim claimed.

Last month, South Korean Ambassador to Vietnam Park Noh-wan and the nations business community in Vietnam were told by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh that the country was doing everything in its power to facilitate a proper reopening of the economy following pandemic restrictions, with many strong solutions proposed that would assist South Korean investors in particular.

Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, chairman of Adani Group, expressed his keen interest to invest in Vietnam during a meeting with Vietnamese Ambassador to India Pham Sanh Chau last week. Adani explained his appetite to acquire a thermal power plant, a seaport, or an airport, and eyed a number of potential ports in Vietnam. According to Ambassador Chau, Anadi Group has actively invested in coal mines in Australia and Indonesia that export to a number of countries with Vietnam a potential addition. Adani Group is one of the largest conglomerates in India, with a market cap of over $118.25 billion as of October 8. According to Forbes, the net worth of Gautam Adanis family is estimated to be around $72.3 billion as of last month. He is currently the second-richest man in Asia and 13th richest man in the world.

Source: VIR

Korean firms pour US$2.43 billion into Vietnam in eight months Businesses from the Republic of Korea (RoK) poured over 2.43 billion USD into Vietnam in the first eight months of 2021, ranking third in terms of total registered capital after Singapore and Japan.
As many as 500,000 workers have left the labor market in the last five months, while a high number of workers have left HCM City for their hometowns, resulting in a serious labor shortage.

Many workers want to return to their hometowns

Bidrico needs 200 workers for its production line, but now has 80 only. The labor shortage is a problem for the business which plans to increase production capacity in the year-end season.

Bidricos General Director Nguyen Dang Hien said its difficult to recruit workers now because of the problems related to safety.

Ho Thi Quynh Chau from Master Sofa International in Binh Duong said the factory is running under the regulations set by the provincial authorities and the number of workers working under the three on-the-site mode is just 20 percent of total.

Its estimated that when the factory runs in the new normal, the figure will be just 60 percent, which means a shortage of 40 percent of workers.

Tran Thanh Son from Song Ngoc Textile and Garment affirmed that all enterprises, both small and big, are lacking workers, at least 10-15 percent.

A research work on creating a driving force for economic recovery in HCM City after the fourth Covid-19 wave conducted by the University of Economics and Law pointed out that job opportunities for freelance workers and private business households will continue to fall sharply after the lockdown.

The researchers warned that if there is no proper solution, the unemployment rate in HCM City and southern provinces will increase sharply.

Meanwhile, the mass flow of workers leaving for hometowns and slowly coming back to HCM City will cause a serious shortage of skilled workers.

The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), which has analyzed the proposals from 64 associations and hundreds of businesses in September, believes that the fourth wave has had an adverse impact on industrial zones ( IZs) and export processing zones (EPZs), which have a high number of workers, especially in the southern key economic zone. This is threatening to disrupt supply and labor chains, and large-scale production.

Many enterprises with hundreds and thousands of workers have had to suspend production, incurring big losses. Meanwhile, some foreign invested enterprises (FIEs) which have satellite enterprises in Vietnam are seeking alternative vendors.

Bringing workers back

Song Ngoc is planning to set up more production lines as it has taken a lot of orders and considering recruitment more workers for existing production lines, about 50-60 workers in total.

Son said the payment to old and new workers will be the same, with no discriminatory treatment, depending on workers skills and capability. The company will sign labor contracts with workers after one week of probation.

There are numerous job opportunities now, while the incomes are stable, he said.

For Bidrico, the enterprise plans to receive 45 workers, including 30 new and 15 old ones. The candidates must have at least one vaccine shot more than 14 days ago, and have two negative results within the last three days.

The enterprise has also promised attractive pay with income higher by 7 percent than before, mid-shift meals, and healthcare service.

If Covid patients only have mild symptoms, they will stay in separate rooms at the factory while waiting for further moves from medical units. For the time being, they will have a special treatment regimen at the enterprise, and receive drugs and vitamins. The enterprise also provides ginger and citronella daily, as well as exhaling equipment to anyone who has demand.

According to VCCI, people and workers are having difficulties travelling between localities, which is a reason behind the serious labor shortage. The organization has suggested that agencies urgently build the Covid-19 green card system, use one platform/app and have data connected among ministries and branches.

It also needs to integrate and connect the data of the Vietnamese green card management system with vaccine passport data, thus creating favorable conditions for foreign specialists to come to Vietnam to work.

Vu Minh Tien from the Vietnam Labor Federation (VLF) said vaccinating workers and ensuring safety for workers coming back to HCMC remains the top priority. Enterprises should also attract workers by offering reasonable pay.

Deputy Minister of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Van Hoi said in addition to wage policies, enterprises need to offer appropriate welfare to workers relatives. If enterprises want to retain workers for the long term, they should reserve land to build houses for them. There should be kindergartens and preschool teachers in IZs and EPZs.

Tran Chung

HCM City needs about 56,000 workers in Q4/2021 According to the HCM City Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, local enterprises will need about 56,000 workers and about 90-92% of the demand will be met.
Many cities and provinces are reopening hesitantly due to fear of the pandemic as their leaders are very cautious in making decisions because of the pressure of responsibility.

Many localities, from provinces to districts and communes, have released decisions which go beyond their authority and dont follow instructions by central agencies. Local authorities dont actively solve the problems of enterprises in their localities. As a result, enterprises have to send petitions to the Prime Minister and Government."

This is one of the problems during the process of restoring production and business activities mentioned in a document from the sub-committee for production and goods circulation under the National Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control to the Prime Minister and committees head on September 24, 2021.

Meanwhile, the consumption markets, especially export markets, have narrowed. The input materials for domestic production are lacking because suppliers have halted operation, causing disruption of supply chains, while material prices are escalating in the world market.

The enterprises running production under the three on-the-site principle want to rotate workers to maintain production, but localities still have not shown effective measures to ensure safety.

Meanwhile, the capability of local healthcare units remains limited, unable to satisfy the requirements on rapid and PCR testing, vaccination, localization, and tracing and isolating positive Covid-19 cases in enterprises.

A lot of enterprises are exhausted. The General Statistics Office (GSO) reported that 85,000 businesses were set up in the first nine months of the year, but up to 90,000 businesses left the market, said Vu Tien Loc, former chair of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) at a seminar held recently.

This is the first time the number of businesses leaving the market is higher than the number of newly set up businesses, Loc said.

Even the enterprises maintaining production activities are running at just 10-15 percent of capacity. They cannot run at higher capacity because production costs are too high.

Loc said that businesses have to bear pressure from pandemic prevention and control measures; business performance; and psychological consequences.

Medical and business consequences are worrying and it will take a lot of effort and time to settle them. However, psychological consequences prove to be the heaviest.

I think after the crisis, many businesses will have to give up because they feel worried and insecure, unable to continue, Loc said.

This would cause very serious damage to businesses in particular and the economy in general, he warned.

Loc cited a survey as saying that more than 20 percent of orders and contracts cannot be implemented because partners have shifted to work with others. These include orders for the Christmas and New Year sale seasons.

Vietnam is missing a beat in comparison with other countries, including strategic partners and rivals. Loc believes that Vietnams enterprises have missed 20 percent of opportunities.

Safe adaptation

Loc stressed that reopening is actually a bailout, a support package that helps businesses breathe.

Many cities and provinces are reopening hesitantly due to fear of the pandemic as their leaders are very cautious in making decisions because of the pressure of responsibility.

The market reopening measures taken when HCM City and other cities/provinces controlled Covid-19 are good news for reactivating and recovering the economy and marking the comeback of enterprises. Of course, enterprises will face a lot of challenges on the path to return to the market.

We have missed a lot of opportunities for year-end orders. But we can put hope on the orders for 2022 spring-summer season, as Vietnams economy will surely bounce back in Q1 2022 thanks to the great efforts by the Government and the business circle, Loc said.

An official of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) said businesses are expecting the promulgation of temporary guidance on safety and controlling Covid-19 effectively now being drafted by the Ministry of Health (MOH). MOIT offered suggestions about the draft three weeks ago.

The regulation is expected to be applied throughout the country.

A tentative regulation in the Draft says that localization on the smallest possible scale will be applied when positive Covid-19 cases are found. The assessment of the pandemic level will be implemented at the commune, residential quarter, hamlet and village levels, not at district and province levels.

If lockdown is applied at commune level, communes chairs will have to report to districts chairs. If lockdown is applied at district level, districts chairs will have to report to provinces chairs. Meanwhile, provinces chairs will report to the Prime Minister about the lockdown in their provinces before the application.

The sub-committee for production and goods circulation has also proposed early guidance on safe adaptation and effective control of Covid-19, so that local authorities can have a legal basis to implement reopening measures.

The document needs to be promulgated as soon as possible, the official from MOIT said.

He said that that once the reopening strictly follows the instructions by the central agencies, localities worries about responsibility will be lifted. If so, workers will have jobs and they wont have to leave large cities for hometowns as they have been doing.

Luong Bang

Two thirds of HCM City industries reopen The number of enterprises reopening at export processing zones and industrial parks in HCM City has reached 66.8 per cent, while at the Saigon Hi-Tech Park the rate is 74.3 per cent.
With the theme "Resilient Digital Vietnam", the national pavilion of Vietnam at the ITU Digital World 2021 has shown a resilient digital nation, which can adapt to all changes of the times, finding bright spots to turn risks into opportunities.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visits the Vietnam National Pavilion at ITU Digital World 2021. Photo: Le Anh Dung



The theme "Resilient Digital Vietnam" shows the spirit of rising up in any situation, not giving up despite any difficulties and being ready to reach out the world. It also shows that Vietnam is striving to conquer a new development space - Digital government, digital economy, digital society on the basis of digital technology, digital transformation and the countrys cultural and traditional foundation. That is the main theme of the national booth of Vietnam at the ITU Digital World, with the image of the Lac bird (legendary bird in Vietnamese folklore) bringing Vietnam into space.

This message also shows that the Government and people of Vietnam are always ready to transform, adapt to all changes of the times, see bright spots to turn risks into opportunities. Vietnam has a strong desire to develop a strong, prosperous and happy country, to be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with friends in five continents. Vietnam is ready to cooperate, ready to share, ready to connect with international friends to build a digital world together.

According to the Vietnamese Ministry of Information and Communications, the world has changed after the Covid-19 pandemic. Lockdown, social distance, curfew make all activities no longer the same as before. This is the time when digital transformation becomes a measure of a nation's strength and capacity. The Covid-19 pandemic is a hundred-year push for digital transformation.

To adapt to the pandemic situation, the Vietnamese Government is promoting digital transformation. Vietnam has issued a strategy on digital transformation with the goal of promoting digital applications, digital businesses and looking towards a digital nation. Vietnam also issued the Make in Vietnam strategy to encourage Vietnamese people to master technology, solve Vietnamese problems, and then go global. The goal is that by 2030, Vietnam will complete the construction of a digital government, the digital economy will account for 30% of the countrys GDP and Vietnam will be among the top 50 countries in terms of e-Government.

The Vietnam National Pavilion at ITU Digital World 2021 is visualized as a "Digital Space Boat" in the shape of a "Lac Bird," which means the transition of a new era, new means, exploration of new spaces, new thinking, on the basis of historical and cultural traditions of the nation. The Lac bird flying high like an eternal desire to conquer the sky. The Lac bird symbolizes the dream of traveling through space despite storms and challenges.

The Vietnam Exhibition Space is divided into 3 subdivisions: (1) Hall Center; (2) Cloud Studio; (3) Products Center.

The Vietnam National Pavilion at ITU Digital World 2021 is visualized as a "Digital Space Boat" in the shape of a "Lac" bird.

The Vietnam National Pavilion at ITU Digital World shows a resilient Vietnam.

The Cloud Studio area shows the message Digital Vietnam.

Nguyen Thai

Vietnams initiative shows importance of digital technology: ITU Secretary Houlin Zhao, ITU Secretary General, said the renaming to ITU Digital World is a great initiative of Vietnam reflecting the importance of digital technology in the communications ecosystem.
The Ministry of Health is working on a plan to give vaccination against Covid-19 for children aged 12-17, said Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam. Photo VGP/Dinh Nam.

"It is expected that on October 15, the Ministry of Health will issue guidelines on vaccination for this group of children," said Mr. Tuyen.

The health official informed that the Ministry of Health would strive to administer two doses of vaccine for 95% of the total 8.1 million children aged 12-17 in the country in Q4/2021.

The Ministry of Health is compiling statistics on the number of children aged 3-11 in Vietnam and consulting experts and scientists to get ready for vaccination instructions for children at this age group when the vaccines are available.

Along with the general vaccination campaign across the country, the education and health sectors plan to organize vaccination program for kids of different age groups in order to gradually reopen schools," said Deputy Minister Tuyen.

Right now, the Ministry of Health has to collaborate with the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Information and Communications to organize registration of vaccination for children aged 12-17, so that when the vaccine arrives at the end of October we can organize the fastest and safest vaccinations for the children," said Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam.

Mr. Tuyen asked localities to direct their departments of Education and Training to review and assess the pandemic prevention and control work in order to allow students to return to school.

At a working session with the Ministry of Education and Training this week, Mr. Dam said that the Government has issued a resolution that sets a target of basically controlling COVID-19 in the whole country by the end of this year, returning to the new normal situation. Therefore, the Ministry of Education and Trainings plans should match that goal, he asked.

So far, over 57 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been injected for people aged 18 years old and above across the country, including over 39 million people, or 54 per cent of the total adults, receiving the first shots, and 16 million others, or over 22 per cent, have got the full two shots.

Thanh Hung
Vietnam has underlined the significance of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA)s continuous presence in Abyei to maintain stability in the area and support the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM).

Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations Ambassador Pham Hai Anh. (Photo: VNA)

Addressing the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)'s discussion on Abyei on October 13, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations Ambassador Pham Hai Anh expressed concern about difficulties facing UNISFA currently.

He stressed the need to ensure security and safety for UN staff, and called on the governments of relevant states to abide by commitments stated in the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with UNISFA and create favourable conditions for the force to fully perform its tasks.

The Vietnamese representative lauded efforts by UNISFA, the UN Secretariat and the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa in promoting dialogue with relevant parties to deal with challenges facing UNISFA.

Sudan and South Sudan signed an agreement on the disputed Abyei region on June 20, 2011 under which they pledged to withdraw troops from the demilitarised zone. However, they havent obtained much substantive progress in the implementation of the agreement.

UNISFA, set up on June 27, 2011 under UNSC Resolution 1990, was tasked with protecting civilians and promoting the demilitarisation in Abyei. It was supplemented with the duty of supporting the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM) in this region under Resolution 2024 on December 14, 2011./.

Source: VNA
Sen Dolta is one of the rituals that shows the Khmers deep gratitude to ancestors, grandparents and parents, praying for dead people and asking good luck for living people.

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"Sen Dolta" in Khmer tongue means "worshiping the ancestors". This is the second largest traditional festival of the Khmer people in the South after the Chol Chnam Thmay festival. Every year, the Khmer people organize the Sen Dolta festival to express their gratitude to Mrs. Cha Dol and Mr. Cha Ta.

According to the customs of the Khmer people in the southern region, every year, from the 15th to the 30th of the 8th lunar month, the King of Hell absolves the dead. These hungry souls, after leaving hell, come to temples to enjoy offerings of their descendants.

During the Sen Dolta holiday, Khmer people bring delicious food and cakes to the temple and ask the monks to prayer for the salvation of the souls of their deceased relatives.

According to the Khmer custom, the traditional Sen Dolta festival lasts about two weeks, when the field work is done. There are four main rituals held at the pagoda and at home, including Banh can banh, Banh Sen Dolta, Banh phchum ball and Banh chuonh Dolta.

Hong Nhung - Huy Phuc
The New York Times has several times deserved to enrich the vocabulary with new terms. And first, at the instigation of London, she came to New York, which was published in 1884, and the notion of slumming elegantly entered the conversations. etina his esk translation does not know yet, so we have to deal only with its definitions. Indicates the duration of free time on an equal footing, even for reasons of charity or out of curiosity.

In the 19th century, the ensemble slept in the authentic atmosphere of a city where the sun would not otherwise go. That is, a district where the city poor suffered in a stump and scabies. The magic of movement in the unhealthy atmosphere of the mud of society, between ladders, light women and starving children, was first succumbed to by London gentlemen. And their short time soon became a phenomenon that broke through and appreciated.

Gentlemen looking for hch

The poor cottages around the Limehouse docks on Temi, the streets of Whitechapel or Shoreditch undoubtedly had an impressive atmosphere. Exotic foreigners mingled with the London nature here, making an impressive cocktail for a girl from the better society. The sounds, smells and tastes of this lost world must have seemed incredible and fantastic to British mums. So much so that they wanted to succumb to that spell repeatedly.

Just imagine: The roar of drunken nmonks, who heard the sounds of HD guided by an incomprehensible cantontine. The air is saturated with opium from the cellar dens, the fumes from the bubbling stumps in the vermin of noodle sellers and the sweetly filled perfumes of public houses. Do you want to inquire distracted with a tattooed beauty, get a rare horse from Hong Kong, drown a lot of pounds in gambling, re-buy with a straight diaper or do you inquire with a snow-colored dream? In the slums it is to me, after which you are due.

Fascination with poverty

Residents of London slums, who had little chance of ever exchanging an existing address for a better one, did not understand this interest at first. But quite soon they clarified the rules of this social game. They realize that British rich people are looking for an ethnically diverse environment, especially because of life. I want to see poverty, stubbornness, corruption, free morals and clues for some unknown cultures who have no opportunity to see in their conservative world. do not need to know what is sad truth and what is meaningful.

Therefore, take over the so-called opertoi above the entrances to the slums. They are men who know the environment and mediate the exoticism for the commission. Make sure that nothing uncomfortable happens to curious tourists. Of course, in addition to the hangover, contagious venereal disease or empty capsules after losing faith, which, however, to stay in the world of cheap exotics without pat.

Slum or open-air museum?

Opertoi knows the owners of brides, where the opium cuckoo will not be gnawed by rats. And if the client wants to see a real pub brawl on Noah, it is not a problem for his guide to stage it in any way.

London dandy to fly beyond the borders of the world of social society. The drawing is from 1823, at that time there was slumming. A drawing from 1822 shows slumming in a bar called Pekeln sklep.

The underworld of the slums, which Thomas de Quincey talks about in 1822 in the book Confessions of English Opium and which was acclaimed and cursed by Oscar Wilde, Percy Bysshe Shelley or Charles Dickens, disappears. It becomes a cultural open-air museum. The movement of movitch London, who had little interest in the real problem of the poor, but a quarter like Limehouse, paradoxically prospered. Sewerage, public lighting and long sidewalks were introduced here to prevent the gods from getting anointed. The real adventurous flight into the slum will soon leave nothing authentic, but no one obviously minds. In addition, the concept of tourism is gaining ground in the United States.

Master adventurer

How is it in the pine streets of lower Manhattan? Did the people actually live there in their own rocks? Are the tanners around Bowery really so hn and really around the Five Points of the Irish gang? If you are interested in answering, just throw the smallest chicks from your stronghold and pull out one of the plates of the New York operators.

Every day and two and a half hours of walking through the city dungl in 1890 will cost 50 cents. But theyre just amateurs against Chuck Connors. He honed his organizing and acting skills to the maximum and, curiously, offered him a comprehensive acting performance with records of statistics and scenic scenery. First of all, thanks to his gangster attire, he looks like a thug and his Irish accent is so incomprehensible that everyone considers him a perfectly authentic street. His house is a German fortress and I may call myself its unnamed mayor.

A theater that lb vc not reality

With Connors, youll be at the Mott Street Theater, a prayer room with fragrant incense sticks, or a stylish restaurant. What about the fact that a Czech monk on the move is just a day of simple vegetables and mumbling incomprehensible mantras after dinner? And in addition to the jasmine aje, the Esk restaurant also goes the American way so that the entrants can enjoy themselves and not fight with the deep?

tvr hchu, bdy a nsil. This is how the New York leader of 1895 presented the Five Points.

Connors vs will take to the opium den, where for dm you will see only the outlines in the unconscious narcotics. do you go before the moment? Sure, theyre all bites of coffee. Undoubtedly, the gold-colored one also includes a variegated on Baxter Street, where the members of the criminal classes take advantage. On weekdays, regularly from five to eight oclock. They too are a bite of organized theater. Connors is a simple star, and the famous actress Ellen Terry or even the king Sir Thomas Lipton will be thrilled by the audience of his production.

Slumming is business

In 1908, slumming became a business with m vudy. There are badges and squadrons with discounts and newspaper advertising. And so nice thanks to the advertising first paid, which looks like authentic articles about the massacres on the streets of slums.

To avoid panic and confusion, in Chicago, for example, all operatives must have a police shelf and specify how the dramatic elements of their performance are. In San Francisco, organized inspections are even ruined. This district offered a single comprehensive flight to the children of a blind man, a blind bird, a secret playroom, a drug den, the impact of police darkness and the suicide of women, especially on opium. As the Times wrote, there were so many curiosities that they completely unrealistically spilled life on the streets of the city and ruined his uprising for good. In slumming, pay to see other people pay what you wouldnt want to pay for your pension, laughs James Clarence Harvey, a city traveler in 1905.

A sensation that will not be lost to the poor

It is a matter of estimating whether the participants in the slumming were actually aware that what they see is actually only a small amount, according to the newspaper Chad Heap. But after I defended myself on several such excursions, I am convinced that they are in danger of it.

According to Heap, only people deceived by false exoticism are only one of the hundreds problems. Occasionally, the inspection will reveal a situation that is relevant. You are really hungry for a food for the world. But the slumming girl thinks that this is a matter of payment, and act accordingly. According to him, it is problematic to go to one aspect, which senses to the life of different cultures in the poor suburbs. It is the creation of falen reality and non-authentic truth.

ern hell and colorful favela

The example is a common chop suey (sms of kuecho meat, noodles, vegetables and eggs), which has never been eaten. Its not something that was brought here. It is a dish created for American tourists in the American Quarter in America, l Heap. Today we automatically take it as a natural system kitchen. Of course, this is banality, the newspaper makes the bag more expensive: Slumming this fake authenticity, tempting and tasty, has been demonstrated in other areas of culture as well.

The popularity of urban slumming in England and the United States was gently perused by the wolf worlds, but continues to this day. At the age of six, flights to black Harlem and the Bronx became popular, and at the age of eight, the world began to open up to slumming. South Africa has set up a tourist business in apartheid and racially divided cities, luring armored vehicles. At that time, more than 300,000 flight attendants used this attraction in the open-air museum of poverty and poverty.

And today? Slumming is considered to be the fastest growing tourism sector. Among the hot tourist destinations are the secret water slums in Kibee, Bombay Dharavi or Indonesian Jakarta. The unique area is the Brazilian favela-slumming, over which he holds the protective hand of the drug mafia. The swarms of masters, which, as two centuries ago, two space opertorms go to the plates of a million.
The acting attorney general during the final days of the Trump administration is scheduled to field questions from the January 6 select committee on Wednesday, according to two sources familiar with the timing, according to Politico.

Jeff Rosen would be only the second known former top Department of Justice (DOJ) official to have a scheduled interview with the January 6 panel. Rosen, according to recent revelations in Bob Woodward's and Robert Costa's new book on the final days of the Trump administration entitled "Peril," has detailed, firsthand knowledge of former President Trump's attempt to corrupt the DOJ into assistance in the illegal overturn the 2020 election that's been described as a coup-de-ta.

However, at this point, it's unclear how much new information the panel will be able to get from Rosen. He testified publicly about the January 6 attack on the Capitol. He took questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee for its separate probe into Trump's efforts to influence DOJ, in which he repeatedly deferred answering questions by invoking executive privilege. He desires to keep his communications with the former president between the two men.

Rosen will face some very tough questions now that the events involving him and the DOJ have been made public. He won't claim executive privilege or claim that Trump has lawyer/client confidentiality since he was the acting attorney general and not a Trump lawyer.

Based on the disclosures in the Woodward/Costa new book, Rosen could find himself a key witness in a criminal trial in Fulton County, Georgia, if the former president is indicted with crimes regarding his attempt to pressure Georgia Republican election officials and some Justice Department appointees for trying to get them to declare the 2020 election was fraudulent.

Former AG Rosen Avoided Questions In Select Committee To Protect Trump
The United States will become more dependent on foreign energy in the coming years. The U.S. has called on OPEC and its allies to boost supply to help down oil and gasoline costs, even as it seeks to limit new oil and gas drilling on federal lands and oceans.

Government-owned energy firms in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America are boosting oil and natural gas output at the same time as U.S. and European companies are cutting down on supply due to climate concerns.

After years of increasing production of oil and gas, Western energy behemoths like BP, Royal Dutch Shell, Exxon Mobil, and Chevron are slowing down output as they transition to renewable energy sources or reduce expenses as a result of the pandemic's financial toll.

However, this does not necessarily imply that the globe will have less oil.

This is because state-owned oil firms in the Middle East, North Africa, and Latin America are taking advantage of the reductions in production by investor-owned oil companies by increasing their own output.

Because of this massive shift, the United States could reverse a decade-long trend of rising domestic oil and gas production that has turned the country into a net exporter of oil, gasoline, natural gas and other petroleum products. It could also make the country more reliant on the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), authoritarian leaders, and politically unstable countries.

In light of the government's drive to expand oil and gas production, it may take decades before global fossil fuel supplies begin to diminish, barring a significant fall in demand for such fuels.

President Biden has essentially embraced the notion that the United States would be increasingly reliant on foreign oil in the coming years, at least for the foreseeable future.

His administration has called on the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies to increase output to help bring down growing oil and gasoline prices, even as it attempts to restrict the expansion of oil and gas production on federal lands and seas.

Because of two competing objectives, the administration's approach is shaped by these two considerations:

Vice President Joe Biden wants the world to abandon its reliance on fossil fuels while safeguarding American consumers from a rise in energy costs.

To achieve both goals in the short term will be difficult because most people will be unable to easily replace internal combustion engine automobiles, gas furnaces, and other fossil-fuel-based products with versions that run on electricity generated by wind turbines, solar panels, and other renewable energy sources.

Western oil corporations are also under pressure from investors and environmental activists calling for a swift shift away from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

Some oil producers in the United States have said that they are hesitant to increase their investments because they are concerned that oil prices may fall again or because banks and investors are less inclined to fund their businesses.

Consequently, some fossil fuel companies are selling up portions of their empires or simply investing less money in developing new oil and gas resources.

This has provided a significant opportunity for state-owned oil firms, which are not subject to the same level of regulatory pressure to cut emissions. However, some are investing in clean energy.

In reality, their political masters often encourage these oil firms to boost output to assist in debt repayment, funding of government initiatives, and the creation of new employment.

It has been stated by Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil producer, that it intends to expand oil production capacity by at least a million barrels per day, to 13 million barrels per day, to compete with other countries for market share.

This year, Aramco boosted its exploration and production spending by $8 billion, bringing the total amount invested to $35 billion.

The Saudi Arabian oil company Aramco not only has enormous reserves, but it can also produce oil at a lower cost than Western corporations since its crude is comparatively simple to extract from the earth's crust.

In other words, even if demand for oil falls as a result of the fast transition to electric vehicles and trucks, Aramco will most likely be able to continue pumping oil for years or decades longer than many Western energy firms.

"The state-owned enterprises are going their own way," said Rene Ortiz, a former OPEC secretary general who also served as Ecuador's energy minister.

It doesn't matter to them that political pressure is being applied across the globe to reduce emissions.

State-owned oil firms in countries such as Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Libya, Argentina, Colombia, and Brazil aim to boost their production volumes.

Energy analysts predict that if oil and natural gas prices continue to climb or perhaps rise higher, more oil-producing countries may be enticed to increase their production.

President Biden has basically accepted the idea that the United States would become more dependent on foreign oil in the next years, if not for the foreseeable future, then for the foreseeable future.

As part of its efforts to limit the expansion of oil and gas production on federal lands and seas, his administration has called on the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies to increase output to help bring down rising oil and gasoline prices, while also calling for an increase in production from OPEC and its allies.

Oil holds above $80 a barrel, but analyst says prices could march to $90 a barrel by year's end
Back in June, we reported that the Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum in Kalamazoo, Michigan was working hard to complete the static restoration of a unique Douglas SBD-2P Dauntless. They needed to have the aircraft ready for delivery to its intended new home at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum in Honolulu, Hawaii in time for a dedication event this December during the 80th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremonies commemorating the attack on Pearl Harbor. Volunteers at the Air Zoo have put in roughly 40,000 hours of labor since the aircrafts arrival five years ago and, with justification, they will be celebrating their efforts with the public at free Open House events starting this Friday, October 15th 2021 and lasting through the 17th. A special, tickets-only event will also occur on the evening of October 16th. This weekend will be the only time that the finished aircraft will be on view to the public in Michigan, as a team will begin disassembling the Dauntless on Monday, October 18th for its voyage to Hawaii. For the complete details, please read the museums press release below

Portage MI, October 13, 2021  The time has come to celebrate the hard work and dedication which the volunteers and staff at the Air Zoo have put into the restoration of the Douglas Dauntless SBD-2P Dive Bomber, a historic WWII Navy aircraft once thought lost forever in Lake Michigan.

The SBD-2P (BuNo.2173) currently housed at the Air Zoos Flight Discovery Center is the last of its kind. It was thought to have sunk to its final resting place on February 18, 1944, when it, and pilot Lt. J. G. Lendo, crashed into Lake Michigan due to carburetor icing during a training exercise while stationed at the Carrier Qualification Training Unit. Lendo, thankfully, was not injured in the crash. Rescued from its watery grave on June 19, 2009 by A&T Recovery, and brought to the Air Zoo to undergo years of painstaking restoration and care in July of 2016, the aircraft is now ready to head back to its permanent home in Honolulu, Hawaii.
COMMENTARY

Go deep, not wide: How agency-based marketing can drive results

Probably 90 percent of the small companies that have contacted me over the years about entering the market start with the premise of selling to the government without bothering to figure out where their product or service fits best. After that it is not a stretch to say that they have not thought of which agency, or agencies, would be the best target.

Even smalls that have been in the market for a couple years get the itch to go wide, to sell to more agencies. If you have the right contract and the right products or services, that might not be a bad strategy.

But for the vast majority of small contractors, focusing on one or two agencies is often the best strategy, especially if you have already established a beachhead. This can be in the form of a sub-contract that has allowed you to build some relationships and establish a little past performance, or it can be smaller primes contracts.

Agency-based marketing (ABM) can be used for a specific campaign, like landing a spot on a contract, or it can be used as a growth strategy for the long-term.

Resource Management Concepts (RMC), a small contractor in Lexington Park, MD, is a great example. Lexington Park is home to the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, widely known as Pax River. Soon to celebrate its 30th anniversary, RMC has focused largely on Pax River and NAWCAD, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, for the past three decades, growing from a very small business in 1992, to a large small business in 2021, with 460 employees and $75 million in revenue.

While RMC has some business in other agencies, it has largely focused its key skills areas, RDT&E and scientific computing, on NAWCAD. CEO Kevin Cooley told me We've been especially successful at focusing on specific captures that can provide high revenue or new capabilities/past performance and capturing them with laser precision.

After 29 years, RMC is branching further out. Almost four years ago they started looking to other areas of the US Navy requiring RDT&E and scientific computing services. SPAWAR (now NIWC) came up as a likely target. NIWC has two major locations: San Diego (primary location) NIWC-PAC, and Charleston, NIWC-ATL.

RMC developed a plan to attack NIWC. They leased a Charleston office, hired a local BD professional, gained presence as a subcontractor, developed partner relationships, and got active in the Charleston Defense Contractors Association (CDCA).

When the NIWC LANT's RDT&E Network Services contract was announced, RMC had been on the ground in Charleston for over 3 years. They knew the key people needed to win the contract and went after them, landing the PM from an incumbent on a different NIWC research contract. She also happens to be on the Board of Advisors for CDCA. They had also established relationships and credibility with key IT NIWC personnel.

By the time the NIWC contract was announced, RMC was an established provider for them in Charleston.

RMC is a poster child for the long-term agency based marketing Focus, dedication, building relationships with the agency and the community has paid great dividends.
COMPANIES

How Vertex Aerospace has charted its next path

With former Raytheon services units in tow

Vertex Aerospace is 44 years old and at various points in its history has been a standalone company, a business unit within another large defense market player and more recently back to being a standalone company.

Three years ago, private equity firm American Industrial Partners acquired Vertex Aerospace for $550 million from L3 Technologies. The latter company of course had started down its path to eventually form what is now L3Harris Technologies.

Raytheon also once owned Vertex, until private equity firm Veritas Capital acquired majority ownership of Vertex in 2001. Veritas then sold its stake in 2003 to L3, which later took full ownership of Vertex until it eventually spun out the business in 2018.

All of those changes mean Vertex CEO Ed Boyington appreciates the difference between a business and a company. Believe me: if I didnt know before, I certainly know now, he told me.

Boyington said the transition included working through a series of post-transaction service agreements with L3, including the IT functions and other back-office support needed to run any business.

But once we worked through those service agreements and truly became our own company, we found were much more competitive and focused, everything we do is focused on the services and support side of the business, Boyington said.

The support side means all the aspects of aircraft technical support, supply chain management, and assembly and engineering solutions for government agencies and other customers in certain commercial markets.

Madison, Mississippi-headquartered Vertex recorded $739 million in revenue for its most recent fiscal year ended June 30, according to credit ratings agency Moodys Investors Service.

Analysts at Moodys also note in their analysis that like all the former parents, Vertex also did a bit of portfolio reshaping of its own last year through the sale of some aerospace fabrication and manufacturing assets.

Vertex this year turned outward to close its first acquisition with AIPs backing and ironically found another carved-out business in Raytheons global training and logistics unit, which posted nearly $1 billion in sales last year.

That business housed Raytheons defense training, professional services, modernization and sustainment, and self-touted mission critical solutions business lines.

Boyington told me that yes, the transaction gave Vertex the kind of increased scale the company felt it needed to achieve portfolio diversity and be more competitive in adjacent markets.

One example of new footing is seen in training, where Vertex historically has concentrated that line of work on its own employees that work on aircraft maintenance and readiness programs.

As far as curriculum and the actual training itself, we really have never been directly involved to any major extent, Boyington said of training that is directly customer-facing.

Training is also a significant example of a domain increasingly defined by technology given the militarys shift to more live, virtual and constructive programs along with virtual reality.

Vertex obviously does not make much of said LVC or VR technology, but Boyington acknowledged they certainly are the users of those tools alongside the government customer to make those realistic training environments happen.

Even in our core business (pre-acquisition), we have made some modest investments in virtual reality to accelerate a young man or woman in coming into the program and accelerating that knowledge base, Boyington said. Thats where were really going to be focusing now.

Logistics is a second area where Vertex is always looking to funnel in more software and tech tools, especially when considering the large amount of data all government agencies and particularly the military services have in that area.

Predictive maintenance of airborne platforms was one main aspect of logistics Boyington mentioned to me as ripe for greater use of software. So too is the stock and resupply of parts for the aircraft Vertex maintains, where Boyington said the company has control over the supply chain.

How Vertex goes about searching for those tech tools to infuse into its core business also helps explain the strategies of both that company and others like it in the broad defense services landscape -- always look for that technology value-add on top of the core.

If you try to develop your own or make something quite customized for you, then youre held hostage to it and it ages out, Boyington said. The technology is embedded in a lot of these commercial tools, and its just leveraging that.

One example is seen in how Vertex has looked at Microsofts Azure cloud environment that has machine learning and virtual learning capabilities in it, along with some analytics tools. But the search for more is always on.

So as those things change, weve got enough flexibility, he said.
I have to say that there has been all kinds of speculation on Ukraines gas transit system and deliveries through this country. I would like to reiterate that under the contract we have to pump 40 billion cubic metres of gas through Ukraines gas transit system per year. In the first nine months of 2021, Gazprom increased its supplies, or should I say transit volumes through Ukraine, by more than eight percent. We have every right to believe that we will exceed our contractual obligations in terms of gas transit through Ukraine. Further increasing these volumes does not make economic sense for Gazprom, since costs will also be higher. It is much cheaper to supply gas using the new pipelines, saving us about $3 billion per year for the supply volumes in question. In addition, I would like to inform those who actually care about preserving the environment, instead of just using this as a political weapon, that the new pipelines that were launched over the past years or are about to become operational can reduce CO2 emissions 5.6 times thanks to their new equipment. Accordingly, supply volumes go up, while emissions go down. This has to do with the superior characteristics of these pipelines enabling them to pump gas at a higher pressure.Everyone must know this.  Source: Meeting on development of the energy industry  President of Russia

Mainly what has to be remembered is that the Ukraine gas pipeline is at max for its age and ability to safely carry gas. Ukraine has failed to upgrade its pipeline over the years and now it is a ticking time bomb waiting for the mistake to happen

You should have all facts before pointing fingers and blaming all others

WtR

Update:

But one mustnt increase it further. Everyone keeps hinting us: increase the supply through Ukraine even more. It is dangerous to increase it! The gas transit system there has not seen repairs for decades. If we increase the pressure, the pipe will probably just burst. Europe will be left without this route at all, Putin noted.He explained that the wear of the Ukrainian gas transit system is above 80%.Nobody wants to listen to and hear anything; everyone only seeks to accuse Russia of something, the head of state concluded.

Source: Further increase of gas transit through Ukrainian system dangerous, Putin notes  Business & Economy  TASS
When they can say, Hey, you have a red Subaru with the scratch on the side, something theyve seen in Google Street View, theyve found something to gain your trust, Sileo says. He says the only upside of having your home visible on Google Street View is that invited visitors can find your residence more easily when using Google as a GPS navigation system.

How to ask Google to remove items

Heres how to request that images of your home or car get blurred out:

1. Search for your home address on Google Maps.

2. Click on the image of your home or click on the little orange man at the lower right of the screen and drag him to your house.

3. Click on Report a Problem at the bottom right of the screen.

4. Fill out the form, where you can select what part of the image you would like to blur. Google asks for descriptive information, such as the color and model of your car. Add that you are making this request because of privacy concerns.

Google will need your email address for follow-up questions and to send a confirmation once the action has been taken. Blurring cannot be undone.

It's also important to note that this will not remove the image of your house from other internet mapping programs such as those from Apple or Bing. And other apps and websites  Zillow.com or Realtor.com or your local tax assessor, for example  may have pictures of your home.

Removing the aerial view of your house from Google Earth is more difficult because Google buys the images from other companies. To blur your property, you would have to contact the source of the satellite image, which isn't readily available.

Ben Jose, a public affairs manager with Google, says the service aims to fulfill imagery blurring requests as quickly as possible, usually in a matter of days. Google updates its Street View images occasionally  it has a schedule of where its vehicles will be photographing next on its What is Street View? page  but transfers the blur to any updated image.
Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

A co-chair of a political action committee on Wednesday filed an ethics complaint against Albuquerque mayoral candidate Eddy Aragon, alleging that he is violating city and federal regulations by campaigning on his conservative radio show.

Aragon, the CEO of Rock of Talk LLC and a Republican candidate for mayor, said he isnt violating any rules. He said that at the start of every segment on his radio show he reads a disclaimer that his Democratic opponents, Bernalillo County Sheriff Manuel Gonzales and incumbent Mayor Tim Keller, are welcome to free airtime on his station upon request.

I just wish both that Manny and Tim  especially Manny  would leverage that time to have a better conversation about whats happening in the city of Albuquerque rather than filing ethics complaints, Aragon said. Manny is welcome to come on anytime. But because of how hes performed in the debates, Ive beat him handily every single time, hes not willing to do it.

As a candidate running a privately funded campaign, Aragon can collect only $66,130 in in-kind contributions, according to the ethics complaint. The complaint says city election rules say that if a candidate has a business entity and that entity provides goods or services to the campaign without charge, or at a 20% or more discount, those contributions are in-kind contributions that must be disclosed.

The complaint alleges that Aragon regularly takes to the air to try to raise money for his campaign but that he hasnt reported any in-kind contributions from the Rock of Talk.

Aragon said he met with his attorney, who advises him on Federal Communications Commission rules, to come up with a way for him to continue hosting his show and campaign for mayor. Thats why since August, Aragon said, he regularly reads a disclaimer on air saying Gonzales and Keller are welcome to free time if they want it.

We addressed this before we even got in the race, he said.

Karen Montoya, a former member of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, filed the complaint on Wednesday. Montoya is the co-chair of the Save Our City Measure Finance Committee, a PAC supporting Gonzales.

Eddy Aragon broke federal and city laws, and he needs to be held accountable, Montoya said.

The complaint is the latest in a series of allegations campaign supporters have been filing against other candidates in the mayoral race. Election Day is Nov. 2.

Earlier this year, Kellers campaign manager filed two ethics complaints against Gonzales, alleging that Gonzales violated city rules while seeking public financing. City Clerk Ethan Watson ultimately used the evidence presented in Neri Holguins complaints to reject Gonzales application for public financing.

Gonzales supporters also filed ethics complaints against Kellers campaign. One of those complaints is still pending before a city ethics board.

And earlier in the campaign, a petition was filed in 2nd Judicial District Court that sought to remove Aragon from the ballot, alleging he improperly listed a commercial address as his residence. A judge ruled against the petition.
A policy analyst, an attorney-turned stay at home mom and a community activist are vying for an open District 7 seat on the Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education.

The district represents much of the Northeast Heights and is roughly bordered by Montgomery to the south and Louisiana to the west. La Cueva and Del Norte high schools fall within the district.

The trio is running for the open seat of APS Board of Education President David Peercy, who is stepping down after 12 years. Peercy said his belief that it was time for the board to have new members informed his decision to not seek reelection. He said the next District 7 member will have to tackle challenges such as the ongoing pandemic and low graduation rates.

Courtney Jackson, 46, graduated from La Cueva before going on to earn her J.D. from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 2004. She has served on the APS Education Foundation and has experience serving on boards and working as a Parent Teacher Association president.

Policy analyst Julie Brenning, 34, holds a Masters in Asian Studies from the University of Utah. She has worked as a policy analyst since 2013 and served on a committee where she worked to create a new evaluation system for struggling schools in APS.

Community organizer Nicholas Bevins, 25, is a graduate from New Mexico public schools and has attended the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College. Hes also the founder of an online community for autistic individuals.

From testing culture to student learning to barriers to success, each of the District 7 candidates have a different view on the biggest issues facing APS.

Jackson said the district needs to prioritize student learning, while the board should provide measurable goals that are data driven.

Brenning said home issues like poverty, drug use and neglect are barriers to academic success and should be addressed with a policy driven approach.

Bevins cited testing culture, low pay for our staff and class sizes as the top issues facing the district.

Much like the candidates differ in their views on top issues, the candidates also diverge in their approach to mask and vaccine mandates.

Jackson said she is not in favor of either mask or vaccine mandates and that the choice should be left to the parents and their health professional.

Brenning said she would strongly encourage, but not mandate vaccines while Bevins said he is in favor of a vaccine mandate and vaccine requirements have a clear precedent in the United States.

For mask mandates, Bevins said he is in favor until the pandemic is under control or until the vaccination rate is over 90% as a state.

Brenning said she supports safety measures like masks, social distancing, ventilation and even outdoor classrooms.
Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

The show may not go on.

Matthew Loeb, international president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, announced Wednesday that, unless an agreement is reached with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, 60,000-plus union members will begin a nationwide strike on Monday.

The strike would affect thousands of New Mexicans who work in and with the movie and television industry, including three unions  Locals 480, 600 and 800  that are active in the state.

This will impact the approximately 2,000 IATSE workers in New Mexico Locals 480, 600 and 800 who are called to strike  unless an agreement is reached by then, said Liz Pecos, president of IATSE Local 480.

There are currently nine active productions shooting in the state, and the strike would impact seven  of those productions, she said. If the strike occurs, it would effectively halt production on the majority of shows shooting in New Mexico, further impacting the thousands of other motion picture and television workers in the state.

That includes, but is not limited to, the Directors Guild of America; the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists; Teamsters; production assistants; background artists; and the many vendors that are directly sustained or supported by the film industry of New Mexico, Pecos said.

Loeb said the union will continue bargaining with producers this week in the hopes of reaching an agreement that addresses such core issues as rest periods, meal breaks and a living wage for those on the bottom of the wage scale.

However, the pace of bargaining doesnt reflect any sense of urgency, Loeb said. Without an end date, we could keep talking forever. Our members deserve to have their basic needs addressed now.

Last week, IATSE members who work in television and film production at 36 IATSE local unions across the country voted to authorize the unions international president to call a strike if negotiations didnt result in a new contract for 60,000 film and television workers nationwide.

Voter turnout was 90%, with 98.6% of those members voting in support of authorizing a strike.

In New Mexico, IATSE Local 480 members had a 93% vote return and 99% approval to authorize a strike. According to the unions website, Local 480 represents professional film technicians working below-the-line on TV and movie productions in the state of New Mexico.

The New Mexico film industry is coming off a record-breaking fiscal year, with $623 million in what is known as a direct spend to the state.

Despite the ongoing pandemic, the film industry broke the record $525.5 million that was set in fiscal year 2019. In fiscal year 2020, the film industry had a direct spend of $386.8 million.

Attributing to the record-breaking year in New Mexico are the film partnerships with NBCUniversal and Netflix. Both entities have signed a 10-year commitment to bring film and TV projects to the state.

For more than a decade, New Mexicos film incentive package has been seen as the gold standard in the industry. The package offers a 25% to 35% refundable tax credit on New Mexico goods and services, according to the Film Offices website.

Last week, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said the states thriving film and television industry is driven by the nations best and hardest-working crew base.

She said New Mexico is a pro-union state and the state stands with workers seeking to improve their conditions.

The women and men of IATSE 480 make the magic happen; they are the heart and soul of every production that is filmed here, and they are one of the key reasons that productions and production companies that choose New Mexico come back, and choose New Mexico again and again, Lujan Grisham said in the statement. I stand with workers who seek dignity and safety in their workplaces and the assurance of a living wage  the kind of wage that allows someone who works a full day and a full week, or beyond, to lead a happy and healthy life. I extend my support to the members of IATSE 480 in their negotiation with industry management, and I hope for a productive dialogue with a swift and satisfying resolution.
Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  State Treasurer Tim Eichenberg has sided with two legislators  one Republican and one Democrat  in their legal dispute with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams office over authority to spend more than $1.7 billion in federal relief funds.

The state Supreme Court has asked for formal responses before deciding whether to hear arguments in the case, which was filed last month by Senate GOP floor leader Greg Baca of Belen and Sen. Jacob Candelaria, an Albuquerque Democrat.

In a court filing this week, an attorney for Eichenberg urged the Supreme Court to rule on the case and said federal funds that are not targeted for a particular program can only be appropriated by the Legislature.

The founders clear intention was that legislative action is required before public funds can be spent, attorney Linda Helen Bennett wrote in a 20-page filing.

She also said Congress gave states the authority to determine how to best allocate funds authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act, which was signed into law in March by President Joe Biden.

Eichenberg, a Democrat who is serving his second term as treasurer, is a former state senator who is barred from seeking reelection next year.

The treasurer, who is responsible for receiving and depositing the federal dollars, believes there should be an open debate over how to spend the money, with opportunity for public participation, his attorney said in the court filing.

Such a process can and will only happen in a legislative process, she said.

The federal government cannot, by allocation of funds, endow a governor, even a well-intentioned governor acting in the aftermath of a public health emergency, with powers greater than those granted by the state Constitution, Bennett said in her filing.

Spending authority for federal dollars has emerged as a political battlefield over the past 18 months.

The Governors Office has insisted legal precedent supports Lujan Grishams handling of the federal dollars, although some lawmakers have disputed that contention.

Courts have previously made clear the Legislature may appropriate state, not federal, funds, said Lujan Grisham spokeswoman Nora Meyers Sackett, who declined to comment further on the lawsuit but said the governors administration looks forward to providing support for ongoing economic rejuvenation around New Mexico.

Sackett has also said top officials in the Democratic governors administration have held meetings with legislative leaders to discuss a spending plan for the roughly $1.1 billion of the $1.7 billion that has not been spent.

However, details of such a plan have not been released.

The governor did announce in June that her administration would target more than $656 million of the federal money to replenish the state unemployment fund, which was all but drained by a spike of pandemic-related claims for jobless benefits.

The lawsuit filed by Baca and Candelaria, who are both attorneys, does not seek a reversion of those funds but instead asks the states highest court to bar the governor from spending the unallocated federal funds.

In a Wednesday interview, Candelaria said the treasurers court filing strengthens the legislators argument.

He also said other Democrats have expressed support for the effort privately but have been wary of giving their public backing for political reasons.

It is troubling to me that any executive would claim to have such unilateral authority to make decisions about spending public funds behind closed doors, Candelaria told the Journal.

The Governors Office is expected to file its formal response in the case this week.
MOLINE, Ill.  More than 10,000 Deere & Co. workers went on strike Thursday, the first major walkout at the agricultural machinery giant in more than three decades.

The union had said its members would walk off the job if no deal has been reached Wednesday. The vast majority of the union rejected a contract offer earlier this week that would have delivered 5% raises to some workers and 6% raises to others at the Illinois company known for its green tractors.

The almost one million UAW retirees and active members stand in solidarity with the striking UAW members at John Deere, UAW President Ray Curry said.

Brad Morris, vice president of labor relations for Deere, said the company is committed to a favorable outcome for our employees, our communities and everyone involved. He said Deere wants an agreement that would improve the economic position of all employees.

We will keep working day and night to understand our employees priorities and resolve this strike, while also keeping our operations running for the benefit of all those we serve, Morris said.

Thirty-five years have passed since the last major Deere strike, but workers were emboldened to demand more this year after working long hours throughout the pandemic and because companies are facing worker shortages.

Our members at John Deere strike for the ability to earn a decent living, retire with dignity and establish fair work rules, said Chuck Browning, vice president and director of the UAWs Agricultural Implement Department. We stay committed to bargaining until our members goals are achieved.

A handful of workers began forming a picket line outside the companys plant in Milan, a town in western Illinois near the Iowa border, about 15 minutes after strike deadline.

The union dropped off a metal barrel and firewood to keep workers warm in preparation for a demonstration that is expected to continues for 24 hours a day, the Quad-City Times reported. Workers began picketing at several other Deere plants  including at its large operation in Waterloo, Iowa  Thursday morning around when the first shift would normally arrive.

Chris Laursen, who works as a painter at Deere, told the Des Moines Register before the strike that it could make a significant difference.

The whole nations going to be watching us, Laursen said to the newspaper. If we take a stand here for ourselves, our families, for basic human prosperity, its going to make a difference for the whole manufacturing industry. Lets do it. Lets not be intimidated.

Under the agreement that the workers rejected, a top scale Deere production worker would make just over $30 per hour, rising to $31.84 after five years, according to summary of the proposal.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said workers have a lot of leverage to bargain with right now because of the ongoing worker shortages.

Right now across the U.S., labor is in a very good strong position to bargain, so now is a good time to strike, Goss said.

Earlier this year, another group of UAW-represented workers went on strike at a Volvo Trucks plant in Virginia and wound up with better pay and lower-cost health benefits after rejecting three tentative contract offers.

The contracts under negotiation cover 14 Deere plants, including seven in Iowa, four in Illinois and one each in Kansas, Colorado and Georgia.

The contract talks at the Moline, Illinois-based company were unfolding as Deere is expecting to report record profits between $5.7 billion and $5.9 billion this year. The company has been reporting strong sales of its agricultural and construction equipment this year.

Iowa State University economist Dave Swenson said those earnings give Deere the means to come to terms with workers.

They can afford to settle this thing on much more agreeable terms to the union and still maintain really strong profitability, Swenson said.

Swenson said the impact of the strike could spread further if companies that supply Deere factories have to begin laying off workers. So Deere will face pressure from suppliers and from customers who need parts for their Deere equipment to settle the strike quickly. And Swenson said Deere will be worried about losing market share if farmers decide to buy from other companies this fall.

There is going to be a lot of pressure on Deere to move closer to the unions demands, Swenson said.
WASHINGTON  Crucial U.N. climate talks next month are likely to fall short of the global target for cutting coal, gas and oil emissions, U.S. climate envoy John Kerry says, after nearly a year of climate diplomacy that helped win deeper cuts from allies but has so far failed to move some of the worlds biggest polluters to act fast enough.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Kerry credited the United States, the European Union, Japan and others that over the past year have pledged bigger, faster cuts in climate-wrecking fossil fuel emissions ahead of the talks in Glasgow, Scotland, under nudging from Kerry and the Biden administration. He expressed hope enough nations would join in over the next couple of years. By the time Glasgows over, were going to know who is doing their fair share, and who isnt, he said.

Kerry also spoke of the impact if the U.S. Congress  under a slim Democratic majority  fails to pass legislation for significant action on climate by the United States itself, as the Biden administration aims to regain leadership on climate action. It would be like President Trump pulling out of the Paris agreement, again, Kerry said.

Kerry spoke to the AP on Wednesday in a conference room down the hall from his office at the State Department, its upper corridors still eerily shy of people in the coronavirus pandemic. Kerrys comments came after nine months of intensive climate diplomacy by plane, phone and computer screen aimed at nailing down the most global commitments of action on climate possible ahead of the U.N. climate summit, which opens Oct. 31 in Scotland.

Kerry plans final stops in Mexico and Saudi Arabia as he pushes for more last-minute pledges before settling in Glasgow for two weeks of talks. We have a lot of things to still come across the transom. And that will decide where we are overall, Kerry said.

Kerrys efforts abroad, along with President Joe Bidens multibillion-dollar promises of legislation and support for cleaner-burning energy at home, come after President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the Paris climate accord.

Kerry rejected a suggestion he was seeking to lower expectations for the summit, which became a deadline  but not a final one, leaders have begun stressing  for countries to announce how hard they will work to switch their economies from polluting to cleaner-burning. Kerry and others early on billed the Glasgow summit as the last, best chance to drum up momentum for the emissions cuts, investment in renewable energy, and aid to less-wealthy countries to allow them to switch from dirty-burning coal and petroleum in time to limit warming to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 degrees Celsius).

Scientists warn the damage is irreversible and headed to catastrophic levels absent major cuts in emissions.

When it comes to closing the divide between cuts promised by countries and the cuts needed, We will hopefully be moving very close to thatthough there will be a gap andweve got to be honest about the gap, and we have to use the gap as further motivation to continue to accelerate as fast as we can, Kerry said Wednesday.

In the meantime, money pouring into developing cleaner technology such as battery storage will be spurring the advances that will make it easier for laggard countries to catch up, he contended.

A senior U.N. official separately briefing reporters Wednesday also spoke less stirringly than international leaders often have previously of the expected accomplishments of Glasgow. Speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the matter, the official left open the door that some work on getting to the international goal of a 45% cut in emissions by 2030 may not be done by end of the Glasgow climate negotiations. The official stressed that the Paris accord allows countries to submit stronger pledges at any time.

While Kerry lauded Western countries for their emission cutting efforts and plans, the U.N. official said that its not enough and that developed countries will need to do more.

Critically, Kerrys repeated trips to China and diplomatic efforts by other countries have failed so far to win public promises of faster emissions cuts from that key climate player, although China did newly pledge last month to stop financing coal-fired power plants overseas. Chinas enthusiasm for dirty-burning coal power at home and abroad help make it the worlds biggest current climate polluter by far. China under President Xi Jinping shows no interest in being seen as following the U.S. lead on climate or anything else.

Kerry declined to single out China by name as one reason why Glasgow might not be as big a success as it could have been  although surprise announcements by China remain a possibility.

It would be wonderful if everybody came and everybody hit the 1.5 degrees mark now, he said. That would be terrific. But some countries just dont have the energy mix yet that allows them to do that.

For Biden at home, its the lawmaker mix thats the problem. Holdouts from the presidents own party so far are blocking the administrations multibillion-dollar climate legislation of the kind needed to make good on U.S. pledges to slash its emissions at least in half by 2030.

Asked how the administrations troubles delivering on its own climate promises affect his work rallying climate action abroad, Kerry said, Well, it hurts.

Im not going to pretend its the best way to send the best message. I mean, we need to do these things, he said.

Kerry added he was optimistic Congress would step up. I dont know what shape itll takeor which piece of legislation, itll be in, but I believe were going to act responsibly at home, he said.

-

AP Science Writer Seth Borenstein contributed from Washington.

___

This story has deleted an incorrect reference to the world warming nearly 2 degrees Fahrenheit since the 2015 Paris accord. The warming has occurred since the mid-19th century.
CATCHES OF THE WEEK

John Luna of Albuquerque caught a 42-inch tiger muskie at Bluewater Lake using a crankbait lure Oct. 1.

David Moreno of Las Vegas caught a 22-inch rainbow trout at Eagle Nest Lake using homemade dough bait Oct. 2.

Evan Torres of Albuquerque caught and released a 16-inch golden rainbow trout at Grindstone Reservoir using a bunny leech fly Oct. 2.

At Navajo Lake, Matthew Medina of Albuquerque caught his limit of kokanee salmon using snagging hooks near the dam Oct. 5.  Isaac Cordova of Albuquerque caught four salmon using snagging hooks Oct. 2.

Jude Buenviaje, 13, of Santa Fe caught a 21-inch rainbow trout on the Pecos River using a Blue Fox spinner Oct. 4.If you have a catch of the week story send it to funfishingnm@gmail.com.

NOTES FROM GAME AND FISH

Northeast fishing report

Cabresto Lake had no reports from anglers this week.

Charette Lakes had no reports from anglers this week.

Fishing for trout was fair to good on the Cimarron River using worms and spinners.

Fishing for trout at Clayton Lake was fair to good using nightcrawler worms and PowerBait. Fishing for catfish was fair to good using chicken liver.

Conchas Lake State Park has closed access to all boat ramps due to dropping water levels. The boat ramps on the south side of the lake managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are open. Fishing for bass was fair to good using shad pattern crankbaits.

At Costilla Creek, fishing for trout was good using caddis dry flies. The department has implemented the final phase of a project to expand Rio Grande cutthroat trout in 120 miles of the Costilla watershed in northern New Mexico. The final phase involved removal of fish within a designated area (Rio Costilla from Costilla Dam downstream to the Valle Vidal Boundary including all tributaries and Comanche Creek from the road culvert crossing on Forest Road 1950 downstream to its confluence with Rio Costilla and all tributaries) with a tentative restocking of Rio Grande cutthroat in spring 2022. Places to fish nearby include Costilla Creek below the fish barrier, Upper Comanche Creek, Shuree Ponds, Middle Ponil Creek, Upper Powderhouse Creek, Little Costilla Creek, Vidal Creek and McCrystal Creek. Please check the department website for additional information on the project and to identify alternative angling opportunities in the interim.

Fishing for trout was fair to good at Cowles Ponds using garlic peach PowerBait.

Coyote Creek had no reports from anglers this week.

Fishing for trout at Eagle Nest Lake was fair using PowerBait. Fishing for kokanee salmon was fair using red Dardevle spoons. Fishing for pike was good using perch colored spoons.

Fishing for trout at Eagle Rock Lake was good using pink and orange PowerBait.

Fishing for trout on the Gallinas River was fair using nightcrawler worms.

Fishing for trout at Hopewell Lake was good using black Pistol Pete spinner flies and grey bunny leech flies.

Lake Alice had no reports from anglers this week.

Fishing for trout at Lake Maloya was fair to good using Pistol Pete spinner flies, PowerBait and dry flies.

Fishing for trout on the Los Pinos River was good using small beadhead nymph flies.

Maxwell Lake 13 had no reports from anglers this week.

Fishing for trout at Monastery Lake was fair to good using PowerBait.

Fishing for trout at Morphy Lake was good using silver spinners, Pistol Pete spinner flies and PowerBait.

Streamflow on the Pecos River near the town of Pecos on Monday morning was 50.3 cfs. Fishing for trout was good using Blue Fox spinners and nightcrawler worms.

Fishing for trout on the Red River was good using brown Pistol Pete spinner flies, small streamer flies and tungsten nymph flies.

Fishing for trout on the Rio Grande was very good using streamer flies, Barely Legal flies and dry fly with dropper nymph fly setups.

Fishing for trout on the Rio Hondo was good using attractor dry flies.

Fishing for trout at Rio Mora was fair.

Fishing for trout on the Rio Pueblo was fair to good using dry flies. Anglers reported that the water level is very low and the water is clear.

Fishing for trout at the Santa Cruz Reservoir was fair to good using worms and PowerBait.

Fishing for trout at Shuree Ponds was good using zebra midge pattern flies.

Springer Lake had no reports from anglers this week.

Storrie Lake had no reports from anglers this week.

Stubblefield Lake had no reports from anglers this week.

Fishing for white bass at Ute Lake was fair to good using Whopper Plopper topwater lures. Fishing for bass was fair to good using drop shot rigs with Berkley Gulp minnows, Senko worms and crankbaits. Fishing for walleye was slow. Fishing for catfish was fair using Berkley Gulp minnows. Fishing for bluegill was good using bug pattern flies. The water surface temperature was in the upper 60s and the main lake color was clear.

Northwest fishing report

Fishing for catfish at Abiquiu Lake was fair using nightcrawler worms and shrimp. Fishing for carp was fair using corn.

Animas River had no reports from anglers this week.

Albuquerque Area Drains had no reports from anglers this week.

Fishing for tiger muskie at Bluewater Lake was good using chartreuse lipless crankbait lures, swimbaits, hotdogs and silver spoons.

Fishing for trout on the Brazos River was fair to good using beadhead nymph flies.

Fishing for trout at Canjilon Lakes was good using dry flies and pink PowerBait worms.

Fishing for trout on the Chama River below El Vado Lake was good using nightcrawler worms and brown Rooster Tail spinners. Fishing for trout below Abiquiu Lake was fair to good using bead head nymph flies. Please remember, from the river-crossing bridge on U.S. Highway 84 at Abiquiu upstream 7 miles to the base of Abiquiu Dam is special trout waters with a bag limit of two trout only.

Fishing for walleye, pike and bass at Cochiti Lake was good using white and silver crankbaits near the dam.

Fishing for trout at El Vado Lake was fair to good using PowerBait at the North El Vado Day Use Area off State Road 95. Fishing for smallmouth bass, perch and trout was fair to good near the Dam Day Use Area.

Fishing for trout at Fenton Lake was fair to good using worms, PowerBait and flies. Please remember, only two cutthroat trout are allowed to be harvested per day within the regular five-fish limit.

Willow, Sierra Vista and La Laja boat launches are closed at Heron Lake. The primitive boat launch is open. Shoreline fishing is available between Sierra Vista and the spillway or in Rincon. Fishing for trout was slow. The Quality Waters of the Rio Chama can be accessed at the Rio Chama Trailhead. The stairs are closed so use the road to the spillway. Non-quality waters can be accessed at the North El Vado Day Use Area located on State Road 95, 13 miles west of U.S. Highway 84.

Fishing for trout on the Jemez Waters was fair to good using nymph flies and salmon eggs.

Fishing for trout at Laguna del Campo was good using orange PowerBait.

Lagunitas Lakes had no reports from anglers this week.

Fishing for bass at Lake Farmington was good using nightcrawler worms and Senko worms.

Due to extremely low water levels and unstable ground conditions at McGaffey Lake, stocking efforts have been suspended. Lake conditions will be monitored and stockings will resume once conditions improve.

Fishing for bass at Navajo Lake was fair to good using crankbait lures and green with red flake Senko worms. Fishing for pike was good using crankbait lures. Snagging for kokanee salmon was good using snagging hooks near the dam.

Fishing for catfish on the Rio Grande was fair using worms and shrimp near Albuquerque.

San Gregorio Lake had no reports from anglers this week.

Fishing for trout on the San Juan River in the quality waters was good using olive, brown and grey midge emerger pattern flies, Baetis flies and leech pattern flies. Fishing for trout in the bait waters was good using PowerBait and nightcrawler worms.

Fishing for trout at the Seven Springs Brood Pond was good using PowerBait and flies.

Tingley Beach had no reports from anglers this week.

Trout Lakes had no reports from anglers this week.

Southwest fishing report

Alumni Pond had no reports from anglers this week.

The water level is extremely low and will remain low through October for dam repairs at Bear Canyon Lake.

Fishing for all species was slow at Bill Evans Lake.

Fishing for catfish was good at Caballo Lake using cut carp bait and shad. Fishing for carp was good using strawberry marinade with sweet corn and Panko.

Fishing for white bass at Elephant Butte Lake was good using medium depth diving white crankbaits, topwater lures, Whopper Ploppers, white slab spoons and chartreuse slab spoons. Fishing for largemouth bass was slow to fair using live shad and crawdads. Fishing for crappie was good using live shiners. Fishing for catfish was good using beef liver, chicken liver, fresh cut bluegill, fresh cut carp, dough bait, shad and live worms.

Escondida Lake had no reports from anglers this week.

Fishing for catfish at Gila River was fair using cut bait.

Glenwood Pond had no reports from anglers this week.

Fishing for trout at Lake Roberts was slow using PowerBait and Pistol Pete spinner flies.

Percha Dam had no reports from anglers this week.

Fishing for trout at Quemado Lake was good using salmon peach PowerBait.

Rancho Grande Ponds had no reports from anglers this week.

Fishing for catfish on the Rio Grande north of Elephant Butte Lake was good using cut bait.

Snow Lake had no reports from anglers this week.

Trees Lake had no reports from anglers this week.

Young Pond had no reports from anglers this week.

Southeast fishing report

Fishing for trout at Alto Lake was good using nightcrawler worms. Fishing for bass was good using nightcrawler worms.

Bataan Lake had no reports from anglers this week.

Please visit the Open Gate webpage for more information on Berrendo Creek. Fishing for bass was fair to good using nightcrawler worms.

Black River had no reports from anglers this week.

Blue Hole Park Pond had no reports from anglers this week.

Bonito Lake is closed until further notice by the city of Alamogordo due to fire damage. It appears that the lake will be out of commission until 2022.

Bosque Redondo Lake had no reports from anglers this week.

Bottomless Lakes had no reports from anglers this week.

Brantley Lake had no reports from anglers this week.

Fishing for catfish at Carlsbad Municipal Lake was fair using nightcrawler worms.

Fishing for catfish at Chaparral Park Lake was fair to good using shrimp and hotdogs.

Corona Pond had no reports from anglers this week.

Eunice Lake had no reports from anglers this week.

Fishing for catfish at Green Meadow Lake was good using nightcrawler worms 24 inches beneath a bobber.

Fishing for catfish at Greene Acres Lake was good using hotdogs and shrimp.

Fishing for trout at Grindstone Reservoir was fair to good using bunny leech pattern flies and garlic PowerBait. Fishing for catfish was good using shrimp, nightcrawler worms and hotdogs.

Jal Lake had no reports from anglers this week.

Fishing for catfish at Lake Van was good using worms.

Fishing for catfish at Oasis Park Lake was good using cut bait and worms.

Fishing for catfish on the Pecos River was fair using nightcrawler worms.

Perch Lake had no reports from anglers this week.

Fishing for trout on the Ruidoso River was fair using worms.

The boat ramp at Santa Rosa Lake has opened as water levels have increased due to recent rains. Due to low lake levels, Santa Rosa Lake State Park will operate as a no-wake lake until conditions improve.

Fishing for catfish at Sumner Lake was fair to good using chicken liver and cut bait.
SANTIAGO, Chile  The 37-year-old Haitian says not a day goes by in which he doesnt think of leaving Chile, like the multitudes who have grown frustrated and headed north toward the United States.

He feels caught in a vicious circle: He was laid off three months ago and cant get a new job without a valid identity card, but he cant get his card renewed without an employment contract.

The government of President Sebastian Pinera has been tightening laws on migrants and Pierre  who declined to give his last name because he didnt want to put his residency bid at risk  said it seems to be acting so that we Haitians get tired of the country.

Tens of thousands of Haitians came to Chile in recent years, fleeing disasters and poverty while taking advantage of relaxed visa rules and a booming economy in Chile. But a tighter job market and newly imposed bureaucratic barriers have led many to seek better opportunities in the U.S., despite a crackdown that followed the appearance of a border camp holding more than 14,000 people in Del Rio, Texas.

Few appear inclined to head back to Haiti itself, where poverty and violence have grown even worse since they left.

More than 10,000 Haitians have been expelled from several countries to their homeland since Sept. 19  more than 7,600 of those from the United States alone  according to the U.N.s International Organization for Migration.

Thousands are still on the long road north  many stuck at migration bottlenecks in northern Colombia and southern Mexico.

Chiles government has granted permanent residence to almost 70,000 Haitians, but another 110,000 now lack official documents, according to Deputy Interior Minister Juan Francisco Galli.

Many had arrived on tourist visas before 2018, when Chiles center-right government issued a decree requiring that Haitians to get a visa before traveling to Chile. In April, it enacted a new law that seeks to prevent the irregular entry of foreigners and makes expulsions easier.

We are putting our house in order, Pinera said.

The government has set a Monday deadline for them to regularize their status or face potential expulsion  though it hasnt specified what steps it will take. It already expelled several hundred migrants  including dozens of Haitians  on flights to their homelands.

Many, like Pierre, say its impossible to comply. For example, Chile requires them to provide a document certifying a Haitian government background check  but it can take months at best to get such papers from the Caribbean nations government.

Pierre, who is married and whose locally born daughter is a Chilean citizen, said he has been trying to update his residency permission for two years and is only about halfway through the process.

I spent about four years working in a company and I am still irregular in the country, he said.

Pierre lives in the Dignidad camp, southeast of the capital of Santiago, in a cluster of small wooden houses along dirt streets devoid of greenery. He rarely leaves his tiny house, hoping someone he knows will come by to offer him temporary work.

He has a motorcycle parked outside, but cant use it because he does not have a drivers license, which he cannot get without an identity card.

Magdaline Afred, a Haitian with permanent residence, says many of her compatriots left Chile because they cannot work because they do not have papers.

It makes me very sad because many left (for the U.S.) with their children who were born here  and now they are deporting Haitians with Chilean children, she said.

Lyne Francois, a Haitian social worker and community leader, said, There are people who have had their papers rejected two or three times and they are bored, desperate, exhausted and they are leaving.

We think the government could make things easier, especially because of the earthquake, people dont know what to do, she added, referring to a major earthquake that hit Haiti in August, causing further hardships there.

Carlo Richard, a Haitian auto mechanic who has resided in Chile since 2017, is one of thousands who live in fear of being expelled because his papers have been rejected several times. He said he has received four emails from immigration authorities telling him he faces expulsion and has 15 days to leave the country.

What can I do? I cant do anything, (just) hold on until there is a change in our country so that we can return, he said.
COLUMBIA, S.C.  A prominent South Carolina lawyer has been charged with stealing insurance settlements meant for the sons of his late housekeeper that a lawsuit said total more than $4 million, state police said Thursday.

Alex Murdaugh was arrested at a drug rehab facility in Orlando, Florida, where his attorneys said he has spent the past six weeks since claiming he was shot in the head on the side of a lonely road near his home, authorities said.

The arrest is the latest development in six state police investigations into Murdaugh, including the deaths of his wife and son, millions of dollars missing from the huge law firm founded a century ago by his great-grandfather and trying to arrange his own death so his surviving son could collect on a $10 million life insurance policy.

Thursdays arrest on two felony counts of obtaining property by false pretenses involves Murdaughs housekeeper for decades, Gloria Satterfield, the State Law Enforcement Division said in a statement.

Murdaugh told Satterfields sons at her February 2018 funeral that he would get insurance settlements for her death and take care of them, according to a lawsuit filed by the sons. Murdaugh managed to secure more than $4 million from his insurers, but he only told the sons about a $500,000 settlement and then never sent them a dime, the lawsuit said.

Murdaugh took the settlement money by creating a fraudulent bank account with a name similar to a legal consulting firm that handles settlements, the lawsuit said.

Satterfields family called it a bittersweet day in a statement released by their attorneys.

Avarice and betrayal of trust are at the heart of this matter, lawyers Eric Bland and Ronald Richter said in their statement.

The Murdaugh family told the sons their mother tripped over the family dog and died weeks later from her lingering injuries. The death was never reported to the Hampton County coroner, who asked state police to investigate why she was not called to review what she would consider an accidental death.

The sons also took Murdaughs advice to hire attorney Cory Fleming to be executor of their mothers estate without telling them Fleming was a longtime friend, old college roommate and godfather to at least one of Murdaughs sons.

The law licenses of both Fleming and Murdaugh have been suspended as the investigations continue.

Murdaugh is being held at the Orange County jail in Florida to await extradition, investigators said. His lawyers promised at a bond hearing on different charges last month that Murdaugh would return to South Carolina without a fight if charged with additional crimes.

Murdaughs lawyers said in a statement that he intends to fully cooperate with this investigation, as he has with the investigation into the murder of his wife and son. He deeply regrets that his actions have distracted from the efforts to solve their murders.

The deaths of Murdaughs son and wife at their Colleton County home in June remain unsolved. Murdaugh said he found Maggie Murdaugh, 52, and their son Paul, 22, shot to death after he returned home from visiting his father in the hospital, according to authorities.

In September, Murdaugh was charged with insurance fraud and other counts after reporting that his head was grazed by a bullet when someone attempted to shoot him.

Curtis Eddie Smith is charged with firing at Murdaugh. He told The Associated Press last month that Murdaugh asked for his help on Sept. 4 but didnt tell him he wanted Smith to shoot him until he was on the side of the road.

Smith said the gun went off as he tried to prevent Murdaugh from shooting himself. He bristled at suggestions from Murdaughs lawyers that he was a drug dealer, saying he was good friends with Murdaugh after the attorney helped him in a workers compensation case.

With a friend like that, who needs enemies? Smith told an AP reporter as he limped around his property.

Smith said last month that he wasnt sure if the bullet hit Murdaugh or not, saying he grabbed the gun, immediately drove away and ditched the weapon.

In an interview with The Today Show aired Thursday, Smith said he was 1,000% certain Murdaugh was not shot.

There was no blood on me; there was no blood on him, Smith said.

Murdaughs lawyers have said they saw medical records showing Murdaugh was covered in blood when taken by helicopter to a hospital but have not shown them to the public.

The Thursday arrest is just another step in the long process for justice in all of the investigations, State Law Enforcement Division Chief Mark Keel said in a statement.

As I have said previously, we are committed to following the facts wherever they may lead us and we will not stop until justice is served, Keel said.

___

Follow Jeffrey Collins on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JSCollinsAP.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.  Attention asteroid aficionados: NASA is set to launch a series of spacecraft to visit and even bash some of the solar systems most enticing space rocks.

The robotic trailblazer named Lucy is up first, blasting off this weekend on a 12-year cruise to swarms of asteroids out near Jupiter  unexplored time capsules from the dawn of the solar system. And yes, there will be diamonds in the sky with Lucy, on one of its science instruments, as well as lyrics from other Beatles songs.

NASA is targeting the predawn hours of Saturday for liftoff.

Barely a month later, an impactor spacecraft named Dart will give chase to a double-asteroid closer to home. The mission will end with Dart ramming the main asteroids moonlet to change its orbit, a test that could one day save Earth from an incoming rock.

Next summer, a spacecraft will launch to a rare metal world  an nickel and iron asteroid that might be the exposed core of a once-upon-a-time planet. A pair of smaller companion craft  the size of suitcases  will peel away to another set of double asteroids.

And in 2023, a space capsule will parachute into the Utah desert with NASAs first samples of an asteroid, collected last year by the excavating robot Osiris-Rex. The samples are from Bennu, a rubble and boulder-strewn rock that could endanger Earth a couple centuries from now.

Each one of those asteroids were visiting tells our story  the story of us, the story of the solar system, said NASAs chief of science missions, Thomas Zurbuchen.

Theres nothing better for understanding how our solar system formed 4.6 billion years ago, said Lucys principal scientist, Hal Levison of Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado. Theyre the fossils of planet formation.

China and Russia are teaming up for an asteroid mission later this decade. The United Arab Emirates is also planning an asteroid stop in the coming years.

Advances in tech and design are behind this flurry of asteroid missions, as well as the growing interest in asteroids and the danger they pose to Earth. All it takes is looking at the moon and the impact craters created by asteroids and meteorites to realize the threat, Zurbuchen said.

The asteroid-smacking Dart spacecraft  set to launch Nov. 24  promises to be a dramatic exercise in planetary defense. If all goes well, the high-speed smashup will occur next fall just 7 million miles (11 million kilometers) away, within full view of ground telescopes.

The much longer $981 million Lucy mission  the first to Jupiters so-called Trojan entourage  is targeting an unprecedented eight asteroids.

Lucy aims to sweep past seven of the countless Trojan asteroids that precede and trail Jupiter in the giant gas planets path around the sun. Thousands of these dark reddish or gray rocks have been detected, with many thousands more likely lurking in the two clusters. Trapped in place by the gravitational forces of Jupiter and the sun, the Trojans are believed to be the cosmic leftovers from when the outer planets were forming.

Thats what makes the Trojans special. If these ideas of ours are right, they formed throughout the outer solar system and are now at one location where we can go and study them, Levison said.

Before encountering the Trojans, Lucy will zip past a smaller, more ordinary object in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Scientists consider this 2025 flyby a dress rehearsal.

Three flybys of Earth will be needed as gravity slingshots in order for Lucy to reach both of Jupiters Trojan swarms by the time the mission is set to end in 2033.

The spacecraft will be so far from the sun  as much as 530 million miles (850 million kilometers) distant  that massive solar panels are needed to provide enough power. Each of Lucys twin circular wings stretches 24 feet (7 meters) across, dwarfing the spacecraft tucked in the middle like the body of a moth.

Lucy intends to pass within 600 miles (965 kilometers) of each targeted asteroid.

Every one of those flybys needs to be near-perfection, Zurbuchen said.

The seven Trojans range in size from a 40-mile (64-kilometer) asteroid and its half-mile (1-kilometer) moonlet to a hefty specimen exceeding 62 miles (100 kilometers). Thats the beauty of studying these rocks named after heroes of Greek mythologys Trojan War and, more recently, modern Olympic athletes. Any differences among them will have occurred during their formation, Levison said, offering clues about their origins.

Unlike so many NASA missions, including the upcoming Dart, short for Double Asteroid Redirection Test, Lucy is not an acronym. The spacecraft is named after the fossilized remains of an early human ancestor discovered in Ethiopia in 1974; the 3.2 million-year-old female got her name from the 1967 Beatles song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.

The Lucy fossil really transformed our understanding of human evolution, and thats what we want to do is transform our understanding of solar system evolution by looking at all these different objects, said Southwest Research Institutes Cathy Olkin, the deputy principal scientist who proposed the spacecrafts name.

One of its science instruments actually has a disc of lab-grown diamond totaling 6.7 carats.

And theres another connection to the Fab Four, a plaque attached to the spacecraft includes lines from songs they wrote, along with quotes from other luminaries. From a John Lennon single: We all shine on . . . like the moon and the stars and the sun.

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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.
WASHINGTON  A congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection moved aggressively against close Trump adviser Steve Bannon on Thursday, swiftly scheduling a vote to recommend criminal contempt charges against the former White House aide after he defied a subpoena.

The chairman of the special committee, Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., said the panel will vote Tuesday to recommend charges against Bannon, an adviser to Donald Trump for years who was in touch with the president ahead of the most serious assault on Congress in two centuries.

The Select Committee will not tolerate defiance of our subpoenas, Thompson said in a statement. Bannon, he said, is hiding behind the former presidents insufficient, blanket and vague statements regarding privileges he has purported to invoke. We reject his position entirely.

If approved by the Democratic-majority committee, the recommendation of criminal charges would go to the full House. Approval there would send them to the Justice Department, which has final say on prosecution.

The showdown with Bannon is just one facet of a broad and escalating congressional inquiry, with 19 subpoenas issued so far and thousands of pages of documents flowing to the committee and its staff. Challenging Bannons defiance is a crucial step for the panel, whose members are vowing to restore the force of congressional subpoenas after they were routinely flouted during Trumps time in office.

The committee had scheduled a Thursday deposition with Bannon, but his lawyer said Trump had directed him not to comply, citing information that was potentially protected by executive privileges afforded to a president. Bannon, who was not a White House staffer on Jan. 6, also failed to provide documents to the panel by a deadline last week.

Still, the committee could end up stymied again after years of Trump administration officials refusing to cooperate with Congress. The longtime Trump adviser similarly defied a subpoena during a GOP-led investigation into Trumps Russia ties in 2018, but the House did not move to hold him into contempt.

Even though President Joe Biden has been supportive of the committees work, it is uncertain whether the Justice Department would choose to prosecute the criminal contempt charges against Bannon or any other witnesses who might defy the panel. Even if it the department does prosecute, the process could take months, if not years. And such contempt cases are notoriously difficult to win.

Members of the committee are pressuring the department to take their side.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, who also sits on the Jan. 6 panel, said he expects the Justice Department to prosecute the cases.

The last four years have given people like Steve Bannon the impression theyre above the law, Schiff said during an interview for C-SPANs Book TV that airs next weekend. But theyre going to find out otherwise.

Schiff said efforts to hold Bannon and others in contempt during the Russia investigation were blocked by Republicans and the Trump administrations Department of Justice.

But now we have Merrick Garland, we have an independent Justice Department, we have an attorney general who believes in the rule of law  and so this is why I have confidence that we will get the answers, Schiff said.

While Bannon has outright defied the Jan. 6 committee, other Trump aides who have been subpoenaed appear to be negotiating. A deposition by a second witness that had been scheduled for Thursday, former Defense Department official Kashyap Patel, was delayed, but Patel is still engaging with the panel, a committee aide said. The aide requested anonymity to discuss the confidential talks.

Two other men who worked for Trump  former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and longtime Trump social media director Dan Scavino  were scheduled for depositions Friday, but they have both been pushed back as well. Meadows, like Patel, has been given a short postponement as he is also engaging with the panel, the aide said, and Scavinos deposition has been rescheduled because there were delays in serving his subpoena.

It is unclear to what extent Trump has tried to influence his aides, beyond his lawyers attempts to assert executive privilege. In a statement Thursday, the former president said the members of the committee should hold themselves in criminal contempt and added the people are not going to stand for it!

Other witnesses are cooperating, including some who organized or staffed the Trump rally on the Ellipse behind the White House that preceded the riot. The committee subpoenaed 11 rally organizers and gave them a Wednesday deadline to turn over documents and records. They have also been asked to appear at scheduled depositions.

Among those complying was Lyndon Brentnall, whose firm was hired to provide Ellipse event security that day, and two longtime Trump campaign and White House staffers, Megan Powers and Hannah Salem. It is uncertain whether any of the others subpoenaed have complied.

Many of the rioters who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6 marched up the National Mall after attending at least part of Trumps rally, where he repeated his meritless claims of election fraud and implored the crowd to fight like hell. Dozens of police officers were injured as the Trump supporters overwhelmed them and broke through windows and doors to interrupt the certification of Bidens victory.

The rioters repeated Trumps claims of widespread fraud as they marched through the Capitol, even though the results of the election were confirmed by state officials and upheld by courts. Trumps attorney general, William Barr, had said the Justice Department found no evidence of widespread fraud that could have overturned the results.

The panel has also issued a subpoena to a former Justice Department lawyer who positioned himself as Trumps ally and aided the Republican presidents efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 election.

The demands for documents and testimony from that lawyer, Jeffrey Clark, announced Wednesday, reflect the committees efforts to probe not only the insurrection but also the tumult that roiled the Justice Department in the weeks leading up to it as Trump and his allies leaned on government lawyers to advance his election claims.

Clark, an assistant attorney general in the Trump administration, has emerged as a pivotal character. A Senate committee report issued last week showed that he championed Trumps efforts to undo the election results and clashed as a result with department superiors who resisted the pressure, culminating in a dramatic White House meeting at which Trump ruminated about elevating Clark to attorney general.

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Associated Press writers Jill Colvin in New York, Michelle R. Smith in Providence, Rhode Island, and Farnoush Amiri and Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report.
NEW YORK  Gary Paulsen, the acclaimed and prolific childrens author who often drew upon his rural affinities and wide-ranging adventures for tales that included Hatchet, Brians Winter and Dogsong, has died at age 82.

Random House Childrens Books announced that Paulsen died suddenly Wednesday but did not immediately provide further details. Literary agent Jennifer Flannery told The Associated Press that he died at his home in New Mexico, where he lived with his third wife, Ruth Wright Paulsen, an artist who illustrated some of his work.

Author of more than 100 books, with sales topping 35 million, Paulsen was a three-time finalist for the John Newbery Medal for the years best childrens book and recipient in 1997 of the American Library Associations Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement.

He was a Minnesota native who deeply identified with the outdoors, whether sailing on the Pacific Ocean, hiking in New Mexico or braving the cold of the Alaskan dogsled race, the Iditarod. For a time he lived in a cabin in rural Minnesota, where he finished his first novel The Special War, and on a houseboat in the Pacific Ocean. He spent his latter years on a remote ranch in New Mexico, a bearded outdoorsman sometimes likened to Ernest Hemingway.

I cant live in towns anymore, he told The New York Times in 2006 from his ranch in White Oaks, just northeast of Carrizozo. The last time I was up in Santa Fe, I wasnt there 20 minutes before I brewed up, almost slugged a tourist on the steps of my wifes gallery.

Paulsen received the Newbery Honor prize for Hatchet, The Winter Room and Dogsong, about a young native Alaskan in search of a simpler past and the old ways. He also wrote hundreds of articles, poetry, historical fiction and such nonfiction works as the memoir Gone to the Woods: Surviving a Lost Childhood, which came out earlier this year. His final novel, Northwind, will be published in January by Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Younger Readers.

Many readers knew him best for his Hatchet novels, beginning with the eponymous 1986 release, in which 13-year-old Brian Robeson survives a plane crash and lives for weeks in the wilderness, relying in part on the hatchet his mother had given him. In an introduction for the books 30th anniversary edition, Paulsen wrote that the novel came from the darkest part of his childhood, when books and the woods were his escapes from the pain of his parents miserable marriage and his own social isolation.

On my own, under the trees or on the lake or next to the river, I was protected and as far from danger as Id ever been, he wrote. In the wilderness, I was at ease. I learned the rules and I not only survived, I thrived. The woods and books are the only reason I got through my childhood in one piece.

The Hatchet series continued with The River, Brians Winter, in which Paulsen imagined an alternate ending for the first novel, Brians Return and Brians Hunt. He also turned out such series as the Francis Tucket adventure books and Murphy Westerns.

Paulsen, who grew up in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, had all too much personal experience to draw from for his work. He would recall his parents becoming so debilitated by rage and alcohol that he was essentially taking care of himself by his early teens, even hunting for his own food with a makeshift bow and arrow. He graduated from high school, raised his own tuition money to attend Bemidji State University and, in his early 20s, served in the U.S. Army. He had been a devoted reader since his teens, when he stopped into a local library on a freezing day, and in his mid-20s felt such a compulsion to write that he abruptly left his job as an aerospace engineer in California.

The need to write hit me like a brick. I had a career and a family and a house and a retirement plan and I did all the things that responsible grown-ups do until suddenly, irrevocably, I knew had to write, he explained in the introduction to the Hatchet anniversary edition. I edited a grubby mens magazine and, every night, I slaved over short stories and articles for two editors who ripped me to shreds every morning.

They didnt leave a single sentence unscathed, but they taught me to write clean and fast. And the dance with words gave me a joy and a purpose I had been looking for my entire life.
DENVER  Police have arrested an ex-girlfriend of a postal worker who was shot and killed while delivering mail in northern Colorado.

The 26-year-old suspect, Devan Schreiner, of Fort Collins, was arrested Wednesday on a charge of first-degree murder for the death of Jason Schaefer, 33, and is being held at the Boulder County Jail.

An arrest affidavit shows that the two were involved in an ongoing child custody dispute, the Boulder Daily Camera reported.

Jail records do not list an attorney who can speak on Schreiners behalf.

The shooting happened Wednesday afternoon in Longmont, a city nearly 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of Denver.

This crime appears to be an isolated incident and an act of domestic violence, Longmont Deputy Police Chief Jeff Satur wrote in a news release.

Schreiner had also worked at the Longmont postal office until she was fired two weeks ago because of an incident between her and Schaefer.

The U.S. Postal Service said in a statement that the agency would be providing resources to all Longmont employees. Police are withholding photos of the suspect, pending additional witness interviews.
Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  New Mexico reported 20 more COVID-19 deaths Thursday  the highest one-day total in over a month.

Adults in their 60s or older made up 15 of the 20 fatalities. Four were Bernalillo County residents.

The youngest was a woman in her 30s from Chaves County.

The additional fatalities pushed New Mexicos COVID-19 death toll to 4,919 residents since the pandemic arrived in March 2020.

The last day with 20 or more fatalities reported by the state was Sept. 10.

Unvaccinated New Mexicans comprise the bulk of the deaths, even though they constitute less than half of the state population.

In a recent four-week period, people who were not fully vaccinated made up 90% of the deaths, 82% of the hospitalizations and 76% of the cases.

The Department of Health on Thursday also reported:

 A 19% jump in patients hospitalized with COVID-19, from 310 to 369.

 879 new cases of COVID-19, including 189 in Bernalillo County.

 71.5% of New Mexico adults are fully vaccinated, and 53.4% of youngsters 12 to 17 have completed their shots.

 17 of the 20 deaths reported Thursday happened in the past 30 days. The other three happened earlier, but were announced Thursday because of a delay in the processing of death certificates.

New Mexicos public health order is set to expire Friday, but state officials have said they expect to extend it and keep in place an indoor mask mandate for public places.
BUTTE COUNTY, Calif.- CAL FIRE said they have stopped forward progress on five vegetation fires along Highway 99.

The first fire was reported at 12:49 p.m. on the side of the road near Neal Rd. on Highway 99. That fire was contained at two acres and mop-up is currently taking place. They called this fire the Neal Fire.

Minutes before the #ShippeeFire, firefighters responded to a fire off Highway 99 near Neal Road and Estates Drive. The fire burned just over 2 acres. #99Fire pic.twitter.com/lMUHO28ygO  CAL FIRE Butte Unit/Butte County Fire Department (@CALFIRE_ButteCo) October 14, 2021

The remaining four fires were reported along the side of the road near Nelson Shippee Rd. and Highway 99, three along the west of Highway 99 and one on the east of Highway 99, according to CAL FIRE. They called this fire the Shippee Fire.

All fires have been contained and CAL FIRE is investigating the cause of them.

The Butte County Sheriff's Office was called to assist with traffic due to poor visibility from the smoke along Neal Rd.

CAL FIRE told Action News Now that while the cause is unknown, it is not uncommon for a car dragging a chain or with a blown engine to cause many fires in such a short time without noticing.
CHICO, Calif. - One man deemed the "Super Bike Cop Officer" by his workplace at the Chico Police Department is on a quest to find stolen bikes.

When Chico police officer Bob Kurtz isnt busy responding to calls hes on a mission to find stolen bikes.

This one was a known bike thief that had a storage unit full of them, Kurtz said while pointing at one of the many stolen bikes inside the police evidence storage unit.

There are roughly 70 bikes inside, many of them are from what Kurtz calls habitual thieves.

He says for most of them the motivation to steal is drug addiction.

Id say thats probably the most common that I run into, especially like these people that are doing larger operations. They are heavy drug users.

RELATED: Police arrest stolen bike suspect near Comanche Creek

Its a petty crime that Kurtz takes personally.

I hate when people steal, Kurtz said.

Action News Now rode along with him to see how he tracks down these stolen bikes.

Trying to go to the hot spots where we know a lot of stolen bikes have been found before, Kurtz said.

Spots like a park off East 9th St. and Comanche Creek. Kurtz cant just pull over anyone without lawful reason.

But as soon as he sees someone breaking a law, he investigates.

RELATED: Chico police contact man riding $5,000 bike, arrest him with stolen property

You just kind of use your instinct if it doesnt seem right. Its probably not right, Kurtz said.

Chico Police Department said it has seen a steady increase in bike thefts in 2019, 160 bike theft reports were made.

In 2020, 226 bikes disappeared.

But Kurtz has some advice on how you can protect your bike.

Dont leave your bike unattended unless its locked. A lot of times we see a lot of bikes are stolen out of garages because someone forgets to close the garage door at night, Kurtz said.

The best way to get your back if its stolen is to register your bike and remember your serial number.

In case officers find it and they know how to contact you.

Even though the number of stolen bikes increased from 2019 to 2020, so far this year the department has received 94 reports.
ORLAND, Calif. - Orland area residents have the opportunity to learn more about how to connect to the citys municipal water system on Thursday.

There will be a meeting at 6 p.m. at the Glenn Success Square Conference Center at 131 E. Walker St. in Orland. If people cannot attend, they can join on Zoom.

There will be information about the emergency drought assistance resources that are available for people who have dry wells.

RELATED: Nearly $8M grant to help Orland build new wells, connect water to county residents

There will be representatives from the City of Orland, Glenn County and California Department of Water Resources at the event.

The areas south and east of Orland are the areas where the dry wells have been reported and people in the area of encouraged to attend the event.

The City of Orland was awarded a grant of $8 million from the Department of Water Resources to provide emergency water connections to residents of Glenn County.
Today we've had a pleasant break from the windy, unsettled weather in northern California, but that will change tonight. The mountains will have another cold night, and the valley will have more wind and fire danger Thursday. A small disturbance passed over northern California late last night and this morning, yielding only light amounts of rain and mountain snow. Our sky is clearing, and the mountains will have another cold morning. Trinity County is under a Freeze Warning. Lows tonight will range from the 10s and 20s in the mountains to the 30s and 40s in the foothills and valley. Thursday will be mostly sunny and warmer, but windy in the valley. Highs will range from the 50s and 60s in the mountains to the 70s in the valley.

As a result of the stronger wind, the valley and foothills will be under another Red Flag Warning most of Thursday with wind gusts up to 40 mph and very dry air. A ridge of high pressure will bring quieter, brighter and warmer weather Friday and Saturday. A fast-moving trough of low pressure will arrive Sunday with more clouds, wind and a few showers. We'll have another break Monday and early Tuesday before another Pacific storm tries to deliver a better chance of showers with more breezes by next Wednesday. Valley lows will range from the 40s to the lower 50s through the middle of next week, while valley highs will climb from the lower and mid 70s to the lower 80s by Saturday before cooling to the lower 70s next Wednesday.
A special Chief Judicial Magistrate court in Lucknow issued summons to Netflix directors and producer on Wednesday for making and publishing an outrageous defamatory documentary titled Bad Boy Billionaires defaming Sahara India and its Chief Subrata Roy in it. The summon was issued to Netflix director Abhisekh Nag, documentary director Nick Read and producer Reva Sharma for the documentary series released on Netflix last year and directing their appearance before the court on November 15, 2021.

The accused will be tried under sections 500, 501 and 502 of the Indian Penal Code.

One of the biggest OTT platform Netflix, made and telecast the documentary Bad Boy Billionaires on 5.10.2020, on the life and growth of Sahara Group Chairman Subrata Roy Sahara along with Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi.

Sahara's have also filed a civil suit for recovery of damages against Netflix India Limited and their directors, producers etc, for an amount of Rs 500 crores for the time being.

According to the reports, previously Sahara has strongly claimed on the Netflix series Bad Boy Billionaires saying that it is completely baseless which is way beyond the facts. Just to gain commercial benefits Netflix have created an ill-conceived, spiced up commercial film full of sensationalism with the title Bad Boy Billionaires at the cost of the image of Sahara Group which is unacceptable and highly objectionable.
With Dussehra/ Durga Puja underway, the country is in the throes of festive fervour. After no festive celebrations last year due to the pandemic, consumers and brands returning to the 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, with revenge shopping trend gaining precedence. Amid COVID-29 protocols, the shopping frenzy has begun and will reach a crescendo during Diwali. 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 an exclusive interaction with Adgully, Shirish Agarwal, Head - Brand and Marketing Communications, Panasonic India, speaks about the demand surge seen across India, the companys online and offline strategies for the festive season and more.

What kind of sentiments do you see in the East markets during this festive season? Are these sentiments close to the pre-COVID levels?

We are seeing a shift in consumer behaviour from price consciousness towards quality, value proposition and safety, across regions. Theres a steady rise in demand for appliances such as smart 4K Android TVs, connected range of ACs (HU series), Refrigerators, Washing Machines, Microwaves, and other lifestyle appliances. We are hopeful that this festive season will bring in the much-awaited festive cheer for the industry, leading towards an upward growth trajectory.

How are you planning your strategy for online and offline sales? What kind of footfalls are you expecting during this festival?

Festive sales continue to be a key contributor to the overall business performance. As a part of our robust omni-channel strategy, Panasonic has been continuously working towards upgrading its online and offline channels to provide a better purchase experience to consumers. Although the online channel has grown, the offline channel continues to play an important role in sales.

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?

We have already announced our festive campaign, Grand Delights, for consumers. Here, we are providing promotional offers, extended warranties, attractive and easily accessible credit/ finance facilities such as zero down payment, long-term EMI schemes, and up to 12 months of no-cost EMI across our value-proposition appliances.
Newspaper industry in India is steadily reaching to its pre-covid levels and Hindustan has been at the forefront in regaining its readers with a circulation reach at 95% and continuously expanding across its territories.

Hindustan, HT Medias flagship Hindi publication, completed its 25th year of operations in U.P. today and celebrated it with a special 60-page edition in Lucknow, one of the biggest editions in its history. The special edition chronicles the transformation undergone by UP over the past 25 years and how Hindustan has been the driver of change and progress for the state by being the voice of millions of the states residents.

Talking about the program, Rajeev Beotra, Executive Director, HT Media Ltd. said, The mega edition carried across Central East UP is a testament of the faith reposed by our advertisers in print and especially in Hindustan. There has been overwhelming response from advertisers across the Hindi belt and from multiple sectors including FMCG, real estate, retail, automobile and jewelry among others. Hindustan is witnessing strong demand for the festive season led by tier-II & tier-III towns. With a strong festive program for clients and innovations like the todays mega edition, Hindustan has been successful in capturing the advertising spends from the markets it operates in.
In Nepal, Dashain is not just a cultural occasion but it is also a time of a year when the whole family comes together to celebrate and enjoy their quality family times. Many people who are working out of station particularly larger cities like Kathmandu and even for those who are working outside the country, wait for Dashain to be back at their home town. Unfortunately, due to covid, things have been bit different both last year and to certain extend this year, even though, there are less restrictions this year. There are still few who wont be able to make it back at home due to ongoing pandemic.

Ncell has an empathic message portrays with an emotional story about the relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren. The story is beautifully depicted in the monologue version from the grandmas perspective when she comes to know that she wont be able to meet her grandson in person for Dashian Tika.

The film has been receiving overwhelming responses with many emotional comments where people are remembering their grandparents and family values. The film is already viewed by over 2.3 million, 38 thousand likes, over 300 comments and almost 600 shares within first day from its launch in Facebook alone. The film is also launched other social media platforms like YouTube & Instagram.

The film is conceptualized by ADA/SUN/Outreach and production by Abin Bho.
Publicis Groupe has reported strong Q3 organic growth at +11.2%, with US at +10.9%, Europe at +10.0% and Asia at +12.5%, leading to full year guidance upgrade. Organic growth stood at between +8.5% and +9% as compared to +7% previously. Operating margin rate is now slightly above 17%. The group reported free cash flow close to 1.3 villion, at the high-end of the previous objective.

Epsilon reported a growth of +13%, while Publicis Sapients Q3 growth stood at +20% in the US, confirming outperformance.

Publicis Groupes Q3 2021 performance exceeded that of Q3 2019 by +5% m  the US at +8%, Europe fully recovering and Asia at +2% vis-a-vis 2019.

Strong account wins confirm the groups leadership position in new business.

Commenting on the groups performance, Arthur Sadoun, Chairman and CEO of Publicis Groupe, said, In Q3, we delivered strong organic growth at +11.2%. All of our regions contributed to this performance with double-digit growth, notably the US, which grew +10.9%, Europe at +10% and Asia at +12.5%.

He further said, The continued outperformance of our data and tech capabilities once again demonstrated our ability to capture a disproportionate share of the shift in client investment towards digital media, commerce and DTC. This was particularly the case in the US, where Epsilon delivered +13% and Publicis Sapient was at +20%.

The strength of Publicis Groupes model not only means it has fully recovered from the impact of the pandemic, but it has also allowed the group in Q3 to grow 5% versus 2019. On a two-year basis, Asia is at +2%, Europe has returned to pre-pandemic levels and the US is accelerating to +8%.

Today, all of this means that we are in a position to upgrade our full year guidance for all our KPIs a second time this year. This is the case for organic growth, that we now anticipate at +8.5-9% from +7%. We are also revising our operating margin upwards, to slightly above 17%, while continuing to invest in future growth and talent. And at close to 1.3 billion Euros, our free cash flow is expected at the high end of our previous objective, Sadoun added.

Overall, 18 months after the beginning of the pandemic, we are emerging as a stronger group. Our differentiated go to market is allowing us to confirm our leadership position in new business. After wins in H1, including Samsung US, Stellantis globally, LOreal in China, to name just a few, Q3 has been a busy quarter, with new wins like Ferrero, Planet Fitness, TD Bank and Walmart, he said.

Sadoun also mentioned about the major revolutions in the industry, such as the disappearance of third party cookies, the acceleration of advanced TV and retail media, and the ongoing rise of direct to consumer channels and how the group has equipped to respond to its clients needs and help them address these developments.

Our platform organisation, supported by our shared services and Marcel is fit for the future of work, Sadoun concluded.
Celebrating stories of love, friendship, heartbreak, betrayal and above all, life, leading digital content destination, The Zoom Studios is back with its original, a new season of the much-anticipated show, The Reunion. The latest season titled, The Reunion  Chal Ghar Chalein, that launches on October 16 at 12:30 pm on The Zoom Studios YouTube channel and at 8 pm on Zoom, is already trending on social media, with its trailer garnering positive reviews from viewers for its fresh appeal, relatable characters and stunning visuals. Offering viewers a nostalgic ride that promises to take them back to their roots, the recently released show trailer registered an astounding reach of 2.5 Million+ and over 1.5 million views across Zoom Studios social media platforms.

Not just fans, popular actors and renowned Bollywood personalities including Karishma Kohli, Mithila Palkar, Dhruv Sehgal, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Ayush Mehra, Adah Sharma, Shreya Gupto and Diksha Juneja took to their social media to express their excitement for the new season and appreciation for the trailer. The 9 part-series shot in the mesmerising picturesque locations of Odisha, has also been widely appreciated and praised by the viewers for its offbeat storyline, a never seen before Indian web-series on family drama and for showcasing the pristine beauty of Odisha, Indias best kept secret. Helmed by acclaimed director Danish Aslam, the show features Lillette Dubey, Veer Rajwant Singh, Devika Vatsa, Prabal Panjabi, Kashmira Irani and KK Raina.
Industry experts and Uber's spokesperson discussed through a virtual event the need for curtailing carbon emissions for a more environmentally conscious need for travel

Uber Green is one of Ubers four key actions aimed at reducing the companys carbon footprint. The company has pledged 800 million to help its drivers move to electric vehicles by the year 2025. Uber aims to become a fully zero-emissions company by 2040, its goal is to have 100% of rides take place in EVs by 2030.

Keeping up with the need, the Government of India has begun incentivizing this shift to electric vehicles. However, every change has its own set of challenges and the case is no different in this regard. The perspective of various stakeholders involved directly or indirectly in this shift will need to be discussed and debated. It is of utmost necessity that we do this. What needs to be seen is how soon the shift might be expected to reach the masses.

All this and more was recently discussed at the virtual conference of Green Moving with Uber. Speakers Abhinav Soman, Parthaa Bosu, Anumita Roychoudhury as well as OEM and Uber representatives graced the occasion to discuss the need, chalk out pathways and create solutions-oriented towards creating an emission-free world. Electrification of vehicles is no longer an option. There is an urgent need to limit the rise in global temperatures. The forum will focus on driving home this very message.

Emission control is one of the most debatable topics in the world today. With this in mind, modern technology is finding newer means to control the emission from cars to make the world a healthier place to breathe. The answer is finally here in the form of electric vehicles. The no fuel, no emission technology is taking the battle head-on to protect the health of world citizens and the environment.
Cancel culture is not solely an American phenomenon, as the United Kingdoms leftists are rampaging like their Yankee cousins. The exclusionist behavior is illustrated by Worcester College, Oxford, which in 2021 apologized to students for the distress caused after it hosted a Christian conference -- a Christian concern training camp for students -- after bigots said the event was Islamophobic because it discussed the nature of Islam.

Even more disconcerting is the pusillanimity on display at the University of Sussex. Because of her views on a presently hotly concept of a sexual theme, Kathleen Stock, a 48-year-old professor of philosophy was verbally attacked by students and then advised by police not to attend campus for a time and to teach her classes online, to install CCTV in her home, to have cameras on the front door, and to consider hiring bodyguards. Stock is a lesbian with teenage children who is devoted to and espouses academic truth. The dilemma of Stock, an academic expert in gender and sexual orientation, stems from the fact she was accused of being transphobic, the theme of hot dispute, which she denies. The theme has become an existential crisis, which demands sacrifices.

Stocks writings about sex and gender identity leading to the aggression against her stress that womanhood and manhood reflect biological sex, not gender or gender identity. She wrote that people cannot change their biological sex, that there should be a ban on transgender women using womens changing rooms, and that many trans women are still males with male genitalia. Not exactly the voice or the fanaticism of Lady Macbeth but enough to lead to her academic extinction.

Stock also claims that Oxford University Press, to its discredit, abandoned a book on female philosophers because of her inclusion in it which would make it too controversial and would attract negative attention. The situation resembles that in June 2020 concerning the more well-known J.K. Rowling, who was accused of being transphobic and attacked after insisting that only women experience menstruation. But Harry Potter knew that.

It is disgraceful that Stock is not supported by her academic union and will probably lose her job. But it is gratifying that she has been defended by the up-and-coming Liz Truss, British Minister for Equalities, asserting that no one should be targeted and harassed simply for holding an opinion. In addition to this simple and sensible reminder of academic behavior, there is the 2021 Higher Education Bill, which attempts to end the process of no platforming by giving a regulator authority, the Office for Students, the power to fine institutions and student unions for breaching duties designed to foster a culture of open and robust intellectual debate, against those opposing the promotion of freedom of speech within the law.

In an earlier case, the vice-chancellor of Cardiff University, Colin Riordan has recognized the present divisive issue of gender but called for debate on it. How else will we ever resolve it?

In 2015 Riordan supported the right of Germaine Greer, the notable Australian major voice of radical feminism, to speak at Cardiff, though she was criticized for making what was said to be transphobic comments.

At the University of Glasgow, a lesser-known feminist, Sarah Honeychurch, a fellow of the Adam Smith Business School, was fired from being editor of Hybrid Pedagogy after she had signed a public letter mainly written by Kathleen Stock expressing their disquiet over a program run by Stonewall which has no academic credibility and criticized universities for being ideologically captured by anti-scientific views on gender identity. Honeychurch explained the letter was not an attack on the transgender community but a defense of academic integrity and academic freedom. The controversy continues at Glasgow, in essence on the right to express ones opinion as an individual.

Before the issue of Stock, Essex University has already been irresponsible when two other women, Jo Phoenix and Rosa Freedman were platformed. Phoenix, professor of criminology at the Open University, was due to give a lecture at Essex on the tensions around planning trans rights in prisons. She was called a transphobe and her talk was canceled. Freedman is a professor of law at Reading University and was attacked both because of her views on gender politics, such as that men cannot become women by surgery, and because she is Jewish. The two unrelated facets came together at Essex when she was disinvited from a panel on antisemitism held in January 2020 to mark Holocaust Memorial week.

At Aston University in central Birmingham, sociology students have been advised to stop using words that can be seen to reinforce prejudices. Offending words include immigrant, third world, tribe, civilized, native, colonization, because of their racist overtones. We are told to refrain from using manmade, one-man show, old masters, masterful.

Some fight the good fight. At Bristol University, Steven Greer, a professor of law who had been accused by the Universitys Islamic society of Islamophobia and of expressing bigoted views as part of his course, was cleared after a five-month investigation by an independent lawyer, but the material on his module was removed. He had used a lecture slide that included the 2015 terror attack on the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo that had published cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed. Greer argued that this attack was evidence of Islams stance on freedom of speech and that Jihadi terrorism was the principal terrorist threat for the UK.

He argued that the attack on him was an attack on a fundamental freedom and that militant minorities are increasingly intent on dictating the nature of university education by using vilification, intimidation, and threats.

Resistance has come from some academics. Because a statue of Cecil Rhodes still stands, more than 100 Oxford academics had refused to give tutorials to Oriel College, Oxford undergraduates or to assist the college in its outreach work, or activities sponsored by the College.

Critics of them have condemned Oriel for surrendering to left-wing students by erecting a plaque depicting Cecil Rhodes as a virtual devil and distorting his legacy. They argue the plaque lacks balance by being concerned only with his racist and imperialist policies, as a colonialist who exploited the minerals, land, and peoples of southern Africa, leading to great loss of life. These critics hold the plaque ignores the rest of Rhodes's career and what he was trying to do, to bring benefit in southern Africa in the late 19th century and found Rhodesia, and that he was not a slave trader though he supported apartheid measures.

All these events and occasions show what is at stake, attacks on fundamental speech and expression. Universities and society as a whole should recognize this and stand up to oppose cancel culture.

Photo credit: YouTube screengrab (cropped)

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When Joe Biden comes onto the TV screen, I switch to another channel. Not because hes a stark reminder of the fraud that put him into the Oval Office but since he reminds me of my fathermay he rest in peacewho passed away in 1992 following several dreadful years with dementia/Alzheimers. Americans who have watched a loved one mentally disappear due to this memory eating disease see similar traits with Joe Biden:

Brain freezes - Staring out with a disoriented look - Forgetting names of people he should know - Needing note cards to remember basic answers - Displaced anger - Lost in unfamiliar surroundings - Forgetting who he is, where he is, and why he is there.

Thats Joe Biden today and my father yesterday.

Home Sweet Home

One of the first things family and friends learn when dealing with a loved one who has cognitive dysfunction issues is that familiar surroundings are very important. This could explain why the Bidens frequently spend long weekends at their main Delaware residence or beach house rather than remain in the enormous 132-room White House.

Or Biden is exhausted after his grueling 10-hour workweek.

People with dementia issues also need to easily move from one location to another. This could be why the fake president needs a fake Oval Office just steps from the real one.

Dementia/Alzheimers can happen to anyoneand it does. Here are just some of the facts gleaned from the Alzheimers Association:

More than six million Americans are living with Alzheimers.

That number is projected to increase to 13 million by 2050.

One in three seniors dies with Alzheimers or another dementia. It kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.

Bewildered

Sitting with my mom as the doctor gave dad a cognitive mental agility test, I held back tears when the man who religiously read daily newspapers, watched the evening news, wrote expressive letters to the editor of praise and protest, and designed heavy machinery could not tell the doctor that the picture he was looking at was that of an elephant, telephone, car, or desk. The words had been erased from his memory, never to return. He couldnt recite one to five backward and was bewildered trying to pick out the banana in the fruit bowl.

The world witnessed Bidens bewilderment during the G-7 meeting in Cornwall, England. Just like dad confusing California (where he had lived for nearly a decade) with New York (where he moved from) Biden continually confused Libya with Syria.

During a private G-7 reception Biden mistakenly wandered away and into a cafeteria where commoners happily greeted him. He looked lost and befuddled as First Caretaker Jill Biden took him by the hand and led him back to the meetingjust as my mother would do in the supermarket when dad wandered away.

Dad often forgot peoples names just as Joe frequently does including his own cabinet members. Here are three cringe-worthy examples:

Forgetting his Defense Secretary Lloyd Austins name, Biden called the Pentagon chief the guy who runs that outfit over there.

During a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Biden called him that fellow Down Under.

Visiting Texas following its freeze, Biden incoherently said, Representatives, uh, Shirley Jackson Lee, Al Green, Sylvia Garcia, Lizzie Panneli, uh, excuse me. Pannell, and uh, what am I doing here?

Thats a great question, Mr. Biden! What are you doing here?

The answer: Joe Biden is the grandfatherly face of Marxism, propped up by those who realized that an elderly old man and his adoring doctor wife had a better chance of deceiving the American public than a short man with a funny mustache.

Americas Enemies are Watching

During the early stages, whenever dad went from coherent to incoherent, we kept a poker face to avoid embarrassing him. That was fine as he was among family and friends. Its not fine when the supposed leader of the free world speaks incoherently as Americas enemies listen. One example of many was a CNN town hall with host Don Lemon. This is verbatim what Biden said in response to a question about the COVID virus  and remember this man has his finger on the nuclear button:

And the question is whether or not we should be in a position where you, ah, um, arewhy cant the, the, the experts say, We know that this virus is in fact, ah, um, ah, its, its going to beor excuse me, we, we, we know why all the drugs approved do not temporarily prove, but permanently approved.

Thats why it was no surprise following the G-7 Summit that Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Biden seemed fine to him. If you were Putin, would you prefer working with a weak pushover like Joe Biden or a confident America First Donald Trump?

In June, former White House doctor Ronny Jackson, who served both Democrat and Republican presidents and is now a Texas congressman, led a group of 14 Republicans who sent Biden a letter urging him to take a cognitive test and make the results public. Donald Trump took those tests and always passed them.

Its now October and those congressmen should resend the letter. Recent polls show an ever-increasing number of Americans doubt Biden has the mental fitness to be in the Oval Office.

My mom put notes around the house to remind Dad of basic things such as toilet, toothbrush, light switch, etc. (Who knows? Maybe Jill has notes around the White House, too.)

Do you see the way Jill holds Joes hand? It reminds me of how my mom held Dads hand. Not so much the loving embrace of a long-time married couple, but as one spouse helping the impaired other spouse. This could explain why so many people think Jill Biden is medical a doctor. For when they see Jill standing by Joes side it looks very much like a doctor and patient.

Robin Itzler can be reached at PatriotNeighbors@yahoo.com. Photo of Robin and her father in the early 1960s when he took her to the Empire State Building for a birthday celebration.

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The United States is now on its knees. It has been shamed before the world. Its in a state of collapse. It is in a relentless downward spiral, the Babylon of this era, a nation on its way to the graveyard of history.

Were hearing this from the left, who are always going to be anti-American no matter what the situation, and also from the crybaby branch of movement conservatism, eager to be the first to run out and start shrieking about doom and damnation.

Afghanistan is no joke. It is a miserable situation, a disgrace that should not have happened, a stain upon Americas reputation, and a harbinger of worse to come. The fact that the administration has been begging the OPEC states to open up the oil faucet is not simply shameful along with being an affront to common sense. The situation on the southern border has made no one happy, and has encouraged unbalanced types to assert that the country no longer exists as such, since it no longer possesses firm borders.

But lets back up a bit. Exactly a year ago, in point of fact. At that time the U.S. was on top of the world, respected by our friends and feared by our enemies. ISIS had been destroyed. The U.S. had, in defiance of fifty years of predictions, achieved the status of a fossil fuel exporter. Illegals had been, if not stymied, reduced to a near-trickle, and an actual border wall was being put in place.

So what happened since then? As we all know, Joe Biden happenedor (as the Arizona audit results have made clear) was made to happen. Within a matter of days after taking office, Biden, out of sheer spite, undermined all the progress the U.S. made under Donald Trump. The U.S. position, domestically and internationally, has eroded ever since. Afghanistan, energy, and the border are simply symptoms of this.

But all the same, the basic strengths of this country still exist. It is territorially intact. It has the worlds largest military. All that shale oil is still in the ground and we possess the tech to get at it. We still represent the technological leading edge of the world. We are still (despite everything youve been told the past thirty years) the worlds leading manufacturer. If you want trash, then head east. If you want quality work, you buy American. The sole thing holding us back is a sick, corrupt, senile septarian, his inept hirelings, and the masses of brainwashed followers that support them.

As we saw with how Trump dealt with Obama, the damage Biden has caused can largely be undone in about as long as it takes to read this sentence.

The American Left always uncases America when they screw up. Whenever theres a disaster, a failure, or a crime, its always America that has done it. For one prominent example, consider the Nisei relocation of 1942. Without arguing its merits, we can acknowledge that it has attained the status of an atrocity in the eighty years since, a crime compared by some to the Holocaust itself, one committed by America against the helpless Japanese immigrants. It was America that goaded the hysteria, America that violated the Niseis rights and America that signed Executive Order 9066.

Of course, it was no such thing. Large numbers of Americans opposed the move, represented by Robert A. Taft of the GOP, MacArthur, and Patton within the military (Patton later berated Gen. John DeWitt as a goddamn fool for carrying out FDRs orders), and Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen representing the Catholic Church. The people who actually promoted the relocation do have names, including the RINO precursor Earl Warren (who later presided over the infamous Warren Court), and Franklin D. Roosevelt. (Roosevelt was likely encouraged by Harry Hopkins, who had a wild admiration for Josef Stalin, including Stalins habit of deporting certain nationalities that had offended him  the Crimean Tatars, the Meshke, the Volga Germans  to Siberia and oblivion.)

Now as then, America cannot be used as a shorthand substitute for leftist incompetence, stupidity, and criminality. It is not America that has failed over the past nine months. The inhabitants of the Afghanistan clown car too have names, chief among them Joe Biden, along with Blinken, Milley, Austin, and not to forget Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, a strange and odious figure who spent the days of the evacuation lavishing praise upon the Taliban (stupendously good).

Looking at these examples, its clear that what we have in control of the country is what is called a kakistocracy  rule by the worst. Biden is well on his way to becoming the worst president on record (thus freeing the souls of Franklin Pierce and James Buchanan from limbo). For a military officer as corrupt as Milley wed need to go back to Benedict Arnold or James Wilkinson -- and even they may not provide an adequate comparison; better still might be one of the range of Latin generalissimos of the Stroessner or Galtieri school. As for Blinken -- there have been arrogant and incompetent secretaries of State in the record, but nothing like this weak sister with his wounded eyes, his dont-beat-me tone, his air of being completely out of the circuit.

And we can go straight down the line from there: Harris, Wray, Austin, Pelosi, Schumer Each is among the worst  if not the worst  to fill their current role as far as the record shows (well, Austin may still be a step above the repellent Robert McNamara, who sent dull-normal boys to die in the Vietnamese boondocks because he was too fearful to tap the college educated, but give him a week or two). What this means is that the American Left is too stupid, weak, and ineffectual to accomplish much of anything. Oh, theyre capable of stealing a wallet or votes, of conning the most half-witted of marks, but anything beyond that is beyond them. Theres not going to be a Great Reset, a socialist republic, or, for that matter, any successful effort to pull a failing presidential administration out of its tailspin. Theyre just not capable of it.

One of the major failings of socialism is that it must be emplaced in a single blow, the way that Lenin and his goons did in 1917. It cant be put into place gradually. Try that, and the flaws become obvious in short order. The sole means of correcting them is to abandon socialist policy. This has become clear in places such as the UK and Sweden. What were seeing now is an attempt by the American Left to emplace socialism in one bold move. Except that were not dealing with bold, dynamic, and brilliant individuals. Were dealing with Biden, with Harris, with Pelosi, with Lil Sandy, and so on. There are no Lenins or Trotskys here. Theyre a pack of clowns, people who couldnt make it through the first brief chapter of the 50-page Communist Manifesto, who think socialism is about unicorns and butterflies, people who are living through Marxs dictum that history repeats itself the first time as tragedy, the second as farce. All that we see occurring, that so many take as some kind of secular apocalypse, is no more than a byproduct of that halfwit farce.

No, the U.S. is not defeated, prostrate, or even in decline in any meaningful sense. What were seeing is simply another aspect of the failure of leftist policies. The flaw  the left-wing factor  is within. Once we remove that flaw  as occurred in 1980 with Reagan and 2016 with Trump  the country returns to default status: the U.S. as the sole superpower and the Earths reigning democratic republic. It is the left-wing kakistoocrats that are the problem. Eliminate that problem, and the picture changes completely.

Image: Pixabay

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We shall nobly save or meanly lose the last, best hope of earth. From President Lincolns annual message to Congress, 1862.

Victor David Hanson describes what is happening in America as two forces squeezing the life out of the American citizen. If one can imagine a nutcracker the crushing force of which is simultaneous, that is the feeling for over half of the American population. How can they mount a resistance when relentless compression is coming from the top down (woke turned weapon) and from the bottom up (banking turned Big Brother)?

Instinct tells us to take cover with familiar safeguards. Our routines are familiar safeguards. Our families and communities are familiar safeguards. Our governance systems are familiar safeguards. Call 911 for help. Ask to see the curriculum of your childs school. Write your congressman or senator.

At this moment in American life, however, we cannot fully count upon familiar safeguards. 911 may not be available. The police may be defunded in your community. The school board you thought had your childs best interest as its chief mission may have the exact opposite in mind. Get a copy of sex education materials produced by Planned Parenthood called Get Real and see exactly what your child is experiencing in many public schools, beginning in Kindergarten. The person you sent to Congress will send you a form letter thanking you for contacting his or her office and asking for future support.

Surely our Constitution is there to help us. Our federal Constitution, through its three co-equal branches, is supposed to protect the liberties with which our Creator has endowed us. We are endowed as individualsnot identity groupsto life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness among other things. No government has graciously granted us rights. Our rights come from God.

We have a right to our own associations. We have a right to personal privacy in our affairs. We have a right to raise our children and educate them as we, their parents, see fit. We have a right to resist being the walnut in the nutcracker that wicked and perverse forces are pulverizing.

While the above is true, and however grateful we are for the Blessings of Liberty, the Constitution cannot protect us where personal honor is absent. The Constitution is not meant to come to the rescue. The Constitution is meant to prevent rescue from being needed by requiring those entrusted to protect us to swear on their honor that they will restrain themselves from operating outside of its boundaries.

What, then, do we do if that Oath has been broken and honor in many of our national leaders does not exist?

We must rescue ourselves. We must rescue ourselves against great odds analogous to those at the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War. It takes real courage. The conditions in November 1950 in Korea were arctic. American troops, as part of the United Nations forces on the Korean Peninsula, were attempting to reach the Yalu River and reunite North and South Korea. The Chinese took a military stand to prevent it.

Three hundred thousand Chinese troops thwarted the UNs two-pronged attack. American commanders, unaware of the enemy forces strength, ordered our forces north to the river. The troops were stretched thin in the freezing cold. Night after night, Chinese troops encircled and stormed American positions. The terrain was brutala spine of steep hills and hairpin turns. Finally, with UN forces in retreat, one regimental combat team was stranded alone. Lt. Colonel Don C. Faith, Jr., took charge. For four days and nights, he fought superior numbers until his unit disintegrated under phosphorus grenades and unrelenting fire. He remained with his men and died in the cold atop his jeep.

Eventually, 670 men straggled to safety and another 319 were rescued. Their four days and nights of resistance gave UN forces the time needed to be evacuated by sea. Colonel Faith was left in North Korea in an unmarked grave. He was finally returned to the United States in 2013.

This is the heroism we need now. American citizens are still waiting to be evacuated from Afghanistan. The State Department criticizes those volunteers who are trying to help. The Commander-in-Chief has not given the order to rescue those abandoned. Therefore, we must rescue them by supporting those who are making the attempt.

Our country is being invaded by hundreds of thousands of persons of unknown character and health. In addition to COVID, diseases unknown in the United States for decades are entering our shores. The government is sending sociopaths, the mentally ill, and terrorists to live in our communities. Our federal laws do not allow persons to enter the country unvetted. Therefore, we must demand that the laws be faithfully executed and that Congress pass no new spending bills until the border is closed and an assessment can be made.

Colonel Faith was an American citizen whose behavior we should be able to recognize in each other. He refused a battlefield medal. He performed his duties with honor. It is hard to stand alone against forces that seem overwhelming. In being honorable today in America, we might lose friends. We might have to postpone personal priorities. We might have to take firm stands. We might have to change familiar routines. And we might find ourselves facing physical threats.

But it is up to We, the People, with inspiration from heroes like Colonel Faith and Abraham Lincoln, to nobly save the last, best hope on earth, not as they did, with actual battle, but simply by standing up for our convictions. The nutcracker forces attempting to squeeze the life out of America will have no power over a knowledgeable, courageous, and honorable citizenry. This is the call of duty behind the United States Constitution and the God-given rights it protects.

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The Biden administration just publicly announced that it will end Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents' workplace enforcement. This is a clear signal to employers to hire illegal aliens instead of legal U.S. residents because employers know they can pay the illegals substandard wages. As a result, illegals won't just be taking jobs that Americans supposedly don't want. They will push legally paid American workers out of jobs those American workers need to feed their families.

That will drive those fired American citizens onto welfare. Democrats love handcuffing workers to welfare because it gives them more control, especially at election time. After all, if the Democrats are giving you money to sit home and watch TV, why vote for someone who expects you to work?!

Hiring illegals is against federal law, but DHS secretary Alejandro Mayorkas's illegal policy change also creates an unfair criminal business advantage for companies hiring illegals. Since companies illegally hiring low-cost aliens can produce their goods and services more cheaply than companies paying legal wages to American citizens, those illegally operating companies have a huge business advantage over ethically and legally operating employers.

Bottom line: Mayorkas, the man who technically ensures that the border is secure, just greenlighted the employment abuse of both American citizens and illegal aliens. American citizens will lose their jobs to illegals, while the illegals will earn unlawfully low wages. At the same time, he encouraged American companies to violate federal law by hiring illegals. This is a unique accomplishment for the Biden team. Rarely does one action violate three laws, but this is a trifecta transgression by this administration.

This is also a change from typical Biden policies. In most cases, the Biden-Harris administration implements policies that punish American citizens and our friends to benefit our enemies. As an example, the Bidenistas continue to undercut and disarm Israel while at the same time the Taliban sells highly sophisticated U.S. weapons to Iran. I'm sure you have not forgotten that the mullahs openly call for the destruction of Israel and all Jews. Now the weapons Biden abandoned in Afghanistan will help Iran accomplish just that.

But this new policy is different. No one benefits. Rather than hurting us while helping our enemies, as Biden's policies usually do, this new policy hurts everyone. Americans get fired, while illegals get abused.

Isn't Biden's America great? Biden and Harris, now known in D.C. as Mumbles and Giggles, must be so proud.

Ed Sherdlu is the pen name of a former CBS television network reporter. He uses a pen name because his mother would be so embarrassed to know that Ed's 12-Step Journalism Recovery Program was a failure.

Image: ICE rounds up illegal aliens in Texas in 2018. YouTube screen grab.

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North Carolina's Republican lieutenant governor, Mark Robinson, found himself in the crosshairs of the LGBT mafia for daring to say that gay, transgender, and pedophilic porn in school libraries is filth. They responded as leftists always do when a Black person dares to oppose them: with unhinged racial attacks.

Gay porn has been creeping into America's public schools since the beginning of the Obama administration. Last year, there was a perfect storm that finally made American parents aware of what was going on. That storm was the coming together of Zoom learning for kids because of COVID; the upsurge of Critical Race Theory because of George Floyd's death; and transgender madness, which piggybacks on other "civil rights" matters.

Made aware that many schools were going far beyond reading, writing, and arithmetic, parents started delving into what was in classrooms and libraries, and they were shocked. Last month, an explosive school board meeting in Loudoun County, Virginia, highlighted gay porn in the schools' libraries.

Once made aware of this problem, Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson investigated what was in North Carolina's schools. He discovered the exact same gay porn, right down to a graphic novel with completely uncensored gay sodomy scenes involving pedophilia. There was also material encouraging elementary-school children to embrace the mental illness that is transgenderism.

Robinson rightly called that material "filth." As a reminder, in all American states, exposing minors to pornography is a felony  yet our schools get away with it by asserting that it's "educational" because it helps kids' "self-esteem," so anyone who objects is guilty of "homophobia" or "transphobia" (proving yet again that the best defense is a good offense).

As was to be expected, leftists are ferociously attacking Robinson. They cannot afford to have someone expose that they are sexualizing young children  something that may well have to do with one of the next agenda items for the extremists in the LGBT movement, and that's pedophilia.

Mainstreaming pedophilia started as a small movement in the 1970s. I still remember flyers around the U.C. Berkeley campus from the North American Man/Boy Love Association. Back then, even at Cal, everyone who saw the pamphlets was disgusted.

Now NAMBLA has its own website and, along with other groups and individuals, is relentlessly pushing to gain sympathy for pedophilia. (I'm loath to search for this information, since I know the government is spying on our searches, and I don't particularly want to get swept into some pedophile sting. I know, though, that I've seen articles in mainstream publications on this subject.)

But back to Robinson...

Robinson refused to apologize for calling gay porn in school libraries "filth" and published on Facebook a video detailing the kind of material he was describing in his original speech.

The attacks against Robinson from the left have been horrific. If you watch this video, you will hear phone messages and see emails that are so obscene and vile it will make you sick:

Those messages are a reminder that leftists are the most vicious racists in America. They don't really believe that Black Lives Matter. They believe that Black Votes Matter. Those Blacks who support them politically are treated with slavish sycophancy. But if you're Black and don't toe the party line, you will get race-based insults that would have done Democrat Sen. Robert Byrd proud during his days as an Exalted Cyclops in the KKK.

You can find here a small collection of race-based cartoons from the left against Condi Rice, Clarence Thomas, and Ben Carson. It's obvious that the vitriol directed against Robinson is standard operating procedure when Blacks have the temerity to advocate policies that are contrary to the leftist agenda.

Robinson's experience reveals the fatal flaw in the choice that American leftists made to abandon economic schisms as their way to achieve power and, instead, to use identity group politics. Once you've created a huge collection of disparate victim groups, you'll discover that they dislike each other intensely. It's like the victim group version of the old Kingston Trio's "Merry Little Minuet" song.

Among leftists, transgenders and gays hate women, Blacks and Hispanics hate each other, Palestinian activists and Blacks hate the Jews, LBGTers hate Blacks (who aren't sympathetic to their cause). The only group that America's leftists all hate with equal ferocity is straight, White, non-leftist men. If conservatives were smart, they'd figure out a way to exploit these internal schisms and destroy the political left once and for all.

Image: Mark Robinson and race hatred from the left. YouTube screen grab.

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Lefties love to talk about greed and "equity," but they never seem to notice its phenomenal growth in the one-party rule of their blue cities.

Here's the story from Los Angeles as the New York Post reports:

A Los Angeles City Council member and the former dean of the University of Southern California's School of Social Work were indicted Wednesday in connection with a scheme in which the pol allegedly promised to steer lucrative contracts to the school if it gave his son a scholarship and a professorship. Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas, 66, and Marilyn Louise Flynn, 83, were expected to be arraigned in the coming days on charges of conspiracy, bribery, honest services mail fraud and honest services wire fraud. They face decades in prison if convicted of all charges. "This indictment charges a seasoned lawmaker who allegedly abused the public's trust by taking official actions to benefit his family member and himself," Acting US Attorney Tracy L. Wilkison said in a statement. "The corrupt activities alleged in the indictment were facilitated by a major university's high-ranking administrator whose desire for funding apparently trumped notions of integrity and fair play."

This one's interesting because Ridley-Thomas was no two-bit politician in Los Angeles. He was a powerful county supervisor for many years before moving into his current slot at the Los Angeles City Council. Both positions pay much more than any federal position supposedly above them, which is likely why a lot of Democrat federal elected officials, such as former Reps. Janice Hahn and Hilda Solis, to take two examples, have moved back into Los Angeles blue-city politics, in their cases as county supervisors following careers in the House. A Los Angeles County supervisor makes $214,601 a year plus gargantuan bennies. A lowly congressional representative makes "only" $174,000 a year along with the bennies. Some jobs pay better than others. On paper, at least, Ridley-Thomas took home $224,000, along with the bennies.

It wasn't enough.

In what's been called a "political earthquake," it turns out he was caught taking at least one bribe that we know of, according to the FBI indictment, from the now-former dean of the University of Southern California's school of social work, Marilyn Louise Flynn. His price was steep: $100,000 plus admission with a full scholarship to the school for his worthless son (who was being drummed out of the state assembly for sex harassment), complete with a professorship at the university afterward. It's actually not known if he completed that degree on that full scholarship, according to news reports, but it is well known that university professorships are convenient dumping grounds for wokester leftists who ought to be pariahs. This little fellow did pretty well for himself at the University of Texas, as did Hunter Biden, another disgraced junior who "taught" at Tulane University. So did Ridley-Thomas's handsy son. In return, Ridley-Thomas would kick over city contracts to the school instead of holding fair competitions for them with the private sector.

Rigging? Lots of rigging. And if the dean was doing this for the school instead of herself, then others above her may be involved.

Meanwhile  and Los Angeles Times metro reporter Julie Wick on Twitter notes the irony  Ridley-Thomas has a Ph.D. in "ethics" from the University of Southern California. It sounds as though maybe his involvement with the school in those profitable ways he likes might just go a little farther than his paycheck with the dean.

It's disgusting. Ridley-Thomas is actually the third big Los Angeles city politician to go down like the Titanic. Other big-daddy council members, Jose Huizar and Mitch Englander were indicted on comparable corruption charges in the last few years. It's almost as if we now just wait for the rest of them to get it. Peter Schweizer, in his latest book, Profiles in Corruption: Abuse of Power by America's Progressive Elite, lists Los Angeles's mayor, Eric Garcetti, as one of his eight, alongside the Biden family mafia, Kamala Harris, and Bernie Sanders, so it could easily go as far as Garcetti.

What's more, this information about Ridley-Thomas was already pretty well known. The Los Angeles Times exposed some of the activity around the worthless son three years ago.

Times Investigation: Mark Ridley-Thomas, his son and the USC School of Social Work. Years of stories reveal the layers of corruption https://t.co/nU7FPwOCNi  Richard Winton (@LAcrimes) October 14, 2021

A big part of the problem is all the cash sloshing around in the blue cities as congressional Democrats ramped up their stimulus packages  these date to the Obama era and involve huge cash transfers to corrupt blue-city machinery as well as pension and other bailouts. Joe Biden, who's calling for more money-shoveling through his $3.5-trillion budget "reconciliation" package and his $1-trillion infrastructure package, is happy to grease these corruption skids along.

Meanwhile, over in academia, the cash has flowed, too. The University of Southern California finds itself in the midst of yet another scandal. They've had three scandals already involving the blue-city elites and admissions, protections of perverts and dissolute behavior, plus their involvement with Harvey Weinstein. Now they've got a political bribery, admissions, and sinecure scandal with this Ridley-Thomas and Flynn case.

What do we have here? A press corps that tries to do its job can't get traction. We have a slow-moving law enforcement mechanism and one-party blue-city rule, where no one sees anything, apparently because these people are all so busy trying to make their own piles. Meanwhile, federal cash flows in like gasoline to a burning Democrat dumpster, and the corruption cases keep coming. And all along, the homeless crisis, the jobs crisis, the failing infrastructure, and the high crime in the city and county of Los Angeles continue.

If this isn't an argument to voters at least to take a look at how to end this Petri dish of corruption found in blue-city rule and start voting for some party that won't steal, what is?

Image: Neon Tommy via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.

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Another Columbus Day has come and gone. Although it was "celebrated" with the usual vitriol and outraged "wokeism" concerning the Italian explorer's alleged "genocide" against the natives, one influential voice came to Columbus's defense: on October 11, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a proclamation, an excerpt of which follows:

Columbus stands a singular figure in Western Civilization, who exemplified courage, risk-taking, and heroism in the face of enormous odds; as a visionary who saw the possibilities of exploration beyond Europe; and as a founding father who laid the foundation for what would one day become the United States of America, which would commemorate Columbus by naming its federal district after him.

All this is true. Columbus stands for and is a reminder of something else that is little known and often forgotten: he was a crusader  an avowed enemy of the jihad. His expeditions were, first and foremost, about circumventing and ultimately retaliating against the Islamic sultanates surrounding and terrorizing Europe  not just finding spices.

When he was born, the then more than 800-year-old war with Islam  or rather defense against jihad  was at an all-time high. In 1453, when Columbus was two years old, the Turks finally sacked Constantinople, an atrocity-laden event that rocked Christendom to its core.

Over the following years, the Muslims continued making inroads deep into the Balkans, leaving much death and destruction in their wake, with millions of Slavs enslaved. (Yes, the two words are etymologically connected, and for this very reason.)

In 1480, the Turks even managed to invade Columbus's native Italy, where, in the city of Otranto, they ritually beheaded 800 Christians  and sawed their archbishop in half  for refusing to embrace Islam.

It was in this context that Spain's monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella  themselves avowed crusaders, especially the queen, who concluded the centuries-long Reconquista of Spain by liberating Granada of Islam in 1492  took Columbus into their service.

They funded his ambitious voyage in an effort to launch, in the words of historian Louis Bertrand, "a final and definite Crusade against Islam by way of the Indies" (which of course went awry and culminated in the incidental founding of the New World).

Many Europeans were convinced that if only they could reach the peoples east of Islam  who if not Christian were at least "not as yet infected by the Mahometan plague," to quote Pope Nicholas V  together they could crush Islam between them. (The plan was centuries old and connected to the legend of Prester John, a supposedly great Christian monarch reigning in the East who would one day march westward and avenge Christendom by destroying Islam.)

All this comes out clearly in Columbus's own letters. In one, he refers to Ferdinand and Isabella as "enemies of the wretched sect of Mohammet" who are "resolve[d] to send me to the regions of the Indies, to see [how the people thereof can help in the war effort]." In another written to the monarchs after he reached the New World, Columbus offers to raise an army "for the war and conquest of Jerusalem."

Nor were Spain and Columbus the first to implement this strategy. Once Portugal was cleared of Islam in 1249, its military orders launched into Muslim Africa. "The great and overriding motivation behind [Prince] Henry the Navigator [b. 1394]'s explosive energy and expansive intellect," writes historian George Grant, "was the simple desire to take the cross  to carry the crusading sword over to Africa and thus to open a new chapter in Christendom's holy war against Islam." He launched all those discovery voyages because "he sought to know if there were in those parts any Christian princes," who "would aid him against the enemies of the faith," to quote a contemporary.

Does all this make Columbus and by extension Ferdinand and Isabella  not to mention the whole of Christendom  "Islamophobes," as those few modern critics who mention this Islamic backdrop often accuse?

The answer is yes  but not in the way that word is used today. While the Greek word phobos has always meant "fear," its usage today implies "irrational fear." However, considering that, for nearly a thousand years before Columbus, Islam had repeatedly attacked Christendom to the point of swallowing up three-quarters of its original territory, including for centuries Spain; that Islam's latest iteration, in the guise of the Ottoman Turks, was during Columbus's era devastating the Balkans and Mediterranean; and that, even centuries after Columbus, Islam was still terrorizing the West  marching onto Vienna with 200,000 jihadis in 1683 and provoking America into its first war as a nation  the very suggestion that historic Christian fears of Islam were "irrational" is itself the height of irrationalism.

Note: The above account on Columbus was excerpted from and is documented in the author's Sword and Scimitar: Fourteen Centuries of War between Islam and the West. Raymond Ibrahim is a Shillman Fellow at the David Horowitz Freedom Center, a Judith Rosen Friedman Fellow at the Middle East Forum, and a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Gatestone Institute.

Image via Pixabay.

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I've never watched The View other than clips of notable segments offering a glimpse into the minds of female progressive media people. One such four-minute mini-discussion took place Tuesday that, I think, reveals that the gun-grabbers have lost the battle for control of the narrative on gun ownership. Gun ownership by Blacks is rapidly expanding in the wake of the George Floyd riots and the demonization of police that has led to a spike in violent crime in most major cities.

Joy Behar introduced a segment on more Black females buying guns, and a member of the panel, actress Sherri Shepherd, who was a former cast member and is now filling in for Meghan McCain, announced she had purchased a 9 mm gun. The audience laughed a bit nervously, but she elaborated that during the quarantine, she had felt helpless, especially when "a march" was announced in her neighborhood.

She went on to explain that she received firearms safety training and that she practices shooting with her girlfriends. And she purchased the gun, as did some other actresses with her, at one of two Black-owned gun shops in California and felt "empowered."

In other words, she is a responsible gun owner (though, possibly as a joke, she states that she keeps her gun in "a drawer with my special toys," not locked up as it should be in a household with a child, her 16-year-old son, Jeffrey). Nobody commented on that.

What followed revealed that the progressives are more or less giving up on gun control. There was no derision at all. The next cast member to speak, Sunny Hostin, mentioned the dangers to family members  something that happens when gun-owners are insufficiently trained  but mentioned "white supremacy" as the biggest domestic danger according to the FBI, implicitly endorsing the notion that Black people need to be able to defend themselves (especially from Whites).

Ms. Hostin stated that her Black girlfriends are also getting guns. She mentioned Breonna Taylor and defending against "radicals" (by which I assume she meant White racists). I kind of doubt that Ms. Sheppard was worried about KKK marches, but Hostin was searching for some way of avoiding attacking Blacks for owning guns and cast the trend as a reaction to White racism.

What really struck me was Joy Behar citing the history of gun control as a means of keeping Blacks disarmed, which is historically true in the South, when the armed wing of the Democrats, the KKK, terrorized Blacks and kept them segregated and subservient. But she claimed that in the 1960s, the NRA sought gun control as a means of keeping Blacks disarmed as racial tensions grew. Behar even predicted that now that Blacks are buying firearms, we'll see more gun control efforts! I doubt she'll be joining the NRA anytime soon, but casting gun control as racist has got to please them.

Behar also stated, "If I got a gun, I'd shoot myself. I'd shoot myself in the foot, I'm such a klutz."

So the fallback position seems to be that White racism is so dangerous that Blacks need to arm themselves, and it would be racist to stop them, but it's still dangerous to own guns.

All photos: YouTube screen grabs.

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One of the wonders of the modern age is that fossil fuel allows us to avoid freezing in the winter and overheating in the summer. Climate change fanatics, however, who ignore that the Earth's climate has cycled endlessly between hot and cold for billions of years, desperately want to return us to a pre-modern state. Their efforts are paying off, for the U.S. government is warning of a 54% increase in winter heating bills.

Upon entering the Oval Office, Biden immediately shut down the Keystone Pipeline and ended new drilling on federal lands. While Trump had brought America to energy independence and affordable energy, Biden reduced America to a vassal of oil-producing countries.

Thanks to this policy, gasoline prices keep climbing. In my neighborhood, they've increased by almost 78% in just nine months. The same is true everywhere.

Like all Biden policies, this is devastating for the middle and working classes, for it doesn't just make commuting more expensive; it increases the price of every single item in America. Fuel is needed for farming, manufacturing, shipping, wholesaling, and retailing. Every aspect of life becomes more expensive when fuel prices rise, with the middle and working classes bearing the ultimate burden.

All of this is in the name of fighting alleged climate change. That is a faith, not a science. We humans can pollute, and I believe we have a moral obligation to keep our environment clean and healthy, but the whole climate change theory is a joke and a bad one at that.

But around the world, not just in America, energy production has been collapsing thanks to various governments' misguided anti-fossil fuel policy. Smart governments would have invested in making fossil fuel cleaner. Stupid governments, which means all of them, decided to focus on renewables that will never be able to replace fossil fuels. (Only nuclear power will, but lefties make sure nobody has that, either.) UPDATE: Even China's Xi Jinping foolishly opted for carbon neutrality over clean-burning fossil fuel.

With winter coming, the price we're paying for this mass stupidity is going to be high. Very high:

With prices surging worldwide for heating oil, natural gas and other fuels, the U.S. government said Wednesday it expects households to see their heating bills jump as much as 54% compared to last winter. Nearly half the homes in the U.S. use natural gas for heat, and they could pay an average $746 this winter, 30% more than a year ago. Those in the Midwest could get particularly pinched, with bills up an estimated 49%, and this could be the most expensive winter for natural-gas heated homes since 2008-2009. The second-most used heating source for homes is electricity, making up 41% of the country, and those households could see a more modest 6% increase to $1,268. Homes using heating oil, which make up 4% of the country, could see a 43% increase  more than $500  to $1,734. The sharpest increases are likely for homes that use propane, which account for 5% of U.S. households. This winter is forecast to be slightly colder across the country than last year. That means people will likely be burning more fuel to keep warm, on top of paying more for each bit of it. If the winter ends up being even colder than forecast, heating bills could be higher than estimated, and vice-versa.

This will be a worldwide disaster, especially coming on top of all the COVID lockdowns, which, by depriving people of fresh air and exercise and leaving them broke and depressed, has weakened the world population. The fact is that, for all the decades-long hysteria about global warming, it's cold that kills (if one believes a 2015 Lancet study):

Cold weather is 20 times as deadly as hot weather, and it's not the extreme low or high temperatures that cause the most deaths, according to a study published Wednesday. [snip] The study  published in the British journal The Lancet  analyzed data on more than 74 million deaths in 13 countries between 1985 and 2012. Of those, 5.4 million deaths were related to cold, while 311,000 were related to heat.

Biden will not suffer. Just as Obama kept the White House at a toasty 75 while his policies left Americans in the cold, expect Biden to do the same. And at home in Delaware, this man, who got fabulously wealthy in politics (it pays to have a bagman for a son), can keep the house as warm as he wants.

It's the rest of us who need to worry. Stock up on warm clothes and blankets if you can. The collapse of America's supply system may mean that just when you need those things most, the cupboards will be bare.

I'm going to end the post as more and more of the writers submitting articles to American Thinker do: God help us.

Image: Outdoor thermometer. Public domain.

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Thankfully, more and more right-minded Americans are standing up against foolish and useless Wuhan Virus mask mandates across the U.S. Here's another great example, this time from the Fulton County, GA school district  one of the largest and most liberal in the state:

Epic takedown of the #MaskMandate at @FultonCoSchools - this student lets the entire school board know how #masks are ruining school pic.twitter.com/88hb4DNxI6  Philip Holloway    (@PhilHollowayEsq) October 12, 2021

As encouraging as it is to see this, too many Americans are still ignoring the foolish and unnecessary "contact tracing" and subsequent quarantining of healthy students across the U.S. Tragically, millions of U.S. students have missed significant in-person schooling because of the ignorant quarantining policies across numerous U.S. school districts. A recent Yahoo News/YouGov poll found that 23 percent of U.S. parents reported that their children had been sent home from school as a result of Wuhan Virus quarantining policies.

There are approximately 56 million K-12 students in U.S. public and private schools. Thus, the number of students forced to quarantine is almost certainly well into the millions. In most of these cases, the students are not sick. They were merely deemed to have been "in close contact" with a "COVID-positive" person.

Additionally, the "COVID-positive" individual is often not sick. He has merely been the victim of a positive Wuhan Virus test result. This is especially the case with K12 students. Even if otherwise healthy K12 students are sick, often their symptoms are quite minor, and they are back to normal within a few days.

As I, and many others like-minded, have frequently pointed out these past 18 months, when it comes to young, healthy individuals, the data have long made clear that the Wuhan Virus presents virtually zero danger. Recently, it was reported that Los Angeles County  home to the second-largest school district in the U.S.  health officials announced that school districts now have the option to change their close-contact quarantine policies. This is because

in total, nearly 2% of all staff and students countywide have been identified as a close contact of a case since the school year began. Data to date indicates that very few of the identified close contacts have subsequently tested positive, according to [public health director Barbara] Ferrer. As of last week, among the almost 30,000 people that ended up quarantined, 63 tested positive. [Emphasis mine.] "This amounts to what we call a secondary attack rate of 0.2%," Ferrer said, calling the figure "extraordinarily low."

Given that we're talking about Los Angeles County, even this modified policy is filled with ignorant, anti-science nonsense. (For example, students in "modified quarantine" need to "continue to always wear a mask indoors, outdoors and on the school bus, except for when they're eating and drinking.") However, it is telling that one of the most liberal places in the U.S. would publicly (and finally) admit what is really happening with kids and COVID and subsequently change its Wuhan Virus quarantine policy.

All contact tracing and quarantining of healthy students in all U.S. schools should end immediately. The data demand it.

Trevor Grant Thomas: At the Intersection of Politics, Science, Faith, and Reason.

www.trevorgrantthomas.com

Trevor is the author of the The Miracle and Magnificence of America.

tthomas@trevorgrantthomas.com

Image: qimono via Pixabay, Pixabay License.

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Michael Regan is the administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency. His job makes him a subset of the Executive Branch, but you'd never know that from his threat to Congress: if the legislators don't give him the legislation he wants, he'd go ahead and do what he wants without them. This is a shocking usurpation of legislative authority, but it's par for the course in Biden's Washington, D.C.

When our Founders drafted the Constitution, they were excessively concerned lest one branch of government gain disproportionate power, turning into a tyranny. The Constitution, therefore, spreads out power among the Executive, the Legislative, and the Judicial Branches, with each institution checking the power of the two others.

However, in the ensuing 240 years, America gained something the Founders never imagined: an administrative state that, while ostensibly part of the Executive Branch, has also taken on the legislative powers of a lazy Congress that is big on showboating and small on doing the hard work of actually governing. Most of the rules that burden Americans, whether individually or through their businesses, come from the uncontrolled, permanent, hard-left regulatory state.

I don't have access to the Washington Post, which wrote about Regan's ultimatum (giving it my money is an unpalatable thought), but I do have access to Daniel Greenfield's FrontPage Magazine blog post about this story. He has quoted from the article, and its contents are shocking. According to WaPo (which, you'll recall, is a fan of the Deep State, which helped get rid of WaPo's nemesis, Trump, and return to the White House Obama's Third Term):

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan says he's willing to wield broad regulatory power to enact President Biden's climate agenda if Congress fails to pass meaningful climate legislation.

Think about that: the Constitution is quite clear about who, in the federal government, has sole legislative power. Here it is, in Section 1 of Article I:

All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.

There's nothing ambiguous about that language. Yet Michael Regan, a man no American elected, who's spent his entire life as a government functionary without a single experience in the private sector, has announced to Congress that he plans to usurp that institution's unique power.

And Regan's not talking about massaging some rules around the edges. Oh, no. He wants the whole enchilada, including a lot of taxpayer money and rules that will profoundly damage America's middle class:

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are debating a wide-ranging social spending bill that contains climate provisions aimed at slashing planet-warming pollution and boosting clean energy. But Democrats are battling over the price tag, and some climate provisions are bound to go. That doesn't faze Regan, who said the EPA's forthcoming regulations will help achieve Biden's overarching goal of reducing emissions 50 to 52 percent by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. What Regan's proposing is entirely unconstitutional. He's already conceded through his statements before Congress that making these changes is a legislative job. If Regan unilaterally imposes expensive, economy-killing regulations, Republicans, once they regain control over Congress (and, at the rate Democrats are going, they will), should immediately impeach Regan under the terms of Art. II, Section 4 of the Constitution (emphasis mine): The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.

After all, given that the EPA has no legislative authority  and Regan has already conceded that the authority for this matter rests with Congress  I can't think of anything that more perfectly represents a "serious dereliction of duty."

The sad thing is that we know that this will never happen. Republicans love being in the opposition, which allows them to whine and collect money from angry voters. However, once in power, the last time Republicans worked for Americans was Newt Gingrich's Contract with America, almost thirty years ago. We know that if they do regain Congress, even if they have a supermajority, making impeaching the whole lawless administration possible, they'll do nothing at all.

Image: Michael Regan. YouTube screen grab.

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Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Scheller, USMC has been charged with six violations of the UCMJ, the Uniform Code of Military Justice, surrounding his criticism of Joe Biden and the many generals involved in the disastrous Afghanistan pullout. He will be tried by a special court-martial. A Marine spokesman said Scheller has been charged with Article 88 (contempt toward officials), Article 89 (disrespect toward superior commissioned officers), Article 90 (willfully disobeying a superior commissioned officer), Article 92 (dereliction in the performance of duties), Article 92 (failure to obey order or regulation), and Article 133 (conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman).

Since my fellow Marines are not known for backing down in any engagement, either individually or as a Corps, the special court-martial is shaping up to be a historic symbolic test of the famous question: what happens when an immovable object meets an unstoppable force?

LTC Scheller, in his own words, is the immovable object, as expressed in his letter of resignation to the secretary of the Navy  "a lack of trust and confidence in your ability to lead" with a CC to the commandant of the Marine Corps.

With respect to the actual charges, the unstoppable force, the Biden national security team, has already made two preliminary moves against LTC Scheller.

The first, as explained in American Thinker, was going "full Soviet" with a psychological evaluation. One moment, he is the battalion C.O. of a very prestigious Marine infantry training unit. After demanding that senior leaders be held accountable for the worst defeat in American military history, he is tarred in public, forced to undergo an evaluation of his mental health.

In the second round of their being unstoppable, it's personified by his being sent to the brig at a most fortunate time for those he called out:

Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller is confined to the brig because, to put it in Marine speak, he would not "STFU" about holding leaders accountable.

I will leave it to others to critique his court-martial because I do not have a law degree, although I served on a court-martial board many years ago.

Knowledgeable former military lawyers, along with those who are often called "sea" or "barracks" lawyers  members of the military and veterans without law degrees  along with those I call "cubicle commandos," opinionated civilians who never served, will all have a say in our 21st-century social commentary information outlets  so let them have at it.

Round 2 against LTC Scheller was his brig confinement. As told to me by a highly respected former Marine lawyer, it was highly improper. He was muzzled, as the three current leaders of the Department of Defense were called to Capitol Hill to testify about their failed tactical and strategic leadership in the Afghan war.

I was told the secretary of defense and the secretary of the Navy were highly upset with the outspoken Marine, so he had to be silenced in the brig as Generals Kenneth McKenzie and Mark Milley and Secretary Lloyd Austin offered a defense taken from an old Seinfeld episode: "We took command, and then yada, yada, yada, we lost the war."

The perhaps as yet to be discovered improper command influence in UCMJ procedures may also play out, as the danger for the prosecution is simple. The "unstoppable" UCMJ leadership team is very careful not to go full-on Soviet across the board, in the matter of imitating the famous quote from the USSR Stalin years:

However, since life is a protracted process, the power balance in the symbolic question will shift after the court-martial to focus on the immovable truth of this Marine lieutenant colonel's accusations.

All the evidence, unlike the way the charges are specified in the UCMJ world, are already readable in a different court, the court of public opinion, because we Americans, when all is said and done, recognize that the truth is the truth.

Two men I have real respect for and know, bring tremendous credibility to the Afghan war issues in play now and for many years to come.

John Sopko is the special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction and a smart individual with the courage of his convictions to report on what was really occurring in Afghanistan while military commanders were giving their continuous "furry bunnies and unicorn" speeches about a path to victory.

As reported on NPR, and please note that an embedded link goes to all his many I.G. reports:

Sopko said his agency released multiple reports and he testified more than 50 times to sound the warning in the last decade. "I mean, we've been shining a light on it in multiple reports going back to when I started [in] 2012 about changing metrics, about ghosts, ghost soldiers who didn't exist, about poor logistics, about the fact that the Afghans couldn't sustain what we were giving them," he said. "So these reports have come out." The speed with which the Taliban overtook Afghanistan "maybe is a little bit of a surprise," Sopko said. But "the fact that the ANDSF [Afghan National Defense and Security Forces] could not fight on their own should not have been a surprise to anyone."

My other friend, whom my OSD Office of International Technology Security (ITS) sent forward to run all security for the Iraq Ministry of Transportation, is James Durso. Like John Sopko, Jim is on a commendable quest for the truth, possessing detailed knowledge of how the government and military really work as well as the moral and intellectual courage to engage in public debate, by asking a simple question in a prescient article: "Public Service or Self-Service?"

The twenty years since 9/11 have seen a surge in enrichment opportunities for former high-ranking military officers, diplomats, and intelligence officials. Retired generals and admirals have joined the boards of defense contractors, the current U.S. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin of Raytheon, and his predecessor, James Mattis of General Dynamics, being prime examples. A 2012 study found that from 2009 to 2011, 76 of 108 top officers took contractor positions, and an earlier review found that from 2004-2008, "80 percent of retiring three- and four-star officers went to work as consultants or defense executives." Several served on the Defense Policy Board while in the employ of contractors.

When the court-martial of LTC Scheller ends, the quote I learned to announce an engagement as a naval aviator and former Marine fighter pilot is simple and direct for the coming very public debate to determine who lost the Afghan war and the commensurate need for accountability: "fights on."

Image: Public record, fair use.

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Jabuticaba is a Brazilian grape tree found in the states of Minas Gerias and Sao Paulo, in the south of Brazil. The fruit grows directly from the trunk and branches of the tree, which gives the Jabuticaba tree a very unusual appearance. The fruit itself is a small and round, about 3 to 4 cm in diameter, with one to four large seeds, a thick, deep purple colored skin and a sweet, white or rosy pink gelatinous flesh. Naturally the tree may flower and fruit only once or twice a year, but when continuously irrigated it flowers frequently, and fresh fruit can be available year round in tropical regions. During Jabuticaba season in Minas Gerais, thousands of street vendors sell fresh Jabuticaba in small net bags, and the sidewalks and streets are stained the same deep purple by discarded Jabuticaba skins.

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Jabuticaba is largely eaten fresh, but because the fruit starts to ferment just 3-4 days after harvest, they are often used to make jams, tarts, strong wines, and liqueurs. Due to the extremely short shelf-life, fresh Jabuticaba fruit is very rare in markets outside of areas of cultivation. The fruit also has many medicinal uses. Traditionally, an astringent decoction of the sun-dried skins has been used as a treatment for hemoptysis, asthma, diarrhoea, and gargled for chronic inflammation of the tonsils. It also has several potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory anti-cancer compounds.

Although the Jabuticaba grows in most regions of Brazil, its found mostly in Minas Gerias. Its association with the state is so strong that the Jabuticaba tree appears on the coat of arms of the city of Contagem, and another city in Minas Gerais, Sabara, hosts a Jabuticaba festival annually.

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Sources: Wikipedia, Flavors of Brazil
With the Pixel 6 release just around the corner, Qualcomm has decided to take a swipe at Google for foregoing its Snapdragon SoC with the new flagship. As most of you know, Google developed a new chipset known as Google Tensor for the Pixel 6 series.

Clearly, this isnt going down well with Qualcomm as evidenced by a tweet posted by the company. The tweet reads (via)  Weve decided to make our own smartphone SoC instead of using Snapdragon, followed by a series of red flags.

Red flags are a relatively new phenomenon on the internet. Users make a statement or comment with sarcastic overtones as a critique of something. To make it apparent, they add a bunch of red flag emojis to the message.

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With that out of the way, Qualcomm wants us to think that Googles Tensor chip is a bad idea. Although the company doesnt name Google specifically, it doesnt take a genius to understand what the chip maker is trying to say.

Every Pixel phone so far has used a Snapdragon SoC, but thats changing with the Pixel 6

Qualcomm is understandably frustrated about all the potential good press Googles new chip could receive. Meanwhile, Samsung has its own line of chipsets under the Exynos moniker, though the company also utilizes Snapdragon SoCs for its devices. So Qualcomms irritation is understandable, though it comes across as being overly sour.

For Google, developing its own chipset makes a great deal of sense. Thanks to Tensor, Google will have more control over the software features it wants to implement. It is the end of an era for Qualcomm, though, since it has been involved with every Pixel phone launched so far.

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Its unclear how the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro would fare with Google Tensor, though theres a general sense of positivity surrounding the new flagships. Fortunately, we dont have to wait long to find out as Google will unveil the two flagships in less than a week from now.

Qualcomm will continue to churn out chipsets for Android smartphones in the near future. However, losing a major client like Google can be disappointing for the company.

Developing a smartphone chipset is a first for Google. However, the company designs its own chips for Google Cloud servers, so its not new to this field. Previous reports have suggested that Samsung will mass-produce the Tensor chipset for Google.
ROME - A Carabinieri raid on Wednesday afternoon freed a 25-year-old Briton who had been held for around eight days in an apartment at Monte San Giusto near Macerata in Marche, sources said Thursday.



The police arrested four people, three men and a woman, two of them foreigners with residency permits and two of them Italian, all resident in the Macerata area.



The young man had been on holiday in Italy for months and the alleged kidnapping gang had asked for a ransom of just 7,000 euros, police said.



The probe into the case used input from Britain's National Crime Agency, which leads the UK's fight to cut serious and organised crime.



The young man was said to be in good physical condition but "very worn out psychologically" by his ordeal.



He is now in a protected location.



He was found handcuffed and barefoot in one of the apartment's rooms, under the constant guard of the four people arrested.
BEIRUT - Six were killed and 30 injured in clashes that broke out Thursday morning in Beirut between fighters of the Shia armed groups Amal and Hezbollah and not-better-identified armed men and "snipers".



Lebanese media cited these figures, which were provided by the Red Cross.



Hundreds of representatives of the Shia Amal movement, led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, had arranged to meet at the Tayyoune roundabout in the southern part of the city to then head towards the palace of justice not far away as part of a protest against an investigation underway into the explosion at the Beirut port on August 4, 2020.



The Amal protestors, recognisable from the emblems printed on their shirts and jackets, shot Kalashnikov rounds into the air that were heard across the entire nearby areas of Badaro and Tayyoune, an ANSA journalist in the area reported. The journalist added that at least two grenades shot from rocket launchers exploded near the Tayyoune roundabout.



The military then deployed to the aera of the clashes, between the Ayn Remmane and Shiyah zones, divided by the Tayyoune roundabout, where the Army reports there is now tense calm.



In recent days, a former minister and Amal representative was charged in the investigation into the Beirut port explosion, which killed 291 people.

Hezbollah and Amal say snipers started clashes

BEIRUT - The Lebanese militias Hezbollah and Amal, both linked to political parties, say that "snipers" fired at those protesting from the two groups on Thursday, starting the ongoing clashes. In a joint statement, Hezbollah and Amal spoke out against the "aggression" by "organized armed groups".

According to the two Shia parties, close to Iran and the Syrian government, "the aggression aims to push the country towards sedition on a religious basis". Hezbollah and Amal media claim that the ongoing clashes began after "snipers shot at the heads" of protestors. They added that the snipers were "positioned on the buildings in front" of the Tayyoune roundabout, in the buildings of the Ayn Remmane area, a stronghold of Maronite Christian groups that are rivals of the two Shia movements, who instead have a stronghold in the Shiyah area next to it.
GAZA - The military wing of the Islamic Jihad, Saray al-Quds, on Thursday declared a maximum state of alert among its militants in Gaza to support a hunger strike that began on Wednesday by 100 of their fellow fighters detained in Israel.



On Wednesday, Islamic Jihad leader Ziad Nahala warned from Beirut that the movement is determined to support the protest, including through force.



"We are announcing that we are now in maximum mobilization," the military wing noted, saying that "now we are awaiting orders".



Local source in Gaza City say there is no particular tension, for now, there.
Lebanon's Hezbollah and Amal say snipers started clashes Militants of Shia armed groups deny opening fire

(ANSAmed) - BEIRUT, OCT 14 - The Lebanese militias Hezbollah and Amal, both linked to political parties, say that "snipers" fired at those protesting from the two groups on Thursday, starting the ongoing clashes.



In a joint statement, Hezbollah and Amal spoke out against the "aggression" by "organized armed groups".



According to the two Shia parties, close to Iran and the Syrian government, "the aggression aims to push the country towards sedition on a religious basis".



Hezbollah and Amal media claim that the ongoing clashes began after "snipers shot at the heads" of protestors.



They added that the snipers were "positioned on the buildings in front" of the Tayyoune roundabout, in the buildings of the Ayn Remmane area, a stronghold of Maronite Christian groups that are rivals of the two Shia movements, who instead have a stronghold in the Shiyah area next to it.



(ANSAmed). (ANSAMed).




Health Secretary Sajid Javid has said he is sorry for the losses and suffering which have occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Following a highly critical report by MPs into the Governments response to the outbreak, Mr Javid  who took up the post in June  said it is important that lessons are learned.

His comments came after Cabinet colleague Stephen Barclay repeatedly refused to apologise for Government failings during the crisis.

Mr Javid said of course he is sorry for the suffering people have endured as a result of the pandemic.

But he said he is not in a position yet to say exactly what decisions could have been improved.

Asked on BBC Breakfast if he is sorry for the failures that occurred, the Health Secretary said: Yes, of course Im sorry.

Obviously I am new in the role, but on behalf of the Government I am sorry for, during the pandemic, anyone that suffered, especially anyone that lost a loved one, a mother, a dad, a brother, a sister, a friend. Of course I am sorry for that.

Also, all those people that may not have lost someone but they are still suffering  there are many people sadly suffering from long Covid, we still dont know the impact of that. Of course I am.

There will be lessons to learn from this pandemic for this Government, for governments across the world, there will be lessons. It is important that is done.

(PA Graphics)

There is going to be a public inquiry and I think that is the best place to learn these lessons.

Asked what mistakes he was apologising for, Mr Javid told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: I dont know all the lessons that we are going to have to learn about this. I dont think anyone does at this point.

I think the best place to determine those will be the independent public inquiry.

Pressed again on what the Government got wrong, he said: What I am saying sorry for is the loss that people have suffered and how they have been affected.

I dont think Im in a position yet to go back and look at every decision that was made and how we can learn from that.

Bereaved families deserve better than this. They must be given a voice in the public inquiry and it must begin now. 2/2  Ed Davey MP  (@EdwardJDavey) October 14, 2021

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said it was simply astonishing that Mr Javid has apologised but cant say what for.

How about saying sorry to the NHS staff left wearing bin bags as PPE, or those who lost relatives in care homes because of a lack of testing, he said.

Bereaved families deserve better than this. They must be given a voice in the public inquiry and it must begin now.

On Wednesday, Cabinet Office minister Mr Barclay repeatedly refused to apologise for the Governments actions.

He said: It was an unprecedented pandemic, we were learning about it as we went through, and of course, with hindsight, theres things we know about it now that we didnt know at the time.
A British teacher who works with visually impaired children is in the final of the Global Teacher Prize.

David Swanston, deputy principal at St Vincents School in Liverpool, is in contention for winning one million US dollars (730,000) after making the top 10 for the worlds best teacher award.

The Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize, now in its seventh year, was set up to recognise one exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession.

Mr Swanston has been helping pupils with visual impairments for more than a decade and his approach to teaching is personalised according to their level of vision.

Currently, Mr Swanston is working on the development of rugby specifically for the blind by modelling game play and creating ball prototypes using textures and electronics.

The other nine finalists teach in Argentina, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Ghana, France, America, Australia and Iran.

A British student has also made the top 10 shortlist for a new sister award, the Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2021, which includes prize money of 100,000 dollars (730,000).

Elliott Lancaster, a postgraduate student at Keele University in Staffordshire, has been campaigning for mental health, social enterprise, sustainability and a solution to homelessness alongside his studies.

The 24-year-old has set up a number of groups and lobbied for organisations to become carbon neutral.

The overall winners of both prizes will be announced at a virtual ceremony on November 10.

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said: I know just how much teachers can transform lives and I am thrilled to congratulate David on this recognition for his inspirational work.

I am incredibly grateful to him for his innovation in supporting children and young people with visual impairments, helping to ensure they can thrive at school, including through sport.

I also want to congratulate Elliott, who is making a difference to so many peoples lives at a young age, through his community work and initiatives.

When I met him recently I was so impressed by his passion and commitment to issues like sustainability. I will be cheering them both on for the final spot.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Twitter: Huge congratulations to David Swanston on being shortlisted for the Global Teacher Prize.

There can be no great schools without great teachers, and Mr Swanstons dedication to his pupils serves as an inspiration to all.

Sunny Varkey, founder of the Varkey Foundation, said: Congratulations to David and Elliott for reaching their final 10.

Their stories clearly highlight the importance of education in tackling the great challenges ahead  from climate change to growing inequality to global pandemics.

It is only by prioritising education that we can safeguard all our tomorrows. Education is the key to facing the future with confidence.
The Government is planning to increase deliveries across the country by changing the rules around companies trading rights.

A consultation is being launched on Friday on companies cabotage rights, with Whitehall proposing to extend them to strengthen supply chains and prevent shops running out of goods or putting prices up.

Cabotage rules govern the transport of goods or passengers within one country by a transport operator from a different country.

Currently hauliers from the EU can only make up to two trips between two places in the UK within one week.

The measures would allow foreign operators to pick up and drop off goods an unlimited number of times over a two-week period before they return to their country of origin.

If approved after the one-week consultation, the proposals would come into force before the end of the year and last for six months.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: The long-term answer to the supply chain issues were currently experiencing must be developing a high-skill, high-wage economy here in the UK.

Alongside a raft of other measures to help the road haulage industry, weve streamlined the testing process and announced thousands of skills boot camps to train new drivers.

These new measures are working  weve been seeing up to three times more applications for HGV driving licences than normal as well as a deserved rise in salaries.

The temporary changes were consulting on to cabotage rules will also make sure foreign hauliers in the UK can use their time effectively and get more goods moving in the supply chain at a time of high demand.

The Government said the cabotage changes would apply to all types of goods but be particularly beneficial to food supply chains and imports that arrive from ports.

Retailers have expressed fears ongoing supply chain problems will result in higher prices and empty shelves into December.

A build-up of cargo in Felixstowe has led to shipping company Maersk opting to divert vessels away from the Suffolk port, while similar logjams have been seen elsewhere in the world, including in the US.
WASHINGTON  As the White House struggles to repair the nations broken supply chains ahead of the holiday shopping rush, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is facing his first major test as a Cabinet secretary.

On Wednesday, President Biden announced a plan to ease supply chain bottlenecks by keeping the Port of Los Angeles, which accounts for nearly half of all shipping containers entering the U.S., operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If federal support is needed, I will direct all appropriate action. And if the private sector doesnt step up, were going to call them out and ask them to act, Biden said during remarks delivered from the White House.

The bottom line, weve seen the cost of inaction in the pandemic, the president added as Buttigieg looked on. It is fully within our capacity to act, to make sure it never happens again. Its going to take a little time, that weve unlocked the full might and dynamism of our people.

Over the past several months Buttigieg has been tasked with coordinating with private companies across the trade and transportation sector to try to alleviate the backlog at the nations ports. Biden has voiced his resounding support of Buttigieg in his capacity as secretary, thanking him as a key negotiator during his remarks Wednesday.

President Biden speaks about supply chain bottlenecks on Wednesday at the White House. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Since his appointment to head the Department of Transportation, Buttigieg, the former South Bend, Ind., mayor turned presidential candidate, has largely steered clear of controversy and scrutiny. But with the nations supply chains backed up as the economy emerges from the coronavirus pandemic, he has come in for blistering criticism from Republicans.

Pete Buttigieg is completely unqualified to handle the supply chain crisis. The only reason he's the Secretary of Transportation is because he endorsed Joe Biden. Even Pete knows it, frequent Biden critic Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., tweeted Wednesday.

Last week, with the fate of the presidents Build Back Better infrastructure plan in doubt, Biden appointed Buttigieg to co-chair a Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to address the backlog at the ports. And on Wednesday, Buttigieg joined Vice President Kamala Harris and senior economic adviser Brian Deese in a virtual roundtable with relevant sector contributors.

But the Transportation Department had already spent months attempting to tackle backlog issues at the California ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. In July, Buttigieg hosted another roundtable that focused on how increased consumer demand would affect already overburdened supply chains. Yet actual solutions proved somewhat elusive.

For our economy to fully recover, we now need our vital supply chains to operate smoothly and without avoidable congestion, Buttigieg said at the time.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg prepares to give an interview to the news media outside the White House on Wednesday. (Leah Millis/Reuters)

While the U.S. economic picture continued to brighten heading into the fall, the spread of the Delta variant of the coronavirus kept demand at a modest pace. Yet shipping logjams persisted.

An effective television surrogate for the administration, Buttigieg said in a Wednesday morning appearance on CNN that the White House was committed to repairing the nations overburdened supply chains. He also shifted some of the blame to Congress.

"We are relying on supply chains that were built generations ago. It's one of the reasons why this entire year we have been talking about and working on infrastructure and are eager to see Congress act to get this infrastructure deal through, Buttigieg said, adding, "That's what the president has directed us to do, and that's part of why we're gathering right here at the White House with leaders from the ports of L.A. and Long Beach, labor leaders and the private-sector companies that, you know, the FedExes, UPSes, Walmarts, others who play that role on everything that happens between when something arrives on a ship and when it gets to the shelves so you can get it to your home."

But cable news appearances have not appeased everyone. Retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honore blasted the former mayors media appearances last week, tweeting that Buttigieg should stop all the TV interviews and go to Ports and get this S..t fixed.

Reacting to the slight, Buttigieg told MSNBCs Geoff Bennett Wednesday that it may not have been getting a lot of coverage, but weve been working on this from the very beginning. The president signed an executive order on this issue in February, and our department went to work right away.

Still, the concern over Buttigiegs relative lack of experience in handling supply chain issues comes as Bidens approval ratings have fallen to the lowest levels of his presidency and the holiday shopping season is set to begin.

Shipping containers and container ships at the California ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles in September. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a Wednesday briefing to reporters that Biden has known it was inevitable that there would be economic challenges coming out of quarantine. As a result, the availability of toys, appliances, furniture and other goods was likely to be affected by heightened demand and inadequate shipping capabilities. For this reason, Psaki said, the president had decided to make critical commitments at the Port of Los Angeles that would have immediate impact for Americans. Psaki declined to say when those backlogs might be resolved.

We are not the Postal Service, she said, yet we can use every lever at the federal governments disposal to reduce delays.

In an interview with Bloomberg earlier in the week, however, Buttigieg delivered a less optimistic view, saying, Some of this is a bigger-picture, longer-term issue thats going to take years and years to address.

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Read more from Yahoo News:
Seventy-five countries around the world called for an end to what they describe as vaccine nationalism in a joint letter to the United Nations this month.

The letter, spearheaded by China, demands that COVID-19 vaccines be treated as a global public good for health, arguing that richer countries should not be allowed to stockpile their resources while poorer countries go without.

The pandemic knows no borders, the letter says in part. The only solution lies in global solidarity, unity and multilateral cooperation. ... At this critical time, it is crucial to step up our joint efforts to leave no one behind.

The concept of vaccine nationalism refers to the signed agreements a number of countries made with the vaccine manufacturers before the shots became available to the general public, allowing them to buy up large amounts, which in turn makes the initial supply of vaccines unaffordable and inaccessible to poorer countries.

Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, speaking at the U.N. General Assembly on Oct. 1. (Wang Ying/Xinhua via Getty Images)

More than 18 months into the pandemic, while some wealthy nations appear headed toward pre-pandemic normals, many cash-strapped countries remain ravaged for resources.

Mexico, Egypt and North Korea were among the countries that signed the joint letter. Noticeably absent were the U.S., the U.K. and Canada.

The letter outlines deep concerns regarding a lack of vaccine equity for poorer countries, which, it argues, only exacerbates already prevalent issues of poverty and hunger, trade and more.

Sixty-five percent of the population of high-income countries had received at least one vaccine shot as of Sept. 9, while just 2 percent of the population of low-income countries had received at least one dose, according to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation.

This summer the European Union secured 900 million doses of Pfizers vaccine and reserved an option to double this amount by 2023. Even without exercising that option, the EU could give all its citizens at least six shots each. The U.S. has secured more than a billion shots, enough to inoculate every American at least five times. Meanwhile, residents of many smaller and poorer nations have yet to receive a single dose.

Vaccination rates in countries like Haiti and the Democratic Republic of the Congo remain less than 1 percent, according to Reuters tracking data.

A medical worker administers a dose of COVID-19 vaccine for a man in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on Oct. 8. (Zanem/Xinhua via Getty Images)

The disparity in vaccination rates also comes with a hefty price tag. A National Bureau of Economic Research study determined that uneven distribution of the vaccine could cost upwards of $3.8 trillion globally, while vaccinating the worlds most vulnerable fifth of the population would cost less than $40 billion.

Aaditya Mattoo, World Bank chief economist for the East Asia and Pacific region, expressed disappointment in the current rollout.

"I am a trade economist and all my life, I believed that production should happen where it is most efficient and then be distributed to where there is greatest need," Mattoo told the Manila Times last week. "But this crisis has disappointed me because instead of countries pursuing a globally optimal cooperative strategy, there has been what we call vaccine nationalism.

Poor and middle-class countries have accrued enough vaccines through 2023 to vaccinate at most half their populations, while the majority of rich countries have secured more than 350 percent of the doses needed for their populations, according to UNICEF data.

Worldwide access has faltered, but attempts have been made to fill the gap. Smaller countries that depend on the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access, or COVAX  an international initiative seeking to ensure equitable access to vaccines  have made little progress.

COVAX was formed in April 2020 as a way for high-income countries and corporations to pay for vaccine access to the 92 poorest countries. The program initially appeared to run smoothly as vaccine distributions began in late February, with almost every country in the world signing up. But as the months went on, supply chains slowed and COVAX could not financially compete with richer countries that were buying up market share.

An analysis by Global Justice Now revealed that more than 82 percent of COVID-19 vaccines have been purchased by the wealthiest countries, accounting for just 14 percent of the world population. The long-term effects of this could be dire.

A man receives a COVID-19 vaccination in the village of Summercourt, England, on Sept. 25. (Hugh Hastings/Getty Images)

Infectious disease expert Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman of Malaysia says the longer people remain unvaccinated, the more potential there is for the virus to mutate into an even more dangerous strain.

I hope the world doesnt live to regret the nationalism that we are practicing, Kamarulzaman said during a webinar last week.

A Princeton University and McGill University study published in August in the journal Science also revealed that vaccine nationalism likely has a direct correlation to the transmission of the virus.

Unequal vaccine allocation will result in sustained transmission and increased case numbers in regions with low vaccine availability and thus to a higher associated clinical burden compared with a vaccinated population, the study found in part. Coordinated vaccination campaigns across the world, combined with improved surveillance and appropriate nonpharmaceutical interventions to prevent case importation, are imperative.

Leaders from several developing countries in attendance at the United Nations General Assembly last month criticized wealthy countries for enabling COVID variants to emerge because of their selfishness.

Rich countries hoard lifesaving vaccines, while poor nations wait for trickles, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said at the conference. They now talk of booster shots, while developing countries consider half doses just to get by. This is shocking beyond belief and must be condemned for what it is  a selfish act that can neither be justified rationally nor morally.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres lambasted the entire world on vaccine inequity, calling it an obscenity and saying, We are getting an F in ethics.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses the General Assembly on Sept. 21. (Eduardo Munoz-Pool/Getty Images)

The World Health Organization has set an ambitious goal to have 40 percent of the world vaccinated by the end of the year and 70 percent by the middle of 2022. As of Wednesday afternoon, more than 3.75 billion people worldwide have received a dose of vaccine, accounting for just under 49 percent of the global population, according to the New York Times tracker. But more than 50 countries missed the WHOs September target of 10 percent, with most of them located in Africa, whose overall vaccination rate remains under 5 percent.

Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo told the U.N. General Assembly last month that Africa is the continent hardest hit by vaccine nationalism  900 million Africans need to get the vaccine in order for the continent to reach the 70 percent threshold, with very little help in sight.

President Biden has called this moment an all-hands-on-deck crisis, pushing for all countries to reach a 70 percent vaccination rate by the fall of 2022. To do its part, the U.S. last month pledged to buy more than 500 million vaccine doses for other countries, which will bring the total number of donations promised by the U.S. to more than 1 billion.

"We're not going to solve this crisis with half-measures or middle-of-the-road ambitions. We need to go big," Biden said at a virtual summit on the pandemic last month.

But as many rich nations administer booster shots to the elderly and immunocompromised, many critics question if the U.S. is doing enough to encourage equity on the world stage.

The more people that are vaccinated, the less likely new variants will evolve, Avery August, a Cornell University immunologist, told Yahoo News. However, all of these examples highlight the crucial lack of access lower-income countries have to the most cutting-edge medicines and vaccines. If these countries do not have the financial resources, or the scientific infrastructure, to participate in the development of these vaccines, they tend to be left out of the benefits, or at the very least are the last in line to receive the benefits.

Bottles of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine. (Ariana Drehsler/AFP via Getty Images)

While many poorer countries push for access to vaccines, richer countries continue to vaccinate thousands each day.

More than 216 million Americans, or 65 percent of the U.S. population, have had at least one dose of a vaccine, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Just over 56 percent of the country is fully vaccinated. Similarly, in Canada, 71 percent of the population has been inoculated at least once.

While critics fault countries like the U.S. and the U.K. for stockpiling resources, others say a collective approach needs to take place to help those in need.

Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and a public health professor at George Washington University, told Yahoo News its a false choice to argue that the U.S. should stop giving out booster shots in order to help other countries.

We need to scale up the manufacturing of doses around the world, Wen said. We need to be working with other entities to increase distribution systems for lower-income countries. But at the same time, we cannot deny Americans, including American children, including American adults, the ability to get an additional layer of protection.

Cover thumbnail photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Getty Images, Ronny Hartmann/AFP via Getty Images

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Read more from Yahoo News:
MOLINE, Ill. (AP)  More than 10,000 Deere & Co. workers went on strike Thursday, the first major walkout at the agricultural machinery giant in more than three decades.

The union had said its members would walk off the job if no deal has been reached by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday. The vast majority of the union rejected a contract offer earlier this week that would have delivered 5% raises to some workers and 6% raises to others at the Illinois company known for its green tractors.

The almost one million UAW retirees and active members stand in solidarity with the striking UAW members at John Deere," UAW President Ray Curry said.

Brad Morris, vice president of labor relations for Deere, said in a statement that the company is "committed to a favorable outcome for our employees, our communities and everyone involved. He said Deere wants an agreement that would improve the economic position of all employees.

We will keep working day and night to understand our employees priorities and resolve this strike, while also keeping our operations running for the benefit of all those we serve, Morris said.

Thirty-five years have passed since the last major Deere strike, but workers were emboldened to demand more this year after working long hours throughout the pandemic and because companies are facing worker shortages.

Our members at John Deere strike for the ability to earn a decent living, retire with dignity and establish fair work rules, said Chuck Browning, vice president and director of the UAWs Agricultural Implement Department. We stay committed to bargaining until our members goals are achieved.

Chris Laursen, who works as a painter at Deere, told the Des Moines Register before the strike that it could make a significant difference.

The whole nations going to be watching us, Laursen said to the newspaper. If we take a stand here for ourselves, our families, for basic human prosperity, its going to make a difference for the whole manufacturing industry. Lets do it. Lets not be intimidated.

Earlier this year, another group of UAW-represented workers went on strike at a Volvo Trucks plant in Virginia and wound up with better pay and lower-cost health benefits after rejecting three tentative contract offers.

The contracts under negotiation covered 14 Deere plants across the United States, including seven in Iowa, four in Illinois and one each in Kansas, Colorado and Georgia.

The contract talks at the Moline, Illinois-based company were unfolding as Deere is expecting to report record profits between $5.7 billion and $5.9 billion this year. The company has been reporting strong sales of its agricultural and construction equipment this year.

The Deere production plants are an important contributors to the economy, so local officials hope any strike will be short-lived.

We definitely want to see our economy stabilize and grow after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati said to the Quad-Cities Times. Hopefully, these parties can come to a resolution soon.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  The bitterly fought murder trial of Robert Durst stretched over the better part of two years. His sentencing will be comparatively brief and could lack the fireworks that erupted between the lead prosecutor and defense lawyer.

The eccentric New York real estate heir faces a mandatory term of life in prison without parole Thursday for the first-degree murder of his best friend, Susan Berman.

Now that the jury has found whodunnit, the punishment is quite clear, Loyola Law School Professor Laurie Levenson said. I'm not sure theres a lot more left for (the prosecutor) to say."

Durst, 78, was convicted last month in Los Angeles Superior Court of shooting Berman point-blank in the back of the head in her Los Angeles home just before Christmas 2000.

The trial began in March 2020 and was adjourned for 14 months as the coronavirus pandemic swept the U.S. and courts were closed. It resumed in May with the jury that reached its verdict Sept. 17.

Berman, the daughter of a Las Vegas mobster, was Dursts longtime confidante who was preparing to tell police she provided a phony alibi for him after his wife vanished in New York in 1982.

Kathie Durst has never been found. Robert Durst has never been charged with a crime related to her disappearance.

But following his conviction in Berman's death, which relied on evidence that he killed his wife, a New York prosecutor is prepared now to seek charges against him in her death, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Durst testified in the LA case, denying he killed his wife or Berman, but he said he'd lie if he had done so.

Kathie McCormack Durst's family had hoped to present statements to the court Thursday about their loss, but prosecutors denied the request, according to emails sent to their lawyer.

Attorney Robert Abrams said the McCormack family was disappointed, and he was outraged. He said family members would not attend the sentencing.

The family is not going to go travel 3,000 miles to be a prop in some Hollywood production and sit there and not be able to make their victim impact statements," Abrams said. This is not some movie where its gross spectacle. This is their lives, and theyve suffered for 40 years.

A spokesman for the district attorney's office did not return a message seeking comment.

Levenson said it was questionable whether Kathie Durst was a victim in the Los Angeles case because Robert Durst wasn't charged with her killing. Allowing her siblings to speak at sentencing would create another issue for an appeal.

Defense lawyers plan to argue for a new trial Thursday, saying there was insufficient evidence to prove the case and listing 15 ways the judge erred.

The motion is mainly to preserve issues for appeal and likely to fail, Levenson said, though some of their claims could get a higher court's attention.

The defense said Judge Mark Windham should have declared a mistrial when the jury was sent home and the case adjourned. They said the length of the delay was unprecedented.

Many of the other issues revolve around admission of evidence, such as allowing prosecutors to present testimony that Durst killed a neighbor in Galveston, Texas, in 2001 and chopped up his body and tossed the parts out to sea. Durst was acquitted of murder after testifying that Morris Black pulled a gun on him and was killed in a struggle for the weapon.

They also objected to testimony and exhibits that showed when Durst was arrested in New Orleans in 2015, he had a mask, fake identification, drugs, $40,000 cash and a loaded handgun in his hotel room.

They also objected to showing jurors a feature film based on Durst's life and the six-part documentary, The Jinx: The Life and Crimes of Robert Durst.

To limit the number of appellate issues, prosecutors may be more restrained in their sentencing presentation, Levenson said, particularly when the prison term is already set.

Deputy District Attorney John Lewin was asked by a reporter after the conviction what he had to say to Durst.

Lewin, who was aggressive and frequently scrapped with defense lawyer Dick DeGuerin over the six years it took from arrest to conviction, initially said he didn't have anything to say to the man he had pursued for years.

Then he called Durst a narcissistic psychopath who killed his wife and ... had to keep killing to cover it up.

Hes 78 years old. Hes been walking around for a long time," Lewin said. "He had a lot more of a life, you know, Kathie didnt make 30. On balance, considering what hes done, he got a lot more of a life than he was entitled to.

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Associated Press writer Michael R. Sisak in New York contributed to this report.
Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Cloudy this evening with showers after midnight. Low 51F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Cloudy this evening with showers after midnight. Low 51F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 14, ARMENPRESS. Belarus' Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei presented details from the CIS foreign ministerial meeting, BelTA reports.

We consistently highlight the importance of cohesion and interaction within the CIS for an effective response to common challenges and threats. In this context, we have expressed our serious concern over the constantly expanding use of unlimited and illegal unilateral sanctions against the CIS countries from outside, Vladimir Makei said.

According to him, during the ministerial meeting, the foreign ministers had a meaningful conversation about the international agenda and cooperation in the Commonwealth. The situation near the CIS external borders was also discussed in detail, with a focus on the developments in Central Asia.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 15, ARMENPRESS. I urge everyone to refrain from spreading misinformation and the temptation to become a source of "scandalous" news. There are no other wounded or victims except the mentioned six injured, ARMENPRESS reports State Minister of Artsakh Artak Beglaryan wrote on his Facebook page.

There were six servicemen in that particular position and all of them have been injured, while three others were away from the position and have avoided injuries.

Together with the Minister of Health, I visited the Stepanakert Military Hospital and the Republican Medical Center, followed the works of the medical staff. I'm still there. After some examinations, the doctors say that the condition of two of them is assessed as severe, but fortunately, noones life is under risk, Beglaryan wrote.

The Defense Army reported that in the evening of October 14, the Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire at a military position of the Defense Army located in the eastern border of the Artsakh Republic, as a result of which six servicemen received gunshot injuries.

According to the Defense Army, shootings were reported at some other parts of the line of contact, but there were no other casualties. Now the situation has stabilized along the entire line of contact.

The State Minister wrote that the political and military leadership of Artsakh is taking emergency steps to stabilize the situation by making the necessary decisions and communicating with the relevant parties.

I ask our compatriots to be calm, not to give in to false information and gossip. The relevant bodies will provide operative and regular information on the further development of the situation," he wrote.
The latest encounter between a group of militants and the security forces took place in Bhata Dhurian village, not far from the LoC

An Army jawan on Thursday reportedly shot himself dead with his service rifle at the Kralapora Army camp in frontier Kupwara district. Representational image/PTI

SRINAGAR: An Army jawan was killed and a Junior Commissioned Office (JCO) injured in a gunfight with separatist militants in Jammu and Kashmirs frontier Poonch district on Thursday evening. Five soldiers including a JCO had lost their lives in a similar clash in the district earlier this week.

The Army and police sources said that the latest encounter between a group of militants and the security forces took place in Bhata Dhurian village near Bhimber Gali area of Poonch, not far from the Line of Control (LoC).

The place of occurrence, the sources said, is part of the forest area that runs through Dehra Ki Gali one of the major counterinsurgency operations of the year was launched October 11 after the Army men had come under the attack.

The sources said that the fighting at Bhata Dhurian broke out after the Army along with the counterinsurgency Special Operations Group (SOG) of the J&K police mounted an operation to conduct intensive searches. The vehicular traffic along the Jammu-Poonch highway has been stopped near Mendhar town, a report said.

A defence spokesman had said in Jammu earlier, In an ongoing counter terrorism operation in general area Nar Khas Forest, Mendhar Sub Division, District Poonch there has been exchange of fire between Army troops and terrorists during evening hours on Thursday. In the ensuing exchange of fire one JCO and one soldier have been critically injured. The operations are under progress.

Meanwhile, an Army jawan on Thursday reportedly shot himself dead with his service rifle at the Kralapora Army camp in frontier Kupwara district. He has been identified as Sepoy Deeraj Kumar of the Engineering Unit.

The sources said that the soldier was critically injured in the act following which he was first admitted to the military hospital at nearby Drugmulla and then airlifted to the Command Hospital in garrison town of Udhampur where he succumbed to his injuries.
The Congress has been demanding the removal of Ajay Mishra Teni, minister of state for home affairs

New Delhi: A five-member delegation of the Congress led by Rahul Gandhi met President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday and submitted a "memorandum of facts" regarding the Lakhimpur Kheri incident. After the meeting, Mr Gandhi said, We told the President that the accused's father, who is the Union minister of state (MoS) for home affairs, should be removed from the post as a fair probe is not possible in his presence. Likewise, we also demanded that the inquiry be done by two sitting judges of the Supreme Court. Speaking with reporters, Priyanka Gandhi said, The President has given us the assurance that he will discuss the matter with the government today itself.

The Congress has been demanding the removal of Ajay Mishra Teni, minister of state for home affairs. It has also demanded an inquiry by sitting judges of the Supreme Court of India. As many as eight people including four farmers had died in the violence that took place on October 3. Uttar Pradesh police have so far arrested three people including the son of Union minister of state Ajay Mishra's son, Ashish Mishra. The memorandum submitted to the President read, Which police official would dare to fairly investigate the son of Union MoS home affairs with the father occupying a position of such high influence and who enjoys continued endorsements from both the central and the state governments.

Ms Priyanka Gandhi was arrested and stopped from going to Lakhimpur Kheri along with Rajya Sabha MP Deependra Hooda. Later she was released and with Mr Rahul Gandhi visited the spot

Rashtrapati Bhawan tweeted, A delegation of the Indian National Congress leaders comprising Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Shri A.K. Antony, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Shri Rahul Gandhi and Smt Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called on President Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan."
Sue Gray expounds on her knowledge of the history of the Noocheu (Utes) who were stricken from the land that Roaring Fork Valley residents call home today.
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The full unveiling will take place on October 28, which is when we should learn more about the drivetrain, performance, range and all that good stuff thatbuyers care about. All we know now is that it will utilize a twin-motorsystem featuring one motor at the front and one at the rear.Like its internal combustion engine-powered sibling, the all-new Outlander PHEV is also wearing Mitsubishis latest design language, dubbed Bold Stride. This is meant to express a bold, fixating presence and solid stance, according to the Japanese carmaker The front end is wearing an evolved version of the Dynamic Shield grille, while the profile showcases thick horizontal accents and sharp character lines that extend from the front fenders all the way to the taillights. Road presence is also enhanced by the large 20-inch wheels, along with the muscular fender flares.Meanwhile, the tailgate gets distinctive PHEV badging, a hexagon motif alluding to spare tires being mounted on the back of old Mitsubishiheritage models, plus new horizontal taillights with a dynamic LED signature.Buyers will be able to choose from a total of 10 colors, including those from the high-brightness Diamond Color series: Red Diamond, White Diamond and the new Black Diamond.Moving on to the interior, what stands out is the horizontally sculpted instrument panel, the high-quality stitched soft padding on the door panels, and the robust-looking selectors, dials and switches  they look grippy and easy to use.Like its-powered counterpart, the all-new Outlander PHEV will also come standard with third-row seating.
The latest report from Fox News Autos Editor Gary Gastelu shows that the Challenger sold neck and neck with Fords Mustang throughout 2021 only to surpass the Mustang towards the end of the year. Gastelu reports that the Challenger was trailing slightly behind the Mustang throughout most of the year, but in recent months, has taken a lead of just over three thousand more units sold, 44,142 to the Mustangs 41,065.This unexpected  yet not entirely unexplainable  climb in sales goes directly against Dodges new owners at Stellantis and their new sustainability initiatives, which have pledged to move to carbon-neutral status by the mid-2030s. But with sales that outpace everything else in its class, it seems turning away will be hard to do.Meanwhile, over at General Motors, their muscle car, the Camaro, is still struggling as much as ever to move out of the Corvettes shadow, now a bigger ordeal than ever before on account of the Vette's transformation into a mid-engined supercar.Only 15,084 Camaros were sold from Chevrolet dealers in America during the course of 2021, almost 30,000 units off the pace of the Mustang and Challenger. The Camaro managed to sell almost ten thousand units less than the more expensive but more desirable mid-engined C8 Corvette.Sales figures for Challengers and related Hellcat and Demon models are even more astonishing, considering competitors like the Mustang and Camaro see limited releases in foreign markets. At the same time, the Chally remains a North American-only model.Say what you will about its antiquated platform and stone age pushrod engine. But it seems Americans simply dont give a rats behind about such things. A supercharged 700 horsepower engine does much to silence critics behind a wall of noise and tire smoke.
Atomic clocks, such as those used in GPS satellites , are used to calculate the distance between two objects. They work by timing how long it takes a signal to travel from one object to another. When it comes to space exploration, atomic clocks must be extremely precise. For example, a delay of just one second could mean the difference between reaching Mars or just completely missing it.The DSAC is a mercury-ion atomic clock built by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory that is 50 times more accurate than the atomic clocks on GPS satellites. Launched in 2019, the instrument was the primary payload onboard a General Atomics Orbital Test Bed satellite. The DSAC was designed to improve spaceship navigation, and it operated much longer than initially planned, breaking the record for atomic clock stability in space.Given the instrument's extraordinary timekeeping stability, NASA extended the mission after it completed its one-year primary mission in Earth orbit in order to collect more data. As a result, after more than two years in space, the atomic clock was finally turned off on September 18th.The data from DSAC will be used to develop the Deep Space Atomic Clock-2, a tech demonstrator that will fly to Venus aboard NASA's VERITAS mission when it launches in 2028. This will be the first time an atomic clock will be tested in deep space, and it will be a significant step toward increased spaceship autonomy.General Atomics' satellite has circled Earth 12,000 times since the start of the mission. For two years, the company provided operations support services for the DSAC mission from its Colorado spacecraft development and mission operations facilities."The satellite has now transitioned to extended life operations in preparations to conduct a variety of experiments with the remaining payloads to determine and analyze spacecraft capability, calibrations, and proof of concept," stated Nick Bucci, vice president for General Atomics Missile Defense and Space Systems.
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Those who still want to buy an ICE-powered MOKE have time until the end of 2021 to place an order for that version of the model. As MOKE International points out, customers should reach out to the Hendy Group in the UK to order one of the last MOKEs to come with an internal combustion motor.Meanwhile, the electric MOKE will come with an EV powertrain that is claimed to allow for five round trips from Cap-Ferrat (near Nice, France) to Monaco. That adds up to a total range of 144 kilometers (89 miles), mind you. The electric MOKE is powered by a 33-(44 horsepower) motor, which does not have to do that much work to move the 800-kg (1762 lbs.) vehicle.The sprint from 0 to 55 km/h (ca. 34 mph) is done in 4.5 seconds, which would qualify as fast enough for an open-top vehicle meant to take people to the beach or shopping. Top speed is rated at 100 km/h (62 mph), which is more than most people would need from this kind of vehicle. MOKE offers its electric model in both right-hand-drive and LHD versions, and the three-phase AC synchronous motor only powers the rear wheels. Charging takes four hours from an EU-standard Type 2 plug. Quick charging is not available for this vehicle, and the battery capacity has not been specified, as is the case with the power of the onboard charger.As some of you may know, the Type 2 plug can charge vehicles with anything from 3 to 50 kW. But that depends on the limitations of the internal charger and the charging station it gets plugged into. Since the manufacturer mentions AC charging, it is evident that the power of the built-in charger is not that high.The price of an electric MOKE starts at GBP 29,195 ($40,000 at today's exchange rates) plus tax. MOKE international notes that batteries, motors, and inverters come from Tier 1 European suppliers. All have bespoke specifications per the vehicle's engineering team, which is based in the UK
In whats amounting to one of the biggest rags to riches stories the industrys seen in ages, its estimated that as much as 24% of Morocco s national GDP could come from its exploding automotive sector in 2022. Much of this growth comes from investments from Renault . The French automaker told the Financial Times that Morrocan parts make up anywhere from 60 to 65% of every Renault sales under different brands.Even with an ongoing global health crisis, the Moroccan manufacturing sector produced parts for over 400,000 vehicles sold on markets like Spain, France, Italy, and Germany. In 2015, the Morrocan government allocated $7.76 billion to upgrade an industry generally reserved for more powerful nations from the ground up, and its effort didn't stop there.This unprecedented growth on the African continent is unlike anything its seen in modern history. On the continent known for the lowest quality of life of any on the planet, Morroco is proving with a strong will and no interference from imperial superpowers, the Morrocan people are more than capable of producing for themselves.The Morrocan auto industrys helped to create over 220,000 high-quality, high-paying jobs as a result of its prolific growth. These jobs come in fields like sales, service technicians, clerks, and management staff, positions that must be filled if any national manufacturing sector hopes to prosper. Now that one of the biggest automakers in France has formed an ironclad bond with the North African country, theres no telling how high their limits will go. What a time to be alive.
Would you bother trying to get your name on a title for a, let's say, Geo Metro with a broken engine? I wouldn't, not even if it were in running condition. I would just call the police and tell them that there is an abandoned vehicle on my property. But if I'd open a shed locked for years behind my newly acquired home and find a '68 Charger, I would give an arm and a leg to get it. Anyway, the states of Ohio and Oklahoma make that possible, and here are some directions.Ohio is the only state that doesn't have a rectangular flag. It's just another facet of the inventive people from Buckeye State. If you are chewing a pack of gum, remember that it was invented in Toledo by Amos Tyler. Ohio is also the state of the first police car, dating back to 1899. Maybe they needed it faster than anyone else, since John William Lambert created the first truyl practical gasoline-powered American automobile in Ohio City in 1891. He crashed it, all right, but he didn't abandon it , like other Ohio residents nowadays.Unlike in most other states, Ohio residents need to title their vehicles at any local clerks instead of BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles). They can also go through the entire process by mail. But they can't do the same when an abandoned vehicle is involved. Since the bonded title process doesn't work here, the solution is via court orders.For that, the petitioner has to ask a clerk's office if there is any lien on the vehicle, which will cost them about $5. Also, he must send a certified letter to the owner or the lienholder telling them that they intend to petition the court for a Certificate of Title. If there is no answer, they must keep the return receipt since the court will ask for it. After going through a number of forms, an appointment with the Ohio State Highway Patrol must be set, as they need to come and take a look at the car.Upon inspection, police will provide a form the court requires. With all these in their hands, the petitioner will have to visit the Clerk of Courts General Division, pay another $45 and receive a pack with forms and instructions. If all these are done right, the petitioner will appear in front of the Common Pleas Court Judge. With the decision in their hands, they will file that to the Clerks of County General Division. The final step is to return to the Clerks of Courts Auto Title and apply for a Certificate of Title.There are things to like and dislike about what came out of Oklahoma. We all use two inventions from this state: the shopping cart made by Sylvan Goldman, and the parking meter - Carl C. Magee created that in 1935. Also, we cannot forget that Garth Brooks was born in Tulsa.In Oklahoma, the law considers a vehicle abandoned on private property if left unattended for at least 48 hours. If any member of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol has reasonable reason to believe a vehicle is abandoned on public property, highway, or the sides of the road, they have the authority to remove it. So, watch where you park.If an abandoned vehicle is auctioned by a towing company, all of its previous liens and fees imposed by the state will be canceled. But if one wants to claim a vehicle that sits on their property, a lien may be placed on it according to Oklahoma laws. The local government changed these in 2017, and you can consult them in the PDF below.Basically, the petitioner has to visit the Oklahoma Registered Property to find out about the vehicle's owner. After that, they have to wait ten days for an answer. After finding the address of the last known owner, the petitioner may move on and send two notices of possessory lien by both 1st class U.S. mail and certified mail with return receipt. They must add a photo of that vehicle in the envelopes, and wait for 60 days for an answer. If there is none, a notice of sale must be sent ten days before the sale date, and an announcement posted in two public places.In the end, if nobody shows up at the auction, the petitioner is the lucky owner of the vehicle found in their yard and may proceed on completing the paperwork. Just a friendly warning, though. Vehicles acquired through the Title 42 lien process may be subject to delinquent fees and taxes due to the State of Oklahoma. Thus, it might be better to hand over the vehicle to a towing company and buy it from there. Or hire an attorney.
Built and assembled by Airbus at its site in Bremen, Germany, the second European Service Module (ESM-2) is an essential element of Orion, the next-generation spacecraft that will carry astronauts beyond low Earth orbit for the first time since the Apollo program ended in the 1970s.The module will play a significant role in future lunar missions. It will provide propulsion, power, and thermal control and will supply astronauts with water and oxygen. The ESM-2 completed a thorough validation process prior to getting ready for shipment to NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida.The module comprises more than 20,000 parts and components. Out of them, one element will return to American soil after undergoing testing in Germany: the service modules main engine, which is a refurbished engine from NASAs Space Shuttle Atlantis Now, the module, together with all of its components, is ready to arrive at its final earthbound stop. The ESM-2 is traveling onboard an Antonov AN-124 cargo aircraft, and its currently on its way to the U.S. Upon arrival at the space center, the ESM-2 will be attached to the crew module to form the Orion spacecraft. Once mated, the module will undergo further extensive testing before it gets integrated with the launcher. The whole process is expected to take around two years.This week, the Kennedy Space Center is buzzing with lunar activity. Three Orion spacecraft will be there at the same time, each at different levels of assembly and integration. The first Orion spacecraft will be placed on top of the Space Launch System rocket in preparation for the uncrewed Artemis I mission. The ESM will take Orion more than 64,000 kilometers (39,768 miles) beyond the Moon in a test flight to demonstrate its capabilities.
Russian Billionaires Plvs Vltra Is One of the Most Expensive Superyachts for Sale

Sometimes, it can be an exaggeration to say that a superyacht looks like a palace, but not in this case. The Plvs Vltra will surely dazzle you with its magnificent interiors and a price to match. 30 photos



This was also the intention behind Plvs Vltra, a family yacht thats reportedly owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Goncharenko, the CEO of a Gazprom subsidiary. Built by Amels, the largest Dutch superyacht shipyard, this was the first of the Limited Edition 242 series, a line that combines a signature look with a high degree of customization.



The 242-foot (74 meters) yacht that can accommodate up to 12 guests in six cabins, plus 19 crew members, was intended as a mansion on water right from the start, instead of a simple means of traveling. Its Roman name means further beyond, indicating a design that exceeds expectations and limitations. With an exterior by Tim Heywood and an interior by Winch Design, this



Inspired by the sumptuous hotels of the French Riviera, Plvs Vltras layout ditches the typical complicated corridors in favor of wide spaces, with a stunning decor, where every detail is a work of art. Another particularity is that the beach club and state-of-the-art spa are located in the middle of the ship, instead of the edges, for perfect stability, so that the guests can enjoy them even when the sea gets rough. A huge pool and a huge garage for toys and tenders are also included.



However, it looks like billionaires are willing to part even with limited-edition, highly-customized yachts. If Goncharenko really is the owner, its not surprising, since he is probably going for something even more



This gorgeous superyacht is listed for almost $110 million, at



Statistics show that the majority of yacht buyers come from the U.S. and Russia. The same reports also show that yacht sales are still booming, even after the dip caused by the global health crisis. In fact, it seems that more and more people want to own some sort of refuge where they can retreat from the world, in the company of family and close friends.This was also the intention behind Plvs Vltra, a family yacht thats reportedly owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Goncharenko, the CEO of a Gazprom subsidiary. Built by Amels, the largest Dutch superyacht shipyard, this was the first of the Limited Edition 242 series, a line that combines a signature look with a high degree of customization.The 242-foot (74 meters) yacht that can accommodate up to 12 guests in six cabins, plus 19 crew members, was intended as a mansion on water right from the start, instead of a simple means of traveling. Its Roman name means further beyond, indicating a design that exceeds expectations and limitations. With an exterior by Tim Heywood and an interior by Winch Design, this majestic ship is sheer opulence.Inspired by the sumptuous hotels of the French Riviera, Plvs Vltras layout ditches the typical complicated corridors in favor of wide spaces, with a stunning decor, where every detail is a work of art. Another particularity is that the beach club and state-of-the-art spa are located in the middle of the ship, instead of the edges, for perfect stability, so that the guests can enjoy them even when the sea gets rough. A huge pool and a huge garage for toys and tenders are also included.However, it looks like billionaires are willing to part even with limited-edition, highly-customized yachts. If Goncharenko really is the owner, its not surprising, since he is probably going for something even more luxurious. This gorgeous superyacht is listed for almost $110 million, at Moran Yachts , which makes it one of the most expensive superyachts currently for sale.

Editor's note: This article was not sponsored or supported by a third-party. This article was not sponsored or supported by a third-party.
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"It's still early to make any sales predictions, but VinFast will unveil two of our latest EV models, which are VF e35 and VF e36, at the 2021 Los Angeles auto show this November, thus marking our official introduction to the American market," Chief Executive Michael Lohscheller told Reuters.Vinfast expects to begin delivering those first EVs in Vietnam this December. The former Volkswagen and Opel executive took over at VinFast in July of this year.He adds that VinFast now has an office open in California and expects to build out 60 showrooms in the U.S. during 2022.VinFast hopes as part of the launch ofsales in the U.S. and European markets next year that they can take on entrenched industry players Rivian , and Ford.The money comes from Vingroup, an instant noodle business formed in Ukraine, which now operates interests in fields from real estate to resorts to schools to hospitals and smartphones.VinFast, founded in 2017, says theyre positioned to compete with the big players on vehicle size and price, and their marketing includes a battery leasing scheme which means the cost of those batteries wont be included in the final price. The companys assembly plant in Vietnam will supply consumers via sales online to the U.S., and Lohscheller said the company will consider the "possibility of a manufacturing facility in the U.S." as they go forward.Lohscheller says his company has projected EV sales next year of 15,000 vehicles and that he is looking for ways to fund growth which may ultimately include a public stock listing in the United States."VinFast has a plan for an IPO in the U.S., but specific timing will depend on the market and other conditions. We will reveal more information at an appropriate time in the future," he says.VinFast has already unveiled their electric crossover: the VF e34, which the company also calls VF31. It is said to have a range of 300 km (186.4 miles), it is 4.30 meters (14.1 ft) long, 1.79 m (5.9 ft) wide, 1.61 m (5.28 ft) tall, has a wheelbase of 2.61 m (8.56 ft), and weighs 1,490 kg (3,284.8 lbs). VinFast opened orders for it in May 2021 in its home country and will start delivering it in November 2021. The company also announced the VF32 and VF33, which represent mid-sized and full-sizedentrants into the market.The VF32 features two permanent magnet motors - one for each axle - and Vinfast says that it providesand 300(402 hp) of power.
More specifically, users can now install Waze version 4.78.2 , a minor revision to the main 4.78 build that was released on October 6.The company hasnt provided any information on whats new in this build, as the release notes published in the App Store contain only generic details. However, this particular build was shipped to the beta channel on October 12, with Waze telling testers that it included stability, crash fixes, and improvements.However, no specifics have been provided as to whether this new release specifically targets an audio problem caused by the previous update, but of course, it shouldnt take too long before we find out if the error is gone for everybody installing the fresh build.Waze 4.78 brought back an issue that originally showed up back in 2020, making it impossible for CarPlay users to adjust the volume in their vehicles.More specifically, no matter if Waze was in focus or not, pressing the volume up or down buttons on the steering wheel or the head unit only adjusted the navigation voice, with no way to actually control the volume of the playing music or phone calls.Some discovered that pressing the voice command button on the steering wheel to invoke Siri fixed the whole thing temporarily until Waze once again took over the audio controls in the car.Needless to say, everybody struggling with Waze on CarPlay should install this new update as soon as possible, especially because its pretty clear it includes an important fix. given it lands only a few days after the previous update. For what its worth, the previous update before the botched version landed at the end of August.
Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said Monday that terrorist groups operating in Yemen, Somalia, Syria and Iraq currently pose a greater threat to the U.S. homeland than those in Afghanistan.

Why it matters: The Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan has prompted new warnings from military and intelligence officials about the possibility that al-Qaeda will reconstitute.

But as top Biden officials have repeatedly warned, the terror threat has "metastasized" to the point that militant groups based in Afghanistan are no longer the top threat facing the U.S.

Al-Qaeda's offshoot in Yemen, al-Shabaab in Somalia, and the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria  though it has been severely degraded in recent years  are among the terrorist groups that are currently higher on the U.S. priority list.

ISIS-K, an offshoot of the Islamic State responsible for the bombing at Kabul's airport that killed 13 U.S. service-members and scores of Afghan civilians, is viewed as the top threat in Afghanistan.

What they're saying: "In terms of the homeland, the threat right now from terrorist groups, we dont prioritize at the top of the list Afghanistan, Haines said at the annual Intelligence and National Security Summit. "What we look at is Yemen, Somalia, Syria and Iraq for ISIS. And thats where we see the greatest threat."

Haines stressed, however, that the U.S. "will want to monitor any possible reconstitution of terrorist organizations" in Afghanistan, and acknowledged that the Taliban's takeover has made counterterrorism more challenging.

"Our intelligence collection is diminished and that is something that we have to prepare for and that we have been preparing for, frankly, quite some time," she said.

Go deeper: Red flags for Biden's "over-the-horizon" counterterrorism strategy
The two main Armenian opposition forces demanded such a briefing immediately after Azerbaijani authorities began levying on September 12 hefty duties from Iranian vehicles passing through an Azerbaijani-controlled section of the main highway connecting Armenia and Iran.

They said Defense Minister Arshak Karapetian and National Security Service (NSS) Director Armen Abazian must come to the National Assembly to answer questions about the Azerbaijani roadblock and the overall situation along the countrys borders.

Parliament speaker Alen Simonian said he will consider organizing such a discussion. Simonian has made no further statements on the matter since then. It therefore remains unclear whether the authorities will accept the opposition demand.

In a bid to step up the pressure on them, the opposition Hayastan and Pativ Unem blocs have drafted legislation requiring top security officials to appear before the parliament in such cases. They will try to push it through the parliament committee on defense and security first.

The committee is scheduled to hold on Friday an emergency meeting initiated by its four opposition members. The committees chairman and six other members representing the ruling Civil Contract party have not yet commented on the opposition bill.

I hope that common sense will prevail and this initiative will not be blocked, Pativ Unems Tigran Abrahamian told RFE/RLs Armenian Service on Thursday.

The fact is that those officials who are supposed to be at least somewhat accountable to the public are dodging that in all possible ways, he said.

Opposition leaders have repeatedly condemned Prime Minister Nikol Pashinians government for handing over a 21-kilometer section of the Armenia-Iran highway to Azerbaijan shortly after last years war in Nagorno-Karabakh. Pashinian said at the time that the road section is located on the Azerbaijani side of Armenias Soviet-era border with Azerbaijan, a claim disputed by his political opponents.

The Azerbaijani roadblock and its resulting negative impact on Irans cargo traffic with Armenia have fuelled unprecedented tensions between Tehran and Baku.

Senior Armenian and Iranian officials have discussed the issue in recent weeks. Yerevan has pledged to accelerate the ongoing reconstruction of an alternative road in Armenias Syunik province which will allow Iranian trucks to bypass the Azerbaijani checkpoint.
The constraints of running a public hospital became painfully clear to Russell Judd soon after he took over five years ago at Kern Medical Center.
Spooky woods, movie history and the possibility of being eaten by murderous cannibals? Exactly what I want from a weekend away.

The gas station where parts of the 1974 cult horror classic "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" is just two hours away in Bastrop and has become a Halloween pilgrimage for fans. But for those unafraid of a cannibal family wielding power tools, it's also a motel and camping destination fittingly named The Gas Station.

"Chain Saw" fanatics Roy and Lisa Rose from Ohio purchased the building in 2014 and opened the motel in 2016, raising it from the dead to its former, spooky glory. They installed four cabins on the property with beds, air conditioning, Wi-Fi and a TV (for on-site viewing of "Texas Chain Saw Massacre," of course). There are also around four tent spots the Gas Station rents out for brave campers who don't need the security of four walls and a lock.

Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images

Horror fans will also find horror movie merchandise for sale; photo ops, including the van from the movie and a memorial bench with a chainsaw; and the replica Coca-Cola sign that proclaims "WE SLAUGHTER BARBECUE."

It's true; the Gas Station is also a barbecue joint serving up brisket and sausage (presumably not made with human meat) by the pound or plate to anyone who'd prefer to keep their visit short and before dark. No head cheese on the menu, though.

While the campsites and cabins are booked through October, the restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

If you can't make it out to Bastrop to see where a tragedy befell five youths, The Gas Station sells collectibles and merchandise on its website, including autographs, action figures and "face skin" earrings  no actual butchering required.

The Gas Station is located at 1073 SH 304 in Bastrop, Texas.
A retired Orange County Sheriffs Office Corporal has died.

OCSO announced the loss of Craig Boudreaux, who served not only as a United States Marine but a deputy from 1989 to 2020. He died Saturday after being hospitalized for a week with COVID-19.

The loss of one of our own is felt hard in our community , OCSO said in a news release. Craigs personality, laughter, friendship, and character will be missed. He was loved by many and left an impression on anyone he knew. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today. Thank you Craig for the memories and the impact you leave behind.

In late July, OCSO paid tribute to another deputy killed by the virus  late OCSO Deputy John Badeaux  during the 25th anniversary Cops N Kids Picnic.

Related: Anniversary picnic remembers OCSO deputy who lost battle to COVID-19

The beloved Badeaux, 68, in February lost his own battle to COVID-19 within a week of hospitalization. The longtime deputy served in law enforcement at various agencies for nearly 45 year, including as a sniper on the SWAT team for sheriffs offices in Jefferson and Orange counties.

Related: Remembering lifelong servant Deputy John Badeaux

Badeaux also was an original advocate for the annual picnic, which he oversaw for more than 15 years. He also spearheaded the annual Operation Blue Santa toy event for underprivileged children during Christmas.

meagan.ellsworth@beaumontenterprise.com

twitter.com/megzmagpie
A fix for Riverfront Park, three new dog parks and a new delivery line and pump station for the citys water treatment plant could all be coming down the pike in the next few years.

But those projects had to first conquer the initial hurdle  receiving approval from the Beaumont City Council for their inclusion in the citys annual capital plan.

Through projects in the capital program, the City of Beaumont strives to enhance the quality of life for its residents, said City Manager Kyle Hayes. This plan represents our best effort to identify projects that provide the greatest benefit to the citizens of Beaumont.

Council member AJ Turner thinks tackling the issues with the Loeb groundwater treatment plant is one of the most important projects.

The Loeb plant is one of the only fresh water sources we have, he said of the reservoir in Lumberton that has had issues since it was damaged by Tropical Storm Harvey. If you look at the water that were actually producing in Beaumont, its all mainly coming from the Neches, and that's a huge problem because that's not naturally fresh water.

Turner thinks any investments that would aid plants function are necessary. And it seems at least some Beaumont residents would welcome an efficient water system.

Harvey messed a lot of things up here in Beaumont, said Sheila Lane, a resident of northeast Beaumont whose house was severely damaged by the storm and is still not fixed to this day. We didnt have any water at all. We only had the water that we bought.

That sort of emergency is something she doesnt want to happen again, and she hopes that new water pumps will prevent another crisis.

But hurricanes aside, Beaumont has another major water issue that needs to get fixed.

Weve been having brown water issues, Turner said said. I think that Loeb plant can be a big asset to us in eliminating some of those brown water issues. We need to make that more of a priority, and I'm going to push for that.

Other projects Turner would like to see come to fruition are fixing roads in Ward 2 and the Amelia area. He singled out Fourth, Lucas and Pine streets at the top of the list. Ward 2Council member Mike Getz of and At-Large Council member Randy Feldschau prioritize infrastructure as well  streets, drainage, water, and sewer.

But Turner doesnt think the city has to pick infrastructure over development.

Right now, this is some of the healthiest fund balance we ever had in the history of Beaumont, he said after considering the budget. So, I think we're now in financial position to do quality-of-life as well as infrastructure improvements.

Getz believes the construction of at least one dog park is especially important for the many animals who live in apartments and dont have space to run.

People signed a petition to have a dog park created at Rogers Park, he said.

Lana, a cleaner at a Beaumont hospital who did not want to give her last name, is hoping for a new dog park to be made sometime soon. She said that the Ida Reed dog park used to be taken care of, but the grounds arent maintained well anymore. On a recent day, the grass was extremely long, and there are deep holes where rainwater floods.

And it gets dangerous around here at night, she said, starting to leave.

Antoinette Hardy, Real Property specialist for the city of Beaumont, plans to get a dog soon and envisions taking it to the park.

But she also has a larger vision for the city. She recalled fond memories of Riverfront Park before Harvey  family reunions, pictures, romantic picnics and tree lightings for Christmas.

It was fabulous during the holidays, she said. For the Fourth of July, the symphony would be on the platform, and people would sit around and listen to music. They would have food trucks and things like that and then at 9:00, they would have fireworks over the Neches.

But Harvey washed away much of the shoreline, Getz said, and with it, the music platform.

Hardy is awaiting the new-and-improved Beaumont.

They actually had a town meeting about it a couple months ago, she said. Theyre going to be doing a green space for different (activities), and they want to attract businesses and restaurants.

She thinks it would resemble another major Texas city not too far away.

I love San Antonio. I love the Riverwalk, Hardy said. Its time for Beaumont to start moving toward that.

The city estimates the cost to repair Riverfront Park will be just over $28 million with help from FEMA. The three dog parks are expected to cost a total of $460,000. The raw water delivery line and pump station are estimated at a combined more than $38 million.

rachel.kersey@beaumontenterprise.com

twitter.com/ontheREKord
Midlander Jenny Cudd has pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor charge related to her participation in riots at the U.S. Capitol building as part of a plea deal with the federal government.

Cudd pleaded guilty to entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds during a hearing with Washington, D.C. Judge Trevor McFadden on Wednesday. In exchange for the guilty plea, the U.S. Attorneys Office agreed to drop four other charges against her, including a felony obstruction charge.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wouldn't want you to mistake his push to forbid private companies and others from issuing vaccine mandates as just another attempt to court conservative voters or tee up a White House bid. His executive order seeking to ban mandates in his state plainly says it's part of a larger plan "aimed at protecting the health and safety of Texans."

Sure, the order hopes to curtail "federal overreach" and stymie the Biden administration's "bullying," but don't attribute that to partisan hackery. After all, the goal is "achieving the least restrictive means of combatting the evolving threat to public health."

Fortunately, two major airlines based in Texas understand that vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to protect public health in the Covid-19 era. They plan to ignore Abbott's browbeating. Other companies large and small should follow suit, no matter the political standoffs and threats in Texas and elsewhere. There's early evidence that vaccine and testing mandates work, and plenty of companies were making use of them well before President Joe Biden said he would ask the Labor Department to issue rules for corporate America.

Abbott warned he would fine companies and anyone else caught ignoring his order, and would stop short of jailing transgressors only because "jail is not an available penalty for violating this executive order." That sounds like tough stuff, but Abbott's credibility as a Covid-19 cop would be firmer if his policy mistakes hadn't prompted Texas to import thousands of out-of-state medical workers to help battle last summer's coronavirus surge. Besides, companies have their employees, the law and the federal government to consider.

"We are reviewing all guidance issued on the vaccine and are aware of the recent order by Governor Abbott," Southwest Airlines Co. said on Tuesday. "According to the president's executive order, federal action supersedes any state mandate or law, and we would be expected to comply with the president's order to remain compliant as a federal contractor."

Southwest, which is headquartered in Dallas and employs 54,500 people, is a federal contractor, and that part of its business depends on remaining in the White House's good graces. Seven other carriers, including American, Delta and United, are also federal contractors. That same group also flies nationally, meaning they cross state borders, engage in interstate commerce and are thus regulated almost exclusively by the federal government - not by people who occupy governors' mansions.

American, which is based in Fort Worth and employs 117,400 workers, pointed out that "the federal vaccine mandate supersedes any conflicting state laws, and this does not change anything for American." But lucrative contracts and regulatory burdens aren't the only things informing some companies' responses to Abbott. They also have the health and safety of their employees and customers to worry about.

Southwest and American have encountered resistance from some employees opposed to mandates. Last week, a group of American workers estimated to be in the hundreds protested outside the company's headquarters. They carried signs saying "Mandates Won't Fly," and "Don't Fire My Dad." But American is sticking to a Nov. 24 vaccination deadline for its employees. Perhaps the company feels that protests from well under 1% of its workers shouldn't stop it from doing the right thing.

Southwest experienced service outages last weekend, which anti-mandate stalwarts such as Senators Ted Cruz of Texas and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin attributed to worker shortages caused by draconian public-health policies. "Joe Biden's illegal vaccine mandate at work!" Cruz bleated. "Stop the madness before more damage is done," cried Johnson.

Southwest and the head of its pilots' bargaining unit responded to that carnival-barking by clarifying that the airline's service problems had nothing to do with worker shortages or no-show protests to vaccine mandates. Rather, bad weather hamstrung operations last weekend. Like American, Southwest plans to stay the course on vaccine requirements for its employees.

Until we have more hard data and broader experience with how workers actually respond to mandates, we won't know with certainty how all this will play out. Undoubtedly, American and Southwest's decisions to act responsibly will be fed into the "woke corporations" meat grinder. It's unclear how Texas companies that don't rely on federal contracts and aren't subject to federal regulation will respond to Abbott's gambit.

Even so, it's encouraging that at least two major companies in the state are willing to buck dangerous political posturing. Let's see how many more will step up.

- - -

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Timothy L. O'Brien is a senior columnist for Bloomberg Opinion.
Police in Cumilla, in southwestern Bangladesh, stand guard next to a vandalized temporary structure set up for the Hindu Durga Puja festival, Oct. 14, 2021.

At least four people were killed and dozens injured in southeastern Bangladesh late Wednesday when law enforcement clashed with a mob protesting the alleged desecration of a Quran at a Hindu festival site, police said Thursday.

The violent clashes in the Muslim-majority country began in Chandpur district after a video post showed a copy of the Quran inside a temporary structure in neighboring Cumilla district where the nine-day annual Durga Puja festival was being celebrated, authorities said.

Mohammad Harun Rashid, officer-in-charge at the police station in Haziganj, a sub-district of Chandpur, confirmed the deaths but did not say whether the victims were killed by police shots.

Three of the injured who suffered bullet wounds have died at a local health facility, while another died at Cumilla Medical College Hospital where he was sent for better treatment, he told BenarNews.

Cumilla Police Superintendent Faruk Ahmed confirmed that officers opened fire on the mob of several hundred people to control the situation. He said officers fired tear gas into the mob and bullets above them to scare them away.

After the post about the Quran was widely circulated, enraged mobs attacked dozens of Hindu temples, including in Cumilla and Chandpur districts, police said.

Chandpur officials banned gatherings indefinitely, Momena Akhter, the chief of the Haziganj civil administration, told BenarNews.

Security was stepped around the country as well, as the violence spread. Officials deployed Border Guard Bangladesh troops in 30 of the nations 64 districts.

The BGB personnel have been deployed to ensure security for Durga Puja celebrations, Lt. Col. Faizur Rahman said in a press statement released Thursday.

Meanwhile, after visiting the shelter from where the Quran was recovered, police detained a Muslim man named Fayez Uddin who allegedly posted the video of Islams holy book in the puja structure on Facebook, a Chittagong Range Police official told reporters.

Police are interrogating the person. We suspect the incident was sabotage and we are now trying to determine why, said Md. Anwar Hossain, deputy inspector general in the Chittagong Range Police.

He added that 43 people had been detained by police for questioning.

Anwarul Azim, chief of Cumillas Kotwali Model Police Station, said four cases had been filed as of Thursday night, including one under the Digital Security Act. Hazigang polices Harun Rashid said two cases accuse six named and 2,000 unnamed people of attacking the temple and clashing with police.

Police and authorities said at least 31 people were arrested in Gazipur, Sylhet and Coxs Bazar districts for their alleged involvement in violence in those places.

Hindu leaders said a man guarding a puja structure in Hajiganj was found dead but they could not confirm the cause of death.

A Bangladesh Border Guard van patrols in Cumilla city as the government deployed members of this paramilitary force amid religious tensions between Hindus and Muslims, Oct 14, 2021. [BenarNews]

None will be spared

On Thursday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said those responsible for the mob attacks would be brought to justice.

Those who carried out such incidents will definitely be identified as we did in the past, Hasina said in a virtual address to Hindu community members at the Dhakeshwari National Temple.

Those involved in the incident will definitely be tracked down with the use of the technology.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said law enforcers have identified most of those responsible for the Cumilla violence.

None will be spared in the Cumilla incident. The culprits will be arrested soon, he said.

Hindu leaders, meanwhile, said their community feared for its safety following the violence and attacks on Hindu temples.

Houses of Hindus came under attack in some areas, Manindra Kumar Nath of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council told BenarNews.

Palash Kanti Dey, executive secretary-general of the Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mohajote, said vandals had hit at least 48 puja structures in 18 districts over the last two days. The Durga Puja festival began on Monday and ends Friday.

Islamic political party Islami Oikya Jote urged the police not to arrest those who protested and instead take action against those responsible for the alleged Quran desecration.

The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), meanwhile, accused Hasinas government of orchestrating the violence, saying it was a planned attack to divert peoples attention from its failure to maintain law and order.
Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. (right), the Philippine military chief, shakes hands with Adm. John Aquilino, commander of the U.S. militarys Indo-Pacific Command, before the start of a meeting in Manila, Oct. 14, 2021.

The United Kingdom may be participating as an observer as the Philippines and United States look to resume full-scale joint military exercises next year after they were disrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak, senior Filipino and American military officials indicated Thursday.

Last month, the U.K. along with the U.S. and Australia agreed to a trilateral military pact widely seen as being aimed at blunting Chinas military might and expansionism in the contested South China Sea.

Balikatan, a Filipino word that means shoulder to shoulder, is an annual, large-scale bilateral exercise between the U.S. and the Philippines, long-time defense allies. It was canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic, but a series of drills on a much smaller scale were staged this year.

If and when the drills resume at full scale in 2022, the United Kingdom will likely send a small contingent to observe and join Australia and Japan  which have attended as observer-nations in recent years  on the sidelines, said Gen. Jose Faustino Jr., the Philippines top military officer.

I think there are ongoing talks of the U.K. participating as an observer for Balikatan 2022, that will be next year, Faustino told reporters after meeting in Manila on Thursday with Adm. John Aquilino, head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

Troops from Britain, Australia and Japan would only attend the exercise under observer status because Manila does not have a military agreement with those three countries that is similar to its 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States.

It helps the nations who have not participated in these larger complex events understand the intricacies, the commitments, the preparation in conducting these events, Aquilino said, referring to the role of observer nations.

Faustino spoke to reporters after he and Aquilino presided over a meeting of the Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board.

We will go full-scale Balikatan next year, the state-run Philippine News Agency (PNA) quoted the commander of the Philippine armed forces as saying.

I believe we will look to renew and get back to a full-scale event, and we will both look for opportunities to increase the complexity, the scope all the way to look towards new partners participating in the future, Aquilino said, according to PNA.

AUKUS agreement

The announcement to potentially include a British military contingent as an observer in the next Balikatan came weeks after the signing of the Australia-U.K.-U.S. defense agreement, which is otherwise known as AUKUS.

Security analysts say the partnership would help Australia develop nuclear submarines and help deter Chinas aggressive military posturing in the South China Sea.

The Philippines, one of the claimant countries in the disputed waterway, has expressed its backing for AUKUS, but neighbors Indonesia and Malaysia have voiced concerns about this new military development close to their shores.

The AUKUS agreement, Aquilino said, is an agreement among allies to further increase the capability of the undersea environment to maintain the peace, stability, and security in the region.

This region is extremely important. We have just seen multiple EU nations deployed to the region, and the AUKUS agreement will ensure that security is maintained throughout the region, he said.

While all countries enjoyed the freedom of navigation, the AUKUS agreement would help to maintain a rules-based international order, said the top American military commander in the region.

The Philippines acknowledges the right of every country to develop their defense capabilities, Faustino said but he emphasized that everyone must adhere to the law.

During the meeting, both sides also discussed the possibility of allowing temporary U.S. bases in the Philippines, a former American colony, Faustino indicated. The U.S. military could use three Philippine bases  one on the main Philippine island of Luzon and one in the southern Mindanao region  as forward operating bases to store its equipment, Faustino said.

There is no final list of what the probable sites will be, but we are looking at different areas, and we are considering, of course, how it will be beneficial to our armed forces and to the United States Armed Forces also, the Filipino military chief said.
Bennington, VT (05201)

Today

Mostly cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High near 40F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear skies. Low 23F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Town leaders have crafted, but not yet adopted, a proposed COVID vaccination policy for town employees, including anyone who is paid for providing services to the community  excluding Richmond Consolidated School staffers.
You are the owner of this article.
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.
State Senator Adam Hinds announces his run for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts on Wednesday morning at Pittsfield City Hall.
The Massachusetts Health Connector took a "bad stumble" as it transitioned to a new call center vendor this week.
HARVARD, ID - On Wednesday, October 13, 2021, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced the award of $27,000 in drinking water construction assistance to Hoo Doo Water and Sewer District, located in Harvard, ID. Harvard is in Latah County, approximately 27 miles northeast of Moscow.

The funding will be used for initial well analysis, water hauling, and to pay for Idaho Rural Water Association emergency support.

The assistance from DEQs State Revolving Fund, which is capitalized annually by grants from the US Environmental Protection Agency, provides this funding with no repayment obligation. The favorable loan terms represent a $36,777 savings to the community when compared to average costs for municipal general obligation issuances.
To support businesses with best practices regarding safety, health, and well-being

US-based Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA), The Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce and Ratchaphruek Hospital have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support local businesses in the province of Khon Kaen, Thailand with best practices regarding safety, health, and well-being.

Through this innovative partnership, GHA will collaborate with the Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce (KKCC) and Ratchaphruek Hospital (RPH) to assist organizations and businesses throughout the province in the development, planning and execution of policies and procedures for transitioning to and maintaining a safe, healthy work environment that fosters the well-being of employees, clients and guests.

Additionally, the partnership will facilitate the development of best practices regarding medical and wellness travel.

With the collaboration of Ratchaphruek Hospital, a GHA certified hospital which has achieved Certification of Conformance with best practices for COVID-19, businesses will learn directly from Rachaphriueks' expertise and knowledge about the mitigation of infection risk and how best to prevent infection and protect their employees, clients and guests.
The announcement was made at the recent global UN conference on Meeting the non-communicable diseases and mental health-related SDG target around World Lung Day

Recognising Ciplas active and consistent role in tobacco cessation in India, the Director-General of WHO Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended Cipla as a leading partner in the prevention of NCDs (Non-communicable diseases). The announcement was made at the recent global UN conference on Meeting the non-communicable diseases and mental health-related SDG target around World Lung Day.

The community-level outreach interventions, like those in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Goa and Karnataka are implemented under NCDC (Non-Communicable Disease Control) programmes. Cipla, under innovative public-private partnerships, works on a mission mode in different programme components. Counselling, integrating tobacco cessation at primary healthcare, intersectoral linkages, sensitising youth, training of trainers and capacity building of health care professionals and workers are some of its key focus areas.

Shivam Puri, CEO  Cipla Health says, Globally, WHO and Cipla Health have partnered in various programmes, including the donation of Nicotex patches and gums in Timor Leste where it has played a crucial role in limiting the use of tobacco through the use of acceptable alternatives. Our efforts have been consistent since day one and we feel honoured to be recognised by World Health Organisation although we have a long way to go.
London International Awards (LIA) has announced the appointment of Terry Savage as its new chairperson. Savage is the founder of Savages Unlimited, a consultancy as well as the global chairperson of The Marketing Academy, a not-for-profit leadership development programme that develops marketing skills within the Marketing and Communications industry and operates in the UK, USA and Australia. He comes with over 33 years' experience in awards and events and was previously the chairman of Cannes Lions. Terry will step into his role as LIA chairperson, effective immediately.

Terry Savage

This appointment underpins LIAs commitment to the development of greater creativity in the industry. In his new role, Savage will foster new relationships and carve out new avenues, making LIA even more relevant to the industry. Savage has always been passionate about creativity and has spoken openly about his vision of adding value through new developments and innovations. Globally, he is known as a champion of creativity in all forms.Savage said, I have long admired what LIA has been doing, with its focus on creativity and developing young creatives in a complex environment. I see in LIA an organisation focused on both the pure power of creativity on one hand and the development of young people in the creative space on the other. This is a true testament to Barbara Levy, the founder and presidents vision and to her commitment to improving creative output. It is both compelling and exciting to work with them at a time when the landscape is changing so much. Having said that, change or not, the base premise that creativity is the differentiator has and will not change. My role is to give advice and guide when appropriate to ensure we remain true to the brand and brand values.Barbara Levy, president of the LIA, echoed similar sentiments, We are extremely pleased that Terry has come on board. Today, the creative industry encompasses agencies, brands, collectives, production and other sectors. To reflect these developments, we want to make LIA even more pertinent by continuing to listen to the industry and implement the required changes. If we can do that, Im confident we can grow LIA and take it in the right direction to meet the constantly changing industry needs. We are the show thats created for creatives, so pushing creative boundaries and nurturing young creatives is in our brand DNA. As Terry has a wonderful perspective on the overall creative industry and is driven by creativity, he can bring so much to the table in terms of future-proofing the creative industry."
Clockwork is proud to announce strong results in the Assegai Awards 2021 finals announcements, with 17 nominations across five campaigns.

Microsofts Xbox Hall of Fame is the clear frontrunner, with 11 finalists; however, other campaigns, such as Acers #InstaPitch and #InstaQuest, as well as Netflixs How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding and Malcolm & Marie, also showed up in respectable categories.With a strong leaning towards data and proof of deliverables, the Assegai Awards is results-driven and measures quantifiable success. With Clockworks traditional digital roots, the company is geared towards producing campaigns that have measurable outcomes for clients and the market.The Clockwork finalists are listed below.Email Marketing  Microsoft  Xbox Hall of FameMobile Marketing  Microsoft  Xbox Hall of FameOnline Campaigns (Banners, Microsites, Remarketing and other Online Campaigns)  Microsoft  Xbox Hall of FameSocial Media  Microsoft  Xbox Hall of FameWebsites  Microsoft  Xbox Hall of FameSocial Media  Acer  #InstaPitchSocial Media  Netflix  Malcolm & MarieIntegrated Directed Marketing Campaigns  Microsoft  Xbox Hall of FameCRM Programmes  Microsoft  Xbox Hall of FameDatabase and Analytics Innovations  Microsoft  Xbox Hall of FameLoyalty Programmes  Microsoft  Xbox Hall of FameArt Direction  Acer  #InstaQuestBranded Content  Netflix  How to Ruin Christmas: The WeddingInnovative Solutions  Acer  #InstaPitchInnovative Solutions  Acer  #InstaQuestMost Effective Use of Content  Microsoft  Xbox Hall of FameUX, Interface and Navigation Design  Microsoft  Xbox Hall of FameThe Assegai Awards 2021 will be hosted live on 11 November 2021.
Pepe Marais, group integrated chief creative officer at Joe Public United, Johannesburg

How do you feel about judging at this years Loeries?

Tell us more about yourself and why you believe you were selected  your judging experience and so on.

It seems our industry assume you have reached your sell-by date at the age of 50, when in truth, I feel like I am only at the start of my career.

When you heard about being selected as a judge, how did you celebrate the news?

What does this mean to you, personally?

It is time to get back to basics, get back to creativity and reclaim our rightful place in the world of advertising.

Which category did you judge?

What specific criteria did you use when judging?

You have some major experience in the creative industry. Could you comment on the impact of Covid-19 on the industry?

Covid-19 has caused some major problems. So, lets use our collective creative skills towards finding major solutions.

Share a few of your favourite Loeries-related moments over the years  either from attending personally or agency winning work-related.

In terms of film, I felt that the standard was slowly declining year on year, in terms of big brands and big campaigns. This gut feeling will be supported by the end result, with the big prizes awarded to work done by agencies other than the usual suspects  mostly for smaller-scale work. This is concerning, as we should all know by now that the only way to add value to the cost of media, is to fill it with work that will occupy the most valuable media space: the space between our consumers ears. That said, the top winners are very well deserving.I have been in the industry for the past 30 years, and with Joe Public since its inception in 1998. I have steadily worked myself up the ranking and have judged Loeries for the most part of the past 23 years, except for the last three years.It feels great to be back at the judging table, especially for categories as important as the ones I judged. I must say, I left the process inspired to lift our own game.I downed a stiff glass of water! Jokes aside, I was truly happy to be judging again. I feel I have a lot to add from my experience and sincerely hope I will be offered the opportunity again next year.On a personal level, I am concerned that we have lost the plot as an industry. We are seemingly more concerned with process, revenues, and margins, than delivering groundbreaking creative campaigns to our clients. Over the past two decades, I have seen creativity fighting a losing battle, often the last thing on the mind of our business partners and our clients. Its like we have forgotten what business we are actually in.For example, Adfocus only allocated 5% of their scorecard this year to creative excellence and experience. Imagine an award for the countrys best surgery only allocating 5% to how excellent or experienced the winning surgeon is? It truly baffles me.This is mirrored by the fact that most of what we do as an industry, can be categorized as wallpaper. Being on a judging panel gives us the opportunity to become more conscious of the state of our product as an industry. And hopefully gives us the wake-up call we need to start digging ourselves out of this hole. We used to be revered internationally as an industry.Not for the sake of our egos, but for the sake of our clients. Great work works better than crap. It really is that simple.Film and Integrated Campaign.Poison gas, to quote George Lois. Work that is provocative. Weve become way, way too safe. In the end, I hope people will see past the mere judging of the judges decisions and realise that the winners are the ones who pushed the boundaries way beyond the norm, at various degrees.Covid-19 is here to stay. My only comment would be to focus on what you can control and throw yourself at doing better and better and better work, every day. Its like any brief: no problem, no solution.My most favourite Loeries-related moments would be for every time we have won major awards for real work that made a real difference to our clients businesses. Big John for Chicken Licken caused big drama and was rewarded in a big way for doing so. Hats off to our client for giving us the freedom to help her make chickens fly.

Chicken Licken - Big John from They on Vimeo.

Any predictions of trends that are likely to stand out at Loeries 2021?

Lastly, what are you most looking forward to from Loeries 2021?

Nedbanks Grand Prix for Secrets last year was a highlight of my career. It rewarded our client for her immense bravery. I mean, would you ever have thought that a bank could do a piece of work like that?Large clients are going to win less, smaller clients are going to win more. Maybe this will be an indictment on larger agencies and clients being too process-driven, with far too little focus on provocative creative campaigns.I am looking forward to the Monday after the Loeries. I always feel inspired after each years event, and ready to improve our game, ready to take the good fight for greater work to our clients.
Discovery Network's flagship channel - TLC South Africa - is set to honour having been on air in South Africa for 10 years. To celebrate this decade of bringing tears, smiles, and laughter to homes across the country, the channel is headed on a trip down memory lane, filled with the best of the 'Oh My Goodness' moments, as well as exciting offerings for fans of the channel - a reminder of why TLC is the Number 1 lifestyle channel on the continent.

Toddlers & Tiaras: Where are they now? - catching up with their favourite toddler beauty queens, who are now young women.



- catching up with their favourite toddler beauty queens, who are now young women. Everyones favourite realm traveller, Theresa Caputo, as the new season of Long Island Medium: There in Spirit hits our screens in November.



hits our screens in November. The tale of the couples in the binge-worthy 90 Day franchise is complex and filled with plenty of obstacles, but now the couples have to compete with each other in the first ever - 90 day Fiance: Love Games.

Gypsy Weddings



Toddlers & Tiaras



Breaking Amish



Honey Boo Boo



Jon & Kate



Our Little Family



My Giant Life



I Didnt Know I Was Pregnant



My Teen Is Pregnant and So AM I

To kick off its birthday month in style, TLC will treat viewers to two weeks of nostalgia by offering them another chance to watch fan favourites such as:andTLC lovers can also look forward to new shows and new seasons with the stars they love including:TLC has a show for everyone; our audiences turn to their televisions to seek comfort, solutions and inspiration. Each of our viewers has an unforgettable memory, heart-warming moment or special connection with our shows and the growth of the channel has surpassed all expectations.TLC remains the flagship channel for Discovery with an impressive share of 1.13%. It consistently ranks within the top 25 channels across total TV and premiere episodes frequently achieve over 100k viewers from our loyal viewers.Africa has been an important market for Discovery for more than 20 years, and we look forward to the next 10 years as we hope to continue to collaborate and engage with South African audiences says Anouska Widdess, senior director TLC and Channel Operations and head of content for TLC in South Africa.Viewers can join the birthday celebrations on social media by sharing their favourite TLC moments by using the hashtag #10YearsOfTLC and stand a chance to win awesome prizes.Take a look at the jam-packed schedule below, and make sure youre free fromonfor awith fan favourites:Stay up to date on the latest updates by following TLC on their Facebook page.
This year marks 40 years in business for National Flag. Aydonne Samuels, the sales and marketing director of National Flag, shares the company's journey in the branding and events industry and how it got to where it is today...

Aydonne Samuels

24-hour express service



Access to our industry-first 98% strike through technology



Price Pledge, we will beat any written quote



Industries shortest lead-times



Financial flexibility  Credit terms available



Free delivery in JHB and CT



Service excellence  We dont say no



Excellent value  No artwork set up cost and trade pricing available



No risk  NF has over 40 years experience in delighting South Africas largest brands



Marketing support and assistance offered with the widest range of display products and services in the industry

Established in 1982 as a flag-making company, National Flag Branding and Event Solutions now offers anything you may need to create, install and set up branding materials at any event, Samuels explains. As a leading below-the-line branding supplier, we have the latest technological capabilities, including flat-bed screen printing, dye sublimation and direct digital printing."This allows us to offer a new generation of branding innovations, and to create a full range of flags, banners, gazebos, outdoor banners and display systems. All products are locally manufactured in our 8000m factory in Johannesburg.Just as a flag is much more than just cloth and ink, we have an enormous amount to offer  including the largest product range in the African branding industry.Our national service crews service every city and dorpie in South Africa on a two-month cycle, and our largest dedicated production facility for display only products is our commitment in South Africa and the rest of Africa. It was important that our new online presence is testimony to our ambitions for Africa. We have also launched the industrys first TV channel that will be packed with content to further establish ourselves as the industry mavericks.We made some significant investments for our brand relaunch; our new impressive production facility provides us with the capacity we need to service customers on time every time. Within the first few weeks we were able to start our 24-hour production days to ensure customer expectations are exceeded and National Flag will be Africas number-one choice for display products with no fuss, no tiers and most importantly, no nonsense.We were the first to launch trade pricing to the African continent. For over 40 years National Flag has looked after resellers. We provide the marketing material and support so resellers can add our products to their portfolio and use our special trade pricing. Our product range offers both screen and digital printing capabilities to ensure you are getting the best value and the best quality in the industry.We are proud to wave our own flag, and have decades of experience in delighting resellers across South Africa and beyond.We are a proudly South African company at BBEEE level 1 and offer our clients a complete solution for all branding requirements, below-the-line products and events.Our resellers enjoy the following benefits:We are in the fortunate position to source our raw materials in bulk and therefore produce high volumes to guarantee you SAs best value, best quality and the best service. Our clients are important to us, and invite anyone in the market to visit us and experience how display should be done. No arrogance, no nonsense, no art work fees, we will even do the art work for you. We are very confident that we can match any quote in the industry. Put us to the test, and ask your sales person about our Price Pledge Commitment.National Flag stocks Africas largest range of country and SA flags. They are immediately available to you. Our huge 24-hour production facility delivers three-days turnaround times on orders. But, we do know things can sometimes go wrong, so ask your sales person about our 24-hour Express Service for those last-minute-dot-com-deals.Our newly renovated home enabled us to source the newest and best technology available internationally. Our unmatched high strike-though on our printed products is just another National Flag intervention to provide our customers with the best quality at the best value. In August we launched another international technology first exclusively available to our resellers. More information to follow on this exciting offering.The National Flag brand is known for its innovation, we launched SAs first screen automated printing capabilities followed by our original and now leading investments in digitally printed fabrics. Our service crew is the largest in Africa, and we will cover every city and dorpie every couple of months to retain quality control of our off-site work. It is therefore expected that we will again take the lead in the soon-to-be-launched National Flag product range.National Flag currently offers the Deluxe Aluminium 3m x 3m Digitally Branded Gazebo Complete with a Bag and Toolkit for only R3,240 each excl. VAT (includes a five-year warranty on the frame). We also have our Deluxe Chrome Pull Banners at only R695 each excl. VAT. Call your sales consultant for our weekly promotions.We are available on 011 887 01 43. Or email us at az.oc.galflanoitan@selas . I am also very happy to help; my email address is az.oc.galflanoitan@sennodya
Despite their multiple comorbidities and increased risk of more severe Covid-19, the clinical outcomes of people living with diabetes (PLWD) are not significantly different to those of people living without diabetes and diagnosed with the virus.

Older patients

Poor diabetes control

A University of Cape Town (UCT) study, published in the, used clinical records, including all patients with confirmed Covid-19 and pre-existing or newly diagnosed DM (of any type) admitted to the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) Intermediate Care Bed Facility (ICBF) from 8 June 2020 to 18 August 2020.The study examined 1,447 admissions at the CTICC ICBF, with a total of 674 (46.6%) patients who had confirmed diabetes mellitus (DM), of whom 125 (19%) were newly diagnosed diabetics and 550 (81%) had pre-existing DM.Of the 674 PLWD admitted, 593 were discharged, 45 were escalated to tertiary hospital requiring advanced care and 36 passed away.According to the researchers, this finding reinforces the importance of viewing PLWD as a high-risk cohort in this pandemic.Principal investigator, Dr Tasleem Ras from UCTs division of family medicine, says PLWD who died were older, had more comorbidities (specifically chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive cardiac failure and chronic kidney disease) and were more likely to be on insulin.The patients in the study were more acutely ill than patients in reports from field hospitals elsewhere in the world, as evidenced by the oxygen requirements on admission, says Ras.By comparison, field hospitals in Wuhan, China, used stricter admission criteria, only admitting patients who were ambulant and had an oxygen saturation of 93% or more on room air," he says.Of those PLWD who had an HbA1c test (a blood test that is used to help diagnose and monitor people with diabetes) result available on admission, Ras says only 14% had an HbA1c in the recommended target range of less than seven percent."More concerning was that almost 50% of PLWD admitted had an HbA1c more than 10%, confirming the high background levels of poor diabetes control in the community.The high insulin demands were met by using simple insulin regimens and standard Covid-19 treatment protocols, resulting in almost 90% of PLWD being discharged home, he says."In this cohort, an unexpected finding was that an elevated HbA1C was not predictive of a poor outcome, although our outcomes were influenced by the fact that most patients had been admitted to acute hospitals for a few days before admission to the intermediate care facility," says Ras."Patients who required an escalation of their care were more likely to be younger (owing to having acceptable criteria for ICU), be male, have high oxygen demands and require insulin, he explains.He adds that they were admitted for a significantly shorter duration than the median, and therefore the assumption can be made that they were prematurely referred from referral hospitals.With resource limitations and lack of access to hospital beds being rife in certain areas of the country and in other low- and middle-income countries, he says the study provides important data for a cost-effective model to show its success in managing high-risk patients during a pandemic.
On 17-18 November, the International News Media Association (Inma) will host its second annual Africa News Media Summit. The conference will focus on surfacing the continent's rapidly unfolding news industry, centred on themes of integrity, trust and digital transformation in turbulent times.This is a free two-day virtual summit spread over five hours. Peter Ndoro, news anchor of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), will moderate the event, which will include sessions of importance to African publishers.To register click here
I wrote about it many times, we can see its progressing, but only in the so-called developed world. A dystopian society, which is doomed to fail, eventually. A world of surveillance, health-dictatorship, QR codes, cashless payments and for most people unlivable, it resembles the old systems like fascism or totalitarian communism, in a new outfit, which I will call a technocratic based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) totalitarian system, but all systems and ideologies that become totalitarian will fall, history has learned.

A lot of evidence about the dystopian new society, based on so-called pandemic, or as I would call it a new technocratic dictatorial, including health, system has been put in place in many parts of the developed world, tests for this new worldwide including social credit system has been performed in Africa, as I wrote before experiments are conducted in Africa to implement this social credit system, based on a pandemic, with the cooperation of GAVI, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and with the World Economic Forum. They ironically call it a Wellnes-pass, mind you in Africa, how utopian you can get! As we all know by now (I sincerely hope many are awake) it was never about a virus, but about control, smart cities, electrical cars, where Africa will be exploited again for Lithium, also Afghanistan, this is why the Western world had to withdraw, a geopolitical conflict is going on, not about Afghanistan as a territory, or pity the people, but about Lithium. Build Back Better, depopulation of the world, which Bill Gates and especially his father are experts in doing so are all part of the new dystopian world.

Even the Catholic Church is involved in this great experiment, in Africa of course since many years, but also in the Western world, after years of child abuse and pedophilia scandals, they are just continuing with their unchristian policies. But we must not forget that the Catholic Church is an outgrowth of the Roman Empire, or as many these days call it the British Empire, basically it's the same, it's all about the Western unipolar ideology and colonialism with all their excesses. So the church, i.e. the Catholic, is involved in this dystopian new world, because they have a lot of money and have their own state called the Vatican. The Protestant church is not in this position and is now seen as an 'enemy' of the state, especially in the Netherlands. The Dutch government has now started their 'soft approach' to persecute the Protestants, a deja-vu is emerging about the times of the Huguenots, it is actually the descendants of these Huguenots, who will suffer the same fate again, now in the countries they had chosen centuries ago, to be free and where people are tolerant. In the Netherlands these Protestants will be forced into lockdowns, because many of them, on religious grounds, wont be vaccinated. Also, the Dutch government has started (with organizations) a research project, to establish if the Protestant church was involved into slavery in the Dutch East Indies. Of course they were, the whole of society was in these days, but the biggest criminals, just like now, are the rich, the elite and the Dutch royal family, who pretend to be Christian, but this Christianity is just a show, a performance for the ignorant citizens.

The Dutch parliament rejected a motion that various parties, including Forum for Democracy (FVD) submitted against the introduction of a social credit system in the Netherlands, the government can now legally introduce the social credit system, which they have already started, of course, by introducing the so-called QR Corona pass. The next step is the Co2 level and the measurement of eating meat and eventually censor the Internet, by introducing a digital pass, put on your existing pass to use the internet. The European Union (EU) Social Credit System will me much worse than the Chinese experiment, which was only conducted in a few cities. The EU social credit system is about total control, about your body, your behaviour, your private life and eventually about your physical life, when you dont comply, there will be no mercy and no help, your life will be like a wanderer, without any benefits or life as you used to know it, be prepared.

In other parts of the Western world, like in Australia, the dystopian society has become reality already. Australia with its past and present and being part of the British Empire (BE) and under the influence of the US, preparing for a conflict with China, Australia is closest to China and we all know their new AUKUS a new so-called security pact between The UK, US and Australia, in what's seen as an effort to counter China. To be prepared and outsmart China, they already started with their draconian social credit system and moreover and most worse their surveillance state has become reality, alarming reports come out of the country which was once called the land of the free is now the most repressive country in the Western world and I wonder where Amnesty International or Human Right are? Of course, they will not report, they are a tool from the same Western world, reporting only about non-complying countries like Russia, Syria or the underdeveloped countries. But Australia was always a racist country built on the principles of murdering the Aboriginals and sending criminals to their conquered land. Canada is another example, in a different way than Australia but withe the same ideology. Of course, the uttermost worst country is the so-called democracy of Israel, where life is hell for most citizens, it was already worse for Palestinians, but now especially for the Orthodox Jews.

Conclusion

I would like to write a conclusion, but can we make a conclusion? I guess not, the world as we are experiencing it today, is unstable, full of conflict and polarization, with many geopolitical differences. I am afraid we are back, like the roaring twenties of the last century resulting in the grim thirties, unemployment, the introduction (by force) of a new system, designed by the elite of the Western world. Like now Its ripe for conflict and most likely war, not like WWII but a different war, biological warfare (maybe we are already experiencing this), depopulation agenda, implemented by vaccinations and biological warfare and the introduction of AI. Eugenics (not new) is necessary according to the elite, like in the two world wars were eugenics happened through killing of soldiers on the battlefield and of course the holocaust. Now according to the elite there are too many mouths to feed and no jobs (AI) and of course the elite will not share their money with the poor. A dark time in human history has come again.
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Last month, despite claiming he wouldnt issue one, President Joe Biden announced a vaccine mandate for all companies in the United States with more than 100 employees. If these companies refuse to comply, they could face massive fines, upwards of $700,000. Not wanting to go out of business from massive fines, companies across the country  under state coercion  have issued an ultimatum to their employees, take the jab or kick rocks.

As many folks dont want or need a vaccine due to already having COVID-19, or are opposed to it for religious reasons, Bidens mandate is causing a storm of worker shortages, affecting all industries. Millions of people are quitting or being fired from their jobs over the mandate, adding fuel to the already massive dumpster fire that is the US economy.

As vaccine deadlines loom, so do massive worker shortages  particularly hard hit is the health care industry. After millions of doctors, nurses, and other health care workers braved COVID-19 in 2020, working the frontlines and risking their lives to battle the pandemic, in 2021, they are now considered expendable for not getting a vaccine for a disease they may already have gotten over.

Also facing looming shortages are law enforcement. The Seattle police department, for example, has a deadline in place for October 18 for its officers to be vaccinated. They stand to lose nearly 30% of the entire department that day leading to fears of longer response times and police shortages. They have even devised a plan to put all on-duty personnel, like detectives and training officers out on patrol when the shortage inevitably hits.

The vaccine mandate is creating the perfect storm for complete chaos, especially in the northeast portion of the country who is about to see a massive seasonal spike in COVID cases and hospitalizations.

According to the New Yorks official tally, roughly 95,000 hospital and nursing home workers havent been fully vaccinated and will be or have been fired or forced out. Imagine the sheer lunacy it takes to force 95,000 health care workers out of their jobs DURING A PANDEMIC.

Yet thanks to the state, here we are in this exact scenario as millions of health care workers across the country are being forced out of their jobs over a vaccination mandate.

In September, New York unveiled their plan to call in the National Guard to cover for the tens of thousands of healthcare workers who are being forced out of their jobs over the vaccine mandate. The state is forcing health care workers out and replacing them with soldiers  nothing at all ominous about that.

Massachusetts concocted a similar scheme to replace the expected worker shortage in the Massachusetts Department of Corrections. Hundreds of officers will be forced out of their jobs on October 17 and the National Guard will be stepping in to replace them.

The irony over the National Guard stepping in to replace any unvaccinated workers is heavy considering the fact that their vaccine deadline isnt until June of 2022. So, unvaccinated guardsmen could potentially fill a position of a person who was fired  for being unvaccinated.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul claims to have a plan to prevent this from happening, but less than 39% of the National Guard have taken the jab. When pressed about the plan to require troops to be vaccinated to replace the unvaccinated, the governors office could not articulate a meaningful response.

We are already seeing the National Guard being sent to hospitals to allegedly help with COVID-19. However, TFTP spoke with a hospital staffing official in Louisiana who said that the military health professionals, at least in their case, werent qualified to assist the COVID unit and the entire ordeal ended up being a PR stunt for the press. The military health care workers essentially got in the way, according to our source, and were sent to their own floor where they saw patients for things like cuts and broken bones.

Whats more, even the National Guard admits that the National Guard isnt some magic resource for health care workers. We are not a resource for nurses a National Guard spokesman told New York local media.

Also, the few health care workers who are in the National Guard, according to the spokesman, are likely already employed in the private health care sector  meaning they would be taken away from these jobs, stoking another shortage.

Its not just in the health care sector either. Any time the guard is deployed, those people are being pulled from their actual jobs, so the states plan (if we can even call it a plan) requires robbing Peter to pay Paul. It is utter ridiculousness and entirely avoidable.

Instead of mandating a vaccine and creating a massive worker shortage, the government could have chosen the path of freedom and individual liberty by allowing people to make that choice for themselves instead of being coerced into it. Unfortunately, however, the path of freedom requires reason and logic  both of which the state has none.
Netflix will begin streaming a brazen hatchet job on Julian Assange and WikiLeaks for its American subscribers on October 24th, just three days prior to a significant court date in Assanges fight against extradition from the UK to the United States on October 27th.

You can stream We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks on Netflix starting Sunday, October 24, 2021, at 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET, Netflix Schedule reports.

We Steal Secrets was a documentary that is now so outdated beyond its 2013 release that one of its central characters, Chelsea Manning, is referred to by a dead name throughout its entirety. Why choose this specific moment to release it?

Well it doesnt make much sense at all, if the timing wasnt deliberately geared toward damaging Assanges reputation in the nation whose government is trying to extradite him for exposing its war crimes. Assanges October court date was set way back in August and Netflix didnt announce its plans to begin streaming this film until two weeks ago.

After all, We Steal Secrets was so egregious in its spin that not only did WikiLeaks supporters like World Socialist Website and journalist Jonathan Cook pan it as a smear at the time, but WikiLeaks itself went to the trouble of publishing a line-by-line refutation of the mountains of propaganda distortion heaped on the narrative by filmmaker Alex Gibney.

The title (We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks) is false, WikiLeaks writes at the beginning of its response. It directly implies that WikiLeaks steals secrets. In fact, the statement is made by former CIA/NSA director Michael Hayden in relation to the activities of US government spies, not in relation to WikiLeaks. This an irresponsible libel. Not even critics in the film say that WikiLeaks steals secrets.

Gibneys latest release  We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks  is something else again, World Socialist Website wrote in 2013. The 130-minute feature is a political hatchet job against Julian Assange and dovetails with the media and US government campaign against the WikiLeaks web site. Whether Gibney has shifted to the right or simply revealed the fatal limitations of his liberal oppositional views is a matter for a separate discussion. In any event, his newest work is an effort at disinformation.

The job of a good documentarist is to weigh the available material and then present as honest a record of what it reveals as possible. Anything less is at best polemic, if it sides with those who are silenced and weak, and at worst propaganda, if it sides with those who wield power, critiqued Jonathan Cook at the time.

This would not be the first time Netflix has helped circulate narratives that advance the interests of the US empire, or the second, or the third, having already run blatantly propagandistic documentaries advancing imperial interests in nations like Ukraine, Russia, Egypt, and multiple ones about Syria. Netflix has also signed deals with the Obamas and with British royalty.

So theyre not exactly looking out for the little guy, which from a company worth an estimated $229 billion should come as no surprise.

Still, such open facilitation of the worlds most powerful government in its campaign to imprison a journalist for inconvenient journalistic activity is a special kind of reprehensible. If there is a healthy humanity in the future, it will look back on the worldwide smear campaign against Assange and WikiLeaks with horror.

_______________________

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Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, few nations have been lauded as much for their management of the disease as Taiwan has. Since the first cases of COVID-19 in the country were reported in February 2020, only 16,313 infections and 846 deaths have been recorded. Despite how successfully the nation had managed the outbreak, it still enrolled itself in the World Health Organization-led COVAX exchange program and began its first wave of vaccinations on March 22, 2021. While the nation hadn't had even a dozen deaths attributed to COVID-19 by the time the first vaccine was administered, 836 of the 846 deaths attributed to COVID-19 have occurred since the vaccination program began. In an even more dubious display concerning the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines administered in Taiwan, the nation's Central Epidemic Command Center ("CECC") has stated that 850 deaths have been reported as adverse events following vaccinations. That total eclipses the number of fatalities attributed to the virus itself.

Taiwan's vaccination campaign began much later than many other nations, a lag which many blame on political interference from China which was best illustrated by the island nation's difficulties procuring orders of Pfizer-BioNTech's mRNA vaccines. Despite these hurdles, the country was able to first able to procure 117,000 doses of AstraZeneca's vaccines. Additional deliveries of 200,000 and 400,000 doses from the same manufacturer arrived the following two months before another 150,000 vaccines from Moderna were delivered in May 2021. It gave emergency approval to a domestically engineered alternative made by Medigen Vaccine Biologics Corporation with shipments from Pfizer-BioNTech and Johnson & Johnson soon following. As of October 11, 4.48 million Taiwanese, about 19% of the population, have been fully vaccinated and 13.7 million, or about 59% of population, have received on dose. The country has stated that it seeks to have 70% of its population fully vaccinated.

Yet, by the time Taiwan had approved those five vaccines for emergency use, an alarming trend began appearing. The highest seven-day average of new cases of COVID-19 observed in Taiwan before its first vaccines were deployed was just 3. By May 28, 2021, that seven-day average exploded to 597. As the rest of the world grappled with an increase in cases despite the global advancement of vaccination efforts, most those countries had record their all-time highs for new cases and deaths before any vaccines were available. One exception to that rule was seen in Israel, where the record for a highest single-day case count was recorded following the beginning of the nation's campaign to administer third doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines in the wake of concerns of the delta variant's impact of the efficacy of vaccines. Yet, even though Israel did surpass its previous one-day high, the amount by which it exceeded that paled in comparison to Taiwan. The seven-day average in Taiwan would not fall under 10 new cases again until September 2021. Since then, despite the increase in vaccinations, that national average has never managed to reach its pre-vaccination levels. The lowest seven-day average Taiwan has seen since it began vaccinating its citizens was recorded at 5 on September 5, 2021.

While the increase in viral transmission since March will likely be attributed to mutations like the delta variant, it could also be indicative of the antibody dependent enhancement onset from vaccines that has been forewarned about by scientists and physicians such as Dr. Robert Malone, one of the scientists behind the development of mRNA technology. Though not all vaccines used in Taiwan utilize mRNA technology, the viral vector-based vaccines like AstraZeneca's still predicate their promotion of antibodies by exposing the immune system of vaccinated patients to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Antibodies based on the genetic fragment of the spike protein alone opposed to a whole genetic sequence of a viral particle are suspected to be less capable of warding off infection. Scientists like Dr. Michael Yeadon, formerly of Pfizer, attest that these inadequate antibodies actually facilitate viral entry because they don't possess the necessary protein structures, or paratopes, to the corresponding protein structures on the viral particles, called epitopes. This phenomenon was observed in clinical trials of mRNA vaccines aimed at combating the coronavirus which caused Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome. Advocates of that theory warning against that risk have expressed concerns that this same outcome of the potential deficiencies in COVID-19 vaccines has been overlooked by a hurried regulatory process.



As far as the 850 deaths reported to the Taiwanese CECC following vaccinations are concerned, 643 have been attributed to patients receiving AstraZeneca doses, 183 received Moderna doses, and just 22 received Taiwan's own Medigen vaccine. Despite being recorded as adverse events following vaccination, many Taiwanese officials have responded to the CECC report by stating that these deaths may not be inherently due to the vaccines. The CECC has previously affirmed its position that reactions from the Moderna vaccine have resulted in fatal adverse events. As the seven-day average of COVID-19 deaths continues to hover between 0 and 1 as it has over the last several weeks, it's possible that deaths reported to the Taiwanese CECC following vaccination will continue to exceed those attributed to viral infection for some time.
There are two ways of getting things done: persuasion or coercion. You either convince someone of the value of your ideas or you hold a (literal or metaphorical) gun to their head. The latter has been the norm throughout human history. Most of what we value about the contemporary West is a shift toward the former occurring over the last 250 years or so.

However, theres an important difference between the despotisms of old and coercive governments in the modern era: modern-day tyrants frame themselves as the righteous side in any conflict.

Think about it: Ancient Persian Emperors and the German Kaiser didnt paint themselves as the moral superiors of their enemies. They simply wanted their stuff and, if they could, they took it. In contrast, during the American Civil War or the Allied cause during World War II, force didnt justify itself. Instead, force was justified by the righteousness of the cause.

(President Lincoln openly, repeatedly stated more than a year into the Civil War that his call to "end slavery" was a useful means by which to justify his real objective: To preserve the Union.)

The need to justify force with righteousness is not limited to wartime. Every new coercive law or regulation is justified not on the basis of Im strong enough to take your stuff and so I think I will, but because our cause is just. While some who would take your freedom or your life are motivated by their desire for power, the most vicious monsters in human history were all motivated by righteousness. They seek to perfect creation, no matter what the cost, rather than simply acquire power for its own end - a philosophically important distinction.

It is this philosophy of using state power to impose one's morality on others that in part has made American politics such a bloodsport nowadays. If you follow the thread from the Abolitionist movement (which provided moral justification for the Union's invasion of the Confederacy) through the Temperance movement (which culminated in Prohibition) to the Progressivism movement as we detail below, you'll see why.

What Do We Mean by Righteousness?

Righteousness is simply the sense that one's cause is so just that "the ends justify the means"  the ends could be anything. A critical feature of righteousness is the belief in the perfectibility of man and earth. It is often accompanied by philosophical progressivism, the view that the world becomes a better place, morally speaking, over time.

Righteousness requires coercion. This necessitates a large administrative state to enforce the prevailing diktats of the secular-religious. An excellent example from recent history is the campaign against tobacco, which in the span of a few years was chased from every public place.

Righteousness is not simply progressivism. It is a specific type of progressivism forged in America through the experience of Pietist Protestant Christians. The Pietists were originally Scandinavian Lutherans, but the posture of Pietism spread to most Protestant denominations in the United States: The Northern Baptists and Methodists, the Congregationalists, the Disciples of Christ, the Presbyterians, and others.

The Pietists rejected ritualistic or "liturgical" religious practice in favor of an inner experience expressed in one's daily life. Correct beliefs and proper living were the focus, culminating in the Holiness Movement, which was an extreme and fundamentalist expression of Pietism. Holiness tolerated no deviation from orthodoxy in either thought or deed.

Righteousness, like its Pietist forebears, isn't satisfied that you do and say the right things, you need to truly believe the right things. Compliance is not enough. You have to love Big Brother.

Righteousness moved from the realm of the deeply religious Protestant pietists of early America into the mainstream progressive movement. The latter adopted this surety and energy, seeking to expand their ersatz religion into every aspect of American life.

Righteousness is dangerous as a political force because of how certain it makes those infected with it. What's more, political righteousness makes the stakes increasingly apocalyptic, allowing the ends to continually justify any means, up to and including the death camp.

This is not hyperbole: Righteousness does not prohibit your political participation, it demands it, and it sees everything else about you as superfluous.

Righteousness Enters the World Stage: Abolitionism

It is often said that before the Civil War, the United States "are," but after the War, the United States "is." This is a reference to the formerly theoretically sovereign nature of each state as compared to "one nation, indivisible" found in the Pledge of Allegiance, which was created after the Civil War by a Union war veteran.

Why does this distinction matter? Because it was a distinction which the Confederacy, headed by Jefferson Davis, was willing to test in the furnaces of war.

In the run-up to the War, Davis repeatedly pointed out that the U.S. was a voluntary union of states which delegated authority to Washington, as ratified in the U.S. Constitution in the Bill of Rights #9 and #10. Thus if a state wanted to leave the Union, it could do so. Despite the best efforts of the southern states to maintain the Union, at the end of the day they voted to secede because their differences with the northern states were irreconcilable. Was slavery one of the issues over which they didn't agree? Yes, absolutely. Slavery was an issue that plagued the Founders as well.

Yet Davis made an important point: Just because one doesn't like slavery (and we don't like slavery, let's be clear) that does not then automatically mean that one supports President Lincoln using the U.S. Army to roll into the Confederacy in order to occupy them and make them behave the way we'd like them to. This is persuasion vs. coercion in action.

(One of the reasons Jefferson Davis was never tried for treason following the Civil War is that his case would've given him a platform to highlight the Constitutional issues presented by the North's invasion of the South.)

Fast forward to the present day. If you're reading this then you're likely a Unionist (i.e. happy that the U.S. is intact), at least in spirit if not in name, and also a fan of President Lincoln. Yet it was President Lincoln who said, in a widely publicized 1862 letter written more than a year into the War:

"My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or to destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do that. What I do about slavery, and the colored race, I do because I believe it helps to save the Union; and what I forbear, I forbear because I do not believe it would help to save the Union. I shall do lesswhenever I shall believe what I am doing hurts the cause (of saving the Union), and I shall do more whenever I shall believe doing more will help the cause."

One can point this out without arguing in favor of slavery as it's clear President Lincoln knew what he was doing - trying to save the Union - and that picking up the moral banner of ending slavery was a useful means by which to ally himself because it furthered his goal of saving the Union. Machiavelli would've been proud, and so were the Abolitionists, who got a taste of what righteousness and force can do once the reins of state power are grasped.

It was these Abolitionists who not only claimed the moral high ground for President Lincoln during the War but who, following Appomattox, then went about the Reconstruction of the Southern state governments, which was largely a disaster. During Reconstruction, the Northern Republicans attempted to form Southern state governments with people who either had no experience in governance or had no connections to their constituents because the righteousness of their cause, "reconstructing" the South, would make it all work in the end.

Note that this is not a condemnation of the abolitionist cause, instead, it is a condemnation of the social phenomenon of righteousness, which generally sees political orthodoxy as trumping basic competence.

The end of the Civil War led to a total war against American citizens. Significant portions of Southern states were stripped of the right to vote and the right to keep and bear arms. The Radical Reconstructionist Congress was all too eager to ride roughshod over the Southern states because they felt ideologically and morally justified in doing so.

What caused the Civil War will always remain a question of debate. What will not is that it represented a massive transfer of power upward from sovereign individuals and states to a centralized federal government, as Jefferson Davis warned. This provided later incarnations of righteousness and force with a ready-made set of tools to increase the efficiency of coercion.

The Reconstruction period did little to heal the nation. It gave us the Klan and Jim Crow laws, but it stands as an example of righteousness having a large effect on American politics.

Righteousness must also be considered separately from the question of abolition itself, which was a moot point by the time the Reconstruction governments came into power. It's one thing to see slavery, which was the default mode of human production throughout all of human history, as a great moral evil that must be ended at once. It is another to dramatically punish, humiliate, and disenfranchise people who participated in this economic system.

It is still another thing entirely to attempt to dramatically remake the world into one's personal vision of Heaven on Earth. The carpetbaggers flooding Southern states during the Reconstruction Era believed that they simply needed to point the right guns in the right direction to create their earthly paradise.

Righteousness, in addition to a tangible ability of coercion through the military, cops, and courts, was the animating force of Reconstruction; however, it didn't end there.

Righteousness Comes for Your Daily Life: Temperance

The Prohibition Era and the Temperance Movement that preceded it are oft-overlooked areas of American history; however, this is our next stop on the tour of armed, militant righteousness.

Temperance was not originally in favor of Prohibition. The Temperance Movement, as the name suggests, was originally about moderate drinking. This was a time when the average American rarely consumed water and instead hydrated with beer and spirits. Only later did Temperance become synonymous with teetotaling and banning alcohol.

The pro-Prohibition or "dry" argument is rarely given enough attention, with many dismissing the period as a brief blip of madness requiring no further explanation. However, it's worth diving into what the drys believed.

The drys believed that alcohol was not simply an individual choice, but a highly corrosive social factor. They blamed the decay of the family and a host of other social ills on demon alcohol.

Post-World War I urbanization added gas to the fire. People were concerned about their children moving to cities and becoming introduced to saloon life. It followed, for the drys, that banning alcohol would end these social ills. In many cases, they believed the final result would be the Second Coming.

The degree to which Prohibition "worked" or could have is debatable, but we definitively know that Prohibition drove the rise in organized crime and militarized policing in a symbiotic relationship.

Strange as it might sound, the "drys" tended to be part of the Progressive Movement of the early 20th Century. They too sought to cure social ills like child labor, dirty meat, women's disenfranchisement, and the like using coercion rather than persuasion. Despite the rather strange bedfellows, conservative Christian anti-liquor people allied with labor activists and proto-feminists. We can now begin to see how righteousness begins to move into the modern left.

Prohibition was also a dramatic intensification of force.

Abolition wanted to remove a barbaric economic system from America. Temperance, however, attempted to police the daily behaviors of average Americans. It is frequently noted how few who fought for the Southern cause were impacted by abolition. The abolitionists sought systemic change. No one was ever thrown in jail for being a plantation owner.

Temperance, on the other hand, made tens of millions of Americans into felons overnight.

The scale of Temperance is important to note as it is a far more aggressive posture than the War on Drugs because it went after a substance that had been widely used for centuries. Banning cocaine in 1920, the year the Volstead Act took effect, would have impacted orders of magnitude fewer people.

Abolitionists saw a system as the center of great moral outrage. Abolitionism saw individuals as the engine. And so that's who it targeted: Not a regional economic system, but individuals consuming the world's most widely used substance in any amount.

Righteousness Comes For Everything: The Progressive Era

The Progressive Era of the early 20th Century offers insight because it is the first serious attempt to use righteousness combined with coercion to take over every aspect of American society. Unfortunately, it would not be the last.

The Progressive Era saw righteousness rule America as a broad coalition of suffragettes, Prohibitionists, labor reformers, child advocates, and other interest groups. This was the era that gave us federal control over medicine, the income tax, compulsory education of children, and a host of other measures that curbed individual liberty.

People were not asked to live righteous lives. They were forced to using state power.

The Era was wrapped up in religious zeal, taking place at the same time as the Third Great Awakening, an uptick in Holiness, Nazarene, and Pentecostal religious denominations, which were Pietist Protestant movements emerging in the second half of the 19th Century. Much like later movements, these religious groups sought to make heaven on earth by reforming human behavior.

The social sciences also began in earnest around this time. They offered secular solutions that mirrored their religious alternatives. Man was broken, not by sin, but by socialization. Salvation was not to be found in the Gospels but in the social sciences.

This secular view of man fits well with the religious views of Social Gospel. Social Gospel believed that the Gospel held answers not just for spiritual life, but for social problems as well: alcoholism, urban crime, racial tensions, environmental concerns, and other issues  common goals made for a common cause.

The Progressive Era was largely successful in that it transformed a passive and largely benign federal government into an all-pervasive bureaucracy. It formed the basis of the administrative state which was greatly expanded, first under FDR, then under LBJ.

It was the first time in American history that using righteousness and force seeking to coerce all non-believers into compliance became a mass, mainstream political trend in American politics. The parallels to the modern left are easy to draw in this context.

Righteousness Conquers the World: Wilson and Progressivism

Woodrow Wilson was, by all accounts, the progressive President. What he did at home pales in comparison to what he did abroad. Much of the map of the modern world owes a lot to President Woodrow Wilson.

Wilson was the originator of the Wilsonian foreign policy, which broadly speaking means that aggressive ideological aims are pursued abroad. For Wilson, this meant forming the League of Nations, national sovereignty over ancient empires, and the Western-liberal version of democracy.

Nations had long fought for their own freedom. They had sometimes fought for the freedom of their allies, but it was thinly veiled realpolitik. Wilson, however, demanded a specific vision of freedom for the world.

It was not the riches of the colonial world or geopolitical considerations fueling Wilson's drive to get into World War I, something that he ran against. Wilson wanted to end the possibility of any future war by remaking the world in such a way that war would be impossible.

Righteousness and coercion were no longer the exclusive provinces of one set of religious do-gooders. It was the official policy of the American Departments of State and War.

Why Righteousness Trends Toward Totalitarianism

Righteousness is always impossible to enforce without tyrannical measures trending toward totalitarianism. This is because righteousness attempts to tackle problems so large that massive state intervention is required. The bigger the problem, the more state intervention, coercion, is required.

This is why the current iteration of righteousness and force is so insidious. It attempts to untangle the Gordian knot of human inequality. Not equality before the law or equality of opportunity. But human inequality as such.

The current crusade of righteousness is using the levers of state power, which are now capable of reaching every corner of the globe and monitoring virtually all private communication, to chase after a totally flat, "equal" society without any divergence of the outcome.

This type of equality means kneecapping some people and is arguably the final result of the stages of righteousness and force outlined above. Righteousness and force in America first attempted to tackle an economic problem, Abolitionism; then a moral problem, Temperance; followed by a political problem, Progressivism.

It now attempts to solve the problem of why some people have more than others, more health, wealth, fame, beauty, etc...

Such radical leveling requires highly invasive state power. Such power is dangerous on its own but also invites sociopathic personalities to pursue it. The people who desire it most deserve it least.

Once this impulse is let out of the cage, it is very hard to get the genie back in the bottle. History teaches us this with outbursts of righteousness-driven force such as Mao's Red Guards or the violent American radicalism of the 1970s.

Wokeness and the social justice movement are a further intensification of the principle of righteousness armed with force because of its attempt to level every aspect of society at the outcome level.

Its desire to enforce radical equality of outcome is not limited to America's borders. Increasingly, since the Bush and Obama Administrations, it views American military power as something to be aggressively and proactively projected in its service.

Historically speaking, American intervention was justified by American interests, not a specific set of values. This is why America supported dictators around the world in the struggle against Communism. It was not an endorsement of their views or actions, but a recognition of realpolitik. America needed allies and found them where she could.

Compare with the post-9/11 view of American intervention: America must turn Iraq into Japan in the desert, not because this is good for America, but because liberal democracy is especially noble and righteous.

Righteousness and force have become universalist. Any deviation from a specific form of political organization or way of life is seen as prima facie evidence of electoral chicanery or tyranny.

This offers insight into the $64,000 question: Why can't San Francisco just leave Oklahoma City alone? For that matter, why can't California cities leave the more rural, suburban, and conservative parts of California alone? Because of this universalist drive for an extremely abstract notion of human equality effectively without limits.

Any variance from their all-encompassing notion of righteousness requires force, not persuasion, to correct.

"History doesn't repeat, but it rhymes" and this is a great example of how that old historical cliche plays out in the real world. The "protests" of summer 2020 aren't all that different from the protests of the 1960s and 1970s, but there is more going on here than a simple expression of popular rage or even the boredom of the young adults.

The riots of 2020 were not terribly different from how death squads work in banana republics. The leftists were allowed to burn, loot, pillage, and assault at will, but any response in defense would result in arrest and criminal charges. Thus, there is the quasi-religious nature to the movement, expressed in the exuberant fanatical violence of last summer. These riots act as something of a victory dance and an act of war  is it not clear that the righteous were able to increase their social and political power in the United States by rioting?

Furthermore, there is a religious aspect to the COVID-19 hysteria. It ignores actual data on the subject in favor of an ever-shifting official "science." The adherents of this leverage coercion through mask and vaccine mandates while also openly calling for punishment or even death for those who do not comply.

The COVID cult introduces fear into the mix, a form of coercion, with an eye toward gaining compliance and assistance from those not otherwise predisposed toward ideological flights of fancy.

The pandemic provided an opportunity for otherwise diffuse forces to band together in the name of controlling every aspect of human behavior. It also provided insight into just how many restrictions on human freedom people were willing to submit to.

Weaponized Righteousness Cannot Be Reasoned With

It runs counter to the general sense of fair play and open-mindedness that the Anglo-Saxon tradition is known for to say that there is a person or group of people who are not worth communicating with.

But the righteous want total control over every aspect of social and private life, and they are satisfied with nothing less and will do anything to get it. Their desires for control are an insatiable black hole, an endless quest for new dragons to slay.

Further, they do not respect the notion of rights as you and I understand them. Rights, for the militantly righteous, are positive values provided by the government in the service of moving the world closer to their utopia. Rights are not boundaries to be respected but are instead manipulated as a means to an end.

Finally, because their ideology has a quasi-religious nature to it, there is no arguing with them. Arguing with the righteous over whether or not America is an inherently racist country is a bit like arguing with a brick wall over whether or not the moon is made of green cheese.

Political righteousness has no sense of "live and let live," let alone any sense that persuasion is better than force.

The cynic can be reasoned with or even bribed. For the true believer, there is no acceptable result except for total and complete victory. Those seeking to ensure freedom for themselves, their family, their community, and their future would do well to form a clear picture of how militant, weaponized righteousness has worked in the past.

Righteousness and force didn't end last summer  we can see it in the digital pages of our electronic newspapers almost every day. The attempts to decide what is right for you and yours, and to enforce such at gunpoint is the essence of armed righteousness. The reader will ignore its ever-changing manifestations at his own peril.

Written by Sam Jacobs

Jacobs is the lead writer and chief historian with Ammo.com, and is the driving intellectual force behind the content in the Resistance Library. He is proud to see his work name-checked in places like Bloomberg, USA Today and National Review, but he is far more proud to see his work republished on websites like ZeroHedge, Lew Rockwell and Sons of Liberty Media. You can catch him on Quora and Parler as well as on our very own Resistance Library podcast.

How many firearms does Sam own and whats his everyday carry? Thats between him and the NSA.
Across the entire spectrum of essential industries, we can expect that shortages of employees over vaccine mandates will create chaotic interruption of services. Some claim these are unintended consequences. However, Technocracy and Technocrats have implemented these policies as a scorched earth economic meltdown that is necessary for them to build back better.  TN Editor

Houston hospitals have reached a breaking point amid a COVID-19 outbreak, which struck weeks after 150 hospital workers were fired by Houston Methodist hospital, one of several hospitals struggling.

Jennifer Bridges knew what was coming when her director at Houston Methodist hospital called her up in June to inquire about her vaccination status.

Bridges, a 39-year-old registered nurse, responded absolutely not when asked if she was vaccinated or had made an effort to get vaccinated. She was terminated on the spot.

We all knew we were getting fired, Bridges, 39, told CBS News. We knew unless we took that shot to come back, we were getting fired today. There was no ifs, ands or buts.

Bridges was one of more than 150 hospital workers fired by Houston Methodist hospital.

All last year, through the COVID pandemic, we came to work and did our jobs, said Kara Shepherd, a labor and delivery nurse who joined Bridges and other workers in an unsuccessful lawsuit. We did what we were asked. This year, were basically told were disposable.

Please Send Help Now

Shepherd and her colleagues may be disposable in the eyes of hospital administrators, but they are perhaps not as easily replaced as she or Houston Methodist thought.

Two months after firing unvaccinated hospital staff, Houston Methodist is one of several area hospitals experiencing a severe shortage of medical personnel. Media reports say hospitals have reached a breaking point because of a flood of COVID-19 cases.

In an editorial published Tuesday, the Houston Chronicle said the 25-county hospital area that includes Houston had more patients in hospital bedsmore than 2,700than at any point in 2021. News reports make it clear that hospitals are struggling to keep up.

KHOU-11, a local news station, says medical tents have been erected outside of Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital but are vacant because of a shortage of nurses.

Please send help now, said Dr. George Williams (depicted in main photo), chief ICU medical officer for LBJ Hospital.

While most media reports focus on LBJ Hospital, reports also make it clear other hospitals, including Houston Methodist, are experiencing similar struggles. The Houston Chronicle says Harris Health System (which includes LBJ) is short some 250 nurses, while the University of Texas Medical Branch has requested an additional 100 nurses to help address staff shortages at four hospitals.

Baylor St. Lukes Medical Center, a private Houston hospital jointly owned by Baylor College and a local healthcare system, said the hospital is definitely being impacted by the nurse shortage.

As for Houston Methodist, the hospital is reportedly struggling as wellalthough theyve yet to admit it publicly.

An internal memo at Houston Methodist Hospital said it is struggling with staffing as the numbers of our COVID-19 patients rise, the Chronicle reports.

Public officials are scrambling to address the shortage, which has created a massive patient backlog throughout the Houston area. More than a week ago, Tex Gov. Greg Abbott requested out of state assistance for the statewide crisis, including 2,500 out of state nurses. LBJ Hospital officials said those nurses have not yet arrived.

The metro-wide shortage of nurses reportedly came to light when an ER doctor emailed a state senator about the dire situation in hospitals.

The combined increase in volume from (COVID and) existing normal volume (and) nursing shortage has made this a terrible disaster at every ER and hospital in the city of Houston, the physician wrote, according to the Chronicle.

Cobra Effects

Its unclear to what extent Houston Methodists decision to fire 150 unvaccinated medical workers exacerbated the nursing crisis. For perhaps obvious reasons, hospital officials have been mum on the issue.

What we know is that Houston hospitals that did not abruptly fire 150 employees struggled to deal with the COVID spike, and in some cases people died as a result. So its safe to presume that Houston Methodists decision to fire 150 employees a few weeks before the Delta variant arrived in force didnt make the situation any better and probably made it much worse.

Some may be tempted to think Houston Methodist was able to quickly replace the workers they lost, but evidence suggests this is unlikely. Apart from the broader shortage, front line nurses are burned out, they say.

We are all tired of this; nurses are tired of this, Texas Nurses Association CEO Cindy Zolnierek wrote in a recent public letter.

That Houston Methodist hospital didnt intend to exacerbate its shortage of hospital staff goes without saying, but its also an important reminder about what economists call the Cobra Effect.

Every human decision brings about consequences, intended ones and unintended ones. Unintended consequences are so common economists often call them Cobra Problems, after an interesting historical event in India that occurred when the British Empire tried to eradicate cobras by putting out a bounty on them. (Can you guess what happened?)

When hospital administrators set their policyget vaccinated or lose your jobtheir goal was to increase vaccination rates of hospital staff. The unintended consequence was a shortage of nurses and other hospital workers during a deadly pandemic.

In June, Houston Methodists president, Marc Boom, sounded confident that his coercive methods were effective, noting that almost 25,000 of the health systems 26,000 workers were fully vaccinated.

The science proves that the vaccines are not only safe but necessary if we are going to turn the corner against COVID-19, Boom told employees in a statement.

Other Houston hospitals saw things differently. Two months before Houston Methodist fired its workers, Harris Health System officials announced they would not be requiring hospital workers to get vaccinated, noting none of the vaccines were fully approved by the FDA.

Americans will of course disagree about which CEOs approach was the correct one. The pandemic, after all, has been bitterly divisive because were deeply divided over this very question: should coercive means be employed to achieve certain desired healthcare outcomes, and if so, to what extent?

In 2020, political leaders around the world said yes to this question, and the results were disastrous. A year later, private companies are playing a different version of the same game: take the vaccine, or get fired.

Like the lockdown champions of 2020, corporate leaders no doubt believe their action is moral, proper, and will achieve their desired result. But as the Cobra Effect reminds us, focusing strictly on desired outcomes and ignoring potential unintended outcomes is a good way to get bit.

Read full story here
For first time, Levine boosts treatments, not just vaccine

Positive Covid-19 test cases are up in highly-vaccinated Vermont while declining nationally, Vermont Department of Health reported today. Covid-19 positive cases last week grew at a higher rate among vaccinated Vermonters than unvaccinated.

While positive cases are on the wane nationally, positive tests in 88.7% vaccinated Vermont are up 26%. Vermont had 14 Covid-19 deaths this month through October 11.

Published data offers no breakdown in vaxxed-unvaxxed deaths, and Levine he didnt have that information at his fingertips and would ask his staff to provide it. There were definitely some vaxxed fatalities, he said, which he said is to be expected with a vaccine with a 90-95% effectiveness rate. By September 25 last month, 76% of Covid fatalities were vaxxed.

Positive test cases among the fully vaccinated rate rose 7.1% last week, compared to 6.9% among the not fully vaccinated. Commissioner Levine said he believes its the first time vaccinated Vermonters tested positive at a higher rate than unvaccinated. When asked to explain, he said I guess I try not to explain things that are .02 different. I wouldnt want to blow that difference out of proportion. The total number of positive cases per capita was still almost four times greater for unvaccinated people, statistics show.

Gov. Phil Scott said hes not sure why the 26% Vermont uptick has occurred.

Were expecting well see that drop again, Scott said. Its unfortunate. I wish we had the answers. Vermonters must continue to get vaccinated, he said.

Also, Health Commissioner Mark Levine for the first time publicly endorsed a specific drug treatment program for the treatment of Covid-19. Until now, the only prescription drugs Levine has publicly recommended have been vaccines. People who get Covid should consider asking their health provider for mono-clonal antibody treatments, Levine said. Monoclonal antibodies are recommended for patients with mid to moderate disease.
The Manitoba Progressive Conservative government has won its appeal of a lower court ruling that found its controversial public-sector wage freeze was unconstitutional.

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TIM SMITH/THE BRANDON SUN Brandon University Faculty Association president Gautam Srivastava, pictured here in 2019, says he is disappointed the province won its appeal of a lower court ruling that found its controversial public-sector wage freeze was unconstitutional.

The Manitoba Progressive Conservative government has won its appeal of a lower court ruling that found its controversial public-sector wage freeze was unconstitutional.

Wednesdays decision was a blow for labour groups that represent some 120,000 civil servants.

Following the release of the Manitoba Court of Appeals ruling, the Partnership to Defend Public Services said it is disappointed. On its behalf, Manitoba Federation of Labour president Kevin Rebeck said the group would review the decision.

"While this is not the outcome we were hoping for, we will continue to fight for the rights of workers to collective bargaining," Rebeck said in a news release.

"We will be reviewing the Court of Appeals ruling in detail and we expect to come to a decision about our next steps in the near future  including the prospect of an appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada."

Brandon University Faculty Association president Gautam Srivastava told The Brandon Sun that he was similarly disappointed with the outcome, especially since all of the unions legal remedies to fight the provinces wage-freeze law, known as Bill 28, have been exhausted for now.

"Thats not to say that we wont continue to fight it, but at the same time, going through the proper channels to process this sort of stuff is really the only thing we can do," said Srivastava, whose union represents over 250 university staff.

"Hopefully after this two-year period has passed, things will open up again."

Manitoba Nurses Union president Darlene Jackson remained similarly defiant on Wednesday, stating in a news release that she will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Manitoba Federation of Labour and other unions to represent the interests of all public-sector employees moving forward.

"Our public-sector employees in Manitoba, who have been heroes during this COVID-19 pandemic, deserve no less," she said.

Wednesdays decision overturns last years ruling by Manitoba Court of Queens Bench, which found that Bill 28 was unconstitutional.

In June 2020, trial Judge Joan McKelvey called the governments 2017 Public Services Sustainability Act "draconian," and ruled it violated the charter right to association and collective bargaining.

Bill 28, which was passed by the government but never proclaimed into law, called for two years of wage freezes followed by pay hikes of no more than 0.75 per cent and one per cent in the third and fourth years of any new public-sector agreement. The bill was roundly criticized by labour groups for robbing them of the right to collective bargaining.

During the Court of Appeal hearing June 3, lawyer Heather Leonoff, acting for the provincial government, said the trial judge failed to properly take into account a precedent-setting Supreme Court of Canada collective bargaining case involving the federal government and the RCMP.

"Broad-based, time-limited wage-restraint legislation is constitutional and does not violate ... the charter," Leonoff told a three-member appeal court panel.

On Wednesday, there was one glimmer of hope for labour groups: the Court of Appeal upheld the ruling that the Tories interfered in the collective bargaining process between the University of Manitoba Faculty Association and the University of Manitoba in 2016.

Rebeck said the Tories have "continually thanked Manitobas public-sector workers for their service throughout the COVID-19 pandemic," and said if they "truly valued these workers, then it would stop fighting them in court and stay out of their way while they negotiate fair deals with their employers."

 with files from Kyle Darbyson

 The Winnipeg Free Press
COVID-19 has been an expensive challenge for Manitobas health-care system, but Prairie Mountain Health still managed to produce a small surplus.

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SCREENSHOT Prairie Mountain Health board of directors acting chair Lon Cullen (top left), CEO Brian Schoonbaert (top right) speak during the health region's annual general meeting held via Zoom on Wednesday.

COVID-19 has been an expensive challenge for Manitobas health-care system, but Prairie Mountain Health still managed to produce a small surplus.

According to financial documents released during the health regions annual general meeting Wednesday, financial assistance from Manitoba Health and Seniors Care for COVID-19-related costs allowed PMH to come out of the 2020-21 fiscal year with a surplus of approximately $385,000.

"Some normal activities were curtailed resulting in reduced costs in certain areas," the regions annual report states. "However, there were many areas in which COVID-19 resulted in expenditures that would not otherwise have been incurred ... additional funding was received from Manitoba Health to offset incremental COVID-19 costs to the extent that they caused a deficit."

The health regions fiscal year runs from April 1 through March 31.

In an introductory video played at the beginning of the meeting, PMH chief executive officer Brian Schoonbaert and other representatives from the health region provided an update on how COVID-19 has affected staff and patients and what has been done to meet the additional challenges presented by the pandemic.

"The past year has been like riding a rollercoaster," Schoonbaert said.

Staff were thanked for their hard work, as well as retired health-care workers who returned to help meet the increased demand for care.

To maintain residents access to health-care, the region stepped up the availability of remote appointments with doctors, clinicians and other health-care providers.

These virtual appointments have been popular enough among both providers and patients that the health regions intend to continue them once the pandemic is over.

The second wave of the pandemic, which hit Prairie Mountain Health first among regions in Manitoba, was described as a dark time because of the number of personal care home residents who were lost to the virus.

However, the video took time to highlight stories of compassion from the pandemic, like people reaching out to care home residents and showing support for health-care workers.

Schoonbaert said PMH is getting close to figuring out what percentage of its staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Some issues with data entry have required staff to manually revise the status of some staff who are vaccinated but are listed as unvaccinated. The final percentage of vaccinated workers could be known as early as the end of this week, and Schoonbaert believes that figure will be at 90 per cent or higher.

He added, no one is being fired for not being unvaccinated, as those staff members can instead be tested for the virus regularly. However, if anyone were to leave because they dont want to get vaccinated, they wouldnt be able to come back as an agency worker as they are also subject to the same vaccination requirement.

To allow long-term care home residents greater access to visitors, the provincial government installed visitation pods at homes around Manitoba to facilitate distanced visits from guests.

These pods were apparently less active during the summer because they are not air-conditioned, but use is expected to increase as the weather gets colder.

 cslark@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @ColinSlark
Three Westman post-secondary students have been awarded more than $30,000 through the 4-H 2021 Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarships.

SUBMITTED Marika Dewar-Norosky, 22, is an alumnus of the Newdale 4H Club and current member of the Future Leaders 4-H Club in Winnipeg. She was awarded a $12,500 Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship in honour of Fleurette Geirnaert, of the Mariapolis-Baldur 4-H Club.

Three Westman post-secondary students have been awarded more than $30,000 through the 4-H 2021 Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarships.

The inaugural recipients of the scholarship include Marika Dewar-Norosky of Newdale, Cameron Giannotti of Neepawa, Rayna Topham of Minnedosa and Sarah Johnson of Dugald.

SUBMITTED Rayna Topham, 20, of the Minnedosa Multi-Purpose 4-H Club and Minnedosa 4-H for Teens Club received a $10,000 scholarship in honour of Margaret Buydens of the Bruxelles 4-H Crew. Topham is currently attending Brandon University.

The scholarships were made possible with a $1-million endowment fund from the Brandon Community Foundation established by the Manitoba Government.

The fund provided $42,500 for scholarships in 2021 to four current and former Manitoba 4-H members.

The new scholarships were awarded in honour and recognition of four long-serving leaders.

"We congratulate the 2021 scholarship recipients and wish them all the best in their education and future careers. 4-H members of today are tomorrows future leaders," said Candace Tolton, president of 4-H Manitoba.

"The calibre of scholarship applicants was outstanding. We are proud to support our members to enable them to take a future leadership role in agriculture, environmental sustainability and their community as a whole."

Marika Dewar-Norosky

Marika Dewar-Norosky, 22, is an alumna of the Newdale 4-H Club and current member of the Future Leaders 4-H Club in Winnipeg. She joined the Future Leaders Club after moving to the provincial capital to attend the University of Manitoba.

Dewar-Norosky was awarded a $12,500 Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship in honour of Fleurette Geirnaert of the Mariapolis-Baldur 4-H Club.

"Im still processing it," Dewar-Norosky said with a laugh. "This is covering the rest of my tuition and gives me a lot of freedom in the rest of my degree."

She said she was honoured and humbled to receive the scholarship because it means she is viewed as a leader in the community.

Dewar-Norosky learned she would be receiving the scholarship while she was on her military training in Cold Lake, Alta. She joined the reserves to be a part of the Cadet Instructor Cadre, specifically to work with youth.

Dewar-Norosky is currently studying biosystems engineering with a specialization in the environment at the University of Manitoba. She described her education as an engineering degree focusing on sustainable development and land use.

She was drawn to the subject because she grew up in a rural community and saw firsthand the impacts of agriculture and the effects of the climate crisis on her family farm.

SUBMITTED Cameron Giannotti received a $10,000 scholarship in honour of Rona Kamfoly or the Ethelbert 4-H Club.

"I wanted to go into ag, but I knew I couldnt farm the way my dad does, so I decided to pursue an environmental engineering degree," Dewar-Norosky said.

She has two years left in her course, and her final year will include a thesis, for which she plans to explore using animals for organic land management.

While she may have grown up on a grain farm surrounded by agriculture, Dewar-Norosky said for her, 4-H was always separate from the industry.

During her time with the Newdale multi-purpose club, Dewar-Norosky tackled a wide selection of projects from cake decorating to small and large engines work.

"I never touched an animal when I was in 4-H. Its only the last two years actually, with COVID, I started to dabble with animal agriculture and realized how hard it really is," Dewar-Norosky said.

She added during her time with 4-H one of the greatest experiences she had was the opportunity to engage with an international community of 4-H members. Dewar-Norosky attended a conference in Washington, D.C., had a Careers on the Grow internship with 4-H in Tucson, Ariz., and participated in exchanges in Argentina and Japan. Her family also hosted Japanese students.

Along with 4-H, Dewar-Norosky was also active with the Air Cadets in her community.

Being a member of the Winnipeg Future Leaders 4-H Club at the University of Manitoba has been exciting because it is an urban club with youth between the ages of 18 and 25, she said, adding it has been thrilling to see the growth of urban-based 4-H clubs and seeing urbanites appreciate the value the non-profit offers to youth.

Dewar-Norosky said her time in 4-H continues to impact her life, especially when it comes to the communication skills she learned during public speaking events. She also served a term on the Provincial 4-H Council and in high school was the local area president for three years.

It was an amazing experience, Dewar-Norosky said, and she appreciates the learning opportunities she was able to engage in. She added sitting on the provincial 4-H council allowed her to work with people older than she was for the first time. During that time, she learned how to be active and participate in the conversations taking place at the table.

She currently works as a project manager with Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation, and every day she has to talk to people, living out the communications skills she learned with 4-H.

"It has given me so much of my life," Dewar-Norosky said. "4-H has shaped my life in more ways than I can count."

Rayna Topham

Rayna Topham, 20, of the Minnedosa Multi-Purpose 4-H Club and Minnedosa 4-H for Teens Club received a $10,000 scholarship in honour of Margaret Buydens of the Bruxelles 4-H Crew.

Topham is currently attending Brandon University.

Topham said she is grateful for the scholarship and the benefit it will have on her post-secondary career.

When she found out she had been awarded the scholarship, Topham said, it was exciting because she was just sitting down for a family supper.

"It was nice to be with my family to share that special moment," Topham said.

Topham is majoring in English and minoring in history in pursuit of a three-year bachelor of arts degree. She will graduate in 2022 and join the faculty of education to become a high school teacher.

Topham said her time with 4-H influenced her decision to pursue a career in education.

"I felt a much larger responsibility completing my post-secondary education because I know that Im not only responsible for myself, but Im responsible for what Im going to be teaching in the future," Topham said. "That whole learn to do by doing concept is totally applicable here, its really put a lot of positive pressure on me to stay engaged in my classes and keep up with all my readings because I know that the knowledge that Im gaining is going to be helping the students that Im teaching in the future.

During her time as a 4-H member, Topham participated in a vast selection of projects.

"Being a multi-purpose club  we focus more on skills like cooking, sewing. Theres a money management project; we have an outdoor survival project thats very popular," Topham said. "My interests were geared towards the cooking and cleaning. I did a project one year on tie-dye, which was really fun."

Topham was involved in 4-H since she was eight years old and remained involved in the organization until she graduated high school.

For her, the program was a family affair: her older sister Linnae and younger brother Cole also participated in the club, while her mom, Corinne, served as a leader. Seeing her family involved with the club inspired her to remain active in the program and fuel her eagerness to take on new projects.

Topham added the communications skills she learned while serving as a 4-H member also enhanced her experience with the program.

She can still see how the public speaking skills she learned have benefited her in school. She added she draws on what she learned to this day.

Topham also served as club president for three years and also gained experience as vice-president and secretary.

She added she has also been able to participate in a variety of rich experiences through 4-H including travelling to Ottawa, Washington, D.C., Nova Scotia and throughout the province. As a young adult accessing those unique experiences opened her eyes to different opportunities and transformed how she engages with the world.

Tophams mom encouraged her to apply for the scholarship because of the experience and impact she made in the community during her time with 4-H. She was unsure what to expect as she knew there would be a lot of competition because of the plethora of great youth leaders 4-H produces.

"4-H really gave me a sense of community growing up. I always knew that I could rely on the members of my club and the parents who volunteered in the club That really kept me engaged," Topham said. "Everyone who was involved in 4-H, really, really, was passionate about what they were doing and they wanted to add to our community of Minnedosa."

Cameron Giannotti

Cameron Giannotti received a $10,000 scholarship in honour of Rona Kamfoly or the Ethelbert 4-H Club.

Giannotti was a proud member of the Bells, Bows and Builders 4-H Club out of Neepawa for nine years.

He is appreciative of the scholarship and is honoured to be a member of the first cohort of recipients.

Giannotti was enjoying lunch with friends when he found out he would be receiving the scholarship, he said, and it was exciting being able to share the good news with them.

"It means being able to pursue a further degree without that additional pressure of needing to know where I might be able to get those funds to fund my studies," Giannotti said. "That frees up room to be able to partake in different experiential learning opportunities like exchanges or a co-op term, feeding back into that learning to do by doing motto that 4-H has."

He hopes the scholarship will give him the opportunity to get out into the community and fully immerse himself in what he is learning in a practical setting.

Giannotti is in the midst of applying to various Canadian law schools and hopes to attend the University of Manitoba, the University of Victoria or the University of British Columbia (UBC).

He completed his undergrad degree in Geography from the UBC and obtained a graduate degree in Communications and Technology from the University of Alberta.

He plans to take what he learns and combine it with his existing education and career background to act as an environmental lawyer.

"I was looking at environmental sustainability and environmental management primarily. With my graduate degree my research looked at the environmental impacts of social media hot spots, which is the tie into the technology side of things," Giannotti said. His work centred on how people can become increasingly aware of different destinations through social media which then increases the number of visitors at a location which can lead to damage at a site.

Giannotti enjoyed his time with his 4-H club because he was able to tackle a diversity of projects including woodworking, money management, cooking, robotics and other activities.

The variety of available activities made his membership a fun and engaging experience because he could try different things each year while building friendships and supporting the community.

Giannotti said he still uses the skills he gained in the club, including leadership, meeting management and communication skills. Giannotti held various executive positions in the club ranging from president to treasurer.

When he reflects back on his time with the Neepawa Club, he is grateful for the strong foundation of skills he was able to build.

He added his time in 4-H imparted the importance of community service and giving back to others through events like highway cleanups and volunteering.

"Those really drove home the need to remain involved with your community and look for ways to better it for everyone," Giannotti said.

 ckemp@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @The_ChelseaKemp
The collapsed negotiations follow the abrupt resignation of the energy funds chief executive, chair and three directors last month amid allegations the fund excessively spent members money on staff parties, overseas junkets and questionable sponsorship deals. Next stop Cbus? One union insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity, suggested EISS would now look to merge with the giant and high performing $60 billion construction super fund Cbus. Cbus represents many Electrical Trades Union members in other states and, unlike TWUSUPER, is linked with unions that are in the nationally left faction of the labour movement like the ETU rather than the Transport Workers Union, which is closer to the right. A whistleblower contacted Liberal MP Jason Falinski on Monday to claim that the Electrical Trades Union had tried to strong arm the EISS board into merging with Cbus.

The ETU has two directors on the EISS board, including chair Peter Tighe, a former ETU national secretary. A spokeswoman for Cbus said: We never comment on merger discussions. Debates and fights Separately, the union insider told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age that Allen Hicks, who has been the ETUs national secretary since 2013 but only became NSW secretary this year, had long wanted the NSW branch to direct its members to Cbus rather than EISS. It was a point of a lot of debates and fights, to be honest, the insider said. Through a spokeswoman, Mr Hicks declined to comment. Under his predecessor in the NSW branch, Justin Page, the ETU was on the right.

Other labour movement sources said the merger decisions were not related to factional politics because boards are quarantined from those matters and act only in members interests. EISS had devoted significant resources to finalising the deal with the transport workers fund in recent months, hiring a senior project manager in August to oversee a team of four. Its legal team had also been instructed to examine marketing contracts for legal problems associated with a name change in the event of a merger. EISS spent $3 million on a marketing deal with the NRL signed in October last year and $450,000 last financial year on community engagement deals, where sponsorship funds are exchanged for brand promotion. Former chair Warren Mundy sent a letter to staff in September claiming he was confident the merger with the transport workers fund would be completed, largely thanks to former chief executive Alex Hutchison. Alex championed the merger with TWUSuper from the beginning and I know there is nothing he would want more than to see the merger finalised because it was in the best interests of members, the letter said. I have every confidence that EISS Supers highly dedicated team are more than capable of successfully completing the merger with TWU Super.

Naming competition Mr Hutchison was a strong advocate of the merger and blamed a calculated smear campaign for his resignation last month. EISS staff were assured the tie-up would eventuate and in June, there was an internal competition for employees to nominate a name for the merged entity. Loading Theyd been telling staff for months how it was going to happen, due diligence going well, something to be signed this November, with a transition to it all being finalised in March/April, said one source, who could not be named because they were not authorised to speak publicly. Mr Tighe, the newly appointed EISS chair, told a parliamentary committee on Monday the fund was seeking to merge with a partner that had members of a similar age and occupation, but conceded the TWUSUPER deal was not certain.

We believed moving into a larger fund would in fact ... collectively wed be able to grow, he said. At the present time though, we are re-evaluating our position in relation to the merger. EISS was hauled in front of the House of Representatives economics committee on Monday to answer questions about its expenses and other relevant matters, after former chair Tim Wilson described EISSs spending as verging on corruption following allegations published in this masthead. Labor MP Andrew Leigh, who is interim chair after Mr Wilson took another role in government, asked whether EISS had considered merging with Cbus. Of course when we looked at a strategy for a merger we looked at the superannuation sector right across the board, Mr Tighe said. We develop a filter for funds based on demographics, the industries they operate, whether theyre largely blue collar or white collar, whether they provide the same sort of services we provide, he explained. We also look at their performance and where they invest and the structure and how theyre rated as a super fund compared to their peers. All of those things are considered when we make a decision.
Banking giants Westpac and Commonwealth Bank will require staff in offices and branches to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, as a growing number of large employers tell workers they must be inoculated to work on company premises.

The countrys two biggest banks, which together employ about 75,000 people in Australia including tens of thousands in the Sydney CBD where they are based, on Thursday argued that mandating COVID-19 vaccinations would protect the health of staff and customers.

Westpac chief executive Peter King: With a large workforce, it is important that we have the safest possible work environment. Credit:Jessica Hromas

However, Melbourne-based National Australia Bank and ANZ Bank are not currently planning to require COVID-19 vaccination.

Both NAB and ANZ indicated they would follow government guidance, pointing to more prescriptive Victorian government rules for authorised workers, and highlighting staff surveys that show a large majority of employees was on track to be fully vaccinated.
For now, the worlds most valuable company is seeing its software operations thriving in China. The iPhones App Store -- over which the company exerts almost total control and collects a typical 30 per cent cut from all payments -- is the quintessential closed ecosystem. Fortnite maker Epic Games this year sued Apple for monopolistic behaviour, blowing the lid off a longstanding complaint of developers the world over: that the iOS model squeezes creators unfairly with its so-called Apple tax. South Korea in August passed a law compelling Apple and Google to open their mobile stores to different payment options. US lawmakers are urging similar measures. Chinas Supreme Court in September gave the green light to a case filed by an individual consumer alleging Apples app fees are unfair, allowing it and similar lawsuits to proceed. Apple declined to comment on the decision or for this article. The company says the App Store fees it charges are justified by the security and peace of mind it provides users, while giving developers a global showcase for their apps. On the opposite side Apple is standing on the opposite side of consumers and developers, said Wang Qiongfei, a lawyer with the Hangzhou-based Kinding Law Firm representing Jin Xin, the plaintiff. Because of the enclosed monopolistic system it created, Apple can raise the price as it wishes.

Its hard to overstate Apples reliance on China, where partners like Foxconn make most of the worlds iPhones and a consumer market that yields about a fifth of its $US275 billion in annual revenue. The local App Store has generated more revenue than its US equivalent in four of the past five years. Consumer spending on the iOS platform surpassed $US9.1 billion in China during the first half of 2021 alone, up 25 per cent on the previous year, according to App Annie. The countrys internet population rose above 1 billion this year, and it is already the worlds biggest gaming arena and electric-vehicle market, making it essential to Apples present and future ambitions. Thats partly why Apple makes sure to stay on Beijings good side. It runs a series of social and education programs, employs millions across its supply chain and grants coveted contracts to Chinese firms like Luxshare Precision Industry and BOE Technology Group. It lets a state-backed firm handle all its local data and complies with censorship requests. Thats helped shield it from the broader assault on tech giants, observers say. At a time when China seems intent on molding model citizens, Apple has acted like one for years -- but only after some early clashes with authorities. State media, which typically reports along lines sanctioned by the government, has gone after Apple as far back as 2013, when Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook was forced to apologise after state broadcaster CCTV criticised the firms customer-service standards. A year later, the same outlet accused the iPhone of posing security risks. In 2017, Beijing investigated antitrust complaints relating to Apples dominant smartphone position. In between, pressure from regulators also forced Apple to shut down key services like iTunes Movies and iBooks -- which remain down.

Complying with censorship Since agreeing in 2017 to host Chinese user data with a state-owned firm in Guizhou, the California-based company has shown itself a willing partner to Beijing, complying with censorship and takedown requests and resisting pressure from Washington to decouple its business from China. These actions by Apple have bought it some favour from Beijing, said Doug Fuller, associate professor at City University of Hong Kong. In the first half of 2020, Apple complied with 94 per cent of the Chinese governments requests for user device information -- the highest in the world for any country with more than a handful. Thats versus 82 per cent in the US, 81 per cent in Germany and 48 per cent in Australia. Many related to tax and customs investigations, it said in its most recent transparency report. Last year, the company purged more than 140,000 unlicensed games from its China App Store, and it now requires developers to enter a valid license registration before their game can be published, according to Niko Partners.

The company claims that respect for privacy and human rights are its guiding principles -- something that is hardly reconcilable with its current approach to China, said Nicholas Bequelin of the Yale Law School Paul Tsai China Center. Beijings internet crackdown, entering its 12th month, is already exerting an indirect impact on Apple. Curbs on gaming like a three-hour weekly time limit for minors and slowing new-game approvals will eat into revenue growth. But there are longer-term causes for concern. The administration has gone after tech firms in part because officials have grown uneasy about their sheer potential to destabilise society, given the trove of data they hoover up from hundreds of millions of users. Apples data is regarded as valuable because its users tend to be early adopters and more affluent. The same sprawling China-centric supply chain that underpins Apples success also marks another potential area of concern for regulators. Apples manufacturing partners from Foxconn, known also as Hon Hai Precision Industry, and Catcher Technology to Luxshare and BOE collectively employ millions to assemble the different parts that go into iPhones, Macs and iPads. The blue-collar factory jobs they provide are considered lucrative for those without higher education, such as migrant labourers looking to earn a living in the city for family back home.

Loading Yet the sheer numbers and the lack of visibility into the supply chain are also a risk. Labour unrest from the growing wealth gap is considered one of the key threats to stability, and Apple partners including Catcher and Hon Hai have dealt with large-scale protests in the past, particularly after the suicides of several Foxconn workers in 2016 drew attention to what critics say were inhumane working conditions. Beijing has already criticised its own tech firms for excessive work. In Apples case, its army of assembly-line workers -- who often make less than the US minimum wage -- is key to maintaining its 40 per cent profit margin. To date, Apples stance and tight controls on content have suited Beijing, with the company imposing restrictions and removing apps as and when authorities demand. But the iOS ecosystem itself could invite scrutiny. Apple, as a distribution platform, will have to abide by content rules and make sure they dont employ anticompetitive practices, said Rui Ma, founder of Tech Buzz China.
Things turned raucous over AUKUS. Last months WordPlay queried how to say this newborn acronym, a blend of Australia, UK and US. Nobody doubts how to say each nation, but mash the trio into one and awkwardness ensues.

By way of update, AUKUS is the trilinear accord to build submarines. Originally France was Australias lone partner, but PM Scott Morrison torpedoed that deal, seeing a potential FAUST devolve into farce, and maybe a revenge drama by Act III.

Diplomacy turned icy. Trade deals wavered. Yet for most of us, the bugbear emerging from this backflip was how to utter the upshots alliance. While each elected crony in the acronym favours aw-kus, several readers have responded with their own views.

David Astles WordPlay column about AUKUS last month inspired a strong reader response. Credit:Jo Gay

Simon Dickinson believes France should return to the table, making way for FAUKUS, a fusion more in keeping with President Macrons sentiments. Others such as Kel Roberts are eager to massage the amalgam. Given the Seawolf subs are American in design, then surely USUKA says more about the blocs hierarchy. In so many ways.
CRIME FICTION: The Dark Remains, William McIlvanney & Ian Rankin, Canongate, $29.99

Until Ted Lewis and William McIlvanney came along, British crime fiction was very much still in the shadow of Agatha Christie, who lived until 1976. For all the genius of her plots and the witty brilliance of her two main detectives, Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, Dame Agatha wrote about a kind of fantasy world of millionaires and movie stars, Squadron Leaders and stockbrokers, vicars and viscounts. British crime writers who wanted to make a living were urged by their editors to copy this successful formula.

William McIlvanney was crucial to getting British crime writing out from the shadow of Agatha Christie. Credit:Colin McPherson

Lewis in England and McIlvanney in Scotland had no interest whatsoever in vicars and villages. Lewis in his short career wrote about mobsters in London and the north of England where life was grim, people were unhappy and the weather was terrible. (His novel Jacks Return Home was filmed as Get Carter, starring Michael Caine.)

McIlvanneys heroes were from the Glasgow working classes whose lives were just as complicated, rich and intriguing as any of Poirots acquaintances. McIlvanney became the godfather of what is now known as Tartan Noir and he booted open the door for the likes of Val McDermid, Ian Rankin, Denise Mina et alia. The McIlvanney Award is given out each year to the best Scottish crime novel.
This week we saw a crescendo of Australian business support for climate change action. The Business Council of Australia proposed strong emissions cuts. News Corporation launched a campaign to support a target of net zero by 2050. The Australian Financial Review ran a climate summit. Long-time climate action supporters, Andrew Forrest and Mike Cannon-Brookes, made big promises to further invest in green technology.

It is great to see Australian business stepping up to the climate challenge. he environmental, social, and corporate governance website Purpose Bureau shows that more than 700 of the largest Australian companies have now committed to reduce their emissions to zero by at least 2050. The challenge now is to turn words into actions   and theres a long way to go.

At the business end of driving down emissions, whos walking the talk? Credit:AP

Groundbreaking data released today shows that Australias major companies are much further ahead on commitments than on concrete emissions reduction. This data, from Accenture, calculates the emissions rate (greenhouse gases per dollar of revenue) for major companies around the world. It then matches each companys emissions rate to the International Energy Agencys emissions-reduction pathways for its industry. The best companies emit at a level consistent with a pathway to a 1.5 degrees global temperature increase, and the worst companies emissions are consistent with a pathway to dangerous warming above 3 degrees.

Some Australian companies are at worlds best practice. Medibank, Macquarie, Commonwealth Bank, Cochlear and Brambles are just some of the companies that have emissions per dollar of revenue consistent with the IEA pathway to 1.5 degrees or lower. But, overall, only 24 per cent of Australias largest listed companies have emissions consistent with keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees. This compares with 61 per cent of major companies in Britain and 53 per cent in Europe.
Almost two years ago, the national hydrogen strategy was unanimously adopted by the federal, state and territory governments. At the time, I noted that chairing the development of the strategy was one of my proudest achievements as Australias then chief scientist and that it had sown the seeds of opportunity that could grow and flourish if we continued to tend to them.

I was, therefore, delighted this week to see NSW unveil a $3 billion hydrogen strategy that will go a long way in translating hydrogens potential into tomorrows thriving industry.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has backed green hydrogen to boost the economy and help reduce carbon emissions. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

The NSW strategy includes ambitious but achievable targets that will motivate citizens and companies. These include building a network of 100 hydrogen refuelling stations to support at least 10,000 hydrogen vehicles and upgrading 20 per cent of the state governments large fleet of heavy vehicles to hydrogen fuel. NSWs strategy provides vision to industry and financially supports companies to develop hydrogen-based domestic projects that will aid the longerterm goal of building a competitive export industry.

It is a bold example of what was envisioned when we were developing the national strategy  the federal government playing an enabling and facilitating role to support state and territory governments in identifying and investing in their specific priorities and areas of strategic advantage. Significantly, the NSW strategy is focused on so-called green hydrogen.
Southern Tasmania, including the capital city of Hobart, will enter a snap three-day lockdown from 6pm today after a COVID-positive man from NSW escaped quarantine and spent time in the community.

As we reported previously, health authorities in Tasmania yesterday identified 38 primary close contacts of a NSW man in Hobart who has tested positive to COVID-19.

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The man, a traveller arriving in Tasmania from NSW via Melbourne, was sent to Hobarts hotel quarantine system upon arrival in the state on Monday. He was found not to be in his room after a welfare check early on Tuesday and located at an address in Bridgewater in Hobarts northern suburbs.

He subsequently tested positive to COVID-19.

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said the state was at a crucial point in the vaccination roll-out and could not risk a large coronavirus outbreak taking hold.

He said the man who escaped hotel quarantine had not been forthcoming with information about his movements, which included visiting a Woolworths supermarket in Bridgewater.

Unfortunately, it took two days to verify that he was at Woolworths and there is growing concern now that he has been to several touch points in the community, Mr Gutwein said.

Unfortunately, it took two days to verify that he was at Woolworths and there is growing concern now that he has been to several touch points in the community, Mr Gutwein said.

A close contact of the man also broke home quarantine, and has since been arrested and fined.

Those in the states south will only be able to travel up to 5km from their homes, with face masks required to be worn indoors and outdoors.

With a plan to be open before Christmas and to hit those vaccination rates, we need to ensure that we can continue with that, Mr Gutwein said.

We have a circumstance now where we have a positive delta case in the south of the state with contacts, we have contact tracking and tracing, but unfortunately, the information that we have around those people has been difficult to gauge.

One of the things that we do not want to be in this state is either Sydney or Melbourne who acted too late in both instances when dealing with [the] Delta [strain of COVID-19].

Other areas of the state at this stage are not in lockdown: regardless, I would say please remain vigilant and get tested if you have any cold or flu symptoms, no matter how small.

Indoor and outdoor gatherings are not allowed in the state, with no weddings except those given an exemption for compassionate reasons. Funerals will be able to have a maximum of 10 visitors.

The local government areas going into lockdown in Tasmania from 6pm on Friday include Brighton Council, Central Highlands Council, Clarence City Council, Derwent Valley Council, Glamorgan-Spring Bay Council, Glenorchy City Council, Hobart City Council, Huon Valley Council, Kingborough Council, Sorrel Council, Southern Midlands Council and the Tasman Council.

Tasmanians who are currently in NSW, ACT and Victoria will not be able to travel to Southern Tasmania during the lockdown, and those travelling to Tasmania from other states must follow lockdown rules.

To non-Tasmanians that wish to travel to the state, if youre not a resident, we encourage you to reconsider your travel to southern Tasmania, whilst the lockdown is on, Mr Gutwein said.
The structural engineer who raised serious concerns about the risk of a Sydney apartment tower collapsing said his fears were amplified by key structural documents for the building being withheld for 18 months.

The engineer from Chatswood firm Rothshire also warned owners last year that he would be forced to alert fire and council officials if he did not get access to crucial documents to allow him to conduct his investigations.

Building engineers inspect the Vicinity apartment complex on Wednesday, Credit:Janie Barrett

The latest revelations come as Greens MP David Shoebridge used parliamentary privilege to accuse the developer of the Canterbury building  Toplace  of being responsible for a series of dangerous and defective buildings, including the Skyview apartment complex in Castle Hill in Sydneys north-west.

Toplace ... continue to construct apartment tower, after apartment tower, after apartment tower, despite this history of defective buildings, Mr Shoebridge told the NSW Upper House on Thursday.
The rollout of third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to thousands of immunocompromised people has been limited by confusion about payment for pharmacists, who were only just given the green light to administer the jab a week after the extra shots were announced.

From Monday, 500,000 people across Australia  including cancer patients and transplant recipients  became eligible to receive the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine as a third dose in light of evidence they would not receive adequate protection from the virus after two doses of any vaccine. However, the federal Department of Health is not yet reporting how many third shots have actually been administered.

Cabramatta pharmacist Quinn On, at work on the left, worries he will waste his Moderna shots. Credit:Kate Geraghty

Last week the Pharmacy Programs Administrator asked pharmacists to withhold giving out boosters until further advice is provided on reimbursement of third doses to community pharmacies, noting the number of presentations is likely to be low.

But in an email sent to pharmacists on Thursday evening, after the Herald published their concerns about their inability to administer the jab, the Pharmacy Programs Administrator said: The National COVID Taskforce had advised that arrangements for pharmacies to administer third doses...to severely immunocompromised Australians have been finalised. Metropolitan pharmacies will be paid $16 for each dose.
Reflecting on the plague content of the Florentine Diaries (C8), Stewart Copper of Maroubra believes that some residents of Florence may have seen a benefit in punishment. Imagine the plight of some of the old brick and block layers laid low with back pain after years of hard work. Im not wearing a mask and Im not paying 25 florins either so go ahead, stretch me on the rack. Oh, the relief!

While attesting to the veracity of High Street Road (C8) in outer Melbourne as one who used to regularly drive along it, Susan Bradley of Eltham (Vic) thinks it is thoroughly eclipsed by Lane Lane in Broken Hill, of which I was so enamoured upon seeing it that I photographed the sign.

More street name oddities (C8). In the early days of his marriage Colin Gould of Merimbula lived on in Mount Street, Mount Saint Thomas or Mt. St. Mt. St. Thomas. Richard Cuneo of Ryde contributes that there is a Crescent Avenue in Ryde. Couldnt make up their mind? Joy Paterson of Mount Annan reports that her brother in Canada lives on Mount Street Close. Mt St Cl?

Speaking of Canada, if you want interesting street names (C8) Richard Jary of Waitara suggests that you head to Porters Lake, Nova Scotia. It has This Street, That Street, and The Other Street at the southern end of town. Strange addresses indeed.

Jonty Grinter of Katoomba is excited by the news that the Olympics are opening up to

ethnocentric sports (C8), and exhorts Australians to take up the deliciously messy sport of Dwyle Flunking (sometimes known as Dwile Flonking). Our main rivals would be the Poms who invented it. It is the ideal recreation for breweries to sponsor and every RSL club should have a team. All you need is a broom handle, a mop head, a solo musician and a gazunder full of stale ale.
Former corporate titan Ron Brierley has been jailed for at least seven months after he was found with a large amount of child abuse material in his possession, including photos of young girls in sexualised poses.

Brierley, 84, was stopped at Sydney Airport in December 2019 on his way to Fiji for a holiday. Authorities found 11,765 child abuse images on his laptop and two USBs, some of which were duplicates.

Ron Brierley arrives at court on Thursday. Credit:Kate Geraghty

He also had two sexually explicit written stories, detailing the abuse of children, and an almost two-hour video of six young girls in their swimmers.

Later that day, police raided his Point Piper home and seized one laptop and 12 USBs, which contained a total of 35,030 child abuse images, some of which were duplicates. The youngest of the children appeared to be about four-years-old.
A top security official has warned that 90 per cent of Australias organised crime groups are operating with relative impunity, as police say employees of the Australian arm of Dubais government air services company have been used to infiltrate Sydney airport and smuggle drugs.

Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Nigel Ryan said Operation Ironside  the recent organised-crime sting in partnership with the FBI that has been described as the most successful in policing history  had detected and deterred only 10 per cent of the nations organised crime groups.

One of the organised criminals at the centre of Operation Ironside, Hakan Ayik.

It is the other 90 per cent that we are not getting a look at or are not able to fully focus on for various reasons. Thats the bit that really concerns me, and it concerns me from the point of view of what it really does to our nation, Mr Ryan said. We are quite stunned at the size of organised crime in Australia.

The comments came as one of the spin-off operations from Ironside exposed an alleged crime ring at Sydney airport. The operation led to the charging of six serving and former Australian employees of the Dubai National Air Travel Agency, raising serious concerns that the agency may have been infiltrated by a crime syndicate for several years to smuggle drugs through Sydney international airport.
Almost every traveller or COVID-19 close contact so far allowed to quarantine at home in Queensland has done the right thing by authorities, raising the prospect of more people being allowed to enter the state.

The states home quarantine check-in service  which uses mobile phone location data and a text-messaged link requiring a response in 10 minutes  is being used to monitor those isolating under an ongoing trial and any broader future scheme.

Incoming passengers are screened by police as they arrive at the domestic terminal at Brisbane Airport. Credit:Dan Peled

It had earlier been used for people identified as close contacts of coronavirus cases, particularly during the September Sunnybank cluster, and the families of boarding students, and is seen as an alternative to the police, security and CCTV system used to monitor people in hotel quarantine.

Some 3261 people had already completed their 14-day quarantine using the check-in scheme, between September 9 and Monday of this week. These fell under 2481 separate quarantine direction notices, with children and teenagers under 18 appearing on their parents or guardians health order.
By the time the Brisbane Olympics come around in 2032, air taxis could be a 15-minute travel option for fans looking to zip between venues across south-east Queensland.

At least, thats the futuristic plan of two businessmen, who are now trying to convince governments, regulators and consumers to get behind the personal transport revolution.

Australias first air taxis could be running from a base at Petrie - just outside Brisbane - and be a 15-minute travel alternative for well-heeled Olympic sports fans by 2032. Credit:Skyportz

A building proposed for a site north of Brisbane - on a block of land next the new university campus at Petrie - has been designed to include a launch pad for what would be Australias first air taxis.

An air taxi is a lighter, more efficient helicopter, and companies including Boeing, Airbus, Hyundai, Honda and Joby are trialling battery-powered motor configurations to improve their capabilities.
On Thursday, prominent lockdown protest celebrities Monica Smit and Avi Yemini returned to their home away from home - the Magistrates Court.

Its been a heck of a couple of months for Smit, the anti-lockdown and anti-vax activist who last month preferred to remain in prison than agree to a magistrates bail conditions. She returns to court on November 10 over charges of incitement and breaching public health orders during two lockdown protests in August. Meanwhile, alt-right activist Yemini graced this column yesterday after settling a Federal Court defamation action lodged by criminal lawyer Zarah Garde-Wilson.

Anti-lockdown activist Monica Smit.

Yemini, a correspondent for alt-right website Rebel News, had posted a picture of Garde-Wilson on the site with the headline: ARRESTED AND CHARGED FOR THREAT TO KILL.

Rebel News agreed to remove this from its site and make clear it that neither Garde-Wilson nor her video blogging husband, Lansley Simon, were charged with threatening to kill.
CAPTAINS PICK There was astonishment in NSW Liberal ranks on Thursday after Prime Minister Scott Morrison waded into a widening state political spat by endorsing NSW MP Melanie Gibbons for the federal seat of Hughes. Gibbons decision to stand for the seat, currently held by former Liberal Party weird uncle Craig Kelly, stands to trigger a fourth byelection for the NSW Liberals in the space of two weeks. It also adds to Premier Dominic Perrottets already daunting task of stabilising the governments majority while navigating byelections in at least three critical seats across the state. A warm welcome to the top job, Dominic! But Holsworthy MP Gibbons wont go unchallenged for preselection. The rival moderate and conservative factions will both field candidates for Hughes. The mods are likely to back Georges River Council legal boss Jenny Ware for preselection, while the conservatives are yet to land on a final pick. In the battle for Hughes, the centre-right have turned up for a gunfight with a rubber hose in the form of melon or gibbons, one bemused conservative source quipped to CBD regarding Gibbons.

On Thursday, powerbrokers from both factions said they were incensed by the PMs intervention, which has been interpreted as a factional play engineered by Immigration Minister Alex Hawke who also serves as the convenor of the centre-right faction, to which the PM belongs. Others expressed concern over the potential for a further consolidation of Hawkes reach as well as that of his factional ally, the lobbyist and controversial party powerbroker Joe Tannous. The NSW division is not a plaything of Alex Hawke, a state executive member flatly told CBD. A moderate powerbroker echoed the sentiment. The preselectors know theres more to life than adding to Alex Hawkes numbers in Canberra. SUBURBAN HERO But Hughes is far from the only preselection contest dominating chatter in the NSW Liberal circles. There is also fierce competition for Gladys Berejiklians former state seat of Willoughby which is now taking nominations for the first time in almost two decades. A stayer of the highest order, Berejiklian held the seat for 18 years. Willoughby mayor Gail Giles-Gidney is regarded as a frontrunner in the seat with supporters pointing to the popularly elected mayors strong following in the municipality which makes up 60 per cent of the state electorate. She is understood to have the backing of federal North Sydney MP Trent Zimmerman and the imprimatur of Berejiklian. But there are other horses in the race.

The conservative faction is backing Menzies Research Centre executive general manager Tim James for a challenge. A perennial contender, James has notably run twice for preselection in the state seat of North Shore against occasionally forgetful MP Felicity Wilson. He is also said to be influential with party fundraisers throughout the state. While the states executive is yet to specify a closing date for nominations, other individuals from outside the government are being courted by party members as potential rock star candidates. High-profile barrister Margaret Cunneen was approached by party members for the seat, but the former deputy senior crown prosecutor said she was happy where she currently stands - at the Bar. As much as I am honoured by all the support, I will not be seeking preselection for Willoughby, she told CBD. Forty-two years in the service of our State (from the age of 18 to 60) was enough. Over the last 3 years and into the future, I serve by representing my clients, one at a time. But would she change her mind for the federal seat of Warringah? Certainly, there are plenty of party members who hope so. ON THE MAIN STAGE The biggest news in TV this week was the launch of Channel 7s 2022 schedule. Media journalists were surprised by the segment hosted by Katie McGrath, Sevens chief people and culture officer, who spruiked the networks commitment to cast diversity. Possibly a reaction to criticism of the networks casting choices on its flagship SAS Australia reality program, where bloggers have criticised the casting of various celebrities who have either had accused of or admitted violence against women. Seven will have a better story to tell in 2022 when it broadcasts Claremont, the imaginatively titled drama about the 1990s serial killings in Perth. As Sevens blurb states: The disappearance of young women launches a 25-year investigation by the police and one tenacious journalist, all in dogged determination to seek justice.
A bipartisan inquiry has urged the federal government to list all of Islamist group Hamas as a terrorist organisation after finding its military wing cannot be separated from its political arm.

The powerful intelligence and security committee said the government, which already lists the military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, as a terrorist entity, should consider expanding the definition to the whole group.

Committee chair, James Paterson, says Hamass military wing cannot be separated from the entire organisation. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The move could have ramifications for Australias consular presence in the Gaza Strip, with Hamas in charge of the self-governing Palestinian territory.

Palestinian activists have raised concerns the development could affect Australias aid programs and consular support in Gaza and accused the committee of not consulting widely.
The Infrastructure Department was unable to tell the federal government whether its plans to spend almost $400 million on car parks at suburban railway stations had merit or could even be built just days before Prime Minister Scott Morrison signed off on the promises.

Documents released under Freedom of Information laws to The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age confirm the department itself did not have detailed information on train station car parks ahead of Mr Morrison and then infrastructure minister Alan Tudge approving funding for 27 separate car park sites.

Ahead of the 2019 election, the Coalition used a $660 million commuter car park fund to promise 47 car parks near train stations. A scathing Auditor-Generals report found more than three-quarters of the projects were in Coalition-held electorates, and two thirds were in Melbourne.

The Auditor-General found the sites were nominated by ministers or Coalition MPs and although some asked for information from councils, it was unclear whether those councils knew funding had been sought or approved. The Auditor-Generals office revealed a government-compiled list of the 20 most marginal seats ahead of the 2019 election formed the basis for the program.
The nations unemployment rate has worsened for the first time in almost a year, with experts warning the jobless queue will not fully recover for months as pandemic lockdowns slowly ease and businesses re-open.

Almost 140,000 fewer people were employed in September than the month before, the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows, pushing the jobless rate to 4.6 per cent amid lockdowns across the country. This was a 0.1 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate and the first rise since October 2020.

Queues outside Centrelink expanded as lockdowns kicked in earlier this year to stop the spread of the COVID-19 Delta strain. Credit:Janie Barrett

BIS Oxford Economics chief economist Sarah Hunter suspected the labour market would not fully recover from the latest lockdowns to stop the spread of COVID-19 until well into 2022.

Looking ahead, the labour data will continue to reflect the impact of lockdowns in the near term, Dr Hunter said.
As we approach the 12-month starters gun to the state election, you would expect the opposition to take every opportunity to frame Daniel Andrews as a spent political force.

With that in mind, it came as no surprise that the Coalition desperately tried to link the Premier to allegations aired during a hearing by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission into the misuse of taxpayer-funded staff and branch-stacking this week.

Premier Daniel Andrews. Credit:Darrian Traynor.

But the Coalition knows that calls for Daniel Andrews to front the public hearing are a tad premature.

That didnt stop shadow attorney-general and chief spear-thrower for the Coalition, Tim Smith, from muddying the waters and accusing the Premier and his government of having both a waft and a stench of corruption that, in his view, should be of great concern to all Victorians.
That includes the education sector, where government surveys suggest 98.4 per cent of teachers have had one dose. Nonetheless, Mr Dalgleish said some school leaders had endured difficult conversations with teachers who prefer to leave their job rather than get the jab. My understanding is the department will provide information to schools on which, if any staff, fail to meet the requirements by Monday. They can then seek a replacement staff member, he said What we are waiting on is clarity on what our responsibilities and rights are if staff members do turn up on-site when they are not meant to be there. When term one begins on January 28 next year, unvaccinated teachers will no longer be able to access leave entitlements, according to Education Department correspondence circulated to all school staff.

They will be considered absent without leave after that date before the department can legally terminate their employment from April 28. The mandate has also started to bite in the sporting industry: three staff working for leading horse trainer Peter Moody will depart along with at least 32 other racing workers, while the AFL believes a handful of staff at Victorian clubs are yet to get the jab. Bendigo teacher Simone, who asked for her surname to be withheld, and her partner, an agricultural worker, will both be out of work from Monday because they do not wish to get vaccinated. She has already used up all her annual leave and has no long service leave as she started in 2016. As a result, Simone said their one-year-old son  who has had his childhood shots  would no longer be able to attend day care because unvaccinated parents were banned from drop-off while the couple may also need to move back in with Simones parents.

Loading What example would it set for our son if we succumbed to a health decision we werent sure about? she said. Jasmine Geen, a year 5 teacher at a primary school in Melbournes north  a COVID-19 hotspot  has been teaching on-site one day a week and said it was comforting to know she would only be working with colleagues who are vaccinated. No single child in my school is going to be vaccinated and there are over 500 students, she said. Healthcare workers have an extra week, until October 29, to get their first vaccine dose. As of Thursday, at least 94.2 per cent of staff at Royal Melbourne Hospital and 97 per cent at Austin Health had received one jab.

Lisa Fitzpatrick, Victorian secretary of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, said she did not have data available, but her sense was only a very small number of nurses were adamantly opposed to the vaccine For some people, nothing will change their opinion and that is a shame as we enter the peak of cases, Ms Fitzpatrick said. But there are consequences for all choices we make. Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui As Premier Daniel Andrews reiterated his view that getting vaccinated was not a tough conversation with your employer, the number of individuals asking community legal centre Justice Connect for clarification around their rights has noticeably increased over the last week. Amy Schwebel, head of the centres access program, said the most common inquiries were around what evidence was required.

How their privacy will be protected is also a common theme, and what steps their employers will need to make to support their return to work anywhere along the line, Ms Schwebel said. Loading Victorian Trades Hall Council secretary Luke Hilakari, who represents more than 30 unions, said unions would continue working for members even if they chose not to get vaccinated. Employers will face options  standing people down without pay, there might be options to take paid leave for a period of time or doing some duties from home, he said. Unions will continue to represent members as best we can, while respecting the health orders and encouraging the community to get vaccinated.
The Philippines, which remains in the grip of the virus after more than 40,000 deaths, is a vaccine laggard even in south-east Asia, which aside from Singapore has been anything but a frontrunner on the rollout. With less than a quarter of the population of 110 million fully vaccinated, gaining access to enough doses is a continuing issue even as infections have halved from last months peak of more than 20,000 a day. But while there have been other incentive programs around the country like San Luiss cow raffles, with bags of rice a common prize, vaccine hesitancy remains an enormous hurdle. President Rodrigo Duterte last month raised the prospect of making vaccination against COVID-19 mandatory and this week the outgoing populist leader had another lightbulb moment.

I know many people are still hesitant, Duterte said. Thats the problem. Those people do not want to get vaccinated ... Lets enter their houses and vaccinate them while asleep. Filipinos are at least more willing to have the vaccine than they were earlier this year, according to a recent survey by polling group Pulse Asia. It found the percentage of respondents prepared to be immunised against the virus had risen from 16 per cent to 43 per cent between February and July. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte receives his second dose of Sinopharm in July. Credit:Malacanang Presidential Photographers Division However, that still left 36 per cent of the 2040 participants who said they were not going to have a vaccine, with a further 16 per cent undecided and the remaining participants having already had one or both shots.

Safety fears and concern about side effects were the primary reasons given for reluctance followed by questions about the effectiveness of vaccines in the Philippines inventory, more than half of which are Chinese Sinovac. But the proliferation of disinformation particularly on social media, something the Philippines leads the world in time spent using, is a major obstacle. Philippine Foundation for Vaccines executive director Professor Lulu Bravo is helping lead a solidarity movement of medical frontliners trying to tackle fake news about vaccines and said hesitancy was largely among the elderly and those in low socio-economic groups. Its mainly the influence of Facebook, false news, disinformation and the fact that [people] are not reachable by [government] campaigns, she said. A controversial world-first dengue vaccine rushed out to thousands of school children in 2016 also led to confidence in vaccines plummeting before the pandemic. The program was halted a year later when the French manufacturer revealed the vaccine, Dengvaxia, could potentially increase the risk of severe dengue for children who had not previously been infected with the mosquito-borne disease.

Three years later, there are still more than a dozen cases before the courts over deaths allegedly arising from Dengvaxia, although Bravo does not believe the vaccine was responsible. She and other public health experts have tried to persuade the government to approve its use again in the Philippines. Loading We feel it could lessen the hesitancy should the government bring it back saying there was no evidence, no proof, that Dengvaxia killed those kids, she said. A lot of people cannot still forget about Dengvaxia, I can tell you.

Dr Anthony Leachon, a former senior advisor to the Philippines virus taskforce, does not blame that scandal for the countrys COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, instead taking aim instead at the governments management of the rollout. He said delays in the procurement of millions of Pfizer doses from the United States and the vaccination of Duterte himself with Chinese-made Sinopharm donated before it was approved for use highlighted the governments failures. Adding to Manilas troubles is advice from a World Health Organisation expert group this week that a third shot should be given to people over 60 who have been vaccinated with Sinovac or Sinopharm. I think there is a widespread awareness of the public and the perception that Sinovac may not be effective, Leachon said. Im sure people are reading right now the efficacy rate of vaccines, considering every Filipino, I would say, has a relative or a friend in the US.

Leachon is far from alone in the medical fraternity in fingering government shortcomings for the Philippines woes. Loading With the Senate in Manila investigating accusations of corruption in the awarding of COVID-19 supply contracts, a group of more than 300 doctors and prominent medical identities released a statement on Tuesday slamming authorities handling of the virus, saying unmitigated and shameless greed is being flaunted to our faces. The Filipino people are losing their lives, their livelihood and their hope, the statement said. What more proof is needed to convince us that the respect that they deserve from their leaders has been wanting at best, and nil at worst?
Motors on Thursday said its upcoming sub-compact SUV Punch has received 5-star adult safety rating for adult occupant protection in a crash test from Global NCAP, an internationally renowned vehicle safety accreditation group.

The auto major said Punch, which is slated to be launched on October 18, also achieved a 4-star rating for child occupant safety.

Five stars indicates the highest score while zero star rating points to the minimum score during the vehicle crash test.

The Punch is the third car from Motors to receive top crash test rating after Altroz in January 2020 and Nexon in December 2018. It received 16.45 points for adult occupant protection, taking it above the leader till now Mahindra XUV 300 which had scored 16.42 score in adult occupant protection.

Designed across its studios in India, the UK, and Italy, the Punch has been developed to herald an entirely new category - the sub-compact SUV, to address a growing customer need for a small in size but big on space, safety, performance and features.

"SUVs are the ideal solution for Indian customers as they offer a perfect balance of performance, comfort and durability suited for Indian roads. When we were developing the Punch, we were very clear that despite its compact size, we wanted to offer customers a holistic package," Motors President Passenger Vehicles Business Shailesh Chandra said in a statement.

The automaker is proud to have delivered yet another product that will be regarded as the safest passenger vehicle on Indian roads, he added.

"This landmark achievement by is also a testament of the fact that the automotive industry in India is capable of delivering the highest global standards of safety in vehicles," Chandra stated.

President and Chief Technology Officer Rajendra Petkar noted that the achievement is in line with the company's philosophy that vehicle safety should be made accessible to all.

"Getting the GNCAP 5-star for vehicle program comes as an outcome of the relentless hard work put in by cross-functional teams across the organisation, including our supplier partners," he added.

Built on the proven and modern Agile Light Flexible Advanced (ALFA) Architecture, Punch would sit below Nexon in the company's product line up. It comes with a 1.2 litre petrol engine mated to both manual and automatic transmissions.

The model comes with SUV attributes like tall seating, high ground clearance, 370 mm water wading capability and traction feature to aid recovery in off road situations.

(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.)
Professor Gajanan Raghunath Kulkarni, who passed away in Bengaluru on October 13 at the age of 94, was among the pioneers of professional management education in India. He came to the then just starting Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA), being directly recruited by its first honorary director, Dr Vikram Sarabhai, along with a select few: Dr Kamala Chowdhry, Dr Samuel Paul, Professor Bharat Dalal, Professor Hrishikesh Pathak, among others. Ahmedabad was then not quite prominent on the academic map of India. Dr Sarabhai made it his mission to rectify that situation and succeeded spectacularly by founding or nurturing institutions such as IIMA, the Physical Research Laboratory and the Ahmedabad Textile Industry Research Association, with the munificent backing of the owners of industries.

Professor Kulkarni came to IIMA from the Ministry of Finance, Revenue Department, which included the income tax wing. He spent a short period at the Harvard Business School in the United States, which was assisting the new institute. He became a staunch believer and proponent of the case method of instruction. Much credit for its subsequent adoption and popularity in India must rightly belong to him.

By the time I joined the IIMA faculty in 1971, he was already among the seniors at the young Institute. He was a Wise One, one of the two or three who assisted the Director Ravi Matthai in faculty evaluation for promotion and other rewards (or the lack thereof). His sober appearance, with intelligent eyes shining through horn-rimmed glasses and silver-grey hair combed back, went perfectly with the role. He headed the business policy area and taught the policy courses in the second year. I had no notion then what business policy meant and had extremely little contact with him.

He was also the co-ordinator of the top tier of the three-tier executive training programme (as it was then called). The 3-TP was a IIMA hallmark programme, which encouraged companies to nominate executives to all three tiers: middle management, senior management and top decision-makers with the belief that such programmes will not be fully effective unless its awareness percolated throughout the corporate hierarchy.

Professor Kulkarni brought to the IIMA senior faculty the Bombay ethos, since some of the others--Matthai, Chowdhry, Ishwar Dayal, to wit--had no experience of the business capital of India. The 3-TP co-ordinatorship gave him personal access to many leading corporate executives, as I was to find out on many occasions later. That served the institute well. He also had an extensive network of colleagues and allies in the government, which certainly helped. His eminence grise was thus very well earned and he carried it with becoming dignity.

I used to occasionally pass him in the institute corridors (my office was then located in a rented premises just off the campus, so this was not very often). He smiled and uttered a word in greeting, but there was no conversation of substance. The first time that happened was two years after I had joined the Institute. The normal pattern until then was that assistant professors were promoted to full professorship after two years. That did not happen in my case (and others who had joined at the same time). Director Matthai said something about a policy change, which I did not fully follow, but was not prepared to ask him about it. Instead, I made bold to seek an appointment with Professor Kulkarni and asked him whether I should look for another position since I had not been promoted. He patiently explained the new policy, which made the promotion possible only after four years as advised by the government. He also showed me that there was no difference in the salary and other privileges. He then kindly took me through the evaluation process, highlighting my strengths, but also not being shy about my weaknesses. He took me over to Professor Ishwar Dayal, the other Wise One, who fully concurred with him and advised me not do anything rash as seeking another position.

From then on, Professor Kulkarni became my mentor. Soon I got to know his wife, Sumitra Gandhi Kulkarni, the Mahatmas granddaughter, who was about to quit her job in the Indian Administrative Service and take a plunge in politics (Indira Gandhi nominated her to the Rajya Sabha, but they soon fell apart, Sumitra having grave doubts about the Emergency). The Kulkarnis adopted my wife and I as their younger siblings, a relationship we both cherished.

Thereafter, Professor Kulkarni accepted a assignment in Afghanistan. Although the country was in turmoil with clashes between the Soviet troops and the mujahideen/Taliban, he said later that he had a fruitful time and instituted many reforms. I have no doubt he did so, but most likely they are in the dustbin of history of that God-forsaken land.

On his return, he spent a short period as Dean of the new Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, where he started a post-graduate programme, much like the one at IIMA. He returned to IIMA, most likely because of the daily government interference in affairs of the new institute which was located in Delhi. He moved to Bangalore post retirement and stayed there until the end. Even there, he played a key role in helping run the Xavier Institute of Management Education. We kept in close touch throughout. Sumitra would make it a point to cook a meal herself whenever I visited them.

In retrospect, I feel that the country made very little use of his exceptional abilities and experiences, mainly because of his reticence. He seldom spoke about himself. The out-of-sight-out-of-mind syndrome is very strong in India. We soon forget gifted individuals like Professor Kulkarni because they do not beat their own drum. They go on happily with their lives, but we are the losers.

The views expressed here are personal


US Senator Elizabeth Warren called for breaking up com Inc and Indian retailers demanded a government probe of the company after a Reuters investigation showed the e-commerce giant had copied products and rigged search results in India.

The Reuters report, reviewing thousands of internal documents, found that the U.S. company ran a systematic campaign of creating knockoffs and manipulating search results to boost its own private brands in India, one of the company's largest growth markets.

Wednesday's report showed for the first time that, at least in India, manipulating search results to favour Amazon's own products, as well as copying other sellers' goods, were part of a formal strategy at and that at least two senior executives had reviewed it.

Linking to the story on Twitter, Warren, a long-time critic of Amazon, said "these documents show what we feared about Amazon's monopoly power that the company is willing and able to rig its platform to benefit its bottom line while stiffing small businesses and entrepreneurs." "This is one of the many reasons we need to break it up," she said.

A group representing millions of India's brick-and-mortar retailers said on Thursday the country's government must launch an investigation into Amazon.

"Amazon is causing a great disadvantage to the small manufacturers. They are eating the cake that is not meant for them," Praveen Khandelwal of the Confederation of All India Traders told Reuters. The group says it represents 80 million retail stores in the country.

Indian retailers say foreign e-commerce businesses like Amazon and Walmart Inc's Flipkart indulge in unfair business practices that hurt smaller firms, allegations the deny.

Amazon did not respond to a request for comment on reactions to the report.

In response to questions for Wednesday's report, Amazon said, "We believe these claims are factually incorrect and unsubstantiated". The company did not elaborate. It added that Amazon displays "search results based on relevance to the customer's search query, irrespective of whether such products have private brands offered by sellers or not." Warren, a prominent Democrat, advocated the breakup of Amazon and other tech giants in 2019 when she was running for president. Since then, as a senator from Massachusetts, she has continued to apply pressure on like Amazon.

In sworn testimony before Congress last year, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos said the company prohibits its employees from using data on individual sellers to help its private-label business.

And, in 2019, another Amazon executive testified that the company does not use such data to create its own private-label products or alter its search results to favour them.

The Amazon documents reviewed by Reuters showed how the company's private-brands team in India secretly exploited internal data from its India unit to copy products sold by other companies, then offered them on its platform.

The company promoted sales of its private brands like AmazonBasics by rigging search results on its platform in India so that its products would appear, as one 2016 strategy report put it, "in the first 2 or three" search results. The Alliance of Digital India Foundation, a non-profit representing some of India's biggest startups, said the practices detailed in the Reuters report were "highly deplorable", calling into question "the credibility of Amazon as a good faith operator in the Indian startup ecosystem".

In a blog post, the group urged the Indian government to take action against Amazon's predatory playbook of copying, rigging and killing Indian brands.

A top official in the economic wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological parent of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling party, urged consumers to shun the company on Thursday.

"I call upon people of this country to #boycottAmazon," Ashwani Mahajan, co-convenor of Swadeshi Jagran Manch, said on Twitter.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has notified a separate rule to settle the long-drawn dispute with Plc.

According to it, the British telecom giant is required to give a declaration to the Income-Tax (I-T) Department, withdrawing all legal proceedings against the Central government over the levy of retrospective taxes, besides the indemnity it has to give against any claims and commit not to seek any damages.

The new rule is in line with the basic structure notified on October 1 for settling retrospective taxation cases that arose due to the controversial 2012 amendment to the I-T Act.

The rule will facilitate the resolution of the case, which is different from the cases of Cairn and others.

The reason is that the telecom major had faced validation of tax demand under Section 119, introduced in the 2012, while in the cases of Cairn and others the tax demands were issued after the 2012 amendment under Section 9 relating to indirect transfers of Indian assets.

Considering the technicalities, new rules need to be made for

While the two conditions are related to a structure for dealing with possible litigation in future, the final condition is with respect to public declaration.

The on Wednesday notified the Relaxation of Validation (Section 119 of the Finance Act, 2012) Rules, 2021, prescribing the forms and conditions for the declaration to be filed by the company for settling its case.

Rakesh Nangia, chairman, Nangia Andersen India, said: The relaxation given by the government is a welcome provision. It will save foreign unnecessary litigation in future.



In the case of Vodafone, the tax department raised a tax demand of Rs 11,218 crore over its Hutch-Essar deal in the Cayman Islands. It was different as taxes were raised by validating an October 2010 order of the I-T department.

The Supreme Court had in January 2012 quashed the tax demand but the same was sought to be revalidated through Section 119 in the Finance Act, 2012.

A penalty of Rs 7,900 crore was also sought from Vodafone.

The new rule gives Vodafone 45 days to approach the government for a settlement.

Vodafone had challenged the tax demand at an international arbitration tribunal. Supporting the Vodafone argument, the tribunal passed an order against India and directed it to reimburse Vodafone.

The government had challenged the arbitration award before a Singapore court.

In the Cairn case, the government needs to return Rs 7,900 crore of taxes it has collected.
Q2 Preview: Supported by healthy loan growth, stable interest margins, and lower operating expenses, private sector lender is expected to report mid-teen growth in net profit for the July-September quarter (Q2FY22), say analysts. It is slated to report its quarterly result on Saturday, October 16.



At the top end of profit expectation, brokerage firm Motilal Oswal Financial Services pegs the profit after tax (PAT) at Rs 8,890 crore for the quarter under review. This would mean an 18.3-per cent growth over last years (Q2FY21) and 15 per cent improvement over previous quarters (Q1FY22) profit of Rs 7,513.1 crore and Rs 7,729.7 crore, respectively.



At the lower end, ICICI Securities pegs the PAT at Rs 8,677 crore.



The profit, analysts say, will be driven by a healthy expansion of loan book and deposits which will support the lenders net interest income and margins (NMs).

" has shown robust traction in its corporate book (which constitutes 54 per cent of the overall loan book) has compensated for the softness in retail lending, supporting overall growth. While the management continues to focus on lending to highly rated corporates, the embargo being lifted from the Credit Cards business would enable healthy revival in retail loans, particularly the unsecured business," said MOFSL in its earnings preview report.

During its Q2 business update, the Mumbai-based lender informed the exchanges that its loans rose by 15.4 per cent (year-on-year basis) to Rs 11.98 trillion as of September 30, 2021. Sequentially, loans grew by 4.4 per cent over Rs 11.47 trillion in June 2021, showing traction in demand after the second wave of Covid-19 cases.

"Loans in the commercial and rural banking space showed strong traction, with 27.5 per cent growth over September 2020 and 7.5 per cent over June 2020. Retail loans grew by around 13 per cent over September 30, 2020 and around 5.5 per cent over June 30, 2021," according to filing with BSE.

Deposits, on the other hand, grew by 14.4 per cent YoY to Rs 14.06 trillion compared to over Rs 12.29 trillion a year ago. Retail deposits grew by around 17.5 per cent over September 30, 2020 and around four per cent over June 30, 2021.

Effectively, net interest income (NII), which is the difference between interest earned on loans extended and interest paid on deposits, is seen improving in the range of 9 per cent and 15 per cent YoY, up to Rs 18,111 crore.

"HDFC Bank has reported 15.4 per cent YoY growth in advances driven by the revival of retail growth. Deposits are expected to grow in line with advances led by CASA, which are expected to grow at 29 per cent YoY. Healthy loan growth, stable NIMs at 4.16 per cent, and lower operating expenses should result in strong profitability on a YoY basis," said analysts at KRChoksey Securities.

NII was Rs 15,776.4 crore in Q2FY21 and Rs 17,009 crore in Q1FY22.

As regards asset quality, gross non-performing assets (GNPA) ratio may rise on a yearly basis but remain largely stable sequentially, believe analysts.

MOFSL pegs the same at 1.5 per cent for the period under study while those at Prabhudas Lilladher forecast it at 1.44 per cent. GNPA ratio was 1.08 per cent in Q2FY21 and 1.47 per cent in Q1FY22.

"Provisions are expected to remain steady on a QoQ basis, with provision coverage ratio (PCR) remaining strong at 70 per cent. Unsecured growth will again take back seat and focus will shift to secured assets," said analysts at Prabhudas Lilladher.

The brokerage expects provisions to come in at Rs 3,905.3 crore while ICICI Securities expects the same at Rs 3,351 crore. The same was Rs 3,703.5 crore in Q2FY21 and Rs 4,830.8 crore in Q1FY22.

Among key monitorables, the Street would eye asset quality in agri or unsecured book and slippages due to the second wave, and commentary around credit cards and fee income traction.

On the bourses, the stock of the lender has risen about 17 per cent so far in the current calendar year 2021 (YTD) compared with a 27.5 per cent gain in the benchmark S&P BSE Sensex, ACE Equity data show.
Realty firm plans to sell its fully complete and rented office building of around 4 lakh square feet area, in Mumbai and is in discussion with potential buyers to monetise its commercial asset.

Mumbai-based Macrotech Developers, one of the leading real estate developers in the country, markets its properties under 'Lodha' brand.

In an interview with PTI, MD and CEO Abhishek Lodha said the company is looking to sell its office building in Thane, which is fully rented.

He said the transaction is expected to be completed in the last quarter of this fiscal year.

Asked about the likely deal value, he said: "We are in the process of discovering the right price of this property".

is targeting to achieve a sales bookings of Rs 8,000 crore from its residential portfolio, while another Rs 1,000 crore from sales of plots in its warehousing park and office building.

During April-September, the company has sold properties worth Rs 2,960 crore and aims to double the sales in the second half.

"We continue to believe that we will achieve our sales bookings guidance of around Rs 9,000 crore in the 2021-22 financial year," Lodha said.

Macrotech Developers' sales bookings stood at Rs 5,970 crore during the last fiscal year.

"We need to do Rs 5,000 crore of sales bookings during October-March period of FY'22 from our residential portfolio. Rs 1,000 crore will come from non-regular sales-- monetisation of commercial and warehousing properties," Lodha said.

Macrotech Developers, which got listed on the stock exchanges in April after raising Rs 2,500 crore through its initial public offering (IPO), focuses only on Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and Pune markets.

Asked about debt, Lodha said the company's debt is at around Rs 12,500 crore, which will be reduced to about Rs 10,000 crore by end of this fiscal year as per the guidance.

(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.)
will establish over 700 exclusive consumer touchpoints in the national capital by 2022-23 fiscal, mainly in the form of kiosks and franchise shops, as part of its strategy to expand presence and boost sales.

Fruit & Vegetable Pvt Ltd, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), on Thursday said it will strengthen its consumer touch-point network in the NCT (National Capital Territory) of Delhi, mainly led by kiosks and franchise shops.

currently has 1,800 consumer touchpoints, including its own milk booths.

"The company is working towards increasing this count to over 2,500 by FY22-23, further strengthening its presence across the length and breadth of the capital region and at the same time, bringing quality products a step closer to the city dwellers," it said.

Mother Dairy on Thursday opened 15 kiosks in the NCT of Delhi in a single day. Of the 15 kiosks, nine have been established in 9 campuses of Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU) and six in Delhi Cantonment area.

Manish Bandlish, Managing Director, Mother Dairy inaugurated a kiosk at DSEU Dwarka Campus in Sector-9, Dwarka in the august presence of Prof Neharika Vohra, Vice Chancellor, Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University.

Elaborating the plan, Bandlish said, "Our consumer touchpoints have become an integral part of the capital region over the years. Mother Dairy's outlets are present in prominent areas of RWAs, societies, military areas, hospitals, colleges, etc which help meet the daily needs of our consumers."



Mother Dairy's booths, kiosks, franchise shops, etc offer the entire range of Mother Dairy products including products from Safal and Dhara under one roof.

Mother Dairy Fruit & Vegetable Pvt Ltd is a leading dairy player which manufactures, markets & sells milk and milk products including cultured products, ice creams, paneer, ghee, etc under the 'Mother Dairy' brand.

The company also has a diversified portfolio under the 'Dhara' brand for edible oils and fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen vegetables & snacks, unpolished pulses, pulps & concentrates, etc under the 'Safal' brand.

(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.)
Walmart-owned digital payments firm reported a drop of 44 per cent in losses for the financial year 2021 (FY21) on a standalone basis as compared to the previous fiscal. The operational losses, excluding the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), costs stood at Rs 888 crore in FY21 versus Rs 1,570 crore in FY20, according to regulatory filings by the company.

The drop in losses is due to higher revenues and a reduction in operating costs. The Bengaluru-based companys revenue increased from Rs 372 crore in FY20 to Rs 690 crore in FY21.

The 85 per cent year-on-year growth in revenue was due to a rise in transactions on the platform. PhonePe, which competes with players such as Google Pay, Paytm and Amazon Pay, has a lions share of the volumes on United Payment Interface (UPI) and Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS).

The companys gross margins grew from 60 per cent to 84 per cent year-over-year. The firm also issued its highest ever ESOP to employees at Rs 843 crore in FY21 compared to Rs 206 crore in FY20.

was started in 2015, to solve payments at scale and enable digital inclusion for over 100 crore Indians. Over 22.4 billion transactions have happened to date on the platform. The firm now has over 314 million registered users and has coverage across 19,098 pin codes in the country. The company which competes with players such as Google Pay, Paytm and Amazon Pay said it has 46 per cent (unified payments interface) market share. It has an annualised total payment volume of over $473 billion.

is rapidly expanding across the country. Last December, it signed a deal to raise $700 million in primary capital at a post-money valuation of $5.5 billion from existing Flipkart investors, including Tiger Global, led by Walmart, the worlds largest retailer. E-commerce firm Flipkart has done a partial spin-off of PhonePe, which will help it to access dedicated, long-term capital to fund its growth ambitions, including going public by 2023.

The companys entry into financial services is going to play a key role in the firm becoming profitable and going public. In August this year, PhonePe said it received a broking licence from the insurance regulator, which will enable it to distribute insurance products from all insurance in the country. The company had said the new broking licence will allow it to start offering personalised product recommendations to its more than 300 million users, and offer a much more diverse portfolio of insurance products for Indian consumers.
E-commerce firm Shopify has launched the Shopify Global ERP Programme, which allows select Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) partners to build direct integrations into the Shopify App Store.

For the first time, Shopify, the Canada-based e-commerce firm, is directly partnering with leading ERP providers globally, including Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, Oracle NetSuite, Infor, Acumatica, and Bright pearl. It also plans to extend the partnership to other ERP providers in the future.

Indian e-commerce is poised for more growth with the landscape rapidly evolving and diversifying. More Indian consumers than ever before are also shopping on a multitude of channels, platforms, and devices, both offline and online, anytime, anywhere. Our collaboration with leading ERP providers will further propel Indian Shopify merchants, retailers and DTC brands to scale effectively to reach their customers across India and globally," said Bharati Balakrishnan, country head and director, Shopify India.

More than 10,000 merchants use Shopify Plus to manage their volume and complexity. These include that started and scaled on Shopify, such as Allbirds and Gymshark, in addition to longstanding brands like Heinz, Schwinn, and Lord & Taylor. Now, Shopifys Global ERP Program will give them a centralised system that connects their commerce platform to key business data like financials and inventory so they can optimise operations and processes.

At Shopify, we support businesses during all stages of their journeys, from first sale to full scale. Regardless of their size, maturity or complexity, merchants can thrive and grow with confidence on Shopify, said Mark Bergen, vice president, Shopify. With the launch of the Global ERP Program, were demonstrating our investment in supporting our enterprise merchants. Were excited to partner with Microsoft, Oracle NetSuite, Infor, Acumatica, and Bright pearl to bring together the best in commerce with the best in ERP. Together, were driving a reinvention of enterprise commerce by giving our merchants the power to manage the complexity of their business operations at scale.

Through the global ERP programme, merchants can now access a suite of certified apps directly integrated with Shopify, without needing to rely on third-party implementations to connect their ERP to Shopify. As an extension of the Shopify Plus Certified App Partner Programme, the global ERP programme provides partners with support from the Shopify Partner Solutions Engineering Team in building their apps, while also giving merchants confidence that their apps meet a high standard of performance and user experience.

By using this, merchants will get access to seamless connections between workflows, leading to data-informed decision-making. Apps within the Global ERP Program connect directly to merchants ERP accounts. By integrating their ERP systems with their commerce operations, merchants get accurate, up-to-date data on their inventory, products, orders, and customer information. This is vital when making critical decisions for their businesses and providing their customers with positive commerce experiences.

Joining forces with Shopify to integrate Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central will help more merchants deliver great experiences to their customers by seamlessly linking commerce and ERP, said Charles Lamanna, corporate vice president, Microsoft Business Applications and Platform. At a time when merchants need to harness data everywhere to transform the shopping experience, were excited to connect data between ERP and commerce. Innovation begins with data-fueled insights and more connected operations will help merchants take the industry into the future.

Merchants will also be able to control their data. By installing apps that are certified and recognized by the Global ERP Program, merchants can ensure proprietary data will seamlessly and securely flow directly between their Shopify admin and their ERP, without the need to connect with a third-party.

Merchants will also be able to save time and money. By integrating directly with certified ERP partners, merchants can avoid the time-consuming and expensive process of managing customised implementations.

With less applications needed to run their businesses, merchants can introduce more automation, making their operations more efficient.

Merchants can connect their ERP solutions for Oracle NetSuite, Infor, Acumatica, and Brightpearl to their Shopify stores in India. The new Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central integration will be available in early 2022.
Chief Minister on Thursday wrote to LG Anil Baijal, urging him to allow Chhath puja celebrations as the Covid situation in Delhi is under control.

He requested Baijal to call a meeting of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) as soon as possible to grant permission for Chhath celebrations.

In its order on September 30, the DDMA had prohibited Chhath celebrations at public places, including riverbanks, waterbodies, and temples, in view of the threat posed by COVID-19, leading to protests by the Delhi BJP.

Kejriwal said the Covid situation in Delhi is under control for the last three months and he believed that the permission to celebrate Chhath should be given with protocols for the pandemic.

He said other states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, have allowed Chhath celebrations with reasonable restrictions.

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Delhi Chief Minister urged Lieutenant Governor (LG) Anil Baijal on Thursday to call a meeting of the DDMA as soon as possible to allow Chhath puja celebrations as the COVID-19 situation in the national capital is under control.

The development comes amid a sharp attack on the Kejriwal government and protests by the Delhi BJP against the Chhath ban.

Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had written to Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, urging for clarity over Chhath celebrations in view of Covid and issuance of guidelines to celebrate the festival.

In an order on September 30, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) prohibited Chhath celebrations at public places, including at riverbanks, waterbodies and temples, in view of the threat posed by COVID-19.

In his letter to the LG, Kejriwal said the Covid situation in Delhi has been under control for the last three months and he believes that the permission to celebrate Chhath should be given with suitable protocols in view of the pandemic.

"I have urged Hon'ble LG to allow Chhath pooja celebrations in Delhi. Corona is now in control and many other states have allowed it," he wrote on Twitter while sharing his letter to Baijal on the platform.

Neighbouring states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan have also given permission for Chhath celebrations with reasonable restrictions for health and safety, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said in his letter to the LG, adding, "I urge you to kindly call a meeting of the DDMA as soon as possible and grant permission for Chhath pooja celebrations."



Earlier, the chief minister had said Chhath celebrations were prohibited at public places in view of the health and safety of people amid the pandemic. He had also slammed the protests by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as "dirty politics" over a sensitive issue.

Delhi BJP MP Manoj Tiwari, who has started a "Chhath Rath Yatra" of the city's Purvanchali-dominated areas against the Chhath ban, wrote to Kejriwal on Wednesday, accusing him of hurting the sentiments of Hindus.

He took a dig at the AAP leader over his letter to the LG seeking permission for Chhath celebrations, saying stubbornness yields to faith.

"Jai Chhathi Maiya...stubbornness yields to faith. Did you not remember the story that you narrated in the letter today while putting obstacles in the way of Chhath celebrations? Anyway, better late than never, let us celebrate Chhath together. All of us will celebrate Chhath at the ghats in a disciplined manner following the Covid norms," Tiwari said in a tweet in Hindi.

In his letter to the LG, Kejriwal wrote that the people of Delhi celebrate Chhath every year and the festival is an important part of the Vedic Arya culture.

The Purvanchalis (Bhojpuri-speaking natives of eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar) living in Delhi are considered a prominent vote bank in the national capital and Chhath is one of their most important festivals.

"If the Chhath ban is not withdrawn in 48 hours, around 60 lakh Purvanchalis in Delhi will pledge to uproot the city government to save their pride," Tiwari had said earlier.

Chhath, celebrated after Diwali, involves the offering of "Arghya" by fasting women to the Sun god in knee-deep water. Some experts believe that water could lead to the spread of the infection when a large number of people celebrate Chhath.

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Haryana Police on Thursday said it arrested an personnel for allegedly passing secret information to Pakistani intelligence agency

Rohit Kumar was arrested on Wednesday evening on a tip-off, it said.

Kumar is a resident of Kodwa Khurd village in the Naraingarh area in Ambala district. Currently, he is employed as Havaldar in an engineering regiment of the in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, the police said.

He had come to his village a few days back on leave, Superintendent of Police Hamid Akhtar said.

Akhtar said police had received an input about Kumar and on the basis of which he was taken into custody.

During interrogation, it came to the fore that he was in contact with a Pakistani agent and was sharing secret information and photographs to Pakistani intelligence agency, the SP said.

He said Kumar's two mobile phones, which were used for sharing information, were seized.

The police will check all the details of his mobile phones, he added.

Akhtar said Kumar joined the in 2012 and had been indulging in espionage activities since 2018.

Police said during interrogation, Kumar confessed that he had shared some information with the Pakistani intelligence agency.

A case has been registered against him under the provisions of the Official Secrets Act, they said.

Kuamr was produced before a court on Thursday evening, which remanded him to police custody for seven days, police said.

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Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan and five others arrested in a drug seizure case have been now shifted to general barracks of the Arthur Road prison here as their quarantine period was over, an official said on Thursday.

Aryan (23), arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on October 3 from a cruise ship off the Mumbai coast, will have to remain in jail for at least six more days, as a special court earlier in the day posted his and two others' bail pleas for orders on October 20.

They had been shifted to the Arthur Road prison in central Mumbai after their initial custodial remand with the NCB got over and a magistrate sent them in judicial custody but denied them bail.

They were kept in quarantine barracks for seven days, a prison official said, adding the quarantine period ended on Wednesday.

All of them were subjected to RT-PCR tests for coronavirus on Wednesday morning, and as the results were negative, they were separated from each other and shifted to various general barracks, he said.

Based on a tip-off that a rave party was scheduled on the ship, an NCB team raided the Goa-bound Cordelia cruise on October 2 evening and allegedly seized Several persons including Aryan Khan, Arbaaz Merchant and Munmun Dhamecha were arrested.

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The on Thursday demanded an inquiry into all the recruitments that have taken place during the Congress rule in in the wake of alleged irregularities in the recently conducted state teachers' eligibility exam.

State chief spokesperson and MLA Ramlal Sharma said Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot should apologise to the youth of for irregularities in the exams while Education Minister Govind Singh Dotasra should resign.

"All the recruitments done in in the Congress rule are under doubt," Sharma said in a video message.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been demanding a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities in the Rajasthan Eligibility Examination for Teachers-2021 (REET) while its state unit president Satish Poonia has claimed that the key accused in the case -- Batti Lal Meena -- is a Congress worker, a charge denied by the ruling party.

A team of the Rajasthan Police's Special Operations Group (SOG) had arrested Batti Lal Meena and along with another person -- Shivdas Meena -- from Kedarnath last week.

New layers are opening up in the investigation of the SOG in the paper leak case and it is clear that papers of competitive exams held in the past, be it of radiographers or lecturers, were leaked too, alleged Sharma.

" wants all recruitments that have taken place in Congress rule be investigated. The chief minister should apologise to lakhs of youth of the state and the education minister should resign," he said in a video message.

The REET was held on September 26 across the state for which 16 lakh candidates had enrolled.

After irregularities came to light in the conduct of the exam, the state government had suspended 14 state government employees including one Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) officer and one Rajasthan Police Service (RPS) officer.

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A special NDPS court here would pronounce its orders on bail applications filed by Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, and two others on October 20 in a case of alleged seizure of drugs from a cruise ship off

After hearing extensive arguments of the investigating agency NCB and defense lawyers on Thursday, special judge V V Patil posted the matter for orders on October 20.

Earlier, a magistrate's court had rejected the bail pleas of Aryan Khan, Munmun Dhamecha and Arbaaz Merchant.

The three were among those arrested from the Goa-bound cruise ship on October 3.

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India on Thursday reported a net reduction of 1,067 in active cases to take its count to 206,586. Indias share of global active cases now stands at 1.16 per cent (one in 85). The country is ninth among the most affected countries by active cases. On Wednesday, it added 18,987 cases to take its total caseload to 34,020,730 from 34,001,743  an increase of 0.1%. And, with 246 new fatalities, its Covid-19 reached 451,435, or 1.33 per cent of total confirmed infections.

With 3,566,347 more Covid-19 vaccine doses being administered on Wednesday, Indias total count of vaccine shots so far reached 968,220,997. The count of recovered cases across India, meanwhile, reached 33,362  or 98.07 per cent of total caseload  with 19,808 new cured cases being reported on Thursday.

Now the ninth-most-affected country by active cases, third by deaths, second by total cases and recoveries, India has added 126,418 cases in the past 7 days.

India now accounts for 1.16% of all active cases globally (one in every 85 active cases), and 9.26% of all deaths (one in every 11 deaths).

India has so far administered 968,220,997 vaccine doses. That is 2845.97 per cent of its total caseload, and 69.3 per cent of its population.

Among Indian states, the top 5 in terms of number of vaccine shots administered are Uttar Pradesh (121903541), Maharashtra (93998944), West Bengal (69619706), Gujarat (69302651), and Madhya Pradesh (68217172).

Among states with more than 10 million population, the top 5 in number of vaccine shots per one million population are Kerala (1106113), Delhi (1086253), Gujarat (1085017), Jammu and Kashmir (1028190), and Uttarakhand (1009939).

Backwards from here, the last 1 million cases for India have come in 38 days.

The count of active cases across India on Tuesday saw a net reduction of 7,247, compared with 12,447 on Monday. States and UTs hat have seen the biggest daily net increase in active cases are Mizoram (103), Hinachal Pradesh (75), West Bengal (23), Assam (17), and Jharkhand (7).

With 22,844 new daily recoveries, Indias recovery rate stands at 98.06%, while fatality rate remained unchanged at 1.33%.

The Indian states and UTs with the worst case fatality rates at present are Punjab (2.75%), Uttarakhand (2.15%), and Nagaland (2.14%). The rate in as many as 16 is higher than the national average.

Indias new daily closed cases stand at 23,070  226 deaths and 22,844 recoveries. The share of deaths in total closed cases stands at 0.98%.

Indias 5-day moving average of daily rate of addition to total cases stands at 0.1%.

Indias doubling time for total cases stands at 1489.1 days, and for deaths at 1383.5 days.

Overall, five states with the biggest 24-hour jump in total cases are Kerala (7823), Maharashtra (2069), Tamil Nadu (1289), Mizoram (1224), and West Bengal (768).

Among states with more than 100,000 cases, the five with worst recovery rates at present are Kerala (97.43%).

India on Sunday conducted 1,325,399 to take the total count of tests conducted so far in the country to 586,363,442. The test positivity rate recorded was 1.2%.

Five states with the highest test positivity rate (TPR)  percentage of tested people turning out to be positive for Covid-19 infection (by cumulative data for tests and cases  are Dadra & Nagar Haveli-Daman & Diu (14.74%), Kerala (13.24%), Goa (12.62%), Sikkim (12.28%), and Maharashtra (10.89%).

Five states with the highest TPR by daily numbers for tests and cases added  are Mizoram (12.99%), Kerala (9.09%), Sikkim (5.88%), Manipur (5.18%), and Meghalaya (2.97%).

Among states and UTs with more than 10 million population, five that have carried out the highest number of tests (per million population) are Delhi (1516055), J&K (1135041), Kerala (1017466), Karnataka (724517), and Telangana (682721).

The five most affected states by total cases are Maharashtra (6581677), Kerala (4809619), Karnataka (2981732), Tamil Nadu (2680857), and Andhra Pradesh (2058065).

Maharashtra, the most affected state overall, has reported 2069 new cases to take its tally to 6581677.

Kerala, the second-most-affected state by total tally, has added 7823 cases to take its tally to 4809619.

Karnataka, the third-most-affected state, has reported 332 cases to take its tally to 2981732.

Tamil Nadu has added 1289 cases to take its tally to 2680857.

Andhra Pradesh has seen its tally going up by 503 to 2058065.

Uttar Pradesh has added 20 cases to take its tally to 1709985.

Delhi has added 34 cases to take its tally to 1439252.
Air quality in the national capital was recorded in the moderate category on Thursday but is likely to deteriorate in the next two days with a rise in farm fire incidents in Punjab and Haryana.

A total of 407 farm fires were recorded on Thursday in the neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh with 229 such fires detected in Punjab alone, showed data from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI).

Haryana recorded 98 fires and Uttar Pradesh recorded 68 such incidents on Thursday.

On the previous day, 272 fires were detected in these five states collectively.

Ministry of Earth Sciences' forecast body SAFAR said that Delhi's air quality index (AQI) is in the moderate category with PM10 as the main pollutant.

"Under dry conditions, local dust gets re-suspended leading to high PM10, in addition to meso-scale transport of dust from desert regions," it said.

According to the Decision Support System (DSS) developed by Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology-Pune, the ventilation index and the wind speed in the national capital will be lower than average in the next two days, which is unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants.

However, the air quality is likely to improve owing to the rainfall activities on October 17 and 18, which is favourable for removal of pollutants, IITM said, adding that the air quality is likely to remain largely in moderate category.

Stubble burning in the neighbouring states significantly contributes to the in Delhi. Since October 6, Punjab has recorded 1,008 farm fires while Haryana had 463 fires till date.

Uttar Pradesh recorded 260 farm fires in the last eight days while Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan accounted for 35 and 16 fires, respectively.

On October 13, paddy crop residue burning fire points were observed over Haryana (91), Punjab (132) and adjoining Pakistan.

"Winds are favourable for transport of pollutants from biomass burning. Approximately, 10 per cent contribution in PM2.5 over Delhi-NCT is likely from biomass burning on Thursday," IITM said.

The active fire events due to rice residue burning were monitored using satellite remote sensing, following the new "Standard Protocol for Estimation of Crop Residue Burning Fire Events using Satellite Data".

Between September 15 and October 10, Punjab has recorded 764 incidents of crop residue burning in 2021 compared to 2,586 in the corresponding period last year.

Punjab had recorded 1.02 lakh incidents of stubble burning in 2016. The number decreased to 67,079 in 2017; 59,684 in 2018 and 50,738 in 2019 from October 1 to November 30. The state logged 79,093 such incidents last year, according to the IARI.

Haryana saw 15,686 farm fires in 2016; 13,085 in 2017; 9,225 in 2018; 6,364 in 2019 and 5,678 in 2020.

Punjab and Haryana attract attention during the paddy harvesting season in October and November.

Farmers set their fields on fire to quickly clear off the crop residue before cultivating wheat and potato. It is one of the main reasons for the alarming spike in pollution in Delhi-NCR.

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Ensuring equitable vaccines for all is a key to the global economic recovery but it faces a significant challenge, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told her G-20 counterparts on Wednesday



In her remarks at the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, held on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, Sitharaman said for the global economic recovery, it is essential to keep up the support, build resilience and enhance productivity and structural reforms.

These should



be our policy goals, Sitharaman said at the in-person meeting of the Fourth Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) under the Italian presidency.

G-20 countries agreed to avoid any premature withdrawal of support measures while preserving financial stability and long-term fiscal sustainability besides safeguarding against downside risks and negative spillovers.

The meeting, the last one under the Italian Presidency, also saw discussions and agreements on various issues of global economic recovery, pandemic support to vulnerable countries, global health, climate action, international taxation and financial sector issues.

Appreciating the G-20's role in rallying the pandemic response and supporting vulnerable countries through debt relief measures and the new SDR allocation, Sitharaman suggested focusing efforts on making the benefits reach the intended countries.

Participating in the discussion on climate change, the finance minister emphasised that considering the varied policy spaces and different starting points of countries, the centrality of climate justice based on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and principles of the Paris Agreement would be critical for taking forward discussions towards successful outcomes.

She rued that the failure in fulfilling the existing international commitments on climate finance and technology weakens the collective efforts of the global community in the fight against climate change.

Sitharaman asked for climate justice to guide further discussions.

In her remarks, the finance minister appreciated the recent OECD decision of OECD on global tax.

This agreement, she noted, helps to address tax challenges arising from the digitalization of the economy and in dealing with Base Erosion and Profit Shifting issues.

For addressing tax challenges arising from the digitalisation of the economy, the FMCBGs endorsed the final agreement as set out in the statement on a two-pillar solution and the Detailed Implementation Plan released by the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) on October 8, 2021.

The G-20 meeting of finance ministers and governors of central banks discussed a range of other topics, including the current macroeconomic conditions, further progress on reforms to international taxation, coordination on vaccine distribution and long-term pandemic preparedness.

They also discussed efforts within the G20 Finance Track on climate change mitigation and financial regulatory issues.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and her counterparts also continued productive discussions about international tax, an official release said.

Yellen noted the landmark agreement of virtually the entire global economy to end the race to the bottom on corporate taxation and how 136 nations, representing 94 per cent of the world's GDP, including all 20 nations in the G20, agreed to a new and specific set of provisions to uniformly tax the income of multinational companies, including a global minimum tax.

World Bank President David Malpass said developing countries need five billion more doses to vaccinate 70 per cent of their population by the middle of next year.

And there's a need to boost manufacturing capacity too. The International Finance Corporation IFC is investing to expand production in Africa, he said.

Some urgent steps are needed: swapping near-term vaccine delivery schedules with COVAX and AVAT; closing the gap between pledges and deliveries and eliminating trade and regulatory barriers.

Finance and health ministers in developing countries should also seek contracts that include early delivery schedules, he said.

Malpass called for ending the fossil fuel subsidy regimes and design appropriate carbon taxes and other incentives for carbon reduction.

This will be critical for bending the emissions curve, he said.

The G20 finance ministers and governors of the central banks agreed to coordinate their efforts to tackle climate change and protect the environment, as well as to promote transitions towards greener, more prosperous and inclusive economies and societies, a communique said after the meeting.

Following up on the July 2021 engagement on climate action, ministers and governors urged different G20 work streams to act in synergy to deepen the analysis of the economic and distributional impact of mitigation policies and develop the most appropriate policy mix to move towards low greenhouse gas emission economies.

Such mix should include investment in sustainable infrastructure and innovative technologies, as well as fiscal, market and regulatory tools, including carbon pricing mechanisms, to support clean energy transitions, the communique said.

According to the G-20 Communiqu, ministers and governors recognised that global recovery is continuing at a solid pace, mostly due to the rollout of vaccines and the continued policy support.

Nonetheless, the recovery remains highly divergent across and within countries and exposed to risks, thus the members have reaffirmed their willingness to continue sustaining the recovery, avoiding any premature withdrawal of support measures, it said.

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Voicing dissatisfaction over the probe into the Lakhimpur violence case after the "red-carpet arrest" of MoS Home Ajay Mishra's son, BKU leader Rakesh Tikait on Thursday said a fair investigation is not possible till the minister is removed from his post.

He said the "red-carpet arrest" of Ashish Mishra has fuelled anger among protesting farmers.

Alleging that the investigating agency is going soft on Mishra's interrogation, Tikait termed the probe a 'guldaston wali puch-tach' (investigation where bouquets are being presented).

Ashish Mishra, alleged to be in one of the cars that mowed down the protesters in Lakhimpur Kheri on October 3, was arrested after 12 hours of questioning last week. A court here had granted three-day custody of Ashish to police.

"The red carpet arrest of the minister's son who is the main accused in the incident has fuelled anger among the protesting farmers," the BKU leader told newspersons here.

"The whole world understands that no justice can be given if the minister whose son is being investigated continues to hold his chair. We are completely dissatisfied by the manner in which investigations are being conducted," Tikait said at a function in Tappal town.

He claimed that the minister was influencing the SIT investigation.

The BKU leader reiterated that the protest against the Lakhimpur violence would intensify if Ajay Mishra was not removed from his post.

The farmers' unions have already given a call for burning the effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home minister Amit Shah on Dussehra, a six-hour nationwide 'rail roko' agitation on October 26 and a 'kisan mahapanchayat' in the state capital on October 26.

"Everybody knows that nothing would come out of the 'red-carpet arrest' of the union minister's son. How can anybody expect anything when the police who are questioning Ashish Mishra also present bouquets to the MoS," Tikait said.

When asked about the arrest of Ankit Das, a friend of Ashish Mishra, he claimed, "More false witnesses will be produced and some will even take responsibility on their head under the influence of Ajay Mishra in the region.

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Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday met former prime minister Manmohan Singh, who has been admitted to the here after complaining of weakness following a fever, and enquired about his health.

"Singh's condition is stable," a doctor at the hospital said.

In a tweet in Hindi, Mandaviya said that he met former prime minister at AIIMS, New Delhi and enquired about his health.

The health minister wished Singh a speedy recovery.

The 89-year-old former prime minister was admitted to a private ward of the cardioneuro centre of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Wednesday and is under the care of a team of cardiologists led by Dr Nitish Naik, the doctor said.

Singh had a fever on Monday and had recovered, but turned weak and was on fluids.

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vaccines have been sent to Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Iran according to the government's decision to resume their supplies, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the government has decided to send the supplies to the neighbourhood initially.

India, the world's largest producer of vaccines overall, suspended exports of COVID-19 vaccines in April to focus on inoculating its own population following a sudden spike in infections.

Last month, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that India will resume the supplies abroad.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi said recently at the UN General Assembly that India will resume supply of vaccines. We have decided to start with the neighbourhood," Bagchi said.

"As far as I know, vaccines have already gone to Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Iran. We are constantly monitoring and reviewing the situation," he said.

Bagchi said the decision on further supplies will be based on India's production and demand.

"We will decide on further supplies based on our production and demand," he said.

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India has got an invite for the Format meeting on on October 20 and it will participate in the deliberations, the said on Thursday.

This will be the first format dialogue since the takeover of by the Taliban in August.

While India had its first formal contact with the Taliban in Doha on August 31, the Format is likely to be the first formal contact between New Delhi and the Taliban government after an interim Cabinet was announced by them.

Asked about the meeting, Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "We have received an invitation for the Moscow Format meeting on on October 20. We will be participating in it."



"I don't have a final confirmation as to who would be attending but it is likely that we will have (participation) at the joint secretary level," he said.

Russia has been holding the 'Moscow Format' of talks since 2017 to address Afghan issues. Several rounds of talks have been held in Moscow since 2017.

On any humanitarian assistance India is extending or has extended to Afghanistan, Bagchi said India's policy towards Afghanistan is guided by its friendship with the Afghan people.

India has in the past provided assistance both for infrastructure as well as for humanitarian purposes, he said.

"Coming specifically to humanitarian assistance you would recall that the UN secretary general had convened a meeting on the subject on September 13 in which External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar participated. In his intervention... our approach to the issue of humanitarian assistance was laid out very clearly," he said.

"This includes India's willingness to continue to stand by the Afghan people, the need for the international community to create the best possible enabling environment, the unimpeded, unrestricted and direct access to humanitarian assistance providers and non discriminatory distribution," Bagchi 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.)
Some isolated populations of India like the Onge and Jarawa tribes of the Andaman islands have a higher genetic risk for COVID-19, according to a study led by researchers at CSIRCCMB and BHU.

The study, published in the journal Genes and Immunity, suggests that the government should consider high priority protection and utmost care of these isolated groups, so that "we should not lose some of the living treasures of modern human evolution".

The research team co-led by Kumarasamy Thangaraj from Council of Scientific and Industrial ResearchCentre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIRCCMB) Hyderabad and Professor Gyaneshwer Chaubey of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi noted that the expansion of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has impacted various ethnic groups all over the world.

Recently, it has been reported that the indigenous groups of Brazil have been massively affected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, who had twice the death rate compared to other communities, they said.

It was also shown that many of the indigenous communities have reached the verge of extinction due to this pandemic, according to the researchers.

They noted that India also has several indigenous and smaller communities including Andaman Islanders living in isolation.

The researchers, involving 11 scientists from 13 institutions across the world, conducted a genomic analysis of 227 Indian populations, finding that populations carrying long homozygous segments in their genome have higher susceptibility to COVID-19.

Homozygous is a genetic condition where an individual inherits the same gene variants or alleles for a particular gene from both parents.

"There might be some speculations on the effect of COVID-19 among isolated populations, however for the first time we have used the genomic data to access the risk of it on them, said Chaubey, a professor of molecular anthropology at BHU.

"This approach would be useful to quantify the risk of a population for COVID-19, " he told PTI.

The research team investigated the high-density genomic data of over 1600 individuals from 227 populations and found high frequency of the COVID-19 risk alleles among Andaman Tribes Onge and Jarawa.

Among the studied groups, Andaman Islanders had the highest number as well as longest runs of homozygosity (ROH) segments.

"Since smaller populations experiencing drift may have a greater risk of such pandemic, we have analysed ROH among South Asian populations and identified several populations with longer homozygous segments," the authors of the study noted.

The long runs of homozygosity at certain genomic regions may increase the susceptibility for COVID-19. Thus, we suggest extreme careful management of this pandemic among isolated populations of South Asia," they added.

Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa, and Sentinels are the aboriginal tribal populations of these islands.

"Total census of these aborigins are less than 1000 in numbers, Chaubey said.

"The study has noted that these tribal populations live in protected areas and the general public is not allowed to interact with them. However, seeing number of cases at the island among the general population, they are at greater risk mainly from illegal intruders and health workers," he added.

Other researchers in the study are from Amrita University, Kerala, Calcutta University in West Bengal, Central Forensic Science laboratory in Madhya Pradesh, and the University of Alabama, US.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The income tax department on Thursday said more than two crore ITRs for the financial year 2020-21 have been filed so far and the performance of the new I-T portal has "substantially stabilised".

Asking taxpayers to file their income tax returns (ITRs) for fiscal 2020-21 (April 2020-March 2021) at the earliest, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said all ITRs have been made available for e-filing.

"More than two crore ITRs for AY 2021-22 have been filed on the portal, of which ITRs 1 and 4 constitute 86 per cent. It is encouraging to note that more than 1.70 crore returns have been e-verified, out of which 1.49 crore are through Aadhaar based OTP," the CBDT said in a statement.

The process of e-verification through Aadhaar OTP and other methods is important for the department to commence processing of the ITR and to issue refunds, if any.

Of the verified ITRs 1 and 4, over 1.06 crore ITRs have been processed and over 36.22 lakh refunds for the assessment year (AY) 2021-22 have been issued. Processing of ITRs 2 and 3 will be taken up shortly, it said.

The new portal was launched on June 7 and in the initial period, taxpayers had reported glitches and difficulties in the functioning of the portal.

"A number of technical issues have since been resolved and the performance of the portal has substantially stabilised," the CBDT said, adding that over 13.44 crore unique taxpayers have logged in till October 13 and about 54.70 lakh taxpayers have availed of 'forgot password' facility to obtain their passwords.

"E-proceedings and faceless proceedings have been enabled with functionalities including video conferencing for assessment and seeking adjournments or appointment and filings by authorized representatives.

"Taxpayers have been able to view over 12.20 lakh notices issued by the department under the faceless assessment/appeal/penalty proceedings, to which over 6.24 lakh responses have been filed," it said.

The digital signature certificate (DSC) registration of non-residents has been enabled and overall, 4.87 lakh DSCs have been registered.

Over 15.72 lakh statutory forms have been submitted, including 9.08 lakh TDS statements, 1.29 lakh Form 10A for registration of trusts/institutions, and 22,075 Vivad se Vishwas Forms till October 13.

Over 1.83 lakh 15CA and 37,870 15CB forms related to foreign remittances have been filed and more than 21.40 lakh e-PANs have been allotted online free of cost. The Legal Heir functionality has been enabled for registrations and compliance.

"The income tax department strongly urges all taxpayers to view their Form 26AS through the e-filing portal to verify the accuracy of the TDS and tax payments and avail of pre-filling of ITRs.

"All taxpayers who are yet to file their income tax returns for AY 2021-22 are requested to file their returns at the earliest," the CBDT said.

The government has extended the due date for filing income tax returns (ITRs) for 2020-21 fiscal twice. For individual taxpayer, the last date is December 31.

The new e-filing portal www.incometax.gov.in, launched on June 7, had a bumpy start since the day of its launch with taxpayers and professionals reporting glitches and difficulties in its functioning. Infosys was in 2019 given the contract to develop the portal.

The finance ministry had on August 23 "summoned" Infosys CEO Salil Parekh to explain why issues continued to plague the portal developed by the software major.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in the meeting with Parekh, expressed "deep disappointment" over persisting glitches for more than two months after portal launch and gave him time till September 15 to resolve all issues.

Infosys CEO Salil Parekh had on Wednesday said the portal is seeing "steady progress" and taxpayers' concerns are being "progressively addressed".

He, however, did not say by when will technical glitches be fully resolved and all functions on the portal will be available to tax filers.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
More than half of the 236 million people who have recovered from Covid-19 worldwide since December 2019 will experience post-Covid symptoms -- more commonly known as long Covid -- up to six months after recovering, according to a large study.

The lingering Covid symptoms majorly include tiredness, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, sore joints and loss of taste or smell.

A research team from Pennsylvania State University in the US examined 57 global studies involving 250,351 unvaccinated patients who recovered from Covid-19 from December 2019 through March 2021.

The findings showed that adults, as well as children, can experience several adverse health issues for six months or longer after recovering from Covid-19.

Generally, these complications affected a patient's general well-being, their mobility or organ systems, while overall, one in two survivors experienced long-term Covid manifestations.

More than half of all patients reported weight loss, fatigue, fever or pain, roughly one in five survivors experienced a decrease in mobility.

Nearly one in four survivors experienced difficulty concentrating, and one in three patients were diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorders.

Six in ten survivors had chest imaging abnormality and more than a quarter of patients had difficulty in breathing.

Chest pain and palpitations were also among the commonly reported conditions and nearly one in five patients experienced hair loss or rashes.

Digestive issues such as stomach pain, lack of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting were also among the commonly reported conditions, the study showed.

"One's battle with Covid doesn't end with recovery from the acute infection. Vaccination is our best ally to prevent getting sick from Covid-19 and to reduce the chance of long-Covid even in the presence of a breakthrough infection," said co-lead investigator Dr Paddy Ssentongo, assistant professor at the Penn State Center for Neural Engineering.

While the mechanisms behind these lingering symptoms in survivors are not fully understood, the researchers believe that an immune-system overdrive triggered by the virus, lingering infection, reinfection or an increased production of autoantibodies (antibodies directed at their own tissues), may be the reason.

According to the researchers, early intervention will be critical for improving the quality of life for many Covid-19 survivors as in the years ahead, health care providers will likely see an influx of patients with psychiatric and cognitive problems, such as depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder, who were otherwise healthy before their Covid-19 infection.

--IANS

rv/bg/

(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 Supreme Court has stayed Green Tribunal order's imposing Rs 20 crore penalty on four units of Ltd in Uttar Pradesh for continuous violation of environmental laws.

A bench of Justices Indira Banerjee and J K Maheshwari issued notices to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), UP Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) and others on an appeal filed by

"Issue notice, returnable in six weeks. In the meanwhile there will be a stay of the order to the extent of payment of compensation of Rs 5 crore which has been imposed against each unit and the costs of Rs 10 lakh to be paid by Respondent Nos. 1 to 3 ( Ltd)," the bench said.

The top court, in its October 8 order, also said no further steps shall be taken by the committee, formed by the for assess damage, for a period of six weeks.

The sugar manufacturing company had moved the apex court against the order.

The tribunal, after perusing various inspection reports filed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) , said that there was damage caused to the environment for a considerable time.

The had imposed environmental compensation of Rs 5 crore each on Dhampur Sugar Mills, District Sambhal; Dhampur Sugar Mills, District Bijnor; Dhampur Distillery Unit, District Bijnor and Dhampur Sugar Mills, Meerganj, District Bareilly, and directed them to pay the amount in 30 days from September 1, 2021.

The tribunal had also constituted a committee comprising members from CPCB (to be nominated by the Chairman), one from UPPCB and the District Magistrates concerned to conduct a detailed study regarding the extent of damage caused to the environment.

The committee will also interact with the farmers and local inhabitants who may have suffered loss/ damage because of pollution caused by the units, it said.

"We also impose a litigation cost of Rs 10 lakh which shall be paid by respondents no 1 to 3 (Dhampur Sugar Mills Ltd) to CPCB within a period of one month and the said amount will be utilised for the protection and preservation of environment," the NGT had said in its order.

The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by Adil Ansari seeking penal action against the units of Dhampur Sugar Mills Ltd including the imposition of the appropriate environmental compensation for non compliance of Environmental norms/laws.

(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.)
At a (BRO) event in New Delhi on Thursday, 14 October 2021, presided virtually over the breakthrough blast of the main tube of Sela Tunnel, which will connect the Dirang valley to the Tawang bowl, in Arunachal Pradesh.

Perched at an altitude of 13,800 ft, Se La pass connects the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh to the rest of the country, via the 317 km long Balipara-Charduar-Tawang road. China has long had its eye on Tawang, which is a monastery town deeply revered by the local, Buddhist Monpa ethnic group.

The two new tunnels being built will allow motor traffic to cross the Se La ridgeline at a lower altitude, where snowfall is less heavy. The tunnel will reduce travel time and provide all weather connectivity to Tawang.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone of the Sela Tunnel project in 2019.

The breakthrough blast of the main tube of the tunnel today marks a major landmark in its excavation. Meanwhile, work on the 980-metre long second tunnel of the project has already crossed the 700-metre mark.

Upon completion, the 1.5 kilometre tunnel will be one of the worlds longest bi-lane road tunnels at an altitude above 13,800 feet. This tunnel has been constructed using the latest New Austrian Tunnelling Method, and is located much below the snow line. This will allow all weather travel to and from Tawang, without the challenges of snow clearance. For the people of Tawang as it will reduce travel time and ensure speedier movement.

In another linked event, inaugurated the India @75 BRO Motorcycle Expedition as a tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the service of the nation.

Photo: Ajai Shukla

Seventy five motorcycle riders from the BRO, will cover approximately 20,000 kilometres over the next 75 days. En route, they will interact with local people, school children, gallantry award winners, ex-servicemen and Veer Naris (widows of soldiers who were killed during the course of their duties). They will conduct medical camps and raise awareness about the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and road safety.

Speaking on this occasion, commended the BRO for its contribution to the progress of the nation by constructing roads, bridges, tunnels and airfields at record altitudes under extreme weather conditions and making remote areas visible on connectivity maps.

He said the BROs efforts to strengthen border infrastructure have enhanced the armys operational readiness, encouraged tourism in far-flung areas and generated employment for local population.

This state-of-the-art tunnel will prove to be a lifeline for not just Tawang but the entire state, he added.

Rajnath also mentioned the construction of Atal Tunnel, which bypasses the Rohtang Pass in connecting Manali district with Kinnaur. The Atal Tunnel, named after former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, is the worlds longest highway tunnel at over 10,000 feet.

The BRO also broke a world record recently by constructing a road over the 19,300 feet-high Umlingla Pass in Eastern Ladakh, making it the highest motorable pass in the world.

Shri Rajnath Singh called for reaching out to general public for promotion of such activities, emphasising that these can play a big role in encouraging tourism, generating employment and strengthening local economy. He assured all possible cooperation of the Government to achieve this objective.

The expedition is co-sponsored by Hero MotoCorp and Bharat Petroleum Limited. They are providing adventure motorcycles, protective gears, jackets, fast-moving spares and technical and logistical assistance.
Talking tough against Pakistan over terrorism, Union Home Minister on Thursday said carried out by India five years ago sent a strong message to the world that no one can interfere with its borders.

He said under the BJP-led NDA rule, India gives a befitting reply to terrorist attacks which was not the case when the Congress-headed UPA was in power. Shah was addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stone for the Forensic Science University at Dharbandora village in South Goa. During the UPA government, terrorists from across the border used to infiltrate into India and cause unrest, and Delhi would do nothing, but now, India responds in the same language which they (terrorists) understand, he said. Referring to the 2016 surgical strike, Shah said India, through the military action, sent across a strong message to the entire world that no one can interfere with its borders. India had conducted the on September 29, 2016, across the Line of Control (LoC) as a response to a terrorist attack on an Army base in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir. Shah recalled the contribution of BJP stalwart late Manohar Parrikar as defence minister. Parrikar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be remembered for years for introducing One Rank One Pension (OROP) in the armed forces, the home minister said.

Parrikar will be remembered for introducing One Rank One Pension for all the three wings of the armed forces under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 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 number of weekly deaths worldwide continues to decline and is now at its lowest level in nearly a year.

This was announced on Wednesday at a briefing in Geneva by the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus, quoted by TASS.

"The number of reported deaths from COVID-19 continues to decline and is now at its lowest level in nearly a year," he said. However, this number is still unacceptably high - almost 50 thousand cases per week, and the real number is undoubtedly even higher," said the head of the WHO.

"Mortality is declining in all regions except Europe, where several countries are facing new waves of disease and death," Gebreyesus said, stressing that mortality is highest in countries and populations that "have the least access." to vaccines against COVID-19 '.

To date, the WHO has reported 238,229,951 cases of infection worldwide since the beginning of the pandemic and 4,859,277 deaths.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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State-run India Ltd on Thursday said it had temporarily stopped supplying non-power customers, potentially hurting companies in other industries as India battles one of its worst power supply deficits in years.

India is the world's second largest producer, with the world's fourth largest reserves, but a surge in power demand to above pre-pandemic levels means supplies from state-run India, the world's biggest coal miner, are no longer enough.

The company said in a statement that it had stopped all online auctions of coal except those meant for the power sector.

"This is only a temporary prioritisation, in the interest of the Nation, to tide over the low coal stock situation at the stressed power plants and scale up supplies to them," it said.

The Aluminium Association of India sought the immediate resumption of full supplies. It said Coal India's move was 'detrimental' to the industry which needs an uninterrupted supply of power.

In a statement on Wednesday the Association said a stoppage of power supplies for more than 2 hours could lead to heavy financial losses for companies. It said several aluminium plants are already operating at low capacity as their coal stocks have depleted to 2-3 days worth from about 15 days in April.

"The entire industry has been brought to a standstill and left with no time to devise any mitigation plan to continue sustainable operations," the Association said, adding that coal accounts for about 40% of the industry's production costs.

India is competing against buyers such as China, the world's largest coal consumer, which is under pressure to ramp up imports amid a severe power crunch.

said Indian customers have turned to using local coal due to higher global prices of the fuel.

India has asked power producers to import up to 10% of their coal needs amid fuel shortages and has warned states that federal companies will curb their power supplies if they are found selling electricity on power exchanges to cash in on surging prices.

Most of India's 135 coal-fired power plants have fuel stocks of less than three days.

(Writing by Nidhi Verma; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)

(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 has opened up yet another door in cooperation with its strategic energy partner Union Minister of Steel, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Russias minister of energy Nikolay Shulginov, for collaboration in the mining and steel sectors, with special focus on coking

The move is part of Indias National Steel Policy 2017 under which the country is aiming to reach 300 million tonne steel production by 2030 while simultaneously working on forward and backward integration.

The MoU between the two countries signed in Moscow envisages implementation of joint projects and commercial activities in coking coal, including long-term supplies of high-quality coking to India, development of coking deposits and logistics development, sharing of experience in coking coal production management, technologies of mining, beneficiation and processing as well as training, said the steel ministry in its release.

In a recent interview with Business Standard, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh had stated the country was annually spending about Rs 75,000 crore on import of coking coal and expressed its need to diversify supplies.

ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) is discussing buying a stake in Russia's massive Vostok oil project as well as planned liquefied gas project Arctic LNG-2. In 2018, Ruias-owned Essar Oil sold India assets to Russian government controlled Roseneft-led consortium for $12.9 billion.

The MoU has come at a time when Indias non-power industries (aluminium, cement and secondary producers of steel) are facing severe thermal issues. Coking coal and thermal coal, however, have different applications and do not overlap.

Currently, India imports its coking coal largely from Australia, which places the domestic steel industry at the receiving end in terms of pricing power.

Diversification of supplies could be of some advantage in terms of pricing for domestic steel consumers, said officials.

Currently, almost all primary producers of steel in the country rely entirely on imported coking coal to meet their supplies. Tata Steel, however, has about 25-30 per cent of its coal requirement met through domestic coking coal supplies followed by state-owned Steel Authority of India (SAIL).

India has large coking coal reserves in Jharia, in Jharkhand which continuously suffer from fire leaving the region unexplored for mining. The region is estimated to have coking coal reserves of about 19.4 billion tonne and could be an important contributor to the domestic steel industry and an employment generator if developed.

It is important that domestic steel industry has strong and cheaper supplies of coking coal. This can bring down the overall cost of production of steel for India. But overall, Indias coking coal reserves are not many and quality issues are high. Also, the country does not have enough coal washeries needed to process coal. Due to this, steel industry has to depend on imported coking coal, Arnab Kumar Hazra, deputy secretary general at Indian Steel Association had told Business Standard in its recent interaction.

Coking coal accounts for 40 per cent of total cost of production of steel. Hence, a cheaper source would surely benefit the end consumer as domestic steel would be reasonably priced.
Commerce and industry minister on Thursday said that two countries and a group of nations have evinced interest in negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with India.

The ministers statement comes at a time when India is gearing up to sign trade pacts with key trading partners over the next few months. Earlier during the week, Goyal held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from South Korea, Australia, South Africa, the United States, Brazil, China, and the European Union, among others, at the G20 ministerial meeting in Sorrento, Italy, to give more impetus to with these nations. He also met trade ministers of the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Canada, and Mexico.

We are negotiating FTAs with the UK, the EU, the UAE and Australia and in the last three days, two more countries and a group have shown interest that they want to start talks for FTA, Goyal said.

The minister, however, did not disclose the name of the countries.

The world wants to do business with India. The speed at which countries are showing interest in FTAs with India is proof of their trust in us and our commitment to inclusive growth, the minister said.
The number of plants which were under outage (not operating) due to coal shortage have halved on October 13, said a recent data by grid operator Power System Operation Corporation (POSOCO).

According to POSOCO, the total capacity of units under outage due to low coal stocks has reduced from to 6Gw on October 13 from 11Gw as on October 12.

Coal shortage, which emerged in the country after August, led to several thermal power plants reeling under shortage of coal with stocks barely of 1-2 days. Several units which had no coal stock were forced to shut down generation due no coal availability.

State miner Ltd (CIL) said on Monday that it had scaled up supplies to power utilities of the country to 1.61 million tonne (MTs) a day during the past four days of October.

The average supply during the last 12 days has touched 1.56 MT which the company said is a 24 per cent growth over corresponding period, last year.

Since August, coal stock levels at thermal units have dwindled. Currently, 36 Gw of power generation capacity has one day of coal stock and 20 Gw has less than three days of coal, according to the National Power Portal.

While the union ministry of power and coal denied of any coal shortage and electricity supply crisis, the Centre later asked thermal power generators to import coal for at least 10 per cent blending, citing shortage of domestic coal supply.

During the August-September period, the share of coal-based generation increased to 66 per cent, from 62 per cent in 2019. As a consultant, total coal consumption during the same period increased 18 per cent over the corresponding period in 2019. However, supply from is not commensurate with the requirement," said a notice from the fuel management division of the Central Electricity Authority, the technical arm of the power ministry.

It further said the coal stock at power plants was fast depleting and currently stood at 7.3 million tonnes (mt).

executives however said the company would be able to touch 1.8 million tonne of supply by end of this month. "The daily supply has already surpassed demand, so coal stock position will touch a comfortable position soon," said the executive.

Several states have expressed their panic over shortage of coal, including the national capital of Delhi. Andhra Pradesh, Punjab and Kerala have made requests to the Centre to divert more coal to power generation units in their state.
After the G20 finance leaders on Wednesday endorsed a global tax deal that calls for the elimination of unilateral digital services taxes, Union Finance Minister said this will help address the challenges arising from the digitalisation of the economy. This will also help deal with base erosion and profit shifting issues, she said.

On the global economic recovery, she told her G20 counterparts that ensuring equitable vaccines for all is key but it faces a significant challenge. In her remarks at the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting, held on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, Sitharaman said for the global economic recovery, it is essential to keep up the support, build resilience and enhance productivity and structural reforms.

These should be our policy goals, Sitharaman said at the in-person meeting of the Fourth G20 FMCBG.





ALSO READ: Digital taxation: How a consensus-based approach may benefit Indian economy

Participating in the discussion on climate change, the FM emphasised that considering the varied policy spaces and different starting points of countries, the centrality of climate justice based on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and principles of the Paris Agreement would be critical for taking forward discussions towards successful outcomes.

Earlier, the FM met executives of top American companies and apprised them of various flagship programs of the Modi government under Atmanirbhar Bharat, saying India offers a spectrum of opportunities to investors and business firms.

Prominent among those who attended the meeting were Milind Pant, Amway CEO; Vivek Lall, Chief Executive of General Atomics; Octavio Simoes, president and CEO of Tellurian; Chris Ripley, president and CEO of Sinclair Broadcasting Group and S V Anchan chairman of Safesea Group.
The jumped to a record high of $22.59 billion in September against $13.3 billion in the previous month due to huge imports of goods ahead of the festival season and the hardening of commodity prices.

This may have an impact on the current account balance, which is set to give way to a deficit at least in the second quarter against a surplus in the first quarter this fiscal year.

The rose because merchandise exports growth moderated to 22.6 per cent in September against 45.6 per cent in August and goods imports expanded by 84.8 per cent against 51.7 per cent over this period last year.

Aditi Nayar, chief economist at ICRA, said: The sharp rise in the merchandise in September reflects an element of inventory stocking ahead of the as well as advancement of crude oil purchases in the light of the looming hardening of prices. Exports stood at $33.8 billion in September against $27.5 billion a year ago as high-value products  petroleum, engineering goods, electronic goods, and gems and jewellery  rose in double digits.

Outbound shipments of petroleum were up 48 per cent, followed by engineering goods at 37 per cent, electronic goods at 26.3 per cent, and gems & jewellery at 19.7 per cent.

Labour-intensive exports such as leather and leather products and handicrafts expanded in single digits.

Exports were also up 29.9 per cent against September 2019.

Federation of Indian Export Organisations President A Sakhtivel highlighted the issue of the shortage of containers and freight hikes. He asked for a regulatory authority to seek justification for freight hikes and the imposition of various charges by shipping lines.

Imports, on the other hand, stood at $56.4 billion in September against $30.52 billion a year ago.

Increase in global rates led to imports of petroleum trebling to $17.4 billion in September over $5.8 billion in the same month of 2020. Imports of gold went up to $5.1 billion compared to $600 million a year ago.

Coal shortage also led to its and related imports rising to $2.2 billion against 1.2 billion a year ago.

Sakthivel emphasised the need to analyse imports.

Non-oil non-gold imports recorded a growth rate of 40.4 per cent in September compared to 37.3 per cent in August. These inbound shipments are taken as a barometer for industrial demand. This means that the index of industrial production (IIP) may continue to show an upbeat trend in September though the high base may take away some of its impact.

The IIP grew by 11.9 per cent in August compared to 11.5 per cent in July.

Exports grew 57.5 per cent at $197.9 billion in the first six months this fiscal year, which means almost half the target of $400 billion for the entire year has been achieved.
With digitization gaining pace, close to 50 per cent of retail and MSME loans offered by will shift to platforms over the next two to three years, of India's Managing Director and CEO Rajkiran Rai G said on Thursday.

Rai said is changing the banking landscape in a big way because of the availability of data and many ecosystem partners collaborating with

"I feel that at least 50 per cent of the loans under retail and MSME segments will move to the platforms, right from sourcing to documentation level, in two to three years," Rai said while speaking at Sibas 2021, an annual banking and conference.

He said the digital lending space is gaining traction and need to develop products that can deliver services online to customers.

Rai said he sees a big revolution in MSME lending going forward.

"The working capital lending to MSME will move from open credit like working capitals and cash credits, to very-targeted lending such as very specific invoice discounting and supply bill discounting," he said.

Speaking about the entry of fintech in the banking space, he said initially it was thought that fintech will compete with banks, but now the relationship between the two has become more symbiotic.

"Now, fintechs are helping us (banks). They are no longer competitors to us. The digital lending space will be nothing but fintech tie-ups," he said.

There are many products where fintechs are already working with banks, he added.

Rai believes banks need to continuously invest in technology and upgrade themselves.

He said the management bandwidth in the public sector space, at least on thinking about innovations and digitization, is quite less.

"We have the traditional people who are good in handling technology and managing the core banking system, but they are not in the space of innovation and developing new products," Rai said.

He said public sector banks need to get new talent from the system who are adept in technology and can bring in innovations.

(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.)
volume more than doubled to Rs 50,000 crore in the first half of the current fiscal year, said in a report.

The volume zoomed to Rs 20,000 crore in September 2021, growing around 85 per cent year-on-year, marking a clear recovery from the subdued activity seen in the beginning of this fiscal due to the pandemic's second wave, the agency said in a report.

It said the investors are getting reassured by the return to near normalcy across businesses and improvement in collection ratios in securitised pools and portfolios of originators.

Crisil's senior director and deputy chief ratings officer Krishnan Sitaraman said market activity typically suffers in times of uncertainty like in the pandemic's wake.

While investors have been wary of taking fresh exposure in such times, originators, too, are not keen to raise too much fresh liquidity as disbursement activity contracts as well, he said.

However, the pace of transaction execution in September saw a smart turnaround and has taken the cumulative volumes for the first half of the fiscal to close to Rs 50,000 crore, more than double of last fiscal's first half, Sitaraman said.

Sell-down of loans using the direct assignment (DA) route remained dominant, with as much as 56 per cent of the volume securitised through this method, while the rest was via Pass Through Certificates (PTC), the report said.

Mortgage-backed (MBS) accounted for 45 per cent of volume in the first half of this fiscal, cementing its position as a highly reliable and resilient asset class. Private and public sector banks lapped up more than two-thirds of these assets, it said.

Transactions underlying commercial vehicle loans comprised 50 per cent of volume in asset-backed (ABS).

The report said with close to 90 players active in the market between April and September 2021, deal activity was widespread and distributed across asset classes.

On the investor side, banks (public, private and foreign) acquired around 75 per cent of the issuances, with mutual funds, non-banking financial companies and high net worth individuals accounting for the rest, it said.

In the second half of the fiscal, however, the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) latest Master Directions to the industry is expected to play a key role in setting the tone and pace of deals, the agency said.

The regulations will anchor market activity well. Given the robust pace of vaccination, low incidence of new infections, and expected spike in credit demand owing to the festive season, financers are expected to resort to securitisation as an important avenue to raise funds," agency's senior director Rohit Inamdar said.

This should support securitisation volume in the second half of this fiscal, he added.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A K Goel, managing director and chief executive (MD & CEO), UCO Bank is new chairman of banking industry lobby group Indian Bank's Association for 2021-22. He succeeds Rajkiran Rai G, MD & CEO, Union Bank of India.

The Managing Committee of IBA at its meeting held on October 14, 2021 elected Goel as chairman of the association, IBA said in a statement today.

The other office bearers of the Association elected are Dinesh Kumar Khara, Chairman, State Bank of India, L V Prabhakar, MD & CEO, Canara Bank and Rakesh Sharma, MD & CEO, IDBI Bank Ltd as Deputy Chairmen of the Association. Madhav Nair, Country Head & CEO, Mashreqbank PSC is Honorary Secretary of the Association, it added.

In September 2021, Board Bureau (BBB) had recommended the name of Goel for the forthcoming position of managing director and chief executive at Punjab National Bank (PNB). The government of India would take final call on the appointment. In August 2021, the government had extended the term of S S Mallikarjuna Rao's, existing MD & CEO of PNB chief, till January 31, 2022. Goel has been heading UCO Bank, Kolkata-based public sector lender, since November 2018.
By Ross Kerber and Hyunjoo Jin

(Reuters) -Electric carmaker Inc on Wednesday reported lower support than usual for two directors at its recent shareholder meeting, and greater support for a call to review the company's use of mandatory arbitration after a court decision in favor of a temporary employee who accused of racial discrimination.

The votes indicated growing shareholder dissatisfaction at the company.

In a securities filing said support for a shareholder resolution on how it handles arbitration matters rose to 46% of votes cast at its annual meeting last week, from 27% for a similar proposal in 2020. Both directors up for election this year also received less support than any did last year.

The nonbinding resolution on arbitration had asked Tesla's board to study the impact of its use of mandatory arbitration to resolve workplace complaints of harassment and discrimination. The issue drew more focus after a jury award of $137 million to a Tesla contract worker last week over workplace racism.

Tesla had opposed the resolution, arguing arbitration can benefit both parties of a dispute. The company did not immediately comment on the shareholder vote.

Other technology have scaled back or eliminated mandatory arbitration including Uber Technologies Inc and Google parent Alphabet Inc. In April, nearly half of Goldman Sachs Group Inc shareholders voted in favor of examining the bank's use of mandatory arbitration.

Kristin Hull, CEO of Nia Impact Capital who filed the resolution, called the higher support this year "a huge improvement as we educate folks on why this matters for building an innovative team with a diverse and inclusive company culture."

Tesla CEO Elon Musk owns 23% of Tesla's shares, according to its proxy statement, meaning the measure would have passed aside from his votes, Hull said.

Another measure tied to racial issues won a majority of support, with 57% of votes cast. Filed by Calvert Research and Management the measure asked Tesla to report in detail on its diversity and inclusion efforts. Tesla had opposed the measure, citing current and future reporting plans.

Wednesday's filing showed among the two company directors up for re-election last week, James Murdoch received support from 70% of votes cast, and Kimbal Musk, Elon Musk's brother, received support from 80% of votes cast.

Directors at large U.S. typically receive 90% support or more. At Tesla, "the director nominees in question should do some heavy thinking about the quality of their oversight and how they/the company can better communicate that to the market," said corporate governance consultant Francis Byrd of Alchemy Strategies Partners.

(Reporting by Ross Kerber and Hyunjoo Jin; Editing by Stephen Coates and David Gregorio)

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
US Senator Elizabeth Warren called for breaking up and Indian retailers demanded a government probe of the company after a Reuters investigation showed the e-commerce giant had copied products and rigged search results in India.

The Reuters report, reviewing thousands of internal documents, found that the US company ran a systematic campaign of creating knock-offs and manipulating search results to boost its own private brands in India, one of the companys largest growth markets.

Wednesday's report showed that, at least in India, manipulating search results to favour Amazons products, as well as copying other sellers goods, were part of a formal strategy at and that at least two senior executives had reviewed it. The Reuters investigation drew bipartisan criticism of Amazon from US lawmakers.

Linking to the story on Twitter and Facebook, Warren, a long-time critic of Amazon, said these documents show what we feared about Amazons monopoly power that the company is willing and able to rig its platform to benefit its bottom line while stiffing small businesses and entrepreneurs."



This is one of the many reasons we need to break it up, she said.

Warren, a prominent Democrat, advocated the breakup of Amazon and other tech giants in 2019 when she was running for president. Since then, as a senator from Massachusetts, she has continued to apply pressure on like Amazon. Ken Buck, a Republican on the House of Representatives antitrust subcommittee, also shared the story on social media, saying These documents prove Amazon engages in anti competitive practices such as rigging search results and self-preferencing their own products over competitors.



More concerning, it contradicts what told Congress, the Colorado lawmaker said. Amazon and Bezos must be held accountable.Amazon did not respond to a request for comment on reactions to the report.

In response to questions for Wednesday's report, Amazon said, We believe these claims are factually incorrect and unsubstantiated. The company did not elaborate. It added that Amazon displays search results based on relevance to the customers search query, irrespective of whether such products have private brands offered by sellers or not.



In sworn testimony before the subcommittee last year, Amazon founder Bezos said the company prohibits its employees from using data on individual sellers to help its private-label business. In 2019 another Amazon executive testified that the company does not use such data to create its own private-label products or alter its search results to favour them.

The Amazon documents reviewed by Reuters showed how the company's private-brands team in India secretly exploited internal data from its India unit to copy products sold by other companies, then offered them on its platform.

The company promoted sales of its private brands like AmazonBasics by rigging search results on its platform in India so that its products would appear, as one 2016 strategy report put it, in the first 2 or three search results. A group representing millions of India's brick-and-mortar retailers said on Thursday the countrys government must launch an investigation into Amazon.

Amazon is causing a great disadvantage to the small manufacturers. They are eating the cake that is not meant for them, Praveen Khandelwal of the Confederation of All India Traders told Reuters.

The group says it represents 80 million retail stores in the country.
Shares of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) continued their upward movement in Thursday's session to scale a new high of Rs 5,593.85 on BSE, following a 13.5 per cent rally in the intra-day trade on the back of heavy volumes.

At 01:37 pm, the stock of the state-owned travel support services company was quoting 12 per cent higher at Rs 5,532, as compared to a 0.50 per cent rise in the S&P BSE Sensex. The trading volumes on the counter jumped nearly 1.5 times, with a combined 11.73 million equity shares having changed hands on the NSE and BSE so far.

Since August, the market price of has more than doubled or risen 141 per cent after the company on July 30, 2021, announced a plan. On August 12, 2021, the board of approved a in the ratio of 1:5 to enhance the liquidity in the capital market, widen the shareholder base and make the shares affordable to small investors.

has fixed October 29, 2021, as the record date to ascertain the name of shareholders entitled for subdivision/split of equity shares of Rs 10 each into five (5) equity shares of the face value of Rs 2 each. The scrip will turn ex-date for on October 28, 2021.

A stock split is generally done to make the stock more affordable for small retail investors and increase liquidity. It refers to splitting the face value of the shares of companies, wherein the number of shares of the company increases but the market cap remains the same. Existing shares split, but the underlying value remains the same. As the number of shares increases, the price per share goes down.

IRCTC is the only entity authorised by the to provide catering services to railways, online railway tickets and packaged drinking water at railway stations and trains in India. It has a dominant position in online rail bookings and packaged drinking water with around 73 per cent and 45 per cent market share, respectively.

Meanwhile, according to the July-September quarter (Q2FY22) shareholding pattern filed by IRCTC, domestic mutual funds (MFs') stake in the company declined to 4.78 per cent from 7.28 per cent at the end of the June quarter (Q1FY22). Nippon Life India and Aditya Birla Sun Life's holding, for instance, fell below 1 per cent from 1.38 per cent and 1.04 per cent, respectively, at the end of the previous quarter, data show.

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) also reduced their stake in IRCTC by 0.26 percentage points to 7.81 per cent from 8.07 per cent in Q1, data shows. However, retail investors accumulated IRCTC shares during the quarter. Individual shareholders, which owned up to Rs 2 lakh share capital with an 11.26 per cent stake, increased their stake in the company to 14.17 per cent.
This change will be effective from 1 December 2021.

The company said that Sanjeev Bajaj will be heading the construction equipment business for India as a chief executive from 1 December 2021. He will lead the growth agenda for this business.

Bajaj has been with the company for last seven years and has prior experience in construction industry, Escorts said in a statement.

"There is no appointment / resignation of any designated Key Managerial Persons of the Company, and the intimation is being provided as a good governance practice," it added.

The Escorts Group is an Indian engineering company that operates in the sectors of agri-machinery, construction and material handling equipment, and railway equipment.

The company reported 92.8% rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 178.5 crore on a 56.2% increase in revenue from operations to Rs 1,701.8 crore in Q1 FY22 over Q1 FY21.

Shares of Escorts rose 0.14% to Rs 1522.65. The stock hit a high of Rs 1545 and a low of Rs 1508 so far during the day.

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Hindustan Zinc Ltd is quoting at Rs 350.2, up 5.21% on the day as on 12:49 IST on the NSE. The stock is up 68.77% in last one year as compared to a 56.6% jump in NIFTY and a 167.7% jump in the Nifty Metal.

Hindustan Zinc Ltd gained for a fifth straight session today. The stock is quoting at Rs 350.2, up 5.21% on the day as on 12:49 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is up around 0.71% on the day, quoting at 18291.3. The Sensex is at 61097.2, up 0.59%. Hindustan Zinc Ltd has gained around 4.71% in last one month.

Meanwhile, Nifty Metal index of which Hindustan Zinc Ltd is a constituent, has gained around 2.39% in last one month and is currently quoting at 5914.65, up 1.43% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 77.78 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 10.38 lakh shares in last one month.

The PE of the stock is 16.2 based on TTM earnings ending June 21.

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CCL Products (India) informed that India Ratings and Research revised its outlook on the company to 'positive' from 'stable' while affirming the long-term issuer rating at 'IND AA-'.

India Ratings (Ind-Ra) said that the 'positive' outlook reflects Ind-Ra's expectation of a potential improvement in CCL's scale and product mix in the medium term, backed by steady growth in volume, and share of small packs and domestic business to consumers (B2C) business while maintaining the credit metrics.

The affirmation reflects the company's continued healthy financial profile and robust business profile.

However, a lower-than-expected ramp-up in the scale of operations and/or deterioration in the operating performance and/or unexpected debt-led capex/acquisition leading to the net leverage (net debt/EBITDA) sustaining above 1x could lead to an outlook revision back to 'stable', the credit ratings agency said.

CCL Products (India) is a manufacturer and exporter of powdered and granulated coffee. The company exports instant coffee under different international and domestic brand names.

The company's consolidated net profit rose 13.93% to Rs 43.84 crore on a 12.76% increase in net sales to Rs 326.12 crore in Q1 FY22 over Q1 FY21.

The scrip shed 0.58% to currently trade at Rs 414.50 on the BSE.

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Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) rose 1.66% to Rs 143.60 after the Niti Aayog proposed incorporating a subsidiary for hiving off the non-core assets of the company.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has conveyed that the Niti Aayog has concurred to the proposal of incorporation of a subsidiary company for hiving off the non-core assets of the company, SCI said in a statement on Wednesday.

On a consolidated basis, net profit of SCI declined 52.95% to Rs 158.51 crore on 10.11% decline in net sales to Rs 1027.84 crore in Q1 June 2021 over Q1 June 2020.

SCI is the largest Indian shipping company. It owns and operates around one-third of the Indian tonnage, and has operating interests in practically all areas of the shipping business; servicing both national and international trades.

As on 30 September 2021, the Government of India held 63.75% in SCI.

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Vedanta Ltd is quoting at Rs 329.5, up 3.15% on the day as on 12:49 IST on the NSE. The stock is up 247.02% in last one year as compared to a 56.6% gain in NIFTY and a 167.7% gain in the Nifty Metal.

Vedanta Ltd rose for a fifth straight session today. The stock is quoting at Rs 329.5, up 3.15% on the day as on 12:49 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is up around 0.71% on the day, quoting at 18291.3. The Sensex is at 61097.2, up 0.59%. Vedanta Ltd has added around 7.26% in last one month.

Meanwhile, Nifty Metal index of which Vedanta Ltd is a constituent, has added around 2.39% in last one month and is currently quoting at 5914.65, up 1.43% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 201.27 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 99.24 lakh shares in last one month.

The benchmark October futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 333.6, up 3.99% on the day. Vedanta Ltd is up 247.02% in last one year as compared to a 56.6% gain in NIFTY and a 167.7% gain in the Nifty Metal index.

The PE of the stock is 10.76 based on TTM earnings ending June 21.

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Wipro jumped 4.77% to Rs 704.65 after the company announced its earnings for the quarter ended 30 September 2021 post trading hours yesterday.

The IT major reported 9.6% fall in consolidated net profit to Rs 2,930.7 crore in Q2 FY22 from Rs 3,242.6 crore in Q1 FY22.

Revenue from operations increased by 7.8% QoQ to Rs 19,667.4 crore during the quarter.

As compared to Q2 FY21, the IT firm's net profit and revenue from operations in Q2 FY22 have risen by 18.9% and 30.1%, respectively.

Profit before tax in Q2 FY22 stood at Rs 3,756.5 crore, down by 3% from Rs 3,873.3 crore in Q1 FY22. Total tax expense increased by 32.1% QoQ to Rs 825.9 crore during the period under review.

In dollar terms, Wipro's gross revenue was $2.7 billion in the second quarter.

The IT Services segment revenue was at $2,580 million, an increase of 6.9% QoQ and and 29.5% YoY. The Non-GAAP constant currency IT Services segment revenue increased by 8.1% QoQ and 28.8% YoY.

The IT Services operating margin for the quarter was at 17.8%, down 104 bps on a sequential basis.

Thierry Delaporte, CEO and managing director, said, The Q2 results demonstrate that our business strategy is working well. We grew at over 4.5% organic sequential growth for a second quarter in a row, resulting in a 28% YoY growth in the first half of this financial year.

Jatin Dalal, chief financial officer said, We sustained our operating margins in Q2 in a narrow band even after absorbing the full impact of our recent acquisitions and investing significantly in our business across sales, capabilities and talent. We completed a salary increase covering 80% of our colleagues, making it the second hike in this calendar year. We delivered a robust growth in EPS of 23.8% YoY.

Wipro expects revenue from its IT Services business to be in the range of $2,631 million to $2,683 million. This translates to a sequential growth of 2% to 4%, the company said.

Wipro's IT Products segment revenue for the quarter was Rs 189.4 crore (up 44.5% QoQ and up 11.5% YoY). The segment recorded profit of Rs 9.4 crore in Q2 FY22. It had recorded a loss of Rs 5.3 crore in Q1 FY22 and a loss of Rs 30.1 crore in Q2 FY21.

The IT firm's India business from State Run Enterprises (ISRE) segment registered revenue decline of 3.6% to Rs 186.7 crore in Q2 FY22 over Q1 FY22. The segment's profit also declined 17.3% QoQ to Rs 39.3 crore during the period under review. While the segment's revenue has declined by 11.6%, net profit has increased by 3.6 times in Q2 FY22 as compared with Q2 FY21.

Wipro is a global information technology, consulting and business process services company.

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India offers a spectrum of opportunities to investors and business firms, Finance Minister told executives of top American companies as she met and apprised them of various flagship programmes of the Indian government under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat.

Sitharaman, 62, is currently in the American capital to attend the annual meetings of the and the

On the sidelines of these events, she has been meeting a host of top American CEOs with footprints in India and who have shown interest in seizing the investment opportunities in the country.

In her meeting with Amway CEO, Milind Pant, the focus of discussion ranged in the areas of research and development, manufacturing automation, innovation and nutrition segment, the ministry said.

In a video message after his meeting with Sitharaman, Pant said that India is one of the top three investment destinations for Amway.

This was a great meeting with the Finance Minister, Sitharaman. It was a pleasure to understand and appreciate the resilience of the Indian society in economy and at Amway, we're all in it and committed to continuing to investing in India.

"We believe in India. It's one of the top three markets across the hundred markets globally that we operate in, he said.

Initiatives like National Monetisation Pipeline recently launched the National Infrastructure Master Plan and a spectrum of opportunities at GIFT City in Gujarat was mentioned by the finance minister during her meeting.

The minister underlined the presence and performance of the company in India since 1998 and its keenness to invest in the coming years.

During her meeting with B Marc Allen, Chief Strategy Officer of Boeing, the discussion was broadly in the areas of skilling, research and development, manufacturing automation, innovation and the aerospace sector.

In a video message, Allen spoke about his meeting with the finance minister and the Government of India's commitment to deliver more growth and competitiveness in the aviation sector, as well as Boeing's eagerness to invest in India.

We had a great meeting. We talked about some of the prospects of aviation in India. The government's intent to keep delivering growth and competitiveness for more and more connectivity across the country. It is a fantastically exciting time for growth in India.

We've been producing lot of components and parts for defence products, but we're now also going to expand to commercial products on top of the billion dollars of annual procurement manufacture we are doing.

"So we will keep growing the manufacturing presence, refining terrific quality, good partnerships and continue skilling growth between us and our partners together across the Indian economic landscape, the Chief Strategy Officer of Boeing said.

She underlined Boeing's collaboration in Make In India and Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiatives and the interest of the company to invest in the future.

During her meeting with Stanley Erck, CEO of Novavax, Sitharaman discussed important Indian initiatives towards healthcare reforms like research and development in medical science, health and well-being and the growing opportunities at GIFT City in Gujarat.

She underlined the company's interest to invest in India in the coming years.

(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.)
Electric scooter maker Okinawa Autotech, which has been bootstrapped so far since its founding in 2015, is in active discussions with a few large funds to raise up to Rs 500 crore for a minority stake to fund its aggressive growth on the back rising demand, according to the company's founder Jeetender Sharma.

The Gurugram-based Okinawa, named after the eponymous Japanese city known for its high life expectancy of over 100, has a portfolio of six electric scooters priced at Rs 50,000-1.14 lakh. Its slow-speed models are Okinawa R30, Lite, and Dual and the high-speed ones are the Ridge+, PraisePro, and iPraise+.

Bootstrapped by Jeetender Sharma, who is the managing director of Okinawa, has sold over 1 lakh e-scooters since the launch in 2015. It has a plant with an installed capacity of over one lakh units at Bhiwandi in Rajasthan and is setting up a 0.5 million unit plant at Alwar in the state.

"I am in serious discussions with three-four American and European players. I am looking at raising between Rs 400 and Rs 500 crore from one or two of them for a minority stake," Sharma told PTI from Gurugram on Thursday.

"I hope to close the deal by the end of this quarter or early January," he said and added that there is no plan to cede management control or majority shareholding at all.

When asked about the valuation, Sharma, who was part of the launch team of Honda Scooters & Motorcycles till 2015, said that is still being worked out.

He added that the money is being raised to oil growth which is set to witness high double-digits from the exponential demand the company is getting now.

"To me what is more important is going the next level today instead of waiting for tomorrow as there is exponential demand now. We have more than a month of waiting period no. Our October booking is over 18,000 and keep climbing as the festive season nears," Sharma said.

Okinawa is also setting up a plant to manufacture motors and controls for its scooters in the seme Alwar complex.

Sharma said the motor and control plant as well as the battery plant are delayed and may be ready by January now, a delay of over six months from the original commissioning plan of June 2021.

Okinawa is the first and only electric two-wheeler maker to have own assembly line for motors and controls at an investment of Rs 70 crore the two key components in an EV after the battery which it's already manufacturing at its Bhiwadi plant.

He said that with own motors and controls, its localisation will be near 100 per cent barring battery cells, which will continue to be imported. Already, it is local sourcing is over 92 per cent.

Expecting to drive mobility, all leading electric two-wheeler makers are on a massive expansion spree, despite the absymal volumes and low capacity utilisation now. Even Okinawa is running at 30-35 per cent only.

(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.)
Jubilant Foodworks Ltd

Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd (JFL) a Jubilant Bhartia Group Company is a food service company. The company has the exclusive rights to develop and operate Domino's Pizza brand in India Sri Lanka Bangladesh and Nepal. At present it operates in India Sri Lanka and has signed a joint venture for operating in Bangladesh. The company also has exclusive rights for developing and operating Dunkin' Donuts resta...> More
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 14 (ANI/ATK): Mumbai-based Out-of-home (OOH) Cab Branding AdTech startup Wrap2Earn Technologies has announced the launch of (https://lytads.com) LytAds; Their smart screen taxi-top Digital OOH advertising solution in the country's financial capital, Mumbai.

A first-of-its-kind streel-level media platform; LytAds uses internet-connected high-res LED displays mounted on rideshare vehicles to deliver contextual messaging for advertisers. Starting off with what is arguably India's most impactful advertising market, Wrap2Earn has installed best in class dual sided digital screens that offer close to 35% more advertising space than their nearest competitors in the Country.

Talking about LytAds, Elmer Dsilva, Founder & CEO quipped, "We have already built a functional ecosystem within the cab branding space & are leveraging (https://wrap2earn.com/in) Wrap2Earn's 3.5+ years of experience to launch LytAds.We aspire to be the 'Google Ads' for taxi-top digital screen advertising, giving brands the flexibility to advertise across the City or to deliver tactical advertising messaging based on real-time triggers like location, time of day, weather and other event based data points.

Our online self-serve platform allows for very granular level campaign planning - brands can upload their creatives, select key campaign parameters & watch their campaigns go live on all our screens within minutes. Bigger brands can choose to display their campaign across the city while smaller businesses can activate hyperlocal, 'pay-as-you-go' campaigns focused on their key demographics."

Adding a degree of flexibility like never seen before, LytAds allows brands to update their campaign parameters and/or creatives at no additional cost throughout the duration of their media campaign.

Speaking about their product design, Manuel Fernandes, Co-Founder & CTO elaborated, "Our custom made dual sided taxi-top display has an attention-grabbing sleek design that demands the attention from those exposed to it. The LED modules are best in class providing utmost clarity even at a very close range. We have followed a very rigorous R & D protocol to ensure the entire LED cabinet is both dust and water-proof while ensuring compliance with all road-safety guidelines."

One of the defining features of the LytAds offering is its ability for brands to tailor their messaging based on location, time of day & other event triggers. Elaborating on this capability, Jyotiba Patil, Partner & Director - Sales Strategy added," LytAds is leveraging technology to ensure that brands will be able to use our 'moving digital billboards' to deliver content that is always relevant. Not only that, advertisers also gain access to an online dashboard to track their campaign performance in real-time - they are able to see a live representation of all our screens on a map, track number of ad plays, total display hours by location & time of day. Through our amazon cloud watch integration, brands will be able to download ad play logs as 'proof of play' ensuring that efficacy in our reporting."

In the business of providing complete marketing solutions for in & on cab branding, Wrap2Earn's latest DOOH offering promises a cost-effective and high impact media platform for advertisers that marries the best aspects of both, Digital and OOH advertising. Replete with features & technology that breaks the clutter of the current advertising space, LytAds is slated to redefine how brands promote themselves & deliver relevant advertising messaging in the physical world.

This story is provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/ATK)

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Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 14 (ANI/NewsVoir): (https://www.airmeet.com) Airmeet, the exceptionally engaging virtual events platform for event organizers to host interactive and immersive virtual events, today announced a suite of virtual networking features including 1:1 Speed Networking, Scheduled Meetings, and Rich Profiles.

The features, designed to increase attendee engagement and unlock organizations' return on investment for events, are the first of their kind on the market.

One-on-one discussions in virtual networking events hold enormous value for hosts and attendees alike. Too many organizations, however, have long been burdened by outdated and manual processes making virtual event experiences slow and uninteresting for attendees.

Having recognized this challenge across industries, Airmeet has developed a suite of networking features to empower organisers by giving them the opportunity to set the rules around who gets to meet whom. This powerful combination of networking agility and quality allows organizations to unlock even more user-generated content and discussions, create a more engaging attendee experience, nurture new and existing stakeholder relationships, and increase their overall return on investment in events.

Airmeet's Social Lounge, that continues to be the most loved virtual space, will also be a part of the updated suite of networking features which include:

1:1 Speed Networking allows organizers to set the framework around who gets to connect with whom thus making the virtual Speed Networking events more interactive, resulting in better 1-on-1 matching, and increased attendee engagement. This first-to-market feature, which creates matches based on attendee profiles, increases the percentage of successful and meaningful attendee matches at a higher speed.

Scheduled Meetings allows hosts to send private meeting requests to an individual or a group. The platform also encourages a dynamic flow of conversation between the audience and speakers. Personal interactions between members of the audience or with the speakers can be initiated during the course of the event. The feature also includes a do-not-disturb mode to prevent meetings from becoming overwhelming.

Rich Profiles allows participants to add more personality to their event profiles by adding their introduction, interests, and social profiles links. These rich and comprehensive profiles break the barriers of first introductions and enhance networking conversations among participants.

User Generated Conversations is an innovative networking feature that democratizes networking and dialogue. With this, the organizers can empower attendees to create tables on topics of their own choosing, invite others to the tables, and drive conversations.

"Our research shows that two out of three virtual event attendees aren't able to find a match during Speed Networking rounds in other platforms - resulting in lost time and a disjointed attendee experience," said Lalit Mangal, CEO and Co-founder of Airmeet. "With Airmeet's networking features, hosts can solve this challenge in real-time while attendees reap the benefits of meaningful, one-on-one knowledge sharing. We're excited to see how these first-to-market features transform the effectiveness of customers' events."

Airmeet is a near-to-real, exceptionally engaging virtual and hybrid events platform for organizations and communities, who are looking to build networks and strengthen relationships year long, by unlocking the value of people's presence, and making connections real and contextual, from anywhere.

Airmeet was founded in 2019 by IIT alumni & ex-Common Floor executives Lalit Mangal, Manoj Kumar Singh and Vinay Kumar Jasti. With a core focus on creating the most interactive & immersive virtual events platform for knowledge professionals, Airmeet's scalable platform supports a variety of event formats including career fairs, expos, meetups, workshops, summits, town halls and more, virtually.

Airmeet is currently a 300+ person remote-first team based out of six countries. Airmeet has raised USD 15M+ in venture capital from Sequoia Capital India, Accel India, Redpoint Ventures US, Venture Highway, Global Founders Capital and some marquee angels. Airmeet is growing aggressively globally.

To learn more about Airmeet, please visit: (https://www.airmeet.com).

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Mumbai, Maharashtra, [India], October 14 (ANI/ NewsVoir): Heralding the festive season this year is a unique collection of exquisite wall textures - Taana Baana by Asian Paints Royale Play. Inspired by the heritage of Indian crafts and weaves, Taana Baana is a work of art that will invoke a myriad of emotions and memories. From the charpais at our ancestral home to the ubiquitous wicker baskets we keep our fruits and flowers in, from grandma's priceless ikkat saree to the bandhej dupatta in a bride's trousseau, Taana Baana has recreated precious crafts to adorn our walls, and lives.

Taana Baana literally means warp and weft, which refers to the orientation of any woven fabric. They are the basic components of weaving, which turn thread to yarn, yarn to fabric, and fabric to lifestyles.

The collection consists of 8 elegant wall textures that are a tribute to the crafts passed on through generations of skilled artisans. From age-old traditions to contemporary homes, 'Taana Baana' finishes are distinctive and represent all parts of India. The textures come to you in multiple shade combinations in metallic, and non-metallic variants and are sure to bring a sense of personal touch with a modern outlook to your living spaces.

Each texture derives its concept from a native craft that was popularised either by a state or a group of craftsmen. The 'Charpai' texture captures the criss-cross weave of the snugly woven charpoys found widely across North India. The 'Palm Weave' texture is inspired by the chevron weaves of the giant palm leaves along with India's Western coastal states of Goa and Kerala.

The 'Bandhej' texture, as the name suggests, is inspired by its namesake ancient tie-dye form native to the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The 'Basket' texture finds its way to us from the states in the northeast known for their distinctive cane and bamboo handicrafts, which are meticulously twisted and woven into furniture and artefacts. The 'Madras Checks' texture preserves the vintage of the timeless plaid weave, a staple in the Southern states of India.

The threadlike texture and natural asymmetry of the 'Ikkat' texture beautifully recreate the poetry of the loom brought to us from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Orissa. The 'Pompom' texture is pure joy! Inspired from the cool northern states of Ladakh, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, it summons the coziness and warmth of sitting by a fireplace on a winter evening. Like the untamed spirit of the silkworm, the 'Tussar' texture flows freely to bring luminosity and depth to large walls. It is as luxurious and breath-taking as the Tussar silk produced in the Eastern states of Bihar and Jharkhand.

Speaking about the one-of-its-kind collection, Amit Syngle, MD and CEO, Asian Paints Limited said, "We at Asian Paints are pleased to share 'Royale Play Taana Baana', a truly special collection of wall textures inspired by the heart and soul of India - the artisans and their handicraft. The seamless transition of these crafts to our walls will not only create a strong sense of belonging, but also a unique decor theme - something that is indigenous and contemporary. The collection will fit into Indian homes with ease and will evoke fond memories."

Watch the video of the Taana Baana collection, inspired by the rich and diverse handicrafts of India

YouTube Link - (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRkiJKbl1KY)

Website - (https://www.asianpaints.com/campaign/royale-play-new.html)

Since its foundation in 1942, Asian Paints has come a long way to become India's leading and Asia's third largest paint company, with a turnover of Rs. 217 billion. Asian Paints operates in 15 countries and have 26 paint manufacturing facilities in the world, servicing consumers in over 60 countries. Asian Paints has always been a leader in the paint industry, innovating new concepts in India like Colour Ideas, Home Solutions, Colour Next, and Kids' World. Asian Paints manufactures wide range of paints for Decorative and Industrial use. The company is also present in the Home Improvement and Decor segment and offers bath and kitchen products. The company also introduced lightings, furnishings, and furniture in its portfolio. In the Health and Hygiene segment, Asian Paints offers range of Sanitizers and Surface Disinfectants.

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Gurugram (Haryana) [India], October 14 (ANI/NewsVoir): Samsung India and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have announced an updated Samsung Global Goals (SGG) app that will empower Indian Galaxy smartphone users to donate to India specific projects that matter to them most. All projects are linked to causes that help further the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or Global Goals.

The Global Goals address some of the biggest challenges faced around the world, including those related to inequality, climate and environmental degradation, and education.

With the updated SGG app, Galaxy users in India will now be able to donate to projects using the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). These projects include educating young women, feeding school children, protecting children's rights, supporting the fight against poverty and helping ease the loss of grieving families impacted by COVID-19. The projects listed on the app support Global Goals such as No Poverty (Goal 1), Zero Hunger (Goal 2), Good Health and Well-being (Goal 3), Quality Education (Goal 4), Clean Water and Sanitation (Goal 6), Sustainable Cities and Communities (Goal 11) and Responsible Consumption and Production (Goal 12).

Galaxy users will soon be able to also contribute towards UNDP projects in India such as supporting women artisans working on Warli folk paintings, helping Safai Saathis who are frontline sanitation workers, conserving Snow Leopards in the Himalayas, one of the world's rarest cats, and supporting the lives and livelihoods of people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

To further create awareness about Global Goals, actor Alia Bhatt, who uses Samsung's Galaxy Z Series foldable smartphones, will work with Samsung India and use foldable devices to contribute to India relevant causes through the SGG app.

This sustainability initiative from Samsung will help bring people together to rally around the Global Goals. Samsung is encouraging Galaxy users to make an impact by taking small individual actions that add up to meaningful collective change and achieve greater societal good. This empowers the large cohort of Gen Z and millennials for whom giving back to society is a way of life and aims to make them SDG advocates.

"I am proud to stand with Samsung to help people have easy access to contribute to Global Goals and to be able to bring about a change with the help of technology. This partnership with Samsung is a collective effort to help. I am very sure that together, we will leverage our resources and scale-up efforts to raise funds that will be donated to India relevant causes through the Samsung Global Goals app," said Alia Bhatt.

"At Samsung, we believe in using the power of technology to address the world's most pressing challenges. The updated Samsung Global Goals app will now provide Galaxy smartphone users in India, including Gen Z and millennial users, an easy way to learn about the Global Goals and support causes in India that are most important to them. The app furthers our vision of #PoweringDigitalIndia that aims to empower the next generation of young India," Partha Ghosh, Vice President & Head, Corporate Citizenship, Samsung India, said.

"This partnership between UNDP and Samsung will inspire more people in India to take individual actions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Technological innovations such as these are essential to enable collective impact and will help us leave a fairer and more sustainable planet for future generations," said Shoko Noda, Resident Representative, UNDP India.

The Samsung Global Goals app, an education and donation-based mobile application, offers a range of ways for users to support and give back to the Global Goals. Users can engage with short ads to generate revenue for UNDP and use wallpapers to increase ad-earnings while the phone is charging. To help maximize the impact of these small acts, Samsung matches all proceeds through in-app advertisements.

Developed in 2015, the 17 Global Goals were set by the United Nations General Assembly and agreed upon by world leaders to help tackle some of the globe's most pressing challenges. These are a set of 17 interlinked goals that provide a blueprint to achieve a better future for all by 2030.

The Samsung Global Goals app, which came to life in 2019 as a partnership between Samsung and UNDP, offers simple ways to help raise awareness about the Global Goals. The app enables people to take small actions to create change through direct donations or something as simple as engaging an ad.

The Samsung Global Goals app is currently installed in 170 million devices worldwide, making it the largest charity app in the world. So far, the app has helped in raising USD 1.5 million for the Global Goals.

Samsung Newsroom Link: (https://news.samsung.com/in/drive-positive-change-effortlessly-with-the-updated-samsung-global-goals-app-on-your-galaxy-device) Drive Positive Change Effortlessly with the Updated Samsung Global Goals App on Your Galaxy Device

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the world of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For latest news on Samsung India, please visit Samsung India Newsroom at (https://news.samsung.com/in) For Hindi, log on to Samsung Newsroom Bharat at (https://news.samsung.com/bharat). You can also follow us on Twitter @SamsungNewsIN

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. UNDP has worked in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development, from systems strengthening to inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods, as well as sustainable energy, environment, and resilience. UNDP's programmes continue to integrate a global vision for catalytic change with India's national priorities. With over 30 projects on the ground in India, it works to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by transforming traditional models to do development differently.

Samsung Newsroom Tweet Link: (https://twitter.com/SamsungNewsIN/status/1448194352010858496?s=20)

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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 14 (ANI/NewsVoir): True Elements, amongst India's leading healthy breakfast & snacks start-up brand, is now certified 'Clean Label' by the Clean Label Project, US.

Anchored on the promise of providing 'Food that DOES NOT lie to you,' this certification is a testament to the brand's commitment to consumer health & delivering taste without any ingredient driven compromises or adulteration. True Elements rests on 4 pillars of True - True to our Food (Nutrition), True to our Word (Transparency), True to our Planet (Recycle), and True to our Families (People).

With the new certification, True Elements becomes the only Indian food brand to be globally recognised as both 'Clean Label' & '100% Wholegrain'. These coveted accreditations are awarded by leading US based non-profit organizations, Clean Label Project & Whole Grains Council respectively, who are known for raising the bar globally on food nutrition, food safety and driving consumer transparency.

These stamps of credibility provide fact-based reassurance to consumers and are a testament to the brand's philosophy of creating a world where promises and claims aren't made up of lies or jargon and where 100% of its taste is achieved with 0% chemicals, 0% preservatives and 0% added sugar.

Clean Label Project tests rigorously for over 130 toxins and harmful contaminants, including heavy metals, antibiotics, BPA/BPS (plasticizers) and pesticides - residues. This certification allows True Elements to be a part of the solution that addresses the growing consumer concerns around industrial & environmental contaminants & toxins in packaged food.

Speaking about the double certification, Puru Gupta, Co-founder & CEO at True Elements said, "We are very proud to be India's first food brand that is recognised across 2 pillars of True - Clean Label as well as 100% Whole Grain. At True Elements, our brand growth predominantly has been built on the back of innovative clean and nutritious product offerings and these certifications are proof of that."

Adding to this, Sreejith Moolayil, Co-founder & COO at True Elements said, "With these certifications, we at True Elements are proud that our commitment of quality promised is validated by scientific testing. While we strive to continuously improve, with these international validations, our consumers can be doubly sure that our products are clean and good for them."

True Elements is driven by providing True Nutrition with True Transparency and True Sustainability.

Co-founded by Puru Gupta and Sreejith Moolayil, True Elements is amongst India's first Clean Label nashta (breakfast and snacks) brand which makes 'Food that DOES NOT lie to you'. Since its inception, True Elements has strived to create a world where promises are 100% True and where 100% Taste is delivered with 0% jargons, 0% chemicals, 0% preservatives and 0% added sugar.

The brand offers a variety of healthy breakfast and snack options ranging from Breakfast Cereals, Oats, Granola, Muesli, Flakes, Seed mixes, On-the-go snacks, Ready-to-Cook and Ready to Eat offerings.

With an ARR (Annualized Run Rate) of Rs. 70 crore (as of June 21) and one of the first brands to effectively reduce the carbon footprint of their products, True Elements is re-charting the ethos of home-grown food businesses and of being a responsible, sustainable, and conscious start-up.

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New Delhi (Delhi) [India], October 14 (ANI/NewsVoir): There is an urgent need for consultations between policy makers and the Industry manufacturing therapeutic foods to bust the myths around Energy-dense Nutritional Supplement (EDNS) and meet the challenge of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) squarely, said Deepti Gulati, India's well-known nutrition and public health specialist.

"EDNS has been scientifically proven to be the most vital component in the fight against SAM as evident from a number of pilot projects in the country," said Gulati while speaking at a webinar organised by Elets Technomedia that had speakers from Niti Aayog, Ministry of Ayush, leading corporates working in the field of child nutrition and CMAM Association of India as the knowledge partner.

Quoting her own experiences from the immensely successful Rajasthan Poshan Project, one of the largest Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) projects in the country, Gulati attributed the success of the project in a large measure to the EDNS provided by members of CMAM Association of India. The project was implemented by National Health Mission, Govt. of Rajasthan and supported by four key development sector organisations including Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Unicef, ACF (Action Against Hunger) and Tata trusts.

Held in two phases, Rajasthan Poshan Project witnessed nearly 20000 children coming out of SAM successfully. The first phase held from Dec'15 to Jun'16 had enrolled 9640 children across 13 districts. The second phase had a much wider footprint across 20 districts and enrollment of 10900 children from Jan'18 to May'19. As many as 13% children recovered from SAM within 4 weeks while 88% children recovered between 8-12 weeks. Recovery rate was better than global standards.

According to Gulati, EDNS helped since it provided a concentrated source of energy and nutrition. An agency was hired for independent validation which showed that the majority of children recovered did not slip back.

"SAM is the most extreme and visible form of undernutrition and needs to be addressed on a war footing. The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) in children with SAM routinely crosses 20%. For perspective, the CFR in case of COVID is 1-2%," said Akshat Khandelwal, President CMAM Association of India.

Central CMAM guidelines which are awaited would go a long way in helping the state and district administration in their fight against SAM, he said. According to him, CMAM programme needs to get prominent place in the guidelines since there are only 1200 Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre (NRCs) in India which can cater to less than 5% of SAM children. Uncomplicated cases can be addressed through CMAM programmes as proved by several pilot runs.

Clearing the air on Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), Gulati stated that RUTF is not a replacement for Take Home Ration (THR). In fact THR is a food supplement while RUTF is therapeutic and for limited duration. In case of severely malnourished children, appetite is much less. The child can't consume much quantity but needs an increase in food intake. So the child needs a concentrated source of energy, proteins and micronutrients which are available in RUTF. Most of THR provide calories and proteins but do not provide all the micronutrients.

Earlier addressing the summit, Hemant Kumar Meena, Deputy Secretary (Women & Child Development), NITI Aayog, said, "Centre has launched Poshan Abhiyan to fight malnutrition in the country. We've partnered with UNICEF for Centres of excellence for SAM management activities."

Dr. Manoj Nesari, Adviser (Ayurveda), Ministry of AYUSH, highlighted how the Ministry had come up with a set of guidelines on Kuposhan Mukt Bharat based on Ayurveda. Discussions also saw deliberations from Khurram Naayaab, Head Operations, Project Nand Ghar, Vedanta Limited and Ravi Bhatnagar, Director External Affairs and Partnerships, Reckitt Benckiser.

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If the recent indicators are anything to go by, Indias is seeing a solid revival after pandemic-related turbulence. On October 9, domestic airlines flew more than 300,000 passengers for the first time since February. While this is still a shade shy of the pre-covid level of 350,000 daily fliers, things are certainly looking up for the sector. Major airports saw heavy crowds and long queues last weekend, indicating the comeback of air travel. The countrys two biggest airports, Delhi and Mumbai, are reopening terminals that had been closed earlier due to low footfalls. In what comes as a shot in the arm ahead of the peak holiday season, the government has allowed airlines to operate at 100% capacity from October 18. At present, this limit is 85%. Data from aviation regulator DGCA show that the average load factor of major airlines was 70% in August. The countrys biggest airline, IndiGo, said its current load factor was at 75-80%. It is operating 1,200 flights daily, which is around 80% of its pre-Covid-19 capacity. India is also re-opening its borders for after 18 months. The government will start issuing fresh tourist visas from October 15 to foreigners who are coming in through chartered flights. Those who want to visit India on regular commercial flights will be able to do so from November 15. Rules pertaining to their testing, quarantine and vaccination are yet to be laid out. To help the tourism industry, the government is giving out visas to the first 500,000 free of cost. The scheme will be applicable till March next year.

In 2019, India had seen nearly 11 million international tourist arrivals which translated into $30 billion of foreign exchange.

With the sale of Air India to the Tata group concluding by the end of this year and Jet Airways resuming operations soon after, the new year promises to be full of new beginnings for

Also, Akasa Air, the new airline backed by billionaire Rakesh Jhunjhunwala which received a no-objection certificate from the government on October 11, expects to start flying next year.

Akasa Air still requires a clearance from the DGCA, besides other permissions. Jhunjhunwala has joined hands with former IndiGo President Aditya Ghosh and Jet Airways CEO Vinay Dube to launch this low-cost carrier.

As aviation demand inches towards the pre-pandemic level, the time may be ripe for Akasa Air to start operations.

One major headwind that might work against the industry, meanwhile, is the high price of aviation turbine fuel. Fuel now accounts for 40% of the cost of running an airline in India.

In Chennai, state-run fuel retailers have increased ATF prices by 9% in the past month and 83% in the past year to about Rs 74,500 per kilolitre. The increase comes amid a rise in global crude oil prices reflecting an improving demand.

Further, the governments refusal to do away with fare caps that have been in place since May last year will also impact the aviation markets recovery. The floor prices were imposed by the government to protect financially weaker airlines during the pandemic, while upper limits ensured that customers were not overcharged. Now that demand is back, airlines have been asking for restrictions on fares to be lifted. In a minor relief, the government last month allowed airlines to set their own fare for travel beyond 15 days from the date of booking, instead of the earlier 30. This is expected to increase competition among the airlines during the holiday season.

If the current trend sustains and there is no sudden surge in Covid-19 infections, the Indian civil may be on the verge of a turnaround.

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The domestic benchmark indices extended the record rally in the sixth consecutive session with Sensex and Nifty ending at fresh record closing high. The market posted a record close in all four sessions this week. The BSE 30-pack index ended at 61,305, up 569 points, after touching a new high of 61,353 in intraday deals. The NSE 50-share index, meanwhile, surged to a new peak of 18,350, before ending 177 points higher at 18,338.

Adani Ports, Wipro, Grasim, ITC, and HDFC Bank were among major gainers on the Nifty, while losers were Coal India, Eicher Motors, Tata Motors, HCL Tech, and TCS. On the sectoral front, barring, auto, all other sectoral indices ended in the green, with infra, IT, realty, PSU Bank, power, and metal indices were up a percent each.

In the broader markets, the BSE MidCap index closed 0.54 percent higher while the BSE SmallCap index added 0.46 percent. Overall, market breadth firmly favoured the bulls with 1,719 stocks advancing on the BSE compared with 1,637 stocks that declined. The BSE market-cap stood at Rs 272.8 trillion by the close.

Coming to stock-specific moves, HDFC Bank was one of the top gainers on the benchmarks, rising to a record high level of Rs 1,690. The stock ended 2.9 percent higher ahead of the Q2 earnings, which are slated to be detailed on Saturday, October 16. Supported by healthy loan growth, stable interest margins, and lower operating expenses, private sector lender HDFC Bank is expected to report mid-teen growth in net profit for the July-September quarter.

Shares of ITC too hit a fresh 52-week high of Rs 258 in Thursdays intra-day trade on the back of heavy volumes. Most of the brokerage houses are bullish on ITC as they believe the companys cigarette business will fully recover with the aggressive vaccination drive and reduction in Covid-19 cases. The stock closed 2.85 percent higher.

Further, the stocks of Wipro (up 5 percent), Mindtree (up 8 percent) & Infosys (up 0.3 percent) after a better-than-expected second quarter. However, TCS' downward trend continued following a weak set of Q2 earnings. That said, Avenue Supermart gained more than 4 percent ahead of its Q2 earnings on Saturday.

IRCTC was the top midcap gainer, with the stock rising 11 percent to close at a record high level of Rs 5,485. On the other hand, Coal India was the top Nifty loser with the stock falling 2.9 percent, as the company has reportedly asked subsidiaries to refrain from conducting e-auction of coal for non-power use. Meanwhile, Tata Group stocks saw profit booking following major gains on Thursday.

The stock of Apollo Pipes rose 1.15 percent higher after the company said the board will consider the issue of bonus shares, along with the results for the quarter ended September on October 22. India Cements too gained 8 percent on reports that the companies are expected to hike prices.

The Share Market will remain closed on Friday on account of Dussehra. HDFC Bank, Avenue Supermarts, Aarnav Fashions, Artson Engineering, Infomedia Press, Sangam (India), and VR Woodart will release their September 2021 quarter earnings on October 16.

Next week, the will continue to be driven by the corporate earnings for the quarter ended September 2021. Companies such as UltraTech Cement, HUL, Nestle India, Asian Paints, JSW Steel, HDFC Life Insurance, Tata Consumer Products, and ICICI Bank will detail their Q2FY22 numbers next week.

According to Rohit Singre, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities, now immediate supports are coming near 18,250 followed by 18,170 zone and any dip near the mentioned supports zone will be again a fresh buying opportunity for the overall targets of 18,500 zone and immediate hurdle is coming near the 18,400-18,500 zone.

Lastly, global markets, stock-specific moves as well as related to Covid-19 will be among other major triggers for investors.
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
News at 4Cs

4Cs Educational Foundation Selected for Stop & Shop Community Bag Program to Give Back in Local Communities

Cape Cod Community Colleges Educational Foundation has been selected by local Stop and Shop store leadership as their November benefiting non-profit for their Community Bag Program. As part of the partnership, the Educational Foundation will receive a $1 donation for every $2.50 reusable Community Bag purchased at the Marstons Mills Stop and Shop, located at 3900 Falmouth Road.

This year has brought so many changes and difficulties for non-profits at the hyper-local level, said Kathy McNamara, Executive Director of Cape Cod Community College Educational Foundation. We are thrilled to be participating in this innovative program that makes it possible for shoppers to give back to local non-profits while reducing single-use plastic in the environment. We appreciate the community support in this important initiative to make a difference.

The Stop & Shop Community Bag Program is designed to give back to the local community with every reusable bag purchased. Every $2.50 reusable Community Bag sold supports a non-profit local to the store in which it was purchased. This program offers a way for shoppers to give back as part of the regular weekly routine.

Cape Cod Community College Educational Foundation is a non-profit based in West Barnstable, MA. Founded in 1983, Cape Cod Community College Educational Foundation works to support the mission of Cape Cod Community College, its students, its faculty, and its community endeavors, by raising and managing funds, encouraging endowments, and supporting the Colleges objectives. Learn more about Cape Cod Community College Educational Foundation by visiting www.ccccfoundation.org.

For more information about the Stop & Shop Community Bag Program, please visit stopandshop.bags4mycause.com.
Mazda has unveiled the first of its five all-new SUVs slated to arrive in the next two years the first-ever CX-50. Designed to meet the req...
Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner died on Tuesday, two days after taking a leave of absence from the company. He was 58. No cause of death was given, but he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014 and had received treatment in the past year.

Goldner joined Hasbro in 2000, moving from another toy firm, Bandai America. He was named CEO in 2008. Under his tenure, the company became an entertainment giant, shifting its focus from mostly making toys to building brands through media franchises.

Animation has been central to this strategy. In 2016, Hasbro acquired Boulder Media, one of Irelands largest animation studios. A $3.8 billion acquisition of Entertainment One, the Canadian owner of properties like Peppa Pig and PJ Masks, followed in 2019. Merger talks with Dreamworks foundered, however.
Photo: Contributed

Still they trickle in, a few thousand every day, late to the party but welcome nonetheless.

Twenty months into the worst pandemic in modern history, 10 months into the biggest vaccination drive ever, people are still dropping into clinics around B.C. to get their first shots.

They withstood non-stop saturation messaging urging them to get vaccinated. They watched 90 per cent of their friends and neighbours get shots. By this point, it could be assumed they are simply anti-vaxxers. But one by one, some are flipping and getting shots. They are a fascinating group of people, as are the remaining 10 per cent still holding out.

Part of what makes the holdouts interesting is the fact they are potentially lethal to everyone else, given the virulence of the newer version of COVID-19 and the fact that even double doses dont guarantee immunity. Thirty-two per cent of new cases in the past week (1,382) were double-vaccinated. Twenty-six per cent (101) of those hospitalized with COVID-19 in the past two weeks were double-dosed, according to a Tuesday update.

Those are the factors that adjusted expectations around community immunity. In the early going it was thought that a high immunization rate would curb the virus. The exact percentage wasnt specified, but B.C. passed 75 per cent weeks ago and COVID-19 is still a threat.

The province is closing in on 90 per cent of adults vaccinated, and the case count is considered stable but still concerning.

B.C. health officials have been relatively gentle with the holdouts. Its much more cajoling, than demanding. The consistent themes are enthusiastic urgings to get the shots, constant reassurance to ease any fears and continuing appeals that its best for the individual and everyone else.

None of the provincial leaders  at least publicly  have criticized the holdouts to any degree. Only lately has the official stance hardened, with mandatory vaccination orders for certain public sector workers.

Health Minister Adrian Dix said Tuesday workers in care homes refusing to get shots will be subject to progressive discipline, up to and including termination.

Thats about the toughest statement hes made since the pandemic took hold in B.C. The mandatory orders are likely driving some of the remaining holdouts into clinics. No shot, no job has a way of grabbing your attention.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry also on Tuesday applauded private sector vaccination mandates, saying she was pleased to see more and more businesses imposing them.

The other reasons for the belated walk-in traffic are less clear. Awareness dawns late for some. The Health Ministry cites misinformation as one reason for the hesitancy. Family pressures over time may have overcome that. The constant safety refrains over months may have worn them down.

The threat they pose and their regional distribution suggests the vaccination drive is going to take on a harder edge. It is trailing well below expectations in some areas, given how much went into it. That poses real danger.

There are eight communities in the Interior where the first dose vaccination rate is in the low 70s. The eastern Fraser Valley is still below 80 per cent.

In the Peace River region, the all-out immunization drive is failing. Its still below 65 per cent.

That prompted Henry on Friday to confirm a course change.

I think I can signal that were looking at that on a more regional basis now, so it may not as we had hoped in August, that we would have the same approach across the province, she said.

Part of that approach on Tuesday was to highlight how much stress those holdouts are imposing on the rest of the province.

Dix took pains to note 55 northern patients have been transferred to south coast hospitals to ease the strain. Forty-three are COVID-19 patients and 42 of them are not fully vaccinated. Those 42 would have filled every regular critical care bed in northern B.C, he said.

He said two more aircraft were contracted by emergency health to fly 14 of those patients over Thanksgiving to Victoria and Vancouver hospitals.

People make bad decisions about their health all the time and no one criticizes them. When the consequences for others are so serious, and so fantastically expensive, it looks like its getting harder to resist that temptation.

Les Leyne is a columnist with the Times Colonist newspaper in Victoria.
Photo: The Canadian Press Peter Khill leaves court in Hamilton in 2018.

The Supreme Court of Canada is ordering a new trial for an Ontario resident who was acquitted after shooting and killing an Indigenous man in 2016.

Peter Khill, of Binbrook, Ont., was found not guilty in 2018 of second-degree murder in the death of Jon Styres of the Six Nations of the Grand River in southern Ontario.

Khill testified at trial that his training as a military reservist kicked in when he heard a noise outside his home in the early morning hours of Feb. 4, 2016, saw that his pickup truck lights were on, and then grabbed his shotgun and loaded two shells.

Quietly leaving his house in bare feet through the backdoor, he said he saw a shadowy figure leaning into his truck and ordered him to put his hands up.

He testified the man then made a move with his hands, which is when Khill shot him twice.

Styres, 29, was hit in the chest and shoulder, and died minutes later.
Photo: UNHCR

Fighting between Yemens government forces and the countrys Houthi rebels in the central province of Marib killed at least 140 fighters this week, tribal leaders and security officials said Thursday.

The most intense clashes have been underway over the past 24 hours in the southern parts of the largely-government controlled province, in the districts of Abdiya and al-Jubah, they said.

The Iran-backed Shiite Houthis have stepped up their push in the strategic province over the past weeks while also escalating cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia, which is leading a military coalition that has been fighting on the government side against the Houthis.

The escalation comes as government forces launched a counteroffensive to wrestle areas that had been overrun by the rebels last week, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. Tribal leaders asked not to be named for fear of reprisals.

Yemen has been convulsed by civil war since 2014 when the Houthis captured the capital, Sanaa, and much of the north of the country, forcing the internationally recognized government to flee to the south, then to Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi-led coalition entered the war in March 2015, backed by the United States, to try restore the government to power. Despite a relentless air campaign and ground fighting, the war has deteriorated largely into a stalemate and spawned the worlds worst humanitarian crisis.

The Houthis have for years attempted to take oil-rich Marib to complete their control over the northern half of Yemen. In recent months, they accelerated their push. The fighting has claimed a high number of fighters from both sides in Marib in the past several weeks.
I am aware that in the near future a decision will be made regarding whether or not to mandate vaccinations for all school employees and volunteers.

I am writing today to highlight the potential repercussions for children in our schools, should a vaccine mandate be implemented, resulting in the removal of all unvaccinated staff members from our schools.

On Oct. 8, during School District 23s implementation day, school staff members had the privilege of hearing Kevin Lamoureux speak. He spoke with deep insight regarding reconciliation. He spoke about hope and healing, and moving forward in a way that is best for all Canadians, towards a better future for all indigenous and non-indigenous people together.

He spoke at length about the need to ensure that every single child in our schools receive love, and that our schools be so filled with love that all children can look in the mirror and love who they see. He said that every single child should be able to know that there is someone at school who loves them, and that all kids truly know school is a safe space for them. He described this as the sacred responsibility of the school staff members.

He spoke about the psychology of prejudice, and referenced Romeo Dallaires insights gained during the genocide in Rwanda, about how people can look at other people and perceive differences and then go on to dehumanize them as others, and that can result in pushing the others farther and farther away.

It seems tragic that we may be on the verge of making a decision that for a number of children in our schools, may directly violate the principles of inclusion he so wisely spoke of so recently.

I am thinking about the children in our schools who come from homes where for one reason or another their families and their communities are choosing not to be vaccinated for Covid-19.

What might be the impact on these students if all school employees who have similar beliefs and values are banned from schools. I cannot help but wonder how this might impact these children. Will they still feel loved and accepted? Will they still believe that school is a safe place? Or is it possible they may perceive they are also not welcome, safe or loved?

Is it possible that there are families among our school communities where strong opinionseven bordering on hateare expressed towards people who are unvaccinated?

Is it possible that children from those homes will bring those strong opinions to school and feel emboldened to make them known due to the dismissal of unvaccinated employees? Is it possible that those strong opinions may result in bullying and harassment if it becomes known to them that another student is not vaccinated?

Is it possible that some children may learn a mindset of division, intolerance and even hate, rather than one of inclusion, acceptance and love?

Is it possible that we are in grave danger of creating a situation where prejudice against a group of people results in the dehumanizing the others Kevin spoke of?

If so, this would be in direct contradiction to the culture of caring and inclusion that is being sought in our schools.

Carole Baumgarten, teacher, Westbank
Discussion

Among children born during 20172018, national coverage with most routine childhood vaccines remained stable,*** with some increases compared with 20152016. Although recent data show a decrease in the percentage of children receiving no vaccinations by age 24 months, no evidence has been observed of a trend across birth cohorts from 2011 to 2018. Coverage estimates varied substantially by sociodemographic characteristics. Children with private insurance had higher coverage than did all other insured children. Coverage among children who did not have private health insurance was 9.2 to 37.8 percentage points lower than that for children with private insurance (except for the HepB birth dose) and a higher likelihood of being completely unvaccinated compared with children with private insurance. Other characteristics associated with lower vaccination coverage include living below the federal poverty level and being of Black race or Hispanic ethnicity. Observed disparities by MSA were less frequent and not consistent in direction, as was the case with other sociodemographic variables. Relationships among coverage disparities and overall coverage are complex: national coverage increased for four vaccines and did not decrease for any; however, the number of vaccines with statistically significant disparities increased (2).

The presence of widespread and often substantial disparities in coverage with routinely recommended vaccines indicates a need for improvement to achieve equity in the national childhood vaccination program (3). Important barriers to overcome include access to vaccination services, financial challenges, missed vaccination opportunities, and vaccine hesitancy. Some parents might find it difficult to identify a provider, arrange transportation, and take time off from work to attend a vaccination visit. The lower coverage observed in children living below the federal poverty level and those without private health insurance might be attributable in part to these factors as well as financial challenges. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program covers the cost of all recommended vaccines for eligible children; however, parents might not be aware of the program or how to access it. Children should receive all vaccinations for which they are eligible at each provider visit; elimination of missed vaccination opportunities has been shown to increase potentially achievable coverage across sociodemographic characteristics including poverty level and health insurance status (4). Vaccine hesitancy has been shown to be more common among low-income families and among parents of non-Hispanic Black (versus non-Hispanic White) children (5). CDC has developed the Vaccinate with Confidence strategy (6), which identifies activities designed to strengthen vaccine confidence and prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States.

The findings in this report are subject to at least three limitations. First, the household interview response rate was low (22.5%), and adequate provider data were available for only 54.2% of those with completed interviews. This could introduce selection bias if study respondents and nonrespondents differed on factors related to vaccination coverage. Second, although the weighting is designed to adjust for nonresponse and for households without mobile phones, this adjustment might not completely eliminate bias. Finally, coverage might be underestimated because of incomplete provider-reported vaccination histories. Total survey error (7) was assessed using 2019 survey data, concluding that coverage with 4 doses of DTaP and 1 dose of MMR were each underestimated by two to three percentage points and coverage with the combined 7-vaccine series was underestimated by nine percentage points. However, a meaningful change in total survey error from 2019 to 2020 was considered unlikely.****

Concern has been raised about the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on routine childhood vaccination in the United States, beginning in March 2020 when the pandemic was declared a national emergency (8,9). The findings in this report primarily reflect opportunity for vaccination that occurred before disruption related to COVID-19 because most children born before 2019 were aged 19 months by March 2020. From other data sources, decreases in both vaccine ordering and administration have been documented, including substantial declines in doses of DTaP and MMR administered to children aged 023 months during MarchSeptember 2020 compared with the same period in 2019 (9). Stay-at-home orders were common during this time, and parents might have avoided seeking routine care for their children because of a fear of contracting COVID-19 at health care facilities or in the community. Some rebound in vaccine administration to young children has been observed following multiple communications to health care providers emphasizing the importance of continued routine vaccination (10). This might be particularly important for influenza vaccine, for which coverage has been lower compared with other vaccines recommended for children. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and influenza are likely to be co-circulating this fall and winter, which could put considerable strain on the public health and medical systems in the United States. Persistent disparities in vaccination coverage by health insurance status, race and ethnicity, and poverty status indicate that improvement is needed to achieve equity in the national childhood vaccination program. Efforts by health care providers and parents are needed to ensure that all children are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.
I dont plan to make a habit of paying too much attention to the kind of baloney, drivel, or nonsense that one of your regular contributors periodically sends you; today I make an exception.

A recent piece about Blue Cross-Blue Shield and how they have supposedly force fed Critical Race Theory to their 6,700 employees is a good example of reactionary misinformation and misdirection that has come to be a regular staple of our daily lives.

For starters the force fed comment is not attributed to anyone in the entire diatribe. The opinion writer is entirely entitled to his opinion but not to his own facts. He quotes a number of sources as saying the theory is grossly inappropriate. He fails to cite a definition of what they are so opposed to. Of course, no attribution of the sources

It seems BCBST wants its employees to be sensitive to the needs of its customers. Employees have to attend sessions about diversity and equity. What a great idea. Then the writer names some of those BCBST leaders who he hopes readers will complain to about this supposed problem.

After about eight paragraphs, the writer gives an online website credit for reporting this story first. He runs a full-length story from something called the Tennessee Star.com.

Tennessee Star has been reported to be in the words of the respected website Politicoa Baby Breitbart. This is not a compliment. Snopes - a well-known and trusted fact checking website - reports that the Tennessee Star is paid for and or supported by outside or undisclosed interests.

Snopes reports that Steve Gill, the political editor, owns a media consulting firm that a political candidate and a Political Action committee (PAC) paid before receiving positive coverage in the Tennessee Star. Several of their writers have worked for PACS without disclosing that fact. Whatever it is, the Tennessee Star is not a local newspaper producing transparent journalism. Its called journalism for sale. One of its so-called journalists worked for a political PAC to help elect Bill Lee governor in 2018

There is so much more wrong with the opinion writers recounting of the supposedly terrible things BCBST is foisting on its employees, but thats enough.

BCBST should be congratulated for all its efforts to be responsive to the broad audience it serves. I for one say, good job.

Before anyone asks, I dont work on BCBST and I dont have BCBST insurance. Im not happy about the huge salaries of the leadership team, but thats for another day.

If Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training is the worst thing BCBST is doing, there is nothing here but very good news

Fred Gault

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It isnt often you find a well written, thoughtful opinion piece in the Chattanoogan.

Ive given up the notion that my words would change anyone elses opinion, however, I do want to thank you. I agree with every word you wrote.

Cecilia Lewis
With the Dec. 3 deadline less than two months away, tnAchieves needs an additional 5,900 volunteer mentors across the state to support TN Promise applicants from the Class of 2022.

Locally, Hamilton County needs an additional 262 mentors to meet its goal of 403. Other area counties with remaining mentor needs include:



 Bledsoe County: 13 mentors still needed;

 Bradley County: 115 mentors still needed;

 Grundy County: 9 mentors still needed;

 Marion County: 30 mentors still needed;

 McMinn County: 43 mentors still needed;

 Meigs County: 13 mentors still needed;

 Polk County: 14 mentors still needed;

 Rhea County: 33 mentors still needed; and

 Sequatchie County: 12 mentors still needed.



TN Promise, in partnership with tnAchieves, allows every graduating high school senior the opportunity to attend a community or technical college tuition-free with mentor support.



Mentors spend one hour a month assisting students as they transition from high school to college.

In 2022, mentors will have the choice to serve their students either virtually or in person, depending on the mentors preference.Many of the students that apply for the scholarship will be the first in their families to attend college. Mentors work with students to overcome barriers that previously prevented students from accessing higher education. In 2022, mentors will play a critical role in helping to reverse negative enrollment trends brought on by the pandemic, officials said.The Class of 2022 has faced countless obstacles and challenges in their pursuit of a high school diploma, said tnAchieves Director of Mentors Tyler Ford. tnAchieves mentors offer the personal support and encouragement many students need to ensure their transition to college is smooth as they begin their post-secondary career motivated and prepared to realize their full potential.Graham Thomas, tnAchieves deputy director of Partnerships and Government Relations added, Ultimately there is no substitute for a committed, caring local support system. Our mentors offer support to students who may otherwise have nowhere else to turn for guidance through the college-going process.Mentors will be provided with an online training and a handbook to help navigate the program. Volunteers will also receive weekly updates from tnAchieves and have access to our staff for questions and concerns.Potential mentors must be 21 years of age and are subject to a background check. For more information or to apply, you can visit http://www.tnachieves.org/mentors or contact tnAchieves Director of Mentors Tyler Ford at 309-945-3446 or tyler@tnAchieves.org.
Blood Assurance has less than a one-day supply of O-negative and O-positive blood on its shelves.

The organization, which provides blood and blood supplies to multiple hospitals around the region, is pleading for the publics help in the coming days.



With school being out for fall break, paired with high hospital usage, we are experiencing an unprecedented shortage, according to Dr. Liz Culler, chief medical officer for Blood Assurance. COVID-19 has already depleted the blood supply, so when you add these additional factors in, its quite alarming.



Blood Assurance is giving away a $20 Amazon gift card to all O-negative and O-positive individuals who donate through Oct. 22 at any mobile blood drive or donation center.



Blood donors are urged to visit bloodassurance.org/schedule to view a list of all upcoming blood drives and to schedule an appointment. Donors can also call 800-962-0628, or text BAGIVE to 999777.



To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids  avoiding caffeine  and eat a meal that is rich in iron prior to donating.
Sixteen Christian ministry students from Lee Universitys Department of Christian Ministries recently travelled to the National Youth Leaders Association Conference in Sharpsburg, Georgia, held at GO Church of God. The trip was led by Dr. Lorinda Roberts, an assistant professor of youth and family ministry at Lee.

This years conference did an excellent job of coupling the spiritual with the practical, said Dr. Roberts. My students walked away encouraged, motivated to continue learning about youth ministry, and excited to collaborate on new ways to reach Generation Z.

The NYLA Conference is a one-day conference for all youth pastors, youth leaders, and youth ministry students. It is an opportunity for participants to have meaningful interactions, make new ministry connections, and meet new people.

The conference was so eye opening, said Valerie Fuqua, a junior youth ministry major. As a student preparing for ministry, it was refreshing to see both the passion and the burden that ministry can be. Overall, it was affirming to know that no pastor is truly alone, and that there are people all around who are in similar situations and are there to cheer each other on.

The theme for this years conference was Doing Life Together. It consisted of four main sessions and three breakout sessions. Sessions included topics on personal leadership, racial reconciliation in student ministry, youth sermon series, leading and developing teams, and more. The students split into smaller groups for the breakout sessions and reunited later to share ideas and stories.

The NYLA Conference was a life-changing experience, and I had a great time connecting with other youth leaders, said Jared Bennett, a freshman youth ministry major. Because of the welcoming attitudes, wisdom, and questions answered at the conference, I can say I am better equipped for successful youth ministry.

For more information about Lees Department of Christian Ministry, visit https://www.leeuniversity.edu/academics/religion/christian-ministries/, find them on social media @leeuyouthministry, or call 303-5111.

For more information about the NYLA Conference, visit https://nylaconf.com/.




The Tennessee General Sessions Judges Conference elected Hamilton County General Sessions and Mental Health Court Judge Lila Statom as its new president. The TGSJC is comprised of Tennessee General Sessions Judges across the state and works with the Administrative Office of the Courts to provide continuing education opportunities for its members. The TGSJC also provides assistance and support to other judges as well as local and state government officials to address legal and procedural issues affecting General Sessions Court. Prior to her selection at the TGSJC annual conference last week, Judge Lila Statom served as president-elect and as East Tennessee vice president.

I am deeply humbled to have been chosen by my peers as president of this great group of judges, and I greatly appreciate the service of outgoing TGSJC President, Judge Lynda Jones of Nashville, said Judge Statom. I plan to work tirelessly with members of the judiciary, legislature, executive branch, local government as well as my colleagues to continue to make sure we have the best courts in the country.

Governor Bill Haslam originally appointed Judge Statom as Hamilton County General Sessions Judge in 2012, after which she was elected by the citizens for a full term in 2014. Prior to her appointment, she served as an assistant district attorney in Nashville and Chattanooga for nearly 24 years. Since taking the bench, Judge Statom has worked with community partners to address chronic mental illness and substance use among members of the criminal justice system, and she has been integral in expanding recovery courts in Hamilton County and Tennessee.

As Tennesseans increasingly face the ravages of substance abuse, we need more judges with both an interest and the requisite experience to deal with citizens in need of mental health and addiction services, said Deborah Taylor Tate, director of the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts. Judge Statoms leadership in Hamilton County  and now-as the President of the Conference  will continue to raise the importance of educating our judges about both issues impacting one in four families, as well as the services that are available today.

Other judges elected to the TGSJC board include Judge Tommy Moore of Weakley County as treasurer; Judge Lynda Jones of Davidson County as past-president; Judge Deborah Means of Shelby County as president-elect; Judge James Ross of Wayne County as middle regional vice-president; Judge Terry Stevens of Roane County as east regional vice-president; and Judge Lee Ann Pafford Dobson of Shelby County as west regional vice-president.
Compass is partnering with REthink Development group this October to present Havana Nights All-In vs. Cancer, a social event, Friday at The Common House.

REthink Development Group is a local real estate partnership of Trey Corum and Jon Chadwick. The pair of Chattanooga natives have a combined total of more than 16 years of real estate experience.

The proceeds from Havana Nights Chattanooga will benefit Real Men Wear Pink, a fundraising group for the American Cancer Society.

For Mr. Chadwick, this is more than just a good cause  it's personal. "The truth is that we feel called to help others in the fight against cancer, said Mr. Chadwick. Specifically we have devoted ourselves to be shoulder-to-shoulder with The American Cancer Society because of their role in saving my wife's life.

Mr. Chadwick's wife Aimee was diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer in October of last year. Mrs. Chadwick is also the founder and president of the non-profit Jamie's Wish Foundation. The foundation works to improve cancer centers and provide patients with more comfortable experiences during treatment.

The American Cancer Society helped fund the development of Herceptin, a chemotherapy drug that has helped Mrs. Chadwick and many other breast cancer patients.



[The ACS provides] free information and services when and where people need it," Mr. Chadwick says on his Real Men Wear Pink page. "They fund groundbreaking breast cancer research and they're working to ensure access to mammograms for women who need them. Please join me in this important fight.

Havana Nights Chattanooga will feature craft cocktails and three bars, including the iconic Havana Rum Bar. Guests can also choose to enjoy the VIP area and a Texas Hold 'em poker tournament.

Another item on the events itinerary is a live auction of sporting event tickets, private tours, all-inclusive trips, and other special items. Visit the Auction Calendar page to learn more about current and upcoming auctions.

This event will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, with poker player registration beginning at 5:30. You can find tickets to Havana Nights Chattanooga on its event page here.

For more information, please email Info@SoldOnCompass.com or call 800-729-6466.






Have you ever experienced the rejection of not being offered a job you really wanted? Maybe you can remember feeling brokenhearted when someone you deeply cared for turned away from you. I can still recall, early in my writing career, receiving my first rejection letters after sending proposals to magazines for articles or to publishers for books I was writing.

No one likes rejection. It hurts. Our egos become bruised, our self-image becomes diminished, and we can even question our place in the world. Nobody likes me, everybody hates me, Im gonna eat some worms! I never actually did that  do you eat worms raw, like sushi, fried or what? But I still vividly recall the times when I felt unwanted or unneeded.

Even though weve all experienced the pain of rejection in one way or another, we still participate in it as we relate to others. Human history has always had haves and have-nots, not only in material terms but also in other ways. It might be the pretty girl at school, getting attention from the boys that other girls dont receive. Or the academic whiz who hardly breaks a sweat to earn straight As, while fellow students develop brain cramps struggling to earn a C. Or the natural athlete who excels at multiple sports, while others wish they could demonstrate enough skill to make any team and just ride the bench.

In each scenario, its not unusual for the have-nots to feel rejected. Then there are the individuals no one wants to associate with for other reasons. It could be mannerisms, limitations or social standing. Maybe they come from the wrong side of the tracks. When you feel rejected, dreams are shattered, ambition fades and initiative dies. Theres probably no worse place to be than without hope.

Interestingly, Jesus Christ was drawn to people like this  the rejects of society that no one else saw of any value or use. Reading through the gospels we encounter many of them: A small cluster of shepherds, hardly members of high Jewish society, who were the first to learn about the birth of the Christ child. The Samaritan woman at the well, who had been married five times and was living with yet another man. Lepers who were literal outcasts, cast out of the cities so they could not infect anyone else with their hideous afflictions.

Another woman who was caught in the act of adultery, whom religious leaders believed was deserving of being stoned. Crippled and chronically ill individuals who had hoped in vain for some miraculous healing, or even some compassion from able-bodied people who saw them.

Even the people Jesus chose to be His closest followers were regarded as rejects. There were lowly fishermen like Peter and Andrew, James and John; Matthew and Zacchaeus, Jewish tax collectors who had achieved comfortable lifestyles by working for the Romans and heartlessly oppressing their own people. Thomas, who carried an air of skepticism about many things. Simon the Zealot, who probably had earned a spot on the Romans most-wanted list as an insurrectionist.

Someone might say that Jesus Christ in effect established a religion for rejects, even though His teachings were not about religion but about relationships  genuine, life-transforming relationships with the God of all eternity.

Lest we think uncharitably toward any of the above, thinking they were not worthy of the Lords love, grace and mercy, it might be a good idea to look in the mirror. Because not one of us is worthy of Him either.

As Romans 3:10-12 so clearly states, There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks Godthere is no one who does good, not even one. If we ever find ourselves feeling puffed up, as if the Lord really got a bargain when He chose us to become part of His holy family, we only need to reread those verses.

Another nearby passage underscores this truth: You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:6-8).

We might want to argue, But look at all the good things Ive done, the noble causes Im engaged in. Dont they count for anything? The prophet Isaiah essentially says, Sorry, but no. All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Imagine approaching God and offering Him some old, oily rags or something even worse.

In Gods sight, its not a matter of whether weve done more good than bad. Its only about perfection and holiness, being made acceptable to be in the presence of the perfect, holy God  and thats possible only through Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice on the cross, paying once and for all the unspeakable penalty for our sins.

So, from that perspective, were all rejects, not unlike Mary Magdalene, Matthew, the shunned lepers, or dirty shepherds. And yet, despite that reality, we find these exciting words in 1 John 3:1, How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

The next verse is even more compelling: Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure (1 John 3:2-3). As someone has said, if that doesnt light your fire, your wood must be wet!



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Robert J. Tamasy is a veteran journalist, former newspaper editor and magazine editor. Bob has written, co-authored and edited more than 15 books. These include the newly published, Marketplace Ambassadors; Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Todays Workplace; Tufting Legacies, The Heart of Mentoring, and Pursuing Life With a Shepherds Heart. A weekly business meditation he edits, Monday Manna, is translated into more than 20 languages and sent via email around the world by CBMC International. The address for his blog is www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com. His email address is btamasy@comcast.net.
Only the older lawyers and citizens can probably recognize the above name of Nashville attorney Jack Norman, Sr.

He was appointed by Tennessee Governor Frank G. Clement along with neophyte attorney John J. Hooker, Jr. to prosecute the impeachment of Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge Raulston Schoolfield in the political trial held in the Tennessee General Assembly in Nashville between May 6-July 13, 1958.

John Edward Jack Norman, Sr. was born in South Nashville in 1904 and attended the public schools (Central High) and Vanderbilt Law School

Beginning in 1926 he began a career as one of the state and nations premier criminal defense lawyers but also served as a special prosecutor in the Davidson County District Attorneys Office.

He also successfully obtained substantial jury verdicts in civil cases and served as legal counsel to the Nashville Banner newspaper and wrote many articles for that publication as well as its competitor, the Nashville Tennessean.

His list of clients and successful results establish Jack Norman as one of the legal giants in Tennessee legal history. Ironically, his refusal to represent Teamster president James Hoffa in Nashville Federal Court would lead to a bribery charge against another prominent Nashville attorney that would contribute to his suicide and end a successful law career.

The contest between Norman and Schoolfield in the 1958 impeachment case has been described as reminiscent of a battle between two gladiators in the Roman arena.

Ironically Norman would end up in a fee dispute with the state of Tennessee for his seven months of preparation and trial in the case. This not only hurt and angered Norman but led to the false rumor that he might run against Frank Clement for governor in 1962.

In a resolution passed by the Tennessee legislature honoring Jack upon his death in 1995 he was quoted as saying When I am your lawyer, I stand in your shoes. Ill knock down anyone who tries to run over you. and Theres just one side to a lawsuit  my side.

In his later years he and his beloved wife, Carrie, moved into an apartment overlooking historic Printers Alley. This residence also contributed significantly to Jacks colorful historical recollection and love of Nashville prior and after the legalization of liquor by the drink.

An avid world traveler and a true lover of the history of Nashville, in 1984 he wrote a remarkable paperback novel. The Nashville I Knew is filled with literally thousands of names of persons, places, and events about his beloved hometown that he described in a 242-page treatise that will answer most questions that any interested reader may have about the Athens of the South.

Used copies of this remarkable history lesson are still available from the usual website sources.

Jack Norman has previously been recognized as one of the five greatest orators in the legal history of the State of Tennessee.

In a bygone era where he was an old-fashioned theatrical courtroom performer using fiery, yet eloquent words and amazing powers of persuasion, he stood at the top of the Davidson County bar roster.

Jurors were awed and mesmerized by him and often watched his antics rather than listen to his opponents closing argument.

In the era of smoking being allowed in the courtrooms his use of his trademark, the ever-present cigar, was often a distraction away from the prosecution or civil defense lawyer.

Rumors that he would light up a stogie and as it slowly burned the spent ashes would fail to fall to the floor. Usually this would take place while Jacks opponent was arguing their side of the case, therefore effectively swaying the jury from attentively listening to their closing argument. The fact that there may have been an open paper clip inserted in the middle of the cigar to prevent the ashes from falling has not ever been proved (or disproved).

His legal reputation was matched by his involvement in charitable and philanthropic activities with Masonic and Shrine circles.

In 1986 the Nashville Bar Association established the Jack Norman, Sr. Award to be given to a defense lawyer, prosecutor or judge in the Metropolitan Nashville area whose primary practice or service pertains to criminal law, demonstrates respect for the rights of all individuals in the criminal justice system, exhibits the trial advocacy skills or judicial skills necessary to the pursuit of justice, demonstrates an abiding respect for the law and legal profession, maintains highest standards of professional integrity and ethical conduct, and contributes to the improvement of the legal profession and criminal justice system - including but not limited to the protection of uncompensated or under-compensated representation of the accused.

Jack Norman died in 1995 after a long and interesting career as an attorney, historian, world traveler, and devoted husband and father of five successful children.

* * *

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)
Two officers responded to a shoplifter at Publix at 400 North Market St. An employee said the suspect walked in the store and headed to the meat section where the man grabbed a steak. The employee said he noticed the suspect walked past the check out area, then started to head to the exit. The employee followed the suspect outside and asked him to return the steak or he would call the police. He said the suspect clearly refused to return the meat and said, "Go ahead, call the police." Then the suspect walked away. The employee showed police a video footage of the suspect walking outside the store with the steak in his hand attempting to conceal it within the bottom portion of his shirt. The suspect was identified by police, but was not apprehended at the time of initial contact. With the evidence from the security video footage and positive identification from the reporting party, police are seeking to take a warrant for theft on the suspect.

* * *

A man said he was backing his truck out of a spot in the parking lot of 5929 Highway 153 and he hit another car. The man said there was no damage to his truck, but there was a dent in the back passenger side quarter panel of the other car. Both men said they did not want a crash report.

* * *

A woman said she was on Delashmitt Road for maybe three minutes to use the restroom. She said she saw an unknown black female take pictures of her car and then keyed the rear driver's side door all the way down. Another woman also witnessed the suspect key the vehicle. Police checked the area and could not locate the suspect. More attempts will be made to locate and identify her. A photo was attached to the police report and the woman believes her to reside in an apartment at the same location.

* * *



A man at 800 Highway 27 southbound told police he was homeless and his car had a blown out tire and he did not have a spare to put on in. The officer asked the man if he wanted a tow truck and he said no, he didn't have the money for that. The man's car was off the roadway on the shoulder. The man said he was very dehydrated and the officer gave him a bottle of water and a ride to the next exit into Red Bank so he could find a mechanic to buy a tire.

* * *

A man on Acorn Oaks Circle told police he parked his car in the parking lot and when he returned the next morning he noticed damage to his rear bumper. The man said there are no known surveillance cameras in the area where the vehicle was parked.

* * *

An officer responded to an assist a citizen call at 928 Market St. The man said he needed a ride to the rescue mission so that he did not sleep on the streets. Police transported the man to the mission at 1512 South Holtzclaw Ave. without incident.

* * *

A caller at the Norfolk Southern Railway Company, 34 Scruggs St., told police he saw a black male who had previously been trespassed was back on the property. When police arrived, the man was no longer on scene and was located on Maude Street. Police spoke with the man, identified him and told him that he could not be on the property. The man was checked for any outstanding warrants, to which they came back negative. At this time the caller did not wish to prosecute.

* * *

A man told police that his wife drove their 2017 Lincoln MKX to work at Physiotherapy, 502 N Market St. He said while it was parked there, someone cut the catalytic converter off the exhaust and stole it. He said they will have to have the vehicle towed to the dealership to have it replaced. He said he is unaware of any security cameras that might be of help, but will check on that and call back if he finds anything.

* * *

A man on Kirby Avenue told police he was trying to apply for a mortgage and found bad credit on his wife's credit record. He said all the bad credit was done in February of 2020. He says accounts were opened with J. P. Morgan credit card, Finger Hut web bank, Verizon Wireless (which is placed for collection) and Puerto Rican Telephone Service. He says all but the telephone service were opened in Houston, Texas, and he has an address of 10100 W. Park Dr., Apt 163, Houston TX 77042. Police recommended he file a report with the Houston Police Department as well. He was advised to file disputes with the credit bureaus and to read the website "Identitytheft.gov."

* * *

An employee at Carter Towing, 6320 Highway 58, told police they recovered a vehicle from McArthur Avenue and they were cleaning out the vehicle when a firearm was located inside the center console. Police ran the firearm, which was a 9mm Smith and Weston, which was not reported as stolen, but had scratches that appeared that someone was attempting to alter the serial number. The gun team was notified and they responded to the scene, recovered the firearm and turned it into Property.

* * *

Police responded to a disorder at the Sleep Inn, 2351Shallowford Village Dr. They spoke with a woman who said her brother needed to leave the premises. Police spoke with hotel staff and

confirmed her statements. Contact was made with the brother and he was escorted off the property without incident.

* * *

A man on Regency Court told police he went out to his vehicle and discovered that someone had gone through it. He said he was last in the vehicle, a Nissan Quest with TN tag, around 1 a.m. that morning. He said he is sure the vehicle was locked, although no damage was done to enter the vehicle. He reported the following items stolen: debit card, credit card, $22 cash, sunglasses ($300) and Taurus handgun 40 S&W with hard holster and approximately eight rounds of ammunition ($575). A woman also had items stolen from the vehicle - Social Security card, drivers license, credit cards, debit card, case safe wallet ($250) and misc. cards. The man said he will retrieve the firearm serial number so it can be entered as stolen. There is no suspect information.

* * *

A mechanic at Orange Grove Center, 3426 Chandler Ave., that the day before at about 9 p.m. it was discovered that the catalytic converter was stolen from one of the work vans. He said the vehicle was last driven maybe a couple days before that and then it was left parked there. He said there are no cameras available.

* * *



A man at an apartment on Vine Street told police he last saw his black 1999 BMW motorcycle in front of his home earlier that week and now it was gone. He had no suspect information and said nothing would make the bike stand out more than any other motorcycle of its kind other than an after-market fairing around the headlight. He valued his bike at $4,000. Police entered his motorcycle as stolen in NCIC.

* * *

Employees at Walmart, 501 Signal Mountain Road, told police they observed a woman stealing several items. Police were shown video showing a white female with tattoos on her back and right arm sticking items in her purse. Photos of the woman were given to police.

* * *

A shoplifting was reported at the Mapco, 1227 E Main St. Employees told police a black male entered the store and selected two cases of beer from the cooler; a 12-pack case of Miller Lite, and a 12-pack case of Coors Light. The man then exited through the front doors of the store, passing all points of sale. The man walked away west on E. Main Street with the stolen cases of beer. Police were provided pictures of the man.

* * *

Police responded to a disorder at a residence on Fagan Street. They spoke to a woman who was intoxicated and had been kicked out of another house. The woman was sitting on the front porch of

the residence. Police spoke with a man there who said he was the woman's brother. He told police that his sister was allowed to stay the night at his house. Police told the woman not to leave the residence until she had sobered up.

* * *

A man at the Urban Stack, 12 W. 13th St., called police for help. Police arrived and found the man to be extremely intoxicated. He told them that he could not find his wife. The man said that he was at The Signal, 1810 Chestnut St., with his wife and a friend. He said they ended up separated and he had not seen her since and was worrying about her. Police transported the man to The Signal to locate his wife, but he was unable to find her. Police then transported him to his hotel, the Comfort Inn Downtown, 2420 Williams St. The man then received a call from his friend who said that he was with his wife and that they were okay. The man went to his room to wait on his wife to return.
I was in a doctors waiting room on Wednesday when I was remined I had a hugely recommended story in my satchel I had promised I would read. The writer, Mark Manson, is half my age and doesnt yet know that cuss words detract from the message, rather than secure it, so as I share it I must admit when you see a word in parentheses, that is my edit for my audience.

But his message is so profound I was enthralled by what he calls The Backwards Law and his is one all of us strugglers must share. Be thankful for this 

* * *

WHY THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE ALL BACKWARDS

Written by award-winning and best seller author Mark Manson.,

- - -

Theres a part of Navy SEAL training called drown-proofing where they bind your hands behind your back, tie your feet together, and dump you into a 9-foot-deep pool.

Your job is to survive for five minutes.

Like most of SEAL training, the vast majority of cadets who attempt drown-proofing fail. Upon being tossed into the water, many of them panic and scream to be lifted back out. Some struggle until they slip underwater where they proceed to lose consciousness and have to be fished out and resuscitated. Over the years, a number of trainees have even died during the exercise.

But some people make it. And they do so because they understand two counterintuitive lessons.

The first lesson of drown-proofing is paradoxical: the more you struggle to keep your head above water, the more likely you are to sink.

With your arms and legs bound, its impossible to maintain yourself at the surface for the full five minutes. Even worse, your limited attempts to keep your body afloat will only cause you to sink faster. The trick to drown-proofing is to actually let yourself sink to the bottom of the pool. From there, you lightly push yourself off the pool floor and let your momentum carry you back to the surface. Once there, you can grab a quick breath of air and start the whole process over again.

Strangely, surviving drown-proofing requires no superhuman strength or endurance. It doesnt even require that you know how to swim. On the contrary, it requires the ability to not swim. Instead of resisting the physics that would normally kill you, you must surrender to them and use them to save your own life.

The second lesson of drown-proofing is a bit more obvious, but also paradoxical: the more you panic, the more oxygen you will burn and the more likely you are to fall unconscious and drown. In a sick and twisted way, the exercise turns your survival instinct against you: the more intense your desire to breathe, the less you will be able to breathe. The more intense your will to live, the greater the chance you will die.

More than a test of physical will, drown-proofing is a test of each cadets emotional self-control in situations of extreme danger. Can he control his own impulses? Can he relax in the face of potential death? Can he willingly risk his life in the service of some higher value or goal?

These skills are far more important than any cadets ability to swim. Theyre more important than his resilience, his physical toughness, or his ambition. Theyre more important than how smart he is, what school he went to, or how (darn) good he looks in a crisp Italian suit.

This skillthe ability to let go of control when one wants it mostis one of the most important skills anyone can develop. And not just for SEAL training. For life.

Most people assume the relationship between effort and reward is one-to-one. We think that working twice as long will produce twice the results. That caring about a relationship twice as much will make everyone feel twice as loved. That yelling your point twice as loud will make you twice as right.

The assumption here is that most of life exists on a linear curve, that theres a one-to-one ratio between effort and reward with everything.

* * *

A LINEAR RELATIONSHIP

But allow me to inform youas someone who just tried drinking twice the normal amount of Red Bull so he could finish editing this (darn) thingthis is almost never true. Most of the world does not exist on a linear curve. Linear relationships only exist for mindless, rote, repetitive tasksdriving a car, filling out reams of paperwork, cleaning the bathroom, etc. In all of these cases, doing something for two hours will double the output of doing it for one hour. But thats simply because they require no thought or ingenuity.

Most activities in life do not operate along the linear effort/reward curve because most activities in life are not basic nor mindless. Most activities are complex, mentally and/or emotionally taxing, and require adaptation.

Therefore, most activities produce a diminishing returns curve.

* * *

A DIMINISHING RETURNS CURVE

Diminishing returns means that the more you experience something, the less rewarding it becomes. The classic example is money. The difference between earning $20,000 and $40,000 is huge and life-changing. The difference between earning $120,000 and $140,000 means your car has slightly nicer seat heaters. The difference between earning $127,020,000 and $127,040,000 is basically a rounding error on your tax return.

The concept of diminishing returns applies to most experiences that are complex and novel, and even many of the mundane ones. The number of showers you take in a day, the number of chicken wings you inhale during happy hour, the number of trips home to visit your mother in a yearthese are all experiences that start out highly valuable at first but then diminish in value the more frequently you do them (sorry, Mom).

Another example: studies on work productivity show that were really only productive for the first four to five hours of each day. Everything after that suffers severely diminished returns, to the point where the difference between working for 12 hours and 16 hours is basically nothing (not counting sleep deprivation).

Friendships operate on a diminishing returns curve. Having one friend is vital. Having two is clearly better than one. But having 10 instead of 9 changes little in your life. And having 21 instead of 20 just makes remembering peoples names that much more difficult.

Sex has diminishing returns, as does eating, sleeping, drinking alcohol, working out at the gym, reading books, taking vacations, hiring employees, consuming caffeine, saving for retirement, scheduling business meetings, studying for an exam, staying up late to play video gamesthe examples are endless. All give back less the more you do them, the more you try, or the more you have. All operate on a diminishing returns curve.

But theres another curve, one that youve probably never seen or heard of beforeand thats largely because I make a lot of this (stuff) up. Thats the inverted curve:

* * *

INVERTED CURVE

The inverted curve is the bizarro Twilight Zone curve, where effort and reward have a negative correlationthat is, the more effort you put into doing something, the more you will fail to do it.

Drown-proofing exists on an inverted curve. The more effort you put into rising to the surface, the more likely you will be to fail at it. Similarly, the more you want to breathe, the more likely you are to choke on a bunch of chlorinated water.

But I know youre thinking, So what, Mark? Ive usually had too many pina coladas to even find the deep end of the pool, much less bind my arms and legs and try to survive in it. Who gives a (rip) about inverted curves?

Its true, few things in life function on an inverted curve. But the few things that do are extremely important. In fact, I will argue that the most important experiences and goals in life all exist on an inverted curve.

Effort and reward have a linear relationship when the action is mindless and simple. Effort and reward have a diminishing returns relationship when the action is complex and multivariate.

But when the action becomes purely psychologicalan experience that exists solely within our own consciousnessthe relationship between effort and reward becomes inverted.

Pursuing happiness takes you further away from it. Attempts at greater emotional control only remove us from it. The desire for greater freedom is often what causes us to feel trapped. The need to be loved and accepted prevents us from loving and accepting ourselves.

Aldous Huxley once wrote, The harder we try with the conscious will to do something, the less we shall succeed. Proficiency and results come only to those who have learned the paradoxical art of doing and not doing, or combining relaxation with activity.

The most fundamental components of our psychology are paradoxical. This is because when we consciously try to create a state of mind, the desire for that state of mind creates a different and often opposite state of mind from the one were trying to create.

This is The Backwards Law I explain in Chapter 1 of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a (Flip): desiring a positive experience is itself a negative experience; accepting a negative experience is a positive experience.

But this extends to mostif not allaspects of our mental health and relationships:

* -- CONTROL: The more we strive to control our own feelings and impulses, the more powerless we will feel. Our emotional life is unruly and often uncontrollable, and its the desire to control it that makes it worse. Conversely, the more we accept our feelings and impulses, the more were able to direct and process them.

* -- FREEDOM: The constant desire for more freedom ironically limits us in a number of ways. Similarly, its only by limiting ourselvesby choosing and committing to certain things in lifethat we truly exercise our freedom.

* -- HAPPINESS: Trying to be happy makes us less happy. Accepting unhappiness makes us happy.

* -- SECURITY: Trying to make ourselves feel as secure as possible generates more insecurity. Being comfortable with uncertainty is what allows us to feel secure.

* -- LOVE: The more we try to make others love and accept us, the less they will, and more importantly, the less we will love and accept ourselves.

* -- RESPECT: The more we demand respect from others, the less they will respect us. The more we ourselves respect others, the more they will come to respect us.

* -- TRUST: The more we try to make people trust us, the less inclined they will be to do so. The more we trust others, the more they will trust us in return.

* -- CONFIDENCE: The more we try to feel confident, the more insecurity and anxiety we will create. The more we accept our faults, the more comfortable we will feel in our own skin.

* -- CHANGE: The more we desperately want to change ourselves, the more we will always feel as though we are not enough. Whereas, the more we accept ourselves, the more we will grow and evolve because well be too busy actually doing cool (stuff) to notice.

* -- MEANING: The more we pursue a deeper meaning or purpose to our lives, the more self-obsessed and shallow we will become. The more we try to add meaning to others lives, the more profound impact we will feel.

These internal, psychological experiences exist on an inverted curve because they are both the cause and the effect of the same thing: our minds. When you desire happiness, your mind is simultaneously the thing that is desiring and the target of its own desires.

When it comes to these lofty, abstract, existential goals, our minds are like a dog who, after a lifetime of successfully chasing and catching various small creatures, has turned and decided to exact that same strategy on its own tail. To the dog, this seems logical. After all, chasing has led her to catch everything else in her doggy life. Why not her tail, too?

But a dog can never catch her own tail. The more she chases, the more her tail seems to run away. Thats because the dog lacks the perspective to realize that she and the tail are the exact same thing.

The goal is to take your minda wonderful thing that has spent its life learning to chase various creaturesand teach it to stop chasing its own tail. To stop chasing meaning and freedom and happiness because those only serve to move it further away from itself. To teach it to achieve what it desires by giving up what it desires. To show it how the only way to reach the surface is to let itself sink.

And how do we do this? By letting go. By giving up. By surrendering. Not out of weakness. But out of a respect that the world is beyond our grasp. By recognizing that we are fragile and limited and but temporary specks in the infinite reaches of time. You do it by relinquishing control, not because you feel powerless, but because you are powerful. Because you decide to let go of things that are beyond your control. You decide to accept that sometimes, people wont like you, that often you will fail, that usually you have no (flipping) clue what youre doing.

You lean into the fear and uncertainty, and just when you think youre going to drown, just as you reach the bottom, it will launch you back to your salvation.

* * *

Is this approach to living appealing to you? My gracious, I was spellbound because author Mark Manson knows exactly what he is preaching; I was deeply attracted to this. Put me down as a believer.

royexum@aol.com
A group of about 20 veterans gathered Sunday Monday and Tuesday for fun, food, fellowship, friendship and a managed deer Wounded Warrior hunt at the former Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant.

Volunteers from TWRA, Highland Sportsmans Club, Safari Club International local chapter and a host of others from Cleveland State College, Volkswagen and Hamilton County Parks participated to give back to these American Heroes and provide a safe and productive deer hunting trip.

Twenty hunters harvested 11 deer with two being trophy quality bucks.

The warriors came from as far away as Indiana and West Tennessee to participate in this drawn hunt.



Army veteran Jacob won Big Buck for the hunt with a 9 point 163 pound monster, cleanly shot with a borrowed Muzzleloader at about 125 yards.

"Many great friendships were forged during the time in the blinds and bragging rights were exclaimed proudly," said Carter Parham. "Thanks to all who helped out."
ScaleTrains, a manufacturer of HO, N, and S Scale model trains, will be visiting the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum to celebrate the organizations 60th Anniversary on two weekends: Oct. 16 & 17, 23 & 24. The event will take place at Grand Junction, 4540 Turntable Road in Chattanooga, and is open to everyone.Founded in 1961 by Paul H. Merriman and Robert M. Soule Jr., TVRM has grown to become one of the most well-known railroad museums in the United States. Thanks to its dedicated team of employees and volunteers, TVRM maintains and operates historic rail equipment that includes famous Southern Railway steam engines 630 and 4501, along with many other important diesel locomotives and passenger cars that are significant to the southeast region.The 60th Anniversary weekends kick off a yearlong celebration of the museums history.Both weekends, the two steam locomotives will be pulling passenger trains out of Grand Junction, with Southern 4501 returning for the first time in over a year. While at the celebration, visitors can see the latest HO and N ScaleTrains on display. The model railroad company will bring its Road Trip truck and RV trailer the first weekend and on the following weekend, they will set up a display in the model railroad building.Additional activities include:Special event displays;Blacksmith demonstrations;WWII reenactments; andNighttime steam and diesel locomotive photo shoots.Attending the celebration is part of the model train makers Road Trip: a 50 State tour that allows ScaleTrains to visit with hobbyists at model railroad clubs, railroad museums, and train-watching hotspots. The Road Trip is the first of its kind in the model railroad hobby industry and is helping the company to connect with its customers in an unprecedented way.More than a year ago, we began talking about how to reach people in areas of the country that do not have a national level or large regional train show, said Shane Wilson, president of ScaleTrains.com. Over time, the idea evolved into also exhibiting at regional train shows; attending special events at railroad museums; setting-up at full-scale railroad festivals; hosting train-watching days at railfan hotspots; and more. With that, the Road Trip was born.ScaleTrains recently acquired a truck and RV so that the company can travel everywhere and set-up anywhere. This will allow the model train maker to visit all 50 states over the next two years. The truck and RV are decorated in the companys colors and include the logos of the Road Trips official partners.ScaleTrains was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Benton, Tennessee. The company offers four brands of model trains in three scales: Museum Quality, Rivet Counter, Operator, and Kit Classics. Its model railroad products currently include diesel locomotives, steam locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, shipping containers and more.As a sponsor of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museums year-long 60th anniversary celebration, we look forward to sharing our favorite hobby with guests during both kick-off weekends. We appreciate our relationship with this world class railroad museum and theyre commitment to preserving railroad history. officials said.
Kim White has been appointed the University of Tennessee at Chattanoogas vice chancellor for development and alumni affairs and executive director of the University of Chattanooga Foundation. She will join UTC Dec. 1 at a salary of $250,000.

Kim brings to the role an extraordinary blend of experience, expertise and skills, UTC Chancellor Steven Angle said.

She is a proud Moc, having graduated from UTC, and has served our institution and the UT System for many years in a variety of roles.

She has gained valuable experience having interfaced with all of the units she will lead as vice chancellor, including development, alumni affairs, financial management, strategic planning, the UC Foundation and board development.

Chancellor Angle pointed to her experience holding multiple leadership positions at UTC and within the UT System over the past 18 years. White has been president of the UTC Alumni Board and an active member of the UC Foundation Board. She was the second woman in the Foundations 50-plus year history to serve as chair. She represented UTC while on the board of the UT Foundation, chairing the real estate committee and serving as a member of the Foundations executive committee.

Ms. White, a native of Hixson, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from UTC in 1982.

Anybody that knows me knows there are two things that are always part of me, and its the passion I have for this city and the University; they go hand in hand, Ms. White said. Its exciting to be able to spend the next part of my career giving back to a University that has given so much to me.

In 2018, Ms. White was appointed to the UT (system) Board of Trustees by Gov. Bill Haslam. She will resign from that position before assuming her role at UTC.

I know she will hit the ground running as we work together to build on our relationships with our UTC alumni and align our fundraising goals with our new strategic plan, Angle said.

Doug Brown, chair of the UC Foundations Board of Trustees, said, The Foundation is extremely pleased to have Kim on board as executive director. She is a proven leader, and her experience as a previous board chair gives her a unique ability to move the Foundation forward as we focus on student success.

Ms. White, who ran for mayor of Chattanooga earlier this year, was president and CEO of River City Companythe non-profit development organization dedicated to Downtown Chattanoogas economic growth and developmentfrom 2009 to 2020. Under her leadership, Chattanooga saw a renewed emphasis on downtown housing, improved connections with UTC and the creation of great public spaces. Private investment helped implement the City Center Plan, the redevelopment of Miller Park and the redesign of Patten Parkway.

What I want to do is take the community engagement aspect and bring it to the table, to make sure that the community understands what a vitally important role UTC plays in the health of the city, White said. UTC is an economic driver. Its a talent driver. People that love this city should be giving back to the University in a variety of ways.

Ms. White has served the city on numerous boards, including the Enterprise Center and the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce. She has been a member of the Downtown Chattanooga Rotary Club and spent six years as an Erlanger Hospital Authority Trustee.

Her career honors include being selected as one of the 100 most significant alumni in the history of the University of Tennessee system. She received the UTC Outstanding Service Award in 2015 and the Erlanger Foundations Gordon Street Distinguished Community Leadership Award in 2020.

It is an honor to have the opportunity to become an official member of the University, Ms. White said, and to continue to move UTC forward by getting the community and donors behind students and student success.
Is Station 51 about to lose one of its own? In the Oct. 14 episode of Chicago Fire, one character seemingly made a huge decision that could see him leaving the Windy City for good. That has some fans of the show up in arms.

[Warning: This article contains spoilers for Chicago Fire Season 10 Episode 4.]

Is Jesse Spencer leaving Chicago Fire?

Jesse Spencer as Matt Casey in Chicago Fire | Adrian S. Burrows Sr./NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

RELATED: Chicago Fire: Sylvie Brett Gets a Big Break and Matt Casey Might Leave for Good

In the latest episode of Chicago Fire  the shows 199th  Casey headed to Oregon to check in on Ben and Griffin, the sons of his late best friend Andy Darden. (Darden died in the shows pilot episode). Their mom is in prison, and the boys have been struggling since their aunt who was caring for them left.

Casey meets with the boys counselor, and she tells him theyre likely going to end up in separate foster homes. He suggests taking the boys back to Chicago with him, but the counselor rejects that idea, saying its better for them to stay in a more familiar environment.

Casey reluctantly returns to Chicago. But Griffin and Ben are still on his mind. In a conversation with Herrmann (David Eigenberg), he confesses hes made a big decision.

Weve always said any firefighters child is every firefighters child, Casey said. Herrmann, I think I have to move to Oregon, take care of those boys.

Fans react to Jesse Spencers possible exit

Kara Killmer as Sylvie Brett and Jesse Spencer as Matt Casey in Chicago Fire | Adrian S. Burrows Sr./NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

So, is Casey really leaving Station 51 behind? It looks like a definite possibility. After the episode aired, some fans took to Twitter to share their feelings about the possibility that Jesse Spencer might be leaving Chicago Fire for good.

Dont leave 51 Casey, one wrote.

Many were particularly frustrated because Casey and Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer) had finally  after several seasons of will-they-or-wont-they waffling  taken their relationship to the next level.

Matt Casey or Jesse Spencer better not go anywhere, one wrote. We just got #Brettsey. Plus whos going to make sure Severide doesnt get into too much trouble.

Matt Casey is not allowed to leave, another commented. You didnt give us the build up with Brett just to make him go. Isnt the world depressing enough???

But a few fans argued that Spencers departure wasnt a sure thing. They pointed out that it might still be possible to bring the boys to Chicago rather than moving to Oregon.

What to expect from the 200th episode of Chicago Fire

Egg in a hole, anyone? Whats your favorite breakfast food? #ChicagoFire pic.twitter.com/AJXY3UBsYK  One Chicago (@NBCOneChicago) October 14, 2021

RELATED: One Chicago Fans Think Chicago Fire and Chicago Med Have Turned Into Soap Operas

The next episode of Chicago Fire is the shows 200th. Having an original cast member depart in the landmark episode would certainly make for good television. And the show is doing a lot to make fans think that Casey is on his way out. In a teaser (via YouTube), he reiterates his desire to take care of the boys and makes it clear that he wants Brett to come with him. Meanwhile, other characters seem to be getting ready to say their goodbyes.

Whatever the future holds for Casey, Chicago Fire fans have plenty to look forward to when the show returns next week.

[Showrunner] Derek Haas is tuned into the [fact] that the 200th episode should be significant as sort of a landmark episode, Christian Stolte, who plays Randy Mouch McHolland, told TVInsider. There are little callbacks, most of which I cant give examples because most of them are framed around something that I cant talk about yet. But I think if youve been a longtime viewer of the show, you will notice some details thatll touch you.

Chicago Fires 200th episode airs Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.

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Oscar Isaac is one of the most universally liked actors, and now hes part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His work bridges the gap between more niche, arthouse projects and big-budget blockbusters made for a broad audience.

He was a part of two other massive franchises before joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Still, given some of his recent comments, it appeared that Isaac was looking forward to being in more low-key movies for a change. So what was it about Moon Knight that compelled him to accept the role?

Oscar Isaac | Getty Images

Isaac made his name starring in original movies from acclaimed directors

Issacs first role came in 1998 in the little-seen Illtown, but it took until the 2010s for the world to see his talent on the screen. After playing a minor role in the 2011 cult classic Drive and 2012s The Bourne Legacy, Isaac broke out the following year as the titular character in Inside Llewyn Davis, where his portrayal of a misanthropic folk star was portrayed doomed to comic failure won him universal acclaim.

His subsequent two leading roles in A Most Violent Year as a small-time owner of an oil company and Ex Machina, with his slightly ahead of its time depiction of a Silicon Valley innovator with a dangerous god complex, and tremendous dance moves, received similar praise.

These characters have very little in common, so Issacs ability to imbue these characters with charisma, gravitas, and emotional depth made it clear that he was an actor of great potential.

His time with blockbuster franchises has been mixed so far

It was only a matter of time before Isaac leaped to a franchise. He traveled to a galaxy far, far away to play Poe Dameron, fighter pilot for the resistance and heir to the Han Solo archetype in the newest trilogy. Poes arc mirrored the three movies as a whole. His origins in The Force Awakens were fascinating and haphazardly created. The Last Jedi complicated his character in creative but divisive ways. His storyline in The Rise of Skywalker was ill-conceived and instantly forgettable. Isaac did his best with the material, but he could only do so much.

And as much as his Star Wars experience was a roller-coaster, it was still eons better than his time in the X-Men universe. Isaac was the titular villain in X-Men: Apocalypse, but you can see how enthused he was in the GQ video above when he has to talk about this movie. Apocalypse made a lot of money but left an inferior impression on fans and critics.

Isaac spent the last couple of years acting in slightly more realistic roles in less commercial movies such as Annihilation and his latest picture, The Card Counter. Isaac seemed to relish the lack of green screens in his life. But hes returned to the land of IP with Dune and by playing the main character in Moon Knight.

What convinced him to sign on for Moon Knight?

Isaac discussed his excitement about the Marvel show while doing press for The Card Counter while speaking to Good Morning Arizona. Isaac had an immediate answer prepared when asked about the best risk hes taken during his career.

I gotta say, what Im doing right now, Im doing this show called Moon Knight. We got a month left, and I feel like, so far, that this might be the one where I was like I was so nervous about it, but Ive just been having such a blast.

This could all be a corporate-encouraged promotion for one of the following big Marvel projects. Hes almost certainly collecting a hefty salary for his work. However, any show that can count Isaac and Ethan Hawke as co-stars is worth watching, even for the lapsed comic book fan. Moon Knight doesnt have a definitive release date yet, but it is scheduled to arrive on Disney+ sometime next year.

RELATED: Star Wars: John Boyega Finally Admits Why He and Oscar Isaac Played up the Finnpoe Romance On-Screen
Ana Navarro is one of the witty co-hosts on The View. The political commentator recently showcased how quick she thinks on her feet when she fired back at Shark Tanks Barbara Corcoran after a horrible joke at Whoopi Goldbergs expense. Navarro is a gem on daytime television and shes hilarious on Instagram as well. She recently made a post thirsting over Daniel Craig and it is absolutely everything.

Ana Navarro | Lorenzo Bevilaqua/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Ana Navarro dedicates post to Daniel Craig

Navarro was channeling everyone excited about the No Time To Die premiere, the last James Bond movie Craig would star in. During the premiere in London, Craig arrived on the red carpet sporting a red suede coat with a black bowtie. Craig oozed Bond all over and got fans pumped to watch him in the new movie that had been pushed back over a year due to the pandemic.

The View co-host saw a photo of Craig (like the one below) during the red carpet event and shared it on Instagram. Navarro couldnt help but thirst over Craigs appearance just like every fan of the English actor.

Daniel Craig is so damn . I could watch the whole movie on mute, and not even notice, Navarro shared.

To make it clear that her post was only an appreciation post of Craigs beauty, Navarro added, Thats it. Thats the entire post.

Daniel Craig | TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images

RELATED: The View Co-Host Ana Navarro Had a Hilarious Take on Kim Kardashians Met Gala Costume

Fans agreed with Ana Navarros take on Daniel Craig

After Navarro shared her post with her Instagram followers, it wasnt long before fans posted their own reactions thirsting over Craig. A majority of Navarros fans agreed with her take on Craig and the comments lit up.

Oh hell yeah! No need to say more, a fan replied.

That man has aged like fine wine  hes just yummy, a follower noted.

No more words need to be said, an Instagram user agreed with Navarro.

AGREED  been into him since I saw him in Munich. Those eyes girl, another fan agreed.

Ha!! My husband has a total man-crush on him as well! another follower confessed.

Needs nothing more. We all understand, another Instagram user added.

Ana Navarro | Lorenzo Bevilaqua/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

RELATED: The View Star Ana Navarro Says Shes More Moody Than Usual and Its for a Very Relatable Reason

Ana Navarro opens up about why she cant visit her mother

Although the whole post about Craig was all fun and games, Navarro is going through a difficult moment in her life. She recently opened up on The View that her mother had been hospitalized and was extremely ill. Despite the odds, Navarros mother made a well enough recovery she was moved out of ICU and taken back home. However, Navarro is not able to visit her in Nicaragua and she recently explained why.

I have not traveled to see my mom at my parents request, because of COVID concerns and the volatile political situation there, Navarro posted on Instagram. Nicaraguan strongman, Daniel Ortega, has cracked down on members of the free press and on his political opponents and critics. I am both things. Many have been indiscriminately jailed or disappeared. Many more have fled into exile.

Navarro shared that she has been FaceTiming her mother as she is back home and hopes that she recovers enough that she can travel to Miami to visit her. Due to the political climate in Nicaragua, Navarro has opted not to visit for fear of her well-being.
After a pandemic-enforced delay, Wes Andersons latest movie, The French Dispatch, is finally premiering. Anderson is one of the few directors who draws attention despite never working with a massive franchise. His distinct visual style and sense of humor have influenced many, but his artistic voice remains singular.

The French Dispatch features an ensemble cast with a mix of actors hes never worked with before and some reliable stars who always bring their best when working with Anderson. Early buzz from film festivals suggests this movie will be more than worth your time as it premieres on October 22, 2021.

What is The French Dispatch about?

Initial rumors that Andersons 10th feature film was set to be a musical proved to be well off the mark. The French Dispatch is an anthology story centered around the production of the final issue of a fictional Kansas magazine from their French office. (The full title of the movie is The French Dispatch of the Liberty, Kansas Evening Sun.)

The main inspiration for the movie comes from Andersons deep admiration for The New Yorker (he told the publication that he owns nearly every issue dating back to the 1940s) as well as his desire to make a movie in France.

Anderson always manages to bring great acting talent into his movies, and this remains true for The French Dispatch. The anthology structure allows for his biggest cast yet. Familiar stars includes Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman, Tilda Swinton, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Anjelica Huston, Frances McDormand, and Edward Norton. Theyve all worked with Anderson at least three times up to this point. The movies composer, Alexandre Desplat, has scored all of his films.

The list of first-time collaborators is also impressive. The most high-profile names include Timothee Chalamet, Elisabeth Moss, Benicio del Toro, Jeffrey Wright, and Lea Seydoux.

Where was The French Dispatch filmed?

Apparently, Wes Anderson's new film, The French Dispatch, is set in the town ofEnnui-Sur-Blase. (But was filmed in Angouleme). pic.twitter.com/ODJRtzz3WH  Chris O'Brien (@obrien) August 22, 2021

Location and set design are hugely important to Andersons work, so finding the right place to shoot the movie is vital. The French Dispatch takes place in the fictional town of Ennui-sur-Blase, a clever play on words that are part of the English language but have French origins. (The name translates to Boredom-on-Apathy.)

Angouleme, France served as the filming location for the movie. Anderson explained the choice of the city during an interview with Charente Libre. During the scouting process, the 52-year-old director and his team looked for a place that could be a district of Paris, like Menilmontant, Belleville or Montmartre. Angouleme won out due to its local architecture; one highlight involved a studio in an old factory in Gond-Pontouvre.

Some locals took issue with their home being renamed as it was, but Anderson insists it is not a statement about the city itself. Blase is the name of the river, he explained. We had found it before choosing Angouleme. For English speakers, it sounds funny. But that the Angoumoisins do not take offense, Angouleme plays a big role in the film.

It seems like the choice paid off, at least during filming. Murray insisted on staying for a week despite the shooting schedule only needing him for a day. One local woman, Mauricette Couvidat, impressed Anderson so thoroughly that she became a cast member despite not being an actor.

Ah, Mauricette! Anderson exclaimed to Charente Libre. I have never seen someone be appreciated by all the actors so quickly. She is a star! She has a powerful voice which gives her a great presence  very professional even though she had never made films  I knew she couldnt just be an extra.

Early reviews of The French Dispatch are mostly positive

(L-R) Lyna Khoudri, Wes Anderson, and Timothee Chalamet at the The French Dispatch photo-call at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival | Dominique Charriau/WireImage

Most critics think highly of The French Dispatch so far. Its critic score on Rotten Tomatoes sits at 83% from 42 reviews as of publication.

Indiewires Eric Kohn, who gave it a B+, wrote: Closer to a French New Wave experiment than the more controlled ensemble stories in his repertoire, The French Dispatch is akin to Anderson inviting audiences into his laboratory as he mines for gold from real material, and fuses it with his homegrown artistry.

By contrast, Vanity Fairs Richard Lawson found the movie too focused on aesthetics. For the most part, though, the stories are busy and incomprehensible, flurries of bells and whistles that really only serve to show us how much visual wit and linguistic acrobatics Anderson is capable of. What its all about is lost in the frenzied shuffle; if it was ever about anything.

Regardless, Andersons fans will surely enjoy another production from the director; this time set in France.

RELATED: Is Wes Andersons The Grand Budapest Hotel Real?
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The high-tech Spin-Off TXproducts, founded in April 2021 on the DESY campus in Hamburg, will receive funding from Investitions- und Forderbank Hamburg (ifb). TX stands for "Tailored X-Ray", and the company develops solutions for customizing synchrotron X-rays beams for experiments at large-scale research facilities. "We make the best microscopes in the world even better" is the motto of the young company. It is led by Peter Gaal, who is also the head of the X-Ray Optics group at the Leibniz-Institut fur Kristallzuchtung (IKZ) in Berlin, and by his former doctoral student Daniel Schmidt, a specialist in nanoscience research and time-resolved X-ray and laser technology.

The team has developed a small device that can make research at large x-ray light sources like DESY's Petra III much more efficient. Their product is based on piezoelectric crystals which convert plastic deformation in an electrical voltage and vice versa. Such crystals are also used in mobile phones or in sensors, e.g., to detect a virus. The development of the required crystals is the result of the company's close cooperation with the IKZ. No bigger than half a shoebox, their new device can easily be installed in various experimental stations at synchrotron beamlines. Here it enables researchers to adapt the time structure of the X-ray beam specifically to the needs of their experiment. Thus, the researchers can now determine the exposure of their samples, e.g., to film a chemical reaction while it is taking place.

The start-up will now occupy offices at the DESY Innovation Village in the center of the DESY campus. The Village accommodates innovation and pre-foundation projects as well as freshly founded Start-Ups. The location is ideal for TXproducts: We need the proximity to a synchrotron storage ring, says Peter Gaal. There are beamlines at Petra III who want our product and who support our R&D activities. In addition, the young start-up can exchange ideas with other founders on the campus and find well-trained employees in the future. As an add-on, TXproducts can get support from the DESY Start-Up Office in business matters. "Our campus offers young high-tech start-ups a rich ecosystem in which they can grow and develop their products. For a start-up like TXproducts the connection to Petra III, which is one of the most brilliant synchrotron radiation sources in the world, is especially important," says Arik Willner, Chief Technology Officer at DESY. Recently, the IKZ has also opened an office on the DESY campus under the roof of a JointLab with DESY. "The location offers ideal conditions for bringing our research results closer to application, for example in the field of new X-ray optics," explains Thomas Schroder, Director of the IKZ.

TXproducts is already working on new products. With support from IFB TXproducts pulse picker WaveGate will be developed into a mobile demonstrator. The device can adjust the pulse frequency of an impinging X-ray beam or even leak isolated pulses towards a sample. "Light travels seven times around the equator in one second," explains Daniel Schmidt. "In comparison our WaveGate can switch the X-ray beam on and off while light travels only 30 meters." The next device the researchers are working on, the so-called "PicoSwitch", is even faster: it can switch the X-ray beam on and off within the width of a needle, thus allowing the light to pass for only five to ten picoseconds (trillionths of a second). Such short beams are necessary to study processes that occur faster than the duration of the X-ray pulses itself. There is a strong demand for short X-ray and optical pulses in modern research. The founders have received support funding from the Investitions- und Forderbank Hamburg (IFB) for the start-up phase of the company.
The Oklahoma Legislature will gather on Nov. 15 to finalize the district maps for U.S. House representation and the statehouse.
A Presbyterian minister is receiving pushback from the pro-life community for arguing in a USA Today column that abortion "can be a morally good decision" and for urging Christians to "stand up and speak out in support" of legalized abortion.

Rebecca Todd Peters, a professor of religious studies at Elon University and an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), says in a new USA Today column that she had two abortions and considers both to be positive moments in her life.

"I can say, without a doubt, that the two decisions we made to have children were far more morally significant than the decisions to end two pregnancies," she wrote. "Guided by Christian principles that promote abundant life, seek justice and recognize the human dignity of women, the decision to end a pregnancy can be a morally good decision. And in a world where the dominant Christian voices insist that abortion is morally wrong, it is time for those Christians who believe otherwise to say loudly and clearly that abortion can be a moral good."

Prior to Roe v. Wade, she wrote, clergy across the country "courageously began a public campaign" to help women obtain abortions in defiance of the law. She encouraged today's Christians to testify that "abortion can be a morally good decision and women must be trusted to make moral decisions."

There are multiple ways, she wrote, in which an abortion can be a "morally good decision."

"Ending a pregnancy when one cannot afford to care for a child (or another child) can be a morally responsible decision," she wrote. "Ending a pregnancy when one is not emotionally or physically able or ready to parent a child can be a morally responsible decision. Ending a pregnancy that will interrupt one's education or career, the tools that enable people in our culture to prepare themselves to live stable and abundant lives, can be a morally responsible decision."

Women, she wrote, are "full moral agents, created in the image of God, and capable of making the important moral decisions that shape our lives, our families and our futures."

Pro-life leader Albert Mohler, the president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, said Peters' argument is devoid of biblical ethics.

"This is literally what the Bible warns about  those who call evil good and good evil. That is exactly what's going on here," Mohler said on his podcast The Briefing.

Abortion, Mohler said, is "self-evidently wrong."

"How do we know what is and is not a moral good? Who decides what's good? Who has the authority to tell us what's good? Well, first of all, biblical Christianity begins with the understanding that only God is good and that whatever good is, we come to know it by God's own revelation  a good God, the one and only God who is a good God has revealed to us His goodness and the meaning of goodness in the world."

Mohler also rejected Peters' assertion that abortion should be endorsed as good because women are "full moral agents."

"The most conservative pro-life evangelical Christian believes that women are indeed full moral agents," he said. "But you know what? Full moral agents don't get to make up the morality. They are responsible for making decisions. They're either going to do A or B or C, but moral agency does not include the right to invent the entire moral structure. That's not moral agency. That's moral insanity."

Related:

Biden Says He Doesn't Believe Life Begins at Conception, Labels Texas Law 'Almost Un-American'

Court Upholds Texas Ban on Dismemberment Abortion, Says It's 'Self-Evidently Gruesome'

Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Sofiia Petrova

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
When our twins were born in 2019, I took six weeks off work. My husband did toothanks to his then-employers family leave plan, offered equally to new mothers and fathers alikeand its impossible to overstate how indispensable his leave became.

It wasnt that I had a difficult physical recovery. Mercifully, I didnt, especially by the standard of multiples pregnancies. But I found I couldnt set myself up for tandem nursing alone, which meant that without my husbands help, I would have been nursing 50 percent of my hours every daynot my waking hours, all my hours. And if each twin took a full hour to eat, every two hours, nursing wouldve occupied 100 percent of my days and nights. I literally could not have done it by myself.

Ive been thinking about the importance of paid family leave again recently, both because of personal circumstanceweve had some childcare disruptions, and once again my husbands job made it possible for him to shoulder that taskand because its the subject of increasing political attention.

The Biden administrations American Families Plan, introduced in April, would eventually provide 12 weeks of family leave per year, paid at up to $4,000 per month, should it become law.

Paid family leave is financially messy in the United States, where many of our benefits come through our employers. Some smaller businesses and organizations truly wouldnt be able to comply with a mandate to provide lengthy leave, unless it were subsidized at a high enough level to pay both a new hire and the person on leave.

If employers of any size believe they cant afford to comply, they might respond by refusing to hire peopleespecially womenwho strike them as likely to have more children.

Moreover, one poll shows lower- and working-class families (who are least likely to have paid family leave now) strongly prefer having one parent (usually the mother) at home full time, which partly shifts the paid leave issue to a single-income household issue. These families also rank cash assistance or wage subsidies over leave if asked to choose among federal childcare support options.

But if the execution side of this issue is complex, the Christian stance is simple: We should provide the best family leave possible. Christians who own or manage businesses ought to lead the way on family leave, based on three Christian convictions.

First, family leave is pro-life. The basic physical need I experienced with our twinsto say nothing of mothers with complicated pregnancies and infants who require NICU careis part of giving birth. In our country, where both infant and maternal mortality are too high, parental leave could save lives. There is clearly a linkeven if indirectbetween maternity leave and babies surviving.

As former CT managing editor Katelyn Beaty has argued, giving mothers especially time to rest, heal, and meet their new babies without incurring significant economic hardship is fundamentally pro-family and pro-life. It builds an irreplaceable foundation for a new phase of family life.

Second, we can certainly make a scriptural case for family leave, highlighting similarities to Old Testament purification rules (which in practice gave new mothers a rest after birth) and the Bibles frequent injunctions to help one another in love (Rom. 12:13).

For Christian business owners, offering family leave voluntarilywithout a federal mandate, which might come with subsidiesis an opportunity for sacrificial generosity in imitation of Christ (Eph. 5:2).

For some employers, especially in very small businesses and ministries, offering weeks of paid leave may be financially impossible. But there are also organizations that could offer family leave and choose instead to put their spare resources to other, more self-serving ends.

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Among Christians, this ought not be. Family leave should be a business priority for us, even if it entails real sacrifice (Phil. 2:3-4)be that longer hours for us during an employees absence or lower profits or pay.

My third ground for Christian leadership on family leave is fatherhood. There is a mountain of evidence, both researched and anecdotal, that men need to spend timeextensive time, undistracted timewith their children in those initial weeks after birth or adoption. Missing that time can create a durable emotional distance between father and child because the father didn't learn alongside the mother from the very beginning. (It can also be damaging to the parents relationship, as more early paternity leave is linked to lower divorce rates.)

How many times have you heard a new father declare himself helpless or useless with his own infant? How ingrained in our culture is the stereotype of the father who is hapless, distant, or bothwho cant change a diaper or doesnt know what his kids will eat? And how can we be surprised by any of this if we dont give fathers time off to get to know their children?

Research has shown fathers who take paternity leave are more likely, a year or so down the road, to change diapers, bathe their children, read them bedtime stories, and get up at night to tend to them.

That bedtime stories bit suggests that not only do leave-trained fathers become more practically competent, they also become better equipped to follow biblical commands about parenting, both those fathers themselves tend to cite (Start children off on the way they should go, Prov. 22:6) and the one I loved to whip out as a child (Do not exasperate your children, Eph. 6:4).

It is impossible to disciplelet alone avoid exasperatinga child you do not know. Mothers who give birth plunge into the deep end of parenting by biological default, but fathers (and both parents if theyre pursuing adoption) need leave to begin to know their new children early and well.

American Christians, particularly evangelicals, have long considered themselves defenders of the family and advocates of good parenting. Modeling tangible, sacrificial support for mothers and fathersand, most of all, childrenis a needful way to match word and deed.
This week, North Americas oldest denomination will confront its gridlock over LGBTQ ordination and same-sex marriage. Votes cast in Tucson at the Reformed Church in Americas General Synoddelayed 16 months due to the pandemicwill chart the course for the already-splintering denomination.

In the past year, conservative factions have broken ties with the RCA, with other churches threatening to follow. Delegates to the synod, which starts Thursday and will continue through Tuesday, will determine how the denomination might restructure to entice congregations to stay, if the church will establish an external mission organization and whether departing congregations can plan on taking their church buildings with them.

At General Synod, delegates come from across the RCA to discern the mind of Christ together, said Christina Tazelaar, RCA director of communications. There are difficult decisions on the agenda, along with many things to celebrate, and were praying that the Holy Spirit guides every decision.

The RCA is a historically Dutch Reformed denomination dating back to the 1620s, when New York was known as New Amsterdam. Today, the RCA has fewer than 200,000 members and 1,000 churches. While in theory RCA churches are united by their polity, history, and Reformed convictions, they hold a range of political and theological beliefs.

The RCA isnt the only Protestant denomination facing division over views on sexuality. Next year, the United Methodist Church is expected to vote on a proposal to split the denomination over the inclusion of LGBTQ members, and the RCAs sister denomination, the Christian Reformed Church, will grapple with its contentious human sexuality report at its own synod.

Its a case study in how a church can or cannot navigate questions of identity, questions that are tense, matters of conflict, said Matthew van Maastricht, pastor at Altamont Reformed Church in Altamont, New York. We are just one part of a greater reshaping of the broader American Protestant landscape.

According to the Rev. Dan Griswold, clerk of the RCAs Holland Classis, the RCA debates involve specific questions: Can an RCA church host a wedding between a same-sex couple, and can an RCA minister officiate such a wedding? Can noncelibate gay people be elected as elders and deacons and ordained as ministers? While these questions are often framed as political, they are also theological.

Its really about how we view the Bible, how we understand God, and the nature of the church, said the Rev. Lynn Japinga, professor of religion at RCA-affiliated Hope College. Its a fundamental difference in approach to the Christian faith thats the source of all this.  Do you have more of a rule-based faith, or do you have a more grace-based faith?

Ron Citlau, senior pastor of Calvary Church near Chicago, frames the question differently.

Ive dealt with same-sex attraction, and the issue for me and many of the people I know is, is it a thing for which Jesus Christ needs to come to redeem us, or is it a blessing he wants us to embrace? said Citlau, who is married to a woman and whose church helped form the conservative non-RCA Kingdom Network. If we get sin wrong, there are larger things at stake.

The debate is also a question of polity. The RCA has a localized structure that gives classesregional church groupsauthority over matters such as discipline and ordination. While all RCA churches follow the Book of Church Order, they dont have to follow the General Synods recommendations.

Theres nothing in the Book of Church Order that says anything explicit about sexuality at all, said David Komline, associate professor of church history at Western Theological Seminary. The General Synod has repeatedly made statements that are more traditional in orientation about sexuality, but those are just statements. There are no mechanisms in place to hold people accountable to these statements.

An ongoing question is whether the General Synod ought to be able to make dictates it can enforce. In recent years, conservative RCA members have pushed for General Synod to do just that. In 2016, the General Synod voted to amend the Book of Church Order to define marriage as between a woman and a man. However, the measure failed to win the necessary two-thirds approval from the classes.

We found that the RCA is designed in such a way, intentionally or not, in which the vast majority cannot move to what they believe is right because there are just enough progressive classes that can veto, said Citlau. According to Citlau, the two-thirds rule gives disproportionate power to classes with progressive views and fewer members. But progressive members argue the General Synod was never designed to issue top-down decisions in the first place.

In 2018, General Synod formed a team charged with discerning whether the RCA should stay together, restructure, or separate. In their Vision 2020 Report, that team suggested a path involving all three avenues. First, the report recommends appointing a team for reorganizing classes by affinity rather than geography; churches would opt into classes and group themselves by shared values. The second proposal is to create an external RCA mission agency that would allow departing churches to continue supporting RCAs global missions work. Third, the report recommends allowing a departing church to retain its property and assets.

These three proposals are scheduled to be debated on Saturday and require a simple majority of votes to passbut the measures could be radically amended before then, and other overtures could be adopted as well.

Regardless of what happens at the General Synod, the RCA is already splitting. The Kingdom Network, an alliance currently composed of five churches in Indiana and Illinois, officially left the RCA on September 9. The group was formerly an RCA classis that prioritized church planting.

The RCA has this albatross around its neck, and historically it moves very slow, said Citlau. From our point of view, the house is burning. We cant keep saying, were going to wait five more years and have a couple of committees. Its already a bloody mess, and until youre willing to get in there and make some choices, theres no way through. And we did our best effort to make a way through.

In May 2021, the Alliance of Reformed Churches was formed as an alternative to the RCA for conservative churches questioning their place in the denomination. According to their website, more than 125 churches have expressed interest in joining the alliance.

The Alliance of Reformed Churches is praying with the RCA for the clear leading of Gods Spirit at its General Synod, the Alliance said in a statement emailed to RNS. Our prayers will be with our brothers and sisters as they walk together through this significant moment in the RCAs history.

More departures are likely on the way. The 2020 Vision Report said: We have informally learned of entire classes intention to exit the denomination in the near future. These departures have been a long time coming; the RCA has been debating sexuality and LGBTQ inclusion since the 1970s.

People on different sides of the spectrum have been fighting for about 40 years, and theyre sick of it, said Komline. They believe their fighting is impeding their mission. I think thats the case on both sides. The liberals want to go pursue justice, as they define it, and the evangelicals want to share the gospel as they define that.

According to Griswold, these divisions can be traced back even further. The RCA was originally formed by several waves of Dutch immigrants. Those in the earlier waves settled along the East Coast, where they eventually developed sensibilities that resembled those of their mainline peers, while migrants who came in the 19th century often settled further west. Today, the cultural and theological divides are still evident. All except five of the 44 churches listed as LGBTQ-affirming by Room for Allan LGBTQ-affirming network in the RCAare in the Northeast.

As America as a whole has shifted, the RCA has experienced some similar shifts, said Komline. Just as America now is very polarized, so is the RCA.
A new series here at CTs Jesus Creed  recent books that have crossed my desk.

Joel Looper examines the question What did DB think of the American church? in his new book Bonhoeffers America: A Land without Reformation. This is an important study of a famous essay by Bonhoeffer but it takes some expertise to sort through all he was saying  in its day and in the corpus of Bonhoeffer studies. Looper is a good writer; the book is accessible and a great introduction to much of whats going on in Bonhoeffers life.

A new book by Jonathan D. Redding, called One Nation Under Graham: Apocalyptic Rhetoric and American Exceptionalism. Reddings book is a slice of American history. The slice is Billy Graham in several respects: his apocalyptic rhetoric, which is as American and Graham as it gets; his American exceptionalism if not patriotic nationalism; his anti-communism; his relation to presidents (Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Carter, Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Clinton, George W. Bush, Obama, and Trump); and especially Grahams advocacy for under God being added in 1954 (under Eisenhower) to the Pledge of Allegiance. The decisive sermon was by George Docherty, but he was rooting his sermon and style at the time in Billy Grahams anti-communism American exceptionalism that could only stave off communism if Americans would be born again, get right with God, and commit to being a God-honoring Christian nation.

When I first saw the five models of Mark Reasoner (Five Models of Scripture) I thought he was taking a cross-sectional approach to how we encounter the Bible and various Bible readings. His five are: Bible as (1) Documents, (2) Stories, (3) Prayers, (4) Laws, and (5) Oracles. John Goldingays Models of Scriptureused other terms (witnessing tradition, authoritative canon, inspired word, experienced revelation) prompted Mark to pose other experiences of reading the Bible and his approach considers a wider lens in the church, which means he has a more sensitive ear for Roman Catholic and Orthodox perceptions and experiences of the Bible. Should be required reading in courses that deal with the doctrine of Scripture.
Amish survived COVID-19 better than most by not locking down, ceasing church gatherings: report

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The Amish community in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has made it through the coronavirus pandemic without experiencing a catastrophic loss of life despite their refusal to adopt many of the safety precautions portrayed as necessary to prevent widespread loss of life, according to a new report.

While officials in most U.S. cities ordered businesses and churches to close for several months in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Amish continued working and never stopped worshiping together at church.

On her news magazine series Full Measure Sunday, investigative journalist Sharyl Attkisson reported on the Amish communitys response to the coronavirus pandemic, which differed significantly from the approach taken by the rest of the country.

She described the Amish as a Christian group that emphasizes the virtuous over the superficial. In an effort to live a virtuous life, many in the group refrain from driving and using electricity.

Attkisson traveled to Lancaster County, well-known for its large Amish population, to talk to locals about how they handled the pandemic. One person she spoke to, an Amish Mennonite named Calvin Lapp, explained: There are three things the Amish dont like: And thats government; they wont get involved in government. They dont like the public education system; they wont send their children to education. And ... they also dont like the health system.

Those three things are all part of what COVID is, he said. Attkisson noted that after a short shutdown last year, the Amish chose a unique path that led to COVID-19 tearing through at warp speed. The community gathered for a religious celebration in May 2020, where they all took communion.

Lapp then described how the Amish take communion: They dunk their wine into a cup, and they take turns to drink out of the cup. So you go the whole way down the line and everybody drinks out of that cup, so if one person has coronavirus, the rest of the church is going to get coronavirus.

While he acknowledged that everybody got coronavirus, Lapp defended the communitys approach: Its a worse thing to quit working than dying. But to shut down and say that we cant go to church, we cant get together with family, we cant see our old people in the hospital, we got to quit working  its going completely against everything that we believe.

About a year after the coronavirus pandemic first broke out in the U.S., national news outlets and The Associated Press wire service reported that the Lancaster County Amish community had reached herd immunity, meaning that a large part of the population had been infected with COVID-19 and became immune. However, precise data is difficult to come across because the Amish were hesitant to publicize coronavirus cases in their community.

Steve Nolt, a scholar on Amish and Mennonite culture, told Attkisson that in some cases, Amish people ... refused to go to the hospital, even when they were very sick because if they went there, they wouldnt be able to have visitors, and it was more important to be sick, even very sick, at home and have the ability to have some people around you than to go to the hospital and be isolated.

Nolt added that even those who ... believed that they had COVID tended not to get tested. Their approach tended to be Im sick, I know Im sick, I dont have to have someone else tell me Im sick, or a concern that if they  got a positive test, they would then be asked to really dramatically limit what they were doing in a way that  might be uncomfortable for them.

Theres no evidence of any more deaths among the Amish than in places that shut down tight. Some claim there were fewer here, Attkisson maintained. Thats without masking, staying at home or taking the coronavirus vaccine.

Lapp highlighted that the absence of a prolonged shutdown meant that the Amish made more money in the last year than we ever did as the rest of the country experienced economic hardships because of lockdowns. He described 2020 as our best year ever.
Christian colleges can fight LGBT lawsuit seeking to block Title IX religious exemptions, judge rules

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A federal judge has granted the request of Christian colleges who want to intervene in a lawsuit that seeks to force the U.S. Department of Education to strip federal funding from Christian colleges that abide by traditional beliefs on gender and sexuality.

In an opinion released last Friday, Judge Ann Aiken of the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon granted the motions to intervene in a case brought forward by dozens of current and former students at 25 Christian colleges who argue that religious exemptions to Title IX discrimination law are unconstitutional.

Although the lawsuit was filed against the Department of Education earlier this year, three Christian colleges and the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities filed motions to intervene.

The Clinton appointee ruled that the Federal Rules for Civil Procedure allow nonparties to intervene in cases where they believe the issue at hand may affect them.

The lawsuit was filed in March on behalf of Elizabeth Hunter, an LGBT graduate of Bob Jones University, and several other LGBT plaintiffs currently or formerly enrolled in Christian colleges. The plaintiffs are represented by the Religious Exemption Accountability Project.

The lawsuit alleges that religious colleges and universities' exemptions from Title IX nondiscrimination laws are unconstitutional because they allow such schools to discriminate against LGBT students.

Examples of discrimination against LGBT students cited in the lawsuit include "conversion therapy, expulsion, denial of housing and healthcare, sexual and physical abuse and harassment, as well as the less visible, but no less damaging, consequences of institutionalized shame, fear, anxiety and loneliness."

The U.S. Department of Education's website explains that "Title IX generally prohibits a recipient institution from excluding, separating, denying benefits to, or otherwise treating students differently on the basis of sex in its educational programs or activities."

Title IX includes an exemption for "an educational institution that is controlled by a religious organization to the extent that application of Title IX would be inconsistent with the religious tenets of the organization."

While Title IX was one of several initiatives passed nearly half a century ago to provide equal opportunities to women in education, the LGBT students' lawsuit alleges that the prohibitions of discrimination based on sex in Title IX also apply to sexual orientation and gender identity. The Obama administration shared that interpretation of Title IX while the Trump administration rescinded an order telling educational institutions to treat sexual orientation and gender identity as equivalent to sex upon taking office in 2017.

On April 9, nearly two weeks after the lawsuit was filed, Alliance Defending Freedom filed a motion to intervene on behalf of three Christian schools: Corban University in Oregon, William Jessup University in California and Phoenix Seminary in Arizona.

The religious liberty law firm maintained that although they were not parties in the case, the schools would face a negative impact from any decision gutting Title IX religious exemptions for faith-based colleges and universities.

ADF Senior Counsel and Vice President of U.S. Litigation David Cortman praised Aiken's decision.

"This lawsuit wants the federal government to tell Christian schools, 'To continue accepting low- to middle-income students who require financial aid, you have to violate your core beliefs,'" Cortman said in a statement. "Because that's neither reasonable nor constitutional, we are pleased that these schools will have the opportunity to defend their freedoms in this case."

Cortman contends that no court "should grant a radical request to rewrite federal law and strong-arm religious colleges by stripping their students of much-needed financial aid."

About a month after ADF filed the motion to intervene on behalf of the three Christian colleges, the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, a network of over 140 Christian higher education institutions across the U.S., filed a separate motion to intervene.

In June, the Biden administration indicated that it intended to defend the faith-based exemptions to Title IX while opposing the efforts of the nonparty colleges to intervene in the case. This announcement received pushback from REAP.

REAP, which "empowers queer, trans and nonbinary students at more than 200 taxpayer-funded religious colleges and universities that actively discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression," slammed the Biden administration's "out-of-touch position."

The nonprofit organization warned that the move "will only serve to harm more LGBTQ students at religious colleges  & permit continued taxpayer-funded discrimination at these institutions."

The legal efforts to challenge the religious exemptions to Title IX come as the Equality Act, which would codify nondiscrimination protections for the LGBT community into federal law, has failed to gain traction in the U.S. Congress. While the measure passed the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives on a largely party-line vote in February, it's been unable to pass the evenly split Senate due to opposition from Democrats and Republicans.
Dean Cain blasts DC Comics after Superman's son revealed as bisexual: 'Theyre bandwagoning'

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An actor well-known for playing Superman in the 1990s is weighing in on DC Comics' branding of the character's son as bisexual, alleging that the move is not bold or brave.

DC Comics announced Monday that an upcoming issue of the comic book series Superman: Son of Kal-El will profile a romantic relationship between Jon Kent, son of the original Superman Clark Kent, and a male journalist, suggesting that the character is bisexual.

Actor Dean Cain, an outspoken conservative who starred on the TV series "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman" from 1993 to 1997, reacted to the news during an appearance on "Fox & Friends First" Tuesday.

Cain pushed back on the idea that making Jon Kent bisexual constituted a "bold new direction" for the Superman franchise by noting the increasingly large number of superhero characters revealing themselves as LGBT.

"I say they're bandwagoning.  Robin, of Batman & Robin  just came out  as bi or gay recently. And honestly, who's really shocked about that one?"

"The new Captain America is gay. My daughter in 'Supergirl' where I played  the father, she was gay.  So I don't think it's bold or brave or some crazy new direction," he added. "If they had done this 20 years ago, perhaps that would have been bold and brave."

The 55-year-old actor offered his assessment of how the Superman comic's authors could be "brave."

"Brave would be having him  fighting for the rights of gay people in Iran, where they'll throw you off a building for the offense of being gay," he asserted.

"They're talking about him fighting  real-world problems like climate change, the deportation of refugees and  he'll be dating a 'hacktivist,' whatever a 'hacktivist' is. Why don't they have him fight the injustices that created the refugees  whose deportation he's protesting? That would be brave."

Cain suggested that Jon Kent should start "fighting for the rights of women to attend school and have the ability to work and live, and boys not to be raped by men under the new warm and fuzzy Taliban," referring to the situation in Afghanistan after the United States withdrew troops from the country.

"There's real evil in this world today, real corruption and government overreach, plenty of things to fight against  human trafficking, real actual slavery going on."

"It would be brave to tackle those issues, shine a light on those issues," Cain maintained. "I'd like to see the character doing that."

He predicted that he would not read the upcoming issue of Superman: Son of Kal-El because he could "just watch CNN or MSNBC to get this information."

Cain elaborated in an op-ed published by Real Clear Politics Thursday titled "'Woke' Superman's Mission is Neither Bold Nor Brave."

The actor delivered a message to the "cultural gatekeepers busily rethinking which of our national heroes  or iconic superheroes, for that matter, belong on pedestals."

"Inclusiveness is healthy, but tinkering with the sexuality or political outlook of fictional heroes does not necessarily improve their character," he wrote. "Here, after all, was the initial description of the man from Krypton: 'Superman, champion of the oppressed. The physical marvel who had sworn to devote his existence to helping those in need!"

Cain took issue with the replacement of Superman's longtime catchphrase "Truth, Justice, and the American Way" with "Truth, Justice, and a Better World."

He lamented that "the cool thing right now is to bash America. He defined a "better world" as "one in which people have more freedom and independence" and "protection from government overreach and corruption."

He classified the ideas mentioned above as synonymous with "the idea of America."

The reintroduction of well-established superhero characters as gay or bisexual is not a new phenomenon.

In addition to the characterization of Batman's sidekick Robin as bisexual in the August issue of the DC Comics book series Batman: Urban Legends, the character of Batwoman was portrayed as a lesbian on the CW television series of the same name.

Nearly a decade ago, DC Comics faced considerable backlash for depicting the Green Lantern as gay.

The assignment of characters first created decades ago into the LGBT community is not limited to superheroes.

A 2019 episode of the PBS children's series "Arthur" based on the long-running children's book series featured the title character's teacher, Mr. Ratburn, getting married to another male character.

The portrayal of superheroes and other characters on notable programs designed for children comes as the LGBT advocacy group GLAAD has called for 20% of all television characters to be LGBT by 2025.
Christian star Dog the Bounty Hunter 'has not ended his search for Brian Laundrie' despite injury

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Though Duane Chapman, who is better known as "Dog the Bounty Hunter," is taking a break from searching for fugitive Brian Laundrie due to an injury, the Christian reality star and his team arent giving up the chase.

Weeks after joining the search for Laundrie, a person of interest in the homicide of his 22-year-old fiancee, Gabby Petito, Chapman and his wife, Francie, returned to their home in Colorado.

In a statement to The Christian Post, Chapmans spokesperson, Jennifer Willingham, explained that the bounty hunter needed to attend to a "variety of matters," including an ankle injury he incurred during the search.

Dog has not ended his search for Brian Laundrie, Willingham said, adding that there is still a group of investigators working with Dog who remain in Florida and are researching regional tips.

Additionally, Dogs command center team led by Lyssa Chapman and Greg Zecca continue to assist in managing the search logistics and researching leads from Hawaii and Colorado, respectively, she said.

Laundrie, 23, went missing shortly after he returned home from a vacation with Petito, who was found dead in Wyoming on Sept. 19. Petitos death was ruled a homicide. In a press conference Tuesday, Teton County Coroner Dr. Brent Blu revealed she died from strangulation.

Though Laundrie has not been charged in the death of Petito, he was indicted on charges of using two financial accounts that did not belong to him in the days following her death.

Chapman, who has apprehended more than 8,000 fugitives, joined the search for Laundrie on Sept. 27, four days after a warrant was issued for the latter's arrest. Dog believes that Laundrie is hiding somewhere in the 1,136-acre Fort De Soto Park in Florida, which is made up of five interconnected islands.

Last month, Willingham revealed that it was Chapmans faith that compelled him to join the search for Laundrie.

"Dog and Francie, who are devout Christians, felt as if their proximity to the search was not a coincidence and they wanted to do something to help the Petito family," she said. "At the same time, Dog's fans were sending him tips and urging him to join the search."

"Therefore, Dog and his team, including his daughter Lyssa and Francie's son Greg who are working from Hawaii and Colorado respectively, opened up a formal tip line, 833-TELLDOG, and volunteered their time to search for Mr. Laundrie this past weekend."

Willingham revealed that Dog received the blessing of the Petito family to be involved in the search and have been in touch periodically.

"During their search, they have unearthed multiple new leads. They will be continuing the hunt in the coming days, following evidence and tips in an effort to aid law enforcement," she said.

Laundrie's parents, Chris and Roberta, told investigators they have not seen their son since Sept. 14. At the time, they said, he left their home with a backpack, saying he was going to a nearby nature reserve.

But Dog previously told the Sun that he believes Laundrie was encouraged by his parents to return to their home in North Port following Petitos death.

Of course he murdered her. I think he called the mom and dad right from the scene and said, OMG! Chapman told the news outlet.

Now we have to remember that they lived  Gabby and Brian  with his mom and dad for almost two years, he continued. And the house, I was there, its not a huge house, so Im sure they heard, the parents probably heard Gabby screaming.

I was told by a very close source that he was a gentleman, he said. I think he said, Mom, she was screaming, she was screaming so I put my hand over her mouth, and I held my hand and she was screaming and when I took it away she wasnt breathing and I tried CPR."

Petitos case has dominated headlines in recent weeks and, on social media, sparked a flurry of theories regarding her death and Laundries involvement. Across the country, numerous vigils and memorial services have been held in Petito's memory.

At a memorial service for Petito held at Moloney Holbrook Funeral Home in New York on Sept. 26, her family reflected on her passion for life and love of others.

They passed out a prayer card that read: Do not grieve for me, for I am free. I am traveling a path the Lord has taken me. Be not burdened with times of sorrow. I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow. Perhaps my time seemed too brief. Do not lengthen it with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and share with me the memories that will always be.
Va. school district claims it followed protocol amid reports 2 girls were sexually assaulted by trans student

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A Virginia school district is defending its response to two sexual assault allegations after it was accused of covering up one of the assaults because it raised questions about the potential consequences of a policy passed in August allowing students to use bathrooms based on their gender identity.

Loudoun County Public Schools released a statement Wednesday acknowledging that it is "aware of the media and social media reports concerning alleged sexual assaults at two of our high school campuses." The district maintained that the proper "process was followed with respect to these allegations."

On Aug. 10, the Loudoun County School Board approved Policy 8040, allowing trans-identified students to use bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity instead of their biological sex.

The Daily Wire reported the May 28 sexual assault of Scott Smith's 15-year-old daughter at Loudoun County's Stone Bridge High School Monday. The publication reported a biological boy who identifies as a girl alleged to have been wearing a skirt entered a girls' bathroom and sexually assaulted Smith's ninth-grade daughter.

Although juvenile records are sealed, Smith's lawyer, Elizabeth Lancaster, told the news outlet that the student faces two counts of forcible sodomy, one count of anal sodomy and one count of forcible fellatio related to the incident at school.

As Smith noted during an appearance on Fox News' "The Ingraham Angle" Tuesday night, a "concerned parent" contacted him and his wife Friday night to ask for the name of the boy who sexually assaulted his daughter.

When Smith refused to divulge that information and asked for the reason behind the inquiry, the caller informed him that "there was another assault at Broad Run High School and the rumor is that it's the same boy."

"Within a half an hour, it was confirmed that yes, this did happen," he added. From there, Smith decided to speak out publicly about what happened to his daughter.

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office released a statement last week announcing that "a teenager from Ashburn has been charged with sexual battery and abduction of a fellow student at Broad Run High School."

"The investigation determined on the afternoon of October 6, the 15-year-old suspect forced the victim into an empty classroom where he held her against her will and inappropriately touched her," the statement from the sheriff's office reads.

The reaction to The Daily Wire reporting was swift and immediate. In video footage obtained by Fox News, outraged parents confronted the Loudoun County School Board and Superintendent of Schools Scott Ziegler at a school board meeting Tuesday night.

"When is Dr. Ziegler and this board going to be held accountable?" one parent asked. "What did you think was going to happen when you pushed porn into the classrooms and into the libraries and let boys into girls' bathrooms?"

Another parent maintained that "there is something seriously wrong with a system that prioritizes reporting a rape internally to the superintendent so that they can control the narrative instead of calling the police." A third parent accused the district of "hiding evidence from every parent in LCPS about a heinous sexual assault of a student that occurred in a bathroom so you could pass radical Policy 8040."

In its statement Wednesday, Loudoun County Public Schools offered clarification of its responses in the cases of these two sexual assault allegations. The school district contends that police were contacted to investigate the claims of sexual assault.

"Principals are legally required to report to the local law enforcement agency any act, including sexual assault, that may constitute a felony offense [under Virginia law]," the school district's statement reads. "That process was followed with respect to these allegations."

The statement further adds that the Loudoun County Sherriff's Office was "contacted within minutes of receiving the initial report on May 28."

"Once a matter has been reported to law enforcement, LCPS does not begin its investigation until law enforcement advises LCPS that it has completed the criminal investigation," the statement continued. "LCPS has cooperated and continues to cooperate with law enforcement."

NEW: Statement from Loudoun County Public Schools on the two alleged assaults that it appears to have covered up. pic.twitter.com/sOb0OlIYVR  Mary Margaret Olohan (@MaryMargOlohan) October 13, 2021

The school district stated that it is "prohibited from disciplining any student without following the Title IX grievance process, which includes investigating complaints of sexual harassment and sexual assault."

"LCPS does impose interim measures to protect the safety of students involved in the original incident, deter retaliation, and preserve the integrity of the investigation and resolution process. LCPS has complied and continues to comply with its obligations under Title IX."

The school district also maintains that members of the school board "were not aware of the specific details of this incident until it was reported in media outlets earlier this week."

The LCPS statement didn't address the fact that the perpetrator of the sexual assaults was a trans-identified male and that one of the incidents took place in a girls' bathroom. The district also declined to weigh in on parental concerns about Policy 8040.

Concerns about Policy 8040 predate the reporting about the May 28 assault on Smith's daughter.

On June 22, slightly more than three weeks after the sexual assault of Smith's daughter, a school board meeting in Loudoun County made national headlines as parents forcefully spoke out against a proposed school district policy that would allow trans-identified students to use facilities that correspond with their gender identity.

At least two parents were arrested after the meeting was declared an "unlawful assembly." Smith was one of those parents.

The Daily Wire noted that Smith became the "poster child" for the National School Boards Association's claims that parent protests of school board policies could be a form of "domestic terrorism" as a result of a viral video showing his arrest.

Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice directed law enforcement agencies to collaborate on "addressing threats" against school officials after the NSBA requested "federal assistance" to combat what the organization characterized as "domestic terrorism" and "hate crimes."

In his Fox News appearance Tuesday, Smith accused the Biden of administration of using the video of his arrest at the school board meeting to "weaponize" the government against concerned parents.

Smith also elaborated on the events that led to his arrest. As one of several parents hoping to address the Loudoun County School Board on June 22, Smith and his wife were confronted by a left-wing activist who berated them upon learning that they were there to speak out against the transgender policy. When Smith tried to tell the woman what happened to his daughter, she asserted, "that's not what happened." After she vowed to hurt his business by posting unfavorable reviews on social media, Smith called her a "b****."

From there, law enforcement officials descended on Smith, wrestling him to the ground and causing his lip to bleed. Smith's wife shouted out, "My child was raped at school, and this is what happens!"

The Daily Wire concluded that the passage of the policy would have been "politically impossible had Smith's story seen the light of day." Lancaster agreed, suggesting that "If someone would have sat and listened for 30 seconds to what Scott had to say, they would have been mortified and heartbroken."

While the school district had knowledge of what happened to Smith's daughter, it assured the public that such incidents had not taken place in Loudoun County.



At the June 22 meeting, Ziegler dismissed the idea of predators taking advantage of policies like Policy 8040 as a "red herring." He cited a Time Magazine article and asserted that "the predator transgender student or person simply does not exist."

Smith told Fox News that in the weeks following his daughter's assault and his arrest, he wanted to keep a low profile because "we were under the impression from the prosecutor that this sexual predator was being held on in-house arrest with an ankle monitor and would not return to school until these court sessions were done."

"I was told by everyone  my attorneys, the prosecuting attorney, friends of the family, people that I don't even know that if I wanted justice for my daughter, that I needed to keep my mouth quiet and not speak out," he said. "Because in order to get justice for my daughter, which is the most important thing to me of course, was do not come out and let justice prevail."

Elaborating on the harm that the incident at Stone Bridge High School caused his family, Smith told Ingraham that as "the school board and the school system just went on summer break and abandoned us, my wife and I had to spend the entire summer  rebuilding our daughter." He indicated that while his daughter had a "couple ... rough nights" and the family endured "Hell," she is "doing very well."

"She's a survivor," he said. "She's a winner."

Smith's daughter is not the first to have been sexually assaulted in a girls' bathroom.

Pascha Thomas alleged that in 2017, her 5-year-old daughter was sexually assaulted in a girls' bathroom at an elementary school in Decatur, Georgia.

"One of her classmates came into her bathroom, a little boy," Thomas recalled. "She tried to leave the bathroom, [but] the little boy pushed her against the bathroom stall. Basically pinned her up against there. She asked him to stop. He wouldn't. He took his fingers and he was penetrating her through his pants. She asked him to stop, and stated several times that it hurt. He refused."

Thomas worked with the legal group Alliance Defending Freedom to file a lawsuit against the school district, contending that its bathroom policy enabled the assault on the then-5-year-old girl to take place.

A poll from Rasmussen Reports released on Wednesday finds that Americans are split in their opinions of Attorney General Merrick Garland's order for law enforcement to address threats against school boards.

While 44% of likely voters believe that the investigation into alleged threats against school officials is warranted, 47% disagree. Support for investigating threats against school officials stands at 64% among Democrats and 31% among Republicans.

At the same time, 68% of respondents agreed with a statement from Republicans in the U.S. Senate asserting that "the reported heated encounters between concerned parents and school boards often involve speech that is clearly protected by the First Amendment."

Seventy-eight percent of Republicans agreed with that statement, along with 57% of Democrats and 72% of unaffiliated voters.
Pakistan: 2 brothers shot and killed by Muslim mob in attack on Christian neighborhood

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A mob of Muslim men opened fire on a Christian neighborhood, killing two brothers, after authorities in Pakistans Punjab province allowed Christians to lease a disputed piece of land, according to a report.

Yaqoob Masih and his brother, Haroon Masih, who were among five Christians who were visiting the property after being awarded the lease, were killed last Friday in Punjabs Okara District, the U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern reports.

A Muslim family had religious hatred against us and other Christians living in the village, Indriyas Masih, a witness and survivor of the attack, was quoted as saying. They never like the development of Christians in the village and therefore opposed us in getting a contract for a piece of land for cultivation.

Local Muslims were upset after the Christians applied to lease 6 acres of land for cultivation, Indriyas explained. After several months of arguments, local authorities settled the matter by allowing the Christians to lease the land.

On the incident day, five of us went to the agricultural fields for irrigation work when a mob of over two dozen armed men attacked, Indriyas added. The attack resulted in the killing of Yaqoob and Haroon.

Indriyas said he could identify nine people in the mob who shouted anti-Christian slogans as they opened fire on the five Christians.

Police registered a formal complaint, ICC said.

However, the Christians are treated as slaves bounded to Muslims, Asif Muniwar, a local human rights defender, explained. Christians enjoy no rights, no dignity, and no protection in this country. The overall system of society is based on religious hatred against Christians and other minorities.

ICCs Regional Manager for South Asia, William Stark, called it yet another incident of deadly violence motivated by the widespread intolerance that exists against Christians in Pakistan.

Pakistan must do more to combat the extremism and intolerance that motivates anti-Christian incidents like this, Stark said. No one should be treated as a second-class citizen simply because of the faith they profess. In Pakistan, however, the faith you profess drastically affects how you are treated by society.

Last month, a group of heavily armed Muslim men fired bullets indiscriminately at a church and Christians homes, wounding at least four Christians, including a six-month pregnant woman, in Lahore city in Punjab, according to a report.

Attorney Javed Gill, a senior leader of the Christian Lawyers Association of Pakistan, said there were conflicting reports about the motive for the firing.

Several residents have claimed that the accused were opposed to the presence of a church in the locality and had been pressuring them to stop worship there, while some are saying that the incident was an outcome of a dispute over a girl, Gill was quoted as saying. Nonetheless, even if it was a dispute between two people, how can anyone justify the targeting of the entire Christian neighborhood with automatic weapons?

An estimated 1.6% of Pakistans 17 million people are Christian, both Catholic and Protestant. Around 97% of the Pakistanis are Muslim, predominantly Sunni.

International persecution watchdog group Open Doors USA ranks Pakistan at No. 5 on its 2021 World Watch List of countries where Christians face the most severe persecution due to an extreme level of Islamic oppression. Pakistan is also listed by the U.S. State Department as a country of particular concern for tolerating in or engaging in egregious violations of religious freedom.
Attorney General Merrick Garland issued a threatening memo on Monday calling on the FBI to address violent threats against school officials and teachers.

It was an obvious shot at parents who oppose schools and school boards that promote woke ideology and critical race theory in classrooms that exploded this year.

Somehow, the story gets even worse.

Fox News reported that Garlands son-in-law is the co-founder of Panorama Education, a company that works with school boards to promote culturally responsive training and other ideas associated with critical race theory.

According to Parents Defending Education, a nonprofit education watchdog group, Panorama received a $1.8 million contract to conduct social and emotional learning monitoring in Fairfax County Public Schools that collected data on students.

Asra Nomani, vice president of investigations and strategy at Parents Defending Education, tweeted more details about the Garland connection.

"Its true @RepKenBuck. Sept we got a tip @DefendingEd from an @fcpsnews mom about a @PanoramaEd contract now worth $2.4 million. She also told us: Merrick Garlands daughter married a cofounder of Panorama. We raised the alarm. Then parents got accused of domestic terrorism. ?????" https://t.co/dbqYDteaaM  Asra Q. Nomani Domestic Terrorist (@AsraNomani) October 7, 2021 "Weve got the receipts @RepKenBuck @MarshaBlackburn @HawleyMO @SenBlumenthal. The company founded by Merrick Garlands son-in-law is @PanoramaEd. It makes millions data mining off the minds of kids." https://t.co/YRPNIrALOZ  Asra Q. Nomani Domestic Terrorist (@AsraNomani) October 7, 2021

Its noteworthy that Fairfax County Public Schools has been a battleground for debates about critical race theory and anti-racism ideas being used in curriculum and classrooms.

Panoramas contract was part of a broader, $78.8 million investment of coronavirus relief that [Fairfax County Public Schools] directed toward a welcoming and culturally responsive environment for students, Fox News reported. Its website explains that the funding is intended to support equity professional development for school teams, and social-emotional staff to work directly with departments and school-based teams.

The Washington Examiner laid out what Panorama is specifically promoting.

One workshop titled SEL as Social Justice: Dismantling White Supremacy Within Systems and Self is designed to explore actionable strategies for using [social and emotional learning] as a vehicle for social justice and advocacy in your community, Jerry Dunleavy wrote at the Washington Examiner.

The Examiner reported that one of Panoramas slideshows calls on activists to say I affirm my intersectionality, alludes to unconscious biases, and defines systemic racism as the systematic distribution of resources, power, and opportunity in our society to the benefit of people who are white.

Its all in the language of woke revolutionaries marching to the diversity, equity, and inclusion motto of the cultural revolution.

Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas; Mike Lee, R-Utah; and Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., sent a letter to Garland expressing concern about his memo and the potential conflict of interest. The letter read:

"As a matter of policy, this memorandum is extraordinarily concerning, which is why we joined Senator [Chuck] Grassleys letter on behalf of the 11 Republican members of the Senate Judiciary Committee in writing to you about this policy. Equally concerning, however, is reporting about an alleged connection between your family members and controversial curricula that will directly benefit from this memorandum and the chilling of speech."

You can read the rest here.

What the letter makes clear is that the whole situation is deeply disturbing and demonstrates yet again how radical the Biden administration is in practice.

Garlands memo was released with no actual evidence of crimes committed, only vague references to a rise in criminal conduct. If anything, there have been more cases of those promoting critical race theory whove made public threats.

In July, Michelle Leete, vice president of communications for the Virginia state PTA and first vice president of the Fairfax County NAACP, yelled out to a pro-critical race theory crowd that opponents of their ideas should die.

"Lets deny this off-key band of people that are anti-education, anti-teacher, anti-equity, anti-history, anti-racial reckoning, anti-opportunities, anti-help people, anti-diversity, anti-platform, anti-science, anti-change agent, anti-social justice, anti-health care, anti-worker, anti-LGBTQ+, anti-children, anti-health care, anti-worker, anti-environment, anti-admissions policy change, anti-inclusion, anti-live-and-let-live people. Let them die.Dont let these uncomfortable people deter us from our bold march forward."

This was met with applause, not a federal investigation.

The Garland memo solidifies the trend of weaponizing agencies to target and threaten political foes. Its a tactic that was used under President Joe Bidens former boss, too.

You disagree with the regimes narrative about racism in America? Well, then you might be getting a little visit from the FBI.

But what justification does the administration have in using a federal agency to even be involved in these local crimes if they took place? The answer is that there is none, and Garlands memo doesnt even explain how this is within the authority of the Department of Justice.

Its just a brutish threat cloaked in intimidating language that paints an absurd violent strawman of typical opposition to critical race theory in American schools.

The bottom line is that Garland is sending a message that the Department of Justice perhaps views protest and public opposition to school boards and government agencies that promote critical race theory as a criminal act that might lead to an investigation by the FBI.

Its hard to interpret this move as anything other than an attempt to chill speech and intimidate people into silence. And it demonstrates how the Biden administration is eager to use a government agency, working alongside a left-wing advocacy group, to bully and threaten opposition using the levers of public power.

The situation is a microcosm of the interconnected and incestuous world of the ruling class, where peddling woke ideology is intrinsically and often literally connected to its own wealth and status.

The diversity consultant class is well-paid, well-connected, and guaranteed to make a killing peddling its poisonous ideology to teachers and our countrys children. If you dont like that, too bad, youre being watched now for thoughtcrimes.

This whole episode demonstrates a shameful abuse of a government agency in the name of ideology, and just shows why a growing number of Americans have no trust in our countrys largest public and private institutions.

Originally published at The Daily Signal.
New York must allow religious exemptions to COVID-19 vaccines, judge rules

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A federal judge on Tuesday granted a preliminary injunction against New York's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for healthcare workers after a group of 17 Christian medical professionals, including doctors and nurses, protested in a lawsuit that the mandate violated their religious freedom by not allowing employers to consider religious exemptions.

U.S. District Judge David N. Hurd issued a new order blocking the New York health department from rejecting employer-approved religious exemptions to the vaccine mandate enacted on Aug. 26. It comes as a similar order issued in September was set to expire.

"The question presented by this case is not whether plaintiffs and other individuals are entitled to a religious exemption from the State's workplace vaccination requirement," Hurd wrote in his ruling. "Instead, the question is whether the State's summary imposition of  2.61 conflicts with plaintiffs' and other individuals' federally protected right to seek a religious accommodation from their individual employers."

"The answer to this question is clearly yes," the Bill Clinton appointee continued. "Plaintiffs have established that  2.61 conflicts with longstanding federal protections for religious beliefs and that they and others will suffer irreparable harm in the absence of injunctive relief."

The vaccine mandate dictated that more than 600,000 workers in public and private hospitals and nursing homes throughout the state receive their first dose of a vaccine by midnight Sept. 26 to continue working the following day.

On Sept. 14, Hurd issued an order to temporarily prevent New York's health department from rejecting employer-approved religious exemptions. The order was extended on Sept. 20 until Oct. 12, when Hurd made his decision.

In their lawsuit, the Christian medical workers, represented by religious liberty advocate group Thomas More Society, argued that the state allows a medical exemption and should also consider religious exemption requests.

"With this decision the court rightly recognized that yesterday's 'front line heroes' in dealing with COVID cannot suddenly be treated as disease-carrying villains and kicked to the curb by the command of a state health bureaucracy," Thomas More Society Special Counsel Christopher Ferrara, the lead counsel in the case, said in a statement.

"Some of these plaintiffs contracted COVID while treating patients, recovered, and were allowed to return to work with the same protective measures that were good enough for the 18 months that they were the heroes in the battle against the virus. There is no 'science' to show that these same measures are suddenly inadequate  especially when they are allowed for those with medical exemptions."

The preliminary injunction prohibits New York's Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul and any agencies or persons under her authority from "enforcing, threatening to enforce, attempting to enforce, or otherwise requiring compliance" with the COVID vaccine mandate.

The state is also forbidden from taking "any action, disciplinary or otherwise, against the licensure, certification, residency, admitting privileges or other professional status or qualification" of medical professionals that seek or obtain a religious exemption from mandatory COVID-19 vaccination.

"These plaintiffs are not anti-vaxxers," Stephen Crampton, Thomas More Society senior counsel, said.

The plaintiffs, who oppose abortion under any circumstances, object to taking the vaccines because "they all employ fetal cell lines derived from procured abortion in testing, development or production."

The ruling comes after Hochul told a Brooklyn megachurch last month that vaccines against COVID-19 are God's answer to "our prayers." She vowed to appeal the injunction.

"My responsibility as Governor is to protect the people of this state, and requiring health care workers to get vaccinated accomplishes that," the governor said in a statement reacting to the injunction. "I stand behind this mandate, and I will fight this decision in court to keep New Yorkers safe."
Pakistan high court forces 13-y-o Christian girl to return to captors home as his wife

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A court in Pakistans Punjab Province has granted custody of a 13-year Christian girl to a Muslim man who has three wives and allegedly abducted her and forced her to marry him and convert to Islam.

Shahid Gill, the Catholic father of the girl, Nayab Gill, pleaded that his daughter was underage and could not legally marry or change her religion on her own, but the Lahore High Court upheld a ruling of a lower court, giving custody to the Muslim man, identified as 30-year-old Saddam Hayat, Morning Star News reported.

Justice Shahram Sarwar Chaudhry last week rejected the girls official birth documents showing she was 13, while siding with Hayat who claimed she had converted to Islam of her own free will on May 20.

Hayat, who has three wives and four children, brought 12 of his supporters along with him to the courtroom, Pakistan Christian Post said.

The girl told the court she had married Hayat and converted to Islam voluntarily.

When the judge asked Nayab about her age, she said she was 19 years old and reiterated her claim that she had converted to Islam and married Hayat of her free will, the father was quoted as saying.

The attorney representing the girls family told the judge, Her claim of converting to Islam and marrying Hayat could be due to coercion since she has been living with the accused and his family for over a month and a half.

The judge also rejected the lawyers citation of a 2019 Lahore High Court ruling that children younger than 15 lacked the mental capacity to change their religion.

The girls father indicated that he was disappointed with the lawyer.

When Nayab claimed that she was 19 years old, I nudged the advocate to demand evidence in support of her claim, but he kept quiet, Gill told Morning Star News. He also did not demand medical tests of my child to determine her exact age.

Church of Pakistan President Bishop Azad Marshall was quoted as saying that attorney Saif Ul Malook, who represented Asia Bibi, was initially supposed to fight Nayabs case, but a group pressured her parents not to hire him.

Intercourse with a girl younger than 16 is considered rape in Pakistan, but men in many such instances produce fake conversion and Islamic marriage certificates to defend themselves.

A 2014 study by The Movement for Solidarity and Peace Pakistan estimated that about 1,000 women and girls from Pakistans Hindu and Christian communities were abducted, forcibly married to their captor, and forcibly converted to Islam every year.

The issue of religion is also often injected into cases of sexual assault to place religious minority victims at a disadvantage, the U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern has previously said, adding that perpetrators play upon religious biases to cover up and justify their crimes by introducing an element of religion.

International persecution watchdog group Open Doors USA ranks Pakistan No. 5 on its 2021 World Watch List of countries where Christians face the most severe persecution due to an extreme level of Islamic oppression. Pakistan is also listed by the U.S. State Department as a country of particular concern for tolerating in or engaging in egregious violations of religious freedom.
Pakistan: Muslim gunmen open fire on church, Christians homes

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A group of heavily armed Muslim men fired bullets indiscriminately at a church and Christians' homes, wounding at least four Christians, including a six-month pregnant woman, in Pakistans Lahore city, according to a report.

The shooting took place in the Shamsabad locality of Sherakot area in Lahore city, Punjab Province on Sept. 6, Morning Star News reported.

Asif Masih, one of the wounded Christian residents, was quoted as saying that he heard shouts followed by bursts of gunfire from fully automatic assault rifles after he returned home from work that afternoon.

When I was telling my kids to get inside, I saw a group of heavily armed men firing indiscriminately at a church located on the street, he said. They then trained their weapons on the homes of neighboring Christians and fired volleys of bullets at them.

The gunmen saw him looking and opened fire on him, wounding him in both thighs.

I barely managed to drag myself into my house and locked the gate, but they did not stop firing, Masih said. I could hear them shouting that they would not spare Christians living in the area and would also burn down our church.

The gunmen also wounded three women, identified as Nirma Bibi, Maria Kashif and Samina.

One of the injured women is six months pregnant, Masih said. She was hit in the leg by one of the several bullets fired at their gate, but fortunately her family members were able to secure her inside.

While the area residents called police at 2:30 p.m., officers didn't arrive until 8 p.m., Masih said.

Our entire street has been riddled with bullets, and people have been injured, but the police have not included the sections related to terrorism in the FIR [First Information Report], he added. Moreover, I had stated in my application to the police that the accused had continuously threatened to burn the church and harm us, but even these facts were missing in the formal FIR.

According to Morning Star News, two of the gunmen were identified as Dilshad Dogar and Chand Khencha, who fired hundreds of bullets from Kalashnikov (AK-47) rifles and other weapons.

The police complaint claims that the firing arose out of a dispute between a Christian, Asghar Masih and Dogar.

Ask them why Dogar and his accomplices opened fire on the homes of Christians and injured innocent people like us if they had just a personal dispute with an individual? Dogar was quoted as saying. The police have been protecting the accused since day one because they are Muslims, and we are poor Christians.

Attorney Javed Gill, a senior leader of the Christian Lawyers Association of Pakistan, said there were conflicting reports about the motive for the firing.

Several residents have claimed that the accused were opposed to the presence of a church in the locality and had been pressuring them to stop worship there, while some are saying that the incident was an outcome of a dispute over a girl, Gill was quoted as saying. Nonetheless, even if it was a dispute between two people, how can anyone justify the targeting of the entire Christian neighborhood with automatic weapons?

Muhammad Azeem, the in-charge of the Sherakot Police Station, was quoted as saying that three men had been arrested and raids were being conducted to arrest the other accused, but he refused to answer questions about the delay.

An estimated 1.6% of Pakistans 17 million people are Christian, both Catholic and Protestant. Around 97% of the Pakistanis are Muslim, predominantly Sunni.

International persecution watchdog group Open Doors USA ranks Pakistan at No. 5 on its 2021 World Watch List of countries where Christians face the most severe persecution due to an extreme level of Islamic oppression. Pakistan is also listed by the U.S. State Department as a country of particular concern for tolerating in or engaging in egregious violations of religious freedom.
Pakistani Christian couple released from death row granted asylum in Europe

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Two months after being acquitted by a high court and surviving death threats, a Pakistani Catholic mother and her partially paralyzed husband, who were on death row for seven years on false blasphemy charges, have arrived in Europe.

Shagufta Masih and her husband, Shafqat Emmanuel, faced death threats after reports of their acquittal by the Lahore High Court broke in early June. In 2014, a session court had sentenced the couple to death by hanging.

We are so relieved to finally be free. The last eight years have been incredibly hard, but we are so happy to be reunited with our children, said Shafqat Emmanuel on behalf of the family, according to ADF International, a human rights group that supported the Christian couple.

Although we will miss our country, we are happy to finally be somewhere safe, added Emmanuel, who was the watchman of a school in the Gojra area of Toba Tek Singh district in Pakistans Punjab Province.

The Catholic couple was arrested in July 2013 under Pakistans blasphemy laws after a local imam accused them of committing blasphemy by sending him an offensive text message.

Maulvi Mohammed Hussain, a leader at a local mosque, claimed that Emmanuel used his wife's cellphone to send an anti-Islamic text message. He later claimed other messages followed. Hussain said he was praying when he received the offensive text message from an unknown number.

The Muslim cleric reportedly showed the text message to two other imams before approaching his counsel for legal proceedings. He and his lawyer later claimed they both received subsequent blasphemous messages.

Masihs brother, Joseph, previously told the BBC that his brother-in-law had been tortured and forced to make a false confession.

The text messages were also alleged to have been written in English. Aside from being illiterate, Shafqat and Shagufta are not familiar with the English language  written or spoken.

ADF Internationals Director of Advocacy for Asia, Tehmina Arora, said in a statement that their case is not an isolated incident but testifies to the plight that many Christians and other religious minorities experience in Pakistan today.

The couples lawyer, Saif Ul Malook, said, These cases are very difficult to litigate, due to the concern for security. There is a very real threat to the life of the clients and the lawyers.

Christians are often targeted by both Pakistans blasphemy laws meant to protect Islamic sensitivities and by hardliners who carry out violence and have killed scores of believers in the past several years.

The blasphemy law, embedded in Sections 295 and 298 of the Pakistan Penal Code, is frequently misused for personal revenge. It carries no provision to punish a false accuser or a false witness of blasphemy.

Islamist extremists also use the law to target religious minorities  Christians, Shias, Ahmadiyyas and Hindus.

While the right to religious freedom is protected by the Pakistani constitution, many face severe persecution and denial of their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly, Arora said.

Hopefully, the blasphemy laws in Pakistan will soon be abolished, so others wont suffer the same fate as Shagufta and I, Emmanuel said.

The couple's country of asylum has not been disclosed due to security concerns.
Pro-life pregnancy center sues Connecticut to halt 'deceptive' advertising law

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A pro-life pregnancy care center in Connecticut has sued the state over a law that it claims will prohibit the organization from advertising services unless it promotes abortion.

Care Net Pregnancy Resource Center of Southeastern Connecticut, a faith-based organization located in New London, filed a suit against Connecticut Attorney General William Tong on Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut.

At issue is Connecticut Public Act 21-17, a measure that prevents pregnancy care centers that do not perform abortions from engaging in what it calls "deceptive" advertising. The legislation prohibits what it describes as "limited services pregnancy centers" from making "any statement concerning any pregnancy-related service or the provision of any pregnancy-related service that is deceptive, whether by statement or omission, and that a limited services pregnancy center knows or reasonably should know to be deceptive."

Care Net alleged in the lawsuit that Public Act 21-17 "bans Care Net from communicating freely with the individuals it serves and with those it wishes to serve, unless Care Net agrees to provide abortions, dispense abortifacient drugs, or offer referrals for abortions or abortifacient drugs."

"The Act is a speaker-based, viewpoint-based law targeting the speech only of speakers espousing certain pro-life moral, religious, and philosophical beliefs," read the suit, in part.

"To stop this imminent irreparable harm, Care Net asks this Court to enjoin enforcement of the Act and to declare it unconstitutional, so Care Net may freely speak its beliefs, freely exercise its faith, and freely serve the women of Connecticut who may wish to benefit from its free support services."

The complaint also states that Connecticut already has a law prohibiting deceptive and unfair practices from various entities, known as Connecticut's Unfair Trade Practices Act, or CUTPA.

"CUTPA does not single out the speech of certain types of entities, and it applies to Care Net and other pro-life pregnancy centers," added the lawsuit.

Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative legal group that has won religious freedom cases at the U.S. Supreme Court, is representing Care Net in its legal proceedings.

ADF Senior Counsel Denise Harle said in a statement that she believes the state law "impedes women's ability to receive critical services during a very difficult time in their lives."

Further, Harle argues that the law "suppresses the free-speech rights of Care Net and other faith-based pregnancy centers serving women in the community, and punishes those who abide by their religious beliefs."

"This law allows the state attorney general to decide if he likes what you're saying, and if he doesn't, you must 'correct' it or be punished," she added.

"The Supreme Court has made it clear that the government can't target certain messages because it doesn't like a particular viewpoint. Care Net should have the freedom to continue serving women in southeastern Connecticut without government censorship."

Originally known as Senate Bill 835, or "An Act Concerning Deceptive Advertising Practices of Limited Services Pregnancy Centers," Public Act 21-17 took effect on July 1 after Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont signed it into law in May.

Lamont contends that the law should have the support of people regardless of their views on the abortion debate because it is "abhorrent for anyone to advertise healthcare services they cannot or do not provide and give information to someone with the intention of misleading them."

Lamont maintains that the law "in no way prohibits anyone from practicing their constitutionally protected, faith-based beliefs."

"Rather, all this law does is make it clear that if you do not offer certain types of services or referrals to these services, then you cannot deceive the public by saying you do," he continued.
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Presuming we get on the other side of COVID by the end of this year, the picture for churches in America is mostly clear. Of course, none of us can know the future with certainty, and another COVID spike could change the conversation dramatically.

Still, we see nine realities your church will face in 2022. This research is based on our conversations and data from hundreds of churches with whom we work. In no particular order, here are the nine realities:

1. There is a lot of reason for hope. Biblically, there is always hope in Christ. Additionally, we see many churches reaching more people than they ever have. Close to a majority of churches have not experienced declining finances. Attendance is close or even better than 2019 numbers in one of six churches. Simply stated, if God is not done with these churches, there is reason to believe your church can be one of those breakout churches.

2. Churches that grow will move evangelism to a priority ministry. Most church leaders attest to this reality, but few practice it. Evangelism cant be just another activity or ministry of the church. Breakout churches will focus on evangelism more than any point in their history. That will be the only way they will grow in post-Christian culture. As an anecdotal comment, our most popular resource is called Pray and Go. Its popularity is a good sign that more churches are taking prayer and evangelism seriously.

3. Denominational support will wane significantly. Most denominations, like the churches they serve, are struggling. They dont have the resources they once had to help churches. New networks will form, and new affinity groups will be established among churches so they may help one another.

4. Attitudes toward Christians and churches are not monolithic. Dont assume that every non-Christian you meet is anti-Christian. For certain, there are some that have antipathy toward our faith, but many do not. Regardless, the Holy Spirit can work in any culture. The first-century culture did not begin with a favorable cultural view of Christianity, but the early churches did OK anyway.

5. Part-time vocational ministry will become the norm. We estimate there are currently 1 million part-time pastors and staff in North America. That number will continue to grow. This trend is not completely due to financial limitations. Many bi-vocational pastors and staff choose to go this path. We call that reality co-vocational ministry.

6. Horizontal growth will become a key strategy for growing churches. Horizontal growth takes place when a church establishes a new site, a new service other than Sunday morning, a new venue or adopts an existing church. Vertical growth has been the key strategy of the past. Churches attempted to grow as much as possible in the Sunday morning timeframe at one site. In growing churches, horizontal and vertical growth will complement each other.

7. We estimate that as many as 15,000 churches will be confronted with the choice of closing or being adopted. This number is higher than the closings of past years. COVID has certainly accelerated and exacerbated this trend. While the issue of closure is a sad reality, the option to be adopted (sometimes called replanted or acquired) is a growing and healthy trend.

8. Churches that resist change will decline more rapidly. It is hard to affect change in many churches. That sad mantra of Weve never done it that way before is the verbiage of decline and death. Change resistance will result in faster decline than ever before. In the past, these churches could count on modest growth from cultural Christians to offset some of their losses. Cultural Christianity, however, is all but gone. So will be the churches who hold to non-essential traditions of the past.

9. More churches will struggle to find pastors. We hear from pastorless churches every week. The refrain is common. The churches simply cannot find a pastor they deem to be a fit for their congregations. From the perspective of the pastors, they are being very careful, if not selective, before moving to another church. If they hear the church has fired or run off pastors, there has been a staff coup, or if the church has a reputation for negativity and fighting, they will not allow themselves to be considered by the church.

As you read these nine realities for churches in 2022, please read again the first point. Amid all these challenges, there is an abundance of hope. What is no longer an option is a middle road of doing church as usual.

Churches will either focus on God-given priorities, or they will decline and die. Its that basic.

Originally published at Church Answers.
The renewable energy industry is expected to achieve robust growth thanks to favorable government policies to address climate change concerns. As such, we think renewable energy stocks Azure Power (AZRE), PowerCell Sweden (PCELF), and Beam Global (BEEM) could now be good additions to ones watch list. Further, Wall Street analysts expect these names to rally 60% or more in price in the near term. Read on.





According to International Energy Outlook 2021, renewable energy will be the primary source of new electricity generation through 2050. Renewables share of energy consumption is set to grow from 15% in 2020 to 27% in 2050 due to falling technology costs and changing government policies, which will compel the electric power sector to use renewable energy sources to meet surging electricity demand.

Many countries have pledged to seek carbon neutrality under the Paris Agreement, which should bode well for the renewable energy sector. For example, President Biden has stated his goal is to achieve net-zero emissions economy-wide by 2050. The global renewable energy market is expected to reach $2 trillion by 2030, growing at an 8.4% CAGR from 2021 to 2030.

Given this backdrop, Wall Street analysts expect renewable energy stocks Azure Power Global Limited (AZRE), PowerCell Sweden AB (publ) (PCELF), and Beam Global (BEEM) to rally by more than 60% in the coming months. So, it could be wise to add these stocks to your watchlist now.

Azure Power Global Limited (AZRE)

Based in India, AZRE and its subsidiaries develop, construct, own, operate, maintain, and manage renewable energy projects. The company has 45 utility-scale projects with a combined rated capacity of 1,990 MWs.

On August 14, 2021, AZRE issued a $414 million green bond through Azure Power Energy Ltd, which bears a 3.375% coupon and will mature in 2026.The proceeds of the bond issue will be used to refinance an existing 5.5% $500 million Green Bond issued in 2017, which is due in 2022. The transaction is expected to reduce the companys debt cost by 222 bps.

AZREs revenue increased 12.7% year-over-year to $59.70 million for its fiscal first quarter ended June 30, 2021. The companys operating income came in at $38.10 million, up 10.7% year-over-year. Its net profit was $9.60 million, up 1,415.2% year-over-year. Its EPS came in at $0.19, up 1,672.5% year-over-year.

For its fiscal year 2023, analysts expect AZREs revenue to be $302.07 million, representing a 24.5% year-over-year rise. In addition, the companys EPS is expected to increase 783.3% year-over-year to $0.53 in the next year. AZRE surpassed the Streets EPS estimates in three of the trailing four quarters.

Wall Street analysts expect the stock to hit $34.88 in the near term, which indicates a potential 64.1% upside.

PowerCell Sweden AB (publ) (PCELF)

Based in Sweden, PCELF develops and produces fuel cells and fuel cell systems for automotive, marine, and stationary applications in Sweden and internationally. It also offers engineering services and zero-emission solutions.

On October 1, 2021, PCELF created a new business area to facilitate the transition to a hydrogen-electric solution. Richard Berkling, CEO, said, This expands our position in the value chain and provides us with the opportunity of benefiting from valuable application data for continued development of new business and next-generation technology.

For its fiscal second quarter, ended June 30, 2021, PCELFs net sales increased 27.6% year-over-year to SEK28.16 million ($3.23 million). The companys gross profit came in at SEK9.79 million ($1.12 million), up 118.3% year-over-year. Its tangible fixed assets were SEK34.37 million ($3.94 million) for the period ended June 30, 2021, versus SEK23.39 million ($2.68 million) in the year-ago period.

PCELFs revenue is expected to be $30.19 million in its fiscal year 2022, representing a 103.2% year-over-year rise. Wall Street analysts expect the stock to hit $30.92 in the near term, which indicates a potential 99.4% upside.

Beam Global (BEEM)

BEEM is a San Diego, Calif.-based cleantech company that designs, develops, engineers, manufactures and sells renewably energized products for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, outdoor media and branding, and energy security products. Its product portfolio includes EV ARC and Solar Tree DCFC.

On August 12, 2021, BEEM announced that new patents were issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office at the end of 2019, and in 2020 for its EV Standard and UAV ARC, which are expected to expand its product offerings with the same proprietary technology into new markets. The company has also been issued a new patent for its transformable EV ARC in China.

BEEMs revenues increased 45.8% year-over-year to $2.12 million in the second quarter, ended June 30, 2021. Its total current assets came in at $30.35 million for the period ended June 30, 2021, compared to $29.9 million for the period ended December 31, 2020. Also, its total assets were $33.34 million, versus $32.9 million for the same period.

Analysts expect BEEMs revenue to grow 110.7% year-over-year to $21.47 million in its fiscal year 2022. Likewise, its EPS is expected to grow 12.8% year-over-year in fiscal 2022.

Wall Street analysts expect the stock to hit $46 in the near term, which indicates a potential 77.3% upside.

AZRE shares were trading at $22.88 per share on Thursday morning, down $0.03 (-0.13%). Year-to-date, AZRE has declined -43.88%, versus a 19.01% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.

About the Author: Riddhima Chakraborty

Riddhima is a financial journalist with a passion for analyzing financial instruments. With a master's degree in economics, she helps investors make informed investment decisions through her insightful commentaries.

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(Bloomberg) -- ConocoPhillips will require U.S. employees with significant Covid-19 exposure risk to be vaccinated amid conflicting federal and state decrees.

New employees in the U.S. and workers relocating to the country also will have to be fully vaccinated by Dec. 8, ConocoPhillips said in an emailed statement on Wednesday. The mandate will apply to less than 10% of the oil drillers U.S. workforce, and mainly in Alaska.
Over 9 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Washington, Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah said in a media briefing Wednesday. Approximately 77% of the states eligible population has received at least one dose of the vaccine.

Washington State Department of Health Acting Assistant Secretary Michele Roberts says that as of Oct. 9, 48% of 12 to 15-year-olds are fully vaccinated, and 54% of 16 to 17-year-olds are fully vaccinated.

Let's continue to focus on getting our older kids vaccinated, Robers said during the briefing. "All 12 to 17-year-old children are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine today, and so far, half of that population is fully vaccinated.

Roberts also spoke Wednesday about the possibility of vaccinating kids ages 5 to 11 soon. Last week, Pfizer asked the FDA to authorize its vaccine for kids age 5 to 11. We expect the FDA to meet later this month and the CDCs advisory committee on immunization practices is expected to meet in early November. We are hopeful vaccines will be available for younger kids soon, she said.

Darko Vojinovic / Associated Press

Dr. Frank Bell of Pediatric Infectious Disease at Swedish Medical Center said he wants to remind parents that while its exciting to have kids back in school, its important to remember to do everything possible to keep them safe in the classroom.

COVID is not taking a holiday ... we need to take every measure we can to try and protect our kids, and its clear that the most important aspect of that is to vaccinate kids, said Bell. He also said that parents who have questions or concerns should speak to their pediatricians. Were here to support you as parents and guardians.

As far as transmission rates go, Lacy Fehrenbach, the state's deputy secretary for COVID-19 response, said the state is currently seeing some signs of improvement but disease remains high across the state. A graphic shared during the briefing illustrated that the state's current rate of infection is nearly the same as it was at its peak last winter, even though there has been a recent decrease in cases.

I want to remind folks that we continue to see the majority of people hospitalized with COVID-19 as people who are not vaccinated, Fehrenbach said.

Fehrenbach also said that with Thanksgiving holiday being only six weeks away, this allows the perfect amount of time for someone to receive a first dose, second dose four weeks later, and two-week waiting period to be considered fully vaccinated. If youre going to gather, please get vaccinated for both flu and COVID-19 if you have not yet, she said.

We have absolutely crossed the 9 million mark for vaccine doses given in the state of Washington, Shah said Wednesday. And we do know that pediatric vaccines, for ages 5 to 11, are right around the corner."

Shah said the state's health care system is still stressed, but focusing on vaccinations will help ease the tension and demand put on the system. Its critical for everybody to do their part to fight this pandemic," he said.

To find a vaccine site nearest you, use the states vaccine locator website or the CDCs site. You can also call the states vaccine hotline at 833-VAX-HELP or text your zip code to 438-829 (GET-VAX) or 822-826 (VACUNA).
The insurrection was good, actually.

This was the message sent last night at a high-profile rally for Virginia gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin, where attendees stood up and said the Pledge of Allegiance to a flag that was carried during what was described as the peaceful rally with Donald J. Trump on January 6th.

At the rally last night for GOP VA Gov candidate Glenn Youngkin, they said the Pledge of Allegiance to a flag that was carried during the insurrection on Jan 6, as if it was sacred or something. pic.twitter.com/NGEaFFAvdF  Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) October 14, 2021

When grilled about the incident on Thursday, Youngkin manage to stammer that we shouldnt pledge allegiance to that flag. In a statement provided to Rolling Stone later on Thursday, Youngkin said it is weird and wrong to pledge allegiance to a flag connected to January 6.

Youngkin was not present at the Take Back Virginia rally on Wednesday night, but it was headlined by former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, who cited the close race between Youngkin and his Democratic opponent, Terry McAufflife, to argue that the states 2020 election results were illegitimate. He didnt win by 10 points, OK? Bannon said of Biden. No doubt about that.

The rally also featured Trump himself, who called into the rally to freshen up his endorsement of Youngkin. Glenn Youngkin is a great gentleman, the former president said. Really successful, he loves this state, we gotta get him in.

Trump continued to allege, once again, that the 2020 election was rigged against him. We won in 2016, he said. We won in 2020, the most corrupt election in the history of our country, probably one of the most corrupt anywhere. But were gonna win it again.

The idea that the election was stolen was the theme of the night  from pledging allegiance to a flag Trump supporters carried at the Stop the Steal rally on January 6th, to the comments from Bannon and Trump, to the presence of Mark Finchem, who is currently running for secretary of State of Arizona on the strength his role in the states election audit, which cost millions of dollars before turning up no evidence of significant fraud.

From Arizona, to Virginia, to Michigan, where Trump is trying to purge lawmakers who have acknowledged Biden won the election, its been made abundantly clear that the guiding tenet of the Trump-led Republican Party heading into 2022 is that democracy is bad, and that it must be subverted by any means necessary in service of the former president returning to power. They cant say this out loud, so they instead continue to push the baseless idea that the 2020 election was fraudulent.

Donald Trump won, Finchem said in Virginia on Wednesday, reportedly to a standing ovation.

This post has been updated.
This story was originally published in October 2020 and updated in October 2021.

The framed photo of my mother, the mantel (tablecloth) my abuelita sewed, my grandfather's harmonica, a plate of pan dulce - these are the items that adorn my ofrenda (altar) as I honor the memory of my family in celebration of the traditional Mexican holiday known as Dia de los Muertos.

To many, it may seem like just another part of Halloween celebrations, but it's important to acknowledge that this sacred holiday has nothing to do with All Hallows' Eve. It's a time-honored tradition, especially in Latin culture, but also acknowledged across other regions.

The origins of Dia de los Muertos can be traced back to the Aztecs, according to Houston artist Lizbeth Ortiz, a curator with MECA and the Hardy & Nance Art Studio in Houston.

Over the years, the holiday has interwoven with Catholic traditions marking the start of All Saints' Day on Nov. 1, also known as Dia de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels), which celebrates the children who have passed away in the last year. The next day, Nov. 2, marks All Souls' Day, which recognizes the adults who have died.

"We as human beings try to hold on to memories and reflecting our loved ones," Ortiz said. "Dia de los Muertos is important because it helps us remember why life is so precious, and honor our ancestors that came before us."

Ortiz spoke about the significance of a few traditional items found on Dia de los Muertos altars and the meaning behind each.
Environmentalists sounded off Wednesday against plans to keep Connecticuts only ash disposal landfill operating for the next several decades in Putnam, where they say it threatens to leak contaminants into local groundwater and the nearby Quinebaug River.

The landfill, operated by Wheelabtrator since 1999, is the disposal site for about 525,000 tons of ash produced each year by trash-to-energy plants in New York and Connecticut, including the companys large incinerator in Bridgeport.

However, Wheelabrator said it will likely run out of space to dispose of that ash in the next few years, unless it is granted permission to expand its current 60-acre site into about 128 acres. That would expand its life cycle by up to 30 years and allow millions of additional tons of ash to be dumped there.

Closing the dump would force ash produced in Connecticut to be routed to other facilities in Massachusetts and other surrounding states, the company said in documents.

The companys request to expand the landfill and modify its existing permits is under review by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, which granted preliminary approval to the project in June. Local opponents subsequently petitioned to force a public comment hearing Wednesday, at which environmental advocates raised numerous concerns over the project while local officials defended Wheelabrators track record in the area.

Opponents questioned the need for the proposed landfill expansion by pointing to the planned closure of one of the largest incinerators sending ash to the site, and raised concerns about the presence of toxic PFAS chemicals in treated wastewater released into the Quinebaug River.

The landfill expansion is an unnecessary and ineffective waste solution, said Huda Khwaja, an attorney for the Conservation Law Foundation based in Vermont. We are concerned that the ash at Putman contains chemicals that are not properly treated when discharged, and will inevitably leak within the units as well.

While the proposed expansion received opposition from both regional environmental organizations such as the Sierra Club and the Rivers Alliance of Connecticut, local residents were more divided over the plan. Several local officials pointed to a hefty sum  $60 million over 20 years  that Putnam has received in host fees for allowing Wheelabrator to dump its ash at the landfill.

That money has allowed the town to stabilize its tax rate and invest in capital projects, such as the recent construction of a new municipal building, Mayor Barney Seney said Wednesday. He added that he had no qualms with the companys environmental record.

I can say over 20 years, every issue that was brought up by any citizen within the town of Putnam, or any elected official, was handled in a professional manner and that the issue was addressed to the satisfaction of everybody involved, Seney said.

While officials from other towns did not testify about the project, Wheelabrator Vice President Don Musial told a reporter Wednesday that the company has no plans to shutter its waste-to-energy plants in Bridgeport, Lisbon and Westchester, N.Y. If the Putnam landfill closes, waste ash from those plants would be exported elsewhere, he said.

The company regularly tests both its wastewater and nearby groundwater for contaminants, he added.

Putnam monofill, weve operated for 20 years with very stringent environmental monitoring requirements, Musial said. The results of all of that monitoring has found nothing that would ever be attributed to an actual defect or an issue with the ash monofill.

Beyond local concerns, opponents of the plan said that any contamination that occurs from the landfill has the potential to impact a broad swath of property down the Quinebaug River watershed and eventually Long Island Sound.

We have not asked those constituents, Do they want to welcome these toxins? said Hope OShaughnessy, a resident of Putnam who spoke against the project.

DEEP will hold an evidentiary hearing next week that will include testimony from both Wheelabrator and opponents of the project, before closing out the hearing process and issuing a final determination.
A new initiative targeting unclaimed property was started by Webb County Treasurer Raul Reyes which would help facilitate the claiming process of around $42 million in state unclaimed property for residents of Webb County.

Starting on Thursday, residents can visit the treasurer office for help in claiming the items. Reyes said that prior to checking the state database, residents will also be able to check the county database to see if they are owed money from the $70,000 of the Webb County unclaimed property.

Reyes gave a list of examples of unclaimed property that residents can claim.

These include:

Dividend, payroll or cashier's checks. Stocks, bonds or mutual fund accounts. Utility deposits and other refunds. Bank accounts and safe deposit box contents. Insurance proceeds. Mineral interest or royalty payments. Court deposits, trust funds or escrow accounts. Overpayments on insurance, utilities and other bills.

Reyes explained that there is no statute of limitations, but that the property would stay with the state or county indefinitely until its proper owner can claim it. Reyes said that the most common form of unclaimed property would be rebates, gift cards or even undelivered paychecks.

Its like Christmas in October, he added.

Reyes said residents can check for unclaimed property at claimittexas.org or webbcountytx.gov/countytreasurer, and if necessary, they can visit the treasurer office for help from the staff. Computers will be available for those without one, including navigational help from staff for residents that may not know how to use one.

In this regard, Reyes said that he hopes that the county commissioners embrace the initiative so that the county treasury can set up computers at community centers and provide the services to rural areas and elder populations.

The process is free and straightforward, Reyes said, as one would have to sign into the state or county website and fill in the required information  this asks for your name, address and city, and then one can find themselves on the list.

Reyes reminded that the property can also be connected to a different address, so he recommends checking multiple past addresses to ensure nothing is left behind. A search of ones name may show other community members being owed hundreds or tens of dollars.

In the case of necessary information or documentation, he added that the county treasurer office can assist in finding identification and other documentation necessary to claim the residents property.

Ultimately, Reyes believes that the process of the initiative will result in county residents receiving some money back and reallocating it into the local economy. With millions held by the state and thousands by the county, he said that the only necessary step for residents is to prove that the money belongs to them.

According to the unclaimed property division of the Texas Comptroller, since 1963, Texas has required institutions, businesses and governmental entities to report to the state any personal property that has been unclaimed for up to five years, depending on the property in question.

Reyes said that Texas has returned over $5 billion in unclaimed property to rightful earners.

To prevent assets from becoming unclaimed property, the Texas Comptroller recommends keeping accurate financial records, open mail from financial institutions, check on all open bank accounts and cash and deposit checks as soon as possible.

cocampo@lmtonline.com
Iran is one of Canada's leading source countries of new immigrants. Here is how you can pursue skilled worker immigration to Canada from Iran.

How to Immigrate to Canada from Iran Iran is one of Canada's leading source countries of new immigrants. Here is how you can pursue skilled worker immigration to Canada from Iran.

How to Immigrate to Canada from Iran Iran is one of Canada's leading source countries of new immigrants. Here is how you can pursue skilled worker immigration to Canada from Iran.

How to Immigrate to Canada from Iran Iran is one of Canada's leading source countries of new immigrants. Here is how you can pursue skilled worker immigration to Canada from Iran. Gabriel Dumitrascu Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

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Iran is one of the leading source countries of new immigrants to Canada.

In 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Iran ranked 10th among Canadas immigrant source countries with just over 6,000 Iranians obtaining Canadian permanent residence.

Iranians are ideal candidates for Canadian immigration due to their high levels of education, professional work experience, and English-language skills. In addition, there are over 200,000 people of Iranian origin living in Canada, which helps the integration process for new Iranian arrivals.

Canada is looking to increase its immigration levels which will create even more opportunities for Iranians to move here. Under its Immigration Levels Plan 2021-2023, Canada is aiming to admit over 400,000 new immigrants per year, which is the highest level in its history. Around 60 per cent of these immigrants will arrive under the economic class. The vast majority of economic class immigrants are skilled workers, while a small fraction come as business immigrants (entrepreneurs and investors).

The following is an overview of the top ways you can immigrate to Canada from Iran as a skilled worker.

Get a Free Canadian Immigration Evaluation

Immigration to Canada from Iran Through Express Entry

The main way Iranians can immigrate to Canada as skilled workers is through Express Entry. Canada aims to welcome about 110,000 new immigrants through Express Entry each year.

In 2019, Iranians were the 8th leading nationality of successful Express Entry candidates.

Express Entry is a two step process.

In step one, you must confirm you are eligible for one of the three programs managed under Express Entry:

If you have not lived in Canada before, the FSWP will most likely be the best way for you to become eligible for Express Entry. Once you confirm your Express Entry eligibility, you can proceed to step two.

In step two, you upload your profile onto the website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). IRCC will assess your profile including things such as your age, education, language skills, work experience, whether you have worked and/or studied in Canada before, whether you have a Canadian job offer, and whether a Canadian province or territory has invited you to immigrate to their jurisdiction.

IRCC then awards you points based on your profile through what is called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). You will receive a CRS score and then enter the Express Entry pool of candidates.

Approximately every two weeks, IRCC holds Express Entry draws where it invites candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for permanent residence. Candidates that receive an invitation to apply (ITA) have 60 days to submit their permanent residence application to IRCC. Once IRCC approves your application, you can move to Canada.

You may wish to consider the benefits of entering the Express Entry pool once you confirm your eligibility. The first benefit of being in the pool is it gives you a chance of receiving an ITA, whereas your chance of receiving an ITA is zero if you are not in the pool. Second, being in the pool gives you a chance to receive a provincial nomination. (See below to learn more about the PNP). You receive 600 additional CRS points with a provincial nomination which essentially guarantees you will receive an ITA. Third, being in the pool gives you a chance to receive a job offer, which can lead to either 50 or 200 extra CRS points.

Get a Free Express Entry Evaluation

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for Iranians

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is the second leading way Iranians can pursue skilled worker immigration to Canada.

Canada has 10 provinces and 3 territories in total. Nine of these provinces and 2 territories operate the PNP.

The PNP enables these provinces and territories to create their own economic class immigration selection criteria. Candidates who meet the criteria and have their application approved receive a provincial nomination certificate. They then use the certificate to support their permanent residence application to IRCC.

The largest PNPs are operated by Canadas largest provinces (except for Quebec; see below). They are Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. The provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba also operate large PNPs. If you wish to pursue the PNP, you can conduct research on the province of your choice and then apply directly to their PNP. Also, as mentioned above, you can earn consideration for the PNP by entering the Express Entry pool. Provinces often invite Express Entry candidates that meet their criteria to apply to their PNP. As noted, accepting this invitation is highly rewarding to Express Entry candidates as it is a ticket towards permanent residence.

Learn About your PNP Options

Other Canadian Immigration Options for Iranians

As Canadas only Francophone province, Quebec has the authority to operate its own immigration system. Quebec is the third leading path for skilled workers who want to immigrate to Canada. You need to demonstrate French-language proficiency to be eligible to immigrate to the province as a skilled worker. If you have not lived in Canada before, the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is likely your best option if you want to move to Quebec. It operates in a similar manner as Express Entrys Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). You must first confirm your eligibility, and then you receive points based on your profile. Quebec goes on to invite the highest-scoring candidates to proceed with the immigration process. Once approved by Quebec, you submit a permanent residence application to IRCC.

Canada also has many other skilled worker programs that are smaller in nature as they are aimed towards helping meet the labour market needs of certain regions and industries. Perhaps the most prominent one is the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP). Skilled workers interested in immigrating to Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, or New Brunswick can apply to the AIP.

Get a Free Canadian Immigration Evaluation

Iranian Study Pathways to Canadian Permanent Residence

Canada seeks to encourage its international students to remain in the country as permanent residents. In 2019, Canada had over 640,000 international students. Iran was the 7th leading source of Canadas foreign students with nearly 15,000 holding Canadian study permits.

Once Iranians complete their studies in Canada, they may be eligible for what is called a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP enables international graduates to obtain professional Canadian work experience for a maximum of three years. This experience can strengthen the permanent residence applications of graduates. Having Canadian education and work experience results in more Express Entry CRS points. It is also rewarded through many streams including the PNP, those operated by Quebec, the AIP, and others.

For example, such experience enhances ones ability to become eligible for Express Entry through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program.

There are other significant benefits to pursuing a study pathway. You can gain a quality Canadian education which is recognized by Canadian employers. You can also improve your English and/or French skills. Moreover, you can gain Canadian work experience during and after your studies to supplement your income and to advance your career.

Over 100 different options to choose from

Iran is an important source of talent for Canada and upon arrival, new immigrants are greeted by Canadas vibrant Iranian community. As Canada continues to increase its immigration levels to support its economy, many more Iranians will have the opportunity to immigrate to Canada through the over 100 different immigration streams available to them.

Get a Free Canadian Immigration Evaluation

 CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.
Among the biggest challenges IT leaders face right now is supporting shifting strategies around where the enterprise does its work. Prior to the pandemic, remote work was a facet of most organizations workforce mixes  but hardly the universal business imperative it instantly became when COVID-19 hit. Now, workers are returning to offices, at least in some measure, with widespread remote work likely here to stay.

The debates over in-person versus remote work are raging on within the C-suites of organizations of all stripes, with some believing in the power of face-to-face kismet and the others extolling the creativity that comes from working anywhere at any time. IT leaders are a key part of this discussion, but will also be chiefly responsible for supporting whatever hybrid workforce strategy emerges from this debate.

The good news is that its easier than ever to adapt to shifting priorities, public health mandates, and mercurial bosses. Its now common for software offerings to support the ability to work anywhere, from a safari in Africa to the same cubicle youve held for 10 years. The challenge is knowing what works best and deploying it, as well as facilitating change across the enterprise to ensure the workforce remains productive.

Here are N technologies IT leaders should consider in supporting hybrid office strategies and the workplace flexibility those strategies entail.

Hoteling software

Calling these tools office hoteling can be confusing because there are no hotels or any sleeping involved. The idea is to make it easier for employees and teams to reserve desks, workstations, conference rooms, and more, all with a click. Sure, some organizations can survive with a first-come-first-served rule, but good hoteling software can discourage conflicts that come from bad behavior such as desk hogging.

Hoteling software is growing increasingly sophisticated. Some solutions offer point-and-click maps of the workspace. Others display the current owners of each desk on a big screen so that its easy to find where someone is sitting. Some generate reports that plot demand for desks so your company can avoid overpaying for space when it comes time to renegotiate the rent. The feature set is growing quickly because companies are still dreaming up new requirements.

Some leading vendors include Condeco, DeskFlex, iOffice, and EMS.

Contact tracing

Knowing where everyone is sitting makes it simpler to handle outbreaks. Good contract tracing software can identify everyone who happened to be working near an infected person.

Some products track employees when they check in by asking them to confirm they havent experienced any symptoms. Others use infrared cameras to take temperatures. Some tools can defend against infection by sounding an alarm if people get too close. There are a variety of contract tracing options for enforcing strategies for limiting transmission.

Some options include SaferMe and Mobile Programming.

Better cloud productivity tools

Cloud-based office software isnt new, but the solutions have suddenly become essential, pushing them to get even better. All these tools are designed to make it simpler to enable an employee to log in from a random browser and start working. Once that jump is made, the transition from office to home to coffee shop is simple. While companies may still supply laptops and other hardware for people working remotely, provisioning these machines and maintaining security has never been easier with browser-based tools.

New features are redefining the space. Microsofts venerable Office suite is now a collection of web applications thats part of OneDrive. Googles collection of editors and mail programs has outgrown the old name G Suite and is now Workspace. Zoho offers all the usual productivity apps for editing documents and presentations but also adds tools for customer relationship management, human resources, and accounting under the umbrella Zoho One.

Better planning software

Software optimized for sorting and tracking tasks are fast becoming essential for getting work done. Tools for agile programming teams have grown to help project managers track the various parts of any given project with tickets that flow across a Kanban board. Enterprise software managers have their own tools that track every piece of software running on every machine. Sales teams have been using customer relationship management (CRM) systems for years.

None of these packages are new and none were designed to fight a pandemic infection, but all are available wherever employees are and help streamline workflows, reducing the need for face-to-face meetings. Even if people are coming into the office some of the time, there may never be a moment when theyre all there at the same time. If your office has been resisting switching to a better workflow management system, now is the time to investigate upgrading it.

Key vendors here include Asana, Jira, Monday.com, and more.

Better messaging

Messaging and conferencing systems have been around since long before the pandemic, but they are worth another look if you havent already adopted them, as they are ideal for maintaining team cohesion when the team is rarely in the office at the same time. Moreover, these tools have been improving by increasing their integration with other tools for workflow management. Upgrading this layer and editing the channel list can encourage use.

Slack is the dominant vendor, but all office productivity software suites include their own messaging options. Others messaging vendors include Discord, RocketChat, and Flowdock. There are also a number of open source solutions such as Mattermost and Zulip.

New telephony solutions

Office phone networks with hardwired phones on fixed desks are rapidly disappearing. Some organizations are standardizing on personal cell phones, reimbursing employees for their cost. Others are buying office plans, something that can mean forcing people to carry two devices.



Still, office phone networks are evolving, and now offer the flexibility to adapt to quickly shifting teams who sit in different places every day and sometimes every hour. The networks can forward calls as needed. And if you prefer the size and heft of an old office phone, new models wrap modern cell phones with bigger handsets and easy-to-read displays, and the vendors tout their ability to switch from desk to home without rewiring.

Microsoft Teams and Google Voice for instance, have a bridge to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Some phone system vendors include RingCentral, Ooma, Line2, and DialPad.

More feature-rich videoconferencing

The world of videoconferencing is growing more sophisticated with vendors rolling out features that do more than just let people look at one another. Ring Central, for instance, has added live transcriptions and seemingly endless whiteboard space to its virtual conference rooms. Google Meet just rolled out automatically translated captions for discussions between people who speak different languages.

Zoom has enhanced the power of users to control breakout rooms to add more personal interaction to big meetings. At the same time, the Pandemic darling has added richer formatting options for the chat rooms. The most exciting area may be where third parties offer various possibilities in several dozen categories such as education or healthcare.

Conference spaces

Some of the greatest innovations in response to the pandemic are those that helped replace the world of conferences, conventions, and meetings. There are now virtual spaces designed to emulate the big convention centers where you can wander from presentation room to sales hall, all while working the room and bumping into old acquaintances.

These spaces arent just for big public events because some companies are using them for internal all-hands meetings. Departments can cross-pollinate and teams can generate reports for each other. Some of the new vendors defining this space include Aventri, Accelevents, Eventzilla, Demio, and Hopin.

Training platforms

Onboarding tools and continuing education have moved beyond the conference room as well. Modern education software includes new features that improve the training experience, like variable-speed videos and interactive quizzes to make sure the message is getting through. Knowledge is more structured than ever. Employees dont need to wait for a new training session or even come into the office.

Major vendors such as Coursera and Udemy offer options for supporting business-specific training.

Workstation pools

Many jobs need little more than an average laptop. Some tasks like video editing or 3D rendering require stronger processors and more RAM. Pools of high-powered hardware thats booked through hoteling software is often a good solution  especially when some workers arent going to be using all of the power every day.

New collaborative spaces

Not every collaborative interaction needs to happen through video tech. Game companies are repurposing their virtual worlds to create rich, virtual workspaces designed to capture the best parts of real work rooms. Sound, for instance, can obey the laws of physics making it possible for people to speak freely to those next to them in the virtual environment, even if theyre thousands of miles apart in real life.

There are also some fun touches such as a virtual firepit that slowly burns down unless you add another virtual log. Work will never be as much fun as a pure game but theres no reason that we cant try to make this new hybrid world better than the old office life before the pandemic.

Some companies building out these options include Ronday, Gather, and MeetinVR.
Although many IT leaders launch into projects with set goals, theres no telling what sort of unexpected consequences will emerge. In episode 4 of The Change Makers podcast youll see how although you can plan and predict certain benefits, several successful business outcomes can arrive serendipitously.

Take Lucy Hallam, Service Desk Manager at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust.

After reversing 12 years of IT stagnation and implementing a new tool, the Trusts service desk performance immediately spiked.

A day or two after we went live, the self-service usage went up by 19%, she says.

But that was just the start. Call abandonment rates dropped by 10%, waiting times fell by 7%, and escalations plummeted by 54%. Across the board, total tickets logged fell by 9%, freeing Lucys team up to concentrate on other work.

The NHS Trusts transformation project was an undeniable success, but focusing on the stats risks missing an equally important result: experience. Lucy spent countless years fighting with underpowered legacy technology. Rolling out a new service desk made every interaction a joy. Its this sort of experience that many of our Changemakers were aiming for with their own change initiatives.

Most people get too wedded to the tool rather than the real problem, says Prasad Ramakrishnan, Freshworks Chief Information Officer. If the only tool you have in your backpack is a hammer, everything looks to you like a nail.

Instead, Prasad suggests focusing on the problem. What challenge are you trying to solve? Whats your vision for the future? What experience are you trying to create for your employees?

But that is easier said than done. Swapping one service desk for another is simple. Changing how people workand their experience of that workis tough.

Listening is where you start, says Brad Kay, Chief Information Officer at Australian legal firm Maddocks. If youre open to learning, you're more likely to do something progressive. Dont start with AI or the latest tech jargon. It's not there. Start with the people.

When IT leaders get good at listening, great things happen. Not only can they deliver exceptional internal transformation, but they also impact their organization more widely.

Thats precisely what happened at Gopuff.

As Information Technology Support Manager, Mike Myers, explains: We're not only there for immediate support. We're making your life easier without you even knowing it. We have all of these projects that go on behind the scenes. When they go live, the whole staff is blown away. They suddenly have a new tool at their fingertips.

Listen to Episode Four: The Podium.

In this episode four, youll learn

Where Lucy Hallam is redistributing her newly freed resources: We have a team of six. One person is on a rota for self-service. I'm planning to put half of the team on self-service..

We have a team of six. One person is on a rota for self-service. I'm planning to put half of the team on self-service.. Why Prasad Ramakrishnan avoids a tool-centric approach: If you take a tool-centric approach, you'll forget about the users. You may have a tool that is implemented the best possible way, but the patient is dead. Always look for the real problem you're trying to solve. Don't be a solution looking for a problem..

If you take a tool-centric approach, you'll forget about the users. You may have a tool that is implemented the best possible way, but the patient is dead. Always look for the real problem you're trying to solve. Don't be a solution looking for a problem.. How Gopuffs IT team plays a more strategic role: At Gopuff, we are not only there to support people. We have a very proactive nature. We regularly meet with department heads, trying to find pain points in the organization.

Learn more about our changemakers here.

Become a changemaker in your organization Download the Ebook
In a notable trend for todays enterprise environments, IT and business leaders are increasingly looking to the cloud to run their high performance computing and artificial intelligence workloads. And there are lots of good reasons for this shift to accessing high-powered computational resources as services.

For starters, cloud-based HPC services give IT organizations the flexibility to add leading-edge resources on demand, which makes for a more agile enterprise. Business initiatives are no longer slowed by the need to design, procure and deploy complex HPC systems to support new applications. And then there are the budgetary advantages of paying for HPC as a usage-based operational expense, as opposed to making large upfront capital investments.

At the same time, enterprises are looking for cloud alternatives that offer greater performance, more HPC-centric configurations and better prices than what public cloud offers today. And this is the gap in the market that Dell Technologies with Intel are looking to fill in its mission to provide the broadest range of HPC/AI alternatives, ranging from on-premises to public cloud.

Thats the assessment of Gabriel Consulting Group in a new report that evaluates the Dell Technologies multifaceted strategy for making HPC accessible in todays enterprise environments.

Dell Technologies is heading into the HPC public cloud market in a big way, the firm notes in its report on the Dell strategy. Partnered with companies like R Systems, Dell Technologies has put together HPC-optimized managed services, infrastructure as a service and instances that will make it much quicker and easier for organizations to get HPC resources on demand from anywhere. Even better, Dell Technologies is determined to offer better price/performance than existing HPC cloud solutions.

Thats the big picture. Now lets drill down into some Gabriel Consulting Groups observations on the Dell Technologies approach to HPC cloud.

The Dell Technologies approach

Dells approach to the HPC public cloud differs radically from the existing solutions offered by Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, Gabriel notes. While the major cloud providers are trying to be all things to potential cloud users, Dell Technologies is tightly focused on HPC and AI workloads like modeling and simulation, machine learning and model training. This gives them the ability to tailor-make a cloud solution that fits customer needs much better than the legacy clouds.

In another notable differentiator, the Dell Technologies HPC & AI engineering team has developed expertise in architecting solutions for the most demanding HPC application stacks, Gabriel notes. Dell Technologies uses these workload-optimized architectures to craft cloud instances that combine the right hardware and software configurations to achieve the customers performance goals.

The power of partnerships

Partnerships are a foundational element of the Dell approach to delivering HPC cloud, Gabriel says, noting that Dell is leveraging its relationships with partners to physically host HPC systems.

Last year, Dell Technologies announced HPC and AI as a Service through partners R Systems, Verne Global and DXC, mindful that many customers want or need to keep their data local, the firm says. While these options remain available, they are largely dedicated infrastructure. The addition of a VMware option at R Systems adds multi-tenancy, self-service and billing per CPU hour.

With this new VMware option, Dell Technologies provides the hardware and software recipe for specific HPC solutions and the VMware management software while the location partner  R Systems in this case  provides the physical hosting and management of the hardware, Gabriel explains.

The bottom line

In the view of the Gabriel Consulting Group, Dell Technologies is getting HPC cloud right with a well- thought-out approach.

Dell Technologies read of what HPC/AI customers desire from a public cloud is very accurate based on our discussions with real-world HPC users, the firm says. Giving customers ready-made optimized HPC/AI configurations and instances for a large number of widely-used applications, workflows, and adding Dells domain expertise gives Dell Technologies an advantage that the existing public cloud providers cant equal.

For the full story, see the Gabriel Consulting Group report HPC Cloud: The Dell Way. Special thanks to Intel for supporting Dell Technologies HPC/AI.
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On Tuesday night, Chris Cuomo opened his show on CNN with an update on the case of Gabby Petito, a twenty-two-year-old travel blogger who went missing and whose body was found last month in Grand Teton National Park, in Wyoming. Brent Blue, a coroner in the case, had just ruled that Petito was strangled three to four weeks before her body was recovereda finding, Cuomo said, that suggested a crime of passion and made it more important than ever that police find Brian Laundrie, Petitos fiance, who is a person of interest in the case and currently unaccounted for. Cuomo invited a lawyer and a pathologist to discuss the case; he asked the latter how, exactly, a person dies by strangulation and how long it typically takes, and the former about the prospects for Laundries arrest. Prosecutors have to make the case, every time out, beyond a reasonable doubt, Cuomo concluded. This isnt about canceling somebody. This is about convicting them for a major felony.

The segment may have been grotesque, but there was nothing unusual about itfor almost a month now, Petitos story has driven intense interest across the mediasphere. The Washington Posts Jeremy Barr calculated that, in one seven-day span in September, her name was mentioned nearly four hundred times on Fox News, three hundred and fifty times on CNN, and one hundred times on MSNBC; the coverage has tailed off a bit since then, but many outlets, not least CNN, are still treating developments in the case, such as the coroners findings, as a major story. The sheer volume of coverage has revived an old complaint that has itself driven a lot of coverage: that the media pays disproportionate attention to telegenic white victims of such crimes while erasing victims of color, a trend that the journalist Gwen Ifill once named missing white woman syndrome. Journalists at outlets across the ideological spectrumfrom Joy Reid, on MSNBC, to Grant Stinchfield, on Newsmaxdrew attention to the disparity; Frank Somerville, an anchor at KTVU, in San Francisco, was suspended after moving ahead with plans to mention it on air, over his bosses objections. The family of Jelani Day, a Black graduate student who was later found dead in Illinois, called out the comparative lack of attention around his case; the relatives of Native American victims in Wyoming made similar points. Joseph Petito, Gabbys father, called on journalists to help other missing people. During his press conference on Tuesday, Blue, the coroner, said that the Petito story has become a media circus, and that its unfortunate that other deaths involving domestic violence dont get the same coverage. Interviewing Blue on CNN, Anderson Cooper said that his point was well taken, then quickly returned to Blues invocation of domestic violence, in case hed just broken some news in the Petito case.

ICYMI: What would an effective social-media regulator look like?

None of this is remotely a new phenomenon. As Politicos Jack Shafer wrote late last month, the archetype of the maiden in peril has deep roots in ancient myth; in the American context, it can be seen in the alarmist tales of Native Americans abducting white women at the frontier and in the breathless newspaper coverage of various missing-persons cases around the turn of the twentieth century. The scandal-mongering yellow journalists of the 1890s designed the storytelling templates modern newspapers and cable networks still rely on, Shafer noted, with William Randolph Hearsts New York Journal going so far as to itself break a Cuban woman out of jail ahead of the Spanish-American war. In 2004, the year that Ifill coined the phrase missing white woman syndrome, the comedian Jon Stewart expressed it as a mathematical formula (Minutes of coverage = Family Income x (Abductee Cuteness  Skin Color)2 + Length of Abduction x Media Savvy of Grieving Parents3). In 2016, a scholar at Northwestern University subjected the trend to a rigorous empirical analysis that bore it out. This year, researchers in Wyoming identified severe disparities in both the quantity and quality of coverage of missing and murdered Indigenous residents of the state. Since 2000, fewer than a third of Indigenous homicide victims had their stories told, and those that were covered were more likely to be portrayed in a negative light. Missing Indigenous people were more likely to be covered only after they had been found dead.

Numerous explanations have been posited for missing white woman syndrome. Cable networks like to fill airtime with stories that will get good ratings. As NPRs David Folkenflik pointed out, Petitos story presented strong narrative elements given that she had documented her travels extensively on social media; her digital footprint enticed amateur online sleuthsemboldened not just by influencer culture but by the recent explosion of the true-crime genreto treat the case like a solvable mystery, which in turn drove more coverage. We in the media have a responsibility to rectify the harm caused by our habitually reinforcing the notion that non-White and LGBTQ lives dont matter, the Posts Karen Attiah wrote. But all of us as digital citizens can do better, too. Weve seen the power of social media in forcing an issue into the public square. A lack of newsroom diversity is also to blame, especially at the levels with the most editorial power. As Reid put it, if the woman whos missing looks like your own daughter or granddaughter, and youre a newsroom executive, youre going to gravitate more toward it.

All of these explanationsand they neednt be mutually exclusiveinvolve racist assumptions and structures not just in the media business, but in society as a whole, so its no surprise that missing white woman syndrome has broader social and cultural drivers, too. The trend is reflective of the dominant ideology of white supremacy, Carol Liebler, a professor at Syracuse University, wrote recently. Its not just that Gabby Petito was white: she fit societal beauty standards in terms of age, weight, fitness and even hair color, Liebler added, noting that she once asked journalism students to rank pictures of missing children by attractiveness and found that those perceived as being most attractive got the most coverage. Last year, meanwhile, a study by Liebler, Wasim Ahmad, and Gina Gayle found that police departments are the primary gatekeepers in reporting on missing teens. As one journalist acknowledged, if we get the information from the police, then we put it up immediately, whereas if we just hear about it from a family, we will call the police and see whether theres been a report filed.

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Lynnette Grey Bull, who founded a group in Wyoming that advocates for missing and trafficked Native Americans, told Barr, of the Post, that she sees a possible silver lining in the coverage of Petito and criticism that it sparked: Im hoping and praying, she said, that were in a moment where we are able to make a shift. Since Petitos case garnered national attention, we have indeed seen major news outlets start to include the names of missing people of color and trans peopleDay, Daniel Robinson, Victoria Gonzalez, Aubrey Dameron, and othersin the conversation, in addition to deeper explanations of how and why people go missing.

This too, however, is a well-worn cycle. Unless news organizations put concrete, long-lasting practices in place now to correct for their biasesfrom prioritizing diversity to deprioritizing the word of law enforcement in coveragewe can expect this round of missing-persons coverage to peter out, and to have the same discussions the next time a missing white woman attracts disproportionate media attention. As Liebler put it, we should not be satisfied with the present self-reflection since weve seen it all before. As Nikole Hannah-Jones, of the New York Times Magazine, put it, I wish I could say that we learn our lessons. But we largely dont seem to learn our lessons. And we have these same scenarios that seem to occur again and again.

Below, more on Gabby Petito, missing white woman syndrome, and journalism:



Other notable stories:

ICYMI: Corporation Claims Diversity Data Is Secret. Thats A Problem for Journalismand Democracy

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Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in the New York Review of Books, Foreign Policy, and The Nation, among other outlets. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop.
This is the second part of a two-part investigation. The first piece can be found here.

Metric Media launched Community Newsmaker in 2020 using the language of citizen journalism. However, what appeared to be grassroots news is part of a sprawling network that promotes political agendas and corporate interests, without disclosing those ties to the public.

Created in 2019, the Metric Media network has over 1,200 sites across all fifty states and Washington D.C., and claims to be the largest producer of local news in the United States publishing over 5 million news articles every month. The articles arent necessarily aligned with local newsworthy events though. Instead, by tracing its funding and partnerships, an investigation by the Tow Center has found how the network promotes interests of advocacy groups without explicit disclosures. This points to a worrying trend that exists across the political spectrum: local news sites and networks funded by political actors, big-money interest groups, and ideological partners that target key battleground states (and counties) on certain issues, while ignoring the bigger local news stories.

For example, our analysis found, when a building collapsed in Miami in June, across the local news network, just one story was published, six days after the event, despite the network having about 40 Florida-based titles. In August, Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana, but none of the fifteen-odd Louisiana-based sites even mentioned the Category-4 storm. Similarly, we found the eight Montana-based sites have not covered wolf-hunting regulations and wildfires at all, but ran multiple stories about a single primary race last year that was funded by a PAC run by a co-organizer of the Community Newsmaker project.

In a YouTube video, the co-organizer says: We created this program because if youre anything like me, we hate the mainstream media.

Outside automated and repurposed content, our analysis found that the Metric Media sites are selective about the topics they cover, often publishing multiple stories on different sites reiterating the exact same talking points or duplicating stories across sites with minimal changes.

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Bradley Cameron and Brian Timpone, two of the key people behind the Metric Media sites, did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

ICYMI: Hundreds of pink slime local news outlets are distributing algorithmic stories and conservative talking points

The Metric Media network of news sites, its funding model and the tools and techniques used to help promote issues under the guise of local news remains only a marginal part of the 2020 election campaign. Increasingly, we are seeing political campaigning which uses news as a cloak for campaigning activities potentially further undermining trust in legitimate local news outlets. For such operations to be successful, the network does not have to be widely read or deliver broad impact, it simply has to gnaw away at the edges of the consciousness of the voting public.

Launched in 2020, Community Newsmaker describes itself as a platform that enables users to connect with Metric Media writers to pitch stories that matter to their communities. Users are presented with a formlast year it was a Google Form, but the platform has undergone a revamp in 2021and encouraged to participate to elevate local issues, increase transparency and accountability in local government, and promote civic engagement.

Metric Medias involvement in this project is declared upfront: the YouTube tutorial says the tool is provided with support from the Metric Media Foundation, and the Metric Media Foundations website says it is one of the services they provide. An organization called Community News Foundation says it funds the tool. On its website, the Community News Foundation lists the three members that make up its board of directors; all three are also on the board of the Metric Media Foundation (which has four directors).

Community Newsmaker also provides a handful of organizations with their own dedicated pages, to outline their objectives and allow their supporters to connect with the Metric Media writers. Figure 2 lays out the nature of this network including the organizations that had dedicated pages on the Community Newsmaker website in its previous form.

Pages dedicated to third-party organizations lived at subdomains of the Community Newsmaker website. Subdomains are prefixes added to a domain to help organize different parts of a website. For example, google.com is the domain and mail.google.com is a subdomain of google.com; domains can have multiple subdomains. Example subdomains for Community Newsmaker included cos.communitynewsmaker.com, catholicinterview.communitynewsmaker.com, and pa.communitynewsmaker.com. These subdomains have since been taken down; instead, Community Newsmaker relies on URL slugs now to organize the site.

We used Farsight DNSDB Flexible Search to identify the resources (specifically subdomains) of the Community Newsmaker domain, and used RiskIQs certificate tool to find all the SSL certificates for the Community Newsmaker domain (SSL certificates include certificates for subdomains, too). Additionally, we relied on public records like IRS Form 990s as well as Facebook and Googles ad libraries. The methodology is detailed below.

Breakdown of Community Newsmaker Subdomains

Overall, we found fourteen subdomains on Community Newsmaker. These were a mix of pages for advocacy groups, certain states (Pennsylvania, Michigan, Virginia, Ohio), and organizations that shared stakeholders with the Metric Media network. Subsequently, we found stories across the Metric Media network that elevated these groups, their tenets, and their key personnel. None of the stories we found ran with any disclaimers about whether the stories were sourced from Community Newsmaker or with any disclosures around conflicts of interest. Figure 3 shows the breakdown of the types of organizations that had dedicated pages on Community Newsmaker.

Its worth noting that its not only political players that are leveraging Metric Medias network to push their messaging. Situation Management Groups clients (of which Convention of States is one) also have dedicated pages on Community Newsmakers subdomains as do other Metric Media stakeholders. To wit:

HOTELS Together , which was an initiative set up during the early days of the pandemic, along with the Workplace Recovery Alliance , to bat for the hospitality industry. Bradley Cameron, the CEO of SMG and the President of Metric Media LLC, was the sole contact on both websites. Both HOTELS Together and Workplace Recovery Alliance also had websites that aggregated stories from Metric Media sites that focused on the hospitality industry during the pandemic. The relationship with Ashford, Inc., a client of SMG, also plays into both initiatives. Ashford, Inc. is a publicly-traded company that provides asset management and advisory services to other entities, primarily within the hospitality industry. Over a hundred cookie-cutter stories (sample in Figure 4) on the Metric Media sites featured employees from Ashford, Inc. and its related companies talking about how the pandemic had impacted them or how lenders were adopting vulture tactics. Monty Bennett, the CEO of Ashford, Inc., is also the publisher of Dallas Express , which launched earlier this year and relied on the same technology stack and writers as the Metric Media sites. Bennett , replying to an e-mail where we listed our findings along with a set of questions, said most of our findings are wrong but did not offer any specifics.

Sentries, which also has a corresponding website, focuses on raising awareness about human trafficking. The website says its published by the Human Freedom Project, which is sponsored by the Texas Business Coalition. Brent Southwell, one of the members of the Metric Media Foundations Board of Directors, is the founder and president of the Texas Business Coalition according to state records.



Big Island Times, which is a Community Newsmaker interface for the eponymous Hawaiian Metric Media news outlet. Big Island Times is one of five local news publications that the Metric Media network operates in Hawaii.

Four of the subdomains were for individual states (Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and Virginia), all of which claimed they were putting the power of community news in the hands of local [citizens] (Figure 5).

Citizens for Self-Governances Convention of States



Citizens for Self-Governance is an advocacy group that is a client of Situation Management Group, the management consultancy run by Bradley Cameron who also holds an executive role in Metric Media. The Metric Media news sites have covered multiple initiatives of the Convention of States, a project of Citizens for Self-Governance, without any disclosures of the potential conflicts of interest. They also have their own Community Newsmaker page.

The revamped version of the Convention of States Community Newsmaker shows a form which can be used to pitch stories (see Figure 6). Prompts include, Suggest a headline for your story and Do you have an image we can use? On the top of the page is a quote from Mark Meckler: Grassroots reporting is part of the foundation of self-governance. This is how we set the narrative. In a previous iteration of the organizations Community Newsmaker page, in a YouTube video, Meckler introduces users to the platform, saying, We created this program because if youre anything like me, and I know were kind of the same in this regard, we hate the mainstream media. Were sick and tired of the mainstream media and one of the big problems of the mainstream media is they dont report about things that matter to people like you and me, and theyre also not telling the truth all the time.

Based on the text of the site and the transcript of the video, it appears that Meckler and the Convention of States has a more involved relationship with Metric Media. The promotion of the platform via Convention of States, and the encouragement for others to use the platform gives the impression of a partnership or co-branding exercise, with the Convention of States website even describing it as a collaboration.

Meckler did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Meckler, the founding president of the non-profit organization Citizens for Self-Governance, was one of the founders of the Tea Party Patriots in 2009 and more recently stepped into the role of interim CEO at the right wing social media platform Parler after the original CEO was fired in the wake of January 6 riot at the United States Capitol. The Convention of States is a project of the Citizens for Self-Governance (CSG) whose raison detre is to trigger a little known clause in Article V of the US constitution to call a constitutional convention for new amendments to dramatically restrict the power of the federal government.

Convention of States also funded and helped organize the anti-quarantine Open the States protests in Spring 2020. The protests followed the model set by the Tea Party movement that emerged in 2009. Reporting by the New Yorker found that Americans for Prosperity, a group backed by the Koch network, helped educate, fund, and organize Tea Party protestors thereby turning their private agenda into a mass movement. This network, through a myriad of non-profit organizations, are considered to be among the biggest financiers of conservative advocacy groups and political causes over the last five decades.

ICYMI: As election looms, a network of mysterious pink slime local news outlets nearly triples in size

The Convention of States collaborative ties with Metric Media are underlined by a document published on the Convention of States website in March 2020 that describes the Community Newsmaker tool as a news story pitching resource that COS affiliated grassroots can independently harness to advance community activism and self-governance in their communities. The document says Community Newsmaker is a collaboration between Citizens for Self-Governance and the Metric Media Foundation to help restore local news in communities across America, and that the articles will be published in an established network of local news sites or statewide Business Daily outlets; these refer to the extended Metric Media network.



More recently, a new site called CRT Central launched, which describes itself as a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in fighting this emerging racism. This aggregator is operated by the American Schools Coalition, a coalition that has seven members; two of the members are Meckler and the Convention of States.



The Convention of States has also partnered with an organization related to Metric Media: Center for the New American Frontier (previously the Frontier Lab), which, like Metric Media, is under the Situation Management Group umbrella.

Further, the Metric Media publications have republished at least 1,400 stories about term limits, either highlighting candidates who have agreed to support congressional term limits (one story per candidate) or praising candidates for signing their pledge (again, one story per candidate). U.S. Term Limits is an advocacy group founded by Eric OKeefe that seeks to impose term limits on Congress and state legislature. OKeefe, a long-time political operative with deep ties to the Kochs, is the Board President of Citizens for Self-Governance and holds executive positions at multiple other conservative political non-profit organizations.

The interplay between key stakeholders and entities across the Metric Media network and Convention of States is shown in Figure 7.

CRT Central

Created this summer, CRT Central aggregates stories from a variety of sources including the Metric Media sites.

The 140-odd stories pulled from a myriad of sources outside the Metric Media network cover a range of topics from actual legislation and impact on the ground to opinion. This includes, Reuters Critical Race Theory roils a Tennessee school district, Dallas Morning News Gov. Greg Abbott signs tougher anti-critical race theory law, and the Brooking Institutes Why are states banning critical race theory? The op-eds featured are aggregated from a range sources, including the Manhattan Institutes City Journal (The White Backlash That Wasnt: Opposition to critical race theory is broad and bipartisan), the Heritage Foundation (Judge Defends Equal Justice Against Tide of Critical Race Theory, Disparate Impact), and the National Review (Pushback on Critical Race Theory Starts with the States).

Within the Metric Media network, though, around 9,000 stories have been published identifying individual teachers who have signed an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project to continue teaching critical race theory. The headlines and text are repetitive: Online pledge to teach controversial Critical Race Theory signed by 17 Lafayette teachers by week ending Sep. 4, Four Plainfield teachers pledge to teach Critical Race Theory despite controversy by week ending Aug. 28, No new teachers in West New York sign pledge in week ending Aug. 07 to teach Critical Race Theory.

Meanwhile, another ten stories have been published about a single survey that the Convention of States conducted in partnership with the Trafalgar Group, which asked the question, How should parents who oppose Critical Race Theory in public schools respond if it becomes part of their childrens curriculum? The headlines across the pieces are similar even though the stories are published on sites attached to different states. A piece published in the Austin Journal is titled, Poll shows Americans believe parents should take action if CRT is taught in school, while the corresponding piece in Houston Daily is titled, Poll: About half of Americans oppose schools teaching critical race theory. Similar stories appear in the Metric Media outlets attached to Georgia, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Nevada, and Illinois.

The headlines are somewhat misleading though, as the question in the survey isnt around whether people support or oppose schools teaching critical race theory, but what action parents opposing CRT should take.

The ties between the Convention of States and Metric Media are not disclosed in any of these stories.

Anti-Quarantine Protests

Metric Media sites published a myriad of stories and press releases aligned with the Convention of States mission, including over a hundred stories across sixty sites promoting the Open the States campaign last spring. Headlines tackled reopening, government overreach, and individual states plans to address the lockdown. They included, Convention of States: Minnesotas unclear path to reopening leads to continued suffering, Arizona COS director: Government mandates violate First Amendment rights, Convention of States group decries Florida government for using COVID-19 to enhance power, and Convention of States official: Wisconsin businesses ready to reopen no matter governors opinion.

Just over half of these explicitly referred to the Convention of States reopen movement. None of the stories disclosed the collaboration between Metric Media and Convention of States on COS Community Newsmaker. A further 20 stories focused on government overreach, some of which were effectively the same cookie-cutter story (Figure 8). The rest of the stories were a combination of urging government officials to lift the restrictions, publicizing the Convention of States sponsored citizen rallies, or encouraging businesses to reopen irrespective of official directives.

One story, published in DC Business Daily, had the headline Frontier Center study finds that Reopeners are misunderstood. The story was based on a press release issued by the non-profit organization Center For The New American Frontier, the organization that had conducted the study with 100 supporters of the Reopen movement. The Center For The New American Frontier is a division of Situation Management Group as is Metric Media.

This article acknowledges the study was a partnership between the Center For The New American Frontier and OpenTheStates.com (an interactive computer service operated by Convention of States Action), and was sponsored by the Convention of States Project.

Both the Cameron-led operationsMetric Media and The Center For The New American Frontierhave received financing from the Koch-aligned donor organizations Donors Trust and Donors Capital Fund as has Convention of States and Citizens for Self-Governance.

Promoting a Green Montana Senate candidate funded by CSG Action

On the electoral front, Metric Media has published multiple stories about a race in which CSG Action, a political action committee from Citizens for Self-Governance, had a stake. In 2020, CSG Action was the sole donor to super PAC Go Green Montana for Montana Green Party Senate candidate Wendie Fredrickson. The push to have the Green Party in Montana on the ballot came from the Montana Republican Party, which spent at least $100,000 to collect enough signatures to clear the qualifying threshold. The money was funneled through a newly created group, Montanans for Conservation, which had ties to the Montana GOP.

This race was covered extensively by one of Metric Medias Montana sites, Big Sky Times, with at least seven stories focusing on the arc of this race that had the potential to determine the balance of the U.S. Senate. (In 2020, we found just over 1,000 stories published on Big Sky Times, but only 70 of them had a byline; the rest were repurposed, automated, or verbatim press releases).

We also found two stories about this race in Legal Newsline, one of the legal publications that is also part of the extended network of 1,200-odd sites. Some of the stories published on Big Sky Times were linked to on other Metric Media sites including Glacier Country News and Yellowstone Times.

None of the stories published on the Metric Media sites acknowledged the role of CSG Action in the Go Green Montana super PAC or Metric Medias collaboration with the Convention of States; they did, however, mention the Montana Republican Partys efforts in getting the signatures to ensure a primary for the Green Party in the state.

The CSG Action-backed super PAC, Go Green Montana, published seven Facebook ads promoting the green movement, two of which were Big Sky Times stories: one promoting Fredrickson and one highlighting her oppositions ties to the Democrats. These are the only two ads we found linking to Big Sky Times in Facebooks Ad Archive.

Convention of States Volunteers and Leaders on Metric Media sites



It is not entirely clear if any stories have been successfully generated from the Community Newsmaker page, but there are over a dozen pieces from October-November focusing on elections from the point of view of individual voters. The individuals quoted in each of these stories are members or leaders of the Convention of States, but for the most part, these individuals ties to Convention of States arent disclosed in the stories. Nor is Convention of States involvement in the Metric Media network. So, while these and other similar stories appear to be locally generated news, they are simply echoing the talking points of an advocacy group without disclaimers, and hence potentially misleading readers.

Across the Metric Media sites, various stories appear featuring these individuals. In a story in one of the Metric Media South Carolina publications, Charleston Reporter, a headline reads, South Carolina voter: Our Capitol is just as important as what happens on the federal level. The story centers on Wendy Damron, a legislative liaison of the South Carolina Convention of States Project. She is also the treasurer of the Palmetto Promise Institute, a conservative think-tank in South Carolina that is part of the State Policy Network. (The State Policy Network is a group of 65 conservative and libertarian think-tanks funded by donor organizations including the Koch-backed DonorsTrust and Donors Capital Funds, and is known to create multi-pronged coordinated efforts to push their agenda across states.)



Another story that appeared in the Kansas site, Little Apple Times, has the headline For Kansas voter, Second Amendment, taxes, Convention of States are dominant issues, and features the regional director of the Convention of States (David Schneider). In the Nevada site SE Vegas News, a Henderson resident reminds voters that politicians are supposed to work for us. The resident in question is Convention of States District Captain and Event Coordinator Bill Harenburg. Harenburg was also interviewed for other Metric Media stories, including one of the Nevada Business Daily pieces about government overreach during the pandemic. The Metric Media network operates a Business Daily site for each state as well as Washington DC.

Overall, we found a dozen such stories, including Ohio voter: Not voting is surrendering to those who do and Missouri voter: We have to reelect President Trump.

CatholicVote

Figure 9: The interface for the CatholicVote Community Newsmaker page.

CatholicVotes Community Newsmaker page categorized seven topics for which the page allowed users to set up 30-minute interviews with their writers to get news important to [citizens] published in over 1,000 community news sites across America. Topics included, Abortion & Life, Civil Unrest & Violence, Black Lives Matter Principles, School Choice/Religious Schools, and Human Trafficking.

A project of Fidelis, a Catholic advocacy non-profit organization, CatholicVotes mission says it is not owned by any party or movement, but believes in taking sides if one candidate or policy position is decidedly against the principles we hold dear. In its IRS filing, the organization describes it as, Catholic grassroots education and civic action to defend life, faith, and family. Its Executive Director, Brian Burch, is also the director and chairman of the Illinois Opportunity Project, which has paid individual entities (Locality Labs and Franklin Archer) within the Metric Media network $440,000 between 2017 and 2018. In September 2020, Burch published a book titled A New Catholic Moment: Donald Trump and the Politics of the Common Good.

Six weeks before the 2020 election, in September 2020, the group launched a $9.7 million campaign against the Democrat nominee to expose Joe Bidens anti-Catholic record and policies. This began with a $350,000 digital ad buy in Pennsylvania and Michigan. However, not much is known in terms of how this war chest was spent; less than $900,000 was reported to the Federal Election Commission according to publicly available data. Neither Metric Media nor Community Newsmaker are included in the breakdown of the independent expenditures, and IRS tax filings for the year 2020 are not available (and will not be available until 2022), which makes it difficult to ascertain the financial nature of any relationship between the two entities. The CatholicVote Community Newsmaker page was first observed in September 2020 by DNSDB as well. In the run-up to the election, based on the content on Metric Media sites and ads on both Google and Facebook, there is evidence to suggest the advocacy group had ties with the media network beyond just the Community Newsmaker platform.

CatholicVote was expending resources on the pivotal 2020 election since at least as far back as November 2019, when it initiated what it called the largest Catholic voter mobilization program ever spanning at least seven states, convinced that Catholics will decide the 2020 elections. The program included geofencing at churches, a technique that enabled them to conduct outreach by capturing mobile phone data from churchgoers and then targeting those devices through paid advertising. According to the National Catholic Reporter, this approach helped CatholicVote identify nearly 200,000 Catholics in Wisconsin who attended mass three times in ninety days, half of whom were not registered to vote.

CatholicVote adopted the same strategy in the 2018 midterm election, when it targeted 600,000 people with ads for five senate races including Missouri. It cast then Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill as anti-Catholic because she was pro-abortion, unwilling to protect the Little Sisters of the Poor, and opposed Catholic judicial nominees because of their religious beliefs. The Republican Josh Hawley won the race.

CatholicVote did not respond to requests for comments.

Catholic Tribune sites and coverage of Catholic voters on the Metric Media local news network

In early 2020, Metric Media launched a new network of seven Catholic Tribune sites: six were state-centric and one national. CatholicVote explicitly identified five of the six states in its voter mobilization program. None of these sites have published new stories since December 6, 2020.

Figure 10: The pages of the broadsheet Wisconsin Catholic Tribune. Photo credit: The Compass

These publications say the purpose they serve is to provide more robust news reporting on parish life and issues affecting Catholics and there is no intent to advocate for or endorse a particular political candidate or party. The stories and ads run by these sites do, however, encompass political speech and policy issues aligned with the Catholic Church, as does the eight-page physical broadsheet that was mailed to Catholic homes around Wisconsin. The articles in the physical paper, the diocesan publication The Compass found, were less about Christian tenets, and more related to the presidential election, including a voter guide, results of polls it conducted on its Facebook page and opinion articles written by two Donald Trump campaign advisors. On the front page of the broadsheet, it also flags an inside story: CatholicVote praises Trumps Born Alive executive order. (Figure 10)

Similar to the Metric Media local news network, the Catholic Tribune network takes cues from traditional diocesan publications and relies heavily on material from existing sources. Much of the material published on the Catholic Tribune network are (repurposed and verbatim) press releases from universities, parishes and churches; homilies from pastors; and mass times and intentions. Others, as first reported by The Compass, are taken from state diocesan newspapers as well as Facebook and YouTube pages. The Compass found at least 14 of their stories had been rebranded and published on the Wisconsin Catholic Tribune. (The Compass reached out to Catholic Tribune, and got a reply saying their mass content team had mistaken The Compass news pieces to be press releases.)

Interspersed among this adapted content are stories that focus on the Democratic nominees stance on abortion and school choice as well as on the pandemic-related lockdowns. These stories were originally published on the Metric Media local news sites (see Figure 11), and linked to from the Catholic Tribune sites, and tackled the areas where religious teachings overlap with policy issues; this isnt uncommon in diocesan publications. Each story features a different individual who explains why theyre voting against Biden or how the Republican Partys views converge more with the Catholic Church. (A Pew study found that for specific policy issues, Catholics were more often aligned with their political party over the teaching with the church: 77% of Democratic and Democratic-leaning Catholic adults thought abortion should be legal in most cases, 63% of Republican and Republican-leaning adults thought abortion should be illegal in most cases. The finding concludes, This divide exists despite the Catholic Churchs formal opposition to abortion.)

Stories promoting individual Catholics views and voting preferences arent constrained to the Catholic Tribune network, but span the Metric Media local news network, with the stories containing similar, if not identical, talking points: In Tampa Republic, the headline Florida pro-life advocate supports school choice appears; in Pittsburgh Review, Pittsburgh parent wouldnt back candidate opposed to school choice programs; in Treasure Coast Sun, Biden plans to defund school choice programs, which worries many Catholic parents; in Tri-City Sun, Bidens opposition to school choice raises questions for those supporting Catholic schools; in North Kent News, Catholics oppose Bidens stance on defunding school of choice programs; and in Central Bucks Today, Bidens position on school choice programs could undermine Catholic support.

CatholicVotes digital spend on Metric Media properties

Most of CatholicVotes ads on Facebook and Google link to its own operations. Our analysis found that in 2020 they bought ads against only two external entities. One was Western Journal, a conservative news outlet described by the New York Times as among the most popular and influential publications in America in the parallel universe of Facebook. The other was Metric Media.

In 2020, we found that CatholicVote had run 424 Facebook ads and 235 Google ads (including YouTube), according to the ad libraries provided by the two technology companies. Nine percent of all ads run linked to Metric Media stories (across the local news and Catholic Tribune networks). All of these ads ran in the twelve days leading up to Election Day.

Across both platforms, CatholicVotes ads for Metric Media stories predominantly targeted the swing states of Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan. Two recurring topics were school choice and abortion. This is in line with CatholicVotes voter mobilization strategy. As former Rep. Tim Huelskamp (R-KS) told NPR, I think the CatholicVote campaign is distinguishing Catholics who support the churchs position on life, the churchs position on religious freedom and on school choice and trying to turn that particular vote out. For Catholics who never attend church, theyre going to vote, 3-1, for Joe Biden.

The majority of CatholicVotes Facebook ads pointed to its own website or YouTube page (73%), but more than one-in-ten pointed to Metric Media sites (11%). (See Figure 12)

The 47 ads for Metric Media properties (Catholic Tribune as well as the local news network) ran in the twelve days leading up to the election, with each ad pointing to a different story. Just under half of these stories (22) were about the election, with 12 focusing on school choice (Commerce Township parent: No support for presidential candidate who doesnt believe in school choice, Biden may pull school choice funding; Catholic voter in Miami responds to proposition, Miami resident cant support a candidate who wants to put a stop to school choice). The remaining election-related stories covered a myriad of topics, including the pandemic (Biden promises more lockdowns; Trump says they arent needed), number-crunching about how the election will go (Report: Wisconsin Catholics will decide Trump vs. Biden), and positions on hot-button topics (As the election approaches, Trump reaffirms abortion stance, possibly courting Catholic votes). The other topics of interest included the Supreme Court (Judge Amy Coney Barretts was confirmed as a Supreme Court Justice a week before Election Day) and the economy during the pandemic.

Overall, we found CatholicVote spent between $34,200 and $43,176 across all ads for Metric Media sites, which was approximately $1 of every $8 spent by CatholicVote on Facebook ads in 2020 (between $256,700 and $342,786).

We also found that the Catholic Tribune Facebook pages cumulatively spent an additional $31,314 on 160 Facebook ads. Thirty-six of these directed users to fill out mostly single-question surveys conducted on Google Forms (Figure 13), which would then be the basis for articles on the Metric Media network. These ads were all paid for by the entity Franklin Archer. Questions in these surveys included, Should a child be able to decide to have a sex change?, Would you support another economic lockdown? and Are you supportive of the political movement to enable the state to take a more active role in child raising, replacing the nuclear family?

We found over 20 stories based on these surveys across the seven Catholic Tribune sites, including More than 86% of Arizonas Catholics are against further economic lockdowns (Arizona Catholic Tribune), Swing State Poll: Wisconsin Catholics overwhelmingly reject Black Lives Matter principles (Wisconsin Catholic Tribune), and Swing State Poll: Pennsylvania Catholics against reparations, take no personal responsibility for slavery (Pennsylvania Catholic Tribune).

Our analysis showed the seven Catholic Tribune pages combined spent between $7,600 and $11,169 on ads to the Google Forms, and an additional $2,700-$4,291 directing readers to the actual stories based on these ads. CatholicVote, spent an additional $8,900-$10,694 on ten ads to the stories based on the results of these polls.

Like Facebook, Google does not report exact ad spend per ad, but instead provides a range. This tells us that CatholicVote spent at least $100,000 on its 235 Google ads. Twelve of these were image-based ads pointing to Metric Media stories, on which CatholicVotes spent at least $7,500 (Figure 14). Metric Media was the only external entity for which CatholicVote bought Google ads in all of 2020. The topics of the ads were similar to the Facebook ads the group ran: Breaking News: Detroit Catholic grandmother opposes Bidens stance on school choice, Breaking News: SCOTUS appointment and Trump executive order promise highlight abortion as Catholic voting issue, Report: Pennsylvania Catholics will decide Trump vs. Biden.

General Election 2020 Campaign

CatholicVote is a project of the social welfare (501(c)(4)) organization Fidelis, whose primary activities entails Catholic grassroots education and civic action to defend life, faith, and family. Due to its 501(c)(4) status, the organization is not allowed to spend more than 50 percent of its revenue on politicking. But, according to the Campaign Legal Center, the IRS has not been particularly clear with how it assesses electoral spending, and rarely enforces the law, allowing for groups to push the envelope.

Less than sixty days before the election, in September 2020, the organization said they launched a $9.7 million campaign against Biden to expose his anti-Catholic record and policies. which if deemed politicking would mean that CatholicVotes 2020 revenue would have to exceed $19.4 million. This is more than four times the revenue CatholicVote has reported in their IRS filings in the previous two general election cycles 2012 and 2016 ($4.3 million each year). As of now it is unknown as to whether CatholicVote spent that entire sum. The advocacy group reported under a million in total expenditures to the FEC: 53% of this total was in support of Trump and 40% against Biden, according to the official filings.

Despite the multiple overlaps between the two organisations  the Community Newsmaker CatholicVote page, the surveys run by Metric Media that were promoted by CatholicVote, CatholicVote promoting content only from Metric Media and Western Journal outside its own online entities, and Metric Media not only creating a Catholic Tribune network but also covering the same issues on its local news network  neither Metric Media nor any of its related entities (Franklin Archer and Situation Management Group) featured in the list of expenditures CatholicVote reported to the FEC. The team at Campaign Legal Center also told us that FEC reporting is required for a narrow category of digital ads, which allows advocacy groups to launch big digital campaigns without disclosing much of the spending.

If Metric Media or any of its related entities was paid by Fidelis/CatholicVote, we are unlikely to find out until next year when Fidelis files its IRS Form 990.

If you have examples of similar networks operating in your area or would like access to more granular data, please get in touch with us here.

For a complete list of the domains weve identified as part of the network, please click here.

METHODOLOGY

Identifying the partner organizations

The Metric Media Foundations website says one of the services it offers is Community Newsmaker. But, we were unable to find that service promoted much outside two tweets (one by Mark Meckler and one by the Convention of States Twitter account) and two public Facebook posts (both on a Facebook page for Convention of States North Carolina).

Once we saw that third parties were using pages hosted on subdomains of Community Newsmaker without any mention on the main Community Newsmaker homepage, we used DNSDB Flexible Search and RiskIQ to see if there were other partnerships. Subdomains are prefixes added to a domain to help organise different parts of a website. For example, google.com is the domain and mail.google.com is a subdomain of google.com. We previously used both tools to help us identify the original network and how it expanded over the course of 2020; our methodology for that is detailed here. The approach for finding subdomains is different.

DNSDB Flexible Search

Flexible Search is a relatively new tool launched by Farsight Security (a cyberthreat intelligence company that provides passive DNS solutions) that, amongst other things, allows users to search for domains that match a specific pattern. We used it to find all resources that ended with .communitynewsmaker.com (highlighted in red in Figure M1 below), which effectively gave us all the subdomains for Community Newsmaker. (Note: The nested command is to clean up the output that DNSDB Flexible Search returns. This allows us to see when DNSDB first observed the subdomain).

RiskIQ

We wanted to cross-validate the sites found through DNSDB Flexible Search with another tool lest any of the subdomains had not been observed by the Passive DNS service; different companies performing the same function capture marginally different data. On RiskIQ, we relied on the SSL certificate data they capture.

When we visited a couple of the subdomains identified in the step above, on the browser itself, we were able to see that they had unique SSL certificates (Figure M2), i.e. different subdomains have their own SSL certificate instead of a universal wildcard SSL certificate shared by all subdomains. This allowed us to look up the top-level domain (communitynewsmaker.com) on RiskIQ, and look at all the SSL certificates they had for the top-level domainwhich also includes the SSL certificates for all the subdomains (Figure M3).

We were then able to manually cross-check the subdomains on the SSL certificates here with what DNSDB Flexible Search had found for us. (Note: while the screenshot says there are 39 certificates, it doesnt combine, say, oh.communitynewsmaker.com and www.oh.communitynewsmaker.com.

All-in-all, RiskIQ found the same subdomains as DNSDB Flexible Search, and we didnt need to add any additional domains to our original list.

Ads

Facebook ads

In order to pull all the Facebook ads, we wrote a scraper in Python that could take one of two inputs: domain or name of an entitys Facebook page. For this piece, we had three specific questions:

Which entities were buying ads to Metric Media stories?

What kind of ads were run by partner organisations like Convention of States and CatholicVote?

What additional details can we capture about these ads, i.e. how many ads were run, how much money was spent, and what was the demographic breakdown of those who saw these ads?

All of this information can be gleaned from the public Ad Library that Facebook provides.

For the Metric Media sites, we searched each of the 1,200 domains to find the corresponding ads. As we were focusing on election-related ads, we only pulled ads from October 1  November 3 (Election Day) by searching for the domain. For example, for Detroit City Wire, we found two ads run in October by searching for the domain: one by CatholicVote and one by the Detroit City Wire Facebook page itself. Facebook had placed a moratorium on political ads running after voting ended on Election Day, and we didnt find any ads running during the moratorium. Overall, we found just over 500 ads run across 140 of the Metric Media sites.

For both CatholicVote and Convention of States, we tried to establish the first instance when either of the organisations ran an ad to a Metric Media site, which led us to extract all their ads for the entire calendar year. In the case of Convention of States, we didnt find any Facebook ads linking to Metric Media sites albeit they ran just under 200 ads through the course of the year. Some of these ads reiterated Metric Media stories (or vice versa) including ads that call a Convention of States to put term limits on members of Congress or ending these insane shutdowns but these ads linked back to either the Convention of States website or the Open The States site. Open the States is a project of Convention of States.

In the case of CatholicVote, on the other hand, we found that they had run ads to their own site, Western Journal, and the Metric Media sites. Ads to the latter started less than two weeks before the election.

Because Facebooks Ad Library doesnt provide exact ad spend, information about how ads were targeted, and an exact number of ad impressions, we erred on the side of caution. In as far much as possible, we used the range in amount spent, instead of picking the midpoint or the upper- or lower-bound. When we looked at cumulative ad spend, we summed up the lower bound and the upper bound, and used that as the range. For ads where the spend was <100, the lower range we used was $0 and the upper range $100. While evidently no ad cost zero dollars to run, we found that using 0 didnt change the ballpark figures significantly.

Google Ads

Googles ad archive is significantly more primitive compared to Facebook in that users are unable to search by domains or text. Instead, its interface only allows users to search for advertisers or candidates. Users can also download an archive of nine files that contain details of all ads run since 2018.

In the case of Convention of States, we didnt find any ads when we looked for keywords:

Convention of States

Citizens for Self-Governance

COS Action

CSG

CSG Action

But, when we searched for CatholicVote.org, we found 236 ads run in 2020, of which 30 linked to Metric Media properties. All the ads had a non-zero lower-bound. Since Googles ad library doesnt clearly show the destination link of each of the ads, we manually went through them to check whether they hit a Metric Media property or not.

Tow Center research assistant, Joyce Guo, contributed to this report.

We are grateful to Farsight Security and RiskIQ for access to their tools without which our research would not be possible. We are also extremely grateful to Brendan Fischer, Maggie Christ, and Sophie Gonsalves-Brown at the Campaign Legal Center for their patience, help, and guidance.

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Priyanjana Bengani is a senior research fellow at Columbia Journalism School's Tow Center for Digital Journalism.
This is the first part of a two-part investigation. The second piece can be found here.

As local news outlets across the US struggle to stay afloat, pop-up newsrooms are filling the void. Organizations with ties to political parties, special-interest groups, and lobbyists have emerged under the guise of news.

One of the biggest such networks, Metric Media, operates more than 1,200 local news sites across the United States, and encompasses multiple corporate entities including non-profit charities. The Tow Center has previously reported on Metric Media, but until now, little was known about the finances or partners of this network that claims to give every citizen a voice in their community and publishes over 5 million news articles every month.

A new investigation by the Tow Center has discovered that this network has ties to founders of the Tea Party movement , to a non-profit described by Mother Jones as the dark-money ATM of the conservative movement, and to a Catholic political advocacy group that launched a $9.7 million campaign in swing states against the Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden six weeks before the 2020 election.

We traced a subset of the networks financial ties by examining the IRS returns of multiple non-profit organizations, which allowed us to identify the sources of more than half of the Metric Media Foundations reported $407,500 revenue in 2019. (IRS records for the 2020 tax year will not be available until next year.)

Our investigations relied on threat intelligence tools Farsight DNSDB Flexible Search and RiskIQ, IRS filings, Facebook and Google ad libraries, as well as our internal analytics tool to establish the connections within the network.

Within the network

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Metric Media Foundations 2019 Form 990 filing discloses more than half of its revenueor $236,750was paid to Franklin Archer (listed as an independent contractor) for publishing. In the complex organizational structure of this operation, Franklin Archer is one of the companies that make up the core of the Metric Media network. Figure 1 breaks down the core entities and key stakeholders of the publishing network, the related entities run by those stakeholders, and the flow of money into the network based on 2019 IRS filings.

There are five companies that make up the core of the network: Metric Media LLC, Newsinator (that, according to Iowa state records, has the alternative name Franklin Archer), Local Government Information Services (LGIS), Pipeline Media, and Locality Labs. At least one of these companies has changed its name: Locality Labs was previously known as Journatic and Blockshopper, and reporting by Deseret News says Pipeline Media is the new name for the same entity.

There are two main stakeholders behind this network: Bradley Cameron and Brian Timpone. Cameron, Metric Media LLCs general manager and president, says he is currently retained by private investors to develop a national media enterprise, with no additional information about the identities of these private investors. Cameron is also the founder and CEO of the management consultancy, Situation Management Group (SMG).

Timpone, who describes his business as software and data, has long focused on creating low-cost automated journalism, and a This American Life investigation found his previous venture Journatic faked bylines and quotes, outsourced reporting, and plagiarized content. Whilst Timpone denied these allegations in 2012, saying alias bylines were limited to real-estate news briefs, a further investigation by Poynter found that this was not true.

Neither Cameron nor Timpone responded to multiple requests for comment.

In the past five years, Timpone has continued to focus on the technical infrastructure of this sprawling local news network, starting with LGIS in Illinois. Thirty-odd Illinois publications were initially owned by Newsinator, and the conservative SuperPAC Liberty Principles paid Newsinator $311,409 in 2016, according to data from the Illinois State Board of Election Expenditure for Advertising  newspaper. In the second half of 2016, Local Government Information Services or LGIS was created, which took over production and distribution of [the Illinois] newspapers. LGIS was a collaboration between Timpone and Dan Proft, the Chairman and Treasurer of the now defunct Liberty Principles.

Today, according to state records, Proft continues to be the president of LGIS, with John Tillman listed as the secretary. Even though Tillmans role at LGIS appears to be more recent, multiple organizations that hes involved in have paid Timpones organizations over the years, according to previous years IRS filings.

Tillman is an influential conservative activist in Illinois politics: Both ProPublica and the Michigan Campaign Finance Network (MCFN) have reported on his influence in Illinois and Michigan politics. MCFN reports on how his organizations are aligned in messaging and creating an ecosystem of alternative media online, delivering conservative content to Michiganders in the form of political reporting, grassroots organizations, advocacy, and even satire. The ProPublica story focused on the often-dizzying series of transactions Tillman and his associates adopt to move millions of dollars around five interconnected nonprofits they run, steering money to for-profit ventures in which they have a stake.

Tillman told MCFN that while he is still CEO of IPI, he is merely a volunteer or board member for the other organizations, and that they just funnel things through (a single address) for administrative purposes. This, he says, does not mean that the organizations work together or are affiliated, it means a lot of us know each other, but the organizations are independent, have independent boards, operate independently, have independent missions.

Tillmans multiple ventures have received financial backing from Illinois conservative politicians, as well as from some of the biggest Republican contributors in the country, including foundations tied to the Koch, Mercer, and Uihlein families.

One such venture is American Independent Media, a non-profit incorporated in December 2016, that has adopted two alternative names in Illinois according to state records: Restore American Communities Safely and Citizens Against Voter Fraud. Both names have their own Facebook pages.

Tillman is the President of American Independent Media. According to its 2019 IRS filing, the organization gave a $70,000 grant to the Metric Media Foundation as it shares the same principles as American Independent Media. It also treated both Franklin Archer and LGIS as independent contractors. Franklin Archer was given $196,000 for site implementation and news creation while LGIS was given $120,000 as a grant to underwrite community news [development].

While we only found one instance of one of Tillmans companies paying this network in 2019, two other Tillman companies, Franklin News Foundation and Think Freely Media, have previously paid entities within the Metric Media network.

Tillman is also the chairman, treasurer, and director of the Franklin News Foundation, previously Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity. It was created in 2009 to create online publications in more than a dozen state capitals in partnership with the State Policy Network. The State Policy Network is a group of 65 conservative and libertarian think-tanks funded by donor organizations including the Koch-backed DonorsTrust and Donors Capital Funds, and is known to create multi-pronged coordinated efforts to push their agenda across states. In 2018, Franklin News Foundation paid Newsinator $196,102 for advertising services.

Think Freely Media is a conservative think-tank that extols the virtues of limited government. Tillman is the President. In 2016, Think Freely Media paid Newsinator $346,660 for newswire services.

Outside the core network

While the multiple organizations that make up the core of this network and their related entities account for about half a million dollars paid to Timpones companies and $70,000 to the Metric Media Foundation in 2019 alonethe year both the Metric Media Foundation and LLC were formedmore money trickled in from other sources.

In 2019, the biggest individual contributor to the Metric Media Foundation was DonorsTrust, with $172,500 for general operations. The Center for the New American Frontier, previously called the Frontier Lab, also received $134,500 for general operations. In the past, the Center For The New American Frontier received a cumulative $1.44 million from DonorsTrust and Donors Capital Fund between 2015 and 2019 according to their IRS Form 990 filings. This accounted for 96% of its total revenue in this period.

The Frontier Lab is an SMG company that conducts consumer and voter research, with Bradley Cameron as the registered agent, according to state records. Cameron is also the CEO of the management consultancy SMG, the General Manager of Metric Media LLC, and one of the two principals of Pipeline Media, all of which make up the core of the local news network.

In her book Dark Money, Jane Mayer describes DonorsTrust and its sister organization Donors Capital Fund as a screen for the right wing, behind which fingerprints disappeared from the cash.

While the two Donors organizations dont exclusively fund conservative institutions and causes, they are conduits for anonymous donors to bankroll causes aligned with their interests (and get tax write-offs) without revealing their identities; the organizations are not required to disclose the names of their contributors. Overall, an analysis by the Center for Media and Democracy found the two donor organizations had pumped at least $90 million into right-wing causes ranging from media to misinformation around climate change in 2019.

DonorsTrust also gave American Independent Media $452,000: $415,000 for general operations and $37,000 to support independent media coverage in communities across the US. Franklin News Foundation was given just under a million dollars; one of the purposes was to balance the liberal media with conservative & libertarian media.

Illinois Opportunity Project

John Tillman, along with Dan Proft, was one of the founders of the Illinois Opportunity Project, a free-market advocacy organization. Between 2017 and 2018, the non-profit paid over $440,000 to two of Timpones organizations: Locality Labs cumulatively received $300,495 and Newsinator $140,442. There is no mention of any of the entities in the Metric Media network in the organizations 2019 IRS filing.The services provided by both Locality Labs and Newsinator in this case was Consulting.

Currently, Brian Burch is the Director and Chairman of the Illinois Opportunity Project. He is also the executive director of the Fidelis Center for Law and Justice, which houses the project CatholicVote. In September 2020, six weeks before Election Day, the group launched a $9.7 million campaign against Biden aimed at voters in swing states.

CatholicVotes ties to the Metric Media network will be further explored in the next part of this investigation.

National Christian Charitable Foundation

The National Christian Charitable Foundation, which is the sixth-largest charity in the US and whose IRS filing says they [make] distributions to and for Christian churches and other charities, gave the Metric Media Foundation $17,500 for growth in 2019. Based on the filings alone, its not possible to determine how the grants given by this charity impacted the stories published by the Metric Media network or whether more money was given in subsequent years.

For Part 2 of the investigation, click here.

If you have examples of similar networks operating in your area or would like access to more granular data, please get in touch with us here.

For a complete list of the domains weve identified as part of the network, please click here.

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Priyanjana Bengani is a senior research fellow at Columbia Journalism School's Tow Center for Digital Journalism.
COPENHAGEN  The worlds largest shipping firm A.P. Moller-Maersk has suspended five employees as part of an investigation into an alleged sexual assault on one of its ships run by a U.S. subsidiary, and said it was working closely with American authorities.

We do everything we can to ensure that all of our workplace environments, including vessels, are a safe and welcoming workplace and weve launched a top to bottom investigation, said chief executive officer Bill Woodhour of Maersk Line, Limited in an emailed statement.

Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) is a U.S.-based subsidiary of the A.P. Moller-Maersk group working with the U.S. government to support military, government and humanitarian missions, it said on its webpage.

As part of the investigation, five crew members have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation, MLL said in the statement.

The firm said it was working with labor unions, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, the U.S. Maritime Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Coast Guard.

We write today to express our unwavering support for the individual who has shared her story of a sexual assault that took place during Sea Year, said Polly Trottenberg, Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Transportation, and Lucinda Lessley, Acting Administrator of the Maritime Administration, in a letter to the Kings Point community dated Oct. 2.

Sea Year is a program run by the academy where cadets gain expertise on ships, and Maersk Line, Limited participates in this program, where it has trained 732 cadets since 2017.

A spokesperson with the U.S. Department of Transportations Maritime Administration (MARAD), said it was aware of the alleged incident, adding that the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Superintendent had referred it to the Coast Guard Investigative Service on Sept. 28.

We have zero tolerance for sexual assault and sexual harassment at USMMA and in the maritime industry, the spokesperson said.

As we determine the appropriate steps required to increase and ensure the safety of USMMA students, we pledge to listen to and work closely with the entire USMMA community including students, parents and alumni.

The worlds largest shipping firm A.P. Moller-Maersk has suspended five employees as part of an investigation into an alleged sexual assault on one of its ships run by a U.S. subsidiary, and said it was working closely with American authorities.

We do everything we can to ensure that all of our workplace environments, including vessels, are a safe and welcoming workplace and weve launched a top to bottom investigation, said chief executive officer Bill Woodhour of Maersk Line, Limited in an emailed statement.

Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) is a U.S.-based subsidiary of the A.P. Moller-Maersk group working with the U.S. government to support military, government and humanitarian missions, it said on its webpage.

As part of the investigation, five crew members have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation, MLL said in the statement.

The firm said it was working with labor unions, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, the U.S. Maritime Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Coast Guard.

We write today to express our unwavering support for the individual who has shared her story of a sexual assault that took place during Sea Year, said Polly Trottenberg, Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Transportation, and Lucinda Lessley, Acting Administrator of the Maritime Administration, in a letter to the Kings Point community dated Oct. 2.

Sea Year is a program run by the academy where cadets gain expertise on ships, and Maersk Line, Limited participates in this program, where it has trained 732 cadets since 2017.

A spokesperson with the U.S. Department of Transportations Maritime Administration (MARAD), said it was aware of the alleged incident, adding that the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Superintendent had referred it to the Coast Guard Investigative Service on Sept. 28.

We have zero tolerance for sexual assault and sexual harassment at USMMA and in the maritime industry, the spokesperson said.

As we determine the appropriate steps required to increase and ensure the safety of USMMA students, we pledge to listen to and work closely with the entire USMMA community including students, parents and alumni.
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  An attorney representing the families of three people who died at the hands of a former Wisconsin police officer filed another federal lawsuit against him Wednesday, saying his department taught him to view Black people as dangerous.

The lawsuit alleges that former Wauwatosa Police Officer Joseph Mensah violated Jay Andersons constitutional rights when he fatally shot Anderson after discovering him sleeping in a park after hours in 2016. According to the lawsuit, Anderson followed all of Mensahs commands but Mensah still considered him a threat because he was Black.

Mensah, who is Black, said Anderson was reaching for a gun, and a county prosecutor declined to bring charges in the case.

The lawsuit alleges Wauwatosa and its police department have a history of racist officers dating back decades, pointing to police parties in the late 1980s and late 1990s where officers dressed in blackface and Ku Klux Klan literature was present but officers were never disciplined. The lawsuit also asserts that the city is 95% white but Black people made up 83% of arrests in 2018.

Mensah, having learned the lessons of a police department rife with racism and racial discrimination, immediately decided that a Black man sleeping in his car was suspicious and dangerous, attorney Kimberley Motley wrote in the lawsuit. The WPD devalues people of color which is reflective in their over policing of Black people.

The filing seeks unspecified damages from Mensah, the city, and former Wauwatosa Police Chief Barry Weber. Online court records did not list attorneys for Mensah or Weber. Wauwatosa City Attorney Alan Kesner didnt immediately respond to a message Wednesday morning.

Mensah joined the Wauwatosa Police Department in 2015. That year he fatally shot Antonio Gonzales, who identified as Latino and American Indian. Prosecutors said Gonzales refused to drop a sword.

The following year he discovered Anderson sleeping in his car in a park around 3 a.m. He said he shot Anderson because Anderson reached for a gun on the passenger seat. Motley contends that Anderson never touched the gun.

Last year, Mensah fatally shot 17-year-old Alvin Cole as he fled from police following a disturbance in a mall. Cole was Black. Mensah said he shot him because he pointed a gun at him. That shooting sparked months of protests.

Prosecutors chose not to file charges against Mensah in any of the shootings. Motley filed a federal lawsuit against Mensah on behalf of Gonzales family in July. Shes mulling filing one in Coles death as well.

Motley also used a John Doe proceeding, a little-known Wisconsin legal maneuver similar to a grand jury inquiry, to persuade Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Glenn Yamahiro to order a special prosecutor to consider charging Mensah in the Anderson case. The judge is expected to make the appointment this month.

Mensah resigned from the Wauwatosa Police Department in November 2020 and joined the Waukesha County Sheriffs Department.
SOLVANG, Calif. (AP)  A major highway in Southern California coastal mountains remained closed Wednesday and evacuation orders were in place as a growing wildfire chewed through dry vegetation in the region.

More than 760 firefighters battled the Alisal Fire, which covered 21 square miles (54 square kilometers) along the south Santa Barbara County coast and was only 5% contained, county fire officials said.

The fire was burning near Rancho del Cielo, which was once owned by Ronald and Nancy Reagan and was known as the Western White House during his presidency. Fire crews were protecting the ranch where Reagan hosted world leaders.

The fire erupted Monday on a ridge and swept toward the ocean, forcing the closure of U.S. 101, the only major highway on that section of the coast. Evacuation orders and warnings were in place for ranches and several rural communities.

While the area is lightly populated, the blaze burning in dense chaparral threatened more than 100 homes, ranches and other buildings, fire officials said.

The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors declared a local emergency on Tuesday and asked Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency to free up more state resources for firefighters and evacuees.

In Northern California, fire crews increased containment of a blaze that destroyed 25 mobile homes, 16 RVs and a park building at the Rancho Marina RV Park in Sacramento County.

No injuries were reported, and the cause remained under investigation.

To the south in San Joaquin County, a man suffered severe third-degree burns over most of his body and about five mobile homes were damaged by flames that raced through the Islander Mobile Home Park, Lathrop-Manteca Fire Chief Josh Capper told Fox40-TV.

Powerful gusts swept across the state Monday, toppling trees and whipping up blinding dust clouds. The Pacific Gas & Electric utility shut off power Monday to about 24,000 customers in targeted areas of 23 counties to prevent fires from being started if gusts damaged electrical equipment.

The windy weather then settled down somewhat and power was restored Tuesday, but red flag warnings for extreme fire danger will return Thursday and PG&E warned that it may need to cut power to about 29,000 customers across 19 counties on Thursday because of the renewed threat.

PG&E equipment was blamed for a 2018 fire that wiped out most of the town of Paradise in Butte County. The company filed for bankruptcy and pleaded guilty to 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter. PG&E also faces criminal charges for fires caused by its fraying equipment, including involuntary manslaughter counts after a blaze near Redding last year killed four.

A historic drought in the American West tied to climate change is making wildfires harder to fight. It has killed millions of trees in California alone. Scientists say climate change has made the West much warmer and drier in the past 30 years and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive.

Windy weather is a nightmare for firefighters in a state where heat waves and historic drought have left forests and brush tinder-dry. Fires that began in late summer are still burning after destroying hundreds of homes.

About the photo: Kim Corgiat helps boyfriend James Grooms sift through the remains of his home at the Rancho Marina Mobile Home & RV Park following the Brannan Fire in Sacramento County, Calif., Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. Fueled by dry, strong winds, the blaze leveled dozens of residences on Brannan Island on Monday afternoon. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 13)  Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III on Wednesday warned he will again push for a deployment ban on Saudi Arabia if it refuses to settle the billions' worth of unpaid wages and benefits of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

In a briefing, Bello said the Middle Eastern country still hasn't paid the claims of thousands of OFWs who were repatriated in 2016 after their employers did not pay them  some, for as long as two years.

According to the Labor chief, the total claims amount to 4.6 billion.

"Kapag hindi tayo pinagbigyan [If they still refuse to pay], I will again recommend a deployment ban," he warned.

Bello added he will bring up the issue in an upcoming meeting with his Saudi counterpart and other labor ministers from around the world.

"I will not give them any more grace period," he added. "The settlement should be now and not later. Mahigit apat na taon na 'yan eh. Hirap na hirap na 'yung ating mga kababayan [It's been over four years. Our fellow Filipinos have been struggling because of it]."

In late September, the Department of Labor and Employment also threatened to halt the deployment of Filipino workers to Saudi Arabia following complaints of maltreatment by OFWs against their employer  a retired Saudi Arabian military general.

At that time, two of the over a dozen complainants were still in the hands of the allegedly abusive employer.

Last week, DOLE Information and Public Service director Rolly Francia said the suspension will no longer push through as the two remaining employees were already in the custody of Philippine authorities and were set to go home.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 14)  China is donating an additional one million shots of Sinovacs COVID-19 vaccine to the Philippines.

Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian on Thursday said the new shipment is expected to arrive in the country next week.

"I hope the vaccines will further facilitate the ongoing vaccination rollout and promote early economic and social recovery in the Philippines," he said in a statement.

A big chunk of the country's vaccine supply is from Sinovac, many of which were donated by China.

The Philippines will also receive 844,800 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine on Oct. 15. These are donated by Germany through the COVAX facility co-led by the World Health Organization.

So far, the vaccines authorized for emergency use in the nation are Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Sputnik V, Sputnik Light, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Bharat Biotech, Sinovac, and Sinopharm.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 14)  Vice President Leni Robredo said once she secures the presidency, her administration will immediately recast the 2022 national budget to provide enough financial muscle to the COVID response.

Speaking at the Rotary Club of Manila membership meeting, Robredo said she will exhaust all efforts to control the coronavirus pandemic during her first 100 days as the country's top leader.

Addressing health woes will make challenges "less daunting," she added.

"To do this we must realign the national budget so that it will be more akin to addressing the pandemic," Robredo said.

The Duterte administration's 2022 proposed budget is 5.024 trillion. The education sector is set to receive the highest initial allocation worth 773 billion. The Department of Health, meanwhile, was only allotted around 242 billion so far.

READ: Duterte certifies 2022 budget bill as urgent

"We will be coming in with a set budget already, this means realigning the budget, alotting more funds for healthcare services and facilities, COVID-19 response, social services for Filipinos. This also means improving access to hospitals, building more facilities if needed, improving infrastructure to acess vaccines, the logistical support for vaccines," the presidential aspirant said.

"We already have a comprehensive plan for testing, treating, vaccination. We will empower our healthcare system, take better care of our medical frontliners, vaccinate as many people as possible," she added.

Despite the health crisis and reports of corruption hounding the Philippines, Robredo stressed declaring martial law is never the answer to fix the country, good governance is.

"There's no need for a martial law. If there is a need to declare anything, it is really health and education crisis. There is no need for martial law to reign because we have enough laws that we can help us get through these crises if only government was more efficient, if only government was more accountable," she said.

Robredo earlier said she was willing to take the lead in combatting the pandemic, as she reiterated calls to boost testing, tracing, and vaccination efforts.

VP 'very hopeful' about 2022 win

Even with weaker survey figures, Robredo remains optimistic about her presidential bid as she recalled being an underdog in previous elections, but still winning at the end.

"Even if my numbers are still low now, everything is upbeat. The momentum is there. There is absolutely no guarantee that we will make it during the elections, but if we fight smart, if we will be able to put up a really honest campaign, I am very hopeful about it," she said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 14)  Malacanang on Thursday allayed concerns regarding the lifting of quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated Filipinos coming from green countries or territories.

Effective siya for one day kasi bukas ire-repaso yung list ng green list at tsaka kakaunti lang ang mga Pilipino o kahit sino mang biyaherong galing dito sa mga green list countries, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press briefing.

[Translation: Its only effective for a day because we will review the green list tomorrow and only a few Filipinos or travelers come from the green list countries.]

Ito yung mga lugar na saksakan ng baba kaso ng COVID at wala naman pong risk. Ganun pa naman titignan po natin, he added.

[Translation: These countries have very low COVID-19 cases and there is no risk. But then we will see.]

This was Malacanangs response after Health Secretary Francisco Duque III raised concerns regarding the policy, noting that only 30% of the population are fully vaccinated and not all travelers are passing through the National Capital Region.

Duque also pointed out that he was not consulted about the new policy.

But Roque defended that the relaxed policy was consulted with other health authorities during a meeting.

Nandoon naman po si Dr. Edsel Salvana (of the Department of Health Technical Advisory Group) at siya po ang nag-manifest minimal naman daw po ang risk galing dito sa mga green countries, he said. Nandoon din po si Usec. [Rosario] Vergeire at Dr. Alethea [De Guzman] ng Epidemiological Bureau.

[Translation: Dr. Edsel Salvana was present in the meeting and he was the one who manifested that there is minimal risk in the green countries. Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire and Dr. Alethea De Guzman of the DOH Epidemiological Bureau were also there.]

Effective Oct. 14, fully vaccinated Filipinos can skip the facility-based quarantine provided that they present a negative RT-PCR test taken 72 hours before arrival.

They can also opt to take an RT-PCR test in a quarantine facility upon arrival and stay there until the release of the negative result.

However, Roque said the list can still be updated if some countries record high COVID-19 cases.

Tsaka wala naman pong permanent na resolution tayo," he said. "Kung meron talagang tumaas na mga kaso sa mga bansa sa green list, pwede naman po repasuhin ang polisiya.

[Translation: Theres no permanent resolution. If theres a country in the green list which recorded high cases, we can review the policy.]

Among the countries currently included in the green list are New Zealand, Taiwan, and mainland China.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 14)  President Rodrigo Duterte was only joking when he earlier remarked that he wants to vaccinate people in their sleep to reach those who hesitate to get COVID-19 shots, Malacanang said Thursday.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that they need a good laugh during hours-long Cabinet meetings.

Joke lang po yun. Ang tagal ng mga pagpupulong namin sa Talk to the People, ang nakikita niyo ay kapiraso lang, mahaba ang mga meetings na yun. Para di kami makatulog, kailangan naman ng kaunting joke, he said during a press briefing.

[Translation: Its only a joke. We have very long meetings during Talk to the People and you can only see a portion of it. In order for us not to fall asleep, we need some joke.]

Duterte, known for his controversial statements and deadpan jokes, on Monday instructed officials to look for those who remain vaccine hesitant in their villages and he will "lead the journey" so they can be injected while asleep.

As of October 13, a total of 50.96 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered. Of this, 23.76 million are already fully vaccinated and 27.19 million have at least received their first dose.

Despite Dutertes recent statement, Malacanang said there is no need yet to pass a law that would make vaccination against COVID-19 mandatory.

Ubusin muna natin yung gusto natin mabakunahan, bago natin pag-isipan yung pagpasa ng batas para maging mandatory ang pagpapabakuna, said Roque.

[Translation: Lets focus first on those who we wanted to get vaccinated before we discuss on crafting a law to make vaccination mandatory.]

The country formally started its vaccination drive in March and it will be expanded to minors aged 12 to 17 years old staring October 15.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 14)  Sen. Kiko Pangilinan's candidacy for vice president in the 2022 polls came as a surprise to the public, but what made him let go of his reelection bid and instead aim for the country's second highest post at the last minute?

"Hindi biro itong pinasok natin, hindi naman ito ang plano natin. Hindi tayo naghangad tumakbong bise presidente, ang plano talaga mag-file bilang senador noong Wednesday," Pangilinan told CNN Philippines' The Source on Thursday.

[Translation: We've entered into something serious, and this was not the plan. We did not intend to run for vice president and we really planned to run for senator on Wednesday.]

Pangilinan recounted that presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo talked to him last Tuesday, October 5, and offered to run in tandem with her. Robredo announced her bid and filed her certificate of candidacy last Thursday, October 7, while Pangilinan filed his candidacy the day after.

Pangilinan is running under the Liberal Party in which he serves as president, while Robredo, the party chair, is running as an independent.

Pangilinan cited two reasons for his bid: Seeing the weight of the responsibility that comes with leading the country in the middle of a health crisis, and having Robredo on his side to share that "huge burden" after she declared her candidacy.

"Hindi biro na pasan natin yung hanapan ng solusyon ang daing ng ating mga kababayan (It is no joke to carry the weight of finding a solution to address the people's woes). It was overwhelming, the prospects of this huge burden that was on our shoulders ni (of) VP Leni and myself," he said.

"Pangalawa, siguro nagkaroon ng pag-asa. For the last year kinukumbinsi natin si Vice President na tumakbo, at one point ayaw talaga niya," he said. "Finally, she did reconsider. So parang hopeful na sa wakas nagdesisyon siya. Nagkaroon ng pag-asa...meron nang ilalaban ang aming hanay."

[Translation: Second, maybe because of hope. For the last year, we have been convincing the Vice President to run and at one point, she really did not want to. Finally she did reconsider, so I was hopeful after she made a decision. There was hope....that our group has a fighting chance.]

'No time for bickering'

Meanwhile, Pangilinan acknowledged presidential aspirant Manila Mayor Isko Moreno's recent remark that his issue with Robredo is now "water under the bridge," after previously calling her a "fake leader."

Pangilinan said there is "no time for bickering" as everyone should be focused on addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic downturn, and the loss of livelihood of Filipinos, among other issues.

The vice presidential aspirant said that if he wins, he wishes to expand the interventions done under Robredo's term as Vice President, which includes assistance to frontliners, teleconsultations for COVID-19 patients, as well as solid contact tracing, testing, and isolation efforts.

He also wants to help uplift the lives of farmers and address food security, using his experience as former Presidential Assistant on Food Security and Agricultural Modernization.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 14)  The Cusi faction of the ruling party PDP-Laban denied Thursday that it is mocking the electoral process by fielding Sen. Bato dela Rosa for president with the prospect that he would be replaced by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte in the 2022 polls.

Its not a mockery of the elections law if the political parties use every available legal option, or time, for them to finally decide the candidates to field, PDP-Laban secretary general Melvin Matibag said in a statement.

If the real intent of the Omnibus Election Code envisioned only those who will die along the way or be disqualified, then why didnt the lawmakers just state so?" he added. "Its that simple. If the law is clear there should be no room for interpretation."

Article IX, Section 77 of the Omnibus Election Code provides that [i]f after the last day for the filing of certificates of candidacy, an official candidate of a registered or accredited political party dies, withdraws or is disqualified for any cause, only a person belonging to, and certified by, the same political party may file a certificate of candidacy to replace the candidate who died, withdrew or was disqualified.

Substitution for political candidates in the 2022 polls is until November 15. Unlike the first two cases or death and disqualification, withdrawal calls for voluntary substitution of candidates.

Matibag said this deadline was simply meant to give the poll body more time to print ballots and finalize the list of candidates, and any political party can utilize the substitution rule just as it is entitled to employ its own political strategies.

Despite appeals from lawmakers to remove the substitution rule, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said they could not ban the provision altogether, and urged lawmakers to instead come up with specific limitations.

READ: Lawmakers urged: Propose restrictions to substitution, don't ban it

Mayor Duterte has so far stood firm that she will not run for president, but Dela Rosa expressed hope that the latter would change her mind because of her "winnability."

Matibag previously said they will roll out this week the caravan for Dela Rosa, who will run in tandem with vice presidential aspirant Sen. Bong Go. They are also prepared for new developments ahead of the substitution deadline, he said.

READ: Bato: 'Deep in my heart, I am hoping' for Sara's substitution
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 14)  Senators fear consumers would end up bearing the cost of implementing the Murang Kuryente Act next year, if the plan to slash the budget of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation or PSALM pushes through.

Signed in 2019, the law states that 208 billion in proceeds from the national governments share in the Malampaya fund shall be allocated to PSALM to reduce electricity rates.

But during the Senate finance committees hearing on the proposed 2022 budget of PSALM on Thursday, the government-owned and -controlled corporation said the budget department only gave it an 8 billion allocation to fulfill its mandate under the Murang Kuryente Act.

PSALM President and CEO Irene Besido-Garcia said the corporation will have to borrow more than 79 billion, resulting in a 21.67 billion interest for a four-year term loan. PSALMs corporate life is only until 2026, although theres a pending bill at the House of Representatives seeking its extension.

Parang ang nangyari na-double whammy yung PSALM [It seems PSALM was double-whammied], Besido-Garcia said.

Because now, we cannot anymore file for universal charge (UC) which is our objective naman [really] when we had that Murang Kuryente. Pero ang objective natin was dalawa nga, mabibigyan kami ng allocation [But there were two objectives, we would be given allocation] therefore we dont need to file that UC. But now we cannot file the UC but we are not being given the allocation that we need, she added.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, chairman of the committee on energy, said its not the spirit of the law. Proceeds from Malampaya were supposed to pay off the stranded contract costs and stranded debts which were being collected from consumers through universal charges.

Parang umikot tayo [It seems were going in circles] because in their electricity bill, you dont see that anymore but of course through our taxes, whatever taxes we are paying, portion of that in theory goes to the interest payments. In this case, the 21 billion interest payment which I think is quite, sobrang laki [too big], Gatchalian said.

Senator Nancy Binay suggested requesting the National Economic and Development Authority and the Department of Finance to provide the Senate with a computation of the impact of the borrowing scheme. Gatchalian agreed.

Kasi baka doon sa bandang dulo, nakatipid nga tayo ng piso sa kuryente natin pero dalawang piso pala yung babayaran natin dahil sa utang na i-incur ng PSALM, Binay said.

[Translation: Because in the end, instead of saving a peso from our electricity bill, we might be paying 2 because of the debt incurred by PSALM.]

The issue is expected to be tackled in plenary as the committee endorsed PSALMs total corporate operating budget of 183.22 billion for next year.
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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 15)  The recent SWS survey showing that 91% of Filipinos are worried about catching COVID-19 is not a reflection of low confidence in the governments pandemic response, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

The survey shows the percentage of Filipinos worried about getting COVID-19 increased to 91% in September from 87% in June. Only 4% of the respondents said they were a little worried while 5% were not worried.

Hindi po, ang kinakatakutan nila iyong virus, Roque said during a media briefing on Thursday when asked if the survey result is a reflection of the Filipinos distrust in the governments pandemic response.

[Translation: No, what they fear is the virus.]

Roque also said Filipinos should really fear catching COVID-19 because it could cost them their lives.

Dapat lang po kayong matakot ha, kasi kapag hindi kayo nag-mask, hugas... at bakuna, talagang puwede kayong magkasakit at puwede kayong mamatay. Dapat po katakutan iyan, he said.

[Translation: You should be afraid because if you do not wear mask, wash hands, and get vaccinated, you can really get infected and you might die. That should really be feared.]

Health officials said the number of COVID-19 infections in the country has been declining as reflected by the decreasing number of hospital admissions.

Moreover, OCTA Research said in its latest monitoring report that all areas in the National Capital Region, the epicenter of the local coronavirus outbreak, are now considered moderate risk for COVID-19.

OCTA Research also said the capital regions reproduction number has decreased to 0.60, indicating that the number of people that can be infected is declining.

Latest data shows total the COVID-19 cases in the country reached 2,698,232, of which 84,850 cases are active.
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10/14/2021

Photo (c) Teka77 - Getty Images Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally as compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (Previous numbers in parentheses.)

Total U.S. confirmed cases: 44,694,149 (44,590,780)

Total U.S. deaths: 719,760 (717,158)

Total global cases: 239,341,545 (238,947,617)

Total global deaths: 4,877,533 (4,869,812)

FDA panel to vote on boosters

People inoculated with the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are waiting to hear whether they should get a booster shot, and the answer will likely come by the end of the week. A panel of experts advising the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to vote today on Modernas vaccine and Friday on Johnson & Johnsons vaccine.

Moderna wants the FDA to authorize a booster that is half the dosage of the first two vaccine doses. In an initial statement on the application, the FDA didnt take a position one way or the other, noting that some research suggests that a Moderna booster may not be necessary.

The FDA has authorized booster shots for people who received the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. Its recommended for people aged 65 and older, people in certain occupations, and people with compromised immune systems.

COVID-19 was the second leading cause of death last month

Its a grim statistic. In September, the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) reported that COVID-19 was the second-leading cause of death in the U.S., behind heart disease and ahead of cancer.

The Foundation also reported that there were 90,000 deaths from the coronavirus from June through September among people who had not been vaccinated.

"Most of these preventable deaths occurred in the last month, well after vaccines became available," the KFF said. "In September 2021 alone, approximately 49,000 deaths likely would have been averted if they had chosen to get vaccinated against COVID-19."

Family seeking flu shots were injected with COVID-19 vaccine instead

Joshua and Alexandria Price say they and their two young children were mistakenly given a COVID-19 vaccine last week when they went to a Walgreens Pharmacy in Evansville, Indiana. The children, ages four and five, received a full adult dose of the vaccine.

"When they called us and told us that they had made a mistake and had given us the wrong shot, I was just in shock," Alexandra Price told CNN. "All I could say to them was, 'What does this mean for my kids?'"

Price said the four-year-old began having flu-like symptoms before they got home. Medical experts say both kids should be fine, but they note that they should be monitored. Walgreens declined to comment, citing privacy concerns.

Around the nation

New Jersey: New Jersey has joined the ranks of the most-vaccinated states. This week, state health officials reported that 75% of eligible residents have been vaccinated against the coronavirus. Only six other states have reached that threshold.

Montana: The state may have a small population, but an increasing number of residents are getting COVID-19. As a result, health officials say hospitals are being overwhelmed with sick patients. The intensive care unit (ICU) at Billings Clinic is operating at 175% of capacity.

Texas: A grand jury has indicted an Aubrey man on charges of threatening harm to a doctor because of her outspoken advocacy of COVID-19 vaccinations. The 51-year old man was arrested after the grand jury said he "knowingly and willingly transmitted in interstate commerce a threat to injure the person of another." The doctor who received the threat was not named.

Arkansas: Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican, continues to walk a political tightrope in a state where the GOP base is increasingly anti-vaccine. This week, he allowed two bills that let employees opt out of vaccine mandates to become laws without his signature, calling them unnecessary and harmful to vaccination efforts.
10/14/2021

Photo (c) AlexRaths - Getty Images The U.S. government has warned consumers that they are in for a winter of sky-high heating bills. The Energy Information Administrations (EIA) winter forecast predicts that most household heating bills will be as much as 54% higher than last winter.

As we have moved beyond what we expect to be the deepest part of the pandemic-related economic downturn, growth in energy demand has generally outpaced growth in supply, said EIA Acting Administrator Steve Nalley. These dynamics are raising energy prices around the world.

Natural gas prices have risen the most, doubling in the first six months of 2021 and rising 17% in September. According to the EIA, nearly half of U.S. homes use natural gas, but the rest wont escape higher heating bills. The cost of propane is expected to be 54% higher this winter, and heating oil costs may be 43% more than last winter.

The cost of electric heat is expected to rise only 6%. However, most electric utilities are powered by natural gas and may be affected by higher costs for that fuel.

Colder than normal winter

Making matters worse, the U.S. could be in for a harsh winter. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expects a slightly colder winter this year when compared to last year. The EIA expects those colder temperatures to increase U.S. energy consumption for heating this winter.

While the U.S. will have to contend with higher prices, China and parts of Europe are dealing with an energy shortage that is affecting prices on world markets. Much of the problem can be traced to the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in consumer behavior.

The higher global and domestic energy prices that are resulting from economies beginning to grow again are going to translate into larger household bills for energy this winter, Nalley said.

How to prepare

Consumers should probably prepare now for higher wintertime utility bills. Replacement windows are a big investment, but they could result in more reasonable heating bills. In January, Rod, of Easton, Pa., told us he had just installed new windows from Renewal, by Andersen.

In short, experience this winter, house feels warmer, Rod wrote in a ConsumerAffairs review. No actual data yet based on heating bills but am confident that the data will support the perception.

A less expensive measure is improving a houses weatherproofing. Sealing window and door frames with caulk and adding weatherstripping may be the most affordable remedy, but it only goes so far.

It may be time to unpack those gloves and sweaters.
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Dial Code Santa Claus is a much different film than Home Alone, but nevertheless, its core premise was basically the same, and the timing of its debut was somewhat suspicious -- at least it seemed so to the director, Rene Manzor. As was reported by The New York Times in 1992, Manzor claimed that 20th Century Fox remade his movie. While he threatened legal action, Fox denied any similarity between the films, as did screenwriter John Hughes who claimed hed never seen Dial Code Santa Claus.

The minor controversy went away as Dial Code Santa Claus faded into obscurity, but its been generating more interest in recent years thanks to screenings at Fantastic Fest and Alamo Drafthouse, and the film finally got a Blu-Ray release just last year. Which makes it extra weird that Home Sweet Home Alone is seemingly even more similar to Dial Code Santa Claus than the original because it finds its child hero battling a burglar whos dressed as Santa Claus!

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Disney

Sure, this was likely just a coincidence, and Dial Code Santa Claus obviously didnt invent the concept of a home invader Santa. Still, its kind of crazy that one of this franchises only narrative changes seems to involve adding plot points from the movie the original was accused of ripping off.

You (yes, you) should follow JM on Twitter! And check out the podcast Rewatchability.

Top Image: Disney
Its not the strongest rebuke ever written and it doesnt mention state Rep. Anne Dauphinais, the Killingly Republican who compared Gov. Ned Lamont to Adolf Hitler, then amplified her comments. But the four top leaders in the General Assembly, two Republicans and two Democrats, issued a joint statement Tuesday condemning the rise of Holocaust, Nazi and Hitler comparisons in political life, including current mask/vaccine mandates.

The joint statement follows by one day two forceful condemnations of Dauphinais remarks by Rep. Vin Candelora, R-North Branford, leader of the House Republicans, and Ben Proto, the GOP state chairman.

The four leaders, the statement said, condemn the recent rise and use of Holocaust imagery and analogies, along with references to Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime in community and political discussions, including current mask/vaccine mandates. Such linkage trivializes the extent of crimes against humanity, diminishes the suffering of survivors, and offends those who understand the profound evil Hitler and the Nazis represented.

The question now is what, if anything, the two House leaders  Candelora and House Speaker Matt Ritter, D-Hartford  will do now that Dauphinais not only called the governor aka Hitler for his executive powers set to last until mid-February and his broad COVID-19 vaccine mandates, but repeated the offensive utterance, flouting common decency.

Dauphinais elaborated on the Hitler statement in a long Facebook post and a radio interview in which she said she wears her refusal to apologize as a badge of honor.

The statement by Candelora, Ritter, Senate President Pro-Tem Martin Looney, D-New Haven; and Senate GOP Leader Kevin Kelly, R-Stratford, was released Tuesday afternoon by the Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut, which applauded it. The four caucus leaders did not issue the statement separately.

Candelora, in comments to me Monday night, spoke broadly about how political debates have become so crude and divisive that Holocaust comparisons are more common.

He attributed that to social media and said it predates the rise of former President Donald Trump, who corrupted the national conversation with lies and personal attacks, and drew comparisons to Hitler as he openly appealed to white nationalists.

The statement issued Tuesday, which I suggested would be very general in an earlier column, makes the point that Holocaust analogies are not okay from either side of the spectrum.

There is simply no comparison between contemporary political issues and the actions of Hitler and his accomplices who were responsible for the murders of over 6 million Jews and millions of other victims, the statement said. Our caucuses stand strong against these references becoming normalized in our politics and our communities.

Lamont, in comments to reporters Tuesday, including Ken Dixon of Hearst CTInsider, said he appreciated the statement by the four legislators.

It took a while but Im really glad to see that folks on both sides are standing up, speaking with one voice, Lamont said. It dismisses the incredible ordeal of a genocidal maniac back in the 1930s, Hitler, and understates the nature of that crime. And I am really proud of the fact that our legislative leaders are standing up and saying this is not Connecticut, were not going to let it stand.

Dauphonais did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the joint statement by email and through a General Assembly spokesman.

What Dauphinais said

Dauphinais said late Thursday on the Facebook page of The CT News Junkie news site, King Lamont aka Hitler dictating what we must inject into our bodies to feed our family! Democrats and Jewish leaders swiftly condemned the statement after the CT News Junkie reported it Friday.

All of this would have been forgotten if Dauphinais had sheepishly said something like, Yes, I know, I said something in the heat of battle that was wrong  but I stand by my position on vaccine mandates.

Republican leaders, Candelora and Proto among them, were slow to condemn her, leading pundits to wonder, once again, whether the Connecticut Republicans had given in to the scorched Earth methods of the Trump factions.

But Dauphinais, not satisfied to make an idiot of herself just once  apologies here to idiots  made it easy for them to do the right thing.

On Friday night, Dauphinais explained on her legislative Facebook page that she was comparing Lamont to the 1930s Hitler who quashed freedom and dissent, not the 1940s Hitler who killed 6 million Jews and millions of others. Um, wow.

Then Dauphinais appeared Monday afternoon on WTIC-AM 1080 with Todd Feinburg, a fawning fellow right-winger. Far from asking Dauphinais to explain her statements in their 14 minutes on the air, Feinburg had said, I love that you made these tough comments and I love that you doubled down, you didnt apologize.

Im just a voice for hundreds of people in this state and I wear it as a badge of honor, she said.

She added, one of the reasons why I said aka Hitler is because literally people are calling me up and referring to him as Hitler. They see this as a dictatorship, a tyrannical government. She then described the heartbreaking stories about single parents who must choose between their jobs and participating in these medical procedures.

We need to take a pause

Candelora and Proto both called the third-term Killingly Republicans remarks inappropriate, offensive and unacceptable.

Give the two Republicans credit for now. We shall see whether they follow that up with sanctions in the General Assembly and strong-arming for a decent Republican to take her place on the 2022 ballot.

Candelora told me late Monday he had not spoken with Dauphinais about the Hitler remarks. Lawmakers, he said, are accountable to their constituents and Im not going to censor her speech.Whether this rises to the level of censure, were not sure. I dont think it does.

Theres room for debate on that. Although its true that liberals compared Trump to Hitler, neither Candelora, nor I, nor others Ive asked could recall an elected Democrat doing so in Connecticut, much less without an apology. I would hope Republicans enamored of firm punishment for criminals apply that principle here, to perfectly legal, though totally unacceptable speech by a public official

The joint statement, though less powerful than it could be, should resonate, as it comes from four leaders who have fought fiercely over Lamonts executive powers and his vaccine mandates for state employees, teachers and long-term care workers.

This issue is much bigger than Rep. Dauphinais comments, Candelora said. This has become normalized in the public discourse and on social media. And I think as a society we need to take a pauseAre we becoming that obtuse and disconnected from the sufferings of our past?

Confusing outrage with the outrageous

The joint statement also helps clear up confusion that weve seen over the last few days between legitimate outrage over Lamonts orders and an outrageous comparison to Adolf Hitler.

Dauphinais, and her supporters on Facebook, defend the Hitler remark with outrage over the issue, missing the whole point of history  a common flaw in politics.

Lets be clear here: Dauphonais may honorably oppose the extended executive powers of the governor, and in fact I agree with her on that. After managing coronavirus masterfully, Lamont should have just let the lawmakers do their jobs instead of handing the GOP a political gift heading into an election year.

And Dauphinais may oppose mask rules and vaccine mandates, honorably. Mainstream science says shes wrong and her district, with a 55 percent vaccination rate, one of the lowest in the state, is showing a far higher infection rate over the last two months.

As a nurse by training, she honors medical science, she told Feinburg. I am probably one of the few up there that can look a these things and articulate them and understand them in a way that most cant.

Even that cringe-inducer is all part of the legitimate debate.

The Hitler remark is not part of an honorable debate, both parties agree. It represents ignorance of both history and the human condition.

dhaar@hearstmediact.com
STAMFORD  A Bridgeport man is facing multiple drug charges that may be related to the overdose death of a 39-year-old city woman last year.

Rodney Spann Jr., 26, was arrested Wednesday on a warrant charging him with sale of certain illegal drugs and conspiracy sale of narcotics.

Stamford police began investigating Spann in the wake the death of a 39-year-old Stamford resident who was found dead in her Washington Boulevard apartment on Sept. 10, 2020, by a person who was hired to walk her dogs, the warrant said.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later determined the woman had died of acute intoxication caused by a mixture of fentanyl and other prescribed drugs.

The warrant states investigators used the victims cellphone history to determine that the victim had purchased oxycodone pills through a Stamford street dealer.

Police identified the dealer as Spann, who the warrant claims is a local dealer  a supplier of fentanyl-laced Oxycodone and heroin.

Undercover officers conducted multiple purchases of counterfeit oxycodone and heroin from Spann; all of the drugs tested positive for fentanyl.

A team of DEA agents, Stamford officers and members of the Bridgeport police gang unit arrested Spann in Bridgeport Wednesday afternoon, according to Capt. Richard Conklin, who oversees Stamfords Bureau of Criminal Investigations.

Conklin said Spann was seen tossing away four bundles, or 40 bags, of heroin shortly before his arrest. The bags were later recovered by police, Conklin said.

Police then executed a search warrant on Spanns home where they found 41 wax bags of fentanyl, 59 bags of heroin, 5.2 grams of crack cocaine, 3.8 grams of cocaine laced with fentanyl and another 5.2 grams of fentanyl in a separate bag, Conklin said.

Conklin said police also recovered a Smith & Wesson handgun that had been reported lost in New Haven.

Spann was originally held on $500,000 bond, but had his bond reduced to $275,000 after his arraignment Thursday afternoon.

His criminal record is mostly very old news and misdemeanors and infractions, and this appears to have been, looking at it in the worst possible light, a very low-level drug sale with tragic and horrific results, said his attorney Phil Russell.

Russell said his client has not been charged with any firearm-related crimes or with any charges in connection to the 2020 overdose death.

Conklin said police are applying for additional warrants related to the drugs and gun seized at Spanns home Wednesday.

Conklin said the investigation into Spanns connection to the September overdose death is still ongoing as well.

We want to thank state prosecutor Dan Cummings who helped guide and steer our investigation, as well as the Darien Police Department who provided an officer who went undercover for the drug purchases, Conklin said Thursday.
BRIDGEPORT  The pastor of a city church was a no-show in court Thursday following his arrest for allegedly passing a bad check at Testos Restaurant.

The Rev. Kenneth Moales Jr., who currently is embroiled in a $15 million federal foreclosure case for his Union Avenue church and four other properties in the city, was charged last week in an arrest warrant with issuing a bad check over $2,000, a felony.

He was released on a promise to appear in court.

But when Superior Court Judge Peter McShane called Moales name Thursday afternoon he was met only with silence.

The judge ordered a bail commissioners letter be issued, warning Moales to appear in court on Nov. 15 or face rearrest.

Moales, 49, could not be reached for comment. He is not yet represented in the case, according to court records.

According to the warrant affidavit, on July 22, Moales wrote a check to Testos for $2,821.40 to cover expenses for catering services. The check was subsequently returned for insufficient funds, the affidavit states. It states that Moales, a former Board of Education chairman, was not required to show identification when he wrote the check because he is personally known to the recipient.

Mario Testa, the owner of the restaurant and chairman of the citys Democratic Party, was not immediately available for comment.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and the citys legislative delegation  state Sens. Marilyn Moore and Dennis Bradley and state reps. Andre Baker, Jr., Antonio Felipe, Jack Hennessy, Christopher Rosario, Steve Stafstrom and Charlie Stallworth  recently spoke in support of Moales after a federal judge ordered him evicted from his churches, the Prayer Tabernacle Church of God and Cathedral of the Holy Spirit on Union Avenue, for owing more than $15 million on five properties in the city to his bank, Foundation Capital Resources.

The legislators sent a letter to Connecticut Attorney General William Tong seeking an investigation into the banks practices regarding the foreclosure.

Moales is currently awaiting an appeal of the eviction from the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals. In the meantime, he has filed court documents in federal court stating he is willing to buy back his churches and other property for $6 million.

Moales is also being sued in state and federal court for eviction from a house on Northwood Drive in Easton where the suits claim he has been living and failing to pay rent since July 2019.
EASTON  The Board of Education has asked for an internal investigation into whether any federal law or school board policy was violated after emails from parents were sent to an outside organization, BOE chairman Jon Stinson said.

Jeffrey Parker, a long-time school board member and Republican candidate for first selectman, confirmed he forwarded emails he received in May from four local parents to local organizer Dana Benson.

Following this announcement at the end of September, Stinson said the Easton Board of Education has hired the law firm Shipman and Goodwin to investigate all emails sent by board members in the past year.

Those emails mostly involved a diversity, equity and inclusion survey that drew opposition from some community members, including Parker, according to the Easton Courier. At least one email was related to the ongoing mask mandate, the Courier reported.

I made a hell of a mistake and I own it, Parker said at Tuesdays school board meeting. In the decade Ive served this board, Ive always put the children first.

His actions drew criticism from more than a dozen parents at this weeks meeting who said Parker violated their trust, with some calling for his removal from the board. Other parents supported Parker, pointing to the contributions hes made to the community and saying it would be inappropriate to remove him before the investigation is completed.

Many of those who spoke during the meeting took issue with Parker sharing the emails with Benson, one of the leaders of Save Our Schools, which has been outspoken in combating measures to promote equity and inclusion in the towns schools. Some said this group has been dividing the town and one parent called it a fringe group.

Benson could not be reached for comment.

I take this very seriously, Stinson said. Its important that the community trusts and has a reason to trust the board. This is not the norm.

He said the investigation should be concluded soon and a meeting will be called within the next couple of weeks to discuss the findings. The board members will also have training on their bylaws, as well as federal laws.

We are going to assess whether or not there are more serious violations than have already come to light  and I dont think that there will be  but if they are, we will address them appropriately and well do it in a transparent way, he said. I hope people will bear with us as we do the work and not assume the worse, but if some of the worst is true, well be up front about it.

In June, the school board approved a DEI survey for students, parents and staff that appeared to create a rift between some community members.

Proponents said the optional survey was meant to help the school board gauge whether students felt safe, represented and included on campus. It was also meant to discern and improve on curriculum gaps in order to provide education that was equitable and bias-free, the proponents argued.

Some parents disagreed with the survey, and voiced their concerns in emails to school board members, including Parker. Parker, along with board members Randy Hicks and Mike Hoffman, voted against the survey when it came before the Easton, Redding and Region 9 school boards in June. Benson has also opposed the survey.

But by forwarding parent emails to Benson, Parker may have violated the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, a federal law that protects student education records, Stinson said.

I thought I was connecting like-minded people, Parker said of his actions.

Parker said he had believed that Connecticuts laws around communication with a public agency were relatively broad and that all emails sent to him were considered public information. He also said he did not believe there were any identifying details about students in the emails he forwarded to Benson.

My mistake was to not have checked with those people first, Parker said, adding that he has met with each parent to personally apologize, an action he said they all warmly received.

He said he also emailed the board an apology on Sept. 28, stating he realized how the mistake could have compromised their work as educators. On Sept. 29, Parker learned about the email investigation, which included a notice that all board members would receive training related to information and privacy laws.

The timing of this is not lost on me, Parker said, referencing his bid as the Republican candidate for first selectman. But this kind of thing can be avoided in the future. ... Student privacy is very important to me and it always has been.

He also read a formal apology at this weeks school board meeting and offered to meet with each of the speakers individually to discuss the situation.

Parker said he supports the investigation and the process to address these incidents. He also said he hopes the town can come together leading up to the Nov. 2 election.

Our divided town needs to be healed, he said.
HAMDEN  The Playwright, an unassuming Irish pub nestled on the corner of Whitney and Putnam avenues in Hamden, has a secret.

At least, it had a secret.

Every Wednesday for nine years, the bar has held what many attendees say is the best trivia night in the area. But since former regular Matt Amodio caught the nations eye as the latest Jeopardy! savant, Whitneyvilles hidden gem has gotten to share in a bit of the glory.

A ton of the customers have mentioned (Amodio), said Playwright owner Eamonn Sonny Ryan. People are noticing.

Recently, while out shopping at Lucibellos Italian Pastry Shop in New Haven, Ryan was asked, Oh, you got Matt, he did good again last night, Ryan said.

Though Amodios 38-day win streak ended Monday, trivia was still at the table two days later at his old Hamden haunt, which bustled with competitors.

Some were regulars who could say they previously had beaten Amodios team or played alongside him.

Meghan Friedmann / Hearst Connecticut Media

Others were newcomers who had heard about the pubs connection to the champion.

Marcus LaFlamme and Sophie Clark drove all the way from Stamford, braving rush hour on the Merritt Parkway, because they hoped to catch a glimpse of Amodio.

It wasnt just his genius that made them fans, but his demeanor.

He seems very sweet, said Clark.

I feel like hes genuine guy, LaFlamme chimed in.

They were disappointed Amodio was not there. He hasnt been since before COVID-19 hit, according to Anthony Apuzzo, who runs the event.

But if they had met him, LaFlamme said, he would have asked Amodio, What are you doing here? Why arent you still on Jeopardy?

You deserve to be, he said matter-of-factly.

Amodio, a doctoral student in computer science at Yale University, had played on a formidable team known as the Rogue Scholars.

Huddled around wood-top tables in the unassuming Irish pub, regular trivia-goers reminisced about nights spent competing against Amodio.

Associated Press

His was the team to beat, they said.

They were our rivals in the same way a gazelle is a rival to a cheetah, said Andrew Weinschenker. We were the gazelles.

His team, which consistently places within the top three, did occasionally best Amodios.

Weinschenker said its awesome to know a fellow trivia attendee had a tremendous performance on Jeopardy!

Knowing weve been around that person and played the same trivia makes him believe he also could do well on Jeopardy!, he said.

Steven Glickman, a regular who plays for another high-scoring team, said that one night when his team was short members, he joined forces with Amodio.

Meghan Friedmann / Hearst Connecticut Media

He watched every one of Amodios Jeopardy! episodes, he said, and he wasnt at all surprised Amodio did well.

Could bar trivia have helped prepare him?

Mary Glickman, Steven Glickmans daughter, said trivia questions at The Playwright are more challenging than those on Jeopardy! She credits Apuzzo, who runs the event and has kept her team coming back for nine years.

It puts every other trivia night to shame, said Mike Ford, another teammate.

Apuzzo writes his own questions. He has file cabinets full of them, he said.

I do not run a fluff trivia night. My trivia night is very competitive, he said. I have teams that have been playing with me for five or six years.

Whats Apuzzos secret? One key element is covering a diverse range of topics.

Two of this weeks categories were Greek mythology and science fiction movies. Past nights have featured questions about history, geography, food, sports and more.

I have players who are in their twenties. I have players who are in their fifties and sixties, and they all find something in their weekly games they can identify with, Apuzzo said.

Many teams find success by including members of differing ages, Apuzzo said.

Thats the case for the Mary Glickmans team, where each member has a different specialty, she said.

What stood out about Amodios team, according to Glickman, was that they were able to do so well even though they were all in the same age group.

Since Amodio shot to Jeopardy! fame, people have asked Glickman if she knows the champ, she said.

She can tell them yes  and that every so often, she beat him.

We would beat his team every week if there was a sports round, said Glickman, a physical education teacher.

If Amodios recent loss brought a twinge of disappointment, it was far outweighed by pride.

I actually thought he was gonna go a little bit longer just because (of), you know, the momentum, said Apuzzo, who runs the trivia night. I would have liked to have seen him be the second-highest earner.

It was still a great run, Apuzzo said. Nobody can take that away from him.

Playwright owner Ryan hopes Amodio will return one Wednesday night.

Hopefully hell be back again someday, he said. Were waiting for him.

Amodio previously told Hearst Connecticut that hes still getting used to all the attention hes received during his time on the show.

meghan.friedmann@hearstmediact.com
SEYMOUR  A Seymour man turned himself in to police Thursday after authorities found copious amounts of THC products in his home last month, according to the Connecticut State Police.

State and Seymour police raided a home on Walnut Street in Seymour around 9 p.m on Sept. 7. The search warrant stemmed from an investigation into narcotics distribution from the house, state police said.
(NWCUA Photo)

Northwest credit unions turned out in force to raise funds for the movements charity of choice during the Northwest Credit Union Associations Enchanted Northwest Gala and Auction at its MAXX 2021 convention. Attendees raised the funds for Credit Unions for Kids, a now-national charity founded decades ago in the Northwest.

As a result eight Childrens Miracle Network hospitals will have more funds to support research, medical equipment, and life-saving care for young patients and their families. Contributors raised $1,001,720  all in a single night, bidding on deluxe getaways to wine country inns, world-renowned resorts, and electric cars to be donated to each of the hospitals.

Brinley Oldham, the events Miracle Child, inspired higher bidding with the story of how her life was saved by the team at the St. Lukes Pediatric Trauma Center in Boise.

Brinley was unable to attend the Enchanted Northwest Gala in person, but video produced by the hospital detailed a horrific day in 2019, when Brinley, then 9, was helping her family brand the herd on their remote Idaho ranch. She was trampled by a cow and severely injured. Fortunately, the trauma center had opened just 12 days before, and the well-practiced medical team saved her life from an accident where five minutes more could have made a drastic difference.
At first glance, Professor Kathleen Stock seems an unlikely freedom fighter.

Crop-haired and soft-spoken, she appears far too measured for a place on the barricades, risking her career to defend free speech.

The product of a Scottish comprehensive school, Stock has taught philosophy at the University of Sussex since 2003.

Her academic work, which covers subjects such as the philosophy of fiction and music, is very highly regarded, but it's hardly the stuff of incendiary public debate.

Yet when she arrived for work a week ago, she found the campus plastered with posters calling her 'one of this wretched island's most prominent transphobes, espousing a bastardised version of radical feminism'.

Professor Kathleen Stock's academic work, which covers subjects such as the philosophy of fiction and music, is very highly regarded, but it's hardly the stuff of incendiary public debate

Meanwhile, a concerted social media campaign, encouraged by some of her colleagues, demanded Sussex sack her immediately.

'Fire Kathleen Stock,' read an online ultimatum from a group of transgender activists. 'Until then, you'll see us around.'

Fury

So what was her crime? Put simply, it was to have questioned the new transgender orthodoxy that has conquered so much of British academia.

To the activists' fury, Professor Stock has dared to suggest that a person's sex is an immutable biological fact. And to compound her offence, she has even indicated it may not be a good idea to allow people with male genitals into women's changing rooms.

In an age when most university authorities are notable for their cowardice, it was refreshing to see Sussex's vice-chancellor, Professor Adam Tickell, stick up for Professor Stock and defend her right to academic freedom.

But if she expected any support from her trade union, the hard-Left University And College Union (UCU), she was to be cruelly disappointed.

In a statement dripping with malevolent hypocrisy, the Sussex UCU declined to mention Stock by name.

Nor did it defend her right to think and write as she chooses. Instead, it demanded an urgent investigation into 'institutional transphobia', and insisted that the university must do more to root out the heretics  clearly meaning her.

As Stock herself put it, her own union has made her position untenable. To make matters worse, Sussex Police have advised her to hire bodyguards and install CCTV at her home, such is the risk of attack by student activists.

So what on earth is going on? What has happened to Britain's universities?

It's a complicated story with two principal aspects  both, alas, equally unsavoury.

First, there's the poisonous climate surrounding the issue of transgender identity. As any reasonable observer would agree, this is a fraught and confusing issue, on which people can take different positions.

It's worth noting that some transgender people have spoken in Professor Stock's defence, signing a public letter condemning the 'harassment and abuse' carried out by a handful of campus bullies.

But at our universities, unfortunately, it's the radical activists who set the tone, denouncing doubters in the most violent terms.

The product of a Scottish comprehensive school, Stock has taught philosophy at the University of Sussex since 2003

Sceptics

Only yesterday, the Cambridge Students' Union published a pro-trans guide claiming that women aren't defined by 'biological sex'.

A section entitled 'How to Spot Terf [trans-exclusionary radical feminist] Ideology' even links sceptics with the 'far Right'.

To most of us, this sounds like gibberish. But it's worth remembering that today's student fanatic is often tomorrow's Labour MP, BBC commissioner or museum curator.

The attack on so-called Terfs  often feminist campaigners of long standing  is absolutely typical of the genre. At Sussex, for example, Professor Stock is routinely smeared as a 'transphobe'.

But by no reasonable definition is she transphobic. Indeed, she has defended transgender people's right to 'live their lives free from fear, violence, harassment or any discrimination'.

For the new witch-hunters, though, that's not good enough. If you question their belief that you can change sex by ticking a box on a form, you make yourself a target.

Other women  and depressingly, it is almost always women  have been on the receiving end, most famously J. K. Rowling. When the Harry Potter author dared to suggest there were real biological differences between men and women, she was the victim of an appalling online campaign, culminating in death threats.

But there's another aspect of this story which goes beyond the transgender issue, and that's the insidious threat to academic freedom.

Mention this in Left-wing academic circles, and many scoff. According to the hard-Left head of the UCU, Jo Grady, for example, the threat to academic freedom 'is a myth'.

Well, if you'll forgive me, I suspect Ms Grady is either extremely stupid or extremely disingenuous.

Just ask Oxford professor Nigel Biggar, who tried to set up a five-year project about the ethics of colonialism in 2017, only to have more than 170 academics sign an open letter demanding the university shut it down, effectively trying to bully him into silence.

Or ask feminist campaigner Julie Bindel, who was invited to speak at Edinburgh University in 2019. Protesters chanted, 'Die, cis scum'. ('Cis' is activist jargon for people who aren't transgender.)

When Ms Bindel left, she was confronted by a trans woman, who screamed she was a Nazi before being dragged away by security guards.

No threat to academic freedom? How many examples does Ms Grady need?

We are witnessing a clash between a suffocating hyper-liberal orthodoxy, obsessed to the point of mania with race, gender and sexuality, and a few brave souls who dare to swim against the tide, whatever their politics.

The tragedy is that universities are supposed to be places of fearless enquiry, where academics can explore ideas without fear of ostracism. Indeed, isn't that one of the things that defines a free society?

But that's not the climate on campuses today. Instead, we're moving towards an intolerant monoculture in which anybody who says the wrong thing risks being cast out.

One false step  perhaps you voted Leave, or you don't think Boris Johnson's so bad, or you don't agree with Black Lives Matter, or you think biological sex is real  and you stand accused of 'thoughtcrime', as George Orwell once called it.

Fight

So what's the answer? The Government has published a bill to safeguard academic freedom. I applaud the sentiment, but there's only so much Whitehall can do.

The truth is only students and lecturers can win this fight. One academic, Professor Colin Wight, has set up an online petition to rally support for Kathleen Stock.

But why isn't every academic in the land taking Professor Stock's side against the bigots and bullies trying to destroy her career?

Why aren't more so-called intellectuals standing up for this brave and admirable woman  whose views, let's face it, are shared by most Britons?

The answer is pretty obvious. To put it bluntly, they haven't got the guts.

As for the rest of us, we should ask ourselves what kind of country we want to live in.

One ruled by an intolerant minority of cranks and obsessives? Or one that defends to the death a clever woman's right to think what she likes?
When a man who once nearly became Archbishop of Canterbury defects to the Roman Catholic Church, it is time to sit up and take notice.

Michael Nazir-Ali is in most respects as unlike as is possible to a typical modern Church of England bishop, which is doubtless why he wasnt appointed Anglican Primate in 2002.

He has stood out as an uncompromising social conservative in an Established Church which in recent years has become increasingly liberal, and has tended to swim with the tide of secular belief.

Michael Nazir-Ali was the first non-white diocesan bishop in the Church of England

One doesnt have to agree with every aspect of Dr Nazir-Alis opinions  and some Anglicans, let alone people of other denominations and non-believers, wont.

Like the Roman Catholic Church he is joining, he is robustly opposed to abortion.

Nor has he been supportive of celibate homosexual priests working in the Church of England, or of same-sex marriages taking place in church. Though still not permitted, it seems likely they soon will be.

At the same time, he has celebrated the importance of the family and the sanctity of marriage in a way that would have been familiar to Anglican worshippers half a century ago, but is now unusual.

Whatever one may think of his particular views, I find it impossible not to admire Dr Nazir-Ali for the rigour of his thought, and for his courage in speaking out in defiance of fashionable opinion.

His background largely explains why he is so different from run-of-the-mill Anglican prelates.

Born in overwhelmingly Muslim Pakistan, he became a bishop there while still in his thirties, before leaving the country when his life was in danger.

For him Christianity was not a set of safe and comfortable beliefs which can be bent to accommodate progressive thought. It was a minority sect fighting for survival, and sometimes threatened by radical Islam.

Former Bishop of Rochester Michael Nazir-Ali with his wife Valerie

Dr Nazir-Ali was received into the Roman Catholic Church two weeks ago

That explains why, since his retirement as Bishop of Rochester in 2009 after 15 years in the role, he has spent a lot of time in communion with Anglicans in the Third World, who are sometimes persecuted.

He is above all a serious man. Not a few Anglicans will agree with him when he says he wants to be in a Church where there is clear teaching for the faithful.

It does exist in parts of the Church of England, but many priests seem too frightened of offending worldly values to speak out with much clarity.

Dr Nazir-Alis criticism of the C of E for jumping on to every faddish bandwagon about identity politics, cultural correctness and mea culpa about Britains imperial past will also strike a chord with many people.

Of course there are historical events of which we should be rightly ashamed. What is so wearisome is the preoccupation with supposed misdeeds in the distant past, and the constant self-flagellation, when there are so many challenges and problems in our own time.

Yet the Church of Englands hierarchy has instructed cathedrals and churches across the country to review their monuments for links to slavery and colonialism, and take action if any are found.

Some 12,500 parishes and 42 cathedrals have been scouring their grounds and buildings for shameful connections.

Meanwhile the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has declared in the tones of a trendy Labour MP: Some will have to come down, some names will have to change.

Speaking about monuments linked with slavery, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said: Some will have to come down, some names will have to change.

Arent there more pressing things for the Church to be doing?

Equally, although the Church is right to be deeply concerned about the despoiling of Gods world, it shouldnt be involving itself in the politics of climate change.

There are scientists and politicians aplenty to do that. And yet earlier this year the C of E appointed a Bishop of the Environment to spearhead the crusade against climate change, and tackle the looming chaos and destruction of this precious planet.

At a Christmas service not long ago, I heard a bishop preach about global warming. What about spearheading the fight against the seemingly ineluctable decline of religious belief in this country?

Religious attendance continues to fall, and the response of the Church of England, when it is not fretting about secular matters, is to talk about closing more churches.

Indeed, a recent C of E document called into question the sustainability of many local churches, and warned that most dioceses intend to prune the number of clergy.

Dr Nazir-Ali wants to be in a church where there is clear teaching for the faithful

Admittedly, there are still, particularly on the evangelical wing of the Church, vibrant parishes that arent prepared to roll over and accept the inevitability of decline.

But much of the C of E has become defeatist and inward-looking. So one can understand why Dr Nazir-Ali yearns for the clarity and robustness of the Roman Catholic Church, though there is room for doubt whether he will in fact find that.

After all, it is itself divided between traditionalists and liberals over issues such as abortion, contraception, the celibacy of the clergy, and same-sex marriage.

All one can say with confidence is that if there were more devout and committed bishops like Michael Nazir-Ali in our national Church, it would be sending out a stronger message to a country that is drifting ever further from God.
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Prince William criticised the race to leave Earth and said we instead need the world's greatest brains and minds 'fixed on trying to repair this planet' - hours after Amazon chief Jeff Bezos sent Star Trek's William Shatner into space.

The Duke of Cambridge, 39, appeared to rebuke the billionaire's space race as he spoke about the current issues facing the climate during an interview with BBC Newscast's Adam Fleming at Kensington Palace.

The royal also warned the Cop26 summit, where world leaders will gather in Glasgow at the end of the month to discuss climate change, against 'clever speak, clever words but not enough action'.

The duke's intervention came just hours after Star Trek's William Shatner became the oldest person in space at the age of 90, following a journey aboard Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket.

It also comes just days after SpaceX founder Elon Musk, whose ambitious plans involve colonising Mars, revealed he would now like to build Tesla cars on the Red Planet.

In his interview about climate change, ahead of his inaugural Earthshot Prize awards, the duke said: 'We need some of the world's greatest brains and minds fixed on trying to repair this planet, not trying to find the next place to go and live.'

Prince William criticised the race to leave Earth during an interview with BBC Newscast's Adam Fleming at Kensington Palace

Prince William (pictured right) said his father Prince Charles had a 'a really rough ride' but was 'well ahead of the curve' on the environment

The prince praised his father The Prince of Wales (pictured), 72, as he warned that inaction on climate change will 'rob from our children's future'

The royal's comments came just hours after Star Trek's William Shatner became the oldest person in space at the age of 90, following a journey aboard Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos's rocket

The royal's comments came as William Shatner, who is famed for his role as Captain Kirk in the 1960s sci-fi series, ventured 351,186 feet above Earth's surface where he spent three minutes in weightlessness with astronauts Chris Boshuizen, Glen de Vries and Audrey Powers.

As a shaky Shatner emerged from the capsule, he instantly wrapped his arms around the Blue Origin and Amazon founder and said he was struck by the vulnerability of Earth and the relative sliver of its atmosphere.

'Everybody in the world needs to do this,' he said.

'To see the blue colour whip by and now you're staring into blackness, that's the thing.

'The covering of blue, this sheath, this blanket, this comforter of blue that we have around, we say, ''Oh, that's blue sky.'' And then suddenly you shoot through it all, and you're looking into blackness, into black ugliness.'

'As you look down, there's your blue down there with the black up there. There is Mother Earth and comfort and there is  is there death? I don't know. Is that the way death is?'

'I don't know. Was that death? Is that the way death is?'

Breaking into tears, Shatner told Bezos: 'I'm so filled with emotion with what just happened. I hope I never recover from this.'

'It's so much larger than me and life, and it hasn't got anything to do with the little green hand or the little blue orb.'

The space venture came just a week after Elon Musk, 50, whose SpaceX Mars programme aims to place humans on Mars, said that the idea of an 'off-planet factory' for his cars may not happen in the near future, but it was a possibility in his lifetime.

During Tesla's shareholder meeting in Austin, Texas, Musk said: 'So, we are many years before Tesla's first off-planet factory.

'I mean, I would like to see one before I am dead. That would be cool.

'So, I don't know what we got like 40 years-ish. Hopefully, before I am dead, basically. That would be great.'

Currently, Tesla has four manufacturing facilities on Earth - Fremont, California, Sparks, Nevada, Buffalo, New York (focused on solar energy) and Shanghai, China.

During his interview Prince William spoke about the importance of our actions now - as he warned that inaction on climate change will 'rob from our children's future'.

He said: 'I want the things that I've enjoyed  the outdoor life, nature, the environment  I want that to be there for my children, and not just my children but everyone else's children.

'If we're not careful we're robbing from our children's future through what we do now.

'And I think that's not fair. I want to use my little bit of influence... to highlight incredible people doing incredible things and will genuinely help fix some of these problems.'

He also raised his concerns about the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow next month.

He said: 'I think for COP to communicate very clearly and very honestly what the problems are and what the solutions are going to be, is critical.

'We can't have more clever speak, clever words but not enough action.'

The father-of-three, who shares Prince George, eight, Princess Charlotte, six, and Prince Louis, three, with his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, said his father Prince Charles had a 'a really rough ride' but was 'well ahead of the curve' on the environment.

He said: 'It's been a hard road for [my father].

'My grandfather started off helping out WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) a long time ago with its nature work and biodiversity, and I think that my father's sort of progressed that on and talked about climate change a lot more, very early on, before anyone else thought it was a topic.

'So yes, he's had a really rough ride on that, and I think you know he's been proven to being well ahead of the curve.

The Amazon tycoon smiled at the Star Trek actor as he emerged from his capsule yesterday

'Well beyond his time in warning about some of these dangers.

'But it shouldn't be that there's a third generation now coming along having to ramp it up even more.

'And you know, for me, it would be an absolute disaster if George is sat here talking to you or your successor, Adam, you know in like 30 years' time, whatever, still saying the same thing, because by then we will be too late.'

He added that his viewpoint had changed since he had his own children, saying: 'I want the things that I've enjoyed - the outdoor life, nature, the environment - I want that to be there for my children, and not just my children but everyone else's children.

'If we're not careful we're robbing from our children's future through what we do now. And I think that's not fair.'

During his interview the duke also expressed his concerns about a rise in climate anxiety in young people.

He added: 'We are seeing a rise in climate anxiety. You know, people, young people now are growing up where their futures are basically threatened the whole time.

'It's very unnerving and it's very, you know, anxiety making,' he said.

Last month Prince William announced the 15 finalists of his 50million Earthshot Prize, which aims to encourage the world's greatest problem-solvers to find answers to the planet's biggest environment problems.

Last week SpaceX founder Elon Musk, whose ambitious plans involve putting humans on Mars, revealed he would now like to build cars on the Red Planet

The finalists include a 14-year-old student who proposes using solar energy to replace charcoal to power millions of roadside ironing carts in India; a land-based coral farm in the Bahamas to restore dying coral reefs; a community project in Congo devoted to protecting gorillas; and a Kenyan enterprise that turns organic waste into fertiliser and insect protein for farmers.

Five winners will be chosen this month from the 15 finalists, and each will receive a grant worth 1million pounds.

In addition, 14 global companies and brands, including Microsoft, Unilever, Ikea and Walmart, have agreed to support and scale the ideas developed by the finalists.

The award is the most ambitious project yet launched by Prince William, who has long supported conservation charities in Africa and led work to tackle illegal wildlife trafficking.

The prince has previously spoken about coming up with the idea for Earthshot following a visit to Namibia in 2018 and then being 'hit by a wave of global pessimism' at climate change talks, which he feared could foster a growing sense of despondency.

'The headlines were dominated by a sense that world leaders were not moving fast enough,' he said.

'There was widespread finger pointing and political and geographical division. To those of us following at home, it wasn't an inspiring sight.'

The Duke of Cambridge announced the 15 finalists of his 50million Earthshot Prize last month

He continued: 'It seemed to me, and this is backed up by my team's research, that there was a real risk that people would switch off; that they would feel so despondent, so fearful and so powerless, there was a risk that any real hope of progress would come to a halt.

'You could summarise this mood with a simple equation: urgency + pessimism = despondency.'

Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge are attending the star-studded Earthshot ceremony, hosted by Clara Amfo and Dermot O'Leary, at Alexandra Palace in London on Sunday.

'The prize itself will stimulate solutions and action that a lot of people haven't necessarily produced yet, and so I'm hoping, you know, the prize will galvanise a lot of people in positions of responsibility to, you know, go further, bigger and actually start to deliver,' the duke said.

Cop26 is the deadline by which countries are expected to bring forward more ambitious plans, under a five-year cycle, to get the world on track to meet the Paris goals.

The 2015 Paris Agreement commits countries to keeping temperature rises to well below 2C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit them to 1.5C - beyond which the most dangerous climate impacts will be felt.

The conference begins in Glasgow on October 31.

BBC Newscast: the Prince William interview airs on Thursday 14th October 2021.

Watch BBC One (at 23:35), BBC News Channel and BBC iPlayer. Listen on BBC Sounds and BBC 5 Live.
A woman has revealed how opening a store credit card at Home Depot ruined her credit and jeopardized her chances of buying a home after she forgot about a $9 paint charge.

Television producer Cassidy Gard, 31, from Los Angeles, California, shared a tearful public service announcement about the dangers of store credit cards in a viral TikTok video that has been viewed more than 5.1 million times.

Gard, whose handle is @cassidygard, explained that she usually says no when store employees ask her if she wants to open a credit card, but she made an impulsive decision to sign up for one in May because 'the lady at Home Depot was so nice.'

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Candid: Cassidy Gard, 31, from Los Angeles, California, shared a tearful public service announcement about the dangers of store credit cards in a viral TikTok video

Big mistake: The television producer explained that she impulsively agreed to sign up for a Home Depot credit card in May because the employee was 'so nice'

'It just seemed like it was really special and important to her that I open a card,' she said. 'So I opened the card, and then I forgot. I just totally forgot that I opened a card.'

Gard was in the process of buying a house when she realized four months later that her credit score 'plummeted over 100 points.'

'For a $9 can of paint, I am now probably not going to get a mortgage on a house,' she said through tears. 'This is the dumbest thing Ive ever done.

'Just don't open credit cards at stores,' she added. 'It will ruin your life.'

The candid video received nearly 17,000 comments, some of which were more sympathetic than others.

More than a few people pointed out it was her fault for missing the payment and questioned how she would handle the responsibility of owning a home.

Oh no: She admitted that she forgot about the card until four months later, when she was in the process of buying a home

Hard lesson: Gard said her credit score 'plummeted over 100 points,' which will likely prevent her from getting a mortgage

'Opening the card isn't the problem. Not paying your bill is the problem,' one person wrote, while another added: 'Seems like you forgetting is the problem not the store.'

Others were more empathetic and encouraged her to reach out to Home Depot, agreeing that everyone forgets something at one time or another. Some even shared their own store credit card horror stories.

'Lotta people in these comments acting like nothing has ever slipped their minds before.' one TikToker pointed out. 'A $9 charge could potentially cost her a literal home.'

'I think it's time we unite and force retail stores to stop harassing employees/consumers to apply for credit cards,' someone else shared.

Gard responded to some of the comments, explaining she was traveling over the summer and missed the bill. She stressed that she takes full responsibility for what happened and knows it is her 'fault.'

'Yes, I am the problem,' she wrote. 'That is why this is a PSA. So if other people like me have a horrendous memory, they realize how damaging this can be.'

Disaster: Before Gard was alerted to her ruined credit store, she made a non-refundable down payment on a home. Now, she might not even qualify to buy the property

Owning it: In the comments of her post, she stressed that she takes full responsibility for what happened and knows it is her 'fault'

Just say no: 'Just don't open credit cards at stores,' Gard said. 'It will ruin your life.'

In an interview with BuzzFeed News, Gard pointed out that the Home Depot employee actually used different language when she asked her to sign up, calling it a 'rewards card' instead of a 'credit card.'

'I dont even think I was totally aware that I was applying for a new line of credit,' she admitted. 'All I knew was that I was getting a discount on my current purchase for the can of paint.'

She recalled being 'in a hurry and frazzled' when she started the sign-up process for the card, which later resulted in her initial charge becoming delinquent.

Gard said she reached out to Citibank, the company that handles the Home Depot credit cards, for help without success.

According to the producer, the company initially agreed to make a one-time goodwill adjustment to help her fix her credit score, but when she followed up with the head of financial services with Home Depot, she learned they wouldn't be making the adjustment after all.

Before Gard was alerted to her ruined credit store, she made a non-refundable down payment on a home. Now, she might not even qualify to buy the property.

'Even if I do finally qualify for this mortgage, my mortgage rate will be 3 percent to 5 percent higher than it would have been based on my credit score before this mistake happened,' she said. 'The mistake vs. the consequence was not proportional.'
A note from a kindergarten teacher slamming a mother for packing an 'unhealthy' lunch has divided parents across Australia.

The woman was stunned when she opened her three-year-old's lunchbox and discovered a letter criticising the food she had given the little one.

'Your child has a chocolate slice from the Red Food category. Please choose healthier options for Kindy,' it said.

The mother is a friend of Australian writer, Melinda Tankard Reist, who shared a photo of the note on Facebook telling fans exactly what she thought of it.

This note from a kindergarten teacher slamming a mother for packing her child an 'unhealthy' lunch has divided parents across Australia

Poll Should teachers have a right to dictate what's included in lunchboxes? Yes No Should teachers have a right to dictate what's included in lunchboxes? Yes 94 votes

No 1511 votes Now share your opinion





'My friend (mother of eight healthy children, what follows relating to number seven) received this today from her three-year-old's kindy,' she wrote.

'I told her to put in two slices tomorrow and tell them to get lost.'

She added that her friend has a degree in health science, serves fresh food everyday and cooks almost everything from scratch, including bread.

The note is believed to refer to the 'traffic light system', healthy choice food guidelines used in educational facilities across Australia and New Zealand.

The green category relates to the healthiest food choices, covering snacks that are a good source of nutrients and low in saturated fat, salt and added sugar.

Foods in the amber category should be eaten in moderation, while things in the red category should be limited. This bracket contains junk food such as sugary drinks, lollies and slices.

The note, which has racked up almost 3,000 'likes' since it was posted online, sparked outrage among parents who said they increasingly feel as though they can 'never win'.

'Looks like someone had nothing better to do with their time then to go on a lunchbox inspection,' one woman wrote.

'What's next? That she's gonna decide when the kids may take a breath?'

Another added: 'I'd write a note to the teacher - I'm responsible for feeding my child... you're responsible for educating him/her. Enjoy your day!'

The note is believed to be referring to the 'traffic light system', healthy choice food guidelines used in educational facilities across Australia and New Zealand

A third revealed the constant policing of her son's lunches led her to transfer him to a different school.

'When my son was in kindy they used to take things from his lunch box if they deemed they were not healthy and not allow him to eat it. Hence the reason we pulled him out of that kindy and put him in another,' she said.

However others had a more balanced reaction.

'As an early childhood educator I can see it from both sides,' one woman wrote.

'We have to conform to certain regulations regarding what food children are served while attending the service. We can actually lose our accreditation if an inspection happens and we are not adhering to those guidelines!'
An Australian writer has revealed the country's most mispronounced words - and his scathing opinion of why they are said incorrectly.

In an interview with Sky News, renowned wordsmith Kel Richards said he received a 'tsunami' of emails from viewers complaining about the mispronunciation of fifth, normality, and remuneration, the term for money paid for work or a service.

The 75-year-old said dozens more wondered why often, burglar and the phrase 'pleaded guilty' are so widely misspoken.

After claiming that mispronunciation is caused by a 'lazy mind and lazy mouth', Mr Richards expressed disbelief about the confusion surrounding 'remuneration'.

'I still don't understand how people can make that mistake, if they're the least bit educated, because they can't write the word like that,' he said.

Australia's most commonly mispronounced words Correct: Remuneration Incorrect: Renumeration Correct: Fifth Incorrect: Fith Correct: Normality Incorrect: Normalcy Correct: Pleaded guilty Incorrect: Plead guilty Correct: Burglar Incorrect: Burg-u-lar Correct: Often Incorrect: Off-ten Advertisement

Later in the segment, Mr Richards dismissed the mispronunciation of the word fifth - which Australians often say as 'fith' - as nothing but laziness.

'They leave out the 'f' in the middle...these things are caused by a lazy mouth or a lazy mind, and this is a lazy mouth - it's someone not bothering to bring their bottom lip up to their teeth,' he said.

He offered similar criticism for those who pronounce often as 'off-ten', with a hard 't'.

Mr Richards said anyone who says 'normalcy' instead of 'normality' using an Americanised version of the word, while people who say 'plead guilty' instead of the correct past participle 'pleaded' are using a colloquialism from Scotland.

The clarifications, which have racked up almost 4,000 views since they were uploaded to YouTube on Wednesday, sparked passionate responses.

'OFF-TEN is a pet peeve of mine, spoken on the US east coast. The T is silent,' one man wrote.

He said some of Australia's most commonly pronounced words include burglar (left) and the phrase 'pleaded guilty'

After claiming that mispronunciation is caused by a 'lazy mind and lazy mouth', Mr Richards expressed disbelief about the confusion surrounding 'remuneration' (stock image)

Others vented their frustration about additional mispronunciations.

'The most cringeworthy Aussie pronunciation is saying data as 'darter' instead of 'day ter',' one man wrote.

'How about 'should have' instead of the incorrect 'should of',' said a second.

A third added: 'Prahran (the area). I am always hearing people who cannot pronounce Prahran trying to help others pronounce it. Only deep routed old Melbourne folk get it right,'
Artisan chocolatier Koko Black has teamed up with iconic Australian ice cream brand Connoisseur to transform its chocolate into a decadent frozen dessert range for the first time.

Designed for World Dessert Day today, the $8.40 packs of four are available at leading convenience and grocery stores across Australia and are crafted using creative ingredient combinations 'designed for the Aussie palate'.

The first flavour is the Classic Vanilla with Premium Crafted Chocolate - classic vanilla ice cream coated in Koko Black's 54 per cent dark chocolate.

Artisan chocolatier Koko Black has teamed up with iconic Australian ice cream brand Connoisseur to transform its chocolate into a decadent frozen dessert range for the first time

The second is Honeycomb with Premium Crafted Chocolate - honeycomb ice cream coated in Koko Black's signature Tasmanian Leatherwood Honeycomb pieces in 54 per cent dark chocolate.

Connoisseur's team of culinary creators worked closely with Koko Black and their head chocolatier, Remco Brigou to design the indulgent new ice cream collection, leaning on his years of experience to perfect the balance of flavours.

'The key to marrying the two decadent brands together was for it to feel like a true collaboration of Australia's finest local ingredients,' Brigou said.

The first flavour is the Classic Vanilla with Premium Crafted Chocolate - classic vanilla ice cream coated in Koko Black's 54 per cent dark chocolate. The second is Honeycomb with Premium Crafted Chocolate - honeycomb ice cream coated in Koko Black's signature Tasmanian Leatherwood Honeycomb pieces

'The chocolate coating is crafted from a premium selection of our Koko Black chocolate and has been expertly paired with Connoisseur's much loved vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent experience.'

Connoisseur Gourmet Ice Cream Marketing Manager Eileen Whitta said the team was thrilled to partner with Koko Black for the range.

'It's a truly immersive sensory experience for ice cream lovers in time for World Dessert Day. The flavour pairings were matched to appeal to the Australian palate showcasing quality local ingredients to thrill the senses,' she said.

It's the second time Koko Black has teamed up with a fellow Australian brand this year, with the crew creating a one-off Galaxy cake with Black Star Pastry for World Chocolate Day

Recipe: How to make a delicious No Bake Chocolate Tart Ingredients 1 block (90g) of Step Into The Dark Chocolate Koko Black Milk Chocolate Shavings Optional: Koko Black Cocoa Powder 400-500ml thickened cream 1 tbsp vanilla extrac 400g plain biscuits (we use Digestive or Arrowroot) 200g butter  cup icing sugar (pure is best) 2 tbsp golden syrup or molasses Method 1. Place your biscuits of choice into a food processor, and blitz until you have a fine crumb. Leave biscuit crumb in food processor. 2. On the stove or in a microwave safe dish, melt together your butter and golden syrup. 3. Pour your butter mixture into the food processor, adding optional Koko Black Cocoa Powder (2 tbsp) to the mix if you'd like to create a chocolate base. 4. In a springform tart tin, press your biscuit mix in evenly, and up the sides of the tin. Ensure the crust isn't too thick, but thick enough to support the filling. 5. Place in fridge for approximately half an hour. 6. In a saucepan on the stove, melt your Step Into The Dark Chocolate until smooth. Once cooled and smooth, stir in your icing sugar and vanilla extract for some added sweetness. Set aside. 7. In a stand mixer or with a hand beater, whisk your cream until you get lovely, billowy stiff peaks. Gently fold in your chocolate and combine well. 8. Pour cream into the biscuit mould, and spread flat with a spatula. Return to fridge to set for at least 2 hours, before sprinkling with Koko Black Milk Chocolate Shavings to serve. Advertisement

It's the second time Koko Black has teamed up with a fellow Australian brand this year, with the crew creating a one-off Galaxy cake with Black Star Pastry for World Chocolate Day.

The decadent creation was topped with a blazing Sao Thome chocolate flame and crumbled cocoa nib rubble reminiscent of the textures of the moon; the carved jet-stream of chocolate brings the meteor's crashing effect to life.

Brigou described the 'extremely light' dessert as having an 'indulgent and intense chocolate flavour' that is complemented by hazelnut and said it was best enjoyed slowly.

'Ensure you get a taste of each layer at once while taking a bite,' he told FEMAIL.

'We would suggest eating half the cake, then having the truffle on top and then continue to finish your slice.'
Booker Prize winner Douglas Stuart is to be interviewed by the Duchess of Cornwall about his 'life-changing year' during the ceremony for this year's award.

The author picked up the award last year for his debut novel Shuggie Bain. During the ceremony for the 2021 prize, a pre-recorded interview between Stuart and Camilla over tea at Clarence House will be played.

Shuggie Bain, which is based on Stuart's own childhood, is set in Glasgow in the 1980s and tells the story of a young boy growing up with a mother who is battling addiction.

The novel is dedicated to the Stuart's mother, who died following an alcohol addiction when he was 16.

Booker Prize winner Douglas Stuart is to be interviewed by the Duchess of Cornwall about his 'life-changing year' during the ceremony for this year's award

Stuart will also appear live at the ceremony, which is being hosted by broadcaster Samira Ahmed.

The ceremony will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Front Row, BBC iPlayer and the BBC News Channel.

It will take place on November 3. Six books have been shortlisted for this year's prize.

They are No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood, Richard Powers' Bewilderment, Maggie Shipstead novel Great Circle, Anuk Arudpragasam's A Passage North, The Promise by Damon Galgut and Nadifa Mohamed's The Fortune Men.

Shuggie Bain, which is based on Stuart's own childhood, is set in Glasgow in the 1980s and tells the story of a young boy growing up with a mother who is battling addiction

The Booker Prize, first awarded in 1969, is open to writers of any nationality whose work is written in English and published in the UK or Ireland.

The writer, 44, is the second-ever Scot to win the 50,000 award after James Kelman scooped the prize for How Late It Was, How Late in 1994.

Stuart was born and raised in Glasgow before moving to New York to pursue a career in fashion design at 24, working for brands including Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Gap.

The author explores poverty, tough upbringings and alcoholism in his book

He began writing in his spare time a decade ago, and his short stories have since appeared in the New Yorker.

He was announced as the winner in a virtual ceremony last year which featured contributions from former US president Barack Obama and the Duchess of Cornwall.

The author said his Man Booker win meant he could abandon his career in the fashion industry and dedicate himself to writing.

At the time, Margaret Busby, chair of the judging panel who voted unanimously to celebrate Stuart's book, described Shuggie Bain as 'daring, frightening and life-changing'.

She added: 'The heart-wrenching story tells of the unconditional love between Agnes Bain - set on a descent into alcoholism by the tough circumstances life has dealt her - and her youngest son.

'Shuggie struggles with responsibilities beyond his years to save his mother from herself, at the same time as dealing with burgeoning feelings and questions about his own otherness.

'Gracefully and powerfully written, this is a novel that has impact because of its many emotional registers and its compassionately realised characters.

'The poetry in Douglas Stuart's descriptions and the precision of his observations stand out: nothing is wasted.'

The author explores poverty, tough upbringings and alcoholism in his book, which Busby added is 'destined to be a classic'.
The horrifying case of 39 Vietnamese migrants who were found dead in the back of a refrigerated lorry in Essex left BBC viewers in tears as grieving relatives spoke of receiving desperate final messages from their dying loved ones.

Hunting the Essex Lorry Killers explored how police caught Ronan Hughes, the people-smuggling kingpin responsible for the deaths of the Vietnamese men, women and children who died in the back of the sealed container while crossing the Channel in 2019.

Among the victims of the gang was 26-year-old Pham Thi Tra My, whose mother revealed the last texts her daughter ever sent to her, saying 'I love you so much. I am dying because I can't breathe.'

She had been charged $22,000 for a 'VIP' service and her parents still her owe money after taking out loans to pay for her transport.

Viewers were horrified by the heartbreaking details of the deaths, branding the people-smuggling gang 'vile animals' and sharing their disgust that their crimes were considered manslaughter.

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A mother whose daughter was killed alongside 38 other Vietnamese migrants in the back of the sealed container while crossing the Channel in 2019 appeared on BBC2 documentary Hunting the Essex Lorry Killers

Pham Thi Tra My, 26, wanted to work in the beauty industry in the UK but tragically died before she got there. She text her mother shortly before she lost consciousness saying she was 'very sorry'

'So sorry Mum,' is how Pham Thi Tra My, who wanted to work in the beauty industry in the UK, began the text message to her mother shortly before she lost consciousness.

'My route to abroad does not succeed. Mum, I love you so much. I am dying because I can't breathe. Mum, I'm very sorry.'

Her mother reveals hasn't been able to read the messages sent in those final desperate moments.

'Her text message is still in my phone but I don't dare look at it,' she says in the documentary.

'So sorry Mum,' is how Pham Thi Tra My began the text message to her mother 'My route to abroad does not succeed. Mum, I love you so much. I am dying because I can't breathe. Mum, I'm very sorry.'

'I haven't dared look at it. Only my husband and sons are able to. I don't dare to look at her pictures even once.'

Tra My's mother revealed how her ambitious daughter was keen to work overseas for a few years before returning home - determined not to get married like all of her friends.

'She lied to me that a fortune teller told her she couldn't get married yet and that she would only be happy if she got married after she turned 30', she said.

'The day she left was just a normal day she said goodbye to mummy and daddy as usual. She hoped to work overseas for a few years and then come back.'

The family were promised that Tra My would be travelling in 'VIP class' and say they still owe $22,000 in interest from their loans.

Viewers were horrified by the heartbreaking details of the deaths, branding the people smuggling gang 'vile animals' and sharing their disgust that their crimes were considered manslaughter

'It took her ten days to get from Vietnam to China and another 1 to 2 days from China to France', she said. 'She went there by airplane it was so fast, then she called us to say she had arrived safely.

'We had to transfer her money when she got there the total we transferred to them to get Tra My to France was $22,000.

'We knew she was waiting to travel onwards but we didn't know what means of transport would be used. We only knew that she would be travelling in VIP class. I had no idea what VIP class mean. Only now do I knew that it is to travel in VIP class.

Testimony that helped catch the killers: Excerpt from Witness X's crucial trafficking account Witness X said there were two services on offer  one in which the lorry driver was ignorant of the human cargo and the so-called 'VIP' service, where the driver was aware. He chose the 'VIP' service. So did all those who died. This is his account of the 'VIP' service. '[Someone] provided me with an address near to Paris that I should go to. 'Some taxis arrived to take us on our journey. We drove for a few hours. We stopped at an area near to an industrial unit. 'We were all told to go and hide in the crop field. A large lorry stopped near to where we were hiding. The driver then helped all of us to get into the back of the lorry. 'I could feel the lorry start to move. There was no light in the back of the lorry. There was a bucket in the corner for going to the toilet. The journey across the channel took around eight hours. 'Some of the people in the container went to sleep. I didn't, I stayed awake the whole journey. 'It was around 9 or 10am when the container door opened and we saw daylight for the first time.' Advertisement

She added: 'At the moment we still owe $22,000. We can't make plans, we have no dreams. We just try and earn and save what we can to pay the interest from our loans.'

Viewers quickly took to Twitter to share their disgust at the gang, with one writing: 'Hunting the Essex lorry killers: absolutely heartbreaking story of mass manslaughter on a horrifying scale.

'Only thing to do after this was catch the vile animals responsible. Truly extraordinary job by @EssexPoliceUK to do exactly that from an almost impossible position'.

Another wrote: 'Just watched the Hunting the Essex Lorry Killers on BBC2 surprised how the gang got away with a slap on wrist for 39 man slaughters!! 39!! What a joke the British Justice system is!'

A third said: ''Just watched Hunting the Essex Lorry Killers aired tonight on BBC2 A desperately sad tale of people wanting to better their lives and criminals hunger for money. Exceptional investigative work by the police. Well worth watching on the iPlayer.'

'Just watched Hunting the Essex Lorry Killers on BBC 2 Such a tough watch. Completely proves that greed is the root of all evil', said another.

The one-hour documentary pieces together police interviews, witness accounts and crucial CCTV footage to create a picture of exactly how detectives went from discovering the bodies to charging Hughes and his associates.

The bodies of 39 people, aged 14 to 44, were discovered in the back of the lorry that night.

The victims had boarded the vehicle in the French countryside, before being driven to the Belgian port of Zeebrugge where the trailer was sent unaccompanied across the Channel, at which point they suffocated. Robinson picked up the trailer in Essex.

Hughes, who was making up to 1million a month transporting migrants, had packed twice as many migrants into the trailer as he had on the last people-smuggling run just a week before - with devastating consequences.

More people meant more money, but much less oxygen in the sealed container.

It was a gamble the ringleader was prepared to take. 'Give them air quickly but don't let them out,' he instructed driver Maurice Robinson, via text message.

When Robinson opened the trailer in Essex it was too late. The gamble had failed. Bodies were piled up inside. Among the dead were three children and eight women.

A single fingerprint led police to the witness who helped crack the case of the 39 Vietnamese migrants, pictured, found dead in the back of a lorry in Essex, a BBC documentary reveals

Ronan Hughes, 40, (left) headed the million-pound people-smuggling ring which used death trap lorries on multiple occasions - charging his human cargo 14,000 a head. But the journey in October 2019 went horribly wrong when driver Maurice Robinson, 26, (right) opened the back of his refrigerated trailer in an industrial park in Grays, Essex, to be met with 39 bodies

Detectives found the crucial clue on the inside of a haulage trailer owned by Ronan Hughes, the people-smuggling kingpin responsible for the deaths of the Vietnamese men women and children who suffocated in the back of the sealed container while crossing the Channel. Pictured, the refrigerated lorry is moved from the Essex industrial estate in October 2019

Hunting the Essex Lorry Killers opens with an audio recording of the moment Robinson phoned the emergency service, and recollections from first responders at the scene.

PC Jack Emerson, a first responder recalled: 'We approached the lorry from the front end and drove past it. I think one of the doors was already open and I looked past my right shoulder, and I could see steam coming out.'

The air inside the trailer had become toxic without any ventilation, and reached sweltering temperatures of up to 38.5C. The victims had died as oxygen was slowly sucked out.

On opening the doors to the lorry, one first responder said: 'There was three or four seconds of trying to process what you're seeing. There's just silence. No one wanted to say anything.'

Timeline of the Essex lorry tragedy October 18 : Haulier boss Ronan Hughes, lorry driver Maurice Robinson and Nica - carrying a heavy bag full of cash - meet at the Ibis Hotel in Thurrock. The CCTV of the meeting is shown in the documentary.

: Haulier boss Ronan Hughes, lorry driver Maurice Robinson and Nica - carrying a heavy bag full of cash - meet at the Ibis Hotel in Thurrock. The CCTV of the meeting is shown in the documentary. O ctober 22 : From 5.47am, five of the victims' phones are used in Paris.

: From 5.47am, five of the victims' phones are used in Paris. Around 9am, more are detected on the Belgian border between Dunkerque and Lille.

From 9.21am, CCTV shows three taxis arriving at Bierne, northern France, followed by Harrison's lorry.

At 1.41pm Harrison's lorry arrives at Zeebrugge port.

At 2.52pm, the trailer containing 39 people, aged between 15 and 44, is loaded onto the MV Clementine which sails late, at 3.36pm.

At 7.37 pm, young father Nguyen Tho Tuan records a message for his family saying: 'It's Tuan. I am sorry. I cannot take care of you. I am sorry. I am sorry. I cannot breathe. I want to come back to my family. Have a good life.'

Between 9.42pm and 10.42pm, the temperature in the trailer peaks at 38.5 Celsius.

Between 10pm and 10.30pm the atmosphere is estimated to have reached toxic levels, killing all 39 victims.

October 23 : At 12.18am, the Clementine docks at Purfleet.

: At 12.18am, the Clementine docks at Purfleet. At 1.07am, Robinson collects the trailer, some 12 hours after it was sealed. He is instructed by Hughes via Snapchat to 'give them air quickly don't let them out'.

Robinson drives out of Purfleet, stops and opens the doors at the back. He stands for 90 seconds before getting back in the cab.

From 1.15 am, Robinson drives around for seven minutes before returning to the same location on Eastern Avenue. He opens the rear doors again, calls Hughes for one minute and 42 seconds and takes a minute-long call from Nica.

Over 15 minutes, there is a flurry of telephone contact between Hughes, Robinson and Nica, who leaves the area of Collingwood Farm.

At 1.36am, Robinson telephones 999 and requests an ambulance.

At 1.50am, police arrived on the scene and find Robinson looking 'calm' by the trailer.

Nica takes an evening flight from Luton to Romania.

February 7, 2020 : Nica is extradited to the UK after being detained in Frankfurt under a European Arrest Warrant.

: Nica is extradited to the UK after being detained in Frankfurt under a European Arrest Warrant. April 8 : Robinson pleads guilty at the Old Bailey to 39 counts of manslaughter.

: Robinson pleads guilty at the Old Bailey to 39 counts of manslaughter. June 23 : Hughes is extradited from the Republic of Ireland to the UK and pleads guilty to the manslaughter in August.

: Hughes is extradited from the Republic of Ireland to the UK and pleads guilty to the manslaughter in August. July 22 : Harrison is extradited to the UK having been detained at Dublin Port, Ireland, under European Arrest Warrant, on October 26 2019.

: Harrison is extradited to the UK having been detained at Dublin Port, Ireland, under European Arrest Warrant, on October 26 2019. October 5 : Nica and Harrison go on trial at the Old Bailey for manslaughter. Harrison is accused of being involved in a wider people-smuggling conspiracy, which Nica, Robinson, Hughes and two others have admitted.

: Nica and Harrison go on trial at the Old Bailey for manslaughter. Harrison is accused of being involved in a wider people-smuggling conspiracy, which Nica, Robinson, Hughes and two others have admitted. December 21 : They are convicted of manslaughter. Advertisement

The man tasked with the initial checks on the trailer was Paul Clark, scene evidence recovery manager.

'The first thing that happened, I had tears coming down my face,' he recalls. 'I've never seen that many bodies or victims before.'

The same was true for DCI Stoten, who led the investigation and has since retired after admitting to struggling with the emotional impact of the case.

'I've been a police officer for over 30 years. I've led a large number of murder investigations. But nothing touched this,' he explains.

Police enquiries into Robinson led to the discovery of a second mobile phone which he had used to phone Hughes and Romanian fixer Gheorghe Nica, another member of the criminal gang.

Police in Northern Ireland had already been investigating Hughes in connection to the trafficking of Class A drugs and began to close in on Hughes but were too late. He had fled across the border to Ireland.

Meanwhile a team of officers had began to identify the deceased using digital records taken from phones recovered at the scene, as well as other physical clues.

The authorities were able to piece together an accurate picture of the migrants' movements on the day they died from mobile records, text messages between Hughes and his accomplices, CCTV and images from automatic number plate recognition cameras.

A key turning point was the discovery of 'Witness X', another migrant who had made the same journey just a week before. His fingerprint was found in the back of another container owned by Hughes.

'That to me was gold dust,' senior investigating officer DCI Daniel Stoten says of the clue.

Despite fears for his safety, Witness X agreed to co-operate with police and provided a detailed first-hand account of how he was smuggled into the UK in a lorry owned by Hughes. It proved crucial to the success of the case.

X's testimony illustrated the drivers had known about their human cargo - a crucial detail - and provided a description of a drop-off point, which in turn led to the uncovering of vital CCTV footage that placed primary suspects together at the same hotel.

'X gave a voice to the victims that the other evidence wasn't able to give,' explains DC Martin Brown, a communications investigator from Hertfordshire Police who was drafted in to work on the case.

'Because we could never hear from the victims themselves, it had only ever been speculation.

'His journey had been exactly the same journey as the 39, except for one detail. X explains there were 15 people in the trailer he travelled across in. Half the number of people of the week after.'

Police believe that by morning of 22 October 2019, most if not all the migrants had arrived in Paris when they were taken by taxi to an agricultural shed in Bierne, near Dunkirk in northern France.

The documentary hears from a woman who saw the lorry pull in, which was an unusual sight in a small country lane. The vehicle was joined by a taxi which was carrying nine people.

'They ran across the road to hide in this barn,' she says on camera, retracing her steps that day. '[There was a] white refrigerated lorry. We saw one of the back doors open, the people go into the trailer and the lorry drove off. Barely five minutes after the taxi arrived.'

The man driving the lorry was Eamonn Harrison, then 23, another member of the people-smuggling gang.

He put the migrants in the container, which was hooked up to his truck, and drove 50 miles across the border to Zeebrugge.

Witness X said there were two services on offer  one in which the lorry driver was ignorant of the human cargo and the so-called 'VIP' service, where the driver was aware. He chose the 'VIP' service. So did all those who died.

The container was loaded on to the Purfleet-bound cargo ferry MV Clementine at 2.52pm, with the sailing 36 minutes late at 3.36pm.

A forensic scientist calculated it would have taken about nine hours for the air to turn toxic, resulting in death soon afterwards.

Hughes and Robinson had already pleaded guilty to manslaughter before the Old Bailey trial which ended in the conviction of four others in December 2020, two for manslaughter and two for being part of a wider people-smuggling conspiracy.

Hughes was jailed for 20 years, while fixer Nica - who arranged transport from Essex to London for the foreign nationals - was sentenced to 27.

Robinson was handed a 13-year and four-month sentence, while Harrison was jailed for 18 years.

'This has been such a journey, physically and emotionally,' DCI Stoten says, reflecting on the investigation. 'I had periods of time when I found myself in a very dark place. I took the decision that this would be my last homicide investigation.'

He has since retired.

Hunting the Essex Lorry Killers is available on BBC iPlayer
The Repair Shop viewers were left in tears over the story of a couple who had their painting restored in memory of the premature son they lost.

Jenny and James Halse, from Sheffield, turned to experts on the BBC1 show for help repairing a seascape by 19th century artist Edwin Hayes with close ties to their son, Elijah, who died in March 2013 at just 37 days old.

'His arrival and departure was a life-changing experience for us,' Jenny said on the show. 'You have before Elijah and you have after Elijah. And we're all right. Not all of that is bad.'

The year of Elijah's death, the family went on holiday to the Pembrokeshire coast, a place now inextricably linked to their son, and one they see reflected in Hayes's painting.

Jenny said: 'In the event that your baby dies, you come home with a small box rather than a lifetime of experiences. And so the painting links the past with a new chapter in Elijah's story.'

Jenny and James Halse, from Sheffield, turned to Repair Shop for help restoring a painting by 19th century artist Edwin Hayes with ties to their son, Elijah, who died in March 2013

Elijah, pictured, was born at 25 weeks and three days at Jessops Hospital, Sheffield. Despite initially making good progress, Elijah died in hospital after contracting necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), an illness in which the tissue in the intestine dies

The year of Elijah's death, the family went on holiday to the Pembrokeshire coast, a place now inextricably linked to their son, and one they see reflected in Hayes's painting. Pictured, the painting following the restoration by expert Lucia Scalisi

Viewers praised the couple's bravery and resilience, with one tweeting: 'Omg what are you doing to me @TheRepairShop, sat absolutely sobbing.

'Total admiration of those parents who have suffered such a tragedy and can discuss it so beautifully and calmly #therepairshop.'

Another posted: 'The story of Elijah's painting. My heart is broken. #TheRepairShop.'

Elijah was born at 25 weeks and three days at Jessops Hospital, Sheffield.

'He had an incubator and then a ventilator to breathe for him,' James recalled.

Jenny continued: 'I waited 16 days for a proper cuddle. It was amazing. He was perfect and miniature. Then he got really, really sick.

Jenny and James, who had two sons at the time Elijah was born and went on to have a third, have returned to Pembrokeshire most years since. Pictured, Elijah with his brothers

Jenny waited for 16 days before she was able to hold her son (pictured) and described him as 'perfect and miniature'. She spoke movingly about the life-changing experience of losing him

The family wanted to have the painting as a physical reminder of Elijah and as a symbol of the 'next stage' of his journey. Pictured, Jenny and James with their sons and photos of Elijah

'They did surgery on him and he was stabilising but his brain had been catastrophically damage. He was never going to make it out of neonatal care.'

Despite initially making good progress, Elijah died in hospital after contracting necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), an illness in which the tissue in the intestine dies.

Jenny and James, who had two sons at the time Elijah was born and went on to have a third, have returned to Pembrokeshire most years since losing their child.

'It feels like an extra place where we belong,' Jenny said. 'We have very special memories.

Before the restoration (pictured) the painting was faded, with a streak of mould across the sky

Paintings expert Lucia Scalisi rose to the challenge of the restoration, returning the scene to its former glory and bringing out details that were originally hidden

To add an extra layer of emotional weight, the painting was one inherited from James's grandparents, Alex and Eileen.

Paintings expert Lucia Scalisi rose to the challenge of the restoration, returning the scene to its former glory and bringing out details that were originally hidden.

Jenny said: 'It's amazing. I can't believe the sky, and the light on the water... How on earth have you done it? It's absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much.'

Viewers praised the couple's bravery and resilience and took to Twitter to share their support

On leaving the Repair Shop barn, James said: 'It speaks to us in so many different ways. It's incredible.'

Jenny added: 'Leaving the hospital, and leaving him behind. You come away with empty arms.

'To have something really special and meaningful that you can hold, and can own and that you do really love, is quite something. It's really exceptional. Amazing. I love it.'
The Duke of Cambridge says Prince George becomes 'confused and annoyed' when rubbish reappears after he's picked up litter.

The eight-year-old royal has been collecting rubbish with his 20,000-a-year school, Thomas's Battersea, in south west London, but expressed frustration to his dad that litter continues to appear in the same place daily.

Prince William made the comments as he spoke to BBC Newscast's Adam Fleming in a sit-down interview about the current issues facing the climate at Kensington Palace.

The 39-year-old duke said it would be a 'disaster' if George were to be sat down in 30 years' time having the same conversation, because 'by then we will be too late'.

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The Duke of Cambridge spoke to BBC Newscast's Adam Fleming in a sit-down interview about the current issues facing the climate at Kensington Palace

William said Prince George, pictured on his eighth birthday in July, becomes 'confused and annoyed' when rubbish reappears after he's picked up litter

'So George at school recently has been doing litter picking', said William.

'I didn't realise but talking to him the other day he was already showing that he was getting a bit confused and a bit sort of annoyed by the fact they went out litter picking one day and then the very next day they did the same route, same time and pretty much all the same litter they picked up back again'.

'And I think that for him he was trying to understand how and where it all came from. He couldn't understand, he's like, "Well, we cleaned this. Why has it not gone away?"

The father-of-three, who shares George, Princess Charlotte, six, and Prince Louis, three, with his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, said his father Prince Charles had a 'a really rough ride' but was 'well ahead of the curve' on the environment.

The eight-year-old royal, pictured outside Thomas's Battersea with his sister Charlotte and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, has been picking up rubbish with his 20,000-a-year school but expressed his frustration to his dad that litter continues to appear daily

He said: 'It's been a hard road for [my father]. My grandfather started off helping out WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) a long time ago with its nature work and biodiversity.

'I think that my father's sort of progressed that on and talked about climate change a lot more, very early on, before anyone else thought it was a topic.

'So yes, he's had a really rough ride on that, and I think you know he's been proven to being well ahead of the curve. Well beyond his time in warning about some of these dangers.

'But it shouldn't be that there's a third generation now coming along having to ramp it up even more.

'And you know, for me, it would be an absolute disaster if George is sat here talking to you or your successor, Adam, you know in like 30 years' time, whatever, still saying the same thing, because by then we will be too late.'

He added that his viewpoint had changed since he had his own children, saying: 'I want the things that I've enjoyed - the outdoor life, nature, the environment - I want that to be there for my children, and not just my children but everyone else's children.

Prince William (pictured right) said his father Prince Charles had a 'a really rough ride' but was 'well ahead of the curve' on the environment

The prince praised his father The Prince of Wales (pictured), 72, as he warned that inaction on climate change will 'rob from our children's future'

'If we're not careful we're robbing from our children's future through what we do now. And I think that's not fair.'

The duke also expressed his concerns about a rise in climate anxiety in young people, adding: 'We are seeing a rise in climate anxiety.

'You know, people, young people now are growing up where their futures are basically threatened the whole time. It's very unnerving and it's very, you know, anxiety making,' he said.

In the same interview, the duke criticised the race to leave Earth and said we instead need the world's greatest brains and minds 'fixed on trying to repair this planet'

The intervention came just hours after Star Trek's William Shatner became the oldest person in space at the age of 90, following a journey aboard Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket.

It also comes just days after SpaceX founder Elon Musk, whose ambitious plans involve colonising Mars, revealed he would now like to build Tesla cars on the Red Planet.

'We need some of the world's greatest brains and minds fixed on trying to repair this planet, not trying to find the next place to go and live', said William.

The Duke of Cambridge announced the 15 finalists of his 50million Earthshot Prize last month

The royal's comments came just hours after Star Trek's William Shatner became the oldest person in space at the age of 90, following a journey aboard Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos's rocket

The royal also warned the Cop26 summit, where world leaders will gather in Glasgow at the end of the month to discuss climate change, against 'clever speak, clever words but not enough action'.

He said: 'I think for COP to communicate very clearly and very honestly what the problems are and what the solutions are going to be, is critical.

'We can't have more clever speak, clever words but not enough action.'

Last month Prince William announced the 15 finalists of his 50million Earthshot Prize, which aims to encourage the world's greatest problem-solvers to find answers to the planet's biggest environment problems.

Five winners will be chosen this month from the 15 finalists, and each will receive a grant worth 1million pounds.

In addition, 14 global companies and brands, including Microsoft, Unilever, Ikea and Walmart, have agreed to support and scale the ideas developed by the finalists.

The award is the most ambitious project yet launched by Prince William, who has long supported conservation charities in Africa and led work to tackle illegal wildlife trafficking.

BBC Newscast: the Prince William interview airs on Thursday 14th October 2021.

Watch BBC One (at 23:35), BBC News Channel and BBC iPlayer. Listen on BBC Sounds and BBC 5 Live.
Countess Alexandra Tolstoy has launched an embroidery line 'inspired by her grandmother', as she rebuilds her live a year after being 'evicted' from the 12M mansion owned by her Russian billionaire ex.

The aristocratic beauty, 47, the daughter of Count Nikolai Tolstoy and ex-partner of Russian billionaire Sergei Pugachev, 58, revealed she was inspired by a Russian doll given to her as a child.

Last May she told how she was evicted from her London home, after her ex lost ownership in 2018 when Moscow judges ruled that it belonged to creditors in the Russian capital.

Countess Alexandra Tolstoy has launched an embroidery line 'inspired by her grandmother', as she rebuilds her live a year after being 'evicted' from the 12M mansion owned by her Russian billionaire ex

The aristocratic beauty, 47, the daughter of Count Nikolai Tolstoy and ex-partner of Russian billionaire Sergei Pugachev, 58, revealed she was inspired by a Russian doll given to her as a child

The couple met in 2008 after Sergei hired Alexandra to help improve his English while they were both living in Russia, where Sergei was once-close friends with Putin

Taking to Instagram as she expands her interiors business, The Tolstoy Edit, Alexandra shared pictures of the hand-stitched napkins and pillowcases featuring Russian Dolls.

Giving a glimpse at her home workshop, she wrote: 'Thrilled to launch my Matryoshka collaboration for The Tolstoy Edit today. Using Volga Linen pieces to create this exquisitely hand-embroidered collection of table linen and pillowcases, including a limited number of square and rectangular tablecloths, sets of napkins and small pillowcases, the inspiration for the embroidery came from a Russian matryoshka doll given to me by my grandmother.

'The 100% linen pieces are intricately hand-embroidered by Leigh-Anne Phillips who studied at Ecole Lesage and interned at Lanvin. Leigh has embroidered for Atelier Paloma, Ralph and Russo and Christian Louboutin, amongst others.'

The post racked up over 3,000 likes and comments among her 95,000 followers.

Taking to Instagram as she expands her interiors business, The Tolstoy Edit, Alexandra shared pictures of the hand-stitched napkins and pillowcases featuring Russian Dolls

In September Alexandra took to Instagram to give a glimpse into the newly renovated house she had moved into with her family a year ago (seen in her countryside home)

Alexandra says the family were evicted from Pugachev's 12million west London family mansion in May 2020 after reportedly being given just two weeks notice by the Russian government, who had repossessed the property (pictured)

In September Alexandra took to Instagram to give a glimpse into the newly renovated house she had moved into with her family a year ago.

She wrote: 'This time a year ago I was desperately trying to secure a rental house - we were staying temporarily in someone elses home for the month of September as we had had our house taken from us by the Russian government in mid-Julya long story that is fortunately now far behind us.

'With only a week or to spare - we were rejected by the owners of the only other two suitable houses - I finally found somewhere. As often seems inevitable in life, it turned out to be a hundred times better than the houses we had failed to get, and all the anxiety had been for nothing!

'Although it was in the perfect location for walking/scooting to my childrens schools and was the perfect size, it was in a terrible state. I persuaded the owners to do it up and we shared the renovations - in all of ten days we totally repainted the house as well as ripping out and replacing the bathroom floors and the entire kitchen.'

The aristocrat shares children Aliosha, Ivan and Maria with financier Sergei Pugachev, who was once dubbed 'the Kremlins banker' and was close to Vladimir Putin before falling into disfavour. He is now seen as a 'traitor' by the Russian president.

From billionaire to broke: Who is Alexandra Tolstoy? Before she met Sergei, Alexandra was married to a penniless Cossack named Shamil Galimzyanov. The pair met whilst travelling along the Silk Road on horse in 1999. Tolstoy first met Sergei, then a Russian senator and trusted friend of Putin who had separated from his wife, when asked to give him English lessons while she was living in Moscow with Galimzyanov. A year later, they met again at an awards ceremony attended by the Russian president. Within months, Tolstoy and was pregnant with Sergei's child. They had three children together - Alexei, known as Aliosha, Ivan and Maria. Alexandra is the eldest of Anglo-Russian historian and writer Nikolai Tolstoy's four children. She grew up in Oxfordshire before going to Edinburgh University to study philosophy. She spent her gap year in Russia. Advertisement

After arriving in the UK in 2011, he was accused of siphoning a fortune out of his finance house Mezhprombank. State creditors in Moscow pursued him in the British courts, claiming he embezzled hundreds of millions.

The oligarch fled to France, where he remains, and was sentenced to two years in his absence by a High Court judge in 2016 for breaching court orders relating to hundreds of millions in allegedly stolen cash.

Writing for the Telegraph, Alexandra accused her former husband of trying to 'cajole and then force' her into travelling to France with him, but said that 'after years of living in fear' she knew remaining in London with her family was the best decision.

Last year Countess Alexandra Tolstoy revealed how she and her children lived 'out of bags while camping with kind friends]' for months after being 'evicted' from the 12M mansion owned by her Russian billionaire ex.

Alexandra, whose title descends from her father's great-grandfather, Pavel Tolstoy-Miloslavsky, who was titled a Count for his services as the chamberlain to the last emperor, Nicolas II of Russia, was left caring for her three children alone.

The family were evicted from Pugachev's 12million west London family mansion in May 2020 after reportedly being given just two weeks notice by the Russian government, who had repossessed the property.

The mum admitted she felt 'hopeless' and was reduced to tears, spending the summer living out of suitcases with friends and with her parents in their country home in Oxfordshire - where she spent lockdown in February.

Eventually she decided to auction off her furniture with Christies and rented a home in Battersea, south west London, where she launched interiors business, The Tolstoy Edit.
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The Queen put on a vibrant appearance as she attended the sixth ceremonial opening of the Senedd today.

The monarch, 95, arrived alongside the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall as they visited the Welsh Parliament building in Cardiff.

Dressed in a pink coat and matching hat, the royal cut a colourful figure as she made her way down the red carpet with a walking stick.

Prince Charles wore a mask throughout the event, while the Queen went mask-free inside the venue. It is not clear why there was in inconsistency in the royals wearing masks.

Buckingham Palace told Wales Online that arrangements 'complied with current Scottish Covid regulations and guidance'.

When asked whether the Queen would wear a mask or was exempt, the Palace said: 'Having worked closely with the palace, all arrangements for this event comply with current Welsh Government Covid regulations and guidance.'

The Queen wore a diamond daffodil brooch in a nod to the national flower of Wales. In her speech, the monarch admitted that the pandemic had 'brought people closer together, and closed the speech by giving her 'heartfelt thank you' in Welsh.

Meanwhile, Camilla, 74, looked radiant in a red coat dress and coordinating hat, smiling as she ascended the red carpet with Prince Charles, 73, who wore a mask.

The Queen wore diamond a daffodil brooch in a nod to the national flower of Wales as she delivered a speech inside the Siambr Chamber in Cardiff today

The Queen put on a vibrant appearance as she attended the sixth ceremonial opening of the Senedd today and was pictured using her walking stick for the second time this week. Prince Charles wore a mask throughout the event, while the Queen and Camilla went mask-free inside the venue

It is the first time the royal has visited Wales in five years. The event was due to take place shortly after the election in May, but was delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Queen made a speech in the Senedd chamber, followed by addresses from Wales's First Minister Mark Drakeford and Senedd speaker Elin Jones.

The monarch said: 'I have spoken before about how recent times have, in many ways, brought us closer together. We all owe a debt of gratitude to those who have risen so magnificently to the challenges of the last 18 months - 3 from key workers to volunteers, who have done so much to serve their communities. They are shining examples of the spirit for which the Welsh people are so renowned, a spirit which I have personally encountered so many times.

'It is a source of pleasure that both The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, together with The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, have had homes in Wales, and experienced its very special sense of community.'

Camilla, 74, looked radiant in a red coat dress and coordinating hat, smiling as she ascended the red carpet with Prince Charles, 73, who wore a mask

The monarch, 95, arrived alongside the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall as they visited the Welsh Parliament building in Cardiff

Camilla looked resplendent in a red hat embroidered with faux mistletoe. The Duchess put on mher colourful mask as she entered the venue

There will be a mixture of recorded and live performances from Welsh artists, centred around the theme Your Voice.

Mr Drakeford said the Queen opening the Senedd 'marks the significance of the Parliament' in the nation.

He told Sky News: 'Decisions are made in four different parliaments and I know the Queen has always taken very seriously the job that she does in marking that.

'As I say, she's never missed an opening of a new Senedd term and despite the circumstances, and her age, she will be making that effort again today.'

The Queen went mask-free inside the venue while Prince Charles wore a mask throughout the event

Dressed in a pink coat and matching hat, the royal cut a colourful figure as she made her way down the red carpet with a walking stick

Prince Charles wore a mask throughout the event, while the Queen went mask-free inside the venue. It is not clear why there was in inconsistency in the royals wearing masks

Queen Elizabeth II gestures on her departure after attending the ceremonial opening of the sixth Sened, clutching a pretty bouquet of flowers

Queen Elizabeth II signs a document inside the Siambr (Chamber) during the ceremonial opening of the Sixth Senedd in Cardiff

Members of the royal family will also greet pupils from Mount Stuart Primary School at the front of the Senedd, where the Welsh and British national anthems will be played, and a royal salute will be given by the Royal Navy with the Band of the Royal Marines.

The WNO Youth Opera - which has not performed live in 18 months due to coronavirus restrictions - will perform Ar Lan y Mor.

Other party leaders, members of Wales's first Youth Parliament and local dignitaries who have supported their communities during the pandemic will also get the chance to meet the royal party.

The ceremonial mace will be carried into the Senedd by a member of the the security team, Shahzad Khan, and placed in its sconce to signify the official opening of the sixth Senedd.

Earlier this month, the Queen officially opened the sixth session of the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood.

The Queen arrived atthe ceremony and was seen without a facemask as she greeted the waiting members

Camilla was seen performing a curtsey to the Queen as they walked through the venue today

Charles wore a facemask on the red carpet and throughout the event while Camilla put on her mask inside the venue

The Prince of Wales wears a colourful face covering as he arrives for the opening ceremony

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales wears a face covering as he arrives for the opening ceremony of the sixth session of the Senedd at The Senedd

The Queen's full speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Sixth Session of the Senedd in Cardiff 'Llywydd, First Minister, and Members of the Senedd, it is a pleasure to be with you today, and I congratulate you on your recent election. You have been entrusted to be the voice of the people of Wales - to represent their interests when decisions that affect their everyday lives are debated and decided within these walls. When I was here for the last opening in 2016, I noted that the Fifth Assembly would mark a significant development in the history of devolution in Wales. Since then, further measures have been taken to strengthen the foundations of your Parliamentary democracy. The Wales Act 2017 established this parliament on a new basis, and you have used this legislation to help the public better understand your work, and to include more people in the democratic process. As a result, 2 this parliament is now recognised in law as Senedd Cymru, or the Welsh Parliament. The name reflects this institution's evolution over its 22 years into one with law-making powers over a wide range of areas that are central to Welsh life, and the ability to vary taxes. It demonstrates your status as a national parliament, working on behalf of the people of Wales. You are also reaching out to every generation and the establishment of the first Welsh Youth Parliament has provided another opportunity for the voices of young people to be heard, enabling them to make a valuable contribution to the Senedd's work. You are also to be commended for your innovation. This was the first of the United Kingdom's legislatures to hold a formal virtual meeting. The fact that all parties showed a determination that you should continue to meet is commendable, and testament to your commitment to scrutinise the Government, on behalf of the people of Wales. I have spoken before about how recent times have, in many ways, brought us closer together. We all owe a debt of gratitude to those who have risen so magnificently to the challenges of the last 18 months - 3 from key workers to volunteers, who have done so much to serve their communities. They are shining examples of the spirit for which the Welsh people are so renowned, a spirit which I have personally encountered so many times. It is a source of pleasure that both The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, together with The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, have had homes in Wales, and experienced its very special sense of community. The Welsh people have much to be proud of and over the next five years, I am sure you will continue to be inspired by their indomitable spirit, as you represent the interests of Wales and its people, make laws for Wales, and hold the Welsh Government to account. There are many challenges ahead as you work together to promote the well-being of the people of Wales, and support the recovery effort. The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall and I extend our warmest good wishes to you for the Sixth session of this Parliament, and hope you have every success with your endeavours. Diolch o gallon.' Advertisement
Jennette McCurdy has opened up about her longtime battle with anorexia and bulimia, eating disorders that were sparked after her late mother taught her how to count calories when she was 11.

In a new interview with People, the former iCarly star, 29, detailed the physical and emotional abuse she suffered at the hands of her mom, Debbie, who encouraged her restrictive eating, saying she 'could have died.'

'I was a mess for a long time,' McCurdy said. 'But I no longer think about food in an obsessive way. And I once didn't believe that was ever possible.'

Hard times: Jennette McCurdy, 29, has opened up with about her longtime battle with anorexia and bulimia in a new interview with People magazine

Secret pain: McCurdy (pictured in 2012) hid her struggles for seven years while starring on iCarly and its spinoff Sam and Cat

Growing up in Southern California, she witnessed physical fights between her parents, Debbie and Mark. She recalled how her mother's outbursts would often turn violent.

'My earliest memories of childhood were of heaviness, and chaos,' she explained in a previous interview with People. 'My mom's emotions were so erratic that it was like walking a tightrope every day. The mood fluctuations were daily.'

As the youngest of four children and her parents' only daughter, McCurdy said her mother fixated on her and pushed her into acting by the time she was six.

'My mom had always dreamt of being a famous actor and she became obsessed with making me a star,' she shared, admitting she was 'cripplingly shy' but felt pressured to go on auditions and book work.

'I felt like my job was to keep the peace,' said McCurdy, whose acting career financially supported her family. 'And I wanted to make my mom happy.'

Honest: McCurdy (pictured with Debbie in 2009) lost her mother to cancer in 2013. She believes she would 'still have an eating disorder' if her mother was still alive

Trauma: McCurdy was the youngest of four children and her parents only daughter. She said her mom's outbursts would often turn violent, and she witnessed her parents physically fight

Debbie's focus included McCurdy's appearance, and she started bleaching her only daughter's hair and whitening her teeth when she was 10. A year later, she taught McCurdy how to restrict calories and aided her disordered eating.

'My mom said she could teach me calorie counting and we could be a team, but that I had to keep it secret,' she recalled. 'I thought it was an opportunity for my mom and me to be closer.'

McCurdy would consume only 1,000 calories a day, and 'sometimes I'd eat even less because I wanted my mom to be proud,' she said.

When she landed her big break as Sam Puckett on the Nickelodeon series iCarly at the age of 14, she had full-blown anorexia.

'Ironically, my character's trademark is that she loves food,' she said. 'I'd have scenes where I was supposed to be eating and they'd have a spit bucket. But I'd have terror that there would still be calories left in my body.'

Looking back: The former actress recalled how her mother became 'obsessed' with making her a star when she was a child, even though she was 'cripplingly shy'

Changes: When McCurdy was 10, her mother started bleaching her hair and whitening her teeth to help her book roles

Lessons learned: The child star was 11 when her mother introduced her to counting calories, which fueled her future eating disorders

The child star hid her struggles for seven years while starring on iCarly and its spinoff Sam and Cat.

'I don't think I even realized how intense it was,' she said, 'but I'm sure everybody just attributed [my weight loss] to normal body fluctuations.'

During this time, her mother also insisted on performing vaginal and breast exams on her and wouldn't let her shower alone. This went on until she was 17.

McCurdy did not indicate why her mother performed the exams.

Debbie battled breast cancer for 17 years after being diagnosed when her daughter was a young child. She went into remission, but the cancer returned and spread to her brain in 2010.

McCurdy, who was 21 when Debbie died in 2013, said she was 'so repressed and delayed developmentally' because of her mother's control she rebelled after she passed away.

Secret: When she landed her big break as Sam Puckett on iCarly at the age of 14, she had full-blown anorexia that she hid on set

Hurting: McCurdy (pictured in 2011) would eat 1,000 calories per day or less, saying she wanted her 'mom to be proud.' After her mom's death, she suffered from bulimia

She started having sex, experimenting with alcohol, and binge eating, after which she would make herself purge.

'Bulimia took over my life very quickly,' she told People. 'I was throwing up up to 10 times a day and I was completely unable to stop. But the cycle of bulimia kept me numb. It was a full-time job, so there was no space to deal with my issues or mourning my mom.'

McCurdy had two rock-bottom moments that made her realize she needed help and resulted in her seeking treatment. In one instance, she recalled passing out in her iCarly co-star Miranda Cosgrove's bathroom.

'I had been purging and I passed out on the cold marble floor,' she said. 'That terrifies me because I could have died, choking on my own vomit.'

Another time, she lost her tooth in an airplane bathroom after the stomach acids from her constant purging wore down the enamel over time.

'I realized that destroying myself wasn't going to help anything,' she said. 'I needed better tools.'

Scary: At the height of her bulimia, she passed out in her iCarly co-star Miranda Cosgrove's bathroom while purging and 'could have died'

Healing: McCurdy, who has quit acting, credits her recovery from her eating disorders in 2018 to two years of intensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

McCurdy credits her recovery from her eating disorders in 2018 to two years of intensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which also helped her heal after the loss of her mother.

'Food was my coping mechanism,' she said. 'I haven't binged or purged or restricted in years. And I feel very deeply and very strongly about saying I've finally recovered.'

McCurdy, who detailed her childhood trauma and her path to healing in her one-woman dark comedy show 'I'm Glad My Mom Died,' doesn't believe recovery would have been possible if her mother was still around.

'I know if my mom were alive, I'd still have an eating disorder,' she said. 'It was only distance from her that allowed me to get healthy.'

Earlier this year, McCurdy confirmed that she had quit acting was 'embarrassed' by her past sitcom work. She has shifted her focus to directing and writing, including an upcoming memoir slated for release next year.

'I did not know how to find my identity without my mom,' she said. 'And I'm not going to lie. It was very hard to get here. But now, I'm at a place in my life that I never would have thought was possible. And I finally feel free.'
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It's been a busy week for Princess Diana and Prince Charles actors Elizabeth Debicki and Dominic West, as they were once again spotted filming new scenes for series five of The Crown in Palma de Mallorca today.

Elizabeth, 31, stunned in a statement leopard print swimsuit, thought to be inspired by a similar ensemble worn by the Princess of Wales during a trip to Saint-Tropez in July 1997, just a month before her tragic death in a Paris car crash.

The Australian actress was joined on location by Dominic, 51, who sported a light blue check shirt, as they sailed in a boat alongside casually-dressed child actors Timothee Sambor, 11, and Teddy Hawley, seven, who are playing Princes William and Harry respectively.

Earlier this week, the four actors were sported boarding the prestigious Christina O yacht off the shore of the Balearic Island, in scenes recreating the royal family's trip to Italy in 1991 - which took place a year before the couple divorced.

During the Nineties, Princess Diana and Prince Charles had embarked on a holiday with their sons, then eight and six, which saw the family unified for a cruise on the Prince of Wales' beloved Alexandra yacht, despite the couple being just months away from calling off their marriage.

Elizabeth Debicki (pictured left), 31, stunned in a statement leopard print swimsuit, thought to be inspired by a similar ensemble worn by the Princess of Wales during a trip to Saint-Tropez in July 1997 (pictured right), just a month before her tragic death in a Paris car crash

It's been a busy week for Princess Diana and Prince Charles actors Elizabeth Debicki and Dominic West (pictured with the actors playing William and Harry), as they were once again spotted filming new scenes for series five of The Crown in Palma de Mallorca today

The Australian actress was joined on location by Dominic, 51, who sported a light blue check shirt, as they sailed in a boat alongside casually-dressed child actors Timothee Sambor, 11, and Teddy Hawley, seven, who are playing Princes William and Harry respectively

Earlier this week, the four actors were sported boarding the prestigious Christina O yacht off the shore of the Balearic Island, in scenes recreating the royal family's trip to Italy in 1991 (pictured) - which took place a year before the couple divorced

Princess Diana sported a stylish animal print swimsuit in St Tropez during the summer of 1997. She accessorised with gold hoops and fashion-forward sunglasses.

It appears The Crown's costume department took inspiration from the princess' stylish vacation number when dressing Elizabeth for her scenes today.

Boasting Diana's signature locks, the actress, who is taking over the role from Emma Corrin, sported dainty golden hoops, similar eye-catching sunglasses to the royal's original pair, and a statement leopard print swimsuit.

Child actor Timothee looked just as much the part in a Tommy Hilfiger top, while Teddy donned a white top, black sunglasses and matching watch for the family boat trip.

During the Nineties, Princess Diana and Prince Charles had embarked on a holiday with their sons, then eight and six, which saw the family unified for a cruise on the Prince of Wales' beloved Alexandra yacht, despite the couple being just months away from calling off their marriage. Pictured, The Crown actors on the boat

Princess Diana sported a stylish animal print swimsuit in St Tropez during the summer of 1997. She accessorised with gold hoops and fashion-forward sunglasses. Pictured, Elizabeth

It appears The Crown's costume department took inspiration from the princess' stylish vacation number when dressing Elizabeth (pictured with the other cast members) for her scenes today

Boasting Diana's signature locks, the actress (pictured centre), who is taking over the role from Emma Corrin, sported dainty golden hoops, similar eye-catching sunglasses to the royal's original pair, and a statement leopard print swimsuit

Child actor Timothee looked just as much the part in a Tommy Hilfiger top, while Teddy (pictured on the boat) donned a white top, black sunglasses and matching watch for the family boat trip

The trip to Italy in 1991 will have seen the royals put on a brave face as their marriage began to implode behind the scenes, in a year that saw the pair give their union a last ditch attempt at survival.

While cracks in the pair's marriage began to show back in 1987, Diana had begun to speak out for the first time about her unhappiness, discussing her marital issues and difficulties in secret interviews with biographer Andrew Morton.

Although the tapes were not made public until the following year, following the release of Morton's book Diana: Her True Story, they showed that the princess was extremely unhappy in her marriage and had attempted to commit suicide on numerous occasions.

The trip to Italy in 1991 will have seen the royals put on a brave face as their marriage began to implode behind the scenes, in a year that saw the pair give their union a last ditch attempt at survival. Pictured, the four cast members on the boat

While cracks in the pair's marriage began to show back in 1987, Diana had begun to speak out for the first time about her unhappiness, discussing her marital issues and difficulties in secret interviews with biographer Andrew Morton. Pictured, Elizabeth with Timothee and Teddy

Although the tapes were not made public until the following year, following the release of Morton's book Diana: Her True Story, they showed that the princess was extremely unhappy in her marriage and had attempted to commit suicide on numerous occasions. Pictured, Dominic, Teddy and Elizabeth

In the tapes Diana said she developed bulimia a week after she became engaged - when Charles put his hand around her waist and commented on her weight by remarking she was 'chubby'. Pictured, the four cast members filming their scenes today

She said his remark, coupled with her anxiety over his affair with the then Camilla Parker Bowles, triggered the bulimia and gave her a way to release the 'tension'. Pictured, The Crown actors during their scenes today

In the tapes Diana said she developed bulimia a week after she became engaged - when Charles put his hand around her waist and commented on her weight by remarking she was 'chubby'.

She said his remark, coupled with her anxiety over his affair with the then Camilla Parker Bowles, triggered the bulimia and gave her a way to release the 'tension'.

Diana added that she was also well aware of the prince's affair with Camilla Parker Bowles and had attempted to discuss the infidelity with Charles and even the Queen, but was met with a blank 'wall' of silence.

Diana added that she was also well aware of the prince's affair with Camilla Parker Bowles and had attempted to discuss the infidelity with Charles and even the Queen, but was met with a blank 'wall' of silence. Pictured, Elizabeth playing the part of Diana

The breakdown of Charles and Dianas relationship will be a central part of the new series. Pictured, Dominic and Elizabeth with Timothee and Teddy

The fourth series of The Crown, which streamed in November last year, told the story of the early romance between Charles and Diana. Pictured, Dominic and Elizabeth with Timothee and Teddy

It was announced last year that Elizabeth (pictured during the scenes filmed today) would take over from Emma Corrin and play Diana for the fifth and sixth series, which will cover Diana's death in 1997

The actress (pictured with her co-stars) said of her casting last year: 'Princess Diana's spirit, her words and her actions live in the hearts of so many'

'It is my privilege and honour to be joining this masterful series, which has had me absolutely hooked from episode one,' added Elizabeth, who is pictured filming scenes for the new The Crown series

To film the family holiday scenes earlier this week, The Crown cast chartered the famous Christina O yacht, which was once owned by Jackie Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis.

Christina O has played host to several weddings on-board, including Princess Grace of Monaco and Prince Rainier's wedding in 1956, Heidi Klum and Tom Kaulitz in 2019 and Jackie's wedding reception to Aristotle.

The likes of Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, John F Kennedy and Winston Churchill were also guests on the luxury yacht over the years.

The final two series of The Crown will cover the Royal Family's history throughout the 1990s and into 2003, however it is not yet know which moments will be seen. Pictured, The Prince Charles and Diana actors today

There are several poignant moments which could be used, including the Queen making a speech on her 40th anniversary of her accession in 1992, in which she called the year an 'annus horriblis'. Pictured, Elizabeth waves during filming

Her Majesty was referring to the breakdown of three of her children's marriages; Prince Andrew, Princess Anne's and Prince Charles' divorce from Princess Diana. Pictured, Elizabeth mirrors Diana's look while filming

Other notable events during the time period included a fire at Windsor Castle, her golden wedding anniversary in 1997, and the deaths of Princess Margaret, the Queen Mother and the Princess of Wales. Pictured, Elizabeth joins her co-stars to film tense scenes

Imelda Staunton is taking over the role of Elizabeth II from Olivia Colman who won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in 2020 and 2021. Pictured, Dominic, Elizabeth and the child actors Timothee and Teddy

Also joining The Crown in series five is Lesley Manville, 64, who is set to star as Princess Margaret. Pictured, The Crown stars film in Spain today

Meanwhile Jonathan Pryce, 73, will take over the role of Prince Philip. James Murray will take on the role of Prince Andrew, replacing Tom Byrne, who played the Queen's second son in series four. Pictured, crew members talk to the actors during filming today

All aboard! A look at Prince Charles' favourite yacht Alexandra Charles was said to have a soft spot for Alexandra, dubbed 'the love boat' after taking both Diana and Camilla out on the yacht over the years. Later in life Princes William and Harry and a gang of friends, also went aboard. Luxury motor yacht Alexander was built and designed in 1965 by German company Lubecker Flender Werke. With a steel hull and superstructure, she measures 122 metres and can accommodate up to 80 guests. Alexander cruises comfortably at 16 knots and boats a crew of 57 to ensure the needs of guests are met during the charter Amongst her 40 cabins are 14 suites each with two double bedrooms, two bathrooms and a salon; a master suite with bathroom, separate Jacuzzi and salon; and 12 staterooms with private en suite facilities. Alexander features a disco bar, 27-seat cinema, childrens playroom and beauty salon among her extensive list of amenities. Alexander covers the scenic locations of Naples, Sicily, the Riviera, Corsica, Sardinia, Greece, Spain and the Balearic Islands but is currently unavailable for sale or charter Charles was said to have a soft spot for Alexandra (pictured) Advertisement

Christina O was completely gutted during her most recent refit and accommodates 34 guests in 17 staterooms. The superyacht is available for charter via Morley Yachts acting as her central agent. During the peak season, the pricing starts from 630,000 per week (with 560,000 a week in the low season).

Although the royals are not known to have travelled on Christina O, it will have acted as a great alternative for filming scenes designed to look as though they were aboard Charles' favourite yacht, Alexandra - owned by the billionaire Greek shipping magnate families, the Latsis.

The royals enjoyed several trips on the 400ft yacht Alexander - which boasts Turkish baths, chandeliered ballroom, private cinema and disco.

Alexander was, at the time, the world's third-biggest private yacht, and had solid gold taps and a swimming pool on every deck.

Built and designed in 1965 by German company Lubecker Flender Werke, the boat could accommodate up to 80 guests and cruises comfortably at 16 knots.

Amongst her 40 cabins are 14 suites each with two double bedrooms, two bathrooms and a salon; a master suite with bathroom, separate Jacuzzi and salon; and 12 staterooms with private en suite facilities.

The breakdown of Charles and Dianas relationship will be a central part of the new series.

The fourth series of The Crown, which streamed in November last year, told the story of the early romance between Charles and Diana.

It was announced last year that Elizabeth would take over from Emma Corrin and play Diana for the fifth and sixth series, which will cover Diana's death in 1997.

The actress said of her casting last year: 'Princess Diana's spirit, her words and her actions live in the hearts of so many.

'It is my privilege and honour to be joining this masterful series, which has had me absolutely hooked from episode one.'

The final two series of The Crown will cover the Royal Family's history throughout the 1990s and into 2003, however it is not yet know which moments will be seen.

There are several poignant moments which could be used, including the Queen making a speech on her 40th anniversary of her accession in 1992, in which she called the year an 'annus horriblis'.

She was referring to the breakdown of three of her children's marriages; Prince Andrew, Princess Anne's and Prince Charles' divorce from Princess Diana.

All smiles: The four actors, sitting on the lavish boat, looked in great spirits as they shot the series in sunny Mallorca

Smart: Dominic, who takes over from Josh O'Connor, looked dapper in a light blue check shirt for today's scenes

Sunny! All four actors opted for sunglasses when sitting on the luxury boat in the Spanish island of Palma de Mallorca

Be careful! The two child actors could be seen leaning over the boat as it sailed across the waters in the Spanish island

A windy breeze! The four actors appeared to be in great spirits as they enjoyed the ride on the boat out at sea

Family trip: The actors playing Prince Harry and Prince William accompanied Dominic and Elizabeth on the boat

Busy on set: The boat was crowded with actors and camera crew when filming on the Spanish island of Palma de Mallorca

In action: The film crew were visible behind the actors - also sitting on the boat - as they shot the new scenes for The Crown

Other notable events during the time period included a fire at Windsor Castle, her golden wedding anniversary in 1997, and the deaths of Princess Margaret, the Queen Mother and the Princess of Wales.

Imelda Staunton is taking over the role of Elizabeth II from Olivia Colman who won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in 2020 and 2021.

Also joining The Crown in series five is Lesley Manville, 64, who is set to star as Princess Margaret. Meanwhile Jonathan Pryce, 73, will take over the role of Prince Philip. James Murray will take on the role of Prince Andrew, replacing Tom Byrne, who played the Queen's second son in series four.

All smiles! Elizabeth and Dominic shared a grin when on the boat with child actors Timothee and Teddy

Young love: The fourth series of The Crown, which streamed in November last year, told the story of the early romance between Charles and Diana

Busy: The actors were pictured in character as they filmed scenes for the new season of the hit Netflix series The Crown

Polite conversation: The actors could be spotted chatting to one another during today's filming for the Netflix show

At work: The Crown actors were busy filming the new scenes in sunny Mallorca today, while on a lavish boat in the waters

Exciting: The Crown season five will be released in November 2022. Pictured, press sit a shore to take pictures of the filming

Paparazzi: The press were lined up on the shore near the vessel to take pictures of the scenes being filmed today in Mallorca

Equipment: The crew made sure to capture all the action as the stars performed their best for the Netflix show
A woman who survived being kidnapped by a serial killer when she was 15 years old has recounted how she 'outsmarted' her abductor, saying she studied his every move before engineering her escape.

Kara Robinson, 35, from Columbia, South Carolina, relived the harrowing 18 hours she spent held captive by Richard Evonitz nearly 20 years later in Oxygen's new true-crime documentary, Escaping Captivity: The Kara Robinson Story.

'Picking me was the greatest mistake he ever made,' she said in the two-hour special, which was produced by kidnapping survivor and child safety activist Elizabeth Smart.

Horror: Kara Robinson, 35, from Columbia, South Carolina, relived being kidnapped by serial killer Richard Evonitz in Oxygen's special Escaping Captivity: The Kara Robinson Story

Monster: Evonitz (right) held 15-year-old Robinson (left) captive for 18 hours and repeatedly sexually assaulted her before she escaped

Robinson was watering flowers by herself in her friend's front yard on June 24, 2002, when a man she didn't know pulled into the driveway and asked her if he could give her some magazines.

'He leaned into hand them to me,' she recalled. 'As he was leaning in, I felt a red flag somewhere in my head, and the same time I felt that red flag, I felt a gun pressed to the side of my neck. He said, "If you scream. I will shoot you."'

Evonitz forced Robinson to get into a plastic container in the back of his car. She immediately started filing away information about her abductor, including the container's serial number, which she memorized.

'At that point, my brain shut off my emotions,' she said. 'I just went into survival mode.'

After driving her to his apartment, he handcuffed her wrists and bound her ankles before taking her inside, where he drugged and repeatedly raped her for 18 hours.

'In that apartment, I knew what this man's intentions were for me,' she said. 'While I was being assaulted, it felt like something that happened to someone else. I kind of shut off my brain and left my body.'

Robinson studied her abductor and his belongings while planning her escape, taking in everything from his kitchen magnets to the strands of long, red hair in his hairbrush.

Terrifying moment: Robinson was watering flowers by herself in her friend's front yard (pictured) when she was abducted on June 24, 2002

Nightmare: Robinson said she shut off her emotions and went into 'survival mode,' recalling how she studied him and he objects in his apartment (pictured)

'I can't explain where it came from, there was just this voice that said my options were to do as I was told and to escape and to survive or to panic, to fight, and maybe die,' she explained.

'So I strong-willed myself into remaining as calm as I could for as long as I could.'

She remembered that at one point there was a gun within her reach, but she thought twice before acting rashly.

'I thought for a moment about grabbing the gun and then I realized there was little chance I was going to win that fight,' she said,

That reinforced the mantra that was running through her head: 'Gather information, wait for him to become complement, escape.'

Robinson was able to free herself from her restraints the next morning while her abductor slept beside her in his bed. When she ran out the door, she flagged down a car and had the two men take her to Richland County Sheriff's Department.

She helped identify her attacker, who fled to Sarasota, Florida, when he realized she had escaped. He killed himself after a police chase.

Trauma: 'In that apartment, I knew what this man's intentions were for me,' she said. 'While I was being assaulted, it felt like something that happened to someone else'

Escape: The next morning, she was able to free herself from her restraints, run outside, and flag down a car to take her to Richland County Sheriff's Department

'I was a little angry about that,' Robinson told Fox News. 'My feelings have gone back and forth over the years to feeling relief that he killed himself because I never had to go to trial. I never had to sit in a courtroom and talk about all the details of what happened to me. I never have to worry about him getting out or anything like that.'

Robinson later learned Evonitz was a serial killer after an investigation revealed that he had abducted and murdered Sofia Silva, 16, in 1996 and Kristen Lisk, 15, and her sister Kati, 12, in 1997, while living in Spotsylvania County, Virginia.

Evonitz has been suspected of other murders, and before killing himself, he confessed a number of crimes to his sister, according to The Washington Post.

'Im angry now because I have a feeling he is responsible for other crimes,' Robinson told Fox News. Its now going to be very difficult to identify him as the person responsible for those crimes. And I think that we would have been able to link him to some things if it were not for the fact that he killed himself.'

There is also a part of her that wishes she could have confronted him.

'I wanted him to know that I outsmarted him,' she said. 'I wanted him to know that in choosing me, I was not going to be his intended victim. He was the kind of offender who would stalk people. I was not in my normal place in my normal time, so I wasnt an intended victim.

'So I wanted him to know that choosing me, his victim of opportunity, was the biggest mistake that he could have ever made.'

Terrifying: Robinson (pictured with her father) later learned Evonitz was a serial killer after an investigation revealed that he murdered three other girls in Virginia.

Life-changing moment: Robinson helped identify her attacker, who fled to Sarasota, Florida, when he realized she had escaped. He killed himself after a police chase

The Oxygen special, with premiered last month and airs again on October 15, also touched upon her life after she was kidnapped and assaulted.

'I did not want people to feel sorry for me. The worst thing in the world to hear or feel from someone, for me, was pity because I didn't feel like I was a pitiful person. I didn't feel like I was someone to be pitied,' she said in the documentary.

'I wanted people to view me in a way that was empowering, and when people looked at me with pity or they felt sorry for me, it made me feel weaker, and that's not who I was. It's not who I am.'

Both of her parents were overcome with emotion as they recalled the changes in their daughter's personality when she returned home.

'Kara used to be very affectionate. The child I got back was not huggy, not kissy,' said her mom, Debra Johnson. 'That was her coping mechanism. But it was beyond devastating.'

Her father, Ron Robinson, said she stopped calling him 'daddy' and started referring to him as 'dad.'

'I knew that had something to do with what happened to her,' he said. 'It broke my heart, but I understood why.'

Robinson didn't receive counseling to cope with her trauma. She didn't want to talk about it, and her mother refused to make her after everything she had been through.

New path: The experience inspired her to pursue a career in law enforcement, and she later joined the police academy

Support: Robinson, who is now a motivational speaker, worked with fellow kidnapping survivor and child safety activist Elizabeth Smart (left), who produced her new Oxygen special

'You would expect her to break down, but it's almost like it didn't really happen or something. She just wanted to erase that event out of her life it seemed like. We never spoke about it,' recalled her former boyfriend Chris Putnam.

Robinson said she still suffers from dissociation from her body and turning off her emotions until this day.

The experience inspired her to pursue a career in law enforcement. The summer after her abduction, she started working with the Richland County Sheriff's Department.

She did administrative work in victim services and in the DNA lab for the rest of high school and college, which she paid for using the reward money she received for helping solve the murders of Evonitz's victims in Virginia.

Robinson later joined the police academy and spent a few years working as a school resource officer. She then went into investigations, taking on sexual assault and child abuse cases, before finally returning to victim services.

She left law enforcement after having her two sons, but she is using her story of survival and work as a police officer to educate others as a motivational speaker.

'I know that I was given the will to talk about this because I will help other people, so I have never thought, "Why me?" I've always known that it was me because I could handle this and I could help others with my story of survival,' she said.

Robinson told Fox News that she chose to relive her past for the special because she wants to help others.

'I realized that if I was going to do that, I had to tell my storyI wanted to be in control of it. I wanted to make sure the story was told accurately,' she said.

'So I reached out to my friend Elizabeth Smart. I told her this is something I wanted to do. She recommended the team that I ended up working with and they have just been so fantastic through the process.'
McDonald's has come under fire for its 'disappointing' Caramilk McFlurry just a day after the fast food chain launched its highly-anticipated dessert across Australia.

The Cadbury Caramilk McFlurry, featuring a vanilla soft serve, topped with caramel chocolate flakes and sauce, has been added to menus in all restaurants.

But after weeks of hype, dozens of unsatisfied customers took particular issue with the 'tasteless' ice cream, with many claiming they were only served a plain soft serve with shaved Caramilk on top.

'I was so excited for this but was left so disappointed, it's basically soft serve, couldn't find the sauce, the chocolate on top was ok but needed so much more of it,' one customer wrote in Caramilk Addicts Club Facebook group.

McDonald's has come under fire for its 'disappointing' Caramilk McFlurry just a day after the fast food chain launched its highly-anticipated dessert across Australia

But dozens of unsatisfied customers took particular issue with the 'tasteless' ice cream, with many claiming they were only served a 'plain' soft serve with shaved Caramilk on top

Another diner claimed: 'It was s***, disappointing and pathetic... not worth buying,' while one said: 'I can barely taste the Caramilk on these. As an addict, the ice cream to Caramilk ratio is all wrong.'

One added: 'I excitedly raced off to Maccas for my McFlurry. I was happy to make my lactose intolerant tummy suffer for that Caramilk goodness... I'm disappointed - it was a waste of $4.'

While another said: 'Bought the Caramilk McFlurry and it was s***. Plain ice cream with a bit of grated over the top. So bloody disappointing.'

However, those who tried the creation said they enjoyed the new McFlurry flavour.

'I had one and it tasted brilliant! Mine did have a bit of Caramilk sauce and Caramilk flakes on it though,' one man said.

One woman added: 'I loved mine... Will definitely be buying more,' while another wrote: 'I actually enjoyed it.'

Earlier this week, McDonald's confirmed Caramilk McFlurry was launching across Australia after a 'leak' picture of the dessert sent chocolate fans into a meltdown

The news first broke after Brisbane chef Nick Vavitis shared a picture on his Instagram Story three weeks ago claiming: 'Oh my sweet sweet god we are getting Caramilk McFlurry'. Nick shared a follow up, telling everyone he can 'confirm' the rumours are true

The launch comes just weeks after a 'leak' picture of the never-before-seen Caramilk McFlurry sent chocolate fans into a meltdown.

Earlier this week, McDonald's confirmed the dessert was launching in stores for a limited time only.

'It's here, it's Cadbury Caramilk McFlurry and it's only available while stocks last,' Liz Whitbread, senior brand manager, McDonald's Australia, said.

'Caramilk is a phenomenon adored by chocolate fans across the country. Its unique, delicious caramelised white chocolate is truly in a league of its own.

'We are so excited to be introducing the Caramilk McFlurry and give Aussie Macca's fans the dessert they have been dreaming about.'

Before the launch, a flyer started circulating on Facebook and Instagram claiming the Caramilk McFlurry is set to go on sale between October 13 and November 16.

The news first broke after Brisbane chef Nick Vavitis shared a picture on his Instagram Story three weeks ago claiming: 'Oh my sweet sweet god we are getting Caramilk McFlurry.'

Many said they refused to get their hopes up just in case the dessert was fake.

However, Nick confidently responded: 'I can confirm it is 1000000 per cent true. They are throwing a private launch party for it.'
Mixing different sunscreens could almost obliterate part of the protection offered from UV rays, a study suggests.

Experts found combining 'chemical' creams with 'mineral' ones which contain zinc oxide reduced the barrier they provide against the sun by up to 91 per cent.

Researchers today issued a warning to consumers about the potential interaction, and said the chemical can also be found in SPF products such as moisturisers and make-up.

Independent experts today emphasised the importance of creams and SPF-based items for blocking the sun's powerful rays.

Sunscreen is one of the best ways to both enjoy the sun and keep yourself safe from a nasty burn and long term risk of skin cancer.

Chemical sunscreens contain substances which absorb UV rays before they reach the skin, diffusing them in a chemical reaction.

These products, also known as organic or synthetic sunscreens, are absorbed by the body.

Whereas a mineral sunscreen, made of ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, provides a physical barrier preventing UV rays from hitting the skin.

Mineral sunscreens have been advertised as a better choice to those with sensitive skin, such as children, who can experience irritation from chemicals.

Researchers have found mixing different types sun protection products could dramatically reduce some of the protection offered

Academics at the universities of Oregon and Leeds tested different SPF 15 sunscreen mixtures made of ingredients approved for use in the US and EU.

Mineral vs chemical sunscreen. What's the difference? Chemical sunscreens These are also called organic or synthetic sunscreens and are the most common type of sunscreen. They work by absorbing UV light and releasing it as heat. The following chemicals can be found found in chemical sunscreens: Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Homosalate, Octinoxate Chemical sunscreen is absorbed into the skin and can sometimes cause irritation. They need to be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure and need to be applied regularly. Example products: Sun Bum, Nivea, Soltan Mineral sunscreens Also known as physical sunscreens, these work by absorbing and then scattering or deflecting the UV radiation in addition to absorbing the UV light and releasing as heat. Two substances are used in mineral sunscreens: titanium dioxide, zinc dioxide. Mineral sunscreens offer immediate protection from the sun however can be washed off with sweat and water. They are less irritable to skin but usually require larger amounts to achieve the same protection as chemical sunscreens. Example brands: Alba Botanica, Avene, Hawaiian Tropic Advertisement

They tested the mixtures on their levels of UVA protection, which is one element of UV radiation, the other being UVB.

Though UVB is responsible for most skin cancers, both types of UV can potentially cause cancers.

The researchers were particularly concerned by one mixture, the formula of which represented the majority of sun cream mixtures used in the EU and US.

They found it suffered a 90 per cent drop in UVA protection when mixed with 6 per cent zinc oxide after two hours exposure.

In comparison, when the formula was exposed to UV for two hours without the zinc oxide it only suffered a 16 per cent loss in protective ability.

The scientists found that the zinc oxide, when exposed to light, degraded the other UV absorbing chemicals in the mixture  reducing its protective qualities.

Co-author of the study Richard Blackburn said people should still use sunscreen but be careful about combining different products.

'We still recommend consumers use sunscreen but suggest they should be careful to avoid mixing sunscreen with zinc oxide, whether intentionally with hybrid sunscreens that combine small-molecule UV filters with zinc oxide, or incidentally by mixing sunscreen with other products containing zinc oxide, such as makeup containing SPF,' he said.

The study, published in Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences, also found the combined sunscreens had a higher level of toxicity after being exposed to sunlight in tests on zebra fish embryos.

Fish embryos exposed to the sunscreen mixture containing zinc oxide had greater changes in their normal development such under-developed fins and shorter bodies than other sunscreens.

However, when exposed to only zinc oxide the fish embryos did not have the same reaction.

This indicated it was the combination of the zinc and the other chemicals driving the toxicity, the scientists said.

They admitted their findings are limited because they didn't use the exact formulas used by sunscreen manufactures.

And the team said additives, fragrances, and preservatives used in products sold on the high street could react differently.

Writing in the journal, they accepted more work needs to be done on how different creams behave under different conditions, and in combination.

British Skin Foundation spokesperson and dermatologist Dr Emma Wedgeworth welcomed the study.

HOW TO STAY SAFE IN THE SUN Sunburn increases a person's risk of skin cancer. It can happen abroad or in the UK. To stay sun safe, experts recommend people: Seek shade between 11am and 3pm, which is when the sun's rays are typically strongest

Wear at least SPF 30 sunscreen

Apply sunscreen 30 minutes, and again just before, UV exposure

Opt for water-resistant sunscreen if necessary and reapply after swimming, sweating or using a towel

Cover up with protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses

Be extra careful with babies and young children. Infants under six months should be kept out of direct sunlight

Do not use sunbeds or sunlamps

Checks moles and skin for any changes Source: NHS Choices Advertisement

However she added that Brits should keep in mind that sunscreen had been shown to protect against skin cancer and there was no evidence it was toxic to humans.

'We are lucky enough to have high quality standards and rigorous testing of sunscreen products available in the UK and used, as per the instructions, I am confident that it offers very high protection against damaging UV rays,' she said.

'To date, there is still no evidence that sunscreen is toxic to humans and it is difficult to extrapolate studies in zebra fish embryos to a real life situation of sunscreen usage.'

Other scientists echoed Dr Wedgeworth's comments.

Professor Winston Morgan, a toxicologist at the University of East London, said while the study was of interest he was concerned about the public's knee jerk reaction.

'My concern is that the public may see headlines from this study warning about sunscreen mixing and think that all sunscreens are not safe which would be wrong and counterproductive,' he said.

Professor Oliver Jones, an expert in chemistry from RMIT University In Melbourne Australia, also praised the study as 'thought provoking'.

But he urged against drawing too much into impact on findings with the zebra fish embryos.

'While this is a well-used model for ecological toxicity testing, zebrafish embryos are not mini humans, and the results are not directly comparable,' he said.

'I think the risk of UV damage from not using any sunscreen at all is higher than even the worst-case scenario in this study. So in short, dont panic and keep using sunscreen'.

Around 2,300 people in the UK die from melanoma skin cancer which is primarily caused by overexposure to UV rays, each year.

Of the near 17,000 new cases of melanoma skin cancer reported in the UK each year, about 86 per cent are preventable according to Cancer Research UK.
A lung cancer patient who shunned conventional treatment and self-medicated with cannabis oil saw her tumour shrink.

The unidentified woman, in her 80s, took cannabidiol (CBD) oil two to three times a day after being diagnosed with lung cancer three years ago.

But despite continuing to smoke and declining standard NHS treatment  which can include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy  her tumour shrunk to a quarter of its original size.

Doctors who treated the patient at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust said her case justifies thorough research into whether cannabinoids  chemicals derived from cannabis  work as a cancer treatment.

But writing in the BMJ Case Reports, they admitted it is not clear the CBD oil caused her cancer to improve.

And experts said the case is not robust enough evidence that cannabis products can alter the progression of cancers.

The graph shows the diameter of the tumour in millimetres from June 2018 to February 2021, which shrunk from 41mm to 10mm after she self-medicated with CBD oil purchased abroad

The scans show the woman's tumour in the middle part of her right lung (identified by red arrow), which shrunk by 76 per cent over two and a half years. From top left: June 2018, September 2018, November 2018, February 2019, June 2019, October 2019, August 2020 and February 2021

The patient took 0.5ml of CBD oil  that she had purchased outside of the UK  two to three times a day since August 2018 on the advice of a relative. Pictured: shop-bought cannabidiol (CBD) oil

There are hundreds of cannabinoids, but tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)  the chemical that gets you high  and CBD  which is non-psychoactive  are the two which have been most researched.

Both of the chemicals interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate nerve function, emotion, energy metabolism, pain and inflammation, sleep and immune function.

Chemically similar to these molecules, experts claim cannabinoids can interact with signalling pathways in cells  including cancer cells.

Dr Bernard Yung and colleagues said it is 'widely believed' cannabinoids can provide benefits to people suffering pain, anxiety and sleep disorders.

But studies examining whether they can be used alone as a cancer treatment have not established a robust link.

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the UK and just 15 per cent of people live for five years after they are diagnosed.

Average survival without treatment is just seven months.

The woman, who smoked more than a pack of cigarettes a week, went to her GP in February 2018 after suffering a cough for a few months.

She was initially given antibiotics after a chest X-ray didn't pick up any problems.

But she was diagnosed with cancer that June after her cough persisted and a follow-up scan showed a lesion on her right lung.

Because there were no signs that it had spread, she qualified for standard surgery to remove the cancer, as well as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

But she refused the treatment, after watching her husband struggle with the side gruelling effects of radiotherapy.

What is CBD oil? Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical found in cannabis that has medical benefits. It can be prescribed by the NHS for a small list of conditions, including severe epilepsy, vomiting caused by chemotherapy and multiple sclerosis. The NHS version cannot get you high, because it doesn't contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - the chemical in cannabis that has that effect. But the health service warns that most of the cannabis-based products that can be bought online will be illegal and may contain THC. And health shops selling CBD products only contain very small amounts of the chemical, so it is unclear what effect it has. The risks of using cannabis products containing THC include psychosis and drug dependency. Its side effects include reduced appetite, diarrhoea and feeling sick. Advertisement

So she was placed on a 'watch and wait' list, which involved getting a CT scan every three to six months.

But instead of getting worse, her tumour progressively shrunk by an average of 2.4 per cent every month.

When she was diagnosed, her tumour was 41mm in diameter in but by February this year it was 10mm.

She revealed she had been taking 0.5ml of CBD oil  that she had purchased outside of the UK  two to three times a day since August 2018 on the advice of a relative.

It contained tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)  the component in cannabis that causes users to become high  CBD and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), according to the supplier.

The packaging stated that the oil shouldn't be taken with hot food or drinks because it could cause the user to 'feel stoned'.

The women said the only side effect experienced from taking the oil was a reduced appetite.

She was also taking medication for mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoarthritis and high blood pressure.

Doctors warned only one other similar case has been reported  and it is not clear which ingredient in the CBD oil may have helped the tumour.

They wrote: 'Although there appears to be a relationship between the intake of CBD oil and the observed tumour regression, we are unable to conclusively confirm that the tumour regression is due to the patient taking CBD oil.'

The team confirmed to MailOnline that the patient is still getting regular follow-up scans and her tumour is stable.

Professor Edzard Ernst, emeritus professor of complementary medicine at the University of Exeter, said: 'Cannabinoids have been shown to reduce the size of prostate cancer tumours in animal models.

'Previous case reports have yielded encouraging findings also in human cancers.

'However, case reports cannot be considered to be reliable evidence, and there are currently no data from rigorous clinical trials to suggest that cannabis products will alter the natural history of any cancer.'

Dr Tom Freeman, senior lecturer and director of the addiction and mental health group at the University of Bath, said: 'These results are exciting and very encouraging for this patient.

'However as a single case study the quality of scientific evidence is low and should not be used to change clinical practice.

'People with lung cancer should always seek guidance from a healthcare professional when deciding on an appropriate treatment.

'The product used by this patient reportedly contained high levels of THC (the intoxicating component of cannabis), and was sourced from outside the UK.

'This type of product is very different to most CBD oils which predominantly contain CBD.

'Unlike prescribed medicines, CBD wellness products lack assurance of quality, safety or efficacy and should not be used for medicinal purposes.'
The World Health Organization (WHO) has honored the life of Henrietta Lacks, the woman dubbed the 'mother of modern medicine.'

Lacks died of cervical cancer in 1951, but her legacy lies in the millions of lives she has saved ever since.

Before she passed away at age 31, doctors collected sample cells from her body without her or her family's consent - a controversial move for which her family is still seeking compensation.

However, the cells, the first to live and multiple outside of the body, led to several medical breakthroughs such as the developments of the polio and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines.

In a special ceremony held by global health leaders, Lacks was posthumously given an award to honor her legacy which has helped save 'countless lives.'

Her 87-year-old son Lawrence Lacks - one of her five children, who was just 17 when she died - received the award on her behalf at a ceremony in Geneva on Wednesday.

Henrietta Lacks (pictured) is dubbed the 'mother of modern medicine' after cells from her body - the first ever found to be able to multiply outside of the body - were used for medical breakthroughs like the polio and HPV vaccines

Lacks died in 1951 at only age 31. She was survived by five children, including her son Lawrence, who accepted an honor from the WHO on her behalf this week. Pictured: Lacks and her husband Davis in Baltimore, Maryland in the early 1940s

Lacks, born in 1920 in Roanoke, Virginia, died from an aggressive form of cervical cancer samples at Johns Hopkins.

Her cells were collected by doctors without her or her family's knowledge.

The cells were sent to a laboratory where they were found to be the first living human cells ever to survive and multiply outside the human body, and became known as 'immortal'.

Her family has been seeking compensation for the move ever since despite a court ruling in the 1990s hat a person's 'discarded tissue and cells' are not their property and can be used for commercial purposes.

However, family members spoke at the ceremony on Wednesday, thanking the WHO for the posthumous honor.

'My family stands in solidarity with WHO and our sisters around the world, to ensure that no other wife, mother or sister dies needlessly from cervical cancer,' said Victoria Baptiste, Lacks's great-granddaughter.

'As a registered nurse, I am proud to be here today to honor my great grandmother's legacy by advocating to ensure equitable access to the breakthroughs that her healer cells have advanced, such as HPV and Covid-19 vaccines.'

'We are reclaiming her name, and her story and legacy lives on in us, and we thank you for saying her name, Henrietta Lacks.'

Research on the cells led to the polio vaccine, gene mapping and IVF treatment among other advances and resulted in her being named the 'mother' of modern medicine.

Studies on the cells also led to the development of the HPV vaccine, which protects against various cancers, including cervical cancer.

The cells became known as HeLa cells, taking the first two letters of Lacks's first and last names.

Lack's cells were crucial in creating the HPV vaccine, which can prevent the virus that causes the cervical cancer that killed Lacks (file photo)

Lacks was honored with a statue (pictured) on the University of Bristol campus in England earlier this month

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general spoke of how the racial inequality Lacks suffered is still an issue.

He also honored other women of color who have contributed to science.

'Acknowledging the wrongs of the past is essential for building trust for the future, we also recognize the extraordinary potential that her legacy continues to offer,' Ghebreyesus said.

'There are many more lives we can save by working for racial justice and equity, we stand in solidarity with marginalized patients and communities all over the world who are not consulted, engaged or empowered in their own care.'

'We affirm that in medicine and in science, Black Lives Matter, Henrietta Lacks life mattered, and still matters.

'Today is also an opportunity to recognize those women of color who have made incredible, but often unseen contributions to medical science.'

He also took to Twitter to honor her legacy on Monday.

HeLa cells are used in almost every major hospital and science-based university in the world.

More than 50,000,000 metric tons of HeLa cells have been distributed around the world, the subjects of more than 75,000 studies

But it was only in 1975 that by chance the family found out about her legacy.

Earlier this month, a statue of Lacks was unveiled at the University of Bristol
Taking statins could reduce your chances of dying from Covid by up to 12 per cent, according to a study.

Strings of studies have suggested the cholesterol-busting pills may help fight off the virus since the pandemic began.

Now more scientists have come down in their favour, saying the cheap drugs could act as a Covid prophylactic.

Independent experts say the study provides 'supportive clues' that statins could help infected patients, but say there is no smoking gun yet.

Swedish researchers carried out the largest analysis of statins and their anti-Covid potential, tracking the anonymised health data of 1million people.

A new study has added to the growing body of research suggesting the commonly prescribed cholesterol medication statins could help reduce people's chance of dying from Covid

What are statins? Statins are a group of medicines that can help lower the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood. Having a high level of LDL cholesterol is potentially dangerous, as it can lead to a hardening and narrowing of the arteries a key factor in cardiovascular disease, the biggest killer in the UK. A doctor may recommend taking statins if either: you have been diagnosed with a form of cardiovascular disease

your personal and family medical history suggests you're likely to develop cardiovascular disease at some point over the next 10 years and lifestyle measures have not reduced this risk Research has suggested around one in every 50 people who take statins for five years will avoid a serious event, such as a heart attack or stroke, as a result. There are 5 types of statin available on prescription in the UK: atorvastatin (Lipitor)

fluvastatin (Lescol)

pravastatin (Lipostat)

rosuvastatin (Crestor)

simvastatin (Zocor) However the medication is not without controversy. Some people argue that the side affects of statins which can include headache, muscle pain and nausea, and statins can also increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hepatitis, pancreatitis and vision problems or memory loss are not worth the potential benefits. Advertisement

Statins one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the UK with about 7.5 million Brits currently prescribed them. Around 40 million people in the US also take them, figures suggest.

The pills slash 'bad' LDL cholesterol, which doctors say can lead to a hardening and narrowing of the arteries  a cause of heart attacks and strokes.

But they have been considered controversial in the past, with some criticising them being prescribed as preventative medicine and other saying some side effects of the drug are not worth the benefits.

Karolinska Institutet experts behind the new study believe the effects of statins on Covid may be down to how they work.

Statins cutting down LDL cholesterol levels may help Covid patients because LDL itself promotes inflammation, thereby possibly making patients more likely to survive the inflammatory symptoms of the virus.

Researchers used medical data from 963,876 Swedish people over-45 collected between March and November last year. This included cause of death, such as from Covid, and if they had been prescribed statins.

Of the participants, 169,642 were found to take statins, nearly 17 per cent of the total.

By the end of the study 2,545 people had died from Covid, 765 of the statin takers, and 1,780 of the non-statin users.

Analysis suggested statins had a moderate impact on the risk death from Covid, a 12 per cent reduction.

Rita Bergqvist, one of the researchers, said that this did not vary significantly across different data groups, such as gender.

'Our results suggest that statin treatment can have a moderate prophylactic effect on Covid mortality,' she said.

Fellow study author Viktor Ahlqvist said at the very least the study results suggested there was no harm in continuing to use statins during the pandemic.

The authors highlighted a number of limitations in their study, which was published in the journal PLOS Medicine.

One was that they were not able to account for health risk factors such as obesity or smoking, which may skewed the results.

Another limitation concerned statin use with researchers unable to confirm the exact dosage or brand of statin medication that people were using.

Reacting to the study, University of Sheffield professor of cardiovascular medicine Tim Chico, said it provided some clues to the interaction between statin and Covid.

'This study does not prove that statins reduce death in Covid, but does provide some supportive clues,' he said.

He echoed the authors statement that a randomised controlled trial was needed to prove if statins actually reduced death rates from the virus.

Professor Chico cautioned against jumping to conclusions on statins, pointing to previous examples of drugs believed to help against the virus that then turned out to be incorrect.

'There has been far too much speculation and premature confidence about which drugs are useful for Covid(such as hydroxychloroquine). It's important to learn from this and to be suitably measured in how we describe these results,' he said.

'These results do not in any way justify using statins to treat Covid.'

He added that the best ways to lower the risk of death from the virus continued to be maintaining social distancing, washing hands, wearing masks and vaccination.

For those severely ill with the virus, Professor Chico said there is already drugs with a good evidence of improved outcomes such as the steroid dexamethasone.

The Swedish study is the latest in a string to explore statins as potential aid against Covid infection.

Earlier this year, researchers in San Diego found patients any kind of statin (alone or in combination with anti-hypertension medication) had a 41 per cent lower odds of death when admitted to hospital for Covid.

Another study published last year, this time by Yale School of Public Health, found that people admitted to hospital with Covid who started taking statins while in the early stages of the virus saw their risk of death fall by 43 per cent.
Parents from Indiana say their children were accidentally given adult doses of a COVID-19 vaccine instead of flu shots.

Alexandra and Joshua Price, from Evansville, told WFIE that the family went to a Walgreens store on October 4 so they could all get influenza jabs.

Instead, the Prices say the pharmacist gave doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine not just to the adults but also to their five-year-old daughter, Sophia, and four-year-old son, Lukas.

However, the Pfizer vaccine is only approved for those aged 16 and older and authorized for those aged 12 to 15.

The company has submitted an application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency use authorization in kids aged five to 11.

The Prices says that their kids are now suffering side effects including high blood pressure and increased heart rate.

Alexandra and Joshua Price, from Evansville, Indiana, went to a Walgreen store on October 4 with their two children so they could all get flu shots. Pictured: Alexandra (far left) and Joshua (second from right) with their two children

Instead, all four of them - including five-year-old Sophia and four year-old Lukas, were given an adult dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccine. Pictured: The Prices with their two kids

Alexandra told WFIE that she didn't know anything was wrong until they received a call from a Walgreens employee about the mistake.

She and her husband had already been fully vaccinated since April 2021, but were not concerned about the extra dose they had received, only for their children.

'Walgreens called me to say there was a mix up, we did not receive the flu shot,' she said.

'And I'm like: "Well what did we get?" And he was like: "We got the COVID-19 shot" and instantly I was like: "Well what does this mean for my kids...?"'

Daniel Tuley, the attorney who is representing the Price family, told WFIE that Walgreens issued vaccine cards from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the whole family after the incident.

The cards clearly show that the children's birthdays are in 2016 and 2017.

The Prices say their children have been exhibiting side effects since getting the adult doses, including fever, coughs, hypertension and heart issues

Both children have been suffering ng effects since including fever, coughs, hypertension and a fast heart rate. Pfizer's vaccine is only approved for those aged 16 and older and authorized for those aged 12 to 15. Pictured, left and right: Joshua and Alexandra with their two children

'[The cardiologist] said our daughter was having higher blood pressure than she would like,' Alexandra told WFIE.

'And Lukas, our son was having tachycardia...' which is when the heart rate is too fast.

These problems are likely occurring because the children received adult doses.

Children are often the last group to be tested during vaccine clinical trials because they are not merely little adults.

Their bodies and immune systems behave differently, meaning they might have different treatment needs.

What's more, children may need different doses depending on their height, weight and age.

Last month, 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.

'Due to privacy laws, we cannot comment on specific patient events,' Walgreens wrote in a statement to WFIE.

'However, in general, such instances are rare and Walgreens takes these matters very seriously. In the event of any error, our first concern is always our patients' well-being.

'Our multi-step vaccination procedure includes several safety checks to minimize the chance of human error and we have reviewed this process with our pharmacy staff in order to prevent such occurrences.'
An advisory committee for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has voted to recommend approval of booster doses of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine.

The boosters have only been approved for older adults aged 65 and older and those who are at high risk of developing a severe case of the virus due to underlying conditions and at least six months after the second dose.

It comes almost exactly one month after the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) approved boosters for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine

Many VRBPAC members lamented that there wasn't more robust data to support the need for boosters, but others pointed out a precedent had already been set by approving a third shot of Pfizer.

'From a pragmatic point of view, because we've already approved it for Pfizer, I don't see how we can possibly not approve it for Moderna,' Dr Stanley Perlman, a professor in the departments of microbiology and immunology at the University of Iow, said during the meeting.

The FDA's advisory committee has voted to recommend approval of Covid booster shots of Moderna's vaccine (file image)

Boosters shots will only be approved for those aged 65 and older at high risk due to their jobs or underlying conditions: Pictured: Dr Andrew Adesman receives COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine booster at Teaching Center LIJ Medical Center in New York, October 6

Unlike Pfizer's booster, which is merely a third dose of its vaccine, Moderna's booster is a 50 microgram (g) dose - half the dose of its original vaccine.

Previous data has shown the booster increased levels of neutralizing antibodies, including against the original virus and variants, including the Beta and Gamma variants.

The advisory committee also looked at data from Israel, which began administering Pfizer boosters two and-a-half months ago.

The data showed that boosters lowered the number of severe cases in people aged 60 and older by 84 percent from 957 to 150.

Boosters also decreased severe cases by 95 percent each among those aged 18 to 49 from 160 to seven and among those aged 16 to 39 form 23 to one.

Last month, Moderna released data showing people who received its COVID-19 vaccine last year are nearly twice as likely to get a breakthrough infection compared to those recently vaccinated.

There were 88 breakthrough cases of COVID-19 among Americans vaccinated from December 2020 to March 2021.

Comparatively, there were 162 cases - 1.8 times as many - among those vaccinated between July 2020 and December 2020.

The Cambridge, Massachusetts-based company said the data provided evidence for giving booster doses to fully vaccinated people.

In August, the White House that COVID-19 vaccine booster shots would be rolled out for all Americans starting September 20.

Many VRBPAC members lamented that there wasn't more robust data in the U.S. - only data from Israel (above) to support the need for boosters

At the time, the Biden administration released studies citing waning immunity and the ability of the Delta variant to cause breakthrough infections.

However, officials at the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) pushed back, saying there wasn't enough evidence that the efficacy of the vaccines were declining.

During the VRBPAC meeting, the members reiterated that data did not show that the vaccines' effectiveness was waning, especially in healthy people under age 65.

'We are seeing cases going down without booster doses and in this population, people who are vaccine appear to be protected,' said member Dr Archana Chatterjee, an expert in infectious diseases and Dean of Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University.

'The disease primarily seems to be occurring in - especially in its most severe form - in the unvaccinated.'

Another member, Dr Paul Offit, a professor of pediatrics at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, agreed and said he doesn't believe younger people need boosters.

'I'm impressed that we continue to have excellent protection against mild-to-severe disease in this country through Delta and or all age groups,' he said.

'And I think we just continue to send wrong messages out there by using terms like "breakthrough" and by making people feel they're not protected unless they've gotten a third dose.

'...The problem in this country is vaccinating the unvaccinated. I can tell you the people in the ICU aren't there because they haven't gotten a third dose. They're there because they haven't gotten any dose.'

This led to boosters for Pfizer's vaccine not being rolled out until September 22 - past the targeted roll out date - and only for specific groups, just like Moderna.

Next, Moderna's booster shot will be need to be authorized by the FDA and approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) advisory committee.
President Joe Biden is reportedly close to picking Robert Califf to lead the U.S. Food and Drug Administration by the November deadline. Pictured: Califf testifies during his nomination hearing before a Senate committee, November 2015

President Joe Biden is reportedly close to choosing a new head to lead the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - and it's a familiar name.

Robert Califf, who was FDA Commissioner between February 2016 and January 2017, is the top pick once again to lead the federal health agency, three sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity told The Washington Post.

The role is currently 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.

Califf would come back to the FDA as it has several high-profile decisions to make.

The new commissioner will be responsible for seeing out the end of the COVID-19 pandemic - especially as relates to boosters and vaccines in young children - and handling recent controversies related to the agency such as the approval of a new Alzheimer's drug despite scant evidence.

Robert Califf led the FDA for less than one year during the end of the Obama administration and was confirmed on February 22, 2016 in an 89-4 vote.

Califf, a cardiologist with ties to the pharmaceutical industry, previously led the FDA for less than a year from February 2016 to January 2017, when Biden was Vice President. Pictured: Biden delivers an update on the COVID-19 response and vaccination program, October 14

The new commissioner will be responsible for seeing out the end of the COVID-19 pandemic and handling recent controversies related to the agency. Pictured: Signage is seen outside of the FDA headquarters in White Oak, Maryland

The Post reports that his nomination was met with opposition from some Senators such as Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who criticized his ties to the pharmaceutical industry.

Califf graduated from Duke University School of Medicine in 1978 and began an internal medicine residency in North Carolina, only to switch to cardiology.

He was a professor of cardiology at Duke from 1980 to 2015 and founding director of the Duke Clinical Research Institute, which is the self-proclaimed 'largest academic research organization' in the world.

Califf had close ties to pharmaceutical companies, convincing them to fund large trials at Duke, and was a paid consultant for firms such as Johnson & Johnson, Merck & Co and Eli Lilly.

In January 2015, he was appointed Deputy Commissioner of the FDA's Office of Medical Products and Tobacco before becoming head of the entire agency.

He stepped down in January 2017 and Scott Gottlieb took over the role as the first FDA chief during the Trump administration.

On Thursday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden has not yet made a final decision.

'We are certainly eager to do this in short order,' she said.

Prior to the news that Califf is the front-runner for the job, POLITCO reported that at least four others were being considered.

Dr Janet Woodcock (pictured) is the Acting Commissioner of the agency, though her interim tenure is set to end next month. She faces opposition from some Democrats in the Senate

Dr Laurie Glimcher (pictured) was 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

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.

Woodcock was named acting commissioner upon Biden's inauguration, replacing Dr Stephen Hahn, a Trump appointee who resigned amid the start of a new administration.

She was 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 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 Glimcher is the president and CEO of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

POLITICO reported 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.

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.
BOOK OF THE WEEK

WILL SHE DO?

by Eileen Atkins (Virago 18.99, 311 pp)

Tits and teeth! according to Dame Eileen Atkins, is what actresses say under their breath to give themselves courage before walking out on stage and making an entrance.

Eileen, nearing 90, never needed to spout those words, for a start because she had a flat chest. If you do think of being an actress, she was told when young, youd better grow some tits. That must have been demoralising.

And if her teeth were rotten, its because her childhood treat was a sugar sandwich and, before bed, a lump of chocolate.

Dame Eileen Atkins, who is known for roles including Queen Mary in The Crown and Martin Clunes's serious aunt in television's Doc Martin rewinds to her formative years in a new book. Pictured: Eileen in 1966

Despite having spent a fortune on dentistry, Im still nervous of smiling, Eileen tells us. Indeed, in performance she is like a ventriloquist, barely moving her lips or opening her mouth, which makes her excel at pouting with disapproval.

Eileen has won accolades for playing Philip Larkins sour and monstrous mother, Eva; she was the Teutonic and unbending Queen Mary in The Crown; she was in Cranford in a bonnet and in Equus with Richard Burton. Eileen is also Martin Cluness serious aunt in televisions Doc Martin.

This book rewinds to Eileens formative years in London.

She was born in 1934 and raised in a Stoke Newington council house. Her mother was a seamstress who took in lodgers and in the evenings worked as a barmaid. Her father, a World War I veteran, was an electric meter-reader for Hackney Borough Council.

Arthur Atkins, with his little moustache, bore a comical resemblance to Hitler. On one occasion, a woman in Lower Clapton Road pushed him into a cupboard and called the police, telling them shed caught Adolf.

Instead of being embarrassed, Eileens dad took great pride at causing such a stir.

Eileen was a nervy girl, suffering from insomnia  shes been taking sleeping pills for 55 years. She was evacuated to Chelmsford in Essex, where I sat miserably through the day, understanding nothing, and she was unhappy at school so was sent instead to a fee-paying establishment. An exotic woman called Madame Yandie (I was horribly uneasy with her) kindly paid Eileens fees and taught her elocution and deportment.

As Baby Eileen, she was compelled to sing and dance at working mens clubs where she was leered at, but in those days this was considered just a bit of fun.

Dame Eileens breakthrough, in 1965, was The Killing Of Sister George, on stage in London and New York with Beryl Reid. Pictured: Dame Eileen as Lady Holland in Upstairs Downstairs

The ballet and tap dancing deformed her feet, and ever afterwards, whatever the weather, Eileen has had to wear orthopaedic sandals, imported from a Czechoslovakian factory where Tom Stoppards father was employed as a doctor.

Though there were no books in the home, when Eileen discovered the local lending library, my excitement was so intense, I nearly always had to go to the lavatory, and to this day, a bookshop can bring on the same feelings.

As a simpering show-off, Eileen was keen to study drama. She didnt do very well at verse-speaking contests or at the RADA auditions, as people were still prejudiced against anyone sounding a little Cockney.

Nevertheless, she passed the requisite exams and was awarded a scholarship to Guildhall, where she learned fencing as well as voice projection. Later, Eileen appeared in a pantomime at the Clapham Empire, directed by the pompous Cyril Fletcher, Esther Rantzens Odd Odes man.

Eileen had small roles in open-air plays in Regents Park, where the elderly thespian in charge couldnt keep his hands to himself and planted full, wettish kisses on the lips of young actresses.

We all just laughed about it.

The chief theme of Eileens memoir, Will She Do?, is that, for a long time, she didnt do at all. It took ages for her career to get under way. Gigs in dreary provincial Rep were interspersed with soul-destroying jobs in the launderette or selling mens socks and ties in a department store.

Eileen (pictured) was previously a cleaner at the London School of Economics and a waitress at Butlins in Skegness

Eileen was also a cleaner at the London School of Economics and a waitress at Butlins in Skegness, until promoted to dish-washer.

She carried out market research in Chesterfield. I just wondered how much flour you use each week? she once asked Dame Edith Sitwell.

Go around to the tradesmens entrance and ask the cook, replied the Dame.

At Stratford, Eileen had small roles and understudied Dorothy Tutin, who was vile and wouldnt allow a duplicate set of costumes to be made in Eileens size. But the fact is, Eileen did tend to rub people up the wrong way.

Many times throughout this book she confesses to having a short fuse  It would be a good idea not to annoy me. She is one of those people who implicitly says: you are going to have to take me as I am.

She often lost her temper with Peter Hall, for example. You know, youre a very sullen girl, he said eventually, after shed shouted at him. Dont you think it would be better if you left?

WILL SHE DO? by Eileen Atkins (Virago 18.99, 311 pp)

Peter Brook also decided against casting her, saying: You tend to question things, I want obedience, which he thought would be easier to obtain from Glenda Jackson.

After meeting Julian Glover at the end of the pier in Brighton, Eileen married him in 1957. They later divorced when he had an affair with Sarah Miles.

Also, Julian may have been unenamoured of his wifes culinary skills. Eileen thought you cooked a cauliflower by placing it uncut in an oven. There were no children.

Eileens breakthrough, in 1965, was The Killing Of Sister George, on stage in London and New York with Beryl Reid. After that she gave Richard Briers his first screen kiss, created Upstairs Downstairs with Jean Marsh, and played Ophelia in the Hamlet tour to Moscow, when Coral Browne met Guy Burgess, as immortalised by Alan Bennett.

In a play with Alec Guinness, Eileen had trouble with her sinuses and vocal cords. All her passages are narrow, said the doctor. Guinness looked amazed. All her passages?

In another play, with Maggie Smith, Eileen dried. Im so sorry, she told the audience. I dont know what I say or what play it is, or even what theatre I am in. Everyone applauded. That took some balls, said Dame Maggie afterwards.

Will there be a further volume? I hope so. Cross and impatient Eileen may be, but as an actress she is at the top of the pyramid, and as a writer she is very fine, with a wit drier than a martini.
HISTORY

THE SEARCHERS: THE QUEST FOR THE LOST OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR

by Robert Sackville-West (Bloomsbury 25, 368 pp)

His mother recalled the young lieutenant standing tall and straight in the doorway, smart in his Irish Guards uniform. He was just 17  his 18th birthday was two days away  but duty called, so proudly he was off to the Western Front in France, in September 1915.

Send my love to Daddo, John Kipling called out as he left the family home in Sussex.

Daddo  Rudyard Kipling, one of Britains foremost men of letters, poet, novelist, holder of the Nobel Prize for Literature  did not see his only son off because he was already in northern France, a journalist sending back despatches.

Six weeks later, John was dead. He had just written a letter home, telling his parents the assault he was about to take part in would end the war. (It didnt.)

Robert Sackville-West has penned a deeply moving book on the quest for those soldiers who went missing and were never found (file image)

He had signed off: Well so long, old dears, love John. That was the last they ever heard from him.

On the third day of the Battle of Loos, he was leading his platoon over open ground when machine guns opened up from the German line. No one knew for sure how he died. His body could not be found. Officially he was not dead but missing.

For Rud and Carrie Kipling, it was a special sort of torture  hoping against hope John was still alive, a prisoner perhaps, or lying in some remote hospital. It never really ended. There was no grave they could visit, no focal point for their grief, no closure.

The trauma left Rud a broken man, dried up and drained, his vigour gone; he wrote no more novels but devoted his talents to the War Graves Commission and its mission to find and honour the missing.

It was he who chose the biblical words that became the national language of remembrance: Their name liveth for evermore. And for the headstones of graves whose occupants were unidentified, the simple Known unto God.

The story of the Kiplings is at the heart, the broken heart, you might say, of Robert Sackville-Wests deeply moving book on the quest for those soldiers who went missing and were never found.

There were 500,000 families in the same position as Rud and Carrie, bereaved but cast adrift.

Of those half-million who died in this way  nearly half of all British Empire war dead  about 180,000 were buried as unknown British soldiers. A greater number, however, like John Kipling, had simply disappeared, blown to pieces or drowned in the mud of no mans land.

Men of influence such as Rudyard Kipling were able to use their high-level contacts in the military to try to find out what had happened to a lost loved one. Pictured: Lieutenant John Kipling

Desperate for any information, men of influence such as Rudyard Kipling were able to use their high-level contacts in the military to try to find out what had happened to a lost loved one. He even had leaflets printed in German asking for the whereabouts of his son, which were dropped by the Royal Flying Corps behind enemy lines.

Others, such as the distraught but determined Lady Violet Cecil, whose 18-year-old son George was last seen lying in a ditch during the retreat from Mons in 1914, travelled to the battlefield while the war was still raging to search for her boy.

Georges remains were eventually uncovered in a mass grave of 94 British soldiers, their faces and features smashed beyond recognition. George was identified by his initials on his vest and by the exceptional size of his feet. Three buttons from his tunic were sent home to his mother.

For most mothers there was no such consolation. Whenever train-loads of wounded men arrived home, there would be lines of women holding up photographs and pleading: Have you seen my son, husband, brother?

Documenting all these grim stories with compassion, Sackville-West writes of relatives tormented by knowing so little about their loved ones last moments. How had they been killed? Had they suffered?

There were 500,000 families in the same position as Rud and Carrie, bereaved but cast adrift. Pictured: The graves of three unknown soldiers

He rightly lauds the Graves Registration Commission and its successor, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, for acknowledging this desperate desire to know, for their recognition that each of the dead was an individual and that relatives needed the reassurance that the graves were tended and cared for.

Photographs of headstones were taken and sent to those who could not get there in person  consolations of death at a distance, as Sackville-West movingly puts it.

Thousands, though, did make it to the now quiet battlefields, paying their respects at a graveside. I came all the way from home for this, one little old lady in a black bonnet said at her sons grave. Now I can die in peace. There were tears in her eyes as she spoke, and in mine too as I read her story.

The persistence of relatives was astonishing.

Lieutenant Eric Hayter died, shot through the head, in March 1918, and his father was told there was no sign of his body. A year later, Hayter senior received a letter from a German soldier who enclosed a map showing where Eric had been buried by the Germans. A search followed, which was unsuccessful. But Hayter continued to visit the battlefield in France, digging up land owned by a local farmer where he believed Eric had fallen.

THE SEARCHERS: THE QUEST FOR THE LOST OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR by Robert Sackville-West (Bloomsbury 25, 368 pp)

He then tried to buy the land to erect a memorial, but the farmer said no. So in 1924  more than six years after his sons death  he bought a nearby plot for a nominal sum from a sympathetic local countess and was digging the foundations there when, amazingly, 3 ft down, he came across a body.

Regimental buttons, badges of rank and five gold teeth confirmed who it was. Father and son were reunited.

The Kiplings had no such reunion. Johns body was eventually found, though not for another 70 years, long after his fathers death in 1936.

A diligent researcher at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission spotted an entry in the register of an unknown soldier dug up in no mans land near Loos. The body had been reburied as an unknown lieutenant of the Irish Guards. The coincidence was too great. It checked out.

John Kiplings name could now be taken off the Menin Gate memorial to the missing. He had been found.

If Rudyard had been alive, he might have pointed to the final words of perhaps his most famous poem, If.

Yours is the Earth and everything thats in it,

And  which is more  youll be a Man, my son!
Efforts to revive the classic Mini Moke have taken a new electrified step as the British firm behind a limited run of reborn models has announced there will be battery-powered versions.

Order books have opened today, with prices starting from 32,480 in the UK, with cars set to arrive next summer.

It will be powered by a 44bhp motor and battery, providing a relatively steady top speed of 62mph and a range of just 89 miles on a single charge.

Moking an electric return: This is the new Moke International electrified model that is on sale from today and will arrive in summer 2020. It has a range of just 89 miles on a full charge, which takes four hours

The Mini Moke first hit the market in the 1960s as a recreational vehicle after failed attempts to market it to the British army as a lightweight military vehicle - though this is the most famed example of all.

Moke International, the British company that now owns the Moke trademark and is the sole global supplier of the cars, is already in the midst of building a limited run of upgraded versions with petrol engines, priced at 24,000.

Only 56 are being made to mark the 56 years since the doorless and roofless stripped-down Mini first went on sale to when production started last year.

Those models will get a 66bhp 1.1-litre four-cylinder petrol engine - which is Euro 4 compliant - linked to a choice of four-speed manual or automatic gearbox.

But the just-announced electric Moke feature a 33Kw motor and battery - the size of which hasn't been revealed yet - slotted into the lightweight construction, which tips the scales at just 800kg.

Powering the electric Mini Moke is a 33Kw motor and battery - the size of which hasn't been revealed yet - offering a top speed of just 62mph

Visually, the new Mokes will be like-for-like with the original, retaining the stripped down design that made it famous in the Swinging Sixties

Like the combustion-engined Moke, the EV will be built at the brand's new facility in Northamptonshire with battery cells, motors and inverters all sourced from 'Tier 1 European suppliers'

The power-to-weight ratio doesn't quite result in brisk performance, though - it will take 4.5 seconds to hit 34mph and flat out will just about reach the national speed limit.

Electric Mini Moke: Will it fit in my garage? Price from: 29,150 plus tax (32,480 in the UK) Available to order: Now Deliveries in: Summer 2022 Production: Northamptonshire Drive: Real wheel direct-drive Motor type: Three-phase AC Synchronous Range: 144km (89.5 miles) Charge time: 4 hours Top speed: 62mph Max power: 33kW Charger port type: Type 2 (EU Standard) Dimensions Length: 3,225mm Width: 1,660mm Height: 1,546mm Weight: 800Kg Ground clearance: 18cm

With a range of 89.5 miles, Moke International says it will be able to complete 'five round trips between Cap-Ferrat to Monaco'.

Charging takes four hours.

It can be ordered in either right- or left-hand-drive layouts, though the marketing material suggests it has been designed for motorists who drive in warmer climates than Britain has to offer.

Advertising videos show it being driven by people heading to the beach with their friends and surf boards in locations that are certainly not Hunstanton or Skegness.

Like the combustion-engined Moke, the EV will be built at the brand's new facility in Northamptonshire with battery cells, motors and inverters all sourced from 'Tier 1 European suppliers'.

Prices start from 29,150 before local taxes and delivery charges.

They will also be able to customise the vehicles extensively to their own taste.

Mod cons will include the addition of power steering, regenerative braking and a heated windscreen as standard.

Speaking about the arrival of a zero-emission version, Moke International CEO Isobel Sando - formerly product lead at Rolls-Royce, said: 'Moke going electric secures the appeal of one of Britain's best-loved marques for many generations to come.

'Moke's marriage of fun, personality and open-air thrills will only be enhanced through the performance and silent running of an electric powertrain. We are proud to write a new chapter in one of British automotive folklore's best love stories.'



It can be ordered in either right- or left-hand-drive layouts, though the marketing material suggests it has been designed for motorists who drive in warmer climates than Britain has to offer

 Slide me  Moke International says the electric version can be customised extensively to the buyer's taste, including a choice of daring paint colours

The Moke was loved by celebrities and often pictured with A-listers at the wheel. Here, Brigitte Bardot is snapped with her dogs driving a Moke on April 24, 1980 in France

Mini Moke from cult 1960s TV series The Prisoner to be sold at auction - and it's tipped to fetch up to 60,000

An extremely rare Mini Moke used in the filming of the cult 1960s TV series, The Prisoner, is set to go under the hammer next month - and it's predicted that a winning bid will need to be in the region of 60,000 for a collector to acquire it.

Registration 'HLT 709C' is one of just two surviving Mokes driven by Patrick McGoohan in the quirky classic show.

Silverstone Auctions, which is offering the unique vehicle at the NEC Classic Motor Show Sale on 13 November, says it is 'undoubtedly the most famous Mini Moke in the World'.

The auction house has placed an estimate of 50,000 to 60,000 on the motor, which is around double what an original is worth today - and more than twice the price of the reborn examples set to be built in Britain.

A rare Mini Moke that featured in cult sixties TV series The Prisoner is to be auctioned next month in the UK

Four Mini Mokes were converted by Wood & Pickett in the summer of 1966 for the British avant-garde social science fiction television series.

They were all transported to Portmeirion, Wales, in September that year ready for filming for the series created by Patrick McGoohan and George Markstein, with McGoohan playing the lead role of Number Six.

What makes this particular example standout is that its standard 850cc engine was replaced with a 998cc Cooper-spec powerplant in preparation for its appearance on screen.

It's also the one that is, 'beyond any doubt', most extensively used on screen, according to Silverstone Auctions.

Experts say this is the case because the 'HLT 709C' number plate was mistakenly revealed in the series.

Silverstone Auctions, which is offering the unique vehicle at the NEC Classic Motor Show Sale on 13 November, says it is 'undoubtedly the most famous Mini Moke in the World'

The Moke is one of four commissioned for the TV series. Only two examples survive today

The Prisoner, is a British psychological, spy, science fiction TV series about an unidentified British intelligence agent who is abducted and imprisoned in a mysterious coastal village, where his captors try to find out why he abruptly resigned. It was created by Patrick McGoohan and George Markstein with McGoohan playing the main role of Number Six. It was produced by Everyman Films for ITC, between 1966 and 1967

The auction house has placed an estimate of 50,000 to 60,000 on the motor, which is around double what an original is worth today - and more than twice the price of the reborn examples set to be built in Britain

After filming concluded in 1967, the fleet of four Mokes was disbanded, with only two believed to have escaped being crushed in the 54 years that have passed since.

This car was also previously thought to have been lost to the big scraphead in the sky until 2011, when it turned up in a barn in Holland and was shipped to the UK prior to being purchased, in a very sorry state, by the vendor, Phil Caunt, in 2015 who set about reconditioning it.

Caunt documents some of the restoration, stating: 'The chassis was substantially rotten when discovered in 2011.

'During my restoration as much of the original shell as possible, including the bulkhead, was built into the replacement panels that make up the bodyshell ,as well as the front bulkhead, the windscreen frame, bonnet, cross-member, two seats, dash and other parts were repaired and used.'

What makes this particular example standout is that its standard 850cc engine was replaced by a 998cc Cooper-spec Mini motor in preparation for its appearance on screen

It's also the one that is, 'beyond any doubt', most extensively used on screen, according to Silverstone Auctions. Experts say this is the case because the 'HLT 709C' number plate was mistakenly revealed in the series

After filming concluded in 1967, the fleet of four Mokes was dissipated, with only two believed to have escaped being crushed in the 54 years that have passed since

While the roof frame is original, the distinctive striped canvas top and seat covers are not, although have been reproduced to match the genuine parts.

Incredibly, the original 'Penny Farthing' motif, although aged, remains on the bonnet to this day.

Fittingly, the Moke's first post-restoration journey was to return to Portmeirion where filming of The Prisoner had taken place.

'When I took the car back to The Village and drove it past those famous buildings, I really got the sense that it had come home,' the vendor told the selling auction house.

The car has also gone on to appear in a number of magazines since, including a cover special and feature in 'MiniWorld' in its September 2018 issue.

The car was previously thought to have been lost until 2011 when it turned up in a barn in Holland and was shipped to the UK prior to being purchased, in a very sorry state

The Mini Moke first hit the market in the 1960s as a recreational vehicle after failed attempts to market it to the British army as a lightweight military vehicle - though this is the most famed example of all thanks to it appearing in The Prison, filmed in Portmeirion, Wales (pictured)

Having been shipped to the UK after being discovered in a barn in Holland, the vendor, Phil Caunt, set about reconditioning it

The Prisoner was a 17-episode British TV series first broadcast in the UK on 29 September 1967.

The series follows a British former secret agent - played by McGoohan - who is abducted and imprisoned in a mysterious coastal village resort, where his captors try to find out why he abruptly resigned from his job.

Although the show was sold as a thriller, its combination of 1960s countercultural themes and surrealistic setting had a far-reaching influence on science fiction and fantasy TV programming, and on narrative popular culture in general.

Caunt said the chassis was substantially rotten when it was discovered in 2011

When the car was uncovered a decade ago, it did have some vestiges of the Wood & Pickett 'wood' trim remaining but 'it resembled lino', according to Caunt. It has been fully restored

The engine didn't run when the car was rediscovered after going missing for years. It has been extensively rebuilt and in sublime working order

While the roof frame is original, the distinctive striped canvas top and seat covers are not, though have been reproduced to match the genuine parts

'There have been a number of replica 'Prisoner' Mokes built in recent years but 'HLT' is the real thing,' says Silverstone Auctions.

'Fastidiously but sympathetically restored by Phil Caunt, it presents well and is enormously appealing always gathering a crowd wherever it goes.

'Should, one day, the Moke be parked next to James Bond's DB5 at a future 'Cars of the Stars' event, you can bet that it's the Moke that would draw the most attention, so its new owner can look forward to being invited to shows and events everywhere for many years to come,' the auction house adds.

Classic car valuations experts, Hagerty, say a 'concours' condition (meaning it's good enough to be displayed in a museum car collection) original Mini Moke is today worth 27,500.

If it reaches its higher estimate target of 60,000, the fact it's an original 'The Prisoner' car will effectively double its value.

Hagerty says an original Moke in 'concours' condition today is worth up to 27,500 - that's less than half the higher estimate placed on The Prisoner version being offered at auction next month

The Moke received plenty of celebrity attention and love when it was offered to the public from 1964. Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney is seen here grinning just moments after he reportedly rammed the doorless vehicle into a car driven by Associated Press photographers in Montserrat. McCartney's wife Linda and three children are seen in the car
Video showing Vladimir Putin coughing during a meeting with Kremlin ministers has emerged a day after the incident forced him to deny he has Covid-19.

Further fueling speculation, the Russian leader has today pulled out of a G20 conference on Afghanistan.

Putin, 69, tried to play down the health fears and insisted he has high antibody immunity. He blamed a diary clash for missing the G20 meeting.

Politician Valentinna Matviyenko, speaker of the Russian upper house, told him yesterday that colleagues were 'worried' about his 'health'.

Vladimir Putin coughs during a virtual meeting on Monday despite downplaying fears he has Covid-19

'He has not yet got re-vaccinated,' admitted his spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

'He said himself, (he) retains very high antibodies to coronavirus.'

Putin will 'follow the recommendations of the doctors', said the spokesman.

After Putin was seen coughing through Monday's meeting, he was later challenged about his health by Matviyenko, speaker of the Russian upper house.

'You were coughing at the meeting - we were all worried,' she told him. 'We're worried about your health.'

He replied: 'Valentina Ivanovna [Matviyenko], don't worry, everything is fine.

'Not only for Covid-19, but all other infections are tested almost daily. So everything is fine.'

The Russian leader, 69, tried to play down the health fears and insisted he has high antibody immunity and blames a diary clash for missing today's meeting. Pictured on Tuesday at the Kremlin

He suggested he had a cold after exercising in cool air.

'Just a walk in the cool air, nothing bad is going on,' he said.

'And I wish all my colleagues good health.'

Last month, Putin was forced to spend two weeks in self-isolation last month after some of his close aides tested positive for Covid-19.

He said the vaccine stopped him from contracting the virus even though he worked closely for an entire day with an aide who got infected.

Putin was earlier vaccinated with two doses of Russian anti-Covid drug Sputnik V, which this week was claimed to have been based on stolen secrets re-Britain's AstraZeneca.

Russia has strongly denied its spies stole the blueprint for the UK's vaccine.

Putin used his annual televised phone-in this June to cast Russia's four vaccines as highly effective and safe, while taking a swipe at shots that are widely used in the West.

'As you can see, everything is in order, and thank God we don't have such tragic situations after vaccinations like AstraZeneca or Pfizer,' he said, adding that 23 million of Russia's more than 144 million population had been vaccinated.

He continued: 'I thought that I needed to be protected for as long as possible. So I chose to be vaccinated with Sputnik V. The military is getting vaccinated with Sputnik V, and after all I'm the commander-in-chief.

'After the first shot, I didn't feel anything at all. About four hours later, there was some tenderness where I had the shot.

'I did the second at midday. At midnight, I measured my temperature. It was 37.2 (Celsius). I went to sleep, woke up and my temperature was 36.6. That was it.'

He added: 'I don't support mandatory vaccination, and I continue to hold this point of view.'

On Monday Russia's daily coronavirus infections and deaths hovered near all-time highs amid sluggish vaccination rates and the Kremlin's reluctance to toughen restrictions.

Earlier this year Putin confirmed he had received the Russia's Sputnik V jab and said the military would also be getting vaccinated with the same jab

Russia's state coronavirus task force reported 29,409 new confirmed cases - the highest number this year and just slightly lower than the pandemic record reached in December.

After registering the highest daily death toll since the start of the pandemic at 968 over the weekend, Russia reported 957 new deaths on Monday.

Russia already has Europe's highest death toll in the pandemic - more than 217,000, according to a government task force.

The state statistics agency, which uses a different way of counting including when the virus wasn't considered the main cause of death, has reported about 418,000 deaths of people with Covid.

A sharp rise in infections and deaths began last month with the government attributing it to a slow vaccination rate.

Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said on Friday that 47.8 million Russians, or almost 33 per cent of its nearly 146 million people, had received at least one shot of a coronavirus vaccine, and 42.4 million, or about 29 per cent, were fully vaccinated.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov voiced concerns about the surge in infections and deaths and noted that hospitals in some regions are close to capacity.

'The vaccination level we have is too low, impermissibly low,' Mr Peskov said in a conference call with reporters.

'That is why we have mortality numbers that are so high. We are using every opportunity to make a simple call on all citizens - go ahead and get the shot.'

While deploring Russia's lagging pace of vaccinations, Mr Peskov rejected the idea of imposing fines on those who fail to get the vaccine and emphasised that it was up to regional authorities to decide whether to tighten local coronavirus restrictions.
Loading tubs of men's clothing into the back of his truck at a Salida storage unit, this is Barry Morphew pictured with alleged girlfriend Shoshona Darke for the first time.

Morphew, 53, was seen stepping out in a black t-shirt and jeans on Monday, three weeks after being released from jail on a $500,000 bond, while mom-of-one Darke, 51, was casual in a black top and brown shearling-lined boots.

The outing marks the first time the two are seen together in public after previously denying reports that they are in a romantic relationship.

The exclusive DailyMail.com photos were taken as prosecutors demanded Morphew leave the property where he has been staying since he was set free in September  and move into Darke's modest downtown Salida home where they say he is paying the $2,000-a-month rent.

Barry Morphew was seen for the first time with his alleged new girlfriend, Shoshona Darke, 51, during a trip to a storage unit in Salida, Colorado

The 53-year-old, who is charged with first-degree murder, evidence tampering and other charges in connection to his wife Suzanne's disappearance, was seen loading bins of clothing onto the back of his truck on Monday

Morphew was allowed to await trial from home last month after a judge ruled he would have to be monitored by the police and to be forced to surrender his guns

The two-bedroom home is also closer to the Chaffee County Courthouse, where Morphew is due to go on trial in May, and allows for easier GPS tracking according to the prosecution motion.

Shoshona Darke, 51, pictured in her booking photo after she was arrested for trespassing last month

Morphew is currently staying at a four-bedroom luxury Airbnb rental located just a few yards from end of the driveway of the Colorado home he shared with missing wife Suzanne.

The two-story property, which sits in a remote wooded area and has patchy satellite reception, comes complete with a glass-fronted balcony and manicured grounds that overlook the former Morphew home.

According to the papers, which were filed on September 21, Morphew's new residence is too close to his former home, and that of former neighbor and trial witness Jean Ritter  who he is banned from contacting.

It was Ritter, 73, who reported Suzanne, 49, missing on May 10, 2020 after being contacted by her daughters Mallory, 21, and Macy, 18, when they were unable to get hold of her to wish her a happy Mother's Day.

He has been staying at a luxury Airbnb in nearby Maysville three weeks after posting $500,000 cash bond ahead of his May 2022 murder trial

Darke, a mom-of-one Darke, was dressed casual in a black top and brown shearling-lined boots

Morphew wore a black t-shirt and jeans as he loaded tubs of men's clothing into the back of his truck

Prosecutors are demanding Morphew relocate to his girlfriend's home in Salida that he allegedly pays for. The two-bedroom property is also closer to the Chaffee County Courthouse, where Morphew is due to go on trial in May, and allows for easier GPS tracking according to the prosecution motion

Ritter also told cops she had shared a coffee with Suzanne on May 6  three days before she was last seen alive  and that the mom-of-two had seemed cheerful.

After Suzanne vanished, Morphew initially claimed his wife could have been taken by a mountain lion and issued a tearful video pleading for her to come home.

But in May, he was arrested and charged with her first degree murder and was told he would face trial late last month following a four-day preliminary hearing.

During the hearing, it emerged that Suzanne had been having a two-year affair with married dad-of-six Jeff Libler while Morphew had been caught visiting porn site Celebrity Jihad and notorious dating website Ashley Madison.

Prosecutors said the landscaper had murdered his wife using animal tranquilizer before covering his tracks and disposing of her body  possibly in the remote Garfield Mine.

They also pointed to Morphew's phone being placed in airplane mode repeatedly over the weekend of May 9 and 10 and cited data from his truck which showed he had repeatedly opened and closed the doors in the early hours of May 10.

The prosecution also noted that he had left a Holiday Inn hotel room in Broomfield, Colorado, reeking of chlorine  a development first reported by DailyMail.com in September 2020.

This is the luxury Airbnb rental Morphew has been staying in since his release. Prosecutors are now demanding he leave the property due to its proximity to his former marital home with missing wife Suzanne and neighbor and trial witness Jean Ritter

Prosecutors say Morphew should relocate to Darke's modest downtown Salida home where he is alleged to be paying the $2,000-a-month rent. Pictured: The driveway to the two-story Airbnb property which sits in a remote wooded area

The father of two was arrested and charged with first degree murder in May and was told he would face trial late last month following a four-day preliminary hearing

Barry and Suzanne Morphew are pictured together. Barry is accused of murdering Suzanne who vanished Mother's Day 2020

Meanwhile, the arrest affidavit released last month laid bare the extent of Morphew's relationship with housekeeper Darke which began in late 2020.

According to the affidavit, cops were first tipped off about his new squeeze in December 2020 but were unable to catch them together so mounted a camera on a telegraph pole outside her home.

In early February, DailyMail.com witnessed Morphew visit the property on consecutive nights  staying until the following morning  but was unable to verify the identity of the occupant or their relationship with Morphew.

Police were later able to obtain security footage from Antler's Hotel in Colorado Springs taken on Valentine's Day which showed the pair checking in together.

Darke has refused to speak about her relationship with Morphew, despite being repeatedly approached by DailyMail.com, and maintained a low profile during his stay in jail.

She also denied being in a relationship with him when confronted by the cops but later admitted to meeting him in October 2020.

The Morphew family home is seen above. Morphew sold the home to new owners in March

This is the much more modest home Darke is reportedly currently living in downtown Salida

According to the papers, which were filed on September 21, Morphew's new residence is too close to his former home, and that of former neighbor and trial witness Jean Ritter  who he is banned from contacting

But since his release, she has been a constant presence in his life and, on September 28, was arrested after being caught trespassing at the former Morphew home.

Darke is understood to have been staying with Morphew at the Airbnb and was caught on security camera walking up the drive and picking up a package that had just been left by a Fedex van on the front porch of the home.

Last month, she was charged with one count of third-degree criminal trespass and was released from the Chaffee County Jail on a $500 bond, after telling cops her sole income is a $1,800-a-month veteran's disability allowance.

She now faces a virtual procedure hearing on Wednesday and an in-person hearing on October 18 which will decide whether a restraining order that bans her from going near Suzanne's former home and Morphew's Airbnb will be upheld.
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Eileen Franklin said she saw her father sexually assault her best friend. And then, she saw him lift a rock high up over his head and bash her friend's head in.

For 20 years the unsolved killing of eight-year-old Susan Nason in 1969 haunted the idyllic town of Foster City, located on a peninsula between San Francisco and San Jose. Eileen never told anyone about the killing - she didn't remember it. Not until, she said, a moment while playing with her young daughter caused the suppressed memory to resurface.

When Eileen's story came to light and her father was arrested, her testimony at George Franklin's trial led to his conviction in 1990 and launched a debate about repressed memory. It also spurred a national conversation about incest and child sexual abuse and an examination of the statute of limitations for those crimes.

As a coping mechanism for trauma, the brain represses a memory but can recover it later. This concept sparked the so-called Memory Wars in the 1990s. The 'long-standing question about the existence of repressed memories has been at the heart of one of the most heated debates in modern psychology,' according to an article in journal Perspectives on the Psychological Sciences.

George Franklin, who maintained his innocence, appealed his conviction, which was overturned. He was freed and not retried.

Eileen, who also said her father sexually abused her, testified that the memory of the murder can back to her after she became a mother.

She testified: 'I was sitting on the sofa in my family room and my daughter was playing on the floor with some of her little playmates. And my daughter said something to me, which caused me to look down at her and I matched her gaze and at that moment she really closely resembled Susan and I remembered seeing Susan sitting there and seeing my father with the rock above his head.'

A new Showtime docuseries, Buried, looks at the twists and turns of the Franklin case, which was the first murder trial and conviction to involve repressed memory, and has experts weigh in from both sides about the nature of memory.

'We still don't have the answers how memory works and can it work this way,' Ari Pines, one of the series' directors, told DailyMail.com.

Twenty years after it happened, Eileen Franklin, center, said she remembered her father, George Franklin, molesting and then killing her best friend, Susan Nason, in 1969. Susan was eight. Prosecutors and detectives believed Eileen's account because of the details she provided of the crime, and George Franklin was arrested in 1989. Above, Eileen Franklin-Lipsker, then 29, with San Mateo County sheriff's investigator Bryan Cassandro, left, and Detective Sergeant Bob Morse, right, in November 1990 during her father's trial. A new Showtime docuseries, Buried, examines repressed memory through the Franklin case

In 1990, George Franklin, left, was convicted of murdering eight-year-old Susan Nason. He was sentenced to life in prison. Franklin appealed. 'US District Judge Lowell Jensen, appointed to the bench by President Ronald Reagan in 1986, reversed the conviction this year, concluding that "the risk of an unreliable outcome in this trial is unacceptable,"' the Los Angeles Times reported in December 1995. Prosecutors had the option to retry Franklin but they did not. Franklin is above with his defense attorney Doug Horngrad in court on January 31, 1996 after prosecutors agreed to drop the charges

Eileen Franklin said she remembered the murder after getting married and becoming a mother. She testified: 'I was sitting on the sofa in my family room and my daughter was playing on the floor with some of her little playmates. And my daughter said something to me, which caused me to look down at her and I matched her gaze and at that moment she really closely resembled Susan and I remembered seeing Susan sitting there and seeing my father with the rock above his head.' She is seen above with Assistant District Attorney Martin Murray, right, after a jury convicted her father on November 30, 1990 of killing Susan Nason

Harry Maclean, above in a still from Showtime's new docuseries, Buried. Maclean, who was at the trial and wrote a book about it called Once Upon A Time, said on the series: 'It was the first murder case involving a repressed memory. I was fascinated to see how that would work in the trial. If it stood all alone would it be sufficient for a conviction.' He contrasted Eileen, who was 'such a dramatic witness' with George, who was 'sitting there the whole time like a stone figure... So it starts to right away turn into a good versus evil thing. He looks evil'

Family-oriented Foster City in the 1960s was just starting to be built up.

'It was a very safe area,' Daniel Munier, who grew up in Foster City, said in the docuseries.

Aimee Alotta, one of Eileen's childhood friends, said that her family moved in the same day the Franklins did. George and Leah Franklin had five children and Eileen was their middle child. 'Eileen was probably the quietest of the bunch. She was definitely George's favorite.'

In a TV interview, Eileen said that growing up she was not a very attractive child. 'My dad used to tell me how beautiful I was when everyone else in the neighborhood told me how ugly I was,' she recalled.

She called her father, George, 'irresistible' and said women always flirted with him. 'And I just thought my daddy is so handsome and so smart and so attractive. I just thought he was it.'

To the neighborhood, George Franklin was 'a married father of five firefighter,' Elaine Tipton, who prosecuted Franklin, said in the series.

But behind closed doors, the Franklin children were physically abused and George drank. His son, George Franklin Jr is heard on a cassette tape calling George an 'abusive alcoholic father.

'He beat me because I was his son.'

Eileen was not the only one to accuse him of sexual abuse. Her older sister, Janis, said he also molested her.

Harry Maclean, author of Once Upon A Time, which is about the Franklin case, said he did not doubt the stories about the abuse. 'Every form of dysfunction I've ever encountered I saw in that family,' Maclean said in Buried.

'It was a house of hell.'

Elaine Tipton, above in a still from Buried, prosecuted George Franklin. She said on the series that Eileen Franklin was the most compelling witness she had ever seen in her 31 years as a prosecutor. 'We had to explain to the jury that she had witnessed her father commit a murder and that she did repressed it. And then suddenly out of the blue, 20 years later her memory came back to her'

Doug Horngrad, George's attorney during his trial, called her testimony about how she recovered her repressed memory 'a bunch of dramatic nonsense. If you were going to make up a story that's a pretty good one to make up, isn't it.' He said in the series that Eileen was motivated by revenge and financial gain. Before the trial, she was negotiating book and movie deals, according to Maclean, the author. 'Our view was it was pretty explosive,' Horngrad, above, said. 'Eileen had a financial interest in the outcome of the case. Because, of course, if he was acquitted, her story would be worthless. Her story is only worth something if he gets convicted. When a witness had a financial interest in the outcome, it destroys their credibility'

Eileen, above in 1995, said that her father sexually abused in the mornings before he went to work. Her older sister, Janis, also said he molested her. The trial brought awareness to child sexual abuse and there was an examination of the statute of limitations, with some states allowing people to sue civilly years later. According to the Los Angeles Times: 'Roughly half the states, including California, passed laws permitting adults to bring lawsuits based on recovered memories'

Doug Horngrad, George's attorney during his trial, said the abuse was what motivated Eileen, saying on the series that she 'was on a revenge trip.' He said the prosecution's entire case centered on Eileen and her testimony. 'There was no corroborating evidence. Zero. Zilch.'

The district attorney's office and the detectives who looked into Eileen's statement disagreed.

'The information that she was providing was matching up identically with the facts of the crime,' Elaine Tipton, the prosecutor, said.

Eileen knew that Susie was wearing white socks and brown shoes and that the dress she was wearing was A-line. 'But the most significant thing was that her friend's hand, Susan's right hand was wounded (and) injured,' Tipton explained, 'and she recalls noticing a silver ring and that the ring was damaged.'

Eileen said that Susie had her hand to her head when her father bashed her with a rock and saw her friend's ring crushed. This convinced one detective that she was being straightforward and truthful. 'Because Eileen knew information about the killing that no one should have known.'

Maclean pointed out that George Franklin, a firefighter, had no alibi and was not on duty the day Susan Nason disappeared.

Her mother, Margaret Nason, testified that Susan came home after school and asked if she could go and return a pair of shoes to her friend. Margaret said yes, and the friend, Celia Oakley, recalled in the docuseries that Susie was kind enough to bring the shoes to her house.

'The police were able to deduce that I was the last person to see Susie,' she said.

Their interaction was quick.

'After about an hour, I started looking for her. I rode all the streets in the neighborhood. No one had seen her,' Margaret Nason testified.

Police organized a search and archival news footage shows officers with dogs looking for the eight-year-old girl. Residents pitched in and also canvassed the neighborhood.

Susan's mother, Margaret Nason, testified that her daughter came home after school and asked if she could go and return a pair of shoes to her friend. Margaret said yes, and the friend, Celia Oakley, above, recalled in the docuseries that Susie was kind enough to bring the shoes to her house. 'The police were able to deduce that I was the last person to see Susie,' she said

Daniel Munier, above, grew up in Foster City. After Susan Nason disappeared, she was missing for weeks. Munier said in Buried: 'No one suspected anybody in Foster City. It had to be some sort of boogeyman theory  that it had to be somebody that came from the outside of our community to do something this vicious.' George Franklin and Munier's father were both firefighters and he said he knew George since he was four. 'I was blown away when my parents told that it was George Franklin that was arrested for the crime'

There was a huge interest in the trial and Eileen Franklin was interviewed on several talk shows, including Oprah. Two books about the case came out - Maclean's Once Upon a Time and Eileen Franklin's Sins of the Father, which she co-wrote with William Wright. There was also a 1992 TV movie called Fatal Memories in which Shelley Long, seen above in the film, played Eileen. Georgie Jeffries, the executive producer of Fatal Memories, said in Buried that her first impression of Eileen was of a 'very serious young woman... She was on a mission. She was doing her very best to control the narrative. It's understandable'

Susan remained missing for ten weeks. Her body was found 11 miles away from Foster City at the Crystal Springs Reservoir, which provides drinking water for San Francisco and several other places.

Her skull had been smashed.

The day Susan disappeared, Eileen testified that she was with her father in his Volkswagen van when she saw Susan. She asked her dad if her friend could come with them. Susan got into the van and they drove to the reservoirs and pulled off into an unpaved area. Eileen said she was in the passenger seat when she turned around and saw her father on top of Susie.

Then they were at the reservoir and Eileen said in a statement to detectives that Susie was sitting on a rock or something slightly elevated.

'And when I looked up my father had a rock in his two hands, and was approaching her. And Susan screamed and brought her hand to her head. And he crashed the rock down against her head where her hands were. And he did a second blow '

'And he told me that if I ever told anyone about this he would kill me.'

Harry Maclean, author of Once Upon A Time, the cover is seen above, said that after Susan Nason went missing in September 1969, George Franklin was one of the neighbors who helped with the search. 'Every form of dysfunction I've ever encountered I saw in that family,' Maclean said about the Franklins in Buried. 'It was a house of hell'

Tipton, the prosecutor, said Eileen's account was she had no memory of this for 20 years and then it came back to her in pieces.

Bessel Van Der Kolk, a psychiatrist, author and trauma expert, explained that repression and disassociation has always been a part of psychiatry. People, he said, couldn't remember things after horrible experiences.

'The trauma itself messes up your mind. The mind brain body creates a capacity to just push things away and put it out of consciousness, which is a normal reaction,' he said in Buried.

'The brain stops processing information and defends itself against what's happening and it shuts things down.'

Elizabeth Loftus, a memory scientist, said that people think of memory as a recording but those in the field think of it as a reconstructive process. 'When you're remembering something you're actually taking bits and pieces of experience. You're bringing it together and constructing something that feels like a real memory,' she explained, adding that memory was more akin to a Wikipedia page  you can go in and edit it but so can others.

Loftus, who testified for the defense in the George Franklin trial, said she looked into the evidence about repressed memories. 'I was pretty shocked because there wasn't any credible scientific support for this.'

Closing arguments at George Franklin's trial came down to Eileen's credibility. Tipton, the prosecutor, recalled in Buried that there were moments when Eileen would say something and there would be almost a stillness in the courtroom. 'A lot of specific detail in her recall was not anywhere in the records,' she said. 'It was just registering as authentic.'

The jury deliberated for less than a day and found George Franklin guilty of first degree murder in 1990.

'At the end of the trial when they read the verdict, I took it hard because I believe in his innocence and I believe in the system and something very wrong had happened,' Horngrad, George's attorney, said.

George Franklin appealed. Dennis Riordan, his appeal attorney, noted that the judge during sentencing called Franklin wicked and depraved. Franklin was sentenced to life in prison.

'When I reviewed the entire record, I was firmly convinced that there was not an iota of credible evidence that he had murdered Susan Nason in 1969,' Riordan said in the docuseries.

In 1995, his conviction was reversed, which meant Franklin could be retried if prosecutors chose to do so. Among other things, the trial judge should have allowed the defense to introduce evidence of newspaper accounts of Susan Nason's murder, according to the ruling, which the Los Angeles Times reported.

'Our defense was that everything Eileen testified to was in the public domain,' Horngrad said.

Yotam Guendelman and Ari Pines, the directors of Buried, told DailyMail.com that the first person they contacted when they started working on the series was Eileen. But she had several terms so they went their separate ways. Above, the cover of Eileen Franklin's book, Sins of the Father, which she co-wrote with William Wright

After the trial, two books were written about the case, Eileen made the rounds of talk shows, including Oprah, and a TV movie called Fatal Memories, which starred Shelley Long as Eileen, was released in 1992.

Detectives and Eileen both hinted that George Franklin was possibly responsible for other murders. Those hints never panned out or pointed to anything solid. He was never charged or tried again.

Franklin was released after serving six and a half years in prison. In interviews after his release, he denied that he murdered Susan and that he sexually abused her and Eileen, saying 'absolutely not,' when asked. He died in 2016, according to the series.

Maclean, who was in law for 15 years before he became an author, pointed out that Franklin was not acquitted of the murder, the appeals judge had ruled he hadn't gotten a fair trial.

'Even if Eileen's memory is false that does not establish in my mind that George Franklin did not kill Susan Nason,' he said in Buried. 'There's a lot of facts that point to him as the most likely culprit.'

George Franklin lived around the corner from Susie, who he knew because she was his daughter's best friend, Maclean said, adding that when Susan had been over the Franklin house she had little tickling matches with George.

'And the idea that he would molest her and then kill her to cover it up isn't that far-fetched given his character for violence.'

After the trial, 'Eileen Franklin changed her name and relocated to a new state. She has since been widowed twice. She wishes to remain anonymous,' according to Buried.

'It's completely destroyed my life,' she said in a TV interview after the trial. 'I've lost my family through this. I have lost several years of my life. I don't really know who I am when new memories emerge especially memories of murder and violence and me being his accomplice. It's been devastating.'
Australian share market investors are perfectly positioned to benefit from the transition to net zero carbon emissions despite the nation being a major coal exporter to China.

The International Monetary Fund said the surging demand for renewable energy in the coming decades would be good for Australia because the nation has plentiful supplies of lithium, cobalt and nickel.

The minerals are particularly important for battery storage power that will underpin the success of solar and wind energy eventually replacing coal-fired power stations.

In a new report on the World Economic Outlook, the IMF singled out Australia for special mention along with Chile, and to a lesser extent Peru, Russia, Indonesia, and South Africa.

'Countries that stand out in production and reserves include Australia for lithium, cobalt, and nickel,' it said.

Australia is perfectly positioned to benefit from the transition to net zero carbon emissions despite being a major exporter of coal to China. The International Monetary Fund said the surging demand for renewable energy in the coming decades would be good for Australia because it had plentiful supplies of lithium, cobalt and nickel (pictured is a wind farm at Bungendore near Canberra)

Australian companies set to benefit Pilbara Minerals: Australia's biggest lithium miner owns all of the Pilgangoora Project and Operation, 120km from Port Hedland Orocobre: A $4billion merger with Galaxy Resources in April created the world's fifth largest lithium chemicals producer Lake Resources: One of the world's lowest-cost producers of lithium chemical producers IGO: The nickel miner owns 100 per cent of the Nova nickel-copper-cobalt mine in Western Australia's Fraser Range region Mincor Resources: In March it opened the Cassini nickel mine, near historic mining town of Kambalda in Western Australia Poseidon Nickel: Owns three high-quality nickel sulphide assets in Western Australia Nickel Mines: Mines from Indonesia nickel pig iron, a semi-refined product and a cheaper alternative to pure nickel metal, in making stainless steel Panoramic Resources: Operates a nickel sulphide mine and processing plant in the East Kimberley region of WA, the Savannah nickel project Source: Bell Direct, NAB Advertisement

'The supply of metals is quite concentrated, implying that a few top producers may stand to benefit.'

New York-based investment bank Goldman Sachs last year estimated clean energy investment during the next decade would be worth $US16trillion ($A21trillion).

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is also expected to announce within weeks plans for net zero carbon emissions by 2050, putting Australia in line with the US, UK, South Korea, Japan and the European Union.

Bell Direct senior market analyst Jessica Amir said now was the time to consider investing in lithium miners before more governments around the world, including Australia, introduced more substantial electric vehicle subsidies.

'This is a huge investment opportunity and this will be the hot investment opportunity for the next decade,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'Thirty per cent of an EV car is the battery and there's a huge lack of supply of lithium and then you've got the world pivoting and pushing to being carbon neutral.

'Clean energy must have a place in investors' portfolios because we're going to see a huge amount of government stimulus going to it, we're going to see a huge uptick in consumer demand.

'You have to remember the basics of investing: a company is based on its future earnings potential, this means that companies that are in this area, they're going to see future earnings growth and share price growth.'

The mineral producers on the Australian Securities Exchange, set to benefit from the renewables energy boom, aren't just diversified mining giants BHP and Rio Tinto, which are geared more towards coal and iron ore.

Western Australia's Pilbara region is best known for having the world's largest supply of iron ore, the commodity used to make steel which is also Australia's biggest export.

'Our richest province of lithium is in the Pilbara,' Ms Amir said.

Now is the time to invest in lithium miners before more governments around the world, including Australia, introduced more substantial electric vehicle subsidies (pictured is a Tesla Model 3 being recharged)

Bell Direct senior market analyst Jessica Amir said lithium miners would be the big winner from government stimulus programs to encourage renewable energy

Pilbara Minerals, Australia's biggest lithium miner, in 2019 signed a deal with Chinese car maker Great Wall Motor to supply spodumene concentrate, a key mineral for electric vehicles.

'They're already making money and their offtake is already being purchased, it's already battery grade,' Ms Amir said.

'You'd expect a lot more companies really to step up.'

The $4billion merger of Orocobre and Galaxy Resources created the world's fifth largest lithium chemicals producer, which sources a lot of its high-grade lithium from Argentina.

Lake Resources, a lithium miner with headquarters in Sydney, is also a major miner of the mineral in Argentina.

'They're one of the world's lowest-cost lithium chemical producers,' Ms Amir said.

'Companies like this are really going to gain a lot more traction.'

Those who want exposure to both iron ore and lithium can invest in Mineral Resources.

BHP spin-off South32 is a major nickel supplier, along with silver, lead, zinc.

Perth-based exploration company Corazon Mining, which has interests in Australian and Canadian nickel, copper and cobalt projects.

ASX-listed miners IGO, Mincor Resource, Poseidon Nickel and Panoramic Resources operate nickel mines in Western Australia while Nickel Mines extracts from Indonesia nickel pig iron, a cheaper semi-refined product used for making stainless steel.

BetaShares also has exchange traded funds with exposure to both traditional miners and lithium producers.

The mineral producers on the Australian Securities Exchange (pictured), set to benefit from the renewables energy boom, aren't just diversified mining giants BHP and Rio Tinto, which are geared more towards coal and iron ore

Until renewable technology improves, Australia is a major exporter of thermal coal, used for electricity generation.

Electricity shortages in China and India, the world's two most populous nations, have caused the spot price of coal to hit an all-time high of $US269 a tonne.

Natural gas is also in demand with prices at a 13-year high.

The IMF noted Australia had a particular short-term advantage with coal, which is linked to climate change, but this was unlikely to last.

'High natural gas prices sustained the power sector's demand for coal, although surging coal prices - caused in part by supply disruptions and China's restrictions on Australian coal imports - and higher carbon prices narrowed coal's cost advantage,' it said.

Until renewable technology improves, Australia is a major exporter of thermal coal, used for electricity generation (pictured is a freight train transporting coal from Kooragang in Newcastle)

'Over the long term, phaseout plans and rising emission costs may negatively weigh on the demand outlook for coal, possibly benefiting natural gas demand in the coming years as the capacity for renewables ramps up.'

China's drive to meet 2060 net zero carbon emissions targets have this year seen dramatic cutbacks in steel production.

Since the end of July the spot price of iron ore, Australia's biggest export, has subsequently plunged from near record highs above $US200 a tonne to less than $US100 a tonne in late September.

Evergrande, China's second biggest property developer, on Tuesday night missed a third deadline to pay annual interest payments to bondholders.

It owes more than $400billion to creditors, and bondholders in the third round of interest payments were owed $US150million ($A204million) worth of bond coupon payments.

Electricity shortages in China (pictured is a Shenygang blackout in September 2021) and India, the world's two most populous nations, have caused the spot price of coal to hit an all-time high of $US269 a tonne

There are fears the Chinese Communist Party government will let Evergrande fail, with China having enough empty apartments to house 90million people in a nation that is home to 1.4billion.

CommSec senior economist Ryan Felsman said many investors had likened Evergrande to the 2008 collapse of American investment and financial services giant Lehman Brothers during the Global Financial Crisis.

'The crisis at property giant China Evergrande Group is front-of-mind for investors with some concerned about a Lehman-style collapse with the potential for global spillovers,' he said.

'Of course, the risk of contagion  particularly to China's banking system and property developers and to western investors  remains high with policy missteps potentially leading to a systematic meltdown.'

CommSec senior economist Ryan Felsman said many investors had likened Evergrande to the 2008 collapse of American investment and financial services giant Lehman Brothers during the Global Financial Crisis (pictured is the Evergrande Centre in Shanghai)

The IMF is expecting growth in China, Australia's biggest trading partner, to slow to 5.6 per cent in 2022, down from 8 per cent in 2021.

When it came to steelmaking, Australia is by far the world's biggest producer of iron ore, well ahead of Brazil which suffered from the 2019 Vale tailings dam collapse.

Australia doesn't command quite the same market share with minerals needed for renewable energy.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has 70 per cent of global cobalt output and 50 percent of reserves, the IMF noted.

Even as renewable energy demand surges, Ms Amir said there would still be demand for coal and iron ore, for now, before hydrogen could be cheaply used to make steel.

'Iron ore is not going to go away any time soon but it will be at a reduced capacity,' she said.

'There's going to be a transition away from coal.'

Disclosure: Jessica Amir has shares in Rio Tinto and Lake Resources
Hadi Skaf, whose older brothers are notorious pack rapists Bilal and Mohammed Skaf, has been caught supplying drugs in Sydney

The youngest sibling of the notorious gang rapist Skaf brothers has apologised for ripping off a cocaine buyer he sold Panadol disguised as drugs.

Hadi Skaf claimed he had been deeply humiliated over publicity surrounding his drug dealing arrest, which had focused on the crimes of his brothers.

The 22-year-old labourer has had to bear the burden of his surname which will forever be linked to a series of gang rapes that shocked the nation when he was still just a toddler.

His older brothers Bilal and Mohammed were sentenced to decades-long terms for the rapes, committed in the city's south western suburbs.

Mohammed was last week released on parole after 21 years in prison to live in the Skaf family home in south western Sydney, along with Hadi and their parents.

Magistrate Miranda Moody found Skaf was deeply remorseful for his own actions in a bungled dial-a-dealer operation, which were essentially crimes of dishonesty.

'It was what you could call a bit of a low act,' Ms Moody said of ripping off drug users.

'There is no question that he is extremely sorry for what he has done.'

Publicity surrounding Hadi's arrest and Mohammed's release were tendered to Downing Centre Local Court court.

'I note that he is the brother of Mohammed Skaf who has had some notoriety in this state and who has apparently been recently released from prison,' Ms Moody said.

Ms Moody accepted Hadi had brought further shame on his parents, who had 'endured so much in their lives' and was himself suffering depression and anxiety, 'which is not surprising'.

Hadi's attempts at drug dealing were described as amateurish and had not harmed anyone other than financially.

His customer at first tried to get into the back of a police car being used to conduct surveillance on dealers selling drugs to drinkers in Sydney's inner city.

And in a late twist to the case it was revealed on Thursday the substance Hadi had sold the woman did not even contain any prohibited drug.

His solicitor Mina Wassef said that fact reduced the objective seriousness of the offence, while a police prosecutor said it made no difference to the crime.

Hadi Skaf pleaded guilty to supplying a prohibited a drug - which wasn't actually a prohibited drug - and dealing with the proceeds of crime. He was arrested after selling bags of white powder to a woman in Sydney's inner city for $750

Notorious rapist Mohammed Skaf (pictured above) was released on parole last week after being granted parole with strict conditions including 24-hour electronic monitoring. He spent two decades in jail after being convicted for a series of terrifying rapes in Sydney in 2000

The sale of a substance promoted as cocaine is legally considered as supplying a prohibited drug, regardless of what the substance actually contains.

Hadi was at Mr Wassef's office when the matter was first mentioned and was ordered by magistrate Miranda Moody to come into court, which meant facing television cameras and photographers.

Hadi came to the attention of police on June 12 when officers were conducting an operation targeting drug suppliers near Surry Hills pubs.

About 7.20pm police saw Hadi in the front passenger seat of a silver Toyota Corolla being driven by another man near the Dolphin Hotel. Hadi was using a navigation app on his mobile phone.

Hadi Skaf covered his face with his hand as he arrived at Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday morning for sentencing on drug charges

While police watched from an unmarked car parked on the corner of Crown and Fitzroy Streets, a woman tried three times to open the locked passenger-side back door.

The driver of the Corolla, which looked similar to the police vehicle, sounded his horn and the woman and her female friend followed the Toyota until it parked in a nearby bus lane.

According to a statement of facts tendered to court, Skaf wound down his window and the two women stood beside the door for less than two minutes before walking away.

When police pulled over the Corolla, Skaf told them the women were friends and one of them was paying him $70 she owed for an Uber fare.

When police saw two phones hidden under Skaf's leg and asked him how many phones were in the vehicle he replied, 'I don't know, it's my mum's car.'

During a search the officers found $750 in the front pocket of Skaf's hoodie along with small clear freezer-style plastic bags.

Magistrate Miranda Moody decided not to record a conviction against Skaf's name after he pleaded guilty to supplying a prohibited drug. Skaf had actually sold Panadol as cocaine

Police found a text message exchange when they examined the phone of a woman to whom Hadi Skaf sold what she thought was cocaine for $750. 'Hello are you around Surry tonight? 3 please,' the woman asked. 'Yes send full address,' was the response

While this was happening other police stopped the two women and found four similar bags containing white powder in the possession of one of them.

That woman's phone contained a text message exchange which began, 'Hello are you around Surry tonight? 3 please.' That got the response: 'yes send full address'.

Woman: '412 Crown St Surry Hills, the dolphin eta?'

Dealer: 'yeah done see you in 24.'

Woman: 'Getting 750 now.'

Skaf was arrested and when asked the names of his supposed friends said, 'Jessica and Louie'.

'This is not the name of [either woman], again supporting that the accused did not know the females and they had met for the purpose of supplying prohibited drugs,' the statement of facts said.

When police searched Skaf's phone they opened the Waze navigation app and asked why his recent searches included 412 Crown Street, Surry Hills.

Hadi Skaf is the youngest of Baria and Mustapha Skaf's four children. The family lives together at Greenacre in Sydney's south-west. Hadi is pictured outside court on Thursday

Mohammed Skaf (right) was released no October 6. Bilal Skaf (left) will be eligible for parole in 2033. He is serving a minimum term of 28 years with a maximum of 31

Skaf said he simply wanted to play poker machines. 'The accused stated that he had googled "VIP Lounge to go for a slap",' the statement of facts said.

When shown a screenshot of the Crown Street address on the drug customer's phone Skaf replied 'no comment'.

Skaf pleaded guilty in Downing Centre Local Court on June 24 to supplying a prohibited drug and dealing with the proceeds of crime.

Ms Moody took into account his age, guilty pleas, remorse and prospects for rehabilitation. She did not record a conviction and instead imposed an 18-month conditional release order.

Mohammed Skaf was released on parole on October 6 after the State Parole Authority allowed his release under strict conditions including 24-hour electronic monitoring.

Now 38, he was jailed for his part in a series of terrifying pack rapes committed in Sydney in 2000 when he was 17.

The rapes involved more than a dozen other Australian-Lebanese youths and young men led by Mohammed's older brother Bilal.

One of the gang's teen victims was raped at least 25 times by 14 attackers before she was hosed down and dumped at a train station.

The SPA determined freeing Mohammed at the end of his 23-year sentence in early 2024 without any conditions would have posed an unacceptable risk to society. He is pictured outside the Skaf family home at Greenacre two days after his release

During her six-hour ordeal the woman was called an 'Aussie pig', told she was going to get it 'Leb-style' and asked if 'Leb c*** tasted better than Aussie c***'.

Weeks earlier, Mohammed lured another teenage girl to a park in Greenacre where she was pinned down and raped by Bilal and another man, while up to 12 other men watched on.

At the time of sentencing, Judge Michael Finnane described the rapes perpetrated by the Skafs as crimes normally only encountered 'in the context of wartime atrocities'.

The SPA determined freeing Mohammed at the end of his 23-year sentence in early 2024 without any conditions would have posed an unacceptable risk to society.

'This is the only opportunity to supervise a safe transition into the community in the small window of time that we have left,' SPA Chairman David Frearson SC said in a statement.

Bilal Skaf, now 40, will be eligible for parole in 2033.
China has lied and covered up key information during virtually every stage of its coronavirus response - from the initial outbreak to the number of cases and deaths, and is still not telling the truth, observers, experts and politicians have warned.

Beijing initially tried to cover up the virus by punishing medics who discovered it, denying it could spread person-to-person and delaying a lockdown of affected regions - meaning early opportunities to control the spread were lost.

Then, once the virus began spreading, the Communist Party began censoring public information about it and spread disinformation overseas - including suggesting that US troops could have been the initial carriers.

Even now, prominent politicians have warned that infection and death totals being reported by the regime are likely to be wrong - with locals in the epicenter of Wuhan suggesting the true tolls could be ten times higher.

Initial outbreak

Doctors in China, including Li Wenliang, began reporting the existence of a new type of respiratory infection that was similar to SARS in early December 2019.

But rather than publicise the reports and warn the public, Chinese police hauled Wenliang and eight of his colleagues who had been posting about the virus online in for questioning.

Wenliang, who would later die from the virus, was forced to sign a document admitting the information he published was false.

While China has been widely-praised for a draconian lockdown that helped slow the spread of the virus, evidence suggests that the country could have acted much quicker to prevent the spread.

Dr Li Wenliang, one of the first Chinese medics to report the existence of the new coronavirus, was forced by police to confess to spreading false data. He later died from the virus

Samples analysed as early as December 26 suggested a new type of SARS was circulating, the Washington Post reported, but Wuhan was not locked down until January 22 - almost a month later.

Wuhan's mayor also admitted an error that allowed 5million people to travel out of the city before the lockdown came into place without being checked for the virus, potentially helping it to spread.

Chinese authorities have also been reluctant to had over information on the country's 'patient zero' - or the first person known to have contracted the virus.

While Beijing claims the first infection took place on December 8, researchers have traced the virus back to at least December 1 and anecdotal evidence suggests it was spreading in November.

A lack of information about the first patient has meant scientists are still unclear how the disease made the leap from animals into humans.

Theories include that it could have been carried by a bat or pangolin that was sold at a market in Wuhan and then eaten by someone, but this has not been confirmed.

Early reports

Chinese authorities initially reported that the virus could not spread person-to-person, despite evidence that it was spreading rapidly through the city of Wuhan including doctors being infected by patients.

This was used as justification for keeping the city of Wuhan operating as normal through a major CCP conference that was held between January 11 and 17, with authorities claiming zero new cases in this period.

China did not confirm human-to-human transmission of the virus until late January, when large parts of Hubei province including Wuhan were put into lockdown.

Despite reporting the existence of a 'novel type of pneumonia' to the World Health Organisation on December 31, Wuhan's largest newspaper also made no mention of the virus until the week of January 20.

That meant people in the city were not taking precautions such as social distancing to stop it spreading.

It also meant that people had begun travelling for the Lunar New Year holiday, which was due to start on January 24 and sees millions of people visit relatives, spreading the virus further.

Furthermore, China delayed reports suggesting that some 14 per cent of patients who initially tested negative for the virus or who appeared to have recovered tested positive a second time, only confirming such cases in February.

That further hampered efforts at early containment of the virus in places such as Japan, where patients who tested negative on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship were allowed to leave - only to test positive later.

Authorities in Beijing were also slow to report the deaths of two doctors from the virus, including one who was killed on January 25 but whose death was not reported by state media until a month later.

The market was shut on January 1 after dozens of workers there had contracted the disease

Origin of the virus

Despite early admissions that the virus began in the city of Wuhan, China later back-tracked - even going so far as to suggest American troops had brought the infection over after visiting the province.

Lijian Zhao, a prominent official within the Chinese Foreign Ministry, tweeted out the claim on March 12 while providing no evidence to substantiate it.

'When did patient zero begin in US? How many people are infected? What are the names of the hospitals,' he wrote.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian accused American military members of bringing the coronavirus to Wuhan

Referencing a military athletics tournament in Wuhan in October, which US troops attended, he wrote: 'It might be US army who brought the epidemic to Wuhan.

'Be transparent! Make public your data! US owe us an explanation!'

In fact, America's 'patient zero' was a man who travelled from China to Washington State on January 15. The case was confirmed by the CDC six days later.

Chinese has also tried to push the theory that the virus originated in Italy, the country with the most deaths, by distorting a quote from an Italian doctor who suggested the country's first cases could have occurred much earlier than thought.

Zhao spread the theory in a tweet, while providing no evidence to back it up

Giuseppe Remuzzi said he is investigating strange cases of pneumonia as far back as December and November, months before the virus was known to have spread.

Chinese state media widely reported his comments while also suggesting that the virus could have originated in Italy.

In fact, Remuzzi says, there can be no doubt it started in Wuhan - but may have spread out of the province and across the world earlier than thought.

Infection total

China has reported a total of some 95,000 infections from coronavirus, and at points has claimed a domestic infection rate of zero for several days in a row - even as it eased lockdown restrictions in placed like Hubei.

But, by the country's own admission, the virus is likely still spreading - via people who have few or no symptoms.

Beijing-based outlet Caixin reported that 'a couple to over 10 cases of covert infections of the virus are being detected' in China every day, despite not showing up in official data.

Meanwhile foreign governments have heaped scorn on China's infection reporting cannot be trusted.

Marco Rubio, a prominent Republican senator and former presidential candidate from the US, tweeted that 'we have NO IDEA how many cases China really has' after the US infection total passed Beijing's official figure.

'Without any doubt it's significantly more than what they admit to,' he added.

Meanwhile the UK government has also cast doubt on China's reporting, with Conservative minister and former Prime Ministerial candidate Michael Gove claiming the Communist Party could not be trusted.

'Some of the reporting from China was not clear about the scale, the nature, the infectiousness of this [virus],' he told the BBC.

Meanwhile sources told the Mail that China's true infection total could be anything up to 40 times as high as reports had suggested.

Marco Rubio, a prominent Republican senator, has said that China's figures cannot be trusted and a far higher than has been reported

Death total

Doubt has also been cast on China's reported death toll from the virus.

Locals in epicenter city Wuhan have been keeping an eye on funeral homes since lockdown restrictions were partly lifted, claiming they have been 'working around the clock' to dispose of bodies.

China has reported a few thousand deaths from the virus, but social media users in Wuhan have suggested the toll could be in excess of 42,000

Social media posts estimate that 3,500 urns are being handed out by crematoriums each day, while Caixin reports that one funeral home in the city placed an order for 5,000 urns.

Locals believe that efforts to dispose of the bodies began March 23 and city authorities have said the process will end on or around April 5.

That would mean roughly 42,000 urns handed out in that time frame, ten times the reported figure.

Chinese aid packages

As it brought its own coronavirus epidemic under control and as the disease spread across the rest of the world, China attempted to paint itself as a helpful neighbour by sending aid and supplies to countries most in need - such as Italy.

In fact, while the Chinese Red Cross supplied some free equipment to the Italians, the country purchased a large amount of what it received.

Meanwhile officials in Spain said that a batch of coronavirus testing kits bought from China had just 30 per cent reliability - unlike the 80 per cent they were promised.

China has said it is willing to help supply the world with much needed aid and supplies, but has been accused of hoarding protective equipment and selling test kits that don't work

China is also the world's largest manufacturer of disposable masks of the kind being worn to slow the spread of the virus by people while out in public.

But as the disease began gathering speed in the country in January, China began limiting exports of the masks while also buying up supplies from other countries, the New York Times reported.

As well as halting virtually all exports of masks, China also bought up some 56million masks and respirators from overseas while fears of a pandemic were still far off.

Despite reports from US mask manufacturers of factories in Shanghai being effectively nationalised, China denies it has any such policy in place and has said it is 'willing to strengthen international cooperation' on the issue.
A Native American law student at Yale says hes being pressured into apologizing by a former Obama aide turned diversity tsar for sending a party invite that described the location as a trap house.'

The September 15 invite was deemed triggering by Yales director of diversity and inclusion Yaseen Eldik, who previously worked in the Obama administration's White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnership.

The student who sent it has spoken to DailyMail.com about his ordeal, but did not wish to be identified over fears for his future career prospects.

He said he is being further persecuted for being a member of the Federalist Society, a group of conservative and libertarian lawyers who advocate for an 'originalist' interpretation of the US Constitution, with the Society itself founded at Yale.

His invitation to a September 18 party was sent to members of the elite schools Native American Law Students Association (NALSA).

Sup NALSA, the note said. Hope youre feeling social! This Friday at 7:30, well be christening our very own (soon to be) world-renowned NALSA Trap House by throwing a Constitution Day bash in collaboration with FedSoc.

Planned attractions include Popeyes chicken, basic-b**ch-American-themed snacks (like apple pie), a cocktail station, assorted hard and soft beverages, and (most importantly) the opportunity to attend the NALSA Trap Houses inaugural mixer!

The above invite triggered some recipients, who said it contained racially insensitive language

The note was sent to members of Yale Law School's Native American Law Students Association

A trap house is a term used to describe a place in a sketchy part of town where illegal drugs are sold.

The party host met on September 16 with Eldik, who pressured the student to apologize to facilitate community healing over the invite after it triggered nine complaints in a matter of hours.

Yale Law School associate dean Ellen Cosgrove, who also attended the meeting, warned that the situation could escalate without reconciliation.

The student told DailyMail.com that he didnt realize chicken would be considered an offensive dish  nor did he realize the triggering effects of trap house- until hearing Eldiks explainer.

Yales director of diversity and inclusion Yaseen Eldik encouraged the student to apologize

During yesterdays meeting, which the student recorded, Eldik said the latter phrase resulted in complaints from several students.

In one paradigm you would think about the word trap through the lens of a crack den or crack house, Eldik said during the recorded meeting.

The racial association with that connotation would be bound up in some of the drug use that has been historically associated with poor black communities in this country.

Eldik added that the offer to serve fried chicken was used to undermine arguments that structural or systemic racism have contributed to health disparities in the US.

But the student who sent the invite insisted he had no such intentions, and merely wanted to highlight one of his favorite snacks, which he planned on serving.

There have been offhanded comments about why black communities tend to be overweight, Eldik said. Theres a lot of racism tied into the using the words fried chicken with trap.

Eldik encouraged the student to apologize for his use of language - and even offered to help draft a letter - but the student was reluctant to do so, saying he'd rather have face-to-face conversations.

Yale Law School associate dean Ellen Cosgrove warned that the situation could 'escalate'

But Eldik seemed keen to have the correspondence on the record, and warned that failing to address the issue could have consequences.



I worry about this lingering over your own reputation as a person, not just here, but when you leave,' he said. 'The legal community is a small one.'

Added Cosgrove: 'In a situation like this, people start to escalate and the more it escalates, the more rigid it might get in terms of what the expectations are. Defusing it is always the most effective way to go.'

Classmates were also critical of the student's language.

The Black Law Students Association's president said she objected to the event's association with the Federalist Society.

'I guess celebrating whiteness wasnt enough,' she wrote in a student forum. "Yall had to upgrade to cosplay/black face.'

The student has not issued an apology, and said his critics are now trying to have him kicked off the school's NALSA board.

He said he was surprised the party invitation snowballed into such a scandal.

'To me now, a trap house is a party house,' he said. 'The vibe was high school kids drinking in their mom's basement, or a frat house but without the frat.'

A law school spokesperson said that while Yale respects free speech, its Dean of Students works to resolve conflicts within the student community.

'Yale University and Yale Law School have strong free speech protections, and no student is investigated or sanctioned for protected speech,' the spokesperson said in a statement to DailyMail.com.

'When the Law School receives complaints about offensive communications, the Dean of Students routinely tries to help students talk to one another and resolve their disagreements within the community. At no time was any disciplinary investigation launched or disciplinary action taken in this matter.'
An Alabama bigamist convicted of murdering his estranged wife, her unborn baby, two children and his spouse's mother in law was sentenced to death on Thursday.

Christopher Henderson, 46, was convicted of 15 counts of capital murder and received the death penalty by Madison County Circuit Judge Chris Comer following the jury's 11-1 vote.

In 2015 Henderson either stabbed or shot five victims to death at their home in New Market, Alabama, and then set the house ablaze. He is said to have done so after Henderson filed for divorce on finding out he was still married to his first wife Rhonda Carlson, 48, who helped plot the horrific bloodbath.

Autopsy reports revealed that Henderson shot his second wife Kristin Smallwood Henderson, who was nine months pregnant with the couple's unborn daughter, in the neck and stabbed her several times.

Christopher Henderson (pictured), 46, was convicted of 15 counts of capital murder and received the death penalty following the jury's 11-1 vote. In 2015 he murdered his pregnant wife and four of her relatives in their Alabama home and then set the house ablaze

The jury of 12 deliberated for a total of 14 hours over two days until they reached Henderson's guilty verdict

He then cut the full-term female fetus from her body and stabbed it. Dr Steven Dunton with the Alabama Department of Forensic Services said the autopsy showed the fetus had multiple sharp-force injuries.

According to Inside Edition, Kristin's mother Carol Jean Smallwood was shot several times and stabbed in the eyes.

Kristin's eight-year-old son Clayton Chambers, whose father was not Henderson, was also stabbed. A medical examiner testified this week that Clayton was still alive when Henderson poured gasoline throughout the house and set it on fire. He died in the ensuing blaze.

Kristin's nephew, one-year-old Eli was stabbed many times, too, but his cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the autopsies.

Henderson committed the murders with the help of his first wife Rhonda Carlson, 48, who testified against her lover to avoid the death penalty in her own capital murder trial, Inside Edition reported.

Autopsy reports revealed that Henderson shot his pregnant second wife Kristin Smallwood Henderson (left) in the neck and stabbed her several times. Kristin's eight-year-old son Clayton Chambers (right), whose father was not Henderson, was also stabbed and a medical examiner testified the boy was still alive when Henderson set the house ablaze

In a twisted sequence of events Henderson then cut the full-term fetus (pictured in ultrasound) from Kristin's body and stabbed his unborn daughter

Henderson's first wife Rhonda Carlson said that when plotting the crime, she initially discussed keeping Kristin's (left with Henderson) baby but she didn't want to be a mother again

Carlson admitted to helping plan the killings but denied participating in the slayings.

Carlson said that she and Henderson initially discussed keeping Kristin's baby but she decided she did not want to be a mother again. Carlson and Henderson have a daughter together.

Henderson committed the murders with the help of his first wife Rhonda Carlson (pictured), 48, who testified against her lover to avoid the death penalty in her own capital murder trial

Henderson agreed, saying the baby 'would just end up whining like her mom'. Carlson will be sentenced to life in prison.

The jury of 12 deliberated for a total of 14 hours over two days until they reached Henderson's guilty verdict on all 15 capital murder charges.

Henderson has been held without bond until today's hearing.

The judge also had the choice to sentence the killer to life in prison without parole, because Henderson was charged for the crime before lawmakers took away the option for judges to override the sentencing recommendation of jurors in capital cases.

Speaking in court Henderson addressed the victims' relatives and his own and said: 'I'd like to give my deepest apologies to the family.

'This is an event that should've never happened. I'd also like to apologize to my mom and my daughter.'

Judge Comer said: 'Mr Henderson...may God have mercy on your soul. May God provide peace to the families of this tragedy.'

Kristen Henderson's one-year-old nephew Eli (pictured) was also stabbed many times but his cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the autopsy report

Eli (left) and Clayton (right) were two of the victims found dead in the fire. Clayton lived in the home with his mother Kristin, Henderson and his grandparents - Kristin's parents, who owned the home

Kristin's mother Carol Jean Smallwood (pictured) was shot and stabbed in the eyes

Kristin's sister Kelly Smallwood Sokolowski told the judge about the loss of her family members and only child, Eli. She said: 'My daddy passed away in September of last year and I had a dream and my daddy was holding Eli in that dream. I know that I will see them again.'

Kristin's brother Keith Smallwood said the victims were good people. 'These were people that were happy to be alive and part of a strong family that we all loved each other, so it's been hard.

'But...we've been resolute because we know where they are and we know they're smiling.'

Earlier in the trial Keith testified that Henderson, Kristin and Clayton moved back to Alabama from Michigan and into Kristin's parents' home on St Clair Lane. They lived there for several months but had relationship issues.

According to News 19 Henderson was kicked out of the house in June 2015 and the family changed the locks. In July 2015 Henderson filed for divorce and Kristin filed for a protection order against Henderson later that month.

On July 31 she filed another notice to the court saying a divorce wasn't necessary, according to court documents. Kristin had found out that her supposed husband was still married to Carlson, and petitioned the court to withdraw the divorce based on the fact that her husband was still married to his first wife and their marriage wouldn't be legal.

Kristin's siblings Keith Smallwood (left) and Kelly Smallwood Sokolowski (right) testified this week and Kelly spoke on losing her family members and only son, Eli. 'My daddy passed away in September of last year and I had a dream and my daddy was holding Eli in that dream. I know that I will see them again,' she said

Henderson and Carlson reportedly wed in February 2013. Henderson then married Kristin in September 2014.

'He has lied about everything since we met,' she wrote in the filing. She was granted the order of protection based on her testimony that he had hit her.

On August 4, 2015 - less than a week after Kristin filed for a court order to keep Henderson away from the residence - the five victims' bodies were found.

Henderson had married Kristin without divorcing Carlson. Six years later - on July 15, 2021 - Carlson turned on her husband and made a plea deal with prosecutors to testify against Henderson in exchange for avoiding the death penalty.

Since the start of the trial defense attorney Bruce Gardner argued that Carlson was the one with the victims' blood on her hands.

Although home security footage showed Henderson wearing black gloves at the scene the day of the killings and house fire, Gardner said Carlson was the one who planned the murders and had the motive to do so.

According to News 19 Gardner called prosecutors' deal with Carlson to testify against Henderson 'a deal with the devil'.

Before the sentence was final Gardner had also asked the jury to give Henderson mercy, arguing it was not fair to put Henderson to death if Carlson wouldn't be given the same punishment.

Henderson and Kristin reportedly had a rocky relationship. He filed for divorce in July 2015 and Kristin filed for a protection order against Henderson later that month before discovering he was still married to Carlson
A U.S. Air Force airman has been found guilty of murder after kidnapping and shooting a New Mexico Mennonite teacher in the back of the head.

Sasha Krause, 27, was abducted by Mark Gooch, 22, from the Farmington Mennonite Church, where she had been gathering materials for Sunday school on January 18 2020.

Krause's body, which had been beaten and bound with duct tape, was found dumped in a Flagstaff, Arizona forest about 300 miles away from her hometown, on February 21.

The disgraced airman was convicted on first-degree murder charges and is now said to be facing up to life in prison at his next sentencing with the Coconino County Superior Court on November 24.

'Through some hard work, the community will be a safer place tonight,' Coconino County Attorney William Ring said in a statement.

Gooch was formerly raised in a Mennonite community in Wisconsin before later rejecting the religion and joining the U.S. Air Force.

His motive was not confirmed but prosecutors suspect he may have attached Krause because she represented the church he left behind..

U.S. Air Force airman Mark Gooch, 22, has been convicted of first-degree murder for kidnapping and shooting New Mexico Mennonite teacher Sasha Krause

The former airman was said to have shown no emotion when his verdict was announced as he stood in military stance with his one hand resting over the other behind his back

Sasha Krause, 27, was abducted by Mark Gooch, 22, from the Farmington Mennonite Church, where she had been gathering materials for Sunday school on January 18 2020

During his trial, half the courtroom was filled at times with Krause's parents and others who shared in the conservative Christian faith, including the general manager of the Farmington publishing ministry where Krause worked.

Paul Kaufman said Wednesday his heart goes out to both families and the community doesn't want to be vindictive toward Gooch.

'We desire his complete repentance, that he would turn from darkness to light,' Kaufman said.

Jurors heard 10 days of testimony from those who knew Krause and investigated her disappearance.

They heard from ballistics experts who disagreed on whether the bullet taken from her skull was fired from a .22-caliber rifle Gooch owned.

They also heard from Gooch's father, Jim, but they did not hear from the defendant.

Gooch showed no emotion when the verdict was announced as he stood in a military stance, with one hand resting over the other behind his back.

Krause's body was found near Sunset Crater National Monument in Arizona where she was also found beaten and bound with duct tape on February 21

Krause was last seen in Farmington, New Mexico, on January 18, and her body was found 250 miles away in Coconino County, Arizona, on February 24

As he left the courtroom, he looked at two family members who sat behind him.

Coconino County Superior Court Judge Cathleen Brown Nichols separately convicted Gooch of a misdemeanor charge of theft, related to Krause's belongings.

Gooch's attorney, Bruce Griffen, tried to raise reasonable doubt among the jury by pointing to a lack of forensic evidence and to testimony about another car seen in the Mennonite community the day Krause went missing.

Griffen said Gooch was peaceful and volunteered information to a detective who interviewed him at Luke Air Force Base in metropolitan Phoenix, where he was stationed.

'The circumstantial evidence from my perspective was substantial, and the jury perhaps concluded that the circumstantial evidence was enough to outweigh those problems,' he said Wednesday.

Sean Clements, a spokesman for the air base, said proceedings would begin soon to discharge Gooch from the Air Force following his conviction.

Krause had been preparing a Sunday school lesson at Farmington Mennonite Church before she disappeared

Jim Gooch testified that his son left the Mennonite faith and joined the military because he lacked a converted heart - words that prosecutor Ammon Barker drew on during closing arguments.

'What the scripture says is you turn from darkness to light,' Jim Gooch said.

'What it says is you've decided to follow the lord with your entire heart and with the tenets of the scripture would call for.'

Krause taught school for six years at a Grandview, Texas, Mennonite community before moving to Farmington less than two years before she died.

She was a person of deep faith who found great joy in working with children and learning, her father Bob Krause told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

'She was always studying something, especially languages, which came almost naturally to her," he said.

Gooch's father Jim also testified that his son left the Mennonite faith to join the military

'She loved words: big words, funny words, poetry, classics and nursery stories - very word-oriented but not garrulous.'

The last stanza in a poem she wrote titled 'I do not walk alone' perhaps was about passing in old age, he said, but 'it is amazingly apt to what seems to have happened to her.'

Her full poem read: 'When stress + fear shall take their toll, When cruel tyrants grasp my soul, When death + all its horrors roll, I shall not walk alone.'

For Sasha Krause's headstone, her family chose the words: 'She did not walk alone.'

No one saw Krause being taken from the community or killed.

When the camper found her body near Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, her wrists were bound with duct tape, she had suffered blunt force trauma and she had a gunshot wound in the back of her head.

Authorities used cellphone and financial records, and surveillance video to tie Gooch to the crimes.

Barker said Gooch was driven by a resentment for Mennonites, partly displayed through text messages with his brothers.

Gooch's attorney Bruce Griffen points to his client during the October 13 trial who he claimed was 'peaceful' and tried to raise reasonable doubt among the jury due to the lack of evidence

Prosecutor Ammon Barker gave closing arguments to the jury during another trial on October 18 2021

Authorities found inconsistencies in Gooch's story when he talked to a sheriff's detective shortly before he was arrested in April 2020.

They said Goochs cellphone was the only device that communicated with the same cell sites as Krauses phone before her signal dropped off west of Farmington.

Coconino County Sheriff's Detective Lauren Nagele said the hundreds of hours spent on the investigation and the jury's decision brought justice for Krause and her family.

'The verdict unfortunately cannot bring Sasha back, but it does protect our society by preventing Mark Gooch from ever murdering another innocent person,' she said in a statement.

The San Juan County Sheriff's Office in New Mexico, which investigated her disappearance, said it will pursue a separate kidnapping charge against Gooch since the case originated in that state.
Huge crowds have queued up outside a regional medical clinic in the hope of securing a Covid-19 vaccine medical exemption - with police even called to disperse crowds.

Up to 300 people were seen gathering outside a doctor's office in regional Victoria, on Wednesday, followed by a further large crowd on Thursday.

Witnesses claimed many in the crowd travelled to the small regional city amid rumours a GP was providing exemptions - something that the doctor dismissed in a message published on his website.

The bizarre rush comes as about a million authorised workers in Victoria have a deadline of October 15 to secure one dose of the jab or a valid medical exemption.

About one hundred people were seen gathering outside a doctor's office in the Colac suburb of Elliminyt, about 150km southwest of Melbourne on Wednesday (pictured)

Victoria Police Acting Sergeant Melissa Seach said police received reports of a large number of people 'gathering outside the clinic for vaccination exemptions' on Thursday.

Sergeant Seach told the Geelong Advertiser travelling from the city into regional Victoria to obtain a vaccination exemption is not a valid reason to leave home.

Lines of parked cars on either side of the road stretched for hundreds of metres from the practice driveway, while others stood in long queues outside the clinic doors.

One patient recalled seeing 'people and cars everywhere' and said they were forced to ask the woman standing behind them what was going on.

The woman responded 'We're here for the Covid'.

The patient said they had assumed the queues were people waiting to get a jab and was shocked to realise some in the crowd had the opposite intent.

'I'm really, really p***ed off. 'I've done the right thing for 18 months and I sat in a room with people who don't give a s**t,' they said.

Lines of parked cars on either side of the road stretched for hundreds of metres from the practice driveway (pictured), while others stood in long queues outside the clinic doors

A booking website for the doctor issued a capitalised note to patients on Wednesday: 'SORRY!!! NO MORE JAB EXEMPTIONS, HELP YOURSELVES THE BEST YOU CAN :('.

A booking website for the dopctor issued a capitalised note to patients on Wednesday in red: 'SORRY!!! NO MORE JAB EXEMPTIONS, HELP YOURSELVES THE BEST YOU CAN :('

Victoria recorded 2,297 new cases of Covid-19 and 11 deaths on Wednesday - the highest case numbers Australia has seen in a single day.
Alcohol home delivery service Jimmy Brings will face an investigation after it was revealed it delivered three bottles of wine day to a man's house almost every day for weeks before he died.

Liquor and Gaming NSW had previously reviewed the man's death in June 2018 but told The Sydney Morning Herald it was reopening the investigation after analysis of Jimmy Brings' sales data showed the man's orders increased substantially in the fortnight before he died.

The 49-year-old man's order included bottles of wine and spirits delivered nearly every day, including two identical orders within 10 minutes of each other.

It's believed the man spent about $24,000 with the service in the three years preceding his death on nearly 300 orders.

The investigation will determine whether the service, which promises to home deliver alcohol within 30 minutes, may have breached responsible service of alcohol rules

More than 3000 businesses in NSW now hold an online liquor licence, with many bottle shops and smaller venues permitted to home deliver during Covid lockdowns

BONDI MAN'S DRINKS ORDER * Almost 300 orders with Jimmy Brings in three years before his death in June 2018 * Spent around $24,000 * Sometimes multiple orders on the one day, including an identical one 10 minutes apart * Up to three bottles of wine in one day in weeks before he died Advertisement

The investigation will determine whether the service, which promises to home deliver alcohol within 30 minutes, may have breached responsible service of alcohol rules.

Online purchases of alcohol for home delivery grew markedly during the Covid pandemic, as people were restricted to their homes. One figures suggests more than 8.6 per cent of all liquor sales will be made online by 2023, compared with four per cent in 2018.

More than 3000 businesses in NSW now hold an online liquor licence, with many bottle shops and smaller venues permitted to home deliver during Covid lockdowns.

New rules came in effect from last July which addressed concerns online delivery services were being used by minors and intoxicated people who might not be served were they drinking in a licensed venue.

The rules make it an offence to sell packaged alcohol to a minor or an intoxicated person, with fines up to $11,000.

Further laws were introduced for same day delivery operators such as Jimmy Brings requiring them to support drivers to check a person's age and ID and ensure alcohol is delivered to the person who made the order, or an adult at the same premises who agrees to accept it on their behalf.

Delivery people must also undergo Responsible Supply of Alcohol Training.

Same day deliveries were also restricted to the hours of 9am-midnight, Monday to Saturday, and 9am-11pm on Sunday.

A spokesperson for Endeavour group, who own Jimmy Brings as well as outlets BWS and Dan Murphy's, told the Herald the group sought to 'exceed' it obligations in terms of compliance with the laws.

'All Endeavour Group (including Jimmy Brings) drivers are trained in the responsible service of alcohol and all same day alcohol deliveries must be delivered to an adult over the age of 18 years and who is not intoxicated,' it said.

Do you know more? Email tips@dailymail.com
Robert Durst was sentenced to life in prison today for the 2000 murder of his best friend Susan Berman, who he shot dead in a gangland-style execution so that she couldn't reveal what she knew about his wife Kathie's 1982 disappearance.

For the first-degree murder of Berman with intention of killing a witness, 78-year-old Durst was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole at the Inglewood Courthouse in Los Angeles Superior Court.

The court heard how Berman's death left a permanent hole in the lives of family members who remembered her Thursday for her adventurousness, creativity and deep love and loyalty.

'It has been a daily, soul-consuming and crushing experience,' Sareb Kaufman, who considered Berman his mother after his father dated her, said in a powerful victim impact statement. 'I've lost everything many times over because of him.'

The killing had been a mystery that haunted family and friends for 15 years before Durst was arrested in 2015 following his unwise decision to participate in a documentary that unearthed new evidence and caught him in a stunning confession.

Robert Durst (pictured today in court) was sentenced to life in prison for the 2000 murder of his best friend Susan Berman

For the first-degree murder of Berman with intention of killing a witness, Durst was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole

He killed Berman (pictured together) in a gangland-execution style murder in her Los Angeles home in 2000

Durst, who has numerous medical issues and sat in a wheelchair wearing brown jail scrubs, said nothing.

His eyes were wide open, and he had a catatonic stare when he entered the courtroom and barely looked over at Kaufman and three of Berman's cousins when they spoke.

'As Susan Berman's family have described for us, Susan Berman was an extraordinary human. I personally wish I could have known her,' Superior Court Judge Mark Windham, who sentenced Durst, told the court.

'This is indeed a horrific crime.' Durst's sentencing came as New York prosecutors prepare to bring charges against him over Kathie's disappearance almost four decades ago.

Prosecutors chose not to seek the death penalty for Durst, who evaded justice for more than two decades for Berman's brutal slaying and is also long suspected of murdering Kathie and his former neighbor Morris Black.

'You didn't just murder Kathy, or Morris, or Susan, you also murdered me,' Kaufman said. 'You murdered the person I was. All his dreams are gone. He no longer exists.'

Since the murder 21 years ago, Kaufman said there's not been a single day when Berman has not consumed nearly every of his thoughts.

He said his life has not been the same.

'All I can say is at 47, I'm still in the same type of job, never advanced,' he told the court.

'No wife, no children, and almost no family because of what Robert has done... Since my mother's murder, it has been a daily soul consuming and crushing experience.'

Kaufman's life was derailed in his mid-20s when Berman was killed and he found himself responsible for taking care of her estate.

He said he spent months packing up her house, returning to the murder scene where her matted hair was still on the floor amid the bloody paw prints of her dogs.

He spoke bitterly of the experience and having to store her belongings in his tiny apartment, but didn't mention it was there that crucial piece of evidence - the letter confirming a match with the 'cadaver note' was found.

Sareb Kaufman, who considered Berman his mother, said Durst destroyed his life

Durst, sitting in a wheelchair, was flanked by lawyers during the sentencing

The victim's relative Grace Berman, speaking through tears, said she wished Durst no ill will.

'As a matter of fact, I would like Bobby to live many, many, years; to be on record for the longest living predator, ever,' she told the judge.

'And with each breath... from right now on, when you breathe in, you will hear Susan. When you exhale, you will hear Berman, and the ringing in your ears may never stop.'

Deni Marcus, who grew up with Berman and considered her to be a sister, told the court of how she robbed of an 'absolutely extraordinary, unforgettable, brilliant person whose life was savagely taken from her.'

'She was always so supportive and wonderful,' she said. 'She would make my grey days a lot less grey.'

She said she does not hate Durst.

'Hate was never on my wheelhouse or hers,' she told the court. 'Hate cannot enter my life, no matter what. She always made sure that I knew that hate serves no purpose.'

Grace Berman said she hopes Durst becomes the longest living predator on record

Deni Marcus, who considered Berman a sister, said she can't bring herself to hate Durst

Durst's defense team filed a motion requesting a new trial last month citing the delay in his trial - caused in part by the pandemic - and insufficient evidence.

The request was denied Thursday, with the judge rejecting arguments there was insufficient evidence or that he ruled incorrectly on 15 issues.

Durst testified he didn't kill either woman, but he said on cross-examination that he would lie if he had. 'You said the court erred so many times it made me feel self-conscious,' Windham joked.

Windham said there was overwhelming evidence and prosecutors proved guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at least five ways, including devastating revelations during Durst's cross-examination and an admission he made in the climax of the six-part documentary, 'The Jinx: The Life and Crimes of Robert Durst.'

During the trial, prosecutors said Durst had also killed Kathie - despite him never facing charges and the trial being Berman's murder.

They used Kathie's alleged murder as a motive for Durst to kill his longtime friend and confidante.

The jury also upheld the special circumstances allegation that Berman was killed because of her knowledge about Kathie's disappearance.

Durst was accused of shooting Berman point-blank in the back of her head after New York authorities reopened the investigation into Kathie's disappearance in 2000 and wanted to speak to her about the case.

In September, Prosecutor Habib Balian showed jurors a latex mask that Durst was found with when he was arrested at a New Orleans hotel in March 2015

Prosecutors said Berman knew too much about what happened to Kathie and so she was silenced.

Berman is thought to have helped Durst cover his tracks after his wife's disappearance, posing as Kathie to phone her medical school to say she was sick on the morning after she was last seen alive.

This led investigators to believe Durst's version of events that he saw her board a train to New York City on the night of January 31 1982 after they spent the weekend at their home in South Salem, Westchester County.

He claimed he spoke to his wife when she arrived at their Manhattan penthouse and had cocktails with his neighbor later that night.

Investigators later found no evidence of Kathie ever boarding the train or arriving into New York and Durst later confessed to lying about their phone call and his drinks with a neighbor.

Superior Court Judge Mark Windham sentenced Durst, now 78, at the Inglewood Courthouse

Real estate heir Durst is the lead suspect in Kathie's 1982 disappearance

Kathie's body was never found.

During the sentencing, Berman's cousin implored Durst to disclose the location of his wife's body.

'He should let us know where Kathie's body is so her family can get some closure,' he told the court.

Durst testified over 15 days during his trial, nine of them under cross-examination.

He claimed he discovered Berman's body when he went to visit her but did not call police for fear he would be accused of her murder.

He also finally confessed to writing a letter sent to the LAPD alerting them to Berman's dead body in her Benedict Canyon home on Christmas Eve 2000.

David Berman, the victim's cousin, implored Durst to disclose the location of his wife's body

Kathie and Robert Durst pictured together. She vanished in 1982 and has not been seen since

The letter told cops there was a 'cadaver' at the address and Beverly Hills was spelled incorrectly.

Durst denied for years that it was him who sent the letter before finally admitting at his trial - but claiming it was because he discovered his friend already murdered and didn't want to leave her body undiscovered.

Durst was also charged - and acquitted in 2005 - of the 2001 murder of Morris Black (above) who he admitted dismembering

Prosecutors also argued Durst was adept in the art of deception, showing jurors a latex mask he was found with when he was arrested at a New Orleans hotel in March 2015.

As the Durst Organization heir, his entanglement in the disappearance of his wife, death and dismemberment of his neighbor, and execution of his best friend has hit headlines for years.

But he evaded prosecution for years.

Prosecutors credited the documentary The Jinx: The Life And Deaths Of Robert Durst for his eventual downfall.

After being caught in a lie about a note he penned directing police to Berman's lifeless body, Durst went into a bathroom and muttered to himself on a live microphone, 'You're caught.' He later said, 'Killed them all, of course.'

Filmmakers confronted him with a note police received that had Berman's address and only the word 'cadaver.' It was addressed in block letters and misspelled Beverly Hills as 'Beverley.'

Durst said only the killer could have written it, and it wasn't him. He was then shown a letter he once wrote Berman in the same handwriting and Beverly misspelled the same way.

This comparison was presented at Durst's trial.

Durst testified that he regretted participating in the documentary.

The trial began in March 2020 and was adjourned for 14 months as the coronavirus pandemic swept the U.S. and courts were closed. It resumed in May with the jury that reached its verdict September 17.

Seven of the jurors returned to witness the sentencing.

Berman, the daughter of a Las Vegas mobster and a writer, was Durst's longtime confidante from college days.

She told friends and Durst she was preparing to speak with police about the reinvestigation of his wife's disappearance shortly before she was killed.

Kathie Durst has never been found. Robert Durst has never been charged with a crime related to her disappearance.

But following his conviction in Berman's death, which relied on evidence that he killed his wife, a New York prosecutor is prepared now to seek charges against him in her death, a person familiar with the matter - but who was not authorized to speak publicly about an ongoing investigation and did so on condition of anonymity - told The Associated Press.

Durst's family had hoped to present statements to the court Thursday about their loss, but prosecutors denied the request, according to emails sent to their lawyer.

Attorney Robert Abrams, who showed up at the hearing. said the McCormack family was disappointed, and he was outraged.

'The family is not going to go travel 3,000 miles to be a prop in some Hollywood production and sit there and not be able to make their victim impact statements,' Abrams said. 'This is not some movie where it's gross spectacle. This is their lives, and they've suffered for 40 years.'

Deputy District Attorney John Lewin, Kaufman and others pleaded with Durst now to tell the McCormack family where she was buried.

'I hope in your final days and hours you will ... give the McCormacks what little they are asking for: to find Kathie, to lay her to rest appropriately, finally and at long last,' Kaufman said. 'This is the most important question that still haunts us.'

Durst is the grandson of Joseph Durst, who founded the Durst Organization, one of Manhattan's largest commercial real estate firms, and is said to have a $100 million fortune.

Davy Berman, whose family took in his his cousin after her father died, said he had gone to see her grave before the sentencing.

'I visited her and told her she could rest easy,' he said as his voice cracked. 'That justice has been done.'
A Detroit high school was forced to close early on Tuesday after a massive brawl erupted in the canteen, with chairs being flung and one hitting a police officer in the head.

The fight at East English Village Preparatory Academy had been weeks in the making, sources told Fox 2.

Students at the modern magnet high school filmed the wild scenes on their phones, with students screaming as they ran around in the chaos.

Punches were thrown, and other students either piled in and threw chairs or else yelled encouragement from the sidelines.

Some stood on tables to film the chaos.

A huge brawl erupted on Tuesday at East English Village Preparatory Academy in Detroit

Trash cans were overturned and chairs were used as missiles during the lunchtime fight

Students filmed on their cell phones as chaotic scenes unfolded in the canteen on Tuesday

Footage shared on social media showed the screaming students throwing punches and chairs

The four school security officers were overwhelmed and called the police: an officer appeared to be hit in the head by a flying chair

Trash cans were overturned and the four security officers at the school were overwhelmed, leading them to call the Detroit police.

When the officers arrived, sirens blazing, one was hit in the head with a flying chair.

WDIV-TV (Channel 4) reported multiple students were arrested but Chrystal Wilson, a spokeswoman for the district, said she had no information on Tuesday night on arrests.

No one was seriously injured in the fights, the district said in its statement.

'After the school was settled and students returned to their classrooms, a police investigation into the fights determined that it could be gang related and additional fights could occur,' the Detroit Public Schools District said.

'To ensure the safety of all students and staff, a structured and controlled early dismissal process was used.'

The schools district and headmaster, Larry Gray, are yet to respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment.

Police are seen outside the school on Tuesday in footage filmed by WDIV

A heavy police presence was seen at the school on Tuesday afternoon, and classes cancelled

Beverly Johnson, a parent, told Click On Detroit that the problem had been brewing for a while.

'Every day since school has been in, it's been ongoing,' she said.

'Fight, people bringing weapons. They fight all day in school.

'Parents bring other kids up here to fight kids. It's out of control.

'My baby called me and told me that she couldn't breathe and that she was on the way to her next class and they pepper-sprayed her.'

The school will hold sessions with parents and pupils this week to try and get to the bottom of the trouble.

The school, in a rapidly-gentrifying suburb of Motor City, was refurbished nine years ago at a cost of $43 million, with a state-of-the-art computer labs, an auditorium, gym and classrooms.

Students are seen sitting outside the school, seemingly with their hands cuffed behind their backs

The school, in a gentrifying area of Detroit, is a magnet school and widely praised for its modern facilities

'Our kids in Detroit, they deserve to have facilities like this,' said Keith Johnson, a retired president of the Detroit Federation of Teachers. He told Bridge Michigan that the school was exemplary.

Isiah Williams, head of the New Era Detroit community organizing group, is appealing for local people to join his volunteer group

The school is ranked fifth of 14 in the district, according to US News. Students are 99.2 per cent black, and the students do not come from affluent families: 90 per cent receive free school meals.

Isiah Williams, head of the New Era Detroit community organizing group, said Tuesday's violence was 'unacceptable, and preventable'.

He told Fox 2 that they wanted more local people to join their task force to patrol the school area and talk to parents and students.

'For us it's important to tackle these things exactly where they start,' said Williams.

'We have to get more ears in these rooms and in these schools to hear about the gang activity and stuff that's going on, to build relationships with kids - so they understand at the end of the day, you're a kid. You've got a lot of life to live.

Williams, pictured right with other members of the New Era Detroit group, said that early intervention was key to preventing violence like that seen on Tuesday

'Is what you're doing right now worth the next 10 years of your life being taken away from you? Twenty years of your life being stripped from you?

'And having honest conversations.'

Williams said there should be more early intervention, to stop the problems escalating.

'There should be programs like ours set in place in schools to resolve a lot of these conflicts before they happen,' he said.

'Build relationships on the ground so that we don't get to the point where we have a bunch of police officers running and tackling kids inside a school.'
Josh Duggar, who has been charged receiving and possessing child sexual abuse images, previously went to a Christian treatment center for addiction

Josh Duggar may be heading to prison for allegedly receiving and possessing child sexual abuse images, but when he confessed to having a pornography 'addiction' in 2015, he addressed the problem privately by checking into a Christian treatment center for addiction.

Now 33, Josh had just welcomed his fourth child when he publicly admitted to 'a secret addiction' of 'viewing pornography on the Internet'  which, at the time, was presumed to involve only adult imagery  and was promptly flown to the Reformers Unanimous residential treatment center in Rockford, Illinois.

Josh spent six months in a shared room at the $7,500-per-month facility with no access to email or cell phones, and passed his time in prayer, reading the Bible, and attending mandatory church services and meetings.

But though the program aims to help people nurture 'the relationship with Christ necessary to enjoy their freedom from the power of sin,' one of its own former counselors, Pastor Jack Allen Schaap, had pleaded guilty to one felony count of criminal sexual assault stemming from the statutory rape of an underage girl on multiple occasions.

Josh checked into the treatment center in August of 2015 after a leak of user information for the cheating website Ashley Madison was found to include Josh's name.

At the time, he admitted to being unfaithful and watching pornography, saying he was 'ashamed' of his 'double life' and 'personal failings.'

Confession: Josh publicly admitted to 'a secret pornography addiction' in 2015 and was flown to the Reformers Unanimous residential treatment center in Rockford, Illinois

Days later, his parents released a statement saying that Josh had 'checked himself into a long-term treatment center.'

'For him it will be a long journey toward wholeness and recovery. We pray that in this he comes to complete repentance and sincere change,' they wrote.

While they didn't confirm the name of the facility, Gawker reported that a plane owned by Duggar Aviation  which was usually flown by younger brother John David Duggar  had landed at Chicago Rockford International Airport on August 25, 2015, and he was believed to have gone to the nearby Reformers Unanimous center.

According to the center's website, the residential recover program  which it describes as a 'discipleship'  provides 'a reconstructive learning atmosphere where the non-functioning person can be trained in a supportive environment of discipleship consisting of study, mentoring, Bible education, and workplace training.'

Long road: He spent six months in a shared room at the $7,500-per-month facility, where he had to sleep in bunkbeds, and was banned from using email or a cell phone

Schedule: During his time there, Duggar (see in February 2015) was woken early and had to go to sleep at 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends

Out: Duggar, now 33, was released on bail on Thursday afternoon after being arrested on child pornography charges

'This atmosphere can be referred to as a 'greenhouse' effect. We help get the student rooted firmly, so they are able to withstand all that life brings to them,' they said.

While Reformers also would not confirm Josh's attendance, Tony Richardson, director of development with the center, spoke about the program with People.

'It is not a country club,' he said. 'It is like going to college, but I don't know if it is as nice as that.'

The center, which sits on 1.5 acres, was once a nursing home and treats up to 40 men at a time, with two men to a room sleeping in bunk beds.

The men are woken up early and must go to sleep at 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends. They are not allowed to email or use cell phones, and can only watched approved television on weekends or enjoy free time in a game room.

The center monitors communication that patients have with their families, but they are allowed to go out with family members on weekends after 60 days inside. Anyone can choose to leave the program at any time.

Anna and some of Josh's other family members flew up for a visit on Christmas.

'Everyone just had fun and seemed to be high spirits, including Anna,' a source told People magazine of the visit.

Everyone is expected to work while in treatment, with jobs including cook, mechanic, and groundskeeper.

'We deal with everything from a sin standpoint,' Richardson said. 'We call it to the school of discipleship. The closer you get to the Lord, the further you get from what brought you here.

In addition to the inpatient treatment program, Reformers also goes to prisons to help convicts.

For inpatients, prices are as high as $7,500 for six months  though it's possible that the Duggars were given a deal because Jim Bob and Michelle have a relationship with the center.

'They are an incredible Christian based drug/alcohol addiction program,' the Duggars said.

Prayer: They are also required to go to church and all communication with family is monitored

Connection: I n 2014, Jim Bob and Michelle were keynote speakers at a conference at the Rockford center and shared pictures from the event on Facebook

In 2014, Jim Bob and Michelle were keynote speakers at a conference at the Rockford center and shared pictures from the event on Facebook, and Richardson said that he believed they had referred some people to the program in the past.

'I am not sure how they heard about us but we are grateful they have,' he said.

Soon after Josh checked into the facility, it was reported that it had links to a former pastor who groomed an underage girl for sex.

Home: In March of 2016, the Duggars announced that Josh had completed the program. 'It was a crucial first step in recovery and healing for Josh,' they said

RadarOnline.com reported that Pastor Jack Allen Schaap, 63, had pleaded guilty to one felony count of criminal sexual assault in a deal with prosecutors, related to an 'inappropriate relationship' in 2012 with an 'underage parishioner' referred to as Jane Doe, according to United States District Court documents.

'The relationship started when [Schaap] was counselling Doe,' documents seen by RadarOnline.com state, adding that the married pastor's assistant discovered sexual photos of the young girl on his iPhone.

Schaap, who is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence, is said to have told his victim that God approved of their behavior when she asked if it was wrong to kiss.

Chicago Magazine claimed that he had sex with her in his office during a church conference, at his cabin in Michigan, and in an Illinois forest.

While Schaap didn't work at the treatment center that house Josh, he did bring the Reformers Unanimous program to his own parish, the First Baptist Church in Hammond, Indiana.

When Josh sought treatment, though, a sermon by Schaap remained on a list recommended 'heartily' by Reformers Unanimous to its students.

Josh also set off some alarm bells at the start of his treatment when there was speculation that he wasn't taking part in all of the requirements, including attending church.

RadarOnline reported about a week into his stay that worshippers at North Love Baptist Church, which is affiliated with the rehab facility, saw no sign of Josh.

The men enrolled in the treatment program are required to attend church twice a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays, as well as go to a program chapter meeting held at the church every Friday.

They are driven to the church in a white school bus and must enter via a basement door.

But an eyewitness claimed Josh 'definitely wasn't there' the first Friday he was in treatment.

Trouble: A pastor affiliated with the recovery program, Jack Allen Schaap, pleaded guilty to a felony count of criminal sexual assault stemming from the statutory rape of an underage girl

Disgusting: Schaap, who is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence, is said to have told his victim that God approved of their behavior when she asked if it was wrong to kiss

Finally, in March of 2016, the Duggars announced on their family website that Josh had completed the program.

'It was a crucial first step in recovery and healing for Josh. Josh has now returned to Arkansas, where he will continue professional counseling and focus on rebuilding relationships with his family,' they said.

Josh had also gone to a different faith-based rehab facility in Little Rock, Arkansas in 2003 after his parents learned that he had molested four of his little sisters.

He spent three months in the facility, which was owned by the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP), a Christian ministry and training program founded by Bill Gothard, a Duggar family friend.

While little has been revealed about the program, people associated with IBLP have claimed that Josh was required to do manual labor and was not allowed to speak during that time.

He was also allegedly required to shave his head  the results of which can be seen in the Duggars' first TV special on Discovery Health, 14 Children and Pregnant Again.

'If people look back to when Josh was bald on the show, it was because he was being 'rehabilitated,'' a tipster told Gawker in 2015. 'The head-shaving was part of the shaming process.'

The source added: 'When Josh returned from his 'porn rehab' he was brought before the church. After Josh gave his 'testimony,' his sisters came up and hugged him and I remember seeing huge, confused tears streaming down their faces.'
An Illinois mother who is charged with murdering her five-month-old daughter had allegedly searched online for ways to 'get rid' of a child, just weeks before the girl died from blunt force trauma to the head.

Joslynn Graham, 23, was charged over the weekend with first degree murder in the death of her daughter Emery Lyons at her home in Canton on October 7.

At a bond hearing Tuesday, prosecutors said that the mom's phone had been used multiple times to search for 'ways to get rid of your child', according to WEEK25.

Witnesses also told detectives that the young mother had 'expressed frustration with the child' in recent weeks, the court heard.

An autopsy revealed that Emery died of blunt force trauma, and had multiple contusions on her head and face.

Joslynn Graham, pictured, was charged over the weekend with first degree murder in the October 7 death of her daughter Emery Lyons

Either Graham or the baby's father dialed 911 on October 7, and first responders reported the infant wasn't breathing when they responded to the home.

Despite 'lengthy efforts' to resuscitate the child, she was pronounced dead at 6.15 pm last Thursday, according to the Canton Daily Ledger.

Graham was arrested Saturday in relation to the child's death.

On Saturday, 23-year-old Joslynn Graham was arrested in relation to the death of her 5-month-old, Emery Lyons. If convicted, she could serve between 20 and 60 years in prison

Yesterday in Fulton County Court, the public defender appointed to Graham said she had 'every intention of entering a plea of not guilty.'

Her bond was set at $1million. She is currently being held at Fulton County Jail.

She is set to appear again at Fulton County Courthouse on Thursday.

If convicted, Graham could serve between 20 and 60 years in prison.

DailyMail.com could not reach the Fulton County Attorney's office at press time.
An outlaw bikie gang member has slammed a new Western Australian law which could lead to him and his fellow tattooed associates being forced to wear make-up.

Chris 'Ballistic' Orchard, whose motto is the implied threat that 'I shake hands to negotiate  I throw hands to renegotiate' compared a tough new law banning the public display of gang insignia to 'Nazi Germany'.

'Just like that we (are) now in North Korea (or) Nazi Germany whatever you want to call it we are there freedoms gone anyone who thinks this s**t is right you are delusional,' Coffin Cheaters gang member Orchard wrote on Facebook.

Chris 'Ballistic' Orchard (pictured left) is all smiles in this photo, but is not so happy with a new Western Australian law that could force him to cover up his bikie tattoos with make-up

The new bill, which is touted as Australia's 'toughest', targets 46 clubs including the Coffin Cheaters, Hells Angels, Rebels, Bandidos and Gypsy Jokers and by banning all wording associated with them in public.

Acting WA Police commissioner Col Blanch said people such as heavily-tattooed Hells Angel Dayne Brajkovich may need to start wearing make-up or 'band-aids'.

Among Brajkovich's many tattoos are the word 'Hells Angels' on his forehead and '1%er' on his neck.

Dayne Brajkovich leaving court. A new law in Western Australia could force him to wear make-up to cover up his tattoos

The tattoo '1%er' is accepted as claiming ownership of an outlaw motorcyle gang and widely taken to mean the wearer has committed violent acts for their club.

The law would make it illegal to 'display prohibited insignia', including the wearing of gang patches and even going out in public with visible tattoos referencing gangs.

It will go before Western Australian parliament this week and will likely pass.

Facial tattoos, clothing, or even stickers or painted insignia on a motorcycle or car will be included in the bill.

'I would start with things like Band-Aids or make-up certainly or have it removed or alternatively, people can choose the option not to live in Western Australia if this law passes,' Mr Blanch told 6PR's Mornings Program, referring to Brajkovich.

Hells Angels sergeant-at-arms Dayne Brajkovich is renowned for his distinctive tattoos covering much of his body. He's pictured at a previous court appearance

The Coffin Cheaters were formed in Perth, Western Australia in 1970. They are said to have been the first Australian gang to expand internationally, with affiliated chapters in Norway after 'patched over' mergers in 2004 and 2005.

Coffin Cheater Orchard has also called for a brutal response to another group of law-breakers.

'How about instead of making us remove or cover our tattoos you f**ks force child molesters to get tattoos to identify them and force them to show them at all times in public?' he said.

A commenter called Mick Cannon agreed with Orchard and singled out politicians. 'That means all you politicians who like to mess with kids too. You all should have it tattooed on ya f**king forehead,' he said.

Another supporter, Jason Nankivell, wrote that he 'Couldn't agree more. Yet Churches (can) harbour paedophiles and Islam terrorists with out a problem.'

Chris 'Ballistic' Orchard (pictured right) is very concerned that a new law in Western Australia will force him to cover up his prized tattoos

Orchard's comparison of Western Australia's proposed crackdown on outlaw bikie gangs to living in 'Nazi Germany' also found support on his Facebook page.

Sam Howat is concerned the law could cause people to overheat on hot summer days. 'So on a 43 degree day you have to wear a jumper coz u have a name tattooed on ur arm. Thats fu**ed!,' he wrote.

Another called for bodily autonomy within the bikie gang community to be respected by the Western Australia state government.

'Fucken bullshit what people have on there (sic) body is there (sic) choice where (sic) not north korea ffs,' wrote Jason Ritchie.

In April, WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson slammed Hells Angels sergeant-at-arms Brajkovich's attire at a Perth Magistrates Court sentencing hearing as 'unacceptable'.

He wore a jersey emblazoned with the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club initials HAMC and with 'HOF CITY' on it, believed to be a nod to a chapter the gang has in the German city of Hof.

His jersey also bore the numbers 81 on the jersey, a not-so-subtle nod to Hells Angels, with H being the eighth letter in the alphabet and A the first.

The new bill, which is touted as Australia's 'toughest' targets 46 clubs including the Hells Angels, Rebels, Bandidos, Gypsy Jokers and Coffin Cheaters by banning all wording associated with them in public

Brajkovich bashed Rebels bikie kingpin Nick Martin during a brawl at a bar on November 24, 2020, two weeks before Martin was shot dead at the Perth Motorplex in Kwinana Beach.

Mr Dawson said Brajkovich's tattoos and clothing are 'totally disrespectful to not only the court but to the community'.

'This is not us being hyper-sensitive about what people wear, this is absolute defiance in saying 'I'm outside the law and I'm going to remain outside the law'.'

The maximum penalties for wearing prohibited insignia under the new law are 12 months in jail, a $12,000 fine for individuals or up to $60,000 for 'corporations'.

Mr Blanch said the law was anti-bikie gangs, not anti-tattoos.

'Young men are attracted to biker clubs because of the display of being an outlaw motorcycle gang to have the insignia on display as power, the display of numbers.'

Brajkovich's bizarre fashion statement leaving court came under fire for Western Australian Police Commissioner Chris Dawson (pictured)

Under the new law, gang members could also face a $12,000 fine and 12 months in jail for 'consorting' after being issued with a notice to disperse.

Gang members can be ordered to stay away from each other for three years and after two or more breaches, the gang members could face up to five years in jail.

WA Police Minister Paul Papalia said the new law was part of a plan to 'methodically dismantle bikie gangs in this State'.

'We are determined to make WA a safe place, without the fear of bikies pursuing their own vendettas at the expense of law-abiding citizens.'

Brajkovic was charged over a brawl in November - two weeks before Martin's death - in which the pair fought in a busy bar in the Perth beachside suburb of Scarborough

WA Attorney General John Quigley said the legislation deliberately names '46 organisations, including outlaw motorcycle gangs from right across Australia, their affiliate gangs or 'feeder clubs' and street gangs'.

'These organisations and their patches are designed to show affiliation with criminality and intimidate others, including law-abiding citizens in our community. This will cease once these laws are in place.'

'These laws represent the toughest and most comprehensive reforms to fight organised crime of all Australian States and Territories.'
An anti-vax mummy blogger who compared 'segregated' anti-vaxxers to Jewish Holocaust victims has said she would rather inject heroin than get vaccinated while forcing her children to make a vile statement against the jab.

Sarah Mills, from the NSW Mid North Coast, is among a small minority refusing the Covid vaccine and was therefore unable to celebrate Freedom Day on Monday.

However, this didn't seem to dampen the mummy blogger's spirits as she took to Instagram to boast about her botox regime to her more than 7,900 followers.

The mother-of-three uploaded a photo mid-procedure with the caption: 'OMG she injects botox and fillers into her face but won't get the (syringe emoji)'.

'Yeah - I would sooner inject a dirty batch of H (heroin) before I lined up for your smack sheen,' she continued.

Sarah Mills said she would rather get injected with heroin than a Covid-19 vaccine when she uploaded a photo of her botox regime to Instagram on Wednesday (pictured)

Ms Mills has pictured her three young children in several of her social media posts, the most recent featuring the kids holding homemade signs that read 'F**k Your Mandates!' (pictured)

The mummy blogger took to her Instagram Stories to thank the people that had sent her 'love and support' following her most recent anti-vax posts.

'This is connecting me with the people that I am supposed to align and connect with, so I am very, very grateful for that,' she said on Wednesday night.

'As many of you would know who are in this community, censorship is real and it can feel hard to feel supported in this time when you often feel like you're alone.

'We're not alone in this. It's amazing to connect with likeminded souls, so I'm so appreciative of that, I'm so thankful.'

She also shared a confronting photo of her three young children holding homemade signs.

The children are seen standing in a line holding the signs 'F**k Your Mandates!'.

A holistic mummy blogger has pinned the Star of David on her children's clothing in an offensive attempt to hit out against the 'segregation' of anti-vaxxers

It comes just days after Ms Mills was slammed for pinning the Star of David onto her children's clothing in an offensive comparison between 'segregated' Australians who refuse the Covid jab and Holocaust victims.

She compared the treatment of anti-vaxxers to Holocaust victims, stating 'history is repeating itself', beginning with the 'segregation and exclusion' of people who choose not to get the jab.

In a separate post, Ms Mills wore a striped button down shirt with a sticker numbered '385968' on the breast of her shirt.

'Does anyone know where we get our full uniform? I've found the shirt but wasn't sure if there's anywhere you can get them as a set? or are we just provided them upon arrival? Sending love to my future inmates,' she captioned the photo.

A yellow star with the word 'Jew' in the middle was pinned on the shirts of Jewish people over the age of six to humiliate and dehumanise them

Thousands of cooped-up revellers braved the rain and chilly conditions across Sydney on Monday as they partied for the first time in 106 days (pictured, pub-goers at The Marlborough in Sydney's Newtown)

Six million Jewish people were systemically murdered by Nazis during the Holocaust while many more were displaced, tortured and discriminated against.

It was considered an offence to be gay, a Gypsy, or a Jehovah's Witness.

A yellow star with the word 'Jew' in the middle was pinned on the shirts of Jewish people over the age of six to humiliate and dehumanise them.

They were segregated, deported and eventually murdered.

The Holocaust will forever be remembered as one of the most significant crimes against humanity in history, and for Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission, watching anti-vaxxers exploit the trauma of victims is 'beyond offensive'.

'It's hateful,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

In a separate post, Ms Mills wore a striped button down shirt with a sticker numbered '385968' on the breast of her shirt

Prisoners in Nazi concentration camps were forced to wear striped uniforms like the shirt Ms Mills wore

People enjoy their drinks at a pub on October 11, 2021, as Sydney ended a lockdown against the Covid-19 coronavirus after 106 days and restaurants began throwing open their doors to anyone who could prove they were vaccinated

'It is beyond outrageous to compare actions taken by state governments in response to the Covid-19 outbreak to the monstrous laws enacted by Hitler's Third Reich or to claim that the vaccination policies are in any way similar to the 'Final Solution' that led to death camps.'

He slammed Ms Mills for using 'her children... to exploit the infamous yellow star'.

Ms Mills said pinning the star to her children's clothing - as well as her own - was symbolic of 'how things began' during the Holocaust.

She claimed the vaccine was in 'violation of the Nuremburg Code', a set of research ethics principles for human experimentation that were introduced post World War 2.

The post attracted significant backlash, but the 34-year-old said she was 'no stranger to controversy' and was actually 'glad this has people talking... that was the point'.

'This is not Freedom Day. This is history repeating our mistakes, and if you've wondered what you would've done in the past, take note because you're doing it now.'

She told Daily Mail Australia she 'was not saying this lockdown was comparable to the holocaust' and instead wanted to highlight that there is 'a whole community being discriminated against and bullied for their personal medical choices'.

Ms Mills said pinning the star to her children's clothing - as well as her own - was symbolic of 'how things began' during the Holocaust

Pubs are allowed to operated under the one person per four sqm rule, but only for those who are fully vaccinated (pictured, The Marlborough in Sydney's Newtown)

'I am in NO way comparing the deaths of millions of people to not being allowed into Kmart, but people need to look at where that 'them/us' situation began,' she said.

In Nazi Germany, the word 'Jew' was printed in the centre of all stars. In Ms Mills' version, she and her children wear the badge 'no vax'.

She previously shared a post which suggested any person who has been vaccinated and supports government mandates would have 'turned Anne Frank over to the Nazis'.

The mother-of-three argues every person should have the right to refuse the vaccine, which they do.

The Covid vaccine is not mandatory in Australia, but there are frontline industries which require all employees to have the jab.

In NSW, where residents have endured 106 days of lockdown to stem the spread of a Covid outbreak, restrictions were tentatively lifted on Monday for the double-jabbed.

On December 6, when up to 90 per cent of eligible residents are expected to be immunised, non-vaccinated residents will be able to live freely.

She previously shared a post which suggested any person who has been vaccinated and supports government mandates would have 'turned Anne Frank over to the Nazis'

Lockdown orders on the mid north coast were lifted in early September, and Ms Mills claims that she and her family have lived relatively freely since then.

But from Monday, when lockdown lifted for the rest of the state and Sydney in particular, new rules were introduced banning the unvaccinated from restaurants, cafes, salons, shopping centres and theatres.

Dr Abramovich accused Ms Mills of using the infamous yellow star to 'score a political point', describing the move as 'outrageous and abhorrent'.

'Such foolish equations demean the murder of millions of Jews and others and are historically inaccurate and extreme. This conduct is also a spit on the memory and on the graves of those brave diggers who fought to defeat the Nazis and only serves to inflict further pain on Holocaust survivors living here,' he said.

He is now calling on Ms Mills to apologise for the divisive post.

Pictured: Liberated Polish inmates from the Dachau concentration camp raise bottles of wine and celebrate. Six million Jewish people were systemically murdered by Nazis during the Holocaust while many more were displaced, tortured and discriminated against
While hundreds of thousands of poor migrants seeking asylum in the U.S. have trekked on foot from South and Central America in the last eight months, there has also been a rise in middle class migrants flooding the southern border.

These so-called middle class migrants often fly to Mexico's northern border on pre-planned flights and cross into the U.S. by cab or another car hire, a Border Patrol chief in Arizona told the Wall Street Journal.

'They got off the plane and went to a cab or to a bus,' Chris Clem, Border Patrol's chief patrol agent in Yuma, said.

'They literally were driven up and just walked up and turned themselves over to us,' he said in describing the last leg of more affluent migrants' trip over the U.S.-Mexico border.

Clem said that his team regularly encounters migrants who claim they took flights to a northern Mexican border city before crossing illegally into the U.S.

These middle class migrants also spent less time in shelters than their poorer counterparts.

While many migrants from more poor countries, like Haiti and Northern Triangle Nations, are seeking asylum in the U.S. to escape conditions in their nation, it seems increasingly so that middle class migrants are doing the same.

The majority of illegal crossers who come to the U.S. through Mexico's border are coming from the world's poorest countries and are fleeing poverty and crime.

While thousands of migrants fleeing economic poverty and political instability flee to the U.S., other middle class migrants are also coming to the southern border, a new report reveals. Here Haitian migrants wait for asylum claim processing in Mexico on Tuesday

Some of these middle class migrants fly to a Mexican border town on pre-planned flights, take a cab to the border and walk across to turn themselves into authorities. Here Border Patrol apprehends a group of Brazilian migrants who illegally crossed into Otay Mesa, California on Wednesday

For example, 15,000 mostly Haitian migrants formed a makeshift camp in Del Rio, Texas last month.

The recent influx of more affluent migrants appears to be indicative of the economic aftershocks as part of the COVID-19 pandemic pushing some to seek refuge in the U.S. who may have not sought this revenue in the past.

South America and the Caribbean lost around 26 million jobs last year, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Brazil is also experiencing some of the pandemic highest mortality rates  recently surpassing 600,000 COVID-related deaths, which is second only to the U.S.

Brazil and Venezuela have seen severe economic downturns and political instability related to the COVID pandemic.

'The global recession really made people lose hope,' Andrew Selee, president of the nonpartisan think tank Migration Policy Institute, said.

He added: 'It's a big deal to go from being middle class in your country to be undocumented in the United States.'

Since Joe Biden took office, Customs and Border Protection has encountered more than 1.2 million migrants at the southern border.

August was the first month the number of encounters decreased since Biden became president, still reaching a whopping 208,887  down from the July figure of 213,534.

Biden's team is still removing thousands of migrants using Title 42, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention measure used to expel illegal crossers during a public health emergency.

Many migrants from countries outside of MExico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras have not been turned back  at least from the Yuma sector  because Mexican authorities won't accept them.
The harrowing triple zero call made after a young woman had her throat slashed in a murder that shocked Australia has surfaced as part of a new podcast series.

Shandee Blackburn, 23, died after being brutally stabbed more than 20 times while walking home after a shift at Harrup Park Country Club in Mackay, Queensland in February of 2013.

She was just metres away from the house she shared with her mother Vicki when CCTV captured a mysterious figure running towards her.

Her voice box was slashed and she crawled into a nearby gutter, unable to call out for help before she later died in hospital.

The Australian's national chief correspondent Hedley Thomas is investigating Ms Blackburn's murder as part of his new investigative podcast series Shandee's Story.

Shandee Blackburn, 23, died after being brutally stabbed more than 20 times while walking home after a shift at Harrup Park Country Club in Mackay, Queensland in February of 2013

In a trailer for the podcast, audio from the frantic call made to emergency services can be heard from a distressed passer-by.

'Her head is on top of the gutter, she's not moving,' the man says.

'She's bleeding, can you just hurry up? She's getting faint, her pulse is getting faint.'

Ms Blackburn's sister Shannah said he heard the triple zero call for the first time during the snippet of the podcast's trailer.

Ms Blackburn's mother said she tries to remember her daughter in the moments before she was killed where she was 'comfortable in her own skin'.

'I can't ever think of what she went through that night on her own here - I try to concentrate on that 40m (before the attack), where she was happy and at peace,' she told Mr Thomas in the series.

'That's what I have to think of. I can't think of this. Her being alone and me just up there and not able to protect her.'

The death of Ms Blackburn (centre) is now the subject of an investigative podcast series run by The Australian's national chief correspondent, Hedley Thomas

The podcast will feature new interviews from witnesses and those involved in the case, with Mr Thomas hoping the series will bring justice to the Blackburn family.

Ms Blackburn's ex-boyfriend John Peros was initially a suspect in the case, but after being charged with her murder he was acquitted in 2017 and maintains his innocence.

During a two-week inquest in July last year, however, Queensland Central Coroner David O'Connell said Mr Peros was most likely responsible for her death.

Handing down the findings of the inquest, Coroner O'Connell said there was 'no doubt' in his mind that Mr Peros had been the one to attack Ms Blackburn and cause her injuries.

Ms Blackburn's ex-boyfriend John Peros was acquitted of Ms Blackburn's murder in 2017 and maintains his innocence

It came after Mr O'Connell heard evidence that a vehicle similar to Mr Peros' white Toyota Hilux was seen near the area where Ms Blackburn was attacked.

Despite the coroner's findings Mr Peros will not be arrested or charged because he has already been acquitted of murder.

New and compelling evidence would need to come to light in order for police to arrest him under double jeopardy laws, which the coroner did not find.

Mr Peros, who was an amateur boxer, has always denied any involvement into the crime.
United Airlines is terminating the employment of 232 workers who have refused to get vaccinated, CEO Scott Kirby has confirmed - as a Texas judge temporarily blocked the airline from putting 2,000 workers on unpaid leave if they're seeking religious or medical exemptions.

Kirby, 54, told CBS Mornings on Wednesday that the company had reached 99.7 per cent of their employees vaccinated in the six-weeks since announcing a vaccine mandate on August 6.

United was the first airline to require all employees to be vaccinated.

'You know, I wish we would have gotten to 100 per cent, but out of our 67,000 US employees there are 232 who have not been vaccinated and they are going through the termination process,' he said.

It came after U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman from Northern Texas granted a temporary restraining order against United on Tuesday restricting the company from putting employees on unpaid leave for seeking medical and religious exemptions from the mandate.

Six employees filed a federal lawsuit against United, citing unpaid leave as an unreasonable accommodation.

The restraining order expires October 26, leaving around 2,000 United employees at risk of losing their jobs.

Texas District Judge Mark Pittman (right) placed a restraining order against United Airlines, restricting them from putting around 2,000 unvaccinated employees seeking medical or religious exemptions on unpaid leave. United CEO Scott Kirby, 54, (left) announced that 99.7 per cent of his 67,000 employees are vaccinated and the 232 who refused the vaccine are going through the termination process

Those with religious exemptions were told in a company memo that they would be placed on unpaid leave while the airline put in addition safety mitigation measures, including 'new testing regimens, temporary job reassignments, and masking protocols.'

Lawyers for the employees and the airline agreed last month that United wouldn't put the workers on unpaid leave, but the judge wrote that the agreement will expire before he can rule on the merits of the matter.

That would leave 'hundreds of workers' at risk of being put on indefinite unpaid leave or forced to get a vaccination that violates their religious beliefs or medical restrictions.

On Wednesday, Kirby defended the Chicago-based company's vaccine mandate, despite Texas Governor Abbott banning all mandates.

And he claimed the mandate has not disrupted United workforce, including at their Houston hub.

United announced its vaccine mandate on August 6 and told employees in a company memo that all unvaccinated employees seeking exemptions will be put on unpaid leave while the company implemented 'new testing regimens, temporary job reassignments, and masking protocols'

'I think we've proven at United, that's just not the case. If you put a vaccinate mandate out there and you explain why you're doing it and if you're open, honest, and transparent with your employees about why you're doing it, and even when some of them disagree - and a lot of them did disagree,' Kirby told CBS Mornings.

'You know, the fact that we could get to 99.7 per cent in less than eight weeks, I think [it] proves you can make a vaccine mandate work as long your open, honest, and transparent on why you're doing it.'

Several airlines have followed in United footsteps, including Texas-based companies American and Southwest Airlines who have both claimed they will ignore Governor Abbott mandate ban.

Kirby said he wished the company had achieved 100 per cent vaccination, but believed mandates worked and being 'open, honest, and transparent' was the key to getting employees onboard

Abbott's order mean American and Southwest could face a $1,000 fine for forcing employees to receive a vaccine because employees could lose their livelihoods.

The order is set to protect employees from 'losing their livelihoods' by not being forced to get vaccinated or lose their jobs, according to the Washington Post.

Georgia-based airline Delta has not mandated vaccines for employees, but is imposing a $200 monthly surcharge against unvaccinated members and requires them to be tested weekly.

Delta has reported that 90 per cent of its workforce is vaccinated, according to the Hill.

Travelers face rocketing prices and plane cancelations over holiday season as American and JetBlue set staff vaccination deadline for the day before Thanksgiving, sparking fears of staff walkouts and chaos

As the holiday season rapidly approaches in the US, travelers who have not seen their families in months - and in some cases, years - face pricey plane trips and unexpected cancellations as airlines demand their employees get vaccinated.

What's more, in addition to the astronomical airfares, unexpected cancellations and shocking wait times, travelers who elect to cross the states by car will have to deal with far higher gas prices than usual.

Both American Airlines and JetBlue issued mandates this month requiring their employees get the jab before the holidays.

The airlines have demanded their staff get their second shot of the COVID vaccine by November 24 - the day before Thanksgiving.

Any staff who've refused could walk out or face the ax on the busiest travel day in the American calendar, triggering a flood of flight cancelations due to a sudden shortage of staff.

If a meltdown like that happens, flights that do end up taking off will see ticket prices soar even higher than normal for the pricey time of year as travelers whose planes have been canceled push up prices for other flights that remain scheduled.

With Thanksgiving approaching and COVID restrictions relaxed from last year, experts say expect high airfares, long lines, and sudden cancellations

With COVID-19 travel restrictions relaxed from last year, record numbers of people are expected to hit airports in the coming months to travel to visit family they likely have not seen since the start of the pandemic

JetBlue have 22,000 staff, but have not said how many of their staff have had the shot. American - the world's biggest airline - has 133,000 staff, and has also yet to disclose figures on how many of its workers are still to be vaccinated.

What's more, after nearly two years of reduced ridership, airlines have increased ticket prices to make up lost profits.

The average price for a US Thanksgiving flight is up 13 percent from 2019 - and a shocking 37 percent from last year.

U.S. carriers' 2020 net losses after the pandemic were in the billions, according to analyst estimates provided by the software company FactSet - and airlines are still projected to have lost more than $200 billion through next year.

Anyone hoping to save money by traveling by car is also in for a nasty shock, with national average gas prices soaring by 50.75 per cent in a year.

A gallon of gas now costs $3.288, up $1.107 from the same time last year. The rocketing price increase has been blamed on a spike in the cost of crude oil, as demand bounces back quickly as the world reopens post-COVID.

Economists predict prices are set to rise for an extended period of time, meaning there's little hope of any respite for Thanksgiving.

However, with COVID-19 travel restrictions relaxed from last year, record numbers of travelers are expected to traverse the country in the coming months to visit family they likely have not seen since the start of the pandemic.

'Expect airports and flights to be more packed than ever around Thanksgiving and Christmas,' Narendra Khatri, a travel insurance company executive, told The Washington Post last month. 'This means more flight delays, cancellations and long layovers.'

Any airline staff who've refused airlines' forced mask mandates could end up walking out on the job or face the ax - on the busiest travel day in the American calendar - triggering a flood of flight cancelations due to a sudden shortage of staff

This AAA chart shows how gas prices have rocketed this year, with holiday motorists set to face a hard time at the pumps

'We're seeing a lot of pent-up demand,' Ankit Gupta, vice president of network planning and scheduling for another major airline, United, said in a statement.

The airline announced last month that holiday flight searches on their website are up 16 percent on their site compared to 2019.

Meanwhile, interest in domestic flights for the Thanksgiving season is up a whopping 111 percent over last year, according to the travel site Trip Actions.

'Expect airports and flights to be more packed than ever around Thanksgiving and Christmas,' Narendra Khatri, a travel insurance company executive, told The Washington Post last month.

'This means more flight delays, cancellations and long layovers.'

And prices are up too - across all of the major airlines.

For domestic flights, the average fare is $377, up 13 percent from 2019 and 37 percent from 2020. International flights are flat compared with 2019, averaging about $968 this year, but up 18 percent from last year.

American Airline execs told their workers that they must be fully vaccinated by November 24 - the day before Thanksgiving - or face termination

The airlines' ultimatum comes after President Joe Biden's executive order last month requiring all airline employees be vaccinated by December 8 - and the two companies now join an assortment of other carriers who have complied with the White House's demand.

Columbus Day weekend already saw an unprecedented stream of delays for another major airline, Southwest, when more than 2,300 flights were suddenly canceled over the course of the holiday weekend, amid rumors that hordes of pilots objecting to Biden's mandate called out sick in protest.

Both the airline and its pilots union have denied those sick-out claims, although Southwest has suffered many times more cancelations in recent days than any other US airline.

The head of Southwest's pilots union, Capt. Casey Murray, blamed the company's management for the snafu.

Southwest has already been hampered by staffing shortages as demand for travel has shot up after travel laws lessened.
A mob of Kangaroos have been spotted taking over Canberra's eerily quiet CBD while residents were tucked away at home amid lockdown.

Footage has emerged on TikTok from September, showing three Kangaroos hopping through the once bustling Civic Centre in the nation's capital.

'Canberra lockdown be like, city is for kangaroos now,' the caption read.

The unusual sight was filmed five weeks into lockdown as the trio of kangaroos took advantage of the deserted city centre free from residents.

Amused TikTok users took to the video to point out how incredible it was to see nature reclaim the city.

'It's amazing how nature is reclaiming itself,' wrote one person.

A mob of Kangaroos have taken over Canberra's Civic Centre (pictured) while residents remain in lockdown until midnight Thursday

'Kangaroo takeover. The Kangaroos are outside more than the local humans at the moment,' commented another.

'This is so cool, let them have fun while its quiet,' added a third.

Others took the opportunity to make their best traffic jokes, with one user writing:

'At least they stop at the stop sign.'

Canberrans are set to come out from lockdown at 11.59pm on Thursday, but it's not the first time kangaroos have been spotted so close to urban areas in the territory.

On Saturday a roo was filmed hopping down a footpath on Mort Street near the Civic bus interchange, much to the surprise of witnesses.

The roo bounced onto the road, passing a construction site before making its way towards Braddon.

Last month a distressed kangaroo that was pulled to safety from Lake Burley Griffin after it became stuck in freezing shallow waters.

While viral footage of the brave rescue warmed hearts around the world it was later revealed the sick kangaroo had to be euthanised due to its poor physical condition.

The ACT Parks and Conservation Service reminded the community to always call for professional help if a native animal is in danger.

'Please give the animal space and keep an eye on them from a distance - maintain enough room for the animal to leave the area,' the spokesperson said.
Meghan Markle's estranged half-brother has said Prince Harry's days as her husband are numbered as his younger sister's last marriage only lasted two years.

Thomas Markle Jr, a 55-year-old window fitter from Oregon, claimed Meghan's marriage to Prince Harry is doomed in a new trailer for Australia's Big Brother VIP.

In the trailer, Markle Jr alleges Meghan 'walked all over' her first husband, American film producer Trevor Engelson, but it's unclear if he has any knowledge of the circumstances of their split.

In the trailer, Markle Jr says: 'The guy that she was married to the first time - she just walked all over him and dumped him.'

In response to another housemate who says that sounds 'cold-blooded', Markle Jr nods before adding: 'Harry's on the chopping block next.'

Meghan Markle's estranged half-brother Thomas Markle Jnr (pictured) has said Prince Harry's days as her husband are numbered as his younger sister's last marriage lasted than two years

Markle (right) has claimed the last time he saw the Duchess of Sussex (left with Prince Harry) was in 2011 and made the latest comments during his appearance on Australia's Big Brother

Meghan married Engelson, 44, in September 2011, but they split just 23 months later, in August 2013, citing irreconcilable differences.

He has since remarried Tracey Kurland, the daughter of investment trust founder Stanford Kurland and heiress to a multimillion-dollar fortune.

The Big Brother promo then shows Markle Jr in the Big Brother diary room preparing to write a letter to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

'Dear Meghan and Harry, the first thing I want to say to both of you' he says, before the trailer abruptly ends.

Since his selection for Big Brother was announced, Markle Jnr has made several comments on his sister and her marriage to Prince Harry.

Back in August, in another trailer for the show, he revealed he warned Prince Harry his 'very shallow' sister would 'ruin' his life and had abandoned her 'own flesh and blood' as he entered the Celebrity Big Brother house in Australia.

In a trailer for Australian reality show Big Brother VIP, which premieres next month, Markle Jr (right) alleges Meghan 'walked all over' her first husband, US film producer Trevor Engelson (pictured left), but it's unclear if he has any knowledge of the circumstances of their split

In the first trailer for the show, aired as he arrived at the CBB house in a limousine, he said: 'I'm Meghan Markle's brother, I'm the biggest brother of them all.' He added: 'I told Prince Harry, I think she's going to ruin your life. She's very shallow'.

And when asked about how he felt about not being invited to Harry and Meghan's wedding, he said: 'Im not bitter, just baffled. Its hurtful given how close we once were.

'Im confused and a little distraught because here is a person knowing the position shes in and knowing the scrutiny shes under and yet she has forgotten her flesh and blood'.

Thomas famously sent Harry a letter telling him it was not 'too late' to back out of marrying her, saying his sister was 'obviously not the right woman for you'.

Mr Markle Jr is expected to spill the beans on Meghan, who he has previously called a 'phony' and a 'conceited woman'.

Thomas Markle Jr (pictured), who is from Oregon, slammed the Duchess of Sussex as he entered Australia's Big Brother VIP house

Mr Markle, who is the only son of Thomas Markle and Meghan's half-brother, has previously claimed the last time he saw the Duchess of Sussex was in 2011, saying his family believed she was now a 'changed person'.

He was living with her father Thomas, sister Samantha Grant, also known as Samantha Markle; and stepmother Doria Ragland when Meghan was born in 1981.

The window fitter was married for 11 years to Tracy Dooley until they divorced in 2001, and they had two sons - Thomas and Tyler Dooley.

Mr Markle does not have a relationship with his famous younger sister and was not invited to the Sussexes' wedding in May 2018.

He has previously criticised his half-sister in the press, describing her as a 'phony' and a 'jaded, shallow, conceited woman'.

The estranged brother has also blasted Meghan, 40, for cutting off their father, Thomas Markle Sr, after he was caught collaborating with U.S. paparazzi.

Markle Jnr will be joined by the likes of Caitlin Jenner and other stars in the Big Brother house

In 2018, during an interview with DailyMail.com, Mr Markle said the Duchess of Sussex could have handled her family tribulations 'differently from the start' and avoided the rift with her father that has seen him speak out repeatedly.

He said: 'I think Meghan should have handled this differently. I think Meghan should have handled this from the beginning and I think it got ignored and swept under the carpet for so long, it's a shame where it's ended up, especially between her and my father.

'She's capable of doing anything, she's just got to want to do it. If she wants to make amends, by all means, she can do that. But she's got to want to do it.'

Other celebrities that joined Markle in the Australian Big Brother house include Caitlyn Jenner, Neighbours actor Luke Handley, Trump aide Omarosa and NRL player Matt Cooper.
Ben Fordham roasted Anthony Albanese in a fiery radio interview on Thursday morning after the Labor leader refused to sack MP Anthony Byrne.

The 2GB host accused Mr Albanese of showing a 'failure of leadership' but the 58-year-old hit back and said he won't speak to Mr Byrne while an inquiry is ongoing.

In a corruption inquiry into Victorian Labor this week, Mr Byrne admitted paying for people's party membership fees to boost support for his moderate faction in a practice known as branch stacking which is not illegal but against party rules.

Mr Albanese has faced calls from Liberal MPs and commentators to sack Mr Byrne from the Labor Party - but has so far refused to take any action.

In several media interviews this week he has highlighted misconduct allegations against Government MPs including Housing Minister Michael Sukkar who was cleared of misusing taxpayer cash last year.

Fordham played Mr Albanese a clip of what the Labor leader had said about Mr Sukkar at the time.

'I'm happy for Scott Morrison to be judged on his own words. If Michael Sukkar is still sitting there at two o'clock as a minister, then that's a failure of Scott Morrison's leadership,' Mr Albanese had said.

Ben Fordham (pictured with wife Jodie) roasted Anthony Albanese for not sacking Labor MP Anthony Byrne in a fiery radio interview on Thursday morning

Fordham then accused the Labor leader of showing a double standard by demanding Mr Sukkar's resignation but keeping Mr Byrne in his party.

'Talk about failure of leadership, Albo. Come on,' Fordham said.

Mr Albanese pointed out that cabinet ministers are held to higher standards than backbench MPs.

'Byrne isn't a Minister, mate,' he said.

Fordham replied: 'Who cares what he is. He's an MP in your party.'

Again Mr Albanese insisted 'he's not a minister' before Fordham asked: 'What does that matter? What does that matter?'

The Labor leader fired back, saying: 'Are you serious? Do you not understand what being a member of the executive...' before Fordham cut him off and said: 'He's being paid by the taxpayer to sit in Parliament.'

The 2GB host accused Mr Albanese (pictured on Wednesday) of showing a 'failure of leadership' but the 58-year-old hit back and said he won't speak to Mr Byrne while an inquiry is ongoing

In several media interviews this week Mr Albanese has highlighted misconduct allegations against Government MPs including Housing Minister Michael Sukkar (pictured) who was cleared of misusing taxpayer cash last year

The radio host asked Mr Albanese if was refusing to sack Mr Byrne because they are friends, an accusation the Labor leader denied.

'This isn't about friendship, Ben,' he said.

'While the inquiry is going on, I have not spoken to Anthony Byrne. Because while people are appearing before a judicial body, the idea that the political leader will ring them and have a conversation with them while they're giving evidence is entirely inappropriate,' he said.

The heated exchange came after Richard Marles was dragged into the corruption inquiry.

The deputy Labor leader denied knowing a fundraiser he attended raised cash to pay for Labor memberships in a breach of party rules.

Richard Marles (pictured) has denied knowing a fundraiser he attended raised cash to pay for Labor memberships in a breach of party rules

On Wednesday Mr Byrne said Labor would hold events to raise the cash, including one in 2016 which Mr Marles spoke at.

'There would generally be an event that was held normally in either April or May. Party members and others, unions et cetera, would be invited to attend these gatherings,' Mr Byrne said.

The Holt MP was then shown a leaflet advertising a fundraiser at an Afghan restaurant in Dandenong, south-east Melbourne on Friday 29 April, 2016.

The guest speaker was Mr Marles, who was then shadow minister for immigration.

The leaflet shown at the IBAC hearing

Asked who knew that the money raised would be used for branch stacking, Mr Byrne said: 'Most of the people that would have attended those functions had a pretty good idea that some of the money that was being raised would go to memberships.'

But a spokeswoman for Mr Marles told Daily Mail Australia he had 'absolutely no knowledge of anything to do with the funds raised from that event.'

In bombshell evidence before Victorian watchdog IBAC this week, Mr Byrne admitted branch stacking and said he worked alongside state MPs Adem Somyurek and Luke Donnellan, who resigned as Child Protection Minister on Monday.

Mr Somyurek was sacked from state cabinet in June 2020 after 60 Minutes aired allegations that he was involved in branch stacking.

He strongly denies the claims and has launched defamation proceedings against Nine Network, The Age and investigative reporter Nick McKenzie.

Federal Labor leader Anthony Albanese has declined to sack Mr Byrne and said he was not aware the MP was involved in branch stacking.

'I'm not a member of the Victorian branch. Nor do I have a detailed knowledge of the whole electorate and you'd be surprised if I did,' he said on Tuesday.

'We will allow IBAC to take their course. It's not appropriate to pre-empt their findings and those processes.'

Federal minister Alan Tudge said Mr Albanese 'needs to take strong action.'

'It is rotten to the core in the Labor Party here in Victoria,' he told Sky News on Tuesday.
The Daily Mail launched its campaign to improve access to GPs after being inundated with horrifying stories from readers who struggled to be seen in person.

The revolution it has brought about is an extraordinary achievement that will undoubtedly benefit patients and the NHS.

Todays new NHS England and Department of Health blueprint will help ensure all five points of the Mails original manifesto for change are delivered.

It will improve access to GPs, get patients and doctors back into face-to-face contact more often and boost safety.

Here are the nine key points of todays announcement  and what they mean:

1 Patients right to face-to-face appointments

What theyre announcing: Health officials have made it clear that every GP practice must ask patients what form they would like their appointment to take.

What it means:

Doctors must respect preferences for face-to-face care unless there are good clinical reasons to the contrary  for example, if the patient has Covid.

This means surgeries can no longer fob people off with a remote consultation if they want to be in the same room as their medic.

People can still choose to have their appointment on the phone or by video if it is more convenient.

Under the Government's new nine-point plan, family doctors must respect their patient's preferences for face-to-face care unless there are good clinical reasons to the contrary

Conducting appointments in-person will allow doctors to spot symptoms they could not have detected remotely and improve the patient-doctor relationship.

Elderly and vulnerable patients who lacked the technology needed for remote consultations or struggled to use it will no longer feel excluded.

2 More money for more appointments

What theyre announcing: A 250million winter access fund will let practices offer more appointments so patients who need care can get it  on the same day, if needed.

What it means:

The money will pay for locums and other health professionals, such as physiotherapists and podiatrists, with a focus on increasing capacity.

Surgeries will be encouraged to extend opening hours or operate walk-in clinics, making it easier for patients to be seen quickly at a convenient time.

A 250million winter access fund, announced by the Government today, will let practices offer more appointments so patients who need care can get it - on the same day if needed

3 Hit squads and cash penalties to keep GPs on track

What theyre announcing: GP practices that fail to improve access will face special measures and be denied a share of additional funding.

What it means:

Poor performers will see specialist hit squad teams sent in to knock them into shape.

This should ensure patients have access to good quality care. Denying surgeries that fail to improve access a share of the new pot of cash will act as an incentive.

4 Better phone systems

What theyre announcing: The NHS will help practices upgrade telephone systems to make it easier for patients to book appointments and cut waits to speak to a receptionist.

The Government has also announced the NHS will help practices upgrade telephone systems to make it easier for patients to book appointments and cut waits to speak to a receptionist

What it means:

New technology will make it easier for staff to manage queues. This will reduce the frustration of trying to reach a surgery, with some people dialling hundreds of times.

Patient groups report some elderly people have given up attempting to see their GP because of the stress of phoning.

5 Less paperwork and more help from pharmacists

What theyre announcing: The Government will free GPs from some red tape by reforming who can provide medical evidence and certificates, such as fit notes and DVLA checks. Pharmacists will become the first port of call for most minor illnesses.

What it means:

Lessening the burden of paperwork will make the job more attractive and help bring in more trainees, in a boost to the commitment to recruit 6,000 more GPs.

Less paperwork: The Government says it will free GPs from some red tape by reforming who can provide medical evidence and certificates, such as fit notes and DVLA checks for example

Getting highly-skilled nurses and pharmacists to perform some checks will free up GPs for more complex issues.

Pharmacists will be given greater powers to write prescriptions and treat patients for routine conditions.

6 Relaxation of guidelines on social distancing

What theyre announcing: The two-metre social distancing rule, which applies in surgeries, will be axed.

What it means:

GPs have argued that strict Covid rules prevent them from seeing more patients in person because their waiting rooms are too small to accommodate them.

No social distancing: The two-metre social distancing rule, which applies at GPs, will be axed

7 Performance league tables

What theyre announcing: GP appointment data will be published at practice level by spring next year to enhance transparency and accountability.

What it means:

Naming and shaming individual GP practices that fail to offer enough face-to-face appointments or that have long waits to be seen will incentivise doctors to improve.

Producing league tables will allow patients to compare their practice with others in their town and increase competition.

8 Easier patient feedback via text message

What theyre announcing: Making it simpler for patients to rate their practices performance.

As part of the plans, a new campaign is being launched to reduce the abuse of NHS workers

What it means:

This will give doctors and NHS managers a clearer picture of what patients do and do not like about their surgery and make it easier to identify recurring problems, so they can be improved.

9 Zero tolerance campaign on abuse of NHS staff

What theyre announcing: A new campaign to reduce abuse and punish offenders.

What it means:

Unacceptable behaviour by frustrated patients drives much-needed doctors out of jobs and creates an environment that is not attractive to new recruits.

Ministers and the NHS hope a new campaign will prevent a disastrous exodus of staff and ensure more medical trainees want to work in general practice.
A Met policeman who sent a photo of his penis to a female ex-colleague kept his job after being reported to the force, it has been revealed.

The probationary constable in his twenties allegedly sent the explicit image via Whatsapp to 64-year-old Jill Knight in May - five months after she retired.

He had previously made a comment about exposing his penis and asked her on a date to 'teach him anything other than police work', reports The Times.

Ms Knight, who worked as a recruit trainer at Hendon police college, reported the picture the next day but was informed that it was not a criminal offence.

The policeman apologised and said he meant to send the image to his partner, although did not remove it.

Since the revelations have come to light, the officer has been placed under criminal investigation and is currently on restricted duties.

A Met policeman who sent a photo of his penis to a female ex-colleague kept his job after being reported to the force, it has been revealed. Pictured: Met Commissioner Cressida Dick, who 64-year-old Jill Knight wrote a letter to after being told it would be handled as misconduct

After being told it would be handled as misconduct, Ms Knight wrote to Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick.

She said: 'You cannot seize an officer's phone under misconduct.

'How do we know what else he is doing?'

Ms Knight said she was telling her story to 'protect other potential victims', adding: 'It's like nobody cares.'

Following the letter, a statement was taken over the phone in June.

On September 29, she received an email saying no further action would be taken in the way of a criminal offence.

Since the revelations have come to light, the probationary constable in his twenties has been placed under criminal investigation and is currently on restricted duties (file photo)

In a statement, the Met said: 'The officer concerned has provided an account under caution.

'A report has been submitted to a senior officer, who will make a decision on whether there is a case to answer for gross misconduct, and also whether the matter needs to be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service for a decision to be made on any criminal charges.

'The officer concerned is currently on restricted duties.'
Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade will be relocated from Oxford Street for a second year in a row, with organisers saying the move provides the best shot of proceeding amid Covid-19 uncertainties.

Possible ongoing restrictions and potential further Covid-19 outbreaks mean a ticketed event at the SCG is the best way to go, Mardi Gras chief executive Albert Kruger says, with organisers able to adjust the 2022 event accordingly.

'There's still uncertainty of what March is going to look like for us,' he said on Thursday.

Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade will be relocated from Oxford Street to the SCG for a second year in a row (pictured: Aerial view inside the SCG during the 2021 event)

Mardi Gras chief executive Albert Kruger (pictured right) said a ticketed event at the SCG is the best way to go amid Covid-19 uncertainties (Pictured: Courtney Act and Albert Kruger during a media call)

'Mardi Gras can't guarantee that in the next few months things will be back to normal and we can safely have hundreds of thousands spectators on the streets.

'The parade is too important to the community to risk having to cancel.'

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore backed the decision to move the parade, which usually draws about 250,000 spectators.

'(It) is prudent given the uncertainty posed by the pandemic, which we will continue to face for some time yet,' she said.

But organisers plan to return the parade to Oxford Street in 2023, to mark the 45th anniversary of the event, when it will be the centrepiece as Sydney hosts WorldPride.

Organisers plan for the parade to return to Oxford Street in 2023, to mark the event's 45th anniversary (Pictured: Mardi gras parade on Oxford Street, Sydney)

The theme for the 2022 festival, which will run from February 18 to March 6, is United We Shine, which Mr Kruger hopes will serve as a reminder of the power of the communities' collective voice.

'It is a call to stand united against the inequalities LGBTQI+ people continue to face, and empowers us with the strength that our history shows: that we have the power to create a more equitable society,' he said.

'The time to use our voices and rally together has never been more important than it is now.'

Tickets to the parade will cost $25, but Mardi Gras members will get free entry for two people.

Some 3000 free tickets will be given to people who can't afford a ticket.
Joe Biden plans to exempt certain Afghan civil servants who were employed by the Taliban from terror-related bans on entering the U.S., a draft document obtained by Fox News reveals.

A new memorandum from the administration, which was reviewed and revealed in a Wednesday report, shows that some Afghans employed by the Taliban government from 1996-2001 will not be subject to the same travel restrictions to the U.S. as other terrorism-related inadmissibility grounds (TRIG).

'Many individuals who worked in civil service positions before the declaration of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in 1996 continued to do so after the declaration,' the document states. 'Some did so under duress or other situations of hardship.'

'Some used their positions in humanitarian capacities to mitigate the repressive actions of the Taliban regime, often at great personal risk,' it continues. 'Some of these civil servants later worked for or helped the International Security Assistance Force, the U.S. government or the Afghan government that was established in Dec. 22, 2001.'

The exempt individuals will need to fulfill other background checks and screening requirements before being allowed to circumvent the terror-related travel restrictions to the U.S.

The Biden administration is looking to implement a new memorandum exempting civil servants who worked for the Taliban regime from 1996-2001 from terrorism-related travel restrictions to the U.S.

The U.S. continues to evacuate Afghan citizens from Afghanistan after the bungled withdrawal in August that allowed the Taliban to swiftly take over the country without a foreign troops presence

A Biden official told Fox the new memorandum won't change existing screening and vetting processes for each individual coming to the U.S., noting similar exemptions have been made with refugees from countries like the Soviet Union and Cuba.

'The effect [of the memo] is that people who worked as doctors, grade school teachers, civil servants or low-level government employees wouldn't automatically be barred from ever entering the United States because they worked in those professions,' the official said.

They also claimed that the memo's status is in the 'pre-decisional' phase.

President Biden's team is still working to evacuate thousands of Afghans in the fallout of the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) planning document outlines how the Department of Homeland Security will issue the memorandum.

The exemption will come after the Taliban was swiftly able to regain control of Afghanistan after Biden withdrew all U.S. forces from the country at the end of August without any fail-safes in place to make sure the Afghan government did not fall.

The Islamic militant group was able to take over the country in less than two weeks.

The U.S. and other countries are now grappling with how to handle the new leadership in Afghanistan after 20 years of conflict.

Biden was widely slammed for the bungled withdrawal, which left hundreds of Americans and thousands of Afghan allies stranded in Afghanistan as the Taliban took over the country.

In the chaos of the withdrawal at the Kabul airport, 13 U.S. service members were killed in a suicide bombing attributed to ISIS-K.

Since leaving, the Biden has already brought tens of thousands of Afghans back to the U.S. like those deemed 'at risk' due to the withdrawal.

It's estimated by the administration approximately 95,000 Afghans will be brought to the U.s. during this fiscal year.
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As Victoria's Covid-19 outbreak set an unwanted new record with 2,297 cases and 11 deaths announced on Thursday, Premier Daniel Andrews still couldn't resist having another crack at Sydney.

Mr Andrews claimed Sydney and NSW had only emerged from lockdown this week because they got more help from the federal government with doctor accreditation and vaccine supply.

It was another unnecessary comment from the Victorian premier, who has a long history of saying things about the pandemic and Sydney that end up coming back to haunt him.

Two months ago, on August 16, Mr Andrews said 'We don't want to be like Sydney when there are hundreds and hundreds of cases a day, and thousands of cases across the outbreak, and then hundreds of people in hospital, many of them needing a machine to breathe.'

In the same press conference, the premier also said 'I don't want us to finish up like Sydney where it has fundamentally got away from them, they are not reopening soon, they are locked in until they get pretty much the whole place vaccinated.'

This has turned out to be very wide of the mark. Sydney got out of lockdown this week with a 70 per cent vaccination rate, and is on track to soon get further freedoms upon reaching an 80 per cent fully-vaccinated rate.

Meanwhile, Melbourne is in its sixth lockdown and Victorian case numbers are going up again.

The grim reality the world's longest lockdown is having on Melbourne, its people and Victoria's economy more broadly is starting to show with 123,000 jobs across the state lost in September alone.

NSW lost just 25,000 jobs in comparison, while Queensland enjoyed an increase of 31,000 in September after recovering from a short lockdown in August.

The latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics paint a sad picture for the country, with the national unemployment rate edging up to 4.6 per cent largely due to huge falls in employment in Victoria.

Daniel Andrews (pictured) has a long history of saying thing about the pandemic that come back to haunt him, often aiming his criticism at New South Wales

Melbourne CBD is all but empty as Victoria records its first day with over 2,000 Covid cases (pictured, a woman walking through the desolate city on Thursday)

Lockdown is bad for the world, but it has its benefits for a skateboarder in Melbourne (pictured on Thursday in an eerily empty road)

MELBOURNE'S LITANY OF LOCKDOWNS Lockdown 1: March 31, 2020 to May 12 May 2020 - 43 days Lockdown 2: July 9, 2020 to October 27, 2020 - 111 days Lockdown 3: February 13, 2021 to February 17 2021 - 5 days Lockdown 4: May 28, 2021 to June 10, 2021 - 14 days Lockdown 5: July 16, 2021 to July 27, 2021 - 12 days Lockdown 6: August 5, 2021 to unknown - 71 days as of October 14 Advertisement

On August 9 last, Mr Andrews also had some unprompted advice for NSW, saying 'I'm not here to be a commentator on Sydney, but if you want to see whether locking down some local government areas works, have a look what's happening up there.'

A couple of weeks before that, on July 23, he trotted out one of his favourite phrases - calling for a 'ring of steel'.

'If Sydney has been declared a national emergency then my message is very clear. On behalf of all Victorians, I'm saying there's a national responsibility to put a ring of steel around Sydney,' he proclaimed.

Eight months ago, on February 14, Mr Andrews had a Valentine's Day message for Victorians, saying its latest lockdown would be 'a short, sharp, circuit breaker'.

He was partly right on that occasion - that lockdown, Melbourne's third, lasted just five days. But there have been three more lockdowns since then and the latest, the sixth, is ongoing.

But Mr Andrews has previous form in being overly optimistic about what the future holds when it comes to the Covid-19 pandemic and his state's handling of it.

On September 13, 2020 he said: 'I'm so proud of Victorians for the way we are all working together to beat this virus - it means we can take our first safe and steady steps towards a Covid normal tonight.'

There was nothing normal about Covid that night, and there is nothing normal about Covid now either.

But despite the surge in cases, Victoria is on track to reach its 70 per cent double vaccination target before its planned date of October 26 - meaning the end of Melbourne's gruelling lockdown may come early.

'Now, let's just finish this off so we can open the place up,' Mr Andrews said.

Sydney is back in business, having emerged from lockdown on Monday after reaching a 70 per cent vaccination rate (pictured, a bustling Pitt Street Mall on Tuesday)

But Melbourne is still in lockdown and its streets are near empty with shops, bars and restaurants all forced to keep their doors shut

A lone man walks the eerily empty streets of Melbourne amid the city's sixth Covid lockdown (pictured on Thursday) with businesses and workers desperate for some relief

There is plenty of room to move around Melbourne CBD as the city goes through its latest lockdown - its sixth since the pandemic began (pictured on Thursday)

A high vaccination rate is the key to allowing states to reopen. Sydney is on track to be 80 per cent fully-vaccinated over the weekend (pictured, a healthcare workers gives out a vaccine)

WORDS THAT WILL HAUNT DANIEL ANDREWS September 13, 2020: 'We can take our first safe and steady steps towards a Covid normal tonight.' February 14, 2021: Victoria's third lockdown will be 'a short, sharp, circuit breaker'. Melbourne is now on its sixth lockdown. July 23, 2021: 'There's a national responsibility to put a ring of steel around Sydney.' August 9, 2012: 'I'm not here to be a commentator on Sydney, but if you want to see whether locking down some local government areas works, have a look what's happening there.' August 16, 2021: 'We don't want to be like Sydney when there are hundreds of cases a day, and thousands of cases across the outbreak, and then hundreds in hospital, many of them needing a machine to breathe.' Advertisement

Covid Live analyst Anthony Macali said Victoria would probably hit the 80 per cent double dose milestone three days earlier than the official timeline on November 2, allowing for further opening up of the state and its economy.

Chair of Epidemiology at Deakin University, Professor Catherine Bennett urged her fellow Victorians not to be disappointed by Thursday's soaring case numbers.

She said it is encouraging the reproductive rate of cases has now dropped to 0.9.

'You can get a burst in cases just because the Health department has had a number of new people coming forward to get tested and it might dip again tomorrow,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'Today's numbers looks larger but in fact the rolling 3-day average is not as high as our last peak a few days ago.

'I'm not panicked today because that 3-day average allows for the fact you have these odd days (of high case numbers).

'It's really about what happens over the next days and beyond which will help us understand if it's starting to plateau.'

Prof Bennett said the situation escalated in Victoria due to a lack of control on the outbreak with a series of protests and the AFL Grand Final sparking more cases.

Victoria's worst day of Covid crisis coincided with huge crowds queueing up outside a regional medical clinic in the hope of securing a Covid-19 vaccine medical exemption - with police called to disperse crowds.

Up to 300 people gathered outside a doctor's office in Colac in regional Victoria on Wednesday, followed by a further large crowd on Thursday.

Witnesses claimed many in the crowd travelled to Colac amid rumours a GP was providing exemptions - something the doctor dismissed in a message published on his website.

The bizarre rush comes as about a million authorised workers in Victoria have a deadline of October 15 to secure one dose of the jab or a valid medical exemption.

People walk the Tan in Melbourne on the day Victoria had its first day with more than 2,000 Covid cases - a record for any Australian state or territory

Taking a phone call in Melbourne is easy these days, with very few pedestrian and car noises making it hard to hear (pictured on Thursday)

Melbourne is so empty that shop workers moving racks of clothes have no problem crossing the empty streets (pictured on Thursday)

There are a few people around in Melbourne, even if there isn't a whole lot to do with the city still in a Covid-19 lockdown (pictured on Thursday)

People enter a vaccination centre at Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton on October 12, in Melbourne as the state desperately tries to reach its 70 per cent fully-jabbed rate

A healthcare worker prepares Covid-19 vaccinations at the vaccination centre at Sandown Racecourse in Melbourne (pictured on Thursday)

A lone person is seen exercising along the Yarra River in Melbourne. Lockdown restrictions remain in place across metropolitan Melbourne and areas of regional Victoria as new Covid-19 cases continue to emerge across the state

Despite the record number of Covid cases, some in Melbourne still found time to exercise and get coffee (pictured on Thursday)
Suicides among US Army active-duty soldiers were up by 46 percent last quarter compared to the same time in 2020, according to a new Pentagon report.

In the second quarter of this year, 60 active-duty members of the Army took their own lives, compared to 41 in the second quarter of 2020.

The number of suicides was also up 41 percent among Navy personnel, from 12 in the second quarter of last year, to 17 in 2021.

Between April and June, 139 military personnel across all branches, both active and reserve, have died by suicide.

That figure is more than double the 67 military personnel who have died from COVID-19.

Suicides among active-duty military personnel have steadily increased each year, from 267 in 2015 to 384 in 2020, according to the Department of Defense report.

This year until June 30, 174 active duty servicemembers took their own lives.

Suicides among US Army active-duty soldiers were up by 46 percent last quarter compared to the same time in 2020, according to a new Pentagon report

In the second quarter of this year, 60 active-duty members of the Army took their own lives, compared to 41 in the second quarter of 2020

Experts have said the pandemic could be a factor in the increased number of suicide deaths.

'The pandemic has fundamentally changed us in a lot of ways,' Army Veterans and Texas A&M Sociologist Jeffrey Yarvis told KWTX last week.

'Its caused a lot of isolation and can influence unit cohesion, belongingness and togetherness. So, if youre cut off from that family a little more, I think it makes things difficult.'

Last month, the military released data showing that suicides in the armed forces increased by 15 percent in 2020, primarily in the Army and Marine Corps branches. There were 580 suicides last year, 76 more than in 2019.

In the Army National Guard, suicides rose by 35 percent to 103 last year, compared to 76 in 2019. Active-duty army personnel saw a nearly 20 percent increase, from 47 to 62, and 10 members of the Marine Corps took their own lives last year compared to 9 in 2019.

'The findings are troubling,' Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said, according to Fox.

'Suicide rates among our service members and military families are still too high, and the trends are not going in the right direction.'

Last month, the military released data showing that suicides in the armed forces increased by 15 percent in 2020, primarily in the Army and Marine Corps branches. There were 580 suicides last year, 76 more than in 2019

Miranda Briggs founded Fight the War Within after her husband, Army Ranger Garrett Briggs, took his own life in 2018.

In light of the recent suicide spike in the armed forces, she and the members of her 501(c) foundation have been ramping up their efforts to reach out to soldiers, providing them with resources for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

'You remember that by touching one life or impacting one life, can help so many other people thatre out there,' she told KWTX.

'We cant rewind the clocks and bring service members like my husband back, but we can remember them by trying to help other people that are here and thats how they live on.'

'The findings are troubling,' Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said, according to Fox . 'Suicide rates among our service members and military families are still too high, and the trends are not going in the right direction'

This summer, Brown and Boston Universities' Cost of War Project reported that the 7,052 servicemen and women killed in combat in post-9/11 wars paled in comparison to the 30,177 veterans who died by suicide during that period.

'Unless the U.S. government and U.S. society makes significant changes in the ways we manage the mental health crisis among our service members and veterans, suicide rates will continue to climb,' the research paper warned.

'That is a cost of war we cannot accept.'
A frustrated shopper has left a cheeky note for an Australia Post courier after they failed to receive their packages despite being home at the time.

The customer posted an image of the note to the Australia Post Complaints Facebook page on Monday, causing a heated debate among shoppers.

'Aus Post Deliverer: I am home,' the note read, which was taped to the front fence of their Brisbane home.

The cheeky note reignited claims Australian posties were not attempting deliveries, instead leaving cards in mailboxes asking customers to collect from the post office.

A Facebook user has shared a cheeky note they left for an Australia Post delivery driver (pictured)

'I have tried this by sticking a note on my mailbox, and still received a "we missed you" card,' one person claimed.

'I do that too! I place it over the letterbox slot so they can't put a card in! I can't believe we have to do this,' commented another.

'Good luck,' added a third.

Other Facebook users took the opportunity to criticise the poor practices of some Australia Post delivery drivers.

'Watched an auspost driver today get out of a van walk up and drop the item at front door and left didn't even bother knocking,' claimed another.

The original author of the note later revealed it was a success after the package was delivered to their front door by an Australia Post worker.

The author of the cheeky note later revealed it worked with their package was delivered to the front door (pictured)

'He delivered it and did not leave a card,' they wrote in the comments thread accompanied by an image of the postie.

Australia Post has made changes to its delivery policy that avoids 'unnecessary contact', due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Signatures are now longer required for deliveries and ID is checked at a safe distance under the new policy changes.

Australia Post told Daily Mail Australia its staff were working harder than ever to ensure packages were delivered to homes.

'Our posties and drivers are instructed to knock at the door three times and call out before leaving a card or safe-dropping a parcel,' it said.

'We regularly remind our people of our policies, and what we expect of them to ensure our customers receive a great service.

'Sometimes however, our people will leave a card without knocking because of access or safety issues  such as an off-leash dog  and this could happen even when a customer is home.'
Two of Australia's biggest companies have announced they will require their 75,000 staff to get a mandatory Covid vaccine.

Westpac and Commonwealth Bank will require staff who intend to return to their workplace to be fully vaccinated against coronavirus.

The mandate will affect around 75,000 staff nation-wide including thousands who currently work in two lenders in Sydney's CBD.

Westpac and Commonwealth Bank will require staff who intend to return to the workplace to be fully vaccinated (pictured, a man walks past a Westpac in Adelaide)

The vaccination mandate will affect around 75,000 employees nation-wide with rules to come into force from December (pictured, a Sydney woman is vaccinated)

Westpac employees based in NSW, Victoria and the ACT will be required to be fully vaccinated from December 1, with staff in other states to have until February 1.

The policy will be extended to contractors working on bank buildings but not to customers.

Westpac chief executive Peter King said the mandate is necessary to protect the health and safety of both employees and customers.

The bank boss said the mandate was even more important following the prediction Covid case numbers would surge following the relaxing of restrictions.

Mr King said a survey that asked Westpac employees their thoughts on mandatory jabs had received more than 10,000 responses.

'Pleasingly, 91 per cent said they are, or intend to be, vaccinated, with a further 4 per cent undecided,' the chief executive said in a statement.

He said as an essential service banks had remained open to the public throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

'With a large workforce, it is important that we have the safest possible work environment,' Mr King said.

Following the announcement of the mandate Westpac will now smooth out the details with employees with consideration to medical exemptions and the fate of workers who choose not to get vaccinated.

Westpac chief executive Peter King (pictured) said the vaccine mandate is necessary to protect the health and safety of both employees and customers

Westpac and CBA will require the majority of their employees to be fully vaccinated by December 1 (pictured, a Commonwealth Bank in Adelaide)

A CBA spokesman told the Sydney Morning Herald the mandate was in line with the company's emphasis on staff and customer safety.

The bank will require staff in NSW and the ACT to be fully vaccinated by December 1, with workers in the Northern Territory to have until December 24 and other states until February.

He said the expectation for staff to get a Covid jab was also consistent with efforts to boost the economy as Australia moves to a post-pandemic era.

'In line with our ongoing efforts to protect our people and customers from the health risks associated with Covid-19, CBA will require all employees around Australia to be fully vaccinated,' the spokesman said.

'This follows regular feedback from our employees and customers who want certainty, consistency and confidence as the economy re-opens and life in our communities returns to normal.'

At this stage, competitors ANZ and the National Australian Bank have not announced any plans to require staff to be fully vaccinated.

However, ANZ chief executive Shayne Elliott said while introducing a vaccine mandate was not off the cards, it was not currently being enforced.

Mr Elliott indicated he would take lead from health advice and said the authorities were in the best position to decide if and when a mandate should be used.

At this stage, competitors ANZ and the National Australian Bank have not announced plans to require staff to be fully vaccinated (pictured, a woman is vaccinated in Redfern)

Accounting firm PwC have mandated vaccinations for staff who intent to return the office or attend their work Christmas party (pictured, PwC headquarters in London)

The announcement comes just days after one of the globe's largest accounting firms PwC said they would require their 8000 Australian staff to be fully vaccinated to return to workplaces or attend their work Christmas party.

The firm will reopen its offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Parramatta and Newcastle at the beginning of November, but only to workers who've had the jab.

The auditing and consulting giant sent out a memo to its 8000 Australian staff on Monday, The Australian reported, informing them of the mandatory vaccination policy on the same day NSW emerged from 106 days in lockdown.

It follows a host of other major companies in Australia including Qantas, Virgin, SPC, 13Cabs and BHP, which have also introduced similar vaccination mandates.

A host of other major companies in Australia including Qantas, Virgin, SPC, 13Cabs and BHP, have also introduced similar vaccination mandates (pictured, a health care worker in Perth)

Rival big four firm Deloitte is another to have brought in a compulsory jab program.

While EY and KPMG have championed the federal government's 'Vax Return' campaign, they are yet to introduce a mandated scheme themselves.

In August, canned fruit and vegetable processor SPC became the first company to require all staff and contractors at the company's factory in Shepparton must be fully vaccinated by the end of November.

The major food producer said employees who were eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine and did not get jabbed would be subsequently banned from the workplace.

Just a few weeks later, Australia's flagship airline Qantas announced returning frontline staff had until November 15 to get two jabs of a Covid-19 vaccine.

In August, Australia's flagship airline Qantas announced returning frontline staff had until November 15 to get two jabs of a Covid-19 vaccine (pictured, Qantas crew in April)

Qantas boss Alan Joyce (pictured) said the mandate would ensure staff were safe from the virus as well as their customers and the communities they fly to

The airline said the decision was made after a survey was presented to 22,000 Qantas and Jetstar employees to get their opinion on mandatory jabs.

Of the 12,000 employees who responded to the survey, 89 per cent said they had already been jabbed or had booked one.

Qantas boss Alan Joyce said the mandate would ensure staff were safe from the virus as well as their customers and the communities they fly to.

One crew member can fly into multiple cities and come into contact with thousands of people in a single day,' the chief executive said.

Making sure they are vaccinated given the potential of this virus to spread is so important, and I think it's the kind of safety leadership people would expect from us.'
A female NSW prison worker is accused of engaging in inappropriate activity with a male prisoner over a two-week period earlier this month.

The 47-year-old woman, who was not a guard but worked inside the prison, has been suspended and will face court next month, charged over an alleged inappropriate relationship with a prisoner in the NSW central west.

Police will allege in court that the woman engaged in inappropriate activity with a male inmate over a two-week period earlier this month.

A 47-year-old female prison worker has been suspended and will face court over an alleged inappropriate relationship with a prisoner

Last week detectives from the Corrective Services Investigation Unit began investigating reports of an inappropriate relationship between a female correctional employee and male inmate.

Officers on Wednesday issued the woman with a Field Court Attendance Notice for the offence of engaging in a relationship with inmate.

The Bathurst woman will appear at Lithgow Local Court on November 17.
Lawyers for former President Trump's 2020 re-election campaign and his ex-attorney Rudy Giuliani are attempting to dismiss a defamation lawsuit brought by a former employee of Dominion Voting Systems who claims they cost him his job.

Eric Coomer, a former director of product strategy and security for the company, filed the lawsuit in Denver, Colorado last December.

The lawsuit claims Coomer was driven into hiding by death threats after the Trump campaign and others publicized an unverified report saying Coomer told Antifa activists in a pre-election telephone call that the vote could be fixed for Joe Biden.

Attorney Andrew DeFranco, Giuliani attorney Joe Sibley and Trump campaign attorney Eric Holway argued their clients didn't act with malice, that the report was public knowledge, and that Coomer was a public figure.

They say those conditions that should preclude Coomer from prevailing in his defamation suit.

However, Coomer says that their actions have ruined his life.

'Today I have filed a lawsuit in Colorado in an effort to unwind as much of the damage as possible done to me, my family, my life, and my livelihood as a result of the numerous false public statements that I was somehow responsible for 'rigging' the 2020 presidential election,' Coomer said back when he filed suit.

Despite repeated claims and lawsuits by President Trump and other conservative figures, there has been no evidence that the 2020 Election contained widespread fraud or was rigged.

Lawyers for former President Trump's 2020 re-election campaign and ex-attorney Rudy Giuliani are among several trying to dismiss a lawsuit brought on by a former employee of Dominion Voting Systems who claims they cost him his job

Eric Coomer, a former director of product strategy and security for the company, filed the lawsuit in Denver, Colorado last December

The lawsuit claims Coomer was driven into hiding by death threats after the Trump campaign and others publicized an unverified report saying Coomer told Antifa activists in a pre-election telephone call that the vote could be fixed for Joe Biden

Among the names in Coomer's lawsuit: onetime Trump campaign lawyer Sidney Powell, conservative columnist Michelle Malkin, right wing website The Gateway Pundit and One America News Network.

The case mainly centers around an alleged phone call made by Colorado activist Joseph Oltmann in September 2020.

When the prospect of a Trump victory was brought up, Oltmann said a man identified as 'Eric from Dominion' supposedly said 'don't worry about the election, Trump is not going to win. I made ... sure of that,' adding an expletive.

Oltmann's attorney identified someone referred to as 'Eric' on the purported call as Coomer by Googling his name and Dominion.

Attorney Andrew DeFranco also claimed to have found private anti-Trump social media posts by Coomer.

The lawsuit acknowledged that Coomer made comments critical of the president on his private Facebook page; he now says his page is inactive.

The case mainly centers around an alleged phone call made by Colorado activist Joseph Oltmann in September 2020

When the prospect of a Trump victory was brought up, Oltmann said a man identified as 'Eric from Dominion' supposedly said 'don't worry about the election, Trump is not going to win. I made ... sure of that,' adding an expletive

Trump's personal attorney Giuliani, right, 'Kraken' lawyer Powell, left, One America News Network and OANN reporter Chanel Rion are all named in the suit for spreading the story and denouncing Coomer

Oltmann publicized his findings on a podcast, and he was both interviewed about it and had the story spread by the other defendants, the lawsuit alleges.

Both President Trump and his son Eric tweeted references to the report as the campaign launched ultimately unsuccessful lawsuits after the election alleging there was widespread voter fraud.

Trump, who had earlier tweeted about a legal effort to try to prevent states that went for certifying Biden from certifying their results, tagged OANN and its Washington correspondent, Chanel Rion.

'REPORT: DOMINION DELETED 2.7 MILLION TRUMP VOTES NATIONWIDE. DATA ANALYSIS FINDS 221,000 PENNSYLVANIA VOTES SWITCHED FROM PRESIDENT TRUMP TO BIDEN. 941,000 TRUMP VOTES DELETED. STATES USING DOMINION VOTING SYSTEMS SWITCHED 435,000 VOTES FROM TRUMP TO BIDEN,' read the all-caps missive.

President Trump forwarded a 'disputed' claim about election fraud by retweeting a conspiracy theory about voting machines deleting 2.7 million Trump votes

Coomer said that right-wing websites posted his photo, home address and details about his family. Death threats began almost immediately

President Trump was banned from Twitter following the Capitol insurrection on January 6.

Oltmann's charges spread after he was interviewed by Malkin and Gateway Pundit. Eric Trump tweeted about them. OANN and Rion reported on them.

Powell, misidentifying Coomer as working for Smartmatic, said at a news conference that Coomer's 'social media is filled with hatred' for Trump, and she later repeated her charges in a Newsmax interview.

Giuliani, at a news conference, called Coomer 'a vicious, vicious man. He wrote horrible things about the president ... He is completely warped,' according to the lawsuit.

Newsmax, OANN and Fox News had to roll back their election fraud claims because Dominion and software company Smartamatic threatened to sue.

Fox News Channel, another network popular with Trump supporters, is not being sued and Coomer actually uses Fox's Tucker Carlson to buttress his case.

Oltmann's charges spread after he was interviewed by Michelle Malkin (pictured above) and conservative website Gateway Pundit

Eric Trump, the president's son, also spread the story, tweeting about the claims of Coomer's knowledge of the voting systems

The lawsuit notes a scheduled Powell appearance on Carlson's show did not happen after she could not provide evidence for her charges.

Coomer said that right-wing websites posted his photo, home address and details about his family. Death threats began almost immediately.

He said his father, an Army veteran, received a handwritten letter asking, 'How does it feel to have a traitor for a son.'

'It's terrifying,' Coomer said. 'I've worked in international elections in all sorts of post-conflict countries where election violence is real and people are getting killed over it. And I feel that we're on the verge of that.'

'Elections are not about politics; they are about accurately tabulating legally cast votes.'

DeFranco claims that the suit isn't about whether Coomer was defamed at all.

'This case is not about whether Coomer was on the call in September 2020. This is about whether Oltmann reasonably believes that Coomer was on the call,' DeFranco said.

'He believes it to this day,' he added.

Judge Marie Avery Moses repeatedly asked defense counsel if their clients investigated or tried to fact-check Oltmann's claim.

The defense replied that their clients had a First Amendment right to address a report already in the public realm.

Some insisted that there was no coordination or conspiracy against Coomer or Dominion, as Coomer's lawsuit contends.

Some insisted that there was no coordination or conspiracy against Coomer or Dominion, as Coomer's lawsuit contends

There were serious doubts about election fraud at the time. The context is important,' President Trump's campaign attorney Eric Holway said

Trump cited a report from the conservative Trump-loyalist OAN network

'There were serious doubts about election fraud at the time. The context is important,' Holway said.

Dominion, which provided vote-counting equipment to several states, has denied accusations that it switched Trump votes in Biden's favor.

Coomer has insisted he has no connections to Antifa, was never on any call and that there is a recording of him is 'wholly fabricated.'

He had earlier told CPR News: 'I have a personal political opinion. I may share that with friends and family, but I have never participated, or belonged to, any political groups, political action groups, social justice groups.

'I do not donate to political campaigns. I don't donate to any PACS or anything like that.'

He also has said that right-wing websites posted his photo, home address and details about his family. Death threats began almost immediately.

Coomer's attorneys said they will present evidence of a pre-conceived narrative of election fraud looking for a target and that the defendants found one in Coomer.

The hearing to dismiss his lawsuit continues Thursday.
A Los Angeles Councilman and former University of Southern California dean face conspiracy and bribery charges after allegedly scheming to get the politician's son into graduate school.

Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, 66, and former Social Work Dean Marilyn Louise Flynn, 83, were cited in a 20-count indictment released by the US Attorney for the Central District of California on Wednesday.

The indictment alleges that the politician, who was serving on the LA County Board of Supervisors at the time, exchanged county contracts in exchange for getting a relative admission into USC's graduate school.

The relative was named as Ridley-Thomas' son Sebastian, 34, by the LA Times.

Sebastian Ridley-Thomas was a Member of the California State Assembly from the 54th district from 2013 until 2017, when he resigned citing ill health. He was facing sexual harassments allegations, where he allegedly kissed a woman and repeatedly contacted her. He denied any wrongdoing.

An outside investigation found that Sebastian 'more likely than no' did harass the woman and another staffer.

California's Release of Sexual Harassment Records stated: '[Sebastian] made a sexual advance on a staff member he asked to dinner and tried to kiss. Repeatedly winked at another staff member and held her hand in a way that made her uncomfortable.'

Authorities say the Mark Ridley-Thomas and Flynn traded 'supporting county contracts and lucrative contract amendments with the university' between 2017 and 2018 in exchange for Sebastian receiving benefits and a teaching job at the university.

In exchange for the contracts, Sebastian would receive 'graduate school admission, a full-tuition scholarship, a paid professorship, and a mechanism to funnel Ridley-Thomas campaign funds through the university to a non-profit', the indictment claims.

Sebastian was later fired from his position at USC in September 2018 after questions were raised about his appointment and a $100,000 donation his father made to the school, the Times reports.

Los Angeles Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, 66, (left) and former University of Southern California Social Work Dean Marilyn Louise Flynn, 83, were cited in a 20-count indictment for conspiracy and bribery in an agreement to get his son Sebastian (right) into the school's graduate program

The school's Social Work Department was facing a 'multimillion-dollar budget deficit' that allegedly threatened 'Flynn's position and reputation.' (Pictured: Flynn)

Mark Ridley-Thomas 'allegedly wanted to help secure paid employment for his relative to minimize any public fallout' after his resignation, according to prosecutors.

The School of Social Work was allegedly facing a 'multimillion-dollar budget deficit' which threaten 'Flynn's position and reputation.'

The indictment stated the university's Social Work Department received 'contracts to provide services to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and Probation Department,' and to the 'Department of Mental Health (DMH) that would bring the school millions of dollars in new revenue.'

The indictment also states that the 'seasoned lawmaker' abused the public's trust by 'taking official actions to benefit his family member and himself.'

It alleges that the defendants took actions 'to disguise, conceal, and cover up the bribes, kickbacks, and other benefits' that Ridley-Thomas and his son were receiving.

The pair now face charges for conspiracy, bribery, and mail and wire fraud and could face decades in prison

'The corrupt activities alleged in the indictment were facilitated by a major university's high-ranking administrator whose desire for funding apparently trumped notions of integrity and fair play,' acting U.S. Attorney Tracy L. Wilkison said in a statement.

Ridley-Thomas and Flynn will face an arraignment hearing in the coming weeks in a US District Court.

They both face one count of conspiracy, one count of bribery, two counts of 'honest services' mail fraud and 15 counts of 'honest services' wire fraud.

They can face up to five years for conspiracy, 10 years for bribery, and each fraud charge could carry up to 20 years each in prison.

'This investigation should send a message to public officials that government contracts are not for sale,' Kristi K. Johnson, the FBI's LA Field Office's assistant direction told KTLA 5.
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Christian parents are preparing to take legal action against the Government over transgender guidelines issued at their sons' school which they argue 'confused' the boys so much that they had to be home schooled instead.

Nigel Row, 48, and his wife Sally, 46, pulled their children out of school after their six-year-old son came home confused that a boy in his class had begun inconsistently wearing a dress and identifying as a girl.

The couple, who have now been home schooling both their children on the Isle of Wight for four years, have objected to the guidance being given at their children's Church of England school and instructed a legal team.

Lawyers for the couple have written to the Government stating they intend to seek a judicial review of what they say is a failure by ministers to challenge the local authority's transgender guidelines.

The Rowes will pursue a judicial review over the Department for Education's refusal to intervene in their case and the promotion of Cornwall Schools Transgender Guidance, which aims to support transgender pupils.

Pictured: Nigel and Sally Rowe have instructed a legal team to challenge their sons' school's transgender policies

Nigel and Sally Rowe have objected to the guidance being given at their two sons' Church of England school

These guidelines - which the couple say must be replaced with something that 'protects children from partisan materials that lead them down a road of irreversible harm'  state that transgender pupils 'should be able to wear the uniform of their true gender'.

The guidelines add: 'Provided the child is dressing in an appropriate manner for the school regulations, feels safe and supported and the clothes they are wearing are appropriate for them, there should not be an issue.

Cambridge Students' Union publishes pro-trans guide claiming that being a woman is not just down to 'biological sex' - and accuses feminists opposing such views as being linked to 'far right' It was written by new women's officer Milo Eyre-Morgan Cambridge Students' Union has published a pro-trans guide claiming that being a woman is not just down to 'biological sex'. 'How To Spot TERF Ideology' accuses feminists who question this mantra as being 'transphobic' and suggets they could even be linked to the 'far right'. Written by new women's officer Milo Eyre-Morgan, the guide accuses Terfs - short for Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminists - of having a 'narrow definition' of women. The 'Terf' term has in the past been levelled at JK Rowling over her criticism of an article about 'people who menstruate'. The new students' guide was rolled out at the prestigious institution's freshers fair this month, which the 25,000-strong new intake of undergraduates were invited to. Cambridge University and the Students' Union have been approached for comment but are yet to say whether they back the guide or not. It comes as gender rows erupt across universities, with activists berating students and lecturers who disagree with their views. In one chilling case, protesters are baying for feminist philosopher Kathleen Stock to be sacked from the Sussex University. She was this week thrown under the bus by her union, which she accused of 'effectively ending her career' by issuing a statement 'in solidarity' with 'trans and nonbinary communities'. Advertisement

'Where children are free to choose clothing, making a transition from M2F (male to female) or F2M (female to male) may be harder as the change in clothing may be more obvious.'

The Rowes first publicly objected to the guidance in 2017 when they removed their second son from the school.

They believe it is wrong that young children have to confront the complex issue of transgenderism, and took action in 2017 after their six-year-old son came home 'confused as to why a boy was now a girl'. His brother, eight, was withdrawn in 2016 over a similar incident.

Mr and Mrs Rowe accused the school of failing to respect their right to bring up their children in accordance with their religious values.

They said parents have not been consulted about the school's policies to tackle transphobic behaviour, introduced to comply with the 2010 Equality Act.

According to the Times, the couple said that when they raised the issue, the school gave them the choice of 'either affirming transgenderism, which they believe is harmful, or being labelled as transphobic'.

Mr Rowe said: 'This is not just about boys wearing dresses. This case is about an ideology that is now embedded in schools, local authorities, and Church of England leadership, and is causing serious long-term harm to thousands of children.

'We believe it is wrong to encourage very young children to embrace transgenderism. Boys are boys and girls are girls. Gender dysphoria is something we as Christians need to address with love and compassion, but not in the sphere of a primary school environment.

'We took this action with heavy hearts, but having seen how this issue has escalated, we feel vindicated and believe the government must be challenged.

'The Cornwall Guidelines must be scrapped and replaced with a policy that protects children from partisan materials that lead them down a road of irreversible harm.

'We have been shocked that the government has refused to act on the clear evidence presented to them and face no alternative but to pursue a judicial review.'

And Mrs Rowe said: 'We were given no choice but to home school our children. We, and our sons, either had to go along with what we believe is a lie or face being labelled as 'transphobic.' It is not possible for Bible-believing Christians to bring their children up in line with their beliefs under such policies and approach.

'We have been blessed that home schooling for our children has been a positive experience, but we are concerned for other families who are not able to home school and are forced to risk having their children indoctrinated by these guidelines.

'Six-year-old children are not able or even allowed to make decisions on voting or having a tattoo, for example  it is therefore immoral to think that they can make such life-changing decisions at such a young age. As a society we are called to protect children, and these guidelines and the culture they are embedding in primary schools is achieving the opposite.'

When speaking out about the issue previously, Mr Rowe has said they feel they need to 'take a stand' for parents in their position who feel there is an agenda going on that is overriding their Christian beliefs.

Nigel and Sally Rowe, who live on the Isle of Wight, first publicly objected to the guidance in 2017

Mr and Mrs Rowe accused the school of failing to respect their right to bring up their children in accordance with their religious values

A Department for Education spokesman told the Times: 'We recognise that issues relating to gender identity can be complex and sensitive.

'Schools are best placed to work with parents, pupils and public services to decide what is best for individual children  and what is best for all others in the school.'

Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, which is supporting the family, said: 'It is chilling that Christian parents who want to bring up their children in line with their Christian beliefs cannot trust state education to be kind to them and make room for them.

'We will stand with the Rowes as they continue to seek justice and to protect the well-being of so many vulnerable children in primary schools.'
Walsh says he thinks Laundrie is hiding out in Mexico and got help from his family, who he dubbed the 'dirty Laundries'

A former friend of Petito and Laundrie's told Walsh its possible Laundrie is hiding out on the Appalachian trail, where he bragged about surviving for 3 months

Walsh, the current host of 'In Pursuit With John Walsh' on ID says that his show's hotline has gotten calls from people who believe they've sighted Laundrie

Walsh made his predictions about Laundries whereabouts during Wednesday nights airing of 'Gabby Petito: ID Special Report'

John Walsh says he thinks Brian Laundrie escaped to Mexico and has gotten tips he is hiding on the Appalachian trails the manhunt for the 23-year-old continues

Former America's Most Wanted host John Walsh says he thinks fugitive Brian Laundrie may have escaped to Mexico with the help of his parents, and that they may have given him a gun.

The manhunt continues for Gabby Petito's former fiance continues after a coroner announced she was strangled.

Walsh made his predictions about Laundrie's whereabouts during Wednesday night's airing of 'Gabby Petito: ID Special Report' on pay television network ID.

He said the fugitive's parents, Christopher and Roberta, could have helped him slip across the border unnoticed, as thousands of migrants are also doing.

'It's a great time to be heading south, because [there are] thousands of refugees,' he said.

'He could walk across the border naked with his hair on fire, and nobody would notice him. I think that's maybe where he's hiding  and somebody might be helping him,' he added.

Walsh also suggested that Laundrie may have been given a weapon by his family.

He said: 'I believe they might have given him a gun. I would hate to see someone else become a victim of this guy.

'But it's still a wide open investigation and this guy could be anywhere.'

The Laundrie family have insisted they do not know where their son is.

Laundrie, 23, has missing for a month, with his parents telling investigators they last saw him on September 13.

On September 1 he returned home early from the cross-country road trip he was on with Petito in a white camper van.

Laundrie is considered a person of interest in Petito's disappearance and death, which has been ruled a homicide.

John Walsh says he thinks Brian Laundrie escaped to Mexico as the manhunt for Gabby Petito's former fiance continues

Laundrie is considered a person of interest in Petito's disappearance and death, which was ruled a homicide

Walsh, the former host of America's Most Wanted, and current host of 'In Pursuit With John Walsh' on ID says that his show's hotline has gotten calls from people who believe they've sighted Laundrie, with some tips more reliable than others.

'We've got people from all over the world calling saying that Martians got him and took him to another planet, and he's inside hiding in an alligator in a Louisiana swamp,' Walsh said.

But other callers have provided more 'solid' tips regarding sightings in the Bahamas where Laundrie could have gone to via a ferry from Florida.

But Walsh says he thinks the 23-year-old is hiding out in Mexico and got help from his family, who he dubbed the 'dirty Laundries.'

'We've had over a thousand solid tips to the 'In Pursuit' hotline. Most of them are about my theory of his father driving him to the Mexican border and letting him go through Mexico,' Walsh said.

He added: 'I believe he's out there with the aid of his parents.

'They're actively aiding and abetting his escape and they're helping him stay out there'

Law enforcement have not suggested that Laundrie's family are in any way involved with his disappearance.

Walsh also says a former friend of Petito and Laundrie's told him that its possible Laundrie is hiding out on the Appalachian trail because he has previously bragged about surviving on the trail 'for three months out of a backpack.'

The official search for Laundrie by North Port police and the FBI has focused on the massive alligator-infested Carlton Reserve in Sarasota County, after his parents said he had left their home for a hike there and they hadn't seen or heard from him since.

But Walsh is not convinced, and claims it was a ploy by the family to throw investigators off the scent.

He said: 'It was a red herring. They bought him five more days before they started looking for him. He was never in the swamp. He can be anywhere. I think he headed to Mexico.'

John Walsh says he thinks Brian Laundrie escaped to Mexico and has gotten tips he is hiding on the Appalachian trails the manhunt for the 23-year-old continues

The Teton County coroner announced just yesterday that Petito died of manual strangulation.

Her body has been released to a local mortuary for cremation, and her parents are expecting to return home to Long Island, New York, this weekend with her ashes.

Last week Chris Laundrie joined FBI agents in the search for his son at in the vast 24,565-acre Carlton Reserve where there a supposed 'fresh campsite' was found.

But the discovery was denied by investigators and the joint search proved fruitless.

The Laundrie family did not join the FBI in the manhunt in any of their searches after the search with the fugitive's father came up short on October 7.

North Port Police in Florida revealed the next day that the sole person of interest in Petito's homicide had been placed under surveillance in the days before he went on the run.

Police spokesperson Josh Taylor told CNN Laundrie was being closely watched by authorities to the best of their abilities, at a time when Petito was still classed as missing and not dead and when a warrant had not yet been issued for Laundrie's arrest.

Taylor provided no further details about the extent of this surveillance or how Laundrie was then able to slip through the net.

It is not clear if investigators ever had proof of his presence at the Laundrie family home in North Port, from when Petito was reported missing on September 11 to when his family revealed Laundrie had vanished on September 17.

Investigators have confirmed they never spoke to, or saw, Laundrie that day as his family lawyered-up and denied police entry to their home to speak with him.

Instead, the timeline of his disappearance appears to largely rest on accounts given by Laundrie's parents Christopher and Roberta.

Gabby Petito's body is released by coroner to mortuary for cremation as her dad travels to Wyoming to bring her ashes home to New York

Gabby Petito's body has been released by the Wyoming coroner to a local mortuary for cremation, a day after officials announced that the van-life blogger had been strangled to death.

Her father Joseph Petito traveled to Wyoming on Wednesday to collect her ashes and bring them home to New York, Fox reported.

Brian Laundrie, 23, is still the only named person of interest in Petito's death, which was ruled as homicide by strangulation yesterday.

Laundrie himself vanished on September 17, almost three weeks after returning home to Florida without his girlfriend.

The Teton County Coroner's Office has released DNA to the police, according to WPBF 25.

And the suspect could already have been named behind closed doors, a former FBI agent told the network.

'That piece of information, I would bet, has gone into grand jury - there is now a sealed indictment for the apprehension for the person who is responsible for the death of Gabby Petito,' former FBI agent Stuart Kaplan told WPBF 25.

'This can of course include him [Brian Laundrie] as being the attacker or responsible person for causing Gabby Petito's death or it could exclude him.'

Gabby Petito's father Joseph (right) is reportedly in Wyoming collecting the ashes of his daughter (left) after the Teton County Coroner's Office released her body to a local mortuary

He believes it is unlikely the suspect's name will be released until after an arrest is made.

Teton County Coroner Dr. Brent Blue released Petito's cause of death as strangulation, but could not release any more information due to Wyoming law.

Petito's body was discovered in a campsite close to the Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming on September 19 - eight days after her family reported her missing, and 22 days after the last reported sighting of her alive on August 27.

The coroner refused to reveal several details about the autopsy's findings including: the condition of Petito's body, if her body was buried, whether any drugs were found in her system and whether she was killed in the same spot her body was found.

He did confirm that Petito was not pregnant at the time of her death - after internet sleuths circulated that theory online in recent days. Blue added that DNA samples had been taken by law enforcement as the investigation into her murder and who was responsible continues.

State Attorney Dave Aronberg said Laundrie's DNA might not appear on the samples found on Petito's body due to the time her body spent exposed to the elements, but other evidence like cell phone records could still be used against him, according to WPFB's Carbonare.

Her body was found three to four weeks after her death, the coroner said.

Laundrie's family, however, have been refusing to answer questions and are still citing the Reserve as the last place Brian was seen.

Brian Laundrie's father refused to answer questions as he mowed his lawn around a makeshift memorial for his fugitive son's late fiancee Wednesday morning - 19 hours after a coroner announced Gabby Petito cause of death.
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Jaggar Phillips is only 10, but he is going places in surfing - and fast.

The talented grommet, from Maroubra in Sydney's east, is the envy of his schoolmates after securing a sponsorship with iconic Australian surfing brand Billabong.

He is equally talented away from the beach, be it carving up at skate bowls or in Jiu-Jitsu classes.

Maroubra grommet Jaggar Phillips was stoked after recently securing a sponsorship with Aussie surf brand Billabong

The 10-year-old first began surfing at the age of two with his dad Matt - and is already well known in elite surfing circles

Jagger also happens to be a very talented skater, and is a regular on many skate bowls in Sydney's eastern suburbs

Jaggar, who started surfing at the age of two with his dad Matt, caught the eye of staff at Billabong after recently completing the Surf 30 Days in September challenge, which raised money for remote surf communities overseas.

Hosting the event alongside SurfAid, Billabong were impressed by the dynamic goofy-footer, who collected over $2000 himself for the charity.

Following some social media exposure, the pint-sized youngster was on cloud nine when he was added to the Billabong surfing stable, which includes the likes of world number two Italo Ferreira, Joel Parkinson and big wave shredder Laura Enever.

'It was a great feeling, I was so happy,' Jaggar told Daily Mail Australia when reflecting on his big sponsorship news.

'I love surfing because I can do it and have fun with my friends.'

Life in lockdown has also been in recent months - time away from the classroom allows Jaggar more time to hone his surf skills.

'I think homeschooling is great, in between Zoom chats I can meet my friends out in the surf,' he added.

Jaggar also doesn't have to look far for advice - Bra Boy and renowned big wave surfer Koby Abberton is a family friend.

Surfing NSW identity Ethan Smith wasn't surprised to hear Billabong have backed Jagger to be a future star in the ocean.

'We have been aware of his exploits for some time, his appetite for the sport is amazing,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'He loves the water, and with his father being a local lifeguard at Maroubra, surfing is in his blood.

'Jagger is a real talent, and I have no doubt he will be loving the fact Billabong have identified him as a rising star.. how far he goes in the sport is up to him.'

The talented youngster (pictured right) is also showing promise in Jiu Jitsu and as a skater in Sydney's east in and around Maroubra

Jagger's passion and natural ability in the ocean is why many believe he has a big future as a surfer, potentially on the pro circuit
Police are investigating the mysterious circumstances in which a mother-of-four was tragically found dead by her young son under a car in the driveway of a home in Adelaide.

The 45-year-old single mother was leaving for work from the home in Pennington, in Adelaide's north-west suburbs, when something went terribly wrong shortly after 7.30am on Thursday morning.

The woman's young son found his mother underneath the car and alerted emergency services, who were unable to revive her at the Addison Road address.

SA Police tapped off the scene around the home as they launched an investigation into the tragedy.

The woman's young son found his mother, 45, underneath the car and alerted emergency services, who were unable to revive her at the home in Pennington, Adelaide

They announced just before 1pm on Thursday detectives had determined the death was non-suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

Friends and family were seen hugging and comforting each other as they gathered at the scene shortly after the tragic incident.

'The son, I think, went out and saw his mum on the ground,' an unidentified family member told 7News Adelaide.

'She's a very caring person, and a caring mum. She takes care of her kids.'

'We're all going to miss her.'

'The son, I think, went out and saw his mum on the ground,' an unidentified family member told 7 News Adelaide

'Were very worried about her children now and so very sorry for them,' another person on the scene added.

The mother is understood to have immigrated from Vietnam a number of years ago.

Her distraught niece said the woman's daughter is stuck in Melbourne, and fears the daughter would not be able to attend her mother's funeral.

'I dont know whats happened, theres three kids in there,' a family friend told The Advertiser after arriving at the scene.

A woman who works at a grocer across the street from the home said the mother was a regular at the shop.

'Its very sad, I didnt know her too well but she would come in and grab things here pretty often,' she said.
Andrew Cuomo's former press secretary has claimed that he told her he was rebuked by his father for comparing the size of women's breasts when he was a college student.

Karen Hinton, who worked for Cuomo when he was Bill Clinton's secretary of housing from 1997-2001, accused Cuomo in March of hugging her inappropriately in a California hotel room 21 years ago.

She wrote an essay about her time working for Cuomo and Bill de Blasio, the mayor of New York, entitled Penis Politics, and in December the book that grew from the essay will be published.

'When I was Andrew's press secretary  he told me a story about when he was in college and his father Mario Cuomo was New York Secretary of State,' Hinton writes, in a copy of the book obtained by The New York Post.

Andrew Cuomo is seen with his father Mario in 2002 - two years after he left the Clinton White House, and when he was running for governor for the first time. When Cuomo was a college age Mario Cuomo scolded him for joking about women's breasts, according to a new book

The Cuomo family are pictured in September 1977, when Andrew (third left) was 19. From left: Maria, 15, Madeline, 12, Andrew, 19, Margaret, 22, Mario Cuomo, Christopher, 7 - now a CNN anchor - and mother Matilda

Andrew Cuomo, pictured in May this year, was forced to resign as governor in August after 11 women accused him of sexual misconduct

'Andrew and a friend of his were standing next to his father's state car, waiting for Mario to finish up an event.

'The college-aged Andrew and his friend passed the time by comparing the attributes of breasts of women they knew: Who had large 't**ties, who had small ones, and the pros and cons of how to handle each.

Karen Hinton's new book is out in December

'They were beside themselves with laughter.

'The window came down. Unknown to them, Mario was in the car already and heard every word.

'The laughter stopped.

'Mario Cuomo was fuming. 'Don't ever talk that way again about women, whether I hear it or not,' Mario lectured Andrew.

'No wink, wink, nod, nod from Mario Cuomo to his son.'

Hinton, who is married to another former Cuomo aide, Howard Glaser, said that she thought back to Cuomo's anecdote when the then-governor of New York resigned on August 10.

Cuomo had been accused by 11 women of sexual harassment and assault. He denies the allegations, and said in his resignation speech that he put their claims down to generational differences.

'In my mind, I have never crossed the line with anyone,' Cuomo said. 'But I didn't realize the extent to which the line has been redrawn.'

Karen Hinton worked as a press aide to Cuomo while he was in Washington DC as a member of Clinton's Cabinet

Hinton, however, said she did not buy Cuomo's reasoning.

'Andrew Cuomo told New Yorkers on the day he resigned, that 'the lines' on behavior by men toward women had moved as he grew older,' she wrote.

'But Mario knew where the line was, even forty years earlier, and he tried to teach his son, one future governor to another.'

Cuomo's spokesman, Rich Azzopardi, accused Hinton of trying to manufacture scandal to sell her book.

'In 2018, when Ms. Hinton was not consumed with chasing headlines to sell a book, she wrote: 'I've been fortunate to have male bosses, like Andrew Cuomo and Bill de Blasio, who know how to be respectful of women even while being no-nonsense managers,' he said.

'Consider that when gauging her credibility and this latest transparent attempt to rewrite history.'

Cuomo has been lying low since leaving Albany, spending time at a friend's house in the Hamptons.

He does not have a home of his own but his brother Chris, a CNN anchor, also lives in the area.

Cuomo at the end of September posted a photo on Instagram of himself on a boat off Long Island, with his dog, Captain.
Kidnapping survivor Elizabeth Smart has told of her heartbreak after van-like blogger Gabby Petito was found dead, and spoke of her concern that many missing women like her may never be found.

Smart was kidnapped in 2002 when she was 14, and held for nine months by street preacher Brian David Mitchell and his wife.

But she told Jada Pinkett Smith on Facebook Watch's Red Table Talk show that she had been terrified at the idea that she might be killed and her body never found by her parents.

'In Gabby's case in particular, I mean, I was alive, and I came home, and hers tragically has not ended that way,' said Smart, who is now an activist for victims' rights.

'But knowing what it's like being on the other side and potentially what may have happened and what may have led up to her final moments, and understanding probably a lot of what she was feeling, it's heartbreaking.'

Smart said she remembered that when she was kidnapped by Mitchell in 2002, she was concerned that her body would not be found.

She said: 'I asked him if he was going to rape and kill me if he could do it close to my house because it was important to me that my parents find my body and know that I hadn't run away.

'So when I think of Gabby Petito, when I think of all of these other victims, I feel like they still deserve every much to be found so that their stories have an ending as well.'

Petito's case has caught worldwide attention as prime suspect Brian Laundrie, 23, is still on the run. It was revealed yesterday that Petito, 22, died of strangulation, but the local coroner could not release any more information due to Wyoming law.

Her body was discovered in a campsite close to the Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming on September 19 - eight days after her family reported her missing, and 22 days after the last reported sighting of her alive on August 27.

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It has been revealed on Tuesday that Gabby Petito' cause of death was through strangulation, according to her autopsy results

Kidnapping survivor Elizabeth Smart has revealed how she begged her abductor to rape and kill her close to her house so that her parents would be able to find her body

The 33-year-old shared harrowing details of her experience in a candid new interview with Jada Pinkett Smith and her mother Adrienne Banfield-Norris on Red Table Talk

'My parents always said the worst part of having me gone was not knowing if I was alive and out there or if I was dead,' she said (pictured April 2003)

Smart, 33, who was famously taken from her family's Salt Lake City home at knifepoint when she was just 14, shared harrowing details of her experience with Pinkett Smith and her mother Adrienne Banfield-Norris.

'My parents always said the worst part of having me gone was not knowing if I was alive and out there or if I was dead,' she told the women.

Abductor and self-proclaimed prophet Brian David Mitchell didn't kill her  but he and his wife Wanda Barzee did take her away from home, chaining her down in a makeshift campsite nearby before moving her to Lakeside, California.

She spent nine months, from June 2002 to March 2003, in captivity, with Mitchell performing a 'marriage' ceremony with her and raped her repeatedly.

Smart was eventually found at age 15 after witnesses in Sandy, Utah called police. One said she recognized Smart, while another said she recognized the abductor.

Smart said on Red Table Talk that while she spent those nine months wishing someone would find her, there were times she lost hope she'd ever make it home.

'I always wanted to be rescued. I don't know that I always had hope. There were some pretty dark times for sure,' she said.

Listening to Smart, Banfield-Norris became momentarily overwhelmed and broke down in tears.

'It's just very, very powerful having you here,' she said.

Smart also revealed today how she was turned off of therapy after a re-traumatizing experience immediately after she was rescued.

She recalled how she was taken to a children's justice center the day after she got home and brought into a room with two psychiatrists, to whom she was told to speak openly about what had happened to her  so she assumed they were there to help.

Listening to Smart, Banfield-Norris became momentarily overwhelmed and broke down in tears. 'It's just very, very powerful having you here,' she said

Pinkett Smith also became emotional, and pointed out that there are a lot of missing people whose cases don't get nearly as much coverage as Smart's did

'It was two men. Middle-aged. Older. On the way to the room, they open this closet and say, "You can choose any stuffed animal you want." And I just remember feeling condescended too, because I was like, I'm 15. I just survived nine months without a stuffed animal. I'm pretty sure I can survive whatever's gonna happen next.'

She said she 'immediately shut down' because the men were about the same age as her captors.

'They were both clearly religious, which, bravo for them, but in that situation, where I had just come out of nine months of being abused and manipulated by someone who was trying to lose religion, that just made me feel uncomfortable.'

It got worse as she was asked to describe, in detail, what had happened to her. Smart said she had a sheltered upbringing and was 'very innocent and naive' before her kidnapping. For example, in her home they didn't use words like 'penis' and 'vagina'  they said 'privates.'

But in the room with those two men, she was repeatedly pushed to explicitly describe what Mitchell had done to her.

'They're like, "OK, so what happened?" And I'd be like, "They hurt me." And they'd be like, "Well how'd they hurt you?" [And I said] "Well, they molested me." [And they said] "Well how'd they molest you?" [And I said] "Well, they raped me." [And they said] "Well, do you know what rape is?" And I was like, "Well, yeah, he forced himself on me."

'And they'd be like, "Could you use the correct body parts?" So I finally had to get it down to, "He physically forced his penis into my vagina repeatedly." That was terrible. By the time I left, I just knew that I never wanted to speak about it with anyone every again. I didn't want to speak of what happened.'

Smart was famously taken from her family's Salt Lake City home at knifepoint when she was just 14

She spent nine months, from June 2002 to March 2003, in captivity, with Mitchell performing a 'marriage' ceremony with her and raped her repeatedly

She said it was later explained to her that the psychiatrists were there to get her testimony so they could stand in proxy for her at trial  but she didn't know that at the time, and assumed that it was what therapy was like.

'If this is what therapy is, I do not want it. And I refused. I refused to have therapy. Which, of course, panicked my parents. So they went and saw a therapist,' she said.

Her parents' therapist told them that this was OK  but they needed to be prepared 'because ultimately you both will be her biggest therapists, and you need to be in a place where you can handle that.'

In retrospect, with a better understanding of therapy, she realizes that it could have been useful at the time  but 'going back to every dark moment' was not what she wanted at the time.

She went into some detail about those dark moments, looking back to what it was like for her to be stolen from her room in the middle of the night.

'Everyone teaches you what you should do if you catch on fire. To look both ways when you cross the street. And thinking back on my exact situation, nobody really tells you what you should do in that situation,' she said.

'When I woke up, there was a knife pressed against my throat. A little bit more pressure, and he could have just killed me.

'I don't regret not screaming, I don't regret doing what he told me, because I'm still alive. And I don't know that I would be had I not. Because I do believe that he absolutely was capable of killing me and then maybe taking my sister, or killing her too.'

Smart was eventually found at age 15 fter witnesses in Sandy, Utah called police. One said she recognized Smart, while another said she recognized the abductor

Smart is pictured with her parents in 2005. She said they got therapy so they could help her when she needed it

After taking her out the window, Mitchell and Barzee took her into hiding.

'My captors had taken me to southern California for the winter. Their plan was to kidnap seven young girls. I was just the first. And they actually made several attemps while I was with them,' she said.

After the last failed attempt to kidnap another girl, Smart convinced Mitchell and Barzee to return to Utah.

That's when vigilant locals spotted her and Mitchell and made separate reports to police.

'I don't think I'll ever lose my faith in humanity, because everyone kept their eyes open and just simple phone calls to the police ultimately led to my rescue, my homecoming,' she said.

She recalled the moment they were walking down the street when several police cars pulled up, with officers jumping out and asking them questions.

'Initially, I didn't respond and say yes, I'm Elizabeth Smart, please help me, please save me,' she said.

'So many people over the years have been like, "Well why didn't you?" she went on. 'I didn't immediately yell or scream or admit who I was because for nine months, no one could protect me from them.

'For nine months, he raped me, chained me up, did whatever he wanted to do to me, and there was never anyone there to protect me.

Brian David Mitchell (pictured) was convicted in 2010 and is serving a life sentence

Mitchell's wife Wanda Barzee (right) was sentenced to 15 years in prison and in the plea deal was given credit for the seven years she already served. She was released from prison in September 2018 and now lives in the same town as Smart, despite Smart's pleas to the parole board not to set her free

'I didn't know these police officers. I didn't know what they were capable of. I didn't know if they could protect me. But I did know that my captor was so close, he was right next to me. He was physically touching me.

'And I knew they were capable of killing me. And they threatened me with that every single day.

'My goal was to survive and I didn't know if I said something that I would. But I knew if I did what they told me to do, that there was a chance for me to survive.

She said she couldn't admit to police who she was until she was finally separated from her captors.

Smart is now a mother to three children of her own: six-year-old Chloe, four-year-old James, and two-year-old Olivia with her husband, Matthew Gilmour.

She is already speaking to Chloe about what happened to her.

'They are young,' she said, 'but someone told me that as soon as your child starts asking questions, that's the right time to start talking to them.

'One of my captors was coming up for parole, and I was supposed to go down to the prison that day to go give a victim impact statement. My daughter, my oldest, didn't really want me to go and kept asking [questions].

'I started talking to her, but it's not in graphic detail. "When mommy was younger, there was a man who broke into my home and hurt me. And now he and his wife are in jail and I'm going down there to make sure that they stay in jail,"' she said.

Smart admitted that she is 'overprotective' as a mother, but that's where her husband comes in to 'pull her back down to earth.'

Smart also spoke about she was turned off of therapy after a retraumitizing experience immediately after she was rescued

Smart is now a mother to three children of her own with her husband, Matthew Gilmour

Though Mitchell is serving life in prison, Barzee was sentenced to just 15 years in prison. In a plea deal. she was given credit for the seven years she had already served.

She was released from prison in September 2018 and now lives in the same town as Smart, despite Smart's pleas to the parole board not to set her free.

Smart admitted she was 'disappointed' in the outcome, but said it gives her a greater appreciation for those victims who never even have a 'smidgen of justice.'

'At least I got something. How many more haven't?' she said.

Smart also said that having her family around her supporting her made a difference in her recovery.

'How many victims are there who are kidnapped or abused by their family members? The very ones that are supposed to protect them are the ones hurting them. And that sense of betrayal,' she said.

'We shouldn't compare what we go through, but it makes me feel that I am so blessed, and I am so lucky because I was kidnapped by a stranger.'

She said that she was also fortunate to have the support of her community, because no one had ever questioned whether she was actually kidnapped or if she ran away.

'Everything that I have always said has been accepted. And how many victims, how many survivors are not believed?'

Her kids are six-year-old Chloe, four-year-old James, and two-year-old Olivia

Smart is pictured with her children. Smart admitted that she is 'overprotective' as a mother, but that's where her husband comes in to 'pull her back down to earth'

She said this is what makes the difference between 'moving forward and having a healthy life or bottling it inside you and then being on a different trajectory.'

Pinkett Smith points out that there are a lot of missing people whose cases don't get nearly as much coverage as Smart's did.

She runs the names and photos of several of them on the screen, including Alexis Scott, Jonathan Bandabaila, Dashad Laquinn Smith, Sophie Reeder, Artreveon Brown, Osiel Rico, Kierra Coles, Akia Eggleston, Lashaya Stine, Tyarra Williams, Laquanta Riley, Kristen Galvan, Tiffany Foster, Keeshae Jacobs, Isabella Manson, Madyson Vitou, and Misty McGinn.

'When I think of all of the people  I mean, so many. So many  whose stories never even see the light of day,' Smart said.

'I live in this field every day, and all the time I hear stories I have never heard. And they're not just brand new stories of ten minutes ago. They're stories of five, ten, 20 years ago. And I've never heard of them. Someone is missing. Are they any less worthy? Has any less of a hole been left because they're gone?'

The episode also delves into the disappearance of Daniel Robinson, a 24-year-old geologist who. has been missing for over three months in Arizona.

'I don't think there's anyone, in all the millions of times that your episodes get watched, that could say that any one of these families is any less worthy than any other family to have their case persued, and any less of worthy than anybody else, myself included, to come home,' said Smart.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has again hinted that the state borders could reopen to COVID-19 hotspots before Christmas, saying the next six weeks of the vaccine rollout are critical.

The state recorded no new virus cases on Thursday morning after more than 10,000 tests in the previous 24 hours.

Ms Palaszczuk is yet to set any date or vaccination threshold for the state borders to reopen to virus hotspots in NSW, Victoria and the ACT, but she's been making hints this week.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (pictured) said the next six week are 'critical' for state's vaccine rollout but is yet to commit to opening the border to NSW and Victoria

Almost 71 per cent of eligible Queenslanders had received one dose of a vaccine and 54.1 per cent were fully vaccinated by Tuesday, but the premier is concerned about coverage outside the southeast.

She again urged unvaccinated Queenslanders to get a first dose by mid-November with those who do get the jab by then due for a second dose in early December.

'We are seeing our vaccination rates increase in Queensland, but there are parts of Queensland in regional communities in central Queensland, out at northwest, up in the northern parts of our state, indigenous communities, that we need to make sure are protected,' Ms Palaszczuk told parliament on Thursday.

'So now we need a huge drive, I've said the next six weeks are critical, for Queenslanders to get that first dose.'

The premier's warning comes after she hinted on Wednesday night that November 17 was seen as a cut-off date for people to get their first jab.

'We've done all we can to keep you safe - but this next step is up to you,' Ms Palaszczuk wrote on Twitter.

'We cannot protect you if you won't protect yourself.

'I need you to get vaccinated and I need you to get it now.

'It takes five weeks from the first dose to be completely vaccinated.

'Five weeks from today in the 17th of November - that's getting very close to Christmas.'

Several Bunnings stores (pictured) in Queensland have been announced as vaccine hubs in an effort to boost the rollout

Earlier this week the Queensland government said COVID-19 vaccines will be rolled out at Bunnings stores in a bid to boost uptake as the state prepares to eventually reopen the borders.

Ms Palaszczuk says her government is finding new ways to bring protection to the state's population and vaccine clinics will begin at Bunnings retailers this weekend.

'So families can get their Bunnings sausage and a dose of vaccine,' the premier told parliament on Tuesday.

More than two dozen Bunnings have been identified across the state, stretching from the Gold Coast, inland to Dalby and as far north as Cairns to boost the state's jab rate.

Meanwhile, government MPs called for Liberal National Party leader David Crisafulli to dump health spokeswoman Ros Bates from the shadow cabinet over her links to an anti-vaccination group.

The border remains closed to southern states but Ms Palaszczuk seems to be hinting at lifting border rules by December (pictured: a border checkpoint at Coolangatta in September)

Ms Bates, who supports vaccination, is a member of the Nurses Professional Association of Queensland, which is associated with the Red Union Support Hub which espouses anti-vaccination views.

Treasurer Cameron Dick called for Mr Crisfulli to sack her from her position for undermining vaccination.

'So this is a test for the leader, will he stand up the vaccination, will he stand up our economic recovery, or will really stand up for those people who aid and abet, and shelter, with organizations that promote anti-vax senitment,' he said.
An Australian shopper has shared her heartwarming act of kindness for essential workers at her local grocery store.

TikTok user Lisa Biscoff shared a video on Tuesday encouraging her 101,000 followers to 'be kind', filming from a Coles in Willowdale in south west Sydney.

'I'm in Coles and it's a day to do something nice,' she says while holding a box of chocolates to the camera.

'All these Twirls, I'm buying them and giving them to the staff members.'

'You know why? Because during tough times like these you need to do something kind for others,' she says.

'I hope you enjoy them, Coles!'

Lisa Biscoff shared a TikTok showing her generous act for essential workers at her local Coles Willowdale store

While at the checkout counter the woman informs the cashier the box of chocolates - 32 in total, were purchased as a gift for store team members.

'Put them in the staff room for everyone,' she says.

'Thank you so much, that's so sweet of you,' the cashier replies.

The worker was reportedly so grateful for the generous gesture she hugged Ms Biscoff, who was thanked by other staff members after returning to the store the next day.

'Its just about making people smile. Doing something nice for someone else, even though its small, can really turn their day around,' Ms Biscoff told Daily Mail Australia.

'You dont know what someone is going through that day, and a nice gesture like that, can really brighten their day.'

Ms Biscoff bought a box containing 32 Cadbury Twirl chocolate bars and gave them to staff in a random act of kindness

Ms Biscoff's random act of kindness has been met with praise by TikTok users, with one person writing: 'Biggest heart I know.'

'That is so kind of you to do,' commented another.

'You're a beautiful person,' added a third.

The generous act comes as threatening behaviour towards retail staff in NSW has increased by 53 per cent compared to last year.

The National Retail Association (NRA) report revealed threatening behaviour towards staff accounted for one in five shoppers between March and September this year.

Chief Executive Officer Dominique Lamb said more support was needed for retail workers, fearing the safety and wellbeing of staff is under threat as the state moves out of lockdown.

'It is unfair to rely solely on retail workers to ensure shoppers comply with vaccination passports, mask-wearing and QR code check-ins,' Ms Lamb said.

'Our industry is the largest employer of youth in the country, and it is young people who are typically at the receiving end of abuse.

'Everyone has the right to a safe work environment.'
A Sydney man accused of sexually assaulting three women he met using a dating app had his bail revoked after using a false name to access a similar site, a court has been told.

Joshua Rini, 30, is applying to the NSW Supreme Court to be released on bail again after breaching the conditions imposed after his initial release.

Defence lawyer Ivan Vizintin said on Thursday that Rini's use of social media did not necessarily precipitate further alleged offending, as the key issue in each case was consent.

In July last year the Glebe carpenter turned himself in at Surry Hills Police Station and was subsequently charged with two counts of sexual intercourse without consent.

A public appeal for help was made to find Joshua Rini, who was wanted after two women told police they had been sexually assaulted

Rini is accused of sexually assaulting the two women on separate occasions at a Glebe home last year after meeting them on Tinder.

He has since been charged over a third sexual assault with another woman, 25, with the incident allegedly occurring at a Woollahra home in November 2017.

The two met through the same dating app.

Despite one of his bail conditions strictly stating he was not to use any form of dating service on any platform, Rini accessed Tantan - a dating app predominantly used in China - using a 'false name', the court was told.

Mr Vizintin admitted this was absolutely an egregious breach of his bail conditions, but said it did not heighten his risk to the community.

'Tinder doesn't make it more likely he'll commit a further offence, it's incidental to the alleged offence,' he said.

'The case is about what happened in the room with each of these complainants.

'It's not the crown case that Tinder was used in a nefarious way to lure the complainants to his home where the alleged sexual assault took place.

'Each complainant voluntarily attended his home and engaged in physical intimacy with him.'

The lawyer pointed to one complainant's account of oral sex being promised before meeting him for dinner.

After consensual intimacy began, 'she (said) she would just roll with it because he was good looking, she felt in control at this point when he was kissing her,' Mr Vizintin said.

At some point, that consent is withdrawn, and all cases show a pattern of offending, prosecutors allege.

'Each instance there was almost an immediate complaint,' the Crown says.

Justice Peter Hamill likened the use of dating websites to meeting at 'singles bars,' or the pub, saying a person would be banned from those premises if they faced charges of a similar nature.

'It is the fact that each and every one of these arose following the use of a similar (dating) platform,' Justice Hamill said.

Born in the United Kingdom, Rini has a brother and sister in Australia who each proposed $10,000 as security.

Rini would accept staying off dating websites if the judge imposed the condition again, Mr Vizintin said.

'He might accept it today but what's he going to do in three months time?' Justice Hamill said.

The bail decision will be handed down later in the day.
The search for an eight-year-old boy believed to have been in a kayaking incident in a West Australian river is now a recovery mission.

A specialist robotic camera will be used to search for the body of an eight-year-old boy who is believed to have drowned while kayaking in Western Australia's south.

The boy had been camping with family at Fernhook Falls near Walpole, about 400km southeast of Perth.

The search for an eight-year-old boy believed to have been in a kayaking incident in a West Australian river (pictured) is now a recovery mission

A land search including 60 State Emergency Service volunteers (pictured) has been suspended

He was reported missing from the campsite on Sunday morning, with police later saying he had been involved in a boating incident on the river.

A land search that spanned several days and involved more than 60 State Emergency Service volunteers has been suspended, and police are now focusing on recovering his body from the river.

Superintendent Kim Travers said the boy had ventured off alone near the top of the falls on Sunday morning.

The land search lasted several days with police now focusing on recovering his body from the river

Police divers are searching various sections of the river (pictured). Drones have also been deployed due to low visibility

He had earlier told his older brother he wanted to paddle through foam on the surface of the water but was told it was too dangerous.

'The brother has heard him call out for help and immediately rushed down the little track ... but he couldn't see his brother,' Supt Travers said.

'What he did see was the little blue plastic kayak lodged in the tree that his brother had (carried) across.'

A short time later, his father located the boy's jumper jammed underneath a rock.

The family had been staying in a cabin at the Mount Frankland National Park and had been kayaking over the weekend without any issues.

Police say the boy's brother heard him call out but was unable to locate him, only finding a kayak lodged in a tree

'They are a loving, caring, very close-knit family. This is a significant trauma for them,' Supt Travers said.

Police divers have searched sections of the river and a drone has also been deployed to search the water, with visibility low after heavy recent rainfall. A specialist robotic camera will also be deployed.

The search area spans about 200 metres and includes rapids.
A prominent Muslim organisation in Australia has cancelled a live webinar in which they invited two top members of the Taliban to speak after public outrage.

The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils had organised a line-up of keynote guests to speak at Saturday's online event, which aims to discuss 'the future of Afghanistan and our role, regardless of whether we are in favour or against recent developments'.

The speakers had included long-time Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen and senior figure Sayed Abdul Basir Sabiri.

Two top members of the Taliban have been invited to address Australian Muslims (pictured Taliban members in Afghanistan

On Thursday afternoon AFIC released a letter saying Dr Rateb Jneid, the organisation's president, had made the 'executive decision' to cancel the event.

The group said it had invited the members of the Taliban to speak 'in the hope of obtaining assurances for the human rights of minorities, the rights of women to employment and education and to dissuade Australians from travelling to the region with any wrongful intent'.

'The event was not convened to legitimise any group or to offend any group,' Dr Jneid added.

'The event... generated both support and criticism, publicly and privately... In view of these developments I have taken the executive decision to cancel the event,' he said.

Long-time Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen (pictured) is among the speakers

News of the webinar had sparked public outrage.

'This is absolutely appalling and it shouldn't happen,' 2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham fumed on his show on Thursday.

'The Taliban is being given the chance to brainwash young Muslims right here in Australia.'

Afghani refugees from the Hazara minority forced to flee the nation in the 1990s described the event as 'completely inappropriate.'

'To see faces like these on a prominent event like this is really traumatising,' refugee advocate Sitarah Mohammadi told The Australian.

'Our people have suffered so horrifically at their hands, and continue to do so to this day.'

Other speakers include AFIC president Rateb Jneid, National Grand Mufti of Australia Imam Abdul Quddoos Al Azhari will also be among the speakers and Islamic legal scholar Mohammad Naqib Jan.

Mr Jneid defended the event, saying it was chance for participants to find out what was happening in Afghanistan.

'We have many families of Afghan background who are worried about their loved ones in Afghanistan and they want to hear about the intentions of the government there.' he told the publication.

Promotion of this Saturday's live webinar (pictured) has sparked community outrage

Taliban fighters reclaimed power of Afghanistan in August following the collapse of the government as President Ashraf Ghani fled the country, bringing an end to a two-decade campaign to transform the country by the US and its allies, including Australia.

Afghans who have supported Australian Defence Force troops for many years as translators, security guards and assistants are still in the city and now face the possibility of imprisonment under Taliban rule.
A Pomeranian aptly named Pom Pom has miraculously survived being swallowed by a tornado and flung 300m from her home in NSW.

The pint-sized 1.5kg canine was finally given the green light to return home after spending two weeks recovering from the wild storm at a vet.

Pom Pom's owner Scott McKinnon lost his home at Meadow Flat near Lithgow on the NSW Central Tablelands in just 30 seconds on September 30.

A tiny Pomeranian called Pom Pom (pictured) has miraculously survived being swallowed by a tornado and flung 300m from her home in NS

Pom Pom's owner Scott McKinnon (left) lost his home at Meadow Flat near Lithgow on the NSW Central Tablelands in just 30 seconds on September 30

Three people were injured by the wild tornado that tore through the small town west of Sydney and damaged houses, powerlines and trees.

Along with the damaging winds and horizontal rain, terrified residents also reported large hailstones as the twister swept through the community.

Pom Pom was lifted off the ground by the powerful winds and spun in circles 20 metres in the air before ending up in a nearby paddock, the ABC reported.

The little dog was left with a punctured lung and multiple broken ribs with her devastated owners assuming they had lost her among the chaos.

'We gave up on Pom,' Mr McKinnon admitted.

Things weren't looking good for the canine after her kennel was nowhere to be found and her blanket spotted 30 metres up a pine tree.

Three people were injured by the wild tornado that tore through the small town west of Sydney and damaged houses, powerlines and trees (pictured, damage to Mr McKinnon's home)

Andrew Gee (left), the member for Calare, posted a series of photos of Mr McKinnon (right), his partner Anne and the damage to their home in the days following the tornado

As Mr McKinnon and his partner started to assess the damage to their property and tend to their other animals they heard a distinctive bark in the distance.

It took two weeks for the resilient Pomeranian to finally be returned to the arms of her grateful owners.

'We can't work it out. She's only the size of a big rat and she survived,' he said.

Mr McKinnon and his partner are in the process of salvaging what they can from their home.

The 'non-stop cleaning' will make way for a new property that will be built with more storm-friendly materials and a stronger frame to withstand strong winds.

Andrew Gee, the member for Calare, posted a series of photos of Mr McKinnon, his partner Anne and the damage to their home in the days following the tornado.

Mr McKinnon and his partner are in the process of salvaging what they can of their home and starting painstaking efforts to rebuild (pictured, damage to their Meadow Flat property)

The 'non stop cleaning' will make way for a new property that will be built with more storm-friendly materials and a stronger frame to withstand strong winds (pictured, storm damage)

'Scott McKinnon is a veteran. He's also a woodchopper, tree lopper and holds the world record for coal shovelling,' the politician wrote.

'I reckon the ability to make split second decisions under pressure in dangerous situations plus the physical strength to withstand a tornado saved his life two days ago.

He said Mr McKinnon was forced to hold onto his kitchen bench as the powerful winds tried to drag him feet first out the window.

'Outside the sky was a swirling mass of trees, metal, silos, vehicles, cattle and Pom Pom the Pomeranian,' he said.

'The rebuilding process will be a long one. The most important thing through all of this though is that Scott & Anne (and Pom Pom) are safe and well.'
President Joe Biden's administration has announced plans to build seven major offshore wind farms along the east and west coast.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said the government aimed to hold up to seven offshore lease sales by 2025 for waters in the Gulf of Maine, Central Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, as well as off of the coast of New York, the Carolinas, California and Oregon.

However, the plan could face pushback from coastal and fishing communities and even some environmental groups.

It's part of a push by Biden's government to supply wind-generated energy to more than 10 million homes by 2030.

Haaland made the announcement while speaking at a conference on wind power in Boston, Massachusetts.

'The Interior Department is laying out an ambitious roadmap as we advance the administration's plans to confront climate change, create good-paying jobs, and accelerate the nation's transition to a cleaner energy future,' she said.

President Joe Biden's administration announced plans to build seven major offshore wind farms along the east and west coast by 2025

The plan is part of a push by Biden's government to supply wind-generated energy to more than 10 million homes by 2030

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland made the announcement while speaking at a conference on wind power in Boston, Massachusetts

Only one offshore wind farm is currently fully operational in the United States: the Block Island Wind Farm, completed at the end of 2016 off the state of Rhode Island and capable of producing 30 megawatts of wind power.

The White House approved the first commercial wind farm in the US off the coast of Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts this summer.

The 30 gigawatts is equivalent to the energy that would power 10 million homes.

The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management aims to review at least 16 offshore wind project plans by 2025.

In March, Biden announced his administration would invest heavily to boost offshore wind farms, as part of its efforts to fight climate change.

In addition to wind energy to millions of homes, the administration's plans would produce 30 gigawatts of wind power by 2030, cut 78 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions and create tens of thousands of jobs.

In March, Biden announced his administration would invest heavily to boost offshore wind farms, as part of its efforts to fight climate change

The Oregon coast (pictured above) is one of seven areas where the administration hopes to build

The Biden administration's support for wind power is in stark contrast to former president Donald Trump

The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) pilot project, with a capacity of 12 megawatts, saw its first phase completed in 2020.

The final site is to be completed in 2026 and could supply energy to 600,000 households.

The Biden administration's support for wind power is in stark contrast to former president Donald Trump, who repeatedly ridiculed the renewable energy source during his term, claiming it was expensive and inefficient.

The department of energy will spend $2 million on visual surveys and acoustic monitoring of marine mammals and seabirds at potential wind sites on the West Coast.

In order for Americans living in coastal areas to see the benefits of offshore wind, we must ensure that its done with care for the surrounding ecosystem by coexisting with fisheries and marine life  and thats exactly what this investment will do, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said in a news release.

The plan needs to be approved by state and local government, as well as environmental groups before construction begins.

It could meet backlash from fishing communities and residents of these coastal areas. Fishermen say the wind projects make it harder to harvest seafood.

Some conservation groups even argue the turbines will kill thousands of birds and hurt marine life.

The plan could meet backlash from fishing communities and residents of these coastal areas. Fishermen say the wind projects make it harder to harvest seafood

Some conservation groups even argue the turbines will kill thousands of birds and hurt marine life
Hanna Dickinson, 28, told her loved ones about she had a rare form of cancer and fraudulently obtained more than $100,000 in Disability Support Pension benefits between January 2014 and October 2018

A cancer scammer who was jailed for lying about being terminally ill will spend even longer behind bars after she was caught in another fabrication.

Hanna Dickinson, 28, told her loved ones she had a rare form of cancer and fraudulently obtained more than $100,000 in Disability Support Pension benefits between January 2014 and October 2018.

She was sentenced to 12 months behind bars in November last year and on Thursday was given another four-month sentence after pleading guilty to making a false document at the Melbourne Magistrates Court.

Dickinson forged a fake reference letter from her manager at aged and disability support service HenderCare to use in court, the Herald Sun reported.

Her manager had no knowledge the reference had been attributed to her or used in a court plea during February last year after Dickinson pretended to be someone else to secure a $30,000 car loan.

The scammer on Thursday was also fined $1,500 for illegally obtaining a mobile phone after using a former friend's email for an iPhone contract worth $2,500.

Dickinson's lawyers on Thursday said she'd been caring for other inmates' babies while in prison and had shown 'compassion and empathy'.

Her string of lies first began in 2013 when she told loved ones she had been diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma, a rare cancer that affects smooth muscle tissue.

The conwoman was handed a two-and-a-half year jail sentence in Victoria's County Court last November over what Judge Sarah Dawes described as 'disgraceful' lies, but Dickinson was only ordered to serve 12 months.

Serial con artist and cancer faker Hanna Dickinson (pictured) will spend another four months in jail after submitting a fake reference in court

The order meant that after she served 12 months she could then be released on a $1000 recognisance order requiring her to be on her best behaviour for three years.

Her elaborate scam involved faking medical documents, including one purporting to be from a doctor and another from a surgeon, to claim the disability pension.

She said she was about to start chemotherapy and was looking at overseas treatment options.

Dickinson even tricked her own mother, who in 2014 told Services Australia that her daughter only had three months to live.

While telling her lies she conned friends and family into raising $41,770 for treatment for a cancer she didn't have and was given a two-year community corrections order in 2018.

But Dickinson breached that by falsifying documents to get the $30,000 car loan and was subsequently jailed in June of last year.

She was still behind bars when she was given the 12-month sentence in November, 2020.

The court heard she'd used the money she'd swindled to fund her partying and lavish lifestyle, while also taking overseas trips.
A farmer was left stunned after he discovered one of the sheep in his flock had a fully-sized fifth leg attached to his head in what 'looks like mullet' hairstyle.

Sam Kuerschner's father discovered the unique animal in September while they were taking a break from work on their property in Orroroo in outback South Australia.

'I'm a shearer as well, so I'm around a fair few sheep and you hear a few stories... but it's certainly the first time I've seen [something like this] up close,' Mr Kuerschner told the ABC.

Mr Kuerschner with the rare lamb he discovered at his South Australia farm (pictured)

Mr Kuerschner said word had gotten out around the area and a few other farmers and townspeople had been asking him about the animal.

He added the leg is fully formed and appears to be attached to the back of the sheep's head by flesh rather than a bone joint.

'It seemed completely happy and healthy and didn't seem to be suffering any kind of medical issue.'

He said the limb had reminded him of a mullet and was tempted to name her after Western Bulldogs AFL star Bailey Smith whose prominent profile has revived the hairstyle in recent months.

He said the animal appears to be healthy and happy and he intends to keep her as a pet

WHAT IS POLYMELIA? A very rare congenital condition in which animals are born with extra limbs. The condition usually present with an extra leg. Humans can also be susceptible though extremely rare. One vet estimated the frequency in sheep to be about 1 in 200,000 Advertisement

This is despite sheep being a ewe - with Mr Kuerschner saying he couldn't see a reason why the animal couldn't have lambs of its own when fully grown.

Before that he said he intends to keep the animal as a pet.

'When the time comes to wean it off its mother, I think I'll take it home and it can run around the house yard. I've got three little kids and they'll be fascinated to have that as a bit of a special pet for hopefully the rest of its life,' he said.
A rescue dog named Bear who saved 100 koalas during Australia's Black Summer bushfires has been honoured in the UK for his bravery.

The six-year-old Australian koolie was awarded a special medal by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) at the House of Lords earlier in the week.

Bear and his team appeared via video link to accept his special recognition on Tuesday.

Bear (pictured) a six-year-old Australia koolie has been honoured by the International Fund for Animal Welfare in the UK for his work saving koalas during the 2019-2020 bushfire season.

Bear and his team appeared via video link to accept his Special Recognition award on Tuesday

Bear's handlers said he would be receiving extra pats and play time for his special award

Romane Cristescu, Bear's handler, said she could not be prouder of the former rescue dog, saying he will get lots of extra pats and play time for his award.

'He's been such a good boy in helping us find and rescue a lot of koalas, especially during the bushfires, but he works throughout the year to help us in our job to make a better and safer place for koalas,' she said during the acceptance speech.

The life-saving dog was abandoned by his former owners due to his obsessive compulsive disorder that made him unable to play well with other dogs.

However it made him a great candidate for the University of the Sunshine Coast's Detection Dogs for Conservation program.

Bear, wearing shoes to protect his feet, has been trained to go into areas devastated by fire and sniff out koalas in the area (pictured)

He would lie down next to an area he smelt a koala, ensuring the habitat is not disturbed

Bear is credited to saving the lives of over 100 koalas during the 2019-2020 bushfire season

Bear was trained to recognise the scent of koalas' fur and has been credited for saving over 100 marsupials during the 2019-2020 bushfires after their habitats were engulfed in flames.

He was taught to drop silently to the ground at the base of a tree when he detected their smell, ensuring the habitat is not disturbed and helping his team to locate koalas that may be in need of medical treatment.

The team works with the IFAW and local wildlife groups to find and rescue koalas in areas affected by bushfire.

Bear is the only dog in the world trained to sniff out both koala fur and faeces.

Bear works with the Detection Dogs for Conservation program team at the university of the Sunshine Coast

The 2019-2020 bushfire season was his first deployment with IFAW wildlife campaigner Josey Sharrad saying Bear brought the team hope during the devastation.

'He found koalas despite all those harrowing conditions. That brought us hope,' she told AAP.

It is estimated over three billion animals died during this bushfire season and more than 24 million hectares of land was burnt.

Bear was one of just two dogs who were honoured during the ceremony with Jasper, a cockapoo, winning 'Animal of the Year' for his work supporting frontline NHS staff through the Covid pandemic.
Three people have tragically died and five others are in a serious condition after a car smashed into a power pole before colliding with a truck on the Gold Coast.

Emergency services were called to a multi-vehicle crash site on the corner of Arundel Drive and Brisbane Rd just after 12.20pm Thursday.

Three people died at the scene and a 49-year-old man was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition, reported The Gold Coast Bulletin.

Three people have been killed and five others are in a serious condition after a car smashed into a truck on the Gold Coast (pictured)

Police said a black sedan was travelling eastbound before the vehicle veered onto the wrong side of the road and struck the front of a truck.

Three people were killed while a 49-year-old male passenger was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

The truck driver, who was towing a boat behind his vehicle, walked away from the incident unharmed.

Another vehicle was struck by a falling light post, with both occupants uninjured and requiring no further medical attention.

Witnesses were treated for shock by paramedics at the scene, but did not require hospitalisation.

Traffic is currently being diverted from Arundel rd with motorists encouraged to avoid the area if possible.

Earlier multiple paramedics including critical care and the High Acuity Response Unit arrived at the crash scene involving nine people.

Fire crews reportedly required 'cutting tools' to free one patient from their vehicle.

Queensland police are now working to identify the families of the victims who died.
Lawyers for one of New York City's most feared former mafia bosses have told a court he is now so stricken with Alzheimer's that he believes he is president of the United States, and should be released on compassionate grounds.

Victor Orena, now 87, has been in prison since 1992 after being sentenced to life plus 85 years.

He was made the acting boss when the head of the Colombo criminal gang Carmine Persico - leader of one of the famed Five Families that ran organized crime in New York - was imprisoned, and picked Orena to succeed him until Persico's son was old enough to take over.

Orena tried to challenge the Persico family and sparked the last major mafia war in New York City, launched in 1991.

Victor Orena, now 87, is pictured in his heyday surrounded by dollar bills. The former mafia leader has been in prison since 1992 and now has Alzheimer's

Orena was sentenced in 1992 to life in prison plus 85 years; his family are seeking compassionate release

Carmine Persico, who ran the Colombo crime family from 1973 until his death in 2019, is pictured in 1986 - the year he was sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison. Orena tried to challenge his rule in 1991

The challenge was reportedly supported by John Gotti, head of the rival Gambino family, who enjoyed seeing the Colombos tear themselves apart.

Twelve people were murdered and 28 injured over the next year, in a killing spree that outraged the city.

Victor Orena was named acting head of one of New York's Five Families, but then tried to take over and sparked a civil war

Orena's lawyer, David Schoen, has been arguing for several years that his client's dementia means he is no longer a threat, and should be released.

Schoen told Brooklyn federal court that Orena is 'a shell of a man.'

He told Judge Eric Komitee: 'Mr Orena is completely unable to self-care. The delusions have been there for quite a while.

'Mr Orena does not know who he is or where he is.'

Schoen said sometimes Orena believes he is president, and other times thinks he is head of Federal Medical Center Devens in Massachusetts, where he is currently held.

Orena contracted COVID-19 in prison and then declared the pandemic was a conspiracy conjured up by President Biden, Schoen said.

Orena is now unable to walk on his own or use the bathroom without help, the lawyer said.

Orena (right) is pictured with his son Andrew, now 59, who was in court in Brooklyn on Wednesday to continue the fight to have his father released

Devon Lash, assistant U.S. attorney, did not question Orena's frailty, but said that the father-of-five and grandfather of 20 still posed a threat, referencing the Colombo bloodletting of the early 1990s.

'He instigated a conflict that injured 28 people and claimed 12 lives,' Lash said.

Judge Komitee did not rule but Orena's son Andrew Orena, 59, who was in court on Wednesday, said the family was not optimistic.

'Unfortunately, it's not the time frame we would want,' he told The New York Daily News.
Sydney residents will have to wait a little while longer for their next holiday as regional travel is delayed.

Those in Greater Sydney have been holding out for NSW to hit the 80 per cent double dose vaccination target with the promise of more freedoms.

But those dreams were dashed on Thursday after it was decided in the NSW cabinet meeting that regional travel would be delayed for at least a week, 9news reported.

The decision was made to allow regional areas more time to get their vaccination rates up as high as Sydney.

Sydneysiders desperate to leave the city after four months of lockdown face delayed holidays due to lower vaccination rates in regional NSW. Pictured: Byron Bay in Northern NSW

While NSW is expected hit the 80 per cent target by Monday, Premier Dominic Perrottet warned earlier this week intrastate travel may be pushed back amid concerns opening up could put residents in lower vaccination rate areas at risk.

'It has come up because of the significant increase in the vaccination rate and that is a great thing,' he said.

'We want to open up as quickly and safely as possible. That is exactly what we are doing.'

There is speculation the delay will last until October 25.

Mr Perrottet said authorities anticipate that Covid numbers will climb across the state once travel restrictions are lifted.

There is speculation regional travel will not restart until October 25. Pictured: Huskisson on the NSW South Coast

'We certainly believe, based on the advice we've received from (NSW) Health, that there will be naturally an increase in case numbers, in hospitalisations, as mobility increases across the state,' he said previously.

At the forefront of concerns are popular travel destinations like Byron Bay and the Hunter Valley vineyards where jab rates are lagging.

While NSW has achieved 75 per cent coverage, the Byron Shire in Northern NSW sits at just 47 per cent.

In the town of Cessnock - gateway to the Hunter Valley's stunning wine region - just 58.4 per cent of residents aged 16 and over are fully vaccinated.

Sydneysiders looking for a getaway will have to wait a little longer as regional travel is delayed (pictured: Surfers in Byron Bay)

Coffs Harbour and Kempsey on the north and mid-north coast are also at 58 per cent, while Inverell in the Northern Tablelands and Junee in the Riverina have only managed 57 per cent coverage.

The announcement comes as NSW recorded 406 new locally acquired cases of Covid on Thursday- down from 444 the previous day.

There were also six more deaths reported and 711 people are now in hospital with COVID, with 143 people in ICU.

More than 91 per cent of the eligible population have had their first vaccination and 76.5 per cent are now fully vaccinated.

The state now looks set to reach its 80 per cent double Covid-19 vaccination milestone by the weekend, which would be earlier than expected.
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This is the moment the 'terror attacker' who killed five in a bow and arrow rampage in Norway was questioned by police outside his house a year ago - three years after uploading a warning video in which he called himself 'a messenger' and declared: 'Bear witness that I am a Muslim'.

The photograph, taken in August 2020 by a nervous neighbour, shows Espen Andersen Brathen outside his Kongsberg home with two officers. It is unclear exactly what they were speaking about, though the same month he was accused of breaching a restraining order taken out by his father who he had recently threatened to kill.

The picture emerged at the same time as an old YouTube video, which Brathen uploaded to the site in 2017. In it, he delivers a screed that has been badly translated into English, in which he asks viewers 'is this what you want?', calls himself 'a messenger' and says: 'I come with a warning'.

Brathen is now in custody, where he has confessed to killing four women and one man, all aged between 50 and 70, and wounding three others during a half-hour attack on the town of Kongsberg shortly after 6pm Wednesday. Police say he is a Muslim convert who was flagged as radicalised, and described the attack as 'a terrorist act'.

Brathen began his attack with a bow and arrow outside a supermarket, but police have since revealed he used two other weapons during the half-hour assault - though they did not identify them. Some victims died in the street, prosecutors said, but others were killed in their homes.

Police have released few other details about Brathen, but court documents and testimony from neighbours paint a bleak picture: An 'unstable' loner with a collection of weapons who rarely left his flat, hadn't held a job in years, suffered from mental health problems, used drugs, and was estranged from his family.

In other developments:

Witnesses described hearing 'women's screams' at the scene of the attack, adding: 'It was a death cry'

Brathen is currently being questioned by police and is cooperating, though has not been formally charged

Police say he has admitted being behind the attack, but has not yet entered a formal plea to criminal charges

He is Danish citizen via his mother but has Norwegian father, was born in Norway, and lived there 'all his life'

Records suggest Brathen has been out of work since the early 2000s. It is not clear what he did before then

Forensic officers were working at an address close to the crime scene and have questioned local residents

Brathen will undergo psychological examination to determine whether he is fit to stand trial

An image taken by one nervous neighbour in August 2020 shows Espen Andersen Brathen on his doorstep - having gained weight and grown his hair since the 2017 YouTube video - speaking with two police officers

Espen Andersen Brathen, 37, has been identified as the man who killed five people during a bow and arrow rampage in the Norwegian town of Kongsberg on Wednesday night

Brathen's house, which is located close to the scene of the attack, had been sealed off by police today while neighbours described him as a man with a 'bad vibe' who used to practise swinging 'clubs, sticks and batons' in the garden

Police say the attack began around 6.12pm when they first received a call that people were being shot at with a bow and arrow outside a local supermarket (pictured, forensic officers at the scene today)

Police first made contact with the attacker at 6.18pm when they were also shot at, and lost sight of him. It took until 6.47pm for the man to be tracked down, when he surrendered after officers fired warning shots (pictured, the scene today)

Police say they have arrested a 37-year-old Danish man, who has admitted being the attacker. They say he is a convert to Islam and had been flagged for radicalism (pictured, arrows in a wall near the scene)

Police say the suspect was known to officers for 'several different issues' and had also 'been in contact with... the health service several times' (pictured, arrows at the scene of the attack)

The attack began at a Coop Extra supermarket on the west side of Kongsberg at 6.13pm as the man opened fire with a bow and arrow, then walked through the streets apparently firing at random. It ended half an hour later and 400 yards away as police confronted the man after he crossed the Numedalslagen river

Kongsberg is a small town in southern Norway that straddles the Numedalslagen river with a population of about 26,000. It is known as the home of the Royal Norwegian Mint, houses the headquarters of a major arms manufacturer, and serves as a satellite campus for the University of South-Eastern Norway

Anders Behring Breivik: Norway's most-notorious terrorist Anders Behring Breivik - who now goes by the name Fjotolf Hansen - is a far-right terrorist who killed 77 people during a gun and bomb attack on the Norwegian capital of Oslo and the island of Utya in July 2011. Breivik, then aged 32, began his attack by emailing a manifesto to more than 1,000 people including politicians and journalists outlining his far-right ideology - including the belief that Muslims are 'colonising' Europe and should be deported, and that feminism represents a kind of 'cultural suicide'. After sending the email, he drove a white van containing a 2,000lb bomb to the offices of the Norwegian government and parked it outside around 3.15pm. Ten minutes later the bomb exploded, killing eight people - six women and two men - and injuring more than 200, with 12 seriously hurt. Police rushed to the scene, cordoned it off, and began hunting for the attacker - though Breivik had already left the city in another vehicle and was driving towards Utya island, some 20 miles to the north. Dressed as a policeman and carrying a fake ID, Breivik took a ferry from the mainland to the island and arrived at 5.17pm carrying a case of weapons including a Glock handgun and Ruger semiautomatic rifle. He then made his way to where a summer camp for the Workers' Youth League - affiliated with the left-wing Labour Party who were then in power - was taking place. He opened fire on the camp at 5.21pm. Over the course of the next hour, Breivik shot dead 67 people - most of whom died from gunshots to the head - and wounded another 32. One person died falling from a cliff as they tried to escape the massacre, and another died trying to swim away. Police arrested Breivik at 6.34pm without resistance. Of those killed on the island, a majority were teenagers and the two youngest victims were aged 14. Taken together, the attacks represented the deadliest in Norway since the Second World War. Among the dead were friends of then-Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and the stepbrother of Norway's crown princess Mette-Marit. Breivik went on trial in April the following year, entering the courtroom while giving a now-infamous one-fisted salute - an echo of the Nazi salute which he would use at later court appearances. He admitted to being the one who carried out the attacks and said he did it to promote his manifesto, but pleaded not guilty - arguing that he was acting in 'self-defence' and did not recognise the court's authority. In August, Breivik was sentenced to 21 years in jail for the massacre with the possibility of extending the term if he is still deemed a 'threat to society' - the maximum sentence that can be imposed under Norwegian law. That sparked a debate about whether Norway's legal system - created in the wake of Nazi occupation - is too lenient, and the conditions in which Breivik is kept has continued to be a source of debate ever since. Initial controversies included his access to a gym and video games, while another debate erupted in 2015 when was allowed to enroll on political science at the University of Oslo. Advertisement

Brathen has a lengthy criminal history, including an incident in May last year in which he went to his father's house and threatened to kill him while carrying a handgun, which he then left behind on the sofa. He subsequently had a restraining order taken out against him, which he breached in August.

Meanwhile, a former neighbour told Norwegian outlet VG that the man had a 'bad vibe' and used to practise fencing in his garden using 'clubs, sticks and batons'.

'There was no elegance in the fencing, he fenced with brutality. He was always alone. From the kitchen window I could look into his apartment. It was very messy... I got a bad feeling,' the neighbour said.

An image taken by one nervous neighbour in August 2020 shows Brathen on his doorstep - having gained weight and grown his hair since the 2017 video - speaking with two police.

The neighbour added that, in June last year, police came to the man's house wearing shields and helmets and ordered him to come out. Officers then handcuffed him and took him away.

Then, in August, the neighbour saw the man talking to police outside his house for 'a long time' before they left. It is thought that this incident relates to his alleged breach of bail.

The picture emerged at the same time as a since deleted YouTube video from 2017, where he described himself as a Muslim and said: 'I come with a warning'.

It has emerged that a close childhood friend of Brathen alerted the police in 2017 after watching the video and becoming worried that he would do 'something absolutely terrible'.

'He has been like a ticking bomb,' the friend told VG.

Ole Bredrup Sverud, chief of police for south-east Norway, said officers were first called about the attack at 6.12pm Wednesday after locals near a Coop Extra market were shot at with a bow and arrow.

Four armed squads were sent to the area and officers first made contact with the man at 6.18pm. He briefly disappeared, then reemerged and fired arrows at them. While taking cover from the arrows, the man escaped.

Officers fanned out to search for him as 18 other squads arrived on the scene, but did not catch up to him until 6.47pm. It is thought that he killed all his victims - four women and one man, aged between 50 and 70 - during this time window.

Police have not identified any of the victims, though they say relatives have been informed. They have also not said how the victims died, though have confirmed that more than one weapon was used in the attack.

It is not clear how many weapons were used in total, or what kind of weapons they were. Three people were also injured in the attack, though it is not clear exactly how or when they were hurt.

Their injuries are not life threatening, police have said.

Police said Brathen has 'justified' his actions, without expanding what this justification is.

A close relative of Brathen told Ekstra Bladet the family are 'all very shaken and sad about what has happened'.

The source also said the family 'could not understand how and where he has learned to shoot with a bow and arrow'.

Police have said Brathen is a Muslim convert who was flagged to them as radicalised.

Brathen is said to have visited a mosque around three times a few years ago in Kongsberg, reports TV2.

Oussama Tlili, the head of the mosque Kongsberg Islamic Cultural Center, said he remembers Brathen because he had 'made an impression' because it is rare for people with a Scandinavian appearance to visit there.

The attack began in a Coop Extra supermarket on the west side of Kongsberg at 6.12pm Wednesday, with armed police immediately dispatched to the scene.

Three more police patrols were then dispatched, with another 18 put on patrol. Additional officers were called for, but had not arrived by the time the man was arrested.

A total of 29 ambulances and three air ambulances were also sent to the city. In addition, a rescue helicopter was sent from the municipality of Rygge-Moss, around 45 mile away.

Police first spotted the man at 6.18pm. He vanished for a moment, but then reappeared and fired arrows at officers. While sheltering from the arrows, the man managed to escape again.

Squads of police spread out and combed the nearby streets, but did not make contact with the man again until 6.47pm when they fired warning shots and he surrendered.

Thomas Nilsen, who lives close to the scene of the attack, described hearing 'a scream I have never heard before' as heavily armed police rushed to the area.

'It was a scream that burned into the soul. I will never forget that. I perceived it as a death cry', he told national broadcaster NRK.

Norway's outgoing Conservative Prime Minister Erna Solberg called the attack 'shocking' and 'gruesome' in a press conference late on Wednesday. 'I understand that many people are afraid, but it's important to emphasise that the police are now in control,' she said.

Labour party leader Jonas Gahr Store, who is due to become prime minister today after an election last month, described the killings as 'cruel and brutal' and said his thoughts were with 'those affected, their families, and with the police, the health workers who are now working full time to assist those who need help.'

Following the attacks, the Norwegian police command said it had immediately ordered officers nationwide to carry firearms. Norwegian police are normally unarmed but officers have access to guns and rifles when needed.

Official's said Wednesday's rampage was the deadliest attack in Norway in a decade, since far-right extremist Anders Behring Breivik killed 77 people in twin attacks on July 22, 2011.

Breivik first set off a bomb in the capital Oslo next to the building that housed the office of the prime minister, then went on a shooting spree at a summer camp for left-wing youths on the island of Utoya.

A witness told TV2 she had heard a commotion and seen people running for cover before catching side of a 'man standing on the corner with arrows in a quiver on his shoulder and a bow in his hand,' AFP reported.

'Afterwards, I saw people running for their lives. One of them was a woman holding a child by the hand,' she added.

Another witness tweeted: 'There is a guy with bow and arrow shooting at people just outside my apartment wtf. Police and multiple helicopters are here.'

While Sarkis Younan, a student who lives next to the Coop Extra store, told local media: 'I was sitting and watching Squid Game when I suddenly saw and heard sirens. I thought it was in the TV series. Suddenly I heard the police screaming like hell: 'Put down your weapon''.'

Officers have cordoned large areas of the town, a municipality of around 28,000 people in southeastern Norway, 82km (51 miles) from Oslo, and urged the public to stay home. Police said there were several crime scenes.

Some of the arrows pictured strewn around the site of the attack appeared to be crossbow bolts while others had flights indicating they could be used with a bow.

'The man used a bow and arrow... for some of the attacks,' police chief yvind Aas told reporters adding that police were investigating whether other weapons had also been used.

Television footage showed ambulances, armed police, a helicopter, and bomb disposal team in the area.

Police tape was outside what's is believed to be the home of Espen Andersen Brathen in Kongsberg, Norway

Police tape is seen outside what is believed to be the home of Espen Andersen Brathen in Kongsberg

Police are seen knocking 'door to door near the home of Espen Andersen Brathen in Kongsberg, Norway

Local residents set up a vigil with candles and cuddly toys for the victims of the attack, which left five people dead

Flowers and candles are displayed in the center of Kongsberg, Norway, on Thursday as locals pay tribute to the victims

The attack began in a Coop Extra supermarket on the west side of Kongsberg at 6.12pm Wednesday, with armed police immediately dispatched to the scene

Members of the police work as the investigation continues after a deadly attack in Kongsberg

Ole Bredrup Sverud, chief of police, speaks to journalists on Thursday - revealing that the bow and arrow attacker killed five people after being confronted by police and escaping

Did the Kongsberg attacker use a bow and arrow due to Norway's strict gun laws? In a word: No. Despite having a strong culture of hunting, Norway has extremely strict weapons laws. Guns are allowed under tight restrictions, but bows, crossbows and arrows are banned. Bows and crossbows are outlawed under the 1981 Game Act which states that all weapons used in sport must be 'loaded with gunpowder', while arrows are banned under the Penal Code which states that carrying a 'sharp tool in a public place that is suitable for inflicting bodily harm' is illegal. The punishment is one year in jail. The hunting ban was enacted largely due to concerns voiced by animal activists that bows are cruel and take a long time to kill prey. MailOnline has been unable to establish whether a bow could be kept at home as a collector's piece. Norway does have a Bow Hunter's Association, but it is not active and is actually a campaign group which is trying to get the law changed. Guns are permitted in Norway, though only for hunting or sport shooting, and even then owners must take part in mandatory safety courses, pass written exams, register with the state and be assessed by police. All guns must be kept in locked cabinets, which officers can inspect with 48 hours' notice. No more than 10,000 rounds of ammunition can be stored and must be kept away from weapons. Pistols are banned except for range shooting - with all owners having to prove they are an active range user - while fully automatic weapons are totally banned. Advertisement

The TV2 station reported that the man also had a knife or other weapons. And the website of public broadcaster NRK published an image sent by a witness of a black arrow sticking out of a wall.

'We can unfortunately confirm that there are several injured and also unfortunately several killed in this episode,' Aas told a news conference. 'The man who committed this act has been arrested by the police and, according to our information, there is only one person involved.'

'There is no active search for other people,' Aas said. Police said it was 'natural' to probe terrorism as a possible motive.

Police are understood to be interviewing several witnesses and visited an address in Kongsberg late on Wednesday.

Unni Grndal, Oslo police spokesperson: 'We are helping with national assistance resources such as police helicopters, bomb squads, and crews from the Emergency Response Troop.'

At least eight ambulances and three air ambulances were seen at the scene with the wounded taken to hospital.

It was not immediately clear where the wounded were taken but Oslo University Hospital was put on standby to receive victims.

Mayor Kari Anne Sand told VG newspaper: 'It is a tragedy for all those affected. I have no words. This is a shocking event that we did not think could happen in Norway.'

Following the attacks, the police directorate said it had immediately ordered officers nationwide to carry firearms. Norwegian police are normally unarmed but officers have access to guns and rifles when needed.

'This is an extra precaution. The police have no indication so far that there is a change in the national threat level,' the directorate said in a statement.

Norway's minister of justice and public security, Monica Maeland, has received updates on the attacks and was closely monitoring the situation, the ministry said.

City officials invited people who were affected by the attack and their relatives to gather for support at a local hotel.

New Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, who is set to take up the position today, said: 'What we have heard from Kongsberg tonight testifies that a cruel and brutal act has been committed. We still know little about what happened and what is behind it, but we know that several innocent people were killed and that several were injured.

'My thoughts and deepest sympathy are with those affected, their families, and with the police, the health workers who are now working full time to assist those who need help.'

Former Norwegian MP Laila Gustavsen, who lives in Kongsberg, said: 'That something like this can happen in a quiet small town like ours is unreal.'

Five people were killed and two more injured during a half-hour bow and arrow rampage through the streets of Kongsberg, a town in southern Norway, on Wednesday night

Shortly after the man was arrested, police were seen searching a nearby house. Investigators have not yet disclosed what was found at the property, or what the motive for the attack may have been

A helicopter was seen landing near the scene of the attack in which at least five people were killed and several more injured in Kongsberg, Norway, on Wednesday evening

Officials are thought to be probing a possible terror motive after the suspect fired at random victims across a 'wide area' of Kongsberg

'We can unfortunately confirm that there are several injured and also unfortunately several killed in this episode,' police official Oyvind Aas (pictured) told a news conference

Head of Norway's Socialist Left Party Audun Bjorlo Lysbakken said: 'I feel profound sadness that such cruel acts of violence could hit the inhabitants of a peaceful Norwegian town.'

While Sweden's Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said: 'Terrible attack in Norway tonight. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.'

Norway has traditionally been a peaceful nation but has suffered far-right attacks.

Right-wing extremist Anders Behring Breivik carried out twin attacks that killed 77 people on July 22, 2011.

Breivik first set off a bomb in the capital Oslo next to the building that housed the office of the prime minister, then went on a shooting spree at a summer camp for left-wing youths on the island of Utoya.

Breivik was sentenced to 21 years in prison, the maximum under Norwegian law, but his term can be extended as long as he's considered a danger to society.

In August 2019, self-proclaimed neo-Nazi Philip Manshaus opened fire into a mosque on the outskirts of Oslo before being overpowered by worshippers, with no one being seriously injured.

However, he had earlier shot dead his step-sister, who had been adopted from China, in what prosecutors termed a 'racist act'.

Several planned jihadist attacks have also been foiled by security services.
France's far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen has said that she will tear down the country's wind turbine, end all subsidies for renewable energy, and focus on nuclear energy if elected president.

'Wind and solar, these energies are not renewable, they are intermittent. If I am elected, I will put a stop to all construction of new wind parks and I will launch a big project to dismantle them,' Le Pen, who will be the candidate of the Rassemblement National party in the April vote, said on RTL radio.

She added that she would scrap the subsidies for wind and solar, which she said added up to six or seven billion euros per year and put a heavy burden on consumers' power bills.

Le Pen also said that she would provide strong support for France's nuclear industry by allowing the construction of several new nuclear reactors, fund a major upgrade of France's existing fleet and would back the construction of small modular reactors as proposed by President Emmanuel Macron.

Le Pen made it to the second round of the 2017 election, and is expected to do so again, although some recent polls have shown that right-wing talk-show star Eric Zemmour could best her if he decides to run.

Marine Le Pen (right) made it to the second round of the 2017 election, and is expected to do so again [File photo]

In a 2030 roadmap for the French economy presented this week, Macron proposed billions of euros of support for electric vehicles, the nuclear industry and green hydrogen - produced with nuclear - but made little mention of renewable energy.

France produces about 75 per cent of its power in nuclear plants, which means its electricity output has among the lowest carbon emissions per capita of any developed country.

However, it also lags far behind Germany and other European nations in wind and solar investment.

There is an active anti-wind movement, which is supported by the far right and centre right, notably by Xavier Bertrand, the leading conservative contender in the presidential vote.

France is leading a group of ten EU countries pushing for nuclear energy to be labelled 'green' as the continent tries to end its dependence on fossil fuels without wrecking the economy.

The group - which includes Poland, Hungary and Finland - argue that nuclear is 'essential' to lowering energy costs and ending Europe's reliance on foreign imports, while also cutting emissions without becoming over-reliant on renewables.

But they are being opposed by another group led by Germany, which gets around 75 per cent of its energy from fossil fuels and stands to benefit from the new Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia - who argue that it is unsafe.

France produces about 75 per cent of its power in nuclear plants, which means its electricity output has among the lowest carbon emissions per capita of any developed country. Pictured: A nuclear power station in Civaux, France

Pointing to the 1986 Chernobyl disaster and 2011 Fukushima meltdown, the nuclear opponents - backed by some environmental campaigners - say the technology cannot be trusted and that plants produce waste which is difficult to dispose of.

The debate comes amid a global energy crisis that has seen supplies of traditional fossil fuels such as coal and gas run low - causing prices to soar while countries including China and Lebanon suffer blackouts and rationing.

Europe's energy supply has shot to the top of news agendas in recent weeks, prompted by the severe gas shortage.

The shortage - caused by low production last year during Covid shutdowns and a spike in demand this year as they eased - has caused prices to shoot up amid warnings of blackouts.

European leaders have been forced to turn to Russia, which has the world's largest gas reserves, for a top-up - but supplies have not been forthcoming.

That has prompted accusations that President Vladimir Putin is deliberately throttling supplies for political leverage, as his energy minister suggested that opening the Nord Stream 2 pipeline would help resolve the crisis.

The pipe - which was completed earlier this year - would bring gas into Europe via Germany, bypassing Poland and Ukraine and depriving them of revenues.

But experts say Russia's already-existing pipes have more than enough spare capacity, and Nord Stream 2 is simply being used as a bargaining chip.

Yesterday, Putin accused European leaders of being 'out of their minds' as he denied withholding gas from the continent as a geopolitical 'weapon'.
Both the cameraman and a colleague watched calmly while the man floundered

This is the comic moment a worker took an expected dip while restocking a lake with fish in Brazil.

The slapstick incident saw the worker swept off the back of a truck by a torrent of water as hundreds of fish were released into the pond in Prata, Minas Gerais.

Curiously, the man's colleague - as well as the person filming the moment - did nothing to help him and instead carried on with what they were doing.

Viewers who watched the footage, filmed on October 12, said the second man's nonchalance suggested it was not the first time such a fall had taken place.

The person filming said afterwards: 'We went to record the video to post on the fisherman's page when a batch of fish arrived.

'Then it turned out the guy responsible for opening the lid slipped and fell into the pond.'

The man was responsible for restocking a fishing lake in Prata, Minas Gerais, Brazil when he made the hilarious gaffe

He was swept off the back of the truck by the torrent of water as the container of fish was opened

The 27-second clip has been viewed more than 44,000 times on YouTube.

A user who wathced the video took to the comments to remind the man who fell it that the situation could have been worse.

They said: 'Just as well it was not piranha that were being released or a 'release and feed' would have occurred'.

Piranha, the omnivorous fish, are native to Brazil and can be found in the South American country's rivers.

The fish are feared as they have bites strong enough to tear human flesh, which they can also use as food.

One commenter quipped: 'This gives 'You're gonna sleep with the fishes' a whole new meaning.'

Another remarked: 'Something is fishy about the whole situation'.
Vladimir Putin has slammed a 'beautiful' and 'pretty' American news anchor for not listening to his argument about the gas war with Europe.

The Russian president accused CNBC's journalist Hadley Gamble of acting as if she 'didn't hear' what he said after she questioned his denial that Russia had withheld gas from Europe during an on-stage interview in Moscow.

During the exchange, Putin also hinted he could stand again for the presidency and stay in power until 2036.

Putin insisted his country has always kept the taps into Europe open, including during the Cold War, and dismissed any suggestion that he is throttling supplies as 'complete nonsense'.

He showed his irritation at Western claims that he has weaponised gas for geopolitical gains, and separately claimed European leaders were 'out of their minds' in the gas war.

During the interview at Russian Energy Week, Putin taunted Gamble, saying to the audience: 'Beautiful woman, pretty, I'm telling her one thing. She instantly tells me the opposite as if she didn't hear what I said. Well, I'll repeat it for you once again.'

At this point, Gamble interrupted and told the Russian president she had 'heard' him, but claimed the Russians took 'long enough' to address the gas supply issue.

Vladimir Putin slammed 'beautiful' and 'pretty' CNBC News anchor Hadley Gamble (right) for not listening to his argument about the gas war with Europe

The Russian president accused CNBC's journalist Hadley Gamble of acting as if she 'didn't hear' what he said after she questioned his denial that Russia had withheld gas from Europe during an on-stage interview in Moscow

CNBC news anchor Hadley Gamble

During the tense exchange, Putin said: 'Listen, you've just said "You don't supply gas to Europe through pipelines". You are being misled.

'We are increasing supplies to Europe. Gazprom by 10 per cent. Russia has increased supplies by 15 per cent. We are increasing, not decreasing supplies.'

The Russian media said Putin had used the reference to her looks to push back against Gamble, but added that calling her 'beautiful' was a 'compliment'.

Putin also claimed the US and other suppliers to Europe had reduced gas flows.

He said: 'If we are asked to increase more, we are ready to increase more. We are increasing [supplies] for as much as our partners ask for. There has been no single rejection.'

Putin also dismissed suggestions he is exploiting the energy crisis to get the Nord Steam 2 pipeline approved as 'politically motivated blather' - though added that opening the pipe will 'significantly decrease' gas prices.

One of Russia's main routes for pumping gas into Europe currently runs through Ukraine, which makes about $1billion per year in fees for maintaining the line.

The Nord Stream 2 pipeline would bypass that route by going direct to Germany, depriving Ukraine of the money.

The move would also hurt Poland, which sits along another major gas route - a move observers say would punish the two countries for allying closely with Europe.

In addition, it would make Europe more reliant on Russian gas - handing Putin power and leverage over the continent. The US has opposed the line for this reason.

Russia only completed construction on the line last month, after Joe Biden lifted key sanctions which had halted construction.

It now only needs the approval of European regulators to begin pumping gas.

Russia has linked easing Europe's gas crisis with approving the Nord Stream 2 pipeline (top), but experts say the Kremlin already has plenty of capacity to boost supplies without bringing the new route online (pictured)

During the interview with Gamble, Putin refused to say who he would anoint as his successor and hinted he could stand again in 2024 for another six year term.

When asked whether he wanted to be President until he was 84, Putin said: 'I prefer not to answer such questions. There is quite a lot of time until the next elections.

'Talks about this subject destabilise the situation.'

In theory the constitution would allow Putin two more full six-year terms starting in 2024 and 2030.

'The situation has to be calm, stable, so that all authoritative bodies, all state structures work with confidence and calmly look into the future,' he said. 'Yes the Constitution allows me to do it, to run for the next term. But there were no decisions made about it yet.'

If and when he quits, Putin would be a senator for life with legal immunities.

Russians have produced memes showing what Putin - nine years younger than US president Joe Biden - would look like if he clings to power in the Kremlin until 2036.

Hadley Gamble, CNBC News Anchor and International Correspondent on a horseback in St Petersburg, Russia, during St Petersburg Forum of Economics in June 2021

Russian President Vladimir Putin and CNBC's anchor Hadley Gamble arrive to attend the plenary session of the Russian Energy Week in Moscow, Russia, on Wednesday

While there has been speculation over his health - and he this week denied suffering from Covid-19 - he recently restarted travelling around Russia following the pandemic and undertakes a gruelling workload.

But he admits to almost daily medical checks .

Russia's top woman politician Valentina Matviyenko, speaker of the Russian upper house, told him in a televised broadcast that his colleagues were 'worried' about his 'health'.

'You were coughing at the meeting - we were all worried,' she told him. 'We're worried about your health.'

He replied: 'Don't worry, everything is fine. 'Not only for Covid-19, but all other infections are tested almost daily. So everything is fine.'

A recent poll found 47 per cent of Russians were in favour of Putin staying on in 2024, a slump of 20 points in four years.

42 per cent were against, while 11 per cent were undecided.

Putin first came to the presidency on the last day of 1999, and has remained there since except for a four year period between 2008 and 2012 when he served as prime minister.
The daughter of a woman who hanged herself just two hours after a desperate phone call to her GP - in which she warned of her suicidal intentions - is calling for the return of face-to-face appointments.

Kimberley Childes, 28, of Caernarfon, North Wales, told MailOnline that the health service 'let down' her mother Clare Childes, 45, who she believes was in dire need of in-person treatment when she arranged an over-the-phone consultation on March 31.

An inquest yesterday heard how during a 13-minute call with Dr Gwilym Evans, Clare warned that she had downed a bottle of alcohol and was considering hanging herself later that evening.

But the mother-of-three was not immediately referred to a mental health crisis team over concerns she would not be seen because she had been drinking - while the doctor initially told her that he would call her back the next day.

Clare was found dead in her home by her son's girlfriend just two hours later.

Speaking from her detached bungalow just outside Caernarfon, her daughter Kimberley, a children's nursery worker, said: 'Patients should be seen face-to-face because I think it's hard to diagnose people over the telephone.

Kimberley Childes, 28, of Caernarfon, North Wales, told MailOnline last night that the health service 'let down' her mother Clare Childes, 45, who was in dire need of in-person treatment when she arranged an over-the-phone consultation on March 31 (Pictured: Clare, right, with daughter Kimberley, left)

'I also understand the risk of the virus.

'I have suffered with mental health since and my doctor has been fantastic. I have face-to-face appointments. I feel better.

'My mum was let down by the health service.'

Kimberley, who has two brothers, said of her tragic mum: 'There was her and her with her illness. Depression took over her on and off for years, lockdown made it worse.

'Mum was a very proud woman and didn't really ask for help and would suffer in silence.

'For her to ask for help would've been a big deal for her, she believed she could manage.

'For her to ask for help, she really needed help.'

The coroner at the inquest said yesterday that they are now considering sending health chiefs an official 'Preventing Future Deaths' report after hearing of the phone appointment tragedy.

The death of Mrs Childes came just weeks before general practices were told to return to face-to-face appointments by the NHS.

Latest figures suggest that fewer than 60 per cent of GP appointments in England are held in person, compared to 80 per cent before the pandemic.

Kimberley, who has two brothers, said her mother was a very 'proud' woman and for her to ask for help would have been a 'big deal' for her (Pictured: Tragic Clare Childes)

Health bosses told surgeries to ensure all patients could see their doctors in May  but some practices were later found to have ignored the order.

Campaigners point out that in-person appointments are vital to pick up on symptoms and conditions that might otherwise be missed. There are also fears that patients may be ignoring potentially dangerous issues because of the access issues.

At the inquest, Dr Evans said Mrs Childes had told him she was having suicidal thoughts which had been made worse by lockdown.

But he delayed contacting the crisis team because she said she had 'knocked down a bottle of Disaronno to stop the pain'.

Giving evidence, Dr Evans said: 'I had never spoken to Clare before that day but I could hear tension in her voice.

'She told me she was stressed, felt very unwell and was thinking about killing herself.'

The inquest heard Mrs Childes told the doctor her concerns about her finances, her alcohol intake and her relationship breakdown.

Dr Evans said: 'She also said that lockdown had made her feel more unwell.

The inquest heard Mrs Childes told the doctor her concerns about her finances, her alcohol intake and her relationship breakdown (Pictured: Hafan Iechyd surgery where Dr Gwilym Evans works)

'I was concerned for her and told her I would speak to the mental health team and said I'd give her a ring tomorrow.

'She told me she might hang herself later on that evening but I was concerned that the mental health team would decline to see her because she had been drinking so I said I would ring her back as soon as I could.'

The inquest heard Dr Evans called back later that same day at 5:45pm on March 31 but it went straight to answer phone.

Dr Evans said he went on a mental health training course following the tragic death of Mrs Childes.

He added: 'I'd make the referral straight away now.

'At the time I was concerned about the presentation of Clare as she told me she had drank a lot and I was concerned they would not be willing to accept a referral if she was under the influence of alcohol.'

He said he had wanted to 'wait until the effects of the alcohol had worn off.'

The inquest heard Mrs Childes had only been left alone for 40 minutes before her body was found by her son's girlfriend.

Daughter Kimberley Childes said her mum had been saying she 'couldn't cope' in the lead up to her death.

Kimberely said: 'She had a history of poor mental health which worsened during lockdown.

'Mam begged the doctor to do something but she was told to wait until the next day.

The number of GP appointments taking place face-to-face dropped dramatically at the beginning of the pandemic, as virtual appointments were encouraged in an attempt to keep social mixing low and hospitals virus-free. In-person appointments began to increase last summer, before dropping again during the second wave. Despite being on the rise, the figures are still much lower than pre-pandemic levels

The average number of sessions GPs works in a day have gone down over the last decade while their wage growth has gone up. In 2012 the average GP worked 7.3 sessions a week but this has now fallen to 6.6 a week, the equivalent of just over three days of work a week. In the same period the average GP income went up by more than 6,000. A GP's daily work is divided into sessions. According to the NHS, a full-time GP works 8 sessions a week, formed of two sessions a day, generally starting at 8am and finishing at 6.30pm, though these hours can vary

Just 0.6 per cent of appointments in August were home visits, down from one per cent before the Covid crisis. Doctors have long called for them to be scrapped because they are too time-consuming

'I never imagined she would do something like this.

'She loved going out and socialising and will be sadly missed by family and friends.'

Acting senior coroner Katie Sutherland recorded a conclusion of death by hanging.

She said: 'Clare had a history of mental health problems and during the telephone consultation which began at 13.56, she said she felt suicidal.

'She was told a referral would be made to the mental health team but it was not made.'

A package from Health Secretary Sajid Javid to address the crisis in GP access will be announced in the coming days.

Rules set to be on the chopping block include the two-metre social distancing rule in surgeries. This was dropped by hospitals last month.

GPs could also have their workload eased, with hospitals writing more prescriptions and sickness notes for workers. And onerous cleaning requirements could be scaled back.

A Whitehall source said last night that the new package would see ministers work with the profession to reverse the decline seen over the past two years.

The source said: 'GPs are doing a great job under difficult circumstances  we are full of praise for the vast majority who are doing their best for patients.

'We have been working closely with the NHS on a plan to support GPs and deliver better outcomes for patients.

'We all want the same outcome and by working together we can achieve it but we will hold the small minority letting the side down to account.'

Doctors' representatives have bridled at the suggestion they are not willing to see patients.

The decision is a major victory for the Mail's campaign, Let's See GPs Face to Face, which has detailed the devastating decline in the number of patients able to see a doctor.

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see samaritans.org for details.

The new face-to-face revolution: Sajid Javid launches overhaul in GP access so all patients can see a doctor in person... with league tables and 'hit squads' for those that fail

Sajid Javid last night launched a revolution in GP access designed to ensure all patients can see a doctor face to face.

Family doctors will be offered an extra 250 million to improve patient access  but will be named and shamed in new league tables if they fail to deliver.

The nine-point plan is a major victory for the Daily Mail's Let's See GPs Face to Face campaign.

Health Secretary Mr Javid, Boris Johnson and new NHS chief Amanda Pritchard all paid tribute to the Mail for highlighting the devastating decline in the number of patients able to see their doctor in person.

Under the new proposals, patients will be given the right to demand a face-to-face appointment with their family doctor.

GPs will be told they should refuse a plea to have an in-person consultation only if there are good clinical reasons.

The NHS England 'Plan for GPs and Patients' will give practices 250 million of extra cash to take on more staff, ensuring patients can have an appointment on the day they request one. This could include extending opening hours.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid has launched a revolution in GP access designed to ensure all patients can see a doctor face to face. Pictured: Mr Javid at a Westminster pharmacy yesterday

But they will not be able to access the extra money if too many of their consultations are carried out over the telephone or online.

New 'transparency' rules will also publish data on the level of service offered by individual GP practices, including the level of access for patients seeking face-to-face appointments.

Whitehall sources acknowledged the data would allow the creation of local and national league tables, with the worst performers named and shamed in the media.

GP practices which fail to improve access for patients will face direct intervention from teams of NHS trouble-shooters.

To help doctors improve their service, red tape will be slashed to give GPs more time to see patients in person  and telephone systems will be upgraded to make it easier to book an appointment.

Meanwhile, pharmacists will get enhanced powers to treat a wide range of minor complaints to ease the pressure.

Mr Javid confirmed GPs will be offered 250million in funding to help improve patient access

The Department of Health will reduce administrative burdens on GPs by reforming who can provide medical evidence and certificates such as fit notes and DVLA checks  freeing up time for more appointments.

And officials will today confirm that GP surgeries can scrap the two-metre social distancing rule imposed during the pandemic, which has dramatically reduced numbers in waiting rooms.

However, last night there were signs the plans would spark a row with doctors' unions and some frontline GPs.

Dr Richard Vautrey, chairman of the British Medical Association's GP Committee, said the proposals would make appointments harder to book and the Government was 'out of touch'.

He said it was disappointing to see there was 'no end in sight to the preoccupation with face-to-face appointments'  and demanded an end to 'target-driven, payment-by-results'.

Professor Martin Marshall, chairman of the Royal College of GPs, said there was 'nothing here to address the long-standing workforce pressures facing general practice'.

But he cautiously welcomed plans to slash bureaucracy. 'GPs go into medicine to care for patients, yet they spend a significant amount of their time on box-ticking and filling forms,' he said.

'This bureaucracy has an impact on workload in general practice, which has become increasingly 'undoable' and is leading to many GPs, and other members of the team, burning out or leaving the profession.

Last night the Prime Minister praised the Mail for highlighting the collapse in face-to-face appointments over the past two years.

Mr Johnson said: 'The Mail's campaign on this issue has shown the importance of everyone having the choice and ability to see their GP face to face, and this plan will mean more appointments at more surgeries.' Writing for the Mail, Mr Javid said he was determined to get the NHS 'closer to pre-pandemic levels of face-to-face appointments'.

Mrs Pritchard thanked the Mail for acting as 'a strong voice for patients', adding that there would also be a new effort to tackle abuse against GPs.

The nine-point plan came as a YouGov poll found that two-thirds of people prefer a face-to-face appointment.
Kathleen Stock, a Philosophy professor at the University of Sussex, has been targeted by trans rights groups

Labour's shadow equalities minister has waded into the row over Sussex University professor Kathleen Stock and sided with the transgender rights groups calling for her resignation.

Labour's Taiwo Owatemi, 29, wrote to a constituent explaining she was 'greatly concerned' by Stock's involvement in the activist group LGB Alliance - who have previously been accused of 'anti-trans' policies.

In her letter, the MP for Coventry North West, slams the 'gender critical' charity's stance on LGBQT+ inclusive education, the non-binary community and teenagers being banned from using puberty blockers - and called for the group to be 'rejected by all those who believe in equality'.

Ms Owatemi admits she is 'not familiar with Professor Stock's 'philosophical writings' and blasts her employer, the University of Sussex, for backing the professor in her free speech row.

In a later statement to The Guardian, she clarified: 'I was clear in this letter that I was not passing judgment on Prof Stocks academic work, and did not call for action to be taken against her.'

This week, Stock's former union - the Sussex UCU - demanded university bosses take a 'clear and strong stance against transphobia', resulting in the professor warning they had 'effectively ended her career'.

Their statement was in response to a poster campaign led by an anonymous pro-trans activist group demanding the university fire Stock for her 'transphobic' views after she called for safe spaces for women in her academic writing.

Ms Owatemi praises the union's 'strong and principled request that the University live up to its own Trans Equality Statement', following its support for trans rights groups.

Labour's Shadow Equalities Minister Taiwo Owatemi MP wrote to a constituent explaining she was 'greatly concerned' by Stock's involvement in the activist group LGB Alliance - who have previously been accused of 'anti-trans' policies

In her letter, Ms Owatemi slams the 'gender critical' charity's positions on LGBQT inclusive education, the non-binary community and teenagers being banned from using puberty blockers - and called for the group to be 'rejected by all those who believe in equality'

Signs have been put up in the pedestrian tunnel connecting Falmer train station to the university's campus under the A27

The majority of Ms Owatemi's letter focuses on her criticism of LGB Alliance, pointing to the fact their application for charitable status earlier this year was criticised by more than 50 LGBQT rights groups.

Ms Owatemi writes: 'While I am not familiar with Professor Stock's philosophical writings, I am greatly concerned by her work as Trustee for the LGB Alliance group.

'My predecessor as Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities was highly critical of their activities, and I share her position.

'LGB Alliance - whose application for charitable status was opposed by over 50+ LGBT groups, as well as politicians from all parties - should be rejected by all those who believe in equality.

'They oppose reform of the Gender Recognition Act, which has long been the position of my party and to which we remain committed.

'Furthermore, the group opposes LGBT+ inclusive education; believe that adolescents should not be able to access puberty blockers (in flagrant disregard of the entire concept of 'Gillick' competency); criticises measures to make conversion "therapy" illegal; rejects the very existence of non-binary people; and refuses to condemn as homophobic those who would deny same-sex couples the right to marry.

'Every single one of these stances is diametrically opposed to my beliefs and the positions of my party. I note that an appeal against their charitable status is due to take place next year, and I will be monitoring the case with a keen interest.'

Professor Kathleen Stock, 48, an expert in gender and sexual orientation who works for the University of Sussex, was branded a 'transphobe' by outraged students, who erected posters denouncing her and called for her to be fired.

Ms Truss tweeted 'No one should be targeted and harassed simply for holding an opinion'

The Foreign Secretary said people should not be hassled over holding an opinion

Signs put up last week in the pedestrian tunnel connecting Falmer train station to the university's campus under the A27 said Prof Stock 'makes trans students unsafe' and 'we're not paying 9,250 a year for transphobia'.

Prof Stock has since been advised to teach her students online over fears for her security, and warned that her academic career has been 'effectively ended' by Sussex Union branch.

It comes after Sussex Police launched an investigation into whether a university philosophy professor was a victim of harassment after she faced a campaign of 'bullying' over her views on trans rights - as students were warned they could be disciplined.

In a statement 'in support of trans and nonbinary communities', sent to all members and posted online by Prof Stock, the union reps write: 'We extend our solidarity to all trans and nonbinary members of our community who, now more than ever, should receive the unequivocal support of the University and its management'

Banners saying 'Stock Out' have been held alongside burning flares and scores of people have been criticising her under the Twitter hashtag #ShameOnSussexUni  although many others have been using it to support her.

The university's vice chancellor Professor Adam Tickell said Friday that if any students can be identified as being involved, then 'we will certainly take investigations and disciplinary action as appropriate under our regulations'.

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

Prof Stock had last week been backed by the head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Baroness Falkner of Margravine, who called the attacks disgraceful.

And she received a further boost over the weekend courtesy of Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, who added her approval to Baroness Falkner's thoughts.

Ms Truss tweeted her support, saying: 'Fully support this letter from the chair of the equality and human rights commission - no one should be targeted and harassed simply for holding an opinion.'

Amid the deepening row, Prof Stock announced on Twitter that her former union branch, Sussex UCU, has now 'effectively ended my career' at the university.

In a statement 'in support of trans and nonbinary communities', sent to all members and posted online by Prof Stock, the union reps write: 'We extend our solidarity to all trans and nonbinary members of our community who, now more than ever, should receive the unequivocal support of the University and its management'.

The statement goes on: 'As a union, we strongly condemn all forms of transphobia, and call the University of Sussex leadership to heed its institution's values and commitments as set out in its Trans Equality Statement and its Dignity and Respect policy.

'We urge our management to take a clear and strong stance against transphobia at Sussex.'

Recently, Prof Stock filed a complaint against the University because she believes it has failed to support her, uphold its duty of care and protect her academic freedom - claims that the university is said to be investigating.

In a groundbreaking and similar case earlier this year, Essex University was found to have failed to uphold free speech after two female professors, Jo Phoenix and Rosa Freedman, were dropped from speaking events.

The pair hold similar views to Ms Stock.

Earlier this year, the Government announced plans to crack down on issues around free speech at universities, launching the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill.

The Bill aims to end 'no-platforming' on campuses by giving a regulator the power to issue fines, giving the Office for Students (OfS) a mandate to promote the importance of 'freedom of speech within the law' and 'academic freedom for academic staff' at universities.
A court in Iran has sentenced a man to be blinded as punishment for leaving his neighbour unable to see in one eye during a fight.

The 45-year-old man, whose name has not been reported, was sentenced under the countrys legal principle of retribution, known as qisas.

Qisas allows criminals convicted of violent offences to be subjected to a form of retaliation.

The punishment was meted out because the defendant brawled with a neighbour in the street in Fasham and left the man blind in one eye in 2018, according to the news site IranWire.

A 45-year-old man, whose name has not been reported, has been sentenced to be blinded under the countrys legal principle of retribution, known as qisas, after leaving a neighbour unable to see in one eye during a street brawl in Fasham. Pictured: A general view of the city of Fasham

Reports did not specify if the defendant is to be blinded in one eye like his injured neighbour or in both.

Blinding has been used as a punishment before in Iran although it is still considered rare.

Blinding was first handed down as a punishment by an Iranian court in 2008 when a defendant was sentenced for committing an acid attack.

However, the victim pardoned the criminal at the last moment.

A similar incident took place in 2015 when Iranian doctors gouged the eye out of a convict who had also committed an acid attack.

Qisas allows criminals convicted of violent offences to be subjected to a form of retaliation and blinding was first handed down as a punishment by an Iranian court in 2008 when a defendant was sentenced for committing an acid attack (stock image)

In 2016, a man received the punishment after he threw lime into the eyes of his niece, who was only four-years-old at the time and was left blinded by the attack.

The countrys penal code is partly based on punishments listed under sharia law as interpreted by the Twelver Shia Muslim clergy.

Human rights groups have regularly criticised the country for handing down corporal punishments and amputations to convicted criminals.

In February, the Iranian authorities were slammed by human rights activists for whipping Hadi Rostami, a mentally ill defendant, 60 times and sentencing him to have four fingers amputated.
Two West Midlands Police officers and a special constable have been charged with rape in unconnected cases it emerged today.

The three suspects have been accused of the sexual offences in separate incidents between October 2018 and October 1 this year.

One PC was charged with rape in June this year while a second officer was charged with rape in October 2019.

Two West Midlands Police officers and a special constable have been charged with rape in unconnected cases, it emerged today (West Midlands Police HQ above)

A special constable was charged in April 2019.

The three accused are due to face separate trials at later dates.

Meanwhile, again in an unconnected case, a fourth West Midlands Police officer was found not guilty of rape earlier this year following a trial.

The three rape charges against the West Midlands officers were confirmed in a Freedom of Information request which was initially rejected by the force.

The Freedom of Information request was rejected because the task 'would take many, many hours and far exceed the time limitations set out in the Freedom of Information Act'.

When that decision was questioned the force confirmed details of the cases.

West Midlands Police said: 'The data requested in the original Freedom of Information request is not currently held in an electronically retrievable format.

'To fulfil the original request, staff would need to go through each record individually - a task that would take many, many hours and far exceed the time limitations set out in the Freedom of Information Act - in order to satisfy the request.

'We have been able to retrieve some information by reducing the search parameters from the original request, namely the number of officers charged with rape over the last three years.

'We recognise the importance of providing data and information to the public and, when were not able to, we understand this can affect the confidence that people have in the police.

'Significant work is ongoing in our Professional Standards department to reconfigure the system to enable us to collate information in the future in a more readily retrievable format, as we recognise that these limitations dont help build trust.

'In recent months where weve received specific requests for data on officer misconduct, those are all available for the public to view on our FOI disclosure web page.'

The news comes just weeks after killer cop Wayne Couzens (above), 48, was jailed for life for the rape and murder of Sarah Everard

The news comes just weeks after killer cop Wayne Couzens, 48, was jailed for life for the rape and murder of Sarah Everard.

Former Metropolitan Police officer Couzens had abducted Miss Everard, 33, off the streets of London after reportedly stopping her for Covid breaches during lockdown.

He was given a whole life term for the rape and murder and was labelled a coward by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick.

After Couzens was jailed, West Midlands Police Chief Constable David Thompson told officers in his blog that policing was not a 'boys club' and that men needed to bring about change to tackle violence against women.

The police chief admitted 'societal attitudes and behaviours' are present in policing and added: 'We have run a project to tackle sexual harassment within WMP because it is needed as it happens too often.'

In a direct message to officers at Lloyd House, CC Thompson said: 'We all need to do more.

'After a dreadful weekend, can I ask us all to set out a personal ambition to make policing an exemplar for the right attitudes and approaches to women.'
The trial of four fugitive Egyptian security officials accused of torturing and killing a Cambridge student who was allegedly mistaken for a foreign spy has been halted on its first day by a judge in Rome.

Judge Antonella Capri said on Thursday there was no certainty they had been formally made aware that they were charged in the abduction, torture and killing of Giulio Regeni, an Italian doctoral student in Cairo.

Citing the need to guarantee a fair trial, she nullified the decision to put the four on trial in their absence, and ordered papers be returned to prosecutors, who must try again to locate the suspects.

Her decision was a blow to prosecutors who have been trying to bring Regeni's killers to justice for five years.

The 28-year-old was abducted in January 2016 as he was doing research for a doctorate at Cambridge University.

His body, bearing extensive signs of torture, was eventually found dumped on the outskirts of the Egyptian capital.

Investigators believe Regeni was abducted and killed after being mistaken for a foreign spy.

Four Egyptian security officers will go on trial in absentia in Italy today for the brutal killing in Cairo five years ago of student Giulio Regeni (pictured)

Defence lawyers had called for the trial to be suspended, saying their clients had never been formally notified of the charges because they never provided addresses, and were therefore technically 'untraceable.'

Four empty chairs were left for them in the courtroom in Rome's Rebibbia bunker tribunal Thursday.

Capri concurred, saying the law and the rights of the defense require her to be 'certain' that the defendants know the charges and the date of the trial, and that it is not enough to 'presume' that they do.

Prosecutor Sergio Colaiocco had argued that the four knew very well the trial was beginning and yet failed to show up.

Prosecutors for years have denounced the obstructionism of Egypt in refusing to cooperate with the investigation, and Colaiocco accused the four of purposefully 'avoiding this trial and hoping that the trial would therefore get stuck and it would not go ahead.'

Regeni's mother has said his body was so mutilated by torture that she was only able to recognize the tip of his nose when she viewed it.

Human rights activists have said the marks on his body resembled those resulting from widespread torture in Egyptian facilities.

In December, Italian prosecutors formally put the four Egyptians under investigation, and a judge ordered them to stand trial in May. It has always been expected that they would be tried in absentia.

But defense attorney Annalisa Ticconi argued the accused never gave a known address to authorities and the Italian state doesn't know where they are.

'In Italy there can be a trial only for traceable people, the trial for an untraceable person must be suspended,' she told reporters outside the courthouse.

'Year by year there will be checks to see if the person can be found and the trial could restart, but in the meantime, the trial and the evidence is frozen,' she said.

Regeni's parents and sister were in the courtroom for the hearing but made no comment. Their lawyer, Alessandra Ballerini, noted Capri's decision 'with bitterness.'

Regeni's corpse was found nine days after he disappeared and his mother, Paola Deffendi (pictured), later said it had been so badly mutilated she only recognised her son by the 'tip of his nose'

Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom late Thursday, she said Egypt's 'obstructionism and arrogance' had been rewarded, but vowed that the family's quest for justice would not stop and had only been set back a few months.

She urged continued publicity about the case, especially the names of the defendants, 'so they cannot say they didn't know.'

'We know that sooner or later we will have satisfaction,' she said.

The Italian government announced on the eve of the trial that it would join the trial's civil portion as an injured party in the case.

Egyptian authorities have alleged that the Cambridge University doctoral student fell victim to ordinary robbers.

The case strained relations between Italy and Egypt, an ally for Rome in efforts to combat terrorism.

At one point, Italy withdrew its ambassador to press for Egyptian cooperation in the investigation.

The four are named in court documents as General Tariq Sabir, Colonels Athar Kamel and Uhsam Helmi and Major Magdi Ibrahim Abdelal Sharif, who is accused of carrying out the killing.

Investigators believe Regeni was abducted and killed after being mistaken for a foreign spy.

Prosecutor Michele Prestipino told a parliamentary committee in December that there were 'elements of significant proof' implicating Egyptian officers in the murder - an accusation rejected by Egypt.

He had left his apartment with a plan to travel by subway to meet a friend in the city, but was never seen again.

His team allege Sharif got informants to follow Regeni, had him arrested and caused him 'acute physical suffering'. Regeni's teeth were broken and his hands and feet fractured. He died of suffocation.

Pictured: A candlelight vigil was held for Regeni across Italy on January 25, 2020, at 7.41pm - the time that he left home for the last time before his death

Letters had also been carved into his skin which is allegedly a calling card for Egypt's security services.

Regeni's legal team have requested all Italian prime ministers and foreign ministers since 2016 be called as witnesses, along with the country's secret service chiefs, according to media reports.

But court-appointed defence lawyer Tranquillino Sarno told AFP the trial would 'stand or fall' on whether key eyewitnesses central to the prosecutor's case made it to Rome to testify in person.

Regeni's corpse was found nine days after he disappeared and his mother later said it had been so badly mutilated she only recognised her son by the 'tip of his nose'.

As part of his work for a doctorate, Regeni had been researching Egyptian trade unions, a particularly sensitive political issue.

Regeni's death triggered fresh criticism of Egypt's human rights record under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Pictured: Protestors rally in front of the Egyptian embassy in London on February 2, 2018

Egypt has previously denied claims he was tortured in order to reveal contacts with opposition figures.

They said he was killed by a criminal gang who were shot and killed by police in Egypt, but this was previously ridiculed by Italian investigators.

Police also initially suggested Mr Regeni had been killed in a road accident.

His death triggered fresh criticism of Egypt's human rights record under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Claudio Francavilla from Human Rights Watch told journalists in Rome on Wednesday that the trial was being closely watched as 'a symbol of hope for Egyptians'.
A painting by a 19th-century French artist is set to fetch up to 120,000 when it goes up for auction in London - two decades after it was bought for 3,800 in New York.

The work by Jean-Leon Gerome, entitled 'At Prayer', was authenticated following an investigation by the BBC's Fake or Fortune team which aired over the summer.

It was bought by Los Angeles-artist Jon Swihart in 1999 at an auction in New York for $6,325 (then worth about 3,800), catalogued as 'Circle of Jean-Leon Gerome'.

Mr Swihart was sure the painting could be a work by the actual artist - and enlisted the help of presenter Fiona Bruce and art dealer Philip Mould to help confirm this.

During the programme on August 4, Mould pointed out to Mr Swihart that his painting would have only been worth about 1,000 if it was not actually by the artist.

Art historian Emily Weeks, who is an acknowledged expert on the works of Gerome, carried out a critical re-appraisal on the show and was able to authenticate the work.

The work by Jean-Leon Gerome, entitled 'At Prayer', was authenticated by Fake or Fortune

Fake of Fortune presenter Fiona Bruce and art dealer Philip Mould with 'At Prayer' in the middle

This was despite it having been deemed a collaborative work in the 1980s by Gerald Ackerman, an the art historian and leading Gerome expert who died in 2016 aged 87.

During the investigation for the BBC show, Bruce visited Sotheby's in London to speak with Claude Piening, a senior specialist of Orientalist art.

The painting was made shortly after Gerome's first trip to Egypt in 1856, and gives a depiction of Muslim prayer and an insight into the artist's working methods.

A key piece of evidence was a pencil sketch by Gerome held by the Cooper Art Gallery in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, of a robed and turbaned man who is kneeling.

Another was the location of the pulpit or minbar which was identified as that of Qaytbay in the Northern Cemetery of Cairo, where Gerome would have visited.

The painting was bought by Los Angeles-artist Jon Swihart, pictured with his wife Kim, in 1999

A key piece of evidence was a pencil sketch by Gerome held by the Cooper Art Gallery in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, of a robed and turbaned man who is kneeling

Experts also noted the position of the worshipper praying away from the minbar, and therefore Mecca, rather than towards it - something Gerome was known for.

Gerome was said to have done this because he wanted to show people the intensity of the worshipper's expression while also including the ornately-carved pulpit.

Now, following the outcome, Sotheby's will offer the picture - painted in 1858 - as a lead highlight in 'The Orientalist Sale' and it is open for bidding from October 20.

The painting has an estimate of 80,000 to 120,000 and now joins the ranks of the earliest pictures by Gerome, who was born in May 1824 and died in January 1904.

Mr Piening said: 'I love the immediacy of this painting, executed as it was not long after Gerome's first trip to Egypt in 1856 and his impressions of his travels were still fresh in his mind  the viewer truly feels transported to another place and culture.

Another key piece of evidence was the location of the pulpit or minbar which was identified as that of Qaytbay in the Northern Cemetery of Cairo, where Gerome would have visited

The model for At Prayer can be found in an 1857 work by Gerome in the same sale, called Prayer in the House of the Arnaut Chief (pictured), which has an estimate of up to 150,000

'It is small work, but has tremendous impact - seeing the figure from the front really conveys the deep communion between the worshipper and God.

'That this work has been rightfully re-instated into Gerome's oeuvre is testament to its exceptional quality.'

The model for At Prayer can be found in an 1857 work by Gerome in the same sale, called Prayer in the House of the Arnaut Chief, with an estimate of up to 150,000.

In 2019, Sotheby's set the auction record for the artist with Riders Crossing the Desert, which sold for 2.6million, or 3.1million including the buyer's premium.

At Prayer will be offered as part of The Orientalist Sale at Sotheby's in London which begins on October 20 and closes on October 26
Priti Patel is planning to grant Border Force officers immunity from prosecution if migrants die during her operation to 'turn back' small boats crossing the Channel, it has been reported.

The Home Secretary has previously approved the plan which would see migrants boats intercepted and turned back to France by officers on jet skis.

Currently, sailors are obliged to rescue 'a person in distress at sea' under international maritime laws and failure to do so could result in up to two years in prison.

But the government is trying to pass the Nationality and and Borders Bill through Parliament, which would give Border Force officials immunity from prosecution during the 'turnback' operations.

The plans have been criticised by opposition MPs, and charities, while France has branded the tactics 'illegal'.

Labour's Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said they were 'unconscionable' and 'unnecessary', The Times reports.

Border Force currently has existing powers to intercept migrant boats attempting to cross the Channel once they reach UK waters.

A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, by Border Force officers following a small boat incident in the Channel on Monday

Home Secretary Priti Patel is planning to grant Border Force officers immunity from prosecution if migrants die during her operation to 'turn back' small boats crossing the Channel

A Home Office spokesperson today told MailOnline: 'As part of our ongoing response to these dangerous crossings, we continue to evaluate and test a range of safe and legal options for stopping small boats.

'All operational procedures used at sea comply and are delivered in accordance with domestic and international law.

'We will fix the broken asylum system through our New Plan for Immigration, break the business model of people smugglers who put lives at risk and welcome people through safe and legal route.'

Miss Patel had been under pressure to clamp-down on illegal Channel crossings from France after the number of migrants detained by Border Force hit record highs this year.

Data compiled by PA Media reveals that more than 17,000 people have crossed the Channel in 2021 so far

Border Force officers detained 1,568 migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats in just four days last week as the crisis continues.

Albanian government officials DENY claims that migrants arriving by boat to UK will be detained in new offshore asylum processing centre in Balkans The Albanian government has denied that it is in talks with Britain to detain illegal migrants crossing the Channel in small boats while UK authorities handle their asylum requests. The Albanian Prime Minister's Official Spokesman branded reports in the Sun that London and Tirana are in talks to establish a new processing centre in the Balkan nation 'absolutely untrue'. The newspaper had quoted an unnamed insider in the talks saying that Home Secretary Priti Patel 'has made it clear she wants this to happen' and 'we are down to the fine details'. But spokesman Endri Fuga rubbished suggestions that Albania would host migrants on behalf of any third country and urged 'richer and bigger countries' to take in their share of migrants. Albania's denial is likely to raise questions about who briefed the Sun on the supposed plans. Miss Patel had been under pressure to clamp-down on illegal Channel crossings from France after the number of migrants detained by Border Force hit record highs this year. A Government spokesman told MailOnline: 'We are determined to tackle the unacceptable rise in dangerous Channel crossings. 'The New Plan for Immigration is the only long term solution to fix the broken system, and includes changes to the law to tackle criminal gangs and prevent further loss of life. This is a shared, international challenge and we continue to work with other countries to meet it.' Advertisement

People smugglers took advantage of calm seas before the weather closes in to make dozens of crossings. And on Monday, around 20 to 30 migrants were brought into Dover although official figures have yet to be confirmed.

On Thursday 89 were intercepted before 624 were detained on Friday. But over the weekend 491 migrants were intercepted on Saturday and a further 364 on Sunday.

It takes the total so far in October to 1,568 after a spell of two weeks where weather conditions were too rough for inflatables to attempt the 21 mile treacherous crossing. In September there were a record 4,646 detained.

Official figures take the number detained so far this year to 18,641.

Channel Rescue, a charity which observes migrants arriving in small boats across the Channel, warned Miss Patel the consequences of using the controversial 'pushback' tactics would be 'horrific'.

Kim Bryan, from the charity, told BBC Breakfast on Sunday that in the last two weeks her group had spotted, from the cliffs of Dover, Border Force officials practising a pushback using jet-skis.

Miss Patel has threatened to turn boats around and send them back to Europe as part of her 'pushback' plan.

However, French politicians branded the Home Secretary a 'clown', while Mr Darmanin claimed any action to send migrant boats back would be illegal.

The Home Office's permanent secretary, Matthew Rycroft, last month told the Commons Home Affairs Committee only a 'small proportion' of boats could legally be turned back towards France using the tactics. He was also unable to tell when, or if, the policy would be put into practice.

It comes as dozens of people were seen being brought ashore in Dover by Border Force on Saturday after making the perilous Channel crossing.

The arrivals included a woman ushering a small child from Iraq ahead who were guided up a gangway by a border official - while French police were accused of watching scores of migrants leave Calais 'unchallenged'.

Ms Bryan told BBC Breakfast on Sunday: 'What they seem to be doing is pushing the boat from the stern and from the bow, and I guess the idea is they're going to push them back into French waters.

'These boats are incredibly flimsy. Just the wash from jet-skis going around them in the first place could cause them to capsize. What we will be seeing, then, if this starts happening, is tragedy. The consequences are going to be horrific.

'I think it's entirely unsafe, entirely impractical for Priti Patel to suggest that we do pushbacks in the Channel.'

An RNLI lifeboat carries migrants ashore at Dungeness in Kent on October 9, 2021

Mr Thomas-Symonds said Miss Patel 'needs to come clean' over her strategy to tackle small boats crossings.

The Labour MP told Sky News: 'The Home Secretary needs to come clean because every single person risking their lives in that dangerous sea crossing of the English Channel is one too many.'

He said the fact that more than 1,100 people crossed to the UK in just two days across Friday and Saturday shows withholding money from France 'clearly isn't working'.

He added: 'I've always thought the Home Secretary needed to take a different approach.

'Whilst of course the patrols at the coast preventing people getting out onto the water and risking their lives is hugely important - of course it is - what I fear the Home Secretary misses is the fact that nobody becomes a refugee in northern France.

'We need to be tackling the people smugglers and these vile criminal gangs further away from the coast as well.'

Over the weekend, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng insisted the UK was working 'very effectively' with France to tackle migrant crossings.

On Monday, Ministers insisted France will get 54million of funding for the Channel migrant operation - blaming 'administrative' issues for the delay.

Despite Priti Patel threatening to withhold the money unless Paris stepped up efforts to limit the flow, security minister Damian Hinds said it will be paid 'in the coming weeks.

He denied there was any 'political question' over paying the cash, insisting the 'administrative process' had just taken time to work through.

But France has been making veiled threats about its activities to quell the problem, with interior minister Gerald Darmanin complaining that 'not one euro has been paid' of the pledged funds.

Asked about the delay in a round of interviews, Mr Hinds said: 'Absolutely we are working closely with the French and I expect that question that you have raised to be finalised in the coming weeks.'

Home Office blew 6,757 in a month at Domino's in Dover for migrants who had crossed the Channel The Home Office spent 6,757 in one month on Domino's pizzas to feed migrants arriving in the UK after crossing the Channel from France, figures show. Hundreds of pizzas were bought from the Dover branch of the fast food chain in July, according to analysis of the government department's spending. A disclosure log for Home Office procurement card transactions costing more than 500 for the four-week period contained five separate entries from UK Immigration Enforcement for such food orders, totalling 6,757. The takeaways were provided while migrants were at Tug Haven - a short-term holding facility in Dover where they are first taken from the beach or sea. The most expensive entry - 1,824 - said: 'This was an urgent need to feed a large number of migrants that had been on the Tug Haven compound in Dover for over 12 hours, and were likely to stay over 24 hours due to issues blocking their movement with resources and the Irc (immigration removal centre) estate.' Advertisement

He told BBC News: 'I didn't say it was an error, it is a process to be worked through when you are transferring what are very large sums of taxpayers' money.'

But in a warning shot at the French, Mr Hinds said: 'I would like to see increased activity, increased turnback (of migrants). France is a safe country. If you are seeking asylum, you should claim it in the first safe country you come to.'

Asked about Mr Darmanin's comments, Mr Kwarteng told Sky News: 'Well, all I can say is that we have worked very effectively with the French government so far.

'We've had 300 arrests, we've worked with them to do that, there have been 65 convictions, and we both accept that there are something like 13,500 crossings that have been prevented through our working together, so it is a good collaborative relationship and we obviously want to improve that.'

Alarm has been growing about the situation, with more than 1,000 people making the dangerous trip from France to the UK in just two days last week.

After 10 days in which no crossings were possible due to bad weather, at least 40 boats managed to reach Britain on Friday and Saturday.

It came as Sky News footage last week showed migrants leaving Calais unchallenged by armed police - in what is likely to be a fresh blow to Anglo-French relations.

Dozens of people were seen piling into inflatable rafts, dinghies - and even a canoe - in their desperate bid to make it across the English Channel, with French security 'stood by and watched'.

At the Tory annual conference last week, Miss Patel described France as a 'safe country' and reiterated her desire to 'turn back the boats'.

After evading French security at first light, the migrants piled into dinghies and spent nine hours crossing the English Channel, before they were picked up by immigration officers.

Ruthless people smugglers have taken advantage of the warm start to October, with a recent surge in successful crossings reported across Kent in the past week.

But Sky News has reported French security 'stood by and watched' the scenes of chaos unfold from less than 100 yards away instead of intervening.

A group of approximately 10 officers allegedly stood idle as two separate groups of migrants piled onto inflatable boats that took up to 10 minutes to get their engines started.

In a later clip, a helicopter flown by French border control flies over the Strait of Dover, watching on as another caravan of migrants makes the treacherous journey.

French officials were said to be investigating patrol efforts on the French border in the wake of the footage, Sky News reported.
A police officer dubbed 'Britain's hardest cop' after single-handedly fighting off a machete attacker has received a national bravery award.

Pc Stuart Outten was repeatedly struck over the head with a 2ft-long blade after stopping Muhammad Rodwan's white van for having no insurance in Leyton, east London, in August 2019.

On Tuesday, he received the national Police Federation bravery award for his actions in disarming Rodwan.

Pc Stuart Outten, 29, survived multiple stab wounds and skull fractures after being attacked by Muhammad Rodwan during a routine traffic stop in Leyton, east London in August 2019

Pc Outten was forced to deploy his taser to subdue Rodwan who attacked the officer with a two-foot-long machete. Rodwan, who was cleared of attempted murder by a jury at the Old Bailey was convicted of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm

Rodwan, pictured, who had prior convictions for rape and machete offences, was jailed for 16 years in January 2020

The officer, 29, suffered multiple stab wounds and skull fractures in the onslaught, but managed to use his Taser to fend off the attack.

After Rodwan was jailed for 16 years in January 2020, Mr Outten said that he quickly realised he was fighting for his life as blows rained down.

He said: 'Once he's started hitting me in the head with the machete, then I realised it was escalating very quickly and I was having to now fight for my life.

'I recall specifically as I was falling to the floor, having fired the first (Taser) shot and aiming for the second (thinking) that if this doesn't work, this might be it.'

Pc Outten has already received a Metropolitan Police bravery award, and an accolade voted by listeners of LBC radio.

Chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales John Apter, who presented the bravery trophy to Pc Outten, said: 'We have the finest police officers in the world - dedicated public servants who, without hesitation, put themselves in danger to protect others.

'They are humble, professional and committed individuals who I am proud to call my colleagues.

'Police officers are everyday heroes who are anything but ordinary.

'My congratulations go to Pc Stuart Outten and all the Police Bravery Awards nominees. They deserve every bit of recognition they receive.'

Pc Outten suffered a fractured skull after Rodwan slashed at him with a two-foot-long machete

Chairman of the Police Federation John Apter, pictured, handed the National Bravery Award to Pc Outten

The Police Federation 2020 Bravery Awards, postponed from last year due to the pandemic, were marked with a ceremony in central London attended by guests including Home Secretary Priti Patel, lawyer and broadcaster Rob Rinder and chairman of the National Police Chiefs Council Martin Hewitt.

In a message of support for the nominees ahead of the ceremony, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: 'As frontline workers in the truest sense, you have been vital in helping us battle Covid-19.

'I salute each and every one of you for the role you have played.

'My admiration for you and your fellow officers and staff, already high, has only increased due to the role you have performed over the last 18 months, and I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all of the nominees for these Police Bravery Awards for your exceptional achievements.'

Mr Apter, pictured, praised Pc Outten and the other officers nominated for bravery awards this year

Pc Outten was the overall victor from a list of regional winners that included:

- Three Durham Constabulary officers - Sergeant Simon Hogg, Pc Paul Cowling and a colleague who cannot be named - who disarmed a gunman firing at them in a bid to end his life by 'suicide by cop'.

- Staffordshire Police officers Pc Kristian Avons and Sergeant Amos Durose, who stopped a knifeman from killing his partner in a domestic abuse incident.

- Pc Geoff Marshall from Derbyshire police, who risked his life helping sandbag a dam under the threat of collapse in Whaley Bridge.

- An Essex officer, who cannot be named, was stabbed 11 times at his own front door in a targeted attack but managed to arrest the knifeman.

- Pc Roz Fricker, from Dorset Police, who was attacked as she tackled a hammer-wielding man who was threatening members of the public.

- Pcs Richard Shea and Matt Reynolds, from North Wales, who tackled a reportedly armed man who had forced his way into the home of a woman he had earlier allegedly sexually assaulted.

- Married couple Pcs Jack and Joanna Wilber, from Greater Manchester Police, who fought off a violent gang outside their home. Mrs Wilber was pregnant at the time.
Sajid Javid today apologised for the government's Covid 'failures' and insisted 'lessons will be learned'.

The Health Secretary stressed he was 'sorry' for the losses and suffering - after a Cabinet colleague sparked anger earlier this week by refusing to apologise 11 times in an interview.

But speaking to broadcasters, Mr Javid also appeared to take a swipe at predecessor Matt Hancock by pointing out he personally was 'out of government when a lot of those crucial decisions were made'.

Mr Javid, who was axed as Chancellor in a reshuffle in January 2020 but brought back as Health Secretary when Mr Hancock quit over an affair with an aide in June this year, said: 'I was a humble backbencher.'

The first major probe into the Covid crisis was published on Tuesday, concluding that thousands of care home residents died needlessly in the pandemic, and that ministers were blinded by 'groupthink' among scientific advisers who wrongly wanted to manage the spread of the virus, rather than suppress it.

The dossier also claimed that No10's early decisions on lockdowns and social distancing rank as 'one of the most important public health failures the UK has ever experienced'.

Sajid Javid stressed he was 'sorry' for the losses and suffering - after a Cabinet colleague sparked anger earlier this week by refusing to apologise 11 times in an interview

Mr Javid also appeared to take a swipe at predecessor Matt Hancock (pictured) by pointing out he personally was 'out of government when a lot of those crucial decisions were made'

But Cabinet Office minister Stephen Barclay faced a backlash after refusing to apologise 11 times during an interview on Sky News on Tuesday.

What were the key findings of the first Covid report? The UK's first Covid inquiry was published this week by MPs from the health and science committees in the House of Commons. It revealed a catalogue of failures right up to the top of Government, and sparked anger among families who lost loved ones. Pressure is building for an independent judge-led inquiry to begin as soon as possible. Key findings included: Thousands of care home residents needlessly died during the pandemic, with the elderly treated as an 'afterthought';

The performance of the 37billion test and trace system was 'chaotic';

Early decisions on lockdowns and social distancing ranked as 'one of the most important public health failures the United Kingdom has ever experienced';

Ministers were blinded by 'groupthink' among scientists, who wrongly wanted to manage the spread of the virus rather than suppress it;

The UK's response was too 'narrowly and inflexibly based on a flu model' that failed to learn lessons from Sars, Mers and Ebola;

This was a 'serious early error' when other countries were taking drastic action;

The lack of a proper test and trace system early on meant a full lockdown was 'inevitable' and should have come sooner;

Decision-making was dysfunctional with the exchange of important information between public bodies 'inadequate';

Death rates among black, Asian and minority ethnic communities and those with learning disabilities were unacceptably high. Advertisement

Tory chairman Oliver Dowden struck a far more emollient tone yesterday, saying he was 'very sorry' and admitting 'we didn't get everything right'.

Asked on BBC Breakfast this morning if he was sorry for the 'failures' which had occurred, Mr Javid said: 'Yes, of course I'm sorry.

'Obviously I am new in the role but on behalf of the Government I am sorry for, during the pandemic, anyone that suffered, especially anyone that lost a loved one, a mother, a dad, a brother, a sister, a friend. Of course I am sorry for that.

'Also all those people that may not have lost someone but they are still suffering  there are many people sadly suffering from long Covid, we still don't know the impact of that. Of course I am.

'There will be lessons to learn from this pandemic for this Government, for governments across the world, there will be lessons. It is important that is done.

'There is going to be a public inquiry and I think that is the best place to learn these lessons.

'But if you are asking me if I am sorry, then of course I am.'

Asked on BBC Radio 4's Today programme what mistakes he was apologising for, mr Javid said: 'What I am saying sorry for is the loss that people have suffered and how they have been affected. I don't think I am in a position yet to go back and look at every decision that was made and how we can for that.'

Pressed if he thought he had been wrong as a backbench MP to argue for greater weight to be given to economic needs during the pandemic, Mr Javid said: 'No, I don't, based on the information that I have had and also from what I know.'

He added: 'I have been in this job for 100 days and was out of government when a lot of those crucial decisions were made. I was a humble backbencher.'

Mr Javid disclosed that he has yet to read all the report of the Commons Science and Health Committees into the pandemic.

'It is one report and I welcome the report. I haven't had the opportunity to study every word of the report. I will study it properly this weekend,' he said.

Keir Starmer has said that saying sorry is the 'least the PM could do' and insisted a planned public inquiry should be brought forward.

Sir Keir added: 'The PM should take responsibility because the responsibility is his, and he should apologise.'

Mr Johnson has promised a formal inquiry into the Government's response to the pandemic will start in Spring 2022 but an exact date has yet to be set. When he announced the probe, he insisted key players would be put 'under the microscope'.

Labour had originally called for the inquiry to begin in June this year, in line with No10's lifting of virus restrictions. There are currently virtually no Covid curbs on daily life in England.

Dominic Cummings has slammed his old boss for his handling of the pandemic, branding the Prime Minister a 'joke'.

The report published by the Commons health and science committees is the first to shine a light on the catalogue of failures made at the top of Government.

Among other things it castigated the 'chaotic' performance of the 37billion test and trace system, although it said the vaccination drive had been a significant success.
'Overpaid' GPs were today slammed for moaning about plans to name and shame surgeries failing to deliver enough face-to-face appointments.

A bitter feud erupted after Sajid Javid threatened to send in 'hit squads' and impose cash penalties on surgeries that refused to see more patients in person.

The Royal College of GPs immediately hit back, criticising the plans as 'unfair, demoralising and indefensible', while other unions warned it could trigger a wave of retirements and 'sink the ship altogether'.

But Silver Voices, which represents elderly Britons, said the response by GPs had a smack of 'we know best'.

Dennis Reed, head of the campaign group, said the Government had been pushed into its tough stance because doctors had 'ignored' patients' wishes by trying to keep people getting checked over the phone.

He told MailOnline: 'They're ignoring patients and patients' views. Older people understand their aged bodies all too well and older people are often the best judges as regular users of the health service as to whether a GP appointment is needed.'

The chief executive of the Taxpayers' Alliance, John O'Connell, said patients must be able to see their GP face-to-face given the huge amount they pay for the NHS.

And some took to social media to accuse their doctors of being 'overpaid', adding they had 'never seen a poor GP'.

Mr Javid last night unveiled a plan to ensure all patients can see their doctors again as the number of face-to-face appointments remains below pre-pandemic levels. It included an extra 250million boost for surgeries this winter.

Doctors mocked the 'frit' Health Secretary today after he pulled out of the RCGP's annual conference following a bitter row over the lack of face-to-face appointments.

But Mr Javid was pictured visiting a surgery in south-east London, where he praised the 'amazing work' of GPs in fighting Covid, delivering vaccines and seeing patients.

The number of GP appointments taking place face-to-face tumbled at the start of the pandemic when surgeries were told to see patients remotely where possible. But despite vaccination rates it is yet to climb back to pre-pandemic levels. The above graph shows the number of face-to-face GP appointments (red line) by month since the end of 2019

Health Secretary Sajid Javid has defended his plans for improving access to GPs. Patients will now be able to demand face-to-face appointments, with surgeries only able to refuse if there is a good medical reason (Pictured: Javid attends a surgery in south-east London today)

England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, told delegates at the RCGP event that the topic of face-to-face appointments had 'got rather more heat than it needs', in a thinly-veiled dig at the Government.

But Professor Whitty, who received a standing ovation after thanking doctors for their 'outstanding' work, admitted the number of in-person consults had not 'settled at the right point yet' after the pandemic.

GPs mock Sajid Javid after he cancels appearance at doctors' conference GPs have mocked Sajid Javid after he pulled out of a union's annual conference following a bitter row over a lack of face-to-face appointments. The Health Secretary had been due to address the Royal College of GPs in Liverpool this morning but pulled out last minute after his plans to name and shame practices not doing enough in-person consults were met with fury. Under the plan, GPs in England will be handed 250m to improve their services but only if they increase the number of in-person consultations. The Royal College of GPs immediately hit back, criticising the revolution as 'unfair, demoralising and indefensible', and other unions warned it could trigger a wave of retirements and 'sink the ship altogether'. Mr Javid was only set to send a pre-recorded message to the conference, which would have been shown at the opening session this morning. Dr Michael Mulholland, a vice chairman at the college, announced Mr Javid's absence to a laughing conference hall, saying 'we didn't start the fire'. Dr Mulholland, the vice chairman for professional development at the RCGP, told the conference hall today: 'Unfortunately we have one change to the programme. The Secretary of State for Health for England is unable to join us today either in person or by video link. 'This is because, and I need to get this right, he had to 'clear his diary to ensure he can fight for the NHS in the spending review, or be anywhere else you may have seen or heard from him this morning'. Advertisement

Official figures show fewer face-to-face GP appointments are still being carried out now than before the pandemic struck.

Statistics for England from NHS Digital show only 58 per cent of GP appointments in in August were held face-to-face.

This is well below levels seen before the pandemic struck, when 80 per cent of consultations were carried out in-person.

Mr Reed told MailOnline: 'Older people understand their aged bodies all too well and older people are often the best judges, as regular users of the health service, as to whether a GP appointment is needed.

'They don't take kindly to being told by a receptionist that they can't have an appointment.'

Silver Voices started campaigning for more in person appointments six months ago.

It said: 'We understand the concern of doctors that the extra resources will not be enough and that the Government has not delivered on its promise of 6,000 extra GPs.

'However, the rapid move towards remote consultations cannot be explained by lack of resources alone.

'There has been a conscious decision to change the style of service delivery radically, without consultation with patients.

'The concerns of many older people that they are not equipped for, or comfortable with, remote consultations and that serious conditions risk being missed without the physical presence of a doctor, have been dismissed.

'And there is the smack of "we know best" in the immediate scathing response of some doctors to the Government announcement.

'Without getting into a name and shame argument, patients have a right to know how many face-to-face appointments their own practice is offering.'

They added: 'Instead of conflict at the reception desk, there should be a friendly discussion about the options, but patient choice should always be respected in the last resort.

'Older people understand their ageing bodies all to well and are often the best judges about whether a GP's intervention is needed.'

Mr O'Connell, from the Taxpayers' Alliance, said: 'Taxpayers expect to see their doctor face-to-face, given the huge amount they pay for the NHS.

'Health professionals should ensure that all patients get the level of service they need.'

Chris Snowdon, the head of lifestyle economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs, took to social media to slam GPs complaining about the package.

'Stuffing their mouths with gold is one approach, I suppose,' he said.

'Another approach would be to get them struck off if they refuse to do their job properly.'

Conservative MP James Duddridge told MailOnline that a 'raft of things' are being brought forward to help GPs provide face-to-face appointments.

But he said virtual appointments could be better in some cases, although people must 'have the right' to an in person consultation.

The number of patients waiting for routine hospital treatment hit 5.6million in July, the highest figure since records began in 2007. And health chiefs have warned the backlog is going to get much worse before it gets better, with projections that it could soar up to 13million by the end of the year if no action is taken

Surgery run by GP protesting 'Tory plan' unable to find temporary doctor for a year A GP surgery protesting the 'Tory plan' to pump more money into the health service has been unable to find a temporary doctor for a year. Dr Jess Harvey, who works at the practice based in Shropshire, said they were unable to find a locum  temporary staff member  to cover maternity leave. She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'They talk about recruiting extra locums, I've heard the Tory Government talk about a magic money tree  there isn't a magic locum tree. 'My practice tried to recruit a maternity locum for a year and didn't manage it, and we're a lovely practice to work for. 'There aren't locums out there that are clamouring to work because there's been such a toxic environment created by the Governments of past times now in General Practice.' She added: 'There is no capacity in the system.' Dr Harvey works at Much Wenlock and Cressage Medical Practice, located in a village near Telford. It is in the east of Shropshire, about an hour drive from Birmingham town centre and 47 minutes from the centre of Wolverhampton. Advertisement

The former minister also defended plans for a GP league table, saying: 'It shows patients quantitatively what the performance of their GP is against their peer group.

'That is a very normal thing to have across both state institutions and private sector institutions.

'There may be very good reasons why a rural surgery differs from an urban surgery, for example.

'But it will perhaps stimulate questions as to why another practice is better or different and stimulate improvements. It is not about bashing GPs.'

Patients have taken to social media to complain about being unable to get an appointment.

One wrote: 'The uncomfortable truth about GPs is that they are so overpaid they only have to work part time.

'Not a single GP at my practice of eight works full time.'

Another wrote: 'GPs have become overpaid and lazy. Their practices should not be subcontractors to the NHS but directly employed.

'I've never met a poor GP in my life.'

GPs mocked Mr Javid after he pulled out of a union's annual conference.

The Health Secretary had been due to address the Royal College of GPs in Liverpool this morning but pulled out last minute after his plans to name and shame practices not doing enough in-person consults were met with fury.

Under the plan, GPs in England will be handed 250m to improve their services but only if they increase the number of in-person consultations.

Mr Javid was only set to send a pre-recorded message to the conference, which would have been shown at the opening session this morning.

Dr Michael Mulholland, a vice chairman at the college, announced Mr Javid's absence to a laughing conference hall, saying 'we didn't start the fire'.

But the Health Secretary was later pictured visiting a surgery in south-east London, where he praised the 'amazing work' of GPs in fighting Covid and seeing patients.

Dr Mulholland told the conference hall today: 'Unfortunately we have one change to the programme. The Secretary of State for Health for England is unable to join us today either in person or by video link.

'This is because, and I need to get this right, he had to 'clear his diary to ensure he can fight for the NHS in the spending review, or be anywhere else you may have seen or heard from him this morning'.

'As I said before, we did not start this fire.'

Professor Chris Whitty says GPs need to carry out more face-to-face consultations Professor Chris Whitty has urged GPs to carry out more face-to-face consultations. Speaking at the Royal College of GPs annual conference in Liverpool, England's chief medical officer said more face-to-face appointments were needed. He told GPs they had been 'outstanding' during the pandemic, adding: 'I'm massively admiring of what all of you have done, and continue to do, in the biggest public health challenge in our professional careers.' But he added that there were not enough face-to-face appointments being carried out. He said the Covid pandemic had caused a 'painful gear change' in the opposite direction. 'Now the pendulum is already swinging back and it will need to come back to a point that isn't quite out where it was in the middle of Covid, nor is it where it was in August 2019. 'I don't think it's settled at the right point yet.' He added that the profession has got to 'have a debate with the public who we serve' and work out the right balance. His speech at the opening session of the conference received a standing ovation. But Mr Javid did not speak at the conference today amid anger over his plans, which sparked laughter from GPs. Mr Javid was only ever meant to send a pre-recorded message to the conference to be played in the opening session. Advertisement

In a round of media interviews this morning, Mr Javid ferociously defended his plan to name and shame practices who fail to deliver on face-to-face targets, saying they would help GPs.

Doctors will now only be able to refuse a face-to-face appointment if there are good medical reasons.

Speaking at Vale Medical Centre in Lewisham the Health Secretary said he had consulted the NHS, the RCGP, the BMA and GPs on the frontline before coming up with the support package.

'What I've heard in that consultation is that you need more support, and rightly so, there's a huge amount of demand on our fantastic GPs.

'How we can help with that is [by] providing the financial support, getting rid of some of this red tape and helping to shift some of that demand to other more sensible places.'

Mr Javid also said the country 'absolutely' needs more GPs.

Doctors at the practice he was visiting said they were under as much pressure now as in March last year at the start of the first wave.

Dr Ali al-Bassam said the only difference is how people have their appointments, adding that around a third are face-to-face while the rest are on the telephone.

Dr Clementine Olenga-Disashi said doctors have been working 'harder', to which Mr Javid agreed.

'I've seen that in similar practices across the country, the demands from the pandemic as well as the vaccinations  whether it's a patient here or in a care home  it's all new demand that wasn't there,' he told them.

He added that part of the health department's plan is to try to help support doctors by getting pharmacies to do 'a bit more' for patients with minor illnesses.

'We're trying to get rid of some of the red tape,' he said. 'A lot of GPs have been talking about fit notes, for example.'

Speaking at the RCGPs conference this morning, Professor Whitty said the number of face-to-face appointments being carried out was not where it needed to be.

He said the Covid pandemic had caused a 'painful gear change' in the opposite direction.

'Now the pendulum is already swinging back and it will need to come back to a point that isn't quite out where it was in the middle of Covid, nor is it where it was in August 2019.

'I don't think it's settled at the right point yet.'

He added that the profession has got to 'have a debate with the public who we serve' and work out the right balance.

Professor Whitty also thanked GPs for their 'outstanding' work during the pandemic, adding: 'I'm massively admiring of what all of you have done, and continue to do, in the biggest public health challenge in our professional careers.'

Delivering his prognosis for the winter ahead, he said it was likely to be 'exceptionally difficult' for both the NHS and GPs.

The average number of sessions GPs works in a day have gone down over the last decade while their wage growth has gone up. In 2012 the average GP worked 7.3 sessions a week but this has now fallen to 6.6 a week, the equivalent of just over three days of work a week. In the same period the average GP income went up by more than 6,000. A GP's daily work is divided into sessions. According to the NHS, a full-time GP works 8 sessions a week, formed of two sessions a day, generally starting at 8am and finishing at 6.30pm, though these hours can vary

Professor Witty addded this would be the case 'irrespective' of whether the country experiences relatively low Covid cases or a major surge alongside other winter pressures such as flu.

Speaking to the conference, he said: 'The winter as a whole, I regret to say, is going to be exceptionally difficult for the NHS.

'General Practice is going to be at the absolute forefront of this, unfortunately.'

He added that pressures were likely to be the case 'irrespective of whether we have a relatively low but non-trivial amount of Covid, or whether we actually have a further surge in the winter'.

'We're only two to three doubling times away from really quite serious pressure on the NHS, and it's already serious, but one that would actually be very difficult to deal with.

NHS waiting list hits ANOTHER record high with 5.72MILLION patients in England stuck in queue The NHS waiting list for routine hospital treatment in England has hit another record high, official data has revealed as hospital bosses warned the Covid backlog will not be cleared for another five years. A total of 5.7million people were waiting to start treatment at the end of August 2021, according to figures from NHS England. This is the highest number since records began in August 2007. The number of people having to wait more than 52 weeks to start treatment stood at 292,138 in August 2021, down slightly from 293,102 in the previous month, but more than double the number waiting a year earlier, in August 2020, which was 111,026. Nearly 370,000 patients in England had been waiting more than six weeks for a key diagnostic test in August. It comes as a survey of NHS trust leaders, carried out by NHS Providers, revealed a third of health bosses believe the Covid backlog will take between three and five years to clear. With waiting lists already at a record high, some 96 per cent of bosses said demand is significantly rising, with mental health, urgent and emergency care and cancer services topping their worries. Advertisement

'So, the margin of error is quite small.

'Zero Covid over this winter is a completely impossible dream, except in the minds of a few, but it is an impossible dream let me be clear about that.'

Professor Whitty received a standing ovation from the conference hall following his speech.

Mr Javid defended his plans in a round of interviews this morning, saying that they would deliver better care for patients.

He told Sky News: 'I think it is going to help because it will provide more support, financial support, remove red tape, spread the workload and provide more direct support to practices that ask for more expert advice.'

Under the new proposals, GP surgeries are set to only be offered funding if they see enough patients face-to-face.

But asked today what proportion of appointments will need to be face-to-face to secure the extra cash, Mr Javid was unable to give a specific figure.

He told BBC Radio 4 that CCGs  which manage groups of surgeries  would suggest which surgeries should get more money.

'My only target is that people have a choice, have a preference,' he said.

There are also plans for data on the performance of each individual surgery to be published. But Mr Javid denied that the Government would publish surgery league tables.

He said: 'We won't be publishing any league tables. What the Government will be doing is publishing more and more information, more and more granular information, that will be practice by practice.

'The point will be to compare one surgery with another.'

The decision to publish the data practice by practice was taken a few years ago. The NHS has been running a pilot of the scheme and found it was successful.

Mr Javid also thanked GPs for their work throughout the pandemic.

'I just want to thank... all GPs for the phenomenal work they are doing, especially during the pandemic,' he said.

'What this package is about today is what support can be provided by the Government, by the NHS, so that more patients can be seen more promptly in a way that patients choose.'

The Health Secretary also admitted that Britain is 'absolutely' facing a shortage in GPs.

Britain is currently facing a shortage of GPs, with their numbers falling by 4.5 per cent across England in five years.

In 2015, the Government promised to hire another 5,000 GPs over the next five years.

But NHS data, analysed by the Royal College of GPs, showed there was the equivalent of 28,096 full-time GPs in March 2021. This was down from 29,403 in September 2015.

More and more GPs are retiring in response to the mounting workload, with a lack of training incentives meaning there are few doctors available to replace them.

Mr Javid said a record number of students have entered medical school to train as GPs, but these will not be in practices for years.

Just 0.6 per cent of appointments in August were home visits, down from one per cent before the Covid crisis. Doctors have long called for them to be scrapped because they are too time-consuming

Face-to-face GP appointments can curb harmful drinking, study says Face-to-face GP appointments can curb harmful drinking, a study has found. Oregon University researchers looked through more than 64,439 patients who had visited surgeries for help with alcohol and drug use. They found the face-to-face appointments delivered a 'small' benefit. Those that went to see their doctor drunk alcohol for one less day per month on average. Lead author associate professor Emily Tanner-Smith said: 'A reduction of one drinking day per month may not sound like much, but small individual reductions can add up to a substantial reduction in population level harms. 'Given their brevity, low cost and minimal clinical effort, brief interventions may be a promising way to reduce alcohol use, one patient at a time.' The study used results from 116 trials to review the impact of face-to-face appointments. It was published in the journal Addiction. Advertisement

The plans have sparked anger from GPs and their unions who said they had been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic.

Dr Jess Harvey, who works as a GP in Shropshire, told BBC Radio 4's today programme that it was 'insulting' to be told she had been 'underperforming'.

She said: 'General Practice is on its knees.

'I do not know anybody in General Practice right now who is not working their knuckles to the bone, and frankly for Mr Javid to describe us as underperforming is insulting.

'I would invite him to come and see what we've done, to come and see what I do on a daily basis, and to show me where I am underperforming.'

She added: 'The more I read and hear about this proposal the less I think this Government understands about General Practice, how it is run and to be honest the less in touch they are with what is going on in the real world of the NHS and what we're facing.'

Dr Alan Shirley, a GP and director of a South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw primary care network, accused the Health Secretary of being 'frit' for not coming to the annual conference amid anger over the plans.

He wrote on Twitter: 'Sajid Javid (is) too frit to come and defend (his package) in front of GPs, cancelling at the last minute.'

The post was re-tweeted by the RCGPs Twitter account for the conference.

British Medical Association GP committee chair Dr Richard Vautrey warned the plan could lead many doctors to 'hang up their stethoscopes'.

He said: 'It's truly frightening that we have a Government so ignorant to the needs of such a core part of the NHS.

'GPs want to improve the care we offer our patients, but today's offer will not enable us to do that as we had hoped.

'GPs across England will be truly horrified that this is being presented as a lifeline to General Practice, when in reality it could sink the ship all together.

'There can be no doubt that this lack of action at such a critical time will force many GPs to hang up their stethoscopes and leave the profession for the last time.'

Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said he thought the plans would not turn the tide.

He tweeted: 'As someone who tried and failed to get 5,000 more GPs into the system, I don't think this package will turn the tide.

'We got 000s more graduates into GP surgeries, but we didn't make progress because experienced GPs were retiring/going part time faster than new trainees arrived.

Mr Javid confirmed GPs will be offered 250million in funding to help improve patient access

Backlog of patients built up during the pandemic will not be cleared until 2026, health chiefs fear A third of NHS leaders fear the Covid backlog will take between three and five years to clear, a poll reveals. A survey of trust leaders, carried out by NHS Providers, has revealed widespread worries about access to care. With waiting lists already at a record high, some 96 per cent of bosses said demand is significantly rising, with mental health, urgent and emergency care and cancer services topping their worries. Two thirds said they feared backlogs will make health inequalities worse, while 87 per cent said patients now have more complex needs than before the pandemic. The survey, which was sent to 170 bosses at 199 trusts, comes as NHS data to be published today is expected to show the highest ever waiting list in England. The number of those waiting for hospital treatment hit 5.6million in July. Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, said the NHS is 'fighting fires on multiple fronts' and the 'key intervention' needed is more staff. Ms Cordery said: 'Our survey reveals the sheer scale of the challenge that trusts are now managing. 'Trust leaders are fighting fires on multiple fronts as they try to recover care backlogs, deal with increased demand for emergency care, treat patients with Covid-19 and prepare for what is likely to be the most challenging winter yet for the NHS.' Advertisement

'The lesson? This is a burnt-out workforce running on empty because of a massive mismatch between supply and demand.

'The only thing that will convince them not to continue retiring or opting for part-time hours in droves is a clear plan to end the unsustainable pressure they face.'

Under the new proposals, patients will be given the right to demand a face-to-face appointment with their family doctor.

GPs will be told they should refuse a plea to have an in-person consultation only if there are good clinical reasons.

The NHS England 'Plan for GPs and Patients' will give practices 250 million of extra cash to take on more staff, ensuring patients can have an appointment on the day they request one. This could include extending opening hours.

But they will not be able to access the extra money if too many of their consultations are carried out over the telephone or online.

New 'transparency' rules will also publish data on the level of service offered by individual GP practices, including the level of access for patients seeking face-to-face appointments.

Whitehall sources acknowledged the data would allow the creation of local and national league tables, with the worst performers named and shamed in the media.

GP practices which fail to improve access for patients will face direct intervention from teams of NHS trouble-shooters.

To help doctors improve their service, red tape will be slashed to give GPs more time to see patients in person  and telephone systems will be upgraded to make it easier to book an appointment.

Meanwhile, pharmacists will get enhanced powers to treat a wide range of minor complaints to ease the pressure.

The Department of Health will reduce administrative burdens on GPs by reforming who can provide medical evidence and certificates such as fit notes and DVLA checks  freeing up time for more appointments.

And officials will today confirm that GP surgeries can scrap the two-metre social distancing rule imposed during the pandemic, which has dramatically reduced numbers in waiting rooms.

Professor Martin Marshall, chairman of the Royal College of GPs, said there was 'nothing here to address the long-standing workforce pressures facing general practice'.

But he cautiously welcomed plans to slash bureaucracy. 'GPs go into medicine to care for patients, yet they spend a significant amount of their time on box-ticking and filling forms,' he said.

'This bureaucracy has an impact on workload in general practice, which has become increasingly 'undoable' and is leading to many GPs, and other members of the team, burning out or leaving the profession.

Last night the Prime Minister praised the Mail for highlighting the collapse in face-to-face appointments over the past two years.

Mr Johnson said: 'The Mail's campaign on this issue has shown the importance of everyone having the choice and ability to see their GP face to face, and this plan will mean more appointments at more surgeries.' Writing for the Mail, Mr Javid said he was determined to get the NHS 'closer to pre-pandemic levels of face-to-face appointments'.

Mrs Pritchard thanked the Mail for acting as 'a strong voice for patients', adding that there would also be a new effort to tackle abuse against GPs.

The nine-point plan came as a YouGov poll found that two-thirds of people prefer a face-to-face appointment.

The Nine Commandments...and what they really mean

By Shaun Wooller for the Daily Mail

The Daily Mail launched its campaign to improve access to GPs after being inundated with horrifying stories from readers who struggled to be seen in person.

The revolution it has brought about is an extraordinary achievement that will undoubtedly benefit patients and the NHS. Today's new NHS England and Department of Health blueprint will help ensure all five points of the Mail's original manifesto for change are delivered.

It will improve access to GPs, get patients and doctors back into face-to-face contact more often and boost safety.

Here are the nine key points of today's announcement  and what they mean:

1 Patients' right to face-to-face appointments

What they're announcing: Health officials have made it clear that every GP practice must ask patients what form they would like their appointment to take.

What it means:

Doctors must respect preferences for face-to-face care unless there are good clinical reasons to the contrary  for example, if the patient has Covid.

This means surgeries can no longer fob people off with a remote consultation if they want to be in the same room as their medic.

People can still choose to have their appointment on the phone or by video if it is more convenient.

Under the Government's new nine-point plan, family doctors must respect their patient's preferences for face-to-face care unless there are good clinical reasons to the contrary

Conducting appointments in-person will allow doctors to spot symptoms they could not have detected remotely and improve the patient-doctor relationship.

Elderly and vulnerable patients who lacked the technology needed for remote consultations or struggled to use it will no longer feel excluded.

2 More money for more appointments

What they're announcing: A 250million winter access fund will let practices offer more appointments so patients who need care can get it  on the same day, if needed.

What it means:

The money will pay for locums and other health professionals, such as physiotherapists and podiatrists, with a focus on increasing capacity.

Surgeries will be encouraged to extend opening hours or operate walk-in clinics, making it easier for patients to be seen quickly at a convenient time.

A 250million winter access fund, announced by the Government today, will let practices offer more appointments so patients who need care can get it - on the same day if needed

3 'Hit squads' and cash penalties to keep GPs on track

What they're announcing: GP practices that fail to improve access will face special measures and be denied a share of additional funding.

What it means:

Poor performers will see specialist 'hit squad' teams sent in to knock them into shape.

This should ensure patients have access to good quality care. Denying surgeries that fail to improve access a share of the new pot of cash will act as an incentive.

4 Better phone systems

What they're announcing: The NHS will help practices upgrade telephone systems to make it easier for patients to book appointments and cut waits to speak to a receptionist.

The Government has also announced the NHS will help practices upgrade telephone systems to make it easier for patients to book appointments and cut waits to speak to a receptionist

What it means:

New technology will make it easier for staff to manage queues. This will reduce the frustration of trying to reach a surgery, with some people dialling hundreds of times.

Patient groups report some elderly people have given up attempting to see their GP because of the stress of phoning.

5 Less paperwork and more help from pharmacists

What they're announcing: The Government will free GPs from some red tape by reforming who can provide medical evidence and certificates, such as fit notes and DVLA checks. Pharmacists will become the first port of call for most minor illnesses.

What it means:

Lessening the burden of paperwork will make the job more attractive and help bring in more trainees, in a boost to the commitment to recruit 6,000 more GPs.

Less paperwork: The Government says it will free GPs from some red tape by reforming who can provide medical evidence and certificates, such as fit notes and DVLA checks for example

Getting highly-skilled nurses and pharmacists to perform some checks will free up GPs for more complex issues.

Pharmacists will be given greater powers to write prescriptions and treat patients for routine conditions.

6 Relaxation of guidelines on social distancing

What they're announcing: The two-metre social distancing rule, which applies in surgeries, will be axed.

What it means:

GPs have argued that strict Covid rules prevent them from seeing more patients in person because their waiting rooms are too small to accommodate them.

No social distancing: The two-metre social distancing rule, which applies at GPs, will be axed

7 Performance league tables

What they're announcing: GP appointment data will be published at practice level by spring next year to enhance transparency and accountability.

What it means:

Naming and shaming individual GP practices that fail to offer enough face-to-face appointments or that have long waits to be seen will incentivise doctors to improve.

Producing league tables will allow patients to compare their practice with others in their town and increase competition.

8 Easier patient feedback via text message

What they're announcing: Making it simpler for patients to rate their practice's performance.

As part of the plans, a new campaign is being launched to reduce the abuse of NHS workers

What it means:

This will give doctors and NHS managers a clearer picture of what patients do and do not like about their surgery and make it easier to identify recurring problems, so they can be improved.

9 Zero tolerance campaign on abuse of NHS staff

What they're announcing: A new campaign to reduce abuse and punish offenders.

What it means:

Unacceptable behaviour by frustrated patients drives much-needed doctors out of jobs and creates an environment that is not attractive to new recruits.

Ministers and the NHS hope a new campaign will prevent a disastrous exodus of staff and ensure more medical trainees want to work in general practice.

The Mail's right. Patients must be able to see their doctor the way they want and now they can

By Sajid Javid for The Daily Mail

Like many Asian parents, my mum always wanted me to be a GP.

When I told her I'd been made Health and Social Care Secretary, she said: 'Well, you didn't quite make it to GP, but at least you're working in healthcare!'

In truth, she was only half joking. There's a reason why people such as my mum have such high regard for GPs: their powerful blend of expertise and empathy has made generations of communities happier and healthier.

So I want to say a huge thank you to GPs and their teams across the country for their commitment to patients during the most challenging of times.

I may not have become a GP, but I do want to make it easier for them to do their vital work.

Pictured: Health Secretary Sajid Javid is given his flu jab during a visit to Keencare Pharmacy

Equally, I am committed to making sure patients can see their GP in the way they choose and have a better experience when they do. The Mail has run an important campaign on this issue.

Working closely with the NHS, we've made a plan for GPs and patients to do just that: it will mean more appointments in the ways people want.

While I'm determined to get us closer to pre-pandemic levels of face-to-face appointments, it is, of course, true that online and telephone consultations are more convenient for many people.

There's no question that telephone and video calls will be a part of the future of general practice. But it cannot be the whole future.

With winter just around the corner, I know GPs are under real pressure: the demand for appointments is high and so is their workload.

So today, I'm announcing a fresh 250 million investment in general practice to boost capacity ahead of the winter, opening up more appointments.

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Sajid Javid visits Keencare Pharmacy for his flu jab. Pictured: Andrew Lane, Chairman of the national Pharmacy association, with Mr Javid

With this money, we will expect GPs to provide clear plans for how they will improve access and deliver more face-to-face appointments, such as offering appointments on evenings and weekends.

By and large, people understand why it's been a difficult time for our GPs: Covid pressures, concerns about infection and reduced space in waiting rooms have often made the process of getting an appointment more difficult.

While I understand the frustration, violence and abuse towards GPs and their teams will never be tolerated.

GPs and their teams need to feel safe at work, and the NHS is making 5 million available for practices to improve their security measures as part of our plan.

Another way we're going to ensure more time is spent with patients is by spreading the workload.

I want every practice to use the NHS Community Pharmacy Consultation service, so our brilliant community pharmacists can do more in terms of prescribing.

I'm asking my department to work with the NHS and look at a 'Pharmacy First' scheme for England, so pharmacists can provide treatment for specific conditions such as sore throats, without patients having to go to their GP  building on pilot schemes in England and much as they already do in Scotland.

We also need to measure GPs against clearer standards. The vast majority of GPs are doing brilliant work, but where GPs are not, we have to fix it: it's simply not fair for their patients to suffer in silence.

The challenges in general practice are far from over, but I have every confidence we can meet the difficulties ahead by working together to achieve our common goal  delivering for patients.

Family doctors are the front door to the NHS... we'll help them see more patients face to face, pledges chief executive AMANDA PRITCHARD

By Amanda Pritchard for the Daily Mail

The public understands that family doctors are the front door to the health service, which is why the NHS has set out a clear plan today to make access to GPs easier. We will encourage and support GPs to provide more patient consultations, including increasing the proportion of appointments carried out face to face, reflecting patients' preferences, writes Amanda Pritchard, NHS England chief executive

The public understands that family doctors are the front door to the health service, which is why the NHS has set out a clear plan today to make access to GPs easier.

We will encourage and support GPs to provide more patient consultations, including increasing the proportion of appointments carried out face to face, reflecting patients' preferences.

The Daily Mail continues to be a strong voice for patients, and throughout the pandemic the newspaper has given fantastic backing to NHS staff as they have worked relentlessly to help the country.

GPs and their teams are vital to patients and to the wider NHS: primary care has delivered the lion's share of the country's most successful vaccination programme ever, while also conducting more than 300 million appointments.

Patients value their GP, so it's understandable that they want quick, convenient and reassuring care and support from them.

And I know the overwhelming majority of GPs and teams provide exactly this, with our package of measures today targeting additional resources to increase access where practices are not offering the appropriate level of in-person appointments.

But we need to go further, and for too many patients it is more difficult than before Covid to get an appointment as quickly as they may have in the past, not least because of the major challenges caused by the pandemic.

The right consultation with a GP can spot serious issues early, which is better for people's health, prevents problems escalating and can reduce additional demand on other staff, allowing them to focus on delivering care for other patients.

The measures we're setting out today will reinforce primary care as we head into what will be a tough winter, and will give practices resources to boost capacity to see patients over the coming months.

The right consultation with a GP can spot serious issues early, which is better for people's health, prevents problems escalating and can reduce additional demand on other staff, allowing them to focus on delivering care for other patients

We're also investing in better technology for surgeries, to tackle the frustration that is felt by both patients and surgery staff, when people face long waits over the phone to a practice.

The plan we're publishing today will help ensure Mail readers and people across the country get the care and support they need from their GP, which I know is rightly so valued by our patients and so essential to our NHS.

Pharmacists to get more power: Chemists will prescribe extra drugs and treat wider range of illnesses under plan to free up GPs for face-to-face appointments

Pharmacists will become the first port of call for most minor illnesses under plans being considered by Sajid Javid to free up GPs to deal with more serious cases.

The Health Secretary's battle plan for improving access to family doctors includes options to give local chemists enhanced powers to treat a wide range of minor complaints.

This is likely to include handing them the power to prescribe a number of medicines which are currently the sole preserve of doctors.

A health source said Mr Javid wanted to see a 'substantially' increased role for pharmacists, adding: 'He is looking at expanding quickly the role that they play.

'He is interested in whether they can do more in terms of prescribing.

'It is all about sharing the workload and freeing up GPs to deal with more complex cases.'

At the moment, pharmacists are able to issue advice and prescribe medicines, including antibiotics, if needed, but patients displaying unusual or serious symptoms will be referred to their GP or local hospital

The source said the Health Secretary was examining the 'Pharmacy First' scheme in Scotland that allows pharmacies to treat a wide range of common conditions from earache and sore throats to hay fever and cystitis.

Ministers hope the scheme will make it easier for patients with minor conditions to get treatment more quickly, as well as freeing up GPs.

Writing in the Mail today, Mr Javid said: 'Another way we're going to ensure more time is spent with patients is by spreading the workload.

'I want every practice to use the NHS Community Pharmacy Consultation service, so our brilliant community pharmacists can do more in terms of prescribing.

'I'm asking my department to work with the NHS and look at a 'Pharmacy First' scheme for England, so pharmacists can provide treatment for specific conditions like sore throats, without patients having to go to their GP, building on pilot schemes in England and much as they already do in Scotland.'

The move is likely to be welcomed by pharmacists, who have been pushing to play a bigger role in community healthcare.

Around 800 GP practices are currently signed up to the Community Pharmacist Consultation Service, which refers patients with a limited range of minor conditions to their local pharmacy.

The new battle plan for improving access to GPs gives pharmacists the power to prescribe a number of medicines which are currently the sole preserve of doctors. Javid, pictured right, met community pharmacist Cynthia Langworth at Keencare Pharmacy in London

The scheme, launched in 2019, has so far led to 64,000 referrals, freeing up valuable time for GPs.

But Scotland's 'Pharmacy First' scheme goes much further.

Patients living north of the border are advised to attend a local pharmacy for advice and treatment on all minor illnesses and health concerns, ranging from backache and verrucas to eczema and allergies.

Patients can attend any pharmacy for advice, and in most cases they do not need to make an appointment.

Those requiring privacy can seek advice in dedicated consultation rooms.

Pharmacists have the power to issue advice and prescribe medicines, including antibiotics, if needed.

However, patients displaying unusual or serious symptoms will be referred to their GP or local hospital.

As with GPs, pharmacists will keep records of all treatments.

A health source said Mr Javid would consider whether to replicate the Scottish scheme in England wholesale or adapt it.
Legislation has passed in Queensland parliament to provide more rights to tenants ending leases, stopping evictions without grounds, and to have pets within rental properties.

The Housing Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 was voted through on Thursday after parliamentary debate and amendments proposed by the Greens throughout the week.

The new laws enact minimum quality standards and extend protection for renters who have experienced domestic and family violence.

All Queensland rental properties must meet standards for safety, security and functionality, including accessible windows and doors having functioning latches, fixtures and fittings.

'Property owners have lost the right to end a periodic tenancy by providing notice. Tenants will however retain this right,' REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said (stock image)

They also disallow property owners from issuing a notice to leave 'without grounds' providing tenants with more certainty.

Tenants can end their interest in a lease with seven days' notice if they are unable to safely continue due to domestic and family violence reasons, and minister for housing Leanne Enoch says the laws move to protect the rights of renters.

'Queenslanders rely on safe, secure and affordable housing and we're delivering on our election commitments to modernise Queensland's rental laws and improve confidence in the rental market,' she said.

'About 34 per cent of Queensland households rent and these new laws provide a strong, balanced approach that protects the rights of renters and rental property owners, while improving stability in the rental market.'

Extensive consultation was conducted with 135,000 responses received to the Open Doors to Renting Reform consultation, while 15,000 responses were received to the regulatory impact statement.

If a renter requests to keep a pet, a rental property owner must have reasonable grounds to refuse and respond in writing to the request within 14 days.

The new laws enact minimum quality standards and extend protection for renters who have experienced domestic and family violence (stock image)

Pets cannot be kept if the property is unsuitable and if keeping the pet would breach laws or by-laws, and the legislation clarifies that fair wear and tear in the property does not include pet damage.

But the laws have been met with some criticism from the Greens and the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ), warning that the legislation imposes onerous requirements for property owners and their contractual rights.

The REIQ says the laws provide a balanced position on tenancy reform but the pendulum has swung distinctly in favour of tenants.

'Property owners have lost the right to end a periodic tenancy by providing notice. Tenants will however retain this right,' REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said.

'Unless owners can establish limited prescribed grounds (such as the sale of the property) they will never be able to terminate a periodic tenancy.

'Tenancy laws need to be fair and balanced, and support the entire rental market. We can't have onerous legislation that strips owners of their rights and undermines their right to effectively manage an asset that they've worked hard to acquire.'

Greens MP Amy MacMahon also moved an amendment for all property investor MPs to excuse themselves from debate due to conflict of interest, however it was voted down.

She said in lieu of Queensland's housing crisis there is a growing divide between those who own properties and those who do not.

'If you think this bill strikes the right balance, you have no idea what Queensland renters are going through,' she said.

'It's unacceptable to have MP's who directly benefit from skyrocketing rents and lax evictions laws to be allowed to take part in this debate or vote on this bill.'
Brad Pitt's $5.5million California beach house is under a 'threat to life' evacuation warning as the Alisal wildfire rages nearby.

The actor, 57, has owned the property in Goleta, north of Santa Barbara, since 2000, the year he married actress Jennifer Aniston. The former couple used it for 'romantic' getaways.

Now, it is dangerously close to the Alisal wildfire and has been included in the evacuation warning zone, meaning it is at significant risk from the fire.

Brad Pitt's $5.5million California beach house in Goleta (pictured) is under a 'threat to life' evacuation warning as the Alisal wildfire rages on

The evacuation zone for the Alisal Fire stretches along the Gaviota Coast, north of Santa Barbara. Area residents are either in the red mandatory orders zone, and must leave immediately, or the yellow warning zone, that advises them to prepare to leave.

Mandatory evacuation orders are in place in Arroyo Hondo Canyon, Refugio Canyon, and the area between El Capitan State Beach and West Camino Cielo.

The wildfire, which started on Monday near the Alisal Reservoir, has expanded to 15,360 acres, driven by intense winds. It was just 5 percent contained Wednesday evening.

The actor, 57, (pictured) has owned the property, located north of Santa Barbara, since 2000, the year he married Jennifer Aniston, and the former couple used it for 'romantic' getaway

The beach house getaway (pictured) is dangerously close to the Alisal wildfire, tearing its way through the region, and has been included in the evacuation warning zone

The Alisal Fire has charred more than 15,360 acres (24 square miles) of dense chaparral in the Santa Ynez Mountains west of Santa Barbara

The evacuation zone for the Alisal Fire remains in place along the Gaviota Coast (pictured), north of Santa Barbara, with residents either in the red mandatory orders zone, and must leave immediately, or the yellow warning zone, that advises them to prepare to leave

Shifting winds posed new challenges for firefighters battling the blaze that has kept Highway 101 shut down for days. The major highway could stay closed until the weekend, said Andrew Madsen, a spokesman for the U.S. Forest Service.

The Alisal Fire charred more than 15,360 acres (24 square miles) of dense chaparral in the Santa Ynez Mountains west of Santa Barbara.

While the scenic region along the Pacific shoreline is lightly populated, the blaze was a threat to more than 100 homes, ranches and other buildings, fire officials said.

The wildfire already has damaged at two mobile home parks, destroying some trailers, and one person suffered burns, officials said.

Shifting winds posed new challenges for firefighters battling the blaze which started on Monday near the Alisal Reservoir, and was just 5 per cent contained by Wednesday evening

A firefighter watches on his fire engine as smoke rises from a wildfire in Goleta, California on Wednesday

Flames rise from the wildfire as it rages through Southern California coastal mountains threatening ranches and rural homes

A satellite image shows the Alisal wildfire burning from above, with heavy smoke rising from the blaze

Fire crews desperately battled to save a ranch, which was at one time owned by former US President Ronald Reagan in Santa Barbara County. The property is the Regans' former vacation home, which they visited frequently during his tenure in office.

The 688-acre (278-hectare) Rancho del Cielo, where Reagan also hosted world leaders, was known as the Western White House during his presidency. It sits atop a mountain range, above the flames feeding on dense chaparral.

Based on staff reports from the ranch, the fire was about a half-mile away Wednesday evening, but that section of the blaze was not as active as others, said Jessica Jensen, vice president and chief of staff of the Young America's Foundation, which now operates the ranch.

'We are thankful that there has been no fire activity on the actual Reagan Ranch property. The Ranch, itself, is still in a very defensible position,' Jensen said in an email to The Associated Press.

Fire crews desperately battled to save a ranch (pictured), which was at one time owned by former President Ronald Reagan, from being set ablaze by the Alisal Fire in Santa Barbara County

The property itself is the former vacation home of President Reagan (pictured), who frequently visited with his wife Nancy during his tenure in office

The area hadn't burned since 1955, according to the conservative youth organization.

Fire engines were at the ranch, and fire retardant was sprayed on its structures, the foundation said in a statement.

Crews also protected an ExxonMobil facility in a canyon surrounded by flames.

More than a dozen water-dropping air tankers and helicopters returned to the skies amid calmer daytime winds. But changing winds could keep aircraft grounded, said Los Padres National Forest Fire Chief Jim Harris.

'As the winds shift, it's the most dangerous time, and critical time, of the fire, because the fire will change direction on us,' Harris said.

Firefighters working in steep, rugged terrain got help from more than a dozen water-dropping air tankers (pictured on Wednesday) that returned to the skies amid calmer daytime winds

A burnt-out boat is pictured in Goleta, California after a wildfire on Wednesday

County of Santa Barbara Fire Department firefighters extinguish a roadside fire off off the U.S. 101 Highway in Goleta on Wednesday

The charred landscape near Refugio Road is pictured on Wednesday after the Alisal Fire passed through the area in Santa Barbara County

The National Weather Service said there would be a new round of south Santa Barbara County's notorious Sundowner winds, and other parts of California were also expected to experience increased fire danger.

California wildfires have scorched nearly 3,900 square miles (10,101 square kilometers) this year and destroyed more than 3,600 homes, businesses and other structures, according to the state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

A historic drought in the West tied to climate change is making wildfires harder to fight. It has killed millions of trees in California alone. Scientists say climate change has made the West warmer and drier in the past 30 years and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive.

However, SFGATE reported that meteorologists are hoping several days of moderate to heavy rain in mid-October, should 'quell ongoing fire activity'.

If the rainfall arrives, the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center said it could 'help improve drought conditions... and replenish water resources throughout the West Coast.'

The rain is forecast from October 20 and continue until October 26, and could bring up to 2 inches of rain across three days.
A close-knit community is in shock after the baffling death of a mother-of-four, as police reveal her body was likely found beneath a car by her own son as the result of a tragic accident.

Kim Anh Vu, 45, was found dead underneath her black Mercedes in the driveway of her Pennington home in Adelaide's north-west, by one of her four children shortly after 7.30am on Thursday morning.

Police still don't know what caused the tragedy but have ruled out foul play, declaring her death as 'non-suspicious'.

Heartbroken friends and family rushed to the home of the single mother after hearing the awful news, but one of her adult children is currently stranded in Melbourne and may not be allowed to attend her own mother's funeral due to coronavirus restrictions.

Kim Anh Vu, 45 (pictured), was found dead underneath her car in the driveway of her Pennington home in Adelaide's north-west, by her young son shortly after 7.30am on Thursday morning

'We are all going to miss her and she will deeply be remembered by all of us,' a close friend told 9News.

'Her son called my friend here this morning and then we were really shocked.

'We worry about her children now we will look after her kids.'

Ms Vu had moved to Australia from Vietnam three years ago and was described as a 'generous loving mother' who was very 'caring'.

Two of her children are aged just seven and 10, while the other two are in their 20s.

There are now fears that one of her daughters, who lives in Melbourne, will not be able to attend the funeral due to Victoria's strict Covid-19 lockdown measures which prevents travel beyond 15km from your home.

Ms Vu had moved to Australia from Vietnam three years ago and was described by close friends (pictured) as a 'generous loving mother' who was very 'caring'

Heartbroken friends and family (pictured) rushed to the home of the single mother after hearing the awful news

'They're a very quiet and very respected family. It's just a tragedy and I don't know how it happened,' Jodie Belperio who lives two houses down on Addison Street told the Adelaide Advertiser.

'I'd see that car coming in and out of the driveway all the time. It's just tragic, I don't understand really, life's short.'

One local described see firefighters jacking up the car at the scene.

Ms Belperio explained she's very concerned about what will happen to Ms Vu's Children because the house is a rental.

'It's broken my heart. She's got four beautiful kids that needed her,' she added.

Ms Vu's car was towed away from the scene by investigators for forensic analysis.

A report on her death will be now be prepared for the state coroner.
Robert Fell was given a conditional discharge and described as a 'man of good character', but had to pay costs of 107

A disabled farmer has been ordered to pay 107 for causing 'distress' to a cyclist who followed him home and confronted him when he was told to 'get in the cycle lane' during a road rage row.

Robert Fell, 66, threw a billhook - a scythe like farmyard tool - at cyclist Andrew Smith, who is in his 30s, that damaged his 2,950 bicycle after he ventured onto his land for a showdown.

The pair had exchanged a war of words in the tiny hamlet of Millington, near Knutsford, Cheshire, when Mr Fell was forced to overtake him while a cycleway running parallel to the road lay empty.

Mr Fell pleaded guilty to causing harassment alarm and distress after his not guilty pleas to assault and criminal damage were accepted at Stockport Magistrates' Court.

Mr Smith was not in court but claimed 2,195 worth of damage was caused to his expensive bike but magistrates' refused to order Fell to pay any compensation, as the victim had been on private property at the time of the attack.

Magistrate Ravji Patel said: 'The victim has been onto private property where it says 'do not enter' and it made the defendant vulnerable. Therefore, there is to be no order for compensation.'

The court heard on April 8 this year, Mr Smith, who is in his 30s, told the farmer in his van that he was 'too close' as he overtook him, which prompted Fell, who was just yards from home, to wind down the window of his VW Transporter van and retort: 'Well get on the cycle path then!'

After the incident unfolded at around 3pm, Mr Smith followed Fell back to his nearby farm, the court was told.

Shortly after Fell got out of his vehicle Mr Smith walked passed a 'Private Property Keep Out' sign on a private road and confronted the elderly farmer in his yard saying: 'Why are you speaking to me like that?'

Fell fired back: 'Got off my lane!' before grabbing the billhook, a tool used to trim tree saplings, and hurled it towards Mr Smith, causing damage to the carbon framed L6 Sport Disc Road Bike. He was arrested shortly afterwards at the rural premises.

Fell was this week conditionally discharged for 12 months and ordered to pay 107 in costs and surcharges.

A war of words broke out between Fell and cyclist Andrew Smith after the motorist was accused of being 'too close' while overtaking him on the main road

The farmer told cyclist Andrew Smith to 'get on the cycle path then' after he was forced to overtake him on the main road, close to his home. Pictured: The empty cycle path near Mr Fell's farm

The court heard Fell had experienced various 'difficulties' with cyclists failing to use the cycle lane which was built in 2017 next to his property as part of the 200m A556 Northwich by-pass scheme.

The three year highways project involved a new dual carriageway being built from Altrincham to Chester while parts of the old main Chester Road going through the millionaire's village of Mere was narrowed to accommodate cyclists riding along the so-called 'Tatton Trail.'

Defence lawyer Lesley Herman said: 'Mr Fell lives near a new motorway junction and a cycle path has been put in place at some expense to the government. It is very close to his property and he has a lot of difficulty with cyclists who do not choose to use this cycle path.

'The complainant was the one who said 'you are too close' and the defendant then responded by saying 'Well get on the cycle path then'. He then went home and did not think there was going to be any problem.

The court heard Fell had experienced various 'difficulties' with cyclists failing to use the cycle lane (pictured) which was built in 2017 next to his property as part of the 200m A556 Northwich by-pass scheme

'But Mr Smith went along a private road for some distance to get to his house. There is a sign that says 'private property keep out' and Mr Fell was surprised to find someone on his property.

'He had a serious accident at work and is a man who has to walk on crutches - and there was a young man on his property. He accepts that he misread the situation and the cyclist said 'why are you speaking to me like that?'

'It is a working farm and he has equipment which he is using. A billhook was in his right hand and he was concerned so he threw it in the direction of the cyclist but at the floor and it caused a scratch on the bike.

'If he had intended to throw it at Mr Smith himself, it would have caused him some damage. He just wanted to frighten him and for Mr Smith to leave.

'It is a very unfortunate incident and he knows he cannot behave in that way and that he has to see it the other way the person would have seen it. He accepts Mr Smith would have been concerned for his safety.'

Nick Smart prosecuting said: 'Andrew Smith was on his pedal cycle on Chester Road just outside of Knutsford. The defendant was in his Volkswagen Transporter and he said 'get on the cycle path' out of the window to the cyclist.

'Mr Smith then followed the driver and approached at his premises. He had followed him from where the defendant had driven back from and confronted the defendant who shouted 'Get off my lane'. The defendant had a a piece of farm equipment in his right hand and situation deteriorated.

'This gentleman has thrown or put down the item which has made contact with the complainants bike. The complainant contacted the police and the defendant was arrested for his behaviour at the time. He was spoken to in interview.

'There is a degree of uncertainty as to whether the items were thrown or put down but it made contact with the bike and that is what caused the damage.

'He accepted in interview, if it had been thrown with any great venom it would have caused more damage other than chipping to the wheel and wheel arch. The prosecution accept the damage would not have been 2500 or anywhere near that in my view.

Fell pleaded guilty at Stockport Magistrates' Court to causing harassment alarm and distress after his not guilty pleas to assault and criminal damage were accepted

'Whilst I think it is right there is a guilty plea, there is a fair degree of latitude. Mr Smith may have trespassed in his land but he should not have had a weapon in his hand.

'The defendant is essentially a man of good character. He has had difficulties with the police, but they were over 20 years ago.'

Fell was conditionally discharged for 12 months and ordered to pay 107 in costs and surcharges.

JP Ravji Patel said: 'The victim has been onto private property where it says 'do not enter' and it made the defendant vulnerable. Therefore, there is to be no order for compensation.'

At home Fell decline to comment. His wife Linda said: 'We just want to put this behind us and move forward with our lives.'
About 50 Queensland police officers and staff members have taken their fight over a Covid-19 vaccine mandate to the Industrial Relations Commission, claiming the directive is invalid.

More than 55 police and staff members have been suspended for not complying with Commissioner Katarina Carroll's directive for 17,200 in the force to have jabs.

In September Ms Carroll directed staff have at least one vaccination shot by October 4 and a second dose by January 24.

But barrister Thomas Allan - representing 39 officers and 10 staff members - told the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission on Thursday that Ms Carroll failed to comply with certified agreements and the relevant award, failed to consult over the directive, and made a directive that was beyond her powers.

More than 55 police and staff members have been suspended for not complying with Commissioner Katarina Carroll's directive for 17,200 in the force to have jabs (pictured, officers at an environmental protest in Brisbane in October)

Poll SHOULD POLICE HAVE TO BE VACCINATED AGAINST COVID? Yes - they come into contact with lots of people No - it's their choice SHOULD POLICE HAVE TO BE VACCINATED AGAINST COVID? Yes - they come into contact with lots of people 215 votes

No - it's their choice 617 votes Now share your opinion





Three of the applicants gave evidence in the Industrial Relations Commission hearing attended by about 50 people on Thursday.

The court also heard from Deputy Commissioner Douglas Smith who said consultation before the directive was issued included a meeting with five unions on September 1.

The police commissioner's legal representative James Murdoch QC told the hearing it would be 'stupidity' to suggest the organisation could consult with thousands of staff individually, or without dealing with unions.

Asked whether there had been an increase in staff with concerns about their well-being since the directive, Mr Smith said a number had raised welfare issues in the exemption process.

Legal representatives in that matter will argue over whether the court has jurisdiction regarding mandatory vaccines in a two-day hearing next week (pictured, a woman being vaccinated in Brisbane)

Mr Murdoch also called specialist infectious diseases physician Dr Andrew Redmond, who said vaccination aimed to prevent acquisition of disease or the development of severe manifestation of disease.

The Queensland Police Union has joined the government in responding to the action by the officers and staff, which has received more than $122,000 in support through crowdfunding.

'We are not pro- or anti- the vaccine - this is not a pro- or anti- vaccine matter,' a GoFundMe page states.

'It is a question of whether our employers, on behalf of the government, can authorise civil conscription and interfere with the relationship between a patient and their doctor by mandating a vaccine.'

Ms Carroll previously said any staff member who failed to meet the deadline would be suspended for a week on pay and then asked to show cause why they should not be suspended without pay.

Under the police direction, exemptions can be given for health or religious reasons or in exceptional circumstances.

Police said they are working through internal records to identify members who had not received at least one COVID-19 vaccination and do not have an approved exemption.

As of Wednesday, the 36 officers and 24 staff members had been suspended, but since then one officer and one staff member had complied with the direction and had their suspension revoked, a spokesperson said.

In September, Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll (pictured) directed staff have at least one vaccination shot by October 4 and a second dose by January 24

A total of 438 employees were yet to officially record their vaccination in line with the commissioner's direction.

'The majority of those are not in the workplace due to a variety of reasons including maternity leave, pre-retirement leave and leave due to medical issues,' the spokesperson told AAP on Thursday.

It appeared there had been no significant change in resignation rates, with police unable to provide specific numbers of members who had quit due to the vaccine mandate.

The Industrial Relations Commission bid is separate to a Supreme Court challenge involving police and healthcare workers.

Legal representatives in that matter will argue over whether the court has jurisdiction regarding mandatory vaccines in a two-day hearing next week.

Officers behind the legal challenge are fighting a direction they say 'impairs, affects or removes their fundamental common law rights'.

During a review in the Brisbane Supreme Court earlier this week, Justice Jean Dalton extended a suspension of the mandate for those workers who are applicants in the proceedings.

The full bench of the Commission is expected to hand down its decision within a week.
Two people have died in horror highway crashes on Sydney's fringes as the city was battered by a superstorm, including one terrifying pile-up involving three trucks and several cars.

The multi-vehicle accident occurred on the Pheasants Nest Bridge around 3pm on the Hume Motorway near Wilton, in southern Sydney, causing long delays to traffic headed in both directions.

Fire and Rescue NSW crews worked to release several drivers trapped in their vehicles in the huge smash.

A multi-vehicle collision which killed one person involved three trucks and several cars and occurred on the Pheasants Nest Bridge around 3pm on the Hume Motorway south of Sydney

The horror highway pile-up caused long delays to traffic, according to NSW Police

Multiple drivers were assessed by ambulance staff on the scene and one driver died at the scene from their injuries.

NSW Police confirmed 'up to 10 vehicles' were involved in the 'serious collision'.

'At this time, one person is confirmed deceased and emergency services are assessing a number of other patients,' NSW Police confirmed.

'Several road closures are in place and diversions around the crash site have been established. Expect heavy delays.'

NSW Ambulance Service confirmed four people were assessed at the scene.

It confirmed two patients were taken to Campbelltown Hospital and one to Liverpool Hospital.

Road conditions were perilous across Sydney during Thursday's superstorm

A devastating supercell storm rolled into Sydney mid-afternoon on Thursday

All northbound and southbound lanes were closed as police and emergency services tended to mounded motorists.

Earlier another man died when his motorbike left the road and hit a tree at Creek Ridge Road, Glossodia in Sydney's north-west.

'Despite the efforts of emergency services, the rider  believed to be aged in his 40s  died at the scene,' NSW Police said.

Neither fatality has been identified.
A man in Kenya who was dubbed a vampire after confessing to the killings of ten children and sucking the blood out of at least one has escaped from prison.

Masten Milimo Wanjala, 20, had been set to appear in court yesterday charged with multiple counts of murder.

However, officers realised that Wanjala had escaped from the Nairobi prison after he missed morning roll call, the BBC reports.

Authorities have now launched a manhunt to find the escapee and have also arrested three police officers who were on duty during the time of his escape from Jogoo Road police station.

Masten Milimo Wanjala, 20, (pictured) who was dubbed a vampire after confessing to the killings of ten children and sucking the blood out of at least one has escaped from prison in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi

The Governor of Nairobi, Mike Sonko, has offered a 1,316 (Sh200,000) reward to anyone able to assist officers in locating Wanjala.

The 20-year-old was arrested in July after police tracked him down after two bodies were found dumped in Kabete, outside Nairobi.

He confessed to ten murders over a five year period and had been assisting police to recover the bodies.

Wanjala was found after two bodies - identified as Junior Mutuku Musyoka, 12, and Charles Opindo Bala, 13 - were found in Kabete.

He has been linked to several other disappearances in recent months, though police say it is not yet clear what his motive was.

Police are trying to establish if Wanjala had accomplices or if he was working alone.

The suspect led detectives to the site of several of the murders in July, with officers taking photos and videos as evidence.

Masten Milimo Wanjala, 20, led police to the scene of one of his alleged killings after he was arrested in July

Wanjala was arrested after two bodies - identified as Junior Mutuku Musyoka, 12, and Charles Opindo Bala, 13 - were found in Kabete, outside Nairobi

Many of the sites were thick bushes near maize plantations, but Wanjala also dumped his victim's bodies in open sewage pipes, Capital News reported.

Police said Wanjala had tried to ransom the children, demanding between 200 (KSH 30,000) and 330 (KSH 50,000) from their parents in exchange for their freedom.

Musyoki's mother Felista Wayua was asked for 330 in exchange for her son but was unable to raise the money.

Junior Mutuku Musyoka, 12, was allegedly kidnapped by Wanjala who demanded 330 from his mother, Felista Wayua, in exchange for her son's freedom

Opindo's father was asked for 200 after his son was kidnapped from Sagaret Primary School in Majengo.

Wanjala's five-year killing spree started when he was just 16, local media reported.

He allegedly kidnapped Purity Maweu, 12, and sucked her blood before leaving her for dead.

Wanjala is believed to have struck again, three years later, in Kimilili, western Kenya, killing Aron, 13.

The young boy's death led to violent protests in Kamukuywa, in which residents torched a house they believed belonged to the suspect.

Several bodies of Wanjala's alleged victims are yet to be discovered after he dumped them in sewage lines.

Kenyan newspaper The Standard previously reported the suspect is a repeat offender who has previously spent time behind bars.

In 2020, 242 children under 18 - 125 girls and 117 boys - were reported missing, according to Missing Child Kenya.

Most were reunited with their families, but at least 10 were found dead and 18 are still missing.
Schools have been told to crack down on extended Covid absences after more than 200,000 children missed lessons due to coronavirus-related reasons last week.

One in 40 pupils were absent in England on September 30, up from around one in 80 at the start of the school term, according to official data.

The 204,000 pupils who missed school were off either due to having Covid themselves, or they were identified as a close contact of a positive case.

In a letter to head teachers this week, Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said schools should only grant extended absences arising from Covid in exceptional circumstances and for a limited time.

The Department for Education (DfE) estimated that 2.5 per cent of all pupils were not in class for reasons connected to coronavirus on September 30. This was up from the 1.3 per cent of all pupils, on September 7, a week after schools went back at the start of the month

Department of Education figures showed that 204,000 pupils who missed school were off either due to having Covid themselves, or they were identified as a close contact of a positive case

Hundreds of schools are told to be 'proactive' and bring back suite of Covid curbs Schools have been instructed by councils to bring in a suite of stricter Covid curbs in response to rising infections among pupils. Hundreds of primaries and secondaries in Staffordshire were urged to be 'proactive' and not wait on official guidance from the Government. The county's council has encouraged bringing back face masks and year group bubbles and scrapping assemblies and staff meetings. It also recommended schools stagger starting and break times to limit mixing in corridors and the playground. Staffordshire County Council, which covers more than 400 schools, is believed to be the first to promote reintroducing such a comprehensive set of measures. Other local authorities have brought back light measures like mask-wearing, including Cumbria and parts of Northamptonshire. Pupils whose family member tests positive are advised to 'stay at home pending PCR test result', despite the fact schools can't legally make them isolate. Ministers scrapped the requirement for all contacts of Covid cases to self-isolate in August. Advertisement

The Department of Education has also highlighted that schools should 'communicate clear and consistent expectations about attendance', reports The Times.

It follows a letter from the deputy chief medical officer saying that children who had previously been identified as clinically extremely vulnerable would no longer be considered as such and will not be advised to shield.

The letter added: 'It is important that your child continues to attend their school or other educational settings. A lack of schooling is known to have a significant negative impact.'

Schools in England no longer have to keep pupils in year group 'bubbles' to reduce mixing, nor do children have to isolate if they come into contact with a person who has tested positive.

Instead, they are advised to get a PCR test and only isolate if they test positive.

Face masks are also no longer mandatory in schools.

Department of Education figures showed 102,000 pupils had a confirmed case of Covid last week, with a further 84,100 with a suspected case.

Around 11,400 were absent due to isolation for other reasons.

Children aged between 10 and 19, a demographic largely unvaccinated, are currently recording up to 15 times more Covid cases than older adults.

It has led some schools to taking matter into their own hands, with councils ordering a return to a suite of stricter Covid rules.

Teaching unions have blamed the 'grim' numbers of absent pupils on high Covid rates in schools and urged Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi to do more to tackle the issue.

The government had previously been lenient towards schools and pupils absent due to shielding, but the Department of Education is eager to improve attendance figures and reduce the number of children having extended time out of education settings if they have not tested positive.

Schools have previously been told to ensure classrooms are well ventilated and liaise with local public health teams for guidance in the event of an outbreak.

When appointed Education Secretary, Mr Zahawi vowed that the government would not stand by and let school attendances fall.

In an email to heads, he said: 'Schools should only grant leaves of absence in exceptional circumstances.

'If a leave of absence is agreed, it should only be for a specific period of time.'

He added that attending school was 'a national priority' and essential for children's 'wellbeing and long-term development'.

Households with children were THREE times as likely to by hit by Covid than homes without youngsters when schools reopened last month, study shows

Joe Davies for MailOnline

Households with children were three times more likely to be hit by Covid as those without youngsters last month, according to more official data which lays bare the effect of schools reopening.

Data from the REACT study  which randomly tested more than 100,000 people up between September 9 and 27  found around 1.37 per cent of homes with school-aged children saw someone test positive.

This compared to just 0.4 per cent in households of just adults, the Imperial College London study suggested.

Data from the REACT study  which randomly tested more than 100,000 people up between September 9 and 27  showed around 2.55 per cent of 13- to 17-year-olds and 2.32 per cent of under-13s had the virus last month

Yorkshire and the Humber had the highest infection level, with 1.25 per cent thought to have Covid last month

Overall, the report found that the infection rate is growing among those aged under 18, and falling among those aged 18 to 54.

Prevalence across all age groups increased to 0.83 per cent, up from 0.63 per cent last month.

Experts said the trends reinforce the need to vaccinate over-12  despite the data suggesting infections were falling in more vulnerable adults.

But the figures only cover up to the end of last month, with more recent statistics showing cases may have peaked in children but are beginning to rise in older age groups.

Department of Health data now show the number testing positive has fallen over the past week in primary and secondary-aged children.

The REACT data showed around 2.55 per cent of 13- to 17-year-olds and 2.32 per cent of under-13s had the virus last month.

Households with children were three times more likely to be hit by Covid as those without youngsters last month, according to more official data which lays bare the effect of schools reopening

People aged 75 and over had the lowest prevalence numbers, with just 0.29 per cent thought to have been infected.

Professor Paul Elliott, director of the REACT programme from Imperial's School of Public Health, said: 'Our latest data show that infections are high and rising in school-aged children.

'Households with children also had a higher prevalence of infection, suggesting that children may be passing on the virus to those that they live with.

'These trends reinforce how important it is for children aged 12 and above to get vaccinated and help curb the spread of infection, and minimise disruption to education.'Yorkshire and the Humber had the highest infection level, with 1.25 per cent thought to have Covid last month.

It was followed by the East Midlands (1.15 per cent), West Midlands (1.01 per cent) and North West (0.99 per cent).

The lowest rate was in the South East, where just 0.57 per cent tested positive.

Professor Kevin McConway, emeritus professor of applied statistics at the Open University, said: In terms of general patterns and trends in infection levels, the latest REACT-1 findings do broadly match what weve seen from other sources including the ONS Covid-19 Infection Survey.

'Rates of testing positive for the virus were somewhat higher overall in September than they were back in July, were increasing slowly during some of September.

'But the rates of testing positive, and the direction of the trend in testing positive, was very different from one age group to another, with increases in children of school age and below but decreases, mostly, in older age groups than that.'
Brussels has warned it has 'gone to the limits' in making concessions over the Northern Ireland protocol as wrangling intensifies in what could be the last major battle over Brexit.

As talks take place on how to overhaul the divorce terms, the bloc's ambassador to the UK laid down a marker that it is not prepared to give much more ground.

The combative stance came after the European Commission unveiled proposals to slash 80 per cent of regulatory checks and dramatically cut customs processes on the movement of goods between mainland Britain and Northern Ireland.

Although the government welcomed the shifts outlined by Maros Sefcovic - which should ease the flow of food, farming produce and medicines - there is still a major flashpoint over the role of the European Court of Justice in policing the arrangements.

Brexit minister Lord Frost has insisted the ECJ should be removed entirely from the process and and independent arbiter should resolve disputes.

But there are hints at a compromise on that issue as well, with reports that the EU is ready to water down the court's role so it only gets involved as a final resort to settle spats over narrow legal interpretation.

EU officials are in London for talks today, while Lord Frost is expected in Brussels tomorrow to meet Mr Sefcovic.

Speaking on BBC2's Newsnight, EU ambassador Joao Vale de Almeida said Brussels has gone the 'extra mile' and cannot go any further following Wednesday's proposals

The Northern Ireland protocol has sparked a rise in sectarian tensions in the province

EU officials are in London for talks today, while Lord Frost (right) is expected in Brussels tomorrow to meet Maros Sefcovic (left)

Raoul Ruparel, a trade adviser to Theresa May in No10, warned that the EU's concessions will reinforce the UK's view that an 'aggressive strategy is the only one that works' in negotiations

Where has the EU made concessions... and where is it digging in EUROPEAN COURT OF JUSTICE The proposals by the European Commission offered no progress on this issue. Brexit minister Lord Frost has made clear the removal of the oversight function of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in policing the protocol is a red line for the Government. The UK wants to remove a provision that gives the ECJ the final say in any future trade dispute and to replace it with an independent arbitration process. Failure to move forward on this key issue threatens to blow up the talks. However, there are hints at a compromise that could reduce the powers of the ECJ, ensuring they can only rule on 'narrow' legal matters once an independent process has been exhausted. SUPERMARKET GOODS The EU plans would see 80 per cent of checks removed on goods moving from Great Britain to be sold on supermarket shelves in Northern Ireland. Lorries transporting different food products would only need one certificate stating all the goods rather than a separate one for each type. SAUSAGES An EU ban on the import of chilled meats, which would have prevented sausages and burgers entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain, will end thanks to a special exemption. Brussels is proposing a new category of national identity products to include British produce. CUSTOMS CHECKS Paperwork will be halved for goods arriving into Northern Ireland from Britain under the EUs offer. For example, a car dealer in Belfast buying parts from London will only need to provide basics such as the total value of the shipment rather than detailed information. MEDICINES The EU will allow medicines licensed for sale in the UK to be prescribed in Northern Ireland without having to undergo further checks by European regulators. Brussels promised to change legislation to ensure no disruption to medical supplies. LABELLING AND SURVEILLANCE In return for removing checks and customs paperwork, Brussels is demanding extra safeguards to stop goods arriving into Northern Ireland being smuggled into the EU. They want real-time access to British government databases on products crossing from Great Britain and for products to be labelled as for sale only in the UK. Britain has until now resisted these but may agree if they unlock other compromises. Advertisement

Speaking on BBC2's Newsnight, EU ambassador Joao Vale de Almeida said Brussels has gone the 'extra mile' and cannot go any further following Wednesday's proposals.

'We went to the limits of what we can do to address the problems of Northern Ireland because we care for Northern Ireland,' he said. 'These problems were caused by Brexit.'

He stressed that the EU cannot accede to a key British demand to remove the role of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in overseeing the protocol.

'There is no single market without the European Court of Justice. It's the referee of the single market,' he said.

Lord Frost has previously said the role of European judges is something the UK cannot accept.

However, in another sign compromise is in the air he told peers yesterday that he never used the term 'red lines' in his negotiations.

Under the terms of the protocol, which was agreed by the UK and EU as part of the 2020 Withdrawal Agreement, the ECJ would be the final arbitrator in any future trade dispute between the two parties on the operation of the protocol.

The UK now wants to remove that provision and replace it with an independent arbitration process.

The Times reported that one option being mulled by Brussels is for disputes to go to an independent arbitration panel, with the ECJ asked to interpret narrow matters of EU law as a last resort after dispute resolution has failed.

Cabinet minister Sajid Javid highlighted the importance of removing the ECJ from the process in interviews this morning.

The Health Secretary told Sky: 'Looking forward, there should not be a role for the European Court of Justice in any part of the UK and that includes Northern Ireland.

'I think it is an over-legalistic approach that the court has. Lord Frost has been really clear about this with the speech that he made this week. One of the most important issues is to end the role of the ECJ in Northern Ireland.'

The package of proposals already set out by the EU would remove the prospect of certain produce, including sausages, being banned from being shipped from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

The EU plan also includes a 50 per cent reduction in customs paperwork required to move products across the Irish Sea.

In return, the trading bloc has asked for safeguards to be implemented to provide extra assurances that products said to be destined for Northern Ireland do not end up crossing the Irish border.

Those include labelling certain products to make it clear they are for sale in the UK only, and enhanced monitoring of supply chain movements and access to real-time trade flow information.

The EU plan amounts to a set of counter-proposals in response to a wish list of protocol reforms outlined by the UK Government in July.

The proposals from both sides are now set to form the basis of a new round of negotiations between Brussels and London in the weeks ahead.

The Northern Ireland Protocol was agreed by the UK and EU as a way to sidestep the major obstacle in the Brexit divorce talks  the Irish land border.

It achieved that by shifting regulatory and customs checks and processes to the Irish Sea.

But the arrangements have created new economic barriers on goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

This has caused disruption to many businesses in Northern Ireland and has also created a major political headache for the Government, as unionists and loyalists are furious at what they perceive as a weakening of the Union.
Halloween is under threat from supply chain chaos as 'distraught' shoppers are already battling empty shelves and canceled orders weeks ahead of the festivities.

Costumes, decorations and candy remain held up in ports due to a shortage of truck drivers, warehouse space and bottlenecks in the network.

Customers are already venting their fury after having to forego Halloween last year due to the Covid pandemic, only to be faced with the prospect of another muted celebration this year due to supply issues.

Halloween is under threat from supply chain chaos as 'distraught' shoppers are already battling empty shelves and canceled orders weeks ahead of the festivities

Costumes, decorations and candy remain held up in ports due to a shortage of truck drivers, warehouse space and bottlenecks in the network

Customers are already venting their fury after having to forego Halloween last year due to the Covid pandemic

A Home Depot spokeswoman said stock on Halloween items went quickly because consumers are engaged with decorating again this year.

Stores sold out of pre-release Halloween products almost immediately this year, president Ted Decker said in August.

An employee at Spirit Halloween in Layton, Utah, said: '[Our selection was] really good between the middle of September and the end of September. Once October hit it was just gone, gone, gone.'

A company spokesperson added they have 'experienced a few scares this Halloween season' after enduring delays and expensive shipping costs.

Meanwhile Lowes said stores have been stocking Halloween and Christmas good earlier than usual.

Arts and crafts chain Michaels was forced to acknowledge that 'we had some shipping delays this year' after a Halloween photo on its Instagram page was met with a barrage of complaints from customers unable to buy their pumpkins.

Ben Weaver, 27, from Kalamazoo, Michigan, told the Wall Street Journal: 'I went to Lowe's, Home Depot, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods and I'm already seeing the Christmas stuff replace the Halloween stuff which is ridiculous.

'I'm like, "hello, are we just skipping Halloween this year?'"'

Shoppers say they have been forced to hand-make decorations and costumes after struggling to find any decor in shops or online

A shopper walks past shelves with only a few items in the Halloween section in a Target store in Miami

One shopper raged online: 'Disappointed with Target and their lack of stocking their shelves with Halloween decor. The shelves have been empty every time I've gone in.'

Another said: 'I know it's supply chain shortages and so businesses have had to order less and order super far in advance but I am also allowed to be super distraught that so many places are out of Halloween stuff already and my baking plans are foiled.'

Some say they have been forced to hand-make decorations and costumes after struggling to find any decor in shops or online.

One Halloween-themed store in Florida said it has been a 'nightmare' trying to navigate the supply chain issues which are also threatening to detail Christmas.

Crissy Barchers, the owner of Red Headed Witches, told NBC 2: 'We are very excited that Halloween season is here.

'We are under some crazy experience where shipping is a nightmare, getting product is a nightmare, our wholesaler can't get product because the cargo ships are stuck waiting to unload and there's no one to unload them.

Halloween shoppers are being encouraged to shop for costumes and supplies early as stores struggle to maintain holiday stock due to disruptions in the supply chain

Many stores say they placed their Halloween orders back in January and are still waiting for them to be delivered

'We didn't even realize this was going to be an issue until mid to late September. By mid-September when all of our big Halloween initial orders started coming, sometimes it was half short.'

The shop-owner said she is desperately searching every day to find products but she is currently on a seven to ten day waiting list for orders just to be processed, even before shipping is taken into account.

Many stores say they placed their Halloween orders back in January and are still waiting for them to be delivered.

D. Nachnani, president of Harygul's Halloween Superstore in Virginia, told WTKR: 'The scariest thing to me as an owner is having an empty rack or empty section with all of this. That is the scariest thing.

Thousands of containers sit waiting to be loaded on trucks and trains as large container ships are unloaded from the Ports of Los Angeles (pictured) and Long Beach, while dozens of large container ships wait to be unloaded offshore Wednesday

'After ordering everything in January and December of last year and to wait until October and the last weeks of September to get merchandise in the last ten days of October and last 15 days, it truly was a scary situation.'

Retailers who are managing to get supplies delivered are also having to fork out as much as ten times the usual shipping fees to ensure the products arrive in their stores.

This will then in turn cause a price hike for the customer when finances are already tight in the US post-pandemic.

Greg Reinke, co-owner and founder of Halloween-themed store Reinke Brothers in Colorado, told The Denver Channel: 'Before COVID, a container cost $1,300 to ship. Now, it's $13,000 per container.

'You're going to see prices on all kinds of things go through the roof.'

President Joe Biden has tried to avert the crisis during the festive season by touting new commitments from businesses and ports to ease the burden on shoppers.

Shipping containers are held up at a terminal at the Port of Long Beach as supply issues hold up the system

President Joe Biden has tried to avert the crisis during the festive season by touting new commitments from businesses and ports to ease the burden on shoppers

'With the holidays coming up, you might be wondering if gifts you plan to buy will arrive on time?' Biden said, acknowledging the crush of commercial and online orders at risk of disruption as the holiday season approaches.

'I know youre hearing a lot about something called supply chains and how hard it is to get a range of things from a toaster to sneakers to bicycles to bedroom furniture.'

He proposed new agreements, saying: 'This is a big first step in moving up the movement of materials and good through our supply chain,' Biden said in remarks at the White House.

He called new agreements with ports, unions, and shippers 'a sign of major progress in moving goods from manufacturers to a store and to your front door.'

His remarks came shortly after White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters: 'We are not the postal service or UPS or FedEx. We cannot guarantee. What we can do is use every lever at the federal government's disposal to reduce delays, to ensure that we are addressing bottlenecks in the system, including ports and the need for them to be open longer hours.

An extraordinary backlog is paralyzing the port activities as an estimated 500,000 containers are reportedly still sitting on docked container ships

Under the new agreement the Port of Los Angeles will join the Port of Long Beach in working around the clock

Biden reached a deal on Wednesday with unions and business leaders from Walmart, FedEx, UPS and others to expand operations at one of the country's largest shipping ports in a bid to ease supply chain bottlenecks that are driving up consumer prices and emptying store shelves.

Once implemented the proposed changes could increase output by more than 3,500 shipping containers per week, White House officials said.

Under the new agreement the Port of Los Angeles will join the Port of Long Beach in working around the clock to alleviate some of the supply chain bottlenecks plaguing consumers ahead of the holiday season.

The two ports account for 40 percent of all shipping containers entering the United States.

Ports are also just one piece of the puzzle as the US also needs more truck drivers, better infrastructure, and a supply chain that can less easily be disrupted by pandemics and extreme weather.

The two ports account for 40 percent of all shipping containers entering the United States

The White House said it set-up a task force in June to tackle the issue, press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters on Wednesday. She went on to blame the pandemic for economic fallout, describing the situation as 'inevitable.'

'I can't make a prediction,' Psaki said about how long the supply chain bottlenecks would last. However, she said that an overnight fix on the congestion of the issue isn't realistic.

'The supply chain task force has been working around the clock for months and months to address a range of different issues that we see in the supply chain There are issues at the portsthose have been on the rise recently,' she said.

University of Michigan economist Betsey Stevenson noted on Twitter the 'economy is in a very fragile and unprecedented place.'

Prices are rising at more than 5 per cent, trade in goods and services have slowed and more Americans are quitting their jobs while the delta variant has made the coronavirus pandemic a risk.

'No one really knows what's going to happen,' wrote Stevenson, a former member of the White House Council of Economic Advisers under President Barack Obama.
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The Covid pandemic and rises in the cost of living have led to the lowest British fertility rate since 1938, official figures show.

Women are now having just 1.58 children each, while just 613,936 new births last year represented a fall of some four per cent, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Reasons for the decline could include improved access to contraception, the ONS said, but the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) pointed towards the financial uncertainty for many families over the last 18 months.

Katherine O'Brien, associate director at the BPAS, said: 'This data reflects trends towards later motherhood and smaller family size.

'There are a variety of reasons why women are choosing to delay having children and have smaller families  these include the desire to progress at work, an awareness of the 'motherhood pay penalty', and the ever-increasing cost of raising a child.

'It may well be the hardship and economic uncertainty due to the pandemic has accelerated these trends. We've seen over the last week absurd calls for women to be educated so they 'don't forget to have a baby'.

'This data reflects the fact that it is tough to become a parent and tough to raise a child.'

The figures also show that nearly a third of babies born in England and Wales last year were to foreign mothers, the highest since records began four decades ago.

Official figures released today showed up to 75 per cent of births were among women born outside of the UK in the most ethnically-diverse parts of England  the top nine of which were in London.

Most of the foreign mothers were born in Pakistan and Romania  around one in 11  or Poland  around one in 12, according to the Office for National Statistics.

The figures do not yet show the impact of the coronavirus pandemic  which experts told MailOnline may push the birth rate even lower  because babies born in 2020 were conceived before the crisis hit the UK.

But a baby boom could be on the way, after NHS figures revealed earlier this year that the number of antenatal appointments booked in the last three months of 2020 was the highest seen in five years.

Experts cited better access to contraception and difficulties conceiving because couples are postponing having children as factors that could be fuelling the drop, reflecting a trend seen over the past decade. But studies have also suggested people are avoiding having children over concerns about raising them during a pandemic and a climate emergency.

The graph shows the estimated total fertility rate  how many babies each women has on average  from 2004 to 2020. The gap between babies born to to UK (dark blue line) and non-UK born women (light blue line) widened for the third year in a row. The fertility rate among women born in the UK dropped to 1.58, while it increased to 1.98 among those born elsewhere

The graph shows the 10 most common countries of birth for women who gave birth in the England and Wales, but were born elsewhere, in 2011, 2014, 2017 and 2020. In the most recent year, Pakistan became the most common country of birth for non-UK mothers

The graph shows the 10 most common countries of birth for fathers who were born outside the UK, in 2011, 2014, 2017 and 2020. In the most recent year, Pakistan remained the most common country

What was the fertility rate among different age groups? Under-20s: 10 babies born per 1,000 women 20 to 24-year-olds: 44.8 babies born per 1,000 women 25 to 29-year-olds: 84.6 babies born per 1,000 women 30 to 34-year-olds: 102.5 babies born per 1,000 women 35 to 39-year-olds: 59.8 babies born per 1,000 women Over-40s: 16 babies born per 1,000 women Advertisement

The number of babies born in England and Wales in 2020 was 4.1 per cent lower than 2019 and the lowest number rerecorded in 18 years.

The ONS warned the figure was a 'small underestimate' of the actual number delivered, due to birth registrations delays caused by the pandemic.

Since the most recent peak in 2012  when 729,674 babies were born  the number of births has fallen by 15.9 per cent.

And the total fertility rate dropped to 1.58 children per woman  the lowest since records began in 1938.

The figure marks a drop of 4.2 per cent on one year earlier and is 3.1 per cent lower than the previous all-time low of 1.63 children per woman.

The ONS cited improved access to contraception, lower levels of fertility and difficulties conceiving because couples are postponing having children as factors that could be fuelling the drop since 2012.

They also said a reduction in death rates among children under five-years-old may lead to women having fewer babies.

Growing fears about climate change has also been floated as a theory for the downturn.

Researchers in Singapore last year found that almost everyone in their 600-person study was concerned about bringing their children up in 'apocalyptic conditions' caused by climate change.

The average woman gave birth at 30.7-years-old in 2020  the same age recorded in 2019  which has been gradually increasing since 1973.

And the decline in fertility was seen among all age groups  even in in women aged over 40, which dropped for the first time since 2013.

Just 10 live birth were recorded per 100,000 women aged under 20, and the figure then rose among 20 to 24-year-olds (44.8 per 100,000), 25 to 29-year-olds (84.6 per 100,000) and 30 to 34-year-olds (102.5 per 100,000).

The birth rates then dropped for women in their mid to late 30s (59.8 per 100,000) and women aged over 40 (16 per 100,000).

ONS statistics also showed the number of babies stillborn declined the fourth year running, with 3.8 stillbirths per 1,000 total births in 2020. A total of 2,371 were recorded last year, six per cent lower than the 2019 figure and the lowest number registered since records began in 1927.

The Government revealed plans in 2014 to slash the number of stillbirths to half the levels recorded in 2010. To do this, the figure would need to drop further to 2.6 per 1,000 births.

Of the babies born last year, 179,881 (29.3 per cent) were born to women from outside the UK  the highest figure since records began in 1969 and continuing the long-term trend.

The average UK-born women had 1.5 children last year  down 4.5 per cent from 2019  compared to 2 among women born outside the UK  an increase of 0.5 per cent on the previous year.

And 34.8 per cent of all children born in England and Wales had either one or both parents born outside the UK.

Non-UK mothers were most likely to be from Pakistan (9.2 per cent), Romania (8.7 per cent) or Poland (8.1 per cent).

And among couples born outside the UK, the mothers and fathers were most likely to be from Pakistan or Romania.

Nine parts of London had the highest rates of babies born to foreign mothers, with Brent (75.8 per cent), Harrow (74.8 per cent) and Newham (73.8 per cent) having the highest proportions.

These parts of the region were followed by Westminster (72.8 per cent), Ealing (70.9 per cent) and Hounslow (70.7 per cent).

Completing the top nine is Kensington and Chelsea (69.9 per cent), Barking and Dagenham (68.2 per cent) and Redbridge (66.2 per cent).

Dr Ying Cheong, a professor of reproductive medicine at the University of Southampton and a fertility consultant at Complete Fertility Southampton, told MailOnline: 'The fertility rate has been dropping in the UK, and was already on a historical low pre-pandemic. This trend is consistent world-wide.

'I won't be surprised if Covid depresses this further  as the pandemic does put a significant psychological burden on people in general, and evolutionarily, as a 'fight or flight' response, the last thing on one's mind is to reproduce!'

But she said there has been a 'significant increase in people coming forward for fertility treatment', which may be down to the pandemic causing people to have a 'rethink about their personal life and the importance of family'

But she noted the he actual fertility rate since Covid is not available until next year.
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Mystery surrounds the death of the father of murdered British student Meredith Kercher after an inquest heard he was found in the street near his home with fractures across his body, with no evidence of what happened shortly before.

John Kercher, 77, was found with injuries to his arm, ankle, face and ribs in Croydon, south London on January 13, 2020.

Police have been unable to establish whether he fell or was the victim of a possible hit and run, an inquest at South London Coroner's Court was told.

The court heard that Mr Kercher was found lying injured in the road with his arm stretching out, but no one witnessed how he had ended up there despite extensive public pleas.

Officers and his son Lyle conducted door-to-door searches of the area, but no CCTV footage could be recovered to provide a breakthrough.

Detective Sergeant Zoe Hendrick, of Metropolitan Police, told the hearing: 'Two pieces of CCTV were found. As it was a dark, wet and rainy evening it was impossible to identify how he had come to be in the street.

'Following door to door enquiries and media appeals nothing came to light.'

He was rushed to hospital, but had no recollection of what had taken place and eventually died from pneumonia on February 1.

Mr Kercher was the father of Meredith Kercher, the British student who was sexually assaulted and killed in Italy in 2007 in a case that attracted global attention.

Meredith's American flatmate Amanda Knox and her then-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito (bottom-right, together) were initially convicted of murdering her but were later cleared on appeal.

Another man, Rudy Hermann Guede, who was 20 at the time of the murder, was found guilty of sexual assault and murder and sentenced to 30 years' imprisonment after his DNA was found at the scene. He was released in December last year after serving a 16-year sentence.

Following her death he released a book in which he detailed memories of her growing up, his relationship with her mother, Arline frustrations in the family's quest for justice, and the impact the case had on his own health.

Jonathan Kercher pictured near his Croydon home. Police have been unable to establish the circumstances around his death after he was found collapsed in the street on a wet and windy night

John Kercher, 77, was found collapsed on the pavement yards from his home in Croydon, south London. He is pictured with his daughter Meredith who was murdered in 2007

Meredith Kercher was sexually assaulted and stabbed to death in a case that garnered huge media attention

Ambulance crews found Mr Kercher with a fracture on his right ankle, left upper arm, ribs and the side of his face, and had a cut to his left eye brow.

He was said to have been 'in distress' before being taken to Croydon University Hospital for further treatment.

Doctors found he had low blood pressure and, accordingly, his heart rate was monitored.

Two days later, though, Mr Kercher began encountering breathing problems after developing pneumonia.

The next day, on January 17, he was placed on a ventilator and operated on for his injuries.

In the week before he died his breathing got steadily better, but he did not regain consciousness as sedatives were removed and doctors decided to place him on end of life care after speaking to his family.

Assistant Coroner Dr Julian Morris recorded a narrative conclusion of pneumonia and traumatic injuries.

He said: 'He had suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and had previously had a stroke.

'On the evening of 13 January 2020 he was found injured, conscious but confused, in the middle of the street. He did not recall how he had come to be there.

'Ambulance and the police attended and he had fractures to his upper arm, legs, ribs and the side of his face.

'Despite their investigations, police were unable to account for how he came to be on the floor despite enquiries, a media appeal and searching for and examining CCTV.

'He was treated in hospital for his injuries and required increased levels of respiratory support. He had to be intubated and required a tracheotomy but, although his sedation was reduced, he did not wake up, and he was then given end of life care.'

At the time of the death, the Met Police's detective sergeant Steve Andrews said: 'Despite thorough enquiries made so far, including speaking to witnesses and examining potential CCTV opportunities, we've not as yet been able to establish how he came to sustain his injuries, which included a broken arm and broken leg.

'We are keeping an open mind as to the circumstances of his death, including whether he may have been involved in a collision.'

A Met Police spokesman added: 'Police are appealing for witnesses and information following the unexplained death of a man in Croydon.

'Officers were called at approximately 7.30pm on Monday, 13 January to reports of a man found collapsed suffering injuries on Windmill Road in Croydon.

'The 77-year-old man was taken to a south London hospital for treatment. He remained in hospital but died from his injuries on Saturday, 1 February.'

John Kercher is pictured with Meredith's mother Arline and sister Stephanie at a press conference in Italy in November 2007

Arline (left), John (centre) and Stephanie Kercher (right), relatives of slain British student Meredith Kercher, address a news conference in Perugia September 15, 2008

Following his daughter's death, Mr Kercher penned a book in 2012, titled Meredith: Our Daughter's Murder And The Heartbreaking Quest For The Truth.

In his moving account of the tragedy, he lifted the lid on Meredith's childhood and how the family coped when he and his wife, Arline, divorced in 1997.

'During that first week of living apart, I came home to find Meredith had left a message on my answering machine, singing Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You,' he wrote.

'Her voice was beautiful and haunting, and I think I cried on hearing it. I kept it there, playing it several times every day until the telephone service provider deleted it.

'Meredith would come for dinner every Friday after school. I would cook and then we would watch videos of the hit comedy series Friends.

'She also loved clothes, so one day I took her to Selfridges in Oxford Street. I thought she might like to spend half an hour there. How stupid of me! I should have taken a packed lunch. A more fruitful shopping spree was when Meredith, then 14, Stephanie and I travelled on Eurostar to Lille.

'We had a wonderful lunch and then the girls discovered some clothes shops. I had to visit a cash machine a couple of times to pay for all their purchases.

'Some memories, however, brought me back to Meredith's final night. I could not help thinking of the hours Meredith had spent practising karate, and how she must have fought back on the night she was murdered.

'Against one person, we were all certain, Meredith could have held her own.'

He also revealed how he suffered a stroke in the summer of 2009, having first endured bouts of dizziness which doctors thought might be the result of an ear condition.

'I was in hospital for several days and had double vision for weeks afterwards,' he wrote

'I will never know whether the stress of Merediths death and the subsequent trial affected my health, but it made me question how many more times I could make the trip to Perugia, and how much more of the chaos I was able to bear.'

The 21-year-old was murdered on a student exchange trip to Perugia, Italy, in 2007. She was sexually assaulted before being stabbed to death in a case that drew huge media attention.

Rudy Hermann Guede, who was 20 at the time of the murder, was found guilty of sexual assault and murder and sentenced to 30 years' imprisonment after his DNA was found at the scene.

However, his sentence was later reduced to 16 years on appeal.

In 2017, he was granted partial prison release to attend school and get a master's degree.

He has also been granted permission to continue the remainder of his term, due to end in March 2022, through community service.

Rudy Guede, 33, was convicted in 2008 for the killing of 21-year-old Kercher in Perugia, Italy in November 2007. He denies murdering Kercher [File photo]

A vigil is held by staff and students at the University of Leeds to remember murdered student Meredith Kercher

Meredith's American flatmate Amanda Knox and her then-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito were convicted of murdering her but were later cleared on appeal.

Knox served four years behind bars, but was released and returned to the US in 2011 after her conviction was overturned.

She was retried in 2014, but did not return to Italy for the trial and was convicted for a second time.

In 2015, though, Italy's Supreme Court overturned her second conviction and brought an end to her legal proceedings.

Since settling in Seattle she has written books advocating for people wrongly convicted of crime and has taken part in a Netflix documentary about her case.

Earlier this summer, Knox spoke about her name being associated with the recently-released film Stillwater, saying that any connection ripped off 'my story without my consent at the expense of my reputation'.

Stillwater stars Matt Damon as a father who flies to France to help his estranged daughter, Allison, played by Abigail Breslin. She has been convicted and imprisoned for murdering her girlfriend in Marseille, in a case that has generated lurid headlines.

Ms Knox is never named on screen, but in interviews the filmmakers have noted her sensational case was an initial jumping off point for the script.

In tweets and an essay on the site Medium, Ms Knox called out various publications and director Tom McCarthy for using her name to promote the film.

She wrote that his 'fictionalised version of me is just the tabloid conspiracy guiltier version of me'.

'Does my name belong to me? Does my face? What about my life? My story? Why is my name used to refer to events I had no hand in? I return to these questions because others continue to profit off my name, face, and story without my consent,' she wrote.

'By fictionalising away my innocence, my total lack of involvement, by erasing the role of the authorities in my wrongful conviction, Mr McCarthy reinforces an image of me as a guilty and untrustworthy person.'

Kercher's case drew huge media attention, much of which centred on her housemate Amanda Knox, now 33, pictured centre in 2008 [File photo]

Knox and her then-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, 36, were convicted of Kercher's murder in 2009 before being acquitted, convicted again and then finally definitely cleared in 2015. Pictured: The former couple in 2007

At the Cannes Film Festival in July, where Stillwater was screened, Mr McCarthy said Ms Knox's case served as an 'initial inspiration point but not much beyond that. I just had a daughter then and I thought how it would be like'.

In a later interview, Mr McCarthy said he 'didn't want to kind of copy or mimic' Ms Knox's legal ordeal.

'It's loosely inspired by that case, so I didn't want to try and do a recreation of that. I want Allison to kind of be her own standalone character, but it was definitely great to have that for a reference.'

'It's all been about Knox - not justice for my daughter': John Kercher lifted the lid in 2012 on her carefree young life, her horrific murder - and his agonising quest for justice

My daughter Meredith, aged 21, was murdered on November 1, 2007 in her bedroom in Perugia, Italy, where she was studying at the city's University For Foreigners.

In the days that followed, one of her housemates, an American girl named Amanda Knox, a young Italian man named Raffaele Sollecito, and Rudy Guede, a Perugia resident originally from the Ivory Coast, were arrested on suspicion of her murder.

While Guede remains imprisoned for taking my daughter's life, last October Knox and Sollecito had their convictions quashed on appeal.

My family and I now find ourselves in a limbo that, I suspect, might never end, wondering exactly what happened in those last moments of Meredith's life, and how convictions that seemed to offer all the terrible answers two years ago have been so emphatically overturned.

With Knox and Sollecito now free, we find that we are still waiting for justice for our daughter and sister, and have to face up to the possibility that we might never have a satisfactory picture of what unfolded in Perugia on that terrible November night.

Despite everything that has happened since, it still seems as though nobody knows anything about the real Meredith.

The media's glare throughout the trial and appeal process has been fixed almost entirely on Amanda Knox. Books have been written about her and there has even been a television film focusing on her. It has seemed as if Meredith has been all but forgotten.

In writing this book, I hope to go some way towards redressing the balance, for Meredith was a beautiful, intelligent and caring girl whom everyone loved, and her story deserves to be told.

My hope is that I can share with the world something of the wonderful girl who was our daughter and sister. I hope our telling the world about the enchanting, generous, kind person that Meredith was can help those whose lives she touched.

I also hope this book might help to keep Meredith's case in the spotlight, and, in some small way, to keep alive the hope that we might yet know the truth about her death.

November 1, 2007, and I am in my local bank in Croydon, South London, when Meredith telephones from Perugia. It is 2.15pm, an unusual time for Meredith to call as we usually speak in the evenings.

But today she does not have to go to university, where she is studying European politics and Italian, as it is a public holiday in Italy.

The call is costing her money, so we don't have a chance to say much.

I tell her I'll call her when I get home, but she is going out for dinner with some English friends, so instead we arrange to speak tomorrow.

The next day comes and I find myself at home when Meredith's mother, Arline, rings. It is 5pm and she has seen on the news that a female British student has been found murdered in Perugia.

I have been divorced from Arline for ten years, and she is living in Old Coulsdon, Surrey. I am worried, but I tell myself that there are many British students studying in Perugia.

Immediately, I call Meredith but all I hear is an automated message. For the next half-an-hour I try her number at least a dozen times, but every time the call goes through to the message.

Then suddenly, after what feels like an age of trying, her mobile starts to ring. I feel some relief and, for the first time, I am confident that my daughter is fine.

Yet, the phone rings on and on, and still there is no answer.

I have to get some information, so I call the foreign desk of a national newspaper. Having worked as a freelance journalist for Fleet Street newspapers and national magazines, it seems the logical thing to do. A man tells me that they have only sketchy details, but if I call back in an hour they might know more.

When I do, I am told by one of the foreign desk editors that Italian police have found the British girl's mobile phone, and that they have been in touch with people in London.

Again, my hopes rise because this must mean that, whoever this unfortunate girl is, her family and the British police must have been notified.

I have not yet contacted our other children  Meredith's older sister Stephanie, and brothers Lyle and John  because I do not want to worry them unduly.

For the next 30 minutes I sit by the phone, trying not to feel so apprehensive. Then the phone rings.

The call is from a young woman on the newspaper's foreign desk. Hesitantly, she tells me they have a name for the victim. Though I ask for it, she is reluctant to tell me. She seems nervous herself and I have to persuade her to release the name. I shall never forget her words.

'The name going round Italy,' she says, 'is Meredith.'

I drop the phone. I do not believe it. There has to be a mistake. I refuse to let the facts sink in.

I repeat it over and over to myself: 'Not beautiful Meredith . . . Not beautiful Meredith . . .'

Numb with shock, I cannot even cry.

I arrive at Arline's house within an hour. Stephanie, John and Lyle are there already. By now Arline has spoken to the Foreign Office. Officials have confirmed the worst. The dead girl is Meredith.

Everyone is crying. At 9pm, my daughter's picture is on the news. I stare at it, registering its familiarity but unable to react.

It is as though my feelings have been folded up and removed from me, leaving my mind free to have pointlessly logical thoughts. I can't say how I passed the night, except I don't think I slept.

Nothing can prepare you for what it is like to have to travel to a foreign country to identify the body of your daughter. Meredith had told me how beautiful Perugia was.

Now, a little more than two months since she had first moved to the city, we were approaching it for the first time, and she was never coming home.

We met the Italian police at a roundabout, and they gave us an escort to the morgue. They did not speak English but consulate staff acted as our translators.

As we climbed up the steep roads, however, our talk petered out and we all felt the incongruity of the beautiful scenery and our purpose for being there.

There was a large number of officials inside the morgue, including the Chief of Police and the head of the homicide squad. Many of them were close to tears.

It was time to see my daughter. But I could not face going in. The brutal reality of having to see what had been done to Meredith had not really hit home. A small man from the mortuary approached Arline and Stephanie and, leaving me behind, they went through the doors. I could go no further.

For me, it would have put a full stop to my memories. I had seen her only a couple of weeks before when she had flown back to London to buy some winter clothes.

We had met for a coffee at a small Italian restaurant in Croydon, a place where we met often.

We would talk about books and music; the Italian film she had been to see to improve her language; the occasional dance she had been to with her new English friends and the wonderful pizzas she was eating.

On this occasion, Meredith was almost an hour late (this wasn't unusual).

When she arrived, she talked eagerly about Perugia.

She said she was trying to buy a duvet for her bed, but nobody seemed to know where she could find one. I remember her saying she was determined to track one down. That this should be the duvet beneath which her body would be found is something that will always haunt me.

She had been laughing and was happy. It was the last time I had seen her and I wanted that to be the memory that I held in my mind for ever.

In the morgue, standing over her body, Arline had said: 'Your father's come all this way out here to see you, but doesn't feel he can.'

Then she had smiled, for the last time, at our daughter.

'But,' she had whispered, 'you know what your father's like . . . '

The news that Amanda Knox was being held for the murder sent shockwaves through our family.

Arline could not comprehend that Meredith's own housemate might have been involved in this terrible crime.

'Amanda? Amanda?' she kept repeating, in a state of utter disbelief.

We knew Meredith had not got on with Knox. Meredith had expressed irritation to us and to her friends in Perugia at Knox's personal habits, because she frequently failed to flush the lavatory and Meredith had concerns over how Knox would 'bring strange men back to the house', but the idea that this irritation could lead to murder seemed preposterous.

We knew so little of the American girl and absolutely nothing of her boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, whom Meredith had never mentioned.

The alibis of Knox and Sollecito kept changing.

At first, Knox claimed to have been at Sollecito's flat all evening on the night of the murder.

Then Sollecito claimed that she had left his place at about 9pm and had not returned until 1am, during which time he had been on the internet.

Knox then changed her story to say that she had been at the cottage at the time that Meredith was killed.

It was during these first days of questioning that Knox claimed that Diya 'Patrick' Lumumba, the owner of a local bar called Le Chic, was the murderer.

Lumumba, of Congolese origin, had been living legally in Italy since 1988, running the bar where Knox had a part-time job.

Back in England, this was the first big piece of news we had heard. Pictures of Lumumba were shown on television, but I spoke to Arline on the telephone and neither of us could believe that we were looking at the killer.

Two weeks later, the chief prosecutor, Giuliano Mignini, asked for Lumumba's release, saying: 'There are no longer any serious indications linking him to the crime.'

Lumumba was later quoted as saying: 'I think that Amanda wanted to derail the investigation...

'Amanda hated Meredith because people loved her more than Amanda. She was insanely jealous that Meredith was taking over her position as Queen Bee.'

Things became even more distressing. Although we knew Meredith had been killed by a knife wound to her throat, we had not realised it had been preceded by a sexual assault.

The post-mortem had revealed bruising on her lips and gums consistent with her face being crushed on the ground to hold her still. How could anyone do this to her, we asked ourselves? Why had she been singled out for this kind of treatment?

We tried to get our bearings by finding out more about Amanda Knox. I read that she was aged 20 and had been born in Seattle, the daughter of a retail executive and a primary-school teacher.

After only a few years, her parents divorced and Amanda went to Seattle Preparatory School, described as a strict Jesuit institution. Later, she attended Washington University.

Raffaele Sollecito remained a somewhat quiet, bespectacled figure. At the time of his arrest, he was aged 23. The son of a prominent urologist from Giovinazzo in southern Italy, he had led a privileged life. He described himself on a social networking site as being 'sweet, but sometimes absolutely crazy'.

Sollecito appeared in pictures posted on the internet wielding a meat cleaver. It emerged that he was passionate about collecting knives.

After the murder, police searched his flat and discovered a collection of Japanese manga comics, some of which depicted acts of extreme violence.

One which attracted particular attention was concerned with the killing of female vampires at Halloween. It was not lost on police that Meredith had been dressed as a vampire to celebrate Halloween only one night before she was murdered.

Police later went on to say that the scene they discovered at the cottage was reminiscent of the scenes depicted in Sollecito's comics.

A short while before Patrick Lumumba was released, the investigation took another decisive turn.

The police identified a bloodied fingerprint on Meredith's pillow that belonged to one Rudy Hermann Guede, an immigrant from the Ivory Coast who had already been arrested for petty theft and drug dealing.

DNA taken from his toothbrush matched DNA found on and inside Meredith's body.

This seemed to tie Guede to the scene of Meredith's murder. Witnesses had already described a man of African origin fleeing the cottage on the night of the murder, later to be seen washing clothes in a launderette.

Guede had arrived in Italy from the Ivory Coast in 1992, aged five, with his father. When Guede was 15 his father had returned to Africa.

Extradited from Germany where he had been lying low, Guede was now concerned that Knox and Sollecito might attempt to pin the blame solely on him, so his defence team requested that he be tried on his own by a single presiding judge.

This 'fast-track trial' would take place during pre-trial hearings.

The request was granted. Armed with 10,000 pages of documentation, the judge, Paulo Micheli, heard evidence from forensics experts regarding the various DNA findings, Sollecito's DNA having been discovered on Meredith's bra clasp, and a bloodied footprint having been revealed as belonging to the young Italian man.

There was also the presentation of evidence that Knox's bloodied footprints had been found in the cottage's hallway and bathroom; that her DNA had been found in blood mixed with Meredith's in the bathroom; and that her DNA had been shown to be on a knife handle, with Meredith's on the blade  a knife that police had found at Sollecito's apartment and which, the prosecution claimed, had been removed from the scene of the crime.

Judge Micheli also heard Knox's and Sollecito's defence teams attempting to refute much of the evidence, specifically the DNA evidence, which they blamed on contamination and poor forensics procedures.

This was to be a major contention in this pre-trial, the main trial and, later, the first appeal.

Regrettably, a key piece of evidence  the bra clasp  was not retrieved from the crime scene until 47 days after the murder because it had been hidden from view.

On October 28, 2008, Arline, Stephanie, Lyle and I returned to Perugia to hear the verdict on Guede.

After a nerve-racking wait, we were called to the court at 9pm. Photographers jostled at the entrance and we were guided in, individually, by police escorts.

I felt almost light-headed with lack of sleep; looking at Arline, Stephanie and Lyle, I saw the same strain on their faces. There was a tense silence.

Amanda Knox sat with her lawyers, as did Raffaele Sollecito and Rudy Guede with theirs. They had been brought in under armed guard. Judge Micheli entered and everyone rose to their feet.

The chief of homicide, Monica Napoleoni, stood at my side, ready to convey the verdict.

As the judge began his statement, Ms Napoleoni looked at me, squeezing my hand, then concentrated on what the judge was saying. It was in Italian, so we had no idea what was being said.

The judge had been deliberating for 12 hours about his decision. This was the moment.

Suddenly, Ms Napoleoni turned to look at me and squeezed my hand again, nodding emphatically.

Rudy Guede had been found guilty of complicity in Meredith's murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison. Knox and Sollecito had been indicted on charges of murder and sexual violence and would stand trial.

I did not know what to feel. It was certainly not relief because I knew that this was only the beginning.

After this, we would have to go through the main trial. I can only say that we were not elated  but we were satisfied that justice was progressing in the right direction.

It was not a moment any of us could relish. In our hearts, all we wanted to know was what had happened to Meredith and why she had to be taken so cruelly away.

As her sister Stephanie said at Meredith's memorial service: 'Anyone who was fortunate enough to have known her would testify that she was one of the most caring people you could ever meet.

'Nothing was too much for her. She was a loyal daughter, sister and friend.'

It is not only our family and her friends who have lost her. So has the world.

I Will Always Love You, she sang in her haunting voice

During those days following Meredith's death, I would immerse myself in photographs and lose myself in memories of her jokes, her wicked one-liners and her laughter.

Then recently while cleaning my home, I came across a shoebox containing roll after roll of undeveloped film. They have since been developed and I have seen that wonderful smile once again. In one picture I particularly love, Meredith is opening her Christmas presents by the fireplace.

On Christmas Eve I would pull some ash into the fireplace and draw small footprints to show that Father Christmas's boots had landed there.

Meredith was due on December 25, 1985. But, as was to be the pattern of her life, she was late, and it was on December 28 that Arline was taken to Guy's Hospital in London.

I set out in the car with John, Lyle and Stephanie to drive the 18 miles to the hospital. The weather was freezing and after about ten minutes, there was a rattling sound coming from under the car bonnet. I discovered the water in the radiator had turned to ice. We abandoned the car and dashed to the nearest station, Purley, to continue our journey by train.

I like to think that it was because of the season she was born in that Meredith loved winter, especially when it snowed and she could get out her plastic sledge.

In October 1987, when Meredith was nearly two, a 120mph hurricane came through Old Coulsdon. Arline and I huddled on the upstairs landing with the four children. That night, an 80ft tree slammed across the back of the house, a long branch smashing through the girls' bedroom window. It was a fortunate escape.

Meredith liked going to the coast and we visited Brighton regularly. Sometimes we had a picnic on the beach. Then there were the Lanes, a maze of narrow streets filled with cafes, bistros and antiques shops. She was fascinated by this place and I often picture her there.

In 1997, Arline and I agreed to divorce, and I moved into a flat in Croydon.

During that first week of living apart, I came home to find Meredith had left a message on my answering machine, singing Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You.

Her voice was beautiful and haunting, and I think I cried on hearing it. I kept it there, playing it several times every day until the telephone service provider deleted it.

Meredith would come for dinner every Friday after school. I would cook and then we would watch videos of the hit comedy series Friends.

She also loved clothes, so one day I took her to Selfridges in Oxford Street. I thought she might like to spend half an hour there. How stupid of me! I should have taken a packed lunch. A more fruitful shopping spree was when Meredith, then 14, Stephanie and I travelled on Eurostar to Lille.

We had a wonderful lunch and then the girls discovered some clothes shops. I had to visit a cash machine a couple of times to pay for all their purchases.

Some memories, however, brought me back to Meredith's final night. I could not help thinking of the hours Meredith had spent practising karate, and how she must have fought back on the night she was murdered.

Against one person, we were all certain, Meredith could have held her own.

Did stress cause my stroke?

During the summer of 2009, I suffered a stroke. I'd had bouts of dizziness, which my doctor thought might be attributable to an ear condition, but then in July, I was hit with the stroke.

I was in hospital for several days and had double vision for weeks afterwards.

I will never know whether the stress of Meredith's death and the subsequent trial affected my health, but it made me question how many more times I could make the trip to Perugia, and how much more of the chaos I was able to bear.

How Foreign Office let us down

We were surprised at the lack of financial help available from the British Government as we dealt with the aftermath of Meredith's death.

We had received tremendous support from the British Consulate in Florence, which arranged translation facilities and made transport arrangements, but despite our pleas, we did not receive any financial support from the Foreign Office.

A number of MPs campaigned on our behalf for some contribution towards our flights, but their efforts were to no avail.

Indeed, it seemed this was a policy decision, one that did not affect just us, but anybody who had suffered an ordeal such as ours. This lack of help was despite the fact that we were obliged to provide testimonies in court.

Nor could we expect any help from the Italian government. Before Meredith was murdered, EU states had said they would sign an agreement to compensate the families of foreign nationals who were victims of a violent crime committed in their country.

However, of all the states, Italy failed to sign the agreement in time.

Financially we were alone and it made the business of attending the trial, and seeking justice for Meredith, all the more problematic.
Meanwhile men were also seen digging to free homes buried beneath toxic ash after Cumbre Vieja eruptions

Footage shows several emaciated dogs receiving the packages and ripping them open with their teeth, paws

Abandoned dogs trapped on land surrounded by lava are being kept alive by food parcels delivered by drone

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Abandoned dogs trapped on a tiny island of land cut off by lava from the La Palma volcano are being kept alive with food parcels delivered by drones.

Footage shows several emaciated dogs lying curled up in and around a walled, ash-covered yard cut off by volcanic lava in the mountainous area of Todoque.

They can be seen lifting their heads to look at a drone flying overhead before ambling over to the food packages dropped from the sky which they pry open with their teeth and paws to take on much-need nutrition.

In a statement, the Island Council of La Palma thanked the two local companies - Ticom Soluciones and Volcanic Life - for feeding the dogs for the past five days. They are resolved to continue as long as safety and meteorological conditions allow.

Abandoned dogs trapped on a tiny island of land cut off by lava from the La Palma volcano are being kept alive with food parcels delivered by drones

Drone footage shows the abandoned dogs using their teeth and paws to tear open food parcels delivered by drone on the Spanish island of La Palma

Footage shows several emaciated dogs lying curled up in and around a walled, ash-covered yard cut off by volcanic lava in the mountainous area of Todoque

In a statement, the Island Council of La Palma thanked the two local companies - Ticom Soluciones and Volcanic Life - for feeding the dogs for the past five days. They are resolved to continue as long as safety and meteorological conditions allow

The companies have been assisted by veterinarians who choose the nourishment and decide on portions befitting the situation.

The council said helicopters cannot fly in the area due to the hot air emanating from the lava and volcanic ash that can damage the rotors, so the dogs cannot be airlifted for the moment.

Meanwhile volunteers are working to dig out hundreds of homes buried under toxic ash in La Palma, as the island was last night hit by the strongest earthquake since a volcanic eruption almost a month ago.

Footage filmed by local Juanma Hernandez shows homes barely visible under a mountain of black ash. Volunteers with face masks on can be seen desperately digging with spades to uncover the buildings.

The surrounding hills are also blanketed with ash, with tree tops peeking out from within the heaps. The camera pans to reveal that as far as the eye can see, the landscape is completely black with ash.

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Volunteers are working to dig out hundreds of homes buried under toxic ash in La Palma, as the island was last night hit by the strongest earthquake since a volcanic eruption almost a month ago

Satellite images show the lava produced by the Cumbre Vieja volcano on the Spanish island of La Palma which first erupted last month

Lava from the volcano illuminates the sky in the early hours of Thursday morning - the 25th day since eruptions began

The video emerged as the island was shaken by a 4.5-magnitude earthquake - the strongest since the Cumbre Vieja volcano began erupting on September 19. Pictured: An eruption on Thursday morning

Lava can be seen flowing down the slopes of Cumbre Vieja after part of its cone collapsed on Sunday night

'If anyone wants to know how much ash has been left near the La Palma Volcano, watch this video,' Hernandez said.

'It's brutal.'

Blocks of red lava, some as big as three story buildings, rolled down the hillside as La Palma volcano collapsed on itself on Sunday.

Volcanic ash has jagged edges that can cause irritation to eyes, nose and lungs, making breathing difficult.

Volunteers are working non stop to clear roads and public buildings.

Clearing the roads is an important task for the volunteers as the thick layer of ash stops vehicles from moving.

One viewer Dave said: 'Oh my Lord, that's infinite work, snow melts but this...'

Another said: 'I had not seen such a catastrophe in at least a decade since the 2011 tsunami in Japan, I hope the island can recover from this.'

The video emerged as the island was shaken by a 4.5-magnitude earthquake - the strongest since the Cumbre Vieja volcano began erupting on September 19.

Scientists on Wednesday night registered more than 60 earthquakes, of which the biggest was felt across the whole of the island.

Personnel from the Military Emergency Unit are also helping to clear the ash from the volcano, currently blanketing the streets of the island

Police tape cordons off a road blocked by an enormous mound of lava spewed from the Cumbre Vieja volcano

A huge deposit of lava from the Cumbre Vieja volcano has made this road, pictured on Thursday, completely impassable

Footage filmed by local Juanma Hernandez shows homes barely visible under a mountain of black ash

An advertisement, pictured on Thursday, for a supermarket in La Laguna was destroyed by cooling lava from the volcano

There are now three lava tongues pouring from the volcano, one of them moving at 50 metres an hour. Pictured: Lava flowing from the volcano on Wednesday night

A couple look on as the Cumbre Vieja erupts in the early hours of Thursday morning, sending more lava creeping down its sides

The volcano is seen in the early hours of Wednesday - the 24th day since eruptions began at Cumbre Vieja

The 24-hour monitoring volcanic surveillance network of the National Geographic Institute has recorded a total of 55 earthquakes since midnight around the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano, eight of them with magnitudes greater than three.

The 4.5-magnitude quake hit the municipality of Villa de Mazo, in the island's south west, at 2.27am.

'I was lying in bed watching TV and I felt the bed moving. It was like someone was walking on the roof, the windows were vibrating and it woke my dog up,' one island resident recalled.

Scientists say the volcanic activity is not likely to end 'in the short or medium term'.

'The volcano is releasing a plume of gases 3,000 metres high with high amounts of sulfur dioxide, 17,774 tons per day, and that measure would have to drop to 100 to think that the eruption is coming to an end, ' spokeswoman for the Canary Islands Volcanic Emergency Plan, Maria Jose Blanco said.

There are now three lava tongues pouring from the volcano, one of them moving at 50 metres an hour.

Last night, the Special Plan for Volcanic Emergencies of the Canary Islands (PEVOLCA) ordered the evacuation of new districts in the municipality of Los Llanos de Aridane.

Air quality is described as good and an easterly wind is expected, which will allow the ash to move west towards the sea. At the moment all the Canarian airports are fully operational.

A firefighter helped a resident carry belongings as locals prepare to evacuate on Thursday as volcanic activity continues for a 25th day

Workers remove containers from a gas station as they prepare to evacuate the area on Thursday amid threats of creeping lava flow

Firefighters assist residents of La Laguna as they evacuate on Thursday as lava flows continue to threaten communities

A worker strokes a dog at a temporary animal shelter set up in a sports pavilion in Los Llanos, La Palma, on Thursday

The eruption has forced the evacuation of 6,400 people. Pictured: A Spanish Civil Guard officer helps residents remove their belongings from their homes on Tuesday

Some residents and tourists have been evacuated to the nearby island of Tenerife to escape the lava flow. Pictured: Civil Guard officers carry a washing machine out of an evacuating resident's home

Pictured: Items belonging to Enrique Gonzalez and his family are piled onto the back of a truck as they prepare to leave their home in La Laguna, La Palma on Tuesday

Tour operator TUI have cancelled flights to the island due to the continued volcanic eruption and ash clouds making flights to the island dangerous.

So far, 680 hectares have been affected by the lava and 1,500 properties destroyed. Nearly 100 houses were devoured in the last 24 hours.

The lava has also destroyed about 90 hectares of banana trees in the coastal area of the Aridane Valley.

The eruption has forced the evacuation of 6,400 people, 5,700 in the first phase of the eruption and another 700 on Tuesday.

Around 6,000 residents and 400 tourists among the evacuated were transferred to Tenerife. Of these, 280 people are housed in the Princess hotel in Fuencaliente.

Weather forecasts suggest that the airport's operations will not be affected for at least the next three days, because a Saharan wind will blow from the continent, directing the ashes to the west.

However, dry air and a probable reversal may bring poor air quality tomorrow and the following day.

So far, 680 hectares have been affected by the lava and 1,500 properties destroyed. Nearly 100 houses were devoured in the last 24 hours

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (second from right) visits La Palma on Wednesday to discuss a federal government investment of 214million in reconstruction on the island
Ministers have unveiled plans to allow 800 foreign butchers into the UK to tackle the meat crisis threatening to ruin family Christmases.

They will be offered six-month emergency visas to avert a mass pig cull caused by a shortage of labour and market disruption, Environment Secretary George Eustice confirmed tonight.

In addition he also announced plans to help produces expand storage so more produce can be kept on ice.

Boris Johnson's government had attempted to play down the crisis, despite farmers warning more than 100,000 pigs face destruction in the coming days because of a shortage of butchers to process their meat.

But the gravity of the situation was underlined yesterday when a cull of about 4,500 pigs began.

Mr Eustice tonight said: 'What we're going to do is allow butchers in abattoirs and meat processors dealing with pigs, to be able to come in on a temporary basis under the Seasonal Worker scheme for up to six months.

'That will help us to deal with the backlog of pigs that we currently have on farms to give those meat processors the ability to slaughter more pigs.

'Crucially as well we're going to make available what's called private storage aid to help those abattoirs to temporarily store that meat in order to help clear this backlog before they can release it to market,' he said.

They will be offered six-month emergency visas to avert a mass pig cull caused by a shortage of labour and market disruption, Environment Secretary George Eustice confirmed tonight.

The gravity of the situation was underlined yesterday when a cull of about 4,500 pigs began (stock image)

Tory environment minister Lord Benyon told the House of Lords today that a decision was 'imminent' and the steps planned will reflect the action taken in the poultry sector to deal with labour gaps.

The Government announced last month that 5,500 temporary visas will be issued to poultry workers and 5,000 to HGV drivers in an attempt to prevent shortages in the run-up to Christmas.

Dr Zoe Davies, chief executive of the National Pig Association, said farmers are distraught.

'As you can imagine this is hugely difficult for the farmers involved... Some are having to use knackermen as they just can't bear having to do it or ask their staff to do it,' she said.

The Prime Minister infuriated the farming industry earlier this month by brushing aside the crisis, saying the 'great hecatomb (sacrifice) of pigs' may not materialise.

Mr Johnson said the industry needed to improve pay and conditions to attract skilled staff already in Britain.

However, last night it appeared that visa rules will be relaxed as they already have been for poultry workers.

One option being considered is for less stringent English language rules, which industry leaders claim are making it impossible to recruit butchers from abroad.

The brutal cull of pigs involves using a so-called captive bolt gun, which fires a retractable bolt through the head of the animal.

It is highly unusual to kill animals in this way on farms, let alone hundreds at a time, and it has provoked fears for the mental health and wellbeing of the teams involved.

Duncan Berkshire, a vet who is involved in a steering group of experts working with pig farmers, said the grim process began yesterday on three farms, each holding about 1,500 adult pigs.

He said the farmers involved are reluctant to go public, given the circumstances of the cull and fears they may be targeted by activists.

He described the situation as the 'absolutely last resort', adding: 'UK farmers are proud to produce food  they don't want to produce food that is going to go into the bin.

Mr Berkshire said: 'It is distressing for everyone involved. These are big pigs and they need to be restrained and you need people who are trained to do it properly.

'Welfare is important and we don't want any suffering up to that point of death.

'My worry is the kind of mental impact this will have on both the producers and their vets.'

Farms have seen nothing like this since the foot and mouth crisis of 2001, when animals were killed to prevent the spread of the disease.

Mr Berkshire said: 'This is being done purely because something has gone wrong with the food chain.'

It has been suggested that the adult pig farm cull could involve as many as 120,000 animals. The tipping point for a much larger cull will be at the end of this month.

Emma Slawinski, of the RSPCA, said: 'I've heard people say, what does it matter where they are killed? They are going to die anyway.

'But on-farm culls will be traumatic for many animals and people alike. Slaughterhouses are specifically designed to kill animals.'

She added: 'None of this meat will enter the food chain, which is incredibly wasteful and disrespectful.'

There are reports that many thousands of chickens are also being slaughtered on farms because processing plants do not have the staff needed to handle them.
A Chinese man has been sentenced to death for setting his ex-wife on fire during one of her livestreams.

Amuchu, a 30-year-old Tibetan vlogger known on social media as Lamu, died after being doused in gasoline and set ablaze by her former husband Tang Lu in September last year.

She sustained burns on 90 per cent of her body and died from her injuries in hospital two weeks later.

Amuchu divorced Tang - who had a history of violence towards her, the court said - in June 2020, only months before she was murdered at her father's home.

Amuchu (pictured), a 30-year-old Tibetan vlogger known on social media as Lamu, died after being doused in gasoline and set ablaze by her former husband Tang Lu in September last year

He was sentenced to death for intentional homicide by a court in Aba Prefecture, a remote rural region of southwest Sichuan province with a large number of ethnic Tibetan residents.

His crime 'was extremely cruel and the social impact was extremely bad,' the court statement said, calling for 'severe punishment' in accordance with the law.

At the time, her death triggered an online outcry over the under-reported issue of domestic violence in rural communities - especially where it affects ethnic minorities.

Lamu was a popular Tibetan video blogger who lived in the mountainous prefecture of Aba in western China's Sichuan Province.

Some of Lamu's videos documented her life in rural China. Others showed her lip-syncing to songs she liked

Through her account on Douyin, the Chinese version of Tik Tok, she had amassed more than 782,000 followers and 6.3million 'likes' before being assaulted.

Some of Lamu's videos documented her life in rural China. Others showed her lip-syncing to songs she liked.

After her death, tens of thousands of grieving followers commented on her Douyin page, while millions of users on the Twitter-like platform Weibo demanded justice using trending hashtags that were later censored.

China only criminalised domestic violence in 2016, but the issue remains pervasive and under-reported, especially in under-developed rural communities.

The attack took place at Lamu's home in the mountainous prefecture of Aba in western China's Sichuan Province. Pictured: A file image showing a temple complex in Aba

Around one in four married Chinese women have experienced domestic abuse, according to a 2013 survey by the All-China Women's Federation.

Activists say victims' repeated complaints are often not taken seriously by police until it is too late, with the issue often regarded as a private family matter in the country's conservative culture.

There have also been concerns that a recent change to China's civil code - which introduced a mandatory 30-day 'cooling-off' period for couples wishing to divorce - may make it harder for victims to leave abusive marriages.
An Insulate Britain campaigner has claimed stranded motorists have thanked him and other protesters for their hated stunts.

He said some drivers had been grateful for their intervention despite the widespread disruption on Britain's roads.

Biff Whipster, a member of Insulate Britain, said a lorry driver had started to berate him but they left shaking hands after a five-minute conversation.

It comes after the eco-zealots earlier revealed they would 'suspend their campaign of civil resistance' until October 25 - ahead of the Cop26 summit in November.

Activists penned a letter to Boris Johnson saying they would stop their hated antics and quoted the PM's hero Sir Winston Churchill in an apparent bid to win him over.

The surprise move was just hours after it emerged more than a dozen of their members will finally face court action and possible jail within days.

Just over a month after the first roadblocks brought chaos to the motorways, officials are set to ask judges to take action against the eco-warriors.

Yesterday Insulate Britain caused disruption by running on to the road by traffic lights at junction 31 near Thurrock by the Dartford Crossing.

But motorists got out of their cars and dragged the protesters off the road while they were still in seated positions, with one man seen ripping banners out of their hands.

Essex Police made a total of 35 arrests across two sites, including 16 people on the M25 and 19 by a nearby industrial estate.

The eco-zealots (pictured yesterday) revealed today it would 'suspend its campaign of civil resistance' until October 25 - ahead of the Cop26 summit in November

Insulate Britain is run by ringleader Liam Norton, whose own home was found to have no cavity wall insulation. Other leaders in the secretive group include Extinction Rebellion veteran David McKenny and Cathy Eastburn, whose husband was revealed to be Ben Plowden, a Transport for London director. He has stepped down from his 170,000-a-year role. It is not known if any of them are being targeted as part of the injunction breach

Mr Whipster said: 'I was in front of a lorry driver at one junction and he came out filming me, very angry.

'Just five minutes of conversation ended up with him shaking my hand, thanking me and thanking my friends who were in the road. They were glued to the road on behalf of his children.'

Mr Whipster denied the group blocked an ambulance during its recent protest at Wandsworth Bridge in south-west London.

'I personally unclogged 50ft of traffic in front of the ambulance, it was on the opposite side of the road, the opportunity to drive away was there,' he said.

'I appreciate the chaos of the situation. I've seen the clips on social media and it certainly looks like there was an ambulance that we were blocking.

'The ambulance was behind the camera though. He was in the opposite carriageway and we did clear the road.'

He added that he had resigned himself to the possibility of potentially being thrown in prison or breaking court injunctions with his continued protesting.

The Insulate Britain campaigner said: 'I am concerned, I have a house I was hoping I could grow old and die in. If I lose my house, so be it.

'I can't not make the voices of the 8,000 people that are dying from fuel poverty heard and children that are going to die from CO2 emissions and the people currently in meaningless work that really could have proper jobs insulating homes.

'To me, that's a price to pay. If I end up in prison, if I end up losing every single penny I have, I've done all that I can do. So yes, I care deeply about losing my house and my liberty, but the bigger priority is being here now.'

Insulate Britain's letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson is pictured above in full

Insulate Britain's letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson in full: Dear Prime Minister, 'Owing to past neglect, in the face of the plainest of warnings, we have entered upon a period of danger. The era of procrastination, of half measures, of soothing baffling expedients, of delays is coming to its close. In its place we are entering a period of consequence.' (Winston Churchill 1936) Insulate Britain would like to take this opportunity to profoundly acknowledge the disruption caused over the past five weeks. We cannot imagine undertaking such acts in normal circumstances. But the dire reality of our situation has to be faced. The facts are laid out by Sir David King, the former chief scientific advisor to the UK government, he said 'We have to move quickly. What we do, I believe, in the next 3 to 4 years will determine the future of humanity'. The collapse of the climate is happening around us. We face economic chaos and the breakdown of law and order in a matter of years. We will lose our incomes, pensions, and savings while passing on an appalling legacy to our children. They will be rightly furious. Around the world thousands of millions of people will lose their lives through slaughter and starvation as crops fail and society collapses. Ahead of COP26, Insulate Britain will suspend its campaign of civil resistance until Monday 25th October. In light of the speech you made (to the UN on the 22nd September) in which you recognised that 'We are approaching that critical turning point  in less than two months  when we must show that we are capable of learning, and maturing, and finally taking responsibility for the destruction we are inflicting, not just upon our planet but ourselves', we ask you to use this time to signal that you believe what you say. We invite you to make a meaningful statement that we can trust, a statement that the country wants to hear: that your government will live up to its responsibilities to protect us, to defend law and order; that your government will take the lead needed to insulate and retrofit our homes; that it will 'get on with the job' so families can feed their children and keep their homes warm. We invite you to do the right thing, so we can be secure in the knowledge that our government did everything it could to protect and defend our country. Yours sincerely, Insulate Britain Advertisement

Insulate Britain's letter to the PM revealed it planned to suspend protests for 11 days.

It said: 'Insulate Britain would like to take this opportunity to profoundly acknowledge the disruption caused over the past five weeks.

'We cannot imagine undertaking such acts in normal circumstances. But the dire reality of our situation has to be faced.

'Ahead of COP26, Insulate Britain will suspend its campaign of civil resistance until Monday 25th October.

'In light of the speech you made (to the UN on the 22nd September) in which you recognised that ''We are approaching that critical turning point  in less than two months  when we must show that we are capable of learning, and maturing, and finally taking responsibility for the destruction we are inflicting, not just upon our planet but ourselves'', we ask you to use this time to signal that you believe what you say.

'We invite you to make a meaningful statement that we can trust, a statement that the country wants to hear: that your government will live up to its responsibilities to protect us, to defend law and order; that your government will take the lead needed to insulate and retrofit our homes; that it will 'get on with the job' so families can feed their children and keep their homes warm.

'We invite you to do the right thing, so we can be secure in the knowledge that our government did everything it could to protect and defend our country.'

The statement began with a quote attributed to Sir Winston Churchill, Mr Johnson's hero who he has written a biography about.

It said: 'Owing to past neglect, in the face of the plainest of warnings, we have entered upon a period of danger.

'The era of procrastination, of half measures, of soothing baffling expedients, of delays is coming to its close. In its place we are entering a period of consequence.' (Winston Churchill 1936).'

Ringleader Liam Norton said he will hand deliver the note to the Prime Minister in Downing Street at 1pm.

It came hours after it emerged more than a dozen Insulate Britain activists will finally face court action - and possible jail - within days.

Just over a month after the first roadblocks brought chaos to the motorways, officials are set to ask judges to take action against the eco-zealots.

There has been increasing dismay among ministers about the slow pace of action at National Highways, previously known as Highways England, and with police who have made arrests only to release protesters hours later.

But final details are now being added to legal papers which could see Insulate Britain demonstrators taken out of action at last.

The number of activists being targeted is understood to be between 12 and 15.

The group are part of the 113 people named in a National Highways junctions which they will be accused of breaching.

A government source said: 'We've identified a considerable number of protesters who have breached at least one of the injunctions we have in place.

'National Highways lawyers are now working with the police to put together evidence in order to take these people to court.

'We hope to get this in front of the court either later this week or early next.' The process is fraught with difficulties, however.

Police officers remove Insulate Britain activists as they block junction 31 of the M25 yesterday

Angry motorists snatch banners from protestors as activists from Insulate Britain block parts of Thurrock yesterday morning

Insulate Britain: How activists have made a mockery of the law September 13 - 78 Insulate Britain protesters arrested after blocking junctions 3, 6, 14, 20 and 31 of the M25 September 15 - More than 50 protesters arrested after targeting junctions 1, 8, 9 and 23 of the M25 September 17 - 48 protesters arrested after targeting junctions 3, 9 and 28 of the M25, as well as the M3 September 20 - 29 protesters are arrested after blocking the M25 at junctions 4 and 18, as well as the A1 September 21 - Protesters risk death by running into moving traffic to block the carriageway near Junction 10. Some 38 arrests are made. National Highways obtains an injunction against further protests on the M25 September 22 - Protesters burn copies of the injunction outside the Home Office, blocking the road outside the ministry. No arrests are made September 24 - 39 protesters arrested after blocking roads at three locations in Dover. They are all released under investigation. National Highways obtains a second injunction covering Dover. September 27 - 53 protesters are arrested for blocking a slip road at Junction 14 of the M25. They are all released under investigation. September 28 - National Highways says it is taking 'legal advice' over how to enforce its injunction September 29 - 27 protesters are arrested for blocking a roundabout at Junction 3 of the M25 on two occasions September 30 - Protesters return to junction 30 at Thurrock in Essex, and nine are arrested October 1: The group block the M4 at junction 3, the M1 at junction 1 and M25 at junction 25. Some 39 arrests October 2: Third injunction bans them from obstructing traffic and access to motorways and major A roads in and around London October 4: 38 arrests after protesters block three major roads in London - the Blackwall Tunnel, Wandsworth Bridge and A40 and North Circular at Hanger Lane. October 8: 19 arrested over protest at Old Street roundabout and a further 16 on the M25 at junction 24. Transport for London gets a High Court injunction to ban them from obstructing traffic in 14 locations in London. October 13: Protesters return to the M25 at junction 31 and a nearby industrial estate, with 35 people arrested. Advertisement

National Highways will have to apply to the High Court for committal proceedings against the activists, paperwork will have to be issued to each activist and a date for a trial will then have to be set.

If activists are found guilty of breaching an injunction they could face up to two years' imprisonment for contempt of court.

A High Court hearing was taking place to extend the series of injunctions barring them from the M25, the Port of Dover and major A roads around London.

A further hearing is due to take place next week.

Yesterday the demonstrators ran out on to the road by traffic lights at junction 31 of the motorway near Thurrock on the north side of the Dartford Crossing which links Essex to Kent, and also close to a nearby industrial estate.

But motorists got out of their cars and dragged the protesters off the road while they were still in seated positions, with one man seen ripping Insulate Britain banners out of their hands. Essex Police made a total of 35 arrests.

A lorry driver was filmed taking his vehicle right up to the protesters, another man dragged an activist onto the pavement by his backpack, and a mother taking her son to school said she would 'drive straight through you'.

She said: 'Out of the way, move out of the way now. You're taking the f***ing p**s. My son needs to get to school, I don't care what the f***ing issue is. My son is 11, he needs to get to school today, so move out the way and let me get my son to school. Do you think I care? I'll drive through you. You f***ing... I'll drive straight through you.'

A woman nearby was heard saying 'careful, careful, careful', another man was heard pleading with her 'don't, don't, don't' - and a protester said: 'Are you going to kill us, are you going to kill us to get your son to school?'

Near the industrial estate in Thurrock, around 20 protesters blocked the junction to St Clements Way and London Road, forcing multiple vehicles including HGVs to stop and turn round as vehicles blasted their horns.

Motorists got out of their cars to confront protesters, who lay down in the road in front of them. Some were physically dragged out of the road but immediately returned, only to be dragged away again by the drivers.

Some 35 demonstrators were arrested across the two sites, including 16 people on the M25 and 19 near the industrial estate. The protest began at 8.25am and the force said at 11.20am that all roads had been reopened.

While Essex Police responded swiftly to the M25 element of the protest within five minutes and kept one lane open, there was criticism of their slower response to the industrial estate, which was labelled 'shameful'.

Reporters at the scene claimed there was no sign of police at least 40 minutes after that protest began as delays continued.

At least 479 protesters have been arrested in a month - most on suspicion of obstructing a highway or conspiracy to commit public nuisance - but many drivers have taken matters into their own hands before police arrive.

This Google Maps graphic shows where the protesters affected traffic this morning (delayed sections are shown on red)

People removing an activist could try to claim protection under the Criminal Law Act 1967, which states someone may use 'reasonable' force to prevent crime - but this has not yet been tested in law in relation to these protests.

Ed Miliband slams climate group's tactics as 'counterproductive' and risks 'alienating' public Former Labour leader Ed Miliband last night hit out at Insulate Britain protesters for damaging support for their cause. He branded the group's tactics as 'counterproductive' and warned they risked 'alienating' the public. The Extinction Rebellion splinter has already outraged motorists across London by blockading several motorways and A roads, leaving ambulances stuck and children late for school. Speaking at a Green Alliance think-tank event, Mr Miliband told the Mirror: 'Part of the task of peaceful protest is to win people to your cause, not alienate them.' The Shadow Business Secretary compared Insulate Britain's tactics to school strikes in 2018 led by teenage activist Greta Thunberg. 'Some people will have said, 'hould they really be off school?',' he added. 'But it pricked people's consciences, it drew attention to the issue, it superpowered government action, but it didn't alienate huge swathes of people.' Mr Miliband added that home insulation is a 'very important agenda' and said Labour would help fund making houses more environmentally-friendly. Advertisement

Insulate Britain, an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion, yesterday marked the 13th time that it had caused disruption on motorways or A roads over the past four weeks - and their protests continued despite a series of injunctions.

Retired Anglican vicar Reverend Sue Parfitt, 79, a regular Insulate Britain and XR activist, was among those being arrested on the M25. She has already been arrested at other M25 protests on September 13, 21 and 29.

An Essex Police spokesman said yesterday: 'We're on scene and have made arrests following reports of people blocking the slip road of the M25 at J31 in Thurrock.

'We were called at 8.26am and officers were on scene within five minutes. We're trying to resolve the situation as quickly and safely as possible.'

In an update issued around 25 minutes later, the force added: 'We've made 16 arrests after reports of people blocking the M25 at J31 in Thurrock.

'Officers responded within five minutes and were able to keep one lane open. We're now responding to people blocking the road in the Stonehouse Ln area in Purfleet.'

Then in a third update at about 11.20am, they said: '35 people have now been arrested after we responded quickly to reports of roads blocked in Thurrock.

'16 people were arrested at J31 of the M25 while 19 were arrested in Stonehouse Ln, Purfleet. All roads are now open. Thank you for your patience and understanding.'

The group has blocked parts of major roads around London, including the M25 and M4, to draw attention to climate change.

On Tuesday protesters set light to court injunction papers that had been individually served on them, on the pavement outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

A High Court hearing was taking place over three injunctions granted to National Highways, covering the M25, Port of Dover and major A roads around London.

A previously-announced plan to use a catch-all injunction against Insulate Britain is understood to have hit the legal buffers.

Officials had said they planned to obtain a 'contra mundum injunction' with far more sweeping terms that would be easier to enforce.

But lawyers told ministers they would have to list the 'essential nature' of each separate motorway and A road in the country in order to secure such an injunction.

In the face of such an administrative nightmare, the idea is now thought to have been ditched.

The Mail reported last month how Insulate Britain is planning to fill Britain's jails with hundreds of eco-activists in an attempt to create a 'political crisis' for PM Boris Johnson.

They believe significant numbers of activists being jailed could light a powder keg on wider disorder, in the run-up to the Cop26 environment summit in Glasgow next month.

In September, activist Shel MacDonagh said 300 individuals would need to get themselves jailed in order to force the Government to grant concessions to the group.

'We need this campaign to continue going, and we think we need in the ballpark of 300 people to be able to face prison for us to be able to get a chance for this [a government concession] to happen,' she said.

Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, has announced plans for a new type of Asbo to tackle the protests.

Criminal Disruption Prevention Orders - dubbed 'Asbos for crusties' - are intended to be quicker to enforce than injunctions.

A specific new offence will also be created to deal with protests by Insulate Britain and its parent group Extinction Rebellion.

It will be made a crime to 'interfere with critical national infrastructure', including major roads, railways, seaports, power stations and newspaper printing presses.

The new crime will carry up to six months' imprisonment.

However, both new powers will have to pass through Parliament and are not expected to come into force until spring or summer next year.

Insulate Britain is run by ringleader Norton, whose own home was found to have no cavity wall insulation.

Other leaders in the secretive group include Extinction Rebellion veteran David McKenny and Cathy Eastburn, whose husband was revealed to be Ben Plowden, a Transport for London director. He has stepped down from his 170,000-a-year role.

Eastburn had previously vowed to 'unleash hell' on drivers during her protesting, despite her long-term partner Mr Plowden's role in charge of the Covid Restart and Recovery Scheme.

It is understood TfL bosses were aware of her views and actions, but insist it was Mr Plowden who resigned for unrelated reasons to 'pursue new opportunities'.

The group, which is calling on the Government to insulate all homes across the UK by 2030 to help cut carbon emissions, has been protesting since September 13.

Last week Boris Johnson blasted Insulate Britain protesters as 'irresponsible crusties', saying the eco-zealots who have repeatedly blocked highways in recent weeks were 'doing considerable damage to the economy'.

Ms Patel told the Conservative Party conference in Manchester that 'measures already going through Parliament will ensure these criminals can be brought to justice for the disruption they are causing'.

Criminal Disruption Prevention Orders will prevent individuals from taking part in particular protests, and it will become an offence to interfere with critical national infrastructure.

It is hoped they will be quicker to enforce than the civil injunctions taken out by National Highways. Protesters could face up to two years in jail or an unlimited fine if they are found in breach of the injunctions.
A second person has been charged after the alleged gang rape of a 14-year-old girl who police say was plied with drugs in a hotel room and threatened with a blowtorch.

Earlier this month Elham Naaman, 24, was taken into custody over and accused of luring the girl to a party before holding the teen against her will at a unit in Greenacre in Sydney's south-west, as well as various other locations.

Police alleged the teen was repeatedly sexually and physically assaulted by a group of men in a horrific ordeal that lasted for 'several hours'.

After further investigation by the NSW Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad, a 39-year-old man has also been charged.

Earlier this month Elham Naaman, 24 (pictured), was taken into custody over and accused of luring the girl to a party before holding the teen against her will at a unit in Greenacre in Sydney's south-west, as well as various other other locations

Police alleged the teen was repeatedly sexually and physically assaulted by a group of men in a horrific ordeal that lasted for 'several hours'. Pictured: Accused Elham Namaan posing with a toy police car

A vehicle he was travelling in was stopped in Sydney's Ryde at about 11.30am on Tuesday, where a subsequent search allegedly locate the drug methylamphetamine.

'The man was taken to Ryde Police Station where he was charged with take/detain in company with intent to get advantage occasion actual bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, steal from the person value less than $2,000, and three counts of supply prohibited drug,' police said.

'He was refused bail to appear in Hornsby Local Court on Wednesday.'

Meanwhile, the 24-year-old from Berkshire Park in Sydney's north-west, who has also been charged, appeared in Sutherland Local Court on Tuesday via video link in her prison greens, playing with her hair and smiling.

Naaman crossed her arms and gave the magistrate the name of her new lawyer, Gazi Abbas - smiling widely when he came on screen.

Naaman faces a string of charges relating to the 14-year-old girl's alleged ordeal in July this year, including kidnapping in company, supplying a prohibited drug, stealing, intimidation and damaging property by fire with intent to injure.

Naaman (pictured left and right) faces a string of charges relating to the 14-year-old girl's alleged ordeal in July this year, including kidnapping in company, supplying a prohibited drug, stealing, intimidation and damaging property by fire with intent to injure

Elham Naaman (pictured) smiled widely when her lawyer came on screen in court via video link

In court on Tuesday, the young woman appeared before the judge over a separate incident in which she allegedly set fire to a studio apartment in Hamilton, in Newcastle's western suburbs, on August 14 - causing $30,000 worth of damage.

Police allege she deliberately lit the fire in an an attempt to destroy evidence of a stabbing - allegedly writing a text to an unknown person which said: 'I lit a hotel room on fire to cover your a**e'.

She moved her long hair behind her ears, flicked it in front of her shoulders, behind her shoulders, and back in front of her ears again before she was told she would enter a plea in Newcastle Local Court on October 28.

Naaman is also accused of stealing goods in custody in Riverwood, south Sydney, in February, though the nature of the goods remain unclear. She will reappear in Sutherland Local Court on October 26.

The magistrate made reference to the alleged kidnapping incident during Tuesday's appearance.

Naaman was arrested in Berkshire Park on October 3 for her involvement in the alleged kidnap of the teenage girl.

Elham Naaman faces a range of charges, including kidnapping, and setting fire to an apartment

Elham Naaman, 24, (pictured) is accused of kidnapping a 14-year-old girl and trying to set her hijab on fire

Police allege she met the 14-year-old at a party, where the pair added each other on social media and planned to party together in a hotel room in Parramatta, the Daily Telegraph reported.

But court documents state the 14-year-old was allegedly held against her will at the hotel, a unit in Greenacre in Sydney's south-west, and other locations where she was allegedly sexually and physically assaulted by a group of men.

Naaman has not been charged with sexual assault.

Police allege Naaman stole the teenager's iPhone and threatened her with a blowtorch held up to her face, setting alight the hijab-like scarf she was wearing.

Elham Naaman looked spritely in her prison greens on Tuesday. She will reappear in court on October 26 and 28

Court documents state the teenager had drugs including ice and GBH forced upon her and police also allege she was injected with heroin.

Naaman was refused bail on October 5 at Bankstown Local Court after a magistrate heard of her 'violent' criminal history, which included motor vehicle theft, common assault and destroying property.

Her then-solicitor Upol Amin said at the time that she would defend the charges.

Naaman was again refused bail by the magistrate in Sutherland Local Court on Tuesday.

Investigations into the kidnapping are continuing and further arrests are expected.

If you or anyone w
An Alaska Senator who was previously banned from flying for refusing to wear a mask has tested positive for Covid-19.

Republican Senator Lora Reinbold, 57, revealed this week that she had tested positive with the deadly virus, and vowed to combat the disease with anti-parasite Ivermectin tablets.

She also said she planned to use her Vicks steamer, which she called a 'God send', as well as 'lots of vitamins' to help her fight the virus.

Ivermectin, an anti-parasite used to treat roundworm infections in animals, has become the drug of choice among anti-vax conspiracy theorists over the summer.

The rise in popularity of using Ivermectin has resulted in health authorities pleading with people to not take the animal version of the de-wormer, which can have serious adverse side affects.

Alaska Senator Lora Reinbold, 57, (pictured) revealed she has tested positive for Covid-19 and plans to use her Vicks steamer and anti-parasite Ivermectin tablets to fight the virus

A second Alaskan Republican Senator David Wilson, also tested positive for the virus, according to Anchorage Daily News, and is quarantining at home with minor symptoms.

Alaska continues to lead the US in recent Covid cases per capita, with 1,239 new cases reported on Wednesday, though the state saw a 36 per cent drop in cases in recent days according to latest statistics from the New York Times.

In April this year, Sen. Reinbold was banned from flying with Alaska Airlines for 'continually' refusing to wear a mask forcing her to complete the 40-hour journey to the state capitol by car and ferry.

And on Tuesday evening, she took to her Facebook page to reveal her diagnosis, saying she was 'completely unimpressed' with the government guidence for battling Covid-19 and would be using her own remedies.

A second Alaskan Republican Senator David Wilson, (pictured) also tested positive for the virus and is quarantining at home with minor symptoms

Reinbold wrote: 'Its my turn to battle Covid head on... game on! Who do you think is going to win?

'When I defeat it, I will tell you my recipe. I am completely unimpressed with instructions, on my positive test, that says to go home & take Tylenol (which is contraindicated) until you cannot breathe - a bad recipe from cdc/dept of health.

'I am taking lots of vitamins ABCD & Quercitin & zinc citrate. Vit E and aspirin to reduce clotting. I am blessed to have gotten Ivirmectin the 'de-covider.' My Vicks steamer has been a God send!

'My naturopath gave me tips too- that I am sure will work! I will update you in a few days. I plan to keep my promise to stay OUT of the hospital - some of them seem like scary places these days.'

Ivermectin is the latest 'miracle' cure among anti-vaxxers with influencers such as comedian Joe Rogan spreading its popularity after he announced on his podcast that he had taken it to treat Covid-19 after he was prescribed to him by a doctor.

Republican Sen. Reinbold took to Facebook to reveal her diagnosis, saying she was 'completely unimpressed' with government guidence for battling Covid-19 and would be using her own remedies

Ivermectin, an anti-parasite used to treat roundworm infections in animals, (pictured) has become the poster-child drug of choice among anti-vax conspiracy theorists

What are the side effects of Ivermectin? In small doses, given in tablet form, humans can use Ivermectin to combat parasites and skin disease such as lice. However, taking large doses of Ivermectin meant for horses, cows and sheep can be 'highly toxic'. It can cause a person to have nausea, body pains, diarrhea and limb swelling. In more serious cases, a person could overdose and suffer severe damage to their central nervous system, and potentially even die. Advertisement

The number of monthly prescriptions for ivermectin increased 72 per cent this year - from 39,864 in 2019 to 68,428 in 2021 - as Americans used the drug to treat Covid.

Analysis by Komodo Health also found the average number of healthcare providers prescribing the drug per month rose 34 percent from 2019 to 2021.

Ivermectin is not authorized or approved by the FDA for prevention or treatment of Covid-19 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Medical Association and the drug manufacturer have warned against using it to treat the virus.

The FDA also warned that there was a 'lot of misinformation' about and urged people to stay away from the drug in a tweet in August, writing, 'You are not a horse. You are not a cow. Seriously, y'all. Stop it.'

Misinformation about ivermectin is based on a misinterpreted study from 2020 that found high concentrations of the drug could stop the virus from replicating.

Many said the findings proved ivermectin was an effective Covid treatment - and could even replace vaccine use.

However, Dr Timothy Geary, one of the world's top parasitology experts, explained to DailyMail.com in an interview in August that the findings of the study could not be translated to humans because the dosages used were too high to be considered safe.

Though used in horses and barn animals, people can use Ivermectin to combat parasites and skin diseases, such as lice and scabies in humans, but not Covid-19.

The FDA has repeatedly warned Americans not to use Ivermectin to combat COVID-19

Alaska continues to lead the US in recent Covid cases per capita, with 1,239 new cases reported on Wednesday, though the state saw a 36 per cent drop in cases in recent days

Large doses of this drug, however, can be 'highly toxic' and cause serious harm to humans if ingested, doctors warned.

Many Americans are facing problems with Ivermectin because they are not using the versions of the drug prescribed by doctors, which come in tablet form.

Instead, they are finding their own over-the-counter solutions in local feed stores and buying medicine meant for horses, cows and sheep.

The dosages of this liquid form are also much larger, meant for an animal that can weigh over 1,000 pounds, not a person that can weight less than one-fifth of that.

Taking doses too large can cause a person to have nausea, body pains, diarrhea limb swelling and other serious side effects and in more serious cases, a person could overdose and suffer severe damage to their central nervous system, and potentially even die.

Calls for Ivermectin poisoning saw a 163% increase to a total of 1,143 throughout the US this year, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers.

At the end of August, there were a total of 459 calls regarding Ivermectin to poison control centers.
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They had once been good friends, but on a cold winter's day in December 1386, French knights Jacques Le Gris and Jean de Carrouges fought bitterly in front of their king.

The two men were engaging in what was the last judicial duel sanctioned by the French monarch, who at that time was King Charles VI.

The captivating real-life saga is the subject of new film The Last Duel, which is released in the UK tomorrow and is based on historian Eric Jager's 2004 book of the same name.

Directed by Ridley Scott, it stars Matt Damon as Carrouges and Adam Driver as his nemesis Le Gris, whilst Killing Eve star Jodie Comer plays Marguerite and Ben Affleck portrays other leading character Pierre D'Alencon, a count and knight.

In real life, the reason for the duel? Carrouges had accused Le Gris of raping his wife, Marguerite, while she was alone at his mother's chateau.

When an ordinary court failed to determine Le Gris's guilt, Carrouges demanded a trial by combat and the king agreed to let it take place.

Horrendously, if Carrouges were to lose the fight, Marguerite  who was forced to watch while flanked by guards  would be burnt alive at the stake for lying about her ordeal.

Ultimately though, it was Carrouges who triumphed, by gruesomely thrusting his sword through Le Gris's throat after the accused man insisted for the final time that he was innocent.

They had once been good friends, but on a cold winter's day in December 1386, French knights Jacques Le Gris and Jean de Carrouges fought bitterly in front of their king. The conflict is the subject of new film The Last Duel, which stars Matt Damon as Carrouges and Adam Driver as Le Gris. They are pictured in character above (Damon right)

The two men were engaging in what was the last judicial duel sanctioned by the French monarch, who at that time was King Charles VI. The reason for their fight? Carrouges had accused Le Gris of raping his wife, Marguerite, while she was alone at his mother's chateau. When he went to the king for justice, the monarch ordered the duel to resolve the dispute after an ordinary court trial failed to reach a conclusion. Above: An illustration of the aftermath of the battle shows Carrouges holding Le Gris's head before the king

Afterwards, whilst Carrouges was hailed as hero, Le Gris's naked body was dragged through the streets in Paris to the Gibbet of Mountfaucon (depicted above)  France's main gallows

Horrendously, if Carrouges were to lose the fight, Marguerite  who was forced to watch while flanked by guards  would be burnt alive at the stake for lying about her ordeal. Above: Marguerite is played by Jodie Comer in the new film

The lives of Jean de Carrouges, his wife Marguerite and his nemesis Jacques Le Gris Jean de Carrouges Sir Jean de Carrouges was a French knight who governed estates in Normandy and served as a vassal to Count Pierre dAlencon. Prior to his duel with Le Gris, he had fought in several campaigns against what was then the Kingdom of England, as well as the Ottoman Empire. In 1384, Carrouges had sailed to Scotland as part of a force of 3,000 men intending to unite the Scottish army and invade England. Whilst the campaign was ultimately a failure  Carrouges distinguished himself in the campaign and his social status rose as a result. After the alleged rape of his wife, Carrouges was rewarded with money and a position in the Royal Household. Sir Jean de Carrouges was a French knight who governed estates in Normandy and served as a vassal to Count Pierre dAlencon. Pictured left: Matt Damon playing him in the Last Duel. Right: The depiction of him in a 15th century painting of his duel He and Marguerite, who had already had one child before the 1386 saga, had two more children and revelled in their new celebrity status. After he was made a chevalier dhonneur (bodyguard of the king) in 1390, Carrouges was sent to Hungary to investigate the strength and of and threat posed by the Ottoman Empire. In 1396, the now 66-year-old Carrouges returned to Hungary as part of a force sent to suppress the Ottomans. Once there, they fought with the troops of Sultan Bayezid at the Battle of Nicopolis. Amidst the melee, Carrouges was killed, although his exact fate is unknown. Marguerite de Carrouges Marguerite, who married Carrouges in 1381, was the only daughter of Robert de Thibouville, who had once committed an act of high treason. However, her beauty and money meant that, despite the cloud left by her fathers actions, she was still a desirable bride. After her alleged treatment at the hands of Le Gris, Marguerite unusually spoke out defiantly, rather than keeping quiet. Marguerite, who married Carrouges in 1381, was the only daughter of Robert de Thibouville, who had once committed an act of high treason Jacques Le Gris Le Gris is most famous for being accused of rape by Marguerite and her husband, and the subsequent duel in which he was killed. He is described by historians as having been a physically imposing man with a reputation as a womaniser. Le Gris became a favourite of Count Pierre dAlencon, leading to his initial rupture with Carrouges. Le Gris is most famous for being accused of rape by Marguerite and her husband, and the subsequent duel in which he was killed. He is described by historians as having been a physically imposing man with a reputation as a womaniser. Pictured: Adam Driver (left) as Le Gris in The Last Duel, and right, his severed head in 14th century painting of the aftermath of his defeat Through dAlencon, he gained the prestigious title of Royal Steward, within the household of King Charles VI. The accusation of rape was made against him by Carrougues and Marguerite after the two men had fallen out on more than one occasion. Le Gris furiously protested his innocence, although Marguerite had fallen pregnant after the alleged ordeal. After his death at the hands of Carrouges, dAlencon remained loyal to him and even blocked the surviving mans bid to purchase more land. Count Pierre D'Alencon Count Pierre D'Alencon was one of the richest, most powerful barons in France, a country at the time run almost as a patchwork of feudal kingdoms. The third son of Charles of Valois, Pierre was a cousin of the king and had impeccable royal ties. In 1363, he was sent to England as one of the hostages held to ensure payment of King Jean's ransom. He remained for more than a year before returning to France following King Jean's death. Count Pierre D'Alencon (played by Ben Affleck in The Last Duel) was one of the richest, most powerful barons in France, a country at the time run almost as a patchwork of feudal kingdoms Systems of inheritance at the time meant that as the third son, Pierre could have inherited little from his father. However a stroke of good fortune meant both of his older brothers decided to enter the church, eventually rising the ranks to become powerful archbishops. Rules preventing clergymen from holding titles and land meant Pierre was the next remaining legitimate heir. He became Count D'Alencon and lord of a great domain. In 1371 he married a viscountess, Marie Chamaillart, in a union that brought him five more fiefs. When his brother Robert died in 1377, Pierre received even more land and, with it, farmers' rent and influence. Among the land he inherited was the fortress at Belleme, where Carrouges father lived until his death, and another at Exmes. Count Pierre was known for the generous gifts he lavished on his favourites, including Le Gris. Like many men in his position, he also had a string of mistresses, and is thought to have sired at least one illegitimated child, in addition to the eight children he had with his wife. Advertisement

Le Gris and Carrouges started off as close friends and both served as chamberlains in the court of the powerful Pierre D'Alencon, a cousin of the king, whose seat was the Palace of Argentan, in northwest France, which remains standing today.

'When Jean's wife Jeanne gave birth to their son, Jean asked Jacques to serve as godfather,' notes Jager.

'This was a great honor in the Middle Ages, especially among the nobility, for whom a godparent was virtually a family member.'

However while Carrouges's family was much older and far more distinguished than Le Gris's, Le Gris's star rose much faster in D'Alencon's court.

This favouritism was demonstrated in D'Alencon's decision to gift Le Gris a large and valuable estate, Aunou-le-Faucon, sparking jealousy in Carrouges.

The estate had belonged to the infamous Robert de Thibouville, a Normandy traitor who had twice betrayed the kings of France.

But D'Alencon bought it from de Thibouville in 1977, gaining a prized portion of land.

In 1381, Carrouges married de Thibouville's daughter, Marguerite, who was famed for her beauty and modesty.

He then embarked on a campaign to gain control of the estate of Aunou-le-Faucon, arguing it should have rightfully been part of the dowry.

However, the knight's lawsuit made him unpopular and made him further estranged from D'Alencon's circle.

There were to be two more quarrels in the space of as many years.

Firstly, when Carrouge's father died, his post as the captaincy of Belleme was not passed down to his son. Instead it was returned to the control of D'Alencon, who gave it to another man.

The following year, Carrouges tried to sue D'Alencon over his repossession of two fiefdom's that Carrouges had procured at great expense. None of his attempts were successful.

Although these two latter quarrels did not directly involve Le Gris, his proximity to the Count meant he sided against Carrouges by association.

Relations between the two men had turned icy and Carrouges became convinced Le Gris was plotting behind his back.

'To the bitter and suspicious Carrouges, his string of losses pointed to one conclusion: his old friend, in whom he had once trusted and confided, had treacherously betrayed him in order to advance himself,' writes Jager. 'Le Gris had risen in the court by stepping on Carrouges.'

A public feud with the Count's favourite made Carrouges an outcast at court. For more than a year he stayed away, all the while Le Gris's standing grew ever more certain.

An apparent turning point came at a festive party in 1384.

Accounts from the time report the two men walked straight up to each other and shook hands, in a gesture of reconciliation that was met with cheers from the crowd.

Carrouges instructed his young wife Marguerite to kiss Le Gris as a sign of friendship.

And yet, when the men crossed paths just over a year later, in January 1386, it would seem any semblance of cordiality had once again evaporated.

Carrouges, then impoverished and gravely ill after joining a recent military campaign in Scotland, left Marguerite at his widowed mother's castle and travelled to Argentan, where he paid his respects to D'Alencon and met Le Gris.

There are no concrete reports of what happened between the men, but it is possible Carrouges said something to Le Gris that reopened an old wound.

Or, Jager speculates, perhaps Le Gris was disappointed Carrouges had returned alive from his latest military venture.

Regardless, that night set the wheels in motion for the brutal crime that was to come.

As a contemporary chronicler, quoted by the author, recalled: 'through a strange, perverse temptation, the devil entered the body of Jacques Le Gris, and this thoughts became fixed upon Sir Jean de Carrouges' wife, who he knew was living almost alone with her servants.'

While Carrouges rode on to Paris, Le Gris sent a squire named Adam Louvel to keep watch of Marguerite for a distance, and keep him updated with any goings-on.

On January 18, Carrouges' mother, Dame Nicole, was called away on a half-day journey. She took with her almost every servant in the household, leaving her daughter-in-law vulnerable and almost entirely alone.

Louvel had notified Le Gris of the journey days in advance, meaning by the time Dame Nicole left, he was already standing by.

On that cold, January day, Marguerite opened the door to her mother-in-law's castle to find Louvel asking for an audience.

After a cover story about wanting an extension on a loan from her husband, he began to shower Marguerite with compliments on behalf of Le Gris. Marguerite turned down his advancements, Jager writes.

Moments later, Le Gris walked in. Once Marguerite turned down his advances, he turned violent.

'The two men together began pulling Marguerite towards the stairs,' Jager writes.

'Desperate, she grabbed hold of the heavy wooden bench, trying to anchor herself there.

'But each man seized her by an arm and pulled her loose.

'As they dragged her thrashing to the stairs, Marguerite managed to shake free of their hold for a moment.' Eventually, they forced her into a room.

'Seizing Marguerite by the arms, Le Gris dragged her over to the bed and roughly threw her onto it.

'Pinning her there facedown, one huge hand gripping the back of her neck, he finished untying his boots, loosened his belt, and pulled down his leggings...

'She began thrashing so violently beneath him that he could no longer restrain her.'

In the trial that followed, Marguerite's maid was among those to give evidence in front of the king, but Le Gris's guilt could not be determined.

Instead, it was decided that the pair should fight to the death.

Trial by combat was an ancient custom in France, especially Normandy. In the earlier Middle Ages people of all social classes could resort to judicial combat.

By 1200 the duel began disappearing from civil proceedings, while in criminal cases it was limited to males of the nobility.

In 1258, King Louis IX eliminated the duel from French civil law, replacing it with a more formal enquiry. But duels remained as a last resort.

In 1296, in a show of decreasing popularity, Philip IV outlawed duels in times of war. In 1303, it was outlawed in peacetime as well.

But in 1306, judicial combat was restored as a form of appeal in certain criminal cases, including rape.

At the time of The Last Duel, the 1306 decree was still in force but judicial duels were extremely rare.

The duel, which took place on December 29, was watched by thousands of spectators.

Beginning on horseback, the pair first rode at each other with lances before Le Gris cut down his opponent's horse.

After Carrouges did the same to Le Gris, the pair traded blows on the ground with their swords.

Le Gris then looked to be just seconds from victory when he thrust his sword through Carrouges's thigh.

But, perhaps having let a feeling of superiority go to his head, Le Gris then stepped backwards and so was unprepared when Carrouges threw himself forwards and wrestled him to the ground.

Using his sword to smash open the faceplate on his helmet, Carrouges demanded that Le Gris confess his crime before death or face the torment of Hell.

Jean de Carrouges was killed in 1396 at the Battle Of Nicopolis (pictured) in Hungary, ten years after he had triumphed over Le Gris in Paris

Carrouges had been sent to Hungary to try to suppress the advances of the Ottoman Empire, but the ageing knight died on the battlefield. Above: A 1475 depiction of the fight

King John II of France in battle at Poitiers, against the English during the Hundred Years' War, 1356. It was during this battle that King John II was captured by the English

Ultimately though, it was Carrouges who triumphed, by gruesomely thrusting his sword through Le Gris's throat, after the accused man insisted for the final time that he was innocent

Carrouges and Marguerite married in 1381, three years before his encounter with Le Gris in Paris. Above: Damon and Comer portraying the pair in The Last Duel

A history of judicial duels: From settling disputes to a divine occurrence Trial by combat was an ancient custom in France, especially Normandy. In the earlier Middle Ages people of all social classes could resort to judicial combat. By 1200 the duel began disappearing from civil proceedings, while in criminal cases it was limited to males of the nobility. In 1258, King Louis IX eliminated the duel from French civil law, replacing it with a more formal enquiry. But duels remained as a last resort. In 1296, in a show of decreasing popularity, Philip IV outlawed duels in times of war. In 1303, it was outlawed in peacetime as well. But in 1306, judicial combat was restored as a form of appeal in certain criminal cases, including rape. At the time of The Last Duel, the 1306 decree was still in force but judicial duels were extremely rare. Advertisement

When Le Gris insisted, 'In the name of God, and on the peril and damnation of my soul, I am innocent of the crime' Carrouges drew his knife and thrust it through Le Gris's throat.

Afterwards, whilst Carrouges was hailed as hero, Le Gris's naked body was dragged through the streets in Paris to the Gibbet of Mountfaucon  France's main gallows.

There, he was strung up alongside the bodies of murderers and thieves.

The case's notoriety ensured that neither France's parliament or the king ever allowed trial by combat again.

As for whether Le Gris was guilty, the case continues to be debated by historians. Jager says in his book that it is impossible to know for certain if Marguerite's claim was true.

Scott's new film tells the story from the differing perspectives of Carrouges, Le Gris and Marguerite.

The screenplay was partly written by lifelong friends Damon and Affleck, along with screenwriter Nicole Holofcener.

In film's trailer, which was released in July, Comer's character is seen being asked to swear on her life that her accusation against Le Gris is true.

She then says: 'My father told me my life would be blessed with good fortune,' before she declares: 'I'm married, I was a good wife.'

As she reflects on how her claims Les Gris raped her are received, she added: 'And then I was judged and shamed by my country.'

Affleck's character, D'Alencon, then makes an appearance, saying: 'The most unspeakable charge has been brought against you.'

In response, Marguerite says: 'Jacques Le Gris entered our home, he attacked me'.

Driver is also seen saying: 'the accusation is false'.

It is then decided the men shall 'fight to the death' and 'let God decide' their fate, before Matt's Jean tells Marguerite: 'I'm risking my life.'

But clearly she won't be cowed, as Marguerite tells him: 'You're risking my life to save your pride.'
A country town is staging a two-day public vote over whether to keep a statue of their most famous son - because of intrepid explorer Sir Henry Morton Stanley's role in Africa.

The bronze statue of Stanley - best known for the famous line: 'Dr Livingstone, I presume?' - has stood for a decade in his Welsh home town.

But the public vote tomorrow and Saturday will be held after a debate was sparked by the Black Lives Matters movement over Stanley's links with European imperialism, exploitation and colonialism.

Sir Henry Morton Stanley, pictured, worked for Belgian King Leopold II who was notorious for the barbarous acts he committed on the population of the Congo Free State - now the Democratic Republic of Congo

The statue, pictured, immortalising the moment where he found a missing Scottish explorer in central Africa with the words 'Dr Livingstone, I presume', having tracked him down to the shores of Lake Tanganyika

The town of Denbigh, North Wales, commissioned an artist to create the bronze of journalist and politician Stanley to mark his exploration of central Africa.

But protests over his role working for the infamous Belgian royal family, led to a public consultation to decide whether it should be moved from public view.

Stanley is a controversial figure because of his links with Belgian King Leopold II.

The monarch committed acts of appalling inhumanity against the population of the Congo Free State - now the Democratic Republic of Congo.

His supporters say Stanley was not working for the Belgian despot when the atrocities took place and he has been unfairly tainted.

Stanley was immortalised for his famous words 'Dr Livingstone, I presume' after finding the Scottish explorer on the shores of Lake Tanganyika where he had been lost in central Africa.

But Stanley was born John Rowlands and started life fatherless in Denbigh in 1841. He was put into the workhouse before emigrating to the United States as a teenager.

He then fought in the American Civil War before becoming a journalist and explorer, finding the source of the Nile, mapping central Africa's Great Lakes and the borders of the present-day Democratic Republic of Congo.

Stanley, who was a journalist, politician and explorer, wrote about the encounter in his book

He was knighted in 1897 before dying at the age of 65.

Chairman of Denbigh town councillor Rhys Thomas said: 'I need to keep neutral on all of this. I think it's been active on Facebook, but there we are. It is something a few people are quite interested in on either side..'

Fellow councillor Glen Swingler added: 'I think the feeling in town is very mixed. I've noticed on social media over the last couple of days that those coming out against it, they've got a bit more vociferous.

'It's not getting nasty. I wouldn't like to guess which way any sort of vote would go, but then again, I don't know how many people are actually going to go out and vote.'

He added: 'I will vote, yes. I've got my own opinions, but I will vote as it is my right.'

The statue has been criticised since it was first announced, when a group of writers and campaigners including the poet Benjamin Zephaniah called for the plan to be abandoned. Last year, a petition to remove it gathered 7,000 signatures.

The Bishop of St Asaph called last summer for its removal, saying that the explorer had 'little respect for the natives of Africa'.

Even his contemporaries accused Stanley of cruelty. Sir Richard Francis Burton, another explorer, once remarked that 'Stanley shoots Africans as if they were monkeys'.

The vote is being taken by Denbigh Town Council on Friday, October 15, between 10 am and 7pm and Saturday, October 16, between 10am and 1pm at the Town Hall.

The vote is open to all Denbigh residents aged 16 and over.

Voters will have to bring two forms of ID with them, one photo ID and one with an address on.

Anyone unable to attend can contact or text 07554 679169 or email hmstanleystatue@mail.com by October 14.
Victoria has become the first Australian state or territory to ban unvaccinated MPs from entering parliament.

A government motion passed the upper house on Thursday evening 31 votes to four, after more than two hours of fierce debate and failed amendments from the Liberal Democrats and independent MP Catherine Cumming.

All members and staff will now have to prove they've received at least one dose of a vaccine by Friday to continue working on site, or have an appointment booked before October 22.

They will also need to have their second dose by November 26.

The motion is in line with a vaccination mandate for all other Victorian authorised workers, which also comes into effect on Friday.

Victorian MPs are now required to be fully-vaccinated to enter state parliament (pictured) by November 26

Poll DO YOU AGREE WITH MANDATORY VACCINES FOR SOME WORKERS? Yes - for health care, aged care and hotel quarantine staff Yes - for all workers No - no one should have to DO YOU AGREE WITH MANDATORY VACCINES FOR SOME WORKERS? Yes - for health care, aged care and hotel quarantine staff 974 votes

Yes - for all workers 1835 votes

No - no one should have to 5656 votes Now share your opinion





Any member who does not comply will be suspended from entering parliament until the second sitting day of the 2022 parliamentary year.

The motion passed the lower house on Thursday morning with the support of all but one MP, Liberal Neil Angus, who argued the requirement to show proof of the jab was 'undemocratic' and 'medical apartheid'.

During his speech Mr Angus cited Dr Simone Gold, who leads a group pushing misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines and was charged for taking part in the January 6 attack on the US Capitol.

The opposition's Louise Staley and Greens' Tim Read raised concerns with the motion, despite their support.

These included a constitutional issue with obstructing members from discharging their responsibilities, and the right to consent to healthcare.

Premier Daniel Andrews said Mr Angus' comparison of the vaccine mandate to apartheid was 'not appropriate and deeply offensive'

Mr Angus is the only MP in the Liberal party room who isn't vaccinated, and Opposition Leader Matthew Guy has conceded he won't be able to convince him to get the jab.

'I can't force a 60-year-old man to go and get a medical procedure. What I believe in is educating people as to why it's so important,' Mr Guy told reporters at parliament.

He said the Liberal-National coalition supported the motion, given other authorised workers have to be vaccinated.

Premier Daniel Andrews said Mr Angus' comparison of the vaccine mandate to apartheid was 'not appropriate and deeply offensive'.

'Mandatory vaccination is about keeping people out of hospital, it's about ending lockdown... it's about freedom,' he said

All Labor MPs have had their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, with the 'handful' who are not yet fully vaccinated booked in to receive their second dose in the coming weeks.

Liberal Democrat MP David Limbrick said he and party colleague Tim Quilty were fully vaccinated but would refuse to hand over proof and participate in parliament remotely to protest the rule.
Anthony Kemp (pictured), 59, told police he wanted the Government to 'f*****g look after me' rather than 'sleep on the f*****g streets' when he admitted beating Irishman Christopher Ainscough, 50, to death with an ashtray in London in 1983

A homeless man has been jailed for life after confessing to the brutal murder of a waiter 38 years ago - all so he could spend the last of his days in a jail cell instead of on the streets.

Anthony Kemp, 59, drunkenly told police he wanted the Government to 'f*****g look after me' rather than 'sleep on the f*****g streets' when he admitted beating Christopher Ainscough, 50, to death with an ashtray.

He later tried to retract his confession but DNA evidence from a cigarette at the crime scene was found to be a billion times more likely to have come from Kemp than an unrelated person.

The savage killing occurred in Mr Ainscough's home in Shoot-up Hill Court, Kilburn, northwest London, between December 2 and 5, 1983.

The much-loved Irishman, described as 'generous' and 'caring' by friends, had invited Kemp - who was aged just 21 at the time - to his flat for drinks.

Mr Ainscough, from Dublin, was gay and regularly invited men to his apartment, but Kemp denied that had anything to do with the killing, citing only an 'argument' as the cause.

After he bashed his victim's head in with the marble ashtray, Kemp wiped down the murder weapon and door handle, erasing any trace of fingerprints.

He left Mr Ainscough lying on the floor in front of his sofa.

Kemp would never have been caught if he had not thrown stones at a police station window and begged officers to listen to his confession last year.

He told them: 'I don't give a f**k what happens to me, cos I ain't got long to live... I'm not going to live on the f*****g streets, that's a fact.

'I'd rather the government f*****g look after me... I'd rather do the last few years of my life in bang-up than sleep on the f*****g streets'.

Kemp said he knew he had killed Mr Ainscough because he had 'croaked that death rattle', the court heard.

He told police that Mr Ainscough's brains were 'up the f*****g wall.'

Police discovered Mr Ainscough's blood-covered body in his sitting room after friends reported that he had failed to appear for work at the stockbrokers' firm Grieveson Grant and Co in central London.

Mr Ainscough regularly had sex with men in his apartment but he always respected their wishes if they refused to be intimate with him, the court heard.

Kemp told police he did not remember what Mr Ainscough had done to anger him, and denied the 'charming' Irishman had made an advance towards him.

Jailing Kemp for life and ordering he serve at least 15-and-a-half years before he can be considered for parole, Judge Mark Dennis said at the Old Bailey Thursday: 'This was a wholly unjustified and brutal killing which led to the death of a harmless and good-natured man who meant you no harm.

Mr Ainscough (pictured), from Dublin, was gay and regularly invited men to his apartment, but Kemp denied that had anything to do with the killing, citing only an 'argument' as the cause

'There can be no doubt that such a dreadful act of violence should have been on your conscience every day since you committed this crime.'

Earlier prosecutor Gareth Patterson said: 'It is notable that several witnesses revealed to the police that they had warned Mr Ainscough about the risks to his personal safety from inviting to his flat men that he had just met.

'With hindsight, those warnings were prophetic, as this defendant says he was invited to the flat having just met the victim in a way similar to that described by several witnesses.'

Kemp initially confessed to the murder to two police officers after drunkenly throwing stones at Chiswick Police Station at 4.20am on July 28 last year.

Mr Patterson told the court: 'He said he wanted to admit to something that he did 40 years ago in Cricklewood.

'He said "I murdered somebody". When asked "what did you do?" he replied 'I f*****g done his f*****g head in'.

'He said it was "over an argument, and things".

'Later he added: "It was just an argument and stuff and things got out of hand. I done his, I bashed his brains in."

'He said the victim was a stranger, he didn't know his name, and that it had happened in a block of flats. He later said he believed the victim had been "a waiter or something".

'He said the victim was found dead in his flat. He said "his brains had been f*****g bashed in, his brains were up the f*****g wall'. He said he used a piece of marble to hit him.

'He later confirmed that the murder had occurred in the early 80s and that he had "never been caught for it, obviously".'

Kemp added: 'For 40 years I got away with it and now I'm owning up to it.'

He later retracted this confession and said the murderer was actually a man named Terrence Casey who killed himself in 1989.

On Casey, Mr Patterson added: 'The police found no evidence that he murdered Chris Ainscough and enquiries suggest he wasn't even present in England in 1983, but was living in Ireland at the time of the murder.

Police discovered Mr Ainscough's blood-covered body in his sitting room after friends reported that he had failed to appear for work at the stockbrokers' firm Grieveson Grant and Co in central London

'When considering who to name as the real killer he deliberately chose a dead man, who of course could not dispute what the defendant was saying about him.

'By his guilty plea the defendant now accepts that what he said about Mr Casey being the killer was of course nonsense.

'He didn't have to cause distress to the family of a dead man by accusing him of murder.

'Not only has he caused 36 years of delay and delayed justice, but allowed himself to be at large and pose a risk to the public.'

Kemp committed a violent burglary at a Maida Vale flat with Casey in 1988, in which they broke into the address and beat a man with bottles.

A close friend of Mr Ainscough said in a statement: 'He was kind, generous, caring, and a family man.

'He was charming and had the extraordinary ability to get on with anyone and everyone.

'He absolutely was part of the family.

'Losing him in the way that we did was something I struggled to come to terms with for many years.

'They took a very special person from us and went on living their life as if he didn't matter at all.

'He had the life that Chris couldn't.

'I don't understand why he did what he did, I'm sure if I had answers, they would never be sufficient to explain what he has done.'

Karim Khalil, for Kemp, said: 'Since he was in the system, and received advice, everyone done thereafter is to accept responsibility for the killing.

'He was approached by someone he didn't know, and invited on false pretences to go to his flat.

'There would have been no violence, but unfortunately, tragedy struck.'

Kemp only spoke to identify himself, appearing at the Old Bailey dressed in a grey sweatshirt.

He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes as the details of the gruesome murder were revealed to the court.

Kemp, of Thames Road, Chiswick, admitted murder.
Lieutenant Michael Byrd, the Capitol cop who shot rioter Ashli Babbitt dead on January 6, was 'nervous, teary-eyed, and appeared very upset' after gunning down the Air Force veteran, a secret report has revealed.

More than 500 pages of internal DC Metropolitan Police documents on the fatal shooting reveal witnesses said Babbitt was not carrying a weapon at the time and describe how Lt Byrd was shaken by the event.

Babbitt was a fervent Trump supporter who was killed when she was at the front of a mob trying to climb through a shattered glass door to the Speaker's Lobby during the riots.

One Capitol Police sergeant whose name is redacted in the report, obtained by Judicial Watch through a FOIA lawsuit, said Byrd was 'visibly upset' afterwards, adding: 'His eyes were red. He was, you could see he was visibly upset and he just, you know, kind of comfort him and told him, you know, we gotta get outta here,' the transcript of the interview states.

Another police interviewee who was positioned directly behind Byrd in the Speaker's Lobby, said: 'Lieutenant Byrd was shaking, he did not say anything. Byrd was nervous, teary-eyed, and appeared very upset. His voice [was] also shaky when he called for medical assistance over the radio. Lieutenant Byrd was still very upset.'

Lieutenant Michael Byrd (pictured during the January 6 riots) was 'nervous, teary-eyed, and appeared very upset' after shooting dead Ashli Babbitt, a report has revealed

Babbitt was a fervent Trump supporter who was killed when she was at the front of a mob trying to climb through a shattered glass door to the Speaker's Lobby

The internal DC Metropolitan Police documents were obtained by Judicial Watch through a FOIA lawsuit

Witnesses said Babbitt was not carrying a weapon at the time and describe how Lt Byrd was shaken by the event

The documents reveal conflicting accounts over whether Byrd verbally warned Babbitt before opening fire.

A sergeant said they saw Babbitt climbing through a broken window but did not see her holding a weapon.

The report says: 'Sergeant [redacted] observed a white, female protester was climbing through an opened area where the glass pane had been knocked out. He heard a gunshot and this female fell backwards through the opening.

'The crowd on the other side of the barricaded east doors, began to step back and some put their hands in the air. Sergeant [redacted] observed Lieutenant Byrd step back just after hearing the gunshot. He did not see anything in the female protester's hands prior to the gunshot.

'Sergeant [redacted] never went on the other side of the barricaded east door. He also did not know that it was Lieutenant Byrd who shot his gun until he talked to him moments after it occurred. Lieutenant Byrd looked upset and stated, "I was the one who took the shot".'

Byrd then directed him and other officers to go 'into the subway' after the shooting.

The sergeant said it was his 'craziest day' in the office, adding: 'I'm not afraid to say I was, I was scared s**t.'

Babbitt is seen on the ground wounded after being shot by Capitol Police during the Capitol riots

Another officer who was interviewed on February 4 said he did not hear any verbal commands before the shooting.

But a separate phone interview with a witness who got in touch with Metro PD said he was in the House of Chambers at the time and did hear 'loud verbal commands' that Byrd would 'shoot'.

The transcript says: 'He was yelling, he was giving commands. Um, he was saying, I will shoot. Uh, he was saying some other stuff. I couldn't clearly make out what he was saying, but he was definitely, uh, giving commands, no question about it.'

'He [Byrd], uh, did everything he could do. He was by himself, we were defending the front door and they were shaking it.'

The discrepancy over the command orders and the claims Babbitt did not have a weapon in her hands have raised questions about the killing.

Protestors inside the room after Ashli Babbitt is shot by Capitol Police inside the US Capitol

A sergeant said they saw Babbitt climbing through a broken window but did not see her holding a weapon

Babbit died after Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol building following his rally on January 6, when he urged them to walk to Congress

Investigators did recover a 'para force' folding knife in her pocket after the killing.

The weapon was then turned over to the DC Department of Forensic Sciences

Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, told Fox News: 'These previously secret records show there was no good reason to shoot and kill Ashli Babbitt.

'The Biden-Garland Justice Department and the Pelosi Congress have much to answer for the over the mishandling and cover-up of this scandalous killing of an American citizen by the U.S. Capitol Police.'

The report comes after Donald Trump wished Babbitt a happy birthday on Monday and demanded Joe Biden's Justice Department reopen the investigation into her death.

Babbitt's parents and husband as well as other supporters took part in a Texas Loves Ashli Babbitt rally on what would have been her 36th birthday in Freeport, Texas.

One officer who was interviewed on February 4 said he did not hear any verbal commands from Byrd before the shooting

The US Capitol Police announced in August that the officer who shot and killed Babbitt has been cleared of any wrongdoing

Trump called her a 'truly incredible person' who lost her life for 'no reason' in a roughly 2-minute video reportedly played at the event.

'It is my great honor to address each of you gathered today to cherish the memory of Ashli Babbitt, a truly incredible person,' Trump began.

'On that horrible day of January 6, Ashli arrived at the United States Capitol innocent. She was shot and tragically killed. Today would have been her birthday - happy birthday, Ashli. We're looking at you and you're looking down at your family and at us.'

He praised her for her years of service in the US Air Force and publicly pressed the DOJ to reopen its resolved probe into her shooting death.

Ashli Babbitt was married to Aaron, who served as a Marine from 2000 to 2005

'There was no reason Ashli should have lost her life that day. We must all demand justice for Ashli and her family. So on this solemn occasion, as we celebrate her life, we renew our call for a fair and non-partisan investigation into the death of Ashli Babbitt,' Trump said.

The DOJ's investigation cleared Byrd of any wrongdoing in April. An internal Capitol Police probe came to the same conclusion in August.

Byrd revealed his identity for the first time in August during an NBC Nightly News interview.

He told host Lester Holt about the numerous death threats he and his family had been receiving but defended his actions as having 'saved countless lives.'

Trump called Byrd a 'murderer' in an early August statement. He said he spoke with Babbitt's mother and widower, and added that she was 'murdered at the hands of someone who should have never pulled the trigger of his gun.'

Babbitt's death has been a rallying point for Trump supporters who think the election was stolen by President Biden.

Since the riots, four Capitol officers who clashed with the rioters have taken their lives.

Kyle DeFreytag, 26, Howard Liebengood, 51, Jeffrey Smith, 35, and Gunther Hashida, 43, have all killed themselves in the months following the storming of the governmental building.

It leads to fears of the long-term psychological effects the riot might have had on them and questions of whether or not any other factors may have been at play.
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The number of Britons falling ill with Covid every day fell for the first time in a month last week, according to one of the country's biggest surveillance studies.

King's College London scientists running a symptom-tracking app estimated 69,993 people were getting infected daily in the week ending October 9, down 1.6 per cent from 71,111 the week before.

Despite the ray of hope, Professor Tim Spector, the epidemiologist who leads the study, warned the NHS may face 'disaster' this winter if the high case numbers trickle into the over-55s despite the downturn.

New cases in schoolchildren in England are at their highest level since comparable figures began in autumn 2020, according to separate data released by the UK Health Security Agency today.

A total of 1,121 positive tests per 100,000 in people aged 10 to 19 were recorded in the seven days leading up to Sunday.

It comes after more up-to-date figures showed cases hit a three-month high yesterday and hospital admissions jumped again  but deaths fell.

The Department of Health's daily update showed there were 42,776 positive tests across the country in the last 24 hours, up by seven per cent on the previous week. The figure was the highest recorded since July 21, when 44,104 infections were posted and marked the eighth day in a row of rising cases.

King's College London scientists estimated 69,993 people were getting infected daily in the week ending October 9, down 1.6 per cent from 71,111 the week before

 Slide me  Coronavirus cases grew in 127 out of 149 authorities, with the biggest increases seen in West Berkshire (92 per cent), Darlington (57 per cent) and Torbay (50 per cent)

The ZOE Covid Study estimated the number of daily new cases is now falling in under-18s but remains high across all age groups. Cases are now rising steadily in 35- to 55-year-olds and remain low in those aged between 18 and 35 and over-55s

In terms of prevalence, cases are highest in Wales, Midlands, North West and North East. They have been falling consistently in Scotland since the start of October

UKHSA's surveillance report showed the highest case rates were in people aged 10 to 19 (1,121 per 100,000), five to nine (574 per 100,000) and 40 to 49 (465 per 100,000)

Britain's daily Covid cases hit a three-month high: Infections rise 7% in a week to 42,776 Covid cases hit a three-month high yesterday and hospital admissions jumped again  but deaths fell. The Department of Health's daily update showed there were 42,776 positive tests across the country in the last 24 hours, up by seven per cent on the previous week. The figure is the highest recorded since July 21, when 44,104 infections were posted and marks the eighth day in a row of rising cases. Meanwhile, hospital admissions rose by 10.4 per cent week-on-week to 754, while deaths dropped by five per cent to 136. Both measures lag behind case numbers by a few weeks, due to the time it takes for someone to become seriously unwell after catching the virus. It comes amid growing fears the fourth wave is just around the corner, with infections now ticking up every age group. Advertisement

The ZOE Covid Study figures are based on data from nearly 750,000 weekly contributors.

It estimated the number of daily new cases is now falling in under-18s but remains high across all age groups. There were around 32,000 new cases per day in under-18s last week.

Cases are now rising steadily in 35- to 55-year-olds and remain low in those aged between 18 and 35 and over-55s.

Covid prevalence is highest highest in Wales, Midlands, North West and North East. They have been falling consistently in Scotland since the start of October.

Around 1,900 people per 100,000 were thought to be infected in Wales as of Monday, compared to fewer than 1,100 in Wales.

Professor Spector said: 'The UK seems to be slowly waking up to the fact that Covid cases are too high, but the reality is they've been soaring for months and many countries have put us on their red list.

'Infections remain high in young people, and look to be spilling over into the 35- to 55-year-olds. If these increases creep into the over-55s it could spell disaster for the NHS this winter.

'This week a major UK Care Home provider has confirmed that based on our research, it's now including cold-like symptoms on their visitor forms to stop potential Covid cases from entering their facilities.

'This is a bold move as it goes against the official government guidance, but will ultimately save lives, and hopefully others will follow suit.'

He added: 'With cases so high, it's clear herd immunity isn't happening, and the risk is most people continue to believe they are safe if they have had Covid or a vaccine.

'ZOE data shows that vaccine protection wanes over time and a natural infection alone only gives 64 per cent protection, so we need to be doing all we can to get everyone double vaccinated and stop waiting for herd immunity to happen through natural infection.'

Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency's latest surveillance report today showed the number of Covid cases grew by 13 per cent last week.

The data is based on official testing whereas the King's College London/ZOE study is derived from symptoms and is more up-to-date.

Coronavirus cases grew in 127 out of 149 authorities, with the biggest increases seen in West Berkshire (92 per cent), Darlington (57 per cent) and Torbay (50 per cent).

Two areas saw infections fall by more than 20 per cent: Herefordshire (23 per cent) and North Lincolnshire (22 per cent).

Case rates grew in all age groups, with the biggest jumps seen in people aged 70 to 79 (33 per cent), 60 to 69 (32 per cent) and the over 80s (23 per cent).

The highest case rates were in people aged 10 to 19 (1,121 per 100,000), five to nine (574 per 100,000) and 40 to 49 (465 per 100,000).

Dr William Welfare, incident director at the HSA, said: 'Case rates of Covid remain high across the country and have been slowly rising.

'As winter approaches, help protect yourself against Covid and flu by washing your hands regularly and wearing a mask in crowded places. When meeting people inside, open windows and doors to ventilate the room.

'If you are offered a vaccine for either Covid or flu, please take it. If you have any Covid-19 symptoms, get a PCR test.'

The figures also show the rate of Covid hospital admissions in England stood at 6.0 per 100,000 people in the week to October 10, up from 5.7.

Admission rates were highest in north-east England, at 10.0 per 100,000 people. The highest admission rates continue to be for those aged 85 and over.
One in six people are working from home because they cannot buy enough fuel for their daily commute, new research suggests.

As the panic-buying of fuel swept across the country, many workers were faced with huge queues at petrol stations, closed forecourts or left with an empty tank, a report has found.

A survey of almost 450 adults by human resources firm Randstad found one in six said they cannot get to work unless they can use public transport, cycle or walk.

Around one in 20 also said they had gone to their office to avoid racking up a hefty gas bill at home amid rising heating costs.

It comes after recent figures found petrol storage tanks in the South East were just 30% full at the weekend.

Graham Trevor of Randstad said: 'While we have worked hard to ensure our employees are given enough freedom to flex their working schedule between office and home settings, there will always be uncontrollable factors such as severe weather conditions, or in this case, an unforeseen fuel shortage which could prevent them from getting to the office.

'We need to ensure that as employers we are promoting and encouraging a flexible working environment where suitable, and employees have the comfort in knowing that they have the freedom and the right tools to work from home effectively should they need to.'

As the panic-buying of fuel swept across the country, many workers were faced with huge queues at petrol stations, closed forecourts or left with an empty tank, a report found

Drivers who were fortunate enough to find petrol and diesel in recent weeks often had to endure long queues and increased prices when filling up.

While bosses acknowledged the situation has improved in recent days, shortages still remain in many areas.

Figures from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy showed filling station storage tanks in the capital were just 27% full at the end of the day on Sunday, compared with 37% across the whole of Britain.

The situation was only slightly better in the South East were 33% full.

Average stock levels in Britain sank to 15% on September 25, two days after panic buying began.

In early 2020 - before demand was affected by coronavirus restrictions - stock levels averaged around 43%.

While bosses acknowledged the fuel situation has improved in recent days, shortages still remain in many areas, particularly London and the South East

The figures also show that sales of fuel have slowed from an average of 35,900 litres per filling station on September 24 to 11,600 litres on Sunday.

Luke Bosdet, the AA's fuel price spokesman, said the statistics indicate that the crisis lasted for 17 days, and it was not until Sunday when 'normality' returned.

He added: 'The persistence of that road fuel frenzy has been a surprise and it will be necessary to re-plan future responses to such events, taking into account the immediate impact of messaging and social media when a forecourt gets resupplied and whether spend limits are adequate when the cost of fuel is so high.

'It was clear that, as soon as a fuel station had a delivery, the world and his wife descended on it to top up.

'Also, at around 136p a litre, a 30-limit on fuel sales bought only 22 litres of petrol in a typical 55-litre tank.'

Petrol shortages remained serious in London and the South East - with 10 per cent of forecourts remaining empty over the weekend

The Government says it has taken a number of steps to relieve pressure on petrol stations, such as deploying military tanker drivers and exempting the fuel industry from competition laws.

New figures from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy show the average price of petrol at UK forecourts was 137.17p per litre on Monday, up 2p per litre from before the crisis began.

Revelations that one in 20 returned to the office to avoid racking up heating costs comes days after it was reported that pensioners may be 'put off' heating their homes because of soaring energy prices.

Age UK said there is a risk that older people may 'decide not even to try to keep their homes adequately warm', putting their health at risk due to fears about rising costs.

Drivers who have been fortunate enough to find petrol and diesel in recent weeks have often had to endure long queues and increased prices when filling up

Separately, ministers have been urged to extend the Winter Fuel payments to 5.5million households at risk of poverty this year.

The payment ranges from 100 to 300 and is a one-off payment made each year to the homes of someone of pension credit age, regardless of their financial circumstances.

But campaigners say the soaring energy prices should mean that the payment is extended to an additional 2.4million low-income households who may be forced to choose between eating hot food and heating their homes this winter.

Campaigners say that half a million homes were pushed into fuel poverty earlier this year after Ofgem lifted raised the energy price cap, from 1,138 to 1,277, affecting more than 15 million

In recent weeks, the Government has been encouraging workers to return to the office more than two months after home working restrictions were lifted.

Over the weekend, former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith called for Whitehall officials to 'lead by example' and return to their offices.

Writing in the Mail on Sunday, Sir Iain said: 'Working from home is rapidly emerging as a new 'right', one vigorously championed by many in the comfortable classes...

'When I think of all the brave civil servants who went to work in the 1940s, determined to do their bit regardless of the threat from falling bombs, I wonder what has happened to us as a nation.'

His intervention came as:
Three Havana Syndrome sufferers have come forward to share the agonizing symptoms of the disease, with two of them claiming it left them brain damaged and destroyed their promising diplomatic careers.

Tina Onefur, Kate Husband, and Husband's partner Doug Ferguson were all working for the US State Department, stationed in Cuba's capital, when they found themselves afflicted with the mysterious malady.

The syndrome first surfaced at the embassy in Havana in 2016 - months before Onefur, Husband, and Ferguson were diagnosed - and has since afflicted more than 200 Americans around the world, mostly diplomats and spies.

The three described their debilitating symptoms - which include hearing loss, severe headaches, memory issues, dizziness, grogginess and even brain damage - in detail during an interview with NBC News this week.

Onefur, sobbing as she spoke and recalling the fact she can now only work two hours a day from home due to doctor-diagnosed brain damage, said she was washing dishes one night in March 2017 at her home in Havana when she suddenly found herself overcome with pain.

Onefur, sobbing as she spoke and recalling the fact she can now only work two hours a day from home due to doctor-diagnosed brain damage, said she was washing dishes one night in March 2017 at her home in Havana when she suddenly found herself overcome with pain

The three victims interviewed, diplomats Tina Onefur, Kate Husband, and Doug Ferguson were all working for the US State Department at the US embassy in Havana when they found themselves afflicted with the mysterious malady

The kids were upstairs playing, and I was standing at the kitchen window, and all of a sudden I felt like I was being struck with something.

When asked what the sensation felt like, Onefur said the pain was like nothing she had ever felt before in her life, and explained, It was gripping - it was like Id been seized by some invisible hand, and I couldn't move.

When asked by interviewer Andrea Mitchell how her health is today, Onefur, choking back tears revealed that her symptoms were still as strong and prevalent as ever, even after more than four years.

'It's not easy to talk about our health because it's an invisible injury,' Onefur said,

'It's four-and-a-half years of of excruciating headaches, it's four-and-a-half years of stumbling losing my balance, four-and-a-half years of vision degradation,' Onefur asserts of the illness, while breaking down in tears

After being diagnosed with brain damage, Onefur revealed that she can only work two hours a day - putting her promising career for the State Department in jeopardy

'People don't understand what this kind of brain damage can do to you.'

I work two hours a day if I'm lucky, remotely, here in our house.

In a nearby neighborhood in Havana in the winter months of 2016, Kate Husband and Doug Ferguson were working in the US embassy by day, with their nights spent together at their shared home.

But these nights for the couple - who both hail from Michigan - would often be strangely interrupted, by a high-pitched, piercing noise seemingly coming from their backyard.

It was persistent, kind of at the same level all the time, Husband said of the shrill sound, which they never managed to identify, adding it was very, very loud and nothing you can sit with.

Ferguson, however, managed to capture the mysterious noise on his phone and played it back for Mitchell during the interview.

The sound on the recording - a high-frequency ringing that somewhat resembles a dog whistle - is strikingly similar to a sound previously released by AP in a 2017 covering the then just-surfaced syndrome.

When asked if any other people in her neighborhood had heard the same sounds and was afflicted with similar symptoms, Husband said they had.

Doug Ferguson and partner Kate Husband, who were both afflicted with the syndrome, said they heard a piercing sound coming from the backyard of their Havana home in the months leading up to their diagnosis, and even manage to record it on Ferguson's phone. The noise is eerily similar to one recorded by AP after the first Havana Syndrome cases started to surface

On our right, there was another embassy family, and then the people on our left and across the street from us were both Canadian embassy employees, and all four households were diagnosed.

After feeling a slew of symptoms in the coming months, the couple was later examined by neurologists at the University of Pennsylvania.

In early 2017, Ferguson was cleared to go back to work, but Husband was diagnosed with brain damage by doctors, and was subsequently sent to receive treatment.

Husband told Mitchell that during the diagnosis, a doctor told her, after analyzing scans of her brain, 'it's like you aged 20, 25 years all at once.'

She later retired from her work for the State Department on the grounds of a medical disability.

Husband further revealed during the interview that she still suffers from balance issues associated with the brain damage she suffered after the 2017 diagnosis - a sensation that would trigger violent bouts of nausea, and a fogginess that makes even the most basic tasks difficult.

'The cognitive issues are multilayered,' she says. 'Some of it is executive functioning. They said I had a real deficit.'

She then explained that she even has difficulty keeping track of what day it is after her disability diagnosis, and revealed that she needs to carry around a notebook containing a calendar to stay on top of simple tasks around her home.

'Now, I live with a notebook - a calendar that's open in the center of my space at all times.'

Meanwhile, Ferguson's symptoms were less severe - he has since recovered, and now works for the US embassy in Paris. The couple live in the French capital together.

These are just normal folks from Michigan who are out there serving their country - and this thing happened, Ferguson said of the pair's struggle with the syndrome, visibly troubled by his partner's still-evolving situation.

The leading theory behind the cause of the suddenly surfaced syndrome starts with a device that scientists say Russia could have invented during the Cold War, which was later used to spy on US embassies by collecting data from laptops and cell phones.

However, experts now theorize that a hostile country - like Russia or China - may have turned this microwave technology into a weapon.

Both countries deny any involvement in any of the incidents relating to the mysterious syndrome.

Alleged Havana Syndrome attacks on American spies and diplomats continue to grow across the world

Following the original cluster of cases in Cuba, US diplomats and spies around the world have been struck by the strange affliction, which is characterized by the sudden onset of headaches, nausea, and vertigo, sometimes followed by lingering symptoms and documented brain injury.

The White House has only just recently taken measures to help Havana Syndrome sufferers, after previous president chalked up the emerging cases as mass psychosis.

This past week, President Biden took a different approach to dealing with the effects of the mysterious illness, and signed a new law into effect - the Havana Act - that will allow diplomats and other federal officials suffering from traumatic neurological or brain injuries to be compensated by the government.

According to the Biden Administration, this new program will foot the bill for medical costs dealing with conditions that the intelligence community has yet to figure out, and launched by assailants it may not yet be able to identify.

Sufferers will also be offered blood tests to try and establish a baseline, and see if there is any pattern in how the condition affects sufferers.

The emergence of the new program comes as hard evidence for the strange syndrome has been incredibly hard to come by - causing many to be skeptical.

One medical sociology expert, Dr Robert Bartholomew, is so convinced the illness is a case of mass delusion, he co-authored a book titled Havana Syndrome: Mass Psychogenic Illness and the Real Story Behind the Embassy Mystery and Hysteria.

What is 'Havana Syndrome'? The problem has been labelled the 'Havana Syndrome,' because the first cases affected personnel in 2016 at the US embassy in Cuba. At least 130 cases across the government are now under investigation, up from several dozen last year, according to a US defence official who was not authorised to discuss details publicly. The National Security Council is leading the investigation. People who are believed to have been affected have reported headaches, dizziness and symptoms consistent with concussions, with some requiring months of medical treatment. Some have reported hearing a loud noise before the sudden onset of symptoms. Investigators believe there are at least four cases involving Trump White House officials. Advocates for those affected accuse the US government of failing to take the problem seriously or provide the necessary medical care and benefits. US senators said the government is investigating an apparent increase in the mysterious directed-energy attacks. Symptoms include; -hearing loss -severe headaches -dizziness -brain injury Advertisement

'There is more evidence for Bigfoot than there is for Havana Syndrome,' the US expatriate who is based at the University of Auckland, told Daily Mail Australia.

'The evidence overwhelmingly points to mass hysteria, or as it is commonly referred to by scientists - mass psychogenic illness. Havana Syndrome is a result of incompetent government officials and bad science. I would go so far as to rename it Havana Syndrome Delusion - the absurd belief, in the wake of persistent evidence to the contrary, that diplomats are being targeted with an energy weapon.'

Husband and the others, however, are now hoping to silence these skeptics, speaking out in hopes of spreading awareness on the still-unexplained syndrome, and condemning those who believe the illness is merely an example of mass hysteria.

I have verified physical injuries, Husband asserts.

I spent about nine months trying to do my old job - little pieces of it a few hours a day Husband then recalls in the interview, visibly emotional.

I felt sick all the time she then adds, holding back tears.

Ferguson further defended his partner's claims: I want the viewers to understand that this is real.'

'This happened,' the diplomat asserts. 'This is happening.

While Husband's diplomatic service has been cut short by the illness, Onefur is still employed by the state department, but she alludes that her days there may be numbered and says she is struggling to work at her drastically reduced schedule.

She angrily refuted claims that the syndrome is a hoax.

'As much skepticism as still seems to surround this, it's very real,' Onefur says in the emotional interview.

'It's very easy for people to be dismissive and say but you look fine, Onefur says, but the reality is, Im not.

And I don't think very many of us are - we just want to have our lives back.
Tajinder Sabherwal, 40, from Bedford was jailed for 18 months after he was convicted of seven counts of outraging public decency and one count of assault against an emergency service worker between 2016 and 2021

A man who exposed himself to women - including off duty police officers - over a five year period and changed his outfits to avoid detection has been jailed for 18 months.

British Transport Police arrested Tajinder Sabherwal, 40, from Bedford on April 3, 2021, after he was spotted exposing his genitals and touching himself inappropriately while sitting across from a woman on a train travelling from London Bridge to Cambridge.

After the woman challenged Sabherwal, an off-duty police officer removed the suspect from the train and arrested him at St Pancras station.

Officers searching Sabherwal found several items of clothing and a number of hats which matched previous CCTV stills from earlier incidents.

British Transport Police were able to link Saberhwal to an incident when an off-duty police officer boarded a train from Redhill to London Bridge on January 30, 2021.

Saberhwal, spotting the woman, moved across the aisle from her and began touching inside his shorts.

Inner London Crown Court heard that the officer challenged Saberhewal, who pushed past her violently when the train arrived at Coulsdon South and ran out of the station.

He was found guilty of seven counts of outraging public decency and one count of assault against an emergency service worker. The offences dated between 2016 and 2021 on trains around London and Surrey.

As well as the 18-month jail sentence, Sabherwal was handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Officers examining CCTV footage of the journeys discovered that Saberhwal routinely changed outfits after offending to avoid detection. When he was eventually arrested, he was found carrying several of his disguises which were linked to previous offences.

Detective Constable Olivia Hill of British Transport Police said: 'Sabherwals odious actions were evidently pre-meditated and for his own sexual gratification.

Sabherwal, pictured, was wearing this outfit when he exposed himself to one victim while on a train from Redhill to London Bridge

'These incidents will have had a serious impact on the victims lives, and we believe no one should be subject to such vile behaviour on the railway.

'Im pleased to see hell have plenty of time to reflect on this in prison.

'I would urge anyone who witnesses or experiences sexual harassment on the railway to report it to us  no report is too small or insignificant and we will always take you seriously.

'Text us on 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40. In an emergency, always dial 999.'
Sajid Javid slammed London mayor Sadiq Khan today over his decision to cancel the capital's annual new year firework display over Covid fears.

The Tory Health Secretary said there was 'no reason' the annual New Year's Eve pyrotechnic display above the Thames could not return this year, having also been axed in 2020.

Labour mayor Mr Khan revealed this week that the 2021 display, which would have drawn hundreds of thousands of people to the riverside, had been called off, blaming Covid 'uncertainty'.

But asked about the decision today on LBC, Mr Javid said: 'Obviously that's a decision for the Mayor, but from my point of view, I can't understand why that can't happen.

'I mean, I think there's a perfectly safe way that that can take place, so I really don't understand that decision, but as I say, that's not a decision for the government. It's the Mayor's firework display, so I hope he can reconsider it.'

The Tory Health Secretary said there was 'no reason' the annual New Year's Eve pyrotechnic display above the Thames could not return this year, having also been axed in 2020.

Labour mayor Mr Khan revealed this week that the 2021 display, which would have drawn hundreds of thousands of people to the riverside, had been called off, blaming Covid 'uncertainty'.

But asked about the decision today on LBC, Mr Javid said: 'Obviously that's a decision for the Mayor, but from my point of view, I can't understand why that can't happen.'

The annual event is usually attended by up to 100,000 people and broadcast across the world.

City Hall said it has been cancelled this year due to 'uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic'.

However, a spokesman for London Mayor Sadiq Khan promised that the capital's new year celebrations will still be 'spectacular'.

'This year, as always, London will be welcoming the new year in a spectacular way,' he said.

'Due to the uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, our world-famous New Year's Eve display will not be held on the banks of the Thames this year.'

Last year the display was moved to a different area of London, and involved the innovative use of drones.

However, the BBC received 500 complaints after the drones formed into a clenched fist - a symbol used by the Black Lives Matter movement.

This year, City Hall is staying tight-lipped on how London will be ringing in 2022.

'Last year's successful show took place in a slightly different way due to the pandemic, and this year a number of exciting new options are being considered as part of our New Year's Eve celebrations in London', the spokesman said.

'Further details of this year's celebration will be announced in due course.'

He would neither confirm nor deny whether the event will involve fireworks in some way.
One of Britain's best known Anglican bishops has converted to Catholicism after accusing the Church of England of 'jumping onto faddish bandwagons'.

Michael Nazir-Ali, who was the Bishop of Rochester from 1994 until 2009, claimed his move was 'about belonging to a church where there is clear teaching for the faithful'.

The married father-of-two could now be ordained as a Catholic priest as early as next month having said he considered the switch across denominations 'for some years'.

Dr Nazir-Ali had accused the CofE of 'jumping onto every faddish bandwagon about identity politics, cultural correctness and mea culpas about Britain's imperial past'.

The 72-year-old has now been joined the Catholic Ordinariate, set up in 2011 by Pope Benedict XVI to allow Anglicans to enter into the full communion of the Catholic Church.

Mr Nazir-Ali's switch to Catholicism comes just weeks after the Bishop of Ebbsfleet Jonathan Goodall did the same. A source close to him reportedly said that Bishop Goodall was also unhappy with the direction of the church.

In 2010, five bishops left because of their dissatisfaction about the introduction of female bishops.

Dr Nazir-Ali's conversion to Catholicism is seen as the most significant since Graham Leonard, the former Bishop of London, who was received into the Church in 1994 after rejecting the ordination of women priests.

Other high-profile conversions have included the Duchess of Kent; former Prime Minister Tony Blair and ex-Conservative cabinet minister Anne Widdecombe.

Married father-of-two Michael Nazir-Ali was the Bishop of Rochester from 1994 until 2009

Dr Nazir-Ali, 72, has been married to Valerie since 1972 and they have two adult sons

Dr Nazir-Ali was received by Monsignor Keith Newton and will be ordained to the Catholic priesthood for the Ordinariate in due course, with the permission of the Holy See.

Today, he said: 'I believe that the Anglican desire to adhere to apostolic, patristic and conciliar teaching can now best be maintained in the Ordinariate.

What is the Ordinariate and why was it set up? Pope Benedict XVI Pope Benedict XVI established the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham in 2011 to allow Anglicans to enter into the full communion of the Catholic Church. Converts joining the ordinariate are allowed to keep some Anglican liturgy and traditions, and it has the full support of Pope Francis. Many of the converts in its early years were said to have increasingly have felt isolated since the Church of England decided in 1992 to ordain women as priests. They were becoming disenchanted with the Church of England's liberal teachings. In 2012, Benedict XVI gave 150,000 to the Ordinariate which was put into a fund to buy places of worship and provide stipends for priests. The Ordinariate takes its name from an 11th century vision by a woman in Walsingham, Norfolk, who claimed the Virgin Mary led her in spirit to Nazareth to see the place where an angel told her she would bear a son. Benedict XVI caught Catholic and Anglican leaders in England by surprise in October 2009 when he gave them notice of his announcement that he was creating the Ordinariate. Advertisement

'Provisions there to safeguard legitimate Anglican patrimony are very encouraging and, I believe, that such patrimony in its Liturgy, approaches to biblical study, pastoral commitment to the community, methods of moral theology and much else besides has a great deal to offer the wider Church.

'I am looking forward to receiving from the riches of other parts of the Church, while perhaps making a modest contribution to the maintenance and enhancement of Anglican patrimony within the wider fellowship.

'Ministry in the Church of Pakistan, in the Middle East generally, in the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion remains precious to me and I see this as a further step in the ministry of our common Lord and of his people. At this time, I ask for prayers as I continue to pray for all parts of the Church.'

Since resigning as a bishop in 2009, Dr Nazir Ali has been the director of the Oxford Centre for Training, Research, Advocacy and Dialogue (OXTRAD), which helps preachers in parts of the world and in situations where the Church is in danger of persecution.

Dr Nazir-Ali had previously spoken out about the CofE's reaction to cancel culture and woke issues, and criticised its failure to care for parishes.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph in February, he said: 'The institution, however, seems engrossed either in lengthy, costly and far fetched 'safeguarding' allegations against prominent church figures, or in jumping onto every faddish bandwagon about identity politics, cultural correctness and mea culpas about Britain's imperial past.'

In 2008, he claimed that radical Islam was filling the moral vacuum left by the decline in Christian virtues and dated the downfall of Christianity from the 'social and sexual revolution' of the 1960s, saying this had wrecked British society.

He said the 'newfangled and insecurely founded' doctrine of multiculturalism had left immigrant communities 'segregated, living parallel lives'.

Dr Nazir-Ali was a respected academic within the CofE, and holds academic awards including from the Universities of Karachi, Oxford and Cambridge.

Dr Nazir-Ali with the Queen at Wolferton Church on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk in 1998

Dr Nazir-Ali was a respected academic and researcher within the Church of England

He cannot be ordained a Catholic bishop because he is married, but he has plentiful knowledge of the denomination having been educated by Catholics as a child in Karachi.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said today: 'I am grateful for Michael Nazir-Ali's decades of devoted service to the Church of England and the Anglican Communion.

'His expertise in evangelism, interfaith dialogue, ecumenism, and theological education has been a great gift. He will continue to be a blessing to the global church as he joins the ordinariate.

'I will be praying for him and his wife, Valerie, that this new step in their journey might draw them ever closer to God in Christ.'

Dr Nazir-Ali's conversion to Catholicism is seen as the most significant since Graham Leonard (pictured), the former Bishop of London, who was received into the Church in 1994 after rejecting the ordination of women priests

Monsignor Newton said today: 'Since its erection in 2011, Michael has always shown great interest in the development of the Ordinariate in the United Kingdom.

'Those of us who serve the Catholic Church within the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham are delighted at his reception into full communion and forthcoming ordination.

'He brings a great experience of the Anglican Communion and is in a unique place to articulate that Anglican patrimony, described by Pope Benedict XVI as a treasure to be shared, which now has an honoured place in the Universal Church.'

The CoE is made up of 42 independent dioceses and more than 12,500 parishes. The Catholic Church of England and Wales has five provinces, divided into 22 dioceses.
A nurse has unsuccessfully tried to sue the NHS after claiming she was being secretly hypnotised at work - to force her to uncontrollably break wind.

Xandra Samson insisted she was suffering from unwelcome gastrointestinal disturbances at work including flatulence.

A tribunal heard she also claimed she was being possessed, her private parts were being attacked, and she was gaslighted through the use of low frequency soundwaves.

Miss Samson blamed the perceived paranormal experiences on poor heating and ventilation at the hospital unit she worked at.

The staff nurse at Ealing Hospital, London, self-diagnosed herself as being the target of ideomotor phenomenon - a little-known hypnotic concept which is said to make people make movements unconsciously.

The Acute Medical Unit nurse described it as extremely bothersome when she sent an email at work in April 2019. Its claims led bosses to become concerned about her mental health and they referred her to an occupational health team.

Miss Samson said: I would like to report an observed pattern of likely inappropriate use of hypnosis/ideomotor phenomenon in my NHS workplace.

Xandra Samson was a staff nurse at Ealing Hospital, London and self-diagnosed herself

In the last three months that I have worked in the department, I have experienced odd symptoms which I think is likely related to the above phenomenon.

I am a healthy individual and does not have any past medical history but recently I have had various symptoms including headaches, breathing difficulty (a feeling of getting choked), and gastrointestinal disturbance (borborygmus, spasms, flatulence).

This also includes having slurs similar to that of being possessed (as in a paranormal phenomenon). I have also noticed this in some of my patients and colleagues at work.

It becomes extremely bothersome and a distraction at work. It also involves a feeling of being attacked in various parts of the body including that of ones private part, which I feel is very inappropriate.

I understand that control is achieved in this phenomenon with an altered state of consciousness and the poorly controlled thermoregulation (heating) and inadequate ventilation (the ward is located in the basement of the hospital) in the area is set up for this purpose.

I have also noticed that I am being subjected to significant stress/anxiety, which I think makes the subject control easier in this process.

The unusual case was hear at Watford Employment Tribunal Centre earlier this month

This is in the form of excessive scrutiny - I am presented with excessive complaints from colleagues which are mostly trivial and made a subject of a performance management programme, which is not necessary.

The frequent mention of the names of my acquaintances by my colleagues is also another way of causing anxiety (apart from this being an example of stalking behaviour) or possibly a suggestion.

They are also using gaslighting through the use of low frequency soundwaves. Recently, I have seen a van in the parking lot near the area where I work that carries what appears to be audio equipment.

Miss Samson also claimed she suffered similar hypnotic experiences at her home and wrote to The National Hypnotherapy Society in a bid to back up her claims.

After she told bosses about her bizarre experiences - which included hearing comments from the TV and radio - she was referred to occupational health.

Bosses at London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust were concerned about her mental health and repeatedly sought professional help.

Three different doctors saw her, with two deeming she was unfit to work, and the Trust repeatedly tried to get her to see a psychiatrist.

However, Miss Samson insisted she was not mentally ill and refused to see the psychiatrist, claiming she thought she was being experimented upon.

She suggested she was electro-magnetic radiation sensitive and dismissed one diagnosis of psychosis as incorrect.

Miss Samson was suspended then sacked in December 2019 for refusing to cooperate with psychiatric help, with the Trust saying there was no other option than dismissal.

She tried to sue the Trust for unfair dismissal and disability discrimination but lost her case at Watford Employment Tribunal Centre.

Employmemt Judge Oliver Hyams admitted the tribunal had no idea what ideomotor phenomenon was as he ruled the Trust did not discriminate Miss Samson or unfairly dismiss her.

Judge Hyams said her bosses did what they did purely because of what they perceived to be impairments to her mental health exhibited by her various statements.
A message in a bottle thrown out to sea by six-year-old Alex Melling and his mother has come back home - 24 years later.

Mr Melling, 30, who lives in Hindley, Wigan said he was scrolling on Facebook Group Hindley Residents when a mention of his old childhood address caught his eye.

He scrolled back up and then saw his name mentioned in a post that he 'Just could not quite believe.'

Alex Melling, pictured with his brother Freddie and parents Graham and Valerie, noticed a post of Facebook which had his childhood address attached to it. The post referred to a message in a bottle thrown into the sea by Mrs Melling

The bottle, pictured here, was recovered from a remote beach on the West Coast of Scotland by Rex Winter's family, who vowed to track down 'Alex'

Alex Melling, pictured here with his girlfriend Victoria, said recovering the message was highly emotional as it had been written by his mother Valerie, who died of cancer when he was a teenager

His mother, Valerie, who died of cancer when Mr Melling was just aged 17, wrote the note mentioning her son and then tossed it into the sea.

The message, which was thrown into the water around 1997 when Mr Melling was aged around six, has now been discovered on a remote Scottish beach by Rex Winter and his family.

Mr Winter posted details of the find on Facebook and was able to get in contact with Mr Melling.

As well as sending Mr Melling the message in the bottle - with the highly sentimental note - Mr Winter also posted a bottle of Jack Daniels.

Mr Melling said his grandmother, Lilian Wetherby, 86, confirmed the message was his mother's handwriting.

He said his grandmother got 'very emotional' reading the message and seeing her late daughter's handwriting.

He said: 'I have a vague memory of it happening.

'Although I don't know where we were at the time. Reading my mum's note was really nice as it was her handwriting and her words.

'My brother Daniel was buzzing and my grandma was really emotional. I will be keeping the bottle forever now with some other keepsakes. I can't quite believe it.'

Rex Winter said his son and daughter discovered the message in a bottle in a remote bay in the West of Scotland.

He wrote on Facebook: 'This summer my kids found a message in a bottle on a remote beach in the west of Scotland. It seemed to be old, and the message inside appeared to have been written by a child.

'The message inside was from somebody called Alex, (no surname given) who gave an address in Hindley

'There was no other information, date or otherwise.

'My daughter wrote to Alex at that address some time ago but has had no reply.

'He/she may well have moved and/or the house is now unoccupied.

'I don't know if the bottle is 5 years old or 30 years old, but I'm sure that Alex would be interested to learn where it ended-up!

'Is Alex reading this? Or does anybody know who Alex might be?'

Mr Melling, who had lived at that address as a child but had moved when he was aged 12, responded via Facebook.

He spoke to Rex's daughter Izzy, 17, who had found the bottle while on holiday along with brother Freddie, 22 and their friends Liam Kelly, 22 and Cat Jones, 19.

Izzy, who lives in Newcastle, said: 'We were camping in Scotland and had taken a boat out in Garlieston, around Wigton Bay.

'We anchored the boat and went to explore in the caves.

'Freddie found the bottle washed up and we could see a message in it.'

'The message was written on the back of a child's birthday party invitation and read: 'If found please return to [address], Hindley. Thank You. Please address to Alex.'

Izzy says they wrote to the address but when they received no response, their dad Rex, a solicitor, 62, decided to try and find Alex on Facebook.

Izzy says: 'My dad got really into it.

'He found a Facebook group called Hindley Residents and posted up that we were looking for Alex with a picture of the bottle.'

Schoolgirl Izzy says they were all excited when Alex got in touch and they posted the bottle back to him.

She says: 'I was doing my homework and I got a message from my dad saying: "I found him."

'I was so excited. I messaged Freddie, Liam and Cat and we couldn't believe it.

'We were just like: 'wow'.'
Bobby Gayle Jr., 45, of Stockton, California

A black California construction worker was shot seven times after he asked a white driver to slow down inside a parking lot.

Father-of-five Bobby Gayle Jr., 45, a cementer mason, was at a parking lot in Stockton, California, with a friend, last week when a pick-up truck nearly struck them.

Surveillance footage shows Gayle yelling at the white driver to slow down who stops and get out of his car and confronts him.

The driver reportedly launches into a racist rant at Gayle, calling him the n-word, before pulling out his gun. He then opens fire, hitting Gayle seven times, including in the face.

Miraculously, no major arteries were hit and Gayle was transported to a nearby hospital where he is in stable condition.

'Our family, we never expected something like this to happen,' Gayle's brother, Marlon, told ABC News. 'He's just so happy to be alive, and blessed to be with his family and his children.'

A white man opened fire on Bobby Gayle on October 8 at a parking lot in Stockton, California, striking Bobby Gayle Jr. seven times but missing any vital arteries

Gayle allegedly pleaded with the man as the shooter hurled racial slurs at thim

Marlon said that Gayle was able to roll under a nearby vehicle while his friend ran away and called 9-11. Gayle then called his brother and left a voicemail, tell him he had been shot and asked Marlon to pray for him.

'Marlon, I've been shot. Pray for me. I swear to God. Please. In the name of Jesus. Hallelujah,' Gayle said in the voicemail.

Marlon said that his brother and his friend had begged the white man not shoot them as he shouted the n-word repeatedly at them before opening fire.

Stockton Assistant Police Chief Jim Chraska said the department was investigating the case as a potential hate crime.

The police described the shooter as a short white male, in his thirties, wearing a dark-colored jacket and jeans and driving a black late model Chevrolet Silverado with chrome-colored wheels and tinted windows.

Gayle, pictured with three of his five children, was listed in stable condition

Bobby Gayle Jr., at the top, is pictured with family, who say they are thankful that he survived

Marlon Gayle replayed his brother's voicemail and hopes the shooter will be caught soon

There is a $10,000 cash reward for information leading to an arrest.

'We take these types of crimes very seriously and so we're investigating it to the fullest. We have some detectives assigned to it, as well as an officer that's assigned to the FBI task force,' Chraska told KCRA.

Despite the alleged racial nature of the crime, Marlon said his family would not give into hate as the oversee Gayle's recovery.

'We're not going to let that message of hatred take away that blessing that our brother is alive and that, you know, hatred and violence, it will never win,' Marlon told Fox 40.

He added, 'We believe in forgiveness, but that person, he definitely needs to be taken off the streets. He's dangerous.'

A GoFundMe has also been set up to help the Gayle family care for Gayle's recovery and his five children, raising more than $7,000 in one day.
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At least six people were killed and a further 32 injured after armed clashes erupted in Beirut during a protest by Militant Shia groups Hezbollah and Amal against the judge leading the probe into last year's explosion in the city's port.

Desperate residents were forced to find shelter behind cars and schoolchildren hid under desks after members of Shia and Christian militias armed with automatic rifles and rocket-propelled grenade launchers began exchanging fire in the streets.

An unidentified sniper also began opening fire on crowds who had gathered at the capital's Palace of Justice.

Lebanese officials said the people were all killed by gunfire and included a 24-year-old woman who was killed by a stray bullet in her home.

The Lebanese army deployed tanks on the streets following the violence and threatened to shoot all armed persons on the streets.

A mother and her two children hide behind a car on the streets of Beirut earlier today after gunfire broke out during a protest by Hezbollah and its allies against the lead judge probing last year's massive blast in the city's port

Lebanese army special forces stand watch on a street in Beirut as two of their group held two teachers flee the school they work at after chaos broke out in the city

Fighters from the Shiite, Hezbollah and Amal movements take aim in the Tayouneh area of Beirut after gunfire broke out in the city during a demonstration

A fighter armed with a rocket-propelled grenade launcher is seen running down the road with the weapon on his shoulder earlier today

Two men flee to safety away from the gunfire in the streets of Beirut earlier today, with one of the men carrying a girl in his arms as he runs

In response to the chaos, the Lebanese military moved soldiers and armoured vehicles into the area to try and restore order

Two Lebanese armoured vehicles are seen positioned in the Tayouneh neighborhood in southern Beirut earlier today

Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi said many of the casualties were shot by snipers from buildings.

'This is a very dangerous sign,' Mawlawi told reporters. 'No one can take this.'

The exchanges of fire involving snipers, pistols, Kalashnikovs and rocket-propelled grenades were a serious escalation of tension over the domestic probe, and the worst armed clashes since 2008, when the Shiite Hezbollah briefly overran parts of Beirut.

Gunfire echoed in the capital for several hours and ambulances, sirens wailing, rushed to pick up casualties. Snipers shot from buildings. Bullets penetrated apartment windows in the area.

Lebanese security forces react to gunfire in Beirut during a protest earlier today. One soldier points at a potential target while in discussion with a comrade

A line of Lebanese army soldier stand guard in a line with riot shields and wooden batons before the chaos broke out during today's protest

A Lebanese army soldier is seen looking out the back of an armoured vehicle with his weapon in his hands as his team take up positions in the Tayouneh area of Beirut

A group of civilians, with panic on their faces, desperately attempt to run away from the gunfire as they evacuated their homes to safety

A Shiite fighter is seen lying on the floor behind a concrete barricade with his weapon in one hand and a new bullet magazine in the other as he reloads. A host of used bullet casings are scattered on the floor around him

The students huddled in the central corridors with the windows open to avoid major impact, in scenes reminiscent of the 1975-90 civil war. Smoke covered the neighborhood where intense gunfire was relentless. A car caught fire, while a blaze was reported in a lower floor where residents were stuck and called for help.

The violence unfolded while U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland was in the city meeting Lebanese officials. Her schedule was slightly thrown off by the action on the streets.

The demands for Bitar's removal and calls for protest upset many.

The right wing Christian Lebanese Forces mobilized supporters Wednesday evening after Hezbollah and Amal called for the protest at the Justice Palace, located in a Christian area. Videos circulating on social media showed supporters of the Christian Lebanese Forces marching in the streets, carrying large crosses.

A group of Lebanese army soldiers in armoured vehicles enter the Tayouneh area of the Lebanese capital earlier today in an attempt to restore order

A group of soldiers look focused on the job ahead as they enter Beirut to put an end to the fighting that broke out during a protest earlier today

A group of fighters take cover behind a parked car during the chaos which erupted earlier today in Beirut

Lebanese civil defence members and a group of helpers work to evacuate someone injured in the fighting earlier today

Guns are held up ready to be fired by these fighters on the streets of Beirut earlier today. It is currently unclear what caused the violence to break out

What was the chemical explosion in Beirut? On August 4, 2020, the Lebanese capital city of Beirut was rocked by a huge explosion which left as many as 218 people dead and around 7,000 others were injured. The origin of the explosion was Warehouse 12 in the port of Beirut. A fire in the port preceded the explosion, taking hold of the roof of the warehouse, which was situated next to two large grain silos. Around 6pm local time a large explosion was set off and then followed by a series of smaller explosions. 30 seconds later, another, even larger explosion detonated sending a huge cloud into the sky as around 2,700 tonnes of nitroglycerine which was being stored in the warehouse exploded. The immediate area of 460ft surrounding the warehouse was flattened by the explosion. Nearby buildings were completely levelled and huge amounts of damage was caused to structures in the rest of the city. It was estimated that as many as 300,000 people were made temporarily homeless. Following the explosion, the Lebanese government resigned in the face of mounting public anger. Advertisement

A journalist with The Associated Press saw a man open fire with a pistol during the protest, as well as gunmen shooting in the direction of protesters from the balcony of a building. Several men fell immediately from the gunfire and bled on the tarmac. The army deployed heavily and sent patrols to the area to search for the gunmen, following the exchanges of gunfire between the Muslim and Christian sides of the capital.

A staffer at the emergency room at al-Sahel hospital said they received three bodies and 15 people who were injured. One of the dead, a woman, had had been hit by a stray bullet while inside her home. Two of the 15 injured were in critical condition.

In a statement, Prime Minister Najib Mikati appealed for calm and urged people 'not to be dragged into civil strife.'

The probe centers on hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate that had been improperly stored at a port warehouse that detonated on August 4, 2020, killing at least 215 people, injuring thousands and destroying parts of nearby neighborhoods.

It was one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history and has further devastated the country already roiled by political divisions and unprecedented economic and financial meltdown.

Bitar, the second judge to lead the complicated investigation, has come up against formidable opposition from Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah group and its allies who accuse him of singling out politicians for questioning, most of them allied with Hezbollah.

None of Hezbollah's officials have so far been charged in the 14-month-old investigation.

The shooting continued even after army troops deployed to the area Thursday, with the sound of exchange of fire ringing over their heads. Residents and civilians in the area were ducking to avoid the shooting, some screaming: 'Some martyrs on the ground!'

People pulled one man who was apparently shot and down, away from the line of fire. Others pulled another body away.

In some videos circulating online, some men were chatting: 'Shiite Shiite' on the streets, as residents were running from the gunfire.

Haneen Chemaly, a resident of Furn el-Chebbak and mother of a 6-month old girl, said she first moved to the corridor before running to the shelter because the sound of gunfire was terrifying from her 10th-floor apartment.

'I did it for my child,' she said. 'I don't know what is happening. I can just hear the sound of gunfire.'

She said there was no electricity for her to follow on TV what was going on, so she knew nothing of the situation on the ground and opted for safety.

After spending some time in the shelter, she moved to the first floor to stay with her neighbors away from the fire.

'I know there was so much mobilization from the night before, all predicting that a war would erupt,' Chemaly, who heads a local NGOs that provides social services, said. Civil war erupting 'is the last card they have to use. They have (driven) us into bankruptcy, devastation and now they are scaring us with the specter of civil war.'

The armed clash could derail the country's month-old government of Prime Minister Najib Mikati even before it begins tackling Lebanon's unprecedented economic crisis.

A Cabinet meeting was canceled Wednesday after Hezbollah demanded urgent government action against the judge. One Hezbollah-allied minister said he and other Cabinet members would stage a walkout if Bitar isn't removed.

A group of civilians hold hands and run across a street as they attempt to flee their homes and put some distance between themselves and the shooting

A Lebanese teacher cowers in fear next to a soldier, as the sound of gunfire echoes round the city of Beirut following the breakout of armed violence

Teachers are seen seeking shelter behind soldiers and concrete walls, as well as holding bags above their heads to try and shield themselves from potential gunfire

A group of fighters gather together behind a parked car, with one taking aim, a second covering his ears, and a third seen holding a rocket-propelled grenade launcher

The level of gunfire on display in Beirut is laid bare by the number of bullet holes this building is riddled with. Windows are also seen full of holes or completely smashed

A gruesome trail of blood is seen running down a road in Beirut earlier today, with footprints marked on the floor after having trodden in the blood

Despite the back windshield of this vehicle having been shot out, these two fighters hunker down, with weapons in hand

A fighter is seen carefully peering up towards the rooftop on a street in Beirut, with a second fighter placing a hand on his back. A statement from Hezbollah claims that the groups demonstrating earlier today initially came under fire from snipers on rooftops
A New York City antique dealer admitted to selling thousands of fakes for three decades, mass producing phony specimens in offices behind his midtown showroom and hiring a company to hide negative Google reviews.

Mehrdad Sadigh appeared in Manhattan Supreme Court on Tuesday to plead guilty to seven felony counts. including forgery and grand larceny.

'Over the course of three decades, I have sold thousands of fraudulent antiquities to countless unsuspecting collectors,' Sadigh said, according to a statement he read in court.

'I can only say that I was driven by financial greed.'

Prosecutors allege that for decades Mehrdad Sadigh passed off fake artifacts as ancient relics to unsuspecting customers

Prosecutors say Sadigh stored and manufactured fake items in rooms behind the gallery, which was on an upper floor of a Fifth Avenue building

Prosecutors seized thousands of fake artifacts stored in the back room of Sadigh's Manhattan gallery

He staved off suspicion for decades by hiring a company to bury customers' complaints about bogus antiques, removing negative reviews from Google searches, and getting others to rave about his store and products in fake reviews.

Sadigh was released after Tuesday's hearing and is scheduled to be sentenced November 16.

In a sentencing memorandum filed with the court, the district attorneys office requested Sadigh be sentenced to five years probation and be banned from selling antiques.

Sadigh has operated the Midtown Manhattan store since 1982 and sold what he claimed were ancient Anatolian, Babylonian, Byzantine, Greco-Roman, Mesopotamian and Sumerian artifacts.

When he was arrested, Sadigh might've been the biggest seller of fake artifacts in the U.S., Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance said.

But he was busted in August when prosecutors in Vance's office discovered Sadigh while investigating dealers selling stolen antiquities.

During the course of the separate case, they were asked why they were ignoring 'the guy selling all the fakes', Matthews Bogdanos, the head of the DA's Antiquities Trafficking Unit, told the New York Times in a previous interview.

Prosecutors allege that for decades Sadigh passed off fake artifacts as ancient relics to unsuspecting customers, who believed they were adding rare treasures to their collections

Members of the DA's office and Homeland Security Investigations visited the gallery and found thousands more in rooms behind the gallery

Prosecutors said they found thousands of objects in the back rooms of the gallery that were treated to make them seem ancient

His scheme unraveled after he sold undercover federal investigators a gold pendant depicting the death mask of Tutankhamun and a marble portrait head of an ancient Roman woman for $4,000 each, prosecutors said.

After the sales, members of the DA's office and Homeland Security Investigations visited the gallery, and found hundreds of fake items displayed on shelves and inside glass cases. Thousands more were discovered in rooms behind the gallery.

Investigators also found the tools Sadigh used to age the phony antiques, including varnish, sanders, spray paint and mud-like substances.
Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz has asked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to stop the deportation process to grant clemency to an Ethiopian woman who killed her husband in self defense in 2013.

Amreya Rahmeto Shefa, 48, came to Richfield, Minnesota, with her two children to live with her husband, Habibi Gessese Tesema in 2012. She claims he kept her as a prisoner in their home, raping and beating her on an almost daily basis until she snapped and stabbed him 30 times in December 2013.

Gov. Waltz has asked ICE to 'administratively close' deportation proceedings while officials review her applications for nonimmigrant status for crime victims.

Last year, the immigration court was ordered to decide if Shefa's conviction is considered a 'particularly serious crime,' which requires deportation, but her attorney said the the status of her hearing remains unknown.

Amreya Rahmeto Shefa, an Ethiopian immigrant, was convicted of manslaughter in 2014 for killing her abusive husband Habibi Gessese Tesema, stabbing him 30 times

Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz has asked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to 'administratively close' deportation proceedings so that he can pardon Shefa

Habibi Tesema beat and raped Shefa almost daily before she killed him, she testified. Although his family adamantly denied these claims, a Minnesota court found the claims of abuse to be credible

The governor has lobbied hard for Shefa to remain in the U.S. and attempted to grant her a pardon. However, Minnesota's Board of Pardons  consisting of the governor, attorney general and state Supreme Court chief justice  requires unanimous approval.

Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison voted to pardon Shefa, 48, but Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie Skjerven Gildea disagreed, explaining to the woman, 'You had options available to you that night. Options you did not take.'

'Due to the recent ruling, I am unable to grant Ms. Shefa the clemency that she deserves, leaving her at risk of deportation,' Walz wrote in a letter to Timothy Perry, chief of staff for ICE in Washington, D.C.

'Ms. Shefa's life will be in grave danger if she is deported to Ethiopia. She will be vulnerable to the practice of retaliatory killing at the hands of her late-husband's family, who have made credible threats against her life,' the September 24, letter reads.

Shefa and her defense team have said in court that she is will be killed by her late- husband's family to avenge his death if she is sent back to Ethiopia.

'There is a lot of uncertainty and a lot of fear revolving around her situation,' Andrew Crowder, an attorney for Shefa, said.

Shefa finished her prison sentence in 2017 and will be deported by ICE if Walz's request is denied

'I think it is all going to come down to whether she is going to be taken back into custody pending her immigration proceedings. It is just awful for her, having started building a life of her own for the first time in a decade.'

Shefa worked as a merchant in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, when she was introduced to Tesema, 48, who lived in Richfield and came to Africa in 2006 looking for a wife.

After several years of marriage and two children, Shefa and her two children finally moved to Richfield. But family life in the U.S. was not what Shefa expected.

She said that Tesema would ask to bring another woman into their bed and at times used a sex device on her when he raped her. She also claimed that he beat her if he was unsatisfied with dinner or her cleaning.

Shefa said that her late husband warned her against ever leaving the home and told her the police would deport her and take her children away if she ever called them.

On December 1, 2013 Tesema began raping his wife while under the influence of drugs and alcohol before she grabbed a knife and stabbed him 30 times, according to court records.

He stumbled into the bathroom where he was found dead, naked in the bathtub after Shefa called the police.

'I did not mean to kill him, I just needed him to stop raping me,' Shefa explained in an affidavit.

Hennepin County Judge Elizabeth Cutter believed that Shefa was beaten and raped by Tesema the night that she stabbed him but convicted her of manslaughter in 2014 based on the excessive force she used.

She was set to be deported and detained by ICE after her prison sentence ended in 2017 but has since been released on bond while immigration proceedings continue.

In 2019, Shefa applied for a pardon after exhausting all her appeals, but her late husband's family testified against her.

Tesema met Shefa in 2006 when he visited Africa looking for a wife. He brought his wife and two children to live with him in Richfield in 2012

A summary judgment decision in Ramsey County District Court holding that the statutes requiring that Pardon Board decisions in Minnesota be unanimous is unconstitutional. The decision was overturned by the Minnesota Supreme Court last month

Tesema's family described Shefa as a gold-digging killer and claimed that Tesema was a gentle, giving man who they never saw hurt his wife. 'She's dangerous to this community. She's [a] danger for our family,' Ahmed Tesema, Shefa's brother-in-law said in court, 'She is evil.'

Assistant County Attorney Cheri Townsend argued that Shefa was motivated by jealousy as Tesema often tried to convince her to have a threesome. But Judge Cutter found the family statement's uncredible and concluded that evidence proved Shefa's claims of abuse.

Shefa was deemed unfit to raise her two children, who are now living with Tesema's brother Ahmed, but she hopes to be reunited with them one day.

Shefa sued the state, with Waltz's support, over the requirement that pardons be granted unanimously by the three-person panel. A Ramsey County judge ruled that the statute was unconstitutional but the decision was overruled by the Minnesota Supreme Court last month.

Without a legislative change, which is unlikely to happen soon, Shefa's future remains up to federal immigration authorities until June 2022 when the Board of Pardons would be able to consider a new pardon application from Shefa.
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Britain's daily Covid cases hit another three month high today, official data revealed as Professor Chris Whitty claimed this winter will be 'exceptionally difficult' for the NHS even if there is not a surge of infections.

Department of Health bosses posted a further 45,066 new cases across the country, up 10.7 per cent on last Thursday's figure of 40,701.

It was the highest new daily total since July 20  the day after 'Freedom Day'  when infections reached 46,558. The highest daily total ever was 62,322 on January 6, at the peak of the second wave.

The number of people dying with the virus also increased today, with 157 new victims recorded, marking a nine per cent rise on last week.

And hospitalisations also crept up by one per cent, with 719 people being admitted on Sunday, the latest date data is available for.

England's chief medical officer warned of tough months ahead for the health service as it battles Covid, flu and other seasonal viruses which are enjoying a resurgence due to a lack of natural immunity during lockdowns.

Professor Whitty also suggested that hospitals could be hit by Covid even worse than they were last winter, if a variant emerges that can 'evade our defences completely'.

Speaking at the Royal College of General Practitioners' annual conference in Liverpool, he said: 'I wish I could claim the sunlit uplands and it'll all be fantastic by Christmas but, sadly, I'm afraid that's not the case.'

Experts have long warned of an expected surge this winter, fuelled by pupils returning to schools, workers heading back to offices and people socialising more indoors.

Ministers are relying on a successful rollout of vaccines to 12 to 15-year-olds and boosters to the over-50s, healthcare staff and the most vulnerable to quell the impact of another wave.

But it has put together a 'Plan B' that would see the return of face coverings and work from home guidance if the NHS faces unsustainable pressure. And No10 has not ruled out another lockdown in the coming months if it is needed to get the pandemic under control.

NHS waiting list for routine ops hits ANOTHER high with 5.72MILLION people in England stuck in queue The NHS waiting list for routine hospital treatment in England has hit another record high, official data revealed today as hospital bosses warned the Covid backlog will not be cleared for another five years. A total of 5.7million people were waiting for elective surgery at the end of August 2021, including almost 10,000 patients who have been in the queue for two years, according to the latest figures from NHS England. This is the highest number since official records began in August 2007 and the tenth time the milestone has been broken during the pandemic. Prior to the Covid crisis, the waiting list stood at around 4.45million. It includes people waiting for operations like knee, hip and joint replacements, as well as cataracts surgery. The waiting list spiralled after coronavirus forced hospitals to cancel routine operations and turn over entire wards to patients suffering from the disease at the start of the crisis last spring. Social distancing and other Covid precautions have made it even harder to start chipping away at the backlog. But the record-breaking figures come before the busiest time of the year for hospitals, with health bosses fearing the UK will be hit with a double-whammy of rising Covid case numbers and flu this winter. It comes as a survey of NHS trust leaders, carried out by NHS Providers, revealed a third of bosses believe the Covid backlog will take between three and five years to clear. With waiting lists already at their highest ever, some 96 per cent of bosses said demand is significantly rising, with mental health, urgent and emergency care and cancer services topping their worries. Advertisement

It comes as:

A poll revealed almost two-thirds of voters would support the introduction of rules demanding Covid passports for large venues in England;

UK Health Security Agency's latest surveillance report revealed new cases in schoolchildren in England are at their highest level since comparable figures began in autumn 2020;

A study claimed lateral flow tests are better at spotting people at greater risk of spreading Covid and are more accurate than previously thought;

Sajid Javid today apologised for the government's Covid 'failures' and insisted 'lessons will be learned';

The World Health Organization said its newly formed advisory group on dangerous pathogens may be 'our last chance' to figure out the origins of Covid.

The Government said a further 157 people died within 28 days of testing positive today, bringing the UK total to 138,237.

Separate figures published by the Office for National Statistics show there have been 163,000 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.

And speaking at the RCGP conference today, Professor Whitty said: 'In terms of where Covid will go over the winter, well I think the winter as a whole, I regret to say, is going to be exceptionally difficult for the NHS.

'That is, irrespective of whether we have a relatively low but non trivial amount of Covid, or whether we actually have a further surge in the winter.'

He said scientific modellers will all give different projections of how the coming months will play out.

Professor Whitty said: 'I think what we're confident of is the very top end, [what] we would have faced potentially had things gone wrong last winter is not going to happen, barring an extraordinary escape mutant variant.

'But let's assume we don't get something which actually can basically evade our defences completely, I think the top end risks are much lower.

'But we could certainly go up, we're only two to three doubling times away from a really quite serious pressure on the NHS and it's already serious, but one that actually will be very difficult to deal with.

'So the margin of error is quite small.'

Professor Whitty said 'zero Covid over this winter is a completely impossible dream', adding the hope was to keep it at 'relatively low levels'.

He said there was a lot of uncertainty around whether there could be low levels of flu because as people are still not mixing as much.

But there could also be a 'really serious spike' due to a lack of natural immunity and the possibility the flu vaccine being used this year may not very well matched to the strain that affects the UK, he warned.

Adding other viruses and winter health issues into the mix, together with people seeking care that was delayed during the pandemic, the NHS was facing 'an extraordinarily tall order', the expert said.

And he admitted that experts got 'some quite significant things' wrong at the start of the pandemic.

A report released this week by the Science and Technology Committee and the Health and Social Care Committee, said the UK's preparation for a pandemic was far too focused on flu.

It also concluded ministers waited too long to implement restrictions, such as lockdowns, social distancing and self-isolation.

He said his role as chief medical officer in the crisis is to offer a view 'however unpalatable, however, unpleasant', and to 'never shy away from giving clear professional advice'.

ENGLAND: Daily infections in England have been increasing slowly since mid-September, nearly reaching 40,000 today

SCOTLAND: Scotland's new cases have been falling since the start of September but are beginning to plateau around the 2,500 mark

WALES: Health officials recorded 2,635 new daily infections today, taking the nation's total to 389,152

Northern Ireland: Infections remain relatively stable in Northern Ireland, with 1,304 official cases recorded today

The number of patients waiting for routine hospital treatment hit 5.6million in July, the highest figure since records began in 2007. And health chiefs have warned the backlog is going to get much worse before it gets better, with projections that it could soar up to 13million by the end of the year if no action is taken

More than 5,000 people waited more than 12 hours in A&E before being seen by a doctor in September, a record high

Number of Britons falling ill with Covid every day FALLS to below 70,000 The number of Britons falling ill with Covid every day fell for the first time in a month last week, according to one of the country's biggest surveillance studies. King's College London scientists running a symptom-tracking app estimated 69,993 people were getting infected daily in the week ending October 9, down 1.6 per cent from 71,111 the week before. Despite the ray of hope, Professor Tim Spector, the epidemiologist who leads the study, warned the NHS may face 'disaster' this winter if the high case numbers trickle into the over-55s despite the downturn. It comes after more up-to-date figures showed cases hit a three-month high yesterday and hospital admissions jumped again  but deaths fell. The ZOE Covid Study figures are based on data from nearly 750,000 weekly contributors. It estimated the number of daily new cases is now falling in under-18s but remains high across all age groups. There were around 32,000 new cases per day in under-18s last week. Cases are now rising steadily in 35- to 55-year-olds and remain low in those aged between 18 and 35 and over-55s. Covid prevalence is highest highest in Wales, Midlands, North West and North East. They have been falling consistently in Scotland since the start of October. Around 1,900 people per 100,000 were thought to be infected in Wales as of Monday, compared to fewer than 1,100 in Wales. Advertisement

Asked about ministers' claims that they followed the science, he said: 'I think they genuinely, in all political parties  but the Prime Minister and ministers in power obviously have the responsibility  did try to understand the scientific advice, and then they tried to work out how you could turn that into a policy that worked more generally.

'I know we can all agree or disagree with individual decisions that were taken, but I think there was a genuine attempt, and this wasn't as I say just in the government, this was also true of the oppositionto try and understand.

'There are certainly some quite significant things we got wrong at the beginning of Covid, based on assumption it would be like some previous infections, and it turned out not to be, and that's inevitable.'

Professor Whitty also praised GPs  who are currently under fire over face-to-face appointments  for all their 'outstanding' hard work and professionalism over the last two years.

He said that, pre-pandemic, the NHS should have actually been doing more remote consultations than it was.

However, he said 'the pendulum' will now 'need to come back to a point that isnt quite out where it wasnt in the middle of Covid, nor is it where it was in August 2019'.

He added: 'I dont think its settled at the right point yet and the right point, in a sense, is where you optimise what works best for patients and what works best for the medical provision that is there.

'We as a profession have got to have a debate with the public who we serve and work out what is the right place for that, but also recognising that what were trying to do is to use the resources weve got in the best way we can and also recognising that, for many patients, a telemedicine solution is a better solution, including, for example, mental health, some people actually prefer a more distant relationship and there are a variety of other ones.'

He said the issue should not be allowed to be 'driven by a public discourse', though it is 'quite reasonable' for politicians to make comment on it.

His comments come after Sir Patrick Vallance, No10's chief scientific adviser, said ministers should not have claimed they were 'led by the science' throughout the pandemic.

Sir Patrick said science doesn't decide nor does it 'lead the way', insisting that there were other complex matters that needed to be factored in for crucial decisions.

No10 should have stuck to the phrase 'informed by science', rather than implying they were 'slavishly following' evidence 'because science doesn't have all the answers to these things', he said.

And in a warning shot for restrictions coming back this winter, Sir Patrick said faster, harder and broader action must be taken 'at a time when it doesn't look particularly worrying'.

It comes as the NHS waiting list for routine hospital treatment hit another record high in August, with 5.72million people stuck in the queue.

This is the highest number since official records began in August 2007 and the tenth time the milestone has been broken during the pandemic.

Prior to the Covid crisis, the waiting list stood at around 4.45million. It includes people waiting for operations like knee, hip and joint replacements, as well as cataracts surgery.

The waiting list spiralled after coronavirus forced hospitals to cancel routine operations and turn over entire wards to patients suffering from the disease at the start of the crisis last spring.

Social distancing and other Covid precautions have made it even harder to start chipping away at the backlog.

Meanwhile, one of the country's biggest surveillance studies estimates the number of Britons falling ill with Covid every day fell for the first time in a month last week.

King's College London scientists running a symptom-tracking app estimated 69,993 people were getting infected daily in the week ending October 9, down 1.6 per cent from 71,111 the week before.

Despite the ray of hope, Professor Tim Spector, the epidemiologist who leads the study, warned the NHS may face 'disaster' this winter if the high case numbers trickle into the over-55s despite the downturn.
A controversial move to fine employees $5,000 if they turn up to work unvaccinated has sparked furious backlash across Australia and the world.

Australia's move to mandate the vaccine across multiple states and territories has faced fierce criticism, not least from people overseas.

Already in New South Wales, and soon to be in Victoria, workers who come into contact with the public are being told to get vaccinated or face being stood down if they cannot work from home.

The Northern Territory government has now warned local workers to get jabbed or cop a $5,000 fine if they go to work unvaccinated.

Chief minister Michael Gunner said essential workers, anyone in a face-to-face customer service role, or Territorians working with vulnerable people would cop the fine if they turn up to work without at least one dose by Friday, November 12.

That puts him just 28 days away from enacting what is believed to be the toughest vaccine mandate in the world.

Memes soon flooded the internet, with many mocking the strict vaccine mandate - while others agreed with the move

The Northern Territory government has warned local workers to get jabbed or face a $5000 fine - and started the clock on the vaccine-reluctant and sceptical (pictured, shoppers leaving a Darwin Coles wearing face masks)

Poll DO YOU AGREE WITH MANDATORY VACCINES FOR SOME WORKERS? Yes - for health care, aged care and hotel quarantine staff Yes - for all workers No - no one should have to DO YOU AGREE WITH MANDATORY VACCINES FOR SOME WORKERS? Yes - for health care, aged care and hotel quarantine staff 974 votes

Yes - for all workers 1835 votes

No - no one should have to 5656 votes Now share your opinion





Mr Gunner wants to achieve the target of 80 per cent of Territorians being fully vaccinated by mid-November, but evidently that is not enough.

All workers who come into contact with the public or are essential workers must be fully-vaccinated by Christmas Day.

'Simply not wanting the vaccine is not a reason [to avoid it],' Mr Gunner warned.

So far 58 per cent of people in the NT are fully-vaccinated, well behind the national rate of 65.4 and a long way short of NSW, which leads Australia with 78 per cent.

'You must receive a Covid-19 vaccine if in the course of your work, you come into contact with vulnerable people, your workplace poses a high risk of infection, or you perform work that is necessary for the operation or maintenance of essential infrastructure or logistics in the Territory,' he said.

Social media reaction to Michael Gunner's tough vaccine mandate tended to be alarmed and sincere or mocking the hashtag

Mr Gunner said even if people were unsure if they were required to get vaccinated, they should do it.

The reason for this is 'the worker may not know the vulnerability of the person they are interacting with'.

'It is simple, if your job include interacting with members of the public, then you need to get the jab,' he said.

'If you work in hospitality, you need to get the jab. If you work in retail or in a supermarket, you need to get the jab.'

'If you work behind the counter in a bank or are a receptionist or positions like that then you need to get the jab.'

All front-line and essential workers will have to be fully vaccinated by Christmas Day (pictured, a woman is vaccinated in Darwin)

Northern Territory chief minister Michael Gunner (pictured) is 28 days away from enacting what is believed to be the toughest vaccine mandate in the world

Barbers, beauty therapists and hairdressers also need it, he insisted.

He said while there would be exemptions, they are 'extremely narrow and must be backed up with medical evidence'.

Mr Gunner's tough ultimatum, which was part of his plan to reopen the Northern Territory's borders, sparked a social media frenzy identified by the hashtag #Australiahasfallen.

While many of the critics on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook were locals, at least an equal number seemed to be American or British vaccine sceptics or libertarians.

Collin from Manchester posted: ''How can the rest of the world stand by and let this happen? Is Australia a testing site for this new world order s***? Let's hope the people wake up and stop this before it's too late.'

Many were also irreverent Australians hijacking the hashtag.

Angus64 posted: '#AustraliaHasFallen for Betty my Wombat friend' with a photo of an adorable wombat joey.

Social media was polarised in its reaction to the Northern Territory's new vaccine mandate

Chief health officer Hugh Heggie spoke out against social media misinformation and some church groups for undermining the vaccination campaign in remote communities.

'The vaccine is safe. It hasn't got microchips in it, or 5G SIM cards,' he said.

NT Police preferred not to take a hardline enforcement approach, police commissioner Jamie Chalker said, but he pledged local cops would do what was necessary to get compliance.

'The trade-off is my people literally walking around collecting bodies, who passed away from Covid  that's a real conversation that the chief health officer and I have had about what is the worst case scenario,' Mr Chalker said.

Concerns about the Northern Territory's tough new vaccine mandate have been raised by employer groups (pictured, Darwin locals out wearing masks in August)

Territorians working with the public or in essential worker roles must be fully vaccinated by Christmas Day (pictured, locals in Darwin)

Meanwhile concerns were raised about the vaccine mandates by employer groups.

The Australian Education Union NT fears the vaccine mandate could lead to staff shortages in schools.

A survey of more than 640 school staff across urban and remote areas revealed 17 per cent of teachers don't intend to get vaccinated.

The survey also found that 33 per cent of respondents don't agree with mandatory vaccinations for school employees, and 11 per cent had mixed feelings.

'Whilst it's a minority view, there is a significant proportion of members who aren't supportive,' branch president Jarvis Ryan said Thursday.

It could impact staffing levels if workers are forced to resign or are sacked because they refuse to get the jab.

Chief health officer Hugh Heggie (pictured) spoke out against social media misinformation and some church groups for undermining the vaccination campaign in remote communities

'Our schools are already stretched and we have members saying they're adamant they won't get vaccinated,' Mr Ryan said.

'We may lose some very capable employees.'

The union has written to members advising any who are unvaccinated to book an appointment immediately.

It warned that 'failure to comply with the mandate would likely lead to termination of employment'.

The NT police union says about a third of officers are unvaccinated and it would assist any that refuse to comply with the health edict.

'The safety, health and wellbeing of our members will always be the primary focus of the NT Police Association,' president Paul McCue said.

'Those who are unable or are unwilling to get vaccinated will be guided through the process with the department on a case-by-case basis.'

The NT Police Association estimates about 70 per cent of the NT Police Force has had one dose of the vaccine.
Boeing is dealing with an alarming new defect on its problem-plagued 787 Dreamliner, which involves certain titanium parts that are weaker than they should be, according to a new report.

The defect is on 787s built over the past three years, and is among the Dreamliner issues that has led to $25 billion in jet inventory piling up on Boeing's hands, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.

In a statement to DailyMail.com, a Boeing spokesman confirmed that the company had received a notice from a supplier about 'certain 787 parts that were improperly manufactured.'

'While our investigation is ongoing, we have determined that this does not present an immediate safety of flight concern for the active in-service fleet,' the spokesman added.

A Boeing Co. 787 Dreamliner aircraft, center, is seen under maintenance in ANA's hanger at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan in April

The statement continued: 'Yet-to-deliver airplanes will be reworked as necessary prior to customer delivery. Any potential fleet actions will be determined through our normal review process and confirmed with the FAA.'

The apparent titanium defect is the latest evidence that Boeing is still struggling to fix production issues, following CEO David Calhoun's push to improve the planemaker's reputation for quality and safety.

Boeing has grappled with a host of manufacturing issues in recent years, in addition to the two deadly 737 MAX crashes that grounded that model of jet for nearly two years.

Last month, Boeing launched an urgent internal investigation after empty tequila bottles were found inside a top-secret Air Force One jumbo jet being built at the company's Texas factory.

The Dreamliner has been particularly plagued by concerns, which have caused it to cut production and halt deliveries of the larger 787.

A total of 106 Dreamliners worth some $25 billion remained in Boeing's inventory last month following months of delivery delays.

Deliveries of Boeing's 787 Dreamliner, suspended since May, likely won't resume until at least the end of October amid disagreements with US safety regulators at the Federal Aviation Administration.

Dreamliner deliveries were also suspended for much of the past year, including between last November and March, after Boeing uncovered manufacturing defects.

787 airplanes are manufactured at the Boeing Co. facility in Everett, Washington in a file photo. Boeing is dealing with a new defect on its 787 Dreamliner, which involves certain titanium parts that are weaker than they should be

The company announced in July that it had spotted additional problems near the nose of the plane and was working to fix them.

'We are making progress as we apply our Quality Management System to improve first-time quality in our production and delivery system,' a Boeing spokesman told DailyMail.com in a statement.

'As part of these efforts, we continually raise the standards we hold ourselves to. We have strengthened our focus on quality and constantly encourage all members of our team and supply chain to raise any issues that need attention,' the statement added.

'When issues are raised, that is an indication that these efforts are working. Even where these efforts result in a near term impact on operations, were confident its the right approach to drive safety, stability and first-time quality for the long term,' the spokesman said.

Boeing said on Tuesday that its airplane deliveries rose to 35 in September as it benefited from an uptick in domestic travel.

Boeing said the titanium defect 'does not present an immediate safety of flight concern for the active in-service fleet'

That was 13 more planes than in August and 24 more than in September last year.

Of the 35 jetliners delivered last month, 26 were 737 MAX passenger jets and one was a P-8 maritime patrol aircraft to the U.K. Royal Air Force.

But the 787 program remains hobbled by structural defects and deliveries remain on pause.

The closely watched monthly snapshot comes as Boeing tries to recoup billions of dollars in lost sales from the coronavirus pandemic, and move beyond a safety scandal caused by the fatal 737 MAX crashes.

Boeing also said it delivered eight widebodies including one 747-8 freighter to United Parcel Service, two 767 freighters to FedEx Corp and one 767 tanker for the U.S. Air Force.

For the year so far, Boeing has delivered 241 aircraft, up from 206 a month ago and 98 for the first nine months of 2020.

Of these, 194 were for its best-selling 737 MAX jets which returned to service in late 2020 following a near two-year safety ban.
Former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham's claim that Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump tried to muscle in on a meeting with the Queen is 'not true', says the woman who arranged the meeting  and that the monarch specifically invited the former president's family.

I'll Take Your Questions Now is Grisham's new memoir of her time in Donald Trump's White House, packed with striking insights and scandalous revelations.

But questions by Grisham's friend and former colleague over one of the anecdotes in the book may be hard for the ex-Trump spin doctor to answer.

Grisham claimed Jared and Ivanka tried to attend a meeting between Queen Elizabeth II, Donald Trump and Melania in June 2019, but were blocked from boarding the Marine One presidential helicopter to Buckingham Palace because there was no room.

But Therese Burch, a former White House staffer who has arranged state visits for Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush and Donald Trump, told DailyMail.com that an aide to the Queen specifically asked for the president's family to attend the royal luncheon  and there was no private meeting from which to bar Jared or Ivanka in the first place.

Stephanie Grisham claims in her new book that Jared and Ivanka tried to strong arm their way into a meeting with the Queen during Trump's 2019 visit. Jared and Ivanka are picture at Buckingham Palace during the visit

A former White House staffer tells DailyMail.com that an aide to the Queen specifically asked for the president's family to attend the royal luncheon

I'll Take Your Questions Now is Grisham's new memoir of her time in Donald Trump's White House, packed with striking insights and scandalous revelations

The excerpt appears to be scathing of Trump's daughter, claiming the first lady and White House staff called Ivanka 'the Princess' behind her back and that she would often refer to the president as 'my father' in work meetings.

'I finally figured out what was going on,' Grisham wrote according to the Post. 'Jared and Ivanka thought they were the royal family of the United States.'

Therese Burch, a former White House staffer who arranged the meeting, tells DailyMail.com that Grisham's claims are false and the Trump family was invited. She's pictured at the palace during the visit

Burch worked as Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Advance and Operations at the White House, arranging state visits for the G20, G7 and Davos summits for several commanders in chief.

Due to her long standing relationship with Buckingham Palace, she was brought in by the Trump administration as a volunteer to coordinate his state visit in June 2019.

'It's all false,' Burch said of Grisham's sensational anecdote. 'None of that is true. Ivanka and Jared were included with all of the meetings with the Queen and Prince Charles and everyone, because of their positions in the White House. It had nothing to do with them being daughter and son-in-law.

'In fact the Queen's staff came to me and asked me if I could arrange for the president's family to come to Buckingham Palace early for the state dinner because she said she believes family is very important and she knows the rest of the family is there and would like to meet everyone.

'So I arranged for all of the family to come meet the Queen prior to the dinner, and then they went out into the receiving line.'

Burch said the request came from Alexander de Montfort, Senior Secretary to the Lord Chamberlain's Office, a top Buckingham Palace staffer.

And she revealed that after dinner with the royals, as Trump and Melania escorted the Queen out, Burch saw the monarch turn to the president and say: 'it was very nice to see your family tonight.'

The former White House aide shared a photo with DailyMail.com of Jared and Ivanka alongside Trump's three other children, Donald Jr, Eric and Tiffany, dressed in ball gowns and tuxedos in a portrait room of the palace during the June 2019 visit.

The former White House aide shared a photo with DailyMail.com of Jared and Ivanka alongside Trump's three other children, Donald Jr, Eric and Tiffany, dressed in ball gowns and tuxedos in a portrait room of the palace during the June 2019 visit

Pictures of the palace's official program for the state visit obtained by DailyMail.com list a full schedule of ceremonies and luncheons, but do not include any private meetings between the president and Queen Elizabeth from which Jared and Ivanka could have been excluded

Stephanie Grisham, Ivanka and Jared all were mentioned in the palace's official program, obtained by DailyMail.com

'It's all false,' Burch said of Grisham's anecdote. 'None of that is true. Ivanka and Jared were included with all of the meetings with the Queen and Prince Charles'

Burch said that all the president's children and other staff arrived in a motorcade before the president to avoid landing multiple helicopters on the Queen's lawn.

'In order for us not to be rude, we didn't land more than Marine One on the queen's lawn. We actually motorcaded most of the staff,' she said.

I'll Take Your Questions Now: What I saw at the Trump White House by Stephanie Grisham came out on October 5

'Jared and Ivanka would never be manifested on Marine One because all of the mil-aids, the doctor, the chiefs of staff, all go on Marine One with them,' she said.

'But if you look at the pictures, Ivanka and Jared are watching Marine One land from the palace window.

'There's a protocol. The president and the first lady, regardless of whether they're Donald Trump or George Bush who I also walked for, it's the president of the United States and the first lady comes off Marine One, they go down the path, review the troops, they greet the Queen.'

Providing rare insight into the private meeting between the royals and the first family, Burch revealed that Trump and the Queen's son Prince Charles got on especially well.

'I was surprised at how relaxed and comfortable the president and Prince Charles were together,' she said.

'In fact when they did the dinner at the ambassador's residence, Charles came early, he brought his iPad and him and the president sat in the yellow room prior to dinner and Prince Charles was showing him all of his green projects and farm to table projects.

'They were laughing and talking. It was a very relaxed atmosphere.'

Burch said that Trump and Melania's tea with Charles and his wife Camilla at their Clarence House residence was also upgraded to a more intimate affair.

'When the staff arranged the tea with me they talked about having it in the formal greeting area downstairs,' she said.

'But the day of, right before President Trump was due to arrive, Prince Charles' staff came to me and said they had decided that they wanted to invite them upstairs to their private residence for tea instead.'

Burch added that there was no private meeting from which to bar Jared or Ivanka in the first place. The couple are pictured with Prince Andrew during the 2019 visit

POTUS, his family and entourage landed at London Stansted Airport at 8.50am on Monday June 3, 2019 and arrived at Buckingham Palace at 12.10pm for a ceremonial welcome and luncheon. Trump is pictured with the Queen at the welcome luncheon

Burch noted that although she counts Grisham as a friend, she felt she needed to set the record straight to preserve the image of what she described as a 'nice, pleasant visit.'

'I like Stephanie, I have no issues with her and I'm friends with Stephanie. But that story is not true,' she said.

Pictures of the palace's official program for the state visit obtained by DailyMail.com list a full schedule of ceremonies and luncheons, but do not include any private meetings between the president and Queen Elizabeth from which Jared and Ivanka could have been excluded.

POTUS, his family and entourage landed at London Stansted Airport at 8.50am on Monday June 3, 2019 and arrived at Buckingham Palace at 12.10pm for a ceremonial welcome and luncheon.

After visiting Westminster Abbey at 3.10pm, the president and first lady were scheduled for 'Tea with The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall [Charles and Camilla] at Clarence House' at 4pm and the state banquet back at Buckingham Palace three and a half hours later.

The 'American Suite' of presidential aides included the US ambassador to the UK Robert Johnson IV and his wife Suzanne, the treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin, White House chief of staff John Mulvaney, national security advisor John Bolton, policy advisor Stephen Miller, and Jared and Ivanka in their roles as advisors to the president.

Also included was Kellyanne Conway, Sarah Sanders, Stephanie Grisham and Daniel Scavino Jr.
The former top ethics official during the Obama Administration came down on White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki Wednesday after she tried to brush aside questions about sales of pricey Hunter Biden paintings at an LA art show.

The official, former Office of Government Ethics chief Walter Shaub, regularly blasted Trump administration when he concluded they crossed the line on emoluments, the Hatch Act, or private jet use.

He tweeted this week that ethics questions are also fair game for the Biden White House after Psaki, who also served in the Obama administration, chastised a reporter for broaching the subject at a White House press briefing.

'These are legitimate questions,' he wrote in response.

'These are legitimate questions,' wrote former top ethics official Walter Shaub after White House press secretary Jen Psaki brushed back a reporter who asked about pending Hunter Biden art sales

The New York Post reported Friday that Hunter had sold five prints for $75,000 each, after DailyMail.com published photos of the swank LA art opening attended by Hunter.

Guests attending the event included Sugar Ray Leonard, Moby, Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Obama 'hope' poster graphic artist Shepherd Fairey.

Walter Shaub

'I know this is your favorite topic,' Psaki said when a reporter said the opening might be a 'departure' from the White House pledge to keep purchasers anonymous as a way to avoid potential conflicts.

'But it, again, it still is the purview of the gallerist. We still do not know and will not know who purchases any paintings. And the president remains proud of his son,' said Psaki, referencing her prior comments.

Then, she quickly tried to move on when the reporter tried to follow up.

'Did you have another question on something else? Otherwise, were going to move on to some other topics. Lots going on in the world,' she said.

'I'd refer you to the gallerist for questions about the event,' she said last week, when she was also asked about attendance by LA mayor Eric Garcetti, who is Biden's nominee to be ambassador to India.

Shaub tweeted: 'These are legitimate questions. Its disappointing to hear @jrpsaki send a message that the WH thinks the public has no right to ask about ethics. After the last 4 years, these questions have never been more important. I know this isnt a popular opinion, but this stuff matters.'

'I would point you to the gallerist': White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki faced multiple questions Wednesday about Hunter Biden's attendance at an LA showing of his artwork

Jen Psaki pushed back at a reporter who asked a question about Hunter Biden's LA art opening

Attendees included Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, musician Moby who brought his pet dog, and artist Shepard Fairey, the creator of the Barack Obama Hope campaign poster that has since become a pop-culture icon. Pictured: Hunter's art exhibit

According to gallery owner Georges Berges, Hunter's paintings range from photogenic to mixed media to the abstract. Ethics watchdogs had raised concerns ahead of the event that buyers could try to curry influence with the president by buying his son's work for inflated sums. The White House claimed they were avoiding any ethical conflict by ensuring neither the president nor Hunter will know the identity of the buyers

Shaub continued in a series of tweets: 'There is no ethics program in the world that can be built around the head of states staff working with a dealer to keep the public in the dark about the identities of individuals who pay vast sums to the leaders family member for subjectively priced items of no intrinsic value.'

'If this were Trump, Xi or Putin, youd have no doubt whatsoever that this creates a vehicle for funneling cash to the first family in exchange for access or favors. Nor would you doubt that the appearance of monetizing the presidency was outrageous,' he wrote.

He also tore into Hunter Biden for taking part in the exercise. The president's son, who has struggled with substance abuse in the past, has been accused of exploiting his father's position to drum up business, and a trove of emails have revealed some of his pitches.

'Of course Hunter is a private citizen and can do whatever his conscience dictates. But a patriot wouldnt engage in this profiteering. And the president shouldnt and his staff shouldnt be tacitly enforcing it by defending it and pushing back against questions,' Shaub concluded.
Joe Rogan has forced CNN's chief medical correspondent to admit that the network should have never described his prescribed Ivermectin COVID treatment as a 'horse de-wormer.'

Dr Sanjay Gupta appeared on the star's Spotify podcast on Wednesday to discuss Ivermectin's use as a COVID-19 treatment and after a tense back-and-forth, Gupta eventually agreed that the anti-parasite drug, which was prescribed to Rogan by a doctor, should never have been repeatedly described on CNN as a horse de-wormer.

Former UFC commentator and Spotify star, Rogan, 54, drew criticism from Dr Anthony Fauci when he revealed he took the drug in an Instagram video last month.

Studies have shown that Ivermectin decreases viral loads and may prevent COVID deaths, but the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control recommend against using it for COVID, saying better studies are needed.

The FDA went so far as to send out a snarky tweet telling people: 'You are not a horse, you are not a cow. Seriously, y'all, stop it'.

Joe Rogan and CNN's Dr Sanjay Gupta debated the coverage of the anti-parasite drug Ivermectin

Rogan slammed the network for 'lying' by saying he took 'horse de-wormer,' despite the fact that his Ivermectin pills, which are used widely around the world, were prescribed by a doctor

Gupta seemed overwhelmed by Rogan's line of questioning: 'We're going so fast'

Rogan recovered last month after what he called a 'kitchen sink' approach.

On Wednesday's episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, he repeatedly pressed Gupta on his coworkers' claims that he took animal drugs.

'Calling it a horse de-wormer is not the most flattering thing, I get that,' Gupta said.

'It's a lie,' Rogan responded.

'It's a lie on a news network  and it's a lie that they're conscious of. It's not a mistake. They're unfavorably framing it as veterinary medicine.'

Gupta pointed to what he called a 'snarky' tweet by the FDA telling people they are 'not a horse,' seemingly comparing it to his CNN colleagues' statements.

'Why would you say that when you're talking about a drug that's been given out to billions and billions of people? A drug that was responsible for one of the inventors winning the Nobel Prize in 2015?

'A drug that has been shown to stop viral replication in vitro - you know that, right? Why would they lie and say that's horse de-wormer? I can afford people medicine, motherf*****. This is ridiculous,' Rogan said, prompting Gupta to laugh.

Gupta seemed to compare his CNN colleagues' assertions to the above tweet by the FDA

Ivermectin, available in human and animal concentrations, is used by 250 million people a year. Studies show it helps reduce viral load, but health experts say more research is needed

Ivermectin is available over-the-counter for horses, though health authorities have warned against humans taking the larger animal concentrations.

Rogan went on to criticize mainstream media for pushing a false narrative about Ivermectin, a broad-spectrum, anti-parasitic 'wonder drug' taken by 250 million people a year, according to a 2015 Nobel lecture.

'It's just a lie, but don't you think a lie like that is dangerous on a news network, when you know that they know they're lying?' Rogan asked.

Gupta seemed overwhelmed: 'We're going so fast.'

'Dude, they lied and said I was taking horse de-wormer,' Rogan shot back. 'First of all, it was prescribed to me by a doctor along with a bunch of other medications.'

Gutpa conceded: 'If you got a human pill - because there are people that were taking the veterinary medication, and you're not, obviously, you got it from a doctor - so it shouldn't be called that.

'Ivermectin can be a very effective medication for parasitic disease and, as you say, it's probably a quarter billion people have taken it around the world.'

'More, way more. Billions of people have taken it,' Rogan said.

'Does it bother you that the network you work for out and lied, just outright lied about me taking horse de-wormer?' Rogan asked point-blank.

'They shouldn't have said that,' Gupta finally admitted.

'Why did they do that?' Rogan asked.

'I don't know,' Gupta said.

'You didn't ask? You're the medical guy over there,' Rogan charged.

'I didn't ask, I should have asked before coming on the podcast,' Gupta said.

Gupta, 51, is a practicing neurosurgeon and professor at Emory Healthcare in Atlanta. He attended the University of Michigan medical school and joined CNN in 2001.

The CNN correspondent's talk with Rogan started out on fairly friendly terms, with Gupta telling Rogan he was 'glad' that he was better.

'Thank you,' Rogan responded. 'You're probably the only one at CNN who's glad  The rest of them are all lying about me taking horse medication.'

'That bothered you,' Gupta said.

'It should bother you too,' Rogan shot back. 'They're lying at your network about people taking human drugs versus drugs for veterinary.'

Last month, Rogan announced he fell ill on August 28, during the Florida leg of his live tour. He told his Instagram followers that he took Ivermectin along with monoclonal antibodies, Z-pack antibiotics and a vitamin drip for three days and that he felt great.

The announcement kicked off a flurry of criticism for the popular podcaster, who signed a deal with streaming service Spotify worth a reported $100 million last year.

Dr Fauci, Biden's medical advisor, went on CNN and said that Rogan took the 'livestock de-wormer ivermectin,' adding that it 'doesn't have any effect on COVID, obviously,' according to Yahoo News.

Dr. Fauci tells @Acosta that disinformation, like that being spread by Tucker Carlson and Joe Rogan, is, "one of the enemies of public health." pic.twitter.com/4A3gUB3rWZ  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) September 5, 2021

US COVID infections are up from early summer, largely due to the aggressive Delta variant

Rogan has made controversial comments criticizing vaccines and coronavirus lockdown measures. In a video last month, above, he said he caught COVID while performing in Florida

Fauci also called Rogan 'one of the enemies of public health.'

Rogan has previously railed against vaccines and vaccine mandates, saying that young and healthy people don't need to be jabbed. On Wednesday, he also revealed that he was nearly vaccinated in Las Vegas a few months ago but missed his appointment, according to Newsweek.

Ivermectin was discovered from soil samples collected in Japan by microbiologist Satoshi Omura in 1970, according to the journal Trends in Parasitology.

Omura won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015 along with American biologist William C. Campbell, of the pharmaceutical company Merck.

The Nobel committee wrote: 'Its impact on improving the overall health and welfare of hundreds of millions of men, women and children, mostly in poor and impoverished communities, remains unmatched.

'It continues to defy many preconceived concepts, with no drug resistance developing in humans despite years of extensive monotherapy. Tis has led to it being included on the World Health Organizations "List of Essential Medicines," a compilation of the most important medications needed in any basic health system.'

An August 21 article in the American Journal of Therapeutics concluded that 'using ivermectin early in the clinical course may reduce numbers progressing to severe disease. The apparent safety and low cost suggest that ivermectin is likely to have a significant impact on the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic globally.'

The CDC says more 'adequately sized, well-designed, and well-conducted clinical trials are needed' before recommending Ivermectin for coronavirus.
9/11 enraged and pained me like all Americans. But unlike many of my peers, the events of 9/11 aren't what compelled me to join the military. For me, I found myself working as an accountant in a cubical post college. From my cubical one day in 2004, I was able to watch the Marines moving through the city of Fallujah on the news. At the center of this violent attack, was the unit V18. Watching those Marines filled me with awe, respect, and love. I knew how much I loved America, and I was mad at myself for not making more sacrifices for the country. I called the Marine Corps that day and began my journey.

After 17 years, I want to express how grateful I am for everything the Marine Corps did to mold me into the man I am. Despite the recent events, and everything that has been discussed today I owe the Marine Corps a lot.

The Marine Corps for me was never supposed to be a career. But I've stayed as long as I have for two reasons:

1. Love for the Marines and

2. The opportunity to make a difference on the battlefield as a leader.

I truly believe America is the greatest country in the world.

I truly believe the American military is the greatest military in the world.

I truly believe the Marine Corps has the best talent of all the military services.

But I also truly believe fundamental change needs to occur in the military. I have observed that the General officers are unable or unwilling to hold themselves accountable.

I have always loved the Marines. But as my recent public comments illustrate, I have started questioning the long-standing system of the Marine Corps, and for that matter, the military as a whole.

Prior to the withdrawal of Afghanistan, I was reflecting on the often-told stories about the previous Commandants Wilson and Barrow. Those two Commandants led the USMC after the failures in Vietnam. The narrative told today is that Commandants Wilson and Barrow 'fixed the service' with their generational shift. They fixed the Service by raising the standards on the junior enlisted Marine. Said another way, the junior enlisted Marines weren't capable of winning the Vietnam war, or the next war, so the Generals needed to fix the Service.

I was thinking about the parallels of Vietnam and Afghanistan as I read General Berger's letter to the Force dated 18 August. This letter in my opinion perfectly illustrates senior military leader's inability to see the true pain in Service members following a failed war effort. General Berger told Service members their sacrifices were worth it without offering any connection back to a bigger purpose. He concluded the letter with how Service members should go seek counseling. At no point did he acknowledge any failures of the leadership.

A week after reading his statement, I was sitting in my office on August 26th, and I was told that 13 service members had been killed and many more injured in an SVEST attack. I also knew the majority of the casualties were from V18 my first unit. My mind was immediately taken back to my friend Dave Borden, who was hit with an SVEST when we served in Ramadi together with V18. It was the same situation playing out again. I thought about all the time I spent with Dave in Walter Reed, and in the half-way treatment house months later. I thought about LCpl Gluff who was killed in that SVEST attack next to Dave. And at the same time as these thoughts ran through my mind, I was receiving pictures from a friend on my phone from Marines who were involved in the recent Abby Gate Afghanistan SVEST incident.

In that moment I had clarity. I realized the military was continuing to make the same mistakes because senior leaders continued to diagnose the wrong problem. I concluded that our senior leaders were either unable or unwilling to have an honest discussion about our failures in a public forum that would necessitate REAL change. I also decided that quietly addressing these concerns within the chain of command would be ineffective. I knew my complaints would never be heard by the Commandant, the SECDEF, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, or the American people if I went through the proper channels. Reference the charges I tried to prefer against General McKenzie. It is a perfect example of how going through the system doesn't work.

In the first video I connected the failed Afghan withdraw, the attacks on V18, and General Berger's letter to the force. I stated, 'The reason people are so upset right now is NOT because of the Marine on the battlefield. That Service member has always rose to the occasion and done extraordinary things. The reason people are so upset right now is because their senior leaders let them down, and none of them are raising their hands and taking accountability.' I ended by saying, 'I've been fighting for 17 years and I'm willing to throw it all away to say to my senior leaders I demand accountability.'

That Thursday night, as the video started to go viral, I stated on my LinkedIn page that I did not plan to resign despite all the demands for my resignation. At that time, that is how I felt. I wanted to remain in the Marine Corps.

When I came into work the next morning, on August 27th, the first person I spoke to was Col Emmel. He asked what I was trying to achieve with the video. He told me he didn't think I would be able to affect any real change. He then told me that morning that I would NOT be relieved immediately. He told me to go home for the weekend and an investigation would take place, and that following the investigation the command would decide if it warranted my relief and/or follow-on administrative action.

When Col Emmel left my office, my Battalion Executive Officer came in so we could conduct a turnover. He was going to run the Battalion in my absence. He said, 'I don't need anything from you sir. I just want you to know how much I respect you, and how political and fucked up the Marine Corps has gotten. That's why a lot of guys are getting out. That's why our old Gunner got out. In fact, I first heard about your video when our old Gunner called me this morning. He said, your new boss just posted a video that is all truth. I'm sure he's going down, but someone needed to have the courage to say it. Please tell him how proud we all are of him.' My Battalion Executive Officer then went on to say, 'We all know it's political. You know the joint chiefs who signed a letter condemning the January 6th attacks how political was that? I'm not saying I condone the January 6th attacks, but I am saying for all the joint chiefs to sign a letter on that topic, but not to condemn any of the other recent riots that have caused more damage and deaths is purely political.' To which I responded 'Yes, those idiots on January 6th were unorganized and unintelligent. If ever there was a force that used deliberate thought, the outcome could be much worse.'

At no time did I ever advocate for the violent overthrow of the government. I was led into the conversation of the January 6th attacks by someone I trusted, and then my words were twisted. Furthermore, the investigating officer then took that statement and led every witness he interviewed with questions about my involvement in the January 6th attacks. This in my perception, was as an attempt by the Marine Corps to paint me into something I'm not. The Marine Corps, despite their best efforts, was not able to find any evidence of insurrection. If the Marine Corps could have charged me with insurrection they would have.

Then later that same Friday the 27th, while I was back at my house, without explanation, Col Emmel called me back into work, even though he told me to take the weekend off. When I came back into work, he relieved me for cause. He never explained why he did a 180, and I didn't ask. I'm not sure if it was my Battalion Executive Officer's comments, or a decision made above Col Emmel. But at the time, not even understanding what my Battalion Executive Officer had said, I agreed that the relief was best for the Marine Corps. And I wanted, and still want, what was best for the Marine Corps. When I left work, I made a post stating that I had been relieved, 'and that my command was doing exactly what I would have done.' After publicly announcing my relief, at that time, I still planned on allowing the investigation to run its course, and to remain in the Marine Corps without further statements.

But after my relief, when I got home and back on my social media, I saw a post from my old commanding officer Colonel Hobbs. He commented below my statement on LinkedIn that I didn't plan to resign and stated, 'If Stuart Scheller were honorable, he would resign.' This comment devastated me. He didn't call me. He didn't text me. He didn't email me. Someone who I even stated in my second video, 'That I loved like a father.' He demonstrated that he didn't care about me at all. And even though he's retired, Colonel Hobbs is still very active in the Marine Corps. In fact, he called after my second video and left me a voicemail stating that he and General Neller were discussing my situation. That's the influence Col Hobbs still has.

After reading his comment following my relief, my thoughts went from disappointment to anger. It was the first time I started thinking about resigning. I started thinking, if my call for accountability can result in me being fired and investigated in 24 hours, and my greatest mentor in the Marine Corps can immediately turn on me without any empathy for me as a human being, maybe my senior leaders don't care about me at all. Maybe, this is not an organization that I want to be a part of. This led me to my second post on Friday the 27th, where I stated, 'Last night when I posted the video I immediately had multiple Marines call and ask me to take down the post. 'We all agree with you Stu, but nothing will change, and it will come at a huge personal cost to you.' Now that I've had time to process I'll offer this we can't ALL be wrong. If you all agree then step up. They only have the power because we allow it. What if we all demanded accountability? Every generation needs a revolution.'

This post is where the Marine Corps and I started parting ways dramatically. My calls for revolution were always about changing the system. A system that centralizes power and fails to hold senior leaders accountable. A system that will immediately turn on you if you speak out.

Col Emmel called me that Friday night and made it very clear that I was heading towards legal action with the most recent post and reminded me again of the social media policy.

So I took Saturday to contemplate my situation. In that day I came to the conclusion that the Marine Corps didn't really care about me, and that best case, I would be hidden in an office for three years as a failure. But that most likely I was heading towards a BOI for separation based on my use of the word revolution. This situation led me into the second video that I posted on Sunday August 29th. The second video was me declaring that I felt like the General Officers and leaders of the military didn't understand or care. In the video I stated my intention to resign and give up my retirement. I also stated, 'I want to be clear that I love the Marine Corps.' And then I went on to state, 'Follow me and we will bring the whole fucking system down.' If I could go back, I would have chosen different words. But at no time was that a call to violence. I was stating that the system is broken and needs to be rebuilt. I still feel this is the case. I still feel fundamental change is required. I still feel a revolution, or rebuilding the broken system is the only way to fix the shortfalls if senior leaders are unable or unwilling to fix it themselves.

Following the post of the second video, that Sunday afternoon my CO texted me to call him. Immediately after he texted me, the SOI XO called me. I answered his call and spoke to him for over ten minutes. He obviously thought I was suicidal, which I knew I wasn't. He kept stating that he would come meet me, and I kept stating that it wasn't necessary. We repeated the same thing over and over to each other until finally I got frustrated and said, 'That's enough. I answered your call out of professional courtesy. I am not suicidal. And I'm not going to continue having this conversation.' And then the phone call ended. I didn't call Col Emmel back because I had just spoken to his XO for a great length of time, and I assumed that was sufficient.

I kept my phone on for the rest of the day and no one called me until later that night. Two Marines I know, Major Cummings and LtCol Helminski texted me that NCIS arrived at their houses respectively. Both told me NCIS was looking for me. To which I responded, 'Why didn't they just call me and ask where I was?' They didn't know. So I told both of them the same thing, 'I'm fine, and I can talk to NCIS tomorrow morning at 08:00 when I show up to work. I am not suicidal.' Then I saw a statement released by the Marine Corps public affairs office that stated, 'the Marine Corps is trying to locate LtCol Scheller to ensure his safety and the safety of those around him.' I was furious about this statement. I assumed if the Marine Corps was REALLY trying to locate me, that they would have been smart enough to call me. The SOI XO was able to reach me. My peers were able to reach me. This seemed like an obvious attempt from the Marine Corps to paint me as suicidal. Which was another indicator to me that the system didn't really care about me, but only wanted to protect itself. If they really thought I was suicidal why not call me unless they were actually hoping I would commit suicide.

When I went into work the next morning the Marine Corps narrative of my unstable mental health continued to be discussed. My CO told me he wanted me to volunteer for a mental evaluation. I told him that wasn't necessary. So he ordered me to get a mental health evaluation. I did, and they determined what I knew all along, which I wasn't mentally unstable, just very angry at what I perceived to be consistent betrayal.

The mental health angle is frustrating for many reasons. The Marine Corps never ordered me to get a mental health evaluation when I missed the birth of my first child while deployed to Afghanistan. The Marine Corps never ordered me to get a mental health evaluation when I missed the funerals of all three of my grandparents while on different deployments. The Marine Corps only cared about my mental health once I publicly challenged the leadership.

After I was released from the hospital, I felt like all bets were off. I felt like the Marine Corps was out to get me, and I didn't feel like a single officer or previous peer had my back. Just reference the comments about me in the investigation. They called me, 'narcissistic, egotistical, entitled, too relaxed, abusive, bi-polar, poor selection to battalion command, treats people like shit, embellished combat record, smirks unnecessarily, supports January 6th attacks, should go to jail, etc.' No one said anything positive. Not one. While at this time I hadn't actually read the investigation, I could feel their contempt in every conversation.

Also, at this time my family was out of state and my marriage was falling apart. All I wanted to do was to travel up to my wife and try to make amends. I asked Col Emmel for leave, but he wouldn't allow it until all my medial and out-processing administration was done. He said my number one priority should be preparing to exit the Marine Corps, and all other things could wait. So I had to continue to come into work every day, which in my opinion, was never about my best interest.

The following day, on Tuesday, August 31st, I submitted my resignation letter because I knew the divide between the Marine Corps and myself was too deep for repair.

The next day, Wednesday September 1st, I made four posts that I later deleted. Two were directly to General Berger; in one post I stated that I heard General Burger was trying to court martial me. I then went on to comment about his current initiative to revoke the authority of Battalion Commander's to manage their unit's social media. To me this is an example of the system centralizing control. In a second post to General Berger, I thanked him for addressing the need to discuss the withdraw of Afghanistan. A third post I made that day was in response to the attack on my small business. I spoke to my business partner who told me MCCS was potentially pulling my product, The Perfect Ribbon, off the shelves of the Marine Corps exchanges because of my actions. Again, this was just another example of how I thought the Marine Corps was unlawfully attacking me. Again I thought, why would they do that if they actually cared about me? My fourth post that day was to my wife. She wasn't answering my phone calls. I wasn't able to take leave, and even though I knew she had taken down her social media, I knew my plea to her would be forwarded. But in hindsight, I shouldn't have made any of those posts. So I ended up deleting all four posts from that Wednesday. I concluded that I was under duress and that the posts didn't accurately reflect my message. I also deeply regret the way I handled what should have been a private conversation with my wife.

But I never went back and deleted my messages demanding accountability, or how I thought the system was failing. I made another post on Thursday 2 September clarifying my position and demand for accountability. I very clearly stated that 'I planned to bring the whole system down in a constitutional manner with one loud voice.'

At this point, I felt the world was against me, and all I could see was the hypocrisy of the system. Everything I thought about frustrated me. So I made another post on Labor Day that quoted the right in the Declaration of Independence for the people to throw off the old form of government if it isn't serving the interests of the people. I also illustrated my frustration with General officers who take jobs with high paying government contractors following their retirement. This seems highly unethical to me and is another symptom of our inability to hold senior leaders accountable. For example, the current Secretary of Defense got a high paying job with Raytheon to be on the board of directors following his military retirement, which in itself is unethical. But then he was selected to become the Secretary of Defense. The ethical issues with this conflict of interest are obvious to me.

Later that week, on Friday September 10th, I published a third video titled United WE stand. In this video I was trying to communicate my emotional process. I was trying to show all the people who kept calling me crazy that I was just a normal guy, like all other Service members asked to kill people in the last 20 years. I wanted to normalize the psychological impact on service members after a failed war. I wanted other Service Members to see that it's normal to get mad. And that just because you're mad, doesn't mean you're bi-polar or have a mental illness. That it's normal to cry. That it's normal to question why your government asked you to commit violence. That it's normal to demand accountability from the same senior leaders who asked you to commit the violence. At no time in that video did I state I was going to use violence to hold my senior leaders accountable. But again, that is how the message was spun. I posted the video to demonstrate how these emotions are normal, but somehow I was painted as even crazier than before. Everyone was telling me that I was having a mental break down.

Following this video my lawyer was trying to make a deal.

But at the time, I felt like my honor and reputation were at stake. I felt the Marine Corps was challenging me without addressing my demands for accountability AT ALL. I felt like at that point, if I had taken any agreed upon deal, I would always have been painted as the stereotypical crazy veteran. I felt like all my very valid points would have been forgotten.

And to be clear, I am a command selected Battalion Commander. Can you imagine a LCpl demanding accountability for rape or any other valid complaint? How do you think the command would treat those Marines? Do you think the command would be more sympathetic to them than how they have treated me? This whole process, in my opinion, should be a case study on how the system can turn on someone who speaks out. I truly hope going forward that Marine Corps leaders can better tolerate challenges to the system.

I ended up deciding to post a fourth video, on Thursday September 16th, to ensure my request for accountability was not forgotten. I posted the video in my uniform, because unlike my previous two videos, I was very controlled and deliberate in the fourth video. In the fourth video, I was speaking directly to the General officers. I also stated my intention to prefer legal charges against General McKenzie so that my command, who was trying to hold me accountable, would also be forced to take a formal position on the charges I levied against General McKenzie. But up to this point, they have denied me this right.

After I posted the fourth video, my command finally grew tired of reminding me about the social media policy and issued me the gag order. To be clear, I never stated that I would stop posting. I only signed and acknowledge that Col Emmel gave me a gag order. After signing, I remained silent for the rest of the week on social media. During that week I was fighting four sperate legal battles with four different groups of lawyers. My wife handed me a separation agreement, my business partner initiated a process to buy me out of the company since my name hurt the brand, I was trying unsuccessfully to prefer legal action against General McKenzie, and I was also trying to defend myself against the legal actions being brought towards me by the command. It was a tough week for me personally and professionally.

Then that weekend, on Saturday, September 25th, I deliberately made three posts that violated the gag order. I did so willingly.

I knew if I said true things that were hard to hear, my command would likely overreact and send me to jail. I felt this overreaction would ultimately bring coverage to my situation and force the General officers to answer tough questions about the hypocrisy of our situations.

But even though I anticipated my command would send me to jail, when I went into work on Monday, I was very disturbed that Col Emmel stated on the confinement order that I was a flight risk. Up to that point, I knew Col Emmel was very upset with me, but I didn't take it personally. I also sympathized with his responsibility to hold the party line. But when he stated formally that I was a flight risk with absolutely no evidence of this, I felt like he lied to silence and punish me. The truth is that I came into work every day and had responded to every request even after he refused to let me take leave. The only time I failed to communicate with him was the one text he sent me after my second video, which again, I felt was appropriately addressed after I spoke to his XO for ten minutes. Yet still somehow, he listed on a formal document that I was a flight risk to justify my confinement.

While in the brig I again tried to submit a resignation in lieu of trial, but my command rejected it. They wanted a conviction of guilt. Thus, I obviously signed a deal to plead guilty to a litany of charges at special court martial, which brings us to today. But the attacks from the Marine Corps continued even after my release. Following my release, the Marine Corps leaked confidential documents to the senior pentagon journalist for Task and Purpose. Of note, the Marine Corps placed my medical records in the investigation, and then leaked these documents to Task and Purpose. For them to leak my medical records is truly heartbreaking. Furthermore, had I leaked something to the media, I would have gone back to jail. But no one in the Marine Corps will be held accountable for the leaked documents. In the article ran by Task and Purpose, I was painted as a violent extremist, Fascist, and the journalist even made a connection to Hitler. Obviously, you can understand that I was very angry following the article. After everything I've been through, I feel it's reasonable to conclude that the Marine Corps and Task and Purpose were working together in an effort to smear my name. I also feel that it's possible the Marine Corps was trying to bait me into posting again.

This is not the America I know. This is not the America that I have fought so hard to defend the last 17 years.

In summary, I was never charged with a false official statement. Because everything I have said is true. If the Marine Corps could have charged me with, they would have. My statements all center around the fact that I do not believe General Officers are held to the same standards as junior leaders. I also believe, that similar to post Vietnam, the Marine Corps leadership is trying to spin the narrative about our failures on the junior enlisted without taking a hard look at themselves. I also believe that once I spoke out, the Marine Corps wholistically took every opportunity to attack me, and never actually cared about my well-being.

But it's hard for the Marine Corps to defeat someone who refuses to quit. Going forward, I am still demanding accountability from my senior General officers. Since this endeavor began, not a single General officer has accepted accountability. Not a single General officer has contacted me directly in any forum to deescalate the situation. Since this endeavor began, I have acknowledged that I should be held accountable for my actions. I am standing here today pleading guilty. This is me accepting accountability. But it deeply pains me that my senior leaders are incapable of being as courageous.

Without accountability from our senior leaders, the system cannot evolve, and the military will ultimately keep repeating the same mistakes in the future. It doesn't matter if a SSgt squad leader is highly efficient in distributed operations if the General officers have relegated themselves to 'yes sir' responses. We need senior leaders who possess the morale courage to push back when something doesn't make sense.

Furthermore, I understand that my process of criticism was unorothodoxed and not within official Marine Corps channels. I essentially requested mast in a very public setting. I acknowledge that it was potentially damaging to the Marine Corps' reputation. But I felt the conversation and need for change outweighed the potential negative bad press. I did what I did because I thought it was in the best long-term interest of the Marine Corps. I have always wanted to make the Marine Corps better. Not damage the Marine Corps. I acknowledge that my actions placed the Marine Corps in a position where they were forced to respond and couldn't quietly hide behind closed doors.

My actions were very public, and at times, very emotional. But I think the emotional rollercoaster that I went through, is what every service member in the country goes through. The only difference is that my experience was very public. And unlike the 22 Service Members a day who kill themselves, I decided a long time ago that I will never be broken. No matter the struggle I will prevail stronger. Post Traumatic Growth. But even with that mindset, that doesn't mean I don't experience pain. That doesn't mean I don't experience depression. That doesn't mean I don't take time to cry.

If the leaders of the military actually cared about service members, and their sacrifices, all the current and previous senior leaders would engage in public discussions about the shortfalls in their decision making. Senior leaders accepting accountability would heal more service members than any other initiative. The junior service members deserve that from their leadership.

I believe the General officers have demonstrated that they are unable or unwilling to hold themselves accountable. As a result, I believe fundamental change needs to occur in the military.

I am being held accountable for my actions. The General officers should be held accountable for their failures.

Thank You,

Lt. Col. Stu Scheller
A phallic-looking statue erected to honour the potato produce of a Cypriot village has drawn ridicule on social media.

The suspicious spud was installed on Wednesday in the village of Xylofagou near Ayia Napa in Cyprus.

Xylofagou is among a group of villages known as the Kokkinochoria, or Red Villages, which are famous for growing vegetables, particularly potatoes, in red soil.

The statue was put up to celebrate the villages ahead of an upcoming Potato Festival.

It has been named 'The Big Potato' and stands next to the local Olympos Xylofagou stadium, according to the Cyprus Mail.

Social media users have mocked the unfinished statue, saying it looks more like a certain male appendage or a sex toy then a spud.

Some said that the monument should be trussed up to resemble Mr Potato Head, while others drew comparisons with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' New Shepard rocket, which was also ridiculed for its suggestive shape.

A phallic-looking statue erected to honour the potato produce of a Cypriot village has drawn ridicule on social media

The suspicious spud was installed on Wednesday in the village of Xylofagou near Ayia Napa in Cyprus ahead of an upcoming potato festival

But local officials remain unfazed by the taunts, with Xylofagou community leader George Tasou, who organised the project, saying: 'There is no such thing as bad publicity.'

'I wanted this potato to become a point of reference in the community, and I am glad as the defamation taking place is actually the best advert for us,' he said.

'I am sure that all those who criticise the work will come here to be photographed with the potato.'

Tasou said he was inspired to create a statue honouring the local potato after seeing the Big Fish monument in Belfast.

After many said the statue appears phallic, he pointed out that the monument is based on the elongated Spunta (seed potato) grown in the area.

Tasou added that the statue is still unfinished and will cost around EUR 8,000 (6,766) in total.

Describing how the monument will look when completed, he said: 'Seating facilities will be added, while there will also be a refreshment facility in the area, obliged to fry and cook potatoes for the visitors.'

Tasou, who said the project has the full support of the Ministry of Tourism, added: 'We are certain that it will become an attraction for thousands of tourists.'

'We want to post signs up along the highway leading drivers to the Big Potato, so that they'll come visit our village'.

Local comedian Stevie Georgiou joked 'we've managed to turn Xylofagou into the hosts of the 2021 International Penis Awards', adding that he can 'wholeheartedly say we are the laughing stock of Europe'.
A 26-year-old has ditched his job as a railway engineer to become a full-time vintage car dealer after collecting the police vehicles he fell in love with as a child while watching Heartbeat.

Joseph Gabrielli, of Derby, Derbyshire, avidly viewed the ITV drama, set in 1960s Yorkshire, and was transfixed by the blue and white Ford Anglia police car which often appeared.

Now, after amassing his own eight-strong vintage collection, Joseph and his wife Faye, who have a 15-month-old daughter, Beatrice, like to dress up in period police uniform and give their vehicles a spin at classic car shows - as well as rent them out to film studios and weddings.

While he has spent 20,000 on his collection, Joseph believes he can fetch upwards of 25,000 for each of his models due to their rarity.

The father-of-one bought his first Anglia in 2015, a former Leicestershire Police CID vehicle that had been languishing in a barn for 39 years.

He thought he was getting a standard Ford Anglia but during the restoration found holes for the police plates, radio and aerial.

The paint was sanded away to reveal Royal crowns, and Joseph then got hold of a full car history outlining its previous use.

Then two years ago he acquired and restored a 1960s Ford Anglia panda car which was driven by Lancashire Police.

Joseph Gabrielli, of Derby, Derbyshire, avidly viewed the ITV drama, set in 1960s Yorkshire, and was transfixed by the blue and white Ford Anglia police car which often appeared (Pictured with wife Faye)

Joseph and his wife Faye, who have a 15-month-old daughter, Beatrice, like to dress up in period police uniform (pictured) when giving their vehicles a spin at classic car shows

Joseph has spent about 20,000 on his collection, but he is now able to keep costs down as he has learnt mechanic skills to do his own restorations.

Joseph believed the restored Anglias would be worth upwards of 25,000 each on the market due to their rarity (pictured in Anglia with wife Faye)

Joseph dressed head to toe in vintage police wear among his Ford Anglia police cars in his garage in Derby

Last year, he added a third to his collection - the last surviving Metropolitan Police Ford Anglia, which had not moved from its London driveway since 1972.

The rusting vehicle, which still had its original tyres, was carefully placed into a trailer and transported to his home.

Joseph has also converted a regular 'rust-bucket' Ford Anglia into a replica 1960s deluxe panda police car, which he hires out for film productions and weddings.

The cars are kept in a new specially-built garage which also contains cabinets filled with Ford Anglia memorabilia.

He said he has spent about 20,000 on his collection, but he is now able to keep costs down as he has learnt mechanic skills to do his own restorations.

Joseph believed the restored Anglias would be worth upwards of 25,000 each on the market due to their rarity.

When he started his collection, he worked as an engineer in the railway industry.

However, his passion has become his job and he is now a classic car dealer who supplies vintage cars for film.

Joseph, who owns eight police cars including models from 2010, said: 'My interest was sparked as a child watching Heartbeat on a Sunday night.

'I remember the blue and white police Ford Anglia in the show from the 1960s and I loved it.

'Six years ago, a friend of mine was doing a barn conversion for a woman in Leicestershire and they found six cars just sitting there, including a Ford Anglia.

'I contacted the woman and paid 2,900 for it thinking it was a regular Ford Anglia. It had been sitting there for 39 years but was still in ok condition considering.

'During the restoration, we found holes where the police plates, radio and aerial would have been, and when we sanded the paint down we found Royal crowns.

'After getting hold of a full history of the car, I found out it was used by Leicester Police CID in the 1960s.

When Joseph started his collection, he worked as an engineer in the railway industry - a job he has since quit (Pictured: Joseph and Faye in their vintage police car)

The cars are kept in a new specially-built garage which also contains cabinets filled with Ford Anglia memorabilia (Pictured behind the couple)

Joseph, who owns eight police cars including models from 2010, said: 'My interest was sparked as a child watching Heartbeat on a Sunday night.'

The father-of-one bought his first Anglia in 2015, a former Leicestershire Police CID vehicle that had been languishing in a barn for 39 years (Pictured: Ford Anglia in Joseph's garage)

'Since then, I've restored a Ford Anglia Police Panda which was used in the 1960s by Lancashire Police so officers could cover a larger beat.

'Then, last year, someone I know said their father in law had an old Metropolitan Police Ford Anglia on his driveway and it had not moved in over 40 years.

'When we went down there it was in a terrible, rotten state and it took months to plan how to move it because we didn't want it to fall apart.

'We got it back here in a trailer and it needs to be restored.

'I reckon I've spent 20,000 on buying and restoring the Ford Anglias, but they could be worth 25,000 each.

'When I started I knew nothing about restorations but over time I've learnt the mechanic skills and can save money doing them myself.

'My wife gets very involved - she loved Heartbeat too - and we take the cars to shows where they turn heads.

'I used to work in the railways, which I hated, and now I'm a classic car dealer so it has become my life.'

Heartbeat, set in the fictional village of Aidensfield, North Riding, ran for 18 series from 1992 and 2010, attracting over 13million viewers at its peak.

Joseph runs the Facebook page On-The-Beat Classic car hire.
The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 riot announced it would move forward with criminal charges after Steve Bannon skipped out on his subpoena to testify, insisting he would not do so until the matter of former President Trump's executive privilege is settled.

Rep. Bennie Thompson, chair of the select committee, said in a statement that Bannon was 'hiding behind insufficient, blanket and vague statements regarding privileges he has purported to invoke.'

'The Select Committee will not tolerate defiance of our subpoenas, so we must move forward with proceedings to refer Mr. Bannon for criminal contempt.'

The panel is scheduled to vote on the criminal referral on Tuesday night, and if charged Bannon faces up to a year in jail or a $100,000 fine.

Trump slammed the news of possible criminal charges.

'The January 6th Unselect Committee composed of Radical Left Democrats and a few horrible RINO Republicans is looking to hold people in criminal contempt for things relative to the Protest, when in fact they should hold themselves in criminal contempt for cheating in the Election, making up the Fake Russia, Russia, Russia, and Ukraine, Ukraine, Ukraine Scams, the Afghanistan debacle, the Southern Border Crisis, the crashing economy, and record-setting inflation,' he said.

Meanwhile, former Pentagon aide Kash Patel also skipped out on his scheduled deposition before the committee. Lawmakers had previously said Patel was 'engaging' with them.

'He didn't show up. He's continuing to engage,' Illinois Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a member of the panel, told CQ Roll Call. 'We have a limited threshold of patience for that.'

Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and former White House communications aide Dan Scavino are scheduled to testify on Friday. The committee said Meadows was also 'engaging,' though it said nothing of Trump's former social media wizard Scavino.

Bannon's lawyer on Thursday wrote a letter to the House select committee chair Rep. Bennie Thompson, reiterating to the committee that the former Trump adviser had no intention of testifying.

Bannon's lawyer, Robert Costello, said that Trump's lawyer Justin Clark had informed Bannon on Wednesday that Trump would be exercising executive privilege and directed Bannon not to produce documents or testify until the matter had been settled.

The letter argued that 'Bannon's position is not in defiance of your Committee's subpoena.'

'That is an issue between the committee and President Trump's counsel and Mr. Bannon is not required to respond at this time,' Costello wrote.

The House committee last week gave Bannon until this Thursday to appear before them, at which point they threatened to pursue criminal charges.

The House committee last week gave Bannon until this Thursday to appear before them, at which point they threatened to pursue criminal charges

Former Pentagon aide Kash Patel also skipped out on his scheduled deposition before the committee

'We will not allow any witness to defy a lawful subpoena or attempt to run out the clock, and we will swiftly consider advancing a criminal contempt of Congress referral,' said committee chairman Bennie Thompson and vice vhair Liz Cheney in a statement last week.

'Until such time as you reach an agreement with President Trump or receive a court ruling as to the extent, scope and application of the executive privilege, in order to preserve the claim of executive or other privileges, Mr. Bannon will not be producing documents or testifying,' Costello said. 'Mr. Bannon will revisit his position if President Trump's position changes or if a court rules on the matter.'

The letter noted that Bannon had been compliant with subpoenas to testify during the Mueller investigation and before the House and Senate Intelligence Committees. 'In each of those instances, when President Trump waived his invocation of executive privileges, Mr. Bannon testified.'

Costello is a former deputy chief of the criminal division for the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Southern District of New York.

Bannon is the only one of the top Trump aides subpoenaed on September 23 who was not working for the Trump administration on January 6, the day of the attack on the U.S. Capitol

He also represents Trump aide and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani in investigations about his business dealings.

Bannon is the only one of the top Trump aides subpoenaed on September 23 who was not working for the Trump administration on January 6, the day of the attack on the U.S. Capitol.

'I stand with Trump and the Constitution,' he told DailyMail.com.

In issuing the subpoena to Bannon, the committee wrote: 'You have been identified as present at the Willard Hotel on January 5, 2021 during an effort to persuade members of Congress to block the certification of the Election the next day, and in relation to other activities on Jan. 6.'

It also pointed out that he told listeners of his War Room podcast on January 5 that 'all hell is going to break loose tomorrow.'

For Scavino, the committee referenced tweets sent by Trump's former social media lead and asked him to turn over video recordings of the president's message to supporters telling them to go home as the violence unfolded.

The deadline for them to respond was midnight on Thursday.

Lawmakers believe they can win a challenge over executive privilege as Trump is no longer in office and some of those subpoenaed were no longer working for him on January 6.
Pictured: Brandon Freyre, 20, was charged with kidnapping (second degree), assault (second and third degree), strangulation, terroristic threatening, and criminal mischief

A University of Delaware student was accused of choking a female student until she was unconscious before spraying paint in her eyes and tossing her down a flight of stairs last week, sparking protests across campus.

Brandon Freyre, 20, was charged with kidnapping (second degree), assault (second degree), strangulation, terroristic threatening, assault (third degree), and criminal mischief in connection to the brutal assault on the unnamed woman, who also attends the university.

Newark police said on the morning of October 8, at an off-campus apartment, Freyre and the woman began arguing.

The fight escalated and Freyre 'struck the victim with blunt objects, sprayed her in the eyes with spray paint and threatened to kill the victim if she contacted police', according to the department. 'He next strangled her to unconsciousness'.

PICTURED: Brandon Freyre, right, 'strangled her to unconsciousness,' police said

The attack sparked protests across campus, pictured, which have since gone viral in a TikTok video

A screenshot from the TikTok video showing students protesting along the university's fraternity row, of which Freyre belonged to Kappa Delta Rho

'Freyre blocked the exit to the room and prevented the victim from leaving the apartment. After about four hours, he threw the victim down a flight of stairs,' police said.

The victim was taken to a nearby hospital and was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The exact nature of the relationship between the victim and Freyre remains unclear, however authorities said they knew each other.

Freyre, a sophomore at the university, has since been released from jail after paying a $38,100 cash bail, the National Victim Notification Network reports.

He is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on November 10, according to CBS News.

Meanwhile, the University of Delaware told the outlet on Wednesday that Freyre is currently 'officially separated' from the school and 'is not allowed on campus.'

Freyre, a sophomore at the university, has since been released from jail after paying a $38,100 cash bail, the National Victim Notification Network reports

'One in five college aged women are victims of violence during their time at school' the TikTok creator captioned part of the video

The university's chapter of the Kappa Delta Rho fraternity, of which Freyre was a member, said in a statement that his membership was suspended immediately

The school also said it remains 'in touch with (the victim) to offer support services and resources.'

The university's chapter of the Kappa Delta Rho fraternity, of which Freyre was a member, said his membership was suspended immediately.

On Tuesday, the fraternity announced that Freyre's membership was permanently revoked for 'attacking a woman heinously' adding that 'there is no place in our society for such behavior.'

Despite the fraternity's condemnation of their former member, the Kappa Delta Rho house was the target of massive protests in response to the assault.

The Review, the university's student-run newspaper, reported that protesters could be heard chanting 'silence is compliance' while marching along the row of fraternity houses where Kappa Delta Rho is located.

A video of the protests posted to TikTok has since gone viral, with over 1.3 million likes, nearly 20,000 comments and over 45,000 shares as of Thursday.

'We will not stop until the university acknowledges (the assault) and changes' the TikTok protest video read, with signs reading 'protect women' and 'we don't deserve this'

The university, pictured, only released a public statement on the matter after the protests went viral

'We deserve to feel safe on our campus,' the video's creator captioned the post while adding statistics regarding domestic violence.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline reports that 43 percent of college women who are dating have experienced violence and domestic abuse, with over half of college women reporting that they personally know someone who has been the victim of such violence.

The university released a public statement on the matter after the protests went viral.

'The past few days have been difficult for the University of Delaware community. We are writing to acknowledge the harm inflicted, denounce the violence reported, and call for our community to come together and advance our goals of a campus climate free of all violence, including gender-based violence and violence against women,' the university said, adding that the assault 'sparked immediate response' by the school officials.

'Our Code of Conduct allows the University to separate students from UD upon an arrest for a violent felony. As such, the university has followed this policy,' the school said.

'This recent, heinous incident of domestic violence reminds everyone in our community that we must be vigilant to uphold our values so that all can be safe here and pursue an education without the unjust burden of intimidation or threat to one's physical and emotional well-being and safety.'
A vicious robber who beat up two women and a teenage girl in their home after posing as an Amazon delivery driver was sentenced to 16 years today.

Sandel Hornea, who fled home to Romania after the crime, called at the family's home in Luton, Bedfordshire wearing a Hi-Viz jacket and carrying a parcel.

When the door was answered the thug forced his way in and launched a brutal assault on the three family members.

Sandel Hornea, 36, was carrying a parcel and wearing a high-vis jacket when he stormed the property as the front door was opened to the property in Luton, Bedfordshire in September 2019

Hornea forced himself into the house attacking a 14-year-old girl, her aunt and her grandmother during the home invasion

He pleaded guilty to two counts of grievous bodily harm and one each of actual bodily harm and robbery at Luton Crown Court

The attack on the family took place at their home in Luton at 10.30am on September 2, 2019 was caught on the family's CCTV.

The shocking footage was shown recently in the new series of Channel 4's '24 Hours In Police Custody.'

First, Hornea punched the 14-year-old girl who opened the door. She was knocked to the ground and suffered a fractured eye socket.

He delivered another crushing blow to the girl's 61-year-old grandmother in the hallway, knocking her unconscious and causing a bleed on her brain.

Hornea, a career criminal, who had committed previous offences in Romania, Italy and Hungary, dragged both the unconscious grandmother and her semi-conscious granddaughter across the hallway floor into the kitchen.

Hearing the commotion, the teenager's 37-year-old aunt came running down the stairs, only to be punched repeatedly about the head by Hornea who then made off with him satellite tv boxes and a Nintendo Wii.

Within hours of the sickening assaults on the women and schoolgirl, he fled the country.

Sentencing Hornea at Luton Crown Court today, Judge Mark Bishop handed the 36-year-old career criminal an 11-year jail term with a further 5 year extended sentence because he said he was a 'dangerous offender.'

It means he can be recalled to prison at any time until 2037.

Hornea, pictured here in Luton Airport, recently featured in the Channel 4 documentary 24 Hours in Police Custody

Hornea was extradited back to the UK where he later pleaded guilty to the attack

Sentencing him the judge said: 'This was a shocking and savage attack on three women aged between 14 and 61 in their own home that left two of them unconscious - one with fractures to her face, and having to undergo an operation, and another with two bleeds on her brain. The third was punched four times to the face and was left with bruising.'

Hornea, who had previously served a nine year jail term in Italy for sex trafficking which was later increased to 11 years and six months, was able to slip into the UK in 2019 when Britain was still observing freedom of movement rules before Brexit.

He was identified from the family's CCTV cameras and finger prints found on his empty cardboard box left at the scene.

Three months earlier Hornea had come to the attention of detectives in Luton when police raided a suspected brothel in the town and found him and his partner there, along with other young women. No action against him was taken in that matter.

On the same day as the attack Hornea took a plane out of the country and fled to Romania.

Detectives found CCTV footage of Hornea (circled) boarding a flight to Romania hours after the attack

Not long afterwards the father of the youngest victim decided to post online the CCTV footage in a bid to find the attacker. The film was accompanied by a 20,000 reward for information.

The footage went viral, much to the concern of Bedfordshire Police who feared it would simply drive Hornea deeper into hiding and make it harder to find him as he went to ground.

They appealed to the public not to share the CCTV footage on social media.

In the TV programme Sergeant Tom Hamm, who led the investigation, said: 'Policing is about holding your cards close to your chest and not giving away what you've got.'

He added that putting CCTV images on social media made the suspect 'a massive flight risk'.

Following his escape from the UK nothing was heard of Hornea for months, although it was thought he was back in his native Romania.

Police began to work with the Romanian authorities and applied for a European arrest warrant. He was eventually found and returned to the UK in March 2021.

Hornea pleaded guilty to two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and robbery.

The court was told that all three victims have been left fearful and anxious because of what happened to them two years ago.

Judge Bishop told him: 'It is clear this attack was targeted and pre- planned.'

He said he had used subterfuge by dressing as an Amazon driver. Referring to the CCTV he said: 'The use of violence was chilling to watch.'
Joshua Tejada was not quite sure he would ever return to El Salvador as he, his parents and his uncle's wife were set to take off for the United States. The eight-year-old had only one wish, for his pet parrot to be taken care of.

The family's search for the American dream was tragically cut short when police discovered the bodies of Tejada, his mother Yeni Dubon, his father Medardo Tejada and Dubon's sister-in-law on the side of a road in the Salvadoran Pacific port city of La Libertad on Sunday morning after they were reportedly killed by the smugglers who they contracted.

'Tomorrow Im going to the United States; I dont know if Im going to come back,' a neighbor recalled the boy saying, according to digital outlet ElSalvador.com. 'Please take care of Estrellita.'

Neighbors in Nueva Concepcion, Chalatenango, recalled speaking to the family, who had told them that the smugglers had asked them to meet at a local gas station at 4am. But for reasons unknown, the meetup time was changed to 1am.

The bodies of the boy and his parents were discovered the next day lying next to each other over a patch of dirt surrounded by shrubs 62 miles away in La Libertad.

Dubon's sister-in-law, who has not been named by authorities, was lying nearby.

Yeni Dubon (left), her husband Medardo Tejada (center) and the couple's eight-year-old son Joshua Tejada (right) along with Dubon's sister-in-law were found dead Sunday in La Libertad, El Salvador. The family had contracted the services of smugglers to help them get to the United States, according to Salvadoran digital news outlet ElSalvador.com. No arrests have been made

The bodies of Yeni Dubon, Medardo Tejada, Joshua Tejada, and a four person identified as Dubon's sister-in-law were discovered in shrubs in La Libertad on Sunday

As of Thursday, authorities had not made any arrests in connection to the shocking murders.

Residents told ElSalvador.com that the couple was looking to finally reunite with their mothers, who had migrated to the United States several years ago.

Medardo Tejada had actually been stopped on multiple occasions for unlawfully crossing the United States-Mexico border.

His recent attempt to enter the United States ended up with him spending five months in detention before he was expelled to El Salvador and vowing never try again.

DailyMail.com reached out to U.S. Customs and Border Protection to confirm the dates Tejada had been detained.

The dream of migrating to the United States ended in tragedy for four Salvadorans when they were found dead in La Libertad, El Salvador, on Sunday. Yeni Dubon, her boyfriend Medardo Tejada, the couple's son Joshua Tejada, and a four person identified as Dubon's sister-in-law met their smugglers at a gas station in Nueva Concepcion on Saturday at 1am. Authorities have yet to make any arrests

Vehicles line up with the caskets containing the bodies of four Salvadoran migrants who were killed Sunday in La Libertad, Salvador.

According to neighbors, Tejada worked as a day laborer. Dubon helped support the family by doing makeup, selling clothes and snacks.

Their son was always seen playing in the village park with other children and tagging along with his father and paternal grandfather to tend to the cows they were raising.

'When someone is up to no good, the community always notices,' a villager said. 'But they weren't; they were both fighters.'

According to the last U.S. Customs and Border Protection monthly southwestern border reported released September 16, 1,541,651 encounters for crossing the border without legal documents had been reported since October 1, 2020, the start of fiscal year 2021 which concluded September 30.

During the month of August, Border Patrol agents tallied 208,887 interdictions with migrants, including 12,656 with Salvadorans.
A 71-year-old South African tourist has been trampled to death by an elephant in front of his son at a Zimbabwe safari park.

Michael Bernard Walsh, a vet from Cape Town, was charged at by the 'tuskless' female elephant at Mana Pools.

The 'loyal tourist', who had been visiting the park almost every year for the past 35 years, was taking a morning walk with his 41-year-old son at the time.

A 71-year-old South African tourist has been trampled to death by an elephant in front of his son at Mana Pools (pictured: file image of elephants at the park)

The pair had left their car about 40 yards from the scene of the incident.

Tinashe Farawo, a spokesman for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, said: 'Because of age, unfortunately, the old man couldn't escape to the vehicle. His son watched as the elephant killed his father.

'We are extremely concerned because two people have been killed in one week alone,' he said, referring to an earlier fatality in which an anti-poaching coordinator with a conservation group was trampled to death by an elephant in Victoria Falls in western Zimbabwe.

Clever Kapandura, an operations coordinator for the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit, a non-governmental organisation, was part of a team of scouts deployed to investigate reports of a possible poaching incident.

Clever Kapandura (pictured), an operations coordinator for the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit, was killed by an elephant earlier this week in Zimbabwe

'For some unknown reason' an elephant bull charged from about 130 yards away and seized the man and killed him.

Zimbabwe's national parks and environmental groups are reporting increasing cases of conflict between humans and wildlife in recent years.

More than 40 people have died from such conflicts in parks and other rural areas in Zimbabwe so far this year, said Farawo.

Like other parks in Zimbabwe, Mana Pools experiences hot, dry weather at this time of the year, limiting food and water sources for the thousands of elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, wild dogs, hyenas, zebras, elands and other animals.

As a result, the animals make forays into neighbouring human communities in search of water, crops and livestock for food, said Farawo.

Zimbabwe has an estimated 85,000 elephants and Botswana has more than 130,000. The two countries have the world's largest elephant populations.

Michael Bernard Walsh, a vet from Cape Town, was charged at by the 'tuskless' female elephant at the park (file image)

The two southern African countries say they are struggling to cope with the booming numbers of elephants and are pressing to be allowed to sell their stockpile of ivory tusks that have been seized from poachers.

They say the funds raised from the ivory sales would be used for conservation and ease congestion in the drought-affected parks.

Other African countries, especially Kenya, are opposed to any sale of ivory.

'We are now sounding like a broken record, saying that our animals, especially elephants, are overpopulated and they are becoming a danger unto themselves by destroying their own habitat and they are also killing people,' said Farawo. 'We receive distress calls from communities almost every day.'

Zimbabwe's parks agency said it has no plans to export baby elephants to China, denying recent reports by a wildlife conservation group.

Zimbabwe was criticized a few years ago for sending elephants to China where they were put in zoos.
President Donald Trump released a lengthy and glowing statement Wednesday night about the forthcoming memoir by his former chief of staff Mark Meadows  just before a deadline imposed by the Jan. 6th committee for Meadows and other witnesses to appear.

Trump's statement did not indicate whether or not he had read an advance copy of the book, but he noted it 'is available for pre-order now, and doing really well.'

His praise came after the Jan. 6th select committee subpoenaed Meadows, demanding he appear and provide documents about Trump's activities on and before Jan. 6th.

Trump gushed about the book in a statement by his 'Save America' PAC  and even provided a link for advance purchases. It is available in hardcover for $28.

President Donald Trump encouraged his supporters to pre-order a meadow by former chief of staff Mark Meadows, who has been subpoenaed by the Jan. 6th select committee

'If you want to learn about politics, truth, our great administration, and exciting achievements that took place in government, pre-order your copy now. Remember, there has never been an administration like ours. We did things that no other administration even thought they could do,' he said.

Trump wrote that the memoir 'would make an incredible Christmas present, and with United States supply lines totally dead, and with thousands of ships having no way of unloading because of incompetent leadership, you will have no other thing you can buy anyway. Seriously, its a fantastic book, and Mark Meadows and his wonderful wife Debbie are great people,' Trump wrote.

Meadows memoir, The Chief's Chief

The committee has identified Meadows as a key figure who may have information about Trump's election overturn efforts  including his push for state and local election officials to pursue Trump's fraud claims.

According to the subpoena: 'We understand that in the weeks after the November 2020 election, you contacted several state officials to encourage investigation of allegations of election fraud, even after such allegations had been dismissed by state and federal courts, and after the Electoral College had met and voted on December 14, 2020.'

Emails also indicate Meadows pushed former acting attorney general Jeff Rosen to investigate claims Italians hacked voting machines using satellites.

His level of cooperation is unknown. The committee last week released a statement that blasted former chief White House strategist Steve Bannon, who is resisting the committee's efforts, citing Trump's claim of executive privilege.

'While Mr. Meadows and Mr. Patel are, so far, engaging with the Select Committee, Mr. Bannon has indicated that he will try to hide behind vague references to privileges of the former President,' said a statement from chair Rep. Bennie Thompson and Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.). 'The Select Committee fully expects all of these witnesses to comply with our demands for both documents and deposition testimony.'

'It is available for pre-order now,' wrote Trump

The committee is demanding information about Meadow's efforts to encourage the Justice Department to pursue election fraud claims, and his outreach to state election officials amid Trump's election overturn effort

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) has said lawmakers who don't comply will be held in criminal contempt

Meadows cast the Jan. 6th probe as not needed when asked by Fox News host Laura Ingraham about a threat by Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and other lawmakers to hold witnesses in criminal contempt if they ignore subpoenas.

'Listen, I'm going to let the attorneys handle all of that, Laura,' he said.

'I can say this. When I talk to people, they say, well, we've already been through two impeachments. Why did we go through an impeachment of Donald Trump on this very issue? And now we're holding hearings. They don't quite understand that. The American people know that it's politics as usual.'

His memoir, The Chiefs Chief, features a cover quote by Trump calling him a 'great chief of staff.'

According to a blurb touting the book by its publisher: 'Youve heard the Fake News about President Trumps harrowing final year in the White House. Now read the truth, written by the man who saw it all happen.'

The Meadows letter says it appears he was within the 'vicinity' of Trump on Jan. 6, and had communications with Trump and others 'regarding the events at the Capitol' and 'are a witness concerning events that day.'

It also cites documents already obtained from the Justice Department, and states that 'while you were the Presidents Chief of Staff, you directly communicated with the highest officials at the Department of Justice requesting investigations into election fraud matters in several states.'

The panel seeks documents and testimony from Meadows.
Britain's data protection watchdog has written to Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen to request her full evidence to see whether the social networking giant ever breached UK law.

Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham said she particularly wants to see all of Ms Haugen's files to examine them for violations in relation to the online protection of children.

Ms Haugen has claimed Facebook's products 'harm children, stoke division and weaken our democracy', accusing the firm, founded by billionaire Mark Zuckerberg, of refusing to change its products because executives elevate profits over safety.

She produced tens of thousands of pages of internal research documents she secretly copied before leaving the company - and on October 25 she will give evidence to a UK parliamentary committee scrutinising the draft Online Safety Bill and its plans to more strictly regulate tech firms and social media.

'We're looking very closely about what is publicly available right now from Frances's testimony, but I've also written to her to ask for access to the full reports of her allegations,' Ms Denham told BBC News.

'Because what I want to do with that information is analyse it from the UK's perspective - are these harms applicable in the UK, especially through the lens of children?

'We have rolled out a new children's code which specifies design consideration to protect kids online.

Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham (pictured) said she wants to see all of Frances Haugen's files on Facebook to examine them for UK law violations - particularly in relation to the online protection of children

Ms Haugen has claimed Facebook's products 'harm children, stoke division and weaken our democracy', accusing the firm, founded by billionaire Mark Zuckerberg, of refusing to change its products because executives elevate profits over safety (Pictured: Ms Haugen speaks to the US Congress in Washington on October 5)

Facebook has rejected Ms Haugen's claims, with founder Mark Zuckerberg (pictured) saying her attacks on the company were 'misrepresenting' the work it does

'I want to see if these allegations point to any contravention of UK law and then I will take action.'

Facebook has rejected Ms Haugen's claims, with Mr Zuckerberg saying her attacks on the company were 'misrepresenting' the work it does.

He said the company 'cares deeply about issues like safety, well-being and mental health' and that Ms Haugen's recent evidence to a US congressional committee 'just doesn't reflect the company we know'.

'At the heart of these accusations is this idea that we prioritise profit over safety and well-being. That's just not true,' he added.

Who is whistleblower Frances Haugen? Former Facebook employee Frances Haugen, a Harvard-educated data scientist, had worked as a product manager on its civic misinformation team after joining the team in 2019. Before leaving, she secretly copied tens of thousands of pages of internal research documents and leaked them to the Wall Street Journal. One internal study cited 13.5 per cent of teen girls saying Instagram makes thoughts of suicide worse and 17 per cent of teen girls saying it makes eating disorders worse. The 37-year-old told the US Congress last week that she had leaked the documents to prove to the world that Facebook 'intentionally hides vital information from the public'. Miss Haugen said it had 'repeatedly misled' about what its own research revealed about 'the safety of children, the efficacy of its artificial intelligence systems and its role in spreading divisive and extreme messages'. She argued that people deserved to know the truth - adding that 'almost no one outside of Facebook knows what is happening inside'. But Facebook executives have fought back, arguing that she had not worked directly on some of the issues she has been questioned on. Advertisement

Miss Haugen has accused Facebook of relaxing efforts to stop misinformation after last year's US election, allowing it to be used by those who stormed the Capitol in Washington in January.

She also said Facebook's profits are based on advertising and its research has shown that 'angry content' is more likely to keep users engaged, helping it earn more, said Miss Haugen.

But Facebook's vice-president of global affairs Sir Nick Clegg, the former British deputy prime minister, rejected the allegations.

Miss Haugen has agreed to meet with Facebook's oversight board in the coming weeks to brief them about what she learned while working at the company.

The Online Safety Bill legislation aimed at regulating social media is due to be put before Parliament for approval next year after the draft bill was published in May.

Others due to give evidence to the committee in the coming weeks include MoneySavingExpert founder Martin Lewis and barrister Gavin Millar QC.

Also speaking will be Society of Editors president Alison Gow and Peter Wright, editor emeritus at DMG Media, whose brands include MailOnline and the Daily Mail.

Yesterday, the father of tragic teenager Molly Russell has slammed Facebook for 'a crisis comms initiative' after it announced new features to help safeguard children.

Ian Russell set up a suicide prevention charity after his 14-year-old daughter killed herself in 2017 after viewing disturbing content on the company's Instagram app.

And Mr Russell, of Harrow, North West London, is yet to be convinced about the new functions which include prompting teenagers to take a break from using Instagram.

Another feature will see the app start 'nudging' teenagers if they are repeatedly looking at the same content which may not be good for their wellbeing.

Facebook is also planning to introduce new optional controls to allow parents and guardians to supervise their children's online activity.

But critics say the firm has acted only after pressure from outside, while others claim the plan lacks detail and they are skeptical about the effectiveness of the features.

A Facebook spokesman told MailOnline that the new parental supervision tools were announced at the end of last month in a blog post by Instagram chief Adam Mosseri.

Frances Haugen will speak to the UK Parliaments Joint Committee on the draft Online Safety Bill on Monday, October 25 from 2.30pm.
A part-time taxi driver was caught out by police trying to pay 13,000 to have his ex-wife killed after officers staged a fake murder scene.

Alexander Krasavin, 54, was detained in Russia after his former spouse took part in a staged 'murder' organised by police to make it seem as if she had been killed as he had wished.

Police said that the ploy had worked, as Krasavin, after seeing pictures of the 'dead woman' and receiving an agreed text message of 'You have a dentist's appointment', paid the balance of the agreed fee to the work mate he had hired as assassin.

At that moment, officers moved in stop his car detain him and put him in handcuffs.

A part-time taxi driver was caught out by police trying to pay 13,000 to have his ex-wife killed after officers staged a fake murder scene (pictured)

Police officers secretly took Nina from her home and transported her to a professional cinema make-up artist who made it appear as though she had actually been killed so that fake photographs could be taken

Krasavin's ex-wife Nina, 46, had been taken to cinema make-up specialists so it appeared her throat had been cut.

She said later that she was shocked and stunned by his behaviour, and that although they were divorced she thought they had good relations raising their daughter, nine.

'I can't believe that all this is possible - I still had feelings for him, she said. 'And I'm not afraid that I could be dead, but I am afraid that he planned all this

'He saw my photo looking dead - and he accepted it? He believed that I was killed and thought - thank God?

'What about our daughter? How could he live with this load?'

Nina said later that she was shocked and stunned by her ex-husband's behaviour, and that although they were divorced she thought they had good relations raising their daughter, nine

Pictured: Krasavin and Nina seen together back when they were married to one another

Krasavin worked as a bus technician, and a taxi-driver part time in St Petersburg.

Police say he had asked a colleague to kill his ex-wife, and the man initially thought it was a joke.

When Krasavin kept asking him, he went to the police, and a plan was hatched to fake the killing to entrap him.

The ex-husband took a 15,000 bank loan and paid his colleague 3,000 for 'expenses' preparing the murder, agreeing to pay another 10,000 when the murder was completed.

He kept another 2,000 for himself.

In recordings, Krasavin said he would work as a taxi driver on the day chosen for the killing - Monday this week - to provide an alibi.

Nina said police arrived unannounced at her home, taking her away by force to a make-up artist at a movie-making studio.

She could not believe what she was told.

'I spent the whole day in the criminal investigation department with the thought that this was a joke,' she said.

The operation was so secret that Nina was barred contact with her children, including two from her previous relationship, and they reported her missing to police - who began a search.

When making the arrest on Krasavin, police officers forced him to stop his car before being 'knocked' onto the ground and put in handcuffs

'I just didn't believe in the reality of what was happening,' she said. 'I still want to look at Alexander and ask if this is all true?'

She 'blamed herself' because their relationship broke up over strains with her older children from a previous marriage, she told Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper.

They lived close to each other.

She denied his claims that there were problems spending time with their daughter after the split.

Earlier their 'love at first sight' relationship had been good, she said.

'Love, we had it all,' she said. 'And he ruined both his life and my feelings.

Nina denied his claims that there were problems spending time with their daughter (pictured, with Krasavin) after the split

'I feel sorry for him as a woman, that he did not have a long-term relationship. And I blame myself for that. I think it's my fault, too, that he ordered the murder.

'I don't even have a grudge against him.

'I have no idea what it will be like for him in prison. It hurts me a lot from the fact that he will be there. I cried when they showed me the video of him being detained.

'I could not watch him being knocked down on the ground. The fact that he was lying on the ground already hurt me.'

She said he had not agreed when she went to court for a raise in alimony to support their daughter.

He had switched from being a bus driver to a technician on lower pay to reduce his payment, she said.
Dramatic bodycam footage captured the moment a pair of Texas officers pulled an unconscious motorist out of his burning car just before the flames overtook the vehicle.

Garland Police officers Matthew Fuhs and Chris Hataway responded to a car crash that occurred in front of the police station on Wednesday night. When they arrived, they found the car was on fire.

The officers carefully approached the burning car and were horrified to learn that the driver was still inside.

Body camera footage showed Garland Police officers Matthew Fuhs and Chris Hataway making their way to a burning car that crashed outside their police station on Wednesday

The officers were horrified to find an unconscious man still inside the vehicle

Fuhs made a desperate grab for the driver's arm as Hataway, right, helped pull him out

The officers were able to pull the unconscious man to safety

Fuhs (pictured) said the only thing he could think of at the time was saving the driver's life

The officers frantically tried to wake the driver, who was unconscious and lying against the passenger side door, with his hair sticking out of the shattered window.

'Come on, man,' the officers could be heard yelling desperately as the fire grew.

The officers then yelled at the driver to give them his hands, and they were able to pull his limp body out of the window just before the flames fully engulfed the car.

Fuhs and Hataway dragged the driver away from the fire as other officers helped pull them all to safety.

The heroic officers, out of breath from the heat and smoke, remained with the driver until emergency services arrived.

Just as the officers pulled the driver out, the flames began to spread to the front of the car

The vehicle was completely engulfed in flames following the man's rescue

The officers needed to catch their breaths from the intensity of the flame and smoke

Fuhs, feeling the heat of the flames, said the only thing he would think about at the moment was saving the driver's life.

'Time was of the essence,' Fuhs told NBC. 'I saw that the flames were starting at the back of the vehicle and they were starting to approach toward the passenger side where he was located.

'There's no letting up. You gotta just keep moving forward. You gotta try to get this guy out'.

The driver and a passenger, who was ejected from the car during the crash, were both transported to a nearby hospital where they are being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Officials have not yet released the victims' identities or the cause of the crash as it is an ongoing investigation.

The Garland Police Department said it was proud of Fuhs and Hataway for their 'quick response and heroic acts.'

'They were there in seconds,' Lt. Pedro Barineau, a spokesman for the department, told Dallas Morning News. 'If they were not there, that guy would have burned inside the car.'

Fuhs has been with the department for five tears and Hataway for 22 years.
LinkedIn, the last major US social media platform operating in China, will shut down its networking service and transition to a job-seeking board after Beijing authorities reportedly gave it 30 days to better regulate its content.

The decision, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, was announced on Thursday by parent company Microsoft.

LinkedIn joins other popular Western social media apps like Facebook, Google, Twitter, YouTube, Reddit, Zoom, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitch, and many more that are blocked in mainland China.

Those companies have been banned in China for years after they refused government demands to censor user content.

'While we are going to sunset the localized version of LinkedIn in China later this year, we will continue to have a strong presence in China to drive our new strategy and are excited to launch the new InJobs app later this year,' a LinkedIn spokesperson told DailyMail.com.

LinkedIn will no longer offer its networking platform to users in China due to increased censorship demands from the government in Beijing, it was announced on Thursday

The announcement was made on Thursday by Microsoft, LinkedIn's parent company which acquired the service in 2016 for $26.2billion. The image above shows a Microsoft research facility in Beijing

In 2014, LinkedIn agreed to Chinas demand that it offer a filtered version of the service - enabling it to be one of the few US tech firms to operate in the country.

By 2019, LinkedIn reported some 44 million users in China - making it the networking platforms third-largest customer base in the world. LinkedIn has some 111 million users in the US and 29 million in India.

In March, Chinese government regulators punished LinkedIn after it accused the service of failing to censor content that it found objectionable. New signups to the site were suspended for a month and LinkedIn had to submit a self-review to authorities.

'While we've found success in helping Chinese members find jobs and economic opportunity, we have not found that same level of success in the more social aspects of sharing and staying informed,' Microsoft, the computer giant which bought LinkedIn in 2016 for $26.2billion, said in a statement.

'We're also facing a significantly more challenging operating environment and greater compliance requirements in China.'

LinkedIn will transition to a site called InJobs, a job-seeking site for China-based professionals that will not include a social feed or the ability to share posts or articles.

Last month, several China-based American journalists and academics reported that their LinkedIn accounts were being blocked

J Michael Cole, a consultant based in China, posted a tweet which included a screenshot of a message he received from LinkedIn.

'Thank you @LinkedIn for informing me that due to the presence of prohibited content located in the Publication section of your LinkedIn profile, your profile and your public activity, such as your comments and items you share with your network, will not be made viewable in China.'

Jojje Olsson, a Swedish writer based in Asia, posted a similar message on Twitter.

'This is absolutely unbelievable - under "Education" on my LinkedIn profile, I mention in one line that my degree easy in modern Chinese history was written about the Tiananmen square massacre,' Olsson tweeted.

Last month, several China-based American journalists and academics reported that their LinkedIn accounts were being blocked J Michael Cole, a consultant based in China, posted a tweet which included a screenshot of a message he received from LinkedIn

Melissa Chan, a reporter for several US-based outlets, tweeted: 'Got the @LinkedIn alert like many others  my "prohibited content" will not be shown in China. I have a case number'

Jojje Olsson, a Swedish writer based in Asia, posted a similar message on Twitter

Mark Anning, a Paris-based photographer, tweeted: 'LinkedIn just banned my profile in China..."due to the presence of prohibited content located in the Experience section of your LinkedIn profile, your profile & your public activity, such as your comments and items you share with your network, will not be made viewable in China".'

Greg C. Bruno, an author who has written books on China, also received a message that his profile would not be viewable in the country

B. Allen-Ebrahimian, an Axios reporter based in China, tweeted: 'I woke up this morning to discover that LinkedIn had blocked my profile in China'

'LinkedIn's response is to censor my entire profile for Chinese users.'

B. Allen-Ebrahimian, an Axios reporter based in China, tweeted: 'I woke up this morning to discover that LinkedIn had blocked my profile in China.

'I used to have to wait for Chinese govt censors, or censors employed by Chinese companies in China, to do this kind of thing.

'Now a US company is paying its own employees to censor Americans.'

Mark Anning, a Paris-based photographer, tweeted: 'LinkedIn just banned my profile in China..."due to the presence of prohibited content located in the Experience section of your LinkedIn profile, your profile & your public activity, such as your comments and items you share with your network, will not be made viewable in China".'

Greg C. Bruno, an author who has written books on China, also received a message that his profile would not be viewable in the country.

'It took #Chinese censors three years, but my book, #BlessingsFromBeijing, has just now been labelled "prohibited content" by @LinkedIn in China,' Bruno tweeted.

Melissa Chan, a reporter for several US-based outlets, tweeted: 'Got the @LinkedIn alert like many others  my "prohibited content" will not be shown in China. I have a case number.

'Could be many things - from this years piece about Uyghurs in exile, to my essay on democracy.'

In response to the bans, LinkedIn told Axios: 'We're a global platform that respects the laws that apply to us, including adhering to Chinese government regulations for our localized version of LinkedIn in China.

'For members whose profile visibility is limited within China, their profiles are still visible across the rest of the globe where LinkedIn is available.'

LinkedIns ties with the Chinese government drew scrutiny from US lawmakers who demanded to know if the site handed over Americans user data to authorities in Beijing.

Chinese digital services that operate in the United States have also drawn the attention of American regulators over fears they pose a security risk. The logo for TikTok is seen above

Last year, Zoom said it would suspend business in mainland China after government regulators pressured the videoconferencing app to ban meetings that commemorated the massacre at Tiananmen Square in 1989.

Chinese digital services that operate in the United States have also drawn the attention of American regulators over fears they pose a security risk.

Earlier this year, the Biden administration dropped Trump-era executive orders intended to ban the popular apps TikTok and WeChat and will conduct its own review aimed at identifying national security risks with software applications tied to China.

A new executive order directs the Commerce Department to undertake what officials describe as an 'evidence-based' analysis of transactions involving apps that are manufactured or supplied or controlled by China.

Officials are particularly concerned about apps that collect users' personal data or have connections to Chinese military or intelligence activities.
The head of North Yorkshire's policing has quit after coming under fire for his comments on women's safety in the wake of Sarah Everard's murder.

Philip Allott, who oversaw police and fire services in North Yorkshire, was widely condemned for suggesting Ms Everard 'never should have submitted' to the arrest by killer Wayne Couzens.

Couzens, a Metropolitan Police officer, used his position to falsely arrest the 33-year-old for breaking lockdown rules in order to kidnap her before raping and murdering her.

In an open letter, Mr Allott apologised 'unreservedly' for his remarks and claimed he 'misspoke' on the topic of women's safety in the wake of Ms Everard's high profile murder.

Despite being married and having a daughter himself, Mr Allott suggested women needed to be more 'streetwise' and 'learn a bit' about powers of arrest.

His resignation comes after the North Yorkshires Police and Crime Commissioner unanimously voted in favour of a vote of no confidence in him earlier today.

The North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime panel met on Thursday with discussion of Mr Allotts comments, for which he subsequently apologised, forming part of the agenda.

Former police commissioner for North Yorkshire, Philip Allott, (pictured) resigned after suggesting women 'need to be streetwise' about arrests in the wake of the Sarah Everard case

Wayne Couzens was jailed for the rest of his life after using his position as a Metropolitan Police officer to falsely arrest Miss Everard, 33, for breaking Covid rules before raping and murdering her

Former Police Commissioner Phillip Allott's resignation statement in full 'Over the past two weeks I have tried to rebuild trust and confidence in my work as York and North Yorkshires Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner. 'I needed to do that following comments I made on an interview with Radio York regarding the horrific abduction, rape and murder of Sarah Everard. 'I need to be clear. I apologise unreservedly for my remarks. They do not reflect my views. 'I misspoke and I am devastated at the effect that this has had on victims of crime and the groups that support them. I have tried to say this again and again but I recognise that what I have said has not always been heard as I intended. 'I had hoped I could rebuild trust, to restore confidence. I was pleased that so many victims groups had accepted that I was genuinely sorry and were willing to work with me to help me in the mammoth task I had ahead. 'Following this mornings meeting of the Police and Crime Panel it seems clear to me that the task will be exceptionally difficult, if it is possible at all. It would take a long time and a lot of resources of my office and the many groups who do excellent work supporting victims. 'This is time victims do not have. There are women and girls in York and North Yorkshire today suffering at the hands of men. Victims and the groups who support them need to be heard. They cannot be heard if the airwaves are filled with discussion about my future. 'That is why I am doing the honourable thing and resigning as Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner  to restore confidence in the office which I believe will be almost impossible for me to do, and to enable victims voices to be heard clearly without the distraction of the continued furore which surrounds me. 'I entered public life because I wanted to make a difference. I still do. So, I am committing myself to doing all I can as a private individual to support victims groups. The pledge I made as Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner was genuine. It is one I will keep. 'I would like to thank my office and especially my Chief Executive for his help and support, especially during the last two weeks which has been a challenging time for everyone at the OPFCC. 'Whoever the new Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner will be I wish them every success in what is one of the most demanding but rewarding jobs in the UK. Advertisement

After working for IT company Schneider, he founded his own PR and B2B marketing agency, Allott and Associates Ltd in 1993.

Mr Allott began his political career at 25 when he became a Harrogate District Councillor.

Over nine years, he chaired a number of committees including Leisure, Environmental Health and became leader of the town council's Conservative Group.

He also stood for Parliament as a Conservative candidate in Halifax in 2010 and 2015.

Elections are now set to take place in the coming months to determine Mr Allott's successor.

Simon Dennis, Chief Executive of the Office of the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, added: 'The North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel will now arrange the appointment of an acting Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner to be chosen in accordance with the law, from amongst the staff of the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

'Further announcements will be made by the Panel in due course.

'In the meantime, the staff of the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire and York will continue to work to protect communities, support victims and keep residents safe and feeling safe.'

Julian Smith, MP for Skipton and Ripon and a former cabinet minister, tweeted: 'Recent comments of the NY Police & Crime Commissioner were completely unacceptable.

'Prior to Thursdays Police & Crime Panel meeting to discuss the PCCs future I believe the PCC has lost trust of women and victims groups & should go - I have communicated this to the PCC & panel Chair.'

Mr Allott made the comments during an interview on BBC Radio York and were branded 'horrifically offensive' by critics.

During the interview, host Georgey Spanswick asked: 'How on earth do my stepdaughters, me, my friends, how do we protect ourselves now?

Mr Allot said: 'A police officer cant just arrest you. There has to be a reason.

'So, Covid for example I would classify as a summary offence, its not an indictable i.e. sent to prison or potentially go to a Crown Court.

'So women, first of all, need to be streetwise about when they can be arrested and when they can't be arrested.

'She should never have been arrested and submitted to that.

'Perhaps women need to consider in terms of the legal process, to just learn a bit about that legal process.'

His comments were challenged by host Spanswick, who said: 'Why is it down to me Philip? Why is it down to women because actually, this is down to one man in the police force and there are serious doubts about this man's conduct?'

He later issued an apology for his remarks.

On Twitter, he said: 'I would like to wholeheartedly apologise for my comments on BBC Radio York earlier today, which I realise have been insensitive and wish to retract them in full.'

Tory chairman Oliver Dowden said he and Boris Johnson had been 'outraged' by the comments from Mr Allott.

Asked about the comments last week Mr Dowden told Sky News: 'The Prime Minister and I were outraged by what he said. It was completely unacceptable.

'I have been very clear in condemning it but I know the Prime Minister shares that view.

'He (Allott) did immediately apologise and I think that's appropriate for him to do so.'

Asked whether Mr Allott would be able to stand again for election to the role, Mr Dowden said 'I'm not going to pre-empt the selection process.

'The Prime Minister and I profoundly disagreed with what he said, it was a stupid thing to have said and he has rightly apologised for it.'

North Yorkshire crime commissioner Mr Allot said Miss Everard 'never should have been arrested and submitted to that'

Oliver Dowden blasted North Yorkshire PCC Philip Allott over his 'stupid' comments, which sparked demands for his resignation.

Mr Allott received a furious backlash on social media, with some users calling for him to resign.

Labour MP Barbara Keeley described the comments as 'appalling', tweeting: 'A murder victim like Sarah Everard is not to blame for what happened when she was arrested by a serving Met officer.'

Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said: 'It's absolutely right that Philip Allott resigns following his appalling remarks.

'His awful comments show that misogyny needs tackling, and the community response to them shows it will no longer be tolerated.

'Yet again we've seen a total failure of leadership from the Tories. They should have forced him to leave two weeks ago when Keir Starmer called for it.'

Silkie Carlo, director of Big Brother Watch, said Mr Allott should resign 'for our safety'.

Before moving to London, 33-year-old Sarah Everard was originally from York, the area covered by Mr Allot's force, and her family still lives there.

Lucy Arnold, of campaign group Reclaim the Streets, who organised a vigil for Ms Everard outside York Minster, was among those angered by Mr Allott's comments.

She said: 'I think frankly that was a horrifically offensive thing to say. Does anyone really feel like they can stand up to a police officer?

'I am very confident I know my rights, I know the law, but no I wouldn't feel confident at all.'

Former chief Julian Smith (pictured) said Mr Allott's recent comments were 'completely unacceptable'

Wayne Couzens used his position as a Metropolitan Police officer to falsely arrest Miss Everard, 33, for breaking lockdown rules before raping and murdering her

In his earlier interview, Mr Allot was critical of the Met Police's handling of reports about Couzen's behaviour leading up to the murder.

He said: 'A murderer typically commits seven crimes before going on to murder, that man we know committed at least two crimes.

'The police knew, so what should have happened is that it should have been picked up straight away.'
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has suspended flights to Kabul after 'heavy-handed' interference by the Taliban.

The airline said on Thursday that ever since the new Taliban government was formed, its staff in Kabul had faced last-minute changes in regulations and flight permissions and intimidating behaviour from Taliban commanders.

It said its country representative had been held at gunpoint for hours in one incident after being suspected of helping people to flee the country, and was only freed after the Pakistan embassy in Kabul intervened.

The suspension came as the Taliban government ordered the airline - the only international carrier operating regularly out of the Afghan capital - to cut ticket prices to the levels of before the fall of the Western-backed Afghan government in August.

'We are suspending our flight operations to Kabul from today because of the heavy-handedness of the authorities,' a PIA spokesman said.

'The route will remain suspended until 'the situation becomes conducive,' he added.

Earlier, the Taliban had warned PIA and Afghan carrier Kam Air that their Afghan operations risked being blocked unless they agreed to cut prices that have spiralled out of the reach of most Afghans.

PIA said on Thursday that ever since the new Taliban government was formed, its staff in Kabul had faced last-minute changes in regulations and flight permissions and intimidating behaviour from Taliban commanders [File photo]

With most airlines no longer flying to Afghanistan, tickets for one-way, 40-minute flights to the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, have been selling for as much as $2,500 (1,826) on PIA, according to travel agents in Kabul, compared with $120-$150 (89-110) before.

Afghanistan's own Kam Air has been charging up to $1,600 (1,169) for a single ticket.

The Afghan transport ministry said in a statement that prices on the route should 'be adjusted to correspond with the conditions of a ticket before the victory of the Islamic Emirate' or the flights would be stopped.

It urged passengers and others to report any violations.

Flights between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been severely limited since Kabul airport was reopened last month in the wake of the chaotic evacuation of more than 100,000 Westerners and vulnerable Afghans following the Taliban victory.

Abdullah, a 26 year-old employee of a pharmaceuticals company, said the PIA flights had been 'a tiny window' for Afghans trying to leave the country.

'We are in bad need of these flights. The borders are closed, now if the airport is closed, it is like we are all in a cage,' he said.

PIA, which runs chartered flights to Kabul rather than regular commercial services, said it had maintained the flights on humanitarian grounds and faced insurance premiums of as much as $400,000 (292,326) as Kabul was treated as a war zone by insurers.

No comment was immediately available from Kam Air.

With a mounting economic crisis adding to worries about Afghanistan's future under the Taliban, there has been heavy demand for flights out, made worse by repeated problems at land border crossings into Pakistan.

'We are in bad need of these flights. The borders are closed, now if the airport is closed, it is like we are all in a cage,' an Afghan pharmaceutical worker said. Pictured: Afghan passengers enter Kabul airport last month as PIA resumed flights [File photo]

The main passport office in Kabul has been besieged by people trying to get travel documents since it reopened this month.

The flights have also been used by international officials and aid workers travelling to Kabul.

Pakistan was the chief backer of the Taliban's 1996-2001 regime and has long faced US allegations that its intelligence service fuelled the Islamist insurgents.

Prime Minister's Imran Khan's government has called on the world to engage with the Taliban and provide economic support to the aid-dependent country which has seen funding frozen by Western donors since the takeover.

Pakistan, however, has stopped short of recognising the Taliban government - a step opposed by Western countries.

The Taliban last week closed one of its border crossings with Pakistan over the allegation that Afghan citizens were being mistreated by the Pakistani border officials.
A gun dealer who shot and killed his wife during the first national lockdown is a 'highly manipulative man' who is 'trying to make a fool of us all', the woman's brother has told a court.

Peter Hartshorne-Jones, 52, blasted 42-year-old solicitor Silke twice at close range with a double-barrelled shotgun at their Suffolk home on May 3 last year.

He called police at 4.44am and his wife was pronounced dead in hospital at 6.42am.

The defendant admitted at an earlier hearing to manslaughter by diminished responsibility. The plea was accepted by the prosecution.

Corporate lawyer Silke Hartshorne-Jones died after being shot twice by her husband Peter at their home in Barham

Peter Hartshorne-Jones, 51, had been worried about catching Covid last year in lockdown

Chestnut Farm, Barham, where corporate lawyer Silke Hartshorn-Jones was shot last year

Mrs Hartshorne-Jones's brother, Dr Dirk Lutschewitz, told Ipswich Crown Court it 'hit us like a thunderbolt when we heard Peter Hartshorne-Jones would be sentenced for manslaughter rather than for murder'.

He said he had known the defendant for almost 12 years and described him as an 'intelligent but also highly manipulative man' who he believes is 'trying to make a fool of us all'.

He described the killing as an 'unspeakable betrayal', adding that his father had previously been 'proud of his son-in-law, had loved him almost as if he had been his own son'.

Mrs Hartshorne-Jones, a German national, moved to London in 2007 and married her husband in 2010.

Mr Hartshorne-Jones became psychotic and shot her twice in their bedroom at Chestnut Farm

Police at the scene after antique gun dealer Peter Hartshorne-Jones shot dead his wife on May 3 last year during the first national lockdown

Her father, Hartmut Lutschewitz, said in a statement read to the court by a police officer: 'My daughter, only 42 years old and in the prime of her life, was cold-bloodedly killed by a cowardly murderer.'

He said the 'saddest and darkest hour in my and my sons' life' was attending Ipswich Hospital where his daughter lay dead.

'I feel a deep, nearly physical pain I never felt before,' he said.

Prosecutor Peter Gair previously told the court the defendant, who believed he had Covid-19, made contact with various care providers 26 times in the 42 days between March 16 and April 27.

No cause for his symptoms was found.

Mrs Hartshorne-Jones, a German national, moved to London in 2007 and married her husband in 2010

The incident took place in the village of Barham, near to the A14 motorway by Ipswich in Suffolk

Dr Lisa Wootton, a consultant forensic psychiatrist, told the court she believed the defendant was 'suffering from a severe depressive episode with psychotic symptoms' at the time of the killing.

She said Hartshorne-Jones had a history of mental health issues and was prescribed antidepressants as early as 1996.

In 1997 he told a doctor he 'had been using cocaine for one year since visiting Venezuela', she said.

Dr Wootton went on: 'He had a lot of contact with his GP and specialists about his physical health throughout his life.'

The sentencing, which is in its second day, continues.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will meet Pope Francis on October 29 during their trip to Rome to participate in the G20 leaders summit, the White House confirmed on Thursday.

'They will discuss working together on efforts grounded in respect for fundamental human dignity, including ending the COVID-19 pandemic, tackling the climate crisis, and caring for the poor,' press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement.

It is unclear whether they will discuss abortion during President Biden's push to protect rights and crackdown on Republican state restricting terminations.

Biden is only the U.S.'s second Catholic president, however some Roman Catholic bishops have pushed that he should be denied communion over his support for abortion rights.

The president has lashed out at Republicans trying to make abortion laws more restrictive, calling the recent Texas six-week ban 'extreme' and saying it 'blatantly violates the constitutional right established under and upheld as precedent for nearly half a century.'

Biden (left) and Pope Francis (right), with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell standing behind them, wave from a balcony at the U.S. Capitol after the Pope addressed a joint-session of Congress in September 2015

Pope Francis (left) greets then Vice President Joe Biden (right) at the Vatican in April 2016, before President Donald Trump was elected. Biden's son Hunter (second from right) and son-in-law Howard Krein (center) stand along his side

Biden will go on to meet with world leaders at the G20 on October 30 and 31.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi set Halloween as the deadline to get Biden's bipartisan infrastructure bill and the multi-trillion reconciliation bill across the line.

The infrastructure bill has already passed the Senate, so simply need a House vote to get to the president's desk. The negotiations on reconciliation are ongoing.

From Italy, Biden will travel to Glasgow, Scotland for the COP26 conference on climate change and attend meetings on November 1 and 2.



Biden talked about his relationship with Pope Francis last October when he addressed the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Dinner, doing so from Wilmington's Queen theater because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Biden talked about his first meeting with Pope Francis during the Pope's 2013 inauguration at the Vatican.

'When I greeted him he said, "Mr. Vice President you're always welcome here,"' Biden said. 'He was really sending a message to the world to put out a welcome sign in the front door of our church.'

Biden also mentioned Pope Francis' trip to the White House in 2015 - when he was in office with President Barack Obama - saying that like his visit to the Vatican in 2013, it gave him the sense of 'hope and possibility together.'

'And for me it came at a very personal moment, a very tough time in the life of my family. Our son Beau had just died a few months earlier,' Biden said. 'Pope Francis took the time to meet with my entire family to help us see the light through the darkness.'

Biden, as vice president, also traveled to the Vatican in April 2016 for a stem cell conference.

At the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Dinner, Biden said that his friendship with Pope Francis was proof that 'anything is possible' in the U.S.

'I live in an amazing country, we all live in an amazing country,' Biden said. 'Where an Irish-Catholic kid like me from Scranton, Pennsylvania would one day befriend a Jesuit Pope.'

'But that's who we are as a country,' Biden said.
A secretary at an Alabama high school has been accused of having sex with an underage male student.

Authorities in Coffee County on Tuesday arrested Martha Sasser Pope, 43, on a felony charge of being a school employee engaging in a sex act with a student.

Pope, who was hired as a secretary at Elba High School in 2020, allegedly engaged in intercourse and oral sex with a student on September 10, according to a criminal complaint.

Alabama high school secretary Martha Sasser Pope, 43, has been charged with being a school employee engaging in a sex act with a student

An unnamed source told the station WDHN that the victim was a 16-year-old boy.

The complaint did not say how or when law enforcement officials found out about Pope's alleged sexual misconduct.

No additional details concerning Pope's alleged relationship with the minor were immediately available.

Pope was released from Coffee County jail within an hour of her arrest after posting $5,000 bond.

A criminal complaint claims Pope engaged in intercourse and oral sex with an underage student

Pope, who was hired as a secretary at Elba High School (pictured) in 2020, is accused of engaging in oral sex with a 16-year-old boy

Elba School Superintendent Chris Moseley said that Pope has been put on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal investigation.

Elba City School Board is scheduled to hold a meeting next week to discuss the allegations against the school administrator.

Pope is due in court for her first appearance on November 10.
Alex Murdaugh has been arrested on his release from rehab in Florida for allegedly syphoning off a $4.3 million settlement meant for the sons of his housekeeper, who died in a mysterious 'trip and fall' at his home in 2018.

Murdaugh, who was charged last month over a botched hitman scheme, and is a person of interest in his wife and son's double murder, was taken into custody Thursday morning in Orlando by agents with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

The 53 year-old had been in the city to receive treatment for an opioid addiction after being bailed on the hitman charges on September 17. Cops did not disclose the name of the rehab facility he had been staying at.

Murdaugh, who is the heir to a powerful South Carolina legal dynasty, now faces two felony counts of obtaining property by false pretenses over the misappropriation of settlement funds in the death of Gloria Satterfield, 57.

He is being held in Orange County Correctional Facility near Orlando, ahead of his extradition back to South Carolina.

Cops in Florida have yet to say when Murdaugh will appear for that hearing, but Murdaugh's lawyers say they expect him to appear before a bond hearing in Beaufort County, South Carolina, on Friday over the latest charges.

His spokesman said: 'Alex intends to fully cooperate with this investigation, as he has with the investigation into the murder of his wife and son.

'He deeply regrets that his actions have distracted from the efforts to solve their murders.

Alex Murdaugh (pictured in a new mugshot released Thursday) has been arrested on his release from rehab in Florida for allegedly syphoning off a $4.3 million settlement meant for the sons of his housekeeper who died in a mysterious 'trip and fall' at his home back in 2018

Satterfield's family said they haven't received a dime from a $4.3 million wrongful death settlement agreement.

Instead, civil court documents filed by Satterfield's sons last week claimed Murdaugh syphoned off $3.5 million of the insurance payout to his own shell company called Forge - which was actually a PO Box in Hampton, South Carolina.

The remainder of the $4.3 million settlement is said to have been spent on legal fees.

Murdaugh has also been accused of stealing millions from his law firm Peters, Murdaugh, Parker, Eltzroth and Detrick (PMPED) to help fund a 20-year opioid addiction that has left him in financial ruin.

He had been holed up in a drug rehab facility in Orlando, Florida, for the last month after posting bond on charges that he paid friend Curtis Edward Smith, 61, to shoot him in the head and kill him for a multi-million-dollar insurance windfall for his surviving son Richard.

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

Satterfield's sons Tony Satterfield and Brian Harriott celebrated the news of Murdaugh's arrest Thursday, saying: 'The bottom line is no one is above the law.'

Their lawyer Eric Bland told Fox News: 'Today is a bittersweet day for the Satterfield and Harriott Families.

'Avarice and betrayal of trust are at the heart of this matter. Lawsuits and claims are not vehicles for lawyers, defendants and/or friends to enrich themselves at the expense of their clients. These belong to the clients and the clients only.

'This is the sacred trust that lawyers and fiduciaries owe their clients. 100% fidelity and never putting their interests over the clients."

The statement continued: 'Since early September the families are dealing with the betrayal of trust and that their loved ones death was used as a vehicle to enrich others over the clients.

'Nonetheless, the families and lawyers would like to thank the public for the continued support and assistance it has given to solve these ugly crimes. It is not over. A very good start to holding everyone accountable who either participated knowingly or breached their duties. The bottom line is no one is above the law.'

SLED Chief Mark Keel said in a statement that the legal scion's arrest marks the first step in bringing justice for all those who have been 'victimized by Alex Murdaugh and others.'

'Today is merely one more step in a long process for justice for the many victims in these investigations,' said Keel.

'I want to commend the hard work and dedication that our agents have shown over the last four months.

'They will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of those who were victimized by Alex Murdaugh and others.

'As I have said previously, we are committed to following the facts wherever they may lead us and we will not stop until justice is served.'

Keel did not go into detail about what he meant by 'these investigations' over the last 'four months.'

However, Murdaugh's arrest comes almost exactly four months to the day that his son Paul and wife Maggie were found shot dead at the family hunting lodge in South Carolina.

At the time, 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 drunk driving.

No arrests have ever been made and no suspects or persons of interest named over their murders.

Murdaugh's attorney finally admitted Wednesday that he is a person of interest in his loved ones' slayings.

Since their murders, the SLED has launched multiple other investigations tied to Murdaugh and his family.

An investigation was launched last month after Murdaugh was shot in the head by the side of a road in Hampton County.

The check for $2.96 million above was paid to Murdaugh's shell company called Forge the same day a settlement was reached over Satterfield's death, court documents ckaim

Murdaugh in court last month over his botched plot to hire a hitman to kill him for an insurance windfall

Murdaugh was arrested and charged over the incident days later after he confessed to cops that he paid an accomplice to shoot and kill him so that his surviving son Buster could receive a $10 million life insurance payout.

This came after SLED also reopened the investigation into the 2015 death of gay teen Stephen Smith.

The teen's death was ruled a hit-and-run, though no suspects have ever been named or charged and there was no evidence he was struck by a vehicle.

Stephen was a classmate of Murdaugh's son Buster and there were rumors reported at the time that he was in a relationship with him.

Last month, cops also opened an investigation into Satterfield's death.

Satterfield, 57, had been the Murdaugh housekeeper and nanny for around 25 years when she died following a 'trip and fall' inside the Murdaugh family home back in February 2018.

Satterfield was found by Murdaugh's wife Maggie on the front steps of the family home bleeding and the family said she had tripped over their dogs. She died weeks later.

Buster, Maggie, Paul and Alex Murdaugh. Murdaugh's wife Maggie and son Paul were found shot dead at the family's hunting lodge in a horrific double murder four months ago

Buster (center) is hugged at the funeral for his mom and brother back on June 11. No arrests have been made for their murders

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 allegedly then defrauded the Satterfield family out of a $4.3 million wrongful death settlement - which they said they had not received a dime of.

Last week, new legal documents claimed filed as part of a civil suit by Satterfield's sons claim Murdaugh set up a fake firm called Forge to syphon off $3.5 million of the settlement money when it was paid out by his insurance firms.

A motion, filed October 5 by Satterfield's sons Tony Satterfield and Brian Harriott, said the payouts were redirected to what was essentially a PO Box in Hampton instead of to them.

Two other defendants were named in the civil suit - Murdaugh's old college roommate Cory Fleming, who acted as a lawyer on behalf of Satterfield's families, and Chad Westendorf, Vice President of Palmetto State Bank who took over the sons as personal representative of their mom's estate at Murdaugh's apparent encouragement.

Court documents last week claimed Murdaugh syphoned off $3.5 million of the $4.3 million insurance payout of Satterfield's family to his own shell company called Forge. It also claims Murdaugh's close friend lawyer Corey Fleming (right) and banker with Palmetto State Bank Chad Westendorf (left) were involved in the scheme

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)

Fleming had his law license suspended Friday but has insisted he was also a victim of Murdaugh's deceit.

He reached an undisclosed settlement with Satterfield's family earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Westendorf returned his Personal Representation fee of $30,000 to the Satterfield estate Tuesday.

The new motion provided details of how two large payouts from two separate insurers were allegedly redirected to Murdaugh and called for the disgraced attorney 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.

Satterfield's sons were allegedly kept in the dark about both the settlements and court meetings, were not invited to any mediations and received zero payments.

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

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.

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.

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)

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.

A check submitted with the motion reveals Fleming sent a check for $2.96 million to Forge that very same day.

Murdaugh in mug after his arrest over the suicide hitman plot. The charges are now racking up against the powerful attorney

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 and instead says she too was 'misled' after Murdaugh and his alleged co-conspirators 'lied to the court'.

At the same time, millions of dollars was also allegedly going missing from Murdaugh's law firm PMPED, according to a separate lawsuit filed against Murdaugh by his ex-partners.

No charges have yet been brought over this allegation but Murdaugh resigned from the firm at the request of the partners.

The charges against the man who is heir to a powerful legal dynasty which has dominated South Carolina for the best part of a century are now racking up.

Murdaugh was charged with insurance fraud, conspiracy to commit insurance fraud and filing a false report over the botched hitman plot last month.

His alleged co-conspirator Curtis Edward Smith, 61, was also charged over the incident and released on bond.

Smith has claimed he was not in on the plot and was trying to wrestle the gun from Murdaugh when it went off.

Curtis Edward Smith, 61, is seen at his bond hearing last month at Hampton County Detention Center where is accused of being the co-conspirator in Murdaugh's botched hitman plot
Grindr serial killer Stephen Port's laptop - which contained crucial clues - was not sent for analysis until 10 months after he killed his first of four victims, an inquest has heard.

Detective Constable David Parish told a jury at Barking Town Hall in east London Thursday that he has spent the last seven-and-a-half years wishing he had acted differently over the device - which showed how Port repeatedly searched for date rape drugs and sent messages boasting of having sex with man who was drugged up and 'like a rag doll'.

It also showed repeated searches for drug rape videos just before Port messaged escort Anthony Walgate, 23, on the FitLads website, proposing the younger man visit overnight in exchange for 800.

Mr Walgate was the first of four young gay men killed between June 2014 and September 2015 by Port, who used hook-up apps like Grindr to lure in his victims before fatally drugging them with GHB at his home in Barking.

The aspiring fashion designer was discovered dead outside Port's home in June 19 2014.

Port brazenly called 999 and told police he discovered Mr Walgate slumped outside his flat after returning from his night shift.

Detective Constable David Parish told a jury at Barking Town Hall in east London Thursday that he has spent the last seven-and-a-half years wishing he had acted differently over the device - which showed how killer Stephen Port (pictured) repeatedly searched for date rape drugs and sent messages boasting of having sex with man who was drugged up and 'like a rag doll'

Port's laptop (pictured) was not sent to forensic scientists for scrutiny until 10 months after Mr Walgate was found dead outside his home, while Detective Parish did not receive a USB containing the device's material until June 2015 - a whole year later

The laptop also showed repeated searches for drug rape videos just before Port messaged escort Anthony Walgate (pictured left), 23, proposing the younger man visit overnight in exchange for 800 (Pictured right: Fourth victim Jack Taylor)

A week later, he admitted that he had agreed to meet Mr Walgate at his flat for sex, but said he did not kill him.

Port was later jailed for perverting the course of justice before the full extent of his offending was realised.

Despite this, Port's laptop was not sent to forensic scientists for scrutiny until 10 months after Mr Walgate was found dead outside his home, while Detective Parish did not receive a USB containing the device's material until June 2015 - a whole year later.

Crucially, Port claimed his fourth victim, Jack Taylor, 25, in September 2015, three months after the contents of Port's laptop were analysed.

When Detective Parish looked at the material, he missed the crucial internet searches and messages, reporting only on selfies, sex videos and dating site messages on the laptop relating to chef Port's 'lifestyle'.

Mr Parish apologised for his actions as he gave evidence at the inquest Friday - where jurors are deciding whether the victims' lives could have been saved if police acted differently.

Detective Constable Nainesh Desai also admitted failings Thursday, describing how he failed to link the first two murders - despite both victims being young, gay men, found a short distance from Port's flat, and who were later found to have been drugged (Pictured (left to right): Second victim Gabriel Kovari, 22, and third victim Daniel Whitworth, 21)

The officer was asked by inquest jurors whether he felt 'personally responsible for the failings'.

He replied: 'Some of the things I was asked to do (on the investigation) I wasn't trained in.

'I could have had more training.

'But in terms of the laptop - for the last seven-and-a-half years I wish I could have done that.

'And that is something I have to deal with.'

Victims Gabriel Kovari, 22, and Daniel Whitworth, 21, were found dead by the same dog walker on August 28 and September 20 2014, respectively, in a corner of the walled cemetery near Port's address.

The final victim, Mr Taylor, was found on the other side of the stone wall on September 14 2015.

Detective Constable Nainesh Desai also admitted failings Thursday, describing how he failed to link the first two murders - despite both victims being young, gay men, found a short distance from Port's flat, and who were later found to have been drugged.

Port (pictured), now 46, was found guilty at the Old Bailey in 2016 of the four murders and sentenced to a whole life order.

The inquest heard how Mr Desai interviewed Port a week after Mr Walgate's death - carried out at the last-minute and beyond the end of his shift - putting to 6ft 5in (1.95m) Port that he was responsible for the murder.

Mr Desai was also called to the crime scene where Mr Kovari was found, on August 28, in the corner of a cemetery near Port's home.

Andrew O'Connor QC, counsel to the inquest, asked Mr Desai whether he was struck by similarities between the two deaths.

Mr Desai said: 'I've asked myself this question quite a few times.

'For the life of me I couldn't put the two scenes together.

'I didn't think the two were linked.

'I wish I had.'

Port, now 46, was found guilty at the Old Bailey in 2016 of the four murders and sentenced to a whole life order.

The hearing continues.
The French spectator who caused the huge pile-up in the Tour de France after holding up a sign for her grandparents is set to avoid jail.

The 31-year-old, whose identity was withheld after she was targeted by a torrent of online abuse, appeared at a courthouse in Brest, France today.

Prosecutors are only demanding a suspended sentence for the woman who has already admitted being ashamed at her 'stupidity' which injured dozens of riders.

A roadside spectator (left) who caused a massive crash in the Tour de France will likely avoid jail time

The supporter stepped out looking at the TV cameras and the pack of cyclists rode into her, causing a huge crash

Wearing a blue sweater, she fled the scrum of journalists waiting at the courthouse today.

But the presiding judge rejected a request by her lawyer to have the trial held behind closed doors.

The prosecution requested that she be given a four-month suspended sentence on the charges of endangering lives and causing unintentional injuries.

Under French law she could have faced a fine of up to 15,000 euros (12,700) and a year in prison for the charges.

Prosecutor Solenn Briand acknowledged that she had recognised 'how dangerous' her conduct had been and had expressed regret.

The trial was adjourned for a verdict on December 9.

The woman, who has no criminal record, had attended the opening Tour stage on June 26 with the goal of getting a sign noticed by TV cameras.

The accident caused a massive blockage and saw more than 20 riders hit the deck injured in one of the Tour's worst crashes

The massive crash took place near the summit of the Saint-Rivoal hill in the town of Saint-Cadou, some 30 miles from the end of the 123-mile race from the Atlantic port city of Brest

It read 'Allez, Opi-Omi,' the German terms for 'grandpa and granny,' a nod to her family's German roots.

But she stepped out too far in front of the tightly packed peloton as it sped along a narrow road toward the finish at Landerneau in western France.

German rider Tony Martin was unable to avoid bumping into her and fell, forcing dozens of riders to crash while others swerved into the crowds of onlookers.

Video footage of the collision and ghastly scenes of medics tending stunned or grimacing victims sparked outrage among fans and race organisers, especially when they realised the woman had fled the scene instead of staying to help.

She remained in hiding for four days before turning herself in to police.

Several riders had to pull out of the race, including Spain's Marc Soler, who had both arms broken.

Riders survey the damage after the crash during the 108th Tour de France 2021, with many left bruised and battling injuries

But the woman's lawyer Julien Bradmetz said his client had had 'a fragile personality for many years'.

'This fragility has now increased tenfold so today my client is living through hell,' he said.

German cyclist Tony Martin was the first to go down, and then there was a horrifying domino effect that ended in a tangle of bikes and bodies.

There were numerous wounds, including ones to Jasha Sutterlin, another German rider, who had to pull out of the entire contest.

The tour's on-site surgeon Gilbert Versier, a three-star general operating out in Iraq and Afghanistan, said the aftermath of the crash resembled a war zone.

'It looks like a war scene, the same chaos, the same moans, bodies everywhere and tangled machines,' Versier told French daily newspaper L'Equipe.

'You can't imagine so much breakage. In the midst of the commotion, the runners getting up and wanting to start again, the most serious cases must be identified.

The crash has been labelled as one of the worst ever in the history of the Tour de France, which is in its 108th instalment

One of the cyclists, Swiss star Marc Hirschi, found himself thrown into the nearby hedges and he dislocated his shoulder

'In general, these are the ones who are furthest from the accident site, because they have been thrown.'

The trial opened the same day as organisers unveiled the route and stages for next year's race, which will start in Copenhagen and also includes routes in Switzerland and Belgium.

The Tour's organisers, the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), had originally planned to sue but later said it wanted to 'calm things down' and would not be a plaintiff.

Christian Prudhomme, director of the Tour, adopted a conciliatory stance over the case as he announced the new route in Paris.

'She did something daft, she's no terrorist. We just want people to take care when they come to the Tour and remember they are there to see the champions and not to get on television,' he told reporters.

But the Switzerland-based International Association of Riders (CPA) has maintained its complaint and is seeking a symbolic one euro in damages to send a message against dangerous fan behaviour during stages.

'The damage suffered by the riders is physical, moral and economic,' CPA president Gianni Bugno said in a statement Wednesday.

'An athlete prepares months for a grand tour and it is not acceptable that all his hard work, that of his family, his staff and his team, should be shattered in an instant by the quest for popularity,' he said.
Feminist authors including the professor at the centre of a trans harassment row claim they are being 'selectively censored' by bookshop Waterstones.

Both Julie Bindel and Professor Kathleen Stock hit out after reports their respective Feminism for Women and Material Girls were nowhere to be seen.

It came as readers looking to buy their work detailed how they were unable to find them in the big name high street store.

Ms Bindel said: 'I've checked in 5 separate Waterstones around London if my book is where it should be, in alphabetical order/new hardback section, etc, and it is literally nowhere in sight.

'But when I asked if they have it in stock, they all said "yes", and got it from the back. What a disgrace.'

Prof Stock seemed equally exasperated and tweeted: 'Any chance that bookshop managers could start showing some mettle by putting my reasonable and warmly-reviewed book .. on display in bookshops?'

Julie Bindel said she had checked branches for her book but says that they were all hidden

Professor Kathleen Stock asked if bookshops would consider displaying her well-liked book

Prof Stock and Miss Bindel urged booksellers to stop hiding their work out of display

It came after Twitter user Benyamin12001 revealed their experience of looking for her publication in his north London branch of Waterstones.

They said: 'Reading the book now. A young lady at the local Waterstones showed me where it was as her colleague didnt want it too prominently displayed. Its brilliant, easy to understand and comprehensively to the point. Which, sadly, is why they dont want to read it.

'Have been into this North London Waterstones sporadically over the last couple of months looking for either Joyce, Shrier or Stock, not finding them, I found I didn't have the courage to ask, knowing of likely conversations. When I asked I got, in the manner described. Nice lady

'Cancel culture? You decide, but the women who helped, still whispered and looked tense about a subject that really, shouldn't be controversial. I would guess her and her colleague got on well otherwise, but this topic has become really difficult. Stock's book is excellent btw.'

It prompted outrage with one reader asking Waterstones online 'Is it your policy to selectively censor books?'

Waterstones today told MailOnline that the books 'are being treated as any other' and that availability was only down to sale levels in each shop.

The company usually allows management at each store to decide on displays.

A spokesperson for the company added: 'Julie Bindels and Kathleen Stocks books are available in many Waterstones shops and at waterstones.com, with stockholding reflecting current demand.

Waterstones has refused to say why it has positioned the books in such a hidden way

Signs have been put up in the pedestrian tunnel connecting Falmer train station to the university's campus under the A27

Banners saying 'Stock Out' have been held alongside burning flares and scores of people have been criticising her under the Twitter hashtag #ShameOnSussexUni

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

'Some individual shops will have sold out, as is always the case with individual titles. They are then reordered, with newly arrived stock unpacked in the stock rooms and subsequently shelved when booksellers have the opportunity.

'Shelves and tables are independently curated by booksellers in each of our bookshops.'

It came on the same day Labour's shadow equalities minister has waded into the row over Sussex University prof Stock and sided with the transgender rights groups calling for her resignation.

Labour's Taiwo Owatemi, 29, wrote to a constituent explaining she was 'greatly concerned' by Stock's involvement in the activist group LGB Alliance - who have previously been accused of 'anti-trans' policies.

In her letter, the MP for Coventry North West, slams the 'gender critical' charity's stance on LGBQT+ inclusive education, the non-binary community and teenagers being banned from using puberty blockers - and called for the group to be 'rejected by all those who believe in equality'.

Ms Owatemi admits she is 'not familiar with Professor Stock's 'philosophical writings' and blasts her employer, the University of Sussex, for backing the professor in her free speech row.

In a later statement to The Guardian, she clarified: 'I was clear in this letter that I was not passing judgment on Prof Stocks academic work, and did not call for action to be taken against her.'

This week, Stock's former union - the Sussex UCU - demanded university bosses take a 'clear and strong stance against transphobia', resulting in the professor warning they had 'effectively ended her career'.

Their statement was in response to a poster campaign led by an anonymous pro-trans activist group demanding the university fire Stock for her 'transphobic' views after she called for safe spaces for women in her academic writing.

Prof Stock was branded a 'transphobe' by outraged students, who erected posters denouncing her and called for her to be fired.

Signs put up last week in the pedestrian tunnel connecting Falmer train station to the university's campus under the A27 said Prof Stock 'makes trans students unsafe' and 'we're not paying 9,250 a year for transphobia'.

Prof Stock has since been advised to teach her students online over fears for her security, and warned that her academic career has been 'effectively ended' by Sussex Union branch.
Five people are being treated for injuries after a car slammed into a barber shop in north east London this afternoon.

The 65-year-old driver of a white Toyota Auris reportedly smashed through the front window of Prestige Barbers, Walthamstow, injuring clients and hairdressers working inside.

Eyewitnesses in the area described hearing a 'big bang' and screams as the shocking scenes unfolded on Thursday afternoon.

In video footage taken from the corner of Hoe Street, Walthamstow, one woman is seen with blood dripping down her back as she sits in front of the smashed vehicle and a huge pane of shattered glass.

As the camera pans, at least two other men can be seen leaning against a wall and receiving treatment from concerned onlookers.

In a scene of chaos, broken chairs and upholstery are seen strewn across the pavement as pedestrians and local business owners rush over to offer help.

London Ambulance Service said they treated five people at the site of the crash that occurred at around 1.50pm on Thursday. Three victims were rushed to hospital as a priority.

Five people are being treated for injuries after a white Toyota slammed into Prestige Barbers, Walthamstow on Thursday

Eyewitnesses in the area described hearing a 'big bang' and screams as the shocking scenes unfolded on Thursday afternoon. Five people were rushed to hospital after the crash

The 65-year-old driver of a white Toyota Auris reportedly smashed through the front window of Prestige Barbers, Walthamstow, injuring clients and hairdressers working inside

Nearby business owner Saleem Mohammad, 40, told the Evening Standard that a car went through one window 'and straight out the other side of the shop'.

He said: 'I heard a big bang and came out.

'There was a woman screaming with blood coming from her face and trapped under a big piece of glass. People had to move it off her. I think she was just walking past or standing outside.

'One of the barbers looked worst hit he wasnt moving or saying anything.'

Another eyewitness added: 'We heard a huge bang. It was a big shock

'There was a barber and a woman lying there on the floor. There was glass everywhere.

'We heard the driver tried to dodge traffic and sped up, then lost control.'

A Met Police spokeswoman said: 'Officers, along with colleagues from the Ambulance Service and the London Air Ambulance Service, attended the scene and immediately provided first aid to the 65-year-old driver and others at the location.'

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We were called at 1.45pm today to reports of a vehicle colliding with a building on Hoe Street, E17.

'We sent a number of resources, including ambulance crews, two medics in cars, two advanced paramedics, three incident response officers, two emergency planning and resilience officers, and hazardous area response teams. We also dispatched London's Air Ambulance.

'We treated five people at the scene and took all of them to hospital, three as a priority. Our crews have now been stood down from the scene.'
A Chicago bride says her entire family missed her Nevada weekend wedding because of mass Southwest Airlines cancellations that left her devastated parents watching the event on FaceTime.

Kimberli Romano, 34, and her husband-to-be Kyle Hlavaty, 37, flew to their wedding destination October 6 without issue, but things didnt go so smoothly for relatives trailing behind on later flights.

Her Chicago-area parents and siblings were set to fly in for the Valley of Fire wedding on October 9, a day before the ceremony, but were among those affected by Southwests abrupt cancellation of more than 1,800 weekend flights.

So, I call my parents immediately and told them double-check everything because we just got notification that the flight was canceled, Romani told CNN.

And, of course, it turns out that it was, and I was freaking out. I was so emotional

Kimberli Romani, 34, and Kyle Hlavaty, 37, were married Sunday in Nevada's Valley of Fire

The bride (in red) was the first sibling in the family to get married

An emotional Kimberli Romani recounts not having her parents at her wedding

Although the sign indicates the couple eloped, the wedding was meticulously planned

She said she managed to book her parents another flight from Milwaukee the morning of the October 10 wedding, but it also was cancelled.

Aside from her husbands mom and aunt  who flew to Las Vegas earlier in the week  no family was able to witness the special occasion in person.

Romano said her parents watched the ceremony via FaceTime.

Service was spotty because we were up in the mountains and everything, but my mom said that she was able to see most of it," Romano said. "She couldn't hear anything but she could see most of it.

Southwest cancelled nearly 1,800 flights on the weekend, including the flights of Romano's parents and sisters, who were planning to attend the desert wedding

Romano is pictured (center) with her sisters, who were supposed to be bridesmaids

Southwest Airlines on Monday issued 'a tremendous apology' to its customers and said the weather was to blame for the cancellation of almost 2,000 flights during the weekend.

The Dallas-based airline refuted claims that employees striking in protest of a vaccine mandate caused staff shortages that forced the mass cancellations.

The nixed flights prevented Romanos family from attending the special occasion, although a few of her bridesmaids who flew in earlier did attend.

However, her father wasnt able to walk her down the aisle, and her mom couldnt help her get ready for her big day.

It's unbearable for a lot of people, Romano told CNN. And it's very, very disappointing. I've defended Southwest for so long and been a loyal customer of theirs for so long, and the way we were treated at the airport - they were so rude and disrespectful and had absolutely no remorse for anything. It's very upsetting.

Back in Illinois, Romanos parents and older sisters were scrambling to make the wedding. They spent hours researching other flight options, but couldnt find one that would get them to the 1 p.m. wedding on time..

Although the wedding was in Las Vegas, it wasnt an elopement.

It was a planned ceremony with a lot of thought and money put into it, the brides sister Renee Romano said.

Romano was the first daughter in the family to get married, and her parents were devastated to miss it, her sister said.

They're really torn up about it. They're still very upset, Renee Romano told DailyMail.com. I think the (sadness) has turned into anger, because its just unbelievable that this could happen  and that Southwest allowed it to happen, and had no backup plan in case something like this would have happened.

Although the couple tied the knot in Vegas, it was a planned ceremony, not an elopement

Now, Renee Romano said shes trying to get a refund from Southwest, which offered a flight credit to use on a future trip.

I don't want to use it for future flight, she said. I don't want to fly with them again after all this craziness, not knowing if this is ever going to happen again. I want my money back, so we're going to try and work on that and see what happens.

Southwest told Dailymail.com on Thursday that they reached out to the bride to offer their sincere apologies
Traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday may become even more chaotic this year, as about 40 percent of TSA workers face potential termination for refusing to get the coronavirus vaccine.

Approximately 24,000 employees, including some airport screeners, have until November 22 - the Monday before Thanksgiving - to get the shot or risk being fired under President Joe Biden's vaccine mandate for all federal workers.

The president announced the mandate for all federal workers last month, and said on Thursday that vaccine mandates shouldn't divide Americans as he warned that more directives were coming for private businesses.

'Let's be clear, vaccination requirements should not be another issue that divides us,' Biden said. 'That's why I continue to battle the misinformation out there.'

Meanwhile, only about 60 percent of the TSA has been vaccinated, Transportation Safety Administrator David Pekoske told CNN on Wednesday

'That number needs to go up quite a bit higher over the next few weeks.'

But meeting the deadline is already tight. The last possible date for a TSA agent to get a Pfizer vaccine is October 18, and the last day to get the first dose of the Moderna vaccine already passed on October 11. Pfizer requires a three-week waiting period between doses, and Moderna requires a four-week waiting time.

The last possible date to get a single-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine is November 8 - two weeks before the deadline.

Anyone without at least one shot could face disciplinary action as early as November 9, the Office of Personnel Management announced October 1, noting that failure to comply with the federal mandate is an act of misconduct.

Approximately 24,000 TSA workers have until November 22 - the Monday before Thanksgiving - to get the COVID vaccine or risk being fired under President Joe Biden's vaccine mandate for all federal workers

In order to meet the deadline, they have until October 18 to get their first Pfizer dose or November 8 to get a single Johnson and Johnson vaccine

President Joe Biden said on Thursday that vaccine mandates should not divide people, as he warned that more directives for private businesses could be coming

The office recommended agencies begin to pursue 'progressive discipline' by November 9 for any employee who has not begun the vaccination process, according to Federal News Network.

'Agencies are encouraged to consider whether lesser disciplinary penalties are adequate, as an initial matter, to encourage an employee to be vaccinated, such as a short suspension of 14 days or less,' said an office official.

If the unvaccinated federal worker demonstrates at any point during the suspension that they are taking steps to comply with the mandate, though, the OPM says agencies should effectively pause disciplinary action and give them a deadline for receiving a final dose and providing proof of vaccination.

Once they have provided that proof, agencies should stop the disciplinary process.

But if the temporary suspension does not compel the employee to get vaccinated, the OPM recommends agencies consider greater disciplinary measures - including termination.

The office pointed to Mazares v Department of Navy, in which the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld the Navy's decision to fire two civilian employees who refused to get the anthrax vaccine before a deployment on a naval ship to Korea.

The court ruled at the time that the employees' termination was not excessive as they were fired because they failed to obey a direct order from a supervisor.

In the interview with CNN, Pekoske said he is 'very hopeful' that the agency's employees can meet the deadline, and there will not be worker shortages.

Still, he said: 'We are building contingency plans for if we do have some staffing shortages as a result of this, but I hope to avoid that.'

He said he has been holding employee town halls to encourage TSA workers to get the vaccine so they will not be fired.

In total, the agency reports, more than 10,000 employees have contracted the virus since the start of the pandemic, with 30 deaths associated with COVID.

There are now 335 employees currently on leave with the virus.

Nationwide, the CDC says the rate of transmission remains high, even as there were only 84,086 new cases reported nationwide on October 12, with 1,252 deaths.

About 65.6 percent of all Americans have had at least one dose of the COVID vaccine as of Wednesday, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control, and 56.6 percent are fully vaccinated.

TSA Administrator David Pekoske said he has been holding employee town halls to encourage TSA workers, like the screener seen here, to get the vaccine so they will not be fired

In total, the agency reports , more than 10,000 employees have contracted the virus since the start of the pandemic, with 30 deaths associated with COVID

Pekoske also said he has contingency plans in place to avoid long lines at the TSA screening checkpoints over the holiday season

A proposed rule that would mandate vaccines for companies with more than 100 people is also moving forward, with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration submitting the rule to the Office of Management and Budget on Tuesday.

The rule will be implemented once OMB's review is complete and it's published in the Federal Register.

'The Labor Department will soon issue an emergency rule for companies with 100 or more employees to implement vaccination requirements among their workforce,' Biden said Thursday.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki wouldn't give a timeline when asked about the rule Wednesday.

'We don't, as a ... longstanding practice, comment on the timeline of how long that takes because we want to allow that process to happen,' she answered. 'But, you know, it should be an indication that it's there and now it is being reviewed.'

'And once it is finalized and through the [Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs] process and review, it will be posted publicly in the Federal Register and you will all have access to every detail of it,' Psaki added.

Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly told CNBC on Tuesday he believes businesses should not impose COVID vaccine mandates on their employers.

'I've never been in favor of corporations imposing that kind of mandate,' he said. 'I'm not in favor of that, never have been.

'But the executive order from President Biden mandates that all federal employees and all federal contractors, which covers all the major airlines have to have a mandate in place by December 8, so we're working through that.'

He said the week before, that 56,000 employees still had to be vaccinated in accordance with the mandate.

The announcement came just a few days after Southwest Airlines had to cancel almost 2,000 flights over the weekend.

Mike Van de Ven, the president of the airline, told employees in a video on Sunday that staffing shortages were to blame.

The airline, meanwhile, initially told the public that air traffic control issues in Florida caused the problem, but the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) then issued a statement saying there were problems for a few hours on Friday, but not at the weekend.

Furious passengers said that they were told in airports that the cancellations were due to Southwest employees walking out in protest at the airline's decision to enforce COVID-19 vaccinations.

But the airline said that that was not the case, and that poor weather in Jacksonville, Florida, sparked a cascading effect.

'Southwest Airlines extends a tremendous apology to our Customers and Employees for the flight cancellations and delays which occurred over the weekend and on Monday,' the airline said.

'On Friday evening, the airline ended the day with numerous cancellations, primarily created by weather and other external constraints, which left aircraft and Crews out of pre-planned positions to operate our schedule on Saturday.

'Unfortunately, the out-of-place aircraft and continued strain on our Crew resources created additional cancelations across our point-to-point network that cascaded throughout the weekend and into Monday.

'Southwest Teams have been working diligently to restore stability to the network, and we are experiencing less disruptions on Monday. We hope to restore our full schedule as soon as possible.

'As a note, the operational challenges were not a result of Southwest Employee demonstrations.'

The announcement comes just a few days after Southwest Airlines had to cancel almost 2,000 flights over the weekend

A passenger at Orlando International Airport shared a picture of four children sleeping on the floor due to flight cancellations

The Dallas-based airline was the only airline to report such large-scale issues over the weekend, and customers accused Southwest of not being honest with them about the delays.

It canceled about 360 more flights Monday and delayed 970 others.

Long lines of stranded passengers formed inside the Southwest terminal at Denver International Airport before dawn on Monday.

The scenes were similar to those from August, when frustrated passengers were left stranded at airports after Spirit and American Airlines canceled more than 670 flights over the course of three days.

'Youre clearly lying to your customers. Acknowledge the pilots union striking is the main reason for cancellations. Southwest customer service has been spiraling downward dramatically the past year,' said one man.

'Strange how the ATC issues and weather are still only affecting your airline at MCO,' said another angry passenger.

'Must be some crazy storms if theyre only targeting your planes.'

A third tweeted: 'Keep lying when your staff at Midway specifically told us it was because the Pilots went on strike, because of your vaccine mandate.

'Now we missed a wedding and out luggage is stuck at midway with mine and my wife's medication.'

Another woman wrote: 'This is absolutely horrible! Your lack of compassion & resolution is appalling! My sister has been left stranded in Atlanta while traveling en route to my Wedding scheduled for tomorrow.

'I am now driving round trip from FL to ATL on the EVE of my wedding!!'

But the Federal Aviation Administration denied reports of a 'mass sickout' at the air traffic control center at Jacksonville International Airport, which was said to have affected Southwest.

Also, in a statement to DailyMail.com, the FAA said: 'No FAA air traffic staffing shortages have been reported since Friday.

'Flight delays and cancellations occurred for a few hours Friday afternoon due to widespread severe weather, military training, and limited staffing in one area of the Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control Center.

'Some airlines continue to experience scheduling challenges due to aircraft and crews being out of place.

Van de Ven told workers the airline was working to develop a plan to address several shortcomings, including tight staffing on weekends as well as chronic delays and cancellations, according to The Wall Street Journal.

He said that Southwest 'already made significant reductions from our previously published November and December schedules, and if we think we need to do more, we will.'
A kebab shop employee made a hoax bomb threat call to a cathedral in an effort to drum up trade from the evacuated congregation, a court has heard.

Anthony Moroncini, 52, was seen on CCTV footage using a phone box near Truro Cathedral in Cornwall, to make the hoax call and get more customers to come to his kebab shop nearby.

Moroncini, who gave his own name to the call handler, told police that he made the hoax call to increase footfall at the kebab shop and promote his chances of work last month, Truro Crown Court heard.

Anthony Moroncini, 52, who used a phone box near Truro Cathedral in Cornwall, to make the hoax call, was jailed for a total of 16 months

Miss Holly Rust, defending, said: 'He was helping out at the kebab shop for food and the whole idea was to increase footfall when the cathedral was evacuated. He was out of control.'

She said the homeless defendant did not think about the significant impact on the emergency services and the public.

She said: 'It was a single phone call and he gave his own name.

Prosecutor Ali Rafati said Moroncini has committed 93 offences since 1994, mostly for dishonesty and violence.

He said the defendant said there was a bomb in the Cathedral and armed police, dog units, bomb disposal teams and other 999 services were scrambled to the scene.

He told police he worked as an optical illusionist at the Eden Project and 'wanted to do a boom'.

The bomb hoax took place in the same month Moroncini tried to get through the doors at Longreach Hospital mental health unit.

When he was unable to enter, Moroncini shouted abuse at security staff and smashed the windscreen of a car.

The kebab shop employee made the hoax to Truro Cathedral in an effort to drum up trade from the evacuated congregation

On September 9, the kebab shop worker damaged flowers outside a restaurant in Truro and later returned to the same restaurant to help himself to a cake and milk.

On September 13, Moroncini started a fire near a Shell Garage after stealing a barbecue and de-icer.

He also assaulted two members of security at Truro Job Centre just hours later.

Today, Moroncini pleaded guilty to five criminal damage charges, burglary, three thefts, a bomb hoax, two assaults and using threatening, insulting or abusive words or behaviour.

Judge Simon Carr jailed him for a total of 16 months.

He told him: 'You have pleaded guilty to a catalogue of offending over a period of approximately ten days in early September and you were ill.

'Any bomb hoax is a serious offence and the effect it has on the emergency services and the public.'
Chicago's powerful police union boss has effectively dared Mayor Lori Lightfoot to suspend up of half the crime-plagued city's cops by telling them to ignore her order to submit their vaccination status by Friday.

Head of the Chicago Branch of the Fraternal Order of Police John Catanzara has shared a video urging his members - who represent 11,000 of the city's 13,000 sworn officers - to file exemption requests on Thursday instead.

'We're going to provide three forms later today, for religious, for medical, and for the conscientious exemption,' the head of the Chicago branch of the Fraternal Order of Police, John Catanzara, explained in a 10-minute video message posted to the union's YouTube page.

'We're asking members to submit those on Thursday - not anytime sooner. Submit those all on Thursday - give everything at one time.'

The union boss then adds: 'Do not fill out the portal information,' a reference to the website where city workers, including cops, have been ordered to submit their vaccination statuses by Friday.

'We're going to provide three forms later today, for religious, for medical, and for the conscientious exemption,' the head of the Chicago branch of the Fraternal Order of Police, John Catanzara, explained in a 10-minute video message posted to the union's YouTube page

The stern video message explicitly instructs officers to defy Lightfoot's order, and comes just days before city workers - including cops - must share their vaccine status using the aforementioned portal by Friday or face being put on unpaid leave.

In the video, Catanzara appears to dare Lightfoot to fire members of his police force as an unprecedented crime wave plagues the Windy City, and predicted at least half of the department would comply with his request.

'Its safe to say the city of Chicago will have a police force at 50 percent or less,' Catranzara said at one point in the recorded message, sitting at his desk at the union's office on the city's West Side.

'Whatever happens because of that manpower issue,' the union head added, 'that falls at the mayors doorstep.'

Blasting the vaccine mandate, he added: 'Hell no is the best way I can put it, across the board.

'I do not believe the city has the authority to mandate that to anybody, let alone that information about your medical history.'

The number of officers already vaccinated for now is unclear - with Chicago Police Department spokesman Don Terry admitting in August 'Were not keeping tabs on it at this moment; we dont have a number.'

Mayor Lori Lightfoot's recently put a mandate into effect that forced all civic employees to get vaccinated or face unpaid leave. City employees - including the 13,000 sworn officers that comprize Chicago's police department, must report their vaccination statuses to the city by Friday

What's more, the latest data concerning the exact number of vaccinated officers is somewhat up for debate, with WBEZ Chicago reporting in May that less than 3,600 officers had received at least one dose of the jab, while The Washington Post placed the number at somewhere around 4,000 that same month.

Lightfoot responded to Catanzara's strong words at a news conference the next day, saying that the city was 'prepared' for any outcome - but was sure to add that Catanzara was 'doing a patent disservice to his members every single day' by encouraging police to push back against the mandate.

'If you are not vaccinated, you are playing with your life, the life of your family, the life of your colleagues, and members of the public,' Lightfoot declared at the Wednesday meeting.

She did not comment further on what exactly her plans are if she does follow through on her threat, and Chicago loses thousands of cops. Any bending of Lightfoot's own rules would be seen as humiliating for the city leader, who has faced an increasing barrage of criticism from officers.

Over the summer, Catanzara revealed that he himself has received the COVID-19 vaccine - but stands behind those who have chosen not to - including members of his union.

At least 3,600 Chicago officers have already received at least one dose of the vaccine, but Catanzara says that the thousands that remain should have the right to choose

'Its safe to say the city of Chicago will have a police force at 50 percent or less,' Catranzara said at one point in the vide message he recorded from his desk at the Fraternal Order of Police Union office on the city's West Side

'That was a personal choice I made because I want to be able to travel without restrictions - thats why I got the COVID shot.' Catanzara said in August, after Lightfoot first announced the city's vaccine mandate.

'Many others decided not to,' he went on, 'and I absolutely respect and understand their position on why they dont want to do it.'

The union chief even went as far as to equate the citys mandate to that of a facist regime - namely, Nazi Germany.

'When governments, whether its Nazi Germany or modern-day Chicago, try to start - or any other major city, like New York and many others who are doing this - try to create policies that mandate their employees first, to have to do things to their bodies, it will not stop there,' he told The Chicago Sun-Times in August.

'You are opening up the door for the citizens to be next.'

Catanzara later apologized for the comments, but says he still vehemently opposes the mayor's imposed mandate - especially when it comes to members of his department.

The city of Chicago's police department has been increasingly at odds with Lightfoot - a Democrat who publicly supported the 'defund the police movement' after the death of George Floyd in 2020 and slashed the force's budget by $59 million that same year - since she was elected in 2019.

Lightfoot has since denounced the 'defund the police' movement, backtracking in August after the shooting death of Officer Ella French earlier that month - unveiling a new plan to refund the police.

The shooting death of Officer Ella French, 29, in August formed an even bigger rift between the already-at-odds police department and the mayor - who slashed the force's budget by $59 million before the officer's murder during a routine traffic stop

Last month, Lightfoot unveiled a a $16.7 billion spending plan Monday that will boost funding for police, lifting the Chicago Police Department's annual budget to $1.9 billion, up from $1.7 billion in 2021,

The plan relies on federal money to help dig the city out of its current deficit, and outlines prospective funding for a host of new community programs that she says will help the troubled city pull through the ongoing pandemic and address the prevailing issues of rampant gun violence and crime.

The proposed budget comes after the mayor announced in August that she expected funding for the city's police department would change in the coming months, with the city hopelessly entrenched in a $73 million budget hole.

Lightfoot asserted to attendees of a conference discussing the proposed changes that 'we have to make sure we are continuing to provide resources to recruit the next generation of police officers and make sure were doing that recruitment in a way that reflects diversity of the city.

Meanwhile, violent crimes are up across the board in The Windy City.

Violent crimes are up across the board in Chicago, with murders are up a whopping 56 percent since 2019, and 4 percent since 2020. According to the 2020 Uniform Crime Report released in late September by the FBI, 94 percent of the homicides were committed with a firearm

Murders are up a whopping 56 percent since 2019, with more than 200 more murders being committed in 2021 than in 2019 - before the pandemic inspired an influx of crime to plague the city's streets.

Since 2020, murders are up as well, by 4 percent.

Violent assaults are also up, with nearly 100 more cases of aggravated battery taking place this year than in 2019, before the pandemic - with more than two months left to go.

Meanwhile sexual assaults and rapes are up by more than 25 percent in the past year.

With that said, gun violence is arguably the city's most pressing issue - with 1,606 people shot in this past summer alone - the population equivalent to many American small towns.

From June to August this year 261 Chicago citizens were killed, on pace to be the deadliest stretch in nearly a quarter-century for the city.

According to the 2020 Uniform Crime Report released in late September by the FBI, 76 percent of homicides nationwide were committed with a firearm.

However, in Chicago, fatal shootings accounted for 94 percent of all homicides so far this year - compared to still-dismal 90 last year.

The influx of firearms into the hands of Chicago criminals spurred Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown to label his own city the 'ground zero for violence,' in an interview earlier this month with CNN.

'It's violent people in possession of weapons,' he was then sure to add.

With that said, the city of Chicago's law enforcement agency - an institution that is nearly 200 years old - has made it clear that they do not stand with the city's new mayor.

The city of Chicago's police department - as well as Catanzara's Fraternal Order of Police - has made it clear that they do not stand with the city's new mayor

In May, Catanzara's union issued a vote of 'no-confidence' on the mayor, citing poor work conditions and the cancellation of a march for fallen officers because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The vote by the police union, as well as police Superintendent David Brown and First Deputy Eric Carter, was unanimous among as many as 200 active and retired rank-and-file officers, The Chicago Tribune reported.

And the rift between the two party's only became more pronounced after the shooting death of 29-year-old Officer French - the first fatal shooting of a Chicago officer in the line of duty in three years, and the first of female officer in more than three decades.

French was shot dead and her partner seriously wounded during an armed confrontation with three suspects on the city's South Side on August 7.

She was one of 10 people killed and 64 wounded by gun violence throughout Chicago that weekend.

Brothers Emonte and Eric Morgan, 21 and 22, respectively, have been charged in the officer's death, a Chicago Police Department spokesperson announced in August, after allegedly shooting French and her partner after being pulled over during a routine traffic stop.

Emonte Morgan, the younger of the two brothers, was out of jail despite being charged in April for a serious hit-and-run while he was on probation for robbery.

French's partner, Carlos Yanez, 39, was critically injured in the shootout, but managed to survive, and now faces a 'potentially lifelong disability.'

A third female passenger in the car has not been charged in the case, due to a lack of evidence.

Lightfoot reportedly received a cold reaction from Frenchs family and fellow officers at the hospital after the shooting, before she succumbed to her injuries.

At the time, Catanzara's vice president, Patrick Murray, went as far as to say that the Chicago Police Department has severed all ties with the progressive politico.

'There is no relationship with the mayor,' Murray told Chicago outlet NewsNation in August.

'Prior to her being elected, she didnt want to have anything to do with the police department,' he told the network, before adding, 'She really has a negative attitude toward the police department.

Murray went on to say that the only way to repair the relationship would be to elect a new mayor in 2022.
evidence wasn't strong enough to record as death by industrial disease

He had aired concerns about lack of PPE at Glan Clwyd Hospital in north Wales

An NHS nurse who paid the 'ultimate price' after dying with coronavirus had expressed concerns about a lack of PPE and training, an inquest today.

Rizal Manalo was working as a nurse on a ward at Glan Clwyd Hospital in north Wales as well as a part-time carer nearby when he contracted Covid-19.

The 51-year-old, known as Zaldy to friends and colleagues, was admitted to hospital in May last year.

After a number of weeks he was transferred to intensive care where he died from multi-organ failure after he developed Covid-19 pneumonia on June 14.

An inquest into his death was told this week how Mr Manalo had not undergone training and testing to ensure that his mask fitted correctly while working on wards.

NHS nurse Rizal Manalo, 51, wo died from Covid-19 in June last year had expressed concerns about a lack of PPE and training for staff, , an inquest today

The father-of-two also raised concerns to his wife Agnes about the lack of personal protection equipment available (PPE) in the weeks prior to his death.

He also complained about the over-reliance on agency staff who were not trained up to standard and about 'unpleasant' working conditions on the ward.

In a statement read at the Ruthin hearing Mrs Manolo said her husband started work at Glan Clwyd in 2014, having moved to North Wales from the Philippines in 2001.

She said he worked hard to earn money for his family and was highly respected in the community.

At the time of his death she said: 'He was a good husband and a loving father to his children. He protected and cared for us.'

The hearing was told Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board carried out an investigation following his death on June 14 last year.

Rizal, known as Zaldy to friends and colleagues, was working as a nurse on a ward at Glan Clwyd Hospital in north Wales as well as a part-time carer nearby when he contracted Covid-19

It was only then that managers learned that Mr Manalo had a second job working at a nursing home in Abergele.

Dr Kath Clarke, who led the investigation, said it was very unusual to lose a colleague and it was important that everything be done to protect employees.

The review found, she said, that although there had been an adequate supply of PPE there was sometimes an issue over distribution.

But she stressed that so early in the pandemic the situation was rapidly changing and new guidelines were being issued.

She said: 'We were working in the dark as much as anybody. It was changing all the time.'

Dr Clarke told the inquest that training was available for staff at the time on ensuring that masks fitted correctly but it was found that Mr Manolo had not had the 'fit test'.

She said since his death systems were now in place to follow up those who hadn't had the tests, and the same applied to agency staff.

John Gittins, coroner for North Wales east and central, concluded his death was as a result of natural causes at Ruthin County Hall on Wednesday.

Mr Gittins said the evidence was not strong enough for him to record it as a death from industrial disease given the other factors at play.

He said: 'I am reassured that lessons have been learned where they can be learned.'

Expressing his condolences to Mrs Manolo, he added: 'The picture I have of him is of a kind, generous, compassionate, loving person who was committed to helping others and paid the ultimate price for doing so.

'I hope you are proud of him because you should be.'

A statement from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said: ' As a health board we hope today's inquest has given the family, work colleagues and many friends of Rizal 'Zaldy' Manalo some closure after his tragic and untimely death.

'The tributes already paid to Zaldy bear testament to his dedication towards helping other people and his positive character.

'He was a valued and trusted nurse and an integral part of our team on Ward 5 at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, who came here from the Philippines with his compatriots to care for our patients in 2001.

'We wish Zaldy's wife Agnes and their children, Nicole and Dylan, peace and happiness as they continue their lives without him.

Betsi Cadwaladr chief executive Jo Whitehead said: 'Sadly, I never had the pleasure of meeting Zaldy.

'However the messages of condolence and tributes paid to him illustrate to me he was a fine nurse, who was loved and respected by his colleagues.

'I sincerely respect those words and offer my heartfelt thanks on behalf of the health board for his years of service to the people of North Wales.'
A white Indiana cop, who was seen on bodycam videos stomping a black man's face while he was handcuffed and on the ground, was charged with two felonies and suspended without pay.

The suspect - Jermaine Vaughn, 38 - was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct on September 24 but dismissed on October 8, according to court documents.

While lying on his back and being searched, Sgt. Eric Huxley - a 14-year-veteran of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department - stomps on Vaughn's face and repeatedly says, 'Stop. You're done. You're done.'

Vaughn appears to be in shock and his mouth bloodied. He was then rolled over onto his stomach and searched as his pants slid off. The video blurs his exposed backside.

WARNING: GRAPHIC

Indiana Metropolitan Police Sgt. Eric Huxley is seen on bodycam footage stomping on Jermaine Vaughn's face

Vaughn is seen in shock with a bloodied mouth after being stomped on

Vaughn was arrested for disorderly conduct, but it's unknown what he did

IMPD Police Chief Randal Taylor said on Tuesday that he recommended Huxley be fired, and federal prosecutors said they're considering charging Huxley with federal crimes.

Currently, Huxley is charged at the state level with felony battery and felony official misconduct, and has been suspended without pay. He has not been arrested or arraigned yet, according to court and jail records.

The police department is hoping he turns himself in; otherwise an arrest warrant will be issued.

'Honestly, I'm here with a heavy heart,' Taylor said, during a press conference on Tuesday before showing the bodycam footage.

'This video is going to make you as upset as it did me,' the 34-year veteran of the police force said. 'There's no excuse for it.'

The chief said an internal probe is ongoing, and Huxley's job status will be determined when it concludes.

The other two responding officers - Sgt. Christopher Kibbey and officer Matthew Shores - have been placed on administrative duty until the end of the investigation.

IMPD Police Chief Randal Taylor - pictured here during Tuesday's press conference - said, 'This video is going to make you as upset as it did me ... There's no excuse for it'

Acting U.S. Attorney John Childress said his office is aware of the incident, and an FBI investigation has begun.

'If the investigation reveals prosecutable violations of any federal criminal statutes, the Department will take appropriate action,' Childress said in a statement.

On September 24, three officers responded to a disorderly conduct report on Monument Circle in Marion County, the largest county in center of Indiana that includes the city of Indianapolis.

It's unclear what prompted the call.

Shores is seen on the bodycam video holding Vaughn's belt and telling him to step back while they exchange words.

The video starts with Shores telling Vaughn, 'No one cares what you do.'

Vaughn responds, 'No one cares what you do either.'

Vaughn repeats the phrase a couple times until Shores tells him to lean back.

'How the f**k am I supposed to lean back when you're f*****g holding my belt,' Vaughn says.

Shores proceed to push Vaughn and wrestle him to the ground while repeating, 'We're not going to do this, right?'

The incident began on September 24 when three officers responded to a disorderly conduct report on Monument Circle in Marion County - the largest county in center of Indiana that includes the city of Indianapolis. Officer Brian Shores is seen here wrestling Vaughn to the ground

While Vaughn is lying on his back, Huxley enters the frame, stomps on Vaughn's face and says, 'Stop. You're done.'

Taylor said he released the bodycam footage because, 'transparency is one of those things that we've been striving for'.

'We've done that because we want to build the correct relationship with the community that we need to have.'
A vaccinated veteran who'd had his booster shot caught CVODI and died of a bleeding colon after after he was delayed in being transferred from a rural health center to larger hospital because its beds were filled with unvaccinated patients.

Bob Cameron, 87, passed away just after 6pm on Wednesday - a day after he was transferred across Minnesota state lines to Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota. His move was delayed by two days, with Cameron's devastated family convinced that he'd have survived had he been treated sooner.

Cameron had been stuck at Kittson Healthcare in Hallock - more than two hours away from the hospital - since Sunday morning when he was rushed to the healthcare center for a GI bleed.

Bob Cameron, 87, was a vaccinated veteran who'd had his booster shot yet still caught Covid when he died of a bleeding colon

Cameron spent days stuck at Kittson Healthcare in Minnesota because of unvaccinated patients occupying all the beds in nearby hospitals. After days in the healthcare center he was transported more than two hours to Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota

Kittson Healthcare only has 15 beds and would normally transport patients to larger hospitals after they're stable, according to Grand Forks Herald.

However, every hospital in his home state of Minnesota and neighboring North Dakota was full and did not have a bed for Cameron, who also received his Covid-19 booster shot.

The Herald reported that doctors across both states blamed unvaccinated people for occupying all of the hospital beds.

Minnesota State Patrol spent the days Cameron was stuck in Hallock rushing blood supplies to him from Fargo to keep him alive.

'Luckily they were able to get plasma and platelets up here otherwise he probably wouldn't be here right now,' Cameron's daughter Julie Lindegard told the news station before her father's death.

Later, Cameron's family said the veteran was stable when he was finally transported to Sanford but once he arrived in Fargo 'all hell broke loose'. They told the Herald that he couldn't have the much-needed colonoscopy due to too much bleeding.

Cameron underwent emergency surgery to remove his colon but it didn't stop the bleeding, as reported by the Herald.

Lindegard told DailyMail.com that her father 'received 28 units of blood products during the last 20 hours of his life'.

'There is a critical blood shortage in our area, leaving the hospital with only 60 available units,' she added.

For two days Minnesota State Patrol rushed blood supplies to Cameron at Kittson Healthcare (pictured) from Fargo to keep him alive

Kittson Healthcare only has 15 beds (pictured) and would normally transport patients to larger hospitals after they're stable

Lindegard said: 'It's been hell for us. My dad doesn't deserve this.' She also noted that she believes if her father got to the hospital two days earlier it would have helped save his life.

'Was this his time to go? I say no. But Covid helped put so many roadblocks in the way of any normal procedures for his care,' she told DailyMail.com.

Cameron died after surgery - and because of his Covid-19 diagnosis he was without his family.

His daughter said a nurse named Megan held his hand and told him it's okay to go, according to the Herald.

'A precious heart stopped beating last night. We couldn't even be with you,' Lindegard wrote in a Facebook post memorializing her father.

'They are our angels on earth, we are so thankful for them,' Lindegard said on nurses like Megan.

'The doctors here don't deserve this,' she added, presumably referring to the staggering number of unvaccinated Covid patients who are overwhelming doctors.

However, Kittson Healthcare CEO Gabe Mooney said the facility is 'not bursting at the seems,' adding that the problem 'is that we are caring for patients we wouldn't normally care for'.

Cameron's daughter Julie Lindegard (pictured) memorialized her father in a Facebook post and wrote: 'A precious heart stopped beating last night. We couldn't even be with you'

Kittson Healthcare CEO Gabe Mooney (pictured) said that the problem 'is that we are caring for patients we wouldn't normally care for,' adding that doctors and nurses are being forced to spend more time on the phone finding beds for patients

Mooney also noted that doctors and nurses are being forced to spend more time on the phone finding beds for patients, which has taken time away from those who rely on them.

Lindegard then warned: 'We are here to tell you this is real, and this is what we are living through.

'Maybe we can change a few lives, maybe we can change a few minds, maybe we can save a few lives.'

The Herald reported that Cameron was well-known in the town where he lived in Kittson County, Minnesota. A US Army veteran himself, he worked as the veteran's service officer for nearly two decades.

Cameron's passing comes as a new model from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CSC) predicted that Covid-19 deaths and hospitalizations will continue to decline over the next month.

The forecast predicted weekly deaths will fall to as low as 3,900 by the week ending November 6 from the current 12,100 per week (pictured)

Covid hospitalizations are also predicted to drop to as few as 500 new patients admitted per week - a fifth straight week of projected declines (pictured)

Published on Wednesday, the 'ensemble' forecast combined 37 independent forecasts of coronavirus deaths over the next four weeks into one projection, which concluded that weekly COVID fatalities could fall to fewer than 4,000 by the week ending November 6.

Over the same time period hospitalizations are predicted to drop to as few as 500 per week.

On Wednesday, the US recorded 3,054 virus-related deaths and a seven-day rolling average of 1,657, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

These figures represent a 13 percent decrease from the 1,917 average deaths recorded on month ago.

BEST CASE SCENARIO FOR DEATHS: Deaths are also projected to drop from 11,563 current weekly deaths, or 1,651 per day, to 415 weekly fatalities, or about 59 per day (pictured)

A KFF analysis found that more than 90,000 deaths in the US between June and September of 2021 - 80 percent of total deaths - could have been prevented by the Covid-19 vaccines

At the same time infections across the US are still on the decline and the fourth wave of the pandemic, fueled by the Delta variant, is coming to an end.

According to the CDC forecast deaths are expected to decline even further over the next four weeks with between 3,900 and 13,100 new weekly deaths reported by November 6, 2021 - the third straight week of projected declines.

Additionally the forecast predicted a death toll of between 740,000 and 762,000 by the first week of November.

There have been more than 717,000 reported COVID deaths since the pandemic began, figures from Johns Hopkins show. However, a new analysis by researchers at the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) found that more than 90,000 COVID deaths from June to September 2021 could have been prevented if the patients had gotten vaccinated.

The report noted that more than half - nearly 50,000 - of those preventable deaths happened in September, and 24,600 in August - times when the vaccine was widely available.

KFF researchers want health officials to do more to help reach the remaining 70 million unvaccinated Americans, and convince them to get the shots to protect themselves.
Two men, one Yemeni considered to be Osama Bin Laden's bodyguard and one Afghan commander who fought alongside al-Qaeda, are set to be transferred out of Guantanamo Bay for rehabilitation, according to documents released Wednesday.

The interagency Periodic Review Board approved the transfer of Sanad Yislam al-Kazimi and Assadullah Haroon Gul, bringing the number of detainees at Guantanamo down to 37.

Neither had ever been charged with a crime.

Al-Kazimi, 51, who was captured in Dubai in 2003, will resettle in Oman, neighboring his home nation of Yemen. Yemen is considered too unstable to rehabilitate detainees, while Oman already accepted 39 during the Obama administration. Martha Rayner, al-Kazimi's lawyer, said her client is in 'pretty good' health and 'looks forward to being transferred as quickly as possible.'

Al-Kazimi had sought to be transferred to an Arabic-speaking country where he could reunited with his wife and could 'someday see his four children and his grandchildren,' according to the New York Times.

It is not yet clear where Gul, 40, will be transferred. He was captured by Afghan forces in 2007 when he served as Islamist commander and fought alongside the Taliban and al-Qaeda against the US-backed forces.

The board decided he could be safely transferred, with security arrangements, due to a 'lack of a leadership role in extremist organizations and his lack of a clear ideological basis for his prior conduct.' It did not say where he should go.

Gul's lawyers had pursued his release through an unlawful detention petition, and last year the Afghan government agreed to support his repatriation, but that was before it fell to the Taliban.

One Yemeni considered to be the bodyguard of Osama Bin Laden, above, will be transferred to Oman

The Biden administration has signaled it aims to close the military prison in Cuba before leaving office, reviving an Obama-era promise

The Biden administration has signaled it aims to close the military prison in Cuba before leaving office, reviving an Obama-era promise.

Congress stood in the way of an effort by forbidding any detainee from stepping foot on the US mainland. Only one other detainee, Abdul Latif Nasser of Morocco, has been released under the Biden administration, and that was under an agreement reached during the Obama years.

With Wednesday's announcement, 12 men could be eligible for release if the US State Department could reach an agreement with a receiving nation to impose security protocols, such as restricting their ability to travel abroad.

Meanwhile, another 12 are in the midst of military commission proceedings and 15 are held as 'law of war' prisoners, with no plan for release due to their alleged role in the 9/11 attacks.

Guantanamo has reportedly cost U.S. taxpayers over $6 billion since its inception.

American taxpayers spend roughly between $9.5 and $13 million per prisoner, per year. The prison currently has 40 inmates. That's compared to $78,000 spent per inmate at a 'supermax' prison in Florence, Colo., home to some of the highest-risk prisoners in the U.S.

Guantanamo has reportedly cost U.S. taxpayers over $6 billion since its inception.

In 2019, a top attorney there filed a whistleblower complaint against the prison alleging 'gross financial waste' and 'gross mismanagement'

Included in that figure are charter planes to and from the island with few passengers, hundreds of thousands' worth of government devices that are destroyed each year to spills of classified information, Pentagon-funded defense attorneys priced at half a million dollars per year and total legal costs amounting to $60 million, even though Guantanamo has only ever had two finalized convictions.

In 2019, a top attorney there filed a whistleblower complaint against the prison alleging 'gross financial waste' and 'gross mismanagement.'

The cost has risen dramatically over the years  a 2013 Defense Department report calculated the per-prisoner detention cost at only $2.7 million.

Capt. Brian L. Mizer, a Navy lawyer who has represented Guantanamo detainees over the years, called the prison 'America's tiniest boutique prison, reserved exclusively for alleged geriatric jihadists.'

About 770 men and boys have been held at Guantanamo as war prisoners, with prison population peaking at 677 in 2003.

The Bush administration, which opened the prison after 9/11, released 540 detainees, mostly repatriating them back to Pakistan, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia. The Obama administration released another 200. Trump placed an effective hold on releases.
An Indiana man has been arrested and charged for the murder of his four-year-old son, who he allegedly kept locked in the basement in the dark for not being potty trained.

Investigators claim Alan Morgan, 28, of Union Township, had been abusing Judah Morgan, who police found dead, battered and bruised, in his bedroom on Monday.

Judah's mother, Mary Yoder, 26, has also been arrested and charged with two felony counts of neglect.

'I don't know how anybody could do this to any child,' Jenna Hullett, the Morgans' cousin and Judah's former caregiver, told 16 News Now.

Mary Yoder, right, said her husband, Alan Morgan, left, had been physically abusing their four-year-old son, Judah, and often locked him in the basement without light or food

Judah Morgan was described as a kind and loving boy by family members

Police found his corpse beaten and bruised inside his Union Township home on Monday

Hullet said she had been taking care of Judah for several years before he moved back in with his biological parents in April, as per the Laporte County Child Protective Services Department.

Yoder, who made the call to police on Monday following Judah's death, told investigators that Alan would bind Judah with duct tape and physically abuse him, according to court documents.

The autopsy showed Judah died of blunt force trauma to the head, which led to bleeding in the brain, WSBT reported.

He would also keep him in the dark basement at least three times a week and deny him food as a 'scare tactic' to punish Judah for not being potty trained like his three siblings.

Hullet, who described Judah as loving and playful, said, 'I don't think it was because of his lack of being potty trained because he was potty trained before he left my care. I think it was a fear factor.'

Investigators found duct tape in the basement, along with children's clothes and blankets that reeked of urine. There was also a toddler training toilet filled with urine and feces.

Investigators also found the home filled with trash, rotten food, animal feces, as well as a locked refrigerator and an extremely malnourished dog kept inside a crate.

When they were in the house and found the Judah's corpse, Investigators said there were no adults around, only three children, ages 7, 2, and 1.

One of Judah's older siblings told police they would often hear what sounded like Judah being abused while he was in the basement with his parents, according to an affidavit.

Judah's family said he was put into his parent's custody in April by the Laporte County Child Protective Services Department

Judah was allegedly kept in the basement for not being potty trained

Yoder, who has just given birth to another child, allegedly sent a message to her brother-in-law, asking for help just before she called 9-11 on Monday. Yoder reportedly said that she 'could've put a stop to this but didn't.'

The three children were sent to live with family members and the newborn was put up for adoption.

Jessie Morgan, Morgan's brother, said his family was completely shocked to find out his brother was charged with torturing and killing his nephew.

'I don't think any of us have really come to terms with it or woke up from the nightmare,' Jessie said as his family held a small vigil for Judah at the family's home.

Jessie Morgan, Judah's uncle, said his family was living through a 'nightmare'

Jessie and other members of the family set up a vigil for Judah outside the home

They placed a candle bearing the toddler's name at the center of the vigil

Jessie also blamed Child Protective Services, who he claimed never checked up on Judah after putting him in his parent's custody.

Laporte County Child Protective Services Department did not immediately reply to DailyMail.com's request for comment.

Both Morgan and Yoder are in LaPort County Jail, and prosecutors have filed a motion to seek life in prison without parole for Morgan, WSBT reported.
Boris Johnsons controversial holiday in Spain came under new scrutiny today when it emerged that the luxury 25,000-a-week estate on Costa del Sol where hes staying is linked to a tax avoidance row.

The PM has been holidaying in fellow Tory Zac Goldsmith's lavish villa with his wife Carrie and young son Wilfred where he has been unwinding by painting in the hills above Marbella in southern Spain.

He had already faced criticism for taking a break in the midst of the fuel and empty supermarket shelf crisis engulfing Britons.

But today the trip came under fresh attention when it emerged that the property is featured in the so-called 'Pandora Papers'.

This is the name given to the notorious long-running leak of almost 12 million documents which reveal hidden wealth, tax avoidance and even money laundering by some of the world's rich and powerful.

The documents show that the estate is held by an opaque offshore structure based in multiple tax havens, says The Guardian.

This structure apparently involves the property being owned through a Maltese company which in turn is held by companies in the Turks and Caicos Islands and administered by a wealth planning firm based in Switzerland.

Boris Johnson has been holidaying in fellow Tory Zac Goldsmith's lavish villa (pictured above) with his wife Carrie and young son Wilfred where he has been unwinding by painting in the hills above Marbella in southern Spain

The Prime Minister pictured with ex-MP and member of the House of Lord Zac Goldsmith in September 2019. There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Goldsmith, who was promoted to the Lords by Johnson

Mr Goldsmith, an ex-MP and now member of the House of Lords, declined to discuss the details of the arrangement but the newspaper goes on to say the fact the PMs holiday at a property that appears to be held through a chain of companies in secretive jurisdictions will probably raise questions about his commitment to reforms designed to introduce transparency to offshore property ownership in the UK.

There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Goldsmith, who was promoted to the Lords by Johnson, but the paper notes that the documents it has seen raise questions about whether Goldsmith holds valuable and income-generating assets offshore.'

The PM and his familys arrival in Andalusia at the weekend had even prompted comments in the Spanish media about his decision to go on holiday while Britain is in the grip of fuel and food shopping crises.

Spain's Canal 3 TV station reported about the British prime minister's absence live from the country estate this morning.

While Mr Johnson insists he remains working to solve Britain's growing problems, he has been seen lounging around on the terrace of the luxury property with his hands behind his head as well as painting.

It was revealed ahead of Carrie's move into No10 that Mr and Mrs Johnson relax by spending their evenings painting together, with some of their pieces hanging on the walls of her flat in South London.

The pool at the villa in Marbella on Costa del Sol. The documents show that the estate is held by an opaque offshore structure based in multiple tax havens

An outdoor seating area at the property in Marbella. The premier has faced criticism over the timing of his trip abroad, amid Britain's continued fuel and energy crisis

A living area inside the property. Mr Goldsmith, an ex-MP and now member of the House of Lords, declined to discuss the details of the arrangement

The PM had sheltered from the 30 degree sunshine during the day but emerged as the temperature dropped.

The premier has faced criticism over the timing of his trip abroad, amid Britain's continued fuel and energy crisis, along with the publication of a scathing report that laid bare a string of failures ministers made in handling the coronavirus pandemic.

But No10 and Government figures have defended his right to take a holiday this week, with Security Minister Damian Hinds saying it was 'important for the whole country' that its political leader has time to switch off.

He has also been spotted working at his laptop in between periods of relaxation and is being kept regularly updated on the ongoing work to address the current issues around fuel and supply chains, according to his spokesman.

The Pandora Papers have named more than 100 billionaires, 29,000 offshore accounts, 30 current and former leaders - including earlier this month Tony and Cherie Blair and Sir Philip Green's wife.

The estate is a short drive from the picturesque village of Benahavis, and has its own helipad to make sure VIP holidaymakers can arrive and leave without being seen

Carrie Johnson pictured with Mr Goldsmith (left, with Health Secretary Sajid Javid right, out campaigning in 2017)

No10 and Government figures have defended his right to take a holiday this week, with Damian Hinds saying it was 'important for the whole country' that its political leader has time to switch off. Pictured: Boris and Carrie last took a family break with Wilfred in Scotland last year

It was revealed Tony and Cherie Blair avoided paying 312,000 in stamp duty when they bought a 6.45million London office.

The Blairs denied any wrongdoing after it was said they were able to save more than 300,000 in stamp duty when they acquired the property by buying the offshore company which owned it.

In a statement, a spokeswoman for the couple said they had bought the property in 'a normal way through reputable agents' and should not have been 'dragged into a story about 'hidden' secrets of prime ministers etc'.

It also emerged that Sir Philip Green's wife Tina bought four properties in London using an offshore company when BHS collapsed in 2016, including a 15million apartment in Mayfair.

Through their lawyers, both Sir Philip and Lady Green declined to answer detailed questions from the BBC about the property splurge, suggesting that these were private matters.
A bomb squad dashed to a school after a pupil brought a hand grenade into a history lesson.

A group of students and their teachers were ordered to evacuate part of Parkside Community School in Chesterfield during the scare at 11am yesterday.

The grenade was examined and the bomb team confirmed the weapon had been decommissioned.

Pupils were allowed back into the school a short while later. It is understood the old grenade had been brought in by a Year 7 pupil.

A Year 7 pupil brought in a decommissioned grenade at Parkside Community School in Chesterfield

Some parents expressed their anger on social media that the school did not inform in the immediate aftermath of the incident.

Charlene Kirton posted on Facebook: 'We were sent a link after the school day had finished but it happened at 11am. We could have been told earlier I think.'

Another parent, Sarah Carnell, added: 'I didn't get the text until they were coming out of school.'

Sophie Millan posted on Facebook: 'My sister-in-law received the message telling her. The kids didnt get sent home though or told to evacuate the building, which is ridiculous considering the potential consequences.'

A Derbyshire Police spokesman said: 'We were called at 11am yesterday by the school as a student had brought an old hand grenade into a history lesson.

'Part of the school was evacuated while the military EOD team was contacted. The team attended and examined the item, confirming it had been decommissioned.'

The school has been approached for comment.
Five members of the notorious Chicago O-Block street gang were arrested Wednesday in connection with the murder of a South Side rapper a year ago - after investigators used social media and rap videos to help crack the case.

Chicago rapper FBG Duck, 26, was shot to death by four people during the day in August 2020. Gunmen jumped out of two cars on a busy Gold Coast street and opened fire as FBG, or 'Fly Boy Gang', reportedly was shopping for his son's birthday present.

All five suspects, who police said are O-Block members, were arrested near 63rd and Martin Luther King on Chicago's South Side Wednesday morning.

Marcus Smart, 22, Charles Liggines, 30, Kenneth Robertson, 28, Tacarlos Offered, 30, and Christopher Thomas, 22 were charged under the federal RICO act, initially created to help law enforcement dismantle the mafia, ABC 7 Chicago reported.

Pictured: South Side rapper FBG Duck in his music video for the song 'I'm From 63rd,' which has garnered 6.6 million views on YouTube

21 Savage, pictured, remixed FBG Duck's 2018 single 'Slide' with the slain rapper being associated with the notable recording artist

Investigators and city officials claim the rapper, who's real name is Carlton Weekly, was a gang member whose bragging on music videos irked members of a rival gang, ABC 7 Chicago reports.

The majority of Fly Boy Gang's music group are Gangster Disciples, according to the website HipHopDatabase. The Disciples have been engaged in a violent and bloody turf war with O-Block's Black Disciples gang, which features prominent rappers like Chief Keef and the late King Von.

Federal prosecutors investigating an unrelated crime spree linked the same suspects to the fatal shooting, as well as drug trafficking and other violence to protect gang members, according to Chicago CBS.

Authorities claim FBG Duck's murder was motivated by a gang turf war.

FBG Duck was shot to death by four people in broad daylight back in August 2020, after the gunmen jumped out of two cars on a busy Chicago street

Pictured: authorities wrap crime scene tape around the scene where FBG Duck was ambushed and shot to death back in August 2020

Prosecutors said social media and music videos helped build the case against the violent street gang.

The suspects used both to take credit for their crimes in an effort to taunt rivals and improve their status and ranking within O-Block, the outlet reports.

Authorities said they hope the arrests will prevent others from carrying out such brazen acts in Chicago, which remains one of the deadliest cities nationwide.

'We are serious about our collaboration together the federal partners,' said Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown.

Authorities claim FBG Duck's murder was believed to be one of those violent crimes done in the interest of 'maintaining and increasing positions in O-block'

All five suspects, who say they are members of the feared O-Block street gang, were arrested near 63rd and Martin Luther King (pictured) on Chicago's South Side Wednesday morning

Investigations into the murder and related crimes are still ongoing, according to law enforcement.

'There are now five people in custody who werent in custody before,' said John R. Lausch Jr, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.

'And now its known to them, and its known to anybody else who might be committing similar acts of brazen violence and who may brag about it or not brag about it, that their day has come.'

FBG Duck is perhaps best known for his 2018 single 'Slide,' which was recorded as a remix by recording artist 21 Savage.
Daniel Jenkins, 22, of Dallas, was sentenced to 23 years in prison for using the gay dating app Grindr to 'lure' gay men to an apartment where he'd assault them

A Texas man was sentenced to 23 years in federal prison for using popular LGBTQ dating app Grindr to lure gay men to his apartment where he and three friends assaulted and robbed them at gunpoint.

Daniel Jenkins, 22, of Dallas, was sentenced Wednesday and admitted to using the dating app to target and attack nine men, ranging from 19 to 57 years old, in the Dallas area. He is the last of four men to be sentenced in connection to the scheme.

Jenkins pleaded guilty in June to one count of conspiracy to commit hate crimes, kidnapping, carjacking, one hate crime count and one count of using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, the Department of Justice said in a statement.

Starting in December 2017, Jenkins and his friends Michael Atkinson, Pablo Ceniceros-Deleon and Daryl Henry, all of whom are in their 20s, created fake profiles on Grindr and invited gay men to an apartment complex in Dallas.

When the men arrived, Jenkins and his friends held them at gunpoint and forced them to drive to local ATM machines to withdraw cash from their accounts. The suspects also forced the to relinquish their possessions, including their wallets, money, car keys, cars, drivers licenses and identification cards, credit and debit cards and cellphones.

In one case, on December 11, 2017, Jenkins admitted that the group held five victims at gunpoint before robbing, beating and sexually assaulting them while taunting them with homophobic slurs. They sexually assaulted at least three of the victims and one of the suspects is also accused of urinating and wiping human feces on at least one victim, according to the Department of Justice.

Jenkins admitted to using the dating app to target and attack nine men, ranging from 19 to 57 years old, in the Dallas area

He was the last of four men sentenced after all pleaded guilty in June to committing hate crimes starting in December 2017. In one case, the group held five victims at gunpoint before robbing, beating and sexually assaulting them

Daryl Henry was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his involvement

This defendant targeted innocent victims for violent crimes simply because he believed they were gay, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, said in a press release announcing Jenkins sentencing.

She added, This sentence affirms that bias-motivated crimes run contrary to our national values and underscores the Justice Departments commitment to aggressively prosecuting bias-motivated crimes, including crimes against the LGBTQI community. We will continue to pursue justice for victims of bias-motivated crimes, wherever they occur.

Atkinson, Ceniceros-Deleon and Henry, also pleaded guilty in June and were since sentenced. Atkinson will serve just over 11 years in prison, Ceniceros-Deleon will serve a 22-year sentence and Henry was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

The FBIs Dallas Field Office conducted the federal investigation and a separate criminal investigation is being conducted by the Dallas Police Department.

The Department of Justice will not tolerate these sorts of heinous, hate-based attacks, Acting U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham for the Northern District of Texas said in a press release. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, bigots often lurk online. We urge users of dating apps like Grindr to remain vigilant.

Grindr has become one of the most popular dating apps among gay men since its release in 2009 and allows users across the globe to see how far away they are from each other.

The apps safety guidelines emphasize that users should be cautious about meeting up with people they meet on the app, suggesting they do so in public first, at a safe space like an LGBTQ-friendly cafe. It also states to be careful about what possessions you take with you.

In response to such hate crimes in Dallas, Mayor Eric Johnson announced last month the formation of the Mayors Anti-Hate Advisory Council, which includes 16 community leaders from different advocacy groups throughout the city

Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. DeSarno, of the FBI Dallas Field Office, said in a press release that Jenkins sentence sends a strong message that violent, targeted attacks will not be tolerated.

Investigating hate crimes is one of the FBI's highest priorities and we will continue to vigorously pursue offenders that threaten our families and communities, he said. Everyone deserves to be and feel safe and we take this opportunity to urge the public to report suspected hate crimes to the FBI and local law enforcement.

In response to such hate crimes in Dallas, Mayor Eric Johnson announced last month the formation of the Mayors Anti-Hate Advisory Council, which includes 16 community leaders from different advocacy groups throughout the city.

We cannot afford to ignore or downplay hate, he said in a press release. Nobody should feel uncomfortable or unsafe in Dallas because of who they are, because of their race or ethnicity, their sexual and gender identities, their religion, or their national origin.

He said that the advisory council would be tasked with helping advise me and our police department on ways our city can respond to new threats and old prejudices, help facilitate meaningful dialogue between people, and to increase tolerance and understanding in Dallas.'
A police force has been ordered to carry out a review into its 'insufficient' response to complaints of corruption during its probe into the deaths of four patients at Gosport War Memorial Hospital.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) ordered Hampshire Constabulary to carry out a new investigation after it received 12 complaints concerning allegations of corruption.

The complaints relate to the force's criminal investigation of patient deaths at Gosport War Memorial Hospital in Hampshire between 1987 and 2001.

It comes as a short hearing was held at Portsmouth Coroner's Court today to open inquests into the deaths of Dulcie Middleton, Horace Smith, Eva Page and Clifford Houghton, who died at the scandal-hit hospital, following requests from their families.

An independent police probe was launched into the Hampshire hospital after an inquiry found that hundreds of patients had their lives shortened through the use of opioids.

Hampshire Constabulary has been ordered to carry out a review into its 'insufficient' response to complaints of corruption during its probe into the deaths of patients at Gosport War Memorial Hospital in Hampshire between 1987 and 2001

The Kent and Essex Serious Directorate, which is managing the investigation, codenamed Operation Magenta, confirmed earlier this year that officers are reviewing millions of pages of documents including 15,000 death certificates and 700 patient records.

It emerged at the hearing that the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) had been contacted by relatives after Hampshire Constabulary, which first investigated the hospital, declined to probe accusations against the force of corruption.

A spokesman for the IOPC confirmed it had asked the Hampshire force to look again at the allegations and carry out a complaints procedure.

David Wilson, the nephew of Ms Middleton, asked the coroner if the inquests should be delayed until the completion of investigations by other agencies including the IOPC.

Coroner Chris Wilkinson replied that the police investigation is the only ongoing probe and the inquests could resume on its completion.

The IOPC spokesman said: 'From December 2020 to March 2021 several requests for reviews were received from 12 complainants concerning allegations of corruption relating to Hampshire Constabulary's criminal investigation of deaths at Gosport War Memorial Hospital between 1987 and 2001.

'The reviews were against the outcome of the force's handling of complaints stemming from the Gosport Independent Panel (GIP) report into the deaths, released in 2018.

'The force determined that there were no additional conduct matters or criminal allegations that required investigation.

'Following the reviews we have upheld each case on the grounds that the outcomes provided by the force were not reasonable and proportionate.

'This was mainly due to insufficient rationale and relevant information being given to the complainants to understand how decisions had been reached.

'We have now told the force a complaint investigation is required and they should provide the complainants with enough information to explain what inquiries have been carried out and how they reached their conclusions.

'During this process, if there are any matters that have not been previously dealt with, Hampshire Constabulary should appropriately consider and seek to resolve those matters.

'Upon conclusion of this work, a fresh right of review to the IOPC will be provided to the complainants.'

A Hampshire police spokesman said: 'We have just received a response from the IOPC. This is clear that we need to explain our decisions better.

It comes the inquests into the deaths of Dulcie Middleton (left), Eva Page (centre), Clifford Houghton (right) and Horace Smith were opened today

In 2010, Dr Jane Barton, who oversaw the practice of prescribing painkillers on the wards at the hospital, was disciplined by the General Medical Council for serious professional misconduct

'They have asked us to explain our rationale more clearly and to share more information with the complainants. It is our intention to do that.'

The new inquests will look at the death of 71-year-old Mr Houghton after he was admitted to the hospital in February 1994 for a period of respite.

He died on the day he was given two doses of diamorphine because of 'deterioration', and the 2018 review panel concluded that he was given opioids without appropriate clinical indication.

His stepdaughter Pamela Byrne believes there is reason to suspect her stepfather died a 'violent or unnatural death'.

Mrs Middleton died aged 86 in September 2001, three months after she was admitted to the hospital for rehabilitation following a stroke.

Her nephew David Wilson and daughter Marjorie Bulbeck say Mrs Middleton's treatment at the hospital was 'neglectful and inhumane, she was not assisted with food and became dehydrated and was denied basic nursing care'.

Ms Page, 88, died in March 1998 and the GIP report concluded her death was a case of opioid usage without appropriate clinical indication.

Mr Smith, 73, died in April 1999 after his condition had been said to be improving, although he was subsequently prescribed diamorphine.

Emma Jones, partner at Leigh Day, representing the families, said: 'We hope this will be the start of a complete, honest, open and thorough investigation into what happened to individuals at Gosport War Memorial Hospital.'

More than 450 people had their lives shortened at the hospital while another 200 were 'probably' similarly given opioids between 1989 and 2000 without medical justification, according to the GIP report released in 2018.

The report said there was 'a disregard for human life and a culture of shortening lives of a large number of patients' at the hospital.

In 2010, Dr Jane Barton, who oversaw the practice of prescribing painkillers on the wards at the hospital, was disciplined by the General Medical Council for serious professional misconduct, but she was not struck off and later retired.

She has previously said she was doing her best in an inadequately resourced part of the health service.
Like most retailers, IKEA is feeling the impacts of the supply chain crunch and struggling to fill its shelves, with company executives saying the brand's North American stores have been hardest hit by product shortages.

To avoid disappointing shoppers, IKEA  the world's biggest furniture brand  is temporarily removing unavailable products from its websites and store showrooms and instead suggesting similar items to shoppers.

The company is also reducing the number of versions of some products as it struggles with raw materials shortages to ensure its most popular items are available.

It remains unclear which products have been impacted by these moves, with IKEA bosses declining to elaborate further.

In an effort to mitigate a 'perfect storm' of global supply chain disruptions, the retailer plans to lease more ships, buy containers and re-route goods between warehouses.

The United States has been particularly hard-hit by the crunch because IKEA manufacturers most of its goods in Europe, with a quarter also made in China, some of whose manufacturers have warned they'll stop producing goods if customers can't work out a way of shifting products out of the country and into stores.

President Joe Biden, in an effort to ease supply shortages and tame rising prices ahead of Christmas, reached an agreement with several major unions and retailers Wednesday to expand operations at one of the country's largest shipping ports.

However, Jon Abrahamsson, chief executive at brand owner Inter IKEA, predicts the supply chain crisis to continue well into 2022, most definitely impacting consumers amid the holiday shopping season.

IKEA  the world's biggest furniture brand  is temporarily removing unavailable products from its websites and store showrooms and instead suggesting similar items to shoppers as the company battles the supply chain crunch

Jon Abrahamsson (pictured), chief executive at brand owner Inter IKEA, predicts the crisis to continue well into 2022

The supply chain crisis is impacting all major retailers worldwide and, according to Abrahamsson, the biggest challenge for IKEA currently is getting goods out of China, where roughly a quarter of brand's products are made.

Jesper Brodin, CEO of Ingka Group  which owns most IKEA stores  shared that executives are taking several approaches in attempt to reduce impact to consumers.

'It is re-steering and re-routing. And on the retail side we have learned agility like never before because everyday you have to work with what you have,' shared Brodin.

'You have to find ways to solve customer needs with limitations that we have never seen before.'

A large share of IKEA's range is sourced relatively close to sales markets. Around 70% of products sold in its European stores  which were second hardest-hit by the crisis  are produced on the continent.

However, according to Brodin, no one at IKEA had anticipated the current global supply chain crisis and that there would need to be a preparedness in future for unexpected swings in supply.

'It's a perfect storm. (But) I think we are way past being surprised. This is the new normal for us. And when things stabilize we will have learned so much about agility and about sales steering,' he said.

Despite the crisis, IKEA reported record annual sales on Thursday as locked-down consumers spent more time than ever on and in their homes.

Inter IKEA said sales of products and services at all IKEA stores and online totaled $48.7 billion (41.9 billion euros) in the fiscal year to end-August, up 6% from the previous year and 1% from pre-pandemic fiscal 2019. E-commerce grew by 73% to account for 26% of total retail sales.

'All over the world interest in life at home has become bigger,' Brodin explained. 'There is no sign of decline in demand in any of our areas as it is right now.

Jesper Brodin (pictured) CEO of Ingka Group  which owns most IKEA stores  said no one at IKEA had anticipated the current global supply chain crisis and that there would need to be a preparedness in future for unexpected swings in supply

Despite the crisis, IKEA reported record annual sales on Thursday as locked-down consumers spent more time than ever on and in their homes

Ingka said separately its retail sales rose 6% to $43.4 billion (37.4 billion euros). That was 2% higher than pre-pandemic levels.

Brodin believes - based on the current fiscal year - demand will remain high.

'It is also be a matter of how we manage to be agile across the whole value chain... I'm truly optimistic we have a good, strong year ahead of us,' he shared, noting that anew IKEA store, currently under construction, is set to open in a shopping mall in Stockholm, Sweeden this year.

Meanwhile, Biden has tried to avert the crisis during the festive season by touting new commitments from businesses and ports to ease the burden on shoppers.

'With the holidays coming up, you might be wondering if gifts you plan to buy will arrive on time?' Biden said Wednesday, acknowledging the crush of commercial and online orders at risk of disruption as the holiday season approaches.

'I know you're hearing a lot about something called supply chains and how hard it is to get a range of things from a toaster to sneakers to bicycles to bedroom furniture.'

He proposed new agreements, saying: 'This is a big first step in moving up the movement of materials and good through our supply chain,' Biden said in remarks at the White House.

He called new agreements with ports, unions, and shippers 'a sign of major progress in moving goods from manufacturers to a store and to your front door.'

IKEA's crisis management plan comes one day after President Joe Biden announced new efforts to ease supply chain roadblocks and concerns of anxious holiday shoppers

His remarks came shortly after White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters: 'We are not the postal service or UPS or FedEx. We cannot guarantee. What we can do is use every lever at the federal government's disposal to reduce delays, to ensure that we are addressing bottlenecks in the system, including ports and the need for them to be open longer hours.'

The president did, however, reach a deal on Wednesday with unions and business leaders from Walmart, FedEx, UPS and others to expand operations at one of the country's largest shipping ports in a bid to ease supply chain bottlenecks that are driving up consumer prices and emptying store shelves.

Once implemented the proposed changes could increase output by more than 3,500 shipping containers per week, White House officials said.

Under the new agreement the Port of Los Angeles will join the Port of Long Beach in working around the clock to alleviate some of the supply chain bottlenecks plaguing consumers ahead of the holiday season.

The two ports account for 40 percent of all shipping containers entering the United States.

Ports are also just one piece of the puzzle as the US also needs more truck drivers, better infrastructure, and a supply chain that can less easily be disrupted by pandemics and extreme weather.

The White House said it set-up a task force in June to tackle the issue, press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters on Wednesday. She went on to blame the pandemic for economic fallout, describing the situation as 'inevitable.'

'I can't make a prediction,' Psaki said about how long the supply chain bottlenecks would last. However, she said that an overnight fix on the congestion of the issue isn't realistic.

'The supply chain task force has been working around the clock for months and months to address a range of different issues that we see in the supply chain There are issues at the portsthose have been on the rise recently,' she said.

The president reached a deal with unions and business leaders from Walmart, FedEx, UPS and others to expand operations at one of the country's largest shipping ports in a bid to ease supply chain bottlenecks that are driving up consumer prices and emptying store shelves

Once implemented the proposed changes could increase output by more than 3,500 shipping containers per week, White House officials said

While more cooperation among the often competing, secretive players in the US supply chain business is a plus, the White House's impact may be incremental at best, logistics experts, economists and labor unions warned.

'What the president's doing isn't going to really hurt. But at the end of the day, it doesn't solve the problem,' said Steven Ricchiuto, U.S. chief economist at Mizuho Securities.

University of Michigan economist Betsey Stevenson noted on Twitter the 'economy is in a very fragile and unprecedented place.'

Prices are rising at more than 5 percent, trade in goods and services have slowed and more Americans are quitting their jobs while the delta variant has made the coronavirus pandemic a risk.

'No one really knows what's going to happen,' wrote Stevenson, a former member of the White House Council of Economic Advisers under President Barack Obama.

Data shows that Americans, already by far the world's biggest consumers, have simply been buying a lot more stuff during the pandemic, much of which is imported.

While more cooperation among the often competing, secretive players in the US supply chain business is a plus, the White House's impact may be incremental at best, logistics experts, economists and labor unions warned (Pictured: bare shelves seen at a Minneapolis Walgreens on October 9)

Supply chain bottlenecks have led to empty shelves and high prices for American consumers (Pictured: A couple shopping for the remaining towels in an otherwise empty Home Goods department of Sears in El Paso, Texas on October 10)

Consumers are already battling empty shelves and canceled orders weeks ahead of Halloween festivities.

Costumes, decorations and candy remain held up in ports due to a shortage of truck drivers, warehouse space and bottlenecks in the network.

A Home Depot spokeswoman said stock on Halloween items went quickly because consumers are engaged with decorating again this year.

Stores sold out of pre-release Halloween products almost immediately this year, president Ted Decker said in August.

An employee at Spirit Halloween in Layton, Utah, said: '[Our selection was] really good between the middle of September and the end of September. Once October hit it was just gone, gone, gone.'

A company spokesperson added they have 'experienced a few scares this Halloween season' after enduring delays and expensive shipping costs.

Arts and crafts chain Michaels was forced to acknowledge that 'we had some shipping delays this year' after a Halloween photo on its Instagram page was met with a barrage of complaints from customers unable to buy their pumpkins.

Meanwhile, Lowes said stores have been stocking Halloween and Christmas good earlier than usual.

Ben Weaver, 27, from Kalamazoo, Michigan, told the Wall Street Journal: 'I went to Lowe's, Home Depot, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods and I'm already seeing the Christmas stuff replace the Halloween stuff which is ridiculous.

'I'm like, 'hello, are we just skipping Halloween this year?'''

Consumers are already battling empty shelves and canceled orders weeks ahead of Halloween festivities (Pictured: Empty Halloween aisles at Target in Florida on Wednesday)

Costumes, decorations and candy remain held up in ports due to a shortage of truck drivers, warehouse space and bottlenecks in the network

However, product shortages are not the only force plaguing the supply chain. Companies nationwide are battling labor shortages, equipment shortages and a lack of space to store that stuff.

Players from ports to retail chains are already working full-tilt to handle the pandemic-fueled surge in imports and get holiday gifts onto shelves and e-commerce centers in time for the Nov. 26 Black Friday kickoff of the 2021 holiday season.

Imports at the Port of Los Angeles  the No. 1 gateway for ocean trade with China  are up 30% so far this year over last year's record.

But that has left some 250,000 containers of goods stacked up on the docks due to delayed pickups, from chassis shortages and a lack of space in rail yards and warehouses. And that is causing dozens of ships to back up at anchor outside the port.

'The analogy would be the boa constrictor that ate the mouse. There's a lump in it and the lump is the constraint in the throughput of the supply chain, and it moves along each time you solve for a constraint,' said Joe Dunlap global head of the supply chain advisory team at CBRE Group, a commercial real estate services firm.

Frank Ponce De Leon, International Longshore & Warehouse Union Coast Committeeman summarized the problem at U.S. ports, which the Commerce department estimates handle 76% of all trade, during comments last week.

'You don't build a church for Christmas and Easter; you build it for a regular Sunday service,' he said. 'With the unprecedented influx of cargo, it's like Christmas and Easter on the docks every single day, with more ships coming in and the pews have been full for months, and there's nowhere left to sit - or stand.'

Dockworkers remain available for 24-hour shifts to help clear the port backlogs, the longshore union said, but that is not true of the people who move goods from the ships or from ports, other unions say.

'One of the major problems with the current state of logistics is the shortage of port truck drivers. They are not paid a living wage,' said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa, who participated in the meeting with Biden.

The backup may be exacerbating that shortage, because many port drivers are not paid for the hours they spend waiting to pick up a container, making the job less appealing.

Thousands of containers sit waiting to be loaded on trucks and trains as large container ships are unloaded from the Ports of Los Angeles (pictured) and Long Beach, while dozens of large container ships wait to be unloaded offshore Wednesday

Still, there is no evidence experienced workers are sitting on the sidelines as US transportation and warehousing are employing more people now then they did before the pandemic started, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows.

Port officials also note that their warehouses are overfilled and understaffed, as the facilities remain packed to the rafters while struggling with employee hiring and retention.

It is not just that warehouses are at capacity, Steve DeHaan, CEO of the International Warehouse Logistics Association, said in a recent letter to John Porcari, port envoy for the White House Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force.

Warehouse owners, tenant and workforce employers can be different companies, which makes drawing up new contracts to pay round-the-clock workers difficult. 'The warehouse cannot arbitrarily make this decision,' DeHaan said.

Moving a warehouse to 24/7 operations adds another layer of risk, he said.

'For example, receiving a container at 6 a.m. that was scheduled for 3 a.m. delivery disrupts operations for the entire day,' DeHaan said. 'The goal of reducing container congestion over the next 90 days is ambitious.'
A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a teenager was stabbed to death on a playing field.

Hazrat Wali, 18, of Notting Hill, west London, died in hospital on Tuesday after being fatally attacked in Craneford Way, Twickenham, south west London.

Scotland Yard said a 16-year-old boy remains in custody at a south London police station after being arrested on suspicion of murder.

Hazrat Wali, 18, a student at Richmond Upon Thames College, was fatally wounded in a knife attack in Craneford Way, Twickenham, south west London

After being stabbed, Mr Wali is said to have staggered onto a playing field where local school children were playing rugby. Pictured: A police forensic tent at the scene today

Mr Wali, an Afghan refugee, is reported to have come to the UK two years ago

Mr Wali was an Afghan refugee who came to the UK two years ago, according to the Evening Standard.

Police said witnesses have described seeing a fight on the field in the moments before Mr Wali was stabbed.

The teenager was attacked at around 4.45pm on Tuesday and died in hospital around an hour later.

The scene of the attack is yards from Richmond upon Thames College, which confirmed on Wednesday that the victim was one of its students.

Mr Wali's family continue to be supported by specially trained officers, the Metropolitan Police said.

A post-mortem examination has been scheduled to take place at Kingston Mortuary on Friday.

Anyone who has information or footage of the incident is asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting 5697/12OCT, or alternatively information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.

In a previous statement, the Met Police said: 'Police were called at 16:45hrs on Tuesday, 12 October to reports of a stabbing in Craneford Way, Twickenham.

'Officers and London Ambulance Service (LAS) attended.

'At the scene a male, believed to be in his late teens, had sustained knife wounds.

'He was taken by LAS to an outer London hospital where he was pronounced dead at 17:54hrs.

'Enquiries are underway to notify his next of kin.'

The 18-year-old victim was fatally wounded after a row broke out during a kick-around in south-west London, local residents say. Pictured: Police at the scene today

Metropolitan Police are investigating the death of a teenager after he was fatally stabbed on playing fields in southwest London. Pictured: Police at the scene last night

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111.

The incident is believed to be the 25th teenager to be murdered in London this year.

It is also believed to be the 102 investigation launched by the Met Police homicide team in 2021.
Ms Boswell has been hit with 101K bill for repairs to bring her flat up to standard

But a year later, residents were told they needed round-the-clock fire patrols

Emilie Boswell, 26, was told in 2018 there were 'no obvious signs of cladding'

A flat owner says she feels 'trapped' in a fire hazard apartment after being hit with a whopping 100,000 bill for cladding repairs.

Emilie Boswell, 26, bought her dream waterfront property for 180,000 in May 2018 and a fire safety report concluded there were 'no obvious signs of cladding'.

But a year later, residents in the apartment block in the Leeds Dock area of West Yorkshire were told they needed round-the-clock fire patrols.

Now Ms Boswell has been hit with a bill of 101,828 for repairs that are needed to bring her flat up to standard.

Leaseholders in the block, which holds 181 flats, hoped to utilise the government's Building Safety Fund, but only some of the materials are eligible for funding.

The application for grants cannot proceed until the freeholder signs a contract, which it hasn't yet done.

In the aftermath of the Grenfell tragedy, the Government issued guidance stating buildings of all heights required an EWS1 form proving they did not pose a fire risk.

The move raised the number of flats caught out by the rules from 307,000 to 1.27million.

But in a surprise U-turn earlier this year, ministers said that those in flat blocks less than 18m tall would no longer need a fire safety certificate to sell their homes.

Emilie Boswell (pictured on the day she moved into her apartment), 26, bought her dream waterfront property for 180,000 in May 2018 and a fire safety report concluded there were 'no obvious signs of cladding'

Emilie said: 'I thought I was buying the dream apartment, in the city centre, overlooking the water.

'To be told it's so dangerous we have to have people patrol the building 24/7 to look for any signs of fire is scary.

'It's caused really bad anxiety. It's had an enormous impact on my mental health.

'I can't plan anything, I don't want to stay here, but I won't be able to sell the flat for years. I feel trapped.

'Leaseholders have done nothing wrong and we're the ones paying the price. It's horrendous.'

Emilie thought she was buying her dream apartment in May 2018, when she got the keys to the plush flat in Leeds city centre.

As it was less than a year after the Grenfell tragedy, she ordered a fire safety report which found no obvious use of cladding.

But in November 2019, the block's management company told Emilie the building actually had cladding at the top of the building.

It also had timber cladding and a white render system which were found to be flammable.

A 24-hour patrol, whose job it was to look out for any signs of fire, was deemed necessary - at a cost of 67 per month to residents.

That patrol in August this year when the government funded a fire alarm in the building, which relieved Emilie of that cost.

But just weeks later she was hit with the whopping repairs bill which needs to be agreed before any work can go ahead.

Ms Boswell (above) said: 'I won't be able to sell the flat for years. I feel trapped. Leaseholders have done nothing wrong and we're the ones paying the price. It's horrendous'

While the apartment is eligible for some funding, the government's 5bn Building Safety Fund does not cover non-cladding fire safety issues meaning Emilie may need to stump up a large chunk.

She said: 'They sent a letter saying you will be getting a bill but you don't have to settle this yet.

'But on the bill, it doesn't say anything about that. I'm just waiting to hear how much of that 101,000 we need to pay.

'We have timber balconies which the government says aren't eligible for the building safety fund because they're not part of the exterior of the building.

'We've also got terracotta tiles and brickwork that are missing fire breaks, but because they themselves are not flammable, they're not eligible for the fund.

'That bill is like a noose around my back. I don't know how much I'm going to need to pay of it.'

Leaseholders in the apartment block submitted their application for funding more than a year ago, but are still desperately seeking answers.

Emilie added: 'It's terrifying, you're essentially living in a firetrap. And then with lockdown and working from home, we've been in these flats all the way through.

'Every night before I go to bed I do so many checks to make sure all my electrical equipment is turned off.

'I'm so scared of the building catching fire, it's the last thing I think of every night.'

A Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) spokesperson said: 'The Government is absolutely clear that building owners must take swift action to fix dangerous cladding.

In 2019, residents in the apartment block in the Leeds Dock area (file photo, above) of West Yorkshire were told they needed round-the-clock fire patrols

'We do not want anyone to miss out on the support we are providing through the Building Safety Fund and have been flexible to ensure those who need this funding get it.

'We have already given Mackenzie House over 400,000 and are working with the building's owners to ensure they can access further funding to make the building safe as quickly as possible.'

It comes as premiums increase by up to 2,000 per cent on apartment blocks wrapped in flammable cladding, while some have had their cover pulled.

Last week, Housing Secretary Michael Gove was said to be examining whether the state could underwrite home insurance for residents as part of a renewed push to fix the crisis.

But Labour's housing spokesman Lucy Powell said: 'We've been talking about naming and shaming for four years. Unless you've got a big stick with that, it just doesn't work.'

Giles Grover, of the End Our Cladding Scandal campaign, added: 'It's the cost of the insurance and the interim fire safety measures that will make many bankrupt before remediation bills even land.

'It is good [Mr Gove] is looking at solutions, but it is frustrating it has taken so long. We just want him to listen to us.'

A Government spokesman said: 'The Secretary of State is looking afresh at our work to ensure we are doing everything we can to protect and support leaseholders.'
Black Panther star Letitia Wright is denying a report that she has continued to express anti-vaccine views while filming the sequel to the hit Marvel series - a year after she shared a video promoting a conspiracy theory.

Wright, 27, took to Instagram on Wednesday to respond to a story in The Hollywood Reporter which cites a set source as saying that the British actor has espoused anti-vaccine views during filming in Atlanta.

It saddens me to have to address the reports published by The Hollywood Reporter on October 6th 2021, Wright told her more than 2 million followers on Instagram on Wednesday.

The report spoke about my conduct on the set of black Panther 2. I honestly assert that this was completely untrue.

Black Panther star Letitia Wright (seen left in 2019 and right in the first Black Panther film from 2018) is denying a report that she has continued to express anti-vaccine views while filming the sequel to the hit Marvel series - a year after she shared a video promoting a conspiracy theory

Wright took to Instagram on Wednesday to respond to a story in The Hollywood Reporter which cites a set source as saying that the British actor has espoused anti-vaccine views during filming in Atlanta. The post (above) included a quote from the Book of Isaiah

From left: Black Panther co-stars Lupita Nyong'o, Chadwick Boseman, and Letitia Wright in the original film from 2018

Anyone who knows me or has worked with me, knows that I work incredibly hard at my craft & my main focus is always to do work thats impactful and inspiring.

That has been & will continue to be my only focus.

Wright added that she has relied on her faith and scripture and that she will focus on my healing.

Several Hollywood film sets have recently had to disrupt their schedules due to either a dispute over vaccinations or an outbreak of COVID-19.

Wright was blasted on social media in December after she posted a YouTube video that questioned the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine

Toni Arayomi describes himself as 'a well recognised Prophet and the Managing Director of Prophetic Voice TV. An online mission that seeks to restore the ability to hear the voice of God to every person on every sphere of influence'

Sean Penn walked off the set of NBCUniversals limited series Gaslit and refused to return to work unless every member of the production crew was vaccinated.

He eventually returned after two months. NBCUniversal told THR that all production staffers were required to have been vaccinated for the short time left to complete filiming.

In late July, Miles Teller, the 34-year-old Whiplash star who has refused to get vaccinated or even tested for COVID-19, was diagnosed with the illness while filming The Offer in Los Angeles.

After testing positive, several other crew members got sick and production was forced to shut down for nearly a month. DailyMail.com was the first to reveal the news.

Filming for HBO's Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon was suspended after members of the production team tested positive for COVID-19, according to The Wall Street Journal.

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

After being drawn into the argument on Twitter, Wright's Marvel Cinematic Universe co-start Don Cheadle (pictured right) criticised the contents of the video shared by Wright, calling it 'hot garbage' and 'F****d up'

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

Production of the Hulu comedy Woke was also halted due to an outbreak of COVID-19. Both shows have since resumed production.

Positive COVID-19 tests on the set have also impacted the filming of Jamie Foxx's upcoming project God Is a Bullet as well as Tom Cruise's Mission: Impossible 7.

In December, Wright was slammed by Marvel co-star Don Cheadle after she shared a YouTube clip featuring British commentator Tomi Arayomi.

Arayomi, a Christian who claims to converse with angels and runs a ministry that charges members for lessons at his 'school', describes himself as 'a well recognised Prophet and the Managing Director of Prophetic Voice TV.'

In the video shared by Wright, Arayomi asked if the COVID vaccine injection will implant 5G antennas inside people or create human-animal 'chimeras.'

Wright's post sparked a fierce backlash with many asking Cheadle to call out 27-year-old Wright for posting the video.

The actor called the footage shared by Wright 'hot garbage' and said what was claimed in it was 'F****d up'.

The backlash from Cheadle and others prompted Wright to delete her social media accounts.

Before deleting her social media, Wright 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.'

The actress grew up in London and has starred in a string of movies including Avengers: Infinity War and 2019 Avengers: Endgame.

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.'

The clip she shared 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.'

He also heads an organization called 'RIGnation' that says it is 'is a global movement focused on training prophets to be people and people to be prophets.'

He says: 'Our aim is to raise 7,000 Apostles and Prophets from across the world who are ready to transform the world!'

Last month, Sean Penn returned to work on Starz's Gaslit after a hiatus of more than two months after refusing to work on the show until the entire cast and crew is vaccinated

DailyMail.com revealed that in late July actor Miles Teller, 34, fell ill with COVID-19 after refusing to get tested or vaccinated. Other members of the production crew of Teller's film The Offer also got sick, forcing filming to shut down for about a month

Filming for HBO's Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon was suspended after members of the production team tested positive for COVID-19. The image above shows House of the Dragon co-stars Matt Smith (right) and Emma D'Arcy (left)

Actors Tom Cruise and Hayley Atwell with the film director Christopher McQuarrie on the set of the film Mission: Impossible 7 in Rome in November 2020. Filming was interrupted due to an on-set outbreak of COVID-19

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.'

He complains about being 'peer-pressured' into being made to have a flu shot as a child.

Arayomi also complains about social media network censorship and accuses them and self-appointed 'fact checkers' of shutting down 'any voice that does not toe the main narrative'.

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.

Filming of the Hulu comedy Woke was also interrupted by on-set cases of COVID-19. The image above shows Woke star Lamorne Morris

Positive COVID-19 tests on the set have also impacted the filming of Jamie Foxx's upcoming project God Is a Bullet

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'.

He says he does not believe in evolution and criticizes claims he 'came from a monkey'.

'I don't believe I came from a monkey. I think it takes more faith to believe I came from Monkey than from God. Don't be a monkey!'

'If you believe you came from a monkey, you sir are a monkey!'

In a separate video, he tells followers how an angel visited him in his office in September and told him that US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was about to die.

After sharing the video, Wright quickly became involved in arguments with other Twitter users criticizing her for sharing the video, in their view irresponsibly.

The actress, who has over 360,000 followers on Twitter, defended her sharing of the video by saying she believed it is important to 'ask questions' about the vaccine.

'I think it's valid and fair to simply ask what's in it,' she replied to one user who was calling her out on the platform.

Other celebrities who have gone on record as saying that they would not get vaccinated include former Saturday Night Live star Rob Schneider; Chet Hanks, the son of Forrest Gump star Tom Hanks; the 28-year-old rapper Offset; Anwar Hadid, the brother of Gigi and Bella Hadid; and rapper M.I.A.
Kimberly Potter, 49, shot and killed Duante Wright on April 11 after allegedly mistaking her gun for a Taser

Attorneys for the Minneapolis cop who fatally shot Daunte Wright after allegedly mistaking her gun for a Taser will argue that his death was an 'innocent mistake' at trial next month.

Kimberly Potter, 49, resigned from the Brooklyn Center Police Department shortly after the April 11 incident. She faces one count of first-degree manslaughter and one count of second-degree manslaughter.

Lawyers Paul Engh and Earl Gray outlined the four defenses they plan on using - 'Innocent Accident,' 'Innocent Mistake,' 'Her perceived use of a Taser was reasonable' and 'Lack of causation' - in a Wednesday court filing obtained by the Star Tribune.

The list doesn't preclude them from using other defense tactics at tiral. Potter is out on $100,000 bail.

Potter stopped Wright for hanging an air freshener from his rearview mirror, according to his mother, who said Wright called her just before he died. Police say he was stopped for having an expired registration.

Wright, 20, had an active arrest warrant for failing to appear in court on charges of fleeing police and having a gun without a permit at the time of the stop.

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Her lawyers filed a list of defenses they will use at her trial, which is set to start in November. Among them are 'Innocent Mistake and 'Her perceived use of a Taser was reasonable'

Bodycam footage shows an officer handcuffing Wright, who manages to slide the handcuffs off and jump back in his car.

Potter's gun was holstered on her right side, while the Taser was on her left.

'I'll tase ya,' she warned Wright while pointing her gun at him. 'Taser, Taser, Taser!'

She then shot him in the chest before he drove off.

'Oh s***, I just shot him,' Wright said.

Wright's family was devastated by the loss.

Daunte Wright had called his mom and said he was being stopped for having an air freshener hanging from his rearview mirror, a misdemeanor in Minnesota

Wright, above with his now two-year-old son, had an active warrant for failing to appear in court on charges of fleeing police and having a gun without a permit

His father Aubrey told Good Morning America: 'I lost my son. He is never coming back.

'I cant accept that. A mistake? That doesnt even sound right.'

Wright's April 22 funeral at Shiloh Temple International Ministries in Minneapolis drew the likes of Rev. Al Sharpton, Rep. Ilhan Omar, Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Family members of Philando Castile, Eric Garner and Oscar Grant - other black men killed by police officers - also attended.

'We've come from all over the country because you hurt one of our princes. You thought he was just some kid with air freshener. But he was a prince. All of Minneapolis has stopped today to honor the prince of Brooklyn Center,' Sharpton said.

A woman holds a Black Lives Matter flag during the funeral service of Daunte Wright outside the Shiloh Temple on April 22

'My son should be burying me' said Daunte Wright's mother Katie Wright, center

Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Ilhan Omar, both Democrats from Minnesota, also attended

The shooting led to days of protests in a city that was already reeling from months-long riots over the death of George Floyd in 2020.

Family lawyer Benjamin Crump mentioned Wright's two-year-old son.

'At some point Daunte Jr. is going to get old enough to watch that video of how his father was slain so unnecessarily. A misdemeanor, a misdemeanor,' Crump said in disbelief.

'It's too often the traffic stops end up as deadly sentences, a death sentence. Were going to have to make sure that Daunte Jr. know that we stood up for Daunte, his father.'

Potter is a 26-year veteran officer who became a cop in 1995 at age 22. The married mother-of-two was also the president of the Brooklyn Center Police Department's union.

A year-and-a-half before shooting Wright, she was involved in the police killing of Kobe Dimock-Heisler, a 21-year-old autistic man.

In August 2019, his grandfather called the police on him after he allegedly grabbed a knife and a hammer in an altercation that began when a restaurant got his order wrong, according to KARE.

Dispatch notes show the grandfather, who had raised him since he was six, later told 911, 'He's probably going to be okay, just forget it.'

When officers arrived, Dimock-Heisler 'sprang from his chair, grabbed a knife and attempted to stab one of the officers,' according to a report from the Hennepin County Attorney's Office.

'Three officers fired their Tasers, with no effect. Then, and only then, did they fire their guns.'

Prosecutors declined to charge the officers involved.

Dimock-Heisler's mother Amity told Minnesota Public Radio that her son was not a threat.

'My son only had a history of hurting himself, nobody else,' she said. 'And so when you hear them try to say something different, don't believe it.'

The report found that Potter told two officers involved in the shooting to 'exit the residence, get into separate squad cars, turn off their body worn cameras, and to not talk to each other.'
More than 22 years into Michael Politte's life sentence for the murder of his mother, of which he was convicted at age 14, a juror who helped put him in prison has now come out claiming he was innocent and should be freed.

'If I had known then what I know now, I would not have convicted,' Linda Dickerson-Bell wrote in an affidavit, which was included in a petition seeking Politte's release that his lawyers filed with the Missouri Supreme Court on Wednesday.

Attorneys for Politte, 37, cited now-disproven evidence, a faulty investigation and a flawed trial defense.

Dickerson-Bell, who has emerged as the second juror from Politte's murder trial to publicly express her regret for finding him guilty, said she was pressured to convict the defendant by other jurors.

Michael Politte entered prison for the murder of his mother as a 14-year-old boy (left). Now, he is 37 and serving a life sentence while continuing to maintain his innocence

Rita Politte suffered blunt force trauma and was burned to death inside her mobile home in Hopewell, Missouri, in 1998 (pictured with Michael)

Politte said he found his mother's burning body in her bedroom at their trailer home (pictured) as he and a friend tried to escape

Rita Politte was burned to death inside her mobile home in Hopewell, Missouri, in 1998.

Politte - who was a teen at the time of the incident - was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison after being tried as an adult. He is currently housed at the Jefferson City Correctional Center.

The Missouri Court of Appeals in September refused to hear the case, prompting the request to the state Supreme Court.

'Rita Politte deserves justice,' the court filing states.

'But she is not the only victim here. Her family, including her then-14-year-old, now grown, son Michael, are also victims of the State's failure to properly investigate and prosecute her murderer, not to mention their knowing misconduct. This Court can finally bring peace to this family.'

In addition to asking that Politte be freed, his attorneys are seeking an evidentiary hearing or appointment of a special master to investigate the case.

'Most basically, we believe Mike should be freed because he was convicted on the basis of false evidence,' Politte's attorney, Megan Crane, said in a phone interview.

'Everyone knows it's false. Even the state admits it's false.'

But efforts to free Politte have failed because the state's judicial system 'values finality over fairness,' Crane said.

A spokesman for Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt declined comment.

The defense argued that the state did not provide a motive for Politte to kill his mother. Much of the case hinged on fire investigators' testimony who said the fire was started with gasoline and investigators determined Politte had gasoline on his shoes, which has been disproven

Michael and both his sisters (pictured together, top) have always maintained that he was innocent. Attorneys argued that investigators ignored other potential suspects, including Politte's father (bottom right), who was going through a contentious divorce with Rita

Politte said in a statement in August that he ended up in prison due to a judicial system 'overseen by flawed human beings' who 'do not want to admit that they wrongfully convicted a 14-year-old for murdering his own mother.'

The petition said Politte and a friend were sleeping when they awoke to smoke in the early hours of December 5, 1998.

Politte said he found his mother's burning body in her bedroom as he and the friend tried to escape. She also suffered blunt force head trauma.

The state did not provide a motive for Politte to kill his mother, and their case rested largely on testimony from fire investigators who said the fire was started with gasoline.

Investigators had determined Politte had gasoline on his shoes - the only physical evidence linking him to the crime.

Attorneys for Politte are seeking to have him freed, citing now-disproven evidence, a faulty investigation and a flawed trial defense

But the court filing said the findings were based on now-discredited fire investigation techniques.

It said the state now concedes that Politte did not have gas on his shoes.

Dickerson-Bell, the former juror, wrote in her affidavit that she has long harbored doubts about Politte's guilt, and that when she learned years later about the false evidence, her mind was made up, the Kansas City Star reported.

'I now firmly believe ... that we made a terrible mistake,' she said.

Dickerson-Bell is not the only member of the jury at the 2002 trial who has had a change of heard about the case over the past two decades.

In 2017, juror Jonathan Peterson wrote in an affidavit that he did not think 'justice was served' when Politte was convicted.

Peterson wrote that he while was 'unsure' Politte committed the murder, he claimed he voted to convict because the trial judge pressured the jury to return a verdict.

The petition for Politte's release said investigators ignored other potential suspects, including Politte's father, who was going through a contentious divorce with Rita and who had been court-ordered to pay a 'significant' settlement to her a week before the killing.

Witnesses also said a cousin of Politte's father was seen around the mobile home shortly after the fire was reported.

Throughout frequent interrogation, without an attorney, in the 48 hours after his mother's death, Politte steadfastly maintained his innocence, as he has in subsequent years, Crane said.

Before he went to trial, Politte rejected an offer to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter carrying a 15-year sentence because he was innocent, she said.

Before his trial, Politte rejected an offer to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter

Had he accepted the plea deal, he would have regained his freedom a decade ago, Politte said in a recent interview with St. Louis Public Radio.

'I didn't murder my mother,' he told the station.

The friend who was at the scene has consistently backed Politte's story, and Politte's two sisters have always believed he is innocent, Crane said.

Politte was held in juvenile custody for four years before he was tried as an adult in January 2002.

Politte's attorneys said the public defender who handled his trial presented only a half-day of testimony from three witnesses, called no experts to debunk the fire and gasoline evidence, and declined to call as a witness the friend who was in the house, who has long stood by Politte's account of what happened.
A 12-year-old cockapoo was rescued on Tuesday after it fell down a narrow, rocky crevice at an upstate New York park five days before.

The dog named Liza was on a walk with her female owner, who has not been named, last Thursday at the Minnewaska State Park Preserve when she fell into the deep crevice.

The helpless pooch remained there for five days without food or water as park officials made several unsuccessful attempts to rescue her, as they struggled to reach the frightened pet in the tight crevice.

When they sent a camera in, they found the dog so thirsty she was licking the wet walls of the rockface.

A 12-year-old cockapoo named Liza was rescued from a narrow, rocky crevice on Tuesday at Minnewaska State Park Preserve in upstate New York

New Jersey Initial Response team member Jessica Van Ord slipped through the skinny crevice to retrieve Liza

Liza had been trapped in the crevice since last Thursday after she had slipped into it while on a walk with her owner. Camera footage found Liza licking the wet walls as she had no source of food or water

On Tuesday, five days after Liza slipped into the narrow cave, the New Jersey Initial Response team were able to lower their smallest team member, Jessica Van Ord, into the crevice.

She described the difficulty of navigating the cramped rockways.

'Luckily, I could still stand, albeit sideways, and I could turn my head if I needed to by fiddling with my helmet,' she said.

After multiple squeezes down the crevice, Van Ord spotted the dog who was still alive and breathing.

Van Ord, the smallest member of the cave rescue team, shimmied into the crevice which she described as a 'a crack that only a 5 year old could fit through'

Van Ord said it took her multiple squeezes until she found the dog at the bottom of the deep, thin crevice

Van Ord said she had to continuously adjust her position and safety helmet which she made her way through

Liza stayed just out of reach of Van Ord who decided to try and entice the animal towards her with a hot dog on a pole.

Eventually the dog was lassoed and brought to safety.

'Finally lassoing the dog, we pulled her up and I breathed a sigh of relief as I grabbed her furry little body. I got the dog! I yelled, and heard cheers above,' she said.

The dog, now safe and sound, was then finally reunited with its owner at around 5pm on Tuesday.

Fellow NJRIT volunteer lowered a lasso pole with a hot dog at the end to catch Liza

'This was a tight vertical fissure leading to an even tighter horizontal crack,' Mark Dickey, the chief of the cave rescue team said, according to a news release.

'Only Jessica Van Ord, our smallest team member, was able to squeeze and contort herself more than 40 feet from the surface to reach the dog.'

Joshua Laird, the executive director of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission Executive Director, commended the work of the NJIRT and reminded visitors to keep their dogs on a leash.

'We are thrilled that it was possible to reunite Liza with its owner,' Laird said.

'This incident is a reminder that the rules requiring dogs to be kept on-leash are an important way to protect loved pets, their owners, and the park's fragile resources.

'We are grateful for the perseverance of the Minnewaska State Park Preserve staff, the New Jersey Initial Response Team, the Ulster County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the Kerhonkson Accord First Aid Squad and Accord Fire Department for their efforts that brought this tail' to a happy conclusion.'

Despite the difficult conditions, Liza was retrieved and later returned to her owner

Gina Carbonari, Executive Director of the Ulster County SPCA, also commended Van Ord's work.

'It's always heartwarming to not only have such a positive outcome in cases like this, but also to see so many people come together, putting themselves at risk, to save an animal's life,' she said.

'We were all concerned the dog had not survived until Jessica was able to get closer and hear movement.

'The rejoicing on the surface to that news was just incredible and renewed everyone's motivation to get this little dog to safety.

'Every person there played a role in making this happen  an amazing team effort by multiple agencies.'
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Much like the plot of the show that stole everyone's hearts and all the Emmy's, Schitt's Creek, a tiny rural town is for sale in Tennessee for a shockingly low price.

The seven-acre hamlet of Water Valley can be purchased for $725,000 - much cheaper than the $1 million an average one-bedroom condo in New York City costs.

The prospective owner will take possession of four general stores, which are no longer operating, that were built in the 19th century. Two of the buildings have updated wiring and plumbing and are grandfathered in to be used for commercial, residential or a B&B.

Another of the historic properties has been renovated into a creek-side residence featuring three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The listing also boasts the two-story Stock Barn, which peeks out from a grove of trees.

'This particular area became famous for the apple orchards that were all through this area back in the 1800s. It was thriving so much the railroad came through here' she said of the town that was bustling in the 1930s and 40s until the area changed,' said Christa Swartz, who has the unique listing.

The rural town of Water Valley, Tennessee was listed for sale on June 28 for $725,000. The seven-acre property is being sold by Christa Swartz of Fathom Realty

The Water Valley listing includes a two-story wooden barn surrounded by Mulberry trees and tall grass

The layout of the towns is already set to be turned into an idyllic Southern town featuring local businesses for travels passing through or residents of nearby towns

The property includes four general stores built before 1900 with original signage. Two of the buildings have updated wiring and plumbing

Water Valley is nestled in Maury County 50 miles from Nashville and surrounded by charming small towns offering an array of local businesses

The two renovated buildings are grandfathered in to be used for commercial, residential, B&B, or charming purpose the new owner dreams up

Water Valley is located about 50 miles south of Nashville

The Maury County property is only about 50 miles south of Nashville and is surrounded by other charming towns like Leiper's Fork, which features few local eateries, a small record shop, an antique shop, local art galleries and cozy cottages for guest to stay the night.

Water Valley is being sold by four family members who have owned the land for more than 20 years and cherish the history of the quaint location but hope to sell their beloved Tennessee property to someone who will foster a small-town charm similar to Leiper's Fork.

'The sellers right now really hope that whoever gets it first of all doesn't tear down any of the buildings that are here,' Christa Swartz, who listed the property on June 28, told News Channel 5.

'Yes it needs help, but they're hoping it can be something a bit Leiper's Fork-ish. Perhaps a destination for antiques, music venue or have your weddings here.'

Pointing to old Dr. Pepper and Vicks VapoRub signs hanging from a wall in one of the buildings, Swartz explained to News Channel 7, 'All these signs are original.'

She noted the hole in a wall that was once a store's mail slot and the chipped-away part of the sidewalk where a man used to sit and tap his cane.

The historic town was bustling in the 1800s and early 1900s as a thriving apple orchard until Cedar trees were introduced and wiped out the apple trees

The four sellers of the land aim to sell to someone who will build the town into a charming local spot while keeping the history and natural beauty

The seven-acres are surrounded by the most beautiful frontage along Leiper's Creek with breathtaking scenery to take in from the picnic space

The rural landscape has rolling fields of wild grass outlined by full Mulberry trees that have replaced the apple trees that the town used to be known for

The town is being sold for less than some of the homes listed in nearby Williamson County. In August, the average home sold in Franklin for $1,045,748 and $805,072 in Thompson's Station

The seven acres feature mulberry trees and stunning frontage along Leiper's Creek, with a designated picnic space.

The town began to decline when, 'cedar trees were introduced to the area,' Swartz said.

'They carried a blight with them that killed off the apple trees, and soon after, the railroad stopped running through. That's the end of probably a lot of little towns across America. People moved on.'

The sale of property also comes with parking spaces along 3520 and 3535 Water Valley Road.

'I think this is very much a steal. For someone who has more money to invest in it, to make it what it should be... this is an incredible bargain,' said Swartz, who works for Fathom Realty.

A few other towns are on the market but most have price tags over a million dollars. Bridgeville, California is going for $1.5 million. Tuthill, Maine is selling for $5.5 million and Little Hawkins Island, Georgia is posted for $15.9 million.

Water Valley isn't just a great deal compared to other towns, the asking price is less than what several homes are selling for just down the road in Williamson County.

The sale of property also comes with the road that town sits along at 3520 and 3535 Water Valley Road

The buildings all need to be renovated but come with many pieces hinting at the town's history including original signage

Realtor Christa Swartz commented on the amazing price, 'I think this is very much a steal. For someone who has more money to invest in it, to make it what it should be... this is an incredible bargain'

Many people have noted the sale of Water Valley to the plot of Schitt's Creek but the owners of the land do not want to sell the land to Hollywood, although they have received calls

And nearby, Nashville's red-hot housing market soared to another mind-numbing high after a mobile home sold for $1.5 million - for a property that fetched a little over $130,000 in 2007 - ahead of software giant Oracle's plans to build its second headquarters in Music City.

The trailer, located on the East Bank of the Cumberland River, contains just 528 square feet of space, according to Zillow, but sits on a 1.23-acre lot that the buyer is expected to develop into multiple units in the gentrifying neighborhood.

But the sellers of Water Valley aren't looking to sell to anyone who has plans to build up the property or disrupt the area's small-town charm.

According to Swartz, they are looking for a buyer who 'really can appreciate and restore it as much as possible to something that's thriving and has as much future as it has past.'

The realtor admitted, 'I have had a few people mention the Schitt's Creek television series.'

The popular television series follows the Rose family as they are forced to relocate to fictional Schitt's Creek - a small rural town Johnny (Eugene Levy) had purchased for his son David (Daniel Levy) as a gag gift - after their business manager embezzled the family business.

The show swept the comedy categories at the 2020 Emmys, winnings six awards.

But the sellers have said 'Ew, David' to anyone who might rid the town of its original charm.

'We've had a couple of calls from Hollywood asking if they might buy the whole town to use as a movie set.' But she said that, 'It would really strip this from the reality of the history and make it more of a stage rather than something we preserve as the history of Tennessee.'
President Joe Biden met with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta in the Oval Office Thursday, marking the first time Biden hosted an African leader.

The meeting comes days after Kenyatta's family was named as owners of 13 offshore companies in the Pandora Papers, with Biden vowing before their meeting to talk to the leader about 'transparency.'

In the Oval, Biden thanked Kenyatta for his 'leadership in defending the peace, security, and democratic instincts of the region and your country.'

'You're doing a heck of a job,' Biden told Kenyatta.

'You know, Kenya is currently the President of the U.N. Security Council. Thanks for letting us stay in,' Biden also joked.

He announced that the U.S. would be giving additional vaccine doses to the African Union.

'And I'm proud to announce that - today, that we're making an additional historic one-time donation of 17 more million doses of J&J vaccine to the AU, and we're going to be sending some more of these by the end of the year to Kenya,' Biden said.

But Biden didn't answer reporters questions or bring up the Pandora Papers revelations in front of the press.

President Joe Biden (right) hosted Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta (left) in the Oval Office Thursday, which marked Biden's first Oval Office meeting with an African leader

The Kenyattas' holdings include a company with investments worth $30m, according to a massive leak of financial documents from law firms in Panama, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and other tax havens.

Kenyatta, president since 2013, has promised a full response when he returns from his international trip.

He is one of a number of world leaders caught up in the embarrassing leak.

Although holding assets offshore is not illegal, it could cause political problems for someone like Kenyatta who campaigned against corruption.

'The leaders will discuss the strong U.S.-Kenyan bilateral relationship and the need to bring transparency and accountability to domestic and international financial systems,' White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said previewing the meeting earlier this week.

'They will also discuss efforts to defend democracy and human rights, advance peace and security, accelerate economic growth, and tackle climate change.'

A massive leak of financial documents revealed that members of the Kenyatta family owned 13 offshore companies, including one with $30 million in investments

Kenyans pore over the revelations from the Pandora Papers, which revealed how Kenyatta was one of hundreds of politicians identified as beneficiaries of secret financial holdings

For his part, Kenyatta welcomed the release of the Pandora Papers by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and other news organizations.

'These reports will go a long way in enhancing the financial transparency and openness that we require in Kenya and around the globe,' he said in a statement.

However, he did not respond to the specific allegations against him.

'The movement of illicit funds, proceeds of crime and corruption thrive in an environment of secrecy and darkness,' he added.

A senior administration official told DailyMail.com the leaks offered a chance to make progress.

'On the Pandora papers, this is an opportunity for the United States to build off of our current efforts with the Kenyans to bring additional transparency and accountability to domestic and international financial systems,' said the official.

Kenyatta is the son of the country's first president.

Documents released in the leak show that his mother Ngina, 88, is named as the first benefactor of the Varies foundation set up in 2003. Her son is the second benefactor and would stand to inherit it after her death.

Its value is unknown.

Panama is a sought-after destination for holdings as the owners are known only by their lawyers and they do not have to register their identities with the Panamanian government, according to the ICIJ.

Other world leaders caught up in the leak include former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and Gabon's President Ali Bong Ondimba.

Kenyatta is the son of Kenya's first president, Jomo Kenyatta, and took power in 2013

The Pandora Papers also revealed that Tony Blair (left) and his wife, Cherie (right), secretly benefited from a highly-controversial tax loophole in 2017

Kenyatta has defended himself robustly against allegations that his family had hidden its wealth.

'As I have always stated, what we own - what we have - is open to the public. As a public servant I'm supposed to make my wealth known and we declare every year,' he told the BBC in 2018.

The BBC also reported from the leaks that UBP private-wealth advisers helped Kenyatta's brother, Muhoho, set up another Panamanian entity, the Criselle Foundation, in 2003.

Another BVI company which Muhoho owned had a $30m valuation in stocks and bonds as of November 2016.

Financial transparency will not be the only topic when Kenyatta meets Biden - the president's first meeting with an African leader since taking power.

Kenya has long had a strong relationship with the U.S., partnering with Washington in efforts to thwart Islamic terrorism.

It a powerful regional player and it has a border with Ethiopia, where war has triggered a humanitarian crisis.

Kenya also currently holds the rotating presidency of the U.N. Security Council.
A white theater arts teacher in Texas reportedly resigned from his job after 14 years - after he was recorded using a racial slur in class and questioned why there is no 'white history' month.

The teacher, Norman Grueneich, used the 'n' word and made other offensive remarks at a theater tech class at Klein Collins High School in Spring, Texas, just north of Houston.

He could be heard in the audio recordings, which were later posted to social media, saying: 'People get really upset, and the tension in the room rises because we're not allowed to have a difference in opinion.'

A student then asks him: 'I mean, if there's a word that you're not supposed to say, why are you saying it?'

'I don't know,' Grueneich replies. 'Why do guys in my class go, you know, say, "Man n*****, you crazy?" Why do they say that? And why is it cause I'm a white guy, I can't say that? I can't say the N word.'

Norman Grueneich resigned from his position as a theater teacher after he was recorded using the 'N' word in class and asking his students why there isn't a white history month

He had been a theater teacher at Klein Collins High School for 14 years

The conversation later turns to Grueneich asking why there is a Black History Month and not a white history month.

'Because if I say that you will be like "Oh my gosh, that's racist, that's KKK kind of stuff,'" he tells his class in another recording.

'Do we have Hispanic Heritage Month?' he asks, to which one student can be heard replying: 'Yeah.'

'OK, why?' he asks again. 'Why? Why? Why do we have a Black History Month.'

At that point, another student can be heard asking Grueneich, whose students call him 'Mr. G' if he wants a white history month, as Grueneich continues to ask the students why there is a Black History Month.

Then a third student chimes in: 'Because of what they've been through.'

'Because of what they've been through?' he responds, as the recording abruptly ends.

But according to Raw Story which posted more of the recording, Grueneich then asks: 'Why don't we have a white history month talking about what the Irish went through?'

A student replies that would be considered an Irish history month.

The audio clips were posted to social media by Adrian Lopez, who said the incident began when his daughter and her friend were having a private conversation about other students using the offensive term

The audio clips quickly spread through social media, with Nicky D's writing that he was 'ashamed to see that' Klein Collins 'would rather sweep the racist and hurtful action' under the rug rather than punish him

The exchange reportedly was earlier this month, after a student heard some of her classmates using derogatory terms for African American and homosexual students.

She went to her Theater Tech 2 class, and told her friend, who is black, about it in a private conversation, the girl's father, Adrian Lopez, wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

But, he said, Grueneich overhead the conversation and 'went on a half hour tirade on why those students did nothing wrong.

'He spoke in an aggressive and demeaning manner to my daughter and her friend,' said Lopez, who also posted the audio clips of the conversation. 'This is a grown man in his 50s.

'So the girls went to the administration to report him,' Lopez wrote, alleging: 'The two vice principals they spoke with told them "Not to post the video on social media"' and '"Let's keep this small.'

One of the vice principals, Lopez said, told the students: 'Should he have said that? Probably not, but what if he was teaching a play about civil rights?'

'She then said: "The word cracker is as offensive"' as the N word, Lopez claims, noting that another vice principal told the girls: 'You will always have to deal with this in life. You may as well get used to it.'

'The mere fact that a teacher can say disgusting, racist remarks and be backed up by the administration is a resounding failure in this institution to say the least,' Lopez wrote. 'It infuriates me that my daughter and her friend went through this.'

He said in the post that the incident happened a week prior, but the administration had failed to act, prompting him to share the audio recordings.

'I do not want to do this or be involved with this, but I will never allow anyone to cause any sort or harm, disservice or disrespect to any of children,' Lopez said.

Soon, the recordings were shared widely on social media, with one Twitter user, username Nicky D's, writing: 'As a graduate of Klein Collins, I'm ashamed to see that its administration would rather sweep the racist and hurtful actions of Mr. Grueneich under the rug rather than punish him and support its students.'

'Do better, Klein Collins.'

Parents claim school administrators failed to act in the wake of the incident, and held a news conference on Wednesday calling on the district to investigate the remarks

By Wednesday, concerned parents and local community activist Quannell X held a news conference calling on the administration to act, according to a video of the news conference posted by KPRC 2 reporter Sabirah Rayford

'We said, "Look, we're trying to do this the right way. We don't want to go to the media,' said Jamie Olliver, whose daughter recorded the exchange.

'I dont want a reaction to my family, to the children of other students, faculty,' Olliver said. 'And a whole week later, not even a phone call. No email, nothing.'

At the news conference, X said: 'Mr. G, your words are an insult to every black student, Latino student and indigenous people.

'You attempted to intimidate these students by saying things that are outright offensive,' he said, according to Click 2 Houston.

X continued to say he was quoting Grueneich when he said that 'there is no proof that Native Americans inherited the country.'

'This man is unfit, unqualified to be a teacher,' X said, adding that he hoped the school would investigate any past comments Grueneich said 'because if you've got that kind of mindset about black people, Hispanics and Indians, who knows what you did with your grade book?'

In a statement to KHOU 11, the Klein Independent School District said: 'In Klein ISD, we pride ourselves on our ability to create safe spaces for every child in our schools. This former employee failed to do that and is no longer employed in Klein ISD.

'The statements made by this former employee do not reflect our district's shared vision, our employees or anything about Klein ISD.

'We regret that our students were impacted by this language, and if any of them would like to talk to any of our counselors, we will make them available.

'Every child deserves to feel safe and have a positive learning experience at school . We are deeply sorry that this former employee failed to do this for our students.

'This incident is still under investigation at this time.'
Italy's bankrupt national airline Alitalia made its last flight today before formally folding after 74 turbulent years of business, marking the end of an era.

A flight attendant at Rome's Fiumicino-Leonardo da Vinci Airport thanked passengers for their loyalty before boarding the noon Flight AZ1581 to Cagliari, Sardinia.

The last scheduled Alitalia flight was the return from Cagliari, Flight AZ1586, due to land at 11pm on Thursday.

Alitalia, which had operated in the red for more than a decade, will be replaced by a new national carrier, ITA, or Italy Air Transport, which launches on Friday.

Italy's bankrupt national airline Alitalia made its last flight today before formally folding after 74 turbulent years of business, marking the end of an era

A flight attendant at Rome's Fiumicino-Leonardo da Vinci Airport thanked passengers for their loyalty before boarding the noon Flight AZ1581 to Cagliari, Sardinia

The European Union's executive commission has given the go-ahead to a 1.35 billion-euro ($1.58 billion) injection of government funding into the new airline, but ITA only plans to hire around a quarter of the estimated 10,000 Alitalia employees.

In recent weeks, Alitalia workers staged strikes and protests denouncing their treatment and what for many was just the final episode after years of crises.

They cast doubt about the viability of the new airline and said its slimmed-down size, workforce, routes and fleet was presumably aimed at making it attractive for a foreign airline to buy.

In recent weeks, Alitalia workers staged strikes and protests denouncing their treatment and what for many was just the final episode after years of crises

Alitalia employees have protested over their treatment after it was announced the national carrier's replacement ITA would be a slimmed down airline and hire only a quarter of the 10,000 staff

An Alitalia employee protests a Rome's Fiumicino Airport today as the airline's last flights take off before the company formally closes

Union leader Antonio Amoroso told the Foreign Press Association on Thursday that it was 'a failed plan from the industrial point of view that doesn't serve the country, doesn't serve the community to which an enormous amount of money is asked, that seriously affects the workers.'

Among its routes, ITA plans to operate flights to New York from Milan and Rome, and to Tokyo, Boston and Miami from Rome.

European destinations from Rome and Milan's Linate airport will also include Paris, London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt and Geneva.

Alitalia employees gathered outside Rome's Fiumicino airport today, protesting over the closure of Italy's national carrier
Former Sen. Joe Lieberman helped launch his own political career decades ago with a book on a Connecticut boss  but says he isn't seeing enough 'power broker' in President Joe Biden.

Lieberman, who served as the Democratic Party's vice presidential nominee in 2000 and served with Biden for two decades, says Biden needs to take greater command of his party.

'I must say that I haven't seen enough of that yet,' Lieberman told DailyMail.com in an interview

'I had the highest regard for real affection for him. And I was proud to support him in 2020, [and] don't minimize the difficulty of the political situation,' Lieberman said.

'While in my 24 years in the Senate, I saw Joe Biden do a lot of ... powerbrokering which was the title of my original book way back about [state party chair] John Bailey. I haven't seen him be able to do enough of it now as president,' Lieberman said.

Former Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut wrote a book about a Connecticut power broker, and said of Biden: 'I haven't seen him be able to do enough of it now as president'

'And the irony and difficulty is that the biggest loser of a failure to adopt the bipartisan infrastructure bill I think will be President Biden himself,' he added.

He said Biden 'really has the come in and plead with, pressure, to do whatever it takes' to advance the bipartisan infrastructure bill. He called it 'historically significant' and 'really good for the country.'

He was less convinced about the $3.5 trillion Build Back Better plan, which he described as insufficiently vetted.

And he said of the left's demands: 'They are hurting the president and the Democratic Party as it approaches midterm elections.'

Lieberman said Biden should 'either negotiate a compromise on the large reconciliation bill, or put it into some sort of committee negotiating process among Democrats until they can come up with a compromise agreement.'

Lieberman, who chairs the group No Labels, is an avowed centrist who penned a new book, The Centrist Solution. It tells yarns from his political careers interspersed with concrete guidance and advice for how to forge compromise.

In his book he describes bipartisan achievements like the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments and helping peel off GOP support for President Obama's economic stimulus. He lays out his move to become an Independent, and says he talks regularly with West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin.

'I'm encouraged when I hear that Senator Senator or Senator Manchin have gone to the White House. So far I haven't seen anything productive anything real come out of it,' he said.

Asked if he knows what Sinema is seeking, he said: 'I really don't know. I talk to Joe Manchin a fair amount, but I haven't really been in touch with Sen. Sinema.'

He says he hasn't seen the portrayal of Sinema on 'Saturday Night Live' where she is played as someone refusing to reveal what she wants in talks, but says he gets the sense Democrats are more frustrated with her than they are with Manchin.

Lieberman, who chairs the group No Labels, says he doesn't know what Sen. Kyrsten Sinema is seeking through negotiations

He said he was disappointed with Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa for appearing on stage and accepting Donald Trump's endorsement

Lieberman is friends with Maine Sen. Susan Collins, who infuriated the left with her vote for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh

Lieberman was Al Gore's running mate in 2000, served 24 years in the Senate, and became an Independent. Here Lieberman talks with reporters as he walks through the Senate subway in Washington on Tuesday, June 22, 2021

'Part of it is that she's new. Part of that is she's been a little less personally engaged with her colleagues. Joe is a, you know, Joe's a people person and Joe will talk to anybody, which is the way politics should be, including people who disagree with him. And Sinema's new. She's come to the center, or the limelight in the Senate, almost embarrassingly probably to her. But she's  she's got a lot of potential to really play a constructive role in the Senate and in Congress, and I hope people will work with her to see that that's true.'

A decade ago when she was a party activist, Sinema called Lieberman 'pathetic' and 'a shame to Democrats,' but has since moved to the center and stands as one of the chief obstacles to advancing the $3.5 trillion plan.

Lieberman rejects the notion that the party's left has been more willing to compromise, including Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders move from $6 trillion to $3.5 trillion.

'Bernie's $6 trillion in the original program went from the unbelievable to the merely unaffordable $3.5 trillion,' Lieberman said.

There is much riding for Biden on the fate of both measures, making it all the more important for him to win over Senate skeptics. Recalling one of his own key votes, Lieberman wrote how he ultimately supported Bill Clinton's 1993 budget with its scaled-back gas tax. But he also voted for it 'because it was so important to Clinton's new presidency, which I strongly supported.'

He continues to back up close friend Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), who infuriated the left with her vote for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh despite her own pro choice views and accusations against Kavanaugh by Christine Blasey Ford.

'I know people get upset with her. But I know her well enough to know that she really struggled with it. It was not a political motive,' he said. 'She was trying to do what was right under her power to advise and consent to a presidential nomination to the Supreme Court.'

He referenced her Senate floor speech about her decision, where she called him an 'exemplary public servant' but said Blasey Ford's allegations had a 'lack of corroborating evidence.'

'When I saw her do that speech I thought it was really a well thought out speech. I said to her afterwards: Susan you you look really tired. It was a great speech but you look tired and I know why. You were probably up half the night with writing the speech. She laughed and she said oh you know me very well.'

Lieberman's reach across the aisle has limits. He condemned Sen. Charles Grassley's decision to appear on stage with Donald Trump at a weekend Iowa rally.

'No, I mean I think the statements made by Chuck Grassley, who I always liked and enjoyed working with respected, were very disappointing,' he said.

Lieberman's book makes scant mention of the driving clash between the parties today: Trump's election overturn effort. On page 278, right before the last page, he notes that 'After the 2020 election and before Joe Biden was inaugurated, President Trump focused on challenging the legitimacy of the election of Joe Biden, and the bipartisan leadership of Congress was unable or unwilling to work together to enact an extension of the COVID relief programs that millions of Americans desperately needed.'

The No Labels group pushed it and a version got enacted after Biden was sworn in.

Lieberman works at the law firm of Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman, and partner Marc Kasowitz represented Trump amid the Russia probe in 2017.

Asked if the Trump presidency and the Capitol riot have impacted the environment for compromise, he said, 'The mood has changed.' He said his last two years in the Senate were 'the most partisan and the least productive.'

He said even though some moderates ended up voting for Trump 'he just ended up being infuriating to them and actually making the problem of partisanship and really in some ways as important, instability in the government, worse.'
Tina Peters is Mesa County's chief elections official

A Republican Colorado elections official who helped spread baseless theories that the 2020 presidential race was stolen from Donald Trump has been stripped of her duties via court order on Wednesday.

US District Court Judge Valerie Robison ruled that Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters ran afoul of her duties as the county's chief election official by letting an unvetted 'consultant' make copies of a Dominion Voting Systems machine hard drive and allowed confidential system passwords to leak online.

Peters was also 'untruthful' when she brought the 'consultant' to a routine software update and presented him as an administrative assistant employed by Mesa County, Robison said.

Copies of that hard drive were presented as 'evidence' of voter fraud at a cyber symposium held by MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell in August.

Peters had allegedly kept a low profile following the symposium, hiding at a safe house owned by Lindell, past reports claim, amid an FBI probe into allegations similar to those that got her stripped of her duties this week.

Secretary of State Jena Griswold, a Democrat, filed a lawsuit against Peters and her deputy, Belinda Kinsley, in August.

'The Court finds that Peters and Knisley breached their duties by failing to follow the rules and orders of the Secretary and the [Colorado Election Code], neglected their duties by failing to take adequate precautions to protect confidential information, and committed wrongful acts by being untruthful,' Robison wrote in her decision.

Peters had claimed she hired 'consultant' Gerald Wood to make copies of Dominion's hard drive before and after a software update known as a 'trusted build' to ensure files necessary to probe the 2020 election weren't erased.

MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell (pictured at a Trump rally in August) used Peters' hard drive 'evidence' when pushing his conspiracy theories that the 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trump

But before that, court documents state that Peters and Knisley presented Wood as a Mesa County employee in order for him to gain access to the closely guarded 'trusted build' process for updating Dominion's systems.

A Colorado state official told Peters hat only two additional government employees would be permitted for a trusted build in May at which other state election workers and Dominion employees would also be present.

Days before the update took place Knisley had the cameras in Mesa's Election Department shut off, Robison claimed.

The judge noted that in addition to Wood taking a 'forensic' copy of the hard drive, Peters herself 'took a video recording and still photographs' of the process.

Robison also described how confidential information stored on Colorado Senior Voting Systems Specialist Danny Casias' laptop was spread publicly.

'At some point, during the four plus hours of the trusted build process, video and photos were taken of Casias laptop and the passwords contained on his screen,' she said.

'Later, the confidential passwords were publicly posted to an online social media site.'

She doesn't specify which social media site it was.

A subsequent investigation ordered by Griswold after the leak found that someone had tampered with the server computer of Mesa's vote-tabulation equipment.

Two changes to the system were detected that 'resulted in enabling of a security vulnerability if someone had physical access to the system,' Robison stated.

The judge accused Peters and Knisley of being 'unable or unwilling to appropriately perform the duties' of overseeing elections for at least the next year.

Colorado's upcoming November 2021 election will be taken over by former Colorado Secretary of State Wayne Williams, a Republican, as requested by Griswold.

The Democratic state official praised Robison's decision in a statement released the same day as the ruling.

Colorado's Democrat Secretary of State Jena Griswold praised the judge's decision

'Clerk Peters seriously compromised the security of Mesa Countys voting system. The Courts decision today bars Peters from further threatening the integrity of Mesas elections and ensures Mesa County residents have the secure and accessible election they deserve,' Griswold said.

'As Secretary of State, I will continue to provide the support and oversight needed to ensure the integrity of Colorados elections.'

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said voters can be certain the upcoming election will be 'free and fair' without Peters' influence.

'Under the ruling we pressed for, Mesa County voters can rest assured that the election will be free and fair, and administered in a trustworthy manner,' Weiser said on Twitter.

The off-year election will see Colorado voters cast ballots in a number of local elections and deciding on public measures. School board elections will be part of next month's race and will likely be a central focus for parents as tensions rise over mask measures and racial inequality teachings in schools.

Peters staged a 'press conference' on Monday - but did not invite any members of the media - where she continued to push her false election fraud claims.

Speaking in front of the Mesa County courthouse Peters still touted the 'forensic images' she obtained through legally murky means that she alleged prove Dominion's machines had been tampered with.

The event reportedly got heated as people who doubted her claims clashed with Peters' supporters, according to Colorado's The Daily Sentinel.

In a statement in the Washington Post on Wednesday Peters said she was disappointed with the court's decision and accused Griswold of a 'power grab.'

She said the secretary of state was aiming to send a 'warning to all other potential whistleblowers.'
Police have launched a public appeal to help identify nine protesters who attended violent rallies in Melbourne in September.

Five men are wanted for questioning by police after officers were assaulted and their vehicles damaged during one of the demonstrations in Richmond on September 18.

Officers would also like to speak to them in relation to incitement.

Another protester is wanted for questioning after a driver was spat on during another demonstration on Westgate Bridge on September 21.

Police have launched a public appeal to help identify several protesters who attended the demonstrations in the Victorian capital city in September

Five men are wanted for questioning by police after officers were assaulted and their vehicles damaged during one of the demonstrations in Richmond on September 18 (pictured, one of the five men wanted for questioning)

One of the five men wanted for questioning by police following the demonstration in Richmond on September 18

One of the five men wanted by police for questioning following the anti-lockdown rally on September 18

Police would also like to speak to three other men after more vehicles were damaged in Carlton on the same day.

The men were just a handful of the thousands of protesters who rampaged through the city to demonstrate against stay-at-home orders.

The demonstrations gained momentum after construction workers joined the rallies to protest a two-week shutdown of the industry imposed due to surging Covid case numbers.

Many were legitimate tradies - but others were anti-lockdown troublemakers dressed as building sector workers, with rally organisers having asked demonstrators attend the protests in 'work clothes.'

Demonstrators charged police, attacked CFMEU headquarters, let off smoke bombs, abused and threw urine at media and swarmed Victoria's Shrine of Remembrance, which was built to honour men and women who served and died in the First World War.

Police have launched an appeal to speak to one of the protestors following the demonstration on September 18

Another protester (pictured) is wanted for questioning after a driver was spat on during another demonstration on Westgate Bridge on September 21

Police would like to question this man following the demonstration in Carlton on September 21

Police would also like to speak to several other men (pictured) after more vehicles were damaged in Carlton on the same day

At least four CFMEU members tested positive to Covid-19 after they tried to stop demonstrators from storming the union's headquarters.

Footage captured protesters hurling verbal abuse and a plastic bread crate at the union representatives.

More than 300 people were arrested altogether while at least two officers were hospitalised with Covid-19.

CFMEU state secretary John Setka condemned the violent rallies at the time.

'This outbreak caused by the disgusting behaviour of selfish and reckless people with no regard to the wellbeing of the thousands of construction workers or their families will not deter our commitment to getting construction back open and all our members back to work,' the statement continued.
Which industries are looking for new staff? These are the number of new job adverts posted in the UK from October 4 to 10, according to data analysed by Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC). Sales and retail assistants: 45,303 Chefs: 44,540 Care workers and home carers: 63,136 Programmers and software development professionals: 87,873 Primary and nursery education teaching professionals: 37,742 HGV drivers: 7,490 Nurses: 101,948 Waiters and waitresses: 4,966 Bar staff: 7,824 Roofers, roof tilers and slaters: 6,599 Health and safety officers: 7,783 *In total there are 2.29million active job adverts. Advertisement

UK job advert numbers have reached a record high, with over two million positions currently being offered, newly released figures have revealed.

Job market data from October 4 to 10 shows around 235,000 new job adverts were posted, bringing the total number of active postings to 2.29million.

The number of job adverts has spiked over the past six weeks, increasing by over 600,000 (36 per cent) since the end of August.

According to the figures, there were 45,303 new adverts for sales and retail assistants, 44,540 for chefs and 101,948 nurses in the last week.

The demand for retail staff comes in the run-up to Christmas, with shoppers rushing to stock up on goods amid Britain's supply chain crisis.

Supermarkets have started putting on their Christmas sales early to avoid shelves being empty in December, with promotions of up to 50 per cent off triggered early to avoid a last-minute rush.

Families were warned to start shopping now amid fears supplies of toys, electrical goods and other products will be disrupted by logjams at UK ports.

But the analysis from the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) also shows that 7,490 job adverts have been posted for HGV drivers in the UK over the last week - an increase of 3.3 per cent since October 3.

The flurry of job adverts comes amid a shortage of lorry drivers across the UK, with the Road Haulage Association (RHA) having estimated the UK to be short of 100,000 HGV drivers.

The RHA also said on Thursday that a threatened strike by workers at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency will put Christmas at risk, while it emerged only 20 foreign drivers had currently been given visas.

Meanwhile, industry leaders have warned the labour market is flooded with a 'complete misalignment' between employees and professions which is driving up vacancies.

Recruitment difficulties are expected to hamper the UK's recovery from the pandemic despite record numbers on company payrolls.

UK job advert numbers have reached a record high with over two million positions currently being offered, including 45,303 postings for retail staff, 44,540 for chefs and 101,948 for nurses, newly released figures have revealed

Job market data from October 4 to 10 shows around 235,000 new job adverts were posted, bringing the total number of active postings to 2.29million

Neil Carberry, Chief Executive of the REC, said: 'The past month has seen a remarkable spike in job adverts, with 235,000 new ads posted last week.

'Businesses from almost every sector and local area are hiring right now, and with so much competition for staff, many businesses are having to offer increased salaries and benefits to attract the people they need.

'It's a good time to be looking for work right now  but this bounce-back phase will pass.

'As the sugar rush fades, future opportunities will be defined by the strength of our underlying economy  notably the extent to which there are capacity constraints on growth, and what progress firms can make on productivity.'

He added: 'To truly level up, it's time for government to work with businesses on skills, including at lower skills levels, capital investment and workforce planning to make sure we have a soft landing after this boom.

'And all of this needs to be as relevant for temporary workers  the flexible backbone of our economy  as for those staff in permanent roles.'

Wales saw the largest increase in active job postings last week, with four out of the top ten hiring hotspots being in the country.

While nearly every area in the UK recorded growth in active job postings, only three saw a decline - namely Thurrock (-3.8 per cent), the Shetland Islands (-3.8 per cent) and na h-Eileanan Siar (-0.2 per cent).

According to the figures, there were 45,303 new adverts for sales and retail assistants. Pictured: a worker prices jigsaws at Hamleys as the store prepares for the Christmas rush

The demand for retail staff comes in the run-up to Christmas, with shoppers rushing to stock up on goods amid Britain's supply chain crisis. Pictured: A Co-op store in Hertfordshire, where chocolate bags of Quality Street and Celebrations are replacing fruits and vegetables

The analysis from the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) also shows that 7,490 job adverts have been posted for HGV drivers in the UK over the last week. Pictured: Containers sit on the tarmac at Felixstowe Port on October 14.

John Gray, Vice President, UK Operations at Emsi Burning Glass, said: 'Growth in employer demand over in recent weeks has not only been extremely strong, it has also been comprehensive in terms of geographies and sectors.

'The fact that the number of online job postings grew in all but three local authorities in the last week, and across the majority of occupations, is testament to just how strongly demand for workers has picked up right across the country since the steep decline at the start of the year.

'However, although demand is strong, numerous stories in the media and from employer groups suggest that many employers are really struggling to hire at the moment.

'This will pose interesting questions for them as to how they attract the workforce they need, including looking at the wages they are offering and including a more compelling benefits package.'

Meanwhile, separate figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed unemployment fell 126,000 in the quarter to August to 1.5million, while employment rose 235,000 to 32.4million.

Wages enjoyed another steep rise, with average weekly earnings up 7.2 per cent with bonuses or 6 per cent without bonuses, in the three months to August.

The ONS revealed that UK gross domestic product grew by 0.4 per cent in August this year - remaining 0.8 per cent lower than it was before the coronavirus crisis

It said that services output grew by 0.3 per cent in August with output in consumer-facing services increasing by 1.2 per cent

But the ONS stressed that the earnings figures continue to be skewed by certain factors, with lower-paid jobs being hit hardest by the pandemic.

It also revealed that UK gross domestic product grew by 0.4 per cent in August this year - remaining 0.8 per cent lower than it was before the coronavirus crisis.

Economists said Britain's fuel crisis and widespread shortages may have contributed to growth 'coming to a near-standstill' since August.

Paul Dales, chief UK economist at research consultancy Capital Economics, warned the economy might flatline as a result of supply bottlenecks.

He added: 'Shortages may bite harder in the coming months.

'The recent broadening in shortages and the fuel crisis may mean that growth has come to a near-standstill since August.'

Director of Policy at the British Chamber of Commerce James Martin added: 'There remain very real difficulties under the overall numbers, with labour and skill gaps, rising cost pressures and an increasingly onerous tax burden showing that the Government needs to act now to improve business conditions.'
Tory MP David Davis has accused YouTube of censoring him after a video of a speech outlining concerns over vaccine passports was taken down from the site.

The former Brexit Secretary spoke at the Conservative Party Conference last week about his view that Covid certificates were 'illiberal' in that they demanded 'an ordinary British citizen produce our papers to do something which is normal in our daily lives.'

The 11-and-a-half-minute clip was initially uploaded by the campaign group Big Brother Watch, which had hosted the fringe event at which Mr Davis was speaking.

However, YouTube then removed footage of the speech, claiming it violated its policy on 'medical misinformation'.

In a notification email to Big Brother Watch, the platform said: 'YouTube doesn't allow claims about COVID-19 vaccinations that contradict expert consensus from local health authorities or the World Health Organization (WHO).'

Mr Davis slammed YouTube's claims regarding his speech as 'potentially libellous' and maintained that the speech was 'wholly accurate'.

A spokeswoman for Google, which owns YouTube, told MailOnline that 'sometimes we make the wrong call.'

Tory MP David Davis has accused YouTube of censoring him after a video of a speech outlining concerns over vaccine passports was taken down from the site

Big Brother Watch said it had never received such enforcement from any social media platform before and said it would mount an appeal against the decision.

The video was then reinstated earlier this week.

Mr Davis, MP for Haltemprice and Howden said: 'This is an outrageous attack on free speech.

'Throughout the pandemic, we have seen blatant attempts by Big Tech to silence opposition voices challenging the conventional wisdom. This episode serves as a further example of the worrying trend of strangling free speech.

'My speech at conference was carefully researched, wholly accurate and backed up with the latest scientific evidence.

'This Government will shortly be bringing forward the Online Safety Bill. This harmful piece of legislation is nothing but a censor's charter that only hands more power to these unaccountable Silicon Valley giants.

'The unambiguous attempt by YouTube to censor my speech is a warning. If YouTube is happy to attempt to silence elected Members of Parliament, then they are also happy to censor anyone uploading content to their services.

'The Government must stop the erosion of free speech online. That starts with looking again at the wholly inadequate proposals in the Online Safety Bill.'

David Davis furiously took to Twitter after the video was taken down. It has since been reinstated

Mark Johnson, Legal and Policy Officer at Big Brother Watch added: 'The removal of David Davis' brilliant speech at our civil liberties event is a serious act of censorship from a platform with a growing track record of clamping down on free speech.

'YouTube has become increasingly intolerant of discussion around the pandemic.

'If a Member of Parliament and a human rights group can be censored by YouTube, so can anyone.

'The Government is doing nothing to tackle online censorship but stands to make the problem worse with broad rules clamping down on lawful speech in its new Online Safety Bill.

'This ought to be a wakeup call to politicians that freedom of speech is under severe threat in the digital world.'

A spokeswoman for Google, which owns YouTube, said: 'The flagged video was briefly suspended but upon review was immediately reinstated.

'We quickly remove flagged content that violates our , including COVID-19 content that explicitly contradicts expert consensus from local health authorities or the World Health Organization.

'With millions of hours of videos uploaded on our site each day, sometimes we make the wrong call.'
The family of a slain Bernard College student Tessa Majors described their 'immeasurable pain' in court as the teen who pleaded guilty to his role in her vicious stabbing murder was sentenced.

The family submitted an emotional victim impact statement on behalf of Tessa's father Inman Majors as a judge sentenced 16-year-old Luchiano Lewis to nine years to life in Manhattan criminal court on Thursday.

The statement, read aloud by Assistant District Attorney Matthew Bogdanos as Majors openly wept in court, said 'the hopes and dreams of our daughter Tessa came to an end' on the day of her murder.

'Nearly two years later, we still find words inadequate to describe the immeasurable pain, trauma, and suffering that our family has endured since her senseless murder,' Tessa's father, an English professor at James Madison University, wrote.

'Tess was a brilliant student, a voracious reader, a poet and a fledgling journalist. She had big dreams.'

Luchiano Lewis, 16, (seen last month) was sentenced on Thursday in Manhattan criminal court for the murder of Barnard College student Tessa Majors

Lewis was sentenced to serve nine years to life in prison for his role in the slaying of Majors, who was stabbed to death during a botched robbery in Morningside Park

Tessa's father Inman Majorswalks into Manhattan Supreme Court for the sentencing of Luchiano Lewis on Thursday

Views of the crime scene in Morningside Park four days after Tessa Majors, a Barnard freshman, was murdered, as seen on December 15, 2019 in New York City

The heartbroken family described how hard it was to watch the world move on without their daughter.

'Our hearts ache as we watch Tessa's friends return to school, perform at concerts, start new jobs, and experience things our family never will,' the impact statement added. 'Murder shouldn't be normalized or rationalized.'

During Thursday's sentencing Justice Robert Mandelbaum slammed Lewis for his lack of remorse in the shocking case.

'The defendant has demonstrated in the year and a half since this incident this is not an aberration,' the judge said, according to WNBC-TV. 'The defendant has learned no lessons from his experience in this case.'

Lewis was charged as an adult despite being 14 at the time of the murder, and last month pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and first-degree robbery in a deal with prosecutors.

Lewis was also sentenced to 40 months to 12 years on the robbery count. It is unclear if the sentences will be served concurrently or consecutively.

He was one of three charged in the murder of Majors, who was stabbed multiple times during the botched mugging on December 11, 2019 in Morningside Park, which is near the Manhattan campuses of Barnard College and Columbia University.

The alleged knifeman Rashaun Weaver has pleaded not guilty and is also charged as an adult. The third boy present for Majors' killing pleaded guilty to robbery last June was sentenced to 18 months behind bars, the max for a juvenile.

In a statement during sentencing, Lewis said that he and his cronies went to Morningside Park looking for someone to rob. At first they tried to go after a man, but he was walking too fast for them to keep up.

When Majors walked by, she was looking down at her phone, and Lewis and Weaver ran up behind her, kicking her in the back and demanding she hand over her phone and money, according to Lewis.

Rashaun Weaver (left) is accused of fatally stabbing her and Luchiano Lewis (right) is accused of holding her back while he did it. They were both charged as adults and Weaver is awaiting trial while Lewis was charged with second-degree murder and robbery

Majors died following a stabbing on these steps in Morningside Park in December 2019

The murder occurred just steps from the Columbia campus, not far from Barnard

'Are you seriously trying to rob me?' Majors asked the trio, according to Lewis, who said that he stood by and watched, warning of potential witnesses, as Weaver wrestled the girl to the ground.

Lewis said that he knew Weaver had a knife and saw feathers flying from Majors' down jacket, but wasn't sure exactly when in the scuffle the stabbing occurred.

Lewis said he had not realized Majors was dead until the next day, according to the New York Post.

Lewis cooperated with Manhattan prosecutors against the main suspect, 16-year-old co-defendant Weaver, who is accused of stabbing Majors and faces the same counts as Lewis. Weaver pleaded not guilty and has not yet stood trial.

Prosecutors allege that Weaver, Lewis and Davis were looking to mug someone when they went to Morningside park, where they spotted Majors, on December 11th.

Majors yelled for help and attempted to fight off the three boys while Lewis allegedly held her in a headlock position.

Lewis maintains his stance on Weaver being the one who stabbed Majors after seeing feathers in her down coat fly into the air, according to court papers.

Majors collapsed on a flight of stairs at street level after she was stabbed. She was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Davis said he handed Weaver the knife used to kill Majors upon their arrival at the park, well before they noticed her, according to his videotaped confession.

Before his sentencing, he told the judge: 'I went into Morningside Park in Manhattan with Rashaun and Lucci.

'Are you seriously trying to rob me?' Majors asked the trio, according to Lewis, who said that he stood by and watched as an accomplice stabbed her

The charges come nearly two months after the gruesome slaying shocked New York City. Pictured: NYPD Scuba team searched Morningside Park for evidence involving the stabbing death of Tessa Majors in December 2019

'We went to the park planning to rob someone. In the park, one of my friends dropped a knife. I picked up the knife and handed it to Rashaun.'

In September of last year, police said Weaver allegedly confessed to the brutal murder in a wire-tapped phone conversation with his father Clifford Weaver, who was behind bars upstate at the time on a parole violation.

Weaver has also been charged for another indictment in a separate violent robbery that happened four days before Majors' death.

'The defendant stated in substance that he was in the park and tried to take the girl's phone and 'she was hanging onto her phone' and that he hit her with a knife,' court papers revealed, describing the conversation.

The elder Weaver has a long history of convictions on robbery and drug charges, and was incarcerated at Mohawk Correctional Facility at the time of the phone call.

Last September, a grand jury unsealed an indictment against Weaver in a separate violent robbery, which police say he committed while on the run from cops as a suspect in Majors' murder.

According to the indictment, Weaver and his associate Keith Bonds, 14, beat and robbed a man on Valentine's Day in East Harlem.

The alleged victim was lured to 65 East 112th Street with the offer to buy a cellphone from Bonds, but was instead viciously beaten and robbed, according to the indictment.

Weaver, wearing a black ski mask, distracted the victim by asking him if he had any weed, before Weaver, Bonds, and two unidentified accomplices jumped the man and robbed him of $130, his cellphone and his shoes, prosecutors say,

At the time, he had already been questioned by police in Majors' death but released without charges.

Weaver is being held without bail in a juvenile facility. He is next due in court on November 12 for a pre-trial conference.
The former partner of slain Chicago police officer Ella French was treated to a celebratory hero's welcome when he emerged on Thursday from a rehabilitation facility where he spent the last two months recovering from injuries sustained in the line of duty.

Carlos Yanez Jr., 39, was left partially paralyzed and lost an eye in the August 7 shooting during a routine traffic stop that killed 29-year-old French.

A large crowd of well-wishers, including family members, fellow police officers and medical personnel, showed up outside the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, a rehabilitation center in Chicago, to greet Yanez Jr. with cheers and applause.

Some people displayed homemade signs that read 'Carlos Strong' and featured photos of the officer, while others sported bracelets and T-shirts honoring Yanez Jr.

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Chicago police officer Carlos Yanez, Jr., 39, on Thursday left a rehabilitation facility in a wheelchair, two months after a deadly shooting that killed his partner, Ella French

Yanez Jr. was greeted with cheers and applause outside the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab

Yanez Jr. was greeted by a crowd of supporters. He waved and blew kisses at his well-wishers

While getting hugs from family and friends, Yanez Jr. was serenaded by a live mariachi band

Many supporters displayed homemade signs that read 'Carlos Strong'

The injured cop left the facility in a wheelchair, pressing his hand to his heart in an apparent gesture of gratitude, flashing the thumbs-up sign and blowing kisses to his many supporters as a live mariachi band and bagpipers serenaded him, CBS Chicago reported.

'All my family and friends, thank you for all the support,' he said.

Yanez Jr. singled out his colleagues who saved his life by rushing him to the hospital after the shooting, the medics who treated his injuries, and the rehabilitation facility staff who helped him recover.

'I feel like my heart is going to burst,' said Nora LaPorta, Yanez Jr.s aunt. 'He has so much positivity in him.'

On August 7, French (left) and Yanez Jr. (right) pulled over a car for expired plates when a passenger opened fire, killing the female officer and critically injuring her partner

Eric Morgan is pictured moments before the fatal shooting in police bodycam footage

Yanez Jr. survived after being shot multiple times, including once in the right eye

Yanez has a long road ahead on his path to recovery, with his aunt revealing that he still has a bullet lodged in his neck that doctors have been unable to remove.

The 39-year-old will continue his rehabilitation journey at an outpatient facility.

His father, Carlos Yanez Sr., said he will be staying at an 'undisclosed location' until a permanent home with wheelchair accessibility could be found for him.

A GoFundMe campaign that has been launched by Yanez Jr.'s sister has drawn more than $366,000 in donations as of Thursday.

On August 7, Yanez Jr. and French pulled over a vehicle for expired plates at 63rd Street and Bell Avenue when a passenger in the car opened fire, killing the female officer and critically injuring her partner.

The shooting suspect, 21-year-old Monty Morgan, was shot in the abdomen by a third officer. He has been arrested and is charged with first-degree murder of a peace officer and attempted murder.

Shooting suspect Monty Morgan, 21 (left), was charged with first-degree murder of a peace officer and attempted murder. His brother Eric Morgan, 22 (right), faces gun and obstruction of justice charges

His brother, 22-year-old Eric Morgan, whom prosecutors say was driving the vehicle, was also arrested. He faces gun charges and an obstruction of justice charge.

Both were being held in Cook County Jail without bail.

A third man accused of acting as a straw purchaser to buy the gun used in the shooting faces federal gun charges.

French's death was the first fatal shooting of a Chicago officer in the line of duty since 2018 and the first female officer fatally shot on the job in 33 years.
The furious parents of a 15-year-old high schooler are suing Loudon County in Virginia after their daughter was allegedly raped by a 'skirt-wearing male student' in a 'gender fluid' school bathroom.

Jess and Scott Smith allege that the district attempted to cover up the alleged assault. They claim that Superintendent Scott Ziegler alleged there was no record of the May 28 incident at Stonebridge High School in Leesburg, Virginia, despite Loudoun County Sheriff's office conducting a two-month long investigation into the allegations.

On June 22, Scott Smith was filmed exploding with anger about the assault at a school board meeting, and was later convicted over the disturbance. He only revealed the alleged sex attack that had sparked his fury earlier this week.

The alleged attacker, who has not been named, but is also 15 years-old, is further accused of carrying out another attack at Broad Run High School in Loudoun County on October 6, and is now in custody. Ziegler claims he wasn't aware of the attack at the time of the meeting that saw Scott Smith arrested.

The Smiths are suing under the provisions of Title IX of the United States' federal civil rights law  which prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational institutions.

'The sexual assault our daughter endured should never happen to any young girl, or any child, attending a public school,' the Smiths said in a press release about the suit that was obtained by Fox News.

Their lawyer, Brian Stanley, said his firm intends to 'protect the interests of their daughter at every turn' and 'will pursue federal Title IX actions against the local government and all officials who are responsible for allowing this harm' to come to the girl.

Scott Smith was arrested at a Loudoun County school board meeting on June 22 after his daughter, 15, was allegedly attacked by a boy in a dress

Scoot (left) and Jess Smith (right) are suing Loudon County under the provisions of Title X after their 15-year-old daughter was allegedly raped by a 'skirt-wearing male student' in a 'gender fluid' restroom at Stone Bridge High School in Leesburg, Virginia on May 28

'What happened to Mr. and Mrs. Smith and their daughter in Loudoun County is absolutely abhorrent and unacceptable,' Stanley said. 'It is a nightmare no family should have to endure, yet it has happened twice in Loudoun Schools in the same year by the same perpetrator. This is outrageous.'

The lawsuit comes after Smiths demanded the resignation of Loudoun County Schools Superintendent Scott Ziegler for what they say was a cover-up of the incident. They say they are not anti-gay, but do not approve of 'transgender kids' stuff'.

Loudoun County is home to one of the United States' wokest school boards, and has shot to notoriety this year as parents clash with board members over topics including critical race theory and gender identity.

Scott Smith's lawyers also plan to fight the 'wrongful and unconstitutional' charges filed against him after he was arrested and found guilty of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest at a June school board meeting where he confronted Ziegler.

The Smiths also allege an attempted cover-up, saying that Superintendent Scott Ziegler claimed 'we don't have any record of assaults occurring in our restrooms' even though the sheriff's Office was investigating the allegations (Pictured: Stone Bridge High School)

On June 22  four weeks after the Smiths' daughter told teachers she was raped in the girls' bathrooms at Stone Bridge High School  Ziegler, who earns $295,000 as the school superintendent, told a crowded school board meeting: 'To my knowledge, we don't have any record of assaults occurring in our restrooms.'

He then went further, calling it a debunked theory that a transgender person is more likely to sexually assault a cisgender (non-trans) person and that the 'predatory trans person does not exist'.

'I think it's important to keep our perspective on this, we've heard it several times tonight from our public speakers but the predator transgender student or person simply does not exist,' he said.

However, the Loudoun County Sheriff's office confirmed to Fox News this week that they had conducted a two-month investigation into the alleged sexual assault at the school.

'We can confirm a May 28, 2021 case that involved a thorough 2-month-long investigation that was conducted to determine the facts of the case prior to arrest,' the sheriff's office reportedly said.

'This case is still pending court proceedings. The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office is not able to provide any documents that pertain to a pending case.'

The male student, who was allowed into the bathroom because he told staff he identified as female, was arrested in July, a month after Smith's outburst at the school board meeting.

The boy allegedly went on to allegedly sexually assault another girl, at a different school, Broad Run High School, on October 6. Broad Run is also part of Loudoun County. Further details on the circumstances of that assault, including why he was at a different school, have not been made clear.

He is now in juvenile detention awaiting a court appearance on all charges, which include sexual battery and forcible sodomy.

The Smiths have also demanded a resignation from Ziegler, shown on June 22, telling a school board meeting that there had been no reports of sexual assaults involving transgender kids in bathrooms when one was reported on May 28

On Tuesday, furious parents and one 14-year-old student attended a meeting where they called for Ziegler's resignation.

'This is not China, this is the United States of America, and we will not be silenced.

'Remove the superintendent immediately and then resign for your negligence and duplicity. End this nightmare!' one mother fumed, according to videos obtained by Fox News.

'Your moral compasses are busted! You, Dr. Ziegler, and our school board  every one of you  are complicit in these crimes against our children because you did nothing about it, nothing.

'What is worse than a child being raped at school? The coverup by those who are trusted with the safety and well-being of children.

'Today, Scott Ziegler must resign for the unconscionable act of allowing an alleged rapist back into school to rape again, and for that coverup,' said another.

'I am 14 years old, the fact that I have to be here defending my rights to not have your radical agenda shoved down my throat in school is not only concerning, it's upsetting.

'My peers and I are not tools to further your political agenda,' said Katie Young, the 14-year-old student.

'We warned you about policies that you were putting into place that would be a danger to our students, and we've seen that happen.

Parents on Tuesday called for Ziegler's resignation at a school board meeting. More than 60 irate parents and one student attended the meeting

14-year-old Katie Young also spoke at the meeting. She said: 'I am 14 years old, the fact that I have to be here defending my rights to not have your radical agenda shoved down my throat in school is not only concerning, it's upsetting.'

Ziegler took the job in Loudoun County in January after working in HR for years. He is paid $295,000 a year

'When is enough enough? When are you going to change the policies to keep our children safe?' a father said.

His alleged behavior is exactly the type that parents said they were worried about at the June 22 meeting. They argued against the proposed rule that all kids could choose what bathroom to use.

'Criminal investigations of Timothy Flynn, Scott Ziegler, and Brenda Sheridan seem warranted for covering up the anal rape of a 9th grader and intimidating the victim's father,' tweeted one person.

A spokesman for the school board told DailyMail.com on Wednesday morning that he was unaware of the allegations - even though the school reported them to police - because the police were still investigating.

They would not comment on whether or not he plans to resign, nor would the school board comment on the incidents.

'Members of the Loudoun County School Board were not aware of the specific details of this incident until it was reported in media outlets earlier this week.

'We are unable to locate any records that indicate that Scott Smith had registered in advance to speak at the June 22, 2021 board meeting,' the spokesman said, citing privacy laws as reason for not giving more details.

The rape allegations were first revealed on Tuesday by The Daily Wire. Loudoun County's Sheriff's Office later corroborated them with DailyMail.com.

Smith told The Daily Wire that his daughter was raped on May 28 but that the school did nothing, choosing instead to handle it 'internally'.

The woke school board has been pushing a liberal agenda throughout the year, to the horror of many of the parents and teachers in the community.

The school didn't tell the police what had happened to the girl, but they reported Smith to the authorities for making a scene.

Smith was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct after the June 22 meeting where Ziegler allegedly lied. He said he was trying to contain himself after listening to school board staff say they'd never had a report of a sexual assault in a bathroom, when that is what his daughter reported weeks earlier

He and his daughter then went to the cops themselves.

At the June 22 meeting, Smith said he wanted to tell the room of angry parents and teachers that Ziegler was lying, and that the very type of assault they said they feared had happened to his daughter.

Before he could, he was taken out of the room by sheriff's deputies.

The 48-year-old plumber was ridiculed on social media afterwards and was painted by the left to be a deranged, right-wing bigot.

'It has been so hard to keep my mouth shut and wait this out. It has been the most powerless thing I've ever been through,' he said in his interview with The Daily Wire.

Smith says he couldn't contain himself after watching Loudoun County staff lie about never receiving a report of an incident in a bathroom. Board chair Brenda Sheridan is pictured

He appeared on The Ingraham Angle on Fox News on Tuesday to explain that he spoke out after learning the same boy had been arrested again for allegedly assaulting a different girl.

'Within half an hour, it was confirmed that yes, this did happen. I basically said that's it. I won't stay quiet anymore.'

A spokesman for Ziegler told Fox yesterday that 'as soon as' the incident happened in May, police were notified and the school is 'cooperating'.

Smith says the school 'washed its hands of it'.

The school board has not yet responded to the demands for Ziegler to resign, or for his deputies to resign.

He assumed the role of superintendent in June this year after informally taking over in January following the resignation of Eric Williams.

Williams left the area to go and work in Houston, Texas, as tensions in Loudoun County reached boiling point.

The liberal school board embraced Ziegler, a former teacher and chaplain who only started working in the county in 2019.

Williams never released an explanation for his departure.

Smith and his wife say their legal costs are mounting with the combined cases. A GoFundMe page that was set up to help them has raised more than $17,000.
Federal and local authorities involved in the Florida search for Brian Laundrie will be aided by the services of a cadaver dog as the whereabouts of Gabby Petitos fiance remain a mystery.

FBI and local search and rescue teams have been combing a swampy, alligator-infested region near the Laundrie familys home in North Port, Florida in hopes of finding Laundrie.

Now they will be helped by K9 Diesel, a cadaver dog provided to them by the Pasco County Sheriffs Office, whose headquarters sit about a 90-minute drive from the search, according to Fox 13 TV.

A spokesperson for the sheriffs office said that the agency is the only one with a dog trained to sniff out human remains.

K9 Diesel is a three-year-old Labrador Retriever who is certified in human remains detection. He began working for PCSO in July 2019.

K9 Diesel, a cadaver dog provided by the Pasco County Sheriffs Office, will aid in the search for Brian Laundrie

FBI and local search and rescue teams have been combing a swampy, alligator-infested region near the Laundrie familys home in North Port, Florida in hopes of finding Laundrie (seen left with slain fiancee Gabby Petito)

K9 Diesel is a three-year-old Labrador Retriever who is certified in human remains detection. He began working for PCSO in July 2019

The image above shows K9 Diesel joining in the search at the Carlton Reserve on Thursday

K9 Diesel is the only K9 integrated with PSOs Forensics Unit full time and is one of the only forensics-integrated K9s in the country.

That means that whatever K9 Diesel finds is preserved immediately since there is no need to wait for a forensics team to arrive at the scene to process evidence.

Meanwhile, several law enforcement vehicles were spotted at one of the entrances to Carlton Reserve on Thursday.

It was the first time this week that activity was seen there, according to WFLA-TV.

Two units from PCSO were among the law enforcement agencies seen at the reserve on Thursday. PCSO sent two K9 units to the area at the request of the FBI and the North Port Police Department as well as the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.

'We have sent the HRD (human remains detection) K9s a few times and patrol K9s (who are also trained to track those who are missing) a few times,' a PCSO spokesperson told WFLA-TV.

'For more insight, were one of the only law enforcement agencies in Florida that have HRD K9s in house, so were often requested to assist in that aspect across the state.'

Wednesday marked one month since Laundrie's parents told authorities that they last saw their son alive. Laundrie was reported missing on September 17.

According to the parents, Laundrie went for a hike in the Carlton Reserve area on September 14.

Meanwhile, several law enforcement vehicles were spotted at one of the entrances to Carlton Reserve on Thursday

The day before he went missing, law enforcement officials said they considered him to be a person of interest in the disappearance of Gabby Petito.

A Wyoming coroner announced on Tuesday that Petito, the 'van life' girl who traveled with Laundrie on a cross-country trip that they documented on social media, died after she was strangled.

Petito, 22, died three to four weeks before her body was found September 19 near an undeveloped camping area along the border of Grand Teton National Park in remote northern Wyoming, Teton County Coroner Dr. Brent Blue said in a news conference.

Blue declined to say more about the autopsy or the case overall, saying he was prevented by Wyoming law that limits what coroners can release.

Petito had been on a cross-country trip with Laundrie, visiting Colorado, Utah and other states. She was reported missing September 11 by her parents after she did not respond to calls and texts for several days while the couple visited national parks in the West.

Blue previously classified Petitos death as a homicide  meaning her death was caused by another person  but had not disclosed how she was killed pending further autopsy results.

A 'detailed analysis' led to his conclusion Petito was strangled, Blue said.

'Nothing is obvious in a case like this,' he said.

Blue said little more about Petito's physical condition - including whether she may have been strangled directly by somebody's hands, a rope or some other item - but noted when asked that she wasn't pregnant.

The three to four weeks her body was believed to be in the wilderness, however, put her death around the August 27-30 period investigators believe Petito and Laundrie had traveled to the area.

Petito's case has led to renewed calls for people to pay greater attention to cases involving missing Indigenous women and other people of color, with some commentators describing the intense coverage of her disappearance as 'missing white woman syndrome.'

Wednesday marked one month since Laundrie's parents told authorities that they last saw their son alive. Laundrie was reported missing on September 17

The search for Laundrie has generated a frenzy, with TV personalities like Duane Chapman - known as Dog the Bounty Hunter - and longtime America's Most Wanted host John Walsh working to track him down.

Petito and Laundrie posted online about their trip in a white Ford Transit van converted into a camper.

They got into a physical altercation on August 12 in Moab, Utah, that led to a police stop, which ended with police deciding to separate the quarreling couple for the night.

No charges were filed, and no serious injuries were reported.

Investigators have searched for Laundrie in Florida and also searched his parents' home in North Port, about 35 miles south of Sarasota.

Federal officials in Wyoming last month charged Laundrie with unauthorized use of a debit card, alleging he used a Capital One Bank card and someones personal identification number to make unauthorized withdrawals or charges worth more than $1,000 during the period in which Petito went missing.

They did not say to whom the card belonged.

Asked about the coroner's determination, the attorney for the Laundrie family, Steven Bertolino, in a statement noted his client only faces the fraud charge in the case.

'At this time Brian is still missing and when he is located we will address the fraud charge pending against him,' Bertolino said.
Southwest Airlines president is continuing to blame the air carriers mass cancellations on bad weather and air traffic constraints.

Mike Van de Ven, also the companys chief operating officer, said the logistical nightmare began to unravel last Friday when Southwests Florida operations were halted.

Fridays troubles snowballed into Saturdays operations, he said, and continued to cascade as employees scrambled to play catch up.

Irate passengers were forced to spend the long weekend sleeping on airport floors and waiting on hold for hours after the Dallas-based airline cancelled more than 2,300 flights.

Weather and air traffic constraints were not an issue beyond Friday, but it took us several days to re-set our network after the initial challenges, Van de Ven said in a statement.

A passenger at Orlando International Airport shared a picture of four children sleeping on the floor due to flight cancellations

Southwest Airlines cancelled more than 2,300 flights throughout the holiday weekend

The airline cited 'distributive weather' as another contributing factor.

The executives reasoning for cancelling thousands of flights from October 8 through October 12 contradicts speculation that Southwests pilots participated in a weekend strike to boycott the companys vaccine mandate.

Despite widespread rumors and speculation, the weekend challenges were not a result of unusual Southwest employee activity, and there simply is nothing in our data that indicates that particular reason, Van de Ven said.

Southwest's 'linear' route system unique among large US carriers The above image is a map showing Southwest destinations Southwest is rare among the large airlines in that it uses the old-fashioned, point-to-point 'linear' route system that hauls people short distances with few connecting flights. Other large airlines use the 'hub-and-spoke' network in which companies rely on a central airport - or 'hub' - through which flights are routed. The 'spokes' are the routes that the planes take from the hub airport. Most US airlines have at least one central airport that their flights go through in order to take passengers to select destinations, or 'spoke' routes. This allows the airline to cut costs by eliminating flights to non-popular destinations while ensuring flights to economically viable cities in their region are filled up. After the federal government deregulated the airlines in 1978, most of the large carriers switched to a 'hub-and-spoke' network in order to cut down on half-empty flights between small markets that didn't generate demand from travelers. Delta Air Lines uses the 'hub-and-spoke' model. The Atlanta-based airline has its hub at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport. If a passenger wants to fly from Charleston, South Carolina, to Memphis, Tennessee, they would in all likelihood need to fly to Atlanta and then catch a connecting flight to Memphis. That's because there isn't much demand for direct, nonstop Charleston-to-Memphis flights, so it would make more economic sense for the airline to operate its flights through its 'hub'. Advertisement

Our employees worked heroically in the midst of these adverse conditions and many came in on off days, or flew additional trips, to help the airline recover.

Many passengers said they found it peculiar that other major air carriers werent brought down by the so-called weather and air traffic control problems.

Southwest is rare among large airlines in that it uses the old-fashioned, point-to-point 'linear' route system that takes people short distances with few connecting flights. The airline offers very few non-stop flights on longer routes. The system leaves crews and aircraft in many different areas, making it harder to recover from any delay.

Im sure you are curious as to why Fridays challenges impacted Southwest more than other airlines, Van de Ven said. For starters, flying to and from Florida is a large portion of our schedule, and disruptions to Florida quickly spread throughout our network given our point-to-point flying.

He said 40- to 50percent of Southwests plans travel to Florida daily, added that one-in-four crew assignments include at least one stop in The Sunshine State.

One of our largest crew bases is at Orlando International Airport, and that airport was shut to departing and arriving air traffic for approximately seven hours on Fridaypreventing the flow of aircraft and crews into the network, Van de Ven said.

As the airline continues to do damage control, its sending out vouchers at varying amounts to affected passengers.

But some disgruntled passengers are refusing the certificates.

I do not want $150 voucher, said one Twitter user. I want to be reimbursed full airfare and my non-refundable hotel expenses that went unused because of Southwests blunders and my unused park tickets for Magic Kingdom and Universal also non refundable.

$150 travel voucher is a joke.

Added another: Southwest is killing me gave me vouchers but I just want my money back.

Southwests president said the companys focus is now on hiring more people.

Its goal is to hire more than 5,000 employees by the end of the year, said Van de Ven.

Additionally, we continue to evaluate potential network schedule changes to mitigate operational risks as we head into the holidays, he said.

There is certainly more work to be done as we approach November, and our teams are dedicated to doing that work to support a reliable operation.

Southwest has been hampered by staffing shortages as demand for travel has ramped up more than anticipated following the lockdowns.

Southwest president and COO Mike Van de Ven maintains the cancellations were caused by bad weather and traffic control constraints. He denied reports of a vaccine mandate strike

Van de Ven said it took the company days to recover from Friday's initial setback

According to government statistics, the airline employed 62,000 workers pre-COVID - eight thousand more than the 54,000 employees who worked there as of August 2021.

The head of Southwest's pilots union, Capt. Casey Murray, blamed the company's management for the snafu and denied that pilots were calling out sick en masse to protest the vaccine mandate.

Murray told CBS News that the pilot sick rate was 'right in line with what was occurring this summer.'
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NYPD cop Yvonne Wu has been charged with murder and attempted murder for allegedly shooting her ex-girlfriend and killing her new lover after lying in wait at their home in Brooklyn.

Wu, 31, and Jenny Li, 23, had split up a month ago, but the cop was unable to get over it, friends say.

Li's new girlfriend, Jamie Liang, 24, was shot dead by Wu after arriving home with Li at Li's Bensonhurst apartment.

The officer was at NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn on Thursday night, and is under psychiatric evaluation, and has now been charged with murder according to the New York Post.

Liang's friends released pictures of her on Thursday afternoon as they tried to raise money for her family.

Li and Wu dated for two years but broke up last month in ugly circumstances. Friends say the cop, who was eight years older than her ex-girlfriend, was jealous and possessive.

Wu opened fire on the pair, shooting Liang multiple times and Li in the torso. Li survived and is in the hospital but Liang died Wednesday night.

On Thursday, her devastated family in Staten Island declined to speak.

Friends are now saying the shooting was preventable and that Wu was already gotten into an altercation with the two women weeks before the shoot, friends revealed on Thursday.

Li, Wu's ex-girlfriend, didn't report the altercation to the NYPD's Internal Affairs Bureau because she thought she could 'handle it on her own,' her friend reported to the Daily News.

'It should have been prevented,' he told the Daily News. 'The cop was already stalking them...[Jenny] didn't want the police involved. She wanted to handle it on her own. She thought she could handle it.'

Liang allegedly wanted Li to report the altercation to the Bureau, but Li talked her out of it, a friend of Liang's reported.

Wu reportedly told police she wanted to kill herself following the shooting, but was reported by neighbors to have appeared calm. She was taken to NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn for a mental health evaluation.

'[Wu] was never a good person,' the friend told the Daily News. 'She went to these great lengths to get in-between Jamie and Jenny.

VICTIM: Jamie Liang, 24 (pictured), was collateral damage in the messy breakup between cop Yvonne Wu, 31, and Jenny Li, 23

Friends set up a GoFundMe for Liang's family on Thursday and shared kind words about her.

'Our beloved friend, Jamie Liang, was taken away from us on October 13, 2021. She was a victim in a Brooklyn homicide case. We are raising funds to help her parents and family with the funeral arrangements.

'Jamie was a 24year-old dental student at NYU who had a bright future ahead of her. She was loved by so many and filled every room with her kindness and lively spirit. We live to honor all the joy that she brought to the lives of her family and friends,' the page says.

Liang was believed to have been studying dentistry. She was due to graduate in 2024.

The page seeks to raise $20,000 to pay for Liang's funeral. By 5pm Thursday, more than $7,000 had been raised.

Liang (pictured) was shot dead by Wu after arriving home with Li at Li's Bensonhurst apartment. Li and Wu dated for two years but broke up last month in ugly circumstances. Friends say the cop, who was eight years older than her girlfriend, was jealous and possessive

KILLER COP: NYPD cop Yvonne Wu, 31, (shown above, left, in her department photo, and right) opened fire at her ex-girlfriend, Jenny Li, 23, and Li's new girlfriend, Jamie Liang, 24, at Li's home in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, on Wednesday night. Liang died in the hospital an hour later

Yvonne Wu is shown being arrested on Wednesday night after shooting dead her ex-girlfriend's new lover, and injuring the girlfriend

One of the victims is wheeled away from the scene on a gurney. It's unclear which woman is shown. Jenny Li is still in the hospital, in a good condition. Jamie Liang was pronounced dead in hospital 50 minutes after arriving

Wu - who has been a cop for five years and works out of the 72nd Precinct just four miles away - opened fire, shooting Liang in the chest and Li in the torso. Liang died in the hospital 50 minutes later. Li survived and is still in the hospital but is in a good condition.

Video shows the moment Wu was frisked by a patrol car before being taken away in handcuffs.

The New York Attorney General's Office told DailyMail.com it was reviewing the case.

Because it involves a cop shooting a civilian, the case is automatically referred to the AG's office.

Friends of the younger women say Li and Wu were in a romantic relationship for two years until last month. One friend said they broke up because Wu was a 'jealous psychopath.' They say she stalked Li and refused to give back her key to the apartment after they broke up.

One NYPD source told the New York Post that she was still spending the night at Li's home and was hopeful that they would get back together.

'She was still staying there on and off. She was still staying there some nights. It's not that strange, maybe she thought it could still work out,' the source told the paper.

Emergency operators who picked up a frantic 911 call from one of the victims heard the shooter yell in the background: 'I told you not to mess with me...this is what you get!'

After shooting the two younger women, Wu walked outside the apartment and waited for cops to arrive.

She told one officer: 'I shot them both. The gun's inside,' according to a source.

Witness Valerie Wares said she saw police giving CPR to one of the victims and said Wu looked very calm after the shooting.

She told CBS Local that Wu was already outside the home when police arrived and confessed immediately.

'In her NYPD jacket, which was curious,' she said. 'It was so strange. She was so peaceful and calm.'

The shooter had worked Tuesday night and was due to head back to the office on Wednesday evening.

The New York Daily News reported that Wu on Wednesday was sitting on her ex-girlfriend's bed waiting for them to return.

Wu's 23-year-old girlfriend was found in the living room, shot in the torso; she is expected to survive.

Liang was found lying in the bedroom, having been shot in the chest 'possibly more than once.' She died from her injuries.

'It was a lot...it was a sight to be seen. I've never seen anything like this in my neighborhood before,' Pat Santi, who has lived in the neighborhood for more than 50 years, said.

This is the moment Wu was cuffed and taken in a police car to the hospital to undergo evaluation. She remained there as of Thursday morning

This was the chaotic scene outside the house in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, after the shooting Wednesday at 5 p.m. Wu is seen beside the open police car door

Medics are seen wheeling one of the victims away from the scene on a gurney. One neighbor told DailyMail.com the woman was 'green'

There was still a large police presence at the home in Bensonhurst on Thursday afternoon

Detectives were seen speaking to neighbors and retrieving evidence which they placed in large paper bags

An NYPD detective retrieves bags from officer Yvonne Wu's car on Thursday, a day after the shooting

Detectives collecting evidence, including from Officer Yvonne Wu's car on Thursday. She is yet to be charged

Much of the neighborhood remained cordoned off throughout Thursday. Neighbors said they had never seen anything like it

NYPD detectives are investigating whether or not Wu used her service weapon to carry out the shootings.

NYPD Assistant Chief Michael Kemper said it was unclear whether she used her service weapon, but there was 'a very good chance it is.'

'The motive is believed to be domestic in nature,' Kemper said Wednesday night, adding that the officer had no known disciplinary problems.

At the scene on Wednesday night, Kemper told reporters it was a 'domestic' situation, and that Wu and Li had been romantically involved.

Li had recently moved into an apartment in this building in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn

Friends of the two younger girls told The New York Daily News that Wu had been stalking Li ever since they broke up a month ago, and that she was a 'psychopath'.

It's unclear how Wu and Li came to know each other, but public records indicate Wu was living in a home eight blocks away from Li's family until recently. Records show she might now live in Staten Island.

NYPD sources tell DailyMail.com that Wu was a high performer in the force and rated as 'exceeding expectations' in her recent evaluations. She has made about 60 arrests throughout her five-year career.

The double shooting 'came out of left field.' one source said.

Neighbors described a scene of 'absolute pandemonium' to DailyMail.com on Thursday morning.

'It was pandemonium. Chaos. Two bodies being brought out on stretchers...one having compressions on her chest.

'She was green, the woman that was having compressions on her chest was green.

'We saw a lot of cops, detectives...the police officer being brought out.

'She was very calm which kind of was surreal in a way, to be so calm.

'I can assume she was in shock after she just shot two people.'

NYPD sources said Wu was an exemplary officer who was regularly lauded for her good work

Kemper, from the Brooklyn South patrol district, refused to name Wu the night of the shooting but said that she handed herself in when police arrived at the house and was 'calm and collected and very forthcoming.'

'It was pandemonium. Chaos. Two bodies being brought out on stretchers... one having compressions on her chest. 'She was green, the woman that was having compressions on her chest was green

'Simply put, she confessed. That's all I'm going to say,' Kemper added.

The incident happened at about 5pm on Wednesday, Kemper said, after Li and Liang arrived home.

'We believe the cop was inside the residence before the other two females came home,' the chief said.

One of the dead woman's friends told The Daily News that Li and Wu lived together in Bay Ridge until about a month ago, when they broke up.

Police are seen outside the Bensonhurst home where Jenny Li lived, and where Yvonne Wu shot her and her new girlfriend, Jamie Liang

The area around the home where Li lived was cordoned off on Wednesday evening

Wu and Li had been together for around two years and broke up about a month ago, according to a friend of Liang's. Li lived in the Bensonhurst home where she returned on Wednesday evening to find Wu awaiting them

A large police presence was seen on Wednesday afternoon outside the house in Bensonhurst

Both victims were taken to Maimonides Hospital.

The off-duty officer was in custody, Kemper said, and the case is being treated as a homicide.

The incident is the latest example of NYPD cops going rogue.

Yesterday, it also emerged that two male officers from a precinct in Queens had been ferrying prostitutes around in their patrol cars in exchange for thousands of dollars.

Officers Thomas Diorio and Michael Sardone were dropped from the force after bosses found out about the payments.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the administration wasn't worried about turning over former President Donald Trump's January 6 documents because of the 'uniqueness' of the situation.

'I can assure you Ed, that this president has no intention to lead an insurrection on this nation's capitol,' she told CBS News' Ed O'Keefe during Thursday's briefing, after he asked if there were fears that the next Republican president could release Biden's documents.

O'Keefe asked if there were any concerns that the Biden administration may be opening 'Pandora's box' after the White House told the National Archives it wasn't asserting executive privilege over Trump-era documents requested by the House select committee that is probing January 6.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the administration wasn't worried about turning over former President Donald Trump's January 6 documents because of the 'uniqueness' of the situation

'Actually, we don't see it that way,' Psaki responded.

'I think it is ultimately important for people to understand and remember that January 6 was an incredibly dark day, one of the darkest days in our democracy,' the press secretary continued. 'There was an insurrection on our nation's capitol.'

'What we're talking about here is getting to the bottom of that. Shouldn't everybody want to get to the bottom of that?' Psaki asked. 'Democrats, Republicans, people who have no political affiliation whatsoever,' she went on.

Psaki added that the administration would be reviewing the documents, and any efforts to assert executive privilege would be looked at on a 'case by case basis.'

'But I think if you look back at past presidents, Democratic and Republican, there isn't really a precedent for what we're talking about with the select committee, and what they're trying to get to the bottom of, and the uniqueness of that I think is important context,' Psaki said.

President Joe Biden's White House told the National Archives it wasn't asserting executive privilege over Trump-era documents requested by the House select committee that is probing January 6

Earlier in the briefing, Psaki had brought up the Capitol attack as she previewed Biden's speech Saturday at the 40th Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service.

The National Fraternal Order of Police and the National Auxiliary are honoring 491 officers who lost their lives in the line of duty during 2019 and 2020.

'It's particularly poignant that this memorial is being held at the U.S. Capitol where nine months ago we saw the incredible bravery of the members of the U.S. Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police and other law enforcement agencies who helped protect the Consitution,' Psaki said. 'And what the president called the citadal of our democracy on one of the darkest days in our modern history.'

'We also recognize the important role law enforcement has played on the front lines of the pandemic and the spike in gun crime over the last year and a half,' the press secretary added.
Lord Frost will tell the EU it needs to go further to resolve a clash over Northern Ireland as Brexit negotiations resume in Brussels.

British officials warned last night that the two sides are still not on the same page as they begin talks.

The Brexit minister will push his EU counterpart Maros Sefcovic to axe the oversight of European judges in Northern Ireland.

At a lunch at the European Commissions Berlaymont headquarters the pair will agree a timetable for what are expected to be three to four weeks of intensive talks.

One possible compromise would see the role of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in Northern Ireland restricted.

Lord Frost (pictured on Thursday) will tell the EU it needs to go further to resolve a clash over Northern Ireland as Brexit negotiations resume in Brussels

The Brexit minister will push his EU counterpart Maros Sefcovic (above, at the EU headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday) to axe the oversight of European judges in Northern Ireland

...as Theresas adviser hails tough-talk tactic Theresa Mays former Brexit adviser has said EU concessions show an aggressive strategy is the only one that works with Brussels. In a major climbdown, the European Commission has offered to scrap most checks on British goods crossing to Northern Ireland. The compromise comes after Boris Johnson threatened to take the nuclear option of suspending parts of the Brexit deal. Raoul Ruparel tweeted that the EUs plans were definitely enough to start a negotiation over the coming weeks, adding: This will only further ingrain the view that the UKs aggressive strategy is the only one that works with the EU... Advertisement

Disputes would be referred to an independent arbitration panel. The ECJ would be involved as a last resort only if this failed to resolve the matter.

But British government sources last night dampened expectations on whether such a solution would be acceptable.

And Health Secretary Sajid Javid signalled the Government would continue to take a tough stance as he insisted ministers have been clear that one of the most important issues is to end the role of the ECJ in Northern Ireland.

Irish premier Micheal Martin yesterday said the EU has made very significant advances to resolve issues surrounding the Brexit deal.

In proposals published earlier this week, the European Commission offered to slash 80 per cent of regulatory checks and dramatically cut customs processes on British goods moving to Northern Ireland.

But DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson yesterday told Mr Sefcovic that proposed changes to the Northern Ireland Protocol fall short of what is needed.

Meanwhile, ferret wars replaced sausage skirmishes as the latest unlikely Brexit battleground, so named due to a dispute over the free movement of pets across the Irish Sea.

The EUs latest concession on border checks does not cover cats, dogs or indeed ferrets  but Lord Frost wants British pets to move freely. Tory MP Andrew Bridgen told The Daily Telegraph: I would call this a ferret blockade. It is about time the EU performed a reverse ferret.

A UK government spokesman last night said despite the concessions made by Brussels it is clear there is still a substantial gap between our two positions.

It came as French fishermen repeated threats to blockade the Channel  after the UK refused to issue permits for 35 trawlers to fish between six and 12 miles off the UK coast, where they could operate before Brexit.
The Treasury department defended an IRS proposal generating widespread pushback to track data on accounts with over $600 in flow, arguing that congressional dialogue on it has been marred by 'misinformation.'

'Opponents have elevated the pernicious myth that banks will have to report all individual customers transactions to the IRS,' Natasha Sarin, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Policy, wrote in a blog post on the Treasury website.

Instead, banks would hand over the aggregate inflow and outflow of an account.

'Banks would add just a bit of additional data to information that they already supply to taxpayers and the IRS: how much money went into the account over the course of the year, and how much came out,' she said.

'Opponents have elevated the pernicious myth that banks will have to report all individual customers transactions to the IRS,' Natasha Sarin, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Policy, wrote

Republicans have said that the proposal amounts to the Biden administration peering into Americans' everyday purchases.

Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., asked Treasury Sec. Janet Yellen last month: 'Do you distrust the American people so much that you need to know when they bought a couch? Or a cow?'

'I want to be able to tell cowboys in Wyoming that if they make a payment on their pickup truck or buy a saddle for their horse, they're not going to have an IRS agent along for the ride,' Wyoming Republican Sen. John Barrasso said last week.

IRS chief Charles Rettig has said the US is missing out on $1 trillion in unpaid taxes every year.

Sarin claimed that audit rates would not rise for anyone making less than $400,000 'relative to recent years.'

'The financial reporting proposals under consideration do not include any information about specific transactions or what taxpayers buy,' Sarin continued. 'The IRS will receive no information whatsoever, and will have no ability whatsoever, to track specific transactions under this proposal.'

Community bankers are sounding the alarm on the tax proposal that would require banks to hand over transaction data on accounts with over $600 net inflow and outflow.

In an effort to drum up cash to pay for a portion of the $3.5 trillion Build Back Better plan, Democrats proposed requiring banks to hand over the aggregate inflow and outflow of transactions on virtually all accounts - checking, savings, loans, investments - to the IRS, leading account owners to flood their local institutions with calls expressing privacy concerns.

Paul Merski, executive vice president of congressional relations and strategy for the Independent Community Bankers Association, told DailyMail.com that the proposal could cause the amount of unbanked or underbanked in the US to take a nosedive.

'Many of the unbanked are recently from other countries where they may have escaped a dictatorship-type government and don't trust government for good reason and this would scare more people out of the banking system,' he said.

'We're afraid all that info going to IRS is an invasion of privacy,' Merski said. 'This is info that the IRS couldnt demand from individuals themselves so they're using third parties, using banks as kind of the police force for the IRS.'

More than two-thirds of voters oppose the proposal and only 22% support it, according to an ICBA-Morning Consult poll.

The banking industry has mounted a campaign against the proposal due to the immense cost burden it would impost on community banks.

But Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen insisted on Tuesday that there was a lot of unwarranted panic.

'Does this mean that the government is trying to peek into our pocket books?' CBS' Norah O'Donnell asked Yellen in an interview. 'You want to look at $600 transactions?'

Yellen replied: 'Absolutely not.

'I think this proposal has been seriously mischaracterized. The proposal involves no reporting of individual transactions of any individual.'

'I think this proposal has been seriously mischaracterized. The proposal involves no reporting of individual transactions of any individual,' Treasury Sec Janet Yellen said

Community bankers are sounding the alarm on the tax proposal that would require banks to hand over transaction data on accounts with over $600 net inflow and outflow

The proposal, instead would allow the IRS to see how much money had flowed into an account and how much flowed out, and such info would trigger an audit if the IRS deemed it suspicious

The proposal, instead would allow the IRS to see how much money had flowed into an account and how much flowed out, and such info would trigger an audit if the IRS deemed it suspicious.

Yellen insisted that the move was designed to reduce under-reporting of income by wealthy individuals, in a bid to avoid tax.

'The big picture is, look, we have a tax gap that over the next decade is estimated at $7 trillion,' she said.

'Namely, a shortfall in the amount the IRS is collecting due to a failure of individuals to report the income that they have earned.'

But Merski said the proposal would affect everyone.

'This is a broad dragnet profiling everyone's accounts not at all targeted to millionaires the wealthy,' he said.

'It's a blanket reporting requirement on virtually everyones account so its going to cause the IRS to have a lot of false positives and false audits of people just on their account flows. It's going to trip up more people with their taxes because of all this data being dumped into the IRS,' Merski said.

Lawmakers are discussing required disclosure level to $10,000 rather than $600, but Merski said this amounts to little change since many accounts have that much flowing through them between mortgages, bills and paychecks.

He argued that the IRS will not be able to process the data. 'They already have a hard time now processing tax returns,' Merski said, noting the 35 million backlog of unprocessed tax returns.

'This blanket profiling of individuals is not going to lead to any productive use at the IRS,' Merski added. 'The IRS already gets massive amounts of information.

Banks already hand over information on transactions over $10,000 and any that they deem to be suspicious, to prevent money laundering. They also hand over data on interest that customer accounts accrue. 'If theyre not successfully catching the tax cheats with this, this is just assuming that everyone is a tax cheat,' Merski said.

He said that the IRS already has a poor track record of keeping taxpayers' data private and safe.

GOP states West Virginia, Arkansas, Nebraska and Missouri have already told DailyMail.com they will not defy the proposal.

This crackdown on unreported income is expected to generate $463 billion over the next decade, according to the Office of Tax Analysis.
Carroll Superintendent Lane Ledbetter apologized after teachers were told to offer opposing views of the Holocaust

A Texas school district superintendent apologized after an administrator was recorded suggesting that teachers should offer students access to an 'opposing' perspective when teaching the Holocaust, in order to comply with the state's new laws banning critical race theory.

On Thursday night, Carroll Independent School District (ISD) superintendent Lane Ledbetter issued an apology 'I express my sincere apology regarding the online article and news story released today.'

He apologized after a school administrator was recorded saying that teachers needed to offer opposing views to lessons, specifically naming the Holocaust.

'During the conversations with teachers during last week's meeting, the comments made were in no way to convey that the Holocaust was anything less than a terrible event in history. Additionally, we recognize there are not two sides of the Holocaust,' the statement from Ledbetter read.

'As we continue to work through implementation of HB 3979, we also understand this bill does not require an opposing viewpoint on historical facts. As a district we will work to add clarity to our expectations for teachers and once again apologize for any hurt or confusion this has caused.'

The secret recording by a staff member captured Carroll ISD Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Gina Peddy. Carroll is located in the suburbs of the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

An administrator at a Texas school district, Carroll Independent School District Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Gina Peddy, responding to new laws banning critical race theory, was heard on tape suggesting that teachers should now offer students access to an 'opposing' perspective when teaching the Holocaust

A school administrator in Southlake, Texas, advised teachers last week that if they have a book about the Holocaust in their classroom, they should also have a book with an "opposing" perspective.



Listen to the audio recording obtained by @NBCNews: https://t.co/uoUrfYzPjs pic.twitter.com/ztOzPr8ovO  NBC News (@NBCNews) October 15, 2021

An email sent a rubric asking Carroll ISD teachers to grade books based on whether they provide multiple perspectives and to set aside any that present one-sided narratives that may be considered offensive

The session was just four days after the local school board voted to reprimand a fourth grade teacher who kept an anti-racism book in her classroom after a parent complained

Peddy, who has been with the school district for over 30 years, made the comments last Friday at a training session that provides information on which books teachers can keep in classroom libraries.

Several parents have called for Peddy to be fired. Amy Smith tweeted: 'I am a parent in this district. Gina Peddy must resign or be fired immediately. And anyone above her who is advising teachers with this nonsense needs to go as well.'

The session was just four days after the local school board voted to reprimand a fourth grade teacher who kept 'This Book Is Anti-Racist' by Tiffany Jewell in her classroom after a parent complained.

Peddy was referencing House Bill 3979, which requires teachers to present many perspectives when discussing 'widely debated and controversial' subjects.

'Just try to remember the concepts of (Texas House Bill) 3979,'

'And make sure that if you have a book on the Holocaust,' Peddy continued, 'that you have one that has an opposing, that has other perspectives.'

'How do you oppose the Holocaust?' one teacher asked.

'Believe me,' Peddy responded. 'That's come up.'

The subject continued, with one teacher asking if she would have to get rid of her copy of Lois Lowry's Number the Stars, which tells the story of the Holocaust from the perspective of victims.

HB 3979 was signed by Governor Greg Abbott and took effect on September 1. It states that a teacher may not be compelled to discuss 'a particular current event or widely debated and currently controversial issue of public policy or social affairs.'

If a teacher chooses to discuss a sensitive subject, the teacher is required to 'explore such issues from diverse and contending perspectives without giving deference to any one perspective.'

Abbott noted that the bill was passed to counteract 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.

Critics argue CRT reduces people to the categories of 'privileged' or 'oppressed' based on their skin color.

'House Bill 3979 is a strong move to abolish critical race theory in Texas, but more must be done,' Abbott said in the statement. 'The issue will be added to a special session agenda.'

On October 7, administrators sent an email to teachers telling them to close classroom libraries until they can be vetted by the teacher. Another email sent a rubric asking teachers to grade books based on whether they provide multiple perspectives and to set aside any that present one-sided narratives that may be considered offensive.

But many teachers found it confusing, a source told CNN.

Ledbetter sent an email to parents denying the district was telling teachers to remove books.

'I would like to take this opportunity to set the record straight,' he wrote. 'The district has not mandated that any book be removed from teachers' classroom libraries. Additionally, the district has not provided any training on removing books.'

Peddy was referencing House Bill 3979, which requires teachers to present many perspectives when discussing 'widely debated and controversial' subjects

Carroll ISD spokeswoman Karen Fitzgerald said the district is trying to help teachers comply with the new state law and an updated law that will go into law in December.

One teacher asked Peddy if she would have to get rid of her copy of Lois Lowry's Number the Stars, which tells the story of the Holocaust from the perspective of victims

'Our district recognizes that all Texas teachers are in a precarious position with the latest legal requirements,' Fitzgerald wrote, noting that the district's interpretation of the new Texas law requires teachers to provide balanced perspectives not just during classroom instruction, but in the books that are available to students in class during free time.

'Our purpose is to support our teachers in ensuring they have all of the professional development, resources and materials needed,' she added. 'Our district has not and will not mandate books be removed nor will we mandate that classroom libraries be unavailable.'

Fitzgerald advised educators unsure about book selection to speak to principals and curriculum coordinators.

The Texas State Teachers Association, which represents educators in the Lone Star State, says that the new law has nothing that explicitly governs classroom libraries.

Spokesman Clay Robison added that what was heard on the recording is overreacting and misinterpreting the law.

'We find it reprehensible for an educator to require a Holocaust denier to get equal treatment with the facts of history,' Robison said. 'That's absurd. It's worse than absurd. And this law does not require it.'

State Senator Bryan Hughes, who wrote the senate bill that's going to go into effect in December, also believes the law is being misread.

'That's not what the bill says,' Hughes said Wednesday. 'I'm glad we can have this discussion to help elucidate what the bill says, because that's not what the bill says.'

Six teachers in the school district told NBC News anonymously that they were worried about retribution for discussing their concerns and claimed district leaders have not been clear on what they should be doing.

'Teachers are literally afraid that we're going to be punished for having books in our classes,' one educator said.

'There are no children's books that show the 'opposing perspective' of the Holocaust or the 'opposing perspective' of slavery. Are we supposed to get rid of all of the books on those subjects?'

Teachers were vocal about their concerns, according to a source who was in the room.

'The teachers were so angry,' the source said. 'They stood up and yelled and fought back in a way that was frightening but also empowering.'

The source said teachers asked multiple questions about the new vetting guidelines after receiving mixed messages from the district over whether to keep their classroom libraries open during the vetting process.

Clay Robison, spokesperson for the Texas State Teachers Association said 'I was angry. But, also, I wasn't terribly surprised.'

Robison commented that while the new law does not exclusively deal with books in teachers' classrooms or require a teacher to highlight perspectives that deny the Holocaust, he said the law has enough ambiguity to 'encourage that kind of reaction.'

Robison said the Texas State Teachers Association has strongly opposed the bill as it is easily open to misinterpretation and cause confusion for educators. He noted that teachers across the state are 'angry' and fear consequences over the books they include in their classrooms.

'It doesn't require these teachers to pull these books off their shelves, but it certainly encourages parents who don't like those books  who feel uncomfortable with those books  to put pressure on their school boards and their school administrations topull the books off.'

'Number the Stars' author Lois Lowry said that Peddy's comment was 'ignorant' noting that 'ignorance so easily morphs into evil.'

The debate at the Carroll district mirrors one being held nationally, where opponents of critical race theory and others opposed to lessons on LGBTQ issues are unhappy.

A group of local parents have been fighting for over a year to stop new diversity and inclusion programs at Carroll.
Victoria's outbreak continues to worsen with 2,179 new Covid cases and six deaths recorded, as Dan Andrews promises to stick to the roadmap out of lockdown.

The health department on Friday confirmed the figures, which are a slight drop on the record 2297 infections recorded on Thursday.

There are now 21,324 cases in the state, while the deaths take the toll from the current outbreak to 131.

Some 73,942 tests were processed in the 24 hours to Friday morning and 38,752 COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered at state-run hubs.

Premier Daniel Andrews says the state government will continue to pursue its roadmap to reopening despite the surge in cases.

Victoria's outbreak continues to worsen with 2,179 new Covid cases and six deaths (pictured: A woman walking in Melbourne)

A handful of people are seen in the Bourke Street Mall in Melbourne's CBD

'We have, fundamentally, a very important agreement with the Victorian community: you get vaccinated and we will open up,' he said.

Once 70 per cent of the state is fully vaccinated, which is expected to be achieved in about a week, Melbourne's hard lockdown will end.

Eighty-seven per cent of Victorians aged over 16 have received their first jab and 62.6 per cent are fully vaccinated.

Mr Andrews said there would be discussions in coming days about when Melbourne's lockdown would end. It was originally set for October 26.

Deputy Chief Health Officer Ben Cowie reiterated the roadmap was tied to vaccination targets and pressure on the health system, not case numbers.

'There is no way I could possibly look at one day's numbers and think of what it means for the roadmap. The roadmap is there, the progress is agreed,' he said.

A woman in a green dress is seen in Bourke Street Mall in Melbourne CBD on Thursday

Victoria's numbers continue to spiral, on Thursday the state was the first state or territory to record more than 2,000 daily infections

While Thursday's case increase could not be blamed on a single event, Professor Cowie said undetected transmission in the community was now "coming to the surface".

There were also "disproportionate increases" in regional Victoria, 1245 newly affected households, and nearly two-thirds of the total were aged under 40.

Prof Cowie warned case numbers would climb as the state reopened.

'As we do have increased mixing in the community, increased freedoms and people moving around, we will see this sort of bumpy road, there's no question about it,' he said.

Despite escalating cases, he said the proportion of people being admitted to hospital was less than five per cent of new cases, compared with almost 10 per cent in 2020.

Women are seen struggling with racks of clothing as they maneuver them through the streets

Ambulance and staff are seen at the Northern Hospital in Epping in Melbourne's North

Epidemiologist Adrian Esterman predicts the third wave's peak is two to three weeks away.

He said Thursday's spike had "virtually no impact" on the effective reproduction rate of the virus, which had risen slightly from 0.99 to 1.02.

'I wouldn't get overly concerned about today's high numbers, unless we've started seeing a trend,' the University of SA professor told AAP.

'At the moment, the trend is for there to be a peak coming if not reached, but it would still take another three or four days to make that judgment call.

'Victoria will get to a peak, it's just a matter of when will it get to the peak, and how bad will things get before it gets to the peak.'

Lockdown is bad for the world, but it has its benefits for a skateboarder in Melbourne (pictured on Thursday in an eerily empty road)

He said the state would be recording '9000 to 10,000 cases a day' if it was not for vaccination.

Prof Esterman attributed NSW's low case numbers to its high vaccine rates and the impact of that state opening up would not be seen until next week.

Burnet Institute modelling, released in September, predicts daily cases may reach 1400 to 2900 from October 19 to 31, with a second peak predicted in mid-December.
Grieving relatives who lost loved ones because of the lack of access to GPs lined up yesterday to hail the Daily Mails crucial role in securing more face-to-face appointments.

Frustrated patients also spoke out after Health Secretary Sajid Javid unveiled a nine point plan to reverse the dramatic decline in in-person consultations.

Measures include a league table to name and shame doctors who wont see patients and extra money for surgeries to pay for locums and other health professionals to ease their workload.

Mail's campaign has made a real difference

One woman widowed by the scandal was Lisa King, whose 62-year-old husband Peter was denied an appointment in July last year despite complaining of stomach pains.

Peter King, 62, was told he had acid reflux and died three months later

The retired taxi driver was told he had acid reflux. But he died three months later, leaving his wife without a husband at the age of 55 and his two sons aged 19 and 21 fatherless.

Mrs King, of Brentwood, Essex, said: The Daily Mail campaign has made a real difference and I am pleased.

Not for me  nothing can bring Peter back  but Im pleased that maybe no one else will get refused an appointment only to be told later they have stage four cancer and only weeks to live.

She expressed gratitude for this newspaper publicising her case, adding: There were some GPs on Twitter that condemned the Daily Mail for the campaign and I found that quite disgusting.

My husband died after 18-month wait to see a GP

Brenda Farrow, 75, lost her husband Michael to cancer of the oesophagus in August after he tried to see a GP for 18 months.

Mrs Farrow said: Your campaigns do work. Without it, things would have just carried on as they were.

Retired shoe repairer Mr Farrow, 76, made eight or nine requests for in-person consultations but was fobbed off with calls and prescribed medication  also for acid reflux.

Brenda Farrow, 75, lost her husband Michael to cancer of the oesophagus in August after he tried to see a GP for 18 months

He eventually paid for a private consultation and was referred to a specialist who made the devastating diagnosis in April  and revealed that he had been suffering from the disease since last year.

The grandfather, from Litherland, near Liverpool, started chemotherapy but passed away four months later.

Eight months of needless pain

Retired estate agent June Walker, who suffered eight months fo crippling headaches due to undiagnosed high blood pressure, said: I'm so glad the Daily Mail took on the campaign, you have done a wonderful job.'

Mrs Walker, 67, of Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, called her local surgery about her constant headache in November last year.

No doctors were prepared to see her in-person and she was referred for physiotherapy.

She endured eight months of completely unnecessary pain until her high blood pressure was diagnosed in June this year when she was admitted to hospital for another problem.

Mrs Walker added: Some things simply cant be diagnosed over the phone.'

Fury of former NHS Trust chief

Former NHS trust chairman Nick Stokes said the Mail had won an important battle  but warned it was not the end of the war as bodies that represent GPs refuse to accept the scale of the problem.

Nick Stokes, who sadly lost his wife, Joy, to cancer, at his home in Worton, Devizes, Wiltshire

Joy Stokes, 69, died of breast cancer in April after an 'avoidable' six month delay in her diagnosis

The 74-year-old lost his wife Joy, 69, a retired PE teacher, to breast cancer in April after an avoidable six-month delay in her diagnosis.

She was constantly fobbed off by reception staff until finally seeing a GP in July, leading to tests that showed the disease had already spread to her bones and brain.

The biggest positive is that the Government hasnt given up on this. They have accepted that there is a real problem, said Mr Stokes, from Wiltshire.

But getting the British Medical Association and the Royal College of General Practitioners to accept the same is another question altogether. Unfortunately, they are the voice of GPs.

'Hopefully, we will win in the end. Its another battle won but its not the end of the war.

I hope our stories lead to change

The daughter of a hospice carer who died from cancer said she hopes GPs will now move swiftly.

Lisa McBlane, 33, lost mum Gill Dutton, 65, to lung cancer - six months after a GP brushed aside her cough in a telephone appointment

Lisa McBlane said her mother Gill Duttons GP brushed aside her cough in a telephone appointment last April.

Six months later, a severely delayed CT scan revealed the grandmother-of-three, 65, had stage four lung cancer.

She died at her home in Tamworth, West Midlands, in August.

Hailing the Mails victory yesterday, Mrs McBlane, 33, said: I do hope that the sharing of her story, and stories of others, will encourage GPs to move swiftly with this plan and get their patients back into surgeries.
Thousands of businesses are facing a surge in their energy bills this winter after a gas shipping firm warned it will no longer be able to operate.

CNG Group, a Yorkshire-based wholesale firm that also sells gas to about 15 small energy suppliers, told its customers that it is withdrawing from the market and that they should find alternatives.

CNG is now looking for buyers for its commercial supply arm, which has around 40,000 small and medium-sized firms on the books.

One of its ex-customers told the BBC that CNGs business clientele could see their energy bills quadruple as the soaring cost of natural gas was passed down.

Businesses do not have an equivalent of the price cap on domestic energy, leaving many of them exposed to rising prices that increase their costs.

Boss Paul Stanley (pictured) said in a letter to customers that the past few weeks had been unprecedented for energy markets. His firms woes will spell trouble for FTSE 100 mining giant Glencore, which CNG said was a long standing supplier and shareholder in its last set of accounts

CNGs deadline for offers is thought to be as soon as the end of this week, according to Sky News.

Boss Paul Stanley said in a letter to customers that the past few weeks had been unprecedented for energy markets.

The company has been hit hard by customer bankruptcies, leaving it sitting on unpaid bills for gas shipments, straining its finances.

Mr Stanley said he expected more energy suppliers to fail in the coming weeks.

His firms woes will spell trouble for FTSE 100 mining giant Glencore, which CNG said was a long standing supplier and shareholder in its last set of accounts.

CNG Group has been hit hard by customer bankruptcies, leaving it sitting on unpaid bills for gas shipments, straining its finances. Mr Stanley said he expected more energy suppliers to fail in the coming weeks (stock image)

A spate of British energy suppliers have collapsed in recent weeks as energy costs surged.

Two firms, BP-backed Pure Planet and Colorado Energy, went bust this week, joining failed brands including Avro Energy, Peoples Energy and Igloo.

There are concerns that CNGs decision to exit the market could spark a domino effect, taking out even more providers.

The crisis has forced hundreds of thousands of British households to be shifted to new providers through the supplier of last resort system run by regulator Ofgem.

Ministers have so far been reluctant to change this process.
When installed next week, the work will appear suspended as if in flight and swooping towards the Tay Estuary

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There is a magical moment  just as his 36-metre, 22-tonne whale hangs from a crane, shimmering in the sun and almost drifting on the breeze  that it all must feel worth it to artist Lee Simmons.

Not just the 14-hour days, the weekends working in his studio and the endless hours spent on maths calculations, metalwork, design and engineering.

But also the five months spent burnishing two kilometres of marine-grade tubular stainless steel. Not to mention the full year wrestling with the marine and port authorities and working out the logistics to sail his whale up the coast to its final resting point outside the Victoria & Albert Museum on the rejuvenated Dundee waterfront.

Close up, the finish is extraordinary  sleek and cool to the touch. Just gazing up at the exquisite lines, elegant swoop and extended pectoral fin is somehow both uplifting and strangely calming. When installed in its new home next week, the 1 million work will appear suspended as if in flight  actually on three fine columns  swooping towards the Tay Estuary.

For now, though, it is a wrestle of slings, hooks, high-viz jackets and a 500-tonne crane  all watched by dozens of staff from Littlehampton Welding Limited, West Sussex, who built it to Lees design and, after months of burnishing, polishing and welding, are keen to wave her off.

Currently the work is a wrestle of slings, hooks, high-viz jackets and a 500-tonne crane  all watched by dozens of staff from Littlehampton Welding Limited, West Sussex, who built it to artist Lee Simmons' design

How it will look: When installed in its new home next week, the 1 million work will appear suspended as if in flight  actually on three fine columns  swooping towards the Tay Estuary

Inspiration: He chose a humpback because of its distinctive shape, watched endless YouTube videos to see how it moved, swam and carried itself in the water  then almost doubled its size from the real thing

It all started 18 months ago when Lee, 33, won a design competition run by Dundee City Council that called for a whale-themed canopy to grace the waterfront and commemorate the citys historical links with the whaling industry.

He chose a humpback because of its distinctive shape, watched endless YouTube videos to see how it moved, swam and carried itself in the water  then almost doubled its size from the real thing: female humpback whales usually stretch to about 16 metres, while males are slightly smaller.

The idea was that Lees Tay Whale would not just look nice, celebrate the natural world and link to Dundees past, but also highlight some of the myriad environmental concerns of our oceans.

The creation is a masterpiece. A tour de force of traditional craft, digital fabrication and cutting-edge structural engineering  all celebrating the skills and talent of our nation.

No wonder he looks so shattered today. He hasnt slept properly for weeks and he hasnt had a holiday with gorgeous wife Daniella and their two young children for three years.

As he puts it himself, he is massively obsessive, a stickler for details, often working through the night in his studio and is not the sort to cut even the teeniest corner, however tempting. Such as the shipping issue.

Final voyage: The Tay Whale is hoisted onto the barge for the trip to Dundee. The creation is a masterpiece, writes Jane Fryer. A tour de force of traditional craft, digital fabrication and cutting-edge structural engineering

The craftsman adds final touches in the workshop. As Lee puts it himself, he is massively obsessive, a stickler for details, often working through the night in his studio and is not the sort to cut even the teeniest corner, however tempting

Lee inside his creation. It all started 18 months ago when he won a design competition run by Dundee City Council that called for a whale-themed canopy to grace the waterfront and commemorate the citys historical links with the whaling industry

It could have been packed up in bits and put on a lorry, he says. But youd have ended up with bolted connections, not welded in continuous pieces  and lost some of the elegance.

So instead, last night, after being hoisted on to an enormous barge, Lees whale set sail on a four-day journey. Up the Channel, into the North Sea, hugging the coastline round Norfolk, past Whitby and, come Saturday, into the Tay Estuary.

Lee wasnt always quite as focused. He grew up in Hertfordshire, the son of a builder. At school, he was a bit of a tearaway only finding his niche after an art teacher who was also a qualified jeweller let him play around with bits of silver. Finally, when I was 16, the penny dropped!

He did a BA in metalwork and jewellery at Sheffield University and from there went to the Royal College of Art. The last jewellery he designed was Daniellas wedding ring. They have been together since school and married three years ago.

Technicians add the finishing touches to the whale. The idea was that Lees Tay Whale would not just look nice, celebrate the natural world and link to Dundees past, but also highlight some of the myriad environmental concerns of our oceans.

Lee did a BA in metalwork and jewellery at Sheffield University and from there went to the Royal College of Art. The last jewellery he designed was his wife Daniellas wedding ring

After being hoisted on to an enormous barge, Lees whale set sail on a four-day journey. Up the Channel, into the North Sea, hugging the coastline round Norfolk, past Whitby and, come Saturday, into the Tay Estuary

Since graduating, he has moved on to bigger commissions, including the Wall of Fame at the revamped London Palladium for Andrew Lloyd Webber and his wife, Madeleine.

This, however, is his most complicated assignment, yet. Because as well as the whale canopy, Lee has designed the 650 sq m interactive digital play park  complete with recordings of male whale song (females cant sing) that sits beneath it. There are over 2,500 parts of the whale! he says, gritty-eyed and unshaven as he looks up at his creation.

It becomes your baby. Every little tube, every connection. The pectoral fin! I obsessed about the transition between that and the body! Now its out there in the world for everyone to enjoy.

As we watch, it is finally time for farewell and the whale swings out of the yard, over the fence, bobs gently in the breeze as if in a current, before being lowered gently onto the barge to begin its epic voyage north.
Michael Rosen, the childrens author, has revealed he brought his dead son back home from the mortuary so his friends could say goodbye.

The former childrens laureate, 75, who came close to losing his own life to Covid last year, said people came from all around to see Eddie, who died from meningitis aged 18 in April 1999.

He believes it was his young friends first experience of death.

Rosen found his second son cold in bed after he had been experiencing flu-like symptoms.

Author Michael Rosen described the pain of losing his 18-year-old son Eddie in 1999

Eddie's tragic death from meningitis inspired Rosens 2004 tale about grief, Sad Book.

Then we did something quite strange  partly it was his mum suggested it, Rosen told the Cheltenham Literary Festival.

After he was in the morgue, we brought him back to the house. We did that old thing of laying someone out in the house and people came from all around to see him.

There is a whole generation of his friends, and they were young, that came to the house and it might have been the only dead person they had ever seen.

Rosen, who has rarely spoken publicly about losing his son, added: If youre in the presence of a dead body it does transform the way you think about death ... we become slowly aware of it.

If its totally medicalised then people just disappear, which isnt much different than seeing them go on holiday to France.

We have to say, culturally speaking, if we ship people off to hospital and say goodbye to them and dont see them again, it is very a cordon sanitaire around death.

Rosen had Eddie with his first wife Elizabeth Steele. His death inspired Rosens 2004 tale about grief, Sad Book.

The father-of-five, who also wrote Were Going On A Bear Hunt, spent 40 days in a coma last year after contracting Covid-19 at the start of the pandemic.

Rosen's classic story 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt' was adapted into a popular animation with Olivia Colman and Mark Williams in 2016

He was told he had a 50:50 chance of surviving, and when he did wake up he had to re-learn how to walk.

Writing in the Daily Mail this year in support of our campaign for a national memorial for Covid victims, Rosen told how 42 per cent of patients on his ward died.

He wrote: Every time I think of it, I struggle to take it in. I wonder, who were they?

His latest book Many Different Kinds Of Love features diary entries written by his nurses during his time in hospital.
Tenants are returning to city centres after temporarily moving out, new research suggests.

The combination of this higher demand, along with lower stock, has led to an increase in rental prices in many city centres, according to Rightmove.

While suburban and rural areas remain more in demand among tenants, this is likely to change as more boomerang back to busier locations, the property website claims.

Tenants are returning to city centres after temporarily moving out, new research suggests

It said that rents in some city centres have not only bounced back from the declines recorded during the year since the pandemic started, but they have now hit double digit growth and are outpacing the national average.

Across Britain, rents are rising at the fastest rate ever recorded by Rightmove, up 8.6 per cent annually outside London.

The capital is also beginning to show signs of growth, with rents up by 2.7 per cent on a year ago.

City centres

In Birmingham, rents fell by 5 per cent between February 2020 and February 2021.

But by September this year, the increased demand helped them to grow to 10 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels.

It is a similar picture in Nottingham where rents fell 2 per cent, and have now grown to 11 per cent higher than before the pandemic.

Edinburgh has seen rents grow by 100 since February of this year, but they still trail by 5 per cent when compared with February 2020.

INCREASES IN AVERAGE ASKING RENTS IN CITY CENTRES City centre Average asking rent Feb-20 (pre pandemic) Change

Feb-21 Average asking rent Sep-21 Change Sep-21 vs Feb 2020 Increase in tenant demand versus Sep-20 Bristol 1,188 0% 1,331 12% 22% Nottingham 901 -2% 1,005 11% 31% Glasgow 894 -1% 992 11% 13% Birmingham 912 -5% 1,007 10% 38% York 1,013 -5% 1,094 8% 13% Leeds 836 -5% 888 6% 34% Oxford 1,617 -3% 1,708 6% 7% Manchester 1,063 -8% 1,108 4% 36% Coventry 968 -13% 950 -2% 36% Edinburgh 1,289 -12% 1,229 -5% 49% Source: Rightmove

One in ten regrets buying a house with many citing the cost of maintenance, study shows One in ten people regret buying a house, with many missing the minimal maintenance cost of renting, a study shows. Nearly half - 48 per cent - said renting allows more flexibility than owning a property and 36 per cent believe it enables them to live in a nicer area, the survey by rental firm UNCLE reveals. More than half of tenants in the UK are in no rush to get on the property ladder because renting is cheaper, less stressful and they do not have to do any decorating. Meanwhile a third - 30 per cent - told researchers they do not know where they would like to settle down. And a staggering 47 per cent think they will never own a property in their lifetime. Advertisement

Outside of London

Total rental demand is now up by 39 per cent compared with the same time in 2019, and up by 11 per cent compared with a strong September last year.

This demand has led to properties being snapped up at the quickest rate ever recorded, at 17 days.

The speed and strength of demand in the market has pushed rents up to 8.6 per cent outside London, and they are up more than 10 per cent in the North West, North East, the East Midlands and Wales.

The available stock shortage is most pronounced in suburban and rural areas, which has led to a shift in the make-up of total available properties on Rightmove.

Of all the available rental properties on Rightmove, 64 per cent of them are now in urban locations, a jump up from 48 per cent pre-pandemic.

The proportion of available properties that are in the suburbs has dropped from 46 per cent to 33 per cent, while rural areas have declined from 6 per cent to 3 per cent.

PROPORTION OF ALL AVAILABLE RENTAL STOCK AUGUST 2021 V FEB 2020 Proportion of all available rental stock August 2021 Proportion of all available rental stock Feb 2020 Rural 3% 6% Suburban 33% 46% Urban 64% 48% Source: Rightmove

Larger flats

Tenants looking to move are seeking out bigger flats, leading to the hottest competition for three and four-bedroom flats. Competition for a four-bedroom flat is up by 131 per cent, and up by 124 per cent for a three-bedroom flat.

Competition within the flats market overall is up 95 per cent on average than in September 2020, compared with a 37 per cent increase for houses.

Rightmove's Tim Bannister said: 'A year of various lockdowns saw many city centres hit with either a complete standstill in rental growth, or falls of more than 10 per cent in some cases, as tenants moved further out or back in with family temporarily.

'But as society opened up again cities have not only bounced back but are now seeing strong rental growth, fuelled by increased tenant demand and limited available stock.

'It's still easier to secure a place in a city centre than in some of the hottest suburban and rural rental markets right now, but as more tenants boomerang back to busier locations this is likely to change.'

REGIONAL INCREASES IN AVERAGE RENTS Regional Price Q3 2021 QoQ YoY East Midlands 925 3.8% 10.3% East of England 1,289 4.0% 8.4% London 2,019 3.6% 2.7% North East 699 3.6% 6.7% North West 899 5.3% 10.0% Scotland 805 3.2% 4.3% South East 1,489 3.6% 8.5% South West 1,154 4.9% 10.1% Wales 846 5.2% 11.7% West Midlands 918 2.6% 6.9% Yorkshire and The Humber 812 4.1% 8.0% Source: Rightmove

He went on to explain that the shortage of rental properties in the market has led to Rightmove recording the fastest pace of rent rises in a year.

'There are finally green shoots of growth in London's rental market, with the first annual rise since before the pandemic started,' he said.

'Demand is notably up in London compared with this time last year, another sign that people are reconsidering where they want to live.'

Meanwhile, The Deposit Protection Scheme published its rental data showing that the average rent in Britain increased by 14 - or 1.74 per cent - from 804 to 818 during the three months from July to September.

The scheme's Matt Trevett said: 'Despite the roll-out of the coronavirus vaccination programme and the lifting of lockdowns, it seems that tenants are still prioritising more living space and are willing to pay for it.'

But he added: 'The last quarter's rent increases across all property types and most regions suggests a strong return of demand from tenants as employees start to go back into offices and students attend University in person this academic year.'
A robot dog design armed with a 6.5 mm Creedmoor sniper rifle capable of precisely hitting targets from 3,940 feet away has been unveiled at the US Army trade show.

The 'Special Purpose Unmanned Rifle' (SPUR) is the brainchild of Philadelphia-based Ghost Robotics and arms manufacturer SWORD International of Sparks, Nevada.

Placed on top of one of Ghost Robotics' existing 'quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicle' designs, SPUR can be remotely instructed to load, unload and fire its rifle.

The firms have yet to reveal the exact configuration of the weapon, nor how much ammunition the machine is capable of carrying or its reload rate.

However, tests have shown that the 6.5mm rounds used in the Creedmoor rifle offer an increase in range over the 7.62x51mm cartridges currently used by US forces.

It is also presently unclear how much each robot unit and SPUR attachment will cost to purchase and maintain.

The arming of robots with SPUR  while arguably an inevitable development not that distinct from other unmanned ground weapons  is still likely to stir up controversy.

In contrast, for example, competitor Boston Dynamics  known for their oft-dancing robot dog 'Spot'  have committed to never arming any of their bots with weapons.

And the prospect of weaponised robot dogs turning on and killings humans was brought to discomforting life in the 2017 Black Mirror episode 'Metalhead'.

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A robot dog design armed with a 6.5 mm Creedmoor sniper rifle (pictured) capable of precisely hitting targets from 3,940 feet away has been unveiled at the US Army trade show

The arming of robots with SPUR  while arguably an inevitable development not that distinct from other unmanned weapons  is still likely to stir controversy. The prospect of robot dogs turning on and killings humans was brought to discomforting life a 2017 Black Mirror episode

SPOT IS A 'PACIFICST' While SPUR might be straining at the leash to join the battlefield, Ghost Robotics' better-known rival, Boston Dynamics, have said that they condemn any application of their Spot dog that even appears to promote 'violence, harm or intimidation.' The firm made the comments back in February, after New York-based start-up MSCHF (pronounced 'mischief') mounted a Spot machine with a paintball gun and let the public use it to shoot up an art gallery. Nevertheless, Boston Dynamics' does not appear to have the same concerns around policing and enforcement applications  with Spot already being used as a pair of remote eyes in hazardous situations and to patrol parks in Singapore during COVID-19. Advertisement

'Due to its highly capable sensors, the SPUR can operate in a magnitude of conditions, both day and night,' the developers announced at the army trade show.

'The SWORD Defense Systems SPUR is the future of unmanned weapons system  and that future is now,' they added.



An advantage to giving an armed robot a four-footed design like SPUR's comes from the stability this quadrupedal arrangement offers.

'When our robots move around and you shove them, these forces are computed at 2,000 calculations per second per leg,' Ghost Robotics CEO and founder Jiren Parikh told The War Zone last year.

Mr Parikh went on to explain that his firm are working to ensure that their robots are able to continue to function even if some of their onboard sensors fail.

'We're adjusting it to make it like a mammal. Our robot, when you see it climbing stairs or walking or running around, we turn off all the sensors," he said.

'Its just feeling. Its completely blind. The reason we do that is because if a warfighter or a mining company  if anybody is using our robot  [it] had better operate 99.99% of the time.'

In a similar vein, the SPUR module appears to be equipped with its own sighting system on top to allow operators to aim at the rifle's chosen target.

The 'Special Purpose Unmanned Rifle' (SPUR, pictured) is the brainchild of Philadelphia-based Ghost Robotics and arms manufacturer SWORD International of Sparks, Nevada

Placed on top of one of Ghost Robotics' existing 'quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicle' designs, SPUR can be remotely instructed to load, unload and fire its rifle

The US Air Force has reportedly expressed an interest in the possibility of operating robot dogs remotely from central command facilities by means of interfaces similar in design to commercial virtual reality headsets.

Officers are looking to use the machines for perimeter security, scouting and urban warfare operations  as well as opening up access to spaces that might be too small, tight or dangerous for a human soldier to safely navigate into.

'These dogs will be an extra set of eyes and ears while computing large amounts of data at strategic locations throughout Tyndall Air Force Base,' Air Force Major Jordan Criss said in a statement last year after a test involving the robots.

He added: 'They will be a huge enhancement for our defenders and allow flexibility in the posting and response of our personnel.'

Ghost Robotics is no stranger to collaboration looking to explore potential defence and security applications of their bots  and is engaged in partnerships with firms including defence contractor Honeywell and the ARES Security Corporation.

Reaction on Twitter to the unveiling of the SPUR-equipped robots was mixed  but with more concern than endorsement.

'Black Mirror is a cautionary series, not a blueprint for the future,' wrote Kate Paul Dillon on the social media platform.

Other users said that the robot would make a good 'doggo' for the murderous robots from the Terminator sci-fi franchise.

The Association of the United States Army's 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition was held at the Washington Convention Center, Washington DC, from October 1113.

Reaction on Twitter to the unveiling of the SPUR-equipped robots was mixed  but with more concern than endorsement. Pictured: some responses

'Black Mirror is a cautionary series, not a blueprint for the future,' wrote Kate Paul Dillon on the social media platform.

Other users said that the robot would make a good 'doggo' for the murderous robots from the Terminator sci-fi franchise
NASA's Lucy mission will launch this week, starting a 12 year journey through the solar system that will include a swing-by of eight different asteroids.

The spaceship will be the first to tour the so-called Trojan asteroids that orbit Jupiter and are 'time capsules from the birth of our Solar System,' according to NASA scientists from the Goddard Space Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

The $981 million (715 million) mission takes its name from the fossilised human ancestor, named 'Lucy' by her discovers, whose skeleton provided unique insights into our evolution.

NASA says the Lucy space mission will revolutionise our knowledge of planetary origins and the formation of the solar system, giving insight into planetary evolution.

It is scheduled to launch on Saturday, October 16 at 05:34 ET (10:34 BST) on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

It also carries a plaque that includes quotes from the likes of Carl Sagan, Albert Einstein and the Beatles.

NASA's Lucy mission will launch this week, starting a 12 year journey through the solar system that will include a swing-by of eight different Jupiter-orbit asteroids

It is scheduled to launch on Saturday, October 16 at 05:34 ET (10:34 BST) on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida

On Thursday, Lucy, along with the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, was rolled out of the Vertical Integration Facility to the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41

Lucy will be launching on top of a rocket originally designed to launch the Boeing Starliner uncrewed test flight, which was cancelled due to ongoing issues.

On Thursday, Lucy, along with the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, was rolled out of the Vertical Integration Facility to the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41.

To make it work, NASA had to convert the booster, removing two solid rocket motors and replacing features designed to work with a crew capsule.

'I think overall it ended up in a situation that worked out really well,' ULA Chief Operating Officer John Elbon said of the change.

INSTRUMENTS ON BOARD LUCY Lucy will measure more than 46 feet (14 meters) from tip to tip, but most of that is the huge solar panels. Each panel is over 24 feet (almost 7 meters) in diameter. These are needed to power Lucy as it flies out to the orbit of Jupiter. Lucy Thermal Emission Spectrometer (L'TES) This is an instrument built by Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. It will measure the surface temperature of the asteroids by observing the infrared spectrum. In doing so it will help astronomers to understand the physical properties of the surface material. Lucy LOng Range Reconnaissance Imager (L'LORRI) This is a high resolution, panchromatic visible camera made by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland. L'LORRI will provide the most detailed images of the surface of the Trojan asteroids. L'Ralph This is an instrument provided by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. It consists of two parts: L'Ralph Linear Etalon Imaging Spectral Array (LEISA) This is an infrared imaging spectrometer that will reveal the absorption lines that serve as the fingerprints for different silicates, ices and organics that may be on the surface of the Trojan asteroids. L'Ralph Multi-spectral Visible Imaging Camera (MVIC) This will take color images of the Trojans to help determine their composition. Advertisement

There is a three week launch window, but the Lucy team are hopeful it will be able to go on Saturday morning, as currently scheduled.

Once it has launched, Lucy will fly around the Earth twice to adjust its trajectory and get it on its way to the outer parts of the solar system.

Its first asteroid visit will be in April 2025, when it will take a look at a main-belt asteroid called DonaldJohanson.

Meanwhile the first Trojan asteroid flyby will not happen for another two years, when Lucy gets closer to Jupiter in August 2027.

The vast majority of the asteroid visits will happen in 2027 and 2028, with a final asteroid flyby scheduled to happen in March 2033.

As well as viewing some of the oldest rocks in the solar system, Lucy's path will cross the Earth three times, as it uses our planet's gravity to aid in its positioning.

This move will make it the first ever spacecraft to return to Earth from the outer solar system, as all others are either still goin - in the case of the Viking probes - or burnt up in the atmosphere of a gas giant, as was the case with Cassini and Saturn.

The Lucy mission probe is 51.8ft wide and 46ft from top to bottom, and comes equipped with solar panels on each side that help power its instruments.

These instruments include a colour visible imager, a thermal emission spectrometer, and a infrared imaging spectrometer.

The thermal emission spectrometer, known as L'TES, will measure the surface temperature of the Trojan asteroids by observing the thermal infrared spectrum, helping to understand the physical properties of the surface material.

Lucy LOng Range Reconnaissance Imager (L'LORRI), is a high resolution visible camera that will provide the most detailed images of the surface of the asteroids.

Then there is L'Ralph, the final of the three instruments, which will reveal the absorption lines that serve as the fingerprints for different silicates, ices and organics that may be on the surface of the Trojan asteroids.

L'Ralph also has a visible imaging camera that will take colour pictures of the asteroids to help scientists determine what they are made of.

'This team has put in so much work to build a spacecraft that is truly a work of art,' said Donya Douglas-Bradshaw, the Lucy project manager, adding 'it's been powered on, the team is monitoring it and we are ready to launch.'

There are currently over 4,800 known Trojan asteroids, with 65 percent of them are in the L4 group, while the other 35 percent are in the L5 group

The Trojan asteroids are known as the 'fossils' of the early solar system because they are comprised of ancient material that was around when the planets formed

The Lucy spacecraft has solar panels on each side to help power its instruments and is 51.8 feet wide and over 46 feet from tip to tip

The Trojan asteroids orbit the sun in two massive swaths - the one in front of Jupiter (L4) and one that is behind it, known as L5

NASA's Lucy mission to the Trojan asteroids that orbit Jupiter will bring a plaque that will act as a 'time-capsule,' including quotes from Carl Sagan, Albert Einstein, The Beatles and more

EIGHT ASTEROIDS TO BE VISITED BY LUCY Lucy will visit eight asteroids during its 12 year mission, starting with one in the main asteroid belt beyond Mars. This is known as Donaldjohanson and will be visited in April 2025. Seven Trojan asteroids are named after characters from Greek mythology. They are Eurybates, Queta, Polymele, Leucus, Orus, Patroclus and Menoetius. Most of the mission's visits will occur in 2027 and 2028; its final planned flyby will take place in March 2033. Advertisement

During the course of its 12-year long mission, Lucy will travel approximately 4 billion miles out to Jupiter's orbit, back to Earth and back again, as the 'gravity assist' of Earth is needed for the probe to change direction and position in space.

The seven main Trojan asteroids are named after characters from Greek mythology - Eurybates, Queta, Polymele, Leucus, Orus, Patroclus and Menoetius - and have been trapped in two gravitationally stable bands in Jupiter's orbit with the sun.

The band in front of Jupiter is called L4 and one that is behind it is known as L5.

Of the 4,800 known Trojan asteroids, 65 per cent of them are in the L4 group, and the other 35 per cent are in the L5 group.

The Trojan asteroids are known as the 'fossils' of the early solar system because they are comprised of ancient material that was around when the planets formed and hasn't been disturbed by an atmosphere or tectonic activity, as happens on planets.

Once it finishes its flyby mission, Lucy will continue orbiting between the two groups of Trojan asteroids, and will be doing so for about a million years.

NASA scientists are hopeful that it will remain in good enough condition to provide extra scientific details, beyond mission parameters, in its first extra loop.
Residents of what is typically a quiet neighborhood in San Francisco are being plagued with humming from several Waymo vehicles crowding a dead-end street.

The mysterious sightings are coming from the end of 15th Avenue, where up to 50 of the self-driving cars appear to be confused as they enter the area, residents told local news station KPIX.

Resident Jennifer King told KPIX that the vehicles, which are being tested in the California city, all make a multi-point turn and then just leaving from where they came in  and sometimes multiple cars arrive at once.

'I noticed it while I was sleeping,' Jennifer King, a resident in Richmond District told KPIX. 'I awoke to a strange hum and I thought there was a spacecraft outside my bedroom window.'

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Resident Jennifer King told KPIX that the vehicles, which are being tested in the California city, all make a multi-point turn and then just leaving from where they came in  and sometimes multiple cars arrive at once

Waymo told the news outlet that it is looking into the matter  DailyMail.com has contacted the Alphabet-owned company for more information.

Valued at $30 billion, Waymo, the autonomous driving unit of Google's parent company Alphabet, unleashed its self-driving taxi service in San Francisco to expand testing in August.

The testing is being conducted with an 'autonomous specialist' seated at the wheel, who collects feedback during the ride-share trips and can take over in the event of an emergency.

Not much has been said about the ride-share testing until multiple cars began flooding the dead-end street.

The mysterious sightings are coming from the end of 15th Avenue (pictured), where up to 50 of the self-driving cars appear to be confused as they enter the area

Pictured is a map showing the location of the dead end street in San Francisco, California

King told KPIX that she and other residents have spoken with the Waymo employees seated behind the wheel with the hopes of understanding the bizarre behavior, but the employees said, 'they're just doing their job.'

Andrea Lewin, who also lives in the area, told KPIX this disturbance has been going on for approximately six to eight weeks and at all hours of the day.

Waymo welcome its first riders four years ago in Phoenix, Arizona and notes that since October 2020, the service has provided tens of thousands of fully autonomous rides, the company shared in an August press release.

Google began development of the self-driving technology in 2009 in the confines of its secretive X lab.

In 2014, the tech giant shared its first prototype with the world and in 2016, Waymo was renamed, and was turned into its own separate division in Alphabet.

Since the first testing, Waymo has made several improvements to the cars - from the style to the technology inside.

The company said it has improved its 'lidar' computer vision system, allowing the system to spot traffic lights changing much farther ahead of vehicles.

The technology can also identify pedestrians who walk across the road without warning - 'even when the emerge suddenly from behind a vehicle in the oncoming lane.'

The street has a sign notifying oncoming traffic that the street is a dead end

The testing is being conducted with an 'autonomous specialist' seated at the wheel, who collects feedback during the ride-share trips and can take over in the event of an emergency

'We've also designed our software to reason about the context, which is essential for driving safely in busy cities,' the Waymo team shared in a statement.

'Our perception system lets our Driver know how to handle a pedestrian, a tree  and a pedestrian carrying a Christmas tree.

'If we pull up next to a bus by a crosswalk on Beach Street in Fisherman's Wharf, our Driver can reason that hidden passengers may be getting off, and that they may soon cross the street.'

Waymo is among several automotive and tech firms testing autonomous driving, although no large-scale deployments have begun.

GM announced it was going to deploy its full driving cars in San Francisco last December and unleashed its concept for the robo-taxis a month later.

The firm's Cruise Origin is the first driverless vehicle designed without pedals, an engine or steering wheel.

Origin can accommodate four passengers at a time, although a single customer will be able summon it for a ride just like with ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft.

Cruise had planned to have a robotaxi service consisting of Chevrolet Bolts working without human backup drivers by the end of 2019.

Plans were delayed last year after one of Uber's autonomous test vehicles ran down and killed a pedestrian in the Phoenix suburb of Tempe, Arizona, during 2018.
An alligator gar, known as a 'living fossil,' has been caught in Kansas for the first time ever - and no one knows how it got there.

The 39.5-pound, 4.5-foot fish, which is referred to as a 'living fossil' as records can trace them back nearly 100 million years,' was caught by angler Danny Lee Smith in the Neosho River on a September 20 fishing trip, according to a statement from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

At present, experts are not sure how the fish wound up in the Neosho River, but are considering a few different options in order to figure out the mystery.

They will look at the fish's fins to see if it came from another state.

An alligator gar was caught in Kansas for the first time last month, as it does not live in the state

At present, experts are not sure how the fish wound up in the Neosho River (pictured)

'Because most populations of this species can be distinguished from one another with a sample of the fish's fins, another option we're considering is genetic identification,' said KDWP assistant director of Fisheries research, Jeff Koch.

'This will tell us if the fish came from an existing population in another state.'

Alligator gar are known for their distinctive long snouts and ability to grow 10 feet in length and can weigh up to 350 pounds.

The fish, which can reach up to 10 feet in length, were once spotted quite frequently throughout the Mississippi River, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service added.

They have traditionally been spotted in Ohio, parts of Missouri and Illinois all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico

They have traditionally been spotted in Ohio, parts of Missouri and Illinois all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, but never Kansas.

'When it came up out of the water the first time ... I was shocked, I was stunned. I've seen gar jump, but nothing like this one did,' angler Danny Lee Smith, who caught the fish, told CNN.

'This is a once-in-a-lifetime deal, I'm sure.'

Given the long distance from where they are usually found, experts are not sure how the alligator gar wound up in Kansas's Neosho River.

If the aforementioned option does not provide an answer, Koch said the experts could use microchemistry.

This involves measuring the element proportion of a bone on a fish and comparing it to the elements in the surrounding water.

It likely is not someone's pet that got lost or was released into the wild once it 'became too large,' Doug Nygren, KDWP Fisheries Division director, explained.

'These techniques should allow us to determine which mode of introduction occurred."

The state agency notes that bringing non-native species into the area creates the risk of spreading disease and it is illegal, whether it's native or not.

'Transporting and releasing fish risks spreading other harmful species such as microscopic zebra mussels, fish diseases, or aquatic vegetation that might be present in the water used to transport the fish,' Chris Steffen, KDWP Aquatic Nuisance Species coordinator, warned.

Alligator gar are known for their distinctive long snouts and ability to grow 10 feet in length and can weigh up to 350 pounds

There are several species of gar, but alligator gars have been used to make a number of different items, including arrowheads, jewelry and tools from the fish's scales.

It has also been used for leather goods and its oils were used as insect repellant, the USFWS added.

The fish, which had been in abundance in the mid-20th century, were overfished because of an incorrect belief that it ate fish that people also consumed.

It is now considered rare and endangered, according to the University of Florida.
Just two minutes of 'doomscrolling' on social media can drag people's mood down, a study has found.

Scrolling through stories about coronavirus on Twitter or viewing them on YouTube is enough to cause people's positive mood to plummet.

Several scientific studies have found that levels of anxiety and depression have increased over the pandemic - particularly when reading covid-related news every day.

Psychologists from the University of Essex set out to discover how quickly the negative impact was felt after exposure to covid content.

Just two minutes of doom and gloom on social media can drag people's mood down, a study has found (stock image)

What is technology addiction? Technology addiction is a type of behavioural addiction, characterised by an over-reliance on or excessive use of technological devices. Unhealthy relationships with technology such as mobile phones, computers, games and social media can have destructive consequences; physically and psychologically. Lives can be impaired by the extensive and unregulated time 'online'. Source: Nightingale Hospital London Advertisement

In two studies, people were randomly assigned to spend a few minutes consuming covid-related information, either by reading a real-time Twitter feed or watching a You Tube video of someone commenting on bad covid news.

In both studies participants reported lower well-being compared to a control group, who had not been exposed to any covid news.

They found as little as two minutes of bad news about the pandemic was enough to have a powerful effect on people's emotions.

Positive covid stories about random acts of kindness did not have the same negative effect, suggesting that it is not simply time spent on social media that is problematic, but rather that consumption of bad news is the concern.

Dr Kathryn Buchanan, who led the study, said: 'We wanted to test how quickly the negative impact was felt.

'If even a mere few minutes of exposure to bad COVID-related news can result in immediate reductions to well-being, then extended and repeated exposure may over time add up to significant mental health consequences.

'Our findings suggest the importance of being mindful of one's own news consumption, especially on social media.

'In some countries, news consumption via social media is on the rise, even though people acknowledge that news on these platforms has lower quality, accuracy, trustworthiness and impartiality.'

Scrolling through stories about coronavirus on Twitter or viewing them on YouTube is enough to cause people's positive mood to plummet (stock image)

Half of adults in the UK now use social media to keep up with the news, including 16 per cent who use Twitter, and 35 per cent who use Facebook.

Dr Buchanan added: 'People seek out social media for many reasons, other than news consumption, and may not realise that minimal exposure to bad news on these platforms can have such negative consequences.

'One strategy that individuals could employ would be to attempt to undo the negative by balancing it out with positive information.'
The 'most durable patch of snow' in Britain, is set to melt for only the eighth time since records began in the 1700s, and it could go completely, experts predict.

Known as The Sphinx, the 13ft strip of snow at Braeriach, in the Cairngorms, is known to have survived virtually every summer since records began.

But it could become a victim of climate change, with warmer summers, wetter autumn and colder winters, causing it to get smaller, warns mountaineer and author Iain Cameron, who said 'it is unlikely to last out the week.'

Scotland has a number of hardy snow patches, but they melt frequently. However, the Sphinx has only melted seven times in 300 years, with three in the last five years.

There are no lasting glaciers in the country, but these snow patches can last throughout the summer, clinging on until the first flurries of winter.

The so-called Sphinx, at Braeriach, in the Cairngorms, has survived virtually every summer since records began in the 1700s. But it could become a victim of climate change

Known as The Sphinx, the 13ft strip of snow at Braeriach, in the Cairngorms, is known to have survived virtually every summer since records began

WHAT IS A LASTING SNOW PATCH? A snow patch, such as The Sphinx in the Cairngorns, is a lasting strip of snow that survives the summer. They are often at a higher altitude, with overhanging rocks to reduce sunlight. Int he case of the Sphinx, it has only melted in the summer seven times in 300 years, re-freezing the next winter. They have been actively studied for more than 100 years, but records of their extent started in the 1700s. Recent years have seen the extent of these patches decline, and seen them melt more frequently. There is concern they will disappear completely as the world warms up. Advertisement

Most of these are on Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland, with others in the Cairngorms, a mountain range in the eastern Highlands of the country.

Experts are worried that its permanent demise may be imminent for all of the snow patches, including the iconic Sphinx.

Mr Cameron is Scotland's leading snow patch expert, having studied them for decades, and written a book on their history.

He pointed out that four of its disappearances have been within the last 20 years.

'It was thought never to melt, or at least very infrequently,' he said, 'but this will be the third time in five years, which is unprecedented.'

'I'm not a climatologist but I think it's a safe assumption to say that rising temperatures are what is ultimately behind this,' the author added.

The Sphinx - so-called because of the rock climb directly above it - is the UK's oldest patch of 'permanent' snow. and since the 1700s has melted in 1933, 1959, 1996, 2003, 2006, 2017 and 2018. With the risk of a melting this year in 2021.

Mr Cameron explained that it's the closest thing Scotland has to a glacier and, as a result, is the most closely-studied patch of snow in the British Isles.

But it could become a victim of climate change, with warmer summers, wetter autumn and colder winters, causing it to get smaller, warns mountaineer and author Iain Cameron, who said 'it is unlikely to last out the week'

It can be found along the lip of the ridge of Braeriach, which is the UK's third-highest mountain, sitting in a very isolated part of the Cairngorms.

It lies in a hollow under the mountain's ridge, meaning it gets very little sunlight, which allows it to stay frozen, even in the heat of summer.

'There is a lot of snow there over winter and spring, so as a result there are huge build-ups of snow on the hills which take a long time to melt,' Mr Cameron said.

The Sphinx has been studied seriously for about 100 years and especially closely since about the 1980s, and now it is in its final days, it is a patch of its old self.

It can be found along the lip of the ridge of Braeriach, which is the UK's third-highest mountain, sitting in a very isolated part of the Cairngorms

It lies in a hollow under the mountain's ridge, meaning it gets very little sunlight, which allows it to stay frozen, even in the heat of summer

The snow of recent years has melted to expose harder, older layers which are now melting too, prompting Mr Cameron to say it now 'looks inconsequential.'

However, despite the way it looks today, what is left 'can tell us a lot more than we might first think,' he explained.

'Snow patches like this act as a barometer for what the wider climate is doing and I think that's borne out by the evidence we are seeing.

'Just the minimal amount of patches are surviving these days compared to how they used to. The amount of snow that falls in winter seems to be less and less, so as far as I'm concerned there's definitely a trend taking place there.'

The snow of recent years has melted to expose harder, older layers which are now melting too, prompting Mr Cameron to say it now 'looks inconsequential'

However, despite the way it looks today, what is left 'can tell us a lot more than we might first think,' he explained

Each year Mr Cameron writes a paper for the Royal Meteorological Society regarding the condition of snow patches across Scotland.

'I'm not a climatologist or even an academic, but it's one of these strange things that when you do the research you become curiously attached to,' he said.

'Of course from a pragmatic point of view it doesn't really matter at all if they melt, but from a philosophical and scientific perspective they do matter.

'These things can tell us what is happening in the wider climate and we would be wise to pay heed to what these snow patches are telling us.

'They are small in size but their size belies their importance.'
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Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa is preparing for an epic journey to the International Space Station (ISS) set for December 8.

Maezawa purchased a seat aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft for himself and his production assistant who will document the out of this world experience.

The pair is currently training at a facility in Moscow, Russia, where they are learning how to behave in zero-gravity and learn specific protocols in the event of an emergency.

The future space tourists will spend 12 days aboard the giant orbiting laboratory and Maezawa plans to share his visit on YouTube.

It is not known how much Maezawa paid for the seats, but NASA purchased spots on the rocket for its astronauts and has paid at least $81 million per person.

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Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa is preparing for an epic journey to the International Space Station (ISS) set for December 8

In total, seven self-funded individuals have visited the space station and Maezawa plans to be the 8th and the first from Japan.

The mission will be led by Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin.

Maezawa, his assistant Yozo Hirano and back-up participant Shun Ogiso are completing training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center outside Moscow.

There they are floating around in zero-gravity chambers to get the feel of space.

The pair is currently training at a facility in Moscow, Russia, where they are learning how to behave in zero-gravity and learn specific protocols in the event of an emergency

Maezawa (left) purchased a seat aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft for himself and his production assistant, Yozo Hirano (right) who will document the out of this world experience. The mission will be led by Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin (center)

'I've been alive for 45 years and have not experienced anything like that. I felt awkward at first,' Maezawa said via a translator at a news conference, where he appeared alongside his assistant and Misurkin.

'I couldn't control the movement of my arms and legs. But when I got used to it a little bit, it was very pleasant.'

He said he was having to train for months before the flight, and that he did not feel fear or anxiety so far.

'Our inspiration is growing,' he added.

The mission is one of several this year by non-professional astronauts, including 90-year-old 'Star Trek' actor William Shatner, who on Wednesday completed a space flight on board a Blue Origin rocket.

Maezawa, his assistant Yozo Hirano and back-up participant Shun Ogiso are completing training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center outside Moscow. There they are floating around in zero-gravity chambers to get the feel of space

'I've been alive for 45 years and have not experienced anything like that. I felt awkward at first,' Maezawa said about his experience in zero gravity

Maezawa, who made his fortune in the fashion industry, made headlines in 2018 when he purchased an entire SpaceX flight to the moon  though the amount paid has not been revealed.

The mission is set for as early as 2023 and will last for a total of seven days.

The craft, however, will only orbit the moon and will not land on its surface.

The billionaire had initially offered a seat to one lucky woman, but canceled his hunt and decided to let eight individuals join him to the moon through a contest called Project dearMoon.

Project dearMoon is expected to take three days to reach the moon, loop around it, and take three days to return to Earth, Maezawa said.

In total, seven self-funded individuals have visited the space station and Maezawa plans to be the 8th and the first from Japan

Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin (L) and Japanese billionaire entrepreneur Yusaku Maezawa take part in a training session ahead of the Soyuz MS-20 spaceflight to the ISS, at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center

There will be between ten and 12 people on board the ship in total, including Yusaku Maezawa, SpaceX crew and the eight volunteers.

Maezawa and his band of astronauts will become the first lunar voyagers since the last US Apollo mission in 1972 - if SpaceX can pull the trip off.

It could be a close race with NASA though, as the US space agency is presently scheduled to launch Artemis II in the summer of 2023 - this will see a crew fly on the Orion spacecraft around the moon then journey back to Earth.

However, even if NASA does beat Maezawa to a 2023 lunar joyride, his passengers will still be the first civilians to go further than low Earth orbit.
Volvo unveiled the world's first truck made of fossil fuel-free steel Wednesday, in a bid to cut the amount of emissions, water and hazard waste used to make the building material.

The four-wheeled, autonomous vehicle is fully electric, featuring a giant load carrier at the top that makes it ideal for quarrying and mining.

The fossil fuel-free steel is formed using hydrogen breakthrough ironmaking technology (HYBRIT), which uses electricity from renewable sources to create the clean-burning gas.

With this process, hydrogen replaces fossil fuels both in the manufacture of iron pellets and carbon purification process.

The eco-friendly steel used to make Volvo's was developed by SSAB, a Swedish firm that specializes in making steel from raw materials.

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Volvo unveiled the world's first truck made of fossil fuel-free steel Wednesday, in a bid to cut the amount of emissions, water and hazard waste used to make the building material

Martin Lindqvist, President and CEO at SSAB, said in a statement: 'Having the world's first actual vehicle made using SSAB's fossil-free steel is a true milestone. Our collaboration with Volvo Group shows that green transition is possible and brings results.

'Together, we will continue reducing climate impact all the way to the end customer while ensuring that our customers get high-quality steel. We look forward to continuing to work with Volvo Group in research and development to produce more fossil-free steel products.'

The Volvo truck was unveiled by the company's CEO Martin Lundstedt at a press conference in Copenhagen , where he touted it as an ideal machine for picking up and transporting material around a pre-programed route, Forbes reports.

'This initiative with SSAB sets the benchmark for a fossil-free future,' said Lundstedt.

The fossil fuel-free steel is formed using hydrogen breakthrough ironmaking technology (HYBRIT), which uses electricity from renewable sources to create the clean-burning gas

'Just as the nations of the world come together at COP26 to address climate change, so too must organizations and industries work in collaboration to develop innovative new solutions for a greenhouse gas emission free future.

'Volvo Group is committed to pioneering partnerships such as this with SSAB to develop attractive, safe and efficient new vehicles and machines that pave the way for a more sustainable transport and infrastructure system adopted for the future.'

Not only is the vehicle autonomous, but it is emission free.

According to researchers from the Rocky Mountain Institute, traditional mining trucks consume roughly 900,000 liters of diesel per year and consist of up to 50 percent of a mines' total energy use.

In total, mining trucks emit 68 million tons of CO2 per year, equivalent to the total greenhouse gas footprint of Finland or New Zealand.

The eco-friendly steel used to make Volvo's was developed by SSAB, a Swedish firm that specializes in making steel from raw materials

The unveiling comes after the International Energy Agency called for an end to investments in new coal mines, oil and gas wells in May.

The move is a plea to stop the use of fossil fuel by 2050 in order for there to be any chance of limiting global warming to 2.7F or 1.5C.

The IEA's executive director, Fatih Birol, said the transformation would create millions of new jobs and boost economic growth worldwide.

He said: 'The scale and speed of the efforts demanded by this critical and formidable goal - our best chance of tackling climate change and limiting global warming to 1.5C - make this perhaps the greatest challenge humankind has ever faced.'
Mikel Arteta has hailed Patrick Vieira as remarkable and one of a kind as he prepares for his first return to Arsenal as a manager.

Vieira brings his Crystal Palace side to the Emirates on Monday in what will be an eagerly-anticipated occasion and meeting of two of Arsene Wengers former captains.

Vieira won three Premier League titles, including leading Arsenal to the 2004 Invincibles triumph, and four FA Cups during his nine years as a player.

Mikel Arteta has hailed Patrick Vieira ahead of Arsenal's clash with Crystal Palace on Monday

Arteta played against Vieira in one of his final Arsenal appearances  a 7-0 defeat for Everton at Highbury - and later during the Frenchmans one-season stint at Manchester City in the final game he started in his career.

Asked whether he would have liked to face Vieira at his peak, Arteta smiled: No!

He was very dominant. He was physically really gifted, technically too, he had the right temper, he was brave and he could score goals. He could do a bit of everything and he was remarkable.

The Eagles boss returns to Arsenal as a manager for the first time with the South Londoners

Arteta labelled Vieira 'remarkable' and said that his attributes made him one of a kind

He is an Arsenal legend and I hope he gets the reception he deserves for what he did for the club, not only as a player but also what he transmitted as a person. He was a captain of the club in the most successful era in the last many years and it is great to have him back.

To have him back and to welcome him and having his figure [back] and what he's been at the club. Recognising him the right manner, I think it's really important and I'm sure that that will be the case.

There have been some really good midfielders and Patrick was Patrick. Theres not going to be another one like him.
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Twin brothers in the occupied West Bank have converted an old Boeing 707 into a cafe and restaurant.

The territory has no civilian airport and those who can afford a plane ticket must catch their flights in neighbouring Jordan, so few Palestinians ever get to board a plane.

But just outside the northern city of Nablus, Khamis al-Sairafi and brother Ata are offering people the next best thing.

Twin brothers in the occupied West Bank have converted an old Boeing 707, pictured, into a cafe and restaurant

'Ninety-nine per cent of Palestinians have never used an airplane. Only our ambassadors, diplomats, ministers and mayors use them. Now they see an airplane and it is something for them,' said Khamis al-Sairafi.

After a quarter of a century of effort, the brothers opened The Palestinian-Jordanian Airline Restaurant and Coffee Shop al-Sairafi on July 21.

Families, friends and couples turned up for drinks in the cafe situated below the body of the plane.

Many others came to take photos inside at a price of five shekels (about 1.10) per person.

The eaterie - called the Palestinian-Jordanian Airline Restaurant and Coffee Shop al-Sairafi - opened on July 21

Customers said they were motivated to visit after seeing pictures of the renovated plane circulating online.

'For a long time, I have wanted to see this place. I wish I had seen this place before it was turned into a cafe,' said customer Majdi Khalid.

For years, the jetliner sat along the side of a major road in the northern West Bank, providing endless fodder for conversation for passers-by baffled by its hulking presence.

The plane has been transformed into an eaterie by twin brothers Khamis al-Sairafi and brother Ata

The 60-year-old identically dressed twins' dream of transforming the plane into a cafe and restaurant was born in the late 1990s when Khamis saw the derelict Boeing aircraft near the northern Israeli city of Safed.

At the time, the plane already had an illustrious history.

The aircraft was used by the Israeli government from 1961 to 1993 and flew then-prime minister Menachem Begin to the United States in 1978 to sign Israel's historic peace agreement with Egypt, according to Channel 12 TV.

It was later bought by three Israeli business partners who dreamed of turning it into a restaurant, but the project was abandoned following disagreements with local authorities, the station said.

After tracking down one of the owners, the brothers agreed to buy it for 100,000 dollars (72,000) in 1999.

They spent an additional 50,000 dollars (36,000) for licences, permits and to transport it to the West Bank.

Khamis said the then-mayor of Nablus, Ghassan Shakaa, quickly approved the transportation and renovation of the plane.

Moving the plane to Nablus was a 13-hour operation, requiring the wings to be dismantled and the temporary closure of roads in Israel and the West Bank.

The interior is freshly painted, fitted with electricity and nine tables and the doors are connected to two old jetways allowing customers to board safely

At the time, Israel and the Palestinians were engaged in peace talks and movement back and forth was relatively easy.

The al-Sairafi brothers were successful traders and scrap metal merchants.

They regularly travelled to and from Israel buying pieces of metal that they then sold and smelted in the West Bank.

The brothers also owned a successful waste disposal business and used their earnings to build an amusement park  including a swimming pool and concert venue  on the same patch of land where the plane was placed.

But they said their project was put on hold after the outbreak of the second Palestinian uprising in late 2000.

An Israeli military checkpoint was built nearby, they said, preventing customers from the nearby city of Nablus from reaching the site.

The checkpoint remained for three years and the Israeli military took over the site.

The project collapsed.

'They even built tents under the wings of the plane,' Ata al-Sairafi said.

The Israeli military did not respond to a request for comment.

For nearly 20 years, the plane and the site were abandoned.

The brothers' dream of transforming the plane into a cafe and restaurant was born in the late 1990s when Khamis saw the derelict Boeing aircraft near the northern Israeli city of Safed

After the uprising faded out in the mid-2000s, the brothers scraped by with their waste disposal business and the small amusement park in Nablus they opened in 2007.

After more than a decade of saving, they decided in 2020 to begin rebuilding what they lost, this time starting with the renovation of the plane.

The coronavirus crisis, which included multiple lockdowns, hit the Palestinian economy hard and caused further delays.

The aircraft, pictured here in 2009 awaiting conversion, was used by the Israeli government from 1961 to 1993 and flew then-prime minister Menachem Begin to the United States in 1978 to sign Israel's historic peace agreement with Egypt, according to Channel 12 TV

Following months of work, the aircraft is almost ready for full service.

The interior is freshly painted, fitted with electricity and nine tables and the doors are connected to two old jetways allowing customers to board safely.

The nose of the plane has been painted with colours of the Palestinian flag and the tail with Jordanian colours.

The plane/cafe is located just outside the northern city of Nablus, pictured

The cafe is already open and the brothers hope to open the restaurant next month.

They plan to install a kitchen below the body of the plane to serve food to customers on board.

However, their long-term goal of rebuilding the amusement park and swimming pool remains a long way off.

The pair said they were disappointed they had not received financial support from the municipality and are looking for investors.

'God willing, I hope the project works and that it becomes the best it can be,' said Ata al-Sairafi.
A flight with Ryanair is many things  but a premium travel experience is never listed as one of them.

However, what happens when money is thrown at a trip with the low-cost Irish carrier?

One travel expert has filmed a fascinating attempt to make a 14 Ryanair flight' first class', by taking a limo to the airport, buying every possible extra, booking a spare seat next to him on the plane and drinking fizz. Some of the trip he described as a 'shambles' and 'verging on a scam', but chunks of the journey were vastly improved, he revealed.

Nicky Kelvin, head of The Points Guy UK, filmed a fascinating attempt to make a 14 Ryanair flight' first class'. Step one - limo to the airport (above)

The Escape Lounge cheered Nicky up after encountering 'rude' security staff

The experiment was carried out by Nicky Kelvin, head of The Points Guy UK, who began a journey to Madrid, via London Stansted, by putting on a smart suit and riding in an S Class Mercedes to the airport using a company called 'Wheely' (204).

He said: 'The car arrived on time. It was incredibly comfortable with a professional, smartly dressed driver who set the temperature and radio volume to the desired levels and provided Evian water.'

He'd paid for fast-track security at the airport (7), but he said the experience 'was not premium with rude staff ushering passengers around'.

The Escape Lounge (22.99 or use Priority Pass) cheered him up, though.

He described this as 'not the most luxurious', but it was a space 'to escape from the airport crowds with complimentary food and beverages and comfortable seating'.

After buying a travel pillow (14.99) to enhance comfort in the air, it was time to board.

Nicky bought a travel pillow 14.99) to enhance comfort in the air

And here, the journey went awry.

Nicky had paid for priority boarding (20.85), but said: 'The boarding process itself was a shambles. Priority boarding was ignored and once you passed through the boarding gate, all passengers were forced to wait on a stairwell for around 15 minutes with bags in tow until finally being allowed to cross the tarmac to board the plane.'

On board, the experience improved again (mostly)  because Nicky had secured seat 1A at the front (20), paid for the seat next to him to improve the roominess factor (34.99) and ordered himself a glass of prosecco (6) and a hot beef lasagne (5.10).

Nicky booked seat 1A and the seat next to him for that premium feel

The onboard Prosecco. Sadly, Nicky says, it was served warm

Nicky's beef lasagne was a winner - he described it as 'delicious'

HOW TO UPGRADE A RYANAIR FLIGHT Step 1: Change into something smarter Step 2: Get yourself a fancy ride to the airport (204.60) Step 3: Pay for the fast-track security lane (7) Step 4: Buy lounge access before your flight (22.99 or use Priority Pass) Step 5: Buy yourself a comfy travel pillow (14.99) Step 6: Get priority boarding (20.85) Step 7: Book seat 1A (20) Step 8: Book another ticket and reserve an empty seat next to you (34.99) Step 9: Order prosecco once onboard (6) Step 10: Get yourself a quality meal (5.10) Source: The Points Guy UK for a trip from Stansted to Madrid. Advertisement

He told MailOnline Travel: 'Sitting in seat 1A with a free seat next to me felt like I had the best spot on board. Being served first, getting off the plane first and having pretty much unlimited legroom and space was a huge bonus. '

The Prosecco, meanwhile, 'was about as fancy as it got on board' and it was 'warm and served in a plastic cup and therefore was not that enjoyable'. But the lasagne was 'delicious'.

And the verdict?

We asked Nicky how his experience stacked up against, say, paying for a business-class trip with BA.

He said: 'Some elements were worth the money and some were verging on a scam.

'The luxury transport to the airport set the journey off to a wonderful start, but of course, you could take a luxury car when flying any airline.

'You would have a better time in some British Airways lounges flying business class and you would also enjoy cold Champagne and better food by Do & Co on board - although to my tastebuds, the lasagne was a winner.

'Paying for a front-row seat, and the free seat next to me, assuming this can be bought for a reasonable price, created true value for me and I would definitely recommend this as a key way to greatly improve the experience flying Ryanair.

'Even in British Airways' European business class ["Club Europe"], except for the front row, you are sitting in the same seats as economy passengers, although the middle seat is automatically kept free.

'The priority boarding option in my case was a complete waste of money and not honoured by the airline.

'Overall  it will come down to price. If you want a truly premium experience, you are unlikely to match the overall British Airways business-class experience to a low-cost airline and low-cost airlines like Ryanair will remain the choice for those primarily lead by cost.'

For more information on travel tips and tricks, sign up to The Points Guy UK. To see Nicky's video in full, click here.
It's the world's largest furniture chain, with its stores visited by millions of Australians each year.

But it was revealed this week that we've all been pronouncing IKEA wrong for years.

The bombshell blew the minds of the Sunrise team, who on Tuesday declared that the 'correct' Swedish pronunciation 'won't catch on' Down Under.

Debate: The 'correct' pronunciation of IKEA blew the minds of the Sunrise team, who on Tuesday declared it 'won't catch on' in Australia. Pictured (L-R): Edwina Bartholomew, Natalie Barr, David 'Kochie' Koch and Mark Beretta

It was revealed on social media this week that instead of emphasising the first letter and saying 'eye-kee-ah', the proper pronunciation of IKEA is actually 'ee-kay-uh'.

'I don't think it's going to catch on,' said co-host Natalie Barr.

Meanwhile, David 'Kochie' Koch said he would try to change the way he says the store's name because he's 'a real stickler for pronunciation'.

Getting it right: David 'Kochie' Koch (right, with co-host Natalie Barr) revealed he would try to change the way he says the store's name because he's 'a real stickler for pronunciation'

Mind blown: It was revealed on social media this week that instead of emphasising the first letter and saying 'eye-kee-ah,' the proper pronunciation of IKEA is actually 'ee-kay-uh'

Newsreader Edwina Bartholomew added: 'Swedish is a pretty difficulty language, so it's really up to you if you stick with eye-kee-ah.'

Sports reporter Mark Beretta jokingly referred to the debate as a 'real controversy'.

Despite millions of Australians passing through the furniture giant's stores every year, IKEA has actually posted four consecutive years of financial losses.

Struggle street: Despite millions of Australians passing through the furniture giant's stores every year, IKEA has actually posted four consecutive years of financial losses

Even though the Swedish corporation's Aussie sales for the 2020 financial year soared to more than $1.5billion off the back of a Covid-induced boom, it still hasn't seen profit since 2016.

Meanwhile, competitors like Harvey Norman have seen profits surge in spite of the coronavirus crisis.

IKEA operates ten stores across Australia.
An Australian journalist has revealed the real reason Canberra is on track to become the most vaccinated city in the world.

The ACT is set to reach the milestone of 90 per cent of its eligible residents being fully vaccinated for Covid-19 by the end of the month.

Sarah Williamson, who works in New York City, said on Instagram on Wednesday the reason why the capital city has a high level of vaccinations is because the population is small and politicians were first in line to get the jab.

Revealed: Glamorous Aussie journalist Sarah Williamson (pictured) revealed the REAL reason Canberra is the most vaccinated city in the world

'Maybe because there is 10 people who live there and they're all politicians who had immediate access,' she wrote.

It comes after ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said Canberra was on track to be one of the most vaccinated cities in the world, as the government's largest vaccination clinic expanded to include walk-up appointments on Monday.

As the ACT heads towards the end of its lockdown on Friday, Mr Barr said there would be a renewed focus during the final days to distribute first doses to the remaining unvaccinated sections of the 431,000 strong population.

Vaccine rates: She said on Instagram the reason why the capital city has a high level of vaccination is because the population is small and politicians were first in line to get the jab

The government's mass-vaccine clinic at the Australian Institute of Sport will take walk-up appointments, while further pop-up clinics will also be established.

'The next four days are about those remaining first doses, and with the interval of three or four weeks we're looking forward to see the fully vaccinated figures match the first-dose figures,' Mr Barr said.

'What this means is Canberra will be among the most vaccinated places in the world, and this is just so critical to our economic recovery and to protect Canberrans as we emerge from lockdown.'

'Maybe because there is 10 people who live there and they're all politicians who had immediate access,' she wrote

The ACT on Monday became the first jurisdiction to pass more than 70 per cent double-dose vaccination for people aged 12 and over, with 98 per cent having had a first dose.

There are 455 active cases in the territory with 773 people having recovered since the outbreak started.

Mr Barr said the ACT's vaccination rates had defied expectations.

It comes after ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said Canberra was on track to be one of the most vaccinated cities in the world, as the government's largest vaccination clinic expanded to include walk-up appointments on Monday. Pictured: Parliament House in Canberra

Meanwhile, Sarah recently captured attention for her glamorous looks while covering the Israel-Palestine crisis in Tel Aviv.

When she's not reporting on geopolitical conflicts, Sarah works as a bikini model.

She is also an aspiring actress and has even appeared in a major campaign for an Israeli footwear brand.

Last month, the reporter revealed she was leaving Israeli news channel i24 News to take up a new position at conservative American news network Newsmax.
Timothee Chalamet looked well and truly in character as he filmed scenes for Wonka in Bath on Wednesday.

The actor, 25, is taking on the lead role of Willy Wonka in the fantasy film which serves as a prequel to Roald Dahl's Charlie And The Chocolate Factory.

Timothee was joined on set by co-star Tom Davis as he appeared to get pulled off a bench while filming a late-night scene.

On location: Timothee Chalamet looked well and truly in character as he filmed scenes for Wonka in Bath on Wednesday

The film star was sporting the character's familiar costume of a purple coat and brown top hat.

He also sported a pair of beige striped trousers and a patterned vest along with a dark grey scarf.

The Call Me By Your Name star was seen enjoying a cup of coffee between takes of the film, which was filming in Lyme Regis, Dorset earlier this week.

At one point, the actor appeared to take a nap on the bench as he put his hat over his face while members of the crew stood nearby.

Scene: Timothee was joined on set by co-star Tom Davis as he appeared to get pulled off a bench while filming a late-night scene

Role: The actor, 25, is taking on the lead role of Willy Wonka in the fantasy film which serves as a prequel to Roald Dahl's Charlie And The Chocolate Factory

Costume: He also sported a pair of beige striped trousers and a patterned vest along with a dark grey scarf

First look: Timothee gave his fans quite the surprise recently when he shared the first look at him as Willy Wonka, (left) and (right) Gene Wilder who played the role in the 1971 movie

Tom was dressed in a dark brown coat along with a matching jacket and beige trousers as he filmed alongside Timothee.

Timothee gave his fans quite the surprise recently when he shared the first look at him as Willy Wonka.

He also posted a snap of his famous cane, while sharing one of the more iconic lines from the original film, 1971's Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory.

'The suspense is terrible, I hope it will last ...' Chalamet said in the caption of his post, along with a factory emoji, a chocolate bar emoji and the #Wonka hashtag.

Filming: The Call Me By Your Name star was seen enjoying a cup of coffee between takes of the film, which was filming in Lyme Regis, Dorset earlier this week

Nap: At one point, the actor appeared to take a nap on the bench as he put his hat over his face while members of the crew stood nearby

Movie: Filming has also been taking place at Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden, with the film slated for release on March 17, 2023

Story: One of the focuses of the story will be how he meets the mysterious Oompa Loompas and how they came to work at his factory

This was the first official photo shared from the ongoing production.

Filming has also been taking place at Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden, with the film slated for release on March 17, 2023.

The Wonka prequel will follow young Willy Wonka's adventures before he builds his world-famous chocolate factory.

One of the focuses of the story will be how he meets the mysterious Oompa Loompas and how they came to work at his factory.

Set: Tom was dressed in a dark brown coat along with a matching jacket and beige trousers as he filmed alongside Timothee

Gig: Timothee was cast in the famous role in May 2021

Musical: It was also confirmed the film would include several musical numbers

Timothee stars alongside Oscar winner Olivia Colman, Keegan-Michael Key, Rowan Atkinson, Sally Hawkins and Matt Lucas.

Paul King directs the prequel from a script he co-wrote with Simon Farnaby (who also stars) and Simon Rich.

Warner Bros. Pictures acquired the rights to the Willy Wonka character back in 2016 with director Paul's involvement confirmed in 2018.

That same year, it was reported that the list of actors in line to play Wonka included Ryan Gosling, Donald Glover and Ezra Miller.

Cast: Timothee stars alongside Oscar winner Olivia Colman, Keegan-Michael Key, Rowan Atkinson, Sally Hawkins and Matt Lucas

Director: Paul King directs the prequel from a script he co-wrote with Simon Farnaby (who also stars) and Simon Rich

Contenders: That same year, it was reported that the list of actors in line to play Wonka included Ryan Gosling, Donald Glover and Ezra Miller

Iconic: The original Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory was released in 1971 and is considered a classic

Filming: It is currently unknown how many locations the production will be working in

Crew: Members of the crew could be seen outside the filming venue

Timothee was cast in the role in May 2021 and it was also confirmed the film would include several musical numbers.

Timothee has a busy month ahead of him with two highly-anticipated movies hitting theaters, Dune and The French Dispatch, both in theatres October 22.

The French Dispatch is the latest from writer-director Wes Anderson, following a group of American journalists working in France for a magazine called The French Dispatch.

Career: Timothee has a busy month ahead of him with two highly-anticipated movies hitting theaters

Upcoming: Dune and The French Dispatch are both in theatres October 22

Timothee stars alongside Lea Seydoux, Christoph Waltz, Saoirse Ronan, Jeffrey Wright, Rupert Friend, Elisabeth Moss, Adrien Brody and Owen Wilson.

Dune is the highly-anticipated adaptation of Frank Herbert's beloved sci-fi novel, from director Denis Villeneuve.

Timothee stars with Jason Momoa, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Stellan Skarsgard, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem and Dave Bautista.

Plot: The film a group of American journalists working in France for a magazine called The French Dispatch
Rachael Ray is getting ready to return to the small screen with Season 16 of her self-titled show, with the celebrity chef opening up about her trying year.

The 53-year-old Daytime Emmy Winner was showing off the new set for her show while also opening up to Extra about her rather trying year.

Ray and her husband John Cusimano lost their home in upstate New York to an accidental fire in August 2020, and their New York City apartment was flooded in September, plus their pit bull Isaboo passed away in June 2020.

Return: Rachael Ray is getting ready to return to the small screen with Season 16 of her self-titled show, with the celebrity chef opening up about her trying year

Trying year: The 53-year-old Daytime Emmy Winner was showing off the new set for her show while also opening up to Extra about her rather trying year

Ray toured the new set with Tommy DiDario, the lifestyle expert for the Rachael Ray show, who asked her about what she's grateful for after the past year and a half.

'Being alive. When I lost my dog I was so grateful that I could be with her the last several month of her life,' Ray said.

'She died in my arms I felt guilty and grateful at the same time,' Ray explained.

Grateful: Ray toured the new set with Tommy DiDario, the lifestyle expert for the Rachael Ray show, who asked her about what she's grateful for after the past year and a half

Guilty and grateful: 'She died in my arms I felt guilty and grateful at the same time,' Ray explained

'People suffered actual human loss from COVID or because they couldnt get care and how many people died alone,' she added.

Ray and Cusimano had owned their home in Lake Luzerne since 2013, with the chef opening up about how the fire started.

'The fire, the chimney burped under the roof, thats just life. So many people wrote to me and reached out and said we lost so much too, I mean thats just bad luck,' she said.

Rachael and John: Ray and Cusimano had owned their home in Lake Luzerne since 2013, with the chef opening up about how the fire started

As for her apartment flood, she added, 'we werent there' when the flooding took place.

'Leaks became bigger and the roof became worse and we thought we had repaired everything then Ida the whole apartment, was just raining inside,' she added.

Still, she managed to overcome all of that adversity and return to her show for Season 16, which she explained is a 'hybrid situation.'

Flood: As for her apartment flood, she added, 'we werent there' when the flooding took place

'They tried to make it look less drastically different than my actual home, because this season is hybrid and we shoot in both (my home and studio),' she said.

'People seem to really like that, they want to see John [Cusimano] and I kind of struggle the two of us but its great to have the energy of an audience again,' she said.

Ray joked that she's felt, 'wildly unpopular for 20 months' because no one has been applauding for her.

Energy: 'People seem to really like that, they want to see John [Cusimano] and I kind of struggle the two of us but its great to have the energy of an audience again,' she said
An influencer has been accused of 'cultural appropriation' after asking her followers if she should dress up as Pocahontas or Princess Jasmine for a Halloween party.

Sophie Guidolin, 32, posted a poll on Instagram Stories so fans could help her decide, but she faced criticism because she is white and Pocahontas and Princess Jasmine are both women of colour.

Pocahontas was a Native American woman from the 17th century whose life story was fictionalised in the 1995 Disney film of the same name. Princess Jasmine is a fictional Arabian character from the 1992 Disney animation Aladdin.

Over Influencers, an Instagram account that documents social media gaffes, reposted Guidolin's poll, leading some critics to accuse her of cultural insensitivity.

Backlash: Influencer Sophie Guidolin has been accused of 'cultural appropriation' after asking her followers if she should dress up as Pocahontas or Princess Jasmine for a Halloween party

'It's 2021. People have been pulled up for this before. What planet are you living on to think this is still okay? Let me guess, they're white girls making a way as influencers living on the Gold Coast,' one person commented.

'The two princesses you just shouldn't dress up as,' another wrote.

'Why not just go 'black-face'? Would be same-same. #fail,' a third added.

Poll: Guidolin, 32, posted this poll on Instagram so fans could help her decide, but she faced criticism because she is white and Pocahontas and Princess Jasmine are both women of colour

One critic pointed out: 'Pocahontas was based on a 12-year-old native girl who was kidnapped and raped and died in London when early settlers stole her from her land.'

Guidolin deleted her social media poll following the backlash.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Sophie Guidolin for comment.

Storyline: Pocahontas (right) was a Native American woman from the 17th century whose life story was fictionalised in the 1995 Disney film of the same name. Princess Jasmine (left) is a fictional Arabian character from the 1992 Disney animation Aladdin

Criticism: Over Influencers, an Instagram account that documents social media gaffes, reposted Guidolin's poll, leading some critics to accuse her of cultural insensitivity

It comes after Guidolin spoke about her love life by confirming she had reunited with her ex-boyfriend Ryan.

'Are you back with your ex?' one fan asked on Instagram recently, to which she responded: 'Sure am.'

Guidolin previously dated Married At First Sight star Jake Edwards, but they parted ways after only a few months together.
She recently reminisced on her 25th birthday bash where she celebrated in Halloween costumes with friends and family.

And Kendall Jenner appeared to be far more cozy heading out for a shopping adventure in New York on Wednesday afternoon.

The leggy supermodel bundled up in a polka dot sweater paired with denim slacks as she left her hotel for a bit of retail therapy as the sun set in Manhattan.

City slicker: Kendall Jenner appeared to be far more cozy heading out for a shopping adventure in New York on Wednesday afternoon

Kendall's plush beige sweater featured thick cream and brown polka dots across the front and down the sleeves.

She added inches to her endlessly long legs with a pair of chunky black boots and wore straight leg jeans.

The Keeping Up with the Kardashian's star wore her dark brown hair loosely curled and rocked a pair of rectangular frames.

Out and about: The leggy supermodel bundled up in a polka dot sweater paired with denim slacks as she left her hotel for a bit of retail therapy as the sun set in Manhattan

Classic: Kendall's plush beige sweater featured thick cream and brown polka dots across the front and down the sleeves

Kendall's trip to the Big Apple comes after a recent jaunt to the Windy City where she served up sips of her 818 Tequila.

Almost immediately after announcing her latest venture earlier this year, Kendall faced intense scrutiny for the name of her brand and the attempt to diminish tequila's cultural significance in the Latinx community.

'There was just a lack of respect to the culture and the importance of tequila to Mexico,' bartender Lucas Assis told Yahoo Life in February. 'She didn't even know how to properly drink tequila.'

Babe: The Keeping Up with the Kardashian's star wore her dark brown hair loosely curled and rocked a pair of rectangular frames

Drink up: Kendall's trip to the Big Apple comes after a recent jaunt to the Windy City where she served up sips of her 818 Tequila

He went on to explain how agave takes up to nine years to fully mature before being able to harvest, a questionable time frame since Kendall noted that she had only spent four years perfecting her new brand.

'The plant is embedded in the country's history and culture. Celebrities need to understand the detrimental effect their brands can have on the tequila industry but even most importantly on the agriculture of the agave plant,' he said.

'Using Mexico's culture and history for nothing other than capital gain is culture appropriation. Not to mention leaving the family-owned small distilleries, who have been doing this for generations, struggling to keep up with the sky rocketing prices of the agave, due to farmers simply not being able to keep up with the demand.'
Larry David has made a career out of finding humor in societal norms and every day interactions between people.

And on Tuesday, during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the Curb You Enthusiasm creator and star shared another hilarious story that's another classic mischievous mishap from David.

Only this time the subjects involved the two of them and a dinner date that David accidentally missed by showing up a week early.

Self deprecating: Larry David, 74, shared a hilarious story about missing a dinner date with Jimmy Kimmel during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Tuesday

The Curb You Enthusiasm creator and star revealed that he showed up to Kimmel's Los Angeles home for dinner a full week early

The conversation between the two funnymen began with Kimmel talking about how he was surprised the David showed up for his guest spot on the talk show.

With a big beaming smile on his face, the comedian agreed and proceeded to joke about how he mulled over whether to cancel the appearance.

Kimmel then brought up the dinner date invitation, which David said he was surprised to get.

'He invited me to dinner, this guy,' the Brooklyn, New York native joked while pointing at the host. 'And I don't really know him that well.'

He proceeded to crack jokes about being a bad dinner date because he's not a good listener during conversations.

Comedic touches: The conversation between the two funnymen began with Kimmel talking about how he was surprised the David showed up for his guest spot on the talk show

Story setup: 'He invited me to dinner, this guy,' the Seinfeld co-creator joked while pointing at the host. 'I don't really know him that well.'

David showed up to Kimmel's home for a dinner date, and when there was no answer texted the talk show host, 'I'm outside! Can't get in. Larry.'

Forgetful: The acclaimed television creator and writer was stunned to find out he got the date of their dinner wrong

'Anyway, I show up at his house and there's nobody home,' the Seinfeld co-creator revealed of their scheduled dinner.

Frustrated and miffed, David texted Kimmel, 'I'm outside! Can't get in. Larry.'

Kimmel responded, 'It's next Monday. I am at a funeral - sorry pal.'

It turns out he got the date of the get-together wrong, and that the dinner was for the following Monday.

Living up to his Curb You Enthusiasm character, which he plays himself, David responded to Kimmel being at a funeral: 'Hola s**t. Hahaha,' which got an equal amount of laughs from the two of them and the audience.

David added, 'Good panel for the next time I'm on!'

'And you're right exactly, it worked out,' Kimmel said in agreement with the final text, all while bursting out in laughter together.

Wrong Monday! It turns out the dinner date was for the following Monday

Off the cuff: David living up to his Curb You Enthusiasm character, which he plays himself, and responded to Kimmel being at a funeral: 'Hola s**t. Hahaha'

Unique sense of humor! The host made sure to point out that David wrote, 'Hahaha,' in his response to Kimmel being at a funeral at the time David was outside his house

David went on to reveal that he thought Kimmel had tried to pull a practical joke on him by not being at his house for the scheduled dinner.

'I thought I was getting punked, and I thought "I'm never going to do that show ever again,' he continued, in a reference to the late night talk show.

The story didn't end there. When the following Monday came around, the day of their actual dinner date, David didn't show up. With his arms out wide and a big beaming grin on his face, David shot back: 'I got it up once to do it, you know. I couldn't go the second time.'

Acknowledging he did try the first time around, Kimmel shot back: 'You made the effort.'

It's at this point that David asked him: 'Do me a favor, try it again,' for which Kimmel agreed, 'because I never have people to my house.'

David followed up by assuring his the host: 'But you're not getting invited to my house.'

David told Kimmel that his dinner date mishap would make for a 'Good panel for the next time I'm on,' which was a reference to the story being good fodder on the talk show

'And you're right exactly, it worked out,' Kimmel said in agreement with the final text, about the dinner date mishap being a good topic to tell on Kimmel's talk show

Funnyman: David also joked about when he missed an appointment with his doctor

'I don't write anything down,' the two-time Emmy Award winner confessed. 'I think I'm smart enough to retain it in my head: "Oh dinner with Jimmy on Monday; oh it's in my head," I noted it in my head. But, you know, it doesn't work out that way.

David then gave an example of when he forgot to show up for a doctor's appointment.

'God forbid you forget a doctor's appointment, which happens,' he said with a sarcastic, but funny tone to his voice. While leaning back in his chair, he began to joke about how doctor's can get really offended by missed appointments.

'Oh the doctor. Oh, the doctor's precious time was wasted. Oh, oh, oh, the doctor. And then you get calls from the doctor's assistant for the next two weeks to remind you that the doctor was upset that you didn't show up

David, 74, was on the talk show to promote the upcoming 11th season of his hit HBO comedy series Curb You Enthusiasm. The new season premieres on October 24, and will feature guest appearances from the likes of Kaley Cuoco, Woody Harrelson, Tracy Ulman, Lucy Lui, Bill Hader and Paton Oswalt, among many others.

The acclaimed series will once again star his longtime regulars Jeff Garlin, Sussie Essman and B.J. Smoove.

Promo mode: David, 74, was on the talk show to promote the upcoming 11th season of his hit HBO comedy series Curb You Enthusiasm
She's never been afraid to give it her all in front of the camera.

And Megan Fox took the plunge wearing a sexy cut-out mini dress as she posed up a storm for her latest Boohoo campaign.

The 35-year-old actress showcased her incredible curves in the skimpy black number just days after declaring her unwavering love for boyfriend Machine Gun Kelly.

Bold and beautiful: Megan Fox took the plunge wearing a sexy cut-out mini dress as she posed up a storm for her latest Boohoo campaign

In another shot, Megan kept MGK close to her heart as she rocked an Ohio letterman's jacket and a black leather bra as she admitted to paying homage to her beau who grew up in the Cleveland suburb of Shaker Heights.

Megan's piercing blue eyes caught the camera as she showed off just a few pieces of the new collection with the popular brand.

'7 days until my collection with Boohoo drops...including this universally relatable letterman jacket,' she captioned the post.

'Because theres tons of other reasons to love Ohio even if your boyfriend is not the Peoples Mayor of Cleveland.'

Supportive girlfriend: Megan proved to keep MGK close to her heart as she rocked an Ohio letterman's jacket as part of her new campaign with the fashion brand Boohoo

Sneak peek: Megan's piercing blue eyes caught the camera as she showed off just a few pieces of the new collection with the popular brand

Lady in red! Megan rocked a cut-out dress in one snap shared to her social media platform

Megan and MGK's whirlwind relationship began last year while filming Randall Emmett's crime thriller, Midnight In The Switchgrass, with Bruce Willis, Emile Hirsch and Lukas Haas in Puerto Rico.

During an interview on Lala Kent's podcast, Megan said she 'knew right away that he was what I call a twin flame.'

She added: 'Instead of a soul mate, a twin flame is actually where a soul has ascended into a high enough level that it can be split into two different bodies at the same time. So we're actually two halves of the same soul, I think.'

Megan would have been with her ex Brian Austin Green at the time of this first meeting, with whom she shares sons Noah, nine, Body, seven, and Journey, five, with.

Back in black: Her flawless figure was on display in a revealing minidress

'7 days until my collection with Boohoo drops...including this universally relatable letterman jacket,' she captioned the post

'This weird thing happened,' Megan told British GQ Style. 'We didn't see each other. I don't remember [his] face. I just remember this tall, blond, ghostly creature and I looked up and I was like, "You smell like weed." He looked down at me and he was like, "I am weed." Then, I swear to God, he disappeared like a ninja in a smoke bomb.'

She added: 'Our souls chose this to absolutely have to face our shadow selves; to face things about ourselves we didnt want to have to know, that we tried to push away.'

MGK added, 'It should be light, but also we go to hell with each other. Its ecstasy and agony for sure... I dont want people to think anythings perfect with us.'

'I didnt say it was the darkest fairy tale for no reason. God help you if you wouldve met us last Saturday,' he said, as Fox laughed.

They made their red carpet debut at the American Music Awards where she revealed a new tattoo likely dedicated to her musician beau with the Spanish words 'el pistolero' scrawled across her collarbone, which roughly translates to 'the gunman.'

Kelly  who's real name is Colson Baker  revealed that he wears a vial of her blood on a necklace so that he wouldn't miss her when she went out of the country for a film role.
Jessica Brown Findlay showcased her incredible style at the post premiere reception for Munich - The Edge of War on Wednesday.

The actress, 32, made a leggy display in a white shirt dress and a black cape style blazer during the 65th BFI London Film Festival at Kettner's Townhouse in London.

The beauty- who plays Pamela Legat in the movie - completed her outfit with open toe heels and a mesh black scarf.

Wow! Jessica Brown Findlay showcased her incredible style at the post premiere reception for Munich - The Edge of War on Wednesday

Her brunette locks were styled in soft curls and her glam makeup enhanced her striking features.

Downton Abbey star Jessica posed for a slew of snaps with German film director Christian Schwochow and actor Jeremy Irons, who also stars in the film.

Christian looked dapper in a navy suit which he paired with a black shirt and he opted for comfort in Adidas trainers.

The Man in the Iron Mask actor donned a waistcoat with jeans which he paired with a smart coat.

Beautiful: The actress, 32, made a leggy display in a white shirt dress and a black cape style blazer during the 65th BFI London Film Festival at Kettner's Townhouse in London

Cast: Jessica posed for a slew of snaps with German film director Christian Schwochow and actor Jeremy Irons, who also stars in the film

Style: The beauty- who plays Pamela Legat in the movie - completed her outfit with open toe heels and a mesh black scarf

Munich  The Edge of War is based on the international bestselling novel written by Robert Harris in 2018.

The flick sees a British civil servant and a German diplomat cross paths in 1938 Munich as they try to prevent a war in Europe.

Adolf Hitler is preparing to invade Czechoslovakia and Neville Chamberlains government desperately seeks a peaceful solution.

With the pressure building, Hugh Legat, British civil servant, and Paul von Hartmann, German diplomat, travel to Munich for the emergency Conference.

On set: Munich  The Edge of War is based on the international bestselling novel written by Robert Harris in 2018 (Pictured Jeremy as Neville Chamberlain, George MacKay as Hugh Legat_

Scene: The flick sees a British civil servant and a German diplomat cross paths in 1938 Munich as they try to prevent a war in Europe (Pictured Sandra Huller as Helen Winter, Jannis Niewohner as Paul Hartman)

As negotiations begin, the two old friends find themselves at the centre of a web of political subterfuge and very real danger.

Jessica is also due to star in the the BBC drama, Life After Life alongside Fleabag's Sian Clifford.

Filming has now begun on the adaptation of Kate Atkinson's critically-acclaimed novel, which follows heroine Ursula Todd having alternative possible lives.

Jojo Rabbit's Thomasin McKenzie, 20, will take on the lead role of Ursula, while Sian, 39, will play her mother Sylvie.

Talent: Talent: Fleabag's Sian Clifford and Jessica lead the stellar line-up for the new BBC drama, Life After Life

Also joining the cast in the four-part drama is James McArdle, who will play Ursula's father Hugh, and Jessica Hynes (Years and Years).

They are joined by Patsy Ferran (Black Narcissus), Harry Michell (Yesterday), Laurie Kynaston (The Trouble with Maggie Cole) Joshua Hill (Small Axe) and Maria Laird (Derry Girls).

The series is being directed by BAFTA award-winning director John Crowley (Brooklyn, Boy A).

Main character: Jojo Rabbit's Thomasin McKenzie (pictured), 20, will take on the lead role of Ursula, while Sian, 39, will play her mother Sylvie

The story will follow Ursula as she is born one night in 1910, but dies before she draws her first breath.

On that same night in 1910, Ursula is reborn and survives. Time and time again, living and dying in different circumstances, Ursula is reborn into a new, alternative iteration of life once more.

The compelling story follows Ursula as she navigates each new life, through a critical era which spans two world wars, an encounter with Hitler and major life events.

Of playing the lead role, Thomasin said: 'I'm drawn to Life After Life because it makes me laugh, cry, clench my fists in anger or whoop with empowerment.

Critically-acclaimed show: Sian is best known for playing Claire, the older sister of the titular character in the BBC comedy-drama series Fleabag (pictured with Phoebe Waller-Bridge)

Period drama: Jessica played Lady Sybil Crawley in the ITV television series Downton Abbey

'Bash has done a stunning job at adapting Kate Atkinson's masterpiece, and working with John has already taught me a great deal - reinforcing my love for collaborating and creating.'

Tessa Ross and Juliette Howell, executive producers for House Productions, added: 'We feel extremely lucky to have worked with John Crowley and Fiona Weir to assemble such a very special cast - some of the UKs most talented actors for this wonderful story of Ursula Todds many fascinating, joyful, traumatic, amusing and surprising lives.

'And in Thomasin, we have found our perfect heroine for Bashs beautiful scripts. With her luminous intelligence, she brings an extraordinary maturity to this part.'

Life After Life will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with the premiere date yet to be confirmed.
Erika Jayne hit out at critics calling for her to be fired as she appeared on part one of The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills season 11 reunion on Bravo on Wednesday.

The 50-year-old reality star was grilled by host Andy Cohen, 53, about her involvement in her estranged husband Tom Girardi's embezzlement scandal and asked for her thoughts on people clamoring for her dismissal.

'Why should I be fired?,' Erika sharply replied. 'Why are you presuming that I've done something? Why aren't we letting the legal process play out?'

Season reunion: Erika Jayne fought back against critics calling for her firing on Wednesday during the first part of The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills season 11 reunion on Bravo

She added: 'You've heard one side... and a lot of bulls*** on that side. Give me a chance to defend myself. Watch me. I'm ready for the challenge. Watch me do it.'

Erika has been embroiled in an embezzlement scandal involving her 82-year-old estranged husband and disgraced lawyer Tom. They were both named as defendants in a federal lawsuit filed in December alleging they stole funds meant for the families, including widows and orphans, of the victims of the 2018 Lion Air plane crash.

Tom had his California license to practice law revoked in March 2021 after the Los Angeles Times reported that he had been sued more than 100 times. He also had been the subject of numerous bar complaints alleging financial malfeasance involving millions of dollars owed to clients, including female cancer victims and a burn victim.

Andy asked Erika if her lawyers ever advised her to quit the show and she said they did.

Scandal: Erika has been embroiled in an embezzlement scandal involving her 82-year-old estranged husband Tom Girardi (pictured on the show) and disgraced lawyer Tom.

'And then I said, ''No, because I have nothing to hide.'' And they said, ''Well, you know that this s*** can get flipped around on you.'' Everything can be parsed, twisted, turned and yes, possibly turned against you. Whether it is true or not, it almost doesn't even matter at this point,' Erika said.

Andy asked Erika if she ever thought about quitting the show and she admitted that she considered it.

'But I'm not a quitter and I wanted to honor my commitment. I wasn't going to run away from what's coming at me,' Erika said.

Legal process: 'Why should I be fired?,' Erika sharply said. 'Why are you presuming that I've done something? Why aren't we letting the legal process play out?'

No quitting: Andy asked Erika if she ever thought about quitting the show and she admitted that she considered it

Andy pointed out that without her estranged husband's income the show was now her main job and asked her how much that factored into her decision. She said that didn't factor into her decision then but that it was more a consideration now.

The one-hour episode was the first of four reunion shows for a turbulent season 11 that was dominated by Erika's divorce and subsequent legal troubles.

Andy at the start of the reunion asked Erika if she was ready to finally address her situation and Erika said she was happy to share what she could.

Together again: The one-hour episode was the first of four reunion shows for a turbulent season 11 that was dominated by Erika's divorce and subsequent legal troubles

'This is the toughest part of my life,' Erika said.

'I could imagine,' Andy replied.

Two weeks before the reunion, Lisa Rinna, 57, visited Erika at her house and asked her if she was going to show up at the reunion. She told her people had said that she wasn't.

Tough time: 'This is the toughest part of my life,' Erika said

'I'm going,' Erika told her. 'I'm not a f***ing quitter.'

Erika told her that she had a dream that they were at the reunion and that there were going to be some shots fired and shots taken.

'There are going to be some winners and some losers,' said Erika.

So true: 'There are going to be some winners and some losers,' said Erika

'Well, that's life baby,' Lisa responded.

On the day of the reunion, the housewives arrived and went to their respective trailers to get ready.

When Kyle Richards, 52, was in hair and make up, Andy stopped by and said that in 11 years of doing these shows that this one felt as if the stakes were higher.

Fan favorite: When Kyle Richards, 52, was in hair and make up, Andy stopped by and said that in 11 years of doing these shows that this one felt as if the stakes were higher

'For some people more than others obviously,' Kyle said.

Andy asked her how it was going to go with her and Erika and she asked him if he had seen the stories online that Erika wasn't talking to her. Andy asked Kyle if that was true and she said it was.

He then visited with Sutton Stracke, 49, and asked her if she was nervous about seeing Erika. She said yes because Erika said she hated her.

Once on the reunion stage, Andy said hello to all the women.

Big stage: Once on the reunion stage, Andy said hello to all the women

'Hey Erika what's new,' Andy asked Erika

'A lot, a lot is new,' said Erika, wearing a plunging pink long sleeve silk dress accessorized with large diamond studs and a cross necklace.

He asked her how she felt and if she was looking forward to or dreading this show. She said she was actually looking forward to it.

Lot new: 'A lot, a lot is new,' said Erika, wearing a plunging pink long sleeve silk dress accessorized with large diamond studs and a cross necklace

'I'm looking forward to closing this chapter and moving on,' Erika said.

Andy noted that she was in a highly unusual situation with so much transpiring.

'I'm happy to say everything that I can say. Please understand there are some things I cannot answer. But I will do my best to give every part of the story that I can,' Erika said.

Open book: 'I'm happy to say everything that I can say. Please understand there are some things I cannot answer. But I will do my best to give every part of the story that I can,' Erika said

Erika told him that she was finding out things in real time herself.

'I don't have all the answers and still do not have all the answers to this day,' Erika said.

Andy asked her what she thought were the biggest misconceptions about her. She said there was a lot of talk of her being cold and not having empathy.

The host: Andy asked her what she thought were the biggest misconceptions about her

'The truth is that I do,' she said. 'But I'm in an almost impossible situation. Anyone that has been wronged, I want them to be made whole.'

Andy asked Erika if she was talking about the victims and she said she was talking about the 'alleged victims of all of Tom's alleged misdoings.'

He then followed up by asking her what it was like watching the show back and she told him it was really hard. He then asked her feelings about the other women as she watched their reactions play out.

Alleged wording: Andy asked Erika if she was talking about the victims and she said she was talking about the 'alleged victims of all of Tom's alleged misdoings'

'Disappointment, anger, sadness,' said Erika. 'And then some hope and some love and support.'

Andy then brought up how Sutton spoke to an attorney about Erika's case during filming.

Sutton, wearing a blue strapless dress with long dangling pearls and gold earrings, clarified to Andy that she didn't speak to her attorney but to her friend who was an attorney.

Legal advice: Sutton, wearing a blue strapless dress with long dangling pearls and gold earrings, clarified to Andy that she didn't speak to her attorney but to her friend who was an attorney

Andy asked if any of the other women spoke to an attorney and Crystal Kung Minkoff, 35, said she did. She said she consulted her attorney on everything.

Sutton wasn't wearing her boot anymore and was finally able to wear high heels.

Andy said hi to Dorit Kemsley, 44, who was wearing a white embellished sleeveless pearl dress. He asked her if it was from her bridal collection Nektaria and she said it was from the ready to wear side of the collection.

Own collection: Andy said hi to Dorit Kemsley, 44, who was wearing a white embellished sleeveless pearl dress

He then asked Lisa, who was wearing a mock neck purple silk long sleeve short dress with diamond hoops, if she had named her slicked back ponytail. She said not yet, but then Garcelle Beauvais, 54, jumped in and called it Priscilla. Lisa liked the name and said 'we agree on something.'

The set was a simulation of Kathy Hilton's backyard and her sister Kyle said she didn't know if Kathy would recognize it at first.

Andy asked Sutton how her mother reacted to the show. She said her mother told her not to be so reactive to comments by the other women. Sutton told them that she also finally moved into her own house just last week.

Her backyard: The set was a simulation of Kathy Hilton's backyard and her sister Kyle said she didn't know if Kathy would recognize it at first

Andy mentioned to Kyle that Sutton stayed at her house for almost a year and asked if she was a good tenant. Kyle said she was but that she almost burnt down her house. Kyle then showed a picture of her blackened fireplace. Sutton told her that it was not her fault.

Erika was asked if she was looking into dating. She said she was. He asked her what kind of guy she was looking for and she said 'something with a big penis. I would like some hot sex.'

She said her 'DM's' were open and Kyle said she would probably get a lot of takers after that comment.

Burnt fireplace: Kyle said Sutton was a good tenant, but that she almost burnt down her house

Andy asked Sutton what was going on with her boyfriend Michael. She told him that they were on a nice Valentine's Day weekend when he broke up with her. He said he told her that he 'just can't.' She said she was devastated but that she was now dating.

Garcelle also talked about how she felt that she was the outsider in the group. He played a clip of her opening up after she told them she felt different from the others. Dorit said she liked how she opened up to them but Garcelle said she still wanted an apology from Dorit for calling her a bully.

Dorit said the jabs that Garcelle was lobbying at her were 'incessant.' Andy pointed out that Dorit got hazed for calling her a bully. Dorit said she wished she could take it back and that it wasn't the right word.

Left out: Garcelle Beauvais also talked about how she felt that she was the outsider in the group

Dorit pointed out that Garcelle said a lot more in her confessionals, but not a lot to people's faces. Lisa agreed with her. Andy said that all of the women do the same. Lisa said that Garcelle did it the most. Lisa tried to interject but Garcelle told her they would get to it. Lisa then told her she could talk and say whatever she wanted.

Andy asked Crystal her thoughts about Garcelle. Crystal said she had a similar issue with Garcelle talking about her in a confessional.

Dorit yelled at Garcelle to let her finish her point.

Fired up: Dorit yelled at Garcelle to let her finish her point

Andy wanted to know where they stood, Dorit and Garcelle said they both wanted to move on.

'I don't dislike her at all,' Garcelle. 'I don't have anything against Dorit, I really don't.'

Then Andy asked Lisa about her 20-year-friendship with Garcelle and whether they were in a good place. Lisa said she did everything that she could. Garcelle said she didn't trust Lisa.

Friendship topic: Then Andy asked Lisa about her 20-year-friendship with Garcelle and whether they were in a good place

Erika wanted to know if Garcelle wanted to punish Lisa for how Denise Richards was treated on the show and Garcelle said she did not.

Andy asked Garcelle what she expected of Lisa when she came on the show. Garcelle said she just expected something. Garcelle said 'someone told me that you said that I should have never brought race into the show and that this show is not that kind of show. And that really bothered me.'

Lisa said she should have come to her and asked her because she would never say something like that.

Getting angry: Lisa said she should have come to her and asked her because she would never say something like that

'I don't know that,' Garcelle said.

'Garcelle, you have it out for me and I want to know why,' Lisa said. 'Why, why, why?'

'When I heard that that really pissed me off,' Garcelle said.

'Then why didn't you f***ing come to me and say Rinna what are doing,' screamed Lisa, who also denied saying it.

Also mad: 'When I heard that that really pissed me off,' Garcelle said

Lisa told Garcelle she was 's****y 'the whole season but she was not saying why.

'Because I don't trust you,' Garcelle said.

'Why didn't you just say to me Lisa I don't want to be your friend, I don't trust you,' asked Lisa.

No trust: 'Because I don't trust you,' Garcelle said

Garcelle said she told her that. Lisa said that they wanted to move on.

Lisa said the insinuations that she said were not true. She asked Garcelle for an apology for saying that. She said she was happy that Garcelle was on the show.

Andy said he didn't know where the two of them go from here and Lisa said she wanted them to move on. Lisa told her to just be the Garcelle she knew before and Garcelle also wanted Lisa to be the warm person she knew before the show. Lisa said her husband Harry Hamlin watched the show and asked why happened to Garcelle and that she looked unhappy.

Like before: Lisa told her to just be the Garcelle she knew before and Garcelle also wanted Lisa to be the warm person she knew before the show

Dorit said Garcelle seemed like she checked out.

'I show up,' said Garcelle.

Lisa said she would love to move on. She got up and moved to sit next to Garcelle and begged her to give her a chance and Garcelle said 'you got it.'

Another chance: Lisa got up and moved to sit next to Garcelle and begged her to give her a chance and Garcelle said 'you got it'

When Lisa walked over, Dorit whispered to Crystal that Lisa just wanted to show off her outfit.

Kathy Hilton then joined the reunion and recognized that she was sitting in a recreation of her yard. Andy asked her why she decided to come on the show 11 years in. Kyle said she pushed her.

One viewer wrote in and asked if Kyle really got her nose broken while shooting Halloween or whether it was just another excuse to get her nose done again. She said she did break it shooting Halloween but then decided to make it a little cuter.

Close sisters: Kathy Hilton then joined the reunion and recognized that she was sitting in a recreation of her yard.

Andy then turned back to Erika. He said he remembered when her book came out and he asked her if Tom had read it and she said that he hadn't.

'I thought that was so f***ing weird,' Andy said.

Andy said it was also really weird when Tom didn't come to see her Broadway show. Andy asked her if Tom was cheating on her and why she didn't leave him sooner.

Really weird: Andy said it was also really weird when Tom didn't come to see her Broadway show

'I've said to Tom, ''If you are in love with someone else, divorce me and go be with her'',' Erika said.

'He said?,' Andy asked.

'Nothing. Zero,' Erika said.

The show ended with Andy asking Erika if she was faithful to Tom.

The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills Reunion will continue next week with the second of four episodes.
Olivia Colman and Tobias Menzies cosied up for snaps at a premiere afterparty in London on Wednesday night.

The couple played Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on The Crown season 3 and 4, and looked thrilled to see each other at the event - which was part of London's BFI Festival.

The event followed the UK premiere of Olivia's new film The Lost Daughter, and took place at Soho House.

A royal reunion! Olivia Colman and Tobias Menzies cosied up for snaps at a premiere afterparty in London on Wednesday night

The pair, both 47, embraced and posed for snaps together inside the private event.

Olivia cut an elegant figure for the event in a dark green dress by Emilia Wickstead.

The garment also featured long sleeves while Olivia paired it with black heels with a diamond embellishment.

Styling her tresses into an updo, she completed her outfit for the star-studded premiere with silver earrings.

Screen spouses: The couple played Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on The Crown season 3 and 4

Pals: The pair, both 47, embraced and posed for snaps together inside the private event

Starry: Olivia was joined on the red carpet by co-stars Dakota Johnson and Jessie Buckley and director Maggie Gyllenhaal for The Lost Daughter premiere, with Tobias posing for snaps with Maggie at the party too

Tobias wore a navy suit, a crisp white shirt and a contrasting tie for the party.

Olivia was joined on the red carpet by co-stars Dakota Johnson and Jessie Buckley and director Maggie Gyllenhaal for The Lost Daughter premiere, with Tobias posing for snaps with Maggie at the party too.

He was also snapped earlier in the week on the red carpet for the film Belfast, adding a scarf to a checked grey suit.

The Lost Daughter is a psychological drama written and directed by Maggie, and based on the novel of the same name by Elena Ferrante.

Trio: Genevieve O'Reilly posed with Maggie and Tobias

Suave: Tobias was also snapped earlier in the week on the red carpet for the film Belfast

Hunk: He added a checked scarf to his look at the event earlier in the week

The anticipated movie had its world premiere at the 78th Venice International Film Festival on September 3, where Maggie won the Golden Osella Award for Best Screenplay.

The film also received a four-minute standing ovation from the audience at the Venice Film Festival.

It tells the story of Olivia, as Leda, a college professor, who while on a summer holiday, finds herself becoming obsessed with another woman (Dakota) and her young daughter, prompting memories of her own early motherhood to come back and unravel her.

The Lost Daughter also stars Peter Sarsgaard, Paul Mescal, Ed Harris and Oliver Jackson-Cohen.

Meanwhile, filming for The Crown's fifth season continue, with Princess Diana and Prince Charles actors Elizabeth Debicki and Dominic West seen filming new scenes f in Palma de Mallorca on Tuesday.

Popular Netflix drama: Princess Diana and Prince Charles actors Elizabeth Debicki and Dominic West were seen filming new scenes for The Crown series 5 in Palma de Mallorca on Tuesday recreating the royal trip to Italy in 1991 (right)

Elizabeth, 31, was joined on location by Dominic, 51, as they boarded the prestigious Christina O yacht off shore of the Balearic Island, in scenes recreating the royal pair's family trip to Italy in 1991 - which took place a year before the couple divorced.

During the Nineties, Princess Diana and Prince Charles had embarked on a holiday with their children Prince William and Harry, then eight and six, which saw the family unified for a cruise on Charles' beloved Alexandra yacht, despite the couple being just months away from calling off their marriage.

Child actors Timothee Sambor, 11, and Teddy Hawley, seven, who play the young princes respectively, were seen filming on the boat wearing matching white polo shirts.

The trip will have seen the royals put on a brave face as their marriage began to implode behind the scenes, in a year that saw the pair give their union a last ditch attempt at survival.
They have been best friends for years after bonding in Los Angeles.

And Lara Worthington and Phoebe Tonkin enjoyed a fun night out in New York on Wednesday evening.

The two women enjoyed cocktails in the Big Apple and rode a bike around the city after their drinks.

Girls night out! Lara Worthington and Phoebe Tonkin enjoyed a night out on the town in New York on Wednesday

The Originals star Phoebe took a video of their fun expedition and model Lara posted it to her Instagram stories.

She added a grab of a text message that read: 'This bike. Let's Uber you're nuts you can't drive this after a few cocktails.'

On the night, the pair were twinning in chic black ensembles.

On your bike! The two women enjoyed cocktails in the Big Apple and rode a bike around the city after their drinks

Lara wore a pair of trousers and a blazer with pointed toe boots, while Phoebe donned similar pants with a black blouse.

They both toted designer handbags.

The outing comes after they recently attended the US Open.

As always Lara, 34, dressed up for the occasion, wearing a high fashion outfit that showed off her slender figure.

She opted for a pair of black, wide-legged trousers, along with an eye-catching shirt.

Fun: The outing comes after they recently attended the US Open

The top featured an ornate, long-sleeved shirt with black edging and an abstract green and gold design.

Lara added a blue cap over her bob haircut and appeared to have on minimal makeup.

She was joined by actress Phoebe, 32, who wore a pair of leather trousers and the same blue cap.

Wow! The model, 34, dressed up for the occasion, wearing a high fashion outfit that showed off her slender figure

A look: The top featured an ornate, long-sleeved shirt with black edging and an abstract green and gold design

Phoebe added a white tank top over which she had on a loose brown leaf print shirt that blew in the wind.

The friends hammed it up for the camera, dancing about and beaming before cuddling up for a selfie.

The Worthington clan recently returned to the US after a long stint in Australia.

Cute: The friends hammed it up for the camera, dancing about and beaming before cuddling up for a selfie

Before heading to New York, Lara, her husband Sam and their brood were in Los Angeles, where the cover girl shared a rare picture of herself cuddled up to her hubby during a dinner with friends.

It's unclear when exactly Lara and Sam returned to US.

The family first moved back to Australia in January, after spending the better part of a decade living in New York and Los Angeles.
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Victoria Beckham revealed during a visit on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday why she and David Beckham used to wear matching outfits a lot.

'It just seemed like a really good idea at the time,' Victoria, 47, said drawing giggles from the studio audience in New York City.

'It really did. I think there was a naivete then, we didn't know about fashion. We were just having fun with it,' she added.

Matching outfits: Victoria Beckham revealed during a visit on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday why she and David Beckham used to wear matching outfits a lot

Black leather: Jimmy then pulled out a 1999 picture of Victoria and David wearing matching black leather motorcycle jackets and leather pants at a party in London

'We didn't know about fashion. We were just having fun with it, which to be honest with you, is kind of the way it should be. I really wish I had the courage to do it more now,' Victoria said.

Victoria said they didn't know and didn't care and just wanted to have fun with their outfits.

'And we were like, ''Hey, let's wear matching leather. ...And we did,' she said.

Jimmy then pulled out a 1999 picture of Victoria and David wearing matching black leather motorcycle jackets and leather pants.

Same style: Victoria and David, shown in 1997 in London, matched up early in their relationship

Victoria said they didn't do it a lot but the times that they did it was well documented.

The Spice Girls member, who was dressed in a white silk button down and belted white trousers, also talked with Jimmy about her new beauty and fashion lines. Jimmy told her that last time that he saw her she was pregnant with Harper who was now 10 years old. He asked her how her family was doing.

'They're so good,' she said.

Well documented; Victoria said they didn't do it a lot but the times that they did it was well documented, including this matching outfit in 1998

Awards show: David and Victoria also matched up at the MTV Movie Awards in Los Angeles in 2003

Party outfits: The couple wore matching brown and white outfits in 2001 for their son Brooklyn's second birthday party in London

Jimmy told her she was not only a global superstar but that her fashion lines were a huge success.

'I just feel so lucky to have these creative outlets,' Victoria said. 'It's just what I love to do. I love fashion. I love beauty. I love to make women feel like the best versions of themselves.'

She added 'I really really do. If someone wants to invest in my brand, wear my clothes or my makeup that's why I am doing it. I want women to feel great about themselves.'

Busy star: The Spice Girls member, who was dressed in a white silk button down and belted white trousers, also talked with Jimmy about her new beauty and fashion lines.

Jimmy asked her if she remembered the first time she saw someone wearing something from her line. She said she was in a restaurant with her husband David.

'I was so excited,' said Victoria.

He then asked her about her new beauty line Victoria Beckham Beauty.

First time: Jimmy asked her if she remembered the first time she saw someone wearing something from her line

She said it has been a dream of hers to focus on clean beauty products that are luxurious but really work.

Victoria said she was obsessed with makeup and wanted her products to also be inclusive.

'That was my goal and I saw a space in the market where no one else was doing that and It's doing very well,' she said.

Dreamy products: She said it has been a dream of hers to focus on clean beauty products that are luxurious but really work

Jimmy also had Victoria play a guessing game with him where they blindly stuck their hands into boxes to guess the contents.

Victoria, told Jimmy she was more nervous than singing in front of 90,000 people.

'I'm so nervous,' said Victoria.

A container was brought out that contained a smashed pumpkin labeled 'pumpkin guts' and Jimmy stuck his hand in and said he had 30 seconds to figure out what it was.

Game show: Jimmy also had Victoria play a guessing game with him where they blindly stuck their hands into boxes to guess the contents

Victoria told him 'It's really gross.' And then started clapping with the audience 'pick it up.'

Jimmy guessed that it was oatmeal. When he saw what it was, he said 'you guys are the worst.

Then it was Victoria's turn . She rolled up her sleeves and asked the audience to help her out. The box contained a spinning 'squid game doll.'

Her turn: rolled up her sleeves and asked the audience to help her out when it was her turn

'This is horrific,' said Victoria, who was scared to put her hand inside the box. 'What is it?'

Jimmy then pulled the creepy doll form squid game show out of the box to show her what was inside.

Jimmy's next box arrived which contained eggs and hair and Victoria told him 'really it's gross.'

So gross: Jimmy's next box arrived which contained eggs and hair and Victoria told him 'really it's gross'

When it was Victoria's turn, they brought out a box full of opened mascara brushes. She begged the audience to help her 'Aw come on, I'm from London. Help me.' She laughed when she learned she was touching mascara.

For the last one, they both got the same box that contained a Halloween Mask and they both were to put their hands in at the same time.

'I never thought I was a nervous person but it turns out I really am because that (was) terrifying,' Victoria said.
Jenna Coleman cut a chic figure in a black dress as she left the post-premiere party for The Lost Daughter in London on Wednesday.

The actress, 35, wowed in the black midi dress, worn over a white blouse and paired with patterned tights.

Jenna opted for comfort with chunky black boots and layered up in a grey patterned coat.

Chic: Jenna Coleman cut a chic figure in a black dress as she left the post-premiere party for The Lost Daughter in London on Wednesday

She acessorised with a berry leather handbag and a pink patterned tote as she strolled.

Her brunette tresses were styled in soft waves and she sported a radiant palette of make-up.

The screen star arrived back in England after staying Paris for Fashion Week at the start of October.

Her visit to France came after she enjoyed an Italian break, with the Doctor Who star sharing a picture of herself as she relaxed at the COMO Castello Del Nero hotel in Tuscany on Instagram.

Hometime: The actress, 35, wowed in the black midi dress, worn over a white blouse and paired with patterned tights

Wow: The star carried a vibrant tote bag as she strolled out of the soiree

Jenna could be seen smiling as she took a picture of herself with the elaborately painted ceilings of her room visible above.

She wore lashings of make-up to highlight her pretty features, opting for a bright red shade of lipstick.

Jenna has jetted to a number of different countries recently after returning from a wellness retreat in Spain last month, sharing on Instagram that she spent the week in her dressing gown.

Jet set: Jenna recently enjoyed an Italian break, with the Doctor Who star sharing a picture of herself as she relaxed at the COMO Castello Del Nero hotel in Tuscany on Instagram

The star posed for a picture as she relaxed at a hotel in the Spanish mountains as she wore her nightwear.

She captioned the snaps: 'A week spent in my dressing Gown, not brushing my hair, safe In the nurturing hands of @shawellness hidden away in the Spanish mountains.

'A true rest and reboot for mind, body and soul. A comprehensive approach across all pillars of health and healing focusing on fitness, nutrition, rest and natural therapies.

'Thank you for reminding me what it means to really stop and take care yourself.'
As Dr. Doug Ross and Nurse Carol Hathaway, George Clooney and Julianna Margulies were once, arguably, the hottest onscreen couple with their roles on ER.

And whether it was in the emergency room or in the bedroom, the duo lit up their scenes together on the NBC medical drama series for the five seasons (1994-2000).

And now, more than two-decades since their respective departures from the hit show, Margulies and Clooney had a heart-pumping reunion when she attended a special screening of The Tender Bar in New York City.

Reunited and it feels so good! ER star Julianna Margulies and George Clooney were all smiles when they reunited at a special screening of his new directorial effort, The Tender Bar, in New York City on Wednesday

Hot onscreen duo: Clooney and Margulies were ER's leading couple during much of their five season run together on ER (1994-2000)

ER's former leading couple put their chemistry back on display during their reunion.

Margulies' was overjoyed when she cornered Clooney, who was being besieged by well-wishers and colleagues who were congratulating him on his latest directorial effort with The Tender Bar.

Clooney, who had only just returned from a promotional trip to the UK for the coming-of-age film, looked equally jazzed to see his former co-star when they met eyes at Wednesday's screening.

Oozing cool in a black suit and matching dress shirt, the 60-year-old man of the honor reciprocated with open arms and two embraced for a hug.

Something special: In an interview back in April, Margulies revealed that she and Clooney had crushes on each other while they filmed ER

Another reunion: Clooney and Margulies also reunited when he was honored with the 46th AFI Life Achievement Award in Hollywood in June 2018; they are pictured with Margulies' husband Keith Lieberthal standing in the middle

In an interview back in April, Margulies revealed that she and Clooney had crushes on each other while they filmed ER.

'That can't happen if you don't have a crush on each other,' the actress, 55, told People of their steamy on-camera connection, adding, 'And with George and me, it was so organic.'

Since moving on from ER more than 21 years ago, the duo have reunited a few times, including when Clooney was honored with the 46th American Film Institute Life Achievement Award at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on June 2018.

And during those two-decades away from ER, the two have both found the loves of their lives: Margulies has been married to Keith Lieberthal since November 2007 and Clooney tied-the-knot with Amal Alamuddin in September 2014.

Making the rounds: Clooney also had a moment to chat with filmmaker and novelist Rebecca Miller, who's the wife of acclaimed actor Daniel Day-Lewis

Making the rounds: Clooney also stopped to chat with writer and journalist Gay Talese

Fan Friendly: The director stopped to sign autographs for fans as he was leaving the DGA Theater after doing a Q&A panel for his new film The Tender Bar

During the special screening of The Tender Bar in Manhattan, Clooney also stopped to pose with a number of people including filmmaker and novelist Rebecca Miller and writer and writer and journalist Gay Talese.

After the event, which included a Q-and-A session, the two-time Oscar winner was bombarded by fans, but still Clooney was gracious enough to stop and sign some autographs and take a few photos.

Written by Oscar-winner William Monahan (The Departed and The Gambler), The Tender Bar is an adaptation of Pulitzer Prize winner J.R. Moehringers bestselling memoir of the same name.

George Clooney Leaving the DGA Theater after Attending a Q&A for his new film The Tender Bar

Clooney leaves the DGA Theater after doing a Q&A for his new film The Tender Bar on October 13, 2021 in New York city

It stars Ben Affleck, Lily Rabe, Tye Sheridan, Matthew Delamater, Daniel Ranieri and Rhenzy Feliz, among others.

The film tells the story of J.R. (Sheridan), a boy growing up in Long Island who seeks out father figures among the patrons at his uncle Charlie's (Affleck) bar, according to Deadline. As his mother (Rabe) struggles to provide her son with opportunities denied to her, and to leave the rundown home of her father (Lloyd), J.R. begins to pursue his romantic and professional dreams.

Clooney had his wife, Amal Clooney, by his side for the world premiere of The Tender Bar at the BFI London Film Festival on October 10.

It is slated to have a limited release in the US on December 17 and then drop on Amazon Prime Video January 7, 2022.
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Angelina Jolie stunned in an off-the shoulder grey sweater and flowing white skirt as she attended a signing for her new book on Tuesday.

As she arrived to the event, the 46-year-old star was greeted by a sea of fans eager to mingle and take pictures with her at the Skylight bookstore in Los Angeles. While sporting a protective black face mask, the mom-of-six generously took selfies and signed autographs on her way in.

It comes after Jolie enjoyed a dinner date on Monday with ex-husband Jonny Lee Miller after reconciliation rumours were first sparked in June when she was seen arriving at 48-year-old Miller's NYC apartment.

Author: Angelina Jolie stunned in an off-the shoulder grey sweater and flowing white skirt as she attended a signing for her new book in LA

Her novel, Know Your Rights and Claim Them - written with human rights lawyer Geraldine Van Bueren, one of the original drafters of the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child - aims to equip kids with the knowledge to safely challenge injustices.

'So many children are in harm's way across the world and we're simply not doing enough,' Jolie told Reuters in an interview.

She continued: 'These are their rights, decided years ago based on what would make them healthy, balanced, safe and stable adults.'

Looking good: As she arrived to the event, the 46-year-old star was greeted by a sea of fans eager to mingle and take pictures with her on Tuesday afternoon

While sporting a protective black face mask, the mom-of-six generously took selfies and signed autographs on her way in

'These are their rights, decided years ago based on what would make them healthy, balanced, safe and stable adults.'

Jolie, special envoy for UN refugee agency UNHCR, said she hoped the book would also remind governments of their commitment to the global treaty enshrining children's civil, social, political and economic rights.

'We spent a lot of time blocking those rights, so this book is to help the kids have a tool book to say "these are your rights, these are things you need to question to see how far you, depending on your country and circumstance, are from accessing those rights, what are your obstacles, others that came before you and fought, ways you can fight."'

Author: Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie says she hopes to empower children around the world with tools to 'fight back' for their rights with a book she has written with Amnesty International

The Salt actress added: 'So it's a handbook to fight back.'

The mother-of-six said she put up the U.N convention in her home for her children, but was surprised to learn her own country, the United States, has not ratified it.

'That infuriated me and made me start to question what does that mean?' said the ex of Brad Pitt.

On sale now: Know Your Rights and Claim Them - written with human rights lawyer Geraldine Van Bueren, one of the original drafters of the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child - aims to equip kids with the knowledge to safely challenge injustices

'So for each country, what is this idea of, you have the right to an education ... but then why is it so many children are out of school? Why is it the girls in Afghanistan are being harmed if they go?' she said.

The book addresses identity, justice, education and protection from harm, among other issues. It provides guidance on becoming an activist, being safe and a glossary of terms and organizations.

'Through the book, you have to find your own path forward, because we are very concerned about the safety of children. We don't want children just running around screaming for their rights and putting themselves in danger,' Jolie said.

Busy bee: The star of Salt and Tom Raider has also spoken up about Afghanistan

The book is peppered with examples of powerful young voices from around the world, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, climate activist Greta Thunberg and 15-year-old Palestinian journalist Janna Jihad.

'I was trying to ... show the world what Palestinian children face on a daily basis,' Jihad, who lives in the village of Nabi Salih, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, told Jolie and other young activists in a video call, attended by Reuters, where they discussed their campaign work.

'It's really important to band together with other young people ... that's the way we will ever be able ... to make change,' added London-based Christina Adane, 17, who campaigns for a healthier food system.

The book is out in Britain on Thursday and for pre-order in other countries, with the aim of worldwide publication.

'We're going to find that some adults in some countries are going to block the book and the children will find it so I think that's how it's going to reach more children,' Jolie said.

More from her Instagram page: Jolie recently shared this image of daughter Zahara reading The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison on Friday with the caption: 'End of #summerreading. These are some of the favorites in our house. Would love to know yours'

'The children will make each other aware of it and they might even be a part of translating it and getting it to each other.' (Reporting by Rollo Ross in Los Angeles and Marie-Louise Gumuchian in London; additional reporting by Sarah Mills; Writing by Marie-Louise Gumuchian; Editing by Alex Richardson).

The actress can next be seen in the Marvel movie The Eternals with Salma Hayek.

It comes after Jolie was once again spotted with her ex-husband Miller when the pair enjoyed dinner in Beverly Hills on Monday.

The Maleficent star - who is still battling through her bitter divorce saga with ex Brad Pitt - was dressed in a chic black coat and heels as she exited in Miller's car before the pair drove off together.

Jolie, 46, and Miller, 48, were married from 1996 to 1999 after first meeting onset of their nineties thriller Hackers in 1995.

Night out: It comes after Jolie was once again spotted with her ex-husband Miller, 48, when the pair enjoyed dinner in Beverly Hills on Monday

Love: Jolie and Miller were married 1996 to 1999 after first meeting onset of their nineties thriller Hackers in 1995 (pictured in 1999)

The pair were recently linked in June this year, when Jolie was spotted arriving at Miller's apartment in NYC, while holding an expensive bottle of wine. She was seen leaving a few hours later.

It was claimed at that time, that Miller had met and bonded with her songs Pax, 17, and Knox, 12.

The Oscar-winning beauty shares custody of both kids with ex-husband Pitt, in addition to Maddox, 19, Zahara, 16, Shiloh, 15 and and Vivienne, 12.

While she is sure to set tongues wagging about a possible reunion between the duo - she has also been repeatedly dining out with music superstar The Weeknd this year.

New couple alert? While she is sure to set tongues wagging about a possible reunion between the duo - she has also been repeatedly dining out with music superstar The Weeknd this year
Less than a month after announcing she's expecting twin sons, Ashley Graham got some stretches in before a recent photo shoot.

The 33-year-old model took to her Instagram on Wednesday to share a variety of snaps and videos ahead of a photo shoot.

The supermodel showed off her stretching techniques before the shoot along with her baby bump in one of the videos.

Stretches: Ashley Graham gets some stretches in and shows off her baby bump before a New York City photo shoo

'Silly stretchy sassy spooky,' Graham captioned the post.

The first snap showed her wearing a black low-cut sweater while drinking a green smoothie outside 718 Studios in Brooklyn.

She was then seen in a video wearing a black bra and black pants while doing some stretching exercises, showing off her baby bump in the process, tagging the intimate apparel brand Knix in the video.

Caption: 'Silly stretchy sassy spooky,' Graham captioned the post

Stretch: She was then seen in a video wearing a black bra and black pants while doing some stretching exercises, showing off her baby bump in the process, tagging the intimate apparel brand Knix in the video

Graham then shared a snap of the numerous wigs and other items of apparel at the photo studio.

She also shared a brief video of her posing in an off-shoulder red top over black biker shorts with dangling earrings and, a gold ankle bracelet and black Crocs.

The model also shared a snap of an empty bag of Cheetos and alcohol wipes before getting back to the modeling pics.

Wigs: Graham then shared a snap of the numerous wigs and other items of apparel at the photo studio

Ashley's look: She also shared a brief video of her posing in an off-shoulder red top over black biker shorts with dangling earrings and, a gold ankle bracelet and black Crocs

Cheetos: The model also shared a snap of an empty bag of Cheetos and alcohol wipes before getting back to the modeling pics

The next snap showed her posing in front of massive floor-to-ceiling windows in a cut-out white mini-dress with the gold ankle bracelet and black Crocs, tagging Revlon in that snap.

The final shot featured a bird statuette and two tiny pumpkins on the windowsill of the studio.

Graham announced in September that she was expecting twin boys with her husband Justin Ervin.

Next snap: The next snap showed her posing in front of massive floor-to-ceiling windows in a cut-out white mini-dress with the gold ankle bracelet and black Crocs, tagging Revlon in that snap

Final shot: The final shot featured a bird statuette and two tiny pumpkins on the windowsill of the studio

She shared a video from her ultrasound appointment, where they learned that they were expecting twin boys, along with their first child, Isaac, born in January 2020.

'Are you serious? We're gonna have three boys? she says with a laugh in the video, as a shocked Ervin adds, 'You are kidding me!'

Ashley announced in July she was pregnant with a maternity shot by Justin showcasing her bare bump.
Naomi Watts is a star of the stage and screen.

And the 53-year-old actress looked every inch the thespian on Wednesday as she shared a blood-spattered selfie to Instagram.

Naomi, who paired the dramatic blood spatter with a sexy slip dress and perfectly coiffed curls, quoted Lady Macbeth in the caption.

Thespian: Naomi Watts, 53, quoted Lady Macbeth in a blood-spattered selfie on Wednesday, after paying tribute to her ex-partner Liev Schreiber on his birthday

'Out, damned spot! Out, I say,' she wrote alongside the dramatic photo.

The actress didn't mention if the bloody outfit was for a possible Halloween costume or a new theatrical role.

It comes after Naomi paid tribute to actor Liev Schreiber, her ex-partner and the father of her children, on his 54th birthday over the weekend.

Cryptic: 'Out, damned spot! Out, I say,' she wrote alongside the dramatic photo

Tribute: It comes after Naomi paid tribute to actor Liev Schreiber (left), her ex-partner and the father of her children, on his 54th birthday over the weekend

She posted a photo from a previous family trip to the snow.

Naomi, Liev, and their sons, Sasha, 14, and Kai, 12, cuddled up in the throwback.

She wrote in the caption: 'Happy birthday to this fellow Libra @lievschreiber, the other half of these precious gifts!'

Co-parents: Despite announcing their split in 2016 after 11 years together, the former couple have continued to be friends and co-parents for their children

'Hope you have an amazing day,' the Australian-raised, British-born actress added.

Despite announcing their split in 2016 after 11 years together, the former couple have continued to be friends and co-parents for their children.

Last month, Liev also shared a birthday tribute post for Naomi on his Instagram feed.

Friendly exes: Last month, Liev also shared a birthday tribute post for Naomi on his Instagram

He posted a photo of himself and their children and wrote in the caption: 'Happy Birthday mom!!! We love you beyond beyond.'

The Mullholland Drive star replied: 'Thank you, love you guys too.'

Since their break-up, the pair have both moved on with new partners: Naomi is dating actor Billy Crudup, 53, while Liev is with model Taylor Neisen, 28.

On good terms: Naomi replied in the comments section: 'Thank you. Love you guys too'
Fears grew for Jessica Rowe's mental health last month after her podcast interview with Pauline Hanson was removed due to fierce backlash on social media.

But the former Studio 10 host, 51, brushed off her recent controversy on Thursday as she enjoyed a pampering session at a skincare clinic in Bondi.

Jessica looked relaxed as she emerged from celebrity facialist Ingrid Seaburn's studio, and even smiled at onlookers from behind her cat-print face mask.

What controversy? Jessica Rowe looked relaxed as she left a skincare clinic in Bondi on Wednesday, weeks after her podcast interview with Pauline Hanson was taken down due to fierce backlash on social media

The journalist displayed her quirky fashion sense in a bright blue jumper and matching crocodile-skin booties.

She completed her look with a light blue patterned skirt, a leopard-print handbag and a perfectly polished set of neon orange nails.

As she stepped out of the clinic, Jessica hugged a woman - believed to be a beauty technician - in the doorway.

Bold in blue! The former Studio 10 host, 51, displayed her quirky fashion sense in a bright blue jumper and light blue patterned skirt

It's the first time Jessica has been seen in public since the Hanson saga several weeks ago.

She had faced intense backlash last month for interviewing far-right One Nation politician Pauline Hanson on her podcast, The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show.

Hanson, 67, had appeared on Jessica's podcast, which is part of the Southern Cross Austereo-owned LiSTNR platform, to discuss her time in prison for electoral fraud in 2003, her children, and other lighthearted topics like her favourite cocktail.

Friendly: As she stepped out of the clinic, Jessica hugged a woman - believed to be a beauty technician - in the doorway

The TV personality promoted the podcast on social media as Hanson talking about 'love, raising kids and why she keeps going'.

But the episode faced backlash on Twitter, with Australian of the Year Grace Tame accusing Jessica of 'subtly enabling', 'normalising', and 'valorising' Hanson, whose views on immigration have made her one of Australia's most divisive political figures.

Jessica, who had clarified on her podcast she didn't agree with Hanson's politics, later asked LiSTNR to 'take down the Pauline Hanson interview'.

Cancelled: It's the first time Jessica has been seen in public since the Hanson saga several weeks ago. She had faced intense backlash last month for interviewing far-right One Nation politician Pauline Hanson (pictured) on her podcast, The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show

Backlash: Jessica promoted the podcast on social media as Hanson talking about 'love, raising kids and why she keeps going' . But the episode faced backlash on Twitter, with Australian of the Year Grace Tame accusing Jess of 'subtly enabling', 'normalising', and 'valorising' Hanson

Southern Cross Austereo's chief content officer Dave Cameron later said he didn't hesitate to pull the controversial episode, after his conversation with Jessica left him concerned for her wellbeing.

'That was a conversation that went late into the evening yesterday and, to be honest, we are really supportive of Jess [and] of what she wanted to do and how she wanted to go with what unfolded yesterday,' Mr Cameron told The Australian.

Hanson has since taken action against Southern Cross Austereo, advising the company she has pulled One Nation's expensive TV campaign from the network.

The party was planning to pay for a series of ads across SCA's regional stations to promote Hanson ahead of next year's federal election, but now they will take their business elsewhere.
When she's not putting in the hard work as wife and mother of three, Reese Witherspoon is trying to live up to the high praise and accolades she's received as an acclaimed actress and producer in both film and television.

And in recent weeks, the Oscar and Golden Globe winner has been focused on her latest role for the upcoming romantic comedy film Your Place Or Mine, which has Ashton Kutcher playing the leading man role.

But on Wednesday, the Louisiana native was spotted shooting a scene in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles with her young co-star Wesley Kimmel, who happens to be the nephew of late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel.

Action! Reese Witherspoon, 45, was all business while shooting a scene for the upcoming romantic comedy film Your Place Or Mine in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles

The wardrobe: Witherspoon was styled in a burgundy-patterned skirt that fell to mid-calf with a red v-neck t-shirt and a blue shirt that was left unbuttoned

The wardrobe department styled Witherspoon in a burgundy-patterned skirt that fell to mid-calf with a red v-neck t-shirt and a blue shirt that was left unbuttoned.

The glam squad on set had her blonde tresses styled long and flowing to about the middle of her back, with added soft waves and a part in the middle.

As the cameras rolled, the actress had a serious and focused look on her face, while she walked down some outdoors stairs, alongside Kimmel, carrying a bag over her right shoulder and a brown leather purse on the other.

But it didn't take long before she transitioned from her serious look to her trademark, infectious smile.

Comedic touch: The actress transitioned from her serious look to her trademark, infectious smile during the scene with Wesley Kimmel, who's the nephew of Jimmy Kimmel

Kimmel looked like your typical pre-teen dressed in black pants, a grey hoodie, black sneakers, while carrying a backpack on his shoulders.

The child star showed a comedic touch when he rolled his eyes towards Witherspoon during a take of their scene on the stairs.

The child star made his first foray into acting as The Baby Bachelor, a spoof on the reality competition series that originally ran for six episodes as a bit on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2013.

On location: Witherspoon had been spotted shooting alongside her leading man co-star Ashton Kutcher in New York in recent weeks

In the upcoming film, Witherspoon and Kutcher play best friends, living across the country, whose lives are upended by a real estate decision they make, Deadline reports.

Along with Witherspoon, Kimmel and Kutcher, the cast also includes Jesse Williams, Tig Notaro, Zoe Chao, Steve Zahn, and Geoffrey James, among others.

Aline Brosh McKenna, who's best known writing The Devil Wears Prada, is making her directorial debut with the project. She also wrote the screenplay and is serving as a producer with Witherspoon.

The mother of three has a full schedule of late when it comes to work, including the release of season two of her Apple+ series The Morning Show; a voice role in the upcoming computer-animated musical comedy film Sing 2 that drops on December 22; and her producer role for the drama film Where The Crawdads Sing, which is slated to debut June 24, 2022.

Witherspoon has had a full schedule in recent times. Season two of her hit Apple + series The Morning Show with co-star Jennifer Aniston premiered last month.

She's also serving as producer for the drama film Where The Crawdads Sing, which is slated to debut June 24, 2022.

Plus, it was announced that her Hulu series Little Fires Everywhere with Kerry Washington is now in development for s second season.

And she's got a voice role in the upcoming computer-animated musical comedy film Sing 2 that drops on December 22.

There's also been talk of Witherspoon reprising of her iconic role as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde 3, although nothing has been solidified in terms of a script and cast.
Jonah Hill on Wednesday took to Instagram to ask his followers to refrain from making remarks about his physical appearance.

'I know you mean well but I kindly ask that you not comment on my body [red heart emoji] good or bad,' the Los Angeles native, 37, said in an Instagram post. 'I want to politely let you know its not helpful and doesn't feel good. Much respect.'

The Oscar-nominated actor received words of support from a number of people in the comment section of the post.

The latest: Jonah Hill, 37, on Wednesday took to Instagram to ask his followers to refrain from making remarks about his physical appearance. He was snapped in 2019 in Berlin

Saturday Night Live's Aidy Bryant posted an emoji of a green checkmark, while SZA wrote, 'Absolutely Love you. Thank you!!'

One follower wrote to the Wolf of Wall Street star, 'So much respect for you writing this Jonah. Nobody has any right to comment on your body, it is sacred to you and let's focus on your absolutely incredible acting and projects that you are doing constantly.'

Another follower marveled how Hill even needs 'to say this still,' while another said, 'This is good advice for everyone!'

One user commented, 'Gotta have boundaries even on the internet.'

The Los Angeles native made the request in an Instagram post

The Oscar-nominated actor received words of support from a number of people in the comment section of the post

The Beach Bum actor earlier addressed body positivity issues earlier this year on social media, saying, 'I'm 37 and finally love and accept myself.'

In 2018, he published an essay in his magazine Inner Children about the scrutiny he faced gaining fame at a young age.

'I became famous in my late teens and then spent most of my young-adult life listening to people say that I was fat and gross and unattractive,' Hill said.

He said that as he made the film Mid90s between 2014 and 2018, he 'started to understand how much that hurt and got into my head.

'I really believe everyone has a snapshot of themselves from a time when they were young that theyre ashamed of,' he said. 'For me, its that 14-year-old overweight and unattractive kid who felt ugly to the world, who listened to hip hop and wanted so badly to be accepted by this community of skaters.'

The actor said in 2018 that as he made the film Mid90s between 2014 and 2018, he 'started to understand' how scrutiny of his appearance impacted him
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Regina King and Tiffany Haddish hit the red carpet with rather leggy looks at the Los Angeles premiere of The Harder They Fall.

King, 50, who stars as Trudy Smith in Netflix's revenge Western, was spotted posing with the film's writer-director Jeymes Samuel on the red carpet, held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

Haddish was among the slew of stars at the premiere, including The Harder They Fall producer Jay-Z and his in-laws Robert and Tina Lawson.

The film is centered around an outlaw who discovers his enemy is being released from prison so he reunites his gang to seek revenge in this Western.

Leggy look: Regina King and Tiffany Haddish hit the red carpet with rather leggy looks at the Los Angeles premiere of The Harder They Fall

King hit the red carpet with a stylish and shimmering black minidress with a circular cutout and flared cuffs.

The actress had her long braids tied back into a ponytail as she walked the re carpet at the Los Angeles premiere.

She completed her look with a pair of black open-toed heels with several rings on her fingers.

Director and star: King, 50, who stars as Trudy Smith in Netflix's revenge Western, was spotted posing with the film's writer-director Jeymes Samuel on the red carpet, held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles

Haddish stepped out in a sparkling metallic green minidress, with her short hair falling just above her shoulders.

She wore several rings including a large ornate stone on her right hand as she walked the red carpet solo, without boyfriend Common.

The comedienne completed her look with a pair of nude heels.

Tiffany's look: Haddish stepped out in a sparkling metallic green minidress, with her short hair falling just above her shoulders

Red carpet ready: She wore several rings including a large ornate stone on her right hand as she walked the red carpet solo, without boyfriend Common

Music mogul Jay-Z, who also served as a producer on The Harder They Fall, hit the red carpet in a stylish, tie-less tuxedo.

While his wife Beyonce wasn't at the premiere, he was joined by his in-laws, Beyonce's parents Richard Lawson and Tina Knowles.

Jay-Z had previously produced the 2014 adaptation of Annie and he executive produced Darkest Before Dawn.

Producer: Music mogul Jay-Z, who also served as a producer on The Harder They Fall, hit the red carpet in a stylish, tie-less tuxedo

In-laws: While his wife Beyonce wasn't at the premiere, he was joined by his in-laws, Beyonce's parents Richard Lawson and Tina Knowles

Producer: Jay-Z had previously produced the 2014 adaptation of Annie and he executive produced Darkest Before Dawn

The Harder They Fall follows Nat Love (Jonathan Majors), who assembles his old gang to seek revenge on those who murdered his parents.

The cast also includes Idris Elba, Zazie Beets, Delroy Lindo, Lakeith Stanfield, RJ Cyler, Danielle Deadwyler, Edi Gathegi, Deon Cole and Damon Wayans Jr.

The film will hit theaters on October 22 before debuting on the Netflix streaming service starting November 3.

Plot: The Harder They Fall follows Nat Love (Jonathan Majors), who assembles his old gang to seek revenge on those who murdered his parents

Deon: The cast also includes Idris Elba, Zazie Beets, Delroy Lindo, Lakeith Stanfield, RJ Cyler, Danielle Deadwyler, Edi Gathegi, Deon Cole (above) and Damon Wayans Jr.

Kelly winks: Kelly Rowland offers a wink at the Los Angeles premiere of The Harder They Fall

Logan smiles: Logan Browning is all smiles at The Harder They Fall premiere

Teyana: Teyana Taylor rocks a bright look at the red carpet

Kehlani: Kehlani hits the red carpet of The Harder They Fall premiere

Father and daughter: Leni Klum hits the red carpet with her father Seal

Winnie's look: Winnie Harlow rocks a leather look

Draya: Draya Michele rocks a black minidress with a plunging neckline

Bre: Bre-Z and girlfriend Chris hit the red carpet

Lil: Lil Rel Howrey hits the red carpet at The Harder They Fall premiere

Baz: Australian director Baz Luhrmann arrives at The Harder They Fall premiere

Zee's look: Zee James rocks a black look at The Harder They Fall premiere

Casual Evan: Evan Ross rocks a casual black look at the premeire

Karrueche: Model Karrueche Tran hits the red carpet
Abbie Chatfield has revealed she is fearing for her safety after receiving a string of anonymous online death threats from anti-vaxxer trolls.

The 26-year-old Bachelor star, who is a vocal advocate for Covid-19 vaccinations, spoke about her terrifying ordeal during an interview with HIT Queensland's Cliffo & Gabi on Thursday morning.

When quizzed on how she deals with online criticism, Abbie explained that while trolling usually 'doesn't both her' she's been dealing with far more intense trolling since the pandemic took hold.

'I double check my locks at night': The Bachelor's Abbie Chatfield, 26, (pictured) has revealed she is fearing for her safety after receiving a string of online death threats from anti-vaxxer trolls.

'The anti-vaxxer trolls, they're a new breed,' she told the breakfast show.

'Voice note death threats are the worst ones; the text ones are fine, but the voice notes are scary,' she continued.

'And the cops can't do anything, so you just have to put [the evidence] in a folder. I just screen-record it... just in case something happens to me, they'll know who did it.'

Terrifying: Speaking to HIT Queensland's Cliffo & Gabi on Thursday morning, Abbie said she's even taken to screen-grabbing and filing the concerning messages in case 'something happens to her'

Astonished, the radio hosts asked Abbie whether the messages have left her feeling afraid.

'Yeah I'm pretty scared... I do double check my locks at night,' Abbie admitted.

It comes after Abbie spoke candidly about why many influencers are too scared to call out anti-vaxxers and Covid deniers on social media.

Worrying: 'Voice note death threats are the worst ones; the text ones are fine, but the voice notes are scary,' she continued

'Ignorant people make me fired up': It comes after Abbie spoke candidly about why many influencers are too scared to call out anti-vaxxers and Covid deniers on social media.=

Abbie, who regularly uploads screenshots of online arguments she shares with anti-vaxxers told The Sydney Morning Herald earlier this month" 'Ignorant people make me fired up, and I can't help but share our exchanges,'

'I understand why [other influencers] don't do it because anti-vaxxers are aggressive, and people can't be bothered paying the price or losing followers,' she added.

In fact, Abbie said she's only benefited from promoting the Covid vaccine, explaining: 'I've added 50,000 followers in the latest lockdown, and before that, it was plateauing.'

Scared of anti-vaxx crusaders: The reality star noted that some influencers refuse to promote the vaccine in fear of losing followers

It comes days after Abbie sarcastically thanked the anti-vaxxers who share her content for inadvertently helping to promote her pro-vaccine message.

'The anti-vaxxers are making whole posts about my Vax for Vibes content and I'm so glad they're in support,' she said in an Instagram Stories video.

'They're posting the whole video, they're advertising for me, getting my impressions up, making sure the word is spread about the Vax for Vibes campaign'.

'I am so stoked': It comes days after Abbie sarcastically thanked the anti-vaxxers who share her content for inadvertently helping to promote her pro-vaccine message

Abbie, who has received the AstraZeneca jab, revealed that she's even making money on social media thanks to the boost.

'I am so stoked they are getting hundreds of comments. And I am so glad that they want me to earn more money by getting me more impressions this week because they all tag me,' she said.

'So they're now looking at my Instagram account, which is getting my impressions up and makes me more money. So thank you so much for paying my rent this month anti-vaxxers.'

Vaccinations are vital to reducing the spread of preventable diseases, and any suggestion otherwise flies in the face of science and the advice of medical experts around the globe.

The coronavirus vaccine is a safe and vital measure being taken to protect the community from the spread of the virus.
Much like her husband Chris Hemsworth, Elsa Pataky is a fitness fanatic who always keeps in top shape.

But even she indulges in an occasional cheat day.

The Spanish actress, 45, grabbed some takeaway at Betty's Burgers in Byron Bay on Wednesday.

Cheat day! Barefoot Elsa Pataky showed off her incredible legs in tiny shorts as she ate takeaway chips from Betty's Burgers in Byron Bay on Wednesday

The mother-of-three flaunted her long lean legs during the outing in a pair of camouflage short shorts.

On her upper half the Spanish beauty wore a V-neck sweater.

Her blonde tresses were piled atop her head and she went makeup free, opting to let her natural beauty shine through.

Hungry: Unable to wait until she got home, she ate a few chips as she strolled along

Legs eleven! The mother-of-three flaunted her long lean legs during the outing in a pair of camouflage short shorts

No makeup no worries: Her blonde tresses were piled atop her head and she went makeup-free, opting to let her natural beauty shine through

Elsa picked up two bags of food from the store's takeout counter, before heading back to her waiting vehicle.

Unable to wait until she got home, she ate a few chips as she strolled along.

While walking, Pataky untied her hair and let her tresses cascade down her back in blonde waves.

Family feast: Elsa picked up two bags of food from the store's takeout counter, before heading back to her waiting vehicle

Relocation: Elsa and Chris moved from Los Angeles to Bryon Bay with their children in 2014

Nice digs: They live in the suburb of Broken Head, a 20-minute drive from central Byron, in a mega-mansion estimated to be worth $30million

Elsa and Chris moved from Los Angeles to Bryon Bay with their children in 2014.

They live in the suburb of Broken Head, a 20-minute drive from central Byron, in a mega-mansion estimated to be worth $30million.

The former model, from Madrid, told The Sydney Morning Herald in March that she loved she laid-back vibe in the northern NSW town.

Insane shape: Much like her husband Chris Hemsworth , Elsa Pataky is a fitness fanatic who always keeps in top shape

MTA: The former model from Madrid told The Sydney Morning Herald in March that she loved she laidback vibe in the northern NSW town

Family first: Elsa added that moving to Australia seven years ago had been the right decision for her family

She said: '[When I'm in Sydney] I can't dress down as much as I do in Byron Bay  we hope to get back there on the weekends.'

Elsa added that moving to Australia seven years ago had been the right decision for her family.

'Byron has been beautiful. We made the right decision in 2014 to leave LA and come to Australia,' she gushed.

'It's been great for the kids to be in nature, enjoy animals and go horse riding.'
Kurt Coleman has taken aim at Melbourne's lockdown in an epic Instagram rant on Thursday.

In a series of posts, the social media star raged about the state's lockdown rules and vaccine mandates.

'F**k off with lockdown saves lives. Doesn't do anything except bring me down,' Kurt wrote on Instagram.

Critique: Instagram star Kurt Coleman (pictured) has blasted Victoria's lockdown and claimed the vaccine mandate 'is putting everyone under soo much pressure'

'I'm getting to breaking point. I hate this. This state is an embarrassment to the entire world,' he continued.

'I'm giving up really fast on myself because living in this control every day gives me no hope, and having people love being in house arrest 270+ days makes me sick.'

Kurt went on to blast Premier Daniel Andrews' new compulsory vaccine mandate for essential workers.

Post: In a series of posts, the social media star raged about the state's lockdown rules and vaccine mandates

'I hate lockdowns and mandates on vaccines. It's disgusting to put everyone under soo (sic) much pressure to lose jobs if you don't get it,' he said.

'That pressure after already being psychologically controlled to think lockdowns goanna (sic) get us out of this.'

Kurt also said he's stayed home for 'the whole time following the stupid rules that don't even make sense to me'.

Kurt went on to blast Premier Daniel Andrews' new compulsory vaccine mandate for essential workers

Earlier this month, Victorian premier Daniel Andrews issued a demand that all essential workers will need to have their first jab by October 15 and be fully vaccinated by November 26.

Essential workers include police, teachers, judges, MPs, professional athletes and truck drivers.

Mr Andrews said the mandate was essential to limit the spreading of the Delta strain of the virus so Victoria can re-open on October 26 - with the government hoping case numbers will drop.
George Clooney is reflecting once again on his failed turn as the iconic superhero Batman in the 1997 movie Batman & Robin.

The 60-year-old actor and filmmaker spoke at a Q&A after a screening of his new directorial effort The Tender Bar where he was asked about acting in big-budget blockbuster movies.

'I did one superhero movie and I fed it up so bad they won't let me near the set,' Clooney said during the Q&A, according to People.

Failed: George Clooney admits he completely screwed up playing Batman in 1997's Batman & Robin

Q&A: The 60-year-old actor and filmmaker spoke at a Q&A after a screening of his new directorial effort The Tender Bar where he was asked about acting in big-budget blockbuster movies

Clooney followed Michael Keaton and Val Kilmer playing Batman on the big screen, though Batman & Robin was a critical and commercial failure which effectively halted the franchise for several years.

One of the biggest criticisms of the movie was the the costume and its now-infamous 'Bat-nipples,' but Clooney didn't want to discuss that.

'I don't want to get into all the bat nipples,' Clooney said during the Q&A, held

Flop: Clooney followed Michael Keaton and Val Kilmer playing Batman on the big screen, though Batman & Robin was a critical and commercial failure which effectively halted the franchise for several years

'My work, where my bread is buttered, is the kind of films that I grew up in the '60s and '70s, which is sort of the prime time for American filmmaking, which were all story-based,' Clooney added.

Clooney recently revealed that he won't let his children, four-year-old twins Alexander and Ella, or his wife Amal, watch Batman & Robin.

'There are certain films I just go, "I want my wife to have some respect for me,"' Clooney revealed.

Not allowed: Clooney recently revealed that he won't let his children, four-year-old twins Alexander and Ella, or his wife Amal, watch Batman & Robin

While the movie itself marked a low point in his career, it did help inform how he should move on with his career.

'I wasn't good in it, it wasn't a good film. What I learned from that failure was that I had to relearn how I was working,' Clooney said.

'Now, I wasn't just an actor getting a role, I was being held responsible for the film itself,' he added.

Relearn: 'I wasn't good in it, it wasn't a good film. What I learned from that failure was that I had to relearn how I was working,' Clooney said

He continued that his next three projects - which were all critically-acclaimed - Three Kings, Out of Sight and O Brother, Where Art Thou? sprung from Batman's failure.

'That was a very specific choice for me to find better projects,' he said in a 2019 interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

Clooney directs The Tender Bar, starring Ben Affleck and Tye Sheridan, which hits theaters December 17.
It may have been one of the most star-studded premieres in recent memory.

But Draya Michele managed to steal the spotlight.

The 36-year-old model turned heads in a very low-cut number at the Los Angeles premiere of The Harder They Fall in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

Simply stunning: Draya Michele turned heads in a very low-cut number at the Los Angeles premiere of The Harder They Fall in Los Angeles on Wednesday

The stunner led the parade of celebs at the star-studded premiere which took place at the iconic Shrine Auditorium.

The Western film is centered around an outlaw who discovers his enemy is being released from prison so he reunites his gang to seek revenge.

Draya showcased her cleavage in a black mini dress which featured white polka dots all over it which matched her large hoop earrings.

Her curly brunette tresses were worn down as she accentuated her natural looks with complementary make-up on her face.

Spot on: The 36-year-old model showcased her cleavage in a black mini dress which featured white polka dots all over it which matched her large hoop earrings

She teamed the short garment with a pair of black stilettos with crystals all over it.

Music mogul Jay-Z, who also served as a producer on The Harder They Fall, hit the red carpet in a stylish, tie-less tuxedo.

While his wife Beyonce wasn't at the premiere, he was joined by his in-laws, Beyonce's parents Richard Lawson and Tina Knowles.

Jay-Z had previously produced the 2014 adaptation of Annie and he executive produced Darkest Before Dawn.

Producer: Jay-Z had previously produced the 2014 adaptation of Annie and he executive produced Darkest Before Dawn

In-laws: While his wife Beyonce wasn't at the premiere, he was joined by his in-laws, Beyonce's parents Richard Lawson and Tina Knowles

Producer: Music mogul Jay-Z, who also served as a producer on The Harder They Fall, hit the red carpet in a stylish, tie-less tuxedo

The Harder They Fall follows Nat Love (Jonathan Majors), who assembles his old gang to seek revenge on those who murdered his parents.

The cast also includes Idris Elba, Zazie Beets, Delroy Lindo, Lakeith Stanfield, RJ Cyler, Danielle Deadwyler, Edi Gathegi, Deon Cole and Damon Wayans Jr.

The film will hit theaters on October 22 before debuting on the Netflix streaming service starting November 3.
Chris Hardwick and wife Lydia Hearst are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child together.

But on Wednesday the actress slipped into promo mode when she attended the 2021 Screamfest Horror Film Festival screening of her new film, Aileen Wuornos: American Boogeywoman, a biographical film about serial killer Aileen Wuornos.

And on this night she and Hardwick shared the spotlight of the red carpet at the promotional event.

Special screening: Chris Hardwick and wife Lydia Hearst attended the 2021 Screamfest Horror Film Festival screening of Aileen Wuornos: American Boogeywoman at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres on October 13, 2021 in Hollywood

Hardwick, 49, paid homage to Disney by wearing a red Mickey Mouse sweater with brown khaki-style pants and brown leather boots.

He also sported a five o'clock shadow and had his brown hair cut short.

The comedian got handsy with his wife of more than five-years, who showed off her growing baby bump decked out in a brown skin-tight dress with a leaf designs.

The actress, 37, who's the great-granddaughter of newspaper publisher and politician William Randolph Hearst and the daughter of Patty Hearst, pulled her red-tinged locks back off her face, behind her ears, with a part in the middle.

Baby on board: The actress proudly flaunted her growing baby bump in her skin-tight dress

Vintage: The comedian paid homage to Disney with his Mickey Mouse sweater

Earlier on Wednesday, Hearst took to Instagram and shared a a photo taken on the beach of herself and co-star Peyton List, who portrays a young Wuornos in the movie..

'Behind the scenes snap from Aileen Wuornos: American Boogeywoman,' she began in the caption.

'So excited for tonight's screening at @screamfest! I had the most phenomenal time making this film, and meeting and working with some truly incredible and unbelievably talented humans.'

She added, 'I hope you all enjoy the movie as much as we loved making it!!'

'Note: Those are NOT real beers, they are set props. This is a BTS photo from filming.'

The cast also features Nick Vallelonga, Swen Temmel, Andrew Biernat, Meadow Williams and Tobin Bell.

BTS snaps: Earlier on Wednesday, Hearst took to Instagram and shared a a photo taken on the beach of herself and co-star Peyton List, who portrays a young Wuornos

High praise: Heart, 37, has been gushing about her experience shooting the biographical film

The film details the early life of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in 1976 when she marries wealthy yacht club president Lewis Fell, only to inflict mayhem within her new family and Florida's high society.

The new film was shown at the 2021 Screamfest Horror Film Festival in Los Angeles and released on VOD on October 8, 2021.

Wuornos was previously the subject of the biographical crime drama film Monster (2003), which earned Charlize Theron high praise for her performance and an Academy Award for Best Actress.

One day earlier, Hearst gushed more about her experience on the set of the film, calling it 'stranger than fiction' while reiterating that she 'absolutely loved every moment working on American Boogeywoman.'

Along with some clips of the movie, she wrote: 'I loved the script, the locations, and of course the cast! I am very proud of and excited for this film. We all worked extremely hard and put a lot of love, effort, and care into portraying these people and telling this story.'

Out now: Hearst promoted the film by posting about its released via VOD

Promo mode: Hearst shared several clips taken from the biographical drama

The premise: The film details the early life of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in 1976 when she marries wealthy yacht club president Lewis Fell, only to inflict mayhem within her new family and Florida's high society

Paying homage to cast: Actor Tobin Bell is among the ensemble cast

The couple also used their respective Instagram pages to conform the news Hearst was pregnant.

'We are over-the-moon and beyond excited to share this news!! I cannot wait to hold my baby in my arms, to bring them for walks in the stroller, to teach them to talk, walk, use the potty, and to be a caring, respectful, and loving human being!' wrote the actress on August 22.

'Every single day with @hardwick is a new adventure filled with laughter and love; our hearts are overflowing with joy and we cannot wait for this next chapter as a family.'

Hardwick wrote how he was so excited to finally be able to share the news.

'It has been an incredibly bright spot in a surreal time. I gotta say, when we went in for one of the ultrasounds, the first time I saw this little alien gummy bear wiggling around my world completely changed for the better in that exact moment. We are so so beyond thrilled!!'

Thumbs up: 'I had the most phenomenal time making this film, and meeting and working with some truly incredible and unbelievably talented humans,' Hearst said of the new movie

More praise: The actress called the film 'stranger than fiction', and again reiterated that she 'absolutely loved every moment working on American Boogeywoman'
Kandi Burruss, Jessie J, and Anna Wintour slipped into their finest evening wear to attend the opening night of Broadway's Thoughts Of A Colored Man in New York City on Wednesday.

The play, which was written by Keenan Scott II, follows a single day in the lives of seven Black men in Brooklyn and captures 'the vibrant inner life of being Black, proud, and thriving in the 21st century.'

Burruss, who is part of Thoughts Of A Colored Man's all-star producing team, beamed with pride in a ruched red mini dress with a plunging neckline.

Opening night: Kandi Burruss, Jessie J, and Anna Wintour slipped into their finest evening wear to attend opening night of Thoughts Of A Colored Man in New York City on Wednesday

The 45-year-old RHOA star accessorized with a stunning diamond choker and slipped her feet into a pair of strappy heels adorned with rhinestones.

When it was announced she would be producing the 'quietly revolutionary' play, Kandi gushed over Thoughts Of A Colored Man's dynamic depictions of Black men and the overall relatability of the storyline in a statement to Deadline.

'Thoughts of a Colored Man does something that is quietly revolutionary: it holds a mirror up to Black men and shows everyone the strong, wonderful, funny, caring, vulnerable, emotionally complex people that they are,' said the star, adding that the production 'speaks to everyone regardless of gender, race, or age.'

Kandi's date for the evening was her husband Todd Tucker, who looked handsome in a textured grey suit and a black dress shirt.

Hot date: Kandi's date for the evening was her husband Todd Tucker, who looked handsome in a textured grey suit and a black dress shirt

Producers: She made sure to cozy up to fellow producer and Orange Is The New Black actress Samira Wiley on the red carpet

Edgy: Wiley, 34, cut an edgy figure in a fitted leather blazer and baggy trousers, while adding a tinge of glamour to her look with various pieces of gold jewelry

She made sure to cozy up to fellow producer and Orange Is The New Black actress Samira Wiley on the red carpet.

Wiley, 34, cut an edgy figure in a fitted leather blazer and baggy trousers, while adding a tinge of glamour to her look with various pieces of gold jewelry.

Jessie J showcased her impressively fit figure in a black skintight turtleneck and a pair of tailored high-waisted pants.

The 33-year-old songstress wore her jaw-length hair in sleek strands and parted down the middle.

Fashion matriarch: Anna Wintour showed off her affinity for floral in a green pleated dress covered in stylized pink roses

Plus one: She was joined by Hillary Clinton's longtime aide Huma Abedin

Group shot: Anna and Huma posed for a snapshot on the pre-show step-and-repeat with Kandi, as well as producer Brian Moreland

Anna Wintour showed off her affinity for floral in a green pleated dress covered in stylized pink roses.

The 71-year-old Vogue Editor-in-Chief donned a jeweled choker necklace and rocked her signature shades.

She was joined by Hillary Clinton's longtime aide Huma Abedin, who looked effortlessly beautiful in a black three-quarter sleeve midi dress covered in multi-colored flowers.

Anna and Huma posed for a snapshot on the pre-show step-and-repeat with Kandi, as well as producer Brian Moreland.

Accessorize: The 71-year-old Vogue Editor-in-Chief donned a jeweled choker necklace and rocked her signature shades; Anna pictured with Huma Abdein (left) and producer Brian Moreland (right)

Flirty in floral: Huma looked effortlessly beautiful in a black three-quarter sleeve midi dress covered in multi-colored flowers

Nick Cannon cut a stylish figure in a houndstooth coat with a matching vest and trousers.

The 41-year-old TV personality completed his look with a black and white polkadot tie and some glitzy dress shoes.

Wyclef Jean kept the love of patterns going by rocking a black and white gingham jacket over his plain white T-shirt.

The 51-year-old rapper posed in a black fedora and a pair of distressed dark wash jeans.

Stylish: Nick Cannon cut a stylish figure in a houndstooth coat with a matching vest and trousers

Finishing touches: The 41-year-old TV personality completed his look with a black and white polkadot tie and some glitzy dress shoes

Gingham guy: Wyclef Jean kept the love of patterns going by rocking a black and white gingham jacket over his plain white T-shirt

Iconic: Star Trek actor George Takei, 84, flashed the sci-fi series' Vulcan salute as he arrived to opening night in a sharp black suit jacket and a striped shirt

Star Trek actor George Takei, 84, flashed the sci-fi series' Vulcan salute as he arrived to opening night in a sharp black suit jacket and a striped shirt.

Marilu Henner flashed a smile for shutterbugs in a chic black blazer layered over a polka dot dress with bell sleeves.

The 69-year-old actress toted her belongings in a sequin wristlet and showed off her pair of bedazzled sneakers on the red carpet.

Donna Murphy turned heads in a patterned floor-length gown and a matching flouncy cardigan.

Glowing: Marilu Henner flashed a smile for shutterbugs in a chic black blazer layered over a polka dot dress with bell sleeves

Bold patterns: Donna Murphy and Jamila Mustafa celebrated the opening night of Thoughts Of A Colored Man by hitting the red carpet in bold patterns

Dazzling: The 69-year-old actress toted her belongings in a sequin wristlet and showed off her pair of bedazzled sneakers on the red carpet

Jamila Mustafa struck a stylish pose in a sheer aqua toned blouse tucked into a pair of grey snakeskin pants.

Joel Grey looked preppy in a black sweater vest layered over a crisp white dress shirt and a striped tie.

The Academy Award-winner, donning a pair of trendy clear framed glasses, completed his Broadway-worthy getup with some slacks and a pair of black New Balance sneakers.

Wilson Cruz, 47, showed off his megawatt smile while hitting the red carpet in a glittery blazer and dark green pants.

Preppy: Joel Grey looked preppy in a black sweater vest layered over a crisp white dress shirt and a striped tie
She is one of the best known models in the world.

So it comes as no wonder Winnie Harlow stole the show on her latest red carpet.

The 27-year-old Jamaican-Canadian fashion model - real name Chantelle Whitney Brown-Young - looked absolutely stunning at the premiere for The Harder They Fall in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

Leggy lady: Winnie Harlow looked absolutely stunning at the premiere for The Harder They Fall in Los Angeles on Wednesday

The stunner led the parade of celebs at the star-studded premiere which took place at the iconic Shrine Auditorium.

The Western film is centered around an outlaw who discovers his enemy is being released from prison so he reunites his gang to seek revenge.

Winnie definitely turned heads as she sported a black leather double-breasted blazer featuring gold buttons.

Her model legs were on full display as she opted not to wear trousers as she also sported a pair of suede platform heels.

Pretty: The 27-year-old Jamaican-Canadian fashion model - real name Chantelle Whitney Brown-Young - sported a black leather double-breasted blazer featuring gold buttons

Strutting her stuff: Her model legs were on full display as she opted not to wear trousers as she also sported a pair of suede platform heels

Her brunette tresses were worn down as she let her natural looks shine by wearing minimal make-up topped off with a swipe of shiny lip.

Music mogul Jay-Z, who also served as a producer on The Harder They Fall, hit the red carpet in a stylish, tie-less tuxedo.

While his wife Beyonce wasn't at the premiere, he was joined by his in-laws, Beyonce's parents Richard Lawson and Tina Knowles.

Jay-Z had previously produced the 2014 adaptation of Annie and he executive produced Darkest Before Dawn.

Producer: Jay-Z had previously produced the 2014 adaptation of Annie and he executive produced Darkest Before Dawn

In-laws: While his wife Beyonce wasn't at the premiere, he was joined by his in-laws, Beyonce's parents Richard Lawson and Tina Knowles

Producer: Music mogul Jay-Z, who also served as a producer on The Harder They Fall, hit the red carpet in a stylish, tie-less tuxedo

The Harder They Fall follows Nat Love (Jonathan Majors), who assembles his old gang to seek revenge on those who murdered his parents.

The cast also includes Idris Elba, Zazie Beets, Delroy Lindo, Lakeith Stanfield, RJ Cyler, Danielle Deadwyler, Edi Gathegi, Deon Cole and Damon Wayans Jr.

The film will hit theaters on October 22 before debuting on the Netflix streaming service starting November 3.
Chanel Iman turned up the glamour at Fashion Group International's latest annual edition of its Night Of Stars on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old supermodel cut a radiant figure at the New York City event which played host a slew of fellow celebrities.

For her latest sighting she posed up a storm in a sleeveless black gown that featured slits up either side to show off her knockout legs.

Glowing: Chanel Iman turned up the glamour at Fashion Group International's latest annual edition of its Night Of Stars on Wednesday

The sleeveless frock was cut low enough to emphasize her cleavage as she hit the red carpet for the cameras.

Chanel, who was named a Victoria's Secret Angel back in 2010, teamed the dress with matching thigh-high stiletto boots.

Flinging her luxurious hair stylishly over one shoulder she sharpened her screen siren features with makeup for the big event.

Looking fab: The 30-year-old supermodel cut a radiant figure at the New York City event which played host a slew of fellow celebrities

Chanel accessorized the Manhattan chic head-to-toe black ensemble with a small sleek clutch that brought the look together.

The evening's guest list included names ranging from AnnaSophia Robb to Tommy Hilfiger to Martha Hunt and Karolina Kurkova.

Paris Hilton's mother Kathy could be glimpsed at the event too just one night after being across the country for the Hollywood premiere of Halloween Kills.

On the town: The sleeveless frock was cut low enough to emphasize her cleavage as she hit the red carpet for the cameras

What a night: Chanel, who was named a Victoria's Secret Angel back in 2010, teamed the dress with matching thigh-high stiletto boots

At this Wednesdays' fete Kathy posed up with her younger daughter Nicky Hilton Rothschild but Paris herself was nowhere to be found.

In her personal life Chanel is married to New York Giants heartthrob Sterling Shepard whom she tied the knot with at the Beverly Hills hotel.

Since their wedding in 2018 they have welcomed two daughters into the world - Cali Clay, three, and Cassie Snow, one.
Clara McGregor has spoken candidly about her addiction to tranquilisers, anxiety battle and abortion ordeal in a searingly honest interview.

After being named as the new face of Bluebella Lingerie's Autumn Winter 21 campaign, the 25-year-old model spoke out about her shocking past, admitting she would never have had the confidence to shoot the campaign before heading to therapy to battle her demons.

The model - who is the daughter of actor Ewan McGregor - explained that she began suffering from chronic anxiety at the age of four and has spent years being held back by her mental health issues.

Candid: Ewan McGregor's daughter Clara, 25, discussed her tranquiliser addiction, mental health struggles and abortion ordeal as she became the face of Bluebella Lingerie

Clara touched on her battle with drug addiction after being prescribed tranquillisers and becoming dependent on them.

She confessed her loved ones were forced to intervene and helped her reach a point where she can liver her life sober.

She explained: 'Around four years ago my family and my partner Jimmy (film producer Jimmy Giannopoulos) spotted that things were getting out of hand, they said, "you're just not yourself anymore".

'When I was on Xanax I had no energy, and I would start forgetting things. That's the scary thing, I would forget whole chunks of days.

'It was incredibly hard for me to get off them, but I didn't want to be in that space anymore and would never consider taking one again.'

Confident: The model, 25, spoke out about her shocking past, admitting she would never have had the confidence to shoot the campaign before heading to therapy to battle her demons

One to watch: Clara is set to star alongside her Hollywood megastar father Ewan for a new film about a dad taking his drug addicted daughter to rehab

While a difficult battle to overcome, Clara revealed she was using her experience for inspiration in her upcoming film role.

Clara is set to star alongside her Hollywood megastar father Ewan for a new film about a dad taking his drug addicted daughter to rehab.

As well as Clara, Ewan shares daughters Esther, 19, Jamyan, 20, and Anouk, 10, with ex-wife Eve Mavrakis, they split in 2017 after 22 years of marriage and their divorce was finalised in August 2020.

In May 2017, Ewan began a relationship with Mary Elizabeth Winstead, whom he met on the set of Fargo. Their son, Laurie, was born in June 2021.

Struggles: The model -explained that she began suffering from chronic anxiety at the age of four and has spent years being held back by her mental health issues

Shocking: The actress was not in a good place when she was battling her addiction, trapped in a 'toxic' relationship and later found out she was pregnant

Ewan has also struggled with addiction, going teetotal in 2000 after stating that he would often turn up to sets drunk or hungover in the late Nineties.

Clara said of their new film: 'It's something that was very loosely inspired off of our relationship. There is nothing you're going to see in the movie and the characters that has anything to do with us, but I've taken certain emotional concepts and the concept of addiction and family bonding and some of the issues that my dad and I dealt with and I put it on to these other characters in a different world in different situations.

'The emotions and conflicts have been inspired off of my experiences and his experiences.

'The conflicts that come up in family and mending those conflicts, especially with a father and daughter. That was inspired off of my father and I finding each other again in moments and how we lost each other in moments.'

Campaigning: Clara discussed her decision to terminate the pregnancy and insisted it's something that women should not feel ashamed of

The actress was not in a good place when she was battling her addiction, trapped in a 'toxic' relationship and later found out she was pregnant.

Clara decided to terminate the pregnancy and insisted it's something that women should not feel ashamed of.

She explained: 'I have no shame that I got an abortion. I was very young, 20-21-years-old, I was with someone who was toxic and not a good person, and I was very lucky to have the option to make my own choice.

'I am always very open to talk about it because it's not something that any woman should be ashamed of; it should be discussed openly, if you feel comfortable to, and it should not be a taboo subject.'

Heartbreaking: Though years of therapy have helped her, Clara spent most of her life dealing with crippling mental health issues - and was diagnosed with chronic anxiety at the age of four

Family first: Clara said of her anxiety, 'My sister Esther and my mum are a great help. If I'm going through it, it often helps just to talk through it with them'

Touching on the new Texas abortion law, she added: 'All women should be able to access the option to have a termination the way that I did... it feels like it's a war on women and a war on women's bodies, it's control.'

Now, Clara is in a loving and stable relationship with her partner Jimmy, and the couple live in New York with Murphy their dog, a Chihuahua, pincher, terrier mix.

While she said that Jimmy is definitely 'the one', she insisted that it's too early for them to be thinking about starting a family.

Moving forward: Reflecting on how far she's come, Clara said, 'I simply couldn't have done this campaign before. Anxiety is suffocating and you just end up limiting yourself'

Though years of therapy have helped her now, Clara spent most of her life dealing with crippling mental health issues - and was diagnosed with chronic anxiety at the tender age of four.

Reflecting on how far she's come, Clara said: 'I simply couldn't have done this campaign before. To jump on a plane and meet new people and shoot a lingerie campaign. Anxiety is suffocating and you just end up limiting yourself, it makes your life a lot smaller.

'I'm 25 now and I've spent a lot of time working on it with therapy, but it's only in the last three to four years that I feel less constricted by it.

'My sister Esther and my mum are a great help. If I'm going through it, it often helps just to talk through it with them.'

She added: 'I'm 25 now and I've spent a lot of time working on it with therapy, but it's only in the last three to four years that I feel less constricted by it'

Clara first touched on her troubled past with an Instagram post in 2019 in which she revealed she had been raped.

Ewan's oldest daughter wrote on Instagram: 'I want to take this time to talk about mental health. I've been so ashamed of some of my mental health issues that I haven't even wanted to tell friends.

'I've suffered from crippling anxiety since I was 4 years and gone to therapy since I was a kid and I am so grateful for what therapy and psychoanalysis has done for me.

'I've worked on myself and continue to do so. I deal with past trauma, some more recent than others.

She continued: 'My anxiety has stopped me from living the life I wanted to lead. It was a cage I was stuck in and still struggle to get out of. I got on medication such as Lexapro which helped a great deal. I opened up about it and got the help I needed.

'I was told by a doctor ''you don't have to live this way'' and he was right. I've also struggled with substance abuse, due to my anxiety it led me to Xanax and I'm proud to say I've been clean and sober off of pills for 110 days.

'I went to Cirque Lodge for a little while to get myself on track and met the most wonderful people who changed my life. I was so ashamed of my addiction, of my anxiety and depression.

'I was ashamed of the abuse I had let happen to me. I blamed myself for the bruises, the black eyes the rapes and for the attacks a man did to me.

'But I'm regaining this power now.'

New gig: Clara is now the global ambassador for Bluebella lingerie and the face of the Autumn Winter 2021 collection, which launches on October 14

She added: 'Thank you to those who helped me through my darkest times. You know who you are.

'This was really hard for me to open up about so go easy on me.

'Lil moment of honest in hopes that it can help others feel less alone. This past year I dealt with addiction, I got sober, and I dealt with a great deal of depression and anxiety I had an abusive relationship, I had an abortion the list goes on.'

Opening up: Clara first touched on her troubled past with an Instagram post in 2019 in which she revealed she had been raped

She continued: 'Anxiety has been something I've lived with since I was 4 years old. I've been having panic attacks since I was a child and I didn't know that I could live my life without this crippling fear.

'I didn't know there was a way to get better. But there is. Help yourself so others can help you too. And never be ashamed to talk about it.'

Bluebella Autumn/Winter 2021 collection is available at Bluebella.com from today.

For confidential help and advice with addiction, talk to FRANK on 0300 123 6600

For help and advice with mental health issues, visit Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/
Bachelor in Paradise stars Glenn Smith and Alisha Aitken-Radburn have announced they are engaged.

The couple, who met on last year's season of the matchmaking show, confirmed the happy news with a sweet post on social media on Thursday afternoon.

'MEET MY FIANCE!' Alisha, 28, wrote alongside a picture of the beaming pair. '13.10.21 - Sunset at South Perth Foreshore. My heart is bursting.'

She said yes! Bachelor in Paradise stars Glenn Smith and Alisha Aitken-Radburn have announced they are engaged

Glenn, 32, posted a similar sentiment on his own timeline, writing: 'She said yes!

'I get to marry my dream girl and best friend! Words cant express how happy I am, Not just today but every day!

'The moment I met you in Fiji I knew you were the one. I love you.'

Alisha couldn't wipe the smile off her face in the images, flashing her huge diamond ring as the pair cosied up together by the water.

'MEET MY FIANCE!' Alisha wrote. '13.10.21 - Sunset at South Perth Foreshore. My heart is bursting'

She looked sensational in a lilac top, white trousers and a faux fur coat draped across her shoulders.

Glenn looked dapper in a white shirt and tan jacket, and couldn't have appeared more elated after popping the question to his gorgeous partner.

The couple found love on last year's season of Bachelor in Paradise, with Alisha relocating to Perth last year to be with Glenn.

The show's finale was filmed in November 2019, which meant Glenn and Alisha had to keep their relationship a secret for nine months until the series finally aired.

'Me and Glenn were lucky - though it got a bit frustrating at times - that we had to hide our relationship for so long and the show was delayed another three or four months,' she told Who magazine in October last year.

Love: The couple found love on last year's season of Bachelor in Paradise, with Alisha relocating to Perth last year to be with Glenn

Hidden love: The show's finale was filmed in November 2019, which meant Glenn and Alisha had to keep their relationship a secret for nine months until the series finally aired

'We very much lived life without the public gaze on us so we've always had a touch-point when things are pretty hectic and everyone wants to chuck their two cents into your relationship.'

In a separate interview with Who magazine in August last year, Glenn revealed he and Alisha first used code names to keep their relationship a secret.

'I was told to change the name in your phone, because if your phone's buzzing all the time people will see Alisha Aitken Radburn come up, so I thought of the code name,' he explained.

'"You're going to be Bonnie and I'm going to be Clyde," - and to this day she's Bonnie in my phone.'

Prior to the pair's appearance on BIP, Alisha starred in season six of the Bachelor with Nick Cummins as the lead, while Glenn starred in season five of the Bachelorette with Angie Kent.
They both dazzled audiences as Princess Margaret and Queen Elizabeth II respectively in separate seasons of Netflix hit The Crown.

And Vanessa Kirby showed her support for fellow royal actress Olivia Colman at the screening for her new film The Lost Daughter at London's Soho House on Wednesday.

The actress, 33, who starred in series one and two of the royal drama, then later made a very stylish exit from the post-premiere party, looking effortlessly chic in a black co-ord.

Leading ladies: Vanessa Kirby showed her support for fellow The Crown star Olivia Colman at the screening for her new film The Lost Daughter at London's Soho House on Wednesday

At the event, the ladies were all smiles, with Olivia, who played The Queen in series three and four, wowing in an olive green gown.

The ladies also posed alongside Dakota Johnson who stars in The Lost Daughter and who dazzled in a champagne gown.

Vanessa turned later turned heads in her black co-ord and crisp white shirt as she later left the venue and climbed into a waiting car with pals.

Style: The actress, 33, who starred in series one and two of the royal drama, then later made a very stylish exit from the post-premiere party, looking effortlessly chic in a black co-ord

Vanessa was elegant in the black, belted tunic and matching bootcut trousers, which she teamed with pointed black heels.

The TV personality sept her blonde tresses into a sleek ponytail, while she highlighted her features with a light palette of dewy make-up.

Vanessa appeared in great spirits as she walked out of the venue with a male companion, before sharing a car with a female pal.

What a trio: The ladies also posed alongside Dakota Johnson who stars in The Lost Daughter and who dazzled in a champagne gown

A royal performance: Olivia starred as Queen Elizabeth II in series three and four of The Crown, while Vanessa portrayed Princess Margaret in series one and two

A royal reunion! Olivia also reunited with Tobias Menzies on the night, with the actor, 47, having starred alongside her in series three and four of The Crown, playing Prince Phillip

Screen spouses: Olivia and Tobias pictured as Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in The Crown

Vanessa had earlier rubbed shoulders with actor Jack Farthing, who also featured in the film.

The Lost Daughter is a psychological drama written and directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, and based on the novel of the same name by Elena Ferrante.

The anticipated movie had its world premiere at the 78th Venice International Film Festival on September 3, where Maggie won the Golden Osella Award for Best Screenplay.

The film also received a four-minute standing ovation from the audience at the Venice Film Festival.

So chic: Vanessa turned later turned heads in her black co-ord and crisp white shirt as she later left the venue and climbed into a waiting car with pals

Stunner: Vanessa was elegant in the black, belted tunic and matching bootcut trousers, which she teamed with pointed black heels

Heading home: Vanessa appeared in great spirits as she walked out of the venue with a male companion, before sharing a car with a female pal

It tells the story of Olivia, as Leda, a college professor, who while on a summer holiday, finds herself becoming obsessed with another woman (Dakota) and her young daughter, prompting memories of her own early motherhood to come back and unravel her.

The Lost Daughter also stars Peter Sarsgaard, Paul Mescal, Ed Harris and Oliver Jackson-Cohen.

Back in April, Vanessa detailed how Hollywood changed after #METOO was founded and admits she is a 'very, very anxious and sensitive person'.

The Crown star spoke with journalist and presenter, Josh Smith on Make It Reign: The Podcast about what happened to her career when the sexual abuse and harassment in Hollywood, particularly Harvey Weinstein, was exposed.

Strike a pose: Vanessa had earlier rubbed shoulders with actor Jack Farthing, who also featured in the film

She explained: 'I noticed there was an overnight difference when the #METOO movement was founded, and the Weinstein thing happened. There was a difference in how people spoke to me or awareness around it.'

Vanessa admitted that due to her sensitive nature and anxiety she wanted to be an actress as she 'feels things very deeply' and said her self-doubt can be painful.

In 2017, sexual-abuse allegations against Weinstein went viral with the hashtag on social media after actress Alyssa Milano sparked the movement on Twitter.

At the time, she penned:, 'If all the women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted wrote 'Me too' as a status, we might give people a sense of the magnitude of the problem', leading to a number of high profile responses.

Vanessa noted: 'I noticed there was an overnight difference when the #METOO movement was founded, and the Weinstein thing happened'.
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He might pride himself on being one of the most famous mixed martial artists in the world - but Conor McGregor made sure he had FOUR very burly bodyguards out with him while on holiday in Rome on Wednesday.

Stepping out with his fiancee Dee Devlin, Conor even enlisted one staff member to carry his Aperol Spritz for him - as he made his way down the Spanish Steps.

The four protection officers were dressed in matching smart navy suits as they walked either side of the couple who were taking a stroll around the Italian city before heading to Dolce and Gabbana for a shopping spree.

Portrait of a tough guy! Mixed martial arts superstar Conor McGregor was flanked by a huge team of FOUR security guards - one of whom carried his Aperol Spritz for him while on holiday in Rome on Wednesday

Conor was clearly feeling in the holiday mood as he had been sipping on an Aperol which was later carried by one of the security men right next to him.

The sportsman cut a casual figure in a dark blue polo and jeans while Dee looked stylish in a white jumper and carried a neon green bag with her.

The pair attracted a lot of attention on their trip out as fans gathered outside the Dolce and Gabbana store to take pictures of them as they headed inside.

Tough guy! The bodyguards all gave the couple a bit of space as they made their way down the Spanish Steps - but they were never too far away

Crowds: The pair attracted a lot of attention on their trip out as fans gathered outside the Dolce and Gabbana store to take pictures of them as they headed inside

Out and about: The sportsman cut a casual figure in a dark blue polo and jeans while Dee looked stylish in a white jumper and carried a neon green bag with her

Conor later took to Instagram to share a video of the pair strolling around as fans snapped pictures of him.

He wrote in the caption: 'It's great to see Italy, and especially Rome, on its feet strong and vibrant and energetic and Italian silk on the skin, is it butter, no it's McGregor and the Italians.'

On his Instagram Story he also shared a clip of him and Dee climbing into their waiting car as fans took pictures through the window.

The pair looked in great spirits as they had a quick kiss before driving back to their hotel.

Assistance: Conor was clearly feeling in the holiday mood as he had been sipping on an Aperol which was later carried by one of the security men right next to him

True love: Conor and Dee met at a night club in Ireland when Conor was just 19 years old

Shopping: Next they headed into Dolce and Gabbana to pick up some luxury items

Keeping him safe: He was surrounded by the security guards as he walked down the street with Dee

All smiles: The boxer looked in great spirits as he enjoyed some quality time with Dee

Conor and Dee have been together since 2008.

The couple have three children together - Conor Jr, four, daughter Croia, two, and Rian, four months - and plan to get married soon.

They met at a night club in Ireland when Conor was just 19 years old.

It comes after Conor showed off his tattooed physique on Monday whilst he took his Rolls Royce for a spin in Miami.

The MMA fighter went shirtless for his Floridian drive, keen to draw attention to his impressive biceps.

Attracting attention: Conor turned heads as he headed out with the four security guards

Luxury items: The couple had a good look around the Dolce and Gabbana store before heading back out to the street

Taking in the sights: Dee and Conor strolled down the Spanish Steps as they headed to the various tourist attractions

Dressed down: Conor kept it casual in his navy T-shirt and lifted it up slightly to flash his torso tattoos

Fans: Conor took to Instagram to share a video of the pair strolling around as fans snapped pictures of him

Fighter: He prides himself on being one of the most famous mixed martial artists in the world (pictured fighting Dustin Poirier in Las Vegas in July)

Couple: On his Instagram Story he also shared a clip of him and Dee climbing into their waiting car as fans took pictures through the window

Conor McGregor: An overview of the boxer's stellar career Conor, 33, is an Irish mixed martial artist and boxer. He is a former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), featherweight and lightweight double-champion. As of 19 July 2021, he is #9 in the UFC lightweight rankings. He is also the biggest pay-per-view (PPV) draw in MMA history. In his debut professional boxing match, he was defeated by Floyd Mayweather Jr. His headline bout with Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 drew 2.4 million PPV buys, the most ever for an MMA event. His boxing match with Mayweather drew 4.3 million PPV buys in North America, the second most in history. McGregor was ranked as the world's highest paid athlete by Forbes in 2021, earning a reported $180 million. Advertisement

Hand on the wheel of his convertible, Conor looked delighted to be sharing the flashy snaps with his 42.5million Instagram followers.

In one candid shot, the former Cage Warriors featherweight and lightweight champion stopped to smoke.

Teasingly alluding to his influence, Conor wrote: 'Pinch me i'm powerful'.

In full, he penned the snaps: 'I'm Richer than the whole roster b***h , I'm rick Ross. Rolling around Miami @ufc richest ever in history.

'Just wow . Pinch me i'm powerful . Rolls Royce Miami . The key to the city to start . Proper Mondays Grinding. @dystopiagame @mcgregorfast.'

Conor's late night drive came after he took to social media on Sunday to hail Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder following the thrilling climax to their trilogy in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

Both men hit the canvas during the bout before Fury eventually secured a brutal 11th round knockout.

'Great fight that,' wrote McGregor on Twitter. 'Both warriors, both winners. Hard to not be impressed with Deontay there.

'Against the much larger man and almost got it done. Great fight. 40lb's in weight difference is A LOT. Fair play both men there, very enjoyable fights they have had together. Respect.

'Their skill levels are unique but very close.

'A great heavyweight trilogy that was. I love when it gets set for certain and both have an honorable showing.

'Not the fam in the ring fake celebrating after a freak injury etc etc you know the gig, God bless the real in this world.

'Congrats Tyson and Paris.

'Me and Dee are so happy for you and the kids. Congrats Deontay and Telli also.

'Was great meeting you guys recently. A real proud showing that was, and could have went either way.

'Amazing! Happy Sunday now today with the cheddar and the memory's God bless.'

Cheeky! The pair looked in great spirits as they had a quick kiss before driving back to their hotel

Looking in: Fans were trying to catch a glimpse of him as he got into the waiting car

Conor made headlines last month after he had a heated altercation with Machine Gun Kelly at the MTV Video Music Awards.

The rapper reportedly asked for his security to be 'ramped up' after the fighter appeared to throw a punch at him at the awards ceremony.

The MMA fighter branded the musician a 'little vanilla boy rapper' after they were squared up on the red carpet with their respective partners by their sides just before the start of the show.

Family: Conor and Dee have been together since 2008 and share three children

According to Metro.co.uk, Kelly, whose real name is Colson Baker, did not want to meet Conor because he is not a fan of some of his previous comments, which weren't specified.

A source said: 'Machine Gun Kelly isn't a fan of some things Conor has said and done in the past so thought it was a bad look to be photographed with him.

'It's the VMAs so part of the reason you go is to mix with other celebs but some of Conor's comments on sensitive issues have never sat right with him.'

The insider that Kelly 'told organizers to make sure their paths never crossed after the fall out'.

MailOnline has contacted representatives of Machine Gun Kelly for comment.

Kelly's girlfriend Megan Fox was among the people who stepped in between the two would-be fighters, and then wrapped her arms around him as the couple were led off past the growing crowd that had gathered.

McGregor later brushed off the scuffle, telling a reporter nothing happened because he only spars with 'real fighters', and only knows who the musician is because he is dating Fox.

Driving: It comes after Conor showed off his tattooed physique on Monday whilst he took his Rolls Royce for a spin in Miami

He told Entertainment Tonight: 'Absolutely nothing happened. I don't know. He showed up, and I don't know. I don't know the guy.

'Nothing happened with me, I only fight real fighters, people that actually fight, you know what I mean? I certainly don't fight little vanilla boy rappers. I don't even know the guy. I don't know anything about him, except that he's with Megan Fox.'

Conor's rep also said he does not know who Kelly is and insisted that his client was not the one to start the scuffle.
Phoebe Burgess spoke about life as a single mother as she enjoyed a day out with her two young children Poppy, four, and Billy, two, on Thursday afternoon.

The 32-year-old influencer - who shares her children with her ex-husband and retired NRL star Sam Burgess - said the trio were off on a 'mini-adventure' before taking a picture of the family eating a picnic out of the boot of her new $77,575 Toyota Kluger.

In the caption, Phoebe spoke about being a full-time parent and the importance of enjoying 'me-time' when raising two young children alone.

Family fun day! Phoebe Burgess spoke out about life as a single mother as she enjoyed a day out with her young children Poppy, four, and Billy, two, on Thursday afternoon

'We are off on a little adventure!' she began. 'Escaping the house, looking for fresh air and searching for that perfect scooter & picnic spot is the perfect little antidote to the monotony of the past few months.

'For most full-time parents me-time in lockdown is the total unicorn - mythical & a beautiful idea but (often) impossible.

'I have however become skilled at sneaking some Zen moments - like when the kids are safely in the back of our All-New @toyota_aus listening to my singalong Spotify Find Your Freedom playlist, I feel (almost) alone up the front.'

She added that travelling in the car was the 'perfect blend of family adventure sprinkled with a few mummy moments'.

'We are off on a little adventure!' she began. 'Escaping the house, looking for fresh air and searching for that perfect scooter & picnic spot is the perfect little antidote to the monotony of the past few months

Cost: The 2021 Toyota Kluger costs between $44,850 for the basic model through to $77,575 for the top of the range SUV model

'A window down, happy and comfy kids in the back, my favourite tunes, and just my thoughts on an open road - it wont last long...' she said.

'This post is me telling all of you parents - and hopefully inspiring you - that you deserve any kind of getaway you can come up with!'

In the images, Phoebe posed with her little daughter Poppy while Billy sat in the boot of the car.

The family had already enjoyed a fun-filled morning, as Phoebe revealed the trio had enjoyed a spin on their scooters before sitting down to eat.

'Note: This weather beat us after our scooter so we decided to picnic IN the Klugers massive boot - suddenly very grateful for all of that extra room! The three of us, our scooter and our hamper fit perfectly!' Phoebe added.

The 2021 Toyota Kluger costs between $44,850 for the basic model through to $77,575 for the top of the range SUV model.

Top recruit: Phoebe's ex Sam Burgess (pictured) was recently crowned the winner of SAS Australia - being the only recruit to pass selection

Phoebe's ex Sam was recently crowned the winner of SAS Australia - being the only recruit to pass selection.

Sam and Phoebe were married for four years before splitting in 2019.

He revealed on the show he had been unfaithful to his wife during their marriage during the first episode.

'I don't think I was the greatest husband at times,' he said to the camera. 'I embarrassed my wife. I'd had an affair with a girl, a woman in Melbourne. That's true.

'I was away on tour, and regretfully that happened. Which would have been... it would have been a tough place for Phoebe to be.'
Ellidy Pullin has thanked her friends as she prepares to welcome her first child without her late husband, Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin.

In an emotional post on Instagram on Thursday, the 29-year-old widow of the late Olympic snowboarder said her friends had provided her with 'unwavering support and love' in the year after his death.

'My friends literally deserve a medal for the way they have shown up for me the past year,' she began, sharing a series of photos from what appeared to have been her recent baby shower.

Supported: Ellidy Pullin has thanked her friends as she prepares to welcome her first child without her late husband, Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin

'Instead of feeling awkward and withdrawing in unfathomable circumstances, they stepped the f**k up in this wild year of "firsts" without my Chumpy, and that cannot be easy!

'Taking this s**t on head first with me, running towards the pain and suffering, using it as fuel to cherish and look after each other, appreciate every moment, live and be kind.'

She added: 'My crew near and far continually injecting me with energy and grit to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Surrounded by love: In an emotional post on Instagram on Thursday, the 29-year-old widow of Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin (left) said her friends had provided her with 'unwavering support and love' in the year after his death

'I feel so grateful and lucky to be bringing Chumpy's daughter or son into this love bubble.'

Ellidy announced she was pregnant with Chumpy's baby on Instagram in June, almost a year after he drowned while spearfishing at a reef off Queensland's Palm Beach.

Speaking on her podcast, Darling, Shine!, back in June, Ellidy spoke about her desperate rush to collect his sperm after his tragic death.

'My friends literally deserve a medal for the way they have shown up for me the past year,' she began, sharing a series of photos from what appeared to have been her recent baby shower

Ellidy revealed they had to 'hustle' to retrieve Chumpy's sperm in the days after his death on July 8 last year.

Under Queensland legislation, sperm can be removed posthumously when a designated officer declares their belief that the deceased wouldn't object.

The consent of the immediate family - including Chumpy's parents - is also required before any sperm can be retrieved.

Expecting: Ellidy announced she was pregnant with Chumpy's baby on Instagram in June, almost a year after he drowned while spearfishing at a reef off Queensland's Palm Beach

An IVF specialist assists with the retrieval, with a recommended removal timeframe of between 24 and 36 hours after death.

Ellidy admitted it was quite an undertaking, with everyone having to sign off on legal documents, while also dealing with coroners, lawyers and doctors.

She said her pregnancy is 'the most bittersweet thing in the world', but added that she was determined to parent a child with Chumpy.

When life gives you lemons: Speaking on her podcast, Darling, Shine!, back in June, Ellidy spoke about her desperate rush to collect his sperm after his tragic death

'I'm not saying it's going to be easy or a walk in the park. I have a lot ahead of me, I've got big shoes to fill,' she continued.

'I've got to be a dad and a mum in one, and not just any dad, I've got to be a Chumpy dad.'

She added: 'I go through a lot every day and I will forever grieve, that never leaves you, but I was always so sure of one thing - that I was always going to have this bub.'
Abbie Chatfield made a number of fumbles during her hosting debut on Love Island Australia Afterparty on Thursday night.

The former Bachelor star, 26, had the nerve-wracking task of hosting Channel Nine's spin-off show live for the very first time in front of the nation - which undoubtedly led to a few teething problems.

Abbie first stumbled on her words during a discussion with season one stars Josh Moss and Amelia Marni, saying to the pair: 'Josh and Amelia... Do you remember when you? Sorry. Josh and Amelia, when you first... wow.'

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Teething problems: Abbie Chatfield made a couple of fumbles during her hosting debut on Love Island Afterparty - but despite the issues, viewers were full of praise for The Bachelor star's presenting techniques

After a quick moment of silence, Abbie continued: 'Let me just get the feelings out of me. I'm just so hyped up about it. I can't find my words either now!'

After recovering well, she then went on a live video call with host Sophie Monk - who bizarrely said to Abbie: 'I've been watching your show live - you could be the new Ellen DeGeneres!'

'She got cancelled, Soph!' Abbie replied, which was followed by seconds of awkward silence after Sophie couldn't appear to hear the response.

Ever the professional, Abbie continued: 'She had a good run though... So it's a miracle the show is even happening now!'

The struggles of live tv! After a quick moment of silence, Abbie continued: 'Let me just get the feelings out of me. I'm just so hyped up about it. I can't find my words either now!'

Shortly afterwards, the video chat appeared to lag as the pair discussed the islander who was voted the nation's favourite, Taku Chimwaza.

'I know he smells good,' Abbie said, to which Sophie said: 'I think it changes so drastically' - still answering an older question about which islander she likes the best.

'The scent, or just who we like?' Abbie replied to be met with another award silence, before Sophie said: 'Say it again?'

Despite the sprinkle of mishaps, the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! star received rave reviews from viewers, with some branding her 'Queen Abbie'.

Awkward! After recovering well, she then went on a live video call with Sophie Monk - who bizarrely said to Abbie: 'I've been watching your show live - you could be the new Ellen DeGeneres'

Comments: Despite the sprinkle of mishaps, the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! star received rave reviews from viewers, with some branding her 'Queen Abbie' - while others were a little less than impressed with her performance

'Am really pleased with Abbie. She's done an amazing job and has come out on top! Congratulations to her!' one wrote, while another added: 'ABBIE CHATFIELD MY LOVE, MY LIFE.'

'Oh I feel sorry for Abbie, that was a bit of a fumble but shes doing so well for her first hosting show,' another fan chimed in.

'Abbie Chatfield killing it as per,' one added, while one wrote: 'THE QUEEN @abbiechatfield IS HERE!'

Others were a little less complimentary, with one writing: 'Its so uncomfortable listening to Abbie and Sophie talk.'

'She is definitely killing it. I wont watch again lol,' another critic added.
Jessica Chastain nailed sartorial chic as she stepped out for The Eyes Of Tammy Faye photocall at Rome Film Festival on Thursday.

The 44-year-old actress, looked glamorous in the electric blue satin ensemble which she paired with an ab-flashing bralette and black slip-on high heels.

Her flame-red locks flowed over her shoulders effortlessly while she opted for muted tones for her make-up.

Bra-vo!: Jessica Chastain, 44, nailed sartorial chic in a black bra top and blue satin suit as she stepped out for The Eyes Of Tammy Faye photocall at Rome Film Festival on Thursday

Stunning: The actress, looked glamorous in the electric blue satin ensemble which had a sexy thigh-split - pairing the look with black slip on heels

She looked in good spirits as she later posed with artistic director of the festival Antonio Monda, producer of the flick Kelly Carmichael, and actor, who stars alongside Jessica in the film, Vincent D'Onofrio.

Jessica then took to the stage to discuss the upcoming flick which documents the rise, fall, and redemption of American evangelist Tammy Faye Bakker.

Tammy Faye rose to fame with her husband Jim Bakker in the 1970s and 80s to create the world's largest religious broadcasting network and theme park and she passed away in 2007 after a lengthy battle with colon cancer.

Beauty: Her flame-red locks flowed over her shoulders effortlessly while she opted for muted tones for her make-up

Having fun: She looked in good spirits as she later posed with artistic director of the festival Antonio Monda, producer of the flick Kelly Carmichael, and actor, who stars alongside Jessica in the film, Vincent D'Onofrio

Andrew Garfield stars in the film as Jim, who was absent from the event in the Italian city.

The flick is also based on a 2000 documentary of the same name.

The star recently revealed that her skin has been left in bad shape following her transformation into Tammy Faye Bakker.

Role: Jessica then took to the stage to discuss the upcoming flick which documents the rise, fall, and redemption of American evangelist Tammy Faye Bakker

Historic: Tammy Faye rose to fame with her husband Jim Bakker in the 1970s and 80s and she passed away in 2007 after a lengthy battle with colon cancer

Co-stars: Andrew Garfield stars in the film as Jim, who was absent from the event in the Italian city

Jessica is barely recognisable underneath her costume and make up in the role.

Tammy Faye was known for caking her face in make up and Jessica has revealed wearing the heavy film makeup left her skin stretched out. 'I think for sure I've done some permanent damage to my skin on this,' she told The Los Angeles Times.

'Listen, I eat very pure and I take very good care of my skin and I stay out of the sun and all that stuff. But it's heavy,' said the redheaded beauty.

'And when you're wearing it all day every day  the weight of it on your body, it stretches your skin out,' added the red carpet fixture.

Story: The film is also based on a 2000 documentary of the same name

Wow! Jessica (L) is barely recognisable in the role as Tammy Faye (R), who was known for caking her face in make up and Jessica has revealed wearing the heavy film makeup left her skin stretched out

Stars: Vincent D'Onofrio (R) stars as another American televangelist Jerry Falwell in the upcoming film

'I finally took it off and I was like, "I look 50 years old!"' Jessica said with a laugh.

'No, I'm kidding. But it's fine. It's for my art.'

The Eyes of Tammy Faye was released in US theatres on September 17, but it is not known when it will come out in the UK.

Jessica has had a busy festival season as she is also promoting a new series called Scenes From A Marriage.

For the art: 'I finally took it off and I was like, "I look 50 years old!"' Jessica said with a laugh

Anticipated: The Eyes of Tammy Faye was released in US theatres on September 17, but it is not known when it will come out in the UK

Busy lady: Jessica has had a busy festival season as she is also promoting a new series called Scenes From A Marriage

The new show is based on Ingmar Bergman's film of the same name and she stars alongside Oscar Isaac.

Much ado has been made over the palpable chemistry between Oscar and Jessica, who both have two children with their respective spouses.

Eyebrows raised when The Addams Family 2 star erotically breathed in the aroma of Jessica's armpit while on the red carpet at the 78th Venice Film Festival on September 4.

Chastain and Isaac executive produced and starred as Mira Phillips and Jonathan Levi in the five-episode miniseries.

New release: The new show is based on Ingmar Bergman's film of the same name and stars alongside Oscar Isaac
Amanda Holden looked typically chic as she exited the Heart FM studios in London on Thursday after presenting her breakfast show.

The TV personality, 50, oozed glamour in a burgundy maxi dress which featured buttons down its centre.

She teamed the number with a leather handbag and kept warm in the autumn breeze with a trendy plaid wool coat.

Emerging: Amanda Holden looked typically chic as she exited the Heart FM studios in London on Thursday following a morning of presenting her breakfast show

Framing her face with a pair of oversized shades, the Britain's Got Talent judge wore her gorgeous blonde locks in silky waves and elevated her height with a pair of dark red leather boots.

Completing her ensemble with a pair of gold hoops, onlookers stopped in their tracks as the star strutted her way through Leicester Square.

Amanda recently gave fans a glimpse of her hair and make-up regime as she was primped and preened by a team of five helpers in a picture shared to Instagram on Wednesday.

Sensational: The TV personality, 50, oozed glamour in a burgundy maxi dress which featured buttons down its centre

Centre of attention: Completing her ensemble with a pair of gold hoops, onlookers stopped in their tracks as the star strutted her way through Leicester Square

The actress, who is currently filming scenes in London for Australian soap Neighbours, didn't say if this was to do with her role and could be seen having a mani-pedi as two assistants went to work on her nails.

Amanda sat in a blue dressing gown which she left open to the thigh to show off her long slender pins, as she penned: 'We will rebuild her'.

The model could be seen having her make-up applied and long blonde locks curled.

The presenter ensured she was comfortable as she wore a single fluffy slipper on the foot that wasn't being tended to.

Luxe: Amanda gave fans a glimpse of her hair and make-up regime as she was primped and preened by a team of five helpers in a picture shared to Instagram on Wednesday

Amanda recently landed a role on Neighbours playing the aunt of Jason Donovan's daughter, Jemma, 21.

Channel 5 released the first look images from set this week after the pair filmed in Waterloo, London, together ahead of the episodes airing in the spring.

On the show, Jemma's character Harlow will jet to the UK in the hope of figuring out a mystery about her late mother, Prue, who was played by Denise Van Outen.

On location: She looked radiant as ever as she stepped onto the set of Neighbours in London alongside her co-star Jemma Donovan, who plays Harlow Robinson

Between filming scenes, Amanda and Jemma posed for a snap together as they held up the Ramsay St street sign, where the soap is set.

Amanda also revealed that many passersby thought the pair were related in real life.

She said: 'My first day on set was such a fun and surreal experience. If I'd told my 12/13 year-old self I would one-day appear in Neighbours I'd have never believed it!

'So many people were beeping in their cars and passersby assumed that Jemma was my real daughter because we look quite similar! I can't wait to continue the journey of my character Harriet.'

Scene: Amanda told how many passersby thought she and Jemma were actually related as they filmed in the capital

She previously said in a statement: 'Like most people in the UK who were around in the late Eighties and early Nineties, I grew up watching Neighbours every single day.

'I was glued to our TV for the wedding of Kylie [Minogue] and Jason [Donovan], while cursing Mrs Mangel [Vivean Gray] and praying that Mike and Jane [Guy Pearce and Jane Harris] would eventually get together! Not to mention all the other greats over the years.

'To now have the opportunity to be a part of such an iconic Australian show is simply fabulous. I can't wait to work with Jemma in London. This feels like a joyous occasion for everyone.'
Rosario Dawson stepped out in a stylish ensemble just hours after her new series Dopesick premiered.

The actress, 42, wore a white collared shirt underneath a black Thom Browne suit jacket. She donned a skirt that flowed all the way down to her ankles.

She held a black canvas bag on her left arm and wore a face covering colored a few different shades of blue.

Fashionable fit: Rosario Dawson stepped out in a stylish ensemble just hours after her new series Dopesick premiered

The Daredevil actress' curly hair was tied back in a ponytail though she tied it loose enough to allow some of her locks to cascade down the left side of her head.

Dawson has worn a number of fancy outfits in recent days as she's attended different events in preparation for Dopesick's release.

The show, based on the book Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors and the Drug Company that Addicted America, follows different characters as they deal with the opioid crisis spurred on by Richard Sackler of Purdue Pharma.

Business and casual: Dawson flirted with both a business and casual look while wearing a Thom Browne suit jacket with a large button-down shirt and long skirt

Taking on serious issues: Dawson's new series, Dopesick, takes a deep-dive into the opioid crisis and its causes

The Rent star plays a member of the Drug Enforcement Agency in the series that also stars Michael Keaton, Michael Stuhlbarg and Kaitlyn Dever.

Dawson has a number of projects other than Dopesick on her calendar as well. She is currently filming DMZ, a series set in the dystopian future where Manhattan has become a demilitarized zone.

She will also return to a couple of her past roles over the next couple years. Dawson is set to play Alma in Clerks III, a character she originated in the second film, and she will star as Jedi Master Ahsoka Tano in Ahsoka.

Doing the right thing: Dawson, seen here as DEA Agent Bridget Meyers in the series, investigates the pills out on the streets

Keeping busy: The star has a number of upcoming projects outside of Dopesick upcoming including a return to a pair of familiar roles; seen on October 7

As for her personal life, the star moved in with her boyfriend, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, last summer.

The pair met in 2018 after attending a part of a mutual friend. While they're clearly head over heels about one another now, Booker made it clear that wasn't the case at first.

'She didnt give me the time of day,' Booker said on RuPauls talk show.' She gave me serious shade.'

Booker and Dawson kept running in to each other though and, eventually, Booker worked up the nerve to ask Dawson for her phone number.
Erika Jayne appears to be in the mood to fight back.

This week, the embattled Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star was pictured on her way to a judo class with her trainer, as they arrived at a martial arts studio in Los Angeles.

The sighting comes as Jayne, 50, faced tough jabs on last night's RHOBH reunion show, as well as calls for her to be fired over her estranged husband Tom Girardi's embezzlement scandal.

Fighting back! Erika Jayne holds her head up high after THAT explosive RHOBH reunion as she arrives at a martial arts studio with her trainer in LA on Tuesday

Jayne was seen holding her head up high while walking with her trainer, wearing gym gear and sunglasses looking ready for battle.

Her ex, Girardi, 82, is facing claims of embezzling millions of funds that were meant for the families of plane crash victims, while Jayne has been embroiled in the suit after it was revealed she allegedly pocketed $25million in expenses from her senior husband.

However, last night Jayne appeared defiant on the reunion show as she clapped back at calls for her to be axed from the show as a result.

'Why should I be fired?,' Jayne snapped. 'Why are you presuming that I've done something? Why aren't we letting the legal process play out?'

She added: 'You've heard one side... and a lot of bulls*** on that side. Give me a chance to defend myself. Watch me. I'm ready for the challenge. Watch me do it.'

No pain no gain? Erika looked emotional as she was arriving for battle with her trainer

Take that! Erika snapped back at calls for her to be fired as she battled it out on last night's RHOBH reunion show

Jayne was seen holding her head up high while walking with her trainer, wearing gym gear and sunglasses looking ready for battle.

Tired and emotional? Erika did not appear to be in the mood to work out as she arrived for class

Both Jayne and Girardi were named as defendants in a federal lawsuit filed in December alleging they stole funds meant for the families, including widows and orphans, of the victims of the 2018 Lion Air plane crash.

Tom had his California license to practice law revoked in March 2021 after the Los Angeles Times reported that he had been sued more than 100 times.

He also had been the subject of numerous bar complaints alleging financial malfeasance involving millions of dollars owed to clients, including female cancer victims and a burn victim.

Work out: Erika practiced her moves at a martial arts class in Los Angeles

She's got this: Despite all the drama, Erika appears keen to keep up her fitness through it all

Andy asked Erika if her lawyers ever advised her to quit the show and she said they did.

'And then I said, ''No, because I have nothing to hide.'' And they said, ''Well, you know that this s*** can get flipped around on you.'' Everything can be parsed, twisted, turned and yes, possibly turned against you. Whether it is true or not, it almost doesn't even matter at this point,' Erika said.

Andy asked Erika if she ever thought about quitting the show and she admitted that she considered it.

Scandal: Erika has been embroiled in an embezzlement scandal involving her 82-year-old estranged husband Tom Girardi (pictured on the show) and disgraced lawyer Tom.

'But I'm not a quitter and I wanted to honor my commitment. I wasn't going to run away from what's coming at me,' Erika said.

Andy pointed out that without her estranged husband's income the show was now her main job and asked her how much that factored into her decision. She said that didn't factor into her decision then but that it was more a consideration now.

The one-hour episode was the first of four reunion shows for a turbulent season 11 that was dominated by Erika's divorce and subsequent legal troubles.

Andy at the start of the reunion asked Erika if she was ready to finally address her situation and Erika said she was happy to share what she could.

Legal process: 'Why should I be fired?,' Erika sharply said. 'Why are you presuming that I've done something? Why aren't we letting the legal process play out?'

No quitting: Andy asked Erika if she ever thought about quitting the show and she admitted that she considered it

Together again: The one-hour episode was the first of four reunion shows for a turbulent season 11 that was dominated by Erika's divorce and subsequent legal troubles

'This is the toughest part of my life,' Erika said.

'I could imagine,' Andy replied.

Two weeks before the reunion, Lisa Rinna, 57, visited Erika at her house and asked her if she was going to show up at the reunion. She told her people had said that she wasn't.

Tough time: 'This is the toughest part of my life,' Erika said

So true: 'There are going to be some winners and some losers,' said Erika

'I'm going,' Erika told her. 'I'm not a f***ing quitter.'

Erika told her that she had a dream that they were at the reunion and that there were going to be some shots fired and shots taken.

'There are going to be some winners and some losers,' said Erika.

'Well, that's life baby,' Lisa responded.

On the day of the reunion, the housewives arrived and went to their respective trailers to get ready.

When Kyle Richards, 52, was in hair and make up, Andy stopped by and said that in 11 years of doing these shows that this one felt as if the stakes were higher.
Halle Berry plays a disgraced fighter scrubbing toilets for a living who decides to return to the ring in the trailer of her directorial debut, Bruised.

Jackie Justice (Berry) was once a famous fighter now working as a maid.

But when her estranged six-year-old son returns to her life following the death of his father, Jackie decides to give fighting another shot.

Packing a punch: Halle Berry plays a disgraced fighter scrubbing toilets for a living who decides to return to the ring in the trailer for her directorial debut, Bruised

The trailer shows Jackie learning about the death of her son's father as the young boy sits outside her porch in the rain.

'That's your son,' Jackie is told. 'His daddy died.'

A shocked Jackie places her hand over her mouth in response to the news.

Following the re-entry of her son, Jackie seems to begin to seriously considering returning to fighting.

'That fulfills your purpose?' Though the former fighter insists she is happy, her loved ones call out her job

Chores: Berry's character is now working as a maid after her past life as a famous fighter

'That's your son': Berry returns to fighting after her six-year-old son returns into her life following the death of his father

Though she is a maid, Jackie insists she is content with her life.

'I don't want to fight. I'm happy!' Jackie insists to her friend.

'They have you scrubbing toilets. That fulfills your purpose?' he replies.

In the meanwhile, she is attempting to forge a relationship with her child.

'I'm happy!' Jackie insists she is content with her life

Take down: Jackie impresses the crowd as she takes down her opponent at an unsanctioned fight

Fight to the end: She finishes off her opponent with a head butt and leaves with a bloody forehead

'We're strangers right now,' she tells her son. 'But I'm all you got.'

Jackie starts to roll up her sleeves at an unsanctioned fight, where there are no referees and no rules.

Though she is no longer in her prime, Jackie makes an impression, smashing a jar of cherries across her opponent's face before finishing him off with a head butt.

Jackie's moves attract the attention of one man who sees her potential.

'I'm offering you a second chance': Jackie's moves attract the attention of one man who sees her potential

Forging a bond: In the meantime, Jackie is reconnecting with her young son

'I just don't see it': Jackie initially fails to impress when she begins training for her big fight

'I saw what you did,' one man who watched the fight tells her. 'I'm offering you a second chance. You gonna take it?'

Jackie is game: 'Yeah I'm gonna take it.'

Jackie begins training, but initially struggles to keep up in the ring and impress trainers.

'I got five other girls, all strong, faster, younger,' a woman working in the studio says. 'I'm sorry. I just don't see it.'

That's got to hurt: The disgraced fighter falls to the floor after getting punched in the face

Jackie Justice v Lady Killer: The former fighter faces her opponent at the weigh in

Holding them back: A scuffle breaks out between the pair

'You used to be Jackie Justice,' she tells Halle's character.

'Still am,' Jackie replies.

Jackie rigorously trains in preparation for her big fight, and a fight nearly breaks out between her and her opponent Lady Killer at what appears to be their weigh-in.

Enter the octagon: Jackie goes head-to-head with her opponent, Lady Killer

Coming soon: The upcoming Netflix film will premiere on the streaming platform and select theaters on November 24, 2021

'You scared? I used to be scared too,' Jackie tells her son as he looks at a flyer advertising her upcoming fight. 'Sometimes I'm still scared.'

'This is your shot,' the man who initially recruited her tells her. 'Show all of them the real Jackie Justice.'

Finally, the big day comes, and Jackie is seen throwing her competitor to the ground.

The upcoming Netflix film will premiere on the streaming platform and select theaters on November 24, 2021.
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Phoebe Waller-Bridge has finally been spied shooting scenes for the upcoming Indiana Jones 5, with co-star and leading man Harrison Ford.

On location in Sicily, the Fleabag star, 36, was spotted dragging Harrison, 79, out of a ditch before collapsing exhaustedly with him in the mud.

While the plot is still shrouded in secrecy, the sequence appeared to feature Indiana in some kind of peril, with Phoebe's character coming to his rescue; yet, also on set, were a group of actors dressed as Roman gladiators.

Action! Phoebe Waller-Bridge has finally been spied shooting scenes for the upcoming Indiana Jones 5, with co-star and leading man Harrison Ford

Phoebe - now no stranger to action franchises, having lent her pen to the most recent James Bond movie, No Time To Die - plays Indiana's assistant in the film.

She looked the part, dressed in architect garb: stone slacks, mahogany boots and a white blouse.

She was seen in some shots with a fedora - mirroring the legendary titular character's classic costume.

Her ensemble was covered in dirt as she struggled around on the ground with Hollywood legend Harrison.

Rescue mission? While the plot is still shrouded in secrecy, the sequence appeared to feature Indiana in some kind of peril, with Phoebe's character coming to his rescue

Back in time? Also on set were a group of Roman gladiator-looking characters, rowing a large boat on the nearby river

Rumour has it: A Twitter rumour materialised this week suggesting the action will partially take place in various eras in the past. The account is known for leaking morsels of information, without giving away anything too major, for the likes of upcoming movies such as Scream 5, Halloween Kills, Venom and The Batman

What's the plot? This comes after a leak online hinted that the film features time travel

He appeared in a chocolate jumpsuit, with a parachute pack strapped to his back.

Presumably, the scene sees Indiana jump from a plane, with his assistant dragging him out of a ditch after landing on the ground.

But also on set were the Roman gladiator-looking characters, rowing a large boat on the nearby river, getting off, and brandishing swords and shields.

This comes after a leak online hinted that the film features time travel.

Attack! The Roman gladiator-looking characters moored on the shore brandishing swords and shields

Drama! Phoebe - now no stranger to action franchises, having lent her pen to the most recent James Bond movie, No Time To Die - plays Indiana's assistant in the film

Scuffle! She looked the part, dressed in architect garb - stone slacks, mahogany boots and a white blouse

Hats off to her! She was seen in some shots with a fedora - mirroring the legendary titular character's classic costume. Her ensemble was covered in dirt as she struggled around on the ground with Hollywood legend Harrison

This would make sense, with earlier sequences appearing to feature a younger incarnation of Indiana Jones, and some sets decorated as if it were the war.

A Twitter rumour materialised this week suggesting the action will partially take place in various eras in the past.

A Twitter account, run by an anonymous movie insider known to tease accurate details of upcoming films, penned: 'I heard this a couple months ago and couldn't believe it but someone just confirmed and I feel like I need to say this out loud: INDIANA JONES 5 is... a time travel movie?'

The tweeter added enthusiastically: 'BTW this sounds nuts and unexpected and I'm totally down for it. LAST CRUSADE and CRYSTAL SKULL follow the RAIDERS formula to the letter, so getting whacky and playing with the format for the last movie could be really exciting!'

Crash landing? He appeared in a chocolate jumpsuit, with a parachute pack strapped to his back. Presumably, the scene sees Indiana jump from a plane, with his assistant dragging him out of a ditch after landing on the ground

Here to assist! Phoebe was seen on the ground with her on-screen boss

Violent! The soldiers were seen lining up behind a barricade, and charging forward, swords in the air

Touch up: Phoebe was seen getting a make-up touch up between takes

The account is known for leaking morsels of information, without giving away anything too major, for the likes of upcoming movies such as Scream 5, Halloween Kills, Venom and The Batman.

The soldiers were seen lining up behind a barricade, and charging forward, swords in the air.

Members of the production team appeared to be busy at work while wearing protective face masks amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Harrison was pictured shooting scenes for the film on the streets of Cefalu in Sicily with Mads Mikkelsen on Thursday - marking his return to work following a three-month break with a shoulder injury.

The Star Wars actor got right back into character as the iconic Professor of Paleontology as he donned his signature leather jacket, which had been layered above a yellow shirt and grey trousers.

His co-star, 55, contrasted his look in a dapper grey suit, which had been styled alongside a white shirt and a coordinating panama hat.

Hard at work: Harrison was pictured shooting scenes for the film on the streets of Cefalu in Sicily with Mads Mikkelsen on Thursday - marking his return to work following a three-month break with a shoulder injury

Tousled: He wore his silver tresses in a shaggy hairdo for the action sequence

Protected: Members of the production team appeared to be busy at work while wearing protective face masks amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic

Filming for the sequel appeared to be back in full swing last month following Harrison's June shoulder injury, which caused production to be halted for three months.

London's Hatton Garden was transported back to the 1960s, where the production crew had convincingly decorated the street with American memorabilia.

Old-school cars and vintage store facades populated the hotspot, complete with U.S. Mail boxes, rubber tyres and weathered posters reading, 'Blood bank, donors paid.'

Stacks of New York's Daily News broadsheets were piled upon wooden slats with the headline, 'Oust Cuban spy for Nixon plot,' on its front page while traditional television and radio sets graced shop windows.

Harrison had to undergo surgery on his shoulder following his injury at Pinewood Studios, with the crew using a stand-in for crowd scenes during his absence.

Team: Many workers were spotted getting stuck in

Chatting: Harrison struck up a conversation with somebody on set

Ready to go! Phoebe fit right in in her costume for the outdoor action scenes

Waiting: The duo rested during the breaks between shooting scenes

A source told The Sun: 'Everyones relieved to see him back and fighting fit.

'Its been a long ten-week wait for him and the crew. Filming has been held up but hopefully now it can get back on track.'

MailOnline contacted representatives of Harrison for comment at the time.

The Hollywood star remained in the UK while he recuperated from his shoulder injury and was spotted out and about in London on several occasions during the summer.

Costumes: A group of actors donned soldier outfits for the boat scenes

Downtime: Harrison had to undergo surgery on his shoulder following his injury at Pinewood Studios, with the crew using a stand-in for crowd scenes during his absence

Communicating: Members of the team made sure to keep walkie-talkies in their pockets in order to stay in touch throughout the day

All over the place: The Academy Award nominee has filmed the movie in London, Glasgow and North Yorkshire. Filming was also recently put into jeopardy following an outbreak of norovirus spread across the site

Off-screen drama! Up to 50 people had to be sent home from the Pinewood Studios in Iver, Buckinghamshire, following a spread of the winter vomiting bug last week

The Academy Award nominee has filmed the movie in London, Glasgow and North Yorkshire.

Filming was also recently put into jeopardy following an outbreak of norovirus spread across the site.

Up to 50 people had to be sent home from the Pinewood Studios in Iver, Buckinghamshire, following a spread of the winter vomiting bug last week.

The fifth and final Indiana Jones movie was originally due for release in 2022, however that was before filming was pushed back by three months due to Harrison's injury.

It's been a fresh blow for the movie - which sees James Mangold taking on directing duties from long-time helmer Steven Spielberg - after shooting was previously pushed back as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

An insider told The Sun's Bizarre column because it's Harrison's last outing as Indiana, everybody was expecting it to be plain sailing.

Coming soon: The fifth and final Indiana Jones movie was originally due for release in 2022, however that was before filming was pushed back by three months due to Harrison's injury

Fresh blow: The movie sees James Mangold taking on directing duties from long-time helmer Steven Spielberg - after shooting was previously pushed back as a result of the coronavirus pandemic

Last chapter: An insider told The Sun's Bizarre column because it's Harrison's last outing as Indiana, everybody was expecting it to be plain sailing

Mistakes were made: Raiders Of The Lost Ark director Steven Spielberg famously branded himself 'an idiot' for allowing Harrison to do his own stunts, including one where the starring actor had to outrun a prop weighing 300 pounds

They said: 'After the initial delays everyone was raring to go. But now Harrison is injured and it is worse than first thought.

'The film's bosses have come together to work out the scheduling and it's chaos. The earliest they think they can restart the production is September.

'It was not what anyone was expecting so to have to change everything is a huge blow. Everyone was concerned for Harrison and they are glad he is on the mend.'

Raiders Of The Lost Ark director Steven Spielberg famously branded himself 'an idiot' for allowing Harrison to do his own stunts, including one where the starring actor had to outrun a prop weighing 300 pounds.
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Renee Zellweger was completely unrecognizable when she filmed an outdoor scene for her upcoming true crume series The Thing About Pam on Wednesday.

The 52-year-old Oscar winner was spotted on set as she played the convicted killer Pam Hupp while wearing a fat suit and layers of makeup and facial prosthetics.

Hupp, 63, is currently serving life in prison without the possibility of parole after she pleaded guilty to the murder of a mentally disabled man named Louis Gumpenberger, though she has been charged with the murder of her neighbor from years earlier.

Unrecognizable: Renee Zellweger looked completely unlike herself when she filmed an outdoor scene for her upcoming true crume series The Thing About Pam on Wednesday. The 52-year-old Oscar winner was spotted on set as she played the convicted killer Pam Hupp while wearing a fat suit and layers of makeup and facial prosthetics

Renee looked completely different from her usual self thanks to the costuming and the prosthetics to help her play an older woman.

She was considerably larger thanks to the padded suit to make her look heavier.

She was seen filming the scene in a baby blue, white and lavender windbreaker, which she wore with black flared sweatpants.

The clothes hugged her extra padding, and she rounded out the costume with a pair of blue Asics trainers.

Dark tale: Hupp, 63, is currently serving life in prison without the possibility of parole after she pleaded guilty to the murder of a mentally disabled man named Louis Gumpenberger, though she has been charged with the murder of her neighbor from years earlier

Transformed: Renee looked unrecognizable from her usual self thanks to the costuming and the prosthetics to help her play an older woman. She was considerably larger thanks to the padded suit to make her look heavier

Bobbed: Renee had her blond tresses styled into a bob similar to the one worn by Hupp (R), though the convicted murder has more recently been seen with long gray hair after being imprisoned

Renee had her blond tresses styled into a bob similar to the one worn by Hupp, though the convicted murder has more recently been seen with long gray hair after being imprisoned.

Although the acclaimed actress was wearing a 'fat suit' to get into character, the use of the prosthetics has been heavily criticized by body positivity activists, who claim they are primarily used to mock fat people.

The use of the padding has also been called out because it allows thin actors to play characters of any weight, while larger actors are denied roles that are considered traditionally attractive and are also shut out of playing fat characters.

Sarah Paulson recently came under fire for using a padded suit to play Linda Tripp in Impeachment: American Crime Story.

In an August interview with the Los Angeles Times, she expressed regrets about wearing the suit and added: 'I think fatphobia is real. I think to pretend otherwise causes further harm.'

Courteney Cox and Neil Patrick Harris have also been previously criticized for using fat suits in flashbacks for their characters on Friends and How I Met Your Mother, respectively.

Controversial: Although the acclaimed actress was wearing a 'fat suit' to get into character, the use of the prosthetics has been heavily criticized by body positivity activists, who claim they are primarily used to mock fat people

Criticism: The use of the padding has also been called out because it allows thin actors to play characters of any weight, while larger actors are denied roles that are considered traditionally attractive and are also shut out of playing fat characters

Regrets: Sarah Paulson recently came under fire for using a padded suit to play Linda Tripp in Impeachment: American Crime Story. In an August interview with the Los Angeles Times , she expressed regrets about wearing the suit and added: 'I think fatphobia is real. I think to pretend otherwise causes further harm'

Making amends: In an August interview with the Los Angeles Times, Paulson expressed regrets about wearing the suit and added: 'I think fatphobia is real. I think to pretend otherwise causes further harm.' Courteney Cox and Neil Patrick Harris have also been previously criticized for using fat suits in flashbacks for their characters on Friends and How I Met Your Mother, respectively

Tight: She was seen filming the scene in a baby blue, white and lavender windbreaker, which she wore with black flared sweatpants. The clothes hugged her extra padding, and she rounded out the costume with a pair of blue Asics trainers.

New look: Renee's physical transformation didn't just extend to her padded suit, but also included significant amounts of makeup and facial prosthetics to give her a fuller face and deeper wrinkles than she normally has

Renee's physical transformation didn't just extend to her padded suit, but also included significant amounts of makeup and facial prosthetics to give her a fuller face and deeper wrinkles than she normally has.

She also seemed to wear a prosthetic nose to make it appear wider and flatter.

During her scene on Wednesday, Zellwegger appeared to be setting up some Christmas decorations outside with the help of another actor.

The scene appeared to be somewhat comical, as she and the other male actor were seen carrying a Santa Claus mannequin by its head and feet, as if they were moving a dead body.

After they got the eerily lifelike Christmas decoration on its feet next to a giant candy cane, the Bridget Jones' Diary star was seen kneeling down as she adjusted it.

She appeared to be smoothing out its red suit and pulling up its pants.

New nose: She also seemed to wear a prosthetic nose to make it appear wider and flatter

Decorating: During her scene on Wednesday, Zellwegger appeared to be setting up some Christmas decorations outside with the help of another actor

Heavy lifting: The scene appeared to be somewhat comical, as she and the other male actor were seen carrying a Santa Claus mannequin by its head and feet, as if they were moving a dead body

Surreal scene: The two lifted the mannequin up near a giant candy cane

Setting it up: After they got the eerily lifelike Christmas decoration on its feet next to a giant candy cane, the Bridget Jones' Diary star was seen kneeling down as she adjusted it

Adjustment: She appeared to be smoothing out its red suit and pulling up its pants

Winter wonderland: In order to achieve a fake winter look, snow had been brought in to dot the lawn

In order to achieve a fake winter look, snow had been brought in to dot the lawn.

The scene appeared to take on a more sinister tone when police officers were spotted on set.

It wasn't clear if the two were actors or actual officers, though they were unmasked, whereas the rest of the crew wore masks in compliance with Covid-19 safety procedures.

Earlier this month, Zellweger was spotted filming a scene in which Hupp walked out of a convenience store while sipping on a large soda.

She appeared to have the same padded suit on, though her puffy jacket and jeans disguised it more than her relatively revealing costume from Wednesday.

During her down time, the actress was seen removing her windbreaker, exposing the long sleeves of the tan suit underneath.

It also had a tan collar which appeared to ride up past Zellweger's tank top at times before it was pushed back down.

Crime story: The scene appeared to take on a more sinister tone when police officers were spotted on set

Unmasked: It wasn't clear if the two were actors or actual officers, though they were unmasked, whereas the rest of the crew wore masks in compliance with Covid-19 safety procedures

Staying busy: Earlier this month, Zellweger was spotted filming a scene in which Hupp walked out of a convenience store while sipping on a large soda

Costume change: She appeared to have the same padded suit on, though her puffy jacket and jeans disguised it more than her relatively revealing costume from Wednesday

'Fat suit': During her down time, the actress was seen removing her windbreaker, exposing the long sleeves of the tan suit underneath

Disturbing: In July of this year, the real-life Hupp pleaded not guilty to the murder of her friend Elizabeth 'Betsy' Faria, who was brutally stabbed 55 times in 2011

In July of this year, the real-life Hupp pleaded not guilty to the murder of her friend Elizabeth 'Betsy' Faria, who was brutally stabbed 55 times in 2011.

Prosecutors claim that the convicted killer murderer Faria just days after she talked her in to naming Hupp as the beneficiary of her $150,000 life insurance policy.

Hupp was the last person seen with Faria when she drove her home after Faria got a chemotherapy treatment and visited her mother.

Faria's husband Russ was gone for the day, but when he returned home that evening he found it covered in blood, and Betsy had been stabbed numerous times.

She had lacerations on her arms that went down to the bone, and a knife was lodged in her neck when he found her, while another blade was found near her body.

Russ Faria was convicted of her murder in 2013, only to have the conviction overturned as police turned their suspicions toward Hupp.

She later pleaded guilty to shooting to death a disabled man named Louis Gumpenberger in 2016 and is currently serving life in prison, though in July of this year she was also charged with the murder of Besty Faria.

Financial gain: Prosecutors claim that the convicted killer murderer Faria just days after she talked her in to naming Hupp as the beneficiary of her $150,000 life insurance policy.

Reversal: Russ Faria was convicted of her murder in 2013, only to have the conviction overturned as police turned their suspicions toward Hupp
A Quiet Place star Millicent Simmonds will play her distant cousin, disability rights activist Helen Keller, in an upcoming biopic.

The movie, titled Helen & Teacher, will follow a young Keller during her tumultuous experience at Radcliffe College in the first decade of the 20th century, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel star Rachel Brosnahan will co-star in the film as Keller's devoted but controlling translator.

An iconic role: Millicent Simmonds will play Helen Keller in an upcoming biopic about her time at Radcliffe College

'Most people only know of Helen Kellers story from when she was a child,' director Wash Westmoreland said. 'Helen & Teacher will look at her as a young adult when she developed a radical, world-changing political voice.

'Today, when some TikTok threads dispute Helen Kellers achievements and even her existence, it is time for a film that shows her relevance, her brilliance, and her unbreakable spirit.'

The film is being written by Laetitia Mikles and Westmoreland in consultation with a team at Helen Keller National Center for Youth and Adults.

Having her story told: The disability rights activist's relationship with her translator Anne Sullivan will be explored in the movie

A close friend: Rachel Brosnahan will play Keller's controlling translator Anne Sullivan

The team at Cornerstone, which is handling international sales and distribution, said they are excited to tell Keller's story.

'We are looking forward to re-introduce one of the most famous teacher-student relationships in modern history,' said Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder, two Cornerstone employees.

They added, 'The lifelong work on disability rights by these two remarkable women paved the way for future generations. What better way to do it than with this talented creative team.'

Getting recognized: Simmonds, seen here in 2020, has received a lot of attention over the last few years in movies like Wonderstuck and the first two A Quiet Place films

Another Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on the way: Brosnahan finished filming the fourth season of the show earlier this year

Simmonds, who herself is deaf and a distant cousin of Helen Keller, gained recognition for her role as Rose in the period piece Wonderstruck.

In addition, she will likely reprise her role as Regan in A Quiet Place Part III which is set for a 2023 release.

Brosnahan, on the other hand, has kept busy recently on her show The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. The Golden Globe Award winner finished filming season 4 of the show earlier this year.

She has other projects on the horizon including Dead for a Dollar, which centers around a bounty hunter who runs into an outlaw he sent to prison years before.
Leah Remini will be guest hosting four episodes of The Wendy Williams Show next week.

The show announced Leah's guest hosting stint and the panelists covering Monday's Hot Topics segment in an Instagram post on Thursday.

Leah, 51, will be hosting from October 19, 2021 to October 22, 2021 as Wendy grapples with 'serious complications' stemming from her Graves' disease and thyroid condition.

Filling in: Leah Remini will be guest hosting four episodes of The Wendy Williams Show next week

'Co-hosts! We're excited to announce that Emmy winning-producer, New York Times best seller and "Friend to the Show" @LeahRemini will guest host "The Wendy Williams Show" for the very first time on Tuesday (10/19), Wednesday (10/20), Thursday (10/21) and Friday (10/22),' the show posted.

Additionally, it was announced that Bevy Smith, Michael Yo, Elizabeth Wagmeister, and Devyn Simone would be the panelists breaking down Monday's Hot Topics.

'Wendy's shoes are hard to fill, so we needed to find the right fit,' executive producer David Perler said of Leah's upcoming stint in a statement obtained by Page Six.

'Leah will bring a lot of fun and energy to our viewers with a few surprises along the way.'

Stepping up: Leah, 51, will be hosting from October 19, 2021 to October 22, 2021 amid Wendy's worsening health condition

'Friend of the show': Remini has appeared on the iconic talk show before

The news comes after the show announced Tuesday that Wendy would not be returning to host episodes of her talk show due to her worsening health as she is 'experiencing serious complications as a direct result of Graves' Disease and her thyroid condition.'

'The Wendy Williams Show will start airing originals on Monday, October 18, with an exciting lineup of guest hosts and panels to be announced shortly,' read a statement on behalf of the show.

'Wendy continues to be under medical supervision and meets with her medical team on a daily basis. She is making progress but is experiencing serious complications as a direct result of Graves' Disease and her thyroid condition. It has been determined that more time is needed before she is able to return to her live hosting duties.'

Announcement: The show revealed Remini would be filling in for four episodes next week

Celeb gossip: Panelists Bevy Smith, Michael Yo, Elizabeth Wagmeister, and Devyn Simone will be breaking down Monday's Hot Topics

'Serious complications': Williams, 57, will not return to host new episodes of her eponymous show due to her worsening health as she is 'experiencing serious complications as a direct result of Graves' Disease and her thyroid condition' (Pictured Sept 24)

'Wendy is a valued and stalwart member of the Debmar-Mercury family and has been so for 12 years. We want her health to be her top priority. As soon as she's ready, she will be back in her treasured purple chair.

'We very much appreciate the respect for Wendy's privacy, as well as all the good wishes from her fans, station partners and advertisers,' the statement concluded.

This is comes after the current season premiere was delayed last month over concerns for Wendy's health.

Disappointing: A slate of guest hosts and panelists are being put together to helm The Wendy Williams Show when it returns next week, the show announced on Tuesday

Health scare: The announcement will no doubt further disappoint fans who were dismayed last month when she canceled filming the new season of her much-postponed talk show

On the day of the premiere, Williams unexpectedly canceled filming after failing to show up to her Chelsea Studios for shooting.

Fans who had lined up outside in New York had already been issued with tickets and wristbands and signed appearance waivers to be part of the first show of Season 13, when a member of staff made the shock announcement that the star wasn't coming, and filming was canceled.

'Wendy has tested negative for Covid,' the staffer told the disappointed crowd who had waited more than two hours for admission, 'But her health is still not great, and she wants to be better than ever when she comes back.'

'Wendy continues to be under medical supervision and meets with her medical team on a daily basis. She is making progress but is experiencing serious complications as a direct result of Graves' Disease and her thyroid condition. It has been determined that more time is needed before she is able to return to her live hosting duties.' (Pictured Sept 10)

A statement posted on Instagram shortly after said, 'She has been and continues to be under a doctor's care and is still not ready to return to work.

'We plan to return with new shows on Oct 18.

'Her breakthrough covid case is no longer an issue and she has tested negative, but she is still dealing with some ongoing medical issues.'

Problems: This is comes after the current season premiere was delayed last month over concerns for Wendy's health; On the day of filming, a Wendy staffer told audience members who had been issued tickets that filming was canceled

That was the latest in a long line of delays for season 13 which had originally been set to kick off September 20th.

Wendy was seen being pushed in a wheelchair on September 21 in New York City by an aid in exclusive DailyMail.com photos.

Filming for Williams's show has already been postponed multiple times. Weeks ago, a statement posted to Instagram revealed that the double-vaccinated host had tested positive for COVID-19.

Delays: Filming for Williams's show has already been postponed multiple times. Weeks ago, a statement posted to Instagram revealed that the double-vaccinated host had tested positive for COVID-19

Earlier, prior to her positive test, Williams abruptly pulled out of all promotional events citing unspecified 'health issues.'

Then, the statement assured fans that Williams couldn't 'wait to be back in the purple chair,' but explained, 'Wendy is dealing with some ongoing health issues and is undergoing further evaluations.'

The last time Williams appeared on her eponymous show was July 16.

Her diminished appearance came after an NYPD spokesman confirmed to The Sun that she had been transported to hospital for psychiatric evaluation earlier that week.

The officer said, 'There was a call for a 57-year-old non-violent female who needed psychiatric services at that address on Wednesday morning. They were transported to the hospital.'

Williams's health struggles and battle with addiction have been well chronicled.

An insider who spoke to the media outlet claimed that the troubled television host was, 'drinking every day, even when filming the show.'

They said, 'Everyone is an enabler because they don't want to lose their job. They see it, they know it, they smell the liquor.'

In 2019 DailyMail.com revealed that Wendy was staying overnight at a private facility called The Pure Recovery Network in Long Island City, New York, after she plunged into alcohol and drug-fueled depression when she fractured her shoulder during a confrontation with her cheating husband, Kevin Hunter.

She broke down in tears on her show and admitted that she had attended the center and was going to meetings.
He may play the fictional media mogul Logan Roy on hit drama Succession, but in real-life, Brian Cox is less than impressed with some of the world's most powerful tycoons.

Speaking at the premiere for season three in New York City this week, the 75-year-old thespian criticized billionaires who have 'lost the plot.'

'Some rich guys think it's best to be in [and] out of space most of the time,' Cox told PageSix at the star-studded event on Tuesday night.

'The last thing this world needs is more spaceships': Succession star Brian Cox says billionaires like Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos have 'lost the plot' (Pictured Tuesday in NYC)

The Scottish actor is said to have been pointedly referring to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and British business magnate Richard Branson.

'When Branson said that we need more spaceships, I thought, "That's the last thing this world needs is more spaceships."'

Branson, 70, won the so-called 'billionaire space race' in July this year when his Virgin Galactic spacecraft took off from New Mexico, beating Bezos, 57.

Billionaire space race: Richard Branson beat his rivals including Jeff Bezos (right) when his Virgin Galactic spacecraft took off from New Mexico in July

Billionaires like Elon Musk and Steve Wozniak are also part of the competition, with both eager to prosper in space travel.

'So you realize a lot of these rich guys do lose the plot sometimes,' Cox said.

He then told the outlet about the billionaires depicted on Succession, including his character Logan Roy, and who will end up taking over the media giant Wayster RoyCo.

Losing the plot: Brian Cox plays the fictional media mogul Logan Roy on hit drama Succession

'I think there's a lot of bad genes there to start with,' he said. 'I think the boys are unfortunate, but I think they've all got potential and I think he always gives them the benefit of the doubt.'

'He had great things for Shiv (Sarah Snook) but then she has a problem with talking too much.'

Cox's comments about space travel come as the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, also criticized the race to leave Earth.

The Duke of Cambridge, 39, said we instead need the world's greatest brains and minds 'fixed on trying to repair this planet' - hours after Amazon chief Bezos sent Star Trek's William Shatner into space.

The royal appeared to rebuke the billionaire's space race as he spoke about the current issues facing the climate during an interview with BBC Newscast's Adam Fleming at Kensington Palace.

To boldly go: Star Trek's William Shatner became the oldest person in space at the age of 90, following a journey aboard Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos's rocket

He also warned the Cop26 summit, where world leaders will gather in Glasgow at the end of the month to discuss climate change, against 'clever speak, clever words but not enough action'.

The duke's intervention came just hours after Star Trek's William Shatner became the oldest person in space at the age of 90, following a journey aboard Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket.

It also comes just days after SpaceX founder Elon Musk, whose ambitious plans involve colonising Mars, revealed he would now like to build Tesla cars on the Red Planet.

In his interview about climate change, ahead of his inaugural Earthshot Prize awards, the duke said: 'We need some of the world's greatest brains and minds fixed on trying to repair this planet, not trying to find the next place to go and live.'

Succession, a Sky exclusive, is available on Sky and NOW on Mondays at 9pm and on demand.
Jamie Otis Hehner endured a tiring night with her 17-month-old son Hendrix.

In an extensive Instagram post the mother-of-two detailed what led her, 35, and husband Doug Hehner, 38, to take their child to the emergency room, and what they learned afterward.

'We ended up in the ER w Hendrix boy last night. His temp was 104.7 & I didn't feel comfortable just giving Motrin and going to sleep,' the Married At First Sight star revealed in her caption.

Long night: Jamie Otis Hehner endured a tiring night with her 17-month-old son Hendrix

The reality TV personality told her 864,000 followers she doesn't mind being judged for following her maternal instincts.

'The doc said "I've never admitted a patient for a fever." ..If I'm judged as "that mom" who took my kid to the ER over a fever then so be it,' she stated with a shrug emoji.

Pivoting back to her son's symptoms she continued, 'He's had it for a few days & it's only been increasing. He's also been super lethargic. A few nights ago I picked him up out of his crib to find him limp.'

Hehner noted the baby's unusual behavior, 'His eyes were kinda rolled to the back of his head, he was staring into space & moaning non-stop.

'We actually called my in laws over bc we were going to take him to the hospital then. His temp was 103.9.'

Candid post: In an extensive Instagram post the mother-of-two detailed what led her, 35, and husband Doug Hehner, 38, to take their child to the emergency room, and what they learned afterward

The former Bachelor contestant noted, 'It was his behavior that scared us more than the temp though. It was so strange. He snapped out of it after an extra dose of med so we decided we'd wait & take him to his normal doc the next day.'

In the post tagged with a Jersey Shore Medical University Hospital location, she went on, 'Last night we made the decision to take him to the ER when he was lethargic & his temp reached 104.7.'

After driving Hendrix - whose name was changed from Hayes two weeks after he was born in May 2020 - to the ER, it was confirmed that the child has RSV, an ear infection, and the rhinovirus.

Sick child: 'We ended up in the ER w Hendrix boy last night. His temp was 104.7 & I didn't feel comfortable just giving Motrin and going to sleep,' the Married At First Sight star revealed in her caption

In the same post, the media personality discussed her and her husband's plan to buy an RV. She said the couple has narrowed their search down to two options, and asked fans to weigh in.

Earlier this month the New Jersey native shared, 'We are moving our family of four into an RV and we are hoping that by decluttering and simplifying our lives we will be able to strengthen our marriage and focus on whats most important in life: family and love.'

The couple hosts a podcast called Hot Marriage, Cool Parents and has a YouTube channel called Hanging with the Hehners.
Kendall Jenner served up an understated fall fashion look as she left her hotel in New York City on Thursday.

The 25-year-old supermodel donned a brown trench coat over a heather grey shirt and straight-leg denim jeans.

The cool and casual look was accented by black boots, and brown, lightly tinted tortoiseshell sunglasses.

Autumnal: Kendall Jenner served up an understated fall fashion look as she left her hotel in New York City on Thursday

Add-ons: The 5ft10in bombshell carried a large black tote over her shoulder and wore small, thick gold hoops in her ears

The 5ft10in bombshell carried a large black tote over her shoulder and wore small, thick gold hoops in her ears.

The Keeping Up with the Kardashians star parted her brunette hair in the center and clipped half of it back while letting the remaining locks fall freely.

The fashionista looked chic with a nude manicure on her natural nails, adding a look of subtle sophistication to the getup styled by Dani Michelle.

Less-is-more look: The 25-year-old supermodel donned a brown trench coat over a heather grey shirt and straight-leg denim jeans

Accessories: The cool and casual look was accented by black boots, and brown, lightly tinted tortoiseshell sunglasses

Kendall's trip to the Big Apple comes after recently jet setting to Chicago, where she served up sips of her 818 Tequila.

Shortly after announcing her latest business pursuit earlier this year, Jenner came under intense scrutiny for her brand and its alleged attempt to diminish tequila's cultural significance in the Latinx community.

'There was just a lack of respect to the culture and the importance of tequila to Mexico,' bartender Lucas Assis told Yahoo Life.

Classy: The fashionista looked chic with a nude manicure on her natural nails, adding a look of subtle sophistication to the getup

'Celebrities need to understand the detrimental effect their brands can have on the tequila industry but even most importantly on the agriculture of the agave plant,' Assis said.

Despite the backlash, the entrepreneur has pushed forward with her endeavor.

And she continues to rack up brand deals with the likes of Alo Yoga, Ray Ban, and 'oral beauty' company Moon.

New gig: Kim Kardashian hosted Saturday Night Live; she played Kourtney on The People's Kourt

Good fun: Kris Jenner, left, was also present as she tried to sue Kendall and Kylie: Kendall for not being 'dramatic' enough and Kylie for not having her baby sooner. Kendall was played by SNL's musical guest Halsey (far right)

Jenner was also impersonated on TV this weekend.

When her sister Kim Kardashian hosted Saturday Night Live, Jenner was seen in a skit called The People's Kourt.

Kim played Kourtney Kardashian, who was acting as judge, and Kris Jenner was also present as she tried to sue Kendall and Kylie: Kendall for not being 'dramatic' enough and Kylie for not having her baby sooner. Kendall was played by SNL's musical guest Halsey.
Georgina Rodriguez has admitted she has been 'left speechless' by her boyfriend Cristiano Ronaldo's latest gift - a 150,000 designer jewellery trunk.

The model, 27, showed off her amazing present from the Man United frontman to her Instagram fans.

The astonishing Louis Vuitton Malle Vendome boasts eight drawers for the stunning brunette's most expensive bracelets, necklaces and rings.

Gift: Georgina Rodriguez has admitted she has been 'left speechless' by her boyfriend Cristiano Ronaldo's latest gift - a 150,000 designer jewellery trunk

Georgina wrote alongside a photo of two of their four children getting their first glimpse of the gift: 'I'm speechless, Cristiano.'

The Malle Vendome was designed to celebrate the opening of the new Louis Vuitton boutique on Vendome Square in Paris.

The 4ft 6ins high trunk has eight drawers as well as a mirror and a bust where Georgina can hang some of her most-treasured necklaces.

The pretty brunette draped herself in diamonds worth POUNDS 78,000 at the start of last month when she arrived at the Venice Film Festival wearing four glitzy rings, floral necklace and earrings by Giardini Segreti.

Luxury: The model, 27, showed off her amazing present from the Man United frontman to her Instagram fans

Her jewellery collection is estimated to be worth a staggering 2.6 million.

Georgina, who posed for photos with fashion editor Anna Dello Russo at the glitzy event, was earning POUNDS 10 an hour when she met and started dating Cristiano in the summer of 2016.

She stars in a new soon-to-be-released Netflix documentary focusing on her rags-to-riches life.

The mum-of-one, who helps raise Cristiano's other three children as if they were her own, will admit in the documentary she is waiting for her partner to pop the question and put on the ring that will no doubt take pride of place in her new jewellery trunk.

Overjoyed: Georgina wrote alongside a photo of two of their four children getting their first glimpse of the gift: 'I'm speechless, Cristiano'

She included the admission in a clip for the show which she posted on Instagram last month.

Asked in Spanish over dinner on a boat with friends when she was going to marry the 36-year-old dad-of-four, Georgina confessed: 'No' as she grinned before appearing to nod her head towards the Portuguese goal-scoring machine and add: 'It doesn't depend on me..I wish.'

Georgina used the word 'Ojala' in Spanish which is of Arabic origin, deriving from the expression 'Mashallah or 'Masha'Allah' which literally means 'Should God will it' and translates into English as 'Hopefully' or 'Let's Hope So.'
Disgraced lawyer Tom Girardi was spotted outside of the Los Angeles-area senior care facility he's been living in since August amid bankruptcy woes, allegations of embezzlement and ailing health.

The 82-year-old former attorney  who is under a court-ordered conservatorship walked the grounds of the Belmont Village Senior Living in Burbank, his home since moving out of his palatial Pasadena mansion, that was once on the market for $13million.

Tom's sighting comes as his estranged wife, Erika Jayne, recently admitted on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills reunion that she's on the hunt for 'hot sex' with a 'big' man now that she's living the single life after filing for divorce nearly a year ago.

Out and about: Disgraced lawyer Tom Girardi was spotted outside of the Los Angeles-area senior care facility he's been living in since August amid bankruptcy woes, allegations of embezzlement and ailing health

Girardi was dressed in his usual dress slacks and button-down shirt combo as he chatted outside of the senior home, which DailyMail.com exclusively revealed he moved into in August.

He wore a disposable blue face mask and carried what appeared to be a yellow pad of paper during the animated conversation.

Tom was reportedly diagnosed with dementia and late-onset Alzheimer's disease earlier this year.

In addition, he was federally disbarred by the California Federal Court and is currently facing claims of allegedly embezzling settlement funds that were meant to help the families of plane crash victims.

Steps: The 82-year-old former attorney  who is under a court-ordered conservatorship walked the grounds of the Belmont Village Senior Living in Burbank, his home since moving out of his palatial Pasadena mansion, that was once on the market for $13million

Fresh air: Girardi was dressed in his usual dress slacks and button-down shirt combo as he chatted outside of the senior home, which DailyMail.com exclusively revealed he moved into in August

Tough: Tom was reportedly diagnosed with dementia and late-onset Alzheimer's disease earlier this year

The end of Erika's 21-year marriage to Tom Girardi has been a major storyline in Season 11 after she attempted to bury the news of the divorce by secretly filing on Election Day.

And Erika admitted she's trying to move on from the past as she told Andy Cohen that she's looking for love once again.

'I'm trying [to date],' she admitted before asking Andy for some 'help' finding someone.

When Cohen asked what exactly she was looking for, Erika was quick to respond: 'something with a big penis.'

'Really? OK,' Andy replied with slight hesitation before Erika added, 'I would like some hot sex.'

Talk about it: And Erika admitted she's trying to move on from the past as she told Andy Cohen that she's looking for love once again

'I'm trying [to date],' she admitted before asking Andy for some 'help' finding someone.

In September, Jayne was 'ordered to turn over financial records' from her accountant, lawyer and landlord in embezzlement lawsuit with Girardi.

The order comes as a bankruptcy trustee continues to investigate Girardi's assets, amid claims that both Girardi and Jayne allegedly embezzled settlement funds that were meant to help the families of plane crash victims on Lion Air Flight 610.

However, according to legal documents obtained by People magazine, Jayne's lawyers were already maintaining that the reality star 'has been and remains willing to cooperate fully with the Trustee's investigation in this bankruptcy of debtor Girardi & Keese.'

While Erika maintained that she was 'kept away from the books,' the trustee in a new lawsuit is mandating that even if that were to be the case 'it would be a miscarriage of justice if [she] was allowed to simply walk completely free of owing over $25,000,000 to the Estate.'

The now unearthed lawsuit reads that 'any payments made for her benefit are her responsibility,' after it was alleged that she had spent $25 million of the firm's money from 2008 to 2020  funds that were allegedly transferred into her personal company EJ Global LLC.

The news comes just days after it was revealed that her ex Girardi's firm owes more than $100 million to creditors, with the total liabilities at $97 million more than the total assets of all property  which is roughly $4.1 million.
Sony Music Australia is facing serious allegations its Sydney office was a 'toxic' workplace rife with bullying and other forms of professional misconduct.

An investigation by ABC's Four Corners included damning claims about the organisation and its former CEO Denis Handlin - but there was one industry tale that wasn't featured in the documentary.

Mr Handlin, who was stood down in June amid an HR investigation led from Sony Music's New York headquarters, apparently used to be very particular about who cut his hair.

Sony Music Australia is facing serious allegations its Sydney office was a 'toxic' workplace - but there was one industry tale about former CEO Denis Handlin (pictured in April) that wasn't included in ABC's Four Corners documentary this week

Despite Handlin living and working in Sydney, Sony allegedly used to pay for his 'hairdresser to be flown down from Queensland every few weeks to give him a trim,' according to Popbitch.

Amid the Sony scandal, the big question surrounding Handlin is who - if any - on the label's star-studded roster will join those speaking out against the former industry titan, who was the subject of a Four Corners expose on Monday night.

Despite fostering the careers of some of Australia's biggest music names, including John Farnham, Amy Shark and Delta Goodrem, the response from artists has been deafening silence since Handlin quit the label four months ago.

Despite Handlin living and working in Sydney, Sony allegedly used to pay for his 'hairdresser to be flown down from Queensland every few weeks to give him a trim,' according to Popbitch. Handlin is pictured with a young Delta Goodrem in August 2004

Monday's ABC report included a slew of claims about Handlin from former employees, including heavy alcohol use, verbal abuse, misogynistic behaviour and - at times - physical abuse during his 37-year tenure at the company.

Staffers claimed Handlin oversaw a 'toxic' workplace that for some was unbearable.

But despite this, Sony's biggest stars have remained steadfastly tight-lipped, despite the fact many of them cut ties with the label years ago.

One of the most high-profile is Tina Arena, who walked away from Sony at the peak of her career in 2004, reportedly after falling out with Handlin.

Monday's ABC report included a slew of claims about Handlin from former employees, including heavy alcohol use, verbal abuse, misogynistic behaviour and - at times - physical abuse during his 37-year tenure at the label. Pictured: Sony Music's Sydney headquarters

Former X factor star Dami Im, who is currently appearing on Celebrity MasterChef, also quit Sony in 2019 and later compared signing with the label to 'an arranged marriage' after winning the talent show in 2013.

'Working with a major label was tricky,' she said last year.

'I'm still really happy with the career I have had but it's difficult when you have a big company you have to work through and I didn't necessarily know how to navigate that.'

Sony's biggest stars have remained steadfastly tight-lipped, despite the fact many of them cut ties with the label years ago. One of the most high-profile is Tina Arena (pictured in May), who walked away from Sony in 2004, reportedly after falling out with Handlin

Others to walk away from the label include Jessica Mauboy - who left Sony in 2020 - as well as Stan Walker, who jumped ship to Sony Music New Zealand.

Walker opened up about the move in his autobiography Impossible, released last year, hinting that his time under Handlin was fraught with problems stemming from his 'Maori-ness'.

'The man appointed at that time as my new marketing manager told me I needed to cut my hair,' Walker wrote in the book.

Amy Shark has yet to comment on the circumstances surrounding Handlin's departure

'I read it as him saying he didn't like my look. I felt he was saying, "You're not good enough." I started to feel they all thought I was all wrong - too brown, too Maori. That the more I was myself, the less I appealed to the industry.'

A former Sony executive of almost two decades told Daily Mail Australia they believe there may soon be a handful of artists willing to 'break ranks' in the wake of the latest claims.

But it remains to be seen which ones decide to speak out against the executive once considered the most powerful man in Australian music.
They may be one of the hottest designs on the catwalk, but don't expect to see any cut-out dresses in the members' area of Australia's richest horse race on Saturday.

Organisers of The Everest have doubled down on banning the flesh-flashing frocks in a controversial move that has left Sydney fashionistas fuming.

The designs have actually been prohibited for years but the rules were rarely enforced. However, the Australian Turf Club has now made it clear rule-breaking will not be tolerated.

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Rule breaker: They may be one of the hottest designs on the catwalk, but don't expect to see any cut-out dresses in the members' area of Australia's richest horse race, The Everest, on Saturday. Pictured: Nadia Bartel in a white cut-out dress at Derby Day in November 2019

Former WAG Nadia Bartel controversially wore a white Dion Lee number with strategic cut-outs on the hips for Derby Day in 2019, and model Elyse Knowles flashed her stomach in a white two-piece outfit from Anna Quan at the same event.

But with the dress code being strictly enforced this year, both women would be denied entry if they tried to enter the members' enclosure at Royal Randwick this weekend.

However, this rule does not apply to general admission areas.

Fashion matters aside, it's unlikely Nadia will be attending the races anytime soon after being fined $5,452 for attending an illegal party during Melbourne's lockdown on September 2.

She was also filmed snorting white powder at the gathering, but no drug charges were laid because police couldn't prove what the substance was.

Forbidden: Former WAG Nadia Bartel would be denied entry if she tried to enter the members' enclosure at Royal Randwick this weekend in this outfit she wore for Derby Day in 2019

According to the Australian Turf Club dress code, female ATC members are banned from wearing dresses 'which show midriff and have cut-outs'.

The most well-known rule for men also remains: no shoes without socks.

Despite calls to relax the rules, ATC director Angela Belle McSweeney told The Daily Telegraph: 'The dress codes need to stay and be maintained.

'The dress code rules are in place to maintain a benchmark of appropriate race day dressing,' Ms McSweeney added.

'It really comes down to common sense and the suitability of the individual outfit to a day at Royal Randwick.'

The likes of M-KARA creative director Maria Kara and Tuchuzy fashion designer Kate Anderson hope the ATC will one day overturn the ban on cut-out dresses, saying they are 'elegant and classy' and 'huge trend here and overseas'.

Rule breaker: Another guest who has defied the dress code is model Elyse Knowles, who flashed her stomach in a white two-piece outfit from Anna Quan at Derby Day two years ago

What can't you wear in the members' area at The Everest? WOMEN Any form of the following footwear; joggers, sports shoes, track shoes, runners, thongs, dilapidated footwear, scuffs, gumboots or slippers

Jeans/denim, jodhpurs, shorts, untailored pants or playsuits

Torn or ripped clothing

Garments which show midriff and have cut-outs

Leggings worn as pants

Parkas, duffle coats, windbreakers, tracksuit tops, denim jackets or anoraks MEN Any form of the following footwear; joggers, sports shoes, track shoes, runners, sandals, thongs, dilapidated footwear, scuffs, gumboots or slippers

Shoes without socks

Jeans/denim, jodhpurs, shorts or untailored slacks

Torn or ripped clothing

Open neck shirts or shirts with no collar

Parkas, duffle coats, windbreakers, tracksuit tops, denim jackets or anoraks, leather bomber jackets

Tracksuits

Peaked caps, beanies

Pullovers or cardigans (without a jacket), rugby tops and football jerseys Advertisement

Melinda Madigan, the ATC's Executive General Manager Commercial, told Daily Mail Australia, 'The Everest is built on innovation: it's fashion forward, youthful and uniquely Sydney.

'On Everest Day and throughout Everest Carnival the ATC encourages all racegoers to embrace current fashion trends while expressing individual style, sophistication and creativity.

'Carnival racing is undisputedly the most fashionable and exciting day out and a time to really dress up and shine.

'We welcome all forms of colour, cut outs, and fashion trends in our public areas at Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens across the Everest Carnival.

'Like all established racing and sporting clubs around the world, we also like to mix tradition and fashion so in our member exclusive areas on course dress regulations do apply.'

Milestone: The Everest will be allowed to host 10,000 punters, marking the first major event since the end of lockdown in Sydney

The Everest will be allowed to host 10,000 punters, marking the first major event since the end of lockdown in Sydney.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has approved an exemption for the bigger crowd to attend the $15million race at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Major events are normally only allowed up to 5,000 guests under current restrictions. The boost to 10,000 is still well short of the 42,000 who packed Randwick Racecourse in 2019 for the event.

Approved: Premier Dominic Perrottet has approved an exemption for the bigger crowd to attend the $15million race at Royal Randwick on Saturday. Pictured: guests at The Everest 2018

The Australian Turf Club has drawn up its Covid-safe protocol for the day which includes one punter every four square metres.

Chief executive Jamie Barkley said he was thrilled the race would be going ahead.

'The Australian Turf Club has been working closely with the NSW government throughout the pandemic and we are thrilled to be opening the gates to more people this Saturday,' he said earlier this week.

'Sydney and our racing is back open for business during the $50million Everest carnival and for a race and event being watched around the world.

'The Sydney spring is ready to shine with spectators and the ATC is ready to a lead the way in a Covid-safe reopening across the city.'

Rapid antigen testing will be set up for trainers and jockeys when they arrive on the course.

New rules: The Australian Turf Club has drawn up its Covid-safe protocol for the day which includes one punter every four square metres

The owners of the horses will also not be allowed to visit the raceday stalls.

The Everest is Australia's richest horse race. Organisers had been lobbying for months the state government to host the event.

Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club argued that because the event is mainly outdoors - where the virus is less likely to spread - it should be given the go-ahead.

The massive crowd will be a welcome sight for organisers after they were forced drastically scale back numbers at the event in 2020.
It may not even be Halloween yet, but Hamleys were sure to kick off the Christmas sprit on Regent Street in London on Thursday, with the likes of Ashley James in attendance.

The reality star joined actress Kara Tointon along with other stars - some of whom brought their children along to the iconic toy store.

Ashley did just that - posing for snaps with her son Alfie, whom she welcomed at the start of 2021.

Happy holidays! It may not even be Halloween yet, but Hamleys were sure to kick off the Christmas sprit on Regent Street in London on Thursday, with the likes of Ashley James in attendance

Ashley stunned in a little black dress with a shimmering detailing and killer heels.

She wore simple jewelry with the busty number and let her blonde locks fall about her bare shoulders.

Kara went lower-key, in a black turtle neck over flared jeans and a checked black and white trench.

She swept her brunette tresses back and smiled for snaps. She also brought her child to the event.

In good company: The reality star joined actress Kara Tointon [L] along with other stars - some of whom brought their children along to the iconic toy store

Mum and son: Ashley posed for snaps with her son Alfie, whom she welcomed at the start of 2021

Festive spirit: Kara went lower-key, in a black turtle neck over flared jeans and a checked black and white trench

Catching up: Leigh Francis (aka Keith Lemon) and Kara posed for snaps

Proud mum: Kara brought her own tot along to the event

Also in attendance were the likes of Keith Lemon, Ronan Keating, Marnie Simpson, Dr Ranj, Chloe Goodman and Casey Johnson.

Nathan Massey, Cara DeLaHoyde-Massey and their son Freddie-George enjoyed the occasion too, posing with some of the toys.

The Hamleys Christmas Showcase exclusively revealed the top 10 toys for Christmas, and saw the opening of the store's world famous Grotto.

Santa himself was at the event, with festive cocktails designed by Aviation Gin, and treats galore on tap.

Crooner: Ronan Keating looked handsome in an all-black ensemble

Family: Nathan Massey, Cara DeLaHoyde-Massey and their son Freddie-George enjoyed the occasion

Fun! The trio posed with some of the giant real-life toys at the event

Pally: Ronan and Keith stopped to take a photo before catching up

Doctor in the house? TV's Dr Ranj Singh [L] was supporing the store's Top 10 Toys for Christmas list while Keith looked festive in a red jacket

Another one: Keith also caught up with reality star Marnie Simpson

Famous faces: Elliott Wright also attended the event with his wife Sadie and their son

Looking good: Sadie flashed her toned abs in a black crop top and high waisted trousers

Victoria Kay, head of buying at Hamleys, explained ahead of the event: 'We all had a tough time last Christmas, separated from family and friends, using Zoom or Teams, so the toys are inspired to get everybody back together.'

The list of toys ensures that there is something for all age groups with a nod to classic games so that even the adults can get involved.

Kay added: 'We stock over 13,000 products, so weve made sure that theres a nice breadth and something for everyone, whether preschool, or slightly older.

'We know Christmas is coming. So we start to build stock from March onwards to make sure that there is product in all of our stores.'

Family: They looked like they were having a great time at the toy store

Family fun: Marnie was there with Casey Johnson and their little boy

Floral chic: She posed in a silky floral number, which teased her lace bra beneath

Home time: Nathan and Cara headed home with their excitable little one
She recently returned to the United States after showing off some of her most stylish looks for Paris Fashion Week.

But Olivia Culpo had her mind on an earlier trip to the Maldives this summer when she shared a gorgeous trio of photos to her Instagram on Thursday.

The 29-year-old model and pageant queen flaunted her chiseled abs and outstanding figure in a skimpy black two-piece suit that was a collaboration from the clothing label Revolve and the retailer Lovewave.

Back in black: Olivia Culpo, 29, flaunted her chiseled abs in a black two-piece bathing suit in throwback photos from her trip to the Maldives posted Thursday

Olivia was pictured standing knee deep in cool blue water by the shore, with a resort on stilts off in the background.

She wore an intriguing black bikini top with a long oval slit cut out to show off the bottom of her bust.

The revealing look highlighted her flat tummy and featured a set of high-cut string bottoms.

The 5ft7in beauty had her hair wet after some swimming and flipped it back dramatically while framed against a gorgeous amber sunset in the distance.

Skimpy: Her black bikini, from Revolve and Lovewave, featured a slit under her bust and had high cut string bottoms

Taking it easy: A more playful snap showed the Miss Universe winner wearing a thick chain bracelet and laughing

A more playful snap showed the Miss Universe winner wearing a thick chain bracelet and laughing.

Olivia originally traveled to the Maldives with friends in late April of this year, when she showed off some more stunning beachwear.

The model again flaunted her abs in a white top and a matching ruched skirt with a high slit to showcase her toned legs.

It's not clear if Olivia's boyfriend Christian McCaffrey was among the revelers on her trip, as he didn't appear to be featured in any of the group photos.

Taking it in: Olivia originally traveled to the Maldives with friends in late April of this year, when she showed off some more stunning beachwear, including a white top with a ruched skirt

Missing out: It's not clear if Olivia's boyfriend Christian McCaffrey was among the revelers on her trip, as he didn't appear to be featured in any of the group photos

Going strong: She and the Carolina Panthers running back have been together since 2019

She and the Carolina Panthers running back have been together since 2019.

Earlier this month, the fashion star showed off some of her most chic looks at the Valentino show during Paris Fashion Week.

She wore a striking black and white cape covered in triangular shapes while wearing a white sheer blouse and a black miniskirt underneath.

The day before, she made a point to walk around the City of Lights in a thick Valentino coat with a thick black, white and tan border and and alternating black-and-white diamonds.

Beauty: Earlier this month, the fashion star showed off some of her most chic looks at Paris Fashion Week's Valentino show with black and white cape covered triangular shapes while wearing a white sheer blouse and a black miniskirt underneath; seen October 1
Married At First Sight UKs Nikita Jasmine wowed in bikinis during a sizzling beach shoot this week.

The Geordie reality star, who caused ructions on the successful reality show, displayed her toned and tattooed frame in an orange string bikini as she posed up a storm.

The beauty wore her tresses sleek and straight and sported smoky shadow and eyeliner.

Wow: Married At First Sight UKs Nikita Jasmine wowed in bikinis during a sizzling beach shoot

She then donned a white two piece which emphasised her enviable frame as she worked the camera.

This comes as Nikita hit out at co-star Alexis Economou in the reunion episode last week where she made an explosive return after being axed from the series.

The Geordie reality TV star was removed from the experiment in a previous episode for breaking E4's code of conduct and exploding at fellow cast members - forcing her husband Ant Poole to also leave the programme.

Toned: The Geordie reality star, who caused ructions on the successful reality show, displayed her toned and tattooed frame in a white string bikini as she posed up a storm

However, Ant returned to the show when sparks flew with Alexis, who had also originally quit the process after failing to find a connection with her husband Jordon Mundell.

But when returning on tonights episode to discuss her marriage to Ant, Nikita fumed that Alexis was a snake and broke girl code by going with her husband following their split.

Shes a f****** snake, right, Nikita insisted as she watched footage of the Ant and Alexis together. I was your mate, man, she added.

Fury: This comes as Nikita hit out at co-star Alexis Economou in the reunion episode last week where she made an explosive return after being axed from the series

Oh dear: The Geordie reality TV star was removed from the experiment in a previous episode for breaking E4's code of conduct and exploding at fellow cast members - forcing her husband Ant Poole to also leave the programme. Pictured, Alexis

However, Alexis responded: You was not my friend.

A shocked Nikita retorted: How can you say that? I want to know how I wasnt your friend.

Turning her attention towards her ex-husband, Nikita added: He never mentioned anything about a connection. I actually said to you, Do you think Alexis is fit? and you said no. Categorically, you said no. If he says thats not true hes a f****** liar.

However, Ant (pictured left) returned to the show when sparks flew with Alexis, who had also originally quit the process after failing to find a connection with her husband Jordon Mundell

Eventually, Alexis apologised for 'upsetting' Nikita, insisting she 'owed her an apology as a woman'.

'Just know that it was never my intention, I am sorry. I am sorry if I hurt your feelings,' Alexis added, before the two women hugged one another. Both Alexis and Nikita are no longer with Ant.

Elsewhere, Morag Crichton revealed how Luke Dawson apparently ghosted her after the couple renewed their vows on tonight's Married at First Sight UK reunion.

Reaction: Viewers couldn't get over the amount of drama Nikita appeared to be bringing to the reunion

Veterinary nurse Morag, 31, from Essex, married new husband Luke, 36, at the start of the E4 series and the two had a bumpy relationship, with Morag openly telling him he needed to 'be more manly' and the 'sexual connection' just wasn't there between them.

However in the final episode of the series, they decided to stay married to one another, despite Morag telling Luke she hadn't wanted a 'project.'

On tonight's reunion show, the 31-year-old arrived at the event alone, shocking her co-stars as she revealed: 'The long and short of it was, the moment I left the experiment till now, Luke has never phoned me once.'

Morag Crichton, 31, from Essex, revealed how Luke Dawson, 36, ghosted her after the couple renewed their vows on tonight's Married at First Sight UK reunion

Morag entered the reunion event alone, shocking her fellow co-stars and the experts in the experiment.

As she entered the room, she said: 'I know, big shock!'

Fellow contestant Megan went on to ask her: 'Why are you here on your own?'

Morag explained: 'The long and short of it was, the moment I left the experiment till now, Luke has never phoned me once.

Veterinary nurse Morag married Luke at the start of the E4 series and the two had a bumpy relationship, with Morag openly telling him he needed to 'be more manly'

Her co-stars were stunned by her comments, with Megan repeating: 'Luke never phoned you?'

Amy added: 'I can't believe that because he came across as the one who made all the effort.'

Morag said: 'No that's not the case at all.'

Meanwhile watching backstage, expert Mel Schilling explained: 'To completely cut off all communications and ghost her...is disrespectful.'

Morag's co-stars were stunned by her comments, with Amy confessing Luke 'came across' as the 'one who made all the effort'

Paul added: 'This is her side of the story.'

Morag continued: 'I am nervous about tonight and hearing his side of the story compared to mine because I don't think they're going to add up.'

During the first episode of the series, the couple got off to a rocky start as Morag confessed she wasn't 'jumping for joy', before telling her groom she was 'bored' at the wedding breakfast.

They then travelled to Switzerland for their honeymoon but Morag openly told him he needed to 'be more manly' and the 'sexual connection' just wasn't there between them.

Meanwhile watching backstage, expert Mel Schilling said Luke's decision to cut off all communications was 'disrepectful'

And when the couple did attempt to connect physically for the third time, Morag 'upset' Luke by talking about his 'image problem.'

The groom confessed: 'It's infuriating. I don't know what to do. I've got a breaking point. I'm close, if I'm being honest.'

The couple clashed again during the home stays aspect of the experiment, in which Morag's friends told Luke he wasn't the man for her.

And Morag was also slammed by her fellow contestants when she was asked why the 'old Luke' wasn't good enough for her.

The couple have struggled to connect since the wedding after Morag confessed Luke 'wasn't what she ordered'

And Morag was also criticised for her comments during the final commitment ceremony in which she said that she wanted a ready-made man and not a project.

Despite their ups and downs, during the finale, the couple committed themselves to one another and said they hoped to continue their relationship outside the experiment.

Morag ended her vows by revealing her desire to stay in a relationship with Luke, saying that she wanted him in her past, present and future.
Claire Foy and James McAvoy looked in great spirits as they attended the My Son Premiere At Cinema Gaumont Marignan, Paris on Thursday.

The Crown star Clare, 37, and James, 42, couldn't contain their laughter as they posed up a storm in support of their film, in which they play a former couple whose son vanishes.

Claire wowed in a chic black trouser suit and heels as she arrived at the premiere.

Fun: Claire Foy and James McAvoy looked in great spirits as they attended the My Son Premiere At Cinema Gaumont Marignan, Paris on Thursday

Her tresses were styled in soft waves and she sported a radiant palette of make-up.

X-Men star James wore a grey jacket and blue chinos with boots as he posed.

My Son sees Foy and McAvoy play distraught divorced parents whose seven-year-old son mysteriously vanishes from a campsite.

Wow: Claire wowed in a chic black trouser suit and heels as she arrived at the premiere

Pose: The Crown star Clare, 37, and James, 42, couldn't contain their laughter as they posed up a storm in support of their film, in which they play a former couple whose son vanishes

Glow: Her tresses were styled in soft waves and she sported a radiant palette of make-up

Edward Murray (McAvoy) receives the news of his son's disappearance while driving in the Scottish Highlands.

It soon becomes clear their child has been kidnapped and drama ensues.

It is an English-language remake of his 2017 French film Mon garcon, which starred actors Guillaume Canet and Melanie Laure.

Claire has also been promoting The Electrical Life Of Louis Wain.

The new flick follows Wain, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, as he highlights the 'ridiculous, frightened and brave nature of cats' through his art while he looks after his family and falls in love with Emily (Claire Foy).

The period drama, which sees the 1800s through to the 1930s, also features Andrea Riseborough, Aimee Lou Wood, Richard Ayoade, Taika Waititi, Nick Cave and Olivia Colman.

The film is set for release in UK cinemas next year, while it will be released in the US from 22nd October, and will be available to stream on Amazon Prime Video on 5th November.
Ava DuVernay and Mayim Bialik both showed their support for the respected television executive Peter Roth when he was presented with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday.

The 49-year-old Oscar-nominated filmmaker looked stylish in an olive overcoat, while the 45-year-old temporary Jeopardy! host stuck to a more casual ensemble.

Also joining the A-listers was the television super-producer Chuck Lorre, who spoke for his friend Roth.

Paying tribute: Ava DuVernay, 49, and Mayim Bialik, 45, showed their support for respected television executive Peter Roth when he was presented with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday

Ava was effortlessly elegant in a hypnotizing blue dress with a striped skirt and patches of leopard print.

The dress was belted around her midriff, and she contrasted it with pointy black shoes with thick beige heels.

Ava stayed warm on the breezy day in Hollywood with an elegant olive cashmere overcoat that she wore draped over her shoulders.

She wore her hair styled up top into braids pushed to one side, with the rest of her hair in long dreads, which framed her impeccably made-up face.

Lovely: Ava was effortlessly elegant in a hypnotizing blue dress with a striped skirt and patches of leopard print, as well as an olive overcoat draped over her shoulders

Relaxed style: Mayim rocked more of a business casual look with her magenta blouse and baggy black pants with low-key black shoes

Low key: She also wore a stylish pair of amber-colored glasses and had her shoulder-length brunette hair done in relaxed waves

Mayim rocked more of a business casual look with her magenta blouse and baggy black pants with low-key black shoes.

She also wore a stylish pair of amber-colored glasses and had her shoulder-length brunette hair done in relaxed waves.

Ava and Mayim's presence may have been a bit awkward, as the Big Bang Theory actress wasn't the director's first choice to take over as the new Jeopardy! host.

Shortly after the show's former executive producer Mike Richards was selected to be the new host, Ave expressed her disappointment that Levar Burton wouldn't get the job with a Schitt's Creek meme captioned: 'Me trying to create a show right in this moment for @levarburton to host and make an international hit.'

Richards was swiftly pushed out of the job after past sexist remarks that he made on a podcast came to light, while other fans were up in arms from the moment he was announced as they new host, as they believed he had essentially given himself the job.

Yikes: Ava and Mayim's presence may have been a bit awkward, as the Big Bang Theory actress wasn't the director's first choice to take over as the new Jeopardy! host

Old pals: During the ceremony, Bialik paused to snap a photo with 'The King of Sitcoms' Chuck Lorre, who co-created her hit series The Big Bang Theory, which aired on CBS for 12 years

Speaking her mind: Ava delivered one of the speeches paying tribute to Roth

Long tenure: He led Warner Bros. Television Studios from 1999 until the end of last year

Helping hand: Amid the projects he nurtured was DuVernay's series Queen Sugar

Since his ouster, Mayim is temporarily filling in as the regular Jeopardy host before she takes over as the host of rarer primetime specials.

Earlier this week, the New York Times questioned whether some of her past anti-vaccine statements might ultimately keep her from taking over the job permanently.

Although Bialik says she and her family have received Covid-19 vaccines, in her 2012 book Beyond The Sling, she wrote that she and her husband had made the 'informed decision not to vaccinate our children.'

The sitcom star will be hosting Jeopardy! solo until November 5, when former champ Ken Jennings will split the hosting duties.

During the ceremony, Bialik paused to snap a photo with 'The King of Sitcoms' Chuck Lorre, who co-created her hit series The Big Bang Theory, which aired on CBS for 12 years.

He looked snazzy in a dark blue suit with peaked lapels, though he dressed it down a bit with a tie-free shirt and some salt-and-pepper stubble.

Blue mood: Roth waited in the wings as Lorre serenaded him while looking debonaire in a blue suit with a lighter blue tie

Superproducer: Lorre is known for creating a string of successful sitcoms, including The Big Band Theory, Cybill, Mike And Molly, Mom and Two And A Half Men

He's done it all: Primary to his most famous gig, Roth bounced around some the major television studios with stints at ABC and Fox before moving to Warners

Roth waited in the wings as Lorre serenaded him while looking debonaire in a blue suit with a lighter blue tie.

He served as the longtime chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Television Studios from 1999 until the end of last year.

Primary to his most famous gig, he bounced around some the major television studios with stints at ABC and Fox before moving to Warners.

He became known for nurturing talent and high-performing shows, and he and Lorre developed a strong relationship thanks to a steady stream of hit sitcoms.

'For 25 years, at table reads, run-throughs and shoot nights, Id constantly glance over at Peter to see if he was laughing. If he was, I knew we were in good shape,' Lorre told Variety. 'I trusted his response. He was unafraid to be vulnerable. To let out an honest belly laugh. He was the rare TV exec who never felt the need to maintain that bulls***, stoic, I-know-something-you-dont demeanor.'

Joining Roth for the honor was his wife Andrea Roth, who wore a colorful dress with a black coat.

Laugh gauge: 'For 25 years, at table reads, run-throughs and shoot nights, Id constantly glance over at Peter to see if he was laughing. If he was, I knew we were in good shape,' Lorre told Variety
Love Island Australia host Sophie Monk announced her engagement to partner Joshua Gross in January.

And the 41-year-old blonde bombshell has now opened up about their wedding plans in an interview with Daily Mail Australia.

Sophie said that she and Joshua, 41, a neurosurgical robotics consultant, plan to have a low-key and intimate wedding with just the two of them, before celebrating later on with family and friends.

EXCLUSIVE: Newly engaged Love Island Australia host Sophie Monk revealed her wedding plans with fiance Joshua Gross while speaking to Daily Mail Australia this week

'We are going to do it low key,' Sophie began.

'At this stage [it's] just him and I, and then we will invite everyone over for a big party when we can.'

The couple announced their engagement in January, with Joshua presenting Sophie with a stunning diamond ring.

Private occasion: 'At this stage [it's] just him and I, and then we will invite everyone over for a big party when we can,' Sophie said of her wedding plans

At the time, she wrote on Instagram: 'Joshua and I are so happy.

'Joshua designed a very personal ring with my favourite Aussie designer Luke Rose Jewellery and I LOVE IT.'

Joshua actually proposed on Christmas Day last year, a spokesperson for Sophie later confirmed, but they waited until January to announce their happy news.

The pair first met on a business class flight back in 2018.

Happy: The couple announced their engagement in January, with Joshua presenting Sophie with a stunning diamond ring. The pair first met on a business class flight back in 2018

Sophie also spoke to Daily Mail Australia about the latest season of Love Island Australia, saying it's the best yet.

'They are another level,' she said of the contestants.

'I think also because the cast were quarantined before they came in and because of the pandemic they haven't socialised the past year and a half, they are ready to have fun and fall in love.

'The chemistry seems to be heating up quicker than I've seen before.'

She added that while she loves all the cast, this season Taku 'lit up the room'.

Spilling the beans: Sophie also spoke to Daily Mail Australia about the latest season of Love Island Australia, saying it's the best yet

Fan favourite: She added that while she loves all the cast, this season Taku 'lit up the room'

'Initially Taku's energy was so bubbly and happy, he lit up the room. The whole energy of the Villa changed when he walked in,' she explained.

Sophie also reflected on her successful career, having first rose to fame in the girl group Bardot before moving to Hollywood and now hosting Love Island Australia.

Despite her success, Sophie was ever so humble as she quipped: 'Because I've been doing it for 21 years I forget about half the things I've done. I dabble in everything, acting, modelling and music because I'm kind of average with all of them.

'But I'm lucky to be in a very fun industry.'
Robin Williams' daughter Zelda asked fans to 'please stop' forwarding links to actor Jamie Costa's new viral video of him impersonating her late father.

While the 32-year-old called the South Carolinabased comedian 'super talented' in a new tweet, she pleaded with followers to stop 'spamming' her with the impression of her dad 'on one of his saddest days.'

'Guys, I'm only saying this because I don't think it'll stop until I acknowledge it please, stop sending me the 'test footage,' she requested on Tuesday.

Painful: Robin Williams' daughter Zelda asked fans to stop sending links to actor Jamie Costa's new viral video of him impersonating her late father; seen in 2019

Zelda made sure to clarify that she has nothing against Costa, but found it 'weird' that people keep tagging her to watch footage she finds painful.

The actress' tweet received more than 18,200 likes and supportive comments, which praised her for handling the situation with grace.

August 11 marked the seventh anniversary of Robin's shocking death by suicide, at the age of 63, after suffering from Lewy Body Dementia.

Tragic: August 11 marked the seventh anniversary of Robin's shocking death by suicide, at the age of 63, after suffering from Lewy Body Dementia (pictured in 2006)

While the 32-year-old called the South Carolinabased comedian 'super talented' in a new tweet, she pleaded with followers to stop 'spamming' her with the the impression of her dad 'on one of his saddest days'

In Costa's five-minute video, he portrays the Mrs. Doubtfire star on the set of Mork and Mindy learning that his friend John Belushi overdosed hours after partying together in 1982.

Zelda has been open up about struggling to grieve her dad alongside the world.

Last year, she wrote: 'It's hard for me on regular, good days to remain the person expected to graciously accept the world's need to share their memories of him and express their condolences for his loss.'

Grieving: Last year, she wrote: 'It's hard for me on regular, good day to remain the person expected to graciously accept the world's need to share their memories of him and express their condolences for his loss' (pictured in 2005)

'As I've said in the past, while I am constantly touched by all your boundless continued love for him, some days it can feel a bit like being seen as a roadside memorial  a place, not a person  where people drive past and leave their sentiments to then go about their days comforted their love for him was witnessed,' she continued.

'But sometimes,' Zelda added, 'that leaves me emotionally buried under a pile of others' memories instead of my own. After all, even roses by the truckload still weigh a ton.'

Speaking of the anniversary of her dad's dead, she concluded: 'Tomorrow, it is simply too much.'

Too much: She previously wrote that all the messages and posts were overwhelming and left her 'emotionally buried under a pile of other's [sic] memories instead of my own'
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Spotted Lanternfly

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Spotted lanternfly, Photo: Lawrence Barringer,

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, bugwood.org Spotted lanternfly, Photo: Lawrence Barringer,Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, bugwood.org

Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive pest from Asia that primarily feeds on tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) but can also feed on a wide variety of plants such as grapevine, hops, maple, walnut, fruit trees and others. This insect could impact New York's forests as well as the agricultural and tourism industries.

In the US, SLF was first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since been found in New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and New York.

The first New York State infestation was discovered in Staten Island in August 2020 (leaves DEC website). Visit Cornell's Integrated Pest Management site for an up-to-date map of current infestation locations in the Northeast, including New York (leaves DEC website).

On this page:



Late nymph (left) and early nymph (right) Late nymph (left) and early nymph (right)



SLF with closed wings,

Photo: Lawrence Barringer,

Pennsylvania Department of

Agriculture, bugwood.org SLF with closed wings,Photo: Lawrence Barringer,Pennsylvania Department ofAgriculture, bugwood.org

Nymphs are black with white spots and turn red before transitioning into adults. The black nymphs can be seen as early as April and until July. Red nymphs can be seen from July until September.

Adults begin to appear in July and are approximately 1 inch long and  inch wide at rest, with eye-catching wings. Their forewings are grayish with black spots. The lower portions of their hindwings are red with black spots and the upper portions are dark with a white stripe.

In the fall, adults lay 1-inch-long egg masses on nearly anything from tree trunks and rocks to vehicles and firewood. They are smooth and brownish-gray with a shiny, waxy coating when first laid.

SLF pose a significant threat to New York's agricultural and forest health. Adults and nymphs use their sucking mouthparts to feed on the sap of more than 70 plant species. This feeding by sometimes thousands of SLF stresses plants, making them vulnerable to disease and attacks from other insects. SLF also excrete large amounts of sticky "honeydew," which attracts sooty molds that interfere with plant photosynthesis, negatively affecting the growth and fruit yield of plants. New York's annual yield of apples and grapes has a combined value of $358.4 million, which could be greatly impacted by SLF. The full extent of economic damage this insect could cause is unknown at this time.

Although native insects also secrete honeydew, the size of SLF and the large populations that congregate in an area result in large accumulations of it. The sticky mess and the swarms of insects it attracts can significantly hinder outdoor activities. In Pennsylvania, where SLF populations are the densest, people can't be outside without getting honeydew on their hair, clothes, and other belongings.

How SLF Spreads

SLF can jump and fly short distances, they spread primarily through human activity. They lay their eggs on vehicles, firewood, outdoor furniture, stone, etc. which are inadvertently transported to new areas, causing the insect to spread.

Signs of an Infestation



Oozing wounds and adult SLF on a tree

Photo: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, bugwood.org Oozing wounds and adult SLF on a treePhoto: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, bugwood.org

One-inch-long egg masses that are brownish-gray, waxy and mud-like when new. Old egg masses are brown and scaly.

Massive honeydew build-up under plants, sometimes with black sooty mold.

Current Control Efforts in New York

DEC is working with the Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to address SLF. Since it is less expensive and easier to deal with a pest before it becomes widespread, the goal is to find and treat SLF infestations early.

A plan has been developed that describes how the agencies will detect and prevent further spread of SLF in New York. Extensive trapping surveys are being conducted in high-risk areas throughout the state as well as inspections of nursery stock, stone shipments, commercial transports, etc. DEC and partner organizations encourage everyone to be on the lookout for this pest.

Exterior Quarantine

To slow the spread of SLF, AGM issued a quarantine that restricts the movement of goods brought into New York from quarantined areas in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. The quarantine requires regulated articles, such as packing materials, landscaping and construction equipment, and nursery stock to have certificates of inspection issued from the impacted states. Inspections are being conducted across New York by AGM and its partners to check for SLF and compliance with the regulations. For more information and for a list of regulated articles, see AGM's website (leaves DEC website).

Protective Zones

In an effort to detect SLF early and respond in a timely manner, DEC has established a Protective Zone encompassing 20 counties located near the PA and NJ infestations. Protective Zones allow DEC and its partners to conduct activities such as surveying, monitoring, and management to find and prevent the spread of SLF. Protective Zones are established in the following counties: Bronx, Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Kings, Nassau, Orange, Otsego, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Tioga, Ulster and Westchester.

How You Can Help

Learn how to identify SLF.

Inspect outdoor items such as firewood, vehicles, and furniture for egg masses.

If you visit states with SLF, be sure to check all equipment and gear before leaving. Scrape off any egg masses. Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture webpage (leaves DEC website) for more information on SLF in PA.



SLF egg masses on a tree, Photo: Kenneth R.

Law, USDA APHIS PPQ, bugwood.org SLF egg masses on a tree, Photo: Kenneth R.Law, USDA APHIS PPQ, bugwood.org

If you believe you've found spotted lanternfly in New York:
The festival focuses on promotion, enhancement and amalgamation of elements like women, flowers, nature, water and girl children which would promote the well-being of people in villages and towns. (DC Image)

Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) made elaborate arrangements for Saddula Bathukamma celebrations on Thursday, where 10,000 women are expected to carry bedecked deities on their heads in a procession up to Hussainsagar for immersion. The festival focuses on promotion, enhancement and amalgamation of elements like women, flowers, nature, water and girl children which would promote the well-being of people in villages and towns. The corporation set up 26 baby ponds to facilitate Bathukamma on Thursday and Durga idols later.

The GHMC installed about 600 hoardings at all major junctions, bus shelters, foot over bridges and arches in this regard. The corporation already decked up all major junctions in the city with Bathukammas. As a part of special arrangements, the GHMC formed 12 Bathukamma Action Teams (BATs) which include about 95 sanitary field assistants (SFAs) and about 1,100 sanitation workers. About 3,500 women from the GHMC would be part of the event. It arranged as many as 28,916 temporary street lights at a cost of about Rs 190.34 lakh.

The civic body spent about Rs 2 crore to repair roads and make other arrangements at all Bathukamma ghats. It also installed temporary public toilets for men and women separately in the GHMC limits. Besides this, the GHMC made a special 500-metre fresh water tank at Bathukamma Ghat near Tank Bund to avoid stench and contaminating Hussainsagar lake. It also set up about 160 Bathukammas at all important junctions in the city. Excluding Tank Bund, the GHMC made exceptional arrangements at Saroornagar Tank, IDL Tank, Hasmathpet Tank, Pragathi Nagar Tank, Sunnam Cheruvu, Gangaram Cheruvu, Durgam Cheruvu, Palle Cheruvu and Pedda Cheruvu. In a colourful celebration, a large number of crackers will be burst for 25 minutes at Durgam Cheruvu, Safilguda Mini Tank Bund and Saroornagar Lake.

Hyderabad city police commissioner Anjani Kumar appealed to the men to stay away from Bathukamma ghats during the celebrations. Since it is a festival of women, only women will be allowed at the ghats on Saddula Bathukamma day, he said, adding that about 4,000 police personal would be deployed and CCTV cameras would be installed at every Bathukamma Ghat to avoid sporadic incidents in the city, he added.

The festival would be conducted on a grander scale than last year by illuminating all important places and traffic junctions with 3D lighting to suit the occasion. Basic amenities like drinking water, vehicle parking and traffic management would be provided by the respective departments and wings.
Kurnool: Devaragattu village in Holagonda mandal spills blood every Dasara when the good lot takes up cudgels against demons out to snatch idols from their village.

Called Banni fight or Karrala Samaraam, the showdown draws huge crowds from Karnataka and Telangana State. A feature of the fight is that the participants wielding sticks menacingly surge towards their enemies and thrash them indiscriminately, resulting in bloodshed. Over one lakh people are estimated to gather at Devaragattu hills to watch the traditional stick-fight in the wee hours of Friday.

Legend has it that Lord Shiva took the form of Bhairava and clobbered two demons, Mani and Mallasura, with sticks. Hundreds lost their lives and blood flowed in streams during the fight. Devaragattu locals enact that scene during Dasara.

The battle starts at the stroke of midnight. People stream in from neighboring villages like Neradiki, Neradiki Thanda and Kothapet carrying idols of Mala Malleswara Swamy to participate in the festivities. On the demons side are people drawn from Ellarthy, Arikeri, Maddigeri, Nitranatta and Sulavai villages. They try to snatch the idols from God's team and a battle breaks out. On an average every year, about 300 persons receive bloody injuries in the fight. But no one complains. On this Dasara day, all is well in these villages.

Temple chairman Gummanur Sreenivasulu told the media that they were making all arrangements to organize Banni fight festival on grand note while duly following Covid-19 guideline.

The district administration has been focussing on controlling the stick-fight given the directions of the Human Rights Commission.

District collector P Koteswara Rao along with SP Ch Sudheer Kumar Reddy visited Devaragattu nearly thrice to inspect the arrangements. The district collector told police officials to take steps to ensure a peaceful conduct of Karrala Samaram.

Schedule: October 15: Banni fight conducted at midnight of Viajaya Dashmi; October 16: Sri Mala Malleswara swamy to predict the future (Bavishya Vani) and October 17: Swamy Ammavari Rathotsavam.
An Air India aircraft is pictured at a terminal of the airport in Mumbai. (Photo: AFP/File)

New Delhi: Air India unions on Wednesday raised concerns over employee issues including cash, leave, medical benefits, accommodation of employees and arrears.

The unions have written a joint letter to the Secretary of the Ministry of Civil aviation (MoCA) on Wednesday seeking urgent action to be taken on these employee issues.

In the letter, the unions referred to the ongoing privatisation of Air India and the bid by the Tata group. "We had requested you to allow employees to continue living in the colonies until their superannuation or monetisation since the subsidiaries were not being transferred and would continue with the government," the union said.

"The ministries letters after that have been very harsh in principle, demanding that all employees sign undertakings in 15 days or pay 15 lakhs penalties," it added.

The unions further urged the ministry "to intercede on behalf of the Air Indians who reside in these colonies to allow them to reside there for at least a year".

Mentioning the leave encashment option in the letter, the unions recalled that all unions have been promised their leave encashment from the time meetings held by the Minister of Civil Aviation and its secretary since January 2020 until the most recent meeting held on September 1.

"We demand the option to demand or carry forward immediately our PL/SL be clarified before the handover," the unions added in the letter.

It further stated that the unions are concerned since they have no clarity on the medical benefits for the serving or retired employees. "We are concerned about OPD, hospitalisation and disbursal of medicine, etc, for serving or retired employees," it added.

Apart from medical benefits, the unions demanded back the return to their pre-Covid emoluments which had been cut during the first wave of COVID-19 last year.

Earlier on Friday, the government said that Tata Sons, which won the bid to acquire Air India, will retain all employees for one year and the group will need to offer a voluntary retirement scheme if it decides on retrenchment after the period.

The government has said that the interest of the employees and retired employees would be taken care of in the disinvestment process.
India's step to open vaccine supplies is a major boost to the world in general and South Asia in particular. (PTI file Photo)

New Delhi: After the resumption of export of COVID-19 vaccines in October, India has exported 10 crore vaccines each to Nepal, Myanmar, Iran and Bangladesh under Vaccine Maitri, said the government sources.

India has pressed the restart button to supply COVID-19 vaccines along with initial supplies in this round to the neighbourhood.

Made-in-India COVID-19 vaccines are in huge demand especially in the neighbourhood, it is learnt that during several diplomatic engagements, the majority of south Asian neighbours had time and again urged India to restart the export of vaccines.

India had to freeze its "Vaccine Maitri" program in early May this year as the country was severely hit by a deadly second wave of the COVID-19. It is the last month India announced that it is reopening the export of Covid vaccines.

During this gap of nearly five months, China entered this sphere and supplied a massive number of Sinapharm vaccines in the region.

However, the efficacy of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine was always in question and people in the region have more trust in "Made-in-India" vaccines, a source told ANI.

Differences in Sinopharm pricing kicked storm in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. According to reports, China sold vaccines to different regional partners at different pricing, this has already created massive controversy in Nepal, Bangladesh and also Sri Lanka.

One source told ANI that most south Asian countries are looking up to India for the vaccine supply to the region.

In the last few months, India ramped up its production and speeded its Covid vaccination drive in a big scale. Nearly 95 crore Indians have at least received the first dose of vaccine.

India's decision to reopen exports of vaccines is welcomed by the International community. Quad, the United States and countries of the European Union (EU) appreciated India's move.

India's step to open vaccine supplies is a major boost to the world in general and South Asia in particular.
Tuition centres and job fairs, as well, can be conducted by adhering to the COVID-19 safety protocols, the government said. (PTI file photo)

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday lifted the restriction on weekend worship in temples with effect from today and also permitted all shops including restaurants and bakeries to function till 11 pm.

The restriction on visiting the beaches on weekends, too, has been relaxed.

Tuition centres and job fairs, as well, can be conducted by adhering to the COVID-19 safety protocols, the government said.

Chief Minister M K Stalin, who reviewed the pandemic situation in Tamil Nadu and also the conditions prevailing in the neighbouring States with senior officials, made the announcement on allowing worship in temples on all days in the week.

Reacting to his gesture, BJP state chief K Annamalai said the State government has allowed the opening of temples on all days for worship. "This is what the BJP has been insisting all along and staged a protest on October 7, across the State," Annamalai said and "sincerely thanked" the Chief Minister and Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department Minister P K Sekar Babu for "acceding to the people's wish."

Following the government's announcement, HR & CE Commissioner J Kumaragurubaran directed the joint commissioners and assistant commissioners to make necessary arrangements.

"The Government has permitted the devotees to visit the temples on all days from tomorrow. Necessary arrangements has to be made in accordance with the SOP laid down by the government," the Commissioner said.

In a circular issued on Thursday, Kumaragurubaran asked the department senior officials to visit as many temples as possible tomorrow and verify the preparedness. "Alert the executive officers immediately," he said.

Ahead of the temple reopening for darshan, HR & CE Minister Sekar Babu visited the renowned Sri Kalikambal temple here and inspected the arrangements.

On September 29, the Tamil Nadu government had extended the ongoing lockdown till October 31 with more relaxations.

A release from the government on Thursday, quoting the Chief Minister, said the ban on holding political, social, cultural and festivals will however continue to avert the spreading of the Coronavirus. Further, the government relaxed certain restrictions and said beaches will be thrown open to the public during the weekends.

Play schools, kindergarten classes and Anganwadis have been allowed to reopen from November 1 and all employees working there should have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Permission has been accorded for 100 people to attend wedding functions from November 1.
Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference (NC) president, Farooq Abdullah, on Wednesday said that the Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus have to fight killers together.

He was referring to those involved in the recent target killings in the Valley in which seven J&K residents including two Pandits (Hindus), a Sikh, and three Muslims and a Hindu vendor from Bihar lost their lives.

He reiterated that J&K will never become part of Pakistan but always remain with India come what may and even if the militants went to the extent of gunning me down too.

He asserted, We have to fight the enemies unitedly and dont be afraid of them. Abdullah also cautioned, A storm has gripped the entire India. Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus are being divided across the country. If this wont stop forthwith, India wont exist.

While speaking to reporters after the antim ardas of Supinder Kaur, a school principal and one of the victims of target killings, held in a Srinagar gurudwara, the NC leader said that the divisive politics must end in the country for it to survive and people must stop dividing society on religious lines.

Talking about the situation back home, he said that the militants cannot change the reality which is J&K is part of India and will remain as such.

We all have to fight them together with courage and not be afraid. Killing a teacher who was teaching students does not serve Islam, he said.

Meanwhile, veteran Congress leader and former Sadr-e-Riyasat (head of the state) of erstwhile J&K state on Wednesday demanded restoration of its statehood and a stable government in the next few months through free and fair elections.

He said that the recent target killings in and outside Srinagar and killing of five Army soldiers in a gun fight with militants in frontier Poonch district point to the importance of starting the political process as soon as possible" to have a stable government for the people.

In a statement here, he said, While the Lieutenant Governor and the Union Territory government are doing their best, this cannot be a substitute for a freely elected legislature and a full-fledged popular government. He added that the process of J&Ks delimitation should not be unduly prolonged and urged the J&K Delimitation Commission to fix its own time schedule for completing the exercise.
Thiruvananthapuram: In a setback for Kerala's ruling LDF, a court here on Wednesday dismissed the discharge petitions filed by General Education Minister V Sivankutty and five others in the 2015 Assembly ruckus case.

Dismissing the petitions, the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Thiruvananthapuram also directed the minister and five other accused to appear before it on November 22 to frame charges.

Besides Sivankutty, the other accused in the case are E P Jayarajan, K T Jaleel, K Ajith, C K Sadasivan and K Kunhammed, all opposition MLAs then.

Both Sivankutty and Jaleel are currently members of the State Legislative Assembly.

Reacting to the court order, Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly V D Satheesan said Sivankutty has lost moral right to continue as minister.

Urging the minister to quit, the Congress leader said the court rejected their petitions considering the visuals of Sivankutty and others destroying public property by climbing on the desk in the Assembly.

The trial court in September last year had rejected the LDF government's plea for withdrawing a case related to the ruckus in the state assembly, saying allowing it would send a wrong message to society.

The petition was filed by the government seeking withdrawal of the case registered under sections 447 (criminal trespass), 427 (mischief causing damage), read with section 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Sec 3(1) of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act by the previous Oommen Chandy-led UDF government.

Subsequently on July 28, the Supreme Court dismissed the Kerala government's plea for withdrawal of the case against the six LDF leaders, saying privileges and immunities "are not gateways" to claim exemptions from criminal law which governs the action of every citizen.

The apex court had also said that committing acts of destruction of public property cannot be equated with either freedom of speech in the legislature or with forms of protest legitimately available to the members of the Opposition.

The assembly had witnessed unprecedented scenes on March 13, 2015 as the LDF members, then in opposition, tried to prevent Finance Minister K M Mani, who was facing charges in the bar bribery scam, from presenting the state budget.

Besides flinging the speaker's chair from the podium, electronic equipment like computers, keyboards and mikes on the desk of the presiding officer were also allegedly damaged by the then LDF members, causing a loss of Rs 2.20 lakh.
The overwhelming victory of DMK in the rural body elections is a sign of the great expectations that the people of Tamil Nadu have from the present government. Though it did not look like a cakewalk during the hustings with the main Opposition AIADMK going all out to malign the DMK, accusing it of taking the people for a ride by dishing out false promises during the Assembly elections, the party pulled it off convincingly, even capturing AIADMK strongholds. One reason for it was the government making a colourful start with a few popular schemes like making bus rides free for women, reducing milk prices and tackling the coronavirus pandemic, whose second wave was at its peak when it was sworn in.

Despite the Opposition, particularly the AIADMK and the vociferous BJP, going gung ho against the government, the DMK managed to send across the message that it had indeed done a magnificent job in a short span of time to the voters in the local body elections. Obviously, the electorate has bought the DMKs claim that it had fulfilled 202 of the 505 promises given to the people and ignored the AIADMKs vociferous campaign that it had reneged in its promises.

These claims and counter-claims at the hustings apart, the skyrocketing of support to DMK was fuelled by the personal charisma of chief minister M.K. Stalin and peoples hope that he means good to them. The latest perception of Stalin being a down to earth person, easily accessible to all and responsive to the needs of the common man did the trick. The DMK exemplifying itself as the inheritor of the Dravidian legacy through a plethora of announcements like declaring Periyar E.V. Ramasamys birth anniversary as social justice day, too, made many believe that the present dispensation is rooted to its basic ideology, thus regaining the confidence of traditional voters.
When there are large-scale and persistent protests even on a sectional demand, it has the potential to snowball if the government refuses to show accommodation. A ready example that comes to mind is that of a students agitation in Gujarat on rising mess prices which, in slow stages, took the form of the massive JP movement that led to the defeat of the Indira Gandhi government.

For a variety of reasons, the farmers agitation against three central laws aimed at deepening capitalism in agriculture, has not elicited a nationwide response. Yet, the violence against peacefully protesting farmers at UPs Lakhimpur Kheri, for which the son of Union minister of state for home Ajay Mishra, and his associates, have been arrested and charged with murder after pressure was brought by the intensifying of the farmers protest as well as crucial observations of the Supreme Court, touches a chord in the wider populace.

It is in this sense that Lakhimpur Kheri becomes a flash point and has the potential to become a rallying point for forces that are opposed to the Narendra Modi government in Delhi and the Yogi Adityanath government in Lucknow. It cannot be overlooked that the violence against farmers by a belligerent squad of BJP leaders and supporters comes in an overall atmosphere of reduced economic circumstances for a large section of Indians across the country on account of government policies.

Herein lies the significance of a high-profile Congress delegation led by Rahul Gandhi calling on President Ramnath Kovind with demands that support the cause of the farmers. There are two basic demands  that the Union minister, whose son was arrested, must be removed from the Union council of ministers if he does not resign voluntarily; and that the farmers must receive justice. These are the demands that the leaders of the farmers agitation have themselves raised.

When ministers dig in their heels and refuse to resign in the face of widespread protest against their actions, they disregard the basic spirit and conventions of democracy which, on the whole, have been followed in this country. There is strength in the argument made by farmers and Congress leaders that an impartial probe of the incident involving Mr Mishras son cannot be expected if the minister remains in office.

Nearly a fortnight has passed since a convoy of motor vehicles ran over a posse of protesting farmers, killing several on the spot, but the Union government, the UP government, or the BJP leadership, or for that matter the RSS which never tires of endorsing the government policies, have almost calculatedly refused to make a comment that may be mistaken either as a criticism of the aggressors or expression of sympathy for the victims.

In contrast, what BJP leaders at various levels have interestingly done is to articulate the view  reported widely in the media  that victory for the party in the UP Assembly election, which is only a few months away, cannot be in any doubt. All sorts of organisational preparations have commenced, keeping the poll in mind.

On the Opposition side, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi and their colleagues have drawn public attention on account of the dramatic circumstances of their visit to famers families. Ms Vadra also addressed a very large public meeting on the outskirts of Varanasi, PM Modis Lok Sabha constituency. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav has conducted a tour or yatra around UP districts. But it is early to say what impact these might have on the election scene. Principally this is on account of the Congress widely noted organisational weaknesses. If Opposition parties can show they are united in taking up the peoples cause, and approach the polls in that spirit, they can capitalise on the present mood.
In testimony before a US Senate subcommittee last week, Frances Haugen, a former Facebook employee turned whistleblower, raised a number of important and complex policy questions about how society might better regulate the wayward social-media giant.

But she also raised a very basic question, one for which neither the hearing nor her leaked internal documents provided a clear answer.

The question is: Is social media a danger to teenagers? The answer is: We have no idea.

Nobody really does  not child-development experts, not technology companies, not teenagers and not, alas, hapless parents like myself. And in jumping to the conclusion that Facebooks Instagram platform and other social-media services will be the ruin of the next generation, we  the news media in particular and society generally  may be tripping into a trap that has gotten us again and again: a moral panic in which we draw broad, alarming conclusions about the hidden dangers of novel forms of media, new technologies or new ideas spreading among the youth.

Comic books, television, rock music, rap music, disco, video games, Ebonics and political correctness are among the subjects that have generated mass panic in the past. Youd think that this litany of media jumpiness would prevent new scares, but we remain as panicky as ever  note our cultures current preoccupation with the supposed scourges of critical race theory and cancel culture.

Also read: Embattled Facebook releases new curbs on harassment

In the last couple years I have become especially wary of such panics, because the phenomenon is an obsession of two of my favorite media critics, journalists Sarah Marshall and Michael Hobbes, the creators of a brilliant podcast called Youre Wrong About. The show takes a revisionist look at media narratives that once sent the culture into hair-singed worry  things like the satanic panic of the 1980s (are witches running your childs day care center?), the sexting scare of the late 2000s and the widely exaggerated fear, in the 1990s, that urban gangs posed a terrible threat to public safety.

Although each Youre Wrong About episode focuses on a particular panic, Marshall and Hobbes larger project has been to create a kind of cartography of media dread  to map how such narratives of fear take hold in media and hang on even when they are supported by little evidence. Their work suggests the central appeal of pumping up fright: Moral panics often redirect societys attention away from large, difficult problems  what are we going to do about Americas gun culture?  to small, but wonderfully easy one-off solutions: Lets just ban violent video games and call it a day, shall we?

As I watched Haugens testimony last week, I couldnt help but spot patterns of moral panic. Many of the lawmakers questions and Haugens answers seemed to be animated less by data than by assumption. At times the hearing felt like a real-life version of that meme from "The Simpsons": Wont somebody please think of the children?!

Haugen pointed to Facebook research that suggests that Instagram can exacerbate teenagers anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and body image issues. Among other suggestions, she proposed increasing the minimum age for any person using social media to 17 years old from 13 years old.

As psychologist Laurence Steinberg wrote in The Times, the research that Haugen cites is quite weak. Much of it is correlational, and the same leaked documents also show that many teenagers appear to think that in many ways, Instagram plays a more positive role in their lives than a negative one.

As a pundit, I find Haugens proposal to raise the minimum age for using social media to be a reasonable precaution. She also made a strong case for lawmakers and regulators to impose radical transparency on Facebook so that outside researchers can get a much better handle on social medias role in society.

But as a parent of kids just a couple years shy of teenagerdom, my concerns are more immediate. Should I (at some point) let my children get smartphones and explore the wilds of Instagram, TikTok and whatever actually cool internet thing kids are using now that Ive never heard of? If so, at what age?

At the moment, my best answers are: I dont know and I dont know.

There is a potential cost to permissiveness and to prohibition. Its possible, as Haugens leaked research suggests, that social media could have disastrous impacts on my kids mental and social well-being; its also possible that it will have significant positive effects (in the survey that Haugen pointed to, many teen boys and girls said Instagram alleviated their loneliness, family stress and sadness, while many also said it had no impact either way).

There is also the question of how a lockout from social media may affect my kids well-being. Today, for better or worse, the world runs on social media; do I want my children to grow up without understanding its dynamics, its risks and its possibilities? Will a ban turn them into social outcasts? If I stop them from using the app where all of their friends hang out, am I acting like the stodgy dad who wouldnt let his kids listen to Elvis?

Earlier this week, Hobbes announced that he would be leaving Youre Wrong About to work on other projects; the show will continue to run with Marshall hosting. I wish her great luck with it, but I also hope that the shows ethos is widely copied  that the practice of examining how our culture falls into unnecessary hysteria becomes routine in newsrooms.

We live in troubling times. But we cant begin to solve our real problems if we keep getting wrapped up in exaggerated ones.

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The big-ticket Kannada release 'Kotigobba 3' couldn't hit the screens on Thursday due to a stand-off between the producer and the financier.

"The screening has been cancelled across the state on Thursday. The film will release on Friday," a representative associated with the film told DH.

Producer Soorappa Babu, in a video, apologised to fans and promised early morning shows from Friday. "There are a lot of reasons behind this problem. But we will start shows from 6:00 am for Sudeep's fans on Friday. I apologise to them," he said.

Sudeep, in a video on Twitter, backed his producer and requested his fans to not damage theatres. "This is a rare situation and I am sure a little patience from all will be my greatest strength. I request all to not get upset with theatres as they have nothing to do with this," he said in a statement. The issue seemed to have been settled as Sudeep announced new distributors for the film and promised a smooth proceedings from Friday.

The action-drama was set to make a roaring start opposite another big 'Kannada' flick 'Salaga', starring 'Duniya' Vijay.

However, a dispute between the film's producer and financier led to movie halls refusing to play the film at 7 am. According to a source, the film's financier is yet to be paid fully.

Hordes of people gathered outside several theatres across the State were left disappointed. In many venues, chaos set in when people refused to leave.

Thousands of fans of the actor raised slogans demanding immediate release and screening. At a few theatres, security was tightened. Owners of the theatres had a tough time controlling the crowds.

A note to all my friends at the theaters . pic.twitter.com/UY8Nst9WjL  Kichcha Sudeepa (@KicchaSudeep) October 14, 2021

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The family of a Black man killed by police during a supermarket shooting in upstate New York are demanding justice after authorities released footage Wednesday of the tragedy.

Police in Rochester, New York have repeatedly come under fire in the past year over episodes, particularly involving African-Americans, that raised questions about their use of force.

Simran Gordon, 24, was shot dead on October 6 when Rochester officers were called to respond to a robbery. The two videos were captured by the officers' body cameras.

In the first video, an officer enters the grocery store, draws his weapon and asks Gordon to take his hands out of his pockets. The officer approaches and repeats the order.

Gordon is then seen fleeing through the aisles, pursued by the officer. When the officer catches up with Gordon, the image becomes jumbled as the officer is off-balance. Several shots are heard close together.

"Drop the gun!" the officer shouts at Gordon, who is on the ground and obviously hit by the bullets.

In the other video, the second officer arrives from another direction and kneels down on level with Gordon's face. He is facedown and moaning.

With her foot, she appears to remove an object from his hand, saying: "I got it."

New York state attorney general Letitia James said Wednesday that releasing the footage "is not an expression of any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of any party."

Rochester police had released a captioned version of the videos Tuesday, saying that Gordon had been armed and fired the first shot.

But several members of Gordon's family told local media they don't believe the police version. "It wasn't an exchange of fire. It wasn't a shootout. It was a complete and total murder," Gordon's uncle, Lyndon Gordon, said on several local news channels.

The family's lawyer, Yousef Taha, told AFP that the videos' release "leaves us with more questions than answers."

"We call upon the Attorney General's Office to conduct a complete and transparent investigation into his death," Taha said. "We will continue to seek justice for Simran and his family."

Gordon's death is the latest incident that has brought Rochester police under scrutiny.

In March, body-cam video showed Rochester officers forcing a Black woman, holding her three-year-old daughter, to the ground and pepper-spraying her.

Protests broke out in Rochester in September 2020 after the death of Daniel Prude, a 41-year-old Black man.

Prude was walking naked, high on drugs, when police put a hood over his head to prevent him spitting, then held him face-down on the pavement until he stopped breathing. He died a week later.

A medical examiner ruled Prude's death a homicide, but a grand jury declined to indict any of the officers involved.

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Among the glaciers and turquoise fjords of southwestern Greenland, a mining company is betting rock similar to the one the Apollo missions brought back from the moon can address some of Planet Earth's climate change problems.

"This rock was created in the early days in the formation of our planet," says geologist Anders Norby-Lie, who began exploring anorthosite at the remote mountain landscape in Greenland nine years ago.

More recently, it has excited mining companies and investors hoping to sell it as a relatively sustainable source of aluminium as well as an ingredient to make fibreglass.

The government elected in April has placed it at the centre of its efforts to promote Greenland as environmentally responsible and even the US space agency NASA has taken note.

The mineral-rich island has become a hot prospect for miners seeking anything from copper and titanium to platinum and rare earth minerals, which are needed for electric vehicle motors.

That could appear an easy solution to Greenland's challenge of how to grow its tiny economy so it can realise its long-term goal of independence from Denmark, but the government campaigned on an environmental platform and needs to honour that.

"Not all money is worth earning," Greenland's mineral resources minister Naaja Nathanielsen told Reuters in an interview in the capital Nuuk. "We have a greener profile, and we've been willing to make some decisions on it pretty quickly."

Already the government has banned future oil and gas exploration and wants to reinstate a ban on uranium mining.

That would halt the development of one of the world's biggest rare earth deposits, named Kuannersuit in Greenlandic and Kvanefjeld in Danish because the deposit also contains uranium.

Kuannersuit, whose operator was in the final stages of securing a permit to mine, was a flashpoint issue in April's election because locals fear the uranium it contains could harm the country's fragile environment.

"As far as we are concerned, uranium is a political issue which is being driven by exaggerated and misleading claims," licence holder Greenland Minerals CEO John Mair told Reuters.

The mine could bring in royalties of around 1.5 billion Danish crowns ($233 million) each year, the government has said.

By contrast, revenue from two small mines operating in the country is negligible, and Nathanielsen says the government's budget plans do not assume any mining revenue.

The Danish money trap

Some see little point in mineral exploitation until Greenland has achieved independence.

A Danish colony until 1953, the semi-autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark has the right to declare independence through a simple vote, but that is likely to be a distant prospect.

Greenland has commissioned work to draft a constitution for a future independent Greenland.

Meanwhile, Greenland's 57,000 people rely on fishing and grants from Denmark.

The grants would be reduced in proportion to future earnings from mining, prompting some to say the minerals should be left in the ground for now.

"Under the current agreement, large-scale mineral extraction makes no sense," Pele Broberg, minister for business and trade, told Reuters. "Why should we do that while we're subject to another country?"

Others are concerned the government is deterring investment in large-scale mining of more conventional minerals, which they say is the way to diversify the economy and make it capable of standing alone.

Jess Berthelsen, head of Greenland's labour union SIK, had hoped the planned mine at Kuannersuit and other large-scale projects would create jobs and said the Danish grants held Greenland back.

"Sometimes I wish Denmark would stop sending money because then people in this country would start waking up. It's lulling us to sleep," he said.

Business lobbyists meanwhile worry about the government's plan to reinstate a uranium ban - only eight years after it was lifted.

"The companies are used to being under pressure from authorities, but they are not used to this kind of instability," Christian Keldsen, head of Greenland Business Association, said.

Local support

Those living nearest to the standout mineral in the government plans for sustainable mining tend to support the pursuit of new income.

"We have to find other ways to make money. We can't just live off fishing," said Johannes Hansen, a local fireman and carpenter living in Qeqertarsuatsiaat. The town of around 160 people is about 50 minutes by boat from the planned anorthosite mine.

Greenland Anorthosite Mining, which is developing the mine, has a plan to ship 120 tonnes of crushed anorthosite to potential customers in the fibreglass industry where it says it has value as a more environmental alternative to kaolin.

The company, which hopes to have an exploration permit by the end of 2022, says anorthosite melts at a lower temperature than kaolin, has a lower heavy metal content and produces less waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

The bigger aim is for anorthosite to be used as an alternative to bauxite to produce aluminium, one of the minerals seen as central to reducing emissions because it can be used to make vehicles lighter and is fully recyclable.

Greenland Anorthosite Mining says aluminium can be produced more easily than when bauxite ore, the primary source of aluminium, is used, and again produces less waste compared with existing processes.

Anorthosite also fits in with European Union ambitions to diversify mineral sources. It is found in Canada and Norway, as well as Greenland, while bauxite is concentrated in a belt around the Equator.

Asuncion Aranda, who is heading an EU-funded research project into anorthosite, said the technology had been seen to work although research is needed to cut costs and minimise the environmental impact.

"We don't know yet if our process will be competitive from the start compared with the established production method," she said.

"If all goes well and the aluminium industry is in, then we could see the first commercial production in eight to ten years."

Unearthly ambitions

While the EU is focused on earthly uses and curbing emissions, NASA has ambitions to find new environments for human activity.

It has been using crushed anorthosite powder from a smaller Greenland mine already in production, operated by Canadian-based Hudson Resources, to test equipment as part of a space race that would involve mining on the moon and even establishing communities there.

"The deposits in Greenland and elsewhere are not exactly like the moon, but they're pretty darn close," said John Gruener, a space scientist at NASA's Johnson Space Centre.

"If we're really going to live off the land at the south pole of the moon, which everybody is interested in now, we will have to learn how to deal with anorthosite, the dominant rock that's there," he said. "Having another supply of anorthosite from Greenland is great."

Climate campaigners are not so sure.

Greenpeace has campaigned against deep sea mineral extraction, saying it risks disturbing ecosystems we have not even begun to understand and puts forward similar arguments against mining in space.

"We need to be finding sustainable solutions, not looking for more sources in new frontiers. There is so much we just don't know about these environments," said Kevin Brigden, senior scientist at Greenpeace Research Laboratory.

Asked about the concerns, Greenland's resource ministry said in an emailed statement it did not expect minerals extracted in Greenland to be used only for green technology.

"But we work actively to optimise the green profile and utilise our resources in the service of the good cause," it said.

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A bomb ripped through a vehicle carrying a Taliban police chief in eastern Afghanistan on Thursday, killing him and wounding 11 others, officials said.

The blast happened in Asadabad, the capital of Kunar province, targeting the Taliban police chief for Shigal district, said an official from the Islamist group.

"The police chief has died and eleven people have been wounded," he told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

A doctor in Kunar central hospital confirmed to AFP that it had received 11 wounded people, including four Taliban fighters and seven civilians.

No one claimed responsibility for the attack but the Islamic State-Khorasan group, who are active in eastern Afghanistan, have claimed similar attacks on the Taliban in the past.

The Taliban have battled with IS-K since its emergence in Afghanistan in 2014.

IS-K has claimed responsibility for some of the most recent attacks, including a suicide bombing among worshippers last week in a Shiite mosque in Kunduz province that killed around 100 people.

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Some Hindu temples in Bangladesh have been vandalised by unidentified Muslims during Durga Puja celebrations, prompting the government to deploy paramilitary forces in 22 districts after four people were killed and many others injured in riots, media reports said on Thursday.

A home ministry spokesperson said that the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) troops have been deployed in 22 districts across the country to stop the spread of violence.

The elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the armed police were also ordered to be on guard with the BGB in 22 of the 64 administrative districts and elsewhere to contain any violence, he said.

Also read: Chamber of commerce for Bangladesh, NE India mooted

According to media reports, three people were killed during clashes between Muslims and the police at Hajiganj sub-district in Chandpur, bordering Cumilla on Wednesday while the fourth one succumbed to his wounds later.

Authorities enforced a ban on rallies in Haziganj where officials confirmed the deaths of four people in gunshots, adding that two others were critically injured in the clashes.

The police said that a couple of their officials were injured as the mob attacked them and vandalised their and local administrators' cars.

They, however, did not explain if the casualties were caused due to the police actions but media reports said that the police opened fire on a mob of over 500 people.

According to the officials, the police were alerted about an alleged blasphemy incident at a Durga Puja pavilion in Cumilla, about 100 kms from here, after which a probe was launched.

However, violence erupted as Muslims attacked temples in parts of Cumilla, neighbouring Haziganj, northwestern coastal sub districts of Hatia and Banskhali while social media was used largely to instigate the communal tensions.

Hindu religious leaders called the violence as part of a plot to upset the Durga Puja celebrations and demanded action against the Muslims and the protection of Hindu temples and establishments.

A particular group committed the blasphemy at the pavilion to stop the Durga Puja by staging protests, according to Nirmol Pal, Secretary of the Cumilla District Puja Celebration Committee.

The police said that they had detained 43 people in connection with the violence so far. People who posted the first video on the Cumilla puja venue on social media were also under custody.

Investigations are under way and we are identifying the culprits also using security camera footage," police's deputy inspector general Anwar Hossain told the media in Cumilla.

Ruling Awami League general secretary and road transport minister Obaidul Qader said that "fanatic elements" staged attacks on Hindu temples at 10 to 12 places with a political motive.

"But our government led by (Prime Minister) Sheikh Hasina will not let them proceed with their evil design," he told reporters visiting a Puja pavilion at the Ramkrishna Mission here.

He cautioned people against spreading rumours to sever the interfaith harmony in the country, adding that Hasina has ordered stringent actions against the communal elements.

"We will remain alert," the minister said.

The religious affairs ministry issued an emergency notice, urging members of the public not to take the law into their hands as it reiterated calls to maintain communal harmony and peace, it said.

Hindus make up some 10 per cent of the Muslim-majority Bangladesh's 169 million population. In the past several years, there have been reports of sporadic violence, mostly sparked by rumours spread on social media.

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China's Foreign Ministry on Thursday warned against what it called possible political manipulation of a renewed probe by the World Health Organization into the origins of the coronavirus, while saying it would support the international body's efforts.

The WHO on Wednesday released a proposed list of 25 experts to advise it on next steps in the search for the virus' origins after its earlier efforts were attacked for going too easy on China, where the first human cases were detected in late 2019.

Beijing was accused of withholding raw data on early cases during a visit by a WHO team in February and has since resisted calls for further investigation, saying the US and others were politicizing the matter.

Foreign Ministry spoksperson Zhao Lijian said China would continue to support and participate in global scientific tracing and firmly oppose any forms of political manipulation.

Also Read | WHO panel on origins of new pathogens includes Wuhan probe members

We hope that all parties concerned, including the WHO secretariat and the advisory group, will effectively uphold an objective and responsible scientific attitude," Zhao told reporters at a daily briefing.

The experts proposed by the UN health agency include some who were on the original team that went to the central Chinese city of Wuhan to investigate the origins of Covid-19.

The findings of the original WHO-led team were inconclusive, and the experts released a report concluding it was extremely unlikely that the coronavirus leaked from a Wuhan lab, prompting criticism from outside scientists that the theory had not been properly vetted. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus later acknowledged it had been premature to dismiss the lab theory.

Beijing has repeatedly questioned whether the virus did indeed originate in China, and has called for investigations into US military laboratories without providing any solid evidence.

China has largely stamped out cases of local transmission of Covid-19 infections through mask wearing, quarantining and electronic case tracing, along with sometimes draconian measures including lockdowns and mandatory mass testing.

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The killing of five people in Norway in a bow-and-arrow attack appears to be an "act of terror," the Norwegian security service said Thursday, with the suspect, a Danish Muslim convert, already on their radar over fears he had been radicalised.

Four women and a man died and two others were injured on Wednesday in the south-eastern town of Kongsberg in Norway's deadliest attack in a decade.

"The events in Kongsberg currently appear to be an act of terror, but the investigation... will determine in closer detail what the acts were motivated by," Norway's intelligence service PST said in a statement.

Read | Norway police say cannot rule out 'terrorist' motive for bow-and-arrow killings

"We're talking about a convert to Islam," police official Ole Bredrup Saeverud told reporters on Thursday, adding: "There were fears linked to radicalisation previously."

Saeverud said the 37-year-old suspect had confessed to the facts of the matter during questioning. Those who were killed during the attack were all aged between 50 and 70.

"We are investigating among other things to determine whether this was an act of terror," Saeverud added.

Reports that linked him to radicalisation pre-dated this year, Saeverud said, and police had followed up at the time. "We haven't had any reports about him in 2021, but earlier," he said.

"We're relatively sure that he acted alone."

PST also confirmed that the suspect was known to them but added the couldn't give "further details about him."

It aslo said they didn't believe the threat level in the country had changed, describing it as "moderate".

"Our evaluation is that what happened in Kongsberg Wednesday October 13 does not change the national threat assessment," PST said.

Murder in Norway is rare.

Also Read | Five killed in Norway bow-and-arrow attack, man arrested

It was the deadliest attack since far-right extremist Anders Behring Breivik killed 77 people in 2011.

Since then, Norway has seen one other far-right attack, carried out by a self-proclaimed neo-Nazi who opened fire into a mosque.

On Thursday it was largely quiet in Kongsberg, a picturesque town of 25,000 people with wooden facades and the foliage changing colour for the autumn.

Streets were almost empty with only a light police presence.

A few police officers stood outside a store where part of the attack took place. A glass door there was chipped by a shot.

Two candles flickered outside the town's church.

The suspect was due to appear before a judge on Friday for a custody hearing.

He was undergoing a psychiatric examination on Thursday, the prosecutor said.

The victims have not yet been named publicly, but one of the wounded was an off-duty police officer who had been in a store.

Norwegian media questioned why it took police more than a half-hour to arrest the suspect after the first reports of the attack.

Police were informed of the attack at 6:13 pm (1613 GMT) and the suspect was arrested at 6:47 pm. He fired arrows at police, who responded with warning shots, Saeverud said.

Thomas Nilsen was at home when he heard the screams and said images of war came to mind.

Read | Norway attacker converted to Islam, suspected of radicalisation

"I thought it was Kabul," he told AFP.

"I heard children screaming, barking and then the sound of a helicopter circling around my house," Terje Kristiansen, another witness, said.

"I didn't sleep much," he added.

Images in the media showed a black arrow sticking out of a wall and what looked like competition-grade arrows lying on the ground.

Police said Thursday the suspect had also used other weapons, but provided no details.

"These events shake us," said Prime Minister Erna Solberg, who stepped down Thursday, replaced by Jonas Gahr Store, whose Labour Party won recent parliamentary elections.

Store lamented the "horrible acts", while Norway's King Harald said he was "appalled by the tragic events".

Norwegian police are not normally armed, but after the attack, the National Police Directorate ordered that officers be armed nationwide.

Norway rarely experiences such violence, but 10 years ago Anders Behring Breivik killed 77 people in the country's worst massacre since World War II.

Breivik first set off a bomb in Oslo next to the building that housed the office of the prime minister, then went on a shooting spree at a summer camp for left-wing youth on the island of Utoya.

Several planned jihadist attacks have also been foiled by security services.

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Son of Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan, Aryan Khan's lawyers, senior advocates Amit Desai and Satish Maneshinde argued that he was not present during the rave party raid on the cruise ship, had no cash to buy drugs, nor had any narcotics on him.

In a sensational claim, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Wednesday alleged that Khan along with others, was prima facie involved in "illicit drug trafficking, procuring and distribution of contraband" banned under the NDPS Act.

The agency also accused Aryan Khan of being in touch with some persons abroad who could be part of an international illegal drug syndicate and it is continuing further investigations to unearth his links to contact the foreign agency through proper channels.

The NCB's statement came during a hearing of the bail applications of Aryan Khan, Arbaaz Merchant, Munmun Dhamecha, Mohak Jaswal, Nupur Satija, Aachit Kumar, Shreyas Nair and Avin Sahu before Special NDPS Judge V.V. Patil.

Since the arguments remained incomplete, the matter will continue on Thursday afternoon, and Aryan Khan and the 7 others arrested remain in custody since October 2.

The NCB's allegations came in its reply opposing the bail applications of Aryan Khan, Merchant, and Dhamecha.

Read | Cruise drugs: 20 people held as NCB arrests Nigerian

It said there is prima facie sufficient material evidence in the form of WhatsApp chats, photos, etc showing that Aryan Khan was an active link of the illegal drugs chain along with the other accused.

The agency said Aryan Khan used to procure the drugs from Merchant, from whom 5 grams charas was recovered, and they are both closely associated which is sufficient to make out the offences, while Aachit Kumar, nabbed after Khan's statement, was nabbed with 2.6 grams of ganja.

The reply states that the arrests of the other suppliers and accused form part of a larger chain, nexus and involvement in a conspiracy.

Since there was a seizure of commercial quantities of drugs, the non-recovery of drugs from one person (Aryan Khan) cannot be treated in isolation as all are intertwined with each other and are "inextricably connected".

Strongly opposing Aryan Khan's bail plea, the NCB said that since he is an influential person, he could tamper with evidence or influence witnesses and may flee from justice.

Desai, however, termed the NCB allegations of drug trafficking as inherently absurd and false since he was not even on the ship during the raids, but the NCB said Aryan Khan used to get his drugs from Merchant.

Aryan Khan, along with Merchant, Dhamecha, Satija, Jaswal, Ishmeet Singh Chadha, Vikrant Chhoker, and Gomit Chopra were nabbed in the first round on October 3, and on October 7, remanded to 14 days judicial custody by a Mumbai magistrate.

Later, the NCB made a series of arrests, totalling around 20 to date and all the accused are in different types of custody.

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Following media reports that Hindu temples and Durga puja venues were vandalised by unidentified Muslims in Bangladesh, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted on Thursday that the government in the neighbouring country reacted promptly to ensure that the situation was under control and said that the Indian mission is in close contact with the Bangladeshi authorities over the matter.

Some Hindu temples in the neighbouring country were vandalised by unidentified Muslims during Durga puja celebrations, prompting the government to deploy paramilitary force personnel in 22 districts after four people were killed and many others were injured in riots, according to Bangladeshi media reports.

Asked about the reported attacks on Durga puja pandals and temples in Bangladesh, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "We have seen some disturbing reports of untoward incidents involving attacks on religious gatherings in Bangladesh. We note that the government of Bangladesh has reacted promptly to ensure control of the situation, including the deployment of law enforcement machinery."

Also Read | 4 killed as goons attack Hindu temples in Bangladesh during Durga Puja; paramilitary force called in

"We also understand that the ongoing festive celebrations of Durga puja continue in Bangladesh with the support of government agencies and of course, a large majority of the public," he said at a media briefing here.

The Indian High Commission in Dhaka as well as consulates in Bangladesh are in close contact with the authorities in Dhaka and at local levels over the matter, Bagchi said.

A Bangladeshi home ministry spokesperson said Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) troops have been deployed in 22 districts across the country to stop the spread of violence.

According to the media reports, three people were killed during clashes between Muslims and police at Hajiganj sub-district in Chandpur, bordering Cumilla, on Wednesday, while the fourth victim succumbed to his wounds later.

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The Centre on Thursday made fresh appointments of judges and additional judges at High Courts of Patna, and Allahabad and Bombay respectively.

In a notification, the Department of Justice said, in exercise of the power conferred under the Constitution, the President, in consultation with the Chief Justice of India, has approved the appointments.

Four advocates Sandeep Kumar, Purnendu Singh, Satyavrat Verma and Rajesh Kumar Verma were appointed as judges in Patna High Court.

Judicial officer Om Prakash Tripathi was appointed to the Allahabad High Court as additional judge.

Also Read | Centre issues fresh orders on appointment of HC judges

Two judicial officers Anil Laxman Pansare and Sandipkumar Chandrabhan More were appointed as additional judges of the Bombay High Court.

On Wednesday, the government issued notifications for appointments 10 judges and four additional judges, to the High Courts of Telanaga, and Orissa and Kerala respectively.

Of the total 14 names, five judicial officers and one member of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal were women.

On Tuesday, the Union government had notified appointment of 15 advocates and two judicial officers as judges of the Allahabad, Madras and the Gauhati High Courts. Besides, it also passed orders for making three additional judges of Gauhati High Court as permanent.

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Nearly 50 years after it was carved out of Assam as a full-fledged state in 1972, the demand to further bifurcate Meghlaya on ethnic lines has surfaced with two local parties forming a coordination committee for this purpose, ahead of the bye-elections to three Assembly seats on October 30.

The Hill State People's Democratic Party (HSPDP) - which is a part of the ruling National People's Party-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance, and the Garo Hills State Movement Committee (GHSMC) have formed the committee to intensify their claim for the proposed Khasi-Jaintia and Garoland states.

The demand for creation of Garoland also comprising western Assam's four districts -- Chirang, Baksa, Udalguri and Kokrajhar -- inhabited by the matrilineal Garo community once become a major issue in the northeast region when the Bodoland statehood movement was its peak.

Read more: Meghalaya environment minister to get PETA award for 'pineapple leather' initiative

The Bodoland issue was more or less resolved after the Bodoland Territorial Region accord was signed in January 2020 and 1,615 extremists along with their arms and ammunition surrendered to the government.

HSPDP President K.P. Pangniang told the media that after bifurcation of Meghalaya, one of the states would be for the Garos and the other for the Khasi-Jaintia communities.

"Demarcation of the boundaries clearly be done to create a separate state for the Khasi-Jaintia and Garo people so that no problem emerges in future similar to the existing inter-state problem between Assam and Meghalaya," he said, adding that the coordination committee would identify and demarcate the areas that would fall in the two proposed states.

The GHSMC, a conglomerate of seven Garo organisations including regional party Garo National Council, along with the HSPDP, have also decided to launch a joint movement to intensify their demand for bifurcation of Meghalaya.

Pangniang said that they would release booklets in local languages to explain their demand for the creation of a separate state for the Khasi-Jaintias.

The GHSMC had in December 2018 raised the demand for a separate Garoland state after several extremist outfits also voiced for the similar demand. Several former militant leaders are also part of this renewed movement.

The Garo Hills region, comprising five of Meghalaya's 11 districts and 24 out of 60 Assembly seats, is spread across 10,102 square km. As per the 2011 Census, this region had 13.94 lakh people compared to the 22.44 lakh spread across the Khasi-Jaintia Hills region covering 15,546 square km.

In 2014, the Meghalaya Assembly had rejected demand for the creation of a separate Garoland state in the western part of the state.

By-elections will be held on October 30 in three assembly seats -- Mawryngkneng and Mawphlang in the East Khasi Hills, and Rajabala in the West Garo Hills district.

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In January 2020, a few villagers in Mitukuli village in Odisha's Nayagarh were patrolling the forests -- a practise popularly known as thengapalli -- when they found nearly 225 well-grown trees cut down by the forest department. Infuriated at the sight, they put forth the issue before the Community Forest Resources Management Committee (CFRMC) (Gosthi Jangala Sambala O. Parichalana Committee), formed by the villagers.

This kickstarted the process to formally reclaim the forest lands that they have been protecting for generations, and legally petition for the ownership of Community Forest Resources (CFR) under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. Believing that this will empower them with rights for protection, regeneration, conservation and management of forest resources, the inhabitants of eight villages (including Mitukuli) in the Dasapalla block in the district met with the Welfare Extension Officer (WEO) On August 16 to submit the petition.

"Ame ama janglara sima nirdharana karichu aau ame chahunchu amaku ama jangala uapare adhikar milu (we have demarcated the traditional boundary of our forest and demand our rights over CFR)," said Laxmi Mallick (54), pointing to the forest just behind Mitukuli village. On entering this village, comprising 50 homes, mostly belonging to marginalised tribal and Dalit families, one encounters a cement plaque displaying the words -- "Villagers protect and manage these forest resources".

The final straw

Last January, the day after the villages found the fallen trees, they noticed officials from the Forest Department, Forest Development Corporation and a few labourers bringing in a truck to remove the trees. The villagers protested the entry of the vehicle. "We didn't allow them to lift the wood; we sat on the timber. We protested because after all, we are protecting our forest but without informing us, they cut down our trees," Pramila Jani, a committee member, told 101Reporters.

Initially, the department didn't agree and tried to forcibly take away the timber. But the villagers were firm in their refusal to move. To diffuse the situation, the District Forest Officer, Ranger and other officials agreed to a negotiation.

"We demanded our share of the timber and asked them to not cut any more trees without taking permission from the committee," said Subhas Chandra Jani, President of the CFRMC. Finally, the forest department decided on a compromise and assured to pay the villagers Rs 87,700 against the trees they had cut down. The amount is yet to be transferred to the CFRMC account, but villagers are happy to have claimed their share for the first time. This incident built confidence among the villagers, and they decided to redraw the traditional forest boundaries to claim control over their entire CFR area.

Reimagining borders

"Our ancestors have been protecting this forest, and now we continue their legacy. If we establish the boundary, it will empower us to restrict the entry of outsiders," Dhaneswar Jani, an active member of Mitukuli CFRMC and representative of the Adivasi Cell in Nayagarh district, told 101Reporters. This already includes timber thieves and smugglers, against whom women like Mallick protect their forests, stick in hand. "But many times the Department itself cuts down and takes away timber in the name of making rath for Lord Jagannath, cutting down siali creepers just to clean the forest and plant trees which benefit them. They never thought to consult us or take our permission," said Mallick.

Ironically, it's the villagers who had to worry about being arbitrarily pulled up by forest guards for venturing into the forest.

The community sat together to redraw the traditional boundary line so they can use the resources and impose restrictions. They also invited neighbouring villagers, the Revenue Inspector and officials from the forest department for joint verification and to avoid any conflict in future.

"We have considered the cattle grazing land, barren land, streams, types of trees, forest deity and places our ancestors used to visit while preparing the outline of the traditional forest area," said Bhubaneswar Jani, Secretary of the Mitukuli CFRMC. He added that once they finished the blueprint, each family contributed to buying lime powder to mark the boundaries.

"Before beginning this divine effort, we performed a puja before our village deity and ventured into the jungle. Since then, we have been awaiting the official claim certificate over CFR," the secretary said with a confident smile.

Nirman, a non-profit organisation, took steps to empower villagers about information surrounding community forest rights. Narayan Parida, Programme Officer at Nirman oversaw regular meetings and sensitisation programmes with community leaders, women and youth to guide them about the process.

Reliance on forest produce

Bankataila is one of the seven other neighbouring villages that was inspired by Mitukuli to petition for rights over CFR. With a population of 160, Bankataila began as a satellite village and was sharing forest land with the neighbouring village of Munduli. Laxmidhara Muduli, President of CFRMC, Bankataila, said, "When we heard Munduli were demarcating their forest area, we found they had taken away most of our forest land." But the villagers from both the villages were able to sit down together and amicably redraw the forest borders.

"Ame kaani pati bhikhya magilu, ama jangala amaku diya (We begged and requested them to give us our forest land to survive). This touched the hearts of the village elders, and they returned the portion of the land to Bankataila," he said.

In Mitukuli, the villagers barely have about two acres of cultivable land on average where they generally grow paddy. To supplement their income and nutrition, they collect sal, siali and tendu leaves, mushroom, fruits, jhuna, honey, mahul, palua, satabari and odanga from the forest. It is estimated that each family makes at least Rs 10,000-15,000 from forest produce yearly which can be substantially augmented if they have stronger rights over these resources.

Dhaneswar told 101Reporters, "In 1999 and 2000 when we faced drought-like conditions, our forest saved us from starvation. Women ventured into the forest to collect siali leaves and stitch them, while men sold these in the market to buy rice for their families. Besides tubers, different types of spinach, potatoes and mushrooms helped us survive." This year too, they expect the sporadic rainfall to produce a below-average yield. "But we are hopeful that our forest will help us," he said.

They also believe the restrictions on outsiders will help protect the forest from fires. "Last year, our sanctuary went up in flames. We toiled into the night to extinguish the fire. Though the reason is still unknown, we believe restrictions on access will protect the forest," said Muduli.

Consolidating community efforts

Though these eight villages in Dasapalla are waiting for recognition of CFR, they have already started following the rules formed by their respective committees. Each committee has 15 members with equal participation of women. If villagers require timber or bamboo for the construction of homes or any other purposes, they will have to obtain permission from the committee.

"The committee will decide on which trees can be cut and the villager will have to pay for it," said Sukanti Behera, secretary of the Bankataila CFRMC, showing the receipt book. Till now, the Committee has received Rs 1,800 from villagers. "But the food from the forest has been exempted and we don't charge for it," she added.

The Bankataila CFRMC hopes to be able to spend the funds collected on the development of the village and community. "We have planned to start a seed bank to collect seeds from the forest. Before the monsoons, we will plant them for the growth and regeneration of the forest," said Nandi Bhoi, a member.

If the eight villages fail to get the CFR title in the next three months, they will bring this issue before the Collector. Dhaneswar Jani echoed their common belief, "After all, we are protecting our forests, so we rightfully deserve ownership over forest resources."

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Ensuring equitable vaccines for all is a key to the global economic recovery but it faces a significant challenge, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told her G-20 counterparts on Wednesday In her remarks at the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, held on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

Sitharaman said for the global economic recovery, it is essential to keep up the support, build resilience and enhance productivity and structural reforms. These should be our policy goals, Sitharaman said at the in-person meeting of the Fourth G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) under the Italian presidency.

G-20 countries agreed to avoid any premature withdrawal of support measures while preserving financial stability and long-term fiscal sustainability besides safeguarding against downside risks and negative spillovers.

The meeting, the last one under the Italian Presidency, also saw discussions and agreements on various issues of global economic recovery, pandemic support to vulnerable countries, global health, climate action, international taxation and financial sector issues.

Appreciating the G-20's role in rallying the pandemic response and supporting vulnerable countries through debt relief measures and the new SDR allocation, Sitharaman suggested focusing efforts on making the benefits reach the intended countries.

Participating in the discussion on climate change, the finance minister emphasised that considering the varied policy spaces and different starting points of countries, the centrality of climate justice based on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and principles of the Paris Agreement would be critical for taking forward discussions towards successful outcomes.

Also read: India offers spectrum of opportunities, FM Sitharaman tells American CEOs

She rued that the failure in fulfilling the existing international commitments on climate finance and technology weakens the collective efforts of the global community in the fight against climate change. Sitharaman asked for climate justice to guide further discussions.

In her remarks, the finance minister appreciated the recent OECD decision of OECD on global tax. This agreement, she noted, helps to address tax challenges arising from the digitalization of the economy and in dealing with Base Erosion and Profit Shifting issues.

For addressing tax challenges arising from the digitalisation of the economy, the G20 FMCBGs endorsed the final agreement as set out in the statement on a two-pillar solution and the Detailed Implementation Plan released by the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) on October 8, 2021.

The G-20 meeting of finance ministers and governors of central banks discussed a range of other topics, including the current macroeconomic conditions, further progress on reforms to international taxation, coordination on vaccine distribution and long-term pandemic preparedness.

They also discussed efforts within the G20 Finance Track on climate change mitigation and financial regulatory issues. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and her counterparts also continued productive discussions about international tax, an official release said.

Yellen noted the landmark agreement of virtually the entire global economy to end the race to the bottom on corporate taxation and how 136 nations, representing 94 per cent of the worlds GDP, including all 20 nations in the G20, agreed to a new and specific set of provisions to uniformly tax the income of multinational companies, including a global minimum tax.

World Bank President David Malpass said developing countries need five billion more doses to vaccinate 70 per cent of their population by the middle of next year. And theres a need to boost manufacturing capacity too.

The International Finance Corporation  IFC  is investing to expand production in Africa, he said. Some urgent steps are needed: swapping near-term vaccine delivery schedules with COVAX and AVAT; closing the gap between pledges and deliveries and eliminating trade and regulatory barriers. Finance and health ministers in developing countries should also seek contracts that include early delivery schedules, he said.

Malpass called for ending the fossil fuel subsidy regimes and design appropriate carbon taxes and other incentives for carbon reduction. This will be critical for bending the emissions curve, he said. The G20 finance ministers and governors of the central banks agreed to coordinate their efforts to tackle climate change and protect the environment, as well as to promote transitions towards greener, more prosperous and inclusive economies and societies, a communique said after the meeting.

Following up on the July 2021 engagement on climate action, ministers and governors urged different G20 work streams to act in synergy to deepen the analysis of the economic and distributional impact of mitigation policies and develop the most appropriate policy mix to move towards low greenhouse gas emission economies.

Such mix should include investment in sustainable infrastructure and innovative technologies, as well as fiscal, market and regulatory tools, including carbon pricing mechanisms, to support clean energy transitions, the communique said.

According to the G-20 Communique, ministers and governors recognised that global recovery is continuing at a solid pace, mostly due to the rollout of vaccines and the continued policy support. Nonetheless, the recovery remains highly divergent across and within countries and exposed to risks, thus the members have reaffirmed their willingness to continue sustaining the recovery, avoiding any premature withdrawal of support measures, it said.

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The Centre on Thursday said it has fixed subsidy on potash derived from molasses (PDM) for the first time under the Nutrient Based Subsidy, a move expected to reduce the country's dependence on mineral-based potash.

The government will offer a subsidy of Rs 73 per 50 kg bag of PDM sold at Rs 600-800 by fertiliser companies to farmers, it said.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given a nod to this proposal in its recent meeting.

According to the Fertilizer Ministry, "It is expected that the Union Government will spend Rs 156 crores (approx.) annually as a subsidy on PDM and save a foreign exchange of Rs 562 crores". This will give a push to sugar mills to manufacture the byproduct 'molasses' from which potash can be derived. This will boost the revenue of mills and income of sugarcane growers, the ministry said in a statement.

Also Read | Cabinet okays Rs 28,655 cr subsidy on P&K fertilisers for rabi season to benefit farmers

Besides, it is expected to reduce India's dependence on 100 per cent import of more than 42 lakh tonnes of mineral-based Muriate of Potash (MOP), which cost around Rs 7,160 crore annually, the statement said.

Till last year, the government was fixing the subsidy under the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme for 22 varieties of fertilisers having soil nutrients namely Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P), Potash (K) and Sulphur (S). However in May this year, two complex fertilisers were included under the NBS.

The inclusion of PDM takes total variants of fertiliser to 25.

The government has also extended the increase in the subsidy of phosphatic (P) and potassic (K) fertiliser from October 1 till March 31 of this financial year, while enhanced subsidy on Diammonium phosphate (DAP) by Rs 438 per bag as a special one-time package.

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By Sudhi Ranjan Sen,

India is building up a stockpile of Covid vaccine doses with 250 million shots prepared and three more vaccines under development, a government official said on Wednesday, which will go some way to help the country meet its export commitments.

Most of these doses will be given to neighbouring countries and will also meet Indias commitments to the World Health Organisations Covax initiative for poorer nations, said V K Paul, a member of NITI Aayog.

Covishield makes up the bulk of 250 million doses, while the rest are Covaxin, Paul said. Several more vaccines are under development and are likely to get statutory clearances by the end of the year, he said.

Also Read | India has no plans for Covid-19 booster dose: NITI Aayog

India will play a significant role in providing vaccines to the world by 2022, he told reporters.

The news comes as India is set to achieve its own milestone of one billion first vaccination doses next week, a government official told reporters earlier. About a fifth of the 1.49 billion population is fully inoculated, according to the Bloomberg Vaccine Tracker.

India last month said it would restart vaccine shipments in October, some six months after the government halted exports due to the second wave of infections. Local media reported that exports have already begun to Myanmar, Nepal, and Bangladesh, which received one million doses each.

Also Read | Science relating to booster doses of Covid vaccines still evolving: Govt

Iran had also obtained one million doses of Covaxin, the Indian Embassy in Tehran tweeted last week, signalling that Modis vaccine diplomacy is in full swing.

India to restart vaccine exports as neighbours put pressure

India agreed in September to restart exports just before Modi embarked on a visit to the US, which included a face-to-face meeting with the Quad group that is also made up of Australia, the US, and Japan. Modi told his counterparts that eight million doses of Johnson & Johnsons vaccine would available by the end of October under the partnership.

The Quad countries will pay for the vaccine and India would bear a certain part of the cost, Modi said during that meeting in Washington.

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India currently has no plans to give booster doses as some nations have begun doing, the government's chief Covid-19 advisor said Wednesday as the country nears the milestone of one billion vaccine injections.

Doctor Vinod K. Paul said meanwhile with the country's vaccine makers ramping up production and domestic needs diminishing, India should be able to resume being a major exporter of jabs from next year.

More than 15 countries worldwide have begun issuing third doses of coronavirus vaccines to older citizens, including in Israel and in European Union nations such as France, Italy and Germany.

But Paul, part of the Indian government's advisory body NITI Aayog, said there is no clear guidance on whether a third dose is necessary, including from the World Health Organization.

Also Read | Science relating to booster doses of Covid vaccines still evolving: Govt

"As of now we do not have a recommendation for a booster bump-up dose," Paul told reporters, adding however that the government would "continue to watch this space very carefully".

His comments came with the number of vaccine doses administered in India set to hit 100 crore in the coming days, with some 75 per cent of those eligible receiving one shot and around 30 per cent double vaccinated.

India is the world's largest vaccine producer but the country halted exports of Covid jabs earlier this year to focus on its domestic needs after a devastating infections surge overwhelmed hospitals.

But with vaccination rates now high and coronavirus cases down sharply, exports have resumed in recent days, with a total of around four million doses reportedly being sent to Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Iran.

Production of Covishield  the Indian-made version of the AstraZeneca vaccine  and the homegrown Covaxin is currently around 25 crore shots per month and is on course to reach 27 crore soon, according to officials.

Combined with the production of other vaccines made in India  including Johnson & Johnson with local partner Biological E  coming on line, the country could begin exporting again on a large scale next year.

"Huge, huge availability can be visualised potentially," Paul said, allowing India  a vital supplier to other low-income countries  to be "potentially very generous" again in 2022.

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India offers a spectrum of opportunities to investors and business firms, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told executives of top American companies, as she met and apprise them of various flagship programs of the Modi Government under Atma Nirbhar Bharat.

Sitharaman, 62, is currently in the American capital to attend the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. On the sidelines of the meeting of these two institutions, she has been meeting a host of top American CEOs with footprints in India and who have shown interest in seizing the investment opportunities there.

In her meeting with Amway CEO, Milind Pant, the focus of discussion ranged in the areas of research and development, manufacturing automation, innovation and nutrition segment, the ministry said. Initiatives like National Monetization Pipeline recently launched the National Infrastructure Master Plan and a spectrum of opportunities at GIFT City in Gujarat was mentioned by the finance minister during her meeting.

Also read: Worrying that scholars can now be 'influenced' by their own likes and dislikes and not facts: Sitharaman

The minister underlined the presence and performance of the company in India since 1998 and its keenness to invest in the coming years. During her meeting with B Marc Allen, Chief Strategy Officer of Boeing, the discussion was broadly in the areas of skilling, research and development, manufacturing automation, innovation and the aerospace sector.

She underlined Boeings collaboration in Make In India and Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiatives and the interest of the company to invest in the coming years.

During her meeting with Stanley Erck, CEO of Novavax, Sitharaman discussed important Indian initiatives towards healthcare reforms like research and development in medical science, health and well-being and the growing opportunities at GIFT City in Gujarat.

She underlined the companys interest to invest in India in the coming years.

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Hitting out at the Centre over its decision to extend the jurisdiction of the BSF, the Trinamool Congress on Thursday said it was an "infringement" on the rights of the state and an attack on the federal structure of the country.

The Centre has amended the BSF Act to authorise the force to undertake search, seizure and arrest within a larger 50 km stretch, instead of the existing 15 km, from the international border in Punjab, West Bengal and Assam.

Demanding its withdrawal, the TMC claimed the decision was taken without consulting the West Bengal government.

"We oppose this decision. This is an infringement on the rights of the state. What was the sudden need to enhance the BSF's jurisdiction without informing the state government?" TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said.

"If the BSF has to conduct any search, they can always do it along with the state police. This has been the practice for years. It is an attack on the federal structure," he added.

Senior TMC MP Sougata Roy alleged that the BSF doesn't have a good track record on human rights in border villages.

"The Centre and Home Minister Amit Shah are trying to weaken the states. BSF doesn't have a good track record when it comes to human rights in border villages," he said.

State Congress president Adhir Chowdhury warned the Union Home Ministry of "consequences" over the move.

"The expansion of #BSF area of jurisdiction upto 50 km from border of some states amounts to brazen infringement upon the territory of states. @HMOIndia (Home Ministry), you should not indulge any 'Chherkhani' (meddling) else will face the consequences," he said in a tweet.

The state BJP slammed the TMC for its criticism, saying that its opposition to the changes is aimed at appeasing its vote bank.

Also read: Government empowers BSF to execute search, arrest in larger areas in Punjab, West Bengal, Assam

"The TMC government has failed to check cross-border infiltration and smuggling. The TMC's opposition is aimed at appeasing its vote bank," said Sayantan Basu, the BJP's state general secretary.

The Union Home Ministry issued a notification in this context on October 11, amending a July 2014 enabling provision for the BSF personnel and officers while they operate in the border areas.

BSF officials said the amendment will help them in effectively curbing trans-border crimes and the new amendment brings in "uniformity" for its operations in the borders states of Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Assam where it can now operate within 50 km area from the border.

In Gujarat, which shares border with Pakistan, the same limit has been reduced from 80 km to 50 km, while in Rajasthan, it has been kept unchanged at 50 km.

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The BJP on Thursday demanded an inquiry into all the recruitments that have taken place during the Congress rule in Rajasthan in the wake of alleged irregularities in the recently conducted state teachers' eligibility exam.

State BJP chief spokesperson and MLA Ramlal Sharma said Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot should apologise to the youth of Rajasthan for irregularities in the recruitment exams while Education Minister Govind Singh Dotasra should resign.

"All the recruitments done in Rajasthan in the Congress rule are under doubt," Sharma said in a video message.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been demanding a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities in the Rajasthan Eligibility Examination for Teachers-2021 (REET) while its state unit president Satish Poonia has claimed that the key accused in the case -- Batti Lal Meena -- is a Congress worker, a charge denied by the ruling party.

A team of the Rajasthan Police's Special Operations Group (SOG) had arrested Batti Lal Meena and along with another person -- Shivdas Meena -- from Kedarnath last week.

New layers are opening up in the investigation of the SOG in the paper leak case and it is clear that papers of competitive exams held in the past, be it of radiographers or lecturers, were leaked too, alleged Sharma.

"BJP wants all recruitments that have taken place in Congress rule be investigated. The chief minister should apologise to lakhs of youth of the state and the education minister should resign," he said in a video message.

The REET was held on September 26 across the state for which 16 lakh candidates had enrolled.

After irregularities came to light in the conduct of the exam, the state government had suspended 14 state government employees including one Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) officer and one Rajasthan Police Service (RPS) officer.

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BJP leader Amit Malviya on Thursday slammed the Congress, saying that the Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya visited former PM Dr Manmohan Singh at AIIMS Delhi but "not many Congress leaders" bothered to visit him. However, later Malviya deleted the tweet.

"Health Minister visits Dr Manmohan Singh, but not many Congress leaders have bothered to visit, yet. None from the Gandhi family for sure," he said in a tweet.

Singh was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences on Wednesday evening after he complained of weakness following a fever.







Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday wished his predecessor Manmohan Singh a speedy recovery.

Modi tweeted, "I pray for the good health and speedy recovery of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji."

I pray for the good health and speedy recovery of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 14, 2021

Earlier, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya visited the former prime minister and enquired about his health from the doctors treating him.

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To curb crime along the international border, the Border Security Force (BSF) forces can now carry out searches and make arrests within a 50 kilometres stretch into Punjab, West Bengal and Assam, which share international borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The power extending the BSF jurisdiction came into force after the Ministry of Home Affairs amended the BSF Act, 1968, which came into effect on October 11. Earlier, these limits were fixed to 80 kms in case of Gujarat and 50 kms in the case of Rajasthan and 15 kms in Punjab, West Bengal and Assam. In Gujarat, which shares a border with Pakistan, the same limit has been reduced from 80 kms to 50 kms while in Rajasthan the limit has been kept unchanged at 50 kms.

Also read: Government empowers BSF to execute search, arrest in larger areas in Punjab, West Bengal, Assam

How does the amendment empowers BSF forces?

With this notification, the 2.65-lakh personnel paramilitary force can now execute the powers of search and seizure, within a 50 kilometres stretch into Punjab, West Bengal and Assam, for the purpose of prevention of any offence punishable under the Passport Act, the Registration of Foreigners Act, the Central Excises and Salt Act, the Foreigners Act, the Foreign Exchange Management Act, the Customs Act or of any cognisable offence punishable under any other Central Act.

The new amendment in the BSF Act will also allow the force to apprehend any person who has committed offences under these laws.

What are the Opposition parties saying?

The Centre's move to empower BSF forces, however, has triggered a political row with the ruling Opposition parties in Punjab and West Bengal dubbing it as an "attack on federalism" and an "attack on federal structure of India". Several political party leaders have questioned the intent of the BJP-led Centre behind the move.

Alleging it is an "infringement" on the rights of the state, West Bengal and Punjab have demanded its withdrawal. "I strongly condemn the GoI's unilateral decision to give additional powers to BSF within 50 KM belt running along the international borders, which is a direct attack on the federalism..." tweeted Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi urging immediate rollback of the "irrational decision".

I strongly condemn the GoI's unilateral decision to give additional powers to BSF within 50 KM belt running along the international borders, which is a direct attack on the federalism. I urge the Union Home Minister @AmitShah to immediately rollback this irrational decision.  Charanjit S Channi (@CHARANJITCHANNI) October 13, 2021

Also Read  'Attack on federalism': Punjab CM Channi wants Centre to roll back BSF jurisdiction order

In Bengal, the TMC has claimed the decision was taken without consulting the West Bengal government. "We oppose this decision. This is an infringement on the rights of the state. What was the sudden need to enhance the BSF's jurisdiction without informing the state government?" TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh asked.

Why are Opposition parties opposing the move?

While the MHA claims that this decision has been taken to curb illegal activities linked to national security in 10 states and two Union Territories, states fear that it might raise administrative issues between police forces and the border security personnel. "If the BSF has to conduct any search, they can always do it along with the state police. This has been the practice for years. It is an attack on the federal structure," Ghosh added.

Senior TMC MP Sougata Roy alleged that the BSF doesn't have a "good track record on human rights" in border villages.

"It's a very politically sensitive move. The main aim of BSF is to guard borders and stop infiltration. Recent cases have shown they have not been able to guard the delineated line," a senior police official was quoted as saying in a report by the NDTV. The official added that this may also lead to an increase in BSF's confrontations with local police and villagers.

"Their operational duties are around Border Outposts but with these new powers they would also operate well within jurisdictions of some states," the official added.

What did the BSF say about the amendment?

BSF officials said the amendment will help them in effectively curbing trans-border crimes and the new amendment brings in "uniformity" for its operations in the borders states of Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Assam.

"The amendment effected on October 11 establishes uniformity in defining the area within which Border Security Force can operate as per its charter of duties and execution of its role and task of border guarding in its areas of deployment. This will also enable improved operational effectiveness in curbing trans-border crime and to an extent of 50 kms from the international boundary within the states of states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, West Bengal and Assam, running along the borders of India," the BSF said in a statement.

A senior BSF officer told the publication that with the new rules in place if the force gets any intel, they would not have to wait for the local police's response and they would be able to take preventive action well in time.

What did the earlier rule say?

The earlier notification of July 3, 2014, outlined the BSFs jurisdiction as whole of the area comprised in the States of Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya and so much of the area comprised within a belt of 80 kilometers in the State of Gujarat, 50 kilometers in the State of Rajasthan and 15 kilometers in the States of Punjab, West Bengal and Assam, running along the borders of India.

Under Section 139 of the BSF Act, the central government has the authority to notify the area and extent of operation of the BSF from time to time.

The BSF personnel will continue to invoke these powers in the "whole of the area" comprised in the states of Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya and Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

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Haryana Police on Thursday said it arrested an Army personnel for allegedly passing secret information to Pakistani intelligence agency ISI.

Rohit Kumar was arrested on Wednesday evening on a tip-off, it said.

Kumar is a resident of Kodwa Khurd village in the Naraingarh area in Ambala district. Currently, he is employed as Havaldar in an engineering regiment of the Army in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, the police said.

Also Read | Exact revenge for soldiers killed in J&K encounter: Shiv Sena

He had come to his village a few days back on leave, Superintendent of Police Hamid Akhtar said.

Akhtar said police had received an input about Kumar and on the basis of which he was taken into custody.

During interrogation, it came to the fore that he was in contact with a Pakistani agent and was sharing secret information and photographs to a Pakistani intelligence agency, the SP said.

He said Kumars two mobile phones, which were used for sharing information, were seized.

Also Read | Over 400 detained in Kashmir following civilian killings

The police will check all the details of his mobile phones, he added.

Akhtar said Kumar joined the Army in 2012 and had been indulging in espionage activities since 2018.

Police said during interrogation, Kumar confessed that he had shared some information with the Pakistani intelligence agency.

A case has been registered against him under the provisions of the Official Secrets Act, they said.

Kuamr was produced before a court on Thursday evening, which remanded him to police custody for seven days, police said.

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Some SAD leaders, including party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, were briefly detained by police here on Thursday when they tried to march towards the governor's residence to protest the Centre's decision to extend the BSF's jurisdiction in Punjab, among other states, according to officials.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) alleged that the police manhandled and hustled Badal and some party supporters who were part of the protest held outside the Raj Bhawan.

Read | Why BSF jurisdiction extension has triggered a political row

Police said SAD leaders and supporters were briefly detained when they were marching towards the Governor's House.

However, SAD said in a statement that Badal courted arrest and was taken to the Sector 3 police station along with senior party leaders and workers in a bus.

The Union government has amended the BSF Act to authorise the force to undertake search, seizure and arrest within a 50-km stretch, instead of the existing 15 km, from the international borders in Punjab, West Bengal and Assam.

The Union home ministry issued a notification in this context on October 11, amending a July 2014 enabling provision for BSF personnel and officers while they operate in the border areas.

Punjab shares border with Pakistan.

Badal, who was accompanied by party leaders Bikram Singh Majithia and Daljit Singh Cheema, said that the Akalis wanted to meet Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit and apprise him that the Centre's move to "attack the federal structure" is not good.

Addressing party leaders and workers at the protest site, Badal claimed, "Through this order, Amritsar city, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Fazilka and virtually half of Punjab will come under their (BSF's) domain. Law and order will eventually come under the Centre's control."

He claimed Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi is sitting silently and "has surrendered, abdicated responsibility to secure few more months in power".

The Akali Dal has been fighting to ensure that the country's federal structure remains intact and will continue to fight for it, he said.

Channi had on Wednesday slammed the Centre's "unilateral decision" to extend the BSF's jurisdiction and called it a "direct attack on federalism".

Also Read | 'Attack on federalism': Punjab CM Channi wants Centre to roll back BSF jurisdiction order

Badal alleged, "First the Centre framed the farm laws, a subject which is states' domain, and now they want to take control of law and order too."

Meanwhile, Punjab ministers Pargat Singh and Vijay Inder Singla addressed a press conference and termed the Centre's decision to extend the BSF's jurisdiction an "attack on federalism".

Pargat Singh also slammed former chief minister Amarinder Singh, who voiced his support for the Centre's move on Wednesday and said that it will "only make us stronger".

Dubbing Amarinder Singh's statement as unfortunate, Pargat Singh said, "He acts like he is with the BJP."

With this order, Pargat Singh claimed, half of Punjab will come under the BSF's control.

The Centre wants to "later show Punjab as a disturbed state and push for the imposition of Governor's rule", he alleged.

Singla said that the BJP-led central government is trying to "infiltrate rights of states, but it will not be allowed to break the federal structure".

"We have seen earlier how the Centre has tried to weaken the rights and powers of states," he said.

Former Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar said security forces should not be used as a political tool.

"We are proud of our security forces which are meant to secure our borders and protect India from foreign aggressors. Using them to cover up the failures & to clean up the mess created by leaders & govts is very alarming," he said in a tweet.

"It not only denigrates our brave forces but also adversely affects their morale discipline & preparedness. It's this use of our forces as political tool which should be avoided. No one knows it better than @ capt_amarinder Singh ji," he said.

The government notification will allow the BSF to execute the powers of search, seizure and arrest for the purpose of prevention of any offence punishable under the Passport Act, the Registration of Foreigners Act, the Central Excises and Salt Act, the Foreigners Act, the Foreign Exchange Management Act, the Customs Act or of any cognisable offence punishable under any other Central Act, according to officials.

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Three doctors were allegedly assaulted by the family members of a patient at a private hospital in northwest Delhi's Pitampura after a newborn baby died during a caesarean procedure, police said on Thursday.

The patient's family members, who were later detained, alleged that the baby died due to the "negligence of doctors."

It was found that a 26-year-old pregnant woman, a resident of Rani Bagh, was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday.

Due to certain complications, the doctors performed a C-section on the woman but even after that the baby was stillborn, a senior police officer said.

Enraged at this, some family members of the woman quarrelled with the doctors and manhandled them, blaming them for the baby's death, the officer said.

Footage of the incident showed a group of people hurling abuses at a doctor and assaulting him.

The body of the baby was later shifted to Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital for a post-mortem examination, the police said.

One of the doctors lodged a police complaint against the patient's family members for manhandling doctors and causing damage to the hospital, they said.

The MLC (Medico-Legal Case) report of the three doctors found their injuries to be of simple nature, they added.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest) Usha Rangnani said that based on the doctor's complaint and the MLC, a case was registered under sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 341 (wrongful restraint) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The accused were also booked under the Delhi Medicare Service Personnel and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage of Property) Act, 2008, she said.

The accused have been detained and the matter is being investigated, the police said.

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The SIT probing the Lakhimpur Kheri violence on Thursday took Union Minister Ajay Mishra's son and three others arrested in the case to recreate the sequence of events leading to the incident in Uttar Pradeshs Tikonia village.

Amid tight security, the three accused were taken to the site of the incident on the Tikonia-Banbirpur road, around 60 km from district headquarters Lakhimpur city, police said.

Eight people died in the October 3 violence and of them, four were farmers, allegedly knocked down by a vehicle carrying BJP workers.

Infuriated farmers then allegedly lynched some people in the vehicles. The other dead included two BJP workers and their driver. In the incident, a journalist was also killed.

Also Read | Lakhimpur violence: Ashish Mishras friend Ankit Das appears before SIT

Farmers claimed that Union Minister Ajay Mishra's son Ashish Mishra was in one of the vehicles, an allegation denied by him and his father who say they can produce evidence to prove he was at an event at that time.

Ashish Mishra 'Monu' was arrested in the case on October 9 after 12 hours of questioning, and a court has accepted his police custody from October 12 to October 15.

The other three  Shekhar Bharti was arrested on October 12, and Ankit Das and Latif alias Kale were arrested on October 13.

Das, Latif and Bharti are in police custody from October 14 to October 17.

On Thursday, investigators reached the district jail premises in the morning to take Das, Latif and Bharti into police custody.

The trio were taken to the crime branchs office at the Reserve Police Lines, which is near the district jail where main accused Ashish Mishra is lodged.

They were taken to Tikonia village by the special investigation team (SIT) amid heavy security for further investigations, police said.

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Expressing concern over the unfortunate practice of police invoking provisions of sexual assault at the behest of a girl's family objecting to her involvement with a boy, the Delhi High Court has said the rigor of POCSO law is being misapplied and misused.

The high court, granting bail to a 21-year-old man who was accused of raping a minor girl with whom he claimed to be in a relationship, said it cannot ignore the friendship between the two and added that it appeared the FIR was lodged at the insistence of the girl's family which was embarrassed on finding out that she was pregnant and this would lead to a social backlash in the neighbourhood.

Consensual sex has been in legal grey area because the consent given by minor cannot be said to be a valid consent in the eyes of law. The short question which arises is as to whether the petitioner (man) should be granted bail or not.

Whereas, what has become a trite and unfortunate practice is that the police are filing POCSO cases at the behest of the family of a girl who object to her friendship and romantic involvement with a young boy. The rigor of the law is, therefore, being misapplied and subsequently misused, Justice Subramonium Prasad.

The court said the age of man and girl, photographs which categorically pointed towards a relationship between the two and discrepancies in the statements given at the time of recordings of medical report, FIR and before the magistrate are all mitigating factors which tilt the balance towards grant of bail to the accused.

It said it appeared that to avoid social embarrassment and to get the pregnancy medically terminated, this FIR has been filed giving it a colour of sexual exploitation and bringing it in the ambit of the Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act which envisages abolition of child abuse.

The court, which noted that the girl has no objection to grant of bail to the man, said they both are more or less of the same age and this fact cannot be overlooked that the accused is only 21-year-old, having a complete life ahead of him.

The court was informed that after being released on bail, the man would stay with his parents in Uttar Pradesh's Hardoi and that the address has been verified by the prosecution.

The man was directed to furnish a personal bond of Rs 50,000 with two sureties of the like amount and not to leave the district of Hardoi unless for appearing in court proceedings.

The petitioner shall not, directly or indirectly, tamper with evidence or try to influence the witnesses. Violation of any of these conditions will result in the cancellation of the bail given to the petitioner, the court said.

According to the FIR, the girl complained that she was 16 years of age and a student of class 12th and in January last year, the man used to stalk her while she was on her way to school and he had expressed his intention to make friends with her but she resisted.

It alleged that during the nationwide Covid-19 lockdown last year, when she was returning from a friend's place, the man stopped her and took to a house and gave her some snacks after which she became unconscious and fainted.

It alleged that when she woke up, she felt pain and realised that she had been raped but did not disclose it to her family at that stage.

The girl alleged that after sometime when she started vomiting, she was taken to a doctor where it was revealed that was pregnant and a case was lodged against the man and later her pregnancy was terminated.

The man, while seeking bail, submitted that he had developed friendship with the girl in school and while the girl was 18-year-old, he was 21-year-old and that the complainant has been coerced by her family members to file the FIR.

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An employee in the chief engineer office of the Military Engineer Service (MES) in Rajasthans Jodhpur was arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan, police said on Thursday.

Gajendra Singh, aged around 35 and a resident of Sirohi district, was in touch with a Pakistani woman through WhatsApp. He was passing on information of strategic importance to her, Director General of Police, Intelligence, Umesh Mishra said.

Singh is a Class IV employee and used to move files and letters and operate a photostat machine in the chief engineer office of the MES. He would click photos of important files on his mobile phone and share them with the Pakistani woman, Mishra said.

Based on intelligence inputs about him, he (Singh) was kept on surveillance and his activities were monitored. He was detained in Jodhpur and was jointly interrogated by intelligence agencies, the officer said.

Mishra said Singhs mobile phone was examined in Jaipur and evidence of obscene chats and sharing of information of strategic importance was found, following he was placed under arrest.

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The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday lifted the restriction on weekend worship in temples with effect from today and also permitted all shops including restaurants and bakeries to function till 11 pm. The restriction on visiting the beaches on weekends, too, has been relaxed.

Tuition centres and job fairs, as well, can be conducted by adhering to the Covid-19 safety protocols, the government said. Chief Minister M K Stalin, who reviewed the pandemic situation in Tamil Nadu and also the conditions prevailing in the neighbouring states with senior officials, made the announcement on allowing worship in temples on all days in the week.

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Reacting to his gesture, BJP state chief K Annamalai said the State government has allowed the opening of temples on all days for worship. "This is what the BJP has been insisting all along and staged a protest on October 7, across the State," Annamalai said and "sincerely thanked" the Chief Minister and Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department Minister P K Sekar Babu for "acceding to the people's wish."

Following the government's announcement, HR & CE Commissioner J Kumaragurubaran directed the joint commissioners and assistant commissioners to make necessary arrangements.

"The Government has permitted the devotees to visit the temples on all days from tomorrow. Necessary arrangements has to be made in accordance with the SOP laid down by the government," the Commissioner said.

In a circular issued on Thursday, Kumaragurubaran asked the department senior officials to visit as many temples as possible tomorrow and verify the preparedness. "Alert the executive officers immediately," he said.

Ahead of the temple reopening for darshan, HR & CE Minister Sekar Babu visited the renowned Sri Kalikambal temple here and inspected the arrangements. On September 29, the Tamil Nadu government had extended the ongoing lockdown till October 31 with more relaxations.

A release from the government on Thursday, quoting the Chief Minister, said the ban on holding political, social, cultural and festivals will however continue to avert the spreading of the Coronavirus. Further, the government relaxed certain restrictions and said beaches will be thrown open to the public during the weekends.

Play schools, kindergarten classes and Anganwadis have been allowed to reopen from November 1 and all employees working there should have been vaccinated against Covid-19.

Permission has been accorded for 100 people to attend wedding functions from November 1.

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Durga Puja, West Bengal's most popular festival, has become a political metaphor in the poll-bound state and the deity Durga, a source of electoral salvation for leaders, who are with their backs to the wall ahead of the 2022 state Assembly elections, especially with the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress seeking to make waves in Goa.

Goa Forward Party president Vijai Sardesai, whose patience has been put to the test by the Congress party over possible alliance formation, has taken recourse to pay homage to Durga, invoking a 'new dawn'.

"I have said that we have to awaken the Durga in us. Navaratri is about Durga Puja. We worship Durga mata and pray to her for something good to happen. The coming of a new dawn is a good thing," Sardesai said.

Sardesai's reference to a 'new dawn' contains a coded, oblique reference to the Trinamool Congress, which has coined a new political slogan especially for Goa called 'Goenchi Navi Sakal' (Goa's New Dawn). Posters and banners by the hundreds have gone up in Goa over the last two weeks tomtoming the political slogan -- styled on the lines of 'khela hobe' slogan during the West Bengal polls -- with a photograph of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Also read: Goa independent MLA extends support to TMC ahead of 2022 Assembly polls

Sardesai's political position is a peculiar one. His Goa Forward won three seats (including Sardesai himself) in the state Assembly polls in 2017 on an anti-BJP plank, but joined the BJP soon after the election results were announced. Sardesai was, however, sacked from the cabinet soon after then Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar's death in office in 2019 by Pramod Sawant, who replaced Parrikar in the top seat.

Facing the 2022 polls, Goa Forward appears to have been reduced to the status of a political pariah, with Congress not seeming eager to ally with it.

Sardesai argues that the Congress has a dichotomous approach while dealing with his party and vis a vis alliances.

"On the one hand they say that we want to form an alliance, while in the papers we hear (statements like) we will contest all 40 seats. They are telling us one thing privately, on the other hand they say something else publicly. One leader speaks one language, state-level leaders say something else," Sardesai said.

"This sort of inconsistency and lack of direction of the opposition party makes us hostage to a situation whereby default this government can come back again. So we have to be very conscious and I am willing to make any sacrifice to ensure that the BJP does not come back to power in Goa," he added.

Sardesai also claims that he is in talks with other parties as well as Indian-Political Action Committee's Prashant Kishor, who is the chief political strategist for Banerjee's Trinamool Congress.

"I had met Prashant Kishor earlier, I have told you that. Everybody is in touch with everyone. This is election season. We have to look for options 100 per cent. We cannot rest idle and allow this government to rule for another five years," said Sardesai, who was a part of the BJP-led alliance government from 2017-2019.

Also read: Ahead of Goa Assembly polls, GFP gears up to forge alliance against BJP

Sardesai is not the only politician who is keen on an association with the Trinamool. Sitting Nationalist Congress Party MLA Churchill Alemao, who contested on a Trinamool ticket in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, is also dropping political references identical to the one's coined by Trinamool's biggest Goa catch, former Congress Chief Minister Luizinho Faleiro.

"Me and Mamata Banerjee were MPs together. We know each other. We will see how politics plays out," Alemao, also a former Chief Minister said.

"If all four Congresses, Nationalist Congress Party, Trinamool Congress, YSR Congress and the Congress join together, it will bode well," Alemao said.

Last month, soon after joining the Trinamool, Faleiro had said that the Congress, with its breakaway units was a "divided house", but added that his objective was to bring the breakaway groups together to take on the BJP.

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With Assembly elections two years away in Rajasthan, the ruling Congress as well as the opposition BJP are scrambling to put their disunited houses in order. The high commands of both parties have given the state units clear instructions to display a united front and end factionalism. Yet, even as the parties face by-polls to two Assembly seats in late October, it is easier said than done.

At its first by-poll rally last week, the Congress did attempt to display a united front -- with a photograph featuring Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Congress leader Sachin Pilot, state party chief Govind Singh Dotasara and party leader Ajay Maken campaigning together. But the Gehlot-Pilot rivalry and its undercurrent of tensions remain.

After the party affected the leadership change in Punjab, there was anticipation that the high command would act decisively to end the factionalism in Rajasthan, too. The expectations heightened after Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra met Pilot twice within a week. There was talk of the much-anticipated cabinet expansion or even a change of guard. A second rumour that did the rounds was of Pilot being put in charge of the party in Gujarat, which goes to Assembly polls in late 2022. Neither came to pass.

Instead, Gehlot and his former deputy chief minister Pilot made statements betraying the continuing game of one-upmanship between them. Gehlot recently asserted that not only would his government complete its term but that the party would also return to power in the next election, adding for good measure that he was himself ready to serve people for another 15-20 years. Not to be outdone, Pilot responded by saying that he wasnt going anywhere from Rajasthan for another 50 years.

Senior Congress leaders, however, tried to see the situation differently. Amidst their rivalry, the two are focusing on the partys victory in the upcoming by-elections, indicating that the internal differences have lessened. The situation in Rajasthan is different from that in Punjab. Gehlot still enjoys the support of the majority of MLAs, one senior leader told DH.

Two recent developments indicate that the high command is doing a high-wire act to keep both factions happy. In the first move, Rajasthan Health Minister Raghu Sharma has been given the task of gathering the partys forces in Gujarat for the 2022 polls in that state. In 2018, Gehlot was in charge of Gujarat when the party gave the BJP a tough fight. Putting Sharma, the partys Brahmin face and known to be close to Gehlot, in charge now is being seen as making Gehlot the backseat driver in Gujarat.

In another move, however, Rahul Gandhi was seen to be trying to keep Pilot happy by making him part of his four-member team to visit Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh to meet the victims of the recent violence there.

Meanwhile, in the BJP, the infighting between the Vasundhara Raje faction and the state party chief Satish Poonia is an open secret. The in-fighting in the BJP unit dates back to the 2018 Assembly elections. After losing the elections, Raje was sidelined by the central leadership.

The BJP has since been working to tamp down the constant infighting between Raje and Poonias factions. Over the past few months, many in the state unit have accused Raje of running a parallel system, including Covid welfare initiatives, that was designed to prop her up, not the party.

The factionalism has worried the BJP enough for its national general secretary (organisation) B L Santosh to issue a stern warning during the recent two-day Chintan Shivir in Kumbhalgarh, directing the leaders to focus on strengthening the party.

Rajes supporters have been demanding that the party project her as the chief ministerial candidate for the 2023 election. Poonia has refused to let this happen.

In January, Rajes supporters created the Vasundhara Raje Samarthak Manch Rajasthan, and demanded that she be named the partys chief ministerial face for the 2023 elections. In August, the Manch launched an office in Jaipurs Sanganer area, causing a murmur within the party.

Such public statements and moves by the party leaders have not only exposed the factionalism in the party, they have also put the BJP in a tight spot. In June, BJP Rajasthan in-charge Arun Singh had warned the state party leaders that strict action would be taken against those running factions in the party. But the party is in no position to take such action.

Speaking about the Chintan Shivir, Poonia told DH, We are focused on strengthening the party to ensure that we come to power in 2023. The decision on the CM candidate will be taken by the party.

The litmus test for the united house efforts by both parties will be the results of the two by-polls to be held this month-end.

The by-elections to the Vallabhnagar seat in Udaipur district and the Dhariawad seat in Pratapgarh district will be held on October 30, and the results will be known on November 2. The by-polls became necessary following the deaths of the Congress MLA from Vallabhnagar, Gajendra Singh Shaktawat, and BJP MLA from Dhariawad, Gautam Lal Meena.

The Congress has fielded Gajendra Singhs wife Preeti Shaktawat from Vallabhnagar, and Nagraj Meena for the Dhariawad seat. The BJP has given the respective tickets to Rajput leader Himmat Singh Jhala and Khet Singh Meena, district president of its Scheduled Tribe Morcha in Dhariawad.

In the Assembly of 200 seats, the ruling Congress has 106 MLAs, the BJP 71, the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) three, the CPI(M) and Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP) two each, and the Rashtriya Lok Dal one. The Assembly has 13 independent legislators.

DHNS

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Hollywoods answer to the daunting problem of a potential asteroid collision with the Earth in 1998 was to send a crack team of astronauts and blue-collar workers riding space shuttles with a nuclear bomb. Over twenty years later, NASA is planning to impact an asteroid with more effective means albeit with slightly less cinematic glitz.

The agencys Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission will see a spacecraft depart Vandenberg Space Force Base on a SpaceX rocket in November and following an 11-month journey, enter into a collision course with a two-asteroid body as they are 10.3 million miles from Earth in October 2022.

Dr Andrew Rivkin of Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and head of the investigation team explained in a talk given for the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) that the objective is to hit a 160-metre-sized asteroid moon called Dimorphos which orbits a larger asteroid called Didymos, which is about five times larger, comparable to the height of the Burj Khalifa skyscraper. They were both originally discovered in 1996.

The plan is to hit Dimorphos which is roughly the size of the pyramids of Giza with a spacecraft that is roughly the size of a standard vending machine, Dr Rivkin explained.

He added that the central mission objective is to change the orbital period of the asteroid around the main body by at least 73 seconds. Dimorphos orbit period currently is about 12 hours. Researchers believe that even affecting this small change to the asteroid moons orbit could prove the viability of future planetary defence missions. The DART project involves scores of international researchers and organisations, including a scientist from IIA.

An experiment

This testbed project is extremely important because there are many near-earth asteroids around our planet. This particular study may help us to protect it from any future disasters, said Dr Chrisphin Karthik of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Bengaluru, who is part of an over-100 worldwide investigation team of scientists.

The researchers believe that there are 500 million near-earth asteroids measuring less than four metres in length, some five million asteroids measuring 25 metres, 20,000 asteroids measuring 160 metres and about 900 objects measuring 1,000 metres. An impact from large asteroids could result in global devastation and trigger the failure of crops. The team also knows of three asteroids measuring 10,000 metres.

An asteroid of this type was famously known for ending the Cretaceous period 66 million years ago.

The larger asteroid impacts happen less often, perhaps once every 100 to 200 million years. As you get to smaller sized asteroids, those impacts happen more often. Even something about the size of 160 metres could leave a pretty big crater which could cause a bad problem if something that big hit, a city or near a city. We have found less than half of such objects out there, so were less confident about what our future is for those, Dr Rivkin said.

Dangers of impact

Even smaller asteroids pose a danger, he added, pointing to the 2013 impact of a 20-metre-long asteroid over the Siberian town of Chelyabinsk in Siberia. There was a big flash, there was a fireball, and then a minute or so later, there was a big sonic boom which blew out windows all throughout the town, and ended up injuring about 1,000 people, Rickin said about the impact that carried broad impact energy equivalent to 500 kilotons of TNT.

An asteroid about 50 metres across could create greater havoc, Dr Rivkin said, pointing to the Barringer crater in Arizona which was created 50,000 years ago. Within 10 kilometres of that crater, there would have been a fireball. Large animals would have been killed or wounded. Within 30-24 kilometres, there would have been hurricane-force winds. If that were to happen in an inhabited area today, it could be very bad. So, planetary defence is the field of trying to deal with whats out there, he added.

Data from NASA shows that India has endured three such hits in the last 18 years, including a 4.6 kiloton impact in Odisha in 2003.

Ultimately more data is needed about near-earth objects, the scientists said, adding that this would potentially save lives through even the smallest interventions. Even a five-minute warning to the residents of Chelyabinsk not to rush to windows after the 2013 impact happened would have prevented injuries, the scientists said.

Wouldnt it be better to set off a nuclear device in space to destroy dangerous incoming asteroids, in the mould of Michael Bays 1998 blockbuster Armageddon?

While Dr Rivkin acknowledged that the biggest tool humankind has is a nuclear device, its deployment would not be like the movies. We would not try to blow up an object and disperse it, we would probably explode that device off to the side and let it melt and vaporise some of the asteroid, he said.

However, there are some caveats. For example, by international law, you cannot test nuclear packages or nuclear devices in space. So theres been a lot of interest in developing other things that could be used. The kinetic impactor method to be used by DART is one such technique. We would be using the momentum that you bring from the spacecraft and change the asteroids orbit, he added.

While this is a relatively simple concept, the scientists said the pilot programme to be launched is also a test of the concept. Every time we send an asteroid mission, we find something that we werent expecting before, they said.
Star Trek's William Shatner, one of science-fiction's most recognisable characters, became a real life space traveler Wednesday on Blue Origin's second human mission.

"It was unbelievable," said the 90-year-old Canadian, who was moved to tears after the 11-minute journey beyond the planet's atmosphere and back again to the Texas desert.

The New Shepard rocket took off around 9:49 am (1449 GMT) after experiencing two brief delays.

Shatner was joined by Blue Origin executive Audrey Powers, Planet Labs co-founder Chris Boshuizen, an Australian national, and Glen de Vries of clinical research platform Medidata Solutions.

Company founder Jeff Bezos was on hand to greet the crew members as they climbed out of the capsule and were showered with applause and champagne.

Like the 600 or so astronauts who have gone before him, Shatner marveled at the experience of weightlessness and the stunning view of Earth from space.

"What you have given me is the most profound experience I can imagine. I'm so filled with emotion about what just happened," he told Bezos.

The mission was a replay of the company's maiden human flight in July, which included Bezos and was seen as a breakthrough moment for the nascent space tourism sector.

This time around, all attention was focused on Shatner, who became the oldest-ever astronaut, despite an appearance suggesting a man decades younger.

The voyages of the USS Enterprise, commanded by Shatner's character Captain James T. Kirk, helped turn American attention to the stars as the US space program was starting out.

"Captain Kirk... represents 'the final frontier' perhaps more than anyone else for a couple different generations of people, in the US and worldwide," screenwriter and Trek historian Marc Cushman told AFP.

Shatner, also known for his role as lawyer Denny Crane in "Boston Legal," among many others, has spoken in the past about an at-times difficult relationship with Star Trek and its fan culture.

But in recent years, the actor has leaned into the fame brought about by his most famous role.

"It looks like there's a great deal of curiosity in this fictional character, Captain Kirk," he said in a video released by Blue Origin.

"Let's go along with it and enjoy the ride."

For Blue Origin, meanwhile, a second mission in less than three months represents another step forward as it tries to establish itself as space tourism's leading player.

Boshuizen and Vries brought the company's total number of paying customers to three, after Dutch teen Oliver Daemen who was on board the first flight.

Competition in the sector is heating up.

Virgin Galactic, which offers a similar experience of a few minutes' weightlessness and a view of the Earth's curvature from the cosmos, launched its founder Richard Branson in July, a few days before Bezos.

And in September, SpaceX sent four private citizens on a three-day trip whizzing around the planet -- an altogether more ambitious, but also likely far more expensive endeavor.

For many space enthusiasts, Shatner's voyage was a fitting coda for a pop culture phenomenon that inspired generations of astronauts, scientists and engineers.

The show has had a long-running association with NASA, whose scientists were sent early scripts to vet their accuracy, according to Cushman, the writer.

"Those scientists, as well as nearly everyone at those space agencies, were avid Star Trek watchers, and they well understood that the popularity of the series helped spark growing interest and funding for the space program," he said.

Another mega-fan: Bezos himself.

The Amazon founder shared an Instagram post of Star Trek artwork he made when he was nine years old, which included a communication device that influenced flip phone design decades later.

Bezos has said Amazon's Alexa voice assistant was inspired by the conversational computer on the Enterprise, and he even made a cameo as an alien in the 2016 film "Star Trek Beyond," sporting an egg-shaped head.

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Unidentified miscreants stabbed a man at Malemar in Kavoor police station jurisdiction on Wednesday late night.

The injured Rajesh Panjimogaru has suffered three stab injuries on his hip, waist and ribs, said City Police Commissioner N Shashi Kumar.

The injured is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Mangaluru.

The incident occurred when he was returning home. The reason for the attack is not known. A case has been registered.

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A 41-year-old man has been hit with a disqualification after two witnesses, concerned at his erratic driving, followed him home and called the police.

Rory Conway, of Roshure Road, Magherafelt, contested a charge of driving with excess alcohol on his breath at Magherafelt Magistrates Court last week.

The court heard from a police constable who had attended a call from two female witnesses who had followed the defendant home along the Draperstown Road and Roshure Road on September 2 2019.

The constable told the court he spoke to the witnesses outside the property who said they had seen the defendant at a petrol station in Draperstown and observing he was driving 'all over the road', had followed him and called the police.

After speaking with the witnesses, the constable located a car in the driveway of the house on Roshure Road, and noted the bonnet was still warm.

Conway's partner answered the door, and when asked if the owner of the vehicle was home, the defendant, who had been in bed, appeared downstairs.

The constable noted a smell of intoxicating liquor from Conway and conducted a preliminary breath test, where a reading of 100mg was recorded.

The defendant was then arrested and taken to custody and on leaving after police interview, said: Boys, it would have been worse if you'd got me in the car.

Defence for Conway argued that as the comment had not been taken down in the constable's notebook and read and signed by the defendant, it was inadmissible in court.

They also said there was no evidence of the defendant driving the car, as both his partner and father had access to it.

The constable said he was not aware of anyone else inside the property at the time, and that the witnesses had described a male suspect.

Statements given by the witnesses were then partially read out in court by Judge Mullan.

One witness said she had observed Conway getting out of the car and 'urinating against the garage', before she asked him: What do you think you're doing?

The statement said the defendant replied What? and moved towards the car, prompting the witness to ask: Where are you going? You nearly caused an accident there.

Conway replied I'm sorry, I'm going to my bed, before the witness went round the back of the house and observed him at the side window with no shirt on, looking out at them.

Counsel for the defence said the details in the statement meant that the witnesses should have been able to identify the defendant as part of the Viper procedure, which they were unable to do.

Summing up, they told the court the defendant had not been detected driving the vehicle, that his unsolicited comment had been inadmissible and that he had not been identified by witnesses.

The prosecution submitted that Conway was the owner of the vehicle and that there were two witnesses to his driving who were so concerned they had followed him home.

Police had found the bonnet of the car to be warm, had spoken to the defendant and noted there didn't appear to be anyone else in the house. It was also noted Conway did not deny the charge at interview.

Judge Mullan found the defendant guilty of driving with excess alcohol on his breath, and said the failure of the defence to call Conway to give evidence was a factor in the decision.

She disqualified the defendant from driving for a period of 12 months, and issued a fine of 250, alongside an offender's levy of 15.
Foyleside Councillor, Shaun Harkin, says talk of unionists vetoing any potential nationalist First Minister is an insult to everyone who believes in democracy.

With the next Assembly election only months away, the campaign rhetoric has already started  and turned sour  with unionists openly mooting exploiting a loophole that could deny Sinn Fein or the SDLP the First Minister role should either be the largest party in Stormont.

Cllr Harkin of People Before Profit, while angered by the political manoeuvring is not entirely surprised that there are those seeking to pushing the boundaries saying democracy has always been a sham at Stormont.

He said: The threat by the DUP, UUP and TUV to refuse a First Minister they don't agree with harks back to the worst of the sectarian unionist veto.

While it's no surprise, it does expose the hypocrisy of parties with pretensions to upholding democracy.

This isn't just an insult to nationalists, it is an insult to everyone who believes in democracy. There is an ever increasing number of people who identify as neither unionist or nationalist.

We share the sense of outrage many people feel. The veto on democracy must go.

The Civil Rights movement arose as a people power challenge to a sectarian Stormont regime for basic democratic rights.

Every democratic demand for equality was resisted, often violently, by those prepared to determined to defend the status quo.

The new Stormont purports to be a democratic institution, however, it is anything but. State sectarianism is still embedded in the new Stormont political carve-up.

In Stormont, establishment unionism and nationalism, dismissed workers rights, women's rights, LGBTQ rights, respect for the Irish language and racial equality for decades.

Political establishment parties have shifted on some of these demands, certainly not all and not far enough, because of relentless people power campaigning.

But the kneejerk anti-democratic instincts of all the governing parties isn't far from the surface.

The shocking undemocratic treatment of the Black Lives Matter protests was greenlighted and subsequently rubber-stamped by all five of the Executive parties.

Democratic access to the right to choose? None of the five Executive parties are making a fuss about the continued denial of abortion services.

The whitewashed investigation of the 'ash for cash' RHI scandal is another example of how the new Stormont regime has been prepared to trample on democracy.

The failure of the Stormont Executive to implement an anti-poverty strategy tramples on human rights and basic democracy.

The same applies to the refusal of the Executive to undo decades of undemocratic neglect of Derry and the North West that's evident in the failure to expand Magee, upgrade infrastructure or build adequate housing.

In the old and new Stormont, democracy has always been a sham.

Stormont has proved incapable of meeting the basic needs of the vast majority of people. Whether it's an insulting pay offer for health heroes, doing nothing as people are pushed over a poverty cliff edge or ensuring women's rights.

As with the Civil Rights movement of the 1960's, people power will be the key to extending democracy and creating a more equal society.
City of Derry Airport will have a brand new flight route beginning this winter.

Ryanair have confirmed they will operate three weekly flights between Derry and Manchester, England, from Winter 2021.

The airline have launched a seat sale to celebrate the announcement of the new route, and their Director of Commercial, Jason McGuinness, said they remain committed to growing their passenger network.

"Ryanair remains committed to re-building Europes aviation and tourism industry by restoring connectivity and growing its network of passengers to over 225 million by 2026," he said.

"As Ryanair takes delivery of 55 additional Boeing 737-8200 Gamechanger aircraft this winter, we are delighted to add this new route from Derry to Manchester."

Local MLA for Foyle, Sinead McLaughlin, welcomed news of the new service.

"This route has long been an ambition of the airport and I congratulate the airport's leadership, and Derry City and Strabane District Council as the owners, for getting this over the line," she said.

"Connections with Manchester are really important for our local economy, as well as being a key destination for study and social reasons.

"Manchester is a vibrant and dynamic city, which is becoming increasingly significant within Britain as an economic hub. Creating business links between the two cities could be extremely beneficial for Derry.

"The City of Derry Airport provides important economic benefits for Derry, as well as the wider region on both sides of the border.

"It is essential that the Executive and the British and Irish governments provide the ongoing financial support it needs, not just to survive but to expand."
More than 30 paintings of Derry street scenes from the last century are to go on display at the Millennium Forum later this month.

The Derrys Streets exhibition by Bridget Murray (nee Harron) will be part of a special cultural evening featuring snapshots of the regions music, literature and art - for returning expats.

The event - sponsored by the new Derry-Donegal diaspora association, Futureproof North West, will take place at the Forum on October 28. The exhibition then will run at the Forum for several weeks.

Ms Murray, who is still enjoying a full-time career in freelance illustration, teaching and facilitating in art, has been exhibiting for more than 35 years.

This latest exhibition draws on a series of paintings she was commissioned to produce for the late John Brysons seminal history of the North West - titled Derrys Streets: 521-2021 - which will also be launched at the Forum at the October 28 event.

A brochure of the exhibition will be issued next week, and signed prints of eight of Ms Murrays paintings will be available.

The Futureproof celebrations will also feature a choral recital from Allegri and guests, hosted by Maurice Kelly.

Futureproof chairperson Sean Downey said the diaspora group, which was inaugurated at Dublins Mansion House in 2019, aims to support conversations that will help the region.

Mr Downey explained: We want to encourage the Northwest diaspora to connect, share ideas and experience, exchange contacts and create opportunities.

As part of this, we plan to organise activities and events to promote networking and relationship-building and strengthen the community of north westerners across the islands and further afield.

We also hope to provide support through the network to people in the North West and the diaspora across these islands and further afield seeking to develop business, promote culture and foster educational opportunities.

Further information on the group, and the Forum event, will be available from futureproofnorthwest .com.
Oh My God 2 producer clarifies shoot of the Pankaj Tripathi and Yami Gautam starrer not stalled despite three covid cases on set

Producer Ashwin Varde has denied the reports that stated that shooting for Pankaj Tripathi and Yami Gautam-starrer 'Oh My God 2' has been stalled after seven members from the team reportedly contracted the coronavirus.

Explaining the situation, Ashwin said in a statement, "Three members of the crew were diagnosed COVID positive 10 days back. Immediately, they were quarantined. As of today, they are well on their way to recovery. We are in touch with the BMC officials and keeping them duly posted on the health of these three crew members."

"As a film unit, we have followed all protocols with regard to COVID. We have a COVID sanitisation unit on set every day, which sanitises the set and does daily checks on every crew member. Every crew member is lab-tested once every few days as per the norms. In fact, after these three crew members tested positive, we immediately tested the rest of the unit too - consisting of almost 200 people. Everyone else has tested negative," he added.

Ashwin is now gearing up for the next schedule of the film.

"I would also like to clarify that none of the film's shooting was stalled due to this unfortunate episode. In fact, we completed our Mumbai schedule and have been on a break before we head to Ujjain to complete the rest of the film. Our next schedule in Ujjain was supposed to commence on October 13. We have now shifted the date to October 23 in order to give ample recovery time for the 3 crew members. The three crew members will complete their 14-day quarantine on October 17 after which they will be tested again to confirm their negative status," he said.

"The rest of the crew will also be tested before we leave for Ujjain for the next schedule. In Ujjain too, we have a special COVID monitoring unit on set that will ensure all guidelines and protocols are being followed. We thank everyone for their concern regarding this matter. We hope and pray for everyone's good health," he added.

'Oh My God 2' is a sequel to Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar-starrer of the same name.
On 3 years of Tumbbad, Sohum Shah shares how the film boosted his career

Sohum Shah has had a great year so far with couple of releases. The actor's versatility was on display as he played the role of politician for the very first time in his career in the show Maharani which earned him a lot of praise. He also played the role of brother of scamster Harshad Mehta in Big Bull. Sohum Shah has been a part of some of the best movies that bollywood has witnessed over the years, one such film, Tumbbad, completes three years of it's release today and here's what Sohum Shah has to say.

Opening up on three years of Tumbbad, Sohum shares, "I can't begin to express my true feelings for this lovely film that I was a part off. The film has completed 3 years but it feels like just yesterday I was working on the film. Tumbbad was not just a great script but a great work of art in the sense that all that we imagined while shooting is what we were able to bring onscreen. The movie played a huge role in boosting my career, I didn't just manage to impress fans in the nation but also got global recognition. I still receive praises for my role in the film. There are International acclaims that I have got all because of this wonderful film that I am thankful for having worked in."

Sohum's talent and skill cannot be questioned, the actor till date gets a lot of praise for his role in the film Tumbbad. The actor made sure that he stayed in character and maintained his physique for 6 years while working on Tumbbad. Tumbbad is the best periodic horror film tha bollywood has churned out in recent times. A sequel to the hit film is in works.

Here's a throwback to the making of the film:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sohum Shah (@shah_sohum)

Moreover, a trivia contest has been put in place as the film marks 3 years. The winners of the contest will get the chance to attend the special screening. Alongwith this they will also be gifted exciting Tumbbad merch.

Reema Kagti's 'Fallen' is lined up for the Tumbbad actor next. He will be seen taking on the role of a cop for the first time in the series and he is set to be going under hardcore training to get the nuances right.
As I write this, we live in a world where political polarisation has, for the most part, become a bit of a buzzword. Finding a common ground between two schools of thought, particularly online, is an increasingly uphill task, and this is what has led to an overwhelming sense of civil mistrust across all social strata. While Indias inherent diversity has always left the path to polarisation wide open, things have gotten remarkably worse over the last decade or so. Cue 2021, economic stagnation, increased job loss, rampant healthcare concerns - a cauldron of resentment with the perfect fuel to stoke the flames - Facebook.

After Facebooks internal studies were leaked to The Wall Street Journal, the social media platforms complicity with harming teen girls psyche was thrown into the light. However, little did we know, this was just the tip of the iceberg. Frances Haugen, now referred to as the Facebook Whistleblower, appeared before the US Senate on Tuesday to talk about her learnings when she was an employee at the company. These learnings were not circumstantial and were based on Facebooks own internal studies.

Facebook Fuels Global Political Polarisation

One of the most explosive revelations to come out of the US Senate meeting was Facebooks role in fueling riots and hate across the globe. By putting profits before people, the tech giant elected to turn a blind eye to hate speech as well as the way the social media platform is used to rustle up willing participants in civil movements with varying levels of violence.

Facebooks data indicated that content that fuels hate and anger receives the highest engagement numbers. In other words, youre more likely to stay online on Facebook while reading and researching hate-enticing content than you are when youre scrolling through other forms of content. Longer hours spent on Facebook translates to a higher profit margin for the Trillion Dollar company, and vice versa.

According to Haugen, it is this type of content, which often slips through the cracks in Facebooks scrutiny, that has led to some of the most notable acts of widespread violence across the globe.

Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar

Facebooks role in the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar has been documented by experts, and theres no room for doubt that the content pushed by the platforms algorithm led to the violence in Myanmar. Alan Davis, an analyst from the Institute for War and Peace Reporting, confirmed that hate speech on Facebook in Myanmar was becoming more organised and militarised in the months before the violence erupted.

Fake news spread rapidly during the time, with fabricated stories designed to inspire action doing the rounds. It was not uncommon to come across stories that reported mosques in Yangon are stockpiling weapons in an attempt to blow up various Buddhist pagodas and Shwedagon pagoda. In a country where the majority of internet users rely on Facebook for news, this turned out to be catastrophic. Militant pages systematically spread what is now deemed to be misinformation until 650,000 refugees from the country were forced to flee to Bangladesh.

Gaining access to hateful content on Facebook is not hard, as demonstrated by a team of researchers who were trying to understand exactly what happened in Myanmar. The team started off by liking a Myanmar military fan page that did not violate any of Facebooks rules. Based on this, the algorithm created a content consumption funnel for the researchers, exposing them to content that glorified violence.

We didnt have to look hard to find this content; FBs algorithm led us to it, said Rosie Sharpe, a digital researcher who worked on the report. Of the first five pages they recommended, three of them contained content that broke FBs rules by, for example, inciting or glorifying violence.

Armed Conflict in Ethiopia

Myanmar is not the only country bearing the brunt of Facebooks profit margins. Recent reports of armed conflict between the federal government and the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) indicate that most of the conflict was fueled by content shared on Facebook.

In 2019, after fake news was shared on Facebook, violence erupted in the Oromia region, leaving 89 dead. While Facebook admitted that it could have done more to prevent the violence in Myanmar, nothing is being done to control the misinformation being spread online in Ethiopia.

When asked whether Facebook is aware of terrorist groups using the platform to spread messages all over the world, Haugen said that the company is highly aware of these pages, and does nothing to stop them.

Delhi Riots in 2020

During the US Senate meeting on Tuesday, Frances Haugen also talked about Facebooks role in inciting violence in India. She said that Facebook is aware of the hate-mongering content linked to RSS pages, shared widely in India to promote mistrust and acts of violence. However, the social media platform, as is evidenced already, chooses to turn a blind eye as this content keeps people online longer. In fact, she also revealed that Facebook has classified India as a tier-0 country and that the company pays more attention to the country during election cycles because thats when their profit skyrockets.

Additionally, to understand the role of politically-charged content in shaping social behaviours in India, Facebook conducted an internal study titled Effects of Politician Shared Misinformation and learned that out-of-context videos shared by politicians in India led to widespread anti-muslim and anti-Pakistan sentiments across the country. Lets not forget that Facebook has over 410 million users in India, who, like many across the world, rely on the social media platform to gain access to news. When news is often skewed, public sentiment becomes easier to mould, and this eventually shapes the actions taken by citizens.

Sounds familiar?

The 2020 Delhi Riots that occurred in the North-Eastern part of the city left over 1000 dead at the end of three days, with a majority of the victims being Muslim. While examining the aftermath of the 2020 Delhi Riots, the Supreme Court of India said, earlier this year, that Facebooks role in inciting the violence cannot be ignored.

Facebook today has influence over 1/3rd of the population of this planet! In India, Facebook claims to be the most popular social media with 270 million registered users. The width of such access cannot be without responsibility as these platforms have become power centres themselves, having the ability to influence vast sections of opinions, the court said.

Similarly, pages that are deemed anti-India and anti-Hindu are also left fully operational on Facebook, widening the gap between the two religions and leading to more social unrest across all political spectrums.

What needs to change?

As demonstrated time and time again, vast political polarisation causes civil unrest that often bleeds into riots and acts of violence against specific minority groups. With social media platforms being able to sway mass perception and impact human behaviour to such a high degree, it is now imperative for governments across the world to work on legislation that limits the power of these platforms.

Stricter Laws

Facebook often oscillates between shrugging off responsibility for the content on its platform and banning certain pages that violate their safety norms (while leaving their content online, ready for consumption anyway, as in the case of the Sanatan Sanstha). With an eye fixed firmly on the bottom line, Facebook has proven to be an unreliable, and often reluctant, moderator. This means that it is on the governments to determine how these social platforms work, and the degree to which the algorithm influences ones social feed. Simply liking a politically adjacent page should not lead one down a rabbit hole of hate and propaganda via suggested content.

Restricting Children on Social Media

In an earlier piece, we discussed how Instagram impacts teen health, leading to widespread depression, anxiety and eating disorders. Ensuring the safety of children online must now fall on the government, as opposed to these social platforms, by introducing laws that restrict minors from accessing harmful content on social media, and from posting content until they reach a certain age.

Does this impact free speech? Yes and no. Children posting suggestive images that lead to objectification should certainly not fall under the we have the right to free speech argument, as the content itself has voyeuristic notes that put the child in danger. At the same time, it is also important to recognise that social sharing, when happening within a safer context, can have positive impacts on a childs self-esteem and development. However, since Facebook has not elected to create that safe space so far, it feels unlikely that it will happen anytime soon.

Lower Reliance on the Algorithm

One of the biggest perils of the content algorithm is that it creates echo chambers. You may be reading ten different iterations of the news, however, based on your political leanings and engagement patterns, Facebook will still only show you content that falls within your worldview. This creates what people are now referring to as an echo chamber, where your own beliefs are constantly echoed back to you, without any room for exposure to other points of view.

When you are continually exposed to the same school of thought (with increasing tones of violence over time), it firmly places you on one end of the political spectrum, with your actions in the future determined largely by the algorithm itself. We are what we consume, after all.

Decreasing the reliance on the algorithm and turning social media feeds into a place where one can simply look at members of our peer group and their updates, rather than a space where news is shared, can prove to be a solid step in decreasing the spread of fake news and public incitement.

Unfortunately, tackling social media and its impacts is not as easy as it seems as we are still learning about these impacts. As Frances Haugen stated, no one outside of Facebook actually knows how Facebook works. By demanding that these companies release accurate data and studies, governments can begin to chart out the way ahead to build nations that are more united and stronger.

Also Read: Instagram Ready To Do The Bare Minimum to Protect Teen Health
Jio Haptik, which is Jio Platforms customer experience AI platform, announced its new app, Interakt on Monday. This app is specifically geared towards SMBs and MSMEs to help companies grow their businesses on Whatsapp. While this is Haptiks first platform for SMBs and MSMEs, its already estimated to be 50 million businesses strong.

How will Jio Interakt Work?

Jio Interakt is an app that helps businesses grow via Whatsapp. It has been built on top of the official WhatsApp Business API, which means that its functionality should mirror that of Whatsapp. Businesses will receive their own dedicated Whatsapp numbers that can be used to undertake operations such as conducting sales, managing conversations at scale, ensuring customer care, working on public relations, sending alerts, answering public enquiries and so on. There is also a Shared Inbox functionality that ensures that a brands in-house team has access to updated information at all times.

WhatsApp is already the default platform for people in India to shop directly from brands and small businesses, said Aakrit Vaish, co-founder and CEO of Haptik. However it can get challenging for businesses to manage these interactions at scale. We believe there will be a time when WhatsApp will become the largest channel for such transactions, even bigger than the web. We have built Interakt to power this new conversational commerce economy.

How many companies have adopted Jio Interakt?

Over 500 brands, including SleepyOwl, Bare Anatomy and The Pillow Company have already adopted Interakt and made it a part of their business operations as they are part of the early access club. The company plans to grow this number 10x within the next 6-12 months.

Interakt is said to launch new features such as automated responses, catalogue creation, advanced analytics, integrations with payment gateways.

Also Read: New Jio plans now come bundled with a Disney+Hotstar subscription and more
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BOTHELL  North Creek Place I, at 12100 N.E. 195th St. in Bothell, sold for $27.3 million, according to King County records.

The seller was SCG North Creek Place LLC, associated with Stockbridge Capital Group, which acquired the property in 2011 for $24.5 million.





. . .
A man travelling across Europe in a metal ball to promote sustainability and awareness of climate change visited Dundalk last week on his journey to Glasgow.

Arnd Drossel, a German man from a town called Paderborn, visited towns across Louth including Dundalk, Blackrock, Drogheda and Carlingford during his visit to Ireland last week, walking around in a wire metal ball.

Speaking to the Democrat, Mr Drossel said that he is doing it in order to promote the need to protect the environment and that he is spreading the message across Europe.

I want to take more awareness of Mother Earth, said Mr Drossel.

As an artist, I think about how I can make many people think about what is my first step to change what Im doing for a better future and by walking, I think, united with many people and passing many cities.

I can show that we are all able to protect our future and our earth and the childrens future.

He told the Democrat that he had visited a primary school in Blackrock, and that pupils were very aware and interested in protecting the environment.

He said he has been through more than 60 cities in Europe so far on his journey, with plans to continue on into Northern Ireland and then to Scotland.

The ball itself weighs 160kg, with Mr Drossel saying it is a lot of effort to walk around in, especially in hilly areas.

However, he has received help from Irish people since he arrived in the country, with Mr Drossel saying they have been excellent to him.

With this in mind, Mr Drossel said that he decided to change his route at the last minute, travelling from Dundalk to Carlingford to Newry rather than going directly there.

He said that originally when he arrived at Calais in France, he wondered whether or not he could keep going due to the difficulty of his journey.

When I arrived in Calais, that was the moment I thought, Can I go on? because it was the middle and I was just tired, said Mr Drossel.

However, he pushed on because he saw that people wanted to change and put the effort in to do better.

Mr Drossel will now be travelling into Northern Ireland and then on to Scotland via Holyhead.
There are areas of Dundalk that are being run as fiefdoms, with kids being used by capos, according to Dundalk TD Ruairi O Murchu, who spoke in Leinster House last week on the National Youth Justice Strategy.

The Sinn Fein deputy warned that unless adequate resources are provided, all the plans will not mean anything, and pointed to the ongoing funding crisis at the Family Addiction Support Network (FASN).

Early intervention, he said, was vital.

Deputy O Murchu said: "I welcome the strategy's references to early intervention, diversion and family support. We need to look at this holistically.

"Family support is not just about dealing with situations when people are already in difficulty with the criminal justice system, are falling into criminality or are well ensconced in it.

"At that stage, young people may be committing serious crimes, may find themselves being used by criminal gangs and we need criminal justice action that deals with that, particularly when we are talking about serious crime.

"Long before we get to that acute stage, however, we need to use real early interventions.

"We need to intervene in the lives of kids who are growing up in areas that have huge levels of deprivation, that suffer because of the actions of criminal gangs and whose families may need more supports.

"We need to offer such supports at a very early stage so that these kids can benefit from the education system and move on into employment.

"Education and employment are things that many of us benefit from without thinking twice about it.

"Reference has been made to the community safety forums which would mean bringing more State agencies together to combat crime and protect our communities. We need this to happen.

"I welcome the Guerin report and the implementation board that has been put in place for Drogheda.

"However, I am very wary when I see that the family addiction support network in Dundalk that deals with Louth, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan, which offers real solutions and which is often used by An Garda Siochana, is having real difficulties drawing down funding to stay afloat.

"We really need to look at this holistically. We are dealing with areas in our constituencies, particularly in urban settings like Dundalk, that are being run as fiefdoms, with kids being used by capos.

"We need solutions that deliver for those people and protect our communities".
A fair and workable system is needed to phase out peat harvesting by 2030, according to a horticultural representative group.

Growing Media Ireland (GMI) called for the implementation of a transition system to allow time for horticulturalists to develop alternatives.

According to them, all sectors of Irish horticulture - including mushroom and small fruit growers - are affected by the current planning system for peat extraction.

A 2019 High Court ruling decreed peat extraction in areas over 30 hectares can only take place if planning permission is obtained. This has resulted in controversy due to large units of peat being imported from other European countries such as Latvia.

In a statement, GMI said, "With peat available to be harvested within close proximity of the processing facilities in Ireland it makes no sense to continue importing peat at a heavy cost not only to producers and growers but environmentally."

In a recent Seanad debate on the matter, Minister Peter Burke claimed he had "no issue" supporting the exemption of peat extraction from the planning process.

He said, "However, clear policy is needed to provide an alternative regime to be put forward to ensure that EU environmental standards are met."

GMI Chairman, John Neenan, called peat "essential" for growers and the security of food they produce.

He said, "If we dont have a fair system in place before the end of the year Irelands horticulture sector will inevitably lose out as our competition in the UK and the Netherlands will race ahead.

"The rest of the EU has taken a practical approach to phasing out peat use in horticulture. The situation in Ireland at present is we have to import peat which causes greater environmental damage than sourcing it at home with a workable licensing system. We need at least two shipments of around 4,000 tonnes each month to meet growers needs."
The gap between two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine can be reduced from 12 weeks to eight, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has advised.

Responding to the new advice from the NIAC Labour TD Ged Nash said what the people of Louth and East Meath will want to know is if it will be implemented.

The Louth TD backed the call from Labour Leader Alan Kelly for the Minister for Health to provide clarity, especially for those in the 60-69 age cohort.

He said:This is a welcome development from NIAC but we need clarity on whether the shorter eight week gap between doses will now be implemented?

"The evidence from a Public Health England study is clear, the first dose of AstraZeneca only provides 33% protection against the new delta variant that first appeared in India.

"This has caused so much concern with people in the 60-69 aged cohort and their families, and the increasing incidence of the new variant that is causing such concern.

Labour leader Alan Kelly has raised this with the government on a number of occasions asking them to get the experts in NIAC to look at it, as there is significant public concern about the three month wait, and I have have been inundated with queries from so many in the 60-69 age cohort worried about the emerging risk from the new delta variant.

"I also raised this in the Dail with Minister Donnelly.

They are worried and their families are worried. The advice from the experts is now clear.

These people waiting for their second dose are likely to be among the most vulnerable and will have to wait the longest to be fully vaccinated and are at real risk from new variants.

With this clear recommendation from NPHET and NIAC we need clarity from the Minister for Health if he will act to implement this new advice.
New figures show a further rise in the number of Covid-19 deaths being reported in Cork.

The latest weekly report from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) on Covid-19 deaths reported in Ireland shows that 13 deaths were reported nationally in the week up to October 12.

The mean age of those who died was 86.

It brings the total number of Covid-19 deaths reported nationally since the beginning of the pandemic to 5,306.

The report shows that 461 Covid-19 deaths were reported in Cork between the beginning of the pandemic and up to this date, up from 453 the previous week- a difference of eight.

More than 35,000 cases of the virus have been reported in Cork since the first case of Covid-19 was confirmed here in 2020.

The latest figures come as concern mounts over a rise in the volume Covid-19 cases being reported.

Last night, Dr Ronan Glynn Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health warned that they are seeing a very high level of disease circulating in communities.

"There has been fantastic uptake of Covid-19 vaccination over recent months.

"Unfortunately, there are still just under 300,000 adults who have not come forward for vaccination and a further 70,000 people have received just one dose of a two-dose schedule.

The spread of disease in these 370,000 people is having a disproportionate impact on the profile of COVID-19 in our hospitals and intensive care units, with two out of every three people in intensive care not vaccinated," he said.

Dr Glynn appealed to people who have not received the vaccine, to do so.

Choosing to get vaccinated is an act of protection for yourself  it may save your life - but it is also an act of solidarity with others; the more of us that get vaccinated, the safer we all are," he said.
A teenager who is in custody on a charge of committing an attempted armed robbery of a popular seaside shop in Cork is to apply to be released on bail later in the month.

The young man appeared by video link from Cork Prison at Cork District Court today. He was represented in court by solicitor Daithi O Donnabhain.

Sergeant Gearoid Davis said it was a relatively new matter and that directions were awaited from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

He applied to have the case adjourned until October 27. Mr O Donnabhain said that on that date there would be a bail application.

It was previously indicated that gardai would be objecting to bail being granted to the accused.

Detective Garda Declan Healy arrested 18-year-old Billy Scannell earlier this month. The accused was cautioned that he did not have to say anything but that anything he might say would be taken down in writing and could be given in evidence. He made no reply to the charge.

The charge is one of attempted robbery that allegedly occurred on Thursday morning, October 7, at OConnells shop in Myrtleville. It was reported that the raider allegedly produced an imitation handgun in the course of attempted robbery.

In the course of an application for free legal aid, the solicitor said the young man was in a state of some destitution and living rough. Judge Kelleher granted free legal aid.

It was reported that the alarm was raised shortly after 11am on October 7 when a masked man, armed with a suspected handgun, walked into OConnells shop in Myrtleville and that he threatened staff and demanded cash before he fleeing the scene on foot.

It was further reported that builders working on a nearby site saw the raider fleeing the scene and knew immediately that something was wrong. They caught up with the lone raider a short distance away and restrained him while staff at the shop contacted gardai.
A senior public health official has said leaving home with Covid-19 symptoms should become as socially unacceptable as drink-driving.

Professor Philip Nolan warned of the dangers of mixing with others while having flu-like symptoms, urging people to err on the side of caution.

Prof Nolan, who chairs the Nphet Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, said that while rising Covid-19 cases are a cause for concern, it is not a time for emergency measures.

He said indicators showcase numbers have "quite suddenly" gone in the wrong direction.

"They have gone in the wrong direction at a particular rate. We are not sure what that rate is or for how long it will last," Prof Nolan added.

"But I have no reason to believe we are in the territory of being concerned about the disease rapidly escalating out of control."

He said the disease is spreading at a slow to moderate pace.

The vast majority of remaining Covid-19 restrictions are due to be lifted on October 22, with many in the night-time industry making plans to reopen.

A time for concern

Prof Nolan said experts will assess another week of data to understand where and why the disease is spreading.

"Let's understand where it's really going and why it is going there and then what measured response do we have to have to that," he told RTE.

"This is a time for concern, it's a time to think about our individual and collective behaviours. It doesn't seem to me to be the time for some kind of emergency action like we would have needed back in October or January."

He said the number of unvaccinated people in hospital with the disease is a "real concern".

"Unvaccinated people are catching the disease, they are getting severe outcomes and spreading the disease, but the disease is also spreading subtly through the vaccinated population," he added.

"I am appealing to people, let's work together to vaccinate everybody who we can persuade to take the vaccine.

"Leaving your home with Covid-like or flu-like symptoms has to become socially unacceptable in the way that drink-driving has become socially unacceptable.

"It is dangerous now for people to mix where one of them has any kind of symptom, and we need to err on the side of caution here. You are better staying at home and working from home if you have anything that suggests you have this disease.

"You could infect that unvaccinated person."

Decision on reopening in coming days

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said Covid-19 could have many twists and turns.

Asked whether plans to reopen nightclubs next week could be postponed due to the rising case numbers, the Taoiseach said the scale of the spread will be assessed over the coming days.

"I do accept, in terms of nightclubs, that there are some sectors in the economy that this creates huge challenges, of course it does, because people have been looking forward to a further relaxation of measures.

"But again, it's Covid that is the problem here. We've got to take sensible decisions in relation to what the latest evidence is."

He also said not every dining and drinking venue is sticking to vaccination certificate rules.

Mr Martin urged those in the hospitality sector to implement the system and indicated that the use of Covid certificates could be extended beyond next week.

"There are some evidences coming back that not all establishments are doing and that would help a lot, even if existing sectors just continued on with applying the vaccination cert protocol before people are allowed in," Mr Martin added.

"I think that's something we need to redouble down on across the board."

Case numbers

A further 1,627 cases of Covid-19 were notified in Ireland on Thursday. There were 415 Covid-positive patients in hospital, 70 of whom were in ICU.

Deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn warned the growth rate of the epidemic has accelerated in recent days.

"All indicators of Covid-19 are pointing towards a deteriorating disease trajectory nationally," he said.

"We are seeing an increase in incidence in all age groups, including older age groups. The national incidence is now 415/100,000.

"As a result, we are seeing an impact on our hospital system, with an average of 50 people being admitted to hospital per day (up from 35 per day at the end of September) and five admissions to intensive care per day."

Dr Glynn urged people to follow public health advice.
A drunken man in a community park began to remove items of clothing as he urged gardai to search him for drugs.

Sergeant John Kelleher said children were playing in Douglas community park on May 30 2021 when 25-year-old Kristian Kiely began to remove clothing.

The young man was shouting at Garda Aoife Walsh that he wanted to be searched for drugs.

Defence solicitor Joseph Cuddigan clarified in relation to Kristian Kiely, He did not remove his trousers.

Sgt. Kelleher said the accused man had to be handcuffed and resisted arrest throughout the matter.

He was later charged with being drunk and a source or danger to himself or others and engaging in threatening behaviour.

The young man had a previous conviction for each of those charges. He also had four convictions for assault.

Mr Cuddigan said on behalf of Kristian Kiely of Dun Eoin Brook, Ballinrea, Carrigaline, County Cork, He wishes to apologise, in particular for his behaviour towards Garda Walsh.

He has profound alcohol difficulties. He is attending AA meetings and he is trying to get into Bruree. He is working.

When I went through the presse of the evidence with him he was quite taken aback.

Judge Olann Kelleher said the accused could do 200 hours of community service to avoid a three-month prison sentence.

The judge also fined him 300 for being drunk and a danger.
While a small cohort of extremist, conservative Michigan legislators is grabbing headlines with their incessant, almost childish rehash of the 2020 election nearly a year later, a bipartisan package of legislation passed the House of Representatives last week that will radically transform how we deliver child care in our state.

The package of eight bills  two introduced by Democrats and six by Republicans  passed last week with overwhelming support. Coming on the heels of $1.4 billion of childcare investments in the recently-passed state budget, these bills are an additional investment that will give parents the peace of mind they need to return to the workforce. Lack of access to affordable child care is one of the top reasons many parents cite when deciding whether or not to go back to work as we slowly emerge from a year and a half of COVID-19 scariness.

Heres a brief synopsis of the eight bills, much of which is taken from the excellent reporting by Scott McClallen at The Center Square:

House Bill 5041 (Sponsor: Jack OMalley, Republican)

Modifies the adult-to-child ratio for in-home child care providers by raising the limit from 1-6 staff members per minor child to 1-7 staff members per minor child for some eligible homes.

House Bill 5042 (Sponsor: Greg VanWoerkom, Republican)

Modifies licensing requirements for a child care center, group child care home, or family to require disclosure of ownership interests. If one center received violations, it couldnt change its name and switch buildings to rid those violations.

House Bill 5043 (Sponsor: Kelly Breen, Democrat)

Creates a new act to require the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to establish, upon appropriation, family child care networks for home-based child care providers in every region of the state. That framework would provide connection to peers, business, operations, and program quality support, as well as training and technical assistance. Rep. Breen said of her bill, There is a critical day care shortage, especially for families with infants or toddlers. Home providers offer the same excellent care as a regular day care center but with fewer staff members. This bill will simplify some of the red tape home day care providers need to traverse to be in compliance with state regulations and allow them to return their focus to taking care of the kids. I am proud that both sides of the aisle were dedicated to joining together for the good of the people.

House Bill 5044 (Sponsor: Ranjeev Puri, Democrat)

Requires MDE to create a regional infant-toddler contract for child care providers funded within the federal child care and development block grant requirements. Contracts would have to be awarded to high-quality providers where MDE determines the demand for infant and toddler child care exceeds supply. Rep. Puri explained his bill by saying, Providing affordable child care that allows parents to work  especially working mothers who have been unable to return to the workforce following the pandemic, and fairly compensates hard-working child care providers is essential. HB 5044 would create an infant-toddler contract model that incentivizes increased wages and quality improvements in care. As the father to two small boys, I know firsthand how expensive child care is, and the financial impact it takes on Michigan families. This package is a big step in the right direction in making childcare more accessible and affordable for our working families and I am excited to continue the work that lies ahead.

House Bill 5045 (Sponsor: Rodney Wakeman, Republican)

Revises the information held by a child care database. Under the bill, databases would have to include the number and nature of any LARA facility special investigations. If passed, state agencies would follow the federal law on penalties: if a facility gets a complaint and that complaint is dismissed, the charge goes away from the daycares record after three years.

House Bill 5046 (Sponsor: Gregory Markkanen, Republican)

Gives a child care center at least 90 days to comply with newly-established rules unless there is an immediate federal obligation or an immediate risk to health and safety. It designates the Department of Health and Human Services and Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to be responsible for developing and communicating rules, as well as establishing an ad hoc committee for each type of child organization.

House Bill 5047 (Sponsor: Julie Calley, Republican)

Requires an operator of a child care center to maintain licensing records on the premises. If internet access was available at the facility, LARAs online database could provide the records.

House Bill 5048 (Sponsor: John Roth, Republican)

Allows child care facilities to be located in a multiple occupancy facility.

In a demonstration of how much this package of bills crosses the political divide, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, no bastion of progressive ideology, has come out in support, acknowledging that passing these bills would be a major step toward getting Michigan back to work:

The Chamber voiced its support for both the legislative package and the appropriation. We believe solving the childcare issue can help break down a key barrier to employability and help employers fill their talent pipeline.

The bill now heads to the state senate. If you support this legislative package, now would be a good time to contact your senator to let them know. You can find contact information HERE.
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Many of Europes poorer regions are among those most exposed to the impacts of climate change. But they also face possible negative consequences from the transition to the green, zero-emission, digital economy that we need to counter global warming. In the South, higher temperatures in already warm European countries such as Greece, Spain and Italy, will affect agriculture and increase the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, like the wildfires that caused such devastation this summer. The shift away from coal, which is essential to reducing our emissions of climate changing CO2, will hit many coal-dependent regions in the East, communities and industries in countries like Poland and my native country Bulgaria, particularly hard.

Faced with this double bind, we need to focus investment in these countries on building a new kind of economy thats sustainable. Much of the investment in the poorer countries of the European Union has historically been in infrastructure, such as highways and railways, to promote growth through easier trade. But the way we invest needs to evolve if we are to confront the existential threat of climate change and transition to a modern, digital, low-carbon economy in a fair way. We will not achieve our climate goals unless we help everyone deal with the costs of the green transition and we must address the relative paucity of climate and sustainability investment in our economically weaker regions.

This is why the European Investment Bank is rethinking its approach and releasing a new orientation paper on its investments in the European Unions cohesion regions. Our ambition is to raise the amount we lend in these regions to 45% of our total. At the same time, we are also expanding our support to include all regions whose economic development is below the EU average.

Using public finance to draw the EU closer together is one of the EIBs founding missions. Over the course of the EUs last seven-year budget period (2014-2020), projects in cohesion regions accounted for as much as 30% of EIB lending (124 billion), and those investments paid off handsomely. Our internal models show that our lending in cohesion regions over this period will boost growth by at least a half of one percentage point and employment by at least two tenths of a percentage point each yearfor the next thirty years!

I have seen the powerful impact that cohesion policies can have on regional communities first-hand through my previous experience as a minister of regional development and head of the managing authority for regional development in Bulgaria. Financial instruments, like those implemented with EIB support, enhance and accelerate investment. This was the case with the JESSICA initiative (Joint European Support for Sustainable Investment in City Areas) which was one of the first such instruments developed by the European Commission and implemented by the Member States with the support of EIB. Today, the EIB Group is also providing financial and advisory capacity to support member states in the efficient and sustainable implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the Just Transition Mechanism.

The less-developed regions are mostly in Central and Eastern Europe as well as in Portugal, Greece and the Southern regions of Italy and Spain, which are either low-income, catching-up regions or regions with a long history of low growth. To these we must add former wealthy industrial regions that are struggling to cope with globalisation and technical change and the transition to a sustainable economy.

With our new approach, less-developed regions, with a GDP per inhabitant of less than 75% of the EU average, will receive greater attention and up to 23% of our total EU lending by 2025. Regions with an intermediate level of income (75-100% of the EU average), referred to as transition regions have been identified by the European Commission as a new vulnerable group. Transition regions, which can be found in countries including France, Spain, Finland and the Netherlands, need targeted support to deal with challenges such as a dependence on low-tech manufacturing, rising unit labour costs, relatively low education and a decline in industrial employment.

As the EU climate bank, we believe there are no contradictions between our new cohesion mission and our ambitious climate goalsjust synergies and overlaps. The two go hand-in-hand because we will not succeed on climate if we dont reassure everyone that no one will be left behind. We must also remember that the costs associated with the green transition are but a fraction of the catastrophic costs we would face if we fail to address the threat of climate change. This is why we are confident that we can increase our lending to cohesion regions and raise the proportion we lend to climate action to 50% by 2025, a target that we have been working towards since November 2019.

We can do this by carefully targeting the projects that we support, focusing on priority areas for climate action in these regions, such as clean, safe and connected mobility; energy efficiency; renewable energy; water and wastewater; as well as industry, the circular economy, food and agriculture. Our advisory services can help raise awareness, prepare strategies and projects and develop administrative capacity, in addition to helping overcome the lack of financing, which constitutes the main barrier to such investments.

The potential disruption to jobs and industries from the digital transition and from automation is sometimes overshadowed by the dramatic changes called for by decarbonisation. But structural gaps in digital and innovation activity and skills in cohesion regions are also significant. Our 2020 Investment Survey shows 63% of firms in Europes less-developed regions engage in no innovation activities. Even among large firms the proportion engaged in innovation is significantly lower than elsewhere in Europe (39% compared to 52%). New policies are needed to spur innovation in these regions, to raise their income levels and help adjust to the digital transition.

As part of our new approach to cohesion, we plan to tackle this problem by helping mid-cap companies in less developed regions adopt proven technologies, as well as conduct research and development. Mid-cap companies are particularly important, because research shows that they have strong positive effects in their communities. We will also help improve mid-cap companies access to finance by lending to them directly, as well as through our intermediated programmes.

Ultimately, the purpose is not just to help the cohesion regions. It is to bring the people of Europe closer together and strengthen the unity of the European Union.
Youll soon have an easier time scrolling through search results on your phone. In the US, Google is rolling out a tweak that does away with the See more prompt youve had to tap on previously to load additional search results on mobile devices. Now, when you get to the bottom of a set of results, the companys search engine will instead automatically load the next page for you, allowing you to continuously scroll until you find a website you want to visit.

You should see the change on both your mobile web browser and the Google app for iOS and Android. Per TechCrunch , the company is staggering out the rollout of the feature, so you wont be able to scroll through every set of results, at least not initially. The change follows a redesign of mobile search Google released at the start of 2021 .

While most usually find what theyre looking for quickly, Google notes some people view as many as four pages of search results before they click through to a website. The company suggests the move to continuous scrolling should be particularly helpful to those who tend to ask more open-ended questions of its search engine. Its also a tweak that brings the platform more in line with modern feed-style apps like Instagram and TikTok.
LinkedIn will shut down the Chinese version of its service later this year. The company cited "a significantly more challenging operating environment and greater compliance requirements in China" as the reasons for closing the local edition of its social network for professionals.

"While weve found success in helping Chinese members find jobs and economic opportunity, we have not found that same level of success in the more social aspects of sharing and staying informed," LinkedIn said in a statement . As such, the company isn't abandoning China completely. It's working on a standalone job board app called InJobs, which won't have a social feed or any way to share posts or articles.

LinkedIn agreed to adhere to state restrictions and block certain content when it launched in China in February 2014. However, some signs of trouble bubbled up this year. In March, the company prevented new Chinese users from signing up for a spell while it made sure it was abiding by the countries' laws. A couple of months later, China said 105 apps were violating data collection laws, including LinkedIn .

The Microsoft-owned service was the last major US social network that was still officially operating in China. The country banned Signal and Clubhouse earlier this year. Facebook and Twitter have been blocked there since 2009, and China barred Instagram in 2014.
You're not the only one frustrated with tech companies that appear to favor their own products. The Washington Post reports that Senators Amy Klobuchar and Chuck Grassley will introduce a bill, the American Innovation and Choice Online Act (AICO), to bar tech firms from prioritizing their products and services on their own platforms. Amazon couldn't misuse seller data to compete against those sellers, for example, while Apple wouldn't be allowed to unfairly rank its apps above others in the App Store.

The senators characterized AICO as a modernization of antitrust law. It tackles the "exclusionary conduct" you see in leading platforms, Klobuchar said. Penalties would be steep, including fines of up to 15 percent of a company's revenue during the period when it broke the law.

The necessary House equivalent to the bill recently cleared that wing's Judiciary Committee and is waiting for a vote. Both bills stand a better-than-usual chance of passing thanks to both bipartisan support and a Biden administration focused on improving competition in technology. The Senators have kept Biden's camp "informed" about work on the bill, Klobuchar added.

Industry lobbying groups like the Chamber of Progress (which counts tech firms like Amazon and Google in its ranks) have unsurprisingly balked at the bill. They contend the measure wouldn't be effective, and might even hurt favorite products. Not that this opposition will necessarily carry much weight. Senators have characterized this period as Big Tech's "big tobacco moment"  that is, it's finally being held accountable for harmful behavior. Politicians across the spectrum appear eager to keep tech companies in check, and AICO may be one of their best near-term opportunities to rein in those corporate giants.
American soldiers won't be training with HoloLens headsets for a while. Reuters and Windows Central report the US Army has delayed the deployment of the HoloLens-based Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) by a year, to September 2022. Janes understood the delay was prompted by the need to bump operational testing from July this year to May 2022 to "further mature" the mixed reality technology.

The Defense Department's Inspector General launched an audit earlier in October to determine whether or not Microsoft's system would meet requirements. It's not clear if the audit is linked to the delay.

This didn't mean the military-oriented HoloLens was in trouble. The Army maintained it was "fully committed" to the nearly $22 billion IVAS contract, and had conducted tests as recently as September. The branch planned to "regularly" conduct tests through its fiscal 2022, which ends September of next year.

IVAS is meant to serve as both a combat assistant and training tool. Infantry will see squad positions and other vital data in the field, complete with night vision  they'll ideally have the kind of situational awareness previously reserved for video games. In training, the headsets can supply data to help instructors improve specific techniques.

The delay won't do much to allay criticism of the HoloLens deal from inside Microsoft. Employees have long objected to Microsoft directly supporting the military and 'gamifying' war, especially as workers didn't have input on the decision. Microsoft isn't likely to change its tune, though. The company sees IVAS a way to aid and protect the troops rather than an offensive weapon  and losing the contract would clearly hurt both Microsoft's bottom line and momentum for HoloLens at large.
This content is made possible by our sponsor; it is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Engadget's editorial staff.

Ever get an email that looks like its from your bank warning you that it will freeze your checking account unless you verify your personal information? The email might have contained a link. And if you clicked? You might have landed on a website that asked you to fill in such personal information as your Social Security number and bank account numbers.

The problem? These emails never come from your actual bank. Instead, theyre a part of a scamming tool called phishing wielded by cybercriminals and a threat to your cybersecurity.

What is phishing?

Phishing is a cybercrime in which scammers try to lure sensitive information or data from you, by disguising themselves as a trustworthy source. Phishers use multiple platforms.

The ultimate goal no matter which method scammers use? They want your personal information so that they can use it to access your bank accounts or credit cards. And theyll send countless fake email and text messages across the globe in the hope that theyll trick enough people into surrendering this sensitive information.

Some phishing emails or texts might look unprofessional to you, using poor grammar or asking you to click on links with odd-looking URLs. But phishers dont have to be sophisticated. These cybercriminals work in volume, and only need to trick a small number of victims to consider their work a success.

As an example, in 2018 the Federal Trade Commission pointed to a phishing attack targeting Netflix users. The phishing email purported to be sent from Netflix and warned recipients that the streaming company is having some trouble accessing the customers billing information. The message asked victims to click on a link to update their payment method. That link, of course, didnt take users to Netflix but instead to a fake website created by the scammers.

How do you make sure youre not one of these unlucky victims? Its all about learning how to recognize phishing scams and resolving to never click on a link in a text or an email supposedly sent from a bank, credit-card provider, or other well-known company. And that doesnt include all the phishing emails that get caught in your spam filter.

How does phishing work?

The phisher begins by determining who their targeted victims will be (whether at an organization or individual level) and creates strategies to collect data they can use to attack. Next, the phisher will create methods like fake emails or phony web pages to send messages that lure data from their victims. Phishers then send messages that appear trustworthy to the victims and begin the attack. Once the attack has been deployed, phishers will monitor and collect the data that victims provide on the fake web pages. Finally, phishers use the collected data to make illegal purchases or commit fraudulent acts.

That being said, when defining what phishing is, not all attacks look and operate the same. Phishing scams can take a variety of forms and can have different goals in their deployment.

Types of phishing attacks and examples

Phishing scams can take a variety of forms. Some phishing emails will ask you to click on a link to prevent your bank account or credit card from getting closed. When you click on the link, youll be taken to a website that asks for your personal financial information. That could open the door to identity theft.

Other types of phishing attacks ask that you click on a link to verify that a credit card or bank account is yours. Again, that link will take you to a fraudulent website that will ask you to provide personal or financial information that will likely be captured by fraudsters.

You might receive a phishing email warning you that your email account is full and in danger of being shut down. Unless you click on a link, the email warns, you will lose access to your email messages. Again, links like this could request and capture your personal information or could install malware or adware onto your computer.

The unfortunate truth? There are many types of phishing attacks. You need to be on the lookout for all of them.

1. Email Phishing

The basic phishing email is sent by fraudsters impersonating legitimate companies, often banks or credit card providers. These emails are designed to trick you into providing log-in information or financial information, such as credit card numbers or Social Security numbers.

Other spoof emails might try to trick you into clicking a link that leads to a fake website designed to look like Amazon, eBay, or your bank. These fake websites can then install malware or other viruses directly onto your computer, allowing hackers to steal your personal information or take control of your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

A phishing example? You might receive an email that looks like it was sent by PayPal. The email might say that you need to click on a link to verify your PayPal account. If you dont? The email says that your PayPal account will be shut down.

Heres an example of a PayPal phishing email.

Source: Secure World

Of course, this is a scam. If you click on the link, youll be taken to a fake log-in page designed to look like it is PayPal. If you then enter your password and username, the scammers will capture this information.

These emails often feature spelling errors, odd grammar, and generic greetings such as Dear User or Dear client. The links you are supposed to click will often lead to websites with odd URLs or ones that are spelled just a bit differently from the institutions legitimate website.

PayPal, credit card companies, mortgage lenders and banks will never contact you by email to request any personal information from you. Instead of clicking on links in emails, log into your account on your own. If there is a legitimate concern, youll see it when you log in.

How to recognize phishing emails

Scammers have become more sophisticated when it comes to sending out phishing emails. But there are still some signs you can look for.

Too good to be true offers. Phishing emails may try to hook you with what appears to be incredibly cheap offers for things like smartphones or vacations. The offers may look irresistible but resist them. Theyre likely phishing emails.

A bank  maybe not even your own  is asking for your account information or other personal financial information. Your bank, or any financial institution, will never ask for your Social Security number, bank account number, or PIN by email. Never provide this information in response to an email.

Spelling and grammatical mistakes. There was a time when you could easily spot phishing emails because they were littered with spelling and grammar mistakes. Scammers have gotten better at avoiding these errors, but if you do receive an email littered with typos and weird language, that email might be sent from someone phishing.

The generic greeting. Phishing emails might not be addressed specifically to you. Instead, the email might start with a generic greeting such as Dear Sir or Madam or Dear Account Holder.

A call for immediate action. Phishers want you to act quickly, without thinking. Thats why many will send emails asking you to immediately click on a link or send account information to avoid having your bank account or credit card suspended. Never reply hastily to an emergency request. Urgent requests for action are often phishing scams.

Senders you dont recognize. If you dont recognize the sender of an email, consider deleting it. If you do decide to read it, be careful not to click on links or download files.

Senders you think you recognize. You might get a phishing email from a name you recognize. But heres the catch: That email may have come from the compromised email account of someone you know. If the email requests personal information or money, its likely its a phishing email.

Hyperlinks. If you receive an email that requests you click on an unknown hyperlink, hovering over the option might show you that the link is really taking you to a fake, misspelled domain. This link is created to look legitimate but is likely a phishing scam.

Attachments. The sender included attachments that dont make sense or appear spammy.

2. Spear phishing

While most phishing emails are sent to large groups of people, there is one type of attack that is more personalized in nature, spear phishing.

Spear-phishing emails are targeted toward a specific individual, business, or organization. And unlike more generic phishing emails, the scammers who send them spend time researching their targets. The technique is sometimes called social engineering. These criminals will send emails that look like theyre from legitimate sources.

For instance, in 2016, millions of customers who had made a purchase from Amazon received an email with the subject line Your Amazon.com order has been dispatched with an order code after it. When consumers opened the email, there was no message, just an attachment. If they opened the attachment, consumers ran the risk of installing ransomware on their computers.

In another spear-phishing example, emails might target a company employee. The email may appear to come from the boss, and the message requests access to sensitive company information. If the spear-phishing target is tricked, it could lead to a data breach where a company or employees information is accessed and stolen.

3. Clone phishing

Another type of phishing, clone phishing, might be one of the most difficult to detect. In this type of phishing attack, scammers create a nearly identical version of an email that victims have already received.

The cloned email is sent from an address that is nearly, but not quite, the same as the email address used by the messages original sender. The body of the email looks the same, too. Whats different? The attachment or link in the message has been changed. If victims click on those now, it will take them to a fake website or open an infected attachment.

4. Whaling

Sometimes phishers go after the biggest of targets, the whales. Whaling attacks target chief executive officers, chief operating officers, or other high-ranking executives in a company. The goal is to trick these powerful people into giving up the most sensitive of corporate data.

These attacks are more sophisticated than general phishing attacks and require plenty of research from scammers. They usually rely on fraudulent emails that appear to be from trusted sources within the company or from legitimate outside agencies.

5. Pop-up phishing

Pop-up phishing is a scam in which pop-up ads trick users into installing malware on their computers or convince them to purchase antivirus protection they dont need.

These pop-up ads sometimes use scare tactics. A common pop-up phishing example is when an ad might pop up on a users screen warning the user that their computer has been infected and the only way to remove the virus is by installing a particular type of antivirus software.

Once the user installs this software, it either doesnt work or, worse, actually does infect the computer with malware.

How to report phishing

If youve been victimized by a phishing scam, you should alert the proper authorities. You can report a phishing attempt or crime to the Federal Trade Commission at its Complaint Assistant page. You can also report the attack to the Anti-Phishing Working Group or forward the phishing email at reportphishing@apwg.org. If you receive a phishing text message, forward it to SPAM (7726).

How can I protect myself from phishing attempts?

Though hackers are constantly coming up with new phishing techniques, there is good news. There are some things that you can do to protect yourself and your organization. All it requires is some common sense.

Dont open suspicious emails. If you receive an email supposedly from a financial institution with an alarming subject line  such as Account suspended! or Funds on hold  delete it. If you are worried that there is a problem, log in to your account or contact the bank directly. If there really is a problem with your bank account or credit card, youll find information once youve logged in.

Dont click on suspicious links in emails. If you do open an email from someone you dont know and you are instructed to click on a link, dont. Often, these links will take you to fake websites that will then encourage you to either provide personal information or to click on links that might install malware on your computer.

Dont send financial information through email. Your bank or credit card provider will never ask you to provide bank account numbers, your Social Security number, or passwords through email.

Dont click on pop-up ads. Hackers can add fraudulent messages that pop up when you visit even legitimate websites. Often, the pop-ups will warn you that your computer is infected and instruct you to call a phone number or install antivirus protection. Avoid this temptation. Scammers use these ads to either install malware on your computer or scam you out of a payment for a computer clean-up you dont need.

Use spam filters. Spam filters can help block emails from illegitimate sources, but you should always use your best judgment in case phishing emails get past your blocker.

Sign up for antivirus protection. Make sure your computer is protected by strong, multi-layered security software.

Installing and running trusted security software may provide real-time threat protection, help you create and manage unique passwords, and help protect your personal files and financial information from phishing attacks and other scams.

How to recover after responding to a phishing email

What if you've fallen for an email scam? Perhaps you sent financial information to a scammer or clicked on a link that installed malware on your computer.

Youll want to act quickly. Here are some steps you can take if youve been responded to a phishing scam to help protect yourself against identity theft.

Change your passwords: Make sure to change the passwords you use for your banking, credit card and other accounts. Use a combination of numbers, letters and symbols to make these passwords more difficult to crack. Consider enabling multi-factor authentication if its available. Multi-factor authentication requires entering a second piece of information  such as a code sent to your smartphone  to access an account.

Alert the credit bureaus: Visit the home pages of Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, the three national credit bureaus, and alert them that you've been the victim of a phishing attempt. You might freeze your credit with each of the bureaus to make sure that criminals can't open new credit accounts or take out new loans in your name.

Contact your credit card providers: If you've given up credit card information, immediately call your credit card providers. They can freeze your credit to prevent unauthorized purchases. They can also work with you to determine which purchases on your accounts are legitimate and which were made by criminals.

Check your credit reports: Order free copies of your credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com. Check these reports carefully for any unfamiliar activity to make sure no one has opened credit card accounts or loans in your name.

Study your credit card statements: Be on the lookout for any unauthorized or suspicious charges.

As cybercriminals continue to evolve their phishing attacks and other techniques, its best to have advanced security software leading your defense. To ensure you arent asking yourself what is phishing after an attack has already unfolded, make sure to take the precautions and use your best judgment when browsing online and responding to messages.

While antivirus protection is one of the keys to limiting risk, the right VPN can encrypt the network traffic you send and receive and hide your IP address, providing an additional layer of online privacy.
Prince William has recently been called out for his "supreme entitlement" after his comments about the space race.

In an interview with the BBC, the Duke of Cambridge promoted his Earthshot Prize, saying, "We need some of the world's greatest brains and minds fixed on trying to repair this planet, not trying to find the next place to go and live."

Unfortunately, his comments attracted a lot of criticism, that a lot of critics and broadcasters called him out for being entitled.

Angela Epstein told Jeremy Vine in a chat, "I think there's a difficulty in Prince William doing this because he comes from a position of supreme entitlement."

The broadcaster commented that she knows how much the future King does many good things, and even claiming he's a big fan of the Cambridges.

However, she later questioned, "Why does your wife need to wear a $4,000 dress for a premiere?"

"She's beautiful, she's elegant, she could shop where I and Storm go and look just as good."

The 39-year-old faced backlash because of his wife's Jenny Packham dazzling gold full-length gown, which she wore at London's "No Time to Die" premiere.

Kate Middleton left jaws dropping as soon as she stepped on the premiere's red carpet, and all eyes were on her, regardless of the star-studded cast.

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Kate Middleton' Out of Touch'?

But this wasn't the first time the Cambridges have been questioned for their hypocrisy.

Kate Middleton has been branded as an out-of-touch royal because, during the lockdown, she confessed that parenting during the pandemic was "exhausting."

Social media immediately attacked the Duchess of Sussex, stating that the British royal family had a lot of people working for them.

A CEO of an anti-monarchist group called out her complaint as an "out of touch patronizing nonsense."

Meanwhile, other Twitter users said she had no right to complain, considering she lived in a big home and that Kate had "no clue" of what she was talking about.

READ ALSO: Meghan Markle Master Plan Exposed: Duchess Wants to Be The 'Queen of Red Carpet'

Not Just Kate

But it wasn't also just Kate Middleton and Prince William who critics slammed.

Their in-law, Meghan Markle, was also a "completely out of touch" person after wearing couture outfits during her recent New York City Tour and even read to an underprivileged school in Harlem, New York.

She wore a cashmere coat that cost $5,000 and trousers priced at $2,000 during the event.

According to royal expert Katie Nicholl, "Turning up at an underprivileged school in Harlem in a couture coat that costs more than the combined incomes of most of those parents at the school - it doesn't make any sense."

READ MORE: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Heartbreak: Celebrity Pals Expected To Drop Them Soon?
Fresh off of his game-changing turn as Shang-Chi in Marvel's "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings", Simu Liu is returning to the big screen as one part of an emotional love triangle in "One True Loves," an adaptation of the moving romance novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid. The film had its first day of shooting on October 13, 2021, as excitedly shared by Liu in one of his Instagram stories.

Liu will star alongside Phillipa Soo, who originated the role of Eliza Hamilton in the Broadway musical "Hamilton," and Luke Bracey, who had a memorable turn opposite Emma Roberts in Netflix's "Holidate." The script for "One True Loves" was adapted by the author Taylor Jenkins Reid and and her husband Alex Jenkins Reid, with Andy Finkman set to direct the film.

Based on the novel by the same name, "One True Loves" is about Emma (Soo) who must choose between her presumed-dead husband Jesse (Bracey) and the her new fiance Sam (Liu), who has helped her find love again. Readers have described the experience as viscerally emotional, with each of Emma's love stories feeling genuine and fulfilling.

Congratulations and best of luck to the cast and crew of "One True Loves!" We look forward to seeing this stirring love story on the big screen in 2022.

Want more entertainment news and commentary? Follow Enstarz, and stay up-to-date on your favorite celebrities and exciting, up-and-coming TV and films.
TEL AVIV, Israel, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

The chain's first store is expected to open in Tel Aviv during 2022

during 2022 7-Eleven will supply fast food and exclusive products to the Israeli market in stores in Israel

By the end of 2024, Electra is expected to invest over NIS 60 million in branding and opening of 7-Eleven stores in Israel .

is expected to invest over in branding and opening of 7-Eleven stores in . The agreement between the parties was signed for 20 years, with an option to extend for another 50 years

Electra Consumer Products (TASE: ECP) today announced the signing of an agreement with the global 7-Eleven chain, following the memorandum of understanding signed between the parties in November 2020. According to the agreement, Electra Consumer Products will act in Israel to develop and operate convenience stores under the 7-Eleven brand, when it was agreed between the parties that dozens will be established in Israel over the next 3 years.

7-Eleven is a multinational convenience store chain based in Dallas, Texas, which operates and grants franchises and licenses to more than 77,000 stores in 18 states. Under the franchise agreement signed, the parties agreed that the franchise period would be 20 years, with an option to extend the period for another 50 years, subject to compliance with the terms set forth in the franchise agreement. The franchise agreement includes the payment of an initial amount and monthly payments that will be paid as a percentage of the total income of the franchise activity in Israel.

Joe de Pinto, President and CEO of 7-Eleven: "With its growing and vibrant population and continued economic expansion, Israel presents an ideal location for the growth of 7-Eleven stores. Our strategic relationship with Electra Consumer Products will bring the 7-Eleven brand, which specializes in convenience products and services, to millions of Israeli consumers."

Zvika Schwimmer, CEO of Electra Consumer: "The entry of 7-Eleven into Israel is another significant factor in making Electra's food division a rising force in the food market in Israel. We strive and anticipate that 7-Eleven, as having international experience and reputation, will ensure a first-class experience for Israeli customers. The chain has exposed the world to the field of convenience retail, and today it is the undisputed international leader in the industry. The chain will supply fast food and exclusive products in stores in Israel that will reach the Israeli market for the first time. We are committed to offering the best shopping experience and the best products, both in city centers, office areas and other locations with high traffic.

The agreement with 7-Eleven, which we see as great business potential, is a significant move in the establishment of the food division of Electra Consumer Products, in parallel with the acquisition of the 'Yeynot Bitan' food chain, which we recently completed. These transactions are in line with Electra Consumer Products' business strategy to become the best consumer group in Israel, while strengthening the value chain and deepening the benefits to size and expanding the range of products and services to our customers. "

The company intends to open dozens of stores in the next 3 years in Israel, when the chain's first store will be launched in Tel Aviv during 2022. Electra should expect to invest NIS 60 million by 2024 in opening stores and the 7-Eleven brand in Israel.

The franchise agreement includes various commitments of Electra Consumer Products to 7-Eleven, including a commitment on issues of non-competition in the field of convenience stores, restrictions regarding a change of control and a commitment to comply with the financial terms set forth in the agreement.

The 7-Eleven entry is expected to bring shoppers a unique retail environment, as it characterizes the brand around the world, and popular international products, including drinks, snacks and fresh food. The international chain will support Electra Consumer Products and the implementation of its unique retail business model.

The 7-Eleven network has a wide presence in many countries including: the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, China, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Australia, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Worldwide, the network's mission is to provide its customers with "what they want, when, where and how they want it". According to the chain's CEO: "Soon, Israeli consumers will be able to experience the trademark of Eleven-7 firsthand and enjoy everyday quality and convenience."

The current agreement adds to a number of significant deals that Electra Consumer Products has reported over the past year. Among other things, in May 2021, the Group completed the acquisition of control of the 'Yeynot Bitan' food retail chain. Under the agreement, Electra Consumer Products acquired the actual control of the chain. Electra purchased 35.05% of the Bitan's shares for NIS 193 million. Simultaneously with Electra Consumer Products, the Phoenix Group also acquired about 15% of the chain's shares, so that in total, Electra Consumer and Phoenix together hold 50.05% of the chain's shares, and the rest is owned by the Bitan family.

About Electra Consumer Products

Electra Consumer Products is a group that operates in four areas of activity, which are also reported as activity segments in its financial statements, as detailed below: the first - import, production, export, marketing, sale and distribution of electrical consumer goods and service ("consumer electrical products"); The second - operating retail marketing networks for the sale of electrical consumer goods ("electricity retail sector"); The third - the activity of the 'Yeynot Bitan' Retail Group ("Food Retail Sector"); The fourth - development and construction of investment real estate ("investment real estate sector"). The company's CEO is Mr. Zvika Schwimmer.

About 7-Eleven

7-Eleven is the leading name in the global convenience retail industry. The company's offices are located in Irving, Texas, and it operates more franchises and / or licenses in more than 77,000 stores in 18 states and regions, including 16,000 in North America. In addition to 7-Eleven stores,. Operates and serves as a franchisee of the Speedway, Stripes, Laredo Taco Company and Raise the Roost brands and more. 77-Eleven is known for its iconic brands like Slurpee, Big Bite and Big Gulp and has expanded into sandwiches, salads, toppings, fruit and protein boxes, as well as pizza, chicken wings and mini taco beef. 7-Eleven offers customers leading private label products

Contact: Amir Eisenberg Co-CEO, Eisenberg-Eliash Ltd. Investor and Public Relations+972-3-7538828 amir@pr-ir.co.il
Heres a look at whats new or notable in home video. Movies and TV series are available on streaming sites such as iTunes, Amazon and Vudu unless otherwise noted.

The Card Counter: Change up your routine, live a little, sounds like decent advice, but for the solitary men in Paul Schraders movies, its a bad idea. So it is for William (Oscar Isaac), a former soldier with a pitch-black past.

William lives out of nondescript motel rooms and spends endless days and nights at poker and blackjack tables to keep his demons at bay. The mostly somber movie is occasionally jolted by surreal, horrific scenes from the Abu Ghraib prison. Chance encounters with a financial backer (Tiffany Haddish) and a young man on a mission (Tye Sheridan) seem to offer him a shot at redemption, though if that were really possible, this wouldnt be a Paul Schrader movie.

Now available to rent on streaming services following a theatrical release.

New  Blu-ray

The Green Knight: Director David Lowery gives fans of Arthurian legend their myth but tweaks it, too, in this visually astonishing epic. Its a strange tale that begins with a game. The terrible Green Knight allows Gawain (Dev Patel), a nephew of King Arthur with knightly ambitions, to strike him with a sword, as long as he can return the blow in a year. Gawain chops off the Green Knights head, which seems like a winning move until the not-so-jolly green giant picks it up, laughs and says see you next year.

Eric Zachanowich /A24 Films

In his quest to keep that date, Gawain encounters violence and temptation, giants and a headless saint. Its an unforgettable journey, though even he struggles to explain why hes making it, since death waits at the end. Honor, valor and glory are easy answers.

Gawains girlfriend (Alicia Vikander), who prefers that his head stay attached to his body, sees things differently. Why greatness? she asks. Why is goodness not enough?

Now available on Blu-ray and DVD.

On ExpressNews.com: Real Guy now available to watch at home

Notable  Binge watch

Kolchak: The Night Stalker: Carl Kolchak (Darren McGavin) is a dogged reporter, so he probably should have made more of his career by now than working for a shabby independent news service in Chicago. Its not so much that hes abrasive (though he is), or that he butts heads with the police and his boss (though he does). Its more likely all the monsters he encounters working the police beat  vampires, mummies, werewolves  and the fact that he sometimes kills the subjects of his stories.

Universal Pictures /Getty Images

A more responsible journalist might avoid that.

This TV series, which aired for a single season on ABC in 1974-75, was a big influence on The X-Files. Its now available on Blu-ray for the first time in a new high-definition scan that really brings out the details of Kolchaks after-dark excursions.

The set includes an interview with Sopranos creator David Chase, who co-wrote eight episodes. One, like Chases recent Sopranos prequel, is driven by a conflict between black and Italian illegal gambling numbers runners, though The Many Saints of Newark does not also feature a zombie.

Kino Lorber Blu-ray on sale now. Kolchak also is streaming on nbc.com and available to rent and buy on streaming services such as Amazon Prime, but the new high-definition scans are only on the Blu-ray discs.

jkiest@express-news.net | Twitter: @en_salife
Dear Cathy,

I am reaching out on behalf of my daughter, who is living in Dallas now. She works overnight and is having issues with her dogs anxiety. The dog is suffering from extreme separation anxiety issues, and it is coming through as excessively barking while shes at work. Do you have any suggestions on what she might do?

Linda

Dear Linda,

Its natural for a dog to bark at outside noises, especially when no one is present to shush and reassure it. While there are medications to manage canine anxiety, there are several natural ways she can go about helping it rest better through the night.

First, she can block outside noises by turning on a white noise machine or leaving the television on a long-play YouTube video of waves or rain that will run eight to 10 hours. She also could leave the radio or television on a particular channel that would be soothing to listen to overnight.

Second, she can get the dog a pheromone collar or put a plug-in pheromone in the room where the dog usually sleeps. There are lots of over-the-counter calming chews and treats these days that she can try to see what works.

She also can talk to her vet about theanine, an over-the-counter amino acid that is safe for dogs and can help reduce anxiety. Her veterinarian can recommend the dosage.

Since she works overnight, it also would be great if she could give the dog a 30-minute walk before she leaves for work. A tired dog is a good dog, and the exercise, white noise machine and calming chews all can help it rest much easier through the night.

Let me know what ends up working.

Global Cat Awareness Day

Global Cat Awareness Day is Saturday. Its an international day to raise awareness about the nonlethal programs that help feral cats.

In the past, feral cats were often trapped, taken directly to animal control and euthanized. As a result, cats and kittens overall faced euthanasia at much higher rates then their canine counterparts.

Today, feral and community cats are trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated and ear-tipped as a sign they have been fixed so they arent trapped again. Then they are returned to their neighborhoods to live out the remainder of their lives. (The surgery reduces the nuisance behaviors that residents often complain about.)

While you may disagree with this approach, TNR is the most widely accepted method to save cats lives. San Antonios Animal Care Services supports and advocates for TNR in our community.

For more information on TNR and where you can get cats fixed for free or at a discount rate of $20, contact the San Antonio Feral Cat Coalition, 210-877-9067.

Send your pet questions, tips, and stories to cathy@petpundit.com. You can read the Animals Matter blog at http://blog.mysanantonio.com/animals and follow her at @cathymrosenthal.
Newly released video from a police body camera and audio from a 911 call provide new details of an East Side chase that left a man dead and an officer injured.

The footage, released Wednesday under the San Antonio Police Departments body camera policy, shows the moments leading up to the pursuit and shooting death of Steven Primm on Aug. 13.

At about 3:20 p.m., a 911 caller told police that one of at least four men at a convenience store at Lakewood Drive and WW White Road had pulled out a gun and said he was going to shoot them.

Officer Jesus Hernandez, who was driving to the convenience store, spotted Primm, who was riding a bicycle and had a backpack, as the caller had described. Hernandez began following him, according to the footage and previous reports.

On the video, Hernandez follows Primm but lets him continue riding his bicycle a safe distance from a school. Soon after, Primm gets off the bicycle, ditches his backpack and runs into an alley, according to the video.

Officer Darious Wilson-Wayne, saw Primm running and chased him, hopping several backyard fences to keep up.

On ExpressNews.com: Man killed by police had ditched gun after firing at officers

At the intersection of Wycliff Drive and Willenbrock Avenue, the body camera is slightly obstructed by Wilson-Waynes arm as his gun is drawn.

Gunshots can be heard as Primm shoots at and hits Wilson-Wayne, who fires back and hits Primm, police said.

Wilson-Wayne was struck twice in the right leg, police said. He is then seen hopping on one leg from the street onto a nearby lawn while shouting to other officers about which direction Primm ran.

Despite being struck by Wilson-Waynes bullet, Primm kept running, police said.

Primm then threw his handgun onto a residential roof as he ran, an action neither seen by police nor captured by body camera footage.

Meanwhile, Hernandezs police vehicle camera shows when he spots Primm again in a field south of the neighborhood. He can be heard telling other officers that Primm still has the gun.

Hernandez then drives through a car wash on Rigsby Avenue and walks up to the corner of a building to cut off Primm. He is seen aiming his gun through a chain-link fence and waiting.

After about four seconds, Primm appears from behind the building. In about a second, he throws his hands in the air and screams ahh as Hernandez fires one shot.

A police report to the Texas Attorney Generals Office described it as an unintelligible sound.

Primm is struck and falls as Hernandez radios that hes down. The video footage cuts off.

Police said Primm died at the scene. Hernandez did not know that Primm had tossed his gun, according to a custodial death report.

The report also notes that the object on Primms hand was a cast. Hernandez thought it was a gun, according to the report.

Lt. Michelle Ramos, with San Antonio police, said Primms firearm was found on the roof of a nearby home.

Wilson-Wayne was treated for his injuries at San Antonio Military Medical Center, police said.

jbeltran@express-news.net
Sujata Jana / EyeEm/Getty Images/EyeEm

A man was shot and killed Thursday during an argument outside of a gas station near downtown, according to San Antonio police.

Police arrived at the Downtown Food Store in the 500 block of Elm Street around 10 a.m. to find a 35-year-old unidentified man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a hospital, where he later died.
JOHANNES EISELE, Contributor / AFP via Getty Images

A tow truck driver who was attempting to repossess a vehicle on Wednesday afternoon shot a man multiple times after an argument outside of a Southwest Side home, San Antonio police said.

According to police, the 23-year-old driver had fully hooked up the vehicle to his tow truck at around 4 p.m. in the 700 block of Fenfield Avenue when a 27-year-old exited a home armed with a gun.
On Saturday, NASA hopes to launch from Cape Canaveral, Fla., an instrument-filled spacecraft named Lucy that will travel 4 billion miles in a 12-year journey to study eight asteroids that scientists think may shed light on our planets origins.

Saturday marks the beginning of a 23-day launch window for the mission led by the San Antonio-based Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). The first launch attempt is scheduled for 4:34 a.m. Central time.

Im literally running between buildings watching the rocket move to the launch pad at about 3 miles per hour, Dr. Carly Howett, an SwRI instrument scientist, said Thursday from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Ive been involved with this since I was pregnant with my 5-year-old daughter, since it was all just plans on paper. This moment is so special.

Howett, who is based in Boulder, Colo., said the eight asteroids targeted for analysis are trapped in stable orbits shared with Jupiter, the solar systems largest planet. Unlike in the movies, where barrages of asteroids threaten spacecraft with doom, Lucys mission should be safe, Howett said.

These asteroids are so large and far apart that if you were sitting on one, you might not be able to see any other asteroids, she said.

Jupiters orbit is believed to hold more than 1 million asteroids that exceed 1 kilometer in diameter.

Lucys mission is like space archaeology. The asteroids have not changed since the beginning of our solar system, and researchers believe they might hold clues as to whether the planets were formed in a massive explosion that hurled some of them away from the sun.

Scientists expect to find silicates, carbon, water, methane, ammonia and methanol within the asteroids. You cant get all this information from just studying the asteroids that have fallen to Earth, Howett said.

John Raoux, STF / Associated Press

Lucy, named for the famous early humanoid skeleton, will explore the asteroids with cameras and instruments only, from about 1,000 kilometers away. Nothing will be returned to Earth.

Howett is in charge of the most complicated instrument on the mission  something called the LRalph, a combination of an infrared spectrometer, the Linear Etalon Imaging Spectral Array (LEISA), and a visible-light color camera (MVIC), which was built in San Antonio.

The temperature on the asteroids ranges from minus 225 degrees to minus 333 degrees. Youd need your down jackets, joked Howett.

Known as the Trojan asteroids, the objects are the leftovers from the early days of our solar system, effectively fossils of the planet formation process, said SwRIs Harold Levison, the principal investigator for the mission. They hold vital clues to deciphering the history of our solar system. Lucy, like the human ancestor fossil for which it is named, will revolutionize the understanding of our origins.

With so many asteroids needing attention, one of Lucys scientists decided some of the smaller ones should carry on the tradition of Trojan heroes and be named for modern-day Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

So one asteroid  39285 Kipkeino  is named for the Kenyan distance runner and two-time Olympic gold medalist Kipchoge Keino.

Lucy team members have spent nearly two months at Kennedy Space Center preparing the spacecraft for flight. Engineers have tested the spacecrafts mechanical, electrical and thermal systems, and they have practiced executing the launch sequence from the missions operations centers at Kennedy and at Lockheed Martin Space in Littleton, Colo.

The past 18 months, with all the bearing up and coping with the pandemic, have been very hard on everyone, Howett said. Being able to work with this group, the Lucy team, has been like a ray of hope, literally the light at the end of the tunnel.

bselcraig@express-news.net
Preston and Benjamin Corrigan followed in the footsteps of their father and joined the Air Force.

The brothers said their patriarch instilled in them a sense of service, dedication, civic duty and accountability.

But the pair testified Thursday at a trial in San Antonio that they now are torn on what the Air Force means to them.

The institution in which they take such pride failed to take action that could have prevented the killing of their parents, Robert and Shani Corrigan.

Preston recalls his father telling him: Dont let the Air Force make you a bitter person.

Its been a challenge, he said Thursday.

The Air Force failed to report to a national database  as required by law  the domestic violence conviction of Devin Kelley, who had a propensity for violence and went on to commit the Nov. 5, 2017, Sutherland Springs church massacre.

Had Kelleys conviction been reported, he might not have been able to legally buy guns, including the assault-style rifle he used to kill 26 people and wound 22 others in the First Baptist Church shooting. Thats the argument that survivors and families of the victims  including the Corrigan brothers  made in lawsuits against the Air Force. The trial, which reached its eighth day Thursday, is to determine how much the Air Force should pay the families.

Im working for the people that essentially had them killed, said Preston, who has served 10 years and has 10 more to go before hes eligible for retirement. Its something I go back and forth with on whether or not I made the right decision of staying in.

On ExpressNews.com: If you moved, you got shot. If you screamed, you got shot

Testimony wrapped up in the trial Thursday afternoon. U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez instructed attorneys for the plaintiffs and the government to submit post-trial briefs by the beginning of November and closings that will, in part, include the category of damages  such as past or future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and mental anguish  and a number next to the category.

In July, the judge found the Air Force mostly liable for the shooting. The trial is part of the damages phase, and the judge asked for the information, as he will decide how much the Air Force should pay.

Benjamin  who has served 16 years and is stationed with his brother at Offutt AFB, south of Omaha, Neb.  said he had a high regard for the Air Force. He is proud of its contributions to society: locally, nationally and globally.

But it knew there was an issue and chose not to address it, he said, and that ultimately led to my parents murder.

Theres the part of the Air Force that Im proud of.  Then theres accepting that theres the institution that made a decision that led to my parents death, he said. And realizing that those are the same organization is very hard.

But both brothers said they chose to remain because its whats best for their families and careers.

And Preston said being bitter and leaving would make him feel hed disregarded his fathers last words to him.

On ExpressNews.com: Is my father dead? Families left in limbo after massacre

The brothers said they miss their parents.

Robert and Shani were high school sweethearts from northern Michigan. They moved to the Sutherland Springs area after Robert, a master sergeant and medical superintendent, retired from the Air Force.

They had long attended First Baptist Church.

Preston and Benjamin noted how the church held a service for their oldest brother, Forrest, who committed suicide a year before the shooting.

They described the agony of the church shooting. When they learned of it, Preston was stateside, but Benjamin was in Japan. There was a flurry of unanswered calls and texts to their parents as the brothers and other relatives tried to find out whether the couple had attended Sunday service.

Finally, there were calls confirming their worst fears. Their parents were dead.

They sought emergency leave. They planned funerals.

The brothers said they often had turned to their father for guidance and help. He taught them to work on cars  and so much more.

He was an example of integrity and really mentored me throughout my career, Benjamin said.

On ExpressNews.com: Church shooting survivor regrets last moments with mom

They remembered him not only for his devotion to military service but to his family. They recalled how hed break out his guitars and belt out El Paso or Big Iron.

He used to sing super boring country songs, Preston said. Id get upset about it. But now thats all I want to listen to.

Their mother, a military wife and homemaker, was a joyful soul  the glue that held the family together.

And she was a jokester, the brothers said.

She was an incredibly joyful person, Preston said. She was constantly singing throughout the house.

But they cant reach out to Mom, Dad or Forrest anymore.

There are things you just cant prepare for, Benjamin said. Your brother committing suicide, and then your parents being murdered, and finding the organization you work for bearing some responsibility.

They are some of the most difficult things I have to deal with, he said.

guillermo.contreras@express-news.net | Twitter: @gmaninfedland
A portion of the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels rose to its highest level in more than five years early Thursday morning as heavy rain inundated South Central Texas, leaving one RV resort a mess of tangled campers and flooded campsites.

According to Mack Morris, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, the last time the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels got as high as it did Thursday morning was June 1, 2016. That day, the river rose to 14.3 feet. On Oct. 14, 2021, the river peaked at 15.3 feet.

Major flood stage for that portion of the river is 20 feet, so most neighborhoods and businesses in New Braunfels were spared. But the River Ranch RV Resort wasnt so lucky.

The River Ranch RV Resort underneath Interstate 35 along the Guadalupe was among the hardest hit areas in Comal County as the heavy rain system moved through the area late Wednesday into early Thursday morning. Residents of the RV park reported waking up around 2:30 a.m. and starting to see the river flood slightly, and by 3:30 a.m. the water had risen high into campers and forced families to evacuate.

There was a lady and her dog and cat stuck in the trailer, so I called 911 and tried to get them out before the Fire Department came, but I was fighting the water and couldnt get to them, said Ken van Doozer, who has lived in his RV at the park for two years. When (the Fire Department) got here, they took a boat and got us all out.

No one was reported injured, missing or dead in the overnight flooding. Van Doozer said most people got out just in time, some with minutes to spare before their cars or campers flooded.

Everybody got out, they just lost their pride and their property, he said. We even had a dog that lives in a trailer over there, his owner was working the night shift, but he was able to call his sister and his sister came and got the dog out before it was too late.

As the sun rose Thursday, residents who had evacuated returned to find the undercarriages of their RVs covered in moss and logs. At least one RV was tipped over completely, and a detachable trailer attached to a truck that had been in a riverfront campsite was completely swept away and located at a dam downstream.

Comal County Independent School District announced Thursday morning that all schools and offices would be closed due to the flooding. The district said in a news release that flooding and debris had made it unsafe for buses to travel along many secondary roads. In neighboring Hays County, schools delayed opening by two hours due to flooding; most schools were open by 10:30 a.m.

Amy Jones, who was staying in an RV with her husband Jeff and their dog Cash, said they evacuated in the middle of the night when a neighbor alerted them to how quickly the water was rising.

At about 3:30 there was a knock on the door, so we grabbed our dog and ourselves and got out of here. You can see the water line and how far it got up, Jones said, pointing to a white, chalky line running just over the middle step of her camper.

When the Joneses returned to their site Thursday morning, they discovered they were lucky that the water didnt get into their camper. Still, until the RV could be more fully evaluated, Jones said she doesnt want to drive now because she doesnt know the extent of the structural damage.

We were just here temporarily, but we dont know what were going to do next, she said.

Like many of the residents, neither Jones nor van Doozer expected the river to flood as much as it did, even though they were aware of the flash food warnings on Wednesday afternoon.

They had received heavier rainfall just a couple of weeks ago, so most didnt think much of the warnings.

The Canyon Lake area saw between six to eight inches of rainfall in a few short hours, which traveled downstream and led to the flooding in New Braunfels. Still, most of New Braunfels saw between three to six inches, causing flash flooding in some areas. The water had mostly receded by sunrise.

Sandra Wundt lives about two blocks from the RV park. She said her home was not damaged.

The river never floods this much, she said. Whats shocking is what happened last night, it came up so quickly.

There was just so much rain so quickly, she said.

This shocks me. These guys had no idea this was coming, she said. Yesterday was such a pretty day. When something like this happens in this community, we are all in shock.

Following Thursdays heavy rainfall, the NWS said theres at least a light at the end of the tunnel, in the form of a cold front thats expected to move over the Hill Country and into the San Antonio and Austin metro areas on Friday.

The cold front will bring temperatures from the 70s into the mid to upper 80s on Friday, along with lots of wind. Saturday and Sunday, however, will finally begin to feel like fall.

This weekend will be really nice, with temperatures in the upper 60s to low to mid-70s on Saturday and Sunday, and morning lows Saturday and Sunday morning in the 40s and 50s, Morris said. This is what we deserve.

Annie Blanks writes for the Express-News through Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms. ReportforAmerica.org. annie.blanks@express-news.net
As a first-generation Mexican American and son of two Mexican immigrants, I hold my Mexican heritage close to me. My Hispanic heritage has served as my primary source of inspiration as I continue in my professional and academic career.

However, I, like many first- and second-generation Hispanic Americans, have struggled with my bicultural identity. Coined phrases such as ni de aqui, ni de alla and too brown for the white kids, too white for the brown kids have illustrated the internal and external identity battles that Hispanic Americans have faced and continue to face.

Assimilation into American society has played a crucial role in how Hispanic Americans identify and has caused a generational divide between foreign-born Hispanic Americans and later generations. Reasons why Hispanic Americans assimilate include many factors, such as discrimination due to their foreign customs and accents and the difficulties of language barriers. In turn, many foreign-born Hispanic Americans do not pass down their language and traditions to their children.

Moreover, the children of foreign-born Hispanic Americans are required to assimilate to fill crucial roles. For my mother, it was more important for my siblings and me to learn English rather than Spanish. Learning English gave us the opportunity to communicate and not struggle as she did. Learning English also gave us the ability to help her and others, who did not know the language, by translating documents and conversations. In essence, foreign-born Hispanic Americans instill the notion in their children that assimilation into American society will guarantee their acceptance and success.

A Pew Research Center poll conducted in 2017 illustrated how second-, third- and fourth-generation Hispanic Americans viewed their Hispanic ancestry and identity. Among the second-generation Hispanic Americans polled, 98 percent identified as Hispanic, while 8 percent identified as non-Hispanic. Among the third-generation of Hispanic Americans polled, 77 percent identified as Hispanic and 23 percent identified as non-Hispanic. The percentage of fourth-generation Hispanic Americans who identified as Hispanic and non-Hispanic was 50/50. As the poll illustrated, later generations of Hispanic Americans distanced themselves from their Hispanic heritage.

Another form of diffusion in Hispanic American identity across generations is the distancing from Hispanic surnames. A Pew poll conducted in 2020 illustrated that 32 percent of foreign-born, 24 percent of second-generation and 10 percent of third-generation or higher believed that having a Spanish surname was an essential part of their Hispanic identity.

The connectivity that Hispanic Americans feel toward their familys home country also dwindles across generations. Eighty-two percent of foreign-born Hispanic Americans felt a strong connection to their familys country of origin. However, that number declined to 69 percent in second-generation Hispanic Americans and only 44 percent in third or higher generations. Among self-identifying non-Hispanics with Hispanic ancestry, 65 percent did not have a connection with their familys country of origin.

The need to find acceptance and success in assimilation by foreign-born and first-generation Hispanic Americans creates a generational diffusion of Hispanic identity. In the quest to fit into the fabric of American society, we ultimately sacrifice our Hispanic heritage.

Cristobal Lopez is a first-generation history graduate student and Nau Fellow at the University of Texas at San Antonio. His areas of focus include the Spanish Borderlands and Immigration.
I was recently listening to NPR as they discussed the drastic increase in flooding across the country as a result of climate change. They went on to explain a deep environmental injustice that exists: The federal governments Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, has been selling flood-prone homes to unassuming buyers for years. Most of these home buyers are low-income, because HUD sells houses that have been foreclosed on for more affordable prices.

Currently, HUD can sell these homes without letting buyers know that they are at dangerous risk for flooding and damage. You might, like me, think, thats allowed? As of now, yes, but it should not be.

Its time for federal regulation requiring HUD to disclose flood risk to potential buyers. HUDs mission is to protect low-income home buyers, and it must be held accountable for achieving that goal.

The Department for Housing and Urban Development was established in 1965 under President Lyndon B. Johnson as the federal agency to address the nations housing needs, improve communities across the country and enforce fair housing laws. Its mission is to meet the need for affordable rental homes, strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers.

One of HUDs programs is reselling homes that have been involved in foreclosures. Essentially, a previous owner was unable to pay the mortgage, and the house was seized by a bank and turned over to HUD, who now resells it. Between 2017 and 2020, HUD sold about 100,000 homes across the country to excited people who finally found a house they could afford. It seemed as if HUD was fulfilling its promise  creating strong communities and offering affordable housing for those most in need.

However, some striking new information about the selling of these homes has come to light.

NPR reported that homes sold by HUD between 2017 and 2020 were in designated flood zones at almost 75 times the rate of all homes sold across the country. In most cases, buyers of these homes knew little about the risk that they were entering into. Many were kept in the dark about how expensive it is to have flood insurance and what it might cost to manage flood damage. Additionally, communities where HUD sold homes had lower median household incomes than where no HUD homes were sold.

Not only was HUD keeping crucial information from people about their homes, it was keeping the information from some of the most vulnerable homeowners in our society.

And, for low-income people especially, putting homeownership at risk can be catastrophic.

We know that home ownership is a means of creating generational wealth. For first-time, low-income home buyers, this is important. It means not only having a safe place for their children to come home to after school but also creating stability for their families far into the future. Generational wealth is a means by which people pass down assets to their children and grandchildren  and one of the biggest ways that people pass down and inherit generational wealth is through real estate.

However, if someone is entering into a piece of real estate smack dab in the middle of a floodplain, one of the first steps in creating generational wealth is swept away.

And, if the government doesnt take action now, things will only get worse.

For example, Baton Rouge, La., came up as a hot spot for sales of HUD homes in flood-prone areas. Baton Rouge has already seen enormous amounts of rain, tropical storms and flooding during the past several years, and reports show that Louisianas flood risk will skyrocket in the next 30 years.

This is why it is time to require that the Department of Housing and Urban Development disclose flood risk to potential home buyers. This information has the potential to protect peoples hard-earned money, their life savings and the generational wealth they are working to build for their families. Without it, HUD will never fulfill its pledge of protecting consumers and using housing as a platform for improving quality of life. Because  after all is said and done  those platforms will be underwater.

Annika Olson is the assistant director of policy research at the Institute for Urban Policy Research and Analysis at The University of Texas at Austin.
Callie Richmond, Contributor / Contributor

WASHINGTON  The Heritage Foundation, a leading conservative think tank has tapped Kevin Roberts, the CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, as its next president  another sign of the Austin policy shop's growing influence in D.C.

Roberts is leaving an Austin think tank that more than doubled in size under his leadership and saw its influence expand nationally as it opened an office in D.C. and farmed out several staffers to the Trump White House and federal agencies.
Republicans in the Texas Legislature face an uphill battle as they try to pass a bill exempting most of the states workforce from vaccine requirements enacted by their employers.

For one, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott asked them to take up the matter just this week, following up on an executive order he issued Monday. Now there are just six days left in the current special session.

On top of that, the legislation has been denounced by both Democrats, who view the vaccine rules as necessary for public health reasons, and some Republicans, who disagree with government interference in business decisions.

In another sign of trouble, Texans for Lawsuit Reform, an influential and well-funded group whose PAC tends to support conservatives, on Wednesday came out against one of the bills ordered up by Abbott, House Bill 155, which the Texas House State Affairs Committee considered Wednesday.

The bill would require employers to allow employees to receive an exemption from a vaccine requirement based on their acquired immunity after contracting COVID-19; because of a medical condition; or for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief.

IN-DEPTH: What Gov. Abbotts ban on vaccine requirements means for Texas workers

The lawsuit reform group said in a statement that the bill would put employers in an untenable position and would expose them to substantial liability because it conflicts with federal guidance from the Biden administration requiring large companies to mandate vaccines. The group also has concerns about a provision that allows employees to sue employers who violate the law and recover court fees.

When you begin to add more and more exceptions to the employment-at-will doctrine, it creates more and more litigation, said Lee Parsley, general counsel for the group. Thats what weve seen over the years: The exceptions to the doctrine have created litigation and richer lawyers.

Glenn Hamer, president of Texas Association of Business, gave similar testimony at Wednesdays hearing.

Our big-time concern is the cause of action, Hamer said. That, in our view, needs to change.

Abbott caught Texas by surprise with his executive order, issued after 5 p.m. on Monday. It was just two months ago that the governor declared in an executive order that he would bar local and state officials from requiring vaccines but would not meddle in private business decisions.

The bills sponsor, state Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, who is a physician, said that while he is vaccinated, he believes its a personal decision.

Unfortunately, with respect to the COVID pandemic, weve gotten away I think from that foundational medical principle of patient autonomy, and we were sort of trampling all over it, Oliverson said. Americans in general do not like being compelled and told what they must do, especially when they believe it violates or intrudes upon their specific rights as an individual.

Neither Oliverson nor committee chair Rep. Chris Paddie expected the panel to rush the legislation through to passage.

Maybe we get there, maybe we dont, but thats not going to trump  no pun intended  any sense of political expediency here to try to satisfy the politics versus good policy, Paddie said.

At the end of a seven-hour hearing, Oliverson said he would revisit the legal liability provision, as well as clarify the definition of reasons of conscience and consult with health groups about carve-outs for places of work involving vulnerable, immunocompromised Texans. He planned to bring back a revised bill Thursday.

TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

The Texas Senate State Affairs Committee will consider a similar but more sweeping bill on Thursday that would prohibit government entities, school districts and public and private institutions of higher education from requiring COVID-19 vaccines, in addition to forcing private employers to accept medical and conscience exemptions.

Rep. Phil King, R-Weatherford, raised concerns about putting businesses in a difficult situation if Texas adopts a new law that contradicts federal requirements.

Im just really struggling with this fact that were sitting here talking about what we may do, but at the same time, thats not going to get our employers out from what the federal government is telling them to do, and thats going to be a long drawn-out legal fight, he said.

Among those who testified in favor of the bill was Regan DeMarines, legislative director for Texans for Vaccine Choice. DeMarines said Texans are suffering from having to choose between their health and their livelihood to keep their jobs.

Every medical product has risk, and where theres risk there must always be choice, DeMarines said. We hope that we can give citizens of Texas the ability to seek life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness without strings of a forced medical intervention attached to that freedom.

Rep. Eddie Lucio III, D-Brownsville, who is a lawyer and also a franchise owner of Orangetheory Fitness clubs in the Rio Grande Valley, said his main concern is the bills effect on small businesses.

Right now, every business  and you know my experience with small business  is struggling, Lucio III said. We dont need to be eliminating anything in the toolbox to run their business to give them an opportunity to succeed and survive this very hard time.

Dr. John Zerwas, a former Republican state representative and special adviser to Abbott, though he registered as neutral on the bill, said he agreed with Lucios evaluation.

I think its the business of small business to determine what's best for their clients or their customers and for the livelihood of the business that they're in, Zerwas said.

Zerwas also asked that lawmakers keep intact an existing law that requires hospitals to set policies that require employees and others in the facilities receive immunizations for certain vaccine preventable diseases, as determined by the CDC.

Rep. Richard Pena Raymond, D-Laredo, asked Zerwas if he believed more Texans would have died if the state had depended on herd immunity alone instead of making a concerted effort to get as many vaccinated as possible.

Absolutely, Zerwas said.

I just want us to recognize that as an employer, you look at whats going on in Texas and by your testimony, I think most of us already knew this: The vaccination has prevented a lot of people from dying and has saved a lot of lives, Raymond said. If youre a business, youre kind of looking at it yourself, youre saying, Hey man, I want my people to stay alive.

Carmen Tilton, vice president of public policy for the Texas Assisted Living Association, said members of her group are split on vaccine mandates and want the Legislature to leave these decisions to businesses.

Our members see the ability to have mandated vaccine policies as a private business decision, which is based on desires of residents and families they serve, the preferences of their staff members and the relative costs and benefits, she said, adding that vaccination is a vital tool for our industry, which is only just beginning to rebound.

Other health care groups, including the Texas Health Care Association and Texas Hospital Association, also registered their opposition.

taylor.goldenstein@chron.com
Despite the objections of Democratic U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, the Texas House advanced virtually the same redistricting plan the Texas Senate passed last week, splintering the 18th Congressional District she represents and shuffling thousands of mostly Black residents in the Third Ward out of it.

The Houston Democrat made a personal appeal earlier in the day to the Texas House Redistricting Committee, which voted late Wednesday along partisan lines to pass the map that also takes downtown Houston, Texas Southern University and the University of Houston out of Jackson Lees district.

It hurts my heart, Jackson Lee said of losing landmarks that have been in the 18th District since the 1970s when Barbara Jordan  the first Black woman elected to Congress from Texas  represented it.

Jackson Lee, first elected in the 18th District in 1994, and a group of her constituents denouncing the redistricting plan are running out of chances to change it. The map now goes to the full Texas House for a vote as early as this weekend, where Democrats would need Republican help to stop it from being enacted.

State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, tried to amend the map on Wednesday, proposing to restore most of Jackson Lees district.

But State Rep. Todd Hunter, a Corpus Christi Republican who is the chairman of the House Redistricting Committee, said he would not accept any amendments to the plan. If members want to try to change the maps, Hunter said, theyll have to try to do it when they are considered by the full Texas House.

Im not going to do committee amendments tonight, Hunter announced as Thompson and other representatives prepared to make their proposals.

Hunter did not explain why he made that decision. Republicans control every phase of the redistricting process because of their majorities in the House and Senate.

Now if the full House passes the plan without any amendment, it would go to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott to be signed into law. If it gets amended, it would have to go back to the Texas Senate for further debate.

IN-DEPTH: Sheila Jackson Lee, Al Green go to Austin to fight GOP redistricting plan

The Legislature, as required by law, is redrawing all of the states congressional maps with data from the 2020 U.S. Census.

The proposed map creates new congressional districts in 2022 for Houston and Austin  Texas is gaining two members of Congress because of its explosive growth since 2010  while increasing the number of Texas Republicans likely to go to Congress. And it improves the re-election chances of virtually every Republican in the states delegation.

Harris County would be split into nine different congressional districts as it is now, but with major changes. Republicans are proposing creating a new 38th Congressional District made up of more than 700,000 residents now in other districts.

SOURCE: THE TEXAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Not only is Jackson Lee potentially losing downtown and the Third Ward from her current district, but her home of nearly 50 years would be removed from her district as well, instead placed into U.S. Rep. Al Greens neighboring 9th Congressional District.

Democrats in the Texas Legislature have objected to the fact that the only two Black Democrats from Houston are being pitted against one another. No other member of Congress is having a home residence shifted to a colleagues district.

Its very strategic

State Sen. Borris Miles, D-Houston, said he has no doubt why Republicans are going after Jackson Lee.

Think about it. They are trying to weaken the base of a senior member of Congress who is very vocal, unapologetically outspoken, and very high profile, Miles said. Its very strategic.

Miles said its not so much Republicans in the Texas Legislature who want to disrupt Lee. He suspects orders coming down from Washington, D.C., where Republicans want a map that will help them regain a majority in the U.S. House.

State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, has acknowledged that Republicans in D.C. had a hand in developing the map that was the starting point for the redistricting plan.

But Huffman has defended the proposed maps, insisting she did the work blind to race, but also that she made sure minority opportunity districts like Jackson Lees would still allow people of color in Texas to be elected to Congress.

We have protected it as a black minority opportunity district, Huffman said. We feel we have adequately and faithfully complied with the Voting Rights Act and that they will continue to serve as districts for Blacks to elect their candidates of choice.

TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

Dozens of Houston residents in Jackson Lees district were among nearly 100 people to testify on Wednesday over 10 hours against the plan.

Its not right, said Pastor Elvis Piggott of the Triumph Church of Houston.

Piggott said he wasnt surprised to see so many people from the 18th District show up to testify. He said it speaks to how much Jackson Lee is a presence in the Third and Fifth wards.

When we had the freeze in February, she was on the ground giving out blankets and heaters, he said. When we needed more vaccines and testing sites, she was making sure we got them.

Tanya Wells, who lives in the 18th District, said Republicans in the Legislature are breaking up marginalized communities by splitting Fifth Ward and Third Ward into separate congressional districts.

Rep. Green testified during the hearing that the plan performs unnecessary surgery on Jackson Lees district as well as his own.

I know what discrimination looks like, Green said. I know what it smells like and what it tastes like. I know what it sounds like and I know what it hurts like. That map hurts.

Under the redistricting plan, much of the Third Ward would shift from Jackson Lee to Green, Downtown would shift from Jackson Lee to U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcias 29th Congressional District, and the International District would move from Green to U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletchers 7th Congressional District. All are Democrats.

But Houston residents arent the only ones upset with the map. During the hearing on Wednesday, the House Redistricting Committee heard from several people in Fort Bend and Montgomery counties opposed to the plan.

Residents complained that the plan would split Montgomery County into two congressional districts where they will be outnumbered by Harris County residents. Currently, all of Montgomery County is in the 8th Congressional District represented by the retiring U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands.

In Fort Bend County, several people said the plan splinters the areas growing Asian community to dilute their votes.

Were being split into three different congressional districts, said Fort Bend County resident Ruei Tuo.

jeremy.wallace@chron.com
Looking to end frequent beach closures to accommodate tests by Elon Musks rocket company SpaceX, a South Texas environmental group has filed suit in Cameron County claiming the practice violates the state constitution.

Save RGV alleges in the complaint filed Monday that officials repeated closure of Boca Chica Beach for rocket tests and launches violates their constitutionally guaranteed right to access public beaches.

The lawsuit, which says the beach has been closed to accommodate SpaceX for up to 450 hours per year since 2019, names the Texas General Land Office, Land Commissioner George P. Bush and Cameron County as defendants.

It asserts the land is part of a wildlife refuge in Cameron County and aims to prevent future closures of the land, as well as Texas Highway 4  the only road that leads to the beach.

This isnt rocket science, Jim Chapman, a board member of Save RGV, said in a statement to Reuters. The Texas Constitution is crystal clear. In Texas, access to public beaches cannot be restricted.

The lawsuit takes aim at 2013 amendments to the Texas Open Beaches Act that allow counties to close public beaches located along the Gulf Coast for space flight activities.

Save RGV says the law as amended violates provisions of the constitution that guarantee an unrestricted right to access the states public beaches.

On ExpressNews.com: This is not SpaceX property - this is my property: SpaceX looks to recast South Texas town as Starbase

The group seeks a declaration by the court that the sections of the Texas Open Beaches Act restricting their access to Boca Chica Beach are unconstitutional. It also seeks a declaration that an agreement allowing for the beachs closure is invalid.

Neither the Land Office nor Cameron County replied to requests for comment.

FAA seeking comment

The Federal Aviation Administration said last month it would extend a period for the public to submit comments on a draft report studying the environmental impacts of the proposed SpaceX Starship/Super Heavy rocket program in Boca Chica.

In August, 60 Minutes reported it had obtained government documents showing SpaceX disrupted public access to the beach in excess of 1,000 hours in 2019, violating its FAA permit, which only allowed the areas to be closed for 300 hours per year.

The SpaceX closures have worsened tensions with residents who say the company conducts tests, which require some residents to evacuate their homes, with little warning. Environmentalists also have expressed concerns about damage to sensitive areas around the launch site.

The SpaceX launch facility is surrounded by more than 20,000 acres of federally protected land, extending west along the Rio Grande and north toward South Padre Island.

Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Boca Chica is an important stopover on the Central Flyway bird migration route, spanning more than 8,000 miles from the Canadian Arctic to lower South America. Hundreds of species of birds stop there to rest after flying up the Mexican coast or crossing the Gulf of Mexico, the way Texans stop at a Buc-ees in the middle of a long drive.

On ExpressNews.com: It just shouldnt be going on here; Brownsville activists say Elon Musks SpaceX spaceport damaging wildlife habitat

Musk, who also co-founded electric-vehicle maker Tesla, is trying to incorporate Boca Chica and the surrounding area as the city of Starbase, Texas. He announced SpaceXs plan on Twitter on March 2: Creating the city of Starbase, Texas and From thence to Mars, and hence the stars.

The areas isolation was part of the draw for SpaceX, giving it a freedom of action it wouldnt have at a busy launch site such as NASAs Kennedy Space Center, said Eric Berger, senior space editor at technology website Ars Technica.

They are moving so fast it boggles the mind, he said of SpaceX activity in South Texas.

Activists in the Rio Grande Valley were asleep at the switch when SpaceX revealed its plans for Boca Chica in 2012, said Jim Chapman, president of Friends of the Wildlife Corridor, a nonprofit that works to protect wildlife in the Rio Grande Valley.

We didnt appreciate the impact, he said earlier this year. I think we just totally underestimated them.

This story includes information from staff reporter Brandon Lingle, contributor Richard Webner, and Express-News wire services.
Seven migrant farmworkers from Mexico allege in a federal lawsuit filed in San Antonio that they were shorted wages, stiffed on travel expenses and placed in a squalid and dilapidated labor camp by a South Texas contractor.

The group seeks at least $250,000 in damages from Pablo Francisco Cantu, both individually and doing business as Cantu Harvesting. The business is based in Edinburg.

Cantu should not be allowed to continue to grossly underpay his workers or to subject them to unsafe, unsanitary and undignified housing conditions, said Maxwell Dismukes, a staff attorney for Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, which represents the workers.

They seek to certify the lawsuit as a collective action so similarly situated workers can join the litigation as plaintiffs.

Dismukes said its difficult to estimate the potential number of plaintiffs. But the lawsuit covers the five years from 2017 to 2021, when, he said, Cantu asked the federal government to bring in as many as 80 workers at a time for each harvest season through the H-2A visa program for temporary agricultural workers.

The workers primarily harvested pumpkins and watermelons in Edinburg, Dilley, Comanche, Midland and Plains. Cantus business supplies seasonal and temporary laborers to owners and operators of produce farms and packing sheds.

Pablo Cantu was not aware of the lawsuit and therefore had no immediate comment, a representative said Thursday. It was filed Saturday.

Wage dispute

Cantu told workers he paid them at a piece rate based on the weight of the fruit they harvested, Dismukes said.

But workers werent able to verify that because they were never told how much the fruit they harvested weighed, he said. When Cantu paid the workers, he just gave them envelopes of cash, with no pay stubs, and no explanation of how he arrived at the amounts he paid them.

/Court document

The plaintiffs regularly worked seven days a week, with only an occasional day off. Workdays averaged from eight to 10 hours, though they sometimes worked more than 10 hours a day, their lawsuit says.

They were paid on average about $500 a week starting in 2017, which computes to less than the hourly rate Cantu was required to pay under federal law, Dismukes said. Thats known as the adverse effect wage rate (AEWR), a minimum wage paid to foreign workers by agricultural employers.

The AEWR in Texas was $11.59 an hour in 2017 and has increased each year since. Its now $13.03 an hour.

Entities affiliated with Cantu have been assessed penalties  most recently in 2016  by the Labor Departments Wage and Hour Division over the years, the lawsuit says. The most significant occurred in 2009, when the agency fined Cantu Harvesting $240,200 for 95 violations.

Cantu Harvesting appears to have been owned by Pablo Cantus parents in 2009.

H-2A visa program

Cantu Harvesting is described in the lawsuit as a sole proprietorship. Pablo Cantu also has used the business name Cantus Harvesting, including for a Facebook page. But Cantus Harvesting had its charter forfeited in 2017 for failure to pay taxes, state corporate records show.

Nevertheless, online data from the Labor Departments Office of Foreign Labor Certification shows Pablo Cantu, doing business as Cantu Harvesting, has petitioned the U.S. government for H-2A visas each year from 2017 to 2021.

The fact that Cantu has been able to commit these violations year after year speaks to the utter failure of the H-2A programs administrators to enforce the laws protecting migrant farmworkers, Dismukes said.

A Labor Department spokesman said the Wage and Hour Division has an open case into Cantu Harvesting and was unable to discuss it.

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid had contacted the Labor Department about housing conditions at the workers labor camp in the West Texas town of Plains, Dismukes said. Workers were housed in mobile homes and RV trailers, the lawsuit says.

/Court document

Housing conditions

The conditions included buildings with large portions of exterior siding missing; exposed electrical wiring; sweltering heat during summers that necessitated workers purchasing fans; interior surfaces covered in dirt, dust and grime; and broken furniture and appliances.

In August, the lawsuit says, the Wage and Hour Division ordered Cantu to move all the occupants to other housing.

Cantu transported a large group of workers, including six of the plaintiffs, by bus to an Economy Inn in Brownfield. He placed eight men, including five of the plaintiffs, in Room 121. The room, thought to be less than 480 square feet, had four beds, one bathroom, a table and three chairs, the suit says.

The room also had a stove, but the suit says the men had to share that with workers from other rooms that did not have cooking and eating facilities.

The plaintiffs incurred out-of-pocket expenses to get to the United States, including for transportation, lodging, meals, and border crossing and visa fees, the suit says. Total costs ranged from at least $250 to about $400 per person each trip.

They also incurred post-employment costs, ranging from $100 to $300 each time they returned to Mexico. Cantu failed to reimburse them for any expenses as required by law, the lawsuit says.

pdanner@express-news.net
This Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finally authorized the first electronic cigarette for vaping in the United States. The agency acknowledged that data and analysis presented by the RJ Reynolds company showed that its Vuse device can help consumers quit smoking or reduce the habit.

"The manufacturer's data shows that its tobacco-flavored products could benefit addicted adult smokers who switch to these products, either completely or with a significant reduction in cigarette use, by reducing their exposure to harmful chemicals." Mitch Zeller , director of the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products , said in a statement.

FDA clearance is valid only for the sale of the Vuse Solo Power refillable device and its tobacco flavored nicotine cartridges . The agency rejected the request for 10 more flavored products from the brand, claiming they may be attractive to teens.

FDA has approved the marketing of E-Cigarettes' in the USA on the basis that it will help people cut down tobacco consumption. What remains to be seen is the effect of this decision on Youth Non-Smokers. #Vuse #schushares #FDA pic.twitter.com/SeOvqcwEsw - Adhiraj Chaudhary (@ adhirajchaudha6) October 13, 2021

"While today's action allows tobacco products to be sold in the United States, this does not mean they are safe or 'FDA approved.' All tobacco products are harmful and addictive and those who do not use them should not start [using them], " added the health authority.

Last September, the US health authority confirmed that it rejected more than one million permit applications for vaping devices and related products, including those from market leader Juul . However, they are still discussing whether to give RJ Reynolds the green light to sell a menthol flavored nicotine formula.

"Today's authorizations are an important step in ensuring that all new tobacco products undergo robust scientific evaluation by the FDA prior to marketing," Zeller said.

Also read: Philip Morris will stop selling Marlboro cigars and other brands in Great Britain

The problem of vaping among teens

The FDA is aware that the 2021 National Youth Tobacco Survey found that approximately 10% of high school students currently using e-cigarettes named Vuse as their regular brand. The agency takes this data very seriously and considered the risks to youth when reviewing these products, "the agency added.

The data also suggests that the majority of youth and young adults who use electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) start out with flavors like fruit, caramel, or mint, and not with tobacco flavors. These data reinforce the FDA's decision to authorize tobacco-flavored products because these products are less attractive to youth and the authorization of these products may be beneficial to adult users of burning cigarettes who switch completely to ENDS or reduce significantly their cigarette smoking, "the FDA explained in the statement.

We recommend: Electronic cigarette company must pay 40 million dollars to promote its products to minors

They will keep a close eye on e-cigarettes

Although the FDA authorized the sale of this electronic cigarette, it made it clear that digital, radio and television advertising of the products is restricted.

"We must remain vigilant with this authorization and will monitor the marketing of the products, even if the company violates any regulatory requirement or if credible evidence emerges of significant use by people who were not previously using a tobacco product, including young people. We will take the appropriate measures, including the withdrawal of the authorization, " the entity ruled.

Electronic cigarettes appeared more than 10 years ago in the United States, as a less harmful alternative to the traditional cigarette for smokers. These vaping devices heat a nicotine solution to produce vapor, which is inhaled by the user.

There are few studies on whether vapers actually help quit smoking or pose less of a danger to smokers' health. In addition, the tobacco industry has hindered the approval of electronic cigarettes around the world, including Mexico, where the sale of these devices and their derivatives is not yet officially allowed.

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FAIRFIELD  The school district has introduced two new courses for high school students for the next school year.

The new courses are environmental chemistry and an African American, Black, Puerto Rican and Latino studies class.

School officials said that the environmental chemistry class provides an opportunity to provided the students with coursework that the science department currently lacks. The Black and Latino studies class comes after Gov. Ned Lamont signed a law in 2019, making Connecticut the first state to require public high schools provide a course on Black and Latino studies.

Were very fortunate in the sense that this Black and Latino studies course so closely aligns with some of the principles of this district and board of education, said Lisa Olivere, director of social studies and student centered learning. Certainly recognizing and respecting and promoting the dignity and worth of every student is something the board of education exposes.

It was pleasing to us to see such a strong alignment, she added.

Under Public Act 19-12, all regional and local school boards must include an elective course at the high school level that provides students with a better understanding of the contributions from Black and Latino communities to the United States. The course dives into these contributions through the lens of history, society, economy and culture.

While high schools were allowed to offer the course this year, all high schools will be required next year. Fairfield will be among a group of 50 districts that will be piloting this course, though the district customized their offering.

It would be a course that was accessible to our students and excites and empowers them by providing students with choice, which is something we talk about often here, Olivere said.

Juniors will be able to take one of three options in Fairfield. The first option includes the traditional U.S. History and English 11 courses. The second option includes an interdisciplinary course in American studies.

The third option would be the new Black and Latino studies course, an interdisciplinary, full-year, two-credit course.

The first semester would focus on Black and African American history, spanning from the African origins and contributions of ancient African empires to world civilizations, all the way to the Black movement for equality beginning in 1915 until modern day. Sections examines Black literacy, liberation and organization, protest, politics, power and how African Americans persisted through slavery.

The second semester would focus on Puerto Rican and Latino culture from the early beginnings of ancient civilizations to U.S. citizenship, as well as the resistance and defiance.

The framework of the course would satisfy the requirements of the Common Core State Standards for ELA and history.

While board members believed the course will be beneficial, board member Jennifer Jacobson questioned the true accessibility of the course. Since Fairfield only offers this course as a junior, Jacobson believes some students wont choose to take this course over the other options.

Im a little worried that you are going to bud up against U.S. History and it will become a choice of that, Jacobson said. Given that U.S. History is a requirement and this is not, we could lose people that may be interested in it by being so prescriptive in the year that this needs to be taken.

Olivere said the same question and feelings were on the minds of the Fairfield Public Schools Black and Latino Studies Course Committee when discussing this course. However, Olivere said the new course would satisfy the requirements for U.S. History, so students would be able to take either class.

The environmental chemistry course will be a year-long, laboratory-based, college preparatory course that integrates chemistry with earth science.

School officials said students will explore the central role chemistry plays in addressing global challenges and the opportunities of modern society to ensure a sustainable future. The course is targeted to 10th grade students and also serves as an AP Chemistry and AP Environmental Science readiness course.

The course allows students to investigate real world phenomena, which better inspires and prepares them for advanced studies and careers in science and engineering, according to the presentation,

The course explores the origins and structure of matter; chemical reactions and interactions in the environment, the chemistry of sustainability, the chemistry of living systems, heat and energy in the earth system and the chemistry of climate change.

The science program as it is currently structured does not provide a structure for scientific thinking skills through a progression of course work through the high school, said Justine LaSala, director of secondary science and STEAM.

This course creates an opportunity for students to receive instruction in both physical science, chemistry, and earth science in one course that is centered around engaging real world and environmental issues, she added.
The changing faces across any decade should be impossible to miss, yet too often become invisible.

Hard data in the latest U.S. Census figures makes it clear that the Hispanic and Latino population in Connecticut is growing faster than any other group, a trend that seems likely to continue. As Oct. 15 marks the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, Connecticut needs to consider how it serves these residents in the future.

Such data continues to be shadowed by misconceptions about documentation. Immigration with this group actually declined during the past decade. The rise is largely due to a baby boom. From 2000-2010, some 32,000 Hispanic or Latino children were born in or moved to the state, more than any other group.

These shifts arent unique to Connecticut. The other 49 states, as well as Washington, D.C., saw increases as well.

Connecticut, though, continues to host the highest percentage of the population with Puerto Rico roots. That percentage rose from 7.1 percent in 2010 to 8.2 percent. On the scorecard of states, thats considerably higher than second-place New York, at 5.7 percent.

Hispanic and Latino represents a broad umbrella, including Mexicans, Dominicans, Colombians, Guatemalans and many others. But with that growth has come a perilous widening of the wealth gap for this population.

Not only does the Hispanic and Latino population earn, on average, about $27,000 less per year in Connecticut that their white counterparts, but that figure represents an increase of about 26 percent from the 2010 Census.

COVID-19 underscored the fragility of the day-to-day economy for neighbors at the low end of the pay scale. Many are the essential workers who earned attention and applause during the darkest days of the pandemic. But while the Census helps us identify areas of need, it does not remedy such problems.

Its also discouraging to see that this population is underrepresented in Hartford, which happens to boast the states largest Hispanic population in Connecticut (44 percent). Only one of the 36 state senators is of Hispanic or Latino origin. The numbers are slightly better on the House of Representatives side (12 of 151 lawmakers).

That should change, but it will likely be a slow process. The population skews young, where candidates often struggle to find voters.

But one X factor could accelerate progress for the Hispanic and Latino population in Connecticut.

Connecticuts Miguel Cardona is still in his first year serving as U.S. Education Secretary. He travels the nation promoting education policy as students and educators collectively carve an exit from the pandemic. Meanwhile, his teenage son and daughter are navigating their own path through Connecticut public high school in Meriden.

As the first Latino in the position, Cardona not only helps steer the discourse about inclusion to our most important U.S. citizens, but serves as a role model back home. In addition to inspiring students, he could attract more members of Connecticuts fast-growing population to seek office.

Hes not invisible. Hes the face of the future.
Ive always hated to follow directions, whether they were from my parents, my boss, my wife, the president or the Ford Motor Company.

Thats a major reason why I wont buy a new car or computer for as long as possible. I dont want to read directions.

What are pleasant experiences for the average person cause me anxiety. I prefer not to walk into the car showroom and have to negotiate and haggle. Even worse, I hate the thought of having to read an owners manual thats longer and more bewildering than a Dostoevsky novel. Plus, theres always new technology or something or other thats bound to break.

But the day inevitably comes when you cant push the old RAV4 past 200,000 miles or your MacBook is about to go kaput and youll lose all those records that can protect you from an IRS audit now that Joe Biden wants to know every detail of your bank transactions over $600.

I didnt read the owners manuals for my last three cars, and I like to think Im a better man for it, although it took a while before I figured out how to open the gas tank cover. (I wanted to pry it open with a screwdriver.)

Throughout my student years, there was always somebody like Miss Ryan or Brother Jerome or Professor Higginbottom who said, Cant you follow directions? Instead of answering truthfully and telling them, I dont want to, I sat there with a smirk on my face.

Im the type of person psychologists call an experiential learner. That means I refuse to plod through pages of confusing manuals written by technical writers who probably wanted a career in journalism but missed out because there arent any jobs. Instead, they became direction writers, and what they write is so confusing they could have been journalists.

My hubris is I consider myself smarter than the people who write directions. You see, I like to figure it out by myself. I developed this habit after 15 agonizing years of assembling toys for my kids. For your information, toy assembly isnt as simple as it sounds

Instead of reading pages of directions in 6-point type, I did what was known in the olden days as winging it, which can lead to disaster when youre assembling a doll house with 187 interlocking pieces or a John Deere tractor for kids, complete with a trailer.

Usually, there are too many parts with numbers and letters, along with countless different kinds of nuts and bolts. In fact, there are so many, I feel like Im taking an IQ test, which will prove what my wife has long suspected  Im direction-deficient or challenged or whatever the socially acceptable word is.

Apple products come with virtually no directions. All those iPads and iPods and iPhones are intuitive, which means you can play around with them until you get it right  or they break. They remind me of the 60s, when people lived by mottos like Do your own thing, Be free, and Caress the universe. Dont get me wrong, I really want to give the universe a big cosmic caress, but that isnt going to help me migrate the files from my old laptop to my new one. For that, Ill need my son-in-law.

In our home, we have a top-secret drawer thats overflowing with directions no one has read  directions for everything from the dehumidifier to the toaster oven and the electric toothbrush. There are pages upon pages of directions in English, Spanish, German, Japanese, Chinese, Swahili, Portuguese, Latin and Hebrew. If we cant understand directions in English, what makes the manufacturer think well understand them in Farsi?

To make matters worse, the print is so small you need a magnifying glass, until you come to the line that says: DANGER, DANGER, WILL ROBINSON! PUSHING THAT BUTTON WILL END LIFE AS WE KNOW IT ON PLANET EARTH!

I also hate when manufacturers make you watch a 45-minute YouTube video narrated by someone with a whiny voice whos trying to explain how to put a protective cover on your cell phone with dish detergent and an applicator. Whenever I see the word applicator, I know theres trouble around the corner.

One last thought. This direction phobia can be dangerous when it comes to prescription drugs ... which is why I let my wife administer any and all medication.

Former Stamford Advocate and Greenwich Time Editor Joe Pisani can be reached at joefpisani@yahoo.com.
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Thousands of pigs have been culled on farms across the country as a result of slaughterhouse and butchery worker shortages linked to Brexit and the pandemic.

The National Pig Association (NPA) says 6,000 pigs have so far been culled and destroyed, with thousands more expected to be euthanised.

The trade body's policy services officer, Lizzie Wilson told Sky News that the pigs had been "shot and taken away for rendering."

"The carcasses will be incinerated and sadly won't be used for human consumption, they are literally wasted," she said.

Producers have been warning the government for several weeks that the labour crisis had led to a chronic backlog of pigs on farms.

A shortage of butchers and slaughterhouse workers means processing plants are refusing to accept pigs destined for the food chain.

Abattoirs have had to reduce their throughput by about 25 percent over the last 11 weeks, according to the NPA.

Ms Wilson warned that thousands more pigs may have to be culled: "The longer we continue without a solutionthe more likely we will see more culling on farms because people are getting increasingly desperate."

Despite the widespread cull, the trade body said there had been a 'positive change' within government in terms of its response to the crisis, as the Cabinet Office is now directly involved in the matter.

On Monday (11 October), the NPA and pork processors held a meeting with former Tesco boss Sir Dave Lewis, who has been appointed by government to address the issues across the supply chain.

There is definitely change occurring, NPA chief executive Zoe Davies told BBC Radio 4s Farming Today programme earlier this week.

She said this was down to a multitude of impacts, including last weeks pig industry demonstration at the Conservative Party Conference and the mainstream media's coverage of the plight.

It got to the point where we sent some images to various ministers to prove that pigs were reaching an overstocking situation on farm and thats what triggered a small number of farms to start having to cull animals.

"After that, everything changed and for the first time ever, we had someone from the Cabinet Office in one of our regular Defra meetings, Ms Davies said.

The NPA, along with numerous other farming industry groups, are calling for a new 12-month Covid-19 recovery visa to help alleviate the workforce shortages.
Cattle vets are being called on to help spearhead efforts to populate the new national Medicine Hub with farm antibiotic data.

The call to action, made by the British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA), asks vets to help dairy, beef and sheep farmers register on the hub before the end of the year.

Figures show that farms in the UK already have among the lowest use of antibiotics in Europe.

But while pig, poultry and aquaculture sectors capture antibiotic data for over 90% of production, the dairy, beef and sheep sectors have struggled to evidence responsible use due to lack of this type of national-level data.

The Medicine Hub  developed by AHDB  plans to address this, offering a central repository to compare antibiotic data from sources including on-farm use and datasets, and vets and processors.

The hub is also developing interfaces to transfer in data collected by the Welsh lamb and beef producers antimicrobial use calculator app and the STAMP antimicrobial usage benchmarking tool in Northern Ireland.

In addition to this, Quality Meat Scotlands commitment to promoting good antibiotic stewardship includes mandatory collation of antibiotic data to contribute to national recording.

Both the BCVA and the Sheep Veterinary Society have promoted the Medicine Hub in recent months.

Registering farmers will now be a first step towards demonstrating the success of a wide range of antibiotic stewardship activities undertaken in these sectors over the past five years.

BCVA board member and cattle vet Rachel Hayton, who chairs the Medicine Hubs industry liaison group, says it will take time for the hub to fully evolve  but the information it provides will be invaluable.

We need to consider UK producers reputation and accountability, and meet new national antibiotic use targets agreed by vets and producers through the RUMA Targets Task Force in November 20206," she said.

We know both vets and farmers have been committed to raising the bar on responsible use of antibiotics  we want them to be able to prove this.

In addition to meeting national targets, she said UK farmers and vets need to consider EU rule changes, with member states having to provide information on antibiotic use in cattle from 2023 and sheep from 2026.

This will apply to Northern Ireland directly, but the other three nations indirectly too as they seek trade deals with the EU," Ms Hayton added.

Vets, as the prescribers and gatekeepers of antibiotics, have a huge role to play in this, which is why were asking cattle vets to step up now and be part of developing this platform."

Some vet and producer groups, especially in the dairy sector, are already collating and comparing data.

Subject to data permissions, we are aiming for these private datasets to be incorporated into the Medicine Hub without duplication on the part of the farmer.

The Medicine Hub will eventually offer everyone with antibiotic data, whether a single farmer, software company, or consultancy with thousands of records, the chance to benchmark their records against the national dataset.
Payments totalling over 200,000 will be issued to farmers taking part in a scheme encouraging the production of protein crops in Northern Ireland.

The payments will be sent on the 18 October - the first day of payments - to eligible farmers who applied to the Protein Crops Scheme.

Launched earlier this year, the pilot scheme will run for two years, with the aim of encouraging the production of combinable beans, peas and sweet lupins in Northern Ireland.

The scheme, to be rolled out for both the 2021 and 2022 scheme years, will have a payment rate set at 330 per hectare.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) says the scheme will create a domestically produced source of protein for animal feed, and provide agronomic benefits within arable rotations.

DAERA has announced that payments totalling 208,655.70 will issue to all eligible applicants under the Protein Crops Scheme on the 18 October  the first day of payments for 2021. More info: https://t.co/MWdQlhaQZs pic.twitter.com/QkG6xu58iq  DAERA (@daera_ni) October 11, 2021

According to DAERA, this is expected to create environmental benefits by reducing the need to import animal feed and the associated carbon footprint.

The scheme represents an important investment in promoting sustainable, diversified agriculture in Northern Ireland, the department said.

DAERA said farmers wishing to apply for the scheme next year should do so via the annual Single Application in 2022.
Pick-your-own options abound at Delaplane and Markham farms

In northwest Fauquier County, the hills around Crooked Run Valley  bounded by Goose Creek to the south and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the north and west  have for centuries been dotted with orchards and fields of fruit. Each fall, several farms in the Delaplane and Markham areas welcome visitors from near and far to pick their own apples, pumpkins, gourds and more.

Most farms welcome dogs and children, making a visit to this picturesque corner of Fauquier County a perfect family outing. Pick-your-own season generally lasts through the end of October, though it is usually best to contact farms before visiting to confirm availability and hours.

Encompassed by the Middleburg American Viticulture Area, the Crooked Run Valley is also home to the largest concentration of wineries in the county. During October, which is officially designated Virginia Wine Month by the state tourism board, wineries often have special offerings and extended hours.

Pick-your-own farms

Hollin Farms

Located at 1524 Snowden Road in Delaplane, near Sky Meadows State Park, Hollin Farms is generally open Wednesday through Sunday. Visitors can choose from several apple varietals, pumpkins, gourds and winter squash, along with an assortment of greens and even potatoes, peanuts and sunflowers. Theres also a corn maze. Call 540-623-8854 for up-to-date hours and crop availability.

Valley View Farm

Visitors can pick their own pumpkins, apples and pears at Valley View Farm, located at 1550 Leeds Manor Road in Delaplane. Locally produced ciders, wines and meads are also available for tasting and purchase on site, along with guided hayrides and honey tastings. For more information, call 540-592-1021.

Hartland Orchard/Green Truck Farm

Owned by the same extended family, Hartland Orchard and Green Truck Farm are located just off Exit 18 on Interstate 66; Hartland is located at 3064 Hartland Lane in Markham and Green Truck is next door at 3015 Hartland Lane. Visitors can pick their own apples at Hartland and choose from pumpkins, winter squash and raspberries at Green Truck. Visitors are asked to call ahead for hours and fruit availability: 540-364-2316 for Hartland and 540-316-7715 for Green Truck.

Stribling Orchard

On the opposite side of Exit 18 is Stribling Orchard, open Tuesday through Sunday and located at 11587 Poverty Hollow Lane, Markham. There are several apple varietals to choose from along with pumpkins. Fresh cider is also available at this time of year, along with baked goods. The orchard can be reached at 540-364-3040.

Wineries

Arterra Wines 1808 Leeds Manor Road, Delaplane Delaplane Cellars 2187 Winchester Road, Delaplane Aspen Dale Winery at the Barn 11083 John Marshall Highway, Delaplane Leeds Manor Vineyard 3984 Leeds Manor Road, Markham Barrel Oak Winery and Farm Taphouse 3623 Grove Lane, Delaplane Naked Mountain Winery 2747 Leeds Manor Road, Markham Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery 5535 Blue Valley Way, Delaplane RdV Vineyards 2550 Delaplane Grade Road, Delaplane Chateau OBrien at North Point 3238 Railstop Road, Markham Three Fox Vineyards and Farm Brewery 10100 Three Fox Lane, Delaplane Cobbler Mountain Cellars 5909 Long Fall Lane, Delaplane

Happenings in Delaplane

Ongoing

Pop Up Market

What: Church-sponsored market

Where: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 9670 Maidstone Road, Delaplane

When: The fourth Saturday of each month (April to November); noon to 4 p.m.

Details: A family friendly market to support local artisans; food vendors on site

Saturday, Oct. 16

Contemplative walk

What: Walk through the sensory explorers trail

Where: Sky Meadows State Park, 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane

When: Saturday, Oct. 16; 10 to 11 a.m.

Cost: $10 parking fee

Saturday, Oct. 16 and Sunday, Oct. 17

Fall farm days rejuvenation weekend

What: A variety of guided and self-guided programs to reconnect with nature

Where: Historic area of Sky Meadows State Park, 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane

When: Saturday, Oct. 16; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 17; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: $10 parking fee

More info: dcr.virginia.gov/state parks/events

Saturday, Oct. 30 and Saturday, Nov. 6

Harvest dinner

What: Harvest dinner celebration

Where: Arterra Wines 1808 Leeds Manor Road, Delaplane

When: Saturdays, Oct. 30 and Nov. 6; 6 to 8 p.m.

Details: Limited seating for dinner provided by Nomad Provisions; music, food, wine

Cost: Starts at $55

Register: arterrawines.com/events-experiences/

Sunday, Oct. 31

Fundraiser

What: The Washington Area Animal Adoption Groups Fall Dog Jog animal-rescue fundraiser

Where: Barrel Oak Winery and Taphouse, 3623 Grove Lane, Delaplane

When: Sunday, Oct. 31; 10 a.m.

Details: A 5K run and 1-mile walk

Cost: $35; kids under 8 (and dogs) are free

Register: https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Delaplane/WAAAGDogJog

Saturday, Nov. 6

Earth connections series

What: Learn about fall wild edible plants

Where: Carriage barn in the historic area of Sky Meadows State Park, 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane

When: Saturday, Nov. 6; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: $10 parking fee

More info: dcr.virginia.gov/state parks/events

Saturday, Nov. 6 and Sunday, Nov. 7

Civil War encampment

Saturday, Nov. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 4

Astronomy for everyone

What: An astronomy outing for adults and children

Where: Historic area of Sky Meadows State Park, 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane

When: Saturday, Nov. 6; 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 4; 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $10 parking fee

More info: dcr.virginia.gov/state parks/events

Saturday, Nov. 13

Cooking workshop

What: Hands-on hearth cooking workshop

Where: Log cabin in the historic area of Sky Meadows State Park, 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane

When: Saturday, Nov. 13; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: $10 parking fee

More info: dcr.virginia.gov/state parks/events

Saturday, Nov. 27

Botany workshop
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Oil-rich Nordic nation deemed 'most prepared' and 'ready' to reach Net Zero by 2050

First ever Net Zero Readiness Index ('NZRI') created to assess countries' readiness to transition to Net Zero

Northern Europe dominates top spots, with UK and Sweden in second and third place

A lack of delivery capability is a weak point in global Net Zero emissions ambitions

The oil-rich Nordic nation of Norway has been ranked number one in KPMG's first-ever Net Zero Readiness Index (NZRI).

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211013006044/en/

Richard Threlfall, Global Head of KPMG IMPACT (Photo: Business Wire)

The report compares the progress of a selection of countries in reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change and assesses their preparedness and ability to achieve Net Zero by 2050. Using 103 indicators, recognized as key drivers to achieving Net Zero, the top 25 performing countries and seven 'countries to watch' were identified.

Despite being one of the world's largest oil and gas exporters, Norway topped this year's NZRI, partly due to private and public investment in renewable energy and electrified transport across the country. In 2016, the Norwegian parliament voted to bring forward its target date for carbon neutrality from 2050 to 2030. However, despite their top ranking, the nation still faces significant decisions over how it continues to tackle challenges in their transition to net zero.

The UK, which is preparing to host the COP26 Climate Summit next month, took overall second place, due in-part to cross-party political support and clear legally-backed targets that have enabled the comparatively swift decarbonization of the country's power generation sector, but many obstacles remain particularly on heat and buildings.

Norway's Nordic neighbor, Sweden, ranked third for being 'highly ambitious' and an international advocate for climate policy, green energy and technology. The country's next step to Net Zero is to reduce its continued reliance on agricultural exports and imports.

Key findings from the Index include:

Some countries are lagging in adopting Net Zero with only 9 of those surveyed, who account for approximately 8 percent of global emissions, having legally binding commitments in place. In order to stimulate delivery capability at the sector level, these targets need to be backed by robust strategies, policies and support mechanisms, In most jurisdictions the NZRI preparedness on a national level is mirrored by the level of readiness at the sector level.

A lack of delivery capability is a weak point in global Net Zero ambitions. The Index shows that those countries with a Net Zero target in place, either legally binding or policy, demonstrate stronger capability across sectors. The report also shows a correlation between prosperity and the readiness to achieve Net Zero, highlighting the need to escalate the mobilization of support to developing economies.

Insights from all surveyed nations show that whilst the global financial sector is increasingly factoring climate risk into their investment and lending decisions, governments have a critical role to play in enhancing access to such financing by creating enabling environments such as sustainable finance strategies, policies and regulatory frameworks.

These country insights also help to highlight the importance of political alignment and public support in the success of key decarbonization initiatives.

The NZRI top 25 countries were:

1) Norway

2) United Kingdom

3) Sweden

4) Denmark

5) Germany

6) France

7) Japan

8) Canada

9) New Zealand

10) Italy

11) South Korea

12) Spain

13) Hungary

14) United States of America

15) Singapore

16) Chile

17) Australia

18) Brazil

19) Poland

20) China

21) Malaysia

22) Argentina

23) Mexico

24) Turkey

25) United Arab Emirates

The seven countries to watch were:

India

Indonesia

Nigeria

Russia

Saudi Arabia

South Africa

Thailand

The publication of the Net Zero Readiness Index comes ahead of November's crucial COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow. The United Nations outlines that greenhouses gases in the atmosphere are at their highest level for three million years, driving a global temperature increase of 0.85 degrees Celsius between 1880 and 2012 and a rise in sea-levels of 19cm. Political and business leaders are becoming increasingly aligned that immediate action is required to stop the catastrophic social, environmental and economic impacts further temperature rises could have on the planet.

Richard Threlfall, Global Head of KPMG IMPACT, said:

"Climate change is the existential challenge facing humanity, but we need to face what seems like an overwhelming challenge with positivity and a sense of collective responsibility. It is vital that every individual, organization and country collaborates to an unprecedented degree, and with transparency and honesty. I hope that the NZRI will encourage countries that have a long way to go to learn from those who are making the most progress, and encourage everyone who reads it to play their part in getting us to Net Zero."

Mike Hayes, Global Head of Climate Change Decarbonization at KPMG, commented:

"Over the past 18 months, we have witnessed a phenomenal and welcome rise in net zero and science-based targets commitments from the public and private sector and national Governments. As a result, we're starting to see businesses take a more proactive approach to addressing their decarbonization objectives. The fundamental challenge for business however is how to move from making commitments to delivering them and stakeholders will want to see progress before too long. It is clear that the business community and political leaders are responding to the crisis, but there is clearly much more that could and should be done. KPMG's Net Zero Readiness Index highlights the patchwork effect that we're now starting to see globally. From territory to territory, different priorities are having different effects. With COP26 a matter of weeks away, this is our moment to learn from each other and ensure world and business leaders take a collaborative action-focused approach to the climate challenge and help make net zero a reality before it is too late."

The 2021 Net Zero Readiness Index was produced by KPMG IMPACT, established last year to support and empower the global organization and KPMG firms' clients in delivering on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals from ESG Sustainability to Economic Social Development, Sustainable Finance, Climate Change and Decarbonization and Measurement, Assurance Reporting.

Notes to Editors

About the Net Zero Readiness Index (NZRI)

The Net Zero Readiness Index (NZRI) is a tool that compares the progress of 32 countries in reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change and assesses their preparedness and ability to achieve Net Zero by 2050. The 32 participating countries have been grouped into two categories: the top-performing 25 countries in the race to Net Zero based on progress to-date and established initiatives; and seven countries to watch where there are significant opportunities to advance decarbonization efforts through large scale projects and emerging escalation initiatives. For each of the 32 countries, the NZRI considers 103 indicators that KPMG considers as key drivers to achieving Net Zero. The indicators have been split between national preparedness and sector readiness. National preparedness considers a country's national commitment to decarbonize, its past decarbonization performance, country-specific drivers of emissions such as population growth, and the national enabling environment for decarbonization. Sector readiness covers electricity and heat; transport; buildings; industry; and agriculture, land use, land use change and forestry (in the report referred to as agriculture, land use and forestry). The index looks at the indicators for sector readiness through three lenses: decarbonization status, government action and delivery capability. The indicators are aligned to the fifth assessment report of the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change published in 2014 and insights from KPMG experts in each country providing local context and insight into challenges, successes and imminent initiatives. The intended audience for the NZRI is governments and the public sector, multilateral organizations, investors and financial institutions, the private sector and the general public. It is likely to be of particular interest to any entity, department, business or person with an interest or responsibility in advancing the Net Zero agenda. This study uses the World Resources Institute definition of 'Net Zero'. Primarily, this involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions caused by humans as close as possible to zero. Remaining emissions are balanced by an equivalent amount of carbon removal from the atmosphere, effectively neutralizing humanity's future impact on the world's climate. The main greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide, and work towards Net Zero is often called 'decarbonization' to reflect the focus on this gas, which is released when fossil fuels are burnt. However, emissions of methane and nitrous oxide also make significant contributions to climate change and are included in this index.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211013006044/en/

Contacts:

For media queries:

Brian O'Neill, Senior Manager, Global External Communications

T: +44 7823 668 689

E: Brian.O'Neill@kpmg.co.uk
LONDON, Oct. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Companies from the steel, aviation and shipping industries are mobilizing multi-trillion dollar plans that provide a path for their respective sectors to reach net zero by 2050 and to make significant emissions reductions within the next decade as part of the Mission Possible Partnership.

Ahead of COP26, the Mission Possible Partnership (MPP), an organization dedicated to decarbonizing seven of the hardest to abate industries, is releasing plans and the estimated costs of slashing carbon emissions for three sectors - steel, shipping and aviation - often ignored in national plans known as Nationally Determined Contributions that form the basis of negotiations at COP.

Together, the three industries addressed in these initial plans emit close to 6 Gt of carbon dioxide per year in the global atmosphere, and are absolutely critical to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees C.

In less than two years, MPP has convened more than 300 corporate leaders from the seven harder-to-abate sectors, along with their suppliers, customers and financial institutions to develop clear paths to net zero across their value chains and start taking the first steps on that path. Among the participants are ArcelorMittal, Volvo, DHL, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Rio Tinto, JSW Group, BASF, Heidelberg Cement, Dalmia Cement, Bank of America, HSBC, Credit Suisse, UBS, Maersk, Wan Hai Lines and Tata Steel.

Making the Impossible Possible:

The costs of decarbonizing the steel, shipping and aviation sectors and the details on how exactly these industries will drive carbon emissions to zero are based on landmark science with clear milestones and metrics to monitor progress. The plans also offer policymakers a guide for regulations and investment.

Chad Holliday, Co-Chair at MPP said: "The kind of change we are talking about to get these industries to net zero is unprecedented. The climate emergency is a fight for our lives. The good news is that we now know more on how to keep the planet below 1.5 degrees and have shown radical collaboration is possible, even among competitors, despite a global pandemic. MPP's Sector Transition Strategies provide the map to guide corporates, financial institutions and governments in the years to come."

Commenting on the launch of the MPP sector transition strategy for steel Aditya Mittal, CEO of ArcelorMittal, said: "The MPP sector transition strategy clearly sets out the challenges for the steel industry to decarbonise as well as two illustrative pathways for the sector to achieve net zero. The most important message is that we can only achieve the sectors potential with the support and engagement of the full supply chain as well as policy makers and the financial sector. I believe this sector transition strategy can be an important catalyst for harnessing the power of a multi stakeholder approach and enabling the steel sector to achieve its full decarbonisation potential and make a significant contribution to the 2050 net zero target."

A second wave of announcements planned for 2022 will establish industry-backed carbon reduction pathways for the cement, aluminum, trucking and chemical industries which receives today a significant accelerator with the announcement of the The Low Carbon Emitting Technologies initiative (LCET) backed by 10 major chemical companies and supported by MPP.

Setting the tone for COP26. In addition to industry, the finance sector is also beginning to rise to the challenge. MPP is working to unlock investment in low-carbon solutions in industry and mobility by working with RMI's Center for Climate-Aligned Finance to develop climate-aligned finance agreements for financial institutions across all seven MPP sectors, with a current focus on the steel sector, and with the World Economic Forum's Transition Finance Initiative to develop blueprints for breakthrough financing and de-risking solutions.

Faustine Delasalle Co-Executive Director of MPP says, "When industry and finance leaders come together and align behind a strategic plan to decarbonize a sector, it creates confidence and emboldens decisionmakers. The MPP sector transition strategies provide a clear plan of attack to bring down emissions. Now we must turn to implementing this plan. But policymakers need to do their part to drive investment at a bigger scale and faster pace."

Focused on sectors often neglected in countries' Nationally Determined Contributions, MPP is also setting the tone for COP by calling on policymakers to recognize the critical importance of massive investment in clean energy supply and industrial policies like carbon pricing as well as the need for bolder international agreements at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for aviation and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for shipping.

Anthony Hobley, Co-Executive Director of MPP says, "Despite the pandemic, there is unprecedented momentum and willingness to collaborate to accelerate decarbonization in the most carbon-intensive sectors of the economy. With COP26 around the corner, the committed community of business leaders that MPP and its partners convene are demonstrating powerfully that corporates are not waiting for governments to act, but that they do need policy support to be successful."

Marking the first steps on a three-decade journey: key sector actions enabled by the Mission Possible Partnership include:

STEEL: Backed by some of the world's leading steel sector players, including ArcelorMittal, Rio Tinto, Tata Steel, Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe, Liberty Steel Group and SSAB, the MPPs Net-Zero Steel Initiative is launching a sector transition strategy that lays out what it will take for the steel sector to reach net-zero by 2050. The strategy details the importance of early progress to avoid 1.3Gt of cumulative CO2 emissions and cut annual emissions by 37% by 2030 on the way to net zero by 2050. The pathway will have major implications for the energy system, where demand for electricity could increase by 11-13 times and where metallurgical coal demand would fall 80-90%. Annual investment of around $6 billion would be needed to 2050 to transition the global steel asset base to net zero.

AVIATION: With the backing of 30 aviation leaders, including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Airbus and Royal Schiphol Group, Mckinsey & Company and Deutsche Post DHL Group, MPP is launching together with the Clean Skies for Tomorrow Coalition, a sector transition strategy for the aviation industry. This lays out what it will take for global aviation to get to net-zero emissions by 2050, including a complete phase out of fossil jet fuel. The strategy focuses on the need to ramp up the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) as well as new hydrogen and battery-electric propulsion aircraft. It also includes details on the recommended annual investment of US$300 billion, primarily in the fuel supply chain, required to implement decarbonization plans for the sector.

SHIPPING: This autumn, more than 150 industry leaders including A.P. Moller - Maersk, Trafigura, the Ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam, Yara, Euronav, GasLog, Hapag-Lloyd, Cargill, and the Synergy Marine Group, brought together by the MPP-supported Getting to Zero Coalition, a partnership between Friends of Ocean Action, World Economic Forum and Global Maritime Forum announced their commitment to decarbonizing international shipping by 2050. Moving ahead to develop the technologies and business models needed by 2030, while urging governments to work together with industry to unlock the scale-up of clean solutions. An analysis published today reveals that this will require $2 trillion in investment in scalable zero-emission fuels production and zero-emission vessels over the next 30 years.

CHEMICALS: Today 10 major chemical sector companies and the World Economic Forum are establishing a breakthrough platform designed to accelerate low carbon emitting technologies. The LCET initiative supported by MPP will enable sharing of early-stage risks and co-investments in developing and upscaling of low-carbon-emitting technologies. LCET members include Air Liquide, BASF, Clariant, Covestro, Dow, Mitsubishi Chemical Corp, Royal DSM, SIBUR and Solvay.

Notes to editors:

Additional announcements including for concrete, aluminum and trucking will follow soon.

The Mission Possible Partnership?

MPP brings together more than 300 of the most influential global leaders in industrial decarbonisation, finance, policy and business to trigger systems change in the world's most carbon-intensive industries. MPP and its core partners, the Energy Transitions Commission, RMI, WeMeanBusiness Coalition, and the World Economic Forum is focused on seven hard to abate sectors -shipping, aviation, trucking, cement, steel, aluminium and chemicals. These industries are collectively responsible for 30% of GHG emissions globally

Our net zero industry platforms build on growing momentum, investor pressure and consumer expectations to develop pathways to the Paris Agreement. Developed for industries by industries, their customers, suppliers and capital providers. Ambitious industries enabling ambitious action to supercharge industrial decarbonisation. http://missionpossiblepartnership.org
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 13, 2021) - Brascan Gold Inc. (CSE: BRAS) ("Brascan" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its common shares have commenced trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "BRAS" (the "Listing"). In connection with the Listing, the Company has obtained a receipt for its final prospectus (the "Prospectus") from the securities regulatory authorities in the Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. A copy of the Prospectus is available under the Company's profile at www.SEDAR.com.

The Company is also pleased to announce that crews are being mobilized to commence the phase 1 exploration program (the "Program") on the Company's Vulcan mineral property (the "Property"), located in the Fort Steele Mining Division in southeastern BC, as further detailed in the Company's NI 43-101 technical report respecting the Property (the "Technical Report"). A copy of the Technical Report is available under the Company's profile at www.SEDAR.com. The Program will consist of fieldwork, prospecting, mapping, geophysics, data compilation and geological modelling and follows on a $204,957 electromagnetic survey and diamond drilling program conducted on the Property in 2020 by the property optionor, Eagle Plains Resources Ltd.

The Company is also pleased to announce that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") of up to 8,000,000 units (each, a "Unit") of the Company at a price of $0.30 per Unit, for gross proceeds of up to $2,400,000. Each Unit will consist of one (1) common share and one-half of one (1/2) transferable common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"), each Warrant exercisable at a price of $0.40 for twenty-four (24) months from issuance. The Company intends to use the proceeds of the Private Placement for exploration expenditures and working capital and to acquire and explore additional gold properties in Brazil and Newfoundland. The Company may pay finder's fees to eligible parties who introduce subscribers to the Private Placement. All securities issued in connection with the Private Placement will be subject to a four-month and one-day statutory hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws.

The securities to be issued under the Private Placement have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This 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 the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About the Company

The Company is a gold exploration issuer based in Vancouver, BC. The Company holds an option over the Vulcan Property, located in the Fort Steele Mining Division in southeastern BC.

For more information, investors should review the Company's filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements that are "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, including statements regarding the Program, the Private Placement and the use of proceeds from the Private Placement are "forward-looking information". These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES

Contact Information

Balbir Johal

Director

Telephone: 604 812 1747

Email: bjohal75@gmail.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99616
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 13, 2021) - Potent Ventures Inc. (CSE: POT) (FSE: 0OS2) (OTCQB: POTVF) ("Potent" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed a first closing of a non-brokered private placement of up to $2,000,000 (the "Offering"). The Company accepted subscriptions for 15,430,000 units at a price of CDN $0.04 per Unit, raising gross proceeds of CDN$617,200. Each unit consists of one common share and one share purchase warrant entitling the holder to purchase an additional common share for CDN$0.05 for a period of 2 years from the issue date. All of the securities issuable in connection with the offering will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day after date of issuance.

Insiders participation in the offering was for an aggregate amount of CDN $27,000 comprising 675,000 Units representing 4% of the offering. Such participation is considered a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The related party transaction is exempt from minority approval and valuation requirements pursuant to the exemptions contained in Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of the securities to be issued under the Offering nor the consideration to be paid by the insiders exceeds 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

In connection with the closing of the private placement, the Company paid finder's fees of $30,416 in cash and issued 860,400 finder's warrants. The finder's warrants hold the same terms of the warrants issued as part of the Units. A second tranche closing is expected to take place on or before November 10, 2021. The proceeds will be used for general working capital and potential acquisitions.

For further information, please contact:

Charlie Lamb, President & CEO, Director

Telephone: 1(236) 317-2812 - Toll free 1(888) 556-9656

E-mail: investors@potent-ventures.com

Forward Looking Statements

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. 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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99628
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 13, 2021) - China Keli Electric Company Ltd. (TSXV: ZKL.H) (the "Company" or "China Keli") is pleased to announce that, pursuant to its previously announced letter of intent, it has entered into a share exchange agreement dated October 13, 2021 (the "Share Exchange Agreement") with PT Hydrotech Metal Indonesia ("HMI"), an emerging technology company domiciled in the Republic of Indonesia, and PT Trinitan Green Energy Metals ("Green Energy") and PT Trinitan Resourcetama Indonesia ("Resourcetama", and together with Green Energy, the "Vendors"), the registered and beneficial holders of all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of HMI, to acquire substantially all the issued and outstanding shares of HMI (the "Transaction").

Transaction Summary

Share Exchange

Pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement, the Vendors will transfer 63,964,999 shares in the capital of HMI (the "Transferred Shares") to the Company, and the Company will issue 70,000,000 common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Consideration Shares") at a deemed price of $0.60 per share, payable pro rata to the Vendors based on the number of Transferred Shares transferred by them. Green Energy currently holds 57,964,375 shares of HMI, while Resourcetama currently holds 6,000,625 shares of HMI. To comply with Indonesian laws, Resourcetama will retain one share of HMI post-Transaction.

The Transaction is an arm's length transaction for the Company. On completion of the Transaction, China Keli will acquire HMI's business and assets, and the Vendors will become the shareholders of China Keli. The Company, as it will exist after the completion of the Transaction, is referred to herein as the "Resulting Issuer", and the common shares in the capital of the Resulting Issuer shall be referred to as "Resulting Issuer Shares".

Performance Warrants

China Keli will also issue 50,000,000 common share purchase warrants (each a "Performance Warrant") exercisable for up to 50,000,000 Resulting Issuer Shares to the Vendors. Each Performance Warrant will be exercisable into one Resulting Issuer Share, at a price of $0.001 per share, and will vest and become exercisable subject to the following terms:

HMI or the Resulting Issuer shall enter into a firm and binding contract and/or a license (a "Revenue Agreement") approved by the independent directors of the Resulting Issuer for the use of its STAL Technology, which will result in advance royalty, sales royalty and/or any other type of revenue for the usage of such Step Temperature Acid Leach ("STAL") Technology, from one or more financially capable counterparties (each a "Counterparty") that in total will construct and develop up to four (4) STAL lines ("Smelters") representing 7,200 tonnes per annum of Nickel (Ni) equivalent capacity (each Smelter being 1,800 tonnes per annum of Nickel (Ni) equivalent capacity). Each Smelter committed by the Counterparty in the Revenue Agreement shall result in the vesting of (a) 6,250,000 Performance Warrants upon the execution of the Revenue Agreement, and (b) an additional 6,250,000 Performance Warrants upon proof of project funding satisfactory to the independent directors of the Resulting Issuer and commencement of construction of such Smelter. The maximum time limit for HMI or the Resulting Issuer to meet these criteria and effect the vesting of the Performance Warrants is a date no later than four years from the listing of the Resulting Issuer on the CSE (as defined below).

Finally, once vested, the Performance Warrants shall only be exercisable to the extent the Resulting Issuer remains in compliance with the public distribution policies of the Exchange, and in any event on or prior to December 31, 2027.

Transaction Fee

Subject to regulatory approval, a finder's fee of $1,470,000 shall be payable in common shares of the Resulting Issuer at a deemed price of $0.60 per share to Real Capital Limited ("Real Capital") on completion of the Transaction.

Advisor Performance Warrants

In addition, at the closing of the Transaction, Real Capital will be appointed as an advisor to a Revenue Agreement, and the Resulting Issuer will issue to Real Capital 12,500,000 common share purchase warrants (each an "Advisor Performance Warrant") exercisable for up to 12,500,000 Resulting Issuer Shares. Each Advisor Performance Warrant will be exercisable into one Resulting Issuer Share, at a price of $0.001 per share, and will vest and become exercisable (x) as to 6,250,000 Advisor Performance Warrants upon the execution of a Revenue Agreement with a Counterparty for one Smelter approved by the independent directors of the Resulting Issuer, and (y) as to the remaining 6,250,000 Advisor Performance Warrants upon proof of funding satisfactory to the independent directors of the Resulting Issuer and commencement of construction of the Smelter.

The maximum time limit for Real Capital and the Company or the Resulting Issuer to meet these criteria and effect the vesting of the Advisor Performance Warrants is a date no later than four years from the listing of the Resulting Issuer on the CSE. Finally, once vested, the Advisor Performance Warrants shall only be exercisable to the extent the Resulting Issuer remains in compliance with the public distribution policies of the CSE, and in any event on or prior to December 31, 2027.

The Vendors and Real Capital have agreed that they are engaged in separate efforts to secure a Revenue Agreement from a Counterparty, and will cooperate so as to avoid duplication of effort in approaching and negotiating with targeted Counterparties. In the event both the Vendors and Real Capital are successful in securing Revenue Agreements from Counterparties, a maximum of 62,500,000 Resulting Issuer Shares will be issuable from the exercise of the Performance Warrants and Advisor Performance Warrants.

CSE Listing

It is a condition of closing of the Transaction that the Resulting Issuer obtains a listing of the Resulting Issuer Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE"). In connection with the Transaction, the Company intends to voluntarily delist its common shares from the NEX Board of the TSX Venture Exchange ("NEX"). As a result, it is anticipated that the Transaction will be governed by the policies of the CSE. While it is anticipated that the Resulting Issuer will qualify for listing, the CSE has not reviewed the Transaction and there is no certainty that an application will be approved. The proposed delisting of the common shares of the Company from the NEX is subject to the approval of a majority of the minority shareholders of the Company.

Concurrent Offering

It is also a condition of closing of the Transaction that the Company complete a non-brokered private placement ("Concurrent Offering") which will close concurrently with the Transaction. Pursuant to the Concurrent Offering, the Company will issue a minimum of 5,000,000 and a maximum of 8,333,333 common shares in the capital of the Company at a price of $0.60 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds of a minimum of $3,000,000 and a maximum of $5,000,000 to be used for working capital and general corporate purposes of the Resulting Issuer.

The Company expects to pay a finder's fee equal to 7% of the subscription proceeds arising from subscribers introduced to the Company by Real Capital and other finders engaged for the Concurrent Offering. The finder's fee may be payable in cash or common shares of the Resulting Issuer at a deemed issue price of $0.60 per share. Warrants exercisable for up to 7% of the shares issued in pursuant to the Concurrent Offering may also be issued to Real Capital and other finders engaged in respect of the Concurrent Offering.

Options

A number of options to purchase common shares of the Resulting Issuer at an exercise price of $0.60 per share will be granted to the directors, officers, employees and/or consultants of the Resulting Issuer.

Pro-Forma Capitalization of the Resulting Issuer

China Keli currently has 12,110,026 common shares outstanding. Assuming a minimum raise from the Concurrent Offering and payment of the Transaction Fee, upon completion of the Transaction, the Resulting Issuer will have 89,560,026 common shares outstanding, and the Vendors will hold 78.16% of issued and outstanding shares of the Resulting Issuer (63,434,000 shares held by Green Energy and 6,566,000 shares held by Resourcetama).

Assuming the full exercise of the Performance Warrants in addition to a minimum raise from the Concurrent Offering, and subject to the exercise of Advisor Performance Warrants and other convertible securities, the Resulting Issuer will have 139,560,026 shares issued and outstanding, and the Vendors will hold 85.98% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Resulting Issuer (108,744,000 shares held by Green Energy and 11,256,000 shares held by Resourcetama).

Name Change

At or following the completion of the Transaction, and subject to receipt of all required approvals, the Company intends to change its name to "Hydrotech Energy Metals Limited".

Senior Management

It is anticipated that post-Transaction, Richard Tandiono will serve as a Director and Chairman of the Board, and Widodo Sucipto will serve as a Director and Chief Executive Officer. A brief description of the professional background and experience of Messrs. Tandiono and Sucipto are set forth below:

Richard Tandiono, Chairman and Director

Mr. Tandiono is 41 years old and is currently a senior member of the Trinitan Group. He also serves on the Board of Directors of listed company, PT Nipress Tbk, and was formerly a senior executive with PT Trinitan Metals and Minerals Tbk. He holds a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering (Industrial and System Engineering). He graduated Cum Laude from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles (USC) in 2002 and also graduated Cum Laude with a Master of Science Degree in Science Industrial Management from USC in 2004. He has in-depth knowledge of minerals, mineral mining and refining.

Widodo Sucipto, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Mr. Sucipto is 66 years old and started his career as Technical Division Head at PT Nordmende Electronics. He then spent 35 years as the Head of Engineering at PT Nipress Tbk, an Indonesian producer of automotive and industrial batteries. Since 2013, he has been with PT Trinitan Metals and Minerals Tbk and is currently their President and director. He joined HMI since its inception to lead its domestic and international growth. He possesses knowledge in and has vast connections within the electronics, battery, mining, and renewable energy industries.

Mr. Philip Lo, who is currently serving as CEO and CFO of the Company, will remain as CFO of the Resulting Issuer.

It is also expected that 2 other directors will be elected or appointed on or prior to the closing of the Transaction, and certain of the incumbent directors will resign or not stand for re-election.

Termination

The Share Exchange Agreement may be terminated upon the occurrence of a number of events, including if the Transaction is not completed by April 12, 2022.

About China Keli

China Keli is currently without an active business, and is listed on the NEX Board of the TSX Venture Exchange.

About HMI

HMI is an emerging technology company domiciled in the Republic of Indonesia, and a subsidiary of the Trinitan group of companies. HMI's proprietary STAL Technology enables flexible and scalable processing of nickel for nickel miners and smelters in an innovative, highly efficient, and environmentally friendly manner. It operates at normal and safer atmospheric pressure and eliminates the need for expensive high-pressure autoclaves and associated infrastructure. Therefore, it has significantly lower capital intensity and lower operating costs than other current technologies while offering a net zero waste solution compared to the current controversial smelter waste disposal methods of tailings dams, deep sea tailing and dry stack tailing.

Developed over 14 years of research and development, HMI's STAL Technology is a Class 1 Nickel extraction technological breakthrough that will produce Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate ("MHP") nickel which is used in the growing nickel-based battery electric vehicle market, and which is facing an increasingly growing supply deficit. Indonesia has the largest supply of nickel laterite deposits in the world. STAL Technology allows nickel mining and smelting operations to start small and expand easily due to its modular design and is ideally suited for Indonesia's largely small-scale miners and low-grade laterite ore. A miner or smelter can install STAL modules near nickel mining operations with reduced capex and expand quickly by adding additional modules to accommodate growing nickel production. The STAL Technology can easily be applied at nickel mines and smelters in other parts of the world. HMI is also developing a Green PLUS certification program to ensure ESG compliance of all HMI's nickel products throughout its value chain of activities.

HMI was incorporated under the laws of Indonesia on August 5, 2020, and acquired the STAL Technology from PT Trinitan Metals and Minerals Tbk.

The Trinitan group of companies is a global and socially conscious family-owned operation that spans across multiple public and private entities that are involved in the metals and minerals, energy storage and solar and renewable energy segments in Indonesia and around the world.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws regarding the Company and HMI and their respective businesses, which may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the completion of the Transaction, the terms on which the Transaction is intended to be completed, the ability to obtain regulatory and shareholder approvals, the proposed name change and board composition of the Resulting Issuer, and other factors.

Often but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "expect", "intends", "anticipated", "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such statements are based on the current expectations and views of future events of the management of each entity, and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Although the management of each entity believes that the assumptions underlying these statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release, including completion of the Transaction (and the proposed terms upon which the Transaction is proposed to be completed), may not occur and could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting the companies, including risks regarding technology industry, market conditions, economic factors, management's ability to manage and to operate the business of the Resulting Issuer and the equity markets generally. Although the Company and HMI have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements or information. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed.

Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and neither the Company nor HMI undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

For further information, please contact:

CHINA KELI ELECTRIC COMPANY LTD.

Philip Lo, Chief Executive Officer

Tel. No.: (852) 5138 1632

Email: philip3336@126.com

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or listing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. 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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99625
BEIJING, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A short animated film The Torch in My Heart was released on Oct. 11. Presented by The State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China, the film was produced by SHIZHI media, co-produced and distributed by China Story Database, CPC WORKS, Visual China Group and YoyWow Communications.

Based on a true story, the film depicts the accomplishments and sacrifices of three generations of women doctors. Spanning more than half a century, the story centers on Qin Jisheng, her daughter Liao Qinping and her granddaughter Lyu Tao. All are graduates of Peking University and became OB-GYN doctors, and all chose to travel to China's border and frontier areas to treat patients in need. It is a story of love, dedication, tenacity and heritage.

The story begins with a young Qin frantically riding a horse, racing through a snowy night to save a patient in labor. It was just one of many feats in Qin's illustrious career that began in the 1950s. Hers was an era that lacked medical resources, and Qin's top priority was to keep pregnant women and their babies alive and healthy. It was a mission that consumed her entire life, as she fought relentlessly for the people living in border areas. Her contribution earned her the Lin Qiaozhi Award, the highest national recognition in the field of obstetrics and gynecology in China.

Qin's daughter Liao inherited her mother's spirit and beliefs. Having devoted her career to the fight against gynecological tumors, Liao also received the Lin Qiaozhi Award. And now Lyu, granddaughter of Qin, is following in both of their footsteps, further advancing OB/GYN in China and improving the lives of women.

The Torch in My Heart contains underlying issues that are subtly revealed. Strides made in science and medicine aside, it is noteworthy that the three women doctors as the leading roles demonstrate the progress of gender equality and women's empowerment in China. Furthermore, each story takes place in remote border regions of China, such as Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Xizang Autonomous Region and the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, which illustrates the enormous size of China as well as its diversity, and more importantly how they are connected to form one country by solidarity and common efforts.

www.yoywow.com
Taipei, Taiwan--(Newsfile Corp. - October 13, 2021) - Taiwanese author Wang Yun's third book in his English-language trilogy Qingcheng Mountain -- published worldwide by Singing Dragon and released at the end of September -- has already been listed no. 1 in a total of 37 of Amazon's Best Sellers and Hot New Releases categories across seven countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia and Japan.







The front cover of Wang Yun's latest release in the Qingcheng Mountain series

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At the time of writing, the prolific Taiwanese author has published a catalog of over 50 books in his native Mandarin Chinese, spanning genres such as inspirational non-fiction, philosophy, health, religion, art, and fiction. His works have received wide acclaim from readers and the press alike, which led each publication to repeat best-selling awards upon release. Some of Wang Yun's work has remained in the no. 1 position on the bestsellers list of Taiwan's largest bookstore chain for over a year, a testament to both the profundity of his words and thought, and his ability to connect with readers.





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His translated work in English, including the latest Returning from Qingcheng Mountain, displays the same qualities. The Qingcheng series -- which brings to life the stories of Wang Yun's rich learning path at the feet of Daoist adepts and masters, and the exercises and methods they passed down to him -- first appeared in the English-speaking world in August 2019. Despite being his first publication in the Western world, Climbing the Steps to Qingcheng Mountain managed to top a number of Amazon's Hot New Releases charts in the United States, Canada, Britain, France, and Germany. As Cindy Engel, who has trained and instructed in qigong across the world for more than 40 years, said, "[This book is] a valuable insight into the life and teachings of a modern-day Daoist meditation master living in Taiwan. Snippets of wisdom, instruction, and illustrative stories emphasize the potential of Daoist meditation." Serge Augier, a well-known French qigong adept and lineage master, added, "It's always good news when some Daoist wisdom is shared with the world. This practical teaching is useful for all!"

Clouds over Qingcheng Mountain, the second book in the series, was released in September 2020, surpassing the records of its predecessor. After another ascension into Amazon's Best Seller and Hot New Releases lists -- totalling 23 no. 1 spots across 49 days in four separate countries -- it became clear that what Wang Yun had to offer from the Far East had truly filled a need, especially for a world in the throes of a pandemic. Michael Brown, a veteran translator and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner himself, said, "This work paints a rich tapestry of personal experiences, cultural stories, and explanations of exercises. Sometimes when reading this book, it feels as though Master Wang Yun is in front of me recounting the story himself."





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Wang Yun's third and latest release has only compounded on his rare success, taking the ranks in some countries among some of the biggest worldwide authors in the fields of spirituality, medicine and health. Returning from Qingcheng Mountain has already captured 37 no. 1 spots across 51 consecutive days and counting. Serge Augier, again, had this to say about Returning: "Wang Yun shares with us a beautiful and practical quest on Daoist Cultivation. Enjoyable to read and incredibly informative, this is a great book. I have been practicing for 40 years and it must be the first book that reminded me of my personal quest well done! This is a must read for Daoist enthusiasts!"

Wang Yun's example suggests that it is time for the native keepers of authentic wisdom traditions from the Chinese-speaking world to share their living, breathing knowledge in addressing the physical and mental ailments of today. In sharing his own wealth of such knowledge, Wang Yun himself is able to draw from his long experience in Daoist meditation, Chinese health cultivation, the ancient practices of qigong and other mind training methods, seamlessly weaving these millenary traditions into accessible applications fit for all aspects of normal life, today. As the pandemic continues to maintain its grip worldwide, finding and maintaining health and true ease of mind and body has become a major issue for people of every background, everywhere. Practicing the exercises alone, the author says, is not sufficient in and of itself, though: one needs to be well-versed in the extensive and profound traditions of the East to truly understand the root of one's problems. It is this experiential knowledge that will guide one to solutions that are not superficial and short-lived.

As his books show, in elegant prose, Wang Yun has been classically and extensively trained under various masters and lineage holders of Confucianism, Buddhism and Daoism. His Qingcheng Mountain series combines personal anecdotes and legends of lore, with simple and easy-to-understand methods of physical and mental cultivation. With some luck, the Daoist way of life and the Chinese cultural roots from whence it grew can continue to positively impact the lives of people of all backgrounds and beliefs.

Media Contact:

Company Name: Modern Wisdom Cultural and Creative Co., LTD.

Contact: Paul Chang

Email: contact@modernwisdomtg.com

Website: www.modernwisdomtg.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99642
Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2021) - Manganese X Energy Corp. (TSXV: MN) (FSE: 9SC) (OTCQB: MNXXF) ("Manganese X", "MN", the "Company") is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary, Disruptive Battery Corp. (DBC), in conjunction with its US Joint Venture Partner, PureBiotic AIR, Corp (PureBiotic), has received additional positive results from its ongoing long-term research study conducted by Virginia State University (VSU). This has been despite the delays caused by the COVID-19 restrictions which have been affecting most university campuses and research facilities.

It should be noted that after receiving additional positive results the Company will soon be announcing a series of registrations, certifications and regulatory product applications of significant interest.

Martin Kepman, CEO, comments: "We continue to evolve our misting solution for the mitigation of pathogens including COVID-19. Research is showing positive efficacy. We are now moving towards making additional certifications including applying for FDA approval."

In the VSU's latest round of testing, the priority was documenting the risk reduction on an important range of pathogens and biofilm, including COVID-19, utilizing the PureBiotic Mist Solution on surfaces, in addition to air. The VSU researchers have produced effective and encouraging results on the PureBiotics Solution's effect on biofilm. This is important to note since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has rated biofilm, where pathogens like COVID-19 and other pathogens are found, to be responsible for some 80% of all infections. Biofilm provides a protective environment for pathogens from disinfectants and antibiotics. The deconstruction of biofilm removes the "protective home" and therefore helps protect against COVID-19 and other contaminants.

Also of importance, the University laboratory was able to recently produce growths of different types of biofilms required for testing of the PureBiotic AIR HVAC Delivery System for the mitigation of other types of infection risks, such as COVID-19. This testing showed that the PureBiotic Mist can be effective in helping to deconstruct biofilm in an HVAC setting.

In addition to the recent tests administered by VSU, the University research team compiled and researched all other testing completed to date by a wide variety of hospitals, universities, and other organizations. This research has proven that the PureBiotics technology has the ability to simply, easily & economically control Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus, MRSA 90%, Pseudomonas 82%, Candida Spp. 90%, Coliforms 92%, Acinetobacter spp. 78%, etc. It was also observed that the effect of suppression caused by the PureBiotic Formulation was stable over the course of time. Demonstrating that the reduction of pathogens in the environment resulted in a corresponding reduction in nosocomial infections over a relatively long period of time.

With these new studies and former research re-confirming the effectiveness of the PureBiotics Technologies, VSU is adding testing sites to their on-going study. These tests will determine how economically viable the PureBiotics Formulations are in eliminating the risk of infections, with the additional benefits of providing safer, cleaner and odor free facilities.

Former VSU Research on PureBiotics Solution's Effectiveness

PureBiotic Solutions came to the attention of the VSU lab in 2018, when several production facilities in Indiana and Georgia that were using PureBiotics products, requested testing for controlling Salmonella, a pathogen that accounts for a large number of illnesses & hospitalizations in the USA annually. This was followed up by VSU with further testing for Aspergillus, a common mold that kill an estimated 1.5 million people globally each year and sicken many millions more. Both these series of tests on the use of the PureBiotic Solutions were successful.

In testing against a wide group of chemical disinfectants currently used in hospitals, the PureBiotics formulations proved to be from 78% to 92% more effective, depending on the type of infection risk to eradicate.

The company is not making any express or implied claim that it has developed a COVID-19 air management solution at this time.

About Manganese X Energy Corp.

Manganese X's mission is to advance its Battery Hill project into production, with the intent of supplying value-added materials to the lithium-ion battery and other alternative energy industries, The Company is also striving to achieve new carbon-friendly more efficient methodologies, while processing manganese at a lower competitive cost. The company is the only publicly traded manganese company in North America moving rapidly toward commercialization of a manganese deposit.

Subsidiary Disruptive Battery Corp.'s mission is to develop an HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) air purification delivery system for cleaner and healthier air, aiming to mitigate COVID-19 and other contaminants on surfaces and in the air. For more information visit the website at www.manganesexenergycorp.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of

MANGANESE X ENERGY CORP.

Martin Kepman

CEO and Director

Email: martin@kepman.com

Tel: 1-514-802-1814

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains "forward-looking information" including statements with respect to the future exploration performance of the Company. This forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements of the Company, expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, as well as others, are disclosed within the Company's filing on SEDAR, which investors are encouraged to review prior to any transaction involving the securities of the Company.

Forward-looking information contained herein is provided as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation, other than as required by law, to update any forward-looking information for any reason. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, and the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking information. We seek safe harbor.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99610
DGAP-Ad-hoc: GFJ ESG Acquisition I SE (SPAC) / Key word(s): Miscellaneous

GFJ ESG Acquisition I SE launches bookbuilding for up to 150 million private placement and listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and targets business combination with a European company in the ESG-related technology sector supporting the path to de-carbonization



14-Oct-2021 / 07:59 CET/CEST

Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



AD-HOC RELEASE Public disclosure of inside information according to Article 17 para. 1 of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 on market abuse (Market Abuse Regulation) NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, SOUTH AFRICA OR JAPAN OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION. GFJ ESG Acquisition I SE launches bookbuilding for up to 150 million private placement and listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and targets business combination with a European company in the ESG-related technology sector supporting the path to de-carbonization



Luxembourg, October 14, 2021 - GFJ ESG Acquisition I SE (the "Company"), a Luxembourg special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), today announces the start of its private placement of 12,500,000 units (the "Units"), consisting each of one share (a "Public Share") and one half of a warrant (a "Public Warrant"), at a price of 10.00 per Unit for an aggregate of 125 million. The Company reserves the right to offer up to 2,500,000 additional Units subject to market demand (upsize option). The Units will be solely offered to institutional investors. The private placement is expected to end on or before October 15, 2021. The Company is sponsored by GFJ Holding GmbH & Co. KG (the "Sponsor"), an affiliate of Gisbert Ruhl, Florian Fritsch, Josef Brunner, Anna-Katharina Smend, Philipp von Hagen and Harald Mahrer and was established for the purpose of acquiring one operating business in a member state of the European Economic Area or the United Kingdom or Switzerland in the form of a merger, capital stock exchange, share purchase, asset acquisition, reorganization or similar transaction (the "Business Combination"). The Company plans to target a company in the ESG-related technology sector supporting the path to de-carbonization. The Company will have 15 months from the date of the admission to trading to consummate a Business Combination. This period may be extended up to two times, in each case by three months, by resolution of the Company's general shareholders' meeting if the Company signs a letter of intent with a potential seller of a target within the initial 15 months. Otherwise, the Company will be liquidated and distribute substantially all of its assets to its shareholders. The Company has applied for admission of the Public Shares (ISIN: LU2358378979) to trading on the regulated market (regulierter Markt) of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (General Standard) and for introduction to trading of the Public Warrants (ISIN: LU2358379514) on the open market (Freiverkehr) of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Borse Frankfurt Zertifikate AG). Trading of the Public Shares and Public Warrants is expected to commence on October 19, 2021. Contact:

Gisbert Ruhl

Chief Executive Officer

GFJ ESG Acquisition I SE

55, Avenue Pasteur

L-2311 Luxembourg

Luxembourg

info@gfj-esg.com



DISCLAIMER This publication may not be published, distributed or transmitted in the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa or Japan. This publication does not constitute or forms part of any offer of securities for sale or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities (the "Securities") or any of the assets, business or undertakings of GFJ ESG Acquisition I SE (the "Company") in the United States, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Japan or any other jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. The Securities of the Company may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). There will be no public offering of the Securities in the United States. The Securities of the Company have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act. The Securities referred to herein may not be offered or sold in Australia, South Africa, Canada or Japan or to, or for the account or benefit of, any national, resident or citizen of Australia, South Africa, Canada or Japan subject to certain exceptions. The Securities of the Company may not be offered or sold in Canada absent the filing of a prospectus in Canada or in a transaction that is exempt from the requirement that the Company prepare and file a prospectus under applicable Canadian securities laws. No prospectus has been, or will be, filed with any securities commission or similar regulatory authority in Canada in connection with the offer and sale of the Securities. No securities commission or similar regulatory authority in Canada has reviewed or in any way passed upon this publication or on the merits of the Securities and any representation to the contrary is an offence. This publication does not form the basis of and should not be relied on in connection with, or act as an inducement to enter into, any contract or commitment whatsoever. Recipients of this publication who are considering acquiring Securities of the Company are reminded that any such purchase or subscription must not be made on the basis of the information contained in this publication.

This publication constitutes neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy securities. The listing of the Securities will be made solely by the means of, and on the basis of, a securities prospectus which is yet to be published. An investment decision regarding any securities of GFJ ESG Acquisition I SE should only be made on the basis of the securities prospectus. The securities prospectus will be published promptly upon approval by the Luxembourg Financial Sector Supervisory Commission (Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF)) and will be available free of charge on the GFJ ESG Acquisition I SE website.

In the United Kingdom, this publication is only being distributed to and is only directed at persons who are (i) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "Order"), or (ii) persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (high net worth companies, unincorporated associations, etc.) (all such persons together being referred to as "Relevant Persons"). This publication is directed only at Relevant Persons and must not be acted on or relied upon by persons who are not Relevant Persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this publication relates is available only to Relevant Persons and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons.

In member states of the European Economic Area the placement of securities described in this announcement is directed exclusively at persons who are "qualified investors" within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 (Prospectus Regulation).

The Units are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any Retail Investor in the EEA. For these purposes, a "Retail Investor" means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on markets in financial instruments, as amended ("MiFID II"); (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 January 2016 on insurance distribution, as amended, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II. Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 November 2014 on key information documents for packaged retail and insurance-based investment products (the "PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling the Units or otherwise making them available to Retail Investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the Units or otherwise making them available to any Retail Investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation.

Solely for the purposes of the manufacturer's product approval process, the target market assessment in respect of the Public Shares and Public Warrants has led to the conclusion that (i) the Public Shares are (a) compatible with an end target market of Retail Investors and investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties, each as defined in MiFID II, and (b) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels permitted by MiFID II and (ii) the Public Warrants are (a) compatible with an end target market of investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties, each as defined in MiFID II, and (b) eligible for distribution to professional clients and eligible counterparties through all distribution channels permitted by MiFID II.

Any person subsequently offering, selling or recommending the Public Shares and Public Warrants (a "distributor") should take into consideration the manufacturer's target market assessment; however, a distributor subject to MiFID II is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Public Shares and Public Warrants (by either adopting or refining the manufacturer's target market assessment) and determining appropriate distribution channels.

The Units are not intended, to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any Retail Investor in the United Kingdom ("UK"). For these purposes the expression "Retail Investor" means a person who is one (or more) of the following: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 ("EUWA"); or (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the "FSMA") and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA ("UK MiFIR"). Consequently no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the "UK PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling the Units or otherwise making them available to Retail Investors in the UK has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the Units or otherwise making them available to any Retail Investor in the UK may be unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation.

Solely for the purposes of the manufacturer's product approval process, the target market assessment in respect of the Public Shares and Public Warrants has led to the conclusion that (i) the Public Shares are (a) compatible with an end target market of Retail Investors and eligible counterparties, as defined in the FCA Handbook Conduct of Business Sourcebook ("COBS") and professional clients, as defined in UK MiFIR, and (b) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels and (ii) the Public Warrants are (a) compatible with an end target market of eligible counterparties, as defined in COBS, and professional clients, as defined in UK MiFIR; and (b) all channels for distribution of the Public Warrants to eligible counterparties and professional clients are appropriate.

Any person subsequently offering, selling or recommending the Public Shares and Public Warrants (a "distributor") should take into consideration the target market assessment; however, a distributor subject to COBS is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Public Shares and Public Warrants (by either adopting or refining the target market assessment) and determining appropriate distribution channels.

No action has been taken that would permit an offering or an acquisition of the securities or a distribution of this announcement in any jurisdiction where such action would be unlawful. Persons into whose possession this announcement comes are required to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions.

This announcement does not constitute a recommendation concerning the placement. Investors should consult a professional advisor as to the suitability of the placement for the person concerned.

This release may contain forward looking statements, estimates, opinions and projections with respect to anticipated future performance of the Company ("forward-looking statements"). These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believes," "estimates," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "may," "will" or "should" or, in each case, their negative, or other variations or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are based on the current views, expectations and assumptions of the management of the Company and involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. Any forward-looking statements included herein only speak as at the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation, and does not expect to publicly update, or publicly revise, any of the information, forward-looking statements or the conclusions contained herein or to reflect new events or circumstances or to correct any inaccuracies which may become apparent subsequent to the date hereof, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The Company accepts no liability whatsoever in respect of the achievement of such forward-looking statements and assumptions. 14-Oct-2021 CET/CEST The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.dgap.de


Divestment of Narrabri thermal coal royalty for consideration of up to $36 million

LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / October 14, 2021 / Anglo Pacific Group PLC ("Anglo Pacific" the "Company" or the "Group") (LSE:APF, TSX:APY) is pleased to announce its exit from thermal coal by entering into an agreement to sell its 1% gross revenue royalty over the Narrabri mine to the operator, Whitehaven Coal Limited ("Whitehaven") for consideration of up to $36 million.

The consideration is structured as fixed payments totalling $21.6 million, along with contingent payments which could generate a further $14 million. The transaction is expected to close on 31 December 2021, with no material conditions precedent to closing. Anglo Pacific will continue to receive royalties from Narrabri until the end of the current calendar year.

This transaction significantly improves the Group's carbon footprint with a remaining portfolio of assets now increasingly weighted towards cobalt, vanadium, copper and nickel - commodities which will be essential to decarbonise energy generation in the years ahead.

Highlights

$21.6 million fixed consideration, to be received in instalments until 31 December 2026, of which ~$13 million will be received within 18 months of the transaction close date

Contingent consideration of a further estimated $14 million depending on future coal price levels, Narrabri sales volumes and the successful permitting of the Narrabri South extension

H2 2021 Narrabri royalty income estimated at $1 - 2 million to be paid to Anglo Pacific, a period which is seeing elevated thermal coal prices

Increases Anglo Pacific's portfolio contribution from 21 st century commodities that support a more sustainable world

century commodities that support a more sustainable world Provides Anglo Pacific with the opportunity to redeploy capital into further acquisitions

Anglo Pacific CEO, Julian Treger, commented:

"I am delighted to announce that we have entered into an agreement to sell the Narrabri thermal coal royalty, which is aligned with our strategy and represents a further step in focusing on the investment in 21st century commodities supporting a more sustainable world.

This transaction is consistent with our stated strategy of moving away from carbon-based energy exposure, as demonstrated by our investments in copper, nickel, vanadium, uranium and most recently the transformational $205 million Voisey's Bay cobalt stream acquired earlier this year.

Whitehaven was selected as the preferred bidder following a competitive sales process, on the basis of an offer which we considered to provide maximum value to Anglo Pacific shareholders. We intend to deploy the proceeds from this transaction into further acquisitions, including to partially fund the upcoming $20 million Incoa calcium carbonate financing which is likely to occur in H1 2022."

The Transaction

Anglo Pacific has entered into an agreement to sell its Narrabri thermal coal royalty to a subsidiary of Whitehaven. The transaction is expected to close on 31 December 2021 with no material conditions precedent to closing, and the Group will continue to be entitled to receive H2 2021 Narrabri royalty income, estimated at $1 - 2 million.

Anglo Pacific will receive $21.6 million in fixed payments, of which ~$13 million is due within 18 months of the transaction close date. The remainder will be received in annual instalments until the end of 2026.

Contingent payments totalling $5 million, payable in instalments, will become receivable upon the approval of the Narrabri South extension project by state and federal authorities in Australia, prior to 31 December 2026.

In addition, Anglo Pacific is entitled to receive bi-annual contingent payments linked to future realised Narrabri coal prices ranging from $0.05/t if realised prices exceed $90/t to $0.25/t if realised coal prices exceed $150/t up to the end of calendar year 2026. Assuming Narrabri ROM production of 4.3-5.0 million tonnes for fiscal year 2022 and 7.0-8.5 million tonnes per annum in the southern panels, the Company would be entitled to receive approximately $9 million in price linked contingent payments, were realised Narrabri coal prices to be in excess of $150/t.

History

Anglo Pacific acquired the Narrabri royalty for $65 million in March 2015. As at 31 December 2021, the Narrabri royalty is expected to have a carrying value of approximately $45 million based on amortised cost. Since its acquisition, Anglo Pacific has received approximately $32 million in royalty income, with a further $1 - 2 million expected before year-end 2021.

For further information:

Anglo Pacific Group PLC +44 (0) 20 3435 7400 Julian Treger - Chief Executive Officer Kevin Flynn - Chief Financial Officer Marc Bishop Lafleche - Chief Investment Officer Website: www.anglopacificgroup.com Berenberg +44 (0) 20 3207 7800 Matthew Armitt / Jennifer Wyllie / Varun Talwar / Detlir Elezi Peel Hunt LLP +44 (0) 20 7418 8900 Ross Allister / Alexander Allen / David McKeown RBC Capital Markets Farid Dadashev / Marcus Jackson / Jamil Miah +44 (0) 20 7653 4000 Camarco +44 (0) 20 3757 4997 Gordon Poole / Owen Roberts / Charlotte Hollinshead

Notes to Editors

About Anglo Pacific

Anglo Pacific Group PLC is a global natural resources royalty and streaming company. The Company's strategy is to become a leading natural resources company through investing in high quality projects in preferred jurisdictions with trusted counterparties, underpinned by strong ESG principles. It is a continuing policy of the Company to pay a substantial portion of these royalties and streams to shareholders as dividends.

Unless otherwise stated, all figures quoted are in US$ denomination.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

SOURCE: Anglo Pacific Group PLC

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/668114/Anglo-Pacific-Group-PLC-Announces-Divestment-of-Narrabri-thermal-coal-royalty
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 14, 2021 / Blender Bites Ltd. (the "Company", "Blender" or "Blender Bites"), (CSE:BITE)(FWB:JL4)(WKN:A3C3Y2), a Canadian company that develops and markets premium frozen organic and plant-based pre-portioned smoothie products, is pleased to announce the engagement of Active Marketing Group Inc. ("AMG"), as its US retail broker.

AMG is a highly respected and experienced firm comprised of retail experts specializing in sales and marketing, driving growth for consumer goods and manufacturers in retail markets throughout North America. Over its 30 years development, AMG has established relationships with buyers in every major big box retailer in the US and has built a reputation for introducing new products to the market, securing strategic shelf space, and optimizing in-store promotional activities for its brand management clients.

AMG's proven approach to brand (client) management is premised on the philosophy - be very selective in the brands they partner with; keep the number of brands they represent small; and give their carefully selected brands "full attention EVERY day". Their rigorous process of selecting brands they will represent, allows them to fulfill the unmet needs of their retailer partners, which ultimately leads to continuous growth for their brand partners.

Blender Bites' frozen smoothies are currently available in over 800 grocery and retail locations across Canada. The Company's engagement of AMG has the potential to provide additional exposure to upwards of 50,000 US-based retail grocery stores, including big box stores. Partnering with this leading marketing and retail broker, will provide the Company with significant market exposure, in what is one of the largest vegan and healthy lifestyle populations in the world.

"US expansion is a major milestone for Blender Bites. Entering a market of 350 million people significantly increases the Company's brand recognition, and revenue outlook. We are confident the success we have had in Canada will translate to success in our US roll out. Partnering with Active Marketing and their network of retailers provides a solid foundation for our US expansion," stated Chelsie Hodge, the Company's CEO.

About Blender Bites

Blender Bites is a Canadian company involved in the development and marketing of a line of premium frozen food products with a focus on functionality. Blender Bites was founded in 2016 and was first to market in Western Canada with a pre-portioned "easy smoothie" product that is free of any unnecessary inner plastic packaging. Blender Bites products are organic, vegan, non-GMO, gluten free, dairy free and soy free. They contain no added sugars and are made in Canada. Blender Bites products are distributed nationally across Canada and are currently sold in over 800 stores.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Blender Bites Limited

Chelsie Hodge, Chief Executive Officer

For further information, contact Blender IR Team at:

Email - investors@blenderbites.com

Telephone - 1-888-997-2055

CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are 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 statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, and uncertain capital markets. Readers are cautioned that 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. 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 law.

SOURCE: Blender Bites Limited

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/668074/Blender-Bites-Initiates-US-Expansion-Through-Partnership-With-Retail-Broker-Active-Marketing-Group-Inc-Providing-Exposure-To-Up-to-50000-New-Retail-Locations-in-the-US
News summary:

Leading hosting solutions provider for the gaming industry wanted to increase the speed and flexibility of its global network

ADVA's open FSP 3000 TeraFlex helps tackle growing demand by increasing wavelength speeds to 400G

helps tackle growing demand by increasing wavelength speeds to 400G Highly flexible 1RU terminal optimizes all optical paths over every distance for lowest cost per bit

ADVA (FSE: ADV) today announced that i3D.net has deployed its FSP 3000 TeraFlex to enhance the experience of the 50 million online gamers that i3D.net serves every day. The technology enables the leading hosting solutions provider for the gaming industry to meet rising data demand and customer expectation by significantly increasing capacity and reducing latency in its global transport network. ADVA's highly flexible solution enables i3D.net to harness previously unused spectrum, optimizing all optical paths and unlocking new value in its existing fiber infrastructure. The TeraFlex terminal will also benefit i3D.net's enterprise customers, who will be able to leverage low-latency video conferencing applications.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005058/en/

ADVA's FSP 3000 TeraFlex technology is helping i3D.net meet a huge growth in online gaming (Photo: Business Wire)

"As one of the world's leading high-performance hosting providers, we're constantly striving to deliver an unbeatable experience for end users. That means investing in the most advanced technology on the market. With our new infrastructure built on the ADVA FSP 3000 TeraFlex, we're removing any bottlenecks by massively increasing the capacity of our network. And, thanks to its ultra-flexible coherent interfaces with fractional QAM, it ensures maximum data throughput over every link," said Edwin Verwoerd, VP, engineering, i3D.net. "Low latency is our business, and that's precisely what our new solution offers. It enables us to provide a winning edge to both players and businesses."

i3D.net's specific configuration of the ADVA FSP 3000 TeraFlex is able to carry up to 400Gbit/s of data per wavelength and 800Gbit/s per sled. This open and ultra-flexible 1RU terminal uses software-defined fractional QAM modulation and adaptive baud rate capabilities. As well as significantly boosting the capacity of i3D.net's worldwide infrastructure, the ADVA FSP 3000 TeraFlex ensures the lowest cost per bit for every fiber path. What's more, it offers advanced streaming telemetry. This provides operators with real-time performance data, helping them to ensure the highest levels of availability and quality of service for end users. The new solution also features other components of ADVA's FSP 3000 open optical transport solution, including FSP 3000 QuadFlex optical terminals.

"Our FSP 3000 TeraFlex will be a vital tool for i3D.net. It will be key to seizing new opportunities during the global gaming boom and providing unprecedented levels of quality for its customers. The innovative terminal offers excellent space- and power-efficiency while maximizing fiber utilization. With its flexible bandwidth modulation, it ensures optimal performance even over long-distance links. That's why our high-performance TeraFlex is ideal for supporting satisfying, immersive gaming," commented Hartmut Muller-Leitloff, SVP, sales, EMEA, ADVA. "It's great to see another major operator harnessing our TeraFlex technology to unlock extra value in its infrastructure. Spread across six continents, i3D.net's network will now deliver even more for its customers."

About ADVA

ADVA is a company founded on innovation and focused on helping our customers succeed. Our technology forms the building blocks of a shared digital future and empowers networks across the globe. We're continually developing breakthrough hardware and software that leads the networking industry and creates new business opportunities. It's these open connectivity solutions that enable our customers to deliver the cloud and mobile services that are vital to today's society and for imagining new tomorrows. Together, we're building a truly connected and sustainable future. For more information on how we can help you, please visit us at www.adva.com.

About i3D.net

i3D.net a Ubisoft company, is one of the leading providers of high-performance hosting and global infrastructure services. We operate a global low-latency network with thousands of servers spread over 40+ point of presence on 6 continents. i3D.net excels in the gaming market and hosts a variety of AAA games. Our mission is to bring the lowest latency to as many users around the world as possible, with the goals of reaching 1 billion users on our platforms by 2025. For more information visit www.i3d.net.

Published by:

ADVA Optical Networking SE, Munich, Germany

www.adva.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005058/en/

Contacts:

For press:

Gareth Spence

t +44 1904 699 358

public-relations@adva.com

For investors:

Stephan Rettenberger

t +49 89 890 665 854

investor-relations@adva.com
Investment is led by Industrifonden and Fairpoint Capital, together with early investor BackingMinds and support from Fashion for Good

TrusTrace is now positioned to become the mission-critical, one-stop-shop operating platform for brands aiming to solve major supply chain sustainability and transparency challenges

TrusTrace, a Stockholm-based software company with a market-leading platform for supply chain transparency and product traceability within the fashion, food and retail industries, today announces a $6 million growth investment led by Industrifonden and Fairpoint Capital, together with previous investors BackingMinds, and with support from Fashion for Good.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005112/en/

The TrusTrace platform as seen on a smartphone. (Photo: Business Wire)

The new capital will be used to further accelerate global expansion, expand product development, and strengthen the team to continue bringing supply chain transparency to brands who want to know what they sell, and to consumers who care about what they buy.

Founded in 2016, TrusTrace is a SaaS provider that empowers fashion, food and retail brands to fully understand and take responsibility for the social and environmental impact of their supply chains. The company currently has a portfolio of more than 40 customers, including well-known brand and sustainability leaders like Fjallraven, Filippa K, Zalando, Decathlon and Coop.

"TrusTrace enables product-level traceability and supply chain transparency to drive better, more sustainably-conscious and socially-responsible sourcing decisions," said Shameek Ghosh, CEO and Co-Founder of TrusTrace, and a veteran within the global software industry from companies like HCL. "With this latest funding round, we will continue leveraging cutting-edge technology and the best minds in the industry to achieve positive, restorative change for people and the planet."

Increasing pressure from international regulations, investor scrutiny and consumer demand is accelerating the need for green tech and sustainability solutions with the market expected to reach $58 billion by 2027.

Meeting this growing demand, TrusTrace is uniquely positioned to become the key operating platform for companies aiming to solve the major sustainability challenges in supply chains specifically risk management, compliance, product claims support, footprint calculations and the ability to confidently and easily share data with eco-conscious consumers about product origin and impact.

The TrusTrace platform is built on AI, Blockchain and BOTS. Through its open architecture, the platform integrates seamlessly with retailer, manufacturer and supplier systems, as well as those of 3rd parties such as certification agencies, lifecycle datasets and other sustainability solution providers. With more than 8,000 suppliers, 250,000 products and over $12 billion worth of goods tracked on the platform, TrusTrace is a business-critical platform for companies who see sustainability not just as a passing fad but fundamental to their DNA.

Rebecka Lothman Ryda, Investment Manager at Industrifonden said, "As an investor, we seek out the most transformative ventures to invest in; those with the power to have a meaningful impact on society. Supply chain traceability and transparency are critical for retailers to become sustainable. That's why we are very excited to partner with TrusTrace the best platform on the market. With a mission to increase sustainability, TrusTrace can make a real and positive impact through their technology and we are therefore proud to support their journey to become the first impact unicorn."

Hadar Cars, Investment Director at Fairpoint Capital said: "We have been truly impressed by TrusTrace's impact in the fast-growing market for supply chain transparency. Consumers, businesses and regulators alike are demanding solutions for sustainable practices, which have evolved from a 'nice-to-have' to a 'must-have' for leading companies. With strong customer traction, an enterprise-scale solution, and a world-class team, we are confident that TrusTrace will be a category leader in its market."

TrusTrace CEO Shameek Ghosh concluded: "Industrifonden and Fairpoint Capital are the perfect partners to accelerate our growth and drive the global expansion of our sustainable platform. We are also thrilled to continue collaborating with Backing Minds, who were our first investors, and Fashion for Good. Together with our partners, we can continue helping brands discover suppliers and map the complete supply chain from source to end-product."

TrusTrace has received significant international attention and has or is participating in several international accelerator programs, notably LVMH (FR), Retail Plug Play (FR), Fashion for Good (NL), Bloomer (SE) as well as the Tillvaxtverkets Access Germany and Access US programs. The company has also received numerous awards within sustainability, including the Nordea Social Impact Award (2019), the Loomish award (2020), and latest the Solar Impulse label (2021) which is given only to companies which adhere to the highest standards in sustainability and circular economy.

For more information, visit www.trustrace.com. For hi-res photography, click here.

About TrusTrace

Founded in 2016, TrusTrace offers a market-leading platform for supply chain transparency and traceability within Fashion and Retail, which has quickly become the foundation for some of the most ambitious sustainability programs in the world. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, with offices in India and France. Please visit www.trustrace.com to learn more.

About Fairpoint Capital

Fairpoint Capital is a Swedish B2B technology investment fund. Our investment focus is unique technologies and business models that are highly scalable. We look for companies in early growth stages with products that address global markets with strong growth drivers. Investments are focused towards the Nordic region. www.fairpoint.se

About Industrifonden

Industrifonden is a Nordic venture capital investor based in Stockholm. Industrifonden invests in breakthrough technologies and science based innovation the Industry of Tomorrow. Our portfolio includes companies like Funnel, Oatly and Nextory. For more information, visit www.industrifonden.com

About Backing Minds

BackingMinds is a European venture capital firm founded in 2016 by entrepreneurs Susanne Najafi and Sara Wimmercranz. The investment duo invests in the blind spots of venture capital and so far has 11 tech companies in the portfolio. Their first fund has a paper return of 500%.

www.backingminds.com

About Fashion for Good

Fashion for Good is a global innovation platform based in Amsterdam with a satellite program in Asia. Their programs give promising start-ups the expertise and access to funding they need to grow, while driving pilots and supply chain implementation with partner organizations through their scaling program and foundational projects. The Good Fashion Fund supports manufacturers with access to finance to shift at scale to more sustainable production processes. The organization also holds a consumer facing museum in Amsterdam. www.fashionforgood.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005112/en/

Contacts:

Media:

TrusTrace

Daniel Griffin, Griffin360, Vice President

dan@griffin360.com, +1 845 536 2200

Industrifonden

Rebecka Lothman Ryda, Investment Manager

rebecka.ryda@industrifonden.com, +46 76 126 48 39

Fairpoint Capital

Hadar Cars, Investment Director

hc@fairpoint.se, +46 73 544 5845

BackingMinds

Sara Wimmercranz, Founding Partner

sara@backingminds.com

Fashion for Good

Anne-Ro Klevant Groen, Marketing and Communications Director

anne-ro.klevant.groen@fashionforgood.com
LONDON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- New findings published for World Sight Day (14 October) reveal the state of eye health across Britain. Nearly 3 in 5 people (58%) have not had their eyes tested in the past year. While almost a third (29%) admit their last eye test was more than two years ago. This is despite 1 in 3 (34%) people admitting their eyesight has got worse since the start of the pandemic. The findings are particularly worrying for Gen x and Baby Boomers who are more at risk of vision loss from preventable conditions.

The NHS recommends people have an eye test every two years, especially those over 40 years of age who have a history of glaucoma, and adults with diabetes. Yet, more than a third (35%) of adults aged 45-54 years of age and 1 in 5 adults (20%) aged 55 + admit their last eye test was more than two years ago. This puts them at greater risk of avoidable vision loss from conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.

The YouGov poll of 2,025 people across Britain was commissioned by Orbis UK, the international eye health charity fighting avoidable blindness worldwide. The findings offer a snapshot into the impact of the pandemic on Britain's eye health. Since March 2020, 50% of adults haven't attempted to book a routine check-up with an optician, and 2 in 3 (69%) haven't attempted to book specialist eye care at a hospital or with an ophthalmologist.

With the theme of this year's World Sight Day LoveYourEyes encouraging everyone to have an eye test, Orbis UK are calling on those who have missed eye tests to book one immediately, especially those aged 45 years and over.

While the findings show adults in Britain are behind in taking care of their eye health, the situation is far worse for people living in parts of the world with limited access to eye care. Globally 1.1 billion people live with vision loss and 9 in 10 of them live in low-to- middle-income countries, where Orbis works. Individuals like Dung from Vietnam whose cataracts prevented him from working. As the main breadwinner in his family, Dung was unable to take time off work to get an exam for the cataract in his right eye. But when his left eye also started to get blurry, even tasks like eating became difficult until he could no longer work at all. After receiving sight-saving surgery from Orbis Dung said, "The first thing I want to do when I can leave this hospital room is to see my children and grandchildren clearly again."

Larry Benjamin, Retired Consultant Ophthalmologist and Orbis UK volunteer, said: "As an ophthalmology surgeon working in the NHS for the past 30 years, I know first-hand how debilitating cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy can be for the patients I treat. And we are at greater risk of developing these conditions as we age - which is why regular eye tests are so crucial. While it is understandable that many people have missed eye tests during the pandemic, getting your eyes checked is one of the best ways to love your eyes this World Sight Day.

Dr. Benjamin who has trained surgeons and treated patients for Orbis since 2004 in over 14 countries including Myanmar, Syria, Pakistan and Zambia highlights adds: "For people living in parts of the world with little or no access to eye care the inability to get eye care, like a routine cataract surgery or a pair of glasses, can keep a child from going to school, a woman from providing for herself and her family, and a man from seeing his grandchildren. Globally, children and adults have missed routine eye exams, and people are avoiding visits to eye health centers as they fear contracting COVID-19. It is vital Orbis reaches as many people as possible, to ensure more children and families can hope for a better future."

David Bennett Director of Programme Support at Orbis UK, says: "Nearly everyone on the planet will experience an eye health issue in their lifetime, but not everyone will be able to get the care they need. Like NHS and high street eye-care teams, our eye health partners around the world have risen to the challenges brought about by the pandemic, continuing to deliver eye care in remote parts of the world whilst adhering to infection control guidelines to ensure patient safety."

"Many people think an eye examination is only for getting a pair of glasses. They're also important for identifying eye conditions early - before they lead to vision loss, and for taking care of your eyes so that you don't miss any of life's important moments.

"In many areas of the world where Orbis works, undiagnosed vision loss can have devastating consequences, plunging families into poverty. Having access to quality eye care transforms lives. It can open doors for getting an education, for being less likely to live in poverty, for gaining financial independence, and for being able to thrive."

Even before the pandemic, the need for specialist eye doctors was already outpacing the numbers of trained experts in ophthalmic care. With 50% of people in Britain expressing concern about this, it's clear the work of Orbis is more vital than ever.

Nearly 1 billion people live with completely avoidable vision loss. Don't be one of them. Book an eye test as soon as you can.

Notes to editor

About Orbis:

In 2020, despite the pandemic, Orbis UK supporters helped Orbis to deliver over 4.2 million doses of antibiotics, 346,000 eye screenings, 41,000 eye care treatments and 14,000 health worker training sessions.

Globally, Orbis runs long-term programmes in 19 countries: Bangladesh , Bolivia , Chile , China , Ethiopia , Ghana , Guyana , India , Indonesia , Kenya , Malawi , Mongolia , Nepal , Peru , Rwanda , Tanzania , Uganda , Vietnam and Zambia.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and Zambia. Working with a global team of volunteers - the world's leading ophthalmic medical experts - Orbis delivered between 4-8 training programmes a year on-board the Flying Eye Hospital prior to 2020.

While the Flying Eye Hospital may not be currently travelling, Orbis's mission is still in flight. The charity quickly pivoted to providing virtual Flying Eye Hospital projects to ensure that eye care professionals could still grow their skills through quality ophthalmic training.??

To date, Orbis has provided virtual Flying Eye Hospital projects to eye care professionals from nine countries: Bolivia , Cameroon , Chile , Ethiopia , Ghana , India , Mongolia , Peru , and Zambia. Projects were delivered in Spanish, English, French, Mongolian, and Hindi.

, , , , , , , , and Zambia. Projects were delivered in Spanish, English, French, Mongolian, and Hindi. Discover more about Orbis at www.orbis.org.uk Follow us on twitter @UKORBIS, like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ORBISUK and Instagram @orbis_uk

About the survey

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,025 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 17th - 18th June 2021. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

Table

Geographical location Sample Size Not had an eye test in the past year Last eye test was more than 2 years ago Eye-sight got worse since start of pandemic GB 2,025 58% (3 in 5) 29% (almost a third) 34% (1 in 3) Scotland 182 66% (2 in 3) 33% (1 in 3) 34% (1 in 3) Wales 105 52% (Over half) 20% (1 in 5) 36% (over a third)









England







North 497 56% (Over half) 28% (over a quarter) 32% (Almost a third) South 476 61% (3 in 5) 31% (3 in 10) 34% (Over a third) East 192 52% (Over half) 30% (3 in 10) 36% (Over a third) Midlands 348 57% (Over half) 29% (3 in 10) 37% (Almost 4 in 10) London 225 58% (3 in 5) 29% (3 in 10) 29% (3 in 10)

For details of the survey, please contact AKharbanda@orbis.org.uk

About eye conditions

For more information about conditions causing avoidable blindness such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and trachoma visit - Avoidable blindness | Orbis

About World Sight Day

World Sight Day (WSD) is co-ordinated by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). WSD became an official IAPB event in the year 2000, and has been marked in many different ways in countries around the world each year since then, including by Her Majesty The Queen who joined in 2020.

Everyone Counts - Nearly everyone on planet will experience an eye health issue in their lifetime and more than a billion people worldwide do not have access to eye care services.

To address the bigger picture at the country and global level, everyone needs to be aware of their eye health which is why the theme for 2021 is LoveYourEyes. If you are able to, get a sight test or recommend others do the same.

To find out more about World Sight Day visit, World Sight Day - The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (iapb.org)

Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1659706/Orbis_UK_Tom_Davies_Ambassador.mp4
OSLO, Norway, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- International offshore energy suppliers Aker Solutions, DeepOcean and Solstad Offshore have joined forces to create Windstaller Alliance. The new partnership aims to provide the world's most cost-efficient and complete product supply, fabrication and marine services offering within offshore wind. The alliance will also pursue other offshore renewables segments.

Windstaller Alliance will combine the already well-established capabilities and expertise of the three offshore industry leaders. This will form an integrated and highly flexible one-stop-shop provider. The alliance will be able to offer product deliveries, fabrication services as well as marine and subsea operations and associated engineering services within offshore renewables industries.

"Today's supply chain for the offshore renewables market is highly fragmented and, in our view, sub-optimal in terms of efficiency, cost, risk and environmental footprint. Windstaller Alliance is able to take an integrated approach where appropriate, while unlocking value for both operators and suppliers, at the same time reducing the total carbon footprint of offshore renewable projects," said Guro Hyaas Lken, head of the Windstaller Alliance.

The Windstaller Alliance will market the three companies' offering, identify and pursue business opportunities where they cost-efficiently can combine their technologies, capabilities, experience and resources to deliver an unrivalled service to the offshore renewables sector.

The Windstaller Alliance aims to cut the amount of supplier interfaces, thereby reducing technical and commercial project risk as well as execution time through better integration of services, project management and maritime asset utilization.

Market-Leading Assets and Competence Base

Windstaller Alliance has access to a substantial product, fabrication and marine services portfolio with related engineering and project management capabilities through Aker Solutions and DeepOcean. Aker Solutions also has more than 15,000 employees and world class expertise within complex fabrication of substructures for wind turbines, including four state-of-the-art yards and a broad product offering within subsea and topside equipment.

Ocean service provider DeepOcean adds extensive experience from offshore renewables, including dedicated assets for the renewables markets, including trenchers and cable repair spreads. The company provides the alliance with specialized subsea installation and service solutions for offshore renewables through 900 employees, and more than 50 ROVs.

Solstad Offshore, which has supported offshore wind farm installations, operations and maintenance since 2009, contributes through a global presence with more than 3,600 employees and a fleet of 90 vessels available to the alliance.

"In terms of competence, size and asset base, Windstaller Alliance's offering is probably unrivalled in the marketplace. However, it is how we will integrate and join the three companies' offerings that will create the real value for both operators and us suppliers," said Lars Peder Solstad, CEO of Solstad Offshore.

Alliance Offering

The alliance members will cooperate to jointly identify market opportunities and agree on a case-by-case basis which prospects and solutions to pursue. The exact execution scope and cooperation model on a specific project will be set up based on client preferences and market conditions.

In the preparatory phase for marine operations of offshore renewables projects, Windstaller Alliance will deliver engineering services as well as subsea survey, inspection and site preparation services.

The alliance may also provide product deliveries such as subsea technologies plus fabrication of substructures carrying wind turbines, plus yard services such as logistics, site management and crane operations. The alliance will furthermore provide services to optimize product designs from a marine operations perspective. In the installation phase, Windstaller Alliance has the specialist competence to provide trenching and inter-array cable lay services, and to conduct towing, mooring, hook-up and commissioning operations.

During the operations phase of an offshore renewables field, the alliance will offer life of field IMR (inspection, maintenance and repair) services, CSOVs and maintenance, modification and operations support for offshore structures.

"Windstaller Alliance can also offer project management capabilities. We believe we have an ideal set-up to tear down existing efficiency silos, reduce project risk and client cost. However, we will of course also provide a fully flexible delivery and contracting model tailored to clients' needs. The difference is that they can obtain life-of-field support in one place," said yvind Mikaelsen, CEO of DeepOcean.

"Aker Solutions is one of few contractors able to offer complete product solutions for offshore wind farms, including substructures and topsides for offshore wind power platforms, subsea solutions and offshore installation. Together with the alliance partners, we are dedicated to supporting the offshore renewables industry. Through the use of modern, low-emission vessels and a range of services specially designed for the renewables market, our biggest contribution to the industry will be to do things in a safer, smarter and more sustainable way," said Stephen Bull, executive vice president and head of Aker Solutions' renewables business.

Windstaller Alliance will be a non-incorporated, asset light alliance, with no joint ownership or liabilities for vessels or other assets, except for specifically agreed projects.

Media Contact:

Torbjrn Andersen, mob: +47 928 85 542, email: torbjorn.andersen@akersolutions.com

Investor Contact:

Fredrik Berge, mob: +47 450 32 090, email: fredrik.berge@akersolutions.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

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SMCR and Training & Competency solutions will complement Star's current employee conflicts of interest monitoring capabilities

ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- StarCompliance ("Star"), a leading provider of compliance technology solutions to the global financial services industry, announced its acquisition of Pentana Compliance (formerly known as Redland Solutions) from Ideagen.

The acquired solutions, notably Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR) and Training and Competency (T&C) capabilities, will strategically extend Star's suite to help clients address incremental global compliance challenges on a single integrated platform. "This acquisition highlights Star's ongoing commitment to innovation, bolstering our product portfolio to help clients more effectively navigate evolving regulation demands with best-in-class, purpose-built solutions and robust global support," said Jennifer Sun, CEO of Star.

SMCR was first introduced in the United Kingdom in 2016 and expanded in 2019, now covering all Financial Conduct Authority-regulated financial services firms. Following the U.K.'s introduction, many countries have implemented similar regulations, including Australia, Hong Kong, Ireland, and Singapore. These regimes aim to strengthen market integrity by ensuring senior managers are held accountable for their conduct and competencies. "Leveraging manual or homegrown tools to manage SMCR compliance is both overwhelming and error-prone, with heightened risk of financial penalties and reputational damage. With this transaction, Star will acquire, and continue to invest behind, best-in-class solutions that help simplify and reduce risk associated with the SMCR compliance process," said Sun.

Star, a current leader in global employee compliance, supports over 500,000 users across 83 countries in monitoring employee conflicts of interest, from personal trading and political donations to outside business activities and private investments. "We look forward to integrating these SMCR and T&C solutions into our current suite to give clients a comprehensive employee compliance hub with aggregated reporting, dashboards, and audit trails," said Andy Cheong, Head of Product at StarCompliance. "Our global clients seek consolidated workflows and centralized reporting to streamline program administration, and we are excited to deliver on this vision."

The SMCR and T&C offerings will be immediately available to all Star customers and prospects, with no service interruption to existing clients.

To learn more about StarCompliance software and services, visit www.starcompliance.com or email info@starcompliance.com.

About StarCompliance

StarCompliance is a leading provider of compliance technology solutions. Trusted globally by enterprise financial firms-including asset managers, investment banks, broker-dealers, PE firms, insurance companies, and stock exchanges-the STAR Platform empowers organizations to achieve regulatory compliance while safeguarding their integrity and business reputations. Through a configurable, 360-degree view of employee activity, STAR software enables firms to automate the detection and resolution of potential areas of conflict while streamlining daily workflows and increasing efficiencies.

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TOKYO, Oct 14, 2021 - (JCN Newswire) - The Association for Overseas Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Partnerships (AOTS), NTT DOCOMO (DOCOMO), and its Thailand-based subsidiary Mobile Innovation (MI) announced today that they have reached an agreement to collaborate on a trial that will evaluate the feasibility of delivering AOTS's technical training programs remotely from Japan to overseas countries. The trial will utilize the 5G network capabilities and solutions of DOCOMO and MI, and will make use of the RealWear smart glass display and AVATOUR 360-degree remote presence solutions. The trial will run from today until 31 March, 2022.During the trial period, Japanese enterprises participating in AOTS training programs will help to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of 5G solutions in providing remote practical training and technical guidance. Global border restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic have led to difficulties in conducting on-the-job training as well as in the transfer of technical knowledge and the provision of practical technical guidance on a face-to-face basis. The trial aims to address technical training issues in developing countries with remote practical training and human resource development leveraging the latest ICT and digital solutions.AOTS is a Japan-based human resources development organization which supports developing countries by promoting technical cooperation through training, the dispatch of experts, and other support programs. AOTS engages with Japanese enterprises to provide training programs -- from management training to on-site technical training -- both in Japan and overseas, and dispatches experts to improve the technical level of the local employees of Japanese enterprises and their local partners in overseas countries.The RealWear solution being utilized during the trial features a 100% hands-free head-mounted smart glass display panel worn by the trainee or user in the remote location. It incorporates voice-recognition functionality, providing the wearer with hands-free access to supporting documentation and other media. And by utilizing the AVATOUR with 360-degree camera, it also allows the user to shoot pictures and video of their surroundings and stream these to the host location using 5G connectivity.The 5G solutions being trialed will enable trainers in Japan to ascertain the physical environment of trainees in Thailand remotely while conducting real-time training on practical operations. They will also provide trainees in Thailand the opportunity to "virtually" visit factories, construction sites and other facilities in Japan and study their operations, making them feel as if they were physically there. The trial will also assess the feasibility of transferring technology know-how and the skills required to maintain Japanese levels of quality across a wide range of industries overseas.During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Japanese enterprises have faced the challenge of being unable to dispatch technical experts to their overseas subsidiaries, resulting in delays in sharing expertise and skills with them and impacting on their global business expansion plans. AOTS will introduce DOCOMO and MI solutions to Japanese companies planning to implement remote technical training as effective support tools that help deliver smooth training sessions. Leveraging their 5G solution know-how, DOCOMO and MI will also propose use cases and on-site operational assistance for Japanese enterprises that are considering to deploy the RealWear smart glass display and AVATOUR 360 camera solutions for implementing remote technical training.AOTS, DOCOMO and MI aim to make use of 5G solutions globally in the field of human resource development and in support of the global operations of Japanese enterprises to allow them more opportunities to maximize profitable activities that support people's adaptation to the "new normal".Roles of partnersAOTS: Promotion of the trial; recruitment of collaborative enterprises to participate in the trial; evaluation of remote-training experience.NTT DOCOMO: 5G solution delivery; on-site support from JapanMobile Innovation: 5G solution delivery; on-site set-up and support in ThailandAbout The Association for Overseas Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Partnerships (AOTS)AOTS is a Japanese organization for human resources development in developing countries that promotes technical cooperation through training, experts dispatch and other programs. The aim of AOTS is promoting mutual economic development of Japan and other countries and friendly relationships between them by conducting activities to facilitate industrial globalization, trade, investment, and international economic cooperation. https://www.aots.jp/en/About NTT DOCOMONTT DOCOMO, Japan's leading mobile operator with over 82 million subscriptions, is one of the world's foremost contributors to 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Beyond core communications services, DOCOMO is challenging new frontiers in collaboration with a growing number of entities ("+d" partners), creating exciting and convenient value-added services that change the way people live and work. Under a medium-term plan toward 2020 and beyond, DOCOMO is pioneering a leading-edge 5G network to facilitate innovative services that will amaze and inspire customers beyond their expectations. https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/.About Mobile InnovationMobile Innovation Co., Ltd. is an IoT service provider with a presence across Southeast Asia. Our main products, including a fleet management service and SMS broadcasting service, have been used for more than a decade by enterprise customers and contributed to their growth. Mobile Innovation Co., Ltd. was established in 2004 as a joint venture between NTT DOCOMO, INC. and Loxley Public Company Limited. NTT DOCOMO is a leading mobile network operator in Japan, providing comprehensive services centered on mobility, and Loxley, with a history of almost 80 years, is a leading company in Thailand with a track record in a wide range of businesses. www.mobileinnovation.asiaSource: NTT DOCOMOCopyright 2021 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
STOCKHOLM, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- EQT accelerates its journey to address climate change by defining ambitious greenhouse gas emission ("GHG") reduction targets, encompassing both its own and its portfolio investments' operations

EQT becomes the first private markets firm to formalize science based targets through the Science Based Targets initiative ("SBTi")



The science based targets ("SBTs") will become a central part of EQT's active ownership strategy and climate-related value creation drivers across all investments

EQT AB is proud to announce that EQT's science based targets have recently been approved and validated by the SBTi. With this, EQT has formalized its GHG emission reduction targets in line with the 1.5 pathway described in the Paris Agreement. EQT has a unique position to take an active role in addressing climate change and is fully committed to its purpose of making a positive impact with everything it does, both on group-level and in the EQT Funds' investments.

The journey to map and offset emissions started already in 2014, and since the commitment to set SBTs in December 2020, EQT has further refined the GHG baseline in its investments and defined holistic emission reduction targets. Looking ahead to 2030, EQT is committing to:

Reducing EQT AB's direct emissions by 50 percent

Reducing EQT AB's indirect emissions from business travel by 30 percent

Ensuring 100 percent of the EQT portfolio companies (excluding EQT Ventures*) will have their own SBTs validated by 2030, 10 years faster than required by SBTi

Reducing indirect emissions in the EQT Real Estate I and II funds by 55 percent per square meter floor area

EQT has set interim targets and will publicly report progress annually with 2019 as a base year. Over the coming years, portfolio investments in the most recently launched fund strategies will also be included in the targets.

Bahare Haghshenas, Global Head of Sustainable Transformation, "We have a clear ambition to combat climate change holistically across the EQT ecosystem and setting science based targets is an important milestone towards this goal. This is a testament to how we integrate purpose and positive impact into everything we do, and it will enable us to drive even better performance."

Alberto Carrillo Pineda, Managing Director of Science Based Targets initiative at Carbon Disclosure Project, "We are delighted to see EQT paving the way for the private markets industry and defining a new bar of ambition. EQT and the broader private markets industry have a unique opportunity to drive real change and limit global warming in line with the Paris Agreement."

By having SBTi approved science based targets, EQT now fulfils, earlier than anticipated, the first KPI target in its inaugural sustainability-linked bond, which was established earlier this year to underscore EQT's approach of having sustainability as an integral part of the business model of both the EQT AB Group and the EQT Funds', including its portfolio companies. Further, it reaffirms EQT's ambition to lead by example in the broader private markets industry.

Facts

The Science Based Targets initiative helps the private sector drive ambitious climate action by enabling companies to set science-based emissions reduction targets in alignment with the pathways described in the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5C vs. pre-industrial levels. The SBTi is a partnership between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Further details on the EQT SBTs can be found here.

Contact

Bahare Hagshenas, Global Head of Sustainable Transformation, bahare.hagshenas@eqtpartners.com, +45 313 104 31

EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com, +46 8 506 55 334



*Excluded due to EQT Ventures' investments being smaller than set thresholds as per SBTi's latest guidelines for venture capital

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/eqt/r/eqt-becomes-the-first-private-markets-firm-to-set-science-based-targets,c3432518

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China Minsheng Bank, Deutsche Bank and JPMorgan Chase are latest to go live to support small businesses and consumers with fast, secure, predictable cross-border payments

Rapid adoption of SWIFT Go since launch in July reinforces SWIFT strategy for instant, frictionless cross-border transactions

SWIFT today announces that 100 banks around the world have signed up for SWIFT Go since it went live in July, underscoring strong demand for the service that enables small businesses and consumers to send fast, predictable, highly secure and competitively priced low-value cross-border payments from their bank accounts. Ten banks are already live with SWIFT Go, most recently Deutsche Bank, JPMorgan Chase, and China Minsheng Bank, representing 41 million low-value cross-border payments a year.

SWIFT Go is a key building block in the co-operative's strategy to enable instant and frictionless transactions across its network of more than 11,000 institutions and 4 billion accounts in 200 countries. And it has the potential to be transformative in enabling greater financial inclusivity, supporting SMEs in emerging economies and individuals sending remittances internationally.

The service leverages the high-speed rails of SWIFT gpi, which have transformed the speed and predictability of high-value cross-border payments, to strengthen the capabilities of banks to serve their customers in the high-growth small business and consumer segments. Payments sent via SWIFT Go are fast with the fastest completing in seconds secure and predictable, with upfront transparency on fees.

Stephen Gilderdale, Chief Product Officer, SWIFT said: "SWIFT Go has been enthusiastically received by institutions and their customers since launch as it transforms the way SMEs and consumers make payments across borders through the banking system. When integrated in banks' customer channels, SWIFT Go provides a best-in-class user experience that is fast, predictable and competitively priced. There is a clear demand for the benefits it enables, and we look forward to working with our community to extend SWIFT Go even further as we continue to progress with our strategy."

Dr. Xu Jie, Deputy General Manager of Transaction Banking Department, China Minsheng Bank and Vice-chairman of the China International Chamber of Commerce Banking Committee said: "According to our analysis, the remittance cost-to the U.S. using the SWIFT Go channel is more than 30% lower than traditional channels. Minsheng Bank is prepared to launch SWIFT Go in all channels, which will give great banking support to our SME and retail customers. We encourage more peer banks to join SWIFT Go to expand and continue building this network for future cross-border payments."

Marc Recker, Global Head of Product, Institutional Cash Management, Deutsche Bank said: "At Deutsche Bank, we are well aware that SMEs and consumers value upfront transparency speed, and security when making payments internationally. It is with this in mind that we are excited to go live with SWIFT Go and to offer our customers a bespoke service that will radically improve the way they make low-value transactions across borders."

Shirish Wadivkar, Global Head of Payments, Standard Chartered said: "We are excited to be part of SWIFT Go, which supports our strategy to deliver better and differentiated payment experiences. Our SME and Retail clients will value a service that aims to provide seamless, fast and predictable low value international payments."

George Doolittle, MD and Head of Global Payment Services, Wells Fargo said: "SWIFT Go leverages the strength of SWIFT gpi with a stricter multilateral service level and central reporting engine, vastly improving the end-to-end client experience, reducing friction, and enabling banks to more effectively serve the lower value cross border payments needs of their retail and small business clients. As a leading financial services company and the largest originator into the U.S. ACH system, Wells Fargo has supported this initiative since its inception."

Notes to editors: The latest list of all participating institutions is below and is also available at www.swift.com/go.

Participating banks (* denotes 'live') Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Akbank Alfa Bank Ameriabank CJSC Asia Commercial Bank BAC Banco San Jose Banco Atlantida Banco de Chile Banco de Credito del Peru Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires Banco del Estado de Chile Banco Monex Bancolombia Banesco Bank of China Bank of Dongguan Bank of Georgia Bank of Jiangsu Bank of New York Mellon* Bank of Shanghai Bank Negara Indonesia Banque Internatioanle a Luxembourg Barclays BBVA* BIDV BNP Paribas Boubyan Bank China Citic Bank China Construction Bank China Minsheng Bank* Chong Hing Bank Limited Cimb Bank Berhad Citibank Commercial Bank Credit Bank of Moscow Credit Immobilier et Hotelier Daegu Bank Danske Bank DBS Deutsche Bank* Diamond Trust Bank Kenya Limited DNB* Emirates NBD Bank First Abu Dhabi Bank FirstRand Garanti Bankasi HDFC HSBC Ho Chi Minh City Development Joint Stock Commercial Bank ICICI Bank LTD Industrial Bank of Korea Intesa Sanpaolo I&M Bank LTD JPMorgan Chase Co.* JSC Bank Alliance JSC Basisbank JSC Kredobank JSC Oschadbank JSC TBC Bank Kasikornbank KB Kookmin Bank Keb Hana Bank Kuwait Finance House Lloyds MB Bank Mashreq Bank Mybank* National Bank of Australia National Bank of Kuwait Natwest Group Nordea OP Corporate Bank PagoFX (Santander Group) PT Bank Cimb Niaga TBK PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk PT Bank OCBC NISP TBK PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia Qatar National Bank Egypt Saudi British Bank Sberbank* Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Shinhan Bank SMBC Societe Generale* Sparebanken Vest Standard Bank Standard Chartered StoneX Svenska Handelsbanken The Mauritius Commercial Bank Limited The Shanghai Commercial Savings Bank Tinkoff Bank Unicredit* U.S. Bank Vietcombank Vietinbank Wells Fargo Woori Bank Yapi Kredi Zhejiang Chouzhou Commercial Bank Zhejiang Rural Credit Cooperative Union Zhejiang Tailong Commercial Bank

About SWIFT

SWIFT is a global member owned cooperative and the world's leading provider of secure financial messaging services. We provide our community with a platform for messaging and standards for communicating, and we offer products and services to facilitate access and integration, identification, analysis and regulatory compliance.

Our messaging platform, products and services connect more than 11,000 banking and securities organisations, market infrastructures and corporate customers in more than 200 countries and territories. While SWIFT does not hold funds or manage accounts on behalf of customers, we enable our global community of users to communicate securely, exchanging standardised financial messages in a reliable way, thereby supporting global and local financial flows, as well as trade and commerce all around the world.

As their trusted provider, we relentlessly pursue operational excellence; we support our community in addressing cyber threats; and we continually seek ways to lower costs, reduce risks and eliminate operational inefficiencies. Our products and services support our community's access and integration, business intelligence, reference data and financial crime compliance needs. SWIFT also brings the financial community together at global, regional and local levels to shape market practice, define standards and debate issues of mutual interest or concern.

Headquartered in Belgium, SWIFT's international governance and oversight reinforces the neutral, global character of its cooperative structure. SWIFT's global office network ensures an active presence in all the major financial centres.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005200/en/

Contacts:

Press:

Finsbury Glover Hering

Michael Turner

+32 (0)2655 3377

SWIFT@Finsbury.com
Patients responded better to treatment with POTELIGEO in real life, compared to data from the pivotal Phase 3 MAVORIC trial1

Kyowa Kirin International PLC (Kyowa Kirin), a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., today announced a new study of real world data showing higher response rates than previously seen in people living with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) treated with POTELIGEO (mogamulizumab). The findings, from a retrospective observational study of French CTCL patients, showed that the best overall response rate in the real-life study was 58.5 per cent, compared to 35 per cent seen in the MAVORIC trial.1,2 The MAVORIC study was the pivotal Phase 3 trial that investigated treatment with POTELIGEO compared to an active comparatora in previously treated adult patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sezary syndrome (SS), two types of CTCL.

Professor Martine Bagot of Saint-Louis Hospital, Universite de Paris, France said: "The purpose of the study was to assess, for the first time, the efficacy and safety of mogamulizumab in a real-life setting. We saw a higher response in the real-life study compared to the MAVORIC trial results. The increase was also seen in both the MF and SS patient groups, compared to MAVORIC. As both the real world data and MAVORIC recruited a broadly similar set of patients, this new data underlines the value of mogamulizumab in treating these CTCL patients, whose disease causes a severe impact on their functioning, emotional and social wellbeing."

Data was collected and analysed from medical records of 124 MF and SS patients treated with POTELIGEO between February 2014 and March 2020, from 14 specialist treatment centres in France. The best overall response rate (ORR) seen in the real-life study was 47.0% in MF patients and 68.3% in SS patients. In contrast, the ORRb in MAVORIC was 21% and 37%, respectively.1,2 Of the 124 patients who received POTELIGEO treatment in the study, 44% were MF patients and 56% were SS patients. This compares to 56% and 44% in MAVORIC, respectively. In the real-life study, 49.6% of patients were at disease stage IVA1, compared to 39% in MAVORIC.1,2

POTELIGEO was also shown to have a favourable safety profile, in the real life study the most common drug-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were lymphopenia and asthenia. Commonly occurring TEAEs seen in both the real life study and MAVORIC were rash and infusion-related reactions.1,2

Abdul Mullick, President of Kyowa Kirin International, said: "Kyowa Kirin is committed to improving outcomes for patients with rare diseases, whose needs are often underserved. It's heartening to see this new real world data, which reinforces what we've seen previously in clinical trials. Kyowa Kirin is dedicated to improve the lives of patients with CTCL, which is a chronic, debilitating disease and to deliver on our purpose, to make people smile."

MF and SS are subtypes of CTCL, a rare type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that can affect the skin, blood, lymph nodes and internal organs.3 It is associated with disfiguring skin lesions, intractable itching, sleep disturbance, and psychosocial problems, CTCL has a serious negative effect on quality of life.4

The new data was presented at a poster session at the EORTC meeting in Marseille, France, which is being held on 14-16 October 2021.

a The comparator in the MAVORIC trial was vorinostat, a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) and FDA-approved standard of care option for treatment of CTCL that is licensed in the US for the treatment of cutaneous manifestations in patients with CTCL who have progressive, persistent or recurrent disease on or following two systemic therapies. Vorinostat is not licensed for use in Europe.

b MAVORIC ORR included only those patients with confirmed global response at two (or more) successive evaluations at least 8 weeks apart).

About Mycosis Fungoides (MF) and Sezary syndrome (SS)

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a cancer of white blood cells (lymphocytes) that presents in the skin.5 CTCLs are rare, serious and potentially life-threatening forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).2 Malignant T cells in CTCL circulate in the blood and migrate to the skin6 causing lesions and itching.7

The annual incidence of CTCL in Europe is around 5.2 new cases per 100,000 population8 and it affects around 240 people per million in the region at any one time.5 The two best-studied types of CTCL are mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sezary syndrome (SS).9 Together, MF and SS account for around two thirds of all CTCLs.10,11

MF accounts for approximately 60% of all CTCLs, 10 is typically indolent and is characterised by skin symptoms including patches or plaques, skin redness and tumours. 12

is typically indolent and is characterised by skin symptoms including patches or plaques, skin redness and tumours. SS is much rarer, accounting for around 5% of CTCLs,6 and is more aggressive13 with high levels of blood involvement by definition.10 It causes very severe itching, total body redness (erythroderma), intense scaling of the skin and frequent hair loss. 7

It can typically take between three and six years from CTCL disease onset for a patient to be diagnosed, in some cases it can take decades.10,12 This is sometimes due to the fact that CTCL presents very similarly to other benign skin conditions (e.g. eczema and psoriasis)7; this can mean many patients experience a long, frustrating journey before diagnosis.

CTCL can be very distressing for patients and has a significant negative life-long impact upon many aspects of a patient's life.12,14 CTCL causes chronic skin impairment with itching, pain, recurrent infections, and disfiguring skin lesions, as well as sleep disturbance and psychosocial problems.9,12 Even in the early stages of CTCL, the disease can affect patients' ability to meet the needs of their family, interfere with their job, and limit normal daily activities.14

About POTELIGEO(mogamulizumab) and the MAVORIC Trial

Malignant T lymphocytes in MF and SS, consistently express a molecule called CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4).2 POTELIGEO is a humanised monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to CCR4-expressing cells15 and helps destroy them by harnessing the body's immune system.2 POTELIGEO is a systemic therapy, administered by intravenous infusion weekly for the first five weeks, then subsequently every two weeks.15 The registrational Phase 3 MAVORIC trial was the largest randomised study of systemic therapy in CTCL. It evaluated the safety and efficacy of POTELIGEO versus vorinostat in patients who had failed at least one previous systemic therapy.2

Following a positive opinion from Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the European Commission (EC) granted marketing authorisation for POTELIGEO in November 2018 for the treatment of adult patients with MF or SS who have received at least one prior systemic therapy.15

Important Prescribing information and Safety Information

Refer to the full Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for prescribing information and the full safety information: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/poteligeoproduct-information-section

About Kyowa Kirin

Kyowa Kirin strives to create and deliver novel medicines with life-changing value. As a Japan-based Global Specialty Pharmaceutical Company with a heritage of 70+ -years, we apply cutting-edge science including an expertise in antibody research and engineering, to address the needs of patients and society across multiple therapeutic areas including Nephrology, Oncology, Immunology/Allergy and Neurology. Across our four regions Japan, Asia Pacific, North America and EMEA/International we focus on our purpose, to make people smile, and are united by our shared values of commitment to life, teamwork/Wa, innovation, and integrity. You can learn more about the business of Kyowa Kirin at: https://www.kyowakirin.com/

Kyowa Kirin International

http://www.international.kyowa-kirin.com www.kyowakirin.com

Galabank Business Park

Galashiels, TD1 1QH

United Kingdom

References

1 Bagot, M et al. Poster presentation at EORTC, 14-16 October 2021.

2 Kim YH, et al. Lancet Oncol. 2018;19(9):1192-1204.

3 Olsen E, Vonderheid E, Pimpinelli N, et al. Blood. 2007;110(6):1713-22.

4 EHA 2021 abstract. Available at: HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE EFFECT OF MOGAMULIZUMAB BY PATIENT.... EHA Library. Bishton M. Jun 9 2021; 324119 (ehaweb.org). Accessed October 2021

5 Willemze R, et al. Blood. 2019;133(16):1703-1714

6 Girardi M, Heald PW, Wilson LD. N Engl Jnl Med. 2004; 350(19): 1978-1988

7 Demierre M, et al. Cancer. 2006;107(10):2504-2511

8 Orphanet. Prevalence and incidence of rare diseases: Bibliographic data. January 2021. Available at: https://www.orpha.net/orphacom/cahiers/docs/GB/Prevalence_of_rare_diseases_by_alphabetical_list.pdf. Accessed: October 2021.

9 Krejsgaard T, et al. Semin Immunopathol. 2017;39:269-282.

10 Wilcox R. Am J Hematol. 2016;91(1):151-165.

11 Trautinger F, et al. Eur J Cancer. 2017;77:57-74.

12 Scarisbrick J, et al. Br J Dermatol. 2019;181(2):350-357.

13 Lymphoma Coalition. Cutaneous lymphoma a patient's guide. Available at: https://lymphomacoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/Cutaneous_lymphoma_-_patients_guide_-.pdf. Accessed October 2021

14 Hirstov AC, Tejavsi T, Wilcox RA. Am J Hematol. 2019;(734):ajh.25577

15 POTELIGEO SMPC. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/poteligeo-epar-product-information_en.pdf. Accessed October 2021

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005442/en/

Contacts:

Contacts for Kyowa Kirin International:

Media

Stacey Minton

+44 (0) 7769 656073

Email: Stacey.Minton@kyowakirin.com
Press Release

Nokia deploys shared 5G network with SoftBank and KDDI in Japan

Nokia's AirScale Multi-Operator Radio Access Network (MORAN) solution will enable SoftBank and KDDI to share RAN ensuring subscribers get 5G services faster

14 October 2021

Espoo, Finland - Nokia today announced that it has been selected by Japanese mobile operators, SoftBank Corp. (SoftBank) and KDDI as one of the vendors to deploy Japan's shared RAN. This deployment will deliver 5G services to both SoftBank and KDDI subscribers in the country. Nokia will install a Multi-Operator Radio Access Network (MORAN), which will allow both companies to share the RAN while keeping core networks separate. Network sharing helps support efficient RAN deployments as base station sites and infrastructure (equipment) are shared.

Under the deal, Nokia will supply its latest AirScale products including baseband and radio platforms. Nokia's MORAN is triple mode and covers LTE, 5G as well as Dynamic Spectrum Sharing. In particular, Nokia will provide its new generation of ReefShark System-on-Chip based plug-in cards to increase the capacity of the AirScale baseband. The new ReefShark-powered plug-in cards are easily installed and simplify the upgrade and extended operation of all AirScale deployments. They also deliver up to eight times more throughput compared to previous generations. Nokia's modular AirScale baseband will enable SoftBank and KDDI to scale capacity flexibly and efficiently and as their 5G business evolves.

MORAN is a way for mobile operators to share radio access network infrastructure, reduce their costs, expand the coverage of their networks and achieve an efficient and effective roll-out of new technologies. The RAN uses dedicated radio frequencies assigned to each service provider ensuring they maintain independent control of their resources. Nokia supports a range of network sharing solutions suiting all operating scenarios. Nokia's flexible MORAN solution can also be utilized by mobile operators and enterprises for private networks, as well as public networks or industrial campuses.

Tomohiro Sekiwa, Senior Vice President and CNO, SoftBank, said: "In order to deliver the best 5G experience to customers nationwide as quickly as possible, SoftBank is working with KDDI to develop a shared 5G network. In this effort, a Multi-Operator Radio Access Network is a key technology that will bring various efficiencies and we look forward to the high performance of Nokia's products in this regard."

Tatsuo Sato, Vice President and Managing Officer, Technology Planning, KDDI, said: "We are pleased to work closely with both Nokia and SoftBank to accelerate 5G network deployment across Japan. With this Multi-Operator Radio Access Network, we anticipate delivering the superior unique experiences of 5G to customers faster."

Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, said: "Nokia has been at the forefront of network sharing around the world since the deployment of the world's first commercial shared network. We have a long-standing partnership with both SoftBank and KDDI and are excited to work collaboratively with them on this project. Our latest AirScale solutions will be utilized, including the new baseband plug-in cards to add capacity where it is needed and deliver best-in-class 5G connectivity to their customers."

Resources:

Activate massive 5G capacity with Nokia AirScale

AirScale baseband | Nokia

AirScale Active Antennas | Nokia

AirScale Radio | Nokia

Network Sharing

About Nokia

At 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.





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Law enforcement worldwide received 266 million reports from scam victims, up from 139 the year before

AMSTERDAM, Oct. 14, 20213rd Global State of Scams Report, 42 countries were analyzed on the number of people scammed and the amount of money lost.

Number of Scams Boomed

The number of reported scams increased from 139 million in 2019 to 266 million in 2020. The amount lost grew from 36 ($41.7) to 41 ($47.8) billion.

While the definitions and reporting methods used by different countries for scams differ strongly, nearly all nations have reported large increases in the number of reported scams.

The number of scams and money lost is probably only a small fraction of the actual size of online fraud as less than 3% up to 15% of consumers report a scam.

Investment scams are on the rise

The money lost per victim differs strongly by country as well as the type of scam. From less than 10 for fake shops, counterfeiters, and subscription traps to several 100,000 for ransomware, Business Email Compromise (BEC), and investment/crypto scams.

With the "zero-interest" economy and boredom, people, especially men, proved to be willing victims to "investment opportunities". These scams, also called 'pig butchering,' can run for 3, 6, or even 12 months. The scammer builds up a trusted and sometimes romantic relationship with the victim before inviting him to invest in an "incredible opportunity".

Countries are becoming creative

To fight scams, many countries have resorted to more aggressive annual awareness campaigns. However, results are mixed. As the themes of the scam change (e.g. pet scams, COVID grants), citizens worldwide still seem to fall for them, despite earlier warnings.

The Center for Cybersecurity Belgium (CCB) booked more success. It launched an email address to report phishing emails. In 2020, CCB received 3.2 million emails. The data is used to feed Internet filters, protecting Belgium citizens from malicious domains.

Likewise, Pakistan is training CyberScouts, which can be police officers but also students and youngsters. Goal: ingrain cybercrime awareness in local communities.

Finally, Japan launched Operation "Pretend to Be Fooled", asking people who've been contacted by a scammer to notify the police. The potential victim and police then work together to catch the criminal. The target victim receives a reward of 10,000 Yen (77.50 / $88).

How to Turn the Tide

In many countries, scams are now the most reported form of crime. In Sweden, fraud was 5% of all crime cases reported in 2000. Now, it is 17% of all reported crimes. In the UK and USA, scams are now the most commonly experienced form of crime. Finally, Singapore states that 44% of all crimes are related to online scams.

The World Economic Forum estimates that 0.05% of all cybercrime is actually prosecuted. This makes scams, which are even more underreported than "big cybercrimes", a very lucrative business.

Online security firms are scaling up. Trend Micro, for example, is heavily investing in new anti-scam services, such as the real-time scam detection tool Trend Micro Check. In 2021, they already blocked more than 2.4 billion phishing emails and scam site visits.

While many developing countries are now focusing on building cybercrime awareness amongst their populations, several developing countries have learned that education alone is not enough.

Countries like Spain and the Netherlands have made online reporting via WhatsApp and Telegram easier, resulting in more and better data. The American Federal Trade Commission is gathering all scam-related data from 3,000 federal, state, and local law enforcers.

According to several countries, the next step is for tech giants to take more responsibility, using their own data to identify and prevent scams better.

While the USA, Canada and Australia have started sharing scam data amongst each other, most countries still don't. Yet, according to ScamAdviser, sharing online fraud data globally is the only real solution to turning the tide on the worldwide epidemic of scams.

The full report will be presented at the Global Online Scam Summitand can be downloaded from ScamAdviser.com.

########

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E: jorij.abraham@ecommercefoundation.org,

P: +31 6 52840039

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STOCKHOLM, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing as trailblazers in the new retail landscape and world-leaders in Live Video Shopping, Bambuser is launching Phygital Solutions, a unique and tailored concept of Live Video Shopping addressing demands from physical retail spaces such as shopping malls, stores and hotels.

As the world faces lifting COVID-19 restrictions, Live Video Shopping is emerging in physical retail spaces more and more, bridging the gap between the increasing demand for easy online shopping and the need to revitalize stores that have long been struggling with a decline in footfall.

Throughout 2021, Bambuser has developed a specialized concept aimed at property owners, shopping centers, department stores, large retail chains and hotels. The purpose is to help them offer new and exciting ways to market their spaces, increase reach and improve sales. Bambuser's Phygital Solutions have been developed in close collaboration with some of Scandinavia's largest property owners, such as AMF Fastigheter and Atrium Ljungberg.

"Over the last two years we have learned that interactive and social video will revolutionize all aspects of retail. I am very excited and have high expectations for physical spaces adapting to the growing live shopping trend, with forward-leaning property owners and department stores leading the way together with Bambuser," says Maryam Ghahremani, CEO of Bambuser.

To talk about the new launch, retail specialist and Head of Phygital Solutions, Annelie Gullstrom, will join the first ever BamTalks event which will be streamed Tuesday 19th October at 15:00 CEST / 14:00 BST / 09:00 EST.

For more information about Bambuser's Phygital Solutions, go to bambuser.com/phygital.

Contact information

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Certified Adviser

Erik Penser Bank AB | +46 8 463 83 00 | certifiedadviser@penser.se

About Bambuser

Bambuser is a software company specializing in interactive live video streaming. The Company's primary product, Live Video Shopping, is a cloud-based software solution that is used by customers such as global e-commerce and retail businesses to host live shopping experiences on websites, mobile apps and social media. Bambuser was founded in 2007 and has its headquarters in Stockholm.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

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SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The global neurology clinical trials market size is expected to reach USD 7.4 billion by 2028, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2021 to 2028. This is largely attributed to big pharma companies conducting innovative trials in neurology, increased government funding from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and stringent regulatory requirements pertaining to clinical trials.

Key Insights & Findings:

The phase II segment dominated the market and accounted for a maximum revenue share of 36.7% in 2020. Between 1999 and 2020, 8,205 CNS trials were conducted, with 609 trials being conducted in 2020

The interventional segment held the largest market revenue share of 81.1% in 2020

The Huntington's disease segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR of 6.0% over the forecast period. This is largely due to the high prevalence of the disease around the world

North America dominated the market and accounted for a revenue share of 45.8% in 2020. The rising prevalence of neurological disorders and the presence of a large number of players in clinical trials drive the market in the region

Read 100 page market research report, "Neurology Clinical Trials Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Phase (Phase I, Phase II, Phase III, Phase IV), By Study Design (Interventional, Observational, Expanded Access), By Indication, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028', by Grand View Research

Neuroscience continues to receive a healthy level of early investment. It received USD 1.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2018, second only to cancer, indicating that investors expect a large pharma acquisition to pay off in the near future. As the industry strives to move past the many late-stage clinical failures of recent years, early diagnosis of diseases is attracting investment and driving deal-making in the complex neuroscience sector, particularly for pain and Alzheimer's disease.

In terms of deal volume, no other therapy area comes close to matching oncology, but neuroscience is among the nearest contenders. Despite a drop in total expected value in 2017, the number of neuroscience-related licensing deals has gradually climbed over the last decade. The vast majority of neuroscience agreements ~90%have a primary neurological focus, which corresponds to the level of R&D activity in the two disciplines.

Many experimental therapeutics require dosage by on-site administration and carefully scheduled outcome measure evaluations hence, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly harmed the implementation of the precise procedures required to establish proof of safety and efficacy. The COVID-19 has resulted in the shutdown of the network of centers conducting stroke clinical trials. This was followed by a phased research restart plan that took local circumstances and regulatory oversight into account. This approach was successful in a reengaging research effort to some extent in all but one of the ongoing investigations within 55 days.

Grand View Research has segmented the global neurology clinical trials market based on phase, study design, indication, and region:

Neurology Clinical Trials Phase Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

Phase I



Phase II



Phase III



Phase IV

Neurology Clinical Trials Study Design Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

Interventional



Observational



Expanded Access

Neurology Clinical Trials Indication Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

Epilepsy



Parkinson's Disease (PD)



Huntington's Disease



Stroke



Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)



Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)



Muscle regeneration



Others

Neurology Clinical Trials Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

North America



U.S.





Canada



Europe



U.K.





Germany





France





Italy





Spain



Asia Pacific



Japan





China





India





Australia





South Korea



Latin America



Brazil





Mexico





Argentina





Colombia



Middle East & Africa

&

South Africa





Saudi Arabia





UAE

List of Key Players of Neurology Clinical Trials Market

IQVIA

Novartis

Covance

Medpace

Charles River Laboratories

Syneous Health

Icon Plc

GlaxoSmithKline

Aurora healthcare

Biogen

Browse through Grand View Research's coverage of the Global Medical Devices Industry :

Virtual Clinical Trials Market - The global virtual clinical trials market size was estimated at USD 7.4 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% from 2021 to 2028.

in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% from 2021 to 2028. Huntington's Disease Treatment Market - The global Huntington's disease treatment market size was valued at USD 151 million in 2017 and is expected to register a CAGR of 38.2% during the forecast period.

- The global Huntington's disease treatment market size was valued at in 2017 and is expected to register a CAGR of 38.2% during the forecast period. Neuroscience Market - The global neuroscience market size was valued at USD 28.42 billion in 2016 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.1% over the forecast period.

Gain access to Grand View Compass , our BI enabled intuitive market research database of 10,000+ reports

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead.

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SINGAPUR (dpa-AFX) - The Singapore dollar appreciated against the U.S. dollar in the Asian session on Thursday, after Singapore central bank unexpectedly tightened its monetary policy to ensure price stability over the medium term. The Monetary Authority of Singapore decided to raise slightly the slope of the S$NEER policy band, from zero percent previously. The width of the policy band and the level at which it is centered will be unchanged. The bank said the decision will help to ensure price stability over the medium term while recognizing the risks to the economic recovery. The MAS applies the exchange rate against a basket of currencies within an undisclosed band as its monetary policy tool. The Singapore dollar climbed to a 3-week high of 1.3474 against the greenback, from Wednesday's close of 1.3516. On the upside, 1.33 is possibly seen as its next resistance level. 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.
Additional EUR 32.5 million will support clinical readiness and accelerate lead immuno-virotherapy candidates toward clinical proof-of-concept

Abalos Therapeutics announced today an extension to its Series A funding round bringing the total raised in this round to EUR 43 million (USD 50 million). The extension was led by Seventure Partners with support from Coparion, Ventura BioMed Investors and Hx Bio Ventures as well as contributions from existing investors from the initial Series A round including Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund (BIVF), Grunderfonds Ruhr, NRW.BANK and High-Tech Grunderfonds (HTGF). The financing underscores the potential of Abalos' differentiated immuno-virotherapy approach to generate a maximal immune response specifically targeted against a patient's cancer and its metastases. The proceeds will enable the company to advance its first product candidate into a Phase 1/2 trial in multiple solid tumors including the expansion cohorts to demonstrate early signs of clinical efficacy as well as fund further pipeline expansion.

"Since the closing of our initial Series A financing round, we have achieved significant progress in the development of our product candidates and built a leadership team of drug development and immuno-oncology experts that support our goal of bringing this unique therapeutic modality to cancer patients," said Dr. Marcus Kostka, CEO of Abalos Therapeutics. "We value this commitment from our new and current investors that will enable our lead arenavirus-based program to enter clinical evaluation with the goal of establishing clinical proof of concept."

"Abalos is developing a powerful new class of immuno-virotherapeutics to treat cancer. Their product candidates have the potential to treat a range of solid cancers and also to increase the effect of approved immuno-oncology drugs," said Annegret de Baey, Venture Partner at Seventure Partners.

"We are very excited to see such a distinct approach in the crowded immuno-oncology space and look forward to supporting the Abalos leadership team as they continue on the journey of developing a pipeline of candidates that could greatly improve the immune system's ability to identify hard-to-treat tumors and elicit a long-term anti-tumor immune response," added Isabelle de Cremoux, CEO and Managing Partner at Seventure.

Abalos was launched in October 2019 to advance a technology platform that harnesses the unique features of the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), which specifically targets tumor cells. Through its proprietary Fast Evolution Platform, Abalos is generating variants with optimized anti-tumoral properties to trigger a highly precise and directed immune response that can be utilized for distant metastases and enable long-term disease control.

In conjunction with the closing of the Series A financing round extension, Annegret de Baey from Seventure Partners and Sebastian Punzeler from Coparion will join Abalos' Supervisory Board.

About Abalos

Abalos Therapeutics has harnessed the unique immune stimulation of the arenavirus to develop a novel anti-cancer approach that provides the full breadth of the immune system's power specifically against cancer cells. Through viral replication within cancer cells, Abalos' arenavirus-based drug candidates are designed to awake precise innate and adaptive immune responses and activate all relevant immune cell types against primary tumors and metastases. Led by experienced biotech entrepreneurs and immunology pioneers, Abalos' goal is to achieve a quantum leap in immuno-oncology. For more information, please visit www.abalos-tx.com.

About Seventure Partners

With 850m net commitments under management as of the end of 2020, Seventure is a leading venture capital firm in Europe. Investing since 1997 from seed to pre-IPO stages, in innovative businesses with high growth potential in two fields: Life sciences across Europe, Israel, Asia and North America and Digital technologies in Europe. In Life sciences, the main areas of focus include "classic" approaches such as biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, diagnostic and medtech, industrial biotechnology, as well as "beyond the pill" approaches such as MICROBIOME-linked innovations, nutrition, foodtech, digital/connected health, wellbeing and personalized medicine personalized nutrition. Health for Life Capital funds attracted strategic investments from prestigious organizations including Danone, Novartis, two US-based global food ingredient providers, Lesaffre, Tornier, Tereos, Unigrains and Bel, as well as financial institutions, family offices and entrepreneurs. For more details: www.seventure.fr/en Twitter: @seventurep

About Coparion

Coparion provides venture capital to accelerate momentum and growth. With a current active fund of EUR 275m coparion has the means to do so. coparion supports entrepreneurial vision with know-how, but without intervening in daily business operations. Thanks to in-depth experience in venture capital and in building companies, the coparion team discerns potentials and opens up new perspectives. coparion only invests with co-investors. The fund invests up to EUR 15m per company, usually in several financing rounds of EUR 1-8m each. Investment focus is on German companies in the start-up and early growth phase. coparion is based in Cologne and Berlin. www.coparion.vc

About Ventura BioMed Investors

Ventura BioMed Investors invests in early-stage life science companies developing pioneering technologies and innovative therapies. As serial entrepreneurs with many years of experience, we help shape the long-term development of our portfolio companies and provide them access to our broad investor and business network. Ventura supports exceptional entrepreneurs with their vision to accelerate medical breakthroughs that solve unmet patient needs. www.ventura-biomed.com

About Hx Bio Ventures

Hx Bio Ventures invests into early stage companies developing next generation biologics. It is Hx's mission to help exceptional entrepreneurs building the next generation of great biotech companies. With a clear focus on know how in drug development and their manufacturability, Hx Bio intends to partner with innovative biotech companies looking to derisk their development processes early on. Hx Bio Ventures is part of family-owned Droege Group, based in Dusseldorf, Germany.

About Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund

Created in 2010, the Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund GmbH (BIVF) invests in groundbreaking therapeutics-focused biotechnology companies to drive innovation in biomedical research. BIVF is searching for significant enhancements in patient care through pioneering science and its clinical translation by building long-term relationships with scientists and entrepreneurs. BIVF's focus is to target unprecedented therapeutic concepts addressing high medical needs in immuno-oncology, regenerative medicine, infectious diseases and digital health. For more information, visit www.boehringer-ingelheim-venture.com.

About Grunderfonds Ruhr

Grunderfonds Ruhr is a private venture capital fund driving innovation in the Ruhr area by investing in new technologies covering a broad range of industries. The fund provides capital, business expertise and industry access to leading international corporations who share a common goal of building Ruhr-based start-ups with transforming ideas. With the objective of being the institutional investor of choice Grunderfonds Ruhr aims to support young companies to enter their next stage of development and commercial success. More information on www.gruenderfonds-ruhr.com.

About NRW Bank

NRW.BANK is the state development bank of North Rhine-Westphalia. Its mission is to support its owner the state of North Rhine-Westphalia in the completion of its structural and economic policy tasks. In its three fields of promotion "Economic Development", "Housing Promotion" and "Infrastructure/Municipal Promotion", NRW.BANK uses a wide range of promotion tools from low-interest promotion loans to equity finance to advisory services. It cooperates with all banks and savings banks based in NRW on a competition-neutral basis. NRW.BANK takes into account the existing offers by the Federal Government, the North Rhine-Westphalian government and the European Union in the arrangement of its promotion. For more information visit nrwbank.com and follow us www.twitter.com/NRWBANK.

About High-Tech Grunderfonds (HTGF)

High-Tech Grunderfonds (HTGF) is a seed investor that finances high-potential, tech-driven start-ups. With around EUR 900 million in total investment volume across three funds and an international network of partners, HTGF has already helped forge more than 600 start-ups since 2005. Driven by their expertise, entrepreneurial spirit and passion, its team of experienced investment managers and startup experts help guide the development of young companies. HTGF's focus is on high-tech start-ups in the fields of digital tech, industrial technology, life sciences, chemistry and related business areas. To date, external investors have injected more than EUR 3 billion into the HTGF portfolio via more than 1,800 follow-on financing rounds. HTGF has also successfully sold interests in more than 140 companies.

Fund Investors in the public-private partnership include the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy, KfW Capital, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and 32 companies.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005054/en/

Contacts:

For more information, please contact:

Abalos Therapeutics GmbH

Marcus Kostka, PhD, CEO

Phone: +49 211 540104-01

Email: kostka@abalos-tx.com

Abalos media inquiries

Trophic Communications

Stephanie May Desmond James

Tel: +49 171 1855682 or +49 1516 7859086

Email: abalos@trophic.eu
LEVALLOIS-PERRET, France, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- An international player in consulting and technology as well as a Data and Digital specialist, Keyrus announces new goals in the market through a renewed and inspiring vision stemming from 25 years of expertise in data exploitation.

Keyrus has also redesigned its visual identity, creating a new logo and slogan: "make data matter."

A hyperconnected ecosystem

Driven by the growth of Internet-based and mobile technologies, society today is a single, hyperconnected ecosystem made up of organizations, individuals, groups of individuals, and objects.

To thrive in this ecosystem, businesses need not only to accelerate their digital transformation, but also to develop the skills necessary to boost their adaptability, resilience, and competitiveness.

Data is the main driver behind the activation of these skills, just as digital channels create the network that is essential for their implementation and development.

Aspiring to make data the main leveraging factor behind business performance

The current crisis is showing us more than ever just how crucial it is for all companies to accelerate their transformation, whether digital, managerial, or organizational.

Keyrus is convinced that businesses must primarily leverage digital transformation, integrating an ethical, practical approach to data, in order to successfully take on a transformed world, and ensure that they can grow, be competitive, and prosper in the long term.

Data is unquestionably one of the keys to success for businesses. Moreover, it is like humankind's genetic blueprint: it retraces our past, expresses our present, and can help us predict our future, or at least anticipate it more effectively.

A new, enlightening, and inspiring mission

Echoing the current economic, social and environmental upheavals, amplified by the pandemic, Keyrus is now pursuing an inspiring new mission:

"Mastering and giving meaning to data to make the future clearer, simpler, and more human-focused!"

This promise is founded on three key beliefs reflecting the current challenges of our world:

"HUMAN DATA": this first belief asserts that data holds the answers to the greatest challenges faced by both businesses and humankind as a whole. It teaches us things about the way we behave and how the world changes, takes shape, and improves over time.

"INSPIRATIONAL REALITY": this belief is a nod to one of our key principles: inspiring, while remaining pragmatic and rooted in reality. This refers to our ability to deliver solutions that are not only effective and immediately actionable, but also always incorporate continuous innovation, an essential source of progress and reinvention for businesses.

"SIMPLEX FUTURE": this third belief conveys the growing complexity of our environment. Caught in the whirlwind of the digital explosion, hyperconnectivity and artificial intelligence, businesses need an informed, insightful partner to rely on. In this context, Keyrus helps its clients gain capabilities, communication skills, and decision-making abilities essential for working toward their goals with clear-sightedness and a straightforward approach.

These beliefs form the framework of the new era that the Keyrus Group is now embarking upon with enthusiasm and passion. They reveal our new areas of reflection and anticipation, which are always driven by a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Our new slogan, "make data matter," conveys the meaning and value behind our work. Data is part of our Group's DNA. Day in and day out, we put data science to work to solve present- day challenges. Since data originates with people, this slogan also serves as a reminder of how important individuals are in the capital of our companies, and how essential it is for each economic player to work toward greater sustainability via the solutions and services they offer.

"For our Group, this past year has been a source of reflection and inspiration. It is now offering us new ways to look at our business lines and mission," explains Eric Cohen, Founder and CEO of the Keyrus Group. "It is our mission to be an informed, committed, and responsible partner to our clients over the long term, helping them map out their ideal future with a more human-focused perspective."

ABOUT KEYRUS

Keyrus is a global consulting and technology company that focuses on making data matter, truly matter, from a human perspective.

Since it's not only the data itself that matters, but the opportunities we can develop by leveraging it, we are constantly working at understanding what our clients are trying to achieve. We explore and measure behaviors. We understand and translate. We make sense of the realities data represents to shape better, impactful, real-life decisions.

A mere means to an end, data, whether big, small, human, complex, historical, prospective, only ever makes sense when it is used to develop experiences, shape understanding, make the best decisions.

Our value proposition is founded upon five major groups of services, each comprising multiple offerings:

Automation and artificial intelligence: we provide our clients with the means to improve productivity and accuracy across business processes, and to focus on higher value work. We enable companies to gain insights and to make the best decisions.

we provide our clients with the means to improve productivity and accuracy across business processes, and to focus on higher value work. We enable companies to gain insights and to make the best decisions. Human-centric digital experience: relationship with customers and employee engagement constitute two of the largest contributors to business' overall success. At Keyrus, we help companies to imagine and to create seamless multimodal digital experiences to reach their business goals.

relationship with customers and employee engagement constitute two of the largest contributors to business' overall success. At Keyrus, we help companies to imagine and to create seamless multimodal digital experiences to reach their business goals. Data & analytics enablement: data is unquestionably a key to success for businesses. When used intelligently, it opens up unique opportunities for facing present and future challenges. At Keyrus, we enable organizations to deploy the capabilities to make data matter: we apply data science at a business level.

data is unquestionably a key to success for businesses. When used intelligently, it opens up unique opportunities for facing present and future challenges. At Keyrus, we enable organizations to deploy the capabilities to make data matter: we apply data science at a business level. Cloud and security: cloud data and digital platforms have the potential to overhaul the way data are being translated into value, while bringing scalability and flexibility to a next level. At Keyrus, we secure your data assets and make sure your data is protected and confidential.

cloud data and digital platforms have the potential to overhaul the way data are being translated into value, while bringing scalability and flexibility to a next level. At Keyrus, we secure your data assets and make sure your data is protected and confidential. Business transformation & innovation: to thrive in the nowadays ecosystem, every business needs to not only accelerate its digital transformation, but also acquire skills to boost its adaptability, resilience, and competitiveness. At Keyrus, we help our clients to successfully transform themselves to build a better future.

Relying on the accumulated experience of more than 3.000 consultants and present in 22 countries on 4 continents, Keyrus is one of the foremost international experts in data, consulting, and technology.

Learn more at: http://www.keyrus.com

Contact:

KEYRUS

Felix Bassous

Tel: +33 01 41 34 10 00

felix.bassous@keyrus.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1659746/Keyrus_Logo.jpg
Vancouver, British Columbia and Johannesburg, South Africa--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2021) -Platinum Group Metals Ltd. (TSX: PTM) (NYSE American: PLG) ("Platinum Group" "PTM" or the "Company") provides the following Waterberg Project update:

Geotechnical Drilling

A geotechnical drilling campaign at the Waterberg Project, which commenced in July 2021, is now in process of completion and demobilization. The geotechnical drilling campaign consisted of 46 boreholes drilled along the planned centerline of two sets of twin declines and box-cut positions. Approximately 11 holes were drilled vertically, and the remaining holes were inclined out of the plane to intersect all possible discontinuities. A total of 5,966 metres of drill core were recovered and a total of 2,696 metres of core were geotechnically logged from within the zone of interest. All boreholes except those in the planned box-cut areas were backfilled with cement upon completion. Downhole geophysical surveys were conducted consisting of optical and/or acoustic televiewer and gamma probes as well as caliper probes. Three packer tests were conducted in boreholes where groundwater strikes were encountered. Core samples of all the major geotechnical units encountered were collected and subjected to laboratory testing.

The results of the drilling campaign confirm that the box-cut positions are in sandstone, and the central and southern declines transition from sandstone into a dolerite sill and back into sandstone before cutting into the igneous rocks of the Bushveld Complex. In general, results are as expected, and the rock mass is competent. Also as expected, some support will be required for both tunnel sets. No problem areas, where special mining methods or non-standard support would be required, have been identified. Groundwater inflow is also not considered a risk. The standard practice of probe drilling ahead of decline tunnel development will be important to monitor rock quality and identify correct support standards ahead of development. Geotechnical qualified persons monitoring the drill programme have stated that in general, the rock mass encountered along both decline routes can support the planned excavations with no major problem areas expected.

Community Relations

On and following March 5, 2021, the Company received three notices of appeal, filed by individual appellants from local communities, against the January 28, 2021 decision of the South African Department of Mineral Resources and Energy ("DMR") granting the Waterberg Mining Right. One group filed an application for an order in the High Court of South Africa to review and set aside the decision by the Minister of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment ("DE") to refuse condonation for the late filing of the group's appeal against the grant of an Environmental Authorization for the Waterberg Mine in November 2020. Waterberg JV Resources (Pty) (Ltd.) ("Waterberg JV Co.") is opposing the review application as well as all appeals received and believes these are all without merit.

On July 30, 2021, Waterberg JV Co. received an urgent interdict application from a group located near planned surface infrastructure. Waterberg JV Co. promptly filed an answering affidavit denying urgency and arguing that the application is without merit. The Applicants have not responded and were obliged to remove their application from the urgent court roll. The application may proceed as a normal High Court application. A host community has applied to join as an interested party to the application and another host community submitted a confirmatory affidavit, both communities being in support of the Waterberg Mine. A time frame for the hearing of the interdict application is uncertain or may never occur.

The Company believes that all requirements specified under the National Environmental Management Act, the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act and other applicable legislation have been complied with and that the DE correctly approved and the DMR correctly issued the Environmental Authorization. The Company also believes that the leadership and majority of residents in the host communities support the Waterberg Project.

The Member of the Executive Committee ("MEC") for the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Mr. Thabo Andrew Mokone, recently undertook to investigate the appeals and court actions described above. The MEC is aware of disagreements between the mine and certain members of the local community. During September 2021, the MEC held regular engagements with representatives of Waterberg JV Co. and the community leaders of Kgatlu village. The MEC stated, "The Community have expressed their desire and support for the Waterberg Mine. A mediation process has been agreed between the parties to take place in October and November 2021 and I believe this will lead to a resolution of concerns and to a more harmonious relationship between Waterberg JV Co. and the local Community. I believe that the substantial planned investment in the Waterberg Mine of more than Rand 9.0 billion will create much-needed jobs and development in the area surrounding the mine."

On Sunday, October 10, 2021, senior Company management and technical personnel were very pleased to attend an event to deliver much needed school supplies and equipment, purchased by Waterberg JV Co., to local schools within a host community.

The Waterberg Mining Right remains active, was notarially executed by the DMR on April 13, 2021, and was registered at the Mineral and Petroleum Titles Registration Office on July 6, 2021.

Environmental, Social and Governance

Platinum Group is pleased to report the completion of its inaugural Environmental and Social Governance ("ESG") disclosure submission with Digbee Ltd. ("Digbee"). Digbee, a United Kingdom based company, is a new mining-focused expert network and ESG disclosure platform with a goal to provide improved disclosure and better access to capital markets for mining companies involved with strong ESG practices. Digbee has been endorsed by leading financial firms who support the Digbee ESG initiative such as Blackrock, BMO, and Dundee Corporation. Digbee's reporting framework is aligned with global standards, including the Equator Principles, which provide a framework for financial institutions to assess environmental and social risks in projects.

Outlook

The Company's key business objective is to advance the palladium dominant Waterberg Project to a development and construction decision. Recent work includes the erection of fences, ground clearing, geotechnical drilling and infrastructure engineering and surveying. At the present time Waterberg JV Co. is planning for pre-construction activities including the engineering and design of roads, power, and water infrastructure. Project technical personnel are in process to identify, test and delineate appropriate sources of aggregate material for roadways and infrastructure lay down pads. Environmental monitoring activities are ongoing and will increase in the coming months.

The Company and Waterberg JV Co. continue with a process to assess commercial alternatives for mine development financing and concentrate offtake. Several parties are currently in discussions with the Company. Concentrate offtake discussions with 15% project shareholder Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd. ("Implats"), also continue.

The Company continues to work closely with regional authorities and local communities and their leadership on how the Waterberg Mine can be developed to provide optimal outcomes and best value to all stakeholders.

The Company's battery technology initiative through Lion Battery Technologies Inc. ("Lion") with Anglo American Platinum Limited represents a new opportunity in the high-profile lithium battery research and innovation field. The investment in Lion creates a potential vertical integration with a broader industrial market development strategy to bring new technologies to market which use palladium and platinum. Research and development efforts by Florida International University ("FIU") on behalf of Lion continue. Technical results from Lion's research may have application to most lithium-ion battery chemistries and the scope of Lion's research work is being expanded. To date three patents have been issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office based on research work completed by FIU for Lion and several more patent applications are in process of review.

Qualified Person

Rob van Egmond, P.Eng., a consultant geologist to the Company and a former employee, is an independent qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). He has reviewed, validated and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release and he has previously visited the Waterberg Project site.

The geotechnical drilling campaign and subsequent geotechnical data analysis was overseen and managed by an experienced principal engineering geologist and certified rock engineer, Carel de Beer, Pri. Sci. Nat, of Bare Rock Consulting. Bare Rock Consulting is an independent specialist geotechnical consultancy with 25 year's experience in mining and mining infrastructure projects.

About Platinum Group Metals Ltd. and Waterberg Project

Platinum Group Metals Ltd. is the operator of the Waterberg Project, a bulk underground palladium and platinum deposit located in South Africa. The Waterberg Project was discovered by Platinum Group and is being jointly developed with Implats, Mnombo Wethu Consultants (Pty) Ltd. ("Mnombo"), Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation and Hanwa Co. Ltd.

In 2019, the Company founded Lion in partnership with Anglo American Platinum Limited to support the use of palladium and platinum in lithium battery applications.

On behalf of the Board of

Platinum Group Metals Ltd.

Frank R. Hallam

President, CEO and Director

For further information contact:

Kris Begic, VP, Corporate Development

Platinum Group Metals Ltd., Vancouver

Tel: (604) 899-5450 / Toll Free: (866) 899-5450

www.platinumgroupmetals.net

Disclosure

The Toronto Stock Exchange and the NYSE American have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this news release, which has been prepared by management.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic and related measures taken by governments create uncertainty and may have had, and may continue to have, an adverse impact on many aspects of the Company's business, including employee health, workforce productivity and availability, travel restrictions, contractor availability, supply availability, the Company's ability to maintain its controls and procedures regarding financial and disclosure matters and the availability of capital and insurance and the costs thereof, some of which, individually or when aggregated with other impacts, may be material to the Company. On September 30, 2021, South Africa was moved to a reduced alert level 1. The Delta variant is currently the dominant strain in the country. In response to uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has implemented additional testing and monitoring protocols for its work at the Waterberg Project site and elsewhere in South Africa.

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. securities laws (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, plans, postulate, and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the application for an order of the High Court and appeal of the mining right, the applicable procedures, timeline and potential results thereof, the development of the Waterberg project and the potential benefits and results thereof, financing and mine development of the Waterberg Project including the expectation of no major problem areas following the geotechnical drilling campaign at the Waterberg Project, low risk of groundwater inflow, potential commercial alternatives for mine development financing and concentrate offtake, financing and mine development of the Waterberg Project, the appeals of the Waterberg Mining Right, work with local communities, support from host communities and resolution of concerns through a mediation process, the increase in environmental monitoring activities, the availability of construction financing on terms acceptable to the Company, the development of new battery technologies and the potential benefits of utilizing palladium and platinum therein, the commercialization thereof, potential vertical integration with a broader industrial market development strategy, the application for patent rights with respect to the use of platinum group metals in lithium batteries, providing shareholder value, and Lion's development of next generation battery technology, and the Company's other future plans and expectations. Although the Company believes any forward-looking statements in this press release are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations and assumptions in such statements will prove to be correct.

The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including possible adverse impacts due the global outbreak of COVID-19 (as described above), the Company's inability to generate sufficient cash flow or raise sufficient additional capital to make payment on its indebtedness, and to comply with the terms of such indebtedness; additional financing requirements; the senior secured facility with the Sprott Private Resource Lending II (Collector), LP ("Sprott") entered into August 21, 2019 (the "2019 Sprott Facility" of which $11.3 million in principal is outstanding at May 31, 2021) is, and any new indebtedness may be, secured and the Company has pledged its shares of PTM RSA, and PTM RSA has pledged its shares of Waterberg JV Co. to Sprott, under the 2019 Sprott Facility, which potentially could result in the loss of the Company's interest in PTM RSA and the Waterberg Project in the event of a default under the 2019 Sprott Facility or any new secured indebtedness; the Company's history of losses and negative cash flow; the Company's ability to continue as a going concern; the Company's properties may not be brought into a state of commercial production; uncertainty of estimated production, development plans and cost estimates for the Waterberg Project; discrepancies between actual and estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources, between actual and estimated development and operating costs, between actual and estimated metallurgical recoveries and between estimated and actual production; fluctuations in the relative values of the U.S. Dollar, the Rand and the Canadian Dollar; volatility in metals prices; the uncertainty of alternative funding sources for Waterberg JV Co.; the Company may become subject to the U.S. Investment Company Act; the failure of the Company or the other shareholders to fund their pro rata share of funding obligations for the Waterberg Project; any disputes or disagreements with the other shareholders of Waterberg JV Co. or Mnombo; the ability of the Company to retain its key management employees and skilled and experienced personnel; conflicts of interest; litigation or other administrative proceedings brought against the Company; actual or alleged breaches of governance processes or instances of fraud, bribery or corruption; exploration, development and mining risks and the inherently dangerous nature of the mining industry, and the risk of inadequate insurance or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks and other risks and uncertainties; property and mineral title risks including defective title to mineral claims or property; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada and South Africa; equipment shortages and the ability of the Company to acquire necessary access rights and infrastructure for its mineral properties; environmental regulations and the ability to obtain and maintain necessary permits, including environmental authorizations and water use licences; extreme competition in the mineral exploration industry; delays in obtaining, or a failure to obtain, permits necessary for current or future operations or failures to comply with the terms of such permits; risks of doing business in South Africa, including but not limited to, labour, economic and political instability and potential changes to and failures to comply with legislation; the Company's common shares may be delisted from the NYSE American or the Toronto Stock Exchange if it cannot maintain compliance with the applicable listing requirements; and other risk factors described in the Company's most recent Form 20-F annual report, annual information form and other filings with the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and Canadian securities regulators, which may be viewed at www.sec.gov and www.sedar.com, respectively. Proposed changes in the mineral law in South Africa if implemented as proposed would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and potential interest in projects. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether because of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

The technical and scientific information contained herein has been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101, which differs from the standards adopted by the SEC. Accordingly, the technical and scientific information contained herein, including any estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources, may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies subject to the disclosure requirements of the SEC.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99554
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.
DUBLIN, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- FlowForma, the leading provider of Process Automation tools for Microsoft Office 365, today announced it has been awarded a place on the NHS London Procurement Partnership (LLP) framework, for the provision of its award-winning FlowForma Process Automation tool to members of the NHS across the United Kingdom.

The Authority London Procurement Partnership (LPP) is a shared procurement partnership operating on behalf of its members and the wider NHS and public sector. The Authority is hosted by Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. The Authority provides a procurement portal to its members to support the procurement process and facilitate contract management with suppliers nationwide.

FlowForma Process Automation's 100% no code tool features rapid prototyping capabilities to empower businesspeople to deploy digital processes at speed and at scale across healthcare institutions and organizations. A 3-in-1 tool combining forms, workflow, and document generation - with little IT support required, FlowForma Process Automation is a proven solution to replace paper, improve processes and ultimately deliver better patient/customer experiences across hospitals and other public bodies.

An iconic European healthcare institution has seen first-hand the benefits of implementing a process automation tool. Home to pioneering treatments and a progressive approach to patient care with thousands of staff and nearly 1,000 beds, providing emergency and acute care services across over 50 medical specialities, this institution alone has removed 915,000 sheets of paper a year by bringing patient referral letters online with associated savings amounting to nearly a quarter of a million pounds.

To accelerate process automation, FlowForma has recently launched a set of fully editable common process accelerator templates for this sector, helping organizations to digitize their business processes with speed and flexibility whilst encouraging adoption across all departments. Users can benefit from process templates such as:

Monthly Housekeeping Inspection

Hospital to Hospital Transfer Referral Form

Incident Report

IT Request

Medication Incident Report

Theatre Notes

Transfer Request

Waiting List Card

Consent for Release of Information

"We are delighted to be included in the NHS London Procurement Partnership (LPP) portal, as it is an area we can continue to make a big difference in, by digitizing paper-intensive processes throughout healthcare institutions, and ultimately improving patient care as a result. Our inclusion will give NHS bodies a reliable process automation tool to procure that is proven to deliver rapid results in this sector," commented Olivia Bushe, CEO, FlowForma.

In addition to NHS bodies procuring process automation and workflow solutions tools from this framework, the portal is also accessible for any public sector body that awards a call-off contract under the Framework Agreement, including:

Central government departments & their executive

Non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs)

All Local Authorities

All combined authorities

Police forces and other emergency services

Educational establishments

Registered charities

Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator

Users can benefit from our process accelerators and more by taking a free 14-day trial of the FlowForma Process Automation tool.

Supporting Resources:

To learn more about how FlowForma is empowering the healthcare sector visit:

www.flowforma.com/helping-healthcare

To find out how the FlowForma Process Automation tool works visit:

www.flowforma.com/how-it-works

T o download a free 14-day trial of FlowForma Process Automation visit:

www.flowforma.com/start-your-flowforma-trial

To learn more about FlowForma Process Automation, book a demo with one of our experts:

www.flowforma.com/book-a-demo

To find out how FlowForma Process Automation compares against its peers visit:

www.g2crowd.com/products/flowforma-process-automation/reviews

About FlowForma

FlowForma is the leading provider of enterprise-class, no code business process management and automation tools that empower businesspeople to rapidly digitise a wide range of processes.

The company empowers businesspeople in construction, engineering, healthcare, financial services and more, to digitise complex business processes in-house, without writing any software code.

Customers are live with digital processes, empowered and self-sufficient within 4 weeks of onboarding. Users rapidly reap ROI, resilience, and innovation. FlowForma Process Automation is making waves in the automation space with its process accelerators, external stakeholder engagement and offline capability.

FlowForma is a Microsoft Gold Partner, with over 200,000 global users. The company is headquartered in Ireland with offices in Boston and London, and is motivated by its values to innovate, evolve, and achieve with employees, customers, and partners.

For further information or a 14-day free trial, visit www.flowforma.com

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1659353/Olivia_Bushe_Chief_Executive_Officer_FlowForma.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/715823/FlowForma_Logo.jpg
Lead, South Dakota--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2021) - Dakota Territory Resource Corp (OTCQB: DTRC) ("Dakota Territory" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding definitive option agreement (the "Definitive Agreement") to acquire LAC Minerals (USA) LLC ("LAC") and Homestake Mining Company of California's ("HMCC" or "Homestake") Richmond Hill Property in the Homestake District, South Dakota (the "Richmond Hill Property"). The Definitive Agreement aligns with Dakota Territory's strategic objective to be the premier South Dakota exploration company with the largest land and mineral tenure holdings in the historic Homestake District.

The Richmond Hill Property produced 172,000 oz of gold from 1988 to 1992, when it was shut down due to certain permitting issues. Historically defined oxide resources remain, and the property contains reclaimed but permitted leach pads and other operational infrastructure. Dakota Territory believes the property may have immediate potential for economic oxide gold resources but will concentrate its efforts in exploring for high grade Iron Formation targets similar to those identified at the Company's adjoining Maitland Project. HMCC and LAC are wholly owned subsidiaries of Barrick Gold Corporation ("Barrick").

Highlights include:

Solidifies Dakota Territory as the leading South Dakota exploration company through increasing its property package to 34,657 mineral acres (38,918 acres total), the largest property package in the Homestake District.

Three target types recognized on the Richmond Hill Property: 1) Pre-Cambrian Iron-Formation (two separate ledges outcrop on the property and contain high grade gold mineralization of Tertiary and/or Pre-Cambrian age), 2) Tertiary mineralization (oxide and sulfide) found in volcanic rocks, breccias, Paleozoic/Pre-Cambrian replacements, and structures defined by previous operator with potential for expansion (only partially explored and open in several directions), and 3) Breccia pipes (collapse breccias are open at depth with a potential high grade component).

Initial Phase 1 $1 million drill program of 16-20 holes for 9,000 feet that the Company anticipates commencing in the first quarter of 2022 to follow up on the above three targets.

Contains immediate drilling targets for key target types being pursued by Dakota Territory in the greater Homestake District.

Increases Barrick's potential shareholdings to 5.55 million shares of common stock of the Company ("Shares"), representing a potential 7.48% interest in Dakota Territory.

Under the terms of the Definitive Agreement, Dakota Territory has a three-year option to acquire 2,126 acres of surface and mineral rights with attendant facilities held by HMCC and LAC (the "Option") (see the map below). On signing of the Option, Dakota Territory will issue 400,000 Shares to Barrick and will make annual Option payments of US$100,000 during the Option period. Dakota Territory may exercise the Option on or before September 7, 2024, by assuming all of the liabilities and bonds currently held by LAC and HMCC for the Richmond Hill Property. In addition, on exercise of the Option, Dakota Territory will issue Barrick an additional 400,000 shares and grant a 1% NSR to Barrick with respect to any gold that may be recovered from the Richmond Hill Property.

Jonathan Awde, President and CEO of Dakota Territory stated, "We are pleased to enter into our third agreement with Barrick in the past year. Barrick already is a significant shareholder in Dakota Territory, giving them an indirect interest in the broader Homestake District. The Richmond Hill option provides Dakota Territory with an additional 2,126 acres of patented mining claims with surface facilities. The property also contains historic resources and other significant discoveries that we think will help expedite our success in addition to Dakota Territory's greater district interests."

"Barrick is again pleased to support Dakota Territory's exploration efforts in the Homestake District. The Dakota Territory team has the vision and capability to make a positive contribution in the Homestake District and in the State of South Dakota," said Patrick Malone, who oversees Barrick's North American closure sites. "Dakota Territory has committed to build on the legacy of best practice environmental stewardship that Barrick has followed since suspending mining operations at the Homestake Mine in 2002 and we expect that Dakota Territory will wisely use existing infrastructure to minimize further disturbance of any new development activity."

Todd Duex, geologic consultant to Dakota Territory and past geologist at the Richmond Hill Property, stated, "Having worked at Richmond Hill and conducted exploration in the surrounding area, I am excited to get back to the project and continue the exploration work we suspended in 1992. This option agreement will allow Dakota Territory access to the property with the ability to quickly focus on the most important opportunities with synergies to other Dakota Territory targets in the Homestake District."

With more than US$50 million in working capital, Dakota Territory is well-funded to carry out its exploration activities during the term of the Option and to identify new mineral opportunities in the historic Homestake District, which has thus far produced more than 44 million ounces of gold.

About Dakota Territory Resource Corp

Dakota Territory Resource Corp is a Nevada corporation with offices located at Lead, South Dakota. Dakota Territory is committed to creating shareholder value through the acquisition and responsible exploration and development of high caliber gold properties in the Homestake District of South Dakota.

Inquiries

Shareholder and Investor Inquiries: For more information, please contact Jonathan Awde at 604-761-5251 or JAwde@gold-sd.com.

Social and Public Relations Inquiries: For more information, please contact Elizabeth Sailer at 605-580- 0480 or info@gold-sd.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication 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, including the statements regarding the Definitive Agreement and the Option. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and expectations that may not be realized and are inherently subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from these statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, the Company's ability to exercise the Option, the timing of the exercise of the Option, the consideration for the Option, the Company's exploration plans and anticipated exploration results, the potential for gold mineralization in the properties subject to the Option, the price of gold, synergies with the Company's existing assets, the Company's use of disturbed land, the Company's use of historic data, the state of the economy and financial markets generally and the effect on our industry, and the market for our common stock. The foregoing list is not exhaustive. For additional information regarding factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in our forward-looking statements, we refer you to the risk factors included in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2021, as amended, as updated by annual, quarterly and other reports and documents that we file with the SEC. We caution investors not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this communication. These statements speak only as of the date of this communication, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.





Richmond Hill Property Map

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TwentyFour Income Fund Limited

(a closed-ended investment company incorporated in Guernsey with registration number 56128)

LEI Number: 549300CCEV00IH2SU369

(The "Company")

14 OCTOBER 2021

RESULT OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

At the Annual General Meeting of the Company held today, all Resolutions set out in the Annual General Meeting Notice sent to Shareholders dated 13 September 2021 were duly passed.

Details of the proxy voting results which should be read along side the Notice are noted below:

Ordinary Resolution For Discretion

(voted in favour) Against Abstain 1 309,587,628 0 14,416 17,663 2 309,614,023 0 5,684 0 3 309,512,452 0 94,518 12,737 4 309,525,582 0 76,462 17,663 5 309,560,020 0 32,910 26,777 6 259,102,673 0 50,502,635 14,399 7 309,596,553 0 23,154 0 8 309,587,735 0 17,573 14,399 9 309,610,952 0 8,755 0 10 309,596,553 0 23,154 0 11 309,582,882 0 22,426 14,399 12 308,365,751 0 10,150 0 13 309,569,873 0 30,150 19,684 14 309,569,873 0 30,150 19,684 Extraordinary Resolution For Discretion

(voted in favour) Against Abstain 15 309,567,264 0 32,759 19,684 16 239,989,373 0 19,116,770 50,513,564 Special Resolution For Discretion

(voted in favour) Against Abstain 17 309,605,667 0 8,755 5,285

Note -A vote withheld is not a vote in law and has not been counted in the votes for and against a resolution.

The Extraordinary and Special Resolutions were as follows:

Extraordinary Resolution 15

That, in substitution of all existing powers (but in addition to any power conferred on them by ordinary resolutions 13 and 14 above), the Directors be and are authorised generally and unconditionally in accordance with Article 6.7 of the Articles to exercise all powers of the Company to issue equity securities (as defined in Article 6.1.1(a)) for cash as if the members' pre-emption rights contained in Article 6.2 of the Articles did not apply to any such issue pursuant to the general authority conferred on them by the ordinary resolutions 10 and 11 above (as varied from time to time by the Company in general meeting):

pursuant to an offer of equity securities open for acceptance for a period fixed by the Directors where the equity securities respectively attributable to the interests of holders of Ordinary Shares are proportionate (as nearly as may be) to the respective numbers of Ordinary Shares held by them but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements in connection with the issue as the Directors may consider necessary, appropriate or expedient to deal with equity securities representing fractional entitlements or to deal with legal or practical problems arising in any overseas territory, the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange, or any other matter whatsoever; and provided that (otherwise than pursuant to sub-paragraph (a) above) this power shall be limited to the allotment of equity securities up to an aggregate nominal value equal to 10 per cent. of the total number of shares in issue in the Company at the date of the passing of this extraordinary resolution, and provided further that (i) the number of equity securities to which this power applies shall be reduced from time to time by the number of treasury shares which are sold pursuant to any power conferred on the Directors by ordinary resolution 10 above and (ii) no issue of equity securities shall be made under this power which would result in Ordinary Shares being issued at a price which is less than the net asset value per Ordinary Share as at the latest practicable date before such allotment of equity securities as determined by the Directors in their reasonable discretion, and such power hereby conferred shall expire on whichever is the earlier of: (i) the conclusion of the annual general meeting of the Company to be held in 2022; or (ii) the date 15 months after the date on which this extraordinary resolution is passed (unless renewed, varied or revoked by the Company prior to that date) save that the Company may, before such expiry, make offers or agreements which would or might require equity securities to be issued after such expiry and the Directors may issue equity securities in pursuance to such offers or agreements as if the authority conferred hereby had not expired.

Extraordinary Resolution 16

That, conditional on extraordinary resolution 15 above having been passed, in substitution of all existing powers (but in addition to any power conferred on them by ordinary resolutions 13 and 14 and in addition to and without prejudice to the power granted by extraordinary resolution 15 above), the Directors be and are authorised generally and unconditionally in accordance with Article 6.7 of the Articles to exercise all powers of the Company to issue equity securities (as defined in Article 6.1.1(a)) for cash as if the members' pre-emption rights contained in Article 6.2 of the Articles did not apply to any such issue pursuant to the general authority conferred on them by the ordinary resolutions 12 and 13 above (as varied from time to time by the Company in general meeting):

pursuant to an offer of equity securities open for acceptance for a period fixed by the Directors where the equity securities respectively attributable to the interests of holders of Ordinary Shares are proportionate (as nearly as may be) to the respective numbers of Ordinary Shares held by them but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements in connection with the issue as the Directors may consider necessary, appropriate or expedient to deal with equity securities representing fractional entitlements or to deal with legal or practical problems arising in any overseas territory, the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange, or any other matter whatsoever; and provided that (otherwise than pursuant to sub-paragraph (a) above) this power shall be limited to the allotment of equity securities up to an aggregate nominal value equal to 10 per cent. of the total number of shares in issue in the Company at the date of the passing of this extraordinary resolution, and provided further that no issue of equity securities shall be made under this power which would result in Ordinary Shares being issued at a price which is less than the net asset value per Ordinary Share as at the latest practicable date before such allotment of equity securities as determined by the Directors in their reasonable discretion, and such power hereby conferred shall expire on whichever is the earlier of: (i) the conclusion of the annual general meeting of the Company to be held in 2022; or (ii) the date 15 months after the date on which this extraordinary resolution is passed (unless renewed, varied or revoked by the Company prior to that date) save that the Company may, before such expiry, make offers or agreements which would or might require equity securities to be issued after such expiry and the Directors may issue equity securities in pursuance to such offers or agreements as if the authority conferred hereby had not expired.

Special Resolution

That Article 24.2 of the Articles of Incorporation be amended as below:

"The Directors (other than any alternate Directors) shall be entitled to receive by way of fees for their services as Directors such sum as the Board may from time to time determine provided that the aggregate amount of such fees (including fees, if any, due to the Directors for attendance at meetings of any committee of the Board) for all the Board collectively shall not exceed 225,000 in any financial year in aggregate, or such higher sum as may be determined from time to time by Ordinary Resolution of the Company."





Enquiries:

Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited

The Company Secretary

Trafalgar Court

Les Banques

St Peter Port

Guernsey

GY1 3QL

Tel: 01481 745001

END
The research is welcome news for the travel industry, with 50% of travelers expecting to take a flight for business later this year

The global study of nine markets provides insight on traveler attitudes and sentiment around restrictions, digital health data and sustainable travel

The survey of 9,074 consumers across France, Germany, India, Spain, Russia, Singapore, the UAE, the UK, and the US shows the appetite to travel is high. At the same time, it reveals that greater clarity on restrictions and guidelines will be key to unlocking increased traveler confidence. Over a third (35%) of travelers said the current international guidelines around where and how to travel are confusing, making them less likely to book business and/or leisure travel.

At the same time, travelers are exhibiting increased openness to embrace technology and a willingness to share health data so they can start traveling again.

When asked about the receptiveness to share personal health data, the survey results show:

93% of travelers would be willing to provide personal data for the effective use of digital health passports or certificates, a slight increase from 91% in February 2021

Almost half (48%) of business travelers would be willing to provide their health data to visit a conference or event, while 36% of leisure travelers would be willing to for an excursion or activity at destination.

When asked which technology would increase confidence to travel in the next 12 months, mobile solutions continue to be the most popular, with the top technologies including:

Mobile applications that provide on-trip notifications and alerts (44%)

Self-service check-in (41%)

Contactless mobile payments (e.g., Apple or Google Pay, Paypal, Venmo) (41%)

Automated and flexible cancellation policies (40%)

Mobile applications and contactless technology have remained top technologies across all three studies, with the addition of automated and flexible cancellation policies in this final instalment.

The research is the third in a series of traveler sentiment surveys, where Amadeus takes a regular checkpoint on traveler sentiment and concerns to help the industry rebuild travel in the most effective way. Both the 2020 Rethink Travel survey (Sept 2020) and Rebuild Travel Digital Health (Feb 2021) survey revealed how technology can help to increase traveler confidence and Amadeus revisited this question to see how traveler confidence has changed since September 2020. 97% of travelers now say that technology will increase their confidence to travel, up from 91% in February 2021 and 84% in September 2020, showing a growing sense of traveler confidence in technology.

When considering the future of travel and sustainability, the survey highlighted what solutions travelers believe might help the industry to become more sustainable long-term. The results showed:

Nearly half (46%) of travelers said greater availability of green modes of transport, e.g., electric planes or trains

A similar percentage (44%) believe making sustainable travel more cost effective would be beneficial

41% say transparency around travel companies' sustainability policies would help.

Although receptiveness to travel in the next year is high, the travel industry needs to consider how to respond to changing traveler concerns as the travel environment continues to adapt. The three main concerns travelers have, are:

Fears of catching COVID-19 while traveling (41%)

Self-isolation or quarantine before and after travel (41%)

Changing restrictions resulting in last minute cancellations (37%)

In comparison to the previous studies, fears of catching the virus maintain a top concern for travelers, alongside self-isolation, or quarantine.

Decius Valmorbida, President, Travel, Amadeus, says, "The travel industry still faces many challenges in light of COVID-19, but we are seeing positive steps taken as restrictions lift and developments in digital health certificates continue around the world. This research demonstrates the appetite to travel continues to grow, and that travelers are looking forward to advancements in areas such as touchless technology, digital health and sustainable travel. Now is the time to listen even more closely to travelers' needs so we can rebuild our industry in a way that is more traveler focused, resilient and sustainable."

Francisco Perez-Lozao Ruter, President, Hospitality, Amadeus, comments, "This three-part series of research has highlighted the essential role that both technology and data have to play in the recovery of our industry and increasing traveler confidence. In hospitality specifically we are seeing how our hotel customers are implementing solutions that complement and streamline experiences without losing the human touch while using data to better prepare for guest demands. At Amadeus we are committed to rebuilding a better industry and working closely with our customers to provide the tools to achieve this."

To learn more about the results of the survey, read our global report here: https://amadeus.com/en/insights/themes/rebuild-travel

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005046/en/

Contacts:

Andrew Doherty

adoherty@fireoth.com
'Globehopper Edge' is a self-sustaining, zero-maintenance wireless device delivering constant intermodal visibility

Logistics digitization pioneer, Nexxiot, the leading provider of cargo IoT solutions around the world, has unveiled its latest gateway device for intermodal shipping containers that will revolutionize the global cargo industry through unparalleled big data traceability and visibility of critical assets.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005381/en/

Nexxiot's Globehopper Edge (pictured), a self-sustaining wireless connectivity device for intermodal shipping containers, will revolutionize the global cargo industry through unparalleled big data traceability and visibility of critical assets. (Photo: Business Wire)

The Globehopper Edge(pictured) is a self-sustaining wireless connectivity device, capable of transmitting thousands of data points a day from onboard sensors that relay crucial information about a container and its cargo. This includes information on precise location, acceleration and environmental conditions. It is designed to communicate in real time with Nexxiot Connect, the company's customizable, cloud-based software solution. Globehopper Edge optimizes asset utilization through advanced Big Data processing and AI-powered machine learning that has proven to positively impact on-time performance, asset utilization and achieve intermodal shipping efficiencies at a new level. The device also connects wirelessly to additional sensors which can be placed inside the cargo and to the Nexxiot door open/closed sensor and even to third-party versions.

Nexxiot CEO Stefan Kalmund said: "Combining state-of-the-art sensors, gateways and global connectivity, Globehopper Edge is the most advanced cargo monitoring device in the world today with the present and future capabilities to provide our customers with the most accurate and reliable information possible about their cargo, ensuring unsurpassed accountability across all modes of shipping."

Custom engineered by Nexxiot's own Zurich based R&D lab, Globehopper Edge is built using the most advanced engineering methods and is designed for effortless use. As with all devices in the company's hardware suite, it is solar powered and built to provide zero-maintenance connectivity with a guaranteed lifetime of more than six years. The device is fitted to the outside of a standard shipping container and is onboarded and paired within 90 seconds, providing access to essential data, powerful dashboards and actionable insights for many years into the future.

Kalmund added: "Nexxiot is focused on the highest strategic level of supply chain digitization and optimization. We work in close collaboration with our clients and partners at the C-suite level to define optimal shipping performance outcomes, then deploy our technology to achieve those results. By remaining focused on the most impactful mega-trends across the shipping world, we are redefining the standards and capabilities for future-proof TradeTech."

Nexxiot Co-Founder Daniel MacGregor has always had a clear goal to drive positive change for both people and planet. His ambition is to reduce world-wide supply chain emissions by five percent over the next five years by preventing empty moves and by removing process inefficiencies around ports and shipping hubs. MacGregor said: "We created Globehopper Edge to take that next step in trade facilitation. Aimed squarely at the 30 million standard intermodal containers that travel around the planet, the rugged IP65, custom engineered, energy harvesting hardware provides unprecedented access to critical data to enable radical transformation for all participants and stakeholders in the global value network of trade, finance and transportation."

Already a dominant presence in the digitization of European cargo shipping, Nexxiot has been building up its Dallas-based U.S. team of engineers and technicians to help fuel the company's expansion throughout the North American market.

Globehopper Edge arrives at a critical inflection point for the global shipping industry as an unprecedented 70+ container vessels languish off the coast of Los Angeles, unable to offload their cargo. The industry must master wide-scale supply-chain disruptions around commodities and consumer products as well as a total lack of asset and cargo transparency on a global scale. TradeTech powerhouse Nexxiot is on a mission to deliver a new standard in IoT employing advanced data driven intermodal visibility at just the right moment.

About Nexxiot

Nexxiot AG is a driver of the digital logistics of tomorrow. An industry leader in the digitalization of cargo transportation, Nexxiot empowers global shipping companies and suppliers to harness the power of their data through proprietary, cutting-edge technology and integrated data solutions to track, find and protect cargo from more than 160 countries around the world and across 450 network roaming partners to ensure accountability, security and efficiency. Headquartered in Zurich, Nexxiot operates throughout Europe and the U.S., employing people from 22 countries. The company's secure, industry leading Cloud comprises data from over 3 billion miles traveled. Committed to sustainability through corporate and social responsibility, Nexxiot's goal is to enable a five percent reduction in global carbon dioxide emissions in the logistic industry by increasing cargo transport efficiency and eliminating waste caused by empty runs and inefficient routes. https://nexxiot.com/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005381/en/

Contacts:

U.S. Press: David Simpson, The LAKPR Group

914.262.2950 or dsimpson@lakpr.com
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 14, 2021 / Komo Plant Based Foods Inc. (CSE:YUM)(OTCQB:KOMOF)(FSE:9HB) ("Komo"), a premium frozen plant-based food company, announces that it has added Nationwide Natural Foods to its network of distributors. Komo has this week received its first purchase order from Nationwide for all seven of KOMO's products. Nationwide is the fourth distributor now carrying Komo products in Canada.

Nationwide distributes a wide selection of natural, organic, gluten free, vegan, & vegetarian products to retailers in Canada. It focuses on delivering clean, natural products that cater to a certain lifestyle to major and independent grocery stores, specialty stores, coffee shops and bistros, including Sobeys, Choices, Quality Foods, Country Grocer, Save-On-Foods and Whole Foods.

"On behalf of my father's company we are quite excited to be working alongside Komo Foods and its broker Cornerstone to offer retailers some great vegan foods to offer their shoppers," says Randy Sihota, the Managing Director of Nationwide. "We are looking forward to seeing more innovative creations come out of Komo's kitchen - it all starts from the ground up."

"Our strategy is to work with multiple distributors in the U.S. and Canada so that our products can reach the maximum number of distribution points and households," says Komo CEO William White. "Distributing through Nationwide will allow Komo to further reach key accounts across Canada that offer natural and wholesome food products."

Nationwide Natural Foods is a Canadian owned and operated family business since 2000. Nationwide specializes in the distribution of various domestic and imported products to retailers across Canada. It offers a wide selection of natural, organic, gluten free, vegan and vegetarian products, with products including dry, refrigerated and frozen.

Nationwide is dedicated to providing its customers with the highest level of quality products and customer service in addition to affordable pricing. Purchasing, logistics and distribution are closely monitored to ensure maximum efficiency.

Nationwide has seen a steady growth since 2000 and its goal is for continuous improvement of the services offered to our retailers.

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/668052/Komo-Plant-Based-Foods-Adds-Nationwide-Natural-Foods-to-Its-Distribution-Network
North Carolina, United States--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2021) - Microban International, the global leader in antimicrobial additives and odor control solutions, is proud to announce the appointment of Michael Ruby as President of the corporation and Graham Harvey as Senior Director of Business Development for the global built-in business, effective October 1, 2021. The team would also like to welcome Bart Kennedy as the new Senior Director of Business Development leading the global textiles team. These important strategic moves will align the organizational structure to reflect the ongoing mission of continuing to build on the success of all brands, including the global trustmark Microban and the emergent ingredient brand Ultra-Fresh.

New President and Senior Directors



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Since joining Microban in 2018, Michael Ruby has been instrumental in implementing a sustainable development process and business strategy that has seen the company skyrocket in success. He was also heavily involved in executing the consolidation of the Microban and Thomson Research businesses earlier this year, alongside Joe Lyons, the previous President who will now take time to focus on the wider goals of the entire Barr Brands International group.

Leading the Global Built-in team will be Graham Harvey, who joined the company in 2018 and has contributed significantly to the increase in branded partnerships and revenue across all international territories. Graham will report to Michael and, together, they will bring profound global expertise and knowledge of Microban's operational and strategic goals to the leadership team, helping to drive consistent value growth and market expansion.

Bart Kennedy joins the company with a wealth of experience in sales and marketing leadership in the global textiles marketplace for leading international brands, where he will help the team develop new and expand existing relationships with home, healthcare, apparel, and PPE textile partners in odor control applications.

Michael commented: "I feel truly honored to take on the role of President at Microban, an organization full of many talented people that has celebrated some huge milestones and business successes in the last year alone. Looking ahead to 2022, I hope to build on the company's achievements by implementing our strategic vision, expanding the impact of our brands in the marketplace, and increasing our reach across different territories as we continue to push the boundaries of innovation."

About Microban International

Part of Barr Brands International (BBI), Microban International is home to the most trusted and well-known global brands in the antimicrobial, odor control, and sanitization/disinfection markets - Microban and Ultra-Fresh. Our organization has experienced over 100 collective years of growth and has revolutionized the industry. As the global leader, our proactive systems keep products cleaner, and control odors better by preventing problems before they start. Microban International drives innovation by combining science and creative solutions that enhance high-quality consumer, textile, industrial and medical products around the world. Today, the Microban and Ultra-Fresh brands and our technologies are featured on thousands of products worldwide. The company is headquartered in North Carolina with operations in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. For more information, please visit www.microban.com.

 2021 kdm communications limited

Editorial contact for further information or follow-up

Sarah Khan or Audrey Jestin at kdm communications limited, St Neots, UK

Tel. +44 (0) 1480 405333 Fax: +44 (0) 1480 477833

Email ideas@kdm-communications.com

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Through the line campaign will include TV, Outdoor, POS and Social Media to raise awareness of Epson's EcoTank

HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, England, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Epson has announced a partnership with Usain Bolt, the world's fastest man. Eight-time Olympic gold medallist, and widely considered to be the greatest sprinter of all time, Usain will be the face of a major awareness building campaign for Epson's cartridge-free EcoTank printers.

Usain will star alongside Epson's EcoTank in a TV Advertising campaign starting later this week in UK and Germany, as well as appearing on billboards, online in website banner ads, on Point-of-Sale in major retail outlets and on social media throughout the rest of the region. Usain will demonstrate in his own light-hearted way that with Epson's EcoTank printers, you can literally "Just Fill and Chill" for up to three years of cartridge-free no-hassle printing[1].

Over 60 million EcoTank high-capacity ink tank printers have sold worldwide since their launch in 2010, saving customers up to 90% on printing costs[2]. The printers come with high yield ink bottles instead of cartridges. Epson has recently refreshed its award-winning range of EcoTank printers enabling busy households and small offices to enjoy hassle-free printing at an ultra-low-cost per page. All Epson's new EcoTank printers feature its Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology so you can enjoy also reduced energy consumption with less need for replacement parts.

Commenting on the partnership, Yoshiro Nagafusa, President of Epson Europe, said: "Usain is the perfect partner for us! He is one of the most recognisable people in the world and his engaging character will help bring our low-cost printing solutions to life in a fun, memorable and engaging way. With more of us working from home than ever before, and modern family life getting busier, now is exactly the right time to raise even more awareness of our EcoTank printers and the cost saving benefits they deliver."

Usain Bolt said: "I'm delighted to be working with Epson to help spread the word about EcoTank printers. I only partner with brands that I believe can make a real difference. EcoTank printers remove many of the frustrations that exist around printing with cartridges so anything that can help make life a little bit easier has got to be a good thing. But it's about much more than that! We share many of the same values such as building better futures. For Epson, that's all about building trust through its products, products that help communities grow and prosper. And for me it's about inspiring others to follow their dreams, regardless of how big or small they may be."

For a look at the new TV Commercial, and to see some of the extra footage filmed during the shoot, take a look at our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/EpsonEurope.

1. Based on print volume of 100 A4 pages per month and the lowest yield produced from the included set of inks.

2. Based on Epson calculations, the average cost per page saving and the average number of inkjet cartridges required to print the same number of pages as the Epson EcoTank "101" and "103" ink bottles. Comparison between the average yield (A4 prints of ISO/IEC 24711) of EcoTank "101" and "103" bottle series and the genuine consumables (IDC, Hardcopy Peripherals Consumables Tracker, 2020 shipments, published Q1 2021) used within the 25 best-selling consumer A4 inkjet cartridge printers below 100 (exc. tax) in Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Turkey (IDC, Quarterly Hardcopy Peripherals Tracker, 2020 shipments, published Q1 2021). Cost per page calculated by dividing the relevant bottle/cartridge sales revenue and the total yield by the unit sales.

About Epson

Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to co-creating sustainability and enriching communities by leveraging its efficient, compact, and precision technologies and digital technologies to connect people, things, and information. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson will become carbon negative and eliminate use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of around JPY 1 trillion.



global.epson.com

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2021) - Purepoint Uranium Group Inc. (TSXV: PTU) (OTCQB: PTUUF) ("Purepoint" or the "Company") announced that the Company will be presenting at the Red Cloud's 2021 Virtual Oktoberfest Fall Mining Showcase, taking place from October 18-20, 2021 and at the 2021 New Orleans Investment Conference from October 19-22, 2021.

Chris Frostad, President and CEO, will be presenting virtually at the Red Cloud's 2021 Virtual Oktoberfest Fall Mining Showcase on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 2:45 pm ET. To register for the conference, please visit: https://www.redcloudfs.com/oktoberfest2021/.

Chris Frostad will also be hosting a luncheon presentation at the 2021 New Orleans Investment Conference on Friday, October 22, 2021 at 12:30 pm local time. During this presentation, Chris will be sharing some background on the excitement we are currently experiencing in the uranium space as uranium prices hit their tipping point (https://youtu.be/jASihpiyg5M). To register for this year's New Orleans conference, please visit: https://neworleansconference.com/2021-conference-registration/.

About Purepoint

Purepoint Uranium Group Inc. (TSXV: PTU) (OTCQB: PTUUF) actively operates an exploration pipeline of 12 advanced projects in Canada's Athabasca Basin, the world's richest uranium region. Purepoint's flagship project is the Hook Lake Project, a joint venture with two of the largest uranium suppliers in the world, Cameco Corporation and Orano Canada Inc. The Hook Lake JV Project is on trend with recent high-grade uranium discoveries including Fission Uranium's Triple R Deposit and NexGen's Arrow Deposit and encompasses its own Spitfire discovery (53.3% U3O8 over 1.3m including 10m interval of 10.3% U3O8). Together with its flagship project, the Company's projects stretch across approximately 185,000 hectares of claims throughout the Athabasca Basin. These claims host over 20 distinct and well-defined drill target areas with advanced geophysical surveys completed, and in some cases, have had first pass drilling performed.

Scott Frostad BSc, MASc, PGeo, Purepoint's Vice President, Exploration, is the Qualified Person responsible for technical content of this release.

For more information, please contact:

Chris Frostad, President & CEO

Phone: (416) 603-8368

Email: cfrostad@purepoint.ca

For additional information please visit our new website at https://purepoint.ca, our Twitter feed: @PurepointU3O8 or our LinkedIn page @Purepoint-Uranium.

Neither the 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.

Disclosure regarding forward-looking statements

This press release contains projections and forward-looking information that involve various risks and uncertainties regarding future events. Such forward-looking information can include without limitation statements based on current expectations involving a number of risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance of the Company. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results and the Company's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. These and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking information are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99560
Soledad Project Highlights Include:

14 resource definition holes at Breccia Pipe 5 (Bx 5) reported totalling 2,052.75m

Additional resource definition drill results pending for Bx 5 and Huancarama

Site visit with Qualified Person for 43-101 resource estimate completed

Gradient-array induced-polarization (IP) geophysical surveys continue

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2021) - Chakana Copper Corp. (TSXV: PERU) (OTCQB: CHKKF) (FSE: 1ZX) (the "Company" or "Chakana"), is pleased to provide results from fourteen resource definition holes drilled in Bx 5 totaling 2,052.75m at the Soledad project, Ancash, Peru (see table below). The resource drilling is part of a fully funded 26,000m exploration and resource drilling program planned for 2021 (Fig. 1). These results will increase confidence in the initial resource estimate, anticipated to be completed by the end of 2021.

"The additional drill results for Bx 5 are outstanding and improve our understanding of the mineralization hosted in this breccia pipe. Grades are stronger at depth as seen in the deeper holes in this release, and mineralization remains open. This is one of six breccia pipes that will be included in the initial resource estimate. The Soledad project is exceptional in having multiple mineralized breccia pipes in close proximity to each other. We are also very excited about the new geophysical data that is being acquired across the entire extent of the 12km2 mineral system and expect that this will contribute to the ongoing exploration success on the property," stated President and CEO David Kelley.

Drill Results

Bx 5 (Resource Definition)

DDH # From - To (m) Core Length

(m) Au

g/t Ag

g/t Cu

% Cu-eq

%* Au-eq

g/t* SDH21-224 174.00 182.00 8.00 2.38 3.2



2.42 and 190.00 204.60 14.60 0.49 63.7 2.08 2.94 4.50 SDG21-226 154.00 311.00 157.00 1.44 13.2 0.66 1.71 2.62 including 194.00 247.00 53.00 1.27 18.7 1.21 2.20 3.37 including 263.00 311.00 48.00 2.81 16.1 0.76 2.73 4.18 SDH21-227 157.85 176.00 18.15 1.19 18.1 0.44 1.37 2.10 and 183.00 288.00 105.00 1.24 23.0 1.09 2.10 3.21 including 184.00 230.00 46.00 1.50 40.5 1.74 3.07 4.69 SDH21-229 0.00 268.00 268.00 1.17 19.2 0.55 1.48 2.26 including 234.00 264.00 30.00 1.94 23.3 1.70 3.17 4.85 SDH21-231 0.00 139.00 139.00 1.21 30.7 0.28 1.33 2.04 SDH21-233 0.00 16.00 16.00 0.86 40.6 0.31 1.22 1.87 SDH21-234 0 26.30 26.30 1.55 39.8 0.30 1.65 2.53 SDH21-235 0.00 55.00 55.00 1.21 45.9 0.32 1.50 2.30 SDH21-236 0.00 73.45 73.45 0.98 37.7 0.23 1.19 1.82 SDH21-238 0.00 27.00 27.00 1.69 54.1



2.40 SDH21-239 0.00 16.45 16.45 3.16 79.0



4.19 SDH21-240 0.00 67.40 67.40 1.43 53.7 0.42 1.81 2.77 SDH21-241 0.00 92.00 92.00 0.92 35.0 0.34 1.24 1.90 including 1.00 15.00 14.00 2.49 62.4



3.31 SDH21-243 0.00 93.00 93.00 1.33 50.9 0.39 1.69 2.59 including 11.00 37.00 26.00 2.25 116.7 0.55 3.02 4.62

* Cu_eq and Au_eq values were calculated using copper, gold, and silver. Metal prices utilized for the calculations are Cu - US$2.90/lb, Au - US$1,300/oz, and Ag - US$17/oz. No adjustments were made for recovery as the project is an early-stage exploration project and metallurgical data to allow for estimation of recoveries are not yet available. The formulas utilized to calculate equivalent values are Cu-eq (%) = Cu% + (Au g/t * 0.6556) + (Ag g/t * 0.00857) and Au-eq (g/t) = Au g/t + (Cu% * 1.5296) + (Ag g/t * 0.01307).

Bx 5

The Bx 5 breccia pipe is in the north-central part of the project and is one of six breccia pipes that will be included in Chakana's initial resource estimate (Fig. 1). The breccia pipe forms a prominent monument outcrop and extends to depths greater than 482m where mineralization remains open. Drill holes described in this release were designed to confirm shallow mineralization in the top western half of the breccia pipe, as well as deeper extents of mineralization probed by three holes drilled to the north from a platform located 100m south of the breccia pipe (Figs. 2 and 3). All holes intersected significant mineralization (see Figure 4 for select core photos of the mineralization). Twelve additional holes have been drilled as part of the resource definition program; results for these holes are pending.

Resource Estimate Site Visit

A site visit to the Soledad project was completed by a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 for the purpose of the resource estimation. The visit included a geological overview, visits to several exposed breccia pipes, core inspection, sampling protocols, surface sampling, and a visit to the ALS laboratory in Callao, Lima, Peru.

2021 Resource and Exploration Drill Program

A total of 26,850m of drilling has been completed in 2021. The objectives of this drill program are to complete resource definition drilling on six initial breccia pipes to an approximate depth of 300m and test several new exploration targets. Breccia pipes that will be included in the initial resource estimate are: Bx1, Bx 5, Bx6, Paloma East, Paloma West, and Huancarama (Fig. 1). Additional resource definition drill results for Bx 5 and Huancarama are pending. During 2021 our drilling was focused on the north half of the project where drill permits are in place. Permitting for the south half of the project is well advanced. The southern half of the property hosts several outcropping mineralized tourmaline breccia pipes and has been recently covered by the Company's ongoing geophysical program. Numerous targets exist, none of which have been drilled previously.

Geophysical Surveys

Gradient-array induced-polarization (IP) surveys are approximately 90% complete over the entire 12km2 footprint of the Soledad mineral system. Once completed, off-set IP surveying will be conducted over high-priority target areas to supplement the extensive exploration datasets used to identify the current inventory of 110 exploration targets on the property. This new information will be used to identify both new targets and prioritize existing targets in preparation for drilling when the exploration drilling program resumes.

About Chakana Copper

Chakana Copper Corp is a Canadian-based minerals exploration company that is currently advancing the Soledad Project located in the Ancash region of Peru, a highly favorable mining jurisdiction with supportive communities. The Soledad Project is notable for the high-grade copper-gold-silver mineralization that is hosted in tourmaline breccia pipes. A total of 60,854 metres in 261 diamond core holes for exploration and resource definition drilling have been completed since 2017, testing 16 of 110 total exploration targets, confirming that Soledad is a large, well-endowed mineral system with strong exploration upside. Chakana's investors are uniquely positioned as the Soledad Project provides exposure to base and precious metals. For more information on the Soledad project, please visit the website at www.chakanacopper.com.

Sampling and Analytical Procedures

Chakana follows rigorous sampling and analytical protocols that meet or exceed industry standards. Core samples are stored in a secured area until transport in batches to the ALS facility in Callao, Lima, Peru. Sample batches include certified reference materials, blank, and duplicate samples that are then processed under the control of ALS. All samples are analyzed using the ME-MS41 (ICP technique that provides a comprehensive multi-element overview of the rock geochemistry), while gold is analyzed by AA24 and GRA22 when values exceed 10 g/t by AA24. Over limit silver, copper, lead and zinc are analyzed using the OG-46 procedure. Soil samples are analyzed by 4-acid (ME-MS61) and for gold by Fire Assay on a 30g sample (Au-ICP21).

Results of previous drilling and additional information concerning the Project, including a technical report prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101, are made available on Chakana's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.

Qualified Person

David Kelley, an officer and a director of Chakana, and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

(signed) "David Kelley"

David Kelley

President and CEO

For further information contact:

Joanne Jobin, Investor Relations Officer

Phone: 647 964 0292

Email: jjobin@chakanacopper.com

Neither 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 release.

Forward-looking Statement Advisory: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Chakana to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements or information relates to, among other things, the interpretation of the nature of the mineralization at the Soledad copper-gold-silver project (the "Project"), the potential to expand the mineralization, and to develop and grow a resource within the Project, the planning for further exploration work, the ability to de-risk the potential exploration targets, and our belief in the potential for mineralization within unexplored parts of the Project. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs but given the uncertainties, assumptions and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward- looking statements or information. The Company disclaims any obligation to update, or to publicly announce, any such statements, events or developments except as required by law.





Figure 1 - View looking north showing outcropping breccia pipes and occurrences within the northern Soledad cluster. Pipes that will be included in the initial resource are shown in green (Bx 1, Bx 5, Bx 6, Paloma East, Paloma West, and Huancarama). Breccia pipes shown in yellow have had exploration drilling completed. Other pipes/occurrences and targets defined by other exploration data remain to be tested by drilling. Additional breccia pipes occur on the south half of the property and are not shown here.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2172/99623_707b02294429ebf0_001full.jpg





Figure 2 - Map showing drill holes reported in this release and modeled breccia pipe (light red shape) based on all drill holes. Light gray contours are at 20m intervals. Blue rectangle in the inset map shows the area of Figure 2 within the overall Chakana property.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2172/99623_707b02294429ebf0_002full.jpg





Figure 3 - 3D sectional view of Bx 5 looking east. Light red 3D shape shows breccia pipe geometry based on all drill holes. Previous holes drilled shown in grey.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2172/99623_707b02294429ebf0_003full.jpg





Figure 4 - Select core photos from Bx 5 reported in this release: SDH21-226 (310.55m) chalcopyrite-pyrite-siderite-quartz filling breccia matrix; SDH21-226 (310.95m) chalcopyrite filling matrix in mosaic breccia; SDH21-229 (32.00m) chalcopyrite-pyrite-cemented chaotic shingle breccia; SDH21-229 (104.50m) chalcopyrite-pyrite-sphalerite-siderite filling breccia matrix; SDH21-231 (57.9m) selective clast replacement by chalcopyrite with black tourmaline matrix; SDH21-231 (113.55m) chalcopyrite-cosalite-galena-siderite filling breccia matrix; SDH21-234 (18.00m) chalcopyrite-tourmaline-cemented shingle breccia; SDH21-235 (42.20m) chalcopyrite-tourmaline-cemented shingle breccia; SDH21-236 (73.2m) selective clast replacement by chalcopyrite-pyrite; SDH21-240 (46.2m) chalcopyrite-pyrite-cemented mosaic breccia; SDH21-243 (35.10m) chalcopyrite-pyrite-cemented chaotic shingle breccia; SDH21-243 (55.40m) chalcopyrite-pyrite-cemented chaotic shingle breccia. Core diameter is 6.35cm (HQ) in all instances.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 4, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2172/99623_707b02294429ebf0_004full.jpg

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99623
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2021) - Cabral Gold Inc. (TSXV: CBR) (OTC Pink: CBGZF) ("Cabral" or the "Company") is pleased to provide assay results from an additional 17 RC holes at the MG gold-in-oxide blanket at the Cuiu Cuiu gold district in northern Brazil.

Highlights are as follows:

Results have been received from 17 additional RC drill holes which were designed to test the extent and continuity of the MG gold-in-oxide blanket which overlies the primary MG gold deposit. Based on these results, the surface area of the blanket has been expanded by at least 20%, to a total of 24 hectares

Significant results on several sections through the blanket include 66m @ 0.7 g/t gold, 24m @ 0.8 g/t gold, 23m @ 0.6 g/t gold, and 12m @ 0.8 g/t gold. The most easterly hole drilled to date (RC160) returned 23m @ 0.6 g/t gold and the gold-in-oxide blanket mineralization remains open in almost every direction

RC161 also returned 17m @ 1.0 g/t gold including 1m @ 7.5 g/t gold in the underlying primary MG gold deposit. As a result of these encouraging results the drill program at the MG gold-in-oxide blanket has been expanded from the initial 74-hole program to a total of 86 planned holes of which eight will be diamond drill holes

Alan Carter, Cabral's President and CEO commented, "Our RC drilling program at the MG gold-in-oxide blanket continues to surprise us by delivering results which suggest the gold-in-oxide blanket in unconsolidated material above the MG gold deposit at Cuiu Cuiu, is larger than we previously anticipated. The recent drilling has expanded the surface footprint of the gold mineralization in this blanket by 20% to 24 hectares and it is still open in almost every direction. These results continue to suggest the presence of a significant deposit in unconsolidated material which has resulted from the partial erosion of the underlying hard-rock MG gold deposit. With five drill rigs currently turning on site and an aggressive 30,000 meter drill program planned at Cuiu Cuiu for the coming months, we look forward to additional drill results from both the MG and Central gold deposits and a number of the other 43 mainly high-grade targets that occur outside the two known gold deposits."

MG Gold-in-Oxide Blanket RC Drilling

Following the discovery of an extensive gold-in-oxide blanket in near surface unconsolidated material directly above the MG gold deposit in April of this year (see press release dated April 15, 2021 and Figure 1), Cabral has moved swiftly to define the limits to the gold-in-oxide mineralization.

Figure 1: Map showing the location of the MG deposit and overlying MG gold-in-oxide target, as well as the Central gold deposit, the Pau de Merenda (PDM) gold-in-oxide blanket and other key targets within the Cuiu Cuiu district

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3900/99662_5437978364952b9a_002full.jpg

Initially, a 74-hole RC program was planned to define this blanket but the program has now been expanded to a total of 86 holes including eight diamond drill holes. This is the result of recent encouraging drill results which suggest that the initial blanket is significantly more extensive than previously envisaged. Results have been reported so far on a total of 32 RC holes including 17 holes which are reported here.

Assay results have been returned on holes RC137 to RC139, RC150 to RC161 and RC195 and RC196 all of which were drilled in the central and eastern parts of the gold-in-oxide blanket (Figure 2). These holes returned intervals of gold-in oxide mineralization within the overlying unconsolidated soils and sediments.

Figure 2: Map showing the outline on surface of the MG gold-in-oxide blanket and recent RC drill hole results

To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3900/99662_5437978364952b9a_003full.jpg

The most significant intercepts from these holes are as follows:

On section 553745 (Figure 3), RC157 returned 66m @ 0.7 g/t gold from 1m depth including 6m @ 2.5 g/t gold from 51m depth. This result represents the second-best drill intercept returned to date within the blanket, and is close to the eastern limit of the blanket as it is currently known.

Approximately 55m further east, on section 553800, hole RC160 returned 23m @ 0.6 g/t gold from surface. This represents the most easterly hole drilled in the blanket to date and suggests that the blanket extends further east than previously anticipated whilst maintaining good grade and thickness.

In addition, RC161, also drilled on the same section as RC160, returned 24m @ 0.8 g/t gold from 57m depth including 3m @ 3.2 g/t gold in oxidized material and a further 17m @ 1.0 g/t gold from 81m depth including 1m @ 7.5 g/t gold in fresh rock (Figure 4).

Other significant intercepts include RC154 which is the most southerly hole on section 553700 and returned 23m @ 0.4 g/t gold from surface including 2m @ 1.8 g/t gold. Approximately 90m to the west on section 553610, RC151 which is the most southerly hole on that section, similarly returned 15m @ 0.3 g/t gold from surface, also in oxide material. Both of these holes indicate that the blanket extends further to the south than previously anticipated.

Results are currently pending on 42 additional RC holes.

Figure 3: Cross section (section 553745) through the MG deposit and overlying MG gold-in-oxide target, showing assay results from RC156, RC157 and RC158

To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3900/99662_5437978364952b9a_004full.jpg

Figure 4: Cross section (section 553800) through the MG deposit and overlying MG gold-in-oxide target, showing assay results from RC159, RC160 and RC161

To view an enhanced version of Figure 4, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3900/99662_5437978364952b9a_005full.jpg

Drill Hole Weathering Mineralized Zone From to Width Grade # m m m g/t gold RC137 Oxide/Saprolite Blanket 0.0 5.0 5.0 0.2 EOH 52.0 RC138 Oxide/Saprolite Blanket 0.0 35.0 35.0 0.3 61.0 73.0 12.0 0.8 incl. 61.0 62.0 1.0 5.7 EOH 90.0 RC139 Oxide/Saprolite Blanket 0.0 23.0 23.0 0.3 EOH 97.0 RC150 Oxide/Saprolite Blanket 0 24.0 24.0 0.2 EOH 64 RC151 Oxide/Saprolite Blanket 0.0 15.0 15.0 0.3 31.0 32.0 1.0 1.4 EOH 60.0 RC152 Oxide/Saprolite Blanket 4.0 7.0 3.0 0.3 EOH 75.0 RC153 Oxide/Saprolite Blanket 0.0 28.0 28.0 0.3 94.0 96.0 2.0 0.4 113.0 114.0 1.0 0.4 EOH 118.0 RC154 Oxide/Saprolite Blanket 0.0 23.0 23.0 0.4 incl. 11.0 13.0 2.0 1.8 EOH 94.0 RC155 Oxide/Saprolite Blanket 0.0 19.0 19.0 0.2 84.0 85.0 1.0 0.9 EOH 88.0 RC156 Oxide/Saprolite Blanket 0.0 20.0 20.0 0.3 76.0 78.0 2.0 0.5 EOH 90.0 RC157 Oxide/Saprolite Blanket 1.0 67.0 66.0 0.7 incl. 51.0 57.0 6.0 2.5 EOH 60.0 RC158 Oxide/Saprolite Blanket 1.0 6.0 5.0 0.1 EOH 58.0 RC159 Oxide/Saprolite Blanket 0.0 36.0 36.0 0.2 EOH 80.0 RC160 Oxide/Saprolite Blanket 0.0 23.0 23.0 0.6 EOH 70.0 RC161 Oxide/Saprolite Blanket 0.0 13.0 13.0 0.1 17.0 30.0 13.0 0.2 57.0 81.0 24.0 0.8 incl. 67.0 70.0 3.0 3.2 Fresh Rock 81.0 98.0 17.0 1.0 incl. 91.0 92.0 1.0 7.5 EOH 100.0 RC195 Oxide/Saprolite Blanket 0.0 19.0 19.0 0.4 EOH 60.0 RC196 Oxide/Saprolite Blanket 0.0 2.0 2.0 0.1 8.0 39.0 31.0 0.3 Fresh Rock 39.0 70.0 31.0 0.2 75.0 80.0 5.0 0.2 EOH 80.0

Table 1: Table of drill assay results for reconnaissance RC drill holes at the MG gold-in-oxide target, RC137 to RC139, RC150 to RC161 and RC195 and RC196

Drilling Update

MG Diamond Drilling

Diamond drilling designed to define the high-grade zones within the primary basement MG gold deposit continues. Assay results are pending on five holes.

Pau de Merenda RC and Diamond Drilling

Results are pending on ten RC holes drilled to define the limits of the gold-in-oxide blanket at Pau de Merenda (PDM) where recent drilling returned 40m @ 2.2 g/t gold (see press releases dated August 10 and August 26, 2021). Results to date indicate the presence of a near surface blanket at least 300 x 800m in lateral size.

Results are also pending on three diamond-drill holes from a planned six holes at Pau de Merenda which are designed to test for the presence of a primary gold deposit in the basement intrusive rock underlying the gold-in-oxide blanket. Several historic drill holes suggest the presence of an underlying mineralized zone in the intrusive rocks with historic holes returning values of 30m @ 1.1 g/t gold, 47m @ 1.8 g/t gold and 9m @ 5.1 g/t gold.

Alonso Reconnaissance Diamond Drilling

Results are currently pending on five diamond drill holes and drilling is also in progress at the Alonso target which is located 3km SE of the MG gold deposit. Twenty-three samples of this boulder float material previously returned gold values of 11.6 to 200.3 g/t gold (see press release dated February 11, 2020).

Upcoming Conferences

Dr. Alan Carter will be attending the Swiss Mining Institute Conference taking place from the 2nd to the 4th of November, 2021. The invitation only virtual conference presents selected mining companies to over 400 selected Asset Managers, Fund Managers and other professional investors from all over the world.

Alan Carter will also be hosting private meetings at the 121 Mining Investment Conference in London in person on the 17th and 18th of November. Over 500 qualified investors from across Europe will be attending the event.

We will also be connecting with European investors at the Mines and Money Conference, one of Europe's largest mining investment and capital raising events. The event is taking place in London on the 1st and 2nd of December.

Please contact us if you are interested in a meeting.

About Cabral Gold Inc.

The Company is a junior resource company engaged in the identification, exploration and development of mineral properties, with a primary focus on gold properties located in Brazil. The Company has a 100% interest in the Cuiu Cuiu gold district located in the Tapajos Region, within the state of Para in northern Brazil. Two gold deposits have so far been defined at Cuiu Cuiu and contain 43-101 compliant Indicated resources of 5.9Mt @ 0.90g/t (200,000 oz) and Inferred resources of 19.5Mt @ 1.24g/t (800,000 oz).

The Tapajos Gold Province is the site of the largest gold rush in Brazil's history producing an estimated 30 to 50 million ounces of placer gold between 1978 and 1995. Cuiu Cuiu was the largest area of placer workings in the Tapajos and produced an estimated 2Moz of placer gold historically.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

"Alan Carter"

President and Chief Executive Officer

Cabral Gold Inc.

Tel: 604.676.5660

Guillermo Hughes, MAusIMM and FAIG., a consultant to the Company as well as a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, supervised the preparation of the technical information in this news release.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively "forward-looking statements"). The use of the words "will", "expected" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve 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 statements. Such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. This news release contains forward-looking statements and assumptions pertaining to the following: strategic plans and future operations, and results of exploration. Actual results achieved may vary from the information provided herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors. The Company believes the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct.

Notes

Gold analysis has been conducted by SGS method FAA505 (fire assay of 50g charge), with higher grade samples checked by FAA525. Analytical quality is monitored by certified references and blanks. Until dispatch, samples are stored under the supervision the Company's exploration office. The samples are couriered to the assay laboratory using a commercial contractor. Pulps are returned to the Company and archived. Drill holes results are quoted as down-hole length weighted intersections.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99662
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 14, 2021 / Tier One Silver (TSXV:TSLV)(OTCQB:TSLVF) ("Tier One" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has received high-grade channel sampling results from the recently identified Cambaya target at the Curibaya project in southern Peru. The results from the first 20 channel samples taken from Cambaya have defined an area 1 kilometre (km) by 600 metres (m) with highlights of 20 m of 293.8 g/t AgEq, 11 m of 348.2 g/t AgEq, 9 m of 438.8 g/t AgEq, 2 m of 1,852.8 g/t AgEq and 2 m of 1,111.9 g/t AgEq (true width of channel samples unknown) (Figure 2). Channel samples were oriented perpendicular to veins and structures, when possible, as mapped in the field.

A Message from Peter Dembicki, President, CEO & Director:

"The targeting at Curibaya continues to improve as we expand the high-grade silver-gold footprint. Our new Cambaya target, approximately one kilometre northeast of our current drilling, has advanced considerably with these channel sample results, which follow notably high-grade rock samples."

"We are currently drilling beneath the previously reported high-grade channel samples from the Curibaya project within our main target area, and are looking forward to pending drill hole assay results in addition to over thirty pending channel samples from both the Cambaya target at Curibaya, as well as from our Hurricane Silver project."

The Cambaya target is located to the northeast of the previously defined mineralized footprint at the Curibaya project and has demonstrated the potential for both width and grade of silver - gold mineralization in this first round of systematic sampling across both north-south and north-east trending structural corridors (Figure 1). The Company plans to advance the Cambaya target to drill stage, including permitting, as soon as possible and will be conducting additional geological mapping to better understand the geometry of mineralization encountered. Complete channel sampling results from the Cambaya target are presented in Table 1.

A Message from David Smithson, SVP of Exploration:

"The Cambaya target has produced some of the best silver-gold grades and widths sampled from the Curibaya property to-date. The feeder structures were discovered in the uppermost layers of the local volcanic stratigraphy and we believe that the veins' relatively high stratigraphic position indicate that there is the potential for a long precious metals window extending below the high-grade channel samples on surface. With the demonstration of mineralized widths on surface at Cambaya, there are now at least five key feeder structures at Curibaya that individually, or collectively, hold the potential for discovery."

Table 1 Cambaya Target Channel Sampling Results:

Sample ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) AgEQ (g/t) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) 21CRT-34 26 37 11 348.2 232.1 1.61 21CRT-35 3 20 17 69.7 63.9 0.08 21CRT-36 19 28 9 438.8 409.0 0.41 21CRT-37 3 16 13 31.6 28.5 0.04 31 47 16 96.0 87.1 0.12 21CRT-38 18 26 8 172.9 139.6 0.46 37 42 5 67.9 62.4 0.08 21CRT-39 0 5 5 30.6 28.4 0.03 21CRT-40 12 16 4 126.5 120.0 0.09 21CRT-44 6 8 2 1,111.9 1,074.0 0.53 21CRT-45 0 13 13 108.2 96.5 0.16 21CRT-48 0 3 3 69.9 62.4 0.10 21CRT-50 6 13 7 392.8 368.8 0.33 21CRT-51 2 4 2 237.9 211.6 0.37 21CRT-52 8 10 2 1,852.8 1,736.5 1.61 21CRT-55 4 24 20 293.8 242.7 0.71 No less than 5 m of >= 25 ppm AgEQ (or shorter intervals with linear grade >=125 ppm*m),

maximum consecutive dilution 6 m

Metal price used for Eq calculations: Au $1,300/oz, Ag $18/oz

The mineralization at the Cambaya target is hosted within pervasively argillically and silicified altered andesitic units that are interpreted to be at the top of volcanic stratigraphy, as mapped on the project. Encountering mineralization at this higher level in the stratigraphy demonstrates the potential for greater vertical extent of precious metal mineralization within this target area. Channel sampling within the target area has focused on quartz-adularia stockwork vein zones that correspond to high resistivity values identified with the induced polarization survey conducted on the property. An additional 17 channel samples are pending from the Cambaya target area with results expected in the coming weeks.

Exploration Update:

A total of seven drill holes have been completed at the Curibaya project, with the eighth drill hole now underway, for a total of 3,419 m, averaging 32 m per day. The Company plans to complete an additional 6 - 8 drill holes prior to the end of the year, when the drill program will be suspended due to the upcoming rainy season. In addition, the Company is currently engaged in an infill stream sediment program in the central region of the Curibaya project, where the Company had previously identified copper - gold stream sediment anomalies from the 2016 regional survey. The Company believes there is the potential to find new epithermal and/or porphyry-style mineralization in the central region of the Curibaya project with results from the infill program, expected in Q1 2022.

At the Hurricane Silver project, located in the Cusco province of Peru, initial field work has started at the Magdalena silver vein prospect. The Company is currently evaluating a 2 km by 1 km area that thus far contains seven different vein corridors from initial reconnaissance mapping and 15 channel samples, ranging between 2 m and 7 m in width, have been completed across the vein corridors and submitted to ALS Laboratories for analysis.

Figure 1: Illustrates the location of the Cambaya target and feeder structures, the current drill permitted area and the planned expansion for the drill permit to allow the Company to drill the Cambaya target area in 2022.

Figure 2: Illustrates the location of the new channel samples from the Cambaya target area and the two prominent north-south and north-east trending structures.

Michael Henrichsen (Chief Geologist), P.Geo is the QP who assumes responsibility for the technical contents of this press release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF TIER ONE SILVER INC.

Peter Dembicki

President, CEO and Director

For further information on Tier One Silver Inc., please contact Natasha Frakes, Vice President of Communications at (778) 729-0600 or info@tieronesilver.com .

About Tier One

Tier One Silver is an exploration company focused on creating value for shareholders and stakeholders through the discovery of world-class silver, gold and base metal deposits in Peru. The Company's management and technical teams have a strong track record in raising capital, discovery and monetization of exploration success. The Company's exploration assets in Peru include: Hurricane Silver, Emilia, Coastal Batholith, Corisur and the flagship project, Curibaya, which has commenced its first drill program. For more information, visit www.tieronesilver.com .

Channel Sampling

Analytical samples were taken from each 1-metre interval of channel floor resulting in approximately 2-3 kg of rock chips material per sample. Collected samples were sent to ALS Lab in Arequipa, Peru for preparation and then to Lima, Peru for analysis. All samples are assayed using 30 g nominal weight fire assay with atomic absorption finish (Au-AA25) and multi-element four acid digest ICP-AES/ICP-MS method (ME-MS61). Where MS61 results were greater or near 10000 ppm Cu, 10000 ppm Pb or 100 ppm Ag the assay were repeated with ore grade four acid digest method (Cu, Pb, Ag-OG62). Where OG62 results were greater or near 1500 ppm Ag the assay were repeated with 30 g nominal weight fire assay with gravimetric finish (Ag-GRA21). QA/QC programs for 2021 channel samples using internal standard and blank samples; field and lab duplicates indicate good overall accuracy and precision.

Silver equivalent grades (AgEq) were calculated using a $1300/oz gold price and $18/oz silver price. AgEq = Ag (ppm) + Au (ppm) * (Ag $/troy oz/Au $/troy oz). No metallurgy recoveries were used for the AgEq calculation.

Forward Looking Information and General Cautionary Language

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements") that relate to the Company's current expectations and views of future events. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as "will likely result", "are expected to", "expects", "will continue", "is anticipated", "anticipates", "believes", "estimated", "intends", "plans", "forecast", "projection", "strategy", "objective" and "outlook") are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. 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. In particular and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements in regards to the Company's exploration plans.

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.

SOURCE: Tier One Silver Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/668102/Tier-One-Silver-Channel-Samples-20-metres-of-2938-gt-AgEq-at-New-Cambaya-Target-on-the-Curibaya-Project
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2021) - Deveron Corp. (TSXV: FARM) ("Deveron" or the "Company"), a leading agriculture digital services and insights provider in North America, is pleased to announce the Company has signed a four year enterprise agreement to support the first phase of the United States Department of Agriculture ("USDA") $10 million Conservation Reserve Program, valued at $1,800,000. The Company has agreed to provide $930,000 in collection service as well as $870,000 in soil analytics across 600 sites throughout Wisconsin, Arkansas and Michigan. The soil analytics will be provided by Deveron's, 51% owned, Woods End Laboratories. The contract, signed on September 29, 2021, provides the USDA access to Deveron's new platform which provides a scalable and streamlined process for collecting, analyzing, and sharing in-field soil carbon data. The soil data will be used to support the USDA's Conservation Reserve Program that is being run in partnership with Michigan State University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and the University of Wisconsin.

"Carbon credits may become transformative for agribusiness and growers, and in the future have the power to be a cash crop in its own right. Working with the USDA validates the value proposition of our carbon services platform, and confirms the need to digitize and standardize the collection, analysis and distribution of carbon soil data," said David MacMillan, Deveron's President and CEO. "Our vertically integrated platform leverages our vast data technician network and laboratory, providing an end-to-end solution for large enterprises such as the USDA. This single chain of custody provides assurance that the data is secure and of the highest quality and consistency."

This is the second agricultural leader to sign an enterprise contract to use Deveron's carbon services platform since its launch on September 21, 2021. The platform eliminates significant impediments to the accurate measurement of carbon sequestration in agricultural land. The Company views these improvements as key enablers for maximizing the creation of reliable and credible carbon credits. The platform is built on three key principles highlighted below:

Leverage Deveron's growing network of trained and dedicated soil technicians across North America, thus ensuring consistency of sampling

Provide single chain of custody from the farm to the lab in a digital platform

Ensure soil data integrity via best-in-class data security

To find out more about our carbon platform, visit: https://deveron.com/carbon/

About Deveron: Deveron is an agriculture technology company that uses data and insights to help farmers and large agriculture enterprises increase yields, reduce costs and improve farm outcomes. The company employs a digital process that leverages data collected on farms across North America to drive unbiased interpretation of production decisions, ultimately recommending how to optimize input use. Our team of agronomists and data scientists build products that recommend ways to better manage fertilizer, seed, fungicide, and other farm inputs. Additionally, we have a national network of data technicians that are deployed to collect various types of farm data, from soil to drone. Our geographic focus is the US and Canada where 1 billion acres are actively farmed annually.

For more information, please visit www.deveron.com .

David MacMillan

President & CEO Deveron Corp.

416-367-4571 ext. 221

dmacmillan@deveronuas.com

"Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release."

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of that phrase under Canadian securities laws. Without limitation, statements regarding future plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve various degrees of risk. Forward-looking statements reflect management's current views with respect to possible future events and conditions and, by their nature, are based on management's beliefs and assumptions and subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific to the Company. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in our forward-looking statements. The following are important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements: changes in the world-wide price of agricultural commodities, general market conditions, risks inherent in agriculture, the uncertainty of future profitability and the uncertainty of access to additional capital. Additional information regarding the material factors and assumptions that were applied in making these forward-looking statements as well as the various risks and uncertainties we face are described in greater detail in the "Risk Factors" section of our annual and interim Management's Discussion and Analysis of our financial results and other continuous disclosure documents and financial statements we file with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities which are available at www.sedar.com. The Company undertakes no obligation to update this forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. The Company relies on litigation protection for forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99595
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2021) - Edgemont Gold Corp. (CSE: EDGM) (FRA: EG8) ("Edgemont") is pleased to announce that it has successfully completed its Phase 1 drill program at its Dungate copper-gold porphyry project, located 6 km southeast of the town of Houston in the Omineca Mining Division of B.C.

The drill program was initially designed to broadly test several large high chargeability IP anomalies with coincident high magnetic anomalies that were identified by Edgemont in 2020 and had never been drill tested at depth. Field work prior to this drill program established that the IP and magnetic anomalies were associated with a porphyry intrusion.

With the drilling ahead of schedule, and continued drill rig availability, the Phase I drill program was increased to a total of seven (7) drill holes totaling 3,429 metres. The seventh hole (DDH 2021-006) was added to the program to test a magnetic high southeast of the main Dungate IP anomaly and this hole was extended to 525 metres to test under the IP anomaly at depth. It was terminated in mineralized porphyry.

Four of the holes drilled at Dungate tested a strong cohesive high chargeability IP anomaly (greater than 60 mv/v) approximately 1.2 km in diameter. Two of the final three holes (DDH 2021-004 and -005) tested another possible intrusion, much larger in size, under overburden to the north of the initial Dungate showing. Six of the seven holes encountered sulphide mineralized porphyry. One hole (DDH 2021-005) remained in the host volcanics, but contained vein and fracture controlled sulphides throughout its length. A map showing the locations of the drill holes completed at Dungate can be accessed here:





Drilling Locations 2021



To view an enhanced version of Drilling Locations, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6955/99624_6754e5d2c452ca9a_002full.jpg

Based on initial observations, it appears that all drill holes intercepted sulphide mineralization sufficient to explain the IP anomalies, with lots of disseminated and replacement sulfides, good quartz and sulphide veining, and alteration indicating that this is part of a large mineralized system. Chalcopyrite and molybdenum were observed in drill core within the porphyry and also within the host volcanic rocks. Quartz-sulphide breccias were encountered in two holes, but the wide spacing of the holes prevents correlation of these zones with each other. Core logging, cutting and sampling is ongoing and will continue for the next few weeks; assay results will be reported when received and interpreted.

The technical information contained in this news release has been approved by Joseph Campbell, P. Geo, a Director of Edgemont, who is a Qualified Person as defined in "National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects."

About Edgemont Gold Corp:

Edgemont is actively exploring the Dungate copper/gold porphyry project located just 6 km southeast of Houston, B.C., in a region with a history of successful mining projects including the Equity Silver Mine, Imperial Metals' Huckleberry Mine, and the more recent gold-silver discovery at Sun Summit Minerals' Buck Project which sits just 7 km to the south.





Dungate Property Location Map



To view an enhanced version of this map, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6955/99624_6754e5d2c452ca9a_003full.jpg

Having acquired an interest in its initial claims at Dungate in 2018, the Company now holds five mineral tenures covering 1,582.2 hectares that can be explored year-round by all-season roads. For more information, please visit our website at www.edgemontgold.com.

For further information, please contact:



Stuart Rogers

Chief Executive Officer

Tel: (778) 239-3775

www.edgemontgold.com

Kevin Arias

VP Corporate Development

Tel: (778) 773-4786

E-mail: info@edgemontgold.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as the term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made and information contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation ("forward-looking information"). Generally, this forward-looking information can, but not always, be identified by use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events, conditions or results "will", "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotations thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information regarding risks inherent in exploration activities, including unforeseen delays due to circumstances beyond our control, including weather and other natural phenomena, and financial market and regulatory risks.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on information available to the Company as of the date of this news release. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as the Company's actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that would cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated or expected. All of the forward-looking information contained in this news release is qualified by these cautionary statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information due to the inherent uncertainty thereof. Except as required under applicable securities legislation and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99624
LONDON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals offer a framework for a better future: from eradicating poverty to protecting the oceans, the Goals need the buy-in of businesses in order to make a difference.

Acclaimed production company TBD Media Group is tracking the companies that are embracing the challenge laid down by the UN through a series of documentaries. Covering topics including responsible consumption and production, sustainable communities and good health and wellbeing, the films tell uplifting stories of how businesses use innovation, fresh thinking and technology to make tomorrow better.

The problems facing humanity, such as poverty, pollution and hunger are largely of our own making; the businesses engaged in Vision 2045 are showing leadership in reversing the damage and demonstrating that profit does not have to come at the expense of people and the planet.

Paolo Zanini, Founder and CEO at TBD Media Group says:

"We have always been proud of our ability to cover the issues that matter wherever they are in the world. The news agenda has rightly been focussed on the crisis that faces humanity. We need to start telling the story of where change is happening, otherwise people will feel hopeless. There is real and positive change happening now, and people can get on board and help."

Vision 2045 covers some of the most innovative and ambitious businesses in the world, joining forces to show that when human beings combine their ingenuity, they can achieve world-changing outcomes.

Companies featured in this launch:

BSH Home Appliances Group, Diginex, Getaround, IUPUI (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis), PERSOL Holdings.

More information on the Vision 2045 Campaign may be found here: https://vision2045.com/

About TBD Media Group:

TBD Media Group is an international, purpose-driven, media developer that helps companies, organisations and governments tell their brand stories in a human and direct way. Learn more at https://www.tbdmediagroup.com/

Media Contact:

Jenna-Leigh Soobramoney

Head of Marketing

TBD Media Group

j.soobramoney@tbdmediagroup.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1659975/TBD_Media_Group.jpg
BEDFORD, NS / ACCESSWIRE / October 14, 2021 / Silver Spruce Resources Inc. (the "Company") (TSXV:SSE)(FRA:S6Q1) is pleased to announce a technical services agreement signed with MPX Geophysics Ltd. ("MPX") to carry out an airborne survey of the Melchett Lake Zn-Cu-Au-Ag volcanogenic massive sulphide project ("Melchett" or the "Property"). Melchett is an advanced precious and base metal property located in the Thunder Bay Mining District, northern Ontario, Canada (the "Property"). The Property lies 110 km north of Geraldton and 60 km north of Nakina.

"With the ratification of a collaborative exploration agreement with Ginoogaming First Nation and a comparable agreement achieved earlier in 2021 with Aroland First Nation, we are excited to re-launch our exploration program at Melchett Lake. The MPX airborne survey will start this week and require only 3-5 flight days, weather permitting, to complete data collection over the entire Property," said Greg Davison, Vice-President Exploration and Director of Silver Spruce. "The 2021 Melchett field program was subject to several periods of inactivity related to the early spring with unseasonably high temperatures, poor lake ice conditions and advanced break-up, successful negotiation of multiple land use, environmental management and planning agreements with First Nations, COVID logistical constraints, forest fire access restrictions and regulatory requirements for ENDM exploration permitting."

Figure 1. Melchett Lake Claims on 2010 Regional Magnetic Survey showing location of MPX Geophysics airborne survey area. Inset map to left indicates property location northeast of Lake Nipigon, Ontario.

"The principal target area for the program has extensive soil and rock geochemical anomalies, known VMS style mineralization from surface to >500 metres depth, highly favorable alteration type and intensity, increasing Cu to Zn with depth, and deep Maxwell modelled plates off-hole from borehole EM surveys. The MPX survey will complement our project ArcGIS database with state of the art, high resolution magnetic, radiometric and VLF data over these promising targets and extend through several historical gold, silver and base metal showings and geochemical anomalies identified on the eastern and western claims. Pending completion of ENDM permitting for ground activities and contractor scheduling, the Relf Lake camp construction and line-cutting by Pleson Geoscience is deferred to January 2022 with the Quantec Geoscience ("Quantec") deep-penetrating SPARTAN Magnetotelluric ("MT") survey booked for February 2022."

MPX Geophysical Survey

The airborne survey will comprise a 927 line-km along N-S flight lines with 100 metre nominal line spacing, and 91 line-km of E-W oriented tie lines with 1,000 metre nominal line spacing (Figure 2). The Property grid will cover a total area of approximately 18 km E-W along the general strike of the VMS mineralization and 5km N-S with three 1 km steps to encompass the claim location. The Piper Aztek aircraft will fly daily from Thunder Bay 310 km SW of the Property.

Figure 2. Melchett Lake Claims showing location of MPX Geophysics airborne survey (UTM WGS 84) using 100m N-S flight lines and 1000m E-W tie lines. Base map - World Imagery.

The survey will collect magnetic, radiometric and VLF EM data supported by leading-edge positioning and processing equipment, both in the aircraft cabin and on the ground with the GEM Systems GSM-19 Base Station Magnetometer and a field data processing workstation.

The aircraft airspeed will be approximately 130-150 knots. Optimum terrain clearances for the aircraft and instrumentation (magnetometer, spectrometer, VLF) during normal survey flying are 70 metres. Vertical position along flight lines will be established using a pressure altimeter, a radar altimeter and GPS height. Final horizontal survey positions will be computed from differentially corrected GPS to a precision of  1m.

The attitude and motion of the aircraft in flight, with respect to the Earth's magnetic field vector, will be monitored/recorded by a three-component fluxgate magnetometer (Billingsley TFM 100G2 Triaxial Fluxgate Magnetometer), which is very sensitive to attitude changes.

The magnetic sensors utilized for the survey are Geometrics 822A or Scintrex CS3 high resolution cesium split-beam total-field magnetometer which will be installed in a tail stinger. Magnetic compensation of the acquired "raw" magnetometer data will be collected in real-time using the RMS Instruments DAARC500/ARC510 Data Acquisition and Aeromagnetic Real-Time Compensator ("RMS"), together with comprehensive and flexible data acquisition and recording. The RMS offers the ultimate in aeromagnetic compensation.

Radiation Solutions RS-500 multi-channel gamma-ray spectrometer with 33.6 liters "downward looking" NaI sensor, and 8.4 litres "upward looking" NaI sensor will be installed on the aircraft for the survey. The RS-500 supersedes all other airborne systems given its advanced DSP / FPGA technologies. The RS-500 is a fully integrated system that includes an individual Advanced Digital Spectrometer (ADS) for each crystal within the detector box.

The Totem VLF sensor utilized for the survey will be a RMSVLF system. This device contains three orthogonal coils, a signal amplifier and it has eight different frequency bands for different VLF transmitters. The VLF system is sampled in the 15-25 kHz. The VLF system employed is configured to simultaneously measure five transmitting stations.

MPX crews will carry out all field activities in Ontario under strictly adhered to corporate and client COVID safety protocols.

Property Highlights

The Property covers 4,716 hectares (230 single cell mineral claims and two multi-cell mineral claims) with VMS and Au targets located in east to southeast-striking, subvertical to moderately north-dipping quartz-sericite schists. These units exhibit steep down-dip to southeast raking or plunging lineations. The tightly folded nature of the Archean metavolcanics is evident as re-interpreted from historical mapping and geological logs, and 2002 Helicopter TEM and MAG survey and 2010 regional airborne magnetic survey, the latter shown on Figure 1. The Melchett Lake belt contains occurrences of polymetallic Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag-Au VMS mineralization similar in several respects to deposits exploited at Geco, Mattabi, and Winston Lake, among others.

The claims to the east and west of the core Relf and Nakina targets cover 11 kilometres of known extensions of the Melchett Lake mineralized horizons and include high potential VMS and Au targets located along sub-parallel isoclinal fold limbs and/or oblique structural breaks interpreted from recently acquired exploration magnetic and GEOTEM data (see Press Release December 4, 2019). These targets exhibit either chargeable, weakly magnetic trends or coincident EM and magnetic responses with the latter related to variable oxide and sulphide content, including pyrrhotite and pyrite, with base metal sulphides and gold. Only limited and shallow exploration diamond drilling was conducted in both the Key Lake area to the west and Iron Lake area to the east.

Highlights of the prospective geology, alteration and mineralization include a strike extent of more than 20 km, multiple folded or stacked horizons of coincident alteration and metal mineralization, high Zn/Cu, Zn/Pb and Ag/Au ratios, increasing Cu/Zn at depth, extensive remobilization of major and trace elements with defined enrichment (Fe, Mg, Co, Cr, Cd) and depletion (Na, Sr, Ca) zones.

Surface samples, as shown in Figure 3, with Fe-sphalerite (blackjack or marmatite), contain locally high-grade lenses of Zn & Ag with variable Cu, Au and Pb, and historical gold grades to 28.8 g/t Au, silver grades to 560 g/t Ag and zinc grades to 19.1%.

Figure 3. Zinc (Fe-sphalerite) mineralization in quartz-sericite-pyrite schist collected by Project QP from the main trench in the Relf Lake Zone.

Other than the two DDH SB drill holes, only limited and shallow historical exploration drilling was conducted in the Relf, Nakina, Half Moon, Key Lake and Iron Lake areas on the Property.

Increased alteration and anomalous metal values reported over large core intervals (up to 245 metres in DDH SB-07-01 from 345-590 metres) are accompanied by strong electromagnetic (BHTEM) off-hole responses in the deepest intervals of the last drill holes tested during 2007 (DDH SB-07-01) and 2012 (DDH SB-08-02).

The richest Zn mineralization in core was reported from DDH SB-08-02 and chalcopyrite occurred in stockwork-style veinlets. The deepest BHTEM Maxwell modelled plate, associated with these heavily altered and mineralized quartz-sericite schists and adjacent silica-rich metavolcanics in the Relf Zone, and which appears to plunge or rake to the east-southeast, remains undrilled to date.

Qualified Person

Greg Davison, PGeo, Silver Spruce VP Exploration and Director, is the Company's internal Qualified Person for the Melchett Lake Project and is responsible for approval of the technical content of this press release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), under TSX guidelines.

About MPX Geophysics Ltd.

MPX Geophysics is an international leader in airborne and remote sensing for the mining, O&G, civil and environmental engineering sectors. MPX operational and HSE procedures are industry-leading. MPX has undertaken more than 500,000 line-km of airborne geophysical surveys worldwide operating from both helicopter and fixed-wing platforms, including numerous projects in northern Canada, in remote and difficult locations. Survey technologies include magnetics, radiometrics, electromagnetics, gravity, MT, LiDAR, data processing and interpretation. The MPX Group of Companies is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

About Silver Spruce Resources Inc.

Silver Spruce Resources Inc. is a Canadian junior exploration company which has signed Definitive Agreements to acquire 100% of the Melchett Lake Zn-Au-Ag project in northern Ontario, and with Colibri Resource Corp. in Sonora, Mexico, to acquire 50% interest in Yaque Minerales S.A de C.V. holding the El Mezquite Au project, a drill-ready precious metal project, and up to 50% interest in each of Colibri's early stage Jackie Au and Diamante Au-Ag projects, with the three properties located from 5 kilometres to 15 kilometres northwest from Minera Alamos's Nicho deposit, respectively. The Company is acquiring 100% interest in the drill-ready and fully permitted Pino de Plata Ag project, located 15 kilometres west of Coeur Mining's Palmarejo Mine, in western Chihuahua, Mexico. Silver Spruce recently signed a Definitive Agreement to acquire 100% interest in three exploration properties in the Exploits Subzone Gold Belt, located 15-40 kilometres from recent discoveries by Sokoman Minerals Corp. and New Found Gold Corp., central Newfoundland. Silver Spruce Resources Inc. continues to investigate opportunities that Management has identified or that have been presented to the Company for consideration.

Contact:

Silver Spruce Resources Inc.

Greg Davison, PGeo, Vice-President Exploration and Director

(250) 521-0444

gdavison@silverspruceresources.com

Michael Kinley, CEO and Director

(902) 402-0388

mkinley@silverspruceresources.com

info@silverspruceresources.com

www.silverspruceresources.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.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements," Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future, including but not limited to, statements regarding the private placement.

Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with mineral exploration and difficulties associated with obtaining financing on acceptable terms. We are not in control of metals prices and these could vary to make development uneconomic. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate.

SOURCE: Silver Spruce Resources Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/668126/Silver-Spruce-contracts-MPX-Geophysics-for-MagRadiometricsVLF-Airborne-Survey-on-Melchett-Lake-VMS-Project-Ontario
OneProjects, developer of four-dimensional (4D) cardiac imaging technology, today announced a total of $17 million in new financing for the company, including an $8 million Series A2 financing and two grants worth $9 million.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005370/en/

Co-founders of OneProjects, Fionn Lahart (left) and Christoph Hennersperger (right) (Photo: Business Wire)

The Series A2 financing was led by imec.xpand, with participation from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund and existing investors, including LSP and Atlantic Bridge Ventures. It is an extension to the company's 2020 Series A1 funding that was led by LSP and co-led by Atlantic Bridge Ventures. The grants were awarded by the Irish government's Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund ($6 million) and the EIC Accelerator ($3 million).

The company will use the new funds to complete product development, conduct clinical trials, gain FDA clearance and prepare for U.S. commercialization of the first product developed from its proprietary 4D cardiac imaging platform, VERAFEYE. This technology is designed to improve the treatment of atrial fibrillation and other cardiac arrhythmias, and can also be applied to benefit structural heart procedures.

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is characterized by an irregular heartbeat caused by chaotic electrical signals entering and overriding the natural heart rhythm, and affects more than 38 million people globally. It is one of the most frequent causes of strokes and other heart conditions. A principal treatment for AFib is catheter ablation to block unwanted signals. In up to 50 percent of cases, full ablation of the tissue is unsuccessful, requiring a large percentage of patients to undergo repeat procedures, often with a worsening condition that requires continued medical management.

The VERAFEYE imaging technology uses a proprietary catheter-based sensor combined with advanced imaging and machine learning to provide unprecedented live 360-degree, high-resolution imagery of the beating heart, as well as real-time tissue analysis to determine where tissue has been fully ablated. The goal is to enable physicians to optimize outcomes and safety during catheter ablation procedures in order to improve their success rate, which has the potential to reduce overall costs to the healthcare system.

"It's no surprise that AFib success rates are sub-optimal given the complexity of the procedure and information currently available to physicians," said OneProjects CEO Fionn Lahart. "Our 4D imaging platform improves upon currently available imaging by providing high precision navigation, procedural planning pre-ablation, and expansive real-time imagery of the heart and tissue during the procedure. We believe that our proprietary cardiac imaging technology can help physicians deliver precision therapy and has value beyond AFib to improve any cardiac procedure that can benefit from precise navigation, detailed 4D anatomical imaging and tissue assessment within the heart."

He continued, "We are delighted to have the continued backing of our highly regarded existing investors, LSP and Atlantic Bridge, and to welcome our two new investors, Belgium-based imec.xpand and the European Innovation Council Fund. As a European company with offices in Dublin and Munich, we appreciate having exposure and access to these top-tier investors who will enable us to bring VERAFEYE to market and to develop the next generations of our platform technology. In addition to hitting key company milestones, we will use this funding to continue to build on the world-class team we have across Dublin and Munich."

Frank Bulens, partner at imec.xpand, commented, "A wide range of therapeutic modalities are available today for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, with more to come. We made the investment in OneProjects as its superior VERAFEYE imaging technology will serve all of these treatment options, a win for both the patient and the hospital. Accurate real-time imaging is also a prerequisite to allow part of this intervention to eventually become automated, which will be the next level of innovation."

Laura Gonzalez-Estefani, member of the EIC Fund Investment Committee, added: "We are glad to back this cutting-edge technology aimed at improving the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. The EIC Fund support will help OneProjects to bring its technology, VERAFEYE, to the market, which we believe will increase procedural safety for patients and reduce cost to the healthcare system."

In a separate announcement, OneProjects has added Steven Girouard as an independent board director. Steven is the former President and CEO of Securus Medical Group, which was acquired by Boston Scientific. He is a veteran of the medical device industry and has held executive management positions at Johnson Johnson, Guidant Corporation, Cleveland Clinic, and Oakwood Medical Investors. He has extensive experience in early-stage research and development, preclinical and clinical research, business development, and venture capital.

ABOUT ONEPROJECTS

OneProjects is a privately held, venture-backed medical device company based in Dublin, Ireland and Munich, Germany. The company designs and develops an innovative 4D imaging platform for cardiac applications that operates at the intersection of hardware, software, and data science. Originating from Bioinnovate Ireland and spun out of Trinity College Dublin, OneProjects was founded by CEO Fionn Lahart and CTO Christoph Hennersperger in 2017. Learn more about OneProjects and VERAFEYE at www.one-projects.com.

ABOUT imec.xpand

Imec.xpand is an early stage and growth fund with a game-changing approach to turn hardware driven nanotechnology innovation into successful global companies. The fund is independently managed by a team of entrepreneurs, seasoned venture capitalists and business experts, and is targeting ambitious tech start-ups that meet all the criteria to become successful, scalable ventures with the potential to change the world, and where imec knowledge, expertise and infrastructure can play a determining role in their success. For more information about imec.xpand, please visit www.imecxpand.com.

ABOUT EIC FUND

Established in June 2020, the European Innovation Council Fund (EIC Fund) is a breakthrough initiative of the European Commission to make direct equity and quasi-equity investments (between 500.000 and 15 million) in European high impact and deep tech start-ups and scale ups. With a long-term perspective, the EIC Fund invests in companies from any sector, across all EU member states as well as in associated countries.

The EIC Fund aims to fill a critical financing gap and its main purpose is to support companies in the development and commercialization of disruptive technologies. This is achieved by crowding-in market players and further sharing risk by building a large network of capital providers and strategic partners suitable for co-investments and follow-on funding.

The Fund pays particular attention to the empowerment and support of female founders, as well as the ambition to reduce the innovation divide among EU countries.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005370/en/

Contacts:

Michelle McAdam, Chronic Communications Inc.

michelle@chronic-comm.com

310.902.1274
VANCOUVER, B.C., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The global laboratory informatics market size was USD 2.54 Billion in 2020. Increasing adoption of advanced technologies in the healthcare sector for genomic procedures and genetic testing is one of the major factors expected to drive market revenue growth. In addition, development of customized medications and treatment is resulting in need for various clinical tests, which is boosting market revenue growth to a significant extent.

Drivers: Increasing Demand for Automation in Laboratories

Automation of laboratories are considered an effective solution to manage during shortage of skilled professionals and to reduce manual intervention in testing and management of patient information. Automation helps to improve productivity and allows researchers to focus on more core tasks, reduces rate of errors, and enhances accuracy of results. Additionally, automation of laboratory workflow enables generation of high-quality data and proper documentation.

Restraints: Lack of Proper Standards

Lack of proper standards in various countries and dearth of skilled professionals are factors that could hamper market revenue growth. No proper integration standards could result in low adoption rates of lab informatics. Moreover, high cost of maintenance and services could hamper market revenue growth to a certain extent.

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Growth Projections

The global laboratory informatics market size is expected to reach USD 4.21 Billion at a revenue CAGR of 6.5% in 2028, attributed to rising adoption of various advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and cloud computing, among others. In addition, adoption of advanced medical technologies such as more efficient monitoring systems and more comfortable scanning equipment has been proven to enable patients to recover in comparatively less time. Consistent developments in technology has also led to enactment of regulations concerning applications and deployment.

COVID-19 Direct Impact

Outbreak of COVID-19 is supporting revenue growth of the global laboratory informatics market. The pandemic has shifted focus of government agencies towards development of vaccine to control severity of outbreaks and due to unprecedented testing across the globe, healthcare institutions are required to scale up to meet requirements as per urgency. Rising demand for COVID-19 testing in clinical laboratories is expected to continue to support market revenue growth, currently, as well as in future, as newer and more resilient variants emerge.

Current Trends and Innovations

Development of cloud-based services has contributed significantly to market growth in the recent past. Access to high-speed Internet and advancements in virtualization at lower cost is driving demand for cloud-based services. A majority of companies prefer to pay for software subscriptions instead of purchasing licenses, as it reduces in-house maintenance costs. Additionally, companies/users prefer to save on hardware and deployment and maintenance costs, as well as understand that the need for would entail requirement of a minimum number of IT personnel which results in more secure and faster transfer of data within the organization and lower chances of data breaches.

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Geographical Outlook

North America laboratory informatics market accounted for major revenue share in 2020, and is expected to continue with its dominance over the forecast period, due to presence of favorable policies supporting installation of laboratory informatics and availability of well-developed infrastructure, coupled with rapid digitalization. Moreover, presence of well-established pharmaceutical companies, along with rising requirement to lower operational costs are factors driving market revenue growth in the region.

Strategic Initiatives

In July 2020, SciCord provided a replacement of paper notebooks in the form of electronic lab notebook (ELN) to avoid occurrence of errors. ELN was adopted by more than 6000 scientists and rising efforts of pathologist and clinicians to offer error-free results is creating higher demand for laboratory informatics solutions.

Some Key Highlights in the Report

The pharmaceutical & biotechnology segment accounted for largest revenue share in the global market during the forecast period, due to growing need to manage large data volumes to store vital patient information. In addition, advancements in technology is resulting in increasing number of clinical trials, which is expected to drive revenue growth of the segment.

Contract Research Organizations (CROs) segment accounted for second-largest revenue share in the global market in 2020. CROs play a crucial role in release of innovative products and safety testing across various industries such as water and environmental safety, food safety, and pharmaceutical research. Additionally, robust data volumes and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) help CROs to enable each step of lab procedure be documented and maintained. It also streamlines workflows and complies with regulatory guidelines and eliminates the need to maintain information manually.

Among the deployment segments, on-premises segment accounted for comparatively larger revenue share in 2020, due to rising demand for installations of software and solutions on computers within the organization. On-premise implementation of software offers companies easy access to information stored in application. Fintech companies and government sector need to comply with the legislative standards for data transmission and storage. This factor is expected to boost revenue growth of the segment in the near future.

Companies profiled in the global market report include Agilent Technologies Inc., Dassault Systemes SE, LabLynx Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., LabVantage Solutions Inc., Cerner Corporation, McKesson Corporation, PerkinElmer Inc., Accelerated Technology Laboratories Inc., and Waters Corporation.

Have a look at Report Description and Table of Contents of Market Report@https://www.emergenresearch.com/industry-report/laboratory-informatics-market

Emergen Research has segmented the global laboratory informatics market on the basis of component, deployment, solution, end-use, and region:

Component Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2018-2028)

Software



Services

Deployment Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2018-2028)

Cloud-based



On-premises



Web-hosted

Solution Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2018-2028)

Electronic Lab Notebooks



Laboratory Information Management Systems



Scientific Data Management Systems



Electronic Data Capture



Laboratory Execution Systems



Clinical Data Management Systems



Enterprise Content Management



Chromatography Data Systems

End-Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2018-2028)

Contract Research Organizations



Environmental Testing Laboratories



Food & Beverage



Oil & Gas



Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology



Petrochemical Refineries



Others

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Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2018-2028)

North America



U.S.





Canada





Mexico



Europe



Germany





U.K.





France





Spain





BENELUX





Rest of Europe



Asia Pacific



China





India





Japan





South Korea





Rest of APAC



Latin America



Brazil





Rest of LATAM



Middle East & Africa

&

Saudi Arabia





UAE





Israel





Rest Of MEA

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2021) - Bell Copper Corporation (TSXV: BCU) (OTCQB: BCUFF) ("Bell Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to report the Company has been approved to trade its common shares on the OTCQB Venture Marketplace (the "OTCQB Venture") under the symbol "BCUFF." Bell Copper will commence trading on the OTCQB on October 14 2021. Investors can find quotes for the Company's common stock on www.otcmarkets.com.

The OTCQB Venture is a U.S. trading platform that is operated by the OTC Markets Group headquartered in New York. The Company's common shares will continue to trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under its symbol "BCU."

"We're excited to be up-listed to the OTCQB, which is an important milestone for Bell Copper. With the ongoing exploration developments at our Big Sandy and Perseverance porphyry copper projects in Arizona, the OTCQB listing affords us greater visibility within the U.S. investment community, which should enhance our liquidity and increase our access to institutional and retail investors in the U.S." - Bell Copper President and CEO, Dr. Tim Marsh

About Bell Copper

Bell Copper is a mineral exploration company focused on the identification, exploration and discovery of large copper deposits located in Arizona. Bell Copper is exploring its 100% owned Big Sandy Porphyry Copper Project and the Perseverance Porphyry Copper Project which is under a Joint Venture - Earn In.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of

Bell Copper Corporation

"Timothy Marsh"

Timothy Marsh, President, CEO & Director

For further information please contact the Company

Tel: 1 800 418 8250

Email: info@bellcopper.net

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/99534
Driving positive change for people and the planet

LONDON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A LITTLE FIND; the home of conscious brands with impact, announces industry leading collaboration with transparency tech company; Provenance.

This partnership is a natural extension of A LITTLE FIND's own values as an e-retailer: transparency, integrity and sustainability.

A LITTLE FIND stocks a considered edit of the finest conscious buys in wellness, beauty and lifestyle. It brings an expertly curated collection together in a single platform.

From coveted classics to next generation labels, it's a one-stop-shop for conscious lifestyle products. From Anatome, Bamford, Malin & Goetz, Hayo'u, to Innersense, Romilly Wilde, One Ocean Beauty and Rejuvenated, Provenance: Powering sustainability claims consumers can trust.

Provenance uses technology to power trustworthy claims about social and environmental impact, putting reliable information about a product's origin, journey, ingredients and environmental impact at the consumer's fingertips.

POSITIVE PROOF - making pro-planet choices simple

The partnership with Provenance is now live and is housed online in the new POSITIVE PROOF section on A LITTLE FIND.com. A hub of credible, evidence-based sustainability information, it is set to become the industry's leading destination for the green discoveries of the future.

POSITIVE PROOF brands are awarded Provenance Proof Points, which connect what brands say to real data from the supply chain and third party verification.

From Vegan or Widely Recyclable Packaging to the Leaping Bunny certification, each Proof Point is a part of the Provenance Framework - a collection of 50+ jargon-free claims about social and environmental impact. All ready for consumers to read and digest in an easy to use, accessible format.

Proof Points are either evidenced or verified. For evidenced Proof Points, brands must share relevant supporting documentation consumers can check for themselves. Proof Points with green ticks are verified, which means that claims have been independently verified by a third party.

A partnership of seamless synergy; spearheaded by two climate conscious CEO's:

"We're excited to partner with A LITTLE FIND in the fight against greenwashing, empowering their shoppers to make positive purchases for people and the planet. Together, we're making sure that brands' product claims are always consistent, easy to understand and supported by supply chain proof or third-party verification." - Jessi Baker- Founder and CEO, Provenance.

"As a destination that fuses commerce, community and content, this partnership with Provenance is a seamless and vital one. We want to give power to our shoppers with reliable, transparent information." - Caroline Jacobs-Graf, Founder and CEO, A LITTLE FIND.

A LITTLE FIND X Provenance launches with an initial 16 participating brands including Malin + Goetz, Emma Hardie, Gallinee, Hello Klean and Soleil Toujours.

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For more information contact Fiona McDanielfiona@alittlefind.com or Caroline Jacobs-Graf caroline@alittlefind.com.



For enquiries +44 (0)7714715817, www.alittlefind.com
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 14, 2021))) ("Rockridge" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has completed its geophysical program at the Knife Lake Copper Project located in Saskatchewan, Canada (the "Knife Lake Project" or "Property"). The Knife Lake Project, consisting of 81 claims totaling 55,471 hectares (137,069 acres), is an advanced-stage copper, silver, zinc and cobalt exploration property in Saskatchewan host to the Knife Lake Deposit. Additional field work is planned to commence shortly in preparation for a diamond drill program.



Knife Lake VMS Project Location Map:

https://www.rockridgeresourcesltd.com/_resources/images/Knife-Lake-Region-20210331-003.jpg

Field crews have completed a helicopter-borne electromagnetic (EM) and horizontal magnetic gradiometer geophysical survey utilizing Geotech Ltd.'s VTEM Plus System. The 610-line kilometer survey covered highly prospective VMS stratigraphy in the Gilbert Lake target area, never before surveyed using modern time-domain geophysics. Data from the survey is currently being interpreted and any potential conductors will be prioritized for geophysical modelling. Mineralized drill intersections at the Gilbert Lake target area have proven that VTEM plus is a valuable exploration tool for identifying VMS-style mineralization within prospective stratigraphy on the Property, increasing discovery potential in regional target areas.

Knife Lake VTEM Survey Coverage:

https://www.rockridgeresourcesltd.com/_resources/VTEM-Coverage-map-20211014.jpg

Rockridge's CEO, Jonathan Wiesblatt, commented: "Modern exploration tools such as airborne electromagnetic and horizontal geophysical surveys have been and will continue to be an important part of ROCK's exploration strategy at Knife Lake. We have been using these and exploration techniques to identify new and prospective target areas in and around the existing Knife Lake deposit. The deposit was first discovered many decades ago but the project overall has yet to be the beneficiary of a thorough and complete, modern-day exploration campaign at its regional target areas. The current and upcoming exploration work will help us to commence another diamond-drilling program to follow up on historical results and test new targets."

Knife Lake Geology and History:

The Knife Lake Deposit is interpreted to be a remobilized VMS deposit. The stratabound mineralized zone is approximately 15m thick and contains copper, silver, zinc, gold and cobalt mineralization which dips 30 to 50 eastward over a known strike-length within Rockridge's claim area of 3,700 metres, and a known average down-dip extension of approximately 300 metres.

Knife Lake Deposit Map:

https://www.rockridgeresourcesltd.com/_resources/projects/KnifeLake-Fig2.jpg

The deposit is hosted by felsic to intermediate volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks which have been metamorphosed to upper amphibolite facies. The deposit contains VMS mineralogy which has been significantly modified and partially remobilized during the emplacement of granitic rocks. The mineralization straddles the boundary between two rock units and occurs on both limbs of an interpreted overturned fold.

The Company has completed twenty-four holes consisting of 3,096 metres of diamond drilling in the 2019 and 2021 winter drilling programs. This represented the first drilling on the property since 2001. Both programs have given the Company's technical team valuable insights into the property geology, alteration, and mineralization that will be applied to future regional exploration on the highly prospective and underexplored land package.

Highlights from the drill programs include previously reported hole KF19003 which intersected net-textured to semi-massive sulphide mineralization from 11.2m to 48.8m downhole. This 37.6 metre interval returned 2.03% Cu, 0.19 g/t Au, 9.88 g/t Ag, 0.36% Zn, and 0.01% Co for an estimated 2.42% CuEq. Additionally, previously reported drill hole KF19001 intersected net-textured to fracture-controlled sulphide mineralization from 7.5 metres to 40.6 metres downhole. This 33.1 metre interval returned 1.28% Cu, 0.12 g/t Au, 4.80 g/t Ag, 0.13% Zn, and 0.01% Co for an estimated 1.49% CuEq.

In August 2019, Rockridge announced a maiden NI 43-101 resource estimate for the Knife Lake deposit which consisted of a pit-constrained indicated resource of 3.8 million tonnes at 1.02% CuEq and an inferred resource of 7.9 million tonnes at 0.67% CuEq using a 0.4% CuEq cut-off. For more information please refer to the News Release dated August 14th, 2019 or the NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Mineral Resource Estimate for the Knife Lake Property, Saskatchewan dated September 27, 2019, filed on Sedar.

Qualified Person:

Kerry Bates, P. Geo., a "qualified person" for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and a Geologist employed by TerraLogic Exploration Inc., has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release relating to the Knife Lake Project.

About Rockridge Resources Ltd.

Rockridge Resources (TSX.V: ROCK) is a public mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral resource properties in Canada, specifically copper and gold. The Company's core copper project is the Knife Lake Project located in Saskatchewan which is ranked as the #3 mining jurisdiction in the world by the Fraser Institute. The project hosts the Knife Lake Deposit, which is a VMS, near-surface Cu-Co-Au-Ag-Zn deposit open along strike and at depth. There is strong discovery potential in and around the deposit area as well as at regional targets on the large property package. The Company's secondary asset is the Raney Gold Project, which is a high-grade gold exploration project located in the same greenstone belt that hosts the world class Timmins and Kirkland Lake lode gold mining camps. Recently reported drill hole RN 20-06 intersected 28.0 g/t gold over 6.0 metres at a shallow vertical level of 95 metres, which is the best result from the project thus far. Rockridge's goal is to maximize shareholder value through new mineral discoveries, committed long-term partnerships, and the advancement of exploration projects in geopolitically favourable jurisdictions.

Additional information about Rockridge Resources and its project portfolio can be found on the Company's website at www.rockridgeresourcesltd.com.

Rockridge Resources Ltd.

"Jonathan Wiesblatt"



Jonathan Wiesblatt

CEO

For further information contact myself or:

Jordan Trimble, President or

Riley Trimble, Corporate Communications



Rockridge Resources Ltd.

Telephone: 604-687-3376

Toll Free: 800-567-8181

Facsimile: 604-687-3119

Email: info@rockridgeresourcesltd.com

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Forward Looking Information

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 events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. 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. Although management 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. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.comfor further information.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 14, 2021 / CAT Strategic Metals Corporation (CSE:CAT) ("CAT" or the "Company") announces that it has engaged Watt, Griffis and McOuat Limited, Geological and Mining Consultants ("WGM"), for the purpose of discovering economically viable uranium mineralization on CAT's South Preston uranium property.

Discussions with WGM began in earnest in September in order to determine the best and most productive methods to advance the South Preston Uranium Project in the most desirable and expeditious manner possible. After an initial review of the available project data, WGM expressed significant interest in pursuing the project with CAT and provided a proposal to the Company outlining the scope of work required to ascertain uranium mineralization that is consistent with unconformity-type deposits that have been confirmed to exist in the Athabasca Basin. These types of deposits are the highest-grade uranium deposits known.

The location of the South Preston property is outside the area currently covered by the Athabasca Formation sandstone, and therefore has certain advantages with respect to the 'visibility' of uranium mineralization versus other areas where many hundreds of metres of sandstone cover the potential uranium host rocks.

Particular interest in the South Preston property occurred as a result of CAT's neighbour, Azincourt Energy, discovering a conductive zone on its East Preston property a short distance to the north of CAT's dispositions; Azincourt's SSW-trending zones project directly onto CAT's exploration property.

WGM will begin immediately to assemble and review all of the compiled data and information base that is composed of reports previously filed with the Saskatchewan regulators for assessment purposes. This will also include the results of previous historical exploration programs on, or near, the South Preston property. As this review progresses, WGM will design the exploration plan to identify the primary work elements required to move the project forward.

Once the initial exploration plan has been determined from all the available data and surveys that are recent and/or cover portions of the South Preston property, it is expected that specialized technical surveys can be initiated as early as the end of October or early November of 2021. This exploration plan will include geological mapping, radioactivity measurements, geochemical and geophysical (EM) surveys and radon-in-water sampling.

About WGM

Established in 1962, WGM is Canada's longest running independent firm of geological and mining consultants providing professional services of the highest standards to the global mineral resource industry. The professional staff and associates have amassed decades of experience in areas ranging from grassroots exploration - design, management and implementation - to mine planning, including processing and recovery options. Significant mineral discoveries and new mines have been developed as a result of WGM's expertise and exploration efforts, notably the Mary River iron deposits on Baffin Island and Asbestos Hill in Quebec as well as the Greens Greek silver-gold-zinc mine and the Pogo gold mine, both in Alaska. According to Cominco, owner of the massive Red Dog zinc mine, WGM played a major role in its recognition as high-priority exploration target.

The project will be directed by Senior Geologist and WGM Vice President Al Workman, P.Geo, SEG., F.AusIMM. Mr. Workman's experience as an exploration geologist included 6 years working for Gulf Minerals Canada Ltd., the company whose landmark Rabbit Lake discovery opened the Athabasca Basin to the existence of unconformity-type uranium deposits. In addition to having worked in the eastern Athabasca Basin, he has significant additional uranium exploration experience including;

Exploration for sandstone-hosted and/or unconformity-type deposits in the Hornby Basin of the NWT;

Reviewing exploration programs for structurally-controlled uranium mineralization in the Beaverlodge area in northern Saskatchewan;

Exploring for paleo-placer (conglomerate-hosted) uranium deposits in the Elliot Lake area;

Exploration and diamond drilling black-shale hosted uranium in the Albert Fm., Moncton Sub-Basin, New Brunswick

Mapping and drilling high-grade uranium mineralization hosted in ignimbrites and rhyolites in the Cobequid Highlands, Nova Scotia.

CAT's Chairman & CEO, Robert Rosner, stated "We have been looking for the best fit to tackle the South Preston Uranium Project since we acquired it some months ago. It has been a challenge to put together the right people with the right skill-set, but now we are extremely happy that WGM has the confidence in the property, based on their initial review of the data, to come on board as the project leader and designer. If you look at their track record, the board of directors believes that retaining WGM is the best possible outcome, at this point, for the project, the Company, and its shareholders."

Al Workman, Project Director and WGM Vice President, also said, "WGM is very pleased to be associated with the South Preston Uranium Project and we eagerly look forward to working with CAT's management in furthering exploration on the property to the point where we may be in a position to discover economically viable uranium mineralization".

The South Preston Uranium Project

The South Preston Uranium Property is located in the southwest area of Canada's Athabasca Basin, which is known to host some of the world's highest-grade uranium deposits. Recent discoveries in the region include the Arrow uranium deposit discovered by NexGen Energy Ltd. and the Triple R (PLS) uranium deposit being advanced by Fission Uranium Corp. The CAT property is comprised of 29,395 hectares and shares more than 10km of the adjacent property border with NexGen Energy, as well as more than 18.5 km of continuous project boundary with Orano (a leading global uranium producer), and 50 km of contiguous claim border with Azincourt Energy Corp.

About CAT Strategic Metals Corporation:

CAT Strategic Metals' overall Mission Statement and corporate strategy is to source, identify, acquire and advance property interests located in mineral districts proven to have world class potential, primarily for gold and copper. In addition to the South Preston Uranium Project, CAT's Burntland Project is focused on the exploration and development of several targets located Northeast of Saint Quentin in the county of Restigouche, New Brunswick, Canada, and The Rimrock Gold mineral property is a low-sulfidation and Carlin-style gold-silver prospect in the heart of the main Carlin and Northern Nevada Rift gold-silver mining belts of northeastern Nevada. CAT's shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) under the trading symbol "CAT", and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "8CH".

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Robert Rosner

Chairman, President & CEO

Further information regarding the Company can be found on SEDAR at www.SEDAR.com , by visiting the Company's website www.catstrategic.com or by contacting the Company directly at (604) 674-3145.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements. 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. Particular risks applicable to this press release include risks associated with planned production, including the ability of the company to achieve its targeted exploration outline due to regulatory, technical or economic factors. In addition, there are risks associated with estimates of resources, and there is no guarantee that a resource will be found or have demonstrated economic viability as necessary to be classified as a reserve. There is no guarantee that additional exploration work will result in significant increases to resource estimates

Neither Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

We seek safe harbour.

SOURCE: CAT Strategic Metals Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/668088/CAT-Strategic-Metals-Signs-Agreement-with-Geological-and-Mining-Consulting-Firm-to-Advance-South-Preston-Uranium-Project-in-Canadas-Prolific-Athabasca-Basin
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2021) - GoldHaven Resources Corp. (CSE: GOH) (OTCQB: GHVNF) (FSE: 4QS) ("GoldHaven" or the "Company") announces that a 7-day reconnaissance mapping, prospecting and sampling program has been completed at the Company's Smoke Mountain Property located in the Central British Columbia porphyry/ polymetallic Belt. The Smoke Mountain project is strategically located adjacent to Surge Copper's claims located 15 km northeast of Berg and 23 km north of the Imperial Metals Huckleberry project. Surge Copper recently intersected 495 metres grading 0.54% copper equivalent including 355 metres grading 0.62% copper equivalent and 126 metres grading 0.85% copper equivalent on their Ootsa project (SURG.V News Release October 12th, 2021; Figure 1).

Daniel Schieber, GoldHaven's CEO, stated, "GoldHaven is well hedged with its gold projects but also its copper exposure through Smoke Mountain, which is showing very positive signs of copper endowment from our 2021 Phase I exploration program. Smoke Mountain is situated in an 85 km belt of rocks that are prospective for gold and silver epithermal deposits as well as porphyry copper-gold deposits. The company is excited that initial mapping, sampling and prospecting has identified significant copper oxide and sulphide mineralization. "





Figure 1. Selected samples from initial mapping, prospecting, and sampling at Goldhaven's Smoke Mountain Project, located the Central British Columbia porphyry/polymetallic Belt including A) granodiorite with fracture infill of chalcopyrite, malachite, quartz and carbonate, and B) quartz epidote vein with disseminated and 1-3mm blebs of chalcopyrite with malachite.



To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7246/99574_85373f93042eeaca_002full.jpg





Figure 2. The location of the Smoke Mountain property in the Central BC porphyry-epithermal belt. Note, the mines, deposits and prospects in this part of BC provide geologic context for the Smoke Mountain property, but these are not necessarily an indication that the Property hosts similar grades or tonnages of mineralization.



To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7246/99574_85373f93042eeaca_003full.jpg

Field Program at Smoke Mountain

GoldHaven has completed a 7-day Phase 1 reconnaissance mapping, sampling, and prospecting exploration program. Mineralization and alteration have been identified in the field in the early stages of the program:

Mineralization is present and has been sampled in several locations on the property.

Sampling includes rocks from outcrops with chalcopyrite, malachite and pyrite occurring as infill within fracture zones.

Blebs and disseminated chalcopyrite and pyrite have also been noted, associated with epidote alteration and quartz veining.

Significant porphyry-style alteration footprints have been observed in outcrop including secondary biotite alteration in addition to quartz-sericite-pyrite alteration.

The Smoke Mountain Project constitutes a strategic land position within an 85 kilometer long belt of copper, gold and silver endowed magmatic-hydrothermal mines, deposits, and occurrences in west central British Columbia (Figure 1). Historic work at Smoke Mountain includes mapping and sampling which highlights the presence of high-grade gold mineralization, in addition to a significant surface area with mineralized veins and alteration footprints. The Smoke Mountain land position is road accessible and highly prospective for gold and copper.

Path Forward

In addition to Smoke Mountain, GoldHaven controls 251 km2 across 7 assets in the highly prospective Maricunga Gold Belt. The company completed Phase 1 and is preparing its Phase 2 drill campaigns. These targets have been designated as high-priority based on extensive and pervasive alteration, favourable geology, highly anomalous rock geochemistry results, and their relative proximity to existing major deposits. GoldHaven now controls 228 km2 in the highly prospective Central Newfoundland Gold Belt and is preparing the two projects for exploration.

Qualified Person

Daniel MacNeil, P.Geo, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has read and approved all technical and scientific information contained in this news release.

News Release References

1 Giroux, G.H., 2012. MINERAL RESOURCE UPDATE On The POPLAR DEPOSIT, OMINECA MINING DIVISION BRITISH COLUMBIA. Prepared for Lions Gate Metals Inc. Prepared by Giroux Consultants Ltd. Effective Date: March 30, 2012 https://www.universalcopper.com/UNV_Presentation_Web.pdf?a28db

2 https://surgecopper.com/projects/berg-joint-venture/

3 Christensen, K., Connaughton, G.R., and Ogryzolo, P., 2011. TECHNICAL REPORT ON THE MAIN ZONE OPTIMIZATION HUCKLEBERRY MINE OMINECA MINING DIVISION BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA. Prepared for Huckleberry Mines Ltd. and Imperial Metals Corporation November 22, 2011 The effective date of the exploration data is September 1, 2011, Amended May 11, 2016. https://www.imperialmetals.com/assets/docs/2016-hml-43-101-technical-report-on-the-main-zone-optimization.pdf

4 Burga D., Barry J., Grant D., Hutter J., Puritch E., Sutcliffe, R.H., and Wu, Y., 2019. INITIAL MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE AND TECHNICAL REPORT ON THE NUMBER 3 VEIN, SILVER QUEEN PROPERTY, OMINECA MINING DIVISION, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA. Prepared for NEW NADINA EXPLORATIONS LIMITED

NI 43-101 & 43-101F1 TECHNICAL REPORT by P&E Mining Consultants Inc. Effective Date: July 15, 2019 Signing Date: August 29, 2019. https://equitymetalscorporation.com/site/assets/files/3673/sq_ni43-101_aug29_2019.pdf

5https://sunsummitminerals.com/news/2021/sun-summit-drills-31-6-g-t-gold-over-4-0-metres-including-246-g-t-gold-over-0-5-metres-in-the-trench-zone-and-1-07-g-t-gold-over-109-metres-including-7-17-g-t-gold-over-5-2-metres-in-the-horseshoe-zo/

6 https://surgecopper.com/news-releases/surge-copper-intersects-495-metres-of-0.54-cueq-including-126-metres-of-0.85-cueq-at-west-seel-and-previews-upcoming-news-flow/

About GoldHaven Resources Corp.

GoldHaven Resources is a Canadian precious metals exploration company focused on acquiring and unlocking highly prospective gold projects in the Central Newfoundland Gold Belt (Canada) & the Maricunga Gold Belt (Chile). All properties have large scale discovery potential and all properties in Chile are drill-ready. GoldHaven currently holds the Pat's Pond and O'Neill projects covering approximately 228 km2 of mineral tenements in Newfoundland, Canada. The Company also holds seven Chilean projects covering approximately 251 km2; many in close proximity to renowned discoveries or large precious metals mines including Salares Norte (Gold Fields), Esperanza (TDG), La Coipa (Kinross), Cerro Maricunga (Fenix Gold), Lobo Marte (Kinross), Volcan (Volcan), Refugio (Kinross/Bema), Caspiche (Goldcorp/Barrick), Cerro Casale (Goldcorp/Barrick).

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Daniel Schieber

For further information, please contact:

Bonn Smith,

Head of Business Development

www.goldhavenresources.com

bsmith@goldhavenresources.com

Office Direct: (604) 638-3073

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE- Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, the intended use of the proceeds received from the Offering, the possible acquisition of the Projects, the Company's expectation that it will be successful in enacting its business plans, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "will", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "potential", "scheduled", or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that investor interest will be sufficient to close the Offering, and the receipt of any necessary regulatory or corporate approvals in connection with the Offering and the Assignment, that there will be investor interest in future financings, market fundamentals will result in sustained precious metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future exploration and development of the Company's projects in a timely manner, the availability of financing on suitable terms for the exploration and development of the Company's projects and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws.

The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, operating and technical difficulties in connection with mineral exploration and development activities, actual results of exploration activities, the estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, the inability of the Company to obtain the necessary financing required to conduct its business and affairs, as currently contemplated, the inability to close the Offering, the inability of the Company to enter into definitive agreements in respect of the Letters of Intent which are the subject of the Assignment, the timing and amount of estimated future production, the costs of production, capital expenditures, the costs and timing of the development of new deposits, requirements for additional capital, future prices of precious metals, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, lack of investor interest in future financings, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, title disputes, the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents, approvals or authorizations, including by the Exchange, the timing and possible outcome of any pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, and risks related to joint venture operations, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's latest interim Management's Discussion and Analysis and filed with certain securities commissions in Canada. All of the Company's Canadian public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this news release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99574
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2021) - Tracesafe Inc., (CSE: TSF) ("TraceSafe"), a global leader in location-aware Internet of Things (IoT) platforms for large-scale industrial and enterprise operations, announced today that its presence has been further expanded in the APAC region with the launch of operations in Tokyo, Japan.

A number of prospective customers in the country have expressed their interest in TraceSafe's PaaS product, specifically for enterprise IoT applications. The company has invested significant resources to develop its innovative suite of products for enterprise IoT, including asset tracking, contact tracing, and employee connectivity and engagement.

"Demand for globally proven IoT platforms like TraceSafe's is growing," said Wayne Lloyd, TraceSafe CEO. "After gaining a solid footing in North America and Singapore, laying the groundwork for partnerships in Europe and becoming the number one IoT provider for cruise lines, increasing our presence in the APAC region is a logical next priority for TraceSafe."

The Japanese market for IoT applications has boomed in recent years, and is expected to rise to a whopping 1.83 trillion yen in 2024 (approximately 16 billion USD). TraceSafe's recent ISO27001 certification puts the firm in a key position to provide IoT solutions for customers in Japan, where the certification is a legal requirement.

About TraceSafe

TraceSafe is a full suite of real-time location management services and contact tracing solutions enabled through advanced low-power Bluetooth beacons and enterprise cloud management. TraceSafe's leading cloud management solution ensures both user privacy and comprehensive administrative control. TraceSafe's patented contact tracing bracelet has already been deployed in mission-critical quarantine applications around the world in partnership with leading governments. In addition to their government work, TraceSafe is developing leading-edge solutions for Enterprise, Healthcare, Education, Government, and large-scale venue management.

For further information, please contact:

Wayne Lloyd, CEO

+1 (604) 629-9975

wayne@tracesafe.io

Emily Graham, CFO

+1 (604) 356-8111

emily@tracesafe.io





The Canadian Securities Exchange has in no way approved or disapproved the contents of this news release.

Statements in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that are based on TraceSafe'sexpectations, estimates and projections regarding its business and the economic environment in which it operates, including with respect to expectations regarding the TraceSafe assets and their application,future business plans and relationships, future developments in respect of COVID-19 and solutions adopted in response to the virus, and the deployment and acceptance of the TraceSafe technology. AlthoughTraceSafe believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict, including the suitability of our products to help businesses and governments reopen, competition, the spread or containment of COVID-19 and government responses thereto and general economic and market conditions. Therefore, outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements and readers should not place undue reliance on such statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and TraceSafe undertakes no obligation to update them publicly to reflect new information or the occurrence of future events or circumstances unless otherwise required to do so by law.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99646
Company announces expanded collaboration with leading data science research group BioLab, notes existing biomarker results on display at various fall conferences

Genialis, a leader in applied data science for the development of precision medicines, today announced it has received a grant to co-finance the development of groundbreaking biomarker discovery technologies. The award from the Slovenian Research Agency contemplates support for the collaboration between BioLab (University of Ljubljana) and Genialis through 2023. This comes on the heels of Genialis' discovery of several novel technologies in pursuit of machine-learning-enabled clinical biomarkers. The sponsored research compliments Genialis' own internal R&D program, providing additional expertise, tooling and talent.

"The precision medicine movement has made great strides, but it also has revealed certain limitations in targeting treatments to patients due to the challenges of identifying therapeutically relevant biomarkers," said Rafael Rosengarten, Ph.D., CEO of Genialis. "Genialis is focused on the next generation of biomarkers, those that embrace biological complexity, confront bias in data, and take full advantage of the computational technologies at our fingertips."

These new approaches to biomarker discovery incorporate proprietary technologies for deriving predictive gene signatures and harmonizing clinical datasets to identify clinically applicable biomarkers. Biomarkers developed based on these technologies are featured in poster presentations at the 2021 European Society for Medical Oncology and ??European Congress on Gynaecological Oncology conferences this Fall. Genialis will also unveil more details about their new platform's capabilities at BioData World Congress 2021 in Basel, Switzerland in early November.

The expansion of the collaboration with BioLab builds on an already fruitful relationship between the entities. Genialis has deep ties to BioLab, a renowned research group within the Faculty of Computer and Information Science at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia. Miha Stajdohar, CTO and co-founder of Genialis, earned his Ph.D. at the institution and was co-mentored by Blaz Zupan, Ph.D., director of BioLab. Dr. Zupan remains a senior advisor to Genialis, and has published numerous studies on data integration, machine learning and clinical data analysis.

Genialis will present detailed information about their new platform on Wednesday, November 3 at 11:40 a.m. Central European Time/+2 GMT. To register for the BioData World Congress, please visit https://biodata.snoball.events/p/genialis

About Genialis

Genialis is a data science and drug discovery company focused on new ways to treat disease. Blending computational biology and machine-learning (AI/ML) methods, Genialis merges and models data at the intersection of clinical and translational medicine. Genialis is trusted by biopharma and big pharma alike, to identify targets, predict biomarkers and optimally position novel drugs. Together, Genialis and its partners work to bring improved solutions to drug discovery to change people's lives.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005239/en/

Contacts:

Andrea Vuturo

andrea@vuturo.com

+1-415-689-8414
NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Blockworks' Digital Asset Summit (DAS) returns for its second year to London, November 15 - 16, 2021 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel.

DAS creates spaces for the traditional capital markets world to interact with the crypto industry. Bank of America, Fidelity Digital Assets, CoinShares, Coinbase, WisdomTree and dozens more will join us to discuss the intersection of traditional finance and digital assets.

The New York City edition of DAS this September sold out as investors gathered to discuss digital assets.

Guests gained tremendous value from DAS, one attendee described "Our team was unanimous that DAS 2021 was the best crypto conference we've been to". Blockworks expects the same turn out of hedge funds, banks and crypto infrastructure experts at the London conference.

To accommodate the growth of the industry and cover the most important subject matter, DAS is returning to London as a two-day event.

Topics include:

The Investment Case for DeFi

The Rise of Crypto Derivatives

Perspectives from the Buy Side: Inside the Bull Market

The Future of Financial Services and Digital Assets

Tokenization and the Future of Capital Markets

The Market for Institutional Lending and Digital Assets

Esteemed speakers include:

Anne Richards , Fidelity International

, Fidelity International Daniel Masters , CoinShares

, CoinShares Alexey Demyanov , Bank of America

, Bank of America Dr. Ruth Wandhofer, Gauss Ventures

Dotun Rominiyi, London Stock Exchange Group

Ed Carlton , Flow Traders

, Flow Traders Jason Guthrie , Wisdom Tree

, Wisdom Tree Brett Trejpaul, Coinbase

Mariana Gospodinova , Crypto.com

Stani Kulechov, Aave

Oliver von Landsberg-Sadie , BCB Group

Dmitry Tokarev , Copper

David Mercer , LMAX Group

, LMAX Group And dozens more industry leaders .

With unparalleled access to both crypto founders and leaders from financial institutions, DAS has become the go-to digital asset conference conference for investors. VIP guests are invited to an exclusive dinner with conference speakers and all guests are invited to an after-party hosted by Coinbase.

Join leaders from the buy-side, sell-side, regulation and crypto companies to discuss how digital assets will create investment opportunities and impact the future.

Thanks to the Diamond Sponsors for making this event possible: Aave, BCB Group, Copper, Crypto.com, Fidelity Digital Assets, LMAX Digital. Platinum sponsors include: B2C2, Bequant, Bitstamp, Blockchain.com, Blockdaemon, BlockFi, BVNK, Coinbase, CME Group, Enigma Securities, Equonex Group, Eventus, Fireblocks, Fnality, Gemini, Genesis, GSR, Matrixport, Nansen, Radix, Toko, Trade Station Crypto. Gold Sponsors include: Amberdata, Blockfills, Chainalysis, Consensys, Elliptic, Kaiko, The Tie, SkillZ.

Other participants companies include: AIMA, Bank of America, BPI France, CoinShares, Crypto Finance AG, DIA Labs, Fabric Ventures, FIS, Flow Traders, Gauss Ventures, L1 Digital, Lantern Ventures, London Stock Exchange Group, Nickel Digital, Tobam Unbiased, Wave, What Bitcoin Did, Wintermute, WisdomTree, Woorton, Zodia Markets.

About Blockworks

Blockworks is a financial media brand that delivers breaking news and premium insights about digital assets to millions of investors. Blockworks is the founder of the Digital Asset Summits (DAS), the leading conferences for institutional investors looking at digital assets.

Contact:

Julie Muroff

Events@blockworks.co
Partnership debuts Apiture Xpress Live, new Digital Customer Service platform for Apiture Xpress customers

WILMINGTON, NC / ACCESSWIRE / October 14, 2021 / Apiture, a leading provider of digital banking solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with Glia, a leading provider of Digital Customer Service, to provide Apiture Xpress customers with an enhanced, digital-first customer support platform. The Glia-powered solution, offered to Apiture customers as Apiture Xpress Live, will deliver collaborative communication options such as chat and video support.

As the shift to digital banking continues among retail branch customers, Apiture sought an efficient and effective customer service platform to meet the growing demand for seamless, user-friendly experiences online. With Glia, Apiture Xpress Live will enable banks and credit unions to communicate with their customers and members through whichever methods they prefer-including messaging, video banking and voice. Customer service representatives will also have the ability to jointly browse online properties during support sessions using Glia's CoBrowsing feature.

"Today's customer expects easy access to their financial institution's support team, with immediate responses to even the most complex support requests. That's the capability we aim to deliver to our Xpress customers," said Chris Cox, chief operating officer and general manager of Apiture Xpress. "With Glia, we are offering a highly personalized, seamless customer experience that helps improve overall engagement between banks and credit unions and their customers and members."

Glia's technology leverages a strategic blend of AI and human interaction. With Glia, customers are able to easily start an interaction via chatbot to help answer simple questions, and when more complex inquiries arise, the chatbot can seamlessly transfer the interaction to a live representative. The technology can be customized to fit the diverse needs of a wide range of financial institutions, making it a natural fit for the variety of banks and credit unions that Apiture serves.

The Digital Customer Service platform, now available to Apiture Xpress clients, underlines Apiture's mission to offer the best technology available to the banks and credit unions it serves. This integration follows Apiture's launch of a new mobile banking experience for Apiture Xpress mobile clients in August 2021.

"The widespread migration to digital is here to stay, and it's time for banks' and credit unions' customer and member service strategies to evolve," said Dan Michaeli, CEO and co-founder of Glia. "Digital Customer Service is an essential part of digital transformation; empowering users with continuity, flexibility and choice for how they want to engage with their financial institution is critical to creating five-star experiences. Through our partnership with Apiture, we're helping its bank and credit union clients modernize customer service, which ultimately boosts efficiencies and strengthens overall relationships."

About Apiture

Apiture is a leading provider of digital banking solutions. Apiture provides financial institutions with the integrations, capabilities and resources that banks and credit unions have not had access to in the past. Offering two differentiated digital experience platforms, Apiture Xpress and Apiture Open, Apiture develops innovative solutions that can be used by financial institutions of any size. Apiture serves hundreds of financial institutions in the United States market. The company is headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina, with offices in Austin, Texas.

About Glia

Glia is reinventing how businesses support their customers in a digital world. Glia's solution enriches web and mobile experiences with digital communication choices, on-screen collaboration and AI-enabled assistance. Glia has partnered with more than 200 banks, credit unions, insurance companies and other financial institutions across the globe to improve top and bottom-line results through Digital Customer Service. The company has won numerous awards for its innovation - most recently recognized by Gartner as a Cool Vendor for 2020, and raised over $100 million in funding from top investors. Visit glia.com to learn more.

Media Contact

Heather Valle

Caliber Corporate Advisers

heather@calibercorporate.com

SOURCE: Apiture

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/667950/Apiture-and-Glia-Partner-to-Deliver-Digital-Customer-Service-for-Banks-and-Credit-Unions
FEops today announced that it received De Novo authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for FEops HEARTguide pre-operative planning of left atrial appendage occlusion with the Boston Scientific WATCHMAN device*. FEops HEARTguide will enable physicians to virtually model clinical scenarios with different implant positions and sizes of the WATCHMAN device helping the heart team to select the optimal size and position for every individual patient.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005139/en/

"The pre-operative insight provided by FEops HEARTguide is powerful and can help me to optimize decision making for selecting optimal device size and position," said Dr Jacqueline Saw, Vancouver General Hospital, Canada. "FEops HEARTguide is an intuitive platform I can use to discuss cases with the entire heart team to streamline my pre-op planning workflow."

"FDA authorization of FEops HEARTguide is a significant milestone as this is the first Interventional Cardiovascular Implant Simulation Software Device cleared on the US market," said Peter Mortier, PhD, co-founder and CTO of FEops. "Research on this technology began more than 10 years ago. We have continued to develop it with the goal of helping healthcare professionals identify the most appropriate treatment strategy for each patient precisely, safely and efficiently. This De Novo clearance is only a first step, and we are already preparing for FDA 510(k) submissions for FEops HEARTguide LAAo workflow with Abbott's Amplatzer Amulet device and Boston Scientific's WATCHMAN FLX device."

*The Owner/Operator Number for this Registration is: 10082838 and the listing number: DEN200030.

FEops HEARTguide is a one-in-its-kind procedure planning platform for structural heart interventions that provides physicians with unique insights to evaluate device sizing and positioning pre-operatively. The platform uses digital twin technology based on patient-specific virtual replicas of the heart. Besides the recent FDA clearance to enter the US market with its LAAo workflow with WATCHMAN, FEops HEARTguide is also commercially available in the European Union, UK, Canada and Australia for its TAVI and LAAo workflows.

About FEops HEARTguide

FEops HEARTguideTM cloud-based procedure planning environment uses digital twin technology to provide clinicians and medical device manufacturers with first-ever insights into the interaction between transcatheter structural heart devices and specific patient anatomy pre-operatively. Additionally, this includes also a range of quality controlled, validated and AI-enabled** anatomical analyses. Such insights have the power to help ultimately to improve clinical outcomes in real-world hospital settings, as well as to accelerate research and development of novel device-based solutions.

** Currently available only in the European Union, UK, Canada and Australia for its TAVI and LAAo workflows.

About FEops

Privately held FEops, headquartered in Gent, Belgium, is a digital health player offering cloud-based procedure planning solutions in the structural heart space combining digital twin and AI technologies. In September 2017, FEops announced that it closed a 6 million euros financing, led by Valiance, and joined by existing investors Capricorn Partners and PMV. In December 2019, FEops has been awarded a grant of Euro 3.2 million from the European Innovation Council (EIC) accelerator programme.

www.feops.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005139/en/

Contacts:

Press

Matthieu De Beule, PhD

CEO

Tel: 32 9 292 80 30

Email: matthieu.debeule@feops.com
DGAP-News: Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. / Key word(s): Miscellaneous

Tetra Bio-Pharma Provides Update on Clinical Development Program for QIXLEEF



14.10.2021 / 14:39

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Ottawa, October 14, 2021 (CNW) - Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. ("Tetra" or the "Company") (TSX: TBP) (OTCQB: TBPMF) (FRA:JAM1), a leader in cannabinoid-derived drug discovery and development today provided an update on the progress and significant achievements of its lead investigational drug, QIXLEEF. QIXLEEF is a botanical inhaled drug product with a fixed ratio of THC and CBD that meets USA cGMP regulatory requirements. The drug will be first indicated in patients with cancer suffering of uncontrolled breakthrough pain (REBORN(c) trials) then in patients with advanced cancer with inadequately controlled pain (PLENITUDE(c) trials). QIXLEEF, with its innovative and proprietary dosing data, provides fast acting relief from pain, offering patients a viable, safer, and non-opioid option for pain management. The Company began regulatory discussions on QIXLEEF with both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada in mid-2016. This included obtaining a product jurisdiction decision for the regulation of QIXLEEF as a drug-device combination product. This type of decision is binding and defines the regulatory path to marketing approval for a combination product. Pre-Investigational New Drug (pre-IND or Type B meetings) and pre-Clinical Trial Application type meetings were held with the regulators to discuss the regulatory requirements to bring QIXLEEF to the market as a prescription drug and seek guidance and approval on the drug development strategy. Since the beginning of the clinical development program in late-2016, QIXLEEF strictly adhered to and complied with the regulatory requirements of a prescription drug. The Company completed two Phase 1 clinical trials in healthy volunteers to assess the safety profile, including cardiovascular, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, of smoked and vaporized QIXLEEF. Results of these studies demonstrated the safety of QIXLEEF and addressed critical concerns such as the potential for QT prolongation when used in combination with other medications. For patients, the 7-day multiple dosing studies revealed that QIXLEEF could be used without functionally impairing the human subject. From an efficacy point of view, the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that QIXLEEF could deliver significantly high levels of cannabinoids to the brain within the first 5 minutes of initiating inhalation. The pharmacodynamics confirmed the desired target response in human subjects. The Company believes that these two characteristics of its drug-device combination product are critical for an effective drug in the management of breakthrough pain. In parallel to the above Phase 1 studies, the Company initiated a major research program on the qualitative and quantitative composition of the aerosols generated by smoking and vaporizing QIXLEEF. This research began in mid-2017 and continues to be part of the Company's routine analysis of QIXLEEF and its raw materials to ensure consistent delivery of cannabinoids to the patients between production lots. This research program led to the development of composition of matter intellectual property. In November 2019, the Company announced that the FDA had authorized the initiation of our PLENITUDE(c) trial after demonstrating new quality standards for mitigating the risk of mycotoxins to patients. PLENITUDE(c) is a 4-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of inhaled QIXLEEF on uncontrolled pain related to cancer in 78 adult patients with advanced incurable cancer. The Company received the raw materials for fabricating QIXLEEF in September 2020 thereby allowing the start of the in-life phase of the trial. In August 2020, the Company shared data on its CBD Metabolite Study in Humans. This milestone had a major positive impact on Tetra's inhaled product portfolio, as the data demonstrated very low level of CBD metabolites in humans exposed to inhaled QIXLEEF. This evidence corroborated the absence of liver toxicity when QIXLEEF is inhaled and strengthened the safety profile of our drug product. In 2020, the Company expanded its regulatory activities to ensure the nonclinical safety strategy, manufacturing and quality, and a global clinical trial program for the marketing approval of QIXLEEF in Europe. Subsequently, Tetra created a subsidiary in Europe, called Tetra Bio-Pharma Europe LTD. The former was important so that the regulatory requirements for QIXLEEF would be similar for Europe, United States and Canada. Having a global drug development strategy ensures economy of scale and lower cost of drug development to shareholders. As part of the regulatory achievements, in September 2021, the Company received its first Scientific Advice Assessment Report from a European Medicines Authority. This Report provided positive feedback on the drug development plan and eligibility for submitting a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) under Directive 2001/83/EC (Directive). In January 2021, the FDA authorized the initiation of the REBORN1(c) trial with QIXLEEF. The REBORN1(c) trial is a head-to-head phase 2 study against an opioid treatment in the management of short and frequent episodes of incapacitating pain (breakthrough pain) requesting immediate release opioid treatment in patients living with cancer. The initial protocol was assessing a direct safety and efficacy comparison between QIXLEEF and oral morphine sulfate immediate release on the onset of pain relief in this population. In June 2021, an approved amended protocol opened the recruitment to cancer patients with breakthrough pain who are treated with either oral morphine sulfate immediate release, oral hydromorphone immediate release, or oral oxycodone immediate release. REBORN1(c), if successful, is expected to provide proof of concept evidence that QIXLEEF can be an alternative to the class of immediate release oral opioids in the management of breakthrough cancer pain. With a supportive outcome of the REBORN1(c) trial, the Company will be on a path to bring QIXLEEF as a novel, safe, and effective treatment for the management of breakthrough pain. The Company will leverage the long-term safety data gathered in the PLENITUDE(c) trial to supplement the safety and efficacy data for the REBORN(c) trials. The REBORN(c) clinical strategy provides the fastest and lowest cost development program to bring QIXLEEF to the market. The Company is finalizing its raw material global supply plans and is in partnering discussions as it prepares to initiate the last stage of its drug development of QIXLEEF for an indication in breakthrough pain as an alternative to immediate-release oral opioids. Dr. Guy Chamberland, CEO and CRO commented, "Our team has made significant progress in bringing QIXLEEF to a late clinical development stage. We are dedicated to bringing this novel medication to patients and physicians as an alternative to opioids. It has been a challenging, but exciting journey to develop the first Rx inhaled cannabinoid-based drug." About Tetra Bio-Pharma

Tetra Bio-Pharma (TSX: TBP) (OTCQB: TBPMF) (FRA:JAM1) is a leader in cannabinoid-derived drug discovery and development with a FDA and a Health Canada cleared clinical program aimed at bringing novel prescription drugs and treatments to patients and their healthcare providers. Our evidence-based scientific approach has enabled us to develop a pipeline of cannabinoid-based drug products for a range of medical conditions, including pain, inflammation, and oncology. With patients at the core of what we do, Tetra Bio-Pharma is focused on providing rigorous scientific validation and safety data required for inclusion into the existing biopharma industry by regulators, physicians and insurance companies. For more information visit: www.tetrabiopharma.com Neither the TSX Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.



Forward-looking statements

Some statements in this release may contain forward-looking information. All statements, other than of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements regarding potential acquisitions and financings) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words "may", "will", "should", "continue", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "plan" or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict, that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, without limitation, the inability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to execute the Company's business plan; competition; regulation and anticipated and unanticipated costs and delays, the success of the Company's research and development strategies, including the success of this product or any other product, the applicability of the discoveries made therein, the successful and timely completion and uncertainties related to the regulatory process, the timing of clinical trials, the timing and outcomes of regulatory or intellectual property decisions and other risks disclosed in the Company's public disclosure record on file with the relevant securities regulatory authorities. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results or events not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities legislation. For further information, please contact Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc.: Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc.

Ms. Natalie Leroux

Phone: + 1 (833) 977-7575

Email: investors@tetrabiopharma.com

media@tetrabiopharma.com Source: Tetra Bio-Pharma

14.10.2021 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

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Medisure Canada Signs Contract to Distribute Testing Products Across BC's First Nations Communities

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 14, 2021 / EMPOWER CLINICS INC. (CBDT:CSE) (8EC: Frankfurt) (EPWCF:OTCQB) ("Empower" or the "Company") an integrated healthcare company serving patients through medical centers, telemedicine platforms, a medical device company, and a high complexity medical diagnostics laboratory processing COVID-19 specimens and developing a variety of direct to consumer testing protocols- is excited to announce that via a competitive process, we have been awarded a contract with the British Columbia First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) to provide diabetic testing products for communities supported by the FNHA.

Under the contract, MediSure Canada - a wholly owned subsidiary of Empower Clinics - will supply the FNHA with its proprietary MediSure Multi-User Glucose Meter, Test Strips, and Control Solution for the FNHA effective Sept. 1, 2021, to Aug. 31, 2023.

Diabetes Canada cites the rate of First Nations with diabetes living on reserve at 17 per cent and 12 per cent for those residing off reserve. This is compared to only five per cent among the general population. Through collaboration with the FNHA's community delivery program, MediSure is fulfilling its mission of providing affordable, high-quality diabetic management products to all Canadians. In conjunction with other contracts, MediSure is forging ahead on its path to become the preferred Canadian supplier of diabetic management devices.

"As a British Columbian, I'm honoured to enter into this contract with the FNHA and assist with their communities' diabetic needs," said Steven McAuley, Chairman and CEO of Empower Clinics. "Both the FNHA and Empower are striving to push the boundaries of healthcare through partnerships and delivery options that provide accessible high quality healthcare services for better patient outcomes. This is one of many contracts we are working to secure with MediSure's industry-leading and cost-effective medical devices."

This press release is available on the Empower Clinics Verified Forum on AGORACOM for shareholder discussion, questions and engagement with management https://agoracom.com/ir/EmpowerClinics

ABOUT FIRST NATIONS HEALTH AUTHORITY

The FNHA is the health and wellness partner to over 200 diverse First Nations communities and citizens across BC. The FNHA is also a champion of culturally safe practices throughout the broader health care system. Taking a leadership role, the FNHA actively works with its health partners to embed cultural safety and humility into health service delivery and improve health outcomes for First Nations people.

ABOUT EMPOWER:

Empower is an integrated healthcare company that provides body and mind wellness for patients through its clinics, with digital and telemedicine care, and world-class medical diagnostics laboratories. Supported by an experienced leadership team, Empower is aggressively growing its clinical and digital presence across North America. Our Health & Wellness and Diagnostics & Technology business units are positioned to positively impact the integrated health of our patients, while simultaneously providing long term value for our shareholders.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Steven McAuley

Chief Executive Officer

CONTACTS:

Investors:

Steven McAuley CEO

s.mcauley@empowerclinics.com

604-789-2146

Investors:

Tamara Mason

Business Development & Communications

t.mason@empowerclinics.com

416-671-5617

DISCLAIMER FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively "forward looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements can frequently be identified by words such as "plans", "continues", "expects", "projects", "intends", "believes", "anticipates", "estimates", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or information that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the expected benefits to the Company and its shareholders as a result of the acquisition of Kai Medical Laboratory; the transaction terms; the expected number of clinics and patients following the closing; the future potential success of Kai Medical Laboratory, Sun Valley's franchise model; launch of new healthcare centers and the occurrence thereof; that the Company can bring healthcare to millions of Canadians; that new healthcare services can be added and that the Company will be positioned to be a market- leading service provider for complex patient requirements in 2020 and beyond. Such statements are only projections, are based on assumptions known to management at this time, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including: that Kai Medical Laboratory will successfully win any US Government RFP; that the MedX Health pilot program will be successful; that Empower will place the MedX Health teledermatology product in health centers in North America; that the Company's products may not work as expected; that the Company may not be able to expand COVID-19 testing; that legislative changes may have an adverse effect on the Company's business and product development; that the Company may not be able to obtain adequate financing to pursue its business plan; that the Company will be able to commence and/or complete build-outs and tenants improvements for Canadian clinics or Kai Medical Laboratory expansion inn 2Q 2021; that general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; failure to obtain any necessary approvals in connection with the proposed transaction; and other factors beyond the Company's control. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements in this release, which are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable laws.

SOURCE: Empower Clinics Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/668109/Empower-Clinics-Subsidiary-Selected-To-Provide-Diabetes-Management-Solutions-For-British-Columbias-First-Nations-Communities
Y-T-D sales total $22.5 million

CHICO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / October 14, 2021 / AmeraMex International, Inc. (OTCQB:AMMX), a provider of heavy equipment for logistics companies, infrastructure construction and forestry conservation, announced that it has received equipment orders totaling $1,625,000. Year-to-date, AmeraMex has announced sales of approximately $22.5 million.

This week's sales orders consisted of the following equipment:

Three refurbished Taylor THDC 955 Loaded Container Handlers for stacking loaded containers or ISO Tanks. The Handlers stack up to five loaded containers and are equipped with 20'-40' spreader. One of the Handlers is shipping to a container storage yard and the remaining Handlers are shipping to two trucking companies.

One refurbished Taylor THDC 955 Container Handler shipping to the Bay Area.

A ballast tamper and a ballast regulator shipping to a customer in Independence, Kansas. A ballast tamper is a self-propelled, rail-mounted machine used to pack (or tamp) the track ballast under railway tracks to make the tracks and roadbed more durable and level.

Ballast regulators are an integral part of railroad maintenance and are one of the last machines you will see during track maintenance as they follow behind the tamper and work to properly sculpt new crushed stone evenly across the right-of-way. In doing so regulators clear the stone from the ties and angles the ballast to the proper slope to restore efficient drainage.

For more information and pricing of logistics, construction, and forestry equipment or to receive information and arrange for a demonstration of the Kovaco Electric's 100 percent electric skid steer loaders or the line of ASV Posti-Tract and Skid Steer Loaders, contact the AmeraMex/Hamre Equipment sales team at 530.895.8955.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "potential," "continue" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties, and there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Investors are encouraged to review the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Company's control which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects the Company's current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

Investor and Media Relations

McCloud Communications, LLC

Marty Tullio, Managing Member

Office: 949.632.1900 or Marty@McCloudCommunications.com

SOURCE: AmeraMex International, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/668105/AmeraMex-International-Announces-Equipment-Orders-Totaling-Approximately-16-Million
CINCINNATI, OH / ACCESSWIRE / October 14, 2021 / 84.51, a retail data science, insights and media company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Kroger Co., has named Todd James chief data & technology officer. A driver of digital transformation, James will pave the way for the continued growth of 84.51, building on its rich data, science, and technology capabilities. He will lead all technology functions and enterprise capabilities teams, including product & design, engineering, data science, science research and consumer research.

Todd James, Chief Data & Technology Officer, 84.51. Download headshot.

"Todd's experience in the data science ecosystem and his outstanding track record make him the ideal candidate to take 84.51 and its wealth of capabilities to new heights. The company's continued growth will benefit from his innovative leadership approach and commitment to strategic thinking. We're excited to have him on board," said Milen Mahadevan, president of 84.51.

James brings 15 years of experience to his new post from Fidelity Investments where he held a variety of key strategic leadership roles. An innovative leader, he built the global data and analytics organization for Fidelity's Workplace Investing and Health Care business units. He also led efforts to modernize servicing and operations through applied artificial intelligence, automation and directed Fidelity's Cross-Enterprise AI Center of Excellence (COE). In this role, he had leadership responsibilities for a corporate shared service providing business intelligence, data science, artificial intelligence (AI), digital information solutions, analytical consulting, customer insights, and digital personalization to Fidelity's employees, B-to-C and B-to-B clients. He also held senior leadership roles in enterprise operations, business transformation, strategy and consulting, and performance solutions.

Prior to Fidelity, James led a strategy consulting practice at Deloitte, directing strategic engagements with global Fortune 500 and government clients. As a director at Resource Consultants, Inc. he built and led a technology services business unit while also overseeing corporate IT. Prior to his business career, James was an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard where he held leadership roles in IT, information security, and shipboard operations.

Aside from a B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, James also earned an MBA from The College of William and Mary, and a M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Illinois. He is an editorial board member for CDO Magazine.

About 84.51

84.51 is a retail data science, insights and media company helping the Kroger company, consumer packaged goods companies, agencies, publishers and affiliated partners create more personalized and valuable experiences for shoppers across the path to purchase.

Powered by cutting edge science, we leverage 1st party retail data from nearly 1 of 2 US households and 2BN+ transactions to fuel a more customer-centric journey utilizing 84.51 Insights, 84.51 Loyalty Marketing and our retail media advertising solution, Kroger Precision Marketing.

Media Contacts:

Jamie Scalici / John O'Hara

Mower

212-980-9194 / 315-413-4212

jscalici@mower.com / johara@mower.com

SOURCE: 84.51

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/667960/Todd-James-Joins-8451-as-Chief-Data-Technology-Officer
Phoenix, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2021) - The Stock Day Podcast welcomed Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. (TSXV: SCAN) (OTCQB: LDDFF) (FSE: LD2) ("the Company"), a company that provides multi-technology security solutions for concealed weapons detection in high volume foot traffic areas and locations requiring enhanced security such as airports, stadiums, schools, and more. Senior Vice President of Capital Markets, Jay Adelaar, joined Stock Day host, Everett Jolly.

Jolly began the interview by asking about the Company's background and current projects. "At Liberty Defense, we started trading in March of this year and raised $6.9 million and then did a follow-up financing and raised another $7.1 million. So, we are very nicely capitalized at this point," shared Adelaar. "Liberty Defense is a security detection technology company," he added. "We have three products; HEXWAVE being our flagship, as well as two other technologies we are developing."

"Could you expand on the three technologies you guys are trying to bring to a commercial platform?" asked Jolly. "The first one is HEXWAVE," said Adelaar. "We originally licensed this from MIT Lincoln Labs in Boston," he explained. "It is a walk through portal that scans people at speed," said Adelaar. "What it is looking for is anomalies on the body - metallic and also non-metallic," he said. "We have been working on this for some time now and we're in that exciting phase where we are going to start beta testing here in Q1 and then follow-up with commercialization in Q4 of 2022."

"Our share structure right now is just under 64 million shares outstanding and the share price is around 36 cents per share," said Adelaar. "We are bringing on a lot of talent over that is leaving these multi-billion dollar companies and I think you'll see that continue to happen as we continue to develop this technology."

Jolly then asked about the significance of the Company's team members from L-3 Security & Detection Systems. "Bill Frain is the CEO of our company who spent almost 20 years with L-3," said Adelaar, noting that L-3 Harris is a $30 billion publicly listed company. "Frain also brought over our President Michael Lanzaro, who has been a VP of Engineering for 15+ years from L-3 as well."

"What are you expecting in the next three to four quarters in terms of how you are going to grow this?" asked Jolly. "It starts with engineering, development, beta, and getting the feedback from the beta customers," said Adelaar. "That sort of all comes down to commercialization at the end of Q4 of 2022," he added. "We will be working on the above and advancing with the best and brightest people we have available."

To close the interview, Adelaar elaborated on the potential of the Company, noting their experienced management team, tight share structure, and advanced technology, paired with their low market cap.

To hear Jay Adelaar's entire interview, follow the link to the podcast here: https://audioboom.com/posts/7960328-liberty-defense-holdings-ltd-discusses-hexwave-beta-testing-and-commercialization-with-the-stock

Investors Hangout is a proud sponsor of "Stock Day" and Stock Day Media encourages listeners to visit the Company's message board at https://investorshangout.com/.

About Liberty Defense

Liberty Defense (TSXV: SCAN) (OTCQB: LDDFF) (FSE: LD2) provides multi-technology security solutions for concealed weapons detection in high volume foot traffic areas and locations requiring enhanced security such as airports, stadiums, schools, and more. Liberty's HEXWAVE product, for which the company has secured an exclusive license from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), as well as a technology transfer agreement for patents related to active 3D radar imaging technology, provides discrete, modular, and scalable protection to provide layered, stand-off detection capability of metallic and non-metallic weapons. Liberty has also recently licensed the millimeter wave-based, High Definition Advanced Imaging Technology (HD-AIT) body scanner and shoe scanner technologies as part of its technology portfolio. Liberty is committed to protecting communities and preserving peace of mind through superior security detection solutions.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Although Liberty believes, in light of the experience of their respective officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and information in this press release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the parties can give no assurance that such statements will prove to be correct. Such statements and information reflect the current view of Liberty. There are risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause Liberty's actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others: currency fluctuations; limited business history of the parties; disruptions or changes in the credit or security markets; results of operation activities and development of projects; project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; and general development, market and industry conditions. The parties undertake no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of their securities or their respective financial or operating results (as applicable).

Liberty cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on Liberty's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Liberty has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of Liberty as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Liberty does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws.

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.

About The "Stock Day" Podcast

Founded in 2013, Stock Day is the fastest growing media outlet for Nano-Cap and Micro-Cap companies. It educates investors while simultaneously working with penny stock and OTC companies, providing transparency and clarification of under-valued, under-sold Micro-Cap stocks of the market. Stock Day provides companies with customized solutions to their news distribution in both national and international media outlets. The Stock Day Podcast is the number one radio show of its kind in America.

SOURCE:

Stock Day Media

(602) 821-1102

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99668
Phoenix, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2021) - The Stock Day Podcast welcomed StrikeForce Technologies Inc. (OTCQB: SFOR) ("the Company"), a company that helps to prevent Cyber Security theft and data security breaches for consumers, corporations, and government agencies. CEO of the Company, Mark L. Kay, joined Stock Day host Everett Jolly.

Jolly began the interview by asking about the Company's background and current project. "We are a strong cyber security company, we own five different products that we sell: ProtectID, GuardedID, MobileTrust, SafeVchat, and PrivacyLok," explained Kay. "We used to trade at .002 cents and we are now trading at about 8 cents," he shared. "We feel very strong about what we are doing."

"What is so special about the latest patent that you have received?", asked Jolly. "That patent is not just an ordinary patent," said Kay. "The name of it is 'Systems and Methods for Controlling Access to a Blockchain'," he shared. "It allows us to control access to any blockchain and it is very powerful," said Kay. "We feel it is the strongest patent we have ever had."

"How are you going to market this and take it to commercial use?", asked Jolly. "The blockchain business is growing rapidly," said Kay. "We will be looking into the use of the patent over the next couple of months to see where and how we can use it potentially in some of the major companies out there," he explained. "We're also looking at making the patent international."

Jolly then asked for an update on the Company's SafeVchat technology. "It's now a real product, it is in the marketplace," said Kay. "We are constantly upgrading the product," he added. "We still do not have recording, we have one last piece to solve on it," said Kay. "The good news is we have a lot of companies waiting for recording and as soon as it comes out, they will start testing and potentially buying it."

"Besides all that, we will also be allowing enterprises to automatically buy SafeVchat from our website," continued Kay. "That is a huge deal for us to be able to do that automatically and we feel that is a very strong piece, which was very difficult to build," he said. "That will be live most likely by mid next week."

"What does the future look like for StrikeForce Technologies over the next two to three quarters?", asked Jolly. "We expect SafeVchat to be selling a lot now in terms of getting the product fully done with recording," said Kay. "We're also doing a lot more on the marketing side," he added. "We are trying to hire some good sales people," said Kay. "We feel very good, very bullish, and we feel we have a strong future ahead of us."

To close the interview, Kay thanked shareholders and investors for their commitment to the Company as they continue advancing their technologies, and encouraged listeners to consider the potential of the Company as they continue to grow.

To hear Mark L. Kay's entire interview, follow the link to the podcast here: https://audioboom.com/posts/7960325-strikeforce-technologies-inc-discusses-significance-of-its-newest-patent-with-the-stock-day-podcast

Investors Hangout is a proud sponsor of "Stock Day," and Stock Day Media encourages listeners to visit the company's message board at https://investorshangout.com/

About StrikeForce Technologies Inc.

StrikeForce Technologies helps to prevent Cyber theft and data security breaches for consumers, corporations, and government agencies. It provides powerful two-factor, "Out-of-Band" authentication, keystroke encryption along with mobile solutions. StrikeForce Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: SFOR) is headquartered in Edison, N.J., and can be reached at www.strikeforcetech.com or by phone at (732) 661-9641 or toll-free at (866) 787-4542.

Safe Harbor Statement:

Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "expect" and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of the Company and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with: the sales of the company's identity protection software products into various channels and market sectors, the issuance of the Company's pending patent applications, COVID-19, and the impact of economic, competitive and other factors affecting the Company and its operations, markets, product, and distributor performance, the impact on the national and local economies resulting from terrorist actions, and U.S. actions subsequently; and other factors detailed in reports filed by the company.

StrikeForce Contact Info:

Mark L. Kay, CEO

marklkay@strikeforcetech.com

(732) 661-9641

About The "Stock Day" Podcast

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99667
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2021) - Bam Bam Resources Corp. (CSE: BBR) (OTC Pink: NPEZF) (FSE: 4NPB) ("Bam Bam" or the "Company") is pleased to report that recent results from the 2021 soil sampling program are extremely encouraging. 997 soil geochemical samples were collected in 2021 to extend existing copper, silver, and gold anomalies. Two very significant zones of copper/silver/gold were identified at the DeSoto Copper Oxide Target and the newly identified Copper-Gold Target.





Figure 1

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6332/99608_550b70b66490fbd2_001full.jpg

A very large, multi-point copper/silver anomaly at the DeSoto Oxide Target was extended an additional 274 meters (900 ft) northward. The DeSoto anomalous copper soil zone is outlined using a 100 ppm copper value threshold (see map).

The new Copper-Gold Target Zone is over 1,600 meters (5,249 ft) across. Very limited historic underground workings at the Last Chance Mine on the southwest edge of the Target area produced silver, lead, and zinc. Surface rock chip samples from the Copper-Gold Target include:





Table 1



To view an enhanced version of Table 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6332/99608_bambamtable1.jpg

Core drilling is planned for the copper-gold target in late October.

The Covered/Exotic(?) Copper Target is a completely new target zone emerging from the data. Geologic mapping during 2021 has identified ferricrete zones with iron-oxide cemented colluvial gravels. These zones occur adjacent to topographic ridges and drainages that appear to confine weakly anomalous Cu, Zn, and Fe. Additional surface sampling is planned prior to drill testing. Most of this target is located on private land wholly controlled by Bam Bam with a small portion located on Bam Bam's unpatented lode mining claims.

David Greenway, President and CEO, commented: "While the step-out and in-fill drilling continues on our Majuba Known Copper Oxide Zone, it is encouraging for the surrounding targets to continue to get larger. During these economic times when new, large copper deposits are rare, I am very pleased to have a project like Majuba expanding so quickly."

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").

Engagement of Marketing Service Provider

The Company has engaged Mining Investor Resources Media Ltd., doing business as miningIR,com ("MIR"), to provide the Company with investor marketing services through mining and resource news, lead generation services, social media services, and information company profile page for an initial period of 13 months beginning October 18, 2021, subject to the terms of the service agreement (the "MIR Agreement") executed between the Company and MIR. Pursuant to the terms of the MIR Agreement, MIR will be paid an aggregate cash amount of $36,000 for its services. Neither MIR nor its affiliates currently own any securities of the Company. MIR and the Company are unrelated and unaffiliated entities.

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.

###

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Alcon associates across 43 global sites take the Steps for Sight challenge, raising funds to support organizations improving access to quality eye care

Alcon Geneva associates will dedicate the day to learning more about the importance of eye health, including onsite vision screenings and Alcon's sight-enhancing surgical equipment and vision care products

Alcon Children's Vision Program distributes free prescription eyeglasses to Fort Worth, Texas elementary school children, following prior vision screenings by Alcon volunteers

Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC), the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, today celebrates World Sight Day 2021 by taking action in communities across the globe to raise awareness of blindness and vision impairment as global public health issues. Celebrated annually in October, World Sight Day is coordinated by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). This year's theme, LoveYourEyes, is all about being aware of your own eye health and the importance of regular, comprehensive eye exams for you and your loved ones.

As a steadfast advocate for eye health around the world, Alcon, through its two charitable foundations (Alcon Cares and Alcon Foundation), continues to provide support to people in communities around the world who are experiencing eye health issues including, cataracts, refractive errors, corneal blindness and more.

"Our eyes are one of our most important and intricate organs. Yet, they're often not at the top of the list in terms of people's healthcare priorities," said David J. Endicott, Chief Executive Officer, Alcon. "Just imagine if one day you could no longer see your loved ones or participate in your favorite activities because of a preventable eye disease. Alcon is committed to educating people around the world about the importance of regular eye care as well as directly supporting access to eye care through the Alcon Foundation and Alcon Cares, in order to help people see brilliantly."

Alcon and its associates are further recognizing World Sight Day by supporting and participating in initiatives that promote eye health awareness and quality eye care worldwide, such as:

EYElliance , a multi-sector coalition that aims to increase access to eyeglasses at scale, and its National Eye Health Initiative in Liberia is hosting a webinar moderated by Alcon U.S. Vision Care General Manager Sean Clark for Alcon associates worldwide, discussing the organization's progress and learnings in the country, as well as plans to expand its impact by partnering with the Clinton Health Access Initiative.

, a multi-sector coalition that aims to increase access to eyeglasses at scale, and its National Eye Health Initiative in Liberia is hosting a webinar moderated by Alcon U.S. Vision Care General Manager Sean Clark for Alcon associates worldwide, discussing the organization's progress and learnings in the country, as well as plans to expand its impact by partnering with the Clinton Health Access Initiative. The Steps for Sight Challenge invites 2,020 Alcon associates from across the globe to take 5,000 steps on World Sight Day to raise a total of $25,000 for eye care organizations, including Orbis and VisionSpring.

invites 2,020 Alcon associates from across the globe to take 5,000 steps on World Sight Day to raise a total of $25,000 for eye care organizations, including Orbis and VisionSpring. Alcon Geneva associates will focus the day on learning more about eye health, including onsite vision screenings with one of Alcon's in-house Swiss-registered optometrists. They will also participate in learning sessions about Alcon's sight-enhancing surgical equipment and vision care products.

associates will focus the day on learning more about eye health, including onsite vision screenings with one of Alcon's in-house Swiss-registered optometrists. They will also participate in learning sessions about Alcon's sight-enhancing surgical equipment and vision care products. Alcon's Children's Vision Program , where Alcon associates and partners are delivering free, custom prescription eyeglasses to nearly 200 Texas students who participated in recent vision care screenings and exams hosted at school as part of this year's program.

, where Alcon associates and partners are delivering free, custom prescription eyeglasses to nearly 200 Texas students who participated in recent vision care screenings and exams hosted at school as part of this year's program. Alcon the Fireworks was held on the evening of October 10 in Inzai City, Chiba Prefecture, in honor of Japan Sight Day. The fireworks event was held to educate people about the "20-20-20 rule" (look at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes when using a digital device).*1 While digital devices and digital content have enriched our lives, there are concerns about the impact of prolonged use of digital devices on eye health, including eye strain and myopia. It is recommended that we all follow the "20-20-20 rule" when using digital devices.*1

Beyond World Sight Day, Alcon helps people around the world see brilliantly through its corporate giving efforts, such as the Alcon Foundation and Alcon Cares programs. Additional programs include:

Continued partnership with Fort Worth Independent School District with the Children's Vision Program to provide students from low-income families with vital eye care services, including screenings, exams and eyeglasses.

Participation with VisionSpring in India to provide low-income families with accessible, affordable and culturally appropriate optical services to enable them to return to work, receive an education and live safer, longer lives.

Partnership with Kentucky College of Optometry to deliver eye care services to impoverished communities within the U.S. where there are high rates of vision loss due to lack of access to eye care services.

Long-time partnership with Mercy Ships, providing patients in sub-Saharan Africa who have limited-to-no access to healthcare with quality eye care services.

Virtual and hands-on learning and mentoring with Orbis, an international non-profit aimed at fighting blindness, to train teams of eye care professionals in communities with the greatest need to help save people's sight.

For more information on Alcon's commitment to expanding global eye care access during World Sight Day and beyond visit alcon.com/about-us/corporate-social-responsibility.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: "anticipate," "intend," "commitment," "look forward," "maintain," "plan," "goal," "seek," "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "will" and similar references to future periods.

Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties and risks that are difficult to predict. Some of these factors are discussed in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Form 20-F. In particular, our expectations could be affected by uncertainties regarding the success of our separation and spin-off from Novartis. Should one or more of these uncertainties or risks materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of its filing, and we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

References

*1 American Academy of Ophthalmology (American Academy of Ophthalmology)

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/computer-usage

About Alcon

Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning more than seven decades, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people's lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 23,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with eye care professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at www.alcon.com.

Alcon Foundation

For more than 50 years, Alcon has partnered with non-profit organizations that help advance eye health, skills transfer, education and access to quality eye care around the world. The Alcon Foundation awards grants to qualified, U.S.-based tax-exempt public 501(c)(3) charities that provide high-quality programs, training and community services with well-defined goals to enhance sight and improve the lives of people who otherwise would not have access to proper eye care. For more information, visit https://www.alcon.com/about-us/corporate-responsibility/eye-care-everyone.

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Contacts:

Investor Relations

Allen Trang

+ 41 589 112 110 (Geneva)

+ 1 817 615 2789 (Fort Worth)

investor.relations@alcon.com

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Steven Smith

+ 41 589 112 111 (Geneva)

+ 1 817 551 8057 (Fort Worth)

globalmedia.relations@alcon.com
EQS Group-News: Dufry International AG / Key word(s): Miscellaneous

Hudson Cooks Up New Restaurant, Plum Market, At Dallas Fort Worth Int'l Airport



14.10.2021 / 15:12





Inaugural Restaurant For Hudson Treats Travelers To An Elevated Casual Dining Experience As Part Of The Company's Overarching Food & Beverage Expansion Strategy

East Rutherford, N.J., October 14, 2021 - Hudson, a Dufry company and travel experience leader with more than 1,000 stores in airports, commuter hubs, landmarks and tourist destinations across North America, today celebrated the historic opening of its first-ever full-service restaurant and bar, Plum Market, as part of the company's continued strategic execution on growing its food and beverage business.

Travelers in search of healthy yet crave-able cuisine can find Plum Market in Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) Terminal B, integrated directly into an American Airlines gate hold-room. The 2,400-square-foot restaurant features over 80 seats and offers an open concourse dining experience that includes a designated area for table service, a grab and go marketplace with self-checkout capabilities, and a full-service bar.



'As we embark on the next phase of scaling our company's food and beverage portfolio, we are extremely proud to open our first full-service restaurant, Plum Market, and set the tone for the strategic growth ahead,' said Tom Waldron, Senior Vice President, Food & Beverage of Hudson. 'This milestone opening is possible thanks to the collective efforts of our airport and local business partners, and we could not be more confident in the brand's ability to deliver an authentic 'taste of place' to DFW.'

Plum Market has bold offerings to satisfy every foodie's palate, whether for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or simply an afternoon 'pick me up.' The brand's signature menu brings together time-honored and contemporary global dishes for both traditional sit-down and grab and go choices. With a promise towards thoughtful ingredient sourcing, each menu item is handcrafted using only farm fresh, all-natural, organic, and locally-grown ingredients.

For breakfast, Plum Market provides healthy, flavorful favorites including organic overnight oats, cage-free eggs, and all-natural short rib burritos, as well as more indulgent options like biscuits and gravy. For lunch and dinner, sit-down diners have their choice of sustainably-sourced meats, seafood, and produce paired with authentic-style sides such as mac and cheese, Mexican street corn salad, and other ultimate comfort dishes. In the grab and go selections, travelers can enjoy refined salads, sandwiches, and small 'bites' prepared fresh daily.

'Plum Market is proud to open its doors in the Dallas Fort Worth Airport,' said Matt Jonna, CEO and Co-Founder of Plum Market. 'We know the Lone Star State is a world-class destination, and it is an honor to establish roots here.'

In keeping with its commitment to celebrating the local culture of the locations it serves, Hudson has developed a one-of-a-kind Plum Market for the Dallas community. Plum Market is operated under a joint venture agreement with local Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) partner, Multiplex Inc., and is designed with rustic, region-specific decor for an authentic Texas atmosphere and ambiance.

The bar's alcoholic beverage menu is infused with an array of Texas-inspired cocktails and fan-favorites from Austin Eastciders, Lakewood Brewing Company, Fall Creek Vineyards, and other local establishments. There are also a number of local products represented in the pre-packaged candy, snacks, and beverage options found in the restaurant's grab and go marketplace section.

'DFW Airport is always looking for innovative ways to elevate the customer experience,' said Ken Buchanan, Executive Vice President of Customer Experience & Revenue Management at DFW Airport. 'Plum Market, with its dining and signature menu options, is another example of the diverse choices and thoughtful selections available to meet the needs of today's modern traveler.'

Plum Market is open seven days a week, with breakfast served daily until 10 a.m.



About Hudson

Hudson, a Dufry Company, is a travel experience company turning the world of travel into a world of opportunity by being the Traveler's Best Friend in more than 1,000 stores in airports, commuter hubs, landmarks, and tourist locations. Our team members care for travelers as friends at our travel convenience, specialty retail, duty free and food and beverage destinations. At the intersection of travel and retail, we partner with landlords and vendors, and take innovative, commercial approaches to deliver exceptional value. To learn more about how we can make your location a travel destination, please visit us at hudsongroup.com or follow our journey on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.

For further information, please contact:

Media Contact

Cindi Buckwalter

communications@hudsongroup.com

End of Media Release


Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2021) - Hemostemix Inc. (TSXV: HEM) (OTC: HMTXF) (FSE: 2VFO) ("Hemostemix" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Fraser C. Henderson Sr., MD, as its Chief Medical Officer.

Dr. Fraser C. Henderson Sr. is an exceptional neurological surgeon with extensive experience and expertise in all facets of neurosurgery and neurological science. Dr. Henderson is Director of The Metropolitan Neurosurgery Group, LLC, Chief of Neurosurgery at Luminis Health at Doctors Hospital, staff at University of Maryland Capitol Region Medical Center and Director of the Chiari Syringomyelia Foundation Greater Metropolitan Washington Chapter, where he is focused on the development of the understanding and treatment of deformity induced injury to the brainstem and spinal cord in genetic disorders of the craniocervical junction. He was recipient of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/CNS Award for Excellence in Spine Research in 2007, and the RISES Physicians award at The Adventist Shady Grove Hospital in 2011. The inventor of 13 patents relating to disorders of the brainstem and spinal cord, Dr. Henderson has published over 100 peer reviewed articles and book chapters, and given over 190 invited lectures with a focus on craniocervical disorders, genetic disorders, cancer, radiosurgery and unusual problems of the spine.

Fraser Henderson was foreman on a cattle station in the Outback of Australia before receiving his Bachelor's and Medical degrees at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville VA. Dr. Henderson served for with the Multi-National Peace Keeping Force in Beirut, earning the Navy Commendation Medal for treatment of mass casualties following the terrorist bombing attack in Beirut, Lebanon, October1983. After completing his residency under Phanor Perot at the Medical University of South Carolina, he returned to complete his active duty obligation at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, as Director of Spine. He was Brigade Neurosurgeon for the 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade in Desert Shield and Desert Storm during the 1st Gulf War. He then completed a fellowship in Craniospinal surgery under Professor Alan Crockard at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London.

Finishing his tour with the US Navy, Commander Henderson joined Georgetown University, in Washington D.C. as Director of Neurosurgery of the Craniocervical Junction and Spine. He was also Co-Director of the Lombardi Neuro-Oncology Division and Co- Director of the CyberKnife Radiosurgery Center, where he was active in advancing stereotactic radiosurgery for treatment of complex spinal tumors. He was Principal Investigator in the translational development of a radio-sensitizing drug and a drug to block the malignant invasiveness of Glioblastoma Multiform. In 2005, Dr Henderson was promoted to Professor of Neurosurgery. He serves on the Executive Boards of the Bobby Jones Chiari Syringomyelia Foundation, the Ehlers Danlos Society, The ILC and TCAPP foundations.

"For decades an autologous cell-based therapy for brain and spinal cord injuries has been the Holy Grail for neurological surgeons and their patients. It is my privilege to join the team that is shepherding this promise to clinical fruition", said Dr. Henderson.

"Dr. Henderson's 12 grant funded research studies, his neurosurgical expertise and extensive experience overlaps many of the properties of Hemostemix stem cells, including NCP's nerve growth factors and responses, NCP's secretions of neurotrophin and neuroepithelial stem cell protein, and the generation of vascular endothelial growth factors," stated Thomas Smeenk, CEO. "Our team look forward to unlocking the value of NCP and BCP, in parallel to ACP, with Dr. Henderson's guidance. As well, our board of directors and management team would like to thank Dr. Pierre Leimgruber whole heartedly for his excellent counsel, direction, dedication, and collegiality," stated Smeenk.

ABOUT HEMOSTEMIX

Hemostemix is in compliance with new amendments adopted by the US Securities and Exchange Commission in relation to OTC Markets. Hemostemix confirms that its financial disclosure and company information is up to date and filed on SEDAR. Hemostemix has filed its application to up-list the Company's shares to the OTCQB.

Hemostemix is a publicly traded autologous stem cell therapy company, founded in 2003. A winner of the World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer Award, the Company developed and is commercializing its lead product ACP-01 for the treatment of CLI, PAD, Angina, Ischemic Cardiomyopathy, Dilated Cardiomyopathy and other conditions of ischemia. ACP-01 has been used to treat over 300 patients, and it is the subject of a randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind trial of its safety and efficacy in patients with advanced critical limb ischemia who have exhausted all other options to save their limb from amputation.

On October 21, 2019, the Company announced the results from its Phase II CLI trial abstract presentation entitled "Autologous Stem Cell Treatment for CLI Patients with No Revascularization Options: An Update of the Hemostemix ACP-01Trial with 4.5 Year Follow-up" which noted healing of ulcers and resolution of ischemic rest pain occurred in 83% of patients, with outcomes maintained for up to 4.5 years.

The Company owns 91 patents across five patent families titled: Regulating Stem Cells, In Vitro Techniques for use with Stem Cells, Production from Blood of Cells of Neural Lineage, and Automated Cell Therapy. For more information, please visit www.hemostemix.com.

For further information, please contact:

Contact: Thomas Smeenk, President, CEO & Co-Founder

TSmeenk@Hemostemix.com 905-580-4170

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information: This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information in relation to: the completion of the follow-up for Hemostemix's ACP-01 clinical trial and the source document verification process; the status of Hemostemix's Litigation (as defined below); and the commercialization of ACP-01. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. This forward-looking information reflects Hemostemix's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Hemostemix and on assumptions Hemostemix believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: the underlying value of Hemostemix and its Common Shares; the successful resolution of the litigation that Hemostemix is pursuing or defending (the "Litigation"); the results of ACP-01 research, trials, studies and analyses, including the analysis being equivalent to or better than previous research, trials or studies as well as management's expectations of anticipated results; Hemostemix's general and administrative costs remaining constant; the receipt of all required regulatory approvals for research, trials or studies; the level of activity, market acceptance and market trends in the healthcare sector; the economy generally; consumer interest in Hemostemix's services and products; competition and Hemostemix's competitive advantages; and Hemostemix obtaining satisfactory financing to fund Hemostemix's operations including any research, trials or studies, and the Litigation. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Hemostemix to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the ability of Hemostemix to complete its current CLI clinical trial, complete a satisfactory analyses and the results of such analyses and future clinical trials; litigation and potential litigation that Hemostemix may face; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; general capital market conditions and market prices for securities; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; the actual results of future operations including the actual results of future research, trials or studies; competition; changes in legislation affecting Hemostemix; the timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; long-term capital requirements and future developments in Hemostemix's markets and the markets in which it expects to compete; lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals; and risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic including various recommendations, orders and measures of governmental authorities to try to limit the pandemic, including travel restrictions, border closures, non-essential business closures, service disruptions, quarantines, self-isolations, shelters-in-place and social distancing, disruptions to markets, disruptions to economic activity and financings, disruptions to supply chains and sales channels, and a deterioration of general economic conditions including a possible national or global recession or depression; the potential impact that the COVID-19 pandemic may have on Hemostemix which may include a decreased demand for the services that Hemostemix offers; and a deterioration of financial markets that could limit Hemostemix's ability to obtain external financing. A description of additional risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information can be found in Hemostemix's disclosure documents on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. Although Hemostemix has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of Hemostemix as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, it is subject to change after such date. However, Hemostemix 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 securities law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99650
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2021) - Advance United Holdings Inc. (CSE: AUHI) (FSE: 9I0) (the "Company" or "Advance United") is pleased to provide a midpoint update report on the 2021 work program currently underway at the Company's Buck Lake Property in the Batchawana Greenstone Belt in Northern Ontario, Canada.

The Company is at the midway point, having completed approximately 50% of a 10 km Very Low Frequency Electromagnetic (VLF EM) geophysical study, on the Buck Lake Property. The detailed geophysics is intended to assist in defining the location of a known Electromagnetic (EM) anomaly outlined by Noranda Exploration in the 1980s. The EM survey completed by Noranda in the 1980s identified a 2,000-meter-long EM anomaly. Subsequent work in 2017 by the Company identified a copper and zinc soil anomaly overlying the geophysical anomaly. The previous work was reconnaissance in nature and Advance United technical staff deemed further investigations necessary to identify the exact location of the anomalous zone.

"Since our acquisition of the Buck Lake property in 2017, we have undertaken a careful review of the asset and how best to increase property value. There has been little work on the property since 1985 when Noranda drilled the property. The drilling by Noranda was a single drillhole in a small part of 2,000-meter-long EM anomaly that sits near the contact between mafic and felsic volcanic units - a classic setting for VMS type deposits. The soil geochemical program completed in 2017 identified a strong copper and zinc anomaly overlying this contact. Our 2021 work program has been focused on this soil anomaly and should help put the technical database into a 'real discovery' context so that if we decide to drill the Buck Lake property, we will have the best possible target definition. This underscores our company purpose - identifying and acquiring undervalued properties with historical work, which were uneconomic at the time, but we believe may have economic value at today's prices."

The previous drillhole conducted by Noranda Exploration in 1986 along the EM anomaly intersected two (2) zones of massive sulphide mineralization of 4.88 m and 4.72 m in thickness (as reported in the MNDM Assessment Report, and highlighted in the Company's press release of September 22, 2021 which can be found here).

The Buck Lake Property lies in the Batchawana Greenstone Belt within the Abitibi Subprovince of the Canadian Shield. The Abitibi Subprovince is known to host many VMS type of deposits including Glencore's Kid Creek Mine, the deepest base metal mine in the world.

Figure 1. EM Map of Buck Lake

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/8072/99669_0d83b391a4fd4a71_001full.jpg

Figure 1: The currently defined EM anomalies are highlighted using the Fraser Filter. the recently identified Noranda drillhole is indicated. Warmer colors indicate strengthening response. Note, the increasing strength of the anomaly to the north and the circumstance that the Noranda drillhole appears to have not fully tested the anomaly at this location.

About Advance United

Advance United, headquartered in Toronto, Canada, is traded on the Canadian Securities Exchange in Canada under the symbol "AUHI" and the Borse Frankfurt Stock Exchange in Germany under the symbol "9I0".

We are a different kind of Canadian junior mining company, one designed to succeed where other junior mining companies fail. We are involved exclusively in the acquisition and advancement of past producing gold mines - with no intent to bring them back into production or to mine them ourselves. Our expertise is in identifying and acquiring undervalued gold properties with significant historical work, which were uneconomic at the time, but we believe have economic value at today's price of gold.

We fund the development of re-working historic data and applying modern technology to underwrite new qualified reports, document quantifiable resources and reserves to current standards, thereby recognizing the current value.

Our purpose is to bring immediate and long-term value to our partners and shareholders while seeking to eliminate exploration risk, so that we can all advance united in the shortest possible time frame.

For additional information about us, our projects, or to find out how you can get involved please visit www.advanceunited.ca.

Contact Information

James Atkinson P. Geo., CEO

Email: jim.atkinson@advanceunited.ca

Tel: (647) 278-7502

Qualified Person

James Atkinson M.Sc., P. Geo., a Qualified Person ("QP") as such term is defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the geological information reported in this news release.

Forward-Looking Information and Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to trading on the CSE and the focus of the Company's business. Any such forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "contemplates", "believes", "projects", "plans" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the Company's ability to increase the value of its current and future mineral exploration properties and, in connection therewith, any long-term shareholder value, the Company's ability to mitigate or eliminate exploration risk, and the Company's intention to develop a portfolio of historic gold properties. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that the Company will continue its business as described above. Readers are encouraged to refer to the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis and other periodic filings made by the Company with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances or actual results unless required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99669
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2021) - Cypherpunk Holdings Inc. (CSE: HODL) (OTC Pink: KHRIF) ("Cypherpunk" or, the "Company"), a sector leader for cryptocurrency, privacy and cryptography focused investments, is pleased to announce that it has acquired an additional 8,192 IP version 4 (IPv4) addresses.

As a result, Cypherpunk now holds a total inventory of 24,576 IPv4 addresses, of which 16,384 are currently being leased to third parties through existing contractual arrangements. The Company has also entered into an agreement to lease its recently acquired IPv4 addresses to customers on similar terms.

Tony Guoga, Cypherpunk's Chief Executive Officer, commented: "Cypherpunk is focused on a privacy technology thesis. As people wake up to the issues surrounding digital privacy, undervalued assets such as IPv4 can be expected to increase in value. This is why the Company continues to invest in scarce digital assets such as Ipv4 addresses and why we believe that our acquisition of additional IPv4 addresses will yield a healthy return."

About Cypherpunk Holdings Inc.

Cypherpunk was established to invest in currencies, companies, technologies and protocols, which enhance or protect privacy. Its strategy is to make targeted investments in businesses and assets with strong privacy attributes, often within the blockchain ecosystem, including select cryptocurrencies. Current equity investments include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Samourai Wallet, Wasabi Wallet, Chia and NGRAVE.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Generally, any statements that are not historical facts may contain forward-looking information, and forward-looking information 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 indicates that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be" taken, "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to the Company's expectation or belief regarding its investment in Ipv4 addresses, the Company's intention to lease the addresses and the expected returns from its investment. There is no assurance that the Company's plans or objectives will be implemented as set out herein, or at all. Forward- looking information is based on certain factors and assumptions the Company believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by law. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

Officer/Director Contact:

Daniel Cawrey

Chief Operating Officer

dan@cypherpunkholdings.com

Office: 1-647-946-1300

Investor Relations Contact:

Veronika Oswald

Investor Relations

veronika@cypherpunkholdings.com

Office: 1-647-946-1300

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99670
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO / ACCESSWIRE / October 14, 2021 / Fortitude Gold Corp. (OTCQB:FTCO) (the "Company") announces preliminary third quarter production of 11,478 gold ounces. The Company also maintains its 2021 production Outlook upper range of 45,000 gold ounces. Fortitude Gold is a gold producer, developer, and explorer with operations in Nevada, U.S.A.

Preliminary third quarter production totaled 11,478 gold ounces. Through the first three quarters of 2021, the Company's preliminary production numbers total 37,593 gold ounces. During the quarter the Company regularly processed high-grade stockpiled gold ore at the Isabella Pearl mine, while mining activities predominantly focused on waste removal to access phase two of the Pearl deposit. Mine operations remain on schedule to transition back into high-grade Pearl ore during the first quarter of 2022.

Full financial results for the third quarter will be available at the time the Company files its quarterly report on Form 10-Q with the 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/668086/Fortitude-Gold-Reports-Preliminary-Third-Quarter-Gold-Production-Maintains-2021-Upper-Range-Gold-Outlook
Highlights:

- Besra has designed a drilling program targeting extensions to the Pejiru Gold Deposit within the wider Bau Project, which already hosts:

An Inferred Resource of 0.97Moz at 1.2 g/t Au;

An additional Exploration Target of 1.7 - 3.3 Moz1,2 at 1.7 -2/4 g/t Au.

- An initial drilling program at Pejiru of circa 3,000 metres is planned to commence in the next 2-4 weeks to test the depth extent where previous drillholes terminated within high-grade mineralisation.

- Previous drilling intercepts to be followed up included:

KPDDH01 - 32 m @ 11.4 g/t;

KPRC 65 - 55m @ 2.3 g/t;

KPRC02 - 81 m @ 3.26 g/t, including 11 m @ 12.13 g/t; and

KPRC 66 - 20 m @ 1.8 g/t.

Perth, Western Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2021) - Besra Gold Inc (ASX: BEZ) (Besra or the Company) is pleased to announce the imminent commencement of a key part of its initial drilling within the Pejiru Sector, aimed at both upgrading the classification and increasing the overall Resource inventory, to support future potential development feasibility studies. The Pejiru Deposit is already a significant part of the wider Bau Gold Project (73.6 Mt @ 1.43 g/t for 3.3Moz of gold) hosting:

An Inferred Resource of 0.97Moz at 1.2 g/t Au (JORC 2012)

An additional Exploration Target of 1.7 - 3.3 Moz3,4 at 1.7 -2/4 g/t Au a JORC 2012 mineral Resource of 0.97Moz at 1.2 g/t

A detailed review by Besra has outlined a 3,000m drilling program targeting two distinct mineralisation habitatsidentified being near surface deposits and sub-vertical feeder zones.

1 The Pejiru Exploration Target ranges between 1.7 - 3.3 million Oz based on a range of grades of 1.76 - 2.44 Au g/t

2 The potential quantity and grade of the Exploration Targets is conceptual in nature; there has been insufficient exploration to estimate a Mineral Resource and it is uncertain if further exploration work will result in the estimation of a Mineral Resource.

3 The Pejiru Exploration Target ranges between 1.7 - 3.3 million Oz based on a range of grades of 1.76 - 2.44 Au g/t

4 The potential quantity and grade of the Exploration Targets is conceptual in nature; there has been insufficient exploration to estimate a Mineral Resource and it is uncertain if further exploration work will result in the estimation of a Mineral Resource.

Figure 1 - Location of the Pejiru Sector (bottom of image) on an oblique NE trending view of the Bau Gold Field corridor, with Sarawak's capital Kuching in the distance.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3448/99664_223d0fe4c4931b53_006full.jpg

Within the Bogag-Pejiru area of the Pejiru Sector the Resource wireframe extends for a strike length of 1.5 km and is between 100 -150 m wide. Given the limited drilling density, and as reflected in the current Inferred Resource classification, the extent of mineralisation remains open at several locations both in the dip and strike directions. Proposed targeted infill and step-out drilling is intended to better define the extent of mineralisation as well as allow upgrading of the Resource classification to enable their support in future feasibility studies.

Figure 2 - Footprint of the Resource wireframe (in red) superimposed onto a geological image of the Pejiru Sector. Bau Limestone outcrop is shown in blue and Pedawan Shale outcrop in brown. The strong angularity of the existing wireframe footprint highlights the control of fault lineations on the distribution of mineralisation within the Pejiru Sector.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3448/99664_223d0fe4c4931b53_007full.jpg

Comprehensive geophysical coverage, correlated to historical drill results and surface mapping, has resulted in the identification of 16 potential sub-vertical feeder systems within the Pejiru Sector (Figure 3).

Figure 3 - Location of interpreted sub-vertical feeder systems (yellow circles) in relation to the Pejiru Resource wireframe (red), and other geophysical resistivity anomalies (green) overlain onto a false colour scale geological map of the Pejiru Sector. Blue coloured areas are dominated by outcropping Bau Limestone, and grey coloured areas Pedawan Shale.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3448/99664_223d0fe4c4931b53_008full.jpg

Priority drilling will be undertaken on those known to be associated with shallow mineralisation and having coincident DIGHEM conductivity anomalies - given that these anomalies suggest the involvement of underlying intrusives and the potential for mineralized deep lead shoots within the former sub-vertical feeder zones. The Bau conceptual model suggests that with increasing depth these sub-vertical feeder zones, would generally exhibit progressively more siliceous and higher-grade mineralisation characteristics.

Figure 4, illustrates the attributes of such targets on a cross-section of the Kapor Prospect. Here historical drilling, targeting shallow mineralisation within the Bau Limestone, encountered anomalously higher-grade gold intersections across a surface footprint having a distinct DIGHEM conductivity anomaly. The more remarkable intersections included:

KPDDH01 - 32 m @ 11.4 g/t;

KPRC 65 - 55m @ 2.3 g/t;

KPRC 66 - 20 m @ 1.8 g/t; &

KPRC02 - 81 m @ 3.26 g/t, including 11 m @ 12.13 g/t.

Figure 4 - Cross-section through the Kapor Prospect showing historic shallow drilling intersections, together with a schematic representation of an interpreted possible mineralized intrusive, based on the occurrence of a DIGHEM conductor anomaly.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3448/99664_223d0fe4c4931b53_009full.jpg

Besra intends to undertake additional drilling specifically to determine the depth extent of these deeper higher grades of mineralisation at Kapor Prospect located within the Pejiru Sector (Figure 5).

Figure 5 illustrates the intentions of Besra's proposed future drilling at Kapor. Drill holes will provide additional infill control of historical drilling at the shallow levels (typically 70m) but extend at depth to investigate the potential for mineralized deep lead shoots within the former sub-vertical feeder systems, associated with an interpreted underlying intrusive.

Figure 5 - Cut-away of a perspective block diagram of the Kapor Prospect showing shallow historical drill hole locations and nominal positions for proposed deeper drilling to investigate sub-vertical feeder associated mineralisation potential.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3448/99664_figure5.jpg

Although the surface footprint of the DIGHEM geophysical anomaly footprint is restricted, by their very nature the bulk of the mineralisation is expected to have a dominant vertical component (in contrast to the shallow mineralisation associated with limestone/shale contacts). Mineralisation in these settings is likened to that encountered at the Tai Parit mine site, located just outside of the township of Bau. Tai Parit, which ceased operations in 1996 following a downturn in commodity prices, had produced a total of 1.2 Moz of largely non- refractory Au, with average grades during the most recent production of 7 g/t. Total production was from an open pit extending some 80 m subsurface, with the pit floor still within mineralisation. At Kapor several infill holes will be drilled to 120 - 150 m to ascertain the extent of deeper mineralisation. Similar features at Boring will also be investigated as part of the Pejiru Drilling Program.

This announcement was authorised for release by the Board of Besra Gold Inc.

Ray Shaw

Chief Executive Officer

ray.shaw@besra.com

James W. Hamilton

Investor Relations Services

Phone: +1-416-471-4494

Email: jim@besra.com

Competent Person's Statement

The information in this Announcement that relates to Exploration Results, Mineral Resources or Ore Reserves is based on information compiled by Mr. Kevin J. Wright, a Competent Person who is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (FIMM), a Chartered Engineer (C.Eng), and a Chartered Environmentalist (C.Env). Mr. Wright is a consultant to Besra. Mr. Wright has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC Code (2012 Edition) of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, and a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators.

Kevin J. Wright consents to the inclusion in this Announcement of the matters based on his information in the form and context that it appears.

Disclaimer

This Announcement contains certain forward-looking statements and forecasts concerning future activities, including potential delineation of resources. Such statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve unknown risks and uncertainties, as well as other factors which are beyond the control of Besra Gold Inc. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements depending upon a variety of factors. Nothing in this Announcement should be construed as either an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities.

Unless otherwise indicated, all mineral resource estimates and Exploration Targets included or incorporated by reference in this Announcement have been, and will be, prepared in accordance with the JORC classification system of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and Australian Institute of Geoscientists.

Disclosure

The Pejiru Sector lies within MC/KD/01/1994 which has been pending renewal for a number of years. As outlined in the Malaysian Solicitor's Report on Title (Attachment G) of the Replacement Prospectus of Besra dated 8 July 2021, until a decision is made, the intention of section 48(9) of the Minerals Ordinance is to enable mining activities to continue on a pre- existing licence, in those prior lands of MC/KD/01/1994, until a determination of the renewal is made.

The information in this announcement is based on the following publicly available announcements previously lodged on the SEDAR platform which are available on https:// www.sedar.com >Display Company Documents or on Besra's website.

1 Besra Gold Inc Bau Gold Project Sarawak Malaysia Exploration Target Inventory. Lodged SEDAR Platform Feb 26, 2021.

2 Besra Bau Project - Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Updated to JORC 2012 Compliance. Lodged SEDAR Platform Nov 22, 2018.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99664
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 14, 2021 / CMC Metals Ltd. (TSXV:CMB)(FRA:ZM5N)(OTC PINK:CMCXF); (the "Company") is pleased to announce that field crews have been mobilized to their polymetallic Terra Nova Property in Newfoundland, Canada. The Terra Nova property consists of 71 claims located 30 kilometers northwest of Port Blandford in central Newfoundland. Access is from the town of Terra Nova via 12 km of transmission line road built for the Lower Churchill Falls power development. CMC has an option to earn a 100% ownership of the property. The property lies within the Gander Zone which is an area of significant exploration interest as a result of Newfound Gold's Queensway gold project.

Terra Nova is an interesting property as it has a large alteration area of 12 square kilometers which to date has been subjected to limited exploration. The property is considered to have potential to host mesothermal gold-polymetallic deposits. The property currently comprises of five mineralized showings: (i) the Copper Vein; (ii) Nancy's gold vein showing; (iii) New Alteration Zone; (iv) the Silver Pit; and, (v) the Galena Vein Showing.

A grab sample collected at the Copper Vein Showing produced 354 ppb gold, 43.8 g/t silver, 2.33% copper and > 1,000 ppm tungsten;

A grab sample at Nancy's Gold Vein Showing have produced 6,812 ppb gold, 159.6 g/t silver, 1,562 ppm copper and > 1,000 ppm tungsten; and

Grab Samples collected from the Galena Showing have reported assays values of 953 ppb gold, 59.8 g/t silver, 7.2 % lead, and > 1,000 ppm tungsten.

Recent prospecting efforts have served to identify additional mineralized areas related to the existing showings and samples have been submitted for assay,

Mr. John Bossio, Chairperson noted, "We are pleased to initiate exploration efforts at Terra Nova Veil, Newfoundland. Central Newfoundland is a hotbed of exploration activity and we are excited to now be able to start to examine Terra Nova."

Upcoming Presentation

Kevin Brewer, President and CEO of the Company will be providing a detailed update on 2021 exploration activities on Tuesday October 19, at 3:45PM (Eastern Standard Time). We look forward to all interested parties or persons to join us by registering for the presentation.

People can register to attend the conference here:

https://www.redcloudfs.com/oktoberfest2021/

Qualified Person

Kevin Brewer, a registered professional geoscientist in BC, Yukon and Newfoundland, is the Company's President and CEO, and Qualified Person (as defined by National Instrument 43101). He has approved the technical information reported herein. The Company is committed to meeting the highest standards of integrity, transparency and consistency in reporting technical content, including geological reporting, geophysical investigations, environmental and baseline studies, engineering studies, metallurgical testing, assaying and all other technical data.

About CMC Metals Ltd.

CMC Metals Ltd. is a growth stage exploration company focused on opportunities for silver in Yukon and British Columbia and polymetallic deposits in Yukon and Newfoundland. Our silver-lead-zinc prospects include the Silver Hart Deposit and Blue Heaven claims (the "Silver Hart Project") and the recently acquired Rancheria South, Amy and Silverknife claims (the "Rancheria South Project"). Our polymetallic projects with potential for copper-silver-gold and other metals include Logjam (Yukon), Bridal Veil and Terra Nova (both in Newfoundland).

On behalf of the Board:

"John Bossio"

John Bossio, Chairman

CMC METALS LTD.

For Further Information and Investor Inquiries:

Kevin Brewer, P. Geo., MBA, B.Sc Hons, Dip. Eng

President, CEO and Director Tel: (604) 670 0019

kbrewer80@hotmail.com

110-175 Victory Ship Way

North Vancouver, BC V70B2

To be added to CMC's news distribution list, please send an email to info@cmcmetals.ca or contact Mr. Kevin Brewer.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

"This news release may contain certain statements that constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law, including without limitation, statements that address the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles and exploitation activities and developments. In this release disclosure regarding the potential to undertake future exploration work comprise forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions. 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, including the ability of the Company to raise the funds necessary to fund its projects, to carry out the work and, accordingly, may not occur as described herein or at all. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, the impact of the constantly evolving COVID-19 pandemic crisis and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Readers are referred to the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators for information on these and other risk factors, available at www.sedar.com. 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."

SOURCE: CMC Metals Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/668084/CMC-Metals-Mobilizes-Field-Crews-at-Its-Terra-Nova-Property-in-Newfoundland-and-Upcoming-Presentation-by-CEO
BANGALORE, India, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AR/RS) Market is Segmented by Type (Autostore, Carousel, Mid Load, Mini Load, Unit Load, and Vertical Lift Module), Function (Assembly, Distribution, Kitting, Order Picking, Storage, and Others), Industry Vertical (Aviation, Automotive, Chemicals, Retail & ECommerce, Food & Beverages, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Metals & Heavy Machinery, Semiconductors & Electronics, and Others). The report covers global opportunity analysis and industry forecasts from 2020 to 2027 . It is published in Valuates Reports under Transportation & Logistics Category.

The automated storage and retrieval system market size was valued at USD 7,351 Million in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 12,928 Million by 2027, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.2% from 2020 to 2027.

Major factors driving the growth of the Automated Storage and Retrieval System market are

The expansion of the automated storage and retrieval systems market is fueled by improved storage capacity, increased warehouse efficiency, lower energy consumption, less waste, and lower maintenance costs, as well as a projected lifespan of 20-25 years.

The expansion of AS/RS systems is fueled by an increase in mini-load and shuttle AS/RS applications in the e-commerce industry due to a streamlined ordering process. When a customer purchases an item, for example, the system generates a picking ticket automatically, cutting order fulfillment time in half.

Get your sample today: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/ALLI-Manu-0V69/Automated_Storage_and_Retrieval_System

Trends Influencing The Growth Of The Global Automated Storage And Retrieval System Market:

Growing demand for AS/RS in e-commerce due to the onset of COVID-19 is expected to drive the automated storage and retrieval system market. In recent years, the e-commerce industry has exploded. The unusual increase in the number of online shoppers following the emergence of COVID-19 has aided e-commerce growth. Online sales of medications, household items, and food have all seen an upsurge in B2C sales. However, the e-commerce industry's massive development has put enormous pressure on companies to deliver things on time. In today's environment, the e-commerce business is constantly under pressure to procure and deliver a large number of goods in a short amount of time; as a result, e-commerce organizations have implemented automation in their facilities. This in turn is expected to drive the growth of the automated storage and retrieval systems market.

Furthermore, since the demand for automation in all industrial sectors has grown, the use of automated systems has increased dramatically. Organizations are increasingly turning to automation solutions to help them provide high-quality products, expand their manufacturing capacities, better serve their customers, and manage their processes more efficiently. This reason contributes to the market size of automated storage and retrieval systems growing even faster.

The surge in demand for AS/RS in the manufacturing industry is projected to propel the Automated Storage and Retrieval System market forward. AS/RS benefits in manufacturing facilities, such as highly dense storage that saves up to 85 percent of floor area, are credited with this. Other factors projected to drive the automated storage and retrieval system market growth in the coming years include an increase in the requirement to minimize labor costs and achieve optimal space utilization, as well as an increase in the use of AS/RS in the distribution supply chain and inventory management.

The growing awareness of AS/RS in industries like automotive and electronics, where precision and accuracy are critical, and where automated systems are used to achieve international quality standards, is likely to fuel the expansion of the automated storage and retrieval system market.

Browse the Table of Contents and List of figures at: https://reports.valuates.com/reports/ALLI-Manu-0V69/automated-storage-and-retrieval-system

Automated Storage And Retrieval System Market Share

In 2019, North America dominated the worldwide automated storage and retrieval system market, and this trend is projected to continue in the coming years. The presence of important industry giants such as Microsoft Corporation, IBM Corporation, Amazon and others is credited with the region's success. Furthermore, the automated storage and retrieval system market is predicted to develop due to an increase in the adoption of big data technologies among enterprises to improve consumer target marketing and risk management capabilities.

On the other hand, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR of 9.9% during 2020-2027.

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Major Players in the Automated Storage and Retrieval System Market

Bastian Solutions, Inc.

Beumer Group

Daifuku Co., Ltd.

Dematic

Honeywell Intelligrated

Kardex Group

Knapp Ag

Murata Machinery, Ltd.

SSI SCHAEFER

TGW LOGISTICS GROUP

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- The global Discrete Automation market size is projected to reach USD 7608.9 Million by 2027, from USD 4876.2 Million in 2020, at a CAGR of 6.1% during 2021-2027.

- The global Industrial Automation market size is projected to reach USD 212410 Million by 2027, from USD 130710 Million in 2020, at a CAGR of 6.7% during 2021-2027.

- Global Automatic Container Handling Equipment Market Size, Status and Forecast 2021-2027

- Global Pallet Rack System Market Research Report 2021

- Global Logistics Automation Market Size, Status and Forecast 2021-2027

To see the full list of related reports on the Automated Storage and Retrieval System

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CHICAGO, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In-depth analysis and data-driven insights on the impact of COVID-19 included in this New Zealand data center market report.

New Zealand data center market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 21.12% during the period 2020-2026. New Zealand data center market research report includes market size in terms of area, investment, power capacity, and colocation revenues. Get insights on 33 existing data centers and 4 upcoming facilities spread across 10 cities including Auckland and other cities.

Key Highlights Offered in the Report:

New Zealand is an emerging market in APAC, with factors such as availability of renewable energy, free cooling solutions, a stable and investor-friendly business environment, and access to large swatches of land outside cities such as Auckland and Wellington likely to boost investments in the New Zealand data center market in coming years. The New Zealand data center market is currently dominated by local operators, however investments from global operators are increasing. Several new entrants such as DCI Data Centers, Canberra Data Centres, and Lake Parime have entered in the New Zealand market, with more entrants expecting to enter the market in coming years. Auckland is the primary data center hub in New Zealand , hosting around 40% of the existing third-party data centers, and around 50% of the existing power capacity. Christchurch and Wellington are the other major data center destinations for existing facilities. The country has implemented the Privacy Act 2020 in December 2020 for data localization and protection of personal information, thereby contributing to the future demand for data centers. At this stage, only 30-35% of New Zealand -based organizations have completely shifted to the cloud platform. However, with the impact of the covid-19 pandemic, the adoption rate expects to expedite in coming years, with cloud regions announced by Microsoft and AWS. Around 84% of the electricity is currently generated through renewable sources in the country, with solar and wind sources as the major renewable energy contributors. New Zealand aims to generate 100% electricity through renewables by 2030 and commits to be carbon neutral by 2050.

Key Offerings:

Market Size & Forecast by Area, Power Capacity, Investment, and Colocation Revenue | 2020-2026

Impact of COVID-19 on Data Center Market

Snapshot of existing and upcoming third-party facilities in New Zealand

Facilities Covered (Existing): 33



Facilities Identified (Upcoming): 4



Coverage: 10 cities



Existing vs. Upcoming (Data Center Area)



Existing vs. Upcoming (IT Load Capacity)

Data center colocation market in New Zealand

Market Revenue & Forecast (2020-2026)



Retail Colocation Pricing



Wholesale Colocation Pricing

Market Dynamics - Leading trends, growth drivers, restraints, and investment opportunities

Market Segmentation - A detailed analysis by IT infrastructure, electrical infrastructure, mechanical infrastructure, general construction, and tier standard

Key Market Participants - List of 13 IT infrastructure providers, 10 construction service providers, 19 support infrastructure providers, and 8 data center investors

Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/new-zealand-data-center-market

New Zealand Data Center Market - Segmentation

In New Zealand , cloud-based services, IoT, and AI are the major driving factors for the growth of data centers and the adoption of high-power computing servers. Mission-critical and high-performance server systems are likely to dominate the market owing to the increase in the implementation of IoT technology.

, cloud-based services, IoT, and AI are the major driving factors for the growth of data centers and the adoption of high-power computing servers. Mission-critical and high-performance server systems are likely to dominate the market owing to the increase in the implementation of IoT technology. In New Zealand , most data centers are designed to cool servers through air-based cooling techniques. The growing construction of data centers will be one of the factors for the development of multiple chillers, cooling towers, and CRAH units. Free cooling techniques and chillers are the most adopted cooling system in the country among data center facilities. Free cooling solutions will reduce the PUE of data centers.

, most data centers are designed to cool servers through air-based cooling techniques. The growing construction of data centers will be one of the factors for the development of multiple chillers, cooling towers, and CRAH units. Free cooling techniques and chillers are the most adopted cooling system in the country among data center facilities. Free cooling solutions will reduce the PUE of data centers. Greenfield data center projects are witnessing increased investments from local and global data center providers as they are aiming to expand their presence. Arup, AECOM, Aurecon, TransWorks, and Beca are the major construction contractors in New Zealand .

Market Segmentation by IT Infrastructure

Servers

Storage Systems

Network Infrastructure

Market Segmentation by Electrical Infrastructure

UPS Systems

Generators

Transfer, Switches & Switchgears

Rack PDUs

Other Electrical Infrastructure

Market Segmentation by Mechanical Infrastructure

Cooling Systems

Rack Cabinets

Other Mechanical Infrastructure

Market Segmentation by General Construction

Building Development

Installation & Commissioning Services

Building Design

Physical Security

Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM)

Market Segmentation by Tier Standard

Tier I & Tier II

Tier III

Tier IV

Market Segmentation by Geography

Auckland

Other Cities

New Zealand Data Center Market - Dynamics

The adoption of cloud computing technology has experienced considerable growth in New Zealand over the last few years. Although around 30-35% of organizations have fully shifted their workloads to the cloud platform, about 90% use cloud-based services for at least some of their workloads and are shifting to the cloud-first based IT strategy. The revenue from the public cloud market expects to reach over USD 1.29 billion in 2021 and over USD 3 billion by 2026. SaaS will lead the revenue share, expecting to generate around USD 700 million in 2021. Datacom, Spark Digital, Umbrellar, CodeBlue, Lucidity, MiIT, and OmniNet are among the local cloud providers in New Zealand. IBM, a global cloud service provider, has the presence in the country. Google has launched a Google Cloud Dedicated Interconnect location in Auckland to connect New Zealand to Google's network. In May 2020, Microsoft announced its plan to build its first data center region in the country. On completion, the company will offer Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, and other cloud services through it. AWS has also announced its AWS Asia Pacific (Auckland) Region, that will include three availability zones to be operational in 2024.

Key Drivers and Trends fueling Market Growth:

Big Data and IoT Surge fueling Demand for Data Centers

Increase in Data Center Investments

COVID-19 Pandemic Impacting Data Center Demand

5G Deployment leading Edge Data Center Deployments

New Zealand Data Center Market - Existing Vs. Upcoming Data Centers

Existing Facilities in the region (Area and Power Capacity)

(Area and Power Capacity) Auckland



Other Cities

List of Upcoming Facilities in the region (Area and Power Capacity)

Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/new-zealand-data-center-market

Key Market Participants

IT Infrastructure Providers

Arista Networks

Atos

Broadcom

Cisco Systems

Dell Technologies

Fujitsu

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Hitachi Vantara

Huawei

IBM

Juniper Networks

Lenovo

NetApp

Data Center Construction Contractors & Sub-Contractors

AECOM

Arup

Aurecon

Beca

Hawkins

Mott MacDonald

Norman Disney & Young

& Young The Building Intelligence Group

TransWorks

WT

Support Infrastructure Providers

3M

ABB

Airedale International Air Conditioning

Alfa Laval

Black Box

Climaveneta

Cummins

Cyber Power Systems

Eaton

EcoCooling

KOHLER-SDMO

Legrand

Rittal

Rolls-Royce Power Systems

Schneider Electric

STULZ

Thycon

Trane ( Ingersoll Rand )

) Vertiv

Data Center Investors

Amazon Web Services

Canberra Data Centers

Datacom

Data Vault

DCI Data Centers

Microsoft

Plan B

Spark Digital

Explore our data center knowledge base profile to know more about the industry.

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Canada Data Center Market - Investment Analysis and Growth Opportunities 2021-2026

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A recent survey by Future Market Insight (FMI) discloses information on drivers, opportunities, and restraints affecting the sulphuric acid market growth. The report highlights scope for expansion across various segments across seven regions in terms of purity and application for the next decade.

DUBAI, U.A.E., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As per Future Market Insights, the global sulphuric acid market is anticipated to reach US$ 13.7 Bn in 2021. Sales of sulphuric acid grew year-on-year by 3.1% in 2021.

Growing use of sulphuric acid in the production of nutritional-rich fertilizers is the major factor expected to drive the growth in the market. Demand for sulphuric acid has been consistently growing across diverse end-use industries such as paper & pulp, agriculture, and others.

Request a report sample to gain comprehensive insights at https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-6753

Sales of sulphuric acid dampened with the onset of the novel COVID-19 due to the muted demand from petroleum refining, metal manufacturing and other end-use industries. However, resumption of supply-chain activities across diverse end-use verticals will recover the sales of sulphuric acid.

Shrinking agricultural land and lack of nutritional-rich fertilizers is expected to improve the demand for sulphuric acid in the production of fertilizers. Also, initiatives undertaken by government to improve the quality of fuel to power automobiles will increase the demand for sulphuric acid in petroleum refining industry.

Further, surging use of metals in construction, mining, and automotive industries will amplify the growth opportunities for sulphuric acid market in metal extraction industry. Increasing demand for ultra-pure sulphuric acid for the production of pharmaceutical products will spur the sales over the coming years.

As per FMI, the market will register significant increase in the sales of sulphuric acid owing to the increasing adoption within agriculture industry. Sales of sulphuric acid increased by 1.1% during 2016 and 2020 owing to the growing demand across China, India, and South Korea.

"Growing demand for sulphuric acid from metal extraction, automotive, agriculture, and pharmaceutical industries, especially across East & South Asia, is expected to boost the sales. Key players are likely to capitalize on this opportunity to generate revenues" says the FMI analyst.

Key Takeaways from FMI's Sulphuric Acid Market Survey

In terms of application, fertilizers segment will account for over 60% of sulphuric acid produced globally

Ultra-pure sulphuric acid is expected to gain traction in terms of purity type owing to the increased application in electrical and electronic industry

The U.S. sulphuric acid market will register year-on-year growth by 2.9% owing to the surging applications of metals in manufacturing operations

Sales of sulphuric acid in India are expected to grow at 3.7% CAGR between 2021 and 2031

are expected to grow at 3.7% CAGR between 2021 and 2031 China will vanguard the sales of East Asia sulphuric acid market, registering growth at 3.5% CAGR in 2031

will vanguard the sales of sulphuric acid market, registering growth at 3.5% CAGR in 2031 South Korea and Japan are expected to, collectively, account for 6% of total sales of sulphuric acid market

Report Preview with Table of Contents and Figures: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sulfuric-acid-market

Key Drivers

Increased adoption of sulphuric acid in the production of nutrient-rich food crop will boost the sales

Sustainable demand for sulphuric acid owing to its increased use in wastewater treatment, paper & pulp production, and fertilizers will aid the growth in the market

Key Restraints:

Stringent regulations due to the hazardous effects on the use of sulphuric acid will restrict the growth in the market

Volatility and fluctuation in raw material prices will act as a challenge for sulphuric acid key players

Competitive Landscape

As per the study, with the presence of numerous leading players, the market is expected to be highly competitive. Key manufacturers are adopting market expansion strategies such as collaborations and partnerships to expand their customer base.

Several prominent companies are introducing new product launches to strengthen their product portfolio and generate remunerative revenues during the forecast period.

For instance,

In February 2021 , Rama Phosphates Ltd, announced the commencement of its new commercial production of sulphuric acid and its derivatives from the new manufacturing facility in India . The company's overall production capacity of sulphuric acid is estimated to be 155,000 TPA from its Indore manufacturing facility.

, Rama Phosphates Ltd, announced the commencement of its new commercial production of sulphuric acid and its derivatives from the new manufacturing facility in . The company's overall production capacity of sulphuric acid is estimated to be 155,000 TPA from its Indore manufacturing facility. In January 2021 , Nuberg EPC acquired 500 mtpd sulphuric acid plant project owned by Sprea Misr, leading plastics manufacturers in Egypt . The project is based on EPC and LSTK basis in Egypt which is going to be used for industrial purposes. The project will be based on the latest double contact double absorption (DCDA) process technology. This is the first time that the company is building a turbine unit for electricity production which will provided to the agriculture industry for the production of urea and other fertilizers.

Some of the key players operating in the sulphuric acid industry market profiled by FMI are:

BASF SE

Ineos Group Ltd

KANTO Corporation

Aurubis AG

Avantor Performance Materials, LLC

PVS Chemicals Inc.

Seastar Chemicals

KMG Chemicals

Qingdao Hisea Chem Co.Ltd

Linde Group

Nouryon

Cornerstone Chemical Company

Ma'aden - Saudi Arabian Mining Company

Canada Colors and Chemicals Limited

Hubei Xingfa Chemicals Group Co., Ltd

Asia Union Electronic Chemical Corporation (AUECC)

Tata Chemicals

Trident Group

Boliden Group

UBE INDUSTRIES, LTD.

Kel-Chemicals Ltd.

Young Poong Co., Ltd.

Jiangsu Mingsheng Chemical Co., Ltd.

Shijiazhuang Xinlongwei Chemical Co., Ltd.

Wylton ( China ) Chemical Co., Ltd.

) Chemical Co., Ltd. Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.

Tayca Corporation

Others

For information on the Research Approach used in the Report, Request Methodology@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-question/rep-gb-6753

More Valuable Insights on Sulphuric acid Market

In its latest report, Future Market Insights offers exhaustive analysis on global sulphuric market for the forecast period of 2021 and 2031. The report delves into compelling insights of the market key growth drivers, trends, and opportunities with detailed segmentation on the basis of:

By Purity Type:

Standard

Ultra-Pure

By Application:

Fertilizers

Petroleum Refining

Metal Production & Processing

Steel Pickling



Copper Production



Metal Surface Cleaning



Others

Wastewater Treatment

Semiconductor & Electronics

Battery Electrolyte



Integrated Circuit Components



Photovoltaic Cell

Chemical Production

Textile Processing

Pulp & Paper Production

Pharmaceuticals

Domestic Cleaning Products

Others

By Region:

North America

Latin America

Europe

East Asia

South Asia Pacific

Middle East and Africa

Key Questions Covered in the Report

The report offers insight into sulphuric acid market demand outlook for the forecast period 2021-2031

The market study also highlights projected sales growth for sulphuric acid market between 2021 and 2031

Sulphuric acid 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

Sulphuric acid market platform share analysis, covering key companies within the industry and coverage of strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, collaborations or partnerships, and others

[Talkshow] The rise of modest packaging to an intelligent eco-friendly solution driving consumer experience has been stupendous! Join our talk show 'The Rise of Intelligent Packaging' to uncover new paths for innovation in packaging!

Register now! Nov 18, 11 AM Pacific Time https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/event/the-rise-of-intelligent-packaging

Explore FMI's Extensive Trending Coverage on Chemicals and materials Domain

Firearm Lubricants Market: Global firearm lubricants market is expected to reach US$ 523.8 Mn by 2031. Asia-Pacific has been identified as an emerging market for the firearm lubricants.

Crotonaldehyde Market: Future Market Insights (FMI) projects that the global crotonaldehyde market will grow in value at a CAGR of 4.2% between 2020 and 2030.

Refinery Catalyst Market: Demand in Refinery Catalysts Market Stoked by Implementation of Stricter Environmental Norms.

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: sales@futuremarketinsights.com

For Media Enquiries: press@futuremarketinsights.com

Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/

Report: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sulfuric-acid-market

Press Release Source: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/press-release/sulfuric-acid-market

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1197648/FMI_Logo.jpg
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS / ACCESSWIRE / October 14, 2021 / CryptoNoCurrency SuperApp TrustKeys is one of the latest projects initiating its fundraising (No=Not Only). TrustKeys is currently on its second round of fundraising and has managed to raise $4 million so far. TKblockchain project is doing its funding rounds, a crucial step for any project before it goes through its Initial Dex Offering which will make the project available to the public.



This funding round is expected to be over by the end of the month on the 27th of October with the IDO to begin shortly after. So far, the project has attracted investment and support from Vitex Capital, VBC Ventures, SONEK. JSC, Paditech. JSC, MH Group, Noron.vn, Giuptoi.vn, Krystal.app .

Not Just A Wallet, An Ecosystem

The TrustKeys sales and IDO will be a crucial step not just for publicity but also to cover all early costs and bring liquidity to the platform. Although it remains to be seen how well it will do, a successful IDO will come with immediate liquidity, a crucial benefit for any project.

TrustKeys is a blockchain project centered around its SuperApp which will provide a slew of different features such as a personal wallet with a 24-word seed, an exchange and a social media and messaging platform. These will just be part of the ecosystem as the project continues to develop newer innovations to integrate into the ecosystem. Moreover, the app is already available to users on the ios App Store.

The first and most prominent is the wallet. The TrustKeys wallet is native to the platform and functions similarly to others like Safepal and TrustWallet. The wallet allows users to hold tokens from multiple networks(ethereum, smart chain, etc.), giving users the ability to 'own' their coins in personal wallets rather than relying on a centralized exchange like Binance.

The wallet allows you to send crypto as you would expect but it also comes with a request feature enabling you to request payments from other TrustKeys users. NFT integration is also planned for a later date.

A Middle-ground Exchange And Encrypted Messaging

To most crypto novices, the popular centralized exchanges are the norm. For the slightly more advanced users, decentralized exchanges on defi like PancakeSwap become commonplace. A hybrid exchange is a union between both. It gives you the ability to trade with requiring extensive information. The TrustKeys exchange gives you access to spot trading with limit and market orders. Right now, margin trading is not yet available on the exchange.

Along with these features also comes a messenger that supports end-to-end encryption. Each account comes native with its own private and public key. The public key receives messages that only the private key can decrypt hence ensuring that privacy is maintained. The messenger has an inbuilt 'send crypto' function, allowing users to send crypto to whoever they're talking to.

The final feature of the app is a social media platform. This will allow users to have a crypto news center where they can engage with like minds in the community. Tagged as 'news feed' on the app it comes with the following feature that brings accounts into your news feed.

So far the team is still following its roadmap and the end of the month should bring the project's IDO up to date.

About TrustKeys:

TrustKeys Network is a project developed by TKBlockchain Company (headquartered in BVI - UK) that has self-financed to develop since 2018 until now. After completing the basic modules of the ecosystem, TrustKeys Network began to carry out communication and cooperation activities to introduce to the community and investors about this special project. Expected time to deploy in the 4th quarter of 2021 and IDO implementation in October.

Website: https://trustkeys.network/

Group telegram: https://t.me/trustkeysuperapp

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TrustKeysGlobal

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trustkeys.network/

Annie Clain

Outreach Manager TrustKeys

Contact@blockchainprbuzz.com

SOURCE: TRUSTKEYS

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/668178/TrustKeys-IDO-To-Follow-As-TKblockchain-Closes-4-Million-Funding-Round
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The White House COVID-19 Response Team said that more than 3,500 organizations including healthcare systems, educational institutions, state and local governments, and private businesses have already stepped up to adopt vaccination requirements. These vaccination requirements have increased vaccination rates by 20-plus percentage points, with organizations routinely seeing their share of fully vaccinated workers rise above 90 percent, COVID-19 Response Coordinator Jeff Zients said in a briefing. On Monday, Washington state announced that more than 90 percent of state employees are now fully vaccinated. That's up from around 49 percent just five weeks ago, with more people getting vaccinated each day ahead of the state's October 18th deadline. According to economists at Goldman Sachs, vaccination requirements could help return up to 5 million workers into the labor force as people feel safer going back to the workplace and face fewer disruptions, including to childcare. Tuesday, Boeing, one of the nation's largest employers, announced that it will require its 130,000-person U.S. workforce to be fully vaccinated by December 8th. Zients said that as the FDA and the CDC's decisions on potential Moderna and J&J boosters come in the coming days, the Biden administration will be ready to hit the ground running as soon as any additional boosters are authorized. CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said that a study conducted in Maricopa and Pima Counties in Arizona, where schools resumed in-person learning in late July, found that in the first month and a half of learning, there were 113 COVID-19 outbreaks in schools that had no mask requirement and only 16 COVID-19 outbreaks in schools with early mask requirements. With 120321 new cases reporting on Wednesday, the total number of Covid infections in the country rose to 44,685,145, as per the latest data from Johns Hopkins University. An additional 3006 Covid deaths on the same day took the total number of people who died due to the pandemic to 719,551. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / October 14, 2021 / Kazia expects to release multiple data points from its paxalisib program in Q4 CY21. These include final data from the 30-patient Phase II trial in newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients, as well as initial data for paxalisib in the treatment of brain metastases (BMs). Additionally, the Phase I for EVT801 is expected to begin enrolment by year-end.

We have increased our valuation to US$277m or US$20.92 per basic ADR from US$247m or US$19.14 per basic ADR mainly due to rolling forward our NPV. This was partially offset by lower net cash and slightly higher expenses. Kazia reported net cash of US$20.4m (A$27.6m) at 30 June 2021. Our estimated financing requirement for the company is US$44m (including US$22m in FY23), up from US$36m previously due to increases in R&D spending.

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All reports published by Edison are available to download free of charge from its website

www.edisongroup.com

About Edison: Edison is a leading research and investor relations consultancy, connecting listed companies to the widest pool of global investors. By focusing on the volume and quality of investors reached - across institutions, family offices, wealth managers and retail investors - Edison can create and gauge intent to purchase, even in the darkest pools of capital, and then make introductions via non-deal roadshows, events or virtual meetings.

Having been the first in-market 17 years ago, Edison now has more than 100 analysts covering every economic sector. Headquartered in London, Edison also has offices in New York, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Tel Aviv and a presence in Athens, Johannesburg and Sydney.

Edison is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Edison is not an adviser or broker-dealer and does not provide investment advice. Edison's reports are not solicitations to buy or sell any securities.

For more information, please contact Edison:

Maxim Jacobs +1 646 653 7027 healthcare@edisongroup.com

Jyoti Prakash +91 981 880 393 healthcare@edisongroup.com

Learn more at www.edisongroup.com and connect with Edison on:

LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/edison-group-/

Twitter www.twitter.com/Edison_Inv_Res

YouTube www.youtube.com/edisonitv

SOURCE: Edison Investment Research Limited

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/668176/Kazia-TherapeuticsTrust-KZIA-Multiple-Paxalisib-Data-Points-Expected-in-Q4
Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2021) - Battery Road Capital Corp. (TSXV: BTRY.P) ("Battery Road" or the "Corporation"), a capital pool company pursuant to Policy 2.4 of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"), is providing this status update relating to the Qualifying Transaction of the Corporation (as such term is defined in TSXV policy 2.4) with E-Tech Kalapuse Mining (Pty) Ltd. ("E-Tech Namibia").

SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL GRANTED

The Corporation announces that is has received approval from the shareholders of the Corporation at a shareholders' meeting held on October 14, 2021 to, among other matters, conduct its contemplated share split, change the Corporation's name and complete its contemplated Qualifying Transaction with E-Tech Namibia.

NAME CHANGE

Effective October 14, 2021, the Corporation will be renamed 'E-Tech Resources Inc.' (the "Name Change").

STOCK SPLIT

The Corporation received approval to split its common shares on the basis of two (2) new common shares for each one (1) old common shares (the "Split"). The record date of the Split is October 14, 2021. The effective date of the Split is October 15, 2021, with the mailing date of the new share certificates being October 18, 2021.

The Corporation currently has 12,985,750 common shares issued and outstanding, which will be increased to 25,971,500 common shares after the Split is completed. The Corporation expects to have, on completion of the Qualifying Transaction, an aggregate of 82,971,530 common shares outstanding.

The Corporation will conduct the Split on a "push-out" basis with no further effort required on behalf of the shareholders to convert their shares. A new CUSIP number will be issued for post-split shares, which the Corporation will issue under the new corporate name of "E-Tech Resources Inc.".

The stock split is being undertaken as a step in the Corporation's Qualifying Transaction. The Qualifying Transaction is scheduled to close on October 15, 2021.

CLOSING OF QUALIFYING TRANSACTION

The Corporation received approval of shareholders to complete the acquisition of all of the outstanding E-Tech Namibia ordinary shares as contemplated in the share exchange agreement dated October 10, 2020, as amended (the "Definitive Agreement").

To give effect to the Definitive Agreement, and complete the Qualifying Transaction, parties will take several actions which will result in the following:

(a) Battery Road will effect the Name Change;

(b) the Split will occur, resulting in 25,971,500 post-split common shares of E-Tech Resources Inc. ("Post-Split Shares") being issued and outstanding to current shareholders of Battery Road;

(c) convertible debentures issued by E-Tech Namibia, together with interest thereon, will convert into E-Tech Namibia ordinary shares, which will further be exchanged for 14,777,790 Post-Split Shares under the terms of the Definitive Agreement;

(d) Battery Road will complete the share exchange with shareholders of E-Tech Namibia contemplated in the Definitive Agreement by issuing Post-Split Shares to the E-Tech Namibia Shareholders (excluding above noted holders of converted debentures) in exchange for all outstanding E-Tech Namibia ordinary shares, resulting in the issuance of 22,222,240 Post-Split Shares as aggregate consideration;

(e) Battery Road will issue and pay fees owing to Numus Capital Corp. for its role as agent in the concurrent private placement including the issuance of warrants entitling Numus to purchase 1,400,000 Post-Split Shares;

(f) Daniel Whittaker, Chris Drysdale, John Philpott, Ken Marshall, and Edward Loye will be appointed as directors of the Corporation;

(g) The 20,000,000 subscription receipts issued by Battery Road in its concurrent private placement will convert into an aggregate of 20,000,000 Post-Split Shares;

(h) proceeds of the concurrent private placement will be released from escrow to the Corporation;

(i) the Corporation will enter into a support services agreement with Numus Financial Inc. to provide for ongoing services to the Corporation; and,

(j) E-Tech Namibia will continue business as a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of E-Tech Resources Inc.

In aggregate, the Corporation will ultimately have issued and outstanding capital of 82,971,530 Post-Split Shares after completion of the Qualifying Transaction.

The Qualifying Transaction is expected to close on or about October 15, 2021. With trading expected to resume upon issuance of the Final Exchange Bulletin.

About Battery Road Capital Corp.

Battery Road is a Capital Pool Company listed on the TSXV. Its principal business is the identification and evaluation of assets or businesses with a view to completing a qualifying transaction. Battery Road has not commenced commercial operations and has no assets other than cash.

For further information please contact:

Jim Megann, Director

Battery Road Capital Corp.

902-442-7192

Completion of the Qualifying Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement prepared in connection with the Qualifying Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Qualifying Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Qualifying Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Battery Road to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

Examples of such statements include timeline of completion of the Qualifying Transaction; release of the Offering proceeds from escrow to the Corporation; the timeline of conversion of subscription receipts, completion of the Name Change and, completion of the Split. 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: satisfying conditions under the agreements forming part of the Qualifying Transaction; and satisfying the requirements of the TSXV with respect to proposed Qualifying Transaction. While Battery Road anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its views to change, Battery Road specifically disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Battery Road's views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Although Battery Road 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. The factors identified above are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect Battery Road. Additional factors are noted under "Risk Factors" in Battery Road's initial public offering prospectus dated August 10, 2018, a copy of which may be obtained on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99686
Flemish Minister-President Jan Jambon Hosts Office Opening Ceremony

Guardsquare, the mobile application security platform, today marked the official grand opening of the company's new German office located in Munich, expanding European business operations beyond Belgium and the company's global R&D footprint.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005816/en/

Flemish Minister-President Jan Jambon and Guardsquare CEO Roel Caers Open Guardsquare Munich Office (Photo: Business Wire)

To celebrate the office opening, Guardsquare hosted Minister-President of Flanders, Jan Jambon, and Claire Tillekaerts, CEO of Flanders Investment and Trade (FIT) at the event.

"Opening our office in Munich is an incredible milestone that is the result of our rapid growth as well as our commitment to providing the most robust and innovative mobile app security testing and protection solutions on the market through this additional R&D presence," said Roel Caers, CEO at Guardsquare. "We're honored to continue to grow our international presence and excited to join Munich's emerging technology ecosystem."

Guardsquare is expecting the Munich office to grow by 140% through 2022. With headquarters in Leuven, Belgium and additional offices in the United States and Canada, located in Boston, Massachusetts and Ottawa, Canada, the company's expansion and increased focus on R&D efforts is paramount.

The new office opening comes on the heels of the company's recent launch of AppSweep, Guardsquare's mobile app security testing tool purpose-built for developers. The majority of the development work for AppSweep is being done out of the Munich office.

For more information about the Munich office opening and to learn more about career opportunities with Guardsquare and open positions, please visit: https://www.guardsquare.com/careers.

About Guardsquare

Guardsquare offers the most complete approach to mobile application security on the market. Built on the open source ProGuard technology, Guardsquare's software integrates seamlessly across the development cycle. From app security testing to code hardening to real-time visibility into the threat landscape, Guardsquare solutions provide enhanced mobile application security from early in the development process through publication. More than 700 customers worldwide across all major industries rely on Guardsquare to help them identify security risks and protect their mobile applications against reverse engineering and tampering.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005816/en/

Contacts:

Erica Sheehan

Chief Marketing Officer, Guardsquare

erica.sheehan@guardsquare.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2021) - Battery Mineral Resources Corp. (TSXV: BMR) ("Battery" or "BMR" or the "Company") is pleased to announce further encouraging drill core assay results from the on-going 2021 exploration and in-fill drill program at the Punitaqui mine complex ("Punitaqui") in Chile. Punitaqui is an advanced stage copper mining complex with recent production history. The Company is focused on bringing the mine back into production by mid to late 2022.

Highlights

Partial assay results from drillholes SAS-21-11, 12, 13, 19, and 21 (see Table 1) have been returned with encouraging results as follows: Drillhole SAS-21-12: 7 meters ("m") at 1.81% Copper ("Cu") from 176m downhole and a second intercept of 2m grading 1.04% Cu from 162m downhole . Drillhole SAS-21-13: 3m at 1.96% Cu from 217m downhole, 3m grading 0.87% Cu from 199m and a third interval of 1.8m at 0.83% Cu from 211m downhole. Drillhole SAS-21-21: 13m at 0.96% Cu from 106m downhole and 4m grading 1.19% Cu from 115m downhole. Drillhole SAS-21-19: 3m at 1.50% Cu from 75m downhole . Drillhole SAS-21-11: 2m at 0.91% Cu from 53m downhole.

Currently, four drills are operating on-site with two at San Andres.

are operating on-site with two at San Andres. Sample results have been received for 17 drill holes. Samples for an additional five drill holes have been submitted to ALS for geochemical analysis and more are being prepared for shipment.

The San Andres drill program is designed to confirm resources identified by previous drilling programs and expand these resources north and south along strike and at depth.

Earlier results from the current program (see Table 2) included: SAS-21-07: 3.4m at 2.10% Cu and a second interval of 4m at 1.56% Cu. SAS-21-05: 9m at 2.06% Cu. SAS-21-03: 11m at 1.39% Cu including 8m at 1.63% Cu. SAS-21-08: 5.25m at 1.39% Cu and a second interval of 3.75m at 1.85% Cu. SAS-21-01: 3m grading 1.52% Cu. SAS-21-04: 16.7m grading 1.37% Cu including 11.7m at 1.64% Cu and a second interval of 9m at 1.75% Cu.

The San Andres target is one of several historic zones within BMR's Punitaqui project with partially delineated resources and established underground access.

San Andres is the "normal" fault displaced upper portion of the adjacent Cinabrio copper deposit that is part of Punitaqui which produced between 20 and 25 million pounds of copper annually for nine plus years by Glencore and Xiana Mining.

Battery CEO Martin Kostuik states: "We are pleased to announce these new encouraging copper intercepts from our Punitaqui drilling program. Earlier wide-spaced historic drilling has identified an 800m long zone that is open at depth and in both directions along strike at San Andres. These new assays further demonstrate the extent and high-grade nature of the mineralization over significant sample intervals. We believe these new results demonstrate that this drilling program has the potential to provide the Company with an additional source of copper ore along with existing ore at the adjacent Cinabrio mine. We look forward to providing further exciting updates for the drill program as we progress towards a potential near term resumption of operations and cashflow at Punitaqui."

San Andres Drill Program

Sample assay results, reported herein, are from five drill holes and are in addition to the results reported previously from the first eight drillholes completed at San Andres (see Tables 1 and 2 below). These results are only partial assays and additional significant intervals may be reported from these same holes when complete results are received.

Drillhole SAS-21-11 was designed to test the San Andres targeted stratigraphic unit ("TSU") at shallow depths just below the oxide-sulphide transition in the northern part of the San Andres target. The drill hole intersected 3m of the TSU that hosted the disseminated pyrite-chalcopyrite mineralization and the interval from 53m to 55m yielded a 2m interval grading 0.91% copper Cu.

Drillhole SASA-21-12 targeted the TSU 60m down-dip from drillhole SAS-21-01 which encountered a significant amount of post mineralized dykes at the target depth but intersected 3.0m at 1.52% Cu. This follow-up drillhole intersected a 34m wide section of the mineralized horizon consisting of interbedded shales, sandstones and tuff breccia. Two sulphide intercepts were reported between 162m and 183m downhole. The upper intercept was 2m grading 1.04% Cu from 162m and a lower second wider interval cut 7m at 1.81% Cu from 176m. This successful down-dip step-out outside the dykes confirms both lateral continuity and grade of the mineralization.

Drillhole SAS-21-13 was planned to test the TSU 60m up-dip from the SAS-21-09. The drillhole intersected a 21m interval from 199m to 220m of the TSU consisting of dark shales, volcanoclastic sandstones and conglomerates with abundant syngenetic pyrite and chalcopyrite. Three significant mineralized intervals were reported within the TSU and included 3m of 0.87% Cu from 199m; 1.m at 0.83% Cu from 211m and 3m grading 1.96% Cu from 217m.

Drillhole SAS-21-19 was designed as a step-out exploration hole from SAS-21-11 to test the TSU 60m south and down-dip. The drillhole intersected a 26m section of the targeted stratigraphic unit with weak disseminated chalcopyrite mineralization throughout. A 3m mineralized interval returned 1.50% Cu from 75m downhole.

Drillhole SAS-21-21: tested the targeted stratigraphic unit up-dip of historic drillholes SAS-19-09 and SAS-20-01. The TSU was intercepted from 221.7m - 236.7m of shale-sandstone with variable chalcopyrite and bornite as disseminated sulphides and copper bearing veinlets. The mineralized horizon produced a significant result of 13m at 0.96% Cu from 106m including 4m at 1.19% Cu from 115m.

Table 1: San Andres Drilling Latest Significant Assays Results - October 2021

Drillhole

Number From

(m) To

(m) Sample

Interval

(m) Copper

Cu (%) SAS -21-11 53.0 55.0 2.0 0.91 SAS-21-12 162.0 164.0 2.0 1.04 and 176.0 183.0 7.0 1.81 SAS-21-13 199.0 202.0 3.0 0.87 and 211.0 212.8 1.8 0.83 and 217.0 220.0 3.0 1.96 SAS-21-19 75.0 78.0 3.0 1.50 SAS-21-21 106.0 119.0 13.0 0.96 including 115.0 119.0 4.0 1.19



Note: All Intercepts reported as downhole core intervals

Table 2: San Andres 2021 Drill Program Significant Drillhole Intercepts

Drillhole

Number From

(m) To

(m) Sample

Interval

(m) Copper

Cu (%) SAS-21-01 180.2 183.2 3.0 1.52 SAS-21-02 185.0 188.0 3.0 0.04 SAS-21-03

including 198.0 209.0 11.0 1.39 201.0 209.0 8.00 1.63 SAS-21-04

including

and 185.0 201.7 16.7 1.37 190.0 201.7 11.7 1.64 223.0 232.0 9.0 1.75 SAS-21-05

including

and 200.0 210.0 10.0 0.52 203.0 207.0 4.0 0.87 220.0 229.0 9.0 2.06 SAS-21-07

and 244.65 248.05 3.4 2.10 257.0 261.0 4.0 1.56 SAS-21-08

and 221.75 227.0 5.25 1.39 232.9 236.65 3.75 1.85



Note: All Intercepts reported as downhole core intervals



Figure 1: Cinabrio - San Andres Area Geology And Targets Map

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Figure 2: San Andres Drillhole Location Map



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Background - San Andres Target

The San Andres target is part of the Punitaqui project which is situated within a 25km long mineralized district that is a classic IOCG and mantos-style copper belt that is comprised of mantos and structural controlled copper-gold-silver veins. San Andres is a zone of copper mineralization located 500m southwest of the high-grade Cinabrio deposit mined by Glencore and Xiana Mining.

Prior to 1998, only limited extraction of high-grade copper oxides was undertaken at San Andres by small groups of local miners. In 2000, a Chilean national company La Empressa Nacional de Mineria ("ENAMI") developed two underground exploration drives targeting copper sulphides. In 2005, via an option process, San Andres became part of the Punitaqui mine complex.

In 2007, a ground geophysical induced polarization ("IP") survey was completed on 250m - 500m spaced lines across the San Andres-Cinabrio area. The results of the IP survey line across the southern end of the San Andres zone identified a strong chargeability anomaly interpreted to represent potential extensions of the copper sulphide mineralization at depth and along strike. Historic wide-spaced drilling completed by the previous operators between 2011- 2017 totaled 58 holes for 5,927m.

San Andres is a tabular sedimentary horizon within a volcanic sequence. This sedimentary horizon is variably mineralized and has a variable width ranging from 5m - 30m. It consists of an interlayered volcano-sedimentary sequence composed of dark colored laminated and unlaminated shales, volcanoclastic sandstone, conglomerates and breccias and tuff breccias. There is a variable component of syngenetic pyrite. The horizon dips 40 to 50 degrees to the east and is cut-off at depth by the moderately west dipping San Andres fault.

Mineralization consists of veinlets and irregular disseminations in both the fine and coarse-grained clastic rocks and locally within the volcanic rocks above and below the host unit. The host horizon is also cut and offset by other faults with a wide range of orientations. The fundamental orientations identified to date include:

moderately west dipping splays of the San Andres fault, generally with downward and westward movement

steep dipping northeast to northwest trending faults with both sinistral and dextral offsets

Faults parallel and sub-parallel to stratigraphy

Quality Control

Sample preparation, analysis and security procedures applied on the BMR exploration projects is aligned with industry best practice. BMR has implemented protocols and procedures to ensure high quality collection and management of samples resulting in reliable exploration assay data. BMR has implemented formal analytical quality control monitoring for all field sampling and drilling programs by inserting blanks and certified reference materials into every sample sequence dispatched.

Sample preparation is performed ALS Global - Geochemistry Analytical Lab in La Serana, Chile and sample analyses by ALS in Lima, Peru. ALS analytical facilities are commercial laboratories and are independent from BMR. All BMR samples are collected and packaged by BMR staff and delivered upon receipt at the ALS Laboratory. Samples are logged in a sophisticated laboratory information management system for sample tracking, scheduling, quality control, and electronic reporting. Samples are dried then crushed to 70% < -2 millimeters and a riffle split of 250 grams is then pulverized to 85% of the material achieving a size of <75 microns. These prepared samples are then shipped to the ALS Laboratory in North Vancouver for analyses by the following methods:

ME-MS61: A high precision, multi-acid digest including Hydrofluoric, Nitric, Perchloric and Hydrochloric acids. Analysed by inductively coupled plasma ("ICP") mass spectrometry that produces results for 48 elements.

ME-OG62: Aqua-Regia digest: Analysed by ICP-AES (Atomic Emission Spectrometry) or sometimes called optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) for high levels of Co, Cu, Ni and Ag.

Certified standards are inserted into sample batches by ALS. Blanks and duplicates are inserted within each analytical run. The blank is inserted at the beginning, certified standards are inserted at random intervals, and duplicates are analysed at the end of the batch.

Additional Information

Michael Schuler, Battery Mineral Resources Corp. Chile Exploration Manager, supervised the preparation of and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release pertaining to the Punitaqui Exploration Drill Program. Mr. Schuler is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Scientific and technical information pertaining to the cobalt resource at McAra was extracted from the Company's NI 43-101 "Technical report on Cobalt Exploration Assets in Canada" dated as of May 26, 2020 with an effective date of March 31, 2020, prepared by Glen Cole (P. Geo) of SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc.

About Battery Mineral Resources Corp.

A battery mineral company with high-quality assets providing shareholders exposure to the global mega-trend of electrification and focused on growth through cash-flow, exploration, and acquisitions in the world's top mining jurisdictions. BMR is currently developing the Punitaqui Mining Complex and pursuing the potential near term resumption of operations at the prior producing Punitaqui copper-gold mine. The Punitaqui copper-gold mine most recently produced approximately 21,000 tonnes of copper concentrate in 2019 and is located in the Coquimbo region of Chile. BMR is engaged in the discovery, acquisition, and development of battery metals (cobalt, lithium, graphite, nickel & copper), in North and South America and South Korea with the intention of becoming a premier and sustainable supplier of battery minerals to the electrification marketplace. Battery Mineral Resources is the largest mineral claim holder in the historic Gowganda Cobalt-Silver Camp, Canada and continues to pursue a focused program to build on the recently announced, +1-million-pound high-grade cobalt resource at McAra by testing over 50 high-grade primary cobalt silver-nickel-copper targets. In addition, Battery owns 100% of ESI Energy Services, Inc., also known as Ozzie's, a pipeline equipment rental and sales company with operations in Leduc, Alberta and Phoenix, Arizona.

For further information, please contact:

Battery Mineral Resources Corp.

Martin Kostuik

Phone: +1 (604) 229 3830

Email: info@bmrcorp.com

The securities offered pursuant to the Private Placement have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news 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.

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 press release.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. 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. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections of the Company on the date the statements are made and are 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 uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual 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 and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to complete exploration and development activities, risks related to share price and market conditions, the inherent risks involved in the mining, exploration and development of mineral properties, government regulation and fluctuating metal prices. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Battery undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99691
Launch of a capital increase through a private placement via the accelerated construction of an order book for an amount of approximately 7 million euros

Proceeds of the issue mainly intended to accelerate the commercial ramp-up of the latest generation of robots

Concomitant sale of a maximum of 1,358,911 existing shares held by Seventure Partners, representing approximately 4.72% of the share capital for a maximum amount of approximately 1.7 million

Regulatory News:

BALYO (FR0013258399, Mnemonique: BALYO, eligible PEA-PME) (Paris:BALYO), (the "Company"), announces today the launch of a capital increase with cancellation of the preferential subscription right by placement to qualified French and international investors, in accordance with the 15th resolution of the Combined General Meeting of Shareholders dated May 20, 2021, and the decisions of the Board of Directors of the Company dated October 14, 2021 (the "Primary Offering

The Primary Offer of a target amount of 7 million will in any event be limited to 20% of the number of shares of the Company currently listed on the regulated market of Euronext Paris. Concurrently with the Primary Offer, funds managed by Seventure Partners, historical shareholder of the Company since 2010, (together, the "Selling Shareholder") have agreed to sell a maximum of 1,358,911 shares, representing a maximum amount of approximately 1.7 million (the "Secondary Offer" and together with the Primary Offer, the "Offer"). The funds managed by Seventure Partners will continue to support the development and growth of the Company. In this respect, they have committed to holding their residual stake for a minimum period of 15 months from the date of completion of the transaction.

The final number of shares issued and sold, the amounts raised and sold and the exact dilution will be disclosed in the press release announcing the result of the Offer.

Bryan, Garnier Co Limited1 is acting as Sole Global Coordinator, Lead Manager and Bookrunner of the transaction.

Reasons for the Primary Offer

"The latest structuring operational and commercial advances, in particular the signing of the partnership with Korber, support the interest of leading logistics players in our high value-added robotic solutions benefiting from extended technological functionalities. In order to accelerate our commercial deployment in 2022, we are aiming to strengthen our financial resources to capitalize on this momentum," said Pascal Rialland, Chairman and CEO of BALYO.

The proceeds of the Primary Offering are primarily intended to provide the Company with additional resources to finance sales and marketing expenses to accelerate the commercial ramp-up of the latest generation of robots in 2022 as well as additional R&D expenses related to the implementation of the the roadmap of new solutions. The funds raised will also be used for working capital related to the expected growth as well as the general financing needs of the Company, for a smaller portion, less than 20%, within the framework of the latter allocation. The Company also specifies that its available cash position prior to the launch of the transaction is sufficient to cover its financing needs for the year 2021. If the transaction is not successful or leads to a lower than expected amount, the commercial development would be done with more limited means and will consequently be slower.

Terms of the Offer

The Primary Offering will be carried out with cancellation of the preferential subscription rights of the existing shareholders of the Company, on the basis of Articles L. 225-129- and L. 225-138 of the French Commercial Code), with qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) n2017/1129 of June 14, 2017, as referred to in 1 of Article L.411-2-1 of the Monetary and Financial Code, and in accordance with the 15th resolution of the Company's Combined General Meeting of May 20, 2021, with the decisions taken by the Board of Directors at its meeting of October 14, 2021.

The final number of new shares issued will be decided by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company using the sub-delegation granted to him by the Board of Directors meeting today, pursuant to and within the limits of the 15th resolution of the Combined General Meeting of the Company dated May 20, 2021.

The maximum number of shares sold by funds managed by Seventure Partners under the Secondary Offering will be 1,358,911 existing shares.

The Offer will be carried out by accelerated bookbuilding, at the end of which the number of new shares to be issued and the number of shares to be sold will be determined. The price applicable under the Offer will be 1.25 euro per new share or existing share sold, representing a discount of less than 10% compared to the weighted average of the prices of the Company's shares on the regulated market of Euronext in Paris during the three trading days preceding the date of the determination of the Offer price.

The accelerated book building procedure will be initiated immediately and is expected to close before the opening of the markets on October 15, 2021, subject to any extension. The Company will announce the results of the Offer, the dilution and the new capital allocation as soon as possible after the closing of the order book, by way of a press release.

The Offer is open to qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) n2017/1129 of June 14, 2017, as referred to in Article L.411-2 of the French Monetary and Financial Code, in France and outside France, with the exception of the United States of America under Regulation S and the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act

The new shares will rank for dividend immediately and will be admitted to trading on the regulated market of Euronext Paris under the same ISIN code FR0013258399 BALYO.

The settlement-delivery of the new shares issued and of the existing shares sold and the admission to trading on the regulated market of Euronext Paris of the new shares are expected to take place within 3 business days from the closing of the private placement.

Pursuant to the provisions of 1 of Article L.411-2 of the French Monetary and Financial Code and Article 1.4 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 14, 2017, the Offer will not give rise to the preparation of a prospectus subject to the approval of the Autorite des marches financiers (the "AMF").

Subscription commitments

The Company has already received commitments from new and existing qualified investors to subscribe to the Offer for a total amount of 5.2 million euros.

Lock-up and abstention commitments

The Company has signed an abstention agreement for a period of 180 days from the settlement-delivery date of the Offer, subject to customary exceptions, thus limiting the Company's ability to issue new shares during this period.

Seventure Partners has signed a lock-up agreement for all the shares held by the funds it manages and not sold during the Offer, for a period of 15 months from the date of settlement-delivery of the Offer, subject to certain customary exceptions.

Risk factors

The public's attention is drawn to the risk factors relating to the Company and its business, presented in section 3 of the Universal Registration Document approved on April 27, 2021 by the AMF, available free of charge on the Company's website (balyo.fr/investors). The occurrence of some or all of these risks could have an adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results, development or prospects. The risk factors presented in the said Universal Registration Document are identical as of the date of this press release. In particular, the Company states that orders placed and payments made by LINDE Material Holding (LHM) are 100% in line with order commitment targets for 2021 previously communicated.

In addition, investors are invited to take into account the following risks specific to the issue: (i) the market price of the Company's shares may fluctuate and may fall below the subscription price of the shares issued, (ii) the volatility and liquidity of the Company's shares may fluctuate significantly, (iii) disposals of the Company's shares may take place in the market and may have an adverse impact on the Company's share price, and (iv) the Company's shareholders may see potentially significant dilution as a result of any future capital increases that may become necessary to finance the Company.

About BALYO

Humans around the World deserve enriching, creative jobs. At BALYO, we believe that pallet movements in DC and manufacturing sites should be left to fully autonomous robots. To execute this ambition, BALYO transforms standard forklifts into intelligent robots thanks to its breakthrough Driven by Balyo technology. Our leading geo guidance navigation system enables robots to locate their position and navigate autonomously inside buildings without the need for any additional infrastructure. To accelerate the material handling market conversion to autonomy, BALYO has entered into two global partnerships with KION (Linde Material Handling's parent company) and Hyster-Yale Group. A full range of globally available robots has been developed for virtually all traditional warehousing applications; Tractor, Pallet, Stackers, Reach and VNA-robots. BALYO and its subsidiaries in Boston and Singapore serve clients in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. The company has been listed on EURONEXT since 2017 and its sales revenue reached 21.7 million in 2020. For more information, visit https://www.balyo.com/

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements that relate to the Company's objectives. While the Company considers such forward-looking statements to be reasonable, such forward-looking statements are based solely on the current expectations and assumptions of the Company's management and involve risk and uncertainties, which may result in different outcomes than those contained in the forward-looking statements.

This press release and the information contained herein are only for information purposes and do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe to, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe to, shares in the Company in any country, including France.

The distribution of this press release may be subject to legal or regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions. Any person who comes into possession of this press release must inform him or herself of and comply with any such restrictions, and as the case may be, to abide by such restrictions. This press release does not, and will not, constitute an offer nor an invitation to solicit the interest of public in France.

This announcement is an advertisement and not a prospectus within the meaning of regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 (the "Prospectus Regulation").

In France, the offering of the Company's securities as described above will be carried exclusively through an offer to the benefit of qualified investors, as defined in Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Regulation and in accordance with article L. 411-2(1) of the French Monetary and Financial code (code monetaire et financier) and applicable regulatory provisions. No prospectus will require to be approved or subject to approval from the AMF (Autorite des Marches Financiers).

With respect to Member States of the European Economic Area other than France (the "Member States"), no action has been taken or will be taken to permit a public offering of the securities referred to in this press release requiring the publication of a prospectus in any Member State. Therefore, such securities may not be and shall not be offered in any Member State (other than France) other than in accordance with the exemptions of Article 1(4) of the Prospectus Regulation or, otherwise, in cases not requiring the publication by BALYO of a prospectus under Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation and/or the applicable regulations in such Member State.

In the United Kingdom, this press release has been prepared on the basis that any offering of the Company's securities in the United Kingdom will benefit from an exemption under Regulation (EU) 2017/1129, which is part of UK law under the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (the "UK Prospectus Regulation"), regarding the obligation to publish a prospectus for offerings of the Company's securities. This press release is not a prospectus within the meaning of the UK Prospectus Regulation.

This press release and the information it contains are being distributed to and are only intended for persons who are (i) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "Order"), (ii) high net worth entities and other such persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order ("high net worth companies", "unincorporated associations", etc.) or (iii) other persons to whom an invitation or inducement to participate in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Market Act 2000) may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons in (i), (ii) and (iii) together being referred to as "Relevant Persons").

This press release is only being distributed to Relevant Persons and any person who is not a Relevant Person should not act or rely on this press release or any of its contents. Any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire securities to which this press release relates will only be engaged with Relevant Persons.

This press release and the information it contains are not intended to be distributed, directly or indirectly, in the United States of America and do not, and will not constitute an offer to subscribe for or sell, nor the solicitation of an offer to subscribe for or buy, securities of BALYO in the United States of America. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States of America absent from registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), it being specified that the securities of BALYO have not been and will not be registered within the U.S. Securities Act. BALYO does not intend to register securities or conduct a public offering in the United States of America.

This press release may not be published, forwarded or distributed, directly or indirectly, in the United States of America, Canada, Japan or Australia. The information contained in this document does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States of America, Canada, Japan or Australia.

1 Acting through Bryan Garnier Securities SAS.

This press release is not intended for publication or distribution in the United States, Canada, Japan or Australia.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005829/en/

Contacts:

BALYO

Frank Chuffart

investors@balyo.com

NewCap

Financial Communication and Investor Relations

Thomas Grojean Louis-Victor Delouvrier

Tel: +33 1 44 71 98 53

balyo@newcap.eu
9-months growth outside the US vs. last year 36%

Q3 consolidated revenue at 1M

Regulatory News:

SpineGuard (Paris:ALSGD) (FR0011464452 ALSGD), an innovative company that deploys its DSG (Dynamic Surgical Guidance) sensing technology to secure and streamline the placement of bone implants, announced today that its revenue was 1.0 M in the third quarter and 3.25 M YTD.

Pierre JEROME, Chairman, CEO and Co-founder of SpineGuard, said: "The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the spinal device market in the third quarter due to both the emergence of the Delta variant and healthcare labor shortage. Despite this new transitory tension on surgical activity, we have been delivering very encouraging growth overseas since the beginning of the year and the strengthening of our US commercial organization is well on the way with two additional strong hires in September. In the last few weeks, we participated in four international congresses including the NASS (North American Spine Society) annual meeting in Boston at the end of September. The new DSG Connect platform, which has cleared in Europe, the United States and most recently in Brazil, has generated considerable interest at each of these important events from surgeons, agents, and distributors who see real value added for surgeons training, clinical data collection and medico-legal recording. These congresses also offered a valuable opportunity to exchange face to face with potential strategic partners particularly on our latest major advances in robotics."

 thousands IFRS Unaudited 2021 2020 Variance

as reported



Variance

c.c First Quarter 1,049 1,376 -24% -19% Second Quarter 1,179 902 +31% +39% Half-Year 2,228 2,278 -2% +4% Third Quarter 1,022 1,328 -23% -23% Year to Date 9 Months 3,250 3,603 -10% -6%

SpineGuard's consolidated revenue decreased 23% as reported and in constant currency (cc) in Q3 compared to last year.

Outside the USA, the revenue increased by 6% compared to the third quarter of 2020 while in the USA, the decrease was 31% due to surgery postponements related to both the emergence of the Delta variant and healthcare labor shortage consecutive to vaccine mandates at hospitals according to the analysts covering our space*.

Over the first 9 months of the financial year, revenue increased 36% outside the Unites States while decreasing 21% in the USA (16% cc) and 10% globally (6% cc) to 3,250 K compared to 3,603 K for the same period in 2020. 3,898 DSG equipped units were sold in the first nine months of 2021 (1,838 in the USA, 47% of total units sold) compared with 3,846 in the first nine months of 2020.

2021 Perspectives

The cash position as of September 30, 2021 of 5.9 M plus the secured equity line facility for 5.0 M means that the total cash available to the Company is 10.9 M. Considering the current cash position, the secured convertible bond facility and the recurring expected business, the Company estimates that it can fund its needs through 2023.

For 2021 SpineGuard focuses on the following priorities while striving to remain close to breakeven:

Boost commercial activities with the launch of the DSG-Connect visual interface. Implement DSG technology in ortho-robotics through the deployment of AI algorithms, new scientific evidence, and additional patents. Intensify the collaboration with ConfiDent ABC for the dental application and co-develop a new generation of products embedding the DSG technology. Affirm the company's technological shift and sign strategic partnerships, in particular for the use of DSG technology in the robotic field.

About SpineGuard

Founded in 2009 in France and the USA by Pierre Jerome and Stephane Bette, SpineGuard is an innovative company deploying its proprietary radiation-free real time sensing technology DSG (Dynamic Surgical Guidance) to secure and streamline the placement of implants in the skeleton. SpineGuard designs, develops and markets medical devices that have been used in over 85,000 surgical procedures worldwide. Seventeen studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals have demonstrated the multiple benefits DSG offers to patients, surgeons, surgical staff and hospitals. Building on these solid fundamentals and several strategic partnerships, SpineGuard has expanded its technology platform in a disruptive innovation: the smart pedicle screw launched late 2017 and is broadening the scope of applications in dental implantology and surgical robotics. DSG was co-invented by Maurice Bourlion, Ph.D., Ciaran Bolger, M.D., Ph.D., and Alain Vanquaethem, Biomedical Engineer.

For further information, visit www.spineguard.com

Disclaimer

The SpineGuard securities may not be offered or sold in the United States as they have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any United States state securities laws, and SpineGuard does not intend to make a public offer of its securities in the United States. This is an announcement and not a prospectus, and the information contained herein does and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of the securities referred to herein in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or exemption from registration.

*: Ryan Zimmerman (BTIG), Kyle Rose (Canaccord Genuity), Mike Matson and David Saxon (Needham).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005814/en/

Contacts:

SpineGuard

Pierre Jerome

CEO Chairman

Tel: +33 1 45 18 45 19

p.jerome@spineguard.com

SpineGuard

Manuel Lanfossi

CFO

Tel: +33 1 45 18 45 19

m.lanfossi@spineguard.com

NewCap

Investor Relations Financial Communication

Mathilde Bohin Pierre Laurent

Tel.: +33 1 44 71 94 94

spineguard@newcap.eu
EQS Group-News: Dufry International AG / Key word(s): Miscellaneous

Invitation to Dufry's Third Quarter 2021 Trading Update



14.10.2021 / 18:00



Dufry is pleased to invite you to our Third Quarter Trading Update 2021 Conference Call on October 28, 2021 at 14:30 CET. Speakers will be Julian Diaz, CEO Dufry AG, and Yves Gerster, CFO Dufry AG. The call will be held in English, followed by a Q&A session. Telephone & Webcast Participants are kindly requested to pre-register for the conference call and webcast here . Participants will receive the dial-in numbers and a personal pin-code. The access to the webcast platform will be available on Dufry's Investor Relations website . A playback option will be available until November 28, 2021. Participants to the conference call or webcast will be requested to indicate their name and company. Dufry will publish its Third Quarter Trading Update on October 28, 2021, at 7am CET. For further information please contact: Dr. Kristin Kohler

Global Head

Investor Relations

Phone: +41 61 266 44 22

kristin.koehler@dufry.com Renzo Radice

Global Head Corporate

Communications & Investor Relations

Phone: +41 61 266 44 19

renzo.radice@dufry.com

Dufry Group - A leading global travel retailer Dufry AG (SIX: DUFN) is the leading global travel retailer operating over 2,300 duty-free and duty-paid shops in airports, cruise lines, seaports, railway stations and downtown tourist areas, in more than 430 locations in 64 countries across all six continents. The Company, founded in 1865 and headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is offering customers a first-class shopping experience, global brands, a unique market access and landlords a reliable, value-enhancing partnership. To learn more about Dufry, please visit www.dufry.com.

Social Responsibility

Dufry cares for children and supports social projects from SOS Kinderdorf in Brazil, Cambodia, Mexico, Morocco and Ivory Coast. SOS Children's Villages is an independent, non-political and non-demonstrational organization established for orphaned and destitute children all over the world.

End of Media Release


PRESS RELEASE the 14th of October , 2021

EXEL Industries expands Board of Directors to bolster commitment to CSR and sustainability

On the 28th of September, 2021, the EXEL Industries Group Board of Directors approved the plan to enlarge the Board of Directors.

The Group wishes to be in line with the European ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and position its business activities in order for them to positively contribute towards reaching this goal. Moreover, the digitization of processes and of customer relations has become a major priority.

Therefore, the Board of Directors wishes to welcome two new Directors who will help accelerate our progress on these matters.

Ella Etienne-Denoy is appointed Director to succeed Marie-Pierre du Cray-Sirieix as representative of the EXEL SAS family holding company. A graduate from ESSEC Business School and Mannheim University, Ella is an entrepreneur committed to achieving positive impact. She is an expert in CSR / sustainability, ESG and digital impact-driven startups. She is Chairwoman of Green Soluce, a company that helps public and private sector organizations transform by embracing the green transition through bold solutions.

Sonia Trocme-Le Page, whose appointment will be proposed to the Annual General Meeting on February 8, 2022, will be an Independent Director. Sonia graduated from Paris Dauphine University and holds an MBA from Baruch College. After pursuing a career in investment banking, Sonia co-founded and managed an international private equity advisory firm. She went on to create Nantucket Capital, providing ESG/impact advice and fundraising services to socially committed digital start-ups and impact funds. She is a board member of several ESG-focused companies.

Patrick Ballu, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said: "I am delighted to welcome Ella and Sonia to our Board of Directors, which will now include 43% women. Besides improving gender balance on the Board, their arrival heralds in a new phase in the development of our family-owned group by integrating CSR considerations and the demands and aspirations of the younger generations. I am convinced they will make a valuable contribution towards achieving our goals."

About EXEL Industries:

The EXEL Industries group is a listed family-owned company, founded and managed by PatrickBallu and his family since 1952.EXEL Industries is a French industrial group whose ambition is to design, manufacture and market equipment goods and associated services that enable its customers to increase efficiency, productivity, or contribute to the pleasure of living, and to achieve their environmental and societal objectives.

EXEL Industries employs approximately 3 500 people spread across 34 countries and five continents.

Euronext Paris, SRD Long only - compartment B (Mid Cap) / indice EnterNext  PEA-PME 150 (Mnemo EXE / ISIN FR0004527638)

This press release is available in Frech and in English on the website www.exel-industries.com (http://www.exel-industries.com)



Yves BELEGAUD

Group Chief Executive Officer Yves.belegaud@exel-industries.com Thomas GERMAIN

Group Chief Financial Officer/ Investor Relations direction.communication@exel-industries.com

1



2.13.0.0

Attachment
Continued strong revenue growth (28%) with 265 new accounts in the first half;

Operating loss reduced by 48% versus H1 2020 to 2.7 million;

Positive first half free cash flow, gross cash and cash equivalents maintained at 23 million as of June 30, 2021;

Sustained growth and profitability forecast for H2 2021;

New medium-term strategic plan to be unveiled in November.



Paris, October 14, 2021 - WALLIX (Euronext ALLIX), a European cybersecurity software developer and expert in privileged access management (PAM), announces its first half 2021 earnings[1].

000

French GAAP H1 2020 H1 2021 Turnover 8,091 10,321 Other operating income

(capitalized production, subsidies, etc.) 2,456 3,426 Total operating income 10,547 13,747 Total operating expenses (15,675) (16,414) o/w Other operating expenses (3,671) (3,538) o/w Payroll (9,945) (10,505) o/w Depreciation, amortization and provisions (1,689) (1,881) Operating profit/(loss) (5,128) (2,667) Net financial income/(expense) (13) 74 Non-recurring income/(expense) 33 (115) Tax (18) (2) Net profit/(loss) (5,126) (2,710)



Jean-Noel de Galzain, Chairman of the WALLIX GROUP Management Board, said: "First half 2021 earnings fit in with the strong growth in business observed since the second half of 2020. Our markets are buoyed by a permanent, currently booming trend among companies and organizations to carry out that essential digital transformation, as well as a pressing need for the associated cybersecurity in order to protect organizations' information systems and access to cloud-hosted infrastructures, services and data and, lastly, to protect companies' industrial equipment and networks from cyberattack. This movement is reflected in the record increase in new client projects during the first half and in our company's international reach, particularly throughout the Europe-Middle East-Africa region.

After a major investment phase designed to consolidate our technological leadership in access and identity protection solutions besides expanding our sales network, the WALLIX Group is currently reaping the benefits of this strategy of conquest, as evidenced by the sharp improvement in first half operating earnings and the expectation of generating a profit in the second half of 2021.

In only a few years WALLIX has become a go-to cybersecurity supplier and European leader recognized by top industry analysts such as Kuppingercole and Gartner, with a global footprint underpinned by a powerful ecosystem of integrator partners and trained and certified resellers. As a result, the Group possesses major technological and strategic advantages in order to continue to grow and contribute to the emergence of an independent European cybersecurity offer that meets new regulatory requirements in terms of information risk management. These solid foundations will act as a powerful catalyst for the new strategic plan we plan to unveil by the end of the year."



Continued strong growth: +51% for international turnover and 50% recurring business

WALLIX maintained its growth trajectory in H1 2021 with turnover up 28% to 10.3 million. This strong growth reflects the positive impact of investments made over the last 18 months in the product catalog and business verticals (particularly healthcare and manufacturing), regional expansion, and the development of a distributor partner network (channel). The new WALLIX BestSafe offer brought to market in H2 2020 also contributed to business growth during the period.

International turnover rose 51% in the first half to 4.2 million, accounting for 40% of total business. The Group has seen a marked acceleration in the commercial opportunities offered by its partners. WALLIX doubled its first half turnover in the European Union and posted strong growth in the UK (where the Group signed its first major contract worth over 1 million outside France in 2020) and Africa-Middle East. The Group is signing a growing number of major contracts (billing > 100,000) in the international market, which generated invoices totaling 1.5 million over the first half. WALLIX estimates potential turnover of 7.9 million from equipment contracts over the next three years (2021-2023).

Amid a gradual economic recovery, France continued to grow with turnover up 16% to 6.2 million. The Group is enjoying positive sales momentum in the healthcare sector, where WALLIX Bastion is one of ten families of "priority" cybersecurity solutions recommended by the French National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI). Major contracts previously signed in France generated invoices totaling 3.1 million over the first half. WALLIX estimates potential turnover of 20.7 million from these key account equipment contracts over the next three years (2021-2023).

First half license sales were up 22%. Turnover generated by subscription contracts (SaaS licenses and managed services) doubled to 850,000, reflecting the growing success of this contract model. At June 30, 2021, the Group estimates that the future value of subscription contracts billed in the first half of 2021 will amount to 3.6 million over a 3-year period.

Combined with the impact of the increase in clients served on maintenance revenues, recurring business rose 33% in H1 2021 to 50% of total business compared to 48% in H1 2020, thereby improving visibility of the Group's business.



Tight control of operating expenses and sharp improvement in earnings

After several years of major growth investments (establishing foreign operations, hiring staff), first half operating expenses rose by only 4.7%, well below the revenue growth rate. Payroll expenses edged up 5.6% under the impact of new hires made in 2020. Other operating expenses were stable for the period.

Consequently, the Group posted a first half net operating loss of 2.7 million, an improvement of 48% compared to a 5.1 million loss for the same period last year. Net loss Group share was equal to the 2.7 million net operating loss.



Positive first half free cash flow, 23 million cash and cash equivalents

Operating cash flow for the period was positive and increased strongly for the period (2.4 million inflow versus 0.2 million in H1 2020) due to the improvement in operating earnings and a favorable change in working capital corresponding to cash savings totaling 3.3 million. Cash flows from investing activities amounted to a 2.2 million outflow, primarily related to R&D costs. Accordingly, H1 2021 free cash flow (before cash flow from financing activities) was positive compared to a 1.9 million outflow in H1 2020.

At June 30, 2021, gross cash and cash equivalents amounted to 22.7 million versus 23.2 million at December 31, 2020. The stable cash position over the period reflects the 1.2 million research tax credit (CIR) received during the first half. With net cash and cash equivalents of 19.5 million (19.4 million at December 31, 2020) and shareholders' equity of 22.6 million, WALLIX has a robust financial position enabling it to embark on the next steps of its development plan with peace of mind.



Continued strong growth trajectory in 2021, second half operating profit target confirmed

WALLIX operates in a particularly favorable market context: the accelerating impact of new uses on the digital transition calls for growing investment in cybersecurity in response to the proliferation of cyberattacks.

WALLIX is in prime position to take advantage of sector growth. The company was recognized as "Overall Leader" among the international PAM2 suppliers identified by Kuppingercole analyst firm. The company was awarded "Challenger" status and is the only European software publisher to feature among Gartner's PAM[2] Magic Quadrant 2021 global top ten. WALLIX has a comprehensive PAM offering (WALLIX Bastion) that has expanded into adjacent market segments (WALLIX BestSafe and WALLIX Trustelem), enabling it to address all the threats posed by new technologies (IoT, cloud computing, etc.) and new digital services (telemedicine, WFH, smart city, predictive maintenance, etc.).

To boost its growth, WALLIX has developed high-potential business verticals such as healthcare and manufacturing. In the manufacturing sector, WALLIX will also offer its embedded technology for Industry 4.0, WALLIX Inside, which combines WALLIX access and identity security solutions integrated by design into business solutions. Following its first partnership with Fives, WALLIX Inside is now integrated into Schneider Electric's new Harmony P6 "edge box" industrial infrastructure security range. Based on an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) sales model, WALLIX Inside will be a powerful driver of profitable growth over the coming years.

In addition to its strong foothold in Europe, WALLIX can count on the proven efficiency and continued ramp-up of its "channel" partner network. In Europe, the Group recently signed partnerships with TechData in Spain and the UK and with IT2Soft in Scandinavia. In May this year, WALLIX also signed a major partnership agreement with leading electronics distributor Arrow Electronics, giving it access to over 1,000 resellers and integrators supporting millions of US customers spanning all sectors. This partnership will boost the distribution of WALLIX solutions in the United States, thereby offering US companies all the Group's expertise in access and identity security. Thanks to these partnerships, in 2021 WALLIX will achieve its goal to cover 80% of the global digital market, with considerable growth potential on these markets.

Fueled by sustained market demand and an innovative marketing approach, the Group benefits from a base of 1,600 customers equipped with its solutions. WALLIX is particularly confident in its ability to continue business growth throughout the second half of 2021 and confirms its target of posting an operating profit for the period.

Following the successful culmination of the "Ambition 2021" plan, WALLIX's undisputed technological and commercial strengths form a solid base for building a new phase of sustainable growth. On November 16 the Group will unveil the outlines of its new strategic plan for 2022-2025 aimed at consolidating WALLIX's leadership over the long term and ushering in a new era of European digital trust.



Next publication: Presentation of 2022-2025 strategic plan, November 16, 2021

ABOUT WALLIX

A software company providing cybersecurity solutions, WALLIX is the European specialist in Identity and Access Security Solutions. WALLIX's unified solutions portfolio enables companies to respond to today's data protection challenges. WALLIX solutions guarantee detection of and resilience to cyberattacks, which enables business continuity. The solutions also ensure compliance with regulatory requirements regarding access to IT infrastructures and critical data. The portfolio of unified solutions is distributed through a network of more than 180 resellers and integrators worldwide. WALLIX supports more than 1,600 organizations in securing their digital transformation. Listed on the Euronext (ALLIX), WALLIX GROUP, which counts TDH, a company controlled by Mr. Thierry Dassault, among its reference shareholders, is a founding member of the HEXATRUST group and has been included in the Futur40, the first ranking of growth companies on the stock exchange published by Forbes France and is part of the Tech 40 index.

www.wallix.com | info@wallix.com



FINANCIAL COMMUNICATION CONTACTS

ACTUS Finance & Communication

Investor Relations - Olivier LAMBERT

Tel. +33 (0)1 53 67 36 33 / wallix@actus.fr

Press Relations - Deborah Schwartz

Tel. +33 (0)1 53 67 36 35 / dschwartz@actus.fr

[1] The first half consolidated financial statements were approved by the Management Board and reviewed by the Supervisory Board on October 13, 2021. The statutory auditors performed a limited review on the first half consolidated financial statements and the financial report will be published by October 31, 2021.

[2] Privileged Access Management

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- Proprietary AI technology cuts herbicide usage by 78% on average while improving weed control efficacy compared to standard broadcast spraying

- Commercial launch takes place in Israel, with roll-out in North America set to follow in early 2022

- First commercial precision spraying system suitable for in-crop (green on green) spraying available in North America

TEL AVIV, Israel , Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Agritech pioneer, Greeneye Technology, today announces the commercial launch of its unique AI-enabled precision spraying technology. Marking a major milestone in its mission to significantly reduce chemical usage in agriculture and increase productivity and profitability for farmers, the company has secured its first commercial sale with one of the largest farming operations in Israel.

Significantly, this news represents the first stage in Greeneye's global roll-out, which will continue in early 2022 with its launch in North America, where it will initially work with corn and soybean farmers in the Midwest, before increasing availability to other states in 2023. Reflecting the growing demand from farmers for a commercially-viable precision spraying solution, Greeneye's early adopter program in North America was oversubscribed within days of its announcement, and the company already has a long waiting list of customers for 2023.

Backed by leading global agrochemical manufacturer, Syngenta, Israeli-based Greeneye Technology has developed a proprietary precision spraying technology that is proven to cut herbicide use by 78%1 and reduce herbicide costs by more than 50%1 (average figures) while also improving weed control efficacy compared to traditional broadcast spraying (see video). This breakthrough is achieved with the use of AI technology that can detect and spray weeds amongst crops (green on green) with 95.7% accuracy. Crucially, the system is designed to integrate seamlessly into any brand or size of commercial sprayer, removing the need for farmers to invest in new machines. It also ensures that precision spraying can be carried out at the same travel speed as broadcast spraying - 20 km/h - ensuring no reduction in productivity for farmers.

Nadav Bocher, CEO, Greeneye Technology, comments: "Weeds represent one of the greatest threats to global crop production - in the US alone, they are estimated to cost farmers more than $33b2 in lost production annually. Today, farmers address this challenge by spraying herbicides across the entire field - even though weed infestation may be as low as 10%. As a result, not only are farmers spending far more money on herbicides than they need to, but millions of gallons of herbicides are being needlessly sprayed each year, which is contributing to the mounting challenges posed by herbicide-resistant weeds, chemical drift, and soil and water contamination.

"Despite a concerted effort by the agriculture industry to develop precision spraying technologies, so far very few of these projects have moved beyond the trial phase. This is because the technology either fails to deliver the necessary level of accuracy and efficacy, or it requires farmers to invest in new spraying machines, making it prohibitively expensive. Uniquely, Greeneye's solution overcomes both of these challenges, offering farmers what we believe is the most advanced commercially-viable precision spraying technology on the market."

Greeneye's solution uses a combination of hardware and deep machine learning to enable intelligent, real-time weed management decisions in the field. Cameras mounted directly onto spraying machines capture images at a rate of 40 frames per second, enabling rapid detection and classification of weeds down to the species level. Utilizing Greeneye's proprietary dataset and algorithms, the system instantly calculates the amount of herbicide required and sprays it directly onto the weeds, leaving nearby crops unaffected.

Another important advantage of Greeneye's technology is its unique dual-spraying function which enables farmers to apply residual herbicides on a broadcast basis while applying non-residual herbicides precisely on weeds. Currently, farmers mix together residual and non-residual herbicides and spray them from the same nozzle, meaning they use far more non-residual herbicide than is needed. The dual-spraying system overcomes this challenge by enabling farmers to spray only the herbicide that is required.

"We are incredibly proud to announce the commercial launch of our precision spraying technology, but reducing herbicide use is just the beginning. The next generation of our technology, which is already in development, will also be capable of precisely spraying chemicals such as fungicides and micronutrients, increasing savings to farmers beyond herbicides," says Bocher.

"At the same time, our unique AI capabilities enable us to collect ultra-high resolution data from the entire field, providing valuable insights to farmers and enabling them to treat their field at the plant level. With this information at our fingertips, Greeneye is uniquely positioned to guide the global agriculture industry towards a more sustainable - and profitable - future."

View Greeneye's commercial launch video here.

About Greeneye Technology

Greeneye Technology was founded in 2017 in Tel Aviv, Israel, with the mission to develop alternative and sustainable solutions to current crop protection practices to meet the growing global demand for food production, while also increasing productivity and profitability for farmers. The company is pioneering the use of precision spraying technology by harnessing AI and deep machine learning to enable intelligent, real-time decisions in the field that are proven to cut chemical use by up to 90% and improve weed control efficacy compared to standard broadcast spraying. Its founders have worked together for 15 years since serving in the Israeli special forces and head up a multidisciplinary team with expertise in computer vision, AI, agronomy, mechanic engineering, and business. In 2019, Greeneye closed a $7m seed funding round led by Syngenta and JVP. In October 2021, it announced the commercial launch of its technology, signalling a major milestone in unlocking mainstream adoption of precision spraying by overcoming previous barriers of efficacy, speed of delivery, and cost.

For more information see: www.greeneye.ag

1 Greeneye Technology Field Trials, 2020

2 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2019.00003/full

Image: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660709/Image_050.jpg

Image: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660708/Image_048.jpg
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The Switzerland stock market, which faltered after a positive start Thursday morning and moved along the unchanged line till about a couple of hours past noon, gradually gained in strength thereafter to eventually end the session on a firm note. The benchmark SMI settled with a gain of 77.93 points or 0.66% at 11,892.52, the day's high. The index had drifted down to 11,786.25 earlier in the day. Richemont rallied 4.12%. Partners Group gained nearly 2.5% and UBS Group climbed almost 2%. Credit Suisse, Swiss Life Holding and ABB gained 1.1 to 1.3%, while Nestle and Zurich Insurance Group both ended nearly 1% up. Alcon, Givaudan and Swisscom shed 0.25 to 0.52%. Among the stocks in the Swiss Mid Price index, VAT Group gained about 3.5% and Julius Baer ended nearly 3% up. Swatch Group, Tecan Group, Helvetia, Straumann Holding and OC Oerlikon Corp gained 1.7 to 2.2%. In economic news, data released by the Federal Statistical Office showed Switzerland's producer and import prices increased in September, rising by 4.5% year-on-year. The producer price index increased 2.9% annually in September and import prices accelerated 8.1%. On a monthly basis, producer and import prices increased 0.2% in September. Meanwhile, in virus update, Swiss Health Minister Alain Berset described the coronavirus situation as 'encouraging' but 'fragile'. He warned of the possible increased burden on hospitals and intensive care units, especially with the upcoming October holidays and the cold season approaching. 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.
AM Best has revised the outlooks to stable from positive and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a-" (Excellent) of Abu Dhabi National Takaful Company P.S.C. (ADNTC) (United Arab Emirates).

The Credit Ratings (ratings) reflect ADNTC's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

The revision of the outlooks to stable reflects AM Best's expectation that ADNTC's rating fundamentals will remain commensurate with their current assessments over the near to medium term.

ADNTC has a track record of strong operating performance, with a five-year (2016-2020) weighted average return on equity of 17%. Combined life and non-life underwriting returns grew at a compound average growth rate of 22% over the period from 2015 to 2019, reaching AED 70.3 million in 2019. However, underwriting returns contracted in 2020 to AED 15.1 million, with challenging operating and macroeconomic conditions in the UAE contributing to weaker sales and underwriting margins in the company's family (life) takaful business. This life insurance portfolio has historically been a core driver of the company's underwriting profitability. ADNTC has taken a series of actions, including the restructuring of its reinsurance programme and changes to product features, which AM Best expects to contribute toward the maintenance of strong underwriting performance over the coming years.

The company has a niche and established position in the UAE insurance market as a successful takaful operator, which is supported by its strong relationships with local Islamic banks. Following several years of annualised double-digit top line growth, the company in 2020 experienced a 13% contraction in gross written contributions (GWC) to AED 425.3 million. The effect was more pronounced on the company's family takaful portfolio than on its general takaful portfolio, which remained stable over the year. In the overall UAE insurance market (including takaful and conventional insurers), the company maintains a midtier positioning in terms of total business written.

AM Best considers the takaful regulations in the UAE to be sufficiently strong, given the protection it provides to policyholders. ADNTC's risk-adjusted capitalisation on a combined basis, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), is at the strongest level. ADNTC undertook a rebalancing of its investment portfolio during 2020, increasing its exposure to equity and real estate investments. While these actions have increased investment risk, ADNTC maintains a buffer over the threshold for the strongest BCAR assessment. AM Best expects prospective risk-adjusted capitalisation to remain comfortably above the strongest threshold as the company executes its business plan. ADNTC has a moderately high dependence on reinsurance, which has increased over 2020 following changes to the reinsurance structure for its family takaful business. However, the associated credit risk is managed through the use of a reinsurance panel of sound financial strength.

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/20211014005999/en/

Contacts:

Romeo Berti, ACA, CMA

Financial Analyst

+44 20 7397 0267

romeo.berti@ambest.com



Alex Rafferty, ACA

Associate Director, Analytics

+44 20 7397 0312

alex.rafferty@ambest.com



Christopher Sharkey

Manager, Public Relations

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159

christopher.sharkey@ambest.com



Jim Peavy

Director, Public Relations

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5644

james.peavy@ambest.com
Concord Summit Fund-1, principally owned by Summit Investment Management and Concord Wilshire Capital, closed it first real estate transaction in the self-storage industry

MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / October 14, 2021 / Concord Summit Capital ("CSCap"), has formed and launched Concord Summit Fund-1, headquartered in Miami, Florida, as its first real estate investment platform to deploy capital. Concord Summit Fund-1 has formed strategic alliances with its two principals, Concord Wilshire Capital and Summit Investment Management, as well as other strategic partners, to develop innovative, state-of-the-art self-storage facilities in select markets in the U.S. ("Strategic Alliance") under their Concord Summit Storage flag. The Strategic Alliance will identify, finance, re-finance, develop, construct, manage and sell ground-up or existing self-storage facilities and related mixed-use properties. Concord Summit Storage plans to invest in and develop 40 facilities over the next four years at a total cost of approximately $480 million. Concord Summit Fund-1 will provide the equity capital and obtain structured financing for its facilities. The fund will also provide rescue capital for existing self-storage facilities and equity capital for other strategic real estate investments.

On August 25, 2021, Concord Summit Storage acquired interest in two facilities located in Atlanta, Georgia, and has since entered into agreements to acquire and develop five additional self-storage facilities: Two in the Atlanta MSA, two in the Tampa Bay MSA and one in the Boston MSA, at a total estimated cost of $92.5 million. Of that, $22 million will receive equity capital from Concord Summit Fund-1 and $70.5 million will be funded with structured financing. Concord Summit Storage will engage a leading self-storage facility operator and brand franchise in the U.S. to manage the facilities.

"Over the last decade, the self-storage industry has consistently performed throughout economic cycles and outperformed all other commercial real estate sectors, with average returns of over 20%. According to Mordor Intelligence Research, the valuation of the self-storage market reached $87.65 billion USD in 2019 and will grow to $115.62 billion by 2025. We have plenty of aggressive debt and equity capital available for this market," said Kevin O'Grady, Managing Director of CSCap.

Summit Investment Management is an investment company headquartered in Denver, Colorado, led by CJ Burger. Concord Wilshire is a national real estate development and investment company headquartered in Los Angeles, California, led by Nate Sirang. Concord Summit Capital is a leading financial advisory firm, headquartered in Miami, Florida, led by Kevin O'Grady as its Managing Director.

About Concord Summit Capital

Concord Summit Capital is a leading intermediary between sponsors and providers of capital for commercial real estate debt and equity financing. CSCap provides three independent services across its investment platforms. The Advisory team provides fee-based advisory services for debt and equity transactions for commercial real estate capitalizations, ranging from $3 million to $1 billion; the Investment team acquires distressed assets and non-performing loans from all banks and financial institutions across the nation; and the CSCap Fund team invests in commercial real estate debt and equity structures in transactions ranging from $2 million to $35 million. For more details, please see www.concordsummit.com.

About Summit Investment Management

Summit Investment Management invests in and manages distressed and underperforming commercial debt and other financial instruments. Since its inception, Summit has closed in excess of 400 transactions with institutions across the country, including under-performing and distressed debt, corporate restructurings, and in complex opportunistic credits and joint ventures. Since its inception, Summit has invested more than $1.5 billion across a spectrum of industries and capital structures with transactions ranging in size from $1 million to $75 million. Summit Investment Management has been in business for 19 years. (www.summit-investment.com)

About Concord Wilshire

Concord Wilshire is a nationally recognized leader in residential, resort, and mixed-use real estate development and construction with over $10 billion in total value of developed and acquired assets. Since 1992, Concord Wilshire has been developing, constructing, and investing in distinguished real estate assets in major markets throughout the United States. An award winning company, Concord Wilshire has received an array of accolades for many of its developments throughout the nation, in recognition of its commitment to development, marketing, architectural design, and interior design. Concord Wilshire has a successful and extensive track record that spans multiple investment cycles. (www.concordwilshire.com)

Contact:

Todd Templin, BoardroomPR

ttemplin@boardroompr.com

954-370-8999

SOURCE: Concord Summit Capital

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/668220/Concord-Summit-Capital-Announces-the-Commencement-of-Concord-Summit-Fund-1
Regulatory News:

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, JAPAN OR AUSTRALIA OR IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE OFFER OF THE BONDS IS UNLAWFUL

Today, SFL (Paris:FLY) successfully priced its issue (the "Issue") of 500 million six and a half-year bonds maturing on 21 April 2028 with an annual coupon of 0.50% (the "Bonds

The new issue will be used for general corporate purposes and extends the average maturity of the Group's debt as part of its proactive balance sheet management strategy.

The settlement of the Issue is expected to take place on 21 October 2021 and the Bonds will be listed on the regulated market of Euronext Paris. The prospectus containing the terms and conditions of the Bonds will be available on SFL's website at the following address: https://www.fonciere-lyonnaise.com.

SFL is rated BBB+ with a stable outlook by Standard Poor's.

About SFL

Leader in the prime segment of the Parisian commercial real estate market, Societe Fonciere Lyonnaise stands out for the quality of its property portfolio, which is valued at 7.3 billion and is focused on the Central Business District of Paris (cloud.paris, Edouard VII, Washington Plaza, etc.), and for the quality of its client portfolio, which is composed of prestigious companies in the consulting, media, digital, luxury, finance and insurance sectors. As France's oldest property company, SFL demonstrates year after year an unwavering commitment to its strategy focused on creating a high value in use for users and, ultimately, substantial appraisal values for its properties.

Stock market: Euronext Paris Compartment A Euronext Paris ISIN FR0000033409 Bloomberg: FLY FP Reuters: FLYP PA

S&P rating: BBB+ stable outlook

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This press release may not be released, published or distributed, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States of America, Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan. The distribution of this press release may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein comes, should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

No communication or information relating to the offering of the Bonds may be transmitted to the public in a country where there is a registration obligation or where an approval is required. No action has been or will be taken in any country in which such registration or approval would be required. The issuance or the subscription of the Bonds may be subject to legal and regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions; SFL assumes no liability in connection with the breach by any person of such restrictions.

This press release is an advertisement and not a prospectus within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended the "Prospectus Regulation") and Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of domestic law in the United Kingdom by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (the "UK Prospectus Regulation

This press release is not an offer to the public, an offer to subscribe or designed to solicit interest for purposes of an offer to the public other than to qualified investors in any jurisdiction, including France.

The Bonds have been offered only by way of a placement in France and outside France (excluding the United States of America, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Japan), solely to qualified investors as defined in point (e) of article 2 of the Prospectus Regulation and article 2 of the UK Prospectus Regulation and there will be no public offering in any country (including France) in connection with the Bonds, other than to qualified investors. This press release does not constitute a recommendation concerning the issue of the Bonds. The value of the Bonds can decrease as well as increase. Potential investors should consult a professional adviser as to the suitability of the Bonds for the person concerned.

France

The Bonds have not been and will not be offered or sold or caused to be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, to the public in France other than to qualified investors. Any offer or sale of the Bonds and distribution of any offering material relating to the Bonds have been and will be made in France only to qualified investors as defined in point (e) of article 2 of the Prospectus Regulation.

United States of America

This press release may not be released, published or distributed in or into the United States of America (including its territories and dependencies, any State or other jurisdiction of the United States of America and the District of Columbia). This press release does not constitute or form a part of an offer of securities for sale or of any offer or solicitation to purchase securities in the United States of America. The Bonds mentioned herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") or the law of any State or other jurisdiction of the United States of America and may not be offered or sold in the United States of America except pursuant to an exemption from, or a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and in compliance with applicable state securities laws. The Bonds are and will be offered or sold only in "offshore transactions" outside of the United States of America, in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. SFL does not intend to register any portion of the proposed offering in the United States of America and no public offering will be made in the United States of America.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014006029/en/

Contacts:

SFL Thomas Fareng Phone +33 (0)1 42 97 27 00 t.fareng@fonciere-lyonnaise.com

Evidence Gregoire Silly Phone: 06 99 10 78 99 gregoire.silly@evidenceparis.fr

www.fonciere-lyonnaise.com
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 14, 2021 / Zimtu Capital Corp. (TSXv:ZC)(FSE:ZCT1) (the "Company" or "Zimtu") is pleased to announce its next Zoom with Zimtu presentation will feature equity holding Aduro Clean Technologies and guest speakers Ofer Vicus, Founder and CEO, and Abe Dyck, VP Strategy & Business Development, on Wednesday October 27th, starting at 10:00 AM PDT (Vancouver) / 1:00 PM EDT (Toronto) / 7:00 PM CEST (Frankfurt). The format of the virtual event will include a corporate update from Aduro, and an opportunity to pose questions to the speakers.

About Aduro Clean Technologies

Headquartered in Sarnia, Ontario, Aduro Clean Technologies is developer of patented water-based technologies to:

chemically recycle waste plastics

convert heavy crude and bitumen into lighter, more valuable oil

and transform renewable oils into higher-value fuels or renewable chemicals

The company's Hydrochemolytic technology activates unique properties of water in a chemistry platform that operates at relatively low temperatures and cost - a game-changing approach that converts low-value feedstocks into 21st-century resources. With funding and support from Bioindustrial Innovation Canada, the Aduro has developed a pre-pilot reactor system to upgrade heavy petroleum into lighter oil.

Today Aduro announced that this coming November it will attend the 2021 Mexican Petroleum Congress as one of ten companies selected to join Canada's Commercial Trade Mission. Additional information on Aduro Clean Technologies is available on the Company's website, https://adurocleantech.com.

Zoom with Zimtu Investor Presentation

To participate in the Zoom with Zimtu investor presentation featuring Aduro Clean Technologies, please note the following:

Date: Wednesday October 27th, 2021

Start time: 10:00 AM PDT (Vancouver) / 1:00 PM EDT (Toronto) / 7:00 PM CEST (Frankfurt)

Where: Virtually via Zoom Video Conferencing

To RSVP for presentation / receive recorded version please visit: https://event.zimtu.com/

About Zimtu Capital Corp.

Zimtu Capital Corp. is a public investment issuer that aspires to achieve long-term capital appreciation for its shareholders. Zimtu Capital companies may operate in the fields of mineral exploration, mining, technology, life sciences or investment. The company trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "ZC" and Frankfurt under symbol "ZCT1". For more information, please visit https://www.zimtu.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

ZIMTU CAPITAL CORP.

"David Hodge"

David Hodge

President & Director

Tel: 604.681.1568

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: Zimtu Capital Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/668239/Zimtu-Capital-Announces-Presentation-Featuring-Aduro-Clean-Technologies
REDMOND (dpa-AFX) - Tech giant Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) on Thursday announced that it is shutting down the localized version of LinkedIn in China, as the tech giant faces 'more challenging operating environment' in the Asian country. LinkedIn, which was launched in China in February 2014, was the last major U.S. social network still operating in China. Other major social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook have been blocked for over a decade in the country. In a blog post, LinkedIn senior vice-president Mohak Shroff, said, 'We're also facing a significantly more challenging operating environment and greater compliance requirements in China. Given this, we've made the decision to sunset the current localized version of LinkedIn.' Instead, Microsoft plans to launch a job search site in China that doesn't have social media features. The company plans to launch InJobs, a new, standalone jobs application for China, later this year. InJobs will not include a social feed or the ability to share posts or articles. According to Wall Street Journal's report, Microsoft's decision to shut down LinkedIn in China comes after Chinese authorities in March told the company to improve its content monitoring and also issued a 30-day deadline. Last month, LinkedIn blocked several U.S. journalists in China, citing 'prohibited content' in their profiles. 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.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2021) - Glow LifeTech Corp. (CSE: GLOW) (OTCQB: GLWLF) (FSE: 9DO) ("Glow" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on new appointments to support the Company's advancing manufacturing and commercial initiatives including the appointment of Josh Bald, CPA as Glow's dedicated CFO.

As with many industries, Glow's setup of manufacturing and production related operations have been delayed due to supply shortages stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company now anticipates that these delays are coming to an end and in turn has accelerated the expansion of its product development and manufacturing team with the appointment of Brian Dymond as Director of Manufacturing and Petro Czupiel, Ph.D as Lead Product Development Scientist.

"We are thrilled to welcome Petro and Brian to the team, and confident in their leadership and contributions to the advancement of our disruptive product lines," said W. Clark Kent, CEO of Glow LifeTech Corp.

Petro Czupiel, Ph.D

Lead Product Development Scientist

Petro obtained his Ph.D from University of Toronto at the Department of Chemical Engineering in collaboration with the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering. Petro has worked on and published scientific articles related to various microemulsion and nanoemulsion components and systems during his graduate studies. Petro has a breadth of formulation science experience, developing nanoemulsions of nutraceuticals and nutrient compounds. He was formerly a formulation scientist at a top 5 Canadian cannabis extraction company and advanced product formulations from concept to product, including stability programs, taste, testing, validation, and scale-up of production processes. Petro led the design of rapid-acting cannabis beverages, water-soluble cannabis extracts, advanced edibles, and topical creams. He was formerly the Chief Science Officer at Next Remedies located in Toronto. Petro's experience and expertise in formulation will be of tremendous value to executing Glow's product development strategy.

Brian Dymond

Director of Manufacturing

Mr. Dymond has over 20 years of facility engineering experience with international Pharmaceutical companies, formerly working with Apotex Inc.1, Canada's largest generic drug manufacturer2. Brian now specializes in technical and manufacturing consulting within the pharma, food and cannabis industries. Brian has decades of experience in full-scale capital expansions and leasehold improvement projects, including leading a green field expansion of a $26M CAD antibiotic production facility, managing the conceptual design to the validation and commencement of commercial operations. Brian has consulted numerous cannabis facilities on EU-GMP regulations and proper facility design, most recently at Northern Green Canada Inc.3. Brian has a degree in engineering and a secondary degree in business management. Brian has also managed many organizational improvement projects to support cost effectiveness, sustainability and process optimization. Brian has previously worked for global companies such as the french multinational firm, Sanofi Pasteur, where he managed a $45 million expansion of the Pertussis vaccine production facility.4 Brain currently leads Glow's technical build-out and manages its full-scale capital expansions and leasehold improvement projects. Brian primarily focuses on process optimization, cost effectiveness and sustainability for Glow's manufacturing, facilities and operations.

Glow Appoints Josh Bald as Dedicated CFO

Josh Bald, CPA

CFO

Josh has held senior accounting positions at Ernst and Young5, in the audit assurance sector. Prior to his leadership roles at EY, he obtained an Honours Business Administration degree from Richard Ivey School of Business at Western University, and further to that obtained his Chartered Professional Accountant designation. Josh has international public company and capital markets experience having worked with multiple issuers, and leading financial strategy, growth and corporate compliance which will be a key addition to Glow.

Chris Hopkins has been the CFO of Glow from its inception in 2018, and the Company gives thanks to Chris as a crucial person in the efforts to advance Glow in early stages and oversee its public listing. Chris will continue to advise the Company on strategic initiatives.

Glow LifeTech Management and Directors

W. Clark Kent

CEO & Director

Mr. Kent is a capital markets professional with extensive experience leading corporate development and finance initiatives in the natural resources, technology and life science sectors. For over a decade he has advised emerging companies on strategic planning, finance and recruitment in the North American and international marketplace.

Tom Glawdel, Ph.D

COO

Tom obtained a Ph.D in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering from Waterloo in 2012. Mr. Glawdel has 10 years of experience leading high-performing research and development teams in biotechnology and medical technology and is acting Chief Scientific Officer for Relay Medical. He has in-depth knowledge in medical diagnostic development, microfluidics, nanomaterials and a broad experience in building early stage technologies. Previously, he was the director of Product Development and Engineering for a start-up medical device company, 3RCardio, and was Assistant Director of R&D for Xagenic managing cross-functional teams developing a cutting edge molecular diagnostic product. Mr. Glawdel has extensive experience working in a regulated environment developing products requiring Health Canada and FDA approval processes. Tom provides a wide range of valuable skills to Glow and currently leads the operations and technical development projects within the Company.

Rob Carducci

CCO & Director

Mr. Carducci formerly worked at Nestle6 and Kraft Foods7, leading several global brands and their commercial strategy. Most recently Rob served as Marketing Director for the largest cannabis information website in the world, Leafly.com8, which sees roughly 120 million annual website visitors9. Mr. Carducci graduated with an HBA at Ivey Business School in 2009 and is a seasoned marketing executive with over a decade of leadership experience building iconic global brands including Delissio, Drumstick, Smarties and KitKat. As CCO, Roberto is responsible for building Glow's commercialization strategy and infrastructure to drive market adoption for its technology and product portfolio across North America. Robert provides strategic leadership for defining the commercial path to growth and profitability, and leads the Company's marketing, sales & business development strategy.

Chris Irwin

Board Member

Chris practices securities and corporate law and has been the President of Irwin Professional Corporation since August, 2006. He advises a number of public companies on a variety of issues including continuous disclosure and regulatory issues, reverse-takeover transactions, initial public offerings and takeover bids. Mr. Irwin also advises boards of directors, including independent committees. Mr. Irwin is a director and/or officer of several public companies and has served as a member of the independent committees for both Trelawney Mining and Exploration Inc. and Seafield Resources. Mr. Irwin obtained an LL.M. from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2009, a LL.B. from the University of New Brunswick in 1994 and a B.A. from Bishop's University in 1990.

Greg Falck

Board Member

Greg has a diverse leadership background within both the military and private sector. He served nine years as an Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, including two years as a platoon commander in the Canadian Special Operations Regiment responsible for support of the unit's equipment during all foreign and domestic activities. He also led the development and procurement of a variety of leading-edge military equipment alongside special forces operators, technicians, and industry experts. As head of research and development at Aluula Composites Ltd, Greg and his multidisciplinary team of chemists, engineers, and technologists developed a novel lightweight and ultra high strength composite polymer fabric for commercialization. Their first composite fabric on the market won the ISPO Textrends 2020 Best Product award. Greg graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Engineering Science in 2009.

Medhanie Tekeste

Board Member

Mr. Tekeste is currently the CIO of Apotex10, Canada's largest generic drug manufacturer. Medhanie has over 20 years of information systems experience including many years of broad based management expertise in systems development, implementation and support. He is experienced in strategically and cost-effectively utilizing technology to achieve corporate goals. He has extensive global experience in service delivery in the pharmaceutical industry including Quality, Manufacturing and R&D processes. Medhanie also has considerable experience in laboratory quality assurance testing and computer systems validation. Mr. Tekeste graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry in 1987. Later he graduated Pharmaceutical Technology at Seneca College 1998. Lastly, he obtained a diploma in Information Technology from DeVry Technology Institute in 1994. Medhanie advises and oversees key strategic growth opportunities at Glow, and will continue to be a key asset to the Company.

James Van Staveren

Corporate Development

Mr. Van Staveren graduated from Western University in 2014 and has several years of experience in marketing and corporate finance in public company environments. James manages investor relations and supports corporate development initiatives for Glow.

For the full bio's of management, please visit the company's website: www.glowlifetech.com

The Company announces that it has granted an aggregate of 500,000 options to purchase Common Shares of the Company at $0.25 and expiring five years from the date of grant, to certain officers, directors and consultants of the Company.

SUBSCRIBE: For more information on Glow or to subscribe to the Company's mail list visit: https://www.glowlifetech.com/news

About Glow LifeTech Corp.

Glow LifeTech is a Canadian-based biotechnology company focused on producing nutraceutical and cannabinoid-based products with dramatically enhanced bioavailability, absorption and effectiveness. Glow has rights to the groundbreaking, plant-based MyCell Technology delivery system, which transforms poorly absorbed natural compounds into enhanced water-compatible concentrates that unlock the full healing potential of the valuable compounds.

Website: www.glowlifetech.com

Contact:

James Van Staveren

Glow LifeTech Corp.

Office. 647-872-9982 ext. 2

TF. 1-844-247-6633 ext. 2

ir@glowlifetech.com

Forward-looking Information Cautionary Statement

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 CSE. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the commercialization plans for the technology 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.

____________________

1 https://www1.apotex.com/global/en

2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apotex

3 https://www.northerngreencanada.com/

4 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanofi_Pasteur

5 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernst_%26_Young

6 https://www.nestle.com/

7 https://www.kraftheinzcompany.com/

8 https://www.leafly.ca/

9 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leafly

10 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apotex

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99720
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2021) - City View Green Holdings Inc. (CSE: CVGR) ("City View" or the "Company"), trading through the facilities of the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") under the symbol "CVGR" and on the OTCQB under the symbol "CVGRF", is pleased to announce that the processing facility at 49 Easton Road in Brantford, Ontario will be operational in early November and significant progress has been made with regards to strategic partnerships with licenced producers (LPs), business development and product formulations. City View is now beginning to fully execute the long-term strategic plan of becoming the industry leader in the value-added cannabis products sector, specifically edibles.

City View offers a portfolio of finely crafted chocolate, confectionery, baked and health food products. City View's large-scale food manufacturing facility is positioned to service the cannabis market with a commitment to sourcing only the highest quality cannabis extracts and food ingredients.

City View is also pleased to report that it will apply for a Health Canada Research Licence for its cannabis product manufacturing and innovation centre in Brantford, Ontario. The licence will allow the Company to conduct human sensory analysis and palatability trials, evaluating the taste, touch, smell, and sight of an extensive portfolio of differentiated medical and recreational cannabis products.

Rob Fia, CEO & President of City View, commented:

"We are excited to begin manufacturing cannabis edibles and lead the development of unique products that provincial boards and consumers desire. Our technical expertise and know-how will lead to the highest levels of safety and consistency in our products, while focusing on large-scale food manufacturing and healthy operating margins."

For further information contact:

City View Green Holdings Inc.

Rob Fia, CEO & President

Email: rob@cityviewgreen.ca

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulations services accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About City View

City View is a leading consumer packaged goods company focused on the development of cannabis-infused edibles. With the receipt of its Cannabis Act processing licence on April 30, 2021, City View will incorporate cannabis-infused food production at its Brantford, Ontario high-capacity facility. In addition, City View owns a 27.5% stake in Budd Hutt Inc. ("Budd Hutt"), a retail-focused cannabis company with access to cannabis cultivation and production licences in Alberta and other retail opportunities across Canada. Through its relationship with Budd Hutt, the Company anticipates securing shelf space, product placement, and distribution opportunities for our white label partner products. For more information visit: www.cityviewgreen.ca.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements which are not composed of historical facts. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's 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", "will", 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 management's expectations. There are a number of important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information. When relying on the Company's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include, among others, availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, delays in the development of projects, and ability to predict or counteract potential impact of COVID-19 coronavirus on factors relevant to the Company's business. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99742
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2021) - Wealth Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: WML) (OTCQB: WMLLF) (SSE: WMLCL) (FSE: EJZN) (the "Company" or "Wealth") announces a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of up to 12,234,044 common shares in the capital of the Company (each, an "Offered Share") at a price of $0.47 per Offered Share for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $5,750,000.

The net proceeds are expected to be used to purchase (the "WCU Share Purchase") 13,225,198 common shares (each, a "WCU Share") in the capital of World Copper Ltd. from a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gold Springs Resource Corp. (see news release dated August 10, 2021), which WCU Share Purchase is expected to close on or about October 22, 2021, and for general working capital.

Assuming the completion of the WCU Share Purchase, the Company intends to bundle each Offered Share issued pursuant to the Offering with a contractual option (each, an "Option") to acquire a WCU Share from the Company. Each Option will entitle the holder to purchase from the Company one WCU Share at the price of $0.33 for a period of three years. The Options held by each holder will be exercisable, from time to time, for a pro rata amount of the free trading portion of the WCU Shares, as such WCU Shares are released from escrow and become free trading pursuant to a TSXV Form 5D Value Securities Escrow Agreement dated January 15, 2021. Each Option will be non-transferable.

Finder's fees may be payable to arm's length parties that have introduced the Company to certain subscribers participating in the Offering. All Offered Shares issued under the Offering will be subject to a four-month and one day hold period, during which time the Offered Shares may not be traded. Closing of the Offering is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Insiders of the Company may participate in the Offering.

This news release does not constitute an offer of sale of any of the foregoing securities in the United States. None of the foregoing securities have been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) or persons in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor will there be any sale of the foregoing securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Wealth Minerals Ltd.

Wealth is a mineral resource company with interests in Canada, Mexico and Chile. The Company's main focus is the acquisition and development of lithium projects in South America. To date, the Company has positioned itself to work alongside existing producers in the prolific Atacama salar, where the Company has a substantial license package.

Lithium market dynamics and a rapidly increasing metal price are the result of profound structural issues with the industry meeting anticipated future demand. Wealth is positioning itself to be a major beneficiary of this future mismatch of supply and demand. The Company also maintains and continues to evaluate a portfolio of precious and base metal exploration-stage projects.

For further details on the Company readers are referred to the Company's website (www.wealthminerals.com) and its Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of

WEALTH MINERALS LTD.

"Hendrik van Alphen"

Hendrik van Alphen

Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:

Marla Ritchie

Phone: 604-331-0096 Ext. 3886 or 604-638-3886

E-mail: info@wealthminerals.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 news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the amount of the Offering, the anticipated use of proceeds from the Offering, the anticipated timing for and the closing of the WCU Share Purchase and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believe", "will", "may", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "postulate" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieve. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, operating and technical difficulties in connection with mineral exploration and development activities, actual results of exploration activities, the estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, the timing and amount of estimated future production, the costs of production, capital expenditures, the costs and timing of the development of new deposits, requirements for additional capital, future prices of lithium, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, title disputes, the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents, approvals or authorizations, the timing and possible outcome of any pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, and risks related to joint venture operations, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's latest interim Management Discussion and Analysis and filed with certain securities commissions in Canada. All of the Company's Canadian public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this news release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99718
IRVINE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / October 14, 2021 / Prominent e-liquid and cannabinoid-infused products manufacturer Savage Enterprises ("Savage") (www.SavageEnterprises.com) is excited to announce the launch of Chronix, a new sub-brand of Savage's industry-leading, award-winning flagship brand, Delta Extrax. The Chronix product catalog initially features hemp-derived, flavored delta-9-THC gummies, two strains of disposable vapes, and two strains of vaping cartridges. The Chronix products are currently available for sale through distributors nationwide and at www.DeltaExtrax.com.

The Chronix hemp-derived delta-9-THC gummies are green apple-flavored and contain 10 pieces per bag, with each gummy containing 10 mg of delta-9-THC. The Chronix delta-9-THC gummies are available for purchase in packs of five at a MSRP of $15.99.

The two-gram disposable vapes are available in two strains: Blue Train Wreck and Strawberry Cough, and introduce the "Trinity Collection": a proprietary combination of delta-8-THC, delta-10-THC and THC-O, popular cannabinoids that have been high-yielding for the Delta Extrax brand. The Chronix disposable vapes are available for purchase individually at a MSRP of $44.99, or in a pack of 10 vapes at a MSRP of $449.

Chronix's two new cartridges also highlight two different strains: Pie Hoe and Super Silver Haze, and also include the Trinity Collection proprietary blend.

Regarding the launch of Chronix, Christopher G. Wheeler, CEO of Savage Enterprises, stated, "We're incredibly excited to announce Chronix to our national distributors and retail customers. There was a lot of time and energy that went into developing the Chronix brand, as we truly wanted to introduce something innovative, but also premium quality. We believe that Chronix is a tremendous opportunity for distributors nationwide and we can't wait to show you what's next for Chronix and Delta Extrax."

Matt Winters, CFO of Savage Enterprises, expanded, "This is a big day for the Delta Extrax brand, as we continue to grow and expand its potential with new, creative endeavors like Chronix. We have confidence that this launch will be one of our best yet and we're truly thrilled to be able to offer Chronix to our nationwide distributors and retail customers."

About Savage Enterprises Based in Irvine, California, Savage Enterprises was founded in 2014 by co-owners Christopher G. Wheeler and Matt Winters with the vision of bringing innovation to the counter-culture space. Savage has been committed to improving the community it serves by providing superior, consumer-centered and cost-effective products that are third-party lab tested with quality assurance, consistency, and traceability. Savage's goal is to create the benchmark for quality and assurance in the industry. Under its flagship Delta Extrax brand and Chronix sub-brand (www.DeltaExtrax.com), Savage Enterprises sells hemp-derived delta-10-THC cartridges, disposables and tinctures, delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC-infused shots, cartridges, concentrates, disposables, edibles, delta-8-THC-infused hemp flower, pods, tinctures, THC-O, HHC, THC-V and THC-P products. Under Savage CBD (www.SavageCBD.com), Savage sells CBD cartridges, disposables, edibles, tinctures, topicals, vape juice and CBD for pets. Under its Vape 100 brand, Savage produces nicotine-infused e-liquids. Under its Zen Panda brand, Savage sells various kratom and kava-based products. Savage also sells disposable nicotine vapes. The team at Savage is currently developing at least three other products in the supplement arena, as well as innovative apparatuses for marijuana consumption. Savage Enterprises also owns 46% of MKRC, 51% of RJMC Brands, LLC, 6% of AAA, LLC, and 33% of Remediez. For more information about Savage Enterprises, please visit www.SavageEnterprises.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this document are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such information includes the acquisition, financing, revenue growth, profitability, and product strategies, plans, and expectations of Savage Enterprises, Premier Greens LLC, and MKRC Holdings, LLC. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause or contribute to the actual results of these companies' merger plans, financing plans, operations, or the performance or achievements of these companies differing materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These companies undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of certain other factors.

CONTACT:

Savage Enterprises

Attn: Brittany Warner

Phone: 714-612-1091

Email: Bwarner@savageenterprises.com

Website: www.SavageEnterprises.com

SOURCE: Savage Enterprises

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/668245/Savage-Enterprises-Launches-Chronix-a-Sub-Brand-of-Savages-Award-Winning-Brand-Delta-Extrax


NEW YORK CITY (dpa-AFX) - The advisory panel of the US Food and Drug Administration, which met on Thursday, voted to recommend vaccine maker Moderna Inc.'s (MRNA) booster shot for most of the vaccinated population.



The panel advised that the booster shot be administered after a period of six months following the second dose.



As per the advisory committee instructions, a half-dose is recommended as third injection for people aged 65 and above. Young people who can get Covid due to their existing medical conditions or jobs are also eligible for the third dose. These categories of people are the same who were approved for getting the booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine.



The panel took the decision in favor of Moderna after getting the views of company officials, agency scientists and an Israeli health official as the country had begun administering Pfizer booster shots more than three months ago.



The advisory panel, although approving of the Moderna booster shot, pointed out the fact there was little data supporting the third dose. Many on the panel said that the FDA had already made history by giving approval for the third Pfizer dose.



Dr. Eric Rubin, an adjunct professor of immunology and infectious diseases at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, said that Modena did not have enough data to show the adverse effects, if any, of the booster dose.



The Moderna meeting is the first one of a two-day Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, which will also discuss and vote on booster shots of the Johnson & Johnson vaccines. There will be discussions on the topics of mix-and-match vaccines as well. On Friday, they will debate on the topic of J&J booster shots.



The FDA's committee of independent advisers only give recommendations to the health regulator regarding vaccine approvals. The final decision to approve or reject a vaccine is with FDA.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

MODERNA-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 14, 2021 / As a result of a review by the British Columbia Securities Commission, Rockhaven Resources Ltd. (TSXV:RK) ("Rockhaven" or the "Company") is issuing the following news release to clarify its disclosure.

The corporate website, presentation and fact sheet contained references to the 2020 Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) results but did not disclose that a portion of the resource used in the PEA considered inferred mineral resources. As per section 2.3(3)(a) of NI 43-101, all references to the 2020 PEA results contain disclosure which cautions readers that the PEA is preliminary in nature, that it includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized.

Additionally, the Company used over promotional language with respect to the sensitivity analysis related to the 2020 PEA and next steps for the project. These statements have been amended and are now in compliance.

Qualified Persons

Technical information in this news release has been approved by Matthew R. Dumala, P.Eng., a geological engineer with Archer, Cathro & Associates (1981) Limited and qualified person for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101.

About Rockhaven

Rockhaven Resources Ltd. is a well-funded explorer focused on the exploration and development of its 100%-owned, camp-scale Klaza Property, which hosts the Klaza Deposit and numerous lightly explored exploration targets. Rockhaven has completed a mineral resource estimate and a preliminary economic assessment on the Klaza deposit (see Klaza Property Technical Report with an effective date of July 10, 2020 and titled, "Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment Update for the Klaza Property, Yukon, Canada" which can be viewed at www.sedar.com under the Rockhaven profile or on the Rockhaven website at www.rockhavenresources.com).

Matthew Turner

President, CEO and Director

Rockhaven Resources Ltd.

T:604-687-2522

mturner@rockhavenresources.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.

Information contained in this news release contains forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. Rockhaven 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 control of Rockhaven. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to exploration and development and the results thereof, the ability of Rockhaven to obtain additional financing, the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations, fluctuations in the prices of commodities, operating hazards and risks, competition and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in Rockhaven's financial statements available under the Rockhaven profile at www.sedar.com. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Rockhaven undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

SOURCE: Rockhaven Resources Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/668280/Rockhaven-Resources-Ltd-Clarifies-Disclosure
BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - New Zealand will on Friday see September results for the Performance of Manufacturing Index from BusinessNZ, highlighting a modest day for Asia-Pacific economic activity, In August, the PMI score was 40.1. Indonesia will release September numbers for imports, exports and trade balance. Imports are expected to surge 50 percent on year, down from 55.26 percent in August. Exports are called higher by an annual 51.57 percent, slowing from 64.1 percent in the previous month. The trade surplus is pegged at $3.84 billion, down from $4.74 billion a month earlier. Japan will provide August figures for its tertiary industry index; in July, the index was down 0.6 percent on month. China will see September numbers for foreign direct investment; in August, FDI jumped 22.3 percent on 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.
Dexterity, a Redwood City, CA  based creator of intelligent robotic systems for logistics, warehouses, and supply chain, raised an additional US$140M in Series B equity funding and debt.

Major existing investors Lightspeed Venture Partners and Kleiner Perkins lead the Series B round, which raised total capitalization to over US$200m at a valuation of US$1.4 billion, with additional participation from Obvious Ventures, B37 Ventures and Presidio Ventures.

The company will use the new capital for growth as its first thousand robots are deployed into production.

Led by Samir Menon, CEO, Dexterity creates intelligent robotic solutions for logistics, warehouses, and supply chain customers. The companys robotic software-as-a-service (SaaS) products equip robots with the vision, touch, and human-like skill and speed to handle unstructured piles of goods and solve labor shortages by delegating repetitive tasks  such as sortation, palletizing and fulfillment  so employees can focus on cognitive work.

The companys robotic systems have handled 50,000+ SKUs ranging from loosely packed deformable polybags, to delicate hot-dog buns, to floppy tortillas, to poorly sealed cardboard boxes, to bags of earthworms, to trays and crates of consumer food, to even a molten birthday cake.

In addition to closing this Series B round, Dexterity made a series of key hires including:

Jason Barton from Realtime Robotics and Rethink Robotics, who joined the company as Vice President of Partnerships

Jonathan Briggs, who joined Dexterity as Vice President of 3PL and Parcel Delivery Sales after years at both Quiet Logistics and DHL

Michael Perry as its first Vice President of Marketing who joined from Boston Dynamics and DJI,

Cliff Kalinowski as Head of Service Operations from Mainspring Energy, Andrew Heck as Head of Strategic Finance from Morgan Stanley, and

Sumit Chopra as Head of Software Support from Cisco and Amazon Web Services.

The company is currently working with customers across North America and Japan.

FinSMEs

14/10/2021
Flowhubs executive leadership team (CNW Group/Flowhub)

Flowhub, a Denver, CO-based cannabis retail point-of-sale platform for dispensaries, closed a $19m funding round.

The round, which brought the total amount of capital raised to nearly $50m with a valuation of over $200m, was led by venture firms Headline and Poseidon, and included a personal investment from Shawn Jay-Z Carter.

The company intends to use the funds to accelerate expansion into emerging markets, further develop its dynamic product line and grow its social equity program.

Led by Kyle Sherman, founder and CEO, Flowhub is a cannabis retail software company that helps dispensaries by providing compliance, point of sale, inventory tracking and business intelligence solutions. The company processes over $3 billion in cannabis sales annually and empowers more than 1,000 cannabis retailers to simplify their daily dispensary workflows.

Launched in June 2021, Flowhubs social equity program invests in those who have been adversely impacted by the War on Drugs. Per the program, eligible social equity business owners receive Flowhubs POS software discounted at $4.20 for up to three years, the mobile Stash and Greet apps, the View app and free implementation. To date, the company has awarded over $1 million worth of software products to eligible cannabis entrepreneurs via this program.

FinSMEs

14/10/2021
Lunar Ventures, a Berlin, Germany technical venture capital firm focused on investing in European early-stage DeepTech startups, closed a 40M first fund.

The fund is backed by many of Europes institutional fund investors, including Isomer Capital, Multiple Capital, Aldea Ventures, Compagnia di San Paolo and the European Investment Fund. Individual investors include founders from Ethereum and DeepTech founders with successful exits.

The fund invests into companies at the intersection of DeepTech and software, using its own technical expertise to support technical founding teams and help them to make their sci-fi ideas a reality.

Created in 2019 in Berlin, the founding partners are:

Dr. Elad Verbin, a computer science researcher with experience leading R&D in academia and industry;

Mick Halsband, a CTO and software architect who has over two decades of experience at startups and Israeli intelligence; and

Luis Shemtov, a product expert and strategist who previously founded several startups.



They are joined by Principal Alberto Cresto, who has led over 20 DeepTech investments across the US and Europe.

Lunar Ventures is investing up to 1M into early-stage DeepTech startups that are software focused. Its core theme is frontier computer science, looking at everything from democratising machine learning to cryptography, and new cloud infrastructures to next generation databases. It is looking for deeply technical teams working on breakthrough technologies. Lunar is happy to invest in pre-revenue startups working on scalable solutions.

The firm has already invested in 12 startups across Europe, including Zama, deepset, and Molecule.

FinSMEs

14/10/2021
Nothing, a London, UK-based consumer tech brand, completed a Series A funding extension of $50M.

Backers included unnamed strategic and private investors.

The company intends to use the funds towards research and development in preparation for its entry into new product categories.

Nothing also announced it is selecting the Snapdragon platform to power future tech products and is cooperating with Qualcomm Technologies to do so.

Led by Carl Pei, CEO, Nothing is a consumer tech company prociding wireless earbuds that combine refined design with precise engineering and active noise cancellation for a pure sound experience.

The company is backed by GV (formerly Google Ventures) and other private investors including Tony Fadell (Principal at Future Shape & inventor of the iPod), Casey Neistat (YouTube personality and Co-founder of Beme), Kevin Lin (Co-founder of Twitch) and Steve Huffman (Co-founder and CEO of Reddit).

FinSMEs

13/10/2021
Thomson Reuters has launched a new $100m Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) fund to support and accelerate innovation for the Future of Professionals.

Thomson Reuters Ventures will focus on investments and portfolio support for companies building breakthrough innovations that will allow professionals to operate more productively and with greater insights.

Led by Executive Director Pat Wilburn, also Chief Strategy Officer of Thomson Reuters, the arm will invest primarily in earlier-stage companies via Series A and B rounds, with a broad lens across Legal, Tax & Accounting, Risk, Fraud, and Compliance, News and Media, Corporates and adjacent areas.

Ledb by Steve Hasker, President and CEO, Thomson Reuters is a provider of business information services. Its products include highly specialized information-enabled software and tools for legal, tax, accounting and compliance professionals combined with the worlds most global news service  Reuters.

FinSMEs

14/10/2021
The following blog post, unless otherwise noted, was written by a member of Gamasutras community.

The thoughts and opinions expressed are those of the writer and not Gamasutra or its parent company.

During September we have seen the rise of in-person events and return of face-to-face meetings and interactions on a number of occasions around the world. These are very rare especially with the raging Delta variant, the surge of new cases after the summer season and start of the new school year.

I took the opportunity to talk to a few organizers and investigate the ups and downs in organizing an in-person event during the pandemic (all of them happened during September), discuss the challenges and learn about behaviour of attendees and to see what has changed. All of the interviews were done via messages and emails during the past few weeks and for a full disclaimer, I have to say, I have known every single one of them for a long time and we are friends.

First, I want to congratulate every single one of them for delivering a safe and a successful event. I know how important it is to see smiles on the faces and especially the feeling of accomplishment that gives you enough energy to repeat this again no matter how challenging the process was. It is very sad to hear from Lerika Mallayeva that part of her team organizing DevGAMM wasnt able to see each other. It was such a pity that the Ukrainian part of the team couldnt make it to Moscow because of the restrictions.

Majority of in-person events are still hyper local, meaning the majority of the attendees are coming from the country of origin with few exceptions. Different countries have different rules, especially if you decide to travel internationally. Maybe you are asking the same questions as I have for the past months. Is it the right time to have an in-person event? Should I go to one? Is it going to be safe? Lets hear some thoughts from the organizers.

The biggest challenge is timing and balance. It's balancing the risks and other people's feelings towards it too. We settled on an outdoor event as the general sentiment from our industry members wasn't keen on an indoor event, which was the right call for this moment, explains Guy Blomberg, founder of Games Industry Gathering, that ran an in-person event in Seattle with 150 vaccinated industry folks in attendance.



Photo above: Very happy DevGAMM team & volunteers after the conclusion of the event in Moscow. Photo credit: DevGAMM Facebook Page.

The major challenge in organizing this event was people's reputation. Since we were holding this event in cooperation with the government, we had to be careful not to cause any problems by holding the event, says Masahiko Murakami, board member of JIGA (Japan Independent Games Aggregate) that organized BitSummit in Kyoto, Japan. There is a lot of preparation that goes into an in-person gathering when you are organizing it in a bureaucracy heavy system. If you have ever registered for Tokyo Game Show, you know the number of forms required is extensional. You'd be amazed at the number of inquiries we handled, he added.

And even though the preparation times are shorter, the demand on bandwidth of the organizers team is higher and it isnt just following restrictions and the health recommendations rigorously. Our biggest challenge was finding a venue everyone would feel comfortable in. Most fears were questions based on Covid-19 guidelines and general anxiety around going to a real life event again. explains Alex Boucher, MD at Analog, involved in organizing IRL MCV in London, United Kingdom.



Photo above: Very busy venue of IRL MCV in London, United Kingdom. Photo by: Seth Barton.

Trying out new things is a challenge on its own, especially to create a safe environment for all, which is something that everyone points out as a priority. Without a QR code, a proof of vaccination, negative test or that you are Covid-free these events were out of bounds. BitSummit went one step further though. We actually didn't accept any international exhibitors for the event this year. We did, however, make it possible to exhibit different works from remote locations using our remote booth exhibiting.

All of these events are pioneers for everyone else. What to expect from your potential first in-person event? A clear indicator on your badge that you are fully vaccinated or wearing a sticker saying No Hugs to counterbalance an anxiety from meeting strangers in a new place for example. Another tricky part are the social interactions. Are we doing elbow touch, a hug, a handshake?

We like to think there hasn't been much change, and on the first glance it might look like it. The crowd dynamic is affected by the pandemic and how we are interacting between ourselves. What's most interesting is just how much people are more aware of each other. explains Blomberg. People were very obvious to check before doing things that would have been standard before - "Can I give you a hug?" "Can I shake your hand?" and even "Did you want me to wear a mask while we chat?"



Photo above: Attendeess of 1st Games Industry Gathering in Seattle in an outdoor setup. Photo by: GIG Facebook

The uncertainty, travel restrictions in place, social anxiety combined also contributes to dip in a revenue stream. Tickets are bought super close to the event. We had a huge spike in sales two weeks before the event and finally were sold out, says Mallayeva. Another significant difference she has observed was the registration process: Apart from the usual check of an ID and a ticket before printing the badge, we also had to check the QR code, which makes the process slower and create a possible queue. Blomberg quickly corroborates: What would have been a guest list check in system that would take 30 seconds was a process that took around 3-5 minutes per person.

I don't think there was a significant change in participants' behaviour this year. Also, now that the vaccine is finally here, people are slowly getting used to living in our society alongside the virus, said Masahiko. And I have to agree, we have to learn to live with the virus and put more trust into the extra layer of protection vaccine provides.

There are multiple reasons why in-person events will always have place on our calendars. I will leave you with a few comments from the organizers and reasons why to consider to attend one. To see friends and new colleagues in person again and to catch up, explains Boucher the driving force behind IRL MCV. There was no place or event to display new products/games or meet up with friends for a long time, follows Murakami.

And to end on a high note, here is Blombergs comment on why physical events have an important place in our lives. As big an advocate as I am of virtual events, nothing beats the face-to-face connections, especially if it's folks you've only MET in a virtual space. It's an emotional moment for everyone too, going to an IRL event is acknowledging that life as we know it is slowly (cautiously and optimistically) returning to a new normal.

For these and other future insights, please subscribe to the newsletter.

[Game Conference Guide is tracking games industry & game developers events, trade shows, festivals, conferences and events around the world.]
Makers of Fortnite and the band Radiohead come together to produce multiple bits of media, like a song and a blog post.
TORONTO, Oct. 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northern Star Resources Ltd. (Northern Star) to file an early warning report (the Early Warning Report) advising of the sale of common shares (the Common Shares) of Superior Gold Inc. (Superior Gold). Northern Star disposed of 8,250,000 Common Shares at a sale price of $0.54 on October 8, 2021 and 3,796,261 Common Shares at a sale price of $0.5408 on October 12, 2021 through the facilities of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") for an aggregate cash consideration of $6,508,017.95 (the "Disposition").



Immediately prior to the Disposition, Northern Star had ownership and control of 12,046,261 Common Shares and 13,960,561 Warrants. The Common Shares held by Northern Star represented approximately 9.9% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis. On a partially-diluted basis, assuming exercise of the Warrants, Northern Star would have owned and controlled 26,006,822 Common Shares, representing approximately 19.2% of the outstanding Common Shares.

Immediately after giving effect to the Disposition, Northern Star has no ownership or control over any of the Common Shares. On a partially-diluted basis, assuming exercise of the 13,960,561 Warrants owned by Northern Star, Northern Star would have ownership and control of 13,960,561 Common Shares, representing approximately 9.3% of the outstanding Common Shares.

The Securities held by Northern Star are for investment purposes only and not for the purpose of exercising control or direction over Superior Gold. Northern Star has no current plan or proposal which relates to, or would result in acquiring additional ownership or control over securities of Superior Gold (other than the exercise of the Warrants). Northern Star may or may not purchase or sell securities of Superior Gold in the future on the open market or in private transactions, depending on market conditions and other factors material to Northern Stars investment decision.

A copy of the early warning report required to be filed by Northern Star with applicable securities commissions will be filed under Superior Golds profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and a copy of the early warning report may also be obtained by contacting the Company Secretary of Northern Star, at Level 1, 388 Hay Street, Subiaco WA 6008 Australia, email: compliance@nsrltd.com.
NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors of pending deadlines in the following securities class action lawsuits:



The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (SAM)

Class Period: 4/22/2021 - 9/8/2021

Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: November 15, 2021

SECURITIES FRAUD

To learn more, visit: https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-sam/

AppHarvest, Inc. (APPH)

Class Period: 5/17/2021 - 8/10/2021

Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: November 23, 2021

SECURITIES FRAUD

To learn more, visit: https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nasdaq-apph/

Hyzon Motors Inc. (HYZN, HYZNW) f/k/a Decarbonization Plus Acquisition Corporation (DCRB, DCRBU, DCRBW)

Class Period: 2/9/2021 - 9/27/2021

Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: November 29, 2021

SECURITIES FRAUD

To learn more, visit: https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nasdaq-hyzn/

Eargo, Inc. (EAR)

Class Period: 2/25/2021 - 9/22/2021

Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: December 6, 2021

SECURITIES FRAUD

To learn more, visit: https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nasdaq-ear/

If you purchased shares of the above companies and would like to discuss your legal rights and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact us toll-free (844) 367-9658 or visit the case links above.

If you wish to serve as a Lead Plaintiff in the class action, you must petition the Court on or before the Lead Plaintiff Motion deadline.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit: www.claimsfiler.com
NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cobwebs Technologies announced today that its AI-powered WEBINT platform helps CI operators and governments to detect and monitor cyber threats aimed at their critical infrastructures.

Critical infrastructures, including electricity, oil, gas, and water supply systems, as well as transportation hubs, are under cyberattack. Threat actors attack critical infrastructure for various reasons. Some of these attacks are motivated by hacktivism to make a political statement. Others are launched for ransom, as in the case of the recent cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline that transports roughly 2.5 million barrels of fuel daily from the Gulf Coast to the Eastern Seaboard. The company paid the threat actors a reported $4.4 million to resume operations. The third category of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure is conducted by state-sponsored threat actors, such as the recent cyberattack on four critical infrastructure organizations in South East Asia.

The number, intensity, and impact of cyberattacks on critical infrastructures keep rising by 25% - 40% annually. Governments and network operators are taking action. For example, the current POTUS has signed a Memorandum on Improving Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure Control and the EU has issued its NIS Directive to protect the national critical infrastructure of its member states. Administrators and operators of critical infrastructures are implementing changes to mitigate or remove cyber risks, but such projects could take months, even years since it requires fundamental structural changes at high costs.

Due to manpower and time restraints, critical infrastructure operators and government agencies are looking for open source software for automated intelligence on potential and imminent cyber threats. They are turning to open source threat intelligence tools that cannot only detect cyberattacks in real-time but also have cyber threat monitoring capabilities to identify emerging cyber threats targeting the critical infrastructure.

"Especially after the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack, it became clear to us that we needed a solution that could detect cyber threats aimed at our oil company in real-time. But even more, we also needed that solution to have cyber threat monitoring capabilities, so we could take proactive measures. After looking at various options, we chose the Cobwebs WEBINT platform since it ticked all the boxes," stated the IC operation manager of a major oil company. "We wanted a smart and automated solution since we do not have the manpower and expertise to collect and analyze big data for actionable insights. The platform of Cobwebs now does that for us - it collects and analyzes relevant data from open sources on all layers of the internet. It then presents the analyzed results in graphs and maps, so we can see who is planning what and where against us. We also programmed the platform with relevant keywords and phrases to alert us when relevant information crops up. This allows us to be proactive and prevent a potential shutdown of our pipelines following a cyber threat."

The Cobwebs AI-powered web intelligence platform offers a powerful way for detecting, analyzing, and monitoring threats and risks aimed at critical infrastructures. The platform's predictive analytics and machine-learning algorithms collect and analyze big data, which allows CI operators to get comprehensive insights for their cyber threat monitoring. The platform employs Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithms to get insight into the sentiments and intentions of (potential) terrorists and context in multiple languages, which is essential for sentiment analysis.

With the WEBINT platform of Cobwebs as part of their toolset, operators and government agencies will be able to identify and prevent cyberattacks aimed at their critical infrastructures.

To learn more, visit www.cobwebs.com

or contact us @: info@cobwebs.com

Related Images











Image 1: AI-Powered Web Intelligence









This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com.

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Barrie, ON, Canada, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Panorama Windows and Doors is not known for offering discounts. The leading service announced early on in the week that the limited-time discount on all windows and doors would also include window replacement. That means people can buy a window from the brand and get it installed while saving 20% off the original price. Depending on the windows people buy and the number of windows purchased, it can be significant savings. However, the company did not disclose how long the discount will run for, which is why those in the market for a set of new windows should act quickly.

Windows and doors are amongst the most overlooked yet essential parts of any home. They are safety and security mechanisms that rely on durability, and they also add aesthetic appeal. The aesthetic appeal is essential for ensuring that the home stands out from the rest, especially for those who plan to put the home on the market. Beyond that, replacing the doors and windows are also a major part of renovating a home to give it a brand new, modern look.

When it comes to windows replacement, experts advise that people always hire professionals to do it. Professionals like Panorama Windows and Doors have years of experience replacing windows and doors, ensuring safety and security. It is important to hire professionals who are skilled in that particular service to ensure the installation is done flawlessly

Readers can learn more about Panorama Windows and Doors by visiting the companys official website at https://panoramawindows.ca/

At Panorama Windows and Doors, we specialize in door and window replacement and installation services. Our service caters to the County of Simcoe, GTA, Sudbury, Barrie Hamilton, and Oshawa, making us one of the largest and most trusted services in the area. Thats why the current 20% discount applies across the board to everyone who chooses to buy from us," commented a representative when talking about the discount.

She added, We care about our customers, and seeing as how so many people are looking to save money due to the current economic climate, weve decided to offer a 20% discount to help them do just that.

About the Company:

Panorama Windows and Doors is one of the most trusted and experienced installations and replacement services. The business is best known for its highly competitive pricing and superior quality products. Buyers can be assured of the premium products that do not break the bank. However, the company also offers free quotes for jobs of all sizes.

Website: https://panoramawindows.ca

Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foUuTvhB7Qs
Oakville, Canada, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Heres how TUK Capital is making the lives of Ghanian children better, with the help of Future Leaders Charity:

Nowadays it is quite rare to see a fast-developing company that actually cares about the benefit of the environment and the people who are consuming its products, rather than just focusing on making profits. One such company which is still providing hope through its philanthropic activities is TUK Capital. TUK Capital is a financial consulting agency with headquarters in Toronto, Ontario. It was founded in the year 2016 by Jordan Alexander King and Evan Ungar, successful entrepreneurs who have left their mark in the industries of real estate, finance and investment. TUK Capital specializes in consulting for industries such as real estate, renewable energy, government development projects, international business and many others.

It is obvious that the main reason behind TUK Capital having such respect and admiration in todays world is because of its high quality and service. Jordan Alexander King, the co-founder of TUK Capital, has taken it to the next level due to his habit of being kind to others and helping to make a difference in this world. He says that since he is in a position to help others it is his duty to do it. However, all the praise that TUK Capital is getting is not only credited to Jordan Alexander King. It also has big names such as Evan Ungar working for the common motive of creating a revolution in the real estate investment industry.

Let us talk about Evan Ungar, a licensed mortgage agent, real estate investor and financier, a business marketing strategist, Amazon best selling author as well as a Guinness world record holder. Along with Jordan Alexander King, Evan Ungar is the co-founder and advisor of TUK Capital. The next name we must mention here is Kerwin Richards, originally from New York City who has now relocated to Ghana. Jordan Alexander King and Kerwin Richards first formed a relationship almost 10 years back in Atlanta, Georgia while working on a shared project of artist development and aligning production studios. Kerwin Richards had in the past, partnered with Valerie Cruzat to launch a charitable organization called Future Leaders. With both the founders settled in Ghana, Future Leaders is a direct response to the scarcity of funds for higher education in Ghana. It hopes to provide formal exposure to technology and cultural arts to the children and youth of Ghana.

Inspired by Kerwin Richards and as a testament to their own philanthropic nature, Jordan Alexander King has partnered with Future Leaders to feed 54 children. The donation has been made in the name of TUK Capital and is reflective of the shared dreams of Evan and Jordan. This is just the beginning though, and the partnership is on track to help organize donations to rebuild local schools. They hope other internationally playing companies will recognize and imitate the work done by TUK Capital.

Our end goal is to rebuild an art academy that provides these talented youth with options for learning, earning and catapulting their families into financial stability says Richards. TUK Capital, who has been involved in many charitable work in the past has stepped up to help Future Leaders achieve just that.  Although feeding children and families proved to be impactful, we want to build something more sustainable and taking part in building out an art academy would do just that says King. Together, TUK Capital and Future Leaders will make the lead donations and they encourage others that want to make a positive difference in these childrens lives to get involved.

To know more about Jordan Alexander King, Evan Ungar, and their booming business, check out:

TUK Capital  https://tukcapital.com

Future Leaders Inspired https://www.futureleadersinspired.org

Jordans Personal Website  https://jordanalexanderking.com

Jordans LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-king-01475598

Evans Personal Website  https://evanungar.com

Evans LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-ungar-9647a110a

Website: https://tukcapital.com/
Singapore, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Art Haus, an NFT-based project for artistic works, has introduced an Artists in Residence section to its platform. Each resident artist becomes a keyholder who can unlock curatorship. They receive commissions on major sales by artists they curate, about half of the 15% fee charged by Art Haus.



Art Haus' developers created the platform to assist artists, collectors, and curators in manoeuvring the NFT market. This distinct NFT platform integrates a selection of curation mechanics and subscription levels. It aims to offer the marketplace a host of genuine and unique collections. Unlike the competition, Art Haus is offering an artist residency program.

Artist Residency

Among the crucial parts of Art Haus's strategy is the exclusive artist residency. Artist in residence programs exist to welcome artists and curators to stay within the premises of an institution.

Creators can apply to join as an artist in residence. Each candidate is thoroughly assessed. It is done to guarantee that they'll discover value in signing up with Art Haus to premiere an exclusive collection.

Artists that get residency can lean on the team to explore NFTs in a supportive environment. For one, the exclusive galleries are only accessible to keyholders. It suggests that the collector has done their part to become a member of this incubator for the digital arts. These collectors typically aren't your ordinary users. These collectors are major in discovering the following Beeple and getting in on the ground floor of their innovative legacy.

Protection Through Artist Residency

Knowledgeable artists looking for a residency must take into consideration Art Haus as their residence for numerous reasons. For one, the developers made the whole program to service the requirements of these imaginative minds. For instance, there are a host of thoughtfully incorporated protections for web content creators that make it a smart choice.

The artist residency program ensures creative freedom and sovereignty for artists. It takes place with personalized well-known smart contracts for all Art Haus NFTs. It makes sure that artists add to a genuine body of work that's genuinely and probably their own. Many existing platforms cut operating expenses by minting artists' functions to contracts shown with many other artists. Art Haus, on the other hand, is devoted to altering the status quo.

Artists having a home for their work on the blockchain with their branding is essential to the team. Not only for the artist's benefit, however, to provide collectors with the chance to own something developed totally for the artist. Collectors can feel confident understanding that they own genuine work. Also, they will not see the case of the NFT platform going out of business.

Residuals

Another vital feature that has artists moving to Art Haus is its residual commissions. When you create and offer your art with Art Haus, you can try out the most recent advancements in secondary royalties. Other platforms that recognize them locally. On the other hand, Art Haus is committed to adopting global criteria.

This technique adds excellent value to the residency program. Many NFT artists have a substantial collection of NFTs that regularly change hands between collectors.

Art NFTs and Auctions in Art Haus

The NFT market continues to expand at a remarkable rate. More artists, curators , and collectors are meeting up and trading tokens, principles, and techniques than ever.

Platforms such as Art Haus offer a host of beneficial protections for both parties. Hence, it makes it the perfect destination for those looking for unique opportunities in the marketplace. Thus, Art Haus offers a vital role in encouraging these content creators and collectors to drive ROIs to new heights. Artists looking to discover more regarding the platform's residencies can go here.

One of the core elements of Art Haus is its public auctions. NFT auctions give creators and collectors lots of opportunities. For artists, it allows them to get the most from their collections. It also supplies investors with a far better opportunity to snatch up unique pieces for a steal. Notably, the ZORA protocol powers Art Haus auctions.

Media Contact 

Joshua M.

mail@art.haus

ART HAUS

Source Link
New York, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Global Auxiliary Power Unit Growth Opportunities" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06176219/?utm_source=GNW





The total market was worth $2.04 billion in 2020 and, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, should see a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6% during that time frame. The study covers the auxiliary power units used on commercial aircraft. The market segments are linefit, retrofit, and aftermarket. Linefit accounts for 12.1% of the market share and is driven by the delivery of new aircraft to airlines. Demand for retrofit and aftermarket comes from airlines need to maintain their existing aircraft. Honeywell and Pratt & Whitney are the 2 leading companies that form a market duopoly. Boeing partnered with Safran in attempt to enter the auxiliary power unit space by creating a new joint venture named Initium, but the COVID-19 pandemic halted their business due to weak demand for new aircraft. The pandemic has drastically reduced passenger traffic and decreased aircraft utilization; however, regulatory mandates will drive the retrofit market. The demand for new aircraft, which led to peak production levels in 2018 (pre-COVID-19), came from emerging economies, particularly from China. Although it could take until 2024 to return to pre-pandemic levels, China and other Asian countries will remain the largest consumers of new aircraft. The United States and Europe are restructuring their aircraft fleets by replacing older aircraft with more efficient ones. This will help airlines control OPEX and maintenance costs. Leading market suppliers are focused on innovating and utilizing new technologies such additive manufacturing. They are also working to introduce the all-electric auxiliary power unit, which will help them reduce their carbon footprint.

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06176219/?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.



__________________________
Dublin, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Biologics Market Research Report: Forecast (2021-2026)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Global Biologics Market is likely to grow at a CAGR of around 9% during 2021-2026.

The growth of the market is associated with several factors, such as the surging expenditures in healthcare, a hike in the sedentary lifestyles of individuals, and the rising number of chronic disease patients.

Other factors driving the demand for biologics in the market include monoclonal antibodies for disease treatment and innovation & advancement in the healthcare & biotechnology sectors. Moreover, regulatory approval from the governments in different countries is also contributing to the growth of the Biologics market.

Spurring Demand for Biologics in Treatment of Chronic Diseases

Biologics are used profoundly for providing effective treatment for many complex diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, which have limited treatment options.

With the advent of technology and innovation in the healthcare sector, there has been a significant escalation in amenities & equipment for rheumatoid arthritis patients who do not respond to traditional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. The key biologics used for treating rheumatoid arthritis are Adalimumab, HumiraInfliximab (Remicade), Anakinra (Kineret), Abatacept (Orencia), and Rituximab (Rituxan).



Limitations in Production of Access Capacity

A successful product launch of biologics drugs needs a very long time for performing research and development activities. It also requires massive capital investments.

In addition to this, the production of biological drugs is a complex procedure, and stringent government regulations often delay the same. Hence, these factors restrain the growth of the Biologics market across the globe to a certain extent.

COVID-19 Pandemic Positively Impacted the Market

The impact of COVID-19 has been leading to numerous research initiatives in biologics to find a suitable cure. Due to the pandemic, the global investments in biologics increased due to continuous demand for producing small molecule drugs. Thus, with the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, the need for biologics increased significantly.

All the postponed treatments and consultations resumed in the last few months of 2020, which has resulted in aiding the number of treatment procedures using biologics. Hence, the Global Biologics Market is very likely to witness a significant surge in its growth rate in the forthcoming timeframe.



Vaccine Segment Accounted for the Largest Market Share

Based on the Product/Drug Class, the market bifurcates into Recombinant therapeutic Products, Monoclonal Antibodies, Hormones, Cytokines, Enzymes, Blood & Blood Components, Cellular & Gene Therapy, Vaccines, and Oligonucleotides. The vaccines segment acquired a considerable market share in the Global Biologics Market in the previous few years.

The segment growth owes to the increasing government & non-government initiatives for vaccine R&D activities and the prevention of various infectious diseases. Moreover, the development of bivalent & pentavalent vaccines that can prevent an individual from more than one disease worldwide is another factor likely to fuel the segment growth.



In-House Segment Dominated the Market

Based on Manufacturing Type, the market classifies into Outsource and In-house segments. Here, In-house manufacturing bagged the largest share in the Global Biologics Market in the previous few years.

It owes to numerous companies opting for in-house manufacturing than to purchase the entity or outsource it entwined with the massive investments made by CMO's for mushrooming commercial biopharmaceutical manufacturing capacity. However, the outsourcing segment is likely to showcase a gradual increase in demand in the coming years.



North America Attained the Highest Market Share

Geographically, North America held the largest market share in the Global Biologics Market in the previous few years. It owes to the spurring approvals in the US comprising larger patent protection than that in the European region. North America also witnessed the most prominent corona fatalities than other regions across the globe.

This grim societal scenario is pushing the pharmaceutical giants to invest in biologics in cohesion with the governments. Other factors fueling the market growth in the region are growing diabetes patients, a surging aging population, and the availability of several research centers.



Key Questions Answered

1. What are the overall market statistics or estimates (Market Overview, Market Size - by Value, Forecast Numbers, Market Segmentation, and Market Shares) of the Global Biologics Market?

2. What are the region-wise industry size, growth drivers, and challenges?

3. What are the key innovations, opportunities, current & future trends, and regulations in the Global Biologics Market?

4. Who are the key competitors, their key strengths & weaknesses, and how they perform in the Global Biologics Market based on a competitive benchmarking matrix?

5. What are the key results derived from the market surveys conducted during the Global Biologics Market study?

Major Companies Profiled

AbbVie Inc.

Amgen Inc.

F. Hoffman La Roche

Samsung Electronics

Merck & Co.

AstraZeneca PLC

Bristol-Myers Squibb

Novartis

Pfizer

Sanofi

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ftham9
New York, NY, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BidSwitch, a global provider of programmatic infrastructure and wholly-owned subsidiary of IPONWEB, has enabled demand-side platform (DSP) and advertising technology company Bidtellect to reduce the hardware costs associated with processing and analyzing (listening to) bidstream data, thereby further enhancing its bidding performance for clients.





BidSwitchs intelligent traffic routing system, SmartSwitch, saved Bidtellect 35% on these costs for one connected supply partner, and helped achieve a 2.7 times increase in auction win rate (meaning that they are almost three times as likely to win the programmatic advertising auction), ultimately improving performance.





Bidtellect is a buy-side platform that helps brand advertisers reach targeted audiences in contextually relevant environments at scale across the web. Its technology prioritises contextual relevance and sentiment and works in conjunction with audience creation, an approach that caters to the specific goals of each advertiser and enables brands to engage consumers at peak moments of intent. Bidtellects proprietary algorithms go beyond domain-level targeting, optimizing down to the ad placement level to ensure advertisers reach the right audience and achieve ROI.





Optimization conducted at the bid opportunity level requires listening to huge amounts of the programmatic bidstream, which is demanding from both the technological and hardware perspective, driving up costs while reducing the effectiveness of media spend. Bidtellect turned to BidSwitch to manage some of its over 40 connections to SSP partners, leaning on BidSwitchs SmartSwitch to filter out unwanted inventory, reducing the costs associated with listening to huge volumes of bidstream data and helping Bidtellect improve the overall bidding performance for their clients.





To further help buy-side effectiveness, Bidtellect recently announced AARDvark (Automatic Algorithmic Rate Determination), its proprietary automatic bid factoring technology. Bid factoring is a traditionally manual process in other platforms; AARDvarks automatic optimization tool analyses non-identity, cookieless signals to determine the best ad opportunities to achieve advertiser goals and save traders time. Bidtellect also recently announced its expansion into formats beyond native ad types, including display, promising the same context-driven optimization technology and maximum performance outcomes to advertisers.





BidSwitchs SmartSwitch technology applies proprietary machine learning to the global programmatic bidstream that BidSwitch processes daily from more than 130 supply partners. Looking at the buying patterns and history for each demand partner, while also taking into account the unique supply filtering rules that the demand partners set up themselves, SmartSwitch determines the best supply to send to each buyer, optimizing and shaping the bid traffic to reduce the volume of bid requests buyers have to listen to, without affecting bidder performance.





John DeSantis, Portfolio Director at BidSwitch, says: Programmatic marketing provides media buyers with a flexible and effective tool to reach consumers with timely messages, but the volume of inventory can make it unwieldy and reduces the effectiveness of using it. As many of the opportunities in the bidstream are irrelevant, taking these duplicates and undesirable inventory out of the equation does not impact results, but can dramatically lower hardware costs. SmartSwitch provides buy-side partners with sophisticated and automated tools to filter out what they arent likely to buy, freeing up their listening capacity to only receive impression opportunities that they are likely to want. Bidtellect is able to extend the value derived from intelligent traffic management to its clients through more performative campaigns and efficient media.





Michael Feeley, Vice President, Supply Partnerships and Product Solutions at Bidtellect says: "Everything we do at Bidtellect focuses on putting brand content in front of consumers at the right time within the environments when they are most receptive and likely to engage  in the most efficient way possible. While the programmatic ecosystem generates the best opportunities to do this, the sheer amount of inventory hinders this process. Working with the BidSwitch team and seeing such unequivocal results leaves no doubt that SmartSwitch is a highly valuable tool to have within our arsenal for achieving those goals."





-ends-





About Bidtellect:

Bidtellect is a performance-driven DSP specializing in context-first optimization, cookieless solutions, and native programmatic. We pride ourselves in premium supply quality and optimizing down to the placement level, while offering deep campaign insights across a wide range of KPIs for our brand, agency, and trading desk partners. Bidtellect consistently outperforms competitors in nearly every head-to-head performance test thanks to industry-leading brand safety technology, premium supply quality, superior context capabilities, and proprietary bid factoring and optimization technology: delivering ads that work.





About BidSwitch:

Engineered by IPONWEB, BidSwitch helps programmatic ad-tech and media companies overcome increasing marketplace complexity by providing partners an efficient and transparent way to manage access to supply and demand at global scale. Unlike an exchange, BidSwitch operates as a neutral, infrastructure network, intelligently routing and filtering the bidstream to ensure optimized, non-fraudulent access for buyers and sellers. Today, BidSwitch facilitates more than 350 supply and demand technology partners globally to connect and trade media across the display, mobile, video TV, native and DOOH ecosystems, all via a single standardized integration. Visit www.bidswitch.com to learn more.





About IPONWEB:

IPONWEB is an industry pioneer and world leader in the engineering and operation of highly customized, real-time media trading systems for publishers, advertisers, agencies and innovative technology companies. With more than 15 years experience driving innovation in the ad exchange and real-time technology space, IPONWEB is the behind the scenes technology provider that many of the worlds leading industry players rely on to successfully power their media and data businesses. Visit www.iponweb.com to learn more.

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New York, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Brazils Total Telecommunications Services Market, Forecast to 2026" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06176222/?utm_source=GNW





In this research, the analyst presents an in-depth analysis of the following markets: fixed telephony; enterprise data communications; fixed broadband; pay-TV; and mobile services.Market trends examined include regulations, macro-economic trends, technological developments, partnerships, acquisitions, and general trends in the country. The study explores growth opportunities that will be created by telecommunications service providers and identifies potential business models. It evaluates telecommunications service providers future focus on infrastructure, technologies, services, and business models, and includes a 2020 market share analysis. The analysis for 2020 to 2026 includes measurements for the type of service breakdown; growth rates are also provided. Insights about segments (residential, SMB, and large business) are also discussed.Strategies, a competitive landscape, growth analysis, and SWOT analysis are discussed for telecommunications providers (e.g., Telefonica VIVO, Claro Brasil, and Oi) pertaining to 2019. The base year for the study is 2020, with 2021-2026 as the forecast period. Ultra broadband has become popular in Brazil, with accelerated adoption due to Covid-19; competitors are launching neutral fiber networks in order to support the growth of ISPs building the last mile of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) in the countryside of Brazil, which should increase the homes-passes in multiple millions and continue driving the growth in fixed broadband.

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06176222/?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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Dublin, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Massive Open Online Course Market by Technology, Course Type, Provider Type, and Subscription Model 2021 - 2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This report provides an assessment of MOOC technologies, solutions, overall MOOC trends including market drivers, sub-sectors, and impact on diverse industries. The report analyzes the global MOOC market opportunity and forecasts for 2025 to 2025 for overall revenue as well as SaaS providers, independent student's course subscription, consulting revenue and corporate licensing.

Online Learning is a means of education that incorporates self-motivation, communication, efficiency, and technology. Since the development of the Internet, e-learning has become more efficient as it eliminates distances and subsequent commutes. Because there is often limited social interaction, students must keep themselves motivated. This is rapidly changing, however, as progressive eLearning companies are introducing social integrating learning platforms and services.

The eLearning Landscape represents a complex ecosystem with many players providing various services including Business/Professional Skills, Compliance, Customer Service, Design, Desktop/IT Applications, Human Resources/Learning & Development, Leadership and Management Sales and Marketing, Soft Skills (Communication), and Technology. Distance learning is a very important part of the eLearning ecosystem. MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) represents a distance learning program wherein course contents are distributed using a web platform and under a free or paid subscription model.

MOOC encourages mass participation, social collaborations, interactive forums, and open-ended outcomes. However, it may be structured as a college or university course and can offer academic credit. But mostly it enables open-ended accomplishment certification that can be used for employment or further studies. MOOC types of education are best suited for people who seek self-paced learning.

Key Topics Covered:

1.0 Executive Summary

2.0 Introduction

2.1 The eLearning Landscape

2.2 What is MOOC?

2.3 Why MOOC?

2.4 MOOC Technologies

2.5 MOOC Feature/Functionality

2.6 Evolution of MOOC

2.7 E-learning vs. MOOC

2.8 Online Course vs. MOOC

2.9 Distance Education vs. MOOC

2.10 Crowdsourced Education vs. MOOC

2.11 Course Aggregator or Course Directories

2.12 Video vs. Non-Video MOOC

2.13 cMOOC and xMOOC

2.14 Common Factors among cMOOC and xMOOC

3.0 MOOC Market Trend and Growth Drivers

3.1 Higher Education Marketplace

3.2 Growth of Demand of Distance Learning as a Whole

3.3 Corporate Learning and Training

3.4 K-12 Level Education

3.5 Self-Paced Learning

3.6 Filling the Digital Gap

3.7 MOOC Graduate Degree

3.8 Open Source Software

3.9 Credential Academic Currency

3.10 Recruitment Tools

4.0 MOOC Market Challenges and Limitations

5.0 MOOC Market Development and Success Factors

5.1 Business Model

5.2 Measuring Success

5.3 Teaching the Teachers

5.4 Developing MOOC

5.5 Motivating Faculty

5.6 Augmented MOOC

5.6.1 Voice-Activated Pattern

5.6.2 Using QR Codes

5.6.3 Using RFID

5.7 MOOC Credentials

6.0 Corporate MOOC

6.1 E-Learning Industry Overview

6.1.1 Growth Rate

6.1.2 Mature vs. Non-Mature Market

6.1.3 Per Employee Training Expenses

6.1.4 Growth Factors

6.1.5 Adoption Trend in Diverse Areas

6.2 Impact of Corporate MOOC on e-Learning Industry

6.3 MOOC Elements for Corporate Learning & Development

6.4 Benefits of MOOC for Organization

6.5 Impact on Workplace Environment

6.6 Free Corporate MOOC for Training

6.7 The Ugly Face of MOOC

6.8 Independent Business Opportunities around MOOC

6.9 MOOC Alliance with Company

7.0 MOOC Forecasts 2020 to 2027

7.1 Global MOOC Market 2021 - 2026

7.2 cMOOC Vs. xMOOC 2021 - 2026

7.3 MOOC Revenue by Subscription Model 2021 - 2026

7.4 MOOC by Course Type 2021 - 2026

7.5 MOOC by Provider Type 2021 - 2026

7.6 MOOC Market by Region 2021 - 2026

7.7 Immersive Technologies in MOOC 2021 - 2026

7.8 Immersive Technologies in MOOC 2021 - 2026

7.9 Markets for Technologies Supporting MOOC 2021 - 2026

7.10 Software and Tools for MOOC 2021 - 2026

8.0 Conclusions and Recommendations

8.1 Market Analysis

8.1.1 Market Opportunities

8.1.2 Course Creation and Other Services

8.1.3 Offering Pedagogical Support

8.1.4 Analytics Tools

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4tf9w7
DENVER, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SolRiver Capital, a national solar investment fund, today announced the acquisition of a portfolio of community solar and utility-scale solar PV projects from developer Sulus Solar. The portfolio consists of 14 projects across the state of Oregon, totaling 38 MW-DC. Once completed, the projects will produce over 60 million kilowatt hours of clean electricity annually, which is enough to power more than 5,100 homes each year and is the equivalent of planting over 700,000 trees.

The portfolio includes a combination of utility-scale PURPA and Oregon Community Solar projects. As a part of Oregon's Community Solar Program enacted under Oregon Senate Bill 1547 in 2016, the clean energy produced by the community solar projects within the portfolio will be sold to customers in both Portland General Electric and Pacific Power utility territories.

SolRiver Capital is investing over $52 million in Oregon to complete these projects. "We are excited to contribute to the burgeoning clean energy ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest," said Brandon Conard, Partner at SolRiver Capital. "We forged this strategic partnership with Sulus Solar due to their extensive experience developing successful projects in Oregon. We look forward to continuing to nurture our partnership as the portfolio takes shape over the coming months."

"Oregon's clean energy bill, signed by Governor Brown earlier this year, set one of the most ambitious timelines in the country for transitioning to 100% clean energy sources. The path to reaching this goal will require help from all communities across the state. We're thrilled to partner with SolRiver Capital to offer Oregonians easier access to solar energy and the ability to support the transition to a clean energy economy," said Conor Grogan, co-founder of Sulus Solar.

Following the Oregon Public Utility Commission's recent approval of updates to the Community Solar Program allowing additional residential and low-income customer enrollments in the program, the portfolio will help provide the additional solar energy supply needed to meet increasing demand as access to solar energy improves. On top of the environmental benefits, the construction, along with the ongoing operations and maintenance of these projects will contribute to building a robust workforce enabling a green economic recovery. Construction is expected to commence on initial projects in the spring of 2022.

About SolRiver Capital

SolRiver Capital is a solar investment fund dedicated to financing the development, construction, and acquisition of distributed generation projects. Focusing on solar and storage, SolRiver owns and operates projects across the US from Oregon to New York. Founded in 2016, SolRiver's team combines top-tier developers, financial professionals, and operational experts with over 10 years' experience each. The group has developed and managed over $400MM of solar totaling 180MW of capacity from 300 projects. For more information on SolRiver Capital, visit SolRiverCapital.com

About Sulus Solar

Sulus Solar is an Oregon-based leading utility-scale solar development company who partners with communities and people to produce clean energy at no cost to the landowner. Our vast portfolio within the state exceeds 20 solar facilities across Clackamas, Marion, Polk, Washington, Linn, Douglas, and Jackson Counties. Oregon Solar is our specialty. For more information on Sulus Solar, visit sulus-solar.com .

Press Contact:

SolRiver Capital, LLC | (720) 307-2672 | 600 17th Street, Suite 725S Denver CO 80202

| www.solrivercapital.com | projects@solrivercapital.com

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Image 1: SolRiver Solar





SolRiver Oregon Solar Project

















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MONTREAL, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hardbacon, a personal finance application used by more than 30,000 Canadians, announced today a partnership with insurance comparison company ClickInsurance to introduce a better way to shop home and auto insurance in Quebec.



As part of the partnership, Hardbacon.ca can now be used by Canadians to shop and compare auto and home insurance across the province to secure the best deals and packages for their unique needs. Currently, Hardbacon is used to compare everything from credit cards and bank accounts, to insurance and online brokers.

The partnership with ClickInsurance solidifies Hardbacons commitment to help Canadians shop for the best financial products and to take responsibility for their personal finances. The addition of auto and home insurance also allows Hardbacon to now cover every individual financial product vertical that is important to Canadians.

We are very excited to collaborate with a strong partner in Quebec like ClickInsurance, said Hardbacon CEO, Julien Brault. Home and auto insurance is essential to many households and now we are able to cater to those individuals with the ideal solution for their needs.

ClickInsurance was born out of a similar desire to help people save time and money on insurance at ClickInsurance.ca.

We are happy to partner with Hardbacon to carry on our mission, said Martin Dufour, vice-president, business development, at ClickInsurance. Hardbacon knows how to connect with its audience in innovative ways and ClickInsurance is excited to be a partner.

The comparison tool works in four easy steps and can be found side by side tips to save you money on your next Canadian insurance policy. Canadians can now shop and compare auto and home insurance at hardbacon.ca.

About Hardbacon

Bacon Financial Technologies, better known by its brand name Hardbacon, is dedicated to helping Canadians make better financial decisions, get wealthier and achieve their financial goals. The company, which has secured 2.4 million in funding, markets a mobile app that links to its users accounts and helps them plan, budget and invest. Hardbacon also enables its users to compare different financial services such as credit cards, bank accounts, online brokers and robo-advisors. The company also markets its technology to financial institutions to help them accelerate their digital transformation.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c4131dd1-9a03-4777-aeee-c4a60835d02f
BROOMFIELD, Colo. and WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vita Inclinata (Vita), developer and producer of helicopter and crane load stabilization and precision hardware, today announced the addition of Carl Riedlin as vice president of Federal Programs. Retired Chief of Aviation, Riedlin, joins the company after 31 years of U.S. Coast Guard service and will be responsible for introducing technology training and integration into Vitas operational environments.



Selected straight out of officer candidate school for aviation, Riedlin began his MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter experience as a search and rescue pilot, flying out of San Francisco (1992-1996) and then Kodiak and Sitka, Alaska (1996-2001) where he performed extremely demanding search and rescue missions. He was later selected to be the aviation engineering officer, serving out of the U.S. Coast Guard Group, Astoria, Oregon (2001-2004). Following graduate school at Purdue University, he was selected to be the product line manager for the depot overhaul, engineering, and logistical support of the MH-60 fleet. Most notably, Riedlin served as a commanding officer stationed in New Orleans, LA. (2010 -2012), where he flew clean-up missions over the Deepwater Horizon oil spill as well as other search and rescue missions in the area and as the commanding officer of Air Station Barbers Point Hawaii (2015 - 2018), with his crew being responsible for an area of operation spanning 14.2 million sq miles over the South Pacific. His career culminated in his final tour of duty as the chief of aviation forces for the Coast Guard.

Carl Riedlin brings unprecedented leadership and hands-on search and rescue experience that will amplify our mission to bring our life-saving technology to the military forces, said Vita Inclinata, CEO, Caleb Carr. We welcome the addition of this hero to our team and look forward to his knowledgeable contributions.

Managing engineering, logistics as well as overhaul practices, and maintenance procedures for the MH-60 makes Riedlin ideally suited to work with Vitas Rescue System Litter Attachment offering. In addition, as chief of aviation with a billion-dollar a year budget developing strategies for the U.S. Coast Guard Aviation, he has the proven leadership qualities to advance the benefits of Vita's life-saving products into many areas of the military.

The defense industry has opportunities for retired military pilots, but many are weapon-related, Riedlin said. I have dedicated myself to saving lives and Vita shares this passion. Their life-saving technology transforms the way rescues are performed, I look forward to applying my energy and skills to bringing this technology to all the services.

Witness the Rescue System Litter Attachments 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 .

About Vita Inclinata

A friends 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, Vitas 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

betsey@bridgeviewmarketing.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/249f7952-80cd-42ca-ac4d-2f731ac11c49.




Not for distribution to U.S. newswire services or dissemination in the United States

CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cenovus Energy Inc. (TSX: CVE) (NYSE: CVE) ("Cenovus") and Headwater Exploration Inc. (TSX: HWX) ("Headwater" or the "Company") have closed the previously announced bought deal secondary offering (the "Offering") of common shares of Headwater (the "Common Shares"). The Offering was completed on a bought deal basis, pursuant to an underwriting agreement dated effective September 27, 2021 among the Company, Cenovus, Cenovus Marten Hills Partnership, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cenovus (the "Selling Shareholder"), and a syndicate of underwriters led by Peters & Co. Limited and BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. and including CIBC World Markets Inc., RBC Dominion Securities Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., and TD Securities Inc. (collectively, the "Underwriters").

Pursuant to the Offering, Cenovus, through the Selling Shareholder, sold a total of 50,000,000 Common Shares (collectively, the "Offered Shares"), including 5,000,000 Common Shares sold pursuant to the exercise in full of an over-allotment option granted to the Underwriters. The Offered Shares were sold at a price of $4.55 per Offered Share for total gross proceeds to the Selling Shareholder of $227,500,000. The Company has not and will not receive any of the proceeds of the Offering. In connection with the Offering, the Underwriters received a cash commission equal to 4% of the gross proceeds from the sale of the Offered Shares.

The Selling Shareholder and the Company entered into an investor agreement dated December 2, 2020 (the "Investor Agreement") in connection with the issuance of Common Shares and Common Share purchase warrants (the "Warrants") to the Selling Shareholder. As a result of the completion of the Offering, the Investor Agreement automatically terminated in accordance with its terms. The Investor Agreement provided the Selling Shareholder with certain contractual rights related to, among other things, the nomination of directors of the Company. In connection with the termination of the Investor Agreement, Sarah Walters, who was a nominee of the Selling Shareholder on the Board of Directors (the "Board") of the Company, resigned as a director of the Company effective upon completion of the Offering. Kam Sandhar, who was also nominated to the Board by the Selling Shareholder pursuant to the Investor Agreement, is expected to remain on the Board following the Offering notwithstanding the termination of the Investor Agreement.

Cenovus sold the Common Shares as part of its plan to reduce its net debt levels towards its $10 billion interim target and accelerate shareholder returns. The Common Shares and Warrants were originally issued to the Selling Shareholder as partial consideration for the acquisition by Headwater of the Selling Shareholder's assets in the Marten Hills area of Alberta. Through its active development plan and early success, Headwater has accelerated the value generated from the Marten Hills asset and continues to progress its exploration program. The Offering expands Headwaters free-trading float and is expected to provide new and existing shareholders with enhanced trading liquidity.

The Common Shares were offered by way of a short form prospectus filed by the Company in all provinces of Canada, excluding Quebec. Offered Shares were sold on a private placement basis in the United States to "qualified institutional buyers" pursuant to Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933 (as amended, the "U.S. Securities Act"). No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release.

The Common Shares have not been, nor will they be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons 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 nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Additional Early Warning Disclosure

This additional disclosure is provided pursuant to National Instrument 62-103The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, which also requires a report to be filed by Cenovus with the regulatory authorities in each jurisdiction in which the Company is a reporting issuer containing information with respect to the foregoing matters (the "Early Warning Report").

Prior to the Offering, the Selling Shareholder held 50,000,000 Common Shares, representing approximately 24.7% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on an undiluted basis and approximately 26.8% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a fully diluted basis after giving effect to all convertible securities of the Company, including the exercise of the Warrants. Pursuant to the Offering, the Selling Shareholder disposed of legal and beneficial ownership of 50,000,000 Common Shares, being 100% of the Common Shares held by the Selling Shareholder.

Following completion of the Offering, the Selling Shareholder no longer holds any Common Shares. Cenovus, through the Selling Shareholder, continues to own 15,000,000 Warrants exercisable at $2.00 per Common Share until December 2, 2023, which have not been exercised. If the Warrants were exercised in full, Cenovus would indirectly own, through the Selling Shareholder, an aggregate of 15,000,000 Common Shares, representing approximately 6.9% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares.

In connection with the Offering, net proceeds of approximately $218.4 million were paid to, and received by, the Selling Shareholder, representing the gross proceeds of the Offering less the fees paid to the Underwriters by the Selling Shareholder. The Selling Shareholder may from time to time, depending on market and other conditions, exercise the Warrants, acquire or dispose of additional Common Shares through market transactions, public offerings, private agreement or otherwise.

The Early Warning Report with additional information in respect of the foregoing matters will be filed and made available on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) at sedar.com under Headwater's issuer profile. A copy of such report may also be obtained by contacting the secretary of Headwater, on behalf of Cenovus and the Selling Shareholder, at telephone number (587) 391-3680.

Cenovus's head office is located at 225  6th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2P 0M5. Headwater's head office is located at Suite 1200, 500 - 4th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P 2V6.

Advisory

Basis of Presentation

Cenovus reports financial results in Canadian dollars and presents production volumes on a net to Cenovus before royalties basis, unless otherwise stated. Cenovus prepares its financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Forward-looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively referred to as "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, about Cenovuss and Headwaters current expectations, estimates and projections about the future, based on certain assumptions made by Cenovus and Headwater in light of their respective experience and perception of historical trends. Although Cenovus and Headwater believe that the expectations represented by such forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Neither Cenovus nor Headwater undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information except as required by law.

This forward-looking information is identified by words such as "achieve", "commitment", "continue", "expect", "may", "position" and "will", or similar expressions and includes suggestions of future outcomes, and in respect of Cenovus includes statements about the use of net proceeds from the Offering to reduce net debt levels and accelerate returns to its shareholders; and the potential exercise of the Warrants or other acquisitions or dispositions of Common Shares. In respect of Headwater, the forward-looking information includes statements about: the intent to continue to progress its exploration program; the composition of the Board upon completion of the Offering; and that the Offering will expand Headwaters free-trading float and is expected to provide new and existing shareholders with enhanced trading liquidity.

Developing forward-looking information involves reliance on a number of assumptions and consideration of certain risks and uncertainties, some of which are specific to Cenovus or Headwater and others that apply to the industry generally.

Additional information about risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors that could cause Cenovus's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by its forward-looking statements is contained under "Risk Management and Risk Factors" in Cenovus's Annual Managements Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) or Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2020 and in the updates in the "Risk Management and Risk Factors" section of Cenovuss MD&A for the period ended June 30, 2021. Additional information about risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors that could cause Headwater's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by its forward-looking statements is contained under "Risk Factors" in its annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2020, which is available on SEDAR at sedar.com.

Cenovus Energy Inc.

Cenovus Energy Inc. is an integrated energy company with oil and natural gas production operations in Canada and the Asia Pacific region, and upgrading, refining and marketing operations in Canada and the United States. The company is focused on managing its assets in a safe, innovative and cost-efficient manner, integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into its business plans. Cenovus common shares and warrants are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges, and the companys preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. For more information, visit cenovus.com.

Find Cenovus on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.

Headwater Exploration Inc.

Headwater Exploration Inc. is a Canadian publicly traded resource company engaged in the exploration for and development and production of petroleum and natural gas in Canada. Headwater currently has high quality oil production, reserves, and lands in the prolific Clearwater play in the Marten Hills area of Alberta as well as low decline natural gas production and reserves in the McCully Field near Sussex, New Brunswick. Headwater is focused on providing superior corporate level returns by focusing on sustainability, asset quality and balance sheet strength. Headwater common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. For more information, visit headwaterexp.com.

Cenovus contacts:

Investors Media Investor Relations general line

403-766-7711 Media Relations general line

403-766-7751

Headwater contacts:
MONTREAL, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Plotly Technologies' senior leadership announced the fifth generation release of Dash Enterprise, the leading platform for building, deploying, and hyperscaling artificial intelligence (AI) applications. The announcement introduces powerful low-code features for developers and end users, an architectural and aesthetic redesign, and improved installation and security. Over 800 executives, data scientists, engineers and analysts from around the world registered for the announcement webinar, representing industries that included clean energy, pharmaceuticals, and financial services.

The announcement highlighted a low-code dashboarding feature called Dashboard Engine, which enables data scientists and those working with data models to build Dash applications 100 times faster than before. Business data consumers gain the ability to instantly cross-filter millions of rows from big data sources and drill down with custom views in a strictly point-and-click manner without needing to code. Business users can even plug directly into machine learning or AI outputs, running them on demand for real-time insights.

Plotly's worldwide developer team dedicated over a year to building Dash Enterprise 5.0, overhauling the product's front-end aesthetic and underlying architecture. The product is now entirely Kubernetes-native, granting businesses greater control over their Dash applications' memory and CPU resources. Built-in automation reduces the product installation time to less than five minutes.

The update also includes security features like OpenID, Keycloak, and a new roles and permissions system. A self-contained development environment, called Workspaces, addresses common enterprise IT barriers by providing an enhanced Jupyter interface for creating Dash applications without having to download Python to the desktop.

The new architecture design also boosts Plotly's engineering velocity, promising more product updates for the 5.x series.

"Dash is used by 100% of Fortune 500 companies in the United States. With Dash, Plotly's goal is to take businesses where Power BI and Tableau simply can't go. We are facilitating the business world's transition from dashboards on closed BI platforms to AI apps on Dash Enterprise's open, hackable deployment platform." - Jack Parmer, CEO of Plotly

About Plotly

Founded in 2013, Plotly is a data visualization company focused on taking data science out of the lab and into the business. Plotly makes it easy to build, deploy, and hyperscale interactive analytic apps, graphs, and visualizations in any programming language. Plotly's libraries are used by millions worldwide and embedded into mission-critical applications across the Fortune 500. With over 600k+ downloads per month, Dash is the new standard for AI & data science apps. For more information, visit https://plotly.com .

Media Contact

Jillian Hughes, info@plotly.com

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Image 1: Dashboard Engine





A self-service BI dashboard experience built with Dash. Developers deploy just a few lines of Python. Business end users get a rich, no-code dashboarding UI.









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Conover, North Carolina, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nufabrx, a drug delivery platform dedicated to simplifying patients ability to receive the benefits of medication through everyday clothing, announced the closing of an oversubscribed $10 million Series A funding round. The equity portion was led by Matt Soule (Former CEO of Ennis-Flint, Inc.) and his partners Angela Simmons, Steve Vetter, Ollie Crary and Mike Twilley, with additional capital from the family office of former Walmart Stores Division CEO Bill Fields (Fields Texas Ltd. Holdings LLC and DBR Investments LLC), Frank Brenner (minority owner of the New York Yankees), John Belk (Former CEO of Belk, Inc.) and others. Strategic investments were also received from previous investors such as the Charlotte Angel Fund and North Carolina State University Wolfpack Fund. A new credit facility will also be provided by a leading banking institution. Proceeds from the equity issuance will be used to further accelerate commercial efforts and R&D investments to bring dozens of applications to market via direct and platform licensing programs.

We are thrilled to partner with such an esteemed group of executives along with so many of our previous investors, said Founder and CEO Jordan Schindler. This investment further validates the commercial success of our initial OTC product lines and will enable us to rapidly expand our portfolio of medication. With a solid foundation of clinical data, we are excited to bring many new products to market via strategic partnerships with leading apparel and pharmaceutical companies worldwide.

Matt Soule (Former CEO of Ennis-Flint, Inc.) added Nufabrx is one of those rare companies that comes along with the ability to fundamentally change an entire industry. We are excited to partner with the team at Nufabrx to realize its full clinical and commercial potential.

Nufabrx products can be found at most major retail locations nationwide and are available for purchase on www.nufabrx.com.

About Nufabrx

Founded in 2011, Nufabrx was created by Founder Jordan Schindler after discovering his pillowcase was contributing to his acne. Teaming up with MIT scientists, Jordan spent seven years developing proprietary technology to embed active ingredients into clothing to make medicinal application easier and more efficient. Nufabrx is creating a new category called HealthWear. The first commercial products available in market are capsaicin infused sleeves designed to deliver pain relief directly to areas of the body. Upcoming product launches include Maternity garments infused with Shea Butter and shapewear that will combat certain cellulite conditions. Visit https://nufabrx.com/ for more details.

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ARCADIA, WIS., Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ashley Furniture Industries (Ashley) is celebrating National Manufacturing Day by providing tours to local middle school students for the fifth year in a row. National Manufacturing Day, which officially fell on October 1st, is celebrated throughout the month of October by manufacturers across the country.

MFG Day, originated by the National Association of Manufacturers, is the industrys biggest initiative to build excitement around the future of the modern manufacturing workforce and engage with students to demonstrate the exciting opportunities within the industry. As manufacturers seek to fill 4 million high-skill, high-tech and high-paying jobs over the next decade, the need to educate the public of the endless opportunities and career pathways is exponential.

In 2019, more than 325,000 MFG Day participants took part in 3,000 events across North America. Due to the pandemic, the annual tradition of Ashleys Manufacturing Day tour has been transformed into a virtual event for 2020 and 2021.

Nearly 1,400 middle school students surrounding Ashleys advanced-manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Mississippi were invited for an educational virtual tour. Students will see a variety of career opportunities available within the company from operating a machine with automation to engineering and designing furniture. Students will also learn about the importance of manufacturing and the economic benefits of the industry.

With the advancement of manufacturing technologies and equipment, comes an entire new set of careers that require a skilled workforce interested in pursuing them, said Todd Wanek, President and CEO, Ashley Furniture Industries. By sharing this excitement with young students, we hope to inspire the next generation of makers.

Participating schools in Mississippi include North Pontotoc Middle School, Blue Mountain School and Ripley Middle School. Participating school districts in Wisconsin include Arcadia, Blair-Taylor, Cochrane-Fountain City, Eleva-Strum, Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau, Independence, and Whitehall. Davie County middle schools in North Carolina and Schuylkill Valley Middle School in Pennsylvania are also participating.

Experiences like this are extremely beneficial extensions of the classroom for young students, said Tyson Rohrscheibt, Technology Education Teacher, Eleva-Strum School District. Collaborating with industry partners like Ashley Furniture and the community is vital to better prepare our students for future work and life by showing them what is out there and available to them.

Ashley has developed a number of partnerships with K-12 as well as post-secondary schools over the past five years. Combined efforts have included investing in STEM-based learning opportunities, scholarships, providing students with exposure to technical trades and career opportunities, instructor training, and robotics programs. As manufacturing continues to advance and the global economy evolves, training and educating our current and future workforce will be a crucial part of our countrys success.

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Ashley Furniture Industries (Ashley) feels that every person deserves more value for their money. Established in 1945, Ashley is the largest manufacturer of home furnishings in the world, and was named one of Americas Best Employers by Forbes in 2021. From design through fulfillment, Ashley is committed to delivering the worlds best home furnishing values, selection and service, and earning the loyalty and trust of its customers every day. Visit Ashley online at www.ashleyfurnitureindustriesllc.com and like Ashley Furniture Industries on Facebook.

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Pune, India, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global airborne surveillance market size is expected to gain momentum by reaching USD 7.70 billion by 2028 from USD 5.07 billion in 2021, while exhibiting a CAGR of 6.14% between 2021 to 2028. In its report titled, Airborne Surveillance Market, 2021-2028, Fortune Business Insights mentions that the market stood at USD 4.74 billion in 2020.

Airborne surveillance is used for monitoring activities and behavior in the surrounding. The surveillance is carried out from airborne vehicles such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), helicopters, and airborne early warning & control (AEW&C) aircraft. Rapid advances in aerial surveillance hardware such as forward-looking infrared (FLIR), high-resolution imagery, and micro aerial vehicles (MAVs) that are capable of identifying objects at very long range are driving the market growth.

List of Key Players Profiled in Airborne Surveillance Industry Report

Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S.)

L3Harris Technologies Inc. (U.S.)

Northrop Grumman Corporation (U.S.)

Teledyne FLIR LLC (U.S.)

Reutech Radar Systems (South Africa)

Thales Group (France)

Saab AB (Sweden)

Cobham PLC (U.K.)

Leica Geosystems (Switzerland)

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COVID-19 Impact

The spread of the COVID-19 virus crippled the global economy. Most countries implanted strict lockdowns to curb the spread of the virus. However, few people did not follow restrictions. This led law and enforcement authorities to come up with a drone surveillance solution. For instance, the U.S. Police Department monitored peoples movement. This is expected to drive the market for airborne surveillance during the forecast period.

Market Segmentation:

By component, the market is divided into radars, sensors, imaging systems, and others. By technology, the market is bifurcated into unmanned systems and manned systems. By application, it is bifurcated into commercial, military & government.

Based on technology, the manned system segment held the largest market share in 2020 owing to the increasing requirement of AEW&C aircraft by the defense sector of various countries. For instance, in April 2021, the U.S. Navy made a contract with the Boeing Company worth USD 1.6 billion for the manufacturing of 11 P-8A Poseidon AEW&C aircraft. As per reports, nine aircraft are expected to join the U.S. Navy fleet, and two aircraft will go to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). These factors are expected to contribute to market growth.

Finally, based on region, the market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the rest of the world.

What does the Report Provide?

The market research report provides 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, contributing to the growth of the market. It includes the competitive landscape that involves the leading companies and the adoption of strategies to introduce new products, announce partnerships, and collaborate to contribute to the growth of this market.

Driving Factors

Availability of Low-cost Drones is Expected to Fuel the Market

Earlier, the traditional aerial surveillance system used fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. These were costly as well as time-consuming. However, the cost of drones is much cheaper than these aircraft. Thus, there has been a rise in the use of drones for surveillance applications. The low cost of drones can be attributed to rapid industrialization and automation in the manufacturing industry. Thus, drones are available in abundance at a low price, which is expected to augment the airborne surveillance market growth.

Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/airborne-surveillance-market-102590

Regional Insights

North America to Dominate Backed by Presence of Key Manufactures in the Region

North America is expected to remain at the forefront and hold the highest position market during the forecast period owing to the presence of key manufacturers of the aircraft. For instance, manufacturers such as Lockheed Martin Corporation, Raytheon Technologies, Boeing Company, and others in the region contribute major shares to air surveillance globally. The region stood at USD 1.69 billion in 2020.

Asia Pacific is expected to showcase significant airborne surveillance market share during the forecast period owing to the rising awareness and various advantages offered by UAV surveillance. Moreover, the increasing demand for aerial surveillance from the military and defense sectors of countries such as China and India is expected to drive the regional market.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players to Focus on Partnerships & Agreements to Strengthen Market Growth

The market is consolidated by major companies striving to maintain their position by focusing on agreements and partnerships. For instance, in October 2020, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Airbus Defense and Space Airborne Solutions (ADAS), a subsidiary of Airbus Defense and Space, got a contract to operate a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) for maritime aerial surveillance services.

Key Industry Development

March 2021  Department of National Defenses Innovation for Defense Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program contracted with TerraSense Analytics worth USD 977,439 for development of Multimodal Input Surveillance & Tracking (MIST) advanced airborne surveillance system.

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Detailed Table of Content:

Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions

Executive Summary

Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities

Key Insights Key Industry Developments  Key Contracts & Agreements, Mergers, Acquisitions and Partnerships Latest technological Advancements Porters Five Forces Analysis Supply Chain Analysis

Quantitative Insights-Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Global Airborne Surveillance Market Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Global Airborne Surveillance Market Steps Taken by Industry/Companies/Government to Overcome the Impact Key Development in the industry in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic Potential opportunities due to COVID-19 Pandemic

Global Airborne Surveillance Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2017-2028 Segment Definitions Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Component Radars Sensors Imaging System Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Technology Unmanned System Manned System Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Platform Fixed-Wing Aircraft Rotary-Wing Aircraft UAV Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Application Commercial Agriculture and Forestry Inspection and Monitoring Engineering, Surveying, and Mapping Others Military & Government Search & Rescue Law Enforcement Border Surveillance ISR Targeting Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Region North America Europe Asia-pacific Rest of the world



TOC Continued!

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MIAMI, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Nicklaus Childrens Hospital Biobank this summer enrolled its 500th participant, a significant milestone for the biorepository, founded in 2019 to address imbalances in genomic research, with the goal of enhancing individualized care for children in South Florida and beyond. The Biobank is part of the hospitals Personalized Medicine Initiative, committed to harnessing the latest developments in genomic science to speed effective treatments for pediatric conditions, while optimizing benefits and minimizing side effects.

Enrolling more than 500 participants in the Biobank is a great success for Nicklaus Childrens Hospital, Principal Investigator, Dr. Paula Espinal said. It is very exciting and gratifying for our partners and patients to see the tangible results of our efforts. It furthers our drive to expand access to even more sites and even more people in the years to come.

Dr. Espinal noted, "Biobanking is key in generating biomedical research and improved medical care. This is going to give physicians and patients the ability to receive powerful, actionable insight into navigating medical care. We want to make sure that within the development of new drugs and other technologies, the genomic makeup of individuals in our community is very much taken into consideration."

Doctors diagnose genetic disorders in patients by comparing their DNA to "reference genomes," based on the pooling of genomes that have already been sequenced. Currently, most participants in genomic research are of European descent, with Black, Hispanic, and Latino populations vastly underrepresented. In a multi-ethnic community like South Florida, this presents a challenge in applying genomics to patient care.

The Biobank was founded to help address this gap through a $7 million gift from Sanford Health. The Nicklaus Children's Biobank aims to collect samples from diverse participants representing South Florida and, more broadly, the growing diversity of the U.S. Children are underrepresented in existing biobanks around the country and the world. Understanding genetic variants and disease patterns in children will advance personalized medicine to better serve young patients.

Nicklaus Children's Hospital made a giant leap in embracing the genomic revolution in medical care in 2018, becoming the first and only pediatric hospital in the southeastern U.S. to implement personalize medicine at the bedside with the founding of its Personalized Medicine Initiative. Other highlights of the program include research that has validated the benefits of whole genome sequencing and rapid whole genome sequencing to support the care of children with undiagnosed genetic disorders.

Since its opening, the Nicklaus Children's Biobank has collaborated with leading U.S. research entities. Most recently it has worked with the Centers for Disease Control and Boston Children's Hospital to better understand the link between COVID-19 and multisystem inflammatory disorder in children (MIS-C) and to assess why children are less often affected by COVID-19, while viruses such as influenza cause severe pediatric illness.

The success of population-based studies depends on the willingness of large numbers of diverse individuals to grant researchers access to detailed medical and genetic information, said Dr. Espinal. The goal of the Nicklaus Children's Biobank is to encourage and facilitate focused research in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of patients in our diverse South Florida community.

For the future, Nicklaus Childrens Biobank is focused on continuing to increase participant enrollments and cultivating strong partnerships, as well as expanding to more underserved populations. The Nicklaus Childrens Biobank also aims to educate more south Floridians on personalized medicine, genomics and biobanking, and break down barriers to research participation.

Dr. Espinal is the principal investigator of the Nicklaus Children's Biobank and Manager of the Personalized Medicine Research Program. Dr. Steven Melnick is Medical Director of the Nicklaus Children's Biobank and Chief of the Department of Pathology and Laboratories.

About Nicklaus Children's Hospital

Founded in 1950 by Variety Clubs International, Nicklaus Children's Hospital is South Florida's only licensed specialty hospital exclusively for children, with nearly 800 attending physicians and more than 475 pediatric subspecialists. The 309-bed hospital, known as Miami Children's Hospital from 1983 through 2014, is renowned for excellence in all aspects of pediatric medicine with many specialty programs routinely ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report since 2008. The hospital is also home to the largest pediatric teaching program in the southeastern United States and has been designated an American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet facility, the nursing profession's most prestigious institutional honor. For more information, please visit www.nicklauschildrens.org.

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RALEIGH, N.C., Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SECU Foundation is pleased to announce a $2 million grant to Roof Above, a Charlotte non-profit working to end chronic homelessness through innovative housing solutions. The Foundation joins numerous state government and community donors in funding the project to create a new 88-unit permanent affordable housing facility and supportive services center.



Roof Above was born from the merger of Mens Shelter of Charlotte and Urban Ministry Center. As a comprehensive homeless service provider, the organization offers street outreach, meals, drug and alcohol treatment, access to mental health services, shelter, housing, and more. The non-profit serves over 1,200 individuals daily at six campuses in Charlotte. For the last decade, Roof Above has been working to reduce the number of over 800 individuals on its homeless registry.

Roof Above continues to build new and stronger alliances within local government and the community in their united efforts to address the issue of homelessness in the Charlotte area, said Tyrone Tyler, SECU Regional Senior Vice President. The non-profit has shown how creativity and innovation can be used to establish a model of shelter and housing solutions for the underserved across North Carolina and beyond. This is an inspiring project that the Foundation is proud to support  its positive impact will no doubt be felt for many years to come.

Through this significant donation from SECU Foundation, Roof Above will provide the safety, stability, and dignity of a home to 88 of our most vulnerable neighbors experiencing homelessness, said Liz Clasen-Kelly, CEO of Roof Above. We look forward to a collaboration with SECU Foundation as we work together to provide critical resources to help people improve their lives and transform our community.

About SECU and the SECU Foundation

A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, SECU has been providing employees of the state of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for 84 years. The Credit Union also offers a diversified line of financial advisory services including retirement and education planning, tax preparation, insurance, trust and estate planning services, and investments through its partners and affiliated entities. SECU serves over 2.6 million members through 273 branch offices, 1,100 ATMs, 24/7 Member Services via phone, a website, www.ncsecu.org and a Mobile App. Members can also follow and subscribe to SECU on Facebook and YouTube. The SECU Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization funded by the contributions of SECU members, promotes local community development in North Carolina primarily through high impact projects in the areas of housing, education, healthcare and human services. Since 2004, SECU Foundation has made a collective financial commitment of over $216 million for initiatives to benefit North Carolinians statewide. In addition to the website, highlights are also available on the SECU Foundation Instagram page.

Contact: Jama Campbell, Executive Director

Office: 919-839-5562 | secufoundation@ncsecu.org

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fd64dd8a-6ee3-4e75-b35e-645558420010
Irvine, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This year, the Agribusiness Education Foundation Vocational Scholarship Program awarded two UnitedAg members a total of $1,600 to further their education and job-specific training in agriculture. The recipients were selected based on both merit and need.

In Irvine, California, Gurpreet Ubbu an employee of UnitedAg was awarded $600 to pursue a CPA certification. Marisol Guerrero Mosqueda, of Green Rubber-Kennedy Ag based in Salinas, California, was awarded $1,000 to complete a Food Safety certification.

"The UnitedAg Vocational Scholarship was a very straightforward process to apply to. This scholarship will help pay for my expenses for a program that will vastly increase my competence, knowledge, and skills in accounting," said Gurpreet Ubbu.

Since its inception, the Agribusiness Education Foundation has awarded more than $1.6 million in scholarship monies to over 1,000 students seeking educational, post-secondary, and vocational certifications.

Your willingness to help students financially is wonderful and I hope your organization continues to do so for as long as it is within your power. Thank you for investing in my future, said Marisol Guerrero Mosqueda.

About UnitedAg

Founded in 1980, UnitedAg is a member-owned agricultural trade association dedicated to providing innovative health benefits and services for a strong and healthy agricultural industry. UnitedAg represents more than 1,000 agriculture-affiliated member organizations, including agricultural companies (growers, shippers, coolers, processors, dairy and livestock producers, and supporting businesses); associates; cooperatives; and partner agricultural associations. UnitedAg helps its members meet their employee benefits needs, promotes their interest with lawmakers, and helps them achieve their academic and career goals. Based in Irvine, Calif., UnitedAg has offices and health and wellness centers in Salinas, Colusa, King City, Chico, Turlock, Visalia and Santa Maria. For more information, visit unitedag.org

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DRUMMONDVILLE, Quebec, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Siemens Canada celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Drummondville manufacturing facility with a look back at the plants milestones and accomplishments, as well as an eye to the future of manufacturing and continued investment. Siemens employees, executives and customers were joined by government officials, media and our special guest, the Mayor of Drummondville Alain Carrier for a hybrid in-person and virtual event in a socially distanced affair at the plant today.



The Siemens Drummondville plant opened its doors in 1971 and has since been supplying high-quality, reliable, and safe electrical products. Over the course of 50 years, the plant has sized, scaled and pivoted in response to shifting market conditions. Drummondville has weathered difficult periods, including economic downturns, political shifts and most recently, the pandemic. At the same time, the facility has celebrated many high points, including recognition as one of the top performing factories across Siemens in 190 countries globally.

In 2021, in a time like no other, I am proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Siemens Drummondville factory, said Faisal Kazi, President and CEO, Siemens Canada. The facility is an example of modern manufacturing, thanks in large part to a highly-skilled workforce, award-winning operational efficiency and progressive technology in-house."

Siemens Canada expects Drummondville to continue being a significant contributor to the domestic market, especially as the market moves to Industry 4.0. Whether supporting global entrants operating within Canadas borders or helping local players succeed, Drummondville will continue to offer made-in-Canada products. In 2021 the plant will implement the first module of Siemens PLM software, a development that will significantly enhance supply and production planning. The facility will also embrace automation and robotics with the installation of cooperative robots, thereby increasing safety and security, and enhancing the quality and consistency of outputs and the throughput of the plant.

"The city of Drummondville and the Societe de developpement economique de Drummondville would like to congratulate Siemens on its 50th anniversary and wish it success for the many years to come!, said Alain Carrier, Mayor of Drummondville and President of the Societe de developpement economique de Drummondville.

In honour of the 50th anniversary, employees and their families gathered for an outdoor event on Saturday, September 25th 2021 and a commemorative book was produced. View the book HERE.

About Siemens Canada

Siemens Canada is a technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, transport, and healthcare. From more resource-efficient factories, resilient supply chains, and smarter buildings and grids, to cleaner and more comfortable transportation as well as advanced healthcare, the company creates technology with purpose adding real value for customers since 1912. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers its customers to transform their industries and markets, to transform the everyday for billions of people. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a globally leading medical technology provider shaping the future of healthcare. In addition, Siemens holds a minority stake in Siemens Energy, a global leader in the transmission and generation of electrical power. As of September 30, 2021, the company has approximately 2,500 employees from coast-to-coast and 24 office and production facilities across Canada. Further information is available at www.siemens.ca.

Siemens Canada

Laura Heidbuechel

Phone: 1.289.952.1600

E-mail: laura.heidbuechel@siemens.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/siemenscanada

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/92a07597-9930-452a-91fb-a195b381b143




HIGHLAND, CALIF., Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Gaming Awards 2021 awarded San Manuel Band of Mission Indians with the Responsible Business of theYear for its significant contributions to its community during the coronavirus pandemic. This award acknowledges the Tribe and its gaming enterprise for its commitment to corporate social responsibility in the gaming industry.

Having San Manuel recognized as the Responsible Business of the Year is a testament to our tribal values and we are proud to receive recognition of our philanthropy, said Ken Ramirez, Chairman of San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. Congratulations to the entire team on a job well done! I look forward to working together to continue these meaningful efforts to give back to our community and those in need.

Giving back is part of the Tribes heritage and core mission. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians supports the community as an answer to the call of Yawa (a Serrano word meaning to act on ones beliefs). The Tribe is proud to be acknowledged for all their work as they continue giving back to the community and making impactful donations.

Since 2003 the Tribe has supported thousands of non-profit organizations, in their own community and and beyond, with more than $290 Million in philanthropic grants. Plus, earlier this year San Manuel Band of Mission Indians continued to support small businesses affected by the pandemic through a $1 million small business relief fund that awarded $20,000 grants to 50 small businesses in the Tribes ancestral territory including restaurants, personal care businesses, and other businesses deemed non-essential.

About San Manuel Band of Mission Indians

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is a federally recognized American Indian tribe located near the City of Highland, California. The Serrano Indians are the indigenous people of the San Bernardino highlands, passes, valleys and mountains who share a common language and culture. The San Manuel Reservation was established in 1891 when the Tribe was recognized as a sovereign nation with the right of self-government. As an indigenous community, the origins and history of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians stem from our relationship with the land and to all who share it. Since ancient times we have expressed ourselves through a culture of giving. Today, San Manuel is able to answer the call of Yawa' (Serrano word meaning to act on one's beliefs) through partnerships with charitable organizations. San Manuel has drawn upon its history, knowledge, expertise and cultural values to direct its philanthropic giving to the local region, as well as to Native American causes nationwide. For more information, visit http://www.sanmanuel-nsn.gov

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Mississauga, ON, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Continental Tire Canada is happy to announce its most recent partnership with retreader Rechapage 2000. Located in Quebec, Canada, the partnership with Rechapage 2000 will further Continentals efforts to better support the truck tire market in Quebec while expanding the companys ContiLifeCycle (CLC) initiative across the country.

Founded on March 26th, 1991, Rechapage 2000 Inc. specializes in truck tire retreads and the vulcanization of tires in every size. It also serves as a wholesaler and distributor of these retreaded tires in the province of Quebec. In a wide range of treads, approximately 30,000 tires are retreaded annually at the Beauceville plant.

It is with pride that Rechapage 2000 joins forces with Continental Tire and their retreading system, said Dany Cormier, owner at Rechapage 2000. We strongly believe that our partnership will only grow while keeping our service and our already established quality., said Cormier about the new partnership with Continental Tire.

We are excited to partner with a strong family business like Rechapage 2000, to bring premium ContiLifeCycle products and retreads to fleets in Quebec, said Charles Holtmann, Regional Manager Truck Tires at Continental Tire Canada.

Together, Rechapage 2000 and Continental will breathe new life into used tires in pursuit of Continentals Vision 2030 which includes: 100 percent carbon neutrality along its entire value chain, including products, operations, and supply; 100 percent emission-free mobility and industries; 100 percent circular economy with closed resource and product cycles; and 100 percent responsible sourcing and business partnerships by 2050.

For more information on ContiLifeCycle, click here.

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Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2020, Continental generated sales of 37.7 billion and currently employs around 193,000 people in 58 countries and markets. In 2021, the company celebrates its 150th anniversary.

The Tires business area has 24 production and development locations worldwide. Continental is one of the leading tire manufacturers with more than 56,000 employees and posted preliminary sales of 10.2 billion in 2020 in this business area. Continental ranks among the technology leaders in tire production and offers a broad product range for passenger cars, commercial and special-purpose vehicles as well as two-wheelers. Through continuous investment in research and development, Continental makes a major contribution to safe, cost effective and ecologically efficient mobility. The portfolio of the Tires business area includes services for the tire trade and fleet applications, as well as digital management systems for tires.




BERLIN, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- One of todays most ambitious projects is getting underway: a new partnership between India and Germany is paving the way for the electric car "Car Pi", which will get its energy from the environment rather than from a charging station, making it completely independent of "dishonest" electricity generated by the combustion of fossil fuels.

The announcement comes from the International Conference on Multifunctional Electronic Materials and Processing (MEMP 2021) in India. Dr. Vijay Pandurang Bhatkar, a computer scientist and the Rector of India's Nalanda University, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC). Vijay Pandurang Bhatkar is the developer of the PARAM supercomputer and the founder of India's state-run High Performance Computing program.

The pact establishes a new cooperation between India's C-MET Science Centre and the Neutrino Energy Group, one of the world's top electronic materials research and development institutes. This Berlin-based, German-American business has created a device that converts ambient energy into electrical current using an innovative graphene-based composite material. "This new, unique smart partnership has the potential to put in motion revolutionary processes in the fields of energy generation and automotive technology," says Neutrino Energy Group CEO Holger Thorsten Schubart.

The pact was signed under the auspices of the Indian government and other partners by C-MET, a Pune-based materials center for electronic technologies that is part of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and, therefore, the Indian government. It paves the way for the Car Pi to be developed by merging financial and intellectual resources.

The collaboration will focus on materials science, electronic materials, 2D materials, the production of quantum dots, and the development of applied devices. The project's implementation budget has been estimated at $2.5 billion USD.

The Car-Pi electric car, which does not require power from charging stations, is intended to be the product of the collaboration. Autonomous power sources integrated within the body of the electric vehicle will collect energy from the environment and generate propulsion. This method will also be utilized to charge the compact battery pack that is used to cover peak loads. This novel method has the potential to alleviate electric mobility constraints such as long charging periods or the need to ramp up conventional power generation to fulfill the demand for electric vehicles, all while reducing CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.

Shri Sanjay Dhotre, India's Minister of State for Education, Communications, Electronics and Information Technology, said at MEMP 2021 that the alliance will "certainly have the broadest support of the Government of India."

Dr. Bharat Bhanudas Kale, co-founder and director of the Centre for Materials for Electronic Technology (C-MET) and a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry in London, is also part of the team and sees the signing of the partnership memorandum and the start of the collaboration as particularly significant for the global community in the field of energy and materials. In this domain, the scientist is one of the world's leading specialists.

"Despite the fact that the technology has been verified and tested in lab settings, there is still a long way to go before the first Car Pi hits the road." Holger Thorsten Schubart notes that the development of the self-charging Car Pi necessitates additional study into power generating dependability under various situations, as well as safety and a variety of other factors. According to him, the design and demonstration facility in Frankfurt will be an important component of the project.

"We are delighted to begin this adventure with C-MET, which is known for its globally recognized expertise - the Neutrino Energy Group has been seeking a qualified partner to manage such a huge and complicated project for a long time," stated Holger Thorsten Schubart. "As wonderful and audacious as it may sound, building a self-charging electric car is unquestionably a new milestone in the history of automotive engineering and in particular electric mobility."

Authors: Kerstin Heise, Klaus Wieland & Heiko Schulze (House of the German Federal Press Conference)

Neutrino Deutschland GmbH

Unter den Linden 21-23

10117 Berlin

Tel.:+493020924013

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Image 1: C-MET & Neutrino Energy Group









This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com.

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SEATTLE, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mayor Jenny A. Durkan today announced a new partnership with Signetic, Amazon, and more partners to execute the City's initial fall and winter vaccination plans, which will ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccinations for remaining unvaccinated individuals, kids 5-11 once they become eligible, and individuals eligible for boosters.

The City is again partnering with Signetic for online registration, scheduling, and reporting to state and federal registries. Patients are not required to register for an appointment at any City hub; however, advance registration is recommended as it expedites patients' on-site experience. Patients who already received a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination from the City and are eligible for a Pfizer booster will receive an automated notification from the City of Seattle and Signetic to sign up for a booster shot.

"We got into public health to help people, especially communities that have been historically overlooked by the existing health care system," said Signetic CEO Chandika Bhandari. "Our ongoing partnership with the City enables mobile vaccination units, community pop-up sites, and larger operations, meaning we can continue to serve those most affected by Covid, while remaining available to anyone who wants to be vaccinated."

Supporting the City's fall and winter vaccination plans is in keeping with Signetic's commitment to public health and the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Signetic has supported similar efforts throughout Washington state and beyond. Current and past Signetic partners include: Microsoft, Eastside Fire & Rescue, Seattle Visiting Nurse Association, United Community Health Center, Health Commons Project, Snohomish County, and Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority.

Signetic's Managed Vaccination Solution (MVS) is an end-to-end vaccination management system that handles everything from registration, scheduling, and patient communications, to reporting and billing. Purpose-built for vaccinations, MVS offers user-friendly experiences with its patient, clinician/volunteer, and admin portals. Patients receive text and/or email appointment confirmations and reminders, and MVS features optional insurance billing presets and integrated reporting to the Washington State Immunization Information System (IIS) .

The City's fall and winter vaccination plan will supplement existing public health, healthcare, and pharmacy capacity. Later in October, the City will launch a high-capacity Downtown Seattle Vaccination Hub at the Amazon Meeting Center, as well as one to two Seattle Fire Department (SFD) Mobile Vaccination Teams (MVT). These two efforts will be able to provide approximately 10,000 vaccinations per week, with the ability to surge capacity if needed.

"Seattle was the first region in the country to feel the devastating effects of the COVID-19 virus, and we innovated and brought nation-leading testing and vaccination sites to our residents. This fall and winter, we're again launching citywide hubs and mobile teams to ensure Seattle kids, families, and workers have easy access to life-saving COVID-19 vaccines and boosters," said Mayor Durkan. "As we head into flu season, getting fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is more important than ever. Our partners - Swedish, Amazon, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, and our City employees - have come together to prioritize vaccine equity and help to make this new high-capacity hub a reality."

The City of Seattle vaccination efforts will offer first, second, and booster doses, and will offer a combination of Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer. Proof of insurance and identification are not required; proof of vaccination is recommended for those receiving second or booster doses. All City efforts will offer vaccines for not fully vaccinated people and people eligible for Pfizer boosters, which were recently approved. Individuals eligible for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters and kids ages 5-11 will also be able to receive Pfizer vaccinations through City efforts upon Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, and Washington State Department of Health approval.

Swedish and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health will both serve as clinical providers. In-person interpretation in American Sign Language, Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, and Vietnamese will be available at the downtown hub.

The SFD MVTs will resume operating in mid-October, and will initially focus on remaining unvaccinated people through partnerships with community-based organizations and small businesses. Future areas of focus for the MVTs include older adults facing mobility barriers as well as kids ages 5-11.

On January 14, 2021, SFD became the first Emergency Medical Services agency in Washington state to administer COVID-19 vaccines. On June 9, 2021, Seattle became the first major American city to vaccinate 70% of its residents 12 and older. To date, the City of Seattle has administered nearly 260,000 vaccinations using Signetic MVS.

Quotes from partners:

"Amazon is committed to doing what it can to ensure that our communities have access to COVID-19 vaccines, including providing space for a Downtown Seattle Vaccination Hub," said Katie Hughes, Amazon's senior manager for global environmental, health and safety.

"It is our honor to be reconnected with the City to continue vaccinating our community," said Swedish Chief Quality Officer Renee Rassilyer-Bomers. "We had a lot of success at the Community Vaccination Site at Lumen Field, giving more than 100,000 vaccinations in just a few short months. We know the work isn't done. We are here to serve our community and we urge everyone who hasn't been vaccinated, who can get vaccinated, to take that important step to helping end the pandemic by getting your shot."

"We are excited to participate in a partnership that will expand equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine for our local community. The vaccine is our best tool to combat the ongoing pandemic and we strongly encourage those who are eligible to please get the vaccine, if they haven't already, to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their community," said Chris Baliga, MD, medical director of infection prevention and control for Virginia Mason Franciscan Health.

"The fire department looks forward to relaunching our Mobile Vaccination Team program in the fall to help provide vaccinations to those who are not yet vaccinated and to administer booster shots. By partnering with small businesses and community-based organizations, and traveling to where people naturally gather, our deployment model has proven to be a successful way for allowing more convenient access to the vaccine," said Fire Chief Harold Scoggins.

For more information on Signetic MVS, go to www.signetic.com .

Press Contact: Matt Paulin : matt@signetic.com

For more information, including how to get vaccinated today, visit the City's vaccination website at www.seattle.gov/vaccine .

See the City of Seattle press release here: https://durkan.seattle.gov/2021/10/city-of-seattle-and-partners-launch-high-capacity-fixed-vaccination-hub-in-downtown-seattle-and-mobile-teams/







Related Images











Image 1: Signetic Vaccination Management System





A physician uses Signetic MVS to quickly vaccinate patients at Lumen Field in Seattle.









This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com.

Attachment
BOSTON, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Block & Leviton is investigating Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: DNA) for potential securities law violations. Investors who have lost money in their Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. investment should contact the firm to learn more about how they might recover those losses. For more details, visit https://www.blockleviton.com/cases/dna .

What is this all about?

Earlier today, short seller Scorpion Capital released a report alleging that Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings is a colossal scam. The 175-page report alleges that Ginkgo Bioworks business model is a shell game, and that the company is highly dependent on related party transaction revenues. The report charges that the company is a Frankenstein mash-up of the worst frauds of the last 20 years.

Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings went public via a deSPAC transaction with blank check company Soaring Eagle Acquisition Corporation in September 2021.

Shares in Ginkgo Bioworks have fallen 20% after publication of the report.

Who is eligible?

Anyone who purchased Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. stock and has lost money as a result of this news may be eligible, whether or not they have sold their investment. Investors should contact Block & Leviton to learn more.

What is Block & Leviton doing?

Block & Leviton is investigating whether the Company committed securities law violations and may file an action to attempt to recover losses on behalf of investors who have lost money.

What should you do next?

If you've lost money on your investment, you should contact Block & Leviton to learn more via our case website, by email at cases@blockleviton.com , or by phone at (617) 398-5600.

Why should you contact Block & Leviton?

Many law firms have issued releases about this matter; most of those firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Block & Leviton is a law firm that actually litigates cases. We are dedicated to obtaining significant recoveries on behalf of defrauded investors through active litigation in the federal courts across the country. Many of the nation's top institutional investors hire us to represent their interests. You can learn more about us at our website, www.blockleviton.com , or call (617) 398-5600 or email cases@blockleviton.com with any questions.

This notice may constitute attorney advertising.

CONTACT:

BLOCK & LEVITON LLP

260 Franklin St., Suite 1860

Boston, MA 02110

Phone: (617) 398-5600

Email: cases@blockleviton.com
CARY, NC, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- Small Business Development Group, Inc. (OTC:SBDG) ( www.SBDGStock.com ) announced today that the Company has signed a Definitive Agreement to acquire a successful mergers and acquisition firm based in the Northeastern United States.

This firm has had many years of success involving a wide variety of industries in the Mid-Atlantic region and New York City. They are noted for their professional staff and the excellent due diligence they perform, said Roy Y. Salisbury, Small Business Development Group CEO and Chairman.

Mr. Salisbury explains that this begins the Companys business model to establish offices throughout the U.S. to effectively deal with potential transactions in the various regions of the country: We are excited to acquire Stony Hill Advisors for what they have accomplished, what they continue to accomplish, and what we believe they can do with the help of SBDG. We see the Stony Hill Team as the base of what will become an M&A Advisory firm with a national footprint.

The Founder and CEO of Stony Hill Advisors, Paul Visokey will continue with the company in an expanded role to assist with the national expansion. We are very excited to be moving forward together with Small Business Development Group. I have spent a considerable amount of time meeting with both Roy Salisbury and Brian Jue, and I am very excited that Stony Hill Advisors will be an integral part of SBDGs growth. When I started Stony Hill, it was about helping people with their dreams and goals. Now we can do that on a much larger scale, said Mr. Visokey.

Small Business Development Group works with the companies it acquires to establish sound business practices, increasing their revenues and profitability. Our end goal is to spin them off as separate, successful publicly traded companies, said Brian Jue, Chief Operating Officer and Director.

Mr. Jue explained that the acquisition of the M&A firm accomplishes two significant goals for SBDG and its shareholders: One, the acquisition of Stony Hill Advisors provides SBDG with additional revenue as its business of advising on both buy and sell side transactions is profitable. Two, it provides deal flow for additional acquisitions that SBDG may want for its own portfolio, the Companys COO said. This acquisition can bring us more companies that are spinout candidates, and will also become a spinout candidate itself. We believe that this is a great opportunity for everyone involved.

About SBDG:

Small Business Development Group, Inc. (OTC: SBDG) is a holding company publicly traded on OTC Markets. SBDG has an active mandate to identify and acquire operating companies with a preference for those in the small to medium sized enterprise arena (SMBs and SMEs) based in North America, specifically those demonstrating modest but predictable growth and profitability over time. Ideal candidates for acquisition have an enterprise value between $2 million and $50 million with positive cash flows between $500,000 and $5 million. SBDG's intent for all acquisitions is to affirm or establish sound business fundamentals and to drive revenue and profitability growth. The goal of SBDG is to develop and align portfolio companies into high performance industry verticals and deliver additional value for its stakeholders and SBDG investors.

About Stony Hill Advisors:

Stony Hill Advisors LLC is a merger and acquisition advisory firm that specializes in providing intermediary services for lower middle market companies and small business entrepreneurs. They have assisted clients across a wide variety of industries throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Ohio, Connecticut and the New York metro region. They offer various professional services including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, exit value planning, business valuations, and transaction consulting. Their role is that of a trusted advisor partnering with their clients and the clients other trusted advisors to provide confidential, qualitative, and quantitative guidance and deliver results.

Visit www.stonyhilladvisors.com to learn more.

Investor Relations:

Paul Knopick

pknopick@eandecommunications.com

www.eandecommunications.com

940.262.3584

Safe Harbor

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements based on our current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties. This release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of offers to buy any securities of any entity. Forward-looking statements in this release are based on information available to us as of the date hereof. Our actual results may differ materially from those stated or implied in such forward-looking statements, due to risks and uncertainties associated with our business.
Fort Worth, TX, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 2021 National Miss Juneteenth Pageant is scheduled to begin on October 14, 2021, and the Grandmother of Juneteenth Ms. Opal Lee will be present. Known for her human rights advocacy work, Ms. Opal has declared her support for a 16-year-old senior at Central High School, Precious Maku, who is representing Fort Worth at the event.

The National Miss Juneteenth Pageant is a scholarship program sponsored by NJOF, an organization founded by Dr. Ronald Meyers to make Juneteenth a national holiday that will be hosting their Planners and Directors convention at the same time. Now a federal holiday that brings together people from all walks of life in the United States, and other parts of the world, Juneteenth honors the emancipation of the enslaved while the national pageant provides a platform for young women to enhance their self-esteem and self-expression, bringing to bear the plight of people of color even in modern-day society.

Ms. Opal Lee will take part in the crowning ceremonies of the 2nd Annual National Miss Juneteenth Pageant. Lee who is the oldest board member of NJOF was present at the White House with President Biden to witness the signing of the bill establishing Juneteenth as the 11th federal holiday. She will also be hosting a book signing prior to the pageant at 4:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa located at 709 S. Boston Avenue in Tulsa.

This event comes on the heels of Ms. Opals recent travels where she joined the "Change is Possible" tour in Memphis, TN and Jacksonville, FL with Dr. Belay Reddick, where they spoke on awareness to the men and women reentering society. Ms. Opal will also be announcing plans to start her book tour "I AM JUNETEENTH" in February 2022, emphasizing the preciousness of freedom. She expounded on her theme of unity last month in Las Vegas at the National Convention of the Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM), where over 1000 attendees waited in line for almost two hours to meet Ms. Opal, and receive an autographed copy of her book Juneteenth: a Children's Story.

Later this month, Ms. Opal will be honored with the Woman of Power and Purpose Award from the Biden Institute at the University of Delaware and have a fireside chat with Valerie Biden Owens, Chair of the Biden Institute.

For more information about Ms. Opal Lee and to purchase her book as well as support her initiatives, visit - www.opalswalk2dc.com.

###

About Ms. Opal Lee

To bring awareness to the Juneteenth National Holiday campaign, Ms. Opal Started her Opals Walk 2 DC campaign in 2016, where she walked 2.5 miles to symbolize the 2.5 years that it took for slaves in Texas to know that they were free. Ms. Opal launched a petition campaign on Change.org, and in September 2020 delivered the 1.5 million signatures it had received to Congress. Ms. Opal believes that freedom should be celebrated from the 19th of June to the 4th of July. Head to https://adobe.ly/3hs3jg0 for more.

About Precious Maku

Precious Maku, Miss Juneteenth Fort Worth, Texas, is the founder and President of The BreakingFreeProject, a non-profit organization raising mental health awareness. Precious is a Class Representative and Co-Secretary for Student Powerd Anti- Racism Coalition (SPARC), an initiative to fight, spread awareness and educate people about racism and discrimination. She is a positive advocate for Juneteenth and the empowerment of the individual.

About Unity Unlimited, Inc.

Unity Unlimited, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose main mission is providing educational activities and resources to people, young and old, to foster unity and harmony within the community, the city, the state, the nation and the world regardless of race, culture or denomination. For more information visit: www.unityunlimited.org/
NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Michael Zhu, a recent graduate of the University of Connecticut, has won the 2021 Prize in Ethics Essay Contest presented by The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity and The HOW Institute for Society and its Executive Chairman and Founder Dov Seidman.



In A Lonely Farewell, Zhu, who majored in molecular and cell biology and economics and minored in healthcare administration, compares western and Chinese medical ethics, exploring differing values and practices around end-of-life care and the moral complexities found in each.

As someone who hopes to work in the medical field, I want to be able to be there for my patients so that they do not feel alone. I do not think that unwavering respect for individual

autonomy is the answer to all questions surrounding the decision-making process, Zhu writes in the piece. Physicians should not shy away from helping their patients beyond diagnosing their illnesses and prescribing them medicines. They must play an active role in understanding their patients values and desires to better aid them in choosing the right care.

Second prize in this years contest was awarded to Ester Villa Espinoza of Grand Canyon University for the essay, The Shoulders of Giants, which brought into sharp relief the challenges faced by the authors family in their decision to escape persecution from Soviet-era Ukraine and to seek refuge in the United States.

Nejra Kravic of Scripps College received third prize for O Land of Bosnia: Identity, Belonging, and the Nation, which contends with the questions of a post-genocide generation and the search for meaning for the indigenous, minority, and migrant communities in countries torn apart and shaped by war, such as in former Yugoslavia.

Honorable Mention was awarded to two students: Tiffany Vaughan, recent graduate of University of Chicago and current student at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine for Kidney Markets: Irreconcilable Aims of Medicine and Organ Markets, and to Hannah Blair, recent graduate of Covenant College and current masters student at Arizona State University, for Unseen and Unheard: The Neglect and Re-Victimization of Sexual Violence Survivors In America's Legal System. The winning essays can be found on the Foundations website: http://eliewieselfoundation.org/prize-ethics/winners/

The Prize in Ethics Essay Contest, established in 1989 by Professor Elie Wiesel and his wife, Marion Wiesel, is an annual competition that challenges college students to address the urgent and complex ethical issues that confront the modern world. Since its inception, thousands of young people have written essays for consideration.

"Cultivating young moral leadership has never been more important. I know my father would take great pleasure in seeing this new generation of scholars and activists wrestling their thoughts onto the page," said Elisha Wiesel.

Led by a lifelong pursuit and passion for ethical leadership, Dov Seidman became the exclusive partner of the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity Prize in Ethics in 2008, as the institution was in its 20th year of celebrating ethical decision making among Americas youth. Dov has since partnered with the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity to ensure Elie Wiesels legacy lives on by offering the Prize as part of the work of The HOW Institute for Society, a non-profit organization that seeks to build and nurture a culture of moral leadership, principled decision-making and values-based behavior.

We are proud to partner with the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity in awarding the annual ethics prize. Its meaningful to join with Marion Wiesel and Elisha Wiesel in celebrating this inspirational group of student winners, who so thoughtfully grappled with consequential issues facing humanity and society through an ethical lens, and did so in both a philosophical and personal way. At a time when there are forces keeping us apart and polarizing our society, the winning students represent the hope that we can come together. These emerging leaders embody Professor Wiesels adage of Think higher, feel deeper, said Seidman.

About The Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics Essay Contest

The Elie Wiesel Foundation Prize in Ethics Essay Contest encourages students to write thought-provoking personal essays that raise questions, single out issues and offer rational arguments for ethical action. The contest is open to undergraduate full-time Juniors and Seniors who are registered at accredited four-year colleges or universities in the United States. All submissions to the essay contest are judged anonymously. Winning essays present intensely personal stories, originality, imagination, and clear articulation and convey genuine grappling with an ethical dilemma. For suggested essay topics and more information, visit https://www.eliewieselfoundation.org/prizeinethics.aspx.

About The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity

Elie Wiesel and his wife, Marion, established The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity soon after he was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize for Peace. The Foundations mission, rooted in the memory of the Holocaust, is to combat indifference, intolerance and injustice through international dialogue and youth-focused programs that promote acceptance, understanding and equality. For more information: www.eliewieselfoundation.org, like us on Facebook, or follow @eliewieselfdn on Twitter.

About The HOW Institute for Society

The HOW Institute for Society seeks to build and nurture a culture of moral leadership, principled decision-making and values-based behavior that enables individuals and institutions to meet the profound social, economic, and technological changes of the 21st Century to elevate humanity.

The world is being reshaped faster than we have yet been able to reshape our institutions, our leadership and ourselves. A future that includes dynamic capitalism, vibrant democracy, healthy communities and free societies depends on the rise of moral leadership and values-inspired behavior.

The HOW Institute for Society is committed to building a world that is rooted in deep human values and noble ideals. The Institute is animated by an in-depth knowledge of moral philosophy, experience applying philosophical reasoning to modern problems and a belief in the urgent imperative of HOW. Today, HOW we do what we do matters more than ever and in ways it never has before.

For additional information on The HOW Institute for Society, visit www.thehowinstitute.org

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/39ed1083-36fe-4b79-9323-5334b09f6da0
TSAWWASSEN LANDS, British Columbia, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tsawwassen First Nation and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority announced today the signing of a historic relationship agreement. As neighbours and partners, the agreement will formalize the partnership between Tsawwassen First Nation and the port authority, govern their long-term relationship, and provide a framework to support collaborative work together in Tsawwassen Traditional territory.



On Saturday October 2, a signing ceremony was held for Tsawwassen First Nation members to witness as Chief Ken Baird and Vancouver Fraser Port Authority president and CEO Robin Silvester gathered together to sign the milestone relationship agreement.

The Port of Vancouver has been our neighbour for many years. For future generations, the port will still be there, and so it is important that we forge this relationship with the port authority now and continue to build on it in the future, Chief Baird told members. This is all part of truth and reconciliation in my mind.

The relationship agreement reflects the joint commitment to act as partners in protecting Tsawwassen lands, upholding treaty rights and advancing collective goals of environmental stewardship. The agreement represents a promise to work together in a manner that reflects mutual respect and ensures that everyones voice is treated equally.

This relationship agreement represents a renewed partnership between Tsawwassen First Nation and the port authorityand one that we developed thoughtfully together to enable a new way of working over the long term as neighbours and partners, said Silvester.

Together, Tsawwassen First Nation and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority look forward to delivering on joint commitments to work in true partnership. Through the framework of this renewed agreement, the parties will work together to uphold and advance the rights of Tsawwassen First Nation members as a step towards a positive future of respect and reconciliation.

Tsawwassen First Nation Communications

Kaitlin Williams

communications@tsawwassenfirstnation.com

604-831-5453

Vancouver Fraser Port Authority Communications

Matti Polychronis

Matti.Polychronis@portvancouver.com

604-340-8617
BEIJING, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Luckin Coffee Inc. (in Provisional Liquidation) (Luckin Coffee or the Company) (OTC: LKNCY) today announced that its Board of Directors (Board) unanimously adopted a shareholder rights plan (the Rights Plan) to protect the interests of the Companys shareholders.



The Rights Plan, if triggered, will significantly dilute the ownership of any Acquiring Person (as defined in the Rights Plan). However, the Board may, in its sole and absolute discretion, determine that a shareholder or potential shareholder is exempt from the Rights Plan at any time before such person becomes an Acquiring Person. The Board believes the Rights Plan is an effective course of action for the Board to fulfill its fiduciary duties to the Company and its shareholders and to enable shareholders to realize the long-term value of their investment. The Rights Plan was adopted following a careful evaluation and consultation with the Companys external legal advisors and is supported by the Joint Provisional Liquidators of the Company.

Luckin Coffee has made significant progress in its restructuring, which included enhancing its internal controls and corporate governance. At the same time, Luckin Coffee has delivered strong revenue growth and improvements in results of operation, and the Board and management team remain highly committed to driving growth and value creation for the benefit of its stakeholders.

A letter to shareholders regarding the Rights Plan and a summary of certain terms of the Rights Plan will be mailed to shareholders. The Company has furnished a Form 6-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that contains additional information regarding the terms and conditions of the Rights Plan, which will be available on the SECs website (http://www.sec.gov).

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are made under the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by terminology such as will, expects, anticipates, future, intends, plans, believes, estimates, potential, continue, ongoing, targets, guidance and similar statements. Luckin Coffee may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties, including Joint Provisional Liquidators. Any statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Luckin Coffees beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the expense, timing and outcome of existing or future legal and governmental proceedings, investigations in connection with Luckin Coffee; the outcome and effect of the ongoing restructuring of Luckin Coffees financial obligations; Luckin Coffees growth strategies; its future business development, results of operations and financial condition; the effect of the non-reliance identified in, and the resultant restatement of, certain of Luckin Coffees previously issued financial results; the timing of the completion or outcome of the audit of Luckin Coffees financial statements; the effectiveness of its internal control; its ability to retain and attract its customers; its ability to maintain and enhance the recognition and reputation of its brand; its ability to maintain and improve quality control policies and measures; its ability to establish and maintain relationships with its suppliers and business partners; trends and competition in Chinas coffee industry or Chinas food and beverage sector in general; changes in its revenues and certain cost or expense items; the expected growth of Chinas coffee industry or Chinas food and beverage sector in general; PRC governmental policies and regulations relating to Luckin Coffees industry; the potential effects of COVID-19; and general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in Luckin Coffees filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Luckin Coffee undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

About Luckin Coffee

Luckin Coffee (OTC: LKNCY) has pioneered a technology-driven retail network to provide coffee and other products of high quality, high convenience and high affordability to customers. Empowered by proprietary technologies, Luckin Coffee pursues its vision to build a world-class coffee brand and become a part of everyones daily life. Luckin Coffee was founded in 2017 and is based in China. For more information, please visit investor.luckincoffee.com.

Investor and Media Contacts

Investor Relations:

Luckin Coffee IR

Email: ir@luckincoffee.com

Bill Zima / Fitzhugh Taylor

ICR, Inc.

Phone: 646 880 9039

Media Relations:

Luckin Coffee PR

Email: pr@luckincoffee.com

Ed Trissel / Jack Kelleher

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher

Phone: 212 355 4449
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a release issued under the same headline earlier today by Stand Up Republic, please note that the listed contact information was incorrect. The corrected release with updated contact information follows:

Amidst an ongoing civil war in the Republican Party, former Trump administration whistleblower Miles Taylor announced that his organization, the Renew America Movement , will be backing rational candidates in high-profile congressional races next year against radical Republicans.



The list includes nearly two-dozen moderate Republicans, Independents, Democratssuch as Representatives Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, who voted for Trumps impeachmentmost of whom are expected to face difficult House races in 2022 against Trump-endorsed candidates.

Taylor co-founded RAM this summer with the goal of defeating extremist GOP figures and replacing them with candidates dedicated to restoring a common-sense coalition in American politics. The organization is led by former Republican governors, members of Congress, cabinet secretaries, and state officials.

Taylor, who has been a vocal critic of Trump since resigning in protest as chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security, previously ran the Republican Political Alliance for Integrity and Reform (REPAIR) , which later merged with Evan McMullins Stand Up Republic .

Miles Taylor on the Movement against GOP Extremists

In an interview, Taylor vowed to defend honorable Republicans, while also pledging to defeat extremists and defend the republic wherever we can by recruiting a new generation of centrist politicians.

While Taylor laid out plans to invest in a deeper pro-democracy bench in Congress, his organizations announcement also came with an implicit threat. Miles Taylor and his co-founders have pledged to reform the GOP, but if unsuccessful, offered that they would hasten the creation of an alternativesuggesting the start of a third party.

Dozens of prominent Republican, ex-GOP, and independent leaders have backed the groups efforts , including former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele; former Governors Bill Weld, Christine Todd Whitman, and Arne Carlson; former CIA director Michael Hayden, Education Secretary Mary Peters, and Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff; political commentators George Conway and Charlie Sykes; and an array of former members of Congress, such as Charlie Dent, Barbara Comstock, and Denver Riggleman.

We will not wait forever for the GOP to clean up its act, Taylor declared . If we cannot save the Republican Party from itself, we will help save America from the Republican Party.

Miles Taylor, who is known for exposing presidential misconduct as Anonymous in a viral op-ed and a New York Times best-selling book, A WARNING , made clear that such a political reform movement must be based on founding principles and divorced from the GOPs chronic corruption and obsessive cult of personality around a deeply flawed (and twice-impeached) man.

Whats Next?

Social-media users cheered the long-awaited announcement, as Twitter and Facebook supporters expressed relief in what Miles Taylor called , a resistance of the rationals against the radicals in the GOP.

RAMs candidate watchlist is the first in a series of political announcements from the group, which is soon expected to roll out a list of the most right-wing GOP figures that theyll be targeting in the midterms.

Were not going to let people like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Matt Gaetz avoid accountability, he warned.

In media appearances, RAMs organizers hinted at more to come. Extremists may have fired the first shot in this moral struggle for Americas future, they wrote , but with truth as our lodestar, those laboring to renew America will fire the last.

In addition to the reform initiative, Taylor recently announced plans to donate more than 90 percent of the royalties from his book to pro-democracy nonprofits supporting press freedom and countering authoritarianism.

Contact:



Press Team

Stand Up Republic

info@standuprepublic.com

www.renewamericamovement.com



SOURCE: Stand Up Republic




VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eco Oro Minerals Corp. (CSE:EOM) (the Company or Eco Oro) announced today that Pierre Amariglio has been appointed to Companys board of directors (the Board) and will serve as Co-Executive Chair of the Board, together with Courtenay Wolfe, the current Co-Executive Chair of the Board. This appointment was made in accordance with the terms of the Amended and Restated Settlement Agreement dated September 11, 2017 between the Company, Trexs Investments, LLC, an entity managed by Tenor Capital Management Company, L.P. (Tenor), and certain other parties, to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Blair Wallace from the Board.



Pierre Amariglio is a dual qualified American-French lawyer with extensive experience in international arbitration. He is the Director of Litigation of Finance at Tenor.

Company Profile

Eco Oro Minerals Corp. is a publicly-traded company and its arbitration against the Republic of Colombia is its core focus.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

SOURCE Eco Oro Minerals Corp.

For further information: Paul Robertson, Chief Executive Officer (Interim)

Tel: +1 604 682 8212, TF: +1 855 682 8212.

CO: Eco Oro Minerals Corp.




Governor Northam Announces New I-95 Bridge Opens in Fredericksburg

Southbound capacity doubles, relieving congestion, project on track to be completed five months early

RICHMONDGovernor Ralph Northam today announced the opening of a new southbound bridge on Interstate 95, doubling capacity around Fredericksburg. The project is on track to finish five months ahead of schedule.

Opening the bridge is a key milestone in the $132 million I-95 Southbound Rappahannock River Crossing project, expected to finish in December 2021.

Six southbound lanes over nearly six miles will be open when the project is fully complete later this year. The expansion will provide critical congestion relief along the busiest section of I-95 in Fredericksburg, which carries an average of 150,000 vehicles a day.

The entire Commonwealth benefits from improving the flow of traffic on I-95 in Fredericksburg, said Governor Ralph Northam. As we open new lanes on this bridge, people and commerce will enjoy a more reliable travel time, so they can get to their destination faster and more safely.

When the project is complete, the southbound lanes will be separated into local lanes for nearby residents and travel lanes for long distance commuters. The divided lanes will reduce weaving and current stop-and-go conditions. Click here to see what the new lanes will look like.

Virginias corridor-wide, multimodal approach to reducing congestion along I-95 includes improvements to our highways, our rail networks, and our transit systems, said Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. Expanding capacity at this major bottleneck will reduce travel times along the entire north-south corridor, enhancing commerce and improving the quality of life for the commuters in this region.

An adjacent project will expand the I-95 Northbound lanes across the Rappahannock River. This $132 million effort is adding new northbound lanes between the same interchanges as the southbound project, and a fourth auxiliary lane from exit 133 to exit 136 in Stafford. New northbound lanes will open to traffic in early 2024.

Both projects will connect with I-95 Express Lanes, which are being extended an additional 10 miles in Stafford to the Route 17 area.

We applaud our contractor partners at Wagman on todays milestone, said Virginia Department of Transportation Commissioner Stephen Brich. As they approach an early project delivery later this year, we appreciate their hard work to bring congestion relief to the Fredericksburg region and all Virginia travelers as soon as possible.

Learn more about the I-95 Southbound Rappahannock River Crossing here

# # #
The Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium is subject to a large-scale reconstruction. This has already started, which also means the end of the iconic chalet at Eau Rouge/Raidillon.

Work has begun at the legendary Eau Rouge and Raidillon corner combination. The iconic chalet that has stood there for many years will be demolished to make way for a new grandstand with VIP lounges, which offers a view over Eau Rouge, a section after La Source and the paddock.

Gravel pit returns to Spa-Francorchamps

The grandstand opposite the old pit lane will also be demolished and replaced by a brand new one. This will provide 13.000 extra seats; double the current number of seats.

In addition to the new grandstands, the gravel beds will return to several corners and the run-off areas will be enlarged to improve safety. This includes Raidillon, where many serious crashes have taken place in recent years including the fatal accident of Anthoine Hubert in 2019.
Lightsource bp, together with Xcel Energy and EVRAZ North America, launched its new 300-megawatt Bighorn Solar project. Lightsource bp, a 50:50 joint venture with bp, unveiled the solar project that will help reduce emissions and support more than 1,000 jobs at EVRAZs Pueblo steel millthe worlds first steel mill to be powered largely by solar energy.

EVRAZ Rocky Mountain Steel is the largest producer of rail in North America, manufacturing more than 580,000 tons of rail annually. The steelmaking operation melts more than 1.25 million tons of recycled metal scrap in its electric arc furnace each year to make more than 300 different grades of steel. The facility also manufactures seamless pipe for the energy sector, as well as wire rod and coiled reinforcing bar for construction, automotive and specialty industries.

The Bihorn Solar project is primarily located on 1,800 acres of land on EVRAZ Rocky Mountain Steel property in Pueblo. It is the largest on-site solar facility in the US dedicated to a single customer, with more than 750,000 solar panels providing nearly all the plants annual electricity demand. This will enable the mill to produce some of the worlds greenest steel and steel products. Already, the plant recycles scrap metal to produce new steel products, including what it says is some of the most sustainably made rail in the world.





The Bighorn Solar project is currently generating electricity into the grid and is expected to come fully online in November 2021.

Lightsource bp financed, owns and operates Bighorn Solar and sells the electricity it generates to Xcel Energy under a 20-year power purchase agreement. As part of that arrangement, EVRAZ will receive clean, renewable power and price certainty from Xcel Energy through 2041. The project will enable Xcel Energy to abate 433,770 metric tons of CO 2 emissions, the equivalent of taking 92,100 fuel-burning cars off the road each year.

EVRAZ North America is Xcel Energys largest retail electric customer in Colorado and one of Pueblos largest employers. The deal for fixed-rate power gives EVRAZ the low, predictable electricity prices it needs to stay in Pueblo and invest in its future there, keeping more than 1,000 jobs in the local community.

Lightsource bp is a global leader in the development and management of solar energy projects, and a 50:50 joint venture with bp.

EVRAZ North America is a wholly owned subsidiary of EVRAZ plc, one of the largest vertically integrated steel and mining businesses in the world. The company is a leading North American producer of engineered steel products for rail, energy and industrial end markets with six production sites located in the US (Portland, Oregon; Pueblo, Colorado) and Canada (Regina, Saskatchewan; Calgary, Camrose and Red Deer, Alberta).
The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has awarded New Flyer of America a contract for 12 battery-electric, 60-foot articulated Xcelsior CHARGE NG transit buses. The electric bus order follows the 2020 order of 26 Xcelsior CNG sixty-foot transit, and is supported by Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds.

MTS operates 95 bus routes and three light rail lines across 10 cities and unincorporated areas of San Diego County. MTS launched the regions first zero-emissions bus pilot program in 2019, and last year set a plan in motion to convert its entire bus fleet to zero emission by 2040.

New Flyers Xcelsior CHARGE NG battery-electric buses provide up to 525 kWh of power and 250 miles of range on a single charge.

Additionally, Long Beach Transit (LBT) has ordered 20 next-generation battery-electric 35-foot Xcelsior CHARGE NG heavy-duty transit buses under a three-year contract. This order is also supported by Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds.

Long Beach Transit provides public transportation to more than 23 million customers annually in southeastern Los Angeles County and northwestern Orange County. LBT plans to lower its environmental impact over the next 10 years by converting its fleet to 100% alternative fuels by the end of 2021, and to zero-emission within the next decade.

As a California transit agency, LBT must meet the California Air Resources Boards (CARB) Innovative Clean Transit Regulation, requiring all California agencies to transition to zero-emission bus fleets by 2040.
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According to a renowned Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station, Xiaomi is preparing to launch its 11T smartphone as Redmi K40s in China with one noticeable upgrade - considerably faster charging. A 3C certification confirms the rumor.

As you can see, the device codenamed K16 will support 33W, 67W and 120W charging speeds. The same Dimensity 1200 will be powering up the handset and the same flat, 6.67-inch 120Hz OLED panel will sit on the front. And aside from the charging, the K40s is supposed to get the Harman Kardon-tuned stereo speakers like the international 11T Pro.

Another interesting bit about the report is that Xiaomi is readying a third member of the K40 family to slot between the K40s and the K40 Pro+, given that the latter is the 11T Pro for the international market. The "midranger" in the series is going to be a brand new phone running on the Snapdragon 870 SoC.

Via (in Chinese)




Haiti - NOTICE : The Municipal Administration of Cap-Haitien, take charge of public markets





The Municipal Administration of Cap-Haitien informs all citizens of the municipality, and mainly merchants selling in public markets, that the Municipal Council has decided to take charge of public markets for better management and to keep the markets clean.



We all agree that the markets produce a lot of waste and that merchants do not pay a Gourde neither for the place they use in the market nor for the collection of the waste they produce every day. At the start of the fiscal year, the Town Hall will take over to start the Cluny Market as part of its plan to reorganize the public market.



From this publication, the Town Hall will inform people selling both inside and outside the market from 9th Street to 11th Street of the new decision of the Town Hall within the framework of the reorganization of the market.



Each merchant will have to pay a membership fee for the space he uses;



Each merchant will have a Municipal Trade Card (CCM) to identify him as a merchant which is registered in the town hall database;



Each merchant will have to pay a subscription each month to help keep the market clean.



IH/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Border closed at Carrizal post

On Wednesday the Specialized Land Border Security Corps (CesFront) closed the door of the Carrizal border post (Elias Pina) and reinforced security after noting the presence of individuals carrying heavy weapons on the Haitian side.



The TEC company, looted and vandalized

Following the police operation which cost the lives of 4 bandits who tried to ransom the TEC company, specializing in the construction sectors https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34986-haiti-news-zapping.html , their accomplices returned later and in retaliation they looted and vandalized the company, trucks, loaders and other very expensive equipment were washed away or destroyed. The business is now closed and 180 employees are unemployed. Former MEP Cholzer Chancy, shareholder of the company, does not believe a resumption of activities in the medium term is possible.



Uzra Zeya wishes the renewal of the mandate of BINUH

Tuesday, Uzra Zeya the Under-Secretary of State for Civil Security, Democracy and Human Rights on mission in Haiti, announced that she had had an excellent meeting with Cristobal Dupouy the Special Representative of the Organization of American States (OAS), Helen LaLime, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General and BINUH, Police Commissioner Serge Therriault on joint efforts to support democratic initiatives in Haiti to improve security and accountability in the face of human rights violations. "I enjoyed hearing more about the OASs efforts to improve the resilience of communities and youth to gangs and the work of BINUH to ensure free and fair elections. It is vital that the UN Security Council renews the mandate of BINUH this month" See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34980-haiti-politic-uzra-zeya-under-secretary-of-state-for-security-increases-the-number-of-meetings-in-haiti.html



Haitian diplomacy

On Wednesday October 13, the Haitian Ambassador to France Josue Dahomey received a visit from Senator Bruno Belin, member of the Commission for Regional Planning and Sustainable Development of the French Senate. The two men discussed cooperation projects in the fields of education, health and the environment.



Covid : UNDP donation for penitentiaries

To support the response to Covid-19 in detention centers, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP - Haiti) donated health materials to the Directorate of Prison Administration (DAP) with the financial contribution of the Canadian Embassy in Haiti.



Training on the management of criminal cases

The School of Magistracy supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and "UN Peace building", has started a series of joint police-justice training for the benefit of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) and the Ministry of Justice, on the management of criminal cases with a view to improving the fight against prolonged preventive detention.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















By William Schwartz | Published on 2021/10/13

In the opening of "Reflection of You" the middle-aged artist Hee-joo (played by Go Hyun-jung) appears to kill someone and dump the body in the middle of a lake. I felt misinformed by the synopses I'd seen that made it sound like the plot would be about manners and self-actualization. Which isn't exactly wrong, it's just that the actual story instead turns out to be about the legal issues created when substitue teacher Hae-won (played by Shin Hyun-bin) physically strikes Hee-joo's daughter Ri-sa (played by Kim Su-an) on camera.

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Most of "Reflection of You" is structured as a mystery. Naturally, there's the question of why Hae-won struck Ri-sa. And intrigue is only added to that question by Ri-sa's continuing hostile attitude. While Hee-joo acts like Ri-sa is just a traumatized victim, Ri-sa herself in her brief appearances just wants to get on her life, and even manages to use bratty English in the process. The degree of her indignity, compared to the rest of the family, remains unclear.

But as far as the family at large goes they aren't exactly more sympathetic. One plot point of particular alarm is how school officials initially apologize entirely for the slapping incident being caught on a viral video. Secondarily, they apologize in the belief that Hae-won did not realize Ri-sa was the daughter of Hee-joo's husband Hyeon-seong (played by Choi Won-young), the school's corporate president. Hee-joo responds, with some horror, that physical abuse isn't OK just because it happens to a not especially important student.

"Reflection of You" is fairly clearly priming us to expect that there's something sinister going on with this family, possibly even beyond the usual rich person stuff. What that could possibly be, well...I have no idea. Director Lim Hyeon-wook is pretty dedicated to slow pacing here. It's not even until the end that it's finally confirmed that Hee-joo knows Hae-won from an event in their past, a revelation that doesn't feel like much of a spoiler given that Shin Hyun-bin is the second lead.

In general the pacing is all right, and it certainly helps that the episode is only an hour long. But "Reflection of You" doesn't exactly have a powerful hook to keep a viewer engaged. At present we're just taking screenwriter Yoo Bo-ra at her word that there's an actual point to any of this. Although with her last drama being "Just Between Lovers" there's no question Yoo Bo-ra deserves that much credit.

Review by William Schwartz

___________

"Reflection of You" is directed by Lim Hyeon-wook, written by Yoo Bo-ra, and features Go Hyun-jung, Shin Hyun-bin, Choi Won-young, Kim Jae-young, Kim Bo-yeon, Shin Dong-wook. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2021/10/13~Now airing, Wed, Thu 22:30 on jTBC.
Published on 2021/10/13 | Source

Korean movie "Fukuoka", "Mission: Possible" is available to order on DVD with English subtitles from YESASIA.

"Fukuoka" (2019)

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Directed by Zhang Lu

With Kwon Hae-hyo, Yoon Je-moon, Park So-dam, Yamamoto Yuki,...

Synopsis

Back in college, Je-moon and Hae-hyo were bosom buddies, but their friendship foundered when they both fell in love with the same woman, Soon-yi. 28 years later, Je-moon, now the owner of a second-hand bookshop in Seoul, travels to Japan to meet his onetime friend, who runs a bar in Fukuoka. He is accompanied by his enchanting young neighbour So-dam, who suggested the meeting in the first place. But in Fukuoka, the traumatic conflict of a long-buried past gradually implodes...

Release date in Korea : 2020/08/27



DVD with English subtitles

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Korean Movie | 2020

 Documentary

Directed by  Brigitte Bouillot ( )  Kim Oan ()

108min | Release date in South Korea: 2021/10/19

"The Man Who Paints Water Drops" is a co-production between South Korea and France

Synopsis

Letter and Repetition: Echo of the Water Drop Painter, Kim Tschang-yeull's Work



-Water

Water is a recurring element in this movie and appears repeatedly in various forms, including rain, sea, glass of water, and puddles. Such a humorous way of healing is not only literal reflection and refraction of Kim's fundamental main theme, but also the way he exists in the world. Such an object is to immerse the audience in the obsession and microscopic detail associated with the writer's daily life.



-Repetition

This work focuses on the radical character of Kim Tschang-yeull's minimal and repetitive atmosphere through scenes, sounds, and repetition of words. One of the ways we use for this purpose is the repetitive phosphorus accumulation method. For example, a woman bends and gets up and bows again 10 or 15 times. You can experience this tremendous accumulation of gestures in your daily life.



-Separation

In his work, as in his life, Kim Tschang-yeull has a special relationship with the world of separation and patience, which he observes, expresses and sometimes tries to imitate. Therefore, the work expresses the world around him with patience through the separation of the streets of Seoul and Paris, the nature around his home, the kind of news he hears on the radio, and the kind of desire he has.
PLANS to install a 15m high 5G phone mast in Henley have been rejected following a backlash from residents who said it would be an eyesore.

CK Hutchison Networks was refused permission by South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority, to put the mast on the verge outside Swiss Farm in Marlow Road.

The council said it would be visually intrusive and incongruous in a prominent position on the A4155.

The decision notice said the mast would fail to conserve the landscape qualities of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and would detract from the setting of the adjacent Henley conservation area.

This identified harm is not outweighed by the public benefits of the proposal, added the council.

The decision was welcomed by the Borlase family, who own Swiss Farm.

In a letter to this weeks Henley Standard, they said: We would like to send a resounding thank-you to all the people in Henley, the surrounding area and further afield, who so vigorously supported us in objecting to the erection of a 5G mast on our frontage at Swiss Farm.

More sensitivity must surely be shown towards the positioning of these ugly pieces of street furniture in our beautiful countryside and the questionable effects on their surroundings.

CK Hutchison Networks says it is in the process of building the UKs fastest 5G network and argued that the design of the mast would minimise the visual impact on the street scene by integrating with the existing street furniture.

There were 77 objections to the application with the majority of residents being unhappy about the impact on the conservation area, the appearance of the mast and fears over microwave radiation.

Joseph Borlase, managing director of the Swiss Farm holiday park, said the mast would ruin the approach to Henley for drivers coming from the Marlow direction and he was concerned about the unknown effects of the mast.

His parents, Stephen and Karin, who live about 20 yards from the proposed location, said: Apart from the questionable health risks associated with these installations for all those living in their shadow, it would be a constant eyesore, not only to anyone entering or leaving the town along our leafy road, but also to all the residents of the Swiss Farm Park homes and the thousands of tourists who we welcome each year from all parts of the world. It would be visible from every corner of our beautiful camping fields.

Antony Duckett, of Marlow Road, said: The siting of this mast is entirely inappropriate, directly in front of an attractive house on entry to the town. If a mast is required, there is open space on the opposite side of the road and the siting there would affect no residential dwellings and would be practically invisible to anyone.

David Ryan-Bell, of Marlow Road, said: I am all in favour of modern technology but I do feel that this must be tempered with a reality check on the effects this would have.

Betty Tarry, who also lives in Marlow Road, said the mast would be ugly.

Keith Knight, who lives at Swiss Farm, said the mast could put the health of residents like him at risk.

The roofs of these homes are metal with a finish which looks like tiles. The metal will inevitably absorb the pulsing waves which come from a mobile phone mast and it is therefore not acceptable on health grounds.

Henley Town Council and the Henley Society, a conservation group, both opposed the application.
CHILDREN at Goring Primary School have been taking part in a pilot scheme designed to nurture their mental health.

The Church of England primary has been testing Space Makers, a toolkit that encourages pupils to spend some time every day in contemplation, away from the pressures of school and wider society.

It was created by the Diocese of Oxford to help schools embrace some of the ancient wisdom of the Christian tradition and assist children to navigate the world around them.

The school says it has found the daily mindfulness and contemplation sessions help to alleviate stress and anxiety among the children.

The programme will now be launched in schools across the Diocese, which covers Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes.

Year 6 teacher Alisa Tooling said: When the whole of education seems to be about targets and results and pressure, Space Makers gives students the chance to just be rather than do. Theres a lot of stresses and strains on young children today, to do with the advancement of technology, exam stress, things that theyre noticing in the world around them, the fact that the news isnt that great, that we talk about climate change and all the things in the world that are happening.

This toolkit seemed to fit really nicely alongside what we were already doing to encourage the pupils to talk about their problems.

The Wallingford Road school has been following the programme for the last two years.

It focuses on five exercises, one for each day of the school week. These are stilling, noticing, dwelling, mending and blessing.

They usually take the form of encouraging the children to sit quietly and think through things in their life that they may be worried about or thankful for.

Ms Tooling said: On introducing it, what pupils really enjoyed was that opportunity to be still, to take five minutes out of the business of the day and just stop and have time to think.

Their feedback has been that those times of calmness and quiet have allowed them to think about themselves and their feelings and the things they can do to improve their sense of wellbeing.

Their little lives are so busy, filled with so many things to do. The more weve done the sessions, the more they see the benefit and the more they want them.

Ms Tooling said the programme had been particularly useful in helping the children cope with anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic.

She said: It has helped the children deal with all the unusual things that theyve had to confront, things that theyve had to do, different practices, coming into school having anxiety about being in a classroom with children from other families.

That space to just be able to think that through and take time out has really helped keep those stresses low. Ms Tooling said she had noticed a massive difference in the children.

She explained: They mature and become more considerate of each other and more aware of each other and themselves.

I feel the children leaving Goring are more whole as a result of this experience, that weve given them techniques they can use for life.

Ive taught in classes where I havent been able to do that before and I can actually look back and say, I feel these children are better prepared for whats coming in life.

The pupils feel they are treated very specially and they really respond well to that.

Instead of being treated just as pupils in a classroom, they are treated very sensitively.

Headteacher Angela Wheatcroft said the school had found the programme was having a positive impact on the staff as well as the children.

For more information about Space Makers, visit www.oxford.

anglican.org/mission-ministry/

youthandchildren/contemplative-toolkit
Jewish Pavilion staff and volunteers were thrilled to provide in person high holiday celebrations in over 30 senior communities this year. Pictured is a resident at Allegro Inspired Living in Winter Park enjoying high holiday services with Program Director Susan Bernstein. In addition to providing meaningful services, the Jewish Pavilion staff delivered 400 high holiday gift bags to seniors in over 50 elder-care communities. Special thanks to the Guzman- Glassman family for sponsoring the Rosh Hashanah goody bags.
(JTA)  The familiar Jewish narrative of outsiders struggling to assimilate to their new homeland gets turned on its head in the charming Israeli comedy Golden Voices. Here, the strange, unwelcoming new land the Jews face is Israel itself.

The year is 1990, and married middle-aged couple Raya and Victor are new immigrants from the Soviet Union, which has just collapsed. With Israel suddenly playing host to an influx of new Russian-speaking migrants, Raya and Victor are our eyes and ears to this culture clash  and in a literal sense, our voices, too.

In the Soviet Union, the couple used their voices to make their living, dubbing classic movies into Russian to bring world cinema to their comrades. (You turned Kirk Douglas into a great actor! one of their fans gushes about their dubbing of Spartacus.) But in Israel, deprived of a use for their skills and forced to learn a new language, their finely cultivated chops are suddenly proven useless and the two become economically stranded, just like every other Russian migrant around them.

What do you do when your voice once brought pleasure to an entire nation, but now you can only speak to a small, marginalized sliver of your neighbors? Each protagonist finds a different approach to the question. Raya (Maria Belkin) finds work as a phone-sex operator catering to all of these new lonely Russian men; the scenes of her in the call center, using her theatrical background to assume the personas of whatever her clients desire, are a naughty delight.

Meanwhile, Victor (Vladimir Friedman) has a harder time letting go of his past  particularly once he stumbles upon a VHS rental store for Russian migrants that deals in pirated, crudely dubbed copies of the latest releases. Is he doomed to live in a celluloid past, like a Norma Desmond of the Negev?

Golden Voices, which is seeing a U.S. release two years after an award-winning Israeli run, is a unique immigrant story that taps into a rich vein of dramatic potential. Its director and co-writer, Evgeny Ruman, was himself born in the former Soviet Union and immigrated to Israel with his family in 1990; Ruman dedicates the film to his parents, clear inspirations for Raya and Victor. Both Belkin and Friedman are post-Soviet emigres in real life.

Both actors turn in performances that offer fully lived-in encapsulations of the late-in-life immigrant experience  which is good, because a film about actors lives and dies on the strengths of the actual actors playing them. Belkins gradual euphoria upon finding she enjoys her new erotic ventures is as touching as it is hilarious, particularly when Raya begins to develop feelings for one frequent customer. Most of her scenes are effectively solo performances, where she plays both the character her clients are calling for, as well as Raya herself, brimming with confusion and elation at her ability to conjure a sexy new life for herself through sheer pretense. (The actress won an Ophir Award, an Israeli Oscar, for her work.)

Friedman, meanwhile, captures not only the pain of Victors inability to blend into this new society, but also his gradual unease over his loss of identity as an actor. In one of the films many highlights, he tries to audition for a play with Marlon Brandos I coulda been a contender monologue from On The Waterfront. He contorts his body and distorts his voice to deliver an uncanny Brando  if Brando were a burly, 60-year-old Russian  only to look flabbergasted when the director suggests, instead, that he play it as himself.

Evident throughout is Rumans careful plotting, love for his characters and wry, observational humor (Ziv Berkovich is his co-writer and cinematographer). Small, intimate moments with the couple create breathing room for big thoughts about the inequities of Israeli life; the hollow economic prospects of middle-aged workers and immigrants; the utter strangeness of leaving a lifetime spent under Communism; the never-ending scope of the Jewish diaspora; and the movies (and art in general) as both an object of utter rapture and a prison.

Nowhere do all of these moments collide better than when a beaming Victor, in the video store, shows off a photo of him and Raya with legendary Italian director Federico Fellini, proud of the role the two of them played in getting his 8  past the Soviet censors. Because of them, Victor says, millions of people got to experience a masterpiece. His co-workers, themselves down-on-their-luck Jews trying to make their living in an unfamiliar land, only ask, Whos that?

Golden Voices opened Oct. 8 in New York and Los Angeles, with more cities to follow.
MADRID (JTA) - In an unprecedented effort to find their relatives and raise awareness about their stories, Spanish authorities are releasing a list of the Hungarian Jews protected from the Nazis by a diplomat nicknamed the "Spanish Schindler."

Angel Sanz Briz was recognized as a Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem, the Israeli Holocaust memorial and museum, in 1966 for using an ingenious legal maneuver to save more than 5,200 Jews from being deported to Auschwitz in 1944.

But even though his efforts saved five times as many Jews as those of Oskar Schindler, his story is far less well known - in part because the staunchly anti-Israel Franco regime, which ruled Spain from 1939 to 1975, barred him from accepting Yad Vashem's honor.

Now, the Centro Sefarad-Israel - a Sephardic cultural institution that is part of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs - is working to change that. With the support of the Spanish government's archives, the group is publishing the names of the people he protected, along with details about them, with the goal of tracing their descendants and making their stories known.

Between June and December 1944, Sanz Briz, then a 32-year-old Spanish diplomat stationed in Hungary, took the law into his own hands by creating fake Spanish passports for thousands of Jews. Despite the fact that Hungary's Jewish community was predominately Ashkenazi, Sanz Briz and his assistants granted Spanish citizenship to Hungarian Jews based on a long-expired 1924 Spanish law that extended citizenship to the descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain in 1492.

Sanz Briz went to extreme lengths to ensure hundreds of Hungarian families were put under Spain's protection. As the Nazis closed in on the city's Jews, the Spanish diplomat rented 11 apartment buildings to house approximately 5,000 people. He placed the Spanish flag on the buildings, passing them off as official properties of the Spanish Legation, ensuring that the authorities would not seize them. He also hid some families in the Spanish embassy in Buda.

"For him, the principle of humanity prevailed over the principle of legality," Miguel de Lucas, director of Centro Sefarad-Israel, told the Spanish daily El Pais in a recent interview.

The release of the documents represents a historical milestone for Spain, as it is the first time the General Archive of the Administration has made all of its diplomatic files as well as official reports about the situation of concentration camp prisoners during World War II available to the public.

In addition to the list of the Jews rescued, the General Administration Archive has made available a report written by Slovak Jews Alfred Wetzler and Rudolf Vrba, two fugitives from Auschwitz who escaped on April 7, 1944, after spending almost two years in imprisonment. The report, which was delivered to Sanz Briz and later sent to Madrid, includes a sketch of the concentration camp. It became one of the most significant pieces of evidence presented at the 1945 Nuremberg Trials.

When World War II ended, Sanz Briz resumed his diplomatic career. After leaving his post in Hungary in 1960, he was appointed ambassador to Guatemala. In 1962, he was appointed Consul General in New York. He later became Spain's Ambassador to the Holy See and died on June 11, 1980, while on diplomatic duty in Rome.

Hungary, whose Jews Sanz Briz helped, has honored him before. He was awarded the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary in 1994, and in 2015, a Budapest street was renamed after him.

The Centro Sefarad-Israel has set up an email address for anyone who recognizes their name or that of a family member on Sanz Briz's lists to get in touch.
BERLIN (JTA)  Last year, as Rabbi Rebecca Blady approached the first anniversary of the Yom Kippur attack on a synagogue in Halle, Germany, she knew she wanted to commemorate it on her own terms.

Blady runs Base Hillel Deutschland, an organization for young Jews in Berlin, and was praying in the Halle synagogue on Yom Kippur in 2019 when a gunman attempted to break down the door. The gunman then went on to kill two people nearby, and is now serving a life sentence in prison.

Rather than suffice with the state-organized memorial on the attacks secular anniversary of Oct. 9, Blady decided to place Judaism at the center of her commemoration  and to build bridges with other communities impacted by extremism. Together with other local organizations, Base Hillel put on a Festival of Resilience, a series of events celebrating how her community and others have persisted in the face of hate.

We wanted it to be about our community, to find a way also to empower ourselves from within a comfortable community space, Blady said. We want to build coalitions. We want to share stories.

Now in its second year, the Festival of Resilience feels more like a celebration of Jewish life than the memorial of a somber occasion. Blady intentionally structured it around Sukkot, the weeklong Jewish holiday that follows Yom Kippur, during which Jews traditionally eat and spend time in a sukkah, or temporary hut.

This year, the festival began on Sept. 19 with a sukkah-building program, and also included TischreiFest, a party named after the current month in the Hebrew calendar. It closes on Oct. 6 following a workshop titled Jewish and Intersectional.

The centerpiece of the festival was the Ceremony of Resilience on Sept. 23, during which survivors of far-right extremism and their relatives were invited to speak, including the survivor of a deadly arson attack targeting a Turkish family in 1992 and the mother of a victim of the anti-immigrant shooting in Hanau on Feb. 19, 2020, just months after the Halle attack.

Despite the memorials, the ceremony had a pre-concert ambiance, with the empty stage playing quiet background music as people filed in, grabbing a beer with a free drink ticket and taking a seat at one of the scattered picnic tables. A light drizzle started and stopped, with just a few drops sprinkling through the roof of the sukkah, which stood near the stage.

Blady said part of the festivals purpose is to reclaim the holiday season that the gunman tried to terrorize in 2019.

This gathering, much like the process of 25 hours of prayer and fasting that we have on Yom Kippur, is about transforming memory into something that can be witnessed, something tactile, fragrant, real, Blady said at the ceremony. Here we are two years past our tragedy. In the sukkah, we stand in an actualized symbol of our protection with symbolic fruits and plants to remind us of the goodness of the world.

Beyond celebrating Jewish life, the festival has grown into an activist hub to turn shared grief across communities into learning and action against far-right extremism. Mischa Ushakov, a former board member of the Jewish Student Union in Germany, another of the festivals organizers, called the festival an intersectional space that has become an institution in the Berlin Jewish calendar.

[Blady] sent a very strong sign of solidarity for our communities in general, said Reuben Gerzikow, another former Jewish Student Union board member. But its also a sign that our society will not break apart from far-right attacks, that we are standing together as victims, as marginalized groups.

At the festival last year, some attendees found it difficult to celebrate, said Anastassia Pletoukhina, another survivor of the Halle shooting who works for the Jewish Agency for Israel, and who also spoke at the ceremony.

Last year was very painful and healing at the same time because we were in the middle of the trial against the perpetrator, she said. Everything was on the surface, all the emotions, all the fears, all the trauma and re-traumatizing experiences within the group and the group of survivors from Halle.

This year, she said, it feels different. While the festival naturally mixes celebration with mourning, Pletoukhina said survivors of the Halle attack have developed a camaraderie with other survivors of racism and antisemitism.

It was very painful to hear stories from mothers who lost their children to terror, she said. At the same time, to know that we are not alone in this fight and we can actually do something together was very empowering for me.
Kenneth Hanson, professor and program director of Judaic Studies, was invested into the Tess and Abe Wise Endowed Professorship in Judaic Studies on Thursday, Sept. 30, in a virtual ceremony. The endowed faculty position, which was established thanks to generous gifts from Tess and Abe Wise and their family, recognizes Hanson's accomplishments and will allow him to advance his work and research.

Hanson is an expert on the Dead Sea Scrolls and the co-editor of "The Annotated Passover Haggadah" with renowned scholar Zev Garber. Hanson is also the creator of "The Druze: An Ethnic Minority in the Holy Land," a documentary film shot on location in Israel. The film, which was screened as part of UCF Celebrates the Arts 2021, highlights a small ethnic and religious sect in Israel and has achieved acclaim at international film festivals.

In addition to his scholarship, Hanson is known for his inspired approach to teaching online classes. With the help of UCF's Center for Distributed Learning - along with his own background in television production - he transports online students to the Middle East. He dresses in period-accurate clothing and speaks Hebrew, often using a green screen to place himself at historical and archeological sites.

"Ken is a master of the online modality, using videos and video games to immerse students in the past," Department of History Chair Peter Larson said in his speech at the investiture. "This attention to detail and culture, the blending of the past and present, embodies the spirit of the area studies programs - helping students understand a culture and its past."

The investiture was attended by members of the UCF community including UCF President Alexander Cartwright and College of Arts and Humanities Dean Jeff Moore. Julian Meitin spoke on behalf of the Wise family. UCF Provost Michael Johnson performed the ceremonial duties.

"Recruiting, retaining and supporting the best of the best faculty members often depends on generous support from our community," said Johnson. "A named endowed position signifies a certain level of distinction and excellence, elevating Judaic Studies and the professor who bears the name."

The Tess and Abe Wise Endowed Professorship was established in 2004 and was first held by Moshe Pelli. Pelli served as the first director of the Judaic Studies program, having founded it in 1985. Upon his retirement in 2020, he was named Professor Emeritus in recognition of his scholarship and leadership.

"This wonderful ceremony represents what is for me a very meaningful moment, full of - as we say in Yiddish - lots of nachas: satisfaction and pride," said Hanson "For me, it is the pinnacle of my career and the culmination of a long journey, both personally and professionally. I am more than grateful to the Wise family and to my predecessor, Moshe Pelli, for all the support and encouragement that has nourished me through the years."
Using history, Talmudic sources, Jewish mysticism, and contemporary expert analysis, the course addresses some of the niggling questions we grapple with as individuals and as a community. Why does antisemitism persist? How can we make hate go away? How can we counter Israel-focused antisemitism and prevent our own youth from unwittingly lending their voices to antisemitic agendas?

"Many Jews are anxious about rising antisemitism today and worry about how to respond to it," Rabbi Mendy Bronstein of Chabad of Altamonte Springs told Heritage, "By exploring the mechanics of antisemitism and probing historical strategies for reducing it, this course offers a framework for confronting it head-on with purpose, positivity, and pride."

Informative, interesting, and empowering, Outsmarting Antisemitism is well suited for community leaders and laypersons alike. "All those who care about religious freedom, both Jews and others, confront a disturbing increase in antisemitism worldwide," said Cary Nelson, past president of the American Association of University Professors. "It is no longer enough just to be opposed to antisemitism. We all have to be knowledgeable about its history and current manifestations if we are to be equipped to combat its spread. That is why this course matters."

"What distinguishes the present moment is the rise of antisemitism simultaneously on all fronts," said Natan Sharansky, former refusenik and chairman at the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy. "To succeed in the struggle against these dangerous phenomena, we have to confront antisemitism on all fronts simultaneously. Therefore, this course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute is very important."

The four-week course begins on these dates and is being offered in Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Maitland and the Dr. Phillip's area:

Chabad of Altamonte Springs, 195 S. Westmonte Dr., Ste. 1126, Tuesday, Nov. 2, 7:30-9 p.m.

Nate's Shul, 1701 Markham Woods Rd., Longwood, Tuesday, Nov. 2, 7:30-9 p.m.

Chabad Center of Jewish Life, 7347 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando, Tuesday, Nov. 2, 6:30-8 p.m.

Chabad of Greater Orlando, 708 Lake Howell Rd., Maitland, Wednesday, Oct. 27, 7:30  9 p.m.

Like all JLI programs, it is designed to appeal to people at all levels of knowledge, including those without any prior experience or background in Jewish learning. All JLI courses are open to the public, and attendees need not be affiliated with a particular synagogue, temple, or other house of worship.

The course will be offered in-person as well as over Zoom. Check the location nearest you for details.

Interested students may visit http://www.myJLI.com for registration and for other course-related information.
(JNS)  For the second year in a row, the Jewish Federations of North America decided to go virtual, condensing its traditional multiple-day General Assembly into a 90-minute online video stream on Sunday due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The conference highlighted the fact that despite an unusual year-and-a-half, JFNA has had more to do than ever in the midst of the COVID crisis and a worldwide rise in anti-Semitism. Multiple speakers noted the goal of strengthening Jewish communities, both in identity and physical security.

Despite the hardships, JFNA president and CEO Eric Fingerhut said he was optimistic about Federations abilities to continue developing the Jewish community.

What makes me an optimist is that our Jewish camps were filled with joy and laughter and song this past summer, and that our day schools are open and safe, and teaching our children with skill and love, he said. What makes me an optimist is that with our children finally back at college, our Hillels and Chabad Houses were full to overflowing for the opening barbecues and the first Shabbat of the year and the High Holidays.

Fingerhut said that last year, while the federations human services agencies that provide mental health, vocational services and cash assistance were under stress, JFNA raised $18 million in matching funds from foundations and individual donors, which through its 100-plus federations was multiplied into $62 million.

In just the last four months of 2020, 100 percent of that magnificent sum was sent to our frontline service providers across the continent, and this was just one of many examples of the leadership and generosity of federations, foundations and so many individual donors that carried us through the challenges of the last 18 months, he said.

The biggest announcement of this years GA was a three-year initiative called LiveSecure, geared to ensure that all 146 communities across the country with a Jewish Federation have the Community Security Initiative, which is currently in place at 45 Federations nationwide.

That will more than triple the current number of communities with comprehensive community security initiatives, said Julie Platt, JFNA national campaign chair and chair of LiveSecure. And we want to help our existing security initiatives to upgrade and continually address emerging threats.

According to JFNA, the Community Security Initiatives serve as a single point of contact for critical incident coordination, information and intelligence sharing, safety and security training, and resources for every Jewish institution in a community.

The initiative will last three years and cost $54 million, which according to a JFNA news release is the largest campaign in Federation history.

Reinforce underlying bonds and mutual responsibility

Two non-Jewish speakers at the GA hammered home the increase in anti-Semitism that even they have been witness to, despite being outside of the Jewish community.

In an interview, Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), vice chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security, warned about increased anti-Semitism and the BDS movement. Torres also made it clear, in a question-answer session during the GA, that he believes anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism.

We are sitting on a powder keg of anti-Semitism, and the Jewish community and all of us cannot afford to be complacent, he said. The stakes are high, and we have to find with the urgency of now.

Diametrically opposed to Torres in politics, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, a Republican, described her witnessing anti-Semitism at the United Nations and beyond, citing the fringe conspiracy accusing Jews of causing and profiting from the pandemic.

Your work is always important. Its also becoming more urgent, especially when it comes to protecting Jewish communities from harm. The ancient evil of anti-Semitism is on the rise. I encountered this sad reality at the United Nations, said Haley. Hateful governments like Iran didnt even bother to hide their hostility toward Jews. I heard it in their words; I saw it in their deeds. Other countries were more subtle. They didnt go after the Jewish people. Instead, they went after the Jewish state. No other country faces so many insults. No other country is singled out for such attack.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog addressed participants near the end of the GA, calling for a closer relationship between Jews in Israel and the Diaspora.

No matter how we break down the numbers, there is no doubt that being Jewish and love of Israel is becoming a challenging, complex issue for some in the young generation of North American Jews, he said. It is almost too painful to express aloud, but an increasing number of young Jews no longer feel a bond with the Jewish collective.

Too many American Jewish youths are disinterested in what being Jewish means and, in the complex understanding of the realities and challenges facing Israel. Some of them  a very small minority  are too willing to accept distorted labels and libels against a Jewish state. At the same time on the other side of the ocean, he continued, far too many Israelis show little interest in Jewish life outside of Israel, and lack a nuanced understanding of their sisters and brothers in the Diaspora.

The pandemic, he said, reaffirmed the significance of community and Jewish organizations like JFNA, which during good times can be overlooked and which have been critical for the survival of Jewish communities in the past 18 months.

I cannot imagine a Jewish world vacant of community and solidarity, said Herzog. I cannot imagine a world in which Jews in North America are fearful of living publicly as Jews, and experience attacks and intimidation, at times in their colleges, at times in their synagogues, and elsewhere and the Jewish collective, as well as Israelis, do not feel compelled to act immediately on their behalf. Just as I cannot imagine a world in which the existence of Israel is questioned, and American Jews do not defend the State of Israel.

This is the main crux of my message today, he emphasized. We must all act together. We have the leadership, we have the strength, the resources, the structure to overcome any setbacks, and we must do this. As president of the State of Israel, I will make it my mission to strengthen the lines of communication, to reinforce the underlying bonds and mutual responsibility.
WASHINGTON (JTA)  The Jewish Federations of North America is launching a campaign to expand its security program to every federation in the country, an initiative that will cost $54 million.

JFNA CEO Eric Fingerhut announced the initiative on Monday at the organizations General Assembly in Washington.

The new funding, to be raised over three years, will assist the 101 communities that have faced fundraising obstacles in establishing the security points in their communities so they too can join LiveSecure, a program launched after a spate of deadly antisemitic attacks in Pittsburgh; Poway, California; Monsey, New York; and Jersey City, New Jersey.

These points, called Community Service Initiatives, establish a single point of contact for critical incident coordination, information and intelligence sharing, safety and security training, and resources for every Jewish institution in a community, a JFNA release said.

Additionally, the program will assist communities in navigating the application process for federal grants that help nonprofits.

Theres an urgent need to protect Jewish communities, Nikki Haley, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said at the event.

Also speaking was Ritchie Torres, a New York Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives who has staked out a strongly pro-Israel posture within the progressive caucus.

We are sitting on a powder keg of antisemitism, and the Jewish community and all of us cannot afford to be complacent, he said.
The tree of life is a symbol of a fresh start on life, positive energy, good health and a bright future. It is a symbol of immortality and a symbol of growth and strength. A tree grows old, yet it bears seeds that contain its very essence and in this way, the tree becomes immortal.

In 2019, the leadership of the Jewish Pavilion determined that they would like to add a Tree of Life to the office decor and worked with Joanne Fink of Zenspirations to design the tree. Fink's response was immediate. She wrote "I love the idea of a Tree of Life! As you probably know I've created Tree of Life commemorations for Parkland and Pittsburgh, and I would be honored to do a Tree of Life for the Jewish Pavilion."

Special tributes to the Jewish Pavilion are now acknowledged on the office wall. A $180 leaf offers the donor a one-year opportunity to acknowledge a loved one or friend. There is also an option for a permanent engraved wooden leaf for $500. When a family chooses the Jewish Pavilion for a tribute, the gifts are cumulatively totaled. Therefore, small donations that add up to $500 also become part of the tree. Recently, Ruth Darvin and Mel Berger were married, and a leaf was ordered in their honor thanks to the donations of their numerous friends. Donors are also noted in the Jewish Pavilion monthly email newsletter.

Dolores Indek grew up in a loving household. Her father was adored by everyone, and he was extremely warm and known to be a great listener and communicator. Her mother was involved in all kinds of charitable work. The apple does not fall far from the tree. Indek has followed in her parents' footsteps and been super involved in philanthropy and community work her entire life. She is an active volunteer with the Jewish Pavilion, often visiting challenging residents who lack communication skills or helping out at Jewish Pavilion events. In honor of her beloved parents, Abe and Edyth Indek, she has donated a permanent leaf to the Jewish Pavilion Tree of Life, and recently a second leaf was donated in her honor.
(JNS) - Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid inaugurated the Jewish state's embassy in Bahrain on Thursday, a year after the two countries signed the Abraham Accords to normalize ties.

"Bahrain, like Israel, encompasses an ancient history along with extraordinary capabilities of the new technological world. Our opportunities are shared, our threats are shared, and they are not far from here," Lapid said in a joint press conference with his Bahraini counterpart, Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.

The embassy is located on the 29th floor of the Bahrain World Trade Center in Manama. Israel has appointed Eitan Na'eh as its ambassador to Bahrain, although he has not yet been confirmed.

Lapid and Zayani, accompanied by U.S. charge d'affaires in Bahrain Maggie Nardi, also toured the USS Pearl Harbor at the U.S. Fifth Fleet based in Bahrain and met with U.S. Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, who commands the American naval forces in the region.

"Israel, Bahrain and the United States are partners in liberty and in a vision of a free world," Lapid said on Twitter. "Economic growth and an interconnected world are based on both security and free and safe shipping lanes. These too are guaranteed through strong coalitions."

Lapid also met with Bahrain's King Hamid bin Issa Al Khalifa at his palace in Manama, the first meeting between the king and an Israeli official, as well as with Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the prime minister and crown prince.

Meanwhile, commenting on Lapid's visit to Bahrain this week, Iran's foreign ministry called it a stain that "will not be erased."

"We condemn any scheme that bolsters Israel's destructive presence in the region," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said in a statement carried by the official IRNA news agency.

"It is unfortunate that Bahrain's rulers ignore the Zionist regime's daily crimes against the oppressed but resilient people of Palestine," said Khatibzadeh, referring to Israel. "This stain will not be erased from the reputation of Bahrain's rulers. The people of the region will continue to oppose the process of normalization of ties with the Zionist regime."
More than Facebook crashing, news in Israel this week has been about the vague announcement and gripping story of efforts to locate Ron Arad, an Israeli Air Force officer who has been missing in action since October 1986. Ron Arad was a 28-year-old Lieutenant Colonel whose plane crashed during a mission over Lebanon. It is believed he is dead, though there are conflicting reports as to when and how he died.

Arad and his pilot Yishai Aviram ejected from their plane, damaged when a bomb apparently exploded prematurely. Aviram was located and rescued a few hours later, but Arad was captured by the Lebanese Amal militia, and believed to have been turned over to Hezbollah.

In 1987, three handwritten letters and two photos of him with a beard surfaced, indicating that Arad was still alive. Since 1988, the trail following Arad became less clear. Some believe that he died in captivity then. Others have speculated his death followed an escape attempt then, or that he may have died in the 1990s. Theres wide belief that he was sent to Iran at some point (and then returned to Lebanon) for further interrogation/torture.

Over the years, there have been many efforts made to locate and even negotiate the return of, presumably, his corpse. Most of these have been covert and not reported upon, or at least not until years later. These included the capture of Hezbollah members, and an offer of a $10 million reward. In 2003, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon indicated that an Israeli was killed looking for Arad.

This week, news surfaced, and Israel became abuzz, when during the opening of the Knesset winter session, Prime Minister Naftali Bennet made a short and vague statement about Arad. Bennett announced that there was an operation last month, involving male and female Mossad agents, to discover what happened to Arad, stating it was a complex, wide-scale operation. Thats all that can be said right now.

Speculation initially was that the prime minister was trying to score political points, and was criticized for revealing something that had just taken place, and was presumably a failure because it did not produce results. Last time speculation of the repatriation of an IDF soldiers remains took place involved Zechariah Baumel who was killed in a battle in 1982 and who, with the help of Russia, was brought home for burial in 2019.

Since Bennets announcement, speculation as to why it was made has shifted from that of a novice prime minister trying to score points, to something thats part of a wider operation. Often, sources in Israel leak information to media overseas because theres typically a ban on Israeli media publishing details on Israels military and intelligence operations. Then, Israeli media is free to quote foreign sources in reporting the details, even if they are unclear.

One report quoted Mossad director David Barnea calling the operation courageous, daring, and complex, but nonetheless a failure. The next day, the same source reported that Barnea actually asked Bennett to reveal the operation, and that he had sent a letter to the Mossad staff calling the operation a major success.

One Israeli daily quoted an anonymous senior intelligence source stating that the Mossad achieved its mission. Another quoted another senior intelligence source called it one of the most important and successful operations to bring quality information about Arad.

Later, whether spin or following a crafted plan, the Prime Ministers office called it a successful operation carried out while meeting exceptional operational objectives. It seems less that Bennet was behaving as a novice to score points, and more that he was, and is, part of the operation. Its noteworthy that at the time of Arads abduction, Bennet (whose military career was in an elite commando unit) was 14 years old. This underscores that even decades later, Israel will spare no effort to locate and bring home even dead soldiers.

Adding to the intrigue, a London-based Arabic source, Rai al-Youm, reported that the Mossad abducted an Iranian general in Syria last month. According to this source, the general was taken to an unnamed African country, interrogated, and then released. Because its likely that the Iranians had a hand in, and even fingerprints on, Arads interrogation and disappearance, the Mossads ongoing intelligence knew who was involved, and followed them, leading to this alleged abduction.

Suggestions have been made that Bennets announcement was to get ahead of the inevitable leak of the presumed abduction of the Iranian General, to make it clear that Israel captured and released the Iranian general, not that he escaped, in a calculated and deliberate manner. It also underscores at a time that Israel remains concerned about Iranian plans to build a nuclear weapon, Israel has eyes on everything, even over decades, and is able to act.

Another related report adds to the intrigue, suggesting that the operation was indeed a success. According to the Saudi media site al-Arabiya, the Mossad extracted DNA from a corpse that was buried in Lebanon, to test if it was Arads remains.

In 2006, Hezbollahs terrorist leader Hassan Nasrallah alleged that Arad was dead and his burial site unknown. In 2008, German negotiator Gerhard Konrad told Israel that Hezbollah said Arad died during a 1988 escape attempt. At some point in a Lebanese court, a man named Moufeed Kuntar, testified with supposed first-hand knowledge that Arad died in 1988 under torture. Kuntar and four others were accused of having contact with Israeli intelligence, and providing Israel with information on Arad, including efforts to ransom one of his bones.

As part of a Lebanese militia group, Kuntar claimed that in 1988 they questioned a prisoner who was later found dead, and only after his death that they learned he was Arad. Of course, he passed away due to exhaustion and of course he was subject to beatings and torture as that is how interrogations happen, Kuntar testified.

In October 2016, reports revealed that a joint investigation between the Mossad and IDF Military Intelligence, concluded that Arad had died in 1988.

It may take some time before theres anything conclusive on finding and bringing home Ron Arads remains. Its fascinating what the speculations are, and who is reporting on it all, raising many more questions than answers. This will fuel imagination about Israels reach into Lebanon, Syria, and Iran where Israeli agents have clearly been operating for some time. It will make the Iranians and their terrorist allies look over their shoulders just a bit more. But hopefully, it will lead to Israel bringing Ron Arad home soon.

U.S.-born and educated Jonathan Feldstein immigrated to Israel in 2004. Throughout his life and career, he has fellowshipped with Christian supporters of Israel and shares experiences of living as an Orthodox Jew in Israel. He writes a regular column for Standing With Israel at charismanews.com and other prominent web sites. He can be reached at firstpersonisrael@gmail.com.
(JNS)  Hillel International has teamed up with the Anti-Defamation League and the Secure Community Network to launch an online portal where college students can report anti-Semitic incidents on their campus and receive immediate support.

The creation of ReportCampusHate.org is in response to the growing threats of anti-Semitism on college campuses. Hillel International recorded 244 anti-Semitic incidents on college and university campuses last year, up from 181 the year before. It also comes after a recent survey found that 74 percent of college students reported experiencing an act of anti-Semitism, but that they did not report it. Some 40 percent of students polled indicated that they did not know how to report incidents of Jew-hatred at school.

According to ADL national director and CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, working with partner agencies in this endeavor will promote a collaborative response to anti-Semitic incidents on campus, as well as foster better tracking and reporting and tracking of anti-Semitic trends so we can all better understand and respond to this growing threat to our students.

Once an incident is reported, it will be reviewed by trained security officials who will then work with law enforcement and campus officials as needed.

When students are impacted by anti-Semitism, it can be confusing and isolating to garner appropriate law-enforcement attention and support, said Michael Masters, national director and CEO of SCN, the security arm of the Jewish Federations of North America.

The new website will be a safe way for students to report these incidents and activity SCNs security infrastructure to assess the threat and prompt immediate attention.

Adam Lehman, president and CEO of Hillel International, said it is essential that students have the tools and resources to address anti-Semitism on campus so they can live and study in safe and welcoming environments.

The site will not only empower students when needed, said Lehman but will also help Hillel be better equipped to address anti-Semitism with campus administrators and improve the campus climate.
(JTA)  The award for best feature film at Israels Ophir Awards, the countrys top film honor and its automatic nominee for the foreign film category at the Oscars, went to Let It Be Morning, a film about an Arab-Israeli man forced to grapple with his identity as both Palestinian and Israeli.

But most of the Palestinian stars of the film skipped the award ceremony Tuesday night, calling out what they described as appropriation of a Palestinian story.

In a normal situation, I would feel happiness and recognition for the prize, but to my dismay thats not possible when there are efforts being made to wipe out the Palestinian identity and the collective pain that I carry with me is found in every role I play, Juna Suleiman, one of the films stars, wrote in a statement that was read for her at the ceremony, according to the Times of Israel.

Most of the cast also skipped the films premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in July due to the movies categorization as an Israeli film rather than a Palestinian one.

The story, based on a book by Sayed Kashua, one of Israels most prominent Israeli-Arab writers, follows a Palestinian citizen of Israel as he tries to return home to Jerusalem after visiting the village where he grew up to attend a wedding. When the Israeli army blocks the road back to Jerusalem, the man is forced to remain in the village and grapple with his identity as a Palestinian and citizen of Israel.

Directed by Eran Kolirin, the Jewish Israeli filmmaker who also made The Bands Visit, the film won seven Ophir awards in total, including in the categories of best director, best actor and best actress. Ehab Elias Salami, who won the award for best supporting actor, attended the award ceremony and used his acceptance speech to speak about peace.

I have a dream, and that dream does not harm humanity, and doesnt damage health. Its in two acts  first, a just peace for the Palestinian people; the second act is a calm life, a peaceful life, a creative life for the citizens of the [Israeli] state, Salami said to applause from the audience.
WASHINGTON (JTA)  Republican Sen. Rand Paul blocked an expedited vote to approve $1 billion in funding to replenish Israels Iron Dome anti-missile system and received swift criticism from an array of pro-Israel groups.

Sen. Robert Menendez, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, launched a bid Monday to pass the bill by unanimous consent, a procedure that accelerates passage by minimizing debate.

Paul objected, saying he wanted the funding to come out of money earmarked to assist Afghanistan as it recovers from years of war.

I support Israel. I voted for hundreds of millions of dollars to support Iron Dome. I am glad the United States has a strong bond with Israel. But the United States cannot give money it does not have, no matter how strong our relationship is, he said.

Paul said he believes the Afghanistan aid money will end up with the Taliban, which assumed control of the country in August, ending a 20-year U.S.-led military presence there.

Menendez said the money does not go to the Taliban, but to the people affected by the war it waged for decades.

Sen. Pauls amendment would actually raid the funding that delivers lifesaving humanitarian aid to the Afghan people and they need it more than ever, he said. In short, Sen. Pauls amendment would undermine national security, it would abandon the Afghan people in their darkest hour and it would betray the American peoples commitment to supporting our Afghan allies.

Menendez has said he will continue to attempt to bring the vote through unanimous consent. If Paul continues to block unanimous consent, it may be weeks before the funding, which the Biden administration favors, is approved.

The U.S. House of Representatives last month overwhelmingly approved the funding, which Israel has asked for to replenish Iron Dome batteries depleted during the Gaza conflict in May. The money is in addition to the $500 million Israel gets annually to fund Iron Dome.

Prior to the vote, objections to the funding by a handful of progressives roiled Congress and led to a debate over defense assistance to Israel.

The Christians United for Israel group strongly condemned Pauls decision in a statement. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the powerhouse pro-Israel lobby, chastised Paul on Twitter, likening him to the Squad, the small progressive faction that opposed the funding  and who Republicans revile.

Their objections to funding Iron Dome undermine Israels security, cost innocent lives, make war more likely, and embolden Iran-backed terrorists, AIPAC said, grouping Paul with Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who voted present on the funding, and Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, and Thomas Massie, who voted no. Ocasio-Cortez, Tlaib and Omar are members of the Squad,, and Massie was the lone GOP vote against the funding.
(JTA)  When Rivka Taub Rivera decided to apply for a religious exemption to New York Citys vaccine mandate for teachers, she didnt turn to the rabbis of Borough Park, the Orthodox neighborhood in Brooklyn where she lives.

Instead, she asked Michoel Green, a Chabad rabbi who has openly opposed vaccination, to submit the required letter from a clergy member. Based in Massachusetts, Green was disaffiliated by a Chabad organization because of his anti-vaccination social media posts and has become a folk hero for some Orthodox Jews who oppose vaccines.

Im not going to lie, when the Chabad community, when the political establishment is going against you for speaking out and for having a unique voice, then youre probably doing something right, said Rivera, who teaches physical education at an elementary school in an affluent neighborhood of Brooklyn.

Rivera is part of a vocal minority of Jews arguing that their religious beliefs preclude them from being vaccinated, even as leaders within all of the major Jewish denominations have endorsed the COVID-19 vaccines.

The city education department had not ruled on her request for an exemption by Sunday, and Rivera, who is nine months pregnant, had not changed her mind about getting vaccinated. That meant she became one of potentially thousands of city teachers barred from their classrooms once the vaccine mandate, the most sweeping in the country, went into effect Monday.

The vast majority of New York City educators were vaccinated before Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the mandate Aug. 23, and most of the rest have been vaccinated since. But thousands of teachers were still unvaccinated on Friday when U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor declined to consider a lawsuit on their behalf, meaning that if they did not get their first shot over the weekend, they must either go on unpaid leave or resign with severance.

While teachers may apply for religious exemptions to the vaccine mandate, an option sought by their union, city officials made clear that they did not intend to approve them freely. Exemption-seekers are required to submit a letter from a clergy member, and a binding agreement between the city and union lays out that requests shall be denied where the leader of the religious organization has spoken publicly in favor of the vaccine  or where the objection is personal, political or philosophical in nature.

Those guidelines are more complicated to apply when it comes to Judaism than in some religions, such as Catholicism, where doctrine is set centrally. (The Pope has endorsed vaccination requirements.) In Judaism, major denominations issue guidelines for their members, but individual rabbis make rulings for their communities, and disagreements are common.

All of the major non-Orthodox denominations have issued statements endorsing COVID-19 vaccines, and in the Orthodox world, where public health guidelines related to COVID-19 have been more hotly debated, a list has been circulating on social media of Orthodox rabbis who have expressed opposition to vaccination either publicly or privately, including some in Borough Park. But many more Orthodox rabbis have gone on the record as endorsing vaccination, including through concerted campaigns aimed at raising vaccination rates in Orthodox communities; Yeshiva University, the flagship school of Modern Orthodoxy, is requiring its students and staff to be vaccinated.

That does not sway Stephanie Edmonds, a Jewish 10th-grade global history teacher who does not want to be vaccinated.

I dont think that Judaism is a monolith, and I dont think that really any religious leader of any faith can speak for all people within that religion, she told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency on Saturday night. Definitely for Judaism, theres no singular voice that can speak for any individuals relationship with God.

Edmonds was tearful on Friday afternoon as she spoke to CNN from her Bronx classroom, where she said she was about to teach what she expected would be her last class in a New York City public school. She told CNN she would be participating in a class-action lawsuit teachers were bringing against the city over the mandates.

She said she had come to the decision not to be vaccinated after much prayer, even as she said she recognized that there was no tenet in Judaism that proscribes vaccination. I have a deeply held religious objection. I believe that this goes against my faith, she said.

Edmonds told JTA that she was raised attending a Reform synagogue in her native Connecticut and celebrated her bat mitzvah there. She later was involved with Hillel at the University of Connecticut and lived for a semester during college in Israel, where she picked dates on a kibbutz near Eilat.

But more recently, she hasnt been involved with a synagogue or any form of organized Jewish life  putting her in line with a large portion of American Jews. So she did not submit a letter from a rabbi in her exemption request, which is under appeal after being initially rejected. Last week, Edmonds was asked to explain her anti-vaccination beliefs in more detail during a hearing for her appeal, an experience she said she did not appreciate.

I dont feel like I should have to justify my religious practices in front of a panel or in front of the public, she said.

Rivera, who grew up Hasidic but now prefers mainstream Orthodox synagogues, said she had no objections to explaining her resistance to being vaccinated in Jewish terms, although she said her objections run deeper than that. She said she knew people who had become seriously ill because of COVID-19  and of people she believed had been saved after receiving treatments that were discredited by the medical establishment, including the drug cocktail promoted by a Jewish doctor named Vladimir Zelenko.

In Torah law youre not permitted to inject yourself with a vaccine that offers no significant medical curative benefit to the patient, even if its allegedly good for others, she asserted. Weve been told to get this vaccine because you know its for the greater good, yet you can still get and transmit COVID. I dont think Hashem would want me to sacrifice my bodily autonomy for this.

Even rabbinic leaders in the denomination in which Green was ordained, Chabad, depart from that position. Rabbi Yehuda Sherpin, who writes a column on Jewish law for Chabad.org, noted that Torah requires individuals to take life-saving measures, like vaccines, in times of plague. Guarding your own health doesnt only make sense, its actually a mitzvah, he wrote in a column, What Does Jewish Law Say About Vaccination?, that does not directly address COVID-19. That means that even if you dont want to do it, for whatever reason, you are still obligated to do so.

Rivera said she had COVID-19 this spring and felt confident that she is protected by antibodies she developed in response to that infection, citing the guidance of a local doctor whom she said declined to write a letter endorsing a medical exemption because of fears of retaliation. The position that previous exposure to COVID-19 can serve as sufficient protection from the virus is widely held in many Orthodox communities, which were hit early and hard during the pandemic last year; Orthodox media outlets have been pressing the de Blasio administration for natural-immunity data.

It hasnt been a pandemic in Borough Park for the last year, Rivera said.

Rivera also said she was nervous about how the vaccine would affect her unborn child. The Centers for Disease Control is exhorting those who are pregnant to be vaccinated, citing a high incidence of complications among pregnant patients who contract COVID and the data showing the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. Only about a third of pregnant people are vaccinated, reflecting widespread anxiety and misinformation about the vaccines effects on fertility. Those concerns have been especially prevalent in Orthodox communities, where fertility is prized; in response, several Orthodox rabbis in Long Island and Baltimore emphasized that the vaccines have had no observable negative effect on fertility when they collaborated on a Rosh Hashanah video this year encouraging their communities to get vaccinated.

For now, she is sidestepping the vaccine mandate by starting her maternity leave early. The teachers union recently negotiated paid leave for educators, so shell be paid for six weeks and then be able to take vacation for another six. At that point, she said, she hopes the mandate will be relaxed, either because the pandemic has waned or because a new mayor takes office and lifts the vaccine requirement. (Eric Adams, who is likely to win Novembers mayoral election, has not spoken in detail about vaccine mandates but said in August, prior to the mandate for teachers, that he thought de Blasio was going in the right direction on the issue.)

If the mandate remains in effect, Rivera said she doesnt know what shell do. She really doesnt want to be vaccinated, but her husband is currently without income after closing his kosher restaurant, a fried-chicken joint called Krispy Nuggets, because he could not hire enough workers.

That was before de Blasio announced that vaccination would be required for people eating in restaurants in the city, a mandate that has put pressure on kosher restaurants whose clientele include a substantial portion who oppose vaccination. It might have been a blessing in disguise honestly because we would have never enforced segregation, she said.

Rivera said some of the other Jewish public school teachers she knew who had not wanted to be vaccinated had gotten the vaccines in recent weeks, as it became clear that they would need to do so to keep being paid. She said she also knows teachers working in yeshivas in Brooklyn who have not been vaccinated.

For the most part the other Jewish educators that I know are in private school, she said. And this isnt really hanging over their heads like its ours.
(JNS)  Last week, Kamala Harris spoke to students at George Mason University, where a part-Yemeni, part-Iranian student challenged her with the false claims that Israel commits genocide and that money is being taken from providing health care to Americans to fund Israels Iron Dome defense system.

These two intertwined smears, that Israels self-defense against actual genocide is genocidal, and that the Jewish state is taking money from public healthcare  affordable housing and that all this money ends up going to inflaming Israel, is a classic antisemitic...
Wait, what? Jews and Christians can pray on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Why is that news?

At the conclusion of the 1967 Six Day War, Israel negotiated a cease fire with the Arab countries that had gone to war against it. A cease fire, not peace. Israelis believed that after the crushing defeat of the Arab armies and loss of vast territory, the Arabs would finally realize that they could not win militarily, and that Israel was a reality to live with, not fight against. Many believed that all that was needed was to negotiate to return the land and the Arabs would make peace. Simple....
(JNS)  U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris outrageously responded on Sept. 28 to a George Mason University student accusing Israel of committing ethnic geocide by saying,  [Y]our voice, your perspective, your experience, your truth, should not be suppressed.

Conservative Rabbi David Wolpe aptly reacted: Madame Vice President, the idea that Israel has committed genocide against the Palestinians is not someones truth; it is someones lie, whether they know it or not. And it is pernicious, destructive and should not be elided or ignored by the highest officials in the...
(JNS)  After the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the supplemental spending bill for the Iron Dome program, everyone from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the Biden White House to Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, quickly proclaimed bipartisan support in Washington for the U.S.-Israel alliance to be as strong as ever. Unfortunately, even before the bill passed, it was clear that the opposite was the case.

Eight House members from the leftist edge of the political spectrum voted against the Iron Dome funding, and two of their comrades voted pr...
The Hindus in Bangladesh labelled October 13 as a Black Day after a stray Facebook post triggered widespread violence against the minority community in Bangladesh.

Several Durga pandals were vandalized, close to 150 families were attacked and at least three Hindus were reportedly killed in the violent clash after a Facebook post claiming insult to Quran at a pandal went viral on social media on Wednesday.

The Islamic extremists immediately took to the streets and vandalized temples in Chandpurs Hajiganj, Chattograms Banshkhali, Chapainawabganjs Shibganj and Coxs Bazars Pekua and brutally attacked the Hindu devotees.

Facebook post claimed Hindus insulted Quran by placing it in pandal

Reportedly, videos and photos of the Quran kept in a Durga Pandal of Cummila were circulated widely on social media. The Islamists claimed that the Hindus had deliberately kept their holy book in the pandal as a mark of insult.

However, denying the claims of insulting the Quran, Shibu Prasad Dutta, the general secretary of Cumilla Mahanagar Puja Udjapon Committee, informed that someone placed a copy of the Quran at a Durga Puja pavilion in Nanua Dighir Par early in the morning when no one was watching, as a deliberate act to create a rumour.

The same was confirmed by a district official who said, The miscreants took some pictures of this and ran away. Within a few hours, using Facebook, the propaganda spread like wildfire with the provocative pictures.

He hinted at the involvement of some Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islam workers.

Refuting the claims, Bangladesh Hindu Unity Council also took to Twitter to the Muslim community to not believe in rumours. We would like to say to all Muslim brothers, do not believe the rumors. We respect the Quran. There is no need for Quran in Durga Puja. This is someone conspiring to cause a riot. There will be a fair investigation. Please dont attack any more temples & Hindus, it appealed in a Twitter post.

We would like to say to all Muslim brothers, do not believe the rumors. We respect the Qur'an. There is no need for Qur'an in Durga Puja. This is someone conspiring to cause a riot. There will be a fair investigation. Please don't attack any more temples & Hindus. pic.twitter.com/UzrLRtGePk  Bangladesh Hindu Unity Council (@UnityCouncilBD) October 13, 2021

Local Muslim boy shares Facebook post hinting at planned conspiracy

As per the Council, a local Muslim boy named Kazi Tanim who is supposedly an eyewitness, took to Facebook to narrate the incident.

Tanim in his post said that he stays next to the Durga Pandal installed at Camilla. He shared that though a Hindu-dominated area, both the communities had been living peacefully since years in the area with even Muslims visiting the pandal during the festival.

He further revealed that the pandal is devoid of any devotees post 4 PM and was deserted on Tuesday night after the aarti as usual. No person guards the pandal especially at night as the area has always remained peaceful.

Tanim, however, said several police vehicles visited the pandal before the violence broke out. They interrogated a bunch of boys standing around the pandal suspecting the administration had received some inputs well before the social media post went viral. No action was taken by the police or administration said Tanim.

He also informed that the Quran was kept in a way that it was easily visible to any passerby, plausibly with an intention to incite communal disharmony. He said by the time the priest arrived and requested the Quran to be removed, a mob had gathered to stop puja and the pandal was vandalized.

He asserted that no Hindu would deliberately place a Quran in a Durga Pandal and that it was done purposely to flare communal tensions. He also requested for thorough investigation at the end of his post.

Too little, too late

If the Facebook post by the user named Tanim is to be believed, then too little was done by the administration to curb this well-planned attack on Hindus in Bangladesh despite receiving intel.

Several locals took to Twitter to share the visuals of the brutal attacks and widespread vandalism of Hindu temples and pandals on the divine occasion of Navratri.

Telecoms Minister Mustafa Jabbar had said that steps were taken to pull down the posts and videos immediately. Weve requested the removal of more than 100 Facebook links. We hope they will be blocked soon, informed Jabbar claiming that the ministry was in touch with Facebook officials.

However, several Hindus and their pandals have already come under attack by then.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (Overall) Shahadat Hossain also informed that a three-member committee has been constituted to investigate the matter further.

Village burnt after a Hindu boy criticized Maulana on social media

This is not the first time that a social media post was used as an excuse to attack Hindus.

In March this year, over 80 houses of Hindus in the village of Sunamganj, Bangladesh were attacked and vandalized by the supporters of Islamist group Hefazat-e-Islam. The attack was planned after a young Hindu man criticized Joint-Secretary General Maulana Mufti Mamunul Haque in a Facebook post as reported by Dhaka Tribune.

A young Hindu man from Noagaon, Shalla Upazila was reportedly enraged by Mawlana Mamunul Haques speech at an event and made a Facebook post criticizing it.

Upon discovering the post, Hefazat leaders staged a protest on Tuesday night alleging attempts to incite communal violence. The police had arrested the boy the same evening to bring the situation under control. Yet several thousand members of Hefazat-e-Islam attacked the boys village with makeshift weapons. Their excuse was, the insult to the Maulana was the same as insult to Islam.

Authorities busy blaming Facebook

While attacks on Hindus and Hindu places of worship is nothing new in Bangladesh, after the current violence against Durga Puja pandals, many in the Bangladesh government and other intellectuals are busy blaming the social media platform Facebook, not the actual perpetrators who did the violence.

Bangladesh Telecom Minister Mustafa Jabbar keeps highlighting how they are trying to take down the Facebook posts and communicating with Facebook to curb the rumours. A report in BDNews24 says, Many online activists questioned the authenticity of the incident, calling for calm and criticising Facebook and Bangladesh authorities for their failure to take down the posts.

But the thing is, is Facebook responsible for the violence? There are several other modes of communication when a community wants to attack another community. Facebook here is a mere tool, rather an excuse of a tool to perpetuate another spout of violence against the Hindu community that has been facing a regular onslaught of attacks for decades, be it in India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh.

Source : OpIndia
11:00pm: The deal is official, per RealGMs transactions log.

9:31pm: The Raptors will sign forward Alex Antetokounmpo, the younger brother of Giannis Antetokounmpo, to an Exhibit 10 contract before the regular season begins next week, according to Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca (Twitter link).

The Greek newspaper Ethnos first reported last month that Antetokounmpo was expected to sign with Toronto.

As Murphy notes, the plan is for Antetokounmpo to be waived shortly after he signs. His Exhibit 10 deal would allow the Raptors to gain his affiliate rights and ensure he receives a bonus worth up to $50K for eventually joining the Raptors 905, Torontos G League team.

Antetokounmpo, 20, spent last season under contract in Spain with UCAM Murcia, then joined the Kings Summer League roster in August.

As we wrote earlier today, Toronto is also signing former Thunder forward Josh Hall to an Exhibit 10 contract for G League purposes.
The Sixers used the two open spots on their 20-man preseason roster to sign Jared Brownridge and Braxton Key to Exhibit 10 contracts, according to reports from our JD Shaw and Nicola Lupa of Sportando (Twitter links).

Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer tweets that both players have already been waived, which confirms that the 76ers signed them with the G League in mind. Brownridge and Key should now be in line for bonuses worth up to $50K if they spend at least 60 days with the Delaware Blue Coats this season.

Heading to Delaware will be nothing new for Brownridge, who has played for Philadelphias G League affiliate in each of the last four seasons. In 2020/21, he averaged 12.3 PPG with a .402 3PT% in 15 games (24.9 MPG) for the Blue Coats.

Key, meanwhile, had his first season with Delaware in the 2021 G League bubble. He had a very limited role, recording 4.3 PPG and 2.1 RPG in 12 contests (12.3 MPG).
The Wizards removed a pair of players from their preseason roster, announcing today (via Twitter) that theyve waived Jay Huff and Jordan Schakel.

A 71 forward/center, Huff spent his college career at Virginia and was a full-time starter for the first time as a senior in 2020/21. He averaged 13.0 PPG, 7.1 RPG, and 2.6 BPG with a stellar .585/.387/.837 shooting line in 25 games (27.0 MPG). Huff, who won a national title in 2019, made the All-ACC Second Team and the ACC All-Defensive Team in 2021.

The 66 Schakel averaged 14.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.0 APG, and 1.0 SPG on .473/.461/.908 shooting in his final college season at San Diego State in 20/21. The 23-year-old was named to the All-Mountain West Second Team and to the Mountain West All-Tournament Team.

Both players had signed Exhibit 10 contracts with Washington as undrafted free agents and now appear on track to join the Capital City Go-Go, the Wizards G League affiliate.
Pipeline

14 October 2021

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world's leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with notable real estate developer, Dinesh Kumar Choudhary (HUF) for a new hotel - Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jaipur Karoli Bagh located at Gopalpura Byepass, in the capital of Rajasthan. The brownfield hotel featuring 141 keys is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2023.

Jaipur is the largest city in Rajasthan and one of the most popular leisure destinations, both for domestic and international travellers. It is an integral part of the Golden Triangle, a prominent tourist circuit connecting the national capital Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, and is also a preferred wedding destination in India. Furthermore, the city houses numerous industries and is considered as the economic capital of Rajasthan. With the new signing of Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jaipur Karoli Bagh, the city will now have three IHG hotels between Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express, catering to varied guest profiles.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jaipur Karoli Bagh will be located on the Gopalpura Bypass road, at a convenient 15-minute drive from the airport. The hotel will also be at a short driving distance from the city centre, business district, tourist attractions, as well as key dining and shopping destinations. With excellent visibility and access, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jaipur Karoli Bagh will provide a convenient stay experience to both business and leisure travellers.

The newly signed hotel will feature well-appointed modern guest rooms and all the necessary facilities for a comfortable stay experience. The hotel will also have the brand's signature 'Great Room', 'Small Bar', a specialty restaurant and a lounge to relax and unwind. Other essential facilities will include a fitness room, and meeting spaces for business and social gatherings.
Appointment

14 October 2021

Azul Hospitality Group, a premier hospitality company providing innovative approaches to maximizing an asset's performance, announced today that Alvaro Fraile will be joining the company as Chief Operating Officer. Fraile will report directly to Azul President and CEO Rick Mansur.

Fraile joins Azul from Marriott International, where he most recently served as Vice President of Franchise Operations. He was instrumental in the launch of AC Hotels by Marriott in the U.S. due to his extensive experience and knowledge of the brand. Prior to joining Marriott in the US, he held numerous senior level operational positions in Spain with AC Hotels. Fraile holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Richmond, Virginia, and a Master of Business Administration from Instituto de Empresa, Madrid, Spain.

Doug Lieber, Azul's Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer since the company's inception, will transition to Chief Talent Officer. He will focus on ensuring that Azul continues to attract the best talent in the hospitality industry.
Appointment

14 October 2021

Adorn Bar & Restaurant, Chicago's first restaurant with James Beard award-winning chef Jonathon Sawyer and located in Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, announces the appointment of Diageo's 2021 Top 50 US Bartender honouree Slava Borisov as Lead Mixologist.

Lead mixologist Borisov is a native of Omsk, Siberia, who after seeing an advertisement for the Bartender Association of Russia in Moscow, transitioned from the Russian military to a career as a bartender. Between classes, Borisov worked as a bartender at an upscale restaurant and stumbled upon the Tom Cruise movie Cocktail. He realised his story mirrored Cruise's character's path to an extent - this epiphany, along with his hands-on experience in the food and beverage industry, fuelled his passion to become a bartender. Borisov also earned his MA in human resources management from Omsk State Technical University in 2010. While still living in Siberia, Borisov won several bartending competitions, a trajectory that inspired him to further pursue his newfound passion and become a leading professional in the industry.

In 2011, Borisov moved to the United States to work in Brooklyn, New York's renowned beverage scene, and after a few years moved to Chicago - a city that introduced him to the world of luxury hospitality. Borisov joined The Langham, Chicago as part of the opening team in 2013 where he led the bar program for the last several years. Before joining Adorn at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago in September 2021, Borisov was named one of the Top 50 Best Bartenders in the US in the World Class Sponsored by Diageo Bartender of the Year competition.

In true hospitality spirit, Borisov has prepared an introductory cocktail: the Russ-tretto. Drawing inspiration from his hometown and the renewed popularity of the Espresso Martini, the newest Adorn craft beverage merges the energy of a Ristretto with the punch of a White Russian. Mimicking the aesthetic of a miniature glass of stout, this petite cocktail can be shot or sipped.
Occidental Petroleum plans to sell its interest in two offshore Ghana oil fields for $750 million to continue paying down its debt from its 2019 takeover of rival Anadarko Petroleum.

Dallas-based Kosmos Energy and the Ghana National Petroleum Corp. will pay $550 million and $200 million respectively for the Houston independent oil companys interest in the Jubilee and TEN oil fields off the West African coast of Ghana. The sale is expected to close in the fourth quarter.

With this transaction, we have achieved our post-Colombia divestiture target, Oxy CEO Vicki Hollub said. Proceeds from the Ghana asset sale will be applied to debt reduction.

After struggling last year to sell its assets to pay down its debt, Oxy has benefited from the steady rise in oil prices this year, spurred by the rollout of coronavirus vaccines and restraint from OPEC and U.S. oil producers. West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. crude benchmark, was trading at $81.01 on Thursday morning, an increase of 58 cents from Wednesday and up significantly from around $52 a barrel in January.

TURNAROUND: Oxy expects higher asset sales to pay down debt

Its a remarkable turnaround for Oxy, which made a major bet on the shale boom and higher oil prices when it paid $38 billion for Anadarko in 2019, outbidding the much larger Chevron. But less than six months after the megadeal closed, oil demand and prices plunged as the coronavirus pandemic broke out. The value of Oxys assets plunged and buyers evaporated.

Oxy is now sitting in a comfortable position as oil prices have rallied, allowing the oil giant to make progress on divesting its assets and lowering its debt. Hollub in August said she expects more opportunities over the next year and a half to sell more of its assets and reduce its debt.

Oxy has sold $9.2 billion of its assets since acquiring Anadarko, using its sales proceeds to help pay down $12.7 billion of its principal debt. Oxy has repaid $4.5 billion so far this year, Hollub said.

This year, Oxy is on track to sell another $2 billion to $3 billion of its assets, including minerals in the DJ Basin of Colorado for $285 million and non-core acreage in the Permian Basin for $510 million.

Oxys Ghana assets produced 22,000 barrels of oil and gas daily during the second quarter. Kosmos CEO Andrew Inglis said he expects Oxys Ghana interests to generate around $1 billion of revenue by the end of 2026 with Brent oil prices at $65 a barrel.

We plan to use the additional cash flow from these assets to reduce absolute debt levels and fund our growth in liquefied natural gas, Inglis said.
Judges set bail, but its the bondsmen who decide how much a defendant pays to get out of jail.

The long-held 10 percent standard  with defendants or their loved ones paying a tenth of the bail amount to a private company  is not gospel anymore in Harris County and likely never was. People have been securing their release from jail on lower fees for years, according to county data and bail agents.

Bondsmen recently have been accepting lower-percentage fees on an increasing number of violent felonies. The discount makes it clear that judges are not always determining what people have to pay to get out of jail, and the implications for defendants, victims and the system are far-reaching.

That means the cash bond system itself is serving a danger to the community, state District Judge Chris Morton said. Any time theres a for-profit aspect to criminal justice, that creates the opportunity for oppression and inconsistencies in justice.

Bail in Harris County

Bail is the money a defendant must pay in order to get out of jail. A bond is posted on a defendants behalf, usually by a bail bond company, to secure his or her release. Such a surety bond is like a security deposit.

Bail is not intended as a punishment. It is rather a way of securing a defendants agreement to abide by certain conditions and return to court. The standard for bail in most jurisdictions  and other states  is that a bail agent requires 10 percent of the bail amount plus collateral to secure a defendants freedom. In Harris County, bail companies rarely pay in full and give the court an equivalent of a provisional IOU with the backing of insurance agencies, said County Court at Law No. 8 Judge Franklin Bynum.

If a defendant skips court, prosecutors can move to revoke or forfeit the defendants bond. Revocations trigger an arrest warrant and their return to court upon their capture. Forfeitures are a more tedious process that results in the court keeping the bail amount  but only after a judge agrees and prosecutors successfully sue to seize the money.

In Texas, the 10 percent figure is referenced in Texas Insurance Code, which states that payments above that amount could be subject to regulations. No minimum is required.

EXPLAINER: How bail and bond work in Harris County

Shrinking industry

Loose regulations set the stage for variations in how bail companies collect money, according to several professors who study bail. And changes in the market are usually the cause.

Profits diminished for bail companies after Harris County began adopting bail reform in 2017, requiring cash-free releases for most poor misdemeanor defendants. Bail licenses in Harris County have dropped by nearly two dozen since 2017, with about 80 permitted as of September to operate, records show.

One estimate from monitors tracking the implementation of bail reform indicated that bail bond earnings in Harris County went from around $3.5 million in 2015 to slightly over $500,000 in 2019.

The dwindling bail landscape caused agents to adapt or close up shop. Many padded their business with felony cases, some carrying higher bonds and more risk of defendants skipping court. Some bail agents are relying more on payment plans and are not asking for collateral  a house, car or other possession.

The Houston Chronicle reviewed hundreds of court records and found that bail bondsmen for years have been granting less than 10 percent rates on surety bonds. A sampling of data for the first six months of 2021 supported bondsmen, defense attorney and judges anecdotes that bail agents are more frequently charging lower fees, sometimes as small as 1 or 2 percent, at times on more violent crimes. Some of the defendants are then put on payment plans for the remainder of the money.

Were business people, said Michael Kubosh, an at-large city councilman and former bondsman. You collect what you can.

BACKLOG BACKLASH: Misdemeanor judge says Harris County DA's office at fault for some of case backlog crisis

While seemingly better for defendants, the lower fees are concerning to lawyers and jurists. Several judges worry that they no longer can count on defendants paying 10 percent for their pretrial release; others feel that even at lower rates, bail is still too much for some.

Authorities believe some defendants have committed more crime to pay bail for themselves and others, according to court records.

Jose Luis Perez  on bond for a prior offense  was charged in March with robbing a woman at gunpoint; he told officers he needed cash to pay for the bail, meaning he was likely on a payment plan, prosecutors said. He faced additional charges in federal court, and the state case was later dismissed.

Prosecutors say that the lower payments also minimize the pressure to return to court, because more money down means defendants would feel beholden to family members who put their livelihoods on the line to free them.

Advocates, meanwhile, do not believe any amount of cash bail keeps the public safe, and they feel bail discounts and payment plans show how many defendants  primarily poor people of color  remain on the hook with private enterprises after securing their freedom.

Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

How discounted bail works

A magistrate set bail for Zacchaeus Gaston at $50,000 in February 2020 on a drug possession charge. The general assumption is that Gaston, his loved ones or another benefactor would pay 10 percent, or $5,000, to a bail agent to get him out of jail ahead of trial.

The payment, instead, was $2,300, a bondsman listed in an affidavit of surety to surrender principal  a unique form that allows a bail agent to cut ties with a defendants bond, usually after a new charge. In filing the form, bail agents ask deputies to take the defendant into custody, while they keep the defendants bail deposit and stop being responsible for the person in the eyes of the court.

The bondsman filed the document for Gaston after Houston police accused him of fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend, Layla Steele, and wounding their 1-year-old boy.

Records outlining surrendered bail agreements are public, and the Chronicle reviewed more than 700 documents through the Harris County District Clerks Office. This included filings made prior to misdemeanor bail reform, which resulted in the majority of defendants in low-level offenses not having to pay to get out of jail.

In those affidavits, the Chronicle found 141 cases of lower than 10 percent bonds for the first six months of 2021  31 of which were for violent felonies, according to court records. The number could be higher outside of the affidavit of surrender documents. The same span of time in 2013 produced at least 103 cases  12 of which also were for violent crimes.

Some of those records reference the amounts left on payment plans. The extent of the payment plans and lower fees may never be known because bail companies are not obligated to enter their contracts into the public record.

Payment plans and lower fees are a point of contention for defense attorneys and advocates who oppose the bail industry. Those advocates worry that bail agents, who secure freedom for defendants deemed to be violent, operate without oversight and enable repeat offenders.

In most cases, the Texas Constitution guarantees a defendants right to bail, which allows for pretrial release from jail upon the payment or promise that a defendant will return to court.

If the defendant is charged with a new crime while out on bond, the judge or magistrate usually sets bond for the new case, as the defendant still has right to bond in most cases. If the defendant is charged with yet another crime while out  an increasing occurrence amid a crisis-level backlog in the courts, which keeps cases languishing  the jurists come under fire for not keeping the person locked up.

CHRONICLE INVESTIGATION: As killings tied to defendants out on bond rise in Houston, data reveals courts crisis

Bail can be denied only after prosecutors file a motion and request a hearing, said state District Judge Kelli Johnson, who presides over the Harris County criminal district courts.

What is most frustrating as a judge is to go through the whole process of a meaningful bail hearing and set an appropriate bond, only to have a bondsman come up behind you and accept a nominal amount of the bond and no collateral, Johnson said.

Bondsmen are accountable to the court for the 100 percent surety, however, and that shouldnt be overlooked, said Jeffrey J. Clayton, executive director and policy director of the American Bail Coalition. Lowering bail fees is completely legal in most states (including Texas) in order to remain competitive  but legislatures have the ability to enforce a floor amount to those payments if needed.

Glenn Strickland, of A-1 Bail Bonding and the head of the Harris County Bail Bond Board  which approves licenses  disapproves of fees 4 percent or lower, adding that he has heard of their prevalence but not accepted them himself.

Everyone charges what they think is appropriate, Strickland said.

Payment plans, he said, stemmed from an increasing number of indigent defendants.

Strickland and others defended their businesses as a service to defendants, their families and taxpayers. Most bail agents remind defendants to show up for court.

The bail agents who spoke to the Chronicle were not among those who routinely offered lower than 10 percent fees, records show. The bail agents who appeared in court records to take lower fees most frequently declined to comment.

Michael Wyke / Contributor

The issue of public safety

Bail bonds agents in Harris County opposed misdemeanor bail reform, filing to intervene in federal court. Although their efforts were futile, they heralded the idea that cash bond keeps the public safe by motivataing defendants to return to court since their money or their familys money is on the line.

Some worry what that could mean when bail fees are lowered to the point of apparent ineffectiveness, but several defense attorneys and advocates said they feel the trend proves the opposite  that bail agents arent considering public safety when they offer discounts to defendants with a history of violence.

Experts who study bail, as well as defense attorneys, added that research usually does not back the idea that bail is what keeps people coming back to court.

The big bail industry has little accountability for bargaining away public safety, said Sarah Wood, general counsel for the Harris County Public Defenders Office. Our money bail system is one big loophole where people are allowed to wheel and deal their way around court orders and then try to blame judges and reformers when things go wrong.

SOFT ON CRIME?: Idea to reduce backlog by dismissing thousands of felony cases proves too far for Harris County

Morton, the state district judge, does not support the cash bail system but understands that is what Texas currently uses and what he is forced to work with. When judges have little or no ability to deny bail for a violent defendant, they set a higher bail amount knowing the suspect is unlikely to make bond. Discounts undercut that, he said.

On the other hand, advocates who push for the right to bail on behalf of poor defendants concede that a discount is technically better than a 10 percent rate. But they emphasized that all bail is oppressive.

The alternative to unconstitutional pretrial detention is not saddling people and their families with huge amounts of debt and aggressive collection practices, said Elizabeth Rossi, senior attorney at Civil Rights Corps, which successfully sued Harris County over misdemeanor bail and has sued over felony bail practices. Both of those scenarios create immense harm, especially on poorer communities and Black and brown families.

Lack of transparency, regulation

The bail bond industry is thought to be a $2 billion enterprise in the U.S., one of only two countries  the Philippines is the other  that use private bail companies for a pretrial release system.

Transparency is one of the biggest issues facing the criminal justice system related to bail, according to professors who study the bail system.

They are a private company, but they are part of this public system in that in a sense they literally hold the keys to the jail for many defendants, said Joshua Page, an associate professor of sociology at the University of Minnesota, who also did research working as a bail agent in a large urban county. When we dont know how they operate, its difficult to hold them accountable.

The Chronicle was not able to get a full accounting of how often defendants paid less than 10 percent to get out of jail or learn details of payment plans because bail companies are not obligated to enter their contracts into the public record. Only a sample of data was available through affidavits of surety to surrender principal  forms that allow a bail agent to cut ties with a defendants bond, usually after a new charge.

Estimated bail bond profits for misdemeanor cases dwindled between 2015 and 2019 in Harris County, according to a report from a group of independent monitors federally appointed to oversee the bail reform settlement.

On HoustonChronicle.com: DA Kim Ogg challenges monitors over bail reform reports

Assuming defendants paid 10 percent of their bail amounts, bail agents took in $3.6 million in cash in 2015, the report continued. By 2019, that intake was an estimated $506,000.

That loss in income makes it easy to understand why bondsmen have lowered their rates, Page said. Basic rules of supply-and-demand dictate that fewer clients means lower costs are needed for sellers to stay competitive. Bail agents stand a chance to make more money  despite the lower fees  as long as business increases. And violent felonies in Harris County have been on the rise.

Our jail is full right now  and it has been for a while, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. More than 9,200 people were being jailed as of Wednesday, records show.

The profile of people inside the Harris County Jail is shifting, he said, with more serious offenders being booked. However, plenty of defendants with bail set at $10,000 or less remain jailed and unable to make bond.

Theres plenty of clients to look at  but some people are just too poor to pay even that, the sheriff continued.

Lowering rates would not be illegal, and part of that is because laws governing bail bonds industries are scant, said Lauryn Gouldin, a professor at the Syracuse University School of Law.

The way the bail bonds industry has become a significant piece  in jurisdictions is not really something I think of being anticipated in any laws anyway, she said.

Judge Morton said he believes magistrates, who set initial bail amounts at probable cause hearings, are already setting those bonds higher than in previous years. But judges have to consider the defendants case independently from what bail agents might be doing, he said.

It doesnt make sense to set bond at $30,000 because you think they might pay $3,000, Morton said. Especially when you dont have access to any of their (bail companies) records.

Regulating bail companies is possible in some jurisdictions, to an extent, Page said. Minnesota in 2016 required bail records to be audited by the surety company associated with each bail bond company and share those results with the state.

Jeffrey J. Clayton, executive director and policy director of the American Bail Coalition, said a minimum bail fee percentage is possible to enforce through state legislatures. A floor isnt in place in most states, meaning bail agents can lower their rates as much as they feel they need to, Clayton said.

EDITORIAL: Why is DA Ogg scapegoating misdemeanor bail reform in crime spike?

Sometimes it does tilt the balance too far, he said. Jurisdictions should look at this, and where they come down on it is up to them.

Texas this year proved that something could be done when lawmakers attempted to restrict the activities of charitable bail companies, which usually post bail on behalf of poor defendants, several advocates said. After pushback, the state instead wrote into law that charitable bail funds need to be classified as nonprofits and file reports on who they bond out of jail  something that could have been done for bail companies but was never broached, those advocates noted.

The Legislature could have required transparency from everyone who posts bond, specifically the $2 billion for-profit bail bond industry, but instead intentionally targeted charitable bail funds, said Twyla Carter, national legal and policy director for the Bail Project, a charitable bail fund. We should ask ourselves why.

Strickland, of the Bail Bond Board, takes exception to the charitable bail groups  with one grievance that theyre not licensed like he and other bail agents.

I think theyre out there competing just like we are, Strickland said.
Three subsidiaries of LyondellBasell have agreed to pay $3.4 million in civil penalties for illegally releasing what federal officials have described as thousands of tons of illegal air emissions, according to documents filed Wednesday in federal court.

The settlement arises from a suit brought by the U.S. Department of Justice on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency. It centers on the companies allegedly improper operation, maintenance and monitoring of flares that used too much steam at six facilities.

Those include four facilities in Harris County: the Equistar and Lyondell Chemical Co. plants in Channelview and the Equistar and LyondellBasell Acetyls complexes in La Porte.

Under the agreement, these companies will also spend an estimated $50 million to lessen the amount of gases they burn off, make their flaring more efficient and better monitor emissions.

Protecting the environment and air quality where we live and work are important to us, LyondellBasell spokesperson Meredith Matthews said in a statement. It is a responsibility we take seriously.

A separate leak in July at the LyondellBasell Acetyls site in La Porte left two workers dead and injured dozens of others. The father of one worker filed a wrongful death suit against LyondellBasell on Thursday.

This pattern of unsafe, hazardous practices which could have been avoided needs to be stopped, the fathers attorney said in a statement.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Workers ran from white chemical cloud during deadly LyondellBasell leak

Flares are commonly used to burn off excess gas and reduce harmful pollution. But the EPAs suit alleges the companies altered the flare systems without permission, causing an increase in the emissions of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.

Those two types of pollutants can combine to form ozone, which is known to cause significant health problems, including for those with asthma. The Houston region has not met federal standards for ozone for years.

There were also environmental justice concerns with the flares in Channelview, where people are disproportionately exposed to harmful emissions, the Department of Justice wrote in a news release Thursday. And flaring adds to the release of greenhouse gas emissions causing climate change.

The Justice Department and EPA will continue to enforce the law against petrochemical plants that violate the Clean Air Act, said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim in a prepared statement. In particular, we are committed to reducing harmful air pollution from unnecessary and improper flaring, especially near overburdened communities with environmental justice concerns.

emily.foxhall@chron.com
Each week, Chronicle health reporters field questions about the latest on COVID-19, vaccines and pandemic living. In this weeks COVID Help Desk, we detail the latest in vaccine safety, what you should know about President Bidens new vaccine rules, how to differentiate between COVID and other seasonal ailments.

Days after the Pfizer vaccine became available for adolescents, Dr. Kawsar Talaat rushed her 15-year-old daughter to their neighborhood clinic for the teens first shot. As a lead vaccine researcher at Johns Hopkins, Talaat was confident in the vaccines safety.

But according to health care providers, some parents are concerned the COVID vaccine may adversely affect girls fertility or menstruation  a fear that appears to have stemmed from online misinformation and that experts say is wholly unfounded.

There is no evidence that the vaccine affects fertility, Talaat said.

Prominent anti-vaccine advocate and feminist writer Naomi Wolf was banned from Twitter in June for promoting vaccine falsehoods and for peddling, as NPR reported, misinformation in question form: Can vaccines cause infertility? Miscarriages? Soon after, false click-bait articles began circulating on the topic.

On HoustonChronicle.com: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/lifestyle/renew-houston/health/article/Fourteen-years-later-has-the-HPV-vaccine-made-a-15764395.php

Decades of experience have shown girls can safely be inoculated against diseases such as HPV, influenza and tetanus, and there is nothing to suggest that COVID is any different, said Dr. Mark Turrentine, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital.

Of the more than 160,000 pregnant women who have already received the vaccine, there is no scientific or plausible evidence of any effect on a persons fertility or future fertility, Turrentine said. Additionally, toxicology studies have also shown no developmental or birth defects stemming from the vaccine.

Parents should refer questions about vaccine safety to their health care providers, not Dr. Google, he said, adding, there is a lot of stuff on social media not founded in evidence.

How do you tell the difference between seasonal allergies, flu, the common cold and COVID-19?

Houston is recording a heavy pollen count  and ragweed season is to blame.

The onset of autumn allergy season has sent patients flocking to nurse practitioners like Grace Akinbobola, who may see dozens of people daily at the CVS Minute Clinics where she works. Many arrive with a flurry of symptoms, and it is up to Akinbobola to determine whether the cause is seasonal allergies  or something more sinister.

Fever is one way to distinguish seasonal allergies from influenza, the common cold and COVID-19.

A high temperature is likely to indicate a flu or COVID infection, Akinbobola said, while a low-grade fever may point to the common cold. Anyone suffering from ragweed or mold allergies is unlikely to have a fever, she said.

The timeline of an illness can also be a clue.

Flu infections typically arrive with very sudden and very harsh body aches, chills, headaches and fatigue, the nurse practitioner said. The onset of COVID can be sudden or gradual, and is sometimes accompanied by the telltale loss of taste or smell.

It is important to get tested right away, Akinbobola said.

Doctors predict an intense flu season this year, expected to hit Houston hard by early November. Flu vaccination efforts are already ramping up.

Quick tests can diagnose flu, allergies, COVID, and strep throat. All are available at neighborhood CVS Minute Clinics, which take appointments and walk-ins.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Houston mom shares 9-year-old son's struggle with MIS-C, the mysterious COVID-linked illness

When will the Biden administrations new vaccine rules take effect?

President Joe Biden last month announced sweeping measures that require COVID-19 vaccines for hospitals and other large employers aimed at boosting vaccination rates among the quarter of eligible Americans who have yet to get the jab.

The new rules will affect more than 80 million workers nationwide.

But no timeline has been set for the mandates, which are still being crafted by the Department of Labors Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA.

After a period of deliberation, the agency will issue new guidelines using an emergency order, according to President Bidens COVID Action Plan. The guidelines will apply to all employers with 100 or more employees, and are expected to provide businesses with a roadmap for reaching full vaccination.

In its forthcoming guidelines, OSHA is expected to address issues such as how contract workers will be counted, weekly testing for those who refuse vaccination and paid time off for workers to recuperate post-vaccine.

nora.mishanec@chron.com
The Department of Housing and Urban Development must provide families living in substandard subsidized housing with vouchers that will allow them to move elsewhere, according a Fifth Circuit ruling Wednesday. The decision has paved the way for tenants with HUD vouchers tied to a specific property to sue for a relocation voucher if the property fails inspection and is not remediated.

HUD issues vouchers that use subsidies to keep rent payments affordable to tenants, but while some vouchers allow tenants to choose where to live, other vouchers are tied to a specific property. As tenants in both Coppertree Village apartments in Houston and Sandpiper Cove apartments in Galveston have learned, the latter arrangement can trap families in unhealthy living conditions because theyll lose the vouchers that keep their housing affordable if they move elsewhere.

When Reba Jeffery moved into Coppertree Village four years ago, she said she was greeted by an apartment filled with mold. Even though the building has failed two HUD inspections and the department directed the landlord to bring the building up to par, she says her ceiling still leaks; in May, she was awoken by a bullet that crashed through her window and chipped her lamp. Though shaken, she could not afford to move if her voucher could not move with her.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Residents live with mold, sewage at low-income Galveston housing complex

All Im asking is that the courts would allow me to get my voucher and get out, Jeffery said. Im not asking anything else. I just want to get out and move. She said she was praying that the Fifth Circuit ruling would pave the way for that to happen.

In the decision, Judges Jacques Wiener and James Dennis said that a HUD rule about relocating families that HUD had interpreted as optional was in fact mandatory. The rule, which relates to housing subsidized by HUDs project-based vouchers, reads, If HUD notifies the owner that he/she has failed to maintain a dwelling unit in decent, safe, and sanitary condition, and the owner fails to take corrective action within the time prescribed in the notice (and) the family wishes to be rehoused in another dwelling unit, HUD shall provide assistance in finding such a unit for the family.

In a dissenting opinion, Judge Stuart Kyle Duncan said Wiener and Dennis had misread the regulation, and in doing so, had created a regime under which Section 8 tenants can, for the first time, sue landlords to force them to issue relocation vouchers This mistaken view will seriously disrupt the Section 8 program. Section 8 refers to HUDs voucher program, which is made possible by section 8 of the United States Housing Act, a law authorizing the government to pay rental housing assistance to private landlords on behalf of low-income families.

The Fifth Circuits ruling means that a suit brought against HUD by residents of Coppertree Village in 2018  dismissed by district court, which decided it did not have jurisdiction  now has the grounds to be heard. The case will now go back to district court.

This is great news, said Kimberly Brown, a lawyer at the nonprofit Lone Star Legal Aid representing the residents. But this doesnt mean that (tenants will) have a voucher in hand tomorrow.

Its a very important decision, agreed John Henneberger, co-director of the advocacy group Texas Housers. Because it gets at what has long been a major problem with severely distressed HUD-subsidized housing: That tenants end up getting trapped in places that are really not fit to live while HUD tries to get the landlord to fix the place up  a process that could take years, he said.

rebecca.schuetz@chron.com;

twitter.com/raschuetz
Some Texas colleges are seeing increases in enrollment, particularly among underrepresented groups, despite the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

The University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas A&M, Rice University, Houston Baptist universities, and the University of Texas at Austin all welcomed more students than last year, according to the colleges preliminary reports.

UT-Austin boasted its largest incoming class, with 9,060 first-time freshmen  a 7 percent increase from last year. Overall enrollment at UT also increased by 3 percent with 51,992 students  close to its all-time high of 52,261 in 2002, according to a news release.

Texas A&Ms enrollment increased by about 2.6 percent with 72,982 students on its first day of classes.

Rice saw an 8 percent increase in its overall enrollment and nearly a 5 percent increase in undergraduate students.

St. Thomas also welcomed its largest freshman cohort, with more than 380 students and, like other colleges, emphasized its diversity and inclusion within the student base.

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.

Of St. Thomas incoming students, 64 percent are Hispanic or Latino, further cementing the private Catholic school as a Hispanic Serving Institution. Around 11 percent are Asian American or Pacific Islander, 17 percent Caucasian, and nearly 10 percent Black, university officials said.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Enrollment at Houston-area colleges isnt what experts predicted

UT noted an increase of first-generation students by roughly 3 percent, which makes this population around 23 percent of all undergraduates. The university also enrolled more Hispanic students than last year, reaching 27.1 percent Hispanic undergraduate enrollment, and increased its international population by 13 percent, university data shows.

And while diversity has seemingly been at the forefront, the number of white students attending Texas colleges has decreased.

At UT, the number of white undergraduates dropped by 2 percentage points  from 37.3 percent to 35.1 percent this year. Rice saw its white graduate student population decrease by around 3 percent, while nearly every other population saw more students.

At Houston Community College, where Black and Hispanic or Latinx students enrolled at consistent rates, the white student population decreased around 8 percent. And at Prairie View A&M University, where enrollment grew by 1.5 percent, its white population decreased by 8 percent.

Daniel Villanueva, a higher ed scholar and practitioner, said the decline in white students at Texas institutions could be because many come from socioeconomic backgrounds that allow them to be more mobile and flexible in their college choices, whereas students from underrepresented communities might be more committed to familial responsibilities and jobs where they live and thus, choose to stay closer to home.

Fall 2021 preliminary enrollment growth Rice University: 8 percent University of St. Thomas: 7 percent Houston Baptist University: 4 percent UT-Austin: 3 percent San Jacinto College: 2 percent Texas A&M: 2.6 percent Prairie View A&M: 1.5 percent Lone Star College: decreased by less than 1 percent University of Houston: decreased by less than 1 percent Houston Community College: -2 percent See More Collapse

Villanueva is vice president of enrollment and management at the University of Houston-Downtown, and said UHDs population is also slowly but surely becoming more Hispanic and less white. At UHD, the Hispanic and Latinx population grew 1 percent over the past year and 7 percent since 2019, while the white population decreased by 9 percent since last fall alone.

Similarly, Houston Baptist University, which had its highest record of overall and freshman enrollment, saw a surge in Hispanic and Black students this fall, but a decrease in white students.

We see that more white students have options to go out-of-state and that more out-of-state institutions that are right around Texas offer in-state tuition waivers for students, Villanueva said. And so as white students navigate higher ed, theyre not only looking at the landscape exclusive to Texas but nationwide.

While this trend is more specific to Texas, the trend of increasing diversity  particularly among Hispanic and female students  is happening nationwide, Villanueva said.

Prairie View A&M data also showed that students are pursuing post-baccalaureate certificates and doctoral degrees at higher percentages this year, but that the number of sophomore students enrolled declined by about 90 people or 5 percent. The number of applicants and those admitted also decreased by more than 13 percent compared to last fall.

For other colleges, enrollment stayed flat or decreased only slightly.

Preliminary numbers at the University of Houston showed that its student population largely stayed the same, decreasing by just 70 students. Lone Star Colleges student population decreased by less than 1 percent.

HCC experienced a 2 percent decrease in overall enrollment  a positive sign considering enrollment dropped a whopping 17 percent last fall, said Shantay Grays, vice chancellor for student services.

The community college system has seen increases in other areas, including a 6 percent increase in new students and a 3 percent rise in enrollment in it its continuing education program, which hosts short-term training.

We attribute that the anticipation of reopening and allowing students to access those skilled labs that they need, she said. And returning students, who might have stopped during a previous semester, have also enrolled at a higher rate, she said.

But HCC is not letting its guard up.

The colleges dual credit enrollment program decreased 10 percent since last fall, a dip officials attribute to learning loss and some of the difficulties the Houston Independent School District has had engaging and accounting for its students.

Though its difficult to pinpoint all of the challenges that students might face, HCC has hired 45 admissions advisers as staff who will be embedded in high schools in areas HCC services, Grays said. Staff will help facilitate enrollment for dual-credit programs and engage previous students they might have lost during the pandemic.

brittany.britto@chron.com
Melina Abdullah built her own legacy in the world of social justice. She co-founded and led the Black Lives Matter Los Angeles chapter, and organized tirelessly in protest of racism and injustices while also pushing for the inclusion of ethnic studies in Californias K-12 schools and the states university system until it became a requirement.

As activist-in-residence at Prairie View A&M University, Abdullah now brings her skills and bona fides to Texas where shell teach and inspire a new generation of activists.

Prairie View A&M  the same historically Black university her late grandmother Maxine Minor Fowler attended  feels like a homecoming of sorts, she said  a chance to further step into her legacy and lineage as a Black educator.

I feel very honored to be able to uplift really what is the foundation of HBCUs, said Abdullah in a call from London Wednesday. After all, she added  HBCUs, ethnic studies and Black studies are all meant to be tied with organizing.

The award-winning activist and scholar will teach virtually this fall and in-person starting in February. Her role as activist-in-residence is to educate students on social movements like Black Lives Matter, the life of a scholar, activist and organizer, and how to engage a community.

I look forward to grounding students in a tradition that ties intellectual work to justice struggle. I hope to tie them to the long history of the Black freedom struggle, to expose them to justice warriors who walked before them, to deepen their sense of linked fate, to give them tools that enable them to do meaningful work in the world, she said in a written statement.

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.

Abdullahs goal, she said, will be to help students assess Black community demands and their role in advancing those demands.

We dont come from an ivory tower, she said. We come out of a demand for authentic education of Black people. Ethnic studies is tied to demands of a community.

RACIAL JUSTICE: Prairie View A&M to launch a race and justice center in wake of George Floyd death

Abdullah graduated from Howard University, an HBCU in Washington, D.C., earned her graduate and doctoral degrees in political science from the University of Southern California, and now serves as a professor at California State University-Los Angeles.

Her residency, one particularly unique to Texas colleges, represents Prairie Views clear investment and commitment to educating its students about social movements and the Black experience, she said.

What Prairie View is doing is doubling down on the role of HBCUs, which is not just about training black students for jobs or integrating them into a world that already exists, Abdullah said. Black colleges and universities should also be training Black students to recognize their special role in Black liberation.

HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES: A history of funding failures at Texas HBCUs

Prairie View A&M President Ruth Simmons announced a new Center for Race and Justice last year in a heartfelt letter to the universitys community. The public outrage, riots, marches and uprisings in Houston and in cities around the country in response to George Floyds death needed a proactive response, she said. The center, now named for Simmons, includes Abdullahs residency as well as a writer-in-residence program held by lauded African American poet Nikki Giovanni.

The university, which has educated Black youth and professionals since 1876 and through the era of Jim Crow, is no stranger to activism. Generations of its students have battled against voter suppression in Waller County, where the university is located.

The world has been cracked wide open by the spirits of George Floyd, Sandra Bland, Breonna Taylor, and so many others, Abdullah said. We cant just say their names without doing the work in their honor.

Giovanni, who is also assuming her position virtually, is hosting talks and masterclasses with students, who can submit their writing to her.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Texas Southern, Prairie View bands to battle it out on Labor Day weekend

Its really a great moment to be on the campus. There are lots of people coming in with whom students  outside of the normal structure  feel (freer) to express themselves, said Melanye Price, the director of the Simmons Center and an endowed professor of political science.

She said Giovanni and Abdullahs residencies can make students think about how their education, both inside and outside of the classroom, and their passion for the community can translate into ones professional life.

You can have a whole career, a whole life where your job is to advocate for the communities that are important to you, Price said.

Price said choosing Abdullah for the activist-in-residence position was a natural one knowing her thorough resume and scholarship as both an activist, educator and political scientist.

Abdullah has been recognized for her work, earning YWCAs 2016 Racial Justice Award; the 2016 Fannie Lou Hamer Award for outstanding community service; the 2016 California Teachers Association Human Rights Award; and the 2015 Freedom Now Award.

What we need is someone who can help students form certain kinds of activism they might be interested in and to learn about movements important to them, Price said.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Prairie View A&M welcomes poet Nikki Giovanni as writer-in-residence

Abdullah said reading assignments will be a part of her teachings but said she realizes much of what students learn wont necessarily be found in a classroom or book.

We want to make sure that we are debunking the notion that people who change the world and people who advance Black freedom are somehow Messianic, she said. We want to make sure people who change the world heed their calling.

brittany.britto@chron.com
As stay-at-home orders rapidly reduced our worlds to our homes and our screens last year, one of the toughest challenges for many of us was that we couldnt safely gather in-person with our faith communities. No longer could we safely raise our hands in praise at Sunday worship, pray together in our mosques or sing with the cantor at Friday night Shabbat.

Yet the restrictions were necessary. The best way we could show up as people of faith was to not show up.

Most congregations in 2020 went virtual for at least a few months, if not longer, as a precaution, following the advice of public health experts who recommended avoiding large gatherings. Others, however, quickly pivoted back to in-person, sometimes maskless worship, and churches in Houston and elsewhere experienced outbreaks.

Proposition 3, on this years ballot, would enact a constitutional amendment barring any Texas jurisdiction from adopting any limits on religious services. The Texas Freedom to Worship Act, passed this year in the regular legislative session, after lawmakers, including all but three senators and all Republicans in the House and nearly half its Democrats, voted to forbid government officials from requiring churches to cancel or limit services when disaster strikes.

The idea was a bad one as a statute, and even worse as an amendment to the Texas Constitution, which would mean not even lawmakers could act to limit public worship in the face of a health emergency.

It could have severe unintended consequences, Rice University political scientist Mark Jones told us.

If state or local officials needed to close a church even temporarily due to fire damage or a nearby chemical spill, the congregation could simply refuse.

The amendment is also unnecessary. For decades, courts have recognized religious freedom, especially when it comes to freedom to worship as one chooses, as one of the U.S. Constitutions most powerful protections. The Supreme Court ruled in November, for instance, that New York Gov. Andrew Cuomos order limiting congregations to 10 or 25 worshippers in areas of New York City with high infection rates violated the First Amendment. As of April, the high court had ruled five consecutive times that Californias pandemic-related limits on religious services were illegal.

But even so, the court has never gone so far as saying that no state interests can ever justify limiting religious services in public. Some dangers are just too large, and restrictions sufficiently reasonable, for such a blanket approach to make sense. Many faith leaders agree, and spoke out last spring against the legislation.

More Information Election Day is Nov. 2. Early voting runs Oct. 18-29. More information on where and how to vote is at www.harrisvotes.com. See More Collapse

We understand the desire to gather as a faith community, especially in challenging times  but houses of faith are connected to the global neighborhood of humanity. Proposition 3 allows churches to disregard public health and ties the hands of officials trying to keep people safe. Texans should reject it this fall.
Regarding Abbott flips, aims to bar private businesses in Texas from requiring vaccines, (Oct. 11): The article lists several reasons why Abbott flipped his position but failed to include the major reason. That would be the fact that Biden is working on mandating businesses with more than 100 employees to require employees to be vaccinated or get regularly tested. Biden originally said he would not mandate vaccines but he flipped his position to now require them and Abbott is responding to that. Abbott is actually trying to protect the businesses from intrusion by the federal government. Many businesses such as Southwest Airlines only started implementing mandates in response to Bidens announcement. At least be brave enough to include the rest of the story even when that part does not fit your narrative.

Thomas McCaig, Katy

Banning COVID-19 vaccine mandates is one of the dumbest things this governor has ever done. As a lifelong Republican, I am deeply embarrassed.

Dr. C. Richard Stasney, Houston

Seems that Gov. Abbotts micromanaging of how businesses run their company is more socialism than free market. The Republicans are still trying so hard to be little Trumpettes that theyve lost any semblance of rationality in their rush to appease the extreme right.

This wont have any legal effect, but it will give those opposed to vaccines more slogans to scream at those trying to prevent a pandemic from spreading.

Good job, Governor. QAnon would be proud.

Bob Gayle, Houston

Spineless decisions

Regarding Prompted by Abbott challenger, Texas agency removes webpage with suicide hotline for LGBTQ youths, (Oct. 12): Abbott and our national, statewide and local legislators have become reactionary and transactional. They are no longer leading, but rather following whichever way the wind blows. A possible primary opponent for Abbott declares a website page inappropriate, a state agency drops it (At whose direction? we might ask). A small group of parents, or even one parent, doesn't like what books are available in the childrens school library and those books are banned.

School librarians are educated in what topics, and level of reading comprehension, will be appropriate for students of different ages. Presumably, employees of state agencies have the skills and education to know what information is needed by citizens, and how to appropriately reach that segment of the population.

Do these objectors not realize that there are multiple illegitimate sources that give incorrect, biased information? Do they want their children to get valid and valuable information, or just scroll through social media to see what's trending and what the Facebook experts say?

It's time to recognize that experts in their fields have value, deserve respect for their skills and should be given the opportunity to share their expertise.

Tierney Lancaster, Kingwood

Keep your eye on the ball

Regarding McClain: The remarkable improvement of Texans rookie QB Davis Mills, (Oct. 11): Davis Mills should not pay any attention to John McClains article. McClain has been noted to have done this for a number of former players who he then tosses into the garbage heap along with the praiseworthy article written just weeks or days before. So, Mr. Mills, read whatever you want to read, but do not blindly accept what John McClain writes , because his praise is rapidly fleeting.

Lawrence Keen, Pearland

Something needs to change

Regarding Editorial: Turner gives up wasteful housing project - but not his excuses, (Oct. 12): I was totally shocked (not) to read that there was mishandling and cost overruns in the city of Houston. This isn't new and we will pay for it. Back when Houston forcibly took over Kingwood we were assured that things would stay they same. We changed from groundwater to Lake Houston. My water bill went from $50 per month to $150. The list goes on. We need a change to honesty and hard work  not just in Houston, but in the state government.

Emily Murphy, Kingwood

Border security

Regarding Opinion: Biden's abusive and incoherent approach to Haitian migrants is all-too familiar, (Oct. 8): Much of the public was not outraged to see our mounted Border Patrol simply defending our border. There are no reins in sight in the photo threatening the trespassers. Horrific? No. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris jumping in and piling on was horrific. And now our Chronicle, too.

Back when, I thought that Donald Trumps border wall was a foolish idea, but maybe he was right after all. Check out Bret Baiers recent Fox News two-part interview with the former head of border security. Talk about horrific.

Chris Stauffer, Richmond
Free Facebook!

Not because I think the social media behemoth  worth about $930 billion, according to MacroTrends  is good for America. I'm not sure it is. But not every product has to be either "good for America" or "bad for America."

And not because I think the company is totally innocent of any wrongdoing. Given what we have learned over the decades about how mega-companies operate, it would not surprise me to learn that CEO Mark Zuckerberg and others who run Facebook made compromises, cut corners or pushed the envelope.

I rise in defense of Facebook because  having heard the recent testimony of Frances Haugen, former Facebook data scientist turned whistleblower, before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation  it's clear that much of the indictment is unfair, overblown and hypocritical.

Portions of Haugen's scathing attack on Facebook were pretty far-fetched. She went for broke, and often came up empty.

One of Haugen's best lines was: "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."

That's plausible. If money corrupts, then how corrupting do you suppose is Facebook's annual revenue of $86 billion?

I also found believable Haugen's accusation that "when Facebook is directly asked questions as important as how do you impact the health and safety of our children, they mislead and they choose to mislead and misdirect."

I cover politicians for a living. I've seen the dark side of human behavior. In some professions, "mislead" and "misdirect" are standard operating procedure.

Yet at other times during her testimony, Haugen careened off the rails. Like when she accused Facebook of aiming to "deepen divides, destabilize democracies, and make young girls and women feel bad about their bodies."

Facebook is dividing America? So we Americans  white and Black, immigrant and native, rich and poor  were getting along swimmingly until Zuckerberg turned his Harvard dorm room into Dr. Frankenstein's laboratory on the Charles River? Is that what happened?

And democracies are being destabilized from Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park, California? Haugen blamed the company for unrest in Ethiopia and Myanmar. So, in those tumultuous places, citizens are threatening to overthrow their government not because they're fed up with repressive policies but because someone posted something inflammatory on Facebook? That's convenient for foreign governments to claim if they want to duck responsibility for inspiring revolution.

And, yes, it's true that Facebook owns Instagram and evidence is mounting that the photo- and video-sharing site harms young girls and women by making them feel insecure about their bodies. A recent study found that three in 10 teenage girls said that Instagram made them feel worse about themselves.

I have two daughters (one teen and one preteen), and I am fairly certain that  if Instagram disappeared tomorrow  my girls would still be bombarded with images that make them feel bad about their bodies  in magazines, on television, in movies and on the internet. It's absurd to solely blame Facebook. The problem is much bigger than that.

Lastly, Haugen said the site "personalizes your feed for you."

The scoundrels! Imagine a company that finds out what customers want and then gives it to them. Whoever heard of such a thing? In fact, I once knew of an industry that didn't do this well. It used to put out a product called "newspapers."

Listening to Haugen's testimony, and the "amen" chorus on the Senate committee, I came away certain of three things:

 It's not Facebook's job to raise our kids. That's on us parents.

 The market should decide the fate of companies. If you don't like Facebook, don't use it.

 Politicians controlling speech in order to shake down companies for political contributions is always a bad idea.

Haugen thinks Facebook is like cigarettes. I think it's like sugary soft drinks  not necessarily good for us but still not something that the government should ban or break up.

The last thing Americans want is government decimating information. The political parties would take turns running roughshod over the public's right to know.

This issue shouldn't be so difficult. Politicians take care of those who take care of them. Republicans refuse to regulate guns, and Democrats are reluctant to censor Hollywood movies.

Elected officials should exercise the same restraint with Facebook and keep their hands off the site. If they don't, voters should "unfriend" them in the next election.

ruben@rubennavarrette.com.
Confederate General Patrick Cleburne, a Civil War leader known as The Stonewall of the West, never lived in Texas but has a city about half an hour from Fort Worth named after him. Here in Houston, his legacy finds its way to a street that is knotted on its eastern boundary with Scott Street, named for another Confederate soldier. On its western end is Main Street, not too far from the compound that once housed many of the citys Confederate loyalists. For many years, Patrick Cleburne has been celebrated through a street that bears his name, while the legacy of the Confederacy he supported died after it lost to the Union.

The campus of Texas Southern University, a historically Black university, is surrounded by these streets. There, Dr. Thomas F. Freeman, a legendary philosophy professor and debate coach, taught for over 70 years. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., along with thousands of Dr. Freemans other students, have fought to change the racist nods of the last century toward a more appropriate scream for America to be what its Declaration of Independence attests  that all men are created equal. Dr. Freeman will be recognized by the Texas Historical Commission with a historical marker in the coming months. His wonderful life, hard work and insistence on those he tutored and trained to climb to the top of the mountain should also be celebrated by renaming Cleburne Street to Dr. Thomas F. Freeman Avenue.

After I took on this campaign to rename Clerburnes street, I thought it fitting to read a little of his life story. What I found surprised me in part, but ultimately only strengthened my conviction that his name does not belong in its honored place on street signs in Houston.

Cleburne, unlike many of his military contemporaries, did not enslave men and women of African descent. General Robert E. Lee owned slaves; so did Confederate general and (later) Ku Klux Klan leader Nathan Bedford Forrest, Thomas Jefferson and several Supreme Court Justices on his shortlist also owned slaves.

In fact, Cleburne suggested freeing the whole of the enslaved population to allow them to fight for the Southern states and thus enlist their sympathies. However, Cleburne also declared that wise legislation would keep those same enslaved people who fought to help the Southern states win the war, unequal  largely maintaining the unequal antebellum relationship between whites and Blacks.

Cleburne migrated from Ireland, settled briefly in Ohio, and ended up in Helena, Ark.

When the question of secession reached its high point, Cleburne sided with the South because, according to him, this was the culture that adopted him, and he had great affection for the Southern philosophy. He joined the local militia and soon rose in the ranks to captain. Cleburne fought for the same ideals that the people who adopted him were fighting for  to stop the United States of America from depriving the people of the Confederate States of America from their rights to liberty and to continue, as the Confederate States Constitution of 1861 states, the institution of negro slavery as it now exists in the Confederate States.

Obviously, I never met Cleburne. But I did, and with great humility, meet Freeman. Born only a year after the pandemic of 1918, Freeman passed at the age of 100 a few months into the COVID-19 pandemic. In seven decades of teaching at TSU, he saw his debate teams claim eight first-place titles, 45 trophies and beat Harvard University and the University of Chicago. He was also called on by Denzel Washington to teach him the fine art of debating for his Golden Globe-nominated film The Great Debaters.

Cleburne Street saw the likes of political activists and U.S. Reps. Barbara Jordan, Mickey Leland and Senfronia Thompson leave Freemans classes and be forced to walk down a street that celebrates a man who promoted inequality of the races. Many of those students walked down Cleburne Street, on cement soaked in the remnants of racism, while fighting to rid Houston and America of discriminatory ideology.

You can help continue pushing the same boulder of progress that Freeman heaved up the mountain toward equality for all Americans by getting behind this campaign to change the name of Cleburne Street to Dr. Thomas F. Freeman Avenue. Call a friend who is a resident or property owner on Cleburne and encourage them to sign and send back the petition letters they have received in the mail. Call or write the mayor and your city councilperson and encourage their support. Its time we walk proudly along a street with a name whose legacy is more than worth celebrating.

James H. Ford Jr. is a native Houstonian and a visiting professor at Texas Southern University. He has published a biography of Dr. Thomas F. Freeman (The Peddlers Son: Dr. Thomas F. Freeman).
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Clarksburg Officials Reject Idea of Nonbinding Resolution on School's Future

CLARKSBURG, Mass.  School officials have rejected the idea of asking the community whether the school should close and merge with North Adams or try for another renovation project.

Superintendent John Franzoni had recommended a nonbinding resolution on the upcoming special election or at town meeting to take the temperature of the town.

He found no support from town or school officials, or from the teachers.

"At some point, you're going to have to make a decision, the options are running out," he told the School Committee on Tuesday.

Franzoni has been urging the community to make some hard decisions regarding the 60-year-old school, which is not fully accessible and no longer meets the state's educational and building standards.

The town four years ago rejected a building project that would have put it in debt for the next 50 years. Voters approved a half-million to address some urgent issues but that's now gone.

"I could easily just go forward and keep my head down, like everybody else has done for decades, but I just don't think that's the right thing for me to do," the superintendent said. "I'm just bringing this forward because that's just discussion. We can't keep kicking this down the road in Clarksburg because at some point it's going to come back and it's going to be a problem if we don't take actions."

North Adams is looking at a school project that will probably mean the closure of Greylock School and additions at Brayton School. This will be going out for a project manager and feasibility study in January. Franzoni said if a merger question was not on the special December election ballot, that option would be off the table by the May town election.

Cathy Howe, representing the Clarksburg Teachers Association, said the teachers did not support a ballot question on either regionalization or a project with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

"While we fully support the need to address issues with the school building and its repair," she read from a prepared statement, "as a membership we feel that a question regarding the MSBA should wait until town officials have had a chance to reconcile some of the financial backlog and is in a more stable place before asking town residents to consider another renovation project."

The town has been behind in closing its books on fiscal 2021 largely because of turnover in the finance offices. The school has raised the possibility of submitting another statement of interest with MSBA but Franzoni said the state agency would want to see there is community support after the last project was defeated.

He noted that a grant for an elevator was not likely and that the school in recent years has had both a staff member and a student using a wheelchair who could not access the cafeteria without having to go outside.

"That shouldn't be acceptable because nobody's complained about it," the superintendent said. "I would say to all the parents here, because almost everybody here is a parent of a child in this building, what if it was your child?"

School Committee member Cynthia Brule responded that the school may have to address one issue at a time and she "would be comfortable with my child being in a wheelchair being wheeled down there. That's my personal preference."

Franzoni said the state has been focusing strongly on equity in education and that while everyone is working hard to achieve that in Clarksburg, "if we don't address the issues in the building then we're not providing an equitable education for all students."

School officials agreed that at some point voters will have to be asked about continuing investment in the building. There's the issue of timing, said Chairwoman Laura Wood, who pointed out the school has asked the Finance Committee for an 8 percent increase.

"You're right, the town does have to make a decision at some point. I don't think anybody's in disagreement that there are building issues here that need to be addressed," said committee member Eric Denette. "We just need to get a better sense of what direction the residents want to move in with respect to a building project."

Principal Tara Barnes asked if the question should be whether the town wants to continue spending dollar for dollar on the building or pursue an MSBA project, which would pay a percentage of the costs.

"We got the $500,000 from the town  that's exhausted that's done, and that's dollar for dollar ... and, you know, we still have things on the punch list," she said. "Four years ago people were really reluctant to go for the whole project because they wanted ... what I heard was people wanting to piecemeal the projects."
MCLA Celebrates STEM Week with Virtual Programming

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  MCLA and the Berkshire STEM Network will offer virtual programming for local public school students, K-12 educators, and the general community during Berkshire County STEM Week (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) from Oct. 18-22.

A complement to the statewide STEM Week initiative, Berkshire County STEM Week's theme is "See Yourself in STEM." Free and open to the public, the week will feature a series of unique virtual panels, workshops, speakers, tours and information about opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math in the Berkshires and beyond.

Pittsfield Community Television (PCTV) will be the platform host for the week's series of events. Community members can access programming on cable access or at www.pittsfieldtv.org. See a full program schedule at www.mcla.edu/stemweek

Each day of Berkshire STEM Week is theme-based and is robust in part due to the partners in the Berkshire County STEM network.

Monday, Oct. 18: Food, Farming and Sustainability with contributing programming sessions from Berkshire Grown: "How to Keep Farmers Farming"; fall owling with Williams College; organic agriculture by Full Well Farm; and a LIVE Zoom session with the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

Tuesday, Oct. 19: Careers in STEM with programs in building trades, nursing, mental health and design technology.

Wednesday, Oct. 20: STEM in Business, with sessions from Berkshire Innovation Center partners.

Thursday, Oct. 21: STEM Education, with programs from Flying Cloud Institute, the Berkshire Museum, MCLA, BCC, and Williams, as well as the MassHire Berkshire Career Centers Virtual Job Fair from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Employment opportunities include STEM and manufacturing careers as well as internships and jobs for youth. The program also will have educational resources. An in-person STEM Cafe will be hosted in the Connector at BCC.

The week will also include all three episodes of "Project Frontline" by Boyd Studios, an Internship and Job Information Session by General Dynamics for MCLA and BCC students, a STEM Education panel hosted by the Berkshire Innovation Center with educators and students, and in-person STEM family programs at the Berkshire Museum on Oct. 23. The Flying Cloud Institute will also offer STEM art kits for families participating in Berkshire STEM Week.
Name: Paul Baird

Organisation: Qualys

Job title: Chief Technology Security Officer UK

Date started current role: February 2021

Location: Midlands, UK

Paul Baird is a 20+ year IT veteran who migrated to cybersecurity six years ago. Baird previously built a security programme from scratch at a FTSE 250 company, and later accepted the challenge of building an entirely new SOC function for luxury automotive manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover. Now at Qualys as their Chief Technical Security Officer for the UK and North EMEA, he helps to drive the Qualys vision with customers and partners at C-level. Baird prides himself on leading by example and enjoys the people aspect of cybersecurity.

What was your first job? I was a systems administrator for Elonex, who were one of the biggest PC manufacturers in the UK at the time. I was 23 years old at the time when I took the bus down from Scotland to London for an interview to work on the PC manufacturing line, but came away with a role in the IT department instead. This was my first exposure to business IT (NT 3.51, Novell 3.12 / 4.11, Exchange 5.5, SCO Unix) and the start of my IT journey. This was a fantastic time in my life and gave me a good insight into enterprise IT, but I also quickly learnt that working in London full-time wasnt for me.

How did you get involved in cybersecurity? While working in the hosting world as an infrastructure engineer, I had the opportunity to support and work closely with the security teams. It was during this time that I realised that I wanted to move into cybersecurity full time.

What was your education? Do you hold any certifications? What are they? I did my Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Computer Science and later joined Stirling University to study for my computer science degree. After two years of muddling through, I realised that learning via books was not for me and so I left knowing that I needed to learn in a more practical way. I did however pass my CISCO ICND1 (now expired) and have the obligatory ITIL v3 and GDPR practitioner certifications.

Explain your career path. Did you take any detours? If so, discuss. I had a brief detour in my career when I left University. While studying, I had become a manager at McDonalds part-time and briefly thought that this could be a good career path for me to pursue full-time. I have spent years regretting that decision as I felt that it was a waste of time, but now I realise that it taught me a number of lessons and skills around people management that have all been incredibly valuable in my subsequent IT and security roles. After that, I got my first job in IT in 1998 and I havent left since.

Was there anyone who has inspired or mentored you in your career? Sadly no, I havent had an inspirational mentor throughout my career. I have however seen a number of managers and senior colleagues who werent always that supportive of their team, so I quickly learnt exactly who I didnt want to be when the time came for me to manage my own team.

Thankfully, not all my managers were like this. In particular, Chris Pearce, CIO of Vistry Group, was my first C-Level boss and was very conscious of always looking after and protecting his team which made the role at Bovis Homes (now Vistry Group) really enjoyable. This was my first experience of a people-first approach, and something Ive always tried to replicate when managing my own teams.

What do you feel is the most important aspect of your job? For a more traditional definition of a CISO/CTSO role, I believe leadership is a vital aspect of the job. The ability to lead a team effectively in such a high pressure and often under-resourced environment is so important, yet there isnt anywhere near enough focus on the soft skills required for this position.

Whereas in my current role, I dont have a team to manage and so have to be fairly self-sufficient. As a result, its vital for me to ensure Im always up to date with the latest news, incidents and ideas in the industry so Im constantly reading to further my knowledge.

What metrics or KPIs do you use to measure security effectiveness? Its fairly standard, but the KPIs Im interested in are around Mean Time to Detect (MTTD) and Mean Time to Recovery (MTTR). I often hear many security professionals boasting about their coverage achievements in 90-100 percentage terms, but this can be a misleading statistic if your visibility isnt at 100 percent too. Whats important is that organisations achieve full visibility of all of their assets first, and then work on securing them all. If you dont have 100 percent visibility, you dont have 100 percent coverage either.

Is the security skills shortage affecting your organisation? What roles or skills are you finding the most difficult to fill? The security skills shortage is affecting every organisation, and I hear this exact issue from the Qualys customers that Im working closely with on a weekly, or daily basis. The problem however is not just recruiting staff, but retaining them too. When IT and security are often such a high pressure yet seriously under-resourced environments to work in, many staff experience burnout and choose to leave in order to protect their mental and physical health. Secondly, as a direct result of the supply and demand issue, employers just keep increasing the size of remuneration packages to poach staff from other organisations, which negatively impacts smaller organisations who cant afford to keep up.

Cybersecurity is constantly changing  how do you keep learning? Every spare minute I have during each day, Im constantly checking the leading industry news sites to keep up to date with the latest developments.

What conferences are on your must-attend list? Id encourage any security professional to attend Black Hat, RSA and InfoSecurity.

What is the best current trend in cybersecurity? The worst? The worst trend is artificial intelligence (AI), but only because its often hailed as the technology that will save the cybersecurity crisis were currently facing. AI is a powerful tool and will be of immense value to organisations, but it wont save the day entirely. For that reason Id also say that the best trend is AI, providing were realistic about the value it does offer. With infrastructures growing in complexity and size and security teams struggling with information overload, AI can really come into its own to help us analyse and manipulate vast amounts of information in real-time and cut out the noise that often bogs down security teams.

What's the best career advice you ever received? A previous manager once shared the advice with me that if youre not happy, leave, which is incredibly simple but also quite powerful to remind people of their ability to change a situation if its no longer satisfying them. Thankfully their comment was not directed at me, but I agree that the worst thing anyone can do is to sit and fester in a job that theyre no longer happy in as theyll become miserable and bring down everyone around them.

What advice would you give to aspiring security leaders? Treat your staff as human beings, not as tools. If a security leader can get to know their team both personally and professionally, theyll be in a stronger position to support them moving forwards whatever arises.

Id also suggest that they should closely align themselves and their objectives to the business. This might seem like generic advice but its often very difficult to achieve in practice. Make sure your work is understood by a non-technical audience and that it is in support of the overarching business goals.

What has been your greatest career achievement? There have been a number of achievements throughout my career to date, but the biggest was reaching C-level, as this is something I always aspired for. From my childrens perspective, taking part in a podcast elevated my status in the house to best Dad ever.

Looking back with 20:20 hindsight, what would you have done differently? I wish I had moved into cybersecurity a lot sooner than I did. I had a few opportunities to do so about 20 years ago, but at the time it was a little known job, so I chose to stay working in infrastructure engineering for longer than Id now have liked.
The Chinese government has proposed new directives that seek to prohibit private enterprises from investing in and operating media organisations in the country. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is concerned that the authorities plan will further suppress the already restricted media environment in China.

On October 8, Chinas National Development and Reform Commission, the countrys top economic regulator, revealed the draft negative list for market access in 2021, which lays out areas where investment is prohibited or restricted in China.



In practice, private enterprises are not permitted to invest in areas on the list designated as prohibited and are required to obtain prior official approval to do so in those listed as restricted. The commission said it is seeking public opinion on the draft until October 14.



According to the commissions plan, non-state capital will be banned from engaging in activities such as newsgathering, editing, broadcasting, and distribution. Private companies will not be permitted to invest in establishing or operating news organisations, including news agencies, newspaper publishing houses, radio and television stations, and news websites, nor will they be allowed to run the social media accounts of those organisations.



The plan forbids private investors from funding livestreaming events, forums and awards selection activities in the field of journalism and public opinion. The introduction of news released by overseas entities through private capital will also be halted. In its previous list, issued in 2020, Beijing set entry limits on internet-based news outlets funded by private companies.

The IFJ said: The Beijing authorities plan to outlaw privately funded news services contradicts its claims of developing an open market and will further stifle a media industry already gripped by state censorship. The IFJ expresses deep concern over the impact the proposed rules may have on Chinas media industry and urges the Chinese government to respect freedom of the press.
Chinese blogger and former journalist, Luo Changping, has been detained over his social media remarks that were deemed inappropriate by authorities. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) urges the Chinese authorities to release Luo and drop all charges against him.

On October 7, Luo, who previously served as the deputy editor-in-chief of Beijing-based economic magazine Caijing, was summoned by a public security bureau in Sanya, a city in Chinas Hainan Province, and later placed under detention.



According to the police notice, Luo was accused of defaming heroes and martyrs because he referred to Chinese soldiers depicted in a recently released war propaganda film, The Battle at Lake Changjin, as ignorant. The comments were posted to Weibo, Chinas Twitter-like platform, on October 6.



Luo came under fire for his remarks, with several state media outlets criticising Luo for casting a smear on deceased war heroes. On October 7, Luo apologised for the comments, describing them erroneous and acknowledging that they may have been offensive. His Weibo account has since been suspended. China has a history of quashing dissent by coercing journalists to publicly confess or apologise for actions against the state.



Luo, 40, has previously worked with China Business Herald and The Beijing News, and currently runs a legal consultancy firm. In 2013, he was awarded the Integrity Award by the non-governmental organisation Transparency International in recognition of his courage to expose corruption.

The IFJ said: As the state of press freedom in China continues to deteriorate, this detainment is yet another example of the state punitively censoring free speech within the digital sphere. The IFJ urges the Chinese authorities to release Luo Changping and allow journalists and all Chinese citizens the fundamental right to express their opinion.


Tensions increased in the Northern part of Kosovo after police undertook an anti-smuggling operation in Mitrovica on 13 October. Several journalists covering the riots, as well as citizens and police officers, were attacked by protesters. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joined its affiliates in Kosovo AGK in condemning all violent attacks against journalists and calling on the authorities to ensure their protection.

During the clashes, journalists from the local Kosovo Serb language media, KoSSev, reported threats and attacks against them, after which they decided to remove the journalists from the field. In particular, Ivan Mitic was approached by protesters on several occasions and prevented from filming events on the street under the threat that they would erase the footage and confiscate his phone.

Other journalists working for T7, Klan Kosova, RTV Dukagjini, ATV, Kanal 10 and BIRN were attacked and obstructed while performing their duties. The BIRN team reported that they were chased by protesters and had Molotov cocktails thrown at them. A video of a Kanal 10 live broadcast shows an explosive device thrown a few meters away from the journalist.

According to media reports, several journalists of different Albanian media were also targeted in North Mitrovica. It was also reported that protesters chased journalists with cars.

Xhemajl Rexha, president of the Board of the Association of Journalists of Kosovo, said that AJK is alarmed with what our colleagues had to go through today.

He added: Reporting from riots and tensions in the north of Kosovo is always difficult, but today journalists and media operators from both Albanian and Serbian language media were attacked and pressured by local protesters. As their lives were put in danger during the time of reporting, we called urgently on Kosovo Police to protect them. AJK is in close contact with authorities to ensure a safe environment for journalists to do their work.
It is common knowledge that the current health crisis, first detected in December of 2019, has drastically changed multiple aspects of human lives globally and in Asia Pacific (APAC). One of its most evident aftermaths is the significant uptick of digital payment adoption in the region.

Several reports have already put the numbers to prove this trend, but how about its tangible effects on the cybersecurity landscape of the financial sector?

After analyzing the historical data from Kaspersky Security Networks (KSN), Vitaly Kamluk, Director of Global Research & Analysis Team (GReAT) for APAC at Kaspersky, discovered that the increased cashless payments in APAC have paralleled the rise of banking Trojans in the region.

Even before COVID-19, Asia Pacific has always been one of the leaders in digital payment adoption, driven by developed countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and even India. This pandemic extended the use of this technology significantly further  particularly in still emerging economies in Southeast Asia and South Asia. As we all know, the lockdown restrictions forced everyone to shift their financial transactions online. But now, after analyzing the historical figures we have on financial threats, I also learned that there was another outbreak that started in early 2019 in APAC  banking Trojans, says Kamluk.

Banking Trojans are one of the most dangerous species in the malware world. To put it simply, they are used to steal money from users bank accounts.

The goal of this malware is either to obtain access credentials or one-time passwords to online bank accounts or to manipulate the user and hijack control for the live online banking session from the legitimate owner.

Due to the uptick of online payment usage and the still-needing-improvement consumer attitudes towards protecting their devices, banking Trojan is among the most impactful malware for home users.

A decade long historical data analysis from KSN showed that South Korea was among the pioneer countries in APAC that suffered from banking Trojans throughout 2011-2012. However, since 2013 it showed significantly low relative numbers of infections and currently is at the bottom of the list of banking Trojans infected countries in the region.

Most of other developed countries show low statistics of banking Trojans detection too, while developing countries seem to have become and remain a hot spot for the criminals since 2019.

Banking Trojans were not the biggest concern of many countries in APAC until 2019 when an outbreak of infections appeared in multiple countries at once. From then on there was no looking back. Our telemetry shows that this malicious threat has grown in terms of detections and reach. We see that it will continue to pose a significant threat to both financial organizations and individuals here as we continue to see more users and startups dipping their feet into the digital payments field, adds Kamluk.

In terms of regional distribution, the Philippines logged the highest number of unique users attacked in APAC at 22.26% of all banking Trojans discovered in the region, followed by Bangladesh (12.91%), Cambodia (7.16%), Vietnam (7.04%), and Afghanistan (7.02%).

Kamluk also listed the types of financial threat actors, based on an analysis of almost 300 publicly reported financial sector cyber-incidents since 2007. These include:

Non-state actors (cybercriminals)  individuals or criminal groups seeking personal gains and illegal profit. Often interested in unauthorized access to sensitive payment processing systems, ATM networks, but also running blackmailing after DDoS or ransomware attack. The result of such attacks are either disruption of business operations or money theft.

 individuals or criminal groups seeking personal gains and illegal profit. Often interested in unauthorized access to sensitive payment processing systems, ATM networks, but also running blackmailing after DDoS or ransomware attack. The result of such attacks are either disruption of business operations or money theft. State-sponsored  organized skilled hackers, more likely on a payroll. Their job is to sneak behind enemy lines at other nations sensitive networks to map assets, install malicious backdoors, and even to conduct massive financial heists in some cases.

 organized skilled hackers, more likely on a payroll. Their job is to sneak behind enemy lines at other nations sensitive networks to map assets, install malicious backdoors, and even to conduct massive financial heists in some cases. Insiders  a day in the office of these threat actors involves stealing corporate intellectual property, either to resell for personal profit or to further the objectives of the nation-state that employs them.

 a day in the office of these threat actors involves stealing corporate intellectual property, either to resell for personal profit or to further the objectives of the nation-state that employs them. Multiple actors  a combination of the abovementioned types.

 a combination of the abovementioned types. Unknown  this is not an attacker type by itself, it simply includes all cases where it wasnt clear who was behind the attack.

The proportion of the unknown has grown over time, which is an alarming trend. With the growth of the number of attacks, there seems to be an alarming trend of financial institutions becoming less and less capable of identifying who attacked them. The unknown, unidentified threat actors were behind 60% of the attacks in 2020, but this number will likely grow up to 75% this year, he says.

To better secure companies and individuals against these known and unknown cybercriminals, Kamluk shares the following reminders:

For financial organizations and enterprises, in general:

Defend your perimeter with reliable vendor

Run cybersecurity drills

Verify your supply chain software

Monitor the latest trends and attacks

Motivate staff to report suspicious findings and contacts

For individuals:
Electronic payments, one of the key pillars of the digital economy, has helped enhance the economic and social wellbeing of billions of people globally, especially during this pandemic time. Closer to home, the Asia Pacific (APAC) region is the largest contributor to global payments revenue, with analysts expecting the sector to exceed USD $1 trillion revenue by 2022 or 2023.

Global firms 7th Cybersecurity Weekend deep dives into the attitudes, habits of the increasing online payment users in the region

With the rapid proliferation and adoption of digital payments here, industry players in this dynamic ecosystem are clearly playing a high stakes game, expanding aggressively into multiple markets with creative marketing solutions in the hope that every single click would represent a small but significant step towards market domination.

To better understand the pulse of digital payment adopters from the region and this trends security implications, Kaspersky today holds a virtual media conference themed Marking the money movement in APAC.

The global cybersecurity company aims to explore the rising e-money adoption and to deep dive into the cyberthreats that come with it through topline presentations from Kasperskys elite researchers and an industry expert. The companys executives will also join the session with journalists from the 12 countries in the region.

The surging demand for digital payments has transformed the way we transact both online and offline. Businesses are now digitalizing their operations to capture additional revenue through digital payments, while consumers are heavily reliant on it due to the ease and convenience it offers. It is clear that the demand for quick, efficient and low-cost payment experiences will encourage further innovation in this space, and we are seeing that happening with the emergence of real-time payment rails, comments Chris Connell, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky.

To zero in on the New Generation of Financial Attacks", one of Kasperskys elite researchers, Vitaly Kamluk, will also explain how targeted financial attacks look today, who is the main target and how big is the scale of the theft.

Kamluk, Director of Global Research & Analysis Team (GReAT) for APAC at Kaspersky, takes the audience back to the infamous Bangladesh Bank Heist attributed to an APT group named BlueNoroff ---believed to be the financial subdivision of a larger Lazarus gang that conducts traditional cyberespionage.

He also expands on how this group has evolved since the headline-grabbing heist and now focuses on the rising value of cryptocurrency.

Even years after the Bangladesh Bank Heist incident, SWIFT, commercial banks and the rest of financial industry were carefully tracking BlueNoroff compromises and money theft of less protected banks around the globe. Due to a lot of attention over long time, BlueNoroff became less and less successful in their operations, which also required a lot of additional efforts for money laundering and covering their traces. This is when they started turning their heads to cryptocurrency, which price has also skyrocketed, says Kamluk.
Sony Electronics Inc. announced the newest lens in their G Master lineup  the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II, which delivers an extraordinary combination of resolution and bokeh as well as unequalled AF (autofocus) performance known to Sonys G Master design.

Sonys Newest G Master Lens Features Superb Resolution and Bokeh with Next-generation AF Performance in the Worlds Lightest Large-aperture Telephoto Zoom Lens

Sony is always listening to our customers. Thanks to feedback from users around the world, including leading professionals, Sony continues to develop and evolve the G Master lineup. The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II is lightweight and offers outstanding handling in any shooting situation, said Yasufumi Machitani, General Manager, Digital Imaging Division, Sony Electronics Asia Pacific. The newest addition to our G Master series will make a perfect telephoto addition to any creators kit who is looking to maximize their gear potential for both stills and video.

Designed to perfectly pair with Sonys E-mount camera bodies, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II not only offers outstanding optical quality and advanced AF performance, but it is the lightest1 F2.8 70-200 mm zoom in the world to allow for unprecedented shooting flexibility and freedom. Sony continues to strengthen the Alpha System with this newest addition to the broadest selection of mirrorless lenses on the market as the 65th lens in its E-mount lens lineup.

New Levels of Performance

The new FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II delivers outstanding image quality with high resolution and clarity. Users can expect a clean and clear image from corner-to-corner throughout the entire zoom range, even when the lens is wide open. Thanks to the two aspherical lens elements, including one XA (extreme aspherical) element manufactured to 0.01-micron surface precision, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II effectively controls distance-related aberration variations to ensure outstanding resolution throughout the image area.

The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II also employs two ED (extra-low dispersion) spherical glass elements and two Super ED spherical glass elements to significantly reduce chromatic aberration without color bleeding. This lens also includes an ED aspherical element for the first time in an Alpha system lens, which simultaneously suppresses chromatic and spherical aberration, common issues in other telephoto lenses.

Smooth, beautiful bokeh is made possible by a large F2.8 maximum aperture and a newly developed 11-blade circular aperture unit. In addition, the lens advanced optical design including XA elements thoroughly suppresses the unwanted onion ring effect further enhancing the bokeh. The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II also offers excellent close-up performance with deep bokeh. The minimum focusing distance is 15.7 inches (0.4 meters) at 70 mm and 32.3 inches (0.82 meters) at 200 mm. Maximum magnification achieves 0.3x. Moreover, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II can be easily paired with a high-performance 1.4x or 2.0x teleconverter3 to extend the lens focal length to 400 mm at an F5.6 aperture, all while maintaining its G Master quality.

To avoid any unwanted flare and ghosting in tricky lighting conditions, Sonys original Nano AR Coating II produces a uniform anti-reflection coating on the surface of the lens. In addition, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS IIs optical design also effectively suppresses internal reflections to improve clarity.

Industry-leading Autofocus

The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS IIs state-of-the-art lens technology brings out the best in the advanced camera body it is paired with. The new lens uses four Sony-original XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors for extraordinary fast and precise AF, making it up to approximately 4 times2 faster and focus tracking improved by 30% when compared to the previous model2. When paired with Sonys flagship Alpha 1, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II is capable of high-speed continuous shooting at up to 30 fps. Superb AF tracking is also available even when using a teleconverter. For video, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II offers smooth and quite AF to reliably lock in focus and track fast moving subjects even while zooming so the user can leave the focusing to the camera.

Advanced Features for Video

With its constant F2.8 maximum aperture, astounding AF performance, versatile control, and solid reliability, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II is a perfect choice for video. The new lens was designed to dramatically reduce focus breathing, focus shift, and axis shift when zooming so that there is minimal unwanted image movement and angle of view variations.

For easy video-use operation, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II features independent control rings for focus, zoom, and aperture (iris), allowing precise manual operation. The aperture ring also has a click ON/OFF switch. Additionally, Sonys Linear Response MF ensures responsive, low-lag manual focus control. The supplied lens hood also features an opening that allows convenient operation of circular polarizing filters or variable ND filters for more creative flexibility.

Designed for Professionals

The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II is the worlds lightest1 F2.8 telephoto zoom lens and is approximately 29% lighter than previous model, weighing just under 37 oz (1,045g). In addition to its light weight, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II was designed for professionals to offer an ideal balance without front-heaviness, ensuring that the lenss center of gravity falls directly above the tripod mount. It also features internal zoom to keep the center of gravity constant.

The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II has been specifically designed for professional based on their direct feedback. The new lens includes focus functions to support the users professional needs such as Full-time DMF, natural and linear manual focus response and a focus-range limiter switch. The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II also includes three customizable focus hold buttons that are provided 90 apart for easy access and convenient control when shooting in horizontal or vertical orientation, and just about any angle.

The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II features both a click ON/OFF switch and an iris lock switch for quick, flexible aperture control. The aperture ring click stops can be turned ON to provide tactile feedback when shooting stills, or OFF for smooth, silent aperture control when shooting movies. In addition, the zoom ring torque is optimized and now includes image stabilization with MODE 3 for moving subjects.

The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II is designed to be reliable in even the most challenging environments. It features dust and moisture resistance equal to the FE 400 mm F2.8 GM OSS and FE 600 mm F4 GM OSS, based on feedback from professionals. The front lens element features a fluorine coating that repels water, oil, and other contaminants, while making it easier to wipe off any contaminants or fingerprints that do become attached to the lens surface.

Availability

The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II will be available in the Philippines soon. For a full list of specs and information, please visit www.sony.com.ph/electronics/camera-lenses/sel70200gm2

Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II and Sony's other imaging products can be found at www.sony-asia.com/alphauniverse/home, a site created to educate and inspire all fans and customers of Sony  - Alpha brand.

A product video on the new FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II can be viewed here.
For video marketing agency Movers+Shakers, TikTok is more than a place for internet memes; it's a source for potential new company talent. Movers+Shakers has long accepted job applications via the app. Users tagged the agency in public videos where they described their personal qualifications, showed off past content, and made the case for why they would be a good fit for the company. (One user even set up a whole account dedicated to Movers+Shakers, posting a series of videos to showcase their talents.)

Over the summer, TikTok formalized this process with a program called TikTok Resumes. For four weeks in July, the Gen-Z-centric video-sharing app invited more than 70 million U.S. users to apply for jobs at companies like Chipotle, Shopify, and the Detroit Pistons.

Users posted TikToks listing their qualifications to their public profile with the hashtag #TikTokResumes. And, because this is TikTok, plenty of video resumes also featured a dose of trending music and internet culture.

TikTok made the jobs searchable by company name, location, and experience level, similar to sites like Indeed or Monster.com. Enterprising recruiters could also seek out publicly posted resumes using the app's search function. Videos posted with the official #TikTokResumes hashtag have amassed more than 349 million views, and TikTok is currently exploring a second phase of the program.

Want to broaden your talent search to include video resumes? Here's what you need to know about how best to use them.

1. Identify applicants with "soft" skills like creativity and social media savvy.

Unlike traditional 8.5"x11" paper resumes, video applications can give you a tangible sense of how candidates approach tasks like social media and content development.

When Movers+Shakers participated in the pilot program, CEO Evan Horowitz says he kept an ear out for applicants following the latest trends. "When someone can use a trending song or storytelling device that's currently going viral on the platform and turn that into a resume, that's impressive," he says. Movers+Shakers has recruited multiple employees on the basis of TikTok video applications, although it did not hire anyone during the pilot period.

2. Check whether candidates fit your company culture.

TikTok's resume feature is only available to users with public accounts, giving recruiters a chance to explore applicants' profiles. Checking social media posts can give you insights as to whether a candidate shares your values or fits with your company's culture. It can also expose some red flags, which may save you a headache down the line.

Scholarship platform Bold.org received dozens of applications during the Resumes pilot program, and growth director Elisha Singh-Kramer says they did check out applicants' profiles. "You can tell pretty quickly if somebody carries the same system of beliefs that drives the success of your business," she adds.

3. Build your brand.

Hiring on the platform is a new way to go viral. The Detroit Pistons used the program to drum up publicity by hiring an intern for rapper Big Sean. The campaign drew scores of applications, and each application broadcast the job opening to other users.

Hiring through TikTok also could be a useful way to seek out employees with a broad social reach. "We have a lot of normal employees who also have very significant social followings on TikTok or Instagram, some in the hundreds of thousands of followers," says Horowitz. "So they moonlight as an influencer while they also work on their day job with us." These side-hustling employees double as brand ambassadors and help Movers+Shakers expand its digital footprint, which already boasts more than 150 billion views on TikTok alone.

4. Find a new pool of potential hires.

TikTok's demographics skew younger, with nearly 50 percent of users below the age of 30. As Gen-Z students start to graduate from college, TikTok's native hiring interface offers an opportunity to meet them on their home turf.
STACK Infrastructure (STACK), a digital infrastructure partner to many of the worlds most innovative companies, today announced its international expansion to the Asia Pacific region with the opening of its Singapore regional headquarters.

STACK is sponsored by IPI Partners (IPI), a global investment platform with more than $5.25 billion in total equity commitments specializing in acquiring, developing, leasing, and operating critical digital infrastructure assets to serve the needs of large, high-quality technology companies globally.

STACK intends to initially target Tokyo and Osaka, with plans to enter Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Australia, and other Asia Pacific markets shortly thereafter, through a combination of acquisitions and organic development in partnership with landowners and real estate platforms.

In connection with the expansion, IPI and STACK are pleased to announce that Pithambar (Preet) Gona has joined STACK as Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific to lead the execution of the companys growth strategy in the region. Mr. Gona previously served as the President, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Investment Officer of Bridge Data Centres, which merged with ChinData Holdings. Prior to Bridge Data Centres, Mr. Gona was a Managing Director at Blackstone where he was responsible for the firms private equity operations in Southeast Asia.

Tom Duncan also recently joined STACK Asia Pacific and will lead business development, further extending STACKs unique partnership model with landowners and other real estate platforms in order to strengthen customer relationships in the region. Mr. Duncan was previously an Executive Director at CBRE where he implemented data center technology solutions in Asia Pacific, developing site selection expertise and customer relationships over his 13-year tenure.

The executive team will be based in Singapore with local development professionals already hired in key target markets.

The launch of STACK Asia Pacific represents an exciting milestone in the evolution of our company, said Brian Cox, Chief Executive Officer of STACK. We are committed to building out international markets that are strategic to our customers, and our expansion to Asia Pacific is a natural next step in offering flexible critical infrastructure solutions that meet and support their complex and evolving requirements. We are pleased to welcome Preet, a proven leader in the industry, to our team and look forward to benefitting from his local investment, development, and operating expertise.

STACK has proven itself as a trusted partner to hyperscale and enterprise customers through its innovative technical solutions and commercial models. I am excited by the opportunity to leverage STACKs tremendous success in North America, which we look to replicate in the Asia Pacific region, said Mr. Gona. Our focus is on building a world class team by being an employer of choice in the industry and assisting our customers in navigating the unique development and operating challenges in the region.

Matt AHearn, Partner at IPI, commented, We have a great opportunity to further build on STACKs success with this expansion and we are confident that STACKs industry leading platform, together with Preets leadership and experience in the region is a winning combination. IPI is committed to investing in Asia Pacific and to addressing our customers growing need for digital infrastructure around the world.

ABOUT STACK INFRASTRUCTURE

STACK provides digital infrastructure to scale many of the worlds most innovative companies. With a client-first approach, the company delivers a comprehensive suite of wholesale build-to-suit, colocation, and powered shell solutions in the United States, Canada and Asia Pacific. With robust existing and flexible expansion capacity in the leading availability zones, STACK offers the scale and geographic reach that rapidly growing hyperscale and enterprise companies need. The world runs on data. And data runs on STACK.

ABOUT IPI PARTNERS

IPI Partners specializes in acquiring, developing, leasing, and operating critical digital infrastructure assets to serve the needs of large, high-quality technology companies globally. Over the past five years, IPI has built one of the largest privately held hyperscale and enterprise data center portfolios in the world with facilities in the United States of America (eight of the top 10 markets), Canada, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Italy with the ability to support over 1.3 Gigawatts of IT capacity. IPI Partners has raised more than $5.25 billion in total equity capital commitments across two closed-end investment vehicles.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211013005341/en/
Taxes are the major source of revenue for the government. These taxes may be direct or indirect. There are 56 direct taxes in India. Income tax happens to be the most known form of tax among people. The income tax is the tax paid by individuals or entities as a portion of their income.

Income Tax In India | unsplash

Why Centre and state governments take taxes

The constitution of India empowers the central and state governments to collect taxes as their revenues. The constitution specifies the taxes that are to be collected by both governments. With regards to these laws, the state and central government enact laws.

The major taxes that are operative in India are Income tax, wealth tax, corporate tax, GST.

The income tax comes under the ambit of the central government making them the authority on collecting and dispensing these taxes. As per entry 82 of the union list of the seventh schedule of the Indian Constitution empowers the central government to tax non-agricultural income.

These taxes are levied on individuals, Hindu undivided families, companies, firms, associations, bodies. The current income tax is governed by the Income-Tax Act of 1961, which replaced the British-era Indian Income Tax Act of 1922.

The law governs the levying, administrative, collecting, and recovery aspects of Income Tax. Under this law, a person resident of India is liable to taxes on his or her income earned from any part of the world while a person not residing in India has to pay taxes for the income earned just in India.

An important aspect of Indian Income Tax is that agricultural Income is exempted from it. However, as per the provisions of the constitution, a state government can tax an agricultural income.

Income Tax In India | unsplash

What is the tax bracket system

The income tax structure in India follows a bracket system. Under this system, slabs are placed and individuals or entities pay tax on their income according to these slabs.

As per the 2020 Financial Budget, the following is the tax slabs with regards to the Income-tax:

INCOME TAX SLAB TAX RATE 0- 250000 Nil 250000-500000 5% 500001-750000 Rs 12500 +10% of total income exceeding 500000 750001-1000000 Rs 37500 + 15% of total income exceeding 750000 1000001-1250000 75000 + 20% of total income exceeding 1000000 1250001-1500000 125000 + 25% of total income exceeding 1250000 Above 1500000 187500 + 30% of total income exceeding 1500000

Previously age was also a factor in certain tax slabs. People aged between 60-80 and those aged above 80 were exempted from income tax if their income was below 3 lakh and 5 lakh respectively. However, that is not the case now.

Indian income tax system also has a system of Tax deduction at source. Incomes from some sources as provided by the provision are taxed due before being payed to the payee.

One of the purposes of this is to make government available with funds throughout the year. The TDS applies to salaries, Interest on Securities, Lotteries, horse racing wins, insurance commissions, life insurance payments, among others.

Income Tax In India | unsplash

Corporate taxes

Corporate tax is levied on the income of corporate enterprises. These taxes are levied at specific rates as per the provisions of the 1961 Income Tax Act.

Incorporated Corporations in India, Corporations that acquire revenues from India, foreign enterprises that have permanently established themselves in India among others are liable to pay Corporate tax.

The corporate tax rates in India today are:

TYPE OF COMPANY TAX RATE Domestic Company with turnover up to 250 crore 25% Domestic Company with a turnover of more than 250 crore 30% Foreign Companies 40%





In spite of a well-structured Tax system, tax evasion is one of the big problems in India. It is said that only one per cent of India pays Income tax.
The popular Burj Khalifa pandal at Kolkatas Sreebhumi Durga Puja pandal was forced to suspend its laser light show.

The development comes after three pilots reportedly complained of obstruction in viewing as they found it difficult to land the aircraft.

The pandal was close to the Dumdum Airport.

#WATCH Kolkata's Sree Bhumi Puja Pandal designed on the theme of Dubai skyscraper Burj Khalifa witnesses huge crowds pic.twitter.com/Vf2TDURnRk  ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2021

The laser light show was suspended after consulting state police and administration.

Twitter

The Shreebhumi Club is known for interesting Durga Puja themes, and this year's pandal was based on Dubai's Burj Khalifa skyscraper.

A lit-up replica of Burj Khalifa has attracted hundreds of people, causing traffic jams throughout the day.

West Bengal: Durga puja pandal in Kolkata's Lake Town replicates Dubai's Burj Khalifa tower



"Every year, we built the pandal in form of replica of iconic buildings. Earlier, we built it on the theme of Paris Opera, Kedarnath & Puri temples among others," says minister Sujit Bose pic.twitter.com/PclwL1EhJr  ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2021

"We had to suspend our laser show on Saptami (Tuesday) evening as the crowd was not listening to our pleas to move forward. They were standing on the path in front of the marquee and watching the show till it got over. This was creating COVID and security hazards," one of the organisers, Dibyendu Goswami, told PTI.

The 150-feet-marquee, modelled on the 828-metre-Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai, is the biggest draw among puja revellers this year. The puja committee had planned a slow and continuous movement of revellers along the path to the pandal.
Another annual migration season of birds from across the globe is underway in India's northeast as thousands of Amur falcons have been flocking to the Amur Falcon Roosting Area Union (AFRAU) in Pangti village of Wokha district of Nagaland.

According to a statement issued by AFRAU President P Thungchumo Shidio, a group of migrated Amur Falcons was seen coming to their roosting site on Saturday in the evening.

Amur Falcon Capital Of The World/ Facebook

He informed that viewing from the main watchtower at Tzuza Eryu, the falcons were seen flying in the sky and the best time to witness the roosting of Amur Falcons is from October 15 to 20.

The group of falcons was seen coming to their roosting site during the evening, where a large number of falcons could be seen hovering in the sky as the sun began to set, he said in a press release.

Suman SWM/ Twitter

Amur Falcons breed in Southeast Russia and northern China, thereby migrating to the west through India and across the Arabian Sea to southern Africa where they spend their winters, making a round-trip of at least 20,000 km every year, travelling between their breeding and wintering grounds.

Amur Falcons are also the longest travelling raptors in the world.

Locally known as Akhuaipuina, Amur falcons, are a protected species under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

Suman SWM/ Twitter

Considered as a great spectacle by wildlife enthusiasts, these birds cover one of the longest migration routes.

Some of the birds also roost in Manipurs Tamenglong district and some parts of Assam.

However, their biggest roosting place remains Pangti village, where the villagers until recently used to hunt them for their flesh.

But nearly a decade ago the village launched an effort to conserve the species and end the hunt.

Today the annual migration season of the falcons is also the time the village sees a large footfall of tourists and bird enthusiasts.

Earlier this month, after a ga of two years the AFRAU Pangti was reopened for visitors during the migration.

Thungchumo Shidio/ Facebook

In 2019 and 2020, AFRAU and Pangti Village Council restricted visitors during the migration season due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

This year, visitors have to follow COVID-19 protocols and there would be only one entry point, while entry by boat/motorboat from Doyang dam would be strictly restricted.

Also, hunting materials and crackers have been strictly prohibited within the demarcated area and every vehicle movement between Raphapen and roosting area will be strictly restricted from 4 pm to 5 p.m. While two wheelers, four wheelers and motorboats causing noise would be strictly restricted between 4 p.m. and 6 a.m.

For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News.


Cryptocurrency has a new supporter. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently backed emerging forms of cryptocurrency as regulators around the world crack down on digital modes of payment.

In conversation with CNBC, Vladimir Putin said that cryptocurrency has the "right to exist" and that it may be used as a means of payment. Recently, China enforced a blanket ban on all cryptocurrencies. The United States, too, is looking for ways to expand control over cryptocurrencies.

Quora

Most governments fear that cryptocurrencies may increase instances of crime, especially involving money laundering. While Putin has signalled tolerance for cryptocurrencies, he added that such currencies have a long way to go before they may used as digital currencies for official trade among countries. He mentioned oil and other commodities that are the backbone of Russia's exports.

Perhaps this acceptance stems from Russia's will to find alternatives to trading in dollars after the US slapped Russia with sanctions after the annexation of Crimea.

Also read: India Has Highest Number Of Cryptocurrency Owners In The World, Says Report

Why India is holding off on crypto

Decentralised money can be scary for all countries for multiple reasons. For starters, they have no control over it. Even if regulations surrounding crypto transactions were announced on a country-to-country basis, those would be rather difficult to enforce like in the case of national currencies.

Unsplash

The fact that crypto markets are extremely volatile has discouraged some investors and stakeholders alike from taking the modes of currency seriously.

Also read: Meet Mr Goxx: A Crypto-Trading Hamster Who Outperformed Warren Buffett



India, too is treading cautiously on this path. While cryptocurrencies aren't banned in India, the government isn't too keen in letting it flourish indiscriminately. Currently, the Indian government is forming a new committee to understand the taxation implications of cryptocurrency's gaining popularity.

Unsplash

A recent assessment revealed that India has the world's highest number of cryptocurrency owners, at 10.7 crore.

Should India be more receptive to cryptocurrency? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below. For more on tech and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.
How much are you willing to pay for a bottle of water? Rs 20, 40, even 60 if you're going to a fancy five-star hotel. But trust us, when you get to know the cost of the costliest bottle of water in the world, you'll completely lose your mind.

Named Acqua di Cristallo Tributo a Modigliani, the water bottle was sold for $60,000 (44,95,830) and was recorded in Guinness books as the most expensive water bottle in 2010.

Ladies and gents, I present to you the most expensive water on the planet - "Acqua di Cristallo Tributo a Modigliani"



A 750ml bottle is at $60,000 approx 220,000,000 Ugandan SHS pic.twitter.com/RYKwx50y9B  Random Dude  (@UgNerd) August 7, 2020

But what really is in this bottle of water that it costs more than an average person's kidney?

There are several reasons behind this unimaginable price. One reason is the exquisite bottle it is packaged into. The bottle is made of solid 24-carat gold. Furthermore, its shape is designed by the worlds most famous bottle designer Fernando Altamirano, who also designed the worlds most expensive bottle ever made which is filled with the Henri IV Dudognon Heritage Cognac.



The water is sourced from France and Fiji (two points literally on opposite sides of the globe, which likely adds to the cost)



The most expensive bottled water is Acqua di Cristallo Tributo a Modigliani, which costs $60,000 for a 750ml bottle. pic.twitter.com/Fm2r7ByIoa  SERIOUSLY STRANGE (@SeriousStrange) June 4, 2015

Finally, the taste that this expensive water offers is also beyond the ordinary and it also provides more energy than the average drinking water available in the market today.

All bottles of this brand come packaged in a beautiful leather case. Moreover, lower price affordable variants of the water bottle are available for $285 (21,355) which may not have a 24-carat gold coating but at least you'll have the freshest and more energetic water to drink, right?



However, Acqua di Cristallo Tributo a Modigliani may be the most expensive bottle of water, but there are still several other bottled water available in the world that is way too expensive.

Kona Nigari is a $402-per-bottle water from Japan that is collected from a spring 2,000 meters under the sea off of the coast of Hawaii island, which is said to contain beneficial, naturally-occurring deep-sea electrolytes.

Kona Nigari Water  $402 (N155,574)per 750ml



Kona Nigari water is said to help you lose weight, energize you, and improve the quality of your skin. The water comes from a Hawaii Island, a thousand feet below the surface of the ocean. pic.twitter.com/40yT0RAjpE  Mazi Lotanna (@thelotachi) July 16, 2020

The $219-per-bottle Fillico is another Japanese brand of bottled water whose bottles are made to look like a king and queen; they are even topped with gold crowns. (The water comes from the Rokko Mountains near Osaka, whereat the water filters through granite and is excessively oxygenated, rendering it gentle to all drinkers.)



So, next time if you have to buy a costly bottle of drinking water at the airport, remember that some people are paying lakhs of rupees for it around the world.
Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman (left) meets with OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann on the sideline of the IMF Annual Meetings, in Washington, DC Oct. 13. During her meetings with the top CEOs of American companies, the foreign minister also met Milind Pant, Indian American CEO of Amway. (ANI Photo)
The Asia group of countries unanimously endorsed India, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates for the five seats for the region that were up for election this year. (photo via IANS)
A.I.M. Mutual Names Landers as Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

A.I.M. Mutuals board of directors elected Daniel Landers as vice president and chief operating officer, effective October 1. In this capacity, he continues to report to President and CEO Michael Standing.

As COO, Landers will oversee day-to-day operations and continue to manage sales and marketing for A.I.M. Mutual. Previously, he was vice president of sales and marketing. He has been with the company since 2002, holding positions as director of field operations, director of marketing and regional manager in New Hampshire.

In addition, Paul Kehoe, vice president and chief financial officer, is taking on an expanded role in which he is now responsible for human resources as well as the finance and compliance functions. Kehoe has served as vice president and CFO since 2015 and continues to report to Standing.

These appointments streamline operations at the executive level, positioning the company to effectively service an expanded New England territory. A.I.M. Mutual is a Burlington, Massachusetts-based regional workers compensation insurance carrier based in Massachusetts, insuring more than 18,000 businesses.

Source: A.I.M. Mutual

Merchants Insurance Group Promotes Ruhland to Assistant Vice President, Controller

Merchants Insurance Group promoted Controller Patricia Ruhland to assistant vice president and controller.

Ruhland began working with Merchants in 2011 as accounting operations manager and was then promoted to assistant controller in 2012, and finally to controller in 2020 before this promotion. In her new position as assistant vice president and controller, Ruhland will participate in management strategic planning meetings, annual reinsurance renewal sessions, AM Best presentations and board committee meetings.

Before joining Merchants, Ruhland was the controller for a local manufacturing company and had also worked for several years in local public accounting firms.

Merchants Insurance Group offers commercial and personal insurance through a network of more than 1,000 independent insurance agents throughout the Northeast and North Central U.S. With corporate headquarters and regional operations located in Buffalo, New York, Merchants also operates offices in Hauppauge, New York; Mount Laurel, New Jersey; and Bedford, New Hampshire.

Source: Merchants Insurance Group

Fred C. Church Insurance Hires Thompson to Insurance, Risk Management Team

Fred C. Church Insurance welcomed George Thompson to its insurance and risk management team.

Thompson was hired as senior counsel and vice president of compliance and will have responsibility for addressing the health care reform regulatory and employee benefit compliance needs of Fred C. Church employee benefits clients.

Thompson arrives at Fred C. Church after almost a decade at Marsh McLennan Agency of New England, where he served most recently as vice president of employee benefit compliance.

Fred C. Church Insurance offers property/casualty and employee benefits solutions, risk management consulting services and private client asset protection.

Source: Fred C. Church Insurance
During the COVID-19 crisis, global cyber attacks skyrocketed in a digital pandemic driven by ransomware, according to a report published by Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS).

Further, the report noted, business interruption and restoration costs are the main causes of financial loss for companies.

Re/Insurance Cyber Rates Could Double Before 2023, as Attacks Skyrocket: S&P Ransomware Has Been a Game Changer for Cyber Insurance

An AGCS analysis of its overall cyber-related claims, seen over the past six years, reveal that business interruption and post-attack recovery costs account for over 50% of the value of close to 3,000 insurance industry cyber claims worth around 750 million ($885 million). (AGCS started writing cyber insurance in 2013).

The average total cost of recovery and downtime  on average 23 days  from a ransomware attack more than doubled over the past year, increasing from $761,106 to $1.85 million in 2021, said the AGCS cyber insights report, titled Ransomware trends: Risks and Resilience. (See related article, which contains AGCS list of recommendations to avoid ransomware attacks.)

When it comes to cyber business interruption, timing is everything. If you pay a ransom demand after a week, the loss has already crystalized, and the cost of restoration is already set in motion. For example, the cost of hiring forensic experts and response consultants can run to $2,500 per day and easily reach a sevendigit figure, commented Rishi Baviskar, global cyber experts leader, Risk Consulting, AGCS, who is quoted in the report.

Malware attacks that encrypt company data and systems and demand a ransom payment for release are surging globally, said a press release accompanying the report.

As an indicator of this surge, AGCS cited a report from Accenture that revealed that cyber intrusion activity globally jumped 125% in the first half of 2021, compared with the same period in 2020, with ransomware and extortion operations top two contributors behind this tripledigit increase.

Further, there was a 62% increase in ransomware incidents through the first six months of 2021 in the U.S., which followed a 20% increase in the number of incidents for the whole of 2020 and a 225% increase in ransom demands, said the AGCS report, citing statistics from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

AGCS said these cyber risk trends are mirrored in its own claims experience. AGCS saw more than 1,000 cyber claims overall in 2020, up from around 80 in 2016. Further, it received 90 ransomware claims in 2020, an increase of 50% from 2019 (when it received 60 claims).

This trend has continued in 2021 with more than 500 overall cyber claims received by AGCS in the first half of the year, while the number of ransomware claims in the first half are already equal to the number reported (60) during the whole of 2019.

Losses resulting from external incidents, such as distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks and ransomware campaigns, account for the majority of the value of cyber claims (81%) analyzed by AGCS over the past six years, said the report.

The increasing reliance on digitalization, the surge in remote working during COVID19, and IT budget constraints are just some of the reasons IT vulnerabilities have intensified, said the report, explaining that there are now countless numbers of access points for criminals to exploit.

Further, the wider adoption of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, which enable anonymous payments, is another key factor in the rise of ransomware incidents, said AGCS in the press release.

Bitcoin, which is estimated to account for approximately 98% of ransomware payments, is relatively easy to acquire and use, while payments are verifiable, said the report. Transactions can also be carried out with anonymity, enabling perpetrators to keep their identities hidden.

Cryptocurrencies are the weak link that enables criminals to bypass traditional institutions and hide behind the anonymity built into the technology, said Thomas Kang, head of Cyber, Tech and Media, North America at AGCS, who was quoted in the report. More stringent enforcement and compliance with knowyourcustomer and antimoney laundering laws could, however, help disrupt the ransomware business model.

The report identifies key trends in the current ransomware space:

Development of Ransomware as a Service (RaaS). RaaS has made it easier for criminals to carry out attacks. Run like a commercial business, hacker groups such as REvil and Darkside sell or rent their hacking tools to others. They also provide a range of support services. As a result, many more malicious threat actors are operating. From as little as a $40 per month subscription, successful attacks can yield many thousands of dollars from ransomware payments.

Increase of Double and Triple Extortion Tactics. Double extortion tactics are on the rise. Criminals combine the initial encryption of data or systems, or increasingly even their back-ups, with a secondary form of extortion, such as the threat to release sensitive or personal data. In such a scenario, affected companies have to manage the possibility of both a major business interruption and a data breach event, which can significantly increase the final cost of the incident. Triple extortion incidents can combine distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, file encryption and data theft  and dont just target one company, but potentially also its customers and business partners. A notable case cited by the report was a psychotherapy clinic in Finland which received a ransom demand, while smaller sums were also demanded from the patients who received individual ransom demands by email. The attackers threatened to publish therapist session notes unless ransoms were paid.

Rising Supply Chain Attacks. There are two main types [of supply chain attacks]  ones that target software/IT service providers and use them to spread the malware and ones that target physical supply chains, such as critical infrastructure. Examples of attack that targeted software/IT services providers was the Kaseya and Solarwinds attacks, while an example of a physical supply chain attack was the one that hit Colonial Pipeline, which was the largest cyber attack on U.S. oil infrastructure

to date. The report noted that service providers are likely to become prime targets as they often supply hundreds or thousands of businesses with software solutions and therefore offer criminals the chance of a higher payout.

Skyrocketing Ransom Demands. Ransom demands have rocketed over the past 18 months, the report said, noting that the average extortion demand in the U.S. was $5.3 million in the first half of 2021, a 518% increase on the 2020 average. The report quoted cyber security firm Palo Alto Networks, which said the highest demand was $50 million, up from $30 million last year.

To Pay or Not to Pay Ransom Demands

The AGCS report highlighted the fact that paying cyber ransoms is controversial. Law enforcement agencies typically advise against paying extortion demands, which is thought to fuel the problem and potentially incentivize further attacks in the future, it said.

Paying a ransom is also not a guarantee that a business will be able to quickly retrieve its files and restore its systems. In many cases, by the time the ransom is paid, the damage is already done, and most organizations will have already suffered loss of income and incurred the expense of restoring files and systems, the report continued.

Even when a company pays a ransom, it takes a huge effort to restore files and get systems back up and running. This is a huge undertaking, even when you have a decryption key, said Marek Stanislawski, global cyber underwriting lead at AGCS, in the report.

Cyber Insurance

The report said the ransomware pandemic of recent years has sparked a major shift in the cyber insurance market, as carriers and insureds endeavor to mitigate the rising frequency and severity of attacks and resulting cyber insurance claims.

As a result of these loss trends, cyber insurance rates have been rising and capacity has tightened. U.S. rates rose by more than 50% in the second quarter of 2021 alone, said AGCS, quoting a Marsh report.

Underwriters are placing increasing scrutiny on the cyber security controls that are employed by organizations and pricing risks accordingly, said the AGCS report, noting that three out of four companies do not meet AGCS requirements for cyber security.

As insurers, we have to continue to work with our clients using a combination of policy and service improvements to help businesses understand the need to strengthen their controls, said Scott Sayce, global head of Cyber at AGCS and the global head of the Cyber Center of Competence for AGCS and the Allianz Group, in the report.

Not all ransomware attacks are targeted. Criminals also deploy wild scattergun approaches to exploit those businesses that arent addressing or understanding the vulnerabilities they may have, he added.

Those companies that take steps to prevent attacks and mitigate the impact will be far less likely to fall victim to ransomware, the report affirmed.

Topics Cyber Profit Loss
This edition of International People Moves details appointments at broker Willis Towers Watson, specialty insurer Fusion and insurer Beazley.

A summary of these new hires follows here.

Willis Towers Watson Hires ERS Shepherd as Head of Global Facultative

Insurance broker Willis Towers Watson announced it has appointed Alex Shepherd as head of Global Facultative.

Shepherd joins Willis Towers Watson from ERS Syndicate 1856, where he served as active underwriter driving performance and growth across all classes. Shepherd will report to Garret Gaughan, head of Global Markets P&C Hub and Facultative as the broker seeks to replicate the success of a hub approach in its facultative business.

In addition to his time at ERS, Shepherd has held various roles at RenaissanceRe, Canopius, ACE Global Markets and Marsh. He also holds Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from the University of London.

Alex Shepherd brings almost 25 years of experience in the direct and facultative market across a number of lines of business, commented Adam Garrard, global head of Corporate Risk and Broking. He has the experience and vision we need to move our Facultative business forward, leveraging the experience we have gained through creating and operating a truly connected and aligned global facultative business.

Alastair Swift, Willis Tower Watsons head of corporate risk and broking (CRB) for GB, said: In talking with our cedent customers, they are looking for greater value from their facultative brokers. At WTW we have invested heavily in our in-house analytics, which means we are uniquely placed to provide the advisory services that will enable our customers to buy their facultative covers far more strategically than they have in the past. Alexs appointment is a key step for us in redefining the role of the facultative broker.

***

Specialty Insurer Fusion Names Gallaghers Simmonds as Managing Partner

Fusion, a speciality insurer that provides innovative insurance solutions to small and medium-sized businesses, has appointed Katherine Simmonds as managing partner.

Based in Sydney, Australia, Simmonds will have global responsibilities for the firm and will help spearhead the continued growth of Fusion in the mergers & acquisitions (M&A) insurance market across Australia, Asia Pacific, and in growth markets in the U.S. and Europe.

Simmonds joins Fusion from Gallagher, where she was head of Corporate, Australia. Her previous roles include Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand at Ironshore Insurance, and head of M&A Underwriting, Asia Pacific at AIG.

Founded by industry veterans Killian McDermott and David Rogers, Sydney-based Fusion is part of the POP Holdings Group. The company said it is rapidly transitioning from a start-up to a global leader in highly specialized insurance markets.

Fusion now partners with some of the worlds leading insurers, including Allianz, Markel, Zurich, Ping An and HDI Global Specialty.

Katie joins Fusion at an exciting time as we continue to experience significant demand, having reached a new milestone of over 200 deals underwritten since our launch less than three years ago, commented McDermott. With her extensive background in M&A and her success in building and growing underwriting and broking businesses, she brings highly valued expertise to the company as we prepare to launch new insurtech products and services internationally.

***

Beazley Appoints Quane From AXIS as Chief Underwriting Officer

Beazley has announced the appointment Bob Quane as its new chief underwriting officer (CUO), subject to regulatory approval. Quane, an industry veteran, with over 30 years of underwriting leadership experience, moves from AXIS Capital where he was CUO of the insurance segment. Based in New York, he started his role on Oct. 11, 2021.

Quanes three decades of underwriting leadership experience includes 22 years working at AIG, where he held various senior roles, including head of global personal lines, global accident and health and global commercial property.

Quane will join Beazleys Executive Committee.

Bob brings exceptional depth and breadth of experience across multiple commercial and consumer lines, and his successful track record of delivering portfolio growth is impressive. His extensive global experience will be invaluable as we continue to develop our business in both our established and growth markets, commented Adrian Cox, CEO of Beazley.

It is a bold move for an underwriting firm headquartered in London to appoint a CUO based in New York, but Bobs appointment underlines our commitment to the U.S. market and our future growth plans there, Cox added. Having been CUO myself, I realize how vital having the right person with the right skills and experience in this role is, which is why Im delighted that Bob is joining Beazley.

David Roberts, chairman of Beazley, thanked Tim Turner and Bethany Greenwood for stepping into the roles of interim CUO, long and short tail, in April, when the previous CUO, Adrian Cox, was promoted to CEO. Cox succeeded Andrew Horton, who left Beazley to become group CEO of QBE Insurance in Australia.

Topics Carriers Excess Surplus Talent Willis Towers Watson A.J. Gallagher Human Resources
Chinas Ping An Insurance (Group) Co. has long argued it should be treated like a high-growth technology company instead of a seller of life policies. After a $90 billion plunge in its market value, its now priced more like a property developer at a time when the countrys real estate sector is out of favor.

This years 40% stock dive has cut its price-to-earnings ratio to just above 6, slightly more than the Shanghai Stock Exchange Property Indexs multiple of 5.7 and a far cry from the 20-plus commanded by insurance peers Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and AIA Group Ltd. Thats been fueled by a botched real estate investment, Beijings technology crackdown that hit the value of its spinoffs and a slumping life business.

Chinas Anti-Graft Watchdog to Inspect Financial Regulators, State Banks, Insurers China Evergrande Misses 3rd Round of Bond Payments, Intensifying Contagion Fears

Ping Ans business model relies on investing in online platforms such as health care site Good Doctor and Autohome Inc. to draw in customers for its policies and wealth management products. Those users provide data to refine its insurance business and generate revenue it then plows into other sites. Except its backbone life business is now struggling and a soured multibillion-dollar investment in China Fortune Land Development Co. has raised concerns about Ping Ans exposure to other developers.

Tech had been a very good selling point for Ping An in recent years, but might have lost its luster, said Steven Lam, a Hong Kong-based analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence. Many international investors are now allergic to the uncertainties in China market.

For all its success with technology, including chatbots and artificial intelligence that settle car insurance claims within minutes, the pandemic and an aging population have eroded consumer willingness to commit to long-term life policies.

The life division generated 53% of Shenzhen-based Ping Ans revenue in 2020, when the value of new business dived 35%. The key measure fell 12% in the first half to June as its agent force shrank 14% to less than 878,000.

Technology can bring efficiency, but the problem is more with demand, Lam said. How can AI create demand?

While Ping An is turning to technology to bolster the productivity of top salespeople, and getting rid of poor performers, it also has to contend with Chinas shifting job landscape. The average monthly income for a Ping An agent fell 8% to 5,793 yuan ($897) last year. That can make it less financially appealing than delivering food at Meituan.

We expect Ping An to first stabilize its agent force and demonstrate higher productivity for the premium agent group, said Iris Tan, a senior analyst at Morningstar in Shenzhen. It also needs to ease market concern about property investments, she said.

Ping An said the market doesnt full understand its efforts to reform life insurance and other capabilities, citing share buybacks as a sign of managements confidence.

The fluctuations in the stock price are temporary, but Ping Ans strategy is clear, its finances prudent and business stable, the company said in response to questions from Bloomberg News.

The pain from a sweeping crackdown on Chinas highly leveraged developers has already been reflected in Ping Ans results, with impairments on China Fortune erasing 20.8 billion yuan from first-half earnings. The insurer spent $2 billion for a 20% stake in 2018 and it now owns 25% of a company that became the first Chinese developer to default since Beijing tightened controls last year. The crackdown on real estate is pushing up risks on an asset class long sought after to match long-term insurance liabilities.

Property Exposure

Ping An has quite some property exposure and its difficult for the market to gauge, said Zhang Qingyun, deputy general manager of China Vision Capital Management, a Beijing-based private fund.

Ping Ans property investments are being investigated by the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, Reuters reported in August. In response the company said it has been strictly following regulatory rules, adding a probe on property investments had no factual basis.

Shaking off perceptions about property is proving a challenge, especially with companies such as China Evergrande Group dominating headlines. In August, Ping An said 4.8% of its insurance investment fund is in real estate while the top-rated analyst on the stock puts the number at more than double that figure, although Ping An disputes the assessment.

We are more pessimistic than the market on Ping Ans investment exposure, Leon Qi at Daiwa Capital Markets said in a Sept. 24 report. Qis recommendation has delivered the best returns on the stock over the past year according to Bloomberg Absolute Return Rankings. Qi, who rates the stock hold, wasnt available to comment to Bloomberg News.

Other analysts are more optimistic with 31 of the 33 tracked by Bloomberg recommending investors buy its Hong Kong-traded stock. The restructuring of China Fortune has come out better than expected and should spare Ping An further impairments and may even allow it to recoup some earlier losses, CSC Financial Co. analysts wrote in a report Oct. 7.

In the past, Ping An has reaped windfalls by selling some of its tech investments in initial public offerings, including Lufax Holding Ltd. and Ping An Healthcare and Technology Co., the corporate name for Good Doctor. But with Beijing cracking down on the private sector, the shares of its tech investments have all slumped in 2021 just as the path to overseas IPOs for other startups it has incubated becomes murkier.

Ping An knows that winning over the doubters when investors are increasingly taking a hard line on missed opportunities will be key.

The market seems to be excessively worried about Ping An, said Zhou Min, founder and portfolio manager of hedge fund Everest Growth Capital. Investors will need to wait and see when business fundamentals actually improve.

Top photograph: The Ping An International Financial Center in Beijing. Photo credit: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg.

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.

Topics China
A federal judge has struck down Missouris requirement that a majority of the owners of companies that dispense, grow or manufacture marijuana must be state residents.

U.S. District Judge Nanette Laughrey issued a permanent injunction against the residency requirement, The Kansas City Star reported. She had issued a temporary injunction in June.

Missouri voters approved creation of a medical marijuana industry in the state in 2018. One of the regulations required that state-licensed marijuana cultivation plants, dispensaries and manufacturing facilities must be at least 51% owned by people who had lived in Missouri for at least one year.

Mark Toigo, a Pennsylvania-based investor, filed a lawsuit last December challenging the requirement, arguing that it violated the U.S. Constitutions commerce clause.

Lisa Cox, a spokeswoman for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, said in a statement the agency is happy to have clarity on how we should handle the ownership residency requirement in the Missouri Constitution and will comply with the courts decision.

The health department oversees the medical marijuana program.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Legislation Cannabis Missouri
A Portland, Michigan, woman has pleaded guilty to filing fraudulent insurance claims totaling more than $135,000, state insurance regulators say.

According to Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox, following an investigation conducted by the DIFS Fraud Investigation Unit (FIU), Christel Lanz, 48, of Portland, was arraigned in Lansing District Court 54-A and charged with the following:

27 counts of uttering and publishing falsified documents;

4 counts of false pretenses ($50,000 to $100,000); and

4 counts of falsified tax-related forms.

The fraudulent health care claims were submitted to the insurer on behalf of Lanz and her family members between March 2015 and May 2018. The claims were submitted for medical treatments for injuries that never occurred.

After an internal investigation, the insurer referred the case to the DIFS FIU in June 2020.

On Sept. 7, Lanz appeared before Judge Clinton Canady III in 30th Circuit Court to plead guilty to:

1 count of filing false pretenses ($1,000 to $20,000)

1 count of filing false pretenses ($20,000 to $50,000)

2 counts of filing false pretenses ($50,000 to $100,000)

1 count of falsifying tax documents

As part of the plea agreement, all remaining charges against Lanz were dismissed. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 3 at 10 a.m.

Source: Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services

Topics Fraud Michigan
The U.S. Labor Department on Tuesday submitted to the White House the initial text of President Joe Bidens plan to require private-sector workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or get tested regularly.

The departments Occupational Safety and Health Administration submitted the proposed rule for review. Some details could change, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. The move indicates the proposed standard could be released soon.

The mandate will apply to businesses with 100 or more employees and will be implemented under a federal rule-making mechanism known as an emergency temporary standard. It would affect roughly 80 million workers nationwide.

Along with Bidens order last month that requires all federal workers and contractors to be vaccinated, the orders cover 100 million people, about two-thirds of the U.S. workforce.

Bidens mandate announcement in September came at a breaking-point moment as the country was struggling to control the pandemic and a large swath of the nations population was refusing to accept free vaccinations that have been available for months. The coronavirus has killed more than 700,000 Americans.

The workplace vaccine order has spurred pushback from many Republican governors. On Monday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, issued an executive order banning businesses and other private entities in his state from requiring Covid-19 vaccinations for employees.

The plan has also drawn mixed reactions from companies. Many support the governments goal of speeding the pace of vaccinations, but smaller employers and those with mostly hourly workers have expressed concern the policy could be difficult to implement especially as it may lead to losing employees in a tight labor market in addition to managing the cost and complexity of vaccinate-or-test mandates.

Several big employers such as Procter & Gamble, 3M along with airlines such as American and JetBlue have imposed mandates since Bidens announcement. Others such as IBM have said it will require all of its U.S. employees to be fully vaccinated by Dec. 8, regardless of how often they come into the office.

Several other large U.S. employers such as Walmart, have yet to issue broad requirements. The Labor Departments standards will require many such companies to introduce mandates.

(Reporting by Nandita Bose; Editing by Gerry Doyle and Sandra Maler)

Topics Workers' Compensation
Facebook Inc. will now count activists and journalists as involuntary public figures and so increase protections against harassment and bullying targeted at these groups, its global safety chief said in an interview this week.

The social media company, which allows more critical commentary of public figures than of private individuals, is changing its approach on the harassment of journalists and human rights defenders, who it says are in the public eye due to their work rather than their public personas.

Facebook is under wide-ranging scrutiny from global lawmakers and regulators over its content moderation practices and harms linked to its platforms, with internal documents leaked by a whistleblower forming the basis for a U.S. Senate hearing last week.

How Facebook, which has about 2.8 billion monthly active users, treats public figures and content posted by or about those figures has been an area of intense debate. In recent weeks, the companys cross check system, which the Wall Street Journal reported has the effect of exempting some high-profile users from usual Facebook rules, has been in the spotlight.

Facebook also differentiates between public figures and private individuals in the protections it affords around online discussion: for instance, users are generally allowed to call for the death of a celebrity in discussions on the platform, as long as they do not tag or directly mention the celebrity. They cannot call for the death of a private individual, or now a journalist, under Facebooks policies.

The company declined to share a list of other involuntary public figures but said they are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Earlier this year, Facebook said it would remove content celebrating, praising or mocking George Floyds death, because he was deemed an involuntary public figure.

Facebooks Global Head of Safety Antigone Davis said the company was also expanding the types of attacks that it would not allow on public figures on its sites, as part of an effort to reduce attacks disproportionately faced by women, people of color and the LGBTQ community.

Facebook will no longer allow severe and unwanted sexualizing content, derogatory sexualized photoshopped images or drawings or direct negative attacks on a persons appearance, for example, in comments on a public figures profile.

(Reporting by Elizabeth Culliford in Birmingham, England; additional reporting by Sheila Dang in Dallas; editing by Richard Pullin and Richard Chang)
Three more appeals in assignment-of-benefits cases have gone in favor of Florida property insurers.

Floridas 3rd and 4th District Courts of Appeal handed down opinions Wednesday that upheld lower courts and found that three carriers do not owe payment to restoration contractors because insurance policy requirements were not strictly adhered to.

Finding no error in the trial courts determination that the assignment  is invalid because it was not signed by one of the insureds and the mortgagee, as required by the underlying property insurance policy, we affirm, the 3rd District appeal court wrote.

The decision affirmed a Miami courts dismissal of a suit brought by Union Restoration against Heritage Property & Casualty Insurance Co. The contractor had argued that it had been assigned benefits for work it had done in 2019 for Ella and Lloyd Fields of Miami. When Heritage refused to pay, the restoration company filed suit, claiming breach of contract by Heritage. Heritage argued that the AOB agreement was signed by only one spouse and was not signed by the mortgage lender, Wells Fargo, as required by the insurance policy.

Miami-Dade County Judge Natalie Moore agreed with the insurance company. On appeal, the 3rd DCA affirmed.

The ruling comes two weeks after the same appeal court upheld the state-created Citizens Property Insurance Co. in a similar AOB lawsuit brought by Union Restoration. In that decision, the appeal court found that a questionable document did not divert insurance payments to the construction firm. The court affirmed a Miami-Dade Circuit Court decision and noted that a Union principal had altered the written assignment by changing the date of the claimed loss, changing the number of the claim several times, and adding the insureds initials to the alterations.

Miami-Dade County Court records show that Union Restoration has filed at least 36 lawsuits against property insurers since 2015.

Florida insurance industry advocates have said that assignments of benefits have driven up homeowner premiums by leading to unnecessary work by contractors, then excessive litigation by those contractors when insurers wont pay. Floridas Legislature revised the assignments-of-benefits law in 2019 and made further statutory changes this year in an effort to reduce fraud and litigation.

But at a Florida Office of Insurance Regulation rate hearing in September, the actuarial manager for Southern Fidelity Insurance Co. said that some contractors now avoid AOB agreements but their attorneys have encouraged policyholders to file suits against insurers. Insurance defense attorneys have said they continue to see many claims-related lawsuits.

Lawyers involved with the Heritage appeal could not be reached for comment Thursday.

In a nearly identical case, the 4th DCA on Wednesday also upheld the dismissal of a suit brought by a restoration company in Palm Beach County. The appeal court found, in The Kidwell Group (Air Quality Assessors) vs. Geovera Specialty Insurance Co., that both spouses had not signed the AOB agreement.

Its a win for our client and its a win for consumers, who have seen rates skyrocketing and lawsuits that have gone crazy, said Patrick Carleton, one of the attorneys who represented Geovera.

The court relied on precedent that had been set in 2018 in Restoration 1 vs. Ark Royal. But the judges declined to answer the lower courts burning question about the broader effect of the 2019 AOB reform bill. The county court, at the contractors request, had asked a question of great public importance: whether an assignment of benefits executed prior to the 2019 reform law requires both signatures.

The 2019 law, now statute 627.7153, allows insurers to place new restrictions and requirements in policies regarding AOB. The contractor in this case and the county court wondered if that meant policies written before the 2019 law was passed were prohibited from restricting homeowners rights to assign benefits.

Writing for the 4th DCA, Judge Jonathan Gerber declined to answer that question. But he noted that the decision is in conflict with a 2017 ruling by the 5th District Court of Appeal. In that case, Security First Insurance Co. vs. Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, the 5th DCA found that any restrictions on a benefits assignment were unenforceable.

Carleton said he expects Kidwell to appeal to the Florida Supreme Court.

Theyve been trying to split this hair for a while, so I would be surprised if they dont, he said.

He said its possible that the insured homeowners may now be able to pursue payment from the carrier, if they havent settled already.

In a third AOB decision posted Wednesday, the 4th DCA underscored the new judicial thinking and found that policy requirements should be strictly adhered to.

In Damage Services Inc. vs. Citizens Property Insurance, the appeal court upheld a Broward County court ruling. The appeal court judges found that the restoration company, known as DSI, had been assigned benefits by a realty company. When Citizens would not pay the full amount for emergency repairs, DSI sued.

The trial court and the appeal court said that the insurance policy states clearly that it would pay no more than $3,000 for emergency measures to protect the property unless a request was made to exceed that limit.

Because DSI did not make a request to exceed the policy limit prior to exceeding the limit for the work performed, we affirm, the 4th DCA judges wrote in the per curiam opinion.

Alternatively, DSI argued that it should be paid under another clause in the policy, one that insures direct losses. The contractor said that crews had performed more than just water extraction and had provided remediation and improvement work.

We conclude that the court did not err in rejecting DSIs claim, the appeal court wrote. DSIs complaint described its work as water extraction and not as any type of repair. No affidavit was filed by DSI to show that it had performed work other than water extraction.

Most importantly, the court added, in the assignment-of-benefits contract, the insured assigned to DSI only its right to payment in regards to water extraction and dry-out services, mold remediation, and/or smoke damage. To the extent that DSI performed other services, it was not assigned the right to collect payments from Citizens for that work, including any work done under Coverage A. Repayment for the damage to the property under Coverage A, if any, would be made to the insured, not DSI.

The case appears to be an example of the type of AOB problems that insurers have complained about for years. As an assignee, some contractors feel empowered to perform unnecessary work, then bill the insurer for much more than what was originally quoted to the property owner, then sue when the carrier wont pay, insurers have said.

Topics Carriers Legislation Florida
Four months after the collapse of a 12-story South Florida condominium building left 98 people dead, a Florida Bar task force has recommended major changes in how condo associations operate, including a requirement to maintain larger cash reserves for repairs and to limit owners ability to block repairs.

The task force finds that the lack of uniform maintenance standards or protocols, and the broad discretion given to boards to determine when, how and if life-safety inspections and necessary repairs should be performed, requires legislative intervention, the group said in a 179-page reported submitted this week to the governor.

The Florida Bar appointed the task force in June, just two days after the Champlain Towers near Miami Beach collapsed. News outlets have reported that residents of the towers had complained for years about needed repairs, but that cash reserves were not available, or that repair funding had been delayed. Florida has more than 910,000 condo units that are more than 30 years old, many of which may be vulnerable to structural problems, the task force said.

The task force, chaired by West Palm Beach attorney William Sklar, met with engineers, insurance experts, condo associations and attorneys. It has now recommended some significant statutory changes ahead of the 2022 legislative session, including these:

On needed repairs

Require timely maintenance and repairs, and making waterproofing part of the required maintenance plans. Current law has no specific maintenance standards for condo boards to follow. Boards also have no statutory obligation to inform unit owners about a buildings condition.

Codify that needed maintenance should not be considered a material alteration that may trigger a vote by unit owners.

Abolish limits on condo boards authority to assess a fee on owners or to borrow money for repairs, and voiding requirements that unit owners must vote on some upgrades. The change should apply retroactively to existing condo associations.

On building inspections

Require that some inspection reports, required now when developers turn over control of the building to the condo association, include detailed maintenance protocols, and that the association must comply with the protocols.

Require that any Florida condo building over three stories tall be inspected by a licensed engineer or architect, starting in 2024 and every five years after that. Currently, only condo towers in Miami-Dade and Broward counties must be inspected, and only 40 years after they were built. This requirement would be unnecessary if the association receives a turnover report and regular inspection reports every five years.

Authorize that municipal inspection reports on condos be sent to unit owners and posted on associations websites.

On legal remedy

Establishing a statutory private cause of action for unit owners if associations fail to perform work required in an inspection report. The legal action could not be subject to arbitration or pre-suit mediation.

On funding reserves

Require that associations maintain capital reserves for critical building systems equal to at least 50% of the replacement costs, starting in 2026. If an association does not achieve the required funding level, it must secure alternative funding mechanisms, and disclose those to the unit owners.

Repeal a section of current law that allows developers to waive statutorily mandated reserves.

The task force made other recommendations and included reports from building officials, attorneys, insurance officials and others. The full report can be seen here.

Condominium associations and cooperative boards must have the financial tools to fund deferred maintenance and structural repairs which will be necessary as buildings and other improvements age, the task force report concluded. Such tools must not be hindered or impaired by the unwillingness of some owners to invest in their condominium property.

Topics Condominium
The State has paid 132.3m to date to National Broadband Ireland, the body charged with delivery of the National Broadband Plan, despite the rollout being at least six months behind schedule.

The Public Accounts Committee today heard that one of the reasons the plan has been so delayed to date is that one of NBIs main contractors, Kelly Group from the UK, postponed setting up an Irish operation.

Just 27,000 premises are thus far ready for connection to the network against a 2021 target of 115,000.

That led to a situation where a company expected to perform roughly one-third of the initial work on the plan in 2021 never came on stream, secretary-general of the Department of Communications Mark Griffin told the committee.

The PAC heard that the plans main milestones to date have been achieved, per the remedial plan put in place with NBI once it became clear the 2021 target could not be matched.

Mr Griffin said that a whole swathe of problems had led to the plan falling behind, such as supply chain and logistical delays, delays in recruiting staff, travel restrictions and a lack of accommodation for cross-island contractors, and Covid-related problems.

He said that one of NBIs main subcontractors had at one point 40% of its staff dedicated to the project absent either with Covid, or as close contacts of a positive case.

The committee heard that a revised estimate for 130,000 connections by the end of 2022, against an overall target for the 3bn plan of 544,000 properties connected, is now seen as the minimum to be achieved by that date.

The departments lead on the plan, Fergal Mulligan, said his group is currently trying to establish if they can catch up on the time lost on the project to date.

No penalties for missed milestones are due to come into play before February of next year. Some 50 people within the Department itself are currently dedicated to the plan, which is currently contracted to be concluded by the year 2027.

Mr Griffin said there is no attempt on my behalf to duck the fact that we are behind, adding that the Department does not simply accept what NBI tells us at face value.

He said the company is looking at taking on additional subcontractors in a bid to scale-up the process.

Asked about the fact the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform had specifically objected to the granting of the initial contract to Granahan McCourt - the consortium which formed NBI - in 2019 due to credibility issues and the fact Granahan was the sole bidder, Ken Cleary of that Department told the committee that while those concerns had been articulately expressed, it is a matter of implementation now.

The key point, Mr Griffin said, is that despite those concerns the Government approved the plan.
Uncertainty around the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions and disruption to rail and air travel has failed to dampen enthusiasm for the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, which returns next Friday.

Mounting concerns about a rise in Covid-19 hospitalisations are threatening to delay the final easing of public health restrictions, due to take place October 22, the same day as the festival begins.

The festival has been dealt a further blow with travel disruptions after Iarnrod Eireanns decision to shut down the main rail line into the city for signalling upgrades.

This is in addition to the closure of Cork Airport for runway reconstruction as well as ongoing roadworks taking place at the Dunkettle Interchange.

Despite all this, optimism is high in a city that has not hosted a major event since Christmas 2019.

All going well I think its going to be a bumper weekend for the city and its well deserved after the last 18 months, said the vice president of the Cork Business Association, Kevin Herlihy.

Mr Herlihy said businesses in the city are delighted to have the festival back despite the added challenges.

The only worry is with the increasing Covid numbers. Micheal Martin said he cant guarantee the restrictions being lifted next week, he said.

Staff shortages after Covid-19 lockdowns have also left gaps in the labour market as skilled hospitality workers departed the sector.

Sean McCarthy from Soho Bar and Restaurant on Grand Parade in Cork said the hospitality industry is constantly getting information very late" and forced to adjust business plans with delayed information.

A late announcement from Diageo Ireland about the festival did not help businesses either, he said.

No decision on restrictions is expected before Tuesday at the earliest as the National Public Health Emergency Team is yet to offer its latest advice to the Government.

Mr McCarthy said businesses are struggling to answer customers questions surrounding safety and Covid-19.

He's more positive about the travel works despite the inconvenience ahead of a major business weekend for the city.

Every city takes disruption when it is growing. The one concern I would have is having them all happening together.

Fergal Harte, a spokesperson for the Cork branch of Irish Hotels Federation, thinks the travel disruptions wont prevent too many people from staying in the city.

But from a hotels perspective, its really a case of ensuring that we have everything in place and ready to go for the weekend. Thats as much as we can manage from our side, he said.

Its been a long year-and-a-half through the pandemic and we are very optimistic and hopeful for the future and we really appreciate the fact now that our hotels are back open and serving the public.

Its great for Cork to have these events and activities back on the agenda, he said.
A young woman, charged with her babys manslaughter, said during a Garda interview she held the infant in her arms for about 10 minutes after birth before pressing the foot pedal and placing her in the bin.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded not guilty to manslaughter in 2018 and a charge of child neglect on the same date at Caredoc on the Cork Road, Waterford City.

In August 2018, the woman was arrested and detained at Waterford Garda Station for interview by Inspector Donal Donohoe and Detective Garda Siobhan Keating.

During the first interview, both statements made in the hospital were read over to the woman.

The woman agreed that when the baby was born and dropped into the toilet she was still attached to her. The defendant accepted she picked the baby up, held her in her left hand, saw her face and determined the sex of the baby.

When asked if the baby squealed or cried, she said nothing. There was a bit of blood in the babys mouth and she turned her over to get it out, she explained. However, she repeated the baby wasnt alive. It was put to her that the baby did breathe, and she said she didnt hear her.

When she held the baby in her arms the woman couldnt describe her feelings. She held her for about 10 minutes to see if there was anything, but, no, there was nothing. She wanted to bring her home, but panicked when she couldnt hear her breathe.

Asked why she didnt seek help, she said, because I didnt want it. I never needed help. I always done everything by myself.

She considered walking out of the toilet with her and saying something, but didnt. After a certain point in the pregnancy, she said there was no more movement and therefore thought it was too late.

When asked what triggered her to put the baby in the bin, she said, I honestly dont know. She described how she opened the lid of the bin and placed her in. She didnt wrap her.

After I had cleaned myself up the baby was in my arms. I pressed the foot pedal and placed her in the bin.

The woman agreed she had support and the baby would have had a home, but didnt know why she denied the pregnancy and made efforts to conceal it.

Post mortem

Details of the post mortem were read out to her which showed the cause of death as being inattention at birth. She agreed that it was fair to say that if she screamed for help the baby would be here today.

Asked why she didnt say anything at the hospital or when the gardai became involved, she said: I just didnt want to believe that I had her.

When asked what she would have done differently, the woman said she would have told someone about being pregnant and asked for help. Her actions, she said, were stupid. "I was acting like a child," she said.

During a second interview that evening, she repeated she didnt know the baby was alive when she gave birth. Gardai put it to her she denied the pregnancy for nine months beforehand and nine hours afterwards, even when the baby was found in the bin. They accused her of lying, but she protested she was telling the truth and was in denial:

If I knew she was alive I would have called someone.

When asked what she was thinking when holding her, she said, How beautiful she was. I was looking for movement. I wanted her to cry I wanted help, but I didnt ask.

She felt relieved she had her and was a mam. She felt she had left her baby down completely and was selfish.

Ciaran OLoughlin, SC for the defence, pointed out to Inspector Donohoe that comments made by the defendant were in hindsight and didnt quantify that she knew the baby was alive on the date in question.

Father of baby's evidence

Giving evidence, the father of the baby said he was made aware of the womans potential pregnancy, when she told him about it. He disputed it at that stage due to a lack of information.

Under cross examination, he agreed that he offered her money for a pregnancy test and a doctors appointment when she told him of the pregnancy. When asked where he was in the run up to the delivery, he said he was going about my own business with my friends and stuff.

It was put to him he had not had much contact with the woman, and Mr OLoughlin, SC, added at that stage it was obvious to everyone, except the woman, that she was pregnant.

When it was put to him he didnt want to think it was his problem, the witness said that wasnt the reality of the situation, adding he would have taken care of the child. He said he did what was in his rights and capabilities to do.

On behalf of the defence, the final witness of the day, Dr Catherine Conlon, assistant professor of social Policy at Trinity College Dublin, explained the premise of a concealed pregnancy and drew on the Ann Lovett case of 1984.

The case is to continue on Friday.
An asylum seeker's hunger strike campaign to achieve permission to remain status in Ireland has reached its third day.

Nadim Hussain, who currently lives in Direct Provision in Cork, is pleading to be granted permission to remain in Ireland. Mr Hussain has been living in Cork for three years.

3 day of hunger strike pic.twitter.com/wSekJmP2qq  Nadim (@Nadim62970973) October 16, 2021

Last month, he received a letter from the International Protection Appeal Tribunal (IPAT) which affirmed a recommendation of the international protection officer which stated that he should be refused a declaration as a refugee along with subsidiary protection status.

Following on from the letter, he is pleading to be granted leave to remain in Ireland.

Mr Hussain said he received the decision from IPAT in a few weeks but is still awaiting a decision in regard to permission to remain in the country.

Why are they not giving me my answer for leave to remain? he asked.

Read More Call for community employment to be extended to protection applicants

Mr Hussain said he fears for his life if he was to be deported to his home country of India. He said that both of his parents were killed in riots in West Bengal before he came to Ireland in 2018.

Thats the reason I am protesting and begging and pleading, he said.

I want leave to remain. I dont want to go to my country.

His hunger strike campaign follows a protest outside Leinster House on Thursday earlier this week.

Along with the support of other asylum seekers, he protested outside Leinster House and vowed to commence his hunger strike.

According to figures obtained by Nasc following a Parliamentary Question from Thomas Gould TD earlier this year, the median processing times for applications processed to completion at the International Protection Office in Quarter one, 2021, was 16.1 months for prioritised cases.

For non-prioritised cases, it was 24 months.

The median waiting time for decisions through IPAT as of 30 June, 2021, was 10 months. Up to the same date, there were over 1,600 appeals pending.

Speaking on the asylum seeking process in Ireland, a spokesperson for Nasc said the timeline for a decision for those seeking leave to remain can vary. With leave to remain, a host of factors are considered, and it can be difficult to pin down why individuals are granted leave to remain.

Permission to remain can be granted to people who have been refused a refuge or subsidiary protection declaration but who are not returned home for humanitarian or other compelling reasons.

While the Department of Justice does not comment on individual immigration cases, it said that each application for international protection is examined in detail on its individual merits, taking all factors into account.

According to the Department, the permission to remain process includes a full consideration of their private and family rights in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights as well as consideration of their work situation, among other issues.

For those who are in the international protection process, our objective is to have decisions made on their applications and permission to remain considerations as soon as possible, a spokesperson said.

Nadim Hussain currently lives in Direct Provision in Cork.

This ensures that those who are found to be in need of our protection can receive it quickly and begin rebuilding their lives here with a sense of safety and security. For those found not to be in need of international protection, a full consideration of all aspects of their case is considered before a Deportation Order is made.

All appellants who come before the independent IPAT have their appeals assessed on an individual, objective and impartial basis. This is based on precise and up-to-date information as to the general situation prevailing in the country of origin of the appellant including such information contained in submissions made by them or on their behalf.

Under international human rights law, the principle of non-refoulement guarantees that no one should be returned to a country where they would face torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and other irreparable harm.
THE board of Pairc Ui Chaoimh has lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanala challenging Cork City Councils decision to refuse planning permission for redevelopment at its 100m stadium.

The board confirmed to the Irish Examiner that the appeal has been lodged.

In a statement it said: Out of respect for the process, the board will not be making any further comment at this time.

Last week, it emerged that Pairc Ui Chaoimh had not acted on advice from the Council that it engage in a third pre-planning meeting before lodging its planning application in July.

The Council had said in light of the scale of the project, it would have been considered appropriate.

Prior to lodging the application, Pairc Ui Chaoimh had engaged in two pre-planning meetings in November 2019 and January 2020, with the second meeting taking place 18 months before the application was lodged.

The board defended its decision, saying it received the advice from the Council in an informal phone call and that it had fully and appropriately engaged with the local authority on all aspects of the application throughout the entire process.

Cork GAA spent around 100m on the redevelopment of Pairc Ui Chaoimh during a major revamp in 2017.

Its latest proposals are for the reorganization of internal spaces, a new tourist attraction (GAA museum/exhibition centre), enhanced conference and hospitality facilities, a childrens playground at the Atlantic Pond, and, controversially, new car parking facilities on open space public lands.

This last element was a key concern in City Halls decision to refuse planning permission. The proposed car parking was also within an area identified as flood storage. The board did not submit a Flood Impact Assessment as part of its application.
A police commissioner whose comments following the murder of Sarah Everard caused a national outcry has received a formal vote of no confidence from local politicians.

But despite calling his own comments absolutely ridiculous and pathetic, Philip Allott, North Yorkshire police, fire and crime commissioner, told an online public meeting he would not step down from his 74,400 role.

He had been accused of victim blaming after he said in a radio interview that women should be more streetwise about powers of arrest and that Ms Everard, whose family live in York, should not have submitted to arrest by her killer Wayne Couzens, a serving police officer.

The panel had received 121 complaints and Mr Allotts office more than 800, the panel heard.

The British Prime Minister was said to have been outraged by Mr Allotts comments.

All 11 members of the North Yorkshire Fire and Crime Panel, made up of local politicians and two independent members of the public, gave him a vote of no confidence in continuing in his role.

That vote effectively brought the meeting to a close.

The panel had no powers to sanction the commissioner, but the members who spoke during the meeting urged him to go, saying he had lost the confidence of the public.

Martin Walker, a retired district judge and independent member of the panel, told him: You talked about regaining your credibility.

You have no credibility.

Councillor Tim Grogan, a retired detective, said Mr Allotts comments were lamentable for an individual, but as a commissioner, with the seriousness of that role, frankly, they were unforgivable, at best naive, crass even, at worst wrong-headed, misguided.

He added: I believe your position is unsustainable.

Panel chairman Councillor Carl Les added: Only you can judge the damage done, only you can resign.

We cannot make you, we can only make recommendations, and there is a frustration in that.

But I think you should consider your position now.

Earlier, Mr Allott addressed the meeting from his office, saying he wanted to apologise without reservation for his comments during the BBC Radio York interview and said tensions had run high since then.

He said: I gave a car crash of an answer, I accept that.

As all of North Yorkshire knows, it was wrong, entirely misconceived (and) grossly insensitive.

Sarah Everard, whose family live in York, was murdered by a policeman (Family handout/PA)

He claimed the issue had been amplified by it continually being played back on BBC Look North, which just rakes over a major mistake I made.

He said the answer did not reflect his views, or more importantly his actions in protecting women and girls from male violence.

It is not for women or girls to protect themselves, its for men not to harass, intimidate, assault and murder women, he said.

I would like to apologise for the impact of that answer to Sarah Everards family and all the victims of violence.

Mr Allott said he was undertaking training in understanding violence against women and girls, adding: That said, I have experienced domestic violence myself, indeed, I classify myself as a survivor.

He then listed a series of local charitable organisations and support groups which have agreed to meet him despite the fallout from his comments.

Mr Les said that unlike MPs, there is no legislation to recall police commissioners and he said that should change.

The meeting followed a report in the Yorkshire Post which said most of his staff had signed a letter expressing they were appalled by his comments and made allegations about his behaviour towards colleagues.
Burma International Pressure Grows on Myanmar Junta to Cooperate With ASEAN

Regime leader Min Aung Hlaing during the Armed Forces Day parade in March 2021. / Cincds

Myanmars military regime is facing mounting regional and international pressure to cooperate with ASEAN to resolve the countrys political crisis, as calls grow for the regime to be excluded from the blocs summit scheduled for later this month if it fails to do so.

For all his promises to follow the five-point consensus agreed by ASEAN at its summit in April to tackle the political turmoil that has gripped the country since the military coup in Februaryincluding an immediate cessation of violence and a visit by a special envoyregime leader Min Aung Hlaing has largely failed to implement it.

Plans for a visit to the country by the regional blocs special envoy Erywan Yusof are still in limbo, as his request to meet all stakeholders including the countrys detained leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been refused by the regime.

On Wednesday, ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR); the Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (ALTSEAN), an NGO working to promote human rights and democracy in Myanmar; and more than 50 local rights groups urged the blocs leaders not to invite the regime leader to the upcoming ASEAN Summit. They reasoned that the junta had failed to respect the five-point consensus and pointed to its continued refusal to cooperate with the regional bloc on its implementation.

Excluding Min Aung Hlaing from the summit would be a huge blow to the junta, which has desperately been seeking official recognition from other countries, especially those in ASEAN, as Myanmars rightful government.

On the same day, the European Union called on the Myanmar regime to engage with the ASEAN special envoy to fully implement the consensus, while stressing the need for the military to facilitate regular visits by Erywan and allow him to engage freely with all [those] he wishes to meet.

In its statement, the EU also called for the immediate and unconditional release of President U Win Myint, State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all those detained in connection with the coup, the establishment of a genuine political dialogue and a peaceful return to the countrys democratic path.

The European Union underlines that a meaningful political dialogue must include all relevant stakeholders, including the Committee Representing the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), the National Unity Government (NUG), ethnic groups, political parties and other pro-democracy forces committed to working towards a peaceful resolution of the current crisis, it said. The CRPH was formed by ousted elected lawmakers from Daw Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy (NLD). The NUG was organized by the NLD parliamentarians and their ethnic allies in the wake of the coup as the legitimate government of Myanmar.

The European Parliament last week also agreed to support the CRPH and NUG.

Zaw Min Tun, the militarys spokesman, recently said that dialogue between the ASEAN special envoy and State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the NUG and Peoples Defense Forces could not take place because the State Counselor has been charged with a number of crimes, while the two organizations have been declared illegal by the junta

The regimes refusal to allow the special envoy to enter the country has drawn the ire of some ASEAN member countries including Malaysia. Its Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing could be excluded from the regional summit over the juntas failure to cooperate with ASEANs efforts. He also said his country is ready to hold talks with Myanmars shadow government if the junta continues to fail the bloc.

Following the tussle, Erywan said last week that the bloc was deep in discussions about not inviting the junta leader to the summit after the issue was raised by the Malaysian foreign minister and others.

Up until today there has been no progress on the implementation of the five-point consensus, and this has raised a concern, he said, according to Reuters.



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Up until now, COVID-19 testing has involved taking a nasal-pharyngeal sample from a person and sending it to a laboratory to be analysed using PCR technology. Direct Health Solutions says businesses are now turning to rapid antigen testing as a primary COVID-19 surveillance tool and as a key safety approach to encourage employees to return to the workplace.

In the past three weeks alone, we have deployed a team of 200 nurses and onsite testers across NSW, Victoria, and Queensland, and administered over 80,000 tests on client sites, Direct Health Solutions (DHS) CEO and founder Paul Dundon says.

The DHS team provides the Sars-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Nasal test, supplied by Roche Diagnostics, and to ramp up testing, they administer an onsite testing using an app, Navify Pass, to track results and administer results.

Navify Pass allows for multiple tests and a range of data to be managed, creating a workflow for the business. It also gives the test recipient their results on their own phone for personal record, or to use to access work sites as necessary. DHS also manages each sites full test records for any customer or public health reporting requirements.

The DHS health testing team also use Navify Pass to:

1. Log into the site profile by scanning a site-specific QR code

2. Scan a test recipient QR from their mobile

3. Take the sample and scan a QR on the test device

4. Enter the result in the Navify Professional app

5. Send the result straight to the test recipients mobile phone, and to a back-end file so DHS can manage each site.

Given the highly contagious COVID Delta strain currently in circulation, the faster the infected individual is isolated, the more chance we have to reduce transmission. This is why rapid antigen tests are a great option where speed is key. DHS sees this as critical to future-proof the Australian businesses, protecting workforces and reducing the chance of further lockdowns, Dundon explains.

Dundon emphasises businesses should not consider rapid antigen home testing, set to be available from November, as a replacement for businesses doing their part to protect their staff.

RAT is going to become even more important for businesses because with restrictions easing theres going to be an increase in COVID in the community. This is where the power of RAT comes into its own. You need to identify the asymptomatic cases while theyre infectious so you prevent them getting onto the worksite, Dundon says.

RAT is here to stay. Even if government restrictions ease, businesses have a duty of care to ensure the safety and well-being of their teams. The UK is an excellent example of how rapid antigen testing on worksites has become an essential part of day-to-day business operations, and its making a significant difference in helping balance public health measures with keeping the economy going, Dundon adds.

We have delivered approximately 30 million COVID-19 tests in the public health response. While normal life returns for residents of NSW - one third of Australias population, we need to continue to be vigilant, as we see high case numbers in Victoria. Scientific innovation such as RAT is an addition to the testing arsenal to help enable effective management of this pandemic, and will continue to play a leading role, concludes Roche Diagnostics Australia managing director Allison Rossiter.
Western Australia's Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre and Finland's CSC  IT Centre for Science have signed a deal to collaborate on advanced computing solutions to improve global research efficiencies.

A statement from Pawsey said CSC would, this year, become the host site for the LUMI supercomputer, a pre-exascale machine for processing big data.

It claimed the data centre where LUMI is to be situated would be designed in such a way as to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

Pawsey's latest HPE Cray EX supercomputer, known as Setonix, has peak processing power of 50 petaFLOPs. As iTWire has reported Phase 1 of its installation was completed in the third quarter of 2021, with the second phase due for completion by the second quarter of 2022.

CSC  IT Centre for Science is owned by the Finnish state and higher education institutions and provides internationally high-quality ICT expert services for higher education institutions, research institutes, culture, public administration and enterprises.

Mark Stickells and Kimmo Koski. Supplied

Pawsey executive director, Mark Stickells, signed the memorandum of understanding in Perth during a live call to CSC managing director, Kimmo Koski in Espoo, Finland.

Stickells said the agreement reflected Pawseys collaborative nature as an internationally recognised supercomputing research facility.

This partnership will help both centres deliver advanced solutions to national and global research, with large impacts on researchers and their scientific outcomes," he said.

"By working together, we [will] take another step forward in accelerating scientific discovery and aiding humanity.

Koski said: Bearing in mind the international nature of science, we are excited about this partnership which will foster the use of HPC globally.

"We are looking forward to make the most out of LUMI, and this memorandum of understanding supports our endeavour towards this goal.
Tax services and software provider Ryan has promoted Jon Graham to the role of president of its Australian operations.

"Jon Graham has played a significant role in Ryan's Australian growth strategy and operational excellence," said Ryan president of European and Asia-Pacific operations Jon Sweet.

"As we continue to rapidly expand our market presence and client base, his leadership will be instrumental in developing our capabilities to manage that growth effectively, adding value to Ryan and our clients.

"Ryan is committed to enhancing and expanding our service offerings in Australia, and the appointment of Jon in this role is a major step toward that goal. Clients can take comfort knowing that our Australian team has deep local knowledge backed by an industry-leading global platform."

Ryan chairman and CEO G. Brint Ryan said "We have invested heavily in our Australian operations over the last 1218 months with the acquisition of two leading companies, gaining a number of strategic leaders and highly seasoned tax professionals.

"With his aptitude, knowledge, and experience in the industry, Mr Graham is the ideal choice for this role and well positioned to lead Ryan's Australian operations in this capacity."

Graham joined the company in 2020 as principal and COO of Ryan Australia, following the acquisition of Indirect Tax Solutions, where he worked as a tax specialist.

He previously worked in the tax practices of Deloitte Australia, Arthur Andersen and EY, after starting his career in the UK's HM Revenue and Customs.

"I am excited to take on this prestigious role and continue to evolve Ryan's Australian operations in the region," said Graham.

"Our comprehensive range of solutions and our growing team of experts are now better positioned than ever to meet the needs of our clients, providing the capabilities to help their businesses maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of their tax functions."
Eight groups in Australia are on a list of more than 4000 individuals and groups that Facebook users are barred from speaking about. The social media behemoth maintains that these people and groups promote violence.

The Intercept reported that Facebook created the list in order to ward off accusations that it aids terrorists in spreading propaganda. A full list of the groups was published by the news site on Wednesday.

The organisations and individuals are listed as part of the social media company's Dangerous Individuals and Organisations policy. They are classified under hate, terror, crime, militarised social movements and violent non-state actors,

The Intercept's Sam Biddle described the policy as "a sweeping set of restrictions on what Facebooks nearly three billion users can say about an enormous and ever-growing roster of entities deemed beyond the pale".

The Australian groups listed are Black Magick SS, Lads Society, National Socialist Network, Spear of Longinus, True Blue Crew, United Patriots Front, Antipodean Resistance (all classified under hate groups) and Talib and Sons Pty Ltd (classified under terror).

Facebook has been under scrutiny following the publication in September of a series of articles by The Wall Street Journal based on leaks by a whistleblower.

There were claims that Facebook's own research had found that its Instagram app worsened the mental health of teenagers, that Facebook often misrepresented itself to the public and that misinformation, toxicity and violent content were promoted by the site's algorithm.

The whistleblower, Frances Haugen, appeared before the US government and also on the media earlier this month, claiming, among other things, that the company chose growth and profit over user safety.

The Intercept said the restrictions imposed by Facebook seemed to date back to 2012, a time when both the US Congress and the UN had expressed concern over the recruitment of terrorists online.

"Facebook added to its Community Standards a ban on 'organisations with a record of terrorist or violent criminal activity', Biddle wrote. "This modest rule has since ballooned into whats known as the Dangerous Individuals and Organisations policy.

Alongside the full list, The Intercept said it was publishing "an associated policy document, created to help moderators decide what posts to delete and what users to punish".

Biddle quoted Facebooks policy director for counter-terrorism and dangerous organisations, Brian Fishman, as saying in a statement that the company kept the list secret because [t]his is an adversarial space, so we try to be as transparent as possible, while also prioritising security, limiting legal risks and preventing opportunities for groups to get around our rules".
This Week in Review

A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more.
On October 1, Colombias Constitutional Court unanimously voted to extend the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). This means that the institution of the countrys transitional justice system tasked with truth-seeking will not close its doors in late November, as initially expected, but in mid 2022.

Colombias top court decided to grant the TRC a seven-month extension, plus an additional two months for outreach on its final report, after three victims organisations and two legal think tanks filed a lawsuit in June arguing that the Covid-19 pandemic hindered the commission from satisfying victims rights. The countrys strict lockdown, one of the longest in the world, forced the commission to cancel in-person events and interviews for half a year and rendered online participation either impossible or insecure for thousands of victims, they argued.

The Court finds it proven that the effect of the pandemic and the measures adopted to contain it on the fulfilment of the Commissions mandate was extraordinary, intense and serious, justices concluded. Their decision gives the TRC a much-needed lifeline to complete work on its final report  but also highlights its dilemma of how to invest this extra time to ensure its work really underpins reconciliation and coexistence in a still divided country.

Election season averted

The courts ruling has one major political effect: it ensures that the TRCs final report on Colombias 52-yearlong armed conflict will not be unveiled this year. And more so, that it will avoid becoming a punching bag in what is already shaping out to be a divisive election.

Next semester will bring Colombians to the polls three times. They will first elect a new Congress in March and then, in May and very likely in a June runoff, they will choose a new president to succeed Ivan Duque, who won the 2018 election campaigning against the peace deal signed by his predecessor with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrilla and a staunch critic of the transitional justice system stemming from it.

Most political parties  including several lawmakers in the ruling Democratic Centre party- and even president Duque welcomed the idea to extend the TRCs timeframe and avoid its report becoming an electoral topic. However, former president Alvaro Uribe  whose August sit-down with three TRC commissioners was turbulent  told members of his party that it would be better if they publicly opposed an extension and suggested that a report which he deemed as biased could become a useful wedge issue, according to one person with knowledge of that conversation.

More time for what?

A central question remains: how will the TRC use its additional seven months of work?

When peace negotiators conceived the TRC as an extra-judicial body within a transitional justice system that also includes a special tribunal, a reparations programme and an institution tasked with finding those deemed missing, they envisioned a truth commission that would not merely focus on a final report but rather on a process-based approach that could unite Colombians around rejecting past violence and paving a way forward.

After all, the country has made great strides towards reconstituting what happened. Just the National Centre for Historic Memory has produced 102 book-length investigations documenting human rights violations and diverse effects of Colombias conflict, ranging from forced displacement, land dispossession, sexual violence and kidnappings to violence towards indigenous communities, local politicians, journalists or transgender persons.

However, in practice the TRC has concentrated the brunt of its work on research and truth-finding. Over two years of fieldwork, it has gathered an extensive repository of testimonies, documents and primary sources, conducting at least 13,821 interviews with 26,192 persons  including all five living former presidents  and receiving 890 reports from stakeholders. Its announced eleven-part final report will include a historical overview, multiple topical chapters and a series of recommendations on how to avoid a repeat scenario of violence.

In total, 73 percent of the TRCs staff has been devoted to research, according to a recent congressional report. The commission has concentrated the vast majority of its efforts on preparing the final report, to the extent that other functions have been either marginalised or understood as subsidiary tasks to this research, it stated, underscoring a disconnection between the TRCs two internal teams tasked with investigation and community outreach.

Truth as a public good

Over the past months, more voices have asked the commission step up public hearings and outreach efforts. Their reasoning is that TRC reports are most often exhaustive documents  that people seldom read.

The report is important, but the TRCs legacy will largely hinge on whether citizens make use of this truth as a public good to change attitudes, behaviours and perceptions in everyday settings, says Marco Velasquez, a Javeriana University law professor whose academic and legal work has been linked to transitional justice. This is what helps repair the social fabric in a still fractured and pained society, what fosters reconciliation.

In total, the TRC has organised 442 public events since its inception, a large number of which have happened online after the pandemic forced the commission to rethink itself. Some of its more creative formats have been well received, with its TV series Before the mirror anchored by a well-known actor  garnering over 300.000 viewers per episode and one of its podcasts reaching a million monthly listeners. Press coverage has increased. But few of these events have really gripped the countrys attention.

A method for catharsis

The TRC does have the toolkit to help harness an emotional connection with Colombians though, as underlined by a recent assessment funded by the US governments USAID, as part of its significant financial support to the commissions work on public outreach.

After months-long analyses, a team of transitional justice and evaluation experts determined that the TRCs so-called social dialogue spaces have robust methodologies and a proven success in fostering empathy and improving peoples understanding of what happened. Almost 90 percent of 1.400 participants surveyed reported an emotional connection to the victims, they concluded. These events were also successful in changing the perception of those wary of the TRC, with researchers noting that a significant number of interviewed participants who had a negative view or none at all later said that it had changed favourably.

In a similar vein, the multiparty report identified two areas of the TRCs mandate where work was lagging: documenting individual or collective experiences of resilience and positive transformations carried out by organisations and institutions throughout the war. Both could in fact inspire ordinary Colombians untouched by conflict.

The social impact researchers also warned that a significant amount of persons attending TRC events are repeat participants, suggesting that the TRC should consider if it has prioritised people who are already attuned to it and largely veered away from those who are sceptical or indifferent. In particular, they stressed that businessmen and the private sector remain  as Justice Info has told  a blind spot in the commissions outreach efforts.

Direct actors missing in action

But it might not be the only blind spot. According to the report from the Colombian Congress, an overwhelming majority  around 92,5 percent  of the 23,000 persons the TRC had interviewed by December 2020 were direct victims of the armed conflict. While this makes sense in a country where they number 9 million  or one of every six Colombians  it also means that other groups might be underrepresented.

Only 2 percent of TRCs interviewees can be classified as actors who participated directly in the conflict, its authors concluded. This means only some 292 former rebels, including members of the FARC, paramilitary groups and other left-wing guerrillas, and 100 members of Colombias military or police had been interviewed until last year.

This might explain why, as the US governments report shows, many persons feel that there have not been enough public hearings in which former combatants and state agents own up to their responsibilities and ask their victims for forgiveness. That doesnt mean that no such events have taken place, but it underscores how they have rarely galvanised society.

In early August for instance, the TRC recreated a 2002 march for life that FARC squadrons infamously interrupted, kidnapping two respected politicians  governor Guillermo Gaviria and former defence minister Gilberto Echeverri  whom they murdered the following year. Nineteen years later, former FARC commander in chief Rodrigo Londono asked their relatives for forgiveness, as they completed the march together in an emotional journey that went relatively unnoticed.

Instead, when another former rebel, senator Carlos Antonio Lozada, coldly told a TRC participant during an event in June that he wasnt planning on asking kidnapping victims for forgiveness that specific day because it would be something contrived for the purposes of being recorded in the press, his words made the news everywhere.

Now that the Constitutional Courts ruling allows the TRC to dodge the nastiness of a fraught election season, the commission will have to plan where to concentrate its efforts over the coming months. Some pressing issues remain, including how quickly Duques government will allocate funds for the commission to operate next year.

But perhaps no soul-searching is more important than its decision on whether to dedicate the next seven months exclusively to complete its final report or ramp up its efforts to showcase victims expressing their pain and perpetrators acknowledging it. That is, the kind of images and scenes that could end up shaping the TRCs legacy as much  or more  than its report.
LAFAYETTE, La (KADN)- Despite many events being canceled due to COVID-19, it is still festival season in Louisiana.

The Boudin Cook-Off and Acadiana Bacon Fest will be making a return this Saturday, October 16 at Parc International.

A few months ago, Robert Carriker, the organizer of the festival was a little unsure if they should still host the event due to the recent surge of the delta variant. But, after getting feedback from members of the community they were reassured that the show must still go on.

Right when I first made the announcement on social media that we were planning on continuing to have the event, this was a couple of months ago, I was ready for some pushback to tell the truth, and I didn't get that pushback I got complete support, Carriker said.

According to Carriker, the festival brings people to Acadiana from all over the country.

There are literally thousands of people who come to the Boudin and Cook-Off Acadiana Bacon Fest every year, and they come from all corners of the state, even Texas, we've got people coming from Mississippi, I know we've got people coming from Washington state, and Delaware, he added.

One of the most popular attractions of the festival is their boudin cook-off in which attendees are able to eat from 19 different vendors and vote the peoples choice of best boudin. There will be a set of judges there to vote on three different categories: best boudin, specialty boudin, and bacon dish.

The organizer said that this will help bring more exposure and clientele to his vendors.

It really means a lot to them on different levels. One of the things it means to them its a demonstration that they're ready to get back to normal and they want to be a part of the return, Carriker said

Another attraction of the festival is the boudin ball eating competition and the boudin and bacon eating competition.

Both of those eating events are the only two like them in the entire world. And if you are the boudin ball ball-eating champion, you get this solid gold-ish pig and get to wear it around your neck as a calling card, he said.

The event organizers want to ensure attendees that COVID-19 safety protocols will be put in place such as wearing masks, social distancing when in food lines and eating, and hand sanitizer stations throughout the park.

There will also be live music, games, and plenty of bacon-filled dishes at the Boudin Cook-Off and Acadiana Bacon fest this Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. For more information visit their Facebook page @BoudinCookOff.
Han So Hee proves her versatility as an actress in the Netflix series "My Name," alongside Ahn Bo Hyun and Park Hee Soon.

From a young mistress, Seo Da Kyung in "The World of Married," to a senior art student Yoo Na Bi in "Nevertheless," whose relationship status is quite complicated, the 26-year-old beauty transforms into a badass protagonist named Yoon Ji Woo.

The highly-anticipated action-packed series is helmed by none other than Kim Ji Min, who is the genius behind "The Liar and His Lover" and "Lawless Lawyer," together with screenwriter Kim Ba Da.

In Han So Hee's new Kdrama, her character is associated with South Korea's biggest drug organization led by Choi Moo Jin, played by Park Hee Soon.

Ji Woo decided to join the syndicate to find the culprit who killed his father, intending to avenge his brutal death. In hopes of obtaining her bittersweet revenge, she infiltrates the police under a new name while stunning the viewers with her impressive combat skills.

With the intriguing storyline and Han So Hee diving into more challenging roles, here are the three key points to look forward to in the upcoming Netflix's "My Name."

Strong Female Lead

"My Name" mainly focuses on the revenge of the female protagonist after witnessing the devastating death of her loved one.

The Netflix series boasts colorful and intense action, which is expected to be the core of the story.

Since this will be Han So Hee's first action Kdrama since her debut, without a doubt, she showed her metamorphosis and flexibility as an actress.

In the recently held press conference, the South Korean beauty revealed that she undergoes rigorous martial arts training and "invested a lot of time" to give justice to her character.

Moreover, she admitted that she felt "pressured" to star in an action series.

Nevertheless, it seems that she pulled off her role being an undercover agent based on the stills and teasers released by Netflix.

Jaw-Dropping Action Scenes

Apart from Han So Hee, male lead stars like Ahn Bo Hyun and Park Hee Soon say that the stunts were challenging.

The "Yumi's Cells" actor shared that "each cast underwent intense combat training."

The same goes for the two-time Baeksang Arts winner who lauded that the production team and actors "doesn't rely much on ropes or computer graphics," he said, adding that the action scenes "present a real fight."

Compelling and Engaging Storyline

Apart from the actress' transformation and explosive stunts, "My Name" has a unique and intriguing plot, setting the viewers at the edge of their seats.

The female protagonist had no other way to follow her father's path to find out the person behind his death.

For the "Nevertheless" star, she mentioned that upon reading the script, she "could see the desperation" from Yoon Ji Woo's character.

Ahn Bo Hyun also shared the same stance, suggesting that it's the genre that he has wanted to do.

"I read the script and fell in love," he said, adding, "I wanted to one day do an action noir and I finally came to do one."

"My Name" release date is scheduled on October 15, exclusively on Netflix.

IN CASE YOU MISSED: Han So Hee Fights Against Thugs in 'My Name' Teaser

KDramastars owns this article

Written by Geca Wills
Curious about the 2016 romantic film "Mood of the Day," starring Moon Chae Won and Yoo Yeon Seok?

Helmed by director Jo Kyu Jang who also helped in penning the script, along with writer Min So Yeon, movie "Mood of the Day" is a well-loved romance Korean films.

The movie revolves around a man and woman who meet by chance on a KTX train from Seoul to Busan. Bae Soo Jung (Moon Chae Won), a hardworking woman who doesn't care much about something that's not related to her, meets Kim Jae Hyun (Yoo Yeon Seok), a guy who is full of charms and someone who wins over anyone he sets his eyes on with his flamboyant remarks.

The two spend the day together and so begins a story of a first romance where Kim Jae Hyun failed to attract Bae Soo Jung with his looks.

Moon Chae Won and Yoo Yeon Seok's unexpected tandem in "Mood of the Day" received explosive reactions from the fans at that time.

Five years since the film concluded, some still hope to see them in another project.

But before that happens, check out the latest updates about the two lead stars!

Moon Chae Won

Before Moon Chae Won starred in "Mood of the Day," the 34-year-old actress worked with Han Hyo Joo and Lee Seung Gi in "Brilliant Legacy" in 2009. Since then, many saw her potential and so she landed more projects.

She shared the frame with another award-winning actor Song Joong Ki in KBS series "The Innocent Man" and took home the Best Actress Award, Netizen Award, and Best Couple Award in 2012.

Moon Chae Won also bagged three major awards for her excellent portrayal in "Good Doctor."

In 2016, she starred in "Goodbye Mr. Black" along with "Sweet Home" actor Lee Jin Wook.

In 2017, Moon Chae Won worked with Lee Joon Gi in "Criminal Minds." Three years later, the two reunited in the mystery-suspense drama "Flower of Evil."

Recently, she was rumored to leave her agency Namoo Actors, which is also the home to Song Kang, Park Min Young, SNSD's Seohyun, and more.

Regarding new acting projects, Moon Chae Won has no confirmed drama yet. She is currently busy endorsing various brands.

Yoo Yeon Seok

The 37-year-old actor has been recognized for being versatile. Apart from acting onscreen, Yoo Yeon Seok is also a musical actor - Yes, he sings too!

In the same year after "Mood of the Day" was released in theaters, Yoo Yeon Seok starred in the hit medical drama "Dr. Romantic" where he played as doctor Kang Dong Joo. Due to his outstanding portrayal and strong chemistry with Seo Hyun Jin, he won the Excellent Actor Award and Best Couple Award at the 2016 SBS Drama Awards.

He also starred in tvN's "Mr. Sunshine" together with Lee Byung Hun and Kim Tae Ri in 2018.

Earlier in 2021, he appeared in the movie "New Year Blues" and partnered with Lee Yeon Hee.

Yoo Yeon Seok's megahit Korean drama "Hospital Playlist 2" recently concluded.

In 2022, Yoo Yeon Seok will make a small screen comeback with Netflix's original series "Suriname," where he is expected to work with "Happiness" actor Jo Woo Jin and "Squid Game" star Park Hae Soo.

For more K-Drama and celebrity updates, keep your tabs open at Kdramastars.

Kdramastars owns this.

Shai Collins wrote this article.
Alex Murdaugh, a once-prominent South Carolina attorney embroiled in scandals including alleged life insurance fraud, was arrested in Florida Thursday on suspicion of misappropriating settlement funds in connection with the 2018 death of his family's longtime housekeeper, authorities said.

The arrest represents just the latest legal and personal challenges for Murdaugh, who survived being shot in the head in September and, authorities said, then admitted it was a conspiracy with a former client to kill him as part of a fraud scheme so his only surviving son could collect an insurance payout.

Authorities have said numerous other investigations related to the Murdaugh family are underway, including into the June deaths of Murdaugh's wife and other son, who were gunned down on their family estate.

Murdaugh, who'd been out on bond in the insurance fraud case, was arrested Thursday upon his release from a drug rehabilitation facility in Orlando. He faces two fresh felony counts of obtaining property by false pretenses, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said.

"Today is merely one more step in a long process for justice for the many victims in these investigations," SLED Chief Mark Keel said.

"(Agents) will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of those who were victimized by Alex Murdaugh and others. As I have said previously, we are committed to following the facts wherever they may lead us and we will not stop until justice is served."

Murdaugh was being held at Florida's Orange County correctional facility, and will remain there until a hearing on extradition to South Carolina, SLED said.

Murdaugh's attorneys released a statement saying he is expected to be transported to South Carolina's Beaufort County, where he will appear in court for a bond hearing Friday on the latest charges.

"Alex intends to fully cooperate with this investigation, as he has with the investigation into the murder of his wife and son," a statement from Murdaugh's attorneys Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin reads. "He deeply regrets that his actions have distracted from the efforts to solve their murders."

Murdaugh had been arrested September 16 in connection with the allegations regarding his shooting. In that case, Murdaugh was charged with insurance fraud, conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, and with filing a false police report.

His attorney had told the judge that Murdaugh would be staying at an out-of-state rehabilitation center where he was being treated for an opioid addiction.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

The-CNN-Wire

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PORTLAND, Ore.  The FBI's Oregon office is now offering a $25,000 reward for information on a Portland mass shooting in July that injured multiple people and caused the death of one young woman.

Around 2 a.m. on July 17 of this year, officers from the Portland Police Bureau responded to reports of a mass shooting on SW Third Avenue between Harvey Milk and Washington streets in Portland. At the scene, they found seven people with gunshot wounds.

18-year-old Makayla Maree Harris died after being taken to the hospital.

Investigators believe that the shooting was gang-related, and Harris was not an intended target. The shooters fire from a car before speeding away, and the FBI said that a number of potential witnesses ran away after the shooting without speaking to police.

Innocent people pay a heavy price when violent criminal gangs battle on our streets. Those clashes  facilitated by the constant buying, selling, trading, and stealing of weapons  have helped to drive the homicide rate in Portland to record highs, said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon. Despite this, law enforcement often finds that those who have information about these cases are reluctant to come forward. Whether it is distrust of law enforcement or fear of retaliation, the result is the same - the killings continue. We need help to stop this cycle of violence, and we ask anyone with information to find the will to come forward.

The FBI is now offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction for those responsible for Harris' murder. The reward is in addition to a previous pledge of $2,500 from Crime Stoppers of Oregon.

Anyone with information about the shooting, who witnessed what happened, or has video of anything in the area that happened around the time of the shooting is asked to contact the PPB at crimetips@portlandoregon.gov or the FBI at 1 (800) CALL-FBI or at tips.fbi.gov.

Harris' mother Felicia Martinez also put out the following statement about her daughter:

"Makayla Harris was senselessly taken away from me and her family on July 17, 2021. I send love and comfort to all the victims and their families who were also affected by this tragic night.

"Makayla was beautiful, happy and recently graduated from high school. To the Community, my family and I are asking for continued privacy as we are grieving the loss of our beautiful Makayla. I am also asking anyone with information to come forward and speak with the detectives to help solve this senseless tragedy.

"I know someone out there knows who did this, please do the right thing and help hold the person or persons accountable for their actions. We deserve closure and Makayla who had her innocent life taken deserves justice.

"I will not stop seeking justice for my baby girl Makayla Maree Harris. To the coward that took my baby from me, you will pay fro what you did because i will not lay down, and I will never stop fighting for my baby girl. Thank you, Felicia.
By Zachary Cohen, Katelyn Polantz, Ryan Nobles, Annie Grayer and Whitney Wild, CNN

(CNN) -- The committee investigating the January 6 Capitol Hill riot announced Thursday it is moving forward to hold Trump ally Steve Bannon in criminal contempt for refusing to comply with a subpoena, as his game of chicken with the House panel now enters a new and critical phase.

"Mr. Bannon has declined to cooperate with the Select Committee and is instead hiding behind the former President's insufficient, blanket, and vague statements regarding privileges he has purported to invoke," Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson, who chairs the committee, said in a statement on Thursday.

Bannon was scheduled for a deposition in front of the committee on Thursday, and Bannon's lawyer wrote in a letter the day before to the panel saying that his client will not provide testimony or documents until the committee reaches an agreement with former President Donald Trump over executive privilege or a court weighs in on the matter.

"We reject his position entirely," Thompson continued in his statement. "The Select Committee will not tolerate defiance of our subpoenas, so we must move forward with proceedings to refer Mr. Bannon for criminal contempt."

With the committee officially announcing its decision to move forward with criminal contempt for Bannon, the next step is for the committee to hold a business meeting, which Thompson said would be October 19.

What happens next

The business meeting next week is the first in a series of steps needed to move forward with criminal contempt. In this meeting, the committee will adopt a contempt report, which outlines the efforts the committee made to get a witness to comply with the subpoena, and the failure by the witness to do so.

This report is then referred to the House for a vote. If the vote succeeds, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi certifies the report to the United States attorney for the District of Columbia. Under law, this certification then requires the United States attorney to "bring the matter before the grand jury for its action," but the Justice Department will also makes its own determinations for prosecuting.

Any individual who is found liable for contempt of Congress is then guilty of a crime that may result in a fine and between one and 12 months imprisonment. But this process is rarely invoked, and rarely leads to jail time.

As severe as a criminal contempt referral sounds, the House's choice to use the Justice Department may be more of a warning shot than a solution. Holding Bannon in criminal contempt through a prosecution could take years, and historic criminal contempt cases have been derailed by appeals and acquittals.

Other subpoenas

Three other Trump allies also face subpoena deadlines this week. Two of them, Trump's former chief of staff Mark Meadows and former administration official Kash Patel, have been "engaging" with the committee, according to the panel, though it remains unclear if that contact amounts to any form of cooperation. The select committee agreed to short postponements of Patel's and Meadows' appearances as they continue to engage with the investigation, a committee aide told CNN on Thursday.

But while Patel and Meadows appear to have bought themselves more time, the committee made clear Thursday its patience is limited. Rep. Adam Schiff echoed that sentiment in an interview Thursday, providing a rare window into how the committee is approaching talks with these individuals.

Schiff described Patel to MSNBC as "demonstration of the principle in the Trump administration that the more willing you were to do anything the President wanted, no matter how unscrupulous, the higher and faster you could rise."

"And he rose Phoenix-like through the Trump administration one position after another, even being contemplated to take over the CIA," Schiff said, adding that Patel was "an evil Zelig."

The committee was able only recently to serve Trump's former deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino a subpoena, a source familiar with the matter told CNN, and his deadline to appear for a deposition has likely been delayed.

Focusing on Bannon

CNN reported Wednesday that the committee is unified in its plan to seek criminal charges against those who refuse to comply, and lawmakers have specifically honed in on Bannon while discussing the option publicly.

"The reason why some of these witnesses, people like Steve Bannon, who have been public about their contempt for Congress feel they can get away with it is for four years, they did," Schiff told MSNBC on Wednesday.

Schiff, who also chairs the Intelligence Committee, noted that Bannon had refused to cooperate with the House's Russia investigation during the Trump administration because he "would never be held in contempt."

"He would never be prosecuted by the Trump Justice Department. But those days are over. And I view that not only as essential to our investigation but I also view this, the enforcement of the rule of law, as an early test of whether our democracy is recovering," the California Democrat added.

The letter from Bannon's legal team said it may be up to the courts to decide whether he is ultimately forced to cooperate -- essentially daring the House to sue or hold him in criminal contempt.

"As such, until these issues are resolved, we are unable to respond to your request for documents and testimony," wrote the lawyer, Robert Costello.

The claim that Bannon could be covered by the former President's privilege is unusual, because Bannon was not working for the federal government during the period surrounding the January 6 insurrection.

CNN legal analyst Norm Eisen swiftly pushed back on Costello's letter Wednesday, saying, "It's just wrong. The letter quotes a case saying 'the President' can make executive privilege determinations. But Trump is no longer 'the President.' In the United States, we only have one of those at a time, he is Joe Biden, and he has not asserted privilege here."

Privilege claims normally apply to close officials around the President and deliberations between government employees, and Bannon was fired from his role as a White House adviser in 2017.

Many legal experts agree with the committee that Bannon, as a private citizen, would have no standing to block a subpoena by claiming executive privilege.

Historic criminal contempt cases

As severe as a criminal contempt referral sounds, the House's choice to use the Justice Department may be more of a warning shot than a solution. Holding Bannon in criminal contempt through a prosecution could take years, and historic criminal contempt cases have been derailed by appeals and acquittals.

"They're in a box, in a way," Stanley Brand, a former House general counsel, said on Wednesday. "Any way they go is a legal donnybrook, potentially that will take time."

Congress almost never forces a recalcitrant witness into testifying through prosecution, according to several longtime Washington attorneys familiar with congressional proceedings.

An Environmental Protection Agency official in the Reagan administration was the last person indicted for criminal contempt of Congress. The DC US Attorney's Office of the Justice Department took eight days from receiving the House's contempt referral for Rita Lavelle in 1983 to having a grand jury indict her. Lavelle fought the charges to trial, and a jury found her not guilty.

At least one other criminal contempt proceeding predating Lavelle, during the anti-communist McCarthy-era investigations of the 1950s, was overturned by the Supreme Court on appeal. In more recent administrations, the Justice Department has declined to prosecute contempt referrals -- though in those situations, Congress has made contempt referrals on members of the sitting president's administration.

"I'm watching people on TV bloviate about this. They're going to send [Bannon] to criminal contempt. OK. Fine. That just starts the case," Brand, who was the House general counsel during Lavelle's contempt proceedings, told CNN. "There's a trial. It's not automatic they're going to get convicted."

The criminal contempt approach also is structured to be more of a punishment than an attempt to compel a witness to speak.

"It's not like civil contempt, where you hold the keys to your jail cell and get released" if a witness agrees to testify, Brand said.

Instead, the House essentially loses control of the case as the Justice Department takes over to prosecute.

"They don't have any time," Brand added. "They've got to get this done before next year, before there's an election."
Kilkenny-based Business IT Solutions (BITS) has announced plans to double its workforce, creating 20 new high value roles in a range of IT professions to meet a surge in demand for cybersecurity across the region. Recruitment is already underway.

The new roles will be created over the next three years through a combination of recruitment and company acquisition according to Gavin Dixon who, with the expansion, moves into the role of BITS CEO, with Paul Byrne taking over as Managing Director of the growing company.

We will be creating 20 new roles over the next three years to meet the massive growth in demand for cybersecurity services in the broader Kilkenny area, from project engineers and helpdesk analysts to security specialists and a range of support functions. This will bring us from our current 20 employees to around 40 staff in total, Gavin said. Were currently in talks to acquire an IT company in the greater Dublin region, which will help us to meet demand amongst our Dublin-based clients.

Gavin said the expansion plans are partially prompted by a need to address the challenges faced by companies moving to a hybrid working arrangement: As remote working becomes less of a temporary fixture and more of a permanent measure post-Covid, we are experiencing spiralling demand for cloud and security services, particularly in the financial and professional services sectors. This new hybrid arrangement brings all sorts of challenges to companies, who need to adapt their security protocols in order to safely accommodate the change.

During the early days of the pandemic, in March 2020, so many of our clients moved to remote working overnight and we had to react instantly, creating that secure remote working environment for their teams by implementing a work from home strategy for businesses who had never done so before. Now that many workers are moving back into the office and quite a few are embracing a hybrid work arrangement going forward, their security situation has to be reviewed.

On the one hand, you have people going back into offices and starting up PCs that literally havent been used in 19 months, so their overall technology requirements need to be urgently reviewed. And, on the other, more and more employers are changing over to laptops-only to support flexible working arrangements which, again, has implications for data breaches and cyber-attacks.

The increase in phishing emails we saw during the pandemic continues and it is so important that companies have in place a clear policy for their staff around how to identify these emails, how to respond and who to report them to.



BITS commences recruitment for the new roles this month and details of the current vacancies can be viewed at Business IT Solutions | Managed IT, Cloud, Backup, Security (bits.ie)
Issues of non-compliance around high-risk emergency presentations at St Luke's Hospital maternity services have been addressed in the Seanad by the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, who says he has written to the board and chief executive of the HSE seeking reassurances on the matter.

It has emerged that the Kilkenny hospital is one of only two in the country where the issue of non-compliance remains. The minister says he is seeking for a mechanism to be put in place immediately that would facilitate mothers and partners who find themselves denied access, and that if there is non-compliance it is for a legitimate local clinical reason.

The minister was speaking in the Seanad last Wednesday, October 6. A number of senators noted the protest outside Leinster House in respect of maternity services, and called for accessto be granted to partners of women using maternity services.

Senator Barry Ward said the time had come for 'the foot to be put down in the Department' and for very clear messages to be sent to maternity hospitals 'that the guidelines are to be followed and that it is no longer acceptable to exclude partners from the maternity process, be it an early scan, birth or postnatal care'.

Minister Donnelly said Covid had resulted in restrictions across the healthcare system, which had affected mothers and their partners, nursing homes, hospital visits to people on bed wards and ICU. HPSC guidelines were updated at the start of September to facilitate access for support partners when women are attending for antenatal care, during the period of labour and childbirth and during postnatal care.

"Our clinicians have acted to try to protect mums and babies. We have to find a way to make access as full and complete as possible while protecting mums and babies," said the Minister.

Minister Donnelly said the HSE has advised that hospitals are broadly compliant with the current guidelines and that 17 of the 19 units are being reported to the Department as being fully compliant.

"Two hospitals - St Luke's in Kilkenny and Mullingar - are non-compliant. St Luke's is non-compliant for high-risk emergency presentations. Mullingar is non-compliant for high-risk emergency presentations as well, but it is noted that following a clinical assessment on a case-by-case basis attendance is facilitated where it can be determined by the clinical team," he said.

"I wrote to the board and chief executive of the HSE yesterday and today to state that we must have full compliance and ongoing and very clear monitoring of that compliance, and where there is non-compliance we must understand exactly what the local reason for that is and do everything we can to support the maternity hospital or unit in addressing that issue. However, I have gone further. I believe that the women and men outside have experienced very real and traumatic experiences.

"It is very easy for people to say that there are guidelines in place and compliance is being monitored. That is not enough. This morning I wrote to the chief executive of the HSE and board of the HSE to ask for a mechanism to be put in place immediately that would facilitate mums and partners who find themselves denied the access that is contained in the guidelines to contact the HSE to ask why access is being refused and to ask that it be followed up on. I want reassurance that if there is non-compliance, it is for a legitimate local clinical reason. If there is not a legitimate local clinical reason, we need to know about that so we can intervene."
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A TD is seeking clarity on de-carbonisation supports for farmers, who she says are being "asked to do more with less".

Deputy Marian Harkin made the comments during Leaders' Questions with Tanaiste Leo Varadkar today, where she asked whether or not a programme is in place to support the agriculture sector.

Speaking about Budget 2022, she said, "There have been small investments in forestry and organic farming, but nothing substantial for a sector that's supposed to do much of the heavy lifting when it comes to reducing emissions.

"There's been an increase [in spending] on administration and animal welfare, but when it comes to the back pocket of farmers there's nothing in this budget specifically for them."

The deputy criticised the ringfencing of the carbon tax and claimed the needs of the farming community are not being met.

According to Deputy Harkin, 49million from carbon tax receipts which was supposed to go into agriculture has been deferred to social welfare instead.

The Tanaiste said she raised a valid question about the ringfencing but that he didn't think it was "the full picture" in terms of the budget.

According to Tanaiste Varadkar, when the government was formed a portion of the carbon tax was ringfenced for social welfare and fuel allowance.

He said, "We did that, we stand over that. And a significant portion of the tax was ringfenced for climate action such as retrofitting, most of which will be happening in rural Ireland, and for farmers as well."

He went on to say that farmers will benefit 1.5billion from the carbon tax this decade.

He also said, "It's important to bear in mind farmers are workers and members of society too and benefit from many of the changes in the budget. They benefit from reductions in income tax, some are welfare recipients, some are carers and get farm assistance. Many have students going to college and benefit from an increase in the student grant."
Aer Lingus are now offering flights between Ireland and the United States in preparation for the easing of travel restrictions imposed by the US government in the coming weeks.

An official date is expected to be announced for the resumption of transatlantic flights from Ireland and other countries to the US in the coming days but Aer Lingus have already confirmed a date for their return to transatlantic flights.

In what could be an indicator of the official date, passengers can book tickets to Newark from Dublin from as early as November 14 following confirmation by the airline.

"Aer Lingus transatlantic flights resume from Dublin to Newark from November 14 and Orlando from November 27," a statement read.

"Irish customers ready to travel US-bound once the travel ban is lifted in November, can once again fly direct from Dublin to Newark and Orlando from November," it continued.

The US announced last month that it would lift the strict air travel ban imposed on non-US citizens travelling to the country in "early November."

Expectation is mounting with an announcement possible before the weekend on the official date. The US has this week also announced the lifting of travel restrictions with Canada and Mexico across its land borders for the same time in early November.

Irish travellers will be eagerly awaiting official word to book flights to visit the likes of New York during the Christmas period but they will still be expected to adhere to some restrictions.

"Before travelling, Aer Lingus customers are advised to use the airlines new online travel support tool to search by destination and retrieve up-to-date tailored travel information based on their specific circumstances including vaccination status, return travel and flight connection requirements. Should plans change, customers can also avail of the Book with Confidence flexible booking proposition until 31 December 2021," a spokesperson said.

What will the new US travel rules be?

Only fully-vaccinated people from Ireland, the EU and UK will be allowed to enter when restrictions lift. Passengers must have both doses for vaccines administered in two shots. Proof of a negative test will also be required before travelling across the Atlantic. Contact information will also be held by airlines for contact-tracing purposes if required.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognises Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, but has so far not approved the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab. However, it is expected the AstraZeneca jab will be accepted for travel to the US as it has WHO approval.
While the rate of Covid-19 infections nationwide is slowing, health care systems in some parts of the country are struggling with hospital wings still packed with patients.

Montana, for instance, is facing new highs this week in coronavirus hospitalizations, with 533 Covid-19 patients in hospitals as of Wednesday, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services. This eclipses the high set in November, before vaccines were readily available, according to HHS and data from the Covid Tracking Project.

The percentages of ICU beds used for Covid-19 patients in Montana, along with neighboring Idaho and Wyoming, are among the highest in the country, HHS data showed.

This comes as vaccine advisers to the US Food and Drug Administration are meeting Thursday to discuss whether to authorize boosters of Moderna's coronavirus vaccine for some adults, with a recommendation vote scheduled for the afternoon.

But as Covid-19 hot spots like those in the Rockies emerge from the surge driven by the more infectious Delta variant, many doctors and officials are more focused on the millions of Americans who still aren't vaccinated at all -- and they say the pandemic will simmer as long as so many remain unvaccinated.

"Sadly, today I'm here to tell you that we've lost the war. That Covid is here to stay," Dr. Steven Nemerson, chief clinical officer with Saint Alphonsus Health System in Boise, Idaho, said Wednesday. "And the reason it is here to stay is because we cannot vaccinate enough of the public to fully eradicate the disease."

Idaho has been slammed by the pandemic over the last two months. Coroners and funeral homes reported running out of storage space for bodies last month due to the increase in deaths.

The day that the first vaccine was released last December was the pandemic's equivalent of D-Day, Nemerson said, and Covid-19 will be a recurring problem for years to come because the US failed to meet the challenge.

"There are episodes, at least on an annual basis, that we'll have to deal with," Nemerson said Tuesday during a briefing hosted by the state Department of Health and Welfare.

Hospitalizations at Saint Alphonsus have declined recently, Nemerson said, but that's doing little more than giving exhausted health professionals a chance to come up for air, particularly as workers face hostility from some Covid-19 patients and families.

"None of us are superhuman, and we all have a limit to how much work we're able to do, and how much stress and despondency we're able to handle," he said, "and that's compounded by the fact that too many people are coming into our hospitals questioning what we do."

In other parts of the country, some hospitals remain stretched thin. Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, New Mexico and Texas have 15% or less of their ICU capacity available to Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 patients, according to HHS data.

Idaho and Montana are two of 15 states that have still yet to fully vaccinate at least half of all residents, according to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A CNN analysis of federal health data last month found that during one week, the average rate of Covid-19 deaths was more than four times higher in the 10 least-vaccinated states compared to the 10 most-vaccinated states.

Abiding with vaccination regulations

After the Biden administration announced last month that new vaccination rules would be imposed on federal workers and large employers, many private companies and public bodies began establishing compliance rules.

At Boeing, with many of its 140,000 employees working stateside, the aerospace giant announced that its US-based employees will need to show proof of vaccination or "have an approved reasonable accommodation" by December 8.

Smaller employers in certain cities are also working to stay in compliance. In the 30 days since New York City started enforcing its own vaccine requirement for most indoor activities, authorities have generally found success, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Wednesday.

Around 31,000 inspections have been conducted, which includes installation of proper signage and checking for proof of vaccination, the mayor said.

Around 6,000 warnings were issued, according to NYC Small Businesses Services commissioner Jonnel Doris, yet de Blasio said only 15 businesses following the warnings were still found to be in violation and fined.

"To all the small business owners, to all the employees who made this work: Thank you," de Blasio said.

The city's overall vaccination rate has increased by 9% since the city's mandate began, he said.

As for public employees in other cities, approximately 812 Boston city employees are still not in compliance with the city's Covid-19 regulations, down from 1,400 reported last week, according to a statement from Mayor Kim Janey's office. These employees have been placed on unpaid leave.

The Los Angeles Unified School District, the nation's second-largest, has pushed back its deadline for teachers and employees to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 until Friday, according to a district spokesperson.

Boosters are up more than first doses, data shows

While health officials work to get as many first doses into the arms of Americans as possible, federal health data shows that the rate of boosters being administered is outpacing initial inoculations.

An average of 813,690 doses are being administered each day, but first doses -- or new vaccinations -- account for only about a quarter of all doses being administered, according to CDC data.

Booster doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine have been authorized for those at higher risk for Covid-19, and advisers at the US Food and Drug Administration are set to meet Thursday and Friday to review data and consider booster applications from Moderna as well as Johnson & Johnson.

An ongoing conversation among health experts is whether a mix-and-match strategy of using a booster from a different vaccine maker may prove safe or even more beneficial.

A preprint of a National Institutes of Health study, which has yet to be peer-reviewed or published, suggests that mixing boosters in different combinations among the three vaccines produced a robust immune response.

"The most important takeaways are two things. One is that all of these different nine combinations are safe, as in there are no new or different side effects, so all of these appear to be safe," CNN medical analyst and emergency physician Dr. Leana Wen told CNN on Wednesday.

"The second big takeaway is that all of these combinations induced a pretty strong, robust antibody response. So that actually justifies the mix-and-match approach," she said.

The Moderna application will be considered Thursday, and Johnson & Johnson's is set for Friday. Discussion from members of the FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, or VRBPAC, will then turn to mix-and-match boosters.

The-CNN-Wire

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Disney is coming after Netflix in Asia.

The owner of Disney+ announced a major expansion into Asian content on Thursday, with plans to greenlight more than 50 original titles from the region by 2023.

Disney is commissioning new shows from South Korea, Japan, Australia, Taiwan and Indonesia. Many of the programs will be presented in local languages, from Bahasa Indonesia to Mandarin.

The move comes as fans worldwide continue to buzz over "Squid Game," a South Korean hit from Netflix that has become the company's top show globally. The streaming king told CNN Business exclusively this week that it had been viewed by 111 million accounts since its rollout in September, making it the company's "biggest-ever" series launch.

Netflix has been pouring money into original Asian language content, and the streaming service has touted the global success of its Korean and Japanese programs. It's also had hits with European series, including "Lupin," a French mystery thriller.

Jessica Kam-Engle, Disney's head of content and development for Asia Pacific, noted the popularity of Korean content in a presentation shown to the media on Thursday, saying that it had "evolved into a global phenomenon."

To capture that interest, the company unveiled a sneak peek of its own slate of upcoming Korean shows, including "Snowdrop," a romantic drama series starring Jisoo, a member of the popular K-pop band Blackpink.

Disney declined to share how much its new investment in original content would cost.

The company only launched Disney+, its flagship streaming service, in late 2019, but it has impressed analysts and investors so far.

The platform currently has more than 116 million subscribers across 61 markets around the world, including eight in the Asia Pacific region, such as India, Australia and New Zealand.

Executives are now gearing up for more launches, with debuts in South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan expected next month.

To blitz each market, the Hollywood heavyweight will be relying on the help of local creators, according to Luke Kang, the company's president in Asia Pacific.

"Consumers across the region are increasingly demanding the best of global and the best of local language content," he said.

Disney wants to combine the two by leaning into its storied history and existing army of talent, which include creatives from Pixar and Marvel. The company announced plans Thursday to connect hundreds of Asian creators to Disney's global executives and producers through masterclasses, live panels and other activities.

"I believe we are at an inflection point," said Kang. "Streaming is quickly going mainstream, and Disney+ is well placed to play a central role."

The-CNN-Wire

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WINONA, Minn. - A survivor of the Columbine shooting is sharing lessons learned from the immense tragedy with students and teachers in Southeast Minnesota.

Few can imagine what Craig Scott went through as a teenager on April 20th, 1999. After heading to the library of his high school to study for a test, Scott would witness ten classmates being killed feet away from him.

"I was in the room where most of the shooting happened," Scott said. "10 students were killed around me, and I had two friends that were killed right next to me."

Scott hid under a table as the shooters opened fire. After boldly sprinting from the school's library to save his life, he would learn his sister Rachel was the first victim of the massacre.

"I struggle a lot with anger, and hating the two shooters, and I used to - people just had to tiptoe around me," said Scott.

More than twenty years later, Scott doesn't hide from the horror of Columbine. Instead, he's made it his mission to create a bigger, more positive impact than the shooters sought to make.

"Instead of just lashing out, you can take anger and directed towards a goal and it becomes determination, and my determination was 'I want to make a positive impact. The shooters at Columbine wanted to leave a negative impact, I want to leave a positive impact."

Over the past two decades, Scott has traveled to schools across the country, inspiring students and staff to turn pain into purpose, become emotionally resilient, and value themselves as well as those around him.

"One of the mothers of one of the shooters wrote a book, and she said 'we valued our son, but he didn't believe in his own value.'" Scott continued, "and so with the thinking of 'I'm not valuable, I'm worthless, the world would just be better off without me,' I come in with the message that you have incredible, inherent built-in value, and don't underestimate your potential. You always have the capacity to give, to love, to do good in this world."

Sharing his message across Winona Area Public Schools Wednesday, Scott challenged community members to let the brightest parts of life outshine the dark.

"Don't let any one negative thing dominate your thought space, no matter what it is. See through problems, and be focused on answers, and be focused on positive things, because if you focus on the right things, that automatically negates the wrong things.

Scott also worked with students and staff at WAPS, helping them build more positive relationships between each other. In the more than two decades since the Columbine massacre, Scott has spoken to more than 1,000,000 people nationwide.
HAMPTON, Iowa  A guilty plea is entered in a Franklin County drug case.

Britt Elmer Pleggenkuhle, 55 of Hampton, was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, and failure to use a drug tax stamp.

Hampton police say they searched Pleggenkuhles home in the 400 block of 1st Street SW on August 3 and found 85 grams of meth, 43 grams of marijuana, two scales, numerous baggies, and other drug paraphernalia.

Pleggenkuhle has now agreed to plead guilty to failure to use a drug tax stamp. The other charges have been dismissed. A sentencing hearing is now set for December 9.
ROCHESTER, Minn. - Police are trying to identify the culprit after two people were shot at late Wednesday night.

The shooting happened at 11:49 p.m. at 20th Ave. SE. and 17th St. SE.

Two victims, age 29 and 47, came across a suspicious vehicle that had been driving around when they had a conversation with one of the occupants. That's when one subject got out of the vehicle and fired two shots, police said.

The vehicle then took it off. It is described as a dark-colored SUV.
MASON CITY, Iowa  The Salvation Army of North Iowa says its Christmas red kettle campaign is starting a week earlier.

Bell ringers and kettles will be out starting November 12 and continuing through Christmas Eve, except for Thanksgiving Day. In announcing the early start, The Salvation Army of North Iowa issued the following statement:

Last year at this time, we were all hopeful that by Christmas 2021 the pandemic would be well behind us. Unfortunately, we have not yet won the fight against COVIID-19. Millions of Americans  including thousands of individuals and families right here in North Iowa  are still experiencing the ongoing financial and emotional impact of the pandemic as they struggle to recover and stay in their homes.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, homelessness increased nationally between 2019 and 200, particularly among families. Experts predict that the end of the federal eviction moratorium will likely lead to a spike in homelessness in 2021 as well.

"The news is grave. And yet, despite the significant challenges still ahead of us, we still have hope  which is exactly why The Salvation Armys Christmas theme Hope Marches On is so appropriate for 2021.

To volunteer to man a kettle, go to Registertoring.com or call 641-424-4031. Donations may also be made and MasonCityRedKettle.org.
ROCHESTER, Minn.  A man accused of attacking three women with a machete is pleading not guilty.

Omar Abudakar Maani, 22 of Rochester, was arrested on July 7 and charged with three counts of second-degree assault. Investigators say Maani was in one of the units at Cascade Creek Apartments in northwest Rochester when he woke up and apparently became angry when he could not find his vape pen. Rochester police say Maani started yelling and chasing people through the hallway while swinging at them with a large machete.

Court documents state three women were injured. One received a long and shallow cut on her back. A second had a large gash on her leg deep enough to expose fatty tissue. A third had a stab wound to the arm that left her unable to lift it.

No trial date for Maani has been set.
ROCHESTER, Minn. - Rochester's Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency will receive more than $3.1M from the Department of Employment and Economic Development's first round of its revitalization project.

The $80M statewide program, which is distributed through two rounds, will award grants to partner organizations to establish programs within specific communities to fund development projects.

DMC will receive $3.12M to provide grants to businesses in Rochesters central business district to support economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Following the initial shock of the pandemic, Rochesters downtown business community responded with innovation, creativity, and determination. This grant program is yet another tool to support Rochesters recovery, said Patrick Seeb, Executive Director of Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency. Think of this as an economic booster shot.
ROCHESTER, Minn. - For better or worse social media consumers our daily lives, and while adults may be better equipped to handle the responsibility of navigating the platforms, children are assuredly more vulnerable.

Thats why U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is setting out to address content and privacy concerns regarding digital platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

FILE - The Instagram app is displayed on a computer on Aug. 23, 2019, in New York. Instagram is putting a pause on its Instagram Kids platform, geared towards children under 13, so it can address concerns about accessibility and content. Adam Mosseri, the FILE - The Instagram app is displayed on a computer on Aug. 23, 2019, in New York. Instagram is putting a pause on its Instagram Kids platform, geared towards children under 13, so it can address concerns about accessibility and content. Adam Mosseri, the

Klobuchar held a virtual roundtable discussion with Minnesota parents on Thursday to address concerns as social media is integrated into school curriculum and used daily by teenagers, and even children, to keep in touch with friends.

Parent Natalie Kennedy shared during the discussion, While I can eliminate social media for my daughter, I can take away her phone, I can take away those apps, I can't remove the fact that this is part of her reality that she's growing into. So, removing it now doesn't mean so much if she doesn't learn to manage it responsibly.

Its a concern shared by fellow Minnesota mom Mara Hanel. She added, Our girls are preyed upon on Instagram. So if, as a parent, I could have information on how to make sure they have the correct setting or it comes in as that correct setting then they won't have anyone they don't want to be looking at their images as the default.

Klobuchar is working to hold social media platforms accountable; from algorithms that promote troubling content to harmful misinformation and data mining, there are many areas she believes need change.

We know the consequences are so serious with eating disorders, and the like, and part of what I want to get are solutions, explained Klobuchar. The first solution is better privacy protections because we know people don't really want their data to be used. 

The senator says some of the first steps include enhancing privacy laws, allowing users greater control over their data, and bringing a market approach to social media platforms.

She said, One solution to this, in addition to regulation, is allowing the market - allowing new companies to blossom that have more protection on them or by making sure young kids aren't even using their products by making people register for who they are.

Klobuchar has already co-sponsored the Health Misinformation Act which targets a provision of the Communications Decency Act that protects platforms from being held liable for what their users post in most cases.

In a news release, Klobuchar also says she's sent several letters to the leaders of Facebook, Twitter, Google, and Youtube calling on them to take action to stop the spread of false and misleading information related to Coronavirus vaccines.
FARMINGTON TOWNSHIP, Minn.  Two SUVs collided Wednesday afternoon in Olmsted County.

The Minnesota State Patrol says a 2012 Ford Escape driven by a 53-year-old man from Plainview and a 2013 Lincoln MKX driven by a 54-year-old woman from Elgin were both headed north on Highway 63 when they crashed at the intersection with 30th Avenue NE around 3:49 pm.

Authorities are describing this as an injury accident but no other details have been released. The State Patrol says the road was wet at the time of the collision.

The Olmsted County Sheriffs Office and the Mayo Clinic Ambulance assisted at the scene.


KDB Chairman urges FTC for quick approval



By Kim Jae-heun



Korea's airline industry is expecting travel demand to boom again after more than a two-year slump due to the COVID-19 pandemic as the government takes steps to initiate a phased return to normal starting from the second week of next month.



However, the process of Korean Air acquiring rival Asiana Airlines, which began in November of last year, is taking longer than expected,.



The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) is raising concerns over Korean Air's possible monopoly in the domestic market if the acquisition is approved. The top antitrust watchdog says the combination of two full-service carriers can infringe on free competition in the flight service market.



Top regulator Joh Sung-wook told lawmakers that the KFTC will try to conclude its review by the end of this year.



But with the start of a phased return to normal next month, the KFTC is facing calls to speed up its review, because the airline industry is one of Korea's key business sectors.



The acquisition proposal is subject to approval from countries or regions whose industries will be affected by the merger. Korean Air has sought relevant approvals however only Turkey, Taiwan and Thailand have given the deal the green light, while China, the EU, Japan, the U.S., and Vietnam are still reviewing the plan.



This led Korean Air to postpone the acquisition of Asiana Airlines shares to Dec. 31. If any of the remaining countries disapproves the deal, Korean Air will not be able to acquire Asiana.



State-run Korea Development Bank (KDB) is said to have asked the KFTC to take prompt action regarding the pending issue. The rationale is that the more time the antitrust watchdog takes to review the deal, the more time the airline industry will need to normalize operations when the phased return to normal or "living with COVID-19" plan kicks off.



"When the EU tried to regulate Amazon, Google and Facebook, the United States protected them. But Korean authorities are waiting for other countries to make the decision first before they do. It is regrettable that the KFTC is not showing enthusiasm here," KDB Chairman Lee Dong-gull said.



Sources said the KFTC is considering asking Korean Air's management and KDB to grant a "conditional approval" by redistributing transportation rights and slots with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in order to protect the interests of budget carriers.



Meanwhile, the former chairman of Asiana Group, Park Sam-koo, has been revealed to have included an unfavorable clause for Asiana Airlines in a contract with Gate Group affiliates. The local carrier must guarantee a minimum net profit for Gate Group until 2047.



Park was already charged with selling the exclusive business rights for in-flight meals held by Asiana Airlines in 2016. Park did not notify the matter in advance to Kumho Asiana Group or Asiana Airlines' management teams.



The value of Asiana Airlines' exclusive in-flight meal business rights was estimated at some 260 billion won. Korean Air will be responsible for addressing the issue once the Asiana acquisition plan is approved.



Currently, Korean Air's net integrated funds excluding money set aside to acquire Asiana is estimated at around 600 billion won. Korean Air is likely to bear an additional financial burden due to the agreement made by Park.




By Joseph S. Nye





CAMBRIDGE  As U.S. President Joe Biden's administration implements its strategy of great power competition with China, analysts seek historical metaphors to explain the deepening rivalry.







But while many invoke the onset of the Cold War, a more worrisome historical metaphor is the start of World War I. In 1914, all the great powers expected a short third Balkan War. Instead, as the British historian Christopher Clark has shown, they sleepwalked into a conflagration that lasted four years, destroyed four empires, and killed millions.







Back then, leaders paid insufficient attention to the changes in the international order that had once been called the "concert of Europe." An important change was the growing strength of nationalism.







In Eastern Europe, pan-Slavism threatened both the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires, which had large Slavic populations.







German authors wrote about the inevitability of Teutonic-Slavic battles, and schoolbooks inflamed nationalist passions. Nationalism proved to be a stronger bond than socialism for Europe's working classes, and a stronger bond than capitalism for Europe's bankers.







Moreover, there was a rising complacency about peace. The great powers had not been involved in a war in Europe for 40 years. Of course, there had been crises  in Morocco in 1905-06, in Bosnia in 1908, in Morocco again in 1911, and the Balkan wars in 1912-13  but they had all been manageable.







The diplomatic compromises that resolved these conflicts, however, stoked frustration and growing support for revisionism. Many leaders came to believe that a short decisive war won by the strong would be a welcome change.







A third cause of the loss of flexibility in the early 20th-century international order was German policy, which was ambitious but vague and confusing.







There was a terrible clumsiness about Kaiser Wilhelm II's pursuit of greater power. Something similar can be seen with President Xi Jinping's "China Dream," his abandonment of Deng Xiaoping's patient approach, and the excesses of China's nationalistic "wolf warrior" diplomacy.







Policymakers today must be alert to the rise of nationalism in China as well as populist chauvinism in the United States. Combined with China's aggressive foreign policy, a history of standoffs and unsatisfactory compromises over Taiwan, the prospects of inadvertent escalation between the two powers exist.







As Clark puts it, once catastrophes like WWI occur, "they impose on us (or seem to do so) a sense of their necessity." But in 1914, Clark concludes, "the future was still open  just. For all the hardening of the fronts in both of Europe's armed camps, there were signs that the moment for a major confrontation might be passing."







A successful strategy must prevent a sleepwalker syndrome. In 1914, Austria was fed up with upstart Serbia's nationalism. The assassination of an Austrian archduke by a Serbian terrorist was a perfect pretext for an ultimatum.







Before leaving for vacation, the German Kaiser decided to deter a rising Russia and back his Austrian ally by issuing Austria a diplomatic blank check. When he returned and learned how Austria had filled it out, he tried to retract it, but it was too late.







The U.S. hopes to deter the use of force by China and preserve the legal limbo of Taiwan, which China regards as a renegade province. For years, U.S. policy has been designed to deter Taiwan's declaration of de jure independence as well as China's use of force against the island.







Today, some analysts warn that this double deterrence policy is outdated, because China's growing military power may tempt its leaders to act.







Others believe that an outright guarantee to Taiwan or hints that the U.S. is moving in that direction would provoke China to act. But even if China eschews a full-scale invasion and merely tries to coerce Taiwan with a blockade or by taking one of its offshore islands, all bets would be off if an incident involving ships or aircraft led to loss of life.







If the U.S. reacts by freezing assets or invoking the Trading with the Enemy Act, the two countries' metaphorical war could quickly become real. The lessons of 1914 are to be wary of sleepwalking, but they do not provide a solution to managing the Taiwan problem.







A successful U.S. strategy toward China starts at home. It requires preserving democratic institutions that attract rather than coerce allies, investing in research and development that maintains America's technological advantage, and maintaining America's openness to the world.







Externally, the U.S. should restructure its legacy military forces to adapt to technological change; strengthen alliance structures, including NATO and arrangements with Japan, Australia, and South Korea; enhance relations with India; strengthen and supplement the international institutions the U.S. helped create after World War II to set standards and manage interdependence; and cooperate with China where possible on transnational issues.







So far, the Biden administration is following such a strategy, but 1914 is a constant reminder about prudence.







In the near term, given Xi's assertive policies, the U.S. will probably have to spend more time on the rivalry side of the equation. But such a strategy can succeed if the U.S. avoids ideological demonization and misleading Cold War analogies, and maintains its alliances.







In 1946, George Kennan correctly predicted a decades-long confrontation with the Soviet Union. The U.S. cannot contain China, but it can constrain China's choices by shaping the environment in which it rises.







If the Sino-American relationship were a hand of poker, Americans would recognize that they have been dealt a good hand and avoid succumbing to fear or belief in the decline of the U.S. But even a good hand can lose if it is played badly.









Joseph S. Nye, Jr. is a professor at Harvard University and author of "Do Morals Matter? Presidents and Foreign Policy from FDR to Trump" (Oxford University Press, 2020). His article was distributed by Project Syndicate (




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(PLATTE COUNTY, Mo.) A Platte County grand jury says Missouri law is on the side of a Kansas City man who killed two men over a fight about $200 worth of firewood near Parkville earlier this year.

A Kansas City man who killed two men near Parkville in February was set free by a Platte County Grand Jury.

Platte County prosecutor says the group declined to indict the 22-year-old citing Missouris stand your ground law.

The suspects name was never released by authorities because he was not formally charged.

We know Kalob lawson 34, of Kimberling City and Jonathan Lutz, 44 of Kansas City were shot on February 10.

They and another man were paid $200 dollars to deliver some firewood to a Platte County home.

The homeowner left as they were unloading the wood and according to prosecutor Eric Zahnd, the men left without delivering the full cord.

The homeowners son jumped in his car and chased down Lawson and Lutz.

The cars eventually stopped with Lutz and Lawson getting out.

Zahnd says Lawson was armed with a 9 mm handgun.

Lawson then threatened the son with a gun, the son whipped out his own gun and fired several shots killing Lawson at the scene.

Lutz died later at the hospital.

The son returned home, called the police, and surrendered to authorities.

In a news release, Zahnd says Missouris "stand your ground" law allows people to use deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to protect themselves against death or serious physical injury.

The grand jury clearly believed this was one of those times.

The case was investigated by Parkville police, Platte County Sheriff's office and Kansas Cty Police Department.
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 14 (ANI/NewsVoir): Norlanka Brands, the retail arm of the PDS Multinational Group continues to successfully build the organic kidswear category in India with the launch of the 100% organic brand Turtledove London, which comes close on the heels of Lilly+Sid, the organic award-winning British kids wear brand presented earlier this year.

Turtledove London, also founded by Imran & Emma Hassan (of Lilly+Sid) was launched in 2016 as a mindful antidote to fast fashion when founders wanted to create a design-led, planet-friendly children's clothing brand at accessible price points. Turtledove London today with its responsibly created, stylish unisex clothes for children is housed in over 400 stores worldwide.

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Named by The Independent as the 'Best Sustainable Kidswear Brand' in their second year, Turtledove London works only with SEDEX certified factories and uses GOTS certified organic cotton. The Global Organic Textile Standard is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibers.

Norlanka Brands, responsible for launching the brands of PDS Multinational in India, Middle East and the South East Asian market, presents Turtledove London in a digital first format in association with Firstcry.com as well as on their own platform turtledovelondon.co.in. With this format, Norlanka stays true to its philosophy of following more environment-friendly processes for digital supply chain management and an overall reduction in their carbon footprint.

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"With the success of our first sustainable brand for children Lilly+Sid, I am very happy to bring Turtledove London, another label by the same founders to India. Consistent with Norlanka's continuing belief that a truly sustainable venture begins with mindful production as well as the elimination of excess inventories, we are glad to be associated with brands that use planet-friendly resources and present a comfortable, responsible and fashion-forward option for Indian parents," says GS Periwal, CEO, Norlanka Pvt. Ltd.

Created for children from 0-8 years, Turledove London is a clothing brand that reflects love for nature, art and people, that translates to meeting the demands of a worldwide customer base that exercises more conscious and mindful choices. Exclusive fabrics, colours, shapes and prints with many reversible options, styles with adjustable straps, turn back cuffs and hems that can grow with your child to maximise wear and link backs to previous collections in terms of colours and prints to allow easy coordination are just some of the highlights of how Turtledove London offers a sustainable, ethical solution for dressing our children! Besides a wide range of gender neutral clothes that have global relevance.

Says Emma Hassan, Co-founder, Turtledove London "With this brand, we are constantly challenging the Fast Fashion business model. The cotton we use is KINDER to delicate skin, more Durable and made with farming methods that are more Planet Friendly and better the environment. Our non-cotton fabrics are eco-friendly too!"

Turtledove London is for design led consumers who are conscious about sustainable living as a part of their daily living habits. This includes being responsible about clothes with timeless styles and a versatile appeal. With Turtledove London, mothers can ensure their children have an organic option to wear from the park to the party with lots of year-round styles for any-weather wear. These are classic designs to be Forever Loved!

"With Turtledove London we would like to be part of the community of parents who are mindful of their choices due to the pandemic and impact of climate change. They are aware of the importance of reducing their carbon footprint, are more in tune with nature, are interested in knowing 'Who made these clothes' and are protective about the environment for the next generation. We are happy to bring Turtledove London to India for this growing community that is attentive to details about back stories and wants to give back to Mother Earth," says Ankit Shukla, Country Head, Norlanka Pvt. Ltd.

As a conscious and responsible company, Norlanka Manufacturing wishes to blend sustainable wear into the mainstream lifestyle and consistently work on their mission to reduce the adverse impact of using non-sustainable materials on the environment. With the launch of Turtledove London, Indian parents have a responsible and stylish choice for kids which is 100% Organic with elevated, gender-neutral designs in fabrics that are kind on the skin and the environment.

Norlanka brands Ltd. is the retail arm of PDS Multinational Group. Currently, Norlanka Brands is marketing and selling brands Lilly+Sid and Turtledove London, in the sustainability space, in India. The company is also focused on bringing other international brands to the Asian markets. Norlanka Brands will provide B2C solutions, through the expertise that Norlanka Manufacturing brings with over ten years of operations in Sri Lanka

As a company with international bandwidth, Norlanka continues to bring in foreign investments to improve the manufacturing capabilities of their business partners through continuous research. The factories include tier 2 and tier 3 factories, who need support in terms of financing for raw material etc. Norlanka believes in the entrepreneurial spirit of their partners; their working relationship allows them to step up to the next level and bring pride to their business.

Norlanka Brands is an accelerator for early stage brands from across the globe to enter India. Middle East and the South East Asian retail market, by empowering them with innovative, sustainable solutions and retail support.

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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Oscar-nominated director David Fincher is collaborating with popular streaming giant Netflix for Vior, a new documentary series of visual essays celebrating cinema. According to Variety, Fincher, who is executive producing 'Voir' with 'The Empty Man' director David Prior, has disclosed very little about the upcoming project. 'Shrinking': Jason Segel Joins Ted Lasso's Team of Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein For Apple's Upcoming Comedy Series.

Writer Drew McWeeny also teased that the series would be about "something that intrigues us or upsets us or that has to do with our connection to the movies." Variety confirmed that 'Voir' will premiere on November 13 at The American Film Institute (AFI) Fest in Los Angeles before it lands on Netflix on an undetermined date. Priyanka Chopra Is a Stunning Diva in This Pastel Blue Shaded Top and Shorts; Actress Shares Her Still From Spain Vacation.

The streaming giant has already been slammed by some high-profile directors for its nontraditional methods for theatrical distribution, but Fincher shared that he appreciates the freedom he has been given on the platform. "I've never been happier working at a place than I am at Netflix. It's a nice thing that movies have a place to exist where you don't necessarily have to shove them into spandex summer or affliction winter," Fincher told Variety in a cover story about 'Mank', the director's Oscar-nominated Netflix drama about the screenwriter of 'Citizen Kane'.

The director had recently signed a four-year film deal with Netflix, having previously worked with the streamer on 'House of Cards' and 'Mindhunter'. Fincher is also directing the Netflix movie 'The Killer', an assassin drama that is said to star Michael Fassbender in the lead role.

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New Delhi [India], October 14 (ANI): Central Government has given go ahead for inviting the expression of interest for installation of 1000 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) as a pilot project.

This is the joint effort of both Ministry of New and Renewable energy and Ministry of Power who have been working on this to provide a road map for the installation of the energy storage system in the country.

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"In order to support the ambitious goal of achieving 450 GW renewable energy target of Ministry of New and renewable energy by 2030, it is important that it gets duly supported with installation of energy storage systems (battery energy storage system, hydro pump storage plants etc.)," read a statement from the Ministry of Power.

"Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), a CPSU under Ministry of New and Renewable energy, has called for the expression of interest for procurement of 1000 MWh BESS. This will be published along with the RFS bid document and the draft comprehensive guideline for procurement and utilization of BESS as a part of generation, transmission and distribution assets and with all ancillary services" the Ministry said.

Also Read | Fake Job Racket Offering Employment in Indian Railways Busted by Delhi Police, 4 Arrested.

It further said that this will be discussed in the pre-bid conference scheduled to be held on October 28 2021.

Based on the suggestions and the feedback from various stakeholders, the final RFS document will be floated in the first week of November 2021, along with the final comprehensive guidelines for procurement and utilization of BESS as a part of generation, transmission and distribution assets and with all ancillary services.

According to the statement from the Ministry, India plans to use energy storage system under Renewable energy along with the energy storage system. Energy storage system as grid element to maximize the use of transmission system and strengthening grid stability and also to save investment in the augmentation of transmission infrastructure.

Storage as an asset for balancing services and flexible operation. The system operator i.e. load dispatchers (RLDCs and SLDCs) may use storage system for frequency control and balancing services to manage the inherent uncertainty/variations in the load due to un-generation.

Storage for distribution system i.e. it may be placed at the load centre to manage its peak load and other obligations. As a merchant capacity by the energy storage system developer and sell in the power market. (ANI)

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New Delhi [India], October 14 (ANI): After the resumption of export of COVID-19 vaccines in October, India has exported 10 crore vaccines each to Nepal, Myanmar, Iran and Bangladesh under Vaccine Maitri, said the government sources.

India has pressed the restart button to supply COVID-19 vaccines along with initial supplies in this round to the neighbourhood.

Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections 2022: RLD Chief Jayant Chaudhary Rules Out Alliance With Congress.

Made-in-India COVID-19 vaccines are in huge demand especially in the neighbourhood, it is learnt that during several diplomatic engagements, the majority of south Asian neighbours had time and again urged India to restart the export of vaccines.

India had to freeze its "Vaccine Maitri" program in early May this year as the country was severely hit by a deadly second wave of the COVID-19. It is the last month India announced that it is reopening the export of Covid vaccines.

Also Read | Delhi Police Arrests 2 People for Kidnap and Murder of 9-Year-Old Boy in Uttam Nagar.

During this gap of nearly five months, China entered this sphere and supplied a massive number of Sinapharm vaccines in the region.

However, the efficacy of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine was always in question and people in the region have more trust in "Made-in-India" vaccines, a source told ANI.

Differences in Sinopharm pricing kicked storm in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. According to reports, China sold vaccines to different regional partners at different pricing, this has already created massive controversy in Nepal, Bangladesh and also Sri Lanka.

One source told ANI that most south Asian countries are looking up to India for the vaccine supply to the region.

In the last few months, India ramped up its production and speeded its Covid vaccination drive in a big scale. Nearly 95 crore Indians have at least received the first dose of vaccine.

India's decision to reopen exports of vaccines is welcomed by the International community. Quad, the United States and countries of the European Union (EU) appreciated India's move.

India's step to open vaccine supplies is a major boost to the world in general and South Asia in particular. (ANI)

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New Delhi, Oct 14 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver a video address at an event organised by the Defence Ministry to dedicate seven new defence companies to the nation on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami on Friday, the PMO said on Thursday.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and representatives from the defence industry associations will be present on the occasion.

Also Read | Delhi Police Arrests 2 People for Kidnap and Murder of 9-Year-Old Boy in Uttam Nagar.

Referring to the seven new defence companies, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said the government has decided to convert Ordnance Factory Board from a department into seven fully government-owned corporate entities as a measure to improve self-reliance in the country's defence preparedness.

This move will bring about enhanced functional autonomy and efficiency and will unleash new growth potential and innovation, it said.

Also Read | Hyderabad Shocker: 30-Year-Old Woman Allegedly Gang-Raped by Three Persons Near Himayat Sagar.

The seven new defence companies that have been incorporated are Munitions India Limited (MIL), Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVANI), Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWE India), Troop Comforts Limited (TCL), Yantra India Limited (YIL), India Optel Limited (IOL) and Gliders India Limited (GIL), the PMO said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Chandigarh, Oct 14 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and his family members on Thursday paid a visit to former-CM Amarinder Singh at his residence in Siswan in Mohali.

Sources said the visit was a courtesy call and no political issue was discussed.

Also Read | Southwest Monsoon Withdrawal Not Yet Complete, Says India Meteorological Department.

It was the first meeting Channi had with Amarinder Singh after he was sworn in as the new chief minister of Punjab last month.

Channi was accompanied by his newly-wedded son Navjit Singh, daughter-in-law Simrandheer Kaur and other family members.

Also Read | Tamil Nadu School Teacher Kicks Class 12 Student, Brutally Thrashes Him With Cane Stick In Cuddalore District; Video Goes Viral.

Channi was handpicked as Punjab's chief minister last month following the unceremonious exit of Amarinder Singh after a prolonged power tussle with state Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, October 14: Announcements will be made on airplanes, ships, metros and at railway stations to mark the moment when India achieves the target of administering 100 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Thursday.

The 100 crore doses target is expected to be achieved by October 18 or 19, he said while launching a coffee table book on Covid warriors. Also Read | Hyderabad: 26-Year-Old Woman Ends Life After Argument With Husband; Case Registered.

The total vaccine doses administered in the country crossed 97 crores on Thursday with 73 per cent of all adults having administered the first dose and 30 per cent having received both doses. "The nation is rapidly approaching the 100 crore vaccination mark! 97 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses administered to date. Keep it up India, let us fight corona," Mandaviya tweeted. Also Read | Bangladesh Durga Puja Violence: India Terms Incident 'Disturbing', Says Indian High Commission in Touch With Authorities.

"After 100 crore doses is achieved, we will go in mission mode to ensure that those who have taken their first dose take their second dose too to ensure they are protected against COVID-19," he told reporters.

Mandaviya said that Spicejet will wrap planes with posters of one billion vaccine with images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and healthcare workers on the day the target of 100 crore doses is achieved. He launched 13 videos on COVID-19 warriors and a coffee table, published by the health ministry, to pay tributes to them.

From eight states, 13 Covid warriors, including doctors, ambulance drivers, volunteers and other healthcare staffers have been identified as 'Sentinels of the Soil'.

The coffee table book pays tribute to the ambulance driver, who without waiting for the last rites of his loved ones to be completed, rushed to resume his duties.

"As the vaccination drive picked up in India, the challenge was not only demographic but topographic too. The credit goes to the team of healthcare and frontline workers who took it upon themselves to ensure that everyone was covered. It was not an easy task as deep-rooted hesitancy had to be overcome and rampant myths about vaccination had to be countered," Mandaviya said.

The book salutes the doctors and nurses in a remote tribal area, who worked tirelessly to overcome the entrenched hesitancy against vaccination in his community, so that science could prevail over superstition.

The book celebrates the young volunteers, 'Sathiyas' (friends) of Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram, for finding ingenious new ways to bust myths and for taking the lead in making their community understand the importance of vaccination in keeping them safe from COVID-19.

One of the most critical aspects during the COVID-19 pandemic and the vaccination drive was to provide factual information on a real-time basis to people.

Community radio stations played a significant role in disseminating correct information to people at a time when they were mostly confined to their homes.

The book also pays tribute to some of these community radio station announcers who enthused communities to take the vaccine and walked the talk by being the first to do so themselves.

On Biological E's vaccine, Mavdaviya said due to delay in receiving raw materials Biological E's vaccine got delayed but by November end the data would be submitted..

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Sydney [Australia], October 14 (ANI/Xinhua): Australia has recorded its highest ever daily increase of COVID-19 cases on Thursday, with a spike of almost 2,750 new cases in three separate outbreaks.

The outbreaks, in the states of Victoria, New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), are part of the third wave of the pandemic that first hit the nation in early 2020.

Also Read | India Hits Out at China's Objection to Vice President Venkaiah Naidu's Trip to Arunachal Pradesh.

Victoria is battling by far the largest, reporting 2,297 local cases and 11 deaths throughout Wednesday.

The surge of over 40 per cent compared with the previous day is putting the state's health system under unprecedented pressure with 705 COVID-19 patients in hospitals on Wednesday, including 146 in intensive care, of whom 92 were on ventilators.

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The quickly escalating numbers are also presumably throwing the state government's plans to partially reopen the economy into question.

Stuck in its sixth lockdown since the pandemic struck in early 2020, Victoria is planning to lift some of its COVID-19 restrictions and lockdown conditions once 70 per cent of the population has received two doses of vaccines.

As of Thursday, 86.7 per cent of eligible Victorians have received their first vaccine doses, while 61.5 per cent were fully vaccinated. Health authorities are estimating that the 70 per cent "freedom" milestone could be reached as early as October 22.

However, as of Thursday, Premier Daniel Andrews had not publicly said if the latest disastrous spike in numbers would change those freedom plans.

Meanwhile, vaccination rates in NSW continue to climb with 91.1 per cent of eligible people having received their first jabs and 76.5 per cent being fully vaccinated.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has announced the state will launch the second phase of its roadmap of freedom when the fully vaccinated rate hits 80 per cent.

The state recorded 406 new locally acquired cases, 40 less than the previous day, and six related deaths in the 24 hours up to 8:00 pm Wednesday local time.

The ACT had 46 new cases in the previous 24-hour period and one related death. (ANI/Xinhua)

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Kathmandu, October 14: Long and meandering lines stretched to all possible corners of Basantapur Durbar Square since the early morning of Thursday as the Taleju Bhawani Temple re-opened its gates for devotees after a gap of two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Opened once a year on the day of Maha Navami, Taleju Bhawani is regarded as the main Goddess of Newa, also considered as the saviour of children. Also Read | Bangladesh: 3 Killed, 60 Injured in Communal Violence During Durga Puja Celebrations.

However, this year the doors were re-opened in the early morning after the administration of vaccines to people living in major urban areas of Nepal and depleting the number of COVID-19 cases. Also Read | Afghanistan: Taliban Creates Commission to Expel Unfavourable Members: Report.

Along with the jabs, Basantapur Durbar Square Supervision Office in coordination with local clubs this year distributed masks and sanitisers to devotees who were visiting the temple. "Last year it remained closed. I am feeling elated to visit the temple this year," Nilkantha Gautam, a devotee told ANI after visiting the temple.

The Taleju Bhawani temple situated within the Hanumandhoka Durbar area is opened only on the day of Mahanawami or Ashwin Shukla Navami (the ninth day in the month of Asoj as per lunar calendar) every year.

Meanwhile, the Tulaja Bhawani Goddess was taken amidst a ritualistic procession to the Mulchowk area of the Hanumandhoka Durbar Area at the auspicious hour of 7:11 am on Thursday morning, the time was fixed by the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee.

The statue of the Goddess will be kept at Mulchowk where a special puja would be offered at midnight on Nawami by sacrificing 54 male goats and 54 male buffaloes.

The grand statue of the Goddess Taleju is placed at Mulchowk and worshipped until the day of Bijaya Dashami. It is taken to the temple sanctum sanctorum on the morning of Bijaya Dashami amidst a religious procession.

"I am feeling extremely happy; the queue also proceeded forward without any obstacle. The fear of COVID-19 infection also seems to have lessened with the drop in cases. I pray for the end of coronavirus and protection of all and their healthiness," Ram Kumari Baniya, another devotee told ANI.

The ancient temple which dates back to Malla-era opens only on the ninth day of the waxing moon in the month of Asoj as per the lunar calendar. Special worship is performed to Durga Bhawani today on the occasion of the Mahanawami and the 'jamara' which have been germinated is offered to the goddesses at various shrines.

Male goats, ducks, roosters and male buffalos are sacrificed at various temples dedicated to the Goddesses. Those who do not sacrifice animals or birds, offer fruits and vegetables to the Goddess.

The Durga Saptasati and Devi Strota scriptures are also recited at home and in temples on this day. As mentioned in the Markandeya Purana, Goddess Chamunda had slain the demon Raktabij on the day of Maha Navami. On this day, the security forces also perform what is called the 'kot puja' or worship of the armouries.

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Mexico City, Oct 14 (AP) A lawyer shot his client to death in a courtroom in northern Mexico Wednesday, then fled into an adjoining chamber and killed himself with a gunshot to the head.

Prosecutors in the northern state of Sonora initially said the two were both lawyers, and were related.

Also Read | India Hits Out at China's Objection to Vice President Venkaiah Naidu's Trip to Arunachal Pradesh.

It later specified that the first victim, 27, was a nephew of the shooter, 65, as well as being his client.

The state prosecutors' office ascribed the killing to a family legal matter, and said the two apparently had an argument.

Also Read | Cybersecurity Researchers Fix Bug in World's Largest NFT Marketplace OpenSea.

The court apparently did not have metal detectors in place.

Family courts in Mexico handle cases like custody, divorce and alimony. AP RAX

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Salem (Oregon), Oct 14 (AP) A county in southern Oregon says it is so overwhelmed by an increase in the number and size of illegal marijuana farms that it declared a state of emergency Wednesday, appealing to the governor and the Legislature's leaders for help.

The Jackson County Board of Commissioners said law enforcement officers and county and state regulators and code enforcers are overwhelmed and warned of an imminent threat to the public health and safety of our citizens from the illegal production of cannabis in our county.

Also Read | India Hits Out at China's Objection to Vice President Venkaiah Naidu's Trip to Arunachal Pradesh.

Illegal marijuana grows have been a persistent problem throughout the West, even in states like California that have legalized pot. A megadrought across the West has created urgency, though, as illegal growers steal water, depriving legal users including farmers and homeowners of the increasingly precious resource.

Jackson County strongly requests your assistance to address this emergency, the commissioners said in a letter to Gov Kate Brown, Senate President Peter Courtney and House Speaker Tina Kotek.

Also Read | Cybersecurity Researchers Fix Bug in World's Largest NFT Marketplace OpenSea.

Only four Oregon Water Resources Department full-time employees handle complaints and perform all of their other duties in Jackson County and neighboring Josephine County, the commissioners said.

Josephine County has also been hurt by illegal grows that have drained creeks and siphoned off groundwater. Josephine County Sheriff Dave Daniel believes there are hundreds of illegal operations in his county alone. One with 72,000 marijuana plants that was drawing water from the Illinois River was raided after a dying person who worked there was dropped off in a nearby village.

Oregon voters made producing, processing, selling and using recreational marijuana legal in a ballot measure in 2014.

Pot businesses must be registered by the state, which enforces compliance with rules.

But some growers and processers remain outside the law, joined by a recent influx of outsiders in Jackson and Josephine counties who seek large profits by selling on the black market outside of Oregon while avoiding state taxes and regulations.

The illegal marijuana farms are often posing as legal hemp farms, the commissioners noted. The Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission recently reported that nearly 50% of registered hemp farms inspected in the state are illegally growing marijuana, with a THC content  the compound that gives cannabis its high  greater than legal limits.

About 25 per cent of registered hemp farms refused entry to inspectors, the state agencies said. In busts of illegal marijuana grows, sheriff's deputies have often seized firearms.

By September of this year, the Jackson County Code Enforcement Division initiated almost 700 cases of code violations related to marijuana production or processing, more than double the number in all of 2016, the commissioners said in their emergency declaration.

Reacting to the commissioner's letter, Brown's spokesman, Charles Boyle, said the governor takes these concerns very seriously.

He noted that after the Legislature passed a bill this year that shifted how the state regulates the hemp industry and was aimed at curbing illegal production of cannabis, Brown created a multi-agency team to implement the legislation.

She also authorized doubling the size of cannabis law enforcement grants in the region and directed the Oregon State Police to dedicate additional resources.

The message is clear  Oregon is not open for business to illegal cannabis grows," Boyle said. "These are criminal enterprises that deplete water resources while our state is in drought, hold their workforce in inhumane conditions and severely harm our legal cannabis marketplace.

For her part, Kotek's spokesman Danny Moran said her office is reviewing the issues raised by Jackson County Commission Chair Rick Dyer and Commissioners Dave Dotterrer and Colleen Roberts and "looks forward to further conversations about the best path forward.

The commissioners said their code enforcement staff needs to triple to nine officers; more officers are needed to adjudicate the volume of citations; the sheriff's office needs 34 more staffers, including 18 detectives; and the state Water Resources Department needs three more full-time staff dedicated solely to investigating water-related complaints.

To reach those levels, the commissioners asked for additional state employees, state funding for the county to hire employees and contractors and for a repeal of a prohibition on local taxes on registered, legal marijuana businesses. AP RAX

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Kampala [Uganda], October 14 (ANI/Xinhua): Uganda will deploy a contingent of 160 police personnel to Somalia for peacekeeping operations, the Uganda Police Force said Thursday.

The officers have finished a six-month training course and will be deployed in December under the African Union Mission in Somalia, the police tweeted. "In Somalia, the officers will provide public order management, and protection of African Union personnel and facilities."

Also Read | Bangladesh: 3 Killed, 60 Injured in Communal Violence During Durga Puja Celebrations.

The team is part of the Formed Police Units within the African Union, which rotates on an annual basis. This forthcoming deployment will mark the tenth rotation of Uganda's police units in Somalia.

Uganda started deploying units in Somalia under the African Union mission in July 2012.(ANI/Xinhua)

Also Read | Afghanistan: Taliban Creates Commission to Expel Unfavourable Members: Report.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Lucknow, October 14: Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Jayant Chaudhary has categorically ruled out an alliance with the Congress, ahead of the Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh. He said that talks were on with the Samajwadi Party (SP) for an electoral tie-up. The RLD chief was reacting to media reports that the Congress and RLD were preparing for an alliance in the Assembly elections, due early next year.

Meanwhile, commenting on the Lakhimpur Kheri incident, he appealed to people to snatch the power from the guilty through their votes and termed it as the 'best possible revenge for the atrocities on farmers'. "The minister who should be punished by the government, was called by Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi for a pat on back," he said. Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections 2022: AAP Promises 300 Units of Free Electricity Within 24 Hours After Coming to Power in the State.

Chaudhary also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was silent on the Lakhimpur Kheri incident. "The Prime Minister could tweet on the birthday of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, but had nothing to say on the killing of soldiers in gunfight with terrorists in Kashmir or on the Lakhimpur Kheri incident. He had gone to Lucknow, but did not utter a word about Lakhimpur."

The RLD chief further said that the BJP was indulging in "caste politics". Referring to the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to set up a state university in the name of Jat king Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh, Chaudhary said, "Did they ever visit the Prem Mahavidyalaya in Mathura which is in a dilapidated state?

"The ruler had given up his own residence in Mathura in 1909 so that Prem Mahavidyalaya, touted as the country's first polytechnic, could come up on the land," he said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 14, 2021 06:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Apple, the American tech giant will officially host the 'Unleashed' event on October 18, 2021. During the event, the company is expected to launch new M1X MacBook Pro models. On Wednesday, Apple released a poster of the event on its official website and Twitter account revealing its launch date and time. As per the teaser, the launch event will commence at 10 am PDT (10:30 pm IST) and will be streamed live via Apple's official YouTube channel. Apple Likely To Cut iPhone 13 Production Due to Chip Shortage: Report.

The Cupertino based tech giant is also expected to introduce AirPods 3 along with M1X MacBooks. The AirPods 3 was rumoured to debut last month along with the iPhone 13 Series, but it couldn't happen. Now, as per tipster PandaIsBald, Apple might finally launch AirPods 3 next week. The tipster also reveals that AirPods 3 is speculated to carry a similar design as that of AirPods Pro including a smaller stem and a broad case.

The upcoming earbuds are said to come with Spatial audio support. It is unsure if it will feature active noise cancellation or not. As per a report from DigiTimes, AirPods 3 went into the production phase last month and might land in the markets soon. Moreover, it could come with a new chipset, Apple Music Lossless Audio feature and a bigger battery than its predecessor. Apart from this, nothing more is known about AirPods 3.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 14, 2021 03:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Daniel Navarrete greets friends with what seems an unlikely term of affection  he calls them ox.

Navarrete, a 19-year-old snack vendor, isnt being rude. Go anywhere in Mexico City and you can hear someone calling someone else guey, which means ox or slow-witted. The word, also spelled buey, once was an insult, but it has morphed over years of popular use to become Mexicos version of dude or bro.

A guey (pronounced way) can be a spiky-haired boy, a stubbly-chinned jitney driver, a college student with a ring in her nose. Take a table near a bunch of Mexican teens and it often sounds as if all other parts of speech were designed to transport you from one guey to the next. Even narco thugs have scrawled the word as an epithet in threatening banners, misspelling it wey.

Everyone I talk to, its guey, guey, guey,  Navarrete said as he pulled a shift selling potato chips one recent afternoon with a friend named Edgar Martinez, who said he, too, uttered the term all day.

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Its a custom of Mexican culture, Martinez, 33, said with a shrug.

It can be like that in Mexico, a land so rich in slang and wordplay (much of it salty but freely used) that a newcomer armed with book-learned Spanish might feel he had studied for the wrong test.

Although it never hurts to know the hola! greeting, you may be hailed with a slangy quihubo! a Mexican version of whats up? Someone who shouts aguas! isnt announcing the arrival of water; shes telling you to watch out. (Its aimed a lot at chamacos, slang for children.)

The oft-heard no manches! literally means dont make a stain, but its used to express incredulity, as in get out. A person with lots of lana, or wool, isnt fuzzy, hes rich.

Some Mexicans worry about a proliferating usage of slang terms once considered too coarse for common use. They blame the looser talk on television and radio, as well as social changes that have given Mexican women equal access to colloquialisms, even raunchy ones.

A narco, a rube and a yuppie all speak alike, said commentator Guadalupe Loaeza, who said she has been shocked by the crude words that sometimes pepper the e-mail she receives.

Theres a laxity of language that I would say is almost offensive, Loaeza said. Weve gone too far to the other side.

Still, one can marvel at Mexicos genius for remixing the simplest Spanish words into any number of colloquialisms that veer puckishly from the mother tongue.

Take madre. The word for mother has enough vulgar usages here to have given Freud a Mexico fixation. If everyone loves his mother, how to explain the fact that the word can mean something that is very, very good or, seasoned slightly differently, something that is very, very bad?

(At the same time, padre, or father, is often used to denote cool, though the younger set seems to favor the more recent chido.)

 'Madre is so characteristic of Mexico. Its a matriarchal society in part because its such a macho society. The two go hand in hand, said Concepcion Company, who led research on a new dictionary of so-called Mexicanisms.

Company, who was raised in Spain but has lived in Mexico since the 1970s, said Mexican colloquialisms have their own personality, playful and pun-soaked and full of double meaning. Unlike places where Spanish curses are often scatological or tinged with religion, Mexican oaths favor the sexual, she said.

The flexibility of Mexican slang allows even some profanities to be stretched and refolded into a mind-boggling variety of uses, some of which no longer carry an X-rated punch. Its a magical word. A change of tone, a change of inflection is enough to change its meaning, Mexicos revered man of letters Octavio Paz once waxed about a ubiquitous verb that wont be waxed about here.

The lingo of Mexicans is also increasingly influenced by the Internet and social networking sites, bringing even more English terms to a country where stylish clothes are advertised as muy fashion and people bid farewell with a clipped Bye!

To go on Facebook, for example, is facebuquear. Twitter devotees keep us posted by tuiteando, or tweeting. Someone in need of a new look might be told to fotoshopeate, or Photoshop yourself.

Martinez, the snack seller, knows that some may be tut-tutting over the creeping coarseness. But he said the key is knowing how slang will be interpreted. To illustrate, he barked a familiar crude epithet at a young acquaintance nearby. The youth winced as if splashed with something foul.

But guey  no, that is something else. Its an endearment, Martinez said, as benign as a soul handshake.

When it was time for a visitor to leave, his friend Navarrete gave a friendly fist bump and then offered the same farewell his closest buddies get.

Take care, guey, he said.

ken.ellingwood@latimes.com
Over 2 million Muslims from around the world are beginning the five-day hajj pilgrimage Sunday. They will circle Islams most sacred site, the cube-shaped Kaaba in the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca, and take part in a series of rituals intended to bring about greater humility and unity among Muslims.

Heres a look at the pilgrimage and what it means for Muslims:

What is the purpose of the hajj?

The hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all able-bodied Muslims are required to perform it once in their lifetime. The hajj is seen as a chance to wipe clean past sins and start fresh. Many seek to deepen their faith on the hajj, with some women taking on the Islamic hair covering known as hijab upon returning.

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Despite the physical challenges of the hajj, many people rely on canes or crutches and insist on walking the routes. Those who cannot afford the hajj are sometimes financed by charities or community leaders. Others save their entire lives to make the journey. A few even walk thousands of miles by foot to Saudi Arabia, taking months to arrive.

What is the history of the hajj?

While following a route the Prophet Muhammad once walked, the rites of hajj are believed to ultimately trace the footsteps of the prophets Ibrahim and Ismail, or Abraham and Ishmael, as they are named in the Bible.

Muslims believe Ibrahims faith was tested when God commanded him to sacrifice his only son, Ismail. Ibrahim was prepared to submit to the command, but then God stayed his hand, sparing his son. In the Christian and Jewish versions of the story, Abraham is ordered to kill his other son, Isaac.

Pilgrims also trace the path of Ibrahims wife, Hagar, who Muslims believe ran between two hills seven times searching for water for her dying son. Tradition holds that God then brought forth a spring that runs to this day. That spring, known as the sacred well of Zamzam, is believed to possess healing powers, and pilgrims often return from the hajj with bottles of its water as gifts.

In pre-Islamic times, the Kaaba, Islams holiest shrine, was used to house pagan idols worshiped by local tribes. (Ahmad Al-Rubaye / AFP / Getty Images)

Why is the Kaaba so important to Muslims?

Islamic tradition holds that the Kaaba was built by Ibrahim and Ismail as a house of monotheistic worship thousands of years ago. Over the years, the Kaaba was reconstructed and attracted different kinds of pilgrims, including early Christians who once lived in the Arabian Peninsula. In pre-Islamic times, the Kaaba was used to house pagan idols worshiped by local tribes.

Muslims do not worship the Kaaba, but it is Islams most sacred site because it represents the metaphorical house of God and the oneness of God in Islam. Observant Muslims around the world face toward the Kaaba during their five daily prayers.

What are the rituals performed during the hajj?

Pilgrims enter into a state of spiritual purity known as ihram that is aimed at shedding symbols of materialism, giving up worldly pleasures and focusing on the inner self over outward appearance.

Women forgo makeup and perfume and wear loose-fitting clothing and a head covering, while men dress in seamless, white terry cloth garments. The white garments are forbidden to contain any stitching  a restriction meant to emphasize the equality of all Muslims and prevent wealthier pilgrims from differentiating themselves with more elaborate garments.

Muslims are forbidden from engaging in sexual intercourse, cutting their hair or trimming their nails while in ihram. It is also forbidden for pilgrims to argue, fight or lose their tempers during the hajj. Inevitably, though, the massive crowds and physical exhaustion of the journey test pilgrims patience and tolerance.

Muslims from across the world are gathering in Mecca in Saudi Arabia for the annual hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam. (Ahmad Al-Rubaye / AFP / Getty Images)

The first day of hajj

The hajj traditionally begins in Mecca, with a smaller umrah pilgrimage that can be performed year-round. To perform the umrah, Muslims circle the Kaaba counter-clockwise seven times while reciting supplications to God, then walk between the two hills traveled by Hagar. Meccas Grand Mosque, the worlds largest, encompasses the Kaaba and the two hills.

Before heading to Mecca, many pilgrims visit the city of Medina, where the Prophet Muhammad is buried and where he built his first mosque.

The second day of hajj

After spending the night in the massive valley of Mina, the pilgrims head to Mt. Arafat, some 12 miles east of Mecca, for the pinnacle of the pilgrimage.

They scale a hill called Jabal al-Rahma, or Mountain of Mercy. It is here where Muhammad delivered his final sermon, calling for equality and for Muslim unity. He reminded his followers of womens rights and that every Muslim life and property is sacred.

Around sunset, pilgrims head to an area called Muzdalifa, 5.5 miles west of Arafat. Many walk, while others use buses. They spend the night there and pick up pebbles along the way that will be used in a symbolic stoning of the devil back in Mina, where Muslims believe the devil tried to talk Ibrahim out of submitting to Gods will.

A Saudi security officer stands among Muslim worshipers as they perform prayers around the Kaaba. (Ahmad Al-Rubaye / AFP/Getty Images)

The final three days of hajj

The last three days of the hajj are marked by three events: a final circling of the Kaaba, casting stones in Mina and removing the ihram. Men often shave their heads at the end in a sign of renewal.

The final days of hajj coincide with Eid al-Adha, or the festival of sacrifice, celebrated by Muslims around the world to commemorate Ibrahims test of faith. During the three-day Eid, Muslims slaughter livestock and distribute the meat to the poor.
The CEO of United Airlines on Wednesday said that their company will fire the remaining employees who refused to get the COVID-19 vaccine despite the vaccine mandate imposed by the airline company.

CEO Scott Kirby voiced out the airline's decision during an interview with CBS News, saying that employees who did not meet the company's September deadline on the COVID vaccine will be affected by the company's move.

"I respect that you have a different opinion. But you now have a decision to make about whether you want to get vaccinated and stay at United or not," Kirby said in the interview.

READ NEXT: Southwest Airlines CEO Blames Pres. Joe Biden for COVID Vaccine Mandate on Employees That Puts Them in a Bind

232 United Airlines Employees to be Fired Over Vaccine Status

According to Kirby, at least 232 employees from United Airlines are going through a "termination process," a number that downgraded from the original 600 employees who did not comply with the company's policy, Fox Business reported.

"I wish we have gotten to 100 percent but out of 67,000 U.S. employees, there are 232 who haven't been vaccinated," Kirby underscored.

Kirby also mentioned that he "tried to be empathetic," and he acknowledged that a lot of people have a different stand when it comes to the COVID vaccine. However, the United Airlines CEO explained that he believes in safety and mandating the vaccine with their employees is "the right thing to do" for the safety of their workers.

United Airlines announced the vaccine mandate for their employees in August. The CEO shared that his decision to require his employees to get the vaccine arose when a 57-year-old pilot died due to coronavirus.

"Over the last 16 months, Scott has sent dozens of condolences letters to the family members of Unites employees who have died from COVID-19," reads the letter that announced the vaccine mandate on United Airlines in August.

Under the vaccine mandate imposed by the airline, employees were required to send proof that they received whether two doses of Pfizer or Moderna COVID vaccine or a dose of the jab from Johnson and Johnson.

United Airlines CEO Says Their Vaccine Mandate Won't Be Affected by the Texas EO

The United Airlines employees who will be terminated came days after Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order that prohibits any entity in the lone star state from showing proof of vaccination. It can be recalled that United Airlines has one of its largest hubs in Houston, Texas.

CEO Kirby said that the executive order issued by Abbott will not affect their vaccine mandate, arguing that 99.7% of their employees were already vaccinated against the disease.

"Because this is in the rearview mirror for us [Texas EO], we don't have to be as focused on 'What does this really mean in the short term,'" Kirby pointed out. The CEO then reiterated that his responsibility is to do the right thing for his company.

Kirby also ripped the executive order issued by the Texas governor, saying that there will be a lot of companies that will have to find out the difference between the executive order from the governor and the one from the president.

READ NEXT: Toy Giant Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner Dies, Two Days Following Medical Leave

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Written by: Joshua Summers

WATCH: Employee Vaccine Mandate is 'About Saving Lives' United Airlines CEO Kirby Says - From PBS NewsHour
The U.S. Air Force admitted that five individuals had planned to hijack the commercial evacuation flight out of Afghanistan back in August.

The U.S. Air Force furthered in a statement that the flight on the ground was about to be swarmed before managing to take off, The Daily Wire reported. The forces also noted that the sewage alley near Abbey Gate was crowded with over 10,000 people when it was attacked by a suicide bomber, later claimed by the ISIS-K.

Lt. Col. Brian Desautels, 71st Rescue Squadron and Personnel Recovery Task Force commander, said their team worked to get the individuals clear of the NATO ramp. The situation was then handled onto the south side of the area. However, the statement did not give any further details about when it has taken place or how it was resolved, according to a Washington Examiner report.

Desautels said that he was able to contact the Combined Forces Air Competent Commander. He said he received authorization to take off from the taxiway if needed. He was pertaining to the situation where the plane had a sliver away of runway to takeoff. Desautels said that the strategic message was they would have a runway.

The Department of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations is currently doing its investigations on the situation. It includes videos showing people falling from a plane as it took off.

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

Kabul Attack

Two suicide bombers and gunmen had attacked crowds of Afghans waiting at the Kabul airport in August. The attacks had killed at least 60 Afghans while 13 U.S. troops lost their lives, according to an Associated Press News report.

There had been a warning about a major attack at the Kabul airport, which prompted officials to ask people to leave the premises. However, many did not heed the advice as many Afghans tried to escape the country before the American-led evacuation deadline on August 31.

The Islamic State group had claimed the attacks. The group was considered to be more radical than the Taliban.

U.S. President Joe Biden said that the attack will not push the U.S. out earlier as expected from Afghanistan. Biden said at the time that the nation will not forgive nor forget. He added that they will hunt those responsible and make them pay.

Meanwhile, the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan had garnered criticisms, saying Biden had no intentions of firing or demoting top advisers involved, Reuters reported.

Dan Fried, a former senior U.S. diplomat now at the Atlantic Council think tank, said that blaming each other is "an ugly Washington sport." Fried said that the blame could be placed in all directions and be right in each case. He also noted that a failure like the one that happened in Afghanistan is collective.

One Biden administration official claimed that any dismissal would be seen as an admission that the president had erred in the withdrawal.

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: Inside an Afghan School the U.S. Helped Build, Then Destroy | Afghanistan News - from The New York Times






Chile President Sebastian Pinera faced heightened scrutiny on Wednesday, as his opposition launched impeachment proceedings against him after being mentioned in the Pandora papers leak.

The move against the Chilean president stemmed out as he was linked to irregularities on the sale of a mining company, BBC reported.

Furthermore, the move marks the latest blow for Pinera, as he nears the end of his four-year term in the highest post of Chile's government. Pinera has not yet issued an official statement regarding the impeachment process filed by his opposition.

READ NEXT: Chile President Declares State of Exception Over Mapuche Dissension

Chile President Impeachment

On Wednesday, Congressman Tomas Hirsch said that the Chilean president utilized his office "for personal business," Al Jazeera reported.

Hirsch voiced out his thoughts as he presented the accusation on Chile's lower house of Congress, which is the first step in the process of filing for an impeachment. According to reports, the process of removing Pinera from his post could take several weeks.

Meanwhile, leftist lower House lawmaker, Jaime Naranjo, said that Pinera's involvement in the deal mentioned in the pandora papers "compromised the honor of the nation," and that the president "openly infringed the constitution."

The opposition-controlled Chamber of Deputies will decide through a vote if they will accept or reject the impeachment process filed by the president's opposition.

The impeachment process against Pinera stemmed out after he was mentioned in the Pandora Papers leak. The said documents were obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) in Washington D.C. the said organization worked with over 140 media organizations.

The documents alleged that Pinera sold the Dominga Mine, to a childhood friend, Carlos Alberto Delano, in 2010 for $152 million, nine months after he assumed the presidency in Chile. The said mine covers a copper and iron project in an environmentally sensitive area.

Moreover, the documents included a clause alleging that the third installment of payment required Chile's government not to reinforce or strengthen environmental protections in the proposed area.

Chile President Investigated Over Pandora Papers Leak

Facing scrutiny over the Pandora paper leaks, an investigation was opened by the Chilean Public Prosecutor's Office into President Sebastian Pinera on Friday over the alleged sale of the mining company, France 24 reported.

The probe was launched by Attorney General Jorge Abbott, saying that the sale of the mining company was made through a firm owned by his children.

Meanwhile, Marta Herrera, the head of the anti-corruption unit in the public prosecutor's office, said they decided to conduct an investigation over the possibility of "bribery" and "eventual tax crimes."

However, the president denied the claims of the Pandora papers, claiming that details of the said deal were investigated in 2017. He also claimed that the said probe four years ago cleared him of any wrongdoing.

"As president of Chile, I have never carried out any action nor management related to Dominga Mining," Pinera underscored.

Despite disputing the claims of the Pandora paper leaks, Chile's president expressed his confidence that the courts would confirm his innocence on the allegations slammed against him.

READ NEXT: Day of the Dead or Dia De Muertos Parade in Mexico City Returns After Being Canceled in 2020 Due to COVID

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Written By: Joshua Summers

WATCH: Chileans Demand President Pinera Resign After Pandora Papers - From Bloomberg Quicktake: Now
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday during an energy conference that he saw the possibility of working with United States President Joe Biden in controlling energy and security.

Putin: Relations with Biden is Stable, Constructive

According to NDTV, the president of Russia, Vladimir Putin, shared the possible collaboration during an energy conference attended by top executives of Exxon Mobil and other oil majors. Putin claimed that he had established a solid working relationship with President Joe Biden. He saw the possibility of hosting issues from arms control to energy and security with the U.S.

Despite many disputes that have driven relations to post-Cold War lows, Putin was largely silent on the discussion and chose instead to focus on the potential of mending fences.

Putin emphasized that Russia was ready for constructive talks on arms control. The Russian president said that the two sides also had "objective mutual interests," not only in fighting terrorism and money laundering but also in stabilizing energy markets and combating tax-havens.

Moreover, Putin said that the possible collaboration would definitely lead one way or another to their relations being repaired. The Russian president also said that it would stop the U.S. political establishment from speculating on the U.S.-Russian relations to the detriment of its own interests and those of its companies.

The statement of Putin referred to the U.S. sanctions, which he said had caused Exxon Mobil to abandon lucrative contracts in Russia.

The Russian president also shared that his relations with Biden and his administration were stable and constructive.

READ MORE: Pres. Joe Biden Could Get Dragged Into FBI's Investigation Over Hunter Biden's Taxes and Finances

U.S.-Russia Ties, Talks, Disputes

This week, Biden sent Undersecretary of State Victoria Nuland, who is a top Russia expert, to the country's capital Moscow for talks regarding the two countries' respective embassies. The American president wanted to resolve the issue regarding the size and functioning of the two countries' embassies in each other's capitals.

On Wednesday, Nuland shared that she had had productive talks with the officials in the Kremlin. She added that the U.S. was committed to establishing a stable, predictable relationship with Russia.

Recently, the ties were badly strained due to a host of other issues, including cyber-attacks launched from Russia against U.S. businesses and the arrest of leftist Alexei Navalny, the most prominent domestic opponent of the Russian president.

However, during a summit in June in Geneva held by both leaders, Biden said that the U.S. would find out in the next six months to a maximum of one year whether there would be a collaboration.

Biden said that the timeframe would be crucial whether there would be a possibility of establishing a worthwhile strategic dialogue with Russia.

READ NEXT: Pres. Joe Biden Welcomed by Boos During Congressional Ballgame; Members of His Own Party Send Warnings to Strikeout His Domestic Agenda

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Written by: Jess Smith

WATCH: Russia's Vladimir Putin talks energy and geopolitics -CNBC International TV


Walgreens had announced on Tuesday that they are closing five San Francisco stores in California effective next month. According to The Daily Wire report, the pharmacy store chain said they had made the difficult decision due to their concerns over ongoing retail theft.

Walgreens spokesman Phil Caruso said that organized retail crime continues to be a challenge facing retailers across San Francisco. He added that they are not immune to that.

Caruso also noted that they increased their investments in security measures in stores across the city to 46 times their chain average, all in an effort to provide a safe environment.

The company's spokesman also said that retail theft across their San Francisco stores has continued to increase in the past few months.

San Francisco Supervisor Ahsha Safai said in a tweet that the closure will significantly affect the community, adding that they are completely devasted by the news.

Safai said that the Walgreen store that will be closed is less than a mile from seven schools and has been a staple for seniors, families, and children for decades.

He noted that the city needs to act with a sense of urgency to reduce and deter the number of incidents of commercial retail theft.

READ NEXT: Former Tesla Employee to Receive $137 Million in Damages for Hostile Work Environment, Racism

Retail Theft in San Francisco

Law enforcement officials have said that much of the city's retail crime was caused by organized theft rings, according to a San Francisco Chronicle report.

Public defenders and social justice advocates have argued that many people were charged with retail theft alone, adding that many of those were suffering from poverty, homelessness, and substance abuse.

An SF Chronicle analysis noted that shoplifting had dropped dramatically at the start of the COVID pandemic. However, it also gained momentum in the summer of 2020 as stores reopened.

Shoplifting incidents by April of this year were still well below pre-pandemic rates.

Walgreens announced plans to close about 200 stores across the U.S. to help cut costs in their security investments based on a Securities and Exchange Commission filing. However, the company did not divulge the locations of the stores they were eyeing to close.

Jason Cunningham, Walgreens' regional vice president for pharmacy and retail operations, said that theft at the chain's San Francisco stores was four times the average of stores in other parts of the country. Cunningham manages the operations in Hawaii and California.

A spokeswoman for Chesa Boudin, the San Francisco district attorney, said that the office had been working with the California Highway Patrol and ALTO to prosecute shoplifting cases, according to The New York Times report.

The closures will bring the number of Walgreens stores that have been closed in San Francisco to 22.

Meanwhile, employees at the five San Francisco stores closing in November will be employed at other Walgreens locations, while customers will have their prescriptions transferred to a nearby store.

San Francisco Police Department had arrested on June 19 a man that was showing in a shoplifting video. He was identified as Jean Lugo-Romero.

READ MORE: Aeroflot Airlines Employees Involved in Smuggling $50 Million Worth of Electronic Goods to Russia, Investigation Reveals

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Written by Mary Webber

WATCH: Walgreens to Close 5 San Francisco Locations Due to Continued Crime - from NBC Bay Area






Hurricane Pamela has made landfall on Mexico's West Coast. Pamela was categorized as a Category 1 hurricane before losing force and was seen to move inland as a tropical storm.

The National Hurricane Center said that the storm had regained hurricane strength just before it hit the state of Sinaloa on Wednesday, according to an Aljazeera report.

A maximum wind of about 120 km/h was forecasted for Pamela, with it quickly weakening as it traversed inland.

The NHC's latest advisory had placed Pamela about 270 km northeast of Mazatlan as the tropical storm and was packing maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h.

READ NEXT: Tropical Storm Nicholas Seen to Strengthen, Affecting Texas and Louisiana With Heavy Rains Weeks After Hurricane Ida

Hurricane Pamela

There were warnings of storm surges, flash floods, and dangerous winds around the area.

Meanwhile, civil defense officials in Sinaloa said Pamela's wind and rains did minor damage with it being seen to approach the U.S. state of Texas by Thursday.

Authorities had also urged residents of rural areas to move to shelters due to the risk of flooding.

Mexico's National Guard police said office helped some people trapped in their homes by flooding and were working to clear debris and dozens of fallen trees in Mazatlan, according to a Reuters report. The National Guard added that some shops and restaurants in the area were damaged.

Mexican officials had opened 40 temporary shelters in Sinaloa in part of their preparation for the storm's heavy winds and rains.

NHC said that the center of Pamela will continue to move over Central Mexico until dissipation, with it being seen to release another one to three inches of rain in Durango and Nayarit states.

Parts of the southern Baja California peninsula and southwestern and west-central mainland Mexico are also projected to be affected by swells brought by Pamela.

Baja California had seen Pamela passed before it made landfall in Sinaloa. There was no damage in Baja California.

Hurricane Nora

In August, Mexico had faced Hurricane Nora, which NHC forecasted with warnings of torrential rains, life-threatening flash flooding, and mudslides.

Hurricane Nora had made a landfall on the northwest coast of the Mexican state of Jalisco, according to another Reuters report. It was forecasted as a Category 1 after making landfall near Vincente Guerrero.

Authorities had also released a warning on Coloma, Nayarit, and Jalisco for coastal stretches.

Nora at the time was projected to pour around eight to 12 inches of rain, 20 inches being the maximum amount.

Nora had caused one casualty. Jalisco Governor Enrique Alfaro had also reported a missing woman in Puerto Vallarta and was lost when surging waters had dragged her from her car, according to an Associated Press News report.

Officials had noted that the flooding brought by Nora had damaged 500 homes and two people were injured in a landslide.

Six fishermen from the state of Guerrero were also missing at sea.

READ MORE: Tornado Warning Issued in Chicago, With the Tornado Reportedly Touching Down in Dekalb County

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Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Tropical weather forecast: Oct 12, 2021 - from FOX 13 Tampa Bay


America's Got Talent (AGT) judge Howie Mandel updated his fans about his condition after passing out at a local Starbucks in Los Angeles and being rushed to a hospital.

Mandel took to Twitter on Wednesday to tell his supporters that he's home and doing better.

READ NEXT: Paul McCartney Blames John Lennon for Beatles Breakup: 'I'm Not the Person Who Instigated the Split'

'AGT' Judge Howie Mandel Says He Passed Out Due to Dehydration and Low Blood Sugar

The "AGT" judge said he fainted due to dehydration and low blood sugar. He then thanked the medical personnel who took care of him and everyone who reached out to him after the news broke.

"I appreciate the great doctors and nurses that took such good care of me. Thank you to everyone who reached out, but I am doing ok!" Mandel said.

I am home and doing better. I was dehydrated and had low blood sugar. I appreciate the great doctors and nurses that took such good care of me. Thank you to everyone who reached out but I am doing ok!  Howie Mandel (@howiemandel) October 14, 2021

According to reports, Howie Mandel was with his wife and friends at a Starbucks in the Woodland Hills when he fainted and fell over at around 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

Upon fainting, the 65-year-old comedian was placed on a cement bench while people nearby called paramedics for help, Fox News reported.

When help arrived, Mandel was reportedly to be alert. But he was still brought by the Los Angeles City Fire Department personnel to a nearby hospital as a precaution. The said Starbucks where the AGT judge fainted was reported to be the place he frequented for his morning coffee run.

Howie Mandel Underwent Endoscopy and Colonoscopy

It was not the first time that Howie Mandel went to a hospital this week. Three days ago, the AGT judge also went for a trip to a hospital, as he underwent a routine colonoscopy and endoscopy, The Daily Mail reported.

The star posted a TikTok video from the hospital where he was seen wearing a red hospital robe for the procedure and admitted that he was still under the influence of heavy medication.

"I had an endoscopy and a colonoscopy. I hope the endoscopy comes first, and I hope it's a different piece of equipment," Mandel jokingly told the nurse.

Mandel tagged #hospital, #recovery, #AGT, #audition in his post.

The nurse then said that the procedure was done just like what the comedian said, but Mandel contended that it was not the case humorously, arguing that he got a different taste in his mouth.

Howie Mandel also shared in the TikTok video that the patient next to his bed in the recovery room recognized his voice and tried to audition on AGT "as he waking up."

"You tryin' to get on the show [AGT]... I don't know I'm not casting, but you sound a really good contestant," Mandel told the patient next to him.

Howie Mandel has previously opened up about his struggles with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, particularly regarding his fear of germs.

READ MORE: Get To Know Anya Taylor-Joy Through What's Inside the Bag of 'The Queen's Gambit' Star

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Written by: Joshua Summers

WATCH: Howie Mandel Rushed to Hospital After Fainting at Starbucks - From Us Weekly
Gabby Petito's parents are heading to Wyoming to recover her remains a day after a Teton County coroner said she was strangled to death by "human force."

Fox News reported that the Schmidt and Petito families were on their way to Wyoming on Wednesday morning to get their daughter's remains and then have her cremated before returning to New York this weekend with her ashes.

According to Daily Mail, Petito's remains had already been released by the Teton County coroner to a local mortuary for cremation.

Petito's parents will also meet with law enforcement in Wyoming to brief them on the latest updates in the case. The Petito family attorney earlier said the family would make no statements until they bring her remains home.

An autopsy was performed on Petito's remains after her body was found at the Spread Creek Dispersed Campground near Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming on September 19.

READ NEXT: Gabby Petito, Brian Laundrie Supposed Beach Wedding in Florida Cancelled Due to COVID Pandemic

Wyoming Coroner Announced Gabby Petito's Autopsy Results

Teton County, Wyoming coroner Brent Blue said on Tuesday that Gabby Petito was strangled to death by "human force" and the manner of death was homicide. The cause of death is officially listed as "manual strangulation/throttling."

During an appearance on CNN, Blue said that throttling means that "someone was strangled by human force" and "no mechanical force" was involved. He noted that people could be strangled by other means, like individuals on snowmobiles who run into a wire.

"That would be strangling by a mechanical event. But this was, we believe was strangling by a human being," he added.

When host Anderson Cooper asked how they knew it was a human responsible for Petito's killing, Blue answered, "because only humans have opposable thumbs." He added that there's no evidence it was "done by any animal as far as the cause of death."

In a press briefing just hours before the CNN interview, Blue said they conducted a "detailed investigation" in coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that included a full-body computed tomography scan and examinations by a forensic pathologist and a forensic anthropologist.

The coroner also revealed that Gabby Petito was not pregnant at the time of her death, and her body was left in the wilderness for three to four weeks.

The Wyoming coroner has declined to answer if he suspects that Laundrie was responsible for his fiancee's homicide, saying it will be up to law enforcement to determine that.

Brian Laundrie's attorney, Steve Bertolino, maintained that his client has not been charged and was not even a suspect in Petito's homicide.

The FBI has issued a federal arrest warrant for Brian Laundrie but over debit card fraud. Court documents showed that Laundrie "knowingly with intent to defraud" used a debit card belonging to Gabby Petito in the amount of at least $1,000. It happened between August 30 and September 1.

"Brian is only considered a person of interest in relation to Gabby Petito's demise... At this time Brian is still missing and when he is located we will address the pending fraud charge against him," Bertolino noted.

Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie

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.

Laundrie was named a person of interest by North Port police in Florida after returning home on September 1 or 10 days before Petito was reported missing by her family.

North Port police earlier said they tried to talk to Laundrie, but were rebuffed by his parents, who directed them to their son's attorney, New York Post reported.

North Port police spokesman Josh Taylor has told The Post that they talked with Laundrie's parents, but they "did not make him available."

Authorities are still trying to locate Brian Laundrie after he was reported missing on September 17. His parents said they last saw him on September 13.

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: Mary Webber

WATCH: Autopsy Shows Gabby Petito Died by Strangulation - From ABC News






Duane Chapman, also known as Dog the Bounty Hunter, said "strangulation is not an accident" after Gabby Petito's autopsy results were announced.

Dog the Bounty Hunter told WFLA on Tuesday that Petito's cause of death "doesn't look good" not only for Brian Laundrie but also to his family.

"The coroner's report is not good for the entire Laundrie family... Strangulation is not an accident," Chapman noted.

Dog the Bounty Hunter also believed that Laundrie's parents had stonewalled Petito's family because they knew what their son had done and helped him run.

"And now it seems like, based on the [autopsy] report and coupled with their behavior, they have most likely aided and abetted a murderer," Chapman noted.

Dog the Bounty Hunter then urged Gabby Petito's fiance to turn himself in to authorities.

"Brian's only chance is to turn himself in. He cannot run forever... Brian, make a deal, and turn yourself in now," Chapman said.

Strangulation is not an accident. It looks very bad right now for the Laundrie family. Dog The Bounty Hunters response when I asked him what he thought of todays update from the coroner. (1/2) #GabbyPetito #BrianLaundrie @DogBountyHunter @BabyLyssaC #JusticeForGabby @WFLA pic.twitter.com/oEAMhXrIGl  Josh Benson (@WFLAJosh) October 12, 2021

Dog the Bounty Hunter also told WFLA that he made a "change of plans" to return to Colorado as he "couldn't bring himself to leave."

Duane Chapman earlier said he would return to Colorado to meet with his doctor after injuring his ankle while searching for Laundrie in Florida's Fort De Soto Park, The Sun reported.

On Tuesday, the 68-year-old reality star said he had decided to remain in Florida to continue his search for Petito's fiance despite suffering an ankle injury.

Dog also said he decided to stay in #Florida and had a change of plans and couldnt bring himself to leave. He confirms hes still on the search here in Florida. (2/2) #GabbyPetito #BrianLaundrie  Josh Benson (@WFLAJosh) October 12, 2021

A spokesperson for Dog the Bounty Hunter said Chapman and his team would continue to search until Laundrie is found. Dog the Bounty Hunter has been searching for Gabby Petito's fiance since late last month.

READ NEXT: Dog the Bounty Hunter Believes Brian Laundrie Called His Parents After Killing Gabby Petito

Gabby Petito's Autopsy Results

Teton County, Wyoming coroner Brent Blue said on Tuesday that Gabby Petito was strangled to death by "human force," and the manner of death was homicide. The cause of death is officially listed as "manual strangulation/throttling."

During an appearance on CNN, Blue said that throttling means that "someone was strangled by human force" and "no mechanical force" was involved. He noted that people could be strangled by other means, like individuals on snowmobiles who run into a wire.

"That would be strangling by a mechanical event. But this was, we believe was strangling by a human being," he added.

When host Anderson Cooper asked how they knew it was a human responsible for Petito's killing, Blue answered, "because only humans have opposable thumbs." He added that there's no evidence it was "done by any animal as far as the cause of death."

In a press briefing just hours before the CNN interview, Blue said they conducted a "detailed investigation" in coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that included a full-body computed tomography scan and examinations by a forensic pathologist and a forensic anthropologist.

The coroner also revealed that Gabby Petito was not pregnant at the time of her death, and her body was left in the wilderness for three to four weeks.

The Wyoming coroner has declined to answer if he suspects that Laundrie was responsible for Petito's homicide, saying it will be up to law enforcement to determine that. However, he noted that he saw "indications this was a domestic violence case."

Forensic Expert Says Gabby Petito Still Being Strangled Even After She Lost Consciousness

A forensic expert, who reviewed Gabby Petito's autopsy, believed that the YouTuber's killer kept strangling her even after she lost consciousness.

"There's plenty of time where you could stop before the person passes out," forensic pathologist Dr. Priya Banerjee said.

"Generally, it's less than 30 seconds to lose consciousness, but it takes a few minutes to deprives the brain of this life sustaining oxygen to kill someone," she added.

Banerjee further noted that strangulation was "very up close and personal," and filled with anger or rage "toward that one person."

Host of Investigation Discovery's "In Pursuit" John Walsh agreed, saying that strangulation, "up close like that," was a way "angry cowards kill people."

"They're looking in the person's eyes, terrorizing them," Walsh noted. Banerjee also believed that Petito's killer would likely have scratches on his body.

"She's [Petito] a normal healthy girl... she's gonna fight back," said Banerjee, adding that "punching, kicking, wriggling," or "anything you can do to escape" is a normal response to that situation.

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.

Laundrie was named a person of interest by North Port police in Florida after returning home on September 1 or 10 days before Petito was reported missing by her family.

Petito's body was found at the Spread Creek Dispersed Campground near Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming on September 19.

The FBI has issued a federal arrest warrant for Laundrie but over debit card fraud. Court documents showed that Laundrie "knowingly with intent to defraud" used a debit card belonging to Gabby Petito in the amount of at least $1,000. It happened between August 30 and September 1.

Authorities are still trying to locate Brian Laundrie after he was reported missing on September 17. His parents said they last saw him on September 13.

READ MORE: Dog the Bounty Hunter Forced to Return to Colorado After Getting Injured in Brian Laundrie Search, but Daughter Says He's Not Giving Up

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Joshua Summers

WATCH: Gabby Petito Case: John Walsh Theorizes Where Brian Laundrie Is - From Access
A teenager revealed that Mexican drug cartels in Mexico recruited children as young as 10 and groomed them to be killers.

According to Associated Press, the now 17-year-old boy reported to a Mexican non-profit organization how he was tasked to torture, kill, and dispose of bodies of rival cartel members when he was 12.

The young man, identified as Jacobo, grew up in the state of Jalisco, which is home to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. He said that due to his abusive childhood, he was never comfortable in school. He added that he experienced domestic violence and severe punishment at the hands of his mother.

Mexican Drug Cartels Lured Children as Killers

According to Jacobo, he was ordered to get information from the members of their rival cartels and was also ordered to cut up the bodies of those they killed and dissolve them in acid. However, after abiding by their orders, he was framed and was sentenced to prison.

The teenager said he was only 12 years old when he committed his first murder as ordered by the drug cartel. He said that members of the cartel would look for children who are wandering on the streets looking for money and recruit them. He said he was earning as high as $1,500.

"At 12 years old, I became sort of a hired killer," Jacobo noted.

Jacobo, who is currently held at a facility for youthful offenders in Mexico, approached the Mexican non-profit organization Reinserta to tell his story.

Jacobo said it was his last job with the drug cartel that made him wanted to the authorities. The cartel ordered him to carry out a killing in public, with many witnesses.

He was hunted by the police and was in a hiding place before the cartel set him up and asked him to switch hideouts, and that was when he got caught. Jacobo noted that the drug cartel treated him as one of the disposable teen hitmen they needed to get rid of.

Laws in Mexico allow sentences of between three and five years for most young offenders, which means almost all of them could get out before they are 21.

READ NEXT: Lais Crisostomo Aguiar: Brazilian Social Media Influencer, Fiance's Friend Face Drug Charges After Attempting to Board Plane to Dubai With Cocaine

Mexican Drug Cartel Recruited, Kidnapped Children Through Shooter Game 'Free Fire'

On Saturday, five children in Mexico were rescued after a Mexican drug cartel recruited them through the survival shooter game "Free Fire."

The kids, aged 12 to 15, were contacted via a WhatsApp group related to the "Free Fire," and cartel members offered them lucrative work because of their evident interest in guns.

The recruiters told the children that they would be working for the Northeast Cartel in Tamaulipas. During the meetups at Tlacolula de Matamoros in Oaxaca state, the kids were forced into a vehicle as the Mexican drug cartel members kidnapped them.

Security officials tracked the kids' locations through their cellphones, which led them to a house on the east side of the city.

When they arrived at the property, security personnel had been told that a children's party was going on inside the house. But when they entered the house, they discovered that the youths were being held hostage and that their abductors planned to take them to Oaxaca. A woman was arrested.

READ MORE: Mexican Drug Cartel Recruited, Kidnapped Children Through Shooter Game 'Free Fire'

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Jess Smith

WATCH: The Kids Being Trained and Armed to Fight Mexican Cartels - From VICE News
Budget 2022 will deliver for workers, families and communities in Laois, according to Laois Offaly TD and Minister of State in the Department of Finance Sean Fleming.

The TD was speaking in the Dail following the deliver of the tax and spending plans by Ministers Paschal Donohoe and Michael McGrath.

"I want to highlight many ways on how this will deliver for workers, families and communities around Ireland and also in Co Laois," said the Fianna Fail TD.

On tax he said there will be an increase in the standard rate band by 1,500 and also an increase in the personal tax credit by 50.

In health care he said the budget would deliver free GP care for children aged 6 and 7. He said the threshold for the Drug Payment Scheme lowered to 100.

He said 250 million has been set aside to tackle hospital waiting lists and there would be free contraception for women aged 17-25.

Another measure is the expansion of dental access to medical card patients.

He said a further 8,000 staff next year, bringing the overall number of employees in the health sector to 144,000. He said the National Ambulance Service, of which there are many valid criticisms that need to be addressed, will be increased. He added that there will be significant investment in womens health, infection prevention and control; and advance the rollout of nursing safe staffing programmes.

Social welfare spending steps outlined by Minister Fleming included the extension of the National Childcare Scheme universal subsidy to all children aged up to 15.

He said a funding stream of 207 million for childcare is linked to a commitment of no increases in fees to parents. "This is a win for parents, children, staff and the operators of childcare facilities," said the TD.

He said there would be 5 increase in weekly social welfare payments. He added that the Living Alone Allowance to be increased by 3.

Minister Fleming said the Fuel Allowance increased by 5, as of midnight on the 12th of October.

He added that a Youth Travel Card would be introduced for those aged 19-23.

In the area of housing he said 11,820 new social homes will be delivered through build, acquisition and leasing programmes adding that 9,000 of these will be new build homes.

He said 11,000 grants are approved to adapt the homes of older people and people with a disability.

He said 14,800 new households would have their housing needs met under the Housing Assistance Payment and Rental Accommodation Scheme, in addition to supporting almost 82,000 existing tenancies under these schemes.

On the education and training front Minister Fleming said there would be 1,165 additional SNA's, bringing the total number of SNA's to almost 19,200.

He said the largest-ever increase in funding for the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) programme, would provide 32 million next year, enabling an expansion in 2022 of the programme to further schools.

Minister Fleming said an additional 350 teachers to reduce school staffing schedules by 1 point for all primary schools.

He added that the distance to qualify for the non-adjacent grant for higher education has been reduced from 45km to 30km.

He said this will be a welcome improvement for many people in Co Laois who attend Carlow IT. Up to now, he said many people were excluded from this grant but with these changes will now be eligible for this additional support.

The Fianna Fail Minister said 980 additional special education teachers working in special classes, special schools and mainstream settings to support children with special educational needs.

He added that there would be off-the-job training places for 7,000 craft apprentices impacted by COVID-19.

He said a 200 increase in the maintenance grant payment in the Student Support Scheme (SUSI).

Another measure higlighted was the recruitment of up to 800 new trainee Gardai and 400 Garda staff.

He said every single Euro raised by the increase in Carbon Tax will be returned to the people of Ireland in a progressive manner, primarily through the increase in the fuel allowance and a major home retrofitting programme.
Sinn Fein's Laois Offaly TD Brian Stanley has taken aim at the Government over budget which he claims achieves little other than helping landlords, speculators and developers.

The General Election poll topper welcomed the investment in carers but dismissed the effort made to help people on low incomes.

The public wanted to see urgency from the Government regarding the housing crisis, the rental crisis, the health service and the cost of living. Unfortunately, never has so much been spent to achieve so little. This is a budget for landlords, speculators, and developers," he said.

The TD said a major issue in the housing sector is vacant land sitting unused by speculators and developers, land that is needed to deliver affordable and cost rental homes.

He said Sinn Feins budget would have increased the vacant site levy to 15% to incentivise developers to build homes on vacant land.

"Instead, the Government has scrapped the existing 7% levy, and replaced it with a 3% levy on zoned land, which is essentially a tax break for speculators. Whats worse, it includes a 3-year lead in time before it takes full effect. Where is the urgency from the Government on housing?

He added that renters got no benefit from what was announced by Ministers Paschal Donohoe and Michael McGrath.

The budget offers absolutely nothing for renters. No rent freeze, no rent controls, no tax relief. Instead, an additional 168m will be provided in rent subsidies to landlords through HAP, coupled with pre-letting expenses, another tax-write off. Sinn Fein would introduce a 3-year rent freeze and an 8% tax rebate for renters to put a months rent back in their pockets.

"Renters are also going to be punished disproportionately by the carbon tax, living in accommodation that is often poorly insulated, with inefficient and expensive heating systems," he said.

The Sinn Fein representative said the health actions in the budget are blurred.

Regarding health, there is a real lack of focus in the Budget. Not only does Sinn Feins alternative budget provided greater investment than the Government, but we target our funding into solving the waiting list crisis, into additional ICU beds, increasing general hospital beds, and expanding Primary Care and GP capacity," he said.

The Laois-based TD welcomed as 'progress' moves in relation to the carers allowance and other supports.

"These people work incredibly hard and deserve recognition, he said.

However, he said others have been ignored.

"Low income workers were left behind. 80% of workers wont benefit at all from the Governments proposed tax breaks and higher earners will benefit disproportionally from any tax relief introduced.

Similarly, if you are a struggling worker or family in rural Ireland, youre hit with a further increase in the carbon tax, increased home energy costs and increased motor costs," he said.

He was critical of the approach to making houses more efficient and environmentally friendly to live in.

"If you own a home you most likely wont be able to afford to retrofit it and the national retrofit grant scheme is moving at snails pace. The working poor are now worse off. The alternatives are just not there for those hit hardest by carbon tax and the cost of living," he said.

Dep Stanley said Sinn Fein has set out how we would deliver change and begin build a better system for workers and families in its budget.
THE transition to renewable energy must take place and Bord na Mona will be at the heart of it, junior minister for enterprise Robert Troy said on Monday.

Launching Bord na Mona's Accelerate Green programme, Minister Troy said: As we move from brown to green and make that transition to new renewable energies a day like today is critically important. Because we have to make that transition and it can be painful.

The minister added: And it can be difficult and it can have consequences that none of us want to acknowledge but unfortunately we have climate targets that we must achieve and to achieve them we have to make the change.

He said while that change is being made, Bord na Mona must play a pivotal role in ensuring they are a central player economically in the area that they're located.

I think today is a part of that process as they launch their Accelerate Green programme. Bord na Mona are once again committing that they are there again to support industry economically in this region.

It's about supporting businesses who want to respond to climate action and sustainability, supporting businesses and companies who want to scale, both nationally and internationally.

Minister Troy said he was at the Dubai Expo last week where the central focus was on sustainability and energy efficiency in a region whose primary focus down through the years had been on oil and gas reserves.

When you see a region like that totally and utterly focussed on making that transition to green and renewable you realise that the change is happening, the change is now.

Mark Christal, manager of the regions and entrepreneurship division in Enterprise Ireland, said his agency is supporting Bord na Mona's efforts because entreprenuers looking to scale their business will be able to access the necessary tools and supports in transition to a green, low carbon economy.

David Scanlon, director of Resolve Partners, which will deliver the Accelerate Green programme in Boora, said the opportunity in the green economy is immense.

The UN estimates that there is a 20 trillion dollar gap in value between now and 2030 to achieve the targets of the Paris Agreement.

The Accelerate Green programme at Boora will see between seven and 10 companies brought together at Boora for an intensive series of hothousing sessions in spring 2022.

The programme will have three broad pillars - renewable energy, carbon and emissions reduction and waste management.

Bord na Mona chief executive Tom Donnellan said he hopes the programme will deliver significant opportunities and some companies will become bigger companies and major employers in the region.

He said the launch of the Accelerate Green programme was a call to action to companies or people with ideas.

The Boora works, which is located beside the Lough Boora Discovery Park visitor attraction, was formerly the headquarters of Bord na Mona's peat production.

Turf harvesting has ceased and peat briquettes will no longer be manufactured at Derrinlough when current supplies run out.

The peat-fired power stations in Shannonbridge and Lanesborough have been switched off.

The electricity generating station owned by Bord na Mona near Clonbullogue, Edenderry Power, is partly powered by milled peat but the company is planning to convert it to a full biomass fuel load.
Portarlington's Sinn Fein councillor wants Laois County Council to begin work on a replacement memorial his town following the relocation of structure commemorating an infamous English soldier to Carlow.

Cllr Aidan Mullins issued a statement in the wake of the relocation of the effigy of Robert Hartpole in the People's Park in Portarlington to the Carlow Museum where it will be put on display.

Cllr Mullin's said the decision was taken by Laois County Council because of Hartpole's close links with Carlow and because he had little or no connections with Portarlington.

He said it will be properly protected and preserved in Carlow as some significant aesthetic and material damage was caused to the stone in the People's Park. He outlined the historic background to Hartpole's link with Ireland.

"It is important to know some of the history involved. Hartpole was an English soldier, posted to Carlow c1549 to defend planter families from Gaelic tribes. He led a campaign of land acquisition from the Gaelic Irish and had a reputation for cruelty. In 1570 he was granted Carlow Castle and made Constable and also owned Coolbanagher Castle.

"Hartpole was involved in the massacre of the leaders of the Clans of Laois at Mullaghmast. He was made High Sheriff of Queen's County and Carlow.

"He died in 1594 and was buried at St. Mary's Church in Carlow with an elaborate tomb and a carved stone effigy, a life size sculpture of Hartpole.

"The Church was replaced in 1635 and the tomb was lost. When it was rediscovered in 1809 local anger at memories of Mullaghmast led to the effigy being damaged and the head cut off. It was removed to Kilnacourt in Portarlington for safe keeping but parts of the tomb remain in Carlow.

"Considering the history of Hartpole and his effigy, I think it is correct and fitting that it was taken back to Carlow Museum.

I would also like to see it being replaced with some other more relevant sculpture and I will be raising this with Laois County Council for consideration as part of the planned People's Park upgrade," said the councillor.

"I would like to see a piece that reflects the history and importance of the surrounding bogs or maybe agriculture on local life," he added.
Kildare homeowners are receiving letters from the Revenue Commissioners requesting an updated valuation of their properties in order to set a new Local Property Tax rate until 2025.

A residential property price register is available on Revenue.ie for people to assess the value of their property.

Users must enter their Eircode to find their property on the map and will then be given the price band for their address.

A professional valuation is not required, however, it may be needed if an individual's property is in an area between price bands.

They will also accept valuations from information sources such as newspapers, local estate agents and property sales websites, where Revenue advises people to base their rate off properties of similar size and age to their own.

More information on how to find the value of your property can be found at revenue.ie.

For the purposes of the valuation, Revenue says that a residential property will include certain lands or buildings that have a domestic or residential purpose.

These include a yard, garden or patio. a driveway or parking space, a garage, shed or greenhouse and a garden room or home office.

Where the land associated with your property is greater than one acre in size, land up to one acre (0.4047 hectares) only should be valued with the property.

For farmers, adjoining farmland or sheds for animals do not have to be valued with a residential property.

Existing tax bands are based on valuations from 2013, however, property prices have jumped significantly in the past eight years.

The Department of Finance says that around 36% of homeowners will see their LPT increase, while around 11% will see a decrease.

More than half of homeowners (53%) will see no change to their bills.

Once homeowners receive their LPT letter, which will include their property ID and PIN, they will be able to make their payment in one lump sum annually or in several instalments.

Katie Clair, Principal Officer in Revenues Local Property Tax Branch, has encouraged property owners to start the self-assessment of their propertys value by using the interactive valuation tool.

She said: Once property owners have assessed the market value of their property, they should submit the LPT Return and confirm a payment arrangement for 2022 by 7 November 2021.

The easiest and quickest way to do this is online via www.revenue.ie.

Payment options include direct debit, credit card, cheque or you can pay in cash at your local post office.

Further information can be found at Revenue.ie
WRITER Donal Ryan has added yet another award to his long list of achievements.

Donal, a Tipperary man who has made Limerick his home, has become the first Irish writer to win Prix Jean Monnet for European Literature for his novel From a Low and Quiet Sea.

The book, Donals third novel, was published in 2018 and translated into French this year. It was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize that year.

Donal will receive the award, including a cheque for 5,000 at the European Literature Festival in Cognac, France on November 20.

The writer Gerard de Cortanze, president of the jury for the Jean Monnet Prize, said they wanted to distinguish a young author considered to be one of the great revelations of Irish literature but also worldwide.

Donal, he said, had been compared rightly to William Faulkner and John McGahern and shows a profound humanity towards his peers.

He is an emphatic painter of tormented souls, Mr de Cortanze continued. We certainly could not miss out on such a masterpiece.

Donal Ryans first published novel, The Spinning Heart, catapulted the author into the world of literature awards, winning the Guardian First Book Award, the EU Prize for Literature and the Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards. It was also shortlisted for the IMPAC International Literary Award and longlisted for the Man Booker Prize.

He has published four novels and a collection of short stories since. Strange Flowers, published last year, won An Post Novel of the Year.

Donal Ryan was born and reared in County Tipperary but lives with his wife and children in Limerick.

He lectures in creative writing at UL.

Donal Ryan will be the guest speaker at the launch of Just One More Thing, a collection of short stories by Pat McLoughlin which takes place in the Longcourt House Hotel, Newcastle West on Friday, October 22.
BUSINESS people from across Limerick are being invited to a special workshop this afternoon focused on 'smart working'.

The Local Enterprise Office Limerick is hosting the event in conjunction with the Entrepreneurs Academy.

The aim of the workshop is to help owners and company managers check whether they are using the best smart tools to maximise their time, grow their businesses and work more efficiently in general.

Trainer Michael Keogh has helped thousands of SMEs to find smarter ways to work and to build sales within their business and advises that a very important feature is the you get what you pay for review which will help business understand what really matters when deciding what they are looking for.

The workshop will introduce sales, accounting and finance packages and of course communications and marketing tools such as Dropbox, Xero, Quickbooks, Hootsuite scheduling, CRM, Mailchimp, and Salesforce.

The workshop is being delivered online on from two o'clock to five o'clock this afternoon.

To book a place or find out more visit www.localenterprise.ie/Limerick or telephone 061 557499
THE project co-ordinator on the 1bn M20 Limerick to Cork road project says no decision has been made if it will be motorway or dual carriageway.

But Jari Howard has insisted that theres not a lot of difference between the two, and confirmed that: Even if its not a motorway, there will still be a project to link Irelands second and third cities.

With the preferred route option to be unveiled in early 2022, he has urged farmers and landowners impacted, to work with the design team, adding: Wherever we want to build infrastructure, and especially in this part of Munster, you cant avoid good land.

This comes after local Green TD Brian Leddin, and the partys leader - Transport Minister Eamon Ryan - cast doubt on whether the link will be categorised as a motorway when an update to the National Development Plan was announced last week.

Mr Howard, who has also worked extensively on the Limerick to Foynes road in the past, has also warned the window of opportunity is narrowing to get this link in place in time for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor  and ensure the village is bypassed to stop traffic buildup.

An Bord Pleanala has again postponed its decision on the new, 35km road, which is designed to link in with the new Limerick to Cork route near Patrickswell.

The national planning body is expected to make a decision next month.

Mr Howard expressed confidence it will happen, saying: I think the Ryder Cup adds another dimension that other schemes do not have. Its a flagship event for Ireland, and will be huge for Limerick and the region. Id be very surprised if theres any opposition from government in a funding sense. That one has the best chance.

On the Limerick to Cork project, Mr Howard said he hopes in as much as possible, the existing N20 road will be used. There are some sections of the existing road which wont be able to be improved to a dual carriageway standard. To widen the roads, where there are existing properties, you are talking about a huge impact, and serious impacts on a lot of properties. Where we can use the existing, we will try to.

As a bare minimum, however, he said, the towns along the route will be bypassed. While Croom is already bypassed, towns in North Cork on the current N20 including Charleville are not.

This week, many farmers who may be impacted by the route have spoken out again, with Granagh man Jimmy Sheehy saying: It seems theyre intent on cutting up some of the best dairy land in the country.

Mr Howard said: We dont intend to do harm to any farm, wed try to minimise that as much as we can. But there will be impacts on individual landowners, and we have to acknowledge that. The most important thing is for them to talk to us, to work through it, especially if they become part of the preferred option.

It is tough on the individual, but you cannot build major linear infrastructure without acquiring land. I wouldnt be happy. These are inter-generational farms, my wife is from a farm in Kerry so I understand the passion for the land, and the desire to hold on, or gain more land. It is difficult, but we have a good process to work through it, the co-ordinator continued.

Last week, Mr Leddin suggested that just 10,000 cars on average per day used the existing road between Limerick and Cork. Mr Howard stated these figures are very incorrect.

The current traffic is back up to pre-Covid levels. Weve a range of traffic. We have around 25,000 coming into Cork, and 17,000 coming into Limerick. There are sections of the route where it gets down to 13,000. But thats growing, and obviously Cork and Limerick are destined to increase population, so there will be more movement, he explained.
Nippon Steel Corp. has filed a lawsuit against Toyota Motor Corp. in Japan, alleging an infringement of the suppliers patent relating to electrical steel sheets.

The Japanese steelmaker has also applied for a preliminary injunction in the Tokyo District Court prohibiting Toyota, the worlds No. 1 automaker, from manufacturing and selling cars fitted with motors that use the sheets in question, according to a statement Thursday. Nippon Steel is seeking damages of around 20 billion yen ($177 million).

Nippon Steel also Thursday said its taking similar action against Chinas Baoshan Iron & Steel Co., seeking compensatory damages of around 20 billion yen.

Nippon Steel conducted discussions with each of Baosteel and Toyota based on its belief that its patent relating to non-oriented electrical steel sheets, which are indispensable materials for automobile electrification, has been infringed," the Tokyo-based company said.

However, Nippon Steel was unable to reach a resolution of the matter. Nippon Steel is taking these legal actions to protect its intellectual property rights on the alleged products."

A spokesperson for Toyota said the automaker had confirmed in an earlier contract the patents werent infringed, adding it was very regrettable that we are being sued."

A representative from Baoshan Iron & Steel wasnt immediately able to comment.

Electrical steel sheets are a type of high-grade steel with enhanced magnetic properties that help to limit energy loss. Theyre widely used as iron cores" for electric generators in power plants, electrical products, cars and even vibration motors in mobile phones.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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PANAJI : Talking tough against Pakistan over terrorism, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said surgical strike carried out by India five years ago sent a strong message to the world that no one can interfere with its borders.

He said under the BJP-led NDA rule, India gives a befitting reply to terrorist attacks which was not the case when the Congress-headed UPA was in power.

Shah was addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stone for the National Forensic Science University at Dharbandora village in South Goa.

During the UPA government, terrorists from across the border used to infiltrate into India and cause unrest, and Delhi would do nothing, but now, India responds in the same language which they (terrorists) understand, he said.

Referring to the 2016 surgical strike, Shah said India, through the military action, sent across a strong message to the entire world that no one can interfere with its borders. India had conducted the surgical strike on September 29, 2016, across the Line of Control (LoC) as a response to a terrorist attack on an Army base in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

Shah recalled the contribution of BJP stalwart late Manohar Parrikar as defence minister.

Parrikar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be remembered for years for introducing One Rank One Pension (OROP) in the armed forces, the home minister said.

Parrikar will be remembered for introducing One Rank One Pension for all the three wings of the armed forces under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said.

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Citing heavy-handed" interference by the Taliban and arbitrary rule changes, the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) suspended flights to Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Thursday.

"We are suspending our flight operations to Kabul from today because of the heavy-handedness of the authorities," a spokesperson of the PIA was quoted as saying by Reuters.

The move comes after the Taliban government ordered the airline, the only international company operating regularly out of Kabul, to cut ticket prices to levels to the pre-15 August rates.

The Afghanistan Civil Aviation Authority (ACAA) also threatened to stop flights between Kabul and Islamabad if the airlines do not cut ticket prices, which have increased to levels out of reach for most Afghans.

With most international airlines no longer flying to Afghanistan, tickets for flights to the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, have been selling for as much as $2,500 on PIA, according to travel agents in Kabul, compared with $120-$150 before.

The Afghan transport ministry said in a statement prices on the route should "be adjusted to correspond with the conditions of a ticket before the victory of the Islamic Emirate" or the flights would be stopped.

It urged passengers and others to report any violations.

Flights between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been severely limited since Kabul airport was reopened last month in the wake of the chaotic evacuation of more than 1,00,000 Westerners and vulnerable Afghans following the Taliban victory.

PIA said that ever since the new Taliban government was formed, its staff in Kabul had faced last-minute changes in regulations and flight permissions and "highly intimidating behaviour" from Taliban commanders.

It said its country representative had been held at gunpoint for hours at one point and was only freed after the Pakistan embassy in Kabul intervened.

With a mounting economic crisis adding to worries about Afghanistan's future under the Taliban, there has been heavy demand for flights out and the main passport office in Kabul has been besieged by people trying to get travel documents since it reopened this month.

Demand for flights has been further pushed by repeated difficulties at land border crossings into Pakistan.

With inputs from agencies.

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SYDNEY: The tiny Pacific nation of Palau has the world's highest percentage of people vaccinated against COVID-19, the Red Cross said on Thursday, urging the country's laggard neighbours to follow its example and step up incoluation efforts.

Fully 99% of Palau's population over 12 has had both shots of vaccine for the new coronavirus, the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) said, citing government figures which also show that this amounts to 16,152 people.

That puts Palau, an archipelago of 500 islands in the western Pacific Ocean, in the "top spot", the IFRC said in a statement, ahead of countries like Portugal which was named one of the world's most vaccinated countries when 80% of its 10 million people were fully immunized last month.

It also presents a stark contrast with other small nations in the region that have had sluggish vaccine rollouts due to supply constraints and population hesitancy. Less than 10% of the Solomon Islands (population 650,000) and Kiribati (population 119,000) are vaccinated, the IFRC said.

In Papua New Guinea, 150 km (93 miles) north of Australia, less than 1% of the population is fully vaccinated, it added, citing Our World in Data figures.

The urgency of increasing vaccination rates in the region was increased by the coming Pacific cyclone season, which could cause more damage to livelihoods already impacted by the pandemic, the IFRC said.

Palau was not alone among the Pacific nations that are leading the world in vaccination rates, on a per capita basis. The Cook Islands (population 17,000) had 96% of its eligible population fully vaccinated, while Fiji (population 896,000) had 96% of eligible people with one dose, the IFRC said.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

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Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme and his ex-wife Brody Dalle faced off in a Los Angeles courtroom Wednesday as Dalle, founder of the punk band The Distillers, pleaded not guilty to contempt in their turbulent child custody battle.

Homme, 48, has accused Dalle, 42, of violating their October 2020 custody agreement by not allowing him to see their kids since August 26th. He says her actions are alienating him from the children, and he wants her to face fines and either community service or jail time. For her part, Dalle has accused Homme of domestic violence, verbal harassment, and being a danger to all three of their kids.

The judge handling the case said he was leaning toward appointing around-the-clock monitoring in each parents home to evaluate the situation, starting on Friday, October 15th, when Homme is due to resume his custodial time with the couples two sons, ages 10 and 5. (They also have a 15-year-old daughter.)

It is my intention to order professional monitors in both homes during the parents custodial times, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Lawrence Riff said before setting a follow-up hearing for Friday morning.

Dalle previously filed restraining order petitions on behalf of the boys. They were not granted on an emergency basis but set for future hearings.

Her pleadings speak for themselves in the sense that shes expressed how the children feel, Dalles lawyer Doreen Olson said after the hearing. We just want the children to be healthy. We want the children to be helped.

Thats all Im asking for, that my kids are safe. We have to protect kids. We should always protect kids, Dalle told Rolling Stone as she left the courthouse.

A few minutes after Dalle departed, Homme gave a brief statement as well, his eyes wet with tears. The hardest job in the world is to be a mom, but dads are important too. Id wade through anything for my kids, even this, he said.

The couples daughter was previously granted a restraining order barring her father from contacting her.
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Hollywood is starting to brace for a strike that would essentially shut down the entire industry on Monday morning.

Talks have stalled on a new contract for the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, which has lately accused the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers of refusing to made enough concessions. Matthew D. Loeb, the international president of IATSE, set a strike deadline of 12:01 a.m. PT Monday if a new contract cannot be reached.

The 13 local IATSE unions on the West Coast have already been stockpiling picket signs and masks, and are preparing to set up schedules for picket duty. Those locals represent camera operators, cinematographers, publicists, costumers, makeup artists, editors, sound technicians, electricians and set painters, among other disciplines.

IATSE members have started to focus on the practicalities of being on strike. Workers will not be getting paychecks, and unlike during the pandemic, workers in California will not be eligible for unemployment compensation. The state Employment Development Department has an explainer on the nuances of this subject. The rules vary from state to state, however. In New York, striking workers are eligible for unemployment after 14 days.

If we strike, we will be picketing studios and job sites and doing our best to stop production everywhere, the leaders of the International Cinematographers Guild told members on Wednesday. Our greatest value is our labor, and withholding our labor is our greatest weapon.

The major studios and networks have started to scramble this week to make contingency plans should production come to a halt on Monday. But theres no way to stockpile material in advance when it comes to the work done by IATSE crew members. Programming executives at major networks are stunting to hunt for acquisitions from the U.K., Australia and other territories that might work as replacement programming if a long work stoppage ensues.

A strike would be felt even more widely than the 2007-08 strike by the Writers Guild of America, which left some productions  notably reality shows  up and running. In this case, the strike would halt all work under the Basic Agreement, the Videotape Agreement and the Area Standards Agreement, which covers the vast majority of TV and film production from coast to coast.

Some production work will continue, however, because it is governed by separate contracts that have yet to expire, and those contracts contain no-strike clauses. Those exempt productions include commercials, animation, low-budget films and projects for HBO, Showtime, BET and Starz. Some workers have been asking their locals which contract they work on, and whether they are expected to strike or go to work.

If there is a strike, its going to be a shitshow for the first couple or three days, said Steve Dayan, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 399. Theres going to be a lot of confusion.

The strike will cover 60,000 workers in the IATSE locals but will also affect about 10,000 workers in the other basic crafts unions, including the Teamsters and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. The Teamsters will not work on any jobs where IATSE is on strike, Dayan said.

We honor picket lines, he said.

Striking workers will not lose their health insurance  at least not right away. To maintain coverage under the Motion Picture Industry health plan, workers need to have worked 400 hours in the prior six months. If the strike goes on for a while, however, some workers will lose coverage once they fall below that threshold.

If a strike is called, some workers will be out of town on location shoots. The employer is obliged to make arrangements for them to return home on Monday or shortly thereafter, according to an explainer from Affiliated Property Craftspersons Local 44. The local also advised members to bring home any personal tools or other belongings on their last day of work before the strike deadline on Sunday night.

The International union will not provide any strike pay, leaving that up to the various locals, according to Jonas Loeb, the Internationals spokesman. Some of the local unions do have strike funds, though they have not explained whether and how those funds could be disbursed.

During the three-month writers strike in 2007-08, the WGA distributed about $3 million in strike loans to about 250 members. Approximately 90% of that total has since been repaid, according to the guilds financial reports.

The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor would lend logistical support to the strike, including sending workers from its 320 affiliate unions to participate in picket lines, said Christian Castro, the federations spokesman. The federation also has a non-profit arm, Labor Community Services, that provides food and other forms of support to striking workers.

We already have a warehouse full of food that weve already palletized and boxed for IATSE members, said Armando Olivas, executive director of Labor Community Services.

Olivas said he would encourage the IATSE locals to set up hardship committees, which would be tasked with figuring out who needs the most help. The non-profit could end up providing rental and utility assistance, as well as Thanksgiving turkeys and toys for children during the holidays.

Theres virtually no assistance from the government for striking families, Olivas said. Unions are kind. They will back up their sisters and brothers.

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IATSE and Hollywoods major employers will keep going on contract negotiations Thursday as the clock ticks down to Mondays deadline for the union to call a strike.

Sources close to the situation confirm that the sides will be back to virtual bargaining sessions on Thursday. On Wednesday, IATSE ratcheted the pressure on the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers by setting at a deadline of 12:01 a.m. PT Monday for a walkout if the sides havent reached an agreement on a new three-year film and TV contract.

Sources say the sticking points in the negotiations continue to be the details around working conditions: the schedule of meal breaks and rest periods and the prevalence of so-called French hours shooting schedules where the production works through lunch with no formal break in order to finish the day faster. But that has become onerous for many crew members amid COVID safety precautions that bar anyone from bringing food on to the set.

On Wednesday evening, the 13 West Coast locals sent an update to members, saying they had received reports that employers were scheduling unplanned sixth and seventh days, and extra overtime. Many IATSE members have complained in recent days that producers appeared to be trying to cram in as much work as possible in anticipation of a strike.

It is telling that during a negotiation focused on unsafe hours and other abusive working conditions, some AMPTP companies are intentionally choosing to risk the health and safety of our members to serve their own selfish interests, the message stated.

The memo encouraged workers to report any unsafe conditions to the studio safety hotlines, and to make use of the studios system for providing a hotel room or a ride if workers are too drowsy to drive home.

The memo also acknowledged members questions regarding the strike, and said that the unions would put out an FAQ on Thursday. Meanwhile resist the urge to share unverified information from sources other than your local or the Hollywood Bargaining Committee, the memo stated.

The note opened with a quote from Winston Churchill: Fear is a Reaction, Courage is a Decision.

IATSE International president Matthew Loeb has steered negotiations for IATSEs powerful 13 West Coast locals and 23 locals around the country for the past few months. The tension over working conditions for below-the-line workers caught much of Hollywood by surprise until IATSE took the rare step of calling for a strike authorization vote last month. The union received overwhelming support for a strike.

The 13 local IATSE unions on the West Coast have already been stockpiling picket signs and masks, and are preparing to set up schedules for picket duty. Those locals represent camera operators, cinematographers, publicists, costumers, makeup artists, editors, sound technicians, electricians and set painters, among other disciplines.



Gene Maddaus contributed to this story.

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Trans employees and allies at Netflix are planning a walkout on Wednesday, Oct. 20 in protest of Co-CEO Ted Sarandos comments regarding Dave Chappelles new special The Closer, Variety has confirmed.

As reported by The Verge, a leader of the streamers trans employee resource group wrote the following in a message to members: Trans Lives Matter. Trans Rights Matter. And as an organization, Netflix has continually failed to show deep care in our mission to Entertain the World by repeatedly releasing content that harms the Trans community and continually failing to create content that represents and uplifts Trans content. We can and must do better!

Netflixs Most Twitter account dedicated to LGBTQ+ content posted Wednesday, We cant always control what goes on screen. What we can control is what we create here, and the POV we bring to internal conversations.

To be clear: As the queer and trans people who run this account, you can imagine that the last couple of weeks have been hard. We cant always control what goes on screen. What we can control is what we create here, and the POV we bring to internal conversations.  Most (@Most) October 13, 2021

On Monday, Variety exclusively reported that Sarandos had defended Chappelles special, which has been accused of containing transphobic and homophobic content, in a memo to staff.

Chappelle is one of the most popular stand-up comedians today, and we have a long standing deal with him. His last special Sticks & Stones, also controversial, is our most watched, stickiest and most award winning stand-up special to date, Sarandos wrote. As with our other talent, we work hard to support their creative freedom  even though this means there will always be content on Netflix some people believe is harmful.

In a statement to Variety, Netflix said the company encourages employees to disagree openly with the sentiment.

Dave Chappelles specials are consistently the most-watched comedy specials on Netflix, and have earned many awards, including both an Emmy and a Grammy for Sticks & Stones,' a Netflix spokesperson said. We support artistic expression for our creators. We also encourage our employees to disagree openly.

Shortly after Sarandos memo, three employees were suspended for crashing an executive meeting, including Terra Field, who identifies as trans and queer and had criticized Chappelles special on Twitter. According to Netflix, Field was not suspended due to her tweets, but for attending the meeting uninvited. On Tuesday, it was announced that the employees had been reinstated after finding that they did not join the meeting with any ill intent.

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Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired North American rights to True Things, Harry Wootliffs critically acclaimed sophomore film headlined by The Affair star Ruth Wilson and Tom Burke.

The psychological drama world premiered at this years Venice and went on to play at Toronto and London film festivals. It marks Wootliffs follow-up to her BAFTA-nominated and BIFA-winning romantic drama Only You, which starred Laia Costa and Josh OConnor.

True Things is an adaptation of Deborah Kay Davies book True Things About Me, based on a script by Wootliff and Molly Davies.

Wilson stars as Kate, a woman who is sleep-walking through life when a chance sexual encounter with a charismatic stranger awakens her. High on infatuation, what follows is an intoxicating car crash.

We are very thrilled to team up with Samuel Goldwyn as a prestigious home for North America, said Clementine Hugot, head of The Bureau Sales, who negotiated the deal with Miles Fineburg from Samuel Goldwyn.

Hugot said the film has been sold to quality independent distribution outfits who all believe in Harrys incredible talent as well as the two actors chemistry and brilliant performances.

The producers described the film as a complex, rich, powerful drama, and said they were extremely excited to have Samuel Goldwyn share it with North American audiences and look forward to it reaching as large an audience as possible throughout the U.S.

True Things was produced by Tristan Goligher at The Bureau (45 Years, Only You, Supernova); Wilson, through her production company Lady Lazarus (Mrs. Wilson); Ben Jackson and Jude Law through their production banner Riff Raff U.K., whose credits include Sleuth, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. True Things was developed with BBC Film. Financiers are BBC Film and the BFI, which awarded National Lottery funding. Executive producers include Rose Garnett, Eva Yates, Lizzie Francke and Vincent Gadelle.

The films theatrical career will kick off in the U.K. with Picture House handling. The Bureau Sales has also closed deals with Kismet in Australia and New Zealand, Lusomundo in Portugal and Film Bazar in Denmark. Other territories are set to follow.

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Crossing borders under difficult circumstances has always been part of the deal for spies. But getting your cast and crew to do the same, during times of COVID, also became part of the suspense in completing the first two episodes of the Amazon Prime show Totems, which premiered at Canneseries TV festival this week.

Featuring an international cast, including Niels Schneider, Vera Kolesnikova, Jose Garcia, Lambert Wilson and Ana Girardot, the spy drama was mainly shot in Prague. The city provides a convincing substitute for East Berlin, where some of the story takes place at an action-packed scientific conference.

The story follows French scientist Francis Mareuil (Schneider) whose angular features play beautifully between the shadows, as he starts operating as a spy, just like his estranged nurse wife in Paris (Girardot).

While working for the French Secret Service and the CIA, Mareuil meets a Russian pianist (Kolesnikova), who has been forced to work for the KGB, after they cripple her hand.

There is only one Berlin, says the guard at Checkpoint Charlie, as Mareuil passes through to reach the scientific conference, and make contact with a Russian scientist for his new bosses.

There are people murdered in the hallway of his hotel which he watches through the keyhole. The KGB is following his every move. His new career involves interrogations, and secret conversations held on the streets of Moscow, or in a bugged hotel lift suspended between floors.

Like several other main characters, Mareuil has got a day job, but suddenly hes pulled into Cold War politics.

Speaking to Variety at the Canneseries press lounge, the shows writer and co-creator Olivier Dujols explains: They are doing other things. They are working as a scientist, nurse, pianist, but suddenly without any training, they have to find the skills to operate as spies.

Shooting took place in the Czech Republic, Spain and France. The rest was special effects.

When we shot at Checkpoint Charlie, it was a parking lot, he says. Every building, even the busses, is full special effects. We had archive photos we relied upon.

Some sets were created in Czech studios, including some of the apartments seen in the series, however. Others on the streets of Paris.

Reality Reflects Fiction as COVID Erects Barriers

We are a show about borders, he says, referring to the Iron Curtain. To cross the border is the main obstacle. In reality, it was the main obstacle we had to face too. Depending on the COVID-related color of the country, you could go from one place to the next, as we were making this. Our actors were in different places including Russia.

He adds: In times of crisis, you see who are the good people. We were surrounded by really good generous people in our cast and crew, so in the end, every time we had a situation, we found a solution. We had many COVID situations. We had to stop shooting for a few days. We were supposed to shoot in Morocco but we could not do that, so we shot the same scenes in the south of Spain.

The pressure was on his team to finish the first two episodes in time for the Cannes premiere.

We just finished it, apart from the credits. We worked by block. We tried to do episodes 1 and 2, and then 3 and 4 and then 4 to 8, he says.

It all began when Amazon asked if he would like to create a spy series for them.

I began to work on the show before Prime Video existed in France, so the main people I was dealing with originally were in the U.S. and U.K. Then step by step the French team entered the scene, he says.

Hes not a spy buff. Its not a passion. I prefer science fiction or fantasy as a spectator, but I like it because a spy show needs to be more clever, as a writer. To do it well, at some point, you need situations that allow that. Its never black or white. The Cold War seems to be that, but its not at all. Its all in nuances of gray. Its that the information you need isnt there. Its on the other side. But to get to the other side you have to shake hands. You have to talk. To make friends. With people you dont agree with at all. You put back the human side in everything. You are cunning but you are a cool guy. I love you, he says.

It is about social chameleons. They are not spies in the beginning. Shes a nurse. Hes an engineer. She is a pianist. They are really competent in what they do but they are not competent at all in the spy world. They have the capacity to adapt and be human. The connections they make are on the human side, he says.

The key was to keep it real. It has to be plausible. We tried to be sincere all the time. Use real artifacts and facts, he says.

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The Wednesday COVID-19 media briefing was kicked off by Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz praising the move by the federal government to reopen the bridges to non-essential travel for those who were fully vaccinated. Health professionals echoed the sentiments as they provided more information about booster shot availability moving forward to the end of the year.

Laredo Health Department Director Richard Chamberlain said that the three discussions will be held to discuss booster shots per each different FDA approved vaccine. On Oct. 14, the Moderna vaccine booster will be discussed, Oct. 15 will be for the Johnson & Johnson and Oct. 26 will be the Pfizer vaccine booster.

Chamberlain elaborated that the discussions will also involve the age rate per booster shot, the mixing and matching of vaccines, and the vaccine for pediatric populations. There has been no word of changes to the potential Oct. 31 date where vaccines for pediatrics would become available. He added that as of Oct. 1, 107 pediatric cases were reported.

Laredo Health Authority Dr. Victor Trevino reported three additional deaths on Wednesday but added that despite being one of the hardest hit cities in the country amid the pandemic, the high vaccine rate has proved that the local vaccination efforts were successful in reducing severe disease and death.

Trevino has held several vaccines drives along the bridges connecting Laredo and Nuevo Laredo, providing donated expiring doses to Mexican residents.

On Wednesday, he said that those clinics helped improve the COVID-19 situation along the border. As Laredo faces more cross border traffic starting in November, Trevino said that it is important to get as many Nuevo Laredo individuals vaccinated to better the region.

These (drives) are essential. We know that vaccines are our way out of this pandemic. So the more programs we can have internationally, we can bring these drives back and we can do it on their side, Trevino said. We did do several pilot programs in this fashion, and I think they were very successful.

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This may involve collaborating with the Nuevo Laredo Doctors Association to continue the efforts, he added.

As for boosters, Trevino noted that the three FDA approved vaccines data showed that they are highly effective against disease, hospitalization and death. Moving forward with booster shots, the mixing and matching of doses is still exclusive to situations where there is limited quantity of doses or patient does not know which vaccine was originally received.

There is an adequate supply of boosters in Laredo, and Trevino said that the Pfizer vaccine can receive an additional booster dose six months after the second dose was received. He explained that the CDC recommendations outline several populations to receive a booster.

These include, those 65 and older, 18 and up in long-term care settings, those between 50-64 and 18-49 with underlying medical conditions, and those between 18-64 who work in an occupation with an increased risk of contracting COVID-19.

Laredo Emergency Coordinator and Fire Chief Guillermo Heard reminded the community that the infusion center is still active and a vaccine drive on Del Mar provided 691 booster shots to Pfizer patients. More clinics will be held as Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters become available.

However, in discussion with the state, Heard said that the city will be required to create a demobilization plan in spite of not having a set date for the demobilization.

Moving away from COVID, Heard also said that with Hurricane Pamela in Mexico, he will meet with members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to discuss the impact the hurricane may have on Laredo. More information will be provided as details are provided by NOAA, Heard said.

As the news broke late Tuesday, the Department of Homeland security stated that the modifications to Title 19 will occur in two phases over the months of November to January. The first phase in November will allow fully vaccinated travelers to cross into the U.S for non-essential reasons as long as they have proof of vaccination.

The reopening plays a huge role in the Laredo economy as Saenz said that between 30-40% of sales taxes for Laredo are attributed to Mexican shoppers. He said that the move will give the city and its shopping areas a shot in the arm come November.

The January phase will allow all fully vaccinated national travelers with proof of vaccination to cross, including essential travelers like truckers, students and healthcare workers. Homeland security stated that these several months will give these populations time to get fully vaccinated before the second phase.

The reopening has been a long time coming, as city, state and federal officials saw the reopening shift month to month since the first closure in March of 2020. Saenz said that he and Rep. Henry Cuellars questions have been forwarded to the state health department regarding the reopening. Details will follow as more information is provided by the TDSHS.

cocampo@lmtonline.com
The beginning of the school year when you got to show off your new duds, new cars, new looks!

Sports! Playing, cheering, watching high school athletics.

The arts: Dramatic arts, musical groups and shows, graphic arts groups, debate, etc.

The prom! No dancing the night away or punch bowl antics.

The daily interactions. Just being with the group, hanging with friends and classmates.

Access to college recruiters and advisors  its harder to line up higher education.

Walking onstage to get a diploma while all the family is watching with everyone elses family.

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Longford County Council is delighted to confirm that its Strategy and Guidance Documents on Rural Working Hubs has now been shortlisted for two separate awards.

The groundbreaking work of the Longford County Council Regeneration Team, which was supported by Cathaoirleach Cllr Peggy Nolan and the elected members, was recently nominated in the Local Authority Innovation Category of the seventeenth annual Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards 2021.

Now, that work has also been shortlisted in the Economy category of the prestigious European-wide Innovation in Politics Awards 2021.

The annual Innovation in Politics Awards recognise innovative projects based on European values of social balance, democracy, and human rights. It is about pushing boundaries and recognizing creativity from across Europe where pioneering new solutions are being found for todays challenges.

Over 1,000 Europeans make up the citizens jury, which evaluates the projects to determine the finalists and winners in the awards nine categories.

Commenting on the second nomination for the work on the Rural Working Hubs Strategy and Guidance document, Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Peggy Nolan said: This is yet another example of Longford finally being recognised for what it has  an abundance of talent and dedication to the projects that really matter.

"Rural working hubs make an important impact on peoples daily lives and they help to sustain our communities. I want to thank the Regeneration Team for pushing this innovative work forward and all my fellow elected members for backing these hubs from the start.

Chief Executive Paddy Mahon said: Its a testament to the quality of the work being done here in Longford that the guidance document produced by our Regeneration Team has been used as the basis for the national guidance document for this area going forward. I want to congratulate them and the foresight of our elected members for choosing to support this progressive approach.

Longford County Council is the first council in Ireland to develop a Rural Working Hub Strategy that suits the needs of the local community. The purpose of the project is to address the fact that 3,324 workers travel outside County Longford for work (statistics correct as per the 2016 Census).

The aim of the project is to provide those people with an opportunity to live and work within their local communities and therefore prevent the loss of daily economic and social activity there.

The project emerged through Longfords involvement in a European-wide project with partners in Finland on rural working hubs.

The consultation process included a webinar hosted by Longford County Council, which was attended and presented at by Minister of State with Responsibility for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation Robert Troy TD as well as over 90 European participants.

To date, the initiative is developing Rural Working Hubs in three locations in Longford: Edgeworthstown, Abbeyshrule and Ardagh.

These state-of-the-art facilities allow employees to work closer to home; provide a base for entrepreneurs and start-ups; contribute towards a low carbon future and help redevelop Longford's towns and villages under a digital strategy.

Targeted regeneration of towns and villages, international collaborations and grassroots involvement ensures a long-term approach to a more sustainable society.
A man who threatened the lives and safety of a garda, his wife and his kids has been released on bail following the successful appeal of a District Court prison sentence which saw him and a co-accused put away for 14 months.

Sean Taaffe, 24 St Matthews Park, Ballymahon, appeared at Longford Circuit Court last week to appeal the severity of the sentence handed down by Judge Seamus Hughes earlier this year.

In relaying the evidence, State Solicitor Mark Connellan told Judge Keenan Johnson that on May 10, 2021, Gardai received reports of a criminal damage incident outside a house in Ballymahon where a car wing mirror was kicked off.

Upon arrival, Gda Keith OBrien encountered Mr Taaffes co-accused, David OLeary of 2 St Matthews Park, Ballymahon, who withdrew his own District Court appeal last week, and moved to arrest him. Mr Taaffe, the court heard, emerged from the bushes shouting get your hands off him.

Both men became highly abusive towards Gda OBrien who radioed for assistance.

The court heard that Mr Taaffe continued to abuse the garda, telling him that he had a glass bottle behind his back that he would smash across his face and stab him with.

He told Gda OBrien that he knew hed be working on his own one night and that hed get him, while also threatening to burn his car outside the garda station.

The severity of the abuse continued with the pair stating they knew where Gda OBrien lived and would rape and kill his wife and kids.

When Gda Emma Kiernan arrived to offer assistance, both men continued to be abusive to the point that Gda OBrien started to record the encounter, taking three short videos which he had in court as evidence.

He proceeded to play one of the recordings for Judge Keenan Johnson in court. On it, one of the accused can be heard shouting shes next, youre next and your whole family is next, do you understand that?

While this footage was being played in the court room, Mr Taaffe held his head in his hands.

Evidence was also heard of a complaint from a male cyclist who alleged he had been assaulted by both men despite attempting to fight back while being kicked and punched by the pair.

Judge Seamus Hughes in the District Court sentenced Mr Taaffe to six months in prison for threats to kill, four months for assault and four months for criminal damage.

Barrister for Mr Taaffe, Nicola Delaney, in mitigation told the court that Mr Taaffe had taken a significant amount of alcohol and drugs and noted that her client was deeply ashamed of his actions.

He has three children, aged eight, six and eight months and they moved to Manchester with their mother, she explained.

He missed his youngest childs christening because he was in custody. The children spent three weeks in Ireland so they could see their father but he was in custody.

When called to give his own evidence, Mr Taaffe said he has no recollection of that night and told the court hed consumed a litre bottle of whiskey and seven or eight tablets.

I just remember waking up the next day and not knowing why I was there, he said.

Judge Keenan Johnson said Mr Taaffes behaviour that day was absolutely outrageous and scandalous.

If you saw someone abuse your brother and make threats to his family, youd expect the judge to put that person in jail, he said.

The guards have a tough enough time doing what they do without this kind of behaviour. You behaved like a thug. And then, while Gda OBrien was going to perform his duty, not only was he threatened but, unforgivably, his wife and children were threatened.

Despite this, Judge Johnson said he would release Mr Taaffe on bail with strict terms to allow a probation report to be prepared.

He is to engage with probation services, remain drug and alcohol free and abide by a 10pm to 7am curfew.

You are also to go back working and start accumulating funds as recompense. Ill expect 1,500 in court on January 12 and that's just a start. I also want written apologies furnished within the next fortnight, he said.

If you step out of line between now and then, its to be brought before me no matter where Im sitting and if its brought before me, Ill increase your sentence. Youre on a very short reign now.
IFA held four regional rallies in Cavan, Roscommon, Portlaoise and Cork last Friday to protest on the streets over fears for the future of their industry.

Farmers from Longford joined with hundreds of their colleagues taking part in the Cavan and Roscommon rallies.

Longford IFA Chairperson Gavin White was delighted with the turnout at 7am in Cavan.

He said farmers are the backbone of rural Ireland, adding that carbon tax is heavy handed as the alternative to diesel tractors has not yet landed.

He continued, Peat harvesting in Ireland has been banned and forestry licences cannot be obtained to clear our lands. The nitrates action plan is a disgrace and the government needs to meet us face to face.

President of the IFA Tim Cullinan addressed the crowds at the rallies.

Its three whammies; climate change, CAP reform and the nitrates directive and review. They have one thing in common, reductions, reductions, reductions, and more cuts.

The budget is for a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030. We're not going to cut cows or anything, but a 51% reduction is a serious place. We need our Government to get into negotiation with us, we have tried for the last two years.

The CAP was introduced in 1950 to protect quality food supply and farmers, that money is being robbed now.



He said that they must be allowed to spread slurry until mid October as it is a valuable and organic fertilizer. Mr Cullinan said that Bord na Mona has been funded to transition out of peat harvesting but that farmers with bogs are getting no money.

Our horticulture sector is using peat imported from Russia, its a ridiculous situation. There is a shipment of 42 thousand tonnes of woodchip coming to supply peat fired power station, and they are talking now about going back to coal in Moneypoint.

"Its absolutely ridiculous. We put forward credible proposals for renewable industries in Ireland, we are ready and willing, but there is no interest from our Government to do it. If we develop biomethane on just 5% of our grassland, we can supply and fuel all the trucks we have in Ireland.

"We want to work in good faith with our Government but we can't do it while we are out on the streets, and we're not backing off on this if we dont get a response. There is no way we can back off and let our Government allow our industry to fail," he said.

National Dairy Council chairperson Stephen Arthur said there is no way we are giving up our cows or our business.

"They asked us to raise our numbers and dairy farmers grew and invested in their own businesses. Up to 2.5 billion in the last five or six years. We followed them all the way to the top of the hill and now they are trying to shove us off.

"Make no mistake, the Climate Change Bill is a massive and real threat to the agri sector, be it beef, dairy, tillage or sheep. It is a threat to your viability and economic wellbeing.

"We realise there is a lot to do and we can contribute, but we will not stand for being made scapegoats. I say this now to the Minister and the Government, we want negotiation. Keep those signs ready and keep those phones on because we will be marching again," he said.
THE transition to renewable energy must take place and Bord na Mona will be at the heart of it, junior minister for enterprise Robert Troy said on Monday.

Launching Bord na Mona's Accelerate Green programme, Minister Troy said: As we move from brown to green and make that transition to new renewable energies a day like today is critically important. Because we have to make that transition and it can be painful.

The minister added: And it can be difficult and it can have consequences that none of us want to acknowledge but unfortunately we have climate targets that we must achieve and to achieve them we have to make the change.

He said while that change is being made, Bord na Mona must play a pivotal role in ensuring they are a central player economically in the area that they're located.

I think today is a part of that process as they launch their Accelerate Green programme. Bord na Mona are once again committing that they are there again to support industry economically in this region.

It's about supporting businesses who want to respond to climate action and sustainability, supporting businesses and companies who want to scale, both nationally and internationally.

Longford Leader Farming: Frustration, anger, fear uncertainty say farmers IFA held four regional rallies in Cavan, Roscommon, Portlaoise and Cork last Friday to protest on the streets over fears for the future of their industry.

Minister Troy said he was at the Dubai Expo last week where the central focus was on sustainability and energy efficiency in a region whose primary focus down through the years had been on oil and gas reserves.

When you see a region like that totally and utterly focussed on making that transition to green and renewable you realise that the change is happening, the change is now.

Mark Christal, manager of the regions and entrepreneurship division in Enterprise Ireland, said his agency is supporting Bord na Mona's efforts because entreprenuers looking to scale their business will be able to access the necessary tools and supports in transition to a green, low carbon economy.

David Scanlon, director of Resolve Partners, which will deliver the Accelerate Green programme in Boora, said the opportunity in the green economy is immense.

The UN estimates that there is a 20 trillion dollar gap in value between now and 2030 to achieve the targets of the Paris Agreement.

Covid challenges see Longford publican lodge six figure redevelopment plans 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.

The Accelerate Green programme at Boora will see between seven and 10 companies brought together at Boora for an intensive series of hothousing sessions in spring 2022.

The programme will have three broad pillars - renewable energy, carbon and emissions reduction and waste management.

Bord na Mona chief executive Tom Donnellan said he hopes the programme will deliver significant opportunities and some companies will become bigger companies and major employers in the region.

He said the launch of the Accelerate Green programme was a call to action to companies or people with ideas.

The Boora works, which is located beside the Lough Boora Discovery Park visitor attraction, was formerly the headquarters of Bord na Mona's peat production.

Turf harvesting has ceased and peat briquettes will no longer be manufactured at Derrinlough when current supplies run out.

The peat-fired power stations in Shannonbridge and Lanesboro have been switched off.

The electricity generating station owned by Bord na Mona near Clonbullogue, Edenderry Power, is partly powered by milled peat but the company is planning to convert it to a full biomass fuel load.
The Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) says that the budget for mental health falls far short of what is needed in the wake of the pandemic.

CEO of the association Lisa Molly said:

"While there are some positive measures announced yesterday, we are also very disappointed at certain omissions.

"The IACP feels that the government has missed an opportunity to really bolster mental health funding given the dire need for supports that exist following the pandemic."

Mental health spending now represents 5.6% of total health spend (excluding capital and Covid spending). This falls far short of the 10-12% of health spend on mental health in many European countries including the UK.

However, in yesterdays budget, there is in fact a 52% decrease in additional spending for mental health when compared with last years allocation. Given the severity of the mental health crisis following the pandemic "this is simply insufficient", she added.

"While we particularly welcome additional funding for eating disorder treatment, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Hubs and out-of-hours alternatives to emergency departments for people in crisis, we feel that more funding could have been directed to support mental health in general."

Once again this budget has shortchanged mental health services.



The WHO says need to spend an extra 1bn on mental health to come up to scratch. The government spent 37m.



We will need to build a movement of people power to demand decent, free, mental health services for all. pic.twitter.com/LqUZ8gSfsP  Paul Murphy (@paulmurphy_TD) October 13, 2021

In a general public mental health survey, IACP commissioned in March this year, 70% of respondents said they had felt stressed either often or sometimes in the previous two weeks (compared with 46% saying this in March 2019), 63% said they felt anxious (compared with 35% in 2019).

45% said they felt depressed (compared with 21% in 2019), and 49% said they felt lonely or isolated (compared to 19% two years previously).

HSE specialists forewarned IACP of a tsunami of mental health needs and its clear.

"We are also disappointed that our pre-budget submission was not heeded.

"The IACP had asked for access to therapy to be broadened by two modest measures, that being the full extension of tax relief on medical expenses to include counselling and psychotherapy as well as the application of the exemption of VAT for professional medical care services, now rated at 13.5%, on earnings over 37,500 to counsellors and psychotherapists.

"These measures would have increased accessibility to therapy.

"The IACP feels that the government has missed an opportunity to address long-standing deficiencies in our mental health system and that this will take a significant toll on society in the coming years.
Longford will be accessing the new Affordable Housing Fund, according to local Fianna Fail TD Joe Flaherty.

Deputy Flaherty said, "Longford County Council will be submitting an application for an affordable housing scheme to the Department of Housing as soon as work on the submission is completed locally."

Concern had been expressed that some local authorities, including Longford, will not be able to avail of the Affordable Housing Fund.

Department of Education bosses respond to Longford mother's school bus concerns Transport chiefs have issued a response to claims made by a single mother of three who insists she has been left at her "wits end" after being told her two children will not be able to avail of school transport even though their six kilometre journey is free.

However, Deputy Flaherty outlined that he has received assurance from Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O'Brien TD that Longford will be able to access the fund.

Minister O'Brien, in a written reply, wrote, 'every large town with a proven affordability need will be availing of the Affordable Housing Fund'.

Department officials have been instructed to ensure that the criteria for the new Affordable Housing Fund reflects maximum flexibility and accommodates areas of localised affordability challenge.

Deputy Flaherty said, The housing challenge and crisis is just as real in Longford as it is anywhere else in Ireland. There are countless families who are locked out of home ownership because theyre over the income threshold for social housing and simply cannot afford to purchase a house on their own.

He continued, The Affordable Housing Fund is critical for Longford, not only for those families and couples trapped in expensive private rental but also as a means of kickstarting commercial house building in the county again. It is now 12 years since a commercial three bedroom semi detached house was built here. Thats the standard entry house in the housing market and without access to the Affordable Housing Fund, Longford could never realistically restart the local housing market.

He says Longford County Council have been asked to provide a town level Housing Needs Demand Assessment (HNDA) for the countys main towns. They've also been invited to outline their planned supports to support the number of households with affordability challenges.

The Longford TD expects the local authority Affordable Housing application to be with the Department soon and will work with Minister OBrien and officials to ensure it is on stream for the county as quickly as possible.

Longford Slashers senior hurling captain Cian Kavanagh praises a terrific team effort 2021 Senior Hurling Championship Final It was a dream come true for Longford Slashers captain Cian Kavanagh on Sunday last as he got to utter those famous words ta athas orm, after Slashers became Senior Hurling champions for the first time in 20 years.
Music, Movies & Entertainment, Seasonal & Current Events

By Chris Boyle Published: October 14 2021

Long Islands largest canine halloween costume contest & parade returns in person on october 30th following last years virtual event.

Four-legged superheroes, pirates, hot dogs and more will soon be on display in Eisenhower Park for the 9th annual Nassau Barkfest. County Executive Laura Curran announced today that the County will once again host Long Islands largest pet Halloween costume contest and parade on October 30th, 2021 from 1:00p.m.  4:00p.m. at Eisenhower Parks Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. The highly anticipated event will be held in person this year following last years virtual event, a successful effort to continue the event safely during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nassau Barkfest has become an annual Halloween tradition for dog owners across Long Island, said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. For many of us, our pets are members of our family, so I am thrilled to bring back this beloved event in-person. I encourage all residents to come enjoy this light-hearted annual event in beautiful Eisenhower Park. A special thank you to Nassau SPCA for your continued support.

As always, Nassau Barkfest will be a free to attend and will be sponsored by the Nassau County SPCA and Long Islands K98.3. The parade and costume judging will begin at 2:30p.m. sharp. The Nassau SPCA asks participants to bring a pet food donation to help families with pets who are facing difficult financial times.

There will be 13 opportunities to win prizes, courtesy of the Nassau SPCA, that range from $50 to $150 in gift cards.

The event will be held rain or shine and all pets must be on a leash. Rescue groups with puppies and dogs for adoptions as well as animal friendly organizations will be on site to celebrate.
(Alliance News) - Dunelm Group PLC on Thursday reported a rise in first quarter total sales, as the pandemic DIY boom continued into the new financial year.

The Leicester-based home furnishings company made total sales of GBP388.8 million in the three months to September 25, up 8.3% on last year and up 48% on two years ago.

Dunelm said it outperformed the homewares market in the period and gained further market share every week.

Of its first quarter sales, 33% were digital. Dunelm began to see bumper digital success in the year ended June 26, where digital sales accounted for 46% of all sales, compared to 27% a year earlier.

Dunelm added that its "strong performance" was driven by positive customer response to its summer sale in July and popular new ranges in its furniture categories.

The FTSE 250 constituent expects its first half margin "flat to slightly positive" on last year, though it expects a full-year margin between 50 and 75 basis points lower than a year prior.

It had net cash of GBP209 million at the end of the quarter, up from GBP175 million year-on-year.

Dunelm backs the "recently increased" full year analyst consensus forecasts, as it hopes to continue outperforming the homewares market. It noted good warehouse and supplier partners, and stock levels.

"We are pleased with our performance in the first quarter, with sales growth across all channels and continued market share gains, especially given the strength of the comparative period last year, which benefited from pent-up demand following the first UK lockdown," said Chief Executive Nick Wilkinson.

Shares were up 1.9% at 1,325.00 pence in London on Thursday morning.

By Josie O'Brien; josieobrien@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
(Alliance News) - The UK government is planning to increase deliveries across the country by changing the rules around companies' trading rights.

A consultation is being launched on Friday on companies' "cabotage" rights, with Whitehall proposing to extend them to strengthen supply chains and prevent shops running out of goods or putting prices up.

Cabotage rules govern the transport of goods or passengers within one country by a transport operator from a different country.

Currently, hauliers from the EU can only make up to two trips between two places in the UK within one week.

The measures would allow foreign operators to pick up and drop off goods an unlimited number of times over a two-week period before they return to their country of origin.

If approved after the one-week consultation, the proposals would come into force before the end of the year and last for six months.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "The long-term answer to the supply chain issues we're currently experiencing must be developing a high-skill, high-wage economy here in the UK.

"Alongside a raft of other measures to help the road haulage industry, we've streamlined the testing process and announced thousands of skills boot camps to train new drivers.

"These new measures are working a we've been seeing up to three times more applications for HGV driving licences than normal as well as a deserved rise in salaries.

"The temporary changes we're consulting on to cabotage rules will also make sure foreign hauliers in the UK can use their time effectively and get more goods moving in the supply chain at a time of high demand."

The government said the cabotage changes would apply to all types of goods but be "particularly beneficial" to food supply chains and imports that arrive from ports.

Retailers have expressed fears ongoing supply chain problems will result in higher prices and empty shelves into December.

A build-up of cargo in Felixstowe has led to shipping company Maersk opting to divert vessels away from the Suffolk port, while similar logjams have been seen elsewhere in the world, including in the US.

source: PA

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Quilter PLC - London-based wealth manager - Chair Glyn Jones will retire as a director in 2022 after a successor is in place. Quilter says the board has set a process for finding a new chair, led by Senior Independent Director Ruth Markland. Jones has been chair of Quilter since 2016. The firm was spun off from Old Mutual Ltd and listed in London and Johannesburg in 2018. "Now that Quilter has been substantially simplified to focus on its core UK market, our future strategy and medium-term objectives are clear," Jones says.

Current stock price in London: 144.80 pence, up 1.0% on Thursday

Year-to-date change: down 5.7%

By Tom Waite; thomaslwaite@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
(Alliance News) - The UK Government has said it is "ready to work hard" to safeguard peace in Northern Ireland, after the EU announced proposals to cut red tape in trade across the Irish Sea.

EU Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic unveiled on Wednesday a series of measures that would slash regulatory checks and dramatically cut customs processes on the movement of goods between Britain and the island of Ireland.

The UK government has called for "intensive talks" to follow the EU's proposals, which are designed to tackle disruption caused by the protocol.

The measures would see an 80% reduction in checks envisaged for retail agri-food products arriving in Northern Ireland from Great Britain.

The proposed changes also remove the prospect of certain British produce, including Cumberland sausages, being banned from export to the region.

The protocol, which was agreed by the EU and UK to maintain a free-flowing land border on the island of Ireland, has created a series of economic barriers on the movement of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

The EU plan to ease the resultant trade friction also includes a 50% reduction in customs paperwork required to move products into Northern Ireland from Great Britain.

More products and companies would be exempt from customs tariffs as a result of expanding trusted trader arrangements and a concept that differentiates between goods destined for Northern Ireland and those "at risk" of onward transportation into the Irish Republic.

The EU has also offered to legislate to ensure no disruption to the supply line of medicines from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

After the proposals were announced, a UK government spokesperson said: "The EU have now published their proposals in response to those in our Command Paper.

"We are studying the detail and will of course look at them seriously and constructively.

"The next step should be intensive talks on both our sets of proposals, rapidly conducted, to determine whether there is common ground to find a solution.

"Significant changes which tackle the fundamental issues at the heart of the protocol, including governance, must be made if we are to agree a durable settlement which commands support in Northern Ireland.

"We need to find a solution which all sides can get behind for the future, which safeguards the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, and which puts the UK-EU relationship on a stronger footing.

"We are ready to work hard with this in mind."

Sefcovic said the bloc had put in a lot of hard work to come up with an "alternative model" for implementing the protocol.

"We have explored every possible angle of the protocol and, at times, went beyond current EU law," he told a press conference in Brussels.

He added: "With this robust package of practical, imaginative solutions we can continue to implement the protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland for the benefit of all communities on the ground.

"It not only cements stability and predictability, an indispensable ingredient for the local economy to flourish, but also paves the way for enhanced opportunities."

As part of its proposals, the commission has also pledged to enhance engagement with stakeholders in Northern Ireland, including politicians, business representatives and other members of civic society.

However, the measures contained in four separate papers published by the bloc on Wednesday evening do not offer any concession on a key UK government demand, the removal of the oversight role for the European Court of Justice.

In return for the scaled-back checking regime, the EU has asked for certain safeguards to be implemented to provide extra assurances that products said to be destined for Northern Ireland do not end up crossing the Irish border.

Those include labelling of certain products, making clear they are for sale in the UK only, and enhanced monitoring of supply chain movements and access to real time trade flow information.

It said access to the real time data, and the construction of new checking facilities at ports in Northern Ireland, were commitments the UK had already made but was yet to deliver on.

The full extent of checks required under the protocol has yet to be applied due to the continuation of a series of grace periods that the UK has unilaterally extended on an indefinite basis.

The EU's pledge on agri-food checks refers to an 80% cut in the number that would be required under full implementation of the arrangements, though the proposal would also lead to a reduction in checks currently applied during the grace periods.

While the range of measures would go some way to reducing everyday friction on trade caused by the protocol, they do not address the UK demand over the role of the ECJ.

UK Brexit minister David Frost has made clear the removal of the court's oversight function in policing the protocol is a red line for the government if a compromise deal is to be struck.

Under the terms of the protocol, which was agreed by the UK and EU as part of the 2020 Withdrawal Agreement, the ECJ would be the final arbitrator in any future trade dispute between the two parties on the operation of the protocol.

The UK now wants to remove that provision and replace it with an independent arbitration process.

The European Commission has insisted it will not move on the ECJ issue.

It has pointed out that Northern Ireland would be unable to retain unfettered single market access, a key provision of the protocol, if the arrangement is not subject to oversight by European judges.

Frost has warned that the UK could move to suspend parts of the protocol, by triggering the Article 16 mechanism, if an acceptable compromise cannot be reached.

The EU plan amounts to a set of counterproposals in response to a wish list of protocol reforms outlined by the UK government in July.

The proposals from both sides are now set to form the basis of a new round of negotiations between Brussels and London in the weeks ahead.

Earlier on Wednesday, Frost insisted the reach of the ECJ was a key issue.

"The problem with the protocol at the moment is that EU law, with the ECJ as the enforcer of it, is applied in Northern Ireland without any sort of democratic process," he told broadcasters.

"So that, I think, has to change if we're to find governance arrangements that people can live with."

Irish premier Micheal Martin backed the EU's proposals.

The taoiseach said they were "the obvious way forward and the obvious way out of the issues".

Martin added that the European Commission had "demonstrated imagination, innovation, and also a listening ear to the people who matter, the people in Northern Ireland who are on the ground dealing with these issues".

DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson described the proposals as the EU's "starting point".

However, he said that on first inspection they would appear to "fall far short of the fundamental change needed".

Stormont's Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill welcomed what she described as the "far-reaching" proposals.

"I think that demonstrates both in word and deed that the EU side are living up to their commitments that they made to both business and civic leaders as well as political leaders," she said.

The protocol was agreed by the UK and EU as a way to sidestep the major obstacle in the Brexit divorce talks, the Irish land border.

It achieved that by shifting regulatory and customs checks and processes to the Irish Sea.

The arrangements have created new economic barriers on goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

This has caused disruption to many businesses in Northern Ireland and has also created a major political headache for the Government, as unionists and loyalists are furious at what they perceive as a weakening of the Union.

However, other businesses have benefited from the terms of the protocol, which provides Northern Ireland traders unique unfettered access to sell within the UK internal market and EU single market.

source: PA

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Manchester Center, VT (05254)

Today

Mostly cloudy with snow showers around in the morning. High 38F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 40%..

Tonight

Mostly clear skies. Low 23F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
Barcelona have officially renewed Pedri's contract at the Camp Nou until June 2026, as the Spaniard will be a key player in the squad's rebuild over the next few years.

Pedri signed for Barcelona from Las Palmas in the summer of 2020 and played 52 games for Ronald Koeman's side last season, making him the most used player at the club in 2020/21, followed by Frenkie de Jong and Antoine Greizmann.

The 18-year-old was recently named in the 30-man shortlist for the 2021 Ballon d'Or award, thanks to how quickly he adapted to Barcelona's style of play.

In fact, they have looked to scare away clubs from Pedri by slapping a one billion euro release clause on his head - the biggest in the club's history.

Pedri's incredible first year at Barcelona

He also thrived in Spain's Euro 2020 and Tokyo Olympics campaigns.

Despite having only been at the Camp Nou for one year, Pedri instantly impressed at the club and that has been the reason behind Barcelona's desire to extend his contract and tie him down long term.

The prodigious midfielder reportedly feels happy at the club and was more than happy to renew his contract, meaning negotiations went quickly and easily.

Pedri is one of many young talents impressing at Barcelona at the moment, and Koeman will be eager to hold onto them all, including the likes of Ansu Fati, Ronald Araujo and Gavi.
French astronaut Thomas Pesquet has captured images of a strange blue light over Europe from the International Space Station.

The astronaut shared an image online showing a still from a time-lapse in which the curious event could be seen.

A European Space Agency laboratory in Germany with a Danish-led team are currently observing and investigating the phenomenon.

These transient light events are attracting increasing interest from astronauts and scientists alike, although just a few years ago their very existence was questioned, as Pesquet explains in his caption.

"Just a few decades ago [this lightning] had been observed anecdotally by pilots and scientists [who] were not convinced they actually existed," wrote Pesquet.

"Fast forward a few years and we can confirm elves, and sprites are very real and could be influencing our climate too!"

What are ELVES and SPRITES?

Optical events like this one are caused by things such as upwards striking lightning bolts as part of thunderstorms high in the atmosphere. Scientists have gotten creative in naming the various different types.

These upward striking lightning bolts are called blue jets, while there are also Red SPRITEs (Stratospheric/mesospheric Perturbations Resulting from Intense Thunderstorm Electrification) and ELVES (Emission of Light and Very Low Frequency perturbations due to Electromagnetic Pulse Sources), as well as other phenomena with names such as trolls, pixies and gnomes.
Ambassador of Belarus A.Rzheussky meets the Minister of State for Civil Aviation of India

On October 14, 2021, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of India Andrei Rzheussky met with Minister of State for Civil Aviation of India Vijay Kumar Singh.

During the meeting, the parties discussed issues of organizing direct flights between Belarus and India and identified the priority steps in this area. The interlocutors reached an agreement to hold substantive negotiations at the level of the aviation departments of the two countries.

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Oct. 14, 2021

This DNR news release, issued Thursday, originally listed "Clare County: Long Lake" as one of the lakes with daily possession limits for northern pike. It will not be added to the order until April 1, 2022. The full, updated release follows.

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission today approved new regulations aimed at protecting fish populations in a newly acquired state game area and Lake Gogebic and allowing for increased harvest opportunities for northern pike on several lakes throughout the state. The regulations are in effect starting Friday, Oct. 15.

Crystal Waters State Game Area (Monroe County)

Catch-and-immediate release regulations are now required on all bodies of water in the Crystal Waters State Game Area in Louden Township, Monroe County. The 680-acre property was acquired by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources earlier this year. No harvest of any fish species will be allowed. This regulation provides protection from overharvest to the limited fish populations that currently inhabit these lakes and ponds.

DNR Fisheries Division surveys of the new state game area's waters - former sand and gravel mining pits - indicated limitations in the existing fish habitat and communities. The new regulations are meant to protect the existing fish population from harvest while the DNR works to enhance habitat that will promote populations of aquatic insects and smaller fish to help improve food availability (and size structure of the fish population). This is expected to have long-term benefits to the existing fish community.

Lake Gogebic (Gogebic and Ontonagon counties)

Walleye regulations on Lake Gogebic are returning to the statewide 15-inch minimum size limit, with a daily possession limit of five fish in response to concerns from anglers over greatly reduced walleye catches. The previous, more liberal regulation, approved in 2016, allowed a daily possession limit of up to two walleye between 13 and 15 inches. The change in 2016 was in response to anglers' desire to take advantage of an abundance of walleye smaller than 15 inches.

Additionally, northern pike regulations will move to the no-minimum-size limit with a daily possession limit of five fish, of which only one may be greater than 24 inches. This change is in response to increasing northern pike abundance, with a high proportion of the population being smaller than 24 inches.

Northern pike limits on 21 waters

Twenty-one bodies of water now welcome anglers to enjoy a new daily possession limit for northern pike. Up to five northern pike of any size may be taken, with only one greater than 24 inches allowed. The new regulations are meant to address abundant and slow-growing northern pike populations and to provide additional harvest opportunities in the following waters:

Dickinson County: Hamilton Lake, Lake Louise and Lake Mary

Emmet County: Crooked Lake

Gladwin County: Lake Lancelot and Wiggins Lake

Gogebic County: Lake Gogebic and Sunday Lake

Houghton County: Prickett Impoundment

Iron County: Bass Lake, Paint Lake, Perch Lake and Shank Lake

Menominee County: Bass Lake

Montcalm County: Indian Lake

Ogemaw County: Sage Lake

Ontonagon County: Lake Gogebic

Roscommon County: Lake James

Schoolcraft County: Colwell Lake and MacDonald Lake

Wexford County: Pleasant Lake and Stone Ledge Lake

Due to the regulations taking effect outside of the typical April 1 start date, the regulations will not appear in the printed fishing guide until the 2022 edition becomes available next spring. For current regulations, anglers are encouraged to view and refer to the digital version of the fishing guide at Michigan.gov/DNRDigests.

The DNR manages Michigan's fisheries resources for current and future generations by making scientific, research-based decisions and regulatory recommendations. Regulations are one tool the DNR uses to implement management strategies to protect, conserve and improve Michigan's fisheries. Learn more about these efforts at Michigan.gov/Fishing.
LARA Summarily Suspends License for Family Child Care Home License in Wayne County

LARA Summarily Suspends License for Family Child Care Home License in Wayne County

Media Contact: LARA Communications (517-335-LARA (5272))

Email: mediainfo@michigan.gov

October 14, 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 family child care home license of Vagula Aroulselvam, located at 45027 Thornhill Court, in Canton.

The high-risk special investigation concluded on October 7, 2021 and found violations of the Child Care Organizations Act and administrative rules. Due to the nature of a high-risk special investigation, one or more of the following conditions had to be met:

Child abuse or child neglect is the suspected cause of a child's death. The child is a victim of suspected sexual abuse or sexual exploitation. Child abuse or child neglect resulting in severe physical injury to the

child.

Effective October 7, 2021, the summary suspension order prohibits Aroulselvam from operating a family child care home at 45027 Thornhill Court, in Canton, 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 family 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.
$173.2M investment helps lift Michigan children and families out of poverty

$173.2M investment helps lift Michigan children and families out of poverty

Michigan Poverty Task Force applauds funding for recommendations to help parents afford child care, invest in their future

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021

Media Contact: Ebony Stith, 517-285-5549

LANSING, Mich. - With nearly 40% of working Michigan households struggling to afford necessities like child care, housing, food, technology, health care and transportation, the Michigan Poverty Task Force recommendations included in Gov. Whitmer's FY 2022 budget make a significant investment to help lift 1.4 million Michiganders out of poverty.

"With recommendations and guidance from the Poverty Task Force, we invested $173.2 million in the state budget to deliver on the kitchen-table issues faced by families," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "We made the largest education investment in K-12 history without raising taxes to close the funding gap between schools and improve the classroom experience for every kid, ensured the Poverty Task Force could continue its work, expanded affordable childcare, and set up Children's Savings Accounts to help build wealth. Together, we will stay laser-focused on the fundamental issues and work to uplift the 1.4 million Michiganders facing poverty."

The Governor's FY 2022 budget allocations include:

$2 million for Children's Savings Accounts program allowing Michiganders to save money and build wealth. Children's Savings Accounts offer an exciting platform to help low-income families build wealth and pay for educational expenses.

$2.2 million pilot funding to create affordable child care for low-income families. This funding expands the MI Tri-Share Child Care pilot program that splits the cost of child care by the employer, the employee and the State of Michigan.

$1 million for Michigan Poverty Task Force's research and planning. This funding is for recommendations made by the Michigan Poverty Task Force to conduct research and planning on the effectiveness of TANF distribution and an evaluation of barriers to state assistance programs.

In addition, the school aid budget includes a nearly $168 million investment for the Great Start Readiness Program that helps fund pre-school for all eligible children whose families are at or below 250% of the federal poverty limit.

"The school aid budget provides more funding than ever before for our public schools. The budget is particularly noteworthy in its support of the expansion of Great Start Readiness Program to all eligible four-year-old children over the next three years, the first goal of the State Board of Education's Top 10 state strategic education plan," said State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice. "The budget also allocates $1.5 billion to strengthen and expand child care in the state, an effort that permits children at or below 185% of the federal poverty limit to have access to child care."

While many state government efforts are already in place to help Michigan's poor, the Michigan Poverty Task Force will keep working hard to champion policies that lift Michigan families out of poverty and put them on a path to prosperity.

"We are making strides in our goal of helping Michigan families transcend poverty. We will continue to recommend resources and programs that will give families what they need to move forward," said Kim Trent, Deputy Director of Prosperity, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. "Our goal is to close the gap for Michigan residents who are facing poverty, and we are making progress."

The Task Force, led by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), consists of leaders from 14 state departments, with input from the Legislature, philanthropy and community organizations who worked together throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to develop a comprehensive anti-poverty agenda for Michigan.

More information on the Poverty Task Force is available at Michigan.gov/LEO.
Gov. Whitmer Signs Directive to Coordinate All Available State Resources to Deliver Safe Drinking Water to Residents in Benton Harbor

Gov. Whitmer Signs Directive to Coordinate All Available State Resources to Deliver Safe Drinking Water to Residents in Benton Harbor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

October 14, 2021

Contact: press@michigan.gov

Gov. Whitmer Signs Directive to Coordinate All Available State Resources to Deliver Safe Drinking Water to Residents in Benton Harbor

Lt. Governor Gilchrist visits Benton Harbor, hosts roundtable with local residents and community leaders

LANSING, Mich. - Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed an executive directive aimed at ensuring access to safe drinking water for Benton Harbor and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II visited the community, meeting with residents and community leaders. The directive implements an all-hands-on-deck, whole-of-government approach to move forward with urgency and ensure that every parent can give their kid a glass of water with confidence.

In addition to the executive directive, Governor Whitmer announced the state is committed to expediting lead service line replacements using additional federal, state, and local resources, with the goal of replacing 100% of lead service lines in Benton Harbor in 18 months.

"Every Michigander deserves safe drinking water, and every community deserves lead-free pipes," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "I'm proud to sign an Executive Directive today that will pursue a whole-of-government approach to protect access to safe drinking water right now and work tirelessly to replace every lead service line in Benton Harbor as soon as possible. I cannot imagine the stress that moms and dads in Benton Harbor are under as they emerge from a pandemic, work hard to put food on the table, pay the bills, and face a threat to the health of their children. That's why we are also expediting the timeline to replace lead service lines in an effort to ensure that 100% of the pipes are lead-free in the next 18 months. We will not rest until the job is done and every parent feels confident to give their kid a glass of water knowing that it is safe."

"Today's executive directive is a step forward in the important work we have done in Benton Harbor," said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist. "The directive will implement a whole-of-government approach that brings together state, federal, local and municipal governments, and organizations on the ground, in the community, to solve short-term problems and replace Benton Harbor's lead service lines as quickly as possible. Residents of Benton Harbor deserve access to clean, safe drinking water, and today's executive directive mobilizes the resources of government to achieve that goal."

To protect Benton Harbor's youngest residents and prevent lead exposure, a request was submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, to confirm authorization of WIC ready-to-feed formula. This will allow eligible WIC clients in the City of Benton Harbor currently receiving powder or liquid concentrate formula manufactured in ready-to-feed form access to formula that does not require mixing with water. Ready-to-feed formulas would be redeemed like current formula benefits, using the WIC EBT card at authorized WIC vendors.

"Every Michigander deserves access to water they can trust to drink and that they can trust to give to their family," said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. "I am committed, our department is committed and our partners are committed to continuing to put the health of the people and families of Benton Harbor at the center of every decision we make. We are taking every precaution and addressing this problem with all the tools that we have at our disposal. We will be here, working in this community, providing bottled water until further notice."

A notification was submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to expand use of Medicaid Child Health Insurance Program Health Services Initiative funds for lead prevention services for Benton Harbor households. Once the notification process is complete, households with children under 19 years of age enrolled in a Medicaid Health Plan, or a pregnant person enrolled in a Medicaid Health Plan, would be eligible for a free environmental investigation into lead hazards within the home, and to provide the necessary lead abatement work to ensure the home is lead-safe.

"Benton Harbor is a proud community with a rich history and everyone I talk to in Benton Harbor wants to protect their children, neighbors and friends. They just want to know that the water is safe to

drink," said Regina Strong, Michigan's Environmental Justice Public Advocate. "That's why Governor Whitmer's actions today are so important. They reflect what we have committed to do - ensure that everyone in Benton Harbor has access to clean, safe drinking water. Standing with the families of Benton Harbor is an environmental justice priority that we must address with urgency."

"Today's executive directive is the result of close collaboration between the City of Benton Harbor and the Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration to meet the needs of residents in Benton Harbor," said Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad. "I am grateful for the state's diligent work to respond to our concerns and provide resources for residents in need. I look forward to continuing our work with state and federal governments to protect residents of Benton Harbor, promote access to safe drinking water, and take advantage of the resources we have to replace the city's lead service lines as soon as possible."

"Water is the first human need," said Bishop James Atterberry, Brotherhood Church. "It is the building block of life. In Michigan, we are blessed to be surrounded by the most magnificent bodies of freshwater on Earth, and every single one of our residents in every community, deserves access to safe drinking water. Today's executive directive is a good step forward for the city of Benton Harbor, and I look forward to continued action from state, federal, and local governments to fix the issues that Benton Harbor residents face. We will not rest until every child is safe from lead and every family knows their water is safe."

Executive Directive (ED) Actions

The executive directive builds on ongoing efforts underway at various departments and by critical stakeholder groups and community leaders, ensuring state government and its partners are all rowing in the same direction and laser-focused on shared goals.

Here are some of the actions the directive takes:

Residents of Benton Harbor must continue to have access to free bottled water until further notice.

Residents must be offered free or low-cost lead-related services including but not limited to drinking water testing and health services.

The State of Michigan will collaborate closely with federal partners, county officials, city officials, and community leaders to communicate up-to-date information and leverage every available resource to accelerate lead service line replacement.

Lead Service Lines (LSLs)

Under Michigan's Lead and Copper Rule, the strictest nationwide, every community is required to replace 5% of its LSLs every year, meaning 100% replacement in 20 years. However, any community experiencing an action level exceedance, or ALE, is required to replace their LSLs at a rate of 7% per year, meaning 100% completion in just under 15 years.

Recently, the Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration delivered just under $20 million to Benton Harbor to speed up their LSL replacement timeline. Today, the governor announced the state is committed to expediting lead service line replacements using additional federal, state, and local resources, with the goal of replacing 100% of lead service lines in Benton Harbor in 18 months.

With additional federal funding expected under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act making its way through Congress, the State of Michigan will receive billions more to fix its infrastructure, including lead pipes.

Lead

There is no safe level of lead. Lead exposure harms brain development in children and it causes both short and long-term health problems for adults. The leading causes of lead exposure are drinking water and paint. About 34 million homes have lead-based paint and around 9.2 million have lead pipes. Michigan's top priority is simple: safe drinking water for everyone.

Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration Actions

In the two and a half years since the Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration took office in January 2019, the State of Michigan has invested more in its water infrastructure than the previous five years-from 2014 to 2018-combined. The governor launched the MI Clean Water plan to invest $700 million to build up drinking and wastewater infrastructure while supporting 10,000 good-paying jobs. The plan addresses high water rates, tackles toxic contaminants like PFAS, builds up sewer and septic systems that can't meet demand, and replaces lead service lines. In addition to MI Clean Water plan, Michigan has invested millions in drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater facilities across the state supporting thousands of local jobs.

To view the full executive directive, click the link below:

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Gov. Whitmer announces Transportation Economic Development Grants Supporting 168 jobs in Menominee County and 164 jobs in Genesee County

Gov. Whitmer announces Transportation Economic Development Grants Supporting 168 jobs in Menominee County and 164 jobs in Genesee County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 14, 2021

Contact: Press@Michigan.gov

Gov. Whitmer announces Transportation Economic Development Grants Supporting 168 jobs in Menominee County and 164 jobs in Genesee County

LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today announced the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has awarded two state Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) grants that will support a total of 332 new and existing jobs in Menominee and Genesee Counties. The grants will help fund infrastructure improvements related to Performance Corporation's expansion in the Village of Carney in Menominee County and Fessler & Bowman, Inc.'s new and expanded national headquarters in Grand Blanc Township, Genesee County.

"As we put Michigan back to work, these grants demonstrate the collaborative efforts around economic development and infrastructure we are taking here in Michigan," said Governor Whitmer. "We will stay laser-focused on creating hundreds of good-paying jobs for Michiganders while ensuring safe roads for drivers, helping us emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever before. Let's get it done."

Village of Carney, Menominee County

"We are in the process of significantly increasing the output of our manufacturing plant here in Carney. The improvement of Guard Street is an integral part of important infrastructure to support our facility expansion in Carney," said James W. Brill, chief executive officer, Performance Corp. "It will allow for efficient increased traffic flows which is essential for our project to continue. This will have a profound, positive economic impact to the agricultural industry, providing benefits to the Michigan forestry sector, as well as the whole state of Michigan, further securing Michigan's agricultural economy. We appreciate the work MDOT has done to assist in insuring Guard Street will be improved to meet our transportation needs. Employees, customers and drivers in the area will all benefit from this collaborative project."

"The Guard Street project in Carney offers sustainable, year-round support to a primary business in our village, which employs enough full-time people to match 30 percent of our own population," said Eric Janofski, Village of Carney village president. "This project is a major step forward to support economic development in our village and to promote good faith between village leadership and other future businesses."

Performance Corp. is a leading wood products manufacturer located in Seymour, Wisconsin. The company manufactures more than 3 million pallets, crates, and boxes each year. Their production facility is supported by their sawmill operation located in the Village of Carney in Menominee County. The sawmill generates more than 20 million board feet of lumber annually and recycles waste product in the forms of firewood, animal bedding, and boiler fuel.

Carney, with its convenient access to raw materials and the state trunkline system, was selected as the site of Performance Corp.'s upcoming expansion. However, the condition of Guard Street, the road upon which the sawmill is located, presented an obstacle to the company's expansion plans. The road is weight-restricted, which forces the company to reduce their truck loads when frost laws are in effect, thereby increasing their transportation costs. In addition, Guard Street's pavement is in extremely poor condition and would not be able to withstand the expected increase in heavy truck traffic. The company indicated that without significant road improvements, they would consider expanding at their Wisconsin location instead, which would result in the loss of 52 jobs in Carney.

To assure continued access to the transportation network and enable full truck loads during seasonal weight restrictions, the Village of Carney will rebuild Guard Street from G-18W Road to approximately 3,100 feet north of G-18W Road. These improvements will allow Performance Corp. to continue with their $7.5 million expansion, resulting in the retention of 52 existing jobs in Carney and the creation of 78 new full-time jobs over the next three years. An additional 38 employees will also transfer from Wisconsin to Michigan over this same time period.

The total project cost is $483,992, including $387,194 in Category A funds and $96,798 from the Village of Carney and Performance Corp.

Grand Blanc Township, Genesee County

"As a national corporation and a leader in the construction industry, we conducted a nationwide search to determine the location of our future corporate headquarters," said Jim Malenich, president and chief executive officer of Fessler & Bowman, Inc. "Improvements to Baldwin Road and the supporting infrastructure are critical to our transportation needs and was instrumental in our decision to relocate our corporate headquarters to Grand Blanc. The investment from the state of Michigan, Genesee County, and Grand Blanc Township will allow Fessler & Bowman, Inc. to remain in the same county we have proudly been a part of since 1963. We are grateful to MDOT and their commitment to Genesee County. Their collaborative efforts will benefit the existing business community and bring economic growth to Grand Blanc Township."

"The Charter Township of Grand Blanc has invested a great deal of energy into creating an environment within the DDA District that will attract and retain cutting edge technology-driven businesses, and the improvement to the Baldwin Road corridor is vital to achieving the vision. Without the upgrade to the infrastructure, we could not sustain the job-creating economic growth projected for this development zone," said Dennis Liimatta, township superintendent of Grand Blanc Township. "We truly appreciate the cooperation and assistance from the Genesee County Road Commission (GCRC) and MDOT to improve the safety, and provide for efficient traffic flow, in this growing commercial district."

Fessler & Bowman, Inc. is a leading national concrete and earthwork contractor headquartered in Flushing, with regional offices in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Louisiana. The company has outgrown its Flushing campus and is exploring new locations for their national headquarters.

A location on Baldwin Road in Grand Blanc Township, with its proximity to I-75, was identified as a potential location for their new 80,000-square-foot headquarters. Baldwin Road is not currently an all-season road, however, and Fessler & Bowman requires an all-season road for their operations. In addition, the pavement on Baldwin Road is nearing the end of its useful life and requires replacement. Without these road improvements, the company indicated they would consider expanding at one of their southern locations instead, which would result in the loss of 112 jobs to Michigan.

To assure continued access to the transportation network and enable continued operations during seasonal weight restrictions, the GCRC will rebuild Baldwin Road from Dort Highway to New Tech Drive. Additional work includes widening the road from two lanes to three with the addition of a center turn lane, new right-turn lanes at intersections, paved shoulders, geometric upgrades, and drainage improvements.

These improvements will allow Fessler & Bowman to continue with their $10 million expansion, which will result in the retention of 112 existing jobs and the creation of 52 new full-time positions.

The total project cost is $5,128,649, including $1,717,613 in Category A funds and $3,411,036 from the GCRC and Grand Blanc Township.

Enacted in 1987 and reauthorized in 1993, the TEDF helps finance highway, road and street projects that are critical to the movement of people and products, and getting workers to their jobs, materials to growers and manufacturers, and finished goods to consumers.

TEDF "Category A" or "Targeted Industries Program" grants provide state funding for public roadway improvements that allow road agencies to respond quickly to the transportation needs of expanding companies and eliminate inadequate roadways as an obstacle to private investment and job creation. Eligible road agencies include MDOT, county road commissions, cities and villages. More information about the program is available online at www.Michigan.gov/TEDF.

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Mary Ann Deacons, a nurse from Port Austin, is finishing up her proton treatment for breast cancer.

Deacons was diagnosed for the first time in 2002, and its been a recurring problem since then. Her most recent diagnosis was in May 2020. After receiving chemotherapy from the McLaren hospital in Bad Axe, and having surgery on her lymph nodes, Deacons decided to do proton therapy at McLaren Proton Therapy Center in Flint.

Knowing how highly effective it was and how there was less radiation overall to other tissues, I had no doubt this was the type of therapy I wanted, she said.

Proton therapy is a type of radiation therapy that involves a lot less risk to other parts of the body. By using a special machine, the protons can be specifically targeted at the cancer cells alone, instead of the radiation going through the whole body.

Throughout her diagnoses, its been an emotional rollercoaster.

Its scary to hear it the first time, obviously, it flips your world upside down, she said. Youre going through treatments, youre doing well, but then you hear it again, its a different kind of ceiling.

However, even in the midst of multiple diagnoses, she found a different perspective.

Its a rollercoaster, you have good and bad days, but you just need to know that the good days will come again, she said. And recognize that the things we thought were a big deal in life before arent necessarily what they were. I think cancer puts things in perspective, and thats what I love about being a cancer nurse myself, because I have the most receptive patients. Their friends and families become more important to them and they make different decisions, probably because of that.

Nobody can go through this experience alone, and thankfully Deacons wasnt. Her friends and family surrounded her and helped immensely, including her son, who took on extra chores and watched movies with her to keep her spirits up.

However, Deacons notes that in her experience, its unlikely for cancer patients to request things like this.

Cancer patients dont wanna impose on anyone but to have somebody show up with some meals made that can be put in the freezer or run to the store or take your kids to the park for a day or offer to come in and do some house cleaning," she said.

Deacons still has some tests to go through before being declared cancer free, but the strength of friends and past experience will carry her through no matter what.
MANISTEE  PFLAG Manistee is hosting an event at 2 p.m. on Sunday that aims to share one transgender man's story.

In June, PFLAG Manistee presented a program of stories told by parents who had an LGBTQ+ adult child and by individuals who identify as transgender and/or nonbinary. Those who attended the presentation learned much about the experiences and challenges of growing up and living as an adult member of the LGBTQ+ community.
MIDDLETOWN  This weekend, Wesleyan Universitys Center for the Arts will host a unique show that highlights often underappreciated staff who keep the college running.

Running through Saturday, these performances are the first public, in-person CFA events held since the pandemic began,

WesWorks  A Performance with Wesleyan University Facilities Staff, is a collaboration between the college and Forklift Danceworks, an innovative production group founded 20 years ago by Allison Orr, a distinguished fellow in the College of the Environment and visiting assistant professor of environmental studies.

Orr has put on similar shows at Williams College, Wake Forest University, and an award-winning performance at an Austin airport called Trash Dance, which features Austin, Texas, sanitation workers. She said the university has been particularly supportive of her efforts, allowing her to try out a lot of her ideas.

Wesleyan has really been a laboratory for us, Orr said.

What makes Orrs free show one-of-a-kind is that all the actors featured in the show are employees of Wesleyan University. Members of the custodial staff, groundskeepers, customer support staff, power plant and physical plant employees are among departments represented in the show.

Jennifer Calienes, interim director of the Center for the Arts, said that WesWorks in part highlights the work these employees do. Through the performance, we see the work they do day to day, she said. What they do is art, too.

Fiona Coffey, associate director for programming and performing arts, and Rani Arbo, campus and community engagement manager, expressed similar views.

It puts people in the spotlight that never get to be, Coffey said.

These services are meant to be invisible, but, for this show, we put them front and center, Arbo said.

Such staff efforts are especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, Arbo said, because, over the past several months, facilities employees have carried increased duties.

Our campus stayed open when others didnt because of our facilities staff, Arbo said. I think the show feels more significant after these past several months.

Planning had begun for the show in 2019, and, when the pandemic hit, it almost put an end to the plans. Orr said that due to her close relationship with Wesleyan, the fact that staff were still on campus, and had ample outdoor space to work with, the performance was still able to be brought together.

This is probably the only campus we couldve done this during the pandemic, Orr said.

This is a huge triumph, Coffey added.

The show runs for about 90 minutes, and audiences walk to five stations around campus to highlight the work that keeps the school up and running.

All involved said the show is just meant to be the beginning. Arbo said this is an example of how facilities workers can be further incorporated into the campus ecosystem.

Its a way of working with staff and students and bridging that divide, Arbo said.

The effort is already underway in a few other ways at Wesleyan. A few staff members acting in the play have helped teach a home maintenance course for students. Others have allowed students to shadow them during their day-to-day work duties for several years.

It shows that students arent just mentored by their professors here, Coffey said.

Shows, which begin at Andrus Field, 55 Wyllys Ave., run Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., with a rain date of Sunday at the same time. For tickets, visit wesleyan.edu/cfa.
WALLINGFORD  Robby Walker, a Florida COVID-19 patient who was airlifted to St. Francis Hospital in Hartford for a life-saving treatment after a doctor saw his wifes plea for help on CNN, was released from a rehabilitation facility on Wednesday.

To applause and cheers from health care workers and visitors, the father of six was pushed out of an elevator in a wheelchair and out the door at Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, where he had been recuperating from his bout with the disease.

Following a news conference, he hugged supporters and stood to thank them. The moment fulfilled a promise by Dr. Megan Panico, a pulmonologist at Gaylord, who predicted Walker would be one of our COVID patients that walks out the door.

When we left Florida we were told he was not going to even survive the trip, and did I know what I was up against, said Susan Walker, Robbys wife who worked to have him brought to Connecticut to receive treatment. I just put faith in the Lord that he would put us where we needed to be.

I just didnt know what I was going to do if I lost him, Susan Walker said. The couple lost a daughter to a brain aneurysm a few years ago, she said, and were still recovering from that loss. Hes my rock and I really just was desperate, she said.

Its beyond miraculous  shes my hero Robby Walker told reporters gathered outside the facility, gesturing at his wife.

He was unvaccinated when he fell ill over the summer, something he said was due to his lack of education about the vaccine. I didnt realize it was a shot that had been developed for years, I thought it had been developed in a year, he said. My answer now would be absolutely get it.

Robbys just an amazing person; so is Susan ... they dont give up, said Alexandra Maneen, Robbys occupational therapist at Gaylord. From Day 1 Robby was motivated. He was short of breath and his heart rate went racing but he was ready to get going. She called him an inspiration for all those who are going through this.

The familys ordeal began in early July, when Robby Walker tested positive for COVID-19, according to his wife. He had not been vaccinated against the disease.

Walkers symptoms worsened, and on July 18 he was admitted to an emergency room after an X-ray found pneumonia in both his lungs. Days later, he called his wife to tell her he had agreed to be placed on a ventilator  a procedure that can sometimes be the last time families are able to talk to COVID-19 patients before they succumb to the disease.

Soon after, doctors told Susan Walker her husband would not survive. Galvanizing her family, Susan began searching for a hospital with an ECMO bed that could take Walker, after a lung transplant appeared impossible.

The device, an extra corporeal membrane oxygenation machine, essentially acts as an artificial heart by pumping blood out of the body through a tube, oxygenating it, and then returning the blood to the patient through another line. Its a treatment thats proven effective for patients with severe COVID-19.

But the Walkers werent the only people looking for an ECMO bed, as cases surged in the U.S., particularly in the South thanks to the delta variant. Susan Walker said the family searched throughout Florida and in nearby states for a hospital with an ECMO machine that would accept Robby. But each time, the family was told he didnt qualify because of his medical history, including his age and how long he had been intubated, she said.

In early August, Susan went on CNN and pleaded for a hospital with an ECMO machine to take her husband in. By chance, that interview was seen by Dr. Gallagher, head of cardiothoracic surgery at Trinity Health of New England, who spotted the story while browsing Facebook.

Gallagher and Angela, the perfusionist, were able to get in touch with the family through a contact in Florida. They then set about transferring Robby Walker to St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, which had an open ECMO machine. The ordeal involved taking him north by a medical flight, with the family traveling by car up to Connecticut.

By early September, Robby Walker had recovered enough to be taken off the ECMO machine. Later that month he was transferred to Gaylord, where he continued his recovery.

Moving forward were just going to enjoy every moment as it comes, Susan Walker said. Were just going to slow our clock down.
Army leaders want more soldiers training for badges -- proof of combat skills -- and are hoping to radically increase the opportunities troops have to test their abilities.

Stringent rules for badge testing make the process incredibly time-consuming for units, and some on the active-duty side are lucky to conduct one test a year. In the Reserve and National Guard, testing is virtually nonexistent because of logistical hurdles.

For troops, the expert infantry, soldier and medical badges are prestigious and can give them a leg up over others competing for promotions.

Leadership has stressed that more opportunities to earn a badge would mean more training for soldiers on the essentials: radio communications, land navigation, treating combat wounds, and weapons proficiency.

The Army is rolling all tests into one event while keeping the three unique badges intact, allowing units to share resources and opening opportunities for recipients of different badges to grade the test, lifting a massive logistical burden for units.

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"It's coming; my goal is to have that complete by 2023," Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston said Wednesday during the annual Association of the United States Army conference. "Giving [soldiers] more chances to earn the badge  that will be the standard of the Army in the future."

The Expert Infantry Badge, or EIB, is awarded to infantrymen who complete a grueling multi-day gantlet testing their skills in basic combat tasks, such as land navigation and weapons competency. The Expert Soldier Badge, or ESB, was introduced in 2019 and is effectively earned the same way as the EIB, but is awarded to non-infantry jobs. The Expert Field Medical Badge, or EFMB, is mostly the same as the other two badges but adds specific combat trauma treatment tasks for medics.

The 10th Mountain Division has been running a trial of wrapping the three testing events into one and has seen a huge uptick in badge recipients as a result.

"We ran this three times in one division in one fiscal year; 30 years in the Army and I've never seen that," 10th Mountain Command Sergeant Major Mario Terenas told Military.com in an interview. "We got 500 badges; that's massive. I would love some study on the numbers, but I guarantee no division has ever achieved 500."

He added that during the past year, because of being able to run more tests, the 10th Mountain has awarded roughly 150 ESBs, of which only 600 have been awarded across the entire Army so far.

Multiple factors have suppressed the number of ESBs awarded in the force: The badge was made official less than a year before the COVID-19 pandemic began, and it is mostly for non-combat arms units that might not have all the resources or expertise to conduct the tests, which mainly gauge combat skills.

Sgt. Mark Jason Fabro, a Motor Transport Operator assigned to 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division stands proud after receiving his Expert Soldier Badge, ESB, at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii on Sept. 25, 2020. (Alan Brutus/U.S. Army)

But a major factor is the culture in units, where leaders may have a hard time motivating non-combat troops to spend a lot of time training for combat tasks.

"Biggest challenge is motivating non-infantry folks to try and get their ESBs. It's new and not ingrained in the non-infantry culture the way EIB is part of the infantry culture," one senior Army officer told Military.com on the condition of anonymity to speak freely on the topic. "It's required a lot of education, motivation, and change management for it to take off -- we aren't where we need to be yet."

Some leaders in non-combat units also might not be comfortable with skills tested for the badges and don't want to risk failing the event in front of their soldiers.

"They see it as an unnecessary reputational risk," the senior leader added. "It's safer not to test. What does resonate is telling folks that being one of the first to earn it will set them apart in future promotion boards."

But Terenas stressed to Military.com that testing more isn't "about the badge." Instead, it's about "sets and reps" for skills all soldiers should have. However, he said that the number of badges awarded is one of the easiest surface-level ways to see how ready a unit is to fight.

The tests themselves have a great deal of overlap, which should have made it simple to roll them together. But small differences in each of the tests have required detailed adjusting. Medics will perform most tasks with other soldiers but break away to conduct their specific job tests for the EFMB.

"We had this legacy system that took too long. We had badges that had the same damn tasks, but they all had different standards," Terenas explained.

The existing process of training for and testing for a badge takes about 45 days, which can be a tall order for units. Terenas' trial program shortens the whole event to less than two weeks -- seven days for training and five days for testing.

At first, there was pushback because the changes could have meant more soldiers would fail the tests.

"I'm thinking, 'Holy cow, this is going to be a disaster,'" Terenas said.

But pass rates actually went up: The idea is that if there are more tests, soldiers will train regularly during their downtime knowing an opportunity to earn a badge is always around the corner. Terenas said the pass rate now is 23%, up from 18%.

Yet there were problems with the medical badge during the first trial run. The badge exam includes a written test that goes over a lot of basic medical knowledge, but it also includes advanced questions that can be overwhelming for a junior soldier. Soldiers get two attempts to pass it, and it was a prerequisite for the hands-on exam.

During a test run, at Fort Polk, Louisiana, only one medic out of 65 passed the written test. That person didn't end up earning the badge.

But in a tweak during a subsequent trial, soldiers who failed the written test were allowed to go through the hands-on portion. They got their second attempt at the written test near the end of the process, before the 12-mile ruck march. With the new rules in place for a group of 120 soldiers, roughly 80 passed the written test.

The key to getting more medics through the written exam was setting more time aside for mandatory study halls. Terenas said he needed about 15 hours of study to pass the test.

Now because there's always a test around the corner, instead of maybe once a year, soldiers are constantly training for the test, saying that during downtime, troops are training on weapon systems and radios.

When asked whether cavalry scouts could combine their spur ride -- a gantlet similar to the badges, but it awards a set of spurs that can sometimes be worn as part of a soldier's uniform -- with an ESB event, Terenas said that would "just be greed."

-- Steve Beynon can be reached at Steve.Beynon@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StevenBeynon.

Related: Land Nav, Fitness Knock Most Soldiers out of Latest Expert Soldier Badge Running
TIMBUKTU, Mali  Its been nine years since Islamic extremists in northern Mali arrested Zahra Abdou on charges of showing her hair and wearing an outfit they said was too tight.

The al-Qaida-linked militants who had seized control of this fabled desert center in 2012 whipped Abdou in front of a throng of people in her neighborhood. Older women tried to stop the flogging but were prevented by the extremists.

I received dozens of lashes in front of a large crowd and because of the pain I passed out," she recalled. It was a total humiliation for me. For a long time, I felt ashamed in front of the people of my neighborhood.

The trauma still torments her, she says. Her anxiety has increased since France announced in July that it will halve its 5,000 troops in Mali by 2022. After years of leading the fight against jihadis in Malis north, the French military will close its bases in Timbuktu and other northern centers.

Just as the Taliban has returned to power in Afghanistan, Abdou says she fears its only a matter of time before the extremists who punished her again rule Timbuktu and other cities in Mali's north.

I am afraid that the same thing will happen that took place in 2012, she says, now 30 and still struggling with insomnia. Because of this, I didnt get my baccalaureate degree, I was too traumatized. I wanted to study commerce, to do business.

Even now I have pain in my foot. I think a piece of glass from that has day is still lodged there, she says.

For centuries Timbuktu has been a center for Islamic scholars who generally practiced a moderate form of Islam. In 2012 a new band of extremists, many from Algeria, established themselves, taking advantage of the Mali government's lack of presence in the north.

Soon the extremists began enforcing their strict interpretation of Islamic Shariah law, flogging women like Abdou and amputating the hands of accused thieves. Like the Taliban in Afghanistan, Mali's militants, known as Ansar Dine, targeted historic cultural sites that they said were idolatrous, destroying ancient, treasured mausoleums that were UNESCO World Heritage sites. They also banned music.

Women were required to wear a veil covering their heads and girls were no longer taught in the same classroom as boys.

Unlike in Afghanistan, the extremists' rule in northern Mali was brief  France led a military intervention just a year later that forced Ansar Dine from Timbuktu and other northern cities in early 2013. That same year, a woman was elected as a deputy to represent Timbuktu in Malis National Assembly.

But the Islamic extremists were never fully defeated, dispersing into the desert from where they launch scores of attacks on the Malian military and U.N. peacekeepers.

Timbuktu residents say the militants arent far from the city's edge  theyve spotted the men with long beards inside their Toyota Hilux trucks nearby. Some of the extremists come into town to shop at the market, they say, but no one dares report them for fear of reprisals.

When France pulls its troops out of Timbuktu, the city will still be protected by Malian forces and some 800 U.N. peacekeepers, mostly from Burkina Faso. French bases in Tessalit and Kidal will also be shuttered, the French military has said.

Timbuktu Mayor Aboubacrine Cisse does not hide his unease with France's decision to end its Operation Barkhane.

Our defense and security forces are overwhelmed by the security situation in Timbuktu and the withdrawal of allied forces such as Barkhane will leave a vacuum that can be filled by any armed group," Cisse said.

In the eight years since the extremists fled into the desert, life has returned to Timbuktu almost as before. The destroyed mausoleums have been rebuilt, music has resumed and cultural events are again held every weekend.

The impending departure of the French troops is creating fear among those in Timbuktu who have yearned for the city to regain its status as a popular international tourist destination.

For years, the city and its surrounding region hosted a popular music festival each January that drew musicians from around the globe. And before extremists started kidnapping foreigners for ransom, hundreds of backpackers flocked here, posing for photos in front of the city's sign, as Timbuktu is synonymous with one of the ends of the earth.

Salaha Maiga, a young promoter of a local music festival that had encouraged reconciliation through cultural performances, fears the French departure will spoil everything that has been rebuilt since 2012.

Even today, the army does not control more than 30 kilometers (about 19 miles) outside the city of Timbuktu, and 80% of the territory surrounding Timbuktu is controlled by jihadi groups," he says.

It's an opinion shared by Abdou, the young woman who was publicly whipped in 2012. Now married, she said she dreams of having children but worries about what kind of life they would have if extremists regain control of Timbuktu.

The jihadis are already here in Timbuktu, only they dont have the strength to run the city, she says. If there are not enough military forces in Timbuktu, the extremists will definitely come back.

___

Associated Press writer Krista Larson in Dakar, Senegal contributed.
A Fort Bragg, North Carolina, soldier has been arrested on allegations he participated in the Jan. 6 insurrection months before joining the Army.

James Phillip Mault, 29, originally from Brockport, New York, was arrested earlier this month on charges including assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers using a dangerous weapon or inflicting bodily injury; disorderly conduct in a U.S. Capitol building; and civil disorder, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Washington, D.C., announced Wednesday.

Col. Joe Buccino, a Fort Bragg spokesman, confirmed to Military.com that Mault, who joined the Army in May, was arrested Oct. 6.

Asked how Mault made it past enlistment screening despite allegedly having participated in the attack on the Capitol, Buccino said, "We really don't know how that may have happened.

"I'd just say that we are fully coordinating with federal authorities on this matter," he added in an email.

Read next: Catholic Church Says Troops Can Decline COVID Vaccine as First Deadline Approaches

On Jan. 6, supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol building while lawmakers were meeting to certify President Joe Biden's electoral victory. More than 600 people have been arrested in connection with the attack, dozens of whom have been found to be veterans, reservists or Guardsmen, as well as a couple of active-duty troops.

Prosecutors allege that Mault sprayed a chemical agent at law enforcement officers, with a criminal complaint saying he was recorded doing so by a Metropolitan Police Officer's body camera and a Capitol security camera.

A cell phone video captured Mault spraying law enforcement officers with an unknown substance, and a photo posted on seditionhunters.org, which aims to identify Capitol rioters using open-source information, shows Mault spraying in the direction of officers, according to the complaint.

Prosecutors also accuse Mault of confronting law enforcement officers at a barricade outside the Capitol, with the complaint saying another Brockport man arrested the same day as Mault ripped down the barrier so the crowd could bypass the officers.

The FBI was tipped off to Mault's involvement by an informant who claimed to have seen a picture of him inside the Capitol building wearing a red hard hat adorned with stickers, including one for Ironworkers Local 33 Rochester, the complaint said.

When interviewed by the FBI, Mault acknowledged being at the rally that preceded the Capitol attack, but denied assaulting anyone or damaging property, according to the complaint.

"Mault described being caught up in the crowd and the mass of people pushed him closer and closer to the Capitol Building," the complaint said. "Mault claimed to have no choice but to move forward because of the press of people behind him. Mault ended up right next to an entrance to the Capitol Building but denied entering the Capitol Building."

He wore his hard hat from work, he told the FBI, because "he was aware of ANTIFA attacking Trump supporters after events in Washington, D.C., and the helmet would provide some level of protection," the complaint added. Pro-Trump rallies in Washington in November and December ended in violent fights between rallygoers and counterprotesters, according to reports at the time.

Mault made an initial court appearance Oct. 8 in North Carolina and remains detained, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office press release.

The arrests of service members and veterans in connection with the Capitol attack have alarmed Democratic lawmakers and the Pentagon. In the wake of the insurrection, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has called rooting out extremism from the ranks a priority and used one of his first acts in office to order a forcewide standdown to address the issue.

The House Veterans Affairs Committee held a hearing this week with expert witnesses on domestic violent extremists' recruitment of veterans, though the meeting frequently devolved into partisanship.

Republicans accused Democrats of vilifying veterans by holding the hearing.

"To hold this committee hearing, I believe it's completely unjust, and I believe it's completely wrong to characterize as if it's any more than a fractional percentage of members of our veterans community who are extremists and who hate this country and who hate people because of their skin color," said conservative firebrand Rep. Madison Cawthorn, R-N.C. "Stop looking for extremists inside of our military because it does not exist."

But Democrats and the witnesses held that, while the percentage of veterans and service members conducting extremist acts is small, any number is pernicious.

"When I was talking to friends about this issue, I almost equated it to, like, cancer," retired Marine Lt. Col. Joe Plenzler said at the hearing. "You go see your general practitioner, they say, 'Hey, we found a lump in your body.' And if your general practitioner says, 'Hey, don't worry about it,' you're not going to not worry about it. You're going to rush to an oncologist, you're going to get some tests, you're going to determine the scope and scale of what this growth might be, and if it is cancerous, you're going to develop a strategy to defeat it."

-- Rebecca Kheel can be reached at rebecca.kheel@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @reporterkheel.

Related: House Panel Spars Over Extremist Groups' Recruiting of Veterans
The U.S. Veterans Affairs Department plans to hire 2,000 new workers starting this month to deal with an expected increase in backlogged claims which have tripled since the early days of the coronavirus pandemic last year, VA officials announced Wednesday.

VA officials hope the new hires will help them slow the backlog which they expected to grow from about 204,000 overdue claims at the end of September to some 260,000 by the end of October, according to a VA statement. In addition to adding claims processors, the VA intends to mandate overtime work for its current processors to cut into its backlog, which it intends to pay for with emergency pandemic funding.

The backlog has grown from about 64,000 overdue claims before the coronavirus swept across the United States last year, as pandemic-mitigation efforts forced the VA to halt exams to evaluate disabilities known as compensation and pension examinations and slowed the Federal Records Centers' ability to provide documents. The VA considers backlogged claims for benefits to be those that take longer than 125 days to approve or deny.

"VA is committed to ensuring timely access to benefits and services for all Veterans. This includes making sure Veterans who may have experienced adverse health effects from military related exposures can get access to the benefits they need," VA Secretary Denis McDonough said in a statement. "The hiring of new employees will help us resolve these claims more quickly."

The VA said the backlog has also been driven by recent court and Capitol Hill decisions granting new benefits to some Vietnam veterans who believe they were exposed to Agent Orange during the war in that country.

So-called "Blue Water" Navy veterans, who served on ships within 12 miles of Vietnam's shores, were granted a review of their claims last year. And, VA identified 70,000 claims it must review for new benefits granted by Congress citing a link between Agent Orange with Parkinsonism, bladder cancer and hypothyroidism.

Despite the expected increase in claims this month, the VA said it has decreased its backlog by about 14,000 claims since the end of August.

With the planned new hires and overtime authorizations, the VA expects to cut its backlogged claims to about 100,000 by April 2024, it said Wednesday.
The Veterans Breakfast Club is a place where history comes alive through the power of individual stories. It has hosted veterans from World War II to the Global War on Terrorism, from American GIs to the German Wehrmacht, and even the Allies who fought alongside U.S. troops in combat.

The group provides veterans an opportunity to integrate their life stories into the history of their wars and of the military experience in the United States. The Veterans Breakfast Club was founded by Todd DePastino, an author, historian and professor of history at Penn State. Hes not from a military family but founded the Veterans Breakfast Club after experiencing veterans personal history during a book tour.

(Courtesy of Veterans Breakfast Club)

It was a book about the life of Bill Mauldin, a World War II veteran whose comics about two GIs, Willie and Joe, earned him international acclaim. In writing the book, DePastino learned that military culture of the time was different from the civilian world -- and that is still true today.

As I learned the humor, I learned there was an Army subculture, DePastino told Military.com. I realized it was a very distinctive one, different from the civilian world, and that it had certain bonds and benefits and burdens but also a language and values. It brought little pieces of that subculture to the homefront and exposed the folks back home to what the infantry was experiencing.

The people who came to hear DePastino speak about the role of Willie and Joe in American culture were mostly veterans, especially World War II veterans.

I was stunned to learn that the Willies and Joes really existed, and that they still do, DePastino said.

In September 2008, DePastino gave his talk and then turned the microphone over to the audience, which began to share its stories from the war. The conversation lasted three hours, but not everyone got to speak. So the author invited them all back to have another discussion. Some 60 people returned to tell any story they wanted.

Afterward, one of the veterans wives approached DePastino.

She looked me in the eyes and she held my hand and said, Thank you for doing this. I've never heard any of his stories. And we've been married 60 years, he recalled. There's some part of me that still doesn't understand that, but I knew that somehow we had created an environment where veterans felt free to share whatever stories they wanted, in public to people who were attentive, caring, non-judgmental listeners.

DePastino took that same model and began holding similar events throughout Western Pennsylvania. It came to be called The Veterans Breakfast Club, and DePastino held 500 of them before 2020.

I was doing it because I loved hearing these stories, and I loved the men and women who were sharing them, he said. I just loved them like they were family members. These were people I had just met, and they were telling me pretty intimate stories about their lives and about who they were.  There was wisdom, wisdom about the world, about perspective, about personal growth, about aging and about being old in a culture that doesn't really value old age.

(Courtesy of Veterans Breakfast Club)

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced restrictions on group gatherings, DePastino took the discussions to Zoom, where they still happen to this day. While the pandemic keeps people from meeting in person, it opens the virtual floor to any veteran in the country or around the world.

In that time, the club has heard stories from veterans of all eras and branches, and even some of those who fought on the other sides of the war. One guest was a German soldier who fought in World War II. The club recently dedicated an evening to the descendants of Kaiten suicide submariners from the Imperial Japanese Navy.

For veterans, especially those of older generations, its a gift.

To have a veteran come up to me and shake my hand or give me a hug and thank me with tears in his eyes for bringing these programs is too much for me to bear, DePastino said. It's hard for me to accept that kind of gratitude, but it signals to me that there's a real need to be heard.  I think the Veterans Breakfast Club is providing that opportunity to veterans who want to take advantage of it.

The Veterans Breakfast Club is no longer just for breakfast. Its open to all who want to join the conversation or share their stories of military service. Viewers can join the call via this VBC Zoom link or catch past discussions on the Veterans Breakfast Club YouTube page.

For more information or to donate to the cause, visit the Veterans Breakfast Club website.

-- 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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Junction City, Kansas, is one of the most diverse cities in the state, and much of that diversity is owed to nearby Fort Riley. Thats straight from the mayor of Junction City, Jeff Underhill. Underhill is serving his second year as mayor and is working on an ambitious plan to keep that diversity in his hometown.

His plan is a unique public-private partnership that will train soldiers close to the end of their enlistments for jobs needed in the area and then placing them in those jobs. Its an innovative program, one that might be adaptable to the rest of the United States.

Underhill isnt a veteran himself, but he comes from a military family heritage. As mayor, he recognizes the importance of not just the economic impact of the local Army base, but also the potential power of the people who work there, even when they leave the service.

Every year, about 2,000 soldiers transition out of the Army at Fort Riley, Underhill told Military.com. We're only keeping about 8% of them here. If we could get that number up to 25%, that's just going to be great for our community as a whole. If we can have good jobs for those veterans and military families, then Fort Riley will ultimately become a destination for people getting ready to transition out. And we want those people here.

Its called the Junction for Military/Civilian Innovation (JMCI), and it uses a career-advising platform built by AstrumU, a data services firm. The software first identifies soldiers who are getting close to their date of separation, around 18 months. The soldiers then can take questionnaires about themselves in a number of areas, including their skills, employment history and even hobbies.

The idea is to find fulfilling work in the local area for the soldiers while providing employers with skilled people to fill their needs. Soldiers will be trained in the area that fits with their preferences and a local need (if they choose; the program isnt mandatory) at no cost. When they leave the service, they will have gainful employment that is challenging and benefits the local community.

Its all based on the idea of upskilling or reskilling, providing education, training and certification in a field that fits an employee, without the expense or time spent going to a traditional two or four-year university. Its the latest trend among Americas largest employers, and its working for veterans leaving the military.

JMCI partners with schools like Kansas State Polytechnic and community colleges to provide the training and job placement comes from local and national businesses alike, including T-Mobile, P1 Group and Evergy, just to name a few.

Ultimately, the goal is to promote Junction City and grow Junction City, the mayor said. Hopefully we can retain some of those people that might be working for these companies here. However, the bigger picture is helping transitioning soldiers, that way people would want to come here.

For the soldiers, the program is so new that many may not know it exists. It has been in the works for two years and will take another 12 months to be fully implemented. Thats not a problem for AstrumU. The program will approach the soldiers when the time comes. If the soldier is interested, they can begin the process 18 months before leaving the military.

Best of all, the Army and AstrumU is using the program as a beta test to determine whether it can be scaled Army-wide.

Selfishly, we have the goal to get people to stay in Junction City, Underhill said. But the bigger picture is that if we can help people military-wide transition into high-paying jobs, then that's a big win as well.

-- 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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Joint Press Statement



October 14, 2021



Renewal of Bilateral Swap Arrangement between Japan and Indonesia





Japan and Indonesia renewed the Bilateral Swap Arrangement (BSA) today.



The Bank of Japan, acting as agent for the Minister of Finance of Japan, and the Bank Indonesia signed the third Amendment and Restatement Agreement of the third BSA. The BSA enables Indonesia to swap its local currency in exchange for the US Dollar and the Japanese Yen. The size of the BSA remains unchanged, that is, up to 22.76 billion US Dollars or its equivalent in Japanese Yen.





The renewed BSA incorporates amendments to align the BSA with the recent amendments to the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation (CMIM) Agreement.





Japan and Indonesia expect that the BSA, which is aimed at strengthening a financial safety net, will further help deepen financial cooperation between the two countries and contribute to regional and global financial stability.
The official details of the signing of the instrument of accession by Maharajah Hari Singh of Kashmir has not only been kept under secrecy for 75 years now by successive governments, but has even led to several decades of allegations of motives and vested interests regarding the document. An application filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, revealed that the actual official date of signing it is 26th and 27 October 1947, something which also had remained mired in controversy. Now, with the central information commission (CIC) terming disclosure of this issue as pertaining to national interest, there is hope that more information could tumble out, but there is a big if!

For, Information Commissioner Uday Mahurkar has played it safe by directing the central public information officer (CPIO) of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) to take up the matter with the higher officials of the NMML to secure the necessary permission from them before sharing the information with the RTI applicant!

This also means that the CPIO will have to take permission from the ministry of external affairs (MEA) too. The CPIO had earlier denied information saying he had no instructions from this ministry to do so.

However, Venkatesh Nayak, transparency advocator of the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), who is the RTI applicant in this case, says this is a positive decision that might help clear up the cobwebs which have obscured details of events leading to and beyond Jammu & Kashmir (J&K)'s accession to India as we approach its 75th anniversary.

He says, Even though the CIC does not mention Section 8(3) of the RTI Act in its decision, the concurrence with the public interest argument (labelled as national interest in the order) in favour of disclosure of such old records may prove to be a milestone in the development of RTI case law in India.

Mr Nayak wonders though whether the NMML will comply with the CIC's order or challenge it in court or whether the MEA will refuse permission to disclose these papers in defiance of the CIC's orderall remain to be seen.

He had sought information on J&K accession papers in his RTI application, based on the script of an audio interview he recently heard, of General Sir Roy Bucher, second chief of the army staff of India between 1947 and 1948, recorded by noted biographer BR Nanda. General Bucher had stated therein that he has handed over papers of J&K accession to the NMML. These documents, Mr Nayak feels could reveal a lot; hence he invoked the RTI Act.

He says, The disclosure of papers handed over by General Bucher to NMML are essential in order to put an end to the baseless and needless controversies created by some foreign scholars and authors about the circumstances surrounding the accession of the erstwhile princely state of J&K to the Dominion of India, in 1947. These controversies have ranged from questioning the very existence of the instrument of accession as a physical document to doubting the dates of the signing of this document by the then Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh and its acceptance by the then governor general of India, Lord Mountbatten.

In 2016, the RTI activist was able to obtain a scanned copy of the instrument of accession pertaining to J&K through the combined use of the RTI Act and the Public Records Act, 1993. By making these records public through an article he authored that year, the appellant was able to counter the allegations about the non-existence of the said instrument of accession.

The RTI Application

 Inspections on for a period of five hours, the files and papers pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir handed over to the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library by General Sir Roy Bucher, second Chief of the Army Staff of India, as mentioned in his interview with eminent historian BR Nanda, which is recorded in the Sir Roy Bucher Transcripts available in your holdings. Kindly make arrangements for supplying copies of all papers and microfilms or microfiche, if any, or any other materials that I may identify during the inspection.

 a clear photocopy of any list of records, documents, papers, microfilms, microfiche and any other material available in the holdings of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library that are closed to the public, under instructions from any agency in or under the government of India,

 a clear photocopy of any list of records, documents, papers, microfilms, microfiche and any other material available in the holdings of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library that are closed to the public, under instructions from any agency in or under the state or union territory governments,

 The name of the agency which has issued instructions, the date of such instruction and the period for which every such record, document, paper, microfilm, microfiche or other materials must remain closed to the public.

The Reply by the CPIO

Interestingly, the CPIO replied that he had no instructions from the MEA to reveal information sought by Mr Nayak but sent him a list of archival papers that are closed for public scrutiny under orders from the Central government or under directions from the donor. A study of the list of 'closed papers' attached to the PIO's reply reveals the following interesting facts:

1) Sir Roy Bucher's papers (except for the transcript of the interview with Shri BR Nanda) are closed under orders from the union ministry of external affairs;

2) Certain papers of Shri Pyarelal, who was personal secretary to Mahatma Gandhi in his later years, and Dr Sushila Nayyar who was Gandhiji's personal physician, are closed from public scrutiny under directions from Harsh Nayar. This restriction is to run for a period of 30 years. The start date of the embargo is not revealed in the RTI reply;

3) Certain papers relating to former prime minister Indira Gandhi are closed under instructions from the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust;

4) Certain papers of Uma Shankar Dixit, former union minister and governor of Karnataka during the 1970s (he was removed within a year and a half of appointment when the janata government came to power in 1977) under instructions from his daughter, the Late Sheila Dixit, former chief minister of Delhi. Whether her heirs will continue to press for this secrecy remains to be seen;

5) Certain papers of K Hanumanthaiah, former chief minister of his home state Karnataka (he was instrumental in completing the construction of Vidhana Soudha, which houses the state legislature and certain segments of the government secretariat) under instructions from one V Shivalingam; and

6) Certain papers donated by noted author Nayantara Sahgal who has instructed maintenance of secrecy until 2033. Incidentally, Ms Sahgal is the niece of Pandit Nehru, the daughter of his sister Vijayalakshmi Pandit who was India's ambassador to the United Nations and the first woman president of the UN General Assembly in 1953.

The CPIO of NMML, in his reply, endorsed the note prepared by a staffer of NMML that Sir Roy Bucher's papers and the rest listed above cannot be permitted for anybody to see or consult.

Mr Nayak filed a first appeal because he argued that according to Section 7(1) of the RTI Act, a CPIO is required to give a decision whether to disclose the requested information. Instead, the CPIO, NMML merely forwarded a note from one Priyamvada containing some details without giving his decision regarding disclosure of the information sought about the J&K papers handed over by General Sir Roy Bucher to NMML. Also, he did not get information about the dates when Sir Roy Bucher handed over the J&K papers and files and for how long they must remain closed or when the MEA put restrictions on public access to these papers. So this is incomplete information.

It may be recalled that in June 2021, Rajnath Singh, minister of external affairs approved the policy on archiving, declassification and compilation, publication of war or operations histories by the ministry of defence.

According to the policy, records should ordinarily be declassified in 25 years and those older than that should be appraised by archival experts and transferred to the National Archives of India.

Strangely, says Mr Nayak, the official history of the J&K Operations of 1947-48 published by the history division of the ministry of defence in 2005 does not mention the Sir Roy Bucher papers in its bibliography.
Weather Alert

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 10 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 2 inches. * WHERE...Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys. * WHEN...From 4 AM to 10 AM MST Friday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be affected. 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. &&
For the past 17 months, its been my great honor to serve on the local Covid Task Force. Local leaders from all walks of life  health care, business, government, non-profits, churches, first responders, and more  work together so that we can better respond to the real world effects of the 
October 14, 2021 Thoughts On Three Issues - Putin On Europe's Gas Crisis, Iran Talks, Lebanon Shooting Natural gas prices in Europe exploded last week after reports of too low inventory of natural gas for the upcoming winter. Claims were made that Russia had caused the price increase. But even the BBC finds that this is not the case: Russia's own gas storage is also down. Adeline Van Houtte, a Europe analyst at the Economist's Intelligence Unit, says: "Currently, the Russian domestic gas market remains tight, with output already near its peak and winter is looming... limiting gas export capacity." There are several other factors affecting the situation in Europe, such as: cold weather at the start of 2021 depleting stocks

rising prices in spring and summer put traders off buying to sell later in the year

limited supply from Norway because of maintenance issues

reduction in other energy sources such as wind power

growing demand for gas elsewhere in the world The 'liberalization' of European gas markets by the EU has also led to more speculation. It was one of the many mistakes made in European energy policy. Yesterday Russia's president Vladimir Putin held a remarkable speech about energy supply to Europe and pointed out some of its weaknesses: Over the past 10 years, the share of renewable energy sources in the European energy balance has skyrocketed, which, on the face of it, appears to be a good thing  and they are now playing a significant and noticeable part. What can you say? It is a good thing any way you look at it. However, this sector is notorious for erratic power generation. It requires large reserve capacities. In the event of major generation failures, primarily due to bad weather, this reserve is simply not large enough to cover the demand. This is exactly what happened this year, when, due to a decrease in wind farm generation, there was a shortage of electricity on the European market. Prices soared, which triggered a spike in natural gas prices on the spot market. Importantly, gas consumption is seasonal. Its reserves are traditionally replenished in the summer to meet the winter demand. However, this year, even after a cold winter in Europe, many countries chose not to do so, relying on spot gas supplies and the invisible hand of the market, but a spike in demand has sent prices even higher. To reiterate, the rise in natural gas prices in Europe stemmed from shortages of electricity, not the other way around. There is no need to lay the blame on other people, which is what some of our partners are trying to do. Occasionally, you get stunned by what is being said on this account, as if these people do not know the numbers  I will say more about this later  as if they do not see the reality and are just covering up their own mistakes. Systemic flaws have been gradually introduced in European energy over the past decade, which led to a major market crisis in Europe. As a reminder, when nuclear and natural gas-based generation were the leading energy sources, there were no such crises, and there were no grounds for them. Europe, especially as it wants to change its road traffic from hydrocarbon to electric driven, will need more basic electric generation capacity. The only 'green' way to achieve that in sufficient size is by nuclear energy. --- The Biden administrations finally recognizes that its 'Iran policy is failing. Blinken says US is prepared to turn to 'other options' if nuclear diplomacy with Iran fails US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that if diplomatic talks with Iran fail, the United States "is prepared to turn to other options" to prevent the country from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Iran does not want to obtain nuclear weapons. The diplomatic talks with Iran will fail only if the Biden administration fails to return to the nuclear deal and does not lift the sanctions imposed on Iran by the Trump administration. The sole problem is that Biden wants more concessions from Iran than it had given under the JCPOA agreement. It is funny then to hear Blinken talk of 'other options' when everyone knows that the U.S. does not have any. Any U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear installations will invite a strong military response. A war with Iran would destroy Israel and whatever is left of the U.S. position in the Middle East. Obama had recognized that. Trump had recognized that. It is high time for Biden to recognize that too and to act accordingly. --- This morning followers of Hizbullah and Amal in Lebanon protested against a judge who is tasked with investigating last years enormous explosion in Beirut's harbor. The judge seems to steer the investigation against Hizbullah even as other groups were responsible for the ammonium nitrate storage that has caused the disaster. During this mornings demonstration snipers from the fascist Lebanese Forces militia opened fire on the protesters. Six were killed and several were wounded. All of them were Shia followers of Amal and Hizbullah. But reading 'western' media, here the Guardian, you would not learn that this was a very one-sided affair: Five people have died in armed clashes that broke out in Beirut during a protest demanding an end to a judicial investigation into last years massive blast in the citys port. The Lebanese interior ministry confirmed the deaths, and gunfire reportedly wounded more than a dozen other people. The deployment of soldiers failed to stem the violence, which took on a sectarian tone. The fighting happened near a civil war-era frontline in which militias from Maronite Christian and Shia Muslim blocs have previously clashed. The assault on the protesters happen just as U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland is visiting Lebanon. Given her direct involvement in the 2014 Maidan coup which also saw sniper fire against protesters it seems unlikely that this is just a coincidence. Posted by b on October 14, 2021 at 16:10 UTC | Permalink Comments next page  next page 
Texas first lady Cecilia Abbott, honorary chair of the 2021 Governors Volunteer Awards, announced this week that Diamondback Energy has received the Governors Corporate Volunteering Champion Award.

The award recognizes private-sector corporations and small businesses for implementing employee volunteer programs that have demonstrable community impact and set community service as a core value and business strategy, according to a press release.
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.
WINCHESTER  A Jacksonville man was injured early Thursday when his tanker-trailer truck overturned on Interstate 72.

Jeffery L. Coss, 55, of Jacksonville was going west on the interstate at 4:20 a.m. when his truck went onto the right shoulder of the road in a construction zone and overturned, according to a preliminary report from Illinois State Police. The truck came to a rest on its side in the road, police said.
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The NAACP Jacksonville chapter will host a COVID-19 vaccine clinic in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Public Health from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Prairie Land Heritage Museum, 1005 W. Michigan Ave.

The Pfizer vaccine will be available to anyone 12 or older.
Sierra Conservation Center View Photo

Sacramento, CA  A judge has issued a temporary restraining order that will prevent a vaccine mandate for California prison workers from taking effect this Friday.

The decision came from Kern County Judge Bernard Barrman. The state mandate will not be enforced while the court considers a request for a preliminary injunction.

However, the public health department-directed mandate for vaccines will still impact prison employees who work at institutions with in-house healthcare facilities. The State of California reports that 240 state prison inmates, and 39 prison employees, have died since the start of the COVID pandemic.

The vaccine mandate is opposed by the California Correctional Peace Officers Association.
Jonabelle Timms owner of the month-old Beauty Haus studio, spends her days "connected to everything, attached to nothing." So much so, you wouldn't realize she's connected to more than a million people on TikTok.

She wasn't always creating for a hungry legion of beauty fans.

----

On January 26, 2020, my friend and I had plans to eat and shop at a female-run St. Mary's Strip brunch event. The news of Kobe Bryant's fatal helicopter crash broke while guests filtered in, with their eyes were glued to phone screens and TVs. Along with the having the usual eggs and mimosas on hand, the venue invited women-owned businesses to set up shop. Jonabelle was there, ready with her jewels to give my friend's teeth some razzle dazzle. Jonabelle's joy juxtaposed the otherwise dark moment, and became part of my memory of the day.

Months later, the pandemic hit, sending the world home with nothing but scrolling to do. Like most adults over the age of 18, Jonabelle was hesitant to join the TikTok hype. But the fear losing Isabelle's European Day Spa, her mom's business, sent Jonabelle into survival mode, armored with the promise of the new platform.

The 25-year-old San Antonian's pandemic pastime grew from mindless double-tapping, to a means to save the family business, to an endeavor of her own. While waxing, adding bling to teeth with tiny jewels, laminating brows, and lifting lashes and spirits, she amassed 1.1 million TikTok followers.

She says she didn't know if marketing her mom's spa on TikTok would help it ride out the shutdowns, but she had to try drumming up interest. Jonabelle, who has a background in engineering, became an expert on TikTok transitions, trends, and mastered the impossible feat of making a wax appear almost...relaxing? By the time Isabelle's got the green light to reopen, the books were filled.

She jokes that she called on her little sister, dad, mom, whoever she could get her hands on, to model Isabelle's services on TikTok. The first video that racked up thousands of views was one showing a brow lamination. In it, Jonabelle takes a fluffy set of brows and covers them with a gel that leaves them looking brushed up and ready to go.

As people pined for their stylist, it's easy to see why so many were flocking to videos of services they wished they could have.

Lash lifts, another hit on her TikTok profile, seem to be made for the platform. The entire process is documented, from the cleaning (if you've had lash work done, you know how good that feels), to slicking up lashes up in to a mold, and ending with the satisfying look of perfectly curled lashes that clients can't believe are theirs.

Jonabelle kept the same profile she used when she was trying to help her mom. Now that she's in her own space, she created a montage of her client's first reactions to their lash lift. Her cinematic tilt will have you questioning why you're feeling a little emotional watching a video about lashes.

@jonabelleti Pov: this is your first time getting a lash lift with me, and you ask what its like #esthetician  cute sound - brett

----

She invited me to visit her studio, a pop of color nestled in the trees of St. Paul Square, on a quiet weekday morning before her first clients arrived.

That kind of guard down, calming vibe Jonabelle creates for her platform translates into her space. She's reserved about her TikTok stardom, though. Instead she cozies up on a couch beside you and calls you "bestie," as if you didn't just formally meet her 15 minutes prior. Her conversation feels like a hug. She rarely mentions TikTok unless asked what boosted her confidence to build her own brand.

"I'm just somebody that really likes to create," she says. "I really appreciate the feedback that I can receive from a platform like TikTok, it brings me clients, it literally changed my whole life. It turned it upside down."

She says the TikTok network she built gave her the push to go to Los Angeles for a stint, but when the second wave of the pandemic hit, she packed up her lash lift tools and teeth bling sets and returned home. The idea for Beauty Haus started in March, after a humbling moment of realizing life on the West Coast wasn't going to work out in the middle of a pandemic.

Courtesy, Jonabelle Timms

"L.A. was just closing and opening and closing and opening. I felt like I was pushing myself off the cliff versus pushing myself in the right direction," she says. "So I slowed down. I hated that. But I was like, there's still something that San Antonio doesn't have that I want."

The money and energy Jonabelle saved to push herself to build something bigger was poured in to a San Antonio business. Months later, Jonabelle's Beauty Haus now offers an oomph to the lashes, brows, nails, and spirits of her inaugural clients.

The studio is a fresh, white canvas with pops of retro art made by local artists. A corner is reserved for decompressing and is accented with small crops of plants. Nearby are a set of "all gender" restrooms, part of Beauty Haus' mission of inclusivity.

"Beauty Haus is present with the intention of enhancing and bettering the lives of every client who comes to see our talented beauticians," a posterized version of the mission statement hangs on one of the walls.

Madalyn Mendoza, MySA.com

She tours me through, opening doors to the future rooms set to host nail bars, a tattoo studio, and more. The intent is for Beauty Haus to become an incubation platform. Jonabelle will invite artists to set up shop in her studio to get a start and build their clientele.

"Those will be rented by day, so if we have people that are looking for a space while they're building their business, we can build a connection where they can grow and go," she explains. "It's just an open room for opportunity" she says.

Jonabelle guides me through the rest of the sunlit studios, across a "hardwood" floor. Before I had a chance to compliment the grounding feel of the hardwood and sun rays beaming through the windows, she stops me.

Courtesy, Jonabelle Timms

Courtesy, Jonabelle Timms

"Every little thing is DIY," she says. That means the floor too. She wanted to open her studio on her own, without the help of investors or loans. She couldn't afford the to spend the money it would take to pair the exposed brick walls with real hardwood floor, so Jonabelle and boyfriend Vinny Guerrero got resourceful.

"I'm going to expose myself right now," she jokes. "I couldn't afford wooden planks, but I knew I needed it."

The couple salvaged wood siding used for the exterior of homes, flipped it to the backside and Jonabelle drew on a faux wood finish with a Sharpie. She finished her woodwork with layers of deck stain and polyurethane.

Her beautifying clearly isn't reserved to faces.

"I had to do what had to be done," she says with a laugh.

TikTok has been watching her grow into a business owner, too. Jonabelle shared the renovation work she and Vinny took on to transform a former doctor's office into a studio.

"I wanted something that I can say I did for myself, that represents what I believe, through energy and through self empowerment," she says. "Even if it doesn't work, at least I can say I tried, but it really did its thing."

Beauty Haus is located at 119 Heiman Street, suite 300. Parking in front of the Espee is free for two hours. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 10 a.m. to noon and 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
When Brittany Phillips Ramirez relocated her family back to her hometown of Waco over the summer, COVID-19 precautions at Mountainview Elementary School were foremost on her mind. And as the delta variant spiked, she even considered home-schooling her 6-year-old daughter because she worried that the school district might adopt a more relaxed approach when it came to students wearing masks at schools.

But shortly after classes began, the Waco Independent School District made a bold choice that surprised residents like Ramirez. It became one of about 70 school districts in Texas at the time to adopt a mandate that students wear masks while in school.

And it did so in defiance of Gov. Greg Abbotts executive order barring public schools from requiring students wear masks.

I was a little surprised, Ramirez said. But when we heard about the mask mandate we were actually dancing around the house in circles. I am not kidding with you.

But as Susan Kincannon, Waco ISDs superintendent, explains, the decision followed the deaths of educators in the central Texas region. At the start of the pandemic, Waco lost 49-year-old Phillip Perry, the principal of its G.W. Carver Middle School, to the coronavirus.

Then when students returned for fall classes in August, two teachers in nearby Connally Independent School District died from COVID-19 complications: 41-year-old sixth-grade teacher Natalia Chansler and David McCormick, a seventh-grade teacher, who was 59.

It's tough on a school community. It's tough on co-workers and on the campus. I just saw the tears of the co-workers and sadness that it brings, Kincannon said.

As the community dealt with the loss, Kincannon watched COVID-19 infections among faculty rise sharply during that first week of school. A member of Waco ISD's communications staff, administrative assistant Melissa Perry, became ill and eventually died of COVID-19.

Kincannon felt she had to take stronger actions despite knowing that the district could lawsuit from the state. So, she put a district-wide mask mandate in place.

Originally, the superintendent wanted to comply with the governor's orders and leave the decision to wear masks, an individual one. But the loss and the coronavirus spike was too much.

Cases began to pop really quickly those first three days. We saw 104 cases. Last year, it took us seven weeks to get to 100 cases, Kincannon said. The second week of school we saw 285 cases. And so that decision to require masks really came about as a result of what we were seeing in our schools, and how quickly the cases were multiplying.

The personal loss felt by educators throughout Waco is hard to escape.

Sally Peavy, an art teacher at Cesar Chavez Middle School, remembers hearing about the deaths of the two Connally ISD teachers this August while she was prepping her classroom for the beginning of the school year. She didnt know them, but it made her stop. Those teachers, she thought, had contracted the fatal disease doing the same thing she was at the time, just minutes down the road.

I think there is a level of fear when you think about it a lot, Peavy said.

Rebekah Raabe, a special education teacher at Tennyson Middle School, said the deaths of colleagues made an impact.

I think when it happens to somebody you know, it makes it a lot more real, she said.

As expected, the Waco district is now among about a dozen districts in the state facing a lawsuit for violating the governor's order against mandatory mask-wearing in schools.

On Sept. 27, attorneys for the state, appearing at a virtual court hearing in McLennan County, requested a temporary injunction on the mask mandates imposed by Waco, Midway, McGregor and La Vega school districts.

State District Judge Vicki Menard did not issue one but instead ordered a review of whether McLennan County is the right jurisdiction for the case.

The attorney generals office eventually dropped its lawsuits against the McGregor and Midway school districts. An attorney for Midway ISD informed the judge that masks were encouraged but there was no mandate. McGregor ISD officials said they did have a mandate but at the attorney general offices request, had decided not to enforce it.

From a broader perspective, the district questions whether this provision (against mask mandates) is in the lawful use of the governors authority, Kyle DeBeer, Waco ISD's chief of staff. Clearly we have felt this way from the start or we wouldn't have instituted a mask mandate.

For now, district officials say they have no intention of dropping its mask mandate which they believe has helped keep the virus at bay. Two weeks after the mask mandate was imposed, the district went from 285 COVID-19 cases to 93. By the fifth week of school, the number of COVID-19 positive cases were the lowest that had been.

Beyond that, district officials have been pleased with the support and faith in what they are doing that they have felt from students' parents.

It's a responsibility that I take very seriously. We've lost employees along the way. And it's been very sad to watch, Kincannon said. Its not something I ever thought I would have to deal with as a superintendent. It's been a long haul since this began.

The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs Texans  and engages with them  about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
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The City of San Antonio World Heritage Office presents Dia de los Muertos: Celebrando las Misiones, (Celebrating the Missions.) In collaboration with the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Mission San Jose Neighborhood Association and Family Descendants from the Missions, Mission Marquee Plaza will host the 4th annual Dia de los Muertos celebration on Saturday, October 30, 2021, 2:00 p.m.  10:00 p.m. Activities begin at the Mission San Jose Granary with over ten mission descendant families ofrendas (altars) on display; educational show-and-tell workshops; four directions and native blessing of the ofrendas by Native American Inter-Tribal Group and Danza Azteca de Yanaguana followed by a dance and drum procession from Mission San Jose Granary to Mission Marquee Plaza.

The Dia de los Muertos celebration continues at Mission Marquee Plaza. The community is invited to contribute offerings to the Community Altar, transforming the stage into three large altars, celebrating friends and family members who have passed. Images of loved ones, family, friends will be displayed on the large movie screen during the event. This overview of the history, tradition and symbolism of Dia de los Muertos will be narrated by Anthony The Poet. Interactive make-and-take art workshops led by educator and local artist Terry Ybanez, remembrance calaveras poetry workshops led by local poets Thomas Castillo and Diamond Mason, face painting by Color Instinct, history and overview of Dia de Los Muertos by Master of Ceremonies Anthony the Poet, and artisans and specialty vendors with handmade Dia de los Muertos goods and crafts. The event will feature live musical and dance performances by Mariachi Nuevo Jalisco, Ballet Forklorico Seneya, Los Nahuatlatos and many more. The evening will culminate with a special screening of the film, COCO. The event is free and open to the public.
A legal fight between the owner and erstwhile manager of the Westin Nashville hotel downtown is moving forward, this time to the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, where both parties have recently filed briefs.

The dispute stems from 2017, when Westin developer Nashville Hospitality Capital fired management firm Wischermann Partners Inc., alleging that the Minnesota-based hospitality company had breached their contract by working on a nearby hotel, The Joseph Nashville.

Both parties sued each other  the ownership group seeking $2.29 million in reimbursement of money paid to Wischermann and the management group seeking a $1.66 million termination fee they said they were owed.

After an eight-day bench trial in October 2019, a U.S. District Court judge earlier this year ruled in favor of Wischermann and ordered Nashville Hospitality Capital to pay the termination fee.

The local ownership group, represented by attorneys at Bass, Berry & Sims, filed to appeal the ruling and submitted a full appeal brief in September. Wischermann, represented by Dickinson Wright, filed a response on Wednesday.

It is beyond question that WPIs and Wischermanns repeated lies, divided loyalties, and working in concert with a competitor within a few blocks of the Westin violated the highest degree of honesty and loyalty required of a fiduciary, the hotel owner argued in the brief.

A spokesperson for Castlerock Asset Management, a Nashville Hospitality Capital-affiliated company that manages both the Westin and the Bobby Hotel, declined to comment. Neither Wischermann President and CEO Paul Wischermann nor the Dickinson Wright attorneys responded to a request for comment.

In the appeals briefs, the two parties largely agree on much of the facts. Yes, Wischermann was also working on The Joseph with The Pizzuti Cos. While the hotel owner argues that activity constituted a violation of a one-mile non-compete clause, Wischermann argues that the work with The Joseph was both known to NHC for years and was immaterial to their existing contract. Despite that, Wischermann agreed to quit working on The Joseph in 2017, but NHC terminated the contract anyway. Wischermann reengaged with Pizzuti and currently manages The Joseph, which NHC takes to mean the disengagement was a sham, an argument disputed by Wischermann.

Both groups also agreed that Wischermann representatives gave documents related to the under-construction Westin to Pizzuti, in addition to leading them on a tour of the site, but they disagreed over the significance of those actions.

The hotel ownership group argued that Wischermanns attempt to cure the breach was too little, too late  putting the toothpaste back in the tube, they wrote.

In the appeals briefs, both parties took shots at each other, airing dirty laundry about the development of the downtown hotel that opened in 2016. The hotel ownership group claimed that Wischermann failed to get the proper licenses leading to months of unlicensed massage services. Wischermann said that construction delays hindered their ability to manage the property, including because five floors of the hotel were not completed by the opening date, elevators were not functioning properly, the lobby area was not complete and construction on the rooftop bar was not complete until hours before a grand opening party.

Wischermann also argued that NHCs decision to fire them was not motivated by a breach of contract but by a desire for more money, as the company ultimately managed the hotel directly.

The reason for NHCs action soon became clear: It was more profitable for NHC to replace WPI with Castle Rock (a management company NHC created) to manage The Westin than to pay WPI under the Management Interactions.

A mediation conference is scheduled Nov. 8.
(Natural News) Allen West, a former Florida congressman and current Texas Republican gubernatorial candidate, has said that his recent hospitalization for COVID-19 has made him feel even more strongly opposed to vaccine mandates than he had been prior to the ordeal.

West had announced over the weekend that he and his wife had both contracted COVID-19. His wife was vaccinated, but West was not. Nevertheless, both were given prescriptions for hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin following their positive diagnoses and both ended up being hospitalized.

The 60-year-old former Texas GOP chairman said that he was admitted to the hospital with a not serious case of pneumonia related to COVID that showed up on X-rays. He and his wife both underwent Regeneron monoclonal antibody infusion therapy, which he said opened his eyes to the fact that the treatment is far more effective than a vaccine.

Instead of jabbing Americans, and not illegal immigrants, with a dangerous shot which injects them with these spike proteins  guess what? I now have natural immunity and double the antibodies, and thats science, he said. He also disclosed that his oxygen saturation levels had returned to normal levels after getting the treatment at a hospital in the Dallas area.

He tweeted about how the experience has made him double down on his feelings about vaccine mandates: I can attest that, after this experience, I am even more dedicated to fighting against vaccine mandates. Instead of enriching the pockets of Big Pharma and corrupt bureaucrats and politicians, we should be advocating the monoclonal antibody infusion therapy.

While one might argue that monoclonal antibody infusion therapy carries a higher price tag than the vaccine, it is important to weigh the fact that it is only given to people who are severely ill rather than being administered in multiple doses, potentially year after year, to most of the population. The treatment can reduce the severity of the virus if given shortly after the initial infection.

West feels that all Americans should be allowed to make this decision for themselves. He tweeted: Our bodies are our last sanctuary of liberty and freedom; I will defend that for everyone, even the progressive socialist jackasses who must be saved from themselves.

West thanked his doctors and nurses

He also expressed his appreciation for his doctors, who gave him individualized treatment rather than blindly following blanket statements by those who were not familiar with his case.

I am thankful that the medical professionals here at Medical City listened to me . . . not some boiler plate CDC, Dr Fauci, or Texas Medical Board mandates, he tweeted.

West announced back in July that he will be challenging current Republican Governor Greg Abbott for his seat. Elected to Congress in Florida in 2010, he moved to North Texas after his term, where he was subsequently elected the head of the states Republican Party in 2020.

He recorded a video message after being released from the hospital in what appears to be his living room, thanking his doctors and nurses for recommending Regeneron therapy and Budesonide nebulizer treatments.

In the message, he emphasized that there are lots of protocols that should be recommended to people instead of forcing them to take certain shots. He stated: We should be offering and making sure people are aware of all these protocols that are out there and thats one of the things that Im going to be committed to doing. I want to make sure the Texas Medical Board, Texas Nurse Board, Texas Pharmacy Board never interfere in getting in the way of whats best for you and your relationship with your doctor and your body.

Sources for this article include:

HeadlineUSA.com

HoustonChronicle.com

FoxNews.com
(Natural News) Netflixs CEO is just lying. The streaming platform is under fire by the left for producing Dave Chappelles new comedy special in which the comic declares that gender is a fact. Netflix has now suspended an employee who tweeted attacks on her company for backing Chappelle.

(Article by Scott Whitlock republished from NewsBusters.org)

This prompted Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos to issue an e-mail to staff on Monday, declaring, Several of you have also asked where we draw the line on hate. We dont allow titles on Netflix that are designed to incite hate or violence, and we dont believe The Closer crosses that line.

But thats simply a lie. Netflix produces shows encouraging hate against Christians routinely and without remorse or the same level of uproar. As NewsBusters Culture wrote in 2018, the vile teen comedy series Insatiable featured teen girls pleading with Jesus and the Holy Spirit to have sex with them is definitely shocking and completely disgusting. Heres some of the sick anti-Christian mockery:

Sweet, sweet Jesus inside me, I got You deep in my soul. Deep, deep, deep in my soul. Yeah! Oh, Spirit, please ride me. Please, please, please, please ride me. Deep, deep, deep in my soul.

In 2020, Netflix produced a series called Cursed about a group of genocidal Christian monks called the Red Paladins. In 2021, the streamer featured a sex and gun-loving Jesus killing and having group sex. Heres the gross video evidence:

Mr. Sarandos, stop lying. Netflix routinely produces anti-Christian hate and you know it.

Read more at: NewsBusters.org
(Natural News) Because Joe Biden isnt Joe Biden anymore, the moderate Democrat, and his regime is being run from behind the scenes by Marxist authoritarians, all 2.1 million members of the U.S. military have been ordered to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

It doesnt matter what their personal beliefs are, and in the military, that much is understandable given that the armed forces arent a democracy and dont operate under group opinions. They follow orders.

But in this case, even members who have had the virus are being required to get a vaccine, though natural immunity is, by far, much more protective than a vaccine. And besides that, there are reports that, according to a growing body of research, the vaccines can and have likely caused a condition known as myocarditis, or swelling of the myocardium, which encompasses the heart, especially in otherwise young, healthy people (which fits the description of most members of the military).

And that could be part of what is driving hundreds of thousands of American servicemen and women to disobey orders, thus far, and elect not to get the vaccine, as The Washington Post is reporting:

Hundreds of thousands of U.S. service members remain unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated against the coronavirus as the Pentagons first compliance deadlines near, with lopsided rates across the individual services and a spike in deaths among military reservists illustrating how political division over the shots has seeped into a nonpartisan force with unambiguous orders.

Overall, the militarys vaccination rate has climbed since August, when Defense Department leaders, acting on a directive from President Biden, informed the nations 2.1 million troops that immunization would become mandatory, exemptions would be rare and those who refuse would be punished. Yet troops response has been scattershot, according to data assessed by The Washington Post.

For instance, 90 percent of the active-duty Navy is fully vaccinated, whereas just 72 percent of the Marine Corps is, the data shows, even though both services share a Nov. 28 deadline. In the Air Force, more than 60,000 personnel have just three weeks to meet the Defense Departments most ambitious deadline, the paper added.

At the same time, the Post reported, death rates for military members due to the virus are rising; of course, the paper was quick to point out that those deaths occurred mostly among unvaccinated members.

But as far as the overall rate is concerned, there are also hiccups in terms of service branches and between active-duty and reserve forces.

Thousands of troops already have begun their two-shot regimens, like in the Navy, where 98 percent of active-duty sailors have received at least one dose, officials said, the Post reported.
(Natural News) Many public and private entities have issued mandates requiring employees to get the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. These mandates, however, infringe on peoples freedoms and set a dangerous precedent for tyranny. Thus, a pilot has called on Americans to push back against these vaccine mandates and stand up for health freedom.

Podcast host Benny Johnson tweeted the video from TikTok user @cellsaucenutrition on Oct. 11. The TikTok user, a pilot of 18 years, mentions in the video that he is facing an ultimatum  get vaccinated or lose his job. Ive been told in order to continue my career as an airline pilot, I must be vaccinated  which really means I have to choose between putting food on the table for my family and my freedom of choice, he says.

The pilot continues: Whether you believe in vaccination [as] the right thing to do or not, the situation goes far beyond health. You may think being forced to wear a mask or get a vaccination is insignificant. But when you begin to compile mandate after mandate and loss of freedom after freedom, it becomes very significant.

Whether you believe in vaccination or not, Im standing up to your freedom of choice. You may support the vaccine mandates because they fall in line with your current beliefs. But if we let this happen now, there will be a day when what youre told to do will not fall in line with your beliefs.

He explains that every mandate imposed by higher authorities is one step closer toward a so-called new normal where people no longer have the freedom they used to enjoy. As each thing is taken away, we face what is known as the shifting baseline syndrome. This syndrome changes our idea of a new and acceptable normal. Soon, we will not remember what it was like to have the freedoms we once did, the pilot says.

The pilot leaves a grim warning if these mandates are left unchecked. He says: Our children and grandchildren will experience less freedom and they wont have the privilege or the pleasure to enjoy the same choices our parents had or that we have. Do you really want someone telling your children or your grandchildren what, when and how they will live every minute of their lives?

Other pilots are joining the movement against vaccine mandates

The pilot also points out a clear irony in the mandates.

We, the American people, have fought for freedom for 257 years. We go around the world spreading ideas of freedom and democracy. We help other countries and people fight for their freedoms while ours are being stripped away, he says.

If we give in to these mandates, we do not stand up for our freedom of choice. We dishonor every armed service person over the last 257 years, a disservice to the people who fought and bled for the very freedoms we enjoy.

The video by @cellsaucenutrition follows an earlier endeavor by the Allied Pilots Association (APA) against these vaccine mandates. APA, which represents pilots working for American Airlines, expressed its opposition to compulsory vaccination in a Sept. 24 letter to legislators. They warn that the mandate would lead to travel disruptions and ask for exemptions to the rule.

The APA writes: To ensure commercial aviations ongoing viability by avoiding a scenario in which airlines are forced to either offer unpaid leaves of absence or  implement mass terminations of unvaccinated pilots, it is essential that an alternative means of compliance  be made available for professional pilots.

Some of the measures the APA has proposed include regular COVID-19 testing, proof of natural immunity and continued tenure for unvaccinated pilots.

The pilots labor union also noted in the Sept. 24 letter that pilots are held to unique physical fitness standards and that their careers can summarily end due to a wide range of medical conditions.

It adds: Some of APAs members are unable to undergo vaccination for documented medical reasons, while others are reluctant to get vaccinated based upon concerns about the potential for career-ending side effects. (Related: COVID-19 vaccine mandates for airline pilots increase the risks of flying.)

The APA ultimately warns: All of these members are still able to perform their duties as professional pilots. To force these pilots out of their positions, rather than offering viable alternatives, will have adverse consequences upon their families and the airline industry as a whole.

HealthFreedom.news has more articles about Americans standing up against vaccine mandates.

Sources include:

Twitter.com

TikTok.com

LiveAndLetsFly.com

POLITICO.com
(Natural News) (Article by Matt Taibbi republished from Taibbi.Substack.com)

Yesterday, I ran a story that had nothing to do with vaccines, about the seeming delay of the development of a drug called molnupiravir (see the above segment with the gracious hosts of The Hill: Rising for more). In the time it took to report and write that piece, conventional wisdom turned against the drug, which is now suspected of ivermectinism and other deviationist, anti-vax tendencies, in the latest iteration of our most recent collective national mania  the Cult of the Vaccine.

The speed of the change was incredible. Just a week ago, on October 1st, the pharmaceutical giant Merck issued a terse announcement that quickly became big news. Molnupiravir, an experimental antiviral drug, reduced the risk of hospitalization or death of Covid-19 patients by as much as 50%, according to a study.

The stories that rushed out in the ensuing minutes and hours were almost uniformly positive. AP called the news a potentially major advance in efforts to fight the pandemic, while National Geographic quoted a Yale specialist saying, Having a pill that would be easy for people to take at home would be terrific. Another interesting early reaction came from Time:

Vaccines will be the way out of the pandemic, but not everyone around the world is immunized yet, and the shots arent 100% effective in protecting people from getting infected with the COVID-19 virus. So antiviral drug treatments will be key to making sure that people who do get infected dont get severely ill.

This is what news looks like before propagandists get their hands on it. Time writer Alice Parks lede was sensible and clear. If molnupiravir works  a big if, incidentally  its good news for everyone, since not everyone is immunized, and the vaccines arent 100% effective anyway. As even Vox put it initially, molnupiravir could help compensate for persistent gaps in Covid-19 vaccination coverage.

Within a day, though, the tone of coverage turned. Writers began stressing a Yeah, but approach, as in, Any new treatment is of course good, but get your fucking shot. A CNN lede read, A pill that could potentially treat Covid-19 is a game-changer, but experts are emphasizing that its not an alternative to vaccinations. The New York Times went with, Health officials said the drug could provide an effective way to treat Covid-19, but stressed that vaccines remained the best tool.

If youre thinking it was only a matter of time before the mere fact of molnupiravirs existence would be pitched in headlines as actual bad news, youre not wrong: Marketwatch came out with Its not a magic pill: What Mercks antiviral pill could mean for vaccine hesitancy the same day Merck issued its release. The piece came out before we knew much of anything concrete about the drugs effectiveness, let alone whether it was magic.

Bloombergs morose No, the Merck pill wont end the pandemic was released on October 2nd, i.e. one whole day after the first encouraging news of a possible auxiliary treatment whose most ardent supporters never claimed would end the pandemic. This article said the pill might be cause to celebrate, but warned its emergence shouldnt be cause for complacency when it comes to the most effective tool to end this pandemic: vaccines. Bloomberg randomly went on to remind readers that the unrelated drug ivermectin is a horse de-worming agent, before adding that if molnupiravir ends up being viewed as a solution for those who refuse to vaccinate, the Covid virus will continue to persist.

In other words, it took less than 24 hours for the drug  barely tested, let alone released yet  to be accused of prolonging the pandemic. By the third day, mentions of molnupiravir in news reports nearly all came affixed to stern reminders of its place beneath vaccines in the medical hierarchy, as in the New York Times explaining that Dr. Anthony Fauci, who initially told reporters the new drug was impressive, now warned that Americans should not wait to be vaccinated because they believe they can take the pill.

Since the start of the Trump years, weve been introduced to a new kind of news story, which assumes adults cant handle multiple ideas at once, and has reporters frantically wrapping facts deemed dangerous, unorthodox, or even just insufficiently obvious in layers of disclaimers. The fear of uncontrolled audience brain-drift is now so great that even offhand references must come swaddled in these journalistic Surgeon Generals warnings, which is why whenever we read anything now, we almost always end up fighting through nests of phrases like the debunked conspiracy theory that COVID-19 was created in a lab in order to get to whatever the authors main point might be.

This lunacy started with the Great Lie Debate of 2016, when reporters and editors spent months publicly anguishing over whether to use lie in headlines of Donald Trump stories, then loudly congratulated themselves once they decided to do it. The most histrionic offender was the New York Times, previously famous for teaching readers to digest news in code (he claimed for years was Times-ese for full of shit) but now reasoned a more muscular terminology, connoting a certain moral opprobrium, was needed to distinguish the dissembling of a politician like Bill Clinton from Trumps whoppers. I did not have sexual relations with that woman could be mere falsehood, but I will build a great great wall required language that stands apart.

The key term was moral opprobrium. Moralizing was exactly what journalists were once trained not to do, at least outside the op-ed page, but it soon became a central part of the job. When they used they word lie, the Times explained, they wanted us to know that was because from the childhood schoolyard to the grave, this is a word neither used nor taken lightly. Put another way, the Times didnt want people reading about something Donald Trump said, grasping that it was a lie, and, say, chuckling about how ridiculous it was. If the New York Times sent the word lie up the flagpole, they now expected an appropriately solemn salute.

This was the beginning of an era in which editors became convinced that all earths problems derived from populations failing to accept reports as Talmudic law. It couldnt be people were just tuning out papers for a hundred different reasons, including sheer boredom. It had to be that their traditional work product was just too damned subtle. The only way to avoid the certain evil of audiences engaging in unsupervised pondering over information was to eliminate all possibility of subtext, through a new communication style that was 100% literal and didactic. Everyone would get the same news and also be instructed, often mid-sentence, on how to respond.

Read more at: Taibbi.Substack.com
(Natural News) Groundbreaking reporting from the Daily Wire have revealed that a transgender student allegedly raped a 15-year old classmate in Loudoun County, Virginia, with public school concealing information regarding the alleged sexual assault from parents and students.

(Article by Richard Moorhead republished from BigLeaguePolitics.com)

According to the Elizabeth Lancaster, a lawyer of Scott Smith- the father of the girl victimized in the alleged sexual assault- the student in question has been charged with two counts of forcible sodomy, one count of anal sodomy, and one count of forcible fellatio, surrounding an event at Stone Bridge High School. A freshman was allegedly raped in a girls bathroom by a male student who wears female clothing and identifies as bisexual.

Smith, the alleged victims father, was charged with charges of two misdemeanors- disorderly conduct and obstruction of justice (resisting arrest) as a result of a protest against the far-left school board of the Loudoun County, which is accused of sweeping the case of sexual assault at Stone Bridge High School under the rug. Its unclear if the criminal case have resulted in convictions, with the juvenile court system also accused of concealing the court proceedings against the minor accused of sex crimes.

More than 100 parents protested another school board meeting last month, concerned against trans ideology and the potential danger to students ignored by Loudoun Countys school board. An extremist Antifa group continues to suppress protests against Loudoun School Boards trans policies, slandering the father of the young girl allegedly raped by a trans classmate. The Loudoun Sheriffs Department appears to have uncovered acts of political intimidation, with the Anti-Racist Parents of Loudoun County doxing and harassing parents who stand up to the trans policies of the far-left school district.

The case involves byzantine legal concealment, with a cloaked legal process largely hidden from public view. Read the Daily Wires comprehensive report on the incident, which present what appears to be corruption and horror on the part of leftist public schools.

Read more at: BigLeaguePolitics.com
(Natural News) A woman arrested with her Navy nuclear engineer husband for allegedly seeking to sell classified secrets on submarines this weekend appears to be a woke leftist progressive, with her social media pages dripping with anti-Trump, pro-BLM and left-wing rhetoric.

(Article Richard Moorhead republished from BigLeaguePolitics.com)

Diana Toebees Facebook page is filled with posts in support of far-left judge Ruth Bader Ginsberg and the Black Lives Matter street terror movement. A Twitter page seemingly belonging to her follows numerous far-left anti-Trump accounts, such as the insufferable alt government agency accounts created by liberal bluechecks during Trumps reign on the presidential throne.

Toebees page features a profile picture of the transgender flag.

Another Diana Toebee profile picture brags about women stopping Trump.

Actual cases of espionage and betrayal of classified information to foreign governments are exceptionally rare in the United States, although that didnt stop MSNBCs audience from fanatically and falsely insisting that Donald Trump and his supporters were engaged in fantastical and treasonous plots to betray the United States to Russia. Its no small irony that the perpetrators of what would be a major espionage crime, if legit, are left-wing progressives who would seem to be regular Rachel Maddow viewers.

Toebee is the wife of Jonathan Toebee, a Navy nuclear engineer officer. Both of the Toebees were arrested over the weekend for a plot the FBI alleges involved the sale of classified submarine secrets to those they thought were representatives of a foreign government. Most recently, the Toebees allegedly orchestrated the transfer of sub secrets inside a peanut butter sandwich to someone they thought was a spy. In reality, it appears the Toebees alleged spy connect was actually an FBI agent setting up the sting.

Jonathan Toebee appears to be a renaissance and medieval enthusiast of some sort. If the charges alleged by the FBI are accurate, it would make the Navy nuke an embarrassment to the medieval reenactment community, who conceivably understand the importance of living up to ones word in the originally medieval custom of a sworn oath.

Read more at: BigLeaguePolitics.com
(Natural News) Having now received a tsunami of messages from people across the US (and a few internationally) about the surveillance regimes being permanently installed at their educational institutions  in contravention of earlier assurances that the current academic year would mark a long-awaited return to normalcy, thanks to the onset of mass vaccination  there are a few conclusions to draw.

(Article by Michael Tracey republished from MTracey.Substack.com)

First: unless and until COVID cases are abandoned as a metric by which policy action is presumptively dictated, these institutions are destined to continue flailing from irrational measure to irrational measure for the foreseeable future. Just turn your gaze over to one of Americas most hallowed pedagogical grounds: As of September 17, Columbia University has newly forbidden students from hosting guests, visiting residence halls other than their own, and gathering with more than ten people. The stated rationale for these restrictions? Administrators have extrapolated from the contact tracing data theyve compulsorily seized that a recent increase in viral transmission is attributable to students socializing unmasked at gatherings in residence halls and at off-campus apartments, bars, and restaurants. (Socializing at apartments, bars, and restaurants in the middle of Manhattan  gee, I cant imagine anything more heinous.)

Just like Connecticut College and so many other institutions Ive been taking flurries of messages about, Columbia has already mandated vaccination for all students, faculty, and staff, and is approaching 100% compliance. But as has now been made abundantly clear, for many people in positions of bureaucratic authority, universal vaccination was never going to be sufficient for a transition away from the Permanent Emergency mode of COVID exegetical theology. The perverse incentives are easy to grasp. These administrators have so much invested in the infrastructure of case detection theyve constructed over the past year and a half  not to mention the wider ideological project of stopping the spread at all costs  that its impossible to imagine conditions under which theyd voluntarily move to dismantle the surveillance systems over which they preside. And not just because the new powers conferred by this infrastructure  the ability to micromanage the private lives of young adults, track and adjudicate the propriety of their movements, etc.  is probably creepily intoxicating on a level these administrators may not be overtly conscious of, and in any event would almost certainly never publicly admit.

No, the infrastructure wont be dismantled any time soon because doing so would also require accepting a major paradigm shift in how COVID is understood. And for certain segments of society, that whole system of thought is just too all-consuming. Benign instances of transmission  i.e. transmission that results in no severe disease, which is almost invariably the case with vaccinated young adults at astronomically low risk from COVID  would have to stop being portrayed as alarming outbreaks, necessitating a never-ending stream of frenzied Zoom strategy meetings and swift, all-hands-on-decks interventionist tactics. The very word outbreak would also probably have to be ditched, given its alarmist connotations. I would suggest instead that outbreak be applied to these frantic upswells of bureaucratic overreaction. Perhaps the epidemiological origins of this diseased mentality could be contact traced.

Why should anyone be alarmed by an alleged outbreak of overwhelmingly asymptomatic or mild cases among a population of healthy vaccinated undergrads  cases which would never have been detected at all if not for the superfluous surveillance testing structures that these institutions require students submit to? And before anyone chimes in with the standard because they can transmit to others response: the others theyre surrounded by have had the opportunity to get vaccinated at no cost for the past eight months. Even the US prestige media is beginning to reject the utility of using cases as a benchmark for anything of consequence, so youd think college administrators would eventually follow suit, but a combination of bureaucratic inertia and weirdly flamboyant zeal appears to be preventing that from happening.

Having read way too much administrative jargon recently, there are a number of obnoxious rhetorical strategies they employ to engender acceptance of edicts that more and more people seem to recognize are wildly, overbearingly arbitrary. We all have to hold each other accountable, these administrators will often pronounce, or some variation thereof, which ironically shields them from accountability for their own capricious and intrusive actions. Their orders are often cloyingly filled with artificial appeals to the community, which raises the question of who elected these surveillers and snoops to be spokespersons for the community, and how they even define communities, which seem to contain growing segments of unwilling inhabitants.

One key thing to know is that despite their pretension of acting at the direction of expert epidemiologists and public health officials, the day-to-day decisions about practical implementation at these places often come down to the individual discretion of officials who in no sane world would ever be deferred to on questions of infectious disease protocol, or really anything else of significance. The latest restrictions at Columbia were promulgated by the Dean of Undergraduate Student Life, one of those titles which you know must encompass a whole slew of useless, indecipherable makework  and now tends to include a never-ending cycle of COVID monitoring. In her official bio, Dean Cristen Scully Kromm of Columbia is described as having an esteemed background in something called residence life and leadership oversight. I dont know about you, but I can think of few things more unappealing than to have my personal activity surveilled by official busybodies who have dedicated their careers to learning the majesties of leadership oversight, which sounds like a field invented specifically for people who actually enjoy receiving LinkedIn emails.

Thanks to my trusty network of informants, I was able to listen in on a Zoom meeting held Sunday night by Dean Victor Arcelus, the chief COVID decider at my old stomping grounds of Connecticut College. I apologize again for the unrelenting focus on this obscure liberal arts college in southeastern Connecticut, but its just become irresistible. Dean Arcelus convened a panel of all his subordinate Deans involved in the crafting of COVID rules; studying the credentials of these people sure is fascinating.

One member of the ad hoc infectious disease task force, Ariella Rabin Rotramel, currently serves as the Colleges Interim Dean of Institutional Equity and Inclusion, and is also Associate Professor of Gender, Sexuality and Intersectionality Studies, with a specialty in Queer Theory and Activism. Here is Rotramel answering a Zoom question from an anonymous student:

Im sure they is a lovely person, but its unclear why Rotramel should be endowed with authority to issue virology-related policy pronouncements. Either way, they gave some indication that they is perhaps not up for the task, describing the whole situation as exhausting  that familiar exasperated rallying cry of activists demanding acquiescence.

Demonstrating his unparalleled leadership abilities, however, Dean Arcelus stated that he was quite disappointed at reports that parties had been rudely held this past weekend at an on-campus residential facility. There will be conduct consequences, he warned. Suspension is most definitely on the table. Though the most extreme variation of the Australia-style lockdown had been lifted just hours after my visit last week, students are still being ordered not to partake in normal social gatherings such as parties (gasp) or going to bars (gasp).

If you have parties, if you go to the bars, youre not going to be able to have everything else, the Dean exhorted, threatening that those who misbehave could prompt a return to lockdown for everybody. However, he did leave a glimmer of hope, enticing students that if we were able to see that you all were actually being really good about acceding to his prohibitions, then things could potentially change.

The power in preventing this from happening again is in you and in holding each other accountable, Dean Arcelus continued. Theres that ubiquitous feature of the contemporary college administrator jargon  presumably tailored to the sensibilities of accountability-minded young adults. Again with the added irony that these invocations of accountability serve to deflect scrutiny from those who wield the real decision-making power. In the name of accountability, students become scapegoats for the irrational policy choices of the people actually in charge. Accountability is usually also demanded on behalf of some imagined community, so you are not to comply solely at the behest of Dean Arcelus, but rather at the behest of some diffused assemblage of individuals who are claimed to represent a unified community. Theres always this incredibly annoying pretense that bureaucratic operatives and public health experts are alone the most exalted guardians of community safety, and if you dont agree with them on moral, practical, or epidemiological grounds, you are a menace.

Moving forward, none of you should be OK with people not having a mask on inside, or not having it properly worn, the Dean inveighed, again appealing to the shockingly pervasive snitch culture being fertilized at this and other academic institutions. Deans at Georgetown University and the University of Southern California have also been sending out these imperious injunctions for students to rat out the alleged violators among them, or as USC Law School Andrew T. Guzman put it in that typically manipulative style: non-compliant members of our community. Whats a non-compliant member of the USC community, exactly? Someone who engages in unsanctioned indoor hydration. No, Im not kidding.

Do you find any of this arbitrary or ridiculous? Tough luck. Because nowadays all public and private officials apparently have to do is incant the magic word Delta, and people whose dictates about proper interpersonal behavior would otherwise be ignored are suddenly imbued with this awesome, unchallengeable power. Their decrees must be obeyed, preferably with effusions of gratitude. Forcing masks on crying two-year-olds? Delta. Forbidden to remove your mask for a few seconds in order to take a sip of water at USC, even as a lavish and unmasked Emmys extravaganza just took place right down the road? Delta. Shutting down a special needs school in East Harlem less than a week into the academic year? Delta. Concerned about the privacy implications of being made to walk around with your health information stored on mandatory smartphone apps, as is the current policy at the University of Michigan, and being made to display this information on command? Delta. Also, I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance by switching to Delta.

For all his foibles, at least Dean Arcelus nicely encapsulates the mindset which is now running rampant at major US educational institutions  the same institutions producing the graduates who will soon be governing the rest of the country. At the disciplinary Zoom meeting, the good Dean admitted: I know all of us thought, going into getting vaccinated in April and May, we thought that we would be able to come back to campus and live campus differently [sic] having been vaccinated But as Ive said multiple times now, the Delta Variant just presents a whole new level of challenge to us. And thats why we cant do what we thought we were going to be able to do back when we got vaccinated in April and May.

Well, there you have it. Vaccination was never the gateway to normalcy it was presented to be, and the only option is apparently to instate Permanent Emergency protocols with no cognizable off-ramp in sight, as a Duke University expert helpfully conceded this week. Reneging on these prior assurances is portrayed as some inherently unavoidable fait accompli, rather than a conscious policy choice undertaken to the exclusion of other vastly more sensible options. Choosing another option would mean re-assessing the underlying logic of constantly surveilling a 99% vaccinated population of healthy young adults with these increasingly dubious tests, and gathering their private data so as to opine about the permissibility of their social activities. College administrators are totally committed  politically, professionally, metaphysically  to that logic. Theres also an entire financial infrastructure thats been erected to sustain the endless provision of nonsensical testing services. Ultimately, these officials cant or wont extricate themselves from the scolding surveillance paradigm  and why would they? That would entail the relinquishment of power.

Read more at: MTracey.Substack.com
(Natural News) The CBC reported that protestors against vaccines mandates are antisemitic because they make a comparison between todays Trudeaus authoritarian government to the Nazi regime. This after four years of declaring that former President Donald Trump was a Nazi, comparable to Hitler.

(Article by Libby Emmons republished from ThePostMillennial.com)

The article is purportedly about those Canadian citizens and business who are opposed to vaccine mandates. But instead of noting that these people have concerns about the state of their businesses and the government overreach, Rachel Bergen notes that Comparisons to the Nazi era are becoming a common sight at demonstrations against public health measures aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19. This, she notes, is seen as antisemitic.

Comparisons to the Nazi era are becoming a common sight at demonstrations against public health measures aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19. https://t.co/nkodvBBj9S  CBC News (@CBCNews) October 10, 2021

Bergen wrote that these comparative comments by anti-vaccine mandate protestors are representative of what seems to be a shared belief among a fringe of those vehemently opposed to COVID-19 restrictions: that vaccine mandates and passports and other rules to curb the spread of the coronavirus are similar to the ways the Nazis mistreated Jews and other ethnic groups.

She condemns the use of imagery from that time period in the protest effort to speak against vaccine mandates. The use of yellow stars, images of Anne Frank, and other symbols to make the comparative between one governments far-reaching segregation measures and another is seen as a form of hatred against Jews.

Bergen then digs into the pasts of some of the most vocal anti-vaccine mandate protestors and claims that they have been antisemitic for a long time, and this is just one more iteration of their bias.

But if comparing contemporary government leaders and policies is antisemitic, then the CBC must be antisemitic too, because for much of the Trump administration they compared the former American president to Hitler, and his policies to that of the Nazi regime.

In 2016, even prior to Trumps win of the general presidential election against Hillary Clinton, the CBCs Don Pittis ran a headline that read: Why we have to talk about Hitler when we discuss Trump and Sanders.

Pittis wrote that it remains useful to apply lessons from Europes interwar period to what is happening in the current US presidential election campaign. He noted that the comparisons abounded at the time, which they did, citing stories from USA Today and the Financial Times, and claiming that Trumps views on Islamic terrorism and immigration likened him to Nazis.

He made a direct comparison between what Germans wanted from their leaders as Trump voters wanted from theirs, saying Nazis wanted a return to the good times they had had before the war. They wanted jobs and good foot. They wanted their pride back. they wanted to make Germany great again.

And he pulled quotes from an expert at Oxford who said that economic hardship and political extremism went hand-in-hand. Pittis then advised Americans how to avoid what happened in Germany by continuing to honour their democratic institutions.

The CBC claimed that making a comparison between contemporary political matters and the Nazis is antisemitic, but it is something they have done themselves, on more than one occasion.

Anti-vaccine mandate protestors have made comparisons between the 20th centurys most notorious genocidal authoritarian regime. Politicians have made the comparisons, and been roundly denounced for it. However, the comparisons made between Hitler and Trump during the past four years have been seen as, as Pittis said, as not only reasonable but necessary.

Read more at: ThePostMillennial.com
(Natural News) Dont expect Big Pharma companies to stop developing new treatments for the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19). Not when they can turn a $17.74 manufacturing price into $712 selling price.

Mercks molnupiravir is the latest alleged answer to ending the pandemic and reports say it can cut hospitalizations and deaths of unvaccinated people infected with coronavirus by at least 50 percent. And unlike vaccines, molnupiravir can simply be taken at home for a five-day course of treatment.

But the government inexplicably signed a contract back in June that will pay Merck over $1.2 billion for 1.7 million courses of the medication  $712 per course. The transaction will take place after molnupiravir receives emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Big profits for Big Pharma

Molnupiravir is an antiviral drug originally developed by Emory University to treat horses infected with Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV). It has received a $10 million grant from the Department of Defense (DOD) and $19 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Emory University passed the patent of molnupiravir to Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, which then sold it to Merck.

A report from researchers with the Harvard School of Public Health has revealed that the manufacturing cost for molnupiravir is only around $17.74 for a five-day course of treatment. (Related: US government pays Merck $712 for 5-day molnupiravir course that only costs $17.74 to manufacture.)

Based on that price, 1.7 million courses will only be worth around $30 million.

The huge mark up is made possible by of a piece of legislation passed back in 1980, which allows universities to sell patents to inventions funded with federal money to non-profit organizations and small businesses, but not to major corporations.

To bypass this hurdle, small businesses like Ridgeback act as middlemen so profitable pharmaceuticals developed with tax dollars can easily be passed on to corporations like Merck.

Despite President Jimmy Carters objections, Senators Birch Bayh and Bob Dole passed the Patent and Trademark Law Amendments Act in 1980. It was initially shot down and was only passed during the lame duck session by being attached to must-pass legislation.

Bayh-Dole Act and March-in Authority

Now often referred to as the Bayh-Dole Act, it benefits industry and trade groups who are worried about a provision of the law called March-in Authority.

March-in allows the federal government to prevent patents from being passed around and sold at an exorbitant amount. The federal government can then take back the patent and assign it to other manufacturers.

Theres also the option to license it to third parties that will make the drug available at a reasonable cost.

In the last year of the Donald Trump administration, then-Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross stripped the March-in provision out of the Bayh-Dole Act so Big Pharma could charge the U.S. government as much as it wanted.

At the same time, Big Pharma companies are buying off members of Congress to encourage an end to March-in and to stop all efforts to regulate the cost of drugs or let Medicare negotiate prices.

Former President George W. Bush tried and failed to entirely privatize both Social Security and Medicare during his time. Now, the provision drains billions every month from the Medicare fund.

Big Pharma has been using drugs to make a profit off of hard-working Americans and to make Big Pharmas executives and shareholders even richer. Unless Americans make a stand, Big Pharma will continue to profit while the average workers will be forced to get vaccinated or take medication if they dont want to lose their job.

Visit BigPharmaNews.com to read more articles about how Big Pharma is cashing in on various cures.

Sources include:

GlobalResearch.ca

Reuters.com

Citizen.org
(Natural News) New data from Public Health England (PHE) shows that new cases of the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) are skyrocketing among middle-aged and elderly people who got vaccinated.

Instead of working to protect them against infection, Operation Warp Speed jabs are increasing the risk of infection among the fully vaccinated.

In the United Kingdom where the so-called Delta variant continues to spread like wildfire, according to the government, the mass vaccination push is making matters exponentially worse.

For the 60s age group, infection rates are 63% higher in the vaccinated than in the unvaccinated, up from 53% last week, giving an (unadjusted) vaccine effectiveness of minus-63%, reported the Daily Sceptic.

But that has been topped this week by the 40s age group, the vaccinated among whom now have an infection rate no less than 66% higher than the unvaccinated, up from 46% in last weeks report and 27% in the report for the month ending September 5th.

It turns out that vaccine effectiveness (VE) does not really exist for people over the age of 39. Every person 40 years of age and older who gets injected for the Fauci Flu has an increased risk of catching the Chinese Flu and having to be hospitalized for it.

The government still claims that younger people are being protected by the jabs, but there is no evidence to back this  just empty claims, as always.

With infection rates now, on this data, much higher in the vaccinated than the unvaccinated, what remaining justification can there be for vaccine passports, vaccine mandates, and any other policy based on the assumption that vaccines protect other people? asks the Daily Sceptic.

When will the Government face up to the reality that vaccines provide poor protection against infection, poor protection against transmission, and thus poor protection of others, and so there is no justification for continuing to build up the infrastructure of a two-tier, discriminatory state?

mRNA vaccine spike proteins destroy the heart and surrounding blood vessels

Also out of England came a study showing that Chinese Virus injections actively destroy blood vessels, causing heart attacks and cardiovascular damage.

The European Society of Cardiology Congress presented 26 pages of data complete with 56 footnotes showing that mRNA (messenger RNA) poisons produce spike proteins that bind to receptors in the small blood vessels that surround the heart.

Once bound, these spike proteins damage pericyte cells, potentially leading to blood clots and heart attacks. This would explain the rapid surge in heart problems among people who took the jabs.

Importantly, we show that the recombinant S protein alone elicits cellular signaling through the CD147 receptor in cardiac [cells], thereby inducing cell dysfunction and microvascular disruption in vitro, that paper explains.

All of this points to one simple conclusion: Getting injected for Chinese Germs is a great way to damage your body and possibly kill yourself. It might sound harsh, but it is the truth.

First signal of ADE kicking in? Time will tell, wrote one Daily Sceptic commenter, speculating as to this first wave of vaccine-induced illnesses spreading among older people.

Anecdotally and a very small sample, an unusually high number of people I know of that are double vaxed seem to be suffering unduly from a cold that is circulating. Those of us unvaxed had a couple of sniffles, felt under the weather and bounced back.

Cross-immunity disease enhancement for other coronaviruses? wrote another.

If this is the case then the vaccinated are going to get rather ill with what would otherwise be minor colds until their protective immunity wanes sufficiently (or perhaps longer, because recent research has shown that enhancing antibodies appear to last longer than protective antibodies).

The latest news about the failure of Wuhan Flu shots to provide protection against infection can be found at ChemicalViolence.com.

Sources for this article include:

DailySceptic.org

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Another bombshell has been dredged up from the email archives of Tony Fauci, whom we now know funneled American taxpayer dollars to the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) via the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The National Pulse found that Fauci gave cash to the Chinese lab to help train employees in how to handle the many coronaviruses that have been tampered with at the facility over the years, including the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19).

The Galveston National Laboratory (GNL), which describes itself as constructed under grants awarded by [Faucis] National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), partnered up with the Chinese Communist Party-run institute to bring the Fauci Flu and other scamdemic viruses into existence.

A 2017 email exchange between Fauci and GNL exposes director James LeDuc confirming the existence of his Fauci-funded labs partnership with the WIV, which was Chinas only known level-four biosafety lab at the time.

In brief, the e-mail shows Faucis funding of GNL via NIAID was going directly towards training Chinese BSL4 staff, The National Pulse reported.

On Oct. 31, 2017, LeDuc sent an email to Fauci with the subject line China BSL4 labs that reminded him about how the two had previously conversed regarding collaborations with the new Chinese [biosafety level 4] labs.

One of the labs referenced by LeDuc was the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Wuhan BSL4), along with two others, the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (Kunming BSL4) and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (Harbin BSL4).

Each of these labs has been constructed and they are about to begin operations, LeDuc added, revealing that there are, in fact, multiple level-four biosafety labs in China now.

The directors of each of these 3 new labs have agreed to come to Galveston, as has George Gao (if his schedule permits) and about 6-8 other accomplishes [sic] Chinese scientists.

With money from Fauci, LeDuc taught Chinese researchers practices in safety and security

LeDuc went on to invite Fauci to come join the party. After all, Fauci funded it, so it was only natural for LeDuc to ask Fauci if he wanted to see the product of his treason.

The meeting will focus on a balance of science and operations with the goal of building collaborations and ensuring that the new labs are exposed to U.S. best practices in safety and security, the email went on to state.

Im wondering if you would be interested in joining us.

LeDuc further revealed that certain important leaders of China would be attending, which made it a good opportunity for Fauci to meet and interact with them.

We expect about 10-12 senior Chinese and a comparable number of senior U.S. scientists from outside UTMB, plus several UTMB folks, the email went on to state.

I will be hosting a dinner at our home on Tuesday evening to facilitate informal discussions. Let me know if youre interested and we can work to accommodate your schedule  again, no pressure. Happy to chat if you like.

Fauci proceeded to forward that email to another contact called NIAID OD AM, the body of which read Let us discuss.

The following day, Fauci responded directly to LeDuc thanking him for the invitation but declining due to scheduling conflicts. At no point did Fauci express any concern whatsoever about the program.

UNCs Ralph Baric visited Fauci-funded Chinese lab containing worlds most dangerous pathogens

It was later revealed from the presentations that took place at the Texas-based lab event that researchers were being cross-trained to handle the worlds most dangerous pathogens at the WIV. One of these researchers was Ralph Baric from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, who visited the China-based lab personally.

Baric, as we have been reporting, is a strong proponent of gain-of-function research, which Fauci was illegally funding with American taxpayer dollars. Even though the technique is extremely dangerous, Baric has called it a crucial tool for whatever it is that he and his ilk are trying to do.

Gain-of-function research, in case you missed it, involves tampering with deadly pathogens in such a way as to make them transmissible between species. One example is SARS-CoV-2, which was genetically engineered (GMO) to make it infectious in humans as well as bats.

Baric was also connected to Chinese coronavirus researcher Shi bat woman Zhengli, who we now know carried out the deadly research that brought SARS-CoV-2 into existence.

Fauci continues to deny any involvement in the program, even though these and other emails, as well as hordes of other evidence, incriminate him as one of the ringleaders who made it all happen  with American taxpayer dollars.

Fraudski is a serial killer, one Natural News commenter wrote. He is one of the poorest excuses for a human being that Ive ever seen.

The latest revelations from the Fauci emails can be found at Pandemic.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheNationalPulse.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) The Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has negatively impacted the lives of millions of Americans. Being forced to get vaccinated is the last thing anyone needs in these trying times.

Yet, President Joe Biden keeps pushing a vaccine mandate that doesnt actually exist. Whatever Biden says, American citizens should be free to decide if they want to get vaccinated or not without fearing that they will lose their jobs.

You are free to say no to getting vaccinated

In an article published by the Global Research, Paul Craig Roberts writes that Biden cannot issue laws or edicts like a vaccine mandate.

Orders like this from the White House would be struck down by federal courts. Congress is the source of law and even if it passes a vaccine mandate signed by Biden, if the courts follow the Constitution the law would be struck down.

Roberts emphasizes that any mandate or law that violates informed consent is a violation of the Nuremberg laws. The same laws were used to execute members of the National Socialist German Workers Party after World War II for violating informed consent while conducting their horrendous medical experiments.

Bidens mandate is just a press release statement used to convince private employers to do what he is unable to do as president: Issue vaccine mandates to employees. Theres also the fact that private employers have no legislative power and no legal authority to violate the Nuremberg laws.

The presidents vaccine mandate is just another hoax supported by mainstream media to convince the public that it must be obeyed at all costs.

When your employer tells you, whether you are a nurse or a software engineer or Walmart cashier, that you must accept what is without doubt a dangerous injection or be fired, sue him when he fires you, Roberts writes.

Note that all fired employees can join a master civil lawsuit that can possibly bankrupt money-hungry employers who are breaking U.S. and international laws. (Related: Hundreds of healthcare workers in Virginia have been fired or suspended over COVID-19 vaccine mandates.)

If employers go ahead and fire workers who simply wish not to get vaccinated, businesses will be in trouble. If the federal courts abandon the Constitution, U.S. law, international law and the people they serve, theres no telling what will happen.

Vaccine injuries are rarely reported

According to Deborah Conrad, a physicians assistant (PA), the majority of coronavirus vaccine-related injuries are not being reported.

Conrad says she is seeing more hospital patients who have been vaccinated against coronavirus but are testing positive for COVID-19. Most of these patients have pneumonia and sepsis.

Following the coronavirus vaccine rollout, the PA have also noticed a significant increase in the following health complaints:

Appendicitis

Blood clots

Gastrointestinal complaints and bleeding

Heart attacks

Pancreatitis

Recurrent cancers

Strokes

Conrad has 17 years of experience as PA, but its alarming that she doesnt know anything about the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) before the vaccination campaign.

The same can also be said for some health care providers. They dont know how to identify potential vaccine injuries or how to report them. Most shocking of all, many of them have no idea that they have a legal requirement to report all emergency use vaccine injuries to VAERS.

While adverse reactions to conventional vaccines are only voluntarily reported to VAERS, its a requirement for any issues with vaccines under emergency use authorization (EUA).

The law states that injuries caused by a vaccine under EUA need to be reported to VAERS. But Conrad and many others like her have not received any training on how to do so.

Go to Pandemic.news to learn more about oppressive mandates and how you can fight back.

Sources include:

GlobalResearch.ca

LewRockwell.com
(Natural News) An official in the Indian union territory of Delhi has warned of a power crisis in the countrys capital spurred by coal shortages. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal issued the warning on Oct. 9 alongside a letter addressed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The coal shortages have forced electric companies in neighboring areas to shut off power supplies in order to save on fuel.

Kejriwal has posted his warning on Twitter, accompanied by his letter to Modi. His tweet says: Delhi could face a power crisis. I am personally keeping a close watch over the situation. We are trying our best to avoid it. [Meanwhile], I wrote a letter to [the prime minister] seeking his personal intervention.

The letter cites existing regulations in place that mandate coal-powered plants to maintain a coal stock good for 10 days and 20 days. However, the five stations mentioned have dangerously low coal supplies. One power station only has enough coal for four days, three power stations only have enough for one, while one station has no coal at all.

If this situation continues unabated, it would severely impact the power supply situation in Delhi, Kejriwal writes.

The chief minister proposes that coal from other power plants be diverted to power stations that supply electricity to the capital. He also proposes that adequate quantities of natural gas be directed to plants in order to maintain uninterrupted power. Kejriwal notes that a consistent power supply is needed  most especially by hospitals, health care centers and vaccine storage facilities.

According to state-owned electric grid company Power System Operation Corporation (POSOCO), coal supplies for more than 50 percent of Indias 135 coal-fired power plants will run out in less than three days. Coal-fired power plants are responsible for roughly 70 percent of Indias electricity supply. (Related: India facing massive, widespread power outages as worldwide shortage of coal takes plants offline.)

Power outages hit other parts of India

Delhi is not the only area that has succumbed to electricity supply disruptions due to coal shortages. Other states in India have also suffered from power cuts and are set to experience more, Reuters reports. Despite the Indian governments assurances that there is sufficient electricity supply, residents say this is not the case.

Based on POSOCO figures, the eastern states of Jharkhand and Bihar and the western state of Rajasthan are the most affected by the power cuts. The industrial states of Gujarat and Haryana, Rajasthans industrial neighbors, have also faced more shortages than average. POSOCO data also shows that some parts of Uttar Pradesh state in the north have also experienced more power shortages.

The power outages also impact southern India, with the state of Kerala imposing limitations on the use of appliances. A senior official in Keralas electricity board has asked citizens to restrict use of electrical appliances such as grinders and dryers after sunset.

Electronics store manager Prashant Raj attests to the power disruptions. Raj, whose store is located in Bihars Madhubani district, says: For the last several days, we havent had power for [seven to eight] hours a day.

Meanwhile, 52-year-old Vaishali Master tells Reuters that the power outages in Aleesar, located more than 50 kilometers from the state capital of Jaipur, have lasted between 12 to 14 hours for a period of four days.

Industrialist V. K. Agarwal says the power disruptions in his home city of Lucknow, Uttar Pradeshs capital city, have worsened over time. We witnessed more than four disruptions, which lasted two to five minutes. In any industry, the disruptions cause more loss than the longer power cuts, he adds.

Given the situation, metals industry lobby group Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI) has warned of plant closures and job losses if the coal shortage continues. In a letter to the Indian Ministry of Coal, FIMI Secretary General R. K. Sharma writes: The current acute coal shortage due to various factors has created an immensely precarious situation for coal consumers  mainly the aluminum and steel industries.

Sharma also notes in his letter that power plants are running at critically low coal stocks, forcing them to operate at a much-reduced capacity. He adds: The industries are almost at a standstill and are left with no time to devise any mitigation plan to sustain operations. (Related: Lebanon plunged into darkness, India faces rolling blackouts, NYC pharmacy shelves BARE as global collapse accelerates, leading to rolling blackouts across the USA.)

Electricity.news has more articles about the power cuts in India caused by coal shortages.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

Twitter.com

Reuters.com

TheOutreach.in
(Natural News) In a laudable display of unrelenting fortitude and conviction, North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is standing firm in defense of controversial statements he recently made concerning how public school children should not be learning about homosexuality, transgenderism and other such filth in the classroom.

For those who missed it, Robinson appeared at Asbury Baptist Church in Seagrove, N.C., back in June where he preached about the evil that is being taught in Americas public schools. Our countrys youth are being indoctrinated into accepting LGBTQ perversion as normal, he suggested, and such content simply should not be part of childrens school curriculum.

There is no reason anybody anywhere in America should be telling any child about transgenderism, homosexuality, and of that filth, Robinson said in the sermon.

And yes, I called it filth and if you dont like that I called it filth come see me and Ill explain it to you. Its time to stop letting these children be abused at these schools and its not going to happen until the people of God stand up and demand different.

After video of the sermon circulated, Robinson was viciously attacked, he says, by the media and leftist politicians. Robinson was accused of being an intolerant bigot, and many are now demanding that he step down from his position in government and walk away in shame.

Robinson has indicated that he will do no such thing, however. He recently recorded a video update in which he reiterated that he will not be resigning, nor will he allow himself to be bullied by the immoral left into changing his rhetoric about this important issue.

Robinson believes wholeheartedly that children should be learning to read, write, and do arithmetic at school, not how to have anal sex and engage in pedophilia, or how to hate people with fair skin.

For several days now, I have been viciously attacked, Robinson states in the video. The idea that our children should be taught about concepts of transgenderism and being exposed to sexually explicit materials in the classroom is abhorrent.

Children do not need to be sexually perverted at public school

Sen. Jeff Jackson, a North Carolina Democrat, is livid about Robinsons remarks, calling them open discrimination and completely unacceptable. Jackson is now calling on Robinson to resign.

Robinson responded to Jackson with claims that his comments aim to boost his losing campaign for Senate, as Jackson is currently running. He also reiterated that he does not plan to resign and will continue to fight for the rights of our children to receive an education that is free from sexual concepts that do not belong in the classroom.

Many on the right are proud of Robinson for speaking out about this issue. School is supposed to be a place where children learn and get an education, not where they go to learn about sex positions and how to cut off their genitals to be their true selves.

Finally, an honest and forthright man saying what a great many of us think and not backing down, wrote one commenter at Citizen Free Press. Go to it Mr. Robinson.

What kind of degenerates want children exposed to this porn? asked another, referring to the pornographic imagery in public schools that Robinson showed in his update video.

I dont even want children viewing explicit sexual pictures involving heterosexual acts. I am so glad this man is taking a stand for the kids! No wonder so many are confused. Its like they are being primed for pedophilia. All of it needs to stop.

More related news about the Cult of LGBTQ and its agenda to pollute and destroy the next generation can be found at Evil.news.

Sources for this article include:

CitizenFreePress.com

TheHill.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Because Texas is governed by rational people who are patriots and revere the Constitution, there are as few COVID-19 mandates as possible in the Lone Star State.

In fact, GOP Gov. Greg Abbott has spent the past several months imposing bans on certain coronavirus restrictions because he believes Texans should have maximum freedom to make their own decisions.

Most recently, Abbott signed an executive order banning companies from imposing a coronavirus vaccine mandate on their employees, according to American Wire:

According to the order, Abbott has barred businesses and groups in the Lone Star State from requiring proof of vaccination from anyone who has objected to getting the jab for any reason of personal conscience. The order also notes it is subject to legislative action.

Abbott noted that he has issued a series of executive orders aimed at protecting the health and safety of Texans, ensuring uniformity throughout Texas, while attempting to achieve the least restrictive means of combatting the evolving threat to public health throughout the pandemic.

No entity in Texas can compel receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine by any individual, including an employee or a consumer, who objects to such vaccination for any reason of personal conscience, based on a religious belief, or for medical reasons, including prior recovery from COVID-19, the order states.

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and our best defense against the virus, but should remain voluntary and never forced, the governor said in a statement.

But the order is going to be ignored by Dallas-based Southwest Airlines, which, in recent days, experienced a major sick-out of pilots who are opposed to the vaccine, forcing the carrier to cancel nearly 2,000 flights over the weekend. The companys CEO, Gary Kelly, told CNBC this week he plans to comply with an executive order issued by Joe Biden last month mandating all federal employees and federal contractors, which includes airlines, be vaccinated or risk losing their jobs.

Ive never been in favor of corporations imposing that kind of a mandate. Im not in favor of that. Never have been, Kelly told Squawk on the Street. But the executive order from President Biden mandates that all federal employees and then all federal contractors, which covers all the major airlines, have to have a [vaccine] mandate  in place by December the 8th, so were working through that, he added.

But is the order even real?

In a piece for The Federalist, executive editor Joy Pullmann wrote this week that, so far, there has been no behind-the-scenes regulatory movement, indicating that there isnt an actual order yet or even one that is forthcoming, American Wire reported.

So far, all we have is his press conference and other such made-for-media huff-puffing. No such rule even claiming to be legally binding has been issued yet, she wrote.

Thats why nearly two dozen Republican attorneys general who have publicly voiced their opposition to the clearly unconstitutional and illegal mandate havent yet filed suit against it, she added.

There is no mandate to haul into court. And that may be part of the plan, Pullmann continued, intimating that the Biden regime never had any intentions of forcing private businesses to require their employees to be vaccinated or face massive fines because it is a loser in federal court.

And yet, it may actually exist for airlines and federal employees because Biden, as head of the executive branch, does not need a rule crafted by a federal agency to effect an executive order.

Either way, it is looking like there is going to be a major legal battle in Texas to figure this one out. And frankly, were pulling for the Lone Star State.

Sources include:

AmericanWireNews.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Texas Governor Greg Abbott has banned any entity from trying to impose a vaccine mandate in the state, totally defying President Joe Bidens vaccine mandates. Abbott says that the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine should always remain voluntary and never forced.

His office has also announced that no entity in Texas can compel receipt of a COVID-19 vaccination by any individual, including an employee or consumer, who objects to such vaccination for any reason of personal conscience, based on a religious belief, or for medical reasons, including prior recovery from COVID-19.

Abbott has added the issue of banning vaccine mandates to the agenda of the next special session of the state legislature. The Republican governor notes that the order will be rescinded once legislation is passed. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective and our best defense against the virus, but should remain voluntary and never forced, he says.

This statement directly opposes the announcement by Biden in September that any company with over 100 employees will be subject to a vaccine mandate. However, it is not yet clear when the Department of Labors Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rule will be implemented.

Earlier this year, Abbott also lifted the requirement to wear masks in the state and signed an executive order in August against mandatory vaccinations for people who work in government agencies, including public schools and universities. (Related: Texas prohibits businesses from requiring vaccine passports.)

Texas courts are currently dealing with multiple challenges regarding the lifting of requirements to wear face masks. Multiple school districts have defied Abbotts previous ban on mask mandates, and the state have filed lawsuits against the said districts.

Abbott previously tested positive for the coronavirus in August despite being fully vaccinated

This latest vaccination order comes as Abbott faces pressure from two rival candidates in the Republican primary: former state Sen. Don Huffines and former Florida Rep. Allen West. Both competitors are strongly against mandatory vaccinations.

In a jab against Abbott, Huffines says: Mr. Abbott knows which way the wind is blowing. He knows conservative Republican voters are tired of the vaccine mandates and tired of him being a failed leader.

Large Texas-based businesses come under spotlight

Many large businesses based in Texas have come under the spotlight due to the vaccine issue. Because they are stuck between following federal guidance and the state executive order, many representatives for high-profile businesses in the state say that they feel federal laws, as well as employees and customers safety, supersede Abbotts rule.

Dell, which is based in Round Rock, Texas, required employees to be vaccinated or submit to weekly testing so they can work in the office. Employees or contractors who challenge the policy will have the option to work remotely, depending on their role in the company.

Fort Worth-based American Airlines has told its 100,000 staff members that they will be fired if they are unable to provide proof of full vaccination by Nov. 24. The same goes with Dallas-headquartered Southwest Airlines, which states that federal action supersedes state mandate or law.

Facebook and Google, which have large business presence in the state, have also told employees that they will need proof of vaccination to return to the office.

Texas has seen a decrease in new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, but the rising death toll from a recent outbreak caused by the delta variant has pushed the states COVID-19 death count to about 67,000.

Debates regarding mandatory vaccination has become a polarizing issue in the U.S., with some saying it is necessary to tackle a pandemic and others saying such mandate is unconstitutional.

Get more updates about how the government is handling the COVID-19 pandemic at Pandemic.news.

Sources include:

InfoWars.com

CBSNews.com

Twitter.com

NewsDeal.in

CBC.ca
China's environment minister announced on Wednesday over 100 countries have signed the Kunming Declaration to "mainstream" biodiversity protection in decision-making.

The 2-phase convention just completed its first part of the ongoing virtual 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention.

By signing of the "Kunming Declaration", the countries have pledged and adopted to committing themselves to protecting the nature and recognizing the problem at large, to be able to "live in harmony with nature".

The UN-led deal is part of growing efforts of more than 100 countries to give importance to conservation and protecting human health.

Mr. Huang Runqiu told the UN Biodiversity Conference in Kunming its main purpose which is to "reflect the political will of all parties and send a strong message to the international community about our strong determination and consensus in the field of biodiversity."

An 'urgent and integrated action'

In addition to the declaration's goals is to "to transform all sectors of the global economy." The convention focused on the "ongoing loss of biodiversity that jeopardizes achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and other international goals and targets."

Among other things, the Ministers and other heads of delegations wishes to "acknowledge with grave concern" the unprecedented and interrelated crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, and let our planet prosper.

The action starts with recognizing the many underlying drivers, hence the need for urgent and integrated action from countries around the world for "for transformative change, across all sectors of the economy and all parts of society, through policy coherence at all levels of government, and the realization of synergies at national level across relevant Conventions and multilateral organizations, to shape a future path for nature and people, where biodiversity is conserved and used sustainably, and the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources are shared fairly and equitably, as an integral part of sustainable development."

Also read: World Leaders Warn Collapse of Ecosystems if Destruction of Nature Continues

Decide on a new post-2020 biodiversity framework

Part of the agenda of the meeting was to discuss the post-2020 biodiversity framework, "which will serve as a blueprint for future biodiversity conservation efforts."

The COP15 summit's ambitious plan is to address the problem that is extinction of one million species around the globe. This includes "step up actions to reduce the negative effects of human activities on the ocean to protect marine and coastal biodiversity and strengthen the resilience of marine and coastal ecosystems to climate change."

On Tuesday, China pledged $230m (168m) to establish a fund to protect biodiversity in developing countries.

This pact has finally come to life after multiple warnings from scientists of the world's climate crisis and how biodiversity protection must both be tackled and reversed.

More importantly, this sends a message to further communicate to the public and spread awareness, supporting changes in behavior towards the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Also read: Experts Warn Ominous Threat of Flu Season to Happen this Year, But is US Ready?
Hundreds of inhabitants on the Spanish island of La Palma awoke Wednesday, fearful for their homes and belongings, after a new torrent of magma from an erupting volcano threatened to swallow another community on its route to the Atlantic Ocean.

The island officials ordered the evacuation of around 800 residents from the coastal village of Los Llanos de Aridane, when the lava changed direction and put their homes in danger of being destroyed.

Volcanic Eruptions' Collateral Damage

After a breach in the Cumbre Vieja volcano emerged on September 19, lava poured down the mountain and across communities, spraying lava and ash into the air. Over 6,000 people were evacuated from the region because their houses and farmland were directly in the route of the volcano's first lava stream.

Before reaching the sea 10 days (about 1 and a half weeks) later, the red-hot liquid rock obliterated everything in its path, including deserted communities, schools, and hundreds of houses.

In the three weeks that followed, no further large evacuations were required. However, volcanologists advising authorities discovered on Tuesday that a fresh lava flow had split off to the north of the main river of molten rock and was moving toward a populated region outside of the evacuation zone.

The residents of the La Laguna area only had a few hours to grab their most valuable possessions and flee. Volunteers assisted employees at a nearby school in salvaging instructional materials, while others moved furniture into vehicles and trucks. Individual families who asked to return to the exclusion zone to recover more items were escorted by authorities on Wednesday.

The largest of the magma flows is believed to be 1.5 km (.9 miles) broad at its widest point, while the delta of new land being produced where lava is pouring into the Atlantic has reached a surface area of 34 hectares, according to government scientists (84 acres).

Parts of the delta might break off if it continues to spread outwards into the sea, according to the government's scientific advisory council. According to committee spokesperson Jose Mara Blanco, this would result in explosions, gas releases, and huge waves, but should not pose a threat to anyone beyond the no-go zone.

Over 1,400 buildings, including homes, farms, and other structures, have been devastated by lava, which has covered 656 hectares (1,621 acres (about twice the area of Central Park in New York City)), including 90 hectares (more than 200 acres (about the total floor space of the Pentagon)) dedicated to the cultivation of plantains. There have been no casualties.

The Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will visit the island for the fourth time since the eruption.

Also read: China's Moon Rocks Prove Existence of Lava Flowing on the Moon's Surface 1.97 billion Years Ago

La Palma: Tourist Attraction





La Palma is part of Spain's Canary Islands, an Atlantic Ocean Island off the coast of northwest Africa where tourism and the production of the Canary plantain are the main sources of income.

The tourism business in the Canary Islands had already been impacted severely by the pandemic, and officials urged visitors not to stay away any longer.

The most recent eruption of La Palma, which occurred 50 years ago, lasted little over three weeks. In 2011, an undersea eruption off the shore of El Hierro island lasted five months, making it the most recent eruption in the Canary Islands.

Also read: Operation Ocean Cleanup Just Scooped Massive Pile of Garbage in Great Pacific
According to a recent study, carbon emissions are rebounding strongly and growing in the world's 20 wealthiest countries.

Climate Transparency Report

According to the Climate Transparency Report, CO2 levels would rise by 4% throughout the G20 this year, after falling by 6% in 2020 owing to the pandemic.

China, India, and Argentina are on track to surpass their emissions targets for 2019.

The ongoing use of fossil fuels, according to scientists, is weakening attempts to keep temperatures under check.

With only two weeks until the crucial COP26 climate meeting in Glasgow, negotiators have a daunting challenge.

Related Article: Using Electricity to Power Houses and Vehicles Can Help Save Thousands of Dollars Per Year



COP26

One of the gathering's main objectives is to maintain the crucial 1.5C temperature threshold alive and well.

Limiting future incremental rises is exceedingly tricky given that the planet is already approximately 1.1C warmer than pre-industrial times.

If Glasgow succeeds on this issue, the nations that produce the most carbon will need to implement aggressive policies.

According to the data in this new research, it isn't occurring quickly enough.

Global Emission Rates

The G20 accounts for around 75% of global emissions, which decreased considerably last year when businesses shut down due to Covid-19.

However, fossil fuels, particularly coal, are driving this year's rebound.

Coal consumption is expected to grow by 5% this year throughout the G20, according to a report prepared by 16 research organizations and environmental advocacy groups.

This is primarily due to China, which accounts for about 60% of the growth, although rises in coal are also occurring in the United States and India.

Related Article: Scientists Uses AI to Understand How Disastrous Climate Change Really is



Economies Recovering

As the global economy has recovered, China's need for energy has grown, resulting in a boom in coal consumption.

Coal prices are over 200 percent higher than they were a year ago.

As a result, power outages have occurred as coal-fired power facilities have become uneconomical to operate in recent months.

Policy Shift

This week, the Chinese government announced a policy shift that would allow these power facilities to charge market rates for their electricity, which is expected to boost coal use even further this year.

In 2015-2020, the Climate Transparency Report revealed that gas use increased by 12% throughout the G20.

While political leaders have pledged that the global recovery from Covid will be environmentally friendly, rich countries' financial pledges do not support this.

Only $300 billion of the $1.8 trillion set for recovery expenditure will be spent on green initiatives.

To put that sum in context, it comes close to matching the $298 billion spent by G20 countries on fossil fuel subsidies in the year leading up to August 2021.

Encouraging Trends

The research also highlights some encouraging trends, such as solar and wind energy rise in developed nations, with record levels of new capacity added throughout the G20 last year.

Renewables currently account for about 12% of total electricity generation, increasing from 10% in 2020.

Politically, the G20 group has made tremendous headway, with the majority recognizing that net-zero objectives are required by the middle of this century.

Before the Glasgow meeting, all group members have agreed to put new 2030 carbon policies on the table.

.
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A clearer picture of the impact of the COVID vaccine mandate for executive branch state employees was provided Thursday when officials said 14 people  in addition to the 28 who were fired last week  have been placed on unpaid leave for failing to comply with the order.

While state officials had previously offered a definitive number of terminations  28 employees still within their six-month probation period  it was not immediately clear how many people had been suspended when the action started Tuesday.

On Thursday, Chief Operating Officer Josh Geballes office said 14 employees had been suspended, but that number was subject to change. It appears from this number the state had closed the gap on those who were not in compliance, which had numbered in the thousands ahead of deadlines.

The suspensions come as the state continues to see slightly metrics that are slightly higher than pandemic lows. The state reported on Thursday a positivity rate of 2.23 percent. Hospitalizations dropped a net of one patient for a total of 244. An additional 40 deaths were reported in the past week for a pandemic total of 8,707.

While Gov. Ned Lamont issued the mandate for state employees on Aug. 19, giving them 39 days to get vaccinated. However, the initial deadline for action against non-compliant employees was pushed back so state officials could better gauge the amount of people affected.

Ahead of the deadlines, Lamont had warned the heads of state agencies to prepare for staff shortages and asked the Connecticut National Guard to be prepared to help if needed to fill core roles.

However, the terminations and suspensions in the past week have amounted to a small fraction of the 31,000 employees working for the states executive branch.

Those people suspended can remain on unpaid leave with their job held for 45 days, according to an agreement between the governors office and the state employees unions.

The agreement also clarified that along with free testing sites, the states health plan will cover the cost of testing and employees can use sick time, comp time and other paid time off to get tested.

While the mandate from Lamont does not impact all state employees, those working in higher education and in the states judicial branch have faced similar vaccine mandates.

Lamont has not issued overly broad vaccine mandates, opting instead for those impacting certain public and private employees. Along with employees of the states executive branch, Lamont has required vaccinations for workers at long-term health care facilities, along with teachers and staff at schools.

In recent weeks, the states vaccination rate has continued to rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 80 percent of all eligible residents are fully vaccinated.

The mandates were first issued amid a spike in cases brought on by the highly transmissible delta variant. But the metrics, including new cases and hospitalizations, plateaued and remain above pandemic lows seen in June.

Weekly new doses of the vaccine have also increased, in part because of the roll out of Pfizer-BioNTech booster shots for eligible individuals.

On Thursday, a Food and Drug Administration panel endorsed the use of Moderna vaccine boosters in a dose half the size of the original two shots. Regulators are not bound to the recommendation, but have followed it in the past. Its unclear when the booster may get final approval.

Like with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the booster is recommended for people age 65 and older.
3 1 of 3 Grace Duffield / Heart Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Grace Duffield / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 3 of 3





A child happy to be going back to school, an astronaut and an homage to the play Hamilton are all scarecrows that are decorating the lampposts on Elm Street this fall.

As many as 96 families, busineses and nonprofit organizations have donated to the Young Womens League Giving Fund to liven up the village, according to Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce Laura Budd. The creativity was bolstered with the help of the kits donated by Weed Duryea hardware store, she said.
New Castle, PA (16103)

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Norwich Christian charity appeals for housing Norwich Christian charity appeals for housing

Hebron Trust, a local charity that supports women through addiction, is looking for a move-on property to house their clients as they move on ready for a new start.



Hebron helps women to rehabilitate from drug and alcohol dependency and the life-dominating problems that serious substance misuse can cause. Suitable move on accommodation is a vital stage of a person's recovery as it provides a bridge to 'normal' living in the community. Hebron is appealing to any churches or individuals who have a 2 or 3 bed property they could rent to the charity as an official move-on property so they can continue to provide aftercare to the women once they leave Hebron House.



This arrangement is already working well at Chapel House, a property owned by Norwich Central Baptist Church which is leased to Hebron Trust. Women who graduate from Hebron and want to relocate can live for up to two years at Chapel House. Aftercare Support Worker Lou Henman said, "Accommodation at Chapel House is ideal because it is a safe environment to move into and we can continue providing support as the women gain more independence and learn to live in the community. This house is currently full, and will be for the foreseeable future. We currently have two women who will graduate in December, who want to remain in Norwich, but we cannot find them any supported living in the area. We are looking at them privately renting, however this is not easy or ideal."



Lou describes A's experience at Hebron and subsequently Chapel House as an illustration of how important the move-on stage is.

"A spent nine months in rehab at Hebron House. Before this she had spent years in addiction to drugs and alcohol and suffered with severe mental health issues and trauma. As she neared the completion of her programme, we considered her options together with A. It was important to A to be in shared accommodation with females only due to past trauma. We secured additional support for A through Norfolk County Council of 3 hours per week to support her mental health. This extra support, plus a commitment from A to work with her support worker and take responsibility for her mental health meant that we agreed she would start a phased move to Chapel House.



"The last two weeks of rehab A would spend two nights at Chapel House the first week and three nights the second week, returning to Hebron for groups and counselling as normal before she finally moved out. Prior to moving on from Hebron we helped her access voluntary work, she was so nervous about the interview she asked me to go with her. She has thrived in her voluntary work and loves it so much she has increased her days to three a week.



A has been at Chapel House for two years and has managed her mental health well with the wrap around support provided. She has recently been discharged from the Community Mental Health Team. She feels ready to move onto independent living in her own tenancy. We have registered her with Norwich City Council Home Options, she is bidding on properties now and we hope she will be housed within the next few months.



She is two years clean and much stronger in her recovery and with her mental health and, although apprehensive, is looking forward to having her own home."



If anybody in the Christian community in Norwich have 2-3 bed properties which they would be willing to either rent out to the women, or rent out to Hebron Trust to use as another move on house please contact Emma Pawsey on emma.pawsey@hebrontrust.org.uk or 01603 439905


Play portrays missionary imprisoned with ISIS Play portrays missionary imprisoned with ISIS

St Stephens Church in Norwich will be hosting a production by Artless Theatre Company called 'If Prison Walls Could Speak'.

The production is based on the book Imprisoned with ISIS by Petr Jasek, a Czech missionary who was imprisoned for 14 months in Sudan with members of ISIS.



The production takes its title from Richard Wurmbrands book detailing some of his experiences when he was imprisoned and tortured for his faith in the 1960s in communist Rumania. After his release Pastor Wurmbrand founded Christian Mission to the Communist World, now Release International, and it is with Release that Artless is working to bring this production to as many venues as possible.



Chris Poch, one of the founders of Artless, was profoundly influenced by Tortured for Christ, as was Petr Jasek. Chris and co-founder Jon Maltz have put on a number of non-mainstream productions with Artless; they say their aim is to be both entertaining and challenging and to show that those who are persecuted for their faith are not mere victims. And they want us to be challenged by the fact that these are our brothers and sisters in the faith and that we can draw much closer to them through prayer and by being exposed to something of what they are experiencing.



Although the production will feature just one actor on stage, representing Petr, we can also be transported through multimedia to other characters in the story including Petrs wife, as well as being drawn into something of what Petr is experiencing.



The date is Friday 29 October, and the production starts at 7pm. It is appropriate both for those who believe and those who dont.



The cost is 5, which is payable on the door. Please book in advance on www.ststephensnorwich.org/if-prison-walls-could-speak



Image above from Artless Theatre





Eldred Willey, 14/10/2021
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The nations largest retail used car chain is looking to hire 3,700 workers nationwide by the end of the year.

Richmond, Va.-based CarMax wants to fill existing positions as well as expand its workforce by hiring customer service and e-commerce workers, according to the company. CarMax employs 27,000 workers nationwide and has more than 220 stores, including Connecticut locations in East Haven, Waterbury and Hartford.

CarMax is looking to hire 19 workers in Connecticut. Company spokeswoman Lindsey Duke, said the majority of the positions for which the company will be looking to hire between now and year-end are auto technicians and roles in service operations, such as detailers and inventory and supply associates.

 CarMax is also hiring for fleet drivers in the Hartford area and offering a $2,000 signing bonus, Duke said.

About used car demand, Duke said, CarMax is the nations largest buyer and seller of used cars and reported record sales its last two fiscal quarters.

Diane Cafritz, chief human resources officer and senior vice president at CarMax, said in a statement, Were looking for candidates who will help us deliver the most customer-centric experience in the industry.

CarMax has a people-first culture and we are steadfast in investing in our associates and providing training opportunities to support their growth and help them build great careers, she said,

CarMax employee benefits that include:

Discounts on car purchases, which can save employees up to $3,000 and is available to be used by family members.

Immediate eligibility for a 401(k) plan with a 6 percent company match for employee contributions.

Wellness benefits such as gym discounts.

The company is seeking to hire more than 1,400 auto technicians and service workers. CarMax offers reimbursement programs for Automotive Service Excellence certification training, and free or discounted tools.

CarMax also is looking to hire more than 700 customer service workers, including managers. These workers deal directly with customers online and over the phone to provide support during the car-buying process.

CarMax is looking to hire more than 900 workers to serves as sales and business office workers at its retail locations. The chain also is hiring more than 15 digital technology, product and data science workers, including software engineers and architects, technology managers and analysts.

luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.com
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.
One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021
There has been a considerable amount of controversy surrounding whether pregnant women with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are at a higher risk for poor outcomes for themselves and their babies. A recent study suggests the answer depends on the presence of symptoms at near term.

Most pregnancy and delivery outcomes were similar between COVID-19-positive and -negative parturients.

Study: Does The Presence Of Symptoms Affect Pregnancy Outcomes In Third Trimester In Women With SARS-CoV-2. Image Credit: MilanMarkovic78 / Shutterstock.com

Background

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has infected over 239 million people worldwide and caused the deaths of over 4.8 million. Early on in the pandemic, pregnancy was deemed a high-risk condition for COVID-19, with public health officials recommending these individuals to shelter in isolation.

Pregnancy is associated with a higher than usual toll due to respiratory illness. This is due to the nature of the peculiar physiology of pregnancy, with marked alterations in the immune system, coagulation, and activity of the heart and lungs.

Respiratory viruses may therefore cause severe illness in pregnancy, which impacts the fetus as well. Some earlier studies have found that COVID-19 may increase the risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, the need for invasive ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and death.

Other studies have shown that preterm delivery and Cesarean section rates are increased with COVID-19 in pregnancy. However, there is little direct evidence to support a definitive conclusion.

As many as one in ten pregnant women are COVID-19-positive at the time of admission to the labor ward. Almost 80% of this group are asymptomatic, which underlines the need for universal testing in this population.

The current study, which was published in The Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, discusses the risk of COVID-19-induced severe maternal illness in pregnant women who develop symptomatic illness in the third trimester.

Study findings

The current study was conducted at Israels Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center and included women between 18-50 years with a single term gestation who were screened for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The subjects were either negative on screening, positive but asymptomatic, or positive and symptomatic.

Of the approximately 2,500 patients screened, 7% (170) were positive, of whom 56 were symptomatic and 116 asymptomatic. The total lymphocyte count was lower in COVID-19-positive patients, while these patients had a higher rate of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) than controls.

Other features, such as hypertensive disorders, intrauterine growth restriction, or mode of delivery, were not different in the various groups. Maternal complications were not increased overall; however, lymphocyte counts were lower and post-partum hemorrhage was higher in the COVID-19 group. The rates of respiratory distress syndrome and transient tachypnea of the newborn were also higher in this group.

Other fetal complications were comparable. Three newborns who were born normally to COVID-19 mothers were positive for SARS-CoV-2 at delivery, but became negative at 24 and 48 hours, thus indicating that they were false positives.

Adverse outcomes in pregnant women appear to be on the rise from healthy controls as compared to asymptomatic to symptomatic pregnant women, at an incidence of 11%, 14%, and 20%, respectively.

The adverse outcomes in the newborn were doubled in the group born to COVID-19-positive mothers. Again, the incidence rose from 3.5% in the healthy controls or asymptomatic patients to 9% in symptomatic patients.

Overall, composite adverse outcomes were doubled in the symptomatic group.

Implications

While 93% of women were negative for COVID-19 on screening at the time of admission to the labor ward, the majority of those who tested positive were also asymptomatic. Most pregnancies and deliveries failed to show a marked worsening in the group of COVID-19-positive mothers, though the preterm birth rate went down.

Gestational diabetes was more common in the symptomatic group, perhaps contributing to the somewhat more severe phenotype of the illness. While respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn was also increased, no baby became seriously ill.

This may be attributed to behavioral changes and altered practice guidelines during this period. Importantly, obstetric management was unaltered by the presence of COVID-19 at this center, which led to comparable levels of Cesarean section in mothers with or without COVID-19.

One patient had severe respiratory illness due to COVID-19, but no patient died. Most patients with symptomatic illness were discharged within days. The overall trend of composite adverse outcomes shows an increase towards progressive worsening in the symptomatic group.

Our findings reveal that, amongst our population, COVID-19 in the third trimester of pregnancy has clinical implications, albeit at lower rates than expected once asymptomatic patients are taken into account.

Further studies may be required to understand how differences in viral strain, patient ethnicity, epigenetic factors, and term of pregnancy at the time of infection, affect the outcome.
A mother's response to stress can even influence her grandchildren.

Biologists at the University of Iowa found that roundworm mothers subjected to heat stress passed, under certain conditions and through modifications to their genes, the legacy of that stress exposure not only to their offspring but even to their offspring's children.

The researchers, led by Veena Prahlad, associate professor in the Department of Biology and the Aging Mind and Brain Initiative, looked at how a mother roundworm reacts when she senses danger, such as a change in temperature, which can be harmful or even fatal to the animal. In a study published last year, the biologists discovered the mother roundworm releases serotonin when she senses danger. The serotonin travels from her central nervous system to warn her unfertilized eggs, where the warning is stored, so to speak, and then passed to offspring after conception.

Examples of such genetic cascades abound, even in humans. Studies have shown that pregnant women affected by famine in the Netherlands from 1944 to 1945, known as the Dutch Hunger Winter, gave birth to children who were influenced by that episode as adults-;with higher rates than average of obesity, diabetes, and schizophrenia.

In this study, the biologists wanted to find out how the memory of stress exposure was stored in the egg cell.

Genes have 'memories' of past environmental conditions that, in turn, affect their expression even after these conditions have changed. How this 'memory' is established and how it persists past fertilization, embryogenesis, and after the embryo develops into adults is not clear. "This is because during embryogenesis, most organisms typically reset any changes that have been made to genes because of the genes' past activity." Veena Prahlad, Associate Professor, Department of Biology and the Aging Mind and Brain Initiative

Prahlad and her teams turned to the roundworm, a creature regularly studied by scientists, for clues. They exposed mother roundworms to unexpected stresses and found the stress memory was ingrained in the mother's eggs through the actions of a protein called the heat shock transcription factor, or HSF1. The HSF1 protein is present in all plants and animals and is activated by changes in temperature, salinity, and other stressors.

The team found that HSF1 recruits another protein, an enzyme called a histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methyltransferase. The latter normally acts during embryogenesis to silence genes and erase the memory of their prior activity.

However, Prahald's team observed something else entirely.

"We found that HSF1 collaborates with the mechanisms that normally act to 'reset' the memory of gene expression during embryogenesis to, instead, establish this stress memory," Prahlad says.

One of these newly silenced genes encodes the insulin receptor, which is central to metabolic changes with diabetes in humans, and which, when silenced, alters an animal's physiology, metabolism, and stress resilience. Because these silencing marks persisted in offspring, their stress-response strategy was switched from one that depended on the ability to be highly responsive to stress, to relying instead on mechanisms that decreased stress responsiveness but provided long-term protection from stressful environments.

"What we found all the more remarkable was that if the mother was exposed to stress for a short period of time, only progeny that developed from her germ cells that were subjected to this stress in utero had this memory," Prahlad says. "The progeny of these progeny (the mother's grandchildren) had lost this memory. However, if the mother was subjected to a longer period of stress, the grandchildren generation retained this memory. Somehow the 'dose' of maternal stress exposure is recorded in the population."

The researchers plan to investigate these changes further. HSF1 is not only required for stress resistance but also increased levels of both HSF1 and the silencing mark are associated with cancer and metastasis. Because HSF1 exists in many organisms, its newly discovered interaction with H3K9 methyltransferase to drive gene silencing is likely to have larger repercussions.

The paper, "Gene bookmarking by the heat-shock transcription factor programs the insulin-like signaling pathway," was published online Oct. 13 in the journal Molecular Cell.

Co-authors from Iowa include Srijit Das and Sehee Min, from the Department of Biology and the Aging Mind and Brain Initiative.

The National Institutes of Health funded the research.
As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Penn Medicine will be providing free breast cancer screenings, no insurance required, to women in need over the age of 40. A Siemens Healthineers 54-foot-long mobile mammography unit featuring the company's MAMMOMAT Revelation digital mammography system, accredited by the American College of Radiology, will roll into the West Lehigh neighborhood of North Philadelphia to offer 3D mammograms.

Staff on the screening bus, located in the Save-A-Lot parking lot across from The Murrell Dobbins Career and Technical Education High School at 2101 W. Lehigh Ave., will provide individual 10-minute screening exams, a private changing room, and Spanish translation services. The screening event will be held on weekdays from Monday, Oct. 18 through Friday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Cancer disproportionately impacts lower socioeconomic groups and the medically underserved because they are unable to access cancer screening tests, and thus more likely to be diagnosed with late stage cancer. This mobile mammography initiative is one of many efforts we have committed for engaging underserved communities with access to important healthcare resources and education." Carmen Guerra, MD, Vice Chair of Diversity and Inclusion, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

Only about half (54 percent) of breast cancers in Black women are diagnosed at an early stage, when they're most likely to be treated successfully, compared to 64 percent of cancers detected early in white women. The delays have wide-reaching effects for survival: only 81 percent of Black women diagnosed with breast cancer live to five years after their diagnosis, compared to 91 percent among white women with the disease.

The Siemens Healthineers screening partnership adds to the Abramson Cancer Center's suite of programs and efforts to eliminate disparities in cancer detection, care, and outcomes among low-income and minority communities. The Penn Medicine Breast Health Initiative, for instance, aims to boost rates of early detection and treatment through patient navigation and breast health education, help signing up for health insurance, language interpreters at appointments, and public transportation tokens to assist in getting to and from appointments. The Siemens Healthineers system allows women to receive a full 3D screening exam with technology designed to offer comfortable examinations with less compression.

Improving representation of minority patients in clinical trials is another important tactic to narrowing the gaps in cancer outcomes. A five-year community outreach and engagement effort by the Abramson Cancer Center (ACC)  which included partnerships with faith-based organizations, community centers and health centers  doubled the percentage of Black participants in clinical trials, improving access and treatment for a group with historically low representation in cancer research and helping pave a path for more effective treatments and chances at a cure.

Penn Medicine radiologists will review all imaging taken during the mobile mammogram event and receive information and counseling for any further evaluation or care which may be needed. The event will include educational sessions for Murrell Dobbins students to learn about the importance of annual mammography, what it takes to become a certified imaging technician, and more about the field.
With flu season approaching in the United States, new research from an international team of scientists testifies to the importance of timely vaccination: Poor timing of influenza vaccination campaigns in the semi-arid region of Brazil led to an increase in premature births, lower birth-weight babies and the need to deliver more babies by cesarean section, the researchers found.

The findings, from the University of Virginia School of Medicine and longstanding collaborators at the Federal University of Ceara in Brazil, come as the United States rolls out annual flu vaccines amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts say that receiving the flu vaccine will be especially important this year, to reduce the burden on hospitals and intensive care units already overwhelmed by COVID-19.

Working closely with Professor Aldo Lima, UFC graduate student Quirino Filho and Ceara health officials, UVA graduate student Gabriel Hanson and a team of undergraduate BME Capstone students found evidence for circulation of seasonal influenza in the weeks and months prior to the rollout of national flu vaccine campaigns in the state of Ceara. This misalignment was associated with seasonal patterns of premature birth, low birth weight and birth by cesarean." Sean Moore, MD, researcher, pediatric gastroenterologist at UVA Children's and a member of UVA's Child Health Research Center

The importance of vaccines

Moore teamed with Jason Papin, PhD, of UVA's Department of Biomedical Engineering, and colleagues in Brazil to better understand the effect of severe respiratory infections on pregnancy. The researchers reviewed severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), influenza and flu vaccinations in the Brazilian state of Ceara between 2013 and 2018. They found that 30 to 40 weeks after the peak of the flu season, birthweights fell and rates of premature births increased from 10.7% to 15.5%. On average, the 61 babies born to mothers who suffered SARI infections weighed 10% less at birth.

These alarming trends repeated themselves year after year. The dominant strain during nearly all those years was H1N1. The only exception was 2015, when seasonal H1 strains dominated. That year also saw lower flu death rates than the norm.

The researchers note that children exposed to flu and other infections while developing in the womb are at significantly greater risk of neurocognitive, physical and education problems later in life. They conclude that earlier flu vaccination campaigns in Brazil would better protect pregnant women and their babies. Because Ceara is typically the starting point for flu season in Brazil, improving the timing of the vaccination campaigns there could ultimately have benefits across the country.

"Brazil is a country with enviably high influenza vaccine uptake -; greater than 80% in people at high risk for severe influenza. Our data suggest giving vaccines earlier in the year in Ceara would better protect women during pregnancy and reduce bad outcomes," Moore said. "Influenza vaccines are not yet recommended in infants under 6 months of age. So when a mother chooses to receive the flu vaccine during pregnancy, she is giving an early gift to her baby. Mom's vaccine-acquired antibodies are shared with her fetus and persist to help protect her baby against influenza during the vulnerable first months of life."

In short, the new findings have the potential to improve lives in Brazil  and send an important message about the importance of timely vaccination to the rest of the world. That was made possible by an approach combining public health, data science and international collaboration.

"The intriguing results from this project demonstrated how data science can help provide insight into complex biomedical problems," Papin said. "It was incredibly fun and rewarding to work with such a diverse team of biomedical scientists. I'm hopeful that the results here can have a real impact in the health of newborns."

TO GET A FLU SHOT: The federal Centers for Disease Control recommends everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions, get a flu vaccine by the end of October. Flu shots are widely available at many locations, including UVA Health, grocery stores, pharmacies and doctor's offices. Some people who received the Pfizer COVID vaccine may be eligible to get a flu shot at the same as their COVID booster; the CDC advises it is safe to do so.

Findings published

The researchers have published their findings in the scientific journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, published by the CDC. The research team consisted of Jose Q. Filho, Francisco S. Junior, Thaisy B.R. Lima, Vania A.F. Viana, Jaqueline S.V. Burgoa, Alberto M. Soares, Alvaro M. Leite, Simone A. Herron, Hunter L. Newland, Kunaal S. Sarnaik, Gabriel F. Hanson, Jason A. Papin, Sean R. Moore and Aldo A.M. Lima.

The research was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in collaboration with Brazilian federal science agencies in a program called Brazil Grand Challenges Explorations.

UVA's Department of Biomedical Engineering is a joint collaboration of UVA's School of Medicine and School of Engineering.
Cells communicate with their environment via receptors on their surface. When a protein approaches these receptors, they can pass along a message to the inside of the cell, for example the instruction to grow which can lead to tumor formation. New research by the team of prof. Savvas Savvides (VIB-UGent, Belgium), the National Cancer Research Institute (Tokyo, Japan), the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York, USA), and  bioconsulting (Minnesota, USA) reveals the 3D structure of the ALK receptor, which is involved in various cancers and other diseases. These insights can lead to the understanding of the function of these receptors, the first important step towards therapeutic approaches. The work appears in the prestigious journal Nature.

Message from the outside

Cells communicate with their environment via proteins that attach to receptors on the cell surface. Think of these receptors as communication antennas that can only receive specifically encoded signals. When an appropriate signal from outside the cell - in the form of a specific protein for the receptor - approaches the antenna, the signal will be communicated to the inside of the cell. This can initiate many important cellular processes, such as cell growth and division.

When the communication between such proteins and receptors becomes uncontrolled, excessive, or interrupted, this can lead to severe diseases such as cancer, inflammatory, or autoimmune disorders. A group of receptors central to human health is known as the receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). We have about 58 of these RTKs organized into 20 families. Functional defects in these receptors are relevant for several cancers, autoimmune, neurological diseases, and metabolic disorders.

Meeting ALK

Due to their critical roles in physiology and disease, most RTKs have been well-researched, but for one group, the ALK family, information is sorely lacking. We've known about them for over three decades, and yet structural information about how they interact with their signaling proteins remained a question mark.

This new study, spearheaded by PhD student Steven De Munck from the team of prof. Savvas Savvides (VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research) has now revealed the 3D structure of ALK and LTK, another RTK, as well as their structures when bound to their activating proteins. This is critical information for understanding the function of these receptors.

We were surprised by how unique and unprecedented these proteins and their assemblies are, illustrating how basic research is essential for uncovering novel concepts and mechanisms in disease-causing processes." Steven De Munck, PhD student

ALK and its mutated versions are involved in, for example, the pediatric cancer neuroblastoma, colon cancer, melanoma, and possibly also obesity. However, the lack of structural insight has prevented the specific therapeutic targeting of ALK receptors.

Prof. Savvides emphasizes the impact of their finding: "Frontline research in structural biology is vital for addressing difficult problems in biology, no matter how challenging such research might appear to be. It takes a team of talented and dedicated scientists like Steven to achieve breakthroughs like this, which will inspire innovative therapeutic approaches and open new biomedical questions."
Studies have shown air pollution is a major risk factor for respiratory infection  the leading cause of death among children under five  but bad air's specific impacts on developing bodies have remained somewhat of a mystery.

A Stanford-led study reveals a link between tiny airborne particles and child health in South Asia, a region beset with air pollution and more than 40 percent of global pneumonia cases. The analysis, published in Environmental Pollution, estimates the effect of increased particulate on child pneumonia hospitalizations is about twice as much as previously thought, and indicates a particular industry may play an outsized role in the problem.

The findings could help public health officials and policymakers better target emissions reduction programs to improve child health.

Everybody wants to protect kids' health. Now, we have evidence of a clear health benefit to children from reducing ambient PM2.5 emissions in Dhaka." Allison Sherris, study lead author, postdoctoral research fellow in Earth system science at Stanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences

For many of the 21 million residents of Dhaka, Bangladesh  the study's focus area  air pollution is an all-too-regular part of life, especially in winter, when coal-burning brick kilns around the city operate. Of special concern is PM2.5, airborne particles 2.5 micrometers wide or smaller. The larger of these particles are about one-thirtieth the width of a human hair, small enough to inhale deep into the lungs.

Once inside the lungs, these particles can cause inflammation and impair the body's ability to fight infection. But particles from different sources can have different shape, size and chemical composition, and it's not clear what specific components of PM2.5 might be most harmful.

Few studies have evaluated the health effects of PM2.5 in infants and young children, especially in low-income countries where children are more than 60 times as likely to die from air pollution exposure as children in high-income countries, according to the World Bank. Among studies that have, most focused on the indoor environment, where the use of biomass-burning cookstoves has been associated with child respiratory infection.

"Specifying the impact of industry-generated air pollution on child health provides compelling evidence to support interventions to reduce pollution," said study senior author Stephen Luby, a professor of infectious diseases at Stanford University. "This is often more salient to politicians than the marginal contribution of emissions to global climate change."

Sherris, Luby and their colleagues analyzed long-term PM2.5 monitoring data alongside community health surveillance of respiratory infections from the Atomic Energy Centre, Dhaka, and the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh. They found pneumonia incidence among children under 5 increased by 3.2 percent for every PM2.5 increase of 10 micrograms per cubic meter of air  a standard measure in air pollution analysis.

The mean PM2.5 level in Dhaka was on average over three times higher than the World Health Organization standard. The association between air pollution and child pneumonia suggests that air pollution is a major contributor to the leading cause of child death in Bangladesh and across South Asia.

That difference equates to more than 200,000 additional child pneumonia cases in Bangladesh each year, and nearly two million additional cases across South Asia. The increase is also approximately double similar prior estimates of pneumonia hospitalizations associated with increased PM2.5 and about 10 times more than such estimates for outpatient visits.

The difference from previous findings may reflect the young age of the study population  most children in the study were two or younger  the source composition of particulate matter in Dhaka, and the fact that the study included nearly all community infection cases, rather than just focusing on cases that made it to clinics and hospitals.

Prior studies by researchers at the Atomic Energy Centre, Dhaka found that biomass burning contributed the most to outdoor PM2.5 levels, followed by brick kiln emissions and soil dust. However, on days when brick kilns contributed a heavier than-usual amount of PM2.5 to the mix of bad air, the link between PM2.5 and child pneumonia was stronger.

The findings are among the first evidence that communities and policymakers can point to that suggests a measurable impact of brick kilns on child health. Considering 9 out of 10 people live in areas with air pollution exceeding World Health Organization guidelines, further investigation into whether particles from brick kilns and other sources have different health impacts could inform health and environmental interventions around the world. Luby leads a collaboration among public health experts, industry stakeholders, technology consultants and government agencies to improve the industry. He received funding for related work focused on brick kilns and other industries, funded by the Sustainability Initiative that gave rise to Stanford's new school focused on climate and sustainability.

"We're still only looking at a small slice of the potential health outcomes that might be linked to this kind of air pollution, and we still lack perfect measurements of exposure to it," said Sherris. "The true health burden is likely much greater.
In an unprecedented effort to address the harmful effects of structural racism on health, 60 predominantly Black neighborhoods in Philadelphia will be part of an ambitious study to assess the impact of a multi-component intervention addressing both environmental and economic injustice on health and well-being, led by Penn Medicine researchers Eugenia C. South, MD, MHSP, and Atheendar Venkataramani, MD, PhD.

At the community level, the study includes tree planting, vacant lot greening, trash cleanup, and rehabilitation of dilapidated, abandoned houses. For households, the study will help connect participants to local, state, and federal social and economic benefits, including food, unemployment, and prescription drug assistance, provide financial counseling and tax preparation services, and offer emergency cash assistance.

This randomized controlled trial (RCT), is funded by a nearly $10 million dollar grant (1-U01OD033246-01) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), awarded to researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania through the NIH Common Fund's Transformative Research to Address Health Disparities and Advance Health Equity initiative, the NIH announced 11 grants totaling $58 million over five years for highly innovative health disparities research across the U.S.

Previous efforts to reduce racial health disparities have been less impactful than we would like because they often only address a small number of the many mechanisms by which structural racism harms health. Our multi-component intervention is designed to address these multiple mechanisms all at once." Atheendar Venkataramani, Assistant Professor of Medical Ethics and Health Policy and Director of the Opportunity for Health Lab

Recent research illustrates that the roots of poor health in Black neighborhoods are structural, resulting from decades of disinvestment and neglect. The impacts of structural racism are evident from neighborhood-level factors such as crumbling houses, lack of greenspace, trash build-up, and declining economic opportunity. The impact on the health of individuals living in those communities is profound, and includes increased rates of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and heart disease compared to their White counterparts.

The researchers also aim to make it easier for individuals to navigate the process of determining their eligibility and getting help from multiple providers through development of a platform that makes collaboration between community financial service agencies simpler and more efficient. Community partners, including the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Campaign for Working Families, Benefits Data Trust, and Clarifi will implement the interventions.

"Black communities are centered in this proposal," said Eugenia South, MD, MSHP, an assistant professor of Emergency Medicine, and faculty director of the Penn Urban Health Lab. "Collectively, our team has spent a significant amount of time talking and working with leaders and community groups in Black Philadelphia neighborhoods and with this study we are committed to being responsive to the economic and environmental needs they have identified. We will also be hiring four full-time community members to the Penn Medicine team to advise on the entire process and lead recruitment."

The researchers will enroll 720 predominantly Black adults across the 60 study neighborhoods, half of whom will receive the proposed interventions. The study will meet participants where they are via door-to-door recruitment, rather than relying on clinic referrals or responses to flyers, which may exclude the most vulnerable adults. Investigators will use standardized surveys to evaluate the overall health and wellbeing of participants at multiple times over the course of the trial. They will also evaluate the impact on violent crime.

The overall goal is to show that deeply entrenched racial health disparities can be closed by concentrated investment in Black neighborhoods. Researchers are hopeful their interventions will be successful improving the health not just of participants in the study, but other members of the household and of the whole community. The findings of this bold project could serve as evidence to policymakers that these sweeping, "big push" interventions work, and should be implemented broadly.

Co-investigators on the study are: George Dalembert, MD MSHP, an assistant professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Courtney Boen, PhD MPH, an assistant professor of Sociology, Meghan Lane-Fall, MD MSHP, an associate professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, and Epidemiology in Biostatistics, and Epidemiology, and the Director of Acute Care Implementation Research at the Penn Implementation Science Center, Kristin Linn, PhD, an assistant professor of Biostatistics, John MacDonald, PhD, a professor of Criminology and Sociology, Christina Roberto, PhD, an assistant professor of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, and Charles Branas, PhD, an Adjunct Professor of Epidemiology in Biostatistics and Epidemiology.
The Delta variant (B.1.617.2) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first detected in India and is currently replacing the variants circulating in Europe, the USA, and many other parts of the world. The gold standard for identifying the Delta variant is genome sequencing; however, it is time-consuming, expensive, and unavailable in many countries.

Study: Highly sensitive and specific detection of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant by double-mismatch allele-specific PCR. Image Credit: Corona Borealis Studio/ Shutterstock

In a new study published on the medRxiv* preprint server, scientists described a quick and inexpensive method for accurately identifying the Delta variant by applying the double-mismatch allele-specific RT-PCR (DMAS-RT-PCR).

Background

SARS-CoV-2 has been intensely studied since its first outbreak in China in 2019, and more than three million genome sequences have been accumulated and made freely available. Four variants (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta) have been designated as variants of concern (VOC), owing to their increased transmissibility, specific identification of the Delta variant

The Delta variant is significantly more transmissible and resistant to both natural and vaccine-induced immunity than the other variants. Therefore, it is crucial to track its spread to inform public health policies and facilitate timely interventions. As discussed previously, genome sequencing is the gold standard for detecting the Delta variant but has certain disadvantages.

Detection of the S gene using the Applied Biosystems TaqPath COVID-19 PCR assay was conducted in the UK, but this proxy marker method is specific for the Delta variant. This strategy would also detect Beta and Gamma variants. The (DMAS-RT-PCR) method, described in the current study, helps overcome this non-specificity issue by targeting two different Delta spike gene mutations, L452R and T478K, within the same amplicon.

The DMAS-RT-PCR technique was first described for the genotyping of cancer cell lines in 2019 and, subsequently, employed for genotyping cacao plant clones. It had not been previously used for genotyping RNA viruses. Allele-specific primers are the cause for the extremely high discriminating power of the technique. In addition to having the 3 terminal mismatch, these primers have another artificial mismatch at the 4th nucleotide (from the 3 end).

A new study

For this study, nose and throat swab samples were obtained from staff and students at Imperial College London and household contacts of individuals with COVID-19. Subsequently, RNA was extracted and stored at -80C for between one day and eight months before being analyzed.

The Delta variant comprises multiple mutations in its genome, of which at least five are located within the S gene that encodes the spike protein. Scientists noted that the combination of mutations L452R and T478K within the receptor-binding domain could differentiate Delta from other variants. The mutations are located nearby, thereby allowing targeting by a pair of allele-specific primers. The primers are suitable for PCR amplification and detection using a fluorescently labeled hydrolysis probe. The assay used in the current study was different from previous in that it targeted RNA (and not DNA), employed two DMAS primers, and used a fluorescently-labeled hydrolysis probe which added an additional layer of specificity.

Key findings

Scientists documented that the Delta variant could be accurately detected and distinguished from other SARS-CoV-2 variants without the need for deploying the costly and time-consuming genome sequencing method. Many countries have limited resources, and, therefore, genome sequencing is not available. Even in countries where it is available, it is often used on a relatively small proportion of positive samples.

The current study documented that DMAS-RTPCR could provide a relatively inexpensive, quick, non-complex, highly sensitive, and non-commercial alternative to genome sequencing. It could be widely used for the monitoring of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant in many different settings. A huge advantage of the DMAS-RT-PCR assay is that it is perfectly capable of genotyping SARS-CoV-2 even with insufficient virus levels in clinical samples.

Conclusion

Besides being capable of monitoring the Delta variant, DMAS-RTPCR may also be used to monitor non-Delta variants. This may be counter-intuitive, but in many countries, such as the UK, where the Delta variant is the dominant strain, scientists could apply the DMAS-RTPCR to monitor the minority of non-Delta variants. This would prevent us from being completely focused on the Delta variant, which entails the risk of ignoring others. This bi-directional genome sequencing would increase the chances of discovering novel, emergent non-Delta variants.

In sum, this study describes the DMAS-RT-PCR assay, which is simple to set up in any laboratory, can conduct PCR assays and should aid immensely in globally monitoring the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant.

*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.
Thought Leaders Dr. Mark Penney Post-Doctoral Researcher University of Waterloo

In our latest interview, News-Medical spoke to Dr. Mark Penney about his research efforts in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and how we can improve COVID-19 vaccinations through contact-tracing apps.

What inspired your latest research into COVID-19?

By training, Im a mathematical physicist and before the pandemic my research focused on the applications of topology to quantum field theory. During our first lockdown, I began talking with some colleagues at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics about how we could apply models from physics, particularly percolation theory, to understand COVID-19.

We ended up forming an interdisciplinary team of physicists alongside experts on modeling infectious diseases and vaccination. There is some classic research in percolation theory that shows that the rate of spread of an infectious disease increases when the population has more variation in their number of contacts. Our initial motivation was to better understand how these heterogeneities in human contact patterns impact public health interventions.

Image Credit: Lightspring/Shutterstock.com

The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that by collaborating together, scientific advancements can be made quickly. How can this level of collaboration be implemented in COVID-19 vaccination programs?

This research was certainly the result of collaboration. When we were first thinking about this project our co-author Lee Smolin was wise to suggest that if we wanted to have any impact we needed to work alongside infectious disease experts.

So we teamed up with Chris Bauch, Madhur Anand, and Ed Thommes. We also added Lees then-PhD-student Yigit Yargic who is the other lead author of the paper and with whom I worked very closely.

Vaccines are, in some sense, inherently collaborative: They provide protection not just for the person receiving it but, oftentimes, also for those who come in contact with them. More concretely, there is certainly a need for cooperation and resource sharing to achieve equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines in all countries.

On a local scale, vaccine campaigns can be hampered by a strong degree of preferential attachment between un-immunized people, allowing the disease to spread more freely among the un-immunized. Such preferential attachment could be a symptom of division within the community around vaccination.

How do COVID-19 contract-tracing apps work?

Different countries have implemented different approaches to digital contact tracing. One popular approach uses Bluetooth to create a decentralized, encrypted contact log. The Google/Apple Exposure Notification API and BlueTrace are the two main implementations. The former is used in Canada, Europe, and some US states, while the latter in Singapore, New Zealand, and Australia.

The decentralized contact log I referred to above is, at least in my opinion, the most exciting part of these contract tracing apps. The basic idea is that whenever two people using the app are close to each other for some time they exchange cryptographic tokens to record their contact. On each user's device there is a log listing all the contact they've had, except the entries are encrypted so that it is impossible to tell who that contact was.

When a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 chooses to upload it to the app they send out a key that allows all the other app users to decrypt the tokens they had exchanged. This is how another users phone can alert them to the potential exposure.

It is important to note that in the Google/Apple framework there is no way for public authorities, or anyone else, to access the encrypted contact log. These contact tracing systems operate without the central collection of private information.

Image Credit: Redkey USB/Shutterstock.com

Can you describe how you carried out your latest research into COVID-19 vaccines and contact-tracing apps?

The main technical challenge in this project was that our model needed to depend not just on how many contacts people had, but also on how long these contacts lasted. This is because of an important subtlety about how contact tracing apps record entries into the contact log.

If you spend a long time with the same person the apps could potentially exchange tokens multiple times, with new entries being added roughly every 10-15 minutes. Since the tokens are encrypted it is impossible to know whether or not two entries corresponded to contact with two distinct people or an extended or repeated contact with the same person.

The existing literature on the applications of percolation theory to infectious diseases had made the simplifying assumption that contact duration doesnt affect the transmission probability. That is not necessarily a terrible assumption, but given how contact tracing apps work we needed time to be in the picture as well.

So, one of the things we had to do was to incorporate duration into these models and rederive the key formulas. On top of that, we had to determine how a vaccination program that prioritized individuals based on their number and duration of contacts impacted the rate of spread.

What did you discover?

A vaccine strategy that prioritizes individuals with more exposure to others has the potential to limit disease spread more efficiently. This is because people who have more contacts are both more likely to catch the disease and more likely to spread it to others. This idea has been well explored in the literature and even implemented in practice.

However, its use in the real world is limited by the ability of public health authorities to actually identify who the individuals with more contacts are. In practice, they typically make use of more coarse demographic factors. For example, in my region during a lockdown COVID-19 vaccines were prioritized for those essential workers who could not work from home because of their increased transmission risk.

We proposed a way to leverage existing contact tracing apps to more efficiently allocate vaccines. The decentralized contact log created by contact tracing apps provides a way for public health strategies, particularly vaccinations, to be aimed at high exposure individuals without the need for public authorities to centrally collect any information about the populations contacts. In our proposal, the app makes a decision based on the number of entries in the contact log as to whether or not the app user is prioritized.

In the paper, we modeled a scenario in which demand for vaccines is much higher than supply and the aim is to achieve the greatest reduction in disease transmission from a limited supply. We considered an idealized scenario where someone receives a vaccine if and only if they are chosen by the app.

Our modeling showed that our hot-spotting strategy using contact tracing apps reduces spread very efficiently, resulting in the ability to suppress the disease with fewer vaccines. Indeed, for our model contact network herd immunity was achieved with around half as many doses.

Image Credit: 2021 Penney et al

How would this approach work for developing countries where few people are using contact-tracing apps?

The fewer people who use the app the fewer people who could even potentially be chosen to be prioritized by the app. So, the total reduction in disease spread that could be achieved is limited by how many people are using the app. However, an interesting outcome of our work was that the efficiency of the strategy is still high even when the number of users is low.

Any vaccines allocated to high exposure individuals have a relatively bigger impact, and so the strategies are still able to achieve greater reductions from the vaccines that they assigned using the hot-spotting strategy.

More research would need to be done before any country can decide whether using this technology is the right solution for them. The choice of who to prioritize for vaccinations has social and health impacts beyond the rate of transmission.

Were there any limitations to your study? If so, what were they?

It would be best to think of this study as some preliminary modeling of a proposal. As mentioned above, more detailed studies would need to be done to better understand the full impacts. Having said that, there is an important limitation worth pointing out. We analyzed the app-based vaccination strategies in isolation.

In more realistic scenarios the app-based distribution would likely be occurring alongside other, more traditional systems. Indeed, to more fully understand the impact of the strategy one needs to consider it as only one part of a holistic approach to vaccination.

What is next for your research?

Weve been building a model for a scenario more like seasonal influenza vaccination. The main driver of vaccine coverage is no longer the supply of vaccines but rather an individual choice to receive the shot. The contact tracing apps no longer serve to prioritize access to the vaccine.

Instead, when a user is selected by the app they would receive a notification promoting that they get vaccinated based on their high contact patterns. Our early results are suggesting that the hot-spotting strategy could be a valuable tool to reduce the burden of seasonal influenza, especially given its low deployment cost.

Where can readers find more information?

The open-access paper can be found at: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0256889

Mark Penney and Yigit Yargic presented this research at the Fields Institute: http://www.fields.utoronto.ca/talks/Vaccine-Prioritisation-Using-Bluetooth-Exposure-Notification-Apps

About Dr. Mark Penney

Mark Penney is a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Waterloo. He received his DPhil in Mathematics from the University of Oxford in 2017 for research at the interface of topology and physics. Before coming to the University of Waterloo Mark spent two years at the Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in Bonn, Germany.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has lead to millions of deaths and a worldwide economic crisis. Initial attempts to stall the disease focused on social distancing, compulsory mask-wearing, and lockdowns that closed public places. Once mass vaccination schemes began to reduce the number of cases, many governments began to reduce these restrictions and allow travel between nations once again. This led to many local variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19, spreading worldwide.

Study: Mutating novel interaction sites in NRP1 reduces SARS-CoV-2 spike protein internalization. Image Credit: CROCOTHERY/ Shutterstock

Many of these variants can evade both vaccine-induced and natural immunity to the wild-type strain initially found in Wuhan. Of particular concern is the Delta strain, which is currently the most common cause of new infections worldwide. Researchers from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory have been investigating altered protein conformations in variants of concern (VOCs) to provide further insight for future therapies against COVID-19.

A preprint version of the study is available on the bioRxiv* server while the article undergoes peer review.

Background

The COVID-19 spike protein is essential for pathogenesis and the target for many vaccines against the disease. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the S1 subunit can bind to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to permit viral cell entry, and the N-terminal domain of the S2 subunit is responsible for membrane fusion. The spike protein can also use neuropilin 1 (NRP1) as a binding site. NRP1 is a single membrane-spanning non-tyrosine kinase receptor protein. NRP2 is a homolog with 44% identical sequences. Both contain two CUB domains, two coagulation factors, a MAM, and a domain that contains a transmembrane and a short cytoplasmic region. NRP1 is a receptor for class II semaphorins, certain endothelial growth factors, and several other extracellular ligands.

It is essential in angiogenesis and semaphorin dependant axon guidance. The semaphorin is synthesized as an inactive form and requires cleavage to become active. This cleavage can be performed by furin. The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein also requires furin cleavage for activation. The researchers attempted to discover the mechanism by which the spike protein is internalized through NRP1.

The study

Many orthologs of NRP carry a Plasminogen-Apple-Nematode (PAN) domain that contains four to six conserved cysteine residues as a core. Mutations of these amino acids lead to significant immune changes. The researchers identified four cysteine residues in human NRP1 that could suggest the formation of a vestigial PAN domain and theorized that these could allow SARS-CoV-2 binding.

They mutated each of the cysteine residues to alanine and then mutated all four cysteine residues to alanine. Any mutation increased protein stability of NRP1 in HEK cells, with more mutations showing a larger effect. They then assessed the impact of these mutations on the ability of SARS-CoV-2 S1 binding. If any of the first three cysteine residues were mutated, the spike protein showed a significantly reduced ability to bind.

Following confirmation of these results with immunofluorescence data, the researchers discovered that the ability of the S1 subunit to bind to the mutated cells was reduced up to four times. The full-length protein showed also showed significantly reduced binding. As VOCs are currently the most prevalent COVID-related threat, the scientists also examined the ability of the alpha and beta variants to bind to the mutated NRP1, showing equally hindered ability.

Conclusion

The authors highlight their discovery's importance as potential therapeutic targets against COVID-19, even across different variants with different spike protein conformations. SARS-CoV-2 S1 showed massively reduced ability to bind to cells that contained NRP1 with four mutated cysteine residues, even if a fully intact ACE2 receptor was present. Targeting these four cysteine residues could show significant promise in creating anti-covid therapies, which are sorely needed as VOCs continue to emerge with different spike protein conformations.

Multiple studies have shown significantly lower neutralizing antibody effectivity, antibody binding, and immune response to several of these VOCs, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Creating a therapy that could work across variants could be critical in preventing avoidable deaths as restrictions loosen, and cases in many areas begin to rise again. The aforementioned therapy could also be of great use to countries worldwide that are struggling to vaccinate their population due to bottlenecks in production and transport and the extensive logistic requirements needed to provide a cold chain necessary for long-distance vaccine stability.

*Important notice

bioRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behaviour, or treated as established information
ODENVILLE - Funeral Service for George Reid Martin, Jr., age 66, will be held Saturday, September 11 at 2:00 p.m. at Coosa Valley Church of God. Interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Church. Mr. Martin passed away Sunday, Sep
Shirley Temple Smith, 82, passed away on Thursday, November 18, 2021 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born in Columbia, Kentucky, and was a loving wife and mother. She was preceded in death by her husband Vernon Russel Smith. Survivors include her sons, David Smith (Jennifer) of
(Newser)  Update: A US Air Force airman has been found guilty of kidnapping and murdering a Mennonite woman from a remote community in New Mexico. Mark Gooch, 22, was convicted by a jury in Arizona, where the body of 27-year-old Sasha Krause was found in a forest more than a month after she disappeared in January 2020, the AP reports. Her wrists were bound with duct tape, and she had been shot in the head. Prosecutor Ammon Barker said Gooch, who grew up in a large Mennonite family in Wisconsin but rejected the faith, was driven by a hatred for Mennonites. Gooch will face a maximum penalty of life in prison when he is sentenced next month. Our original story from April 24, 2020, follows:

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A US Air Force member has been charged with the murder of a Mennonite woman who disappeared from her New Mexico community in January, a month before her body was found in Arizona. Airman Mark Gooch, 21, was arrested at the Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Arizona, on Tuesday and charged with the murder of Sasha Krause, in addition to kidnapping and theft. "I can assure you, we have our man," said Shane Ferrari of New Mexico's San Juan County Sheriff's Office, per NBC News. He suggested authorities would pursue the death penalty. Arizona's Coconino County Sheriff's Office said Gooch had traveled from the air base to Farmington, New Mexico, where Krause lived in a remote community based around a bookstore and church.

It was at the church, where 27-year-old Krause taught Sunday school, that her vehicle was found abandoned on Jan. 19. But court documents suggest Krause, last seen leaving her home on the evening of Jan. 18, wasn't killed until sometime around Feb. 21, the day her body was found near Flagstaff, Ariz., reports 12News. Gooch, whom police place near the scene, is believed to have used a firearm in the killing, according to documents, which describe Krause as suffering head injuries. CrimeOnline reports she was wearing the same clothing as on the day she disappeared. Gooch is also accused of stealing Krause's head covering and underwear, according to documents. He's due in court Friday. (More on the case here.)
(Newser)  Update: Nicholas Kristof is shifting from columnist to politician. The longtime New York Times opinion writer is leaving the newspaper as he considers a run for governor in Oregon, per the Times. "This has been my dream job, even with malaria, a plane crash in Congo and periodic arrests abroad for committing journalism," Kristof said in a statement. "Yet here I am, resigningvery reluctantly." This week, Kristof filed the paperwork to organize a candidate committee with the state. Our original story from July follows:

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Best known as a New York Times columnist who writes about human rights abuses, Nicholas Kristof is considering a change of profession: The Willamette Week of Oregon reports that the 62-year-old is exploring a 2022 run for governor in his native state. "I have friends trying to convince me that here in Oregon, we need new leadership from outside the broken political system," he tells the newspaper. "I'm honestly interested in what my fellow Oregonians have to say about that." The Oregonian reports that Kristof moved back to his family farm in Yamhill, about an hour southwest of Portland, in 2019. He and his wife, fellow journalist Sheryl WuDunn, are converting the longtime cherry orchard into a grape and cider apple farm.

Kristof's Twitter bio refers to himself as an "Oregon farmboy turned NY Times columnist," notes Axios. The state's current governor, Democrat Kate Brown, cannot run again because of term limits. "What he lacks in direct political experience, he makes up for in decades-worth of progressive stances in a state in which Joe Biden beat Donald Trump by over 16 points last November," notes Matt Stieb at New York. Kristof is a two-time Pulitzer winner, his first for coverage of the Tiananmen Square protests in 1990 and the second for commentary on genocide in Darfur in 2006. Last year, he and his wife wrote a book, Tightrope, about working-class America that included a look at his native Yamhill. (Read more Nicholas Kristof stories.)
(Newser)  At a ceremony attended by right-wing extremists near Berlin on Friday, the ashes of a neo-Nazi were buried at the gravesite of a leading Jewish music scholar. Max Friedlanders gravestone was covered by a black cloth during the burial, and by a sign with Henry Hafenmayers name on it, the Guardian reports. The Stahnsdorf cemetery is managed by a Protestant church, which called the burial a "terrible mistake and a staggering course of events in view of our history." The bishop said, "We have to immediately look into whether we can revert this process."

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Friedlander's plot was available for burials because his cremated remains had been removed because the lease had not been renewed. As a listed monument, however, the gravestone remains. The church said it accepted the burial request because "everyone has a right for a final resting place." It now says it wants to move quickly to rebury the remains of the Holocaust denier "in order to no longer disturb the dignified memory of Max Friedlaender," per the Local. The scholar died of a stroke in Berlin in 1934.

But Berlins antisemitism officer is not satisfied. Samuel Salzborn filed a criminal complaint at the justice department on Tuesday. "It is obvious that right-wing extremists deliberately chose a Jewish grave in order to disturb the eternal peace through interment of a Holocaust denier," he said. The dozens of mourners Friday included a notorious Holocaust denier, Horst Mahler, who has been convicted of incitement. Police watching the ceremony arrested a far-right fugitive, German reports said. A Nazi-era iron cross symbol was placed on Hafenmayer's grave. (Read more Neo-Nazi stories.)
(Newser)  University of Delaware students demanding action against gender-based violence held protests this week after the arrest of a student accused of kidnapping and attacking an ex-girlfriend. Police say Brandon Freyre, 20, allegedly held a fellow student captive in his off-campus Newark apartment for around four hours early last Friday, the Newark Post reports. According to a police statement, he "struck the victim with blunt objects, sprayed her in the eyes with spray paint and threatened to kill the victim if she contacted police. He next strangled her to unconsciousness." Police say the woman fled the building after Freyre threw her down a flight of stairs.

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The woman called police and was treated at a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries including severe cuts and bruises on her face. The university says Freyre, who was arrested Friday and later released on bond, is "officially separated" from the school and is banned from campus, CBS reports. The Kappa Delta Rho fraternity said Tuesday that his membership has been permanently revoked over the "heinous" attack. Investigators say the attack occurred after Freyre and the victim argued over her attendance at a rival fraternity's party, ABC 6 reports. According to charging documents, Freyre's roommates were home at the time of the attack.

Protesters took to the streets Wednesday, carrying signs with slogans including "real men protect women" and "we demand a safer campus," the student-run Review reports. They criticized the university for remaining silent on the incident before a Tuesday night statement and called for changes including sexual assault prevention training for fraternities. University officials "did not speak up on the issue or say anything to our university body until after it had national attention, it was too little too late," said protest organizer Keira Spann. (Read more University of Delaware stories.)
(Newser)  Georgia Republican US Senate candidate Herschel Walker has called off a fundraiser planned in Texas because the host was displaying a swastika made of syringes in her social media profile to protest mandatory COVID-19 vaccination. Walker's campaign said Wednesday that it had canceled the event, which had been scheduled for Saturday in suburban Dallas at the home of Bettina Sofia Viviano-Langlais. The campaign had earlier denied that the symbol was a swastika, the AP reports.

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"Herschel is a strong friend of Israel and the Jewish community and opposes hatred and bigotry of all forms," campaign spokesperson Mallory Blount said. "Despite the fact that the apparent intent behind the graphic was to condemn government vaccine mandates, the symbol used is very offensive and does not reflect the values of Herschel Walker or his campaign." Democrats pointed out the change of heart by the candidate, who's been endorsed by former President Donald Trump.

"Herschel Walker defended a swastika, and canceling a fundraiser does not change the fact that he failed to condemn a hateful, anti-Semitic symbol. Georgia Democratic Party spokesperson Dan Gottlieb said in a statement. The syringe swastika has appeared in protests against vaccine mandates in other parts of the US and the world. Jewish groups have condemned the symbol. The comparison of vaccines to Nazism has become a common and callous tool for political gain," said Allison Padilla-Goodman, of the southern division of the Anti-Defamation League. Linking the atrocities committed by the Nazis to current public health policies are "shameless comparisons," Padilla-Goodman said. (Read more Herschel Walker stories.)
(Newser)  After 50 years, the Rolling Stones have dropped one of their biggestand most controversialsongs from their set list. With its references to slavery, mentions of whipping, and lyrics like "How come you taste so good, just like a Black girl should," 1971 hit "Brown Sugar" has been strongly criticized in recent years, with music producer Ian Brennan accusing the band of "glorifying slavery, rape, torture, and pedophilia" in 2019, USA Today reports. Keith Richards told the Los Angeles Times that the song has been retired for now but the band hasn't ruled out bringing it back. "I'm trying to figure out with the sisters quite where the beef is," the guitarist said. "Didnt they understand this was a song about the horrors of slavery?"

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"I dont want to get into conflict with all of this s---  but Im hoping that well be able to resurrect the babe in her glory somewhere along the track," Richards said. Mick Jagger also said it might return, adding: "Weve played 'Brown Sugar' every night since 1970, so sometimes you think, 'Well take that one out for now and see how it goes.'" CNN notes that in a 1995 interview, Jagger said, "I never would write that song now. I would probably censor myself." The last time the band played the song live was in Miami in 2019, during their final concert with drummer Charlie Watts, who died in August. The Stones resumed their "No Filter" tour in the US last month.

Brennan tells the Guardian that it was insensitive and a "prime example of entitlement" for the band to have played the song for so long. "That they now retire the song is a victory," he says. "But that the band continue to play coy as to the reasons for their decision rather than just making a frank admission of the inappropriateness of the lyrics as the reason why they have chosen to no longer play the song live is an opportunity for healing and leadership missed." (The Rolling Stones' St. Louis show in September was their first without Watts since 1963.)
(Newser)  Update: A judge in Chicago has blocked the city from enforcing its vaccine mandate for police officers. Cook County Judge Raymond Mitchell suspended the city's Dec. 31 deadline and said the dispute over vaccinations between the city and the police union should be treated as a labor grievance and sent to an arbitrator, reports NBC Chicago. But it was only a partial victory for the Fraternal Order of Police, WLS notes. The judge left in place an order for unvaccinated officers to be tested for COVID twice a week, and officers who refuse to disclose their vaccination status can still be placed on unpaid leave. Our original story from Oct. 13 follows:

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The head of Chicago's police union says members should defy the city's COVID vaccine requirementsand he predicts that the force will be at "50% or less" by the weekend. In a video posted on YouTube, Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara urged officers not to comply with an order to report their vaccination status by Friday, the Chicago Tribune reports. After Friday, unvaccinated city workers will have to either submit to semiweekly COVID testing or be placed on unpaid leave. Catanzara said officers should cite "conscientious objection" to the vaccine mandate and go to work Friday with the expectation that they will be sent home.

"I do not believe the city has the authority to mandate that to anybody, let alone that information about your medical history," Catanzara said of the COVID vaccine mandate, adding that the union has filed a grievance against the city and plans to fight the mandate in court. Asked about his remarks Wednesday, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said, "Hes threatening litigation. I say, bring it." She accused him of making "untrue or patently false" statements, the AP reports. "You know, John Catanzara says a lot of things, and a lot of it offensive and racist and foolish, but we'll see what happens," the mayor said. "We'll be prepared for any eventuality."

"What were focused on is making sure that we maximize the opportunity to create a very safe workplace," and it is "unfortunate that the FOP leadership has chosen to put out a counter narrative," Lightfoot said. Catanzara predicted that the unpaid leave policy would be reversed within a week if enough officers reject the reporting requirement. The AP notes that according to the Officer Down memorial page, the pandemic has killed at least 460 police officers nationwide, including four in Chicago. Dean Angelo, the Chicago police union's president from 2013 to 2017, died from COVID on Tuesday, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. (Read more Chicago stories.)
(Newser)  Gary Paulsen, the beloved author of more than 200 books about adventure and survival in the wilderness, died Wednesday, according to Publishers Weekly. He was 82. It's sad news not only for those who knew the three-time Newbery Honor authorincluding his wife, the artist and author Ruth Wright Paulsenbut also for those who read his words. "I know many mushersmyself includedwho first fell in love with mushing through Gary Paulsen's stories about his sled dogs," tweeted Blair Braverman, an adventurer, writer, and contributing editor for Outside magazine, per Vulture. "He changed lives in big ways; he wrote about wilderness, animals, fear, wonder with extraordinary grace. An incredible writer. May he rest in peace."

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The Minnesota native's 1994 memoir Winterdance, about his experience running the grueling 1,180-mile Iditarod dog sled race in Alaska in 1983, was the inspiration for the 2002 Disney film Snow Dogs. But the author was perhaps best known for Hatchet, the 1986 young adult novel about a boy stranded alone in the Canadian wilderness following a plane crash, which served as the inspiration for the 1990 film A Cry in the Wild. The outdoorsman who faced plenty of hardships wrote from experience, which is why his work felt so authentic, as the Wall Street Journal noted with the release of Paulsen's final memoir this past January.

Gone to the Woods told of Paulsen's harrowing childhood trauma and neglect but also of the respite he found in nature. He recalled canoeing with his uncle as a young boy and feeling as though he "had become folded into [nature]." "The moment was so pure, so profound, that he caught himself holding his breath," he wrote, per the Journal. He spoke of struggling to read in elementary school but was encouraged by a public librarian and, after a stint in the army, discovered his love of writing. He thanked his many readerswhom he encouraged to "read like a wolf eats"in a 2020 interview with Scholastic. "Writing for you is just about the greatest thing I've ever known, along with dogs and the wilderness," he said. (Read more obituary stories.)
(Newser)  One of the autopsies performed on the body of a 28-year-old Italian man found slain in Egypt in 2016 found that he suffered "inhuman, animal-like" violence. On Thursday, four men with Egypt's security forces go on trial in absentia for the murder of Giulio Regeni, a University of Cambridge PhD student. The BBC reports the two countries have vastly different takes on what transpired. Egypt has suggested the murder was variously tied to drugs, a robbery attempt, or a gay tryst. Italian prosecutors accuse Egypt's National Security Agency (NSA) of having kidnapped, tortured, and killed Regeni after believing him to be a spy and surveilling him for 40 days: Regeni went missing in Cairo on January 25, 2016, and his body was found nine days later.

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The Guardian reports the "in absentia" aspect of the trial is the result of Egypt refusing to "recognize the Italian legal process." Al-Jazeera gets more specific, explaining that Italy may go ahead without the suspects being present if it is shown that Italian officials did all they could to communicate the charges to them; Egypt has refused all of the Italian prosecutors' requests for the men's addresses. General Tariq Sabir and Colonels Usham Helmi and Athar Kamel Mohamed Ibrahim face kidnapping charges; Major Magdi Ibrahim Abdelal Sharif is also facing charges related to Regeni's murder.

At the time of Regeni's disappearance, he was studying independent trade unions, which factored heavily into the 2011 revolution that saw President Hosni Mubarak ousted. Prosecutors believe he caught the attention of Egypts NSA after offering to assist the head of the street vendor's unit apply for a grant from a British NGO. An NSA employee has reportedly told prosecutors he saw Regeni being held in a building used by the NSA, describing him as "half naked, the superior part of his body had signs of torture  he was delirious." (Read more Giulio Regeni stories.)
(Newser)  Police in Norway say the man accused of killing five people in a bow-and-arrow attack Wednesday was on their radar and had been flagged for showing signs of radicalization. Regional police chief Ole Bredrup Saeverud described the suspect Thursday as a 37-year-old Danish citizen and a convert to Islam, the New York Times reports. Police believe he acted alone. More:

Worries about radicalization . The chief said police had previously been in contact with the suspect "regarding worries about radicalization." Saeverud said that while police don't know whether the rampage was motivated by religious extremism, "it's natural to ask the question."

. The chief said police had previously been in contact with the suspect "regarding worries about radicalization." Saeverud said that while police don't know whether the rampage was motivated by religious extremism, "it's natural to ask the question." Suspect has confessed. Police say the man admitted killing four women and a man in the attack in Kongsberg, around 40 miles southwest of Oslo. Ann Iren Svane Mathiassen, the police attorney leading the investigation, tells the AP that the suspect calmly told officers, "I did this," after his arrest. Police say all the victims were between 50 and 70 years old.

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The timeline . Authorities say the man launched the attack in a supermarket around 6:12pm. Police say they made contact with him minutes later but he escaped after firing arrows at officers. He was arrested at 6:47pm. Saeverud says the man apparently didn't start killing people until police arrived at the scene, the AP reports. Two people were seriously injured in the attack, including an off-duty officer who was at the supermarket and not in uniform,

. Authorities say the man launched the attack in a supermarket around 6:12pm. Police say they made contact with him minutes later but he escaped after firing arrows at officers. He was arrested at 6:47pm. Saeverud says the man apparently didn't start killing people until police arrived at the scene, the AP reports. Two people were seriously injured in the attack, including an off-duty officer who was at the supermarket and not in uniform, Attacks took place over a large area. Authorities say the attack covered a large area of the town, with the man walking around firing arrows at strangers, Reuters reports. Witnesses saw the man with a bow and a quiver of arrows. Police say they are investigating reports he also used other weapons.

Previous convictions . According to Norway's NRK public broadcaster, the suspect had previous convictions for drug and robbery offenses. He was also placed under a six-month restraining order last year that banned him from approaching his parents after he allegedly threatened to kill one of them, per the Guardian.

. According to Norway's NRK public broadcaster, the suspect had previous convictions for drug and robbery offenses. He was also placed under a six-month restraining order last year that banned him from approaching his parents after he allegedly threatened to kill one of them, per the Guardian. "This is absolutely devastating." Kongsberg Mayor Kari Anne Sand says the town of around 28,000 is a "completely ordinary community" that has been deeply shaken by the attack. Resident Fiona Herland tells the BBC that the town is "a very warm, cozy placenothing happens here." "This is absolutely devastating," she says. "You can feel the atmosphere here has darkened."

Kongsberg Mayor Kari Anne Sand says the town of around 28,000 is a "completely ordinary community" that has been deeply shaken by the attack. Resident Fiona Herland tells the BBC that the town is "a very warm, cozy placenothing happens here." "This is absolutely devastating," she says. "You can feel the atmosphere here has darkened." Cops ordered to carry guns. Police in Norway don't normally carry guns, but officers nationwide were ordered to carry firearms following the attack, which was the country's worst mass killing since right-wing extremist Anders Breivik killed 77 people in 2011.

(Read more Norway stories.)
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(Newser)  Update: William Shatner says Prince William is a "lovely, gentle, educated man"but he's got the "wrong idea" about space tourism. After the prince said the world's greatest minds should focus on fixing problems on Earth, Shatner told Entertainment Tonight that trips like his Wednesday Blue Origin voyage were about a lot more than saying, "Yeah, look at me. I'm in space." Shatner said the trips were "baby steps" toward showing that space travel is practical and polluting industries can be shifted into orbit. The 90-year-old added that while he doesn't like be reminded that he is the oldest person to go to space, the voyage made him reflect on his mortality and the future his children and his children's children will face. Our original story from Thursday follows:

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Britain's Prince William has criticized some of the world's richest men for using their wealth to fund a new space race and space tourism rather than trying to fix the problems on Earth instead. William voiced his disapproval in an interview with the BBC aired Thursday, a day after the former Star Trek actor William Shatner became the oldest man to fly to space, in a rocket funded by Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos, who is also the founder of Amazon, per the AP. Billionaires Elon Musk and Richard Branson are also pumping resources into their own space ambitions via SpaceX and Virgin Galactic, respectively.

But "we need some of the world's greatest brains and minds fixed on trying to repair this planet, not trying to find the next place to go and live," said William. Asked whether he would like to become a space tourist, the former Royal Air Force helicopter pilot said, "I have absolutely no interest in going that high." The Duke of Cambridge was speaking about climate change ahead of his inaugural Earthshot environmental prize awards ceremony on Sunday and two weeks before a UN climate summit starts in the Scottish city of Glasgow at the end of the month.

William, who has been immersed in environmental issues all his life through the strong interest of his father, Prince Charles, and his late grandfather, Prince Philip, voiced his worries about the world his own children will inherit. "Young people now are growing up where their futures are basically threatened the whole time," he said. "It's very unnerving and  anxiety-making." (Read more Prince William stories.)
(Newser)  Prosecutors asked for 30-day terms for two Capitol rioters when they were sentenced Wednesday in Washington. US District Judge Tanya Chutkan gave Robert Bauer of Kentucky and Edward Hemenway of Virginia 45 days each. On Tuesday, Chutkan gave another person convicted in the Jan. 6 attackDona Sue Bissey of Indianatwo weeks, though prosecutors wanted probation. She's imposed jail terms of 14 to 45 days in the past two weeks on defendants who pleaded guilty to riot charges, Reuters reports. "There have to be consequences for participating in an attempted violent overthrow of the government, beyond sitting at home," Chutkan said.

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She's not the only judge to be critical of sentences and recommendations she finds too lenient in the riot prosecutions. But in a case last week, Chutkan became the first judge to impose a harsher sentence than prosecutors sought. The chief judge of the federal court in Washington also expressed concern about allowing defendants to plead guilty to misdemeanors. Even those convicted of relatively minor crimes, Judge Beryl Howell said, were involved in "terrorizing members of Congress." During a hearing in August, Howell asked, "Does the government, in agreeing to the petty offense in this case, have any concern about deterrence?"

Chutkan, who was appointed a judge by former President Obama, raised that issue last week when Matthew Mazzocco was sentenced on a single misdemeanor charge, per WUSA. "A sentence of probation does not reflect the seriousness of the crime.  If Mr. Mazzocco walks away with probation and a slap on the wrist, that's not going to deter anyone from trying to do what he did," the judge said. "Nor do I agree with the government that confining him to his home, where he can be with his family, is appropriate." Among the selfies Mazzocco took on Jan. 6 was one he posted showing the building behind him with the caption, "The capital is ours!" Chutkan gave him 45 days. (Read more Capitol riot stories.)
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrains pioneering initiative to adopt the reform centres and open prisons programme in accordance with well-defined regulations has earned praise.

The Arab Observatory for Human Rights of the Arab Parliament commended the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to start putting in place the necessary executive mechanisms for the programme. It described the move as a reflection of the kingdoms keenness to protect and promote the human rights system and a model to emulate according to international standards.

In a statement, the group noted that the royal directives reflect the keen vision of HM the King to protect the Bahraini social texture.

It described the move as an extension of the success of the alternative penalties programme as a national, civilisational and humanitarian project.

The observatory also praised Bahrains efforts and tireless endeavour to develop the criminal justice system and foster human rights.

It lauded the meeting of Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa with heads and representatives of human rights institutions in the Kingdom and his directives to speed up the implementation of the executive mechanism of the open prisons programme.

Likewise, it stressed the importance of the move in rehabilitating the wrongdoers and reintegrate them in the community according to well-defined regulations.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa hailed Bahrains development strides, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

He praised the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, noting promising strategic projects that reflect greater confidence in the real estate sector.

He stressed the importance of the law which was issued in 2017 to regulate and restructure the real estate sector in accordance with best practices and protect the property market against any loopholes. The Deputy Prime Minister, also Head of the Ministerial Committee for Development Projects and Infrastructure, made the statement as he visited Bahrain Harbour zone, at the invitation of GFH Properties Chairman Hisham Ahmed Al Rayes.

In attendance at the site of the project were Khaleeji Commercial Bank Chief Executive Officer Sattam Al Gosaibi and GFH Properties managing director Maji Al Khan.

Bahrain Harbour includes The Harbour Heights and The Harbour Row, two major real estate development projects owned by GFH Properties.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has hailed the efforts exerted by the National Audit Office (NAO) head and staff to protect public money, optimise the use of all resources and ensure sound spending in compliance with the highest standards of integrity and transparency. This came as HM the King received yesterday, at Al Sakhir Palace, NAO President Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, who submitted the 12th NAO Report (2020/2021).

His Majesty lauded the NAOled role in assuming its duties and maintaining its independent work which contributes in enhancing the performance of ministries and government bodies.

Shaikh Ahmed highlighted the offices achievements since its inception thanks to the directives and royal care of HM the King.

He updated HM the King on the NAO future development projects and plans to expand control services, including digital shifts, efficient use of technology and investigative auditing.

The NAO head pointed out that the bodys oversight work included various economic, social, service, health and environmental sectors, in addition to conducting oversight tasks on strategic and important topics in light of the developments of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).

Thanks and gratitude His Majesty King Hamad also received yesterday a number of citizens from the Northern Governorate.

They greeted HM the King and expressed deepest thanks and gratitude for the royal care and directives to set up major development, service and housing projects in the Northern Governorate.

His Majesty welcomed them all, commending the Northern Governorate citizens dedicated efforts to build the nation and active development contributions.

He expressed his delight at holding such meetings which embody amity and loyalty and stem from authentic Arab traditions and Bahrain heritage which binds all people as a closely-knit family.

HM the King hailed loyal citizens patriotic stances down historic eras, paying tribute to men and women who left their mark on nation-building efforts.

Bahrain, HM the King said, has always been known, down its longstanding history, as a beacon of civilisation, moeration, humanitarian role and openness to the world.

Dr Abdulla Mansour Al Radhi and Jihane Mohammed recited two poems before HM the King, who thanked them for their contributions on national occasions.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

The implementation of all projects, initiatives and programmes that will develop education and training is in full swing.

Deputy Prime Minister His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa commended this positive development as he chaired the 46th meeting of the Supreme Council for the Development of Education and Training yesterday.

HH Shaikh Mohammed, also president of the Supreme Council for the Development of Education and Training, emphasised that education and training play an essential role in achieving Bahrains Economic Vision 2030 and goals to be an educational and training hub.

He said the government, headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, spares no effort in supporting projects, initiatives and programmes to upgrade the education and training sector and continue investing in Bahraini competencies.

Review

The Council reviewed the latest developments in the implementation of the education and training programmes listed on the unified framework of government priorities, noting that 60% of them have been achieved and that two major goals in infrastructure development and e-learning have been completed.

It also reviewed the latest developments in the restructure of the Ministry of Education that includes 17 initiatives to improve its operations and education outputs.

The achievement rate has reached 83%.

The Council discussed the proposal for the national curriculum and national standards that harmonise the educational process and teaching with the requirements of the labour market and make it periodically consistent with the changes in the required job skills.

It reviewed the draft of the 2021 report of the Education and Training Quality Authority, and the proposal for a review date for the authority to obtain recognition from the World Federation for Medical Education.

Results

It also discussed the results of the review of three academic programmes in higher education institutions and decisions to include national qualifications in the National Qualifications Framework.

HH Shaikh Mohammed and the Council congratulated Dr Jawaher Shaheen Al Mudhahki on her appointment by HM the King and commended her efforts during her presidency of the Education and Training Quality Authority and the role of the authority in developing education and training.

The Council also thanked Prof Dr Riyadh Hamza for his efforts during his presidency of the University of Bahrain and the success it achieved during his term, wishing him success.

Proposals

Higher Education Council Secretary General Dr Shaikha Rana bint Isa Al Khalifa presented proposals to review higher education policies and legislation to expand its scope and present options to individuals to move between academic, technical and applied streams and the labour market, expanding lifelong learning and employability.

Dr Shaikha Rana also presented a proposal to establish a national portal for admission to higher education institutions that would develop mechanisms to boost efficiency and effectiveness, standardise procedures, reduce costs for students in the short term, and align the financing of the higher education sector with the national strategy and long-term labour market needs.

She also put forward a detailed proposal for the implementation and timeframe for the proposed initiatives.

Expansion

Dean of the Bahrain Teachers College Dr Ted Purinton updated the Council on the plan for the expansion of the Btc to achieve the government goals to enable it to meet 80% of the Ministry of Educations needs of teachers by 2030.

He also briefed the Council on the preparations by the college for the new academic year.


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Nearly 150 members of the states largest health care workers union have hit the picket lines after negotiations stalled with a major chain serving the disabled, including two group homes in New Milford.

Employees at 28 group homes and day programs run by Sunrise Northeast, whove been working under a contract that expired in March, ordered the work stoppage after the union and management failed to make sufficient progress in negotiations on a new deal, said Rob Baril, president of SEIU District 1199 New England.

The workers have decided theyre going to stand up and work for economic justice, Baril said earlier this week. Their goal is to be treated like human beings.

Dawn Frey, executive director for Sunrise Northeast, could not be reached for comment.

Based in Miami, Fla., Sunrise operates more than two dozen group homes and other programs at locations in central and eastern Connecticut serving clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Besides New Milford, the strike, which began Tuesday morning, is affecting services at programs serving about 160 clients located in: Brooklyn, Columbia, East Hartford, Glastonbury, Hartford, Hebron, Killingly, Lebanon, Manchester, Mansfield, New London, New Milford, Old Lyme, Pomfret, Vernon, Waterford and Enfield.

Picketing is taking place in four locations where Sunrise has offices or day programs  Hartford, New London, Killingly and Columbia  but not at the residential group homes.

The work stoppage is the latest move in a long-running struggle involving low-paid health care workers, a financially strapped nonprofit social services industry, and the state  which relies on the private sector to deliver the bulk of its human service programs.

Most of these nonprofits, the union asserts, have long provided their workers  most of whom are minority women  with little more than minimum wage salaries, expensive-yet-low-quality health insurance, and meager retirement benefits, if any.

District 1199 made similar claims this spring against dozens of Connecticut nursing homes, which also receive a major chunk of their funding from government sources in exchange for treating Medicaid and Medicare clients.

Gov. Ned Lamont and the General Assembly averted a nursing home strike in May by committing additional resources for worker compensation in the biennial state budget that began July 1.

They also allocated another $184 million across this fiscal year and next to improve compensation and benefits at private, nonprofit group homes and day program services that contract with the Department of Developmental Disabilities.

But the union has argued throughout much of the summer and fall that nonprofit operators, despite the additional state resources, are struggling to accept new contracts that adequately raise wages and benefits.

Baril did not discuss specifics of the negotiations with Sunrise but said he was particularly disappointed about a lack of progress in negotiating improvements to health care and retirement benefits. Under the workers previous contract, health insurance premiums were $2,000 per month for individual coverage and $6,000 per month for family coverage  something Baril called extremely unfair for caregivers who risked their lives caring for the disabled during the worst days of the coronavirus pandemic.

That is an act of love, he said, adding that, frankly, their employer is showing no love.

Im tired. Im drained. Ive been at Sunrise for 24 years, said union member Jennifer Brown, who added she hasnt had a pay raise in 15 years. Its time that they do the right thing. No one at our agency takes insurance because it is not affordable.

But leaders of the nonprofit social services industry have said the problem is more complex than union leaders have presented it.

The industry suffers from decades of state underfunding, and $184 million extra  spread across two fiscal years  doesnt reverse all of that damage.

And the CT Community Nonprofit Alliance, the states largest coalition of nonprofits, asserts the state still hasnt defined exactly how much of that $184 million each nonprofit agency will receive and when they will receive it.

Agencies specifically dont know how much state aid they will get to fund health care and retirement benefits.

In general, providers can only pay according to what theyre being paid by the state, Gian-Carl Casa, president and CEO of the alliance, said Monday.

The union had cited similar problems reaching a deal on benefits in September when it set an Oct. 5 strike deadline against two other group home operators: Network Inc. and Whole Life. Both reached deals in the final weeks before a work stoppage.
RIDGEFIELD  More than 370 Ridgefield families have opted their children into the school districts COVID-19 screening program. Its start date, however, has yet to be determined.

Using federal dollars, Connecticuts education and health departments are offering free screenings to every school district in the state. Participating districts are assigned a vendor, which provides individuals to conduct shallow nasal swab tests at each school on a weekly basis.

The program is designed specifically for children who are ineligible to receive the vaccine and is intended to alleviate transmission in the event of a positive case. It is also voluntary.

RPS parents must log in to their PowerSchool portal to enroll their child or children in the program. Screenings are open to students in pre-K through sixth grade, and fully vaccinated students are ineligible to participate.

Only 371 of Ridgefields 2,500 eligible students opted into the program as of Wednesday.

The breakdown is: 55 students at Branchville Elementary School; 66 students at Barlow Mountain Elementary School; 21 students at East Ridge Middle School; 42 students at Farmingville Elementary School; 45 students at Ridgebury Elementary School; 58 students at Scotland Elementary School; 26 students at Scotts Ridge Middle School; and 58 students at Veterans Park Elementary School.

Transformative Healthcare will visit the schools to conduct the screenings. Children will be tested in 10-person pods and the swabs will be tested using a single PCR test, explained district nursing coordinator Aaron Crook.

If a pod comes back positive, each of those 10 swabs will be tested individually to determine the positive case. The vendor will notify the district and the childs parents  via text and email  of a positive test and begin contact tracing protocols.

Testing will take about three minutes per 10-person pod, Crook said, with Transformative Healthcare spending a maximum of one to two hours in each building per week.

Logistics such as where the testing will take place are still being ironed out. Superintendent Susie Da Silva said school principals are being creative in finding spaces within their schools.

Da Silva expressed optimism in regards to the program, as it could help prevent more students from having to quarantine. She said that students at the elementary level are now sitting in assigned seats on the bus to ease contact tracing protocols.

Theres no doubt that (these) families ... have found a great deal of challenge with the number of experiences that theyve had with being in quarantine, she added. Little kids need routine, they need structure, and for every time theyre out of school they lose that.

Under state guidelines, fully vaccinated individuals exposed to COVID-19 are not required to quarantine unless they have symptoms. Crook said if the FDA approves Pfizers request to administer shots to 5-11 year olds, quarantines could drop dramatically district-wide.

If that is the case, I think we can all anticipate COVID life  will be changing quite a bit, he said.

alyssa.seidman@hearstmediact.com
OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 14, 2021 /CNW/ - Egg Farmers of Canada is pleased to announce a partnership with De Dutch who are now featuring the Egg Quality Assurance (EQA) certification mark on their menus within their restaurants throughout British Columbia and Alberta. These efforts demonstrate De Dutch's commitment to sourcing top-quality, local products, produced to high-standards and the importance they place on supporting Canadian farmers and by extension, other local businesses.

De Dutch partners with Egg Farmers of Canada to bring Egg Quality Assurance certification to its restaurants throughout western Canada. (CNW Group/Egg Farmers of Canada) De Dutch (CNW Group/Egg Farmers of Canada)

"We're thrilled that De Dutch is embracing the EQA certification mark, showcasing their dedication to sourcing fresh, high-quality Canadian eggs," said Roger Pelissero, Chair of Egg Farmers of Canada. "The support that De Dutch has shown for Canada's local farmers who work hard every day to produce eggs to world-class standards is sincere and helps spotlight how, in an age where we want to know where our food comes from, made-in-Canada food is valued and sought by discerning customers. The leadership of De Dutch in embracing EQA serves as an example to others looking to build trust with their customers, work with Canadian suppliers and strengthen the connection between what's produced at the local farm level and what's served up at their restaurants."

"De Dutch's mission, to 'earn tomorrow's guests today' is bounded by our commitment to upholding quality of food  and quality food is something that our customers have come to expect," said Bill Waring, president of De Dutch. "Sourcing local, sustainably-sourced Canadian products such as eggs and supporting our community's farmers in the process is a natural extension of this commitment and our overall mission. We are proud to work with our suppliers and organizations like Egg Farmers of Canada, who continue to uphold leading food safety and animal welfare standards."

The EQA certification mark, developed by Egg Farmers of Canada, is part of an industry-wide program, which includes on-farm inspections and third-party audits. Canada is known for having some of the highest standards in the world for egg safety and quality and the EQA certification program verifies that those standards are maintained. For restaurants and retailers, the EQA certification mark on egg cartons, menus or product packages gives customers the information they need to enjoy Canadian eggs with added confidence, providing an instantly recognizable sign that their eggs are from Canada and are of the highest quality.

Visit eggquality.ca to find out more about Egg Farmers of Canada's EQA certification program.

About Egg Farmers of Canada

Now in its fifth decade as one of Canada's leading agriculture organizations, Egg Farmers of Canada manages the national egg supply and promotes egg consumption while representing the interests of regulated egg farmers from coast to coast. Visit eggfarmers.ca for more information.

About De Dutch

Since 1975, De Dutch has been offering our guests a unique blend of breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes. The Pannekoek, or 12" in diameter genuine Dutch pancake, is our signature dish. But, we're not just Pannekoeken! We offer genuine Dutch cuisine to West Coast favourites prepared with a subtle, yet original De Dutch twist. De Dutch operates in 16 locations in BC and Alberta. For more information, visit dedutch.com.

SOURCE Egg Farmers of Canada

For further information: Media contact: Elissa Zaks, Senior Public Relations Officer, Egg Farmers of Canada, [email protected], 343-777-6433

Related Links

http://www.eggs.ca/


Air India unions on Wednesday raised concerns over employee issues including cash, leave, medical benefits, accommodation of employees and arrears. The unions have written a joint letter to the Secretary of the Ministry of Civil aviation (MoCA) on Wednesday seeking urgent action to be taken on these employee issues. In the letter, the unions referred to the ongoing privatisation of Air India and the bid by the Tata group. We had requested you to allow employees to continue living in the colonies until their superannuation or monetisation since the subsidiaries were not being transferred and would continue with the government, the union said. The ministries letters after that have been very harsh in principle, demanding that all employees sign undertakings in 15 days or pay 15 lakhs penalties, it added. The unions further urged the ministry to intercede on behalf of the Air Indians who reside in these colonies to allow them to reside there for at least a year.



Mentioning the leave encashment option in the letter, the unions recalled that all unions have been promised their leave encashment from the time meetings held by the Minister of Civil Aviation and its secretary since January 2020 until the most recent meeting held on September 1. We demand the option to demand or carry forward immediately our PL/SL be clarified before the handover, the unions added in the letter. It further stated that the unions are concerned since they have no clarity on the medical benefits for the serving or retired employees. We are concerned about OPD, hospitalisation and disbursal of medicine, etc, for serving or retired employees, it added.

Apart from medical benefits, the unions demanded back the return to their pre-Covid emoluments which had been cut during the first wave of COVID-19 last year.



Earlier on Friday, the government said that Tata Sons, which won the bid to acquire Air India, will retain all employees for one year and the group will need to offer a voluntary retirement scheme if it decides on retrenchment after the period. The government has said that the interest of the employees and retired employees would be taken care of in the disinvestment process.
According to the police, one person has been taken into custody and the main accused in the matter has been identified.

A man died and two girls from his family sustained injuries in firing by assailants in the Deokali area of Uttar Pradeshs Ayodhya on Wednesday night, the police said.

According to the police, one person has been taken into custody and the main accused in the matter has been identified. Shailesh Pandey, SSP of Ayodhya, said, The deceased has been identified as Manjit Yadav. The two injured girls have been shifted to Lucknow from Ayodhya District Hospital. Both are said to be out of danger.

Several media houses are saying that the incident is related to Durga Puja. However, it is not true. It was a matter of personal dispute. The reasons for the attack are being ascertained, he added.
On Wednesday, NCB in its reply filed in a special court said that its investigation has revealed Aryan Khan's role in illicit procurement and distribution of contraband. The NCB further said that Aryan Khan used to procure drugs from Arbaz Khan.

Mumbai Special NDPS court on Thursday reserved order for October 20 on the bail application of Aryan Khan, Arbaaz Merchant and Munmun Dhamecha. Earlier today, in his final submission to special NDPS court, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Anil Singh argued that when considering a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the scheme and the object of the act must be taken into consideration. When we are considering a case under an NDPS act, the scheme and the object of the act must be taken into considerationbecause its affecting the nation. From time to time straight action is taken. NCB is working day and night and dealing with drugs in serious manners, said the ASG.

My four to five officers were beaten a few days back not in this case but another case, so I am saying it is affecting the society and college students in particular. The younger generation is the future of the country. Its the land of Mamata Gandhi, we should stop the circulation of the drug. We are looking into the chain, transition. We are in the primary stage and its a case of conspiracy we are investigating, he added.

On Wednesday, NCB in its reply filed in a special court said that its investigation has revealed Aryan Khans role in illicit procurement and distribution of contraband. The NCB further said that Aryan Khan used to procure drugs from Arbaz Khan. The special Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) court is hearing a plea for bail to Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan arrested from a cruise off Mumbai during a raid by the agency, in which banned narcotics were seized.

A total of 20 people, including two Nigerian nationals, have been arrested so far in the case related to the seizure of drugs following a raid at a party on the Cordelia cruise ship off the Mumbai coast on October 2.
As per the fresh order, the BSF, which was only empowered to take action up to fifteen kilometres in the states of Punjab, West Bengal and Assam, has now been authorised to spread its jurisdiction up to 50 km without any hurdle or further permission either from central or state governments.

Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Wednesday condemned the Centres decision to extend the Border Security Force (BSF)s jurisdiction over a wider area along the borders of three states and said that it is a direct attack on federalism. Channi requested the Union Home Minister Amit Shah to immediately roll back this irrational decision. I strongly condemn the GoIs unilateral decision to give additional powers to BSF within the 50 km belt running along the international borders, which is a direct attack on federalism. I urge the Union Home Minister @AmitShah to immediately roll back this irrational decision, tweeted Channi. Punjab Home Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has termed the Centres recent decision of allowing more jurisdiction to the Border Security Force (BSF) in border areas as an attempt to weaken the spirit of federalism. Channis predecessor Captain Amarinder Singh who had to resign as Punjab chief minister amidst tensions within the Congress has however approved of the Centres move. Our soldiers are being killed in Kashmir. Were seeing more and more weapons and drugs being pushed by Pakistan-backed terrorists into Punjab. BSFs enhanced presence and powers will only make us stronger. Lets not drag central armed forces into politics, Singh tweeted.



Former Punjab Congress President Sunil Jhakkar also took a dig at the chief minister when he put out a tweet stating that Channi had unwittingly managed to hand over half of Punjab to the Central government. Be careful what you ask for! Has (Punjab CM) Charanjit Singh Channi unwittingly managed to hand over half of Punjab to Central govt. 25,000sq km (out of total 50,000sq km) has now been placed under BSF jurisdiction. Punjab Police stands castigated. Do we still want more autonomy from the States?



In a move aimed at maintaining zero tolerance against terrorism and cross border crimes, the Centre has empowered the BSF to conduct searches, arrest suspects and make seizures up to an area of 50 km inside Indian territory from the International Border (IB) along the India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders. As per the fresh order, the BSF, which was only empowered to take action up to fifteen kilometres in the states of Punjab, West Bengal and Assam, has now been authorised to spread its jurisdiction up to 50 km without any hurdle or further permission either from central or state governments. However, its jurisdiction has been cut short by 20 km in the five northeastern states Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya where it had jurisdiction up to 80 km. Similarly in Gujarat, the BSFs jurisdiction has been curtailed from 80 to 50 km. In Rajasthan, the BSFs area of jurisdiction will remain the same at 50 km.

An officer of the rank corresponding to that of the lowest rank of member of the BSF is now empowered under the CrPC to exercise and discharge the powers and duties without an order from a Magistrate and without a warrant. The officer is now empowered to arrest any person who has been concerned in any cognizable offence, or against whom a reasonable complaint has been made, or credible information has been received. A BSF officer has now been given the power to conduct a search of a place entered by a person sought to be arrested in its new area of jurisdiction.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday said that India will soon be administering over 100 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses in the coming days.

With the administration of over 32 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses till 7 PM on Wednesday, Indias cumulative COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 96.78 crore doses, as per a press release from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Indias COVID-19 vaccination coverage has achieved 96 Crore (96,78,08,545) today. More than 32 lakh (32,36,997) Vaccine Doses have been administered till 7 pm today, reads the release. The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late tonight, the release adds further.

Yesterday, 14,64,884 people were administered their first dose of the vaccine while 17,72,113 were administered the second dose of the vaccine. To date, a total of 69,09,35,778 people have been given the first dose of the vaccine while the second dose has been given to 27,68,72,767 people.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday said that India will soon be administering over 100 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses in the coming days, adding that the achievement will be a pride for the country.
India on Wednesday rejected Chinas opposition to the recent visit of Vice President Venkaiah Naidu to Arunachal Pradesh, saying the state is an integral and inalienable part of India and the Indian leaders routinely travel there as they do to any other state of India. Beijing on Wednesday objected to Naidus recent visit, saying that it is firmly opposed to the Indian leaders visit to the state as it has never recognised it. Naidu visited Arunachal Pradesh on October 9 and addressed a special session of the state assembly.



Responding to a media query, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson rejected remarks of Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian relating to Naidus visit. We reject such comments. Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India. Indian leaders routinely travel to the state as they do to any other state of India. Objecting to the visit of Indian leaders to a state of India does not stand to reason and understanding of Indian people, the MEA spokesperson said. The MEA spokesperson also referred to a standoff on the resolution of the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh and said India expects the Chinese side to work towards this rather than trying to link unrelated issues.

Further, as we have mentioned earlier, the current situation along the LAC in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas has been caused by unilateral attempts of the Chinese side to alter the status quo in violation of the bilateral agreements. Therefore, we expect the Chinese side to work towards early resolution of the remaining issues along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh while fully abiding by bilateral agreements and protocols rather than trying to link unrelated issues, the MEA spokesperson said.



The 13th round of the India-China Corps Commander-level meeting was held at the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on October 10.

The Defence Ministry later said that during the meeting, the Indian side made constructive suggestions for resolving the remaining areas but the Chinese side was not agreeable and also could not provide any forward-looking proposals. The meeting did not result in the resolution of the remaining areas in eastern Ladakh.
The development comes after Abbott, who is the Special Envoy for Indigenous Affairs of Australia, visited Taiwan last week and met President Tsai Ing-wen along with other government officials.

Amid the unrelenting Chinese incursions into Taiwans air defence identification zone, President Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday said that the country stands on democracys first line of defense, in the face of increasing threats from authoritarian actors. Taiwan stands on democracys first line of defense, in the face of increasing threats from authoritarian actors. We will not give in, and will continue working with our democratic partners across the world to enhance our collective resilience, tweeted Tsai Ing-wen.

Earlier, China on Saturday hit out at former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott over his visit to Taiwan and issued a strong statement against him. The development comes after Abbott, who is the Special Envoy for Indigenous Affairs of Australia, visited Taiwan last week and met President Tsai Ing-wen along with other government officials, Taiwan News reported. In response to Abbotts visit, the Chinese embassy in Canberra posted a statement on their website, saying, Tony Abbot is a failed and pitiful politician, Taiwan News reported.



Emerging from the pandemic, authoritarian regimes are now even more confident that their alternative model is more adaptive than the democratic system. Through grey zone activities, military threats and information manipulation authoritarian regimes aim to erode our citizens confidence in democratic institutions and polarize our societies. Taiwan stands on the front line of this assault and we have been working diligently to combat such coercion. We will share our experience and continue working with like-minded countries to safeguard the liberal democratic world order, and to tackle the unprecedented challenges from authoritarian regimes, said Tsai in a video message.

Her remarks come amidst the rising tensions between Beijing and Taipei after nearly 150 Chinese military aircraft breached the airspace of Taiwan over a period of four days.
A Westchester County grand jury could interview witnesses in the nearly 40-year-old disappearance and presumed death of Kathleen Kathie Durst as early as next week, according to sources close to the investigation.

Kathie Durst, who graduated from what was then called Western Connecticut State College in Danbury, disappeared on Jan. 31, 1982 from the couples home in South Salem, N.Y. The 30-year-old Durst vanished after attending a party in Newtown earlier that night. Her body has not been found.

Her husband at the time, Robert Durst, has not been charged in her death and disappearance. But he was convicted in September of killing a close friend, Susan Berman, who prosecutors believed was about to come forward with information on Kathie Dursts death.

Robert Durst, 78, is expected to be sentenced Thursday in a Los Angeles courtroom to life in prison.

Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah said during an unrelated press conference on Sept. 28 that her office had turned the case over to a newly formed cold case unit months before Robert Dursts California trial was completed.

They have been working very hard, Rocah said. Im proud of everyone, were doing our job.

But Rocah stopped short of confirming a grand jury would be convened to examine evidence in the case. She also declined to comment on whether Robert Durst was a suspect in his first wifes death.

The Westchester District Attorneys Office commends all of those involved in persuading a California jury to hold Robert Durst accountable for the murder of Susan Berman, Rocah said in a statement issued after a jury found Robert Durst guilty on Sept. 17 of killing Berman.

The statement went on to say that Rocah reopened the investigation into Kathie Dursts death shortly after she took office in January. The investigation remains ongoing, Rocah said.

Kathie Dursts disappearance was central to the evidence presented in the months-long California trial. Berman had repeatedly spoken up for Robert Durst when allegations surfaced that he may have been involved in his wifes disappearance.

Berman was found dead in her Los Angeles home in December 2000. Prosecutors in Robert Dursts trial claimed that Berman was about to come forward with information on Kathie Dursts disappearance when she died.

The trial began in early 2020, but was halted for 14 months during the coronavirus pandemic.

Durst testified in August that he has changed his mind many times about whether he actually saw his wife step onto a commuter train for Manhattan on the night she disappeared in 1982 and said he lied to police when he told them he later spoke to her on the phone.

Everyone has asked me that question, and I have changed my mind maybe a dozen times, Durst said under questioning from his attorney Dick DeGuerin at his Los Angeles murder trial. Did I actually see Kathie walk through the doors and onto the train? The answer is no. But there is no place else to go.

Robert Durst testified that he never saw or heard from his wife after watching her step onto the train platform in the New York hamlet of Katonah near their home on Jan. 31, 1982. But days later, he told a detective investigating her disappearance that he had called her and spoken to her at their apartment in Manhattan, where she had gone because she had medical school in the Bronx the following morning.

That was a lie, Durst testified. I wanted to convince him that Kathie had gotten back.

Durst was charged in Bermans homicide in March 2015 as the final episode was set to air for the HBO six-part series, The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst, which chronicled the millionaires life and connection to three peoples deaths over four decades.

Durst, who was acquitted in the 2001 homicide and dismemberment of one of his neighbors in Texas, was alone in a bathroom in the HBO series when a live microphone caught him saying, What the hell did I do? Killed them all, of course.

Court documents filed by Kathie Dursts family seeking to have her declared dead allege that Robert Durst was abusive and she had been hospitalized after one of the incidents. The family claims the two had argued the night she disappeared.

Kathie Durst was about to finish medical school to become a pediatrician, her family said. She was close to her mother and her siblings and would have no reason to suddenly break contact with them and never be seen again, the documents said.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.
President Joe Bidens visit to Connecticut Friday will combine a little business, promoting his Build Back Better agenda at a Hartford child care center,with some personal homage to the family legacy of an old friend, former U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd.

Bidens trip  his second to the state during his presidency  will be capped with a visit to the University of Connecticuts Dodd Center for Human Rights to honor both his friend and a 25-year-old institution noted for its valuable collection of papers dating back to the Nuremberg trials of Nazi war criminals of 1945 and 1946.

The days events will shine a spotlight on a center that has a name well known to the public, but the Dodd centers purpose and programming  what exactly it does  is much less widely known.

The center, originally named for U.S. Senator and Nuremberg prosecutor Thomas J. Dodd, was recently renamed to additionally honor his son, longtime former U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd.

A ceremony on Friday will officially mark the re-dedication of the center with an appearence by Biden and his longtime friend and noted confidant, Chris Dodd. The two served together for 28 years in the U.S. Senate, including simultaneous stints on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Glenn Mitoma, the director of the Dodd Impact program at UConn, said that center has sought to honor the legacy of both senators, including Chris Dodds efforts to smooth U.S. relations with Latin America. The prestigious Thomas J. Dodd Prize in International Justice and Human Rights is awarded every other year by the center, and past recipients have included a president, British prime minister and international human rights groups.

The focus of the centers work along with its international reputation has also helped rehabilitate the image of its elder namesake, who left the Senate in 1971 following a formal censure for misuse of campaign funds, and died several months later.

Chris Dodd, who was influential in the centers formation in the 1990s, also helped mark its opening with a Dodd Year of events that highlighted his fathers work in Nuremberg and featured speakers such as President Bill Clinton, Holocaust survivor and author Elie Wiesel and former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Chris Dodd continued the effort to restore his fathers image throughout his Senate career, which ended in 2011.

I think as the years have gone on, what has stood up as the real legacy of Tom Dodd has to do with that work and not with the way in which his career might have ended, Mitoma said.

The center serves as the archive for both Dodds papers, which cover Thomas Dodds time as Nuremberg prosecutor as well as the more than half-century when the father and son served in Congress.

Those papers  particularly documents dating back to Nuremberg  have made the center a research destination for scholars studying ongoing human rights abuses, Mitoma said. A team with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, for instance, used the centers archives to help develop their prosecutorial tactics.

After Nuremberg, there really wasnt international tribunals of that sort for another 50 years, Mitoma said. In that sense, even though it seems like a long time ago, it is part of some of the nearest reference points for the development of international criminal justice practice particularly with regard to these grave crimes against humanity, war crimes, what we now refer to genocide today. It is a very relevant collection.

The center also serves as the home of one of the nations few undergraduate degree programs in human rights, with about 200 undergraduates.

I dont think it would be overstating things to say that it is one of the nations leading centers on human rights, said Joel Lohr, the president of the Hartford International University for Religion and Peace, which was renamed from the Hartford Seminary Tuesday to reflect its broader scope.

Lohr said Hartford International University, which attracts an international base of graduate students with an interfaith focus, has collaborated with Dodd Centers Judaic studies program several times.

In a written statement released by the university this week, Chris Dodd highlighted the centers influence in addressing both national and international issues in addition to carrying his familys name.

Im deeply grateful to UConn for recognizing me and my family by dedicating The Dodd Center for Human Rights, and Im honored that my good friend President Biden is joining us to mark this occasion, Dodd said.

During the presidents whirlwind visit  unusual in that it doesnt include a visit to Fairfield County to shake the political money tree  Biden will also join Gov. Ned Lamont to highlight the states need for 50,000 more daycare spots as a need to help get parents back into the workforce in the lingering COVID pandemic.

Bidens focus on child care comes as he is in the thick of negotiations over a proposed, $3.5 trillion Build Back Better reform that would dramatically increase and broaden child tax credits, long a chief goal of Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-1st District. That sweeping act, which Republicans oppose and some Democrats want to shrink, would also bring about universal pre-school for all families, in addition to expanding Medicare and adding measures to address climate change.

Lamont, who will host the visit, has made ready use of federal relief funding for child care. In April, he allocated $120 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding for 4,000 similar child care programs to help them fill holes in their budgets for deficits, operating expenses and COVID-related costs.

The money was spread among licensed child care facilities in the state, with 25 percent of the funding required to go to staff bonuses, retirement plans and insurance costs. Those that were able to stay open in the pandemic will get more funding.

In all, the state Office of Early Childhood has been allocated $336 million in federal pandemic relief funding since 2020, according to the state Office of Policy and Management. The current state budget includes more than $253 million plus another $415 million in federal support, some of which has been allocated to the Office of Early Childhood.

The governor also used relief funding to pay $5.3 million in fees for low and moderate-income parents in the states Care 4 Kids pre-school program. Another $3.5 million was spent on state-funded School Readiness and child day care, with $3.5 million for Family Resources Centers expansion of child care with three-to-five-week summer programs.

john.moritz@hearstmediact.com
COLCHESTER  Officials are hoping a welding company moving to town next month will be the first of many manufacturing and light-industrial businesses investing in the community.

Volodmyr Drobockyi, owner of NCT Friction Welding, is moving his firm from Newington to Upton Road in Colchester. The plan was partly inspired by the towns proximity to his house in Hebron, but he also wants to own the facility, Drobockyi said.

We are looking to invest in our own building, he said. Colchester was on our radar because we live in Hebron. Its a long drive for us (from Newington).

After looking at towns such as Glastonbury, Drobockyi said building the shop in Colchester seemed to be the right move because its a nice place, and local government worked with him on a five-year tax abatement approved by residents in a town referendum.

It made sense to do that, he said. Its also more affordable there to build the new buildings. The land is cheaper and so on.

First Selectwoman Mary Bylone viewed the tax abatement as an investment, helping NCT offset costs for five years so that it can grow and help boost the grand list.

Its like the town partnering with the business to help them get started at a time where its toughest for them, she said. Then, they get up and get on their feet and theyre fulling contributing members of the community  and everyones a winner when that happens.

Bylone said the town is looking to attract small to medium-sized manufacturing outfit.

Thats not the (tax abatement) programs intent, necessarily, but that is one of our goals around economic development, she said. We see that as an opportunity around Colchester.

Bylone said NCT was a perfect fit for the town because it is already established, and she expects it to thrive.

Town Planner Matt Bordeaux said the planned use for the property is compatible with other facilities in that area of town. He said the town and region have programs aimed at developing and supporting the trades.

We know that theres going to be a big demand for those tradespeople in the ramping up to the activity down at Electric Boat, he said. Theres compatible uses in the region. Theres good programming.

Thats an area where we thought we could make a little bit of in-roads in terms of economic development in an effort to stabilize and bolster our commercial tax base, Bordeaux said.

Drobockyis company, which employs five people, specializes in friction welding and CNC machining. They make parts for customers from a wide variety of industries  from oil and gas to aerospace.

Ive been a partner since 2008, he said. Ive always wanted to work for myself, and a friend of mine started the business in 1983. Once I came from the United States from Ukraine, I used to work here part-time. It was one of my first jobs. In 2008, I came to work here as a partner and help run the business. At the end of 2013, we bought the business from the family.

Drobockyi said the move and the build will cost between $800,000 and $1 million. The 1 acre Colchester property will host an 8,400-square-foot building.

Bordeaux said Colchester has seen a couple years with minimal or zero increase in the mill rate, which has left some areas underfunded. Economical development, he said, could help generate revenue.

It benefits the residents, he said. It makes the community desirable to live, to work and to play. That encourages businesses to locate here, knowing that they have support of local government and the residential population.

The industrial area of Upton Road is filling up, Bordeaux said, and he is hopeful the town can start searching for more places that would be appropriate for more development. With assets such as its proximity to major state roads, a beautiful town center and good school system, he said Colchester is an attractive place to do business.

Bylone said by growing the grand list with businesses such as NCT, it spares taxpaying residents from bearing the majority of costs of running the town  approximately $55 million.

Drobockyi is excited for the move, which he hopes to accomplish in November.

New building, nicer conditions, he said. We really like the area. Colchester is nice and quiet  a beautiful town. We really appreciate all the help (the town) gave us.
NEW HAVEN  The new construction will make it clear you are now in an urban center.

And, among other things, the new intersection there will feature the first protected bicycle/pedestrian intersection in the state, said Donna Hall, project manager for Phases 2 and 3 of the massive infrastructure undertaking.

The changes also mean there will be a connection to the Hill from downtown on South Orange Street for the first time in an estimated 60 years.

Phase 2 of the Downtown Crossing, which is reclaiming multiple acres of developable land, is transforming the area.

Mary O'Leary/ For Hearst Connecticut Media

The work will take the very busy highway traffic flowing from Interstates 91 and 95 into the city, with a high priority for protection of its pedestrians and cyclists.

Hall said this transition zone will be marked by a robust program of landscaping and lighting  visual clues that traffic is entering an urban grid.

There are very wide crosswalks adjacent to clearly marked bike lanes with multiple safety islands at the intersection itself. Pedestrians will push the button for a walk signal to the first island and then push a second button for a signal to finish crossing.

Hall said the new infrastructure will allow the growth of the business district to include the medical district, as well as the harbor, Long Wharf and Union Station.

Phase 1 was the build-out of 100 College Street, while Phase 2, in addition to upgrading the intersection, paves the way for construction of 101 College Street, another major biotech building with space for startups and programs to prepare students for jobs emanating from the research there.

Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media

Hall said the revamped roadways also will enhance and enable development of the former Coliseum site at the corner of South Orange Street and South Frontage Road.

The new crossing will have the same number of lanes that residents are used to at such major arteries as Elm Street and Church Street, she said.

The project manager said the new intersection is expected to become the main pedestrian connection to Union Station, which is a major train and bus hub.

Another important element is creation of bioswales at the intersection that will deal with the stormwater runoff for the area, much of which was visible this week, with more extensive landscaping in the near future.

Members of the New Haven Development Commission toured the intersection with South Frontage this week. Hall said the last of the pavement markers are being put down and the last traffic signal needed is on its way. The progress report was given to the commission as it is one of the entities that approves projects that are part of the Downtown Municipal Development District.

The new route to Union Station at the site goes past the art installation by Sheila de Bretteville on Union Avenue. The underside of a bridge is painted blue, evocative of the water, while spotlights shine on the sidewalk at night, triggered as pedestrians walk by.

Mary E. OLeary / For Hearst Connecticut Media

Called Lighting Your Way, passersby become, in a sense, part of a performance, Hall said. It also plays up urban infrastructure as art.

Across Union Avenue on the other side of the overpass there was a chain-link fence that has been pulled back to reveal landscaping and granite cobblestones.

Hall said the changes have transformed the space, particularly at night.

There is a new addition to Columbus Avenue with its wide bikeway, but most noticeable is its direct connection to the train station.

The previous abrupt ending of the street added to the isolation of the former Church Street South housing complex, razed after decades of deterioration and now awaiting a new chapter.

This will be well discovered once the intersection is open, Economic Development Administrator Mike Piscitelli said.

Hall said the traffic analysis of extending Columbus Avenue showed much heavy traffic will be removed from other congested streets downtown. She said it is also another way to get on the highways rather than South Frontage Road.

Mary O'Leary / For Hearst Connecticut Media

Piscitelli said the next big piece of infrastructure the city hopes will qualify for federal funding is a pipeline to take the pressure off stormwater runoff at Temple Street to the Metro North railyard.

A new neighborhood is growing up around the area with 587 apartments finished or in progress in developments by Randy Salvatore, all of which are starting to rival the new density at Wooster Square.

There also has been work done on Phase 3, which is construction of 101 College Street by developer Carter Winstanley, who also built 100 College Street.

Peter Hvizdak / Hearst Connecticut Media file photo

Hall said South Frontage Road has been raised about 7.5 feet, which sets the elevation for a bridge that will go over the service drives to Temple Street on the other side. The actual construction of the bridge and raising Martin Luther King Boulevard will be Phase 4.

The recent work has created some stress for motorists, as, in order to raise South Frontage Road for future construction of the bridge, a detour was set up in June. Drivers coming down South Frontage must turn right onto College Street, then left onto Congress Avenue and right onto Lafayette Street.

On Phase 3, Hall said the contractor, Manafort Brothers Inc., was ready to put the pavement down at the site, but United Illuminating decided at the last minute to put in a duct bank so it wont have to dig up the area in the spring.

She added that despite this, Manafort is expected to stay on schedule, paving the service roads and opening them and South Frontage Road around Dec. 1.

It is remarkable. Manafort has been an outstanding contractor to deal with. This has been a real challenge and they have met that challenge, Hall said.

The Phase 2 contract is valued at $19.6 million with $4 million left to spend; Phase 3 will cost $14.8 million with $4.7 million in remaining work, Hall said.

/ Hearst Connecticut Media file photo

City Engineer Robert Ellis, project manager for 101 College Street, said the main foundation slab for the building has been poured for the 525,000-square-foot facility.

Ellis said 101 College is expected to be a huge job generator for Greater New Haven.

Piscitelli said it is projected to bring more than 3,000 people from throughout the state, taking into consideration supply chain investments, hotels, hospitality and the residential developments, as well as the science employment.

The economic development administrator also commented beyond job numbers.

He reflected on the meaningful nature of the work that will happen in these buildings and the quality of the science both coming out of the Yale School of Medicine and other innovation portals in our community, changing health outcomes around the world.

Piscitelli said Robert, Donna and our Traffic Department are like part of an orchestra on this.

It starts with safety, maintaining safety given it is live traffic, (in the ) middle of a city and then moving from piece to piece, he said.
Hearst Connecticut Media file photo

NEW HAVEN  Students can return to James Hillhouse High School Thursday after a water main was repaired near the school, according to a school district spokesperson.

The school switched to remote learning Wednesday after a water main broke outside of the school, according to Justin Harmon, the director of marketing and communications for New Haven Public Schools.
WEST HAVEN  Does anyone have a plan?

Mayor Nancy Rossi, a Democrat, and her Republican challenger Councilman Barry Lee Cohen, stood for a two-hour debate Wednesday evening. Each claimed they had a plan for economic development, a vision for the city and a commitment to transparency; they both claimed the other did not.

The revelation that Rossi and an independently hired auditing firm also found suspected fraud in federal pandemic relief expenditures following a review, and that City Hall was paid a visit by FBI agents, also loomed large over the event.

For much of the night, the candidates pivoted their answers into attacks on their opponents, questioning their records and preparedness for the role of mayor. Here were the biggest sticking points of the debate.

CARES Act investigation

The mayor, a certified public accountant, announced last week that she reviewed federal CARES Act expenditures and found evidence to support her conclusion that funds were improperly diverted. She has repeatedly declined to go into detail, citing investigations.

I am very pleased I did discover it and found it before even more money couldve been taken away, she said Wednesday. And then I reported it: I went through the right agencies. I wont be able to disclose right now, but once the investigation is over and decisions are made over whether people are going to be arrested then well be able to investigate it.

Rossi said she would divulge more information at the conclusion of an investigation, although she will not say who is investigating. She also said there will be a forensic audit  whether its paid for by the states Office of Policy and Management or by the city.

We will move forward from this and those people who did this, whoever they are, how many there are, will be punished and (pay) restitution. We are only one of three municipalities under the (Municipal Accountability Review Board) and its sad to think people went and took money from us, so yes this does bother me, she said.

Cohen said it is Rossis job to protect the taxpayer and she failed. He said she also held onto the information for two weeks. Rossi said that any information she discovered, she reported through the proper channels before making a public announcement.

He criticized Rossis chutzpah for announcing the information in a video statement instead of announcing what she learned to the public when she learned it.

I did report it immediately. Youre just angry because I wont tell you who, she said. I came from a confidential world. You talk like you know what went on in City Hall. One day youll all know and you can look back and say, I guess she was right. 

Economic development

Prior to Rossis announcement about the potential improper use of relief funds, economic development  or a supposed lack thereof  was Cohens primary criticism of the mayor during the campaign. He continued those criticisms on Wednesday.

I can tell you what economic development is not: its not apartments, apartments, apartments, he said.

In recent months, there have been a growing number of private properties sold to developers. Cohen says too many of them are adding housing density to the city without adding retail, and Rossis administration is not doing enough to attract businesses to the city. One of the most recent sales  that of the Armstrong Building on Elm Street, which Corporation Counsel Lee Tiernan said would likely be eyed as apartments to fit with a vision of creating a walkable transit-oriented community near the train station per his discussions with the new owners  is backwards, Cohen said. Without adding businesses, Cohen said residents of the new apartments will use city services and stress the schools while working and spending money elsewhere.

Cohen said he speaks with developers in private who tell him they have felt jilted by the mayor and her administration through a lack of follow-up. He also criticized a 7-Eleven project being built on Sawmill Road as not being the type of diversified business the city needs to attract more commerce, despite professing his love of the convenience stores signature Slurpee beverage.

Rossi said Cohen, as a councilman, has not presented any potential developers to the City Council, and accused him of using development as a debate tool instead of helping the city. When Cohen accused her of not having a plan, Rossi rebutted that she does not believe he has one of his own.

You are talking but not giving your plan, you are not doing that, period. How do we know you have a plan? What is your plan? she said. To insult 7-Eleven? And talk about a Slurpee? How dare you.

Vision for the city

Rossi said her vision for the citys next two years is to continue developing the shoreline. She said the city is moving forward with plans to raise Beach Street to 11 feet above sea level  roughly four additional feet of elevation for the street.

It is imperative we continue along that because we have developers now interested in revitalizing that area, she said.

Rossi said the city will also step up its enforcement of ordinances against illegal dumping through the use of cameras and police in strategic locations.

Cohen accused the mayor of accepting a handout in state bonding money from state Rep. Dorinda Borers advocacy. Rossi said the $5.2 million in bonding could not have been procured without teamwork, including her making the procurement of the funding a priority for the city in its ask of the state commission.

Cohen also criticized the mayor for not enforcing blight ordinances against the owners of the old Silvers building, a dilapidated property that sits across from City Hall and adjacent to the downtown green.

Success breeds success, he said. That building, he said, is not encouraging success in downtown.

Rossi said her administration is working on enforcing ordinances in the area and said there are things in the works she would not disclose.

Transparency

Cohen said that Rossis administration is lagging on freedom of information requests. Multiple residents have reported submitting requests for information, several to do with CARES Act expenditures, months ago.

It is concerning it has risen to this level, he said.

He said the city is behind the ball on planning for how to spend its next round of pandemic recovery funds, from the American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Rossi denied that, saying the city has taken advantage of an extended deadline for submitting a plan for the multiyear grant. She said she has also been transparent through holding multiple town halls through her two terms  it was the pandemic that forced her to go virtual, she said, but she intends on the next one being in person.

brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com
Manuel Balce Ceneta / Associated Press

Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said that 40,000 Brazilians were headed for Connecticut wearing designer clothes and Gucci bags in a Fox News interview Tuesday.

Graham made this claim while talking to Sean Hannity on Fox News Tuesday. The two were criticizing President Joe Bidens immigration policies, and Graham added that there has been an increase in illegal entries into the country.
SHELTON  Developer John Guedes plan to bring more apartments to Canal Street has stalled  at least for the moment.

The Planning and Zoning Commission, at its meeting Tuesday, voted 3-3 on Guedes request for a modification of special exception to turn the vacant second floor of his two-story building at 131 Canal St. into apartment space. The tie vote meant a denial of the request.

Chair Virginia Harger and commissioners Ruth Parkins and Jimmy Tickey voted against the application, while Elaine Matto, Charles Kelly and alternate Peter Laskos voted in favor.

I was shocked, Guedes, a Shelton resident and owner of Guedes Associates and Primrose Companies, told Hearst Connecticut Media about the commissions decision. We will be filing an appeal.

Plans for the 12,847-square-foot retail and commercial building were approved by P&Z in 2016, and the building is completed, sitting vacant for years until just recently, with a restaurant moving in to a first floor space, soon to be followed by an optometrist office. The second floor, however, has remained vacant.

Parkins and Harger, at the meeting, stated concerns about having apartments in the site, which was approved with retail and office occupants in mind. Guedes told commissioners during the hearing process that a lack of interest - and his desire to finally fill the building - led him to seek this shift.

All commissioners agreed that the apartments would be filled, but Parkins said she preferred to see the mixed use remain, citing concerns about parking as well if apartments would be going into the space.

As I indicated in my comments during the meeting, my vote against the change in use for this application from commercial to residential is because I feel the space still lends itself to be commercial in nature, Harger said.

I specifically mentioned other tenants that could be a perfect fit, such as a dance studio, theater group or coffee house, Harger added. Professional photographers need large floor spaces too and fitness centers, martial arts or yoga studios, could be a great fit for this location and be the kind of activity that tenants in all the adjacent new apartment buildings would patronize.

Guedes said he was disappointed with the reasoning of Harger and Parkins in voting against the proposal.

Tickey said downtown will benefit from mixed use development including residences, shops, eateries, and more small businesses.

We cannot grow downtown lopsided with only apartments, Tickey added. That is what the commission originally intended for this building  mixed use. Further, it is reasonable to ask for documentation about handicapped accessibility prior to approving.

Some commissioners voiced concern about a lack of handicapped access to the second floor. But Laskos stated that the application should be approved, with the building department having final say over the requirements for an elevator.

The second floor, according to the application, would have had five one-bedroom apartments, two two-bedrooms and one studio apartment. To make the change, Guedes sought a modification to the adopted special exception approved in 2016.

There is no expansion, Guedes told commissioners in prior meetings on this application. Everything remains in the footprint that already exists.

Guedes, who has handled numerous development projects along Canal Street over the years, said his shift to apartments comes as demand remains high downtown. People are signing leases for units coming online now or soon at three separate major developments along Howe Avenue.

brian.gioiele@hearstmediact.com
Niagara Falls, NY (14301)

Today

Mainly cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 42F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies in the evening, then becoming cloudy overnight. Low 31F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
The leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) jihadist group, Abu Musab al-Barnawi, is dead, Nigerias top military command...

The leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) jihadist group, Abu Musab al-Barnawi, is dead, Nigerias top military commander said on Thursday.

ISWAP has not given any confirmation of al-Barnawis death and Nigerias army has claimed before to have killed jihadist commanders only for them to reappear.

I can authoritatively confirm to you that al-Barnawi is dead. As simple as that. He is dead and remains dead, Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor told reporters.

He did not give details on how or when al-Barnawi had died.

Under al-Barnawi, ISWAP became the dominant jihadist force in Nigerias conflict, striking frequently at troops in an insurgency that has killed more than 40,000 since it begun in 2009.

Al-Barnawis loss would be blow to ISWAPs structure just as it was consolidating since the death of rival Boko Haram commander Abubakar Shekau earlier this year during infighting between the factions.

But since splitting with Boko Haram in 2016, the group has shown its resilience and carried out large-scale ambushes on the military just in the last several weeks.

Should al-Barnawi be dead, his death may not have too much impact on ISWAP because of how structured the group is, said Malik Samuel, a researcher with the Institute for Security Studies.

Since the 2016 split, ISWAP has had about five leadership changes but the group has maintained its consistency in launching deadly and successful attacks against security forces.

 Son of jihadist leader 

Al-Barnawi is the son of the founder of the Boko Haram militant group, Mohammed Yusuf, who was killed in police custody in 2009 in Maiduguri.

But the ISWAP commander rose to prominence after breaking away from Boko Haram over differences with its commander Shekau, who according to security sources killed himself in May rather than face capture by his rivals.

Since Shekaus death, security sources say, al-Barnawi had consolidated ISWAPs control in Nigerias northeast and the Lake Chad region but pockets of Boko Haram loyalists have been fighting back.

Last month, ISWAP fighters killed 18 Nigeria security personal in an ambush in northeast Borno state using roadside bombs and rockets in one of the deadliest assaults this year.

A week later another eight soldiers were killed when ISWAP militants opened fire with rockets on another convoy also in Borno.

But Boko Haram jihadists also launched an attack last month on ISWAP militants on the Nigerian side of Lake Chad, ISWAPs bastion, seizing a strategic island, according to fishermen and a security source.

Since Shekaus death in his Sambisa forest enclave, ISWAP has been fighting Boko Haram remnants who have refused to pay allegiance.

Hundreds of Boko Haram members have also since surrendered to the army along with families and children.

More than two million people have been displaced by Nigerias conflict since it began 2009, and the violence has spread over the borders to Niger, Chad and Cameroon.

(AFP)
Kayode Fayemi, governor of Ekiti state, says Nigeria needs a transition law to encourage the completion of outstanding projects. Speakin...

Kayode Fayemi, governor of Ekiti state, says Nigeria needs a transition law to encourage the completion of outstanding projects.





Speaking in an interview on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme, on Thursday, he said governments should imbibe a sense of duty that will motivate them to complete projects that will serve the people.

Citing Lagos as an example, the former minister said the continuous transformation and commercial boom in the state are only possible because of the leaders commitment to continuity.

He said the projects that were started by Ayodele Fayose, former governor of Ekiti, were completed by his administration.





We ought to have a transition law that really encourages governments that take over from other governments to as much as possible complete outstanding projects, he said.

In Ekiti, because we dont have much resources, there is likely not to be white elephant projects but there are likely to be projects that will serve the people.

Governor Fayose started a central market in Ado Ekiti which was about 55 percent completed when I came in 2018, and we completed the market because its for the people of Ekiti.

It is not for Fayemi, it is not an ego massaging vehicle, it is about service delivery. It is about the development of our state. And thats what informed that law.

I hope the people that take over this state after I leave are those that have a sense of duty and a sense of patriotism to want to continue from where I stopped rather than subtract from it.

The magic of Lagos that many people talk about now is continuity. The new governor will not come and abandon what the last government has done. He would strive.

I think this is a culture to imbibe for the overall benefit of our country, there are so many abandoned projects in this country that it is unbelievably a waste of money, and we need to change that culture.
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High near 40F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear early, then a few clouds later on. Low 27F. Winds light and variable.
Hochul to appeal religious exemptions for COVID vaccine mandate NEW YORK  Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state attorney generals office will appeal Tuesdays d

NEW YORK  Gov. Kathy Hochul and top state officials will consider adding the COVID-19 vaccine to the states list of required inoculations for students attending New York school districts as federal regulators are expected to approve the shot for children ages 5 to 11 this month.

Hochul spoke with White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Jeff Zients on Wednesday. Zients called on all U.S. governors to start registering pediatricians in their respective states to prepare for vaccinating children younger than 12 against COVID-19 when approved by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration.

Pfizer requested emergency authorization to use its two-dose COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 to 11 last week.

I am certainly willing to look at this, Hochul said of a mandate for students Wednesday during a coronavirus briefing in Manhattan. I want to go by the data, the numbers and see how effective the approach is just to encourage people and have many pediatricians make it a part of a childs (annual) check-up, or make it part of a childs routine series of getting their vaccinations.

The number of new child COVID cases remains exceptionally high, and has increased with the start of school and the emergence of the more transmissible COVID delta variant.

Cases of U.S. children testing positive for COVID-19 increased 6% from Sept. 23 to Oct. 7, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Childrens Hospital Association.

More than 148,000 virus cases in children were added within the past week, with more than 750,000 child cases in the past month. More than 6 million U.S. children have tested positive for the virus as of Oct. 7, according to the academy.

More than 500 U.S. children have died of COVID-19 complications since the pandemic began, according to the CDC.

Earlier this month, the state of California announced it would require the COVID vaccine in schools in July 2022, or in time for the 2022-23 school year.

My default position is to trust the parents to do the right thing, Hochul said. As soon as its available, well be monitoring how effective it has been to ask parents to do something that they certainly did for their children before they even entered kindergarten that they made sure they were vaccinated against any disease that could harm them, and I believe there will be a strong sentiment of people doing that voluntarily.

...I will monitor that, but am willing to take a step if we see numbers were not satisfied with, she added.

Zients vowed Wednesday that federal officials will be ready to vaccinate millions of children quickly as soon as the FDA gives the green light for low-dose kids vaccines as early as the end of October.

He laid out a widespread public education plan to encourage parents to get their children vaccinated.

We will be ready, Zients said. We will bring that vaccine to pediatricians offices, schools and community sites.

Hochul urged New York pediatricians to enroll in the states program to prepare to administer the COVID vaccine to children. The governor will hold a video conference call with pediatricians from around the state in the coming days to ensure they have an efficient federal delivery and distribution strategy.

Children may be eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine while at school, Hochul said.

This is going to be a game-changer for us, she said. Were going to be doing a lot of work now, but we have the confirmation that this is inevitable. Its going to happen. ... So pediatricians, start getting ready. Its coming. Its coming, and its not a second too soon for us.

The average number of new U.S. coronavirus cases has dipped by 12% in a week to about 92,000, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Wednesday. Hospitalizations are down 11% and deaths, which normally lag behind the other indicators, have declined by 5%.

The state reported 4,658 new COVID cases Tuesday with a daily infection rate of 3.05% and 2.53% over the last seven days, according to the governors office.

The north country continues to have the states highest rate of new virus infections at 5.76% positive Tuesday.

The Finger Lakes and Western New York regions have similar positivity rates at 4.75% and 4.62%, respectively.

The Capital Regions infection rate has hovered around 3.67% over the last three days.

Thirty-two New Yorkers died from virus complications Tuesday.

Tribune News Service contributed to this report.
The Mortuary Haunted House in New Orleans smells like, well  Hell.

Its true. And theres a lesson here for Halloween home decorators.

Mortuary owner Jeff Borne and creative director Christian Stokes have created an experience that assaults the senses, set to the theme of hell-fire and brimstone. One example of their attention to detail is the aroma that wafts through to make the building smell like its actually burning. The name of the scent? Hell. Really.

In a recent light-of-day walk-through, Borne and Stokes shared some of their scare tactics, with an emphasis on what might be adaptable to at-home haunts. Use these tips to make the most of your own simple decorations, to create an outdoor tableaux, or for a party-worthy interior decor for fright night.

The big picture

The main concept in creating a Halloween-y experience, Borne and Stokes say, is immersion: appealing to as many senses as possible. To do that, they layer in as much detail as possible.

At the Mortuary, the visual effects start at the front door, where projected images send flames leaping from the windows and door for an illusion that visitors are walking right into an inferno.

You can use those effects, too, Borne said.

The Mortuary partners with AtmosFX, a company that creates ominous Halloween videos, as well as some themed to other holidays. Videos can be purchased online and downloaded, then flashed up on any TV, monitor or projector screen to place the digital scenes on your windows and walls, or on props and in yards.

Other visual and tactile appeal comes from simple additions such as spider webs and imitation Spanish moss (use the flame-retardant kinds).

To disperse the odor of fire, Borne and Stokes add their special scents to a dehumidifier.

At home, other immersive elements might include fog machines or dry ice (you can both see and feel their presence). Sound can fit your theme: screams, howls, glam rock  create your own play list.

At the Mortuary, the presence of costumed actors adds a whole layer of hair-raising interactivity. But dont think for a moment that the actors are just winging it. Theres a plan for them, too, at least a loose one.

I tell actors to work like velociraptors, Stokes said. One distracts, then the rest attack.

Scary history

Borne has long been immersed in Halloween. When I was a youngster, 10 or 12, I went to the haunted house at St. Clement of Rome in Metairie. It was all Visqueen and spray paint then, but it (his love of Halloween) was on.

He moved on, from creating haunted carports in Metairie, to directing the old Chinchuba Haunted House in Marrero; creating the popular Psycho Swamp at Jazzland; and running the Scream Factory in Covington. He opened the Mortuary in 2007.

Borne's day job, however, is as president of PSX Worldwide Audiovisual Technologies, which creates effects for theme parks, museums and events nationwide, including the Walt Disney Co. and, locally, the WWII Museum and the Caesars Superdome.

PSX is work. I wanted to find a place to have fun, he said of the Mortuary.

Stokes has a long resume in acting and stunt work for film and TV. He's written and produced live stunt shows for theme parks and performed in and directed a Marvel live-action show based on "The Avengers" that traveled 48 states and 16 countries.

He brings a sense of theatricality to the Mortuary, helping creating cohesive storylines and handling casting.

Experience has taught both Borne and Stokes that real dread is in the details. Here are some of their other suggestions for at-home hauntings.

Try this at home

LIGHTING: Change out light bulbs with green- or red-hued ones, creating an eerie glow. Strobe lights (for as little as $20 on amazon.com) can create slow-motion or stop-motion effects as trick-or-treaters approach, or simulate motion in a terrifying tableaux.

At the Mortuary, Stokes painted the globes of the outside lanterns with a frosted paint, available at big box stores. It obscures the light source and makes them look like flickering gas lights, he said.

For those creating more elaborate scenes, Stokes suggests a three-point lighting system. Lighting a scene from above creates shadows. The higher the lights, the longer the shadows. That done, add ground-level illumination on both sides.

REALITY BITES: For maximum effect, start with realistic props. Actual taxidermied birds and fish are used to subtle effect on the walls and shelves of the Mortuary. Its all about the detail and looking real. This is a real (mortuary) building, not a car dealership," Borne said.

A fish on a plaque gets layers of embellishment as well  it's aged with paint and then decked out with wires and metalwork for a steam punk look.

Use your old Billy Bass and add some black paint and wires. That will definitely be scary, said Stokes.

To create a tableau, piles of real junk can be made to exude an aura of threat. Use boxes, old clothing, furniture and the like, but throw in something scary, like a fake disembodied arm. Bloody it up a bit, and make it look old and dirty.

Combining mechanical parts to resemble a control panel or a high-tech weapon can create a lot of tension, too, as viewers' imaginations will fill in the story lines. Build your own with wire, knob, outlets and old pieces of machinery. To spook things up, layer on a string of Christmas lights, Stokes said. The happy holiday vibe makes the scene feel all the more evil.

LAYERING: To age walls and other constructions, start with watered-down paint in spray bottles. Add a consistent layer of gray, layer on some brown and add black highlights, Stokes said. An uneven look and drips are good. Dab some with a cloth if you like. And throw on a little dirt. "There's a fake dirt you can rub in specifically to make things look dirty," he said. It's more hygenic than real dirt.

Other tools of the trade include theatrical-grade Perma Blood paint, which dries to keep a wet look. (hauntedprops.com, $44 for 16 ounces)

Another paint called Wet ($24.99 for 26 oz. at frightprops.com) dries looking wet but remains clear, to create an effect such as drool.

PLANNING: Borne and Stokes collaborate almost a year in advance to come up with ideas for the Mortuary's annual theme. That way, when they go to trade shows for products, they know what they're looking for.

"You have to do that at home, too, so that you know exactly what you need (for props and design) and dont just end up with odds and ends," Stokes said.

Start in November, Borne advised.

EASY SCARES

Here are some suggestions for easy effects.

Hang some plastic chains, especially if layered with other materials. They evoke fear.

Stuff a long trash bag with old clothes and tie it to a tree branch to simulate a body.

Throw a sheet with fake blood on it over the couch or outside over a bush or table.

Put a trash can out front with arms and legs sticking out. To layer on details, break off a finger. Add some dirt and streak with watered-down black paint and fake blood.

The Mortuary's Inferno Haunted House

What: "All Hell will break loose this year" at the former mortuary turned self-guided attraction with live actors, special effects and more. A blood drive is on-site with perks for donations. No costumes permitted.

When: Selected dates and times through Nov. 12

Where: 4800 Canal St., New Orleans.

Tickets: Starting at $25. themortuary.net.

+6 Krampus and Day of Dead parades will roll to celebrate Halloween, organizers say Krewe of Krampus and Day of the Dead parade organizers have announced plans to take to the streets this Halloween season as COVID-19 begins to
James Taylor and Jackson Browne plan to donate their net proceeds from their New Orleans concert this weekend to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana.

Second Harvest, which helps feed south Louisiana residents in need year-round, has been heavily involved in distributing food and other supplies to those affected by Hurricane Ida.

This is such a generous gift of love, and means even more with music being such an integral part of the soul of South Louisiana," Second Harvest President and CEO Natalie Jayroe said in a statement. "We are honored that these two world-renowned artists and their fans are transforming the joy of a live performance into something even larger for our community.

Given the amount that concerts of this size typically gross, the donation from Taylor and Browne will likely be in the six figures.

After a six week break, Taylor and Browne, his "special guest," open the second leg of their 2021 tour Saturday at the Smoothie King Center.

The show was initially scheduled for May 15, 2020. Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, it was postponed first to May 14, 2021, then again to this Saturday.

The Smoothie King Center will be set up in a reduced-capacity configuration. Tickets are still available via Ticketmaster and start at $59 plus service charges.
A New Orleans court granted an injunction on Wednesday, temporarily blocking the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center from moving ahead with its $557 million contract to oversee a massive project to upgrade the building.

Civil District Court Judge Paulette Irons granted the temporary injunction to the Metro-Lemoine-McDonnel consortium, which has claimed a rival bidder that won the contract in August, AECOM-Broadmoor, wasn't properly licensed in the state of Louisiana and therefore should be disqualified.

The court action is the latest chapter in a testy saga that has dragged on for months. At issue is the center's "Construction Manager at Risk" contract, which would put the winning bidder in charge of the convention center's $557 million program to give the building the most extensive upgrade in its 37-year history.

Convention Center awards $557M contract to AECOM-Broadmoor; rivals threaten lawsuits Following the controversial recommendation from a selection panel, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center's governing board on Wednesday chose

The winning group will oversee the bulk of the work, which includes refurbishing much of the complex's internal spaces, as well as adding a new glass structure that will offer conventioneers spectacular views of the Mississippi River.

The other losing consortium  the Woodward-Landis-VPG-GH Mechanical-CDW Services group  wasn't part of the legal proceeding Wednesday. But it had threatened in August to challenge the award to AECOM-Broadmoor on the same grounds.

Woodward's spokesperson declined to comment on the injunction, but provided a copy of a letter sent to Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry on Sept. 27 in which the consortium reiterated its objections to the selection process.

Amid bitter rivalry, Convention Center selection panel affirms pick to lead $557M project The five-person panel choosing a master contractor for a $557 million upgrade project for the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center reaffirmed th

The letter from the Woodward-led group's attorney sets out objections to three of the five-member panel that picked the winning consortium. Two of the engineers on the panel of judges were allegedly underqualified, while a third  lawyer Hilary Landry  allegedly had a bias in favor of Broadmoor, one of the lead companies in the group, the letter said.

Landry has refuted the allegations that she is biased and dismissed as insignificant the fact that her late father-in-law was an executive at Broadmoor's parent company, and that she has a role in overseeing Broadmoor contracts at the Caesar's Superdome.

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Amy Ferguson, a spokesperson for the AECOM-Broadmoor joint venture, said that the group expects to survive the legal challenge and move ahead with the contract.

While were disappointed with the courts preliminary ruling, our position remains the same: Our team fully complied with the applicable Louisiana licensing laws," Ferguson said. "Were confident that we will ultimately prevail on this point, and we look forward to working with the Convention Center on this significant project for the city of New Orleans.

AECOM Hunt, the lead company in the consortium, is headquartered in Indianapolis, while Broadmoor is a New Orleans-based construction company. Both individually have Louisiana licenses but their joint venture had not acquired a license when it won the Convention Center contract.

Michael Sherman, who represents Metro-Lemoine-McDonnel, said the judge on Wednesday had granted the injunction on the basis of precedent in previous public bid contracts, which includes a previous decision that went against Lemoine on the same licensing issue.

+4 New Orleans Convention Center to revive riverfront hotel project; here's what it could look like The Ernest N. Morial Convention Centers plans for a riverfront hotel crumbled in October when its financial backers pulled out, citing worrie

"Today, the court agreed that the AECOM partnership did not have the required Louisiana contractor's license," according to a statement Wednesday from the Metro-Lemoine-McDonnel group's lawyer, Daniel Davillier. "The Convention Center board was clear that this was a legal issue to be decided by a court and we hope today's hearing brought closure to this dispute."

The CMAR process is a relatively new one that allows government entities to award contracts on criteria other than lowest bidder. Once the contract is awarded, the contractor bears the risk to deliver the project at a fixed cost, which avoids putting the burden of chronic cost overruns that are typical of large construction projects onto the contracting entity.

If the first choice consortium was disqualified then the group with the second-highest number of points would become master contractor. In this case, that would be the Metro-Lemoine-McDonnel group.

The Convention Center's lawyer, David Phelps, and its President and General Manager, Michael Sawaya, didn't respond to requests for comment.
Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams is rejecting more battery, assault and robbery charges than his predecessor, leading to a sharp decline in the share of violent felony arrests that are prosecuted, a watchdog group said Wednesday.

The business-aligned Metropolitan Crime Commission claims in a report that Williams, a progressive elected on a platform of reversing mass incarceration while fighting violent crime, is endangering public safety. Williams office shot back with a statement that accuses the group of bad-faith, politically motivated attacks on the newly installed district attorney.

Williams' office says it will soon release its own data. It has partnered with a national group hoping to create new yardsticks for prosecutors like racial and ethnic disparities, victim outreach and minimizing unnecessary punitiveness.

The Metropolitan Crime Commission report examines cases at two points in the legal process: the moment at which prosecutors decide to accept or reject arrests brought to them by police for prosecution, and the moment at which cases close. The report looks only at incidents reported to police that result in arrests.

Overall, former District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro accepted 67% of violent felony arrests for prosecution in 2019 and 75% in 2020, the group said. That number dropped to 54% of such arrests during Williams first eight months since his Jan. 11 inauguration, the report says.

+3 Grand jury to consider charges in 'really technical' Hard Rock Hotel collapse case, DA says Exactly two years after the Hard Rock Hotel collapsed and killed three construction workers, Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams s

Some categories like homicides, attempted murders and sex crimes saw a relatively small decrease. The bulk of the change was driven by assault and battery arrests, where the refusal rate doubled from 27% in 2020 to 54% this year, and robbery arrests, where the rate more than doubled, jumping from 21% to 46%.

The report also looked at case dispositions. The number of violent felony charges that were dismissed by the District Attorney's Office, after initially being accepted for prosecution, rose from 16% and 17% of cases in 2019 and 2020 under Cannizzaro, to 54% of such cases over Williams first eight months, the report said.

That includes homicides, where case dismissals rose from 9% last year to 40% this year, and sex crimes, where dismissals rose from 10% last year to 48% this year. Many of those cases were holdovers from Cannizzaros tenure.

Earlier this year, Williams office released data on his first two months, detailing the hundreds of cases the district attorney dismissed to clear a court backlog tied to the pandemic. At the time, Williams had yet to dismiss any charges carrying a life sentence, like murder or first-degree rape.

New Orleans DA Jason Williams charges more juveniles in adult court, bringing total to 6 Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams has charged two more juveniles with murder in adult court, continuing a controversial practice

Since then, the number of dismissals in those more serious cases have ticked up. The Metropolitan Crime Commissions president and CEO, Rafael Goyeneche, says Williams has failed so far to find the right balance between pursuing change and penalizing violent crime.

Progressivism and public safety are not mutually exclusive concepts, he said. You can be progressive and still not compromise public safety. Were in the midst right now of a violent crime surge in the city, and the city is less safe today in part because of some of the policies of the District Attorney's Office.

Goyeneche said the District Attorney's Office should improve its communication with police on individual cases.

The report doesnt provide comparable data for other prosecutors around the state. Loren Lampert, executive director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, said he wasnt aware of statewide data.

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During the election, Williams promised to be pickier about which cases he accepted, rejecting those produced by shoddy police work or racial profiling.

Still, Williams has always said that he will pursue serious cases like murders when appropriate. Hes argued that refusing more low-level cases will allow him to put a laser focus on violent crime.

Williams's first assistant, Bob White, said in a statement that the crime groups data was cherry-picked, but he didnt dispute specific details or provide the office's own data. He did find fault with the group and Goyeneche himself, a longtime fixture in local debates over criminal justice. White noted that in June, Goyeneche falsely accused prosecutors of failing to object to a bond reduction for a man who is accused of later killing a 7th Ward woman outside her home. Goyeneche later apologized.

In a statement, White said that over the past half-century, the Metropolitan Crime Commission has fostered policies that have led to this city becoming the incarceration capital of the world and the city with the most exonerations of incarcerated persons, with a concurrent and steady decrease in public safety. We are striving to reverse these trends.

Goyeneche started his career as a prosecutor under former District Attorney Harry Connick Sr., whose long tenure has come under increasing scrutiny since his retirement.

Goyeneche said his group has regularly released reports on local prosecutors and police, and this one was no different.

+2 Retrial delayed for Cardell Hayes in 2016 killing of ex-Saints star Will Smith A retrial for Cardell Hayes in the 2016 slaying of retired Saints defensive star Will Smith and the shooting of his wife wont happen this yea

The District Attorney's Office said it received the report shortly after noon Monday. Meanwhile, the crime commission hasnt released the underlying data for its report, the office said.

However, aside from a single data set released 68 days into Williams administration, his office has fallen short on pledges to improve transparency around charging and case resolution outcomes.

With no explanation, the office has rejected public records requests from this newspaper for case-specific information on charges dismissed or resolved through plea deals.

+6 New Orleans DA Jason Williams settles fake subpoena lawsuit; agrees to be placed under monitor Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams has agreed for his office to be placed under a court appointed monitor for three and a half ye

White said more data is coming soon. He said the office has partnered with credible and independent groups like the national Prosecutorial Performance Indicators project, the Vera Institute of Justice New Orleans, Loyola University and AH Datalytics to make more information available online.

Our office is committed to directly providing ALL the people of New Orleans with data and statistics about its work and performance so that the people of this city can make up their own minds about the work of the office and not have Mr. Goyeneche tell them what to think, White said.
A quadruple shooting that killed two employees of an environmental nonprofit outside of a New Orleans church earlier this month has led to one arrest.

Nairobi K. Davis, 22, was jailed by authorities on counts two counts each of second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder late Wednesday, a week after the slayings of Zernell Lee and Derrick Copelin.

Lee, 19, and Copelin, 25, were installing permeable pavers in the 600 block of Gen. Taylor Street on Oct. 6 as part of their jobs with Groundwork New Orleans, which provides workforce training for disadvantaged young people. About 1:30 p.m. that day, four people circling the block in a pickup truck jumped out and started firing.

Lee and Copelin were hit and mortally wounded while two 20-year-old colleagues of theirs were injured and brought to University Medical Center in critical condition, police said.

Investigators didnt immediately disclose how they developed Davis as a suspect. But New Orleans police and the U.S. Marshals tracked Davis to a home in the 1900 block of Hendee Street in Algiers and arrested him Wednesday on a warrant linking him to the deadly quadruple shooting.

+2 Quadruple shooting outside New Orleans church may have been retaliation for prior violence The brazen quadruple shooting of a nonprofit crew that was working outside a local church Wednesday was likely retaliation, senior law enforce

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Davis' bail hadn't been set Thursday morning. He would face mandatory life imprisonment if convicted of murder, along with up to 50 years in prison if convicted of attempted murder.

It is unclear whether police have identified any other suspects besides Davis.

While police havent discussed a potential motive for the ambush on the Groundwork New Orleans team, law enforcement sources have said the shooting was likely retaliation. Lee was out on $110,000 bail awaiting trial on attempted murder charges stemming from a November 2020 double shooting, and he had survived being shot himself in September 2020 before he was killed.

Someone had also shot up his apartment in late September. And, at the scene of Lee and Copelins killings, there were signs that at least some crew members were worried about their safety. Police found a handgun and an AK-47 rifle, along with evidence that at least one victim fired back at those who attacked them and fled in a getaway truck which was later found discarded and torched.

People who knew Lee have said he joined Groundwork New Orleans earlier this year to turn his life around, but authorities fear someone may have still been holding a grudge against him or one of his colleagues, who also had troubled pasts prior to signing up with the nonprofit.
Shreveport native Richard Washington spent nearly half his life cooking and selling chicken wings, and conquering the New Orleans market had been his longtime goal, according to his loved ones.

He finally embarked on that challenge Friday, opening one of his Wing Taxi restaurants at 539 Toulouse St. in the French Quarter. But Washington wont ever find out if Wing Taxi hits it big in the Crescent City.

After work Sunday, the 48-year-old entrepreneur was shot to death on the back patio of his Marigny home, leaving his friends and family heartbroken and stunned.

It was going to really work, Washingtons daughter, Alexis Dixon, told WWL-TV on Wednesday. It broke my heart  he (wont be) able to be here for it.

While authorities havent officially released Washingtons identity, Dixon said he was the man found shot in his back patio in the 2200 block of Burgundy Street at about 7:40 p.m. Sunday. Paramedics brought Washington  who had just returned home from work when he was shot  to University Medical Center, but the staff there pronounced him dead late that same night.

Police havent publicly named any suspects or discussed a possible motive in the slaying. The only description of a potential killer is a man clad in a hooded sweatshirt whom a neighbor saw walking through the back of Washingtons home after the fatal gunfire erupted, Dixon said.

Whatever the case, the shooting marked a brutal end to an entrepreneurial dream that began in the kitchen of a home Washington shared in college with his best friend, Patrick Stewart. There, Washington perfected his techniques and recipes for making the chicken wings he delivered to customers. Sometimes, Stewart told WWL-TV, Washingtons daughter would accompany him on those early runs for Wing Taxi, which he formally established roughly 20 years ago.

He just had a passion for cooking  wings, Stewart said of Washington, nicknamed Snapper for the way he aggressively ate peas growing up in Shreveports Cooper Road area. He loved what he did.

Washington eventually opened Wing Taxi locations in downtown Shreveport, his hometowns mall, Dallas and Monroe. His New Orleans locations grand opening was two days before his death, and he had plans to get another Wing Taxi spot up and running in Houston.

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Washington, who had also previously run a Creole restaurant, particularly enjoyed providing jobs to people in his community through his businesses.

After argument, man helped others shoot his cousin to death at car repair shop, NOPD says A man got into an argument with his cousin and then helped several others shoot him to death inside of a car repair shop on Tchoupitoulas Stre

His business wasnt about making him rich, Stewart said. He (thought) he had to provide. And what better way to provide than cooking wings?

Dixon said that her dad would tell her he wanted to leave the business to her, so her children could one day inherit it.

He never stopped working, Dixon said. He was big on having something to pass down.

Stewart said he hopes someone will come forward and help police arrest whoever killed Washington.

He was so undeserving of this, Stewart said.

WWL-TV's Danny Monteverde contributed to this report.
A man who showed up at the hospital with a bullet wound shortly after two groundsmen were killed outside a New Orleans church last week is now accused of the slayings, according to police.

Nairobi Davis, 22, was arrested at his home Wednesday and faces second-degree and attempted second-degree murder charges in the quadruple shooting that killed Zernell Lee and Derrick Copelin on Oct. 6.

Lee, 19, and Copelin, 25, were installing permeable pavers at the corner of Annunciation and Gen. Taylor streets when their work crew was ambushed. They were employed by the environmental nonprofit Groundwork New Orleans, which provides workforce training to disadvantaged young people.

At least two people in a silver Ford F-150 fired at Lee, Copelin, and two 20-year-old workmen at the site. All four were hit. Lee and Copelin were killed, and the two others were taken to University Medical Center in critical condition.

Before they fled, the shooters took return fire from at least one of their victims, police have said. Davis became a prime suspect when he showed up at an Ochsner hospital in Gretna with a gunshot wound to the upper part of one of his shoulders, according to documents filed in criminal court Thursday.

Investigators spoke with Davis after he was transferred to UMC, and he first tried to claim that he was shot while hanging out with a friend near his home on Hendee Street in Algiers. But police said there were no reports of a shooting at that location, and he changed his story to say he had been shot while riding in a gray car with a friend on Annunciation, the documents show.

Police then found surveillance video showing Davis arriving at the hospital with another man. Both men were in clothes that matched those worn by the shooters in surveillance video, according to the records.

Additionally, police said surveillance video showed the Ford F-150 being driven on Hendee  where Davis lives  less than 10 minutes after the gunfire. Police suspect that the pickup driver dropped Davis and his companion off before Davis got a ride to the hospital, according to records.

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The pickup, reported stolen out of Jefferson Parish, was soon ditched and set on fire at the corner of Lamarque Street and Brooklyn Avenue in Algiers, police said.

Magistrate Court Commissioner Jonathan Friedman set Davis' bail at $600,000 Thursday. Davis would face mandatory life imprisonment if convicted of murder and up to 50 years if convicted of attempted murder.

It is unclear whether police have identified any other suspects.

+2 Quadruple shooting outside New Orleans church may have been retaliation for prior violence The brazen quadruple shooting of a nonprofit crew that was working outside a local church Wednesday was likely retaliation, senior law enforce

Investigators havent publicly discussed a motive for the shooting, but law enforcement sources have said the shooting was likely part of a violent, tit-for-tat feud that was unrelated to the nonprofit work the four men were doing.

Before he was killed, Lee was out on $110,000 bail awaiting trial on attempted murder charges stemming from a November 2020 double shooting. He had survived being shot himself in September 2020.

The outside of his apartment also was shot up in late September.

+2 2nd person dead after Wednesday quadruple shooting of drainage crew outside church Two men are now dead following a quadruple shooting that targeted a crew working for an environmental nonprofit outside a New Orleans church, 
A man got into an argument with his cousin and then helped several others shoot him to death inside of a car repair shop on Tchoupitoulas Street last month, according to New Orleans police.

The circumstances surrounding the killing of Torrin Girard and the subsequent arrest of his cousin, Dominique Buggage, are laid out in documents that police filed in Criminal District Court on Wednesday.

Buggage, 30, and Girard, 20, had purportedly argued at an apartment complex in the Little Woods section of New Orleans East before 1 p.m. on Sept. 20, police wrote in the court filings, citing an unidentified informant.

Investigators didnt mention what the argument was about. But an hour later, Buggage and six other men pulled up in two different vehicles at a car mechanic shop in the 4300 block of Tchoupitoulas, where Girard was, police said.

After walking up to the shop, two of Buggages companions  including one wielding a rifle  shot and killed Girard, police allege. Buggage didnt shoot, but he had what appeared to be a gun in his waistband, and he got into one of the getaway cars with both shooters and fled the scene, investigators contend.

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Police said they later found surveillance video placing Buggage at the site of Girards slaying. Using separate surveillance footage, they also determined Buggage was at a gas station in one of the getaway vehicles in between the time he argued with Girard and the time that Girard was killed, the court records allege.

Detectives obtained a warrant to arrest Buggage on a count of being a principal to second-degree murder on Sept. 29. He surrendered to police on Tuesday evening.

Buggages bail wasnt immediately set, though he was scheduled to appear at a bond hearing on Wednesday afternoon. He faces mandatory life imprisonment if convicted.

Meanwhile, it didnt appear that police had jailed the men whom they suspect shot Girard. Investigators had also not publicly released the names of any other suspects besides Buggage, who is from the St. Bernard Parish community of Violet.
A man was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon in Algiers' Behrman neighborhood, the New Orleans Police Department said.

The shooting was reported at 4:17 p.m. in the 2200 block of Cobblestone Lane. Shot multiple times, the victim was taken to a hospital. Police said at 5:32 p.m. he had died.

Investigators didnt immediately release other information on the crime.

Tipsters may call homicide detective Christian Recile at (504) 658-5300 or Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans Inc. at (504) 822-1111 or (877) 903-7807.
Dara Bouy and her two children are ready to come home.

The 33-year-old Luling resident has been living with relatives in New Orleans East since Hurricane Ida damaged the roof of their rental home, sending water pouring into the house and drenching all of their belongings. Her landlord is working on repairs, but has said the work will take at least six more months.

Honestly, its a headache, right now  not really having a stable place to live, she said. Theres so many residents in St. Charles Parish who are facing the same obstacles that Im facing.

Hopefully, Bouy wont have to wait much longer. She is one of the thousands of Louisiana residents who have applied for temporary housing under the states new Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program, which began delivering travel trailers to the area over the weekend.

The free trailers are available to residents who live in one of the six parishes designated by state officials as most impacted by the storm: St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. James, Jefferson, Terrebonne and Lafourche. Residents are eligible if their homes are unsafe or unlivable and they dont already have options for shelter in their home parish.

As of Wednesday, three trailers had been placed with St. John residents and another 18 were waiting to be installed by contractors, St. John the Baptist Parish President Jaclyn Hotard said.

In St. Charles Parish, about 50 trailers were parked at a staging site on Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway in Hahnville. Nine were distributed to residents on Monday, said St. Charles Parish President Matthew Jewell.

Its incredibly important for the restoration to have people as close to their homes as possible so they dont have to commute back and forth from out of the parish or somewhere else, Jewell said.

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FEMA officials estimate about theyll need about 250 to 275 trailers for St. Charles residents. But Jewell suspects the number could be higher.

The states Sheltering Program exists separate and apart from the federal governments more well-known FEMA trailer program, according to state and local officials. While the Federal Emergency Management Agency is reimbursing the state 90% of the trailers price tag, Louisiana is managing the Ida Sheltering Program.

The state stepped up to offer trailers as a way to more quickly provide housing to residents in need, according to Mike Steele, communications director for the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. The FEMA trailers, part of the federal agencys direct housing program, wont be ready to roll out until mid-November, according to officials.

+7 Roofers deluged with calls after Hurricane Ida; 'Try touching base in about a month' When Kirt Schellhaas returned to his home in Kenner two weeks after evacuating to Texas for Hurricane Ida, he had to use his full body weight 

Theres two programs going on at the same time, and it can be confusing, said Hotard, who encouraged residents to register for both types of assistance.

Residents from more than 1,200 St. Charles Parish households checked into hotels as part of FEMAs Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program after Hurricane Ida, Jewell said. As of this week, about 443 hotel rooms were still occupied by St. Charles residents unable to return home.

For residents of neighboring St. John, 747 families were still in FEMA-sponsored hotel rooms as of Monday, Hotard said.

The states Ida Sheltering Program is designed to be a temporary way to bridge the gap until FEMAs housing assistance gets underway. If eligible, residents must make sure they have room on their property for the trailer and the appropriate utility hookups.

Renters can register for the states program, according to officials from the Louisiana Governors Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. If they qualify for trailer, they will need permission from the landowner.

Eligible renters in larger-scale apartment buildings or complexes, where there would be no room to install trailers, could be placed at group site, such as a former mobile home park.

To register or seek more information about Louisianas Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program, visit idashelteringla.com or call 1-844-268-0301. Registrants will need a FEMA number to apply. If you do not know your FEMA number or need to request one, visit disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.
When St. Tammany Parish Coroner Charles Preston was told his office would be put on the same water system as Tamanend, a huge development under construction on adjacent land, parish officials assured him he would see better service.

But that isn't how it's worked out so far, he says.

Since the parish-owned Tammany Utilities West took over his well in early 2017 and tied it into Tamanend's system, Preston said his office has lost water pressure several times without warning and has seen delays in getting it turned back on.

That's a problem for an agency that needs hot, clean water to perform autopsies and other tasks, he said, such as collecting specimens to be cultured and recovering tissues for transplants.

In one case, the building lost water service over a weekend, and its industrial-sized water heater was emptied, causing the heating elements to burn up. Replacing the water heater cost the Coroner's Office $18,000, Preston said.

Preston said he wasn't given a choice about the change in his water service. Tamanend, which will eventually have 1,348 homes, along with retail and other commercial tenants, has its own well, water tower and piping, but it lacked a backup well. Parish officials decided to convert the coroner's well into a backup well for the new development off Louisiana 434.

+2 What's the latest on Tamanend, the huge mixed-use development in St. Tammany? More than six years after work began on Tamanend, a huge mixed-use development in central St. Tammany Parish, residential construction is set 

They were able to do so because in 2013, the state Legislature gave financial control of the Coroner's Office finances and ownership of its immoveable property to the parish government. That move was made in response to a corruption scandal under former Coroner Peter Galvan.

"The sentiment was, it's our property, and we can do whatever we want," Preston said.

The first question his agency had was, what happens if the system fails? Preston said they were assured that the Tamanend system, which also served Northshore Technical Community College, had a radio tower and radio-controlled switches that would come on and there would never be a loss in pressure.

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Pressure drops are a critical issue for drinking water systems since a loss in pressure creates a risk of contamination and can trigger a boil water advisory.

Within the first six months of the change, Preston said, his building lost water during office hours. The coroner's building engineer went to the Tamanend site and was told that someone had inadvertently flipped a switch, and they turned the water right back on, he said.

+3 St. Tammany water system fixes must be made before more homes added, Parish Council member says St. Tammany Parish Council member Mike Smith said problems highlighted in a recent study of the parish-owned water and sewerage system must be

But then Preston's building lost water at least three more times. Workers arriving at 5 a.m. to prepare for autopsies arrived to find there was no water, he said.

Michael Vinsanau, spokesman for the Parish President Mike Cooper's administration, said that Tammany Utilities will have a pressure switch installed at the coroner's well, allowing it to run automatically should there be a failure at the Tamanend well.

"This will provide the redundancy on this system," he said in an email.

The administration also had an explanation for the most recent problems in the Tamanend system. A pressure switch there failed right before Hurricane Ida, requiring operators to run the well manually on a daily basis.

Vinsanau said the parish responded to Preston's call within a half an hour and a contractor fixed Tamanend switch the following day.

In the near term, changes to the arrangement between the parish and the coroner's office could factor into a solution. In March, the state Legislature returned financial control of the facility to the Coroner's Office, along with ownership of immoveable property, and Cooper has been authorized by the Parish Council to negotiate the transfer the property back to the coroner's office along with servitudes for the use of the well.

Preston says all options are on the table, including return of control. "That's one I would be comfortable with," he said.
Responding to the deaths of at least seven elderly residents during the Hurricane Ida blackout, New Orleans officials are proposing new rules to ensure that operators of independent living centers follow emergency procedures during disasters.

The proposed ordinance, which passed the City Councils Community Development Committee on Tuesday, would create a new license for apartment buildings that are designated for people older than 55 but that do not fall within Louisiana licensing requirements. The new classification would apply to about 75 centers around the city.

Orleans Parish coroner says 7 deaths at senior apartments likely due to excessive heat The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office confirmed that seven residents of apartment complexes for seniors who died in the aftermath of Hurricane I

Unlike at nursing homes or assisted living centers, the operators that city officials are now targeting do not owe a duty of care to tenants. But the ordinance would require them to coordinate plans with City Hall during emergencies and evacuations, and to keep personnel on site continuously during declared disasters. Operators would also need to maintain a detailed resident census, including tenants who need wheelchairs, oxygen tanks and other accommodations.

The ability to evacuate - the window is getting smaller and smaller and often wont even be open any more, said council member Kristin Gisleson Palmer, referring to the fast-developing tropical storms of recent years. So we are going to have a significant amount of folks [who] are going to shelter in place. Often that means our most vulnerable populations are at the highest and greatest risk.

Missing from the proposed ordinance is any requirement for backup generator power, which is central to a lawsuit in Orleans Parish Civil District Court over one of the recent deaths. Relatives of Reginald Logan, 74, who lived at the Flint-Goodridge apartments in Central City, say management assured him when he signed his lease that backup power would be available for his oxygen tank. But none was provided after Ida struck Aug. 29, and Logan was found dead after a neighbor noticed flies in the window.

Flint-Goodridge apartment building The Flint-Goodridge apartment building in New Orleans' Central City is one of several elderly apartment complexes where at least one resident 

The Flint-Goodridge owner and operator, real estate developer HRI Properties, has said the buildings limited emergency generator power was never intended to supply residents, noting that it is not a care facility.

Palmers initial draft of the ordinance included a generator provision. But she said Tuesday that state lawmakers would need to add the requirement to building codes.

Todd Gennardo, an attorney for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans, which owns several of the independent living centers, said his clients want to cooperate with city officials on new regulations. At the same time, Gennardo said, there are concerns about the cost and resident privacy.

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+2 After resident deaths in New Orleans apartments, city officials, building owners trade accusations When Larry Tyler gathered with other residents outside of the Flint-Goodridge Apartments for seniors in Central City on Friday, he saw somethi

It is important that all the operators and owners of senior housing complexes operating on thin margins with high levels of insurance expense and debt service have the opportunity to be heard, Gennardo said.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell's health director, Jennifer Avegno, said the intent of the proposal is to require information that is not onerous, of having a system of regular check ins.

This is not something that should require a lot of money, said Avegno, speaking at Tuesday's committee meeting about draft regulations to accompany the ordinance.

As the Ida blackout dragged on for days, city employees had difficulty reaching building managers who had fled the city, often leaving behind vulnerable residents in sweltering apartments with limited access to food and water. More than two thirds of the phone numbers that Health Department staff had for independent living operators either did not work or were not answered, according to the department. City officials temporarily shuttered eight buildings and bused almost 600 residents to shelters across the state.

At Flint-Goodridge, where Logan and another resident died, residents said building management staff were not at the building for a week spanning Ida's landfall and left no provisions or instructions. HRI has repeatedly insisted its staff was available and delivered food and water.

Logans sister, Brenda Briggs, swore in an affidavit that, despite repeated messages left at the Flint-Goodridge front desk, no one from buildings management returned her calls or notified her of Logans death. She learned from another resident that the building did not have power after the storm, and subsequently discovered her brothers three empty oxygen tanks in a visit to his apartment 10 days after the storm.

According to her sworn statement, Briggs was present with Logan when he applied for residency and a manager assured them that he would have backup power for his oxygen tanks.

A request for HRI comment on the litigation and proposed ordinance was pending Wednesday.
Norman, OK (73070)

Today

Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High 59F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low around 45F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.
Long called by some the Andersonville of the North, the prisoner of war camp in Elmira, New York, has been called the most notorious of all Union-run POW camps. It existed only from the summer of 1864 to July 1865, but in that time, and for long after, it became darkly emblematic of mans inhumanity to man. Confederate prisoners called it Hellmira.

Hastily constructed, poorly planned, and overcrowded, prisoner of war camps in the North and South were dumping grounds in the aftermath of war. An unfortunate necessity, both sides regarded the camps as inconveniences and distractions from the task of winning the war. There was no need, they believed, to construct expensive shelters or provide better rations. They needed only to sustain life long enough for the war to be won. Victory would deliver prisoners from their conditions. As a result, conditions in the prisoner of war camps amounted to a great humanitarian crisis, the extent of which could hardly be understood even after the blood stopped flowing on the battlefields.

In the years after the war, as Reconstruction became increasingly bitter, the North pointed to Camp Sumterbetter known as the Andersonville POW camp in Americus, Georgiaas evidence of the cruelty and barbarity of the Confederacy. The South, in turn, cited the camp in Elmira as a place where Union authorities withheld adequate food and shelter and purposefully caused thousands to suffer in the bitter cold. This finger-pointing by both sides would go on for over a century. And as it did, the legend of Hellmira grew.

Sponsored by the The Bradford County Library, Derek Maxfield will discuss his book Hellmira: The Unions Most Infamous POW Camp of the Civil War," at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021 via Zoom.

In this book, Derek Maxfield contextualizes the rise of prison camps during the Civil War, explores the failed exchange of prisoners, and tells of the creation and evolution of the prison camp in Elmira. In the end, Maxfield suggests that it is time to move on from the blame game and see prisoner of war campsNorth and Southas a great humanitarian failure.

Derek D. Maxfield is an associate professor of history at Genesee Community College in Batavia, New York. He holds a BA in History from SUNY Cortland, an MA in History from Villanova University, and was a PhD candidate at the University of Buffalo, where he is ABD.

This program is free and open to the public. Please contact the Library at (570) 297-2436 or bclibrary@bradfordco.org for Zoom login information.
State Sen. Mike Regan (R-York) hails from the same county as outgoing Gov. Tom Wolf. The York County legislator is now the second Republican state senator to express support for marijuana legalization in Pennsylvania, according to the York Daily Record.

Regan, a member of the Republican-controlled state legislature, is chairman of the Senate Law and Justice Committee. He now joins State Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) as the only two Republican members of the state senate now in support of what 58% of Pa. residents already support, according to Marijuana Moment.

Related reading: Rally shows PA residents support recreational marijuana

Regan's logic, in line with the likes of Gov. Wolf and Lieutenant Gov. Fetterman, is that because states like New York and New Jersey have recently legalized marijuana, Pa. residents will soon be able to cross the border to spend money in a different state, resulting in a potential loss of one billion dollars in tax revenue for the state.

Related reading:

"We will soon experience 'border bleed' with Pennsylvanian's contributing to the tax base of those states, and helping to pay for their roads and bridges," Regan said.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 36 states presently have medical marijuana programs.

Regan asserts that Pa. is losing a major opportunity to use that potential tax revenue to provide greater funding for law enforcement and to fight crime, as well as pay for much-needed educational programs, according to York Daily Record reports.

Regan also pointed to the successes of Pa.'s medical marijuana program with a half million enrollments at present.

In a memorandum to his fellow legislators, Regan noted marijuana has been in use by state residents for decades, and that residents' current method of getting marijuana has done nothing but benefit and perpetuate organized crime, gangs, and cartels.

In his own Op-ed, Regan noted that marijuana legalization is inevitable.




Local

Commissioners, legislators split over state performance review for local elections board

Olivia Morley, File This August 2020 file photo shows the Floyd County elections office in the County Administration Building at 12 E. Fourth Ave.

The Floyd County Commission approved a third party peer review of the elections board, but local legislators want a review by the secretary of states office and appear to be poised to force the issue.

Senate Bill 202, or the Elections Integrity Act, was signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp this year. Under the new law, local governments or state legislators can request a performance review of their local elections boards or superintendents conducted by the Secretary of States office.

On Tuesday night, Floyd County commissioners endorsed a third party peer review for the elections board and office, as opposed to enacting a state run performance review.

According to Elections Board Chair Melanie Conrad, theyre looking at bringing in elections clerks from neighboring counties to review their operations. Board member Corey Townsend said he has already reached out to chief clerks in Bartow County and Paulding County, and theyre also considering approaching the Gordon County clerk.

Ultimately, the county attorneys office would oversee the review board and how it will operate. Current elections board members would have nothing to do with the panel and wouldnt know anything until the review is done.

However, the state legislative delegation may force the countys hand.

Rep. Katie Dempsey

Rep. Katie Dempsey, R-Rome, said that she disagrees with the countys actions and supports bringing in the Secretary of States office to conduct a performance review of the elections board and is willing to go further.

The process, if enacted by the legislative body, requires one local representative and one local senator to sign off on it.

Weve got to do our due diligence on it, Dempsey said early Wednesday. The reality is we can do it or (the county) can do it, it does not require votes.

Sen. Chuck Hufstetler

Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, R-Rome, a cosponsor of SB 202, said Wednesday that Floyd County could benefit from the state review as well as a review by elections officials from nearby counties.

Historically, our elections have been slow and weve had some problems. I dont see fraud, but if they want to bring in successful county boards and follow up with the state, I dont have a problem with that, he said.

The secretary of state is tied up with Fulton (County) right now, he added. We can look at about 30 days to see what the others come up with before we pull the trigger on the state.

Dempsey went on record to oppose the county-approved peer review, saying theres no basis for it in Georgia law.

Its not just this election, there are long term issues, Dempsey said. We shouldnt be one of the last counties reporting results.

Board expansion

Floyd County commissioners also endorsed a recommendation from the elections board to increase their board members from three to five.

The changes to the elections board will require approval by the General Assembly and Dempsey said the local legislative delegation expects to submit a bill during a special called session in November.

Dempsey expects the bill to be introduced in the second week of that session as legislators are meeting to redraw voting districts.

The special session allows for local legislation so I think this will happen in the special session, Hufstetler said.

Locally, Conrad said the hope of the board expansion is to help ease the workload the board members. The board is currently nonpartisan, Conrad said, and she hopes to keep it that way.

Wright Bagby

Weve been wanting to go from three to five members for a long time and its become more evident in the last year and a half that we need it, Commission Chair Wright Bagby said during caucus Tuesday.

The County Commission currently appoints all three members of the elections board. However, the legislation concerning that expansion may take control of those appointments out of their hands.

Hufstetler said the election boards in Bartow and Gordon counties are set up differently than in Floyd and both are well run. The local Republican and Democratic parties each appoint two members and the Grand Jury appoints the fifth one.

Their structure seems to work well when both parties are involved, Hufstetler said. That way the parties can share in the responsibility.

That structure will be included in the legislation the delegation will submit to expand the elections board.

Having the appointments by the parties and Grand Jury also will allow the elected County Commission to keep an arms length from the politics involved, Hufstetler said.

His district includes parts of Bartow and Gordon, so hes familiar with their systems. He also said Rep. Mitchell Scoggins, R-Cartersville, provided good insight on Bartow when the four legislators  including Dempsey and Rep. Eddie Lumsden, R-Armuchee  met to discuss the issue.

Local control

During caucus Tuesday, commissioners said theyre going ahead with the independent peer review before using SB 202 to save the county money.

There are a lot of unknowns about Senate Bill 202, Vice Chair Allison Watters said. We dont know the time frame, we dont know what itll cost the county or our taxpayers.

Allison Watters

While commissioners said they feel that a state performance review would be more impartial, they are wary of a state intrusion.

Scotty Hancock

They could come in here and take over our elections and well lose all local control, Commissioner Scotty Hancock said.

Theres also a price tag associated with the state performance review. The county would have to foot the bill and also cover any charges implemented by that review.

During the commission meeting Justin Kelly, a local staffer for 14th District Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, spoke in favor of the state performance review.

Lets start putting trust in our legislation thats being passed and putting trust into our elections, Kelly said. He then threatened to work politically against commissioners who didnt vote for the state review.

If something is not done about this, I will take a personal interest in each of your elections going forward, he said. I will find someone to run against you and I will help fundraise for them to replace you.

County elections operations have undergone heavy criticism over the last year, but its only been in recent months that people began to show up at commission meetings to voice complaints.

Some of those complaints are founded in the debunked claims made by former President Donald Trump that the election was stolen.

Trump won Floyd County by a large margin. However, the first ballot audit, ordered by Georgias secretary of state, found over 2,500 ballots werent counted. The ballots, which elections workers said followed Floyd County voting trends, were entered and counted. Another hand recount followed that audit.

That incident, alongside long lines at polling locations and a confrontational attitude during an elections board meeting, led to the dismissal of the countys former chief elections clerk.

Other complaints range from what they characterize as unfair treatment of poll watchers and poll workers to suspected election law violations and the initial recommended hire of longtime elections clerk Vanessa Waddell as the chief clerk.

The Floyd County Commission ultimately turned down the recommendation to hire Waddell and reopened the job search. The search is still ongoing and is netting a much larger pool of candidates after the elections board revised the job requirements.
Community Reporter

Erica Welch is the special sections editor for The News-Review, mother of two and a native of Roseburg. She is an alumni of RHS, UCC and Western Oregon University. Contact her at ewelch@nrtoday.com or 541-957-4218.
The investment is massive, going beyond the 500 construction jobs created over three years. Its hundreds of millions in contracts to local vendors, Cohen said.

The 400 megawatts of energy produced here during the first phase of the project is enough to power 75,000 Midwestern households and will infuse millions of much-needed dollars into local Indiana communities, Cohen said.

Its expected to displace 40,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions and conserve 1 billion gallons of irrigation well water annually.

The second and third phases, expected to begin next year, will produce about 900 megawatts of clean energy upon completion.

Gov. Eric Holcomb said he broke bread with Israeli and Doral officials in Israel in May, and they came to Starke County five months later to break ground.

The ambassador sits here in the flesh, and we could not be more honored that you would be here in Starke County, Indiana, Holcomb said.

Despite the overcast, you can just feel the electricity in the air, he said.

Were energized by this, and we know what kind of attraction a project like this will be, Holcomb added.
CarMax is looking to hire 3,700 workers nationwide by year's end, including at its Merrillville facility.

The Richmond, Virginia-based company, which is the nation's largest buyer and seller of used cars, employs more than 27,000 people nationwide. The company, which also has Indiana dealerships in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, is looking to hire workers for its customer experience centers, digital innovation centers, corporate offices, and more than 220 stores across the country.

Some of the positions allow for remote working.

The foundation of our companys success is our exceptional associates, and were looking for candidates who will help us deliver the most customer-centric experience in the industry, said Diane Cafritz, chief human resources officer and senior vice president at CarMax. "CarMax has a people-first culture, and we are steadfast in investing in our associates and providing training opportunities to support their growth and help them build great careers.

CarMax is particularly looking for auto technicians who make $19 to $53 an hour depending on location and experience. It's offering $7,500 sign-on bonuses at some locations.
The Missner Group CEO Barry Missner said East Chicago was easy to work with to develop the 14 1/2-acre site, which will have 44 trailer parking stalls, 302 parking spaces for cars and 41 potential exterior docks.

"We're a Chicago-based developer and builder of industrial properties very similar to what we're kicking off today," he said. "The firm was founded by my grandfather on the south side of Chicago in 1945 and we currently reside in suburban Chicago."

Missner called Wednesday "an optimistic day."

"We're going to see to fruition the seeds that we planted," he said. "It's the birth of something new. In this case, it's a rebirth of an old antiquated property. We're excited about what the finished product will be, a class A industrial building that will create jobs for construction and the tenants that will occupy the building."

It's a speculative building, meaning no tenants have been lined up in advance. It can be subdivided to 25,000 square feet, but the hope is to have either one large tenant or subdivide the space among just a few. It is expected to be used for either logistics or light industry "unlike what was previously removed."
MERRILLVILLE  Sherri Ziller was chosen Thursday to lead the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority as it pursues transformative development along the South Shore Line commuter railroad and its new West Lake Corridor.

Ziller, who has been with the RDA since 2006 and has served as chief operating officer since 2012, succeeds Bill Hanna as the organization's president and chief executive officer.

She thanked the Board of Directors for its trust after its unanimous vote to appoint her.

"I'm very honored and humbled by it," she said. "I'm really looking forward to working with the board, our many partner communities and civic and business leaders throughout Northwest Indiana to continue building a vibrant and prosperous future."

The RDA has partnered with the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District and elected officials in securing the local, state and federal funding for the West Lake Corridor extension and the Double Track modernization project along the existing line. The organization will continue to serve as the local fiscal agent for the projects while also focusing on transit-oriented development around rail stations, through the Transit Development Districts being planned now.
Snyder, who thanked the residents of Portage, his legal team and family, said he would not be facing prison time if only he had kept better campaign, tax and business records. Those failures have placed a great burden on his family members, who have been humiliated, but made stronger, he said.

"The Snyders will always hold their heads up high," he said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Bhachu, who sought a steeper sentence within the recommended guideline range, said the bribery count in particular undermines the public trust in government.

He then cited Snyder's background of opportunity to say, "He knew better."

Yet he said Snyder continues to behave as though he did nothing wrong, despite being convicted twice on the bribery charge and once on the tax offense.

"Instead of taking care of the city, at the end of the day, he betrayed the city," Bhachu said.

Defense attorney Andrea Gambino argued against prison time, saying there is a debate over its value as a deterrent and that Snyder has already paid a big price living under the investigation and criminal case for seven years.

"Everybody in life makes mistakes," she said.
HOBART  After crashing into a fence, a man fled on foot from police only to be apprehended by Hobart K-9 Hatchet soon after, police said.

At 1:50 p.m. Wednesday a Hobart officer was monitoring traffic during a seatbelt grant initiative near Ridge Road and Wilson Street, according to a news release from Hobart Capt. James Gonzales.

After spotting a vehicle speeding by and noticing the driver wasn't wearing a seat belt, the officer activated his lights and tried to pull the vehicle over, however the driver refused to stop.

As the officer followed behind, the driver crashed into a fence at 515 North Wisconsin St. and ran away from the wreck. A woman who was in the passenger seat also got out of the vehicle and fled on foot.

More police were called to the scene and the driver was captured soon after by an officer and police dog Hatchet. The passenger was also found and taken into custody by the other officers.

The driver was treated for minor injuries from being apprehended by the police dog and was released by medics on scene to authorities. Police also discovered the driver had an active arrest warrant for burglary in LaPorte County.
EAST CHICAGO  Authorities on Thursday identified one of two people killed in a shooting a day earlier in the city's South Side neighborhood.

Christopher Burks, 52, of Chicago, was found unresponsive on the ground in the 1200 block of West 149th Street about 12:20 p.m. Wednesday after a silver Chevrolet Impala struck a home's front porch, according to the Lake County coroner's office and East Chicago police.

The driver of the Impala, a 43-year-old Hammond woman, also was found unresponsive, Deputy Police Chief Jose Rivera said.

Both appeared to have suffered gunshot wounds, he said.

The Impala came to rest on a sidewalk, and the front porch had damage to stairs and a railing.

Burks was found lying across the street in a pool of blood, Rivera said. He was taken to St. Catherine Hospital, where he was pronounced dead about 1 p.m., a coroner's release said.

The woman was flown to University of Chicago Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead about 2:40 p.m. from a gunshot wound to the back, according to police and the Cook County medical examiner's office.
The Crown Point Community Foundation has awarded $146,922.43 in grants to the community as part of its Sept. 1 cycle.

These 21 grants will enrich the lives of residents throughout South Lake County (Crown Point, Cedar Lake, Lowell and Winfield), from helping Humane Indiana with creating a separate area for the unique needs of infant foster animals in care to helping Girls on the Run of NWI with financial assistance to girls in South Lake County so they can be inspired to be joyful, healthy and confident through social-emotional learning and physical activity.

Unrestricted community grants are made possible by donors who create funds to support South Lake County causes and entrust the CPCF to allocate those funds to a broad range of community projects and needs.

The latest recipients include:

Best Buddies - $2,000 to support the existing five Best Buddies school chapters in Crown Point.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater NWI - match up to $7,500 for playground structure for Cedar Lake club.

Campagna Academy - $1,945.93 to train 300 people annually in CPR/AED/First Aid.

Christ Presbyterian Church - match up to $4,000 to paint and protect the infrastructure of the church building.
If theyre lying about it, thats a separate offense, Rakos said. After reading this I dont understand what the problem is.

McDermott took issue with the timing of concerns.

This has been in committee for a month and this is the first time were discussing this. Its a torpedo on the day of the council meeting which is becoming the norm unfortunately. This is employees charged with crimes, McDermott said. This is who were sticking up for here, right? An employee that has been charged with a crime. That is facing prison. They dont have to tell their boss. Thats absolutely ludicrous. I cant believe were having this discussion. This is embarrassing actually. Take a step back council. Employees charged with crimes dont have to tell us. Thats insane.

Tyler said he had no issue with the ordinance as a concept but wanted stronger language.

You can be arrested without being charged with a crime, Tyler said.

McDermott said this was a defining issue for this administration.
Griffin further noted that this protects revenues  and town services  from potential losses in the event of a reduction in the tax base as happened after the historic flood disaster in 2006.

The Sanitary District's 2022 budget is proposed at $4.1 million with an estimated tax levy of $239,515.

Similarly, the Water District's proposed budget is $410,788 with no expected tax levy.

Whether town employee raises will happen next year is still to be determined.

"Employee raises will not be discussed tonight," Herak said. "That will be taken up later in the year."

The next step is for the council to adopt the budget at its next business meeting.

By law, "we have to adopt before Nov. 1," Griffin noted.

One councilman  and one resident  expressed dissatisfaction with the budget process and the numbers involved.

"It feels that I've been shut out of the process, that the public has been shut out of the process," said Councilman Mark Schocke, R-3rd.
An Adelie penguin was released back into the wild after swimming nearly 8,000 miles to New Zealand, a new dinosaur species was discovered by a
I just completed a very nice experience. I went to the vaccine clinic at Calumet and MacArthur on the Community Hospital campus and received my COVID booster. The facility is very well organized, and the staff is excellent.

A quick read of the local statistics tells us that the unvaccinated make up well over 95% of those who either wind up in the hospital or pass away from the virus. Nothing is guaranteed in the medical world, so I have chosen to be part of a data distribution that gives me a better chance of avoiding both of these outcomes.

I encourage everyone who is eligible for either the first or the second or the booster to take advantage of this free life-saving opportunity. The last set of statistics I saw ranks Indiana 44th in the country, behind Alabama, in getting first shots into arms. If we are ever going to get back to normal, we all need to take civic responsibility in this matter. By getting my booster, I am saying that I care not only for my health, but for yours also. Please.
Julian Assange, the controversial WikiLeaks founder. There has been a lot of misquoting of me and WikiLeaks publications. Called a villain by some. That villain Julian Assange. He should be extradited to face justice here. Im pleased to see him arrested. And a hero by others. [Chanting] Free the truth! Free Assange! Dont shoot the messenger! Some on the left have embraced Assange for years, seeing him as a free-speech martyr. As WikiLeaks stands under threats, so does the freedom of expression and the health of all our societies. And Republicans, they have long considered Assange a Putin stooge who spilled Americas biggest secrets. As for President Trump, he now claims to know nothing. I know nothing about WikiLeaks. Its not my thing. But he used to gush over Assanges organization WikiLeaks, I love WikiLeaks! Heres how such a divisive figure has become a vessel for people across the political spectrum. Ive always wanted to say, We are all individuals! We are all individuals! One of Assanges fiercest supporters is former Baywatch star and animal rights activist Pamela Anderson. She visited Assange at the Ecuadorean embassy in London, where he lived for seven years. Hes so funny and hes very kind and hes very smart. Hes brilliant, and we talk about everything. Im there for four hours at a time. And I see him all the time. Anderson is a rumored lover of Assanges and even wrote him poetry. Another fan? Fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, who has brought her support for Assange to the runway. We sell these T-shirts, and I was able to give him 3,000 recently for some of the T-shirts we sold to help toward WikiLeaks. And then there is Lady Gaga. Its pretty heavy Its pretty heavy stuff. She stopped by the embassy in 2012 and interviewed Assange. You may be an enemy of the state, but you are not an enemy of humanity. But this icon of left-leaning celebrities has also been embraced by white supremacist David Duke, who thanked him for a dump of Clinton campaign emails that may have helped Donald Trump. He tweeted: God bless WikiLeaks. Julian Assange is a hero. And the same leak made Assange a pariah to certain Democrats. He has to answer for what he has done. In a sign of how far Assanges image has swung, theres Fox commentator Sean Hannity. Hannity used to be a hater. Assange is apparently not done waging his war against the U.S. And now? You look at WikiLeakss record, theyve never printed a single thing proven untrue in like 12 years. Not one! Friend at times, foe at others. Assange has inspired head-spinning adoration from both the left and the right. Yet his anti-establishment agenda has made Assange elusive, allowing him to be everything to everyone.
JOHANNESBURG  As gunshots rang out across a port town in northeastern Mozambique on Friday afternoon, nearly 200 people sheltering inside the Amarula Palma hotel confronted a devastating reality: The armed insurgents outside the hotels doors had all but taken control of the town and there was no one coming to save them any time soon.

For two days, hundreds of insurgents in the gas-rich region had been laying siege to the coastal town of Palma, firing indiscriminately at civilians, hunting down government officials and setting buildings ablaze as security forces tried in vain to repel them.

The violence sent thousands of people fleeing, with some rushing to the beach, where a ragtag fleet of cargo ships, tugboats and fishing vessels was ferrying people to safety.

But at the hotel, with daylight hours dwindling, the local residents and foreign gas workers who remained faced an impossible choice: Either wait inside, defenseless, for a promised evacuation in the morning, or try to make it to the beach.
Since Monday, Mr. Kunene said, his hospital has taken in four people who were mortally wounded, 15 who were shot but lived and four others who suffered severe injuries, including two who appeared to have been bashed in the head by police batons.

Some victims said they were shot while protesting or vandalizing properties, Mr. Kunene said, while others reported being hit by stray bullets or being shot at simply for being out past the 6 p.m. curfew.

In his two decades working at the hospital, Mr. Kunene said he had never seen this volume of gunshot patients.

Nurses at three other hospitals said their facilities also treated gunshot victims in numbers they had never seen before.

The army and the police are everywhere, and the situation is so tense, Thulani Maseko, a human rights lawyer in Mbabane, said by phone on Wednesday. People are being shot at, people are being detained, people are being hurt. Its not safe to be out in the streets.

Messages left for a government spokesman and for Themba Masuku, the acting prime minister, were not returned.

But in a statement released this week, Mr. Masuku, who serves at the pleasure of King Mswati III, stressed the importance of rooting out all violence and vandalism.
What the Czech elections mean for Europes strongmen

This past weekend, Andrej Babis, the Czech Republics seemingly invincible populist leader, was the unexpected loser of its elections, after a coalition of previously divided center-right parties united against him. They had a simple, clear message: We can beat Babis.

The success of these Czech opposition parties could have major repercussions in the region and beyond. For the past decade, strongman leaders disdainful of democratic norms have risen to power around the world. Now, opposition leaders are mobilizing, trying to forge unified fronts and oust populist leaders in upcoming elections.

In Hungary, for instance, six parties across the political spectrum are collaborating to oppose the party of Viktor Orban, the right-wing leader who has become a standard-bearer for illiberal democracy. And in Poland, Donald Tusk, a former prime minister and European Council president, hopes to rally the main opposition party and people who often do not vote, and to lure support from a plethora of other opposition groups.

Quotable: Populism is beatable, said Otto Eibl, the head of the political science department at Masaryk University in the Czech city of Brno. The first step in beating a populist leader is to suppress individual egos and to compromise in the interest of bringing a change.
One of the challenges in mandating vaccinations is that it would require proof of a jab, and medical records have special protection under British data privacy laws, which means there needs to be a good legal reason to hold this information.

A related concern is that if workers who arent vaccinated for medical or religious reasons are then treated differently from other staff because they are not in the office, the company could be accused of discrimination. But if companies can show they have a justifiable reason for collecting this data and the request is a proportionate measure to achieve a legitimate aim, the legal risks are diminished, said Lucy Lewis, an employment lawyer and partner at Lewis Silkin.

The challenge for employers is, is it justifiable if youre taking other Covid-secure measures within the business? Ms. Lewis said. For example, if youre continuing to retain social distancing, if theres an element of mask wearing, can you satisfy that test that requiring vaccination is reasonable within an organization?

Its more common for companies to ask people to be double-vaccinated or show evidence of a negative Covid test, currently freely available in Britain, to go into the office, she said. She doesnt expect requiring vaccines to work in the office to become the norm in Britain.

Whether its possible comes down to you being able to essentially demonstrate to a court that doing it was necessary within your business, Ms. Lewis said. In types of businesses where youve got a lot of very vulnerable people, its much more likely to be reasonable because the risk to those people is that much greater.

The furthest Britain has gone in making vaccines compulsory for work is in nursing homes. The government has said anyone working or volunteering in nursing homes, unless medically exempt, must be vaccinated beginning Nov. 11. Even to take this step, Parliament had to pass a new piece of legislation, which is now the subject of legal challenges.

In Britain, vaccine uptake is high, with 78 percent of the population over the age of 12 vaccinated. But there are disparities across age groups, with younger cohorts less likely to be vaccinated. In the United States, there is some evidence that vaccine mandates have increased rates above 90 percent within companies.
A New York City police officer was in custody late Wednesday after admitting to fatally shooting a woman whom she encountered in her girlfriends Brooklyn apartment and shooting the girlfriend as well, officials said.

The officer was described by police officials at a news conference as a 31-year-old who has been with the Police Department for five and a half years and was most recently assigned to a Brooklyn precinct.

A police official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss an active investigation, identified her as Yvonne Wu.

She was off duty when the shooting occurred, officials said.

Assistant Chief Michael Kemper, speaking at the news conference, said that the shooting was being treated as a homicide and that the officer being held had been calm and collected and very forthcoming in telling colleagues who responded to the scene what had happened.
I know, I know, you all liked the one with alcohol in it.

STIR/SHAKEN aims to make it really hard for robocallers to use phony caller IDs. If you saw an ID on your phone announcing scam risk was on the line, I bet you wouldnt answer it. But what if you just saw a phone number with your area code? Might be a telemarketing trickster. Or maybe something real you dont want to miss. (Hey, wasnt Uncle Fred talking about going to some wildlife preserve that lets you feed the bears by hand?)

The phony ID thing is known as spoofing. And anyone can do it. You can buy services that allow you to seem to be dialing from a different number. The theory, its sellers boast, is that it allows you to protect your privacy. Teresa Murray of U.S. PIRG notes that it would also allow you to impersonate the I.R.S. or Chase or Amazon or whatever  they even have an option that you can change your voice to someone of the opposite sex. Isnt that swell?

Despite all the downside, regulations against robocalling in all its variations are pretty thorough, and the government is trying hard to make them work in real life.

We will now stop for 30 seconds while you guess what comes after the inevitable But 

No, its not But were worried about all those unemployed telemarketers.

The answer is: But while scam robocalls dropped over the summer, scam texts were booming. Zooming.

Yes! Spam texts! RoboKiller, a filtering app, said the number of spam texts that will be sent in the United States could be as high as 86 billion in 2021. The Federal Trade Commission estimates Americans lost around $86 million to spam texts last year.

The F.C.C. really needs to move robotexting to the top of its enforcement list, but that may not work until Congress gives it more authority.

Everyones expecting thats where the bad guys are going to gravitate, said Murray.

Spam texts can be very short (You Won!), and there are no human voices to remind you that this message is really coming from a total stranger.
In a direct challenge to the hallowed tradition of tenure, Georgias public university system will now let its colleges administrations remove a tenured professor with little to no faculty input.

The Board of Regents on Wednesday approved the new policy, which is the only one of its kind in the country, according to the American Association of University Professors. The move is being criticized by many professors, politicians and advocates for academic freedom as a threat to tenure, which is intended to protect faculty from dismissal without just cause, allowing them to develop thoughts or ideas that may be unpopular.

Georgia is a huge outlier now, because thats the whole point of tenure: it includes due process protections, said Irene Mulvey, president of the professors association, which is threatening to censure the university system. There should now be a new word for it in Georgia, because tenure will not mean tenure there.

The Board of Regents, maintains that the policy change will streamline the process of removing faculty members who do not adequately contribute to a university, and the 19-member board unanimously approved the new measure on Wednesday. In the fall of 2020, there were more than 5,800 tenured faculty in the entire Georgia university system.
A Texas judge strongly recommended this week that a convicted murderer on death row be granted a new trial because of the blatant racism and antisemitism that she said the trial judge had displayed.

The recommendation, issued Monday by Judge Lela Mays of Dallas County Criminal District Court, paves the way for an appeals court to decide whether to order a new trial for the inmate, Randy Halprin, a member of the so-called Texas Seven who was convicted and sentenced to death in 2003 for his role in the killing of a police officer.

Mr. Halprin, 44, who is Jewish, received a stay of execution in 2019 after his lawyers found that Vickers Cunningham, the judge who oversaw Mr. Halprins murder trial, had consistently used racist language and antisemitic slurs when referring to Mr. Halprin.

Judge Mays said in her recommendation that at the time of Mr. Halprins trial, Mr. Cunningham had possessed an actual bias against Halprin, because of Halprins religious faith.
Within weeks, Hunt dropped the plan. Through a spokeswoman, he declined several interview requests for this article, but in August he told The Daily Telegraph that he could see the force of their argument. The museum has still cut department budgets by 10 to 12 percent and continues to limit the days that it is open to five a week, as opposed to seven before the pandemic.

Even after those cutbacks, the museum often does not have enough staff members to open all of its galleries. Of the 166 assistants who guarded the collection before March 2020, only 93 now remain. Steven Warwick, a representative for the Public and Commercial Services Union, which represents many museum staff members, said assistants now must patrol double the floor space and are finding it difficult to stop visitors from interfering with the objects.

Cuts to other departments at the V&A, like the education and conservation teams, will potentially have longer-term effects, according to three former staff members.

Tessa Murdoch, the museums former keeper of sculpture, metalwork, ceramics and glass, said the loss of expertise in curatorial teams might damage the quality of the museums exhibit labeling and its ability to process loans. Eric Turner, a former curator of metalwork, said the museums curators and conservation workers would be under more pressure to produce more during the same working hours.

In an email to The New York Times, Phoebe Moore, a V&A spokeswoman, said no area of the museums curatorial work was at risk. We dont anticipate any impact on the care of the collections, she said, adding that some galleries were closed because of unexpected levels of sickness and absence, not a result of the restructure.
A watercolor by Vincent van Gogh, seized by the Nazis during World War II and not publicly exhibited since 1905, is to be sold at auction next month in New York, where experts at Christies estimate it could sell for between $20 and $30 million.

The proceeds of the sale of the work, Meules de Ble (Wheatstacks), created by van Gogh in 1888, will be divided between the current owner  the family of Edwin Cox, a Texan oil businessman  and the heirs of two Jewish families whose predecessors owned the work during World War II.

In a statement, Giovanna Bertazzoni, Christies vice chairman of 20th and 21st century art, called the image of a French farmyard a tour de force of exceptional quality. The auction house said it could set a new world auction record for a work on paper by van Gogh. (The highest previous price was about $14.7 million for La Moisson en Provence in 1997.)

The watercolor was once owned by Max Meirowsky, a Berlin-based manufacturer, who purchased it in 1913.
A woman sued Bill Cosby in New Jersey on Thursday, accusing the entertainer of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Atlantic City in 1990, when she was 26.

The woman, Lili Bernard, now 57, an actor and visual artist, has long been public about her accusations against Mr. Cosby. She was able to file the suit because New Jersey overhauled its laws on the statute of limitations for sexual assault cases in 2019.

Under the old laws, Ms. Bernard would have been time-barred from filing suit because lawsuits had to be filed within two years of the alleged assault. The reforms extended the time limit to seven years and created a special two-year window, ending next month, to bring cases regardless of how long ago the alleged assault might have occurred.

Ms. Bernard, a former guest star on The Cosby Show, said in court papers that Mr. Cosby had acted as her mentor before an incident in which she said he drugged and raped her at the hotel, the Trump Taj Mahal. She began to feel dizzy after drinking something he gave her, she said in the court papers.
Welcome to Best of Late Night, a rundown of the previous nights highlights that lets you sleep  and lets us get paid to watch comedy. Here are the 50 best movies on Netflix right now.

This Week in Fake News

Seth Meyers tackled Southwest Airlines chaotic week on Wednesday night, scolding Fox News for reporting that its recent flight cancellations were caused by vaccine mandates. Meyers noted that Tucker Carlson admitted that he couldnt say for certain that the mandate had caused the issue, but reported they were behind them, anyway.
Beirut rocked by sectarian fighting

At least six people were killed and dozens were injured during clashes between militias that briefly turned Beirut neighborhoods into a war zone on Thursday. Here are the latest updates.

The violence broke out at a protest led by two Shiite Muslim parties  Hezbollah and the Amal Movement. The protesters were calling for the removal of the judge charged with investigating the huge explosion at the Beirut port last year.

The fighting marked a new low in Lebanons descent into political and economic crises.

Conflict: The Sunnis, Shiites and Christians are Lebanons largest religious groups, and tensions between denominations and Hezbollah have often spilled into violence, most catastrophically during the countrys 15-year civil war, which ended in 1990.

Context: Lebanons currency has collapsed, battering the economy. Bitter infighting among officials has stymied a path forward. The explosion at the Beirut port exposed the results of what many Lebanese see as decades of poor governance.
Some 10,000 unionized workers at the agriculture equipment maker Deere & Company went on strike early Thursday after overwhelmingly rejecting a contract proposal worked out with the company by negotiators for the United Automobile Workers union.

Our members at John Deere strike for the ability to earn a decent living, retire with dignity and establish fair work rules, Chuck Browning, the director of the unions agricultural department, said in a statement. We stay committed to bargaining until our members goals are achieved.

Deere said it was determined to reach an agreement that would benefit workers. We will keep working day and night to understand our employees priorities and resolve this strike, while also keeping our operations running for the benefit of all those we serve, Brad Morris, the companys vice president for labor relations, said in a statement.

The strike deadline was announced on Sunday after the union said its members had voted down the tentative agreement reached on Oct. 1 with the company, which makes the John Deere brand of tractors. Union negotiators had said the proposal would provide significant economic gains and the highest-quality health care benefits in the industry.
Jake Colvin, the president of the National Foreign Trade Council, which represents major multinational companies, said it was fundamentally encouraging to hear Ambassador Tai reaffirm the continued commitment of the administration to the W.T.O.

Thats important and cant be taken for granted, he said. I would agree with her, and the business community would agree with her, that the organization needs to show that its capable of addressing challenges and its not just trade for trades sake.

Richard E. Baldwin, a professor of international economics at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, posed questions to Ms. Tai after her speech. He was enthusiastic about the departure from the Trump administrations harsh critiques. I havent heard optimism and W.T.O. said in the same sentence in a long time, he said.

In remarks at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington on Thursday, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the director general of the W.T.O., said that despite a bruising trade war, discussion of decoupling the United States and China, and pandemic-related shortages, global trade was actually at historic highs and the multilateral trading system continued to strongly benefit the global economy.

To paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of the death of multilateral trade are greatly exaggerated, she said. Warnings of deglobalization are not matched by the evidence, not yet, at least.

As the organization prepares for its meeting next month, W.T.O. members are divided over whether to grant a waiver that allows countries to bypass the intellectual property protections pharmaceutical companies have on their products to more quickly produce and distribute coronavirus vaccines to lower-income nations.

Backed by the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, the Biden administration has stated its support for the waiver. But it continues to face criticism, both from supporters who say the administration isnt doing enough to provide vaccine access to poorer countries, and from the business community, which worries about the long-run effects of the erosion of intellectual property rights.
But shuttering coal plants while the countrys aging nuclear plants are gradually closing has made Britain dependent on gas for around 40 percent of the countrys electricity, far more than any other fuel. (In France, by contrast, nuclear plants provide about 70 percent of electricity.) It hasnt helped that the breezes that spin Britains wind turbines, which generate about 20 percent of the countrys power on average, have been unusually weak in recent months.

That success in climate policy is coming back to bite, Mr. Gloystein said.

Britain is not yet far enough in its shift to clean energy to escape the sting of leaps in world gas prices.

We havent at this moment really got enough renewables to really punch through, said Martin Young, a power analyst at Investec, a securities firm. Gas is typically setting the price. Britains hefty taxes on carbon emissions are also adding to electricity costs, he said.

A fire that knocked out a large cable bringing electric power from France added to the woes. And unlike other European countries, Britain has not invested in gas storage facilities, instead allowing one major such facility to close in 2017.

Are consumers getting any relief?

The soaring wholesale price of electricity is being passed along to homeowners, stretching budgets and forcing governments to intervene. In Spain, the government recently, in effect, said it would take profits earned on electric power generation from wind and solar to compensate consumers for high gas prices.

About 15 million British households were recently hit with energy price increases in the 12 percent range under a government program to cap big jumps in rates. The capped rates are reviewed every six months; the next review, in April, is widely expected to result in a bigger jump.

Another issue facing homeowners: Many electricity suppliers that offered customers low-priced deals have found themselves unable to meet their commitments at current prices. Many of these relatively small companies have collapsed in recent weeks, and the accounts of their estimated 1.7 million customers are being auctioned off to stronger companies. No one will lose power because of these business failures, but ultimately those customers will pay higher rates, and the companies that take on the customers will be able to pass on extra expenses to bill payers.
President Biden has effectively accepted the idea that the United States will rely more on foreign oil, at least for the next few years. His administration has been calling on OPEC and its allies to boost production to help bring down rising oil and gasoline prices, even as it seeks to limit the growth of oil and gas production on federal lands and waters.

The administrations approach is a function of two conflicting priorities: Mr. Biden wants to get the world to move away from fossil fuels while protecting Americans from a spike in energy prices. In the short run, it is hard to achieve both goals because most people cannot easily replace internal-combustion engine cars, gas furnaces and other fossil fuel-based products with versions that run on electricity generated from wind turbines, solar panels and other renewable sources of energy.

Western oil companies are also under pressure from investors and environmental activists who are demanding a rapid transition to clean energy. Some U.S. producers have said they are reluctant to invest more because they fear oil prices will fall again or because banks and investors are less willing to finance their operations. As a result, some are selling off parts of their fossil fuel empires or are simply spending less on new oil and gas fields.

That has created a big opportunity for state-owned oil companies that are not under as much pressure to reduce emissions, though some are also investing in renewable energy. In fact, their political masters often want these oil companies to increase production to help pay down debt, finance government programs and create jobs.

Saudi Aramco, the worlds leading oil producer, has announced that it plans to increase oil production capacity by at least a million barrels a day, to 13 million, by the 2030s. Aramco increased its exploration and production investments by $8 billion this year, to $35 billion.
After 37 years at The New York Times as a reporter, a high-level editor and an opinion columnist, Nicholas Kristof is leaving the newspaper as he considers running for governor of Oregon, a top Times editor said in a note to the staff on Thursday.

Mr. Kristof, 62, has been on leave from The Times since June, when he told company executives that he was weighing a run for governor in the state where he grew up. On Tuesday, he filed to organize a candidate committee with Oregons secretary of state as a Democrat, signaling that his interest was serious.

In the email to the staff announcing his departure, Kathleen Kingsbury, The Timess opinion editor, wrote that Mr. Kristof had redefined the role of opinion columnist and credited him with elevating the journalistic form to a new height of public service with a mix of incisive reporting, profound empathy and a determination to bear witness to those struggling and suffering across the globe.

Mr. Kristof, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, joined The Times in 1984 as a reporter and later became an associate managing editor, responsible for the Sunday editions. He started his column in 2001.
He tried and failed to buy The Baltimore Sun. Now the Maryland hotel magnate Stewart W. Bainum Jr. is creating an ambitious publication meant to compete with it.

The planned digital news outlet, The Baltimore Banner, will have an annual operating budget of $15 million, and Mr. Bainum is looking to hire an editor in chief and a staff of 50 journalists, the newspaper consultant Imtiaz Patel, an adviser to Mr. Bainum, said on Thursday.

Mr. Bainums goal, Mr. Patel added, is to build the largest newsroom in Maryland  more than 100 journalists  and lean on subscription sales to achieve sustainability. The Baltimore Banner will be run as a nonprofit organization and will not offer print editions. The Atlantic first reported Mr. Bainums plans on Thursday.

The creation of The Baltimore Banner is a side result of the biggest newspaper deal of the last year, when the hedge fund Alden Global Capital bought Tribune Publishing, the company behind The Chicago Tribune, The Baltimore Sun and other major metropolitan dailies, in a deal valued at $630 million.
Climate change is only one driver of biodiversity loss. For now, the major culprit on land is humans destroying habitat through activities like farming, mining and logging. At sea, its overfishing. Other causes include pollution and introduced species that drive out native ones.

When you have two concurrent existential crises, you dont get to pick only one to focus on  you must address both no matter how challenging, said Brian ODonnell, director of the Campaign for Nature, an advocacy group. This is the equivalent of having a flat tire and a dead battery in your car at the same time. Youre still stuck if you only fix one.

How it works

This week, environment officials, diplomats and other observers from around the world gathered online, and a small group assembled in person in Kunming, China, for the meeting, the 15th United Nations biodiversity conference.

The United States is the only country in the world besides the Vatican that is not a party to the underlying treaty, the Convention on Biological Diversity, a situation largely attributed to Republican opposition. American representatives participate on the sidelines of the talks, as do scientists and environmental advocates.

Because of the pandemic, the conference has been broken into two parts. While this virtual portion was largely about drumming up political will, nations will meet again in China in the spring to ratify a series of targets aimed at tackling biodiversity loss. The aim will be to adopt a pact for nature akin to the Paris Agreement on climate change, said Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, the executive secretary of the convention.

5 Takeaways From the COP26 Climate Summit Card 1 of 5 1. Time for action is running out. The major agreement struck by diplomats established a clear consensus that all nations need to do much more, immediately, to prevent a catastrophic rise in global temperatures. 2. How much each nation needs to cut remains unresolved. Rich countries are disproportionately responsible for global warming, but some leaders have insisted that its the poorer nations who need to accelerate their shift away from fossil fuels. 3. The call for disaster aid increased. One of the biggest fights at the summit revolved around whether  and how  the worlds wealthiest nations should compensate poorer nations for the damage caused by rising temperatures. 4. A surprising emissions-cutting agreement. Among the other notable deals to come out of the summit was a U.S.-China agreement to do more to cut emissions this decade, and China committed for the first time to develop a plan to reduce methane. 5. There was a clear gender and generation gap. Those with the power to make decisions about how much the world warms were mostly old and male. Those who were most fiercely protesting the pace of action were mostly young and female.









Last year, officials reported that the worlds nations largely failed to achieve the targets of the previous global agreement on biodiversity, made in 2010.
I asked readers to think about how vintages can affect the character of a wine. This can be particularly telling with a wine like Chablis, which at its best has a particular stony, chalky, seashell minerality that I consider the most distinctive expression of chardonnay. Ive seen many chardonnays from elsewhere described as Chablis-like, but never have I found the characterization to be true.

This is not to say Chablis is the best chardonnay, only the most singular. The regions terroir  the combination of soils, climate, altitude, inclination to the sun and human input  produces this idiosyncratic wine. But the terroir is fragile, and the biggest variable aside from the human factor is weather, particularly given the continuing effect of climate change.

The years 2017-19 were a case in point. The weather was relatively cool in 2017, with late frosts that diminished yields, but the wines were vibrant and full of Chablis character, which delighted me. The next year was hot and dry, producing ripe, rich wines that were often excellent but seemed less typical of Chablis. They spoke more of the grape, chardonnay, than the place, Chablis.

Im speaking generally here. We can always find exceptions. As part of Burgundy, Chablis employs a hierarchical system in which every bottle is ranked according to its potential for distinctiveness and greatness. At base are Petite Chablis, followed by Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru and, at the top, Chablis Grand Cru.

It will be interesting to see whether the 2018s, particularly the premier crus and grand crus, develop more Chablis character as they age.

The 2019 vintage was also warm and dry, but not quite as warm as 2018, and the harvest extended longer as the grapes did not ripen as quickly as in 2018.

Tasting the 2019s offered a good opportunity to see whether the wines were more like the 17s or the 18s, though I realize for our purposes a direct comparison between the 18s and 19s would have been even more revealing. Some readers were already onto the differences.
The dog festivals subjects, on the other hand, never seem to long for social distancing. You dont believe in personal space, Kyle Scoble says tenderly to Darla, his Labrador retriever-pointer mix, in The Second Time I Got to Know My Dog, a documentary that acts as a tribute to how Darla got him through 2020.

But cats may have a reason for their apparently aloof attitudes. If its an indoor cat, its enduring a perpetual state of lockdown, Kim Best, a director from Durham, N.C., said in a phone conversation.

That observation fuels Bests The Great Escape, in which a cat named Monkey makes concerted attempts to exit the household, even consulting the digital assistant Alexa, which he bats around and meows at. In Bests other festival entry, Cat Capitalization, her pet, Nube, turns to the internet to market his artistic talent, pretentiously thanking  in thought bubbles  mentors like the artists Mark Rothko and Vincent van Gogh. (Nube is missing a bit of one ear.)

Best said she aimed for a satire of not only capitalism but also of academia.

Such humor is very much a theme of the cat festival, in which films like Nevada Caldwells Feline Noir and Priscilla Deans Catfight at the OKay Corral parody old Hollywood cliches.
In June 2021, Ms. Fils and her family were able to move into an apartment on Staten Island. Her children were excited, especially about having a kitchen, which they had not had in the shelter  all of her children know how to cook, and Anthony especially likes to invent new recipes, Ms. Fils said.

As summer break wound down, Ms. Fils was relieved that her children would once again be attending school in person, but the costs of supplies and clothing loomed.

At first I was like OK, thank God they get to go back, Ms. Fils said. But then I was like, dang, now Ive got to buy school supplies. And as they get older, the supplies get more.

This year, sensing a need from the families they work with, Childrens Aid, one of the nine organizations supported by The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund, set aside $150,000 from The Fund to distribute Target gift cards to help with back-to-school expenses.

We wanted to make sure that we could get the cards in hand very quickly, and get them into families hands very quickly, said Georgia Boothe, the executive vice president of Childrens Aid. Close to 900 families received gift cards totaling $100 to $500.

Many of them appreciated that we offered it as a support to them, rather than them having to express their needs specifically, Ms. Boothe said. They were incredibly grateful for that.
For elected officials, the announcements capitalize on their incumbency, keeping them in the public eye even when they do not make headlines. For a campaign not to do everything it can to publicize a candidates schedule is a departure from the way other politicians engage with the press and the public, not just in New York but also nationally.

But as of Tuesday, with Election Day three weeks away, Adamss campaign had released no more than five public schedules in October. His one planned appearance last weekend was in his capacity as the Brooklyn borough president  a visit to the Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Brooklyn.

On Monday, Hochul and Mayor Bill de Blasio both marched in the Columbus Day parade, as their schedules had said they would. But Adams did not, and his whereabouts remain unknown. A spokesman said he was organizing with volunteers. His campaign released no public schedule that day. By contrast, Curtis Sliwa, the long-shot Republican candidate, has issued a public events schedule almost every day this month.

Adams recently said in an interview with NY1 that he was participating in 13 events a day and canvassing until 1 a.m. Asked for a snapshot of Adamss full schedule in recent weeks, a campaign spokesman, Evan Thies, did not provide one, instead offering a list of 21 public events that he said Adams had attended since Labor Day, some as a candidate, some as the borough president.

Neither his campaign nor his government office sent word in advance about many of those events. Adamss campaign said he had also attended events with volunteers and voters that were not on the list.
A teenager who last month pleaded guilty to murder in the killing of an 18-year-old Barnard student was sentenced on Thursday to nine years to life in prison.

The teenager, Luchiano Lewis, 16, said last month that he and two friends had gone to Harlems Morningside Park in December 2019 with the goal of robbing someone. The group settled on Tessa Majors, Mr. Lewis said, describing a violent attack on the student that culminated in her death by stabbing.

At the time, Mr. Lewis was 14. Prosecutors at the Manhattan district attorneys office chose to charge him and one other member of the group, Rashaun Weaver, as adults. Mr. Weaver, who Mr. Lewis last month said had stabbed Ms. Majors, pleaded not guilty. His trial date is expected to be set early next week.

The third member of their group was 13 at the time of the killing, and confessed to his involvement the day after the crime. (The New York Times is withholding his name because he was a minor and was not charged as an adult.) The boy was later sentenced to up to 18 months in a juvenile detention facility.
Former President Donald J. Trump is expected to testify on Monday at Trump Tower as part of a lawsuit brought by a group of activists who said that they were violently attacked by his bodyguards in 2015.

Less than a week after the incident in September 2015, a group of five activists sued, saying that security guards led by Mr. Trumps longtime bodyguard, Keith Schiller, had attacked them, ripping away signs they were holding, and punching and briefly choking one of the protesters.

The activists lawyers argued that Mr. Trump was responsible for his bodyguards actions because he had explicitly authorized them to use force. Mr. Schiller testified that he was authorized to use force while on the job.

Lawyers for Mr. Trump and other defendants moved to have the case dismissed in 2015, but were unsuccessful. Mr. Trumps lawyers then argued that he could not be held personally responsible for his bodyguards actions. A judge rejected that argument too.
Fall has traditionally been a fat time for businesses in New Yorks North Country, as Canadian visitors flood into the region to celebrate holidays like Canadian Thanksgiving, taking in dazzling displays of foliage and feasting on big sales at local retailers.

That influx has been stymied at the border for much of the last two years by strict controls implemented because of the coronavirus. On Wednesday, however, businesses all along the states northern border were celebrating the news that in November, fully vaccinated Canadians would again be allowed into the United States via the two nations heavily trafficked land crossings.

A simple Yahoo! seems to be the right answer, said Kristy Kennedy, the vice president of marketing and tourism for the North Country Chamber of Commerce, in Plattsburgh, about 25 miles south of Quebec. We could not be happier.

That sentiment spread across the state to Niagara Falls and other western New York towns and cities, where the border restrictions  and burdensome rules for American travel to Canada  had crippled usually robust business relationships as well as personal ones, separating some extended families for a year or longer.
These anti-lockdown protests, never attended by more than a few thousand people, are small by Australian standards. And unlike Americans, Australians are not politically inclined to demands for liberty and choice as much as we are for fairness and solidarity. (The name of the national anthem is Advance Australia Fair.) As Australias First Nations people knew and settler-colonial Australians learned on arrival, individualism is far less useful than collaboration on a continent where everything from the weather to the insects is trying to kill you, all the time.

Even as some lockdown restrictions ease, Australians continue to comply with public health orders, which even now enjoy overwhelming public support. But where lockdowns remain, far-right activists have seized a rare chance to march on empty streets.

In September, a small gathering of Melbourne workers protesting vaccine mandates suddenly swelled in size as far-right figures urged their followers to join. Images of the carnage that followed were, of course, eagerly shared by right-wing American influencers.

Once you understand the coordination at play, where content is produced and fed back in a mind-mangling loop, a strange theatrical quality to these events makes sense. The decision, for example, to gather at places like an obscure suburban gorge near an Ikea complex in Melbourne seems odd  until you realize the excellent vantage points it provides for filming protesters as they rush at unprepared police officers. That these protests are noticeably accompanied by placards in support of Donald Trump suggests their ultimate audience may not, perhaps, be local.

Yes, Australias lockdowns have seemed interminable to us all. Cold, crowded Melbourne recently passed the sad record of the most days in lockdown of any city in the world. Many, including me, have been cut off from loved ones by the stringent restrictions. But the reality that eludes the propagandists is that Australias extended lockdowns are not a ploy for greater government control, but a failure of it.

A bumbling Australian federal government did not secure an adequate initial supply of Covid vaccines in the precious window of time before the arrival of the Delta variant. The prime minister, who infamously absconded on holiday while the country was literally on fire, remains, alas, the guy in charge.

Delta circulated and lockdowns restarted  yet Australia remains a free country. Even amid the global economic disruption, Australias wheels of free enterprise have managed to find new ways to spin, for good or ill. Free and fair elections have continued to take place. Yet the truth has no value for those who insist on policies that undermine public health.

After all, Australias lockdowns, masks and social distancing have kept total nationwide deaths from the virus under 1,500. With its slightly smaller population, Florida  over which Governor DeSantis presides  has lost 57,000 already. Its that cold reality the propaganda, lurid and outlandish and ridiculous, seeks to banish. But it cant.

Van Badham (@vanbadham) is a columnist for The Guardian Australia and the author of the forthcoming book QAnon and On: A Short and Shocking History of Internet Conspiracy Cults.

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The history of human challenge studies dates to well before the Common Cold Unit. Perhaps most famously, Edward Jenner in 1796 inoculated a healthy 8-year-old boy with cowpox derived from a lesion on the hand of a dairymaid. That challenge led to the creation of the first vaccine and eventual eradication of smallpox.

There have also been human challenge studies conducted on prisoners of war and others who had not given their informed consent. Such breaches of scientific integrity led to the Nuremberg Code and the Declaration of Helsinki, both drafted to protect human research subjects. But even with ethical frameworks and conventions, human challenge studies today are rare.

In the United States, the regulatory hurdles to conduct challenge studies mean there are precious few, mostly for finding better treatments for malaria, cholera and influenza. Ethicists and regulators are more comfortable approving clinical trials where subjects are given a treatment, say a drug or vaccine, to see if it helps improve a condition volunteers already have, or could prevent them from developing the condition later.

This stance is frustrating for proponents of human challenge trials, who argue that Phase I clinical trials, in which humans are first exposed to a treatment to test its safety, are inherently risky. Moreover, studying people who are already sick  or at risk of getting sick  doesnt tell you much about why and how they get sick in the first place.

When you get someone who is already sick, they are typically days into the infection, said Dr. Matthew Memoli, the director of the Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Clinical Studies Unit at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. A lot of the immunology, a lot of the action, that determines whether you get sick or not happens within the first 24 to 72 hours.

Dr. Memoli has conducted numerous influenza challenge studies, and he prepared a protocol for a Covid challenge trial that the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases rejected last year because it was felt that not enough was known about the virus and that there were no effective rescue therapies, according to a statement from the office of the director, Dr. Anthony Fauci.

The consortium formed to run Britains Covid challenge trial, which included scientists who trained at the Common Cold Unit, had access to the British National Health Services robust, real-time data on Covid hospitalizations and deaths. The researchers designing the study said they felt confident that there was little risk to the healthy unvaccinated 18-to-30-year-old volunteers they recruited for the trial. There were no severe adverse events in the 36 people who participated, and they will continue to be monitored over the next year.
To the Editor:

Re When Listening to a Book Is Better Than Reading It, by Farhad Manjoo (column, Oct. 9):

I was delighted to discover that I am far from alone in taking joy in audiobooks, a lifesaver during these long months of Covid.

Twenty years ago, I found an affordable but dark apartment that served perfectly well as a place to crash at night. But it is now office and home 24/7. And the darkness weighs heavily.

When Im not working at a computer screen with all the lights turned on, Im outside in the sunlight. Central Park has been my go-to place for long sanity-preserving walks.

Coming to the discovery of audiobooks wasnt immediate, though, as I had been a bit of a purist. First there were the current events podcasts, then deep dives into the BBCs collection of history podcasts and now historical fiction.

Hours and many miles later, my soul has soared on the currents of a voice, like listening to a bedtime story, of times and places that once were or may have never been.

Phyllis Lee

New York

To the Editor:

I could not agree more with Farhad Manjoos column. I become so immersed in novels being voiced by excellent actors that I often realize that I have inserted myself into the scenes, voicing out loud my own comments or responses to the characters.

Of course, the characters do not respond to me but continue their own conversations as though they had not heard me. But thats OK.
In RaTG13, 11 of the 17 key building blocks of the domain are identical to those of SARS-CoV-2. But in the three viruses from Laos, as many as 16 were identical  the closest match to date.

Dr. Eloit speculated that one or more of the coronaviruses might be able to infect humans and cause mild disease. In a separate study, he and colleagues took blood samples from people in Laos who collect bat guano for a living. Although the Laotians did not show signs of having been infected with SARS-CoV-2, they carried immune markers, called antibodies, that appeared to be caused by a similar virus.

Linfa Wang, a molecular virologist at the Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore who was not involved in the study, agreed that such an infection was possible, since the newly discovered viruses can attach tightly to a protein on human cells called ACE2.

If the receptor binding domain is ready to use ACE2, these guys are dangerous, Dr. Wang said.

Paradoxically, some other genes in the three Laotian viruses are more distantly related to SARS-CoV-2 than other bat viruses. The cause of this genetic patchwork is the complex evolution of coronaviruses.

If a bat infected with one coronavirus catches a second one, the two different viruses may end up in a single cell at once. As that cell begins to replicate each of those viruses, their genes get shuffled together, producing new virus hybrids.

In the Laotian coronaviruses, this gene shuffling has given them a receptor-binding domain thats very similar to that of SARS-CoV-2. The original genetic swap took place about a decade ago, according to a preliminary analysis by Spyros Lytras, a graduate student at the University of Glasgow in Scotland.

Mr. Lytras and his colleagues are now comparing SARS-CoV-2 not just to the new viruses from Laos, but to other close relatives that have been found in recent months. Theyre finding even more evidence of gene shuffling. This process  known as recombination  may be reshaping the viruses from year to year.
Dr. J. Donald Boudreau, interim director of the Institute of Health Sciences Education at McGill University in Montreal, said, also in a tribute, that the concept of physicianship Dr. Cassell had helped develop argued that a key role of medicine should be to return patients to a sense of well-being, where well-being is based on achieving goals and purposes in life.

Dr. Cassell was born Eric Jonathan Goldstein on Aug. 29, 1928, in New York to Hyman and Anne (Lake) Goldstein and raised in Queens. His father was a civil engineer for the post office. Dr. Cassell said that he and his brother had changed their surname to approximate the original pronunciation of that of their immigrant grandfather, before it was changed when he arrived from Russia.

Dr. Cassell earned a bachelors degree from Queens College in 1950, a masters from Columbia University and a medical degree from the New York University School of Medicine. He was a captain in the Army Medical Corps from 1956 to 1958 in France and served his internship and residency at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan.

In 1971, as a result of an article he had written, he was recruited to the Task Force on Dying at the Hastings Center.

That literally changed my life, broadened my horizons, pushed me to become literate, and gave substance to a genetic predisposition to philosophy, Dr. Cassell wrote on his website. I began to wonder whether a doctor could actually treat patients in a successfully useful and special way because they were dying.

Now we know, he added, that you not only can, but you should.

He directed the Program for the Study of Ethics and Values in Medicine at the medical college of Cornell University from 1981 to 1986. He retired from his internal medicine practice in 1998.

In addition to his son, from his marriage to Joan Cassell, which ended in divorce, he is survived by a daughter, Justine, from that marriage; his wife, Patricia Owens; his stepchildren, Margaret, Theresa, Shirley, James and Rebecca Owens; a granddaughter; two step-grandchildren; and a step-great-grandchild.
The average scale worm trudges along the seafloor like a tiny armored tank. The worms overlapping scales shield its backside from predators, while bristled appendages help it scuttle through the mud. This is a good life for a worm, said Katrine Worsaae, a marine zoologist at the University of Copenhagen.

Worms love mud, Dr. Worsaae said.

But some scale worm species have evolved to leave the mud behind and swim up into the water column. Some even live their whole lives suspended in water, never needing to touch the ground. To accomplish this grand liftoff, the worms evolved less muscle mass and elongated appendages that stroke through the water like oars, according to a paper published on Wednesday in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

The paper is a collaboration between researchers at the University of Copenhagen, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute in California.

Elizabeth Borda, an evolutionary biologist at Texas A&M University-San Antonio who was not involved with the research, compared the scale worms evolution of swimming to insects evolution of flight. Annelids are usually thought of as creepy crawlies, Dr. Borda wrote in an email. This work provides insight into the evolutionary transitions that took place to achieve an entirely new lifestyle.
Jane Watson studied sea otters for decades, but it was in the 1990s that the ecologist in British Columbia observed they had a destructive habit. While conservationists were working diligently to restore damaged sea grass meadows elsewhere in the worlds oceans, it seemed ironic that in northern Vancouver Islands sea grass habitat, which is much healthier than others in the world, the furry floaters would swoop in and dig for clams, dislodging the aquatic vegetation.

As she and others examined the sandy bottoms pock marked with clam-digging pits, Dr. Watson anecdotally noted that in places with long-established otter populations, the grass, known also as eelgrass, seemed to flower more frequently.

She wondered: Were these disruptive otters influencing plant reproduction? She sat on the idea for decades, but her curiosity later inspired one of her undergraduate students at Vancouver Island University. Years later, that hunch has been proven correct in a paper published Thursday in Science and led by that former student, Erin Foster, now a research affiliate at the Hakai Institute.

Dr. Foster and her colleagues research shows that sea otters are like elephants of the eelgrass. Their disturbance, as they dig for clams and dislodge eelgrass roots, stimulates sexual reproduction among the vegetation. That sexual activity, in contrast to reproduction through natural cloning, boosts eelgrass genetic diversity and improves the resilience of the ecosystems in which both the otters and the eelgrass live.
Five years later, I was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, or A.S.D., at 39 by a clinical psychologist in the U.S. I saw the signs of autism in my then two-year-old daughter. My research led me to conclude that we were both on the autism spectrum. I wrote My Daughter and I Were Diagnosed With Autism on the Same Day for The New York Times.

My husband was a mere acquaintance whom I never talked to when we met in junior high school in Pittsburgh. I was selectively mute as a child, which means I was only comfortable talking to a small circle of close family and friends. Thirteen years after our high school graduation, I got a Facebook message from him. I almost didnt respond because even socializing on social media is hard for me.

But six days later, I got the courage to reply. The messages back and forth eventually turned into phone calls and later meeting up in person. Our friendship gradually turned into a romantic relationship.

Our diagnoses came after the wedding, but from the beginning our shared neurodivergence was unwittingly the foundation on which the relationship was built. Its part of our identity and influences how we communicate with each other and every other aspect of our relationship.

At the time I was in high school alongside my future husband, I wish Id had resources like The Spectrum Girls Survival Guide, which was written by Siena Castellon, a 19-year-old living in London and seeking to help other autistic teenagers with dating tips, among other advice. (Overall, Ms. Castellon explained, Autistic girls tend to be literal and believe what they are told, making them much more vulnerable to predatory boys with ulterior motives.)

Autistic adults diagnosed late in life have long known, on some level, about their communication challenges when it comes to romance. Mike Jung, a 52-year-old married man from Oakland, Calif., was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at 47. I always felt like people who were leading active romantic and sexual lives, which I more often than not wasnt, were somehow able to intuitively communicate in ways that were inaccessible to me, he said.
To hear more audio stories from publications like The New York Times, download Audm for iPhone or Android.

This article is part of the On Tech newsletter. Here is a collection of past columns.

Do you love audiobooks? You have blind people to thank for that, said Catherine Kudlick, director of the Paul K. Longmore Institute on Disability at San Francisco State University.

The godfather of the book being read aloud through your smartphone headphones was Talking Books, the records developed in the 1930s in the United States for people with impaired vision as an alternative to Braille.

Ive been discussing the history of audiobooks with Dr. Kudlick, who calls herself imperfectly blind, and other experts because, well, I love listening to books. But its more than that. Audiobooks are a prime example of a technology developed by or for people with disabilities that has helped all of us. They remind us that people with disabilities are not an afterthought in invention but key players.
Events, by contrast, couldnt be more linear in The Mirror and the Light, the third and final installment in the saga of the Tudor statesman Thomas Cromwell, as filtered through the beady eye of the novelist Hilary Mantel. The first two books in her trilogy were adapted into a pair of plays that ran in the U.K. and on Broadway, and this third play, at the Gielgud Theater through Jan. 23, presumably has Broadway in its sights as well. Im not sure thats such a good idea.

Whereas Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies were adapted for the stage by a seasoned playwright, Mike Poulton, the completion of the triptych has been whittled down for theatrical consumption by Mantel herself, in collaboration with her leading man, Ben Miles, reprising the role of Cromwell. Both are first-time playwrights working with a skilled director, Jeremy Herrin, who has staged all three plays.

The result is a lot of filleting for a book in excess of 700 pages, and you often feel as if youve boarded a speeding train that is racing through its narrative stops. Keen-eyed playgoers might want to supplement this show with a visit to the popular musical Six, which chronicles Henry VIIIs much-married life from the ladies perspectives: Equal time seems only fair.

This non-singing account of the story begins at the end, which is to say with Cromwell not far from his beheading in 1540. We then rewind to allow for a speedy recap illustrating how Henry VIIIs once crucial aide-de-camp reached this baleful state. No doubt in an effort to avert musty historys cramping the theatrical mood, characters relationships to one another are neatly laid out, leavened where possible with jokey repartee. Dream sequences bring in such ghostly personages as Cardinal Wolsey (a droll Tony Turner) and Cromwells father, Walter (Liam Smith).
An Alaska lawmaker who was barred from Alaska Airlines flights after she defied a federal mandate requiring passengers to wear masks disclosed this week that she had tested positive for the coronavirus.

The lawmaker, Lora Reinbold, a Republican state senator who has also been a vocal critic of vaccine mandates, said on Facebook that she had been exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19, the illness caused by the virus.

Her revelation came as Alaska has been grappling with its worst coronavirus surge of the pandemic.

Its my turn to battle Covid head on game on! Ms. Reinbold wrote on Tuesday. Who do you think is going to win? When I defeat it, I will tell you my recipe.

Ms. Reinbold, 57, drew widespread attention in April after a video emerged of her arguing with employees at Juneau International Airport about the mask rule.
Mr. Fleming eventually negotiated a $4.3 million settlement with Mr. Murdaugh under which Ms. Satterfields sons, Tony Satterfield and Brian Harriott, would be paid about $2.8 million after lawyers fees. But the sons said in their latest lawsuit that they were never told about the settlement and never received any money. Instead, according to their suit, Mr. Murdaugh had directed Mr. Fleming to send the money to him, ostensibly to set up a fund for Ms. Satterfields adult sons. More than $3 million, the lawsuit said, wound up in Mr. Murdaughs personal bank account.

Image Mr. Murdaugh was booked into a jail in Orlando, Fla. Credit... Orange County Department of Corrections

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division also opened an investigation into the circumstances of Ms. Satterfields death after the coroner in Hampton County, S.C., raised questions about the fact that her death had been attributed to natural causes, despite the fall, and that no autopsy was conducted. Ms. Satterfield had a brain hemorrhage and died at a hospital several weeks after the fall.

Mr. Fleming has insisted that he was unaware that the money had not been forwarded to the sons, but he acknowledged that he made mistakes in his handling of the case. His law license has been suspended, and his name was removed from the title of his firm.

The two lawyers who are now representing Ms. Satterfields sons, Eric S. Bland and Ronnie Richter, said on Thursday that it was a bittersweet day for the family.

Ms. Satterfields relatives are dealing with the betrayal of trust and the fact that their loved ones death was used as a vehicle to enrich others over the clients, the lawyers said.
Previous drafts of the states teaching guide were criticized as too left-leaning, filled with jargon and promoting critical race theory, an academic concept that argues racism is ingrained in American laws and government institutions.

There was also condemnation from Jewish groups, who felt the curriculum emphasized Palestinian oppression while barely mentioning the Holocaust, as well as other ethnic groups that felt excluded.

The final version of the states curriculum, approved this March, deleted references that offended Jewish groups while adding lessons about the experiences of Jews, Arabs and Sikhs in America, The Los Angeles Times reports. It also struck terms such as cisheteropatriarchy and hxrstory, as well as language connecting capitalism with oppression.

Yet critics remain. Some supporters of the original guidelines feel the scope should not have been expanded beyond the four ethnic groups that lived in America before Europeans arrived.

Others find the current version too radical still. Williamson M. Evers, a former assistant secretary in the U.S. Department of Education, told The Los Angeles Times that the model curriculum was permeated with content that made it racially divisive and burdened by faddish ideology.

As districts across the state figure out how to put into place this new mandate, the debate will undoubtedly continue.
The legacy of the study isnt the only factor in vaccine hesitancy among some groups of African Americans. Health care disparities can also play a role, Audra said. As for the vaccination campaigns in Macon County, which is home to many descendants of the Tuskegee trails, the rates are improving, Audra said, so clearly some people there are reconciling the history.

Hunting for Covids origins

Newly discovered coronaviruses found in Laotian bats are giving us a hint about the origins of Covid-19.

My colleague Carl Zimmer writes that in the summer of 2020, scientists collected samples of bat feces from the forests of northern Laos and found that they contained coronaviruses, including three with a molecular hook on their surface that was very similar to the one on SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, and that allows them to latch onto human cells.

The findings have significant implications for the charged debate over Covids origins. Some people have speculated that SARS-CoV-2s impressive ability to infect human cells could not have evolved naturally. But the new findings seem to suggest otherwise.

That really puts to bed any notion that this virus had to have been concocted, or somehow manipulated in a lab, to be so good at infecting humans, said Michael Worobey, a University of Arizona virologist who was not involved in the work.

Experts suspect that these Covid-like viruses may already be infecting people from time to time, causing only mild and limited outbreaks. But under the right circumstances, the pathogens could give rise to a Covid-19-like pandemic.
A Texas man was sentenced to 23 years in federal prison on Wednesday for his connection in a scheme that used the popular dating app Grindr to target gay men for violent hate crimes, prosecutors said.

Image Daniel Jenkins, 22, was the last of four defendants to be sentenced in what prosecutors called a conspiracy to target gay men. Credit... Dallas County's Sheriff's Department

The man, Daniel Jenkins, 22, of Dallas, pleaded guilty in June to one count of conspiracy to commit hate crimes, kidnapping, carjacking, one hate crime count and one count of using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, the Department of Justice said in a statement.

Mr. Jenkins was the last of four defendants to be sentenced in the conspiracy that used Grindr, a social media app that is used primarily by gay men.
WASHINGTON  Hours before he was scheduled to retire in 2018, Andrew G. McCabe, then the F.B.I.s deputy director, was fired by the Justice Department, depriving him of his pension and prompting cheers from President Donald J. Trump, who had been hounding him over his role in the Russia investigation.

On Thursday, the department reversed Mr. McCabes firing, settling a lawsuit he filed asserting that he was dismissed for political reasons. Under the settlement, Mr. McCabe, 53, will be able to officially retire, receive his pension and other benefits, and get about $200,000 in missed pension payments.

In addition, the department agreed to expunge any mention of his firing from F.B.I. personnel records. The agreement even made clear that he would receive the cuff links given to senior executives and a plaque with his mounted F.B.I. credentials and badge.

The Justice Department did not admit any wrongdoing. But the settlement amounted to a rejection by the Biden administration of how Mr. McCabes case had been handled under Mr. Trump, who perceived Mr. McCabe as one of his so-called deep-state enemies and repeatedly attacked him. A notice of the lawsuits dismissal was also filed in federal court.
President Biden pleaded with Americans to remain vigilant against the coronavirus on Thursday, rallying states and private businesses to support vaccine mandates in an effort to avoid a surge in cases.

Were headed in the right direction. We have critical work to do and we cant let up now, Mr. Biden said in a speech at the White House. Im calling on more business to step up. Im calling on more parents to get their children vaccinated when they are eligible.

Mr. Biden projected optimism amid a drop in new cases compared to a devastating summer wave that undermined the presidents commitment to overcome the pandemic and curb the harm it has inflicted on the economy and schools.

The United States is now recording roughly 90,000 new infections a day, down more than 40 percent since August. Hospitalizations and deaths are also falling. Nearly 70 percent of adults are fully vaccinated, and many children under 12 are likely to be eligible for their shots in a matter of weeks.
WASHINGTON  President Biden on Thursday announced the donation of millions of coronavirus vaccines to a group of African countries during a meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, which is contending with the pandemic and an unfolding humanitarian disaster in neighboring Ethiopia.

The Biden administrations donation of 17 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to the African Union came a month after Mr. Kenyatta publicly pleaded for more equitable vaccine distribution around the world. At a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Kenyan president criticized the asymmetry of the vaccine supply, a clear reference to countries such as the United States that are administering booster shots instead of donating more vaccines to nations in need.

During Mr. Bidens first in-person meeting at the White House with a leader of an African country, Mr. Kenyatta thanked him for the donation while also suggesting it was not enough.

As a continent, we are lagging well behind the rest of the world in terms of being able to vaccinate our people, Mr. Kenyatta said.
The idea is that these initiatives will get a good foothold in this legislation, and we can extend them, said Senator Chris Van Hollen, Democrat of Maryland. Take the child tax credit. That is something that has been in effect just a few months now, and is already making a huge difference, and is enormously popular.

Democrats have argued for months that Americans will embrace the safety net proposals and other provisions of the legislation once they realize what is in it for them. They say that the infighting among Democrats, attacks by Republicans and focus on the procedural battles have obscured the popular aspects of the measure, explaining recent polls that have shown that most Americans do not know what is in the package. Also clouding the picture for voters, Democrats have yet to produce a final version of the legislation because of differences over cost and scope.

I have long felt that when they see the changes and reform that really matter to them in their kitchens and in their living rooms, that changes the D.C. debate dramatically, said Senator Ron Wyden, Democrat of Oregon and the chairman of the Finance Committee.

Republicans have also reaped the rewards of lawmakers hesitancy to reverse popular policies that were initially put in place temporarily, such as the Bush tax cuts of 2001 and 2003. Those were ultimately extended despite deep Democratic resistance and years of fiscal battles, because enough members of Congress were reluctant to be accused of raising taxes.

Given how they fell short in their yearslong drive to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Republicans also realize that allowing Democrats to make safety net programs a reality for even a relatively brief window will make it extremely hard and politically risky to let them die.

But the legislative dynamic will be different with the safety net programs enacted for a defined period of time. In the case of the health law, which was a permanent policy change, Republicans had to assemble the votes to repeal it and repeatedly failed. With the programs in the budget bill, if Congress were to do nothing, they would merely expire, putting the onus on Democrats to find the votes to renew them.

One of the rare social support programs to be repealed was the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act of 1988, at the end of the Reagan administration, with broad bipartisan backing. It was repealed one year later, in a shockingly quick reversal.
On Sept. 1, the agencys communications manager sent an email to the webmaster explaining that the Texas Youth Connection (TYC) website has been temporarily disabled for a comprehensive review of its content.

This is being done to ensure that its information, resources and referrals are current, the email stated.

Mr. Abbotts office did not respond to messages for comment.

The page was taken down less than a month before parents of transgender children protested in the Texas Capitol in Austin, where the State Senate has repeatedly passed bills to require transgender teenage and child athletes to compete according to their sex assigned at birth rather than their gender identity.

The decision to take down the web page infuriated L.G.B.T.Q. rights activists and organizations, who accused Mr. Abbott of prioritizing his political interests over the safety and well-being of marginalized young people.

State agencies know that LGBTQ+ kids are overrepresented in foster care and they know they face truly staggering discrimination and abuse, Ricardo Martinez, the chief executive of Equality Texas, a rights group, said in a statement. The state is responsible for these kids lives, yet it actively took away a resource for them when they are in crisis.

Mr. Martinez said that the site was taken down at the start of Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. He cited statistics from the Trevor Project, which provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to L.G.B.T.Q. youth, that showed that gay, transgender and nonbinary young people who have been in foster care were much more likely to attempt suicide.

Again and again this year, he added, we are simply asking that these kids lives not be politicized.
What do you think Democratic candidates and you should be focusing on, specifically when talking about these threats to voting rights around the country?

I dont think I can speak for any other candidate, I can only speak for me. Im a proud Pennsylvania Democrat, and here in Pennsylvania, we were the birthplace of our democracy. And we have a special responsibility here to protect it. And I believe that the next governor in Pennsylvania will have profound responsibility to do that work. You know where I stand: expand voting rights, protect our democracy.

You reference working across the aisle in your speech Wednesday in Pittsburgh. But with a Pennsylvania legislature youre currently suing over an attempt to gain private voter information, how do you plan to work with them?

I sued those Republican Pennsylvania senators because I believe theyre breaking the law by compromising the private information of 9 million Pennsylvania voters. And indeed, today, as attorney general, Ill be filing a reply brief in that case. But the reason I think I can work with them and others is that I have a long track record throughout my career of bringing sides together, finding common ground and getting things done to benefit Pennsylvanians.

But is there any aspect of voting rights where you have seen common ground with Republicans in the state legislature?

Ive talked to Republican commissioners, state lawmakers and election officials who have all said to me, lets pass a law that allows us to do precanvassing of mail-in ballots the way they do in Florida and North Carolina and Ohio, for example. Thats an example of where we can find common ground.

The California recall election showed how quickly allegations of rigged elections are cast about. How do you view governing in an era where winners are viewed as illegitimate by some of their constituents?
Nearly four decades after his wifes abrupt disappearance cast a cloud of suspicion that would make his case one of the most notorious in the country, Robert A. Durst was sentenced on Thursday to life in prison for the execution-style killing in 2000 of a close confidante.

The 78-year-old Mr. Durst, whose life story inspired a Hollywood movie and an HBO documentary, will not be eligible for parole. The jury that convicted him of first-degree murder in Los Angeles last month found that the prosecution had proven special circumstances: Namely, that Mr. Durst shot Susan Berman, a journalist and screenwriter, because he feared she was about to tell investigators what she had learned as his liaison with the news media after the 1982 disappearance of his first wife, Kathie McCormack Durst.

For the first time since the trial resumed in May, the courtroom was full on Thursday, with most of the jurors in attendance.

Mr. Durst, who sat slumped in a wheelchair, wore a brown jailhouse jumper and a surgical mask. He did not address the judge, and because of his difficulty hearing, he followed along by watching a tablet display the words spoken in court.
His preferred format was the anthology, in which he could serve as curator and commentator. Perhaps his best-known work was the magisterial multipart Graphic Canon series. He started with the three-volume The Graphic Canon: The Worlds Great Literature as Comics and Visuals (2012) and went on to produce The Graphic Canon of Childrens Literature (2014) and The Graphic Canon of Crime and Mystery (2017), a second volume of which is to be published in December.

Instead of simply reproducing the full texts of these classics, he engaged in a collaborative process with hundreds of graphic artists, commissioning new material from some, like Molly Crabapple and Robert Berry, to illustrate excerpts from each piece. In other cases he repurposed work by artists like Will Eisner and Robert Crumb that had already been published.

Image Mr. Kicks preferred format was the anthology, in which he could serve as curator and commentator.

Kicks preface to each piece introduces us to the artist and coaxes us along with enticing tidbits of unusual information about the original text, Annie Weatherwax wrote in reviewing the first two volumes for The Times Book Review in 2012. Every page sends you further down the rabbit hole, and before you know it, hours have passed.

Ms. Crabapple, in a tribute posted after Mr. Kicks death, called Mr. Kick a punk-rock Virgil whose own transgressive, subversive work had guided her through a difficult youth and showed the possibilities of life.

A rapacious reader, Mr. Kick had absorbed many anthologies of poetry on an array of subjects, but he said he was unaware of any major compendium of verses about death. And so he produced his own. His Death Poems: Classic, Contemporary, Witty, Serious, Tear-Jerking, Wise, Profound, Angry, Funny, Spiritual, Atheistic, Uncertain, Personal, Political, Mythic, Earthy, and Only Occasionally Morbid was published in 2013.

Time is always running out, he wrote in the introduction, and the poets know that this casts life in an entirely different light than if we were immortal.
MEXICO CITY  Observed from a soaring cable car, the city is a sea of concrete stretching to the horizon, ruptured only by clusters of skyscrapers and the remains of ancient volcanoes. Some 60 feet below is the borough of Iztapalapa, a warren of winding streets and alleyways, its cinder block houses encasing the neighborhoods hills in insipid gray.

But then, on a rooftop, a sudden burst of color: a giant monarch butterfly perched atop a purple flower. Further along the route of Mexico Citys newest cableway, a toucan and a scarlet macaw stare up at passengers. Later, on a canary yellow wall, there is a young girl in a red dress, her eyes closed in an expression of absolute bliss.

The 6.5-mile line, inaugurated in August, is the longest public cableway in the world, according to the city government. As well as halving the commute time for many workers in the capitals most populous borough, the cable car has an added attraction: exuberant murals painted by an army of local artists, many of which can be viewed only from above.
MEXICO CITY  Statues of Columbus are being toppled across the Americas, amid fierce debates over the regions legacy of European conquest and colonialism.

Few have been more contentious than the replacement of a monument at the heart of Mexicos capital, touching on some of the most intense disputes in the countrys current politics, including not just race and history, but also sex.

After prolonged debate, Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum announced Tuesday that the Columbus statue that once gazed down on Mexico Citys main boulevard will be replaced with a precolonial Indigenous figure  notably, a woman.
But its North Koreas military stunts that often earn attention on the internet. The demonstrations include a mix of taekwondo and performances by charyeoksa, the word used to describe itinerant Koreans who used to roam the countryside as part of a traveling circus, showing off their superhuman strength.

The old circus performers attracted crowds through their perilous feats, such as driving nails into wood with a head butt or bending a steel rod with their bare neck, as the North Korean soldiers did for Mr. Kim on Monday.

During the Cold War, when the militaries of South Korea and North Korea had few sophisticated weapons but plenty of mutual enmity, both countries would stage martial-art demonstrations as morale boosters. South Korea has mostly abandoned the demonstrations as its military modernized, occasionally staging them during Armed Forces Day.

In the North, kick-and-smash displays of military power remain a favorite genre of propaganda.

Mr. Kim was so proud of his military stunt squads that he invited Chinas leader, Xi Jinping, and his wife to a performance when the couple visited Pyongyang in 2019. When the North wanted to show its displeasure in 2012 after the former South Korean president Lee Myung-bak stopped inter-Korean trade in response to the Norths nuclear weapons development, it released footage of commandos throwing hand axes and knives at Mr. Lees name.

These demonstrations are usually performed by members of the elite units assigned to protect Pyongyang, Mr. Kim and his safe houses and villas around the country. They are called human rifles and bombs for the North Korean leader. The same unit of soldiers arrested Jang Song-thaek, Mr. Kims uncle, when he was executed on charges of treason and corruption in 2013.

It is said in the North that each of these soldiers is trained to fight and beat as many as 10 men at the same time in a hand-to-hand battle, said An Chan-il, a North Korean defector. But like North Korean children mobilized to perform countless hours of practice for the Arirang Mass Games, the North Korean soldiers behind these stunts put themselves at great risk.

Choi Won-young, a taekwondo master in South Korea, broke a stack of granite slabs with a head butt during Koreas Got Talent, a television program, in 2019. During the show, he warned the audience not to try it at home: When the slabs are not broken through, you blackout and then regain consciousness.
Firefighters received the first calls for help around 3 a.m. on Thursday and extinguished the blaze about four hours later. By the afternoon, they were still looking for survivors in the building, which was inhabited by about 120 families, mostly low-income and older residents living between the seventh and 11th floors.

It was a sea of flames, Lin Chuan-fu, 57, a Kaohsiung resident who lives near the building, said in a telephone interview.

Mr. Lin said a loud explosion woke him up around 3 a.m., and he went into the street to see what was happening. He said the flames had moved quickly from the ground floor to the higher floors. He added that he was worried that some of the older residents living on the higher floors would have had a hard time evacuating in the dark.

They might not have had enough time to get out, he said.
Official statistics on coronavirus cases in Africa give the impression that the continent has avoided the worst of the pandemic. But in a continent where most deaths are not formally registered and many countries are struggling to vaccinate their people, the great majority of coronavirus cases  an estimated six out of seven  are going undetected, according to Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the Africa director at the World Health Organization.

Speaking at a news briefing on Thursday, Dr. Moeti said the W.H.O. estimated that about 59 million people in Africa had been infected with the coronavirus from the beginning of the pandemic through Oct. 10. Only somewhat more than 8 million cases have been officially recorded.

Now is the time to go on the offensive against Covid-19, and work with local communities to break transmission chains and stop wider outbreaks from happening, Dr. Moeti said.

The W.H.O.s analysis was derived from a coronavirus calculator developed by Resolve to Save Lives, a global public health organization that focuses on cardiovascular disease and on preventing epidemics. The calculator estimates infections based on the number of reported cases and deaths and an infection fatality rate grounded in population-based studies, according to a statement by the W.H.O.
One woman told the local news outlet TV2 that she had seen people hiding from a man standing on a street corner with arrows in a quiver on his shoulder and a bow in his hand. As he shot the arrows, she said, people ran for their lives.

Six minutes after the first call came into the police, officers confronted the attacker. He fired arrows at the officers and escaped.

At one point, the attacker crossed a bridge spanning the Numedalslagen River and cut through the town.

As he made his way through the town, he attacked people seemingly at random, according to the police. One of the injured was an off-duty police officer, and a photo of him with an arrow in his back was circulated widely online.

The police on Thursday asked the public to please stop sharing photos, saying that doing so was unwise and disrespectful.

The police said the attacker had used a second weapon in the rampage, though they did not offer further details. But it was the arrows that marked the trail of devastation.

At 6:47 p.m., the police detained the suspect  35 minutes after the first reports of violence.

A police lawyer, Ann Iren Svane Mathiassen, told TV2 that the suspect had lived in the town for several years.
Gunfire erupted at protests over an inquiry into last years port explosion, with Lebanon mired in economic collapse and political paralysis.

Beirut erupts in sectarian clashes after protests over an inquiry into the port explosion. Video transcript Back bars 0:00 / 1:22 - 0:00 transcript Protests Over Beirut Port Blast Descend Into Deadly Clashes Protests led by Shiite political parties, including Hezbollah, turned violent as the groups pushed for the removal of the judge investigating the August 2020 Beirut Port explosion. [gunfire] Protests led by Shiite political parties, including Hezbollah, turned violent as the groups pushed for the removal of the judge investigating the August 2020 Beirut Port explosion. Credit Credit... Anwar Amro/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images Armed clashes between sectarian militias briefly turned Beirut neighborhoods into a war zone on Thursday, killing six people and raising fears that new violence could fill the void left by the near-collapse of the Lebanese state. Rival gunmen, chanting in support of their leaders, hid behind cars and dumpsters to fire automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades at their rivals. Residents cowered in their homes, and teachers herded children into the hallways and basements of schools to protect them from the shooting. The fighting marked a new low in the small Mediterranean countrys descent into an abyss of interlocking political and economic crises. Enormous protests against government dysfunction and corruption brought down the government in October 2019, but since then, things have only grown worse. A currency collapse, shortages and the pandemic have battered the economy and reduced Lebanese who were comfortably middle-class to poverty. Instead of finding solutions, the countrys political elite has resorted to increasingly bitter infighting. A huge explosion in the port of Beirut in August of last year destroyed parts of the city, killed more than 200 people and exposed the results of what many Lebanese see as decades of poor governance and corruption. That prompted another government to dissolve, and it took more than a year to form a new one, which took office just last month. Thursdays clashes broke out at a protest led by two Shiite Muslim parties  Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group that the United States considers a terrorist organization, and the Amal Movement. The protesters were calling for the removal of the judge charged with investigating the Beirut explosion and determining who was responsible. As the protesters gathered, gunshots rang out, apparently fired by snipers in nearby high buildings, according to witnesses and Lebanese officials, and protesters scattered to side streets, where they retrieved weapons and went to shoot back. The resulting clashes raged in an area straddling the line between two neighborhoods, one Shiite and the other a stronghold of the Lebanese Forces, a Christian political party that staunchly opposes Hezbollah. Hezbollah officials accused the Lebanese Forces of firing the initial shots, and in a statement, Hezbollah and the Amal Movement accused unnamed forces of trying to drag the country into a deliberate strife. Image An army soldier carrying a child while civilians fled as gunfire erupted near a protest in Beirut on Thursday. Credit... Mohamed Azakir/Reuters The head of the Lebanese Forces, Samir Geagea, condemned the violence in posts on Twitter, saying that the clashes had been caused by uncontrolled and widespread weapons that threaten citizens in every time and place, a reference to Hezbollahs vast arsenal. His group accused Hezbollah of exploiting sectarian tensions to derail the port investigation. Hezbollah must be taught a lesson now that it cannot desecrate the entire country, its institutions, people and dignity, in order to prevent anyone from expressing their opinion or carrying out their duties, Antoine Zahra, a member of the Lebanese Forces executive board, said in a statement. The Lebanese Army said in a statement that it had raided a number of locations in search of the shooters, arresting nine people  one of which is Syrian. The army command made contact with the concerned parties on both sides to contain the situation, it added. As night fell, the countrys president, Michel Aoun, gave a televised address calling for calm, condemning gunmen who fired at protesters and promising they would be brought to justice. Our country needs calm dialogue, and calm solutions and the respect of our institutions, he said. Mr. Aoun also said the investigation into the blast at the port would continue, putting him at odds with protest leaders. Prime Minister Najib Mikati called for a day of mourning on Friday, and ordered all government buildings and schools closed for the day. Violence between religious groups is particularly dangerous in Lebanon, which has 18 recognized sects, including Sunni and Shiite Muslims, various denominations of Christians and others. Conflicts between them and the militias they maintain define the countrys politics and have often spilled over into violence, most catastrophically during the countrys 15-year civil war, which ended in 1990. The Sunnis, Shiites and Christians are Lebanons largest groups, but Hezbollah has emerged as the countrys most powerful political and military force, with an arsenal of more than 100,000 rockets pointed at neighboring Israel and thousands of fighters who have been dispatched to battlefields in Yemen, Syria and Iraq. After about four hours of fighting, the Lebanese army deployed to calm the streets and the clashes appeared to subside, but residents remained in their homes seeking refuge from the violence. In addition to those killed, about 30 people were wounded.

The tensions behind the violence. Image Supporters of the Shiite Hezbollah and Amal groups chanting slogans against Judge Tarek Bitar, who is investigating last years deadly seaport blast, during a protest in Beirut on Thursday. Credit... Hussein Malla/Associated Press When the first shots rang out as protesters gathered on Thursday morning in central Beirut, it was not clear where they had come from, who was firing or why. But well before the streets descended in sectarian fighting, tensions had been growing for weeks over an investigation into the August 2020 port explosion. The explosion killed more than 200 people and wounded thousands as wide swaths of the city were destroyed or damaged. The blast was caused by the sudden combustion of whatever was left of 2,750 tons of hazardous chemicals that had been unloaded into the port years before. Many Lebanese saw the blast, and the efforts by powerful politicians to hobble the investigation into its causes, as a stark example of the countrys deep dysfunction. Former Prime Minister Hassan Diab and his cabinet resigned, and for a year the country was without a functioning government. In September, Najib Mikati, a billionaire telecommunications tycoon, became prime minister. But even as a new government took shape, tensions over the port investigation grew deeper. The inquiry was suspended this week after two former ministers facing charges lodged a new legal complaint against the judge carrying out the investigation. Families of the victims condemned the move, with critics saying that the countrys political leadership was trying to shield itself from accountability for the largest explosion in the turbulent countrys history. Hezbollah has grown increasingly vocal in its criticism of Judge Tarek Bitar. On Monday, the judge had issued an arrest warrant for Ali Hussein Khalil, a prominent Shiite member of Parliament and a close adviser to the leader of the Amal party. The warrant leveled serious accusations against Mr. Khalil. The nature of the offense, the document read, is killing, harming, arson and vandalism linked to probable intent. Two days ago, the Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah issued some of his most scathing criticism of the judge, accusing him of politically targeting officials in his investigation. The groups followers joined the protest to call for the removal of Judge Bitar on Thursday when shots rang out. Witnesses said snipers were targeting the demonstrators. That was the spark that set off some of the worst sectarian clashes in years. By late afternoon, the guns had fallen silent after four hours of gun battles, but the streets were still tense, as residents cowered in their homes.

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A senior U.S. diplomat offers condolences to Lebanon and stern words to its leaders. Image Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland meeting with Prime Minister Najib Mikati of Lebanon in Beirut, on Thursday. Credit... Wael Hamzeh/EPA, via Shutterstock The shooting in Beirut erupted on the day when a team of U.S. officials arrived in the city for planned meetings to address the worsening political and economic dysfunction in the country. Leading the delegation, Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland expressed condolences for the victims of the burst of violence, linking it to Lebanons underlying ills and to the dispute over the impartiality of a judge investigating the catastrophic explosion last year at Beiruts port. A clean, impartial, independent judiciary is the guarantor of all the rights and the values that we, as democracies, hold dear and share, Ms. Nuland said at a news conference. Again, the Lebanese people deserve no less, and the victims and families of those lost in the port blast deserve no less. Todays unacceptable violence makes clear what the stakes are. She referred repeatedly and pointedly to what is wrong or lacking in a country where corruption, division and the threat of violence are political constants  messages she said the team from the State and Treasury departments had delivered in meetings with Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister Najib Mikati. Of the Lebanese people, she said: Terrorists and thieves have robbed them of hope for far too long. In the meetings, Ms. Nuland said, we underscored the importance of complete transparency and open books as Lebanon seeks aid from international financial institutions. The Lebanese people deserve to know where their money has gone and to have confidence in their economic future, she said.

On the ground: Fighting on the streets, and fear in the home. Image Medics evacuating residents after fighting erupted near the Justice Palace in Beirut on Thursday. Credit... Marwan Tahtah/Getty Images In classrooms, students hid under their desks and huddled in hallways shaking from the unrelenting barrage of gunfire outside. It started with the pop of a sniper rifle and then exploded into a cacophony of pistols, automatic rifles and rocket-propelled grenades. Ambulances wailed as panicked residents  many who had lived through years of civil war and are now struggling to find basic necessities like food and fuel  did their best to hide. Leena Haddad and her daughter huddled in their home, hoping it would shelter them from the fighting. We stayed in the bathroom for hours, the safest part in the house, she said as the gunfire subsided on Thursday evening. As the fighting raged, her daughter had tried to catch a glimpse outside, wondering whether it was safe to move. I tried to push her back from the window  she wanted to take photos, Ms. Haddad said. The sound of shooting was really loud, and all she saw was men in black running in the streets. Amer Salman, 22, a television producer, left home to go to work, but before he reached his car, the sound of gunfire sent him sprinting back to his seventh-floor apartment. He cowered for hours with his mother, his brother and a friend, unable to tell where the bullets were coming from. I should be thinking about my future, not hiding underneath a table because Im scared for my life, he said. These political forces are fighting one another for reasons that are irrelevant to me. I deserve to live in a country where I can be safe. Lebanon is suffering through a convergence of economic, political and societal crises, and the view from her window evoked grim memories of the civil war that raged from 1975 to 1990. I lived the civil war in the past, she said. I know what civil war means. It means more images like those playing on the televisions of people trapped in their homes on Thursday. A man laid out on the street, a bullet jolting his body as he took his last breath. It means people shot in their homes as they hid, like at least one of the victims on Thursday. It means fires sending up plumes of black smoke, shattered windows, bullets whipping overhead. And it means death. Several of those killed on Thursday were shot in the head, according to Lebanese officials. Hassan Diya, 64, does not have much hope for the future. This country will never be fixed, he said, taking stock of the shattered glass that littered his shop after the spasm of violence ebbed. As parties fight for power, he said, the poor Lebanese are paying the price. He will not be able to make repairs, he said, since he was unable take out money from his bank on Thursday after it suspended withdrawals. There were reports of runs on banks on Thursday as people desperately sought cash. Since the fall of 2019, the Lebanese pound has lost 90 percent of its value, and inflation last year was 84.9 percent. As of June, prices of many consumer goods had nearly quadrupled in the previous two years, according to government statistics. The whole situation is ready for civil war, Mr. Diya said.

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In pictures: Violence in Beirut. Agence France-Presse  Getty Images Hussein Malla/Associated Press Hussein Malla/Associated Press Anwar Amro/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images Mohamed Azakir/Reuters Mohamed Azakir/Reuters Hassan Ammar/Associated Press

The factions in the Beirut street fighting are no strangers to gun battles. Image Shiite fighters from Hezbollah and Amal aim a Kalashnikov assault rifle and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher amid clashes in the Tayouneh neighborhood of Beirut on Thursday. Credit... Ibrahim Amro/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images The three groups involved in the lethal gun battles in Beirut on Thursday are familiar with armed conflict: the Shiite Muslim political parties Hezbollah and the Amal Movement have long stood on the opposite side of Lebanons divided sectarian politics from the Lebanese Forces party, made up of Maronite Christians. Hezbollah supporters accused gunmen from the Lebanese Forces of attacking their supporters at a protest on Thursday. The Lebanese Forces denied that they started the shooting, and accused Hezbollah and its allies of stoking sectarian violence to try to derail an investigation into the Beirut port explosion last year. Backed by Iran and led by the charismatic cleric Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah may be the most powerful single force in Lebanon. It has dominated Lebanese politics in recent years through an alliance with Amal and Christian politicians. But Hezbollah is also effectively a state-within-a-state that often operates beyond the reach of the Lebanese military, judiciary or other parts of the official government. Hezbollah has its own militia, hospitals, business networks, welfare system and other social services. Hezbollah grew out of Israels 1982 invasion of Lebanon as a militia bent on expelling Israeli forces from southern Lebanon through guerrilla warfare. Its anti-Israel, pro-Palestinian cause was for years a rallying cry across the Arab world, even among Lebanese who identify with other sects and other parties. It was rare to hear a critical word against it, whether out of genuine support or fear of the consequences. But its actions have often come at a cost to Lebanon. In 2006, its skirmishes with Israel along Lebanons southern border led to a devastating summer war. Its occasional clashes with Israel still provoke fears that Lebanon will be drawn into another war. The group also sent thousands of fighters into neighboring Syria over the last decade to help Iran prop up the government of Bashar al-Assad during the Syrian civil war. Since Hezbollah joined the government in 2005, it has been increasingly seen as part of the corrupt and dysfunctional system that has led to the current economic and political crisis. Over the last two years, amid widespread anti-government protests, the port explosion and a catastrophic economic collapse, pushback against Hezbollah has become widespread. Its antagonist on Thursday, the Lebanese Forces, also has a bloody history that began with the Lebanese civil war, when it was founded as a right-wing Christian militia. As with many of the countrys parties, it got into politics when the fighting stopped in 1990 with a power-sharing agreement among the various Lebanese factions, turning warlords into politicians. The Lebanese Forces leader, Samir Geagea, has been one of Hezbollahs most vocal opponents for years. He has also feuded with President Michel Aoun, Hezbollahs chief Christian ally. Mr. Geagea has sought to capitalize on brewing opposition to Hezbollah since mass anti-government protests rocked the country in the fall of 2019, throwing his support behind the protesters. But, as many demonstrators pointed out, Mr. Geagea was hardly an exception to what they were protesting: a dysfunctional system paralyzed by sectarianism and corruption, and ruled by a small number of aging men who were steeped more in violence than in governance.

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Who is the judge behind the inquiry into the Beirut Port blast? Image Supporters of the Lebanese Shiite groups Hezbollah and Amal, along with members of the Christian Marada movement, taking part on Thursday in a protest over Judge Tarek Bitar. Credit... Mohamed Azakir/Reuters Judge Tarek Bitar is the second judge to head the investigation to determine the exact cause of the August 2020 explosion at Beiruts port and to hold those responsible for it accountable. From the start, he was expected to face the same challenges as his predecessor: legal and public relations maneuvers by powerful politicians and other officials in Lebanon who have long operated with impunity, protected by laws that they argue shield them from prosecution. Efforts to investigate the circumstances surrounding the explosion have proceeded slowly amid characteristically fierce resistance from politicians, leaving many Lebanese fearing that once again the powerful will escape any blame. Since his appointment in July, Judge Bitar has summoned a range of powerful politicians and security officials for questioning as suspects. Many have refused to appear or filed cases seeking to have him removed, accusing him of politicizing the investigation. He set multiple dates to question the former prime minister, Hassan Diab, who has refused to appear and traveled to the United States on what Mr. Diab said was a pre-scheduled trip before he was to see the judge. Judge Bitar has also summoned for questioning or indicted Gen. Abbas Ibrahim, the head of the General Security and Lebanons most powerful security official; senior army officers; and a number of lawmakers and former ministers, including a former finance minister, Ali Hassan Khalil; a former transportation minister, Ghazi Zaiter; and a former interior minister, Nouhad Machnouk. Judge Bitar wanted to question the three former ministers on suspicion of homicide with probable intent and criminal negligence, the state-run National News Agency said at the time. He also asked the bar associations in Beirut and Tripoli, the countrys two largest cities, to lift the immunity that is conveyed by membership for Mr. Khalil, Mr. Zaiter and a former transportation minister, Youssef Finianos. At stake, legal experts said, was a political culture that has long protected powerful officials from legal scrutiny. There is no shortage of allegations of corruption and human rights violations against high level officials in Lebanon, but there has been a culture of impunity that has allowed to them to escape accountability for their actions, said Aya Majzoub, a Lebanon researcher with Human Rights Watch. Judge Bitars predecessor, Judge Fadi Sawan, encountered frequent attacks from powerful politicians and media organizations loyal to them who accused him of breaking Lebanese law after he sought to charge Mr. Diab and three former ministers  Mr. Khalil, Mr. Zaiter and Mr. Finianos  with criminal neglect. A Lebanese court removed him based on a request by Mr. Khalil and Mr. Zaiter, basing its decision, in part, on the argument that Judge Sawan lacked impartiality because his home had been damaged in the blast.

Lebanons collapse, in images. Image A line of vehicles at a gas station in Beirut in May. Credit... Diego Ibarra Sanchez for The New York Times Lebanon, a small Mediterranean country still haunted by a 15-year civil war that ended in 1990, is in the throes of a financial collapse that the World Bank has said could rank among the worlds worst since the mid-1800s. The crisis is closing like a vise on a population whose money has plummeted in value while the cost of nearly everything has skyrocketed. Since fall 2019, the Lebanese pound has lost 90 percent of its value, and annual inflation in 2020 was 84.9 percent. As of June, prices of consumer goods had nearly quadrupled in the previous two years, according to government statistics. The huge explosion a year ago in the port of Beirut, which killed more than 200 people and left a large swath of the capital in shambles, only added to the desperation. Open image modal at item 1 of 5 Open image modal at item 2 of 5 Open image modal at item 3 of 5 Open image modal at item 4 of 5 Open image modal at item 5 of 5 The blast exacerbated the countrys economic crisis, which was long in the making, and there is little relief in sight. Years of corruption and bad policies have left the state deeply in debt and the central bank unable to keep propping up the currency, as it had for decades, because of a drop in foreign cash flows into the country. Now, the bottom has fallen out of the economy, leaving shortages of food, fuel and medicine. All but the wealthiest Lebanese have cut meat from their diets and wait in long lines to fuel their cars, sweating through sweltering summer nights because of extended power cuts.

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BEIRUT, Lebanon  Armed clashes between sectarian militias transformed Beirut neighborhoods into a deadly war zone on Thursday, raising fears that violence could fill the void left by the near-collapse of the Lebanese state.

Rival gunmen, chanting in support of their leaders, hid behind cars and dumpsters to fire automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades at their rivals. At least six people were killed and 30 wounded. Residents cowered in their homes, and teachers herded children into the hallways and basements of schools to protect them from the shooting.

It was some of the worst violence in years to convulse Beirut, aggravating the sense of instability in a small country already buffeted by devastating political and economic crises and inviting recollections of its civil war that ended more than three decades ago.

Since the fall of 2019, Lebanons currency has plummeted more than 90 percent in value, battering the economy and reducing Lebanese who were comfortably middle class to poverty. The World Bank has said Lebanons economic collapse could rank among the three worst in the world since the mid-1800s.
The United States on Thursday regained a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council, which the Trump administration abandoned in 2018 because of what it called the bodys hypocrisy and anti-Israel prejudice.

In seeking to rejoin the 47-member council, the Biden administration, which has taken a far more supportive stance toward the United Nations than its predecessor, argued that American interests would be better served if the United States were a member seeking change from within.

The United States won a three-year term for one of 18 open seats on the council, starting in January, in a vote by the 193-member General Assembly.

Based in Geneva, the council is regarded as the worlds most important human rights body. While it has no criminal enforcement or sanctioning powers, the council can undertake investigations that help shape the global image of countries. It can also exert influence on their behavior if they are deemed to have poor rights records.
Officers with the Colleton County Sheriffs Office wrote in reports that they had discovered several shell casings and had called a tow truck company to the scene. They also said they had looked for surveillance cameras from neighboring homes and businesses, though the heavily redacted police reports do not indicate whether they found any.

Mr. Murdaugh and his lawyers have steadfastly denied that he had any involvement in the deaths of his wife and son.

How was Alex Murdaugh shot, and why was he arrested the first time?

Nearly three months after his wife and son were killed, Alex Murdaugh, 53, was forced to resign from his family law firm, P.M.P.E.D.  named for the initials of its partners  after leaders at the firm said Mr. Murdaugh had misused millions of dollars of client and firm money, which his lawyers have not denied.

The next day, Sept. 4, Mr. Murdaugh called 911 and said he had been shot in the head on the side of a rural road not far from his home. He survived with only a minor wound and initially claimed that he had been shot by someone who pulled up beside him as he was inspecting a flat tire on his car. But the story quickly fell apart.

Mr. Murdaugh soon admitted that he had asked one of his distant cousins to shoot him in the head. Mr. Murdaughs lawyers said he had come up with the plan to make his suicide look like a murder because he had falsely believed that his life insurance plan would not cover his death if it was ruled a suicide. He had wanted to leave his older son, Buster, with a $10 million payout.

Two days after the shooting, Mr. Murdaugh issued a statement apologizing to his family, friends and colleagues and said he was entering rehab. His lawyers said that he had been addicted for years to oxycodone and that his abuse of the painkiller had worsened after the death of his wife and son. Mr. Murdaughs law license was suspended and his law firm is suing him over the money they accused him of stealing.

His scheme to have his cousin kill him also ended in the arrest of both Mr. Murdaugh and the cousin, Curtis Edward Smith, 61. Mr. Smith was charged with aggravated assault, assisting in a suicide attempt and insurance fraud. Mr. Smith told The New York Times that he did not shoot Mr. Murdaugh and that the gun had gone off as he grabbed Mr. Murdaughs arm to stop him from shooting himself.
1982

Missing: Kathleen McCormack Durst

VANISHES! Search for beautiful wife of developer screamed the headline in The New York Post. That developer was Robert A. Durst, heir to a real estate empire whose towers helped shape the Manhattan skyline. His wife, a 29-year-old medical student, had disappeared the night of Jan. 31, Mr. Durst told the paper (in an interview arranged by his friend and publicist, Susan Berman), and he desperately wanted to find her.

Married in 1973, the couple partied at Studio 54, sailed the Mediterranean and traveled to Thailand. They split time between a lakeside cottage 50 miles north of Manhattan and a penthouse apartment on Riverside Drive. But their relationship grew fraught, friends would later say, after Mr. Durst pressed his wife to have an abortion.

Five days after her disappearance, Mr. Durst walked into a police precinct station house to report her missing. Family and friends immediately suspected him. I think he killed her, Ms. Dursts sister, Mary McCormack Hughes, recalled telling her husband after Mr. Durst called to say that she was missing. Her body has never been found, and Mr. Durst insists that he doesnt know what happened to her.
Stillwater, OK (74078)

Today

Partly cloudy skies, with gusty winds developing during the afternoon. High 61F. Winds S at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..

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Partly cloudy. Low 43F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.
Ryan Shucard

As communicators, we thrive in the vast complexities of our audiences, always striving to capture the right eyes and ears to bolster our campaigns and drive meaningful results. Our work has never been easy; however, the dynamics of reaching target audiences amid the constant flow of COVID news is more complex than ever before.

But how, with a global pandemic and on the eve of yet another contentious election cycle, can we capitalize on opportunities to engage audiences and also confront the ever-present and often overlooked obstacle of politics and policymakers?

For many PR practitioners, policy matters are happily left to lobbyists, lawyers and government relations professionals. The consternation of dealing with the volatility of politics and the minutiae of policymaking is radioactive and a constant threat to derailing and distracting from the execution and ultimate success of our earned media campaigns.

This article is featured in O'Dwyer's Oct. '21 Healthcare & Medical PR Magazine

(view PDF version)

As valid as those concerns are, they ignore the power of a constituency. A constituency is broadly defined as a body of citizens in an electoral district or group of people that patronizes, supports, or is involved with an institution, organization or business. You would be right to wonder how far off that definition is from how we as communicators define an audience; a term we also take for granted in our daily work yet is widely known to simply mean members of the listening, viewing and reading public.

So, the similarities between constituencies and audiences far outweigh the differences between them. Therein lies the opportunity for us to elevate our thinking and our campaigns.

COVID has forced elected officials to grapple with how they respond to their many overlapping constituencies from the geographic areas they represent to congressional leadership and special interests. Their actionsor inactionsalso have direct impacts on every facet of our campaigns from paid and earned media to patient and provider mobilization, not to mention the economic conditions affecting the bottom lines of private sector, nonprofit and public health clients alike.

Interestingly, theres a certain closeness that exists between policymakers and their constituency in the health sector which is easily attributed to the personal and passionate issues tied to ones health.

While our campaigns stand to benefit from that inherent closeness, helping our clients achieve their communications goals is as daunting as ever. COVID has generated a renewed interest and priority in both public health and the private sectors critical role in the administration and delivery of healthcare. As public relations professionals, its our job to condition the communications environment so our clients issues and objectives are seen, heard and acted upon by key constituencies.

One of the most powerful ways we can do that is by mapping audiences, conversations and media using the millions of data points and our team of experts in analytics, media and advocacy to quickly zero in on the influencers and partners that will enable our clients to reach and engage their customers and communities.

Enter GRETEL, JPA Healths propriety tool which has powered countless campaigns to identify the influence of an outlet, individual or organization based on how frequently its referenced or shared by specific audience segments within a specific issue or topic. GRETEL tracked the seismic shifts to the healthcare landscape as a result of COVID and allowed us to chart new territory in the universe of health influencers, from reporters and advocates to healthcare professionals and individuals that can help change the minds of thousands around a given issue or topic.

Want to know which reporters influence coverage of an issue across other media outlets? How about knowing which Members of Congress drive conversations about public health issues? Or what about gauging the resonance of an important healthcare issue in the lead up to the midterm election?

These are all essential questions we are able to answer by merging our professional mastery of audience communications with our understanding of communicating and leveraging constituencies.

As a divided Congress battles to pass an infrastructure bill, a debt ceiling extension and stave off cuts to Medicare, it seems like the midterm elections of 2022 have already begun. Republicans are vying to take control of the House of Representatives as Democrats look to pad a 50/50 split in the Senate with a clear majority. Leaving the forecasting of those outcomes to the politicos, the most salient point for healthcare communicators is to leverage the positive change our clients are seeking to make in the lives of patients by which policymakers can also communicate and champion with their key constituencies about the substantive progress being made in healthcare, a topic millions of Americans continuously rank among the top issues motivating them at the ballot box.

Now is the time for health communicators to begin the planning process for how theyre going to cut through the noise of politics and prove to their clients that the best campaigns are integrated ones. A maxim our industry lives by but thats rarely heeded shouldnt be ignored either: clients shouldnt wait until a crisis arises to begin building out your communications capabilities.

Looking ahead, 2022 will be another pivotal year for the health industry and though the consequences of our politics are as unpredictable as the pandemic, certainty can be found in our industrys ability to not only recognize the opportunities to advance positive change in the health sector but reveal new ways to communicate and engage within a complex and dynamic ecosystem.

***

Ryan Shucard is Vice President of JPA Healths Public Affairs practice in Washington, D.C.
Gigi Garcia Russo

Hunter promotes Gigi Garcia Russo to the newly created position of chief innovation and growth officer. Garcia Russo has been with the firm since 2002 and is the founder of its multicultural practice. In her new post, she will work with the firms practice leaders to enhance their services and offerings to new and existing clients, especially those who are looking to connect with multicultural audiences. She will also lead diversity and inclusion efforts at the agency, as well as drive the integration of the expertise of the agencys creative services team. Gigis ability to attract and retain clients by offering creative solutions and a multicultural perspective has greatly improved our offerings as a full-service consultancy and has inspired our staff to think differently and with a more diverse and inclusive mindset, said Hunter CEO Grace Leong. Hunter has also promoted Jon Lyon, who has led the agencys culinary and spirits practices for more than 25 years, to chief operating officer, and named long-time EVP of strategy and partnership Samara Farber Mormar as the agencys first chief marketing officer.

Lazlo Baksay

DCI Group names Lazlo Baksay and Chris Gilleter directors on the firms digital and social media team. Baksay was most recently a strategist for the U.S. Army and assisted the Department of State with their digital strategy. He will focus on developing digital advocacy strategies for Fortune 100 companies and international clients. Billeter, who began his career in digital communications at DCI more than 10 years ago, rejoins the company from Seven Letter, where he was a director. He was previously vice president of digital media at JDP Frontline and deputy digital director for the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Jamie Rismiller

Allison+Partners adds three senior leaders to its health practice. Jamie Rismiller, who previously led integrated communications programs for A+Ps B2B and consumer tech clients, will serve as the senior lead for the agencys health tech portfolio and several of its new clients. Gabriela Duran joins the firm as a senior vice president. Duran comes to A+P from Real Chemistry, where she was a senior account director. She will oversee A+Ps growth efforts across diagnostics, devices and biotech in addition to serving as the lead for the agencys health equity client offering. Sarah Natoli comes on as vice president of health strategy, based in Boston. She was previously director, content strategy at Revive. At A+P, she will work to strengthen the practices integrated communications, content creation and healthcare storytelling capabilities.

Ryan Lilly

Matter Commnications promotes Matter Health vice president Ryan Lilly to general manager. In this newly created senior leadership role, he will continue charting the strategic course for the team, while also working directly with Matters CEO and president to collectively guide the agencys overall strategy. Paul Berthiaume has been named his successor as vice president of Matter Health, having previously served as account director for Matter Health after a lengthy tenure leading communications for MEDITECH.
Laois-Offaly Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley has criticised Budget 2022 as having nothing in it to help renters navigate the current rental crisis.

Speaking in the Dail, Deputy Stanley said: The public wanted to see urgency from the Government regarding the housing crisis, the rental crisis, the health service and the cost of living. Unfortunately, never has so much been spent to achieve so little. This is a budget for landlords, speculators, and developers.

"A major issue in the housing sector is vacant land sitting unused by speculators and developers, land that is needed to deliver affordable and cost rental homes," he said.

"Sinn Feins budget would have increased the vacant site levy to 15% to incentivise developers to build homes on vacant land. Instead, the Government has scrapped the existing 7% levy, and replaced it with a 3% levy on zoned land, which is essentially a tax break for speculators. Whats worse, it includes a 3-year lead-in time before it takes full effect. Where is the urgency from the Government on housing?

The budget offers absolutely nothing for renters. No rent freeze, no rent controls, no tax relief. Instead, an additional 168m will be provided in rent subsidies to landlords through HAP, coupled with pre-letting expenses, another tax-write off. Sinn Fein would introduce a 3-year rent freeze and an 8% tax rebate for renters to put a months rent back in their pockets," he added.

"Renters are also going to be punished disproportionately by the carbon tax, living in accommodation that is often poorly insulated, with inefficient and expensive heating systems.

Regarding Health, there is a real lack of focus in the Budget. Not only does Sinn Feins alternative budget provided greater investment than the Government, but we target our funding into solving the waiting list crisis, into additional ICU beds, increasing general hospital beds, and expanding Primary Care and GP capacity.

"I do welcome the progress that has been made on the carers allowance and other supports, these people work incredibly hard and deserve recognition.

Low-income workers were left behind. 80% of workers wont benefit at all from the Government's proposed tax breaks and higher earners will benefit disproportionally from any tax relief introduced.

Similarly, if you are a struggling worker or family in rural Ireland, youre hit with a further increase in the carbon tax, increased home energy costs and increased motor costs.

"If you own a home you most likely wont be able to afford to retrofit it and the national retrofit grant scheme is moving at snail's pace. The working poor are now worse off. The alternatives are just not there for those hit hardest by carbon tax and the cost of living.

In our budget proposals, Sinn Fein has set out how we would deliver change and begin build a better system for workers and families.
A pharmacy in Tullamore is relaunching its new store on Friday with lots of prizes for customers all day.

Haven Pharmacy Faheys, Patrick Street, Tullamore will celebrate their store relaunch this Friday, October 15 and they are inviting all of their customers to join them.

There will be lots of prizes for customers all day long and an outside broadcast by Midlands 103. The shop has been completely revamped and fitted out and Haven Pharmacy Faheys are delighted to welcome the public in to celebrate the refit and enter the free draws and competitions where there will be many attractive prizes and offers.

There will also be 20% off the following brands - La Roche-Posay, Vichy, NUXE, Revive Active, Sanctuary Spa, Shira Jewellery, The Handmade Soap Company, Fragrance gift sets.

There will also be free Catrice goodie bags worth 20 with any purchase over 15!

Four members of Offaly's U20 All Ireland winning team will be attending the launch on Friday with the cup at approximately 2.30pm.
A mother has been cross-examined by the man accused of murdering her son at the Central Criminal Court this morning, where she told him she believed another man was involved in the killing.

However, Philip Finnegan's mother Angela also agreed with prosecution counsel, Brendan Grehan SC, that the person she referred to was in Portlaoise Prison at the time her son went missing.

The accused man Stephen Penrose has dismissed his legal team and is now representing himself in his murder trial at the Central Criminal Court.

Opening the trial of Mr Penrose yesterday, Mr Grehan said that 24-year-old Philip Finnegan's decapitated body was found buried in a shallow grave in Rahin woods in Kildare, not far from the Offaly town of Edenderry. Counsel said Mr Finnegan had "certain troubles in the past" and had taken to wearing a protective vest.

The lawyer also told the jury in his opening address that attempts had been made to cut up and burn the body of Mr Finnegan, who had been missing for almost a month and who had met a "gruesome death".

Significantly, the barrister said, the jury will hear evidence that a bloodied glove was found in the woods which was a DNA match to the accused man Mr Penrose.

Mr Penrose (38), of Newtown Court, Malahide Road, Coolock, Dublin 17, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Finnegan (24) at Rahin Woods, Rahin, Edenderry, Co Kildare on August 10, 2016.

Giving evidence today, Mrs Finnegan told Mr Grehan that she lived at Mary Aikenhead House, on James's Street in Dublin 8 and was the mother of six children. Philip was her second eldest child and he was the father of three very young children, she said. She agreed that Philip had "certain problems over the years" and had made friends with Mr Penrose in August 2016.

Mrs Finnegan said she had met Mr Penrose briefly when he had previously called to her flat.

The witness said she would have been in regular phone contact with her son Philip and he was "in good form" when she last saw him at around 10.15am on August 10. Philip told her that morning he was going out to meet Mr Penrose. When asked by Mr Grehan what was the last thing Philip had said to her, Mrs Finnegan replied: "I'll see you later ma."

She recalled that Philip was wearing a 'Fila' top, a cream coloured stab vest, tracksuit bottoms and runners that morning.

Recalling the events of August 10, Mrs Finnegan said she was in contact with her son that morning when he was looking for directions to Cloverhill Courthouse. "I helped him as best I could," she added.

Mrs Finnegan said she had another phone call with Philip later that day and asked him to come home.

The witness said she tried to contact Philip again at 4.40pm but was unable to. "I knew there was something wrong, there was no ringtone and I got the impression that the phone was off. I kept trying and trying to call him," she said.

Mrs Finnegan said she was worried about Philip and she never succeeded in contacting him.

When Mr Grehan asked the witness if it would be like her son not to make contact with her, she said: "God no, me and Philip are very close, he would always contact me."

Mrs Finnegan went to Kevin Street Garda Station the following day at 9pm and reported her son missing.

She agreed with counsel that she had told the garda in Kevin Street about ringing Philip's phone at 4.40pm, not getting a reply and that she believed he had gone to meet Mr Penrose the previous morning.

In cross-examination, the accused man Mr Penrose told Mrs Finnegan that he apologised for having to question her but put it to her that she had told gardai in her statement about a "slagging match" between a named man and her son. Mrs Finnegan told Mr Penrose that she remembered that.

Mr Penrose then read a portion of Mrs Finnegan's statement to her, which she had given to gardai: "[A named man] is a relation of someone in Portlaoise Prison who threatened him. A few months later Philip got a call from this person in Portlaoise Prison. I was standing beside Philip when he got the call. The man just said to Philip that he was going to take him off the map and have his head blown off."

Following this, Mr Penrose asked Mrs Finnegan if she now believed that [the named man's] cousin in Portlaoise Prison was involved in any way in the murder of Philip."Yes I do," she replied.

Mr Penrose told the judge that the "case is made up totally of this allegation".

In re-examination, Mr Grehan asked Mrs Finnegan if the person she referred to in Portlaoise Prison had been in Portlaoise Prison during the time that her son disappeared. "Yes, he was in Portlaoise Prison during the time Philip went missing," she replied.

The trial continues this afternoon before Mr Justice Alexander Owens and the jury of eight men and four women. It is expected to last between five and six weeks.
Offaly has had the lowest rate of Covid-19 of any county in Ireland in the last week, new figures reveal.

The latest report on the progress of the virus in Ireland from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre shows that Offaly had just 112 confirmed cases in the seven days from October 6 to October 12, which was Tuesday.

The county's seven-day incidence rate of Covid-19 is therefore 143.7 per 100,000 of population, the lowest of any county in the country. The next lowest was Kilkenny with a rate of 160.2 per 100,000. The previous week, over a seven day period, Offaly had 119 cases.

Offaly's 14-day incidence rate stands at 296.3, the fifth-lowest in the country.

This shows that Offaly's rate of the virus continues to fall while the rate across the country rises steadily. Offaly's five-day moving average of case numbers stands at 16, the second-lowest in the country after Leitrim with 11.

Some counties are experiencing very high levels of spread with Waterford's 14-day incidence rate standing at 767.8, the highest in the country.

Carlow has the second-highest rate at 748.3. Waterford and Carlow have endured 892 and 426 individual cases respectively over the last 14 days.

Longford and Kerry also have 14-day rates above 600, while Donegal and Monaghan have rates above 500. Kilkenny has the lowest 14-day rate, currently standing at 270.1.

That is well below the climbing national average which now stands at 407.2 per 100,000 of population. 15 counties have an incidence rate below the average as of October 12.

NPHET has warned in the last few days that case numbers are climbing in the community. A meeting will take place next week with NPHET expected to issue advice to government over the lifting of further restrictions as planned on October 22.
Independent TD for Laois-Offaly Carol Nolan has said that the failure of government to bring forward legislation to establish the River Shannon Management Agency Bill must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Deputy Nolan was speaking after Government Chief Whip Jack Chambers included the Bill in the Autumn List of Priority Legislation. Deputy Nolan went on to point out, however, that the Bill was also included in the Summer List of Priority Legislation published in April.

"At that point commitments were given that the River Shannon Bill would be the subject of priority drafting and publication by Summerss end," she said.

Flooding along various parts of the River Shannon has been a constant and disruptive feature of the lives of so many farmers and landowners in Offaly and beyond for many years now," Deputy Nolan added.

"However, it is now abundantly clear that government and agency levels of responsiveness have been entirely disjointed and effectively uncoordinated.

"We know that Irelands Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme has been meeting for the better part of a decade to develop strategies for the reduction of risk.

"But we also know that there have been calls for an immediate and critical review on the effectiveness of the strategies adopted by the CFRAM Programme, the Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) and the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group for the reduction of flood risk.

"This is something that even government Ministers have accepted. There is simply no joined-up thinking. That is why we urgently need to see the shape of the legislation that proposes to give effect to a new single authority to address issues on the Shannon.

"Currently the OPW and the ESB manages dams and weirs, while the North-South body, Waterways Ireland have responsibility for the rivers. But often it appears as if the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing.

"The current approach to managing flood risk along the Shannon has failed. It needs to be far more responsive to the immediate needs of farmers and landowners who are being adversely affected several times a year at this point, concluded Deputy Nolan.
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(The Center Square)  U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., doubled down on the inclusion in a spending bill of a Democratic provision that would require banks to report to the IRS transactions for accounts holding over $600.

When asked Tuesday if the IRS monitoring would remain in Democrats proposed $3.5 trillion reconciliation legislation, Pelosi emphatically said yes.

Yes. There are concerns that some people have, but if people are breaking the law and not paying their taxes, one way to track them is through the banking measure, she told reporters. I think 600...thats a negotiation that will go on as to what the amount is, but yes.

The "concerns" Pelosi referenced are coming from a wider array of critics as banks, other businesses, lawmakers and trade associations are rising in opposition to the plan.

The effects of this scheme are serious and far-reaching, putting the IRS between millions of people and their banks, said Billy Rielly, spokesman for the Consumer Bankers Association.

Under Bidens Build Back Better plan, the IRS would receive a major increase in funding to beef up their auditing efforts. Democrats argue the increased revenue from audits would more than pay for the investment and help fund provisions in the $3.5 trillion bill.

This issue sparked national controversy, though, when news broke that as part of beefing up the IRS audits, banks would be required under the Democratic proposal to report to the IRS bank transactions over $600 as well as transactions for accounts containing over $600.

Im not surprised by [Pelosis comments], that they would continue to press forward... we will continue to oppose, said Aaron Stetter, executive vice president of Policy and Political Operations at the Independent Community Bankers of America. The proposal still needs to be borne out, so the devil is in the details but ... it is going to be impractical. It is going to make it much more difficult for the banks to administer, and all of that burden falls disproportionately on the smallest banks that dont have the [same] ability to keep all of that compliance.

Stetter said the IRS monitoring is a quasi-violation of due process, an argument some lawmakers have made as well. He added that small businesses, realtors, and other regular Americans will be flagged and audited at higher levels under the plan and that the banks he represents have heard from many concerned customers because of this provision.

You are being deemed a tax cheat until proven otherwise, he said.

Democrats have argued that the plan will help catch wealthy tax evaders, but opponents say it will put a major burden on banks and will be a sweeping data collection by the federal government affecting the vast majority of Americans, not just the wealthy.

Democrats have indicated their intent to push through with the proposal, though they have said the $600 figure could increase to a higher benchmark.

Meanwhile, opposition to the proposal has continued to grow.

Tennessee Treasurer David Lillard called Bidens plan an invasion of privacy this week, joining about two dozen state treasurers who have reached out to the Biden administration to raise concerns about the plan.

While the Biden Administration is trying to bill this as improving tax compliance on the wealthy, this plan is a massive invasion of the privacy of middle-income Americans and an unnecessary, tremendous compliance burden on community bankers, Lillard said. It will substantially increase the unbanked in our nation.

More than 40 trade associations sent a letter last month to the Biden administration asking them to nix the IRS monitoring scheme, citing privacy and security concerns as well as the financial toll on banks to comply with the complex regulation.

The letter was signed by industry groups across the spectrum as well as banking groups, including the Consumer Bankers Association, American Bankers Association, and others.

While the stated goal of this vast data collection is to uncover tax dodging by the wealthy, this proposal is not remotely targeted to that purpose or that population, the letter said. In addition to the significant privacy concerns, it would create tremendous liability for all affected parties by requiring the collection of financial information for nearly every American without proper explanation of how the IRS will store, protect, and use this enormous trove of personal financial information. We believe that this program is costly for all parties, not fit for purpose, and loaded with potential for unintended and serious negative consequences.

Republican lawmakers have challenged the Democrats plan as well.

Democrats proposal would enable the IRS to monitor what goes in and out of Americans bank accounts, said U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Missouri. This would be an unprecedented invasion of privacy.

They responded quickly to Pelosis comments Tuesday, making the controversial pay-for front and center as Democrats enter tense negotiations over the size of the bill, and how to pay for it.

Nancy Pelosi confirms that the Biden plan will give the IRS your private banking data if you have *just $600* in your account, U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark, wrote on Twitter. When they say they'll only tax the rich, they're lying.
NEW YORK (TNS)  Victor Orena went from leading the Colombo crime family to thinking hes the president of the United States, his lawyer revealed Wednesday.

The lawyer for the Alzheimers stricken ex-boss of the crime family called for the mafiosos compassionate release from prison, revealing the mobster sometimes believes hes the commander-in-chief or running the military because of the degenerative disease.

Orena, who now uses a wheelchair and turned 87 in August, is a shell of a man, his attorney David Schoen said at a Brooklyn Federal Court hearing.

Mr. Orena is completely unable to self-care. The delusions have been there for quite a while. Mr. Orena does not know who he is or where he is.

When not laying claim to the White House, said Schoen, the octogenarian Orena  known during his reign as acting boss of the Colombos as Little Vic  believes he is the warden of the facility where he remains imprisoned, the Federal Medical Center Devens in Massachusetts.

According to Schoen, Orena contracted COVID-19 in prison and then declared the pandemic was a conspiracy conjured up by President Biden. Orena is now unable to walk on his own or use the bathroom without help, the lawyer said.

While federal prosecutors did not dispute Orenas myriad health issues, they argued that the venerable gangster should remain behind bars because he could still pose the threat of violence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Lash referenced the bloody Colombo family war of the early 1990s, with the Orena faction squaring off with supporters of imprisoned boss Carmine Persico.

He instigated a conflict that injured 28 people and claimed 12 lives, Lash said about the mob war that ended with Orenas Dec. 22, 1992, conviction for racketeering, murder and other charges. He was hit with a staggering three life sentences plus 85 years in federal prison, with family members fighting in recent years for his release as Orenas health continued to fail.

Judge Eric Komitee did not rule from the bench on the appeal for compassionate release for the frail Orena, head of a large family with five sons and 20 grandkids.

Schoen, in addressing the judge, claimed his client was drawn into the mob war that landed him behind bars through the efforts of allegedly corrupt FBI agent Lindley DeVecchio, who was reportedly aligned with the Persico loyalists.

In the history of the FBI and the Justice Department, the misconduct in this case was unprecedented. ... Its as if we dont have a fully developed record of what happened there. The agent who testified as the expert witness in the Orena case was indicted for murders, Schoen said of DeVecchio.

I think the judge is forcing us to put everything on the table. It needs to be exposed said Orenas son Andrew Orena, 59, who was in court Wednesday. Unfortunately, its not the time frame we would want.

 2021 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


Craig Reeves B. G., Opalesque Geneva: SMEs (small- and medium-sized enterprises) are the backbone of the American and European economies. The U.S.' 30 million SMEs have accounted for nearly two-thirds of net new private sector jobs in recent decades. SMEs that export tend to grow even faster, create more jobs, and pay higher wages than similar businesses that do not. Small businesses account for a significant amount of small business borrowing: loans going to them are split between banks and financing companies, roughly 50/50 depending on the year. Total loans guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration in 2019 totalled $28bn. Since the Dodd-Frank Act was introduced in the U.S. in 2010 (to protect the banking system from the systemic threats it faced in 2008), many SMEs have been finding it harder to secure much-needed cash flow finance in order to survive and to grow. This need for cash flow facilities has increased since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis and SMEs have been turning more to non-bank finance providers. "The U.S. bank lending rules (such as Dodd-Frank) since the financial crisis have hurt many small businesses," Craig Reeves, founder of the Prestige Group, a private lender, explains to Opalesque. "Furthermore, Covid 19 has increased demand for funding during the height of the pandemic because many small businesses suffered from reduced cash flow. With the subsequent recovery/stimulus, demand across most commercial and industrial sectors has increased dramatically, the economy has opened up and companies have started to recruit more staff, hold larger inventories, and expand their operations and customer base." Private lending has therefore become even more of a sweet spot to be in and companies that focus on private debt are reaping the benefits. Prestige's Business Finance Opportunities (BFO) I-Class USD, for example, has compounded 4.6% in net returns from January to August. Prestige founder Craig Reeves will present at the Small Managers BIG ALPHA Episode 4 webinar on October 21st. The Fund BFO I-Class focuses on asset-based direct lending to SMEs mainly in the U.S. It invests in short and medium-term commercial loans, industrial loans, and working capital credit facilities. The Caymans-domiciled fund is managed by London-based Prestige Fund Management Ltd, which is part of the Prestige Group. "We do a lot of lending in the construction and electrical services area," Reeves said. "These are areas where we find SMEs having to turn down work from even existing clients because of cash flow issues. Contractors regularly face cash flow issues that are caused by issues out of their control. Many have been increasing competition in the bidding process - e.g. for municipal contracts. They need to meet payroll obligations and pay suppliers. But they also have to manage loan covenants and manage debt hangovers. It can pose a complex challenge before you even introduce the change to the national lending landscape caused by Dodd-Frank. "That said, we also work with many other sectors. For example, we have lent to companies in the mobile games development industry, where firms are operating on work-for-hire contracts that require software development and operational milestones to be met. Master factoring facilities can help games companies to migrate from self-publishing to the more lucrative work hire opportunities in this fast-growing market." The absolute return fund aims to outperform traditional equity and fixed income-based investments in terms of annualised market-based risk. This is achieved by maintaining strong lending criteria, a rigorous screening and evaluation process, often resulting in lower loan default risk. Most lending activities are secured on a range of assets, such as including accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, machinery, vehicles, or real estate. Whenever possible, debentures over bank accounts and personal guarantees are taken from the directors and controllers of the underlying borrower. Over the medium term, the investment strategy has consistently retained near-zero volatility and near-zero correlation to traditional equity markets and has regularly outperformed them on an absolute return basis. The fund is up 4.6% (net) YTD (to end-August), compared to -1.2% for the U.S. S&P Treasury Bond Index - and 0% for U.S. bank rates. Since January 2009, the strategy, which has $67m in AuM, has annualised 8.8% with no negative year, compared to 2.3% for the S&P Treasury Bond Index and 0.57% for bank rates. *** Founded in 2007, the Prestige group manages approximately $1bn in assets and has raised over $2bn of fund investments and $300m of wholesale debt. Its 120 team members are based in the U.K., Malta, Luxembourg, and the Cayman Islands. Prestige specialises in direct lending to small businesses primarily in the U.K. and the U.S. It owns equity stakes in several dedicated, specialist Finance Arrangers, amongst these Capstone Capital Asset Management, Inc., which was founded in 1990, and has lent approximately $6.5bn representing thousands of transactions.

Next webinar: Small Managers - BIG ALPHA Episode 4

When: Thursday, October 21st at 10:30 am ET

Free registration: www.opalesque.com/webinar/ With larger quantities of capital chasing the same Alpha strategies and continuing to erode Alpha, savvy investors are turning to smaller and/or emerging managers as they look for alternative sources of return. We are proud to present you Episode 4 of this groundbreaking webinar series with the following carefully screened panel of investment managers:

- Heeten Dosch, Doshi Capital Management

- Craig Reeves, Prestige Funds

- Randy Baron, Pinnacle Associates

- Andreas Schweitzer, Arjan Capital

Related article:

17.June.2021 Opalesque Exclusive: "The timing is exquisite" for alternative credit fund manager specialising in SME lending and green infrastructure
A tribe in turmoil "A spirit must join the rising sun, the new sweet land, and the Great void alone!. What is Silence? It is the Great Mystery! The Holy Silence is His voice!" - Charles Alexander (Ohiyesa) Eastman But in a small town in rural Georgia; a man of stature was speaking with a very loud voice. A voice that reached far, and wide. He spoke of great things. Those things 
Roamler, through its Retail division, has acquired Mobeye, one of its strongest competitors in crowd-supported field marketing services for businesses, in the French market. Roamler and Mobeye are now joining forces in data-driven in-store auditing and activation, by deploying their advanced mobile technology and large communities of on-demand users, in order to provide FMCG and retailers with even more value and efficiency. Since it launched a decade ago, Roamler has positioned 
Reuters, in an exclusive investigation, found that at least two senior executives of Amazon were aware of its anti-competitive strategy in Bharat.

The US-based e-commerce giant Amazon manipulated its platform and data to copy other sellers products and promote its own products in Bharat.

Reuters reported thousands of pages of internal Amazon documents examined by Reuters  including emails, strategy papers and business plans  show the company ran a systematic campaign of creating knockoffs and manipulating search results to boost its own product lines in India, one of the companys largest growth markets.

Being the platform where different sellers sell their products, Amazon had access to all the data about the sellers and products.



The company used this data to create its own private-brands and then manipulated the Amazon search engine to ensure its private-brands appear at the top if a customer searched for any product on its platform.

The documents reveal how Amazons private-brands team in India secretly exploited internal data from Amazon.in to copy products sold by other companies, and then offered them on its platform. The employees also stoked sales of Amazon private-brand products by rigging Amazons search results so that the companys products would appear, as one 2016 strategy report for India put it, in the first 2 or three  search results when customers were shopping on Amazon.in reported Reuters.

The Reuters report said The document, entitled India Private Brands Program, states: It is difficult to develop this expertise across products and hence, to ensure that we are able to fully match quality with our reference product, we decided to only partner with the manufacturers of our reference product.

In 2020, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos had testified before the US Congress, denying Amazons indulgence in any such malpractices.

Two senior vice-presidents of Amazon, Diego Piacentini, who has since left the company, and Russell Grandinetti, who currently runs Amazons international consumer business, were aware of the strategy and had tacitly approved it.

Last month it was reported that Amazons India legal team had paid bribes to Indian officials.

The US Federal Trade Commission chair Lina Khan had also accused Amazon of indulging in anti-competitive practices.



It is third-party sellers who bear the initial costs and uncertainties when introducing new products; by merely spotting them, Amazon gets to sell products only once their success has been tested...The anticompetitive implications here seem clear, She wrote in a 2017 paper.

In February this year, Reuters had reported Amazon had for years given preferential treatment to a few big sellers on its Indian platform, and used those sellers to circumvent regulations designed to protect the countrys small retailers.
The demand from the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) came after reports of massive anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh emerged. Islamists destroyed many temples and Durga pooja pandals.

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) demanded Thursday (October 14) that the Bangladesh government provide security to the Hindu minorities in the country so that they could celebrate festivals peacefully.

The demand came in the backdrop of massive anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh.

The Islamists in Bangladesh destroyed many Durga pooja pandals and temples and indulged in massive arson. Two Hindus lost their lives and more than 500 are reportedly injured.

The VHP general secretary Milind Parande said, The Bangladesh government should provide security to the Hindu minorities and should immediately control the Islamists. It should also provide monetary compensation to the victims.

He added the Government of India and the international community should pressurize the Bangladesh government to provide security to the Hindu minorities. He assured the Hindu community in Bangladesh that the VHP will stand by them in their hour of need.



As reported by the Organiser today (October 14), in the neighbouring Bangladesh, massive Anti-Hindu violence is continuing for the last three days. The Muslim mob has been targeting the Durga pooja pandals all over the country.

Advocate Gobinda Chandra posted on Twitter Muslims have demolished 9 Durga mandapas and idols in Comilla, Bangladesh. Hundreds of radical Muslims attacked this morning. The attack is still going on.

The disturbing images and videos of the attacks are doing the rounds on different social media platforms.

In Islam, idol worshiping is a crime.

The much-revered festive season of Durga Pooja started a week back with installation of Maa Durga statues at different places.

The devotees throng in large numbers to the Durga pandals for the darshan of Maa Durga and perform Aarati.

The Bangladesh Hindu Unity Council posted on Twitter We cannot publish in a tweet what has happened in the last 24 hours. The Hindus of Bangladesh saw the real faces of some people. We don't know what will happen in the future. But the Hindus of Bangladesh will never forget Durga Puja in 2021.

It added 13 October 2021.

A scandalous day in the history of Bangladesh.Many puja mandapas have been vandalized, Pratima Bisarjan in the Day of Austomi. Hindus are now guarding the puja mandapa.the whole world is silent today. May maa Durga bless all the Hindus of the world.Never Forgive.

Similar attacks had recently happened in Pakistan where many temples were vandalized by the Muslim mob. Few months back, Islamists had destroyed many temples in Bangladesh.
New Delhi: Close on the heels of Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla having paid a visit to Sri Lanka, Indian Army chief Gen M M Naravane is now on a four-day visit to the island nation.

On Wednesday, he met Sri Lankas top civilian and military leadership including Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and discussed steps for further enhancing the excellent defence cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

"COAS (army chef) called on PM Rajapaksa. Significance of strong defence ties was stressed. There were focussed discussions on enhancing existing ties between Armed Forces of India and Sri Lanka," a tweet from Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said.

Gen Naravane, who arrived here on Tuesday (Oct 12), at the invitation of his Sri Lankan counterpart Gen Shavendra Silva, also called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.

Sri Lanka's leading role as a partner in security was appreciated including within the Colombo Security Conclave initiative, the Indian High Commission said.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa expressed his appreciation for the assistance provided by the Indian Armed Forces to Sri Lanka throughout the years, especially in the area of training.

These interactions have been happening when China-Sri Lanka ties have come under stress due tocontroversy over Sri Lanka rejecting 'organic fertilizer' from China. The spokesperson at the Chinese Embassy in Colombo, Luo Chong while talking to a local media sounded defensive. "The strategic partnership between China and Sri Lanka has its historical root and strength. The bilateral friendship and cooperation based on mutual respect is highly strong and resilient, he said.

Gen Naravane also called on Foreign Secretary Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage.

Gen Naravane also visited the Army Headquarters where he carried out Turnout Inspection and received a Guard of Honour. He met with Gen Shavendra Silva and discussed issues related to boosting bilateral defence cooperation between two countries.

The General also laid a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) War Memorial here and paid tributes to the bravehearts of the Indian Army who laid down their lives during the Peace Keeping Operations in Sri Lanka.

Gen Naravane had served in the IPKF in Sri Lanka''s north and east from 1987-1990.

His wife, Veena Naravane, visited Mihindu Seth Medura, a facility for disabled War Heroes of Sri Lankan Armed Forces.

India and Sri Lanka last week began a 12-day mega military exercise.

Recently, Foreign Secretary Shringla also during his visit had met several top leaders of Sri Lanka.
Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) on Wednesday issued an order prohibiting people from immersing idols after Durga Puja at public places in order to curb water pollution.



As per the order, idol immersion at public places can attract a fine of Rs 50,000.

The immersion has been banned at public places including the Yamuna River or any other water body, ponds or ghats.



The Delhi pollution body directed the general public, Residents' Welfare Associations (RWAs), and Pooja Samitis that the idol immersion ritual may be performed within the home premises in a bucket or a container.



It further stated that the worship material like flowers, decorating material (made of paper), etc. should be removed before immersion of idols and may be collected separately for disposal manner or in an environmental safe handing over to the door to door waste collection vehicle.



The Committee also directed municipal authorities and Delhi Police to ensure strict checks on the entry of vehicles or goods carriers entering into the national capital carrying prohibited idols as its cargo.



National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in 2019 had prohibited idol immersion in Ganga and its tributaries and directed violators to pay Rs 50,000 as environmental compensation which would be collected by the concerned District Magistrate and deposited with Delhi Pollution Control Committee.


New Delhi: The Border Security Force (BSF) has often faced occupational limitations in states such as West Bengal as their jurisdiction of operation was merely 15 km from the international border.

Now, things have been changed and a fresh Gazette Notification from the Union Home Ministry says that the jurisdiction of BSF activities from the international border would henceforth be 50 km instead of only 15 km in West Bengal, Assam and Punjab.

The Home Ministry has also reduced BSF's area of operation in Gujarat to 50 km making it uniform. Earlier, in Gujarat, the jurisdiction was 80 km but the BSF officials have reportedly told the centre that it could be reduced as most areas stretch along Rann of Kutch and are not inhabited by people.

In states such as Punjab while there have been reports of increased drug related activities, in BJP-ruled Assam and Trinamool Congress-ruled West Bengal, there have been rise in smuggling of fake currencies, cattle and also illegal migration of people.

Issued under the exercise of powers under the Border Security Force Act, 1968, the notification says: The whole of the area comprised in the States of Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya and Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and so much of the area comprised within a belt of 50 kilometers in the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, West Bengal and Assam, running along the borders of India.

The previous notification too was issued by the Modi government in July 2014.

Sources said such changes are generally made following inputs and on suggestions from the BSF.

The borders along Assam and West Bengal are prone to illegal migration besides other problems. "We have been getting inputs about illegal activity deep in the hinterland but our hands were tied beyond 15 km in some states," a source said.

.So, a suggestion was made to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Assam, Punjab and West Bengal have been troublesome borders because of rampant smuggling of drugs, cattle and arms and ammunition on the other hand, Punjab has high rate of drugs and arms smuggling.

Notably, former Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh also had met Home Minister Amit Shah and NSA Ajit Doval separately. However, sources do not relate the new BSF notification to these meetings.

These are BSF-departmental level decisions. Moreover, Assam and West Bengal also have posed new challenges in the form of cattle and fake currency smuggling, sources said.

It may be also mentioned that the Assam Cattle Preservation Bill, 2021, was piloted by the Assam government that seeks to prohibit inter-state transport of cattle to and from, as well as through Assam without valid documents, "primarily to stop smuggling of cattle outside the country".
Central Government has given go-ahead for inviting the expression of interest for installation of 1000 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) as a pilot project.



This is the joint effort of both Ministry of New and Renewable energy and Ministry of Power who have been working on this to provide a road map for the installation of the energy storage system in the country.

In order to support the ambitious goal of achieving 450 GW renewable energy target of Ministry of New and renewable energy by 2030, it is important that it gets duly supported with installation of energy storage systems (battery energy storage system, hydro pump storage plants etc.)," read a statement from the Ministry of Power.



"Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), a CPSU under Ministry of New and Renewable energy, has called for the expression of interest for procurement of 1000 MWh BESS. This will be published along with the RFS bid document and the draft comprehensive guideline for procurement and utilization of BESS as a part of generation, transmission and distribution assets and with all ancillary services" the Ministry said.



It further said that this will be discussed in the pre-bid conference scheduled to be held on October 28 2021.



Based on the suggestions and the feedback from various stakeholders, the final RFS document will be floated in the first week of November 2021, along with the final comprehensive guidelines for procurement and utilization of BESS as a part of generation, transmission and distribution assets and with all ancillary services.



According to the statement from the Ministry, India plans to use energy storage system under Renewable energy along with the energy storage system. Energy storage system as grid element to maximize the use of transmission system and strengthening grid stability and also to save investment in the augmentation of transmission infrastructure.



Storage as an asset for balancing services and flexible operation. The system operator i.e. load dispatchers (RLDCs and SLDCs) may use storage system for frequency control and balancing services to manage the inherent uncertainty/variations in the load due to un-generation.



Storage for distribution system i.e. it may be placed at the load centre to manage its peak load and other obligations. As a merchant capacity by the energy storage system developer and sell in the power market. (ANI)


The Muslim mob targeted a number of pooja pandals celebrating Durga pooja. The idols were broken and people performing aaratis were beaten up.

In neighbouring Bangladesh, massive Anti-Hindu violence is continuing for the last three days. The Muslim mob has been targeting the Durga pooja pandals all over the country.

Advocate Gobinda Chandra posted on Twitter Muslims have demolished 9 Durga mandapas and idols in Comilla, Bangladesh. Hundreds of radical Muslims attacked this morning. The attack is still going on.

The disturbing images and videos of the attacks are doing the rounds on different social media platforms.

In Islam, idol worshiping is a crime.

The much-revered festive season of Durga Pooja started a week back with installation of Maa Durga statues at different places.

The devotees throng in large numbers to the Durga pandals for the darshan of Maa Durga and perform Aarati.



The Bangladesh Hindu Unity Council posted on Twitter We cannot publish in a tweet what has happened in the last 24 hours. The Hindus of Bangladesh saw the real faces of some people. We don't know what will happen in the future. But the Hindus of Bangladesh will never forget Durga Puja in 2021.

It added 13 October 2021.

A scandalous day in the history of Bangladesh.Many puja mandapas have been vandalized, Pratima Bisarjan in the Day of Austomi. Hindus are now guarding the puja mandapa.the whole world is silent today. May maa Durga bless all the Hindus of the world.Never Forgive.

Similar attacks had recently happened in Pakistan where many temples were vandalized by the Muslim mob. Few months back, Islamists had destroyed many temples in Bangladesh.
In yet another incident that shows the growing consumption of narcotics in the state of Kerala, a large quantity of Cannabis was serized from Calicut. The police have arrested Ahmad Nihal, Shamzad and Aneesha in this case. These drug peddlers were transporting cannabis in a car and were caught near Medical college.

Kerala has witnessed a sudden surge in drug-related cases in recent times.

One Fahad and his companion arrested for processing 2 Kg of cannabis

Fahad and his companion were arrested by the police for keeping 2 kg of cannabis in Kerala. The locals had been complaining about the growing narcotics trade near the Calicut Medical College. They also said that most of the people who came to purchase drugs were of younger age.

There had been a huge controversy in Kerala after a Christian bishop asked his people to be careful about Narcotic Jihad, a systematic plan to ruin the lives of non-Muslims. Now the drug peddlers have also started to take non-Muslims as their drug carriers to evade the Muslim angle to the narcotic trade.
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh R K Mathur on Thursday welcomed President Ram Nath Kovind on his arrival in the Union Territory for celebrating Dussehra with troops in Drass.



"We welcome Ram Nath Kovind, the Hon'ble President of India to the Union Territory of Ladakh," tweeted Mathur.

President Kovind is on a visit to Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir on October 14 and 15 to celebrate Dussehra with troops in Drass.



On October 14, 2021, the President will perform Sindhu Darshan Puja at Sindhu Ghat, Leh. He will also interact with troops at Udhampur in the evening.



The next day, the President will pay tributes at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass and interact with officers and Jawans. Dussehra will be celebrated in the country on October 15. (ANI)


Shri Guruji Golwalker who became the second Sar Sanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in 1940, during his extensive organisational tour from 1940 to 1942, gave a call to the youth activists at every place to come out as pracharaks to spread the work. He said: Today for Bharatmata pooja, we require flowers which are untouched, not smelled, not dried up, and not worn in the head; at the same time filled with fragrance, honey and charm. Shri Guruji adopted an aggressive organisational strategy to reach all walks of national life. On his call, hundreds of youths from various sakhas of RSS came out leaving their home, parents, wealth, jobs, friends, villages, towns etc. They went to places which they have not seen or even heard of, happily with full self-confidence of conquering it. The first batch of pracharaks was ready in 1942 to go to the nook and corner of the country to spread RSS work. The young Thengadiji was one among them who responded to the call given by Shri Guruji and became a pracharak of the great organisation.

Shri Dattatreya Bapurao Thengadi alias Dattopant Thengadi was born in 1920 in Arvi town in Wardha District of Maharashtra. Just as many of the great personalities, he was also very much influenced and oriented by his spiritually inclined mother Smt Janakibai. Even during school days, Thengadiji showed his intellectual and multifaceted brilliance. After completing studies in law in flying colours, Thengadiji became a pracharak of RSS with which he was associated from school days. His father, being a well-known lawyer, wanted his son to join his lucrative profession, but Thengadiji had already made up his mind to dedicate his life for the Nation through RSS work.

On a fine morning in 1942, Shri Guruji Golwalker sent Thengadiji to Kozhikode, Kerala, to start RSS work with an introduction letter to a well-known lawyer there. Kerala was unknown to him, and the only advantage Thengadiji had was that he could speak fluent English. Thengadiji met the lawyer, and after hearing about the assignment, the lawyer affectionately advised him to return at the earliest, since such work is not suited to a place like Kerala. However, the young pracharak did not get disappointed; he stayed back and in a short time built a strong foundation of RSS work in Kerala. From 1944 to 1948 he worked as State pracharak in Bengal including the Assam area.

In 1949, Congress leader and the then home minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Dwaraka Prasad Mishra while supporting the lifting of the ban against RSS, invited Thengadiji as a pracharak to work in INTUC to strengthen it organisationally. Shri Guruji Golwalkar asked Thengadiji to accept it as it is an opportunity to gain first-hand experience to create later a labour organisation based on Bharatiya values and tradition. At that time, the trade union movement was mostly in the hands of communists. In October 1950, he became a member of the national executive committee of INTUC. Interestingly between 1952 and 1955, he worked as the state organising secretary of AIBEA, a communist organisation for bank employees. He worked with unions in sectors like postal, banking, LIC, railway, textile and coal and was an office-bearer of several unions. Thus in Shri Guruji's own words, Thengadiji 'single-handedly' completed the task assigned to him when he started Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh in 1955.

For several years after the formation of BMS, Thengadiji continued as the National Executive Committee member of Bharatiya Jan Sangh. He is remembered by some as the organising secretary of Bharatiya Jan Sangh for Madhya Pradesh during 1952-1953 and south India during 1956-57. He was associated with the formation of many Sangh created organisations like ABVP, Bharatiya Jan Sangh, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Swadeshi Jagaran Manch, Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat, Samskar Bharati, Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad, Samajik Samrasata Manch, Bharatiya Vichar Kendra the forerunner of Prajna Pravah etc. Thengadiji himself founded many. His organisational vision directly benefitted BMS the most. In 1984, at the Hyderabad Conference of BMS, he declared war against multinational companies and foreign agents. Thus he conceived the idea of Swadeshi Jagaran Manch that was formed later in 1991. He declared struggle against govt.'s new economic policies initiated in 1991. Within the BMS, he founded Sarva Panth Samadar Manch for harmonious relations between different religions and Paryavaran Manch for environmental activities.

As Rajyasabha Member

He was elected as Rajyasabha member for two terms during 1964-1976. During this period, he developed intimate relationships with leaders of all parties and various labour organisations. He had many friends in Congress and Communist parties. Regular exchange of ideas took place between Thengadiji and Communist leaders like S A Dange, Hirenda, Chaturanan Mishra, P. Ramamurti, Bhupesh Gupta, Jyotirmoy Basu, Beni and Roza Deshpande and CITU leader Dr M.K. Pandhe. K. Damodaran, one of the early theoretical builders of the communist party in Kerala, was a regular visitor to Thengadiji. K.R. Malkani, the famous journalist and former editor of Organiser weekly in his reminiscence during the 61st birth anniversary of Thengadiji, writes in his usual investigative style: I feel that I am not cheating by disclosing a secret, in the year 1969, when all the left-wing including the opposition unanimously proposed the name of Dattopant Thengadiji for the post of deputy speaker in Rajya Sabha..The proposal was rejected by the then ruling party.

When CITU Gen Secretary P. Ramamurty completed and celebrated seventy-five years of his life, along with other communist party leaders, he invited Thengadiji. After the emergency when communist youths started joining RSS in states like Kerala, there was a fiery reaction from CPIM to prevent it, indulging in the murderous attack on RSS workers. Pained by this Thengadiji and P Ramamurthi jointly tried to bring an amicable solution. However, later Ramamurthi said, he did not have any control over his cadre.

In Delhi, Whenever there was some rally or program, workers from other parts of the country used to come to his MP quarters in 57 South Avenue and sleep inside and on the lawn outside even in his absence. There were occasions, when he returned at 2 am at night, he could not find space, so he opted to sleep in some corner without any objection.

The emergency was imposed on 25th June 1975, and RSS was banned on 4th July. During the dark phase of emergency after the arrest of Nana Ji Deshmukh and later Shri Ravindra Verma who were Secretaries of Lok Sangharsh Samiti, Thengadiji fearlessly took over charge from February 1976 onwards as its Secretary. His responsibility as General Secretary in BMS was handed over to Ram Naresh Singh ji who came out after NSA arrest. For 19 months Thengadiji led the underground movement and toured throughout the country in disguise careful of the RAW and the CBI. He organised people against the tyranny. He frequently met opposition Chief Ministers like Shaikh Abdullah, Karunanidhi, Babu Bhai Patel etc. and leaders of Sarvodya, Akali Dal, Lok Dal, Congress (O), socialist and labour organisations to associate in the strategic planning. His efforts led to a unified fight against emergency while many other political leaders were afraid and gradually withdrew from activities. On 18th January 1977, Indira Gandhi suddenly declared elections for March. By the time, Thengadiji had built up the ground for a political fight, and he played a significant role in the formation of the Janata Party immediately on 23rd January. Thengadiji, along with Shri Ravinder Verma, drafted the constitution of the new party and its organisational setup. He remained one of the few underground leaders who could not be arrested under MISA till emergency was lifted on 23rd March 1977. Many have rightly said, Thengadiji is the real hero of emergency.

The Life of a Rishi

In Valmiki Ramayana (2.19.20), Kaikeyi asks Rama to leave for the forest at the earliest. Rama pleasantly accepts it saying he is not after worldly wealth; he always wanted to live like a Rishi () entirely devoted to Dharma alone ( ). Indias history is the creation of a long chain of such sacrificing Rishi like figures who reigned in different walks of social life. Shri Dattopant Thengadi is the latest shining link in the chain. Hence he is honoured by the term Rashtra Rishi.

Though many positions in power and awards came to him, he rejected all of them with utmost humility. After emergency in 1977, many seniors requested him to become minister or MP in the Janata Party regime. However, he rejected all such requests as he had decided to leave political and parliamentary life forever. From that time, Thengadiji freed himself from all the posts even in BMS and worked for the organisations till the end only as a guide without any portfolio. He continued to inspire thousands of activists. When he was awarded Padma Bhushan in 2003, then also he respectfully refused to accept it.

He regularly toured the country to address RSS swayamsevaks in meetings and training camps. He maintained contacts all over India through person to person, heart to heart and door to door. Senior activists took his guidance on organisational and other matters. He continued to be the most revered ideologue in Sangh and parivar organisations after the demise of both Deendayal Upadhyayji and Shri Guruji.

In the Kanpur conference of BMS in 1970, Thengadiji declared communism would soon disappear from the world. Within 20 years, the world witnessed the fall of communism in all the Communist countries in the world. Similarly in his book Third Way (1995 edition P.114) he wrote: The days of capitalism are numbered; it will not last even up to 2010 A.D. The search is already going on for 'The Third Way.' In the mid-September of 2008, when a global financial crisis started from Wall Street and spread to all streets, many proponents of capitalism termed it as the demise of capitalism. While the famous prophecies of Karl Marx were proved false by the passage of history, Thengadijis true vision transcended time and place. He was a Drashta (visionary seer) in the real sense.

As an ardent RSS swayamsevak, wherever he worked, his life was his message. To cite and example, once, Thengadiji came to Tatanagar to attend a BMS meeting. He stayed in the quarter of a labourer. On the same day, the well-known Communist leader Shri S.A. Dange also came to attend another meeting in the same area and stayed in a luxury hotel. Danges communist followers questioned their leaders on this issue. Thengadiji usually felt no difference in travelling in the second and third class compartments of trains as well as in flights. Such live examples have contributed to the growth of our organisation immensely.

He authored innumerable books of originality and high intellectual content which emanated not only from his ideological conviction but also from his first-hand experience of the relevant issues. His forwards written to many books were also evidences of his intellectual mastery. Three books authored by him during the last phase of his life, namely Third way, Karyakarta and Dr Ambedkar aur Samajik kranti ki yatra are his masterpieces. He profusely quoted the ideas of personalities ranging from A.K. Gopalan of the communist party, Charu Mazumdar of CPIML up to Khalil Gibran. He abundantly quoted from world literature also. He was able to speak fluently in Marathi, Hindi, English, as well as Malayalam and Bangla. His declared position, no compromise on fundamentals might have displeased some.

He had extensively travelled almost all parts of the world except the pacific region. On 28th April 1985, in his visit to China as a part of BMS delegation, the Beijing Radio broadcasted his speech for twenty minutes in Hindi with Chinese translation. A World Trade Union Conference was held in Moscow in November 1990 in which Thengadiji participated. It highlighted the failure of the market economy as well as communism and raised the big question, what the third alternative is. Thengadiji had already turned to consolidate the ideas of a third alternate, which later came out as the famous book the Third Way. In his Washington speech in 1993, Thengadiji said, human being everywhere prefers to be status-quo-ist and self-complacent. However, the international economic order will be provoked by circumstances to turn to Indian ideas. Sarcastically he quoted a famous poets God, who said:

"If not goodness, let calamity

Toss him unto my Bosom."

Dr Ambedkars Association with Thengadiji

During the elections in 1952, Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was so annoyed when Jawaharlal Nehru put up a candidate against him but did not put up a candidate against communist partys A.K. Gopalan so that he will win uncontested. Such was the rivalry of Congress against Dr Ambedkar. Similarly, CPI founding member S.A. Dange also went to the extent of telling the people openly: "spoil your votes but don't vote Dr Ambedkar". Thus when both Indian National Congress and Communist Party of India treacherously tried to defeat him in elections, Dr Ambedkar turned to RSS at the fag end of his life. In 1952 election in Madhya Pradesh, Bharatiya Jan Sangh, Dr Ambedkar's Shwetkari Federation and Samajwadi Dal had formed a joint alliance. In the Bhandara Loksabha constituency by-election held in April 1954, Dr Ambedkar chose RSS pracharak Thengadiji as his election convenor after getting Sri Guruji Golwalkar's approval. But the association with RSS was short-lived for two years till Dr Ambedkars death in 1956. Thengadiji's book on "Dr Ambedkar aur Saamajik kranti ki yatra" (Hindi) describes the close relationship of Dr Ambedkar with RSS. In order to realise Ambedkars dream, Thengadiji founded Samjik Samrasta Manch in 1983. When Arun Shourie wrote a book against Dr Ambedkar, it pained Thengadiji.

End of a Lifelong Tapasya

During the final years of his life in the midst of his increasing illness, he took two years to complete the book on Dr Ambedkar. After finishing the work in July 2004, he was seen relaxed and expressed his immense happiness. The last message of Shri Thengadiji to BMS activists at Surat baitak was: In future, ardent tapasya is required to face the challenges. He was reminding us that at a time when recognition and honours pour upon the organisations, our tapsya should not be at stake.

The parents of Dattopant Thengadiji were the devotees of God Dattatreya having temple at Ganagapur, Gulbarga district of Karnataka and Thengadiji was born out of the prayer of his parents to God Dattatreya. Thus the child was named Dattatreya Thengadi. Thengadiji did not utter words till the age of four. The worried parents visited the temple in Karnataka, tonsured the head of the child as a part of the religious offering. The relatives recall that during the return journey, the boy started talking. 14th November 2014 was the Sharad Navaratra, the day of God Dattatreya. As a divine coincidence, the soul of Thengadiji departed his body on that day at the age of 84 in Pune, while taking a bath. Thus till the end of his life, Thengadiji had the blessings of God Dattatreya. Important personalities from all walks of life paid tributes to this great Rishi. Recalling him as a great labour leader, organiser and great patriot, the Rajya Sabha paid rich tribute to him.

A question naturally arises, will a void be created by the demise of people like him? Shri Thengadiji himself had answered it at the time of the death of Badebhai Ram Naresh Singhji, a stalwart of BMS. Thengadiji said, when Ganga is flowing continuously, we take a bucket full of water. We may think that there will be a vacuum in Ganga. However, the moment bucket is raised, in no time, water from surroundings will fill the gap and Ganga will continue to flow uninterruptedly. Even if you and I are gone, the great divine organisation will go on uninterruptedly, he said. The ideal life that he lived would continue to shed light through the activities of lakhs of dedicated workers inspired by him, who will fill the void left by him.

The entire world now wants to get an insider view of RSS which has built the edifice of a strong nation today and which is deeply rooted in all walks of social life including politics, labour, religion etc. Said achievement of RSS is due to the inspirational lives of personalities like Thengadiji. We can pay off his rishi rina (debt) by propagating his legacy further.


Amid concerns about a power crisis in the country, Union Minister of Coal Pralhad Joshi on Thursday assured that there would be no shortage of coal for electricity production.



"There was shortage of coal due to rain and as coal import was ceased. We are supplying 2 million tonnes of coal since yesterday. We are making efforts to fulfill demand for thermal coal power. I visited South Eastern Coalfields yesterday," Joshi said in Chatra, Jharkhand.

"The coal target which was given to us by Power Ministry was 1.9 million tonnes/day and after 20th it was 2 million tonnes/day. On Wednesday, we supplied 2 million tonnes of coal. I can assure you that there'll be no shortage of coal for electricity production," he said.



Some chief ministers from across the country have flagged the power crisis that might arise in their respective states due to the coal shortage in power generation plants. These states include Delhi, Punjab and Chhattisgarh. (ANI)


New Delhi: The world continues to be 'worried and in deeply concerned' mood with regard to Afghanistan. They have a risk watching the country collapse or else they ought to pump in money. The world is willing to help Afghan people and pump in money to prevent the collapse of Afghanistan, but no country is in hurry to recognise the Taliban.

Things could be seen as a setback to players like Pakistan and China besides the Taliban leadership.

In the meantime, the crises in Afghanistan are only growing. The civil servants have not been paid and food prices have soared. The banks are running out of money and millions are at risk of severe hunger.

The powerful Group of 20 (G-20) major economies is determined to tackle the humanitarian crisis in the Taliban-ruled nation. Importantly, no less than UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, said bolstering the economy can be done without recognizing the Taliban.

Most nations are still not interested in recognising the Taliban, a demand the militants and their sponsors Pakistan must have presumed would come easily.

Even the Taliban realises that on the ground, going is a pretty tough business.

Thus, came an impatient plea: "We urge world countries to end existing sanctions and let banks operate normally so that charity groups, organisations and the government can pay salaries to their staff with their own reserves and international financial assistance.

However, making it clear that things could not be 'united' global efforts yet, two important global players Xi Jinping of China and Russian President Vladimir skipped the G-20 Extra Ordinary Leaders Meet on Oct 12 convened by Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who did not contest for re-election last month, reaffirmed Germanys pledge of 600 m and said Afghanistan should not be allowed to descend into chaos.

The virtual summit was also addressed virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who shared the agony of the people of Afghanistan and also asserted that Afghanistan should not be allowed to turn into a hub for radicals and terrorism.

US President Joe Biden stressed that aid should not be given directly to the ruling Taliban and instead be provided via independent international organisations.

Pledges so far include a promise by European Commission, President Ursula von der Leyen, to give 1bn ($1.15bn; 850m) to Afghanistan and to neighbouring countries taking in refugees.



None of us has anything to gain if the entire monetary system in Afghanistan collapses or the financial system collapses, Ms Merkel later told reporters.

The leaders also discussed ways to prevent Afghanistan becoming a haven for militants such as al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

China wants revocation of all sanctions against Afghanistan. Beijing has reconciled and backed the Talibans return, a stand that is aimed to tap into Afghanistans vast mineral resources. Beijing also wants to expanding its massive Belt and Road infrastructure program.
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 
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FRANKFORT  Fundraising efforts are moving forward in Frankfort to preserve one of the regions most iconic landmarks.

Built in 1912 and expanded upon 20 years later, the aging North Breakwater Light is in need of restoration, according to city superintendent, Joshua Mills.

The city of Frankfort took on this daunting task of raising the monies to preserve the lighthouse, Mills said. The lighthouse stands as a testament to the maritime heritage that we have in our community.

The City of Frankfort obtained the lighthouse in 2011 under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act program.

Every lighthouse in America is going through this to some degree where the federal government does not want to maintain these old structures anymore, Mills said. And of course, they claim that with advances in technology they can do navigational structures that are more cost effective.

Mills said that after 2010 the State of Michigan, Benzie County and City of Frankfort were given the opportunity to acquire the lighthouse. If none of the state, county and local governments opted not to take on this new responsibility, Mills said the lighthouse would have been sold on the private market.

So when that came about, the city council made the determination that they would become the owner of the lighthouse and work towards generating the necessary funds to preserve it, Mills said.

Now, around $1 million may be needed to fully repair and restore both the interior and exterior of the lighthouse, Mills said.

Trying to generate that kind of money for a small community is is daunting, Mills said But it's our goal here in the next couple of years we will raise the money that is necessary to do a full blown renovation.

The repairs themselves may not seem that out of the ordinary, but Mills said the unique challenges of building around a breakwater and meeting historic building standards, makes for a much more difficult, and costly, construction.

We'd have to put scaffolding up all the way around it to put drapery, so when we sandblast it, we're not having any particles go into the water. So everything's got to be calculated and captured on the break wall itself, Mills said. All the equipment that would have to do that work would have to be on barges that would be tied up along the end of the break wall.  When you're dealing with barges and tugboats and the people that have to operate that and you know, their pay scale is just a little bit higher than most normal laborers.

Despite these challenges, Mills believes that preserving the lighthouse is important for the Frankfort community.

When you think of Frankfort, you think of the Frankfort lighthouse. It's an asset to our community and it's a historic structure that's really a part of who we are as a community, Mills said.

Those interested can contribute to a special fund set up by the city, online here. In person and mail-in contributions can be made at Frankfort City Hall, located at 412 Main Street. All donations are tax deductible.

Related: Nonprofits give back to community through Frankfort Ironman 70.3 competition

Lighthouse paintings acknowledge state's greatest resource

Coast Guard seeking public comment on removal of lenses at lighthouses
MECOSTA COUNTY  The Mecosta County Sheriffs Office responded to the following calls.

All calls may not be reported.

Tuesday, Oct. 12

 An assault and battery was reported in the 8000 block of 11 Mile Road in Morton Township. A caller reported that someone assaulted him the night prior and in the morning. Witnesses at the house said the man was never at the house, and no assault occurred.

 A private property damage crash was reported in the 21000 block of 15 Mile Road in Big Rapids Township.

 Threats were reported in the 21000 block of 30th Avenue in Fork Township. A woman reported being threatened by her son-in-law. She was advised to file for PPO.

 A property damage crash was reported near 16 Mile Road and 120th Avenue.

 A car vs. deer crash was reported near 30th Avenue and 18 Mile Road in Fork Township.

 A harassment complaint was made in the 8000 block of 80th Avenue in Morton Township. A woman had her ex-boyfriend trespassed for harassment.

 A criminal sexual conduct complaint was reported in the 16000 block of 9 Mile Road in Austin Township. A woman reported she woke up to her stepbrother sexually assaulting her. He claimed it was consensual. The incident remains under investigation.

Wednesday, Oct. 13

 A manager of one business in Green Township called the sheriffs office in regards to employees from an adjoining business parking on the their property.

 A larceny was reported in the 9000 block of Buchanan Road in Morton Township. A woman left her wallet at a fruit stand. A video showed a man taking the wallet.

 A man was arrested in the 10000 block of 90th Avenue in Morton Township for accosting a minor for sex and violating his probation.

 A man was arrested in the 12000 block of 183rd Avenue for a probation violation.

 An attempted breaking and entering was reported in the 14000 block of 220th Avenue.

 A car vs. deer crash was reported near 30th Avenue and Merrill Lake Drive.

 A man reported another man came over to fight him over a woman. The other man was trespassed from the property on Hahn Park Drive.

 A car vs. deer crash was reported near Northland Drive and 12 Mile Road.

 A domestic assault was reported in the 200 block of Water Street. A man assaulted a woman.
Looking for something to do? Here is a list of local events. The next collection of things to do in Manistee County and beyond is set to run on Oct. 21.

To submit an event, email the time, date and location information to advocate@pioneergroup.com.

SEASONAL EVENTS

 Frankfort Farmers Market, May through October, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Open Space Park on Main Street, Frankfort

 Iron Fish Distillery Spring Roll Sundays, noon to 5 p.m., 14234 Dzuibanek Road, Thompsonville

 Downtown Ludington Final Friday Experience, last Friday of the month

 Manistee Historical Museum, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 425 River St., Manistee

 Bear Lake Area Historical Museum, 1-4 p.m. Saturdays through October, corner of Main and Virginia streets, Bear Lake

 Benzie Area Historical Museum, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 6941 Traverse Ave., Benzonia

 Marilla Museum & Pioneer Place, 1-5 p.m. Saturdays through October, 9991 Marilla Road, Copemish

 Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 217 South Lakeshore Drive, Ludington

 Historic White Pine Village, 12:30-5 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 1687 South Lakeshore Drive, Ludington

 The Kaleva Bottle House is open through October from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. In December it will be open with holiday decorations and refreshments from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

 Open Manistee Senior Softball team events through fall. Weather permitting. Pick-up games Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. Info: Bill Mason 248-672-8929

OCTOBER

Oct. 14

 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Pottery workshop for adults, Ludington Area Center for the Arts pottery studio. Register: ludingtonartscenter.square.site/workshops or 231-845-2787

 3:30-5 p.m., Afterschool Kids Multi-Media Art Workshop is for children ages 5 to 15, Ludington Area Center for the Arts pottery studio. Register: ludingtonartscenter.square.site/workshops or 231-845-2787

 7 p.m., Meet local author Chuck Kraus as he discusses his new book Thompsonville in Time at the Weldon Township Hall, located at 14731 Thompson Ave. in Thompsonville. Info: 231-378-2716

Oct. 15

 11 a.m., Story time with Miss Desiree at Academy Park next to Benzonia Public Library, weather permitting, 891 Michigan Ave. in Benzonia. Info: benzonialibrary.org or 231-882-4111

Oct. 16

 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Scottville Beekeepers present A Sweet Taste of Mason County, Ludington Senior Citizens Center, at 308 S. Rowe in Ludington. Info: ifneedbee10@gmail.com or scottvillebeekeepers.org

 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., National Model Railroad Association North Central Region Division 2 Monthly Zoom meeting. For login and password contact superintendent.nmra.ncr.div2@gmail.com

Oct. 17-24

 Crystal Spa days at Crystal Mountain. Visit crystalmountain.com for more information.

Oct. 18

 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Computer help with Dustin at Benzonia Public Library, 891 Michigan Ave. Benzonia. Info: benzonialibrary.org or 231-882-4111

Oct. 21

 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Pottery workshop for adults, Ludington Area Center for the Arts pottery studio. Register: ludingtonartscenter.square.site/workshops or 231-845-2787

 3:30-5 p.m., Afterschool Kids Multi-Media Art Workshop is for children ages 5 to 15, Ludington Area Center for the Arts pottery studio. Register: ludingtonartscenter.square.site/workshops or 231-845-2787

 5-7 p.m., Benzie Area Chamber of Commerce Off the clock networking event at Five Shores Brewing, at 163 S. Benzie Blvd. In Beulah. Info: 231-882-5801 or business.benzie.org/events

Oct. 22

 11 a.m., Story time with Miss Desiree at Academy Park next to Benzonia Public Library, weather permitting, 891 Michigan Ave. in Benzonia. Info: benzonialibrary.org or 231-882-4111
Northwood University has received a nearly $1.5 million gift from the Thomas F. and Harriet S. Oakley Family Trust. The donation will benefit Northwood's growth plans outlined in the university's 2021-26 strategic plan.

Justin Marshall, vice president of advancement and business development at Northwood, worked with Larry Uyeda, the Oakley Family Trust trustee, to coordinate the gift.

"Tom Oakley was a 'bootstraps' type of guy who worked hard for everything he had and was always willing to share with others," Marshall stated in a press release. "His grit aligned well with Northwood University's founders, who used every day to make the dream of a new college a reality. Tom's military service to his country also gave him a deep appreciation for the freedom the United States of America safeguards and Northwood's stalwart defense of greater liberty for all."

According to the press release, Harriet was Tom's perfect complement and she believed in a well-rounded education that included creative arts, and she would certainly appreciate a portion of the gift being used to improve the aesthetics of the campus.

"Harriet Oakley appreciated the commitment to the business and the arts, as she had a passion for the more imaginative elements of life," Marshall stated "She knew that the freedom Tom loved also inspired the creative vision of artists, musicians, and performers of all types. She had faith in Northwood University's educational mission to raise young men and women who aspire to have successful careers in business and to be patrons of their communities and the arts."

The nearly $1.5 million gift is the first gift from the trust. Northwood University said it will work closely with Harriet's brother, Larry Uyeda, to honor the Oakley family appropriately.

Oakley's desire was for Northwood University to use the gift for the campus's greatest needs and purposes. University leadership will use the funds to support elements of Northwood University's 2021-26 Strategic Plan. The philanthropic partnership will help:

Support the University's commitment to free enterprise by enhancing digital resources and online learning tools dedicated to The Northwood Idea.

Physically enhance the university's Freedom Trail and ongoing Mall Walk Improvement Project funded with more than $3 million in support from more than 250 donors.

Increase support of the university's Omniquest Program, which annually introduces students and the community to an influential and inspirational book.

Benefit future generations of Northwood University students through a permanent gift to the Universitys endowment.

Donors interested in making their gift to Northwood University may visit www.northwood.edu/give or contact Northwood's advancement office at 800-622-9000.
Dice Road crosses a rural section of Michigan between Saginaw and Midland, and with three reportedly haunted sites, it could be the most cursed road in the state.

It is one of the most well-documented paranormal cases in the nations history. So, its no wonder that Midland residents are taking such an interest in the paranormal happenings on the road and in the original home.

The mystery spans over four decades. And, it began with a man named Harold Pomeraning in 1974.

Pomeraning owned the home on Dice Road in Merrill when the hauntings began. After being terrorized by loud pounding noises inside and outside the home and unexplained fires, he contacted the Saginaw County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies couldnt figure out what was going on. They checked for footprints, searching for any evidence of people prowling around, and they looked for damage on the exterior of the house. They never could find any physical evidence to explain away the strange occurrences, according to retired Captain of the Saginaw County Sheriffs Department, Fred Clark.

I would say to a doubter, not to doubt. There are a lot of things that happen in this world that are unexplainable. And, I would also say that many of these things, were not to know, Clark said.

Retired Sergeant of the Saginaw Sheriffs Department, Charles Frisby, recounts his time at the home.

"This Dice Road corridor is kind of strange," Frisby said. "We have the cemetery on one end and the Pomeraning home up the road. I heard the noise, I saw stuff out there. I dont know how to explain it, But, Ill tell you one thing. I saw it.

With a scary story to be told, filmmaker Steven Prozak Shippy jumped on the opportunity to make a movie about Dice Road as the seventh installment in his Haunted Saginaw series.

"To me, when you spend all of those resources and can't prove anything either way, you did prove that it was paranormal activity," Shippy told Mlive. "There is no paranormal case in the world with even a tenth of this police activity."

When Shippy heard about the story, he began doing some research and then he stumbled upon a binder full of police reports about the home. He talked to former officers who worked on the investigation, neighbors and anyone he could find who might know something about the home. He's also visited the home.

The things seen on a nightly basis are hard to believe. But people of all ages and backgrounds recall stories detailing the times they visited Dice Road.

In a Facebook post in a Midland County community group, Jessica Gambino asked members to detail their experiences. She was inspired to do so after watching Shippys documentary.

The post took off. With more than 450 comments, it appears that many have reported encountering something paranormal out on Dice Road.

One commenter said, I had a friend who lived on Dice Road in the '70s and saw all the action with police and the investigation with the haunted house! It was real!

Another Midland County resident, Shannon Schulz, said, I went with my now husband (fiance at the time) on Halloween with some friends at midnight. We got there at 11:50 p.m. Nothing. Then, right at midnight, all these orbs or ghosts appeared. Each one was above a grave in the cemetery. Just bouncing up and down. We just about pooped our pants and left. When we were driving there it was clear, but leaving it was foggy and creepy. It was something like a movie.

Many residents agree that they, Wouldnt go there at night for any reason.

Someone else even said that they went into the woods and got a lady on camera.

This apparition of a woman has been seen several times coming out of the Dice Road Cemetery at odd hours of the night and she could be the source of the strange occurrences. Filmmaker Shippy posits that the Pomeraning home may have been cursed after Harold Pomeraning had a dispute with a neighbor believed to be a witch.

Other Midland residents are not so quick to believe the mystery.

I live 1.5 miles from there. One of my patients that just passed is buried there along with his wife and family. I spoke to his kids and brother. None of them have experienced anything. I drive by there all the time, even during the night, and nothing has ever happened. I'm not afraid of any of that stuff, Nicole Zins said.

So, who occupies the home today?

The owners now, Dave and Louann Larsen, have been there for more than 40 years.

Never believing their home to be haunted, the Larsens described some strange happenings, like an antique radio making noise when it wasnt plugged in, and objects being mysteriously moved.

Louann has a high school friend that was divorced and dating a part time policeman with the Saginaw County Sheriff('s Office), Dave said. And, he and I went fishing one day. On the way home I said, Hey, maybe next weekend we could have you guys over to our house for a barbecue. And he said, No. And I said, What do you mean no? And he said, Im not going to your house. Thats all Im saying. I will not go to your house. Come to find out, he had been here, through the sheriff department. That threw up a red flag showing that something had gone on here.

In addition, Larsen's two daughters have an eerie story. Growing up they only knew a little about the home, but as they got older, they learned much more.

My parents went out to dinner and we were here alone, sitting in the main living room. Julie Larsen said. We saw a flash outside and my dog started barking and got up on the bay window. And, then we looked and some guy put his face up to the window.

It was like a white face. It was literally like a glow, Bridgette La Joice, Larsen's other daughter, said. You couldnt see much of anything except a round, white head peeking in the window.

We ran into the other room and Bridgette called our neighbor, Julie said. It was snowing and there were no footprints or anything. There was nothing.

Bridgette La Joice wants answers.

I would like some clarity to it, she said. Its always in the back of my mind now. And, my kids are here quite often and now theyre questioning things.

Interested in learning more? You can watch Steven Shippys documentary, A Haunting on Dice Road: The Hell House, on Amazon Prime.
I have a confession to make: I have lived in Michigan for about 25 years and, until last weekend, I had never made the trek across the Mackinac Bridge to the Upper Peninsula.

I had heard friends and co-workers sing praises about the people, weather and natural landmarks up north so much, that I decided it was finally time to see what all the fuss was about. Let me tell you, my eyes were opened.

A friend and I carved a four-day weekend out of our schedules and made our way up to Empire, Glen Arbor, Cheboygan and Mackinaw City in the Lower Peninsula before heading up to Sault Ste. Marie in the U.P.

Every day was an adventure as we explored villages and towns; stood on 450-foot dunes; dipped our feet into Lakes Michigan, Huron and Superior (with water temperatures ranging between 42-46 degrees Fahrenheit); marveled at the bright autumn colors and sampled culinary delights.

Before I continue, I must applaud the efforts of local restaurants to operate in an ongoing pandemic. The restaurants we visited during our trip had moderate to heavy customer volumes while staff dealt with shortages of employees and even food. A couple eateries closed in the middle of the day and/or early in the evening to conserve resources.

Still, the waitstaff and cooks worked hard to provide the best food possible; looking back, we had a hard time ranking our dining experiences because each one of them went above and beyond our expectations.

On the second to last day of the trip, we stopped for a meal at the Lockview Restaurant in Sault Ste. Marie. The eatery is well-named, as it is located directly across the street from the Soo Locks themselves.

The manager of the motel we were staying at recommended the Lockview Restaurant on the basis of its fish dishes. But apart from a whitefish appetizer, we decided to go a slightly different route.

My friend ordered a Caesar salad, poutine, and White Cap Spread, which combined smoked whitefish, cream cheese, lemon juice and horseradish, served with crackers. I chose the U.P. pasty, since no U.P. experience would be complete without this traditional dish.

My friends food came out first and she generously invited me to eat as much as I liked. The White Cap Spread was very creamy and light and didnt have much of a fishy flavor, which I was thankful for. I had a few crackers worth of the spread before leaving the rest for my friend.

I had heard of poutine and had seen it offered at a couple locations in Midland, but had never tried it. For those unfamiliar with poutine, it is a dish of French-Canadian origin that consists of French fries topped with cheese curds topped with gravy. One could say its a cousin of chili cheese fries.

Lockview Restaurants rendition, which came out steaming from the kitchen, had a stack of French fries covered with strands of shredded white cheddar so long that they resembled noodles, then topped with a warm, thick, dark brown gravy. I had to exhort quite a bit of self-control to avoid taking the lions share of that dish.

The fries perfectly balanced a crisp outside and fluffy inside, the cheese was creamy and the gravy provided the right amount of salt and spice to bring it all together. All in all, it was the perfect comfort food.

The pasty came out in short order and my mouth immediately started to water. A golden log of pie pastry took up nearly half of the plate, while a cup of gravy and a small dish of cole slaw occupied the other half.

I cut into the pasty and was greeted with a medley of ground beef and pork, potatoes, rutabaga and carrots. The crust was fluffy, warm and soft while the pastys contents melded together and were so moist and well-seasoned that the gravy wasnt really necessary. However, that didnt stop me from putting a dollop of gravy onto every forkful.

When my friend tried a few bites of the pasty, she declined the offer of gravy and instead put ketchup on her portion  sacrilege in my opinion, but I wont hold it against her. In the end, she helped me finish off the pasty, as it was just a little too much for one person to eat and I was unwilling to let a single bite go to waste.

Midland has a lot to offer in terms of unique foods and I look forward to continuing to explore what local restaurants have to offer, but sometimes its good to get a slightly different perspective. I look forward to the possibility of returning to the U.P. and exploring a little more, because it is a great place to get away from it all and get a nice bite to eat. Cheers!

Editor's note: Out to Lunch with Tori will appear each Thursday in the Midland Daily News. Victoria (Tori) Ritter can be reached at vritter@mdn.net
This image depicts a rough estimate of where Rincon Wall is located, with the red pin being on Shirttail Peak, above the main climbing area. This image is not meant to show the exact spot the fall occurred, rather the type of terrain present in the area. Image Credit: @2021 Google Maps.
Director of Content and Operations

Spencer McKee is OutThere Colorado's Director of Content and Operations. In his spare time, Spencer loves to hike, rock climb, and trail run. He's on a mission to summit all 58 of Colorado's fourteeners and has already climbed more than half.
This image shows the proximity of Challenger Point and Kit Carson Peak. Most climbers will summit Challenger Point first, moving down across a saddle and back up to the Kit Carson summit before returning back over Challenger Point. The route the missing climber was using has not been released. Map Credit: @2021 Google Maps.
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.
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Libya will next month host an international conference on the effects of drugs and psychotropic substances on the family and human societies, a statement from the Libyan Ministry of the Interior said on Thursday
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The signing by the 5+5 Joint Military Commission of an Action Plan for the "gradual and simultaneous" withdrawal of mercenary fighters and foreign forces from Libya has brought new hope to the political scene
Accra, Ghana (PANA)  The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has provided the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) with tablets to digitise the monitoring of the school feeding programme
Photo: (Photo : ALAIN JOCARD/AFP via Getty Images)

California Governor Gavin Newsom had signed a new law mandating big retail stores with over 500 workers to establish a gender-neutral toy section. Shops that fail to comply with the law will be slapped with a fine.

Assembly Bill 1084 mandates large-scale retailers to offer and market toys and other children's products like clothes and shoes without labels for boys or girls by January 1, 2024. Companies who fail to establish this section may be fined $250 for the first violation and $500 for the next oversights.

Representatives Cristina Garcia and Evan Low wrote the legislation based on Low's encounter with a staff member's 10-year-old daughter, who asked her mother why she couldn't have some toys because of her gender. From that question, Low drew inspiration to write a law that would end "stigmatizing" what children can enjoy. The lawmakers also believed that gender-neutral toys should be normalized. The adults must let kids play whatever they like.

"Part of it is to make sure if you're a young girl that you can find a police car, fire truck, a periodic table or a dinosaur," Low said in an interview with Los Angeles Times. "Similarly, if you're a boy, if you're more artistic and want to play with glitter, why not?"

Read Also: Father Petitions to Make Period Pain a Valid Reason for Daughters Missing School

It's Common Sense

Low, the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus chairman, said that sometimes, the children's way of thinking provides more common sense than the adults. He also strongly felt that California should lead in showing values like inclusion and diversity.

The law came more than five years after Target, one of the largest department stores in the U.S., announced that it will be phasing out its gender-based labels and signs at all of its outlets. The decision was based on various customer feedback against classifying children's items by girl or boy.

Hasbro, a famous toymaker, also decided to redesign Mr. Potato Head as a gender-neutral toy and has re-established the well-loved toy as simply Potato Head. LEGO also announced that it would shift to market its toys without gender bias and stereotypes during the observance of International Day of the Girl on October 11.

The LEGO Study

A study on LEGO toys involving 7,000 parents with children ages six to 14 years old revealed that more girls feel restrained with creative play using the brick games as the brand has been generally considered a toy for boys. More than 59 percent of parents said they encouraged their sons to play with LEGO, while only 48 percent said they wanted their daughters to explore the popular Danish children's toy.

Over 71 percent of parents also confessed that they have concerns that their sons might be ridiculed if they play with girls' toys, while only 42 percent of girls' parents have similar concerns.

LEGO said in a statement that it wanted to actively remove these gender biases by working with UNICEF and the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media.

Related Article: Same-Sex Parents Sue Nebraska for Rejecting to List Both Moms in Birth Certificates
Photo: (Photo : Gilberto Mello/Pixabay)

A Florida mom was jailed and charged with child abandonment for leaving her two-year-old girl in the hospital with two strangers. However, Carolina Vizcarra, 33, didn't know that the people she handed her daughter to were off-duty cops working for the Miami Police Department.

According to Kaina Fallat, the department spokesperson, the mother told the cops that she didn't mean to leave her child at the Mercy Hospital. However, she was worried for her toddler since Vizcarra would sleep on the streets, and she wanted to keep her baby off it.

While the toddler was handed over to the Florida Department of Children and Families, Vizcarra was jailed and maintained her right to remain silent after she was read her Miranda rights.

Read Also: Birth Mother Meets Daughter She Gave up for Adoption 19 Years Ago After Sister Spots Her in the Mall

'Be On the Lookout' Notice Issued

According to the police report, the Florida mom handed her daughter to the police officers and said she was going to the hospital's restroom. However, she also left her toddler's Social Security card with the men, who quickly realized that the mom might be up to something else.

One of the officers followed her, but Vizcarra asked to be left alone. After the mother disappeared in the crowd, the police immediately called for help and issued a "Be On the Lookout" (BOLO) notice on social media.

A few days later, Vizcarra called the police department and said she was looking for her baby girl. Asked to describe her child, the cop at the other end of the line confirmed that she was the mother in the BOLO. The police came back for Vizcarra at the Mercy Hospital, where she proclaimed that she didn't want her baby to sleep in the streets.

Before she was booked for child abandonment, a family member, who saw the BOLO, apparently also came forward. The police are still working to verify and establish the relative's relationship with the mother and the child and if they could potentially take custody.

Meanwhile, the police are also looking at the surveillance videos at the hospital to determine Vizcarra's mental state.

"We want to know what she was thinking when she was handing off her child to this unknown man," Fallat said.

Florida has a Safe Haven Law that protects parents from persecution if they leave their baby at hospitals, emergency medical centers, or fire stations. However, in most cases, this is only applicable to newborns not older than a week; thus, Vizcarra will have to answer for her charges in court.

Child Abandonment and Safe Haven Laws

Safe Haven Laws vary per state, but it has been established for at least 20 years in the U.S. Monica Kelsey, an advocate for abandoned children, said that mothers who leave their children behind are more than likely to be in crisis mode. She doesn't believe that a mother could carry a baby for nine months just to abandon her unless she was in a bad situation without any way out.

However, beyond the Safe Haven Law, child abandonment is illegal in America, and the punishment will also depend on state laws. In Florida, this offense is considered a third-degree felony if no bodily harm or disability is involved. It could see the parent in prison for five years and another five years on probation. The erring parent could also be fined $5,000 minimum. A conviction may also impact the parent's right and custody of the child.

Related Article: Young Parents Charged for Concealing Death of Baby Born Inside a College Dorm
LG InnoTek will reportedly be supplying its 3D time of flight (ToF) module to Apple and Microsoft for their respective virtual reality (VR) headsets that are planned to launch next year.

The South Korean component maker already supplies its ToF modules for iPhones and iPad. ToF modules shoot lasers to an object and calculate the distance between them by measuring how long it takes for the laser to bounce back. The modules are needed for VR and augmented reality (AR) features.

(Click on image to Enlarge)

LG InnoTek had supplied its ToF modules for the iPad Pro that launched last year as well as the Pro and Pro Max models of the iPhone 12 series. It is also supplying the modules for the iPhone 13 series __ the lidar feature supports AR feature in a 5G environment.

The South Korean component maker was already supplying the modules for Facebooks VR headset Oculus.

The Elec speculates that "It is highly likely that LG InnoTek will also be supplying its modules for Apples AR glass that is expected to launch in 2023.

Lastly, the report notes that Apple had signed an exclusive deal with Sony to procure image sensors that could be used for direct ToF.
Before Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube made their entry in the media market, the PatnaDaily had already registered its presence in cyberspace. It has been a unique platform where readers -- especially of Bihar background -- from all over the world searched for an update and an objective perspective on what was transpiring in Bihar.

This October, I completed seven years of my association with the PatnaDaily as a contributor. For a long time before that, I had always regarded this journal as a mirror reflecting the image of Bihar in all its dimensions. I was impressed to notice consumers of news surfing the PatnaDaily to get information and views on Bihar, just as they would go to a local or provincial newspaper if they had to know about respective districts or provinces.

Thus, as the Amrit Bazar Patrika and the Philadelphia Enquirer were to West Bengal or Philadelphia, for example, so would the PatnaDaily be to Bihar -- its readers and contributors were from Saudi Arabia to Scotland.

Lately, this journal appears to be going through challenges, some of them are beyond the control of its management team. Waves of the Covid pandemic (2020-21) are definitely one among them.

However, as the journal has expressed its frustration in the past, its a bit tired of the hackneyed nature of news coming from different parts of Bihar, the sluggish socio-economic and political life of the province. Its jarring to notice every news and view centered around crime, caste and religion. The journal wanted to take us beyond and above the petty or unending analysis of the politics of caste and religion and open up a new vista of glorious future for Bihar and India.

In my humble opinion, we cant afford to cease talking about the issues that affect us the most. The socio-political system all around the world -- not only in Bihar or India -- is defined more and more by the identity of the people; selfishness, sectarianism or religious fervor seem to be the major driving force behind world affairs. In the current scenario, therefore, however reprihensible it might appear, there has to be more focused and detailed study of these subjects.

However, in pursuing this method of inquiry and seeking solutions, adequate care must be taken that all sides of the argument are allowed to be presented as long as they are brief, civil and informative.

Therefore, in the reinvigorated format of the PatnaDaily that would include lots of audio-visual too, there must be more -- rather than less -- reports and analysis on caste and religion, their influence on politics and other social behavior including crime.

On the front top right of the news portal, I suggest, there should be two columns of news-in-brief: one on Bihar and the other on India with the web-links. Readers would explore more if they wanted.

As a global citizen, we have to know as much about the prison riots in Ecuador as the killings of in-laws in a Bihar village land dispute. We have to pay attention to why the political parties in India are pressing for caste-based census as seriously as we have to gather what the Taliban were doing in Afghanistan. Some sort of dynamic based on identity is hidden in politics everywhere -- from the presidential election in the US to the Gram Panchayat election in Bihar.

The news of achievements and distinctions earned by the citizens of Bihar must also be there. This should be followed by opinions and articles by the writers. Write ups on Bihar art, literature, environment and cuisine should accompany other features.

Most importantly, in order to sustain the newspaper, mobilization of extra resources including fundraising must not be ruled out. Im not suggesting the PD should go after the government advertisements, but it should also not hesitate in building up a strong financial foundation that would back up its needs. Asking for endowments, crowdfunding and sponsorship (without strings attached) are the most acceptable ways today. We should start canvassing with our friends right away.

Furthermore, except for field reporting, since most of the journalistic work these days can be done remotely, I would encourage PD to solicit voluntary journalists/writers (interested in Bihar) from all over the world. This will be a good place to do a short-term internship for young students of journalism.

In the end, I would strongly urge all the members of the Bihar civil society, past and present teachers, professors, civil servants, professionals, activists or opinion leaders to spare some time, money and effort to make the PatnaDaily a signature publication from Bihar.

Dr. Binoy Shanker Prasad hails from Darbhanga and currently resides with his family in Dundas, Ontario (Canada). A former UGC teacher fellow (at JNU) in India and Fulbright scholar in the USA, he has taught politics and authored conference papers, articles and chapters on Bihar in previously published books in the United States, India, and Canada.

Dr. Prasad administers a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OverseasBihari and has sponsored Aware Citizenship Campaign at a micro-level in his home-town.
Calvin C. Anderson of Ardmore, Oklahoma, formerly of Elmore City, Oklahoma, was born to Elmer and Minnie (Stevens) Anderson on October 16, 1927 in Paoli, Oklahoma and passed from this life on November 14, 2021, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the age of 94 years.
At a Glance Experts Rating Pros Reasonably priced

Fast servers in many locations around the world

Good for power users and novices Cons Not a lot of extra or specialized features

Tiered pricing has odd choices for premium features Our Verdict WiTopia has some good speeds, an easy way to choose your preferred VPN protocol, and an even easier way for novices who just want to secure their Wi-Fi to connect. Its also reasonably priced at $50 to $70 for a year, though the current iteration of the Windows desktop program needs a little work.

Best Prices Today

Retailer Price Delivery WiTopia $50 View

Witopia PersonalVPN in brief:

P2P allowed: Yes

Yes Business location: Reston, VA

Reston, VA Number of servers: 300+

300+ Number of country locations: 43

43 Cost (annual): $50 (Basic), $70 (Pro), $100 (Premier)

$50 (Basic), $70 (Pro), $100 (Premier) VPN protocol: OpenVPN (Pro and Premier)

OpenVPN (Pro and Premier) Data encryption: AES-256

AES-256 Data authentication: per-user 4096-bit certificate

per-user 4096-bit certificate Handshake: TLSv1.2

The last time I looked at PersonalVPN from Witopia I was impressed with parts of the service, but found its app to be lacking. It was just so ancient looking at the time and in bad need of overhaul. Since then Witopia has made up for that shortcoming with a new app that is modern and easier to use.

Note: This review is part of our best VPNs roundup. Go there for details about competing products and how we tested them.

Features and services

The new app is typical of the current crop of VPNs. Its a single-panel, mobile-style app with a large Connect button as the focus. Below that is the current country connection and the IP address of the VPN server to be used. There are also two buttons: Smart Location and Choose Location. The former automatically chooses the best VPN connection based on speed, while the latter lets you choose a specific country.

In the upper-left corner a menu hamburger button takes you to the country location section, as well as preferences, and a diagnostics tool for support help.

Witopias PersonalVPN for Windows 10.

The country location screen has three tabs: All, By Region, Custom. The latter is for custom gateways that you create with the help of Witopia staff. In addition to selecting by country there are two streaming servers for U.S.-based streaming services such as Netflix and Disney Plus.

Dipping into preferences, you have the standard items such as the options for auto-connecting the VPN when your PC starts up and automatically reconnecting if theres an accidental disconnect from the VPN. Theres also a kill switch, and IPv6 leak detection. Speaking of DNS, theres also a section where you can choose to use Witopias DNS (the default), as well as set your own DNS servers, or use your PCs default DNS server settings (most likely your ISPs).

For those whod like to choose their own protocol, PersonalVPN has a number of options. For higher-paid plans (Pro and Premier) you can use OpenVPN and choose the level of encryption (AES-128 or AES-256). IKEv2 using 256-bit AES is also available (the default for Basic plans), as well as a stealth mode for obfuscating VPN traffic (another Pro and Premier feature). Finally, there are lesser-used options including IKEv1, L2TP over IPSec, and PPTP. Unless you have reason to use them, most users should stick with OpenVPN and IKEv2.

PersonalVPN includes three tiers: Basic, Pro, and Premier, priced at $50, $70, and $100, respectively, for a single year. There are also cheaper options if you sign up for two or three years. The Pro and Premier tiers include the previously mentioned protocol options, added security such as a unique per-user 4096-bit certificate, and customizable encryption options. Premier adds to this with features for using the VPN via your router or setting it up with devices such as smart TVs and consoles.

All VPN plans allow for five simultaneous connections, and there are no limits on bandwidth or speeds.

Witopias PersonalVPN accepts payment via PayPal and credit cards.

In addition to the basic VPN plans, Witopia also sells specialty routers that include built-in VPN service. The company also has an email encryption service called SecureMyEmail thats for email accounts from major providers including Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook.com.

Performance

PersonalVPNs protocol options.

For my tests, I used the default OpenVPN settings for a PersonalVPN Pro plan. I tested the VPN multiple times over three days using five different locations, and in the end the VPN maintained a base speed of 33 percent. That average speed is quite a bit lower than the 43 percent the last time I reviewed the product, a drop of about 23 percent. The speeds were brought down by slightly poorer performances in Japan and Australia. Tests for the UK, Germany, and the U.S., however, were outstanding. Even the Japanese and Australian speeds were quite good on some days. The biggest problem seemed to be that the VPN had a hard time maintaining its speeds in those regions.

Still, 33 percent is quite good and puts PersonalVPN within the top 20 for speeds in our tests. Its also not that far off the top 10 where the bottom score is around 36 percent of the base speed.

Witopia Inc. is based in Reston, Virginia its CEO is Bill Bullock and the CTO is Steve Shippa (both are company co-founders). Both Bullock and Shippa were executives at UUNET, an early Tier 1 Internet provider that was sold to Verizon in 1996.

Witopias privacy policy for PersonalVPN says it does not monitor or store logs of a users internet activity, browsing, websites viewed, or files downloaded. The company says it also doesnt throttle customer VPN traffic. Thats about it for the privacy policys information about logging. Simple and straightforward.

To create an account, Witopia requires an email and password, which is standard for most services.

Conclusion

Witopias PersonalVPN is a good choice for both novice and power users given its ease of use and customizability. The tiered pricing has some odd choices. You can, for example, get OpenVPN with a large number of VPN services for less than Witopias Premier and Pro pricingincluding some with 256-bit AES. A more common idea for tiered pricing is additional features such as double VPNs or smart DNS.

I asked Witopia about this and the company said its basically a holdover from 2005 when OpenVPN was harder to implement and required more support. The company may restructure its pricing plans in the coming months. There are also plans to incorporate WireGuard in the future.

That aside, theres a lot to like about Witopias PersonalVPN. The privacy policy makes the right promises, the owners are clearly identified, and it supports U.S. Netflix streaming. Witopia is a good choice if you want something based in the U.S. with good performance and a clear understanding of whos running the show.

Editors Note: Because online services are often iterative, gaining new features and performance improvements over time, this review is subject to change in order to accurately reflect the current state of the service. Any changes to text or our final review verdict will be noted at the top of this article.
The Cape Coast police are interrogating Kwesi Dawood, the recently suspended Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress, over the allegations of incest levelled against him by his teenage daughter.



According to a Daily Guide report, Dawood reported himself to the police in the company of two lawyers, and three other persons, where he underwent a long interrogation.



It continued that the victim and her mother, Mavis Ayite, were also said to have been at the police station upon an invitation, and also as part of the investigating process into the case.



Earlier, GhanaWeb reported on how Kwesi Dawood had allegedly been sleeping with his daughter since 2019 when she was only 15-years-old and going on to impregnate her.



Following that, it was reported that the NDC executive forced her to have an abortion, from which she is said to have bled for about a week thereafter.



He then allegedly got his friend to administer an injection to terminate the pregnancy last year, and according to the victim, she bled for more than two weeks.



It has been haunting me. He made me go for an abortion. He started having sex with me in 2019. The last time he had sex with me was in June 2021. He was NADMO Coordinator and is the current NDC Regional Communications Officer. He did not look after me, Daily Guide had earlier reported of the girl saying.



The paper also reported that the girl claimed that her father had beaten her up when he found out that she had reported the incestuous act to her mother, following which the case was reported to the Swedru police.



My mother was not happy for me to leave and go and stay with him. He promised to send me abroad to further my education and warned that if I reveal the act to anybody, he was going to end the plans to send me out for my education, she is reported to have added.



Later, a communication from the NDC stated that the party had suspended the suspect, pending investigations before its Disciplinary Committee.



Kwesi Dawood on his part had vehemently denied any such claims, blaming it as being a scheme being pushed by people within the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).



He also said that the girl (the victim) in question is not his daughter but only a TESCON member at the University of Education, Winneba.













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 Liberian teenage motorcycle taxi rider has become a national hero after he found and returned $50,000 (37,000) that had gone missing from a prominent businesswoman in north-eastern Nimba County on the border with Ivory Coast.



The young man, Emmanuel Tolue, saw the money wrapped in a plastic bag on a highway and heard the owner, Musu Yancy, desperately making a radio appeal to anyone coming across the cash.



He then let her know he had found it in the presence of local officials.



Ms Yancy told the BBC she and her boss have rewarded the cyclist with $1,500 (1,100) and other gifts.



She was so happy and relieved about getting the money back she has almost lost her voice thanking God.



As people sing the praise of the motorcyclist, well-wishers have been pouring into the home of the lady in the town of Tappita in celebration.



Such gestures are exceptionally unusual in post-war Liberia.

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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Former Central Regional Minister, Kwamena Duncan, is optimistic that the anti-gay bill will be passed into law, since majority of Ghanaians have declared their position on the LGBTQ+ issue.



Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament, Sam George and seven other Parliamentarians 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 an elite group have kicked against it.



The opponents of the bill comprising the Lead Counsel for President Nana Akufo-Addo in the 2020 election petition hearing, Akoto Ampaw, Professor Kofi Gyimah-Boadi, Dr Rose Kutin-Mensah, and the Executive Director of Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh argue it is an encroachment on the fundamental human rights enshrined in the 1992 Constitution.



Addressing the issue on Wednesday's edition of 'Kokrokoo' on Peace FM, Kwamena Duncan asked the legislators not to forget their mandate and those who have empowered them to be in Parliament.



According to him, he expects the Parliamentarians to heed the citizens' call stressing, "sovereignty resides in the people. We have given you the power to lead us and we, who have the power, are saying this is what we want. A CDD research indicates that 95 out of 100 Ghanaians don't want to even hear the word 'homosexuality' in their ears, then that is the entire country . . . So, they (Parliamentarians) cannot pretend to look elsewhere''.



He cautioned the legislators saying ''the entire nation is resolved on this matter that we won't accept a man to have sex with a man or a woman to engage in sexual affair with another woman''.



''This is a huge tide and let nobody, let no single Ghanaian worth their citizenship, stand in the way of this tide. It is clear, the Ghanaian people, that is what they want and that is the way Parliament must go," he further stressed.







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 General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu, says parliament must critically digest the anti-LGBTQ+ bill before them before making any decision.



John Boadu said the outcome of the bill should not affect innocent persons in the country.



I heard the bill will cause the arrest of parents of persons practicing this gay act. This must be well addressed. We shouldnt pass a law to affect innocent citizens, he said in an interview with NEAT FMs morning show 'Ghana Montie'.



According to John Boadu, the NPP fully support the bill before Parliament, which is seeking to extensively criminalize the activities of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersexand others of their like.



But he maintained that, innocent persons should not suffer because of the bill.



Listen to interview





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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Astute private legal practitioner and Senior Lecturer at the Ghana School of Law, Moses Foh-Amoaning has dared the Lead Counsel for President Nana Akufo-Addo during the 2020 Presidential petition, Lawyer Akoto Ampaw and his cohorts who are against the anti-gay bill to proceed to the Supreme Court.



Lawyer Akoto Ampaw, Prof. Raymond Atuguba; the Dean of the University of Ghana (Legon) School of Law, politician Charles Wereko-Brobbey together with other scholars and Civil Society Organizations have opposed the bill stating that it violates fundamental human rights enshrined in the 1992 constitution.



To them, the bill, when passed into law, will infract the freedoms and rights of the LGBTQ+ community who seeks legalization and acceptance of their sexual preferences so as to freely engage in what many Ghanaians have termed as ''abominable and despicable acts''.



But Lawyer Foh-Amoaning insists the bill doesn't violate human rights.



Making his submissions on Peace FM's late night political show ''The Platform'', Lawyer Foh-Amoaning elucidated that the provisions in the bill were sourced from the constitution, hence ensuring no breach of fundamental human rights.



''There is nothing in the constitution that confers any sexual orientation rights on Ghanaians. It is not there; our constitution doesn't indicate that. On the contrarty, our constitution say that, in Ghana, our customary law which is our values; it must be taught throughout all our education system, both formal and informal and it should be part of our national policy'', he told host Nana Yaw Kesseh.



He further argued that the National House of Chiefs, according to Article 272, has declared the customary law position on the matter by rejecting homosexuality in Ghana.



He also disclosed that an international court on human rights has also described homosexuality as having nothing to do with rights and, as a result, no sovereign nation frowning on homosexual acts can be forced to accept it.



He stated that about forty-seven (47) Judges unanimously ruled that ''same-sex marriages are not part of international human rights law. That is the decision of the European Court of Human Rights and that is highest court in terms of human rights in the whole of Europe and in fact, it is the best in the world''.



He also revealed that some superpowers are inducing the proponents of the LGBTQ+ with money to push homosexuality on children in Ghana.



He emphasized that they want to infuse homosexual practices into the academic curriculum to reorient school children into thinking that LGBTQ+ is a societal norm but he (Foh-Amoaning) and all concerned Ghanaians will vehemently fight against the imposition of homosexuality on the nation.



He dared the opposers of the bill to ''go to the Supreme Court. We are ready! They should have been in the Supreme Court long ago. So, they should stop talking about sexual orientation being human right. They should show us where the constitution confers human rights on sexual orientation. It is nowhere in this constition''.



''If they want the law to confer those rights, they probably have to go and seek an interpretation from the Supreme Court that Article 17 which states the 'don't discriminate' positions, it includes sexual orientation, gender means LGBT matters. We are waiting for them!'', he further stressed.























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 West African Director of Samaritan Strategy, Dr. Christopher Ampadu, has slammed the elite group arguing against the anti-gay bill which, to them, infringes on the human rights of homosexuals and desiring to file a case at the Supreme Court against the framers of the bill.



Lead Counsel for President Nana Akufo-Addo during the 2020 Presidential petition, Lawyer Akoto Ampaw, Prof. Raymond Atuguba; the Dean of the University of Ghana (Legon) School of Law, politician Charles Wereko-Brobbey together with other scholars and Civil Society Organizations have opposed the bill stating that, when passed into law, will infract the freedoms and rights of the LGBTQ+ community.



But Dr. Christopher Ampadu disagrees with the opposers for claiming the bill violates the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.



He explained that, although Ghana upholds rule of law, the opposers of the bill should not lose sight of the country's culture and traditions which underpin the moral fabric of the nation.



Speaking on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo', Dr. Ampadu insisted that the bill should be passed because it will check homosexual practices saying ''for me, if you talk about law vis-a-vis these things, we must also note that it is not only the rule of law in the Ghanaian society; it's not just the law but the tradition, the culture and customs also rule the life of the Ghanaian''.



"If we don't think about that and only concentrate on law, then we will be missing a significant thing. We are Ghanaians. The Ghanaian society is not only ruled by law. It's ruled by our tradition, our culture," he added.







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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Pepertua was born to Joseph Kodzo Adigbo and Mrs Agnes Amawayo Adigbo (both of blessed memory) and started schooling at the Holy Family Catholic School in Mataheko. She continued later at the St. Marys Elementary School, Korle Gorno, also in Accra.

She was very intelligent and brilliant and it was no surprise that she passed the Common Entrance Examination, obtaining a full scholarship to continue her education at the Holy Child Secondary School, at Cape Coast in September 1963 .She was confirmed on 10th June 1967.

At Holy Child, she passed her O Level examinations in June 1968 and continued her sixth form education at the Aburi Girls Secondary School in the same year and in June 1970 obtained her A Level Certificate.



Tertiary Education

Desirous of being a Chartered Accountant, Pep enrolled at the then Institute of Professional Studies (now University of Professional Studies) as one of the pioneering students in September 1971 to study Accountancy. In June 1973, she excelled in the Intermediate examinations of the Association of Certified and Chartered Accountants (ACCA ).



Perpetua obtained a Government of Ghana scholarship and in June 1975 proceeded to the United Kingdom and undertook further training in Accountancy at the Redditch College of Education and the West Bromwich College of Education. She passed her final exams of the ACCA in June 1978. Having completed her practical training, she was admitted as an Associate Member of the ACCA in1982 and five years later in 1987, A full Fellow of the ACCA. (FCCA)



Working Life

In 1981, Perpetua returned to Ghana with her husband and took her first appointment as Chartered Accountant with the then Tema Food Complex Corporation where she diligently discharged her duties in various positions as Chief Internal Auditor (1982-1985) and General Manager -Finance (1985-1987).

Pepertua during the years 1990-1996 took time off from public life and formed her own company-PPD Agencies which she operated successfully.



In 1996, she was persuaded to take a position with ABC Breweries as Chief Internal Auditor and later in the same year due to internal reorganisation was appointed General Manager-Commercial, a position she performed creditably till 1998 when Guinness Ghana Limited acquired ABC Breweries.



Pepertua retired from active public service in 1998 after the Guinness takeover of ABC Breweries and re-registered her private business under the trade name of WOG Agencies Limited. A company she operated till her final retirement in 2016.

Perpetua was appointed a Board Member of the following institutions between the years 2001 - 2013.

Asempa Publishers-Christian Council of Ghana November 2001 to June 2017, GHAMA Film Company June 2009 - December 2011, Ghana Revenue Authority December 2010-October 2013 (also as Chairperson of Board Finance and Audit Sub-committee) and Electricity Company of Ghana February 2012 to September 2013 (Board Chairperson).





Marriage/Family

Perpetua was married to Kwabena Dankyi Darfoor and they were blessed with four children.



Christian Life

Perpetua was baptized into the Catholic faith at infancy and was a devout Christian. In 1990 she fellowshipped with her husband at the Love Tabernacle of Christ Love Crusaders (Love T), a Charismatic church at Tema and later in 2005 joined the Pure Fire Ministries at Kissieman where she worshipped until her demise. Perpetua took great interest in supporting, materially and with her resources in the growth of the churches she worshipped at. She never relented in her obligations towards the churches and the work of God.



To us, her life on this earth was short and but we can also say it was useful, fulfilling and fruitful. In this seemingly short period, Perpetua touched many lives with her generosity, counselling and devotion to seeing to the improvement of lives for many whom she encountered.



Her Passing on

Perpetua was taken ill on 21st July 2021 and just when there was hope of her recovery, she passed on peacefully at dawn on 22nd August 2021.





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Source: peacefmonline.com









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Ghana recorded 2,126 fatalities from road crashes between January and September this year, the Motor Transport and Traffic Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service has announced.



Another 11,659 people sustained varying degrees of injury in the 11,585 accidents within the same period.



This means that, on the average, every road crash from January to September this year claimed the lives of more than four persons.



The crashes, according to the Director of Operations at the MTTD, Dr Sasu Mensah, involved 20,225 vehicles.



Describing the situation as alarming, Dr Mensah observed that the figures depicted an increase in road accident-related deaths and injuries.



He made the revelation at the national consultative forum on road traffic crashes and review of the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683) and Regulations 2012, L.I. 2180, organised by the Ministry of Transport in Accra yesterday.



Review of traffic regulation



The meeting was intended to review sections of the regulations, discuss and address implementation challenges, as well as assess the relevance of some of the regulations and incorporate new and emerging systems in the management of the road transport industry.



Participants at the event, both online and in-person, included agencies such as the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), the MTTD, transport unions, commercial and private drivers, civil society organisations (CSOs) and the media.





Characterised by high interactivity and heated arguments, the forum brought up numerous suggestions and contributions, which were either accepted or shot down.



Affected portions of the regulations included Section 80, which talks about the fitting of retro-reflectors; Section 101, which touches on driving of vehicle; Section 127, dealing with the issuance of commercial vehicle licences, and Section 128, prohibiting the use of motorcycle or tricycle for commercial purpose.



Causes



Dr Mensah attributed the increase in traffic accidents to non-compliance with road traffic regulations.



"Issues regarding the enforcement of the content of the act and the regulations are becoming challenging to the MTTD. We are of the opinion that aspects of the content of the act and the regulations should be reviewed for new introductions, hence the timeliness and the appropriateness of the programme," he added.



Automation



In response to the situation, Dr Mensah said the MTTD was introducing automation of its traffic law enforcement operation.



The move was intended to minimise the number of persons, check corruption among officers of the MTTD, reduce interference from agencies, as well as the delay in prosecution of offenders, he said.



"It is also intended to maximise efficient use of resources, data for profiling of traffic law violators, revenue from traffic fines for the government and trust, credibility and increased confidence in the MTTD," he intimated.



Economic loss



Disturbed by the statistics, the Minister for Transport, Mr Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, observed that the victims of the carnages fell within the working age of 18 and 60, which affected the productivity of the country.



"It means that we are losing our economic group  the people who are contributing to the development of this country are dying through unnecessary accidents on our roads.



"If one person dies through a road accident, which is preventable and we could not prevent, I think it is an indictment on all of us. It is not about the numbers; it is about the error that we are committing and killing our youth," he fumed.



Challenges



Mr Asiamah admitted that in spite of the various interventions made by successive governments, there were still challenges that needed to be resolved.



He said some of the provisions in the regulations needed to be reviewed and enhanced, where necessary, in the face of some technical and legislative deficiencies and implementation challenges that had emerged.



"It has also become necessary now, more than before, to introduce provisions, in line with development trends, changing social norms and values, and ensure conformity with international conventions and ECOWAS protocols on road traffic," he said.



Non regulation



Mr Asiamah further identified the inappropriate regulation of road traffic as a major source of worry.



"Air and sea transport are being regulated; it is only road transport in this country which is not regulated," he said.



He, therefore, appealed to transport unions to, in their own interest, collaborate with the NRSA to make sure that the industry was regulated.



"It is a very important industry and we cannot leave it ajar for people to misbehave and do things the way they like," he added.









Source: graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Mr George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, Member of Parliament for Cape Coast South Constituency, has called on the authorities to stop manipulating the endorsement of the President's nominee, Mr Ernest Arthur as the Metropolitan Chief Executive of Cape Coast



He noted with concern the open intimidation by some people against Members they perceived to be against the process, adding that, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), wanted a free and fair voting.



We want the Assembly Members to vote freely and fairly without intimidation and threat to avoid violence in the Cape Coast Metropolis.



The Cape Coast South MP, made the appeal when he briefed the media organized by the Central Regional Branch of the NDC in Cape Coast.



He said there had been an uneasy and tensed atmosphere in the Metropolis which was escalating to intimidation and threats and warned that violence may erupt if measures were not taken to ensure that the will of the people prevailed.



The MP revealed that Dr Kwamina Mintah Nyarko, MP for Cape Coast North, and himself have been receiving complaints and concerns from some Assembly Members and constituents on the pending confirmation process in the Metropolis.



He cautioned personalities interfering in the process of the confirmation to desist from the act because any blood shed during the process would be on their hands but the Presidents nominee.



The MMDCEs confirmation is about local governance and not politics therefore we are telling all personalities interfering to desist from such acts.



He called the Assembly members to vote and decide on whom they want as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) and not to impose any candidate on them.



He called on the Regional Police Command to be on the alert to quell any action of intimidation and brutalities during the third round of election which was yet to be announced.



Mr Ricketts-Hagan appealed to Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, the Omanhen of Oguaa Traditional Area, who is the custodian of the land to intervene and ensure the election was conducted peacefully.



He called on the good people of Cape Coast to rise up and fight for their rights and maintain the peace in the Area.



Mr Ernest Arthur was nominated by the President but had been rejected twice by the Assembly.





Source: GNA









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The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr John Boadu, has urged members of the party to make inputs for amendments of the partys constitution.



Such inputs, he said, should made in written submissions to that effect in the form of amendment proposals to his office before the deadline of October 19, 2021, per the stipulation in the party constitution.



The NPP constitution, he said, provided in Article 19, that every amendment to the partys constitution shall be made at the National Annual Delegates Conference so long as notice of such amendment had been submitted in writing to the general secretary not later than two months before the National Annual Delegates Conference.



The 2021 National Annual Delegates Conference of the party is scheduled to take place from December 18-20, 2021 in the Ashanti regional capital, Kumasi.



Western North



Mr Boadu gave the reminder while addressing the Western North Regional annual delegates conference of the party last Monday in Sefwi Wiawso, the Western North regional capital.



The Western North delegates conference was attended by party executive members from all the nine constituencies in the region, as well as Ministers, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) from the region.



In attendance was Mr Fred Oware, a representative from the Office of Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.



It was held on the theme: Consolidating the gains of 2020 elections  the role of stakeholders.



Submissions



The Western North Regional Chairman of the NPP, Mr William Benjamin Assuah, led the conference to consider and approve the statement of accounts, as well as a statement on the state of the party presented by the Regional Treasurer, Mrs Gifty Adu Ankamah and Regional Secretary, Samuel Kofi Abiaw respectively.





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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Party Executives in the Fomena Constituency have dissociated themselves from what they describe as an embarrassing behaviour of its former Chairman, Mr. Kwasi Nti, cautioning him to desist from his uncouth attitude or face their wrath.



In a strongly-worded statement issued and signed by the constituency executives, including former Parliamentary Candidates in the area, the executives warned that they would not allow Mr. Kwasi Nti to drag the name of the constituency in the mud just to satisfy his greedy individual interest.



According to them, they have observed with disdain the recent outbursts by the former Chairman on some radio stations against the personality of the Regional Chairman of the party, Mr. Bernard Antwi Boasiako aka Chairman Wontumi.



"We are appalled by the recent behaviour of our former Constituency Chairman and wishes to dissociate ourselves from it. We want to state emphatically that Mr. Kwasi Nti is only engaging in unjustified personal vendetta which has nothing to do with the development of our dear party," they noted.



The embattled former Constituency Chairman, whose reckless attitude was said to have cost the ruling party in the 2020 general elections, leading to the party losing the seat to an independent candidate, went berserk on a local radio station in Kumasi, accusing Chairman Wontumi of failing to fulfill a personal promise made to him.



He claims that he has never received any reward from Chairman Wontumi despite supporting him in his bids for the Regional Chairmanship.



However, credible evidence available points to the contrarily as the information indicate Mr. Kwasi Nti has profited dearly from his association with the regional chairman since the party won power in 2017.

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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With the regard to concerns that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) appears mute over the anti-gay and lesbian bill before Parliament, the General Secretary of the ruling party, John Boadu, has stated categorically that homosexuality is not part of their ideology as a centre-right political party.



According to him, it is rather the Social Democrats which the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) subscribes to, that is known in the world to be the sole promoter of the activities of the LGBTQ+.



Arguing his case on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show, John Boadu noted that it is an undeniable fact that the social democrat groups condone homosexuality, and cited former US President Barack Obama and current President Joe Biden to buttress his point.



NDC is a social democrat. Social democrat is known in the world to be a promoter of the LGBTQ+. Social Democrat groups accept homosexuality and we should not run away from it. I am telling you the truth. President Obama is a social democrat and he implemented that homosexuality law in the USA. And so if the NDC wants to run away from the stance of the social democrat, they should do so".



But the NPP is a centre-right political party and we dont accept homosexuality at all and the law that was passed by President Obama. That is why President Akufo-Addo has said that homosexuality will not be accepted under his watch as a President; not in his time as President of Ghana will the activities of the LGBTQ+ be accepted or legalised in the country, he advanced.



He reiterated that even though the NPP government will not condone and entertain what he described as nonsense behaviour [ie homosexuality], the anti-gay and lesbian bill that is before Parliament should be well defined and cover all aspects of homosexuality which are not captured in the constitution.



" . . discussion of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill should find a way to tighten the definition that is in the constitution that bans homosexuality already . . . the definition of homosexuality and the time the constitution was drafted did not cover transgender, hence, the need to tighten the existing law.



Right now, the new additions to the homosexuality issue have to be really defined well so that the law will be adequate to cover all the possible unnatural carnal knowledge or intercourse some people are engaging in," he stated.



He, therefore, argued that a certain aspect of the bill that criminalises parents for not reporting their children who practice homosexuality, should be looked at again in the course of the discussion of the bill, since most of these unnatural sexual behaviours are hidden from parents.



If we dont look at this and allow the bill to pass, do you know that it is possible for some parents not to be aware of their children engaging in any criminal activities in the country? How do I report such a case to the police? So if the child is arrested, will the police arrest the parents as well for a crime they know nothing about? he quizzed.



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.

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Winneba, the Municipal capital of Effutu in the Central Region is the place to be as the entire West African sub-region converge in the town.



About one hundred and ten (110) Members of Parliament across the entire West African sub-region have met at Winneba for the ECOWAS Extraordinary Parliamentary Session.



This is historic in the sense that never has ECOWAS held such a summit in a city or town other than the national capitals of member states.



President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo graced the opening ceremony with his presence on Wednesday, October 13, 2021.



The colourful event has sent thousands of people in and outside the country to Effutu and its surrounding towns.



Businesses are booming, tourism is being enhanced as hotels and other guest houses have had more than enough customers patronizing their edifices.



The summit will end on Friday, 22nd October, 2021 when all the participating MPs from the various countries would leave for their respective countries.



In all these, we cannot ignore the key role played by the Deputy Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwwmena Afenyo-Markin who, through engagements with the powers that be, ensured that this all-important summit was held in Winneba.





Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The immediate-past Member of Parliament for Tema-East constituency, Hon. Daniel Nii Kwatei Titus Glover has admonished defeated NPP Members of Parliament and Parliamentary candidates in the 2020 general elections to take full responsibility for their defeat and shun away from pointing accusing fingers at the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the party, Mr. Divine Otoo Agorhom.



To him, such comments are a recipe for disintegration of the party.



Hon. Titus Glover made these remarks via phone-in interview with Asempa FM on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 in reaction to a barrage of allegations by Hopeson Yaovi Adorye, defeated NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Kpone-Katamanso constituency in last year's elections, against the Regional Chairman.



Hopeson Adorye alleged, last week on the same platform, that the Regional Chairman of the party sabotaged his campaign in Kpone-Katamanso leading to his defeat and thus vowed to unseat him in the partys Regional elections next year.



"As the Chairman of the Kingmakers Association of Greater Accra, I can assure you that, I'll do everything within my power to make sure that we unseat Chairman Divine Agorhom and elect a formidable Chair", he emphasized.



Chairman Agorhom, who was in the Asempa FM studios on Tuesday to talk about the party's upcoming Regional Annual Delegates Conference, refuted Hopesons claims asking "why and how will a Chairman who wants to win seats in order to have a bragging right sabotage his own Parliamentary candidates? Who does that?''



Jumping to the Regional Chairmans defence, Titus Glover, who is also a former Chairman of the Greater Accra MPs Caucus in Parliament, averred that its totally unfair and misleading for any person to blame Chairman Agorhom for the party's poor performance.



According to him, the NPP's loss of seven (7) out of the twenty-one seats it held in the Region namely Krowor, Tema-East, Okaikoi-North, Ledzokuku, Ablekuma-Central, Adenta, Madina constituencies slipped through the party's fingers because of unresolved internal bickering and lack of cooperation between the candidates and the Regional leadership.



"No one can and should hold the Regional Chairman (Divine Agorhom) responsible for the loss of seats in the region. We (Parliamentary candidates/MPs) must blame ourselves. Our own behaviors, petty quarrels and vindictive attitudes gave out those seats to the NDC", he fumed.



Call For Unity And Thursday's Annual Delegates Conference



In a related development, the Greater Accra Regional Chairman, Divine Otoo Agorhom has called for peace and unity among the rank and file of the party.



According to Chairman Divine, he, as NPP Regional Chair, will be the last person to subscribe to tribal politics, knowing the danger it poses to the country.



He thus advised warmongers to eschew creating divisions since it could plunge the country into chaos.



He also outlined the scope of Thursday's Regional Annual Delegates Conference expecting in attendance President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice President Alhaji Dr. Bawumia, John Boadu - NPP General Secretary among other dignitaries.





Source: J. F. Davis/Freelance journalist









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 Eastern Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Hon John Amankrah has said he will resign if former President John Dramani Mahama decides not to contest as Flagbearer of the party again.



Mr Amankrah popularly known as Jowak was speaking at a meeting with party faithful during President Mahamas Thank You Tour of the Eastern Region.



He said recent news that he is supporting Dr. Kwabena Duffours alleged bid to lead the National Democratic Congress is ridiculous and unfounded although he is a friend to the former Finance Minister.



Recently a picture was in circulation that myself, Yaw Gyan, Captain Buta and a host of others are behind Dr. Duffuors alleged bid; truth is I have known Dr. Duffour for a very long time but he has not mentioned any such intentions to me. Such lies must stop, he said.



He added that, it has become convenient for people to tag their opponents as anti-Mahama and questioned what the perpetrators of such acts mean by someone being anti-Mahama.



What is the meaning of anti-Mahama? All that I am doing as a Regional Chairman is because of President Mahama. I will not support anyone who contests him because hes like a brother to me. If he decides not to contest, I will resign immediately, he bemoaned.



According to him, recently he decided to organize a press conference and urge that President Mahama goes unopposed so it is ridiculous for anyone to suggest he is supporting another person against the former President.



I will not support anyone against President Mahama. I will never do that. We must stop these divisive tactics and remain united if not 2024 will only be a dream he said.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The main mandate of the National Commission on Culture is to maintain the unique cultural identity and values for the promotion of an integrated national culture, as well as contribute to the overall economic development of the nation.



However, the agency, which is under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has not fully lived up to that mandate, owing to poor structures, lack of funding and non-functional Centres for National Culture across the country.



In the quest to make the National Commission on Culture a champion of Ghanaian culture, the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, has disclosed plans to renovate five cultural centres next year.



Speaking at the inauguration of the governing boards of the National Film Authority (NFA), National Commission on Culture (NCC) and the National Theatre of Ghana in Accra on Tuesday, October 12, Dr Awal said the renovation of these centres will equip them with the requisite resources to drive the Presidents agenda of making Ghanas culture attractive.



The National Commission on Culture is a strategic organisation whose relevance in the promotion of our culture cannot be overlooked. However, they can fully perform their duties when equipped with the necessary resources and getting national cultural centres functional will help in the agenda, he stated.





Read also: Mark Okraku ManteyDirty fights affect industry



Board Members of the National Film Authority are David Dontoh (Chairperson) and Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante (Executive Secretary) who were maintained on the board; Josephine Ohene-Osei, Dr Ramatu Mustapha Dadzie, Samuel Fiscian, Zakaria Abdulai, Kofi Narte B. Nartey, Akofa Edjeani, Kofi Ohemeng Owusu, Rukiyatu Naa Ayikaley Ankrah, Samuel Gyandoh and Ernest Yaw Boateng.



Nana Fredua-Agyemang Ofori-Atta and Amy Frimpong were maintained as Board Chair and Executive Director for the National Theatre of Ghana respectively. The other board members are Dr Misonu Amu, Kofi Adu, Adjetey Anang, Abdulai Awudu, Issahaque Serikpera Naa, Professor Dzodzi Tsikata and Professor Awo Mana Asiedu whose nomination is pending.



Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal will be the chairperson of the governing body of the National Commission on Culture.



Other members are Janet Edna Nyame, Gifty Twum-Ampofo (Deputy Minister of Education), Fatima Abubakar, Dzifa Kemevor, Osagyefo Kwame Akonu X, Nana Ama Serwaa Bonsu, Lawyer Christine O. Asare, Kwaku T. Danso-Misa, Shirley Nana Akua Frimpomaa-Manso, Sheikh Zakariah M. Seebaway, Alex Lucky Mensah, Felix Otis Tsibo-Darko and Isaiah Kwadwo Ampong.



Read also: Creative industry needs overhaulOkraku Mantey



With a focus on bringing evident progress to the tourism, arts and culture sectors during his tenure, Dr Awal didnt mince words in charging the respective governing boards to work towards the Presidents vision of making Ghana the number one tourism destination in Africa.



He explained that the responsibilities of the three governing boards were entwined in pursuing the supreme cultural interests of the country and as such, they must not rest on their oars in bringing the vision into reality.



The occasion also offered the various heads of the governing boards the chance to relay the challenges of their various agencies to the Tourism Minister.









Source: Graphic Showbiz









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 Canadian and American flags are seen on top of the Peace Arch is at the Canada/USA border in Surrey, B.C. on March 20, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan
Maps show proposed changes to Alaska districts in Southeast Alaska based on data from the 2020 census. Maps pictured: Doyon Coalition Proposed District 2-A, Board Proposed v. 4 District 2, AFFER Proposed District 2-A, AFFR Proposed Southeast. To see the rest of the maps click on the photo.

Members of the Alaska Redistricting Board traveled to Petersburg Thursday to present proposed redistricting maps and receive public comments.

The board was on a tour of communities in Alaska to allow residents to view the maps and learn more about the process. The districts are redrawn based off data collected from the 2020 U.S. Census and are required to have approximately equally sized districts. In Alaska, the state is divided into 40 districts which each contain about 18,335 people according to Alaska Redistricting Board Member Budd Simpson.

"Alaska is one of a handful of states that ha...
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Andreas "Duckzzz" Nasman Wins GGPoker Super MILLION$ ($335,624)

October 14, 2021 Matthew Pitt

Finnish pro Andreas "Duckzzz" Nasman sat down at the latest GGPoker Super MILLION$ final table with a substantial chip lead and in pole position for a $335,624 score. Less than three hours after the first cards landed on the table, Nasman had won all the chips in play and became the latest player to secure the prestigious Super MILLION$ title.

Super MILLION$ Season 2 Episode 14 Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 Andreas "Duckzzz" Nasman Finland $335,624 2 Roman "RRomashka" Emelyanov Russia $265,955 3 Juan Pardo Dominguez Andorra $210,748 4 Tyler "TheRayGuy" Cornell Mexico $167,001 5 Sriharsha "Upswinger" Doddapaneni Mexico $132,335 6 Mark Radoja Canada $104,865 7 MR-DL China $83,097 8 Niklas Astedt Norway $65,847 9 David Yan New Zealand $52,179

GGPoker Successfully Brings Online Flip & Go Concept to Live 2021 WSOP

New Zealands David Yan started the final table as the third shortest stack, but he was the first star out of the door. With blinds of 25,000/50,000/6,000a, Nasman opened to 100,000 from early position with pocket queens before calling when Yan three-bet shoved for 1,276,555 from the cutoff with pocket tens. An ace-high board did not come to Yans rescue, and he busted in ninth.

Eighth place went to Niklas Astedt, who is the only player to win the Super MILLION$ four times. Astedt was the shortest stack going into the final table, and could not rectify his situation. He busted when he three-bet all-in with ace-jack for 780,753 from the small blind after Mark Radoja had min-raised to 100,000 in early position with ace-king. Radoja called and spiked a king on the flop.

Blinds were 40,000/80,000/10,000a when Chinas "MR-DL" busted. Nasman min-raised under the gun with pocket tens, Roman "RRomashka" Emelyanov called to his direct left with ace-jack, and MR-DL squeezed all-in for 1,033,462 from the big blind with ace-king. Nasman ripped it in, and Emelyanov folded. Nasman flopped a set and it was enough to reduce the player count by one.

Mark Radoja

Radojas run ended in a sixth-place finish worth $104,865, the tournaments first six-figure prize. The two-time WSOP bracelet winner bowed out during the 50,000/100,000/12,500a level. Nasman open-shoved from the button for 20 big blinds effective, which folded out Emelyanov, but Radoja called off his 651,407 stack with ace-queen. Nasmas flipped over king-ten of hearts, which won courtesy of flopping two pair.

Sriharsha "Upswinger" Doddapaneni busted a couple of hands later after shoved for 5.5 big blinds with jack-four of diamonds from the small blind. Juan Pardo Dominguez called from the big blind with queen-nine. Doddapaneni flopped trip jacks, but Dominguez has a spade flush draw. The deuce of spades completed that flush, and Doddapaneni headed for the exits.

Tyler Cornell

Recent $25,000 WSOP High Roller champion Tyler "TheRayGuy" Cornell was the next casualty. Nasman min-raised to 240,000 with ace-queen before calling the 2,061,474 shove from Cornell, which he made with king-queen. Cornell flopped an open-ended straight draw but ultimately missed.

That hand gave Namsan 11.5 million chips with only 17 million chips in play, meaning he had one hand on the title.

Victory came closer when Dominguez ran out of steam in third place. Dominguez found kings on the button and min-raised to 280,000. Nasman decided to jam all-in for 11,320,376 from the small blind with ace-nine offsuit, which folded out Emelyanov (holding ace-ten), but Dominguez snap-called. A cruel ace on the turn sent Dominguez home in third.

Nasman held a near seven-to-one lead over Emelyanov going into heads-up, and it did not take long for him to press home that advantage. Nasman moved all-in with king-six and Emelyanov called off his 12 big blinds with king-queen. The unstoppable Nasman flopped a six to win the Super MILLION$ event.
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A state lawmaker representing a portion of Aiken County on Wednesday asked S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster to fight COVID-19 vaccine requirements and to take a hint from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who recently barred such mandates in his state.

No vaccine should be forced upon grown adults who can make decisions for themselves, Rep. Melissa Oremus, a Republican, wrote in a letter shared on social media. I implore you to stop this madness of a forced vaccine mandate and the liberty loving citizens of South Carolina beg you to stop this craziness.

Vaccine requirements, Oremus continued, are jeopardizing many jobs, including at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, the contractor that manages the Savannah River Site. The Fluor-led team unveiled vaccine rules in early September; other federal contractors  like Triad National Security LLC, which operates Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico  have enacted similar regulations.

Many of my constituents have spoken and they do not want to be forced into anything, Oremus wrote to McMaster. It is my job to stand with them and protect their freedoms.

The Republican governor on Tuesday said he would not interfere with the decisions of private companies  effectively spiking Oremuss entreaty.

I think Gov. Abbott is a very experienced leader in Texas, he told reporters at the Statehouse, but in our state, we didnt tell our businesses what to do, and we are not going to tell them what not to do.

A spokesperson for McMaster on Wednesday emphasized that the governor couldnt disagree more with the federal government mandating that anybody get vaccinated. He has always maintained that he believes whether to get vaccinated or not should remain a personal choice. That said, a private employer making this decision is different. Savannah River Nuclear Solutions began the process of requiring vaccination well before President Joe Bidens fiat.

Grassroots groups like the Aiken Citizens for Freedom have protested vaccine requirements at the Savannah River Site, where radioactive wastes are stored and processed, arguing that rights and livelihoods are under attack.

I have a lot of personal friends, close friends, whose jobs are being threatened right now, who dont want to be vaccinated, Karen Collins, whose husband is a Savannah River Site retiree, said in an interview last month.

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions is expecting some unvaccinated workers to retire or quit in the near future, the Aiken Standard has learned. The company maintains that inoculation is the most effective tool to help ensure a safe work environment and better protect us from serious illness due to the virus.

A vast majority of coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths statewide in June, July, August and September were among those not fully vaccinated, S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control data show.

Fifty Savannah River Site employees were quarantined with COVID-19 as of Oct. 8. In early September, SRNS President and CEO Stuart MacVean said 11 of our team members here at the site have been hospitalized in the last two months and four of them have passed because of this terrible disease. The average age of the deceased employees was 48 and we understand that they were unvaccinated.

The first case of COVID-19 at the Savannah River Site was logged in March 2020.
Disgraced attorney Alex Murdaugh was arrested again and charged with stealing money from a wrongful-death settlement that was owed to the family of his late housekeeper.

The State Law Enforcement Division said on the morning of Oct. 14 it had taken the suspended Hampton County lawyer into custody, picking him up from an Orlando, Fla., rehab facility where he was receiving treatment for a years-long opioid addiction.

Today is merely one more step in a long process for justice for the many victims in these investigations," SLED Chief Mark Keel said in a news release. "I want to commend the hard work and dedication that our agents have shown over the last four months. They will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of those who were victimized by Alex Murdaugh and others. As I have said previously, we are committed to following the facts wherever they may lead us and we will not stop until justice is served.

Murdaugh will face two felony counts of "obtaining property by false pretenses," according to SLED's news release. The charges carry up to 10 years in prison.

The arrest comes a month after attorneys for the family of Gloria Satterfield, Murdaugh's late housekeeper, filed a lawsuit alleging their clients had received nothing from a $4.3 million wrongful-death settlement that was negotiated in secret on behalf of Satterfield's sons.

Those attorneys, Eric Bland and Ronnie Richter, further alleged earlier this month that Murdaugh, a lawyer friend and a banker had conspired to steer millions of dollars that were owed to the Satterfield family into a fraudulent bank account that Murdaugh had set up.

Their lawsuit alleged Murdaugh created a bank account and named it "Forge" to resemble Forge Consulting, an Atlanta-based financial firm that lawyers often hire to structure settlement payments for clients. Then Murdaugh had the Satterfields' attorney  Beaufort lawyer and longtime Murdaugh friend Cory Fleming  direct the family's settlement payments to that account, according to the complaint.

From there, the money disappeared, the filing alleged.

In a statement issued Oct. 14, Bland and Richter said the Satterfield family is "extremely grateful" to law enforcement for bringing criminal charges against Murdaugh in the case.

"Avarice and betrayal of trust are at the heart of this matter," Bland and Richter wrote. "Lawsuits and claims are not vehicles for lawyers, defendants and/or friends to enrich themselves at the expense of their clients."

Fleming has since settled with the Satterfield family, claiming he, too, was duped by Murdaugh and thought all the settlement money had gone to Satterfield's sons.

Jim Griffin, one of Murdaugh's defense attorneys, said his client has not had a chance to formally respond to the criminal charges or the civil lawsuit, since he has been undergoing addiction treatment out of state for more than a month.

Asked directly whether Murdaugh stole money meant for Satterfield's sons, Griffin paused before saying, "That would be for him to answer, not me."

He declined to share details of his conversations with Murdaugh about the allegations, citing attorney-client privilege.

In a formal statement, Griffin and his partner on the case, Dick Harpootlian, said Murdaugh would fully cooperate with the investigation, as he has with the investigation into the slayings of his wife and son.

"He deeply regrets that his actions have distracted from the efforts to solve their murders," the statement read.

Murdaugh will be held at an Orange County, Fla., jail while awaiting an extradition hearing. Then, he is expected to travel to South Carolina for a bond hearing.

Murdaugh's second arrest came a month after his first. In September, he was charged with insurance fraud, among other crimes, in connection with an alleged staged shooting on the side of a rural Hampton County road.

His attorneys have said Murdaugh was depressed after the unsolved killings of his wife and son in June, as well as his ejection from his Hampton law office amid accusations he had stolen client and firm money.

But Murdaugh mistakenly believed his $10 million life insurance policy would not pay out to his remaining son, Buster, if he killed himself. So he enlisted his longtime drug dealer, Curtis Edward Smith, to shoot him in the head, Murdaugh's attorneys have said.

SLED arrested Murdaugh and Smith in connection with the shooting. Smith has since told several news outlets he didn't shoot Murdaugh and doesn't believe the lawyer was hit when a gun went off during their struggle for it.

Smith and his lawyer also have denied Smith was Murdaugh's drug dealer, saying he has been set up as Murdaugh's fall guy.

Griffin said he wasn't surprised that Murdaugh had been arrested in the Satterfield case, but he was shocked at the timing. Murdaugh had just finished his program at the Florida rehab facility and was set to enter another two- to four-week program at a less-intensive facility within the same health care organization, Griffin said.

Griffin said Murdaugh's legal team will request that he be allowed to continue that treatment, if released on bond.

The case will be prosecuted by the state Attorney General's Office.
WASHINGTON  A congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol riot moved aggressively against close Trump adviser Steve Bannon on Thursday, swiftly scheduling a vote to recommend criminal contempt charges against the former White House aide after he defied a subpoena.

The chairman of the special committee, Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., said the panel will vote Tuesday to recommend charges against Bannon, an adviser to Donald Trump for years who was in touch with the president ahead of the most serious assault on Congress in two centuries.

"The Select Committee will not tolerate defiance of our subpoenas," Thompson said in a statement. Bannon, he said, is "hiding behind the former president's insufficient, blanket and vague statements regarding privileges he has purported to invoke. We reject his position entirely."

If approved by the Democratic-majority committee, the recommendation of criminal charges would go to the full House. Approval there would send them to the Justice Department, which has final say on prosecution.

The showdown with Bannon is just one facet of a broad and escalating congressional inquiry, with 19 subpoenas issued so far and thousands of pages of documents flowing to the committee and its staff. Challenging Bannon's defiance is a crucial step for the panel, whose members are vowing to restore the force of congressional subpoenas after they were routinely flouted during Trump's time in office.

The committee had scheduled a Thursday deposition with Bannon, but his lawyer said that Trump had directed him not to comply, citing information that was potentially protected by executive privileges afforded to a president. Bannon, who was not a White House staffer on Jan. 6, also failed to provide documents to the panel by a deadline last week.

Still, the committee could end up stymied again after years of Trump administration officials refusing to cooperate with Congress. The longtime Trump adviser similarly defied a subpoena during a GOP-led investigation into Trump's Russia ties in 2018, but the House did not move to hold him into contempt.

Even though President Joe Biden has been supportive of the committee's work, it is uncertain whether the Justice Department would choose to prosecute the criminal contempt charges against Bannon or any other witnesses who might defy the panel. Even if it the department does prosecute, the process could take months, if not years. And such contempt cases are notoriously difficult to win.

Members of the committee are pressuring the department to take their side.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, who also sits on the Jan. 6 panel, said he expects the Justice Department to prosecute the cases.

"The last four years have given people like Steve Bannon the impression they're above the law," Schiff said during an interview for C-SPAN's Book TV that airs next weekend. "But they're going to find out otherwise."

Schiff said efforts to hold Bannon and others in contempt during the Russia investigation were blocked by Republicans and the Trump administration's Department of Justice.

"But now we have Merrick Garland, we have an independent Justice Department, we have an attorney general who believes in the rule of law  and so this is why I have confidence that we will get the answers," Schiff said.

While Bannon has outright defied the Jan. 6 committee, other Trump aides who have been subpoenaed appear to be negotiating. A deposition by a second witness that had been scheduled for Thursday, former Defense Department official Kashyap Patel, was delayed, but Patel is still engaging with the panel, a committee aide said. The aide requested anonymity to discuss the confidential talks.

Two other men who worked for Trump  former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and longtime Trump social media director Dan Scavino  were scheduled for depositions Friday, but they have both been pushed back as well. Meadows, like Patel, has been given a "short postponement" as he is also engaging with the panel, the aide said, and Scavino's deposition has been rescheduled because there were delays in serving his subpoena.

It is unclear to what extent Trump has tried to influence his aides, beyond his lawyers' attempts to assert executive privilege. In a statement Thursday, the former president said the members of the committee should "hold themselves in criminal contempt" and that "the people are not going to stand for it!"

Other witnesses are cooperating, including some who organized or staffed the Trump rally on the Ellipse behind the White House that preceded the riot. The committee subpoenaed 11 rally organizers and gave them a Wednesday deadline to turn over documents and records. They have also been asked to appear at scheduled depositions.

Among those complying was Lyndon Brentnall, whose firm was hired to provide Ellipse event security that day, and two longtime Trump campaign and White House staffers, Megan Powers and Hannah Salem. It is uncertain whether any of the others subpoenaed have complied.

Many of the rioters who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6 marched up the National Mall after attending at least part of Trump's rally, where he repeated his meritless claims of election fraud and implored the crowd to "fight like hell." Dozens of police officers were injured as the Trump supporters overwhelmed them and broke through windows and doors to interrupt the certification of Biden's victory.

The rioters repeated Trump's claims of widespread fraud as they marched through the Capitol, even though the results of the election were confirmed by state officials and upheld by courts. Trump's attorney general, William Barr, had said the Justice Department found no evidence of widespread fraud that could have overturned the results.

The panel has also issued a subpoena to a former Justice Department lawyer who positioned himself as Trump's ally and aided the Republican president's efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 election.

The demands for documents and testimony from that lawyer, Jeffrey Clark, announced Wednesday, reflect the committee's efforts to probe not only the riot but also the tumult that roiled the Justice Department in the weeks leading up to it as Trump and his allies leaned on government lawyers to advance his election claims.

Clark, an assistant attorney general in the Trump administration, has emerged as a pivotal character. A Senate committee report issued last week showed that he championed Trump's efforts to undo the election results and clashed as a result with department superiors who resisted the pressure, culminating in a dramatic White House meeting at which Trump ruminated about elevating Clark to attorney general.

___

Associated Press writers Jill Colvin in New York, Michelle R. Smith in Providence, Rhode Island, and Farnoush Amiri and Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report.
Boeing Co. is dealing with another production defect on the 787 Dreamliner it builds in South Carolina.

This time, the issue has to do with incorrectly made titanium parts produced for the aircraft by a supplier.

"We received a notice from one of our suppliers about certain 787 parts that were improperly manufactured," Boeing said Oct. 14.

It's been more than a year since the planemaker disclosed it had uncovered quality flaws on 787s that kicked off an intensive inspection process. The issues severely delayed deliveries and brought on increased scrutiny of the North Charleston-based jet program by safety regulators.

This issue isn't an immediate safety concern for the active in-service 787 fleet, according to statements from Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration.

"The agency is engaged with Boeing as the manufacturer works to identify the affected airplanes," the FAA said.

In its statement, the FAA described the parts as "titanium floor brackets."

These parts are specific to one section of the aircraft. They were made with a titanium material that is different from what Boeing's engineering standards require. The error came to light during an audit of a supplier to Leonardo, an Italian aerospace firm that builds part of the 787 airframe.

In a statement Oct. 14, Leonardo said it was the "injured party," adding that the company responsible for the issue, Italy-based Manufacturing Processes Specification, is "under scrutiny by prosecutors" and is no longer one of its suppliers.

Affected 787s that haven't been handed over to customers yet  a pileup of about 100 jets, due to the program's ongoing, months-long delivery hiatus  will be reworked, as needed, before they're delivered.

Boeing didn't say how this latest problem could affect the timeline for a restart to 787 deliveries, which have been paused since late May. The company said it's "continuing to take the time necessary" to make sure all delivered aircraft meet "the highest quality standard."

"We continue to work with the FAA in a transparent and timely manner as we progress through the inspection and rework activities," Boeing said.

For most of the last year, Dreamliner deliveries have been paused due to the program's production issues. A five-month delivery stoppage ran from late 2020 through most of March. During an about two-month window in the spring, Boeing resumed deliveries before stopping them again in late May after the FAA said it needed to get more information about how Boeing was checking 787s for quality flaws.

The agency has yet to sign off on allowing Boeing to hand over 787s again.

According to delivery data Boeing updated Oct. 12, zero Dreamliners were delivered during the third quarter and 14 have been handed over this year.

A restart to 787 deliveries likely won't happen until November, the Wall Street Journal reported Oct. 14, citing unnamed sources familiar with the company's plan. The newspaper had previously reported a late October restart was likely.

Boeing has estimated that fewer than half of the 787s awaiting delivery will make their way to customers this year.

The 787 issues that emerged in mid-2020 were tiny gaps found where parts of the aircraft's fuselage were joined.

Most recently, Boeing said in July it found small gaps between two sections of part of the aircraft's nose. That issue prompted Boeing to slow monthly production of the 787 while it focused resources on inspections and repairs.

The planemaker confirmed Oct. 12 that, three months later, 787 production in North Charleston still operating at a pace of less than five per month  an already deeply reduced rate Boeing set in response to the COVID pandemic's negative affect on aircraft demand.

Since early this year, the 787 has been exclusively built in North Charleston. Previously, production was split with Boeing's widebody factory in Everett, Wash. The company announced its decision to consolidate in Oct. 2020 and stopped 787 production in the Puget Sound area in late February.

Dreamliners built at both plants have been affected by the quality flaws the company has uncovered over the last year.
A Charleston company that makes alcohol-infused ice cream and sorbet will soon add a ready-to-drink canned cocktail line, a move that is considered to be a first in South Carolina.

HardScoop Distillery plans to produce 50 cans per minute in the first phase of a new $250,000 canning operation when it comes online in January in its Cainhoy facility. A planned second phase by mid-2022 will double the output.

CEO David Kirby said the canned cocktail line will be the first to be produced by a distillery in the Palmetto State.

"There may be others out there somewhere along in the process, but I haven't heard of another one at this time," he said.

The canned cocktails will start at 12.5 percent alcohol by volume. The firm's ice cream and sorbet options come in 8 percent to 10 percent based on that same metric.

Founded in 2013 by Kirby's son Jason, who is president, HardScoop started production in 2017 and operates out of a 7,000-square-foot production site off Clements Ferry Road. It employs 12 workers.

The company is looking to double its footprint and workforce, either at its current space or a new location. A decision will be made on an expansion within 45 days.

Cans will be produced in several sizes: 8-ounce, 12-ounce sleek and 12-ounce standard. Variety pack options will be available.

"Alcoholic and non-alcoholic ready-to-drink cocktails are one of the fastest-growing categories in the beverage space, and this expansion will allow us to further develop long-term relationships with leading brands," the elder Kirby said.

Talks are underway with potential customers, and Kirby said an announcement could be made soon.

In addition to making canned products, the firm will offer co-packing and private-label production for other companies.

Because spirits cannot be shipped directly to consumers, the federally licensed winery and distillery uses a neutral base wine for products that are now purchased online and sent to consumers in 29 states.

HardScoop's products can be found in retailers throughout the Carolinas such as Harris Teeter, Lowes Foods, Total Wine and World Market.

To help steer the firm through its expansion phase, it recently hired Eric Thome as the new chief financial officer. He is the founder and managing director of Death Valley Ventures, a venture advisory firm and holding company that connects early-stage startups with capital.

He also is part owner of fitness firm Barre3 Charleston and serves as director of VentureSouth Charleston, an investing group focused on startups across the Southeast.

Thome also once co-owned Folbot, a maker of folding kayaks that closed in 2016.
Several dining venues are in the works throughout the Charleston region with new restaurants coming to the peninsula, North Charleston and James Island along with two pizzerias.

In downtown Charleston, a new restaurant from the couple who brought Community Table and Kiki & Rye to East Cooper is under construction.

Southbound, part of Free Reign Restaurants owned by Ryan and Kelleanne Jones of Mount Pleasant, is on the way to a two-story house at 72 Cannon St. beside Ladles. A February opening is targeted.

The couple  he's the chef and she handles the front of the house  said the Southbound concept actually came before the other two ventures, but delays and the interruption of COVID-19 led to the opening of those first.

Community Table opened two years ago in I'On, while Kiki & Rye launched in mid-2020 in Belle Hall during the height of the pandemic.

The couple moved to the Charleston area more than five years ago after operating a restaurant in Connecticut for several years.

Southbound's menu will include appetizers as well as main dishes such as steaks, pork chops and seasonal fish along with vegetarian options.

"Everything will be focused on live-fire cooking and local dishes," Ryan Jones said.

The main level of the 2,000-square-foot space will include a 10-foot open hearth with seating around it and about 45 seats outside on a wrap-around porch and terrace. The upstairs will include a bar and seating for more than 50.

While they want the second-floor dining area to be elegant, the couple said they don't want it to come across as showy.

"Our background was fine dining, but we don't want that pretentious feel," Kelleanne Jones said.

The original house on the site burned several years ago, but the roof was salvaged and some of the burned beams are still visible.

The restaurant will employ about two dozen workers and be open at 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday for dinner and on weekends for brunch.

Under construction

In North Charleston, a new Grit Counter restaurant is on the way at 3438 W. Montague Ave. near the Charleston Area Convention Center.

A newly constructed building next to the Springhill Suites by Marriott is nearing completion. A Dec. 1 opening is targeted, according to co-owner Jake Rambo. The other owners are Grae Rambo and Frank Kline.

Grit Counter is a quick-casual lunch spot offering grits as well as soups, salads and sandwiches. The new location will be open for lunch and dinner and will include a bar as well. The original location is open for lunch only and opened in 2018 at 320 Wingo Way, by the same owners of Grace & Grit next door in Mount Pleasant.

Now serving

A new pizza restaurant is now serving at the site of a former chicken-centric diner on James Island.

Zeppelin Pizza opened Oct. 13 at 1175 Folly Road where Kickin' Chicken operated for 18 years before closing earlier this year.

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It's the second location for Zeppelin. The other is on Johns Island.

The restaurants are owned by Rick Agius of Black Sheep Hospitality, which includes Garage 75 and Tattooed Senorita, also on James Island.

His newest concept, Dill's & Camp Sundries, named for the intersection where it sits at Dill's Bluff and Camp roads on James Island, is in the former Smoky Oak Taproom and is expected to open by the end of October. Agius calls it a meat-and-three restaurant that will serve breakfast as well.

On the way

A new pizza restaurant is headed to Hanahan.

Famulari's Pizzeria plans to open a seventh Charleston-area location at 1000 Tanner Ford Blvd. in Hanahan Crossing Shopping Center.

The restaurant has applied for a state license to sell beer, wine and liquor for on-premise consumption. An opening date has not been announced.

Famulari's offers other locations in Summerville, Cane Bay, West Ashley, James Island and Cainhoy.

Larger space

Chicken Salad Chick has moved two doors down in Mount Pleasant and will hold its grand opening Oct. 20.

Now at 280-A W. Coleman Blvd. in Northcutt Plaza Shopping Center, the restaurant and its new drive-thru and larger dining room will offer one free chicken salad per month for a year to the first 100 guests on reopening day. Other specials will be offered on subsequent days.

The restaurant will be open 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Guests can arrive 7-10 a.m. Oct. 20 to check in and be assigned a number and designated return time between 10-11:15 a.m. to qualify for the free offering.

Getting pampered

A new spa is coming to Mount Pleasant.

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa plans to open soon at 976 Houston Northcutt Blvd. in Northcutt Plaza Shopping Center. It will join the company's existing location in the area  on North Main Street in Summerville.

Dollars and cents

A new discount store is coming to Goose Creek. Dollar Tree plans to open an 8,920-square-foot shop at 214 St. James Ave. at the site of a former Walgreens. An opening date has not been announced.

Grand opening

A new consignment shop is now open in Mount Pleasant. Bluebird Vintage carries art, home accessories and other items next to De Lux Nail Spa in Oyster Park Shopping Center on Ben Sawyer Boulevard.

Changing places

UltraTan is coming to the O2 Fitness-anchored Ashley Oaks retail center at Wappoo and Ashley River roads in West Ashley, according to the commercial real estate firm Carolina Retail Experts. It's moving a few blocks east from the nearby Crossroads Centre.
That was some trip we took to the Civil War battlefields and so forth. Everybody seemed to get along well and nobody got hurt, which is always encouraging.

A few extra historical tidbits before moving on to other things:

Union Gen. George Gordon Meade, who had command of the Army of the Potomac thrown in his lap literally four days before the Battle of Gettysburg (imagine taking on all that responsibility and having to develop a major battle plan in only four days). He did as he was asked and won the battle, although bitterly disappointing President Abraham Lincoln by not chasing down Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee afterwards and conceivably putting an immediate end to the war. He has subsequently been viewed rather harshly by history, and not a few historians feel unfairly so.

Meade remained in command of the Army of the Potomac (unlike several of his predecessors), although his command would fall under the overall purview of Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, who would assume command of the entire U.S. Army.

Anyway, in the waning months of the war, Charleston was besieged by the federals, who set up headquarters at a handsome house of their choosing, specifically the Miles Brewton House at 27 King St. A General Meade was briefly stationed there  yes, that General Meade, the victor at Gettysburg.

The Miles Brewton House already had plenty of experience in the world of besiegement. During the Revolutionary War, the house was British headquarters (1781-82) during the siege of Charleston and host to Sir Henry Clinton, general of the British Army and commander in chief in North America from 1778-82. The lesser known Lt. Col. Lord Rawdon was also in residence. Rawdon gained notoriety by making an example of one Col. Isaac Hayne, who was given a death sentence as a traitor to the crown without a proper trial.

According to historian Robert Rosen and as outlined in his book, A Short History of Charleston," Col. Haynes deceased wifes sister and the little Hayne children begged on their knees at the Brewton House before Rawdon to spare Haynes life. Not only was Hayne not allowed to die like a soldier, but was hanged in public for espionage and treason as a measure of disgrace. This, in addition to other British misdeeds and in particular the reign of terror meted out by Banestre Tarleton ('Bloody Ban') in the countryside, inspired fellow Americans to rise up with even greater vigor. Many joined the ranks of American General Nathaniel Greenes army, thus contributing to his successful campaign in South Carolina."

Three women of interest

Intriguing as it is, I need to jump off the history train, lest people should get the mistaken impression that Im a real historian and actually know what Im talking about. Before doing so however, I cant help mentioning a couple of ladies we learned about during our recent wanderings, whose stories (i.e., histories) are interesting.

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One was Marjorie Merriweather Post (1887-1973), whose unbelievable mansion (Hillwood) in the Forest Hills division of Washington, D.C., off of Connecticut Avenue, is now a museum open to the public. She was the daughter and only child of C.W. Post and inherited a huge fortune at age 27 upon his death, at which time she became owner of Postum Cereal Co., later renamed General Foods Corporation.

A successful businesswoman, she would entertain dignitaries from around the world and give generously to her various interests and causes. Among her several other residences was Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, now owned by former President Donald Trump, which he bought for about $10 million in 1985.

Ms. Post had four husbands and three daughters, one of whom, Nedenia Marjorie Hutton (whose father, E. F. Hutton, was Ms. Posts second husband), became better known as the actress Dina Merrill. Ms. Merrill and her second husband, the actor Cliff Robertson, both had Charleston connections.

Not to turn this into a Hollywood column, which sadly it seems well on the way to becoming, Ms. Posts first husband, Edward Bennett Close, would one day become the grandfather of actress Glenn Close through a second marriage.

At any rate, another lady of interest we learned about was Electra Havemeyer Webb (1888-1960), who founded the well-known (at least in that area) Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, Vermont.

She too got rich the old-fashioned way (through inheritance; her father was President of the American Sugar Refining Co., rebranded as Domino Sugar in 1900), and further married polo champion James Watson Webb II, whose mother was a Vanderbilt. Mr. Webbs parents transformed a collection of lakeside farms on the shores of Lake Champlain into a model country estate, the core property of which, Shelburne Farms, is a tourist destination with a swanky inn and functions as a nonprofit foundation dedicated to fostering innovative agricultural practices.

The Webbs, Electra and James, were avid collectors and preservationists. When one visits the landlocked Shelburne Museum (nor far from the lake, though), its impossible not to notice the 220-foot steamboat Ticonderoga (which served the Lake Champlain area 1906-50) and the Colchester Reef Light (1871-1933), both of which are literally on the grounds. Mrs. Webb bought them after learning each was slated for demolition and somehow or other had them moved.

The problem was getting her husband on board  so to speak  particularly as pertained to the Ticonderoga. I dont know; thats not so bad, her husband remarked glibly. A lot of the other stuff you bought is much worse.

The museum is worth seeing if in the area.
Safiya Grant found out her familys 36-year-old restaurant had earned national acclaim at around 3 p.m. Oct. 13, one day after The New York Times released The Restaurant List detailing the top 50 places in America the paper is most excited about right now.

Grant recalled a photographer showing up a few months ago to snap some pictures of the iconic Hannibals Kitchen crab rice, but the impending article clearly wasnt top of mind. That shouldnt come as a surprise.

To craft its list, The New York Times tapped food reporters from around the country.

Theyre not ranked, but together they reflect the rich mosaic of American dining  from the melding of Thai curry and Texas brisket in the Pacific Northwest, to heritage crab rice on the South Carolina coast, to vegan soul food in the East Village, according to the list's introduction.

Hannibal's crab rice is just one of many adored entrees at the soul food kitchen churning out warm plates of shrimp and grits, fried whiting, ribs and okra soup  but its certainly the most well-known.

Its version is definitive, with local blue-crab meat pan-fried so its crispy but still retains bits of soft flesh, piled generously over white rice, reporter Kim Severson wrote about Hannibal's.

Grant and her sister are third-generation managers of the restaurant their grandfather Robert Lawrence Huger opened in the East Side neighborhood of downtown Charleston in 1985. Grant says her father, L.J. Huger, came up with the crab rice recipe.

I guess it just came to him because his mom had just served him some crab and grits, Grant said. So it started off with crab and grits. Ever since then, it skyrocketed from there. Here, they come for crab rice, then they see all the other entrees.

Like other independently owned restaurants, supply-chain shortages have hampered Hannibals during the pandemic.

On four occasions, the restaurant has run out of blue crab for the rice. Grant has also been forced to take chicken wings and flounder (Hannibals serves its whole) off the menu for periods during the pandemic, when Hannibal's transitioned to takeout and outdoor dining.

Grant did, however, recently add back some of Hannibal's indoor seats.

While lists and acclaim have never been the goal for a restaurant that doesnt boast a glitzy Instagram page or employ a PR firm, Grant still appreciates the honor.

In the restaurant business as a whole, everybody has their moment, Grant said. This time is Hannibals moment, and the next time its going to be another restaurants moment.

Southern eateries Chai Pani (Asheville, N.C.), Kindred (Davidson, N.C.) and Lyla Lila (Atlanta) joined Hannibals Kitchen on the list. For a taste of Charlestons lone representative, stop by 16 Blake St. Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
AWENDAW  Six years after a spate of floods washed over South Carolina, the state Office of Resilience turned over the last house it will replace with federal funds awarded after the deluges.

Much has changed in those years. When historic rainfalls unleashed flooding from the Midlands to the coast in 2015, the state didn't have a resilience office yet, or its precursor, the Disaster Recovery Office. Since 2015, the state has been directly hit by one hurricane, one tropical storm, one tropical depression, and felt significant impacts from three other tropical systems.

But the delivery of a totally new home to 82-year-old Thelma Washington, who lives near Awendaw off of U.S. Highway 17, was still welcome. Washington's prior house was flooded through the crawlspace up to the front door, weakening the foundation enough to make the house unstable. Mold bloomed in the walls, destroying the sheetrock, her daughter, Shirlene Washington-Mack said.

The new house sits as high as 8 feet off the ground.

"She's very pleased with her home and thanks everyone who has been involved with the process," Washington-Mack wrote in an email.

The home was replaced with a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Officials in South Carolina have consistently said their delivery of the work paid for by HUD grants is among the fastest in the country. The agency gives grantees lengthy deadlines from the time the funds are received, and South Carolina has completed this grant ahead of schedule.

"We're excited not only to finish construction on the 2015 flood housing recovery program, but also to be one of the most efficient programs out there," Ben Duncan, the state's Chief Resilience Officer, said in a statement. "Some other grantees are just getting started or are still working on grants they received 10 or more years ago."

In total, South Carolina repaired or replaced 1,830 homes damaged in 2015, all for people with low to moderate incomes.

But a six-year turnaround still leaves disaster victims waiting, and those receiving repairs or replacements with these HUD funds are, by definition, the most in need and the least likely to receive other aid, like flood insurance payouts. Washington had to live with her daughter for 2 years while she waited for her new home, Washington-Mack said.

Part of the problem is with the HUD program itself, which is dependent on federal appropriations each time a disaster happens, and has to spend time publishing the rules for each grant in the federal register before states can get the money. This holdup was outlined as a weakness of the program in a recent report by the watchdog Government Accountability Office.

The Office of Resilience has also said in the past that their clients' homes may have had deferred maintenance that made damages worse, and that it can be hard to find contractors to do all of this complex work.

Elsewhere in South Carolina, some places have had a slower time disbursing HUD funds. The city of Columbia and Richland County both have independent programs, and neither has completed work on all the homes they plan to fix from the 2015 floods.

According to Columbia's most recent report from the beginning of October, it has a total of 161 active applications for home repairs with HUD funds. Of those, repairs are complete in 50 homes and another 50 are under construction.

A Richland County report from January showed the count had repaired 81 homes, rebuilt 31 homes and replaced 56 mobile homes replaced with HUD funds. A county spokesman did not respond to a request for more up-to-date data, but according to a HUD report, the county has spent 75 percent of the disaster recovery grant it received for the 2015 damage.

Meanwhile, state officials are still working through other grants awarded after 2016's Hurricane Matthew and 2018's Hurricane Florence. So far, 1,155 homes have been fixed under those programs.

Jessica Holdman contributed to this report from Columbia.
A second man has been arraigned on federal charges in the sex-trafficking case that ensnared the CEO and president of a Mount Pleasant company.

Federal prosecutors claim Cederick Riley served as the "handler" of a 17-year-old girl who was plied with drugs and coerced through threats into performing sex acts with grown men, including Earl Dawson Caldwell IV, prosecutors charge.

Riley, 34, was arraigned Oct. 14 in the U.S. District Court in Charleston on charges of conspiracy to traffic a minor for sex and trafficking a minor for sex. Both offenses carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Riley also faces one count of felony firearm possession.

He pleaded not guilty.

Caldwell, 52, was charged earlier this week with trafficking a minor for sex between December and May in Jasper and Beaufort counties. An affidavit detailing the allegations was sealed by the court.

A superseding indictment filed Oct. 14 further charges Caldwell with conspiracy to traffic a minor for sex and three counts of sexual exploitation of a child. The sexual exploitation charges are connected to three lewd images or videos the girl sent to Caldwell in December and January, the indictment states.

Caldwell was until recently listed as the CEO and president of AP Recovery on the company's website. References to Caldwell and his father, who founded the auditing firm 25 years ago, were scrubbed from the website Oct. 14.

AP Recovery has not responded to requests for comment. An attorney for Caldwell is not identified in court records.

Special Agent Ken Hawsey of Homeland Security Investigations testified about the investigation at a bond hearing held for Riley after his arraignment.

Hawsey said the girl first came to the attention of federal authorities in April after she visited a Georgia hospital for appendicitis. While under the effects of anesthesia, the girl revealed she was forced to have sex with 10 to 15 men a day.

Resources To get help in South Carolina, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888, or text HELP or INFO to 233733. Additional information about human trafficking can be found by visiting polarisproject.org or humantrafficking.scag.gov.

On May 5, Riley and Caldwell visited the girl at the hospital, according to Hawsey. The men would not allow the girl to be alone with nurses. Their behavior was so troubling staff members threatened to call security, Hawsey said, which prompted them to leave.

The girl was later allowed to leave with Riley, but a nurse called a sex trafficking hot line to report the encounter. Two days later the girl was rescued from a hotel in Yemassee.

The girl, who was with her dog "Cream," was "emaciated, lethargic and not real coherent," Hawsey said. She told authorities Riley was verbally abusive and also once pointed a gun at her dog and threatened to shoot it.

The girl was provided treatment for mental health issues and substance abuse, Hawsey said.

Riley was arrested that same day at a Hardeeville hotel. Police found crack cocaine, MDMA, also known by the street name ecstasy, and two pistols in the room, which Riley admitted belonged to him, Hawsey said.

Authorities obtained search warrants for Riley's social media. Federal prosecutors played for the court audio messages Riley had recorded and sent to Caldwell through Facebook between February and May.

In the messages, Riley complained that the 52-year-old businessman was spending too much time with the girl without paying him.

"All you do is buy her clothes and drugs and that is not helping her situation," he said in one message.

Riley said the girl would make more money seeing multiple men, rather than spending "two or three days" with Caldwell.

Riley said in one message from Feb. 26 that he would sell the girl's dog if she did not give him her money. In another message from April 21, he said Caldwell should be concerned if he does not get his money, because he might "flip out" on the girl.

After the girl was admitted to the Georgia hospital, Riley told Caldwell in a message, "If I go down, you go down with me."

"Let it go nationwide," he said.

Riley was previously convicted in 2008 of distribution of cocaine, a first offense, in Jasper County and sentenced to 2 years in prison, which was suspended for probation. In 2019, he was convicted of third-degree domestic violence, a misdemeanor, and sentenced to time served of 60 days jail. Federal prosecutors said Riley was arrested in that case for punching the mother of his child.

Magistrate Judge Mary Gordon Baker denied Riley's request to be released on bond while awaiting trial, citing public safety concerns.

Caldwell has a bond hearing scheduled for Oct. 15.
Lawyers representing more than 100 Charleston-area local government employees challenging vaccination mandates argued in federal court the matter is about federal and state rights, and not the COVID-19 vaccine itself.

"It's not a vaccine issue," Tom Winslow, attorney for the plaintiffs, said. "This is strictly a constitutional right issue."

U.S. District Judge David Norton heard oral arguments Oct. 14 in downtown Charleston for four lawsuits filed by local government employees. The four agencies being sued for recent vaccination orders are the cities of North Charleston and Charleston, Charleston County and the St. John's Fire District.

The lawsuits, though filed separately, were consolidated and heard at the same time since the suits involve the same lawyers and contest similar vaccination mandates.

The plaintiffs' attorneys, who say 125 government employees are being represented, are seeking an order declaring the vaccination mandates unlawful. They argue the mandates violate employees' rights to privacy and free expression as guaranteed by the South Carolina Constitution. Being forced to submit to vaccine injection is a substantial interference of the plaintiffs' privacy, Winslow said.

"Plaintiffs have a fundamental right to bodily autonomy," he said.

Lawyers also said unlike mask mandates, the vaccine mandate forces employees into an irreversible decision.

"We can't take off the vaccine," Winslow said.

Lawsuits allege the vaccination orders conflict with the U.S. Constitutions guarantee of equal protection, free exercise and due process, and deprives plaintiffs of their fundamental right to refuse medical treatment.

"We feel confident," said Tom Hernandez, an attorney for the group. "No matter what the judge decides, the fact remains that it's not about the vaccine. It's not about health care. It's about rights ... rights we are born with that are protected by the constitution."

Local governments contend they were acting in the interest of public safety.

North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey issued a vaccination order Sept. 1 after the city saw more than 50 employees out of work due to COVID-19, said Brady Hair, attorney for the city.

"This cost the city more money to pay overtime to cover the lack of workers," he said.

Hair added that the order wasn't meant to just protect employees but also the general public with whom fire and police personnel regularly interact.

Since March 2020, local government leaders have tried other preventive measures to keep employees safe, said Caroline Wrenn Cleveland, attorney for the governments. They have sent employees home with pay, implemented social distancing requirements and encouraged people to get vaccinated  all before vaccine mandates began rolling out in September, Cleveland said.

Attorneys also spoke to the deadliness of the disease. Cleveland pointed out that COVID-19 is currently the leading cause of death among police officers.

Local governments need vaccine mandates to accomplish the goal of protecting employees and citizens, Hair said.

"We need this tool to accomplish that mission," he said.

North Charleston was the first municipality to require vaccinations when it issued its order Sept. 1. The city of Charleston, Charleston County and SJFD followed suit shortly afterward.

All of the mandates make exemptions for medical and religious reasons.

Lawyers are hoping for the judge's decision to be made soon as vaccination deadlines loom. North Charleston employees are required to be fully vaccinated Nov. 5. The deadline is Nov. 7 for Charleston County employees, Nov. 22 for city of Charleston employees, and Nov. 20 for St. John's Fire personnel.
The Walterboro man who stands accused of shooting Alex Murdaugh in a botched assisted suicide scheme appeared on a pair of national morning shows Oct. 14 and asserted that the disgraced attorney was never shot at all.

Curtis Edward Smith, a 61-year-old former law client of Murdaughs, told NBC's "Today" news anchor Craig Melvin he refused Murdaugh's request to kill him on the side of a rural Hampton County road over Labor Day weekend.

Then, Smith said, he and Murdaugh struggled for a gun that Murdaugh had brought to their meet-up, and it went off.

But Smith said he is "1,000 percent" sure the bullet never hit Murdaugh.

"I didn't shoot him," the handyman and former logger told a national audience. "I'm innocent. If I would have shot him, he'd be dead. He's alive."

In a separate interview with CBS, Smith said he took the gun from the scene and ditched it so that Murdaugh couldn't use it to kill himself.

"If I hadn't took the gun, I don't know what he would have done," Smith said.

Smith's version of the events matches what he has told several national newspapers in the month since his arrest. But it contradicts Murdaugh's story that he enlisted Smith to kill him last month so he could leave behind a $10 million life insurance payout for his remaining son, Buster.

Murdaugh's defense attorneys, Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin, have said the prominent lawyer was in a fit of depression and wanted to die after the unsolved murders of his wife and son in June and his law office's recent discovery that he had stolen money from his clients and the firm.

Murdaugh mistakenly believed his policy wouldn't pay out if he killed himself and thought his death needed to look like a homicide, they have said.

The State Law Enforcement Division accepted Murdaugh's version of the story last month, arresting him and Smith and charging the pair in a conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, among other crimes.

Smith shot Murdaugh in the head at the attorneys request, but the attorney survived the incident and later confessed to the scheme, SLED said at the time.

SLED said Smith had admitted to being at the scene at the time of the shooting and ditching the gun in "an unknown location" afterward.

In response to Smith's Today show interview, Griffin countered Thursday that "Alex was definitely shot in the head."

"This was not something that is open to debate," the Columbia lawyer said. "We will verify it in the coming days."

Griffin has said he has already obtained medical records showing Murdaugh suffered a significant head wound and was bleeding profusely as he was airlifted to a Savannah hospital on the day of the shooting. The attorney said he is still waiting to receive hospital records confirming a gunshot wound and pledged to release them when he does.

Smith told "Today" he saw no blood after the gun went off during the struggle.

"There was no blood on me," he said. "There was no blood on him."

Smith and his attorney, Jonny McCoy, said Murdaugh and his defense team are setting up Smith as a fall guy, and using law enforcement to do it.

They pushed back on assertions by Murdaugh's attorneys that Smith was Murdaugh's longtime drug dealer. "To my knowledge, absolutely not," McCoy said.

McCoy said Smith's story hasn't changed since the shooting, while Murdaugh initially claimed he was shot by an unknown assailant before telling law enforcement that he persuaded Smith to kill him.

"He's used to people listening to his word, and he's used to people taking that and running with it," McCoy said of Murdaugh.

The Labor Day weekend shooting has attracted international attention as part of a larger murder mystery that began in June when Alex Murdaugh reported finding his wife, Maggie, and son Paul shot to death outside the family's spacious hunting property in Colleton County.

The descendant of a long line of powerful lawyers who held great influence in the southern tip of South Carolina, Murdaugh has seen his personal life and legal career implode in the months since.

He has admitted to a 20-year addiction to opioids and checked himself into rehab.

He was pushed out of the Hampton law office his great-grandfather founded in 1910 after his partners last month accused him of embezzling money.

He was arrested after the alleged staged shooting with Smith. He was sued by the sons of his late housekeeper, who have presented evidence that Murdaugh swindled them out of a $4.3 million wrongful death settlement they were owed.

And his law license was suspended by the state Supreme Court.

McCoy, Smith's attorney, said Murdaugh only blamed Smith for the shooting after his own story began falling apart under scrutiny.

Questions about the shooting have swirled for weeks. They grew even louder after Murdaugh appeared at a bond hearing less than two weeks after the incident without any bandages or visible head wounds.

His attorneys have said entry and exit wounds are visible on Murdaugh's head when sifting through his red-and-grey hair.

McCoy said he has learned that Murdaugh had checked into rehab multiple times for drug addiction, but never kicked it.

He said Murdaugh's attempt to shift blame to Smith is typical behavior for someone battling drug addiction.

"He is doing exactly what people with addict behavior do," McCoy said. "And that is, he tried to turn himself into a victim, and he tried to turn himself into a hero."
Elections have consequences.

In May, the voters of Sullivans Island came out in record numbers and voted overwhelmingly to confirm what everyone who lives here already knew.

We love our maritime forest and treasure the solace, awe and protection it provides.

Everyone who ran for office in support of the forest won by a landslide, and those who supported the deforestation of our island lost by a landslide.

The outcome and message could not have been made any clearer: Protect and preserve this gift from God and nature for all of us and for future generations.

Our current town council simply did what it was elected to do in hiring counsel to see what can be done to undo the damage.

I hope this sends a message to all of us who live in the Lowcountry. You dont have to accept overdevelopment, greed and the loss of our green spaces as our destiny.

Our children and grandchildren will thank us.

LARRY KOBROVSKY

Seabreeze Lane

Sullivans Island

Better road option

South Carolina officials would be well-served by reviewing the history of Interstate 86 in New York state.

Beginning in the 1950s, New York began the transformation of U.S. Highway 17 to I-86.

Work was done to widen certain sections. Interchanges and bridges were added where needed until it was an interstate highway.

That is what South Carolina should do with U.S. Highway 501 rather than building an entirely new interstate.

Most of U.S. 501 between Myrtle Beach and Interstate 95 is a divided highway.

This would be the most economical and fastest way to accomplish the objective of improving traffic flow to and from the Grand Strand.

TOM MACMANUS

Golden Bear Drive

Pawleys Island

Cityscape loses identity

It saddens me to agree with the Oct. 6 letter writer about how development is trampling Charlestons charms.

I recall with nostalgia driving onto the peninsula from West Ashley and seeing the old Sergeant Jasper, which was not attractive.

Today, Charleston has begun to take on the cityscape of almost every other modern coastal town.

Boring, boxy commercial and apartment buildings abound and continue to sprout.

Development also has heavily impacted our infrastructure; witness the citys roads that have deteriorated notably over just the past 15 years.

Without the watchdogs of the Historic Charleston Foundation and the Preservation Society of Charleston, who knows where we would be or what we will become?

PETER GOODRICH

Tradd Street

Charleston

Kudos for Steve Bailey

The work by Post and Courier freelance columnist Steve Bailey is greatly appreciated.

Mr. Bailey focuses on controversial topics affecting our community and dares to identify those who deserve exposure, whether positively or negatively.

Some examples include Charleston County Councils deal with Joe Dawson, the catch-and-release pattern for violent criminals, East Side violence, the Jasper and its progeny of townhouses next door, cruise ships and, most recently, a doctors video about the harrowing effects of COVID-19 on overly stressed hospital staff.

Reasonable minds might differ about some controversial issues. But reasonable minds cannot differ about the thoroughness of Mr. Baileys research and the logic of his opinions. Some, especially those belonging to people who bear responsibility for problems highlighted in his columns, undoubtedly criticize his views.

A columnist expressing opinions knowingly signs up for blowback. It takes courage and integrity to accept criticism without being intimidated into silence.

Precisely because of the recent increase in censorship and intimidation of writers and speakers, we should celebrate those bold enough to tackle issues that need to be addressed.

GINNY BUSH

Water Street

Charleston

Prison term too short

So someone can conspire to take billions of dollars away from South Carolinians, personally pocket several million dollars, commit federal and state crimes, and the prison sentence is basically a slap on the wrist.

Even though former SCANA CEO Kevin Marsh forfeited $5 million as part of his plea deal, two years in prison for is a travesty for this serious of a crime. We need to overhaul our justice system to make it fair for all. There should be no special treatment for being rich.

JOE MCFALLS

Lazy River Drive

Charleston

9/11 promises forgotten

The 9/11 health fund is running out of money.

We were promised that the motto is, and will be, Never Forget.

In an effort to get support for adding the needed funding, I wrote U.S. Sens. Tim Scott and Lindsey Graham as well as U.S. Rep. Tom Rice.

Mr. Graham was the only one to reply to my request.

He replied: Thank you for contacting me regarding the Democrats fiscal year 2022 Budget Resolution. On August 11, 2021 I voted against this resolution, which paves the way for more government and more taxes. This legislation will cost well over $3.5 trillion. The Democrats are creating an America that the next generation cannot pay for.

This is a dream for those who want a socialist America and a nightmare for working Americans. I will continue to work against this liberal wish list.

9/11 was not a Democratic or Republican issue.

JOSEPH BENECKE

Country Trail

Aynor
I will vote for keeping most of them in elected office

I will vote to replace most of them

I will vote to replace some of them

I will vote for just a few, if any

I will not vote

Vote

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There are several stories that can write themselves every morning, such as the failure of green energy, the failure of the Biden Administration, the failure of the wokerati to acquire any common sense, etc.

And then theres the ongoing failure of California, in particular San Francisco. Herewith a few news stories from the last few days that dont need explanation or commentary:

Walgreens to close 5 more S.F. stores, citing rising costs of retail crime Walgreens said Tuesday that it will close five stores in San Francisco in November, citing the companys concerns over retail theft in the city. Organized retail crime continues to be a challenge facing retailers across San Francisco, and we are not immune to that, Walgreens spokesperson Phil Caruso said in a statement. . . The closures will bring to 22 the number of Walgreens stores closed in San Francisco in the past five years.

Item 2:

Enrollment in San Francisco schools drops State funding is in jeopardy with the loss of 3,500 students in San Francisco schools. Can SFs school district turn from death spiral to sea change? The San Francisco Unified School District has been a slow-motion car crash for years. Declining enrollment, unhappy parents and school board meetings that drone aimlessly into the night? Yep, that sounds like the SFUSD. . . The state of California announced that the SFUSD budget was so deep in the red that the state is likely going to take over. This as the district predicts deficits over $100 million, beginning in 2022. . . Last week a news story detailed the appalling conditions at Buena Vista Horace Mann elementary and middle school in the Mission. The story documented rodent infestations, a gas leak and stinking bathrooms. That was awful. But what made it worse was that almost exactly the same story was written back in 2019, right down to the rat droppings. Clearly nothing was done in three years.

Thats because, as the full article relates, the SF school board spent a lot of time about whether to rename Abraham Lincoln high school, among other stupid things.

Item 3:

More than half of Bay Area residents plan to leave permanently: poll More than half of the residents living in the San Francisco Bay Area say they are considering moving out of the area permanently, according to a poll from Joint Venture Silicon Valley released Monday. The survey of voters in five Bay Area Counties found that 56 percent of respondents said they were likely to leave the region within the next few years, a higher percentage than in any of the think tanks previous polling.

Think its just shoplifting and poop on the streets? Well. . .

These last two items passed along by my pal Michael Shellenberger, whose new book San Fransicko: How Progressives Ruin Cities was published on Tuesday of this week.
Aaron Sibarium gives readers a look inside the higher education asylum in the Washington Free Beacon story A Yale Law Student Sent a Lighthearted Email Inviting Classmates to His Trap House. The School Is Now Calling Him To Account. Subhead: In leaked audio, administration officials allege his membership in the conservative Federalist Society is triggering and oppressive. Sibariums story opens:

Administrators at Yale Law School spent weeks pressuring a student to apologize for a triggering email in which he referred to his apartment as a trap house, a slang term for a place where people buy drugs. Part of what made the email triggering, the administrators told the student, was his membership in a conservative organization. The second-year law student, a member of both the Native American Law Students Association and the conservative Federalist Society, had invited classmates to an event cohosted by the two groups. We will be christening our very own (soon to be) world-renowned NALSA Trap House  by throwing a Constitution Day Bash in collaboration with FedSoc, he wrote in a Sept. 15 email to the Native American listserv. In keeping with the theme, he said, the mixer would serve American-themed snacks like Popeyes chicken and apple pie. The student, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation, is part Cherokee, the Indian tribe that was forcibly displaced during the infamous Trail of Tears. Within minutes, the lighthearted invite had been screenshotted and shared to an online forum for all second-year law students, several of whom alleged that the term trap house indicated a blackface party. I guess celebrating whiteness wasnt enough, the president of the Black Law Students Association wrote in the forum. Yall had to upgrade to cosplay/black face. She also objected to the mixers affiliation with the Federalist Society, which she said has historically supported anti-Black rhetoric.

Law school associate dean of student affairs Ellen Cosgrove and director of diversity, equity and inclusion and Yaseen Eldik called the offending student in for a meeting or two. Eldik did most of the talking. In the guise of offering the student help, he sought to extract a written apology through the use of not very subtle threats. The student not only resisted the threats, he recorded the conversation.

The Free Beacon has posted audio in Listen to Yale Law School Administrators Tell a Student His Affiliation With the Federalist Society Is Triggering for Classmates. The audio is below. It warrants the time necessary to take it in.

The audio derives from meetings with the student and the two administrators on September 16, when the student was told that his membership in the oppressive Federalist Society had triggered his peers, and on September 17, when he was reminded that theres a bar you have to take. The Free Beacon provides time stamps for the audio of the September 16 meeting:

-1:00: Eldik explains why the term trap house is triggering and racialized.

-3:40: Eldik says that references to fried chicken have been used to undermine arguments that structural or systemic racism have contributed to health disparities in the U.S.

-5:15: The student is told that as a man of color, there probably isnt as much of a scrutiny of you as there might be of a white person in the same position.

-5:32: Eldik says that the students affiliation with the Federalist Society was very triggering for students who already feel that the conservative group is oppressive to certain communities.

-7:15: Eldik says his office has received complaints that the students email was a form of discrimination and psychically harmful.

-10:00: Eldik starts to pressure the student to apologize.

-11:40: Cosgrove and Eldik propose addressing the apology to the leaders of the Black Law Students Association specifically.

-12:10: Cosgrove warns the student that these things amplify over time, so apologizing quickly is important for your sake.

-13:35: After the student suggests letting his peers reach out to him individually to discuss their feelings about the email, Eldik responds: I dont want to make our office look like an ineffective source of resolution.

-14:05: Eldik says his office has received eight or nine student complaints about this and tells the student that the best way to make this go away would be an apology.

-14:23: Eldik says an apology would give the student character-driven rehabilitation.

-15:10: Eldik says he worries about the email affecting the students reputation, not just here but when you leave. You know the legal community is a small one.

-16:20: Eldik volunteers to help draft the email.

-18:10: Cosgrove warns that escalation is a possibility if the student doesnt apologize.

-20:00: Eldik characterizes the students email as an invitation to make a mockery of black people.

These are the time stamps for the September 17 meeting:

-1:13: Eldik says, This is all because we care about you, and tells the student, I dont have to do my job like this.

-1:35: Eldik says, Youre a law student, and theres a bar [exam] you have to take, so we think its really important to give you a 360 view.

As Sibarium notes in his story, the law school declined to offer any comment on the story prior to publication yesterday Eldik, Cosgrove, and Yale Law School dean Heather Gerken did not respond to requests for comment). Following publication of the story, however, Yale issued a statement saying that no student is investigated or sanctioned for protected speech at the law school. At no time was any disciplinary investigation launched or disciplinary action taken in this matter, the statement added. While any person may report concerns about a lawyers character and fitness to the bar, the law school has a longstanding policy of reporting only formal disciplinary action to the Bar Association. For some reason or other, this information was never conveyed directly to the student.

Reasons Liz Wolfe explores the history of the term trap house in her coverage of the Free Beacon story. She advises: Dont Use the Term Trap House in Your Party Invite at Yale Law School. Especially if youre associated with the Federalist Society.

Quotable quote (Eldik to the student): As a man of color, there probably isnt as much scrutiny of you as there might be of a white person in the same position. I just want to acknowledge that theres a complexity to that too.
Theresa Paul is a smallholder farmer in Nigerias capital city, Abuja. She is into mixed farming.

In this episode, she narrates her encounter with herders and how they left her with a broken arm.

PT: Can you put us through your journey in agriculture?

Ms Paul: I have been farming for eight years, I practise both animal and crop farming. I grow maize, beans and cassava and I also have poultry. I started farming to support my family and make money. After harvest, I sell at Kuje market and I also sell eggs from my poultry.

PT: Like some women farmers, it is difficult to own or even lease land for any kind of business, can you tell us your story?

Ms Paul: I lease land, but they are all in different locations. I had to meet the indigenes of this community, the Gbagi people, for land. I pay a different amount but it depends on the size and the location of the land. I paid N10,000 for one hectare and N2000 for one plot.

PT: Since you started planting, have you heard of improved seeds? How do you also get seeds?

Ms Paul: Yes I have, but I have not used it. I buy from the market or use the ones from the previous harvest.

PT: Insecurity has been a huge problem for Nigerians, how has it affected your farming activities?

Ms Paul: It has really affected me, on my one hectare of land, the herders went into the farm and finished the maize, I lost everything. Last year, they consumed the beans on another farm. There was one day in 2019 that I met the herders and their cows on my farm, so I tried chasing them but the herders spoke to the cows and they came after me, I had to run, in the process, I fell down and my hand was broken. I managed to stand up and continue the race. By the time I got home, nobody was around to help me, just my children. I later went to the hospital. The arm hurts often, I just keep managing. I try not to use it often.

PT: Aside from seeds, how do you get fertilizer to improve your crop yield?

Ms Paul: I dont have money to purchase fertilizer so I make use of poultry waste.

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PT: You could have chosen a different profession, why agriculture?

Ms Paul: I love doing it and I have passion for it.

PT: Do you belong to any association?

Ms Paul: Yes, I do. I belong to but we are yet to benefit from it.

PT: Since your arm is broken, how do you deal with labour?

Ms Paul: I hire human labour, thats all I can do. I dont have money to rent or buy machines. I pay as much as N20,000 for labour.

PT: Are there challenges you face on the farm that you want to share with us?

Ms Paul: Yes, sometimes I have very poor yield because of pests. The maize I cultivated last year was eaten by a pest, just like beans. For me, it looks like perpetual suffering, from one problem to another. This year pests, next year herders, and every year lack funds.

PT: What is the most pressing need as a woman farmer?

Ms Paul: I need funds so that my business will expand. I can buy basic farm inputs and probably a small machine to ease the stress.

PT: Have you heard of the FADAMA project? Did you benefit from it?

Ms Paul: No, I have not heard of it. Two weeks ago, some other women and I went for a programme in Gwagwalada and they gave us chemicals and a sprayer.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lucky Irabor, a general, says security agencies have so far neutralised 250 bandits and captured over 600 since the interruption of communication facilities in Zamfara, parts of Niger, Sokoto and Kaduna States.

Mr Irabor revealed this at the resumed weekly ministerial briefing, organised by the Presidential Communications Team, led by Femi Adesina, on Thursday in Abuja.

The CDS also disclosed that thousands of kidnapped citizens were rescued from various camps of bandits located in Zamfara, Niger, Kaduna, Sokoto and Katsina States in the last five weeks.

He said: The primary objective of the government is to ensure the peace and wellbeing of every citizen so, we undertake our operations and activities to ensure there is peace, development and the provision of amenities that aggregate to governance.

We are responsible for the security content in that regard so to that extent, looking at the numbers, from the last report that I got on Monday, we have neutralized over 250 of the bandits, we have equally arrested well over 600 and because it is a continuous thing, the figures might also change.

I would like to also indicate that the rescue operations have led to the rescue of many of those recruited by the bandits, which is also part and parcel of that action and is not limited to Zamfara state but it also extends to Sokoto and Katsina.

He restated the resolve of the armed forces to continue the fight against bandits and other criminals troubling some parts of the country.

We will continue to do what we are meant to do, that is why we are still there although not all share the fact that we have done very well but many who understand the issues applaud the actions we have taken both in the Northeast and Northwest and we have had many compliments with regards to that.

So for me, we will not be distracted, we will remain resolute and undaunted while engaging the criminals, to see that we scale up our operations not just in the Northeast or Southwest, but across the country, he affirmed.

On whether the leader of Islamic States of West African Province (ISWAP), Abu Musab, is dead or alive, Mr Irabor said: I can authoritatively confirm to you that Abu Musab is dead. He is dead and remains dead.

On the whereabouts of the concentration of bandits, the CDS said: They are essentially where they are. That is the reason why we are pursuing them.

But more seriously, a larger number of the bandits remain in the Northwest.

Of course, a few who are having inroads into the North central, we are taking action, so that they do not spread beyond the known locations.

But let me tell you also that threat as it were, whether terrorism, banditry, or any form of criminality, they are not confined to boundaries.

Commenting on the recent surrender of Boko Haram fighters, Mr Irabor said over 1,800 of the insurgents had so far surrendered.

He called on stakeholders and all citizens to cooperate with security agencies in order to win the fight against insurgency.

The massive surrender of Boko Haram terrorists is as a result of the actions we have taken in the Northeast.

But I also believe that issues surrounding defence and security are not just military-centric but it has to involve all stakeholders and all citizens, he said.

(NAN)
Niger State is in the North Central region of Nigeria but shares boundaries and the plague of banditry with some states in the North-west. The state has recorded high profile cases of abductions of students from schools this year, the latest being of 91 pupils from an Islamiyya school in Tegina on May 30. The bandits are believed to have collected N60 million and five new motorcycles as ransom before releasing the kids 88 days later. Aside from the abductions, bandits routinely raid rural communities, killing people, stealing livestock and burning down houses and grain silos.

One of the victims was the Niger State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Muhammad Idris, who was kidnapped on August 9 at his hometown of Baban Tunga village in Tarfa Local Government Area of the state. Our reporter, Ahmadu Maishanu, met Mr Idris in Minna, the state capital, and he spoke on his own experience and how the government is confronting the insecurity challenge in the state.

Excerpts.

PT: Niger is one of the states where bandits are very active. How is the government addressing the menace?

Mr Idris: Those behind insecurity in Niger State, as the governor, Abubakar Bello, has rightly said, are not people of the state. Niger has a record of being one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria until the infiltration of some elements changed the situation. In Niger State, you hardly see groups fighting each other. The state is blessed with arable land; it has about 10 per cent of the landmass of Nigeria  as large as six other states. We have many forests, streams and creeks which criminals are now using as hideouts. Armed bandits are also using the states forests as their base for kidnapping, terrorising residents and causing unrest.

The Niger State Government has been talking with the governments of our neighbouring Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi and Katsina states. The states always meet to review their strategy for addressing the problems of banditry collectively. Recently, our governor visited Mariga town which was under the control of bandits until the security forces chased them away. This allowed the lawful residents to return to their homes and to their normal livelihood of cultivating their farmlands. This was achieved through the cooperation among the neighbouring states. The government is committed to ending the menace. People will soon feel the impact of the cooperation between the states. We are doing all this without resorting to much publicity for security reasons.

PT: Why did it take the governors so long to realize they have to work together?

Idris: Yes, initially, there was no agreement on how to address the problems. But now having realised the gravity of the problem, the governors agreed to work together, unlike before where each state used its own strategy in fighting the criminals.

PT: What is the position of your state on peace dialogue with the bandits?

Mr Idris: I cant speak on this now.

PT: You were also a victim of kidnapping, how did that happen?

Mr Idris: This is what God destined to happen to me. The bandits came to my house in the village and went away with me. Many people asked why I am staying in the village despite the risks. But my answer to them is that I hail from the village and, as a public servant, I derive pleasure from being among my people, engaging them on their needs and briefing them about governments plans. These keep me in touch with the people at the grassroots. I see myself as their messenger and I cannot stay in the city away from them.

PT: What was your experience with the bandits in the forest?

Mr Idris: The experience was bad. You cannot wish for your enemy such experience. They invaded my matrimonial home and whisked me away to a difficult and strange environment. From the experience, I know that the bandits in the forest cannot kidnap anyone in the town without the support of an informant who lives in the town and feeds them with information. We should not be afraid of the bandits in the forest but of those bandits living with us and helping their accomplices in the forest. The problems is more of community-based, all hands must be on desk to fish out the bad elements within us. The bandits also are suffering in the forests, lacking virtually all basic things of life, running away from the law and living in pains in the bush like their abductees.

PT: But they received millions as ransom. Where is the money going?

Mr Idris: They are being used by others. I dont know where the money is going to but the truth of the matter is that the bandits themselves are suffering in the forest. No adequate foods to eat despite the huge amount of ransom they reportedly collect.

PT: How much did you pay as ransom?

Mr Idris: All I know is that we started negotiating ransom with them, but I didnt pay anything. Later, they told me that I would be reunited with my family.

PT: Did someone, somewhere pay the ransom for you?

Mr Idris: I dont know whether someone paid for me but I am aware that the Niger State government will not intervene in that because it has a policy of not paying ransom to bandits.

PT: How much ransom did the bandits request?

Mr Idris: Initially, they told me that the government budgeted huge amounts of money for me as the commissioner for Information and Strategy, thus, they wanted N200 million as ransom or they would kill me. I told them to bring my phone so that I could show them my bank statements. Since I assumed office as commissioner, there was no time I deposited up to a million naira. Even my monthly salary I share within my families and needy people in my community and other places I can reach.

PT: After your release, you made a statement that you had forgiven the bandits.

Mr Idris: In that statement, two things are involved. As a Muslim, I believe that whatever happens to me is my destiny that cannot be changed. I suffered cruelty from them but I hope that God will change them for good. Also, as a government official and a leader, I am like a father to all, I cannot curse any of my children because that would later manifest negatively in the community. That is what I meant by forgiving them. However, their actions violate the law and the wrath of the law will one day catch up with them.
President Muhammadu Buhari plans to pump over N20 billion into the construction of a new presidential wing at the State House Clinic which he rarely uses, an amount that far outstrips allocations for new and ongoing projects in 14 federal teaching hospitals, an analysis of the 2022 budget shows.

The president has asked the National Assembly to approve N21.9 billion for the construction of a presidential wing at the State House Medical Center in 2022. The project has already received N1.4 billion since 2020, meaning by next year it would have received N23.3 billion in total.

The N16.31 trillion budget passed a second reading at the Senate on Wednesday amid complaints by lawmakers that the nations budgets were increasingly making less impact on the citizens, and have consistently paid more attention on vague and non-critical projects, than key items such as education, healthcare and job creation.

We must change our implementation strategy and our budget system, so that Nigerians can benefit from this annual ritual called budget, said Abba Moro, PDP senator from Benue State.

We must try as much as possible to block the leakages in our economy, so that we can conserve funds for the development of our infrastructure. I dont know the place of education in this budget yet we want to enthrone a vibrant population in our country.

Poverty is on the rise. Several programmes have been churned out by this administration in all our budgets. We must change our budget system. The envelope system is a system that duplicates and continues to do one thing all over and over again and we will not expect a new result, Mr Moro, a former Minister of Interior, said.

The huge proposal for the presidential wing is the latest example of how successive governments have continued to commit scarce resources to projects that promise limited value as they are aimed at providing services to a few individuals  in this case the president, vice president and their families  at the expense of critical projects that should serve millions of Nigerians.

For years, the State House Clinic has been a magnet for oversized budgetary allocations, but its efficiency has remained below par. In 2017, the first lady, Aisha Buhari, said the facility was poorly run despite billions committed to it over the years and her daughter, Zahra, said the hospital was unable to provide paracetamol.

I called the Aso Clinic to find out if they have an X-Ray machine, they said its not working. In the end I had to go to a hospital owned and operated by foreigners 100 per cent, Mrs Buhari said at the time.

There is a budget for the hospital and if you go there now, you will see a number of constructions going on but they dont have a single syringe there. What is the purpose of the buildings if there are no equipment there to work with?

You can imagine what happens across the states to governors wives if this will happen to me in Abuja.

The Aso Rock Clinic management blamed the poor services on poor funding and said the president had been briefed on the poor state of the hospital. Officials told lawmakers who probed the matter at the time that the amount released for the running of the hospital often fell short of the figure approved in the budget, a common problem often caused by low federal income.

In 2018, they said the total release for the clinics overhead expenditure was N331.7 million, representing 99.9 per cent of the approved figure, while only N231.9 million was made available for capital projects, representing 33.2 per cent of what it should have been.

Developments this year show that years after, the facility has continued to be dysfunctional. Mr Buhari himself has continued to spend public funds on foreign medical trips since coming to office, preferring to be treated in the United Kingdom. His latest medical trip was in July shortly before medical doctors in Nigeria began an indefinite strike that paralysed the sector for weeks.

After authorising the restriction of public access to the State House Clinic in 2020, the president in August this year approved a site for the construction of a new presidential wing at the State House clinic.

It remained unclear if Mr Buhari will end his UK medical trips and instead patronise the new facility he commissioned.

The permanent secretary, State House, Umar Tijjani, said in August that the state of the art clinic would particularly cater for the medical needs of the president, vice president, members of their families as well as other government officials. According to him, the project is expected to be completed in the next two years before the end of the Buhari administration.

He re-echoed calls for improved funding, saying that of N8.699 billion budgeted for State House in the 2018 fiscal year, only N5.083 billion was released. In 2019, out of about N6.955 billion budgeted, N2 billion.

READ ALSO: Buhari approves construction of Presidential Wing for State House clinic

He, however, admitted the funding rose in 2020 and the entire approved amount that year  N4.88 billion  was released, an indication that the problems of the facility go beyond lack of funding.

Presidential Wing More Critical Than Teaching Hospitals

Mr Tijjani said the biggest intervention needed by the State House was the building and construction of the presidential wing at the State House clinic.

And by the time this administration leaves office, we would have the presidential wing of the State House Clinic in place, he told senators who visited the clinic.

For now, we have already started in earnest with activities that are required for the construction, we have received the necessary approvals. We have received no objection from the Bureau of Public Procurement. We have already directed the contractor because hes going to come in the form of a turnkey project, in order to mobilise and take over the site.

That project will cost N21.9 billion in 2022 if the National Assembly gives approval. It received N1.064 billion in 2021 and N416.7 million in 2020.

The 2022 figure is N2.7 billion more than the total capital allocation for 14 teaching hospitals in the country.

Capital allocations are for new and ongoing projects, different from recurrent which deals with administrative (overhead) and personnel costs.

According to the proposed budget, below are the amounts proposed for ongoing and new projects in the following hospitals. They sum to N19.17 billion, less than the capital allocation going to the presidential wing of the State House Clinic.
The Nigerian government on Wednesday disclosed that a total of 3,141,795 persons have been tested for the coronavirus infection since the disease broke out in 2020.

This is less than 2 per cent of Nigerias estimated 206 million population.

Boss Mustapha, Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, disclosed this at its briefing on Wednesday.

Mr Mustapha, who doubles as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), admitted that the statistics generated over the last four weeks of testing have shown that the trend of infection is going down in some states while in others, the trajectory is upward.

Fatalities

Meanwhile, the country also recorded five additional fatalities from the coronavirus pandemic with 251 fresh cases reported across 13 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

This was contained in an update shared on the Facebook page of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Wednesday night.

Breakdown

In the latest update by the NCDC, the FCT recorded 78 cases, followed by Lagos, the epicentre of the disease with 46 cases while Kaduna in the South-west ranked third with 27 cases.

Rivers State recorded 21 cases; Imo, 16, while Edo and Delta in the South-south recorded 13 and 12 cases respectively.

While Plateau and Niger States in the North-central recorded 10 and seven cases respectively, Bauchi State in the North-east and Kwara State in the North-central recorded six cases each.

Also, Akwa Ibom in the South-south recorded four cases, while Benue and Nasarawa States in the North-central recorded three and two cases respectively.

A review of data provided by NCDC revealed a breakdown of testing conducted so far across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to the report, as of October 14, out of a total of 3,142,971 tests conducted Nigerias total infection from the pandemic currently stands at 208,404 while the fatality toll increased to 2,761.

According to the disease centre, a total of 9,520 Nigerians are currently down with the disease nationwide

The five states topping the testing chart are Lagos, FCT, Rivers, Kaduna and Plateau.
Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the north have endorsed a former Senate President, Iyorchia Ayu, as their consensus candidate for the partys national chairman in the forthcoming national convention.

The governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, disclosed this while speaking with journalists after the stakeholders meeting held on Thursday at Bauchi Governors Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was convened to produce a consensus candidate to be ratified at the partys national convention scheduled for 30 and 31 October.

Mr Fintiri, who is also the chairman , PDP National Convention Organising Committee, said Mr Ayu emerged from the three aspirants presented by the three geopolitical zones.

The other two contestants, a former governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema, and a former senator from Bauchi State, Abdul Ningi, withdrew from the race.

In the spirit of ensuring that PDP emerges and benefits from our efforts, so that we can win together for Nigerians in the 2023 general elections, Ayu has emerged as a consensus candidate of the north.

With this, we are fully prepared, we are ready. We will be talking with our colleagues from other parts of the country, especially the south, they see reasons for this consensus candidate and give us support during the 30 and 31 October convention of the PDP.

All of them were immensely qualified but through discussion and reconciliation we have emerged with a consensus list that was endorsed by the candidates themselves.

There was no election and there was no selection, Mr Fintiri said.

He said there was no victor, no vanquished, adding we all came out united.

In his acceptance remarks, Mr Ayu commended the party leaders for the responsibility entrusted to him, saying I believe at the end of the day I would not just be the northern candidate but the collective will of Nigerians.

Mr Ayu pledged that the PDP would be back with its winning strategies.

We will work tirelessly after the convention to rebuild the party to take over power, to rebuild the country.

I believe all Nigerians missed the PDP government. Our 16 years moved the country forward.

We intend to work together with all the leaders not only in the north but across the country to reposition this country to the next generation of Nigerians.

It will be an all-inclusive administration of the party. We will work collectively, we will introduce policies that will be acceptable to Nigerians, Mr Ayu said.

Mr Ayu, a former sociology lecturer, who will be 69 in November, hails from Benue State. He is of the Tiv ethnic nationality.

He was Senate President during the botched Third Republic (1992-1993).

He later served as minister of education in the administration of late Sani Abacha and as minister in three ministries  industry, internal affairs and environment  in the civilian administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

If he emerges the national chairman of the PDP, Mr Ayu will be the third person from Benue to hold the position.

Barnabas Gemade, a former minister and senator and Audu Ogbeh, a former minister, at different times, held that position but were removed in controversial circumstances.

(NAN)
The incumbent deputy vice-chancellor in charge of administration at the University of Ibadan, Kayode Adebowale, has emerged as the 13th substantive vice-chancellor of the institution.

He defeated the incumbent acting vice-chancellor, Adebola Ekanola, and 14 others in a keenly contested process that took almost one year to resolve.

The chairman of the universitys governing council and former chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Odigie Oyegun, made the announcement at exactly 7:57 p.m on Thursday.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported earlier on Thursday that the announcement would be made later in the day.

Announcing the new vice-chancellor, Mr Oyegun said Mr Adebowale emerged the best after a thorough process which he noted was witnessed by representatives of the Federal Character Commission and the Federal Ministry of Education.

A statement personally signed by Mr Oyegun to announce the new vice-chancellor is reproduced below:

PRESS RELEASE OF THE PRO-CHANCELLOR ON THE APPOINTMENT OF

THE VICE CHANCELLOR

The post of the Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan became vacant on December 1, 2020, and in accordance with the provisions of the extant rules, the last Governing Council initiated the process of the appointment. However, the process was aborted by the Visitor due to the circumstances beyond control, which led to the dissolution of Council at that time. A new Governing Council was inaugurated in April this year and it decided in its wisdom to start the process afresh. A new advert was placed in July this year and after the expiration of the advert, fourteen (14) candidates applied for the position.

In line with the University Acts, Search Team was subsequently constituted to search for suitable persons who might not apply on their own volition. At the end of the exercise, additional two applications were received and this brought the number of the applicants to sixteen (16).

On Wednesday, 13 October 2021, Council interacted with all fifteen (15) candidates. All members of Council scored the candidates using approved Council guidelines. At the end of the exercise, eight (8) candidates in order of merit were shortlisted for the final interview. At the meeting, two (2) members of Council, as required by Law, were also appointed. Earlier in the week, Senate had elected two (2) members of Senate to serve on the Selection Board for the appointment of the Vice Chancellor.

Today Thursday, 14 October 2021 the Joint Council-Senate Selection Board interviewed the eight (8) candidates shortlisted. Two (2) representatives of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), and the Representative of the Federal Ministry of Education were in attendance. At the end of a very thorough, transparent and highly competitive exercise, Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale emerged as the best candidate for the position of Vice Chancellor.

The Governing Council at its just concluded meeting today considered the report of the Selection Board and approved the recommendation of the Board to appoint Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale as the next Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.

It is, therefore, my pleasure to present to you the new and the 13th Vice Chancellor of this great University, University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale. We wish him success in his tenure.

Thank you.

John E.K. Odigle-Oyegun Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has charged its members to shun all bickering to enable the party approach 2023 general elections as a united house.

John Akpanudoedehe, National Secretary, APC Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), gave the charge in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mr Akpanudoedehe, who spoke while inaugurating the partys State Congresses Committee, said members of the committee were carefully selected based on their proven records.

He added that the party had trust in their strength of character, integrity and capacity to be fair in their dealings to all shades of interests as they carried out their duties.

The partys guidelines for the exercise and the Constitution of our party shall be your guide.

We expected that every bickering be nipped in the bud, so we circle the wagons and approach 2023 elections as a unit, notwithstanding the family misunderstandings that may exist.

President Muhammadu Buhari as our father, had encouraged the setting up of the National Reconciliation Committee in order to further provide avenue and channels for persons to ventilate their grievances and essentially achieve unity, he said.

The APC scribe charged chairmen and secretaries of the States Congresses Committees to conduct themselves in a manner that engenders confidence in the process.

He stressed that the APC in the last few months, had carried out some fundamental party activities of unimaginable magnitude.

This, he said, included membership registration, Ward and Local Government congresses and the upcoming State Congresses slated for 16 October.

These are monumental landmarks which the party has achieved in so short a time, under the able leadership of Gov. Mai Mala Buni.

To manage even a nuclear family is not a very easy task, how much more to manage a political family of millions of persons with varied interests, aspirations and expectations.

That is why all reasonable party men and women must give accolades to Buni for the great work he is doing, especially with the harvest of political heavy weights into the party, Mr Akpanudoedehe said.

He said that Mr Buhari had directed that the party be returned to the people.

This, he said, was the trajectory the party had been moving, adding that the party was being returned to its true owners who were the masses.

Just yesterday, the Senate okayed the direct mode of primaries for nomination of candidates and also electronic transmission of results.

This is subject to harmonisation by the joint Committee of the National Assembly.

Our party members can now appreciate the wisdom of the leader of our party, President Buhari when he pushed that the party be taken back to the grassroots, he said.

Mr Akpanudoedehe said it therefore behoves on the partys leaders to sustain the progress and gains recorded so far.

(NAN)
A former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has faulted the adoption by the Senate of a clause in the Electoral Ammendment Bill mandating direct primaries for the nomination of candidates for elections by political parties.

Mr Lamido, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says the dclause violates the Nigerian Constitution and advised his party to challenge it in court.

The Senate, on Tuesday, adopted the clause after reviewing its earlier position to concur with the House of Representatives on the nomination of candidates for elections.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, Kabir Gaya (APC, Kano) had defended the clause, saying it will curtail the excesses of governors in their parties.

But Mr Lamido has a different view.

In a statement on Wednesday, he said the Constitution allows political parties to regulate the conduct of their affairs and mandates the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure they comply with the provisions of their constitutions.

Mr Lamido said the National Assembly, which is controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC), has turned itself into the sole administrator of political parties.

It is true that there was a time in our political evolution when we had parties headed by late Air Marshal Alfa as the Sole Administrator of SDP and NRC! But that was when the political parties were invented and owned by the government with full complements of offices from the National, States and Local government, office furniture, motor vehicles, motorcycles.

Full funding of all the parties activities including transportation and accommodation during congresses and conventions and what have you! Simply put the parties were not sovereign but mere government appendages! We all know the attendant consequences, the former governor said.

Given that this legislation stands, will the Senate make the required budgetary provision to ALL Political parties to meet up the expenditure of fulfilling this piece of law?

While the APC Senate has all the powers in this world to make any law, it behoves upon it to meet the responsibilities of making sure that its laws are obeyed to the fullest!

Meantime PDP should set up all the necessary machinery to challenge this piece of legislation in court, he said.

Mr Lamidos PDP had earlier also opposed the proposal, describing it as undemocratic.

What the clause says

Section 87 (1) of the bill now reads, A political party seeking to nominate candidates for elections under this Bill shall hold direct primaries for aspirants to all elective positions, which shall be monitored by the Commission.

While direct primaries involves the participation of all party members in the selection of party candidates, indirect primaries involves the use of delegates who are usually leaders and members of the executives at the ward, local government and state levels, to elect the partys candidate (s) at a congress or convention.

Many governors have been accused in the past of influencing these delegates to do their bidding.
The Nigerian government has removed South Africa, Brazil and Turkey from the list of restricted countries with an embargo placed on inbound non-Nigerian passengers.

According to the chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, the decision was taken after a careful review of the pandemic situation in the three countries.

Over several months, four countries were placed on high-level restrictions for travellers from such countries. The PSC has, after a review of the developments in these countries, decided to remove South Africa, Turkey, and Brazil from the restricted list, Mr Mustapha said.

Restrictions

The Nigerian government, on May 2, 2021, announced a temporary ban on non-Nigerian passengers who have been in Brazil, India, or Turkey within 14 days of intended arrival into Nigeria.

South Africa was also added to the list in June following an increase in COVID-19 cases and the delta variants presence, which continues to wreak havoc around the world.

The government noted that precautionary measures are necessary to mitigate the risk of importation of variants of concern and will break the chain of transmission to the population.

Nigerian passengers from these countries are also expected to fulfil some stringent conditions before they are allowed into the country.

But earlier in September, the government removed India from the list when it felt there were signs of significant improvement in the coronavirus infection management in the country.

Meanwhile, prior to the lifting of the restrictions, the federal government had expressed regret over the attitude of some Nigerians who it alleged flew into the country from these countries initially tagged as high risk but failed to observe the mandatory protocols put in place.

On September 28, the steering committee announced the suspension of international passports for one year of about 2,000 travellers who it claimed flouted the countrys COVID-19 travel protocols.

UK travel protocols

The PSC also reacted to the recent ease of the stringent COVID-19 protocols by the UK government on Nigerians visiting the United Kingdom, describing it as a welcome development.

Nigerians visiting the UK had been experiencing difficulties as they are made to pay for two additional COVID-19 tests upon arrival in the UK and also pay for quarantine even after they had already been fully vaccinated against the pandemic in their home country.

As you are aware, the UK has eased restrictions on fully vaccinated travellers from Nigeria to the UK with effect from 11th October, Mr Mustapha said during Wednesdays briefing.

Nigeria welcomes this development and assures that the PSC shall continue to review Nigerias protocols based on global developments, science and national experience. A revised protocol will be issued in the next 24 hours, he said.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has called for the creation of a special fund to compensate Nigerias South-east zone for its losses during the countrys civil war.

Mr Uzodinma made the call while flagging off the zonal public hearing for South-east states on the review of the current revenue allocation formula in Nigeria, organised by the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), in Owerri, according to a press statement issued on Wednesday by the governors spokesperson, Oguwike Nwachuku

Mr Uzodinma said the creation of such a fund has become necessary because the three years civil war resulted in loss of millions of lives, with women and children losing their bread winners.

He talked about how the devastation caused by Boko Haram insurgency led to the establishment of the North East Development Commission, the Niger Delta Development Commission because of the militancy in the South-south, and argued that there was enough reason to create the South-east Development Commission as a special fund to bring succour to the people of the region who were devastated during the war.

He commended the bold steps taken by the RMAFC towards a review of the current revenue allocation formula, and requested it to look into the oil well dispute between Imo and Rivers states with a view to resolving it in the interest of justice.

Imo State has the highest gas deposits in Nigeria yet, revenue from these deposits and production does not accrue to the state.

Imo State has suffered great injustice on revenue-sharing and we demand justice and fair play as the yardstick for equity.

The injustice has snowballed into gross underdevelopment of the oil and gas producing areas, resulting in youth restiveness, insecurity and other vices, Governor Uzodinma said.

He charged oil and gas companies in the state to develop a process that will result in creating a value chain and reinvest the proceeds into the producing areas.

The governor assured the commission of legislative and executive support to enable it to achieve more as a committed organisation.

Imo needs petrochemical industries, fertilizer plants and other oil and gas establishments to improve on her economy, create jobs and stem the tide of insecurity, he said.

The Chairman of the commission, Elias Mbam, in his address, thanked the governor and other participants for turning up for the public hearing.

Mr Mbam said the powers to review revenue allocation formula from time to time were derived from Part one of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

The review is to ensure conformity with changing realities and these changes, amongst other considerations, informed the commission to commence the review of the formula to reflect changing realities.

There have been several socio-economic and political changes since the last review of the Revenue Allocation Formula in 1992.

The commission shall give serious consideration to all views and recommendations that will emanate from the public hearing, he said.

(NAN)
The trial of the former governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Alao-Akala, and two others over alleged N11.5 billion fraud was on Thursday stalled due to absence of defendants witnesses.

Mr Alao-Akala, along with his former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hosea Agboola; and a businessman, Femi Babalola, are being prosecuted by the EFCC at an Oyo State High Court in Ibadan.

The defendants are facing an 11-count charge of conspiracy, awarding contract without budgetary provision, obtaining by false pretences, acquiring property with money derived from illegal act and concealing the ownership of such property, among others.

The EFCC had closed it case against the defendants while the defendant filed a no case submission, saying they have no case to answer.

Justice Olalekan Owolabi had, on July 1, ruled on the no-case submission, saying the defendants have a case to answer and must enter defence on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, award of contract without budgetary provision.

At the Thursday hearing, Akeem Afolabi, SAN, counsel to Messrs Alao-Akala and Babalola, informed the court that he has two witnesses to be subpoenaed for the defence.

Mr Afolabi said service is yet to be effected on the subpoenaed witnesses and that the witnesses are key to his case.

The counsel gave the name of the subpoenaed witnesses to be an official of EFCC, Muhammed Goji, and a senior police officer, Usman Dahiru.

He prayed the court to grant him an adjournment for the court papers to be served on the subpoenaed witnesses.

The counsel to Mr Agboola, Richard Ogunwole, SAN, aligned with the submission of Mr Afolabi and urged the court for an adjournment.

The Counsel to EFCC, Ubi Benedict, who received the subpoenaed order pledged to serve the documents on the witnesses and ensure that they appear in court.

Mr Owolabi adjourned the case until October 21 and 22, for further hearing.

(NAN)
The Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu, has hailed the Nigerian Senate for reversing its decision on electronic voting and transfer of results.

Against its earlier stance in July, the Senate on Tuesday bowed to pressure largely from the civil groups and media as amended the clause to let the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) determine the use of electronic voting and transfer of results rather than the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Assembly.

The Senate, while voting on the bill earlier in July, empowered the NCC to determine use of electronic transmission of election results, thereby undermining the independence of the electoral body.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Mr Okechukwu, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), applauded the lawmakers for retracing their steps in favour of Nigerias democratic development.

He said Insertion of Electronic Transmission of results in our electoral lexicon laws is a fundamental tonic to banish Election Collation Bandits and hence, the extension of our democratic frontiers.

This will lead to one man one vote, and renew our fate in elections, as thuggery and ballot snatching will fade away.

Mr Okechukwu said the cordial relationship existing between the legislative and executive arms of government was enough indication that President Muhammadu Buhari would assent to the bill providing for electronic transmission of election results.

He said the president had on several occasions pledged to leave behind a credible electoral system where the votes of the electorate would count.

We are going to harvest the fruit of this cordial bicameral relationship now. That is why one thanked Mr President along the same line with the legislators, and civil society organisations. I dont have fears he will sign the bill into law, he said.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Abubakar Kabir (APC, Kano), has described the allocation to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing as inadequate.

N450,02 billion is proposed as capital expenditure for the ministry, N15,05 billion for personnel costs, and N16.5 billion for overheads.

The lawmaker, while debating the 2022 appropriation bill on Wednesday, said about N240 billion was allocated for road infrastructure under the Ministry of Works and Housing budget even though there are N640 billion outstanding certificates to contractors.

He noted that if allocation to the ministry of works and housing is not reviewed upward, the government will not have funds left after settling outstanding obligations.

Mr Kabir disclosed that the government will need N7 trillion to bridge the gap in the road infrastructure.

Mr Speaker, I observed something under the Federal Ministry of Works, the allocation in the Ministry of Works is inadequate. I realised only N280 billion is allocated in the 2022 budget and currently we have about N640 billion certificates due to contractors.

So if we apply N280 billion against N640 billion for our outstanding certificates, that means in 2022 there is nothing we can see in any road infrastructure such as bridges and construction of roads.

Of course the president has done very well in terms of initiation of SUKUK, NSIA, HDMI, they are doing very well. But honestly, we need more funding, at least an additional of N500 billion for massive development in road infrastructure, he said.

Furthermore, the lawmaker said roads are suffering from the inadequate budgetary provision. For example, the Lagos  Badagry expressway is a Trans-West African Coastal Highway that connects Lagos, Nigeria with Dakar, Senegal through the Benin Republic and Ghana. Only Nigerias leg of this international highway is in a bad state. It is a shame we have not been able to finish this road.

The Enugu  Onitsha Road awarded in 2019 at about N32 billion is only at 19% completion, and the total amount certified to date is about N5 billion, while the 2022 budgetary provision is less than N300 million.

Healthcare

Haruna Mshellia (APC, Borno) also made a strong case for the budget to the healthcare sector to be increased.

The lawmaker faulted the proposed allocation to the sector, and called for a minimum of 10 per cent of the budget to go healthcare.

When we had the pandemic last year, we discovered that the health system was very weak. I thought we would have learnt our lesson. Look at the budget before us, you will discover that health has only 2.7%, the lawmaker argued.

The debate into the general principle of the bill will continue on Thursday.
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has called for full implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Programme (NLTP) to address the problem of clashes between farmers and herders.

The governor made the call when he addressed State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.

Mr Obaseki said the people of Edo had resolved that ranching was a private business and should be treated as such.

He said: Our people say that as far as they are concerned, ranching is a private business just like every other agricultural venture, therefore, those involved should provide the land.

As you already know, it is expensive to run and manage ranches.

So I came to discuss with the president that since the people of Edo would rather invest privately.

Then, the National Livestock Transformation Programme, which is now being implemented by the federal government, should acknowledge our model.

It should also be able to help Edo people benefit from the funding that is now being made available for people who want to go into the livestock business and have made investments in ranches and other similar livestock programmes,.

According to Mr Obaseki, the state government is yet to promulgate a law banning open grazing because it sees the venture as private business.

As you know, most southern states have passed laws relating to open grazing but Edo State has not. Because we want to ensure that whatever laws we pass are laws that we can enforce.

We have had extensive consultations with our people to deal with the issue that yes, we do not want open grazing because it is out modelled and outdated; however, what are the options?

If we are asking that we should now have ranches and these cows should be constrained to specific areas such as ranches, then who provides the land?, he queried.

On politics, Mr Obaseki commended the Senate for joining their House of Representatives counterparts in approving the transmission of election results electronically.

He said: Definitely if not for God and the technology utilised by INEC, I may not be governor today.

So, I am one of those people who believe that we should not have elections in this country, going into the future, without transmitting results electronically from the polling units.

Because, for elections to be credible, they have to be seen as transparent and once you have voted, you should be sure that your vote will count.

He maintained that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had the capacity to transmit results electronically.

With technology today, it is possible and INEC has shown it that from my election, that as soon as you voted and the results are counted in the polling unit, then that result should be made available, such that you already know what would be collated at the ward collation point.

What has happened in many cases in the past is that people go and vote. The votes are counted in the polling unit but by the time it gets to the collation point, it changes.

But this time around, because of the transparency, everybody will see and know what is expected at the collating point.

That is what happened during my election and I am a very strong advocate for electronic transmission of results during elections, he said.

The governor thanked Mr Buhari for his support in ensuring the return of Edos stolen artifacts to the state from foreign lands.

(NAN)
Great content is key to the survival and sustainability of online news outlets in this challenging era, the Editor-in-Chief, PREMIUM TIMES, Musikilu Mojeed, has said.

Mr Mojeed, an award winning Nigerian journalist, gave this insight in his presentation at the 2021 annual conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) held at Sheraton Lagos last weekend.

Speaking on Making Online News Outlets Sustainable, Mr Mojeed noted that it is not just enough to generate content but having great content distinguishes any online news outlet from other brands.

This, he said, has a way of retaining visitors and readership over time which enriches and sets the platform on the path of sustainability.

Mr Mojeed, who is a thoroughbred investigative journalist and former president of GOCOP, told his audience that they equally have to be credible while carrying out their duties.

You must be credible, he said.

Credibility, he said, comes along with being fair, diligent, consistent and ethical in your coverages.

Additionally, the PREMIUM TIMES chief said that for online news outlets to be sustainable in this era, they must have multiple revenue streams.

Advertising alone cant save you from the hangman, he added.

My experience

Sharing his PREMIUM TIMES experience, Mr Mojeed said the team he leads built trust with some non-profit entities that support for-profit newsrooms while working hard to sustain partnership with traditional advertising and exploring innovative advertising.

Mr Mojeed said the news outlet has evolved into book publishing, organising events such as training, data and analysis service, seeking donations that support journalism and the creation of membership services.

New Executives

Meanwhile, the Publisher of Realnews, Maureen Chigbo, emerged as the new president of GOCOP for the next two years at the AGM. She took over from the publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo, after he served out two terms.

Ms Chigbo was elected the fourth President of GOCOP alongside 14 others.

They include Danlami Nmodu as the Deputy President; Ken Ugbechie as Vice President, South; Tom Chiaheman as Vice President, North; Collins Edomaruse as General Secretary; Olumide Iyanda as Deputy Secretary-General; Remmy Nweke as Publicity Secretary, Azuh Arinze as Financial Secretary and Yemisi Izuora as Treasurer.

Similarly at the AGM, Messrs Max Amuchie, Horatius Agua, James Ume, Akeem Oyetunji, Raymond Ukaegbu and Tony Edike were elected zonal coordinators for the North-central, North-east, North-west, South-west, South-south and South-east, in that order.

In her acceptance speech on behalf of her new team, Ms Chigbo pledged to do her best in uplifting the ideals of GOCOP and the credibility of members with the support and cooperation of the group.

The 2021 GOCOP Election Committee was chaired by Yusuf Ozi-Usman, publisher of Greenbarge Reporters while Afolabi Odeyemi was Secretary.

Other members of the committee included Monday Ashibogwu, Wole Tokede, and Kazeem Akintunde.

The membership of GOCOP, a registered non-governmental, non-partisan, non-profit organisation, comprised owners of online publications with vast experiences as professional journalists.
A coalition of health advocacy groups has criticised the 2022 budget proposal presented to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari, saying it contains no single budget line item for family planning.

They warned that lack of funding would adversely affect ongoing family planning targets and services deemed the silver bullet to Nigerias burgeoning population.

The health advocates noted that the budget seems not to have any specific information or plan to address family planning and the threat of population explosion in Nigeria.

While appraising the 2022 budget proposal, the coalition said the proposed capital expenditure cannot meet the health needs of Nigerias estimated 206 million people.

The Partnership for Advocacy on Child and Family Health (PACFaH@Scale), a coalition of 23 civil society organisations, said the health sector, over the last decade, has continued to suffer poor capital budget allocation.

The group added that the relatively poor capital budget utilisation rate for the health sector staggering around 60 per cent, merely caters for more of administrative capital for the MDA buildings renovation, repairs, procurement of computers, office furniture, constructions, research, among others.

The PACFaH@Scale project is anchored by the non-profit development Research and Projects Centre, a coalition dedicated to capacity building for the expansion of social capital and accountability in Nigeria.

Health budget

President Muhammadu Buhari has proposed a capital expenditure of N194.6 billion for the Ministry of Health in the 2022 appropriation bill submitted to the National Assembly.

For the recurrent expenditure comprising personnel and overhead costs, the president earmarked about N516.6 billion bringing the total budget proposal for health in 2022 to N711.2 billion from an overall annual estimated total of N16.3 trillion.

Family planning

Health experts have repeatedly decried poor funding of family planning initiatives.

The family planning (FP) 2020 target of enabling more women and girls of reproductive age to have access to contraceptives by the year 2020 was not achieved because the government continuously failed to complete its counterpart funding commitment for the goal, thereby hindering progress, advocates say.

In a joint release Wednesday signed by Okai Haruna Aku, the Executive Director, Parenthood Federation of Nigeria, the Coalition said the omission of specific funding for family planning in the proposed budget expected to be passed into law in the coming weeks will most likely scuttle future targets if not addressed.

With a rapidly growing population rate confronted by pandemic, epidemic, climate change, food insecurity and social uprisings, the entire budget has no mention of specific budget line item for family planning, child spacing, provision of contraceptives or public awareness campaign on child spacing, the statement said.

While commending the Federal Government on the family planning budgetary line items in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, the coalition said there is a need to be consistent with FP financing as a budget line item in the 2022 proposed health sector budget.

This can be done by reintroducing the FP line item missing in the proposed 2022 health budget, it appealed.

It added; We call on the Federal Government to ensure full implementation of the Nigeria Family Planning Blueprint launched in 2020 and its dissemination at the subnational levels.

We call for the full coverage of the family planning services under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Abuja declaration

In the joint release, Mr Aku also decried Nigerias consistent failure to meet its commitment to the health sector, especially the Abuja Declaration.

It was the realisation of the deficiencies in their health systems that made African governments commit in April 2001 to dedicate at least 15 per cent of their annual budgets to the health sector in what is now known as the Abuja Declaration.

The total health sector budget for the last 20 years has averaged below 6 per cent of the total FGN budget. The 2022 proposed health sector budget is 4.97 per cent of the total health budget; miles away from the 15 per cent Abuja Declaration, the statement said.

Although the total amount budgeted for the health sector for the coming year is the highest ever, it is just nearly 5 per cent of the aggregate total expenditure of 16.3 trillion proposed for 2022 which falls below the 15 per cent agreed by African countries in 2001.

The 2022 health budget proposal of 711.2 billion is higher in amount compared to the N547 billion earmarked for 2021 but in percentage of the total budget, the latter is higher. The 2021 health budget is about seven per cent of the years annual budget total of N13.08 trillion while the 2022 proposed allocation represents almost 5 per cent of the total estimate.
The investigation into discrepancies in remittance of customs duty collected by commercial banks took a new turn on Wednesday as the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise threatened to stop six banks from duty collection.

The six banks are GT Bank, Wema Bank, Providus Bank, UBA, Ecobank and Standard Chartered Bank.

The Chairman of the Committee, Leke Abejide (ADC, Kogi), at the public hearing, gave the banks two weeks to reconcile their accounts with the consultant working with the committee.

Mr Abejide said the committee will direct the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to deduct all outstanding obligations due to the government from the accounts of the respective banks.

According to the interim report of the consultant, which was sighted by PREMIUM TIMES, Ecobank has an outstanding commitment of N4.39 billion. The bank is yet to provide the remittance data of defunct Oceanic Bank, which Ecobank acquired in 2011.

Also, Standard Chartered Bank has an outstanding sum of N2.44 billion unremitted to the purse of the government while Providus Bank has an outstanding of N66.8 million to be remitted to the government.

United Bank of Africa (UBA) has an outstanding of N3.01 billion to be remitted to the government, according to the interim report.

The report noted that GT bank just forwarded its account statement to the consultants, hence, no reconciliation yet.

Reconcile with our consultants. We are giving you 14days to do so. Anything after the said days, we will bring out the big stick against you by asking CBN to deduct from source, and we will also delete you from customs duties collection, Mr Abejide said at the hearing.

He also frowned at some of the banks who sent representatives who are not conversant with the issue.

Mr Abejide, in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, said the committee is working to increase the revenue-generating capacity of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).
A group of All Progressive Congress (APC) members led by federal lawmakers have expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of wards and local governments in Kano State and vowed to boycott the state congress scheduled for next week.

The group, on Wednesday, sent a petition to the national headquarters of the party. They accused Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of sidelining them in the affairs of the party in the state.

The group is led by a former governor of the state, Ibrahim Shekarau, who is the sitting senator for the Kano Central district, and many other members of the National Assembly from the state.

The petition was addressed to the Chairman, Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention of the party, Mai Mala Buni, who is also the governor of Yobe State.

It was co-signed by Mr Shekarau, Barau Jibrin, who is the sitting senator for Kano North district; and Tijjani Jobe, member representing Dawakin-Tofa, Rimin Gado and Tofa federal constituency.

Othe signatories are Nasiru Auduwa, member representing Gabasawa, Gezawa, Gabasawa federal constituency and Haruna Dederi, member representing Karaye, Rogo federal constituency and Shaaban Sharada, member representing Kano Municipal among others.

The petitioners said despite being major players in the APC in Kano, they and other federal lawmakers from the state are never consulted or carried along in matters concerning the party.

The enormity of our contributions can well be attested to by all keen watchers of what transpired in Kano State during the 2019 elections, which saw the return of the government of APC in Kano State.

Soon after the 2019 elections, however, we began to see the party drifting gradually into devastating problems, mainly as a result of the failure of the leadership of the party to manage the divergent interests of the party members and leaders.

The party leaders jettisoned all promises and undertakings of carrying the party leaders/elders along in decision making on matters affecting the party, much less in the affairs of governance.

Instead of strengthening fair and democratic internal party mechanism to address problems within the party through effective management of internal processes, the party leadership left every party issues simply in the hands of a certain group of very few individuals, whose undemocratic mindset has thrown the party in to devastating crisis, the petition reads in parts.

The petitioners stated that appointees of the federal government from the state are also disregarded by the state party leadership.

Therefore in the circumstances, the forum reject in totality, the purported congresses said to be carried out by the state party leadership at the ward and local government levels, because of its exclusiveness and flagrant violations of all known civilized norms, rules and party guidelines.

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We shall resist any attempt by the state party leadership to carry out state congress in the same exclusive and Kangaroo manner aimed at imposing party officers on the members of the party in the state.

The forum then urged the national leadership of the party to urgently take decisive steps to end the destructive tendencies manifestly exhibited in the management of the party affairs in Kano State.

We want to assure the national leadership of our support, cooperation and commitment to peaceful resolution of the crisis, the letter said.

In his reaction, the caretaker committee chairperson in Kano, Abdullahi Abbas, who is a loyalist of Mr Ganduje, vowed that the party will hold its congress next week and elect those to run the party in the state.

Mr Abbas said the APC is an amalgamation of political parties and each participating party was being treated fairly.
Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the north will meet Thursday evening to pick a consensus candidate for the position of the national chairman of the party.

The Zoning Committee of the PDP led by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi recently zoned the position of the national chairman to the region, which has 19 states altogether.

The recommendation was approved by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party at its 94th meeting in Abuja.

The opposition party will hold its elective national convention on 30 and 31 October.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State told journalists that the meeting was scheduled for Wednesday night but it could not hold because of a communication gap.

He explained that some of the party leaders expected at the meeting were absent.

Mr Fintiri, who is also the Chairman of the PDP National Convention Organising Committee, said because of the inability of the party leaders to hold the meeting, the region had yet to arrive at an agreement on who should be its consensus candidate.

Unfortunately, we could not meet because of a communication gap, some of our leaders could not make it to the venue.

We have adjourned the meeting till tomorrow (Thursday) when we will take a definite position on the chairmanship position that has been zoned to the north.

At the moment, all the three zones in the north are interested in the position, Mr Fintiri disclosed.

At the venue of the botched meeting on Wednesday were Governors Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Samuel Ortom of Benue and Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State.

Others were a former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Tanimu Turaki, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Walid Jibrin, amongst others.

The North-central PDP stakeholders on Wednesday adopted a former Senate President, Iyorchia Ayu, as their consensus candidate.

Some reports also indicated that the North-west stakeholders have equally endorsed former Governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema, as their consensus candidate.

There are reports that a former Senate President, David Mark, is also in the race.

Mr Mark is from Benue State as Mr Ayu.

(NAN)
The Defence Headquarters says 13,243 terrorists and members of their families have so far surrendered to troops in the North-east

The Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Bernard Onyeuko, a brigadier general, disclosed this while giving an update on the military operations across the country on Thursday in Abuja.

According to Mr Onyeuko, the surrendered terrorists comprise 3,243 males, 3,868 females and 6,234 children.

He said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai had sustained aggressive posture with vigour in the North-east, which had yielded significant results in the last two weeks.

He said the series of land and air operations conducted in different locations across the North-east theatre had reduced the operational capabilities of the insurgents with several of them being neutralised.

Mr Onyeuko said several others were arrested alongside their informants and logistics suppliers, while more terrorists had continued to lay down their arms and surrender to the troops with their families.

Some of these feats were recorded at Gwoza  Yamtake  Bita road, Gwoza  Farm Centre  Yamtake road, Mandara Mountain area as well as Pulka and Hambagda towns, all in Borno.

Cumulatively, within the period, a total of 29 terrorists were neutralised and 13 terrorists including their informants/collaborators and logistics suppliers were arrested in the course of the operations.

Additionally, a total of 38 assorted weapons and 968 rounds of assorted ammunition as well as 48 rustled livestock among several other items were recovered.

So far, a total of 13,243 terrorists and their families comprising 3,243 males, 3,868 females and 6,234 children, have surrendered to troops at different locations in the North East, he said.

Mr Onyeuko disclosed that the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai carried out air interdiction missions to foil Boko Haram Terrorists/ISWAP criminal elements attack on ground troops location at Aulari village in Bama area of Borno.

He said the encounter led to the destruction of three gun trucks belonging to the terrorists and neutralised scores of their fighters while several others fled in disarray with varying degrees of injuries.

(NAN)
Almost a year after the selection process for the appointment of the 13th substantive vice-chancellor at the University of Ibadan was halted, PREMIUM TIMES can authoritatively confirm that a new vice-chancellor is set to emerge Thursday (today).

Highly placed sources , who confided in the newspaper, but who do not want to be named in print, confirmed that the eight candidates who scaled through the hurdles of the first screening are billed for another round of interview Thursday by the five-member joint senate and council selection board of the university.

Earlier in 2020, about 18 aspirants had declared interest to take over from the then 12th substantive vice-chancellor, Idowu Olayinka, but the process was allegedly marred with irregularities, leading to its suspension by the education minister, Adamu Adamu.

Various interest groups including indigenous men and women of Ibadan land, the host community, religious communities and gender groups have insisted they should be allowed to produce the next universitys vice-chancellor for what they described as reasons of balancing and fairness.

The various workers unions also protested against the processes with the Joint Action Committee comprising the non-academic unions staging peaceful protests on the campus.

The then chairman of the universitys governing council, Joshua Waklek, was accused of bias and that the then outgoing vice-chancellor was the one reportedly pulling the strings.

The inconclusive process led to the appointment of Adebola Ekanola, a professor of Philosophy, as an acting vice-chancellor by the universitys senate in November, 2020.

New race begins

Following the appointment of a new governing council led by a former chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Odigie Oyegun, a new process of appointing a substantive vice-chancellor soon commenced.

Meanwhile, the acting vice-chancellor, who did not participate in the process in 2020, apparently because his professorship was less than the mandatory 10 years as required by the conditions for application process, has, however, shown interest having met the requirement.

Mr Ekanolas appointment as a professor in 2011 was said to have clocked 10 years earlier in the year, prompting him to declare interest in becoming a substantive VC.

Meanwhile, apart from Mr Ekanola, 15 other dons showed interest and applied.

The applicants, all professors, include, Kayode Adebowale of the Department of Chemistry, Aderemi Raji-Oyelade of the Department of English; Adeyinka Aderinto of the Department of Sociology; Emiola Olapade-Olaopa of the College of Medicine, and Temitope Alonge of the University College Hospital (UCH).

Others are George Ademowo of the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Medicine; Kolawole Olaniran of the Department of Teacher Education; Ganiyu Aderounmu, Ebenezer Farombi of Biochemistry, Hakeem Faweyinmi of the University of Port Harcourt, Rasaq Kalilu of the department of Fine and Applied Arts, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso; Oladele Layiwola of the Institute of African Studies; Oluwafemi Mimiko of the department of International Relations, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife; Anthony Kolawole, and Babatunde Salako, a former provost of the universitys college of medicine and now the director-general of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research in Lagos.

Eight scale first hurdle

Apart from Mr Raji, an Ibadan indigene, who withdrew from the race, the first round of screening conducted on Wednesday by the selection board for the remaining 15 candidates, pruned down the figure to eight.

The eight successful candidates include the acting vice-chancellor, Mr Ekanola; a deputy vice-chancellor, Adebowale; Aderinto, Farounbi, Aderoumu, Fawehinmi, Ademowo and Salako.

READ ALSO: UI Governing Council approves appointment of Ekanola as acting VC

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the candidates are currently being grilled by the five-member joint senate and council selection board which is chaired by Mr Oyegun. Other members of the board are Masud Kazaure and Abubakar Maikarfi representing the governing council while the duo of Peter Olapegba and Ezekiel Ayoola represent the universitys Senate.

This newspaper authoritatively learnt that Mr Oyegun will address a briefing on Thursday evening to present the candidate with the highest score to the public as the universitys 13th substantive vice-chancellor.

The spokesperson for the university, Olatunji Oladejo, in a telephone interview with our reporter, simply said the process of the appointment of the vice-chancellor has been smooth and that he could not say anything further.

Background

The University of Ibadan has been enmeshed in crisis in the last one year over the appointment of a new vice-chancellor.

The process had been greeted by a series of protests by the non-academic staff unions under the umbrella of the Joint Action Committee, accusing the dissolved governing council of bias.

The JAC comprises the universitys chapters of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union.

President Muhammadu Buhari, in his speech at the institutions convocation ceremony recently, condemned the controversies surrounding the selection process and threatened consequences against anyone found guilty of manipulating the process.
The House of Representatives has resolved to summon the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, and Comptroller General of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Hameed Ali, over the e-Customs project.

Also, the Chairman Technical Committee on CISS and Managing Director of Adani Mega Systems Ltd are to appear before the legislators.

The House resolved to invite the aforementioned persons following a motion of urgent public importance, moved the Chairman House Committee on Customs, Leke Abejide (ADC, Kogi), on Thursday.

Background

The E-customs project has been embroiled in litigation since 2018.

Adani System Limited reportedly signed an agreement with the CBN Technical Committee on Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) for the modernisation of customs.

However, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), in 2020, announced the same project to be concessioned to E. Customs HC Projects Nigeria Limited for 20 years.

Ms Ahmed, who made the announcement after the FEC meeting, listed sponsors of the project as Bionica Technologies West Africa Limited, and Bargman Securities and Supplies Nigeria Limited.

She also listed the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) as the lead financier and Huawei Technology as a technical service provider.

Adani Mega System filed a suit against the federal government at the Federal High Court Abuja with suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/850/2017 in 2018.

The motion

Mr Abejide said the Build, Operate, and Own Agreement was signed between the Technical Committee on Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) Adani Mega Systems Ltd in 2017.

He said Adani Mega System Limited procured necessary equipment to commence the e-Customs projects as provided for in the contract as far back as 2017.

He said the dispute between Adani Mega system limited and the federal government is stalling the project.

READ ALSO: Reps panel threatens to stop six banks from Customs duty collection

Mr Abejide lamented the state of revenue collection by NSC, which according to him, is still analogue, which is prone to leakages.

For the interest of the country and to reduce the countrys debt profile, the lingering crisis between the federal government through the CBN Technical Committee on CISS and Adani Mega Systems Ltd needs to be urgently resolved, he said.

Consequently, the House mandated its Committees on Customs & Excise, Finance, Banking and Currency to invite the listed entities with the aim of resolving all issues delaying the take-off of the project.

The committee was mandated to report progress within four weeks.
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, on Thursday, described as illegal the plan by the police to stop the first anniversary of the #EndSARS protest.

He said President Muhammadu Buhari, as then presidential candidate, took part along with some All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in a peaceful protest against insecurity in 2014.

To that extent, the Buhari administration ought to restrain the police from banning peaceful rallies against police brutality on October 20, 2020 in any manner whatsoever and however, Mr Falana, interim chair of the Alliance on Surviving Covid 19 and Beyond (ASCAB), said in a statement on Thursday.

He issued the statement in the light of the warnings by police authorities against the #EndSARS anniversary protests billed to hold on October 20.

The #EndSARS is a tag derived from protesters demand for the proscription of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a police unit notorious for the cruelty of its men towards many perceived and real criminal suspects.

The protest broke out in different part of the country in October 2020 as the protesters, in addition to demanding the disbandment of SARS, called for broad police reforms.

Desperate to stop the protest in Lagos, the epicentre of the demonstration, soldiers on October 20, 2020, shot at peaceful protesters at Lekki Tollgate injuring and killing a yet-to-be-ascertained number of them.

Organisers have been mobilising online for a protest to coincide with the Lekki Tollgate shooting.

But police authorities in Lagos, Abuja and other states have been issuing warnings against the anniversary protest, asking the organisers to halt the plan.

Police threats illegal

Mr Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said such threats from the police constituted an infringement on the rights of Nigerians.

In view of the threat of the authorities of the Nigeria Police Force to ban Nigerian citizens from exercising their fundamental rights to assemble and hold peaceful rallies to mark the first-year anniversary of the #EndSARS protests, it has become pertinent to draw attention to the current state of the law on public meetings, rallies and processions in the country.

The threats against peaceful rallies oozing out of the police Headquarters and State Commands are illegal as they constitute a gross infringement of the fundamental rights of the Nigerian people to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly guaranteed by sections 38 and 40 of the Nigerian Constitution as well as articles 9 and 10 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights Act, Mr Falana said.

Mr Falana, who cited the case of the All Nigeria Peoples Party v Inspector-General of Police (2006) where a judge of the Federal High Court, Anwuri Chikere declared that police permit as a precondition for holding rallies in Nigeria was illegal and unconstitutional.

The lawyer recalled that the judge granted an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Inspector-General of Police and other police officers from preventing Nigerian citizens from convening and participating in rallies.

The appeal of the police against the judgment was dismissed by the Court of Appeal in December 2007, Mr Falana said.

He added that the court described police permit as a relic of colonialism, which he said is anomalous in a democratic society.

Police should provide security for protesters not to stop them

Following the epochal judgment of the Court of Appeal, Mr Falana said the National Assembly amended the Electoral Act 2010 in March 2015 to impose a duty on the police to provide security for participants in public meetings and rallies.

READ ALSO: Reps reject motion to investigate alleged harassment of protesters in Abuja

He said police authorities having been notified of the public rallies scheduled to hold on October 20, 2020 to mark the first year anniversary of the #endsars protests the Nigeria Police Force is required to make arrangements for the provision of adequate security for the participants at the venues of the rallies.

He called on the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali, to direct the Commissioners of Police in all the states of the Federation to ensure that adequate security is provided for all citizens who may wish to protest against the policies of the Government which are considered inimical to their interests.

He said given the Court of Appeal proscribing police permit as a precondition for orgainsing a protest, police authorities the ban on public protests announced by the Police authorities cannot obliterate the constitutionally guaranteed rights of Nigerians to assemble peacefully and express themselves.
The leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abu Musab al-Barnawi, is dead, Nigerias Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor, has said.

Mr Irabor, a general, stated this on Thursday at the weekly briefing organised by the Presidential Communications Team at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Mr Irabor, who did not disclose details of the death, said the terrorist leader remains dead.

I can authoritatively confirm to you that Abu Musab is dead. As simple as that. He is dead and remains dead, he said.

The leadership of the late jihadist leader, al-Barnawi, made ISWAP a dominant terrorist group after it seized power from the late Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau.

The group has been striking frequently at troops resulting in the death of more than 40,000 since it began in 2009.

Since splitting with Boko Haram in 2016, the group has shown its resilience and carried out large-scale ambushes on the military in the past weeks.

Scaled-up operations

Mr Irabor said Nigeria is in collaboration with neighbouring countries to tackle various forms of insecurity.

He said the troops have successfully limited the operations of bandits to only the areas where they are dominant.

They are essentially where they are. That is the reason why we are pursuing them. But more seriously, a larger number of the bandits remain in the north-west.

Of course, a few who are making inroads into the north-central, we are taking action, so that they do not spread beyond the known locations.

But let me tell you also that threat as it were, whether terrorism, banditry, or any form of criminality, they are not confined to boundaries.

And this is the reason why when we speak to issues that have to do with national security. It is placed in context with our neighbours, because, if all is well in our home and all is not well with our neighbour, then of course, we cant have peace.

So, this is the reason why kineticism has become an approach in this regard. And for many of you who have been very closed observers, I want you to know that there are greater interactions that we have with our neighbours and we do not also want to offset the good relations we have with our neighbours because, it is from the enlightened self-interest perspective that we would do that.

So  bandits location, they remain largely in the northwest and we are scaling up our operations to ensure that they are essentially addressed, he said.
Attahiru Jega, a former Chairman, Independent National Election Commission (INEC), says the electoral transmission of results will reduce election fraud in Nigeria,

He said this in an interview with reporters on the sideline of the ongoing ECOWAS Parliaments High-level Seminar on Thursday in Winneba, Ghana.

The Seminar themed Two Decades of Democratic Elections in ECOWAS Member States: Achievements, Challenges, Challenges and the Way Forward seeks to proffer solutions to electoral inconsistencies in Member States.

Me Jega, who superitended the process that ushered in the Buhari government in 2015, commended the passage of the bill by the National Assembly which now gives INEC power to transmit results electronically.

He said it was a positive development ahead of 2023 elections.

He stated that it was one of the legal frameworks that would guarantee credible elections in the country.

I have no doubt that Nigeria has the competence and capacity to deeply electronic transmission of result.

Since 2012, INEC has been piloting an electronic transmission of result system with robust software, with robust security, and they have piloted it in many elections.

I am happy now that the National Assembly has agreed for this to be done and has created the legal framework

One of the major areas where fraud takes place in the elections of Nigeria is in the transmission of results manually.

From the polling units, to the ward level, to the constituency level, electronic transmission of result will wipe this out, Mr Jega said.

Mr Jega also urged Nigerians to trust the new process, adding that it is wrong to assume that results will not be accurately transmitted without a 100 per cent network coverage.

He said that even in developed countries, they are sometimes confronted with the challenge of poor network, but once 70 per cent of results can be transmitted electronically, it is a pass.

It is wrong to assume that if you cannot have 100 per cent coverage internet coverage then you cannot do electronic transmission of results, who says so?

If you can do it in 80 per cent of the polling units, or even 70 per cent, it is still an A and you will have eliminated fraud in 70 per cent or 80 per cent of the polling units in terms of transmission.

Even in developed countries, there are still areas where you can have challenges of internet connectivity.

We have to accept that in these modern times, we can use technology to improve the integrity of elections and it is the only way to go, Mr Jega added.

Mr Jega also urged the National Assembly to review the draft bill that allows the trend of extreme monetisation of politics in Nigeria which allows only the rich to participate in politics.

There are other things in the draft bill, for example, monetisation of politics, they have increased the threshold.

They said to be a president, you can spend up to N2 billion in campaigns, to be a governor you can spend up to N1 billion, to be senator you can spend up to N500 million and this is extreme monetisation of politics.

These are other provisions that the members of the National Assembly needs to consider and drastically reduce otherwise, or they will turn our democracy to plutocracy, which is government for the rich. (NAN)
#EndSARS was not perfect. It couldnt have been. But the fact that it happened at all means that one day, there would be recompense for the memory of those whose brutal murders at the Lekki Toll Gate and elsewhere still cry for justice.

On October 3, 2020, I watched a video of a policeman attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) shooting a young man in front of Wetland Hotel, Ughelli, Delta State. Initial reports after the young man was shot said the shooter and other policemen in his company drove off in a car belonging to the victim, leaving him in a pool of his own blood.

Another version of the story emerged later that the young man was not dead, but was injured after he jumped out of a moving police van operated by the Delta State local security network.

Two days later, there was another incident of a deadly SARS shooting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. A young man, Daniel Chibuike, 20, fondly called Sleek, and his friends, were sitting outside a hotel when policemen attached to SARS pulled up menacingly.

He panicked and fled. The policemen chased Sleek, shouting, thief! thief!! He ran for his life shouting his innocence. But it was too late. They shot him, dumped him on the floor of the police van and drove him around the city until he died.

For years, we have seen horrific scenes like these up and down the country  lives taken so brutally, so casually, and with impunity by those supposed to protect them. The perpetrators boasted that nothing will happen. And they have been right. The case of a SARS police officer in Anambra, CSP James Nwafor, who in spite of serious charges of brutality still got official protection, sums up the state of affairs.

The cop, who allegedly killed scores of young men in Enugu and Anambra States and dumped their dead bodies in Ezu River, has to date, defiantly refused to answer, even when he was summoned by a judicial panel.

It was hard to tell that that October morning, one year ago, would be the day of reckoning. It was unexpected. In the middle of a global pandemic that had laid bare the frailties of Nigerias healthcare and social welfare system, who could have expected that a mass protest movement would evolve so dramatically? The movement managed to transcend the online conversation form that it had been before, and transformed into direct action.

On the global stage, the storm had been gathering. From the resurgence of the #BlackLivesMatter movement in the United States, to the anti-Maduro protests in Venezuela and the Sudanese democracy protests, the expectation that a global pandemic and the accompanying lockdowns would hamper such events proved to be false.

In fact, according to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the pandemic itself was a driver of protests. Citizens, disillusioned with political and economic systems that seemed to be creating greater inequality, poured into the streets across the world.

If theres a recurring theme in Nigerias history, it is that untreated tensions are never successfully quelled by bullets. They may be suppressed momentarily but they linger on and fester only to resurface in unexpected ways, with greater force. #EndSARS was the first in a long time that an action, focused, directed and powered by young people nationally, and targeted at people in power, got a reaction.

In Nigeria, the month before the #EndSARS protest saw the countrys largest union suspend a nationwide strike against electricity tariffs proposed by the government. The decision to raise tariffs under an administration that had not only led the country into two recessions, but has been unable to redeem its promises on the power sector, was as unpopular as organised labours indecisive response.

Social media was a rallying force. The hashtag, #EndSARS, was launched in 2016 and it had been deployed at different times in the past. But it was not until last October that matters came to a head.

In Lagos, the epicentre of the movement, a group of young Nigerians (less than a dozen) protested, first, at the Lagos State police command then moved on to Alausa, at one of the entrances of the complex housing both the State House of Assembly and the Governors office. The group sought an audience with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to discuss their concerns.

Less than 24 hours later, citizens in other states began to mobilise and voice their displeasure at their various elected representatives. Some groups protested at the palaces of traditional rulers. One of such protests resulted in the death of Jimoh Isiaq, the first victim of the protests felled by police bullets. His mother later got to know about her sons killing in a viral video.

Protesters in Abuja marched on the police command, where they were treated with contempt and dispersed with tear-gas and water cannons.

If theres a recurring theme in Nigerias history, it is that untreated tensions are never successfully quelled by bullets. They may be suppressed momentarily but they linger on and fester only to resurface in unexpected ways, with greater force. #EndSARS was the first in a long time that an action, focused, directed and powered by young people nationally, and targeted at people in power, got a reaction. It was an action started by ordinary citizens, most of whom were disproportionately affected by the rogue police units actions, seeking to bring them to account.

It was also a movement to bring elected representatives to account, and a wake up call for citizens who have become so accustomed to injustice that they make excuses for their victimisers.

A common narrative was that the protesters did not know what they wanted. That is a ludicrous claim. The group not only repeated its demands for an end to police brutality, justice for victims and for greater accountability, these demands were acknowledged by some state governors, who seemed only interested in deflecting responsibility.

And the Lagos State government, which declared three days of mourning at the beginning and made a song and dance of setting up a judicial pane, has ended up dancing on the graves of the dead. At the same tribunal that it set up, the government not only suppressed evidence, it described the grief and traumatic experiences of victims as a Nollywood movie!

Some said protests are futile and unsuccessful. This claim is an indictment, not only of our political elite, but also the rank-and-file that has participated in numerous strikes against fuel hikes and protests to restore the countrys democratic mandate.

Another common criticism was that the protesters should go and vote instead. To deploy this argument when these individuals were exercising their democratic right was disingenuous. In a sense, what this claim has done has been to lay solely at the feet of the young people the task of rescuing a broken system. F. K. Abudu, in her interview on Arise TV, provided a strong counter argument, with her response on why voting isnt the focus when she asked who elected the Inspector General of Police responsible for the rogue unit of the police.

#EndSARS has fundamentally challenged our democracy. While we might have celebrated with much fanfare the transfer of power between two competing parties for the first time in the countrys history in 2015, were still a long way from honouring citizens democratic rights, including the right to protest.

The government has pushed back, claiming that it allowed peaceful protest, disbanded SARS, and set up judicial panels of enquiry in a number of states.

But it has been a farce, quite frankly. For example, the Nigerian Army, a willing tool in the mayhem at the Lekki Toll Gate, the epicentre of the protests in Lagos, has been playing fast and loose with just how far it is prepared to come clean over its role in the shootings at the Toll Plaza.

And the Lagos State government, which declared three days of mourning at the beginning and made a song and dance of setting up a judicial pane, has ended up dancing on the graves of the dead. At the same tribunal that it set up, the government not only suppressed evidence, it described the grief and traumatic experiences of victims as a Nollywood movie!

It is ironic that while governments at different levels sought to portray the protests as political, claiming they were funded by subversive elements, the same governments had no shame using thugs to infiltrate the protest in a number of places and stoking violence. It showed that our political elite who claim to have fought against military rule, have imbibed their worst qualities and have themselves become a threat to the countrys stability.

#EndSARS was not perfect. It couldnt have been. But the fact that it happened at all means that one day, there would be recompense for the memory of those whose brutal murders at the Lekki Toll Gate and elsewhere still cry for justice.

Azu Ishiekwene is Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has dismissed the defection of the Deputy Governor of Anambra, Nkem Okeke, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), as inconsequential.

Mr Okeke was formally presented to President Muhammadu Buhari by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday.

In a statement issued in Awka by Tex Okechukwu, APGA National Publicity Secretary, the party said the defection was long expected.

According to APGA, the deputy governor had thought that the governor and the party were going to hand over the governorship ticket of the party to him on a platter.

When that didnt happen, he started behaving abnormally, even to the point of insubordination and dereliction of duties, the party said.

APGA said the deputy governor left the party without formally notifying the party or the state governor, adding that the move was uncalled for, ill-timed and ill-advised.

According to the statement, the governor had always treated his deputy with respect, love and consideration.

APGA called on party members to remain united and ensure victory in the November 6 governorship election.

It called on Governor Willie Obiano not to be distracted by the defection of his deputy, which it claimed was a ploy to create a semblance of disunity in his government.

Let nobody be deceived, APC has no root anywhere in Anambra and that is why all that they do is going about luring political deadwood with money and other lucres.

No matter the designs of the opposition and other subterranean forces, APGA is poised to win the forthcoming election and continue with the massive infrastructural development going on in the state.

Apart from the deputy governor, six state lawmakers recently defected from APGA to the APC.

A senator from the state, Stella Oduah, also defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC.

(NAN)
The Director, Anambra State Fire Service, Martin Agbili, has called on residents of the state to take precautionary measures against fire outbreaks.

Mr Agbili made the call during a news briefing to mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Management in Awka on Wednesday.

He said that fire incidents cause serious threats to human life, as well as resulting in loss of property.

Mr Agbili mentioned mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery as four stages of disaster risk management, during natural disasters such as flood, earthquake and fire outbreak.

He said the public was yet to develop safe practices that would reduce the rate of fire outbreak in homes, offices and business outlets.

People in this part of the world experience man-made disaster, if quality awareness is given to the public and the rules well-adhered to by the people, a huge reduction in fire outbreak would be recorded, he said.

Mr Agbili urged the people to be conscious of how they handle electrical appliances, cooking gas and other appliances that can trigger fire outbreaks in their domain.

The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is marked annually on 13 October.

The celebration started in 1989 after a call by the United Nations General Assembly for a day to promote a global culture of risk awareness and disaster reduction.

The day was set aside to celebrate people and communities around the world who reduce their exposure to disaster by creating awareness about the need to rope in the risk they face.

Helen Obi, a lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the issue of disaster in the environment cannot be over emphasised.

She said cutting down trees without replacement and technological inventions were some of the factors of environmental disaster and climate change.

Ms Obi commended the UN for setting the day aside and called on international bodies to assist various communities, especially in developing countries to ensure that they overcome risks associated with disaster.

She said there was a need for more awareness creation for people to know the risk factors associated with neglect resulting in fire outbreaks.

Everyone needs to put hands together with the government to secure the environment and create a safer place to live in now and for unborn generations, she said.

Ngozi Agu, a community leader in Aboatulu community of Enugwu-Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, said the day was an important day to remind mothers on the need to teach children not to play with electrical appliances and to be very careful in kitchens.

She said there was a need for the public to save its immediate environment by being extra careful in handling appliances that may lead to fire outburst.

(NAN)
A 46-year-old commercial driver, Sulaiman Ajidagba, who allegedly drove recklessly on the Third Mainland Bridge and damaged another car, was on Thursday, docked in a Sabo Yaba Magistrates Court in Lagos.

The police charged Mr Ajidagba, who resides in Isale Eko area of Lagos, with reckless driving and causing an accident.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Prosecution Counsel, Magaji Haruna, told the court that the defendant committed the offence at 11.35 a.m. on August 28, on Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.

Mr Haruna, a police inspector, said the defendant tried to make a lane change on high speed in his Vanagon bus with Reg. No: MUS 691 LX, while carrying passengers.

He said the defendant subsequently rammed into the complainant, Opanleye Oyebanjis Toyota Corolla 2006 model car from behind and almost caused the car to summersault.

Mr Haruna further stated that the complainants rear lights, bumper, booth and back windscreen were all damaged in the accident.

The offence, he said, contravened the provisions of sections 19(1) and 36 (1) of the Road traffic law of Lagos, 2012.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 19(1) stipulates a two-year imprisonment or N100,000 fine for the offence of reckless driving.

NAN further reports that section 36(1) carries a N20,000 fine for first traffic violation offenders and three years imprisonment or a N30,000 fine for repeat offenders.

Magistrate O.Y. Adefope admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.

She ordered that both sureties must be residing within the courts jurisdiction and be gainfully employed with evidence of tax payments to the Lagos State Government.

Mrs Adefope adjourned the case until November 2, for mention.

(NAN)
An advocacy group, Search for Common Ground (SCG) in Nigeria, has urged publishers and media owners to invest in fact-checking of news stories to mitigate misinformation, disinformation and hate speech.

The group made the call on Wednesday, during an online forum on the effective strategies for monitoring and combating hate speech, especially in election period.

A panelist on the forum, Ebenezer Wikina, who is the founder of Policy Shapers, a youth-led open source platform for policy ideas, said some journalists were being used to promote hate speech in the society.

Hate speech is a speech that attacks, threatens, or insults a person or group and it can also incite violence in the society.

The media needs to ensure that while informing, educating, entertaining and setting agenda for public discourse, it does not encourage or promote hate speech that causes conflict or violence in the society.

This is why we urge media owners to invest in capacity building for journalists to fact-check stories, counter hate speech and reduce tension in the political space, he said.

Mr Wikina also urged proprietors of media houses and the government to prioritise the welfare of journalists.

Brown envelope syndrome is also used to promote hate speech and fake news and it has a negative effect on the practice of journalism in Nigeria.

Therefore, staff motivation is necessary for eradicating the menace of brown envelope syndrome, fake news and hate speech among practicing journalists, he said.

While presenting the SCG Hate Speech monthly report, Fatima Sadiq said the group tracked a lot of hateful comments relating to elections using TalkWalker technology on social media.

She said that the inciting comments were more on the social media platforms, and that they were capable of causing conflicts along ethnic lines, if not mitigated.

On our part, we decided to share peace messages on social media as well as pass messages on the consequences of hate speech to deter people, she said.

In his remarks, Perry Tukuwei, the media coordinator, SCG, urged journalists to uphold integrity, balance, fact-checking, fairness and objectivity in writing their news stories.

During elections in Nigeria, journalists are used to advance the interests of certain political class and sometimes cause hatred and incite violence in the society.

Journalists have a duty to verify the claims to educate and enlighten the public appropriately. This will help counter hate speech, misinformation and disinformation, he said.

SCG is an international non-governmental organisation that works to end violent conflict and build healthy, safe and just societies.

(NAN)
The Oyo State Government says it will not hesitate to revoke unexecuted contracts on renovation and construction projects under its 2012-2018 UBEC/SUBEB Intervention Projects scheme.

This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan by Nureni Adeniran, chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

The statement read that Mr Adeniran made the declaration at a meeting with 22 Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and SUBEB contractors.

Mr Adeniran said the plan to revoke unexecuted contracts was in line with directives from UBEC, headquartered in Abuja.

He noted that many of the contracts to be revoked were awarded since 2018.

This is in contravention of the time frame in the contractual agreements which stipulated two weeks for completion of borehole and maximum of 24 weeks for completion of model schools, he said.

He declared that the board would also not hesitate to apply appropriate sanctions against contractors, who failed to meet project specifications in the execution of UBEC/SUBEB jobs in the state.

He added that the contractors might answer queries from the EFCC after the November deadline given.

Adeniran warned that affected contractors risked being blacklisted by UBEC for further contracts of UBEC/SUBEB nationwide.

(NAN)
A 29-year-old ex-convict, Ayomide Sikiru, was on Thursday brought before a Sabo Yaba Magistrate Court in Lagos, over alleged theft and assault on four policemen.

Mr Sikiru, a resident of Mushin area of Lagos, is facing a three-count charge of stealing, serious assault and resisting arrest.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The police prosecutor, Magaji Haruna, told the court that the defendant committed the offences at 8.40 a.m. on October 13 at WAEC bus stop on Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba, Lagos.

He said the defendant had stolen a Techno CamonX phone valued at N55,000 from the complainant, Rufina Ezeanowi, while in a tricycle they both boarded.

According to him, the complainant noticed that her phone was missing and called the attention of the people around who searched the defendant and found the phone on him.

Mr Haruna said that when four policemen arrived at the scene, the defendant tried to escape and assaulted the law enforcement agents by slapping and giving them fist blows.

He stated that the defendant assaulted Alkali Sunday, a deputy superintendent of police; Adesina Adeyinka, an assistant superintendent of police, and Emmanuel Ajayi, an inspector; and also tore the shirt of Yusuf Onuche, a sergeant.

He further told the court that the defendant had previously served a year jail term for stealing a few years back and had been previously convicted of a felony.

The offences contravene Sections 287 (1), 174 (a) and 117 (2) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. (Revised).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 117 (2) carries three years imprisonment or N200,000 fine for resisting arrest.

Section 174 (a) prescribes three-years jail term for serious assault while section 287 (1) carries seven years imprisonment for the offence of stealing.

The Magistrate, O.Y. Adefope, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

She directed that both sureties must be residing within the courts jurisdiction and be gainfully employed with evidence of tax payments to the Lagos State Government.

Mrs Adefope added that the sureties must have their addresses verified by the court and that civil servants and self-employed persons were exempted.

She adjourned the case until November for mention.

(NAN)
The police in Ogun State have arrested three teenagers for allegedly killing a motorcyclist at the Ogere part of the state and snatching his motorcycle.

This is contained in a statement released on Thursday by Abimbola Oyeyemi, the Ogun police spokesperson.

The teenagers, Sodiq Awokoya, 18, Odunayo Samson, 18, and Jimoh Rilwan, 17, were arrested by operatives of the state command for allegedly killing Bashiru Umaru, the victim.

The suspects were arrested on the 8th of October at Toll gate area of Ogere where they had gone to sell the deceaseds motorcycle.

The buyer, who demanded for the documents of the motorcycle before he can buy it became suspicious when the three suspects were giving conflicting accounts of how they came about the motorcycle, the statement reads in part.

Mr Oyeyemi said the buyer secretly informed the police in Ogere divisional headquarters, from where police officers were detailed to arrest the suspects.

On interrogation, they informed the police that the motorcycle was stolen from Iperu Remo, and they were subsequently handed over to police in Iperu division.

Coincidentally, it was the time the relations of the deceased came to lodge complaint about their missing person that the police brought the suspects from Ogere with the stolen motorcycle.

On sighting the motorcycle, the relatives of the deceased quickly identified it, and informed the police that the motorcycle brought with the suspects belongs to their missing brother, the police said.

Mr Oyeyemi, a deputy superintendent of police, said following the identification of the motorcycle by family members, the police intensified their investigation into the case.

The suspects later confirmed that they actually snatched the motorcycle, and that the owner is being tied to a tree in a bush. In order to rescue the victim, the policemen quickly led the suspects to the bush, but surprisingly, they have hacked him to death before taking away the motorcycle, the police said.

Mr Oyeyemi said further investigation revealed that one of the suspects, Samson Odunayo, was the one who ordered the service of the motorcyclist.

Unknown to the victim, Mr Odunayo had informed Sodiq Awokoya to wait in a bush along Ona-Eri area of Iperu with cutlass and other dangerous weapons.

On getting to the point, Samson Odunayo ordered the deceased to stop because he has gotten to his destination. While the deceased was waiting to collect his money, Sodiq Awokoya came out with a cutlass and hacked him down.

While wriggling in pain, Samson Awokoya moved near him and squeezed his neck until he gave up the ghost. They searched his pocket and found the sum of #5,500 which they also took away, the statement reads.

The police added that further investigation revealed that the incident is the second robbery operation carried out by the suspects.

Mr Oyeyemi said the motorcycle and the cutlass they used in killing the deceased have been recovered.

Meanwhile, the commissioner of police in the state, Lanre Bankole, has ordered the transfer of the suspects to the state criminal investigation and intelligence department, for investigation and prosecution of the suspects.
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Plattsburgh, NY (12901)

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Mostly cloudy skies early will become partly cloudy later in the day. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High around 40F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph..

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Lofton is the vice president of global brand marketing at Google, where she oversees the integrated consumer experience for Google's platforms & ecosystems portfolio (inclusive of Android, Chrome, Google Play and Education). She previously served as vice president and head of North America marketing at Nike Inc, and as Under Armour's senior vice president, of global marketing, operations and philanthropy.

Lofton has deep cross-industry experience that includes leadership roles at Levi Strauss & Co., where she was chief marketing officer for the global Dockers brand and Target Corporation, where she helped spearhead the company's multicultural marketing focus and provided cross-categorical leadership across its iconic master brand. She began her career at Gap Inc. and also worked at Starcom, focused on the General Motors portfolio.

"With her broad experience in differing brand strategies, innovation and driving meaningful customer relationships, Adrienne will be a tremendous addition to our board," said Alaska Air Group Chairman Brad Tilden. "She will help us move our business forward as we strive toward creating an airline people love and further establish Alaska as a national brand."

Lofton will serve on the board's Innovation and Safety committees. The appointment of Lofton brings the total number of Alaska Air Group directors to 14, 12 of whom are independent. With Lofton's appointment, the AAG Board's make-up of independent directors is now 42 percent female and 50 percent racially diverse.

Lofton earned her bachelor's degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C., where she was captain of the Howard University volleyball team.

About Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines and its regional partners serve more than 120 destinations across the United States and to Mexico, Canada and Costa Rica. The airline emphasizes Next-Level Care for its guests, along with providing low fares, award-winning customer service and sustainability efforts. Alaska is a member of oneworld. With the global alliance and the airline's additional partners, guests can travel to more than 1,000 destinations on more than 20 airlines while earning and redeeming miles on flights to locations around the world. Learn more about Alaska at newsroom.alaskaair.com and blog.alaskaair.com . Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK).

SOURCE Alaska Air Group
HONOLULU, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. (NYSE:ALEX) (A&B) will report results for the third quarter 2021, after the market closes, on Thursday, November 4, 2021. In connection with this announcement, A&B will host a conference call and webcast on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. ET.

The call and webcast will feature a presentation on operating and financial performance, followed by questions from sell-side research analysts participating in the interactive portion of the discussion. Parties listening via the webcast will be in a "listen-only" mode.

Company participants on the call and webcast will be Chris Benjamin, president and chief executive officer, and Brett Brown, executive vice president and chief financial officer, along with other members of senior management.

To listen to the conference call, please dial in at least 5 minutes prior to start time.

Domestic: 1-877-870-4263

International: 1-412-317-0790

Please instruct the operator to connect you to the Alexander & Baldwin call.

Access to the webcast will be via a link on the Investors page of A&B's website at www.alexanderbaldwin.com. Presentation slides will be available for download from A&B's website after the market closes on November 4, 2021.

About Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.

Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. (NYSE: ALEX) (A&B) is the only publicly-traded real estate investment trust to focus exclusively on Hawai'i commercial real estate and is the state's largest owner of grocery-anchored, neighborhood shopping centers. A&B owns, operates and manages approximately 3.9 million square feet of commercial space in Hawai'i, including 22 retail centers, 10 industrial assets and 4 office properties, as well as 146 acres of ground leases. A&B is expanding and strengthening its Hawai'i CRE portfolio and achieving its strategic focus on commercial real estate by monetizing its remaining non-core assets. Over its 150-year history, A&B has evolved with the state's economy and played a leadership role in the development of the agricultural, transportation, tourism, construction, residential and commercial real estate industries. Learn more about A&B at www.alexanderbaldwin.com.

Contact:

A&B Investor Relations

(808) 525-8475

[email protected]

SOURCE Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.
Low-Code class sees 100% job placement for graduating students; enrollment nearly triples for second semester. Tweet this

Low-code is a new way to build enterprise applications. It is fast because it replaces complex coding with visual composition. Low-code is also unified because it brings all aspects of automation  people, RPA, AI, data, and systems  into the same workflow. Analyst firm Forrester says 75% of all application development will use low-code platforms by the end of this year, up from 44% in 2020.

Shekhar, program director of the Master of Science in Business Analytics Flex and Online programs in the Jindal School, said, "Low-code is in huge demand because it helps companies respond more quickly to change. This is creating tremendous career opportunities for people  whether they are technologists or not  who are certified low-code developers. The success of our first semester proves it: All 10 of our graduating students received job offers, and our undergrads already have low-code certification on their resumes. The class is offered again this fall and has seen a jump in enrollment from 17 to 50."

The inaugural 16-week class concluded with a seven-day hackathon, sponsored by KPMG. Four teams of students were tasked with building low-code automation solutions for two scenarios: Asset Management and Student Onboarding. KPMG practice leads (Dan Fisher and Rey Villanueva) and technology professionals (Daryl Fink, Angad Chopra, Bill Nguyen, David Trang, and Anupama Garg) were directly involved in supporting the students, offering feedback and advice through dedicated office hours. The hackathon judges included a team from KPMG as well as Appian's Chief Customer Officer Pavel Zamudio-Ramirez, and Appian's Area Vice President of Customer Success Kimberly Buxton.

"We were excited to support UTD's efforts to prepare its students for new career opportunities in the low-code industry," said Rey Villanueva, Principal at KPMG. "This type of relationship between industry and academia is what is needed to meet the growing low-code demand among the world's largest businesses."

"We believe our Low-Code Intelligent Automation class is a model for other institutions to follow," said Dr. Hasan Pirkul, dean of the Jindal School. "Industry relationships such as we have with Appian and KPMG create rich and practical learning experiences for students, giving them face-time with and hands-on guidance from expert professionals in the field."

"The applications delivered by the hackathon teams demonstrated great understanding of all the aspects of low-code automation, and how to unify technologies to deliver substantial business impact," said Appian's Zamudio-Ramirez. "We're pleased by the success of our partnership with UTD as they prepare their students for the benefits of a low-code future."

To experience the Appian Low-Code Platform for yourself, and to see how easy it is to become certified, get your free Appian Community Edition environment .

About Appian

Appian helps organizations build apps and workflows rapidly, with a low-code platform. Combining people, technologies, and data in a single workflow, Appian can help companies maximise their resources and improve business results. Many of the world's largest organizations use Appian applications to improve customer experience, achieve operational excellence, and simplify global risk management and compliance. For more information, visit www.appian.com

SOURCE Appian

Related Links

http://www.appian.com


Acclaimed production company TBD Media Group is tracking the companies that are embracing the challenge laid down by the UN through a series of documentaries. Covering topics including responsible consumption and production, sustainable communities and good health and wellbeing, the films tell uplifting stories of how businesses use innovation, fresh thinking and technology to make tomorrow better.

The problems facing humanity, such as poverty, pollution and hunger are largely of our own making; the businesses engaged in Vision 2045 are showing leadership in reversing the damage and demonstrating that profit does not have to come at the expense of people and the planet.

Paolo Zanini, Founder and CEO at TBD Media Group says:

"We have always been proud of our ability to cover the issues that matter wherever they are in the world. The news agenda has rightly been focussed on the crisis that faces humanity. We need to start telling the story of where change is happening, otherwise people will feel hopeless. There is real and positive change happening now, and people can get on board and help."

Vision 2045 covers some of the most innovative and ambitious businesses in the world, joining forces to show that when human beings combine their ingenuity, they can achieve world-changing outcomes.

Companies featured in this launch:

BSH Home Appliances Group, Diginex, Getaround, IUPUI (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis), PERSOL Holdings.

More information on the Vision 2045 Campaign may be found here: https://vision2045.com/

About TBD Media Group:

TBD Media Group is an international, purpose-driven, media developer that helps companies, organisations and governments tell their brand stories in a human and direct way. Learn more at https://www.tbdmediagroup.com/

Media Contact:

Jenna-Leigh Soobramoney

Head of Marketing

TBD Media Group

[email protected]

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1659975/TBD_Media_Group.jpg

SOURCE TBD Media Group
A Total of 100 international enterprises and organizations from countries such as Germany, the US, Japan, Thailand, and Singapore have been invited to participate in TIE 2021. This year, it's the first time that TIE will also be held online, thus allowing industry players and individuals from every corner of the world to remotely attend the exhibitions and programs of the event. Going virtual is expected to create more opportunities for business collaborations and provide additional support to the event as the premier technology hub.

Showing 836 Latest Technologies in both Virtual and Physical Exhibitions

Precision health will be a highlight at TIE 2021 since the COVID-19 pandemic has made people pay more attention to the issues related to healthcare. Two particular products will be there to demonstrate Taiwan's strength in respect to its healthcare sector and its capability to prevent the spread of epidemics. The first product is NRICM101, which is an herbal compound for treating the symptoms of COVID-19. It has been granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The other product is the Rapid COVID-19 Diagnostic Test Chip.

There will also be many interesting exhibitions pertaining to the information and digital field. Products on display include a portable air quality monitor, a 5G smart pole and AI-Based High-Density Shuttle Rack Service System.

Regarding cybersecurity, some of the key products that will be unveiled at TIE 2021 include the 5G Private Network Solution and the 5G/B5G mmWave Antenna-in-Package.

Domestic research institutions and aerospace companies will show off some of the most advanced military-grade offerings. They include Taiwan's first successfully launched CubeSat, VTVL Flight Control System of Hybrid Rockets, and Self Path-Tracking and Intelligent Collision Avoidance Technology for Autonomous Ship. These exhibitions will demonstrate Taiwan's R&D capability in national defense.

For green and renewable energy, TIE 2021 will reveal technologies that are contributing to Taiwan's efforts to transform into a model of renewable energy development in the Asia-Pacific region. Specifically, there will be exhibitions on the latest high-efficiency TOPCon photovoltaic cells and High Cost-Performance Ratio Hydrogen Fuel Cell System.

Turning to strategic stockpiles, a myriad of products will be on display during the event. Examples include high-safety lithium battery materials that power electric vehicles, the High Temperature and Anti-corrosion Compound Semiconductor Process Carrier for the manufacturing of UVC LEDs and other advanced semiconductor components.

The online version of TIE 2021 will feature special 3D showrooms for technologies such as a Self-Driving Pure-Electric Minibus: WinBus, a robot that patrols electrical substations, an electric tracked aerial work vehicle, a smart helmet, a robot that use lasers to remove pests in orchards and other innovations. In sum, all exhibits will be made available for 720-degree online viewing.

Insight Sharing of Industry Leaders from 14 Countries

Two important conferences that will take place during TIE 2021 are the Industry Viewpoint Conference and IPBC Taiwan. At the Industry Viewpoint Conference, 30 leaders of major technology sectors will not only share their perspectives on their respective fields but also present six core strategies for future industry development. Meanwhile, this year's IPBC Taiwan will provide a forum for internationally renowned intellectual property experts to discuss IP strategies related to 5G technologies. In addition to these programs, individual attendees will also be able to receive suggestions for specific technological solutions based on the history of visited exhibitions. Furthermore, to expand opportunities for international collaborations, there will be one-on-one business matchmaking sessions to connect technology suppliers with potential customers. Open to industry professionals and participating exhibitors, the registration for online meetings will start on October 11th, 2021.

Best Features at Taiwan Innotech Expo 2021:

Online-Merge-Offline: Assemble 836 of the latest technology solutions from 24 countries and a total of 100 international enterprises such as Siemens, Cisco, 3 M a nd related companies. Business Opportunities: 200 technology presentations and 1-on-1 online business matchmaking appointment service (early bird booking since 10/11). Industry Trends: Exclusive scientific and technological insights from 82 industry leaders in 14 countries. Valuable Services: Live Tour videos to catch what's hot in 6 Core Strategic Industries and auto-recommend technologies based on what you show interest in.

See you at 10/14~10/23 Taiwan Innotech Expo 2021.

Physical: 10/14~10/16 at Taipei World Trade Center Exhibition Hall 1

Virtual: 10/14~10/23 (https://tie.twtm.com.tw/WebPage/index.aspx?ln=en-US)

SOURCE Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI)
DETROIT, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) is recognizing Autobooks' Co-Founder & CEO Steve Robert as one of the 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs of 2021 at its Builders + Innovators Summit in Healdsburg, California.

Goldman Sachs selected Steve Robert as one of 100 entrepreneurs from multiple industries to be honored at the two-day event.

"It's a great honor to be included among such a prestigious and dynamic group of entrepreneurs and organizations, and one that would not have been possible without the remarkable Autobooks team; we've assembled a fintech dream-team and it's a privilege to work alongside them," said Robert. "I'm grateful to Goldman Sachs for recognizing the hard work of this team, and I'm excited to continue in our mission to help small businesses realize their full potential, by taking advantage of technology and financial services."



Autobooks, a small business banking technology provider with a growing presence in both Detroit and Austin was founded in 2016. The company has over 100 employees, supporting over 10,000 businesses across 500 financial institutions and is on pace to grow revenue 400% this year. The company recently announced expanded partnerships with Jack Henry and TD Bank to leverage its invoicing capabilities to better serve the cash-flow needs of small and micro-businesses.

"Innovation doesn't happen just anywhere; it thrives where there's a wide range of thoughts and perspectives," said David M. Solomon, Chairman & CEO of Goldman Sachs. "One of our great strengths is our ability to bring together people from different walks of life and to spark conversations today that will lead to breakthroughs tomorrow. The leaders we've chosen to highlight at our Builders + Innovators Summit are truly remarkable, and we are pleased to recognize Steve Robert as one of this year's most intriguing entrepreneurs."

In addition to honoring 100 entrepreneurs, the summit consists of general sessions and clinics led by seasoned entrepreneurs, academics and business leaders as well as resident scholars.

About Autobooks, Inc.

Detroit-based Autobooks is the industry's leading integrated-payments provider - helping small businesses get paid and financial institutions stay ahead of the competition. The Autobooks platform features embedded invoicing, payment acceptance, and general ledger tools that can be easily integrated within a financial institutions' online and mobile banking channels to help customers modernize their back-office.

Autobooks offers pre-built integrations to industry-leading core, digital banking and merchant processing solutions as well as dedicated go-to-market support, enabling financial institutions to better serve and monetize small business relationships  in as little as 90 days.

Please visit www.autobooks.co to learn more.

SOURCE Autobooks
"Our track record of earnings growth over the years and ability to generate strong cash flow has allowed us to raise our dividend every year since it was first initiated in 2011," said Robert M. Patterson, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Avient Corporation. "We are pleased to announce this latest increase of 12%, which reflects the record adjusted EPS we project for 2021 and the confidence we have in our portfolio of sustainable solutions and future growth projections."

The Company plans to host an Investor Day in New York City on December 9th, where it will provide details on its long-term growth drivers, future synergy capture from the Clariant Color acquisition as well as capital allocation priorities.

"We are excited about our upcoming investor day. It will be a great opportunity to share more information with our investors about our transformational journey as a specialty formulator and vision for the future," concluded Mr. Patterson.

About Avient

Avient Corporation (NYSE: AVNT), with expected 2021 revenues of $4.6 to $4.7 billion, provides specialized and sustainable material solutions that transform customer challenges into opportunities, bringing new products to life for a better world. Examples include:

Unique technologies that improve the recyclability of products and enable recycled content to be incorporated, thus advancing a more circular economy

Light-weighting solutions that replace heavier traditional materials like metal, glass and wood, which can improve fuel efficiency in all modes of transportation and reduce carbon footprint

Sustainable infrastructure solutions that increase energy efficiency, renewable energy, natural resource conservation and fiber optic / 5G network accessibility

Avient employs approximately 8,400 associates and is certified ACC Responsible Care, a founding member of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste and certified Great Place to Work. For more information, visit www.avient.com.

To access Avient's news library online, please visit www.avient.com/news.

Forward-looking Statements

In this press release, statements that are not reported financial results or other historical information are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements give current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance. They are based on management's expectations that involve a number of business risks and uncertainties, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. They use words such as "will," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial condition, performance and/or sales. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by these forward-looking statements include disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit markets that could adversely impact the availability of credit already arranged and the availability and cost of credit in the future; the effect on foreign operations of currency fluctuations, tariffs and other political, economic and regulatory risks; the current and potential future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, results of operations, financial position or cash flows including without any limitation, any supply chain and logistics issues; our ability to achieve the strategic and other objectives relating to the acquisition of Clariant's Color business, including any expected synergies; changes in polymer consumption growth rates and laws and regulations regarding plastics in jurisdictions where we conduct business; fluctuations in raw material prices, quality and supply, and in energy prices and supply; production outages or material costs associated with scheduled or unscheduled maintenance programs; unanticipated developments that could occur with respect to contingencies such as litigation and environmental matters; an inability to achieve the anticipated financial benefit from initiatives related to acquisition and integration working capital reductions, cost reductions and employee productivity goals; our ability to continue to pay regular quarterly cash dividends, including at the increased rate, and the amounts and timing of any future dividends; information systems failures and cyberattacks; our ability to consummate and successfully integrate acquisitions; and amounts for cash and non-cash charges related to restructuring plans that may differ from original estimates, including because of timing changes associated with the underlying actions. The above list of factors is not exhaustive.

We undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our reports on Form 10-Q, 8-K and 10-K that we provide to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE Avient Corporation

Related Links

https://www.avient.com


SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The BioHive Summit, powered in partnership with BioUtah, on Nov. 12 will live stream a distinguished line-up of speakers and panelists from inside and outside Utah's burgeoning life sciences industry (research, medical technology, diagnostics, health IT, digital health and biotechnology/biopharmaceutical) to discuss trends, challenges and the future of healthcare and Utah innovation.

The BioHive Summit, the new name for the previously titled Utah Life Sciences Summit, aims to build on the best, with a fresh, engaging and upbeat virtual experience for participants.

Dean Li, MD, PhD, president of Merck Research Laboratories, will take center stage in a fireside chat with Recursion CEO and BioHive Co-Founder, Chris Gibson, for a riveting conversation about Utah's innovation landscape, the future of healthcare research and Merck's efforts in battling COVID-19.

Before joining Merck in 2017, Dr. Li served as the H.A. & Edna Benning professor of medicine and cardiology, chief scientific officer, associate vice president and vice dean at the University of Utah Health System. While at the university, Li blazed new trails to expand research efforts and transform discoveries into clinical treatments for the benefit of patients.

"Although our BioHive Summit will be virtual this year, we will gather with pride as one of the fastest-growing life sciences industry in the nation," said Katelin Roberts, executive director of BioHive. "This year's summit will not only reflect our continued rise, but it will also capture the spirit of BioHive by spreading the word about the world-class innovation hub that Dr. Li and others have helped to ignite here in Utah."

At Merck, Li has held positions of increasing leadership in translational medicine and discovery functions and was appointed to president, Merck Research Laboratories, in January 2021. The company recently submitted an Emergency Use Authorization to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for an investigational oral antiviral COVID-19 medicine, molnupiravir.

"We're very honored to have Dr. Li join us for the BioHive Summit," said Kelvyn Cullimore, president and CEO of BioUtah. "His experience, knowledge and passion for exploration and commercializing clinically relevant basic science discoveries will offer our audience unique and valuable insights - a definite 'wow' factor for the conference."

Dr. Li has founded or co-founded innovative biotechnology companies, including Hydra Biosciences Inc. and Recursion Pharmaceuticals. He also helped to lay the foundation for the Utah Genome Project - a University of Utah drug development pipeline that represents successful investments in the future of precision medicine.

In addition to stimulating speakers, panels and presenters in an opening plenary session and three afternoon tracks, the annual BioUtah Awards will also be presented recognizing leadership and achievement within the industry.

"As we continue to navigate the pandemic, the BioHive Summit will spotlight the brightest in our field, such as Dr. Li, and help us stay connected as we unite around our common mission to find innovative treatments and cures," added Cullimore.

To register and keep apprised of the agenda and speakers list visit biohivesummit.com.

About BioUtah and BioHive

BioUtah is an independent 501(c)(6) trade association serving Utah's life sciences industry. Its member companies reflect a broad spectrum of the industry with strengths in medical device manufacturing and services, research and testing, biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, and advanced diagnostics, and healthIT, amongst others; and are a key driver of Utah's economy and life-saving treatments and cures for patients. BioHive is a chapter of BioUtah; its mission is to brand, build and bring together Utah's life sciences and healthcare innovation community.

SOURCE BioUtah
Bitcoin of America sent their all-female team to the largest Bitcoin conference in the world, Bitcoin 2021 Miami. BOA's female team is hoping to encourage other women to join the industry. Alice Gorodetsky, Director of Business Development, shared her thoughts on the industry. Gorodetsky explained, "Male presence is huge in the technology sector and in the crypto space. I am excited to be part of an inclusive company like Bitcoin of America who encourages women to succeed in a male dominant industry."

Bitcoin of America is currently hiring and looking to expand their female team. They are looking to promote women within the cryptocurrency industry and help give them a voice. Jenna Polinsky, Director of Marketing, spoke out about her experiences working in a male dominant industry. Polinsky mentioned, "I am lucky to be part of a team that values everyone's opinions. I have had a positive experience working for Bitcoin of America and am hoping to use my influence to help encourage other women to join the industry.

Bitcoin of America is Registered as a money services business with the United States Department of Treasury, (FinCEN) Bitcoin of America offers several different services including Bitcoin ATMs, Bitcoin Tablets, and an online exchange. BOA has been known to provide fast and hassle-free transactions to their customers while offering top of the line customer support, which makes them one of the best in the industry.

SOURCE Bitcoin of America

Related Links

https://www.bitcoinofamerica.org


COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Branch, the startup that pioneered instantly-bundled home and auto insurance, today announced a partnership with SimpliSafe, maker of award-winning security systems, to offer its members significant discounts on their home insurance.

Through this partnership, Branch members can receive meaningful discounts up to 15.5% on their home insurance by protecting their home with a professionally monitored SimpliSafe system1, which can help prevent major hazards, such as theft, fire and water damage. Additionally, Branch is giving new members a free 7-piece home security system from SimpliSafe and a complimentary month of SimpliSafe's most comprehensive professional security monitoring.

"The insurance industry is broken, and consumers overpay as a result. At Branch, our mission is to make insurance more affordable and one of the ways we do this is through our innovative connected home discounts," shared Steve Lekas, Cofounder and CEO of Branch. "There is ample data to support how professionally monitored home security drastically reduces claims for our members, so we're eager to pass meaningful savings along to those who choose to protect their homes with an industry-leading provider like SimpliSafe."

Branch and SimpliSafe share the belief that home protection should be both accessible and affordable. The complimentary SimpliSafe hardware and professional monitoring coupled with the substantial policy savings generated through the Branch connected home discount will make this partnership a clear win for Branch members. Additionally, in the coming weeks, homeowners who already use SimpliSafe to protect their homes may be eligible for deep discounts on home and auto insurance when they purchase a new policy through Branch's frictionless and instant buying experience.

"At SimpliSafe, we remain singularly focused on making home the safest place on earth," said Matt Wolf, Head of Partnerships at SimpliSafe. "We've found a real opportunity to deliver on that mission by teaming up with leading insurers, like Branch, to offer homeowners proactive protection. We're excited to work with Branch to deliver tremendous value to homeowners and build the future of comprehensive protection."

For more information about the partnership and SimpliSafe's professionally monitored home security, visit OurBranch.com or SimpliSafe.com.

About Branch

Branch is home and auto insurance that's simple to buy and built for savings. Through its revolutionary instant-bind capability, Branch removes all of the friction associated with getting covered, helping customers bundle their home and auto with ease. Built as a reciprocal exchange, Branch taps into the power of community to make insurance more accessible and affordable for everyone. Branch was founded in 2017 by insurance veteran Steve Lekas and tech entrepreneur Joe Emison, and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Branch is underwritten by the Branch Insurance Exchange and General Security National Insurance Company (GSNIC) and backed by SCOR SE, all A-rated insurance entities. To learn more, visit OurBranch.com.

About SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe fundamentally changed the alarm industry, pioneering a new way to make home the safest place on earth for everyone. Founded in 2006, SimpliSafe now protects millions of people and is committed to its founding goal: to make every home secure. SimpliSafe has been coined the number one home security pick by several highly-esteemed publications and was recently awarded in multiple categories for "Best Home Security Systems of 2021" by U.S. News & World Report.

SimpliCam, SimpliSafe, and the SimpliSafe logo are the registered trademarks of SimpliSafe, Inc. in the US and other countries.

Branch, Ally Majewski: [email protected]

SimpliSafe, Sammy Brodsky: [email protected]

1After the initial one-month period, customers in the program will pay for professional monitoring, which starts at $14.99 per month.

SOURCE Branch Insurance

Related Links

https://www.ourbranch.com


KUNMING, China, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With the ongoing climate crisis, deteriorating biodiversity, and overconsumption of natural resources, solving the planet's sustainability crisis will require prompt and systemic changes in society. O'right, the world's first zero-carbon beauty company, has set an example by rebuilding itself in line with the principles of sustainable development, becoming a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) with a well-educated supply chain and integrated sustainability strategy, a high level of technological expertise, and a strong will to share, influence, and impact all businesses in making a difference.

O'right headquarter is the first certified green cosmetics plant in Asia that attained Taiwan's EEWH Green Building Gold Certificate. Ko encourages all SMEs to adopt a circular mindset and design products for both the technical and biological cycles in order to achieve zero carbon.

On October 14 at the inaugural World Biodiversity Summit (WBS) hosted by the World Climate Foundation during the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) in Kunming, China, O'right chairperson Steven Ko used his keynote speech to echo the warning in the Sixth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC's AR6), stating that any increase in the temperature beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius will significantly accelerate the extinction of species, render more and more areas of the world uninhabitable, and pose substantial risks for all humans and animals.

"Climate change and biodiversity loss are more intimately intertwined than we imagined," said Ko. "The manufacturing sector must take action to reduce emissions. This will mean a cost, but it also offers new opportunities for businesses to rebuild with competitive advantages." He continued, "More importantly, it is possible. We are a living proof!"

Most zero-carbon headlines are dominated by big brands. According to the World Bank, however, up to 90 percent of all businesses are actually SMEscommonly defined as businesses with up to 250 employees. A growing number of businesses are adopting ambitious targets to reach net-zero carbon, with some, like O'right, striving to become carbon negative. Yet, the big question remainsif decarbonization needs all businesses to change, how can SMEs already struggling to survive accomplish thislet alone reach net zero?

Most SME owners must focus on the day-to-day challenges of running a business and often lack awareness about sustainability. In fact, many don't have the expertise, money, time, or resources to manage their carbon footprint.

"Sooner or later, all brands will become green," says Ko. "The trend is going in this direction and other opportunities are tagging along as well." Ko encourages all SMEs to adopt a circular mindset and design products for both the technical and biological cycles in order to achieve zero carbon.

For SMEs, the pressure is coming from every direction. The legislative "stick" from the government sector is becoming stricter and more demanding. Major financial institutions, as well, are significantly influencing SMEs through their market decisions and transactions. Also, big brands are increasingly required to report on emissions from the value chain, and all suppliers, especially SMEs, will need to tackle their own carbon emissions.

In his WBS presentation, Ko also shared an interesting viewpoint: "A business should look at things from a biological perspective. It is a matter of shifting the mindset from the 'reuse, refill, and reduce' of the technical cycle to the biological level'respond, revive, and respect.'" Ko elaborated, "We should show more respect for nature and lessen the burden on human health and the environment."

In practice, Ko encourages companies to put zero carbon at the core of their business models. Since 2006, O'right has pledged to protect the environment by reducing plastic at the source. The company made history with the world's first 100 percent traceable, renewable plastic bottle and plastic pump. In 2019, O'right joined RE100 in making a commitment to 100 percent renewable energy by 2025, and the company became the first SME to win the Best Community Changemaker award at the RE100 Leadership Awards in 2020. Although an SME, O'right has achieved product carbon neutrality across its entire product portfolio, organization, and manufacturing operations.

In addition to WBS in Kunming (full video https://youtu.be/aMIjhOAQfug ), O'right will also share its zero-carbon journey at COP 26 in Glasgow:

11/7 1:30 pm (GMT+1) World Climate Summit (live+virtual), https://www.worldclimatesummit.org/ Session 3B speaker: Circularity & Life CycleOptimizing Business and Policy to Achieve a Circular Economy

speaker: Circularity & Life CycleOptimizing Business and Policy to Achieve a Circular Economy 11/10 10 am (GMT+1) World Biodiversity Summit (live+virtual), https://www.worldbiodiversitysummit.org/glasgow

Session 1 speaker: Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture at the Center of Development StrategiesChallenges and Opportunities

Media contact:

George Hu

[email protected]

886-919563599

SOURCE O'right
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- College Promise announces a national expansion of the #BecauseWeWill campaign. #BecauseWeWill is an interactive social media campaign designed to give learners an opportunity to share personal stories and build a sense of community, support, and belonging with other learners across the country.

"College Promise is proud to sponsor the #BecauseWeWill campaign and empower students to share their stories. Student voices remain critical as we reimagine our higher education ecosystem to be more affordable, accessible, and equitable for all Americans," said Dr. Martha Kanter, CEO of College Promise.

Students may submit a short video or written story on social media using the hashtag #BecauseWeWill or on the #BecauseWeWill campaign website . Winners will be announced monthly and receive an unrestricted $1,000 cash award to support their personal education goals. The campaign is especially grateful for the partnership and support of Phi Theta Kappa and The Kresge Foundation.

"As a first-generation American, I understand the benefits of mentorship and support that come from a community that understands your journey. We want students to know they are not alone," said Rosye Cloud, #BecauseWeWill Ambassador and College Promise Senior Leader. "The goal of #BecauseWeWill is to foster a sense of belonging. We need to encourage open conversation about resources, tools, and supports necessary for learners to succeed. There is power in sharing your truth."

For more information about the #BecauseWeWill campaign, visit www.becausewewill.org

About College Promise

College Promise is a national, nonpartisan initiative to build broad public support for accessible, affordable, quality College Promise programs across the United States. Through partnerships with community colleges, universities, and leaders from across the nation's education, business, government, nonprofit, labor, and philanthropy sectors, College Promise supports communities and states to enact proven solutions that enable hardworking students to complete their college degrees or certificates, aligning no-cost tuition strategies with meaningful student supports. www.collegepromise.org

About #BecauseWeWill

Launched in 2021, #BecauseWeWill is a licensed interactive campaign committed to raising public awareness of life experiences of non-traditional students across the United States. To submit your story, visit www.becausewewill.org or use the hashtag #BecauseWeWil on social media.

Press Contact: Alexis Masino, [email protected], +1 (267) 505-9610

SOURCE College Promise
DETROIT, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Energy Workforce Development Consortium (MEWDC), an industry-led partnership of representatives from the energy industry, workforce, education and veterans, announced today it will launch an outreach initiative that aims to heighten awareness of highgrowth, rewarding careers in the energy sector during Careers in Energy Week, October 18-22.

During this five-day campaign, industry partners, schools and other partners will host career exploration events, panel discussions and job fairs to energize students, educators and job-seekers. The MEWDC will host two contests for students to further increase awareness of careers in the energy sector, which is evolving faster than ever.

"Building a skilled workforce is a priority for the State of Michigan, and Careers In Energy Week is a great vehicle to show students that in-demand, high paying jobs are available to them," said Marcia BlackWatson, Industry Engagement Director for Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.

Now in its eighth year, Careers in Energy Week is sponsored by the MEWDC; its members include Consumers Energy, DTE Energy, Enbridge, Holland Board of Public Works, Infrasource, ITC Holdings, Kent Power, Lansing Board of Water & Light, Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, Michigan Energy Efficiency Contractors Association, Michigan Municipal Electric Association, Ruben Strategy Group, Traverse City Light & Power and Zeeland Board of Public Works. It's a great time to get into energy, as the energy sector currently employs more than 110,000 Michigan residents and is expected to grow 2% in the Great Lakes State between 2018 and 2028.

"At Consumers Energy, we are excited to share about the high demand energy careers of today and the future," says Cathy Hendrian, SVP of People and Culture at Consumers Energy. We're focused on roles in clean energy - including electric vehicles, renewables, and our critical skilled trades. It is a dynamic time to be a force of change in our industry as we create new career pathways for future workers."

"At DTE, we strive to improve lives with our energy," says Tracy DiSanto, manager, workforce planning, development and compliance and co-chair, MEWDC. "Equity is a cornerstone of our corporate citizenship, and creating awareness around the career opportunities in the energy industry is one of the many ways we work to connect people from underserved populations to meaningful career paths."

Founded in 2008, MEWDC's career awareness and outreach initiatives aim to develop the next generation of Michigan energy workers. Some of the MEWDC's accomplishments include:

Partnering with school districts and community colleges across the state to implement energy curriculum leveraging federal Perkins Funds that are now available after the 17th "career cluster" in energy was approved by the Michigan State Board of Education in 2016. Nearly 1,000 students have earned national certificates of Energy Industry Fundamentals.

Awarded the 2020 'Game Changer' Impact Award from the Center for Energy Workforce Development for our innovative programming and outreach about career awareness.

Received $1.1 million State Apprenticeship Expansion Grant to support the development of registered apprenticeships in critical energy sector job roles in partnership with unions, community colleges, K-12 school districts and the state's Michigan Works! Agencies.

In addition, consortium members DTE Energy and Consumers Energy have:

Continued to support the community through giving by their respective foundations, totaling more than $20 million year-to-date in 2021 to help Michigan residents thrive, support small business and contribute to local non-profits.

year-to-date in 2021 to help residents thrive, support small business and contribute to local non-profits. Continued their Gold Level Veteran-Friendly Employer status, signifying a commitment to recruiting and retaining veteran employees.

Contributed significant financial and volunteer support toward the state and national FIRST Robotics movement, emphasizing the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations for both elementary and secondary students.

Visit www.careersinenegymichigan.com for a full list of events during Careers in Energy Week.

About Consumers Energy

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest energy provider, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE:CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

About DTE Energy

DTE Energy is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric company serving 2.2 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.3 million customers in Michigan. The DTE portfolio includes energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects, renewable natural gas, and energy marketing and trading. As an environmental leader, DTE utility operations will reduce carbon dioxide and methane emissions by more than 80% by 2040 to produce cleaner energy while keeping it safe, reliable and affordable. DTE Electric and Gas aspire to achieve net zero carbon and greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. DTE is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy and economic progress. Information about DTE is available at dteenergy.com , empoweringmichigan.com , twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy .

About Lansing Board of Water & Light

The Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL) is a municipally owned public utility that provides safe, reliable and affordable utility products and service to more than 97,000 electric and 56,000 water customers throughout the greater Lansing area.

SOURCE Consumers Energy

Related Links

http://www.consumersenergy.com


HOUSTON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Coterra Energy Inc. ("Coterra" or the "Company") (NYSE: CTRA) will host a conference call on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at 8:30 AM CT (9:30 AM ET) to discuss third-quarter 2021 financial and operating results. The Company plans to announce third-quarter 2021 results before the market opens on November 3.

Conference Call Information

Date: Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Time: 9:30 AM ET / 8:30 AM CT

Dial-in (for callers in the U.S.): (866) 367-3053

Dial-in (for callers in Canada): (855) 669-9657

Intl. dial-in: (412) 902-4216

To access the live webcast, visit the "Events & Presentations" page under the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website at www.coterra.com. The replay will be archived and available at the same location after the conclusion of the live event.

About Coterra Energy

Coterra is a premier, diversified energy company based in Houston, Texas. We strive to be a leading producer, delivering returns with a commitment to sustainability leadership. Learn more about us at www.coterra.com.

SOURCE Coterra Energy Inc.

Related Links

http://www.coterra.com


TAIPEI, China, Oct. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- When the epidemic hit Europe, many EU countries came to a halt, but only Estonia could calmly deal with external challenges and crises, and maintain the daily operations of public and private sectors. Looking into the key factors, it can be attributed to Estonia's digital transformation, starting as early as the early '90s.

The 2021 Taiwan Innovation Expo (TIE) invited Estonia to share the Baltic country's thoughts on promoting digital transformation and development. Fusionmedium served as the media partner of the event. Estonia was once rated as "the world's most advanced digital society" by the well-known technology magazine "WIRED".

According to Anett Numa, a digital transformation consultant of the 'e-estonia briefing center', 99% of Estonian government services could be accessed online during the pandemic, including business registrations, social welfare applications, and so on. Moreover, citizens have become accustomed to it, given the easy smartphone access to all services.

An e-ID is the most critical element in digital government services: through electronic IDs, the government could quickly provide services to the people. Dr. Arvo Ott, Director of e-Government Technologies of Estonian 'e-Governance Academy', said that as early as 2002, Estonia had begun to issue electronic ID cards, and each Estonian resident has an e-ID which stores personal electronic signatures for identity verifications.

Numa also indicated that the Estonian government combined the public and private sectors to develop various digital services, including electronic health insurance, electronic drug prescriptions, and online bank account. In Estonia, with the exception of marriage and divorce procedures, even real estate transactions can be completed online.

Estonia is committed to providing every citizen with "digital rights". In addition to the existing e-government measures, it has also expanded free internet services and increased domestic broadband speed.

The most important policy was to prioritize the government's own digitalization. Estonia's huge data information exchange system, X-Road, marks one of these efforts: the personal information left by the users in government agencies and private sectors can be collected in the X-Road database. As long as user authorizations and consents are obtained, the X-Road database allows government agencies and private sectors access into private and public database. Data sharing significantly facilitated processing.

To gain public support and trust, the various electronic services of digital governments also need to be transparent and publicly accessible. When a suspected security loophole is discovered, the Estonian government hosts an open dialogue with the public and manufacturers to ensure the public support of e-ID. Estonia also publishes the e-ID system source code on developer platforms, allowing the public to identify and report loopholes.

In addition to security issues, government surveillance is also a top concern. X-Road also includes blockchain technology and has established a Personal Data Usage Monitor. When a government official enters the X-Road system to check people's information, they will leave a record. The public can therefore check at any time which information was accessed by which government agency. If one believes that the government uses personal data improperly, one can file a court case to protect privacy.

Estonia's digital government is all about cooperation and reciprocities. Government departments cooperate with each other to promote digitalization and win the trust of users. For users, they are also willing to fully disclose their personal information to the government and enjoy various electronic services in return.

Taiwan Innotech Expo 2021

2021 FUTEX Trend Forum-Digital Transformation

SOURCE Fusionmedium
PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Dialysis Concentrate Market by Type (Acid Concentrates, Bicarbonate Concentrates, and Peritoneal Dialysis Fluid), Application (Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis), and Dialysis Site (Hospitals, Clinics & Dialysis Centers, and Home Dialysis): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20212030." According to the report, the global dialysis concentrate industry generated $2.69 billion in 2020, and is anticipated to generate $4.53 billion by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 5.4% from 2021 to 2030.

Download Sample Report PDF- https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/14054

Prime determinants of growth

Surge in incidences of kidney diseases, rise in prevalence of lifestyle and chronic diseases, and issues associated with kidney transplants drive the growth of the global dialysis concentrate market. However, complications in dialysis treatment and reimbursement policy concerns in emerging nations hinder the market growth. On the other hand, shift in preference of patients for home hemodialysis presents new opportunities in the coming years.

Impact of Covid-19 on Dialysis Concentrate Market-

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic forced several industries to shut down temporarily, including several sub-domains of healthcare, and thus, there has been an increase in mortality rate among dialysis patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, the concern for the transmission of infectious disease during dialysis procedure is high, which negatively impacted the dialysis concentrate market growth.

Get detailed COVID-19 impact analysis on the Dialysis Concentrate Market- https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/14054?reqfor=covid

The hemodialysis segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

Based on application, the hemodialysis segment held the highest market share in 2020, accounting for more than four-fifths of the global dialysis concentrate market, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. Moreover, this segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 5.6% from 2021 to 2030, owing to increase in geriatric population and incidences of renal diseases, especially end stage renal disease (ESRD) globally as well as rise in incidences of diabetes and hypertension. Shortage of kidneys for transplantation also increases use of hemodialysis and hemodialysis concentrate.

The clinics and dialysis segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period

Based on dialysis site, the clinics and dialysis segment accounted for the largest share in 2020, contributing to more than half of the global dialysis concentrate market, and is projected to maintain its lead position during the forecast period. This is due to advantages of in-center dialysis such as no requirement of any medical training to patients as healthcare professionals carry out majority of tasks, making it convenient for patients by avoiding any errors during the treatment. Moreover, home dialysis segment is expected to portray the largest CAGR of 7.0% from 2021 to 2030, owing to advantages such as flexibility in session schedules and fitting the treatment around the patient timetables.

Connect to AMR Analysts- https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/14054

Asia-Pacific, followed by North America to maintain its dominance by 2030

Based on region, Asia-Pacific, followed by North America held the highest market share in terms of revenue 2020, accounting for around one-third of the global dialysis concentrate market. Moreover, this region is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 6.5% from 2021 to 2030, owing to increase in cases of ESRD, CKDs, diabetes, and hypertension coupled with surge in diagnosis rates in the region.

Leading Market Players:-

Asahi Kasei Medical Co. Ltd

B. Braun Melsungen AG

Baxter International Inc.

Dialysis Medical Solutions

Farmasol, Fresenius Medical Care

Hemoclean, Medites Pharma

spol. s.r.o.

Nikkiso and Nipro Renal Solutions

Official Press Release: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/press-release/dialysis-concentrate-market.html

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SOURCE Allied Market Research
NORTH CANTON, Ohio, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Diebold Nixdorf (NYSE: DBD), a global leader in driving connected commerce for the banking and retail industries, announced today that Fidelity Bank will replace its entire self-service network with DN SeriesTM ATMs, upgrading to the latest technology. The new Windows 10 compliant ATMs increase transaction security, enable customers to make larger cash deposits, and deliver both maximum efficiency and reduced transaction costs. This is especially important as more customers rely on ATMs as a source of safe, socially distanced banking services.

Fidelity Bank is implementing DN AllConnect ServicesSM across its entire self-service channel. The comprehensive service provides increased uptime and includes, monitoring and event management, maintenance services, and security and software deployment. Every DN Series installed by Fidelity Bank features Diebold Nixdorf's ActivEdge card reader technology, the industry's most secure card reader with its long-edge design and encrypted moving read head, to supply premium anti-skimming defense for Fidelity Bank customers.

Steve McClure, senior vice president, at Fidelity Bank said: "By upgrading our older ATMs to DN Series, we can provide consumers with many new, self-service banking options and added security features. Diebold Nixdorf remains an essential partner in helping us bring our goals to life as we continue to prioritize branch efficiency and customer experience."

Diebold Nixdorf Advisory Services, a team of experienced banking professionals who help financial institutions develop and implement channel transformation initiatives, partnered with the bank to analyze its network. Advisory Services reviewed Fidelity Bank's branch network and transaction data to assist the bank in decreasing transaction costs. By assessing migration statistics, the team prioritized the busiest branch locations and deployed deposit automation in clusters to keep the user experience in the same area consistent.

Octavio Marquez, senior vice president, Global Banking, at Diebold Nixdorf said: "Our enhanced partnership with Fidelity Bank highlights our commitment to meeting the bank's unique needs by offering solutions tailored for its branch network. DN Series ATMs provide enhanced self-service capabilities, increased security features and, in turn, a more efficient consumer experience."

About Fidelity Bank

Fidelity Bank is a full-service financial institution with assets of approximately $3.4 billion headquartered in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. The Bank owns and operates 58 branches throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Learn more about Fidelity Bank at www.fidelitybanknc.com.

About Diebold Nixdorf

Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated (NYSE: DBD) is a world leader in enabling connected commerce. They 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, their 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.

Twitter: @DieboldNixdorf

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/diebold

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DieboldNixdorf

YouTube: www.youtube.com/dieboldnixdorf

DN-B

SOURCE Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated
DUBLIN, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Artificial Intelligence Market, Global Forecast, Impact of COVID-19, Industry Trends, by Solution, Technology, Region, Opportunity Company Analysis" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

According to the report, the global AI market will be worth US$ 284.4 billion by 2026.

Today, the artificial intelligence platform has become a way for computer systems to perform tasks like human intelligence including decision-making and speech recognition. Globally, problem-solving, social intelligence and general intelligence is being achieved with the help of the artificial intelligence platform. Moreover, rising high-level computer languages is helping various industries to work efficiently on the artificial intelligence platform.

By Solution

The Artificial Intelligence Market revolves around hardware, software and services. In recent years, artificial intelligence services are at the forefront of all innovations and will continue to remain so during the forecast years. Artificial intelligence services cover installation, integration, maintenance & support projects. With the escalating abundance of enterprises and competition, companies have rigorously integrated artificial intelligence (AI) technology into their services. For instance, the BFSI industry has increasingly adopted artificial intelligence services to enhance operational efficiency and enable a rich consumer experience.



Besides, software solutions promise advancements in information storage capacity, high computing power, and parallel processing capabilities to achieve high-end artificial intelligence software in dynamic end-use verticals. Notwithstanding, artificial intelligence software solutions include libraries for designing and deploying artificial intelligence applications, such as linear algebra, primitives, inference, video analytics, sparse matrices, and multiple hardware communication capabilities. As per the analysis, Global Artificial Intelligence Industry is anticipated to expand at a tremendous CAGR of 29.44% during the forecast period 2020-2026.



By Chip Type

Artificial intelligence includes chipsets such as Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and Central Processing Unit (CPU). An application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) dominates the artificial intelligence chip segment, specially built for a specific application or purpose. It is specifically designed for a particular application compared to a logic device or a standard logic integrated circuit. It has also been made smaller, and it uses less electricity.



The artificial intelligence market inculcates machine learning, natural language processing, image processing, and speech recognition by technology. Machine learning covers notable investments in artificial intelligence. It covers both artificial intelligence platforms and cognitive applications, including tagging, clustering, categorization, hypothesis generation, alerting, filtering, navigation, visualization, facilitating advisory, intelligent, and cognitively equipped solutions. As per the estimation, Worldwide Artificial Intelligence Market Size was US$ 60.46 Billion in 2020.



Geographic Analysis of AI Trends

The worldwide artificial intelligence market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. North America is a significant contributor owing to rising government initiatives and investments in the market. Further, in the Asia Pacific, China demonstrates increasing investments in artificial intelligence technology to provide robust results. Likewise, India can gain traction due to the government's pilot project to implement artificial intelligence in the agriculture and healthcare industries. The rest of Asia Pacific countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Indonesia are also expected to grow at a good pace.



Company Analysis

Globally, artificial intelligence vendors have implemented various types of organic and inorganic growth strategies, such as new product launches, product upgrades, alliances and affiliations, mergers and acquisitions to strengthen their offerings in the market. The major companies in the global Artificial Intelligence market include Google Inc., IBM Corp., Microsoft Corporation, Baidu Inc., Xilinx, Inc., Cisco Systems, Inc., Nvidia Corporation and Intel Corporation.



COVID-19 Analysis

Although the novel coronavirus outbreak pandemic has caused a massive impact on businesses and humankind. Still, the pandemic has emerged as an opportunity for Artificial Intelligence Market to fight against the epidemic. Numerous tech giants and start-ups are operating on barring mitigating and containing the virus. Furthermore, the COVID-19 outbreak is foreseen to spur the market germination of next-generation tech domains, including artificial intelligence, owing to the mandated work-from-home (WFH) policy due to this pandemic.



Also, tech companies are extending their product offerings and assistance to broaden availability across the globe. For instance, in April 2020, Google LLC launched an AI-enabled chatbot called Rapid Response Virtual Agent concerning call centres. This chatbot is created to respond to concerns customers might be experiencing due to the COVID-19 outbreak over voice, chat, and other social channels.

Company Analysis

Google Inc.

IBM Corp.

Microsoft Corporation

Baidu Inc.

Xilinx, Inc.

Cisco Systems, Inc.

Nvidia Corporation

Intel Corporation

Key Topics Covered



1. Introduction



2. Research Methodology



3. Executive Summary



4. Market Dynamics

4.1 Growth Drivers

4.2 Challenges



5. Global Artificial Intelligence Market



6. Market Share

6.1 By Solution

6.2 By Technology

6.3 By Chip Type

6.4 By Region



7. Solution - Global Artificial Intelligence Market

7.1 Hardware

7.2 Software

7.3 Services



8. Technology - Global Artificial Intelligence Market

8.1 Machine Learning

8.2 Natural Language Processing

8.3 Image Processing

8.4 Speech Recognition



9. Chip Type - Global Artificial Intelligence Market

9.1 Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

9.2 Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC)

9.3 Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)

9.4 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

9.5 Others



10. Region - Global Artificial Intelligence Market

10.1 North America

10.2 Europe

10.3 Asia-Pacific

10.4 Latin America

10.5 Middle East and Africa



11. Company Analysis

11.1 Overview

11.2 Recent Developments

11.3 Financial Insight

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/t17x32

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

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Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

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DALLAS, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ambitious VET Network, an online personal and professional development community for post 9/11 veterans, has announced the release of a two-year research study in partnership with the University of Texas at San Antonio. This milestone is a major step for The Ambitious VET Network. The research highlights the need for more than the immediate transitional tools currently provided to our nation's post 9/11 veterans as well as the need for a strong sense of community for them to reach their goals and aspirations in their post-military life.



The research reveals:

Data insights on how to improve post 9/11 veterans' behavioral health.

Education and training gaps in providing veterans with the meaningful career, emotional intelligence, and purpose they are seeking.

Perspective and raw data on why immediate transition tools are failing post 9/11 veterans' long-term goals and aspirations.

Critical insights backed by data to increase post 9/11 veterans' interpersonal skills, self-management, and relationships (professionally and personally) resulting in increased communication skills, productivity, and retention.

Why veteran suicides, job loss, depression, and homelessness are still on the rise despite BILLIONS of dollars being allocated to the problems.

"Change is a FACT of life. Transition is a CHOICE. The Ambitious VET Network provides just that. A BETTER CHOICE for our post 9/11 veterans to successfully transition from military service through connection, camaraderie, and professional development. This white paper provides the data. Chris Hoffmann and the Ambitious VET Network provides the answers," said CDR Dennis Volpe, USN (retired).

This news comes in the wake of many recent initiatives and accomplishments of the company, including a 30% increase in its user base since February and being announced in the Forbes Next 1000 class of 2021.

"We appreciate Chris and his team for sharing their vision and drive with our students and allowing them to be a part of this meaningful and purpose-driven project," commented Dr. Bruce Stanfill, Professor of Practice in Management at UTSA. "I am sure they will refer back to this experience with pride for many years to come."

To download the research study, visit https://www.ambitiousvetnetwork.com/.



About The Ambitious VET Network

The Ambitious VET Network is committed to elevating military veteran performance, improving retention, and fueling post 9/11 veterans' need to self-actualize in the marketplace post-military.

The company accomplishes this through podcasting, programs, consulting, workshops, speaking, events, and a gamified e-learning platform for ambitious vets. Since 2017, the Ambitious VET Network has created a community of 14,000+ users, 5,000+ hours of on-demand content, and graduated 50+ veterans from its leadership development programs.

SOURCE The Ambitious VET Network

Related Links

https://vettrainingcoaching.com/


LONDON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hakluyt, the strategic advisory firm for businesses and investors, is delighted to announce that it has opened a new office in Washington, DC.

The office will be jointly led by Andrew Exum and Matthew Winters. Andrew joined Hakluyt in 2017, and has worked for the firm in New York and Dallas. Prior to Hakluyt, he served as US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East. He has also worked for Boston Consulting Group in its Washington office, and as an officer in the US Army. Matthew joined Hakluyt in 2019. Before then, he worked at a boutique law firm, advising healthcare companies on legal, regulatory and public policy matters. He previously served in several US government roles, including in the White House as Deputy Special Counsel to the President and as Chief Operating Officer of the Department of Energy's clean energy investment fund, and as an attorney with Williams & Connolly.

Varun Chandra, Hakluyt's managing partner, said: "North America has been an increasingly important market for Hakluyt for many years, and I'm delighted that Hakluyt now has an office in the US capital. Andrew and Matt are two outstanding partners in our business, who have already contributed a lot to our company. I am sure they will continue to do so in Washington, providing clients around the world with expert advice on a wide range of commercial issues."

Mark Hanson, Hakluyt's deputy managing partner, who leads the company's North American business, added: "Our business in North America has expanded significantly over the past few years, and we're constantly taking on new corporate and investor clients across the US and Canada. We've long served clients in the Washington area, and opening an office there is an important development for us. It will also allow us to work more easily with clients throughout the southern United States, and the whole team is looking forward to supporting our work there."

Andrew Exum commented: "Having worked for Hakluyt for nearly five years in different parts of the US, it's great to be back in Washington. Both the DC area and the broader south are home to some of the biggest corporations in America, and I'm very much looking forward to working with them."

Matthew Winters remarked: "It is an honor to be opening our Washington office with Andrew. I am excited to have the opportunity to help build our business in this part of the country, advising clients on their most important strategic issues."

Notes to editors

Hakluyt is a strategic advisory firm that works with corporate leaders and investors around the world on their most important commercial issues.

Varun Chandra joined Hakluyt in 2014 and was elected managing partner in 2019. Prior to Hakluyt, he worked in investment and merchant banking. He is a trustee of the Royal Academy Trust, the Young Vic theatre, the British Asian Trust, the MCC Foundation, Sesame Workshop, and the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. He also sits on the board of IP Group, Inc, and is an impact director for Yaletown.

Mark Hanson joined Hakluyt in 2002. He leads our North American business and is deputy managing partner. Before joining Hakluyt, he saw active service in the UK military in Operation Desert Storm, and worked as a diplomat in Tehran and as a consultant at Bain & Company. Mark is also a former deputy chairman of UK Sport.

Andrew Exum joined Hakluyt in 2017, and has worked for the firm in New York and Dallas. Prior to Hakluyt, he served as US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East. He has also worked for Boston Consulting Group in its Washington office, and as an officer in the US Army.

Matthew Winters joined Hakluyt in 2019. Before then, he was a partner at a boutique law firm in Washington, where he provided legal counsel and strategic advice to companies in the healthcare sector. Matt previously served in several US government roles, including at the White House, as Deputy Special Counsel to the President, and at the Department of Energy, as Chief Operating Officer of the department's $40 billion clean energy investment fund. Earlier in his career, Matt worked as an associate at Williams & Connolly.

For more information on Hakluyt, please visit www.hakluytandco.com

SOURCE Hakluyt

Related Links

http://www.hakluytandco.com


"We can start reducing food waste before it even happens," said Chef Andres. "The answer is right in front of our very eyes. Do you know what is in your fridge right now? Let's be Fridge Hunters together and find creative ways we can make the most of our food. Together with Hellmann's, we can save food that normally gets tossed - because it is overlooked and lost in the fridge - and use ingredients we already have to make beautiful meals together."

In partnership with Chef Andres, Hellmann's created "flexipes" to help people start their fridge hunting journey. A flexipe is a loose framework that guides home cooks through the fridge hunting process. The formula mixes and matches what is on hand: base + veggie + protein + a little help from Hellmann's. Hellmann's recipes to inspire amateur fridge hunters include Snappy Sandwich, Quick & Easy Wrap, and One Pot Creamy Pasta.

As part of the campaign, people can also enter the Fridge Hunters Sweepstakes beginning today through October 24th via the website or by posting their fridge hunting successes with #fridgehunters, #sweepstakes, and tagging @Hellmannsmayonnaise on Instagram and TikTok.* Three entries will be randomly selected for one-on-one virtual fridge hunting sessions with Chef Andres, where each winner will explore their fridge, learn how to make the most of the ingredients they have on hand, and create something surprising and delicious! Each sweepstakes entry and social media post will count towards Hellmann's goal of saving one million meals in North America.

"We're honored to partner with Chef Jose Andres who works tirelessly to face the challenges of food insecurity," said Ben Crook, Senior Marketing Director for Hellmann's North America. "Hellmann's recognizes a simple change can have a big impact and is proud to do its part in helping to reduce food waste."

Fridge Hunters is part of a larger commitment by Unilever to help achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goal of reducing food waste by 50% by 2030. Hellmann's, in partnership with Harvard Law School's Food Law and Policy Clinic, is driving forward legislative policy to push for the Federal standardization and clarity of food date labels. Each year, consumers waste $2.4B due to the confusion over the meaning of date labels. 2

Find tips and inspiration on Hellmanns.com and @HellmannsMayonnaise on Instagram.

1ReFED, A Roadmap to Reduce U.S. Food Waste by 20 Percent, 2016

2 ReFED, https://insights-engine.refed.com/solution-database/standardized-date-labels

* NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. The Fridge Hunters Sweepstakes is sponsored by Conopco, Inc., d/b/a Unilever. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18 & older. Begins 12:00 a.m. ET on 10/14/21 & ends 11:59 p.m. ET on 10/24/21. For official rules, visit https://www.hellmanns.com/us/en/official-rules.html.

About Unilever North America

Unilever is one of the world's leading suppliers of Beauty & Personal Care, Home Care, and Foods & Refreshment products with sales in over 190 countries and reaching 2.5 billion consumers a day. In the United States and Canada, the portfolio includes brand icons such as: Axe, Ben & Jerry's, Breyers, Degree, Dollar Shave Club, Dove, Hellmann's, Klondike, Knorr, Lever 2000, Lipton, Love Beauty and Planet, Magnum, Nexxus, Noxzema, Pond's, Popsicle, Pure Leaf, Q-tips, Seventh Generation, Simple, Sir Kensington's, St. Ives, Suave, Talenti Gelato & Sorbetto, TAZO, TIGI, TRESemme and Vaseline. All of the preceding brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Unilever Group of Companies.

For more information on Unilever U.S. and its brands visit: www.unileverusa.com

Media Contact:

Kerry Langstine

[email protected]

SOURCE Hellmanns

Related Links

https://www.hellmanns.com


An estimated 2.2 billion people have near or distant vision impairment with almost half of these cases being preventable or yet to be addressed. It is reported that nearly 100 million people suffer from cataracts, the leading cause of blindness. Most of those affected are over 50; however, vision loss can occur at any age. Infants and young children have a higher vulnerability to develop complications if not treated early.

Through its Health Care and Nutrition Program, HHRD offers free cataract surgery to those in need in rural areas of Kenya, Mali, Nepal, Pakistan, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Yemeni refugees in Somalia and South Africa.

HHRD gives donors the opportunity to sponsor a cataract surgery which includes diagnosis through screenings in clinics and camps, free surgical procedure to remove the cataract and implant Intra-ocular Lenses (IOL) on need basis, protective sunglasses, medication, follow-up treatments, health screenings for other illnesses, and transportation (if needed).

To learn more about HHRD's Cataract Surgery Program, visit: www.hhrd.org/sight

For more information about our Healthcare and Nutrition Program, please visit: www.hhrd.org/healthcare

ABOUT HELPING HAND FOR RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT

HHRD is a US-based global humanitarian organization with programs ranging from orphan support to natural disater relief.

With a ranking in the top 3% of 9,000+ NGOs, HHRD has received a perfect four-star rating from Charity Navigator for the past 10 years. HHRD is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, is a Combined Federal Campaign Charity, and is a proud member of InterAction. To donate, please visit www.hhrd.org or call 1-888-808-4357 (HELP). HHRD is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization. Tax ID# 31-1628040

Media Contact:

Ilyas Choudry

313-279-5378

[email protected]

SOURCE Helping Hand for Relief and Development

Related Links

http://www.hhrd.org


In the past year, imec developed a breath sampler based on imec's unique chip technology, and performed clinical studies with the university hospital and university of Leuven showing that imec's breath sampler is capable of capturing the SARS-CoV-2 virus in exhaled air, and detecting the viral RNA quickly and reliably. Also, imec developed a sampling instrument integrating the breath sampling technology and imec's ultra-fast PCR-test, and optimized the robustness and ease of use, to achieve a functioning proof-of-concept to date.

"I note with great pride that we have run an impressive course in the past months," says Luc Van den hove, CEO at imec. "We have succeeded in transforming a promising concept and groundbreaking technology into a functional proof-of-concept that has passed both user tests and clinical studies. This is the first time that we have gone this far in the development of our chip technology towards commercialization. With this proof-of-concept, we can demonstrate  much closer to the market  the added value of our technology, while significantly reducing the time-to-market for our partners. The license agreement with miDiagnostics is an important milestone for imec: Our breakthrough technology will help curb the COVID-19 pandemic in the foreseeable future."

As COVID-19 will certainly not be the last virus to engulf the world, imec is already looking further, by investigating how its patented technology can also be applied to diagnose other infectious airborne diseases. In addition, imec is also looking into its application in diagnosing diseases such as cancer. Interested companies are welcome to join this effort.



"Despite the vaccination campaigns, there's still a great need for accessible and reliable rapid tests to curb new virus outbreaks or to avoid unnecessary quarantine. With our license to imec's groundbreaking technology, we aim to make our ultra-fast PCR technology, which we now use for nasal swabs, also compatible with exhaled air  the perfect sample for silicon-based PCR. This first prototype will be tested at the airport in November in collaboration with Brussels Airport, Ecolog and Eurofins," says Katleen Verleysen, CEO of miDiagnostics.

"Our research investments through imec lead to new technological breakthroughs. The interplay between knowledge, research and entrepreneurship provides economic and social added value. With the new breathalyzer, we are also making history in testing COVID-19. The development of these tests is of great importance for public health. In this way we will be able to manage this pandemic even better and increase the comfort for people who need to be tested. That is why I am proud that we have been able to support the development and research of imec," says Flemish Minister of Innovation Hilde Crevits

About imec

Imec is a world-leading research and innovation center in nanoelectronics and digital technologies. Imec leverages its state-of-the-art R&D infrastructure and its team of more than 5,000 employees and top researchers, for R&D in advanced semiconductor and system scaling, silicon photonics, artificial intelligence, beyond 5G communications and sensing technologies, and in application domains such as health and life sciences, mobility, industry 4.0, agrofood, smart cities, sustainable energy, education... Imec unites world-industry leaders across the semiconductor value chain, Flanders-based and international tech, pharma, medical and ICT companies, start-ups, and academia and knowledge centers. Imec is headquartered in Leuven (Belgium), and has research sites across Belgium, in the Netherlands, Taiwan and the USA, and offices in China, India and Japan. In 2020, imec's revenue (P&L) totaled 680 million euro.

Further information on imec can be found at www.imec-int.com.

Imec is a registered trademark for the activities of imec International (IMEC International, a legal entity set up under Belgian law as a "stichting van openbaar nut"), imec Belgium (IMEC vzw supported by the Flemish Government), imec the Netherlands (Stichting IMEC Nederland), imec Taiwan (IMEC Taiwan Co.), imec China (IMEC Microelectronics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.), imec India (IMEC India Private Limited), imec San Francisco (IMEC Inc.) and imec Florida (IMEC USA Nanoelectronics Design Center Inc.).

About miDiagnostics

miDiagnostics is using silicon chip technology which will bring miniaturized, rapid, easy-to-use, lab-quality tests direct to the patient and clinician. Combining a nanofluidic processor on a chip and a compact reader, miDiagnostics can measure virtually any biomarker from a minimally invasive sample such as drops of fingerprick blood or swabs. The Company is developing an extensive portfolio of tests for screening, diagnosis and monitoring of a wide range of health conditions, including infectious diseases. Spun out of the world-leading R&D and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, imec, and a research collaboration with Johns Hopkins University, the leading US research and medical centre, miDiagnostics' goal is to enable fast, comprehensive and cost-effective health analysis, regardless of location. Based in Leuven, Belgium, miDiagnostics is a privately held company created in 2015.

SOURCE Imec

Related Links

https://www.imec-int.com


Jewel's proposed product set includes Jewel as a bank issuer of USD and other single fiat currency stablecoins Tweet this

A key focus of Jewel's banking infrastructure is to fill the gap in the global non-US digital asset trading market for modern digital asset banking and DLT-based settlement that underlies the large global trading volumes. To deliver on this, Jewel's proposed product set includes Jewel as a bank issuer of USD and other single fiat currency stablecoins, enabling Jewel clients to settle and manage liquidity with trading partners within the bank in real time. Today no significant blockchain-based settlement solutions like this exist for non-US banking clients, in light of the estimated 90% of global digital asset trading volumes taking place outside the US.

Jewel leadership chose Bermuda as the optimal non-US jurisdiction for its global digital asset bank due to Bermuda's existing DABA digital assets framework under a single regulatory body (unlike the US), the sophistication of the Bermuda Monetary Authority regulator, Bermuda's top global standing in compliance and AML as evidenced by its recent FATF rating Bermuda's prior commitment to accept single USD fiat-backed stablecoins like USDC for payment of taxes and government services, Bermuda's history as a leading global financial services center in insurance and reinsurance, and support and innovation from the top levels of leadership in Bermuda including its driving force Premier David Burt.

Premier Burt said, "Bermuda is excited to continue to grow and expand its financial services sector, and the introduction of Jewel as Bermuda's first dedicated digital asset bank can provide the critical infrastructure to further drive the growth of Bermuda's digital asset economy and meet the growing demand for digital asset banking services globally and within Bermuda. We look forward to having Jewel as part of the evolving Bermudian digital asset ecosystem, and I congratulate the Jewel team on reaching this milestone."

About Jewel

Jewel is a proposed full license bank in Bermuda serving digital asset businesses globally with banking and payments infrastructure on both traditional and distributed ledger rails including: core banking, lending, custody, and fiat/stablecoin payments system over a single API. https://www.dltjewel.com Jewel's leadership team brings a depth of banking and digital asset sector experience from firms including Visa, IBM, Silicon Valley Bank, R3, Wells Fargo, and Square 1 Bank.

 Digital Asset Business Act 2018

 Bermuda FATF Mutual Evaluation Report

SOURCE Jewel

Related Links

dltjewel.com


LOS ANGELES, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Legal-Bay, the Pre-Settlement Funding Company, reports increased funding for victims of wrongful termination. In light of a recent lawsuit brought against popular gaming company Activision Blizzard, Legal-Bay is expanding their underwriting department to handle the increase in applications being filed by women.

California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) has filed suit against Activision Blizzard, alleging sexual harassment and gender discrimination against female employees. Activision is certainly not the first gaming company to be accused of fostering a "frat boy culture" among its employees; a mostly masculine atmosphere that's been excused considering most products are developed for their main consumer base of male gamers.

However, the demographic is no longer solely male. More than 4-in-10 gamers in the United States are female, a stat one would think would be reflected in gaming companies' hiring practices. But in 2020, women comprised only 16% of all executive positions within the industry, a likely contributor to several recent examples of discriminatory behavior against women.

Chris Janish, CEO, commented on the situation, "The face of gaming has undergone a massive shift in recent years. Almost half of all gamers are now female, yet it's been an uphill climb for women who want to make a career within the industry. Plaintiffs who have lost their jobs due to gender-related discrimination can reach out now for monetary assistance in order to compensate lost pay, emotional stress, punitive damages, and legal fees."

If you're a plaintiff in an ongoing lawsuit and require an immediate cash advance from your anticipated settlement, please visit our website HERE or call 877.571.0405.

Legal-Bay's settlement loan programs can offer immediate cash in advance of a plaintiff's anticipated monetary award. The non-recourse lawsuit loans are risk-free, as the money does not need to be repaid should the recipient lose their case. Therefore, the law suit loans aren't really a loan, but rather a cash advance.

If you require an immediate cash advance loan settlement from your wrongful termination, whistleblower, or gender discrimination lawsuit, please visit the company's website HERE or call 877.571.0405 where skilled agents are standing by to hear about your case.

Contact: Chris Janish, CEO

Email: [email protected]

Ph.: 877.571.0405

Website: www.Legal-Bay.com

SOURCE Legal-Bay, LLC

Related Links

http://www.Legal-Bay.com


NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- TruFund Financial Services, Inc. ("TruFund"), a Community Development Financial Institution located in New York City today announced that it has made an equity investment in Lemor Development Group, LLC, a Black-owned real estate development firm headquartered in New York, NY that specializes in the development and management of affordable and workforce housing. The preferred equity investment will support critical aspects of Lemor's strategic growth plan, specifically allowing the firm to leverage increased liquidity, fund affordable/workforce housing project development, and grow internal capacity.

"Lemor Development Group has a proven track record of preserving and creating affordable housing. Their development activities have improved the quality of housing while also strengthening and diversifying many of our neighborhoods," said James H. Bason, President and CEO of TruFund Financial Services, Inc., the fund manager. "We are so excited for the opportunity to make this investment in Lemor. It will provide the capital it needs to accelerate the growth of its businesses."

The Lemor investment is the fifth and final investment by the Impact Developer Fund ("IDF"), launched in July 2020 by Morgan Stanley, TruFund Financial Services, and the Ford Foundation. IDF was established to provide equity capital and technical support to emerging real estate developers, especially businesses led by women and people of color. Lack of access to equity and equity-like capital hinders emerging developers from successfully and actively pursuing affordable housing development opportunities. Lemor, which has a 9-year track record of developing affordable and workforce housing, was identified early by IDF as an attractive potential investment.

We are thrilled about this new alliance and capital infusion - this is a major boost to the strategic plan of Lemor. We applaud Morgan Stanley, TruFund and Ford Foundation for taking a major step to giving MWBEs the backing to build their platforms. These transformative organizations have been responsibly participating in the development of workforce and affordable housing, and we look forward to furthering the mission." said Harrison Rayford, Managing Member and Principal at Lemor Development.

"We are pleased to support Lemor Development Group and help the firm expand its capacity to create affordfable housing," said Roy Swan, Director of Mission Investments for the Ford Foundation. "We are confident that Lemor Development Group will put TruFund's capital to good use and we look forward to seeing the positive impact the firm will have on the residents of its buildings."

"Morgan Stanley is honored to contribute to building community and driving positive impact in New York City by supporting firms like Lemor Development Group ," said Joan Tally, Managing Director in Community Development Finance at Morgan Stanley. "We thank our partners, TruFund Financial Services and the Ford Foundation for leading the way with the Fund."

The Impact Developers Fund has now fully identified and announced its first cohort of investees. It is anticipated that future rounds will expand to service more BIPOC developers across the country. TruFund Financial Services is actively raising additional capital to support this initiative. For more information about IDF please contact James H. Bason [email protected] or Andre A. Simon [email protected].

About TruFund Financial Services, Inc.

TruFund Financial Services, Inc. is a wholly independent national nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). TruFund seeks to stimulate economic development in communities that are underserved by traditional banking institutions by providing fair and accessible capital, hands-on technical assistance, and innovative solutions to small businesses and nonprofit organization.

Follow TruFund on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to find out more about the company's programs and initiatives or visit www.trufund.org.

About Lemor

Established in 2012, Lemor is a New York City headquartered real estate development company with projects primarily in New York City as well as other parts of the East Coast, that primarily focuses on the acquisition, preservation, construction and management of real estate. The team has over fifty years of combined experience and is committed to providing quality and sustainable affordable and workforce housing. Its vision is to reduce the critical shortage of affordable housing, impact the lives of tenants beyond the four walls and become inspirational to growing BIPOC firms as a diverse and socially aware developer.

Follow Lemor on LinkedIn and Instagram to find out more about the company and initiatives or visit www.lemordev.com/.

About Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services. With offices in more than 41 countries, the Firm's employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals. For more information about Morgan Stanley, please visit www.morganstanley.com

About the Ford Foundation

The Ford Foundation is an independent, nonprofit grant-making organization. For more than 80 years it has worked with courageous people on the frontlines of social change worldwide, guided by its mission to strengthen democratic values, reduce poverty and injustice, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement. With headquarters in New York, the foundation has offices in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

SOURCE TruFund Financial Services, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.trufund.org/


SAN MATEO, Calif., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- IXL Learning , the personalized learning platform used by more than 12 million students, today announced a renewal agreement with Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Through this partnership, the second-largest K-12 district in the United States will continue using IXL's award-winning platform to supplement math and English language arts (ELA) instruction.

LAUSD's mission is to ensure academic excellence by providing high-quality schools and innovative learning opportunities for all students. With over 1,100 schools spanning more than 30 municipalities, the district is the largest public school system in California. LAUSD also serves a large bilingual and English-language learner population, with Latino learners accounting for 73 percent of its student body.

LAUSD needed a program to support students' daily instruction and ensure equitable access to education following the shift to distance learning in Spring 2020. The district soon implemented IXL district-wide in Fall 2020 to bolster its English language arts and math initiatives, and it became a preferred platform throughout the year. As pandemic-related disruptions persisted, LAUSD sought to better identify learning gaps, use personalized plans to fill them and offer effective interventions so that no student fell behind. To meet these needs, LAUSD again turned to IXL's comprehensive curriculum, Real-Time Diagnostic and in-depth reporting tools to support all of its schools.

"IXL's mission is to prepare tomorrow's leaders for success by ensuring every student has access to an exceptional education," said Paul Mishkin, CEO of IXL Learning. "We are excited to provide LAUSD's diverse student body with learning experiences that spur academic growth and empower educators to make data-informed decisions throughout the year."

How LAUSD uses IXL

School leaders deeply value IXL's robust set of skills that align with California Common Core Content Standards and match LAUSD textbooks. Teachers use IXL's curriculum to support whole-class and small-group instruction, and assign skills for homework to reinforce knowledge. Each IXL skill automatically adapts to learners, so teachers know that students are supported and challenged as they begin to master content. IXL also created customized skill plans for LAUSD, which show teachers the specific IXL skills that match the district's curriculum maps, making lesson planning seamless.

Educators use IXL's adaptive assessment, the Real-Time Diagnostic , to understand exactly what students know and precisely what to do to help them improve. The diagnostic pinpoints grade-level proficiency, and creates personalized action plans that help close gaps. Teachers count on IXL Analytics to monitor student progress, accurately measure knowledge levels throughout the year and make smarter instructional decisions.

IXL's impact in California

IXL serves 1 in 5 students in California and is proven to boost outcomes . Research shows IXL schools performed better than non-IXL schools on both the math and ELA sections of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress. A study also found that schools that used IXL Math or ELA were more likely to achieve Blue or Green ratings on the California Math and ELA Dashboards.

About IXL Learning

Currently used by 12 million students and in all of the top 100 U.S. school districts, IXL is an integrated learning platform that supports personalized learning in math, English language arts, science, social studies and Spanish. With more than 90 billion questions asked and answered around the world, IXL is helping schools and parents successfully boost student achievement. The IXL family of products also includes Rosetta Stone , Wyzant , Education.com , ABCya and Vocabulary.com . To learn more about IXL, visit www.ixl.com , facebook.com/IXL and twitter.com/IXLLearning .

Contact:

Eric Bates

IXL Learning

[email protected]

SOURCE IXL Learning

Related Links

ixl.com


CHICAGO and NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --Loyola University Chicago's Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health and Lyfebulb, a patient-empowerment platform and innovation accelerator connecting patients with patients and with industry to support user-driven innovation, announce the 11 finalists for the 2021 Innovation Challenge: "Meeting Our Moment  Reimagining Innovation, Improving Health Equity, and Building Resiliency".

"We are very excited to announce this inspirational group of finalists in our first public health initiative in partnership with an academic institution," said Karin Hehenberger, MD, PhD, founder and CEO, Lyfebulb. "They demonstrate a high degree of ingenuity and conceptual diversity, exhibiting one of this initiative's primary goals: to highlight the importance of using cross-sectoral approaches to solve complex health challenges."

The finalists are:

Shireen Abdullah , CEO at Yumlish

, CEO at Yumlish Romy Antoine , CEO at One Stop Wellness

, CEO at One Stop Wellness Rohan Dixit , founder and CEO at Lief Therapeutics

, founder and CEO at Lief Therapeutics Sathya Elumalai , founder and CEO at Aidar Health

, founder and CEO at Aidar Health Tim Fitzpatrick , co-founder and CEO at IKONA Health

, co-founder and CEO at IKONA Health Kimberly Gandy , MD, PhD, founder and CEO at Play-it Health

, MD, PhD, founder and CEO at Play-it Health Katherine Grill , PhD, co-founder and CEO at Neolth

, PhD, co-founder and CEO at Neolth Yair Saperstein , MD, co-founder and CEO at avoMD

, MD, co-founder and CEO at avoMD Mihir Shah , founder and president at UE LifeSciences

, founder and president at UE LifeSciences Donald Vetal , CEO at LyfLynks

, CEO at LyfLynks Jerry Wilmink , PhD, CBO at CarePredict

"Health is a complex interplay between systemic forces such as economic disparity, racism, climate change, and the immediate challenges to personal and community health facing people every day," said Elaine H. Morrato, DrPH, MPH, CPH, founding dean and professor, Parkinson School. "These finalists reflect the entrepreneurial energy, the broad-based expertise, and the fervent spirit of Parkinson School students and faculty to impact determinants of health in multiple dimensions."

The 2021 Innovation Challenge seeks to accelerate the growth of solutions to address the effects of emerging infectious diseases (such as COVID-19) by improving population and public health, health care delivery, and health equity. The 11 finalists were co-selected by the Lyfebulb and Parkinson School teams based on the potential impact, feasibility, and sustainability of their innovations in the market and healthcare ecosystem.

After participating in networking and discussion activities on the first day of the Summit, the finalists will present their solutions to an expert panel of judges comprised of public health, venture philanthropy, technology, and healthcare leaders on November 17, 2021. A total of $75,000 will be distributed among up to three winners, to be selected by judges. The judging panel will include:

Lisa Hehenberger , PhD, associate professor, Department of Strategy and General Management at ESADE Business School and director at ESADE Entrepreneurship Institute & Center for Social Impact ( Barcelona )

, PhD, associate professor, Department of Strategy and General Management at ESADE Business School and director at ESADE Entrepreneurship Institute & Center for Social Impact ( ) John Ponsoll , managing director at Symbiotix at Havas Health & You ( New York )

, managing director at Symbiotix at Havas Health & You ( ) Ramanathan Raju , MD, MBA, FRCS, FACS, FACHE, former senior vice president and chief community health investment officer at Northwell Health New York, former president and CEO at NYC Health and Hospitals, and former CEO at Cook County Health System ( Chicago )

, MD, MBA, FRCS, FACS, FACHE, former senior vice president and chief community health investment officer at Northwell Health New York, former president and CEO at NYC Health and Hospitals, and former CEO at Cook County Health System ( ) Abigail Silva , PhD, MPH, assistant professor at the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health and director at the Institute of Public Health at Loyola University Chicago

, PhD, MPH, assistant professor at the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health and director at the Institute of Public Health at Jeffrey Yang , chief technology officer at Lyfebulb, IT/digital product advisor, and managing partner at Yang Consulting ( New York )



Beyond the pitch competition, the 2021 Innovation Challenge will provide opportunities for finalists and other participants to engage in discussions and exchange insights and ideas about how best to address the obstacles posed by emerging infectious diseases to health systems, disease control measures, care access, and individual health outcomes, which are further exacerbated by social disparities in health. To learn more about the Challenge, please visit Lyfebulb.com.

About the Lyfebulb and Loyola University Chicago Partnership

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing health equity and improving health outcomes for individuals, populations, and systems. The inaugural 2021 Innovation Challenge seeks to strengthen and engage entrepreneurs from health care, technology, and other sectors as well as the Lyfebulb and Loyola communities. Additionally, the 2021 Innovation Challenge will generate awareness around the effects of emerging infectious diseases and identify promising solutions that reduce health disparities and improve health care delivery.

About the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health

Loyola University Chicago launched the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health in Fall 2019 to educate the health entrepreneurs of the future and impact health care accessibility and equity nationally. The Parkinson School offers 17 degree programs and three certificate and internship programs through four areas of study: Public Health Sciences, Healthcare Administration, Health Informatics and Data Science, and Applied Health Sciences. In Fall 2021, it launched a new 4+1 BSPH/MPH dual-degree program. The Parkinson School builds on the foundations of Loyola's nationally recognized Stritch School of Medicine and its Biomedical Programs, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, and Loyola's partnership with Trinity Health (known in the Chicago area as Loyola Medicine). To learn more about the Parkinson School, follow us on Twitter @LoyolaParkinson, on LinkedIn, or on Instagram @loyolaparkinson.

About Lyfebulb

Lyfebulb is an innovation accelerator that bridges the gap between patient communities and the healthcare industry by working directly with patients and care partners to generate insights and build new solutions to reduce the burden of living with chronic disease. Lyfebulb operates across 11 disease states and counting. For more information, visit Lyfebulb.com, TransplantLyfe.com, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Karin Hehenberger LinkedIn.

CONTACT:

Loyola University Chicago

Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health

Taylor Utzig

Communications Specialist

608-931-3414

[email protected]

Lyfebulb

Karin Hehenberger, MD, PhD

CEO & Founder

917-575-0210

[email protected]

SOURCE Lyfebulb

Related Links

lyfebulb.com


WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA will honor astronaut John Young by naming the hangar at Ellington Field in Houston that holds NASA's T-38 astronaut training jets, and media are invited to attend the ceremony at 11 a.m. CDT Tuesday, Oct. 19, at Ellington Field.

Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche and NASA Astronaut Suni Williams will be available for interviews immediately after the event. To participate, news media must contact the Johnson newsroom at 281-483-5111 or [email protected] by 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 18.

Young was considered a paragon of the astronaut corps, a pioneer who walked on the Moon during Apollo 16 and commanded the first space shuttle mission, and continued to serve the agency as a champion of technical excellence and spaceflight safety. NASA astronauts regularly train for spaceflight in the T-38 jets housed in the Ellington Field hangar, so naming the facility for the accomplished pilot was considered fitting.

Young began his impressive career at NASA in 1962, when he was selected from among hundreds of young pilots to join NASA's second astronaut class, known as the "New Nine." He was the first person to launch into space six times from Earth, and seven times counting his lunar liftoff.

His first flight was mission in 1965 with Gus Grissom on Gemini 3, the first Gemini mission with humans aboard. This was a complete end-to-end test of the Gemini spacecraft, during which Grissom accomplished the first manual change of altitude and orbital plane, and Young was the first person to operate a computer on a human-rated spacecraft.

In 1966, he commanded Gemini 10 and on his third flight in1969, Young was command module pilot of Apollo 10. Mission commander Tom Stafford and lunar module pilot Gene Cernan orbited the Moon, completed a lunar-orbit undocking and rendezvous with the lunar module, and tracked proposed lunar landing sites.

In 1972, Young walked on the Moon on his fourth space flight, Apollo 16, and served as mission commander with command module pilot Ken Mattingly and lunar module pilot Charlie Duke. Young and Duke set up scientific equipment and explored the lunar highlands at Descartes. They collected 200 pounds of rocks and drove over 16 miles in the lunar rover on three separate geology traverses.

In 1981, Young's fifth flight was as spacecraft commander of STS-1, the first flight of the space shuttle with Bob Crippen as pilot. The 54 1/2 hour, 36-orbit mission verified space shuttle systems performance during launch, on orbit, and entry. Space Shuttle Columbia was the first human spaceship tested during ascent, on orbit, and entry without the benefit of previous uncrewed missions. Columbia also was the first winged reentry vehicle to return from space, weighing about 98 tons as Young landed it on the dry lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

In 1983, Young's sixth flight was as commander of STS-9, the first Spacelab mission, Nov. 28-Dec. 8, 1983, with Pilot Brewster Shaw, Mission Specialists Bob Parker and Owen Garriott, and Payload Specialists Byron Lichtenberg of the U.S., and Ulf Merbold of West Germany. For 10 days the six-person crew worked 12-hour shifts around the clock, performing more than 70 experiments in the fields of atmospheric physics, Earth observations, space plasma physics, astronomy and solar physics, materials processing, and life sciences.

Former astronaut and Johnson director Mike Coats will join Wyche and Williams in making remarks for the dedication.

For Young's biography, visit:

www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/young_john.pdf

For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

www.nasa.gov

SOURCE NASA

Related Links

http://www.nasa.gov


HOUSTON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Meriplex, a leader in managed cybersecurity and IT solutions, announces its asset acquisition of managed services provider, Reliable IT. Reliable IT primarily focuses on providing customized managed IT and cybersecurity solutions for the healthcare and financial sector.

"Reliable IT adds a substantial presence in the medical and financial MSP/MSSP space for Meriplex. Not only are they bringing over a large portfolio of healthcare and banking clients, but a deep level of industry specific talent to support the customer's needs," said David Henley, CEO of Meriplex. "As with our other strategic acquisitions, we will work together with key stakeholders on the integration and elevating our go-to market solutions for clients. Together, we will accomplish our goal of becoming the best-in-class national MSP/MSSP that delivers on our promises, invests in our employees, and provides an exceptionally high-level of service to our valued clients."

"Having Reliable IT acquired by Meriplex made perfect sense for our employees and clients," said Bill Willett, CEO of Reliable IT. "Reliable spent 11+ years building a strong company to enhance and enrich the lives of our employees, along with providing 24x7 valuable service to our clients. Merging into Meriplex will allow our employees to continue to grow in a larger company and our clients to continue to receive our best-in-class services along with additional quality solutions provided by Meriplex."

Meriplex focuses on strategically acquiring managed services providers across the nation to establish a local physical presence in the region and acquire top talent to support their growing organization. If you are interested in learning more about our M&A process, please reach out to us here.

About Meriplex:

Meriplex is a managed cybersecurity, IT, and SD-WAN solutions provider that enables transformation by combining secure, innovative technology with advanced expertise. As a trusted partner, we deliver business-driven solutions that provide the scalability and support needed to power growth for organizations. To learn more, visit www.meriplex.com or follow us on Linkedin.

About Reliable IT

Reliable IT is a nationwide Managed Services Provider primarily focused on two verticals: Banking and Healthcare. We work proactively with our clients' executive teams, making sure their IT strategy aligns with their business objectives, as well as promoting best practices in IT, Security and Compliance to enhance growth, mitigate risk, and cut costs. Because of our expertise and specialization in Banking and Healthcare, our clients have peace of mind knowing they can trust us to be a key partner for their business.

CONTACT: Macy Kirk

[email protected]

SOURCE Meriplex Communications

Related Links

meriplex.com


MECHANICSBURG, Pa., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Messiah University, a leader in nursing education for more than 30 years, announced a partnership with UPMC that will accelerate the nursing expertise in the region and meet the continued demands of better patient outcomes. As part of this partnership, nurses at UPMC will have the opportunity to participate in Messiah University's online nursing degree programs (RN to BSN, Master's and Doctoral) at a discounted rate of 10 percent. In addition, the University is offering $600 toward course books. UPMC, the leading healthcare provider in Pennsylvania, employs more than 18,000 nurses and owns and operates 40 hospitals and 800 physician offices across the Commonwealth.

"According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing there is a significant correlation between nursing education and patient outcomes so that is why we are committed to helping advance the nursing expertise in our region and beyond," said Kim Fenstermacher, PhD, CRNP, Assistant Dean of Nursing; Associate Professor at Messiah University. "Research shows there is also an increased need for healthcare services aimed to improve the health of vulnerable populations, as well as renewed emphasis on preventive care. Our faith-based online nursing programs are taught by healthcare experts and are designed for busy working professionals to further their education."

Messiah University offers comprehensive online nursing degree programs including RN to BSN, RN to MSN, MSN and DNP. The online degree and graduate certificate programs leverage the latest healthcare industry research, evidence-based practice and proven models for nursing and leadership that give nurses a competitive advantage so they can make an even greater impact in their organizations.

"It is our mission to serve our communities by providing outstanding patient care through innovation, research and education," said Susan Comp, Senior Vice President and System Chief Nursing Officer for UPMC. "Our partnership with Messiah University is yet another example of our commitment to provide educational opportunities for our employees and, in this instance, our nurses who tirelessly give of themselves each and every day. We appreciate Messiah University's long-standing commitment to the region and the excellent education they provide to nursing professionals."

Fenstermacher added, "We are proud to partner with UPMC on this initiative. Together, we are providing the opportunity for nurses to advance their careers and continue to provide the best care possible to their patients."

About Messiah University

Founded in 1909 and located near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Messiah University is a nationally ranked, private Christian university of the liberal and applied arts and sciences that enrolls nearly 3,400 undergraduate, adult degree program and graduate students. For more information, go to UPMC.Messiah.edu .

About UPMC

A $23 billion health care provider and insurer, Pittsburgh-based UPMC is inventing new upmc.messiah.edu/ models of patient-centered, cost-effective, accountable care. The largest nongovernmental employer in Pennsylvania, UPMC integrates more than 92,000 employees, 40 hospitals, 800 doctors' offices and outpatient sites, and more than 4 million-member Insurance Services Division, the largest medical insurer in western Pennsylvania. In the most recent fiscal year, UPMC contributed $1.7 billion in benefits to its communities, including more care to the region's most vulnerable citizens than any other health care institution, and paid more than $900 million in federal, state and local taxes. For more information, go to UPMC.com .

Media contact: Kim Lehman | [email protected] | 717-599-0891

SOURCE Messiah University
DARIEN, Conn., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Neuvotion, Inc., an early-stage medical device company developing neurostimulation products for the rehabilitation and physical therapy markets, today announced that it has received over $1M in seed funding. The Long Island Angel Network, an organized group of individual angel investors based on Long Island, and the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, a nationally recognized rehabilitation leader, have provided the company with its first equity investment. This seed funding will be used by Neuvotion to expand its team, conduct a multi-site clinical study, and seek FDA clearance for its initial product.

Further, Neuvotion secured exclusive worldwide rights to transformative technology developed by its founder, Chad Bouton, who is a professor at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research at Northwell Health. "I am inspired by the prospect of helping the millions of patients who have experienced a stroke, traumatic injury, or are living with movement impairment, to reach their goals," said Chad Bouton, Founder & CEO of Neuvotion. "We are working to commercialize NeuStim and other technologies so they can be used in clinical practice, and ultimately in the home to increase quality of life and independence."

"We have been very impressed with Professor Bouton's work and are pleased to support its commercialization through our seed investment in Neuvotion," said Steve Winick, Managing Director of Topspin Fund and member of the Long Island Angel Network. "As a leading provider of rehabilitation services, we see tremendous clinical potential for Neuvotion's NeuStim technology," added Michael Spigel, PT, MHA, President & CEO of Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network. "We look forward to serving as a foundational research partner in Neuvotion's upcoming multi-site clinical study. We feel strongly that this technology can help transform lives for people with spinal cord injuries, strokes and other neurological conditions."

About Neuvotion

Neuvotion (www.neuvotion-inc.com) is an early-stage medical device company developing solutions for facilitating and restoring movement to the millions of patients experiencing impairment from stroke, traumatic injury, and other conditions. Its NeuStim technology combines highly targeted neurostimulation and artificial intelligence to make physical and occupational therapy more effective and efficient. Neuvotion is planning a multi-site clinical study to begin next year.

About Long Island Angel Network

The Long Island Angel Network (LIAN; http://www.liangels.net/) is a New York not-for-profit corporation consisting of individual angel investors interested in financing early-stage and emerging growth companies, primarily in technology- and innovation-focused areas. LIAN screeners endeavor to select companies for presentation that they judge likely to be of the greatest interest to members, but the Network does not make investment recommendations; investors' decisions are made individually. LIAN's goal is to back our region's most exciting, promising early-stage growth companies.

About Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network (https://www.goodshepherdrehab.org/), a nationally recognized, not-for-profit rehabilitation leader with more than 70 locations throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, is committed to transforming lives through expertise, innovation, and compassion. Good Shepherd provides an exceptional patient experience for all ages and stages by developing leading-edge solutions, often for complex medical situations; serving as a test site for the newest rehabilitation technologies; and inspiring hope in all we do. Headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Good Shepherd also partners with Penn Medicine to provide rehabilitation and specialty services in the greater Philadelphia area and New Jersey through Good Shepherd Penn Partners.

If you would like more information about this topic, please call Travis Millman at +1 (917) 496-3663, or email [email protected].

SOURCE Neuvotion

Related Links

http://www.liangels.net/

https://www.goodshepherdrehab.org/

www.neuvotion-inc.com


SAN DIEGO, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CannabizTeam , the world's largest cannabis-focused executive search and staffing firm, today released a new report exploring jobs and hiring trends in cannabis cultivation, the fastest-growing segment of the global cannabis industry. The 2021 Cannabis Cultivation Salaries and Trends Report follows CannabizTeam's three-edition Cannabis Industry Salary Guide , developed to help cannabis job seekers and employers understand real-time changes in the dynamic cannabis industry and make informed business decisions.

CannabizTeam

"The U.S. cannabis cultivation market is projected to be valued at over $350 billion by 2027, which means enormous possibility for job creation and compensation increases," said Liesl Bernard, CEO of CannabizTeam. "Jobs in the cultivation sector include some of the highest-paying positions in the industry, yet we also see vast opportunities for entry-level candidates. Executive roles like Vice President of Cultivation and Director of Cultivation have seen double-digit salary growth in the past year, but even entry-level roles like trimmers have continued to see steady, upward compensation growth."

After an overwhelming response to the 2021 Salary Guide, CannabizTeam started receiving feedback and questions from clients specifically in regards to cultivation. Employers were looking for insight on the future of the cultivation industry, while job seekers were searching for information on salary ranges and qualifications for a range of positions within the cultivation industry. In addition to exploring the most in-demand positions in cannabis cultivation and their associated salary ranges, highlights from the 2021 Cannabis Cultivation Salaries and Trends Report include:

Expanding multi-state operators and the shift toward larger cultivation facilities is driving an increase in consolidation. Businesses are increasingly focused on improving the bottom line by maximizing production through scale, automation, labor division and specialization.

is driving an increase in consolidation. Businesses are increasingly focused on improving the bottom line by maximizing production through scale, automation, labor division and specialization. Formal education and training is a competitive advantage for candidates seeking a top job in cultivation. Several leading universities are offering degrees, certificates, programs and/or courses related to cannabis cultivation.

is a competitive advantage for candidates seeking a top job in cultivation. Several leading universities are offering degrees, certificates, programs and/or courses related to cannabis cultivation. A lack of qualified talent in the cannabis industry is driving an influx of talent from other industries  agriculture being the most popular when it comes to cultivation. Talent is increasingly entering the cultivation industry from agricultural giants like Bayer, John Deere and Cargill.

 agriculture being the most popular when it comes to cultivation. Talent is increasingly entering the cultivation industry from agricultural giants like Bayer, John Deere and Cargill. Utilizing on-demand cultivation talent is one of the most efficient ways for cannabis companies to scale their cultivation operations quickly and save costs, hiring as seasonal and other needs dictate.

The 2021 Cannabis Cultivation Salaries and Trends Report is published in partnership with Nine Point Strategies , Benzinga , Last Prisoner Project and Fisher Phillips .

To download a free copy of the new report, visit CannabizTeam.com/cannabis-cultivation-salary-guide or visit CannabizTeam at MJBizCon in Las Vegas at Booth #C4318.

About CannabizTeam

CannabizTeam is the world's largest cannabis-focused executive search and staffing firm providing services for the top cannabis, CBD and hemp businesses in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Founded in 2016 by internationally acclaimed executive recruiter Liesl Bernard, CannabizTeam identifies and delivers superior talent that possesses the drive, skills and cultural fit unique to each client and company role. Headquartered in San Diego, CannabizTeam now has offices in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Newark, Miami, Orlando and Santa Rosa. Through extensive global reach and unparalleled business relationships, CannabizTeam and its five staffing divisions (CT Executive Search, CannabizTeam Direct Hire, CannabizTemp , CT Board Placement and CT Outplacement Services) place over 1,000 candidates a year for clients. Sign up for the CannabizTeam newsletter to receive weekly updates on the top candidates in cannabis: https://cannabizteam.com/top-talent/ .

MEDIA CONTACT: Morgan Whitehouse, [email protected] , 802 373 4686

SOURCE CannabizTeam
CHICAGO, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In-depth analysis and data-driven insights on the impact of COVID-19 included in this New Zealand data center market report.

New Zealand data center market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 21.12% during the period 20202026. New Zealand data center market research report includes market size in terms of area, investment, power capacity, and colocation revenues. Get insights on 33 existing data centers and 4 upcoming facilities spread across 10 cities including Auckland and other cities.

Key Highlights Offered in the Report:

New Zealand is an emerging market in APAC, with factors such as availability of renewable energy, free cooling solutions, a stable and investor-friendly business environment, and access to large swatches of land outside cities such as Auckland and Wellington likely to boost investments in the New Zealand data center market in coming years. The New Zealand data center market is currently dominated by local operators, however investments from global operators are increasing. Several new entrants such as DCI Data Centers, Canberra Data Centres, and Lake Parime have entered in the New Zealand market, with more entrants expecting to enter the market in coming years. Auckland is the primary data center hub in New Zealand , hosting around 40% of the existing third-party data centers, and around 50% of the existing power capacity. Christchurch and Wellington are the other major data center destinations for existing facilities. The country has implemented the Privacy Act 2020 in December 2020 for data localization and protection of personal information, thereby contributing to the future demand for data centers. At this stage, only 3035% of New Zealand -based organizations have completely shifted to the cloud platform. However, with the impact of the covid-19 pandemic, the adoption rate expects to expedite in coming years, with cloud regions announced by Microsoft and AWS. Around 84% of the electricity is currently generated through renewable sources in the country, with solar and wind sources as the major renewable energy contributors. New Zealand aims to generate 100% electricity through renewables by 2030 and commits to be carbon neutral by 2050.

Key Offerings:

Market Size & Forecast by Area, Power Capacity, Investment, and Colocation Revenue | 2020-2026

Impact of COVID-19 on Data Center Market

Snapshot of existing and upcoming third-party facilities in New Zealand

Facilities Covered (Existing): 33



Facilities Identified (Upcoming): 4



Coverage: 10 cities



Existing vs. Upcoming (Data Center Area)



Existing vs. Upcoming (IT Load Capacity)

Data center colocation market in New Zealand

Market Revenue & Forecast (2020-2026)



Retail Colocation Pricing



Wholesale Colocation Pricing

Market Dynamics  Leading trends, growth drivers, restraints, and investment opportunities

Market Segmentation  A detailed analysis by IT infrastructure, electrical infrastructure, mechanical infrastructure, general construction, and tier standard

Key Market Participants  List of 13 IT infrastructure providers, 10 construction service providers, 19 support infrastructure providers, and 8 data center investors

Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/new-zealand-data-center-market

New Zealand Data Center Market  Segmentation

In New Zealand , cloud-based services, IoT, and AI are the major driving factors for the growth of data centers and the adoption of high-power computing servers. Mission-critical and high-performance server systems are likely to dominate the market owing to the increase in the implementation of IoT technology.

, cloud-based services, IoT, and AI are the major driving factors for the growth of data centers and the adoption of high-power computing servers. Mission-critical and high-performance server systems are likely to dominate the market owing to the increase in the implementation of IoT technology. In New Zealand , most data centers are designed to cool servers through air-based cooling techniques. The growing construction of data centers will be one of the factors for the development of multiple chillers, cooling towers, and CRAH units. Free cooling techniques and chillers are the most adopted cooling system in the country among data center facilities. Free cooling solutions will reduce the PUE of data centers.

, most data centers are designed to cool servers through air-based cooling techniques. The growing construction of data centers will be one of the factors for the development of multiple chillers, cooling towers, and CRAH units. Free cooling techniques and chillers are the most adopted cooling system in the country among data center facilities. Free cooling solutions will reduce the PUE of data centers. Greenfield data center projects are witnessing increased investments from local and global data center providers as they are aiming to expand their presence. Arup, AECOM, Aurecon, TransWorks, and Beca are the major construction contractors in New Zealand .

Market Segmentation by IT Infrastructure

Servers

Storage Systems

Network Infrastructure

Market Segmentation by Electrical Infrastructure

UPS Systems

Generators

Transfer, Switches & Switchgears

Rack PDUs

Other Electrical Infrastructure

Market Segmentation by Mechanical Infrastructure

Cooling Systems

Rack Cabinets

Other Mechanical Infrastructure

Market Segmentation by General Construction

Building Development

Installation & Commissioning Services

Building Design

Physical Security

Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM)

Market Segmentation by Tier Standard

Tier I & Tier II

Tier III

Tier IV

Market Segmentation by Geography

Auckland

Other Cities

New Zealand Data Center Market  Dynamics

The adoption of cloud computing technology has experienced considerable growth in New Zealand over the last few years. Although around 3035% of organizations have fully shifted their workloads to the cloud platform, about 90% use cloud-based services for at least some of their workloads and are shifting to the cloud-first based IT strategy. The revenue from the public cloud market expects to reach over USD 1.29 billion in 2021 and over USD 3 billion by 2026. SaaS will lead the revenue share, expecting to generate around USD 700 million in 2021. Datacom, Spark Digital, Umbrellar, CodeBlue, Lucidity, MiIT, and OmniNet are among the local cloud providers in New Zealand. IBM, a global cloud service provider, has the presence in the country. Google has launched a Google Cloud Dedicated Interconnect location in Auckland to connect New Zealand to Google's network. In May 2020, Microsoft announced its plan to build its first data center region in the country. On completion, the company will offer Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, and other cloud services through it. AWS has also announced its AWS Asia Pacific (Auckland) Region, that will include three availability zones to be operational in 2024.

Key Drivers and Trends fueling Market Growth:

Big Data and IoT Surge fueling Demand for Data Centers

Increase in Data Center Investments

COVID-19 Pandemic Impacting Data Center Demand

5G Deployment leading Edge Data Center Deployments

New Zealand Data Center Market - Existing Vs. Upcoming Data Centers

Existing Facilities in the region (Area and Power Capacity)

(Area and Power Capacity) Auckland



Other Cities

List of Upcoming Facilities in the region (Area and Power Capacity)

Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/new-zealand-data-center-market

Key Market Participants

IT Infrastructure Providers

Arista Networks

Atos

Broadcom

Cisco Systems

Dell Technologies

Fujitsu

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Hitachi Vantara

Huawei

IBM

Juniper Networks

Lenovo

NetApp

Data Center Construction Contractors & Sub-Contractors

AECOM

Arup

Aurecon

Beca

Hawkins

Mott MacDonald

Norman Disney & Young

& Young The Building Intelligence Group

TransWorks

WT

Support Infrastructure Providers

3M

ABB

Airedale International Air Conditioning

Alfa Laval

Black Box

Climaveneta

Cummins

Cyber Power Systems

Eaton

EcoCooling

KOHLER-SDMO

Legrand

Rittal

Rolls-Royce Power Systems

Schneider Electric

STULZ

Thycon

Trane ( Ingersoll Rand )

) Vertiv

Data Center Investors

Amazon Web Services

Canberra Data Centers

Datacom

Data Vault

DCI Data Centers

Microsoft

Plan B

Spark Digital

Explore our data center knowledge base profile to know more about the industry.

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 in 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
Whistleblower attorney Jeffrey A. Newman filed the case in 2015 on behalf of Christine Martino-Fleming, the former Coordinator of Staff Development and Training at South Bay. While she worked at South Bay, Ms. Martino-Fleming repeatedly told management about her concerns that South Bay was routinely submitting bills to MassHealth (the Massachusetts Medicaid program) and its contractors for services provided by therapists and other professionals who did not meet the MassHealth licensing requirements or were not properly supervised. Caitlyn Silhan, of Waters & Kraus, LLP, and Christopher Hamilton, of Hamilton Wingo, LLP, subsequently joined Mr. Newman as co-counsel on the case.

"Through her courage in bringing this case and her commitment through six years of litigation, Ms. Martino-Fleming achieved vindication on behalf of the thousands of South Bay patients who received mental health services from individuals who were not properly licensed or supervised. She exemplifies what one person can accomplish to protect individuals seeking mental health services. Ms. Martino-Fleming never wavered and gives meaning to the concept of 'The Power of One,'" said Mr. Newman.

Martino-Fleming will receive approximately $6.5 million of the settlement under the federal False Claims Act and the Massachusetts False Claims Act, which allow whistleblowers to bring suit on behalf of the government against companies or individuals that defraud the government and to receive a reward if the government recovers any funds as a result.

"The environment was ripe for fraud. For years, South Bay made its money by prioritizing profits over people. The company endangered the health and safety of its clients. I had hoped that things would change when H.I.G. acquired South Bay, but the predatory behavior just got worse," said the whistleblower, Ms. Martino-Fleming.

In her Complaint, Ms. Martino-Fleming alleged that the defendants caused false or fraudulent claims to be submitted to MassHealth and to managed care organizations that deliver MassHealth benefits, including mental health services.

The $25 million False Claims Act settlement is the largest to date where a private equity firm has paid to resolve allegations of health care fraud by one of its portfolio companies. The settlement is also one of the largest FCA settlements involving allegations of fraudulent billing for mental health services.

Mr. Newman filed the case on August 11, 2015, in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts under the caption United States and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ex rel. Martino-Fleming v. South Bay Mental Health Center, Inc.; Community Intervention Services, Inc.; H.I.G. Growth Partners, LLC; H.I.G. Capital, LLC; Peter J. Scanlon; and Kevin P. Sheehan, Civil Action No. 15-CV-13065-PBS. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts intervened in the case and filed a 27-count Complaint-in-Intervention. The Commonwealth's team was overseen by Assistant Attorney General Kevin Lownds.

About Newman & Shapiro

Newman & Shapiro specializes in representing whistleblowers in qui tam and other fraud cases. On behalf of our clients, we bring cases under the False Claims Act and the whistleblower award programs of federal agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Internal Revenue Service. We handle cases involving all types of fraud, including pharmaceutical and health care fraud, education grant fraud, customs fraud, securities fraud and foreign bribery, and tax fraud. For more information, please visit newmanshapiro.com or call 617-823-8217.

Contact:

Jeffrey A. Newman, Esq.

[email protected]

617-823-3217

SOURCE Newman & Shapiro

Related Links

http://newmanshapiro.com


VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of North Vancouver, British Columbia, runs on a hydronic district energy system that delivers heat to 100 residential and commercial buildings. Lonsdale Energy Corporation (LEC), the award-winning district energy utility wholly owned by the City, is on a decarbonization journey to implement more renewable and clean energy, transitioning from the use of conventional natural gas. The buildings sector presently accounts for 40% of carbon emissions in urban areas, but district energy creates an opportunity to reduce the urban carbon footprint through the integration of innovative new technologies.

In 2022, the City and LEC will be introducing a novel heat source to their district energy system: bitcoin mining. Over the term of the engagement, MintGreen's Digital Boilers will prevent 20,000 tonnes of GHGs from entering the atmosphere per MW compared to natural gas. Production of both bitcoin and usable thermal energy positions the Digital Boilers to be the cost leading low-carbon heating technology.

MintGreen, a Canadian cleantech cryptocurrency miner, is disrupting the bitcoin mining industry. Their proprietary Digital Boilers recover more than 96% of the electricity used for bitcoin mining in the form of heat energy that can be used to sustainably heat communities and service industrial processes. Cryptocurrency miners run at full capacity 365 days a year, which creates the unique opportunity to provide a reliable and clean heating baseload for North Vancouver's district energy system. Lonsdale Energy Corporation CEO, Karsten Veng, commented "Being partners with MintGreen on this project is very exciting for LEC, in that it's an innovative and cost competitive project, and it reinforces the journey LEC is on to support the City's ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets."

District energy as a whole is trending towards clean energy. The 2015 report "District Energy in Cities" by the UN Environment Programme cites: "District energy systems [are emerging] as a best practice approach for providing a local, affordable and low-carbon energy supply. District energy represents a significant opportunity for cities to move towards climate-resilient, resource-efficient and low-carbon pathways." The UN Climate Report released on August 9, 2021, warns of 'extreme' impacts of climate change to come and is urging policy makers to take action. Cities around the world are tightening carbon regulations and increasing carbon taxation. In 2019, the City of North Vancouver Council passed a motion for the City to increase its greenhouse gas reduction targets to achieve net zero by 2050, and reduce emissions by 80% below 2007 levels by 2040. Further, Canada has proposed a $170 per tonne carbon tax coming into effect in 2029 that will drive up the recurring cost of conventional natural gas.

"The complex issue of climate change requires innovative solutions, and LEC, with the City of North Vancouver, is showing tremendous leadership in environmental stewardship," said MintGreen CEO, Colin Sullivan. Over 97% of BC Hydro's energy mix is hydroelectric. Using that energy twice both eliminates waste and makes this project one of the greenest in the space. Veng believes that the MintGreen Digital Boiler pilot could be the launchpad for future expansion opportunities as the City of North Vancouver continues to grow.

Press Contact

Jennifer Zee

[email protected] | 778-892-3188

About Lonsdale Energy Corporation

The Lonsdale Energy Corporation (LEC) is an award winning district energy system. LEC has been providing dependable, clean, and competitively priced energy to residential and commercial buildings in the Lonsdale area since 2003. By heating our community naturally, we can significantly reduce the demand for energy and support global and local climate action efforts.

About MintGreen

MintGreen is a Canadian clean tech company that recovers heat from Bitcoin mining to produce saleable low carbon heat for communities and industrial processes. MintGreen's proprietary Digital Boilers are the cost leading low carbon heating technology. By signing offtake agreements, MintGreen subsidizes its power costs, mines Bitcoin sustainably, and lowers GHG emissions for cities and communities.

SOURCE MintGreen
DALLAS, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC ("Oncor") plans to release its third quarter 2021 results on November 5, prior to Sempra's (NYSE: SRE) (BMV: SRE) third quarter 2021 conference call. Oncor's earnings release will be available on Oncor's website, oncor.com.

Sempra executives will conduct a conference call at 12 p.m. ET, Friday, November 5 that will include discussion of Oncor's third quarter 2021 operational and financial results. Investors, media, analysts and the public may listen to a live webcast of the conference call on Sempra's website, sempra.com, by clicking on the appropriate audio link. Prior to the conference call, an accompanying slide presentation will be posted on Sempra's website.

For those unable to participate in the live webcast, a replay of Sempra's call will be available a few hours after its conclusion on Sempra's website or by dialing (888) 203-1112 and entering passcode 9127369.

Oncor's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2021 will be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission after Sempra's conference call and, once filed, will also be available at oncor.com.

Headquartered in Dallas, Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC is a regulated electricity distribution and transmission business that uses superior asset management skills to provide reliable electricity delivery to consumers. Oncor (together with its subsidiaries) operates the largest distribution and transmission system in Texas, delivering power to more than 3.8 million homes and businesses and operating more than 139,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines in Texas. While Oncor is owned by two investors (indirect majority owner, Sempra, and minority owner, Texas Transmission Investment LLC), Oncor is managed by its Board of Directors, which is comprised of a majority of disinterested directors.

SOURCE Oncor Electric Delivery Company, LLC

Related Links

http://www.oncor.com


DUBLIN, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Oil and Gas Security Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2021-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global oil and gas security market exhibited moderate growth during 2015-2020. Looking forward, the publisher expects the market to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% during 2021-2026. Keeping in mind the uncertainties of COVID-19, we are continuously tracking and evaluating the direct as well as the indirect influence of the pandemic on different end use industries. These insights are included in the report as a major market contributor.

Oil and gas security refer to the measures that are undertaken to protect the value chain of the oil and gas industry from security breaches and incidents. These measures widely include supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and distributed control systems (DCS), which primarily protect the operational technology (OT) of the industrial infrastructure. These measures play a vital role in streamlining operations even during harsh climatic conditions, hazardous processes, and extreme temperatures, owing to which they are now increasingly utilized across the globe for ensuring high standards of security in the oil and gas industry.

Increasing digitization across the oil and gas industry represents one of the key factors driving the market growth. Digital processing of the workflow, which otherwise is instrumental in ensuring smooth operations, has exposed data and sensitive information to hacking and cyberattacks. In line with this, governments of various nations across the globe are implementing stringent measures to identify and combat cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the oil and gas industry, which is contributing to the market growth significantly. Furthermore, the distribution network of this industry usually spans across huge acres, which often become constrained to monitor through human resources. The oil and gas security measures, including web-based mobile surveillance, become crucial in such cases to ensure effective safeguarding of the operational network and streamlining the overall security system. Other factors, such as the rising energy demand and the rapid depletion of energy resources, along with aggressive efforts undertaken by both the private and government entities to improve the aging infrastructure, 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 ABB Ltd., Cisco Systems Inc., General Electric Company, Honeywell International Inc., Intel Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Parsons Corporation, Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, Waterfall Security Solutions, etc.

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

How has the global oil and gas security market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?

What are the key regional markets?

What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global oil and gas security market?

What is the breakup of the market based on the component?

What is the breakup of the market based on the security type?

What is the breakup of the market based on the application?

What are the various stages in the value chain of the industry?

What are the key driving factors and challenges in the industry?

What is the structure of the global oil and gas security 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 Oil and Gas Security Market

5.1 Market Overview

5.2 Market Performance

5.3 Impact of COVID-19

5.4 Market Forecast



6 Market Breakup by Component

6.1 Software

6.1.1 Market Trends

6.1.2 Market Forecast

6.2 Services

6.2.1 Market Trends

6.2.2 Market Forecast



7 Market Breakup by Security Type

7.1 Cyber Security

7.1.1 Market Trends

7.1.2 Market Forecast

7.2 Operational Security

7.2.1 Market Trends

7.2.2 Market Forecast

7.3 Command and Control

7.3.1 Market Trends

7.3.2 Market Forecast

7.4 Screening and Detection

7.4.1 Market Trends

7.4.2 Market Forecast

7.5 Surveillance

7.5.1 Market Trends

7.5.2 Market Forecast

7.6 Access Control

7.6.1 Market Trends

7.6.2 Market Forecast

7.7 Perimeter Security

7.7.1 Market Trends

7.7.2 Market Forecast

7.8 Others

7.8.1 Market Trends

7.8.2 Market Forecast



8 Market Breakup by Application

8.1 Exploring and Drilling

8.1.1 Market Trends

8.1.2 Market Forecast

8.2 Transportation

8.2.1 Market Trends

8.2.2 Market Forecast

8.3 Pipelines

8.3.1 Market Trends

8.3.2 Market Forecast

8.4 Distribution and Retail Services

8.4.1 Market Trends

8.4.2 Market Forecast

8.5 Others

8.5.1 Market Trends

8.5.2 Market Forecast



9 Market Breakup by Region



10 SWOT Analysis



11 Value Chain Analysis



12 Porters Five Forces Analysis



13 Competitive Landscape

13.1 Market Structure

13.2 Key Players

13.3 Profiles of Key Players

13.3.1 ABB Ltd.

13.3.1.1 Company Overview

13.3.1.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.1.3 Financials

13.3.1.4 SWOT Analysis

13.3.2 Cisco Systems Inc.

13.3.2.1 Company Overview

13.3.2.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.2.3 Financials

13.3.2.4 SWOT Analysis

13.3.3 General Electric Company

13.3.3.1 Company Overview

13.3.3.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.3.3 Financials

13.3.3.4 SWOT Analysis

13.3.4 Honeywell International Inc.

13.3.4.1 Company Overview

13.3.4.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.4.3 Financials

13.3.4.4 SWOT Analysis

13.3.5 Intel Corporation

13.3.5.1 Company Overview

13.3.5.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.5.3 Financials

13.3.5.4 SWOT Analysis

13.3.6 Lockheed Martin Corporation

13.3.6.1 Company Overview

13.3.6.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.6.3 Financials

13.3.6.4 SWOT Analysis

13.3.7 Microsoft Corporation

13.3.7.1 Company Overview

13.3.7.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.7.3 Financials

13.3.7.4 SWOT Analysis

13.3.8 Parsons Corporation

13.3.8.1 Company Overview

13.3.8.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.8.3 Financials

13.3.8.4 SWOT Analysis

13.3.9 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft

13.3.9.1 Company Overview

13.3.9.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.9.3 Financials

13.3.9.4 SWOT Analysis

13.3.10 Waterfall Security Solutions

13.3.10.1 Company Overview

13.3.10.2 Product Portfolio

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/9i9jlk

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Outschool announced today a $110M Series D raise with a $3B valuation for its K-12 education marketplace. The Series D funding comes less than a year after a $75M Series C raise in April 2021. The latest round of funding is led by previous investor Tiger Global Management and adds BOND. Additional participants in the round include Lightspeed Ventures, Union Square Ventures, Reach Capital, Coatue, FundersClub and SV Angel. The funding provides Outschool with additional resources to fulfill its mission to positively impact society by inspiring a love of learning in children across the world.

Outschool learner takes science class online. Credit: Kathleen Schwartz Photography

Outschool is an innovative education platform that offers a variety of engaging, small-group classes online. Unlike traditional classes or passive videos, Outschool gives kids the unique opportunity to explore their interests in-depth with interactive classes taught via live video by experienced, independent teachers and organizations.

Named by Fast Company as one of the Most Innovative Companies in 2021 and by Inc. Magazine's Inc. 5000 as this year's fastest growing education company, Outschool has expanded its offering domestically and globally. Previously only available as a teaching opportunity to teachers in the United States and Canada, when the pandemic hit, the company grew its offerings dramatically. Outschool offered an opportunity for teachers worldwide to earn extra income, allowing independent educators in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and the UK to engage thousands of kids looking for time-zone-friendly classes while schools were largely shut down. Despite the marked uncertainty around Covid-19 and emerging variants, Outschool's latest funding round demonstrates confidence in the company's long-term potential in a dynamic global education environment.

"Outschool's online learning provides parents and students with a high-quality, convenient and affordable form of after-school enrichment and supplemental learning," said Evan Feinberg, Partner, Tiger Global. "Offering small, customized classes taught online and in real time, Outschool has emerged as an industry leader, and we are excited to partner with them as they expand."

Although schools across the United States went back to in-person classes this fall, Outschool continues to attract new learners, especially for ongoing classes. This latest round of funding will be used to fuel Outschool's global expansion and ramp up new product offerings for schools and parents seeking alternatives to engage children in a love of learning.

"Outschool engages and inspires learning through a large variety of classes and subjects so kids can dive deeper into their favorite interests. We have seen firsthand how the small-group format encourages social interaction and builds friendships while also allowing for a deeper understanding of subject matter. Recently, we launched Outschool Pods based purely on demand from both teachers and families to have more opportunities for on-going organized, academic classes in small group settings. We will continue to innovate our product based on the needs of our community," said Amir Nathoo, CEO of Outschool. "I couldn't be prouder of the achievements of our team from the past year and a half. Now we recognize the real work begins as we scale up and realize the platform's great potential to inspire learners across the world."

Classes on Outschool range from one-time classes, to ongoing social groups, one-on-one tutoring, week-long camps, and ongoing courses. Classes are offered across all subjects, and for learners ranging from age 3 to 18. For families with a financial need, their nonprofit arm Outschool.org provides access to unique classes and camps. Outschool.org has donated over $3M to schools, after school programs and families in need since its inception in April 2020.

For more information about Outschool or to join the team, visit Outschool.com .

About Outschool

Outschool offers live online education experiences that connect real-life teachers with learners in small-group settings to explore everything from Minecraft, Pokemon and Cooking to Chemistry, Algebra and Literature. With over 100,000 online classes offered by teachers to learners around the globe, Outschool helps supplement what is often missing from a more traditional education. Outschool's mission is to inspire kids to love learning by making education fun, social and self-directed. Classes on Outschool range from one-time enrichment lessons to semester-long core courses and weekly social clubs. Classes are offered across all subjects, and learners range from age 3 to 18. More information can be found at Outschool.com .

Media Contact:

Kristen Marion

[email protected]

623-308-2638

SOURCE Outschool
IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ATTOM, licensor of the nation's most comprehensive foreclosure data and parent company to RealtyTrac ( www.realtytrac.com ), the largest online marketplace for foreclosure and distressed properties, released its Q3 2021 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, which shows there were a total of 45,517 U.S. properties with foreclosure filings  default notices, scheduled auctions or bank repossessions  up 34 percent from the previous quarter and 68 percent from a year ago.

The report also shows there were a total of 19,609 U.S. properties with foreclosure filings in September 2021, up 24 percent from the previous month and up 102 percent from September 2020.

"Despite the increased level of foreclosure activity in September, we're still far below historically normal numbers," said Rick Sharga, executive vice president at RealtyTrac, an ATTOM company. "September foreclosure actions were almost 70 percent lower than they were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic in September of 2019, and Q3 foreclosure activity was 60 percent lower than the same quarter that year. Even with similar increases in foreclosures over the next few months, we'll end the year significantly below what we'd see in a normal housing market."

Foreclosure starts jump up nationwide

Lenders started the foreclosure process on 25,209 U.S. properties in Q3 2021, up 32 percent from the previous quarter and up 67 percent from a year ago  the first double digit quarterly percent increase since 2014.

U.S. Foreclosure Starts

States that posted the greatest number of foreclosure starts in Q3 2021, included California (3,434 foreclosure starts); Texas (2,827 foreclosure starts); Florida (2,546 foreclosure starts); New York (1,363 foreclosure starts); and Illinois (1,362 foreclosure starts).

Among the 220 metropolitan statistical areas analyzed in the report those that posted the greatest number of foreclosure starts in Q3 2021, included New York, New York (1,456 foreclosure starts); Chicago, Illinois (1,122 foreclosure starts); Los Angeles, California (1,102 foreclosure starts); Miami, Florida (992 foreclosure starts); and Houston, Texas (866 foreclosure starts).

Counter to the national trend of quarterly increases, among those metropolitan areas with a population greater than one million that saw a decline in foreclosure starts in Q3 2021 were Charlotte, North Carolina (down 32 percent); Portland, Oregon (down 26 percent); Rochester, New York (down 17 percent); San Jose, California (down 13 percent); and Hartford, Connecticut (down 6 percent).

"So far the government and the mortgage industry have worked together to do an extraordinary job of preventing millions of unnecessary foreclosures using the foreclosure moratorium and mortgage forbearance program," Sharga added. "But there are hundreds of thousands of borrowers scheduled to exit forbearance in the next two months, and it's possible that we might see a higher percentage of those borrowers default on their loans."

Highest foreclosure rates in Nevada, Illinois and Delaware

Nationwide one in every 3,019 properties had a foreclosure filing in Q3 2021. States with the highest foreclosure rates in Q3 2021 were Nevada (one in every 1,463 housing units with a foreclosure filing); Illinois (one in every 1,465); Delaware (one in every 1,515); New Jersey (one in every 1,667); and Florida (one in every 1,743).

Among 220 metropolitan statistical areas analyzed in the report, those with the highest foreclosure rates in Q3 2021 were Atlantic City, New Jersey (one in every 709 housing units with a foreclosure filing); Peoria, Illinois (one in every 754); Bakersfield, CA (one in every 923); Cleveland, Ohio (one in every 936); and Las Vegas, Nevada (one in every 1,167).

Bank repossessions increase nationwide

Lenders repossessed 7,574 U.S. properties through foreclosure (REO) in Q3 2021, up 22 percent from the previous quarter and up 46 percent from a year ago the first quarterly increase since Q1 2016.

U.S. Completed Foreclosures (REOs)

States that posted the largest number of completed foreclosures in Q3 2021, included Illinois (965 REOs); Florida (564 REOs); Pennsylvania (480 REOs); Michigan (401 REOs); and New York (370 REOs).

Average time to foreclose increases 11 percent from last year

Properties foreclosed in Q3 2021 had been in the foreclosure process an average of 924 days, up slightly from 922 days in the previous quarter but up 11 percent from 830 days in Q3 2020.

Average Days to Complete Foreclosure

States with the longest average foreclosure timelines for homes foreclosed in Q3 2021 were Hawaii (2,070 days); Nevada (1,989 days); Kansas (1,901 days); New York (1,659 days); and Washington (1,611 days).

States with the shortest average foreclosure timelines for homes foreclosed in Q3 2021 were Montana (94 days); Wyoming (102 days); Mississippi (133 days); Missouri (213 days); and Virginia (272 days).

September 2021 Foreclosure Activity High-Level Takeaways

Nationwide in September 2021 one in every 7,008 properties had a foreclosure filing.

one in every 7,008 properties had a foreclosure filing. States with the highest foreclosure rates in September 2021 were Florida (one in every 3,276 housing units with a foreclosure filing); Illinois (one in every 3,508 housing units); Delaware (one in every 3,834 housing units); Nevada (one in every 4,009 housing units); and New Jersey (one in every 4,487 housing units).

were (one in every 3,276 housing units with a foreclosure filing); (one in every 3,508 housing units); (one in every 3,834 housing units); (one in every 4,009 housing units); and (one in every 4,487 housing units). 10,289 U.S. properties started the foreclosure process in September 2021 , up 23 percent from the previous month and up 106 percent from a year ago.

, up 23 percent from the previous month and up 106 percent from a year ago. Lenders completed the foreclosure process on 2,682 U.S. properties in September 2021 , up 8 percent from the previous month and up 33 percent from a year ago.

U.S. Foreclosure Market Data by State  Q3 2021

Rate Rank State Name Total Properties with Filings 1/every X HU (Foreclosure Rate) % Q2 2021 % Q3 2020

U.S. 45,517 3,019 34.02 68.48 14 Alabama 727 3,102 -7.87 64.00 23 Alaska 82 3,837 20.61 56.62 34 Arizona 556 5,402 36.21 92.68 39 Arkansas 237 5,782 31.39 62.96 9 California 6,111 2,320 112.35 143.92 42 Colorado 361 6,611 25.73 86.65 10 Connecticut 601 2,524 41.58 132.52 3 Delaware 286 1,515 52.94 188.89

District of Columbia 26 12,122 38.19 106.91 5 Florida 5,421 1,743 -0.56 20.04 16 Georgia 1,252 3,421 45.16 136.84 24 Hawaii 135 4,020 68.97 58.06 43 Idaho 98 7,384 40.14 107.43 2 Illinois 3,659 1,465 34.36 151.31 7 Indiana 1,435 2,012 21.85 28.46 12 Iowa 474 2,947 306.02 98.24 22 Kansas 337 3,778 -7.56 -33.73 40 Kentucky 330 6,012 6.32 16.26 20 Louisiana 572 3,601 2.93 1.44 17 Maine 211 3,520 60.81 27.38 11 Maryland 870 2,814 16.90 700.00 28 Massachusetts 664 4,363 108.23 226.10 30 Michigan 1,037 4,432 65.13 142.59 41 Minnesota 393 6,204 19.12 0.00 35 Mississippi 243 5,444 26.79 48.60 25 Missouri 691 4,038 9.68 25.93 47 Montana 34 15,005 -12.71 10.75 44 Nebraska 103 8,131 13.25 1,055.41 1 Nevada 855 1,463 31.03 67.65 36 New Hampshire 114 5,568 36.67 99.36 4 New Jersey 2,169 1,667 31.20 1.32 13 New Mexico 307 3,055 40.86 72.51 26 New York 2,058 4,044 21.87 30.47 19 North Carolina 1,293 3,579 55.56 180.00 46 North Dakota 28 13,324 24.19 82.32 6 Ohio 2,598 2,002 22.43 16.29 21 Oklahoma 464 3,732 -44.39 75.38 48 Oregon 114 15,517 16.42 23.68 31 Pennsylvania 1,269 4,486 9.68 21.43 32 Rhode Island 102 4,592 17.25 12.02 8 South Carolina 1,081 2,115 -19.05 88.89 50 South Dakota 17 22,857 104.97 48.52 27 Tennessee 701 4,228 54.26 39.19 18 Texas 3,076 3,556 67.39 48.08 33 Utah 231 4,706 158.33 675.00 45 Vermont 31 10,806 45.07 17.49 38 Virginia 618 5,686 69.23 252.56 37 Washington 550 5,648 -24.53 60.00 49 West Virginia 40 22,305 55.91 91.30 15 Wisconsin 792 3,402 34.04 85.29 29 Wyoming 63 4,394 -7.87 64.00

Report Methodology

The ATTOM U.S. Foreclosure Market Report provides a count of the total number of properties with at least one foreclosure filing entered into the ATTOM Data Warehouse during the month and quarter. Some foreclosure filings entered into the database during the quarter may have been recorded in the previous quarter. Data is collected from more than 3,000 counties nationwide, and those counties account for more than 99 percent of the U.S. population. ATTOM's report incorporates documents filed in all three phases of foreclosure: Default  Notice of Default (NOD) and Lis Pendens (LIS); Auction  Notice of Trustee Sale and Notice of Foreclosure Sale (NTS and NFS); and Real Estate Owned, or REO properties (that have been foreclosed on and repurchased by a bank). For the annual, midyear and quarterly reports, if more than one type of foreclosure document is received for a property during the timeframe, only the most recent filing is counted in the report. The annual, midyear, quarterly and monthly reports all check if the same type of document was filed against a property previously. If so, and if that previous filing occurred within the estimated foreclosure timeframe for the state where the property is located, the report does not count the property in the current year, quarter or month.

Interested in finding out more about our pre-foreclosure and foreclosure data?

Contact ATTOM for Foreclosure Data Licensing Details.

Visit RealtyTrac.com for Foreclosure Search and Listings.

About ATTOM

ATTOM provides foreclosure data licenses that can power various enterprise industries including real estate, insurance, marketing, government, mortgage and more. ATTOM multi-sources from 3,000 counties property tax, deed, mortgage, environmental risk, natural hazard, and neighborhood data for more than 155 million U.S. residential and commercial properties covering 99 percent of the nation's population.

About RealtyTrac (Powered by ATTOM's Property Data)

RealtyTrac.com is the largest online marketplace for foreclosure and distressed properties, helping individual investors and real estate agents looking to gain a competitive edge in the distressed market. Realtytrac.com enables real estate professionals the ability to find, analyze and invest in residential properties.

Media Contact:

Christine Stricker

949.748.8428

[email protected]

Data and Report Licensing:

949.502.8313

[email protected]

SOURCE ATTOM
"Rene will help guide us in bringing an equity lens to recruitment and also to our ongoing efforts to foster deeper inclusion and engagement within the current Broad community," said Todd Golub, director of the Broad Institute. "Rene is an expert in creating successful programs that result in positive institutional change and is already building strong relationships across the Broad community. I am delighted to partner with him as he harnesses the momentum and hard work already underway at Broad to steward a more inclusive community. Diversifying both our scientific and administrative staff will no doubt make the science stronger."

"I am thrilled to be a member of an institution that is so committed to inclusion at every level," Salazar said. "I look forward to bringing together everyone who is working to build an inclusive community at Broad. In particular, I look forward to having open conversations about how racism and other forms of oppression impair science and, most importantly, how to help find solutions."

Raised in Texas, Salazar earned his medical degree from the Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine at University of Texas Health San Antonio. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of California, San Francisco before completing a one-year Latino health disparities research fellowship.

Salazar served as the chair of the UCSF Department of Medicine's Residency Diversity Committee and the director of diversity for the Office of Graduate Medical Education from 2007 to 2016, where he led efforts to recruit residents and clinical fellows from underrepresented backgrounds. Salazar also developed and launched an unconscious bias education program to mitigate unconscious bias among UCSF faculty, staff, students, and trainees in clinical settings. Salazar also led a recent study, published in The American Journal of Surgery, that describes how patients are unconsciously biased toward believing that surgeons are men.

In 2016 he joined UT Austin Dell Medical School as assistant dean for diversity, where he established Dell Med's first office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and led campus-wide DEI efforts. In this role, he launched programs to increase the recruitment and retention of students, residents, and trainees from historically marginalized communities, and launched mentorship programs for underrepresented students at University of Texas at Austin and other local universities. He also established several cultural identity-based affinity groups and pipeline programs to expose middle and high school students from underrepresented communities to the health sciences.

In his equity work, Salazar draws from his clinical experiences as a general internist working with patients from diverse communities in Austin.

"This work has to be top-down and ground-up, and I'll work with leadership to build the skills to meaningfully move this work forward," Salazar said. "At the same time, we need to continue to break down barriers and promote a sense of belonging for scientists and staff of color, women, and LGBTQIA+ individuals, in addition to those from other groups that have historically been underrepresented in the biomedical sciences."

At Broad, Salazar leads the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Allyship (IDEA) Office, which will assess, prioritize, and improve diversity and inclusion by partnering with leadership, administration, the scientific community, and affinity groups across the Broad.

Salazar will also help organize [email protected], a daylong, virtual, community-wide symposium to be held on October 18th, 2021 that will focus on intersectionality and how different identities intersect to create privilege and disadvantage. Anyone who is part of the Broad community can attend lectures and panels as well as participate in concurrent workshops and breakout sessions  all with the goal of building a more inclusive culture.

"I am delighted to work together with Rene to make the Broad more inclusive and to foster a deeper sense of belonging throughout the entire community," said Frances Brooks Taplett, chief people officer at Broad. "We will be working together to bring more diversity across all cohorts at the institute, in both the sciences as well as administration."

About Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard

Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard was launched in 2004 to empower this generation of creative scientists to transform medicine. The Broad Institute seeks to describe the molecular components of life and their connections; discover the molecular basis of major human diseases; develop effective new approaches to diagnostics and therapeutics; and disseminate discoveries, tools, methods and data openly to the entire scientific community.

Founded by MIT, Harvard, Harvard-affiliated hospitals, and the visionary Los Angeles philanthropists Eli and Edythe L. Broad, the Broad Institute includes faculty, professional staff and students from throughout the MIT and Harvard biomedical research communities and beyond, with collaborations spanning over a hundred private and public institutions in more than 40 countries worldwide.

SOURCE Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
Future Market Insights, in its new offering, presents a detailed analysis of the global replacement sheets market for the forthcoming decade. The study analyzes crucial trends that are currently determining the growth of the replacement sheets market. This report explicates vital dynamics, such as the drivers, restraints, and opportunities for key market players along with key stakeholders.

DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Replacement sheets demand grew at a steady 4.5% CAGR in 2021, opines Future Market Insights in its latest report. Rising prevalence of hospital acquired infections and increasing number of surgeries are set to drive growth in the Replacement Sheets Market.

Read Report - https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/replacement-sheets-market

Growing rate of critical surgeries such as caesarean and other invasive procedures is propelling the sales of replacement sheets. Need to reduce the risk of infection and transmission of infectious bacteria, medical professionals use replacement sheets to ensure the patient safety.

On the back of these aforementioned factors, the global replacement sheets market is expected to grow at a steady 4.6% CAGR between 2021 and 2031.

Demand for replacement sheets grew at an average 4.3% CAGR between 2016 and 2020. With increasing expenditure on healthcare infrastructure and growing demand for medical handling equipment within hospitals, demand for replacement sheets increased.

Unprecedented outbreak of COVID-19 impacted the global replacement sheets market positively. As the number of surgical procedures increased related to COVID-19 and other diseases, demand for replacement sheets remained steady during the FQ-20.

With expedited vaccination drives and increasing surgical procedures, key players collaborated with online retail channels to meet the unceasing demand for replacement sheets within hospitals. As per FMI, sales of replacement sheets grew exponentially across emerging economies including, China, India, and Japan.



Request a report sample to gain compressive insights at https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-13999

"Increasing demand for replacement sheets within hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers have compelled the key players to introduce affordable and improved quality products. Hence, to necessitate the growing demand, leading healthcare companies are actively investing in research activities to meet the surging requirements. This is expected to create immense scope for market players," says the FMI analyst.

Key Takeaways from Replacement Sheets Market Survey

In terms of product type, turn sheet for over 59% of the total market share owing to increasing number of surgeries and hospitalization

Hospitals are expected to be the primary end-user for replacement sheets, accounting for more than 28% of total market share

The U.S. will lead the growth of North America replacement sheets market, contributing over 81% of total market revenue

replacement sheets market, contributing over 81% of total market revenue The replacement sheets market in Germany will exhibit robust growth at 5.3% CAGR during the forecast period

will exhibit robust growth at 5.3% CAGR during the forecast period Rising prevalence of hospital-acquired infections in the U.K. will result in high sales of replacement sheets market, with the market totaling US$ 2.7 Mn in 2021

in 2021 China will account for over 50% of total market share in East Asia in 2021.

Key Drivers

Growing prevalence of hospital-acquired infections and rising number of surgical procedures will fuel the demand for replacement sheets

Increasing research and development activities to improve the product quality will create incremental growth opportunities for key players.

Key Restraints

Dearth of skilled medical professionals and assistance will hamper the sales of replacement sheets as inability to handle the replacement sheet can result in infection transmission

High cost associated with the repositioning devices and replacement sheets is the major factor expected to restraint the growth in the market.

Ask from Market Research Expert - https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-question/rep-gb-13999

Competitive Landscape

Prominent players operating in the replacement sheets market are focusing on expanding their product portfolio. Key players are strategizing by launching new higher quality products to generate new proceedings.

In order to expand their global reach, key players are collaborating and forming partnerships with end-users and other key players, especially in emerging economies. Additionally, leading companies are also focusing on product development to deliver convenient and safe options for the patients.

Recently, HoverTech International, in 2018, announced the launch of HoverSling repositioning sheet to provide caregivers to use one product for all patient handling tasks.

Some of the prominent players operating in the replacement sheets market profiled by FMI are:

Hill-Rom Services, Inc.

Etac AB

HoverTech International

EHOB Inc.

Vendlet ApS

Arjo- Getinge Group

Stryker Corporation.

More Insights on the Global Replacement Sheets Sales Outlook

FMI provides an unbiased analysis of replacement sheets market, presenting historical demand data (2016-2020) and forecast statistics for the period from 2021-2031. The study divulges compelling insights on the global demand for replacement sheets with a detailed segmentation on the basis of:

Product:

Slide Sheet

Disposable Slide Sheets



Reusable Slide Sheets

Turn Sheet

Disposable Turn Sheets



Reusable Turn Sheets



Air Transfer Gliding Sheets

End-User:

Hospitals

Ambulatory Surgery Centers

Long Term Care Centers

Skill Nursing Facilities

Assisted Living Facilities

Others

Region:

North America

Latin America

Europe

East Asia

South Asia

Oceania

Middle East and Africa (MEA)

Key Questions Covered in the Replacement Sheets Sales Outlook Report

The report offers insight into replacement sheets demand outlook for 2021-2031

The market study also highlights projected sales growth for replacement sheets market between 2021 and 2031

Replacement sheets 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

Replacement sheets market share analysis of the key companies within the industry and coverage of strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, collaborations or partnerships, and others

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/replacement-sheets-market

Press Release Source: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/press-release/replacement-sheets-market

SOURCE Future Market Insights
MECHANICSBURG, Pa., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Select Medical Holdings Corporation ("Select Medical") (NYSE: SEM), will release the financial results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2021 on Thursday, November 4, 2021 after the market closes.

Select Medical will host a conference call regarding its third quarter results, as well as its business outlook, on Friday, November 5, 2021, at 9:00am ET. The domestic dial in number for the call is 1-866-440-2669. The international dial in number is 1-409-220-9844. The conference ID for the call is 2359393. The conference call will be webcast simultaneously and can be accessed at Select Medical Holdings Corporation's website www.selectmedicalholdings.com.

For those unable to participate in the conference call, a replay will be available until 12:00pm ET, November 12, 2021. The replay number is 1-855-859-2056 (domestic) or 1-404-537-3406 (international). The conference ID for the replay will be 2359393. The replay can also be accessed at Select Medical Holdings Corporation's website, www.selectmedicalholdings.com.

Select Medical is one of the largest operators of critical illness recovery hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and occupational health centers in the United States based on the number of facilities. Select Medical's reportable segments include the critical illness recovery hospital segment, rehabilitation hospital segment, the outpatient rehabilitation segment, and the Concentra segment. As of September 30, 2021, Select Medical operated 100 critical illness recovery hospitals in 28 states, 30 rehabilitation hospitals in 12 states, and 1,850 outpatient rehabilitation clinics in 39 states and the District of Columbia. Select Medical's joint venture subsidiary Concentra operated 519 occupational health centers in 41 states. Concentra also provides contract services at employer worksites. At September 30, 2021, Select Medical had operations in 46 states and the District of Columbia. Information about Select Medical is available at www.selectmedical.com.

Investor inquiries:

Joel T. Veit

Senior Vice President and Treasurer

717-972-1100

[email protected]

SOURCE Select Medical Holdings Corporation

Related Links

https://www.selectmedical.com


TSX: SVM

NYSE AMERICAN: SVM

VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Silvercorp Metals Inc. ("Silvercorp" or the "Company") (TSX: SVM) (NYSE American: SVM) reports production and sales figures for the second quarter of fiscal year 2022 ended September 30, 2021 ("Q2 Fiscal 2022"). The Company expects to release its Q2 Fiscal 2022 unaudited financial results on Thursday, November 4, 2021 after market close.

In Q2 Fiscal 2022, the Company increased production to approximately 1.7 million ounces of silver, 800 ounces of gold, 17.6 million pounds of lead, and 7.5 million pounds of zinc, representing increases of 15%, 11%, and 4%, respectively, in silver, lead and zinc, and a decrease of 20% in gold over the first quarter ended June 30, 2021 ("Q1 Fiscal 2022"). At the Ying Mining District, ore mined in Q2 Fiscal 2022 was 206,933 tonnes, up 64,026 tonnes or 45% over Q1 Fiscal 2022. Ore milled was 182,173 tonnes, up 26,766 tonnes or 17% over Q1 Fiscal 2022, but 24,760 tonnes lower than mined as a result of transportation interruptions caused by lengthy heavy rains in Q2 Fiscal 2022. The Company expects to maintain a similar mining production rate and increase the milling tonnage at the Ying Mining District in the next quarter.

For the first six months of Fiscal 2022, the Company produced approximately 3.2 million ounces of silver, 1,800 ounces of gold, 33.5 million pounds of lead, and 14.7 million pounds of zinc. The Company is on track to meet its annual guidance to produce between 6.3 - 6.6 million ounces of silver, 65.7  68.9 million pounds of lead, and 26.9  28.5 million pounds of zinc in Fiscal 2022.

Q2 FISCAL 2022 OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS

At the Ying Mining District, ore mined was 206,933 tonnes, up 14% over the same prior year quarter ("Q2 Fiscal 2021"), and ore milled was 182,173 tonnes, up 2% over Q2 Fiscal 2021. Approximately 1.5 million ounces of silver, 800 ounces of gold, 14.7 million pounds of lead, and 1.6 million pounds of zinc were produced, representing decreases of 1% in silver, 27% in gold, 9% in lead, and 4% in zinc over Q2 Fiscal 2021 as 24,760 tonnes or 12% of ore mined in the current quarter have yet to be processed due to the heavy rains.





At the GC Mine, ore mined was 85,535 tonnes, down 1% over Q2 Fiscal 2021, and ore milled was 89,643 tonnes, up 6% over Q2 Fiscal 2021. Approximately 179 thousand ounces of silver, 2.9 million pounds of lead, and 5.9 million pounds of zinc were produced, representing an increase of 7% in zinc, and decreases of 2% in silver and 2% in lead over Q2 Fiscal 2021.





On a consolidated basis, ore mined was 292,468 tonnes, up 9% over Q2 Fiscal 2021, and ore milled was 271,816 tonnes, up 3% over Q1 Fiscal 2021. Approximately 1.7 million ounces of silver, 800 ounces of gold, 17.6 million pounds of lead, and 7.5 million pounds of zinc were produced, representing decreases of 1%, 27%, and 8%, respectively, in silver, gold and lead, and an increase of 5% in zinc over Q2 Fiscal 2021.





On a consolidated basis, the Company sold approximately 1.7 million ounces of silver, 800 ounces of gold, 17.3 million pounds of lead, and 7.6 million pounds of zinc, representing decreases of 1%, 64%, and 7%, respectively, in silver, gold and lead sold, and an increase of 3% in lead sold over Q2 Fiscal 2021. Gold sold in Q2 Fiscal 2021 included 1,200 ounces from the BYP Mine.

The consolidated operational results for the past five quarters are summarized as follows:

Consolidated Q2 F2022 Q1 F2022 Q4 F2021 Q3 F2021 Q2 F2021

Six months ended September 30,

September 30, 2021 June 30, 2021 March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 September 30, 2020

2021 2020

















Production Data















Ore Mined (tonne) 292,468 231,235 163,072 279,445 267,853

523,703 522,408 Ore Milled (tonne) 271,816 243,077 180,674 260,648 263,933

514,893 526,259

















Head Grades















Silver (gram/tonne) 214 207 228 216 221

211 225 Lead (%) 3.2 3.2 3.3 3.2 3.5

3.2 3.6 Zinc (%) 1.6 1.7 1.5 1.8 1.6

1.6 1.6

















Recovery Rates















Silver (%) 94.1 93.2 92.5 92.3 93.0

93.7 93.1 Lead (%) 94.5 94.6 94.3 95.3 94.9

94.5 95.1 Zinc (%) 79.3 80.7 79.0 82.4 78.0

79.9 78.9

















Metal production















Silver (in thousands of ounces) 1,696 1,474 1,195 1,676 1,707

3,169 3,459 Gold (in thousands of ounces) 0.8 1.0 0.3 0.9 1.1

1.8 2.2 Lead (in thousands of pounds) 17,613 15,878 12,156 17,111 19,086

33,491 39,163 Zinc (in thousands of pounds) 7,483 7,198 4,672 8,673 7,133

14,681 14,666

















Metals sold















Silver (in thousands of ounces) 1,729 1,642 1,056 1,647 1,740

3,371 3,612 Gold (in thousands of ounces) 0.8 1.0 0.7 0.8 2.2

1.8 3.3 Lead (in thousands of pounds) 17,319 16,810 10,876 16,806 18,551

34,129 39,436 Zinc (in thousands of pounds) 7,626 7,255 4,580 8,965 7,411

14,881 14,369

The operational results at the Ying Mining District for the past five quarters are summarized as follows:

Ying Mining District Q2 F2022 Q1 F2022 Q4 F2021 Q3 F2021 Q2 F2021

Six months ended September 30,

September 30, 2021 June 30, 2021 March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 September 30, 2020

2021 2020

















Production Data















Ore Mined (tonne) 206,933 142,907 112,561 182,268 181,020

349,840 355,196 Ore Milled (tonne) 182,173 155,407 131,725 162,905 179,083

337,580 356,772

















Head Grades















Silver (gram/tonne) 283 279 280 297 288

281 290 Lead (%) 4.0 4.2 3.9 4.3 4.4

4.1 4.5 Zinc (%) 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.7

0.8 0.8

















Recovery Rates















Silver (%) 95.4 94.7 93.7 93.9 94.4

95.1 94.6 Lead (%) 95.5 95.7 95.1 96.4 96.1

95.6 96.1 Zinc (%) 56.0 59.7 65.0 63.3 57.9

57.8 60.9

















Metal production















Silver (in thousands of ounces) 1,517 1,283 1,083 1,464 1,525

2,800 3,068 Gold (in thousands of ounces) 0.8 1.0 0.3 0.9 1.1

1.8 2.2 Lead (in thousands of pounds) 14,671 13,278 10,504 14,361 16,080

27,949 33,021 Zinc (in thousands of pounds) 1,584 1,519 1,496 1,857 1,643

3,103 3,563

















Metals sold















Silver (in thousands of ounces) 1,553 1,447 936 1,446 1,556

3,000 3,228 Gold (in thousands of ounces) 0.8 1.0 0.7 0.8 1.0

1.8 2.1 Lead (in thousands of pounds) 14,436 14,175 9,137 14,207 15,585

28,611 33,364 Zinc (in thousands of pounds) 1,617 1,521 1,306 2,241 1,384

3,138 3,421

The operational results at the GC Mine for the past five quarters are summarized as follows:

GC Mine Q2 F2022 Q1 F2022 Q4 F2021 Q3 F2021 Q2 F2021

Six months ended September 30,

September 30, 2021 June 30, 2021 March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 September 30, 2020

2021 2020

















Production Data















Ore Mined (tonne) 85,535 88,328 50,511 97,177 86,833

173,863 167,212 Ore Milled (tonne) 89,643 87,670 48,949 97,743 84,850

177,313 169,487

















Head Grades















Silver (gram/tonne) 73 80 87 82 81

77 87 Lead (%) 1.7 1.5 1.7 1.4 1.8

1.6 1.8 Zinc (%) 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.5 3.4

3.3 3.4

















Recovery Rates















Silver (%) 84.4 84.1 81.9 82.6 82.5

84.2 82.7 Lead (%) 89.5 89.3 89.7 89.6 89.2

89.4 89.5 Zinc (%) 89.6 89.3 88.2 89.7 87.3

89.5 87.3

















Metal production















Silver (in thousands of ounces) 179 190 112 212 182

369 391 Lead (in thousands of pounds) 2,942 2,600 1,652 2,750 3,006

5,542 6,142 Zinc (in thousands of pounds) 5,899 5,679 3,176 6,816 5,490

11,578 11,103

















Metals sold















Silver (in thousands of ounces) 176 195 120 201 184

371 384 Lead (in thousands of pounds) 2,883 2,635 1,739 2,599 2,966

5,518 6,072 Zinc (in thousands of pounds) 6,009 5,734 3,274 6,724 6,027

11,743 10,948

About Silvercorp

Silvercorp is a profitable Canadian mining company producing silver, lead and zinc metals in concentrates from mines in China. The Company's goal is to continuously create healthy returns to shareholders through efficient management, organic growth and the acquisition of profitable projects. Silvercorp balances profitability, social and environmental relationships, employees' wellbeing, and sustainable development. For more information, please visit our website at www.silvercorp.ca.

CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER - FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain of the statements and information in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Any statements or information 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", "is expected", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "assumes", "intends", "strategies", "targets", "goals", "forecasts", "objectives", "budgets", "schedules", "potential" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate to, among other things: the price of silver and other metals; the accuracy of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates at the Company's material properties; the sufficiency of the Company's capital to finance the Company's operations; estimates of the Company's revenues and capital expenditures; estimated production from the Company's mines in the Ying Mining District and the GC Mine; timing of receipt of permits and regulatory approvals; availability of funds from production to finance the Company's operations; and access to and availability of funding for future construction, use of proceeds from any financing and development of the Company's properties.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, risks relating to: social and economic impacts of COVID-19; fluctuating commodity prices; calculation of resources, reserves and mineralization and precious and base metal recovery; interpretations and assumptions of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates; exploration and development programs; feasibility and engineering reports; permits and licences; title to properties; property interests; joint venture partners; acquisition of commercially mineable mineral rights; financing; recent market events and conditions; economic factors affecting the Company; timing, estimated amount, capital and operating expenditures and economic returns of future production; integration of future acquisitions into the Company's existing operations; competition; operations and political conditions; regulatory environment in China and Canada; environmental risks; legislative and regulatory initiatives addressing global climate change or other environmental concerns; foreign exchange rate fluctuations; insurance; risks and hazards of mining operations; key personnel; conflicts of interest; dependence on management; internal control over financial reporting; and bringing actions and enforcing judgments under U.S. securities laws.

This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and actual achievements of the Company or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, those referred to in the Company's Annual Information Form under the heading "Risk Factors". Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

The Company's forward-looking statements are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this news release, and other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Silvercorp Metals Inc

Related Links

www.silvercorp.ca


SAGINAW, Mich., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Seven schools within the Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) became part of the SME Education Foundation PRIME school initiative with a grant from Michigan's Marshall Plan for Talent. Legislation signed into law in June 2019, the Marshall Plan for Talent, is a partnership between educators, employers and other stakeholders that was designed to improve the state's talent pipeline.

The PRIME initiative will celebrate its formal launch on Friday, Oct. 15 at an event at the Saginaw Career Complex (2102 Weiss St., Saginaw, MI 48602). Speakers will include Michigan State Senator Ken Horn, the SME Education Foundation, Saginaw Intermediate School District officials, and Saginaw area manufacturers.

Through the Foundation's Partnership Response In Manufacturing Education (PRIME) initiative, schools are provided a curriculum tailored to give students hands-on training on modern, industry-standard equipment that allows them to explore futures in manufacturing, engineering and STEM-related careers aligned with manufacturers' needs. Since 2011, SME PRIME schools have been initiated in 63 communities across 22 states, creating opportunities for thousands of students with 17 SME PRIME schools located in Michigan.

"SME PRIME schools are central to our commitment of inspiring, preparing and supporting young people," said Rob Luce, SME Education Foundation vice president. "The work done through this partnership with Saginaw schools, employers and the State of Michigan is groundbreaking, and underscores a common need, purpose and direction."

Key metrics reviewed from schools responding to a recent study indicate that the SME PRIME schools initiative has resulted in 89% of students directly entering the manufacturing workforce, training in an apprenticeship position or pursuing postsecondary education in engineering or manufacturing disciplines.

SME PRIME resources at the Saginaw Career Complex will serve participating schools within the Saginaw ISD. An additional 6 institutions provide resources to students in their respective communities at Swan Valley High School, Birch Run High School, Hemlock High School, Freeland High School, Heritage High School and Merrill High School.

"Our district works every day to prepare and provide opportunities for all of our students," said Jenny Geno, Executive Director of Career and Technical Education for Saginaw ISD. "We now have the curriculum and equipment to get students excited about careers in manufacturing!"

There are more than 10,000 manufacturing employees in Saginaw.

About the SME Education Foundation

The SME Education Foundation inspires, prepares and supports the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent. Since its organization by SME in 1979, the SME Education Foundation works to bring students, educators, industry and communities together through its SME PRIME program; awards annual student scholarships and conducts the Student Summit Event Series held at SME events in North America. Visit the SME Education Foundation at smeeducationfoundation.org . Follow @mfgeducation on Twitter or facebook.com/SME.Education.Foundation .

SOURCE SME Education Foundation
CHICAGO, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Spaulding Ridge, a leading global cloud advisory and implementation firm, has announced the addition of two Associate Partners to its leadership team. With the firm's continued state of strong growth, the addition of Beau Reynolds and Neale Wooten as Associate Partners is designed to support increased demand from across the globe.

"We continue to see significant demand from our clients for our Best-in-Cloud application services. Both Beau and Neale bring significant experience that will prove valuable to our clients and to Spaulding Ridge," Sarah Katz, Spaulding Ridge President, says of the new APs. "Beau's experience will help us continue to expand our range of Accounting and Finance solutions for our clients, while Neale is part of our continuing effort to expand our Salesforce Core services."

Beau Reynolds, Associate Partner

Beau is a veteran CPM solutions leader, with extensive experience deploying large multi-phase solutions for both Consolidations and FP&A within Oil & Gas, Energy, Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing, Hospitality, and Retail industries. A thought leader and subject matter expert in the OneStream community, Beau has been recognized for his work delivering complex OneStream projects and for designing innovative solutions that empower users throughout the entire organization.

Neale Wooten, Associate Partner

Neale brings 25 years of experience in helping organizations scale through data transformation. A global delivery leader, Neale specializes in building diverse teams that are efficient, scalable, and driven, capable of delivering complex, enterprise Salesforce projects. With his combination of strong technical skills, strategic abilities, and his business-oriented results mindset, Neale has helped countless organizations drive competitive edge through data modeling and transformative integrations.

About Spaulding Ridge

Spaulding Ridge is a global cloud advisory and implementation firm that helps leading companies deploy Best-in-Cloud solutions. Spaulding Ridge enables organizations to accelerate operational efficiency, drive digital transformation, and increase competitive advantage.

Spaulding Ridge partners with digitally savvy companies to help:

Finance gain control: Increase top-line revenue, gross margins, and profits through better insight. Connect financial planning to strategy and automate financial close processes.

Increase top-line revenue, gross margins, and profits through better insight. Connect financial planning to strategy and automate financial close processes. Sales increase productivity: Manage quota and territories more consistently and effectively, automate customer contracts and onboarding.

Manage quota and territories more consistently and effectively, automate customer contracts and onboarding. Operations drive efficiency: Improve supply chain agility, automate strategic sourcing and purchasing, deliver superior customer service experiences.

To learn more, visit spauldingridge.com.

SOURCE Spaulding Ridge, LLC

Related Links

spauldingridge.com


MIRAMAR, Fla., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Travelers to and from Puerto Rico will have more options than ever when Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE) touches down in Ponce. Today the carrier announced plans to bring its bright yellow planes to Mercedita International Airport (PSE), adding to existing options in San Juan (SJU) and Aguadilla (BQN).

Photos and video available HERE

Spirit is starting service at PSE with daily flights to Orlando (MCO) launching Feb. 16, 2022. MCO is one of Spirit's largest airport operations with around 70 flights each day, which will provide one-stop options between PSE and more than a dozen cities throughout the country.

"Adding Ponce as our third market in Puerto Rico is a fantastic way to celebrate 20 years of Spirit serving the island," said John Kirby, Spirit's Vice President of Network Planning. "Our new nonstop flights to Orlando provide connectivity to many high-value travel options for flying in or out of Ponce, along with serving the vibrant and growing Puerto Rican community in Central Florida."

Spirit Airlines One-Stop Options to/from PSE:

Atlanta (ATL) Baltimore (BWI) Cleveland (CLE) Columbus (CMH) Detroit (DTW) Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Hartford-Bradley (BDL) Houston (IAH) Minneapolis (MSP) Nashville (BNA) New Orleans (MSY) Pensacola (PNS) Philadelphia (PHL) Pittsburgh (PIT)





Spirit flew its first flights to Puerto Rico in 2001 when it inaugurated service to San Juan. The airline followed up in 2007 with an expansion to Aguadilla. Adding Ponce will provide Spirit's Guests with eight nonstop route choices for travel between airports throughout Florida and Puerto Rico.

"Our Island continues promoting its great potential with the announcement of this new non-stop flight between Orlando and Ponce, a route that will increase flight availability for our people as well as those who visit us," said Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi. "The economic development of Ponce and the southern region is a priority for my administration, and we will continue seeking alliances beneficial to our economy such as this one. I thank Spirit Airlines and John Kirby for putting their trust in Puerto Rico and being key players in the expansion of flight offerings to our Island."

"We thank Spirit for their support," said Carlos Mercado Santiago, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC). "The new route to the southern city of Ponce is part of the PRTC's commitment to continue expanding seat availability and flight frequency to all three international airports on the Island. For the past 20 years, Spirit has been an amazing partner in our mission to position Puerto Rico as a major air access hub in the Caribbean and we look forward to continue strengthening our business ties and making Puerto Rico more attractive and accessible to those looking for a great vacation."

Spirit's Elevated Guest Experience

The expansion in Puerto Rico arrives alongside Spirit's continuing commitment to invest in the Guest, which entails a number of initiatives aimed at delivering the best value in the sky.

An all-new cabin interior with ergonomically-designed seats and more usable legroom, featuring the best deal in the sky with our unique Big Front Seat

Fast onboard Wi-Fi that allows Guests to watch content from their favorite streaming services**

Spirit's Signature Service

The new Free Spirit loyalty program with the fastest way to earn rewards and status***

Recognition

Spirit continues to garner awards and recognition in 2021. Spirit is one of only three U.S. airlines listed on FORTUNE's 2021 list of World's Most Admired Companies, which measures companies with the strongest reputation within their industries. The carrier is a Gold Stevie Award winner for its groundbreaking self-bag drop system with biometric photo matching, which speeds the check-in process and reduces face-to-face contact. Spirit also earned "Platinum" status in the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) Health Safety initiative powered by SimpliFlying.

Guest Safety

Spirit's commitment to Safe Travels includes enhanced cleaning, advanced air filtration and a health acknowledgement at check-in. Airlines and airports remain subject to federal law requiring Guests to wear an appropriate face covering at airports and on flights. Please visit Spirit's COVID-19 Information Center for more information on safety enhancements.

About Spirit Airlines:

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 Spirit Airlines, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.spirit.com


MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Study.com announced today that it has joined Pledge 1%, a corporate philanthropy movement dedicated to making the community a key stakeholder in every business. Pledge 1% continues the company's commitment to Making Education Accessible through social impact programs focused on increasing access and equity in education for underserved learners, non-traditional students, and educators.

"From day one, our founders believed that companies should positively contribute to society and set out with a mission to make education accessible," said Dana Bryson, SVP Social Impact at Study.com. "Pledge 1% further solidifies this commitment to empowering learners to overcome obstacles in seeking education."

Study.com has donated $23 million in-kind value across social impact programs, including millions to help schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pledge 1% aims to expand on the company's previous social impact initiatives, which include:

The Working Scholars program offers a bachelor's degree pathway for adult learners to start or finish their degree without any financial burden or debt. Over 100 graduates have benefitted from the program, which currently serves communities in California and provides students with academic advisors, degree mapping, transfer assistance, and success counseling.

program offers a bachelor's degree pathway for adult learners to start or finish their degree without any financial burden or debt. Over 100 graduates have benefitted from the program, which currently serves communities in and provides students with academic advisors, degree mapping, transfer assistance, and success counseling. Through the company's partnership with DonorsChoose , Study.com has donated subscriptions to hundreds of educators and provided online learning access for 40,000 students, primarily from Title I schools.

, Study.com has donated subscriptions to hundreds of educators and provided online learning access for 40,000 students, primarily from Title I schools. To promote teacher diversity, Study.com partnered with the California Center on Teaching Careers . The program serves four colleges and 16 school districts across primarily rural California and provided access to Study.com's CSET test prep courses for 67 pre-service teachers.

. The program serves four colleges and 16 school districts across primarily rural and provided access to Study.com's CSET test prep courses for 67 pre-service teachers. Study.com partners with the Oregon Youth Authority providing opportunities for system-involved youth to prepare for college credit-granting exams.

"Bringing together Study.com's non-profit, industry, and community partners to help drive access and equitable outcomes in education will continue to be a focus of our social impact efforts under Pledge 1%," continued Bryson. "The programs we offer support a wide range of people. In every instance, the support we provide taps into the power of our microlearning and video-based platform to meet each learner where they are and support them in achieving their goals."

About Study.com

Study.com is an online education platform that helps learners excel academically and build knowledge confidence. From test prep and homework help to earning affordable college credit, Study.com's online courses, short, animated video lessons and study tools have made learning simple for over 30 million learners and educators. Study.com was founded in 2002 and is a privately-held company located in Mountain View, Calif. Find us online at Study.com or download the mobile app from the iOS app store or Google Play.

About Pledge 1%

Pledge 1% is an effort spearheaded by Atlassian, Rally, Salesforce and Tides to accelerate their shared vision around integrating philanthropy into businesses around the world. Pledge 1% encourages and challenges individuals and companies to pledge 1% of equity, product and employee time for their communities, because pledging a small portion of future success can have a huge impact on tomorrow. Pledge 1% offers companies turnkey tools and best practices, making it accessible for any company to incorporate philanthropy into their business model. To learn more or to take the pledge, please visit www.pledge1percent.org .

SOURCE Study.com

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GUANGYUAN, China, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- At the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) held in Kunming, China announced the official establishment of the Giant Panda National Park on October 12. Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve, located in Qingchuan County, Guangyuan, Sichuan Province, is one of the components of the Giant Panda National Park. According to China's Fourth National Giant Panda Survey, there are 39 wild giant pandas in Tangjiahe.



Tangjiahe is renowned as the one of the few low-altitude areas on the planet with a high encounter rate of wild animals. In addition to the giant panda with stable population development, there are also rare animals such as golden snub-nosed monkey, Sichuan takin and Przevalski's parrotbill. In the reserve, takins roaming along the road are a great spectacle. At present, there are 23 species of national first-class protected wild animals and 86 species of national second-class protected wild animals distributed in Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve. There are 327 species of birds belonging to 168 genera in 58 families, with 46% of migratory birds, including 12 species of national first-class protected birds, such as Chinese monal and Chinese grouse.



Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve, established 43 years ago, remains focused on the protection and research of giant pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys and takins, and adheres to resource protection, scientific research and community co-management to jointly protect the wildlife in its jurisdiction.



Tangjiahe is not only cooperating with the nearby town governments, animal epidemic prevention stations, adjacent protected areas and administrative villages to establish a synergy system for monitoring wildlife foci and diseases. At the same time, it is collaborating with wildlife research institutes such as Tsinghua University, Peking University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, international organizations and public welfare institutions such as the World Wide Fund for Nature and Shan Shui Conservation Center to carry out daily patrol, scientific monitoring and wildlife protection, among others. At present, the reserve has conducted over 50,000 monitoring activities of various wild animals, and helped more than 20 lost and sick wild animals.



For the corn, rape, soybean and other crop areas seriously endangered by wild animals such as takin, black bear and wild boar around the reserve, the reserve is poised to seek support from social capital such as special forestry funds. At the same time, technology, experience and subsidy funds will be offered to support farmers in developing low-risk ecological industries such as Phyllostachys praecox and traditional Chinese medicine, altering traditional farming methods, and actively avoiding wild animals.

Tangjiahe has also signed protection agreements with northern Minshan nature reserves such as Gansu Baishuijiang National Nature Reserve, established a cross regional monitoring and joint prevention system, and jointly carried out the protection and management of wild animal populations and habitats such as giant pandas. At the same time, we are taking efforts to crack down on illegal activities such as poaching and eating wild animals. Since Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve was established 43 years ago, no major cases such as hunting and killing of giant pandas and golden snub-nosed monkeys have occurred.



SOURCE Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve
CHICAGO, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Technomic released the 2021 Burger Global Menu Category Report exploring an in-depth look into global sales, consumer preferences, menu trends, operator insights and brands to watch related to the burger category.

"Burger is one of the largest and most dynamic menu categories on the global stage, and restaurant operators have significant opportunities as recovery scenarios begin to set in across international markets" explains Aaron Jourden, senior research manager of global at Technomic. "The new Global Burger Menu Category Report allows operators and suppliers alike to leverage deep category insights, post-pandemic operator and menu trends and expert analysis to better capitalize on these opportunities."

Key findings:

More than 50% of consumers in 19 of 25 countries order a burger at least occasionally, with the Philippines , South Africa and the United States as the top markets

, and as the top markets Beef is the most preferred protein for burgers, with 78% of consumers selecting it globally

Chicken is the leading alternative to beef globally, ranking second among burger patty options

59 years is the average age of burger brands within Technomic's Global 150 chain restaurant list, with A&W the oldest at 102 years and Shake Shack the youngest at 17 years

The report is a deliverable included in Technomic's Global Foodservice Navigator program, which provides ongoing tools to keep at the forefront of evolving consumer, menu and operator trends on both a country and global level.

Learn more: https://www.technomic.com/reports/global-menu-category-reports

Contact: Patrick Noone, (312) 506-3852, [email protected]

About Technomic

Technomic Inc., a Winsight company, was founded as a management consulting firm in 1966. Since then, Technomic's services have grown to encompass cloud-based B2B research tools, consumer and menu trend tracking and other leading strategic research and analytic capabilities, to prioritize and size business opportunities. Our clients include food manufacturers and distributors, restaurants, retailers and multiple other business verticals aligned with the food industry that are looking to make informed decisions to support their business growth. Visit Technomic at www.technomic.com.

SOURCE Technomic

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According to Adam Lewis, president of Atlas, "We're thrilled to announce we're expanding our brokerage operations internationally. The timing couldn't be better to have Tony join TJ James, head of the NGL desk and broker Chris Wielgus for clients in Europe and the United States to leverage his international presence. The continued support for global NGL prices is being led by Brent crude and the rest of the energy complex. Hence why we are delighted to have Tony join our team." Wielgus added, "Historically low inventories, high exports, and lower production from recent outages have created a longer-term bullish environment. We have seen higher volatility and with that, the ensuing mania has only underscored the fragile global ecosystem that defines the modern NGL landscape and the importance of having proper global coverage."

"I am very excited to be joining Atlas Commodities and really look forward to providing clients with a wider global audience; especially at this time when I can be of most service to meet the demands of our portfolio of clients. I trust we will be able to deliver higher liquidity for European clients, and faster performance for the traders in the United States. As a team, we bring over 20 years of experience in the NGL markets and a very dedicated approach to accurate price discovery," stated Timmings.

Timmings started his career at Charles Schwab Europe as a stockbroker during the dot-com boom before moving on to work for Traders Knight Securities. He moved into the commodity markets, brokering tanker FFAs (forward freight agreements) at shipbroker SSY Futures LTD. He went on to work for GFI Group and Tullett Prebon in the same marketplace, gaining over ten years in the tanker freight market. Tony arrives from OTC Europe LLP, where he has spent nearly a decade in natural gas liquids, brokering swaps and options.

Craig Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Iapetus Holdings LLC, Atlas' parent company, stated, "Our shop's talented group of brokers is set up to leverage volatility in the energy markets and see continued growth. Adam Lewis, president of ACL, has been a valuable addition to the team. Under his leadership, we're continuing to grow abroad by onboarding Tony. Our boutique firm continues to deliver on the promise to provide outstanding service to our clients and meet their trading needs, and this international expansion is proof of it."

Atlas is a full-service commodity brokerage firm providing portfolio diversification and the ability to hedge production and consumption against price fluctuations. The Atlas team facilitates trading for institutional buyers, sellers, producers, processors, and end-users in all energies, including power, natural gas, and crude oil. TJ James is the firm's NGL desk lead. Taylor founded Atlas in 2006 after his tenure as a natural gas options broker, as well as a NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange) and over-the-counter market trader.

About Iapetus Holdings

Iapetus Holdings, LLC, is a privately held, minority and veteran-owned portfolio of energy and utility services businesses and alternative investments. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Iapetus brings an entrepreneurial, forward-thinking approach and a deep bench of experienced individuals with diverse backgrounds in finance, energy, safety, risk management, marketing, human resources, and various other spectrums. The Iapetus suite is a multimillion-dollar portfolio with offices throughout the U.S., efficiently structured to deliver optimum results for clients. The operating companies include Atlas Commodities, Atlas Field Services, Atlas Retail Energy, Soaring Eagle Technologies, Gold Coast Utility Specialists, and Hyperion Safety Environmental Solutions. Iapetus is the proud sponsor of a 501c3 non-profit, Atlas Scholars. For more information, visit iapetusllc.com.

Contact: Sally Lechin 832-385-9806

[email protected]

#InternationalEnergyTrading #NGLTrading #LPGTrading #InternationalEnergyBroker

SOURCE Iapetus Holdings

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AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Vyopta, the leader in digital collaboration and experience optimization, today announced it has achieved U.S. Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program ( FedRAMP ) Authority to Operate (ATO). Vyopta earned this authorization in partnership with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), its sponsoring agency. Vyopta is the only multi-vendor collaboration solution available in the FedRAMP Marketplace.

FedRAMP is one of the most extensive security authorizations cloud services providers can achieve. It provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization and continuous monitoring for cloud services to ensure all federal data is secure in cloud environments.

"Our government clients serve a key role in U.S. citizens lives and it is essential that they have the power to scale their collaboration support with the right data, alerting, and automation," said Vishnu Reddy, CEO, ThirdPacket Technologies .

"Federal government agencies and other highly regulated industries are accelerating their move to using cloud services, and security is of the utmost importance in this process," said Jerome Brock, Information Security Officer at Vyopta. "The FedRAMP ATO achievement is a testament to Vyopta's commitment to security for federal agencies and all other organizations around the world."

Along with the GSA, Vyopta's U.S. federal government customers include the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Veterans Affairs, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the Federal Reserve System, U.S. Senate and U.S. Courts.

Organizations with multiple UC solutions rely on Vyopta as the single pane of glass that significantly improves supporting hybrid work (remote and in office), distance learning and telehealth use cases. Vyopta integrates and collects data from leading collaboration technologies including Microsoft Teams, Cisco, Zoom, Google Meet, Pexip and many other UC/collaboration applications as well as gateways for voice and video and IoT collaboration devices.

"With adoption rates of Microsoft Teams soaring over the past two years, Yorktel can better support Agencies now that a FedRAMP certified product is available," said Charles Booth, Vice President of Public Sector Sales at Yorktel . "This transforms Teams-generated data into actionable information, optimizing the quality and reliability of mission-critical communications."

"We're empowering U.S. agencies to future-proof their ongoing investments and evolving enterprise UC and collaboration environments to improve team collaboration and customer engagement," Brock said.

"You'd be hard pressed to find an organization that has completely standardized on a single technology," said John Bowman, Director of Thundercat Technologies ' Collaboration Practice. "Until now there has been no way for the U.S. government to gather their collaboration data into a single place that helps them improve their service and make data-driven decisions."

Learn more at https://www.vyopta.com/solutions/federal/ .

Related:

About Vyopta Incorporated

Vyopta, a leader in digital collaboration and experience optimization, has helped 40 million people collaborate better. Its Collaboration Performance Management and Workspace Insights platforms have helped identify and address over 9 million issues. Vyopta helps organizations deliver the best UC user experience and optimize their UC and real estate investments. Hundreds of organizations worldwide spanning 20+ industries use Vyopta to monitor 6 million endpoints and over 20 billion meeting minutes a year.

SOURCE Vyopta Inc

Related Links

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"Our goal at bttn is to revolutionize the medical supply market by bringing transparency, ease-of-use, and simplification to each of our healthcare providers. It is insane to expect healthcare workers -- now exhausted from dealing with a 20-month long pandemic -- to use archaic procurement methods to purchase supplies with back-and-forth calls, emails, and faxes. We built a platform that makes ordering as easy as clicking a button," said JT Garwood, CEO and Co-Founder of bttn. " WVHS members will benefit from this simple, highly efficient approach to purchasing medical supplies. WVHS advocates for its members and they know access to medical supplies is critical to the health of the entire West Virginia community."

West Virginia Health Services, Inc. is a wholly owned, for-profit subsidiary of the West Virginia Hospital Association specializing in group purchasing and related administrative services. WVHS is dedicated to providing its members high-quality, low-cost products and services, and provides technical assistance in analyzing materials management functions, clinical services, financial management, and environmental needs for hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.

"Our member hospitals have been under duress for the better part of two years," said Jim Kaufman President and CEO of West Virginia Hospital Association. "The role of WVHS is to vet providers that will lower costs, save time, or reduce stress for our members. bttn provides our members easy access to quality medical supplies through an easy-to-use solution."

The West Virginia Hospital Association, which is supported by the efforts of WVHS, includes 64 hospital and health systems and represents nearly 49,000 employees. Annually, the WVHA members:

Admit over 225,000 patients

Host 6.5 million outpatient visits

Treat nearly 1.2 million people in their emergency departments

Perform 270,000 surgeries

Welcome over 18,000 newborns

About bttn

bttn serves healthcare practitioners by lowering the cost of healthcare. Our platform automates purchasing of medical supplies at direct-from-manufacturer prices. Additionally, bttn. provides market-based data reports to customers to promote market transparency. By streamlining the ordering process, and moving it to an e-commerce platform, bttn enables customers to save on their medical supply bill while delivering faster than typical medical supply channels. Choose www.bttnusa.com to automate your medical supply today. bttn is headquartered in Seattle, WA, growing rapidly.

CONTACT: Shannon Roarke, [email protected].

SOURCE bttn
At HBCUs we see Black excellence at its best. HBCUs have made enormous contributions, and in spite of finding a way to survive, the lack of funding has prevented many HBCUs from excelling at an even higher level. As president of Tennessee State University, I see first-hand the difficulties that HBCUs experience and the continuing, looming disparity in the educational gap.

The Build Back Better Act is significant legislation that proposes to invest in HBCUs, and reflects this Administration's understanding of how important these investments are in helping HBCUs continue their central role in resolving many of the challenges that threaten the general welfare and prosperity of our country. The President and Vice President have provided historic support for HBCUs and invested in HBCUs at unprecedented levels. We must now work with Congress to pass the legislation that will more sustainably support HBCUs. These investments as detailed from the White House are described below:

Historic Investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

American Rescue Plan. The American Rescue Plan provided over $4 billion in relief funding to HBCUs, including approximately $1.6 billion in debt relief to 45 HBCUs (13 public institutions and 32 private institutions) earlier this year.

in relief funding to HBCUs, including approximately in debt relief to 45 HBCUs (13 public institutions and 32 private institutions) earlier this year. FY 21 Grant Funding. In FY21, the Department of Education awarded a total of $1 billion to build the capacity of institutions that serve large numbers of students of color and low-income students. $500 million of this funding went directly to HBCUs.

to build the capacity of institutions that serve large numbers of students of color and low-income students. of this funding went directly to HBCUs. FY 22 Budget Request. The President's FY22 budget requests a total of $887 million for HBCU-specific funding in Higher Education Act (HEA) Title III fundsan increase of $247 million over last year's level. This would triple the mandatory Title III funding at the Department of Education for a total of $252 million . Title III mandatory funds provide formula grants to all HBCUs to invest in capacity-building initiatives and student success programs. The President's budget request includes funding for research opportunities at HBCUs, labs, IT infrastructure, workforce development programs in STEM, and DOJ funding for Violence Against Women Act programs at HBCUs, among other priorities.

for HBCU-specific funding in Higher Education Act (HEA) Title III fundsan increase of over last year's level. This would triple the mandatory Title III funding at the Department of Education for a total of . Title III mandatory funds provide formula grants to all HBCUs to invest in capacity-building initiatives and student success programs. The President's budget request includes funding for research opportunities at HBCUs, labs, IT infrastructure, workforce development programs in STEM, and DOJ funding for Violence Against Women Act programs at HBCUs, among other priorities. Teacher Quality Funding. Through the FY22 budget request and the Build Back Better plan, President Biden has proposed $60 million for the Augustus Hawkins Centers of Excellence Program to support teacher preparation programs at HBCUs and minority-serving institutions (MSIs).

Strengthening the White House Initiative on HBCUs

In September, President Biden signed an Executive Order to re-establish the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through HBCUs and issued a proclamation recognizing National HBCU Week.

to re-establish the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through HBCUs and issued a recognizing National HBCU Week. The President's Executive Order calls for a whole of government approach to support HBCUs in responding to and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and bolster HBCUs in a number of ways, including by breaking down barriers and improving access to Federal funding and other programs, particularly in areas of research and development.

The Order specifically directs senior officials in the Executive Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President to consult and collaborate with the Initiative on policy priorities for HBCUs.

Federal agencies must submit plans by February 1st of each year to describe how they are increasing HBCU access to Federal programs and improving Federal recruitment activities at HBCUs to build pathways to Federal employment.

of each year to describe how they are increasing HBCU access to Federal programs and improving Federal recruitment activities at HBCUs to build pathways to Federal employment. During HBCU Week, President Biden also named Dr. Tony Allen , President of Delaware State University , as Chair of the President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs. The Board, originally established by the Carter Administration, is meant to engage key stakeholders in fields such as education, business, and philanthropy to advance the goals of the HBCU Initiative.

Ensuring Continued Support for HBCUs through the Build Back Better Plan

The President's Build Back Better plan would provide tuition subsidies to students who attend HBCUs with a family income below $125,000 . It would also provide free community college to students who attend one of the 11 HBCUs that are also community colleges.

. It would also provide free community college to students who attend one of the 11 HBCUs that are also community colleges. Build Back Better also includes a $5 billion increase in funding for HEA Title III and Title V, which can be used by HBCUs, Tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), and MSIs to strengthen their academic, administrative, and fiscal capabilities, including creating or expanding educational programs in high-demand fields (e.g., STEM, computer sciences, nursing, and allied health). Build Back Better would direct an additional $2 billion toward building a pipeline of skilled health care workers with graduate degrees from HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs.

increase in funding for HEA Title III and Title V, which can be used by HBCUs, Tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), and MSIs to strengthen their academic, administrative, and fiscal capabilities, including creating or expanding educational programs in high-demand fields (e.g., STEM, computer sciences, nursing, and allied health). Build Back Better would direct an additional toward building a pipeline of skilled health care workers with graduate degrees from HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs. Recognizing the historic underfunding of HBCUs and other institutions that serve large numbers of students of color, the President's plan also would invest $40 billion in upgrading research infrastructure, half of which would be reserved for HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs.

in upgrading research infrastructure, half of which would be reserved for HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs. The President also proposed creating a new national lab focused on climate that would be affiliated with an HBCU.

In summary, the Build Back Better legislation is a game changer for HBCUs. We all must continue to work with Congress to pass this legislation as it would indeed Build Back Better HBCUs. We must ask Congress to reinforce the agenda of the President and Vice President to include the proper research funding to strengthen HBCUs, support the students they serve, address historic discrimination, and put HBCUs on equal footing with majority institutions.

SOURCE Dr. Glenda Glover, President, Tennessee State University
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The reading and mathematics scores of 13-year-old students fell between 2012 and 2020the first time in the almost 50-year history of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) long-term trend (LTT) assessmentaccording to results released today by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The performance of 9-year-olds remained the same in both subjects compared to 2012.

In both age groups and subjects, the scores of lower-performing students declined since 2012, the previous assessment year, mirroring patterns observed in other subjects assessed by NAEP, also known as The Nation's Report Card.

"This was the first time in the almost 50-year history of the long-term trend assessments that we observed declines among 13-year-olds," said NCES Commissioner Peggy G. Carr. "These performance drops are especially notable among lower-performing students, who no longer demonstrate competency in skills that students were able to do almost a decade ago in both subjects and age groups."

The mathematics scores for the lower-performing students (students at the 10th and 25th percentile) declined among students from both age groups from the previous assessment in 2012. Scores also declined in mathematics for 13-year-olds at the 50th percentile. Scores for higher-performing students (at the 75th and 90th percentiles) did not change.

Reading scores declined for both the lowest-performing 9-year-olds and 13-year-olds at the 10th percentile, the only percentile group with significant change between 2012 and 2020.

Student group performance and score gap changes since 2012

Mathematics scores at age 9 declined for females but did not change significantly for males since 2012. This resulted in a score gap, with males outperforming females in 2020a change from 2012, when there was no score difference between the genders.

Scores declined for Black and Hispanic 13-year-olds in mathematics since 2012, while scores for White students and students of other races/ethnicities did not change. The score decline for Black students resulted in a wider score gap with White students compared to 2012.

There were no significant score changes by race/ethnicity or gender in reading since 2012.

Gains since the 1970s

Both reading and mathematics scores have improved for 9- and 13-year-olds since the NAEP LTT assessment began in the early 1970s. The first LTT assessment in reading was administered in 1971, and the first LTT assessment in mathematics was administered in 1973.

Scores improved for 9- and 13-year-old students in all racial/ethnic groups and genders compared to the 1970s.

In comparison to scores in the 1970s, the 2020 scores in reading and mathematics were higher at all selected percentiles (10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th), with one exception: The reading score for the lowest-performing 13year-old students at the 10th percentile was not significantly different compared to 1971.

"Scores were declining, particularly for the lowest-performing students, before the pandemic," said Commissioner Carr. "Next year's long-term trend assessment of 9-year-olds will provide insight into the performance of students in this age group after the widespread school closures in March 2020."

The National Assessment Governing Board recently amended the long-term trend assessment schedule to collect data on 9-year-olds during the 2021-22 school year, earlier than normal, to begin assessing student achievement since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Results by Subject

Reading

The average reading score (220) for 9-year-old students was 12 points higher in 2020 than in 1971, but not significantly different from the average score in 2012.

The average reading score (260) for 13-year-old students was 5 points higher in 2020 than in 1971, but 3 points lower than in 2012.

Scores in reading for the lowest-performing 9- and 13-year-old students (at the 10th percentile) decreased from 2012.

The percentages of 9-year-olds and 13-year-olds who report that they "never or hardly ever" read for fun have increased significantly since the question was first included in the questionnaire in 1984. Sixteen percent of 9-year-olds answered the question that way in 2020, compared to 9 percent in 1984. For the 13-year-olds, the percentages were 29 percent in 2020 and 8 percent in 1984.

Major student groups (e.g., race/ethnicity and gender) have improved since the earliest assessment.

Mathematics

The average mathematics score (241) for 9-year-old students was 22 points higher in 2020 than in 1973, but not significantly different from the average score in 2012.

The average mathematics score (280) for 13-year-old students was 14 points higher in 2020 than in 1973, but 5 points lower than in 2012.

Scores in mathematics for lower-performing 9- and 13-year-old students (at the 10th and 25th percentiles) decreased from 2012.

Both male and female 13-year-olds scored lower in mathematics compared to 2012, but scored higher compared to 1978.

Higher-performing 13-year-old students in 2020 were more likely to report current enrollment in an algebra class.

Major student groups (e.g., race/ethnicity and gender) have improved since the earliest assessment.

How Results Are Reported

Student performance on the LTT assessments is reported in four ways: scale scores, percentile scores, student group scores and score gaps, and performance levels.

Scale scores represent the average performance of students on a scale of 0 to 500. Scores are reported at the national level and for groups of students based on racial/ethnic, gender, and other demographic characteristics.

Performance levels provide another perspective for interpreting LTT results. Changes in the percentages at or above each performance level reflect changes in the proportion of students who demonstrated the knowledge and skills associated with that level in responding to assessment questions. The performance-level descriptions used on the NAEP LTT assessment are different from the achievement-level descriptions in the main NAEP reports.

About the Assessment

Since the 1970s, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) has monitored student performance in mathematics and reading through the long-term trend (LTT) assessments. These assessments measure students' educational progress over long time periods to look for and monitor trends in performance. The LTT assessment is age-based, rather than grade-based, and assesses 9-year-old and 13-year-old students.

NAEP measures basic reading and mathematics skills to gauge how the performance of U.S. students has changed over time. Reading was first assessed in 1971 and mathematics in 1973. The LTT reading assessment asks students to read short texts and answer mostly multiple-choice questions, though there are a few questions requiring short or extended answers. For mathematics, students are given three 15-minute sections of mostly multiple-choice questions related to basic math facts, computations, formulas, and real-life applications.

The 2020 Long-Term Trend assessments were administered during the 2019-20 school year. The assessment was administered to 13-year-olds between October and December 2019, and 9-year-olds were assessed between January and March 2020.

Visit https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/ to view the report.

The National Center for Education Statistics, a principal agency of the U.S. Federal Statistical System, is the statistical center of the U.S. Department of Education and the primary federal entity for collecting and analyzing data related to education in the U.S. and other nations. NCES fulfills a congressional mandate to collect, collate, analyze, and report complete statistics on the condition of American education; conduct and publish reports; and review and report on education activities internationally.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is a congressionally authorized project sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. The National Center for Education Statistics, within the Institute of Education Sciences, administers NAEP. The commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics is responsible by law for carrying out the NAEP project. Policy for the NAEP program is set by the National Assessment Governing Board, an independent, bipartisan board whose members include governors, state legislators, local and state school officials, educators, business representatives and members of the general public.

CONTACT:

Grady Wilburn, NCES, [email protected] , (202) 245-8159 OR

James Elias, Hager Sharp, [email protected] , (202) 355-4417

SOURCE National Center for Education Statistics
The 3D printing materials market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. To leverage the current opportunities, market vendors must strengthen their foothold in the fast-growing segments while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments.

3D Printing Materials Market 2021-2025: Segmentation

Material

Thermoplastic Polymer



Photopolymer



Metal Powder



Others

Geography

North America



APAC



Europe



MEA



South America

For more information about each segment of the 3D printing materials market, Request a Free Sample

3D Printing Materials Market 2021-2025: Vendor Analysis and Scope

To help businesses improve their market position, the 3D printing materials market provides a detailed analysis of around 25 vendors operating in the market. Some of these vendors include 3D Systems Corp., Arkema SA, BASF SE, Dow Inc., Eastman Chemical Co., Evonik Industries AG, Koninklijke DSM NV, Materialise NV, Solvay SA, and Stratasys Ltd.

The report also covers the following areas:

The low wastage of cartridges in additive printing, emergence of new 3D printing materials, and limited time required for 3D printing will offer immense growth opportunities. However, the high cost of 3D printing equipment and materials will hamper the market growth.

Get lifetime access to our Technavio Insights. Subscribe now to our most popular "Lite Plan" billed annually at USD 3000. View 3 reports monthly and Download 3 Reports Annually!

3D Printing Materials Market 2021-2025: Key Highlights

CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2021-2025

Detailed information on factors that will assist 3d printing materials market growth during the next five years

Estimation of the 3d printing materials market size and its contribution to the parent market

Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

The growth of the 3d printing materials market

Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors

Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of 3d printing materials market vendors

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3D Printing Materials Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2020 Forecast period 2021-2025 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 48.11% Market growth 2021-2025 USD 12.75 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 47.13 Regional analysis North America, APAC, Europe, MEA, and South America Performing market contribution North America at 36% Key consumer countries US, China, Germany, Japan, and UK Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Companies profiled 3D Systems Corp., Arkema SA, BASF SE, Dow Inc., Eastman Chemical Co., Evonik Industries AG, Koninklijke DSM NV, Materialise NV, Solvay SA, and Stratasys Ltd. Market Dynamics Parent market analysis, market growth inducers and obstacles, fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and future consumer dynamics, market condition analysis for the forecast period Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

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SOURCE Technavio

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LONDON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- EMEX (emexlondon.com) is back for an in-person event on 24 and 25 November 2021 at the ExCeL Centre in London, empowering the UK's largest community of leading Sustainability, Energy and Environmental professionals to succeed in their race to Net Zero.

Scheduled just three weeks after COP26 in Glasgow, EMEX is the place where professionals from the public and the private sectors will be eager to translate pledges into action. EMEX is an immersive 2-day experience of interactions and active learning where professionals share best practices, source technology, sharpen their plans and hone their skills.

EMEX is free to attend with over 80 exhibitors and 50 seminars spread across 4 topical theatres:

Energy and Carbon Management Strategy

Sustainability and Net Zero

Built Environment and Transport

Energy Future and Flexible Networks

Keynote speakers include:

- Lord Deben, Chairman of the UK's independent Committee on Climate Change

- Ian Wright, Chief Executive of the Food and Drink Federation

- Garrett Quinn, Chief Sustainability Officer at Smurfit Kappa Group

- Guy Grainger, Global Head of Sustainability Services & ESG of JLL

- Matteo Deidda, Sustainability Manager, Lloyds Banking Group

- Nicole Fletcher, Sustainable Procurement Lead at NHS England and NHS Improvement

- Dr Christos Vidalakis, Head of Property Sustainability, Office of Government Property, Cabinet Office

Educational and technical topics covered include:

Low-carbon retrofit strategies and solutions in historic and listed buildings

UK building stock is amongst the oldest in the world and, as such, it presents unique challenges in making it fit for the Net Zero future. EMEX will host a series of case studies and discussions focusing on specific building areas where fast decarbonisation and major savings can be done.

UK building stock is amongst the oldest in the world and, as such, it presents unique challenges in making it fit for the Net Zero future. EMEX will host a series of case studies and discussions focusing on specific building areas where fast decarbonisation and major savings can be done. Heating and cooling featuring the Church of England , King's Cross Estate, University of Reading , Wolfson College (Oxford) and the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) speaking alongside their suppliers Hyspot, Optimised Buildings and Max Fordham .

featuring the Church of , King's Cross Estate, University of , (Oxford) and the Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) speaking alongside their suppliers Hyspot, Optimised Buildings and .

Building ventilation featuring BESA, Nicotra Gebhardt and Chauvin Arnoux .

featuring BESA, Nicotra Gebhardt and .

BMS & vacant buildings with Keele University and the University of Glasgow .

with Keele University and the .

District Heating Networks with Islington's Bunhill 2 and GreenSCIES.

The supply chain opportunity to accelerate decarbonisation

In Food and Drink, the UK's largest manufacturing sector, over 90% of companies' carbon emissions come from the supply chains. EMEX will host a full morning programme moderated by the Food and Drink Federation with apetito , Danone , Budweiser Brewing Group, Avara Foods and Wealmoor discussing challenges and unlocking enormous opportunities to drive down emissions within and beyond their own operations by engaging with stakeholders and suppliers at each stage of the value chain.

In Food and Drink, the UK's largest manufacturing sector, over 90% of companies' carbon emissions come from the supply chains. EMEX will host a full morning programme moderated by the with , , and discussing challenges and unlocking enormous opportunities to drive down emissions within and beyond their own operations by engaging with stakeholders and suppliers at each stage of the value chain. Electrifying fleets

Deploying EV fleets at scale can be a daunting task for many companies looking to make the switch. Mitie, National Grid and DPD Group UK will share experiences from their meteoric deployments arming delegates with key considerations and practical knowledge on how to overcome many challenges lying ahead.

can be a daunting task for many companies looking to make the switch. will share experiences from their meteoric deployments arming delegates with key considerations and practical knowledge on how to overcome many challenges lying ahead.

Removing the payment complexities traditionally associated with expense reclaim and on-the-road, at home, and at work EV charging for employers and employees will be addressed by Mina and Allstar Business Solutions.

The Public Sector has major plans to deliver upon the Government's legal duty to reach Net Zero by 2050

NHS England and NHS Improvement expanding scope of emissions covering the products procured from its 80,000 suppliers. While the NHS does not control these emissions directly it can use its considerable purchasing power to influence change.

expanding scope of emissions covering the products procured from its 80,000 suppliers. While the NHS does not control these emissions directly it can use its considerable purchasing power to influence change.

The British Army with RAMC VR's Safety and Environmental Adviser and RLC's Sustainability Lead 1st (UK) Division will present the multi-award winning Project Green Rhino, a framework through which the Division of over 32,000 personnel, 9 brigades and 89 separate establishments can focus its efforts to reach net zero by 2050.

with RAMC VR's Safety and Environmental Adviser and RLC's Sustainability Lead 1st (UK) Division will present the multi-award winning Project Green Rhino, a framework through which the Division of over 32,000 personnel, 9 brigades and 89 separate establishments can focus its efforts to reach net zero by 2050.

Turning the blue-lights green with London Ambulance Service NHS, Metropolitan Police, London Fire and Royal National Lifeboat Institution unveiling world leading technology and providing unique insights into the emergency services plans to deliver Net Zero results while advancing resilience and efficiency for front-line operations.

EMEX is also a unique opportunity to learn about the new technology available right now. Over 80 exhibitors are showcasing a broad range of low carbon and energy efficient solutions under one roof including AB Energy, Acutrace, Atlas Copco, Axair Fans, B2B Energy, Bill Identity, Birdsall, Bosch, Carlo Gavazzi, Circulor, Clarke Energy, Direct Business Solutions, EBM Papst, EnergyElephant, Total Data Centre Solutions, EWT, Group Horizon, Hark Systems, HMS Industrial Networks, Innotech Europe, National Grid, ND Metering, Nicotra-Gebhardt, Northern Gas & Power, Optimised Buildings Ltd, Power Capacitors, Siemens, SMA Solar Technology, Vexo International, Vinci Facilities, WEG and many more

The full seminar programme and exhibitor listings are regularly updated on EMEX website.

To register for free, please visit www.emexlondon.com

Notes to editor:

EMEX is an in-person annual exhibition that takes place on 24 and 25 November 2021 at ExCeL London.

EMEX is the UK's must-attend Net Zero Conference and Energy Management Exhibition for all professionals wanting to deliver a low carbon, energy efficient and sustainable future in their organisation.

Grapple with the Net Zero agenda in a meaningful way with more than 100 leading practitioners and experts; over 50 seminars across 4 topical theatres, and an exhibition with 80 leading providers showcasing a broad range of low carbon and energy efficient solutions and services under one roof.

It is free to register to attend the show.

More information can be found at emexlondon.com

www.emexlondon.com

Contact:

Jason Franks

+(44)020 8505 7073

[email protected]

SOURCE EMEX London
In America, the middle class can no longer afford retirement. Tweet this

"In America, the middle class can no longer afford retirement. Middle class Americans face sharp economic inequality, with ownership of financial assets highly concentrated among the wealthy," explained Tyler Bond, NIRS research manager. "Now that we have a retirement system largely built around the individual ownership of financial assets in 401(k) accounts, middle class Americans are struggling to accumulate sufficient financial assets during their working years. This means the retirement outlook for many in the middle class is bleak at best."

The research also finds low numbers when examining the mean and median financial assets owned.

For middle class Millennial households in 2019, the mean financial assets owned were $17,802 , and the median was $7,800 .

, and the median was . Middle class Generation X households had mean financial assets of $62,944 , and median financial assets of $39,000 in 2019.

, and median financial assets of in 2019. For middle class Baby Boomers, the mean amount of financials assets held was $93,298 in 2019, while the median was only $51,700 .

"Baby Boomer households are retired or near retirement, but their assets fall far short of what's required to finance a secure retirement," Bond explained. "A nest egg of $51,700, the median amount middle class Boomers hold, would generate only $2000 of income annually over 30 years. This means that many middle class Boomer households may struggle in retirement and could face a sharp reduction in their standard of living."

The research indicates that implementing pragmatic policy solutions can help middle class households get on a better path to saving for retirement including strengthening and expanding Social Security; protecting defined benefit pensions; and ensuring access to a retirement savings plan through an employer.

For this research, the middle class is defined as those between the 30th and 70th percentiles of net worth, or the middle 40 percent. As in the Stark Inequality report, three generational cohorts are considered in this middle class analysis: Millennials, Generation X, and Baby Boomers.

The research is based upon data from the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF). It examines financial asset ownership, a broader category than retirement assets. According to the SCF, the category of financial assets consists of liquid assets, certificates of deposit, directly held pooled investment funds, stocks, bonds, quasi-liquid assets, savings bonds, whole life insurance, other managed assets, and other financial assets. It does not include physical assets such as a home or a car. The data for this research is for households rather than individuals.

The National Institute on Retirement Security is a non-profit, non-partisan organization established to contribute to informed policymaking by fostering a deep understanding of the value of retirement security to employees, employers, and the economy as a whole. Located in Washington, D.C., NIRS membership includes financial services firms, employee benefit plans, trade associations, and other retirement service providers. More information is available at www.nirsonline.org. Follow NIRS on Twitter @NIRSonline.

SOURCE National Institute on Retirement Security

Related Links

www.nirsonline.org


BOSTON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Eaton Vance Senior Income Trust (NYSE: EVF) (the "Fund") held an annual meeting of shareholders earlier today (the "Annual Meeting"). At the Annual Meeting, Fund shareholders were asked to elect four Class II Trustees. The Annual Meeting was adjourned to October 29, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time to allow more time for shareholders to vote. The August 3, 2021 record date for shareholders entitled to vote at the adjourned Annual Meeting remains unchanged. Information about the adjourned Annual Meeting appears below.

If, as of August 3, 2021, you were a Fund shareholder and have not yet voted, the Fund urges you to submit your vote in advance of the adjourned Annual Meeting by one of the methods described in the Fund's proxy materials. The Fund's proxy statement is available online at https://funds.eatonvance.com/closed-end-fund-and-term-trust-documents.php.

If, as of August 3, 2021, you were a holder of record of Fund shares (i.e., you held Fund shares in your own name directly with the Fund) and wish to participate in and vote at the adjourned Annual Meeting, you should email your full name and address to AST at [email protected] You will then be provided with credentials to participate in the adjourned Annual Meeting. You will be able to vote by entering the control number found on the proxy card you previously received. All requests to participate in and/or vote at the adjourned Annual Meeting must be received by AST by no later than 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on October 28, 2021.

If, as of August 3, 2021, you held Fund shares through an intermediary (such as a broker-dealer) and wish to participate in and vote at the adjourned Annual Meeting, you will need to obtain a legal proxy from your intermediary reflecting the Fund's name, the number of Fund shares you held and your name and email address. You may forward an email from your intermediary containing the legal proxy or attach an image of the legal proxy to an email and send it to AST at [email protected] with "Legal Proxy" in the subject line. You will then be provided with credentials to participate in the adjourned Annual Meeting, as well as a unique control number to vote your shares. If you would like to participate in, but NOT vote at, the adjourned Annual Meeting, please send an email to AST at [email protected] with proof of ownership of Fund shares. A statement, letter or the Vote Instruction Form from your intermediary will be sufficient proof of ownership. You will then be provided with credentials to participate in the adjourned Annual Meeting. All requests to participate in and/or vote at the adjourned Annual Meeting must be received by AST by no later than 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on October 28, 2021.

Please contact AST at [email protected] with any questions regarding access to the adjourned annual Meeting, and an AST representative will contact you to answer your questions.

About the Fund

Eaton Vance applies in-depth fundamental analysis to the active management of equity, income, alternative and multi-asset strategies. Eaton Vance's investment teams follow time-tested principles of investing that emphasize ongoing risk management, tax management (where applicable) and the pursuit of consistent long-term returns. The firm's investment capabilities encompass the global capital markets. With a history dating back to 1924, Eaton Vance is headquartered in Boston and also maintains investment offices in New York, London, Tokyo and Singapore. For more information, visit evmanagement.com. Eaton Vance is a part of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, the asset management division of Morgan Stanley.

Shares of closed-end funds often trade at a discount from their net asset value. The market price of Fund shares may vary from net asset value based on factors affecting the supply and demand for shares, such as Fund distribution rates relative to similar investments, investors' expectations for future distribution changes, the clarity of the Fund's investment strategy and future return expectations, and investors' confidence in the underlying markets in which the Fund invests. Fund shares are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal invested. The Fund is not a complete investment program and you may lose money investing therein. An investment in the Fund may not be appropriate for all investors. Before investing, prospective investors should consider carefully the Fund's investment objective, strategies, risks, charges and expenses.

This press release is for informational purposes only and is not intended to, and does not, constitute an offer to purchase or sell shares of the Fund. Additional information about the Fund, including performance and portfolio characteristic information, is available at eatonvance.com.

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements, as defined by the U.S. securities laws. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to uncertainties and other factors that may be beyond the Fund's control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Eaton Vance Management

Related Links

www.eatonvance.com


PHOENIX, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Advisor Group, the nation's largest network of independent wealth management firms, today announced the successful recruitment to its network of seven financial advisors hailing from the Mountain West and West Coast that collectively oversee $412 million in client assets. The advisors are joining Advisor Group subsidiary Royal Alliance Associates through one of its most successful Super-OSJ groups  Bellevue, Wash.-based Pacific Capital Resource Group (PCRG).

In addition to Royal Alliance, Advisor Group also includes FSC Securities, Securities America, SagePoint Financial, Triad Advisors and Woodbury Financial Services.

Dmitry Goldin, President and CEO of Royal Alliance, said, "We are thrilled to bring aboard a group of such outstanding financial advisors, each of whom has demonstrated a strong track record for growth and client service. At Royal Alliance, our team prides itself on being able to leverage all that the OSJ model has to offer when it comes to supporting independent professionals. We welcome each of these advisors to the Royal Alliance family and congratulate PCRG for its continued recruiting success."

Led by CEO and OSJ Kurt Jonson, PCRG has 53 financial advisors that together oversee $915 million in total client assets. PCRG offers retirement planning, wealth advisory services, investment planning and insurance solutions to individuals and families, as well as business planning, valuation, benefits and insurance services to small business clients. PCRG affiliated with Royal Alliance in October 2020 and has offices in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

Mr. Jonson said, "With the support of Advisor Group and Royal Alliance, we are continually seeking to enhance the value we can offer growth-minded independent financial advisors through our technology, platforms and support services. For advisors who are interested in serving their clients more effectively and efficiently, we are here to help. Their success is our success, and we look forward to working together for years to come."

The seven advisors operate five independent practices:

JK Wealth Management, of Scottsdale , Ariz., consists of partners and financial advisors Jeff Julander and Adam Kaplan , who together oversee $150.9 million in client assets. Founded in 1999, the duo transitioned to Royal Alliance Associates to find a new culture, explore broader product offerings and take greater control over their book. They were impressed by Advisor Group's succession planning and marketing capabilities, along with its technology platforms.

of , Ariz., consists of partners and financial advisors and , who together oversee in client assets. Founded in 1999, the duo transitioned to Royal Alliance Associates to find a new culture, explore broader product offerings and take greater control over their book. They were impressed by Advisor Group's succession planning and marketing capabilities, along with its technology platforms. Family Tree Financial, of Eagle, Idaho , oversees $151 million in total client assets and is led by Chris Eggleston and Stephen Schultz . The two financial advisors were attracted to Advisor Group for its industry-leading technology platform and back-office support.

of , oversees in total client assets and is led by and . The two financial advisors were attracted to Advisor Group for its industry-leading technology platform and back-office support. Rampart Wealth Strategies, of Yakima, Wash. , is led by President and Financial Advisor Lisa Rohrbaugh , who oversees $80.8 million in client assets. In transitioning firms, Ms. Rohrbaugh was seeking a more collegial culture, better marketing capabilities and enhanced technology and back-office support.

of , is led by President and Financial Advisor , who oversees in client assets. In transitioning firms, Ms. Rohrbaugh was seeking a more collegial culture, better marketing capabilities and enhanced technology and back-office support. Clarified Planning, of Scottsdale, Ariz. , is led by financial advisor Rodney Boelter , who oversees $18 million in client assets. Mr. Boelter was attracted to Advisor Group's dedicated marketing consultants and digital marketing capabilities, in addition to its broader product offerings.

of , is led by financial advisor , who oversees in client assets. Mr. Boelter was attracted to Advisor Group's dedicated marketing consultants and digital marketing capabilities, in addition to its broader product offerings. Dailey Wealth Management, of Centennial, Colo. , is led by financial advisor R. Lee Dailey Jr. , who oversees $13.3 million in client assets. He was impressed by Advisor Group's succession planning capabilities, broader product offerings, strong culture and technology platforms.

Greg Cornick, Advisor Group's President, Advice and Wealth Management, said, "The recruitment of these seven experienced financial advisors is testament to the strong value proposition that Advisor Group, through its network of subsidiary firms, is able to offer entrepreneurial professionals with the desire and commitment to take their businesses to the next level. Moving ahead, we will continue to make the right strategic investments in our people, platforms and technology to help financial advisors operate even more efficiently and accelerate the growth of their practices."

About Royal Alliance Associates

Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. is part of Advisor Group, the nation's largest network of independent wealth management firms, and a Registered Investment Advisor, member FINRA and SIPC. Royal Alliance has more than 3,000 affiliated independent financial advisors and is headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey. It was founded in 1969 and employs a client driven approach focused on meeting the unique demands of businesses and individuals. For more information visit http://www.royalalliance.com.

About Advisor Group

Advisor Group, Inc. is the nation's largest network of independent wealth management firms, serving approximately 10,100 financial professionals and overseeing over $475 billion in client assets. The firm is mission-driven to support the strategic role that advisors can play in the lives of their clients. Cultivating a spirit of entrepreneurship and independence, Advisor Group champions the enduring value of financial professionals and is committed to being in their corner every step of the way. For more information visit https://www.advisorgroup.com.

Securities and investment advisory services are offered through the firms: FSC Securities Corporation, Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., SagePoint Financial, Inc., Triad Advisors, LLC, and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, and members of FINRA and SIPC. Securities are offered through Securities America, Inc., a broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Arbor Point Advisors, LLC, Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management, Inc., Securities America Advisors, Inc., and Triad Hybrid Solutions, LLC, registered investment advisers. Advisory programs offered by FSC Securities Corporation, Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., SagePoint Financial, Inc., and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., are sponsored by VISION2020 Wealth Management Corp., an affiliated registered investment adviser. Advisor Group, Inc. is an affiliate of these firms. 20 E. Thomas Rd., Ste. 2000, Phoenix, AZ, 85012. 866.481.0379.

About Pacific Capital Resource Group

Pacific Capital Resource Group, Inc. is a Washington insurance agency. For more information, visit https://www.pcrg.com or call 425.658.0530.

Media Inquiries

Joseph Kuo / Chris Clemens

Haven Tower Group

[email protected] or [email protected]

424 317 4851 or 424 317 4854

SOURCE Advisor Group

Related Links

https://www.advisorgroup.com


NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Alloy, a new telehealth company addressing the healthcare needs of women over 40, today announced a $3.3 million seed funding round from venture studio Kairos HQ and PACE Healthcare Capital, as it prepares to launch later this year. The world population of menopausal and postmenopausal women is projected to reach 1.2 billion by 2030, with 47 million new entrants each year. The issue Alloy seeks to alleviate is two-fold: 75% of women who seek treatment for menopausal symptoms leave their physician's office untreated,1 while over 80% of gynecologists self-report lacking the training to treat these women.2

"We are fiercely dedicated to rewriting the aging narrative for women, and making sure they're informed on all the options available to help them to feel like their best selves," says Anne Fulenwider, Alloy Co-Founder, Co-CEO and former longtime Editor-in-Chief of women's magazine Marie Claire. "Alloy exists because too many women haven't been able to get the treatment they need. We are here to course correct post-reproductive healthcare and we could not be more excited to share this platform with the world."

Founded by Ms. Fulenwider and Monica Molenaar, founder of Seed + Mill, Alloy was designed for women by women, who know there's a better way forward. Alloy offers its community of women:

A telehealth platform with access to specially-trained doctors, all certified by the North American Menopause Society (NAMS)

A suite of FDA-approved hormonal prescription solutions at an accessible price delivered straight to their doors

Customized content and community-building to guide them through this stage of life

"When I experienced surgical menopause after having my ovaries removed at age 40, it took me years to find the right solution to get me back to feeling like myself again," says Ms. Molenaar. "There is too much misinformation out there. We created Alloy so that no one has to experience the same confusion I did."

The company's leadership is bolstered by Sharon Malone, MD, who serves as Medical Director of Alloy. Dr. Malone is known as a fierce advocate and champion for the health of women over 40, and will provide medical guidance for Alloy and its network of providers.

"I joined Alloy as Medical Director because over my almost 30 years in private practice as an Ob/Gyn, I saw firsthand the confusion around menopause treatment and the suffering it can cause," says Dr. Malone. "My life's work has been to help democratize menopause care, and Alloy is executing on this mission by providing accurate and up-to-date information as well as clinically vetted, safe and effective treatment to women everywhere."

The funding will be used to strengthen Alloy's telehealth network, build out staff, and broaden community engagement. The company is currently in beta mode, and expects to launch later this year, with plans to expand its evidence-based offerings in 2022.

Of the funding round, Kairos Co-Founder and Co-CEO Alex Fiance says, "Kairos' mission is to build businesses that tackle pressing challenges and create common sense solutions. We are blown away by how difficult the healthcare experience is for women 40+, which is why we have been working alongside Alloy for the last 18 months to create a solution. We are honored to collaborate with Anne, Monica and Dr. Sharon Malone as they transform the way that millions of women experience aging."

PACE Healthcare Capital Founder Julia Monfrini Peev adds, "We started PACE to support founders who deliver high impact solutions to critical healthcare challenges. For too long, menopause has been looked at as a wellness issue that women must silently go through, while there is a myriad of evidence-based solutions to help them. We were deeply inspired by Anne, Monica and Dr. Malone's vision to empower women in menopause to take ownership of their health and be able to age healthily and beautifully. We look forward to continuing to support them as they build Alloy and serve millions of women."

For more information, visit myalloy.com .

ABOUT ALLOY

Alloy is health empowerment for women over 40, offering straight talk and science-based solutions for women suffering from the symptoms of menopause. We provide a telehealth network of menopause-trained doctors; FDA-approved, plant-based prescription solutions delivered right to your door; and a community of women who know how you feel.

ABOUT KAIROS HQ

Kairos HQ is a portfolio of brands across healthcare and financial services that focuses on making life simpler and more affordable for this generation. We start by identifying the toughest problems and build products to solve them. We have built five Kairos solutions to date: Rhino replaces the security deposit, Cera provides affordable care from the comfort of the home, and Little Spoon is a modern parenthood brand to help keep your kid healthy. Bilt is the first rewards program that lets you earn points on rent. Alloy is a healthcare platform for women over 40. Kairos' five brands have a collective market cap of over $1 billion.

Find out more at KairosHQ.com .

ABOUT PACE HEALTHCARE CAPITAL

PACE Healthcare Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in companies that have developed high impact solutions to critical healthcare challenges. With decades of combined experience and $1B+ of capital raised and deployed in healthcare, we apply institutional-grade investment processes to identify the best entrepreneurs, and deploy financial and human capital to help them grow their business.

Find out more at pace-healthcare.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Bryan Blatstein

[email protected]

Lauren Doyle

[email protected]

1 AARP

2 Johns Hopkins

SOURCE Kairos HQ

Related Links

kairoshq.com


CHICAGO, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Amped Kitchens ( ampedkitchens.com ) will hold a ribbon-cutting today at its new 117,000-square-foot, multi-tenant, commercial kitchen complex in Chicago's Belmont-Cragin neighborhood. Amped is the first-of-its-kind high-end, production-oriented, multi-unit kitchen facility in Chicago. Today, with partner Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network, Amped Kitchens will celebrate its diverse base of food makers and introduce the space to the Chicago food-making community.

Amped Kitchens will hold a ribbon-cutting at its new 117,000-square-foot, multi-tenant, commercial kitchen complex in Chicagos Belmont-Cragin neighborhood.

Amped Kitchens began the $25 million renovation of the long-vacant Zenith factory at 5801 West Dickens Avenue in late 2019. This facility offers 64 private kitchens (from 150 square-feet to almost 2,000 square-feet). Each lease includes key amenities needed by growing food businesses: refrigerated, frozen, and dry storage -- as well as office space, meeting rooms, attended shipping docks, packing rooms, and an on-site USDA office. In addition, Amped Kitchen tenants have access to expedited government approvals and easier certification pathways, including organic and kosher. Amped's "plug-and-play" kitchen model offers tenants huge time and capital savings versus building their own space.

Amped Kitchens currently leases to established and fast growing food businesses including CPG companies, restaurants needing commissary/central kitchen space, meal subscription companies, and anyone looking for R&D or pilot production space.

"We were seeing too many food businesses hit a wall when it was time to grow. We provide them with a fast, accessible path to scale," says Mott Smith, co-owner of Amped Kitchens. Co-owner Brian Albert adds, "Growing food companies tell us the costs, complexity, and time needed to secure their own permitted space are an enormous burden. They need to be producing in a matter of weeks, not months  or years and Amped can make that happen."

Financing for the new facility came from PNC Bank, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Chicago Community Loan Fund, Southside Community Optimal Redevelopment Enterprise (SCORE), BlueHub Capital, FirstPathway and Loop Counterpointe.

"We are excited to be part of this Amped Kitchens facility, as it works to support Chicago food-industry professionals by removing startup costs and obstacles, and providing resources to help them succeed," says Scott Swanson, PNC regional president of Illinois.

PNC Tax Credit Solutions Group, a PNC Real Estate business, provided $8.5 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) equity towards the Amped Kitchens facility. "This facility is a testament to the impact that the NMTC program can have on our communities, and we are incredibly proud to be active participants in the program, supporting projects just like this one across the U.S.," adds David Gibson, senior vice president and manager of Specialty Tax Credit Investments for PNC Tax Credit Solutions Group.

LISC Chicago Executive Director Meghan Harte adds, "Small businesses bore the brunt of the pandemic's impact and they are now leading the way in the recovery. LISC is so proud to partner with Amped Kitchens to deliver this center for new jobs, products and entrepreneurship for Chicago's incredible food community and the Northwest Side."

"Amped Kitchens has a strong track record of success in Los Angeles and is bringing that expertise to advance Chicago food and beverage entrepreneurs," said Bob Tucker, COO and Executive Vice President of Programs for CCLF. "This will not only help build wealth for local residents but create jobs in the neighborhood."

This Chicago location is Amped Kitchens' third U.S. facility and its first outside of Los Angeles. Current and former Amped Kitchens tenants include Beyond Meat, CookUnity, Halo Top Creamery, Applebee's, Two Fish Crab Shack (Chicago), Soul Vegan (Chicago), and more.

Media Contact:

Orly Telisman

[email protected]

(312) 375-1230

SOURCE Amped Kitchens

Related Links

http://www.ampedkitchens.com


TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V): LIT

Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE): OAY3

OTCQB Venture Market (OTC): PNXLF

VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp. (TSXV: LIT) (FSE: OAY3) (OTC: PNXLF), ("Argentina Lithium" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that further to its news release of September 28, 2021, the Company has signed a Definitive Agreement (the "Agreement") with the vendors. The terms of the Agreement remain the same as were disclosed in the September 28, 2021 news release.

"With the agreement finalized, we can begin planning for an expedited exploration and drilling program. These properties hold exceptional lithium discovery potential," stated Nikolaos Cacos, President and C.E.O.

The Agreement is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval.

About Argentina Lithium

Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp is focused on acquiring high quality lithium projects in Argentina, and advancing them towards production in order to meet the growing global demand from the battery sector. The management group has a long history of success in the resource sector of Argentina, and has assembled a first rate team of experts to acquire and advance the best lithium properties in the world renowned "Lithium Triangle". 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.

SOURCE Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp.
LONDON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Global energy and commodity price reporting agency Argus has agreed that MundoPetroleo may distribute key fuels data to its customers in the Iberian peninsula. This follows widespread adoption of Argus biofuel prices by downstream fuel operators throughout Spain and Portugal.

The international drive to reduce carbon emissions has resulted in many countries introducing targets to increase the share of renewable fuels in the road transport pool. In Europe, Argus biodiesel prices for fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), rapeseed oil methyl ester (RME) and used cooking oil methyl ester (UCOME) are underpinned by a high number of spot trades and are the industry standard for pricing renewable fuels supply contracts.

MundoPetroleo's client base includes independent fuel retail stations and networks, transport companies and municipal authorities, The partnership with Argus will enable these customers to access Argus prices directly, through the MundoPetroleo platform.

MundoPetroleo will be able to distribute Argus prices for renewable and petroleum-based transport fuels, LPG, fuel oil and bitumen.

Argus Media chairman and chief executive Adrian Binks said: "We are pleased to be working with MundoPetroleo to deliver our key prices to downstream customers in Spain and Portugal. Argus has been at the forefront of bringing transparency to these emerging renewable fuel markets and it is good to see so many companies and countries are finding our price assessments useful and reliable indicators."

Argus contact information

London: Seana Lanigan

+44 20 7780 4200

Email Seana

Singapore: Tomoko Hashimoto

+65 6496 9960

Email Tomoko

Moscow: Alexey Komarov

+7 495 933 75 71

Email Alexey

Houston: Matt Oatway

+1 713 968 0000

Email Matt

About Argus Media

Argus is an independent media organisation with almost 1,100 staff. It is headquartered in London and has 26 offices in the world's principal commodity trading and production centres. Argus produces price assessments and analysis of international energy and other commodity markets and offers bespoke consulting services and industry-leading conferences.

Companies in 140 countries around the world use Argus data to index physical trade and as benchmarks in financial derivative markets as well as for analysis and planning purposes.

Argus was founded in 1970 and is a privately held UK-registered company. It is owned by employee shareholders, global growth equity firm General Atlantic and Hg, the specialist software and technology services investor.

ARGUS, the ARGUS logo, ARGUS MEDIA, ARGUS DIRECT, ARGUS OPEN MARKETS, AOM, FMB, DEWITT, JIM JORDAN & ASSOCIATES, JJ&A, FUNDALYTICS, METAL-PAGES, METALPRICES.COM, INTEGER, Argus publication titles and Argus index names are trademarks of Argus Media Limited.

SOURCE Argus Media

Related Links

https://www.argusmedia.com/


GREEN BAY, Wis., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) announced today that Management will present at the BofA Securities 2021 Banking and Financials Conference at 3:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 and will meet with investors throughout the conference.

An investor presentation will be made available prior to the conference and can be accessed via Associated Banc-Corp's website at http://investor.associatedbank.com .

ABOUT ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP

Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) has total assets of $34 billion and is Wisconsin's largest bank holding company. Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Associated is a leading Midwest banking franchise, offering a full range of financial products and services from more than 200 banking locations serving more than 100 communities throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota, and commercial financial services in Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Texas. Associated Bank, N.A. is an Equal Housing Lender, Equal Opportunity Lender and Member FDIC. More information about Associated Banc-Corp is available at www.associatedbank.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements made in this document which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This includes any statements regarding management's plans, objectives, or goals for future operations, products or services, and forecasts of its revenues, earnings, or other measures of performance. Such forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "estimate," "should," "will," "intend," "target," "outlook," "project," "guidance," or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on current management expectations and, by their nature, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Factors which may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements include those identified in the Company's most recent Form 10-K and subsequent SEC filings. Such factors are incorporated herein by reference.

Investor Contact: Ben McCarville

Vice President | Director of Investor Relations

920-491-7059 | [email protected]

Media Contact: Jennifer Kaminski

Vice President | Public Relations Senior Manager

920-491-7576 | [email protected]

SOURCE Associated Banc-Corp

Related Links

https://www.associatedbank.com


CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank of America reported its third-quarter 2021 financial results today. The news release, supplemental filing and investor presentation can be accessed at Bank of America's Investor Relations website at https://investor.bankofamerica.com/quarterly-earnings.

Investor Conference Call information:

Chief Executive Officer Brian Moynihan and Chief Financial Officer Paul Donofrio will discuss the financial results in a conference call at 9:00 a.m. ET today. For a listen-only connection to the conference call, dial 1.877.200.4456 (U.S.) or 1.785.424.1732 (international), and the conference ID is 79795.

Please dial in 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. Investors can also listen to a live audio webcast of the conference call and view the presentation slides by visiting the Events and Presentations section of the company's Investor Relations website.

Replay information for Investor Conference Call:

Investors can access replays of the conference call by visiting the Investor Relations website or by calling 1.800.934.4850 (U.S.) or 1.402.220.1178 (international) from noon on October 14 through 11:59 p.m. ET on October 24.

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 66 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 4,200 retail financial centers, approximately 17,000 ATMs, and award-winning digital banking with approximately 41 million active users, including approximately 32 million mobile users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and approximately 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for email news alerts.

www.bankofamerica.com

Investors May Contact:

Lee McEntire, Bank of America

Phone: 1.980.388.6780

[email protected]

Jonathan G. Blum, Bank of America (Fixed Income)

Phone: 1.212.449.3112

[email protected]

Reporters May Contact:

Jerry Dubrowski, Bank of America

Phone: 1.646.855.1195 (office) or 1.508.843.5626 (mobile)

[email protected]

Christopher P. Feeney, Bank of America

Phone: 1.980.386.6794

[email protected]

SOURCE Bank of America Corporation

Related Links

www.bankofamerica.com


Mr. Donadio brings over 13 years of financial services experience plus many years of extensive customer service leadership and elected civic service. Prior to joining BCT, he served most recently as Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager with PNC, being recognized as Customer Service Champion for the region. Other positions within financial services include Assistant Branch Manager and Acting Manager for One Main Financial (Citibank) and positions with increasing responsibility at Bank of America and Fannie Mae. Mr. Donadio also served as an elected Councilman for Bolivar, West Virginia, as well as serving on the Board of Directors for the Bolivar/Harpers Ferry Public Service District. Additionally, Mr. Donadio served as Area Sales Manager for Verizon Communications for Washington County and Howard County, Maryland.

"We are delighted to have Frank join BCT to lead our customer experience efforts in Harpers Ferry," stated Alice Frazier, President & CEO. "With his strong banking experience and recognized customer and public service success, Frank will guide our Harpers Ferry team to new levels of success."

Mr. Donadio served with Habitat for Humanity in Washington, DC, and also participated in the first Help the Homeless walkathon. More recently, he represented Bolivar/Harpers Ferry on the Potomac Watershed advisory group. Mr. Donadio serves as a Deacon for the Charles Town Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Donadio earned a BA in Political Science from Nasson College in Springvalle, Maine.

Born in Boston, Mr. Donadio lived most of his formative years in Syracuse, New York. He currently lives in Jefferson County, West Virginia, with his wife, Kathy. They have two grown daughters.

About the Company

Founded in 1871 and celebrating their 150th year of service, BCT - Bank of Charles Town, also known as The Community's Bank, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Potomac Bancshares, Inc. (OTC:PTBS). With approximately $672 million in assets as of June 30, 2021, the Company conducts operations through its main office, an additional eight branch offices, and two loan production offices. BCT's offices are located in Jefferson and Berkeley Counties (WV), Washington County (MD), and Loudoun and Stafford Counties (VA). The Bank provides various banking products and services including free access to over 55,000 ATMs through the Allpoint network plus online and mobile banking for individuals, businesses, and local governments. The Bank also offers commercial lines and term loans, residential and commercial construction, commercial real estate loans and agricultural loans. The Residential Lending division offers secondary market and portfolio mortgage loans, one-time close construction to perm loans, as well as home equity loans and lines of credit. For over 60 years, BCT Wealth Advisors has provided financial management, investment, trust, and estate services to its clients. In 2019 and 2020, the Bank was named a "Best Bank To Work For" by American Banker. In 2018, Forbes named BCT a "Best In State Bank" for Maryland.

The Company's shares are quoted on the OTC Pink Sheet marketplace under the symbol "PTBS." For more information about Potomac Bancshares, Inc., and the Bank, please visit our website at www.mybct.bank.

SOURCE BCT - Bank of Charles Town

Related Links

http://www.mybct.bank


CHICAGO and SANTA CRUZ, Calif., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AeroPay, the cannabis industry's leading digital payments provider, and Jane Technologies, Inc. ("Jane"), the cannabis industry's leading e-commerce provider that created the first and largest online cannabis marketplace, have announced an integration partnership to enable online payments via AeroPay for the 2,100+ dispensaries and 300+ brands leveraging Jane's solutions across 36 U.S. state markets. The AeroPay payment method allows cannabis consumers to seamlessly pay for pickup or delivery orders directly from the dispensary or brand's checkout page on mobile or web.

Jane Technologies, Inc. Logo

"We are excited to partner with AeroPay to take cannabis e-commerce to the next level and offer even greater value to our retail partners with seamless online payments," said Socrates Rosenfeld, Co-founder and CEO of Jane. "Jane holds tremendous respect for what AeroPay has accomplished and built for the cannabis industry to date. They have been a valuable partner in the Jane ecosystem, and we look forward to continuing to innovate together on our shared mission of building the most efficient cannabis industry possible."

The integrated solution is already being used by some of the cannabis industry's premier companies and dispensaries throughout the United States.

"Jane is the market leader for cannabis e-commerce and we couldn't be more excited to bring a best-in-class integrated solution to the industry with them as our e-commerce partner," said Daniel Muller, CEO & Founder of AeroPay. "This is a huge step in our mission to empower cannabis businesses and consumers with omnichannel payment solutions. We look forward to continuing to build off the initial momentum to help dispensaries and brands across the country create the best possible online shopping experience for consumers."

Today, roughly 20% of all legal cannabis transactions in the U.S. are powered by the Jane platform. In 2020, Jane powered more than 17 million orders totaling over $2 billion in total transactional volume. Those numbers are projected to top 25 million and $3.5 billion respectively in 2021.

Both companies have seen steady growth this year. In August, Jane secured $100MM in Series C funding. In March, AeroPay raised a Venture Round.

About AeroPay

AeroPay is a financial technology company providing alternative payment processing solutions to state legal cannabis businesses. With AeroPay, cannabis businesses can offer a convenient and contactless digital payment option to their customers, suppliers, and business partners. AeroPay has been approved to work in every state where cannabis businesses can legally operate. For more information, visit www.aeropay.com or email [email protected].

Media Contact

Alex Lipnik, Head of Strategic Partnerships & Communications

[email protected]

248-217-0282

About Jane Technologies, Inc.

Jane is the cannabis industry's first fully automated e-commerce solution, powering 2,100+ dispensaries and brands across 36 U.S. state markets as well as the Canadian market. Jane's unique offering provides dispensaries and brands with a turnkey e-commerce solution, including real-time POS integration, curated content directly from the brands (the best pictures, descriptions, etc.), and retail and market analytics. For more information, email [email protected]. For more information on Jane, visit www.iheartjane.com.

SOURCE AeroPay

Related Links

http://www.aeropay.com


"We've heard from many instructors that they want to leverage the power that digital tools can offer but they really only want to work within their LMS," said Fernando Bleichmar, Executive Vice President and General Manager for U.S. Higher Education at Cengage Group. "With Cengage Infuse they can do that. They can set up their course right from their LMS, they never have to link out to material and, importantly, students never have to leave the LMS. Instructors can set up their course in just 10 minutes. It's a huge timesaver, something we know faculty need right now."

Cengage Infuse is a first-of-its-kind, digital learning solution that leverages LMS functionality for course set up and management. From set up to assignments and quizzes, no one ever needs to leave the LMS, which eliminates confusion for students on where they need to go to locate materials and complete assignments.

Developed with the input of more than 600 faculty and 400 students across 500 institutions, Cengage Infuse was created using a human-centered design approach. The collaborative process began with discussions to understand instructor needs and pain points, especially those who were not using digital tools, and led to the formation of an advisory board and Development Partners program which informed the iterative design, development, and testing of Cengage Infuse.

The ease-of-use of Cengage Infuse and simple integration is an important factor according to Elizabeth Starr, an English Professor at Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana who contributed to the Cengage Infuse Development Partners Program.

"Many instructors struggle with the time needed to get a digital course experience up and running, but with Cengage Infuse it's easy to customize content. Instructors don't need to reinvent the wheel, saving time for more one-on-one interaction with students."

Cengage Infuse works with Canvas, Blackboard and Brightspace (D2L). It covers 41 products across 7 course areas:

US History

Introductory Psychology

Criminal Justice

Principles of Marketing

American Government

Texas Politics

Business Law

With a continued commitment to affordable, quality solutions, Cengage Infuse is available for standalone purchase (average price is $65/semester) and it is also included with a Cengage Unlimited subscription.

For more information about the development of Cengage Infuse, read the blog post: Taking a Human-Centered Design Approach to Higher Ed Customer Challenges.

To see a demo of Cengage Infuse or for more information visit: cengage.com/cengage-infuse/.

About the U.S. Higher Education Business at Cengage Group

Cengage, the U.S. Higher Education business of global education technology company Cengage Group, serves millions of instructors, learners and institutions. We deliver affordable, high-quality digital products and personalized support to power learning individually and at scale. Our customer-centered approach enables innovation, including Cengage Unlimited, the first and only all-access digital subscription for textbooks and course materials. Our textbooks, homework tools, and flagship online learning platforms, MindTap and WebAssign, help educators and students achieve their goals. Visit us at www.cengage.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

Kristina Massari, Cengage

(203) 965-8694; [email protected]

SOURCE Cengage

Related Links

http://www.cengage.com


NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

To our fellow CEOs:

We are calling on you to take action during National Disability Awareness Month to help people with disabilities achieve equal employment rights. The time is right for you to use your power to effect change.

Throughout the past 20 months, the business community  in the United States and globally  has been under significant stress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Federal Reserve, the pandemic led to the permanent closure of roughly 200,000 more businesses than would be expected in an average year.1 This led to a 20% reduction in the number of employed, working-age people with disabilities from March to April of 2020.2 While the pandemic is certainly not yet over, this National Disability Employment Awareness Month presents a very different landscape with new opportunities. New unemployment benefits claims are falling, and layoff rates are the lowest they have been in roughly 20 years.3 Additionally, the Department of Labor announced that as of June 2021 there were 10.1 million job openings.4

For people with disabilities, the unemployment rate is more than double that of people without a disability.5 More telling, the Labor Force Participation Rate for people with disabilities trails their peers with no disabilities by 46%.6 The CEO Commission for Disability Employment calls on business leaders to tap into this underutilized source of talent because the new workplace can only meet its full potential when people with disabilities are no longer underrepresented.

The CEO Commission for Disability Employment was founded in 2018 by Voya Financial, SHRM (the Society for Human Resource Management) and the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to address these disparities in disability employment by providing research and information, actionable steps and advocacy opportunities for member companies to recruit and onboard individuals with disabilities. Over the past twelve months, the CEO Commission's membership has grown by 70%. We are grateful to these organizations for their commitment to disability employment.

This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we are calling on our fellow CEOs to take the following actions:

recognize that we are at a pivotal moment in terms of talent acquisition,

acknowledge the tremendous value that employees with disabilities bring to our companies, communities and society as a whole,

understand the need to develop inclusive and welcoming cultures within our organizations, and

commit to unlocking the untapped potential of people with disabilities.

Business leaders have demonstrated a commitment to addressing society's biggest challenges. As founders of the CEO Commission for Disability Employment, we urge you join us this National Disability Employment Awareness Month as we work to build more inclusive workplaces that work for all.

Sincerely,

Kandi Pickard  NDSS President and CEO

Johnny C. Taylor Jr.  SHRM President and CEO

Rodney O. Martin, Jr.  Voya Financial Chairman and CEO

Contact: Michelle Sagan, 3017280447, [email protected]

1 Crane, Leland D., Ryan A. Decker, Aaron Flaaen, Adrian Hamins-Puertolas, and Christopher Kurz. Rep. Business Exit During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Non-Traditional Measures in Historical Context. Federal Reserve Board, April 2021. https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/feds/files/2020089r1pap.pdf.

2 Houtenville, Andrew, and John O'Neill. "NTIDE May 2020 Special Report: Workers with Disabilities in the COVID Economy." Kessler Foundation, May 20, 2020. https://kesslerfoundation.org/press-release/ntide-may-2020-report-covid-economy.

3 Mutikana, Lucia. "U.S. Unemployment Rolls Shrinking in Boost to Labor Market Recovery." Reuters, August 5, 2021. https://www.reuters.com/business/us-weekly-jobless-claims-fall-layoffs-lowest-more-than-21-years-2021-08-05/.

4 "Job Openings and Labor Turnover - July 2021." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, September 8, 2021. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/jolts.nr0.htm.

5 Office of Disability Employment Policy. U.S. Department of Labor, n.d. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep.

6 Office of Disability Employment Policy. U.S. Department of Labor, n.d. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep.

SOURCE National Down Syndrome Society

Related Links

https://www.ndss.org


CHICAGO, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Amid the challenges presented by the current pandemic, the Chicago Center for Music Education (ChiME) recently launched a program to bring music to more than 3,000 students by providing "Chime Time" instruments to each child, free of charge.

Each ChiME Time Instrument bucket includes rhythm sticks, egg shakers, a jingle bell, a glockenspiel, and, for some students, an electronic keyboard. Except for the keyboards, students may keep the instruments for themselves.

According to Troy Anderson, Executive Director of ChiME: "When the pandemic hit and we were all forced to isolate, our first and immediate thought was to find a way to provide instruments for use at home to the thousands of children we serve through our classroom programs. What better companion during isolation than a musical instrument?"

Gosia Bagley, ChiME Teaching Artist and Program Director, added: "I know what we do makes an impact and a difference when every student I pass in the hallway at Budlong lights up with a big smile as they see me and calls out my name with excitement. They always ask the same question with huge anticipation in their eyes: 'Do we have ChiME today?!' and they squeal with delight if the answer is yes."

Reaction from the students, teachers and parents has been overwhelmingly positive. Kathleen O'Sullivan, parent of ChiME students, commented "As a family, we realized the value that ChiME brings in March of 2020. It was such a time of uncertainty and ChiME didn't miss a beat."

Now in its second iteration, the program continues to deliver instruments and music education to school children virtually and in many classrooms throughout Chicago.

ChiME will host is annual gala virtually this year on October 22. More information about the gala and about ChiME programs can be found at chimemusic.org.

The Chicago Center for Music Education (ChiME) provides access to evidenced-based therapy and engagement-based music programs that develop critical skills and foster self and social growth.

Founded as the Suzuki-Orff School for Young Musicians in 1981, ChiME launched our inaugural classes teaching 15 families of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds through our unique curriculum integrating the Suzuki and Orff methodologies. In 1986, ChiME expanded on our goal to make music education available to children in Chicago by establishing partnerships with Chicago Public Schools (CPS). In 2014, our school began doing business as the Chicago Center for Music Education (ChiME).

DISCLAIMER

Any articles, templates, or information provided by Smartsheet on the website are for reference only. While we strive to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the website or the information, articles, templates, or related graphics contained on the website. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.



Contact Information:

Chicago Center for Music Education

Paul Scherer

312.961.5441

[email protected]

SOURCE Chicago Center for Music Ed.

Related Links

www.chimemusic.org


AUDUBON, Pa., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, on World Sight Day, Cleanlogic , the inclusive and socially conscious beauty brand that has pioneered the use of functional braille across all its product packaging since 2001, announces a month-long campaign to shine a light on Blind Awareness Month. The goal of this partnership is to recognize and support the over 25 million people in the U.S. who are blind or visually impaired and acknowledge that a staggering 70% of this population is un-employed. This promotion will not only raise awareness of this important cause but help fund the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind's Children's Tech Education program.

Cleanlogic Image

To Cleanlogic will be donating $30,000 from the purchase of Cleanlogic products from more than 300 H-E-B's across Texas to the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind 's Children's Tech Education Fund. An organization that empowers blind and visually impaired children with programs designed to provide them with the support and tools they need for future success. Tomorrow, on White Cane day, which is a day recognized and celebrated by the blind and visually impaired communities as a day of safety and empowerment, Cleanlogic and HEB will be presenting their donations to the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind as a White Cane day proclamation event at San Antonio City Hall.

Inspired by CEO and Founder Isaac Shapiro's mother, who lost her sight as a child, Cleanlogic has been a disruptor CPG brand in the wellness category by provide accessible and inclusive braille product descriptors on 100% of their product packaging.

"Cleanlogic's core mission has always been to empower and include all, which has been a central force in driving the brand over the last 20 years," said Isaac Shapiro, CEO and Founder of Cleanlogic. "We've always dedicated ourselves to raising awareness and developing programs to help this overlooked community and Blind Awareness Month is no different. Between our partnership with San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind, as well as our commitment to hiring more blind and visually impaired team members, we hope to continue to drive awareness around blindness and vision loss and enrich and empower individuals' daily lives though our tech grants and adaptive technology program funding to help lower the high unemployment rate within this community."

This year, Cleanlogic is doubling down on its dedication to the blind and visually impaired communities, demonstrating that the brand is not just a pioneer in product development, but also in what it means to be a truly socially responsible company that sets the bar and paves the way for others across the beauty industry.

"We appreciate corporate partners like Cleanlogic who use their platformand their packagingto create awareness, more accessibility and more resources for people who are blind and vision-impaired," said Cindy Watson, CEO of the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind.

The goal of this campaign is to recognize and support the over 25 million people in the U.S. who are blind or visually impaired and acknowledge that a staggering 70% of this population is unemployed. This promotion will not only raise awareness of this important cause but help fund the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind's Children's Tech Education program.

"H-E-B believes wholeheartedly that Each and Every Person Counts and is proud to support the work of San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind not just during Blind Awareness Month but throughout the year," said Winell Herron, Group Vice President Public Affairs, Diversity and Environmental Affairs. "We hope our donation of $20,000 to Lighthouse for the Blind will help further their mission of empowering the blind and visually-impaired through training and education opportunities."

Additionally, 10% of all Cleanlogic sales on both Cleanlogic.com as well as Amazon.com during the month of October will go to the Inspiration FoundationTM. Founded by Isaac and his mother in 2006 in response to the astounding number of blind and low vision adults who are unemployed (approximately 70%). Believing that successful job placement and retention depends on strong technology skills and that independent living skills are augmented by technology, the Inspiration Foundation provides adaptive technology for adults with vision loss and awards grants to other nonprofit organizations to further raise awareness and support the cause.

To tie this brand pillar back into the Blind Awareness Month campaign, Cleanlogic will continue to combat the misperceptions of blind employees in corporate culture and address the staggering unemployment statistics by further committing to hiring and growing their team of blind and low vision associates. This holiday season, 100% of the Cleanlogic Holiday Gift Sets will be thoughtfully assembled and packed with love by Cleanlogic's blind and visually impaired team members.

With these initiatives, Cleanlogic is determined to continue to drive awareness for Blindness Awareness Month, while helping blind and visually impaired individuals lead more independent lives.

About Cleanlogic

Founded in 2001 by Isaac Shapiro and Mike Ghesser, Cleanlogic produces and socially responsible bath and body care products to its worldwide. Cleanlogic was inspired by CEO & Founder Isaac Shapiro's mother, who lost her sight as a child. Recognizing a need in the space, the company launched as one of the first to feature functional braille on all product packaging, supporting the over 25 million people in the U.S. who are blind or have low vision. Cleanlogic is the fastest growing global brand in the bath and body accessory industry and the top brand in that category in the U.S grocery channel. For more information, visit www.cleanlogic.com .

About H-E-B

H-E-B, with sales of $32 billion, operates more than 420 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 116th anniversary this year. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience and lowest prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 137,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit HEB.com and HEB.com/Newsroom.

About San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind

The San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in the State of Texas. Serving people who are blind or vision impaired since 1933, the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind & Vision Impaired provides rehabilitation services as well as employment for the blind and vision impaired in its light manufacturing assembly plant. For more information, visit www.salighthouse.org .

About Inspiration Foundation

Founded in 2006, by Isaac Shapiro and his mother, the Inspiration Foundation is dedicated to advancing the lives of the visually impaired by training individuals to use adaptive technology to obtain employment. For more information, visit www.inspirationsfoundation.org.

SOURCE Cleanlogic

Related Links

https://cleanlogic.com


Promoting Italian fashion heritage as well as Italian fashion brands and designers on a global stage is one of the key missions of CNMI. As one of the most important fashion markets, China has a long-term relationship and close connection with Italy. CNMI has initiated and launched relevant fashion activities, both online and offline, in China since 2020.

Chinastone Industrial Services Group is one of China's largest professional organizations in management consultancy and industrial services. Through its own IP International Fashion Industry United (IFIU), Chinastone is committed to its "3+3 Strategy", a strategic solution that integrates 3 global resources of "Material, Brand, Design" with 3 China's resources "Manufacturing, Retail Channels, Market Know-how", aiming to not only support and accompany global brands entering China market while guiding Chinese brands on to the global arena, but also incubate promising designers to help them flourish.

The 3-day summit in Fenghua, Ningbo will take place at a unique and brand-new location in the Mount XueDou, under the support of Fenghua government who has the vision of enhancing heritage of craftmanship and fashion characteristics of the city. While Ningbo is leading China's industrial digitalization and sustainability development, it is also the home to one of China's most important intangible cultural heritage, Chinese suit tailoring (Hong Band), which absorbed the essences of western tailoring and later evolved into a unique technique which highly focused on customization.

The event will gather key industry leaders, top commercial retail representatives, renowned brands and designers, top media, and government representatives to participate in a series of activities, primarily the industry forums and B2B meetings, fashion shows, static exhibitions, showcasing Italian fashion history, Chinese apparel craftsmanship heritage, and Italian emerging designers.

"As Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana we are very happy to reconfirm the great collaboration with Chinastone to co-host this important event," comments Carlo Capasa, Chairman of Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana. "I believe that creating a bridge in the Sino-Italian fashion industry and promoting the exchange of culture is of fundamental importance and I'm very proud that 9 of our associated and emerging brands, both strong and established and young designers have agreed to participate in this initiative and strengthening this cultural exchange."

The 3-day fashion summit will showcase 9 Italian fashion brands.

The opening show will be held by special guest Laura Biagiotti, one of the brands who has made the history of Made in Italy, who will show a selection of significant creations specially chosen for the event. Laura Biagiotti was the first Italian brand to present a fashion show in China in 1988.

Antonio Marras will close the event with a show on the last day, dedicated to Italian craftsmanship and tradition.

Two more fashion shows will be held during the event: by Drome, a brand dedicated to leather processing, which represents a strategic industry and a fundamental component of Italy's manufacturing, and by Marco Rambaldi, a new talent of Milano Fashion Week.

Moreover, five emerging brands, Laura Strambi, Michele Chiocciolini, Gilberto Calzolari, Daniele Amato, Gentile Catone will showcase their collections in a static exhibition.

Since the inauguration of CNMI's partnership with Chinastone in 2020, the two organizations will join forces again to promote Sino-Italian fashion business and cultural exchange, aiming to connect the East and the West, bridging the past and the future.

Press Assets

Weiyun: https://share.weiyun.com/1cSRJLht

Wetransfer: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/3ys86rq232kof4l/AAA64NaqEVcB8bwewEosnJJpa?dl=0

SOURCE Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (CNMI) & Chinastone Industrial Services Group
CARMEL, Ind., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CNO Financial Group was recently ranked first on the 2021 Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America by Healthiest Employers and Springbuck. This marks the eighth year that CNO has been recognized for its commitment to workplace well-being and initiatives and exceptional health benefits.

2021 Healthiest Employer Badge

"We are proud to be ranked first on the 2021 Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America," said Yvonne Franzese, chief human resources officer. "Focusing on our associates' health and well-being has long been a priority for CNO, and we will continue to provide the support and resources our associates need to succeed professionally, serve our customers, and achieve their health goals."

In the past year, CNO has strengthened its commitment to social and mental well-being with new programs, including:

Free, unlimited access to a dedicated mental health counselor who provides virtual care.

Additional caregiver resources to support childcare, eldercare and pet care.

Enhancements to policies and options for flexible work arrangements.

Additional paid time off (PTO) hours for associates to participate in Business Resource Groups (BRGs) and diversity, equity and inclusion education.

Ergonomic reimbursement to encourage associates to establish a home/work environment that is productive and comfortable.

"Healthiest Employers scores hit record highs in the past year, reflecting a deep level of care and empathy by business and benefits leaders who stand out in their support of their employees' well-being," said Haley Elmore, Healthiest Employers Program Coordinator. "The effects of COVID-19 will likely affect business operations for many years to come, and it is crucial that companies are considering the needs of their employees beyond the immediate crisis."

Healthiest Employers was founded over a decade ago by Springbuk to drive meaningful investment in employees' health and well-being to accelerate companies' adoption of data-driven approaches to health initiatives and planning employee benefits.

Scoring is based on each organization's Healthiest Employers Index, a metric based on six categories: Culture and Leadership Commitment; Foundational Components; Strategic Planning; Communications and Marketing; Programming and Interventions; and Reporting and Analytics.

About CNO Financial Group

CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) secures the future of middle-income America. CNO provides life and health insurance, annuities, financial services, and workforce benefits solutions through our family of brands, including Bankers Life, Colonial Penn and Washington National. Our customers work hard to save for the future, and we help protect their health, income and retirement needs with 3.2 million policies and $35 billion in total assets. Our 3,400 associates, 5,000 exclusive agents and 4,000 independent partner agents guide individuals, families and businesses through a lifetime of financial decisions. For more information, visit CNOinc.com.

About Springbuk

Springbuk is a leading-edge health analytics intelligence platform that empowers employers and consultants to optimize their investments in population health. The innovative solution offers deep analytic insights, allows data-informed decision-making, and provides strategic direction to maximize return on employee benefit investments.

***

SOURCE CNO Financial Group, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.cnoinc.com


NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Colbeck Capital Management proudly supported Pink Aid's 11th Annual Gala & Fashion Show on Oct. 7th, 2021, in Westport, Connecticut. This year's Pink-A-Cabana fashion auction attracted more than 600 in-person attendees and hundreds of online participants. The event centered around the Warrior Fashion Show, which celebrated breast cancer survivors.

Pink Aid is a Connecticut-based 501(c)(3) charity that began in 2011. Their mission is to help underserved breast cancer patients survive treatment with support and dignity, provide screening and financial assistance to those in need, and empower breast cancer survivors to heal by helping and inspiring others. In 2014, Pink Aid added a new chapter to serve Long Island, New York.

Pink Aid accomplishes its mission in two ways. Pink Aid's grants provide direct support to local programs throughout Connecticut and Long Island. This includes programs that provide breast cancer screenings and advanced testing, in addition to helping cover non-health-related costs like household bills and emotional wellness services for those in treatment and recovery. Programs supported through Pink Aid's grants include smaller grassroots organizations, established hospital foundations, and other national nonprofit organizations.

Pink Aid's Pink Purse program was founded in 2015 to provide direct emergency assistance to individuals in financial crisis during breast cancer treatment. Funds offset the costs of patients' non-medical household needs with a prompt response time.

Colbeck Capital Management was proud to support Pink Aid's mission and join the other sponsors for the 2021-2022 season as an official Pink Compassion Partner.

About Colbeck Capital Management

Colbeck Capital Management (www.colbeck.com) is a strategic lender that partners with companies during periods of transition, providing creative capital solutions to meet their evolving needs. Founded in 2009 by Jason Colodne and Jason Beckman, Colbeck Capital has offices in New York City and Los Angeles.

SOURCE Colbeck Capital Management
BROOMFIELD, Colo., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Credit Union of Colorado will celebrate the grand opening of its full-service Broomfield office from October 15-22, 2021. The new office is the credit union's 18th location statewide.

Located at 1990 West 10th Avenue [on the west side of Highway 287, just south of 10th Avenue], the open layout of the Broomfield office provides a more integrated approach to helping members. The credit union offers the latest in convenience banking  featuring a full-service office with lobby service center, safe deposit boxes, drive-up tellers and a surcharge-free drive-up ATM. Credit Union of Colorado also provides its members with the convenience of digital banking with remote check deposit. Credit Union of Colorado invites Broomfield area members and the community to stop by Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, or Saturday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm to receive in person "here to help" service.

"Credit Union of Colorado's new presence in Broomfield is a reflection of our growing membership base in the community," says Josh Houde, regional branch manager at Credit Union of Colorado. "Many of our members enjoy the convenience of our digital banking services, including access to thousands of surcharge-free ATMs. However, there is no substitute for banking face-to-face, allowing us to build strong, trustworthy relationships with our members."

For every person that visits during the grand opening celebration, Credit Union of Colorado will donate $5 to Broomfield FISH, a local organization dedicated to feeding families in our community. Visitors can also enter to win a grand prize of $500 or one of many other great prizes. For the official rules, visit CUofCO.org/BroomfieldGO. A local coffee truck will be on location the morning of Friday, October 15th and visitors will also enjoy a sweet surprise in the afternoon.

Founded in 1934, Credit Union of Colorado is one of the largest credit unions in the state and is deeply connected to the communities where its members live and work. The credit union's "here to help" culture is demonstrated by its strong support of local communities through financial donations, promotional sponsorships and employee volunteerism. With more than 85 years of experience, Credit Union of Colorado is a stable, member-owned financial institution with more than $2 billion in assets serving more than 140,000 members. The Credit Union of Colorado Foundation supports education and emergency human services programs through college scholarships and grants to nonprofit organizations.

Contacts:

Tammy Stratton

Spearca Communications

[email protected]

303.947.6531

SOURCE Credit Union of Colorado
MAUMEE, Ohio, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Dana Incorporated (NYSE: DAN) will release its 2021 third-quarter financial results on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021. A press release will be issued at approximately 7 a.m. EDT, followed by a conference call and webcast at 9 a.m. EDT. Members of the company's senior management team will be available at that time to discuss the results and answer related questions.



Participants may listen to the audio portion of the conference call either through audio streaming online or by telephone. Slide viewing is available online via a link provided on the Dana investor website: www.dana.com/investors . U.S. and Canadian locations should dial 1-888-311-4590 and international locations should call 1-706-758-0054. Please enter conference I.D. 2874125 ask for the "Dana Incorporated's Financial Webcast and Conference Call." Phone registration will be available beginning at 8:30 a.m. EDT.

An audio recording of the webcast will be available after 5 p.m. EDT on Oct. 26 by dialing 1-855-859-2056 (U.S. or Canada) or 1-404-537-3406 (international) and entering conference I.D. 2874125. A webcast replay will also be available after 5 p.m. EDT and may be accessed via Dana's investor website.

About Dana Incorporated

Dana is a leader in the design and manufacture of highly efficient propulsion and energy-management solutions for all mobility markets across the globe. The company's conventional and clean-energy solutions support nearly every vehicle manufacturer with drive and motion systems; electrodynamic technologies, including software and controls; and thermal, sealing, and digital solutions.

Based in Maumee, Ohio, USA, the company reported sales of $7.1 billion in 2020 with 38,000 associates in 33 countries across six continents. Founded in 1904, Dana was named one of "America's Most Responsible Companies 2021" by Newsweek for its emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility. The company is driven by a high-performance culture that focuses on its people, which has earned it global recognition as a top employer, including "World's Best Employer" from Forbes magazine. Learn more at dana.com.

SOURCE Dana Incorporated

Related Links

http://www.dana.com


DalFort Capital Partners acquires Unichem, Inc. through its affiliate, Key Polymer Holdings, LLC. Tweet this

Gary Harris, former shareholder and President of Unichem, stated, "We are excited to work with Key Polymer, a company that I have known and admired for many years. The business models for both companies are complementary, which will facilitate numerous strategic opportunities. Working with Key Polymer will enhance both businesses' competitive positioning and forward sustainability."

Bill Newman, President of Key Polymer, stated, "We are excited to partner with Gary Harris, Rick Bishop, Scott Fowler, and the rest of the talented Unichem team to collectively assist in driving growth within Unichem's business. Unichem has built an outstanding reputation in product quality, formulating techniques, and service to its customer base. I believe the synergies between Unichem and Key Polymer will allow us to further strengthen our respective positions in the specialty chemical segment."

Greenberg Traurig, LLP served as Key Polymer's legal counsel. Carruthers & Roth, P.A. served as Unichem's legal counsel. Ernst & Young, LLP served as Key Polymer's financial advisor.

DalFort announced it has added two members to its growing team, Hillary Brown as Vice President and Fletcher Boyles as Associate.

Prior to joining DalFort, Hillary spent two years as Vice President in the Asset Management Division of Goldman Sachs, where she was responsible for financial reporting for alternative investment products. Hillary's prior experience included nine years with Ernst & Young, LLP, focusing on financial due diligence for both buy-side and sell-side transactions as well as assurance services for clients in the financial services industry. Hillary graduated from Texas A&M University with an M.S. in Accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Prior to joining DalFort, Fletcher focused on mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures as well as capital raises in the oil and gas sector for Wells Fargo Securities within its Investment Banking Division. Prior to Wells Fargo, Fletcher served as Financial Analyst as Petro Waste Environmental, LP and assisted in its sale to Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE: WM). Fletcher received a B.A. in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin.

DalFort anticipates closing on its inaugural fund, DalFort Capital Partners Fund I, L.P. in Q4 2021.

About DalFort Capital Partners

DalFort Capital Partners is a sector-focused investment firm based in Dallas, Texas, specializing in partnering with entrepreneurs and management teams in the lower middle market. We work collaboratively to strengthen a company's strategic and financial position through operational improvements and acquisitions of complementary businesses. We specialize in identifying and executing strategic add-on acquisitions for our portfolio companies that enhance the company's relationship with existing customers and expand its reach into new geographies or market niches.

SOURCE DalFort Capital Partners

Related Links

http://www.dalfortcapital.com


Read Free Sample Report and explore more growth opportunities in the diesel rotary UPS market

The diesel rotary UPS market is concentrated, and the degree of concentration will accelerate during the forecast period. To leverage the current opportunities, market vendors must strengthen their foothold in the fast-growing segments while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments.

Diesel Rotary UPS Market 2021-2025: Segmentation

Type

1000-2000 KVA



Above 2500 KVA



2000-2500 KVA



100-1000 KVA

Application

IT And Telecom



Semiconductor



Healthcare



Aviation



Defense

Geography

APAC



North America



Europe



MEA



South America

To learn more about various segments of the market, Download a Free Sample.

Diesel Rotary UPS Market 2021-2025: Vendor Analysis and Scope

To help businesses improve their market position, the diesel rotary UPS market provides a detailed analysis of around 25 vendors operating in the market. Some of these vendors include Air Water Inc., Cummins Inc., Hitachi Ltd., HITZINGER GmbH, Industrial Electric Mfg., Langley Holdings Plc, Rolls-Royce Plc, Schneider Electric SE, Thycon Pty Ltd., and Vertiv Holdings Co.

The report also covers the following areas:

The rapid growth in the construction of data centers, benefits of DRUPS, and greater energy efficiency will offer immense growth opportunities. However, factors such as the environmental impact of DRUPS may threaten the growth of the market.

Get lifetime access to our Technavio Insights. Subscribe now to our most popular "Lite Plan" billed annually at USD 3000. View 3 reports monthly and Download 3 Reports Annually!

Diesel Rotary UPS Market 2021-2025: Key Highlights

CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2021-2025

Detailed information on factors that will assist diesel rotary UPS market growth during the next five years

Estimation of the diesel rotary UPS market size and its contribution to the parent market

Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

The growth of the diesel rotary UPS market

Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors

Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of diesel rotary UPS market vendors

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Diesel Rotary UPS Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2020 Forecast period 2021-2025 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 2.41% Market growth 2021-2025 USD 714.74 million Market structure Concentrated YoY growth (%) 0.97 Regional analysis APAC, North America, Europe, MEA, and South America Performing market contribution APAC at 55% Key consumer countries China, US, Japan, UK, and Germany Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Companies profiled Air Water Inc., Cummins Inc., Hitachi Ltd., HITZINGER GmbH, Industrial Electric Mfg., Langley Holdings Plc, Rolls-Royce Plc, Schneider Electric SE, Thycon Pty Ltd., and Vertiv Holdings Co. Market Dynamics Parent market analysis, market growth inducers and obstacles, fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and future consumer dynamics, market condition analysis for the forecast period Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

Download Latest Free Sample Report in Minutes for more highlights on diesel rotary UPS market.

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Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contact

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio

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LOS ALGODONES, BAJA CALIFORNIA, Mexico, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Dental Implant Treatment Costs In Mexico

A simple treatment for broken or damaged teeth, especially those with rotten or damaged roots is dental implants. Dentures are also an option, however, they just sit on the bony base of the teeth rather than being fixed, like the dental implants are.

But they can be quite expensive in the United States or Canada, which is why more and more people are choosing to get dental implant treatments in Mexico.

Getting dental implant treatment in Mexico allows you to get the same quality of treatment but at an affordable price.

Why Choose Mexico for your Dental Implant Treatment?

People prefer to have their dental implant treatment done in Mexico because of several reasons, the main one being the cost. In Mexico, dental care plans are quite easy on your pocket, with dental implants only costing one-fourth of the American and Canadian dental care costs.

Moreover, the travel cost is lower as in most cases, even within the United States, you may need to travel quite a bit to find a skilled dental surgeon.

Having your implants placed in Mexico is a very cost-effective decision. Even staying in high-end resorts while getting zour implants will end up being cheaper for you than getting the procedure done in the United States or Canada.

The cost-effectiveness of Mexican dental implant treatments is especially beneficial for you if you do not have dental insurance. In the States, the cost of your entire dental implant treatment may be covered, to an extent by your dental insurance provider.

You will still be required to pay to cover a certain percentage of the total amount but it will only be slightly lower than the total cost. And if you do not have dental insurance, it is best to opt for Mexican dental implant treatments as they have high-quality implants that are nearly 70 percent less in cost than the States.

Moreover, there are no hidden costs or uncertainties about the price that you will need to pay for dental implants in Mexico. In the United States and Canada, you may not know the costs for different procedures leading up to the implant placement.

This may add up over the visits and result in a huge bill for you to pay after. However, Mexican clinics let you know the prices upfront, for the entire package with no hidden fees or charges added later.

Moreover, even the costs for any potential procedure or imaging technique that may be required during the visits will be made apparent and you will know of them beforehand.

At Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry of Mexico, you will be informed of the exact cost of your entire treatment even before you travel to Mexico or have a consultation with Dr. Moguel.

Another important point that guarantees that you will receive high-end care with no hidden fees and charges being added to your bill is that Mexican dental clinics are mostly dependant on dental tourism for revenue.

To ensure this stream of revenue, customer satisfaction is important and that is the top-most priority of the doctors and the administration. You can find out the total cost before you even go and then travel to Mexico safely for your dental implants without worrying about changes in cost.

If you are worried about communicating with the clinic staff in Mexico, you don't need to worry as the staff is mostly bilingual, especially at Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry of Mexico.

On the off chance that the staff is unable to communicate with you in your native tongue, an interpreter will be arranged by the clinic to make the whole process a lot easier on you.

The safe techniques, highly skilled surgeons, affordability, and accessibility of the dental care packages in Mexico are the main reasons why people choose Mexico for their Dental Implant Treatment.

One such skilled surgeon is Dr. Moguel who not only has the skills to perform your procedure but also the compassion and care to walk you through the whole procedure without any worries.

Dr. Jose Moguel is a skilled dental surgeon with experience in placing dental implants. People fly to Mexico to get their dental implants treatment procedure performed by him, at Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry of Mexico, not only to benefit from his expertise but to also benefit from the friendliness of the staff, and to have a great experience overall, that is also highly affordable.

Read full press release here.

About Dr Jose Moguel

Dr. Jose Moguel is an ADM Board Certified Periodontist (MDS/DDS) who belongs to a group of highly distinguished implantogologists in Mexico thanks to his commitment and dedication to excellence in cosmetic dentistry.

Press Contact:

Salvador Veta

619-213-6839

https://www.dentalimplantsbydrmoguel.com/

SOURCE Dr Jose Moguel
TEL AVIV, Israel, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

The chain's first store is expected to open in Tel Aviv during 2022

during 2022 7 - Eleven will supply fast food and exclusive products to the Israeli market in stores in Israel

Eleven will supply fast food and exclusive products to the Israeli market in stores in By the end of 2024, Electra is expected to invest over NIS 60 million in branding and opening of 7-Eleven stores in Israel .

is expected to invest over in branding and opening of 7-Eleven stores in The agreement between the parties was signed for 20 years, with an option to extend for another 50 years

Electra Consumer Products (TASE: ECP) today announced the signing of an agreement with the global 7-Eleven chain, following the memorandum of understanding signed between the parties in November 2020. According to the agreement, Electra Consumer Products will act in Israel to develop and operate convenience stores under the 7-Eleven brand, when it was agreed between the parties that dozens will be established in Israel over the next 3 years.

7-Eleven is a multinational convenience store chain based in Dallas, Texas, which operates and grants franchises and licenses to more than 77,000 stores in 18 states. Under the franchise agreement signed, the parties agreed that the franchise period would be 20 years, with an option to extend the period for another 50 years, subject to compliance with the terms set forth in the franchise agreement. The franchise agreement includes the payment of an initial amount and monthly payments that will be paid as a percentage of the total income of the franchise activity in Israel.

Joe de Pinto, President and CEO of 7-Eleven: "With its growing and vibrant population and continued economic expansion, Israel presents an ideal location for the growth of 7-Eleven stores. Our strategic relationship with Electra Consumer Products will bring the 7-Eleven brand, which specializes in convenience products and services, to millions of Israeli consumers."

Zvika Schwimmer, CEO of Electra Consumer: "The entry of 7-Eleven into Israel is another significant factor in making Electra's food division a rising force in the food market in Israel. We strive and anticipate that 7-Eleven, as having international experience and reputation, will ensure a first-class experience for Israeli customers. The chain has exposed the world to the field of convenience retail, and today it is the undisputed international leader in the industry. The chain will supply fast food and exclusive products in stores in Israel that will reach the Israeli market for the first time. We are committed to offering the best shopping experience and the best products, both in city centers, office areas and other locations with high traffic.

The agreement with 7-Eleven, which we see as great business potential, is a significant move in the establishment of the food division of Electra Consumer Products, in parallel with the acquisition of the 'Yeynot Bitan' food chain, which we recently completed. These transactions are in line with Electra Consumer Products' business strategy to become the best consumer group in Israel, while strengthening the value chain and deepening the benefits to size and expanding the range of products and services to our customers. "

The company intends to open dozens of stores in the next 3 years in Israel, when the chain's first store will be launched in Tel Aviv during 2022. Electra should expect to invest NIS 60 million by 2024 in opening stores and the 7-Eleven brand in Israel.

The franchise agreement includes various commitments of Electra Consumer Products to 7-Eleven, including a commitment on issues of non-competition in the field of convenience stores, restrictions regarding a change of control and a commitment to comply with the financial terms set forth in the agreement.

The 7-Eleven entry is expected to bring shoppers a unique retail environment, as it characterizes the brand around the world, and popular international products, including drinks, snacks and fresh food. The international chain will support Electra Consumer Products and the implementation of its unique retail business model.

The 7-Eleven network has a wide presence in many countries including: the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, China, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Australia, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Worldwide, the network's mission is to provide its customers with "what they want, when, where and how they want it". According to the chain's CEO: "Soon, Israeli consumers will be able to experience the trademark of Eleven-7 firsthand and enjoy everyday quality and convenience."

The current agreement adds to a number of significant deals that Electra Consumer Products has reported over the past year. Among other things, in May 2021, the Group completed the acquisition of control of the 'Yeynot Bitan' food retail chain. Under the agreement, Electra Consumer Products acquired the actual control of the chain. Electra purchased 35.05% of the Bitan's shares for NIS 193 million. Simultaneously with Electra Consumer Products, the Phoenix Group also acquired about 15% of the chain's shares, so that in total, Electra Consumer and Phoenix together hold 50.05% of the chain's shares, and the rest is owned by the Bitan family.

About Electra Consumer Products

Electra Consumer Products is a group that operates in four areas of activity, which are also reported as activity segments in its financial statements, as detailed below: the first - import, production, export, marketing, sale and distribution of electrical consumer goods and service ("consumer electrical products"); The second - operating retail marketing networks for the sale of electrical consumer goods ("electricity retail sector"); The third - the activity of the 'Yeynot Bitan' Retail Group ("Food Retail Sector"); The fourth - development and construction of investment real estate ("investment real estate sector"). The company's CEO is Mr. Zvika Schwimmer.

About 7-Eleven

7-Eleven is the leading name in the global convenience retail industry. The company's offices are located in Irving, Texas, and it operates more franchises and / or licenses in more than 77,000 stores in 18 states and regions, including 16,000 in North America. In addition to 7-Eleven stores,. Operates and serves as a franchisee of the Speedway, Stripes, Laredo Taco Company and Raise the Roost brands and more. 77-Eleven is known for its iconic brands like Slurpee, Big Bite and Big Gulp and has expanded into sandwiches, salads, toppings, fruit and protein boxes, as well as pizza, chicken wings and mini taco beef. 7-Eleven offers customers leading private label products

Contact:

Amir Eisenberg

Co-CEO, Eisenberg-Eliash Ltd.

Investor and Public Relations

+972-3-7538828

[email protected]

SOURCE Electra Consumer Products

Related Links

https://www.ecp.co.il/en/investors-lobby/


Usain will star alongside Epson's EcoTank in a TV Advertising campaign starting later this week in UK and Germany, as well as appearing on billboards, online in website banner ads, on Point-of-Sale in major retail outlets and on social media throughout the rest of the region. Usain will demonstrate in his own light-hearted way that with Epson's EcoTank printers, you can literally "Just Fill and Chill" for up to three years of cartridge-free no-hassle printing [1] .

Over 60 million EcoTank high-capacity ink tank printers have sold worldwide since their launch in 2010, saving customers up to 90% on printing costs[2]. The printers come with high yield ink bottles instead of cartridges. Epson has recently refreshed its award-winning range of EcoTank printers enabling busy households and small offices to enjoy hassle-free printing at an ultra-low-cost per page. All Epson's new EcoTank printers feature its Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology so you can enjoy also reduced energy consumption with less need for replacement parts.

Commenting on the partnership, Yoshiro Nagafusa, President of Epson Europe, said: "Usain is the perfect partner for us! He is one of the most recognisable people in the world and his engaging character will help bring our low-cost printing solutions to life in a fun, memorable and engaging way. With more of us working from home than ever before, and modern family life getting busier, now is exactly the right time to raise even more awareness of our EcoTank printers and the cost saving benefits they deliver."

Usain Bolt said: "I'm delighted to be working with Epson to help spread the word about EcoTank printers. I only partner with brands that I believe can make a real difference. EcoTank printers remove many of the frustrations that exist around printing with cartridges so anything that can help make life a little bit easier has got to be a good thing. But it's about much more than that! We share many of the same values such as building better futures. For Epson, that's all about building trust through its products, products that help communities grow and prosper. And for me it's about inspiring others to follow their dreams, regardless of how big or small they may be."

For a look at the new TV Commercial, and to see some of the extra footage filmed during the shoot, take a look at our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/EpsonEurope.

1. Based on print volume of 100 A4 pages per month and the lowest yield produced from the included set of inks.

2. Based on Epson calculations, the average cost per page saving and the average number of inkjet cartridges required to print the same number of pages as the Epson EcoTank "101" and "103" ink bottles. Comparison between the average yield (A4 prints of ISO/IEC 24711) of EcoTank "101" and "103" bottle series and the genuine consumables (IDC, Hardcopy Peripherals Consumables Tracker, 2020 shipments, published Q1 2021) used within the 25 best-selling consumer A4 inkjet cartridge printers below 100 (exc. tax) in Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Turkey (IDC, Quarterly Hardcopy Peripherals Tracker, 2020 shipments, published Q1 2021). Cost per page calculated by dividing the relevant bottle/cartridge sales revenue and the total yield by the unit sales.

About Epson

Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to co-creating sustainability and enriching communities by leveraging its efficient, compact, and precision technologies and digital technologies to connect people, things, and information. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson will become carbon negative and eliminate use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of around JPY 1 trillion.



global.epson.com

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SOURCE Epson Europe

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New team members include Maria Bolovis as SVP, Infrastructure Operations and Technology and Chris Ingram as SVP, Sales and Marketing

MONTREAL, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Today, eStruxture, the largest Canadian-owned, cloud and carrier-neutral data center provider, is excited to announce two new additions to its leadership team: Maria Bolovis has been appointed Senior Vice-President, Infrastructure Operations and Technology and Chris Ingram has been appointed Senior Vice-President, Sales and Marketing.

"Thanks to our significant growth over this past year it became imperative that we take a more focused approach in key functional areas to continue to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers, employees, and shareholders '', said Todd Coleman, President and CEO of eStruxture."We are delighted to have both Maria and Chris join our dynamic and talented team, and are confident their leadership, extensive industry expertise, and vision will further accelerate eStruxture's growth."

Prior to joining the company, Maria was a Regional Leader of Data Center Operations at Amazon Web Services (AWS),and was instrumental in building up their cloud and data center presence across Canada and abroad. She brings over 15 years of deep data center operations and engineering experience.

"I look forward to starting this next chapter of my career at eStruxture and helping the company achieve new milestones. eStruxture's expertise and dedication have earned them a strong reputation in the industry and title of trusted advisors with their customers'', said Bolovis.

With over 25 years of experience in enterprise sales and sales leadership, Chris has an excellent track record in the colocation and managed services industry. Prior to joining eStruxture, he held senior sales executive positions at the likes of Scalar Decisions, Bell Canada's National Hosting Services division and Q9 Networks.

"After almost ten years at Scalar Decisions (now CDW), I am excited to be taking on this new role at eStruxture where I will be leading the sales and marketing team, and spearheading the strategic sales growth plan. I look forward to getting back to my roots in sales leadership in an industry I've always been passionate about," said Ingram.

About eStruxture

eStruxture provides network and cloud-neutral data center solutions designed with the capacity, performance, and flexibility to run modern, demanding enterprise applications, and the control to rapidly scale in response to unpredictable changes in business processes. Headquartered in Montreal, the company provides access to an ecosystem of approximately 1,500 customers that trust and depend on eStruxture's mission-critical infrastructure and customer-centric support, including carriers, cloud providers, media, content, financial services and enterprise customers. eStruxture offers colocation, private cloud, managed services, bandwidth, and security and support services to customers of all sizes.

For more information, visit www.estruxture.com, and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

SOURCE eStruxture
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac;NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), a stockholder-owned, federally chartered corporation that provides a secondary market for a variety of loans made to borrowers in rural America with the intent of increasing the availability and affordability of credit for the benefit of rural America, announced today that it has completed a $302.7 million securitization of agricultural mortgage loans.

"We are proud to announce the closing of the FARM Series 2021-1 securitization, a newly-structured and syndicated agricultural mortgage-backed securitization (AMBS)," said President & Chief Executive Officer, Brad Nordholm. "The success of this transaction is evidence of Farmer Mac's high-quality credit, strong balance sheet and consistent financial performance and the resilience of America's farmers and ranchers. Developing this capital flow to agriculture producers exemplifies Farmer Mac's core mission to improve credit availability in rural America while creating a well-received new investment opportunity for leading institutional investors."

The mortgage pool for FARM Series 2021-1 consists of 384 agricultural mortgage loans with an aggregate outstanding principal balance of approximately $302.7 million. The loans in the pool were underwritten to Farmer Mac's standards and acquired by Farmer Mac between July 2019 and December 2020. This inaugural deal included a $280.0 million senior tranche guaranteed by Farmer Mac and a $22.7 million unguaranteed subordinate tranche.

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC acted as the sole structuring agent and bookrunner along with CastleOak Securities, L.P., as a selling group member. Dechert LLP served as legal advisor to Farmer Mac. Morgan, Lewis and Bockius LLP served as legal advisor to Credit Suisse (USA) LLC and CastleOak Securities, L.P.

About Farmer Mac

Farmer Mac is a vital part of the agricultural credit markets and was created to increase access to and reduce the cost of credit for the benefit of American agricultural and rural communities. As the nation's secondary market for agricultural credit, Farmer Mac provides financial solutions to a broad spectrum of the agricultural community, including agricultural lenders, agribusinesses, and other institutions that can benefit from access to flexible, low-cost financing and risk management tools. Farmer Mac's customers benefit from its low cost of funds, low overhead costs, and high operational efficiency. More information about Farmer Mac (including the Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q referenced above) is available on Farmer Mac's website at www.farmermac.com.

SOURCE Farmer Mac

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EXTON, Pa., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- iPipeline announced today that Kimberly Beck has joined the firm as Vice President of Marketing. Beck has nearly 25 years of experience in financial services marketing, and in her new role will focus on strengthening growth marketing capabilities while leading all aspects of marketing, including digital, product, customer engagement and corporate communications.

"We are committed to unlocking value for our growing pipeline of customers, including life insurance carriers, brokerage general agents, financial institutions, and wealth management firms," said Larry Berran, CEO of iPipeline. "Kimberly will be a key leader in accelerating this effort, expanding our marketing capabilities to optimize engagement across the client lifecycle, and communicating the value of the iPipeline ecosystem."

Over the past 26 years, iPipeline has expanded its product portfolio to become a true platform brand, and the company's leading technology has enabled it to help protect more than 25 million lives. Beck will collaborate with a wide array of iPipeline teams to promote the power of iPipeline's holistic offerings and create integrated product and channel campaigns to drive accelerated growth. She joins from Envestnet, where she led the firm's Wealth Marketing efforts, and prior to that, held various marketing leadership roles at BlackRock, Merrill Lynch and Nuveen. She will be based in the firm's Exton office.

"iPipeline is a pioneer in facilitating end-to-end digitization for the life insurance industry," said Kimberly Beck, Vice President of Marketing at iPipeline. "I am thrilled to be joining the preeminent market leader in the insurtech space, and to lead the brand through its next phase of growth. I look forward to working with such an innovative, fast-moving, and collaborative group of people who are dedicated to delivering more value to clients."

About iPipeline

iPipeline is a leading provider of no code / low code, content-based digital solutions for the life insurance and financial services industry. Through our SSG Digital, end-to-end platform, we accelerate and simplify sales, compliance, operations, and support. We provide process automation and seamless integration between every participant in our ecosystem including carriers, agents, general agencies, advisors, broker-dealers, RIAs, banks, securities/mutual fund firms, and their consumers on a global basis. Our innovative solutions include pre-sales support, new business and underwriting, policy administration, point-of-sale execution of applications, post-sale support, data analysis, reporting, user-driven configuration, consumer delivery and self-service, and agency and firm management.

iPipeline's platform is used by approximately 450 carriers and fund companies, 1,400 distributors and financial institutions, and their agents and licensed advisors in a cloud-based environment. With headquarters in Exton, Pennsylvania, iPipeline has locations in Boston, Bromley (UK), Burlington (Canada), Cheltenham (UK), Dallas, Davidson, Fort Lauderdale, Huntersville, Ontario (CA), Philadelphia, Pleasanton, and Salt Lake City. Visit www.ipipeline.com.

Media Contact:

Dana Taormina

JConnelly for iPipeline

973-647-4626

[email protected]

SOURCE iPipeline

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NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ford Foundation today announced the launch of its first-ever grantmaking program focused on advancing the rights of people with disabilities in the United States, with an annual budget of $10 million. From 2018 to 2020, Ford has invested more than $50 million toward projects and organizations focused on disability and an additional $125 million to social justice organizations working toward disability inclusion. The launch of the U.S. Disability Rights program marks the next stage of Ford's sustained commitment to the community and wider efforts to transform the foundation toward disability inclusion in all of its operations and grantmaking.

One in five Americans have a disability, yet people with disabilities continue to face unfair policies that systematize poverty and persistent prejudice that has segregated them from movements and society. The Ford Foundation is seizing an opportunity to impact one of the largest communities in the United States to strengthen its work and partnerships with movement leaders.

In embracing the disability community's motto of "nothing about us without us," the foundation consulted about 200 disability leaders across the United States to shape the new program's grantmaking strategy. With their guidance, Ford's U.S. Disability Rights Program will focus on advancing economic justice; strengthening disability organizations through multi-year, core funding support; building a pipeline of a diverse disability leadership, both within disability rights and justice organizations and in the broader social justice arena; and countering disability stigma.

"There is no justice without the inclusion of people with disabilities," says Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation. "When people with disabilities lead the wayand those with power actively listen and learnour society can move beyond basic compliance and toward justice. Ford Foundation is proud to learn from disability leaders who have shown us that achieving justice requires solutions informed by intersectionality and grounded in equity."

"Any efforts to combat inequality can only be successful by explicitly including disability," says Disability advocate Rebecca Cokley, who joined the foundation earlier this year as program officer to lead the U.S. Disability Rights program. "As a person with multiple disabilities, I am honored to continue serving the disability community in building collective power and fighting for their perspectives and experiences to be included in policy decisions that affect them. Critical to this work is a diverse disability leadership that represents the full experience of the community, interconnected social justice movements that understand how disability is situated in all justice areas, a society that celebrates disability pride, and a philanthropic sector that bolsters support for the community."

Initial investments from the portfolio include grants to:

The Century Foundation to build a national disability and economic justice roundtable that will help coordinate a disability agenda in policy arenas;

The Disability Rights and Education Defense Fund to build a national association of disabled journalists;

Access Living of Chicago to expand work with survivors of gun violence;

to expand work with survivors of gun violence; Crushing Colonialism to use moving image storytelling to uplift Native Americans with disabilities and their advocacy work;

MEAction to advocate for the recognition, education, and research around myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and the emerging long-haul COVID community.

Since 2015, the Ford Foundation has been transforming its operations and grantmaking to center people with disabilities in our work. This includes redesigning the landmarked New York headquarters, our website, and events to be more inclusive and accessible, investing in anti-ableism training for our staff, and refining our hiring and recruitment strategies to create a more equitable team globally. All of the foundation's grantmaking programs have incorporated a disability lens to find how new and existing grantees can advance disability rights and justice into their work across issue areas. Additionally, with the launch of the President's Council on Disability Inclusion in Philanthropy, Ford has partnered with other foundation leaders to influence the wider philanthropic sector toward disability inclusion.

ABOUT THE FORD FOUNDATION

The Ford Foundation is an independent, nonprofit grant-making organization. For more than 80 years it has worked with courageous people on the frontlines of social change worldwide, guided by its mission to strengthen democratic values, reduce poverty and injustice, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement. With headquarters in New York, the foundation has offices in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

SOURCE Ford Foundation

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NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), established by the Financial Stability Board (FSB), published its 2021 Status Report today. After reviewing over 1,650 companies' reports, from 69 countries and jurisdictions in eight industries, the Task Force found that disclosure in line with the TCFD's recommendations has accelerated over the past year and grown nine percentage points from 2019-2020 compared to the four percentage point growth from 2018-2019. For the first time, over 50% of companies reviewed disclosed their climate-related risks and opportunities. This growth was bolstered by official announcements of TCFD-aligned climate reporting requirements from several jurisdictions as well as support for TCFD from investors, international standard setters and regulators. Despite the significant progress, overall disclosure is still lacking.

"When companies disclose clear, consistent and accurate information on the risks they face from climate change, investors and business leaders can make more informed and sustainable financial decisions. That strengthens our global economy, improves health, and helps address the climate crisis," said Michael R. Bloomberg, Chair of the Task Force and Founder of Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies. "The Task Force has had an exceptional year in rallying global support for climate risk reporting  but we still have a long way to go. As governments and businesses around the world work to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy, they should continue to draw on the TCFD recommendations as a critical tool in their efforts."



Since last year's report, the number of TCFD supporters has grown by over a third  more than 1,000 new organizations now support the TCFD recommendations, bringing the total to over 2,600 globally. TCFD supporters now span 89 countries and jurisdictions and nearly all sectors of the economy, with a combined market capitalization of over $25.1 trillion  a 99% increase since last year. As support from the private sector has grown, governments and organizations around the world are moving toward requiring climate disclosures through legislation and regulation. In this year alone, official entities in eight jurisdictions have referenced the TCFD in announcements to require climate-related reporting. International standard setters and regulators have also expressed support for aligning their efforts with the TCFD recommendations, including the G7 and G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, the IFRS Foundation and the European Commission, among others.



"There is clear and growing consensus among investors and regulators on the importance of climate-related disclosure and the need for standardized, transparent data to support capital allocation decisions. As countries and companies around the world set net zero targets, the TCFD framework is increasingly becoming the foundation for standards and requirements needed to chart the transition to the low-carbon economy," commented Mary Schapiro, Head of the TCFD Secretariat and Vice Chair for Global Public Policy at Bloomberg L.P. "That's why today we are also publishing guidance to help companies disclose their plans and progress for the transition to a low-carbon economy, more consistent cross-sector metrics, and, for financial firms, how aligned their portfolios are with a well-below 2C scenario."

"Consistent and comparable disclosures are foundational for enabling accurate risk assessment. The TCFD recommendations have become widely supported by the private and official sectors as the basis for climate-related disclosures, and this year's report shows further momentum but also where disclosure gaps remain. As the IFRS Foundation continue to develop a global sustainability reporting standard, working with an alliance of standard-setters, I am pleased that they will be able to draw from the strong work of the TCFD," said FSB Chair Randal K. Quarles.

Recognizing that climate-related reporting has evolved since the Task Force initially released its recommendations in 2017, the TCFD published two additional documents to support decision-useful disclosure. For the first time, the Task Force released updates to the implementation guidance (Annex) initially published in 2017 with the TCFD Recommendations Report. The revised 2021 Annex updates specific elements of the implementing guidance for all sectors and supplemental guidance for the financial sector for certain recommended disclosures within the Strategy and Metrics and Targets recommendations.

To help drive comparability in reporting, the updated guidance elevates seven categories of cross-industry metrics as particularly important for assessing financial impact: Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 GHG emissions, metrics on climate-related transition and physical risks and opportunities, capital deployment, internal carbon price, and remuneration. It also includes disclosure on companies' plans to transition to a net zero economy, among other updates.

The Task Force also published Guidance on Metrics, Targets, and Transition Plans to further support financial statement preparers in disclosing decision-useful information and linking those disclosures with estimates of financial impacts. Such information will help users better assess their investment, lending, and underwriting risks  and inform paths and progress toward net zero. The financial impacts section describes how climate-related metrics, targets, and information from transition plans provide useful information with which to estimate the financial impacts of climate-related issues.

The full 2021 Status Report, updated Annex, and guidance document are available on the TCFD website. The Task Force will deliver its next status report to the FSB in September 2022. To learn more about becoming a supporter, please visit the TCFD website. Additional resources can be found in the TCFD Knowledge Hub.

About the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

On December 4, 2015, the Financial Stability Board (FSB) established the industry-led Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) with Michael R. Bloomberg as Chair. The Task Force currently has 32 members. The TCFD was asked to develop voluntary, consistent climate-related financial disclosures for use by companies in providing information to lenders, insurers, investors, and other stakeholders, which were published in the TCFD Recommendations Report on June 29, 2017. More information about the TCFD can be found at www.fsb-tcfd.org.

SOURCE Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

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Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak presented the prizes to the 2020 and 2021

Global Energy Prize laureates. The ceremony was chaired by the President of the Global Energy

Association, Sergey Brilev.

Here are the names of the 2021 laureates.

Zinfer Ismagilov (Russia) was a laureate in the "Conventional Energy" nomination for his

contribution to the chemistry of carbon materials, heterogeneous catalysis, and climate action.

Suleyman Allakhverdiev (Russia) was a laureate in the "Non-conventional energy" nomination

for his outstanding contribution to the development of alternative energy, scientific achievements

in the design of artificial photosynthesis systems, a cycle of scientific works in the field of

bioenergy and hydrogen energy.

Yi Cui (USA) was a laureate in the "New ways of energy application" nomination for his

exceptional contributions in nanomaterials design, synthesis and characterisation for energy and

the environment, particularly for transformational innovations in battery science.

Here are the names of the 2020 laureates.

Carlo Rubbia (Italy) was a laureate in the "Conventional Energy" nomination for the promotion

of sustainability of energy use in the field of nuclear waste and natural gas pyrolysis.

Peidong Yang (USA) was a laureate in the "Non-Conventional Energy" nomination for

pioneering invention of nanoparticle-based solar cell and artificial photosynthesis.

Nikolaos Hatziargyriou (Greece) was a laureate in the "New Ways of Energy Application"

nomination for his contribution to the stability of power grid systems by pioneering smart and

microgrid systems by using artificial intelligence.

"In today's world, energy is one of the foundations of socio-economic development," Alexander

Novak said in his address during the ceremony. "And that is why scientific discoveries in this field affect the future path to be taken in the development of out entire civilisation. It is in this regard that the Global Energy Prize is becoming a landmark event which reflects not just the future of the fuel and energy complex, but humankind as a whole."

SOURCE The Global Energy Association
NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Research Dive has published a report titled, "Methanol Market by Feedstock (Coal, Natural Gas, and Others), End-use Industry (Automotive, Construction, Electronics, Appliances, Paints & Coatings, Insulation, Pharmaceutical, Packaging, and Others), and Regional Analysis (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20212028."

The Global Methanol Market is predicted to generate a revenue of $39,283.4 million at a CAGR of 6.4% by 2028 increasing from $24,000.0 million in 2020.

Download PDF Sample Report of Methanol Market

Asia-Pacific Region Methanol Market Outlook

The Asia-Pacific regional methanol market garnered $13,780.8 million in 2020 and is further predicted to generate the highest revenue at a CAGR of 6.3%. The reason behind the growth is the demand of methanol fuel cell vehicles, methanol range extended electric vehicles, and methanol-electric hybrid vehicles in the regional countries. This demand is because of the applicability of methanol as a low emission alternative fuel.

How Methanol Market performing in North America and Europe during COVID-19 Pandemic. Get customized report with 20% Discount.

Main Segment Highlights

The report has divided the market into different segments based on feedstock, end-use, and regional outlook.

Feedstock: The natural gas sub-segment is expected to dominate the market with a revenue of $16,868.2 million by 2028, rising from $10,189.5 million in 2020. The main attributor behind this growth is use of natural gas as a feedstock in the production procedure of methanol. The methanol production process involves simple methods such as synthesis gas production.

The natural gas sub-segment is expected to dominate the market with a revenue of by 2028, rising from in 2020. The main attributor behind this growth is use of natural gas as a feedstock in the production procedure of methanol. The methanol production process involves simple methods such as synthesis gas production. End-Use: The automotive sub-segment is anticipated to garner the highest revenue of $8,255.0 million by 2028, increasing from $5,283.8 million in 2020. The main reason enhancing the growth of the segment is the high octane of Methanol which offers outstanding power and acceleration which makes it necessary for the automotive sector as a motor fuel.

Dynamics of the Methanol Market

Drivers: One of the main factors behind the accelerating growth of the methanol market is its application in everyday consumer products. Other applications of methanol include manufacturing of plywood subfloors, solvents, foams, and windshield washer fluids, and as a feedstock in the chemical production. Methanol is also used as fuel and biodiesel in many countries. These are the factors behind the growth of the market.

Restraint:

The main restraining factor behind the growth of the methanol market is the more demand of ethanol compared to methanol because of the lesser toxic elements ethanol contains.

Opportunity: Methanol is being applied as a biodiesel in many countries which is expected to create many opportunities for the market during the forecast period.

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Key Market Players & Strategies

The leading players of the global methanol market include

Valero Methanex Corporation SABIC Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) BASF SE Mitsui & Co., Ltd. Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company Celanese Corporation, Inc. Zagros Petrochemical Co. Methanol Holdings ( Trinidad ) Limited among others.

- Inquire and Get Quick Access to Top Companies Development Strategies Summary Report

These players are focusing on the development of the industry by focusing on various strategies and business tactics such as product renovation, long-term partnership, mergers, acquisitions etc.

They are focusing on advanced product developments and merger & acquisition. These are some of the strategies conducted by the startups as well as established business organizations.

Recent Development

In August 2021, The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC) signed a Consolidated Gas Supply Contract (CGSC) with Methanol Holdings (Trinidad) Limited (MHTL), the largest methanol producer in the world and a part of the Proman family of companies. The agreement is supposed to upkeep operations at the MHTL Methanol Complex, which includes one of the world's most efficient low carbon methanol producers, the mega-methanol M5 plant.

Impact Analysis of COVID-19 on the Methanol Industry

The global methanol market has been impacted in a negative way during the coronavirus pandemic. The main reason behind this decline is the financial slowdown and temporary shutdown of manufacturing industries. Other factor is the restrictions on supply chain in the major methanol producing countries. The leading players of the market are developing many strategies to sustain the market growth in the post pandemic period.

Access our comprehensive analysis of the IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON METHANOL MARKET

More about Methanol:

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About Research Dive:

Research Dive is a market research firm based in Pune, India. Maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the services, the firm provides the services that are solely based on its exclusive data model, compelled by the 360-degree research methodology, which guarantees comprehensive and accurate analysis. With an unprecedented access to several paid data resources, team of expert researchers, and strict work ethic, the firm offers insights that are extremely precise and reliable. Scrutinizing relevant news releases, government publications, decades of trade data, and technical & white papers, Research dive deliver the required services to its clients well within the required timeframe. Its expertise is focused on examining niche markets, targeting its major driving factors, and spotting threatening hindrances. Complementarily, it also has a seamless collaboration with the major industry aficionado that further offers its research an edge.

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SOURCE Research Dive
Download free sample report

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 PaaS market. The report also aids buyers with relevant PaaS 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/paas-sourcing-and-procurement-intelligence-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 2.00%-8.00%.

Identify favorable opportunities in PaaS 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.

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Some of the top PaaS suppliers listed in this report:

This PaaS procurement intelligence report has enlisted the top suppliers and their cost structures, SLA terms, best selection criteria, and negotiation strategies.

VMware Inc.

Oracle Corp.

Microsoft Corp.

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

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WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- GLOSSLAB, a hygiene-first, membership-based, waterless nail studio operator, has signed a lease with EastBanc, Inc. , marking the company's first location in Washington, D.C. GLOSSLAB will officially open its doors at 1533 Wisconsin Avenue NW in early 2022, and will add to Georgetown's growing list of retailers and experiences.

This opening will join existing studios in Manhattan (Flatiron, Tribeca, Upper East Side and West Village) along with soon-to-open locations in Miami, Bethesda, MD, Hoboken, NJ and CT (Darien and Westport).

Founder Rachel Apfel Glass created GLOSSLAB when she saw a gap in the market during her years working at a hedge fund, when she found it nearly impossible to fit in an efficient manicure during the busy work week. After the birth of her second daughter, Rachel and a team of experts got together to open the first GLOSSLAB location in the Flatiron district of New York. GLOSSLAB quickly grew in popularity, and currently has thousands of members.

The hygiene-first, waterless, and membership based studio also features technology enhanced services such as online booking, cashless payment, and contactless check-in and check-out. GLOSSLAB patrons can choose from a curated group of performance-based products at the forefront of beauty and nail trends including best-in-class, long-lasting gel and non-toxic polishes.

"This three story, historical gem of a site is perfect for the first GLOSSLAB in Washington, D.C. We are so excited to be part of the Georgetown community," says Rachel Apfel Glass, founder of GLOSSLAB.

"GLOSSLAB has taken the nail industry by storm and created an experience, grounded in its commitment to hygiene, that EastBanc believes will be well-received by the Georgetown clientele," said Philippe Lanier, Principal at EastBanc. "We foresee GLOSSLAB quickly becoming a staple in D.C., as it has in many other cities, and look forward to watching their success in the years to come."

As the majority landowner of Georgetown's retail properties, EastBanc's commitment to the neighborhood's success has driven some of the most innovative, in-demand brands to the shopping district, making Georgetown a focal point in the growth of brick and mortar retail. GLOSSLAB is one of many new retailers EastBanc is bringing to the neighborhood this year, including Aerie, Everlane, Avocado Mattress and more as both brands and shoppers continue to look to Georgetown for their next physical retail locations.

GLOSSLAB has become the go-to destination for top names including: Jennifer Garner, Neil Patrick Harris, The Bachelor's Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell, P.K. Subban, and Minka Kelly - to name a few.

For more information on Rachel and GLOSSLAB, please visit www.glosslab.com . Follow along on Instagram at: @GLOSSLAB.

ABOUT GLOSSLAB:

Rachel Apfel Glass founded GLOSSLAB with a mission to modernize the nail studio experience with its hygiene-first, membership based concept. After giving birth to her second daughter, Glass made her dreams a reality, and founded GLOSSLAB on three key pillars including: Hygiene, Efficiency, and Membership. In addition to focusing on the client experience, Glass believed it was equally important to provide employees with a safe working environment, fair wages, and a true career path. GLOSSLAB prides itself on being totally water free, as water is a breeding ground for germs. Hygiene is GLOSSLAB's guarantee, with strict measures in place long before COVID-19 guidelines were developed. The future forward studio features technology enhanced services (online booking, cashless payment, contactless check-in and check-out) and performance based products at the forefront of beauty and nail trends including best-in-class long lasting vegan polish, gel, and non-toxic polishes.

ABOUT EASTBANC, INC:

EastBanc, Inc. specializes in the acquisition, redevelopment, and management of commercial real estate assets. The firm's long-term appreciation strategy emphasizes the creation of enterprise value in specific markets through targeted deployment of investor capital. The cornerstone of EastBanc's enterprise value strategy incorporates its unique ability to influence sizable portions of urban streetscape with significant capital upgrades and master-planned leasing. With an emphasis on urban mixed-use investment, EastBanc's developments include upscale retail, luxury residential, Trophy office, and luxury hotel property types. For more information, visit: www.eastbanc.com .

SOURCE Glosslab

Related Links

http://www.glosslab.com


With this investment from Goldman Sachs and Charlesbank, MDVIP is ideally positioned to advance its growth initiatives. Tweet this

"For more than two decades, MDVIP has redefined primary care for both physicians and patients to enhance their experience and improve healthcare outcomes," said MDVIP Chairman and CEO Bret Jorgensen, who will continue to lead the company. "With this investment from Goldman Sachs and Charlesbank, MDVIP is ideally positioned to advance its strategic growth initiatives and continue expanding its portfolio of services to meet increasing demand for more personalized care."

Commenting on the acquisition, Jo Natauri, Partner and Global Head of Private Healthcare Investing within Goldman Sachs Asset Management, said, "MDVIP has differentiated itself with a proven model, national footprint, reputation and patient satisfaction scores that exceed healthcare industry benchmarks. We are excited to collaborate with Charlesbank and the MDVIP management team to build on the company's leadership and strengths in primary care."

"We are pleased to have completed the MDVIP transaction with our partners at Goldman Sachs," added Brandon White, Managing Director at Charlesbank Capital Partners. "MDVIP has developed a highly successful business model with multiple avenues for growth, and we look forward to supporting their continued momentum."

About MDVIP

MDVIP leads the market in membership-based healthcare that goes far beyond concierge medicine services with a national network of approximately 1,100 primary care physicians serving 362,000 patients. MDVIP-affiliated physicians limit the size of their practices, which affords them the time needed to provide patients with more individualized service and attention, including an annual, comprehensive preventive care program and customized wellness plan. Published research shows that the MDVIP model identifies more patients at risk for cardiovascular disease, delivers more preventive health services and saves the healthcare system hundreds of millions of dollars through reduced hospitalizations and readmissions. In response to growing consumer demand for a more personalized healthcare experience, hospital systems are incorporating the MDVIP model into their primary care offering. MDVIP is also partnering with employers to offer an executive health program as a benefit to their employees. The company, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, has been certified by Great Place to Work since 2018 and is recognized by Fortune as one of the 2021 Best Workplaces in Healthcare. For more information, visit www.mdvip.com or follow on LinkedIn.

About Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Equity

Bringing together traditional and alternative investments, Goldman Sachs Asset Management provides clients around the world with a dedicated partnership and focus on long-term performance. As the primary investing area within Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS), we deliver investment and advisory services for the world's leading institutions, financial advisors and individuals, drawing from our deeply connected global network and tailored expert insights, across every region and marketoverseeing more than $2 trillion in assets under supervision worldwide as of June 30, 2021. Driven by a passion for our clients' performance, we seek to build long-term relationships based on conviction, sustainable outcomes, and shared success over time. Goldman Sachs Asset Management invests in the full spectrum of alternatives, including private equity, growth equity, private credit, real estate and infrastructure. Established in 1986, the Private Equity business within Goldman Sachs Asset Management has invested over $75 billion since inception. We combine our global network of relationships, our unique insight across markets, industries and regions, and the worldwide resources of Goldman Sachs to build businesses and accelerate value creation across our portfolios. Follow us on LinkedIn.

About Charlesbank Capital Partners

Based in Boston and New York, Charlesbank Capital Partners is a middle-market private investment firm with more than $15 billion of capital raised since inception. Charlesbank focuses on management-led buyouts and growth capital financings, and also engages in opportunistic credit and technology investments. The firm seeks to build companies with sustainable competitive advantage and excellent prospects for growth. For more information, please visit www.charlesbank.com.

Media Contacts

For MDVIP:

Nancy Udell

(561) 310-5455

[email protected]

For Goldman Sachs:

Avery Reed

(212) 902-5400

[email protected]

For Charlesbank:

Maura Turner

(617) 619-5457

[email protected]

SOURCE MDVIP

Related Links

http://www.mdvip.com


This award recognizes the mid-rise or high-rise builder who sets the standard for the rest of the industry through their professionalism and dedication to excellence. They are a leader in improving the overall image of the industry through their commitment to quality, caring for their customers and staff and contributing to their community. The builder exemplifies excellence in design and construction quality, customer care and professional development of staff, and contribution to the community, the industry and to BILD. A key component of the judging process is a customer satisfaction survey, which ensures that the end-user's experience is factored into the award criteria.

"What a great honour and achievement to receive the title of Home Builder of the Year Mid/High-Rise by BILD. This prestigious Pinnacle Award celebrates the work of the entire Great Gulf Group," said Niall Collins, Great Gulf President Residential. "I would like to recognize Tucker HiRise, the High-Rise Development Team, the Mid-Rise Development Team, the Design Group, Sustainability and Building Sciences, Customer Care, Sales and Marketing, Construction and Procurement, Housing and Land Development, H+ME Technology, Draft, and First Gulf for their ongoing commitment to excellence."

Great Gulf was also recognized as a finalist for Home Builder of the Year-Low-Rise and Best Semi-Detached/Townhome Design-Milton Village.

About Great Gulf Group

Established in 1975, the Great Gulf Group including Great Gulf Homes an international award-winning, low-rise and landmark high-rise residential developer providing over 80,000 families with places to call home; Ashton Woods Homes, the 2nd largest private builder and 15th largest in the U.S.; First Gulf, an innovative market leader in sustainable, accessible and transit-oriented commercial developments and large scale design-build industrial facilities; Tucker HiRise, a leading construction management company, specializing in the construction of high-density, mixed-used projects; H+ME Technology, a precision engineering panelization manufacturing facility; and Taboo Muskoka, one of Canada's top-ranked golf courses, is one of North America's premier real estate organizations. With major projects in Canada and the United States, the company's fully-integrated activities span the entire real estate spectrum. Learn more at www.greatgulf.com

SOURCE Great Gulf
Mr. Zhang Jianyu, Executive Director of BRI Green Development institute, noted that Chinese businesses are encouraged to integrate green development throughout the whole process of overseas investment and cooperation, which is an excellent step to accelerate green development both in China and internationally. He also complimented Chinese manufacturers like Midea on marching into the low carbon field and launching its own initiative proactively to combat climate change.

Midea's "Green House" is a seamless integration of three smart and interoperable systems that encompass power generation, energy management and home management. The surplus energy can be transmitted to a storage system which not only can be used as a primary power source at night or in unfavorable weather conditions but can also help the entire neighborhood by sending electricity to other households.

With Midea's advanced algorithms, a smart energy management system intelligently deploys and coordinates solar power generation, energy storage, charging and discharging, which can work in tandem with the MSmartLife system to power all smart home appliances in the house, including air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines and kitchen appliances. The result is an energy-independent home that leverages a whole set of Midea's state-of-the-art technologies to achieve NZEC and maximize energy utilization, in line with the company's ambition to fully cut carbon from households.

A ceremony was also held during the event to mark the production of the 2,100,000th Midea R290 air conditioner (AC), the first AC unit ever granted with Germany's Blue Angel ecolabel.

Mr. Kristian Mao-Chang Wilkening, Project Director of Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) expressed his appreciation for the company's efforts and contribution to low-carbon development. He said, "For R290, Midea was the first manufacturer to obtain the Blue Angel certificate. This proves that Midea meets the highest environmental standards. Rolling off 2,100,000th units is impressive."

Awarded by United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) for its exceptional contribution to fighting against climate change, Midea has been spearheading a decade-long project to develop a mass-producible, efficient and reliable solution by replacing HCFC-22 with propane (R-290). Statistics from UNIDO in 2020 showed that Midea's R-290-powered products have helped eliminate ozone-depleting potential and curtailed the equivalent of over 970,000 tons of CO2 annually.

SOURCE Midea
Significantly, this news represents the first stage in Greeneye's global roll-out, which will continue in early 2022 with its launch in North America, where it will initially work with corn and soybean farmers in the Midwest, before increasing availability to other states in 2023. Reflecting the growing demand from farmers for a commercially-viable precision spraying solution, Greeneye's early adopter program in North America was oversubscribed within days of its announcement, and the company already has a long waiting list of customers for 2023.

Backed by leading global agrochemical manufacturer, Syngenta, Israeli-based Greeneye Technology has developed a proprietary precision spraying technology that is proven to cut herbicide use by 78%1 and reduce herbicide costs by more than 50%1 (average figures) while also improving weed control efficacy compared to traditional broadcast spraying (see video). This breakthrough is achieved with the use of AI technology that can detect and spray weeds amongst crops (green on green) with 95.7% accuracy. Crucially, the system is designed to integrate seamlessly into any brand or size of commercial sprayer, removing the need for farmers to invest in new machines. It also ensures that precision spraying can be carried out at the same travel speed as broadcast spraying  20 km/h  ensuring no reduction in productivity for farmers.

Nadav Bocher, CEO, Greeneye Technology, comments: "Weeds represent one of the greatest threats to global crop production  in the US alone, they are estimated to cost farmers more than $33b2 in lost production annually. Today, farmers address this challenge by spraying herbicides across the entire field  even though weed infestation may be as low as 10%. As a result, not only are farmers spending far more money on herbicides than they need to, but millions of gallons of herbicides are being needlessly sprayed each year, which is contributing to the mounting challenges posed by herbicide-resistant weeds, chemical drift, and soil and water contamination.

"Despite a concerted effort by the agriculture industry to develop precision spraying technologies, so far very few of these projects have moved beyond the trial phase. This is because the technology either fails to deliver the necessary level of accuracy and efficacy, or it requires farmers to invest in new spraying machines, making it prohibitively expensive. Uniquely, Greeneye's solution overcomes both of these challenges, offering farmers what we believe is the most advanced commercially-viable precision spraying technology on the market."

Greeneye's solution uses a combination of hardware and deep machine learning to enable intelligent, real-time weed management decisions in the field. Cameras mounted directly onto spraying machines capture images at a rate of 40 frames per second, enabling rapid detection and classification of weeds down to the species level. Utilizing Greeneye's proprietary dataset and algorithms, the system instantly calculates the amount of herbicide required and sprays it directly onto the weeds, leaving nearby crops unaffected.

Another important advantage of Greeneye's technology is its unique dual-spraying function which enables farmers to apply residual herbicides on a broadcast basis while applying non-residual herbicides precisely on weeds. Currently, farmers mix together residual and non-residual herbicides and spray them from the same nozzle, meaning they use far more non-residual herbicide than is needed. The dual-spraying system overcomes this challenge by enabling farmers to spray only the herbicide that is required.

"We are incredibly proud to announce the commercial launch of our precision spraying technology, but reducing herbicide use is just the beginning. The next generation of our technology, which is already in development, will also be capable of precisely spraying chemicals such as fungicides and micronutrients, increasing savings to farmers beyond herbicides," says Bocher.

"At the same time, our unique AI capabilities enable us to collect ultra-high resolution data from the entire field, providing valuable insights to farmers and enabling them to treat their field at the plant level. With this information at our fingertips, Greeneye is uniquely positioned to guide the global agriculture industry towards a more sustainable  and profitable  future."

View Greeneye's commercial launch video here.

About Greeneye Technology

Greeneye Technology was founded in 2017 in Tel Aviv, Israel, with the mission to develop alternative and sustainable solutions to current crop protection practices to meet the growing global demand for food production, while also increasing productivity and profitability for farmers. The company is pioneering the use of precision spraying technology by harnessing AI and deep machine learning to enable intelligent, real-time decisions in the field that are proven to cut chemical use by up to 90% and improve weed control efficacy compared to standard broadcast spraying. Its founders have worked together for 15 years since serving in the Israeli special forces and head up a multidisciplinary team with expertise in computer vision, AI, agronomy, mechanic engineering, and business. In 2019, Greeneye closed a $7m seed funding round led by Syngenta and JVP. In October 2021, it announced the commercial launch of its technology, signalling a major milestone in unlocking mainstream adoption of precision spraying by overcoming previous barriers of efficacy, speed of delivery, and cost.

For more information see: www.greeneye.ag

1 Greeneye Technology Field Trials, 2020

2 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2019.00003/full

SOURCE Greeneye Technology
For cultivators, Grow Space is actively seeking a tenant or tenants for its 30,000 square foot indoor facility building in Templeton, MA that is perfectly positioned for indoor cultivation, processing and perhaps more with local approvals. The Company will have material on-hand that fully describes this project and building attributes and will be accepting reservation agreements with a retainer deposit that gives a cultivator an option on assuming a lease on this property. Grow Space believes this is an exceptional opportunity for a commercial cultivator to quickly get to market with an existing building facility that is virtually ready for immediate development and production. In addition, that tenant will have the first option on Grow Space's planned 30,000 sf greenhouse facility on an adjacent 16 acres, creating a potent cultivation site for one or more cannabis cultivators.

Make sure to see Grow Space New England in Las Vegas at booth #C7118. Attendees who register for any of these three exciting programs are eligible to win some exciting swag including Grow Space duffle bags and more.

For More Information Contact:

[email protected]

Growspacene.com

221 East Main Street Milford MA 01757

800-687-1190

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this news release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties and there can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate or that management's expectations or estimates of future developments, circumstances or results will materialize. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, the results or events predicted in these forward-looking statements may differ materially from actual results or events. When used in this news release, words such as "will, could, plan, estimate, expect, intend, may, potential, believe, should," and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements related to future developments and the business and operations, statements regarding future financial performance of the Company, statements regarding commencement and completion of construction of facilities, the availability of financing, the accretive nature of a transaction, the impact on the current and future business of the Company and other statements regarding future developments of the business. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, there can be other factors that cause results, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including, but not limited to obtaining regulatory approvals; and engagement in activities currently considered illegal under U.S. federal laws; change in laws; limited operating history; reliance on management; the impact of COVID-19; requirements for additional financing; competition; hindering market growth due to inconsistent public opinion and perception of the medical-use and adult-use marijuana industry; and regulatory or political change. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this release. the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable law, and the Company does not assume any liability for disclosure relating to any other company mentioned herein.

SOURCE Grow Space New England

Related Links

https://www.growspacene.com


WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- D.C.-based nonprofit Halcyon today announced that its founder, Dr. Sachiko Kuno, will step down as chair of the organization's board of directors and become chair emeritus. Martha Metz, founder of Metz Investments, takes over as chair, retroactive to October 1.

Kuno, a scientist, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, founded Halcyon with CEO and Co-founder Kate Goodall in 2017. Halcyon is one of many initiatives spearheaded by Kuno intended to empower people to change the world through social impact and business. She founded S&R Foundation in 2000 and still serves as President and CEO, and co-founded WE Capital, a female-led investment fund. She is also co-founder of the Japanese social incubator program Phoenixi Co., Ltd.

Metz is a veteran of the business world passionate about access for startups. Metz is an expert in brand management from her time at Kraft General Foods and an experienced focus group moderator in categories ranging from consumer-packaged goods to politics. In 2019 she founded Metz Investments LP to invest in early stage companies with a focus on hospitality and women-owned ventures. In addition to Halcyon's board, Metz serves on the Midwest board of UNICEF.

"It is an honor to step into this role, following the visionary Dr. Kuno in guiding this organization in its growth," said Metz. "When I joined Halcyon's board last year, I quickly realized how special this place is. I look forward to being a part of Halcyon's continuing evolution as it flourishes into a bold and powerful voice in impact-driven business."

Metz will lead a board made up of leaders from across sectors, all of whom share Halcyon's mission to accelerate the impact-driven future of business. That board includes three new members: Kerone Vatel, head of community impact and investing at Capital One, Karyn Smith, general counsel and chief compliance officer at Twilio Inc., and Max Peterson, vice president for worldwide public sector at AWS.

"Halcyon's board has always been an essential source of wisdom and encouragement," said Halcyon Co-Founder and CEO Kate Goodall. "Working hand-in-hand with Dr. Kuno to launch Halcyon has been a joy and an honor. Halcyon is bigger than any one of us  it's a true community, and I applaud her decision to solidify Halcyon's future by becoming chair emeritus, and look forward to a partnership with Martha Metz. Over many conversations, she has shown that she will provide thoughtful counsel to this role, manage the board with grace, and encourage Halcyon's growth."

The move comes as Halcyon closes out its largest year to date, with 60 social entrepreneur fellows in programs ranging from a five-month flagship residential incubator program, to intensive programs for Bahrain-based women tech entrepreneurs, Black women founders across the U.S., and D.C.-area entrepreneurs working in Opportunity Zones. In 2022, Halcyon will add its first-ever Africa Intensive and continue to grow funding vehicles for social entrepreneurs, including the recently announced Halcyon Microloan Fund.

About Halcyon

Halcyon accelerates the impact-driven future of business. We believe there is a competitive advantage to having a social mission in an organization's DNA, and that impact-driven businesses represent a powerful opportunity to drive equity and inclusivity in the workplace and society. Halcyon's first residential fellowship program for social entrepreneurs launched in 2014, and today that program is joined by intensive fellowship programs tailored for entrepreneurs from specific regions, sectors, or demographics. In 2019, Halcyon announced the Halcyon Angels, the first in a set of funding vehicles designed to close funding gaps for social entrepreneurs, women founders, and founders of color. A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Halcyon is based in Washington, D.C., with fellows on six continents impacting millions of lives around the world. http://halcyonhouse.org, @halcyoninspires

CONTACT: Nicole Weissman, [email protected]

SOURCE Halcyon

Related Links

https://www.halcyonhouse.org


TITUSVILLE, Fla., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- APRU LLC (OTC PINK: APRU) announces that the Hard Rush trademark application is now on track to become a Registered Mark. The mark has cleared the Opposition Period without challenge, and the legal team hired to address the examiner's objections has successfully overcome all objections. Tony Torgerud, CEO of APRU LLC a wholly owned subsidiary of The Apple Rush Company, has done a masterful job in managing the extensive requirements to reach this point. The Hard Rush mark is co-owned with Corr Brands, Inc.

The Hard Rush Brand formally begins its approach into the alcoholic Seltzer Market now with its name set to become a Registered Mark. Finished formulations of its unique formulas are near completion. Additionally, we have worked tirelessly through the design process to create a striking label that is sure to stand out and attract consumers to the brand. Once the formulas are set, they and the artwork will be submitted immediately to the BATF for regulatory approval. Discussions are also underway with production facilities to produce Hard Rush, which will result in an initial launch in Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana during the 1st quarter of 2022. Everything's looking quite promising for Hard Rush. Tony Torgerud, CEO of APRU, stated, "We have spent a lot of time and energy in the development of Hard Rush, and although it has taken a while, clearing the trademark hurdle was more important than rushing a product to market. We have done both hard liqour infused versions and cider based versions and will decide which is the best direction to move forward with. The hard seltzer category is hot right now, but the cider category has very few great tasting products. We will do what we feel is the most favorable opportunity moving forward." Mr. Torgerud added, "We cannot thank our loyal investors and customers enough for their continued support and patience in the brand we are building. We look forward to sharing some exciting updates on additional progress very soon."

About The Apple Rush Co., Inc.



The Apple Rush Company, Inc.(APRU) through its subsidiaries APRU, LLC. Apple Rush Manufacturing, LLC. is a distributor of CPG products under the trademarked Apple Rush brand and other labels, all natural Apple Rush Sparkling Juices, and research and development, of premium hemp extracts that contain a broad range of cannabinoids and natural hemp derivatives and other active ingredients such as our exclusive agathos active, kratom, kava, blue lotus, and ginseng. The Apple Rush brand has more than 40 years of existence in the natural beverage industry. As a historical leader in the organic and natural beverage sector our goal is to also become the leader in the distribution of anhydrous hemp oil products nationwide.

Safe Harbor Act: Forward-Looking Statements are included within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements regarding our expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, financing plans, business strategy, products and services, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management for future operations, including words such as "anticipate," "if," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "could," "should," "will," and similar expressions are forward-looking statements and involve risks, uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, or achievements. We are under no obligation to (and expressly disclaim any such obligation to) update or alter forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.



Investor relations Contact:



Tony Torgerud



888-741-3777 ext 2

SOURCE The Apple Rush Company, Inc.
Half the globe doesn't have high-speed internet, more than 30% are without 4G, deal helps people, business connect Tweet this

"Our partnership with Harvest aligns with our vision to continually innovate for our customers' success," said Jeffrey Irwin, Vice President, Product Management at Speedcast. "Adding Harvest's industry-leading, remote video streaming solutions to our portfolio enables remote sites to deliver real-time visibility back to decision-makers anywhere in the world, enhancing operational efficiencies, strengthening worker safety, and driving cost savings."

The agreement between the two companies will extend Harvest's sales capabilities on a global scale. Speedcast's technology and applications portfolio currently has more than 3,200 customers in 140 countries, serving over 10,000 maritime vessels and more than 8,000 terrestrial sites.

The benefits for Speedcast customers using the Harvest solution include increased operational efficiencies from faster decision-making in the field, back at base, in the office or at home.

"Harvest's Network Optimised Livestreaming solutions ensure necessary connectivity to maintain and repair equipment, monitor networks, and access remote systems from operations centres rather than deploying more people in field or on site," said Paul Guilfoyle, Harvest Technology Group, Group Chief Executive Officer.

Employee safety is a priority for organisations with remote workforces. High-definition, real-time voice, video, and data delivered via Network Optimised Livestreaming solutions ensures employee safety, ranging from reducing the need for workers to be in high-risk environments, to always-on safety systems, and telehealth services for unexpected illness or injury management.

"Almost half of the globe still doesn't have access to high-speed internet and more than 30% are without 4G coverage, so we are excited to work with Speedcast to enable their customers anywhere in the world to stay connected to operations and personnel while using a fraction of their existing bandwidth resources," continued Guilfoyle. "The combination of our ultra-low bandwidth technology and Speedcast's impressive network will bolster its global network platform providing fully connected systems that transform remote operations."

Media enquiries, please contact:

Josie Taylor

[email protected]

+61 467 764 768

Otto Pijpker

[email protected]

About Speedcast

Speedcast is a leading communications and IT services provider, delivering critical communications services to the Maritime, Energy, Mining, Media, Telecom, Cruise, NGO, Government, and Enterprise sectors. The company leverages its global network platform to provide fully connected systems that harness technologies and applications to transform what remote operations can achieve. With the world's most comprehensive network, Speedcast enables faster, seamless pole-to-pole coverage from a global hybrid satellite, fibre, cellular, microwave, MPLS, and IP transport network with direct access to public cloud platforms. The company integrates differentiated technology offerings that provide smarter ways to communicate and distribute content, manage network, and remote operations, protect and secure investments, and improve the crew and guest experience. With a passionate customer focus and a strong safety culture, Speedcast serves more than 3,200 customers in over 140 countries. Learn more at www.speedcast.com

About Harvest Technology Group

Harvest Technology Group Limited (ASX: HTG) is a global leader in network optimised remote operations that deliver real-time remote control, communication, automation and monitoring capabilities for the energy, resources, and renewables sectors. Based in Perth, Australia, the group of companies is revolutionising remote field services with ultra-low bandwidth Network Optimised Livestreaming solutions that enable customers to stay connected to operations and personnel anywhere in the world while utilising just a fraction of existing bandwidth resources.

To learn more please visit: www.harvest.technology

If you would like to receive HTG newsletter updates, visit the Investor Page to subscribe:

www.harvest.technology/investors-1

SOURCE Harvest Technology Group
LONDON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Daniel Fisher has nearly 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. In 2008, Daniel established Physical Gold Limited, a website devoted to the sale of gold and silver focusing on bars and coins. Daniel a qualified CeFA has real world insight and a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and has significant experience in devising investment strategies across numerous asset classes.

As well as having a day-to-day involvement in the physical gold and silver markets, Fisher also invests in cryptocurrency markets. As an expert in both fields, Daniel is well placed to advise on strategies for physical metals and cryptocurrencies as part of a balanced investment portfolio.

One of the strategies Fisher was keen to discuss is "hodling", clarifying that, "HODL is a term used to mean "Hold On for Dear Life". It's a play on words, as hodling as a strategy encourages crypto investors to buy and hold (or HODL) cryptocurrency for the medium-long term as opposed to continuous buying and selling on rises and falls. Hodling is a term used frequently in crypto forums and social media posts."

Long-term investment is quite natural in precious metals markets, where investors have grown used to investing for the long-term. Some infact invest in gold and silver as part of a will and give precious metal as an inheritance.

As precious metal assets have consistently risen in price in recent decades, it gives investors a sense that what happened previously is likely to happen again. Metals like gold and silver have very real and longstanding intrinsic value, providing a feeling of financial safety and security.

Fisher remarks, "In recent years, gold and silver markets have also at times been volatile, due to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, BREXIT, China/US trade wars and general global economic uncertainty. So, the "hold on for dear life" mantra is increasingly being applied to precious metal. Nevertheless, it's fair to say that these markets (whilst having the potential for volatility) are much less volatile than cryptocurrencies. The HODL investment philosophy can be adopted for both precious metals and crypto though, with investors taking a view irrespective of what happens  I am hodling for the long-term!

"With crypto investments, the best returns are made by those hodling for the long term, whilst also trying to "buy the dips" or "dollar cost average" as an investment strategy. In contrast, crypto traders (often referred to as "day traders") are much more active in transactions and seek returns by buying at low prices and selling at high prices. Traders don't typically HODL for the longer term but may will invest at the same time as trading."

It's true to say that both gold and crypto investments can be volatile, so it's tempting for investors to trade in and out or sell when prices fall, through fear. This is irrelevant with hodling as the investor is committed to "holding on for dear life", irrespective of market rises and falls.

With cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and Cardano having demonstrable long-term sustained price rises, there is a valid argument to support (from historic prices) that crypto can be safely held for the long-term. Of course, past trading is no guarantee of future similar trading, but this does act as a form of assurance. Crypto investors also seek assurance from predictive models, with the most popular being Plan B's Stock-to-Flow Bitcoin Price Model, which predicts $100,000 by the end of 2021.

Before deciding on whether to buy crypto and HODL, Fisher comments, "You need to ask yourself whether you can answer "yes" to both of the following questions: 1. Are the crypto investments I decide to make completely disposable?  If you need to "dip into" those funds for other purposes, then hodling is the wrong strategy. You won't be able to hold as you might need the funds for day to day living. In this circumstance consider instead investments such as gold and silver, which are fully liquid or maybe even keep some funds in a high interest savings bank account. 2. Am I fully aware of the associated risks and prepared to lose my entire investment (100%) if the cryptocurrency I have selected fails, or the crypto market turns against me?  if you are not aware of the risks, then investing in crypto and hodling is not a wise investment strategy."

Fisher is often asked about a sensible mix of precious metals and cryptocurrencies as part of a balanced investment portfolio. His advice would be, "Consider investing around 15-20% in precious metals  with 10%+ in gold and 5%+ in silver. Crypto is much more speculative, so an investment of around 5% seems appropriate and is often recommended by market analysts".

This blend of 15-20% in precious metals is a great safe haven investment and helps protect against economic downturns. Whereas a 5% crypto investment ensures the portfolio benefits if there is a spectacular rise in this highly speculative type of investment.

About Physical Gold Limited

Daniel Fisher, an experienced city of London trader founded Physical Gold Limited in 2008. The website https://www.physicalgold.com was launched to sell gold and silver coins and bars online. Registered with the BNTA, Physical Gold is a well-known gold and silver trading company, which is also renowned for the quality of its information and guidance on its website.

Company website: https://www.physicalgold.com

Registered Office: 25 Old Broad St, London EC2N 1HN

Telephone: UK +44 (0)020 7060 9992

Contact: Daniel Fisher, Managing Director

Organisation: Physical Gold Limited

SOURCE Physical Gold Limited
DUBLIN, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Biohazard Bags Market Research Report by Product Material, Application, End-user, and Region - Global Forecast to 2026 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Biohazard Bags Market size was estimated at USD 187.15 million in 2020, is expected to reach USD 198.68 million in 2021, and projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.50% reaching USD 273.10 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 Biohazard Bags 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 competitor's 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 Global Biohazard Bags Market, including Abdos Labtech Private Limited, Bel-Art - SP Scienceware, BioMedical Waste Solutions, LLC., Bioscience International, Clean Harbors, Inc., Cole-Parmer Instrument Company, LLC, Dana Poly Inc., Daniels Health, DELUXE SCIENTIFIC SURGICO PVT. LTD., Dynalab Corp., Heathrow Scientific., International Plastics Inc, Minigrip ltd., Stericycle, Suez S.A., Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Thomas Scientific, Transcendia Inc., Tufpak, Inc., and Veolia Environnement S.A.



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 Biohazard Bags Market?

2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Biohazard Bags Market during the forecast period?

3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Biohazard Bags Market?

4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Biohazard Bags Market?

5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Biohazard Bags Market?

6. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Global Biohazard Bags Market?

7. What modes and strategic moves are considered suitable for entering the Global Biohazard Bags 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 Dynamics

5.1. Introduction

5.2. Drivers

5.2.1. Awareness on advantages of appropriate waste management practices in healthcare sector

5.2.2. Rising number of hospital beds coupled with rise in patients in developing regions

5.2.3. National and international guidelines for proper collection and disposal of hospital waste

5.3. Restraints

5.3.1. Health hazards caused due to reduced awareness of medical waste

5.4. Opportunities

5.4.1. Increasing incidence of infectious diseases with rise in aging population in developed economies

5.4.2. Augmenting healthcare sector in developing regions

5.5. Challenges

5.5.1. Little or no training in medical waste disposal



6. Biohazard Bags Market, by Product Material

6.1. Introduction

6.2. Cellophane

6.3. HDPE

6.4. LDPE

6.5. Polypropylene



7. Biohazard Bags Market, by Application

7.1. Introduction

7.2. Chemical & Pharmaceutical

7.3. General Healthcare Waste

7.4. Highly infectious

7.5. Sharps



8. Biohazard Bags Market, by End-user

8.1. Introduction

8.2. Clinics

8.3. Diagnostic Laboratories

8.4. Hospitals

8.5. Pharmaceutical/Research Laboratories



9. Americas Biohazard Bags Market

9.1. Introduction

9.2. Argentina

9.3. Brazil

9.4. Canada

9.5. Mexico

9.6. United States



10. Asia-Pacific Biohazard Bags Market

10.1. Introduction

10.2. Australia

10.3. China

10.4. India

10.5. Indonesia

10.6. Japan

10.7. Malaysia

10.8. Philippines

10.9. Singapore

10.10. South Korea

10.11. Taiwan

10.12. Thailand



11. Europe, Middle East & Africa Biohazard Bags Market

11.1. Introduction

11.2. France

11.3. Germany

11.4. Italy

11.5. Netherlands

11.6. Qatar

11.7. Russia

11.8. Saudi Arabia

11.9. South Africa

11.10. Spain

11.11. United Arab Emirates

11.12. United Kingdom



12. Competitive Landscape

12.1. FPNV Positioning Matrix

12.1.1. Quadrants

12.1.2. Business Strategy

12.1.3. Product Satisfaction

12.2. Market Ranking Analysis

12.3. Market Share Analysis, by Key Player

12.4. Competitive Scenario

12.4.1. Merger & Acquisition

12.4.2. Agreement, Collaboration, & Partnership

12.4.3. New Product Launch & Enhancement

12.4.4. Investment & Funding

12.4.5. Award, Recognition, & Expansion



13. Company Usability Profiles

13.1. Abdos Labtech Private Limited

13.2. Bel-Art - SP Scienceware

13.3. BioMedical Waste Solutions, LLC.

13.4. Bioscience International

13.5. Clean Harbors, Inc.

13.6. Cole-Parmer Instrument Company, LLC

13.7. Dana Poly Inc.

13.8. Daniels Health

13.9. DELUXE SCIENTIFIC SURGICO PVT. LTD.

13.10. Dynalab Corp.

13.11. Heathrow Scientific.

13.12. International Plastics Inc.

13.13. Minigrip ltd.

13.14. Stericycle

13.15. Suez S.A.

13.16. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

13.17. Thomas Scientific

13.18. Transcendia Inc.

13.19. Tufpak, Inc.

13.20. Veolia Environnement S.A



14. Appendix



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/xb8g19

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

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SOURCE Research and Markets

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Instacart's French-language experience in Quebec marks the first time the company has launched products in another language. Since its successful introduction in June, Instacart has seen more than a quarter of its Quebec customers opt for French. Following today's expansion, Instacart will now deliver groceries and essential goods from more than 40 retailers and 2,400 stores across Canada, including initial launch partners Costco, Les Aliments M&M and Walmart. To further support this expansion, Instacart is planning to bring on an additional 10,000 full-service shoppers across Canada, helping deliver household essentials to customers countrywide.

"As Instacart continues to expand across Quebec and serve as an enablement platform for more retailers across Canada, we're thrilled to add H&M, Pharmaprix, Sephora Canada and Staples Canada to the Instacart marketplace. With today's expansion, 90% of Canadian households can now access same-day delivery from the retailers they love via Instacart, an important milestone as more consumers turn to delivery and pickup solutions to meet their everyday shopping needs," said Chris Rogers, Vice President of Retail at Instacart. "We're proud to make it possible for more Quebecers to have the groceries and household essentials they need - ranging from office supplies to skincare and over-the-counter medicine to clothing - delivered often in as fast as an hour from the retailers they know, love and trust."

"For decades, Pharmaprix has been a leading destination for Quebec customers for health and beauty products, food staples and general convenient shopping to help them make life a little bit easier," says Matthew Carr, Vice President, Merchandising at Shoppers Drug Mart & Pharmaprix. "Partnering with Instacart on their expanded Quebec launch provides one more convenient alternative and allows stores to better serve customers wherever they need us, whether that's in person or delivered right to their door."

"With new ways to shop Sephora continuously rolling out, we are excited to be expanding our partnership with Instacart into the Quebec market," said Deborah Neff, Senior Vice President, Marketing at Sephora Canada. "We remain committed to meeting the evolving needs of our clients and to offering them the flexibility, ease and convenience to shop how they want. We're thrilled that our clients in Quebec will now also have the option to take advantage of Instacart's unique services."

"Staples Canada became Instacart's first working and learning retail partner in 2019 and we are excited to be able to expand our same-day delivery options with Instacart to our Bureau en Gros customers in Quebec," said Andrew Go, Chief Digital and Data Officer, Staples Canada. "Every day our team is looking for new ways to offer more access and options to our omni-channel customers, and our continued partnership with Instacart is a great way to provide our customers with another convenient delivery option."

Quebecers can begin shopping on Instacart by going to www.instacart.ca or opening the app on their mobile device, entering their address and navigating to the retailer of their choice, which now includes Costco, H&M, Les Aliments M&M, Pharmaprix, Sephora Canada, Staples Canada and Walmart. To access Instacart's French-language experience, customers must have the preferred language on their web browser or phone set to French Canada. An Instacart shopper will pick, pack and deliver the order within the customer's designated timeframe  whether they choose to receive their order in as fast as an hour or schedule their delivery in advance. In addition to the Instacart marketplace mobile app and website, Quebecers will also be able to access Instacart delivery via Staples Canada, Costco and Les Aliments M&M's web and mobile platforms, all of which are powered by Instacart's enterprise technology.

About Instacart

Instacart is the leading online grocery platform in North America. Instacart shoppers offer same-day delivery and pickup services to bring fresh groceries and everyday essentials to busy people and families across the U.S. and Canada. Instacart has partnered with more than 600 beloved national, regional and local retailers, including unique brand names, to deliver from nearly 55,000 stores across more than 5,500 cities in North America. Instacart's platform is available to over 85% of U.S. households and 90% of Canadian households. The company's cutting-edge enterprise technology also powers the ecommerce platforms of some of the world's biggest retail players, supporting their white-label websites, applications and delivery solutions. Instacart offers an Instacart Express membership that includes reduced service fees and unlimited free delivery on orders over $35. For more information, visit www.instacart.com . For anyone interested in becoming an Instacart shopper, visit https://shoppers.instacart.com/ .

SOURCE Instacart

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Lai joins Jaanuu at a time of exponential growth and brings with him a wealth of cross-industry, global experience in both the public and private markets. Jaanuu saw its revenue triple from 2019 to 2020, and its medical customer revenue more than double in 2021, making Q4 the perfect time to add a heavy hitter to the finance department. As Chief Financial Officer, Lai will lead the charge on financial budgeting, strategic planning, investor relations, cash flow management and capital market activities.

On the decision to hire Lai, Jaanuu Co-Founder and CEO Shaan Sethi said, "As Jaanuu has quickly gained more market dominance, finding a world-class leader to take Jaanuu to the next level has been a top priority. Marshall comes to Jaanuu with not only robust public and private market expertise but also invaluable leadership qualities. I am thrilled to add his skillset to our talented team and to partner closely with Marshall as we continue this exciting journey of transformational growth."

Lai brings to Jaanuu more than 15 years of experience working across finance and consumer products categories. Prior to joining Jaanuu, Lai spearheaded finance at Shutterfly, a leading digital retailer and manufacturing platform for photography and personalized products, taken private by Apollo for $2.7 billion in 2019. Lai managed the full P&L for the portfolio of brands at Shutterfly, overseeing double digit revenue growth and significant expansion. Before Shutterfly, Lai worked with both public and private software enterprises leading finance, investor relations and corporate development and he began his career as an investment banker at Lehman Brothers and Nomura Holdings. Lai graduated from UCLA with a degree in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering and received his MBA from the University of Michigan.

"As a world-class medical apparel brand, Jaanuu is redefining a powerful and extremely relevant industry. And more than ever, innovation and science-backed technologies are solving real world problems for those who need it most, specifically our hardworking healthcare professionals. I am impressed by Jaanuu's ability to drive incredible organic, profitable growth and the authenticity of its mission as a physician-founded brand. I could not be more excited to partner with Shaan, Dr. Neela and the entire team at Jaanuu to take the company to its highest level yet."

About Jaanuu

Jaanuu is a physician-led brand that designs innovative healthcare apparel to fuel the body and nourish the mind by incorporating sport, style and empowerment. Co-founded in 2013 by Dr. Neela Sethi Young and her brother and former private equity investor Shaan Sethi, the mission of Jaanuu is centered around achieving greatness in life, or "Jaan" in Hindi, through a mind-body connection. With a practicing Pediatrician at the helm, Jaanuu is deeply in tune with the challenging journey of a healthcare professional. Through science backed data, proprietary technologies and antimicrobial-finished fabrics, Jaanuu creates apparel and accessories that empower healthcare professionals to look and feel their best. For more information, visit www.jaanuu.com, and follow Jaanuu on Instagram , Facebook and Twitter @JaanuuByDrNeela.

SOURCE Jaanuu

Related Links

http://www.jaanuu.com


TITUSVILLE, N.J., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson announced today 11* abstracts highlighting data from its pulmonary hypertension (PH) portfolio will be presented at CHEST 2021, the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians, held virtually October 17-20.

Data presentations from eight abstracts will provide additional evidence supporting the role of objective multiparameter risk assessment approaches in helping to optimize treatment and care for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), as well as the impact of earlier and comprehensive therapy with UPTRAVI (selexipag) and OPSUMIT (macitentan). These data underscore the company's commitment to supporting the medical community to help better advance the standard of care and healthier outcomes for people with PAH.

Janssen will present a post-hoc analysis of GRIPHON (the largest randomized, controlled trial ever conducted in PAH patients) based on the Registry to Evaluate Early and Long-Term PAH Disease Management (REVEAL) Lite 2 risk calculator. The findings showed how continued risk assessment through use of objective risk calculators could be an important component of clinical management in the PAH treatment paradigm. The company will also present an analysis that used health insurance claims data from Optum's de-identified Clinformatics Data Mart to highlight the development and evaluation of a predictive algorithm for unsatisfactory response to initial therapy among individuals with PAH.

"Our collection of data at CHEST 2021 represents the largest single-congress body of PAH scientific data by Janssen in recent history and underscores our efforts to facilitate earlier, accurate diagnosis and support timely introduction of appropriate PAH therapies," said Sean Studer**, M.D., Vice President, Medical Affairs, Janssen U.S., Pulmonary Hypertension. "We are seeking to extend the PAH survival curve by expanding our efforts and working in close collaboration with the medical community."

The eight PAH abstracts presented by Janssen at this year's annual CHEST meeting include:

UPTRAVI Abstracts

REVEAL Lite 2 Risk Assessment in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension from the GRIPHON Study: A Post-Hoc Analysis Demonstrates Association of Risk Status with Long-Term Outcomes

Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Treatment Patterns: A Real-World Analysis from SPHERE (SelexiPag: tHe usErs dRug rEgistry)

OPSUMIT Abstracts

Macitentan Treatment Effect in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Taking Spironolactone: Post-Hoc Analysis of the Phase 3 SERAPHIN Trial

Care and Characteristics of Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) in U.S. Clinical Practice

Risk Assessment and Diagnostics

Development of a Simplified Risk Calculator for Stratifying Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Based on Echocardiographic Parameters in the REVEAL Database

Transthoracic Echocardiogram (ECHO) and Right Heart Catheterization (RHC) as Disease Management Tools for Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) in U.S. Clinical Practice

Comparison of Idiopathic Versus Connective Tissue Disease-Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) Groups in U.S. Clinical Practice

Development and Evaluation of A Predictive Algorithm For Unsatisfactory Response Among Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Using Health Insurance Claims Data

*While Janssen has 11 abstracts being presented at the CHEST Congress, this press release focuses on the eight abstracts listed above. The remaining three Janssen abstracts, looking at specific phenotypes, are:

A Comparison of Treatment Patterns and Healthcare Resource Utilization in Portopulmonary Hypertension and Idiopathic/Hereditary Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in the USA

Real-World Clinical Presentation of Patients with Portopulmonary Hypertension in Comparison with Idiopathic/Hereditary Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in the USA

Safety of Macitentan in Pulmonary Hypertension Patients with Elevated Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure: Real-World Evidence from OPUS/OrPHeUS

To learn more about data Janssen will be presenting at CHEST 2021, please visit the CHEST website here.

**Sean Studer is an employee of Actelion Pharmaceuticals U.S., Inc., one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.

About UPTRAVI (selexipag)

Selexipag, a selective prostacyclin IP receptor agonist, is a compound discovered by Nippon Shinyaku and licensed to Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd, one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, outside Japan. UPTRAVI is licensed for the oral treatment of PAH in more than 60 countries. UPTRAVI has also been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for intravenous (IV) treatment of PAH in adult patients with WHO functional class (FC) IIIII, who are temporarily unable to take oral therapy.

About OPSUMIT (macitentan)

OPSUMIT is indicated for the treatment of PAH (WHO Group I) to reduce the risks of disease progression and hospitalization for PAH. The use of OPSUMIT in patients with PAH (WHO Group I), a type of PH, was demonstrated in the pivotal SERAPHIN trial, the largest (n=742) long-term (average treatment duration=2 years) outcomes-based trial of an ERA in PAH.

UPTRAVI INDICATION AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

INDICATION

UPTRAVI (selexipag) is indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, WHO Group I) to delay disease progression and reduce the risk of hospitalization for PAH.

Effectiveness of UPTRAVI Tablets was established in a long-term study in PAH patients with WHO Functional Class II-III symptoms.

Patients had idiopathic and heritable PAH (58%), PAH associated with connective tissue disease (29%), and PAH associated with congenital heart disease with repaired shunts (10%).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Concomitant use of strong inhibitors of CYP2C8 (eg, gemfibrozil) with UPTRAVI is contraindicated.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Pulmonary Edema With Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease (PVOD)

Should signs of pulmonary edema occur, consider the possibility of associated PVOD. If confirmed, discontinue UPTRAVI.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Adverse reactions more frequent compared to placebo (3%) seen with UPTRAVI Tablets are headache (65% vs 32%), diarrhea (42% vs 18%), jaw pain (26% vs 6%), nausea (33% vs 18%), myalgia (16% vs 6%), vomiting (18% vs 9%), pain in extremity (17% vs 8%), flushing (12% vs 5%), arthralgia (11% vs 8%), anemia (8% vs 5%), decreased appetite (6% vs 3%), and rash (11% vs 8%).

These adverse reactions are more frequent during the dose titration phase.

Hyperthyroidism was observed in 1% (n=8) of patients on UPTRAVI Tablets and in none of the patients on placebo.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

CYP2C8 Inhibitors

Concomitant administration with gemfibrozil, a strong inhibitor of CYP2C8, doubled exposure to selexipag and increased exposure to the active metabolite by approximately 11-fold. Concomitant use of UPTRAVI with strong inhibitors of CYP2C8 is contraindicated.

Concomitant administration of UPTRAVI with clopidogrel, a moderate inhibitor of CYP2C8, had no relevant effect on the exposure to selexipag and increased the exposure to the active metabolite by approximately 2.7-fold. Reduce the dosing of UPTRAVI to once daily in patients on a moderate CYP2C8 inhibitor.

CYP2C8 Inducers

Concomitant administration with an inducer of CYP2C8 and UGT 1A3 and 2B7 enzymes (rifampin) halved exposure to the active metabolite. Increase UPTRAVI dose, up to twice, when co-administered with rifampin. Reduce UPTRAVI when rifampin is stopped.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Recommended Dosage

Recommended starting dose is 200 mcg twice daily for UPTRAVI Tablets. Tolerability may be improved when taken with food. Increase by 200 mcg twice daily, usually at weekly intervals, to the highest tolerated dose up to 1600 mcg twice daily. If dose is not tolerated, reduce to the previous tolerated dose.

Patients With Hepatic Impairment

For patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B), the starting dose of UPTRAVI Tablets is 200 mcg once daily . Increase by 200 mcg once daily at weekly intervals, as tolerated. Avoid use of UPTRAVI in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C).

Co-administration With Moderate CYP2C8 Inhibitors

When co-administered with moderate CYP2C8 inhibitors (eg, clopidogrel, deferasirox and teriflunomide), reduce the dosing of UPTRAVI to once daily .

Dosage Strengths

UPTRAVI tablet strengths:

200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1400, and 1600 mcg.

Additional Important Safety Information for UPTRAVI for injection

Use UPTRAVI for injection in patients who are temporarily unable to take oral therapy.

Administer UPTRAVI for injection twice daily by intravenous infusion at a dose that corresponds to the patient's current dose of UPTRAVI Tablets (see Table 1 in full Prescribing Information). Administer UPTRAVI for injection as an 80-minute intravenous infusion.

Adverse Reactions: Infusion-site reactions (infusion-site erythema/redness, pain and swelling) were reported with UPTRAVI for injection.

Please see full Prescribing Information .

OPSUMIT INDICATION AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

INDICATION

OPSUMIT (macitentan) is an endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, WHO Group I) to reduce the risks of disease progression and hospitalization for PAH.

Effectiveness was established in a long-term study in PAH patients with predominantly WHO Functional Class II-III symptoms treated for an average of 2 years. Patients had idiopathic and heritable PAH (57%), PAH caused by connective tissue disorders (31%), and PAH caused by congenital heart disease with repaired shunts (8%).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

BOXED WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY Do not administer OPSUMIT  to a pregnant female because it may cause fetal harm.

Females of reproductive potential: Exclude pregnancy before the start of treatment, monthly during treatment, and 1 month after stopping treatment. Prevent pregnancy during treatment and for one month after stopping treatment by using acceptable methods of contraception.

For all female patients, OPSUMIT is available only through a restricted program called the OPSUMIT Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS).

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Pregnancy: OPSUMIT may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. OPSUMIT is contraindicated in females who are pregnant. If OPSUMIT is used during pregnancy, advise the patient of the potential risk to a fetus.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Embryo-fetal Toxicity and OPSUMIT REMS Program

Due to the risk of embryo-fetal toxicity, OPSUMIT is available for females only through a restricted program called the OPSUMIT REMS Program. For females of reproductive potential, exclude pregnancy prior to initiation of therapy, ensure use of acceptable contraceptive methods, and obtain monthly pregnancy tests.

Notable requirements of the OPSUMIT REMS Program include:

Prescribers must be certified with the program by enrolling and completing training.

All females, regardless of reproductive potential, must enroll in the OPSUMIT  REMS Program prior to initiating OPSUMIT  . Male patients are not enrolled in the REMS.

REMS Program prior to initiating OPSUMIT . Male patients are not enrolled in the REMS. Females of reproductive potential must comply with the pregnancy testing and contraception requirements.

Pharmacies must be certified with the program and must only dispense to patients who are authorized to receive OPSUMIT.

Hepatotoxicity

ERAs have caused elevations of aminotransferases, hepatotoxicity, and liver failure. The incidence of elevated aminotransferases in the SERAPHIN study >3 x ULN was 3.4% for OPSUMIT  vs 4.5% for placebo, and >8 x ULN was 2.1% vs 0.4%, respectively. Discontinuations for hepatic adverse events were 3.3% for OPSUMIT  vs 1.6% for placebo.

vs 4.5% for placebo, and >8 x ULN was 2.1% vs 0.4%, respectively. Discontinuations for hepatic adverse events were 3.3% for OPSUMIT vs 1.6% for placebo. Obtain liver enzyme tests prior to initiation of OPSUMIT  and repeat during treatment as clinically indicated.

and repeat during treatment as clinically indicated. Advise patients to report symptoms suggesting hepatic injury (nausea, vomiting, right upper quadrant pain, fatigue, anorexia, jaundice, dark urine, fever, or itching).

If clinically relevant aminotransferase elevations occur, or if elevations are accompanied by an increase in bilirubin >2 x ULN, or by clinical symptoms of hepatotoxicity, discontinue OPSUMIT. Consider re-initiation of OPSUMIT when hepatic enzyme levels normalize in patients who have not experienced clinical symptoms of hepatotoxicity.

Fluid Retention

Peripheral edema and fluid retention are known consequences of PAH and ERAs. In the pivotal PAH study SERAPHIN, edema was reported in 21.9% of the OPSUMIT  group vs 20.5% for placebo.

group vs 20.5% for placebo. Patients with underlying left ventricular dysfunction may be at particular risk for developing significant fluid retention after initiation of ERA treatment. In a small study of pulmonary hypertension due to left ventricular dysfunction, more patients in the OPSUMIT  group developed significant fluid retention and had more hospitalizations due to worsening heart failure compared to placebo. Postmarketing cases of edema and fluid retention occurring within weeks of starting OPSUMIT  , some requiring intervention with a diuretic or hospitalization for decompensated heart failure, have been reported.

group developed significant fluid retention and had more hospitalizations due to worsening heart failure compared to placebo. Postmarketing cases of edema and fluid retention occurring within weeks of starting OPSUMIT , some requiring intervention with a diuretic or hospitalization for decompensated heart failure, have been reported. Monitor for signs of fluid retention after OPSUMIT initiation. If clinically significant fluid retention develops, evaluate the patient to determine the cause and the possible need to discontinue OPSUMIT.

Hemoglobin Decrease

Decreases in hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit have occurred following administration of other ERAs and in clinical studies with OPSUMIT  . These decreases occurred early and stabilized thereafter.

. These decreases occurred early and stabilized thereafter. In the SERAPHIN study, OPSUMIT  caused a mean decrease in hemoglobin (from baseline to 18 months) of about 1.0 g/dL vs no change in the placebo group. A decrease in hemoglobin to below 10.0 g/dL was reported in 8.7% of the OPSUMIT  group vs 3.4% for placebo. Decreases in hemoglobin seldom require transfusion.

caused a mean decrease in hemoglobin (from baseline to 18 months) of about 1.0 g/dL vs no change in the placebo group. A decrease in hemoglobin to below 10.0 g/dL was reported in 8.7% of the OPSUMIT group vs 3.4% for placebo. Decreases in hemoglobin seldom require transfusion. Initiation of OPSUMIT is not recommended in patients with severe anemia. Measure hemoglobin prior to initiation of treatment and repeat during treatment as clinically indicated.

Pulmonary Edema with Pulmonary Veno-occlusive Disease (PVOD)

Should signs of pulmonary edema occur, consider the possibility of associated PVOD. If confirmed, discontinue OPSUMIT.

Decreased Sperm Counts

OPSUMIT, like other ERAs, may have an adverse effect on spermatogenesis. Counsel men about potential effects on fertility.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Most common adverse reactions (more frequent than placebo by 3%) were anemia (13% vs 3%), nasopharyngitis/pharyngitis (20% vs 13%), bronchitis (12% vs 6%), headache (14% vs 9%), influenza (6% vs 2%), and urinary tract infection (9% vs 6%).

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Strong inducers of CYP3A4 such as rifampin significantly reduce macitentan exposure. Concomitant use of OPSUMIT  with strong CYP3A4 inducers should be avoided.

with strong CYP3A4 inducers should be avoided. Strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 like ketoconazole approximately double macitentan exposure. Many HIV drugs like ritonavir are strong inhibitors of CYP3A4. Avoid concomitant use of OPSUMIT  with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Use other PAH treatment options when strong CYP3A4 inhibitors are needed as part of HIV treatment.

with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Use other PAH treatment options when strong CYP3A4 inhibitors are needed as part of HIV treatment. Moderate dual inhibitors of CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 such as fluconazole and amiodarone are predicted to increase macitentan exposure. Avoid concomitant use of OPSUMIT  with moderate dual inhibitors of CYP3A4 and CYP2C9.

with moderate dual inhibitors of CYP3A4 and CYP2C9. Concomitant treatment of both a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor and moderate CYP2C9 inhibitor with OPSUMIT should also be avoided.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING.

About Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)

PAH is a specific form of pulmonary hypertension (PH) that causes the walls of the pulmonary arteries (blood vessels leading from the right side of the heart to the lungs) to become thick and stiff, narrowing the space for blood to flow, and causing an increased blood pressure to develop within the lungs. PAH is a serious, progressive disease with a variety of etiologies and has a major impact on patients' functioning as well as their physical, psychological and social wellbeing. There is currently no cure for PAH and it is often fatal.1-3 However, the last decade has seen significant advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of PAH, transforming the prognosis for PAH patients from symptomatic improvements in exercise tolerance 10 years ago, to delayed disease progression today.2,4

About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson

At Janssen, we're creating a future where disease is a thing of the past. We're the Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, working tirelessly to make that future a reality for patients everywhere by fighting sickness with science, improving access with ingenuity, and healing hopelessness with heart. We focus on areas of medicine where we can make the biggest difference: Cardiovascular & Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases & Vaccines, Neuroscience, Oncology, and Pulmonary Hypertension.

Learn more at www.janssen.com. Follow us at www.twitter.com/JanssenGlobal and www.twitter.com/JanssenUS. Actelion Pharmaceuticals US, Inc. and Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd are Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.

Cautions Concerning Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding UPTRAVI (selexipag) and OPSUMIT (macitentan) product development. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd, any of the other Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2021, including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in the company's most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.

1. Galie N, Humbert M, et al. Eur Heart J 2016; 37:67-119. 2. Vachiery JL, Gaine S. Eur Respir Rev 2012; 21:313-20. 3. Hoeper MG, Gibbs SR. Eur Respir Rev 2014; 23:450-7. 4. Rosanio S, Pelliccia F et al. BioMed Research International 2014: 743868.

Media Contact:

Shelly Orlacchio

Phone: +1 628-977-0120

[email protected]

Investor Contact:

Jen McIntyre

Phone: +1 732-524-3922

SOURCE Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies
The collaboration marks another step towards the normalization of cannabis in the U.S.

NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - JBL Venture Holdings (JBL), backed by cannabis industry leader Lorne Gertner, announces a collaboration with J Supply Co. Holdings (JSH), which has opened 11 cannabis retail stores under the J. Supply Co. and Northern Helm banners across Ontario over the past year. The two companies will seek to establish a presence of consumer-focused, locally-owned cannabis retail environments in New York in 2022.

The team is excited about the opportunity to leverage its members' cumulative backgrounds to demonstrate a sustainable business model that includes local ownership. They're working to create the welcoming, inclusive retail environments that New Yorkers expect, based on the belief that cannabis has the ability to cultivate better lives for customers and communities.

"We are thrilled to announce a partnership with JSH to establish operations in New York and beyond," says Gertner. "Our combined expertise and networks will allow us to thrive in the most important cannabis markets in America."

Considered one of the founders of the legal cannabis industry, Gertner brings a deep understanding of cannabis branding and consumer behavior to JBL, in addition to an extensive network of contacts and significant experience as a board member of many publicly traded companies.

Gertner, the co-founder of Tokyo Smoke and PharmaCan Capital (now The Cronos Group) formed JBL Venture Holdings with partners Jeremy Schwartz and Bernard Birnbaum. Jeremy Schwartz, who has successfully exited from ownership interests and senior management roles in a health care business and flagship Tokyo Smoke store, will take on the role of Managing Director at JBL. Bernard Birnbaum, also a Director, owns and manages an extensive portfolio of commercial real estate in New York and brings significant market knowledge and ties within the business and political communities.

Under the J. Supply Co. banner, JSH opened one of the first legal Ontario cannabis retail stores in April 2019. Stylish and approachable, J. Supply Co. has stayed focused on their customer and serves a diverse range of discerning clientele. Northern Helm has worked with local owners to create inviting retail spaces that help guests navigate their cannabis journeys. Offering a carefully curated selection of products and accessories in a variety of formats, Northern Helm is bringing a fresh perspective to cannabis retail.

"This group brings together experiences from a number of consumer-focused ventures and puts us in a great position to create retail environments that guests will love," says David Cote, COO of JSH. Cote, who was born in New York and is the Founder of Northern Helm, has been in leadership roles in the cannabis retail space since joining Tokyo Smoke in early 2018, developing the Tweed and Tokyo Smoke platforms for scale after the acquisition by Canopy.

Xristos Silaidis, the CEO of JSH who has spent his career developing and scaling businesses to better meet the needs of their customers, has been the driver behind the growth of the business since January 2019. Silaidis maintains a long-term focus and an eye on sustainable operations for years to come. Geoff DeGrasse, who heads up operations, people ops and compliance at JSH, was a founding partner at Tokyo Smoke in 2015 and supported the growth of Tokyo Smoke into Hiku Brands, which later sold to Canopy.

More information about the partnership will be released later this year.

SOURCE Northern Helm
LONDON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AMO Pharma Limited ("AMO Pharma"), a privately held biopharmaceutical company focusing on rare, childhood-onset neurogenetic disorders with limited or no treatment options, today announced that Julia Jones has joined the company as chief financial officer and a member of the Company's board of directors.

"We are very pleased to have Jules join the leadership team at AMO Pharma as our chief financial officer and new board member as we plan for a range of important upcoming milestones and business opportunities. Her extensive experience in managing financing strategies for life sciences companies at every stage of development will be a significant asset for us as we plan for the final stages of our pivotal REACH-CDM clinical trial," said Ibraheem Mahmood, AMO Pharma chief executive officer. "We are also very grateful to Martyn Williams for his outstanding service to AMO as our CFO during many pivotal stages in our growth."

After graduating from Loughborough University in 1997, Ms. Jones joined PricewaterhouseCoopers, where she was named a chartered accountant in 2001. After serving in a range of leadership positions in finance in industry, she went on to found Archangel Accounting Ltd., a UK-based finance and accounting firm where she provided senior counsel and services to many public and private life sciences and technology companies. She has an established record of supporting life sciences companies at every stage of development from start up through to exit and has helped companies secure and manage significant investments in venture capital funding.

"I am very pleased to be joining the AMO Pharma team as the company plans for many exciting strategic opportunities based on continuing progress in their late-stage clinical programs," said Ms. Jones. "I look forward to applying my experience to help AMO maximize the full range of opportunities associated with their leadership in research and product development in the months and years ahead."

About AMO Pharma

AMO Pharma is a biopharmaceutical company working to identify and advance promising therapies for the treatment of serious and debilitating diseases in patient populations with significant areas of unmet need, including rare and severe childhood onset neurogenetic disorders with limited or no treatment options. In addition to developing AMO-02 for congenital myotonic dystrophy, the company is also progressing AMO-01 as a clinical stage treatment for Phelan-McDermid syndrome and AMO-04 as a clinic-ready potential medicine for Rett syndrome and related disorders. AMO-02, AMO-01 and AMO-04 are investigational medicines that have not yet been approved for the treatment of patients anywhere in the world. For more information, please visit the AMO Pharma website at http://www.amo-pharma.com/ .

Media:

Bill Berry

Berry & Company Public Relations

[email protected]

SOURCE AMO Pharma Limited
HOUSTON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- KBR (NYSE: KBR) announced today it has been awarded a three-year service contract for KBR INSITE by EuroChem for its ammonia plant in Kingisepp, Russia. Utilizing a cloud-based platform, KBR INSITE provides remote monitoring and advisory service to customers to help drive their plant operations to top-quartile performance.

Under the terms of the contract, KBR will proactively analyze EuroChem's ammonia plant operations and leverage the domain knowledge of KBR experts to identify opportunities for achieving sustainable improvements in production, reliability, environmental impact, and energy efficiency.

"KBR has a longstanding and collaborative relationship with EuroChem and we are pleased to offer our KBR INSITE advisory services to ensure optimal plant operations for EuroChem," said Jay Ibrahim, KBR President, Sustainable Technology Solutions. "We look forward to equipping this facility with best-in-class sustainable digital solutions and keep safety, environment, and energy-efficiency at the core of the strategy."

KBR has a long history of designing and building end-to-end, sophisticated, digital solutions for our clients worldwide, including high-fidelity operator training simulators, reliability-based maintenance solutions, dynamic simulations, advanced process control applications and much more.

About KBR

We deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 29,000 people worldwide with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in 40 countries.

KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long- term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver.

Visit www.kbr.com

Forward Looking Statement

The statements in this press release that are not historical statements, including statements regarding future financial performance, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company's control that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the significant adverse impacts on economic and market conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic and the company's ability to respond to the resulting challenges and business disruption; the recent dislocation of the global energy market;; the company's ability to manage its liquidity; the outcome of and the publicity surrounding audits and investigations by domestic and foreign government agencies and legislative bodies; potential adverse proceedings by such agencies and potential adverse results and consequences from such proceedings; changes in capital spending by the company's customers; the company's ability to obtain contracts from existing and new customers and perform under those contracts; structural changes in the industries in which the company operates; escalating costs associated with and the performance of fixed-fee projects and the company's ability to control its cost under its contracts; claims negotiations and contract disputes with the company's customers; changes in the demand for or price of oil and/or natural gas; protection of intellectual property rights; compliance with environmental laws; changes in government regulations and regulatory requirements; compliance with laws related to income taxes; unsettled political conditions, war and the effects of terrorism; foreign operations and foreign exchange rates and controls; the development and installation of financial systems; the possibility of cyber and malware attacks; increased competition for employees; the ability to successfully complete and integrate acquisitions; and operations of joint ventures, including joint ventures that are not controlled by the company.

KBR's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequent Form 10-Qs and 8-Ks, and other U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings discuss some of the important risk factors that KBR has identified that may affect the business, results of operations and financial condition. Except as required by law, KBR undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

SOURCE KBR, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.kbr.com


SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Goldman Sachs is recognizing Kong Inc . CEO and Co-Founder Augusto Marietti as one of the 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs of 2021 at its Builders + Innovators Summit in Healdsburg, California.

Kong Inc. CEO and Co-Founder Augusto Marietti

Goldman Sachs selected Augusto Marietti as one of 100 entrepreneurs from multiple industries to be honored at the two-day event. Founded in 2017 and valued at $1.4 billion, Kong is reinventing the way developers use APIs to build new services and applications that power our increasingly digital world. The company's flagship API technology, Kong Gateway, has been downloaded over 270 million times and powers trillions of API transactions for leading organizations globally. Kong enables developers, DevOps engineers and solutions architects at organizations from startups to Fortune 500 enterprises to secure, connect and orchestrate APIs within modern architectures such as microservices, cloud, service mesh and serverless.

"On behalf of Kong, we're honored and incredibly proud to be recognized by Goldman Sachs alongside these inspiring and innovative CEOs," said Marietti. "Looking back on Kong's growtha company that was started in a garage in Italy and is now valued at $1.4 billionI feel a deep appreciation for the Kong team. We've only just begun to scratch the surface of what Kong can do, and we're excited to keep helping teams build great applications to power the connected world."

"Innovation doesn't happen just anywhere; it thrives where there's a wide range of thoughts and perspectives," said David M. Solomon, Chairman & CEO of Goldman Sachs. "One of our great strengths is our ability to bring together people from different walks of life and to spark conversations today that will lead to breakthroughs tomorrow. The leaders we've chosen to highlight at our Builders + Innovators Summit are truly remarkable, and we are pleased to recognize Augusto as one of this year's most intriguing entrepreneurs."

Augusto Marietti is an inventor, technology entrepreneur and angel investor. As the CEO and co-founder of Kong, he drives the company's vision, strategy and long-term growth. Prior to Kong, he was the CEO and co-founder of Mashape, the largest API marketplace, which was acquired by RapidAPI in 2017.

About Kong Inc.

Kong creates software and managed services that connect APIs and microservices natively across and within clouds, Kubernetes, data centers and more using intelligent automation. Built on an open source core, Kong's service connectivity platform enables digital innovation by allowing organizations to reliably and securely manage the full lifecycle of APIs and services for modern architectures, including microservices, serverless and service mesh. By providing developer teams with unprecedented architectural freedom, Kong accelerates innovation cycles, increases productivity, and seamlessly bridges legacy and modern systems and applications. For more information about Kong, please visit https://konghq.com or follow @thekonginc on Twitter.

Media Contacts:

Pauline Louie, Kong, 628-243-7512, [email protected]

Jill Reed, Sift Communications for Kong, [email protected]

SOURCE Kong Inc.

Related Links

http://www.konghq.com


CONCORD, Calif., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- LightRiver, the premier optical network integration solution provider for next generation, multi-vendor, Factory Built Networks and netFLEX Optical Domain Orchestration and Control Software solutions, announces today that it has been selected as the Winner for the 2021 Pipeline Innovation Awards in the 'Customer Experience' category for LightRiver's 'Alien Aware Networking' solution.

LightRiver's Alien Aware Networking solution enables network disaggregation as a collaboration with leading OEM's, Service Providers, and large Network Operators to design, lab validate, deploy, and automate Open Optical networking solutions at scale. This is possible via LightRiver's Multi-Vendor and Multi-Technology Innovation Labs in Concord, CA, and Holmdel, NJ, as well as Open Optical network automation enabled by netFLEX. LightRiver services and software allow the industry to now embrace the benefits of network disaggregation working closely with industry leading suppliers and operators to remove operational complexity, eliminate vendor lock-in, drive significant cost avoidance, enable end-to-end automation, and improve the overall Customer Experience life-cycle.

"LightRiver is thrilled to be recognized as the winner in Pipeline's esteemed awards program for innovation in Customer Experience," comments Travis Ewert, COO of LightRiver Software. "We have essentially bridged the gap by 'enabling visibility and control of Alien Waves' by positioning our labs, engineering and deployment services, and the netFLEX automation platform to tackle the complexities of Open Optical across Multi-Vendor and Multi-Technology. Through close partnering with our Network Operator and Vendor partners, we are embracing network disaggregation and opening new networking possibilities together."

The annual Pipeline Innovation Awards have provided the most credible recognition of technical innovation in the industry over the last decade. Each year, the Innovation Awards program receives hundreds of nominations, which are distilled to a select number of semi-finalists, who compete across more than 10 categories of technical innovation. Contestants submit extensive evaluation information to validate their innovation, which is objectively scored across over 20 different aspects of technical innovation. This information is provided to an esteemed judging panel consisting of key executives who leverage technology to advance the way we work, live, play and communicate as a globally-connected society. The Judges exclusively select the most innovative competitor in each category.

In September 2021, LightRiver's Alien Aware Networking solution achieved finalist award winner status in Light Reading Leading Light Awards' "Outstanding Test & Measurement Vendor" category; and in March 2021, Alien Aware Networking was recognized as a high-score recipient for the 2021 Lightwave Innovation Reviews.

For more information on Alien Aware Networking, visit https://netflex.lightriver.com/alien-aware-networking/ .

About LightRiver

LightRiver is the premier provider of next generation, multi-vendor, Factory Built Networks and netFLEX vendor neutral, Optical Domain Control Software solutions. LightRiver is expert in Packet Optical, DWDM/ROADM, MPLS and Carrier Ethernet systems and designs, engineers, commissions, automates and supports next generation, software controlled, transport networks for mission-critical clients that require the highest capacity, reliability, resiliency and manageability that today's optical communications technology can deliver. LightRiver delivers unique value with turnkey hardware and software solutions, carrier-grade quality and unparalleled customer care in multi-technology networking.

For more information, visit lightriver.com .

Media Contact

Jaymie Scotto & Associates (JSA)

+1 888.695.3620 ext. 6

[email protected]

About Pipeline

Pipeline is the world's leading global publication that distributes rich multimedia content and produces programs, content, events, and activities that help service providers and enterprises make informed technology decisions. Pipeline has become the epicenter of industry and technical innovation, has well over 300,000 in annual global circulation, and is read by every major operator and enterprise in more than 150 countries. Pipeline is also read by premier global organizations spanning the world's top universities, government agencies, and financial institutions. Through its rich content, engaging programs, global platform, and worldwide distribution Pipeline connects the world's leading technical innovators with those that leverage advanced technology to transform the way we connect as a global society. For the latest content, go to and subscribe today www.pipelinepub.com and subscribe to Pipeline today .

Pipeline Media Contact :

Scott St. John

Managing Editor

[email protected]

+1 (734) 707-4988 x100

SOURCE LightRiver

Related Links

http://lightriver.com


IRVING, Texas, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) today announced Luminant, a subsidiary of Vistra (NYSE: VST), as a recipient of its 2021 Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Award for the work done to reclaim and restore previously mined land at its Monticello-Winfield Mine. The award recognizes companies that achieve the most exemplary coal mine reclamation in the nation.

"This award is a testament to our long history of applying sound science and agricultural practices in our mine reclamation efforts," said Vistra CEO Curt Morgan. "The men and women of Luminant always have a goal of returning the land to a more sustainable condition than before mining began, planting and creating vast acres of forests, wildlife habitat, pastures, and water resources. In this new era of ESG, the OSM is celebrating those that live their commitments to restoring sites used for business purposes to an even better condition after use. The Monticello-Winfield Mine is a shining example of Luminant's follow-through on its commitments to the environment and land management, and the extraordinary work our people do."

Mining activities began in 1974 at the Monticello-Winfield Mine, near Mt. Pleasant, Texas, and continued until 2015, providing coal to fuel the nearby Monticello Power Plant. Over that time, more than 15,500 acres were mined and are now reclaimed. The OSM Award specifically recognizes the work done in the 418-acre section of the mine called the H-area.

Following reclamation, 34% of the H-area is now considered prime farmland soil, compared to 21% pre-mining.

More than 780,000 pine tree seedlings were planted in the H-area, far surpassing industry norms and regulatory standards.

The area's total amount of wetlands, ponds, and streams grew from 35 acres pre-mining to 226 acres following reclamation.

Morgan continued, "I'd like to thank the OSM and the Railroad Commission of Texas for the critical roles they play and their commitment to the spirit of the Surface Mining Act. Collaborative efforts between federal and state agencies and industries like ours accomplish great things and can truly strike a balance between protecting the environment and the need for safe and reliable energy sources."

Luminant has a long history of environmental stewardship, reclaiming land long before federal or state law required it. Click here to learn more about the Monticello-Winfield Mine reclamation.

About Luminant

Luminant, a subsidiary of Vistra (NYSE: VST), is a competitive power generation business, including mining, wholesale marketing and trading, and development operations. Luminant has approximately 39,000 megawatts of generation across 12 states, powered by a diverse portfolio of natural gas, nuclear, coal, solar, and battery storage facilities. The company operates in six of the seven competitive markets in the U.S. Vistra is a premier, integrated retail electricity and power generation company based in Texas, combining an innovative, customer-centric approach to retail with a focus on safe, reliable, and efficient power generation. Visit luminant.com and vistracorp.com for additional information.

SOURCE Luminant

Related Links

http://www.luminant.com


CHICAGO, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Haunted from inefficiencies during due diligence? Does failure to achieve post-merger synergies leave you feeling aghast with regret? Is your team dreading adding another frightful deal into the pipeline? Send outdated M&A practices to the grave with Kison Patel , host of the M&A Science podcast, at the Modern M&A Virtual Summit this October 27, 2021 from 10am to 5pm EST.

Speakers include Jim Buckley , Vice President of Mergers, Acquisitions, and Integration at VMware and Harry Kraemer Jr , former CEO of Baxter Healthcare and current professor of Management and Strategy at Kellogg School of Management. Sessions will cover modern approaches to deal execution, people-focused integration strategies, and end with a spooky-themed happy hour, where participants will tell M&A ghost stories from deals past the grave.

Even though you can't wave a magic wand and fix all your M&A woes, you can equip your team with the knowledge and tips to be successful. When M&A is conducted effectively it should be a treat, not a trick. Join the M&A Science Academy to access tickets. Go to https://www.mascience.com/modern-summit to see the full lineup.

About M&A Science:

M&A Science , hosted by Kison Patel, is an educational podcast exploring the intricate world of M&A with industry leaders and practitioners. Kison conducts one on one interviews to explore industry challenges and lessons learned. Founded in 2016 and boasting 20k monthly listeners, M&A Science has grown to be the lead podcast in the M&A industry. More recently, Kison has expanded the M&A Science umbrella to include a training academy in an effort to share practitioners' most valuable lessons learned.

About M&A Science Academy

M&A Science Academy is an outcome-based online workshop program, providing clear and tangible value. The instructors are M&A professionals that demonstrate and encourage the practice of actual methods. Programs are designed to fit in a full-time schedule at a reasonable cost. Through this private community, you'll be able to move your practice forward by engaging with other talented minds from the industry. Learn more at https://www.mascience.com/academy .

Media Contact:

Madeleine Martin

(224) 436 - 5267

[email protected]

SOURCE M&A Science
EXTON, Pa., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Mark Adams, director, OSP Engineering & Architectures for Cox Communications, has been named Member of the Year by The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE), a CableLabs subsidiary, at the Industry Recognition Ceremony held virtually during SCTE Cable-Tec Expo 2021.

During the high-energy ceremony, SCTE acknowledged several industry leaders for their contributions, including Dr. Yasser Syed, Distinguished Engineer at Comcast, with the Excellence in Standards Award; Patricio Latini, regional vice president CALA, Casa Systems, with the International Engineering Professional Award; Joe Guariglia, vice president of Service Assurance at Comcast, was named a Senior Member; and Bronson Beisel, senior learning advisor at Cox, with the Excellence in Learning & Development Award. Keith Hayes, chief executive officer at IMMCO, was named to the SCTE Hall of Fame.

"As an industry, we are fortunate to have such exemplary leaders working every day to advance our industry," said Mark Dzuban, president and CEO of SCTE. "We felt it was particularly important to celebrate how our industry has persevered and excelled over the past year and a half. I am thrilled to be able to collaborate with the caliber of experts that are a part of our cable and telecommunications community. We continue to expand the knowledge and skills of our members and to execute on new technologies for our customers and partners due, in no small part, to the people we recognize this year."

As Member of the Year, Mark Adams was noted for championing SCTE on the national and local levels, as well as being an active supporter of his Chattahoochee Chapter. Mark stands out for readily providing feedback that has helped to improve the SCTE website, its courses, and its chapter offerings and for taking the lead on SCTE's Bylaws Taskforce.

Dr. Yasser Syed has been active in the work of the DVS Subcommittee for more than 10 years. He has also chaired the MPEG DASH and Advanced Transport working group since 2016 and co-chaired the NextGen Technologies Ad Hoc Group.

Induction into the SCTE Hall of Fame requires over 20 years of industry service. Keith Hayes has been helping the industry capitalize on the latest technologies  with Adelphia and Charter, with Broadband Advisors Group, and now with IMMCO  for decades. He served two terms as Chairman of the Board and was the founding president of the SCTE Foundation. He was honored as Member of the Year in 1998 and received the SCTE Personal Achievement Award in 2000, as well as the Star of Integrity Award in 2005.

For almost 25 years with Cablevision Argentina, Motorola and Arris, Intraway and now Casa Systems, Patricio Latini has led the way for better broadband, especially in Latin America.

Along with being a mentor and advocate for the industry, Bronson Beisel piloted a program that focused on technical skills that would help the organization realize its objective of creating and supporting Cox's systems and tools.

During the ceremony, the industry also recognized the achievements of two leaders whose awards were previously announced: Rama Assaf-Smith, senior director Engineering Operations at Comcast, was awarded the Wilt J. Hildenbrand Jr. Rising Leader Award, and Patricia Martin, senior vice president of the Integration Management Office at Cox Communications, received the Women in Technology Award.

Later in the day, SCTE presented the 2020 Chapter Awards in acknowledgment of the progress and contributions of these SCTE Chapters:

Compliance Award: Chattahoochee Chapter

Membership Award: Chattahoochee Chapter

Striving for Excellence Award: Rocky Mountain Chapter

Training & Development Award: Rocky Mountain Chapter

Most Improved Compliance: Great Valleys Chapter

Most Improved Striving for Excellence: Cactus Chapter

Most Improved Membership: Chattahoochee Chapter

Most Improved Training & Development: Snake River Chapter

Most Improved Chapter of the Year: Cactus Chapter

Chapter of the Year

First Place: Rocky Mountain Chapter



Second Place: Chattahoochee Chapter



Third Place: Piedmont Chapter



Fourth Place: Buckeye State Chapter



Fifth Place: Green Mountain Chapter



Sixth Place: Cactus Chapter



Seventh Place: Penn-Ohio Chapter



Eighth Place: New England Chapter

Chapter Leader of the Year:

Kim Strand , Rocky Mountain Chapter

, Rocky Mountain Chapter

Alan Kolad , Greater Chicago Chapter

, Greater Chicago Chapter Chapter Innovation Award: Rocky Mountain Chapter

SCTE Cable-Tec Expo 2022 will be held in Philadelphia, September 1922, where David N. Watson, president and chief executive officer, Comcast Cable Communications, will serve as show chair.

To discover how SCTE is envisioning the future of connectivity, today, visit scte.org. Learn about how CableLabs is inventing the future at cablelabs.com.

SCTE Cable-Tec Expo

The largest cable industry event in the Americas, SCTE Cable-Tec Expo is known across the industry and beyond as the preeminent venue for thought leadership, engineering innovation and deal making within the broadband telecommunications sector. No other industry event brings together content and service providers, technology and association partners, industry experts and innovators at every level to learn, network and shape the future of connectivity. More information at expo.scte.org.

About SCTE

SCTE is envisioning the future of connectivity, today. Through technological leadership and innovation, SCTE has served as the applied science leader for the cable telecommunications industry for more than five decades. As a not for profit, member organization, SCTE moves member companies forward through continuous training for the workforce of tomorrow and by putting leaders into the conversations that matter. SCTE is the force behind the annual SCTE Cable-Tec Expo, the largest cable telecommunications and technology tradeshow in the Americas. SCTE is a subsidiary of CableLabs. More at www.scte.org.

About CableLabs

As the leading innovation and R&D lab for the cable industry, CableLabs creates global impact through its member companies around the world and its subsidiaries, Kyrio and SCTE. With a state-of-the-art research and innovation facility and collaborative ecosystem with thousands of vendors, CableLabs delivers impactful network technologies for the entire industry. For more information, visit cablelabs.com.

SOURCE Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE)

Related Links

http://www.scte.org


MEMPHIS, Tenn., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare President and CEO, Michael Ugwueke, DHA, FACHE, was honored with the THA CEO of Distinction Award, the organization's highest honor, recognizing exceptional leadership and service to the healthcare field in a Chief Executive's career.

Ugwueke's honor is one of two of the THA's top awards Methodist received at the organization's Annual Meeting held this week in Franklin, Tenn.

With more than 30 years' experience in healthcare, Ugwueke began his career at MLH in 2007 as CEO of Methodist South Hospital. Two years later, he took on the dual role of CEO of Methodist North Hospital as well to his scope of responsibility. In 2013, Ugwueke was appointed chief operating officer for the MLH system before becoming president and CEO in 2017.

"Michael encourages an open and collaborative working relationship within the MLH workforce that includes 13,000 MLH Associates and 2,500 provider members of the MLH medical staff," said Richard Aycock, MD, gastroenterologist and medical staff representative of the MLH Board of Directors. "We share his goals of advancing healthcare quality and improving healthcare access for all. He leads by example, demonstrating across the MLH system the importance of being at our best, every day, for those we serve.

"Michael's commitment to transparency, communication and preparedness fosters a calm confidence across our team, especially as we continue to navigate this pandemic together," added Aycock.

The THA also honored pulmonologist Paul Deaton, MD, and registered nurses Callie Lillard and Hanan McNamee with Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital, with the COVID-19 Healthcare Hero Award for their work in caring for a severely ill pregnant patient during the early months of the pandemic.

"It's a special calling to be a nurse or medical professional, maybe even more so now," said Aycock. "Throughout this pandemic, we continue to see shining examples of unparalleled courage and compassion. The COVID-19 Healthcare Hero award collectively recognizes three individuals for their unwavering dedication to overall patient care, one patient at a time."

The team of Deaton, Lillard and McNamee united together in the care of Susie Espinoza, who was admitted to the hospital in May 2020 with a severe COVID infection while she was 26 weeks pregnant. Days after she was admitted to the hospital, Espinoza was intubated and placed in a medically induced coma and remained that way for months as caregivers fought to save her life. At 32 weeks pregnant, Espinoza delivered her son, Brandon, by C-Section while still in a coma.

Throughout her hospitalization, the team stayed in constant contact with Espinoza's family and made sure to document Brandon's first weeks with photo collages they posted in her hospital room, giving her one more reason to stay strong. The team provided not only medical care but also placed priority on her emotional well-being, by continuing to talk with Espinoza even during her two-month coma.

"What took place during that time was nothing short of a miracle only by the grace of God and the caring hands of Dr. Deaton, Callie and Hanan," said Espinoza. "They are more than heroes to me. They are now my family."

Today, Espinoza is home with her family and is rebuilding her strength.

For a complete list of this year's THA award honorees, please visit THA.com.

About Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare:

Based in Memphis, Tennessee, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare has been caring for patients and families regardless of ability to pay for more than 100 years. Guided by roots in the United Methodist Church and founded in 1918 to help meet the growing need for quality healthcare in the greater Memphis area, MLH has grown from one hospital into a comprehensive healthcare system with 13,000 Associates supporting six hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, outpatient facilities, hospice residence and physician practices serving communities across the Mid-South. From transplants and advanced heart procedures to expert neurology services and compassionate cancer care, MLH offers clinical expertise with a focus on improving every life we touch.

SOURCE Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

Related Links

https://www.methodisthealth.org


CHICAGO, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "Mirror Coatings Market by Resin Type (Polyurethane, Epoxy, Acrylic), Technology (Water-based, Solvent-based, & Nanotechnology-based coatings), Substrate (Silver, Aluminum), End-Use Industry, & Region - Global Forecast to 2026", published by MarketsandMarkets, the Mirror Coatings market is projected to grow from USD 642 Million in 2021 to USD 829 Million by 2026, at a CAGR of 5.3% during the 2021-2026 period. The driving factor for the mirror coatings market is increase of urbanization & increase in income level of people and high growth in end-use industries like Architectural and Solar Power.

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Browse in-depth TOC on "Mirror Coatings Market"

217  Tables

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Architectural is the largest end-use industry of Mirror coatings market

The mirror coatings market is growing due to the growth in the architectural industry. The building & construction sector is growing gradually and is expected to lead to the growth of use of mirror coatings. In architectural applications, mirrors are used in kitchens, bars, hotels, beauty salons, lifts, gyms, washrooms, buildings, and others. Due to the rising demand from all these sectors, mirror coatings manufacturers are increasing their production capacities and focusing on customizing their products to suit the needs of end users in various regions. Demands differ by regions and according to the varying preferences.

Nanotechnology-based coatings is the fastest-growing technology of the mirror coatings market.

Nanotechnology is no longer just a promising field of research. Various nanotech solutions have made their way into everyday life  one of the most prominent being the use of ceramic and mirror coatings for waterproofing, whether it be a second liquid glass skin for cars or a side rearview mirror. Nanotechnology has made it possible to waterproof almost any material. From sustainable textiles to cars or buildings: a so-called ceramic coating or a nano coating helps keep water and dirt from clinging to any surface. It can also provide protection from corrosion, scratches, and graffiti. Whatever the kind of surface or material, the nano coating provides waterproofing, increasing the lifespan and durability of any mirror.

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APAC is the largest Mirror coatings market globally.



APAC is projected to lead the mirror coatings market and this dominance is expected to continue till 2026. The market in the region is witnessing high growth in Architectural, Automotive & Transportation, and Solar Power. The key markets in the region include China, India, Japan and South Korea. India, China, and Indonesia are investing heavily in various end-use industries, which is likely to influence market growth.



The key players profiled in the mirror coatings market report are Ferro Corporation (US), FENZI Group (Italy), The Sherwin Williams Company (US), Tianjin-Xin-Lihua-Color-Matterials(NBC) (China) and AGC Inc (Japan).

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Browse Adjacent Markets: Coatings Adhesives Sealants and Elastomers Market Research Reports & Consulting

Related Reports:

Polyurethane Coating Market by Type (Solvent-borne, Water-borne, High Solids, Powder), End Industry (Automotive & Transportation, Wood & Furniture, Industrial, Textile, Construction, Electrical & Electronics) & Geography - Trends & Forecasts to 2018

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/polyurethane-coatings-market-108831606.html

Epoxy Coatings Market by Technology (Solvent borne, Waterborne, and Powder-Based) and Application (Construction, Transportation, General Industrial, and Others) - Forecast to 2021

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/epoxy-coatings-market-260587393.html

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Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model  GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve.

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MONACO, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- His Serene Highness Prince Albert II has approved the creation of an Office of Space Affairs in Monaco. The creation of this new entity is a result of calls from numerous companies within the Monegasque aerospace business community, whose activities include the manufacture of Earth observation nano-satellites, communication satellites, and planetary rovers.

By setting up a 'one-stop-shop' for aerospace-related matters, and reporting to the Digital Platforms and Resources Department (under the authority of the Minister of State), the Principality is taking its first steps towards supporting the growth and development of these companies by streamlining administrative procedures, and will also act as the welcome office for any prospective aerospace-related businesses looking to set up in Monaco.

At the international level, the Office of Space Affairs will represent the Princely Government in the relevant international organizations, in co-operation with the Department of External Relations and Cooperation. The Office of Space Affairs will interact with its counterparts in other countries for knowledge sharing, to foster economic cooperation, and to benefit Monegasque companies in aerospace and related fields.

The space sector, and in particular private enterprise within aerospace-related industries, is booming and, among other benefits, it can allow for better Earth observation, improved understanding of weather and climate patterns, and also help to bridge the digital gap by providing (high-speed) broadband access to previously isolated regions.

The creation of the Office of Space Affairs is part of a wider push to diversify the Monegasque economy, under the leadership of Prince Albert II, while still preserving the Principality's core values. Growth in this sector will attract highly qualified individuals to well-paying jobs, and generate broader economic, educational and reputational benefits for the Principality.

The Office of Space Affairs, which was officially established on August 2, 2021 by Sovereign Ordinance No. 8.809, will convene a meeting in October with various stakeholders within the aerospace business community to define an action plan aligned with their needs.

For more information on the Office of Space Affairs, email: [email protected]

For more about the Embassy's space initiative, "Pioneers and Innovators of Our Time", visit: www.MonacoEventsUSA.com

SOURCE Embassy of Monaco

Related Links

www.monacodc.org


TSX andOTCQX: MPVD

TORONTO and NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. ("Mountain Province", the "Company") (TSX: MPVD) (OTCQX: MPVD) today announces production results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021 ("the Quarter" or "Q3 2021") from the Gahcho Kue Diamond Mine ("GK Mine"). All figures are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.

Additionally, the Company is providing the details of its Q3 2021 earnings release and conference call. The Company will release Q3 2021 financial results after market-close on Tuesday, November 9th, 2021, with the quarterly conference call on Wednesday, November 10th, 2021 at 11:00am EST.

Q3 Production Takeaways

(all figures reported on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated)

832,511 ore tonnes treated, a 1% increase relative to Q3 2020, and a 3% increase relative to Q2 2021 (Q3 2020: 821,049 tonnes treated; Q2 2021, 811,171 tonnes treated)

1,562,105 carats recovered, 13% lower than Q3 2020, and a 11% decrease relative to Q2 2021 (Q3 2020: 1,794,408 carats recovered, Q2 2021: 1,763,556 carats recovered)

4,717,789 carats recovered year-to-date, on track to meet FY21 guidance of 6,300,000  6,500,000 carats recovered

Average grade of 1.88 carats per tonne, a 14% decrease relative to Q3 2020 (2.19 carats per tonne)

Q3 2021 Production Figures









2021 Q3 2020 Q3 YoY Variance Total tonnes mined (ore and waste) 10,280,749 9,880,757 4% Ore tonnes mined 1,033,461 889,340 16% Ore tonnes treated 832,511 821,049 1% Carats recovered 1,562,105 1,794,408 -13% Carats recovered (49% share) 765,431 879,260 -13% Recovered grade (carats per tonne) 1.88 2.19 -14%

Mining performance improved relative to the prior quarter, benefitting from improved equipment availability, fewer incidences of extreme weather, as well as improved labour availability. Tonnes processed and carats recovered remain on track to meet previously provided guidance.

Jonathan Comerford, the Company's Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"I am pleased with the performance of the mine in Q3. The grade was lower in the quarter due to planned processing of lower grade material, and because of the previously stated change to a larger bottom cut-off screen size. Despite this we remain well on target to meet our production guidance of 6,300,000  6,500,000 carats recovered for 2021. The operator has done a good job in recovering some of the lost production from the temporary suspension of operations due to Covid-19 in Q1. The sizeable stockpile built up at the plant also gives us confidence that we will reach our goals for the year."

Conference Call

The Company will release its Q3 2021 financial results on Tuesday, November 9th, 2021 after market hours. The Company will host its quarterly conference call on Wednesday, November 10th, 2021 at 11:00am ET.

Title: Mountain Province Diamonds Inc Q3 2021 Earnings Conference Call

Conference ID: 70256121

Date of call: November 10th, 2021

Time of call: 11:00 Eastern Time

Expected Duration: 60 minutes

Webcast Link:

https://produceredition.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1505701&tp_key=98f29d2354

Participant Toll-Free Dial-In Number: (+1) 888-390-0546

Participant International Dial-In Number: (+1) 416-764-8688

A replay of the webcast and audio call will be available on the Company's website.

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


NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- MSD Partners, L.P. today announced that it has named Victor Hwang Managing Director and Co-Head of the investment firm's newly formed Growth investment business. Mr. Hwang joins Dan Bitar, a Managing Director who is an 18-year veteran of MSD, in co-leading MSD Growth, which is focused on investing in rapidly growing, founder-led, private companies, principally in the technology and healthcare industries.

MSD Growth will represent a new MSD core investing strategy, operating alongside its franchises in Credit, Real Estate and Private Capital.

"We are pleased to have Victor Hwang join the MSD team to co-head MSD Growth," said Gregg Lemkau, Chief Executive Officer of MSD Partners. "With Victor and Dan as leaders of this new group, we look forward to taking disciplined steps to expand our investments in world-class, founder-led businesses, building on our record to date. We have set up a differentiated platform that is distinguished by its flexibility and have committed resources and capital to build a successful investment group for the next decade and beyond." MSD's growth investments to date have included Celonis, Cue Health, GitLab, GoodLeap, GoPuff, iCapital, Qualtrics, Resilience and Stripe.

"The MSD team has more than two decades of technology-related investing experience, and we look forward to extending this record as we increasingly target rapidly growing, private, technology and healthcare companies," said Mr. Bitar. "MSD Growth is set apart from other groups by its connection to an extraordinarily successful business-builder in Michael Dell, the patient, long-term nature of our capital, and the ability to be a flexible partner in how we invest alongside innovative teams."

"I am excited to join MSD to help lead a dedicated team focused on investments in private companies with exciting growth opportunities," said Mr. Hwang. "The private markets have been generating significant value and technology innovation will continue to be a dominant investment theme for decades to come. But successful growth investors will need to be nimble going forward, as it is unlikely that the markets will grow in a straight line. Flexibility and patience are what distinguish MSD and are the qualities that drew me to this great firm."

Victor Hwang brings to MSD more than 25 years of experience focused on private technology investments and operations. Most recently, he was a Managing Director, General Partner, and Member of the Investment Committee for the secondary funds of Industry Ventures, a leading investment firm focused on the venture capital market, where he established a strong track record investing in enterprise, internet and healthcare companies over more than a decade. Before joining Industry Ventures, he was an active angel investor and held investor and operating roles at Internet Capital Group and Goldman Sachs & Co.

Dan Bitar joined MSD Capital in 2003 and has served in a number of roles including Portfolio Manager, Member of the Valuation Committee, and as a Member of the Trading Practices Committee of the firm or its affiliates. Before joining MSD Capital, he held investor and operating roles at Brera Capital Partners, Millicom International Cellular and The Blackstone Group.

About MSD Partners

MSD Partners, L.P. is an SEC-registered investment adviser that utilizes a multi-disciplinary strategy focused on maximizing long-term capital appreciation by making investments across the globe in its core areas of expertise  Credit, Real Estate, Private Capital and Growth. MSD Partners was formed in 2009 by the partners of MSD Capital, L.P., which is the family investment office for Michael Dell, the Founder & CEO of Dell Technologies. MSD Capital was originally established in 1998. Michael Dell and his family are substantial clients of MSD Partners. MSD Partners operates from offices in New York, Santa Monica and West Palm Beach. Additional information regarding MSD Partners may be found at msdpartners.com and regarding MSD Growth may be found at www.msdpartners.com/strategies/growth.

Media Contact: Todd Fogarty, Kekst CNC, [email protected] or 212-521-4854

SOURCE MSD Partners, L.P.
LA JOLLA, Calif., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Last August, Northcentral University was chosen as one of two recipients of the 2020 Delphi Award.

Created by USC's Pullias Center for Higher Education in partnership with AAC&U, the Delphi Award includes a $15,000 grant and recognizes innovative support of part-time / adjunct faculty in promoting student success.

"It's a privilege to work for a university that values the role part-time faculty play in student education." Tweet this Northcentral University faculty and leadership discuss the university's ongoing efforts to engage part-time faculty in university governance and enhance compensation, work experience, and community. Beverly Meyers, JD (right), a recipient of the 2021 Northcentral University Academic Excellence Delphi Award, stands with Lisa Hutton, JD, dean of the university's John F. Kennedy School of Law after receiving her award.

When determining how to spend the grant, Northcentral turned to its Faculty Senate. In keeping with the spirit of the award and NCU's commitment to involving part-time faculty in university governance, the Senate created an ad hoc committee to hear from part-time faculty how they wanted to see the funds used.

In tandem with university leadership, the committee recommended the creation of the Northcentral University Academic Excellence Delphi Award.

Recipients are part-time faculty members who go above and beyond in their roles, clearly demonstrating their commitment to student success. One awardee from each school is recognized.

The first award recipients were announced on September 15 at Northcentral University's Faculty Symposium. Elizabeth Speights, a senior core part-time professor and chair of the Part-Time Faculty Council, shared how honored she was to receive the inaugural award.

"It's a privilege to work for a university such as NCU that values and recognizes the role part-time faculty play in the overall education of our students," she said.

Beverly Meyers, a faculty member in the John F. Kennedy School of Law, shared that she was thrilled to win the award because it validates the work she puts into her teaching.

"NCU's John F. Kennedy School of Law has always given me the academic freedom and support to teach grammar and expository writing, as well as legal writing, to our students," she shares. "I believe that if we give the students these basics, when they leave our school, they will have an invaluable skill for the real world. They will know how to write!"

Northcentral University's efforts to engage part-time faculty started in 2016, when the university enacted several related policy changes. Since that time, university leadership has worked closely with part-time faculty to elevate their experience." Three main areas of focus are:

commitment to integration into the university community;

preparation for their responsibilities as part-time faculty; and

compensation for their work and university activities.

As the Pullias Center wrote, "Northcentral University declared part-time adjunct faculty as vital actors in carrying out their mission for student success."

"The engagement on the part of leadership to support this endeavor denotes true dedication and recognition to part-time faculty, who comprise two-thirds of all NCU faculty," said Jacqueline Rogers, part-time professor and Faculty Senate member.

"We thank the Pullias Center for recognizing NCU's commitment to student success and our part-time faculty contributions to teaching excellence."

2021 Inaugural Northcentral University Academic Excellence Delphi Award Recipients

Sylvia Lyles , PhD, School of Education

, PhD, School of Education Edward Maggio , JD, M.Sc., School of Business

, JD, M.Sc., School of Business Elizabeth Speights , PhD, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

, PhD, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Brenda Stevenson-Marshall , PhD, MPH, MAE, School of Health Sciences

, PhD, MPH, MAE, School of Health Sciences Beverly Meyers , JD, JFK School of Law

WATCH : The team leading the project recently gathered as a panel to discuss the award and Faculty Senate's ongoing collaboration with leadership to support part-time faculty: Delphi Project Conversation.

About Northcentral University

Founded in 1996, Northcentral University is a regionally accredited, nonprofit, online and graduate-focused university serving professionals globally. Over 11,000 adult students are enrolled in bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs at NCU, including business, education, health sciences, law, marriage and family therapy, psychology and technology.

Northcentral University is a nonprofit affiliate of the private, nonprofit National University System. It is regionally accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). For more information, visit ncu.edu or call 866.776.0331.

SOURCE Northcentral University

Related Links

http://www.ncu.edu


FACTS AT A GLANCE Edition: 5; Released: October 2021 Executive Pool: 752 Companies: 217 - Players covered include ABB; ADT; Alarm.com; Allegion; Assa Abloy; Comcast; Control4 Corp.; Hangzhau Highvision Digital Technology; Honeywell Internal, Inc.; Johnson Controls; Nortek Security & Solution; Robert Bosch; Secom; Simplisafe; Vivint and Others. Coverage: All major geographies and key segments Segments: Segment (Video Surveillance Systems, Access Control Systems, Entrance Control Systems, Fire Protection Systems, Intruder Alarm Systems, Services); Security (Professionally-Installed & Monitored, Self-Installed & Professionally Monitored, Do-It-Yourself (DIY)) 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.

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ABSTRACT-



Global Home Security Systems Market to Reach US$68.2 Billion by the Year 2026

A home security system is designed to safeguard a home against intrusion from burglars or other people with malicious intensions, and can monitor flood, fire or other environmental threats that may damage a home. The demand for home security systems is witnessing a rapid growth. The scenario is therefore creating demand for highly sophisticated security solutions like access control systems, IP-based video surveillance, digital CCTVs and remote-monitoring solutions. Demand is also driven by the low penetration rate of home security systems in the US, which is estimated at around only 17% of the total US homes. This factor, coupled with the $2500 average value loss per burglary, presents increased opportunities for home security systems. Technological developments also ensure that building security systems became affordable to suffice the budgetary requirements of consumers across the board. The present generation of home security solutions offers unparalleled connectivity, control and accessibility, and more importantly enable homeowners to remotely access a wide range of features using a PC or a smartphone. The growing popularity of smart security systems is also largely attributed to their innovative features such as remote arming and disarming, viewing of stored video clips of various events, accessing of household appliances and monitoring of movements even when away from home to name a few.

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the global market for Home Security Systems estimated at US$50.2 Billion in the year 2020, is projected to reach a revised size of US$68.2 Billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 5.4% over the analysis period. Video Surveillance Systems, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is projected to grow at a 6.4% CAGR to reach US$28.8 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 Access Control Systems segment is readjusted to a revised 5.2% CAGR for the next 7-year period. This segment currently accounts for a 17.8% share of the global Home Security Systems market. Video Surveillance involves the process of monitoring the activity and behavior of individuals, a group of individuals, and/or machines for the purpose of managing, directing, influencing or protecting them. Strong demand for networked cameras drive growth in the Video Surveillance Systems segment. The growing demand for smart locks drives growth in the Access Control Systems segment. Smart locks are electromechanical locks designed to automatically lock and unlock a door through commands from an authorized device or an authentication PIN, have come to the fore offering a new generation door locking system. The access control solution monitors multiple usage of a card at locations that does not permit its usage.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at $16.9 Billion in 2021, While China is Forecast to Reach $7.4 Billion by 2026

The Home Security Systems market in the U.S. is estimated at US$16.9 Billion in the year 2021. The country currently accounts for a 32.7% share in the global market. China, the world's second largest economy, is forecast to reach an estimated market size of US$7.4 Billion in the year 2026 trailing a CAGR of 7.2% through the analysis period. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at 4.3% and 4.7% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 4.8% CAGR while Rest of European market (as defined in the study) will reach US$8.1 Billion by the end of the analysis period.

Entrance Control Systems Segment to Reach $8.9 Billion by 2026

In the global Entrance Control Systems segment, USA, Canada, Japan, China and Europe will drive the 4.1% CAGR estimated for this segment. These regional markets accounting for a combined market size of US$5.6 Billion in the year 2020 will reach a projected size of US$7.4 Billion by the close of the analysis period. China will remain among the fastest growing in this cluster of regional markets. Led by countries such as Australia, India, and South Korea, the market in Asia-Pacific is forecast to reach US$798.6 Million by the year 2026. More



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NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) today released the 2021 EY Empathy in Business Survey, tracking how empathy affects leaders, employees and innovation in the workplace. The survey of more than 1,000 Americans who are employed reveals that many have left a previous job because their boss wasn't empathetic to their struggles at work (54%) or in their personal lives (49%).

"As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders are working to establish business transformation models to adapt in the new normal," said Steve Payne, EY Americas Vice Chair  Consulting. "Our research finds that empathy is not only a nice-to-have, but the glue and accelerant for business transformation in the next era of business. Empathy's ability to create a culture of trust and innovation is unmatched, and this previously overlooked trait must be at the forefront of businesses across all industries."

State of empathy in the workplace

Employees feel that the companies they work for are talking the talk, but not necessarily walking the walk, when it comes to empathy and support in the workplace. In fact, almost half (46%) of employees feel that their company's efforts to be empathetic toward employees are dishonest. Similarly, two in five (42%) employees say that their company doesn't follow through when it makes promises.

Employees describe an empathetic leader as someone who is transparent and fair, and follows through on actions. The top five qualities employees look for in an empathetic senior leader are:

Open and transparent (41%)

Fair (37%)

Follows through on action (37%)

Encourages others to share their opinions (36%)

Trusted to handle difficult conversations (34%)

A lack of empathy in the workplace has caused many employees to leave their jobs, which is a possible contributor to this year's so-called "Great Resignation." Over half (58%) of employees have previously left a job because they didn't feel valued by their boss, and nearly half (48%) have left a job because they didn't feel like they belonged. The difficulty of connecting with colleagues has resulted in more than a third (37%) of employees leaving their organization.

Benefits to leading with empathy

A staggering 89% of employees agree that empathy leads to better leadership. In fact, 88% feel that empathetic leadership inspires positive change within the workplace, and 87% say that it enables trust among employees and leaders. Additionally, 85% report that empathetic leadership in the workplace increases productivity among employees.

Beyond improving employee satisfaction and decreasing turnover rates, there are tangible business benefits to prioritizing empathy in the workplace. According to the survey, benefits are plenty, since employees agree that mutual empathy between leaders and employees increases:

Efficiency (87%)

Creativity (87%)

Innovation (86%)

Company revenue (81%)

Looking ahead: empathy in 2021 and beyond

Unquestionably, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in myriad personal and professional challenges, and the ability to have honest conversations in the workplace is crucial. More than eight in ten (85%) employees say that it's important for organizations to cultivate a climate in which diverse perspectives are valued. However, about a third (30%) of employees are not comfortable advocating for cultural changes within their organization, and one-in-four (26%) do not feel comfortable raising ethical concerns.

Top initiatives that would help employees feel more comfortable having open discussions with a boss include:

Having regularly scheduled one-on-ones (45%)

Providing opportunities to give anonymous feedback (42%)

Participating in team-building exercises (37%)

Receiving frequent reminders that they're in a safe space to have open discussions (36%)

Participating in training/communication workshops about having open discussions (36%)

According to Payne, "The ability to connect with employees and provide a supportive work environment is more important than ever. Organizations and leaders must prioritize empathy to foster innovation, inspire growth and successfully lead business transformation efforts."

2021 EY Empathy in Business Survey methodology

EY US commissioned a third-party vendor to conduct the inaugural 2021 EY Empathy in Business Survey. The sample of 1,010 Americans who are employed, either full-time or part-time, was completed between July 1 and July 12, 2021. At the total level, the study has a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

About EY

EY exists to build a better working world, helping create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets.

Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate.

Working across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax and transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of

Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com .

This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young LLP, a member firm of EY serving clients in the US.

SOURCE EY

Related Links

http://www.ey.com


Highlight intervals are summarized below. Additional results are provided in Table 2.

* Note that the true width of the mineralization is uncertain, but host structures are interpreted to be steeply dipping implying true widths in the range of 85% to 95% of reported intercepts. Intervals are calculated at a 1 g/t Au cut-off grade and minimum width of 2m; grades have not been capped in the averaging.

The Keats Main Zone now extends 530m down-plunge, an increase of 65m from the previously reported distance of 465m defined by the furthest intercept to date in NFGC-21-360 grading 61.50 g/t Au over 5.20m .





down-plunge, an increase of from the previously reported distance of defined by the furthest intercept to date in NFGC-21-360 grading 61.50 g/t Au over . Intercepts of 17.59 g/t Au over 6.50m in NFGC-21-312 as well as 63.92 g/t Au over 3.25m and 9.10 g/t Au over 6.25m in NFGC-21-351 continue to demonstrate the high-grade up-dip continuity with robust widths above the core dilatational zone towards surface.





in NFGC-21-312 as well as 63.92 g/t Au over and 9.10 g/t Au over in NFGC-21-351 continue to demonstrate the high-grade up-dip continuity with robust widths above the core dilatational zone towards surface. Starting at surface the multiple high-grade zones at Keats now cover an overall footprint of approximately 250m in width x 490m along strike x 307m vertical depth and are open in all directions.

Greg Matheson, COO of New Found, stated: " The high-grade continuity over a distance of 530m in a down-plunge direction is impressive but what's truly encouraging is seeing this continuity continue above the core dilatational zone up-dip towards surface adding significant volume to the high-grade mineralization. In addition, the recently announced results from NFGC-21-238 yielding 88.53 g/t Au over 3.35m in the Keats Footwall has presented multiple exploration fronts as we continue to see the footprint of Keats expand in all directions. All of our drills at Keats and along the Appleton Fault are currently focused on expansion of these high-grade gold systems."

Discussion

The Keats Main Zone is hosted within a faulted domain, the Keats-Baseline Fault, that contains a network of quartz veins that strike to the east-northeast and dip moderately to the southeast at approximately 55 as shown in Figure 3. The massive high-grade gold bearing quartz veins within this structural corridor are dominantly parallel to the orientation of the Keats host structure and drill hole structural data suggests some areas contain high-grade stockwork and spur type veins with a variety of orientations.





Continued step-out drilling will work to expand mineralization south and up-dip of the core dilatational zone within the Keats Main Zone.

Drill Hole Details

* Note that the true width of the mineralization is uncertain, but host structures are interpreted to be steeply dipping implying true widths in the range of 85% to 95% of reported intercepts. Intervals are calculated at a 1 g/t Au cut-off grade and minimum width of 2m, grades have not been capped in the averaging.

Queensway 200,000m Drill Program Update

Approximately 51 percent of the 200,000 meters have been drilled to date with approximately 24,000 meters of core pending assay results. Nine core rigs are currently operating, with a tenth scheduled to commence shortly.

Sampling, Sub-sampling and Laboratory

True widths of the intercepts reported in this press release have yet to be determined but are estimated to be 85% to 95% of reported core lengths. Infill veining in secondary structures with multiple orientations crosscutting the primary host structures are commonly observed in drill core which could result in additional variability in true width. Assays are uncut, and calculated intervals are reported over a minimum length of 2 meters using a lower cut-off of 1.0 g/t Au. All HQ split core assays reported were obtained by either complete sample metallic screen/fire assay or standard 30-gram fire-assaying with ICP finish at ALS Minerals in Vancouver, British Columbia, or by entire sample screened metallic screen fire assay at Eastern Analytical in Springdale, Newfoundland. The complete sample metallic screen assay method is selected by the geologist when samples contain coarse gold or any samples displaying gold initial fire assay values greater than 1.0 g/t Au. Drill program design, Quality Assurance/Quality Control and interpretation of results is performed by qualified persons employing a Quality Assurance/Quality Control program consistent with National Instrument 43-101 and industry best practices. Standards and blanks are included with every 20 samples for Quality Assurance/Quality Control purposes by the Company as well as the lab. Approximately 5% of sample pulps are sent to secondary laboratories for check assays.

Qualified Person

The technical content disclosed in this press release was reviewed and approved by Greg Matheson, P. Geo., Chief Operating Officer, and a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Matheson consents to the publication of this news release dated October 14, 2021, by New Found. Mr. Matheson certifies that this news release fairly and accurately represents the information for which he is responsible.

About New Found Gold Corp.

New Found holds a 100% interest in the Queensway Project, located 15 km west of Gander, Newfoundland, and just 18 km from Gander International Airport. The project is intersected by the Trans-Canada Highway and has logging roads crosscutting the project, high voltage electric power lines running through the project area, and easy access to a highly skilled workforce. The Company is currently undertaking a 200,000m drill program at Queensway. With a current working capital balance of approximately $105 million, New Found is well funded for this program.

Please see the Company's website at www.newfoundgold.ca and the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.

Acknowledgements

New Found acknowledges the financial support of the Junior Exploration Assistance Program, Department of Natural Resources, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Contact

To contact the Company, please visit the Company's website, www.newfoundgold.ca and make your request through our investor inquiry form. Our management has a pledge to be in touch with any investor inquiries within 24 hours.

New Found Gold Corp.

Per: "Craig Roberts"

Craig Roberts, P.Eng., Chief Executive Officer

Email: [email protected]

Phone: + 1 (910) 406 2407

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statement Cautions

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, relating to assay results, exploration and drilling on the Company's Queensway gold project in Newfoundland, interpretation of the assay results and the results of the drilling program, the discovery of zones of high-grade gold mineralization, follow-up step-out drilling and funding of the drilling program. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "aims," "suggests," "potential," "goal," "objective," "prospective," "possibly," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "can," "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made, and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include risks associated with possible accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, risks associated with the interpretation of assay results and the drilling program, the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans, the risk that the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plans, and the risk of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's Annual Information Form and Management's discussion and Analysis, publicly available through the Canadian Securities Administrators' System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) at www.sedar.com for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects.

SOURCE New Found Gold Corp.

Related Links

https://newfoundgold.ca/


JACKSON, Miss., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Center for Heirs' Property Preservation and the Mississippi Center for Justice today announced the Mobile Basin Heirs' Property Support Initiative, a two-year program designed to help historically underserved families in Mississippi protect and keep their forestland; build generational wealth; and promote productive, sustainably managed forests. With support from World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Kimberly-Clark, the new initiative will provide a combination of legal services, information, and assistance accessing financial resources to help Mississippians resolve land title issues that disproportionately affect Black families and often lead to loss of land, wealth, and forest resources.

Mississippi Center for Justice -- Logo (PRNewsfoto/Center for Heirs' Property Preservation,Mississippi Center for Justice,World Wildlife Fund,Kimberly-Clark Corporation) World Wildlife Fund -- Logo (PRNewsfoto/Center for Heirs' Property Preservation,Mississippi Center for Justice,World Wildlife Fund,Kimberly-Clark Corporation) Logo: Kimberly-Clark Corporation (PRNewsfoto/Kimberly-Clark Corporation)

Heirs' property is land passed down informally from generation to generation, often because landowners died without a will. In the absence of a will, the land is considered jointly owned by all heirs, split between multiple people regardless of whether they live on the land, pay the taxes, or have ever set foot on it. This fractured land leaves owners vulnerable to developers and timber harvesters, tax sales, and forced partition sales. Owners are faced with the decision to either give up their land or go through the complex and costly legal process of resolving title issues. In Mississippi, this also contributes to an increasing rate of forest loss, compromising the region's important freshwater habitats and drinking water supply.

"Families and individual landowners with title issues clouded by undetermined heirs or absent heirs can result in loss of land held for generations through tax sales, court-ordered partition sales, or even a 'taking' of the land by adverse possession," said Mississippi Center for Justice President and CEO Vangela M. Wade. "These harmful effectswhich have persisted for decadeshave been particularly acute for families of color and low-income families in Mississippi. It is currently estimated that heirs' property accounts for 1.6 million acres valued at $6.6 billion across the southern Black Belt."

The new initiative is based on a successful model developed by the Center for Heirs' Property Preservation in South Carolina. This model has helped South Carolina families resolve more than 275 titles, building family and community wealth and ecological restoration in marginalized communities.

"We are delighted to entrust our heirs' property resolution knowledge and expertise to a well-established public interest law firm to address the complex problem of land loss by increasing access to the tools and resources these landowners need to resolve title issues and develop working landscapes," said Jennie L. Stephens, chief executive officer, the Center for Heirs' Property Preservation. "This partnership will help build and sustain a landowner movement that has the power to unleash the cultural and natural resources of land in marginalized communities toward family wealth creation and to ecological restoration."

The initiative will also provide landowners with forestry education and access to additional funding for forest conservation and responsible forest management. This support can help families make income from their lands while protecting wildlife habitat and water sources.

"There is no sustainable future without addressing racial and social injustice," said Kerry Cesareo, senior vice president for forests at WWF. "Only by preventing the exploitation of families and their land can we prevent forest fragmentation and loss in this country and mitigate the worst effects of climate change. Forests are a source of health and wealth, but the burdens and benefits of caring for forests have not been shared fairly. We need to do everything we can to address injustice and support people who have helped all of us by caring for forestlands for generations and who are themselves more likely to bear the brunt of nature loss and climate impacts."

The initiative will be piloted over two years with property owners across the Mobile Bay watershed. In addition to providing direct assistance to Mississippi's underserved landowners, the program's goals include raising broader awareness about the benefits to both people and nature that can come from removing barriers for historically marginalized communities to secure land rights in the southern United States and beyond.

"Southern U.S. forests that Kimberly-Clark relies on to make our essential products are being lost to unsustainable development at an increasing rate, and heirs' property is particularly vulnerable to that trend," said Lisa Morden, vice president of safety, sustainability & occupational health at Kimberly-Clark. "Helping heirs' property owners secure clear title to their ancestral land enables them to protect, care for, and benefit from that land, and we are honored to support the Center for Heirs' Property Preservation, the Mississippi Center for Justice, and WWF in advancing this important work."

Morden added: "We know the issue of insecure land tenure and its links to forest loss and degradation is not unique to the U.S. southeast. As the world continues to address the climate and biodiversity crises, we must also look to support the land rights of Indigenous and other marginalized communities who steward many of the world's most carbon- and biodiversity-rich forests. To that end, this initiative supports our ambition to improve the lives and well-being of 1 billion people in underserved communities around the globe by 2030, with the smallest environmental footprintand is part of how we deliver our purpose of better care for a better world."

About the Center for Heirs' Property Preservation

The Center for Heirs' Property Preservation has been protecting heirs' property through legal education and direct legal services since 2005. In 2013, the Center began promoting the sustainable use of land through forestry education and services to provide increased economic benefit to low-wealth family landowners. The Center provides legal and forestry services in Allendale, Bamberg, Beaufort, Berkeley, Calhoun, Charleston, Clarendon, Colleton, Darlington, Dillion, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, Jasper, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, Orangeburg, Sumter and Williamsburg counties.

To date, the Center has provided 3,260 persons with free, one-hour "Advice and Counsel" (A&C) with 777 clients receiving direct legal services to clear title. A total of 1,225 simple wills have been drafted at free, community Wills Clinics; more than 451 families (who collectively own in excess of 26,000 acres) have benefited from various levels of education and expert resources to develop and implement sustainable forestry management plans and 286 titles have been cleared on family land with a total tax-assessed value of $16.7 million. Visit www.heirsproperty.org to learn more; follow @Heirsproperty on Twitter and https://www.linkedin.com/company/center-for-heirs-property-preservation/mycompany/ on LinkedIn.

About the Mississippi Center for Justice

Now in its 18th year, the Mississippi Center for Justice continues to be one of the most well-respected civil justice organizations in the South, known for the strategic nature of its advocacy and the high impact of its work. MCJ is a non-profit, public interest law firm committed to strengthening racial, social, and economic justice in Mississippi by dismantling the systems that strip opportunity away from historically disadvantaged Mississippians. MCJ does this through a potent combination of direct legal services, strategic policy advocacy, targeted community education, and media outreach.

MCJ works to create a better future for Mississippi through dedicated legal campaigns centered around health and public benefits, fair housing, consumer protection, education, immigration, disaster recovery, and impact litigation. MCJ works across such a diverse array of issues because addressing the root causes of poverty and inequity are inherently intersectional. MCJ confronts a wide range of challenges facing low-income Mississippians and has an exceptional track record of making real and positive change. Learn more at www.mscenterforjustice.org .

About World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

WWF is one of the world's leading conservation organizations, working for 60 years in nearly 100 countries to help people and nature thrive. With the support of more than 5 million supporters worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment, and combat the climate crisis. Visit worldwildlife.org to learn more; follow @WWFNews on Twitter to keep up with the latest conservation news; and sign up for our newsletter and news alerts here .

About Kimberly-Clark

Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity and an understanding of people's most essential needs, we create products that help individuals experience more of what's important to them. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Neve, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold the No. 1 or No. 2 share position in 80 countries. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build stronger communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company's nearly 150-year history of innovation, visit kimberly-clark.com .

[KMB-S]

SOURCE Center for Heirs' Property Preservation; Mississippi Center for Justice; World Wildlife Fund; Kimberly-Clark
FACTS AT A GLANCE Edition: 7; Released: April 2021 Executive Pool: 14499 Companies: 43 - Players covered include BorgWarner, Inc.; Bosch Mobility Solutions; Continental AG; GKN PLC; Siemens AG; ZF Friedrichshafen AG and Others. Coverage: All major geographies and key segments Segments: Application (Fully Electric Vehicles, Hybrid Electric Vehicles) 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 Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Integrated Drive Unit Market to Reach 4.4 Million Units by 2026

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the global market for Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Integrated Drive Unit estimated at 3.7 Million Units in the year 2020, is projected to reach a revised size of 4.4 Million Units by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 3% over the analysis period. Fully Electric Vehicles, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is projected to record a 2.8% CAGR and reach 2.9 Million Units 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 Hybrid Electric Vehicles segment is readjusted to a revised 3.2% CAGR for the next 7-year period.



The U.S. Market is Estimated at 1.1 Million Units in 2021, While China is Forecast to Reach 794.4 Thousand Units by 2026

The Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Integrated Drive Unit market in the U.S. is estimated at 1.1 Million Units in the year 2021. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of 794.4 Thousand Units by the year 2026 trailing a CAGR of 2.8% over the analysis period. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at 2.7% and 2.5% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 3% CAGR. More



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Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

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CINCINNATI, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Last week, Inc. announced its third annual Founder-Friendly Investors list, honoring the private equity and venture capital firms with the best track record of success backing entrepreneurs, which included nine notable Hauser Private Equity fund managers.

The final list recognizes firms that entrepreneurs can trust and collaborate with while receiving the financial support they need to help accelerate growth. All have a successful track record of remaining actively involved in the businesses after their investment. 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.

"Supporting an entrepreneur's vision and driving growth is more than just a financial investment. It's about building a relationship and supporting the founders beyond that initial year. These private equity firms treat the founders like partners," says Scott Omelianuk , editor-in-chief of Inc. Media.

Cincinnati-based Hauser Private Equity is a fund manager for private equity funds investing in the middle and low-middle markets. Nine fund managers from Hauser Private Equity's portfolio were named to Inc's Top list, including Clearlake Capital, Guardian Capital Partners, New Mainstream Capital, North Castle Partners, Palladium Equity Partners, Revelstoke Capital Partners, Revolution, Shore Capital Partners, and ZMC Zelnick Media Capital.

Hauser Private Equity's fund and direct co-investment model relies on the operational experience of industry experts, which aligns well with funds focused on founder-lead businesses. "These fund managers emphasize the importance of operational expertise to value creation, and partner with key leaders focused on long-term partnerships and flexible solutions to growth," said Mark Hauser, managing partner at Hauser Private Equity.

"We are very excited to be recognized as one of the most founder-friendly investors by Inc. Magazine. Throughout our history, we have focused on building a reputation and a private equity investment model that resonates with founder-led businesses," said Simon Bachleda, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Revelstoke. "We pride ourselves on being service-oriented partners to our management teams and fostering a culture of high-urgency value creation  this combination has resulted in Revelstoke completing 112 investments in the past eight years, most of which have been with founder-led businesses."

Hauser Private Equity has invested with Revelstoke on multiple deals, including both Beacon Orthopedics and Cincinnati Eye Institute (Cincinnati Vision Partners). Fellow healthcare investor, Shore Capital Partners, joined Revelstoke on Inc.'s list. "We are honored to be recognized as a founder-friendly investor again by Inc.," said Justin Ishbia, Shore Capital Partner's Managing Partner. "It is a proof point that we are delivering on our vision to be the first choice for founders and executives seeking a partner for growth."

To see the complete list, go to: https://www.inc.com/founder-friendly-investors/2021. The list will also be featured in the October 2021 issue of Inc. magazine, available online now at https://www.inc.com/magazine and on newsstands beginning October 5, 2021.

About Hauser Private Equity

Hauser Private Equity is a private equity fund manager and co-investor formed to invest throughout the lower-middle and middle market via partnerships via control buyout funds and with managers of growth equity and special situations funds. Hauser Private Equity leverages the multi-industry expertise of its Limited Partners to define targets, grow companies, and enhance returns. Hauser Private Equity was founded by Mark Hauser and is based in Cincinnati, OH, operating offices in both Los Angeles, CA and Chicago, IL.

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 list 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 the company.

The Founder-Friendly Investors award is a program designed by Inc. Magazine to help founder-led companies accelerate growth and create revenue. Private equity and venture capital firms that have exited U.S.-based, founder-led portfolio companies are eligible to apply. For investments to qualify, portfolio company founders must have remained actively involved in their business for at least one year post-investment. Winning firms are selected based on their investments and founder references. Revelstoke is not aware of the number of advisers also surveyed for the award. Like all entrants, Revelstoke paid a fee to be considered for this award. This award is not to be construed as indicative of Revelstoke's future performance. Reference to an award is only one piece of information relevant to an evaluation of an investment adviser, such as Revelstoke. Finally, this award represents information as of a specific date and time and may not reflect important information related to an evaluation of the investment adviser which has occurred prior to, or subsequent to, the award.

SOURCE Hauser Private Equity
NACKA STRAND, Sweden, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The shareholders of Hexagon AB are hereby given notice of the Extraordinary General Meeting to be held on Wednesday 17 November 2021.

In light of the risk of the spread of the coronavirus, the Board of Directors has decided that the Extraordinary General Meeting shall be conducted without physical presence of shareholders, representatives or third parties and that the shareholders before the Meeting should be able to exercise their voting rights only by post. Information on the resolutions passed at the Meeting will be disclosed on 17 November 2021, as soon as the outcome of the postal voting has been finally confirmed.

A. CONDITIONS FOR ATTENDANCE

Shareholders who wish to participate in the Extraordinary General Meeting by postal voting must be recorded in the shareholders' register maintained by Euroclear Sweden AB on Tuesday 9 November 2021 and must also give notice of their intention to participate no later than on Tuesday 16 November 2021 by casting their postal votes in accordance with the instructions under the heading "Postal voting" below so that the postal vote is received by Euroclear Sweden AB no later than that day. Please note that the notification to the Extraordinary General Meeting can only be made by postal voting.

For shareholders who have their shares nominee-registered, the following applies in order to be entitled to participate in the Meeting. In addition to giving notice of participation by submitting a postal vote, such shareholder must request their bank or broker to temporarily re-register the shares in the shareholder's own name so that the shareholder is registered in the share register kept by Euroclear Sweden AB as of the record date on Tuesday 9 November 2021. Voting rights registration requested by the shareholder at such time that the registration has been completed by the nominee no later than Thursday 11 November 2021 will be taken into account in the preparation of the share register.

B. POSTAL VOTING

The Board of Directors has resolved that shareholders will be able to exercise their voting rights only by postal voting in accordance with Section 20 and 22 of the Act (2020:198) on temporary exceptions to facilitate the execution of general meetings in companies and other associations. A special form must be used for the postal vote. The form for postal voting is available on the company's website www.hexagon.com. Completed and signed forms for postal voting can be sent by mail to Hexagon AB, c/o Euroclear Sweden, Box 191, SE-101 23 Stockholm, Sweden, or by e-mail to [email protected]. Completed forms must be received by Euroclear Sweden AB no later than 16 November 2021. Shareholders who are natural persons may also cast their votes electronically through verification with BankID via Euroclear Sweden AB's website https://anmalan.vpc.se/EuroclearProxy. Such electronic votes must be submitted no later than 16 November 2021.



Shareholders may not submit special instructions or conditions with the postal vote. In such case, the entire postal vote is invalid. Further instructions and conditions can be found in the postal voting form and at https://anmalan.vpc.se/EuroclearProxy.

For questions regarding the postal voting form, please contact Euroclear Sweden AB on + 46 (0)8 402 92 21.

C. POWERS OF ATTORNEY

If the shareholder submits the postal vote by proxy, a written and dated power of attorney signed by the shareholder must be attached to the postal voting form. Proxy forms are available on the company's website www.hexagon.com and will be sent on request to shareholders who state their postal address. If the shareholder is a legal person, a registration certificate or other authorization document must be attached to the form.

D. AGENDA

Proposal for agenda

Election of Chairman of the Meeting. Preparation and approval of the voting list. Approval of the agenda. Election of two persons to check the minutes. Determination of compliance with the rules of convocation. Resolution regarding amendment of the Articles of Association. Establishment of the number of members of the Board of Directors. Election of board members. Establishment of fees to the board members.

Proposals for resolutions

Election of Chairman of the Meeting (item 1)

The Nomination Committee, consisting of Mikael Ekdahl (Melker Schorling AB), Jan Dworsky (Swedbank Robur fonder), Caroline Forsberg (SEB Investment Management) and Anders Oscarsson (AMF and AMF Fonder) has proposed that the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Gun Nilsson, or, if she is prevented from fulfilling this role, the person appointed by the Board of Directors, shall be elected Chairman of the Meeting.

Preparation and approval of the voting list (item 2)

The voting list proposed to be approved is the voting list prepared by Euroclear Sweden AB on behalf of the company, based on the general meeting share register and received postal votes, controlled and checked by the persons assigned to check the minutes.

Election of two persons to check the minutes (item 4)

The Board of Directors proposes Johannes Wingborg, representing Lansforsakringar

Fondforvaltning and Fredrik Skoglund, representing Spiltan Fonder, or if one or both of them are prevented from participating, the person(s) appointed by the Board of Directors, to check the minutes. The assignment to check the minutes also include checking the voting list and that the received postal votes are correctly reflected in the minutes of the Meeting.



Proposal for resolution regarding amendment of the Articles of Association

(item 6)

The Board of Directors proposes that the Meeting resolves on amendment of the Articles of Association in accordance with the below.

Current wording of Section 6, first paragraph of the Articles of Association:

The Board of Directors shall consist of at least three (3) but not more than nine (9) Directors.

Proposed wording of Section 6, first paragraph of the Articles of Association:

The Board of Directors shall consist of at least three (3) but not more than ten (10) Directors.

The resolution according to this item requires approval from shareholders representing at least two-thirds of both the number of votes cast as well as the shares represented at the Meeting in order to be valid.

Proposal for election of board members and resolution regarding fees (items 7-9)

The Nomination Committee has proposed the following:

The number of board members shall be ten, without any deputy members.

New election of Brett Watson and Erik Huggers as ordinary members of the Board of Directors until the end of the next Annual General Meeting. It is noted that the Board of Directors after the election thereby will consist of Gun Nilsson (Chairman), Ola Rollen , Ulrika Francke , John Brandon , Henrik Henriksson , Sofia Schorling Hogberg, Marta Schorling Andreen, Patrick Soderlund, Brett Watson and Erik Huggers.

and Erik Huggers as ordinary members of the Board of Directors until the end of the next Annual General Meeting. It is noted that the Board of Directors after the election thereby will consist of Gun Nilsson (Chairman), , , , , Sofia Schorling Hogberg, Marta Schorling Andreen, Patrick Soderlund, and Erik Huggers. The annual fees per board member, as resolved at the Annual General Meeting on 29 April 2021 , shall continue to apply entailing a certain increase of the total fees since the number of board members is increased by two. Fees are to be paid to incoming board members pro rata in relation to the board member's actual duty period compared to the whole period from the Annual General Meeting 2021 until the end of the next Annual General Meeting.

Brett Watson (born 1980), holding B.S. and M.B.A. degrees from Binghamton University, is the president of Koch Equity Development, an acquisition and investment subsidiary of Koch Industries. Prior to that, Brett led Koch Equity Development's Principal Investment team as its Senior Managing Director. Brett currently serves on the boards of directors of the parent companies of Infor, Getty Images, Transaction Network Services, MI Windows and Doors, and the Flint Group. Prior to joining Koch in 2010, Brett worked with investment banking, principal investment and private equity. Brett Watson is independent in relation to the company's major shareholders, the company and company management. Brett Watson does not currently hold any shares or other financial instruments in the company.

Erik Huggers (born 1974), holding a B.Sc. (Business Economics & Marketing) from Avans University, is a member of WeTransfer's and ProsiebenSat.1 Media's respective supervisory board of directors. Erik previously served as CEO of Vevo and held key executive positions at Verizon Communications, Intel Corporation, BBC and Microsoft Corporation. Erik Huggers is independent in relation to the company's major shareholders, the company and company management. Erik Huggers does not currently hold any shares or other financial instruments in the company.

The Nomination Committee's reasoned statement is available on the company's website, www.hexagon.com.

The Nomination Committee's proposal for new election of board members is conditioned upon the resolution by the General Meeting regarding amendment of the Articles of Association in accordance with item 6 above.

E. AVAILABLE DOCUMENTS

The proposal of the Board of Directors concerning Item 6 will be available for the shareholders at the company's headquarters at the address Lilla Bantorget 15, SE-111 23 Stockholm, Sweden, and on the company's website www.hexagon.com as from 27 October 2021. The documents are presented by being available at the company's headquarters and on the company's website. Copies of the documents will be sent on request to shareholders who state their postal address. The general meeting share register will be available at the company's headquarters at the address Lilla Bantorget 15, SE-111 23 Stockholm, Sweden.

F. SHAREHOLDERS' RIGHT TO RECEIVE INFORMATION

The Board of Directors and the CEO shall, if any shareholder so requests and the Board of Directors believes that it can be done without significant harm to the company, provide information regarding circumstances that may affect the assessment of an item on the agenda. A request for such information shall be made in writing to the company ten days prior to the General Meeting at the latest. i.e. no later than 7 November 2021, at the address Hexagon AB (publ), Box 3692, SE-103 59 Stockholm, Sweden or by e-mail to [email protected]. The information will be held available on the company's website www.hexagon.com and on the company's headquarters no later than 12 November 2021. The information is also sent to the shareholders who requested it and stated their postal address.

G. NUMBER OF SHARES AND VOTES IN THE COMPANY

The total number of shares in the company amounts to 2,705,477,888 of which 110,250,000 are shares of series A (with 10 votes per share), and 2,595,227,888 series B shares (with 1 vote per share). The total number of votes in the company amounts to 3,697,727,888. Hexagon AB (publ) holds 7,350,000 of its own Series B shares, corresponding to an equal number of votes, for which the company cannot exercise voting rights.

H. PROCESSING OF PERSONAL DATA

For information about the processing of your personal data, see https://www.euroclear.com/dam/ESw/Legal/Privacy-notice-bolagsstammor-engelska.pdf

____________________________

Stockholm in October 2021

The Board of Directors

Hexagon AB (publ)

For further information, please contact:

Maria Luthstrom, Head of Sustainability and Investor Relations, Hexagon AB,

+46 8 601 26 27, [email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/hexagon/r/notice-to-the-extraordinary-general-meeting-in-hexagon-ab--publ-,c3432908

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/387/3432908/1480866.pdf Press Release

SOURCE Cision AB

Related Links

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NORTHBROOK, Ill., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With a strong legacy and leading presence in the automotive aftermarket, Old World Industries (OWI) announces two new additions to its leadership team  Andy Rusie will now serve as Chief Financial Officer, joining recently hired Warren Morrow who joined OWI as Chief Operations Officer. Family-owned and local to the heart of the Chicago's economy, OWI has experienced consistent growth and success over the past few decades with iconic brands such as PEAK, BlueDEF and Final Charge. The two new hires align with an increased company focus on accelerating growth under the leadership of CEO Greg Noethlich, who joined OWI in April 2021.

As CFO at OWI, Rusie brings a wealth of financial experience having previously served as CFO for Whole Earth Brands since 2019, where he helped take the company public via a SPAC and completed two strategic acquisitions. Prior to joining Whole Earth Brands, Andy served as VP Corporate Finance and Strategy at Mauser Packaging Solutions and spent most of his career at Mead Johnson Nutrition, holding several finance leadership roles across various corporate functions and global expat leadership roles in China, Southeast Asia, Latin America and Europe during his tenure.

Morrow joined OWI as COO in August 2021 with a robust history of experience in the manufacturing sector and proven track record of success in manufacturing, distribution, supply chain and process engineering. In his new role, Morrow will focus on strengthening OWI's supply chain and manufacturing processes. Prior to OWI he served in several leadership positions for Champion Laboratories, the most recent as Vice President of Operations.

For more information about Old World Industries, LLC, visit https://www.owi.com.

ABOUT OLD WORLD INDUSTRIES

Old World Industries, LLC is among the largest privately held companies competing in the automotive aftermarket. The Northbrook, Illinois-based company enjoys a presence in various consumer product markets around the world. Old World's brands include a full line of PEAK Performance Automotive Aftermarket Products including Antifreeze-Coolant, Motor Oil, Washer Fluid, Lighting and Wiper Blades; BlueDEF Diesel Exhaust Fluid and Equipment; Final Charge Heavy Duty Extended Life Coolant and Fleet Charge SCA Precharged Heavy Duty Coolant. For more information, please visit www.owi.com

SOURCE Old World Industries

Related Links

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PEORIA, Ill., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- OSF HealthCare joins SWITCH, a new independent organization launched by City Tech Collaborative (City Tech), a Chicago-based urban solutions accelerator, to address health equity in Chicago. The Peoria, Illinois-based health system, which operates 15 hospitals in Illinois and Michigan, joins Verizon and the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Innovation Center as partners in the platform that accelerates, innovates and scales tech-enabled solutions.

SWITCH stands for Sustainable Wellness through Innovation, Technology, & Collaborative Health. Its mission is to increase health equity and measurably improve community health delivery and wellness outcomes in Chicago's most underserved communities. Solutions will be developed by engaging residents and patients to ensure they have an active voice in solution creation; leveraging a robust racial equity and inclusion (REI) methodology to address inherent bias in existing solution development processes.

As part of the partnership, SWITCH and OSF HealthCare, with support from the UIC Innovation and Verizon, will look at the possibility of expanding and commercializing the OSF CommunityConnect (OCC) software platform to improve access to health care, education, and disease prevention in the underserved neighborhoods around OSF HealthCare Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, Illinois and surrounding clinics and medical offices.

OSF has been using the OCC platform for its OnCall Connect program to allow digital health care workers to provide care, support, and monitoring of patients recovering at home post-surgery or from COVID-19. It will also be used as part of the Medicaid Innovation Collaborative to create solutions that improve access and quality of care for Medicaid patients throughout the state.

"OSF HealthCare is excited to be a partner in SWITCH and take the lessons learned from developing and deploying the OCC platform, and see if it can be a scalable solution, used by every hospital across Illinois that is interested in health equity and the need to deliver quality care to vulnerable populations," said Dr. John Vozenilek, vice president/chief medical officer, Innovation & Digital Health at OSF HealthCare.

Angela E.L. Barnes, general counsel, director of Legal Affairs & Growth Initiatives at City Tech Collaborative founded SWITCH, and she will lead the partners' efforts to improve health access with stakeholders who will have direct input in helping determine the best strategy for delivering better health and wellness. Barnes has long been a champion of diversity and equity, and last year was appointed to the Racial Justice Diversity Committee for the federal courts in the Northern District of Illinois to examine the court's racial diversity and help identify barriers to providing racial justice to everyone.

"The pandemic has only exacerbated what we already know to be true: systematic disparities and biases create significant barriers to achieving health and wellness for all communities," said Barnes. "These growing health disparities are even more evident in Chicago's BIPOC communities on the South and West sides. With the development of SWITCH, I'm excited to deliver resident-and community-informed solutions that overcome these physical, digital, and socioeconomic barriers to health so that all communities can flourish."

The partnership will also leverage diverse and talented students from the UIC Innovation Center to help grow SWITCH and its solutions.

SWITCH was recently chosen to participate in a 2021 Health Equity Innovation accelerator program to support entrepreneurs with solutions that advance health equity. The challenge from MATTER, the global healthcare innovation hub headquartered in Chicago, and YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, focuses on projects such as those using data and research to promote equity in health care, plus projects to increase access to care and to address social determinants of health (SDOH) among others.

Don Bergh, associate director for Labs and Instructional Programs at the UIC Innovation Center said students selected for the accelerator program will be highly engaged.

"Our students are innovation-trained, and ready to jump into teams and projects that demand smart, flexible, motivated problem solvers."

The accelerator challenge specifically accepted applicants with a goal to develop and launch a solution to directly impact SDOH in Chicago's underrepresented communities. Participants have to be connected to a Chicagoland organization and preference was given to entrepreneurs of color.

For additional photos-logos, please visit our Newsroom at https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/

OSF HealthCare is an integrated health system owned and operated by The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, headquartered in Peoria, Illinois. OSF HealthCare employs nearly 24,000 Mission Partners in 150 locations, including 15 hospitals  10 acute care, five critical access  with 2,089 licensed beds, and two colleges of nursing throughout Illinois and Michigan. The OSF HealthCare physician network employs more than 1,500 primary care, specialist and advanced practice providers. OSF HealthCare, through OSF Home Care Services, operates an extensive network of home health and hospice services. It also owns Pointcore, Inc., comprised of health care-related businesses; OSF HealthCare Foundation, the philanthropic arm for the organization; and OSF Ventures, which provides investment capital for promising health care innovation startups. More at www.osfhealthcare.org.

OSF Innovation, launched in 2016, is a multidisciplinary innovation center focused on internal and external innovation to solve the largest health care challenges. More at www.osfinnovation.org.

City Tech Collaborative (City Tech) is an urban solutions accelerator that tackles problems too big for any single sector or organization to solve alone. City Tech's work uses IoT sensing networks, advanced analytics, and urban design to create scalable, market ready solutions. Current initiatives address advanced mobility, healthy cities, connected infrastructure, and emerging growth opportunities. City Tech was born and raised in Chicago, and every city is a potential partner. Visit www.CityTech.org to learn more.

SWITCH, which stands for Sustainable Wellness through Innovation, Technology, & Collaborative Health, is a collaboration platform that accelerates, innovates, and scales tech-enabled solutions. Our mission is to increase health equity and measurably improve community health delivery and wellness outcomes in Chicago's most underserved communities through collaboratively developing solutions; engaging residents and patients to ensure they have an active voice in solution creation; and leveraging a robust racial equity and inclusion (REI) methodology to address inherent bias in existing solution development processes.

Contact: Colleen Reynolds | Media Relations Coordinator  OSF HealthCare | (309) 825-7255

SOURCE OSF HealthCare
NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pager , a leading virtual care navigation and collaboration platform, today announced that Moses Dodo, former Chairman of Bupa Global Latin America (Bupa), has joined its Advisory Board to provide strategic oversight and guidance for its Latin American expansion.

Dodo brings more than 35 years of healthcare and business experience to the Board and will serve a key role in expanding Pager's existing footprint across Latin America. In his most recent role with Bupa, Dodo spearheaded corporate development and inorganic growth, particularly in Brazil. He also led regional governance for the various Group companies in the U.S. and Latin America. Previously, Dodo served as General Manager of Bupa Global Latin America, as CEO and Chairman of Amedex Bermuda, and as a Board member of HtH Geoblue, a partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield offering IPMI in the U.S.

"We are thrilled to welcome Moses to our team, especially considering his breadth of knowledge of the Latin American market," said Walter Jin, CEO and Chairman of Pager. "Moses' unmatched insight will ensure that as we grow, we are creating a product that best serves Latin American markets and Latin American consumers seeking a streamlined, easy-to-navigate healthcare experience."

"Pager's unique approach to virtual care can help patients overcome many of the challenges they face in health systems across the globe," said Dodo. "Reducing care fragmentation and ensuring that patients can access services like nurse triage, telehealth, e-prescribing, follow-up care, and customer service all on one platform is of the utmost importance when it comes to providing them the care they need. I look forward to working with the other members of the Advisory Board to broaden Pager's reach and identify the best ways to support patients in Latin America and other regions."

Dodo's appointment comes on the heels of Pager's recent $70 million funding round , which had a key aim of amplifying the company's global growth and enabling its expansion into additional markets. To learn more about Pager's virtual care navigation and delivery, click here .

About Pager

Pager is a virtual care collaboration platform that provides whole person healthcare in a trusted, convenient, connected care experience, like having a "doctor in the family." Pager helps people make better healthcare decisions by enabling better access and reducing costs, making care simple and easy to understand throughout the entire care journey. Through a combination of hi-tech AI automation and hi-touch concierge services, Pager offers an integrated, full-service experience including triage, telemedicine, e-prescriptions, appointment scheduling, after-care follow-up, care advocacy, and customer service. Pager's omni-channel communications platform connects the fragmented healthcare ecosystem by aggregating a care team of nurses, doctors, pharmacists, coordinators, advocates, and more in one place. Pager partners with leading payers, providers and employers representing more than 15 million people across the United States and Latin America. www.pager.com

SOURCE Pager

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PITTSBURGH, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PANTHERx Rare Pharmacy announces that it has been selected by ChemoCentryx as a limited distribution partner for new drug TAVNEOS (avacopan). TAVNEOS, an orally administered selective complement 5a receptor inhibitor, received FDA approval as an adjunctive treatment of adult patients with severe active anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated vasculitis (also known as ANCA-associated vasculitis) in combination with standard therapy.

ANCA-associated vasculitis is a rare, severe, and often life-threatening autoimmune disease caused by over activation of neutrophils, causing inflammation and destruction of small blood vessels. Initial symptoms may be vague, including prodromal flu-like symptoms, weight loss, lung and/or joint symptoms. ANCA-associated vasculitis affects many organ systems, most commonly the kidneys. People living with this chronic disease often experience cycles of treatment-induced remission followed by relapse, resulting in organ damage and failure, and in severe cases, death.

"PANTHERx is proud to announce our partnership with ChemoCentryx for the distribution of TAVNEOS, a first-in-class orally administered novel medication," said Rob Snyder, President of PANTHERx Rare. "Together we can provide life changing medication and white glove patient support services to people living with ANCA-associated vasculitis."

As the nation's leading rare pharmacy, PANTHERx supports tens of thousands of patients across the country with 25+ uniquely customized RxARECARE programs. These highly specialized teams utilize their clinical expertise with our proprietary SWFT technology system to address the specific needs of every patient we serve. The culture of sincere care fostered at PANTHERx propels the company's mission forward, encouraging the development of new systems, services, and programs for the benefit of each and every PANTHERx patient.

For more information about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis please click here .

About PANTHERx Rare Pharmacy

PANTHERx Rare Pharmacy, part of Envolve Pharmacy Solutions, is one of the largest and fastest growing rare pharmacies in the United States. PANTHERx transforms lives by delivering medicine breakthroughs, clinical excellence, and access solutions to patients living with rare and devastating conditions. Although the overall incidence of rare diseases is as common as diabetes, less than 7% of the 7,000 known rare and devastating disorders have an approved therapy. Changes in federal policy and advances in science have led to a surge in FDA orphan drug approvals, providing tremendous hope to the rare disease community.

PANTHERx was recently awarded Specialty Pharmacy of the Year by the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP) and earned the inaugural Accredited Distinction in Rare Diseases and Orphan Drugs from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC). PANTHERx is a three-time winner of the prestigious MMIT Patient Choice Award, including the 2020 honor. PANTHERx is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, licensed in all 50 states, and holds accreditations from URAC, NABP, and ACHC.

Contact: Allyson Ayoob, 855-726-8479 x 1142, [email protected]

SOURCE PANTHERx Rare Pharmacy

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NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Perspire Sauna Studio, the nation's fastest-growing infrared sauna studio franchise, announced today that it has hosted more than one million sauna sessions. The infrared sauna brand that elevates the mind and body wellness of its guests, is currently on a path of rapid growth, set to have 21locations open by the end of 2021, and as a result, reach 2 million sessions by end of 2022.

Over the course of 2020 and 2021, Perspire has experienced an influx of signed franchise agreements in areas such as Phoenix, San Diego, Sarasota, and Chicago, as well as new members across its 19 open studios nationwide. Having more than tripled in size since the start of the pandemic, Perspire is now welcoming more guests than ever before, which puts the brand on track to double its current milestone of one million sessions serviced by the end of 2022.

"This has been a momentous year for our company, and certainly has to do with the shift in how people perceive the wellness industry," said Lee Braun, CEO of Perspire Sauna Studios. "It's miraculous to see so much growth over the past decade with plenty more to come in the next year. This says a lot about the rise in the importance of holistic wellness and how infrared saunas play a popular role in that practice."

Many wellness concepts across the country have experienced growth as a result of people's concerns for their physical and mental health that came as a reaction to the pandemic, and demand for services like Perspire Sauna Studios is rising. Same-studio membership also increased by 25% percent since before the pandemic, proving that infrared sauna and red light therapy are in fact mainstream.

Perspire Sauna Studio is committed to elevating the mind and body wellness of its guests, offering an experience that is personalized to each individual. Its first-of-its-kind infrared lighting systems enhance the user experience and create a high-quality atmosphere where guests can unwind, relax and achieve their wellness goals. The brand's advanced sauna technology, along with its medical-grade and high-intensity red light therapy bar, are what set them apart in the industry. The experience has demonstrated the ability to improve sleep, boost immunity, burn calories, reduce inflammation, and simply offer a space for people to allow their minds and bodies to feel better.

To learn more about Perspire Sauna Studio, visit www.perspiresaunastudio.com. To learn more about Perspire Sauna Studio and franchising opportunities, visit https://franchise.perspiresaunastudio.com/

About Perspire Sauna Studio:

Perspire Sauna Studio is the fastest-growing infrared sauna and color light therapy franchise in the U.S. The science-based, technology-driven, and wellness-seeking company provides guests a modern-day experience to a centuries-old practice, allowing their body and mind to feel more refreshed after each session. Co-owned by Lee Braun and Ken Arsenian, Perspire's goal is to expand to major markets throughout the U.S. to further instill its vision of making infrared wellness accessible to all.

Founded in 2010 and based in Southern California, Perspire currently offers franchise opportunities to qualifying entrepreneurs. For more information, please visit www.perspiresaunastudio.com, and follow the brand on social media @perspiresaunastudio. For franchising information, please contact [email protected].

Media contact: Brittany King, Fishman Public Relations, 847-945-1300 or [email protected]

SOURCE Perspire Sauna Studio

Related Links

https://www.perspiresaunastudio.com


ALBANY, N.Y., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In the management of epistaxis, petroleum jelly is utilized. It is also found in cosmetics for hair and skin. Hair pomades, which keep the hair glossy, also include petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly is utilized on non-stainless steel blades, metal trinkets, and gun barrels in industrial appliances as an anticorrosion layer. Due to its water resistant qualities, petroleum jelly can be applied as a finishing coat on smooth leather and wood items. Its extensive use is likely to support growth of the global petroleum jelly market in the years to come.

One of the most important ingredients in the production of cosmetics is petroleum jelly. The petroleum jelly's thickness works as a barrier, preventing dirt build-up. This feature helps to prevent skin damage caused by dirt. Furthermore, using petroleum jelly on the skin prevents dry skin from peeling and is ideal for those with sensitive skin. Flourishing cosmetic sector is expected to support the demand for petroleum jelly in the cosmetic industry.

The global petroleum jelly market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.26% during the forecast period, from 2021 to 2031. The market is projected to reach the valuation of US$ 716.9 Mn through 2031.

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Key Findings of Market Report

Expanding Telecommunications Industry Offers Several Growth Prospects to Global Market

Petroleum jelly's outstanding characteristics make it valuable in the telecommunications sector, which is likely to work in the favor of the global petroleum jelly market. It is used as a cable filler material to prevent moisture from penetrating the cables. Petroleum jelly's dielectric characteristics extend the life of optical fiber cables and copper telephone lines. Its excellent dielectric properties, water resistance, and high melting point prevent traditional copper telephone cables (JFTC) and optical fiber cables (OFC) from deteriorating, thereby extending their service life.

Due to the expansion of residential broadband connections, the demand for optical fiber cables is expected to surge. The need for cables is being driven by the use of remote work solutions by many organizations as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. As a result, the rising number of consumers using Internet is expected to boost the development prospects of the global petroleum jelly market.

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Increased Use of Petroleum Jelly for Healing Skin Irritation to Spell Growth for Global Market

Topical skin protectants containing petroleum jelly are utilized in the treatment of itchy, scaly, rough, dry, and mild skin irritations. It aids in the removal of dead skin cells. It also moisturizes the skin. Petroleum jelly assists in healing wound, relieving diaper rash, preventing blisters, and treating psoriasis and eczema. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) in neonates and babies can also be treated using petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly may also be used as a home treatment to get rid of lice in hair. Petroleum jelly, according to the dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology, can help relieve first-degree burns, sunburn, and small wounds caused by a shard of glass or a sharp knife. It prevents the wound from drying out by keeping it wet. As a result, it aids in the prevention of a scab forming over the wound. Rising demand for treating various skin conditions is expected to fuel the development of the global petroleum jelly market in the upcoming years.

Petroleum Jelly Market: Growth Drivers

As a battery terminal compound, petroleum jelly can be used. When used on battery terminals and cable clamps, it protects them from corrosion. Petroleum jelly's hydrophobic nature allows it to function as a moisture barrier. It also maintains the battery terminals clean, which helps to keep the battery in excellent working order.

Petroleum jelly can be utilized in a range of applications that include lubrication for food-preparation machinery and metal protection. As a result, petroleum jelly improves the quality of food production.

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Petroleum Jelly Market: Key Competitors

Some of the key market players are

Nippon Siero Co., Ltd.

Royal Dutch Shell plc.

plc. Raj Petro Specialities Pvt. Ltd.

Sovereign Chemicals & Cosmetics

Unisynth Group

Shimi Taghtiran Co.

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Petroleum Jelly Market: Segmentation

Grade

Industrial

Medical

Cosmetic

End User

Pharmaceuticals

Cosmetic & Personal Care

Food

Textile

Leather

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SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Phoenix American is pleased to announce its new client partnership with real estate investment management firm NAI Legacy. Phoenix American will support NAI Legacy with its industry-leading investor services platform featuring the STAR-XMS shareholder management / transfer agent system. NAI Legacy will benefit from Phoenix American's combination of advanced technology, focus on customer service and long experience with the unique operational requirements of Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) real estate programs.

Tax-Efficient Investment Solutions

NAI Legacy, a full-service commercial real estate firm specializing in tax-efficient real estate investment solutions.

NAI Legacy is a full-service commercial real estate firm specializing in tax-efficient real estate investment solutions. Structured Solutions include 1031 Exchanges, DSTs, Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZ), Accelerated Depreciations (Bonus Depreciations) and Structured Sales. NAI Legacy is focused on commercial real estate investments, brokerage, net lease (NNN) properties, property management, asset management, and private client solutions. The team at NAI Legacy has a combined 150 years of experience in the commercial real estate sector with over $6 billion of brokerage, investment, and property management experience. The company's affiliation with NAI Global connects it to more than 300 offices located throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and the Asia Pacific region.

"We chose Phoenix American because of their deep industry knowledge, their experience with DSTs and their tailored customer service support," said Duane Lund, Chief Executive Officer of NAI Legacy. "When we or our investors need support, Phoenix American always has a person ready to help."

Specialized transfer agent solutions for DSTs/1031 Exchange Programs

As alternative real estate investment funds continue to grow in variety and sophistication, advanced operational solutions are critical to the success of today's fund sponsors. In the face of increasing demands from investors and regulators, tax-advantaged investment funds need specialized back-office expertise. Phoenix American has combined the most advanced systems and efficient transfer agent processes in alternative investments since its origins as a fund sponsor in 1972. Phoenix American's industry leading STAR-XMS investor management / transfer agent system, its integrated fund accounting capabilities and customized investor services offering are the result of the company's direct experience as a fund sponsor as well as decades of experience as an administrator for alternative investment funds.

"We are very pleased that NAI Legacy decided to partner with us," said Andrew Constantin, Chief Operating Officer for Phoenix American. "Tax-advantage investment funds have special processing and service needs and we are looking forward to giving them the benefit of our long experience in this area."

Phoenix American Financial Services, Inc. provides back-office outsourcing, fund administration services and sales and marketing reporting services to fund companies in the alternative investment industry. The Phoenix American Aviation ABS Group, including its Irish subsidiary, PAFS Ireland Ltd, provides managing agent services for asset-backed securitizations (ABS) and other structured finance in the commercial aircraft and aircraft engine leasing industry. The company is an affiliate of Phoenix American Incorporated along with Phoenix American SalesFocus Solutions. Phoenix American has five offices worldwide, was founded in 1972 and is headquartered in San Rafael, CA.

Media Contact:

David Fisher

310.621.7822

[email protected]

SOURCE Phoenix American
AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Project Venkman , an e-commerce engagement solutions platform, has launched to rethink how brands evolve outdated loyalty points models and drive consumer retention. The startup was co-founded by executives of theCHIVE, the online community known for irreverent content and merchandise partnerships with celebrities such as Bill Murray and John Daly.

Corporate rewards programs historically have been deliberately opaque, deterring redemptions and undermining consumer engagement. Using emerging blockchain and NFT technologies, Project Venkman will provide businesses with branded community crypto tokens and treasury management tools to design incentive programs that are transparent and deliver users tangible rewards for their purchases, driving brand engagement. Project Venkman will also offer clients the ability to create digital collectables and NFTs to integrate with community awards.

"America has over 4 billion loyalty program memberships, accounting for over $170 billion in existing rewards points," said Project Venkman co-founder and CEO Gavin Gillas. "Of those points, over $50 billion are unredeemed. The opportunity to drive customer acquisition and retention with finite branded community tokens is massive."

Among Project Venkman's first clients will be theCHIVE , which boasts over 10 million active members, 99% organic traffic and a robust e-commerce business that has generated over $400 million in revenue to date.

"TheCHIVE will be an ideal proof-of-concept customer for Project Venkman," said John Resig, who co-founded Project Venkman alongside Gillas, as well as Leo Resig, Mike Grisko, and Alen Durbuzovic, who are also Chive executives.

"Project Venkman will provide the tools to create a trustworthy loyalty ecosystem that gives tenable value back to the users that drive value for the network," John Resig added. "It's the perfect solution for any brand looking to drive engagement, traffic, transactions, and brand affinity."

In coming months, theCHIVE members will receive new digital wallets to earn community tokens and participate in its NFT offerings. Chive users will be able to accrue tokens for purchases, content uploads, comments or time on site, among other actions. Tokens can be redeemed for merchandise discounts, access to exclusive sales or events, or digital rewards.

ABOUT PROJECT VENKMAN

Project Venkman is an e-commerce engagement solutions platform helping brands reimagine how they acquire and retain customers. Leveraging emerging blockchain and NFT technologies, Project Venkman brings transparency to the historically opaque ecosystem of consumer rewards programs and enables brands to drive customer acquisition and retention. To learn more about Project Venkman and how we can empower your brand, visit us at venkmanholdings.com .

Media Contact:

Debora Lima

[email protected]

SOURCE Project Venkman

Related Links

http://www.venkmanholdings.com


FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pure NZ is one of the premier bottled water brands in New Zealand. The company operates just outside of the city of Auckland, where it bottles pure, naturally collected spring water at the source  an aquifer just below its state-of-the-art factory.

Pure NZ is a company that has its finger on the pulse of 21st-century consumers. The modern beverage market is saturated with unhealthy drinks that drain rather than nourish the body. From nasty artificial sweeteners and synthetic ingredients to excessive quantities of things like caffeine and taurine, beverage options these days are sub-par at best.

It's an issue that consumers are picking up on, as well. For instance, bottled water consumption reached a record high of 45.2 gallons per person in the U.S in 2020. This marks a 279% increase in just over two decades.

While this trend is healthy for consumers, though, the uptick in bottled water consumption also correlates with more pollution. It's a multi-pronged issue that Pure NZ is equipped to handle in spades.

The brand doesn't just provide premium, natural spring water to its customers. It also does so with a highly sustainable mindset. Pure NZ's cutting-edge bottling facility utilizes everything from robotics to rPET (recycled) plastic for its bottles. This helps the company maintain a low carbon footprint as it bottles its water.

This combination of sustainability and health has positioned Pure NZ as a future-focused enterprise. The brand's elite business model is finely tuned to the needs of both modern consumers and an overburdened Earth.

In addition, Pure NZ has officially begun to expand its footprint beyond the shores of its native New Zealand, where it has held a respected position as one of the top bottled water brands for over a decade. In early 2020, the brand made its debut in the U.S., as well, where its responsibly packaged, high-quality spring water was welcomed with open arms by American consumers. This bodes well for a company that is ready to sustainably hydrate all and sundry with life's most essential ingredient: water.

About Pure NZ: Pure NZ is owned by NZ Drinks and is one of the top beverage brands in New Zealand. NZ Drinks owns one of the largest bottling plants in the country and has received accolades from the Australasian Bottled Water Institute, Inc, the Waikato District Council, and others for its sound business methods. Learn more about these certificates and the various Pure NZ products available at nzdrinks.co.nz .

Please direct inquiries to:

Finley Prichard

(954) 624-7823

[email protected]

SOURCE Pure NZ
HOUSTON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE: PWR) announced today that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of Blattner Holding Company (Blattner), one of the largest and leading utility-scale renewable energy infrastructure solutions providers in North America. Founded in 1907 and headquartered in Avon, Minnesota, Blattner provides front-end engineering, procurement, project management and construction services to leading renewable energy developers for wind, solar and energy storage projects.

Duke Austin, Quanta's President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are excited to complete the acquisition of Blattner and look forward to collaborating with our customers to shape North America's energy transition to a carbon-neutral economy. Pairing Blattner's large-scale and leading renewable energy solutions with Quanta's electric transmission and substation solutions positions us to deliver a comprehensive approach for our customers. Together we are focused on what we believe are the most attractive areas of the electric infrastructure complex."

About Quanta Services

Quanta Services is a leading specialized contracting services company, delivering comprehensive infrastructure solutions for the utility, renewable energy, communications, pipeline and energy industries. Quanta's comprehensive services include designing, installing, repairing and maintaining energy and communications infrastructure. With operations throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and select other international markets, Quanta has the manpower, resources and expertise to safely complete projects that are local, regional, national or international in scope. For more information, visit www.quantaservices.com.

Cautionary Statements About Forward-Looking Statements and Information

This press release (and any oral statements regarding the subject matter of this press release) contains forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the "safe harbor" from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to expectations regarding the future financial and operational performance of Quanta or Blattner; the projected impact and benefits of Blattner on Quanta's operating or financial results; expectations regarding Quanta's or Blattner's business or financial outlook; expectations regarding Quanta's plans, strategies and opportunities; expectations regarding opportunities, technological developments, competitive positioning, future economic and regulatory conditions and other trends in particular markets or industries; the potential strategic benefits and synergies expected from the acquisition of Blattner; the business plans or financial condition of Quanta's or Blattner's customers; expected realization of remaining performance obligations and backlog; the development of and opportunities with respect to future projects, including renewable and other projects designed to support transition to a carbon-neutral economy; potential opportunities that may be indicated by bidding activity or discussions with customers or by prior projects performed for customers; trends and growth opportunities in relevant markets, including Quanta's and Blattner's ability to obtain future project awards; the expected value of contracts or intended contracts with Quanta's or Blattner's customers, as well as the scope, services, term or results of any awarded or expected projects; Quanta's ability to successfully integrate the operations of Blattner; as well as other statements reflecting expectations, intentions, assumptions or beliefs about future events and other statements that do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, involve or rely on a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict or are beyond our control, and reflect management's beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the statements are made. We caution you that actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecasted by our forward-looking statements and that any or all of our forward-looking statements may turn out to be inaccurate or incorrect. Forward-looking statements can be affected by inaccurate assumptions and by known or unknown risks and uncertainties including, among others, market, industry, economic, financial or political conditions that are outside of the control of Quanta, including economic, energy, infrastructure and environmental policies and plans that are adopted or proposed by the U.S. federal or state governments and weakness in capital markets or the ongoing and potential impact on financial markets and worldwide economic activity of the COVID-19 pandemic and governmental responses thereto; quarterly variations in operating results, liquidity, financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements and reinvestment opportunities, including the ongoing and potential impact to Quanta's and Blattner's business, operations and supply chains of the COVID-19 pandemic; the severity, magnitude and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, including impacts of the pandemic and business and governmental responses thereto on Quanta's and Blattner's operations, personnel and supply chains and on commercial activity and demand across Quanta's and Blattner's business and their customers' businesses, as well as the inability to predict the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will adversely impact the business, financial performance, results of operations, financial position, liquidity, cash flows, the prices of Quanta's securities and achievement of Quanta's strategic objectives; trends and growth opportunities in relevant markets, including Quanta's and Blattner's ability to obtain future project awards; the ability to achieve the expected benefits from the acquisition of Blattner, including the failure of the acquisition to be accretive to Quanta's earnings or the failure of Blattner to produce anticipated financial or operational results; the inability to successfully integrate and realize synergies from the acquisition of Blattner; the potential adverse impact resulting from uncertainty surrounding the acquisition of Blattner, including the ability to retain key personnel from the acquired business and the potential increase in risks already existing in Quanta's operations or poor performance or decline in value of the acquired business; growth outpacing Quanta's decentralized management and infrastructure; unexpected costs or unexpected liabilities that may arise from the acquisition of Blattner; the successful negotiation, execution, performance and completion of anticipated, pending and existing contracts; loss of customers with whom Quanta or Blattner have long-standing or significant relationships; competitive dynamics, including Quanta's or Blattner's ability to effectively compete for new projects and market share; the future development of, and market for, renewable energy resources; the failure of existing or potential legislative actions to result in increased demand for Quanta's and Blattner's services; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in Quanta's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2020, Quanta's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended Mar. 31, 2021 and Jun. 30, 2021, and any other documents that Quanta files with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). For a discussion of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, investors are urged to refer to Quanta's documents filed with the SEC that are available through the company's website at www.quantaservices.com or through the SEC's Electronic Data Gathering and Analysis Retrieval System (EDGAR) at www.sec.gov. Should one or more of these risks materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are current only as of this date. Quanta does not undertake and expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Quanta further expressly disclaims any written or oral statements made by any third party regarding the subject matter of this press release.

Investors - Kip Rupp, CFA, IRC Media  Liz James Quanta Services, Inc. Sard Verbinnen & Co (713) 341-7260 (281) 881-5170

SOURCE Quanta Services, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.quantaservices.com


MAKATI, Philippines, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Refocus, an EdTech company that provides up-to-date practical skills for career growth, enrolls the first students in the Philippines. The company plans to launch 50+ educational courses in the APAC region in 2022, and aims to educate 1 million students in the first 5 years.

Refocus offers online programs to help students to acquire skills in digital and jumpstart a career from scratch. In the Philippines, three courses are the first to launch: Project Manager, Digital Marketing Manager and QA Engineer. Each one includes 150+ hours of lectures, 19 assignments, and requires 6 months of training to be certified. All students will be gathered in communities and will learn new job-ready skill with help of curators.

The team of Refocus enters Asian countries to meet the need for qualified employees. At the moment, IT sector offers one of the most in-demand and high-paid jobs range in the Philippines. In Q2 2021, the country's GDP grew by 11.8%, according to a country's statistics office report. Such growth is driving rapid digitalization and increasing demand for IT professionals.

The company's founder Roman Kumar Vyas is a serial entrepreneur and marketing expert with over 100 successful growth cases globally. His other EdTech project in Asia, Coding Invaders by MentorsPro, an online IT school in India, already has dozens of employed alumni and grows x2 each month. Roman plans to triple Coding Invaders numbers in 2021, and devote a lot of resources to boosting Refocus in the APAC region now:

"We intend to provide students with skills that will be in demand in the labor market of Asia for at least another 30 years. This gives people a sense of confidence in the world of tomorrow, which is especially crucial after post-pandemic massive job losses. Our mission is to simplify entry into the IT sector and assist people on their way to earning competitive salaries, regardless of their age and location. Keeping this in focus, we make an extra effort to ensure that our students will be employed: monitor openings, assist with composing a winning CV, and do several rounds of mock interviews."  says Roman Kumar Vyas, the founder of Refocus.

The program is designed to meet state standards and needs of real employers, who seek qualified candidates. This approach helps to ensure maximum employability of graduates. Beyond maintaining Career Center, the team intends to rapidly expand the product line and localize courses.

According to Roman Kumar Vyas strong commitment, all Refocus courses must meet global education requirements, and at the same time, be locally relevant. That's why Refocus tutors team include Western industry-leading experts with global cases, and local top-professionals with strong sense of country's spirit.

Name of Media Contact: Roman Vyas

Contact Phone: (985) 350-2417

Title of Media Contact: Founder

Contact Email: [email protected]

Company Name: Refocus

Website URL: https://refocus.me/

SOURCE Refocus

Related Links

https://refocus.me/


FAR HILLS, N.J., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- An overwhelming majority of New Jersey voters expresses concern over climate change and supports more aggressive goals to achieve 100% clean energy, a new ReThink Energy NJ poll finds.

Over 70% of New Jersey voters polled support achieving 100% clean electricity by 2035 instead of the state's existing goal of 100% by 2050. A broad coalition recently called on New Jersey policymakers to achieve clean energy sooner in light of the increasingly urgent climate crisis.

Asked, "How would you describe your feelings toward the effects of climate change in New Jersey," 73% of voters say they are "very concerned" or "concerned," compared to 27% who say they are "not very" or "not at all concerned."

New Jersey voters also show strong support for an aggressive clean energy target at the federal level: 69% say they support President Biden's call for 100% clean electricity by 2035, compared to 28% who say they oppose it.

The findings come from RENJ's 7th annual "Attitudes on Clean Energy" public opinion survey conducted by the Fairleigh Dickinson University Poll.

"New Jerseyans are experiencing the disastrous effects of climate change, most recently from Hurricane Ida. They understand the need to more swiftly transition to clean, renewable sources of energy to protect lives and property," said Tom Gilbert, campaign director, ReThink Energy NJ and New Jersey Conservation Foundation "Policymakers at the state and federal level must set more ambitious climate targets and not be swayed by fossil fuel industry efforts to slow the move to clean energy."

"Political candidates have sometimes been hesitant about embracing clean energy policies," said Dan Cassino, director of the FDU Poll. "But voters are telling us that they want these policies and may even be punishing candidates who don't push them."

Voters favor renewable energy over more reliance on fossil fuels. For example, when asked if the state should invest more in renewable energy sources like wind and solar, or more in fossil fuels like oil and natural gas, 73% supported investment in renewable sources. Asked which sources are most important to New Jersey's energy future, 57% cite solar or wind, compared to 21% who cite natural gas.

The poll found high receptivity on the part of New Jerseyans to electrification of heating for homes and businesses: 66% say they are aware that the transition to clean energy will require a switch to electric heat for homes and buildings and 61% say they support the move from gas to electric appliances to reduce emissions and fight climate change.

Other key findings from the ReThink Energy NJ poll include:

62% prefer to "invest in renewable energy projects like wind and solar that will create jobs, improve our health by reducing pollution, and ultimately save consumers money," instead of moving forward with gas pipeline projects, to recover from economic damage resulting from COVID-19

Three in four (75%) favor the development of wind energy off the coast of New Jersey

81% are concerned about the impacts of constructing gas pipelines in natural areas and wildlife habitats; 79% are concerned about impacts to air and water quality

80% are concerned about big energy companies seizing private property to develop gas pipeline projects

73% support installing solar panels on parking lots, landfills, rooftops and other marginal lands for solar energy, and avoiding using the best farmland and forests for this purpose

ReThink Energy NJ informs and empowers New Jersey citizens and decision-makers to support sensible policies to bring about a swift transition to clean, efficient, renewable energy.

Methodology

The telephone survey of 700 randomly-selected registered voters was conducted by Fairleigh Dickinson Poll for ReThink Energy NJ September 9-18, 2021. The margin of error is +/- 4.5 percentage points at a 95 % confidence interval. A complete description of the survey's methodology, including weighting, question wording, and tables can be found here.

Click to Tweet: An overwhelming majority of New Jersey voters expressed concern over #climatechange and support more aggressive goals to achieve 100% #cleanenergy, according to new @FDUPoll for @ReThinkEnergyNJ. See all results: http://ow.ly/MqLo50GqqLC

SOURCE ReThink Energy NJ
The grant is part of the state's Wet Lab Capital program, which leverages Rebuild Illinois dollars to fund advancements in research and medicine, according to DCEO officials. RFU Executive Vice President for Research Ronald Kaplan, PhD, said the program and the IRP address "an acute shortage of wet lab space" critical for research and development.

"This funding will allow us to develop and open state-of-the art wet lab space for collaboration with industry partners," Dr. Kaplan added. "It will also benefit Lake County communities as more biotech companies settle and expand in the region, creating new jobs, internships and training programs."

RFU President and CEO Wendy Rheault, PT, PhD, FASAHP, FNAP, DipACLM, said the funds  paired with $2 million from RFU  will help the university accelerate recruitment from among many life-science companies seeking move-in ready space.

"Partnering with the state of Illinois is essential to driving healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship," Dr. Rheault added. "Working across sectors in public/private partnership, we're building a research enterprise that will benefit the health and well-being of communities for generations to come."

Located on the north side of the RFU campus, the $50 million IRP opened in early 2020. It is designed to foster collaboration between academic and industry scientists around a shared goal of accelerating the development of new diagnostics and therapeutics. Currently, two-thirds of the building's 100,000 square-feet of laboratory and office space are dedicated to RFU scientists, many of whom are working on research projects funded by sources that include the National Institutes of Health. The remaining space in the building is intended to house industry collaborators who intersect with the university's mission and enhance the potential for advancement in bioscience research.

In a Chicago ceremony announcing the grants, Gov. J.B. Pritzker noted that RFU sits "in the heart of Illinois' biopharma ecosystem in northern Illinois," making it a prime candidate for the program.

"We need to put the pedal to the metal right now in our life-sciences sector, especially when its success is so critical to our future economic security," Pritzker said. "So we partnered with the job creators at the forefront of this field in listening to their needs as investors in our field. And the first thing they've been loud and clear about is the kind of modern wet-lab facilities required to conduct specialized research."

Other recipients in the program include Back of the Yards Algae Sciences in Chicago, the Illinois Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, NuMat Technologies in Skokie, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and the University of Illinois Research Park in Champaign.

The most recent company to join the IRP is SHIELD Illinois, which is processing saliva-based COVID-19 tests for school districts in northeastern Illinois. The park secured its first tenant last fall through a license agreement with Inspirotec, Inc., which offers airborne allergen detection to consumers, physicians, industrial hygienists and indoor air quality professionals.

About Rosalind Franklin University

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is committed to serving the population through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. Recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, diabetes, obesity, and gait and balance, RFU encompasses the Chicago Medical School, College of Health Professions, College of Pharmacy, School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, and plans are moving forward for a College of Nursing. Learn more at rosalindfranklin.edu .

Office of Marketing and Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

Related Links

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NEW YORK, Oct. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of loanDepot, Inc. (NYSE: LDI) pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and related prospectus (collectively, the "Registration Statement") issued in connection with loanDepot's February 16, 2021 initial public offering (the "IPO") of the important November 8, 2021 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased loanDepot securities pursuant and/or traceable to the IPO 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 loanDepot class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2156.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. 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 8, 2021. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, the Registration Statement featured false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) loanDepot's refinance originations had already declined substantially at the time of the IPO due to industry over-capacity and increased competition; (2) loanDepot's gain-on-sale margins had already declined substantially at the time of the IPO; (3) as a result, loanDepot's revenue and growth would be negatively impacted; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about loanDepot's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the loanDepot class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2156.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

Related Links

www.rosenlegal.com


NEW YORK, Oct. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

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 [email protected] or [email protected] 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 firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Boston Beer's 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 Beer's financial results would be adversely impacted; and (5) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about Boston Beer's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the 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 [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

Related Links

www.rosenlegal.com


NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Saks OFF 5TH , the premier luxury off-price destination, is continuing to support and invest in its people with wage increases, bonus opportunities and competitive benefit offerings. Effective immediately, Saks OFF 5TH is raising minimum base wages for all hourly store associates in North America to $15 per hour.

"The past 18 months have been like nothing we have seen before in retail and this increase in base pay is a testament to our associates' collective commitment and dedication to our business," said Rob Brooks, President, O5. "As we work toward creating the ultimate luxury off-price retailer, we are focused on investing in, and attracting the talent we need to drive our business forward."

Additionally, to further recognize associates' efforts as they navigated through an unprecedented time, the company is awarding hourly store associates an appreciation bonus of $500.

As Saks OFF 5TH stores prepare for the holiday season, the company is currently hiring approximately 500 seasonal associates across the U.S. and Canada to support the growing business. Many of these positions have the opportunity to transition to full time roles in 2022.

Saks OFF 5TH offers eligible full and part time associates flexible schedules, competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, an amazing associate discount and paid time off, including holidays. Those interested in applying can visit https://www.careersatsaksoff5th.com/ .

About O5

O5 operates the Saks OFF 5TH store fleet, which includes more than 100 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Through its Saks OFF 5TH stores, the company offers a compelling assortment of brands to fashion-seeking customers at the best prices. With access to a leading luxury off-price ecommerce platform, O5 provides a seamless shopping experience for customers.

Media Contact:

Saks OFF 5TH

Marnie Baddock

[email protected]

SOURCE Saks OFF 5TH
DALLAS, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In the business of haunted attractions, the most critical attribute for a haunt is to be scary. The successful haunts cannot operate being "amusement park-spooky" that work for young children. Mega haunts have to bring heart-pounding, scare-out-of-your wits terror.



"While the true measure of success is screams and laughter," said Amber Arnett-Bequeaith, also known as the Queen of Haunts. "The best haunted attractions have to be terrifying and they have to be terrific  hence 'terror-ific'. They're terrific in the sense of entertaining the right way  a safe and professional track record. I've visited and have done my homework. While I have a bias for the KC haunts I've had a hand in, they hold their own against these other titans of terror."



The Queen of Haunts was born into the commercial haunt business given her mother and grandmother created Edge of Hell Haunted House 47 years ago. She plunged into haunt industry best practices and has held leadership positions in haunt associations as she honed her craft. Arnett-Bequeaith's haunt research and knack for spotting trends, while operating three commercial haunts, and a ghost tour  well-positions her to share data she has mined about the industry and to rank the best of the mega haunts.



Haunted Attractions By the Numbers

There are 258 well-established, commercial haunted attractions in the top 50 US Metro areas.

The average metro area has approximately five commercial haunts, with a high of 15 ( New York City ) or as few as 1 ( San Jose, CA  not counting the Winchester Mansion that is quite haunted but not counted as a haunted attraction).

) or as few as 1 (  not counting the Winchester Mansion that is quite haunted but not counted as a haunted attraction). 65% of the US population is driving distance to a commercial haunted attraction within the top 50 metros.

On top of the commercial haunts, many people make their home, or farm, a haunted attraction as a fun hobby. They may let the public in or limit inside viewing to friends and family. Those offering this vary from season to season, and often you only learn about them through word-of-mouth.

Top 13 TERRORific Haunts for 2021

Edge of Hell, Kansas City : Bias aside, this haunted attraction is the oldest, continuously operated commercial haunted attraction in the nation in its 47th season. The attraction evolves every year, preying on peoples' phobias and even adding 3D glasses. This haunt broke the world's record for the longest snake in captivity. NETHERWORLD, Atlanta : While I'm a seasoned veteran of haunts, visiting this made my heart race. Their creations are so good you won't know whether it is human or not. Plus, they have lots to take in while waiting in line for this must-see haunted attraction. 13th Gate, Baton Rouge : They have an advantage given Louisiana is known for actual ghost sightings, but they take it up a thousand notches from there with thirteen realms of experiences that will leave the best of us shook!

Bates Motel, Philadelphia : In an area with lots of haunt choices, they have found a way to rise above the pack with acres of relentless scares from the hayride trail of terror to the Bates Motel. They even have axe throwing and a zombie laser hunt. Nightmare on 13th, Salt Lake City : You must visit this every season and plan to go multiple times because they change out so much, and there is so much to see. There are stories behind their frights from thoughtful preparation that make it all the more terrifying. Cutting Edge, Fort Worth : This area is my stomping ground for much of the year, so I'm thrilled I get to visit frequently - and scares this big never get old. This haunt is an actual meatpacking plant but what they are grinding out now is total fear. Beast Haunted House, Kansas City : While six haunts rank above the Beast on this 2021 ranking, the Beast is hard to beat. This medieval time warp uncovers 'the beast of man'  from torture to Jack-the-Ripper that leaves many to escape by jumping out the second-story window of this historic building. Headless Horseman Hayrides & Haunted Houses, New York : There is a reason so many people travel to see this haunt almost two hours from NYC. It draws experienced actors, stage makeup and costumes that create such a deep feeling of terror. It's exhilarating walking by foot on a dark trail with scaring everywhere. Spookywoods, High Point : This North Carolina area is the opposite of Mayberry . There is no peace at Spookywoods except you're out in the fresh air of the woods as you pant and gasp for air from the screaming and running from what looks like freaks of nature. Of course, it is the artistry of professional haunting. Dent , Cincinnati : A haunted school due to a sinister janitor - I beg for mercy going through this haunt with its horrific past. You feel the intense terror, and your imagination runs wild. Sleeping was difficult after this one, but the adrenaline rush makes it a must-see! Erebus, Pontiac, MI : You're a test subject here  how much terror can a person take? These haunt experts push to the limits and are a top-rank haunt on any night. Their realistic terror and creepy theme make you question whether this is reality  did I sign my life away? When I get out, I'm laughing because I made it! Spooky World, Litchfield, New Hampshire (near Boston ): I always plan on multiple nights here at least. It's that big and frightening and well worth the trip. Only the scariest haunts make my list, and this one has four attractions wrapped into one place that each make my heart race and I scream uncontrollably. Macabre Cinema, Kansas City : You may think this is my step-child of haunts I have a hand in, but in truth, this one gets me every time, and I know it inside and out. It's a haunted theater, but you become part of the horror film. While it is a relatively "young" haunt in terms of its years in business, it can hang with the best of them.



About Queen of Haunts

Amber Arnett-Bequeaith, aka Queen of Haunts, is a mastermind behind many esteemed haunt attractions and events. When she was just a pre-school princess, she slept in coffins of her family's haunts and grew up in the business of fright. She has held leadership positions in haunt industry associations with a talent for spotting trends and keeping a pulse on the market of haunting. Her influence extends beyond her reign of the mega houses and a ghost tour in Kansas City's West Bottoms. Bequeaith is a media contributor for the haunt industry, an advocate for professionally scaring, a culinary advocate for non-scary gluten-free treats, and wickedly talented with haunted and exotic-themed decors. She's also a mom of four and follows her three sons' band, Odyssey Thirty-Nine.



Photos:

https://www.prlog.org/12889219



Press release distributed by PRLog

SOURCE Full Moon Productions
NEW YORK, Oct. 13, 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 Square, Inc. (SQ) relating to its proposed merger with Afterpay Limited.. Under the terms of the agreement, SQ shareholders are expected to own approximately 81.5% of the combined company.

The investigation focuses on whether Square, 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/square-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

Related Links

http://www.monteverdelaw.com


NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Silicon Ranch Corporation, Shell's U.S. solar platform and one of the nation's largest independent power producers, has acquired clean tech pioneer Clearloop . Clearloop is the only company that offers businesses of all sizes a way to reclaim their carbon footprint by building solar farms that both clean up the grid and benefit economically distressed communities across the United States.

Clearloop will continue to operate under its brand and be led by CEO and Co-Founder Laura Zapata. Both companies are based in Nashville and will share office space at Silicon Ranch's headquarters downtown. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The acquisition of Clearloop expands Silicon Ranch's offering to the growing number of corporate buyers who are seeking a wider range of options to meet not only their renewable energy targets, but also their decarbonization and broader ESG goals. Clearloop's mission of cleaning up the grid in communities otherwise getting left behind by using tangible, traceable carbon offsets ties the social benefits directly with the environmental and economic impacts of new renewable energy projects.

Clearloop sites renewable energy projects not only in communities that will reap the most economic benefits from that investment, but also where new utility-scale solar will remove the most carbon from the grid. Clearloop recently broke ground on the first solar farm in the nation to be financed by corporate carbon offsets in Jackson, Tenn. with the support of established companies such as Intuit and Vista Equity Partners , along with direct-to-consumer brands such as Dropps and Hello Bello .

"Since Silicon Ranch's inception, long-term power purchase agreements have driven the growth of renewable energy deployment," said Reagan Farr, Silicon Ranch Co-Founder and CEO. "Today, carbon is becoming an increasingly influential driver in corporate power purchasing decisions, creating an opportunity to decarbonize the grid at a faster pace and scale if we can expand opportunities for more companies to take action. To this end, we have made great strides with our transformative model of land management, Regenerative Energy , and now this partnership with Clearloop enables us to help our corporate customers offset their carbon footprint with yet another science-based, innovative solution."

"Silicon Ranch's investment in Clearloop is a major vote of confidence in our team and our vision for a tangible climate solution and will help power our work for the long-term with a trusted partner," said Laura Zapata, Clearloop Co-Founder and CEO. "Individually, our companies have pioneered innovations in the renewable energy and carbon markets. Together, we will unlock even more innovation to support growing corporate climate ambitions and maximize the environmental, economic, and social impact of solar development for communities across our country. We look forward to fulfilling that promise and ensuring that no community gets left behind as we strive for an equitable transition to a decarbonized economy."

While more than 300 companies have committed to power their operations with 100% renewable energy, many of these businesses are taking the next big step toward net-zero goals, which drives them to consider the emissions avoided as a result of their clean energy procurement, rather than the traditional emphasis on solely counting the megawatt hours. In particular, these organizations are seeking to clean up their supply chains, which represent their Scope 3 emissions and typically account for approximately 75% of the carbon footprint for most businesses.

Silicon Ranch's acquisition of Clearloop constitutes a notable break from traditional carbon offset practice. Typically, stakes in offsets from alternative energy productionsuch as solar and wind energyhave been sold to corporations via third parties such as carbon registry brokers. This use of middlemen with outdated or poorly regulated carbon registries often clouds the source of the offset credit and gives the buyer little to no tangible evidence of impact.

By directly linking new, additional clean energy capacity to the carbon emissions avoided in local communities where the solar projects are constructed, the partnership between Silicon Ranch and Clearloop has the potential to accelerate climate change mitigation efforts and incentives across the U.S.

About Silicon Ranch Corporation

Silicon Ranch is the U.S. solar platform for Shell and one of the largest independent power producers in the country. The company has distinguished itself by pioneering new markets for utility-scale solar and has expanded its footprint with more than 145 operating facilities across more than 15 states from New York to California. Silicon Ranch owns and operates every project in its portfolio and has maintained an unblemished track record of project execution, having successfully commissioned every project it has contracted in its history. In recognition of its holistic approach to land management, which the company has trademarked Regenerative Energy, Silicon Ranch was named 2020's "Most Forward-Thinking" company by Solar Power World. To learn more, visit siliconranch.com and regenerativeenergy.org and follow on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , and LinkedIn .

About Clearloop

Clearloop partners with companies big and small to cut their carbon footprint and expand access to clean energy by funding new solar projects in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Clearloop was founded by three Tennesseans who are focusing corporate sustainability investments on cleaning up the grid to ensure that the environmental, health, and economic benefits of clean energy reach all communities around our country equally. Brands including Intuit, Hello Bello, Patch, and others are partnering with Clearloop to ensure that carbon offsets are not just nebulous credits on dated registries but actual, tangible investments in local communitiesensuring that all values-based investments are rooted in accountability and transparency. Knowing a brand supports Clearloop also allows consumers to make a real-world, instant impact towards the long-term viability of our planet and its people with every purchase. Learn more at: www.clearloop.us and stay in the loop on Instagram , Linkedin , and Twitter .

Contact:

Katie Jacobs

847-715-8624

[email protected]

SOURCE Clearloop

Related Links

https://clearloop.us/


SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation today announced the appointment of its new Chairwoman, Sonu Ratra, the co-founder and President of IT consulting and talent solutions provider, Akraya as well as the founder of Women Back to Work. Ratra is the first woman and person of color to lead the SVLG Foundation.

"Food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education are considered necessities  yet for many in the Silicon Valley, they remain out of reach. For the past 20 years the SVLG Foundation has donated more than 20 million dollars to charities that address these inequalities and to create more resilient communities throughout the region, and so I am deeply honored to serve as the Chairwoman on the Foundation Board. I will be working alongside my esteemed Board colleagues and Foundation staff to continue our mission to make a measurable impact in communities," said Sonu Ratra, Co-Founder Akraya and Founder Women Back to Work, and the newly appointed Chairwoman of the SVLG Foundation.

The SVLG Foundation, established in 2002, works to improve the quality of life for communities across Silicon Valley by raising and distributing funds for food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education and other needs. CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group and Executive Director of the SVLG Foundation, Ahmad Thomas welcomed Ratra and pointed to the continuing focus on underserved groups in the region.

"The SVLG Foundation is delighted to welcome an incredibly dynamic and diverse leader in Sonu Ratra as our new Chairwoman of the Board," said Ahmad Thomas. "Under the guidance of Sonu and our Foundation Board members, we remain committed to giving back and meeting the needs of our less fortunate neighbors in Silicon Valley  work that has only grown more urgent as the pandemic continues to disportionately impact marginalized communities across the region."

The Foundation focuses on providing financial and promotional assistance to charities, business and community leaders, scholars and other groups that support its mission. Chris Weiler, Race Director at SVLG Foundation, noted the significant amount raised to date for charities serving critical needs - both long and short term.

"We are truly proud that SVLG Foundation's signature event, the annual Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot, to date has donated more than $10 million to benefit local charitable organizations," said Weiler. "This includes the Healthier Kids Foundation, Housing Trust Silicon Valley, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County and The Health Trust. These are fantastic, dedicated organizations that do so tremendous good in our community. At SVLG Foundation we're proud to help do our part so that they can continue to do theirs."

The Foundation's next major event will be the Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot  which will run a fully virtual race during this year's Thanksgiving holiday weekend. This year's all-virtual Turkey Trot will feature thousands of entrants who will design their own courses and run, walk, or jog their 5K or 10K anytime between November 25th and 28th.

For bio information on Sonu Ratra go here. For information on the Turkey Trot go here.

About the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation

The Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. The Board is a group of dedicated business and community leaders from Silicon Valley, and it works closely with the Silicon Valley Leadership Group. For more information, please visit: svlg.org/foundation.

Laura Wilkinson

SVP, Head of Communications

Silicon Valley Leadership Group

408.200.2330

[email protected]

SOURCE Silicon Valley Leadership Group

Related Links

https://www.svlg.org/


HAMBURG, Germany, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The companies Breeze Technologies and Infinite Mobility were honoured with Hamburg's international startup award. The impact startups from Norway and Germany impressed award jury with their solutions for more sustainable life in the city of the future. The KONVOI and Blue Atlas Robotics teams also received bonus prizes from the award partner homePORT. With the support of the City of Hamburg, these four prize-winners can now present their concepts from 11 to 15 October 2021 at the ITS World Congress in Hamburg. The focus there is on smart mobility and the digitalization of the transport sector. A Startup Area links industry experts, companies and promising founders from the fields of mobility and transport.

The Startup Area at the ITS World Congress in Hamburg gives 45 innovative startups from all around the world the chance to get in touch with mobility experts, companies and potential investors. As the main focus of this year's Future Hamburg Award was on startups in mobility and logistics it is beneficial that four winning teams can also be present at the ITS World Congress.

The Norwegian startup Infinite Mobility present their concept for a solar electric tricycle at congress-exhibition: Solar PV provides 30 to 40 km per extends range. Their lightweight vehicle can be used for Last-Mile Delivery & Urban Mobility. Love Lupi, founder and CEO/COO of Infinite Mobility, explains, "Our technology breaks with the current status quo in mobility, for many investors this is moonshot thinking. Here at ITS World Congress, many investors and automotive experts were interested in our solution and recognize its massive potential."

First prize winner of the Future Hamburg Award, Breeze Technologies, is also attending the ITS World Congress. The company's cloud- and AI-based software for evaluating and improving air quality in inner cities took the award's top spot. In addition, the first place will give Breeze Technologies access to one of the leading international startup programs of Plug and Play in Silicon Valley. Before heading out West, however, Hamburg is the perfect place to be this week to develop business interests even further.

"The leading experts for transport and mobility are present here  the mobility industry in particular is a decisive factor for urban air quality", says Robert Heinecke, founder and CEO of Breeze Technologies. "You notice here that Hamburg is at the cutting edge when it comes to innovative logistics. We are also really looking forward to finding out what opportunities await us during our stay in Silicon Valley."

The ITS World Congress gives the City of Hamburg the opportunity to present itself as a showroom for future mobility  the real laboratory homePORT from the Hamburg Port Authority presents innovations that can be trialled at its own testing site in Hamburg. These are the perfect conditions for Blue Atlas Robotics and KONVOI as the recipients of the Future Hamburg Award bonus prize, which was awarded by homePORT.

The value of the connections between cities and startups is also shown in the positive developments by the winning teams of the Future Hamburg Award from other economic sectors. Traceless Materials, for example, announced further successes shortly after receiving the prize bestowed by the Startup Unit Hamburg and Hamburg Marketing. Besides investments worth millions of euros, the startup managed to acquire the Otto Group as a strong cooperation partner for its sustainable packaging materials.

More Information at: http://future.hamburg

Picture (for editorial use):

Love Lupi, founder and CEO/COO of Infinite Mobility presents the concept of a solar tuk tuk at ITS World Congress 2021 in Hamburg

Copyright: Lucas Betz / Hamburg Marketing

High-Resolution Downloadlink (24 MB) https://mediaserver.marketing.hamburg.de/transfer/0c99b642a35f4994c47cb93d5acf2faecb489dba45aeaf7f825294fbc9e0af1d

SOURCE Taking a Solar TukTuk to the Mobility Congress
OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. ("Tetra" or the "Company") (TSX: TBP) (OTCQB: TBPMF) (FRA: JAM1), a leader in cannabinoid-derived drug discovery and development today provided an update on the progress and significant achievements of its lead investigational drug, QIXLEEF.

This figure includes data from 6 separate lots of QIXLEEF. The average (SD) THC and CBD in the aerosol over time for each lot is shown. These data indicate that the variation between dosing capsules within the same lot and the variation between dosing capsules from different lots are both minimal. (CNW Group/Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc.)

QIXLEEF is a botanical inhaled drug product with a fixed ratio of THC and CBD that meets USA cGMP regulatory requirements. The drug will be first indicated in patients with cancer suffering of uncontrolled breakthrough pain (REBORN trials) then in patients with advanced cancer with inadequately controlled pain (PLENITUDE trials). QIXLEEF, with its innovative and proprietary dosing data, provides fast acting relief from pain, offering patients a viable, safer, and non-opioid option for pain management.

The Company began regulatory discussions on QIXLEEF with both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada in mid-2016. This included obtaining a product jurisdiction decision for the regulation of QIXLEEF as a drug-device combination product. This type of decision is binding and defines the regulatory path to marketing approval for a combination product. Pre-Investigational New Drug (pre-IND or Type B meetings) and pre-Clinical Trial Application type meetings were held with the regulators to discuss the regulatory requirements to bring QIXLEEF to the market as a prescription drug and seek guidance and approval on the drug development strategy.

Since the beginning of the clinical development program in late-2016, QIXLEEF strictly adhered to and complied with the regulatory requirements of a prescription drug. The Company completed two Phase 1 clinical trials in healthy volunteers to assess the safety profile, including cardiovascular, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, of smoked and vaporized QIXLEEF.

Results of these studies demonstrated the safety of QIXLEEF and addressed critical concerns such as the potential for QT prolongation when used in combination with other medications. For patients, the 7-day multiple dosing studies revealed that QIXLEEF could be used without functionally impairing the human subject.

From an efficacy point of view, the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that QIXLEEF could deliver significantly high levels of cannabinoids to the brain within the first 5 minutes of initiating inhalation. The pharmacodynamics confirmed the desired target response in human subjects. The Company believes that these two characteristics of its drug-device combination product are critical for an effective drug in the management of breakthrough pain.

In parallel to the above Phase 1 studies, the Company initiated a major research program on the qualitative and quantitative composition of the aerosols generated by smoking and vaporizing QIXLEEF. This research began in mid-2017 and continues to be part of the Company's routine analysis of QIXLEEF and its raw materials to ensure consistent delivery of cannabinoids to the patients between production lots. This research program led to the development of composition of matter intellectual property.

In November 2019, the Company announced that the FDA had authorized the initiation of our PLENITUDE trial after demonstrating new quality standards for mitigating the risk of mycotoxins to patients. PLENITUDE is a 4-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of inhaled QIXLEEF on uncontrolled pain related to cancer in 78 adult patients with advanced incurable cancer. The Company received the raw materials for fabricating QIXLEEF in September 2020 thereby allowing the start of the in-life phase of the trial.

In August 2020, the Company shared data on its CBD Metabolite Study in Humans. This milestone had a major positive impact on Tetra's inhaled product portfolio, as the data demonstrated very low level of CBD metabolites in humans exposed to inhaled QIXLEEF. This evidence corroborated the absence of liver toxicity when QIXLEEF is inhaled and strengthened the safety profile of our drug product.

In 2020, the Company expanded its regulatory activities to ensure the nonclinical safety strategy, manufacturing and quality, and a global clinical trial program for the marketing approval of QIXLEEF in Europe. Subsequently, Tetra created a subsidiary in Europe, called Tetra Bio-Pharma Europe LTD. The former was important so that the regulatory requirements for QIXLEEF would be similar for Europe, United States and Canada. Having a global drug development strategy ensures economy of scale and lower cost of drug development to shareholders. As part of the regulatory achievements, in September 2021, the Company received its first Scientific Advice Assessment Report from a European Medicines Authority. This Report provided positive feedback on the drug development plan and eligibility for submitting a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) under Directive 2001/83/EC (Directive).

In January 2021, the FDA authorized the initiation of the REBORN1 trial with QIXLEEF. The REBORN1 trial is a head-to-head phase 2 study against an opioid treatment in the management of short and frequent episodes of incapacitating pain (breakthrough pain) requesting immediate release opioid treatment in patients living with cancer. The initial protocol was assessing a direct safety and efficacy comparison between QIXLEEF and oral morphine sulfate immediate release on the onset of pain relief in this population. In June 2021, an approved amended protocol opened the recruitment to cancer patients with breakthrough pain who are treated with either oral morphine sulfate immediate release, oral hydromorphone immediate release, or oral oxycodone immediate release. REBORN1, if successful, is expected to provide proof of concept evidence that QIXLEEF can be an alternative to the class of immediate release oral opioids in the management of breakthrough cancer pain.

With a supportive outcome of the REBORN1 trial, the Company will be on a path to bring QIXLEEF as a novel, safe, and effective treatment for the management of breakthrough pain. The Company will leverage the long-term safety data gathered in the PLENITUDE trial to supplement the safety and efficacy data for the REBORN trials. The REBORN clinical strategy provides the fastest and lowest cost development program to bring QIXLEEF to the market.

The Company is finalizing its raw material global supply plans and is in partnering discussions as it prepares to initiate the last stage of its drug development of QIXLEEF for an indication in breakthrough pain as an alternative to immediate-release oral opioids.

Dr. Guy Chamberland, CEO and CRO commented, "Our team has made significant progress in bringing QIXLEEF to a late clinical development stage. We are dedicated to bringing this novel medication to patients and physicians as an alternative to opioids. It has been a challenging, but exciting journey to develop the first Rx inhaled cannabinoid-based drug."

About Tetra Bio-Pharma

Tetra Bio-Pharma (TSX: TBP) (OTCQB: TBPMF) (FRA:JAM1) is a leader in cannabinoid-derived drug discovery and development with a FDA and a Health Canada cleared clinical program aimed at bringing novel prescription drugs and treatments to patients and their healthcare providers. Our evidence-based scientific approach has enabled us to develop a pipeline of cannabinoid-based drug products for a range of medical conditions, including pain, inflammation, and oncology. With patients at the core of what we do, Tetra Bio-Pharma is focused on providing rigorous scientific validation and safety data required for inclusion into the existing biopharma industry by regulators, physicians and insurance companies.

For more information visit: www.tetrabiopharma.com

Neither the TSX Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking statements

Some statements in this release may contain forward-looking information. All statements, other than of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements regarding potential acquisitions and financings) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words "may", "will", "should", "continue", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "plan" or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict, that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, without limitation, the inability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to execute the Company's business plan; competition; regulation and anticipated and unanticipated costs and delays, the success of the Company's research and development strategies, including the success of this product or any other product, the applicability of the discoveries made therein, the successful and timely completion and uncertainties related to the regulatory process, the timing of clinical trials, the timing and outcomes of regulatory or intellectual property decisions and other risks disclosed in the Company's public disclosure record on file with the relevant securities regulatory authorities. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results or events not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities legislation.

SOURCE Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc.
VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Thinkific Labs Inc. ("Thinkific" or the "Company") (TSX: THNC), a leading cloud-based software platform that enables entrepreneurs and established businesses of all sizes to create, market, and sell online courses and other learning products, will report its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021 after market close on Monday, November 8, 2021.

Management will host a conference call and webcast on the same day to discuss the financial and operational results.

Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results Conference Call and Webcast

When: Monday, November 8, 2021

Time: 2:00 pm PT (5:00 pm ET)

Dial In: 1.888.390.0546 (US/Canada Toll-Free) or 1.416.764.8688 (International/Toronto)

The conference call will be available via webcast on the investor relations section of Thinkific's website at investors.thinkific.com/events-and-presentations

A replay will be available commencing at 4:00 pm PT (7:00 pm ET) on November 8, 2021 by dialing 1.888.390.0541 (US/Canada Toll-Free) or 416.764.8677 (International/Toronto). The passcode is 692260#. The replay will expire at 8:59 pm PT (11:59 pm ET) on November 15, 2021.

About Thinkific

Thinkific (TSX: THNC) makes it simple for entrepreneurs and established businesses of any size to scale and generate revenue by teaching what they know. Our platform gives businesses everything they need to build, market, and sell online courses and other learning products, and to run their business seamlessly under their own brand, on their own site. In 2020 alone, Thinkific's 50,000 active course creators earned hundreds of millions of dollars in direct course sales while teaching tens of millions of students. Thinkific is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, with a distributed and growing team.

For more information, please visit www.thinkific.com .

SOURCE Thinkific Labs Inc.

Related Links

http://www.thinkific.com


TORONTO, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Thomson Reuters today announced the creation of a new $100 million Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) fund to support and accelerate innovation for the "Future of Professionals." The fund will operate under the name "Thomson Reuters Ventures" and concentrate on investments and portfolio support for companies building breakthrough innovations that will allow professionals to operate more productively and with greater insights.

As a leader in content-enabled technology across the Legal, Tax & Accounting, Risk, Fraud, Compliance, and News & Media markets, customers rely on Thomson Reuters to deliver trusted solutions to manage and grow their businesses. Thomson Reuters Ventures builds on this commitment by investing in and supporting the broader ecosystem focused on these same challenges.

"I'm delighted to add Thomson Reuters Ventures as another way that we are investing in innovation and serving our markets. Our customers are the most informed professionals in the world, and they need trusted, accurate, and effective solutions now more than ever. We're excited to partner with founders and entrepreneurs who share these goals, and to continue to drive emerging solutions as the industry leader," said Steve Hasker, President and CEO of Thomson Reuters.

"Thomson Reuters Ventures is ultimately about investing in innovation and serving customers. Whether it be AI and Machine Learning innovations that allow professionals to better predict outcomes, identify and act on trusted information, or automate processes for greater efficiency, the overall goal remains the same. We are focused on identifying and supporting innovative companies that can help our customers deliver more value to their customers," said Pat Wilburn, Chief Strategy Officer of Thomson Reuters, and Executive Director of Thomson Reuters Ventures.

Thomson Reuters Ventures will invest primarily in earlier-stage companies via Series A and B rounds, with a broad lens across Legal, Tax & Accounting, Risk, Fraud, and Compliance, News and Media, Corporates and adjacent areas. Our market positions, relationships with customers and organizational resources make us an ideal partner for entrepreneurs building and scaling companies.

Learn more about Thomson Reuters Ventures here.

Thomson Reuters

Thomson Reuters is a leading provider of business information services. Our products include highly specialized information-enabled software and tools for legal, tax, accounting and compliance professionals combined with the world's most global news service  Reuters. For more information on Thomson Reuters. For more information on Thomson Reuters, visit tr.com and for the latest world news, reuters.com.

CONTACT

Andrew Green

Senior Director, Corporate Affairs

+1 332 219 1511

[email protected]

SOURCE Thomson Reuters

Related Links

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The NFT Advisory Board will serve to provide media outlets with access to leaders, innovators and exceptional artists within the NFT arena who will be sought to provide their expert opinions on topics such as but not limited to:

Creative Digital Art

Block Chain Technology

Crypto Currencies / Tokens

21 st Century Economy

Century Economy Niche services catering to the NFT eco system and more

The NFT Advisory Board NFT Advisory Board - Leaders in the NFT Sector

Distinguished members of the NFT Advisory Board are revered as authorities within varied topics pertaining to NFTs.

The NFT Advisory Board will serve as a bridge that will receive media requests or invitations to have expert opinions on varied topics related to the NFT eco system / arena.

Media requests will be forwarded the best matching NFT Advisory Board members, whereby referrals will be made to specific NFT Advisory Board members to inquire if the board member or members will be interested to serve as a guest speaker, panelist or pundit on a topic or topics related to NFTs.

There is NO cost at this time to join the advisory board; however, seats are limited and selective to leaders, innovators and exceptional artists.

APPLY online at NFTAB.ORG

Membership to NFTAB is by member to prospective member invitation as well as applying for a membership with a qualified background as (1) Companies & Firms (2) Executives (3) Project Developers (4) NFT Eco System (those who are not categorized for example Bloggers or Information Publishers (5) Artists (6) Economists and (7) Collectors, Art Brokers, and Auctions.

A list of NFT Advisory Board Members will be released on May 7 2022 that will constitute the inaugural body of NFT Advisory Board members. The list will be accessible at the NFTAB.Org web site.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: NFTAB members do not represent NFTAB as an organization that persuades the general public to purchase or sell a NFT or NFTs. NFT Advisory Board members will be granted permission to use their title as a NFT Advisor and or the NFTAB official logo, only when they are invited through the NFTAB and being solicited for an expert opinion by media outlets that include but not limited to: Talk Shows, Television News, Podcasts, Magazines, YouTube Video Sessions, Expos and Symposiums.

Open enrollment is subject to close at any time.

Toro Leon Consulting will always curate, manage, document and release member's public speaking(s).

Media Contact

Mauricio De Luca Montana

787-545-7437

[email protected]

SOURCE NFT Advisory Board

Related Links

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OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - On October 12, 2021, the United States announced that in November, they will begin allowing fully vaccinated travellers from Canada to enter the United States at land and ferry points of entry for discretionary (non-essential reasons), such as tourism.

The Canada Border Services Agency would like to remind travellers that border measures remain in place for travellers entering or returning to Canada and that they should get informed and understand their obligations as they make their travel plans.

Travellers should check if they are eligible to enter Canada and meet all entry requirements before heading to the border.

Fully vaccinated travellers coming to Canada must complete the mandatory pre-arrival molecular COVID-19 test and submit their mandatory information including their digital proof of vaccination in English or French using the free ArriveCAN (App or website) within 72 hours before arriving in Canada. Antigen tests, often called "rapid tests", are not accepted. Fully vaccinated travellers who are eligible to enter Canada continue to be subject to mandatory random testing on arrival.

For short trips, that are less than 72 hours, Canadian citizens, people registered under the Indian Act, permanent residents and protected persons travelling to the United States are allowed to take their pre-entry molecular test before they leave Canada. If the test is more than 72 hours old when they re-enter Canada, they will be required to get a new pre-entry molecular test in the United States.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers who are eligible to enter Canada must continue to follow pre-arrival, arrival and Day-8 molecular COVID-19 testing requirements, and quarantine for 14 days.

Full details on the current measures in place for travellers entering or returning to Canada are available online: COVID-19: Travel, testing, quarantine and borders.

All questions about U.S. entry and health requirements, should be directed to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Associated Links

SOURCE Canada Border Services Agency

Related Links

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/


MONTREAL, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. ("Turquoise Hill" or the "Company") today announced third quarter 2021 production for Oyu Tolgoi LLC ("Oyu Tolgoi" or "OT") and provided an update on the Oyu Tolgoi mine.

Q3 2021 production highlights

In Q3 2021, both copper and gold production from the open pit were higher vs Q3 2020 due to higher copper and gold head grade ore from Phase 4B:

Copper production of 41,935 tonnes, an increase of 16% vs Q3 2020 and an increase of 14% vs Q2 2021

Gold production of 130,799 ounces, an increase of 256% vs Q3 2020 and an increase of 16% vs Q2 2021

Copper and gold production guidance for 2021 remains within the ranges of 150,000 to 180,000 tonnes and 400,000 to 480,000 ounces respectively

Mill throughput of 9.34 million tonnes in Q3 2021 was in line with Q2 2021 and 7% lower than Q3 2020. Processing of harder ore as well as lower SAG mill availability, due to maintenance, impacted Q3 2021 mill throughput.

Oyu Tolgoi has advised that the full impacts of the previously disclosed open-pit geotechnical events as well as the on-going impacts of on-site COVID-19 restrictions have resulted in delayed waste movement, which is currently forecast to result in deferral of some open-pit metal to beyond 2024. While opportunities to reduce the impact of this forecast metal deferral are under consideration, related work is not expected to be completed until Q1 2022.

Underground Development

All technical undercut readiness activities have been completed or are on-track for completion, and Oyu Tolgoi has been ready from a technical perspective to commence the undercut since July 2021. However, undercut commencement remains delayed and is pending resolution of certain non-technical undercut criteria, including the support of all OT Board directors to increase the underground development capital and to commence discussions with the project finance lenders, obtaining outstanding, required regulatory approvals and to agree on a pathway to meet OT's long-term power requirements.

During Q3 2021, underground development progress continued to be significantly impacted by the COVID-19 constraints on-site and in Mongolia, including restrictions on movement of both domestic and international expertise. Despite these on-going constraints, breakthrough of the conveyor decline was achieved in August 2021, and breakthrough of the service decline is forecast by the end of October 2021. Material Handling System 1 ("MHS1") is almost complete; its construction is currently scheduled for completion by the end of October 2021, and its commissioning is scheduled for completion by the end of January 2022. Construction of the first on-footprint truck chute is well advanced and currently forecast to be completed by February 2022. Completion of both MHS1 and the first on-footprint truck chute is broadly in-line with the Definitive Estimate, which is an excellent result given the challenging circumstances. Nevertheless, given the cumulative and on-going impacts of COVID-19, continued delayed commitments resulting from the Definitive Estimate not yet having received the support of all directors of the Oyu Tolgoi Board, as well as the outstanding unresolved non-technical undercut issues, the Company now expects sustainable production for Panel 0 to be delayed until at least January 2023.

Progress on Shafts 3 and 4 has been impacted by quarantine requirements and international travel restrictions related to COVID-19, and no significant development progress on these shafts was made during Q3 2021. Consequently, Oyu Tolgoi has advised that a 9-month delay on Shafts 3 and 4 is currently forecast which, in combination with the reduced underground development progress, will result in delays to the start of Panel 2. Sinking of Shaft 4 recommenced in mid-October, and preparatory work for Shaft 3 sinking is continuing.

Study work continues on Panels 1 and 2 with future mine design refinements expected to reflect the learnings from Panel 0.

COVID-19

Mongolia continued to experience a significant number of cases of COVID-19 during Q3 2021, which continued to limit the ability of Oyu Tolgoi to maintain normal roster changes for its workers. While Oyu Tolgoi did experience an improvement to on-site personnel numbers vs Q2 2021, average workforce numbers remained below 50% of planned requirements during Q3 2021.

COVID-19 restrictions have adversely impacted both open pit operations and underground development, which, through the end of Q3 2021, have resulted in a cumulative increase of US$140 million to the estimate of underground development capital included in the Definitive Estimate. This increase includes the currently known, incremental, time-related costs of COVID-19 restrictions; however, it does not include any impacts arising from associated schedule delays or delayed commitments caused by the Definitive Estimate not yet having received the support of all the directors of the OT Board, as these are still under assessment. The Company will continue to monitor these costs and will update the market as appropriate.

All workers at Oyu Tolgoi site have had two doses of vaccine, and a third dose program is well advanced. Improvements in quarantine protocols both on-site and off-site have resulted in improvements in restrictions, which resulted in higher workforce numbers in September 2021 while still minimising the spread of COVID-19. A return to normal workforce levels is expected by the end of 2021, and Oyu Tolgoi will continue to cooperate with the Mongolian authorities to implement and maintain control measures to protect the health and well-being of its workers as well as the local community.

Funding

Oyu Tolgoi has provided the Company with preliminary information that the underground delays and open-pit metal deferrals discussed above have caused an increase in the Company's base case estimated incremental funding requirement to US$3.6 billion. The Company continues to review this preliminary information received from Oyu Tolgoi. While OT has indicated further open-pit mine plan optimization opportunities are under consideration, which could have a favourable impact on the Company's estimated incremental funding requirement, related work is not expected to be completed until Q1 2022.

Negotiations with Government of Mongolia

In September 2021, the updated Resources and Reserves (RR19) was approved by the Minerals Council of Mongolia, and the updated Feasibility Study (OTFS20) will be able to be submitted for assessment once the RR19 registration process progresses further.

Turquoise Hill continues to engage Rio Tinto and various Mongolian governmental bodies to resolve the remaining outstanding non-technical undercut criteria, and the Company remains committed to moving the project forward and ensuring long-term and mutually beneficial solutions to the issues under discussion. Nevertheless, delayed resolution of outstanding issues, as well as the slowing of discussions as a result of the COVID-19 situation in Mongolia, will delay the Company's expected timing for initiation of the undercut. Some contractual commitments for future works on items such as Material Handling System 2 and the Concentrator upgrade have experienced delays, as entering into these commitments is currently pending approval of the Definitive Estimate and related budget uplift by the Oyu Tolgoi Board. Any significant further delay to the initiation of the undercut would result in further, unfavorable impacts to the underground project schedule, including the timing of sustainable production for Panel 0, the timing to commence Panel 2 and the timing and quantum of underground capital expenditure, all of which would materially, adversely impact the timing of expected cash flows from the Oyu Tolgoi underground project thereby further increasing the quantum of Turquoise Hill's estimated incremental funding requirement and would also likely in turn adversely affect the ability of the Company and Oyu Tolgoi to obtain additional funding or re-profile existing debt as contemplated by and/or within the timeframe set out in the Heads of Agreement entered into between the Company and Rio Tinto in April 2021.

Turquoise Hill remains committed to seeking resolution of outstanding issues and remains mobilized in Mongolia to continue discussions with the Government to progress timely resolution for the benefit of all stakeholders. The Company will continue to monitor the situation, assess any impact of any related delays and update the market as appropriate.

Force Majeure

Oyu Tolgoi concentrate shipment volumes to customers improved during Q3 2021; however, above target inventory levels remained at the end of Q3 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 related Mongolia / Chinese border restrictions that resulted in force majeure being declared from March 30, 2021. Shipments to Chinese customers recommenced on April 15, 2021, and Oyu Tolgoi continues to work closely with Mongolian and Chinese authorities to manage any supply chain disruptions. The force majeure will remain in place until there are sufficiently sustained volumes of convoys crossing the border to ensure Oyu Tolgoi's ability to meet its on-going commitments to customers and to return on-site concentrate inventory to target levels.

Oyu Tolgoi Production Data















All data represents full production and sales on a 100% basis



















3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 months 9 months Full Year

2020 2020 2021 2021 2021 2021 2020 2020

















Open pit material mined ('000 tonnes) 23,979 23,663 22,588 15,829 22,588 61,005 74,032 97,694 Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 10,072 9,594 9,813 9,401 9,336 28,550 30,606 40,200 Average mill head grades:















Copper (%) 0.45 0.50 0.56 0.47 0.53 0.52 0.45 0.46 Gold (g/t) 0.21 0.41 0.68 0.50 0.63 0.60 0.18 0.24 Silver (g/t) 1.22 1.16 1.29 1.19 1.29 1.26 1.19 1.18 Concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 168.5 190.2 201.9 173.2 191.9 567.0 502.9 693.1 Average concentrate grade (% Cu) 21.5 21.9 22.5 21.2 21.9 21.9 21.5 21.6 Production of metals in concentrates:















Copper ('000 tonnes) 36.3 41.6 45.4 36.7 41.9 124.1 108.0 149.6 Gold ('000 ounces) 37 88 146 113 131 390 94 182 Silver ('000 ounces) 219 231 255 235 249 739 645 876 Concentrate sold ('000 tonnes) 167.9 181.5 186.3 92.6 224.4 503.3 488.1 669.6 Sales of metals in concentrates:















Copper ('000 tonnes) 34.4 37.9 39.0 19.6 46.4 105.0 99.9 137.8 Gold ('000 ounces) 34 66 111 73 149 333 84 150 Silver ('000 ounces) 201 194 207 106 278 591 566 760 Metal recovery (%)















Copper 78.9 85.9 86.3 79.7 83.9 83.6 77.4 79.6 Gold 53.7 68.8 72.2 69.3 68.7 70.3 51.0 58.6 Silver 54.6 64.3 65.3 62.5 64.1 64.0 54.0 56.4

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Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information

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 and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements and information 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", "plan", "estimate", "will", "believe" and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. These include, but are not limited to, statements and information regarding: discussions with, and the nature of the Company's relationship and interaction with, the Government of Mongolia on the continued operation and development of Oyu Tolgoi, including with respect to the Definitive Estimate and the potential termination, amendment or replacement of the Investment Agreement ("IA") or the Oyu Tolgoi Mine Development and Financing Plan ("UDP") as well as the willingness of the Government of Mongolia to further engage in meaningful discussions with the Company, Rio Tinto and Oyu Tolgoi; the willingness and ability of the parties to the IA or the UDP to amend or replace the UDP; the approval or non-approval by the OT Board of funding for a full budget uplift and the likely consequences on the timing and overall economic value of the Oyu Tolgoi project, including significant delays to first sustainable production; the implementation and successful execution of the funding plan that is the subject of the Heads of Agreement between the Company and Rio Tinto entered into in April 2021 ( the "HoA") and the amount of any additional future funding gap to complete the Oyu Tolgoi project and the amount and potential sources of additional funding required therefor, all as contemplated by the HoA, as well as potential delays in the ability of the Company and Oyu Tolgoi to proceed with the funding elements contemplated by the HoA as a result of delays in approving or non-approval of a full budget uplift by the OT Board; the expectations set out in the 2020 Oyu Tolgoi Technical Report ("OTTR20"); the timing and ultimate resolution of certain non-technical undercut criteria; the timing and amount of future production and potential production delays; statements in respect of the impacts of any delays on achieving first commercial production the Company's cash flows; expected copper and gold grades; the merits of the class action complaints filed against the Company in October 2020 and January 2021, respectively; the likelihood that the Company will be added as a party to the international tax arbitration brought by Oyu Tolgoi against the Government of Mongolia and the merits of its defence and counterclaim; liquidity, funding sources and funding requirements; the amount of any funding gap to complete the Oyu Tolgoi project; the amount and potential sources of additional funding; the Company's ability to re-profile its existing project debt in line with current cash flow projections; the amount by which a successful re-profiling of the Company's existing debt would reduce the Company's currently projected funding requirements; the Company's ability to raise supplemental senior debt; the timing of studies, announcements and analyses; status of underground development; the causes of the increase in costs and schedule extension of the underground development; the mine design for Panel 0 of Hugo North Lift 1 and the related cost and production schedule implications; the re-design studies for Panels 1 and 2 of Hugo North Lift 1 and the possible outcomes, content and timing thereof; expectations regarding the possible recovery of ore in the two structural pillars, to the north and south of Panel 0; the possible progression of a state-owned power plant ("SOPP") and related amendments to the Power Source Framework Agreement ("PSFA") as well as power purchase agreements and extensions to; the timing of construction and commissioning of the potential SOPP; sources of interim power; the continuing impact of COVID-19, including any restrictions imposed by health or governmental authorities relating thereto on the Company's business, operations and financial condition, as well as delays and the development cost impacts of delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; capital and operating cost estimates; mill and concentrator throughput; the outcome of formal international arbitration proceedings; anticipated business activities, planned expenditures, corporate strategies, and other statements that are not historical facts.

Forward-looking statements and information 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 or information. There can be no assurance that such statements or information will prove to be accurate. Such statements and information 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 the price of copper, gold and silver; projected gold, copper and silver grades; anticipated capital and operating costs; anticipated future production and cash flows; the anticipated location of certain infrastructure in Hugo North Lift 1 and sequence of mining within and across panel boundaries; the availability and timing of required governmental and other approvals for the construction of the SOPP; the ability of the Government of Mongolia to finance and procure the SOPP within the timeframes anticipated in the PSFA, as amended, subject to ongoing discussions relating to a standstill period; the willingness of third parties to extend existing power arrangements; the status and nature of the Company's relationship and interactions and discussions with the Government of Mongolia on the continued operation and development of Oyu Tolgoi (including with respect to the causes of the increase in costs and schedule extension of the underground development) and Oyu Tolgoi LLC internal governance (including the outcome of any such interactions or discussions); the willingness and ability of the parties to the IA or the UDP to amend or replace either such agreement; the nature and quantum of the current and projected economic benefits to Mongolia resulting from the continued operation of Oyu Tolgoi; the implementation and successful execution of the funding plan that is the subject of the HoA and the amount of any additional future funding gap to complete the Oyu Tolgoi project as well as the amount and potential sources of additional funding required therefor, all as contemplated by the HoA.

Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements and information include, among others: copper, gold and silver price volatility; discrepancies between actual and estimated production; mineral reserves and resources and metallurgical recoveries; development plans for processing resources; public health crises such as COVID-19; matters relating to proposed exploration or expansion; mining operational and development risks, including geotechnical risks and ground conditions; litigation risks, including the outcome of the class action complaints filed against the Company; the outcome of the international arbitration proceedings; regulatory restrictions (including environmental regulatory restrictions and liability); Oyu Tolgoi LLC or the Government of Mongolia's ability to deliver a domestic power source for the Oyu Tolgoi project within the required contractual time frame; communications with local stakeholders and community relations; activities, actions or assessments, including tax assessments, by governmental authorities; events or circumstances (including public health crises strikes, blockades or similar events outside of the Company's control) that may affect the Company's ability to deliver its products in a timely manner; currency fluctuations; the speculative nature of mineral exploration; the global economic climate; global climate change; dilution; share price volatility; competition; loss of key employees; cyber security incidents; additional funding requirements, including in respect of the development or construction of a long-term domestic power supply for the Oyu Tolgoi project; capital and operating costs, including with respect to the development of additional deposits and processing facilities; defective title to mineral claims or property; and human rights requirements. 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 and information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. All such forward-looking statements and information are based on certain assumptions and analyses 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. 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 or information.

With respect to specific forward-looking information concerning the continued operation and development of Oyu Tolgoi, the Company has based its assumptions and analyses on certain factors which are inherently uncertain. Uncertainties and assumptions include, among others: the timing and cost of the construction and expansion of mining and processing facilities; the timing and availability of a long-term domestic power source (or the availability of financing for the Company or the Government of Mongolia to construct such a source) for Oyu Tolgoi; the implementation and successful execution of the funding plan that is the subject of the HoA and the amount of any additional future funding gap to complete the Oyu Tolgoi project as well as the amount and potential sources of additional funding required therefor, all as contemplated by the HoA; the status and nature of the Company's relationship, interactions and discussions with the Government of Mongolia on the continued operation and development of Oyu Tolgoi (including with respect to the causes of the increase in costs and schedule extension of the underground development) and Oyu Tolgoi LLC internal governance (including the outcome of any such interactions or discussions); the willingness and ability of the parties to the IA and the UDP to amend or replace either such agreement; the nature and quantum of the current and projected economic benefits to Mongolia resulting from the continued operation of Oyu Tolgoi; the potential impact of COVID-19, including any restrictions imposed by health and governmental authorities relating thereto, as well as the development cost impacts of delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; the impact of changes in, changes in interpretation to or changes in enforcement of, laws, regulations and government practices in Mongolia; the availability and cost of skilled labour and transportation; the obtaining of (and the terms and timing of obtaining) necessary environmental and other government approvals, consents and permits; delays and the costs which would result from delays, including delays caused by COVID-19 restrictions and impacts and related factors, in the development of the underground mine (which could significantly exceed the costs projected in OTTR20); projected copper, gold and silver prices and their market demand; and production estimates and the anticipated yearly production of copper, gold and silver at Oyu Tolgoi.

The cost, timing and complexities of mine construction and development are increased by the remote location of a property such as Oyu Tolgoi. It is common in mining operations and in the development or expansion of existing facilities to experience unexpected problems and delays during development, construction and mine start-up. Additionally, although Oyu Tolgoi has achieved commercial production, there is no assurance that future development activities will result in profitable mining operations.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or 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 the Company's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2020 ("AIF"), as supplemented by the "Risks and Uncertainties" section of the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021 ("MD&A").

Readers are further cautioned that the list of factors enumerated in the "Risk Factors" section of the AIF and in the "Risks and Uncertainties" section of the MD&A 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 TURQUOISE HILL RESOURCES LTD
For parents of 5-18-year-olds, their likelihood to vaccinate their child, and their support for vaccine requirements, depended heavily on their personal vaccination status. Among unvaccinated parents, the biggest factor in their decision not to get vaccinated themselves is a worry that the vaccines were developed too quickly, followed by concerns about potential side effects  mirroring reasons why hesitant parents do not immediately plan to vaccinate their children once eligible.

Two-thirds of parents with children ages 5-11 years old say they are likely to get them vaccinated against COVID-19.

Asked vaccination requirements in schools, the survey shows that 60 percent of parents of school-aged children (5-18 years of age) support schools requiring eligible children to get a vaccine to attend school in-person. Nearly 80 percent of parents who have been vaccinated supported this concept (78 percent support), with even greater support (86 percent) among parents of children 12-18 years of age who have already been vaccinated. There were regional differences as well. Specifically, a majority of parents in the West (69 percent), Northeast (63 percent), and South (60 percent) all support in-school vaccination requirements, but fewer than half in the Midwest (48 percent) agree.

"While we're encouraged to see that a majority of parents intend to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 once they are eligible there is clearly more work to be done to help address parents' questions and ease concerns about the vaccines," said Beth Battaglino, RN-C, CEO of HealthyWomen and Co-Convener of the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project. "Reaching people where they are, listening and working with trusted community voices to help instill confidence in the vaccine development and regulatory approval process is crucial to combat hesitancy and ensure that all families are equipped with the latest vaccine information to make an informed decision."

"These promising survey results highlight a strong desire among parents to protect their school-aged children from COVID-19 but also the need for increased efforts for continued education about the benefits of vaccination," Linda Mendonca, DNP, RN, PHNA-BC, President, National Association of School Nurses. "School nurses have played a vital role in helping parents navigate the pandemic and we stand ready to help. We are committed to enhancing the health and wellbeing of students and communities across the country."

Overall survey responses provided important insights about the factors influencing the likelihood to get children vaccinated, as well as what actions might prompt vaccination for this age group broadly.

Concerns about COVID-19

Three-quarters (77 percent) of parents are at least somewhat worried that their child could get COVID-19. Concerns varied based on the parent's vaccination status, as well as the age of the child. For example, 42 percent of vaccinated parents say they are "very worried" their child could get COVID-19, compared to 29 percent of unvaccinated parents. Concerns were also higher among parents with a younger child. Specifically, 42 percent of parents of 5-11 year olds were "very worried," while this number dropped to 31 percent of parents of 16-18 year olds.

These concerns also varied slightly by geography and race. Of statistical significance was the geographic breakdown: 49 percent of respondents in the South said they were "very worried" about their child getting sick with the virus, while fewer respondents in the Northeast (32 percent), Midwest (30 percent) and West (30 percent) reported the same level of concern. When examining race, more Black (49 percent) and Hispanic (47 percent) parents reported being "very worried" about their child contracting the virus than white parents (33 percent).

Lingering worries about vaccine development and side effects

Among unvaccinated parents of school-aged children, the biggest factor in their decision not to get vaccinated was a worry that the vaccines were developed too quickly (63 percent say it impacted their decision "a lot"), followed by concern about potential side effects (57 percent), and wanting to wait for more information (48 percent). These reasons mirror those given for why they have not, or do not plan to, vaccinate their child.

When asked to choose from a list of reasons that might change their mind on vaccinating their child, a plurality of parents of unvaccinated children ages 12-18 say none of the factors given would change their mind (40 percent). The top reasons that may impact parents' decision to vaccinate their child are a requirement by their child's school (25 percent), full FDA approval (23 percent), or a person in the household being high-risk (23 percent).

Survey Methodology

These are the findings from an Ipsos poll conducted September 22-28, 2021. For the survey, a sample of 1,014 adults ages 18 and over from the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii was interviewed online in English. To qualify for the survey, respondents had to be parents of at least one child between the ages of 5 and 18. The poll has a credibility interval of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points for all respondents.

About the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project

As more than 225 leading organizations representing patients, caregivers and families, diverse communities, healthcare workers, older Americans, veterans, frontline workers and scientists, the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project launched in December 2020 to provide information about the clinical trials process, regulatory review, distribution of and access to potential COVID-19 vaccines in a way that promotes equity and trust. Support for the project has been provided by Pfizer, Inc., Johnson & Johnson and Novartis. Learn more at covidvaccineproject.org and follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram and LinkedIn at @COVIDVxProject.

About NASN

The National Association of School Nurses is a non-profit specialty nursing organization, organized in 1968 and incorporated in 1977, representing school nurses exclusively. NASN has close to 18,000 members and 50 affiliates, including the District of Columbia and overseas. The mission of NASN is to optimize student health and learning by advancing the practice of school nursing. To learn more about NASN, please visit us on the Web at www.nasn.org or call 866-627-6767.

SOURCE The COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project

Related Links

http://covidvaccineproject.org


DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- UNITE Dubai, a concept which can also be found in Monaco, Zurich, New York and in Davos during the World Economic Forum exists to allow both public and private sector wealth to meet and engage with other governments and private wealth from around the world.

UNITE Dubai - Highlights Video UNITE Dubai - by The Private Investment Group (PRNewsfoto/The Private Investment Group) CEO of the World Humanitarian Forum (PRNewsfoto/The Private Investment Group)

The theme for this prestigious occasion was 'Changing the Narrative'. Alastair Lidel, CEO and Founder of The Private Investment Group said "As we find ourselves entering a new phase in the global pandemic it is imperative, we do not gloss over lessons we have hopefully learnt. We must look at how we can support businesses in making their home here in the Middle East, we must encourage private wealth from here in the region to engage with their counterparts in Europe, US and Asia. The pandemic has shown us that borders exist only as a concept, and it is the job of humanity as a whole to innovate and support each other in the coming years ahead."

Obediah Ayton, Chief Operating Officer at The Private Investment Group said "Many of the Sovereign Wealth Funds, Multi Family Offices and Private Equity Funds that joined us for UNITE Dubai have a strong appetite currently for companies that are breaking new ground, innovating to create new technologies and also bring the 'human' element into diversification of portfolios. UNITE Dubai and The Private Investment Group are proud to support such initiatives and do all that we can in promoting the UAE and the wider region.

Sharing the UNITE Dubai Ethos of 'Changing The Narrative' The World Humanitarian Forum, discussed topics such as 'Building Forward Better', Victor Friedberg from New Epoch Fund talked about 'The Future of Food and Innovation' and Scott Armstrong, Chief Editor for Arabian Business had the speech around 'The Great Reset & Opportunities Within' touching on important issues like mental health and 'The ROI of Social Good'.

During the evening, a highly select group of businesses and governments from around the world who are changing the narratives in their own sectors joined UNITE Dubai as our proud partners.

ArabianBusiness.com

The Middle East region's premier resource for informed news, features, and commentary covering sectors as construction, banking, technology and leisure in both English and Arabic.

Microsoft for Startups

Microsoft for Startups is a global program dedicated to helping B2B Startups. The program supports qualifying startups across 3 pillars: tech scale their companies, Community Engagement and Market Access.

Grabba

Grabba Secures Identity by transforming the best identity technologies for organisations, nations and people.

Adit Ventures

Adit is a Venture Capital Investment focused on fintech, edtech, IoT, and Big Data/AI that has enjoyed a dozen liquidity events in its seven-year history, including names like Spotify, Palantir, and SoFi.

P4ML,

P4ML focuses on Real-world evidence (RWE) to benefit rare disease patients and families, but also researchers and drug developers working to help this vastly underserved population and to accelerate new medicines, devices, digital tools, and care delivery. P4ML are also the winner of The Entrepreneur Middle East - Awards 2021- 'Most Innovative Medtech Company of the Year' '

RevRoad

RevRoad is a venture services firm with a unique due diligence process spanning over 2 years, that has proven to be very successful, gleaning proprietary market signals to determine which of those companies are primed for investment.

GMM Fund Management

GMM Fund Management is an independent group of fund management companies (UCITS Managers and AIF Managers) authorised and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission.

Invest Cyprus

Invest Cyprus (Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency) is the investment authority of the Government of Cyprus dedicated to attracting and facilitating foreign direct investment into the country.

FlavorGod

FlavorGod is a leading worldwide brand that focuses on food seasonings that are both healthy & all-natural.

TOKHIT

TOKHIT is the first Social Network where Digital Creators can create many Streams of Automated Income with the power of NFT and Blockchain. The Official Launching date for TOKHIT is 22.02.2022.

Welthee

Welthee, is a Decentralized Investment Fund that offers institutions and money managers a disruptive technology for unprecedented risk mitigation methods, diversification through a user-friendly platform.

Media Contact

Casandra Lidel

[email protected]

0585030483

SOURCE The Private Investment Group
Company's Adjusted EBITDA for the Quarter Grows by $332,555 and Gross Profit Grows by 24% Compared to the Same Period in 2020

COCONUT CREEK, Fla., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Upstryve Inc. ("Upstryve" or the "Company"), formerly ProBility Media Corp. ("ProBility") (OTCPK: PBYA), an international education, training and career advancement company with a focus on vocational and skilled trades, today announces its First Quarter results for the period ended August 31st, 2021.

Highlights and Accomplishments from Recent Quarter End August 31, 2021

ProBility Media Corp completed a name change with the State of Nevada. The name change will become effective in the market following FINRA's announcement. In connection with the name change, the Company will request that its trading symbol be changed.

The Company achieved Pink Current Status with OTC Markets

The Company completed the acquisition of Upstryve Inc. (FL).

North American Crane Bureau (NACB) announced a partnership with CM Labs for the opportunity to sell crane simulators to its clients.

NACB officially celebrated 35 years in business.

The Company partnered with Bizfluence Inc, an alternative social media platform for professionals for its Enterprises Direct Messaging and Community group features.

New Customer Contracts for NACB with companies including Tesla, Ford, BAE Systems, Dominion Energy, Westlake Petrochemical and others.

New international partnerships for NACB

Appointment of new corporate officers, including:

Dana Jackson as Chief Operating Officer

as Chief Operating Officer

Lauren Paino as Chief Financial Officer

as Chief Financial Officer

Johanna Viscaino as Chief Marketing Officer

as Chief Marketing Officer

Ori Gross as Chief Information Officer

as Chief Information Officer

Juan Garcia as Chief Learning Officer

as Chief Learning Officer STEM Initiative with CPS Energy by Disco Learning Media Inc. (Disco)

Continued Expansion of partnership with Itron Inc. and Disco

The launch of the Company's Pre-Apprenticeship program

"We are pleased with a strong quarter of growth compared to the same period in 2020." stated Lauren Paino, Chief Financial Officer. "The numbers for the first quarter still factor in some of our customers just beginning to get back to normal pre-Covid-19 shutdowns. We are proud of our continued restructuring of the balance sheet and the reduction of debt including convertible debt."

"NACB is excited to announce continued growth throughout 2021. As we celebrate our 35th anniversary, NACB continues to provide the international community with the best full-service lift equipment training and certifications available today. We've experienced innovation and growth with new clientele here in the United States, overseas and the trend continues." stated Dana Jackson, Chief Operating Officer. "Our returning clientele currently stands in the 90th percentile catapulting referral business across all industries where lift equipment is utilized. Due to this continued growth, we are proud to announce new positions on our Technical Training team. These new positions have been created and filled most recently with a United States military veteran."

"Upstryve is just getting into gear. The response from companies, trade associations and trade professionals are very encouraging." stated Noah Davis, President. "Our mission was and is to become a leader in providing education, training and mentoring to the skilled trades workforce."

The Company was founded based on the movement of test preparation for the trades licensing to remote learning environments. Upstryve uses a tutor network to match students all over the United States with a professional who can provide one on one guidance in obtaining a license in numerous trades.

Upstryve utilizes a mentoring platform to provide early stage aspiring trade professionals and apprentices a career advancement program that offers certificate programs, mentor matching and guidance for job opportunities in the trades.

"In 2021 marketing has become more tech-savvy than ever before. Upstryve is staying up to date with the industry's marketing advance. We have leveled up our ad strategy allowing us to cut spend and produce just as much revenue, yielding better returns then 2020 on our spend." stated Johanna Viscaino, Chief Marketing Officer. "Our top two business driven ads have increased ROI by 21% from 2020 and our reach has expanded by over 100% touching new markets around the United States."

"Supporting the learning process is the bedrock of our mission, and we're pleased with the continued interest we've seen from corporations and organizations that want to partner with us to bring valuable training, tutoring, and upskilling for their employees." stated Juan Garcia, Chief Learning Officer. "Investing in your workforce is the key to productivity and efficiency for your business, and Upstryve's unique programs are designed to support today's modern learners. We're also poised for tremendous growth as the Great Resignation of 2021 pushed over 25 million workers to quit their jobs and seek a career change. We are already the premiere destination for preparing today's trade students for tomorrow's trade careers, and soon, we will be going further as we explore and add renewable energy training programs to our portfolio of resources."

"Disco Learning Media's 2021 growth streak continues as more organizations and institutions embrace the value and benefits of online learning in a post-Covid-19 academic environment. Prior to Covid-19 the technology, resources, and funding were often not available to develop the teaching and learning programs needed to attract and engage today's modern learner. That has quickly changed and we're seeing more opportunities on the horizon as schools and organizations have prioritized online and hybrid learning for students." continued Mr. Garcia.

As a testament to this, Disco is proud to have recently partnered with energy research, media, and XR company Zpryme and CPS Energy, the largest municipally owned electric and natural gas provider in the United States, on a learning standardization project for the new Electrify San Antonio app. Likewise, Disco is currently in negotiations with Texas Executive Education to provide access to the in-depth energy resource, Energy 101, authored by professor and energy expert Dr. Michael E. Webber for an upcoming energy certification course. This new course will help to upskill hundreds of current and upcoming energy industry professionals and to prepare them for the forthcoming surge of clean and renewable energy jobs.

"The combination of ProBility's customer base, reach and proprietary courses with Upstryve's platform places us squarely in the same category as other online tutoring, education and career advancement companies attaining incredible valuations and interested outside capital." continued Mr. Davis.

A reconciliation of the net gain for the quarter ending August 31, 2021 to adjusted EBITDA is below:



Quarter End 8/31/21 Quarter End 8/31/20





Net Gain / Loss $604,536 ($186,085)





Interest 52,346 51,420





PPP Loan Forgiveness (458,992) --





Adjusted EBITDA $197,890 ($134,665)

Financial Highlights

As of August 31, 2021 , the Company's cash and cash equivalents were $134,517 , total assets were $2,561,700 , total liabilities were $5,552,924 and stockholders' equity was a deficit of $2,991,223

, the Company's cash and cash equivalents were , total assets were , total liabilities were and stockholders' equity was a deficit of Revenues for the quarter ended August 31, 2021 , were $2,094,273 representing a increase of $281,349 or 13.43%, from the same period in 2020.

, were representing a increase of or 13.43%, from the same period in 2020. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter ending August 31, 2021 , was $197,890 compared to ($134,665) from the same period in 2020.

, was compared to from the same period in 2020. The Company reduced total liabilities by $1,343,412 or 24.19% for the quarter ending August 31, 2021 , compared to its fiscal year end on May 31, 2021 .

or 24.19% for the quarter ending , compared to its fiscal year end on . Convertible notes were reduced from $2,769,407 to $1,815,415 during the three months from May 31, 2021 to August 31, 2021 .

Key Financial Subsequent Events

The Company further reduced convertible debt after August 31, 2021 , to $1,543,530 with a portion of this debt only convertible into a fixed priced at $0.15 , which is out of the money.

One Exam Prep Financial Highlights

One Exam Prep turned an operating profit of $74,263 for the quarter ending August 31, 2021 , compared to ($176,373) for the same period in 2020. This represented a net gain of $250,636 .

for the quarter ending , compared to for the same period in 2020. This represented a net gain of . Publishing revenue increased by 301% with $106,618 in revenue compared to the same period with $35,386 in 2020.

in revenue compared to the same period with in 2020. Gross Profit increased by 19.41% with $654,352 for the quarter ending August 31, 2021 , compared to a $547,985 gross profit in 2020. The main driver was the decrease in Cost of Goods Sold by 40% in 2021 compared to the same period in 2020.

North American Crane Bureau Financial Highlights

North American Crane Bureau Group (NACB) turned an operating income of $102,153 for the quarter ending August 31, 2021 , compared to ($57,442) for the same period in 2020. This represented a increase of $159,595 in operating profit compared to the same period in 2020.

for the quarter ending , compared to for the same period in 2020. This represented a increase of in operating profit compared to the same period in 2020. On Site Revenue, a key indicator for training with large corporate clients increased by 85.70% for the quarter ending August 31, 2021 , compared to the same period in 2020. The increase in NACB's largest source of revenue represents a key indicator that large corporate clients are restarting their contracts for training.

, compared to the same period in 2020. The increase in NACB's largest source of revenue represents a key indicator that large corporate clients are restarting their contracts for training. Classroom revenue, representing training classes held at NACB's locations, increased by 110.72%. NACB has increased its access to classroom training at multiple partner locations in 2021. These classes require hands on training.

Disco Learning Media Inc Financial Highlights

Disco Learning Media (Disco) revenue increased by 11.18% for the quarter ending August 31, 2021 , compared to the same period in 2020.

, compared to the same period in 2020. Disco's operating profit fell to $8,308 for the quarter ending August 31, 2021 , compared to $67,716 for the same period in 2020.

Upstryve Inc. (FL) Financial Highlights

Upstryve Inc. did not have a prior period in 2020 to compare to because of its formation in late 2020.

Upstryve Inc. turned an operating profit of $65,785 for the quarter ending August 31, 2021 and continues to see growth in revenue on a month by month basis.

About Upstryve Inc., formerly ProBility Media Corp

Upstryve is an international education, training, and career advancement company with a focus on vocational and skilled trades headquartered in southern Florida. Upstryve operates through its four brands including Upstryve, One Exam Prep, North American Crane Bureau Group and Disco Learning Media.

Upstryve is the only tutoring platform dedicated to providing aspiring trade professionals an affordable all-encompassing learning experience. Upstryve provides 1 on 1 contractor license exam preparation for professionals to confidently pass their state or national exams and obtain their contractor license. One Exam Prep provides licensing assistance and online test preparation for contractors throughout the United States. North American Crane Bureau Group (NACB) conducts over 400 safety programs each year all over the world for safety, rigging and crane training. NACB holds a federal accreditation under 29CFR part 1919, Cal/OSHA accreditation under Title 8, and is recognized by several states entities as being qualified to conduct lift equipment inspection / certification and / or operator training. Disco Learning Media specializes in eCourse development, program management, and consulting for learning experiences. For more information, visit www.upstryve.com/investors

Forward-Looking Statements

This Press Release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements reflect the Company's current beliefs and are based upon information currently available to it. Accordingly, such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the Company's actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or advise in the event of any change, addition or alteration to the information included in this Press Release including such forward-looking statements, except as required by federal securities laws.

SOURCE Probility Media Corp.

Related Links

http://www.ProBilityMedia.com


Veterans and Military Families express concerns over mental health after Afghanistan withdrawal. Tweet this

This mental health crisis has rippling effects. It impacts the loved ones of those who have served. Imagine having lost a family member in this conflict and then struggling with thoughts that their loss was in vain. Sadly, too often care for others tangentially effected by a loved one's service remains outside the reach of existing institutions. It is our strong belief that by at least addressing the issue where possible, others who are impacted may well experience a degree of consolation.

A related aspect of the pullout further complicates the situation. The potential for non-Americans who assisted veterans in performing their duties to be left behind adds to the emotional distress. Veterans may experience profound feelings of guilt for any harm done to friendly individuals who cooperated and assisted in the mission. This too is unacceptable on several different levels. It is simply wrong and immoral to endanger individuals who put themselves at risk to assist the United States. Veterans should not have the added burden of concern for individuals in whom they placed their trust and safety during their tour of duty. Abandonment of these individuals sets a horrible precedent for future conflicts as it will inevitably discourage future cooperation and endanger both the mission and the safety of U.S. servicemen and missions.

VMFP strongly encourages all relevant government agencies and veterans service organizations to immediately implement the following:

Direct financial resources and social services to assist veterans in coping with psychological issues associated with the pullout.

Demand that government officials provide for the well-being of non-Americans who assisted American servicemen and women in their service, whether they are at the airport in Kabul or in the rural areas.

Media Contact: Matthew Cary, [email protected]

SOURCE Veterans and Military Families for Progress

Related Links

http://www.vmfp.org


DALLAS, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Water Cooler at Pegasus Park is pleased to introduce the next group of organizations that will office within the nonprofit, philanthropic and social-impact community at Pegasus Park, a mixed-use office campus that bolsters social impact, corporate innovation and local biotech. The tenants were selected after completing a competitive application process last summer.

The nonprofit tenants include Aspire , Big Thought , Carson Leslie Foundation , Circuit Trail Conservancy , City Year , Education is Freedom , Grant Halliburton Foundation , Junior Achievement of Dallas , Keep America Beautiful , Leukemia Texas , Philanthropy Southwest , Social Venture Partners Dallas, Texas Trees Foundation , TexProtects , and The Trust for Public Land .

This group will be joining Water Cooler's five founding tenants - Commit Partnership , The Dallas Foundation , The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation , United to Learn and Uplift Education . The Dallas Foundation and Uplift Education moved into their office spaces within Water Cooler at Pegasus Park in the summer of this year.

Many of the organizations work on a national, regional and statewide scale and focus on key issues spanning from environmental preservation, mental health, workforce development, medical research, early childhood development, literacy, K-12 education, social justice, and more. The majority of the nonprofits will move to Pegasus Park in early 2022.

"We are excited to soon welcome this impressive list of tenants to Water Cooler at Pegasus Park," says founder Lyda Hill. "We have long believed that co-locating a diverse group of exceptional nonprofits could help advance inter-agency collaboration to solve some of the most challenging community problems. Water Cooler is about empowering nonprofits with state-of-the-art office facilities, along with resources and services designed to help them accelerate their impact. We are honored to provide the ingredients and cannot wait to see what they will do together."

Approximately 175,000 square feet of space spanning five floors in the main 18-story tower on Pegasus Park's campus is dedicated to Water Cooler. This social impact hub offers flexible office space at subsidized rent rates, access to more than $5 million in grant funds for furniture and infrastructure, and free or low-cost amenities and services designed to accelerate the organizations' respective missions such as the Catchafire program. The office space includes a mix of full and partial-floor tenants and a co-working suite for smaller organizations. Space options vary to accommodate the specific needs of each of the best-in-class nonprofits. Water Cooler tenants will have special access to the 16,000-square-foot, on-site Convene conference center for events and meetings. Other premium-level amenities include options for both free and reserved parking for tenants, ample parking for visitors, access to on-site event/meeting planning and catering services, on-site restaurant and coffee shop, access to free or low-cost on-site storage, and a fitness center.

Water Cooler at Pegasus Park is sponsored by Lyda Hill Philanthropies, in partnership with J. Small Investments, and is among the largest nonprofit shared spaces in the country. The mission of the community is to help enable the Dallas social services sector to be one of the most effective in the nation by offering a world-class shared space to help organizations attract and retain talent, improve organizations' collaboration, reduce administrative costs by providing more predictable leases, and create more visibility around the social problems that need to be solved.

Leighton Watts is the Director of the Water Cooler at Pegasus Park and will manage operations and work alongside the nonprofits for programming, capacity building and collaboration opportunities. The Dallas Foundation, in addition to being one of the five founding tenants, will administer the programming and services for tenants. Matthew Randazzo, President and CEO of The Dallas Foundation, says, "Although The Dallas Foundation is early in its tenancy at Water Cooler, we have already engaged in interesting conversations and collaboration with other partners on campus. The opportunities to make Dallas a better, more equitable place will be limitless at this new social impact hub."

Pegasus Park is a 23-acre, mixed-use office campus designed to bolster local biotech, social impact and corporate innovation. The campus consists of more than 750,000 square feet across multiple buildings and features state-of-the-art facilities and amenities. It is located at 3000 Pegasus Park Drive, between the Dallas Design District and the Southwestern Medical District, and is just minutes away from downtown Dallas, offering a central location for networking with convenient access to two major domestic and international airports, DART light rail trains and buses, North Texas toll roads and interstates.

For more information, visit www.pegasuspark.com .

About Lyda Hill Philanthropies

Lyda Hill Philanthropies encompasses the charitable giving for founder Lyda Hill and includes her foundation and personal philanthropy. The organization is committed to funding transformational advances in science and nature, empowering nonprofit organizations and improving the Texas and Colorado communities. Because Miss Hill has a fervent belief that "science is the answer" to many of life's most challenging issues, she has chosen to donate the entirety of her estate to philanthropy and scientific research.

About J. Small Investments

J. Small Investments is a real estate investment, management and brokerage firm located in Dallas, Texas. Founded in 1997, JSI specializes in value-add investments and identifying unique properties in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, with a special expertise in the Love Field, Medical District and Stemmons Corridor submarkets.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Allison Rhodes

Office: 214.352.5980

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Water Cooler at Pegasus Park

Related Links

http://www.pegasuspark.com


BENTON HARBOR, Mich., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR), committed to being the best global kitchen and laundry company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home, will release its third-quarter financial results and presentation materials at 4:05 p.m. ET on Thursday, October 21, 2021. Whirlpool Corporation will then hold a conference call to discuss its performance with the investment community at 8 a.m. ET on Friday, October 22, 2021.

To participate in the conference call, dial 1 (888) 440-4038 and Conference ID 2610251. International participants should dial 1 (646) 960-0861 and Conference ID 2610251. Participants should dial in at least 10 minutes prior to the call, as they may experience longer than usual wait times.

The conference call will be webcast live on the Company's web site at www.whirlpoolcorp.com and may be accessed by clicking on the "Investors" tab located at the top of the page. To listen to the live webcast, participants should visit the site at least 15 minutes prior to the conference call to download any required streaming media software. Key financial statistics, the earnings presentation, and an archived recording of the conference call will be available on the Company's web site for at least 30 days.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is committed to being the best global kitchen and laundry company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. In an increasingly digital world, the company is driving purposeful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, JennAir, Indesit and Yummly. In 2020, the company reported approximately $19 billion in annual sales, 78,000 employees and 57 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.

Website Disclosure

We routinely post important information for investors on our website, WhirlpoolCorp.com, in the "Investors" section. We also intend to update the Hot Topics Q&A portion of this webpage as a means of disclosing material, non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Accordingly, investors should monitor the Investors section of our website, in addition to following our press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, presentations and webcasts. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, our webpage is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this document.

SOURCE Whirlpool Corporation

Related Links

http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com


LONDON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading next-gen payments platform Wirex is white labelling its unique hybrid fiat and crypto services for the first time. The white label solution enables businesses across the fintech, DeFi, banking and crypto industries to benefit from the company's innovative technologically-advanced and compliance-ready products and features.

Following dramatic growth in the crypto and DeFi market over the past year, there has been an astronomical increase in demand for DeFi projects that are integrated with traditional financial infrastructure. With a seven-year track record of payments innovation, Wirex are perfectly positioned to meet this demand. The company has developed a world-class product that allows users to buy, hold, exchange and spend multiple traditional and cryptocurrencies using a single, intuitive platform and debit card. The Wirex platform also offers easy access to DeFi-powered savings features with none of the associated user complexity or cost.

There are few other businesses in the crypto space that are capable of white labelling a combined crypto-and-traditional-currency solution  and with nearly 4 million customers across 130 countries having thoroughly-battle tested Wirex's products and services, a high level of interest in the white label solution has been generated already. The London-based fintech leverages a long-standing reputation for innovation, experience, security and regulatory compliance; their use of next-generation technology recently saw Wirex awarded the FSTech 'Cryptoasset Innovation of the Year' prize.

As both the first company to develop a crypto-enabled debit card and crypto rewards programme and the first crypto-native company to achieve principal membership of Mastercard, Wirex has made its mark on the industry. The fintech is also renowned for its unwavering commitment to customer security, working with trusted partners such as Fireblocks, Chainalysis, ZeroHash and Elliptic. Its knowledgeable and diligent in-house Compliance team endeavours to secure the appropriate licences where they exist - and applies gold-plated regulatory standards where they don't - making the use of Wirex services attractive for businesses seeking hybrid crypto and fiat solutions based on extensive experience, expertise and existing licences.

The crypto-enabled Visa/Mastercard card product allows for instant crypto-to-fiat conversion, providing a real-time rate and seamless user experience. Similarly, Wirex's native WXT token is deeply integrated into the platform, acting as a universal loyalty scheme for customers with up to 2% Cryptoback rewards on any purchases made. One of the company's most popular features is X-Accounts, a revolutionary savings tool that allows for DeFi-generated high yield of up to 16% AER interest on both fiat and digital assets. White labelling the X-Accounts represents a huge opportunity for traditional financial institutions and fintechs to give their customers uncomplicated, inexpensive access to DeFi benefits.

Pavel Matveev, CEO and Co-Founder of Wirex, says "We expect there to be a huge demand for this service, as most of the white-label solutions from crypto companies like ours only offer the fiat side. We have always combined best-in-class expertise and technology to enable everyday users to have straightforward access to the benefits of crypto, and with our white labelling solution, we can enable the customers of crypto and DeFi projects, traditional financial banks and institutions, and fintech companies around the world to experience the same."

For further information and to express interest in Wirex's white-label solution, please get in touch via email [email protected]

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 |

SOURCE Wirex

Related Links

wirexapp.com


JACKSON, Wis., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Wisconsin Pharmacal Company, a leading manufacturer and distributor of OTC Health/First Aid and Outdoor/Safety products, celebrates 125 years in the pharmaceutical industry.

Wisconsin Pharmacal Company (WPC) was founded in 1896 on Water Street in Milwaukee Wisconsin. From the Water Street location, to New Berlin, to its current location in Jackson, Wisconsin, WPC has grown from a small cooperative for Wisconsin drug stores to a leading manufacturer of brands in the outdoor, safety, health and first aid markets. "We are thrilled to be celebrating 125 years with everything that has occurred the last two years," commented John Wundrock, CEO of Wisconsin Pharmacal. "We pride ourselves on our partnerships, our innovation, and ability to adapt and overcome. Over the years we have developed innovative health and safety products and outdoor protection products that have made life safer and healthier for our consumers." Andrew Wundrock, President of Wisconsin Pharmacal states "125 years is an amazing accomplishment for Wisconsin Pharmacal. It speaks to the quality of the organization, our products, and most importantly the people who helped us achieve the goal. We look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence for years to come."

"Wisconsin Pharmacal has survived a number of challenges, including: The Great Depression, stock market turbulence, fires, labor shortages, and country wide shutdowns. Despite all of those challenges, we still continue to thrive." Continues Wundrock. "The key to it all has been the hundreds of employees that we have had over the years. We would be nothing without them and I can never thank them enough."

The company will celebrate this milestone anniversary with its employees on Friday, October 15th. The celebration will include an employee appreciation lunch, raffle prizes, and commemorative shirts for every employee.

About Wisconsin Pharmacal

Wisconsin Pharmacal is a diversified consumer products company that is FDA & EPA registered and manufactures and distributes long-established brands in the OTC Health/First Aid and Outdoor/Safety markets. Among its well-known brands are vH Essentials Feminine Health Products, MG217 Psoriasis/Eczema/ First Aid Products, Potable Aqua Water Purification Products, Sting-Eze Insect Bite Relief Products, Persani Instant Hand Sanitizer and Baitmate Fish Attractants. Wisconsin Pharmacal is also the official licensee of Coleman Insect Repellents and Coleman First Aid Products. In addition to its own portfolio of branded products, the company also provides strategic contract manufacturing services and unique consumer product formulations / product delivery systems for a growing number of store-branded and private label consumer products for customers such as CVS, Walgreens, Rite-Aide and Wal-Mart.

For more information, please visit www.pharmacalway.com and www.lakeconsumer.com

Media Contact

Shannon Wietor

Wisconsin Pharmacal Company, LLC

[email protected]

262-677-7135

SOURCE Wisconsin Pharmacal Company

Related Links

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DUBLIN, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Airport Information Systems Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2021-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global airport information systems market exhibited moderate growth during 2015-2020. An airport information system (AIS) refers to a collection of various technological solutions that are majorly used for displaying flight information to passengers at the airports. It uses electronic or mechanical television screens that are located around the terminal, while the virtual versions of the systems are displayed on the website of the airports. AIS includes the airport operation control center (AOCC) that is responsible for cargo handling, flight dispatch, maintenance management and crew management, along with the departure control system (DCS) that is responsible for passenger check-in and boarding, weather monitoring and flight information display.



Significant growth in the aviation industry is one of the key factors driving the growth of the market. Furthermore, the integration of AIS with various advanced technologies, such as near-field communications, video analytics, geolocation, thermal sensors and 3D face recognition, at airport terminals across the globe, is also providing a boost to the market growth. Authorities are employing these solutions to streamline operations and enhance the overall experience of the passengers.

Additionally, the widespread adoption of baggage handling systems is acting as another growth-inducing factor. For instance, various airlines are introducing innovative baggage tag devices that are attached to the luggage for assisting in tracking and handling operations at the airport. Other factors, including the rising demand for self-service and automated processes, along with increasing investments to improve the existing infrastructure at the airports, are projected to drive the market further. Looking forward, the publisher expects the global airport information systems market to grow at a CAGR of 3.4% during 2021-2026.

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined with some of the key players being Advantech Co. Ltd., Airport Information Systems, Amadeus IT Group, CGI Inc., Damarel Systems International Limited, Exelis Inc., IBM Corporation, Ikusi, Indra Sistemas, Inform GmbH, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, RESA, Rockwell Collins, Siemens AG, SITA, TAV Technologies, Thales Group, Ultra Electronics, etc.



Key Questions Answered in This Report:

How has the global airport information systems market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?

What are the key regional markets in the global airport information systems industry?

What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global airport information systems industry?

What is the breakup of the market based on the type?

What is the breakup of the market based on the system?

What is the breakup of the market based on the airport?

What is the breakup of the market based on the end-use?

What is the breakup of the market based on the cost?

What is the breakup of the market based on the application?

What are the various stages in the value chain of the industry?

What are the key driving factors and challenges in the industry?

What is the structure of the global airport information systems 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 Airport Information Systems Market

5.1 Market Overview

5.2 Market Performance

5.3 Impact of COVID-19

5.4 Market Forecast



6 Market Breakup by Type

6.1 Terminal Side

6.1.1 Market Trends

6.1.2 Market Forecast

6.2 Air Side

6.2.1 Market Trends

6.2.2 Market Forecast



7 Market Breakup by System

7.1 Airport Operation Control Center

7.1.1 Market Trends

7.1.2 Market Forecast

7.2 Departure Control System

7.2.1 Market Trends

7.2.2 Market Forecast



8 Market Breakup by Airport

8.1 Class A Airports

8.1.1 Market Trends

8.1.2 Market Forecast

8.2 Class B Airports

8.2.1 Market Trends

8.2.2 Market Forecast

8.3 Class C Airports

8.3.1 Market Trends

8.3.2 Market Forecast

8.4 Others

8.4.1 Market Trends

8.4.2 Market Forecast



9 Market Breakup by End-Use

9.1 Passenger Systems

9.1.1 Market Trends

9.1.2 Market Forecast

9.2 Non-Passenger Systems

9.2.1 Market Trends

9.2.2 Market Forecast



10 Market Breakup by Cost

10.1 Operating Cost

10.1.1 Market Trends

10.1.2 Market Forecast

10.2 Procurement Cost

10.2.1 Market Trends

10.2.2 Market Forecast

10.3 Integration Cost

10.3.1 Market Trends

10.3.2 Market Forecast



11 Market Breakup by Application

11.1 Finance & Operations

11.1.1 Market Trends

11.1.2 Market Forecast

11.2 Maintenance

11.2.1 Market Trends

11.2.2 Market Forecast

11.3 Ground Handling

11.3.1 Market Trends

11.3.2 Market Forecast

11.4 Security

11.4.1 Market Trends

11.4.2 Market Forecast

11.5 Others

11.5.1 Market Trends

11.5.2 Market Forecast



12 Market Breakup by Region



13 SWOT Analysis



14 Value Chain Analysis



15 Porters Five Forces Analysis



16 Competitive Landscape

16.1 Market Structure

16.2 Key Players

16.3 Profiles of Key Players

16.3.1 Advantech Co. Ltd.

16.3.1.1 Company Overview

16.3.1.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.1.3 Financials

16.3.2 Airport Information Systems

16.3.2.1 Company Overview

16.3.2.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.2.3 Financials

16.3.3 Amadeus IT Group

16.3.3.1 Company Overview

16.3.3.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.3.3 Financials

16.3.4 CGI Inc.

16.3.4.1 Company Overview

16.3.4.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.5 Damarel Systems International Limited

16.3.5.1 Company Overview

16.3.5.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.6 Exelis Inc.

16.3.6.1 Company Overview

16.3.6.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.7 IBM Corporation

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 Ikusi

16.3.8.1 Company Overview

16.3.8.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.8.3 Financials

16.3.9 Indra Sistemas

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 Inform GmbH

16.3.10.1 Company Overview

16.3.10.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.11 Lockheed Martin

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 Northrop Grumman

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 RESA

16.3.13.1 Company Overview

16.3.13.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.14 Rockwell Collins

16.3.14.1 Company Overview

16.3.14.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.15 Siemens AG

16.3.15.1 Company Overview

16.3.15.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.15.3 Financials

16.3.15.4 SWOT Analysis

16.3.16 SITA

16.3.16.1 Company Overview

16.3.16.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.17 TAV Technologies

16.3.17.1 Company Overview

16.3.17.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.18 Thales Group

16.3.18.1 Company Overview

16.3.18.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.19 Ultra Electronics

16.3.19.1 Company Overview

16.3.19.2 Product Portfolio

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/34w00s

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



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The advocacy campaign, which kicked off on Sunday, October 10, in honor of California's Blue Light Awareness Day, will continue through World Sight Day on October 14, and cumulate at the end of October. As a pivotal month for digital eye safety, ZAGG and Eyesafe have created educational materials to share with the public through their respective social media channels, PR, email, and websites.

The campaign focuses on the steps consumers can take to safeguard against prolonged exposure to blue light, as well as the short-and-long-term risks to our eyes and health. It brings in relevant and timely data from UnitedHealthcare and Eyesafe's Screen Time 2020 Report, which revealed 94% of eye doctors are concerned about prolonged exposure to digital devices. World-renowned doctors from the Eyesafe Vision Health Advisory Board contributed articles and responded to questions around blue light exposure, which can be found at bluelightawarenessday.org. In addition, social media influencer Natalie Zfat created a video to share with her half a million followers on social media. She has worked with the likes of LinkedIn, Facebook, and Samsung, and is a regular contributor to Forbes magazine.

"Blue light awareness increased with COVID-19, as people shifted to remote work and distance learning," says Eyesafe CEO Justin Barrett. "Even so, we know there is more work to be done to educate the public about the potential health risks from high-energy blue light exposure. With screen time tipping 13 hours a day, it is more important than ever to take proactive safety measures in reducing our exposure to high-energy visible blue light."

"We're proud of our strong partnership with Eyesafe over the years," said Chris Ahern. "As mobile devices continue to play a significant part of our lives, we feel a deep responsibility to educate the public and provide them with diverse screen protection products to help them mitigate the risks of exposure to blue light."

Blue Light Awareness Day, recognized on October 10 in California, resulted from the 2019 passing of SCR-73, a landmark resolution which outlined the growing body of evidence and scientific research related to the long-term health impacts of extended exposure to blue light emissions from digital devices.1 Within the resolution, the State encouraged all its citizens, particularly children whose eyes are still developing, to consider taking protective safety measures in reducing eye exposure to high-energy visible blue light. Additionally, the resolution designated the 10th of October as "Blue Light Awareness Day" in the state of California.

Since California's landmark resolution, other global bodies have followed suit. In May, the French Ministry of the Ecological Transition announced a new measure to limit blue light on toys having LEDs for children by 2022. The measure aims to protect the health of children under the age of 10, who do not have a fully developed crystalline lens. According to the Minister of Ecological Transition, the effects would be multiple, from the creation or accentuation of myopia, to sleep disturbances.

In September, China's National Press and Publication Administration published new rules for kids and teens under 18 years old, limiting their online video game time to three hours per week. These new restrictions are a continuation of China's efforts over the last 10 years to police the amount of time young people spend on video games. This originally stemmed from possible health concerns but was later expanded due to anti-addiction measures.

For more information about the Blue Light advocacy campaign, please click here.

About Eyesafe

Eyesafe brings together world leaders in healthcare and consumer electronics to develop industry leading requirements for high-energy visible light (HEVL) and color performance that are based in human health. Eyesafe provides industry-leading technology to reduce high-energy blue light in consumer electronics, helping to re-design displays for human health. Eyesafe technology and standards were developed by a world-class team of eye doctors, engineers, and scientists, with decades of experience in electronics, display materials, and light management. Eyesafe recently ranked #5 in the computer hardware category in Inc. Magazine's 2021 list of the 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America. To learn more, visit https://eyesafe.com.

About ZAGG

As a global leader and innovator for screen protection, protective cases, tablet keyboards, and power management solutions, ZAGG delivers 360-degree protection for the devices that connect people to their world. ZAGG draws inspiration from those who passionately seek active, creative, and share-worthy lives and empowers them to fearlessly enjoy their mobile devices. ZAGG is based in Utah and has operations in the United States, Ireland, and China. With more than 250 million devices protected globally, ZAGG mobile accessories are available worldwide and can be found at leading retailers including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target. For more information, please visit the company's website at ZAGG.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Media Contacts:

Jeff DuBois, [email protected]

Arick Wierson, [email protected]



1 Summary of Blue Light Research, https://eyesafe.com/research

SOURCE Eyesafe

Related Links

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Washington, Oct 14 : US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday warned that the US would turn to "other options" if diplomacy fails to curb Iran's nuclear programme, saying "time is running short".

Blinken on Wednesday met with his counterparts of Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the State Department over bilateral and trilateral cooperation as well as regional security issues, including Iran, Xinhua news agency reported.

During a joint press conference after their trilateral meeting, Blinken reiterated that diplomacy is the most effective way to ensure that Iran would not develop a nuclear weapon.

"We are prepared to turn to other options if Iran doesn't change course," he said.

The United States and Iranian officials began indirect talks in Vienna this April to restore the 2015 nuclear agreement, formally knowns as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The two sides still have significant differences after six rounds of negotiations, which have been suspended since June.

"I'm not going to put a specific date on it, but with every passing day and Iran's refusal to engage in good faith, the runway gets short," he said.

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid told reporters that the concern about Iran's nuclear capability was at the center of his visit. "Israel reserves the right to act at any given moment in any way" to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, he said.

The former Donald Trump administration withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in May 2018 and unilaterally re-imposed old and new sanctions on Iran. In response, Iran has gradually stopped implementing parts of its commitments to the deal since May 2019.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said on Tuesday that Iran's actions "will be commensurate with the steps of other parties" in future talks aimed at reviving the nuclear deal.

The Wednesday meeting of the top diplomats came shortly after the first anniversary of the normalization between Israel and the UAE, which was brokered by the United States last summer.

UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said at the press conference that he would soon visit Israel at Lapid's invitation, calling for new areas of cooperation between two countries.

The three countries are launching two trilateral working groups on religious coexistence and water and energy issues, according to Blinken.

He also reaffirmed that the Joe Biden administration supports a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians and will move forward with its plan to reopen a consulate in Jerusalem to deepen ties with the Palestinians, a move that the Israeli government opposed.
Washington, Oct 14 : US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned that Washington would turn to "other options" if diplomacy fails to curb Iran's nuclear program, saying "time is running short".

Blinken on Wednesday met with his counterparts of Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the State Department over bilateral and trilateral cooperation as well as regional security issues, including Iran, reports Xinhua news agency.

During a joint press conference after their trilateral meeting, Blinken reiterated that diplomacy is the most effective way to ensure that Iran would not develop a nuclear weapon.

"We are prepared to turn to other options if Iran doesn't change course," he said.

The US and Iranian officials began indirect talks in Vienna this April to restore the 2015 nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The two sides still have significant differences after six rounds of negotiations, which have been suspended since June.

"I'm not going to put a specific date on it, but with every passing day and Iran's refusal to engage in good faith, the runway gets short," he said.

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid told reporters that the concern about Iran's nuclear capability was at the centre of his visit.

"Israel reserves the right to act at any given moment in any way" to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, he said.

The former Donald Trump administration withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in May 2018 and unilaterally re-imposed old and new sanctions on Iran.

In response, Iran has gradually stopped implementing parts of its commitments to the deal since May 2019.

On Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said Tehran's actions "will be commensurate with the steps of other parties" in future talks aimed at reviving the nuclear deal.

The Wednesday meeting of the top diplomats came shortly after the first anniversary of the normalisation between Israel and the UAE, which was brokered by the US last summer.

UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said at the press conference that he would soon visit Israel at Lapid's invitation, calling for new areas of cooperation between two countries.

The three countries are launching two trilateral working groups on religious coexistence and water and energy issues, according to Blinken.

He also reaffirmed that the Joe Biden administration supports a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians and will move forward with its plan to reopen a consulate in Jerusalem to deepen ties with the Palestinians, a move that the Israeli government opposed.
Ayodhya, Oct 14 : One person was killed and three injured when assailants opened fire inside a Durga Puja pandal in Ayodhya's Faizabad Kotwali area, according to the police.

SSP Ayodhya Shailesh Pandey said that assailants arrived in two motorbikes at the Neel Godam puja pandal on Wednesday night and opened fire at the victim, Manjit Yadav, who died on the spot.

Two minor girls and a youth sitting beside him received bullet injuries and are being treated at a local hospital. Both have been referred to KGMU Trauma Centre in Lucknow.

Commotion broke out inside the pandal after the incident and the assailants left their bikes and fled the scene.

Both the bikes have been seized and one suspect has been apprehended and is being interrogated.

Meanwhile, ADG Lucknow Zone S.N. Sabat said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the incident was a fallout of a personal enmity.

Pandey said that the deceased had an altercation with a person earlier in the day.

Four teams have been set up to work out the incident at the earliest.
New Delhi, Oct 14 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Ghulam Nabi Azad were together in two programmes of the party -- first in the photo exhibition of Bangladesh War and second during the delegation meeting with President Ram Nath Kovind.

The 'perfect picture' is a sign of relief for the party ahead of the Congress working committee meeting (CWC) which is slated on Saturday. Azad was the one who wrote to interim chief Sonia Gandhi to call the CWC meet.

The truce is being worked out behind the scenes with Priyanaka Gandhi VAdra leading the charge of reaching out to the leaders from the G-23.

Senior Congress leader Kamal Nath has been talking to the dissenting group and Priyanka has also been trying to reach out to the G-23 by involving Bhupinder Hooda's son Deepender Hooda with her protest on Lakhimpur Kheri violence. She also took the junior Hooda to Varanasi for her rally.

The sign of truce emerged from the Congress delegation heading to meet President Ram Nath Kovind to submit a memorandum on the Lakhimpur Kheri incident. The delegation included Ghulam Nabi Azad along with Rahul Gandhi, which is rare since the G-23 wrote the letter a year ago. Azad is one among the G-23 leaders.

The Congress has been mired with internal rift since August 2020 last year when a letter was written to Sonia Gandhi for visible and effective leadership. Last month Ghulam Nabi Azad again wrote a letter to Sonia Gandhi for calling CWC meet, and now the Congress high command has called the meeting on October 16.

Senior party leader Kapil Sibal had recently said: "There is no president in our party, so we do not know who is taking all the decisions. We know it, yet we don't know, one of my senior colleagues perhaps has written or is about to write to the interim president to immediately convene a CWC meeting so that a dialogue can be initiated." But after the Lakhimpur Kheri incident, the G-23 has toned down its statements. One of the G-23 leaders Anand Sharma has been all praise for the Gandhis. He has commended Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka's "courageous act of compassion and solidarity with farmers whose sons were killed".
Lalitpur : , Oct 14 (IANS) The Lalitpur police has provided security to the 17-year-old girl who lodged a rape case against 28 persons, including her father and some Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) functionaries.

Lalitpur Superintendent of Police Nikhil Pathak said, "The medical report has confirmed that the girl was raped. After her statement under section 164 on Wednesday, we have constituted five teams to arrest the named accused. Her father has already been arrested and is being interrogated." Meanwhile, the incident has led to a huge political furore in the city after the report was lodged.

Various local leaders of the SP and BSP approached the authorities and submitted a memorandum claiming the allegation as false.

On Tuesday, the 17-year-old girl had lodged a report against 28 persons, including her father and office-bearers of SP and BSP along with some close relatives, for raping her for the past few years.
San Francisco, Oct 14 : 'Star Trek' fame William Shatner, who, at 90, has become the world's oldest astronaut so far, broke down in tears as he came back from his space trip and said that it was "extraordinary".

Shatner has broken the record of aviation pioneer Wally Funk, who, at 83, became the oldest person to have ever flown to space. The booster and capsule of the fully automated and reusable New Shepard rocket landed separately, with the capsule landing in the west Texas desert with the help of parachutes within minutes of their launch to space.

Speaking to Amazon founder and Blue Origin CEO Jeff Bezos after the flight, he said: "I'm so filled with emotion about what just happened. It's extraordinary, extraordinary.

"I hope I can maintain what I feel now. I don't want to lose it. It's so much larger than me and life." Shatner added that it was the most "profound experience I can imagine." The 'Star Trek' actor hailed the trip as a "life-changing" moment.

He said in a livestream video of the event: "It's life-changing in its way, not because of the aerial adventure, but because of the people I'm meeting.

"We're just at the beginning, but how miraculous that beginning is -- how extraordinary it is to be part of that beginning." The crew made it up to an altitude of around 66 miles on the suborbital flight, and felt weightlessness.

But just a matter of minutes later, they began their descent and their capsule headed back down to Earth. The crew touched down in the desert at a speed of around 15mph.

It was later confirmed the astronauts were all OK following the flight, and a recovery team was sent in to get them out of the capsule.

Jeff opened the hatch first so they could disembark, and the billionaire shouted: "Welcome to Earth!"
Bengaluru, Oct 14 : The Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Department in Karnataka has ordered the officers to conduct a survey of both official and non-official Christian missionaries functioning in the state, according to sources.

The order is being issued in the backdrop of discussion of rampant religious conversions in the state. The decision was taken in the meeting held at Vikasa Soudha on Wednesday by the Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Committee.

Legislators Goolihatti Shekar, Puttaranga Setty, B.M. Farooq, Virupakshappa Bellary, Ashok Naik and others took part in the meeting and discussed the matter. The committee also discussed the facilities availed by the missionaries from the government. The committee also discussed the registration of Christian missionaries.

The committee members have suggested withdrawing government facilities to those who get converted. BJP MLA Goolihatti Shekar stated that according to preliminary information available, 40 per cent of the Churches functioning in the state are unofficial. "Statistics are being gathered in this regard. The committee discussed unofficial missionaries operating in the state," he added.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has reiterated that the government will bring anti-conversion law to impose a ban on forceful conversion activities in the state. "The government is studying laws implemented in this regard by the various state governments in the country. The law in this regard will be enacted soon in Karnataka," he said.

BJP MLA Goolihatti Shekar had raised the issue of religious conversions on the floor of the Assembly during the Monsoon Session. He claimed that his mother was converted without his knowledge, and the Christian missionaries foisted false atrocity and rape cases on those who questioned their conversion activities. He has also initiated 'Ghar wapsi', an initiative to facilitate conversions of Christians to Hinduism.
Lucknow, Oct 14 : A Chief Judicial Magistrate court in Lucknow has sentenced four accused to five years imprisonment after finding them guilty of planning terror activities and instigating youths to take up arms.

A fine of Rs 14,000 on each of the convicts has also been imposed by the court on Wednesday.

All the four persons were arrested by the UP ATS from different parts of the country in 2017.

Out of the four convicts, Mohd Faizan and Mohd Nazim are from Bijnor. One of the accused is from West Champaran in Bihar and the other from Unnao in Uttar Pradesh.

According to a statement released by the UP ATS, "The special judge ADJ (3) found them guilty of harming the internal and external security of the nation by fragmenting the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country." According to Additional DG (law and order) Prashant Kumar, "The arrest was a major breakthrough for security agencies as the four accused were nabbed at a time when they were planning terror attacks by involving and instigating youths. They were also found with explosives and illegal weapons."
Washington, Oct 14 : The Covid-19 pandemic will leave a lasting mark on inequality, poverty, and government finances, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in its Fiscal Monitor, warning against a great financing divide.

Global debt, which includes both public and non-financial private sector debt, jumped by 14 per cent to a record high of $226 trillion in 2020 as policymakers responded to the pandemic, and public debt now amounts to $88 trillion, close to 100 per cent of global gross domestic product (GDP), Xinhua news agency quoted the IMF as saying on Wednesday.

In 2021 and 2022, public debt is expected to decline by about 1 percentage point of GDP each year; after that, it should stabilize at about 97 per cent of GDP, the report showed.

In advanced economies, fiscal policy remains supportive of economic activity and employment, while in emerging markets and low-income developing countries, fiscal support, already more limited than in advanced economies, "is waning further due to tightening financing constraints", wrote Vitor Gaspar, director of the IMF's Fiscal Affairs Department, and his colleagues in a blog on Wednesday.

"By 2024, they would still be significantly below our projections pre-COVID-19 and the same is true for their revenues," Gaspar told Xinhua in a remote interview earlier this week.

"In the case of low-income developing countries, there is a very persistent financing gap." The IMF urged policymakers to calibrate policies to the pandemic and to economic developments and prospects, prioritize transformation to make economies smarter, greener, and more resilient and inclusive, gradually increase tax revenues where necessary and improve spending efficiency.

It also encouraged countries to strengthen the credibility of fiscal policy to create room for further support in the short term without jeopardizing public credit.

Noting that strengthening the credibility of fiscal policy is "extremely important", Gaspar said countries that benefit from credible medium term fiscal frameworks "are able to manage their trade-offs better".

In light of the great financing divide, the IMF official said the multilateral lender's rapid financing facilities have made a difference in the countries where they were needed the most, and the largest Special Drawing Rights (SDR) allocation in history makes liquidity available to vulnerable countries.

"But we believe that more is needed," Gaspar told Xinhua. "And in particular voluntary channeling of SDRs by countries that have a comfortable external position (to low-income developing countries)." The Fiscal Monitor also noted that with the expiration of the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative at the end of 2021, ensuring the effective functioning of the G20 Common Framework to provide debt relief will be "essential" to helping the world's poorest and most heavily indebted countries cope with the continuing fallout of the Covid-19 crisis.
The Hague, Oct 14 : Dutch prosecutors have confirmed the arrest of a 22-year-old man from Amsterdam in July for planning an assassination attempt on caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

Wednesday's confirmation came after a report in newspaper de Volkskrant disclosing the arrest, reports Xinhua news agency.

The man, named Yavuz O., is said to have posted inflammatory messages in public Telegram groups.

According to the indictment, he talked about "storming Parliament", "letting that damn gang bleed" and "shooting Rutte when he goes outside on his bicycle".

The suspect is also said to have been looking for a weapon.

He posted the messages between December 9, 2020 and July 15, 2021, when one day later he was arrested by the police.

A hearing with the suspect is scheduled for next week at the court in The Hague.

He is charged with three counts: incitement to a terrorist offence, gathering intelligence in preparation for such a crime and threatening with a terrorist offence.

The man's arrest in July is believed to have no connection with the arrests of nine terror suspects in Eindhoven on September 23.

The nine were arrested on suspicion of preparing and training for a terrorist attack.

According to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, they may have plotted an attack on Rutte and right-wing politicians Geert Wilders and Thierry Baudet.

The newspaper reported that following the arrests in September, Rutte had received extra security.
Jerusalem, Oct 14 : Israel said that two government officials met Sudan's Justice Minister Nasredeen Abdulbari in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to discuss bilateral cooperation.

In two separate meetings in Abu Dhabi, Abdulbari met Israel's Regional Affairs Minister Issawi Frej and Deputy Foreign Minister Idan Roll, respectively, in a bid to push forward the bilateral ties, according to statements issued on behalf of the two ministers.

During their meeting, Abdulbari told Frej that cultural and educational cooperation between Sudan and Israel is important even more than economic ties, reports Xinhua news agency.

"We must get to know each other and strengthen the contacts between our peoples," said a statement.

In another meeting, Abdulbari and Roll agreed to establish cooperation in technological training, education and culture.

They "agreed on future cooperation between the two countries under the Abraham Accords", according to a statement issued by the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

The two sides agreed that there is "a mutual interest" in cooperation in the field of education and technology in order to "help young people from all countries that are part of the Abraham Accords".

Roll also stressed the importance of signing a normalization agreement between the two countries "soon".

The meetings were the first official high-level meetings between Israeli and Sudanese ministers since January.

Israel and Sudan agreed to normalize their ties in October 2020.

However, an official deal between the two countries has yet to be signed.

The so-called Abraham Accords are a series of US-brokered normalization deals in which the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco agreed to normalize their relations with Israel.
Kabul, Oct 14 : Following a meeting with officials from the US and the European Union (EU), a Taliban delegation has urged the two sides to lift sanctions on the Afghan Islamic Emirate and allow banks in the country to "operate normally", the media reported.

According to a statement issued by the Taliban-led government's Foreign Ministry, the delegation led by Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi held talks with the officials in Doha on Tuesday. TOLO News reported.

Muttaqi said that the payment of civil servants' salaries and the resumption of unfinished economic projects were his government's top priority.

"In this regard we urge world countries to end existing sanctions and let banks operate normally, so that charity groups, organisations, and the government can pay salaries to their staff with their own reserves and international financial assistance," TOLO News quoted the Minister as saying.

"Weakening the Afghan government is not in the interest of anyone because its negative effects will directly affect the world in the security sector and economic migration from the country." Some of the topics discussed during the meeting were the current situation in Afghanistan under the Taliban rule; relations with other countries; prevailing economic difficulties; humanitarian assistance; and resumption of incomplete development projects, the Ministry statement said.

Besides the meeting on Tuesday, the Taliban delegation and the US side also met during the weekend in the Qatari capital.

This was the first time that the two sides met in-person following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in August after American forces withdrew from the country after 20 years.
Patna, Oct 14 : On the day when India is celebrating Mahanavami, a priest of a temple in Bihar's Darbhanga district was gunned down early morning on Thursday.

The deceased has been identified as Rajiv Jha, the main priest of Kali temple which comes under university police station in Darbhanga. He sustained four bullets on chest and abdomen and died on the spot.

The police said that four assailants came in a car and opened fire at Rahiv Jha, the priest. Another priest of the same temple who came into the firing range sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to a hospital.

Local residents claimed that the assailants fired more than 12 rounds.

Following the incident, local residents chased the assailants and overpowered them. They brutally beat them until one of them died on the spot.

"We have arrested three assailants from the spot and also recovered fire arms and a car from their possession. An FIR of murder has been registered against them. Further investigation is on," Krishna Nandan, SDPO of (Sadar) Darbhanga said.

"We have sent the dead body for postmortem. Another priest has sustained gunshot injuries in the leg. He is admitted in Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital. We have informed families of both the victims," The SDPO said.
Hyderabad, Oct 14 : Telangana's Minister for Industry and Information Technology K.T. Rama Rao has been invited by the government of France to speak at the 'Ambition India Business Forum' which will be held on October 29, 2021 in Paris.

France's ambassador to India, Emmanuel Lenain sent a letter to the minister inviting him for the event.

"We believe it creates a great momentum between France and India and would provide a good occasion to promote the State of Telangana. I would hence like to invite you to participate in person in Ambition India 2021, as a keynote speaker after the roundtable 'Growth: Drafting the future of Indo-French relations in a post-Covid era," he said.

"It would be an honor for us to welcome you at the French Senate and organize high-level meetings for you with the French investors," he added.

Rao expressing his happiness over receiving the invitation said, "this forum in Paris would be a great global platform to highlight the investment opportunities existing in Telangana." At the event, several round tables on doing business in India, healthcare, climate, digital transformation as well as agro-business will be held afterward, while the afternoon session will be devoted solely to high-level meetings between French and Indian companies.

The 'Ambition India Business Forum' is organized under the patronage of Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, to foster trade and investment relations between France and India.

It also enables companies to be aware of the challenges of the Indian market as well as learn more about investment opportunities through updates on the Indian Government's economic policies and regulatory specificities.

During the previous Ambition India edition, the forum hosted 700 participants virtually, spread over two sessions with more than 400 companies online, eager to know more about bilateral cooperation.
Colombo, Oct 14 : Health officials have urged Sri Lankans to remain cautious despite a drop in the number of fresh Covid-19 cases in the country as the spread of transmission caused by the Delta variant was easing.

A senior Health Ministry official told Xinhua news agency that the viral load in infected patients being reported was low and if all health guidelines were maintained, Sri Lanka could soon lift the existing restrictions, including an inter-province travel ban.

The official said that people needed to remain cautious and were advised to wear face masks and maintain social distance in public places as the country was not out of danger from the virus yet.

According to official statistics, the number of positive Covid-19 patients in Sri Lanka reached 527,735 on Wednesday after 671 patients were reported a day earlier, a decline from the average 3,000 cases reported daily last month.

The death toll from the virus was 13,377.

Pictures shared by health workers on social media on Tuesday showed empty beds in the Covid-19 wards in some of the major hospitals in the country, which were filled to their maximum when the Delta variant caused havoc since May.

Doctors said while this was a relief people needed to behave responsibly to avoid another wave.

The Health Ministry has banned all public gatherings until further notice, while cinemas and in-house dining in restaurants also remain closed.

People have also been urged to avoid unnecessary travel and are encouraged to work from home while schools nationwide are yet to reopen.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Mumbai, Oct 14 : Actor Sikander Kher, who was last seen in the web series 'Aarya', has hailed the digital platform. He says OTT has led to the democratisation of the film industry and has helped in bringing out brilliant content and actors coming to the limelight.

Sikandar said: "OTT has definitely led to the democratisation of our film industry and we have seen some brilliant content and actors coming to the limelight. I have spent almost a decade in the industry and have seen all the highs and lows that people go through." He added: "But it took a pandemic and rise of the OTT platforms for filmmakers to realise the kind of talents India can produce. Well, I am glad this happened, and I am sure that the scope of telling stories and performing them will only increase from here on." He is currently gearing up for his other projects in the pipeline such as Vasan Bala's 'Monica O My Darling.'
Sanaa, Oct 14 : The Saudi-led coalition involved in the ongoing war in Yemen announced that a total of 108 militants were killed during recent security operations.

The coalition launched 19 military operations in the last 24 hours against the Houthi targets in Abdiyah District in Yemen, Xinhua news agency quoted Al Ekhbariya local TV as saying in a report.

These operations aimed to stop the militias from entering the district, the coalition announced earlier.

Meanwhile, the coalition said it carried on Tuesday 43 operations, killing 134 Houthis.

The coalition completed its sixth year of war in Yemen against the Houthis in March 2021 to support Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.
Mumbai, Oct 14 : Actress Natalie Portman, who went to Harvard University, has said that she was the "biggest nerd" in school. The actress was speaking on 'The Drew Barrymore Show', which airs on Zee Cafe in India.

The show's host Drew asked Natalie: "You were voted in high school, most likely to appear on Jeopardy!" To which, Natalie replied: "Yes, I was like the biggest nerd. At school, I was known for always having like my hands covered in white gloves and being in all the dorky classes." Talking about getting her higher education from the prestigious Harvard University, Drew, while speaking to Natalie said: "You were not willing to give up an education to remain an actress or be in your job that was worth the risk for you. To step aside and seek out a Harvard education, I have so much respect for that." Natalie replied: "Yeah, it was funny because I didn't know that it meant this much. It didn't feel like such a big choice to me." She added that she only became aware that it was like a choice when people started asking her about it in interviews.

She added: "In my family it was just like you go to college and that's something you do. I'm so glad I did it."
Ankara, Oct 14 : Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has accused Russia and the US of failing to keep their promises to hold the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) away from its border in northern Syria.

"Russia and the US also bear the responsibility for the recent attacks because they didn't keep their word. Now, these terrorists are here and ramping up the attacks," Cavusoglu told reporters at a press conference here on Wednesday.

"We will do whatever it takes to clear these terrorists from these regions," he said.

According to authorities in Ankara, policemen from the Turkish special operation forces were killed in a guided missile attack by the YPG forces from Tel Rifat town of northern Syria on Sunday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Five shells fired from an area controlled by the YPG in Syria exploded in Karkamis district of the southern province of Gaziantep, its Governor said Monday.

A US condemnation of the attacks on Turkey was insincere because Washington was arming the YPG, Cavusoglu said.

The Minister was referring to separate agreements that Turkey reached with the US and Russia in 2019 for the withdrawal of the YPG forces to 30 km south of the Turkish border in northern Syria.

The YPG and affiliated groups are designated as terrorist organisations by only Turkey and Qatar.
New York, Oct 14 : Russia has rebuffed accusations that its spies stole the "blueprint" for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and used it to create its own Sputnik V jab.

It's "scientific nonsense", the head of Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF, Russia's sovereign wealth fund), was quoted as saying.

This week, British security services alleged that Russian spies stole and hacked UK's Covid vaccine data, according to a report in The Sun. Several other reports alleged that UK security services told British ministers they had solid proof against Russia.

However, RDIF called it "fake" and a "blatant lie", the report said.

"There is no merit [to these claims] and we're very clear about this," Kirill Dmitriev was quoted as saying to CNBC on Wednesday.

"This report is complete scientific nonsense, it has zero merit and frankly it's a lie," he added.

Russia's Sputnik jab uses similar technology to the AstraZeneca-Oxford designed vaccine.

The security teams are sure it was copied and it is understood the data was stolen by a foreign agent in person, the newspaper claimed.

Last year, spies blamed Russian president Vladimir Putin, saying they were "more than 95 per cent" sure that Russian state-sponsored hackers had targeted British, American and Canadian bodies developing a Covid vaccine, it added.

Dmitriev called the report "nonsense from anonymous sources" and said the accusations were part of a "smear campaign against Sputnik V because some politicians don't like Russia and because some big pharma companies, who are afraid of the success of Sputnik V, continue to attack Sputnik V and Sputnik Light (its one-dose booster shot) from day one, so we're used to these attacks", he told CNBC's "Street Signs Europe." He added that the country wants to partner other vaccine producers and is ready for a joint clinical trial taking place with AstraZeneca (to determine if mixed Covid vaccine doses work, the report said.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Bengaluru, Oct 14 : Sandalwood superstar Kichcha Sudeep's 'Kotigobba 3' release has been postponed to Friday because of technical reasons.

The actor has apologised to fans, who had started gathering in huge numbers in theatres across the Karnataka, and appealed to them to maintain calm and not cause any damage to the cinemas.

'Kotigobba 3' producer Soorappa Babu alleged on Thursday that the film's release has been delayed by a day because of "a conspiracy within the film industry". He has appealed to Sudeep's fans to support the film.

Kichcha Sudeep took to social media to appeal to his fans to calm down. "It is my duty to inform all those at the theatres already that there is a delay in shows due to certain issues. I personally apologise for this negligence," the actor tweeted.

"I request all not to react badly at the theatres as they have nothing to do with this," Sudeep continued. "This is a rare situation and I am sure that patience from all will be my greatest strength. I too was equally excited to bring forth a film on screen after such a long gap," he added.

"Will tweet soon on the show timings once I have better clarity. Until then I request (you) not to any cause any harm to yourself and damage to any property and theatres. I feel it's my personal duty towards all my friends who have loved and believed in me. I promise you all that I will ensure my films will not see such a chaotic release in the future," the superstar said.
New Delhi, Oct 14 : Russian President Vladimir Putin said that battle-hardened militants are actively entering Afghanistan and the situation is not easy, Khaama Press reported.

The President made the remarks while addressing a virtual conference of the security service chiefs of the former Soviet states.

Putin apparently meant by Islamic State (IS) fighters the ones that have not been taken seriously by the Taliban.

IS is not believed to be a big threat to the de-facto government in Afghanistan because the affiliated group, IS-K does not have international or regional support.

Putin said that it is possible that the extremists might destabilize the situation in the neighbouring countries and might even seek direct expansion.

Though the Kremlin has been optimistic about the Taliban leadership in Kabul, it is concerned about instability spilling over into Central Asian countries, the report said.

In the meantime, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has repeatedly said that there will not be any threat posed from their soil to any country.

The statements of the Russian President come as Moscow is preparing to host an international conference and the Taliban will also be invited.

The international talks are due to take place on October 20.
New Delhi, Oct 14 : October 22 is deeply etched in the minds and hearts of every Kashmiri -- the reminder of Pakistan's treachery, of being raped, killed, and pillaged by armed tribal militia let loose like wild dogs by the Pakistani Army.

To briefly recall the events, on the night of October 20-21, 1947, about six-thousand trans-Indus tribesmen took over the bridges spanning the Neelum river on the Hazara road linking Muzaffarabad and Abbottabad (now, Pakistan-controlled Kashmir), and occupied the first major town of Muzaffarabad by October 21, then moved further towards Uri in a fleet of buses and other vehicles. The first India-Pakistan War had formally begun that day. Major General Akbar Khan of the Pakistan Army, who had organised the attacks, later boasts of his feat in his book titled "Raiders in Kashmir".

This dark memory is etched on every true Kashmiri's heart, when their brother and sisters, innocent children, and helpless elders were hunted down and mercilessly killed in their homes and on the streets in the light of the day, and then publically hung on electricity poles and trees as a meal for the scavengers and as a warning for the Kafir. The day exposed Pakistan's hypocritical nature -- a Muslim nation bleeding Muslims under the brand of "freeing them" from God knows what.

Today is a grim reminder, year after year, that Pakistan's treachery continues unabated. Creating a proxy war in the region, spilling Kashmiri blood -- Hindus and Muslims, and priding on this debauchery in the name of religion has been their goal. And this is why October 22 is the reminder of the barbaric philosophy of our neighbours, their idea to annihilate Kashmir and Kashmiri culture. The inclusive Kashmir culture and doctrine threaten Pakistan's extremist character.

Pakistan's deceit, their dirty laundry, must be aired on the world platform. Kashmiris living on divided land, and divided in hearts, must pause and remember how Pakistan took away their right to peace and tranquility and stamped their future with a destiny of violence and bloodshed. Today there isn't one family in Kashmir that has seen a moment's peace and stability.

On August 12, 1947, when the Indian subcontinent was divided brutally, the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh, wanted to remain autonomous and sought a standstill agreement with both India and Pakistan. Pakistan agreed and signed the pact but within a month imposed an economic blockade on the princely state, cutting off essential supplies, in a bid to blackmail the king into accepting Pakistan's suzerainty, Pakistan's first act of "brotherhood".

A month, further along, Pakistani forces invited themselves into Kashmir on October 22, violating all norms, and launched an armed attack on the state with the help of tribesmen, trained and facilitated with ammunition, and commanded by the Pakistani army. Pakistan incited trouble on the border areas of Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Bhimbar, and Kotli Mirpur, making use of the communal fury that was spanning across Punjab to organise assaults. The armed tribal militia ran wild through the state, pillaging, raping, and killing scores of innocent people of the Valley, regardless of their religion and caste. Kashmiri treasures were plundered. Their animal-instincts freely made sex slaves of women; parents handed poison to their girls allowing them to choose death in dignity. Some were even taken as slaves to Pakistan. Thousands are forcibly converted to Islam. Innocent children were massacred. Hundreds of thousands became homeless. It became impossible to count orphans.

Forced by this act of wanton duplicity, Maharaja Hari Singh turned to India for help four days later. The Indian forces landed in Srinagar the next day just at the nick of time when marauding 'raiders' were just 35 miles from the Srinagar Airport and pushed the Pakistani tribal militia from the region. On November 7th, pitted against a determined Indian force, the Pak-based tribesmen were forced to retreat home.

The 'Paradise on Earth' turned into a slaughterhouse with 35,000 Kashmiris including Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs dead.

This was just the beginning of the series of Pakistan's games in Kashmir. They again returned to attack the Kashmiri people in May of 1948. Although Pakistan was compelled to accept the UN terms of a ceasefire in August 1948, it did not give up its games in Kashmir. It refused to withdraw its troops from Kashmir as the UN mandated and instead bred a terrorist sanctuary and training ground to create perpetual unrest and mayhem against the same Kashmiri people whom Pakistanis claim to support.

On October 22 every year Kashmiris all over the world remind themselves of Pakistan's continuing betrayal against their people and the land. Pakistan has devoured Kashmiris. Kashmir, where on every nook and cranny wildflowers danced in peace, where we knew nothing but love and inclusiveness for thousands of years, where rivers flowed with holy Himalayan water, and where the earth was a gift that kept giving. And then one morning the bandits burned us, took it all from us. Now only blood flows through the rivers, the smell of burning metal fills our lungs. Our children's eyes reflect despair and death. Kashmir Valley demands and deserves justice against the terrorist violence let loose by Pakistan. Today we refuse to talk of "bonhomie" with our neighbours. We ask the "Global Peacemakers" and "Human Right Activists" to 'Come and see the blood in the streets, come and see the blood in the streets!'
New Delhi, Oct 14 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday wrote to Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal to allow Chhath Puja celebrations in the national capital with strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols.

"As Covid cases in Delhi are under control since the last three months, I think we should permit Chhath Puja celebrations with compliance to Covid-19 norms," the Chief Minister wrote in the letter.

He added that the neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan too have made way for festivities to be carried out in a safe manner.

Kejriwal has requested Baijal to convene a meeting with the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and make arrangements for the upcoming festival.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has locked horns with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi government over the issue with Northeast Delhi MP Manoj Tiwari carrying out a chariot procession to garner support of the Purvanchal community in the capital city.

Since then, a bunch of letters have been exchanged between both the Delhi and Central governments and a demonstration was also carried out outside of Kejriwal's Civil Lines residence, where Tiwari got hit by a water canon and had to be taken to the Safdarjung Hospital.

The row began after the DDMA's September order wherein it directed the prominent Hindi-belt festival to be celebrated in a low-key manner at homes due to the pandemic.

Earlier, Tiwari had said that he would defy the DDMA's order to celebrate the festival, most popular in Bihar, Jharkhand and some parts of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Meanwhile, the AAP had condemned the saffron party leader of politicising the issue, saying: The health and lives of people are most important for us. We feel sad that the BJP is playing dirty politics over it. The BJP has no concern for the lives of the people.

Chhath Puja is due on November 10 this year.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Sanaa, Oct 14 : Houthi rebels have seized control of a new strategic district in Yemen's oil-rich province of Marib, which is the government's last northern stronghold, a military sources said.

"The Houthis today seized control of Al-Jadid, the centre of the strategic district of Al-Jubah, less than 20 km southwest of the government's stronghold Marib city," the sources told Xinhua news agency.

"The Houthi rebels use weapons which are more advanced than we have," one of the sources said.

"With the fall of Al-Jubah, the Houthi rebels practically seize control of almost all western, northern and southern districts in the province around the government stronghold Marib city and Safer oil fields," he added.

Meanwhile, the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported 11 airstrikes by the warplanes of the Saudi-led coalition backing the Yemeni government forces on the Houthi positions in Al-Jubah district.

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched in February a major offensive on Marib in an attempt to seize control of the oil-rich province.
Chennai, Oct 14 : The heavy drubbing in the rural local body polls in nine districts of Tamil Nadu has affected the morale of the AIADMK and the party will have to rework its strategy to maintain its position as a major opponent to the DMK in the state.

The Tamil Nadu State Election Commission has announced that DMK has won or is in lead in 138 of the 140 district panchayat union seats with the AIADMK winning just 2 seats. In the panchayat union ward member seats, DMK has won or is leading in 1,009 seats while the AIADMK has only 218 out of the 1,381 seats.

The AIADMK cadres in private admit that disunity among the top leadership and the lack of proper strategy has led to the poor show of the party. Party cadres are of the opinion that during the times of MGR and Jayalalithaa, the major plank of the AIADMK was the tough anti-DMK stand taken by the party but during the past five years after the passing away of Jayalalithaa, the AIADMK has lost its plot.

M. Selvapandi, a local level AIADMK functionary at Pammal in Chengalpattu district told IANS, "We have lost our plot in the rural local body elections but I am certain that the party will come back to power in the next assembly elections. Strategy has to be properly reworked and our campaign did not work properly among the masses. AIADMK as a political party has always survived by anti-DMK rhetoric and it is missing for the past five years leading to the loss of morale of the cadres." The major campaign of the AIADMK was the failure of the DMK government to do away with the NEET exam as promised in its election manifesto, but the results show that it did not have any impact on the people.

In the past five months since it assumed office on May 7, the DMK government has been fulfilling its electoral promises one by one and it could showcase around 200 promises of the 2021 assembly elections being fulfilled. This was a major plank of DMK's campaign for the rural local body polls.

R. Padmanabhan, Director, Socio-Economic Development Foundation, a think tank based out of Madurai, told IANS, "The AIADMK has to rework itself and the disunity among the top leaders, OPS and EPS was reflected in the performance of the party as the cadres lost the plot. There were clear indications that the party has lost its plot but the leaders did not take it seriously during the polls and this has cost it dearly."
Seoul, Oct 14 : A major South Korean umbrella labour union said on Thursday that it will hold a large-scale rally in Seoul next week when its members walk off their jobs for a one-day general strike to call for the enhancement of labour rights.

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), one of the country's two umbrella labour organisations, said it will push ahead with its plan to stage a strike on October 20, reports Yonhap News Agency.

The KCTU said its members from Seoul, the surrounding Gyeonggi province and the city of Incheon, west of Seoul, will gather in the capital to hold the massive rally.

The group plans to call for the enhancement of labour rights, such as the abolition of non-regular employment and general revision of labour laws, in a bid to put a spotlight on labour issues ahead of next year's presidential election.

The government has urged the KCTU to refrain from staging a walkout and a rally.

"We have continuously called upon the government to resolve labour issues for workers who suffered the most from Covid-19, but the government tried to muzzle us without giving an answer," the KCTU said, accusing the government of attempting to restrict freedom of assembly guaranteed by the Constitution.

Earlier this week, the Seoul city government said it decided to ban the planned rally.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said it will sternly respond to any illegal acts.
Tripoli, Oct 14 : The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said that it was distressed at the killing of an asylum-seeker in the Libyan capital of Tripoli.

"UNHCR is deeply distressed to learn of the death of a 25-year-old Sudanese asylum-seeker in Tripoli last night," the Agency said in a statement.

"According to reports received, the victim had been beaten and shot before being transported to one city hospital by a group of masked armed men. He was transferred to another hospital, where he passed away," it said.

The UNHCR called for an investigation into the killing of the Sudanese asylum-seeker and for the perpetrators to be held accountable.

It also called on the Libyan authorities to "respect at all times the human rights and dignity of asylum-seekers and refugees, stop their arrests and release those detained".

The Libyan authorities recently carried out raids and arrests against illegal migrants in different parts of the capital city.

Around 751 women and 255 children were among the thousands of migrants and asylum seekers caught up in recent mass arrests, according to the Unicef.

Libya has been suffering insecurity and chaos since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, making the North African country a preferred point of departure for illegal migrants who want to cross the Mediterranean Sea to European shores.
Saharanpur : , Oct 14 (IANS) Well-known Shia cleric and senior member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Maulana Kalbe Jawad, has said that Muslims should tie up only with parties that can give enough seats to members of the community.

"When Muslims have enough seats to be able to make or break the government, only then will they get the desired respect," the cleric told reporters in Deoband.

Jawad said, "In 1947, Jinnah made the biggest mistake of partitioning the country. If there was no Partition, there would have been 60 crore Muslims in India and no political party would have dared to point fingers at them." Jawad said political parties had failed to do anything for the Muslim community.

"Congress, SP, BSP have done nothing for Muslims even though Congress ruled the country for 55 years. BJP also wants to keep only the majority community happy," he said.

The cleric was visiting the family of a 40-year-old farmer who died mysteriously during a police raid in Thitki village.

Saharanpur police had picked up Mohd Zeeshan following allegations of cow slaughter on September 5 and later claimed that he had accidentally shot himself in the leg while trying to flee and 'died out of fear'. His wife had alleged in a police complaint that Zishan was beaten to death by police.

The deputy inspector general of police (DIG) had then ordered a probe into the matter.
New Delhi, Oct 14 : SRL Diagnostics on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU) to create the content and curriculum for undergraduate studies for training students in the field of medical laboratory technology.

DSEU is an institute set up by the Delhi government that equips students with skills education and enables candidates for employment.

The prime areas of the programme would include laboratory specialities like biochemistry, haematology, microbiology, serology, histopathology and cytology, genetics and molecular diagnosis.

The diagnostics chain will also facilitate sponsorships for students who are top performers and those who are not able to afford the programme financially. Students who complete this diploma and undergraduate programme will get opportunities as phlebotomists, accessioning officers and lab technologists, the company said in a statement.

India has a very low density of health workers per 10,000 population and the distribution of health workforce across the Indian states is highly skewed.

A Public Health Foundation of India report in 2012 reported a lack of over three lakh skilled and trained medical laboratory technologists and this number has gone up over the last decade.

Collaboration such as these between academic institutes and industry partners can help bridge this gap of skilled medical workforce that the country needs.

"I believe this is a very good opportunity for cross-fertilisation of ideas. More such partnerships are required to address the shortage of skilled resources in our industry," said Anand K, CEO, SRL Diagnostics, in a statement.

Students can also benefit from SRL's extensive network of more than 420 labs for laboratory visits and internship programmes that will provide them a perspective of global laboratory standards.
Canberra, Oct 14 : Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) Deputy Governor Guy Debelle on Thursday outlined the risks climate change and the green energy transition poses for the country's fossil-fuel reliant economy.

Debelle separated the risks into "physical risks", the direct impacts on the economy from climate events such as bushfires or floods, and "transition risks", the risks posed as Australia restructures its economy away from fossil fuels and towards cleaner energy sources, reports Xinhua news agency.

"It (climate change) has a broad-ranging impact on Australia, both in terms of geography and in terms of Australian businesses and households," said Debelle.

The address came ahead of the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) to be held in Glasgow between October 31 and November 12.

The event is expected to further increase international pressure on the Australian government to commit to net zero emissions by 2050, a target which Prime Minister Scott Morrison has previously tip-toed around.

According to the most recent governmental figures, over 98 per cent of Australia's energy generation comes from non-renewable energy sources, dominated by coal, oil and gas.

Debelle noted that as jurisdictions across the country implement policies towards net zero and investors adjust to climate risks, the cost to Australia's fossil fuel industries will rise.

"Both of these are effectively increasing the cost of emissions-intensive activities in Australia. So, irrespective of whether we think these adjustments are appropriate or fair, they are happening and we need to take account of that. The material risk is that these forces are going to intensify from here." He said that Australia's path forward would soon need to be paved "in a much cleaner and more sustainable way", but warned that a transitional period would be necessary.

"Countries and economies need to transition sustainably. Some projects that are not 'green' will nevertheless be needed to assist an economy transition to net zero," he said.

"There are plenty of opportunities for Australia to continue to take advantage of its natural endowments of renewable resources and continue to be an exporter of energy to the world, but in a much cleaner and more sustainable way."
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 14 : A day after a lower court at Kollam district sentenced a man guilty of killing his wife by getting her bitten by a cobra, he was brought to the Thiruvananthapuram Central jail on Thursday.

Suraj, who was arrested in May last year, was an undertrial prisoner till Wednesday at the Kollam district jail and on Thursday morning was brought to the jail here.

The jail authorities decided to keep him under a week's observation on account of the Covid protocols and then he will be moved into a cell.

On Wednesday, he was punished with 17 years imprisonment and then followed by a double life imprisonment and a fine of Rs five lakh.

Suraj was the husband of 25-year-old Uthara, who was bitten by a cobra. Reacting to the verdict, Manimeghala, the mother of Uthara, said they were disappointed by the verdict as they had wished for capital punishment. She said the family will go in for an appeal against this verdict.

Suraj's counsel said they will also file an appeal against the verdict. Suraj was seen telling the waiting media, when he was being taken away from the courtroom, that all the charges against him are false.

The incident took place on May 6, 2020. On May 7, Uthara's mother discovered her body at their house in Anchal, some 70 kms from here.

The victim's mother said Uthara and Suraj had gone to their room after dinner. On May 7, Suraj, who was a late riser, woke up early and went out. When Uthara didn't wake up, her mother went to her room and found Uthara lying unconscious.

The snake, which was still in the room, was killed by Uthara's parents when they returned home from the hospital after their daughter was declared dead.

On May 24, the police arrested Suraj and his associate Suresh, a professional snake catcher for hatching a conspiracy to use a snake to kill her.

After the police began the probe, they exhumed the cobra carcass that was buried in a pit and sent the carcass for forensic examination.

The probe also revealed that Suraj had apparently made several attempts earlier using snakes to kill Uthara.

Her parents said in the first instance of a snake bite on March 2, Uthara was at her husband's home in Adoor. After recovering from the snake bite, she had shifted to her parental home in Anchal.

According to the police, Suresh had given Suraj the snakes. He first provided a poisonous viper for Rs 10,000. After the first attempt failed, Suresh supplied him a cobra for Rs 10,000.

The one-year-old son of the couple has been handed over to the parents of Uthara.
Muzaffarnagar, Oct 14 : One person was killed and five others injured in a clash between two groups over the disposal of trash in Muzaffarnagar district on Thursday.

The incident took place in Roni Harjipur village and the deceased has been identified as Ranbir, 40.

Station House Officer of Charthawal police station, Kuldeep Singh, said that trouble began after Ranbir got into an argument with one Sunder over the disposal of trash near their house.

As the argument escalated, they were joined in by others and the two sides attacked each other with sticks and sharp weapons, the police official said.

While Ranbir died in the clash, his wife Minu, Sunder, Shekhar, Manoj and Deepak were injured.

The body has been sent for a post-mortem examination and the injured have been admitted to a hospital.

Police force has been deployed in the village in view of the prevailing tension.
New Delhi, Oct 14 : Delhi Police have arrested two people in the murder case of a 9-year-old boy whose body was found in a sack in the national capital's Uttam Nagar area.

The arrested accused have been identified as -- Umesh and Naveen -- both are labourers working at a construction site.

According to the police, a complaint was registered on October 11 at the Uttam Nagar Police station regarding a boy that went missing while he was playing in a park in front of the house.

A case under section 363 (kidnapping) of the IPC was initially registered and the investigation was taken up.

The parents of the missing child then received a ransom call in which the kidnappers demanded a sum of Rs 5 lakh. Through the number, the police were able to locate a person named Bipin Bhandari, on whose name the mobile number was registered.

When a team of policemen checked Bhandari's house, they got to know that he used to live with four others who were all labourers. On the same floor, there was one more room in which two persons were residing as tenants. All of them were apprehended for questioning.

After further checking the area, the body of the boy was found in the same building in a plastic bag on the second floor.

A crime team of police also inspected the spot from where the body was recovered and all the CCTV cameras in the vicinity were thoroughly checked.

The police have registered a case under sections 363 and 302 and arrested the duo -- Umesh and Naveen.

More details regarding Umesh and Naveen are yet to be furnished by the police
New Delhi, Oct 14 : To become a political force to be reckoned with in Punjab, the BJP is eyeing 35 urban assembly constituencies in the upcoming polls. The saffron party is putting extra effort to win these urban assembly constituencies. Election for 117-member Punjab assembly will be held in February-March next year.

As part of its ongoing strategy, the BJP is already concentrating on about three dozen urban seats of Punjab spread across the state. A party insider explained that urban constituencies now spread across the state and voters there have different aspirations in other parts of Punjab.

"Urban voters of Punjab want peace along with prosperity and they will support the party which promises both. Earlier they also supported BJP, now we are working on winning back their support in next state polls," party insider said.

The saffron camp also believes that the BJP will not face the same opposition like it is facing in rural areas of Punjab due to ongoing farmers agitation. Farmers have been protesting since last one year against the three new farm laws passed by the BJP government at the Centre.

"Farmers protest has lesser impact in urban areas and urban voters vote on several other issues apart from developments and they also realised the importance of peace for progress of state," a party leader said.

It is learnt that the local unit has been asked to draw plans for all the urban seats where the BJP has better chances.

The BJP is contesting assembly polls on its own in Punjab for the first time after its one of the oldest ally Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) walked away from alliance last year over new farm laws. In the last Punjab assembly polls in 2017, the BJP won only three out of 23 it contested.

Another party functionary said that these 35 assembly constituencies also include 23 seats which the BJP used to contest while in alliance with the SAD for over two decades.

BJP national general secretary and Punjab in-charge Dushyant Gautam, however, told IANS that the party will contest all the 117 seats. "We are going to contest and win all 117 assembly seats and the BJP has expanded across the state in both urban and rural areas," Gautam said.
Kabul, Oct 14 : The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) on Thursday announced that it has provided assistance to thousands of needy people across Afghanistan.

On Wednesday, the UNHCR in collaboration with a number of aid agencies provided essential household items to a total of 4,506 people in Kabul, Kandahar, Kunduz and Balkh provinces, the UNHCR Afghanistan said in a Twitter post.

"In Herat (province) we provided cash grants to 665 persons to meet basic needs, and in Kabul and Herat 973 persons received cash for rent," the agency said.

The UN agencies together with aid agencies and a number of non-governmental organisations are racing against time to deliver life-saving aid and supplies to crisis-hit Afghans ahead of winter, reports Xinhua news agency.

The economic situation worsens in Afghanistan with higher unemployment rate and rising poverty.

Afghans make up one of the largest refugee populations worldwide.

There are 2.6 million registered Afghan refugees in the world, of whom 2.2 million are registered in Iran and Pakistan alone, according to the UNHCR.

Another 3.5 million people are internally displaced, having fled their homes searching for refuge within the country.

In light of the rapidly deteriorating security situation in 2021, the number of people fleeing will likely continue to rise, the Agency added.
New Delhi, Oct 14 : The Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) and the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Thursday condemned Amazon's "predatory playbook" of allegedly copying, rigging and killing Indian brands, urging the Centre for timely intervention.

On Wednesday, a Reuters report revealed that Amazon team in India "secretly exploited internal data from Amazon.in to copy products sold by other companies, and then offered them on its platform", and also "rigged Amazon's search results" so that the company's products would appear on top.

Sijo Kuruvilla George, Executive Director, ADIF, said in a statement that it brings to light Amazon's blatant disregard for competition laws, intellectual property rights and disgraceful predatory practices.

"The manner in which the e-commerce giant has targeted the Indian market and leading brands in the country is highly deplorable and brings into question the credibility of Amazon as a good faith operator in the Indian startup ecosystem," George said.

The report alleged that among the victims of Amazon's anti-market practices was a popular shirt brand in India called John Miller that is owned by Kishore Biyani-founded Future Group, currently embroiled in a legal battle with Amazon.

CAIT National President B.C. Bhartia and Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said in a statement that copying the products and rigging the search has an "ulterior design to kill the domestic small manufacturers and traders in the country, directly contravening 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi".

They demanded an immediate CBI investigation into the charges made in the report, and an earlier story that brought to the fore alleged bribery to the government officials through the legal counsels by Amazon.

Bhartia and Khandelwal said that a CAIT delegation will soon meet Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and press for its demand for an immediate CBI enquiry and other necessary actions by the government.

"Meanwhile, the CAIT is also convening a meeting of its national board comprising of prominent trade leaders of all states to decide future course of action on this issue," the statement said.

Amazon has been at the centre of controversy in India after recent reports of bribery charges against its legal representatives and associated legal firms in the country.

The company is also facing an inquiry by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) over alleged anti-competitive practices and a parallel inquiry by Enforcement Directorate for violation of domestic laws.

The Directorate General of Goods and Service Tax Intelligence (DGGI) has also issued a show-cause notice to one of its subsidiaries, Cloudtail, for evasion of GST and indirect taxes.

Amazon has also legally challenged Future Group's deal with Reliance Retail to sell its retail, wholesale, logistics, and warehouse businesses to Reliance Retail Ventures.

ADIF's George said that the new findings go on to validate the allegations and fears of various stakeholders and serve as incriminating evidence.

"It's worth noting that Amazon has on multiple occasions, including during formal hearings, denied any wrongdoing that involves making use of consumer data to drive advantage for its own brands and products," he noted.
Seoul, Oct 14 : Adm. Boo Suk-jong, South Korea's Chief of Naval Operations, vowed ON Thursday to press ahead with a project to build the country's first light aircraft carrier by 2033 despite persistent doubts over its feasibility and necessity.

During a parliamentary audit at the Gyeryongdae military headquarters, 160 kM south of Seoul, Boo reiterated the project will proceed "no matter what challenge lies ahead", reports Yonhap News Agency.

Critics have said the military as a whole should focus instead on beefing up its defence capabilities in other areas, including underwater operations.

They also stressed the carrier could be readily exposed to threats from evolving anti-ship weapons and torpedoes.

"No matter what challenge lies ahead, all Navy personnel will work together to ensure that the project moves ahead as planned," Boo said.

The Navy has been seeking to build a 30,000-tonne carrier, as it wishes to bolster deterrence against North Korea and enhance its long-distance operational capability in a region surrounded by major maritime powers, such as China and Japan.

Earlier this year, the Navy released a handbook highlighting that a light aircraft carrier would help the country stamp out the North's provocations and "put an end to a war at an early stage".

The Defence Ministry, meanwhile, has already allocated a 7.2 billion won ($6 million) budget for next year as part of the project.

The Navy said while the total budget is estimated at around 2 trillion won, but it will not be a huge financial burden considering the construction takes more than 10 years.
QUETTA, Aug. 9, 2016 (Xinhua) -- People gather at Civil Hospital the day after the deadly blast in southwest Pakistan's Quetta, Aug. 9, 2016. A splinter group of the Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing in Quetta that kill Image Source: IANS News

Kabul, Oct 14 : A Taliban official was killed and 11 others were injured in an explosion on Thursday in Afghanistan's Kunar province, a sorce said.

The source told Xinhua news agency that the incident occurred near a bridge in the provincial capital Asadabad's Karhali locality.

"Abdullah who served as the Taliban's police chief for Shegal district in Kunar lost his life in the incident," the source added.

Meantime, Attahullah Sapay, head of the provincial hospital, said that among those wounded were seven civilians, including a woman and two children, and four Taliban members.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.

Militants affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) outfit are active in the region.

The security situation remained generally calm but uncertain across Afghanistan since the Taliban's takeover in mid-August.

However, a spate of bomb attacks were launched by IS-affiliated militants in Kabul, northern Kunduz and eastern Nangarhar provinces in recent weeks.
Seoul, Oct 14 : LG Electronics and LG Energy Solution said that they will repay General Motors about 1.4 trillion won ($1.2 billion) in costs for the recalls of Bolt electric vehicles due to battery defects.

The two flagship units of South Korea's LG Group have reached an agreement with GM on how to cover the expenses for the recalls on some 143,000 Bolt vehicles over battery fire risks.

The two LG units said they will set aside 480 billion won and 620 billion won in costs in the third quarter, respectively, after reflecting 234.6 billion won and 91 billion won in the second quarter.

The amount differs from the $1.9 billion that GM announced earlier it will be reimbursed with by LG.

LG Energy Solution said Wednesday that the 1.4 trillion won has been booked for the whole replacement of the earlier models and selective replacements for new models, based on the agreement with GM, adding that there can be a difference in the amount as each company sets its own provision for possible future expenses, reports Yonhap news agency.

"We believe that any additional provision in the future will be very limited as we have come up with the estimated share for the costs based on the reasonable assumption of possible situations at this stage," an LG official said.

LG Energy Solution, the wholly owned battery unit of LG Chem Ltd, has said that the three companies conducted a joint analysis and found rare defects that can cause fire in the vehicles.

LG resumed the battery production last month and began producing new battery modules for GM to replace with defective ones from this month.

LG Energy Solution said it will resume the work on its initial public offering (IPO), which has been delayed over the recall issues.
ISLAMABAD, April 7, 2018 (Xinhua) -- A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) aircraft is seen after landing at New Islamabad International Airport during a test flight in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, on April 7, 2018. The test flight of Pakistan I Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Oct 14 : Afghanistans Civil Aviation Administration said that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Kam Air, a private Afghan airline, will be banned from operating flights from Kabul to Islamabad if they do not charge the same price as they did prior to the Taliban takeover.

In a statement, the Administration said that the two airlines will be fined and punished if they violate the rules, Khaama Press reported.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan warned the airlines after PIA, the Pakistani flag carrier, started charging up to $2,500 for each ticket from Kabul to Islamabad.

The statement has also asked people to cooperate the administration in reporting violation of the new rules.

They have asked people to report documented violation to them.
Lucknow, Oct 14 : Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Jayant Chaudhary has categorically ruled out an alliance with the Congress, ahead of the Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh.

He said that talks were on with the Samajwadi Party (SP) for an electoral tie-up.

The RLD chief was reacting to media reports that the Congress and RLD were preparing for an alliance in the Assembly elections, due early next year.

Meanwhile, commenting on the Lakhimpur Kheri incident, he appealed to people to snatch the power from the guilty through their votes and termed it as the 'best possible revenge for the atrocities on farmers'.

"The minister who should be punished by the government, was called by Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi for a pat on back," he said.

Chaudhary also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was silent on the Lakhimpur Kheri incident.

"The Prime Minister could tweet on the birthday of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, but had nothing to say on the killing of soldiers in gunfight with terrorists in Kashmir or on the Lakhimpur Kheri incident. He had gone to Lucknow, but did not utter a word about Lakhimpur." The RLD chief further said that the BJP was indulging in "caste politics".

Referring to the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to set up a state university in the name of Jat king Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh, Chaudhary said, "Did they ever visit the Prem Mahavidyalaya in Mathura which is in a dilapidated state? "The ruler had given up his own residence in Mathura in 1909 so that Prem Mahavidyalaya, touted as the country's first polytechnic, could come up on the land," he said.
New Delhi, Oct 14 : Delhi Police have arrested four persons who cheated people on the pretext of providing them a job in the Indian Railways, an official said here on Thursday.

According to the police, a case was registered at Parliament Street police station in July this year where the complainant, an Ola driver, alleged that he was cheated by some people who promised to get him the job of ticket checker in the Indian Railways. He said that he was provided some forged documents such as attestation form, medical certificate and ID card of a TC.

Interestingly, the complainant was also given training for almost two months at Rajendar Nagar Railway Station here.

"As it was a challenging task to nab the culprits, we constituted a special team of policemen," Deputy Commissioner of Police Deepak Yadav said.

On October 5, the police team arrested one accused identified as Sukhraj Singh who was then sent to police remand by a local court. During interrogation, he disclosed that his job was to search for clients and he used to forward the names of such people to the second accused named Amit in Bihar.

Subsequently, a police team conducted a raid in Patna, Bihar from where three persons including the kingpin identified as Dayanand Saraswati and Sunil Kumar and their associate Amar Kumar were arrested.

Further investigation revealed that they used to prepare the forged documents of Indian Railways and also conduct a false medical examination with the help of Amar Kumar. The accused accepted that they used to give fake training at the Railway stations in Bihar.

"From the possession of the accused persons, one laptop (used for preparing the forged documents), some forged documents and some rubber stamps of the Indian Railways were recovered," the police added.
Bhubaneswar, Oct 14 : Two notorious criminals were injured in a police encounter in Odisha's Rourkela town early morning on Thursday, police said.

The two criminals are Mustaq Allam and Md Guddu alias Dekchi. Both have criminal records and have cases under Arms Act, the police said.

Acting on a tip-off about the movement of the two criminals, a special team of Rourkela police reached Birsa Munda Square in the wee hours (4.15 a.m.) to nab them. They first opened fire at the police following which the security personnel retaliated, said Rourkela SP Mukesh Kumar Bhamoo.

Both sustained gunshot wounds in their legs and they were first rushed to Rourkela Government Hospital and then shifted to Ispat General Hospital (IGH), he said.

The health condition of both the accused is stable. The police have seized two 7 mm pistols, seven live round ammunition and a bike, which is without registration number, from the spot, Bhamoo said.

While four cases have been registered against Mustaq, nine cases are pending against Guddu in different police stations, the SP informed.

They were allegedly involved in the murder of one Jitendra Sai of Rourkela on September 10, 2021.
Hyderabad, Oct 14 : A woman was allegedly gang-raped by three persons after being kidnapped near Himayat Sagar on the outskirts of Hyderabad, police said.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, came to light on Thursday after the victim lodged a complaint at Rajendranagar police station of Cyberabad police commissionerate.

As per the complaint, the 30-year-old woman, a resident of Puranapul area, had gone to a liquor shop in Hyderguda on Wednesday evening. An auto-rickshaw driver, who was sitting there, befriended her and offered to drop her home.

The victim said that she trusted him and boarded the auto-rickshaw but later, two more persons joined them and allegedly took her to a deserted place in Himayat Sagar. There they first sexually assaulted her, then snatched her valuables, and fled.

After regaining consciousness, the woman reached the police station with the help of few local residents and lodged the complaint.

Police inspector Kanakaiah said that they sent the woman for medical examination and formed special teams to arrest the accused.
New Delhi, Oct 14 : After facing protests and social media storm over pay parity and working conditions, online home services provider Urban Company (formerly UrbanClap) on Thursday announced to slash the commission it charges from beauty service professionals from 30 per cent to 25 per cent.

The company said that for beauty categories (in which almost all women partners work), it is reducing the highest commission slab given the impact of Covid-19 and other factors.

Earlier, commissions ranged from 8.5 per cent for small orders to 30 per cent for high-ticket orders.

The move came after more than 100 women beauticians staged a protest outside the company's office in Gurugram recently.

The company has now announced a 12-point programme to "significantly improve partner earnings and livelihood for all partners on our platform in India".

Earlier, there was no cap on penalties charged per month per partner, which was recently changed to put a maximum cap of Rs 3,000 on monthly penalties charged per partner.

"We are further reducing the maximum cap on monthly penalties per partner per month to Rs 1,500," the company said.

On last-minute cancellation by customers, the entire amount collected from customers for cancellation will be transferred to the partners.

"This was so far being done for UC Plus partners. Now it will be applicable to all our partners," the company said.

Moving forward, for any new product launches, deductions will be made after the products are delivered to the partners and post their consent.

"Additionally, we have reduced product prices of select high demand products by almost 10 per cent," said Urban Company, which is currently valued at $2 billion.

Presently, the partners are algorithmically blocked for a wide variety of reasons from working on the platform for short intervals.

"We have made a decision to remove all such algorithmic blocks apart from quality blocks. This simple change will reduce overall blocks by 80 per cent and ensure our partners do not lose out on available time on the platform," it announced.

For better take-home earnings for our partners, it is also "marginally" increasing prices of several high demand services across categories.

On insurance, the company said it will simplify the claims process for life and accidental insurance available to all the partners, and the health insurance available to its UC Plus partners.
Beijing, Oct 14 : At least 46 people were killed and least 79 injured as a fire swept through a multi-storey residential and commercial building in Taiwan's Kaohsiung city early on Thursday, media reports said.

It took firefighters more than four hours to extinguish the blaze, with their operations impeded by piles of unused items on the building's lower floors, the BBC reported.

It quoted the Fire Department as saying that 79 people had been taken to hospital, including 14 in a serious condition.

The cause of the fire is unclear and being investigated.

Local media quoted people in the area as having heard a loud explosion-like sound before the fire at the building which hasrestaurants, karaoke bars and a cinema - now all reportedly shut-up - on its lower floors.
New Delhi, Oct 14 : In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Maj Gen Alok Naresh, IG, Assam Rifles (South), has inaugurated a skill development centre in the conflict-hit Churachandpur district in Manipur.

The officials present on the occasion termed it as a historic step taken by Assam Rifles to empower SoO (Suspension of Operations) carders.

The skill development centre has been set up at an SoO camp, which is expected to bring SoO cadres into the mainstream.

Maj Gen Alok Naresh said, "The endeavour of this initiative is to empower the trainees to successfully compete with their counterparts in the professional and social domain." He coordinated with the Zomi Revolutionary Organisation (ZRO) officials, Humanism Foundation and NSDC to provide assistance in arranging equipment for skill development training.

The training will be organised in multiple phases of 30 days each. The first phase that commenced on Wednesday will include training in skills like sewing, carpentry and IT training. Training for subsequent phases will be upgraded to other result-oriented skills based on the feedback from the trainees.

The new initiative comes in the backdrop of a tripartite agreement between the Centre, the Manipur government and the Kuki-Zomi insurgent groups for Suspension of Operations to enable talks and formulate a framework for resolving the insurgency.

The Zomi Revolutionary Organisation (ZRO) or Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) was one of the first insurgent groups to sign the agreement in August 2005. Consequently, an umbrella organisation, called UPF, which was designated as a political platform for insurgent groups, was established and all tribal insurgents groups were invited to become a part of it.

Subsequently, the ZRO President became the first Chairman of UPF. In August 2008, the other insurgent groups also entered into an agreement with the government to facilitate peace talks.

Consequent to the signing of the tripartite agreement, the first designated SoO camp of ZRA called 'Muvanlai Camp' was established in New Teikot on September 17, 2010.
Beirut, Oct 14 : At least two persons were killed and several others were injured in a shooting in Lebanon's capital Beirut, al-Jadeed local TV channel reported on Thursday.

The incident happened during a planned protest by supporters of Hezbollah and Amal Movement against Judge Tarek Bitar who is investigating the case of Beirut port explosions, Xinhua news agency reported.

Hezbollah and Amal Movement started the protests in reaction to an arrest warrant issued on Tuesday by Bitar against Lebanese parliament member Ali Hassan Khalil after he failed to attend a questioning session.

The Lebanese army announced that it is searching the Tayouneh area near Justice Palace to arrest the shooters.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged a halt of clashes to avoid further escalations and sectarian strife.
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 14 : If anyone thought that all is well in the Pinarayi Vijayan government in Kerala, it appears it's not the case as at the meeting of the CPI-M legislators two State Ministers came under fire and it included none other than Vijayan's 'new' son-in-law State PWD and Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas and Education Minister V. Sivankutty.

Incidentally when seats were distributed for the April 6 assembly polls, Vijayan caused the first surprise by asking Riyas to contest from the Beypur seat in Kozhikode district, which he won comfortably as it's a stronghold of the CPI-M for a while and Vijayan reserved the biggest surprise when he decided to give him a cabinet post, much to the dislike of A.N. Shamseer, who was a two time legislator, unlike Riyas, who won an election for the first time.

Shamseer has made his displeasure a few times in the assembly, much to the surprise of not just the treasury bench, but also the opposition benches.

The CPI-M legislators were also peeved when Riyas in the assembly in reply to a question about the works being undertaken by his Public Works Department, reminded that it's not good when legislators come with contractors to meet him.

According to a source in the know of things, it was this remark which irked the legislators and they aired their displeasure at the legislature party meeting of the CPI-M, held on Tuesday, as the ongoing assembly session is currently on.

A few legislators raised this and soon, Riyas realised the pulse and he admitted his mistake and assured that it will not happen.

Likewise Sivankutty also came under fire for the way the result of the Class X was handled and the subsequent disarray caused in the admission to Class XI, which has sent parents of the students seeking admission helter-skelter because of lack of seats.

A media critic said perhaps this is the first time that CPI-M legislators are coming out in the open.

"Even though this occurred within the four walls of the party forum, things do not appear to be that well and this is going to become fodder for the Congress led opposition and when the assembly session resumes next week, this displeasure expressed by the party legislators, will be taken advantage of by the opposition," said the critic.
Gurugram, Oct 14 : A team of Crime Branch Sector-10 of Gurugram police has arrested the prime accused who allegedly killed his fellow student studying in SGT University on October 8 in Gurugram, police said on Thursday.

The arrested accused was identified as Punkil alias Lucky, a resident of Najafgarh, Delhi.

Following tip-off, a team of Crime Branch Sector-10 led by Inspector Bijender Singh nabbed the accused on Thursday from village Chawla on Najafgarh Road, in Delhi.

During interrogation, the accused revealed before the police that there was a quarrel with the deceased over a girl and along with other accomplices he committed the crime.

"The accused was involved in cases of murder and Arms Act in the past. He will be produced before a court for custody," Preet Pal Sangwan, ACP (crime) said, adding that during the police custody whereabouts of his accomplices and the weapon used in the crime will be recovered.

The incident took place on October 8 around 1.20 p.m. when the accused Rahul, Nitesh, Punkil alias Lucky and a girl had a verbal spat with Vineet, the deceased over a friendship with a girl.

During an argument Nitesh, the brother of the prime accused Punkil caught hold of Vineet from behind and Punkil shot in the Vineet's stomach and fled from the spot along with other accused persons.

Later the victim was declared dead by the doctor during treatment and a case of murder on the complaint of Harsh, a friend of the deceased, was registered against the culprits at Rajendra Park police station in Gurugram.
Chandigarh, Oct 14 : Punjab Parliamentary Affairs Minister Brahm Mohindra on Thursday hit out at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for his promise to end red tapism in the state.

Suggesting Kejriwal to keep himself up to date, the minister said the state government has already executed the Punjab Anti-Red Tape Act of 2021 to promote effective administration of public affairs through simplified and trust-based procedures that shall expedite processes and make governance efficient.

Mohindra had moved the Punjab Anti-Red Tape Bill during the Vidhan Sabha session on March 10, which was passed by the House with a voice vote that enables the government to impose a fine of up to Rs 50,000 or dismiss a government official or other employees for unnecessary delay in providing services to the citizens and businessmen.

The Act came into force after the Governor gave his assent to the Bill on March 26.

"I am sending you (Kejriwal) a copy of the Punjab Anti-Red Tape Act of 2021," said Mohindra, asking Kejriwal to update his records.

Terming the 10 promises made by Kejriwal to traders and businessmen for the development and uplift of industry in Punjab as mere an electoral agenda with blatant lies ahead of the 2022 assembly elections, Mohindra said the Punjab government is committed to facilitating all investments in the state.
New Delhi, Oct 14 : Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) said on Thursday that it has suspended its operations in Kabul with immediate effect citing "security reasons", the Dawn reported.

PIA spokesperson Abdullah Khan confirmed the development, saying that Kabul operations of the airline will remain suspended until further notice.

The spokesperson emphasised the fact that PIA had kept flying in and out of Kabul under "difficult circumstances" when others had ceased their operations.

He was referring to the part the PIA played in mass evacuations following the Taliban's swift take over of Kabul in August, which created a rush among those stuck in the Afghan capital to get out amid a dearth of flights.

"The PIA evacuated around 3,000 people after the rapidly changing situation in Afghanistan," said the PIA spokesperson, adding that among the people flown out of Kabul were officials of the United Nations, World Bank, the IMF, other global organisations as well as international journalists.

Khan said that the PIA's captains and staff endangered their lives but still kept the evacuation process going.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan's civil aviation administration said in a statement that PIA and Afghanistan's Kam Air will be banned from operating flights from Kabul to Islamabad if they do not charge the same price as they did prior to their takeover.

The statement said that the airlines will be fined and punished if they violate the rules, Khaama Press reported.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan warned the airlines after PIA started charging up to $2,500 for each ticket from Kabul to Islamabad.

The statement also asked people to cooperate with the administration in reporting violation of the new rules.
Geneva, Oct 14 : Reporting of tuberculosis (TB) cases in India went down by 41 per cent between 2019 and 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the World Health Organization's 2021 Global TB report released on Thursday.

India, followed by Indonesia (14 per cent), the Philippines (12 per cent) and China (8 per cent) were the top four countries that contributed most to the global reduction in TB notifications between 2019 and 2020.

About 16 countries, including these four, together accounted for 93 per cent of the total global drop in notifications.

The report revealed that the number of people newly diagnosed with TB and those reported to national governments fell to 5.8 million in 2020 from 7.1 million in 2019.

WHO estimates that some 4.1 million people currently suffer from TB but have not been diagnosed with the disease or have not officially reported to national authorities. This figure is up from 2.9 million in 2019.

In March 2021, an analysis by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare revealed that notification of TB cases in India reduced by 25 per cent between January and December 2020 because of the lockdown and diversion of resources for Covid-19 control measures.

In 2019, the number of cases reported was 24.04 lakh, a rise of 12 per cent from previous years. It reduced by 25 per cent to 18.02 lakh cases in 2020.

The 2021 WHO Global TB report features data on disease trends and the response to the epidemic from 197 countries and areas, including 182 of the 194 World Health Organization (WHO) Member States.

It showed that the Covid-19 pandemic reversed years of global progress in tackling TB.

Nearly 1.5 million people died from TB in 2020 (including 214,000 among the HIV positive). The increase in TB deaths, the first in more than a decade, occurred mainly in the 30 countries with the highest burden of TB, including India, and also in 2020 than in 2019.

The major reasons were due to disruption in access to TB services and a reduction in resources and people struggling to seek care in the context of lockdowns, as in many countries, human, financial and other resources were reallocated from tackling TB to the Covid-19 response, the report said.

The WHO models and projections suggest that the number of people developing TB and dying from the disease could be much higher in 2021 and 2022.

"This report confirms our fears that the disruption of essential health services due to the pandemic could start to unravel years of progress against tuberculosis," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, in a statement.

"This is alarming news that must serve as a global wake-up call to the urgent need for investments and innovation to close the gaps in diagnosis, treatment and care for the millions of people affected by this ancient but preventable and treatable disease," he added.

There was also a reduction in provision of TB preventive treatment. Some 2.8 million people accessed this in 2020, a 21 per cent reduction since 2019. In addition, the number of people treated for drug-resistant TB fell by 15 per cent, from 177 000 in 2019 to 150 000 in 2020, equivalent to only about 1 in 3 of those in need, the report said.

Moreover, 2020 also saw a drop in global investment for TB diagnostic, treatment and prevention services, from $5.8 billion to $5.3 billion -- less than half of the global target of $13 billion annually by 2022.

Funding in the low and middle-income countries that account for 98 per cent of reported TB cases remains a challenge. Of the total funding available in 2020, 81 per cent came from domestic sources, with the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russian Federation, India, China and South Africa) accounting for 65 per cent of total domestic funding.

However the report also noted some successes. Globally, the reduction in the number of TB deaths between 2015 and 2020 was only 9.2 per cent -- about one quarter of the way to the 2020 milestone of 35 per cent.

Globally, the number of people falling ill with TB each year (relative to population) dropped 11 per cent from 2015 to 2020, just over half-way to the 2020 milestone of 20 per cent.

"We have just one year left to reach the historic 2022 TB targets committed by Heads of State at the first UN High Level Meeting on TB. The report provides important information and a strong reminder to countries to urgently fast-track their TB responses and save lives," said Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO's Global TB Programme.

The report calls on countries to put in place urgent measures to restore access to essential TB services, double investments in TB research and innovation.
Mumbai, Oct 14 : In a huge setback to Aryan Khan, a Mumbai special NDPS court on Thursday reserved its order on his and other co-accused's bail applications till October 20, even as the NCB virtually labelled him a 'junkie' regularly consuming drugs.

Thus, Aryan Khan - the son of Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan - and other co-accused Arbaaz Merchant and Munmun Dhamecha will remain in judicial custody at the Arthur Road Central Jail and the Byculla Women's Jail for the next five days on account of public holidays over the next few days.

After hearing heated arguments by the prosecution for the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the defence lawyers, Special Judge V.V. Patil kept his verdict on the bail pleas of Aryan Khan, Merchant and Dhamecha, who are among 20 nabbed so far in the sensational rave party raid of October 2, in abeyance for the next five days.

A day after alleging that Aryan Khan was prima facie involved in "illicit drug trafficking, procuring and distribution of contraband", and having links with some international persons, the NCB said he was a "regular consumer" of drugs.

It said that though no drugs were recovered from him, Aryan Khan was in "conscious possession" of the contraband as he is linked with Merchant, from whom 6 gms charas was found and Aachit Kumar from whom 2.6 gms ganja was recovered.

Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh, representing the NCB, said that in Aryan Khan's WhatsApp chats, there is a specific reference to bulk quantity and Aryan Khan is not a first-time consumer, and the evidence on record shows that he is taking drugs since the past few years.

Special Judge Patil also hinted that he would examine the allegedly incriminatory chats.

However, Merchant's lawyer Taraq Sayed argued that the NCB could not check the WhatsApp chats as the mobile phones were not seized under a 'panchnama', which Singh countered saying that there was a voluntary surrender and statement of accused.

Aryan Khan's lawyer, senior advocate Amit Desai rubbished the allegations as baseless and argued that there was no drugs recovery from him, nor did he have cash so he had no plans to purchase drugs, nor was he going to sell or consume them.

Strongly pleading for bail, the lawyers of the trio said they were invitees to the party and denied any involvement in the alleged illicit drug trade claimed by the NCB and also said that the alleged recoveries from Merchant and Dhamecha was a "small quantity" and no commercial quantities.

Desai urged that bail may be granted to Khan as it would not affect the NCB's ongoing investigations, and said the agency was relying on certain alleged chats ("Lets have a blast") without verifying them as there is nothing to suggest they have any connection with the current case.

Strongly opposing the bail pleas, the ASG said that the NCB will investigate how they are all connected to each other and establish a "conspiracy" and bail could be considered at an appropriate stage.

NCB's Special Public Prosecutor Advait Sethna argued that the agency recovered 2.6 gms ganja from Kumar, who was nabbed after Khan's statements, which points to a conspiracy, while citing precedents where bail was rejected for even much smaller quantity of drugs recovered from the accused.
New Delhi, Oct 14 : The Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications company OneWeb backed by India-based Bharti Enterprises has launched 36 satellites, bringing the total in-orbit constellation to 358 satellites, the company said.

The satellites were launched into orbit atop a Russian-built Soyuz rocket from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in a mission operated by French company Arianespace. The Liftoff occurred at 5.40 a.m. EDT (3.10 p.m. India time).

OneWeb is also one of the founding members of the recently launched Indian Space Association (ISpA). Rahul Vatts, Chief Regulatory Officer Bharti Airtel and Director -- OneWeb India is the Vice Chairman of the ISpA.

The London-based OneWeb is building a constellation of 648 LEO satellites, which will deliver high-speed, low-latency global connectivity.

The new mission had a total duration of three hours and 51 minutes and included nine separations of four satellites each, which will raise themselves to their operational orbit.

"Once deployed, the OneWeb constellation will enable user terminals that are capable of offering 3G, LTE, 5G and Wi-Fi coverage, providing high-speed access globally - by air, sea and land," Arianespace said in a statement.

OneWeb aims to reach global service by 2022 and is seeing growing demand from telecommunications providers, ISPs, and governments worldwide to offer its low-latency, high-speed connectivity services.

It has raised $2.7 billion since November 2020, with no debt issuance.

OneWeb Satellites, a joint venture between OneWeb and Airbus Defence and Space, is the constellation's prime contractor.

The satellites were built using its leading-edge satellite manufacturing process that can build up to two satellites a day on a series production line dedicated to the assembly, integration, and testing of the satellites.
New Delhi, Oct 14 : A fire broke out at a residential building, in which a factory was being allegedly run, in Delhi's Kirari area on Thursday afternoon, but no casualties were reported, a fire department official said.

The official said that they received a call about the fire at the 70 foot road, Prem Nagar, Kirari at around 2.50 p.m. and 12 fire tenders were sent to the spot.

"The smoke could be seen billowing out from the top floor of the three-storey building. All the three floors had caught fire," he said.

The raging fire drew a large number of people and police set up a perimeter to keep them at a safe distance.

"The firemen doused the flames by 5 p.m. and the cooling process has now been undertaken," he added.

Although there have been no casualties or injuries, there was certainly loss of property, the fire official said, adding that a suitcase manufacturing unit was being run in the building.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

This comes just three days after a massive fire broke out at a paper warehouse in Harsh Vihar. No injuries were reported then.
Dubai, Oct 14 : Kolkata Knight Riders have won two out of two in the IPL finals. Chennai Super Kings have reached the finals nine times, emerging victorious in three of them. Friday's final between the two teams in Dubai promises a tactical clash between MS Dhoni and Eoin Morgan.

Here's a look at the strengths and weaknesses of both teams: Strengths

Chennai: The major reason for CSK's success in IPL 2021 is the resounding start given by Ruturaj Gaikwad (603 runs) and Faf du Plessis (547 runs). The pair have complemented each other throughout the tournament and have been the most impressive opening partnership in the tournament, by far. Along with this, MS Dhoni at the helm continues to be an influential figure in the team. His leadership, bowling changes, and backing people to the hilt have worked wonders in the tournament. The bowlers, especially Shardul Thakur, have been clinching wickets at crucial times.

Kolkata: They have been a complete transformation of how they were in the first half of the tournament in India. Such has been the resurgent ride that they moved from seventh to fourth place in the points table and now find themselves in contention for the IPL trophy. Their opening pair of Venkatesh Iyer and Shubman Gill have been impressive. The bowlers have been efficient with Lockie Ferguson, Shivam Mavi, Varun Chakravarth, and Sunil Narine doing the job with utmost precision.

Weakness Chennai: The form of middle-order batters is a big headache for the team despite Robin Uthappa soothing the concerns with a half-century and Dhoni finishing off the match with a quick cameo. If the openers don't get a good start, then Chennai are in trouble with the bat. With the ball, if the dew sets in, then their bowling attack gets nullified and become toothless.

Kolkata: The form with the bat of their senior players Eoin Morgan and Dinesh is a major cause of concern. In the Qualifier 2 against Delhi, both Morgan and Karthik registered ducks against their name. Though Rahul Tripathi got them over the line, Kolkata will be concerned about the lack of runs from Morgan and Karthik.
New Delhi, Oct 14 : Amid the border dispute with India, China on Thursday signed a three-step roadmap with Bhutan for expediting the boundary negotiations.

India is keeping a close watch on Bhutan and China's negotiations, as in the past, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) had made attempts to encroach upon strategic land mass of Bhutan in the Dhoklam area, near a trijunction border known as Donglang.

Currently, India and China are engaged in a 16-month border dispute along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh.

Bhutan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the Foreign Minister of Bhutan, Lyonpo Tandi Dorji, and the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Wu Jianghao, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Royal Government of Bhutan and the Government of the People's Republic of China on the three-step roadmap for expediting the Bhutan-China boundary negotiations.

"The MoU was signed in a virtual ceremony on October 14," said Bhutan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Boundary negotiations between Bhutan and China began in 1984 and the two sides have held 24 rounds of talks and 10 rounds of meeting at the expert group level.

The negotiations, which have been conducted in a spirit of understanding and accommodation, have been guided by the 1988 joint communique on the guiding principles for the settlement of the boundary and the 1998 agreement on the maintenance of peace, tranquility and status quo in the Bhutan-China border areas.

"During the 10th expert group meeting in Kunming in April this year, the two sides agreed on a three-step roadmap that will be built on the 1988 guiding principles and help to expedite the ongoing boundary negotiations," Bhutan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

The MoU on the three-step roadmap will provide fresh impetus to the boundary talks. It is expected that the implementation of this roadmap in a spirit of goodwill, understanding and accommodation will bring the boundary negotiations to a successful conclusion that is acceptable to both sides, it said.

"The MoU will be exchanged between the two sides through diplomatic channel," the ministry said.

Earlier on several occasions, Bhutan had objected to Chinese intrusion into their land.

The Doklam Crisis In 2017, China was carrying out infrastructural development work at Doklam, the tri junction of three countries -- India, China and Bhutan -- to which India objected. China had then claimed that there was boundary dispute between Bhutan and China and to which India had no claims.

However, India had refuted the claim and stood guard there, matching the deployment of the Chinese troops for 73 days.

The standoff was triggered by China saying that it was constructing a road within its territory. This was disputed by India, which said that the road construction site was on the Bhutanese territory.

In Doklam, India feared that the Chinese road would give its military access to heights from where it could threaten the Siliguri Corridor, India's tenuous link with its northeastern region.

The crisis was resolved with diplomatic maturity without losing any ground. There was no change in the status quo on the ground and the face-off ended on August 28, 2017.
1.Director, CSIR-IMTech Sanjeev Khosla (second from right) on a visit to an farmer's apple orchard in Moolberi village near Shimla with two other scientists earlier this week Image Source: IANS News

1.Director, CSIR-IMTech Sanjeev Khosla (second from right) on a visit to an farmer's apple orchard in Moolberi village near Shimla with two other scientists earlier this week Image Source: IANS News

Shimla, Oct 14 : A collaboration between the state project implementing unit of Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Institute of Microbial Technology in Chandigarh is on the cards for microbial study of dung and urine of indigenous cows being used for Subhash Palekar Natural Farming (SPNF) in Himachal Pradesh.

The SPNF is a non-chemical, low-cost, climate-resilient agriculture technique, which is being promoted under the Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana since its launch in 2018.

It recommends the use of dung and urine of indigenous cow breeds as the key components for soil fertility enhancement and plant protection.

The state government has provided financial assistance for the purchase of 1,000 indigenous cows by the farmers across Himachal Pradesh. The cow dung harbours a rich microbial diversity, different species of bacteria, protozoa and yeast that play a significant role in the promotion of plant growth and plant protection. The utilization of cow dung bacteria can mobilize nutrients, besides contributing to sustainable agriculture.

The CSIR team of scientists headed by its Director Sanjeev Khosla was in Shimla this week to visit the farms where the natural farming technique is being followed.

The team visited an apple orchard at Moolberi village in Totu block, and a vegetable grower practising natural farming in polyhouses at Koara village in Mashobra block in Shimla district.

They interacted with the farmers and project officials and took note of the basic concept of natural farming, its formulations and methodology and impact on the cultivation and production and also economy of the farmers.

"A memorandum of understanding will be signed shortly between the Himachal Pradesh government and the CSIR-IMTech," said veterinary officer Sushil Sood.

He said the collaborative research with IMTech proposes to isolate an array of bacteria from indigenous cow's dung, followed by their identification and preliminary screening with reference to key fertility enhancing components in the Subhash Palekar Natural Farming practices.

"The work plan aims at extraction, amplification, cloning and sequencing of microbial DNA from fresh cow dung, evaluating microbial diversity and quantification in preparations such as Beejamrit, Jeevamrit and Ghaneevamrit so as to standardise the formulation of these mixtures for different agro-climatic zones," he said.

The state project implementing unit has already tied up with the farm universities in Palampur and Solan to study different aspects of natural farming.
New Delhi, Oct 14 : Congress Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha wrote to Australian High Commissioner Barry O Farrell on Thursday to declare November 4 as optional holiday for Diwali to strengthen ties between India and Australia.

In his letter he said, "it will be a great gesture if government of Australia kindly consider Diwali on Nov. 4 as an optional holiday for people of Indian origin or similarly placed persons as its the day of rejoicing and festivities." The Congress MP later tweeted and said, "To consider if for people of Indian origin and Indian Nov 4 can be declared as an optional holiday in Australia. It will gladden millions." He also requested in the letter to reduce education costs and fees to attract Indian/foreign students as there is a 80 percent drop in students' admissions post Covid. "I suggest if the fee which is pitched at very high level than that charged from the locals is reduced, the universities/institutions which are suffering losses in the post Covid era will be benefitted immensely. It will act as an incentive since travel is reopened." He urged to initiate a direct flight between Delhi and Australia besides Mumbai and Australia as Delhi never had a direct flight to Australia. In the emerging QUAD regime the bonds of friendship will get further strengthened.

"Today on Maha Navmi had the pleasure of receiving HE Hon Barry O Farrell AO the Australian HC to India & his Political Secy Jack Taylor. After an absorbing conversation I placed three requests before the High Commissioner to strengthen Indo Australian bonds" he later tweeted.

As per reports Australia's Indian diaspora numbers approximately 700,000, and it is the second-highest taxpaying diaspora after the British, making it clear that it is a group making significant contributions to Australia's economy.

Latest updates on Diwali Festival 2021
New Delhi, Oct 14 : India's merchandise exports rose by 22.63 per cent on a year-on-year basis in September 2021.

Exports rose to $33.79 billion from $27.56 billion reported for September 2020.

The data furnished by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry showed that in comparison to September 2019, last month's exports rose by 29.86 per cent.

On a sequential basis, exports for last month, inched up from $33.28 billion worth of merchandise exports reported for August 2021.

"Non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports in September 2021 were $25.34 billion, as compared to $21.33 billion in September 2020, registering a positive growth of 18.82 per cent," the ministry said.

"As compared to September 2019, non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports in September 2021registered a positive growth of 33.39 per cent." Similarly, India's merchandise imports in September 2021 increased, rising by 84.77 per cent, on a year-on-year basis, to $56.39 billion from $30.52 billion.

The data showed that in comparison to September 2019, last month's imports rose by 49.59 per cent.

Sequentially, September's imports were higher than $47.09 billion worth of merchandise imports reported for August 2021.

"Non-oil and non-gold imports were $33.84 billion in September 2021, recording a positive growth of 40.45 per cent, as compared to non-oil and non-gold imports of $24.09 billion in September 2020." "Non-oil and non-gold imports in September 2021 recorded a positive growth of 23.79 per cent over September 2019."
Dakshina Kannada, : Oct 14 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai's statement on moral policing in Dakshina Kannada district was condemned by the opposition Congress party and progressive organisations, who apprehend it will encourage the trend in the communally-sensitive coastal region which is also known to be an educational hub.

Bommai on Wednesday stated that "everyone has the responsibility" in connection with incidents of moral policing and stressed that if there is no morality among individuals, there will be actions and reactions.

Answering a question on BJP legislator supporting accused youth of a Hindu outfit taken into custody by police in a moral policing case reported near Mangaluru, he said that moral policing is a sensitive issue. "We all should take responsibility in society. There are certain feelings in the society, one should not hurt those feelings and behave in such way that, it does not hurt feelings of society," he said.

Reacting to the comments, Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah said: "Bommai, you have accepted your incapability to maintain law and order by justifying moral policing by few anti-social elements. Please resign and save Karnataka." "Innocent and helpless women are being victims of moral policing. Instead of arresting the elements involved in this, Bommai is protecting them. It is inevitable for Bommai to please Sangh Parivar for being in power. He should not have stooped such low," he added.

Democratic Youth Federation of India state President Munir Katipalla said that Bommai "has turned a blind eye to the goondagiri of Sangh Parivar in Dakshina Kannada district in the name of moral policing".

"Bommai has reacted strongly to the incident and preached on laws in connection with moral policing involving Muslim goondas in Bengaluru. Now, he has taken a u-turn to the incidents of moral policing in Mangaluru, he said.

"'Everyone has the responsibility', 'there will be action and reactions'... these are ready-made dialogues of communal forces. If the Chief Minister who has pledged on the Constitution of India is repeating the same dialogues and supports moral policing, where one should look up to... what will be the future, he asked.

"The communal forces of various organisations will be encouraged by the statements of Chief Minister Bommai and will indulge in more such activities. What will be the situation if groups of another religion get into competition mode? Being a Chief Minister he can't afford to have issued such statement irresponsibly. Chief Minister Bommai should apologise before the public," he demanded.

Congress spokesperson Lavanya Ballal said that Bommai has "forgotten that India functions under constitutional laws and moral policing is beyond the purview of the constitution. Moral policing is the clear violation of the rights and liberties of individuals".

"Bommai need to tell us under what law is vigilantism permitted in India," she asked.

Bommai, however, defended his statement and attacked Siddaramaiah, saying that: "All I said was in our society there will be a reaction to every action and law will take its own course..."
Guwahati/Agartala, Oct 14 : A day after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) extended BSF's area of operational jurisdiction in three states -- Punjab, West Bengal and Assam -- within a belt of 50 km from the international borders, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday supported the move, while the CPI-M and the Trinamool Congress strongly opposed it.

As per the MHA order, the Border Security Force (BSF) has now been empowered to take action within a belt of 50 km in Punjab, West Bengal and Assam running along the borders of India. Earlier, the BSF had jurisdiction till only 15 km in these states.

Supporting the MHA decision, Sarma tweeted, "Assam welcomes the extension of BSF's operational jurisdiction. In coordination with the state police, this move will serve as a strong deterrent to cross-border smuggling and illegal infiltration. It will strengthen national security and national interest." However, the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and the CPI-M in Tripura have strongly opposed the MHA decision.

Terming the Centre's decision as "infringement" on the rights of the state, Trinamool Congress General Secretary Kunal Ghosh said the MHA decision must be opposed.

"The MHA decision is interference in the states' affairs through the back door. The Trinamool Congress is looking into the matter with all seriousness. Appropriate comments and reactions on the issue would be communicated," said Ghosh, who is also the spokesperson of Trinamool.

CPI-M's Tripura state Secretary Jitendra Chaudhury said that the MHA decision is "unilateral and interference in the federal structure of the country".

"If the decision to extend the BSF's operational jurisdiction is necessary for the interest of the country's security, it should have been discussed in the National Development Council or in an appropriate national platform.

"The Centre's decision reflects authoritarian mentality. Such unilateral decisions always undermine the states' constitutional rights," said Chaudhury, a former MP who is also the member of the CPI-M central committee.

Slamming the Centre for amending Section 139 of the BSF Act to give the force wider jurisdiction and terming it as tantamount to an attack on federalism, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Randhawa on Wednesday asked Home Minister Amit Shah to withdraw the decision.

On Wednesday, Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi had also condemned the decision, terming it as a "direct attack on federalism".

The BSF is deployed in five eastern states sharing international borders with Bangladesh -- West Bengal (2,216 km), Tripura (856 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Mizoram (318 km) and Assam (263 km).
New Delhi, Oct 14 : The Centre has given a go ahead to inviting expression of interest for the installation of 1,000 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) as a pilot project.

This is a joint effort of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the Ministry of Power, which have been working on this to provide a roadmap for the installation of the energy storage system in the country.

In order to support the ambitious goal of achieving the 450 GW renewable energy target by 2030, it is important that it gets duly supported by the installation of energy storage systems (battery energy storage system, hydro pump storage plants etc.).

Prohibitive cost of such systems had prevented its large-scale deployment earlier.

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), a CPSU under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has called for the expression of interest for the procurement of 1,000 MWh BESS. This will be published along with the RFS bid document and the draft comprehensive guideline for the procurement and utilisation of BESS as a part of generation, transmission and distribution assets and with all ancillary services.

This will also be discussed in the pre-bid conference scheduled on October 28. Based on the suggestions and feedback from the various stakeholders, the final RFS document will be floated in the first week of November.

Going forward, India plans to use energy storage systems under the following business cases: Renewable energy along with energy storage system; Energy storage system as grid element to maximise the use of transmission system and strengthen grid stability, and also to save investment in the augmentation of transmission infrastructure; storage as an asset for balancing services and flexible operation.

The system operator, i.e., load dispatchers (RLDCs and SLDCs), may use the storage system for frequency control and balancing services to manage the inherent uncertainty/variations in the load due to non-generation.

Storage for distribution system may be placed at the load centre to manage its peak load and other obligations.
New Delhi, Oct 14 : Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee workers on Thursday protested outside Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence at Civil Lines. The protest was held against the Delhi government's decision not to allow Chhath Puja in public places this year owing to the Covid pandemic.

The demonstration was led by Congress Delhi unit president Anil Kumar. Along with former Union Minister Jagdish Tytler, other state Congress leaders also participated in the rally. The agitating leaders said that the decision has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of lakhs of Poorvanchalis living in Delhi.

Anil Kumar said that Chhath Puja is the most important religious festival of Poorvanchalis, and it had earned a niche slot in Delhi for the past many years. He said, "Arvind Kejriwal Government has denied permission to hold the puja at the Chhath Ghats on the facile plea that it would spread the Covid-19 infection, though the Government did not deny permission to hold other festivals". He accused Kejriwal of treating Poorvanchalis badly, saying that he should give immediate permission for Chhath Puja at public places.

"If Delhi Government could allow opening of all other activities, including religious functions, denying permission to hold the Chhath Puja, the most important religious festival of Poorvanchalis, is a retrograde step", he said.

Anil Kumar said that the Kejriwal Government had no problem liberalizing the excise policy and opening liquor shops everywhere, and the mad rush outside liquor outlets had been violating all the Covid protocols with impunity, but the CM was spreading the lie that Chhath Puja will spread the Covid pandemic without any evidence. He asked why the CM is misleading people when the Centre has already issued guidelines for celebrating Diwali and Chhath Puja.

--IANS avr/bg

A
Jaipur, Oct 14 : The Rajasthan police' intelligence team has arrested a peon of Military Chief Engineer Jodhpur Zone for sharing crucial information with a Pakistan based woman handler.

According to the Director General of Police Intelligence Umesh Mishra, "The fourth class employee Ram Singh, son of Gajendra Singh, aged 30-35 years, working under the Chief Engineer Jodhpur Zone M.E.S., resident of district Sirohi, has been arrested for sharing facts of strategic importance with Pakistan woman handler." Mishra said that the accused was in contact with the Pakistani woman handler through WhatsApp for the last two months. During this time, he sent photographs of strategic importance of the Indian Army through WhatsApp after being lured by her on the pretext of meeting her soon and marrying her.

He said that being a Class IV employee, he was sharing pictures of crucial documents he clicked on his mobile phone while carrying letters around and during operating photostat machines etc. Based on inputs received from Intelligence, it was being monitored by an intelligence team.

Mishra said that Ram Singh was interrogated jointly by all the agencies in Jodhpur. When the Android mobile of the accused was brought to Jaipur for tests, evidence of obscene chats and information of strategic importance was found in it. A case has been registered and the accused has been arrested. Further investigation continues in the case, he added.
Bengaluru, Oct 14 : A youth shot his mother and sister dead on Thursday apparently for not cooking tasty sambar at Kodagodu in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district.

The incident took place on Wednesday and the accused, Manjunath Haslar (24), was arrested on Thursday. The deceased have been identified as Manjunath's mother Parvathi Narayana Haslar (42) and sister Ramya Narayana Haslar (19).

Manjunath, who's known to be a drunkard, got into an argument with his mother over the sambar she had prepared, saying that it was not tasty enough. He also opposed his mother's plan to buy a cellphone for his sister Ramya by taking a loan.

Parvathi had reportedly told Manjunath that he was no one to tell her whether to buy the cellphone for his sister. At this point, an enraged Manjunath shot her with a country-made gun that was lying at home. Later, he also shot his sister, the police said.

The incident came to light after the accused's father returned home and lodged a complaint with the police against his son.
New Delhi, Oct 14 : Gearing up for the Punjab assembly polls, the BJP central leadership has held five meetings with the state unit in the national capital. In the coming days, central leaders including the election in-charge and co-incharges will start visiting the state where polls will be held early next year.

A senior party functionary said that the fact that the BJP has never been in power in Punjab on its own, this time the party is leaving no stone unturned and the central leadership is regularly reviewing the poll preparedness of the state unit.

"In the run up to the assembly polls scheduled early next year, the BJP Punjab unit has launched several campaigns to strengthen its organizational structure at the ground level and the progress of these campaigns was also discussed in these meetings," he said.

It is learnt that the top leadership of the BJP Punjab unit was present during these five meetings. "We have had five meetings in New Delhi with the state leadership. We reviewed preparedness and the work done under several programmes. Future plans were also discussed. We are contesting to win and working according to our plans. Everyone in the Punjab unit has worked hard for the expansion of the party across the state in the last one year and it will be visible in next year's assembly polls," BJP national general secretary and Punjab in-charge Dushyant Gautam said.

It is also learnt that the BJP's election in-charge for Punjab, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and co-incharges Union ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and Meenakshi Lekhi and Lok Sabha member Vinod Chavda will make their first visit to the state soon.

Gautam said that the election in-charges and co-incharges were supposed to visit the state earlier but had been delayed due to the death of Union minister Shekhawat's mother. "Election in-charge and co-incharges will be visiting soon to take stock of the preparations. They will also guide the Punjab unit with their experience," he added.

The BJP is contesting the assembly polls on its own in Punjab for the first time after one of its oldest allies Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) walked away from the alliance last year over the new farm laws. In the last Punjab assembly polls in 2017, the BJP had won only three out of the 23 seats it contested.
Mumbai, Oct 14 : A day after a Mumbai special court said that no case of illicit drug trafficking or conspiracy was made out against Sameer Khan, his father-in-law and senior Maharashtra Minister Nawab Malik on Thursday slammed the NCB for falsely implicating him in the alleged narcotics seizure case in January.

Special Judge A. A. Joglekar, while granting bail to Khan after nearly nine months in custody, had observed that no commercial quantity of drugs were found from the accused, he had no criminal records, or had connived with the other co-accused.

Addressing the media Thursday, Malik charged the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) of framing his son-in-law, filing fake cases, spreading falsehoods through selective media leaks, etc.

While Malik said his family would move the Bombay High Court to quash the agency's case against Khan, NCB Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede declined to comment on the minister's accusations saying the matter is "sub judice".

Malik made a presentation showing pictures of seizures the NCB alleged to have made at Khan's home were actually of the agency's office to entrap his son-in-law, though the NCB had denied the charges.

The NCP national spokesperson further said that what the NCB claimed as 200 kg of Ganja, the chemical analysis report proved it was only 'herbal tobacco'. "It is shocking... the NCB doesn't know the difference between ganja and tobacco?" He pointed out that anti-drug agencies have kits that can instantly detect whether any substance is a narcotic or not and questioned how the NCB failed to distinguish between ganja and tobacco.

"I have been saying right from the beginning the NCB is framing prominent people through such 'farziwara' (fraudulent cases)... We shall approach the Bombay High Court," Malik said.

He said that after he exposed the NCB's raids on a cruise ship on October 2, he has been getting threat calls and support calls from all over India.

Now, the Maharashtra Police has upgraded Malik's security to Y-Plus in view of the threats he is facing.

He also publicly expressed gratitude to NCP President Sharad Pawar for solidly supporting him and his family during the trauma they underwent past nine months.

This is the third attack Malik launched on the NCB in the past two weeks raising various questions but the agency has claimed no wrongdoings.
Mumbai, Oct 14 : Former India batter Aakash Chopra feels that some things have gone Chennai Super Kings' way, which led to them 'exceeding expectations'. He also said that Chennai went from strength to strength as they did well in their matches in Mumbai. Chennai are now in their ninth IPL final and will try to bag the trophy for the fourth time against the Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday in Dubai.

"Well, few things have gone their way and they have exceeded expectations, because in the first leg when they were playing in Wankhede stadium and I thought they didn't have the side to conquer that frontier. They were extraordinary there and they have gone from strength to strength," Chopra told Star Sports.

Commenting on the players who have done well for Chennai, Chopra said, "Because the middle order hasn't fired, so the opening partnership of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf Du Plessis has. Moeen Ali in the first half of the tournament with the bat, Ravindra Jadeja's resurgence as a T20 finisher - he did finish a couple of games on his own. Also, a lot of factors have also contributed. Lord Shardul, let's not forget him, if they have the Lord on their side, then the light of the Lord is with them." The 44-year-old Chopra also gave his opinion on MS Dhoni being retained by Chennai ahead of the mega auctions. "Dhoni is going to retain CSK for sure. Now in what capacity it's up to him. It's never been a transactional kind of relationship between the two. MSD is equal to CSK, so if he has a season in him, which is only six months away, and if he has the desire to play as he will play." "But I'm sure he's also mindful of the fact that next year's big auction, a lot of money is being parked on one player for the next three seasons. If that's going to happen then you're going to hamper the chances of creating a good team at a big auction. So if that plays out the way I think it is, MS might be there as a mentor and not as a player." Former India pacer Ajit Agarkar mentioned the Indian core of Chennai as a reason for them being a strong franchise in the tournament. "So, what they did was, at the start of the IPL, they decided to build the team around MS Dhoni and obviously got the Indian guys like Suresh Raina and M Vijay at the start." "So, the nucleus was there of the Indian players, then it becomes a lot easier to get your overseas guys. And then they kept on adding one or two players, and that's why they have been such a good time for so long, but it is time, they will have to make changes," concluded Agarkar.
Moscow, Oct 14 : The Russian Foreign Ministry said Thursday that post-conflict reconstruction and humanitarian assistance will be high on the agenda of the multilateral talks on Afghanistan in Moscow next week.

During her weekly briefing, the ministry's spokesperson Maria Zakharova noted the challenges facing the region, including terrorist activities and a "catastrophic humanitarian situation," which have affected all walks of life there, the Xinhua news agency reported.

She said that the human rights issue may be covered at the meeting, but it would not be a priority.

Russia has invited Taliban representatives to the meeting slated for Oct. 20. The Moscow-format consultations on Afghanistan were launched in 2017 on the basis of the six-party mechanism for consultations among representatives from Russia, Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, Iran and India.

The first round of the consultations took place on April 14, 2017 and were attended by deputy foreign ministers and representatives of 11 countries, namely Russia, Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, Iran, India, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
Kolkata, Oct 14 : A day after the Union home ministry issued a notification extending the jurisdiction of the BSF in West Bengal, Punjab and Assam where the central force will be able to frisk and conduct search operations within a larger 50- km stretch instead of the existing 15 kms, the Trinamool Congress came down heavily on the Centre. It alleged that this was an "infringement" on the rights of the state and an attack on the federal structure of the country.

Demanding its withdrawal, the TMC claimed the decision was taken without consulting the West Bengal government. "We oppose this decision. This is an infringement on the rights of the state. What was the sudden need to enhance the BSF's jurisdiction without informing the state government?" TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said.

Ghosh wrote in a Twitter message, "The decision to extend BSF's jurisdiction within the borders from 15 kilometres to 50 kilometres is unacceptable. This is direct interference in the areas that are under the jurisdiction of the state government. Trinamool Congress is taking the matter seriously. We will place our opinion on this issue," Ghosh said.

On Wednesday, the Union home ministry issued a notification enhancing the mandate of the BSF in the states of West Bengal, Punjab and Assam where the central force will be able to conduct search operations within a 50-km radius from the border. The BSF will not only have the power to confiscate property within that area but will also share equal power with the state police on this count.

Though the MHA clarified that lately there has been an alarming increase in illegal arms smuggled from across the borders and the extension of the BSF's mandate was done to arrest this trend, the Trinamool Congress said that it is a direct intervention in the state's jurisdiction.

According to Ghosh, since law and order is a state subject the extended powers to the BSF will lead to an unnecessary tussle. Also, this will not only create tension between the BSF and the state police but will lead to chaos. He felt that this will ultimately result in unnecessary tension and deterioration in the law and order situation in the border areas.

"If the BSF has to conduct any search, they can always do it along with the state police. This has been the practice for years. It is an attack on the federal structure," he added. "The Centre and Home Minister Amit Shah are trying to weaken the states. BSF doesn't have a good track record when it comes to human rights in border villages," another senior TMC leader said.

State Congress president Adhir Chowdhury warned the Union Home Ministry of "consequences" over the move. "The expansion of #BSF area of jurisdiction upto 50 km from border of some states amounts to brazen infringement upon the territory of states. HMO India (Home Ministry), you should not indulge in any 'Chherkhani' (meddling) else (you) will face the consequences," he said in a tweet.
New Delhi, Oct 14 : The BJP has launched the process of preparing its manifesto for next year's Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, while a review of its past poll promises will also be carried out.

Talking to IANS, Union Minister of State for Culture and Parliamentary Affairs and BJP's election co-in charge for UP, Arjun Ram Meghwal, said that the party has entrusted him with the responsibility of reviewing the 2017 manifesto and taking people's suggestions for the 2022 manifesto.

He said the manifesto will be drawn up with the common man as its focus so that the ground-level issues are incorporated.

Meghwal said that during his tours to the state, he has been taking feedback from both party leaders and common people on the extent to which the promises made in the 2017 manifesto have been fulfilled, and which issues should be incorporated in the 2022 manifesto.

He said suggestions and feedback are being collated and as the elections near, the party will set up a committee to consider these inputs and give a final shape to the manifesto for 2022.

The purpose of seeking feedback and suggestions is to energise the party workers and reach out to the people.

Meghwal is among the top party leaders entrusted with the responsibility for the state, so that they can interact with party workers and people to assess the ground situation.

The BJP had last month declared Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as the state poll in-charge, with seven leaders, including Union ministers Anurag Singh Thakur and Meghwal as co-in charges, and another six as regional in-charges.
Moscow, Oct 14 : The AUKUS, a security partnership between Australia, Britain and the United States, "undoubtedly" undermines regional stability, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said.

"In my opinion, it is good to be friends with each other, but bad to be friends against someone. This impairs the stability that we all talk about and we all care about," Putin said during an interview with US TV channel CNBC on Wednesday, the Xinhua news agency reported.

He said that he hopes the situation will not develop according to some unpredictable scenario and will not cause any additional tensions in the region.

Australia, Britain and the United States announced the establishment of the AUKUS partnership on September 15 and under the arrangement, Washington and London will support Canberra in building nuclear-powered submarines.

Russia has repeatedly voiced its concerns over the new bloc.

Russian officials told US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland during her recent visit to Russia that the AUKUS not only hurts the existing security architecture in Asia-Pacific, but also carries the risk of undermining the global nonproliferation regime, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Thursday.
Yangon, Oct 14 : Myanmar reported 1,514 new Covid-19 cases with a daily test positivity rate of 8.1 per cent in the past 24 hours, taking the tally to 484,317, according to a release issued by the Ministry of Health on Thursday.

The death toll has increased to 18,255 on Thursday after 33 more deaths were newly reported, the release said.

According to the ministry's figures, a total of 436,640 patients have been discharged from hospitals and over 4.57 million samples have been tested for Covid-19 so far, the Xinhua news agency reported.

Another one million doses of COVID-19 vaccines donated by China arrived in Myanmar's Yangon on Thursday, the state-run media reported.

So far, China has supplied 22.6 million doses of Covid vaccines to Myanmar, of which 5.9 million doses were donated by China, according to the recent release from the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar.

Myanmar detected its first two Covid cases on March 23 last year.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Hyderabad, Oct 14 : After successful launch of 'Sunday Funday' at Tank Bund on the banks of Hussain Sagar lake, Telangana's Urban Development Department has decided to organise a similar weekly carnival at the historic Charminar.

Beginning on October 17, the monument, considered a symbol of Hyderabad, will see various cultural, arts and crafts activities between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. every Sunday.

The plans to conduct 'Ek shaam Charminar ke naam' were finalised by authorities on Thursday. Special Chief Secretary, Urban Development, Arvind Kumar, along with Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, Police Commissioner Anjani Kumar and other officials went around Charminar and surroundings to finalise the arrangements.

Arvind Kumar tweeted that the programme will be traffic free and pedestrian friendly. "Our effort is to make it a pleasant experience for all," he said.

Noticing the overwhelming response to 'Sunday Funday' at Tank Bund, Owaisi had suggested a similar event at Charminar. The officials worked on the suggestion and finalised the arrangements.

Owaisi appealed to men, women and children to visit Charminar to enjoy the programme. He said there will be 'Mazahia Mushaira' (funny poetry programme) and painting competition for children. There will be different stalls and various activities.

"Hyderabad is identified with Charminar. The idea is to bring people to the historic monument, strengthen the city's peace and to provide an opportunity to people to see the historic and beauty of their city," he said, hoping that the programme will be organised on at least two Sundays every month.

Authorities will make parking arrangements for visitors at Sardar Mahal, Old Bus Stand, Khilwat Grounds, and Quli Qutb Shah Stadium.

Hundreds of people are attending 'Sunday Funday' programme at iconic Tank Bund every Sunday evening.

Following suggestion from citizens, Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister K.T. Rama Rao had directed the officials in August to make Tank Bund traffic free during evening hours every Sunday so that people can enjoy the evening on the banks of picturesque Hussain Sagar lake.

The programme was launched on August 29 and it became an instant hit as large number of families started thronging the landmark.

Later, on the advise of the minister, activities like arts, crafts and music were added.
Guwahati/Kohima, Oct 14 : Amid ongoing talks between the Centre and Naga outfits in Delhi, five cadres of the different factions of the NSCN have been arrested in Nagaland and Assam with arms and ammunition and two hostages freed, defence officials said on Thursday.

A defence spokesman said that the security forces, in a joint operation with police apprehended four cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Niki Sumi group from Daba Gaon in Nagaland's Dimapur district.

Two people, kidnapped by these cadres from Mishikito, were also rescued and various incriminating documents were recovered from the militants.

The spokesman said that in another joint operation by the army and police, an active member of the NSCN-Isak-Muivah was apprehended near Tinkopani Reserve Forest in Assam's Tinsukia district, and a 7.65 mm pistol with three rounds, one safety fuse, one detonator and 250 gm explosive recovered from him.

All the five apprehended NSCN militants have been handed over to the police.

Meanwhile, NSCN-IM, leaders led by Thuingaleng Muivah, are now holding meetings with Centre's interlocutor A.K. Mishra in New Delhi. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio reportedly participated in one of the meetings last week.

Mishra recently held a series of meetings in Nagaland with the NSCN-IM leaders, various Naga groups and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Nagaland's Rio.
New Delhi, Oct 14 : Delhi Police have arrested two people in a 9-year-old boy's murder case whose body was found in a sack in the national capital's Uttam Nagar area.

The arrested persons have been identified as Umesh Kumar and Naveen Mehto, both labourers working at a construction site.

According to the police, a complaint was registered on October 11 at the Uttam Nagar police station regarding a boy who went missing while playing in a park in front of the house. A case under section 363 (kidnapping) of the IPC was initially registered and the investigation was taken up.

The parents of the missing child then received a ransom call in which the kidnappers demanded Rs 5 lakh. Through the number, the police were able to locate a person named Bipin Bhandari, in whose name the mobile number was registered.

When a team of policemen checked Bhandari's house, six other labourers residing on the same floor were also apprehended.

A search of the second floor in the same building was initiated on October 13 and finally the body of the missing child, identified as Ankush Kumar, was recovered from there, having being dumped in the garbage adjacent to the room of one of the apprehended labourers Umesh Kumar.

A police team also inspected the spot from where the body was recovered and all the CCTV cameras in the vicinity were thoroughly checked.

Finally, during interrogation, Umesh Kumar broke down and narrated the whole incident. He said he was in dire need of money and also due to his addiction to drugs, he along with his friend, the second accused Naveen Mehto who is also a drug addict, had stolen the SIM card of Bipin Bhandari and used it in the handset of one Satender Bhagat who was residing adjacent to his rented room building.

Both the accused Naveen and Umesh planned to kidnap the child as suggested by Umesh, because he used to visit the park where the child played and had struck up an acquantaince with the boy. They also knew that the father of Ankush Kumar was a labour supplier to the construction sites and they thought they could make a handsome amount of money out of the kidnapping.

On October 11, both of them kidnapped the child from the park and brought him to their rented accommodation after which they strangled him. After making sure that he was dead they put the body in a plastic bag and dumped it near their rented room.
New Delhi, Oct 14 : With the immersion of Durga idols on Friday, devotees in the national capital will bid adieu to the Hindu deity until next year.

While puja committee members and devotees are happy with the resumption of the festival after a gap of one year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, they all faced similar issues such as budget cuts and crowd management following the Covid ptorocols, among others.

"This time, only the committee members were allowed to visit the pandal. We tried to keep the number of visitors as low as possible. We also installed cameras to keep a check on the number of people gathering at a given time. We ensured that the people entering the premises wore masks, while sanitiser was made available 24x7," Bhabatosh Pal, who has been a member of the Mayur Vihar Phase III puja committee for the last 15 years, told IANS.

While there was no dampening of spirit as far as the devotees were concerned, there was an obvious sense of caution among the people owing to the pandemic, he added.

Health experts have been cautioning the people with regard to the ongoing festival season, as large social gatherings may again lead to a surge in the number of Covid cases. Therefore, the puja committees took all kinds of measures to ensure that all the activities took place safely.

Vibha Ranna of Mayur Vihar Phase 1 puja committee told IANS that to keep a check on crowding, they allowed devotees in a lot of 15, ensuring that there is a distance of almost four feet between them.

"I am almost 50 years old and I have spent all my life in Delhi. I haven't witnessed any festival season like this one. Last year, we performed only 'Kalash Puja', which is a symbolic puja of goddess Durga. This year we have an idol, though it's much smaller than our usual one. We did not allow full access to people and there were no distribution of 'langar'. Even the 'prasads' were given in packets," Shorbashish Bhattacharya, an active member of the Co-operative Ground puja committee in Chittaranjan Park, told IANS.

All these three spots used to have 10-20 feet high idols of Durga, but adhering to Delhi government's notice, they were limited to 4-5 feet this year.

"Talking about budget, it has been slashed from Rs 35 lakh to Rs 6-7 lakh due to lack of funds," Bhabatosh Pal said.

On Wednesday, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) prohibited immersion of Durga idols in the city's water bodies, including Yamuna, to prevent water pollution.

"We have already taken care of that. We will use a tanker to immerse the idol," Pal said.
New Delhi, Oct 14 : After the developments in Afghanistan following the take over of the government by the Taliban, there has been a considerable impact on various Islamic radical groups in the South Asian region with some of them seeing the return of Taliban as a reflection of victory of a staunch Islamic narrative.

Bangladesh has always been associated with the developments in Afghanistan, as radical groups in Bangladesh have over the years fought alongside the Mujahideen during the period of Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and along the Taliban against the US and western forces.

The Taliban take over in Afghanistan witnessed an initial euphoria among the radical groups in Bangladesh with leaders of several such entities announcing that the development was a sign of victory for the Islamic Ummah.

Some even went to the extent of stating that now was the time for Bangladesh to be a wholly Islamic nation and influence the region on similar lines. However, the strong foundation of democracy and secularism that has evolved in Bangladesh over the last few years under the Awami League government has successfully staved any such rhetoric from influencing the people and society at large.

Having been restricted in their activities, some such radical entities have launched an aggressive mass media campaign to gain popularity by criticising the government and various institutions they consider as damaging the interests of these radical entities.

Two of the fringe Islamic radical outfits present and active in Bangladesh, the Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT) and the Tayebia Bangladesh Mission (TBM), have been at the forefront of persistent mass media campaigns through press releases, leaflets, posters and social media posts, targeting the Awami League government, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and her government's relations with India and its policies.

These outfits have been pushing the rhetoric that the present government in Bangladesh is "autocratic and oppressive", and they have been critical of any cooperation between Bangladesh and India or Bangladesh and the West.

They have been demanding the need to change the Awami League government and ensure that an Islamic party takes over so that norms of the Sharia are followed in Bangladesh. These entities have been projecting the so called "positive aspects" of an Islamic society and they tend to praise the Taliban government, which they feel should be emulated in Bangladesh too.

Some of these outfits recently tried to target a cross section of so called 'radical oriented' officials in the government and the armed forces to change their approach and attitude towards the government from within and create a pro-Islamic narrative in their ways of functioning.

They have targeted government institutions such as the Army and the security forces, claiming them to be beholden to the government and hence functioning under an "India-backed" government. Some of the leaflets/publicity materials are specifically addressed to the Bangladesh Army, inciting it to topple the present government to establish "Khilafah Rashidah".

They have also made repeated calls to the armed forces personnel to stop protecting the "traitors who had back stabbed the Army in Pilkhana (referring to the BDR mutiny in 2009) after conspiring with India" and to "save the Muslim Ummah and themselves" by removing this regime.

The HuT also criticised the recently-held 'Bangladesh-Britain 4th Strategic Dialogue' as symbolic of 'master-slave' relation and berated Sheikh Hasina for allowing such "insulting activities" critical of Bangladesh.

The Covid-19 pandemic has also come in handy for these groups to target Sheikh Hasina for being "responsible" for all the deaths and mismanagement and for "looting millions" through corruption in the health sector.

They alleged that Sheikh Hasina was using the pandemic as a political tool to stay in power by suppressing dissent. The other issues used by these groups are Rohingya refugees, support for secularism and recognition to Israel, etc.

Bangladesh saw a surge in Islamic nationalism in the Covid-19 period as more radical organisations took to the internet to propagate their cause. Radical media has been well-exploited by these entities to project their views.

According to a survey conducted by the Bangladesh Police, 82 per cent of the extremists were inspired by radical media propaganda and around 80 per cent of them use Facebook Messenger, WeChat, Threema and other end-to-end encrypted platforms.

Online radicalisation has thus been a challenge in Bangladesh as these entities are able to suitably push their narrative across the entire population group, including those in the government.

The Tayebia Bangladesh Mission (TBM) called Sheikh Hasina a puppet of India, alleging that "India and Mujib held Bangladesh hostage" and asserted that people of the country will never tolerate India again. These bodies have referred to the mega projects started by the present government as "mega corruption" initiatives and alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has ushered in an era of corruption and blamed the MPs as petty businessmen exploiting political power to rob the country.

While Bangladeshis are generally conscious of the negative branding that the country can get with any prominence to the radical groups, at the same time, given the strong pro-radical sentiments prevalent there, it often becomes difficult for the government to act against those groups in a hard-hitting and aggressive manner.

At the same time, their persistent campaign and instigation against the Awami League government and India and propagation of the ideology of Islamic fundamentalism and militancy can have significant impact on some sections of Bangladesh populace. The desperation in them is evident as they indulge in spreading leaflets/messages through different means to reach the people.

The government will have to prevent any space to these entities, otherwise they can change the nation into a rabid Islamic fundamentalist hot bed.
New Delhi, Oct 14 : Microsoft is shutting down its business and employment-oriented online service LinkedIn in China, saying that having to comply with the Chinese state has become increasingly challenging, the BBC reported.

The move comes after the career-networking site faced questions for blocking the profiles of some journalists.

Microsoft will launch a jobs-only version of the site, called InJobs, later this year. But this will not include a social feed or the ability to share or post articles, the report said.

LinkedIn senior vice-president Mohak Shroff wrote in a blog, "We're facing a significantly more challenging operating environment and greater compliance requirements in China." LinkedIn was the only major Western social media platform operating in China.

When it launched there in 2014, it had agreed to adhere to the requirements of the Chinese government in order to operate in China but also promised to be transparent about how it conducted business in the country and said it disagreed with government censorship, the report said.

Recently, LinkedIn blacklisted several journalists' accounts, including those of Melissa Chan and Greg Bruno, from its China-based website.

Bruno, who has written a book documenting China's treatment of Tibetan refugees, told Verdict that he was not surprised that the Chinese Communist Party did not like it, but was "dismayed that an American tech company is caving into the demands of a foreign government".

In a letter to LinkedIn chief executive Ryan Roslansky and Microsoft boss Satya Nadella, US Senator Rick Scott called the move a "gross appeasement and an act of submission to Communist China", the report said.
United Nations, Oct 14 : India was re-elected to the Human Rights Council on Thursday for another three-year term, starting next year with a pledge to "to bring its pluralistic, moderate and balanced perspective to straddle various divides or differences in the Council".

India received 184 of the 193 votes cast in the election.

India's manifesto for the election emphasised that the promotion and protection of human rights were best served by "dialogue, cooperation and constructive and collaborative engagement".

A total of 18 seats were up for election this year under the system of rotating membership with three-year terms on the 47-member Council.

The Asia group of countries unanimously endorsed India, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates for the five seats for the region that were up for election this year ensuring their unopposed election.

Despite the unanimity, two spoiler votes were cast - one each for Fiji and the Maldives.

The other regional ballots were five for Africa, three each for the two groups, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Western and Other Countries, and two for Eastern Europe. They were also non-competitive as the various groups had endorsed only as many countries as there were vacancies.

The US, which rejoined the Council this year after President Joe Biden assumed office, contested the election and was elected, but with only 168 votes, the lowest number of votes of the 18 countries.

Former President Donald Trump had withdrawn the US from the Council in 2018 criticising it for having serious human rights violators like China, Cuba and Venezuela as members and for what he called its "anti-Israel" stance.

The Secretary of State had said that Washington's withdrawal had created a vacuum on the Council that authoritarian countries had taken advantage of and to redress this, the US "must be at the table using the full weight of our diplomatic leadership".

This year's elections were non-controversial as none of those three countries -- or others liable to stir controversies -- were on the ballot.

Bangladesh, which will complete two consecutive terms at the end of this year, was not eligible for reelection.

Pakistan, China and Nepal are also currently on the Council with terms running till 2023.

India was elected in 2018 to the current term that began in 2019 and after its election this time it will not be able to seek re-election in 2024 because the rules do not allow a country to serve more than two consecutive terms.

It was among the first batch of 47 countries elected to the Council in 2006 soon after it was set up and received an initial one-year term instead of three to facilitate a rotating roster of vacancies each year.

It was again elected in 2007, 2011 and 2014 to three-year terms.

In its manifesto for the re-election, India said: "The promotion and protection of human rights is essential to achieving the goal of socio-economic advancement of humanity in its entirety." It said: "India's desire to serve as a member of the Human Rights Council is rooted in its belief that States members of the Council have a unique opportunity and responsibility to work towards the global advancement of human rights." The manifesto spoke at length about buttressing human rights through action in the socio-economic arenas like building back better from the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The right to free speech and expression occupies its rightful place in the core of the Constitution. As the world's largest, multi-layered democracy, India fully recognises the importance of free speech and expression. The Supreme Court and other courts in India, through their judicial pronouncements, have significantly expanded the scope of the right to freedom of speech and expression by including other rights, such as the right to freedom of the press, the right to information and even the right to remain silent within its purview." It contained a 23-point pledge that included continued cooperation "with treaty monitoring bodies and engage constructively with them in the context of fulfilling its human rights obligations", support to "the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, including through regular voluntary contributions, and acceptance of "requests for visits".

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed @arulouis)
New Delhi, Oct 14 : Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the "technical issues" in the appointment of the Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) would soon be resolved, Geo News reported.

Khan, according to sources, made the statement during a meeting of the PTI Parliamentary Committee.

During the meeting, the Pakistan premier took the participants into confidence over the prevailing political situation in the country.

Khan said that "no one has a better relationship with the military than me", adding that there was no misunderstanding between the government and the military, the report said.

The Prime Minister had convened an emergency meeting of the ruling party's parliamentary group at the Parliament House to discuss important national issues.

Following the meeting, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Fawad Chaudhry, held a press conference, where he said that "the decision regarding the appointment of the ISI DG will be made in an atmosphere of trust".

Chaudhry quoted the premier as saying that the "ambiguity regarding the appointment has been cleared".

"PM Imran Khan said that civil-military relations have never been as good in the entire history of the country as they are now," said Chaudhry.

Amid talks of the appointment of new ISI DG Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum, Imran Khan had on Wednesday informed the federal cabinet that he had told Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa that he wanted Lt Gen Faiz Hameed to continue as the ISI DG for some time due to the critical situation in neighbouring Afghanistan.
New Delhi, Oct 14 : As against the normal date of October 15 when the southwest monsoon completely withdraws from across India, the process is delayed this time, and its exit may still be at least five days away, the IMD said on Thursday.

The commencement of withdrawal of the southwest monsoon had started on October 6, against the normal date of September 17.

Unlike the process of onset of monsoon, which is very slow, the withdrawal of monsoon need not be that slow, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had said. Generally, the complete withdrawal of the southwest monsoon happens by October 12 or maximum by October 15.

"There are low pressure systems bringing in rains over Kerala, Tamil Nadu and another over Odisha and Andhra Pradesh coast. This had delayed this process," IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mahapatra told IANS.

"It will be at least five days before the withdrawal process is complete." After October 12, the stage is set for commencement of northeast monsoon - that brings in rains mostly to Tamil Nadu, parts of Andhra Pradesh. and Kerala. This time, because of the low-pressure systems and cyclonic circulations since last week, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and parts of Karnataka have experienced heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.
Leh, Oct 14 : The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, on Thursday performed Sindhu Darshan puja on the ghats of the Indus river on the outskirts of Leh.

Accompanied by his daughter Swati, Kovind is visiting Leh for the first time after the formation of the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Amid religious chants and drumbeats, the President, along with the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, R.K. Mathur, performed the Sindhu Darshan puja at the specially constructed ghat in Shey village, about 12 km from Leh, which is now the designated place for the annual Sindhu Darshan festival.

Member of Parliament Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Indian Army's Northern Command GoC Y.K. Joshi and Fire and Fury Corp GoC Lt Gen P.G.K. Menon were also present on the occasion.

Earlier on Thursday morning, Mathur had welcomed Kovind at the Leh airfield, where he was accorded the ceremonial guard of honour.

The President is on a two-day visit to Ladakh, where he would celebrate Dussehra with the Army jawans in Drass. He will also pay tributes at the Kargil War Memorial there.
Dhaka, Oct 14 : Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday assured the Hindu community that they will continue to enjoy equal rights and freely celebrate their festivals as she promised strong action against those who indulged in violence and vandalism at temples and Durga Puja pandals in Comilla and elsewhere.

"You are considered as citizens of this country. You live in equal rights. You will enjoy equal rights. You will observe your religion and celebrate festivals with equal rights. That's what we want. This is the real policy of our Bangladesh and our ideal.

"I urge you again never to think of yourself as a minority," she said, joining the Mahanabami of Durga Puja, organised by the Mahanagar Sarvajanin Puja Committee at Dhakeshwari Mandir in Dhaka, virtually from her official residence, Ganobhaban.

"The minority-majority here should not be judged by number. You are an independent citizen in independent Bengal. You have to have that confidence; this is what I want... Why do you think of yourselves as a small community? "Please remember, all of you have the freedom to speech, you have right to enjoy your festival by being born in this land... You are the next generation of those who were born on this earth. So, everyone lives here in their own right... I do not consider you as a minority, we consider you as our relatives.

"We are getting a lot of information and of course we will find out who is behind the provocation to destroy the communal harmony... strong action will be taken against those no matter which religion they belong to. I want to remind all; Bangladesh is a land of communal harmony. Here, people of all faiths will live together and will practice their own religion," she said.

Hasina again promised strong action against those involved in provoking communal disturbances by spreading fake photos of the Quran being placed at the feet of a Hindu deity in a Comilla temple, during the biggest festival of Hindus here.

The photos, extensively posted on social media, provoked disturbances across the country. Four rioters were killed in police firing at Chandpur when they went to attack temples and vandalised the Durga Puja pandals and hue and cry raised by radical Islamists demanding to stop the Durga Puja festival, alleging "insult to Islam".

On the incident in Comilla, she said: "We are taking action on the incident that took place. Appropriate steps are being taken in this regard. They will be found wherever such incidents take place. We have done it in the past and we can do it.

"Some people only use their intellect for evil and tend to ruin things when they're going very well. They try to destroy the communal harmony at a time when Bangladesh is moving fast on the path of development.

"Those who cannot gain people's trust and have no ideology tend to do this. It is one of their weaknesses. If we are all aware of this, action can be taken against them." "Strong punishment must be given to them. Punishment should be given so that no one dares to do so in future...," she added.

Meanwhile, state Information Minister Murad Hassan said that Bangladesh was a secular nation and will soon return to the 1972 Constitution.

"The military dictators tried to undermine Bangladesh's core ideal of secularism by declaring Islam as the state religion. We will soon return to the 1972 secular constitution that founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman gave to Bangladesh after independence," he said in a video post.
Chennai, Oct 14 : Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK has recorded a thumping victory in the rural local body polls in nine districts, winning 138 out of the 140 district panchayat union seats.

The main opposition AIADMK could only get two seats, in its second major drubbing after the 2021 Assembly elections.

The DMK-led front also led in the panchayat union councillor posts, winning 1,021 out of the 1,380 seats with the AIADMK a distant second with only 214 seats.

Interestingly, the 'Third Front' or rather parties like Kamal Haasan's MNM, actor-director Seeman's NTK, T.T.V. Dhinakaran's AMMK, Dr S. Ramadoss' PMK, and actor-turned-politician Vijayakant's DMDK fared poorly.

The PMK won 47 councillor seats, AMMK four, the DMDK one, while the rest, including Seeman and Kamal Haasan's outfits could not secure even one.

"The drubbing by the people of these vote splitters is a clear message. Either they are part of a Dravidian movement or else they perish. Independent political parties cannot survive in Tamil Nadu and they can exist only as a coalition partnerd of either of the major parties, the DMK or the AIADMK," political analyst and Chennai private college Professor, Dr Uma Maheshwari told IANS.

All the parties, in the run up to the elections, had expressed high confidence in their winning prospects but the results proved something different.

C. Rajeev of Chennai think tank, Centre for Policy and Development Studies, told IANS that it "is high time leaders of these political parties including Kamal Haasan understand that unless a party has have a proper electoral policy and a manifesto, people will not support them. Even the seats won by these parties may be due to the performance of their individual leaders due to his/her influence in the locality rather than attributing to the policies and programmes of these parties.

"People of Tamil Nadu are highly literate as far as elections are concerned and they will teach betrayers a lesson and those ready for vote-splitting will also be shown their place and this has exactly what happened in these polls."
Bhubaneswar, Oct 14 : An investors' delegation from Japan along with India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Thursday held a meeting with the Odisha government on potential partnerships on steel, chemical and various other industries, an official said.

"Japan has been a treasured partner of India and Odisha. Our state is committed to build an everlasting relationship with Japan, both in industrial and cultural spheres," said Industries Minister Dibya Shankar Mishra.

He also urged the Japanese firms and investors to come to Odisha and see its offerings, and promised that the state is ever ready to facilitate and handhold investors for their proposed investments. Mishra thanked Japan for being the country partner in the 2nd edition of 'Make in Odisha'.

Chief Secretary S.C. Mahapatra said, "The officials operating at different levels are part of Odisha's growth story and we would ensure all kinds of proactive support to the Japanese investors, not only from initiation to commissioning of projects, but also for their continued smooth operation." Principal Secretary in the Industries Department, Hemant Sharma, highlighted the industry-specific infrastructures and opportunities to the Japanese delegates.

"We have natural advantage in mineral-based industries and we have been able to attract investment to the tune of Rs 4 lakh crore in the last two years. Because of the huge investment in infrastructure, ports, rail, roads, power and skill development, we are a preferred destination for diversified industries," Sharma told the delegation.

Shringla said, "The case for Japanese investment in Odisha is well made. The robust infrastructure, strong political will and enabling bureaucracy coupled with natural resources are great strengths of Odisha." He added that the government of India would provide all the required support for successful investments in Odisha.

Satoshi Suzuki, a member of the Japanese delegation, appreciated Odisha's efforts in attracting investments from foreign countries, including considerable Japanese companies. The number of Japanese companies in Odisha has increased by 5 times in the last 10 years, he said.

Top Japanese diplomats and many representatives of Japanese companies in India attended the meeting.
Hyderabad, Oct 14 : Top Maoist leader, Akkiraju Haragopal, alias Ramakrishna, who led the Maoists in peace talks with then Andhra Pradesh government in 2004, died of illness in Chhattisgarh, sources said on Thursday.

According to sources, the 58-year-old leader, popularly known as R.K., succumbed to chronic illness in south Bastar on Wednesday.

He was member of Central committee of the Communist Party of India-Maoist and incharge of Andhra-Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee of the banned outfit.

A key ideologue of the party, R.K., had several cases pending against him in different states and was carrying a reward of Rs 97 lakh.

Chhattisgarh Police confirmed the death of the top Maoist leader following wireless intercepts by the intelligence agencies. However, the CPI-Maoist is yet to release a statement confirming the report.

Hailing from Tumrukota village in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur district, he had led then CPI-ML People's War in the peace talks with the Congress government headed by Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy in undivided Andhra Pradesh.

During the talks, the CPI-ML People's War merged with then Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) to form the CPI-Maoist. The talks had ended in failure as Maoists pulled out of the process accusing the government of breaking the ceasefire.

R.K. was injured in an exchange of fire with police in Malkangiri district of Odisha in October 2016. Thirty Maoists were killed in that encounter and initially he was reported missing.

Civil rights groups and Maoist sympathisers had alleged that he was in police custody. R.K.'s wife Sirisha had moved habeas corpus petition in Hyderabad High Court.

She had sought directions to the police to produce R.K. in the court. The Andhra Pradesh Police, however, told the court that R.K. was not in their custody. Later, the Maoists issued a statement that he was safe.
The Florida FAV conference is the leading state-focused transportation conference in the country. We bring together experts from around the world with the goal of educating and inspiring Floridas transportation leaders, said Florida State Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg).

From November 29 - December 1, 2021, the Central Florida Expressway (CFX) will host the 9th Annual Florida Automated Vehicles (FAV) Summit in Orlando, Florida. In recent years, this event has been a sellout. The 2021 FAV Summit will focus on ACES mobility. ACES is an acronym for the four rising stars of mobility - Automated, Connected, Electric and Shared.

CFX is this years host agency. The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA), TEAMFL, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, and the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority (MDX) have worked throughout the year to bring this summit to Orlando.

The FAV Summit assembles nationally recognized experts and industry leaders to discuss the state of autonomous and connected vehicle technologies, implementation opportunities, and challenges to successfully integrate these within existing transportation networks.

The Florida FAV conference is the leading state-focused transportation conference in the country. We bring together experts from around the world with the goal of educating and inspiring Floridas transportation leaders, said Florida State Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg).

At the FAV Summit, ACES is not only discussed but also previewed with demonstrations from cutting-edge companies in the ACES field. Live demonstrations showcasing connected and automated technologies provide insight into the potential of these technologies on our roadways. Demonstrators include Beep, ArciMoto, and May Mobility, among others. A wide range of speakers from the private and public sectors will speak on the global impact of ACES in the coming years and decades. A full list of speakers can be found on the FAV Summit website.

FAV Summit

November 29h - December 1

Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel

9939 Universal Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32819

Please visit https://favsummit.com to learn more or to register for the 9th Annual FAV Summit. For a media pass and media kit, please email Sarah Lesch, sarah@playbookpublicrelations.com. View FAV Summit videos to see highlights from previous years.

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ABOUT FAV SUMMIT:

The FAV Summit has been assembling industry leaders worldwide to address Automated, Connected, Electric, and Shared (ACES) technologies, operations, and policy issues since 2013. Our mission is to gain insight into Florida's advancement of ACES technology and discuss how to create the ideal climate for implementing and deploying these technologies. In addition, the summit includes live demonstrations from global innovators. For more information, visit FAVsummit.com.
"This research demonstrates that travelers are looking forward to advancements in areas such as touchless technology, digital health and sustainable travel. Now is the time to rebuild our industry in a way that is more traveler focused, said Decius Valmorbida, President, Travel, Amadeus.

The survey of 9,074 consumers across France, Germany, India, Spain, Russia, Singapore, the UAE, the UK, and the US shows the appetite to travel is high. At the same time, it reveals that greater clarity on restrictions and guidelines will be key to unlocking increased traveler confidence. Over a third (35%) of travelers said the current international guidelines around where and how to travel are confusing, making them less likely to book business and/or leisure travel.

At the same time, travelers are exhibiting increased openness to embrace technology and a willingness to share health data so they can start traveling again.

When asked about the receptiveness to share personal health data, the survey results show:



93% of travelers would be willing to provide personal data for the effective use of digital health passports or certificates, a slight increase from 91% in February 2021

Almost half (48%) of business travelers would be willing to provide their health data to visit a conference or event, while 36% of leisure travelers would be willing to for an excursion or activity at destination.

When asked which technology would increase confidence to travel in the next 12 months, mobile solutions continue to be the most popular, with the top technologies including:



Mobile applications that provide on-trip notifications and alerts (44%)

Self-service check-in (41%)

Contactless mobile payments (e.g., Apple or Google Pay, Paypal, Venmo) (41%)

Automated and flexible cancellation policies (40%)

Mobile applications and contactless technology have remained top technologies across all three studies, with the addition of automated and flexible cancellation policies in this final instalment.

The research is the third in a series of traveler sentiment surveys, where Amadeus takes a regular checkpoint on traveler sentiment and concerns to help the industry rebuild travel in the most effective way. Both the 2020 Rethink Travel survey (Sept 2020) and Rebuild Travel Digital Health (Feb 2021) survey revealed how technology can help to increase traveler confidence and Amadeus revisited this question to see how traveler confidence has changed since September 2020. 97% of travelers now say that technology will increase their confidence to travel, up from 91% in February 2021 and 84% in September 2020, showing a growing sense of traveler confidence in technology.

When considering the future of travel and sustainability, the survey highlighted what solutions travelers believe might help the industry to become more sustainable long-term. The results showed:



Nearly half (46%) of travelers said greater availability of green modes of transport, e.g., electric planes or trains

A similar percentage (44%) believe making sustainable travel more cost effective would be beneficial

41% say transparency around travel companies sustainability policies would help.

Although receptiveness to travel in the next year is high, the travel industry needs to consider how to respond to changing traveler concerns as the travel environment continues to adapt. The three main concerns travelers have are:



Fears of catching COVID-19 while traveling (41%)

Self-isolation or quarantine before and after travel (41%)

Changing restrictions resulting in last minute cancellations (37%)

Decius Valmorbida, President, Travel, Amadeus, says, The travel industry still faces many challenges in light of COVID-19, but we are seeing positive steps taken as restrictions lift and developments in digital health certificates continue around the world. This research demonstrates the appetite to travel continues to grow, and that travelers are looking forward to advancements in areas such as touchless technology, digital health and sustainable travel. Now is the time to listen even more closely to travelers needs so we can rebuild our industry in a way that is more traveler focused, resilient and sustainable.

Francisco Perez-Lozao Ruter, President, Hospitality, Amadeus, comments, This three-part series of research has highlighted the essential role that both technology and data have to play in the recovery of our industry and increasing traveler confidence. In hospitality specifically we are seeing how our hotel customers are implementing solutions that complement and streamline experiences without losing the human touch while using data to better prepare for guest demands. At Amadeus we are committed to rebuilding a better industry and working closely with our customers to provide the tools to achieve this.

To learn more about the results of the survey, read our global report here.

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Research methodology

The survey was conducted in September 2021 by global insight-driven research firm Censuswide to explore traveler sentiment in light of COVID-19 towards digital health data and technology to help rebuild travel. The findings were based on 9,055 respondents residing in France, Germany, Spain, UAE, Russia, India, Singapore, UK and US who have traveled abroad in the last 18 months (with a minimum of 1,000 respondents per market). Fieldwork was carried out between September 2-14, 2021. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles.

About Amadeus

Travel powers progress. Amadeus powers travel. Amadeus solutions connect travelers to the journeys they want through travel agents, search engines, tour operators, airlines, airports, hotels, cars and railways.

We have developed our technology in partnership with the travel industry for over 30 years. We combine a deep understanding of how people travel with the ability to design and deliver the most complex, trusted, critical systems our customers need. We help connect over 1.6 billion people a year to local travel providers in over 190 countries.

We are one company, with a global mindset and a local presence wherever our customers need us.

Our purpose is to shape the future of travel. We are passionate in our pursuit of better technology that makes better journeys.

Amadeus is an IBEX 35 company, listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange under AMS.MC.

To find out more about Amadeus, visit http://www.amadeus.com.


FranNet, the international franchise consulting firm with more than 100 consultants around the world, has announced the top five post-pandemic industries for 2021.

Following a year of rapid change and reset, 2021 is shaping up to be another unprecedented year, with franchising deals up 100% year over year, according to FranNet CEO Jania Bailey.

The franchise industry is experiencing a huge influx of new franchisee prospects seeking new careers after COVID-related layoffs, Bailey said. Historically, franchise sales increase when unemployment is high, and were seeing that tenfold this year.

But not all franchise sectors are equal  the pandemic wrought permanent changes to the way we live and work, and certain industries have emerged victors of those trends. With its fingers on the pulse of the franchise industry, FranNet predicts the following sectors will continue to dominate for the rest of the year and well into the future:

1. Home Cleaning/Restoration/Maintenance

Home repair and restoration brands got a major boost during the pandemic, when homeowners spending on home improvements and repairs grew to nearly $420 billion. Now a new study by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University projects an uptick in year-over-year growth of home renovation and repair expenditure from 3.5% at the close of 2020 to 3.8% by year-end 2021. WIth Americans spending more time than ever at home, thanks in part to remote work and online school, demand for home cleaning services continues to rise as well, along with awareness about the importance of cleanliness and battling germs at home.

2. Education Brands

With the 2020 school year disrupted at a greater scale than ever before, parents are now even more willing to spend on their childrens education. No one should be robbed of an instruction childhood due to the pandemic, and franchise opportunities like swim schools afford parents an opportunity to teach their children real, vital life skills in a COVID-19 safe environment. As students return to school, its become increasingly clear that the pandemic has left serious gaps in learning. New federal funding for schools struggling to get their students caught up has allowed them to partner with personal learning brands to address what could become a generational education crisis if left unchecked.

3. In-Home Senior Services

The in-home senior care industry has seen unprecedented growth in recent years as the baby boomer generation has begun flooding the market. According to the National Council on Aging, 90% of seniors today say they plan to remain in their homes for the next five to ten years. And now, as a result of the pandemic, theres even more reason for seniors and their families to choose in-home care over assisted living facilities and nursing home models. With the U.S home care market expected to grow to $225 billion by 2024, theres never been a better opportunity to help meet that demand, which industry experts are calling the silver tsunami.

4. Business Support Services

Workplace services allow an organization's workforce to work from anywhere and anytime in a protected environment. As companies recover from the impact of COVID and rearrange their operations to remote models, the global business support services market  which includes document preparation services, telephone call centers, business service centers, collection agencies, credit bureaus and other business support services  is expected to grow to $521.77 billion in 2021, reaching $679.67 billion by 2025.

5. Home-Based/Mobile Businesses

While large brick-and-mortar gyms were hit hard by forced closures, smart boutique fitness franchises innovated at lightning speed to keep guests spending on fitness. From mobile fitness franchises to online classes or outdoor activities, this sector has produced dozens of hits. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, virtual personal training and teletherapy are among seven service-based businesses that are projected to be in high demand throughout 2021 and moving forward. Even when social distancing is no longer needed, Americans have become used to the convenience that mobile concepts offer.

From ongoing health concerns to child care and elder care challenges to a wish for more flexibility and less time commuting, many workers have decided now is the time to branch out on their own rather than return to the office.

The pandemic has been an enormous challenge for so many people, many of whom are now looking for new career opportunities, said Bailey. In many ways, its been a great awakening for workers whove discovered their priorities have shifted. Theyre ready to take their careers into their own hands, and thats a major opportunity for franchise brands.

ABOUT FRANNET

FranNet is North Americas most respected leader in matching individuals with franchise ownership opportunities. Founded in 1987, FranNet has more than 100 experienced consultants across the United States, Canada and Germany. FranNet uses a proprietary profiling and consultative process to determine a business model unique to each clients goals, skill sets and interests, and has matched thousands of prospective business owners to rewarding small business franchise opportunities. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, FranNet is the only locally-owned and operated franchised consulting firm.
Judi, Eric, John and Panos bring exceptional and extensive global experience to help shape and direct our future pharmacovigilance strategy and operations.

Arriello, global experts in pharmacovigilance consulting and life science outsourcing services, today announced that two of its advisory board members have published a new, timely guide for biotechs looking to maximize their international market opportunity - without falling foul of the differing pharmacovigilance requirements across the major global regions.

Drawing on their respective experience on either side of the Atlantic, Dr Eric Caugant in Paris and Dr Judith M. Sills, Pharm.D. in New Jersey have highlighted the main differences between the US and European PV expectations, both pre- and post-market. The experts pooled their advice for ambitious young biotechs looking to capitalize on global opportunities when they typically lack the scale of PV resources of much larger life sciences companies.

Arriello, a leading provider of risk management and compliance services to the Life Sciences industry globally, prides itself on the deep expertise of its global team, and of its non-executive advisors who proactively contribute the latest regulatory knowledge and best practice from across North America and Europe.

Dr. Judith M. Sills, Pharm.D., based on the East Coast of the US, is President of JM Sills Consulting LLC, specializing in pharmacovigilance and benefit-risk management. She has over 30 years of experience in pharmacovigilance gained across her time in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as at the FDA, and in a consulting role. Prior to establishing her own consulting practice in 2018, Judi was Vice-President and Head of Global Pharmacovigilance at The Medicines Company.

Based in mainland Europe, Dr. Eric Caugant has over 25 years experience in Pharmacovigilance, Drug Safety, Risk Management, and more broadly Pharmaceutical Medicine. In 2017, he founded Pharmacovigilance Systems Consulting (PhVSC). Eric has also held senior positions in various pharmaceutical and biotech companies, including Alexion, Bayer Lilly and Wyeth. He has also worked for the French Ministry of Health.

Arriello has two further Advisory Board members, who are equally proactive and engaged in bringing the latest Life Sciences industry insights to Arriello and its clients: Dr. John Price and UK-based, Dr. Panos Tsintis.

Dr. John Price is an executive physician with deep experience gained from over 25 years working across the breadth of regulatory affairs and pharmacovigilance worldwide. He has created and led high-functioning global departments for pharmacovigilance, regulatory and clinical operations, medical writing and drug development, and held senior roles in the UK Medicines Control Agency (now MHRA), Pfizer, J&J, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, and academia.

Dr. Panos Tsintis has more than two decades experience of pharmacovigilance, regulatory affairs and pharmaceutical medicine experience, from drug development to post-marketing. Between 2002 and 2008 he was Head of Pharmacovigilance and Post-Authorisation Safety and Efficacy Sector at the European Medicines Agency (EMA). He has also held senior positions at the UK MHRA as well as in the pharmaceutical industry.

Commenting on the vital role played by Arriellos global Advisory Board, company CEO Alan White, says, Judi, Eric, John and Panos bring exceptional and extensive global experience to help shape and direct our future pharmacovigilance strategy and operations. Each commands a unique high-level industry insight and particular geographical perspective, having between them worked with or for the EMA, FDA, MHRA, ICH, CIOMS and many other key organizations on national and global projects and initiatives.

This latest guide, providing biotechs with timely PV advice and tips on internal market strategy planning, is another fantastic example of the value they add to Arriello and to our global client base. Their input, as ever, is invaluable.

A copy of Arriellos new international PV guide for biotechs, co-authored by Dr Judith M. Sills and Dr Eric Caugant, is available to download here

About Arriello

Arriello has been providing risk management and compliance services to the life sciences sector since 2008. These services include market consultancy, global regulatory affairs strategy and implementation, full and local pharmacovigilance solutions, clinical drug safety and quality and compliance auditing systems.

Headquartered in Ireland, with European operations in Central Europe, our technical team has a combined experience of over 130 years working across the EU, US, LATAM, MENA, CIS, APAC regions and South Africa.

More at http://www.arriello.com and @Arriello

Media contact:

Carina Birt

Sarum PR for Arriello

carina@sarumpr.com

+44 7970 006624
Before taking the step to lower auto insurance coverage to save money meet with an insurance agent to discover other options.

For many, reducing expenses means taking financial shortcuts with auto insurance, especially when driving an older vehicle. Reducing insurance coverages in the hope of saving money isnt necessarily the best way to go, reports Atascadero State Farm Insurance Agent, John Donovan, as he points out better ways to reduce the cost of insurance without sacrificing important levels of coverage.

There are a number of important considerations to consider before reducing the amount of coverage for vehicles in order to reduce expenses. When the amount of coverage is reduced, exposure to liability and higher out-of-pocket expenses increase. All drivers in California are required by state law to carry a certain minimum level of auto insurance. While those levels may meet the letter of the law, they may not sufficiently protect any assets, such as a home, a business, investments or a family in the event of a traffic accident.

Before taking the step to lower auto insurance coverage to save money meet with an insurance agent to discover other options. An experienced insurance agent can review your driving record to find how a clean driving record saves money on auto insurance. There are a number of discounts that can be applied, said the Atascadero auto insurance agent.

Here are summaries of some of the discounts available from the State Farm Insurance agent:



Rates are lower for drivers with no tickets or accidents in the last 3 years. Safe driver discounts are available when there have been no accidents with an insured vehicle for at lease three years. New State Farm customers may qualify for lower rates when they have not had a citation or accident for six or more years. Defensive driving courses, driver training discounts, and mature driver discounts are also available.

Teen and college student drivers might qualify for discounts for good grades and taking advantage of State Farms Driver Safety program for teens.

The number of miles driven per year have a big impact on rates.

Multiple vehicles owned by related members of the household may qualify for a multi-car discount.

A certain number of consecutive years insured with State Farm can result in loyalty discounts.

Carrying multiple lines of insurance with the same company typically qualify for a multiline discount.

Sitting down with the Atascadero insurance agent at his State Farm Agency is the best way to find answers to questions and discover how to save money on insurance coverage.

The John Donovan State Farm Insurance Agency has been serving Atascadero and the Central Coast since 2007. A local business staffed with local residents, the company and staff provide full-service insurance policies that are tailored to the unique needs of individuals, families and businesses. The staff is involved in a number of community activities that enrich local services.

John Donovan State Farm Insurance Agent

420 El Camino Real, Suite A

Atascadero, CA 93422

(805) 466-7744
CreatedBy Festival at Boston Children's Museum Boston Childrens Museum is again planting a flag in the ground as a hub for local innovators to engage with younger families in a meaningful way.

Boston Childrens Museum will celebrate STEM Week 2021 (October 18-22) with a full week of FREE virtual STEAM experiences for elementary school students, culminating on Saturday, October 23, when it is proud to host the CreatedBy Festival with makers from around the Boston community.

Massachusetts STEM Week is an effort to boost the interest, awareness, and ability for all learners to envision themselves in STEM education and employment opportunities and compliment the formal instruction happening in the Commonwealth beyond STEM Week. The Museum will continue its annual support of STEM Week engagement for elementary school learners and their educators by offering virtual learning experiences every day of STEM Week (October 18-22), at 10:00am and 1:00pm ET. These 45-minute live virtual events, broadcasted directly into elementary school classrooms, will be offered by Museum staff, Girlstart, Scratch, Tinkercad, Brandeis Maker Lab, ModVic Steampunk, Russian School of Math, and more! Teachers, school administrators, and parent/guardians can find full details and register for FREE by following this link. Each live virtual STEAM event would simply require the classroom or household to have a projector, smart board, or display device to broadcast the Zoom experiences.

Massachusetts STEM Week ends with the hands-on CreatedBy Festival celebrating the inspirational work of local artists, technologists, innovators, and creative do-ers! This year's event hosts a carefully curated group of exhibitors and partners, including Artisan's Asylum, New England FIRST, Brandeis Maker Lab, and more!

The CreatedBy Festival is an important part of Mass STEM Week that is specifically geared towards a younger age - older elementary school aged kids and their families. Boston Childrens Museum draws on its long tradition and history of STEAM innovation in service of children and families exploring, experimenting, and learning together. The CreatedBy Festival is an exciting new way to connect outside the walls of the Museum and a testament to how technology can bring us all together.

The CreatedBy Festival brings together Bostons technology innovators, designers, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, artists, crafters, students, and more, and introduces them to the many adults and children that attend. It is an opportunity for the creators that make Boston an international leader in innovation to share their work and inspire the next generation of visionaries to go out and change the world.

It is a gift to partner with such talented, enthusiastic advocates for STEAM education and creativity  they really care about inspiring others and sharing what they do, said Neil Tembulkar, Director of Strategic Initiatives. Boston Childrens Museum is again planting a flag in the ground as a hub for local innovators to engage with younger families in a meaningful way. The return of the CreatedBy Festival is yet another example of the Museums resilience and commitment to hosting opportunities for families to play, explore, and discover the world and themselves. Visitors to the CreatedBy Festival will be excited to hear that all their favorite exhibits are open during the Festival with dozens of bonus hands-on activities, show-and-tells, and demonstrations all for the price of a regular admissions ticket!

The CreatedBy Festival in collaboration with Mass STEM Week and WBZ-TV/CBS Boston, as well as partners Artisan's Asylum, Brandeis Maker Lab, and New England FIRST. Artisan's Asylum will be offering a variety of maker showcases and hands-on activities. Brandeis Maker Lab will host a 3D photogrammetry activity, creating 3D scans of visitors. New England FIRST will invite local robotics teams to share their robots and their stories.

Autodesk and MathWorks are CreatedBy Festival sponsors. With their support, Boston Childrens Museum has been able to meaningfully engage a diverse variety of learners and community groups. Corporations interested in sponsoring the CreatedBy Festival should email info@BostonChildrensMuseum.org

The CreatedBy e-Festival will inspire anyone who likes to try new things, imagine, and create! The CreatedBy Festival shares the creative endeavors of local makers, artists, technologists, innovators, scientists, performers, and everyday humans that do cool things! CreatedBy Festival is yet more evidence that in 2021, technology can continue to connect us and allow us to share our experiences.

Due to timed ticketing and capacity-driven attendance, advance online tickets are required. To reserve your CreatedBy Festival tickets, please click here.

For additional information, please visit http://www.createdbyfestival.org

About Boston Children's Museum

Boston Childrens Museum engages children and families in joyful discovery experiences that instill an appreciation of our world, develop foundational skills, and spark a lifelong love of learning. More information about Boston Childrens Museum can be found at http://www.BostonChildrensMuseum.org. Become a fan of the Museum on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

Hours and Admission

The Museum will be open Wednesday-Sunday with two set daily time slots, 9:00am - 12:00pm, and 1:30pm - 4:30pm. To reduce touchpoints and enable timed visits, all ticketing will be done online. Members must also make reservations online. There is a limited number of visits reservations available for each time slot. Adults, $18, children (1-15) and senior citizens, $18; children under 12 months and Museum members are always free.


TJ Roberts, a partner at the firm explains, We look forward to serving both new and existing clients from our Pearland location as well as our original Angleton location. As our practices reputation has grown, many of our clients have traveled quite a distance to see us; our hope is that our new, additional office makes obtaining experienced legal representation for family law matters more convenient for all residents of Brazoria County.

The experienced legal team at Terry & Roberts has experience successfully handling high-value divorce cases with significant assets, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, grandparents rights, child custody, child support, paternity, CPS defense, and all other facets of family law. The lawyers have been practicing Texas family law for a combined 96 years.

With the addition of the new Pearland location, Terry & Roberts is able to better serve clients throughout Brazoria County, including Lake Jackson, Alvid, Freeport, Clute, and Manvel.

About Terry & Roberts

Terry & Roberts is a family law firm that serves Brazoria County, Texas. Attorneys Lenette M. Terry, William J. Terry, and T.J. Roberts lead a team that also includes Kris Hufstetler and Michelle Rice. The attorneys are all committed to advocating for the rights of their clients, offering them skilled representation in the courtroom and compassionate, personal care outside of it. Contact Terry & Roberts by calling the firm at its Pearland location at (346) 371-4387 and/or its Angleton location at (979) 849-4387, visiting their website at https://terryandrobertslaw.com, or checking them out on social media at https://www.facebook.com/TerryAndRobertsLaw/, https://www.linkedin.com/company/terry-roberts-law/, and https://twitter.com/terryrobertslaw.
Brenntag (ISIN DE000A1DAHH0), the global market leader in chemical and ingredients distribution, forms a distribution agreement with NXTLEVVEL Biochem to expand its growing Household, Industrial, & Institution (HI&I) portfolio in providing sustainable biobased solvents in North America.

This current agreement covers a new product line including the below product names and consists of levulinates and levulinate ketals. These products are all biobased solvents offering high performance and improved safety and sustainability:



NXT SOLV 100

NXT SOLV 200

NXT SOLV 300

NXT SOLV 400

We are excited to have the opportunity to bring a new innovative solution to our customers from NXTLEVVEL. Having a sustainable alternative solvent will allow our customers to better meet the increasing consumer demands for sustainable cleaning products, said Jeffrey M. Carey, Ph.D. Vice President HI&I Americas.

These biobased products can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and play a role in reducing carbon emissions. They are used in applications such as hard surface cleaners, floor cleaners, and laundry detergents.

Im very excited that NXTLEVVEL and Brenntag are embarking on a relationship to promote our range of biobased solvents in the HI&I industry by leveraging the strength of our technology along with Brenntags market-leading position, commented Aris de Rijke, CEO of NXTLEVVEL Biochem. NXTLEVVELs technology is highly innovative, proprietary and, for the first time, allows the production of levulinate derivatives at industrial scale. The cornerstone is the patented biomass-derived levulinic acid technology and its esters enabling the affordable production of biobased solvents and other biobased chemicals, de Rijke notes.

About Brenntag:

Brenntag is the global market leader in chemicals and ingredients distribution. The company holds a central role in connecting customers and suppliers of the chemical industry. Headquartered in Essen, Germany, Brenntag has more than 17,000 employees worldwide and operates a network of more than 670 sites in 77 countries. In 2020, Brenntag generated sales of around 11.8 billion EUR. The two global divisions, Brenntag Essentials and Brenntag Specialties, provide a full-line portfolio of industrial and specialty chemicals and ingredients as well as tailor-made application, marketing and supply chain solutions, technical and formulation support, comprehensive regulatory know-how, and digital solutions for a wide range of industries. In the field of sustainability, Brenntag pursues specific goals and is committed to sustainable solutions in its own sector and the industries served. Brenntag shares have been listed at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since 2010, initially in the MDAX and since September 2021 in the DAX. In addition, the Brenntag SE shares are listed in the DAX 50 ESG and DAX 50 ESG Target. For more information, visit http://www.brenntag.com.

About NXTLEVVEL:

A privately held company headquartered in The Netherlands, NXTLEVVEL is a commercial scale manufacturer of next generation biomass-derived chemicals. As a joint venture formed in 2018, NXTLEVVEL brings together the industrial expertise of the Towell Engineering Group (Sultanate of Oman) with advanced technology developed by GFBiochemicals. GFBiochemicals was founded in 2008 and holds 200 patents for its world leading proprietary technology in bio-solvents, polyols, and plasticizers based on levulinic acid. Levulinic acid is considered a key biobased building block that enables the production of an extensive portfolio of derivatives. For more information, visit http://www.nxtlevvel.com.
We have developed a music experience that is not only personalized but allows viewers to entrench themselves in the music they love - with artist interviews, videos and inspiration

Canela.TV, one of the first AVOD streaming services for U.S. Hispanics, today announced the availability of Canela Music. Featuring a combination of linear and VOD, Canela Music will offer a unique blend of Latin music programming, featuring various genres from Latin Pop, Regional Mexican, Classics, Romantic, and more. Verizon, Nissan and Target are amongst some of the partners teaming up with Canela Media to support the launch of Canela Music.

Canela Music can be downloaded now from the App Store for iOS and Google Play for Android.

We launched Canela.TV with the mission of providing Latinos with a place to engage with great culturally-relevant content, from anywhere, at any time, said Isabel Rafferty, CEO and Founder of Canela Media. We have added content from all genres of interest to Hispanics and the next obvious step is music - we are delighted to bring this unique experience to our audience.

Canela Music on Canela.TV will feature live music experience across all genres, curated for Bicultural U.S. Hispanics. Canela Music is available everywhere Canela.TV is and will feature the music we all know and love, in addition to original content.

We have developed a music experience that is not only personalized but allows viewers to entrench themselves in the music they love - with artist interviews, videos and inspiration, added Rafferty.

Content on Canela Music includes:



Canela Hits - Pop, Urban, Tropical, Regional Mexican and Alternative from the 1980s  2020s

Ritmos Inolvidables Pop, Regional Mexican, Tropical and Rock from the 1980s  1990s

Regionales Pa Bailar - Regional Mexican from the 2000s  2020s

Amor Para Todos - Pop, Regional Mexican and Tropical ballads from the 1990s  2020s

Baile Picante - Pop, Regional Mexican and Tropical from the 2000s  2020s

Pop Pegajoso - Urban, Pop and Tropical from the 2010s  2020s

Rompe Tus Limites - Urban, Rock, Pop and Alternative from the 1980s  2020s

Original Programming will include:

Timeless Artists: Shining a light on artists that have a unique angle and style, Canela Music will pick one artist a month that creates music which transcends the test of time. Genres from yesterday are becoming relevant once more with a younger generation of artists dedicated to revive them.

Con Sazon will be Canela Musics official cooking show as it blends a perfect mix of music and food. The premise is simple, an artist and chef join to collaborate on creating a dish reminiscent of the artists roots, and while the food is prepared (for example, the rice cooks), the artist performs songs during the time it takes to be ready.

Desde La Raiz (From the Root) will bring a new depth to new releases and music videos as Canela Music explores not only the making of songs and videos, but how they tie into an artists career, their roots, and Latin culture.

Rising Notes will be a series featuring emerging and trending artists that share their inspiration, what empowers them to make music and how they connect to the Hispanic audience with their music, building their fan base.

United by the Rhythm (Unidos por el Ritmo) will showcase how Latin artists get involved in education, their community and use their influence to help others in need.

About Canela Media

Canela Media is a leading digital media technology company offering brands a complete ecosystem to connect with multicultural audiences starting with its free streaming service, Canela.TV, which enriches the new generation of U.S. Latinos with free access to unique, culturally relevant content. Additionally, Canela Media reaches more than 22 million unique Hispanics across its 180+ premium Spanish-language sites and influencer database. Combined with the company's proprietary data, Canela Media possesses in-depth knowledge and understanding of how to establish meaningful and culturally relevant connections with the new mainstream  U.S. Hispanics. Headquartered in New York, Canela Media is ranked as the third largest Hispanic ad-focused company and the only female- and minority-owned certified digital company. For more information please visit http://www.CanelaMedia.com.
Cervest Logo Karans knowledge of the strategic and operational issues that Cervest and its customers face make him an invaluable asset to our team. He is a trusted ally and advisor in our quest to empower business leaders to truly understand and mitigate the climate risks they face."

Cervest, creator of the world's first AI-powered Climate Intelligence platform, today announced the appointment of entrepreneur and executive Karan Chopra as Chief Operating Officer and the establishment of its first U.S. office in San Francisco, California.

Chopra has a successful track record of leading high-growth, high-impact organizations  most recently as co-founder and COO of Opportunity@Work, backed by prominent social investors (including Reid Hoffman, Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative, Google, Workday, Gates). Chopra brings expertise in strategic and product development, platform and technology enablement, and go-to-market execution to bear for Cervest. An advisor to organizations like X (Alphabets moonshot factory), Chopra has worked with numerous executives and investors to leverage technology to solve some of the worlds biggest societal and environmental issues. Chopra previously served as an advisor to Cervest and co-founded, scaled and sold GADCO, a leading agribusiness, alongside Cervest CEO Iggy Bassi.

In his new role, Chopra will work with CEO Iggy Bassi to scale the company for global expansion while bringing Cervests Climate Intelligence (CI) platform and products to market, the first of which is EarthScanTM. He will also lead the companys U.S. operations and work with Cervests new Board Chairperson and deputy CTO at Microsoft Lila Tretikov (also located on the West Coast), as well as key U.S. investors Lowercarbon Capital and TIME Ventures, the venture fund of Marc Benioff who participated in Cervests $30M Series A round.

We are at an incredible inflection point where climate is finally coming to the forefront of business and government decision making, said Karan Chopra, COO, Cervest. But decision-makers still face a major challenge in accurately discovering, analyzing and acting on the climate risks and opportunities facing their organizations. This is the reason Ive joined Cervest. Cervests platform and products help leaders factor climate into everyday operations  including climate-related financial disclosures -- and prepare for a carbon-neutral future.

Powered by groundbreaking Earth Science AI technology, Cervests EarthScan combines earth science, data modeling and machine learning to present a unified view of climate risk across millions of global assets for the first time. EarthScan gives enterprises, governments and NGOs on-demand access to current, historical, and predictive intelligence on how combined climate risks can impact the physical assets they own or manage. This enables them to manage decisions across an assets entire lifecycle -- from identifying future growth prospects and monitoring risk to collaborating on adaptation and decarbonization strategies.

Karans knowledge of the strategic and operational issues that Cervest and its customers face make him an invaluable asset to our team, said Iggy Bassi, Founder and CEO of Cervest. He is a trusted ally and advisor in our quest to empower business leaders to truly understand and mitigate the climate risks they face, become more resilient in the face of extreme climate events and prepare for the regulatory and disclosure demands to come. Together, well help organizations around the world create a more sustainable future by putting Climate Intelligence at the center of their decision-making.

In addition to Chopra, Cervest has also added Thomas Maschler, Head of Platform

Engineering & Jake Jurewicz, Head of Strategic Projects to their U.S. leadership team. Maschler has over 15 years of experience creating environmental information systems with a focus on geospatial data at-scale and now leads and manages Cervests data platform. Jurewicz brings a decades worth of experience in advising and building companies in the energy, security and construction sectors to help drive new business creation and strategic opportunities for the company. Cervest is actively recruiting in the United States and around the world.

About Cervest

Cervest delivers cloud-based Climate Intelligence (CI) on any asset, anywhere, through its AI-powered CI product suite  giving enterprises, governments and NGOs the most comprehensive view possible of climate risk, and opportunity, at an asset-level. Cervest Climate Intelligence is built on three core principles: irrefutable and evolving science, quantification for every asset, and open access for all. By democratizing access to Climate Intelligence through its CI Product Suite, Cervest incentivizes everyone to share and integrate Climate Intelligence into everyday decisions  protecting the worlds critical assets  including our greatest asset, the planet. Cervest is a Certified B Corporation. For more information, visit http://www.cervest.earth. Follow Cervest on Twitter and LinkedIn.
The first part of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity is held from October 11 to 15, 2021, in Kunming, capital city of Southwest China's Yunn

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CGTN releases China Unveils New Measures to Preserve Biodiversity at COP 15

China pledged to take vigorous measures to preserve the worlds biodiversity at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) underway in Kunming, China. The conference will discuss ways to build an ecological civilization  a philosophy proposed by China.

Speaking by video link on Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping said the concept of ecological civilization will be integral to Chinas development. Ecological progress is integrated into all aspects and the whole process of China's economic and social development, Xi said.

Xi announced that China will spearhead this effort by creating a 1.5-billion-yuan (around $233 million) Kunming Biodiversity Fund. He said the fund will support biodiversity conservation in developing countries.

China will strengthen biodiversity protection at home to help create a beautiful China, establishing special protected areas in Chinas national park system. Other steps to preserve biodiversity will include accelerated development of renewable energy technologies as China pursues carbon neutrality.

By some estimates, animal, plant, and insect species are disappearing 100 times faster than they would without human activity. The last time this many species disappeared was around 65 million years ago. Fifty percent of the Earths plants and animals disappeared  possibly due to climate change. Some scientists and conservationists say a mass extinction is underway and call the loss of biodiversity biological annihilation.

Harmony between human activity and Nature is critical for humanitys survival. When we take care to protect Nature, Nature rewards us generously; when we exploit Nature ruthlessly, it punishes us without mercy, Xi warned.

In Kunming, Chinas Minister of Environment and Ecology assumes the rotating presidency of COP 15.

Click here to read more about China Unveils New Measures to Preserve Biodiversity at COP 15

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2021-10-12/Xi-addresses-COP15-leaders-summit-via-video-link-14iuyQtyg48/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.)
CitraFiber CitraFiber provides the food and beverage industry with a premium functional citrus fiber powder derived only from upcycled citrus peel. Its an all-natural ingredient, 100% peel with no pulp or rag, and nothing else added, making it the best choice for totally clean-labeled finished goods.

The CitraFiber team, https://www.allthingscitrus.com, is thrilled to announce that theyll be exhibiting at Booth #4428 at SupplySide West 2021. The show is being held October 25-28th at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

CitraFiber is THE SMART NEW INGREDIENT  the smart new citrus fiber in the market. CitraFiber delivers a superior benefit profile, enabling manufacturers to fulfill consumer demands for totally clean-label, all-natural, sustainable ingredients. We are excited to share more about our current and upcoming projects, as well as discuss the ways in which you can benefit from the unique cutting-edge advantages of using CitraFiber for new applications.

CitraFiber provides the food and beverage industry with a premium functional citrus fiber powder, which is derived only from upcycled citrus peel. Its an all-natural ingredient, 100% peel with no pulp or rag, and nothing else added, making it the best choice for totally clean-labeled finished goods. Its the perfect replacement for starches, gums, carrageenan, pectin, allergens, hydrogenated fats, phosphates, emulsifiers, and chemical stabilizers in all sorts of formulations.

Regarding its functionality, colorless and odorless CitraFiber is extremely hydrophylic, naturally providing superior moisture retention in a variety of food applications; superior performance in Reformed Meats above all others. Additionally, it has great lipophilic properties which make it an excellent natural emulsifier upon hydration.

With less than 1 carb per serving, CitraFiber is suitable for Keto-friendly and gluten-free applications such as baked goods, plant-based meat products, plant-based dairy, sauces, and marinades. Pectin-rich CitraFiber is Vegan, Kosher, Non-GMO and Allergen-Free, allowing manufacturers the freedom to use it in a wide range of products that meet consumers needs.

Visit our Booth #4428 at SupplySide West and discover The Power of the Peel for yourself!

http://www.allthingscitrus.com


Julie Saint-Fleur, Founder, Newly You LLC Life has its ups and downs. We are not defined by what happened to us but how we react to those experiences, said Saint-Fleur. Im thrilled that ClearAngel understands our values and sees the business potential in Newly You.

Clearco, the worlds largest e-commerce investor and the company revolutionizing the way founders grow their businesses, today announced that its ClearAngel program is funding Newly You, a plus-size online boutique based in Florida. The ClearAngel program provides early-stage founders with access to revenue share capital, data-driven advice, and Clearcos extensive network of apps, agencies, and investors.

Newly You was born out of a tragic moment in founder Julie Saint-Fleurs life. In 2016, Saint-Fleur, also known as Ju the Superhuman, suffered third degree burns on 33 percent of her body due to a mass shooting at a nightclub. Instead of letting this tragedy break her spirit, she chose to triumph over it. Calling herself a plus-size burn survivor, Saint-Fleur launched a plus-size clothing brand, the Survivor Line, that promotes confidence, self-love, and triumph after tragedies. The online boutique now offers a wide variety of fashion merchandise, ranging from clothing, beauty products, shoes, to accessories, and aims to double its direct-to-consumer revenue with ClearAngels funding.

ClearAngel is one of a few equity-free, flexible capital options for early-stage founders who dont have the network to raise an angel round or join exclusive accelerators. The program has already funded over 350 companies since its February 2021 launch.

Were very proud to invest in Newly You and support its mission, said Andrew DSouza, CEO and co-founder, Clearco. Julies success not only demonstrates her business acumen, but also shows her courageous and positive attitude towards life. This investment reflects our continuous support for diverse female entrepreneurship amongst founders who are frequently locked out of traditional venture capital.

Supplementary to the flexible capital, Newly You will also get access to a network of more than 500 investors, growth teams, agencies, apps, lawyers, and buyers; and data-driven advice designed to help scale and hit new revenue milestones.

Life has its ups and downs. We are not defined by what happened to us but how we react to those experiences, said Saint-Fleur. Im thrilled that ClearAngel understands our values and sees the business potential in Newly You.

To learn more about Newly You, LLC and its plus-size fashion, visit newlyyou.us.

ClearAngel is currently onboarding e-commerce and product companies, and has limited spots available for SaaS, Apps, marketplace and stealth companies. To learn more about applying, visit angel.clearbanc.com.

About Clearco:

Co-founded as Clearbanc in 2015 by Michele Romanow from Canadas Shark Tank (Dragons Den), Andrew DSouza, Ivan Gritsiniak, Charlie Feng, and Tanay Delima, Clearco offers the most founder-friendly capital solutions for e-commerce, mobile apps, and SaaS founders as well as a full suite of products and access to a powerful global network, insights and data, and recommendations. Clearco has invested over $2 Billion in over 4,500 companies to date, including Leesa Sleep, fashion-rental service Le Tote, home goods company Public Goods, shirtmaker UNTUCKit, online speech therapy practice Expressable, and digital real estate marketplace SetSchedule. For more information visit clear.co and @getClearco.


Were thrilled to fund Active Humans in their efforts to create innovative and all-natural products. Valued at $62 billion, there is limitless opportunity within the organic deodorant industry, - Andrew DSouza, CEO and co-founder, Clearco.

Clearco, the worlds largest e-commerce investor revolutionizing the way founders grow their businesses, today announced that its ClearAngel program is funding Active Humans, an all-natural personal care brand. Their flagship product is a line of vegan, natural spray deodorants specifically targeted towards physically active consumers. ClearAngel gives early-stage founders access to revenue share capital, data-driven advice, and Clearcos extensive network of apps, agencies, and investors.

Founded in 2021, the premium personal care brand caters to outdoor adventure enthusiasts and is made amidst the bucolic outdoor landscapes of British Columbia, Canada. Inspired by their own active lifestyle and zest for the exploration of natures wonders, the founders quit their corporate jobs and moved across the country to Canadas West Coast to create products aligned with their lifestyle and values. While the company has had immense success with wholesalers, they are partnering with ClearAngel to sell directly to consumers and focus on the US market.

ClearAngel is one of a few equity-free, flexible capital options for early-stage founders who would benefit from raising an angel round or joining exclusive accelerators, but dont have the network to do so. In the short time since February 2021, the program has already funded over 350 companies.

Were thrilled to fund Active Humans in their efforts to create innovative and all-natural products. Valued at $62 billion, there is limitless opportunity within the organic deodorant industry, said Andrew DSouza, CEO and co-founder, Clearco. This latest ClearAngel funding will help Active Humans capture US market share for the growing segment of conscious consumers who value ingredient quality and purity.

In addition to $10,000 of flexible capital, Active Humans will also get access to a network of more than 500 investors, growth teams, agencies, apps, lawyers, and buyers; and data-driven advice designed to help scale and hit new revenue milestones. In addition to selling direct-to-consumer and the U.S. market, Active Humans will use ClearAngels funding to test out two new sales channels and launch a new product line slated to come out in November. They recently released a sixth natural deodorant scent profile, Vanilla Coconut.

We want to take over the natural deodorant industry one spray at a time, and Clearco is generous enough to believe in our cause to facilitate this, said David Turk, founder, Active Humans. Active Humans is actually made by active humans. Our mission is to support the nature-oriented lifestyles of active North Americans who enjoy spending time outside, are conscientious of hormone-disrupting chemicals and prioritize sustainability.

To learn more about Active Humans and discover their scent profiles for yourself, visit activehumans.shop.

ClearAngel is currently onboarding E-commerce and product companies. There are limited spots available for SaaS, Apps, marketplace and stealth companies. To learn more, visit angel.clearbanc.com.

About Clearco:

Co-founded as Clearbanc in 2015 by Michele Romanow from Canadas Shark Tank (Dragons Den), Andrew DSouza, Ivan Gritsiniak, Charlie Feng, and Tanay Delima, Clearco offers the most founder-friendly capital solutions for e-commerce, mobile apps, and SaaS founders as well as a full suite of products and access to a powerful global network, insights and data, and recommendations. Clearco has invested over $2 Billion in over 4,500 companies to date, including Leesa Sleep, fashion-rental service Le Tote, home goods company Public Goods, shirtmaker UNTUCKit, online speech therapy practice Expressable, and digital real estate marketplace SetSchedule. For more information visit clear.co and @getClearco.
MOLLI is a wire-free, radiation-free localization technology for breast cancer surgery. Consisting of a marker, detection wand and visualization tablet, it's designed for superior tumor localization. "I've used a lot of different wire-free options and MOLLI is my favorite," said Dr. Courtney Fulton, breast surgical oncologist, Community Hospital.

Community Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado and MOLLI Surgical, known for its wire-free, radiation-free technology for breast cancer surgery, today announced the hospital has added MOLLI to its suite of state-of-the-art breast cancer care technologies, replacing traditional wire localization.

With our advanced digital mammography technology, our radiologists are finding cancers in earlier stages, which means our surgeons are often localizing lesions that are four or five millimeters in size  smaller than a pencil eraser, said Dr. Courtney Fulton, a breast surgical oncologist at Community Hospital. So, its very important to have a wire-free, radiation-free localization technology solution that has a small tumor marker and precision accuracy so we can get those tiny lesions out.

The MOLLI Marker is only 3.2 mm in size  about the size of a sesame seed. In the operating room, the MOLLI Wand enables surgeons to see how close they are to the MOLLI Marker. The MOLLI Tablet displays auditory, distance and visual feedback from the MOLLI Wand, including a bullseye target with a millimeter measurement. This technology enables surgeons to accurately locate the marker and remove the tiniest of non-palpable tumors.

Most of the other wire-free options are too big and have quite large injection needles, Dr. Fulton said. I didnt want a giant piece of hardware inside my patients.

Among other reasons Community Hospital selected MOLLI is the fact that the MOLLI Marker is radiation-free. It is magnetic, which is safer for patients and doctors alike. Additionally, metal surgical instruments will not interfere with the detection of the MOLLI Marker.

During surgery, other magnetic options experience signal interference when metal surgical instruments are nearby, and I didn't want that, Dr. Fulton said. I've used a lot of different wire-free options and MOLLI is my favorite.

To deliver the best possible patient experience and health outcomes, Community Hospital is constantly researching the latest innovations in cancer care. I want to make sure my patients have access to the best technology and the latest research, Dr. Fulton said. I want them to have the same experience in our hospital here in Grand Junction as they would have if they traveled to a major cancer center in Denver. MOLLI helps make that possible.

ABOUT COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

Community Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado, is a full-service, acute care hospital licensed for 60 beds. As part of the Colorado West Healthcare System, it is a Level III Trauma Center that offers full outpatient diagnostic services and inpatient care for the Western Slope region of Colorado and eastern Utah.

Community Hospital provides a full range of medical services, including inpatient and outpatient surgery, and emergency care. The hospital has comprehensive diagnostic capabilities: state-of-the-art ultrasound, CT (Philips Ingenuity 128 MDCT), digital mammography and cardiac testing.

Community Hospital proudly partners with University of Utah Health Care and Huntsman Cancer Institute to provide world-class medical and radiation oncology treatment in Grand Junction, Colorado.

ABOUT MOLLI SURGICAL

MOLLI Surgical started in the operating room, where surgeons were using dated tools to treat cancer patients  and we knew we could do better.

Our first product, MOLLI, is a wire-free, radiation-free localization technology for breast cancer surgery. Consisting of a marker, detection wand and visualization tablet, MOLLI is designed for superior tumor localization accuracy, enhanced reliability, ease-of-use and a more efficient lumpectomy workflow compared to wire or radioactive seed methods.

Our surgical wand is precise, easy-to-use and built with the realities of the operating room in mind. More importantly, it is built with patients in mind. Our technology replaces procedures to mark tumors with one that is not only kinder  but more accurate, efficient and cost-effective. MOLLI Surgical is proud to build the advanced equipment that patients prefer to have and that physicians prefer to use.

MOLLI provides comfort, convenience, and confidence to both clinicians and patients  and is the first of many accessible solutions that can be imagined and brought to life through partnerships between MOLLI Surgical and clinicians who envision using MOLLIs capability across the surgical spectrum.

For more information, visit mollisurgical.com. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
The core of each of these new investors shows the power and growth that comes with the application of diversity and inclusion. We continue to grow our list of enviable brands that will partner with us into the future, starting with their supply chains.

SupplyHive, a Chicago-based innovative provider of Supplier Performance Management (SPM) technology, announced today that it fully subscribed $2 million in seed funding from three new investors with DNA in diversity and inclusion: Sixty8 Capital in Indianapolis, Indiana, Angeles Investors in Chicago, and Service Provider Capital LLC in Denver.

The core of each of these new investors shows the power and growth that comes with the application of diversity and inclusion, said SupplyHive President and CEO Lou Sandoval. We continue to grow our list of enviable brands that will partner with us into the future, starting with their supply chains.

Sandoval said the SupplyHives SPM solution offers much-needed transparency to all companies seeking to solidify their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts by leveraging performance data to assist in developing suppliers and helping them grow.

This fosters inclusion that helps large corporations be better partners to diversity and all of their suppliers, said Sandoval.

Despite an economic-jolting pandemic during 2020, SupplyHive subscribed a number of major clients, including Facebook, MARS Global, McDonalds Corporation, Abbott, BOX, Eaton and First Energy  all taking a leading-edge approach to Supplier Performance Management

SupplyHive did not stop there. With the addition of Sixty8 Capital, Angeles Investors, and Service Provider Capital, SupplyHive will have the strength to deliver even more. These diverse venture capital firms continue the growing trend in venture-backed start-ups with diverse funds that support diversely founded companies.

Most of all, they will continue to envision the American Dream with inclusion and opportunity, said Sandoval.

The three new investors show their strength with ingenuity, creativity, and one of the best investment engines in the industry.

Sixty8 Capital is a seed-stage fund for Black, Brown, women, and LGBTQ+-led startups. This fund describes itself as industry agnostic and invests in new technology, tech-enabled, and direct-to-consumer start-ups.

Were extremely excited to support SupplyHive Founder Mike Anguiano, Lou, and the entire SupplyHive team as they continue to build impressive supplier performance software with global brands, like Facebook and McDonalds. They make the process far easier for companies, oftentimes replacing antiquated spreadsheets, said Paul Ehlinger, co-founder and venture partner at Sixty8 Capital.

Kelli N. Jones, co-founder and general partner at Sixty8 Capital, agreed.

With supplier diversity being top of mind for many corporations looking to create more equity and inclusion in their organizations, SupplyHive will be transformational in helping large corporations capture and track the data necessary to ensure economic parity with Black, Latinx, and women-owned enterprises, said Jones. We launched Sixty8 to not just invest in diverse founders, but also in solutions that create equity for diverse populations and businesses.

Angeles Investors invests in premier Hispanic and Latinx entrepreneurs and funds the most disruptive and fastest-growing business models, all while growing the impact of those Hispanic and Latinx entrepreneurs in the U.S. economy.

Angeles Investors is very excited to join other leading Venture Capital firms and investors with our investment in SupplyHive, said Adela Cepeda, chair of Angeles Investors. We come across supply chain leaders every day that are looking to better rate, score and analyze their supplier base to win in this hyper-competitive environment. SupplyHive has the right team and capabilities which position them well to solve this problem and dominate this space. Our investors were very impressed with SupplyHives growing marquee customer base which is a testament to the value they are bringing to the marketplace.

SupplyHive joins our growing portfolio of diverse companies disrupting various industries as we further Angeles Investors' mission: to find, to fund, and to grow the most promising Hispanic and Latinx ventures.

Service Provider Capital LLC is a venture capital fund that co-invests in Seed and Series A deals led by institutional venture funds. It has invested in more than 270 companies since it launched its first fund in 2014.

Were thrilled to be investing in a strong, dynamic Midwest-based company like SupplyHive along with such a great group of investors, said Pat Cerone, managing director for Service Provider Capital.

Launched in Chicago in 2018, SupplyHive was the brainchild of Latino founder and entrepreneur Mike Anguiano who wanted to help underserved communities. The company provides Supplier Performance Management (SPM) software designed to help corporations centralize, standardize, scale, and automate the supplier performance process. The company uses the latest innovations of Artificial Intelligence (Al), Machine Learning (ML), and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to analyze the aggregated quantitative and qualitative data.

About SupplyHive

Headquartered in Chicago, SupplyHive is a technology company that provides Supplier Performance Management (SPM) software designed to help corporations improve efficiency by centralizing, standardize, scale, and automate the supplier performance process. SupplyHive uses the latest innovations of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to analyze the aggregated quantitative and qualitative data. Our user-friendly interface helps organizations hold suppliers accountable and deliver enhanced partnerships by measuring KPIs, analyzing trends and identifies disparities, automating action plans, and providing predictive analytics. For more information, visit https://www.SupplyHive.com.

About Sixty8 Capital

Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Sixty8 Capital is a seed-stage fund for Black, Brown, women, and LGBTQ+-led startups. It is industry agnostic, investing in tech, tech-enabled, and Direct-To-Consumer start-ups. For more information, visit https://www.sixty8.capital/.

About Angeles Investors

The mission of Angeles Investors is to find the most exciting startups driven by Hispanic and Latinx entrepreneurs, investors or board members; to fund the most disruptive and fast-growing business models; and to grow the impact of Hispanic and Latinx entrepreneurs in the U.S. economy. For more information, visit https://angelesinvestors.com/.

About Service Provider Capital LLC

Based in Denver, Colorado, Service Provider Capital LLC is a venture capital fund that co-invests in Seed and Series A deals led by institutional venture funds. It has invested in more than 270 companies since it launched its first fund in 2014. Service Provider Capital has four regional funds investing in the Rocky Mountain region, Midwest, Southeast and New England. For more information, visit [https://www.serviceprovidercapital.com/
SHINING A LIGHT ON FAMILY BUSINESS EXCELLENCE: Peter S. Sealey and his wife Elizabeth (pictured) have given $1 million to establish a new annual award. "I know of Petes personal relationship with and high regard for Peter Drucker, and I think Peter Drucker must be smiling approvingly as we move forward faster, thanks to Pete. --- Drucker School Professor Vijay Sathe

Claremont Graduate Universitys Drucker School of Management has received a $1 million endowment to benefit the Drucker School Global Family Business Institute.

The gift from alumnus Peter S. Sealey (MA, 90; PhD, 97, Management) and his wife, Elizabeth Sealey, will establish the annual Dr. Peter S. Sealey, PhD Award in Family Business to recognize exemplary contributions to business or society by a family business or a family business leader.

Sealey is making this gift to support the mission and vision of the Institute and to gain international recognition of the vital importance of family businesses. He firmly believes that Peter Druckers philosophy of management can help family businesses around the world and that the Drucker School and the Institute will be able to support a huge unserved market.

Sealey has deep experience in the corporate world, including 20 years at The Coca-Cola Company, where he held a variety of key positions, including chief marketing officer. (He was responsible for the 1993 global launch of the Always Coca-Cola advertising campaign and its famous Polar Bear commercials.) He also served as president of marketing and distribution at Columbia Pictures in the late 1980s, during which his releases included Ghostbusters, The Karate Kid, and Tootsie.

Sealey has seen CGU from both sides of the classroom, earning two graduate degrees as well as teaching marketing at the Drucker School as an adjunct professor.

Peter Sealey represents so much of what is good about Drucker and CGU, said David Sprott, dean of the Drucker School. He has had an exemplary career and paid it forward by returning to campus to share his expertise with a new generation of students. His gift to the Global Family Business Institute embodies the Drucker Schools commitment to make the world a better place and will firmly position the Institute as a leader in sustaining family business.

Founded in 2018, the Global Family Business Institute is committed to serving multi-generational family businesses in practical and academic ways. The Institute provides thought leadership and convenes educational sessions to assist with the perpetuation of the business and the preservation of the family unit.

The Sealey endowment is a great opportunity for the Drucker School Global Family Business Institute to celebrate, highlight, and learn from some of the worlds most influential business-owning families, said David Specht, the Institutes director.

C.S. & D.J. Davidson Chair and Professor of Management Vijay Sathe has known Sealey since he was a student at the Drucker School 30 years ago. Sathe said he was elated, but not surprised by Sealeys transformational gift.

Pete has been a consistently generous supporter of the work of the Drucker School, and this great gift is so timely as the Global Family Business Institute accelerates toward delivering on its mission and beyond," Sathe said. "I know of Petes personal relationship with and high regard for Peter Drucker, and I think Peter Drucker must be smiling approvingly as we move forward faster, thanks to Pete.

About CGU and the Drucker School

Founded in 1925, Claremont Graduate University is one of a select few American universities devoted solely to graduate-level education. The university, a founding member of The Claremont Colleges, comprises seven schools offering 76 degree and certificate programs. The universitys unique transdisciplinary perspective encourages students to explore complex issues across academic disciplines. CGU is home to the Peter F. Drucker & Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management. Visit http://www.cgu.edu
We are confident that Tedlar PVF films are the ideal choice for interiors in hospitals and other healthcare environments, especially when higher standards of cleanable protection are required. said Joe He, Global Marketing Leader of DuPont Tedlar Advanced Materials

To address the critical challenges of harsh healthcare environments in the post-pandemic era, DuPont will promote cleanable solutions with Tedlar PVF films at booth # 06N18 at the China Hospital Construction Conference (CHCC 2021) from Oct. 14 to 16, jointly hosted by Zhuyitai and the Hospital Construction and Equipment Branch of Chinese Medical Equipment Association.

Resistant to mold and bacteria growth, Tedlar PVF films are incredibly easy to clean and can stand up to the harshest cleaning chemicals. It can protect surfaces from scuffs and stains, making it ideal for high-traffic healthcare environments. With outstanding durability, Tedlar films can be scrubbed and sterilized continuously without breaking down over time, providing a good-as-new appearance that can be easily maintained for years to come.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of DuPont Tedlar film. We are proud of contributions Tedlar film has made when protecting assets over many decades, said Joe He, Global Marketing Leader of DuPont Tedlar Advanced Materials, We are confident that Tedlar PVF films are the ideal choice for interiors in hospitals and other healthcare environments, especially when higher standards of cleanable protection are required.

DuPont Tedlar film not only provides long-lasting protection, but also timeless aesthetics to many types of surfaces in harsh environments. The film can be laminated to various substrates, including PVC, metal, wood and plasterboard, creating different applications for interiors. Tedlar film is the perfect protection for many surfaces from the patient room to the diagnostics office. Visitors to the DuPont booth will see a couple of samples developed in collaboration with our business partners, and latest application cases in the healthcare space.

This year, DuPont Tedlar PVF films will collaborate with Corian solid surfaces at DuPont booth to provide a broader portfolio of protection materials to address the needs for durability and aesthetics in the healthcare environment.

About DuPont Tedlar

DuPont Tedlar represents a portfolio of product solutions with 60 years of service to the solar, aerospace, building & construction and many other markets. DuPont Tedlar films provide superior surface protection for a variety of materials and industries, including construction, signage & graphics, transportation, healthcare and wallcoverings. We are committed to continuing to innovate through time-tested science and engineering to solve todays challenges. To learn more about the Tedlar business, please visit http://www.tedlar.com.

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.

# # #

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.

10/14/21
FinFix.org

Arbitrator Veronica A. Williams alleges ongoing, massive financial fraud supported the foreclosure on her home.

Veronica Ann Williams, a consultant to the banking industry for decades, was motivated after two of the worlds largest banks used an allegedly fraudulent mortgage to foreclose on her home of 38 years. Her experience, including her case being docketed by the U.S. Supreme Court, is capsulated in the article Battling Homewreckers, published by FinFix.

Her latest filing with the New Jersey Superior Court  in case docket number F-000839-13  alleges how this fraud was perpetuated and covered up for almost two decades.

Williams findings are revealed in:



The book will be announced at http://www.ProsperityToWelfare.com.

About Veronica Ann Williams

Veronica A. Williams, a global authority on finance and technology, is an acclaimed author and professional speaker. In addition to being a trusted ethics authority and leading a private advisory firm, Williams serves on Corporate Boards, as a Judge for professional competitions and as an Arbitrator Chairperson for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority(FINRA). Williams attended graduate programs at Northwestern University (USA) and Ecole Superieure des Sciences Economiques et Commerciales - ESSEC (France) and undergraduate at Brandeis University. She holds a Kellogg MBA, Brandeis BA and other credentials. Williams is a Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. See https://www.finfix.org/Founder-FinFix.pdf or http://www.VeronicaWilliams.com or . https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicawilliams/

About FinFix

Established in 2014, FinFix strives to bring economic parity to financial services by fighting fraud, establishing vehicles to help educate and assist Americans seeking to borrow, and lessen government burdens to fix problems. Recent publications include Battling Homewreckers and Securitization. See https://www.FinFix.org.
Appearing on the Inc. 5000 list for an eighth time is a remarkable achievement, said Neil Platt, CEO of Togetherwork, which acquired Fonteva in early 2021. It really speaks to the hard work and dedication of the entire team and the confidence clients have placed in Fonteva.

For the eighth consecutive year, Fonteva has earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States. For 2021 Fonteva is ranked at No. 3402 on this prestigious list of the most successful companies within the American economys most dynamic segmentits independent small businesses. Intuit, Under Armour, Microsoft, Timberland, Pandora, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

Appearing on the Inc. 5000 list for an eighth time is a remarkable achievement, said Neil Platt, CEO of Togetherwork, which acquired Fonteva in early 2021. It really speaks to the hard work and dedication of the entire team and the confidence clients have placed in Fonteva. Our goal remains to continue serving organizations who need a world class platform to support the management of membership, events, and eCommerce operations by building and enhancing innovative solutions on the Salesforce platform.

Earning a spot on the list for an eighth consecutive year is a significant achievement for Fonteva. Of the thousands of companies that apply for inclusion annually only a fraction make it more than once. A mere two percent have made the list eight times or more, putting Fonteva in very elite company. After being acquired by Togetherwork in the first quarter of 2021, Fonteva will end its run on the Inc. 5000 list having earned a spot during each eligible year since being founded in 2010 (Companies must be in business for at least three years before they can be nominated for inclusion).

Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at http://www.inc.com/inc5000. The top 500 companies are also featured in the September issue of Inc.

The 2021 Inc. 5000 list feels like one of the most important rosters of companies ever compiled, says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. Building one of the fastest-growing companies in America in any year is a remarkable achievement. Building one in the crisis weve lived through is just plain amazing. This kind of accomplishment comes with hard work, smart pivots, great leadership, and the help of a whole lot of people.

About Fonteva

Fonteva, a Togetherwork Company, has been a Salesforce Partner since 2010, and is the leading provider of membership, events, and eCommerce solutions built on the Salesforce platform. At the heart of everything Fonteva does is its quest to equip and empower its customers to meet the unique needs of their communities. By harnessing the power of the Salesforce platform, Fonteva delivers highly configurable solutions that grow and strengthen the relationships that organizations are built on. Visit Fonteva at http://www.fonteva.com. For more information, contact:

Evan Thomas, Creative Director, Togetherwork.

More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000

Methodology

Companies on the 2021 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2017 to 2020. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2017. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independentnot subsidiaries or divisions of other companiesas of December 31, 2020. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2017 is $100,000; the minimum for 2020 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Growth rates used to determine company rankings were calculated to three decimal places. There was one tie on this years Inc. 5000. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.s September issue. They represent the top tier of the Inc. 5000, which can be found at http://www.inc.com/inc5000.

About Inc. Media

The worlds most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including web sites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Vision Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit http://www.inc.com. For more information on the Inc. 5000 Vision Conference, visit http://conference.inc.com/.


October 16 is a celebration at the 11/30 Visitors Center--community, harvest, service, and more. The support of TFEC is like opening a door. It is the beginning to sharing Franklin County stories of Civil War heroines, John Brown, Frederick Douglass, Martin Delany, USCT, and the three invasions of Franklin County throughout the Civil War, said Pollard.

On October 16, join the Franklin County Visitors Bureau at the 11/30 Visitors Center to celebrate 100 Years of The Foundation for Enhancing Community (TFEC), a launch of the Civil War Trails in Franklin County PA, and the Chambersburg Quilt Guilds Stitches in Time Quilt Show. Adding to the festivities is AppleFesta celebration of the harvest season with craft and art vendors, food, and live music.

October 16 is an extra-special day, said Janet Pollard, executive director of the Franklin County Visitors Bureau. because we are recognizing TFEC for more than 100 years of supporting and helping to build community. As part of TFECs 100th anniversary, it sponsored Civil War Trails signs in Chambersburg and by doing so, launches the trails in Franklin County.

The Civil War Trails (CWT) are expected to mark between two and three dozen sites in Franklin County. Currently, CWT interprets more than 1200 locations in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee and produces 15 map-guides to distribute domestically, internationally, and online.

The support of TFEC is like opening a door. It is the beginning to sharing Franklin County stories of Civil War heroines, John Brown, Frederick Douglass, Martin Delany, USCT, and the three invasions of Franklin County throughout the Civil War, said Pollard.

At the outset of the Civil War, Franklin County was a farming community. Today, agriculture remains a leading industry. It is only appropriate to have the Stitches in Time Quilt Show as part of the celebration. Quilting is a tradition of farm families everywhere and especially Franklin County. The exhibit contains nearly 200 quilts and quilted items, includes patriotic quilts, breast cancer tribute quilts, holiday quilts, and more.

The public is invited to join the celebration with TFEC and launch of the Civil War Trails at 11 AM at the 11/30 Visitors Center, 15 South Main Street. AppleFest is a day-long event, beginning at 9 AM and concluding at 4 PM. The Stitches in Time Quilt Show is open until 4:30 PM on October 16, noon to 3 PM on October 17, and weekdays 8 AM to 4:30 PM through October 31.

The Franklin County Visitors Bureau invites all to explore history, arts and architecture, recreation, natural beauty, fresh foods, and the warm hospitality of communities like Chambersburg, Greencastle, Mercersburg, Shippensburg, and Waynesboro. Franklin County PA is located just north of the Mason Dixon Line and is an easy drive from Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. For more information, visit ExploreFranklinCountyPA.com regularly or contact the Franklin County Visitors Bureau at 866.646.8060 for information on 11/30 Visitors Center activities.
Were bringing together leaders across healthcare and self-care to discuss what this very different future will look likea future where wellness takes a much bigger role in medicine and science takes a much bigger role in wellness

The Global Wellness Summit (GWS), the foremost gathering of international leaders in the multitrillion-dollar global wellness economy, today announced its first round of speakers for the 2021 Summit taking place in person in Boston, Massachusetts, and virtually all over the world (November 30 to December 3). The theme for the 15th annual conference is A New New Era in Health & Wellness. The agenda will explore the very different future ahead as healthcare and wellness converge in more obvious ways. The key topic announced today is how the pandemic has ushered in a new era in traditional medical care, as it actively pivots to focus on prevention and more holistic wellness.

Traditional medicine and wellness have long had a siloed, even combative relationship, but COVID has accelerated new conversations and collaborations as healthcare digests the human and economic costs of not focusing on prevention, said Susie Ellis, chair and CEO of GWS. Everything is getting a rethink: Healthcare is shifting in so many ways to a more holistic model of health and wellbeing, just as wellness companies are now forced to embrace hard science and evidence. Were bringing together leaders across healthcare and self-care to discuss what this very different future will look likea future where wellness takes a much bigger role in medicine and science takes a much bigger role in wellness.

The Boston-based 2021 Summit will gather leading doctors and healthcare executives from research organizations such as Harvard, MIT, Cleveland Clinic and Pfizer to tackle this topic. To see a preview of 2021 speakers, click here (check back for updates).

Select speakers on the future of healthcare:

Michael Roizen, MD, is the first Chief Wellness Officer and an internist and anesthesiologist at the Cleveland Clinic and co-chair of this years conference. The author of five #1 New York Times best sellers, his career has been focused on motivating behavior change to help people live better and in better health for much longer. His keynote will explore how a new focus on longevity and longevity science will transform medicine.

Jeffrey Rediger, MD, is an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and a practicing physician at McLean Hospital. Firmly rooted in traditional medicine, his book Cured is the result of his spending 17 years exhaustively studying individuals who have spontaneously recovered from incurable illnesses (whether cancer or arthritis)research that persuaded him that its way past time to embrace holistic health that focuses on an individuals needs, while not eschewing the proven results modern medicine offers.

Susan Silbermann is a former top executive at Pfizer who, prior to her retirement earlier this year after a 30-year career at the pharmaceutical giant, chaired Pfizers Global COVID-19 Task Force. She will lead a provocative panel with leading pharmaceutical executives on some eye-opening new intersections between wellness, healthcare and medicine.

Nicola Finley, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician and faculty member at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona, will lead a panel on how the pandemic exposed inequities in both healthcare and wellness and how that will be tackled in the future.

Registration is now open for the in-person event at the Encore Boston Harbor; space is extremely limited. The 2020 GWS pioneered new ways to keep attendees safe at a conference, and 2021 will be no different. All delegates must provide proof of vaccination.

Virtual delegates from around the world will be hosted by Anna Bjurstam, Six Senses Wellness Pioneer and a GWS Board Member, who provided the dynamic virtual experience during last years event. Virtual attendees will have access to the entire on-stage agendalive and on-demandas well as special breakout sessions and online networking opportunities. Register to attend virtually here.

Editors Note: The GWS will issue speaker and panel announcements weekly in the lead-up to the 2021 event. To apply to attend the Summit in person or virtually as media, please fill out the media accreditation form. Media in-person attendance is limited.

About the Global Wellness Summit The Global Wellness Summit is the premier organization that brings together leaders and visionaries to positively shape the future of the $4.5 trillion global wellness economy. Its future-focused conference is held at a different global location each year and has traveled to the US, Switzerland, Turkey, Bali, India, Morocco, Mexico, Austria, Italy and Singapore. GWS also hosts regular virtual gatherings, including Wellness Master Classes, Wellness Sector Spotlights and Investor Reverse Pitch events. The organizations annual Global Wellness Trends Report offers expert-based predictions on the future of wellness. The 2021 Summit will be held in Boston from November 30December 3.
Go Mini's, the portable storage franchise that offers containers for moving, storing, renovation and restoration needs, is gearing up for major franchise expansion. Despite the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the brand has signed 11 deals so far in 2021, along with explosive growth in year-over-year systemwide sales. Now, Go Minis plans to exceed that growth in 2022 as the housing market booms and construction picks up.

This has been the strongest year in Go Minis 19-year history, said CEO and President Chris Walls. Today, as more and more people purchase new homes or invest in renovation projects following the pandemic, portable storage services have never been more in-demand. In addition to the health of the housing market, the economy is rebounding and the construction industry is continuing to add projects, which are both great signs for the future of the portable storage industry. As the industry grows, Go Minis has the necessary infrastructure and systems to keep pace.

Go Minis franchisees have the opportunity to set themselves apart in this space with its sturdy 20-foot containers or Mini, in addition to the standard 16-foot and 12 foot Minis that feature all-metal construction, a raised profile that wont damage yards or driveways and ventilation.

An additional advantage of the Go Minis business model is that there is no need for a warehouse or retail space due to the products superior construction and durability in all outdoor conditions. The business model requires minimal staffing with a simple concept. Franchisees can lean on the advanced marketing and operating systems that help with lead generation so they can focus on reaching their goals.

Go Minis also offers a robust support system so franchisees have everything they need to hit the ground running, including proprietary market and business analysis  each territory is protected, and the corporate office works closely with owners to analyze and fully understand their markets potential in order to maximize profits. Go Minis is one of the few franchised portable storage concepts where franchisees benefit from a scalable opportunity to operate as a locally owned company with deep ties to the communities they serve.

We work hard to provide each of our owners with the tools, knowledge and systems to ensure success, said Walls. Our continued success is dependent on our franchisees success, so we have created a business model that is designed to thrive in any market. Now, we are looking for qualified franchisees who are eager to join a well-positioned brand and help expand the Go Minis name across the country.

Recently, Go Minis celebrated its expansion in Florida with the signing of DMD Ventures group, consisting of President Fred Burgess and CEO Jack Flechner, who purchased the South Florida markets as the brands first multi-franchise owners. DMD Ventures develops, owns and operates some of the fastest growing restaurant and hotel brands in the United States, including Twin Peaks Restaurants, Papa Johns and IHG and Marriott Hotels, with locations throughout Florida. Their team has collectively managed and developed more than $150 million of real estate and restaurant projects since 2006.

Whats really appealing about Go Minis is its scalable, simple nature, said Burgess. Were thrilled to bring this service to South Florida while simultaneously growing our portfolio.

We spent many months and years looking for a new successful business opportunity, said Flechner. We believe this is a great opportunity for us and our investors, and were excited to be in business with such a promising brand.

Looking ahead, Go Minis has identified available markets primed for growth all over the country, including Northern California, Washington, Virginia, San Diego, Las Vegas, Sacramento, Seattle and Portland, Oregon. For more information on franchising with Go Minis, visit: https://www.gominisfranchise.com/

ABOUT GO MINI'S:

Go Minis Moving & Portable Storage is the new way to move and store. As an active member of the International Franchising Association (IFA), we strive to continually improve our business through networking, partnerships, and shared best practices. We provide potential franchisees the opportunity to bring their customers the convenience and control of renting, moving, and storing in the form of mobile storage container solutions. With locations in the US, Canada, and Mexico, Go Minis is your mobile storage partner. Got a Project? Get a Mini.
Boucher Exclusive Tire Event at Gordie Boucher Nissan of Greenfield

Boucher Exclusive Tire Event at Gordie Boucher Nissan of Greenfield is back! This fall, the dealership offers tires at $1 over the cost on all brands and sizes they sell. Some tire brands include Goodyear, General Tire, Uniroyal, Michelin, Pirelli, Continental, Kumho, Dunlop, Falken, Yokohama and more. Thus, drivers in and around Greenfield, Wisconsin, are encouraged to switch their tires to prepare for the winter months ahead. Schedule service today!

There are a variety of other services at Gordie Boucher Nissan of Greenfield as well. Available service coupons are Genuine Nissan Wiper Blades at 10% Off, Brake Pads & Rotor Replacement at $50 Off per axel, Synthetic Blend Oil & Filter Change at $59.95, Battery Replacement at 10% OFF, Cooling System Service at $15 OFF and much more.

The coupon is available online at the dealerships website, https://www.bouchernissangreenfield.com/. Individuals must print the coupon and present it in person at the dealership at the time of arrival. They can also save the coupon on their phones and present the coupon that way instead. This coupon is valid through Dec. 31, 2021, and redeemable only at Gordie Boucher Nissan of Greenfield, 4141 S 108th Street Greenfield, WI 53228. The Boucher Exclusive Tire Event cannot be combined with any other coupons and is limited to one customer per service item. Restrictions may apply.

When exploring the website, drivers can also learn more about the dealership and the dealerships inventory and services. For any queries, call Gordie Boucher Nissan of Greenfield at 800-709-6857 or visit the dealership for personal experience.
"Nurses are resigning from hospitals at alarming rates. Home nursing eases the burden of overcrowded hospitals. Our mission is to deliver personalized patient-centered care. Compassionate purpose-driven nurses find fulfillment in their work with Home Rule. --Chris Houck, Director of Operations

Home Rule LLC, a North Carolina-based company specializing in placing skilled nurses in homes, is re-inventing nursing and announcing its expansion to help alleviate some of the workloads of hospitals that are currently overloaded.

The management of Home Rule believes their philosophy of One Nurse for One Patient in One Home is a viable alternative for certain patients who may not be best served by hospitals overrun with Covid-19 cases.

Home Rule nurses offer one-on-one care to children and young adults who often have chronic lung conditions, frequently with tracheostomies, feeding tubes, or ventilators. The care and diligence provided by Home Rule nurses usually help patients avoid hospital stays.

Home Rule CEO Christy McGlothlin founded her company primarily because of her experiences with her own special needs child. Said McGlothlin, After spending more than 100 days in hospitals with our daughter, I lost count of how many times I heard nurses and doctors say how children often thrive in a home environment. So, I thought, whats to stop me from launching a home nursing agency to help others avoid lengthy hospital stays? And thats just what I did.

McGlothlin added, In addition to nursing care, we train our nurses to maintain a clean home environment to fore the best outcome for patients.

McGlothlins vision has expanded to the point where she is looking for 250 new nurses to place in homes for a fast-growing number of patients who cannot receive an optimum level of care in hospitals, especially in areas where Covid-19 patients dominate a disproportionate amount of hospital resources.

Home Rule Director of Operations Chis Houck stated, Nurses have been resigning from hospitals at alarming rates. Home care helps ease the burden of overcrowded hospitals. Our mission at Home Rule is to deliver excellent and personalized patient-centered care. We are here to assist our patients in reaching their highest potential and living their best life. Nurses who are purpose-driven in areas of compassion find great fulfillment in their work with Home Rule.

Chris Houck added that Home Rule is currently seeking 250 new Home Nurses to help Relieve Overcrowded Hospitals, with further expansion plans for thousands of new nurses, in what Houck calls "a paradigm shift from crowded hospitals to one-on-one care in homes."

More information about Home Rule and the services they provide is available at: https://HomeRule.net/ or by calling 919-800-8017 or emailing christy@homerule.net

Nurses seeking employment may submit their resumes online at: https://www.homerule.net/careers to become part of the Home Rule team.

About Christy McGlothlin

Christy McGlothlin is the CEO of Home Rule LLC, a home care nursing service based in North Carolina, a book author, and mother of 7 children including one special needs daughter.

Chris Houck...

Chris Houck currently serves as Director of Operations of Home Rule LLC, a home nursing provider based in Hickory, North Carolina. Over the last twenty years, Mr. Houck has worked in multiple capacities in the healthcare industry, from behavioral health care to intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) services.
Her background and experience further enhance our ability to deliver for our clients on their mission-critical litigation matters

Echelon Analytics is proud to announce that Hope Wolf has joined the firm as an Associate Director. Ms. Wolf will represent the primary presence for the firms new Washington, DC office and is expected to play an important role in the firms intellectual property and commercial litigation practices.

Commenting on Ms. Wolf, Managing Director Barry Bell stated, I could not be more excited to welcome Hope to the Echelon leadership team! I have respected her intelligence and commitment to delivering exemplary value to clients since we first worked together at Navigant more than twenty years ago. Her background and experience further enhance our ability to deliver for our clients on their mission-critical litigation matters. Bell added, By launching our new Washington office, Hopes leadership will also allow us to better serve our existing East Coast clients and further expand our reach into this important litigation market.

Ms. Wolf has a substantial background in financial analysis, accounting investigations, and the analysis of economic damages issues in complex commercial disputes. Her experience with complex commercial litigation matters and accounting investigations has included engagements with the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and numerous Am Law 100 firms. Ms. Wolf provides objective and fact-based analysis to her clients, allowing them to make better informed decisions about disputes, litigation, or other critical business challenges.

Ms. Wolf earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance degree and a Bachelor of Science in Economics with Financial Applications degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. She has spent the entirety of her career in professional services, both as a consultant focusing on financial and economic disputes and investigations as well as in managing operations for global consulting firms. She previously worked at Navigant Consulting and Berkeley Research Group prior to joining Echelon.

About Echelon

Echelon Analytics is a recognized leader in expert witness services, economic and financial analysis, business consulting, and financial investigation. From its offices in Dallas, Houston, Salt Lake City, and Washington, DC, the firm works with law firms, corporations, government entities, and private individuals across the United States and internationally in matters involving commercial damages, intellectual property disputes and valuation, and banking and finance litigation.

Learn more about Echelon Analytics at ea-us.com
Its such an incredible honor to be recognized as one of the top attorneys in my home state of Texas, and to represent my area of expertise among so many incredible lawyers makes it all the more special.

Houston-based criminal defense attorney Mark Thiessen of Thiessen Law Firm has been named a Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters for the ninth consecutive year. Additionally, Thiessen is ranked among the top 100 lawyers in Houston and in the state of Texas  the only DWI lawyer to achieve this feat in 2021.

Its such an incredible honor to be recognized as one of the top attorneys in my home state of Texas, and to represent my area of expertise among so many incredible lawyers makes it all the more special, said Thiessen. Im extremely grateful not only to Thomson Reuters for their recognition, but also to my clients who inspire me to keep growing and fighting every day, and to my team at Thiessen Law Firm who make it all possible.

To be named a Super Lawyer indicates that Thiessen has excelled in multiple areas of the legal profession. Thiessen passed Thomson Reuterss patented 12-factor evaluation process  a feat accomplished by only five percent of Texas attorneys who apply. In addition to his high-profile wins on complex cases involving intoxication manslaughter, blood tests, and more, Thiessen is also quadruple Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, DUI Defense by the National College for DUI Defense as approved through the American Bar Association, DUI Law by the DUI Defense Lawyers Association, and as a Certified Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy Foundation. Mark Thiessen is the only attorney in the United States to possess this combination of Board Certifications.

Thiessen has also recently expanded his operations to include an office in Aspen, Colorado, where he will be defending those accused of DUI and other criminal offenses alongside his wife and fellow attorney, Taly Thiessen.

ABOUT THIESSEN LAW FIRM

Founded by criminal defense specialist Mark Thiessen in 2011, Thiessen Law Firm has represented hundreds of clients facing DWI charges and has successfully defended clients in high-profile cases against a range of charges, notably an intoxication manslaughter case in 2016. Thiessen Law Firm also provides exceptional family law and personal injury services. Learn more at http://www.thetexastrialattorney.com.

ABOUT SUPER LAWYERS

Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from over 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The Super Lawyers lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers Magazine and in leading city and regional magazines across the country. For more information about Super Lawyers, go to http://www.superlawyers.com.

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For more information, please contact Daniel Ebbs at 713-864-9000, or email ebbs@thetexastrialattorney.com.
Latinas in Aviation creator Jacqueline S. Ruiz, far right with white shirt, top row, celebrates with Hispanic women in the aviation industry at the inaugural Latinas in Aviation Global Festival 2021 "My career has been an incredible journey. All I can say is that dreams dont just come true; you have to work at them. So, lets put in the work.

Fig Factor Media in partnership with College Park Aviation Museum and Airport celebrated a first as they presented the inaugural Latinas in Aviation Global Festival held in early October during Hispanic Heritage Month. The museum is located in College Park, Maryland.

Fourteen authors from the Latinas in Aviation book were flown into College Park Airport which is also known as the Field of Firsts because it held many first events with this festival adding to the list. These women shared their challenges and accomplishments to a captivated audience of over 300 people. They also participated in panel discussions and shared mentoring opportunities with attendees. Speakers included Museum Director Bill Tyler and Chairman of the Prince George's County Planning Board Elizabeth Hewlett .

The participating authors were the following: Olga Custodio, Maria Elena Alvarez Camps, Jacqueline S. Ruiz, Maria Laskowski, Yasmine Abu Arab, Graciela Tiscareno-Sato, Jessika Hernandez, Jacqueline Pulido, Ana Uribe-Ruiz, Amanda Grace Colon Nunez, Jeannette Collazo, Lizbeth Alvarado, Linda Pauwels and Sandra Granados.

The event coincided with Fig Factor Medias launch of its second issue of Latinas in Aviation Magazine. The semi-annual international distributed publication promotes diversity, inclusion and equality for this and future generations of Latina women working within and aspiring to careers in STREAM and the aviation, aerospace, and space industries.

Is it an honor to launch this second edition of the Latinas in Aviation magazine in context of our first global festival in partnership with College Park Museum of Aviation, said Jacqueline S. Ruiz, CEO of Fig Factor Media, Latinas in Aviation founder and Volaris Airline executive. This is the first time that so many Latinas are getting together to celebrate their achievements in this industry. The magazine is an extension of the Latinas in Aviation book, a scholarship, this event and all of the magic that we are spreading in aviation around the world with our correspondents in Europe, Latin America, Mexico and the United States.

Among the authors taking the stage was Granados, a senior flight technician for AbbVie in Waukegan, Illinois. She started her career at age 19 with an airframe and power plant mechanics license and went into commercial aviation working on Boeing 757, 737 and 727 airliners. Later, she headed into corporate aviation.

I have the blessing of being able to travel all around the world in a private jet, she said. Im in charge of signing off that airworthiness release. Theres no bigger honor than thatMy career has been an incredible journey. All I can say is that dreams dont just come true; you have to work at them. So, lets put in the work.

College Park Aviation Museum Director Kevin Cabrera was pleased with the festivals turnout. He explained that the museum will begin planning a future exhibit highlighting the historic day of the festival.

It was a beautiful sight to see so many young people, especially Latinas engaged with the women from Latinas in Aviation, he said. We were so honored to make history this past weekend as these Latina pioneers. I hope our community walked away inspired and proud.

The event would not be possible without the support of the following sponsors: Volaris, Airbus, AOPA, Field of Firsts Foundation, Leidos, Anacostia Trails and Heritage Area, Councilmember Danielle Glaros  District 3 and Prince Georges County Council.

For more information about Latinas in Aviation, visit this link.

About Fig Factor Media:

Fig Factor Media Publishing is an international publishing company with a "beeping" heart. Fig Factor Media has helped many authors achieve and support their dream of impacting their communities in the United States, Mexico, and Europe. Fig Factor Media is the official publisher of Today's Inspired Latina. For information, visit http://figfactormedia.com/.
Martin Stinson, Business Development Director, FirstService Residential We are excited to have Martin on the business development team. His years of sales experience and passion for the industry will serve him well in his new role, said Dennis Abbott, president, Carolinas, FirstService Residential.

FirstService Residential, North Americas property management leader, named Martin Stinson as business development director in its North Carolina market. An accomplished sales professional, Stinson brings his experience in developing new business and relationship selling, along with his expertise in the association management industry to his new role.

Were thrilled to welcome Martin to the FirstService Residential family, said Michael Mendillo, president, FirstService Residential. He is the perfect candidate, bringing not only a wealth of sales experience and expertise but also a knowledge of local real estate landscape.

Im elated to join the FirstService Residential team. Their reputation for delivering outstanding service is second to none, said Stinson, business development director. I look forward to utilizing my skills and experience to grow the North Carolina market and to provide superior solutions to the associations we serve.

In his role, Stinson will work closely with community association board members to present FirstService Residentials depth of resources, technology platforms and commitment to service excellence. Stinson will report directly to David Calloway, vice president, sales.

We are excited to have Martin on the business development team. His years of sales experience and passion for the industry will serve him well in his new role, said Dennis Abbott, president, Carolinas, FirstService Residential.

Stinson has 30 plus years of sales and business development experience and 11 plus years in the community association management industry throughout North Carolina.

http://www.fsresidential.com

About FirstService Residential

FirstService Residential is North Americas property management leader, partnering with more than 8,500 communities across the U.S. and Canada, including low-, mid- and high-rise condominiums and cooperatives; single-family communities; master-planned, lifestyle and active-adult communities; and mixed-use and rental properties. HOAs, community associations and condos rely on their extensive experience, resources and local expertise to maximize property values and enhance their residents lifestyles. Dedicated to making a difference, every day, FirstService Residential goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional service.

FirstService Residential is a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation (FSV), a North American leader in the property services sector. Visit http://www.fsresidential.com.
The implementation of City Financials is another example of ION Treasurys ability both to simplify and dramatically improve the way the treasury organization operates, providing comprehensive core treasury and risk management in one end-to-end solution, said ION Corporates CEO Richard Grossi.

ION Treasury, a global provider of treasury and risk management solutions for corporations, financial institutions, and Central Banks, today announced the successful implementation of ION Treasurys City Financials solution at Trivium Packaging B.V. (Trivium). City Financials will support Triviums core treasury operations and the hedging of commodities such as aluminum and other raw materials required to produce metal packaging for the food and personal care markets.

Trivium  based in the Netherlands  is a leading global supplier of infinitely recyclable metal packaging for the worlds leading brands. The company required a proven Treasury Management System (TMS) with an accelerated implementation. City Financials went live at Trivium in less than two months, providing straight-through processing between mission-critical third-party systems to manage its risk and exposure to commodities price fluctuations and volatility.

City Financials provides core treasury coverage with added power to scale and support the needs of companies as their business requirements grow. Users benefit from an intuitive, easy-to-integrate solution providing standardized treasury workflows built on the foundation of the ION Cloud and requiring minimal IT support. Best practice reports are preconfigured and available out-of-the box, saving time and money.

City Financials was the natural choice to support our needs, said Rogier Kloek, VP of Treasury, Investors Relations, Insurance, and ERM at Trivium Packaging. We went live in weeks and now have a TMS that supports our cash management, mitigates risk, and provides straight-through processing of our statements, settlements, and confirmation reports.

The implementation of City Financials is another example of ION Treasurys ability both to simplify and dramatically improve the way the treasury organization operates, providing comprehensive core treasury and risk management in one end-to-end solution, said ION Corporates CEO Richard Grossi. This implementation is a testament to the quality of the City Financials product and our focus on maintaining highly engaged and satisfied customers.

About ION Group

ION Group provides mission-critical trading and workflow automation software, high-value analytics and insights, and strategic consulting to financial institutions, central banks, governments, and corporates. Our solutions and services simplify complex processes, boost efficiency, and enable better decision-making. We build long-term partnerships with our clients, helping transform their business for sustained success through continuous innovation. For more information, visit https://iongroup.com/.

About ION Treasury

ION Treasury delivers unique treasury and risk management solutions to organizations of all sizes, offering both on-premises and cloud options. Our award-winning solutions help manage liquidity and mitigate operational, financial, and reputational risk. Together with a global community of over 1,100 clients, we are shaping the future of treasury and risk management technology. For more information, visit https://iongroup.com/treasury/.
JTC is the perfect partner for Javelin because our large breadth of projects leads to a diverse customer base and JTC has been able to streamline much of the process for our clients

JTC Americas (formerly NES Financial) has entered into an agreement with the Darwin Metals Mining Opportunity Zone (OZ) Fund to provide fund administration services related to the reopening of one of the most storied and significant mining districts in the US.

Located in Inyo County, California, Darwin was once Americas largest silver and strategic metals mining operation during the First and Second World Wars. However, the mine had to be shut down in the 1970s when the Chinese government flooded the US market with supply. Fast forward 50 years, and the US finds itself in a supply chain crunch. The existing mine shafts are already drilled into high-grade quality zinc and silver beds, and the property has enough known materials to last for the next 100+ years. This is the only independent mining project of its kind, and also happens to be within a Qualified Opportunity Zone.

Javelin Securities, LLC, a registered broker/dealer focused on vetting and raising capital for Opportunity Zones, has been retained to raise capital for the Darwin Mining OZ Fund. The project is a perfect case study for how the Opportunity Zones initiative was intended to work, as its expected to create a significant number of jobs in Inyo County and at the same time, play a strategic role in rebuilding the US supply chain for nine important critical minerals. In fact, the restarting of the Darwin Mine was voted Americas Top OZ Project at the recent Opportunity Zone Expo in Denver, CO.

JTC Americas has been a leader in Opportunity Zones fund administration since the programs inception, offering purpose-built solutions that leverage technology to streamline complicated tax and administrative requirements with embedded security, transparency, and regulatory compliance at each step of an investments life cycle, lowering operating costs while minimizing risk.

This deep experience and revolutionary technology made JTC Americas the easy choice for the Darwin Mining OZ Fund because of the projects size and the desire to create a positive social and environmental impact, which includes the use of renewable energy sources. Investors will have the benefit of JTCs institutional-grade fund administration solutions like tracking and reporting on the projects economic and social impact.

JTC is the perfect partner for Javelin because our large breadth of projects leads to a diverse customer base and JTC has been able to streamline much of the process for our clients, said Wally Sullivan, CEO of Javelin Securities.

Not only is this Opportunity Zone Fund a great example of how the OZ initiative has the potential to revitalize communities that have been left behind, added Reid Thomas, Chief Revenue Officer and Managing Director of JTC Americas, but it also has the potential to provide a more predictable and competitive supply chain built in America.

To learn more about JTC Americas Opportunity Zones fund administration solutions, please visit nesfinancial.com/opportunityzones.

For more information about Javelin Securities, LLC, please visit thejavelin.com or get in touch by email at info@thejavelin.com.

About JTC Americas

JTC Americas, formerly NES Financial, is the North American division of JTC. JTC is a publicly listed, global professional services business with deep expertise in fund, corporate and private client services. JTC Americas is a leader in specialty financial administration, serving US markets characterized by high administrative complexity, elevated transaction security needs and challenging compliance requirements.

JTC acquired NES Financial in 2020, positioning JTC Americas as the leading provider of third-party administrative solutions to US impact investment sectors, including the Opportunity Zones initiative and the EB-5 Program, as well as to private equity fund managers and 1031 exchange participants. The companys technology-driven solutions streamline best practices in these markets by simplifying specialized financial transactions, reducing back-office overhead, curtailing fraud and abuse, and offering security, transparency and regulatory compliance through each step of an investments life cycle.

For more information, visit jtcamericas.com.
Our Hispanic community needs to know positive stories of people who are making differences. With Microsoft giving us this platform, we can encourage the next generation to carry on the tradition of sharing their gifts and talents to honor our culture.

Houston-based Latina businesswoman, philanthropist, childrens rights advocate and National Hispanic Star Hubs Director Perla Tamez was recently named as an Impactadores Industriales/Industry Impactor who will be showcased in Microsofts Legacy Project: Hispanic Latinx Heritage Edition.

Tamez is also the CEO of Dynamic Rehab Group LLC and founder of her Love Soldiers Foundation, a nonprofit which encourages volunteers to do acts of kindness in communities.

According to Microsoft, this interactive museum gallery celebrates and spotlights the legacies, achievements and contributions of a curated collection of Hispanic and Latinx people whose cultural roots originate from Central and South America, Mexico, Spain and the Caribbean. The gallery, an enriching learning initiative for all ages, presents an opportunity for visitors to learn about each of the honorees accomplishments and contributions toward a reimagined world where everyones voice is heard, invisible barriers are demolished, and the impossible does not exist.

The Legacy Project  Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Edition is just one example of not only the amazing contributions that Hispanic and Latinx individuals have made to shape American History, but a reminder that this rich history is still alive and well happening every single day, said Microsoft Senior Director, Education D & I Community Program and Events Shy Averett. We are excited to highlight these 38 game changers in the hope that they will inspire and encourage all students that no matter what the obstacle you can be anything, we want them to walk away and ask their selves, what is my legacy going to be.

Tamez, a first-generation American of Mexican heritage who grew up in McAllen, Texas, was honored to be part of the Impactadores Industriales/Industry Impactor category.

Tamez is a visionary serial entrepreneur, speech pathologist assistant, and public speaker. Her career has included overseeing startups ranging from healthcare clinics facilities, staffing professional services, publishing a local magazine, owning a high-end furniture store, real estate development, to the import and export of fruits and vegetables. Tamez is also known for her advocacy work for healthcare and childrens rights policies. In her role as National Hispanic Star Hubs Director, she assists in helping this countrys Hispanic families with outreach projects. Hispanic Star is a collective platform to unify Hispanics in the US and celebrate their contributions to the country.

I very much thank Microsoft for recognizing the work I do on behalf of the many Hispanic communities in my area and throughout this country, she said. Being a child of immigrant parents, this honor has special significance to me. Our Hispanic community needs to know positive stories of people who are making differences. With Microsoft giving us this platform, we can encourage the next generation to carry on the tradition of sharing their gifts and talents to honor our culture.

For more information about the Microsoft Legacy Project: Hispanic Latinx Heritage Edition, visit this link.

About Microsoft Legacy Project Museum:

The Legacy Project Virtual Museum is an interactive online gallery that was created to celebrate culture, diversity and inclusion, and honor incredible changemakers from the 20th and 21st centuries who are helping to make the world a better place for everyone. In this new Legacy Project "Hispanic & Latinx Edition" exhibit we are recognizing legacies, achievements, and the strength of Hispanic and Latinx communities.

About Perla Tamez:

Perla Tamez is a visionary serial entrepreneur, speech pathologist assistant, and public speaker. For the last decade, she has dedicated her lifes work to empowering others to unlock their truest potential. From her thriving outpatient pediatric clinics to her advocacy work for healthcare and childrens rights policies, this powerhouse is only at the beginning of creating her legacy. Perlas story begins in McAllen, Texas, where she was born and lived in the small town of Hidalgo, Texas, where she learned, at a very young age, to run fiercely in the direction of her dreams.

At 21, she founded her first outpatient pediatric clinic, which has grown into one of the largest providers in South Texas. She has been at the helm of startups ranging from healthcare clinics facilities, staffing professional services, publishing a local magazine, owning a high end furniture store, real estate development, to the import and export of fruits and vegetables. In addition, she is passionate about lobbying politics, international travel, youth outreach, prison rehabilitation system, and launched a business model in real estate private equity investments. In 2014, her unmatched and innovative talent for business was honored as she received the Small Business Administration Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Region VI, representing Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

In 2019, Perla joined forces with Hispanic Star to help Hispanic families all across the United States. Together Hispanic Star and Perla have helped millions of families all across the country with the help of companies like Proctor & Gamble, Hornitos and Modelo. Clearly, Perla Tamez is a force to be reckoned with and a dynamic trailblazer to watch. For more information, visit http://www.theperlatamez.com. ###


In pursuing the Nepris platform and specifically, the Livingston County branded version, we believe our students will be better able to learn about the many careers possible here in Livingston County.

We hear it every day: Id love it for my kids to stay in the area after high school or college, and have a job here but its just not a likely reality  there are limited jobs and career opportunities here.

Employers across the county share with The Chamber daily, I need employees, I have jobs that are going unfilled and I need qualified workers.

This is the case across all industries county-wide.

We also hear from educators that students need to hear directly from employers about the skills they need to be successful in the world of work, as well as the career opportunities that exist for them.

It is for these reasons and more that The Chamber is pleased to be working directly with school districts and businesses throughout Livingston County to launch a first of its kind in NYS, career awareness and career exploration platform that directly connects employers on the job site to students in the classroom, in real-time.

Our mission is to help students expand and explore their career horizons and learn where their interests and skills can take them as they begin to determine 'what I want to be when I grow up,' stated the Chambers Education to Employment Initiatives Director, Angela Grouse. We want our students exploring those options now, when it is at no cost to them; not in the middle of their college experience when that exploration is coming with a significant price tag.

Grouse continued, The ability to directly connect business and students with career professionals to share a 'day in the life' on the job, and the training, education and pathways for students to move into these fields are critical as we look to fill the pipeline of the future workforce. Young people need the opportunity to ask questions, explore and learn about jobs that may not even be on the radar of current educators or parents, as some of these jobs did not exist even five years ago. Furthermore, the nationwide labor shortages that are being experienced and the opportunities that exist in traditional trades (both skilled and unskilled), agriculture related fields, and advanced manufacturing are enormous. Students can walk out of high school or college and begin rewarding careers here in Livingston County.

"The Chamber is pleased to be working with six school districts serving Livingston County students who have purchased district licenses for this platform. Furthermore, we are looking forward to working with businesses to help them address their current workforce needs, as well as their talent pipeline needs through their engagement with this platform. The financial support from the Livingston County Board of Supervisors and their investment in students and employers in Livingston County, is the piece that binds this all together. At a time when businesses are struggling significantly, on the heels of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we are grateful to the Board of Supervisors for recognizing the importance of this effort and for the financial commitment that aids both students and businesses, stated Chamber president Laura Lane.

"It's important that our local students be fully informed of the many rewarding industries and careers available to them right here in Livingston County," said Livingston County Board of Supervisors Chairman David LeFeber. "With the pandemic forcing us away from many in-person activities, this is a great way to safely continue educating students on the many opportunities our area has to offer them. We're proud to support educational efforts like this as a County and look forward to seeing the benefits of this platform in the near future."

Nepris (https://nepris.com) is a cloud-based platform that connects industry professionals with K-12 classrooms to bring real world relevance and career exposure to all students, and has been doing so through a variety of engagement models for almost a decade. A Livingston Chamber branded white label version of this national platform helps us bring local employers and school districts together in one place to scale the industry and education connections. It enables matching the skills of working professionals to curriculum needs and virtually connects them with students to bring abstract lessons to life, mentor students on class projects, provide insight into a day in the life of a professional and offer virtual tours of workspaces. Nepris allows employers and educational stakeholders to prepare students for the global and regional workforce. Corporate partners can scale, manage, and track their employee engagement through education outreach to improve students career awareness and readiness.

The Chamber will be working with the Nepris Platform to develop a Livingston County landing page that will provide Livingston County employers the opportunity to connect directly with students and educators across both Livingston County and the nation to showcase our region, their operations, and the career opportunities that exist within their businesses. Employers will interact through a range of engagement models to develop the competencies and dispositions of the emerging workforce for the world of work.

Livingston County Superintendents believe, and business owners concur, that students need to appreciate the tremendous opportunities and the pathways into these careers that exist in Livingston County.

In pursuing the Nepris platform and specifically, the Livingston County branded version, we believe our students will be better able to learn about the many careers possible here in Livingston County. Unfortunately, weve all seen the typical pattern where our best and brightest often believe the only way to pursue a vibrant career path is to seek employment beyond Livingston County. Weve also been working diligently to cultivate student understanding that college isnt the only career path and to generate interest in pursuing skills and experiences that can open up the world of work upon high school graduation. We believe that through more efficient and accessible career development exploration, via Nepris White Label, our local employers will be better positioned to build a much-needed pipeline for recruitment and long-term retention of our students moving forward. Through this digitally connected pipeline, our students will form their career goals and life aspirations with Livingston County being a viable option, rather than an afterthought, shares Matt Cole, Superintendent of Livonia Central Schools, on behalf of eight Livingston County school districts.

Mary Ellyn Merle, a project manager with Dansville based Genesee Construction, shares, Employers are realizing more than ever that it is important to reach students at younger and younger ages during their public school years. From a county perspective our demographic fits into careers in agriculture, construction, and manufacturing. To retain the population, local employers should be given the opportunity to present in schools which enables students to see the local opportunities.

"Throughout the COVID 19 Pandemic we had to switch our in-school presentations to virtual platform presentations. Initially, we were hesitant about our ability to connect with the students without being in person. Looking back a year later, we have realized some significant benefits from virtual presentations since we could show students actual job sites such as large haul trucks and excavation at a 5-acre pond site. These virtual tours have been extremely successful at capturing the attention of the students as well as allowing a more accurate and informative look into what work looks like on a day-to-day basis in our industries.

"Especially in light of the short staffing so many companies are experiencing, having an online portal option where presentations could be recorded or live streamed within their preferred time frame would attract more business owners to participate. We do not have a single subcontractor working for us that is not attempting to mass hire while seeing an age out issue in a large portion of their organizations.

According to Jeff Swan, president of both LG Evans Construction and Swan Equipment in Avon, The best way to get our students interested is through direct communication with business owners and representatives. In the past, career fairs were the most common way to do this. Obviously, the pandemic completely changed that landscape. But regardless of the pandemic -- career fairs are not the easiest to organize and can be a big-time commitment for both students and employers. I love them and never want to see them go away but we need to do more.

"After reviewing the Nepris online platform I am enthused to see the huge potential this can bring to our employers, educators and students. It will be a seamless way for information to be shared and a huge benefit for all parties. It will be amazing for our students to be able to research local companies, interact with business leader and ask questions. It will make career fairs more productive and focused by allowing students to know more about what they are looking for prior to attendance. It will allow employers to gauge the upcoming workforce. Students and educators will have information at their fingertips they may have never had prior.

"For our companies to succeed we need emerging talent. Talent acquisition is expensive and does not happen overnight. The pandemic has tightened everyones budgets. Having a platform like this provided to employers, educators and students will be a tremendous help to take on this challenge. I can see this platform becoming a benchmark for collaboration between employers, educators and students for years to come.

Joe Bucci Jr, Environmental, Health, and Safety Manager with American Rock Salt (ARS), shared his support of this effort because Connecting with students virtually will allow ARS to communicate our story, the history of the company and the history of mining in the Genesee Valley. It will also provide the opportunity to explain what it means to be a salt miner, what challenges we face, and what needs to happen in order to promote continued success into the future. We can go into details about what the day in the life of a miner is, what skills we look for in new employees and what a student can do in order to prepare for a career in the industry. It also allows us to take students where we might not otherwise be able to bring them - underground, on equipment, etc.

I am beyond impressed with the vision and the foresight that the Chamber leadership has to pursue a technology solution to scale their employer and education connections and to bring equity of access to all students across their community. This implementation could pave the way for intermediaries and Chambers across the nation to redefine how they engage their community to prepare students for the future of work. We are excited to be working alongside such visionary leadership to engage employers directly in impacting thousands of students, says Sabari Raja, CEO of Nepris, Inc.

About the Livingston County Area Chamber of Commerce

The Livingston County Area Chamber of Commerce is the largest business focused organization in the county providing a voice for businesses as they work to create a vibrant and sustainable business environment by fulfilling their mission of fostering business development and providing opportunities for their members to grow. To learn more, please contact the Chamber at (585) 243-2222 or visit online at https://www.livingstoncountychamber.com.

About Nepris

Austin-based Nepris provides a cloud-based platform connecting industry professionals with K-16 classrooms so that students see the relevance of what they are learning in school. Students are exposed to diverse role models and career paths in STEM, the arts, retail, manufacturing, and countless other careers. Nepris makes it easy for teachers to leverage industry connections while offering a scalable platform for employers and regional intermediaries to easily and effectively engage the current workforce with the future workforce, virtually. Over 1.5 million students have participated in a Nepris virtual session or viewed one of the over 10,000 hours of videos in its library. See Nepris in action at https://Nepris.com or on social via @NeprisApp
Engel & Volkers today announced its Santa Barbara real estate shop will be managed by veteran luxury real estate team Jerry and Gayle Boren, strengthening its existing presence in Southern California and bringing even more industry knowledge and experience to the local real estate market. With more than 40 years of experience in luxury real estate, both nationally and internationally, there isnt much that Jerry and Gayle havent seen or done in the real estate industry.

Joining Engel & Volkers in 2018, the Borens were instrumental in the brands growth within Northern California, recruiting and managing well-respected real estate advisors in Sonoma, Mendocino, and Marin Counties. During their tenure from 2018 to 2021, the companys Northern California advisor count increased 300% and its sales volume increased 450%. They also headed international referral sales of celebrity properties which ultimately led to a local independent brokerage becoming Engel & Volkers Mendocino.

We are fortunate to have Jerry and Gayle lead our growth in the Central Coast. The Santa Barbara region is important for us as it offers the quintessential California lifestyle everyone loves, from beach bungalows to Montecito estates. I am sure we have the perfect fit to lead our team in these important markets with the Borens, said Paul Benson, Licensed Partner and CEO of E&V Gestalt Group.

Engel & Volkers Santa Barbara serves the markets of Santa Barbara, Montecito, and greater Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. The shop location is centrally located on State Street next to the historic Arlington Theatre.

Engel & Volkers continues to strengthen its global presence as well, in real estate markets across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, with planned openings in several new markets in the coming months. For more information, visit https://evrealestate.com.

About Engel & Volkers

Engel & Volkers is a global luxury real estate brand. Founded in Hamburg, Germany in 1977, Engel & Volkers draws on its rich European history to deliver a fresh approach to luxury real estate in the Americas with a focus on creating a bespoke, white-glove concierge client experience at every stage of the home buying or selling process for todays savvy homeowner. Engel & Volkers currently operates approximately 247 shop locations with more than 5,330 real estate advisors in the Americas, contributing to the brands global network of over 14,678 real estate professionals in more than 34 countries, offering both private and institutional clients a professionally tailored range of luxury services, including real estate, yachting, and aviation. Committed to exceptional service, Engel & Volkers supports its advisors with an array of premium quality business services; marketing programs, and platforms; as well as access to its global network of real estate professionals, property listings, and market data. Each brokerage is independently owned and operated. For more information, visit evrealestate.com.

For more information, please contact:

Jerry & Gayle Boren

Engel & Volkers Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara Managers & Expansion Team

+1 707 536 7576 | +1 707 478 0063

jerry.boren@evrealestate.com

Paul Benson

License Partner, CEO

Engel & Volkers Gestalt Group

+1 435 640 7441

paul.benson@evrealestate.com
Theorhetorical: a thought-provoking examination of capitalist culture. Theorhetorical is the creation of published author Marcus Len Francis Davis.

Davis shares, To whom this may concern,

I appreciate this opportunity and, at this time, present my qualifications within the technology innovation. Leadership and creativity involving training and research work acquired through my work experiences, education, and possibly utilize Green training, Energy Star, and certificates received for Green Advantage program through Pulaski Technical College, Business and Industry Center grant are desired. The knowledge of physical principles, lasers, nonlinear optics, and seminar presentation, technical writing, alongside of bachelor of science are a part of my educational achievements. I am knowledgeable through extensive training exercises in safety, OSHA regulations, laboratory procedures utilizing SOPs, GLP, basic laboratory assistant duties, laboratory instrumentation, manufacturing of a product within a team to achieve company production goals of quality, wearing personal protective equipment, also computer literate throughout previous employment. Previous laboratory work experiences within my development include research assistant, research internship, laboratory technician trainee, laboratory assistant, and photo laboratory technician before pursuing Green Advantage training at Pulaski Technical College, Business and Industry Center.

As a graduate within HBCU (Historically Black College/University), my desire is to effectively assist with daily operating strategies through theorhetorical. My goal is to present Theory of Entrepreneurial Value, which is the theorem presented for effective evaluation of upper-level management.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Marcus Len Francis Daviss new book is an academic detailing of workplace culture with social science explanations.

Consumers can purchase Theorhetorical at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about Theorhetorical, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
NC Eminent Domain Law Firm Attorney Ken Sack We are excited to have Ken join our eminent domain team. He is driven and will work hard to protect the rights of our clients," said lead NC Eminent Domain Law Firm attorney Stan Abrams.

The NC Eminent Domain Law Firm, a division of the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, recently welcomed attorney Ken Sack to its team. Sack has practiced law for more than 20 years and has spent the last decade focused predominantly on eminent domain law. After eight years of representing the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), he focused his considerable talents and experience on fighting for the rights of property owners.

At the NCDOT, Sack was involved first in highway construction litigation, where his focus was on the back end of the highway construction process. Then he got involved in condemnation proceedings, where he dealt with the front end of the construction process. He left the NCDOT to represent property owners and now uses insights from his prior work experience when determining just compensation and negotiating with the NCDOT. Sack enjoys working one-on-one with clients, explaining the eminent domain process, and trying to obtain fair compensation for their properties.

Lead NC Eminent Domain Law Firm attorney Stan Abrams said, We are excited to have Ken join our eminent domain team. His extensive work experience representing the NC Department of Transportation, coupled with his years representing property owners, makes Ken a great addition to the team. He is driven and will work hard to protect the rights of our clients.

About the NC Eminent Domain Law Firm:

The NC Eminent Domain Law Firm is dedicated solely to representing property owners impacted by eminent domain law. It is led by three former Attorneys General who represented the NC Department of Transportation handling some of their largest and most important cases. The firms attorneys have over 70 years of combined experience working exclusively in land condemnation. The NC Eminent Domain Law Firm is a division of the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, which has more than 50 attorneys, based in Durham, North Carolina, with 15 additional offices statewide: Asheville, Charlotte, Fayetteville, Greensboro, Greenville, Goldsboro, Henderson, Morganton, New Bern, Raleigh, Roanoke Rapids, Rocky Mount, Sanford, Wilson, and Winston-Salem.

Contact Information:

Stan Abrams

1-877-393-4990

NC Eminent Domain Law Firm

4325 Lake Boone Trail

Suite 100

Raleigh, NC 27607


Virtually all manufacturing experts recognize that improved decision making for reliability leads to a higher rate of manufacturing uptime that produces hard-dollar savings.

Net Results Group, a leader specializing in MRO master data management for more than 25 years, today announced Managing Partner Lance Gilbert and long-standing Net Results Group customer Ben Borgmeyer, Strategic Project Manager at Saint-Gobain/CertainTeed Gypsum will be presenting at the 2021 SMRP Annual Conference on Tuesday, October 26 from 2:45-3:45 PM in Room 104/105. Gilbert will also be demonstrating Net Results Groups MRO3i MRO master data technology suite and its enhanced feature set, showcasing the bottom-line benefits it provides.

This much anticipated session will explore the specifics of how Net Results Groups MRO3i solution led to CertainTeed Gypsums extraordinary success. The presentation will also address the importance of proper data governance and how MRO3i supports ongoing sustainability and high-quality data.

Virtually all manufacturing experts recognize that improved decision making for reliability leads to a higher rate of manufacturing uptime that produces hard-dollar savings, said Mr. Gilbert. Yet, many companies are still uncertain how to achieve these wins. We look forward to sharing Saint-Gobain/CertainTeed Gypsums success story with attendees, including key details of how any firm can leverage MRO3is capabilities to cleanse, standardize and enrich data, expedite bill of materials creation for critical assets, and much more.

Sponsored by non-profit Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP), the SMRP Annual Conference is a signature event that attracts more than 1,200 maintenance, reliability and physical asset management professionals and practitioners each year.

About Net Results Group

Net Results Group, LLC is a technology-focused consulting firm with a comprehensive offering for significantly improving MRO master data. Headquartered in Louisville, KY, the firm was founded in 1996 with the goal of being THE MRO master data governance expert. The firms unique combination of asset expertise, reliability services and tools  including its cloud-based MRO3i technology suite  enables it to help asset-intensive organizations make intelligent use of their data. Professional services, including onsite and virtual walkdowns and assessments, also inform storeroom optimization and MRO inventory control to sharpen purchasing strategies, reduce operational costs, increase uptime and improve service levels. For more information, visit https://netresultsgroup.com.

About CertainTeed

Through the responsible development of innovative and sustainable building products, CertainTeed, headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania, has helped shape the building products industry for more than 110 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, the firms slogan Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed, inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed is a leading North American brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, solar, fence, decking, railing, trim, insulation, drywall and ceilings. From economical acoustical tiles and suspension systems to custom-engineered ceilings showpieces in metal, felt, fiberglass, and wood, the CertainTeed Architectural (US) and CertainTeed Architectural Products (Canada) portfolio includes solutions for every space and every budget  all with the backing of technical expertise and world-class customer support that can help you unleash the creative potential of every project.

A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, one of the worlds largest and oldest building products companies, CertainTeed has more than 6,900 employees and more than 60 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. The group had total sales of approximately $4.1 billion in 2019. http://www.certainteed.com.
Apple Self Storage continues to expand its services to Ontario cottage country with a location servicing the Port Carling and Muskoka Lakes area.

Located at 1020 Eveleigh Rd. this previously existing storage location offers a variety of ground floor, drive-up storage units and parking. Apple Self Storage  Port Carling is ideal for RV, boat and vehicle storage due to its proximity to Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau and Lake Joe and the surrounding cottage areas.

The facility provides unique features such as high capacity oversized units and onsite container rentals, as well as packing supplies for moving needs. Tenants can rest assured that their belongings are secure within the fully fenced facility under 24-hour surveillance.

Port Carling is an amazing community with lots of places to explore for both residents and visitors. Apple Self Storage couldnt be happier to join the Hub of the Lakes neighbourhood and be an active part of its growth.

The Apple Self Storage - Port Carling facility is open for business and ready to help with personal and business storage needs. Customers can reserve their own secure space by visiting http://www.applestorage.com, calling 705-765-7218, or emailing eveleighrd@applestorage.com

MORE ABOUT APPLE SELF STORAGE

Known for having the best managed self storage facilities in Canada, Apple Self Storage strives to deliver a genuine and authentically great experience across every one of its 36 facilities. The family-owned company has established close bonds with the communities in which it operates through regular pursuit of opportunities to assist organizations that enrich them. It has done so since their very first facility opened in 1975. Apple Self Storage is actively looking to expand their third party management platform as well as expanding through acquisitions and new developments.

For more information about Storage Units, please visit http://www.applestorage.com
"La Chlianga" means 'Person from the city of Mexico,'" says Chef Manny. "I always smile when I tell guests, 'I am a Chilango.'"

Nico's MX Pizzeria and Cocktail Venue announces the debut of its inaugural North Dallas location. The new concept reflects Nico Ponce and Chef Manny's deep commitment to bridge food cultures by strategically layering flavorful MexiCan food on top of Italian pizza. The result is known as "street gastronomy." In addition, locally renowned bartenders Daniel Guillen, Christian Armando, Chris Dempsey, Craig Reeves, Jesse Powell, and Trea Sample have curated their cocktail program.

The term "La Chilanga" influenced most pizzas on the menu and the decorative finishings throughout the dining areas. "La Chlianga" means "Person from the city of Mexico," says Chef Manny. "I always smile when I tell guests, "I am a Chilango." "It's delicious because Chef Manny expertly fuses the most traditional taco ingredients with high-quality premium Pizza dough.

Chef Manny is quite literally a MexiCan making pizza; hence we have MexiCan pizza," says Nico Ponce. Signature menu items include the "El Relleno" Pizza which is served with Profound Farms edible marigolds and microgreens. The "La Chilanga" showcases Salsa verde, an authentic Mexican cheese blend, Suadero beef, and is topped off with cilantro, red onion, and a "Chilanga" sauce.

Chef Juan Manny Reyes' pizza-making career started 13 years ago. He has worked in some of the most well-known establishments in Texas, including Grimaldi's, Cane Rosso, and Pizza Dough.

The new space, which was the former location of Picassos Pizza, features Marigold, Calypso, and other vibrant colors surrounding a neighborhood-style bar and transform space. To complete the renovation, a climate-controlled dining patio, live-music stage, and colored coleus plants were added to complete the finish-out.

"After a long list of restaurant closings along the vicinity of Dallas North Tollway and Frankford Road, I feel neighbors are hungry for a local meeting spot. We make it easy for them to enjoy happy hour, stay for dinner and dessert or grab take-out. We're open late most evenings, making it the perfect destination for live music. We are delighted to meet those needs and can hardly wait to become an integral part of the community," says Nico Ponce, owner.

The restaurant opens to the public on October 21, 2021. Guests can visit Nico's MX Pizzeria and Cocktail Venue at 18160 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75287. Hour of Operation: Sun-Wed from 11 am  10 pm, Thu- Sat from 11 am  1 am.

MEDIA CONTACT

Lux214 Media Group

214-906-6633

lorib@lux214.com
Paybotic is honored to attend NECANNs Maine Cannabis Convention to be held in Portland, ME. Paybotic Executive Brian OConnor will attend the convention on behalf of the national payment processing services provider. He will operate at exhibit 404 in the middle of the south right central aisle of the main area north of the programming stage.

Since 2014, NECANN has developed into a hub of information and support materials for cannabis enthusiasts and entrepreneurs throughout the industry and northeastern United States. The events primary function is to create participation, education, and wider understanding for the potential of cannabis market opportunities among business decision makers, financers, scholars, law activists, and medical/retail customers at large.

As a regionally-concentrated convention, NECANNs objective to spotlight the needs and potential of northeastern cannabis markets creates a conference with greater success opportunities compared to the experiences of national shows. Paybotic is excited to showcase its payment processing technology for cannabis business owners and key decision makers attending from areas such as Maine, Massachusetts, and other Commonwealth states.

The first two days of the conference will begin at 11:00 each day, with both agendas featuring numerous seminars and workshops that run throughout the day concerning various commercial and recreational cannabis topics. The final day ending just before 3:00 p.m. will include the NECANN Competition awards presentation, which will reward the winners of a third party blind evaluation of cannabis and related products from the New England area.

Vendors, guest speakers, and potential investors are welcome to attend and participate in the 2021 Maine Cannabis Convention. Please visit the event website for more information on hosting an exhibit, obtaining a press pass, acquiring tickets, or becoming a NECANN sponsor.

About Paybotic

Paybotic is one of the largest payment processing solution providers for high-risk merchants in the United States. The company specializes in helping cannabis-related businesses process customer payments and maintain compliance amid evolving regulation.

As innovators in the FinTech space, products such as the Cashless ATM have been obvious solutions for Paybotic to implement across the cannabis industry. The company actively works with a variety of sizes of businessesfrom single store locations to multi-state operators and even publicly-traded companies.

Cannabis business owners or decision makers with interest in one or several of Paybotics full suite of industry payment processing services can call 844-420-4729 for more information. Those interested can also visit the Paybotic website to speak with a live agent.
These two talented professionals will complement our teams expertise and allow us to better serve our growing base of batch and process automation clients in the US.

Bachelor Controls, Inc. (BCI), a leading provider of control systems integration specializing in complex batch solutions, today announced the hire of Jessica Bennett and Chris Fields to support increased sales and project activity for the companys batch, IoT, and process automation solutions in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, plastics, and specialty chemicals industries.

With a strong uptick in project requests, we have brought Jessica and Chris onto the BCI team, said Stacey Rodvelt, Vice-President of Bachelor Controls. These two talented professionals will complement our teams expertise and allow us to better serve our growing base of batch and process automation clients in the US.

With nearly two decades of experience in the automation and control system industry, Jessica Bennett joins BCI as Operations Manager for the Sabetha, Kansas office. Previously, Bennett held the position of Senior Controls Engineering Manager at a major consumer products manufacturer where she supervised a team of more than 20 engineers. A graduate of University of Kentucky, Bennett holds her Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.

Chris Fields joins BCI as Sales Engineer for the Memphis office with nearly 30 years of experience in automation engineering and machine design in the manufacturing industry. Prior to joining BCI, for 22 years Fields owned and operated Fields Engineering & Computer Services, which specialized in project development for automated controls, database design, PLC and HMI programming, and computer systems and networks. Fields holds his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University.

About Bachelor Controls

Bachelor Controls (BCI) is a leading provider of control systems integration solutions, and is a premier batch solutions integrator. The companys proprietary batch process workflow management software, BCI CORE, provides enterprise-wide ability to continually monitor, control and streamline operations to increase efficiency, product quality and throughput. BCI has extensive experience in process automation solutions including cooking extrusion for food and pet food, distillation, modified starches, and more. Founded in 1983, Bachelor Controls has been recognized as a Charter CSIA Certified Member, Charter Rockwell Automation Solution Partner, and Microsoft Certified Partner. BCI is a Kansas licensed engineering firm located in Sabetha, Kansas, the Kansas City metro area and Memphis, Tennessee. For more information, visit BCIs website, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.


Conor Malcolm "He's a powerhouse. We are thrilled to welcome him to Rebel." Rob Hall, CEO of parent company Momentous

Leading Canadian web hosting company and domain name registrar, Rebel.com, has named Conor Malcolm as new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Malcolm initially joined Rebel.com parent company, Momentous, in 2016 serving as Sr. Director of Operations.

Most recently, Malcolm served as Director of Marketing & Corporate Partner Strategy for the Ottawa Senators.

Conor Malcolm not only brings strong strategic leadership to the role, but his extensive marketing and business development background adds a deeper layer of insight into the needs of our customers, and the expansion of our brand, said Rob Hall, CEO of parent company Momentous. Hes a powerhouse. We are thrilled to welcome him to Rebel.

I couldn't be more excited to join the Rebel team, said Malcolm. I have always admired the culture, vision, and community impact that Rebel brings to its customers and the greater online world. With Rebels impressive service offering and easy to use platform, there is a huge opportunity to position the company as the premier destination for companies and individuals to find success online.

Malcolm brings years of experience in leadership and strategic business development for companies Abercrombie & Fitch, Budweiser, and the Ottawa Senators.

He has worked with some of the largest marketing agencies in Canada bringing large-scale, integrated campaigns to life. When hes not at the office you can find him running, or at the cottage, pretending to be handy.

About Rebel.com

Rebel.com is a leading Canadian web hosting company and domain name registrar that supports thought leaders, web developers, trailblazing businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators to contribute, share, and succeed online. By providing domain names, web hosting solutions, site builders, professional email, and all the tools and resources needed to build and grow ideas online, Rebel leads the way in the worlds bravest communication space: the internet.

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Media Contact:

Justine Sousa

justine@rebel.com
RemoteLock We are addressing the many access control challenges that are unique to this region and building upon the strong foothold RemoteLock already has in these countries.

RemoteLock, the leader in universal access control, announced the expansion of its European operations with the acquisition of SmartLock Europe. The acquisition affirms RemoteLocks position as a leading access control provider worldwide and further strengthens the companys operations in the region.

Since 2015, SmartLock Europe has been providing remote access control solutions for commercial and vacation rental applications throughout the UK, Europe, and surrounding regions. These markets have unique smart lock and hardware needs, and SmartLock Europe has been able to meet those needs by reselling RemoteLock's universal access control softwaresoftware that can control hardware of many types from many different manufacturers. Stuart Duncan, founder of SmartLock Europe, will assume the role of vice president of European operations as part of RemoteLocks leadership team.

I am excited to join RemoteLock and continue to bring the power of the platform to the European market on a larger scale, said Duncan. With the expansion of RemoteLock Europe, we are addressing the many access control challenges that are unique to this region and building upon the strong foothold RemoteLock already has in these countries.

RemoteLocks universal access control platform allows users worldwide to remotely control access for renters, guests, employees, and contractorssaving time and money. RemoteLock provides ultimate flexibilitythe ability to control any door using various credential types with locks from all leading manufacturersall from one dashboard. Today, RemoteLock serves customers in over 65 countries.

The acquisition of SmartLock Europe positions us for faster growth in the European market, said RemoteLock CEO, Nolan Mondrow. By integrating European operations into RemoteLock, we now have strong positions in North America, Japan, and Europe.

RemoteLocks Chief Financial Officer, Hull McKinnon, says that geographic expansion is a key part of the companys long-term strategy. I joined the company in March 2021 to help it capitalize on the near-limitless opportunities for expansion stemming from its versatile access control technology platform. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our plans to continue our expansion efforts and increase growth.

For more information, please visit http://www.remotelock.com.

About RemoteLock

RemoteLock sets the standard in universal access control with its easy-to-use, scalable, and future-proof software. It provides users the ultimate in flexibility and controlso they can easily grant any person access to any space, from anywhere. RemoteLock manages leading smart locks and access control hardware and can be integrated with its customers essential software systems. RemoteLock is committed to being the last access management partner our customers will need. Headquartered in Denver, CO, RemoteLock has customers in over 65 countries. http://www.remotelock.com

RemoteLock Media Contact

Kim Garcia

Director of Marketing

RemoteLock

kgarcia@remotelock.com
Michael Wainscott, Chief Executive Officer of Revol Greens

North Americas largest greenhouse lettuce grower, Revol Greens, has acquired BJs Produce Inc, operating under the widely recognized Living Fresh brand, in Athens, Georgia, to establish its first East Coast greenhouse operation. The deal, completed on October 12, 2021, entails the purchase of the existing greenhouses as well as the planned commencement of new greenhouse construction to meet increasing customer demand. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The move also brings Revol Greens closer to meeting its Five Facilities in Five Years goal to reach all Americans with its products two years ahead of schedule.

Launched in 2016, Revol Greens has a goal to be able to reach 100 percent of the U.S. with its robust selection of greenhouse-grown lettuce and Premium Organic Salad Kits. Based in Owatonna, Minnesota, Revol Greens has recently announced the first harvest at its new 64-acre Tehachapi, California location as well as the commencement of greenhouse construction in Temple, Texas.

Bentley Mills, owner of BJs Produce Inc., will join Revols leadership team as General Manager in Athens. Revol Greens is bringing a national presence to our local supply of Living Fresh branded fresh greens and will maintain the connections weve built with retail customers and consumers, says Mills. We admire the lengths Revol Greens goes to research, develop and innovate in new varieties, technology, processes and greenhouse environments that have yielded the highest quality greens out there. I am honored to join the team and apply the expertise our team has proven over the past 20 years.

Currently, the Living Fresh brand is sustainably grown, non-GMO, and available in butter head, romaine head, and basil, serving long-standing foodservice and retail partnerships including Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, Walmart, Kroger and Harris Teeter, a division of Kroger. Revol Greens already produces a vast array of product innovations, including Organic living head lettuces, Organic baby leaf blends, as well as the new Premium Organic Salad Kits. The greenhouse pioneer also developed a new Plant-Fed Organic nutrient source for their USDA Certified Organic lettuce that is 100% free of the animal byproducts commonly found in other organic fertilizers.

Expanding the reach of our greenhouse protected lettuces to the Southeast was crucial to fulfilling customer demand. Bentley and his team allow us to deliver upon that beginning today, says Michael Wainscott, Chief Executive Officer of Revol Greens. As one of the first CEA lettuce growers in the country, we are proud to continue the legacy and maintain the strong local heritage that has established in Athens while introducing the innovations and technology that allow Revol Greens to produce safe, quality leafy greens to millions of households around the country within 24 hours of harvest.

The Athens, Georgia location is near Atlanta and major distribution hubs, providing efficient access to East Coast markets.

To learn more about Revol Greens sustainable greenhouse technology and Grown Clean and Green process and find products, visit http://www.RevolGreens.com.
Africans in the New Testament and Early Christianity: an engaging discussion of key African contributions to Christianity. Africans in the New Testament and Early Christianity is the creation of published author Robert Bartlett, a loving father and grandfather who married his high school sweetheart, which resulted in a loving marriage that lasted for fifty years. Bartlett has traveled to Africa more than sixty times over the years.

Bartlett shares, Africa in the New Testament and early Christianity is a passion of my heart. When we read about early church and bishops, we often lose sight of where they came from or really who they are. I hope the words of African leaders will inspire the reader to research more into the subject.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Robert Bartletts new book is a fascinating and richly detailed exploration of Africas involvement with Christianity.

Bartletts passion for history and God is apparent within the pages of this informative and thoughtful examination of the overlap between Christianity and African culture.

Consumers can purchase Africans in the New Testament and Early Christianity at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about Africans in the New Testament and Early Christianity, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
Sensera Systems "This is a major step in Sensera continuing to execute on our original vision to make site cameras flexible, reliable and affordable for construction and municipal customers."

Senseras 3rd generation cameras have been redesigned from the inside out to provide a range of new features and capabilities including:



Wider fields-of-view on all models, providing more site coverage

Improved image quality with clear, high-resolution images up to 13 megapixels, 4K time-lapse video, and recorded video up to 1080p HD

Larger edge-recording capacities (DVR) up to 512GB providing up to 137 days of high-resolution continuous video recording

Improved reliability for robust 24/7 operation in all environments, backed up by a 3-year warranty

Smart Technology Elevates Ease of Use

Senseras 3rd generation cameras are the first of their kind to offer universal 4G/LTE connectivity using eSIM technology. As part of Senseras SiteCloud service, wireless carriers for specific devices are updated automatically over the air ensuring optimal camera connectivity for any given location and assures seamless, uninterrupted wireless coverage when moving systems from one site to another. Senseras 3rd generation cameras now support 100s of wireless carriers worldwide, providing multi-national customers significant logistical advantages.

Significantly Lower Camera Costs for Project Teams

Sensera has also announced new Project Pricing that lowers camera costs by 20-50% on construction and other temporary or portable projects. Project Pricing for a typical 15-month project is $278/month including camera and full SiteCloud cellular service, 2-way shipping, full project hardware warranty, and 10-year SiteCloud media retention, providing tremendous value, simplified logistics, and peace of mind.

The new MC26 fixed position camera model is available at an unprecedented price point for professional compact-solar cameras at only $1,999, complete with continuous video recording, 1080p live streaming, and high-definition time-lapse capabilities.

"This is a major step in Sensera continuing to execute on our original vision to make site cameras flexible, reliable and affordable for construction and municipal customers. Our engineering team has done a fantastic job taking customer feedback and what we have learned in the field to create a new lineup of SiteCloud cameras that will continue to lead the market in innovation and price/performance. The new camera architecture provides an important foundation to continue to provide real-time jobsite intelligence via visual monitoring. said David Gaw, Founder and CEO, Sensera Systems.

Sensera site cameras are powered by Senseras SiteCloud platform which provides easy-to-use software for viewing, monitoring, and sharing real-time site data, detecting actionable insights, and simplifying workflow. SiteCloud is tightly integrated with Senseras complete line of fixed position and security cameras, mobile apps, and SiteCloud-AERIAL drone photography services to support improved productivity, quality, safety, and automated documentation from one simple web interface. SiteCloud service includes WiFi and 4G LTE connectivity making it a true end-to-end solution. Integrations with Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, and PlanGrid simplify and automate workflow across the enterprise.

About Sensera Systems

Sensera Systems is the market leader in affordable, easy to deploy solar cameras. Our professional solutions are purpose built for the rigors of construction job sites, both large and small. With thousands of projects deployed across North America, our solar/wireless solutions help project stakeholders stay informed and remotely manage their LEM, logistics, risk, and safety from any location, in real-time. Securely managed from a single platform, our solutions provide the most reliable and cost-effective visual documentation in the industrys, all in a hassle-free package that is easy to setup and use within minutes. For more information about Sensera Systems, please visit our website http://www.senserasystems.com
We hold ourselves to the highest of standards from the training and certification of our employees through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration classes to implementing clear boundaries and ethics."

The Chicago-based ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has been named the winner of a Bronze Stevie Award in the Female Entrepreneur of the Year category in the 18th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honor women executives, entrepreneurs, employees, and the companies they run worldwide. The Stevie Awards have been hailed as the worlds premier business awards.

Winners will be celebrated during a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday, January 13, 2022. Registration for the ceremony is now on sale.

More than 1,500 entries were submitted this year for consideration in more than 100 categories, including Executive of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Company of the Year, Startup of the Year, Women Helping Women, and Women Run Workplace of the Year. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons won in the Female Entrepreneur of the Year category for Consumer Services11 to 2,500 Employees.

It is an honor to be recognized by the Stevie Awards for our work in the commercial and residential disaster restoration field, said ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons President Nasutsa Mabwa. We hold ourselves to the highest of standards from the training and certification of our employees through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration classes to implementing clear boundaries and ethics. We, as a company, have stood strong on showing a commitment to diversity and inclusion which we have woven into our work environment and beyond with our participation in various outreach projects which represent the communities that we serve.

Details about the Stevie Awards for Women in Business and the list of Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners in all categories are available at http://www.StevieAwards.com/Women.

Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 160 business professionals around the world, working on eight juries.

Maggie Gallagher Miller, president of the Stevie Awards, said, We thought the remarkable stories of achievement we saw in last years awards couldnt be topped, but we were wrong. Women-owned and -run organizations have contributed significantly to the increase in innovation and entrepreneurial activity weve seen globally since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The nominations submitted to the 18th Stevie Awards for Women in Business that attest to this are inspiring, humbling, and motivating. We congratulate all of our Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie winners. We look forward to celebrating them during our January 13 virtual ceremony, and to hearing from some of them during our Women|Future Conference.

The Stevie Awards will stage its fourth annual Women|Future Conference virtually on November 1-5. Registration is just $115, or $49 for current students with an active student ID. Details and registration are available at http://www.WomenFutureConference.com.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons:

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, the 2020 recipient of the Better Business Bureaus Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics, is MBE/WBE certified, and family-operated. We are an IICRC Certified and OSHA Certified company serving Chicago, Oak Park, River Forest, and the North Shore. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons provides commercial disaster restoration services including Water & Flood Damage Restoration, Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration, Mold Remediation and a wide range of interior specialty cleaning including COVID-19 Cleaning Services, Hoarder & Clutter Cleaning, Post-Construction Cleaning, Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning to residential and commercial customers. For more information, call 773-376-1110 or visit https://servicemaster-restorationbysimons.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 http://www.StevieAwards.com. ###


We need to amplify womens voices in sales and create strategies to address the gender gap. All the data indicates that women excel at selling. Theres no reason we shouldnt be equally represented in sales leadership roles.

She Sells, a new, industry-wide community for women in B2B sales, today announced the She Sells Summit. The summit brings together top women in sales groups in a sisterhood of equity to educate, support, and build the larger community of women in sales. High profile sales experts will keynote the event, including Dr. Jane Sojka, professor at the University of Cincinnatis Carl H. Lindner College of Business, who teaches the only university-level class in the nation specifically focused on Women in Sales. Former VP-level sales executives at industry technology leaders IBM and Microsoft, Rahki Voria and Gavriella Schuster, round out the keynotes. The virtual event will take place on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm ET.

Although women make up more than half of the global workforce, they represent fewer than one-third of all B2B sales and one-quarter of all B2B tech sales roles, according to Mary Shea, Ph.D, formerly of Forrester. Women represent just 19 percent of sales leaders at the VP level and above (Gartner), yet statistics show that companies with women in executive positions perform better. Forrester also reports that profits can be 50 percent higher when women are well represented in upper management. This data is supported by research at McKinsey, which found that companies with more female executives were 25 percent more likely to have above-average profitability.

Women are under-represented in B2B sales roles at every level in nearly all industries, said Lori Richardson, sales expert and founder of She Sells. We need to amplify womens voices in sales and create strategies to address the gender gap. All the data indicates that women excel at selling. Theres no reason we shouldnt be equally represented in sales leadership roles.

More than a dozen groups have been founded in the past five years to address the needs of women in sales, representing tens of thousands of women. At the same time, more companies are championing inclusive sales teams. The She Sells Summit brings together all of these groups and organizations to connect and share ideas. Attendees will spend a day learning from leaders working toward creating more diverse and inclusive sales teams and challenging the status quo.

She Sells Summit keynote topics will address urgent issues for women in sales at this moment in history.



University of Cincinnatis Distinguished Teaching Professor, Dr. Jane Sojka will discuss The New Talk Track for Women in Sales based on her six years of experience teaching the Women in Sales class at the Lindner College of Business.

Rakhi Voria, VP of IBM Global Digital Sales Development will discuss How to Attract, Retain, and Advance Women in Sales.

Gavriella Schuster, women in tech advocate and former VP and 25-year veteran of sales at Microsoft will discuss, Building Allies.

In addition to the keynotes, the summit will include speakers from the following trailblazing organizations across the women in sales community:



The summit is sponsored by forward-thinking companies that support inclusive, diverse workforces and believe in closing the gender equity gap in sales. She Sells Summit sponsors are:



To register for She Sells Summit, go to the She Sells Registration page. For more information and the full agenda for the summit, visit: https://shesellssummit.com/2021-summit/

About She Sells

She Sells is an industry-wide community for women and male allies in sales, to educate, empower, and bring together women at all levels in sales, drive equity and inclusion, and career advancement. She Sells was founded by sales veteran and influencer, Lori Richardson, who spearheaded the creation of the She Sells Summit to elevate voices of women in sales roles and educate the community on topics to help close the gender equity gap in sales. The inaugural She Sells Summit brings together 10 organizations, powerful speakers, and is open to anyone in sales and general business.
Sonoma Tech Management have done a fantastic job building a business with a great reputation for delivering valuable products and services, notes Peter McGuire, Partner and Founder at Union Park. Were excited to partner with Sonoma Tech."

Sonoma Technology, Inc. (Sonoma Technology) is pleased to announce it has received a majority investment from Union Park Capital (Union Park), a Boston-based private equity firm focused on lower middle-market industrial technology investments. Sonoma Technology will serve as the core and initial asset in Union Parks newly created holding company, Spheros Environmental Group (Spheros).

Sonoma Tech Management have done a fantastic job building a business with a great reputation for delivering valuable products and services, notes Peter McGuire, Partner and Founder at Union Park. Were excited to partner with Sonoma Tech and will look to build upon the businesss deep technical knowledge, strong culture of customer service, and existing management capability to embark on the next phase of growth. We are enthused to begin the journey with such a strong foundation and look forward to working with the Sonoma Tech team, said Peter.

As an expert in air quality and atmospheric sciences, Sonoma Technology provides innovative environmental consulting, software, and monitoring services to a wide variety of end-markets. Since 1982, Sonoma Technology has solved their clients challenges in various applications from designing, installing, and operating emissions monitoring systems for refineries, to producing accurate air quality forecasts and models for a range of governmental organizations. With a focus on advanced innovative technology and customer satisfaction, Sonoma Technology is a leader in the environmental sciences and services market.

The Union Park Capital team has extensive experience investing in companies that focus on the environment, says Clinton MacDonald, President of Sonoma Technology. The two organizations are deeply aligned and are committed to strengthening our business growth. Union Park selected Sonoma Technology because of our experience, employees, and leadership, and believe that we have the right team to positively impact the environment on a much larger scale. Union Park is investing capital and resources to drive our growth initiatives forward, and the result will be a wealth of new products and services for our customers and clients.

Union Park has committed their support to the existing Sonoma Technology leadership team, which will continue in its current role. The transaction is well aligned with the long-term strategy of Sonoma Technology to foster continued growth. Through Union Park Capital, we have secured the necessary resources and expertise to expand our product and service capabilities, notes Lyle Chinkin, CEO of Sonoma Technology. Our customers will continue to see the same company and people that they have always known, but we will have a greater service capacity and product line to serve their needs  which is critically important to us.

About Sonoma Technology

Sonoma Technology was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Petaluma, California. Sonoma Technology specializes in providing environmental solutions with a particular focus on air quality and atmospheric sciences. For more information visit http://www.sonomatech.com/.

About Union Park Capital

Union Park Capital is a private equity firm solely focused on lower middle-market industrial technology companies. Union Park takes a long-term perspective to help stakeholders build value over time and drives value creation through profitably growing a business, not financial engineering. Union Park Capital is based in Boston, MA, and has extensive investments and expertise in the environmental sector. For more information visit http://www.union-park.com.
Local piano teacher, Steinway Artist, and International Pianist Stanislav Ioudenitch has been inducted into the Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame, a prestigious designation recognizing the work of North Americas most committed and passionate piano educators. 2021 marks the second class of honorees, following the Hall of Fames inaugural class in 2019.

STEINWAY PIANO GALLERY OF KANSAS CITY is proud to be the only exclusive STEINWAY Authorized showroom serving the Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka, and the greater Kansas and western Missouri areas. Residents of the greater Kansas and western Missouri areas can experience premium quality and support for all of their piano needs. This includes Steinway upright and grand pianos, as well as Spirio, Steinways state-of-the-art high resolution player piano and Steinway-designed Boston and Essex pianos. Between our extensive selection of beautiful pianos at every price point and our unparalleled customer satisfaction, residents will experience nothing short of premium excellence at Steinway Piano Gallery of Kansas City. "It is an indisputable honor for us to be able to recognize Stanislav's local and global contribution to piano education and performance with his induction into Steinway's Teacher Hall of Fame. Stanislav's commitment to excellence as a performer is evident by his notable achievements and as a mentor his mastery is manifested in the accomplishments of his proteges. It is our absolute privilege to have been able to nominate Stanislav for this recognition," said Gordon McNelly, President and Owner of Steinway Piano Gallery of Kansas City.

Known for a ravishing technique and his compelling musical conviction, pianist Stanislav Ioudenitch is part of the elite group of Cliburn Gold Medal winners, having taken home the Gold Medal at the 11th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. In addition to the Cliburn Gold Medal, he was also the recipient of the Steven De Groote Memorial Award for Best Performance of Chamber Music.

His profoundly warm and intelligent performances have won him prizes at the Busoni, Kapell, Maria Callas, and New Orleans competitions, among others. Ioudenitch has performed at major international cultural centers including Carnegie Hall (New York), Kennedy Center (Washington, D.C.), Gasteig (Munich, Germany), Conservatorio Verdi (Milan, Italy), Mariinsky Theater (St. Petersburg, Russia), International Performing Arts Center (Moscow, Russia), The Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory (Moscow, Russia), Forbidden City Concert Hall (Beijing, China), International Piano Festival of La Roque dAntheron (France), Theatre du Chatelet (Paris, France), Bass Hall (Fort Worth, Texas), Jordan Hall (Boston, Massachusetts), Orange County Performing Arts Center (Costa Mesa, California), and the Aspen Music Festival (Aspen, Colorado).

This fall, Steinway Piano Gallery of Kansas Citys nomination came to life, as Stanislav Ioudenitch was formally inducted into the Steinway Teachers Hall of Fame with special events hosted at the historic Steinway factory in New York City. Ioudenitchs name is now displayed on a commemorative display wall inside the iconic factory.

Music education has been a cornerstone of our historic company since the late 1800s, and today is no different, said Gavin English, President of Steinway & Sons Americas. We are very proud to work with the talented music educators inducted this fall into the Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame. These teachers foster passion, creativity, and discipline in the next generation of piano artists. Their work deserves the highest praise.

About Steinway Piano Gallery of Kansas City

Steinway Piano Gallery of Kansas City is proud to carry out Steinways uncompromising standard for sound, touch, beauty, and investment value. Because of a dedication to continuous improvement, todays Steinway remains the choice of 9 out of 10 concert artists, and it is the preferred piano of countless musicians, professional and amateur, throughout the world. For more information, please visit https://www.steinwaykc.com/.
Swinerton logo "We really sought a location that spoke to Swinertons connection with its community  the City, our trade partners, our co-tenants and our clients. This space will be our local home for many years to come, -Jared Hoeflich, VP and Division Manager, Swinerton.

Known for its excellence in building construction across the country, Swinerton announces its new office space in Station West, Charlottes innovative, adaptive reuse development located in the popular FreeMoreWest neighborhood. With over $125 million in revenues for this region this year, the commercial construction company points to its expansion as indicative of its significant expansion within the Southeast marketplace and the growing presence of its brand of general contracting services within the commercial sector.

At 8,535 sq. ft., the new office more than doubles the original footprint and accommodates a regional team that has grown to 90 professionals in commercial interiors, multi-key, office, mass timber, aviation, conditioned storage and industrial projects, since opening in 2018.

The Carolinas are a priority region where we see tremendous opportunity to support our existing partners as well as new clients, explains Jared Hoeflich, Vice President and Division Manager, Swinerton. We are committed to recruiting and retaining the regions top talent and offering our team this state-of-the-art work environment that not only showcases our investment in our people, but also the quality our company is dedicated to providing our clients and the community.

We wanted a workplace that reflects the caliber of product that we consistently deliver to our clients throughout the region and showcases the materials and professionals that bring these superior workspaces to life, continues Hoeflich.

Located at 901 Berryhill Road, the adaptive reuse space designed by Redline Design Group features advancements in construction technique as well as product innovations, including a mass timber mezzanine designed, fabricated, and installed by Swinertons mass timber affiliate Timberlab. The 1,700-sq. ft. mezzanine not only serves as a compelling display of Swinertons mass timber expertise, but also affords the growing company space for future expansion and an architectural wood finish often coveted in traditional office environments.

The addition of several skylights on the mezzanine level and expansive windows throughout the space brings an abundance of natural light to support a healthy work environment, adds Hoeflich. In partnership with CBI Workplace Solutions, Falkbuilt glass and solid wall systems form private office walls as well as the conference room entrances. These demountable partitions open-up the workspace and generate a seamless flow from one area to another.

Upon entering the office, an architectural feature wall, fabricated by Southeastern Architectural Systems, highlights Swinertons brand. Custom, breakroom booth seating designed and fabricated by Atlantic Commercial Caseworks, and glass, roll-up patio doors provide flexible workplaces away from the desk. Exposed, decorative lighting  designed and installed in collaboration with South-Fair Electric - are key to the aesthetics of the space, contributing to the comfortable, home-like ambiance that even includes a kegerator.

Working with design-build partners such as these and McKenneys HVAC throughout the construction process allowed for a collaborative, consultative partnership that rendered varied cool factor elements that also contribute to overall comfort  including stainless, spiral ductwork and strategic air distribution throughout the space. These building elements are just a few examples of Swinertons commitment to strong culture and a best-in-class workspace.

Collaboration with its trade partners and local contractors at every level of the construction process tells the story of Swinertons dedication to engaging and building community. Under the leadership of Jason Hlewicki, Director of Commercial Interiors for Swinerton Charlotte, key partnerships such as these brought progressive solutions to common decisions such as decorative lighting, furniture, design-build and design-assist MEP/FP partnerships, signage/branding, and architectural feature walls.

Swinertons Self-Perform team, led by Operations Manager Kevin Smith, provided installation of framing, millwork, and demountable office fronts, as well as drywall, finishing and general carpentry.

Hlewicki adds, Our workplace is such a huge part of the Swinerton culture. Offering a variety of work environments including offices, unassigned workspaces, collaborative work areas and amenity spaces, creates efficiencies as well as a fun environment. The Station West development offers a range of benefits and amenities including:



outdoor venues such as the Mixing Yard (the paved and grassed area connecting 901 and 919 Berryhill Road) that serve as a communal space that can be activated by tenants or the public;

adaptable furniture to accommodate different types of groups and events

complimentary electric bikes to attend meetings in the surrounding area;

views of Uptown Charlotte,



We really sought a location that spoke to Swinertons connection with its community  the City, our trade partners, our co-tenants and our clients. This space will be our local home for many years to come, Hoeflich explains. Swinerton anticipates the Southeast division will grow to $330 million in revenues by 2025, with Charlotte playing a pivotal role in that growth.

Dedicated to being a good neighbor, Swinerton also continues to commit to and invest locally in charitable initiatives including partnerships with Rebuilding Together Charlotte, The 24 Foundation, Trees Charlotte and Charlotte Rescue Mission. In 2020, the companys annual Fall Giving Campaign resulted in Swinerton Southeast donating nearly $33,000 and over 400 lbs. of food to a variety of charities throughout the region.

ABOUT SWINERTON

Swinerton provides commercial construction and construction management services throughout the United States and is a 100 percent employee-owned company. The team has earned its reputation as a preferred builder and trusted partner for notable names within the hospitality, aviation, multi-family, office, mixed-use, adaptive reuse and corporate interiors sectors. The firm serves the Southeast region with offices in Atlanta GA, Charlotte, NC and Raleigh, NC. Currently, approximately $5 billion of quality-driven projects throughout the nation are in the pipeline or under construction.
Thompson Coe has been serving clients in south Texas and the Valley for decades and now we have a legitimate foothold in the San Antonio legal community.

Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP, a premier litigation firm, is proud to announce the newest Thompson Coe office located in San Antonio, Texas. This office joins other Firm locations in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, Texas; New Orleans, Louisiana; and St. Paul, Minnesota.

This office represents the strategic expansion of the Thompson Coe brand in Texas. An office in San Antonio allows the Firm to focus on deepening relationships with its existing clients who have an established presence in the city and strengthen its capabilities in the region with access to the Rio Grande Valley.

We are extremely pleased to continue our growth in Texas, said Shawn Phelan, Chair of the Management Committee. Thompson Coe has been serving clients in south Texas and the Valley for decades and now we have a legitimate foothold in the San Antonio legal community.

This new office will expand on the vision of the Thompson Coe founding partners and is a timely complement to its 70th Anniversary celebration this year.

The San Antonio office will be managed by partner David Khirallah, who joined Thompson Coe in 2017. David is a trial lawyer who defends insurance carriers in all aspects of contractual and extra-contractual litigation, and companies facing lawsuits involving serious personal injuries, death, and catastrophic property damage. Additionally, David represents business owners, contractors, and property owners against a wide variety of premises liability and negligence claims.

We are excited to have a local presence in San Antonio and look forward to building relationships and partnering with clients who operate in and around the great city, said David Khirallah. We will bring the commitment and dedication to excellence that our clients have come to expect from the Thompson Coe.

Joining David at the Thompson Coe San Antonio office to welcome clients will be senior attorney Jessica Gonzales. Jessica is a litigation attorney whose practice focuses on defending claims involving personal injury, premises liability, and construction defect. She also represents clients in insurance coverage and bad-faith matters.

The San Antonio office is located in North San Antonio at 9901 I.H. 10 West, Suite 800, San Antonio, TX 78230.

About Thompson Coe

Founded in 1951, Thompson Coe has been providing legal services to clients both regionally and nationally for 70 years. Thompson Coe is 200+ attorney firm with offices in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, Texas; New Orleans, Louisiana; and St. Paul, Minnesota. The firm is highly recognized for its civil litigation capabilities and our diverse group of attorneys has the experience, resources, and capacity to respond to the multi-service demands of our clients across multiple states and industries. Thompson Coe offers comprehensive legal services in areas of Insurance Litigation and Coverage, Products Liability, Mass Torts, Property and Casualty Litigation, Labor and Employment, Business & Commercial Litigation, Professional Liability, Appellate Law, Insurance Regulation, State Legislation, and Business Transactions, among others. Thompson Coe is recognized as a Band 1 law firm for Insurance in Texas by Chambers & Partners USA 2004-2021.


MallMAX Scope Now, with MallMAX Scope, a service that visualizes product specific challenges, transcosmos helps businesses expand their sales channels to include online malls.

transcosmos inc. is delighted to announce that it has released MallMAX Scope, its proprietary diagnostics & analytics service under MallMAX (trademark pending), a service which helps businesses expand sales on leading online shopping malls in Japan including Amazon, Rakuten Ichiba, Yahoo!Shopping, and /PayPay mall.

Along with the rapid demand growth for e-commerce shopping under the COVID-19 crisis, many businesses aim to expand their e-commerce sales, showing an upward trend in companies that diversify their sales channels into online shopping malls or try to enhance their sales on the malls. Yet, the low entry barriers for the online malls mean that consumers can easily compare competitive products during their pre-purchase consideration phase, making it hard for businesses to develop specific sales initiatives. Building on its know-how of expanding sales accumulated by helping clients manage their e-commerce stores on online shopping malls and analyzing online mall traffic, purchase and other available data using AI, transcosmos has developed its proprietary diagnostics questionnaire. Now, with MallMAX Scope, a service that visualizes product specific challenges, transcosmos helps businesses expand their sales channels to include online malls.



MallMAX Scope, transcosmos unique diagnostics & analytics service that helps expand e-commerce sales

MallMAX Scope analyzes the current status of each listed product based on factors that impact online mall sales, and visualizes actions to take to expand sales. MallMAX Scope enables businesses to analyze their products' current status compared to competitive products, allowing them to develop the right initiatives and strategies for each of their product categories. transcosmos e-commerce specialists diagnose and analyze over 80 items and discover challenges that were otherwise not possible just by checking their own product data, plus help businesses prioritize sales expansion initiatives. (*1)

[Use case examples]



Visualize priorities of sales expansion initiatives

Identify weakness against competitor products

Understand actions that directly lead to sales expansion

Specialist team with sales expansion methods executes initiatives after MallMAX Scope analysis

Leveraging its proprietary methods, transcosmos creates product pages and manages ads operations for clients. In addition, transcosmos online mall store management services enable clients with large product portfolio and a frequent product line review cycle to maintain the best product lineup, make no missed sales opportunity, and manage their online mall stores in a way that achieves higher sales results. As for Amazon ads operations services, transcosmos lets clients maximize their sales generated from online ads with leading-edge technologies powered by AI. (refer to related press release (2))

MallMAX Scope launch campaign  Special plans for Amazon product page diagnostic service

transcosmos plans to offer MallMAX Scope to 50 clients a year with special plans. Please contact your sales representative or contact the inquiry support desk. transcosmos has launched a dedicated MallMAX service website, and you can also make inquiries from the page. In addition to information on various MallMAX services, the website also offers case studies. Please visit the website for details.

Visit MallMAX special website here (no translation available): https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/ec/mallmax/

Download MallMAX summary document here (no translation available): https://transcosmos-ecx.jp/download/MallMAX

transcosmos has released MallMAX to enhance its e-commerce one-stop services - end-to-end services that help clients' e-commerce businesses from marketing to customer service. Powered by comprehensive, full-service e-commerce support including fulfillment, transcosmos will continue to help clients expand their sales.

Related press release (1)

transcosmos forms a dedicated ad planning team for Amazon in Sendai

https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/english/company/news/180314.html

Related press release (2)

transcosmos forms a strategic business alliance with Quartile, a company that offers "Quartile," an Amazon Advertising management platform powered by AI and machine learning

https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/english/company/news/191016.html

Note

(*) As of today, MallMAX Scope analytics service is for Amazon and Rakuten Ichiba. The service will be available for Yahoo!Shopping and PayPay mall soon.

transcosmos is a trademark or registered trademark of transcosmos inc. in Japan and other countries.

Other company names and product or service names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies.

About transcosmos inc.

transcosmos launched its operations in 1966. Since then, we have combined superior "people" with up-to-date "technology" to enhance the competitive strength of our clients by providing them with superior and valuable services. transcosmos currently offers services that support clients' business processes focusing on both sales expansion and cost optimization through our 168 bases across 30 countries/regions with a focus on Asia, while continuously pursuing Operational Excellence. Furthermore, following the expansion of e-commerce market on the global scale, transcosmos provides a comprehensive One-Stop Global E-Commerce Services to deliver our clients' excellent products and services to consumers in 48 countries/regions around the globe. transcosmos aims to be the "Global Digital Transformation Partner" of our clients, supporting the clients' transformation by leveraging digital technology, responding to the ever-changing business environment. Visit us here https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/english/
The growth trajectory for the utilities and environmental services market is unparalleled. TRCs proven performance... makes this an exciting opportunity for Warburg Pincus, said Stephanie Geveda, Managing Director and Head of Business Services at Warburg Pincus.

TRC, a leading, global consulting, engineering and construction firm that provides environmentally focused and digitally powered solutions, announced today a significant growth investment from Warburg Pincus, a leading global growth investor. The strategic investment will support the continuation of the Companys growth initiatives including scaling the Companys compliance focused engineering and consulting services as part of broader decarbonization efforts. TRC and Warburg Pincus share a similar culture and entrepreneurial spirit, both are well positioned to, together, drive growth for their organizations. As part of this transaction, New Mountain Capital has successfully exited its investment in TRC after supporting a period of significant business building and growth investments to transform the company and position TRC for continued growth and success in the future.

Founded in 1969, TRC has just under 6,000 highly skilled employees, as well as a strong reputation for quality and technical excellence in the industry. The Company provides technology enabled engineering, consulting and diversified environmental services to customers in the Power & Utility, Transportation, Government, Commercial and Industrial end markets. While serving a diversified client base, the Company has focused its efforts on building a differentiated position in the power and utility market. TRC has built industry leading capabilities that are critical to its utility customers, from the design and commissioning of traditional electric grid assets to advising on emerging trends in energy efficiency, renewable transition and grid digitization. In addition, TRC provides environmental engineering and consulting services that the Company has leveraged to both cross sell to its core utility customers and enter new end markets.

We would like to thank New Mountain Capital for their tremendous partnership and support over the past four and a half years during a formative period of growth for the company. They have helped us achieve our strategic objectives and transform the business into a leading technology-enabled solutions provider to the utility and broader environmental and infrastructure markets, said Chris Vincze, CEO, TRC. For our next phase we are thrilled to partner with Warburg Pincus as we continue to drive sustainable, technology-enabled results for our clients. Like TRC, Warburg Pincus has deep experience partnering with companies to enhance and grow their business. We look forward to working with Warburg Pincus in continuing our progress in providing innovative solutions for todays energy, environment and infrastructure challenges.

We are proud to have supported TRC through a transformative period of organic and acquisitive growth. The company is well positioned for continued growth and success, and we wish Chris, the TRC leadership team and all of the Companys employees all the best in their next chapter, said Lars Johansson, Managing Director, New Mountain Capital.

The growth trajectory for the utilities and environmental services market is unparalleled. TRCs proven performance, commitment to environmentally focused solutions for its customers as well as its ability to further scale makes this an exciting opportunity for Warburg Pincus, said Stephanie Geveda, Managing Director and Head of Business Services at Warburg Pincus. We look forward to partnering with Chris and his talented team on TRCs next stage of growth, added Doug Musicaro, Principal, Warburg Pincus.

Warburg Pincus is an active investor in business services companies, with notable investments in A-LIGN, Allied Universal, ARAMARK, Certified Group, GA Foods, Hygiena, Sweeping Corporation of America, Service Logic, and Sotera. The firm has a strong track record investing in companies that are committed to the growth of ESG practices across all sectors, at a global scale. Notable investments with an ESG focus include Assent Compliance, FlexXray, Fortius, Monolith, PTSG, Scale Microgrid Solutions, and Sunnywell New Materials.

New Mountain Capital has been a growth investor in a number of proactively selected defensive growth and socially positive industries, including infrastructure services and technology. In infrastructure, New Mountain has been a leader in energy transition and decarbonization, including Pearce Services and Qualus Power Services, as well as managing and maintaining clean water infrastructure, including Inframark and Aegion. New Mountain has a strong ESG commitment to sustainability and social responsibility and has published its annual Social Dashboard on job creation and investment metrics since 2009.

Houlihan Lokey served as lead financial advisor for TRC and New Mountain Capital, and Harris Williams and UBS served as co-advisors. Kirkland & Ellis served as legal advisor for TRC and New Mountain Capital. Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton served as legal advisor for Warburg Pincus.

About TRC Companies

Groundbreaker. Game changer. Innovator. TRC is a global firm providing environmentally focused and digitally powered solutions that address local needs. For more than 50 years, we have set the bar for clients who require consulting, construction, engineering, and management services, combining science with the latest technology to devise solutions that stand the test of time. TRCs nearly 6,000 professionals serve a broad range of public and private clients, steering complex projects from conception to completion to help solve the toughest challenges. We break through barriers for our clients and help them follow through for sustainable results. TRC is ranked #20 on ENRs list of the Top 500 Design Firms in the United States. Learn more at http://www.TRCcompanies.com and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

About Warburg Pincus

Warburg Pincus LLC is a leading global growth investor. The firm has more than $67 billion in private equity assets under management. The firms active portfolio of more than 215 companies is highly diversified by stage, sector, and geography. Warburg Pincus is an experienced partner to management teams seeking to build durable companies with sustainable value. Founded in 1966, Warburg Pincus has raised 20 private equity funds, which have invested more than $97 billion in over 960 companies in more than 40 countries. The firm is headquartered in New York with offices in Amsterdam, Beijing, Berlin, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Luxembourg, Mumbai, Mauritius, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, and Singapore. For more information please visit http://www.warburgpincus.com.

About New Mountain Capital

New Mountain Capital is a New York-based investment firm that emphasizes business building and growth, rather than debt, as it pursues long-term capital appreciation. The firm currently manages private equity, credit, and net lease real estate funds with over $35 billion in assets under management. New Mountain seeks out what it believes to be the highest quality leaders in carefully selected defensive growth industry sectors and works intensively with management to build the value of these companies. Additional information about New Mountain Capital is available at http://www.newmountaincapital.com.

Contact

TRC

Mary Boucher

mboucher@trccompanies.com

Warburg Pincus

Kerrie Cohen

kerrie.cohen@warburgpincus.com

New Mountain Capital

Dana Gorman

Abernathy MacGregor

dtg@abmac.com
Halloween Sale We ensure that our customers get the best products at the most competitive prices. So Step up your style with a fire jewelry item from Helloice we know you'll love the way it makes your outfit pop!

Helloice is a luxury jewelry brand with an urban influence, offering jewelry for people who want to look suave and stylish. The founder, Felix, created the brand in 2017 with the vision of pushing the boundaries of jewelry design and bringing class and luxury to the world of hip-hop jewelry. With their affordable prices and high-quality products, Helloice is poised to dominate the luxury accessories market. The company has built a reputation for its unique designs and durable manufacturing. The brand creates accessories with an air of elegance and statement-making power, providing customers with the ability to upgrade their look easily.

Helloice has one trick, and it does it well: creating hip-hop-inspired jewelry, rings, necklaces, and earrings. And if it's Halloween, there's no trick  just treats: Helloice has a selection of iced out chains, as well as a number of spooky stainless-steel rings that will make the best accessories to everyone's costume. In addition, this Halloween season, the company is doing a BOGO sale, so customers can buy one piece of jewelry and get their second for free. This is an excellent opportunity for holiday enthusiasts looking for a dope bracelet or ice out chain to stock their favorite item to rock this Halloween.

Iced out pendants have been a key fashion trend in hip-hop fashion for decades and Helloice, passionate about hip hop, has the best collection at affordable prices. With innovative styles and bling designs that pop, these pendants that are entirely made by hand are a bold addition to an everyday outfit or a centerpiece for a complete look. From premium gold-plated Cuban chains to the trendy pearl necklaces, the store is power-packed with a wide range of earrings, neckpieces, chains, bracelets, and rings, so everyone can find a jewelry piece that matches their style. Customers can also opt for customized jewelry to update their collection with accessories entirely personal.

"Our brand's jewelry is created with everyday wearability in mind and crafted using a solid base of 316L stainless steel or brass and original 18K gold plating to enhance the longevity of the products. We ensure that our customers get the best products at the most competitive prices. So Step up your style with a fire jewelry item from Helloice we know you'll love the way it makes your outfit pop!" says Felix, founder of Helloice. The company has released an exciting Halloween collection of jewelry, available on the official website. Customers who purchase an item from the new collection will also get a free 5mm Cuban Chain with purchase while supplies last. So anyone looking for dope pendants or rings to rock this Halloween, check out their sale and grab some spooky and stylish pieces before time runs out!

Media Contact Details:

Website address: https://www.helloice.com/

https://www.facebook.com/helloicejewelry/

https://www.instagram.com/helloiceofficial/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuj7LfLH6n31T2VCd16PpSA

Email Us: support@helloice.com

Miami, United States
Charlotte Kibert

Digital Hands, a leading cybersecurity managed services company and top ranked MSSP specializing in safeguarding mid-sized and large enterprises, announced today that existing Vice President of Customer Success Charlotte Kibert has been appointed as the companys Chief Customer Officer, expanding her role to include Sales and Strategic Alliances. In this pivotal role, Charlotte Kibert will strengthen the customer and partner experience across the marketing, sales, and delivery phases of contact.

Charlotte Kiberts extensive technology services career spans 21 years in service delivery, channel development, sales, and customer success positions. She has held previous executive positions responsible for sales and strategic alliances with such companies as IBM, AT&T, Lumens, World Wide Technology, Cisco, Microsoft, Tech Data, and Wescon.

Since joining our company in a leadership position over two years ago, Charlotte CK has built a deliberate customer journey ensuring quarter over quarter customer satisfaction scores of 96-98% and an unmatched NPS of 73, said Charlotte Baker, CEO of Digital Hands. We are excited to extend this pursuit of excellence beyond traditional boundaries to include first contact and the comprehensive selling process. By architecting an extended customer journey, CKs successful leadership will be a catalyst for our next stage of growth.

The customer journey begins with the very first interaction, long before any agreements are made and services are delivered, said Charlotte Kibert. We are removing traditional silos of separate programs for marketing, sales, and customer success and replacing it with a unified structure that carries our brand promise throughout the entire customer lifecycle. I am thrilled to lead this charge.

About Digital Hands

Digital Hands is a trusted global, award-winning cybersecurity service provider focused on delivering 24/7 security operations and services to mid-tier and enterprise customers. Our mission is to continuously take action to protect our customers most valuable assets against relentless threats. The Digital Hands Composable Cybersecurity Model allows for a custom service design that optimizes the legacy elements of each organizations existing infrastructure investments while allowing for augmentation with todays latest security technologies. For more information about our capabilities and industry-leading white-glove approach to customer success, visit https://www.digitalhands.com.
We have seen a growing interest in making WiFi the primary means of network access. With the desire for flexible work solutions, Zero Trust Security models, and the arrival of WiFi 6, organizations now more than ever need an experienced WiFi partner.

Mogility Networks has announced today that its WiFi Services Division, WiFi Worldwide will begin offering WiFi-as-a-Service for Government (WaaS-G) WaaS-G is a managed service specifically designed to handle the WiFi challenges of Federal, State, and Local Government. WaaS-G is designed to deliver high-performance, mobile-first Wireless LAN services while meeting the performance and compliance challenges of Government entities.

With over fifteen years of experience in Wireless LAN design, deployment, and innovation for the Federal Space, Mogility Networks Founder Phillip Tanner has carefully crafted WaaS-G to address performance and compliance challenges of Local, State, and Federal Government organizations, up to and including FISMA Moderate.

We have seen a growing interest in making WiFi the primary means of network access. With the desire for flexible work solutions, Zero Trust Security models, and the arrival of WiFi 6, organizations now more than ever need an experienced WiFi partner, said Phillip Tanner, Founder, Mogility Networks. With so many organizations not having the skills necessary to design and secure WiFi Networks in-house, the time for WaaS-G is now, and with pressures for organizations to go green, WiFi first networks are a cost-effective way to reduce E-Waste.

About Mogility Networks

Mogility Networks offers a suite of Connectivity, Cybersecurity, SD-WAN, Voice, and Managed Network Solutions that help businesses maximize operational security, network uptime, communication, and collaboration. Powered by Mogility Networks Security Operations Center located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Mogility Networks provides 24/7 Network Performance and Security Monitoring.

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WiFi Worldwide is a service division of Mogility Networks. WiFi Worldwide provides World Class WiFi Networks that are high-performance and highly secure. WiFi Worldwide combines engineering, design, software, installation, and hardware into a simple monthly subscription fee.

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ABCs of the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven: How to Experience Heaven on Earth: an enjoyable collection of key scriptural lessons for children. ABCs of the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven: How to Experience Heaven on Earth is the creation of published author Yuliya Rahimova, a graduate of Baku Bible Institute in 2002 and School of the Spirit in 2018. She has been working with children since 1997.

Rahimova shares, This book introduces a reader to the keys of Gods kingdom. Though the kingdom of God cant be seen, it can be experienced. We can lock and unlock the kingdom of Heaven by obeying its laws. Jesus said that whatever we bind on earth will be bound in Heaven, and whatever we loose on earth will be loosed in Heaven (Matthew 18:18). This book shows us how to bind and loose or lock and unlock Heaven.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Yuliya Rahimovas new book offers young readers an opportunity to be exposed to important religious tenets.

Rahimova shares a fun and encouraging resource for young Bible students to begin to learn the word of God.

Consumers can purchase ABCs of the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven: How to Experience Heaven on Earth at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about ABCs of the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven: How to Experience Heaven on Earth, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
Aaron Schroeder, Director, Ziegler Senior Living Finance, stated, The Ziegler team was excited for the opportunity to work with such a respected organization..."

Ziegler, a specialty investment bank, is pleased to announce the successful closing of a financing for PHW Muskego, Inc. (the Borrower or PHW Muskego), an affiliate of Presbyterian Homes and Services (PHS), for the construction of a new senior living community, Stair Crest (the Community), in Muskego, Wisconsin. The financing is comprised of $38,680,000 of Series 2021 Fixed Rate Revenue Bonds (the Bonds).

Proceeds of the Bonds, along with other available funds, will be used to: (i) finance the construction of PHW Muskegos Stair Crest community (described herein); (ii) fund a debt service reserve fund; (iii) fund an estimated 18 months of interest on the bonds; and (iv) pay certain costs of issuance associated with the financing. The Series 2021 Bonds are non-rated, tax-exempt fixed rate serial and term bonds with a final 40-year maturity.

PHW Muskego is a Wisconsin non-profit established in 2019 for the purpose of constructing and operating Stair Crest, a new senior living community consisting of 80 independent living apartments, 40 assisted living apartments (20 of which are designated for memory care), and a town center. The Community will be located in Muskego, Wisconsin, which is located approximately 20 miles southwest of Milwaukee. Upon construction completion, the Borrower expects approximately 102 apartments, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care apartments, will be leased to religious sisters associated with the Sinsinawa Dominicans (the Sisters). Units not leased by the Sisters will be leased to members of the community.

The Borrower is an affiliate of PHS, a Minnesota non-profit organization that, along with its affiliates, provides a broad range of housing choices, care, and services for older adults throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Washington including senior housing, nursing home care, memory care, primary care, home care, hospice, and home-delivered meals. In fiscal year 2020, PHS and its affiliates served approximately 25,600 older adults and owned or managed approximately 8,700 senior housing and assisted living apartments and 1,570 nursing home beds.

Senior Housing Partners, the real estate and development division of PHS, served as development consultant on the project, and PHS Management, also a subsidiary of PHS, will provide management services to the Community.

Mark Meyer, CFO of PHS, stated, We really appreciate the opportunity to work with Ziegler. Their team did a tremendous job on this financing which will efficiently support our effort to provide a beautiful new home for the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters and members of the greater Muskego community.

Aaron Schroeder, Director, Ziegler Senior Living Finance, stated, The Ziegler team was excited for the opportunity to work with such a respected organizationPresbyterian Homes and Servicesto advance their mission to provide high quality care to the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters and seniors in Muskego. We are very proud to be part of a financing that achieved an average fixed rate cost of capital believed to be among the lowest, if not the lowest, for a new senior living campus.

Ziegler is one of the nations leading underwriters of financing for not-for-profit senior living providers. Ziegler offers creative, tailored solutions to its senior living clientele, including investment banking, financial risk management, merger and acquisition services, seed capital, FHA/HUD, capital and strategic planning as well as senior living research, education, and communication.

For more information about Ziegler, please visit us at http://www.ziegler.com.

About Ziegler:

Ziegler is a privately held, national boutique investment bank, capital markets and proprietary investments firm. It has a unique focus on healthcare, senior living and education sectors, as well as general municipal and structured finance. Headquartered in Chicago with regional and branch offices throughout the U.S., Ziegler provides its clients with capital raising, strategic advisory services, fixed income sales, underwriting and trading as well as Ziegler Credit, Surveillance and Analytics. To learn more, visit http://www.ziegler.com.

Certain comments in this news release represent forward-looking statements made pursuant to the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This clients experience may not be representative of the experience of other clients, nor is it indicative of future performance or success. The forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, in particular, the overall financial health of the securities industry, the strength of the healthcare sector of the U.S. economy and the municipal securities marketplace, the ability of the Company to underwrite and distribute securities, the market value of mutual fund portfolios and separate account portfolios advised by the Company, the volume of sales by its retail brokers, the outcome of pending litigation, and the ability to attract and retain qualified employees.
Award-winning and prolific author Gary Paulsen, best known for his novels and nonfiction for young people about self-reliance and the transformative, awesome power of the wilderness, died suddenly on October 13 in New Mexico. He was 82.

Paulsen was born May 17, 1939 in Minneapolis to Oscar and Eunice Paulsen. His father was a career military man who served as an officer under General Patton during World War II. In an interview for Something About the Author, Gary Paulsen recalled an early childhood reared by my grandmother and several aunts while his father was fighting the Germans and his mother worked in a munitions plant in Chicago during the war doing Rosie the Riveter type stuff. Paulsen was seven years old when he first saw his father in the Philippines, where the family was stationed from 194649.

Upon returning to the U.S., Paulsen was a self-described shy Army brat moving to a new placeand new schoolevery few months, finding it hugely difficult to make friends. At age 13, he told SATA, Paulsen had a chance encounter that awakened his passion for reading. He walked past the local public library in 20-below temperatures one evening and ventured inside to get warm. To my absolute astonishment the librarian walked up to me and asked if I wanted a library card.... When she handed me the card, she handed me the world. I cant even describe how liberating it was. She recommended westerns and science fiction, but every now and then would slip in a classic. I roared through everything she gave me, and in the summer read a book a day. It was though I had been dying of thirst and the librarian had handed me a five-gallon bucket of water. I drank and drank.

Paulsens teenage years were tumultuous and when things were particularly rough at home, he escaped by running away to the woods where he hunted and trapped animals to survive. When he was 14, he ran away to travel with a carnival.

Though he was admittedly not a dedicated student, Paulsen managed to graduate high school in Thief River Falls, Minn., and began attending Bemidji College in 1958. His familiarity with hunting and trapping enabled him to pay his first year of tuition with money he earned from laying trap lines for the state of Minnesota. But by 1959 Paulsen had flunked out of school. That same year he joined the U.S. Army, serving from 19591962, attaining the rank of sergeant while working with missiles. With his military experience as a boost, Paulsen completed some additional courses and became a certified field engineer, enabling him to find employment in the aerospace industry. In a SATA interview he claimed he was good at the work, but he hated it.

Paulsen was working at a satellite tracking station in California when he had the realization that he would become a writer. He walked off that job one night and never returned. By 1965 he landed a positionusing a completely fictitious resumeas an associate editor for a mens magazine in southern California. Though he was quickly found out, Paulsens bosses at the publication were willing to critique his work and teach him some valuable writing and editing skills. Paulsen worked on his own writing at night and additionally worked as a film extra and began sculpting/wood carving as a hobby.

Following his year-long stint at the magazine, Paulsen left California for northern Minnesota in 1966. He rented a lakeside cabin and by the end of that winter he completed his first novel, Mr. Tucket, which was published by Funk & Wagnalls in 1968.Though he worked jobs as a ranch hand, truck driver, and sailor at various times in his life, it was his role as author that stuck.

Once he started writing in earnest, Paulsen worked at a relentless pace. He produced more than 40 books, 200 magazine articles and short stories, and two plays in a period of 12 years. In 1977, Paulsens furious output was derailed when his 1977 YA novel Winterkill (Thomas Nelson) was the subject of a libel lawsuit. Paulsen ultimately prevailed, but the financial burden and emotional stress of the situation caused him to quit writing for a time.

Paulsen temporarily turned to trapping for Minnesota again to make a living, and a neighbor gave him a team of four dogs to use in that work. He learned to rig up a sled and was soon enthralled with the sport of dogsled racing, a passion that would inform some of his writing when he soon embraced the craft again. According to a 2013 profile of Paulsen by Jim Trelease, it was during this down period that Paulsen received a call from Richard Jackson, then editor-in-chief at Bradbury Press. When Jackson, who had admired Paulsen but had never met him asked what he was writing, Trelease wrote, Paulsen told him, Im not writing anything. Im running dogs and I dont have the money for the Iditarod! Jackson saw an opportunity and promised to send him the money if he could get first shot at the next thing he wrote. It was a deal.

That first book Jackson published was Dancing Carl (Bradbury, 1983). But in the meantime, Paulsen trained up a full dog team and completed his first Iditarod race across Alaska in 1983. He would make two more attempts in 1985 and 2006 but had to withdraw both times due to injury. Those Iditarod adventures were the root of his novel Dogsong (Bradbury, 1985), about an Inuit boy who leads his own pack of dogs across Alaska. The book was the first of three Paulsen titles to win Newbery Honor citations.

In 1987, Bradbury published Paulsens novel Hatchet, the story of 13-year-old Brian, who must survive in the Canadian wilderness alone when the small plane he was traveling in crashes. Hatchet earned Paulsen a second Newbery Honor and warm critical praise, and has been a perennial bestseller, spawning a number of sequels and selling more than 13 million copies in the U.S. to date. Paulsens third Newbery Honor was given to The Winter Room (Orchard, 1989), his novel following the daily routines on a Minnesota family farm through the four seasons as narrated by 11-year-old Eldon.

Paulsens life experiences certainly sparked much of his fiction, though the author wrote several memoirs and numerous volumes of nonfiction as well, most recently Gone to the Woods: Surviving a Lost Childhood (FSG). In a starred review, PW called it a riveting, hopeful survival story. He also collaborated on projects with his wife, artist and author Ruth Wright Paulsen, including My Life in Dog Years (Delacorte, 1997) and did a book with his son as well, Road Trip (Random/Lamb, 2012).

In all, Paulsen wrote more than 200 books for children and adults and his titles have sold more than 35 million copies. Among his many accolades, he received the 1997 Margaret A. Edwards Award for his contribution to young adult literature. His final novel, Northwind, will be published in January 2022 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers.

Wesley Adams, executive editor at Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers, who edited both of the authors most recent titles, shared this tribute: Gary Paulsen is a national treasure, a landmark author whose many books dont just transfix and entertain, they change the course of readers lives. Hatchet and his other edge-of-your-seat storiesmany of them inspired directly by his own experienceshave shown reluctant readers the world over that reading is itself an adventure. His books have helped readers overcome fears in their own lives and instilled in his millions of fans through the decades a passion for undertaking their own personal feats of daring and courageoften outdoors, but not always. Working with Gary has been a high-water mark of my career.

Jon Anderson, president and publisher of Simon & Schuster Childrens Publishing said, It was Simon & Schusters privilege to publish several of Garys spare, powerful novels, including two of his Newbery Honor-winning titles, Dogsong and of course Hatchet, a book that has sold over 13 million copies in the U.S. alone and has influenced generations of young readers with its gripping tale of survival in the wilderness. Gary was a writer who never wrote down to his audience and knew how to show children the untapped strength hidden within themselves. He will be sorely missed.

David Levithan, publisher and editorial director at Scholastic, provided a favorite anecdote: The very first time in my Scholastic career I was interviewed by the New York Times, I spent most of my time raving about Gary Paulsens Soldiers Heart, which is not a Scholastic book. I just loved it so much that I had to talk about it. When we repackaged his backlist here, I happily stepped in and found that when I had a question for him, I often got a response from his agent like, Im afraid hes away on a boat for a few weeks. Theres no way to get in touch with him. Which felt right. Finally, at one loud, crowded convention dinner, he came up to me out of the blue, said, My agent told me I should meet you, then led me out to a balcony where we could talk. Its something Ill always remember. I feel generations of readers learned from Garys books how their lives intersect and interact both with the natural world and the tides of history. Many were not published by Scholastic, but our company got them into the hands of millions of kids through our book clubs and book fairs, where hes been a favorite author for decades, and will be for many decades to come.

Wendy Lamb, former v-p and publishing director of her eponymous imprint at Random House Childrens Books and Paulsens longtime editor there, offered this remembrance: The indestructible, one-of-a-kind Gary Paulsen has left us. His storytelling power was astonishing, and so was his impact on his readers, whom he dearly loved. He taught us so much, most of all, how to survive anything, whether it be a brutal childhood, a blizzard in Alaska, a moose attack, or the humiliating comedy of middle school. Gary is now at peace, but not at resthes driving a dogsled through the stars, with a team made up of his favorite dogs.
FOX News Books, the publishing imprint of FOX News Media, has inked a new deal with HarperCollins to publish six new titles. The deal starts with the imprint's forthcoming third title, All American Christmas, which will publish in November 2021. The book's authors, Rachel Campos-Duffy and Sean Duffy are FOX News personalities, and All American Christmas will also highlight other FOX News members, including Steve Doocy and Geraldo Rivera.

FOX News Books launched last November with Pete Hegseths Modern Warriors followed by Shannon Breams The Women of the Bible Speak, which published in March 2021. The two titles became national bestsellers, selling about 800,000 copies combined. The books were released by HC's conservative imprint, Broadside Books.

HC and Fox News are both owned by Rupert Murdoch. Fox News annd Suzanne Scott, CEO of FOX News Media, said she is "thrilled to once again partner with HarperCollins, furthering the multiplatform brand extension of FOX News Media."
A servant Boilermaker who lives on in others

He majored in electrical engineering technology but through his dedication and impact to Latinx communities, he may as well have added a major in community service.

Wilson Usedo, a Connecticut Yankee with Peruvian heritage, entered Purdue on scholarship in 2005, but didnt graduate until 2015. He was 26. During the 10 years on campus, he juggled full-time classes with full-time employment, enrolling for all but two of the 20 semesters. An equal measure of time was spent volunteering, especially for the Latinx community.

He mentored new students at Purdue and teens at Lafayette Jefferson High School. He virtually lived" at the Latino Cultural Center. He spent nights at the Lafayette Urban Ministrys homeless shelter and taught English at the Lafayette Adult Resource Academy. Wilson was active with the Minority Engineering Program and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, served as vice president of the Latino Student Union and helped form the Latino Student Council.

His brother, Edward, said Wilson, also known to family and friends as Sami, treated everyone like family, inviting people to stay at his Connecticut home or on his West Lafayette couch, taking to heart love thy neighbor.

He did that with everyone he met, Edward Usedo said. He had a way of making you feel welcome and comfortable. He would approach you and treat you as if he had known you for years.

It is said Wilson had the kind of passion that made you strive harder. He never quit. He was committed to connecting students to resources, creating a sense a belonging at Purdue and a home away from home at the LCC. He could make you laugh.

When he graduated, his service was recognized with the Latino Cultural Centers annual Si Se Puede Award. Sadly, only a few months later, we lost Wilson when he was involved in a fatal car crash on I-65. Before the next years graduation and award ceremony rolled around, the LCC's highest award was renamed in his honor and is now offically known as the Wilson Usedo Si Se Puede Award.

Wilson was seemingly part of the furniture at the LCC, constantly brainstorming and thinking of ways to make an already great place even better for serving the Latinx community, recalled his classmate Beatriz Pacheco. He was often the first one to arrive and the last one to leave the LCC.

If the Jeff students did not have the money to participate in events, he would offer to pay for them. Wilson would even hold study tables for us. He taught me to fight for what I believe in even when others do not agree. I honestly dont know where I would be without him. He taught me so much about myself.

Gaytan graduated two years before Wilson, with a degree in political science, and now works in compliance with the Indiana Charter School Board. When she heard of his death, she led the drive to name the award in his honor, using Facebook to create a virtual petition.

We not only wanted to maintain his legacy but also remind everyone that there is a heart for service like his beating inside many other students at Purdue, Gaytan said.

Last spring, the Wilson Usedo Si Se Puede Award went to Tiffany Montoya for her commitment to social justice. That year, Tiffany earned her doctorate in Philosophy. Among her many efforts, she helped found the Purdue Social Justice Coalition, which served as a network of communication and solidarity for all social justice oriented organizations on campus and in the community. At the LCC, she led El Chisme, an intimate dialogue among students about taboo topics in Latinx communities, and she created the Graduate Truth Series for undergraduate students to learn about graduate school. This fall, Montoya is a visiting assistant professor at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA. Wilson's legacy lives on in alumni like Dr. Montoya.

Wilsons name also lives on in his two nephews named for him, Wilson and Leonardo Samuel Sami.

He was actually the first one to hold my son, Edward said. And I have never seen him so proud. Not so much that he had a nephew, but that another young life had entered into this world. He always had a passion for guiding the youth and praying that the youth would take charge of the future for the better.
Suresh Mittal, Distinguished Professor of Virology in Purdue University's College of Veterinary Medicine, conducts research on a novel vaccine against a widespread form of tuberculosis. Mittal collaborates with Chinnaswamy Jagannath, professor of pathology and genomic medicine at Houston Methodist Research Institute, to create the vaccine. (Photo provided by Suresh Mittal)

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. and HOUSTON  Innovators at Purdue University and Houston Methodist Research Institute have created a novel strategy for developing an effective vaccine for a widespread form of tuberculosis.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a leading cause of death worldwide, leading to over 1.5 million fatalities annually. Approximately one-third of the global population is infected with the latent form of Mtb. Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is widely used as a vaccine against tuberculosis but has a variable protection against neonatal and adult pulmonary TB. That protection can, however, range from zero to 80% among infants. Children are routinely vaccinated, yet Mtb dissemination into brain and tuberculosis meningitis continues to occur.

Purdue and Houston Methodist researchers have created this novel TB vaccine formulation by incorporating autophagy-mediated antigen presentation, which initiates an enhanced T cell response. Chinnaswamy Jagannath, professor of pathology and genomic medicine at the Houston Methodist Research Institute, which is an affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College, showed that the novel formulation improves the development of tuberculosis-specific immune responses. Jagannath collaborates with Dr. Suresh Mittal, Distinguished Professor of Virology in Purdue's College of Veterinary Medicine.

"Our vaccine approach is equally effective without or with prior vaccination with BCG," Mittal said.

"It is vital since the majority of people in Mtb-endemic countries are already immunized with BCG," Jagannath said.

Mittal's lab studies delivery platforms for vaccines, and Jagannath's lab used the nasal delivery route for this TB vaccine development.

"The great thing about this work with TB is that it can translate to other infectious diseases and possibly cancer immunotherapy," Mittal said.

The innovators have worked with the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization to patent their technology. The innovators and OTC are looking for partners to continue developing it. The next step for the vaccine formulation is to conduct a vaccine efficacy study in a nonhuman primate model. Mittal said the successful completion of the study will form the basis for a human trial, though no human trial is currently planned.

A manuscript describing this work is published in the August 2021 issue of the peer-reviewed Cell Reports Medicine. This research was conducted with research awards from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Internal Funds.

About Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization

The Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization operates one of the most comprehensive technology transfer programs among leading research universities in the U.S. Services provided by this office support the economic development initiatives of Purdue University and benefit the university's academic activities through commercializing, licensing and protecting Purdue intellectual property. The office is located in the Convergence Center for Innovation and Collaboration in Discovery Park District, adjacent to the Purdue campus. In fiscal year 2020, the office reported 148 deals finalized with 225 technologies signed, 408 disclosures received and 180 issued U.S. patents. The office is managed by the Purdue Research Foundation, which received the 2019 Innovation and Economic Prosperity Universities Award for Place from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. In 2020, IPWatchdog Institute ranked Purdue third nationally in startup creation and in the top 20 for patents. The Purdue Research Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation created to advance the mission of Purdue University. Contact otcip@prf.org for more information.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to todays toughest challenges. Ranked the No. 5 Most Innovative University in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at purdue.edu.

About Houston Methodist

Houston Methodist is one of the nations leading health systems and academic medical centers. The health system consists of eight hospitals: Houston Methodist Hospital, its flagship academic hospital in the Texas Medical Center, six community hospitals and one long-term acute care hospital throughout the Greater Houston metropolitan area. Houston Methodist also includes a research institute; a comprehensive residency program; international patient services; freestanding comprehensive care, emergency care and imaging centers; and outpatient facilities. Houston Methodist employs more than 26,000 people and has had more than 1.3 million outpatient visits and more than 120,000 admissions in 2020.

Contact: Steve Martin, sgmartin@prf.org

Source: Suresh Mittal, mittal@purdue.edu
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  The Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) at Purdue University will host the 12th annual Battlemind to Home Summit on Oct. 26, with optional preconference sessions on Oct. 25. This virtual event will bring together experts in mental health, law, community services and faith to discuss best practices for supporting military-connected individuals in their transition from the battlefront to the home front.

The theme of the 2021 Battlemind to Home Summit is Deploying Hope and Optimism in a Changing World. Throughout the event, attendees can virtually network within and across communities, learn about shared issues and develop action plans to apply at home.

Registration is available through the Whova conference platform. Each preconference session costs $25, and the full-day conference costs $45. The full agenda is live on MFRIs website.

Concurrent preconference sessions will provide in-depth programming on moral injury, suicide prevention and Veterans Administration and military benefits. The main event will feature two keynote speakers: Mary Tobin, an Army veteran and a senior advisor for the Wounded Warrior, Veteran and Military Family Initiative with AmeriCorps; and Harold Koenig, a psychiatrist, and founder and director of the Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health at Duke University. See the full conference schedule online.

Nearly 400,000 veterans, 24,000 active duty and reserve members and nearly 160,000 immediate family members live in Indiana. MFRI at Purdue hosts the Battlemind Summit specifically for Indiana professionals who work with these military-connected populations.

The term battlemind was initially used by military to talk about the inner strength needed to face adversity, fear and hardship during combat. The application of the term has broadened to include psychological resiliency both during and after service.

In the past year alone, world events have continued to showcase the need for a support system geared toward military members and families navigating the path between service and civilian life, says Kathy Broniarczyk, senior director of outreach and operations at MFRI.

U.S. armed forces have faced unique dangers in their withdrawal from Afghanistan, and troops are also being sent to new hot spots around the world. Stateside deployments have increased dramatically as well; in 2020, the National Guard was deployed for 11 million person days  more than at any other time since World War II  largely to serve necessary functions in response to COVID-19.

MFRI organizes the summit each year in collaboration with the Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Indianapolis, the Indiana National Guard, the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, the Indiana State Bar Association and the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs. Sycamore Springs, a mental health facility in Lafayette, is a gold-level sponsor for the conference.

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/.

About the Military Family Research Institute

Using data-driven solutions to real-world issues, MFRI works closely with collaborators to improve the lives of veterans and military families.

Writer: Nick Pompella, writer and editor at the Military Family Research Institute

Media contact: Matthew Oates, 765-586-7496 (cell), oatesw@purdue.edu, @mo_oates
New York City, NY (11385)

Today

Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High 49F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Generally clear. Low 36F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.
The study noted that the phenomena was being led principally by the Comcast group - which operates Sky and Now TV brands in the UK, Ireland, DACH markets and Italy - is moving its strategy away from satellite TV. The US based media group has launched standalone OTT pay-TV products in each of its operating markets, slowly migrating its historic subscriber base towards those more flexible plans. The study noted how focusing on premium offers, Sky is enriching its content libraries by aggregating leading streaming platforms in its packages and struck significant deals in Western Europe.Discovery+ and Disney+ entered the UK market through distribution partnerships with Sky and that on the heels was the launch of Skys own smart TV product line , an important move that Dataxis says reflects one of the company's new direction away from traditional set-top boxes and digital broadcast.Deutsche Telekom is rated by Dataxis as second only to Comcast, and the study showed that Germany's incumbent operator is generating a growing share of pay-TV revenues in Europe. More than half of the group's revenues are generated in its home country but Deutsche Telekom is also present under its T-Mobile and Telekom brands across Europe in Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, the Netherlands, North Macedonia and as Magenta in Austria.Dataxis predicts that Deutsche Telekom's pay-TV revenues will increase by more than 25% in the upcoming 5 years, which is 3.6 times faster than the total segment, thanks to its focus on IP based TV offers and its increasing presence in markets where pay-TV retain significant progression margins.French telecom operators were also rated as hold a strong position on the European TV landscape. Premium satellite operator Canal+ generated 2.4 billion euros in direct pay-TV subscriptions across 12 European markets in 2020. Through the acquisition of M7's satellite TV operations in September 2019, the group expanded its reach outside of France and Poland to an additional 2.4 million TV subscribers across Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania.Orange is also a strong pan-European competitor, present in eight markets: France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Moldova. Iliad, the parent company of French telco Free, is expanding outside its home market: after acquiring Polish mobile operator Play in 2020, the group has announced its intentions of buying cable operator UPC in Poland from Liberty Global. The transaction is awaiting regulatory approval and should be completed by mid- 2022.Yet the Dataxis report also stressed that major players were opting out of the market. Liberty Global, which generated 8% of total European direct pay-TV revenues in 2018, will only cover a 2% market share this year. This follows the holding's sale of its cable operations under the UPC brand across Germany, Hungary, Romania and Czech Republic to Vodafone group at mid-2019. After having transferred its assets in cable networks, the group may be preparing a return in its former markets, starting with Germany where it announced teaming up with InfraVia Capital Partners to invest in building their own fibre networks. In southern European, local groups have intensified their acquisition strategies, like MTS Srbija which acquired a multitude of small local cable operators into its brand Supernova, boosting its market share from 25% in 2018 to almost half of Serbian total pay-TV connections, taking over the leading position before Serbia Broadband. In Slovenia, small cable operators whose survival was challenged are selling their operations to leading telcos like Telemach, T2 and A1.
Matt Damon said on The Tonight Show that it took a long time to finish the script to Good Will Hunting with Ben Affleck, causing the duo to not write another movie together until The Last Duel.

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"It took us forever to write that screenplay. I think we wrote thousands and thousands of pages. We didn't really know what we were doing and I think that put us off writing again because we never thought we'd have the time," Damon said about working on 1997's Good Will Hunting alongside Affleck and their Last Duel co-writer Nicole Holofcener on Wednesday.

"I think we found writing this that we actually kind of picked up structure over the last 25 years of kind of making movies and so it went a lot faster. And then we also made the really good decision of getting a great writer to come with us," he continued in reference to Holofcener.

Damon and Affleck, in addition to writing The Last Duel with Holofcener, also star in the film. Ridley Scott directs the project about the last sanctioned duel in medieval France.

Adam Driver and Jodie Comer also star.

The Last Duel, which is based on a true story, is set to hit theaters on Friday. Damon portrays a knight whose wife (Comer) accuses another knight (Driver) of raping her. The two knights settle the dispute with a duel to the death.

"The way we thought of doing it was in these three different perspectives. Two male perspectives and one female perspective," Damon told host Jimmy Fallon on wanting to add Holofcener as a writer on film to cover the female perspective.

"We needed somebody to write the female perspective, and she's our favorite writer, so we were like, 'Well, why don't we just beg?'" he continued.
MUNITH  Every once in a while you discover a fishing technique by accident and thats exactly how Chris Freiburger got on the pattern that pr
Editors Note The Red & Black has published two versions of this article, one in English and one in Spanish, translated by Liset Cruz.

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 20 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 28 new cases over the week of Oct. 4-10, a decrease from the 48 cases during the week of Sept. 27-Oct. 3. The surveillance testing positivity rate was about 0.43% for this week.

Three of the positive tests  about 10.71%  were conducted at the University Health Center. There were three positive tests through surveillance testing, seven positive tests in Athens and 15 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 28.

The Red & Black conducted a survey asking various questions about vaccination, mask mandates and more. According to the survey, about 25% of those surveyed stated that they have been diagnosed with COVID-19 before. More analysis from the survey will be published soon.

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.

Booster shots for adults by Moderna and Johnson & Johnson have not yet been approved by regulators, but an FDA panel is set to meet Oct. 14-15 to consider booster doses for adults.

On Tuesday, scientists at the FDA stated that Moderna had not met the criteria needed to authorize its booster shot yet. According to early results from a federal clinical trial published on Wednesday, those who got a Johnson & Johnson vaccination may benefit from a booster shot from Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech.

On Monday, Merck said that it is seeking emergency use authorization by the FDA for its antiviral COVID-19 treatment named molnupiravir. The medication, which is a capsule and developed by Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, would be the first oral antiviral therapy to combat COVID-19 if approval is granted.

Georgias hospitals have about 13% of their intensive care unit beds left for sick patients. From Oct. 3-9, about 99.9% of COVID-19 cases in the Southeastern U.S. were delta variant cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The majority of people who are hospitalized with COVID-19 are unvaccinated.

Georgias case data by age shows children aged 0-17 are the second-highest in contracting the virus out of all age groups. The highest rate is in those aged 30-59.

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 695 surveillance tests during the week of Oct. 4-8, a decrease compared to the 843 tests last week. With fewer tests occurring, fewer cases are able to be detected.

Of the total positive cases this week, nine of them belonged to employees and 19 belonged to students.

For the week of Oct. 4-10, the UHC administered 471 vaccines, a decrease from the 530 administered last week. Cumulatively, the UHC has administered 27,449 vaccines.

Students and faculty may book a vaccine appointment at the UHC Vaccine Portal or get vaccinated at any University System of Georgia school. Students may also get tested for COVID-19 at the UHC with walk-in appointments.

Data breakdown: Athens-Clarke County

According to the DPH, from Oct. 8-13, the county reported 84 new confirmed cases, compared to 135 from Oct. 2-7, according to the Georgia DPH. The countys seven-day average positivity rate was 5.8%. The World Health Organization recommends communities maintain a positivity rate below 5%.

This week, ACC reported zero confirmed COVID-19 deaths.

According to the Georgia Geospatial Information Office, the number of current hospitalizations in Region E  which includes ACC and several surrounding counties  decreased last week. On Oct. 13, there were 104 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, compared to 118 on Oct. 6.

According to the Georgia DPH, about 45% 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 DPH, Georgia reported 12,739 confirmed COVID-19 cases between Oct. 8-13. This is a decrease of about 5,800 from the 18,584 cases between Oct. 2-7. The states seven-day average positivity rate decreased to 7.7% on Oct. 13, according to current data.

The number of confirmed deaths in the state decreased drastically  Georgia recorded 339 confirmed COVID-19 deaths between Oct. 8-13 compared to the 614 between Oct. 2-7.

According to the DPH, about 5 million Georgians have been fully vaccinated, or about 49% of the state. In comparison, the U.S. has a current full vaccination rate of 56%. Approximately 5.7 million Georgians, or 55% of the state, have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

According to the CDC, even fully vaccinated people 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.
As the weather cools and leaves begin to fall in Athens between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15, local Hispanic and Latinx people take time to celebrate their histories, cultures and contributions to the society of the United States.
Editors Note The Red & Black has published two versions of this article, one in English and one in Spanish, translated by Liset Cruz.

On Wednesday, Donterris Gresham, the suspect in the hit-and-run death of a UGA student, turned himself into the Clarke County Jail, according to an Athens-Clarke County Police Department press release.

In the early morning of Oct. 9, UGA student and Pi Beta Phi member Ariana Zarse was killed in a hit-and-run on Broad street. Zarse was transported to a hospital where she died of her injuries.

Police later identified Gresham as the suspected driver, and the ACCPD issued warrants for five offenses including homicide by vehicle, hit and run involving serious injury and driving without a license, according to a previous release.
Greenville, NC (27833)

Today

Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. High around 55F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Clear skies. Low 31F. Winds light and variable.
1st, 2nd and 3rd grade students from Windham Elementary School get a surprise visit from the plow truck they named as part of the Vermont Agency of Transportation's Name a Plow program on Wednesday, 11/17/21.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Mostly sunny skies. High near 45F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

A mostly clear sky. Low 24F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
To the editor: In an Oct. 15 letter to the editor ("Sloppy use of language"), Nichael Cramer criticizes the Reformer for calling the use of iv
Elijah Zimmer, with the Rockingham historic preservation commission, looks at the stained glass window at 66 Atkinson Street, in Bellows Falls, during a tour of the building by members of the Rockingham Historic Preservation Commission on Monday.
Chuck Collins is the author of The Wealth Hoarders: How Billionaires Pay Millions to Hide Trillions (Polity Books). He directs the Program on Inequality at the Institute for Policy Studies where he co-edits the website, Inequality.org. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media.
Patrick Leahy is Vermonts senior United States Senator. The current Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, a former Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the Senates President Pro Tem, he is the lead author of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media.
Beckley, WV (25801)

Today

Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. High 38F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds overnight. Low 27F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.
NEW HAVEN  City police seized six guns in the last week, one of which was a ghost gun, according to the chief.

Interim Chief Renee Dominguez said Wednesday the department has seized 157 guns so far this year, with 153 associated arrests, as compared to 109 guns seized and 123 arrests at this point last year.

The guns were seized mostly by patrol officers, Dominguez said. One was a ghost gun, she noted  a firearm considered untraceable. Five of the incidents prompted arrests, she said.

The work is being done, Dominguez said. Our patrol officers are out there being proactive and getting guns off the street.

There also were 11 incidents of shots fired since last Monday, the day the previous briefing on city efforts to combat gun violence and other policing issues was held, Dominguez said. There also were two non-fatal shootings since last Monday, she said.

The briefing this week also focused on traffic safety, police hiring and an alleged carjacking.

Mayor Justin Elicker this summer had called for the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to approve proposed regulations on ghost guns, saying that the untraceable firearms make it more difficult to safeguard residents from gun violence.

New Haven police had at that point seized six such firearms: two in 2020 and four by that time in 2021, officials said.

As New Haven  like many other cities across the United States  faces a recent, dramatic rise in gun violence, it is imperative that we do everything in our power to protect the safety and wellbeing of our residents, Elicker said in the summer letter to the ATF.

Seizures; arrests

The first gun seizure in the past week was Oct. 5, after police were called just before 10 a.m. to the intersection of Columbus Avenue and West Street, Dominguez said.

A city man with an outstanding warrant fled from police, then was caught, Dominguez said. Officers allegedly found a stolen Smith & Wesson revolver.

The second, a Ruger .40-caliber handgun, allegedly was seized after a car crash on Oct. 7 near the intersection of Ellsworth Avenue and Goffe Street, Dominguez said.

Two more were seized on Oct. 8, Dominguez said. Soon after 1 a.m., three officers responded to a report of shots fired on State Street, Dominguez said. After finding an individual matching a description given to police, police stopped him, allegedly finding a Beretta stolen from Virginia.

Later on Oct. 8, soon after 10 p.m., police found a 19-year-old man who allegedly was carrying a loaded 9 mm gun at a Fair Haven bar, Dominguez said.

Then, soon after 1 a.m. on Oct. 9, a man was stopped after a trespassing complaint and allegedly was found with a firearm. Officials had sought his presence at the most recent call-in by Project Longevity, Dominguez noted, but he had not shown up.

The sixth, a firearm reported stolen out of West Haven, allegedly was found in an open garage on Clinton Avenue Oct. 10 after a report of gunfire in the area, Dominguez said. That matter remains under investigation.

Dominguez said Wednesday that two men were arrested in the past week in accordance with past incidents of shots fired, one on Sept. 3 in the Dixwell Plaza, the other from Sept. 6, 2020, on Bassett Street.

Traffic safety

Eight pedestrians have been killed in crashes to date this year and city officials said they also are working on steps to improve traffic safety.

Dominguez said there have been 15 fatalities so far this year in crashes, and that includes eight pedestrians. In the most recent incident, a man was killed in a crash involving a motorcycle near Norton and Stanley streets Friday.

Elicker underscored the weight of the loss of life Wednesday, as he and Dominguez held their weekly briefing.

This is a loss of life, just like a homicide is, in our community. And I believe both homicides and pedestrian and other vehicle-related fatalities due to crashes can be prevented, said Elicker. I called the family of the individual that was lost, similar to homicides, and its devastating for that family.

The city is working toward infrastructure improvements on problem streets, including Whalley Avenue, Ella T. Grasso Boulevard and Foxon Boulevard, he said.

Elicker said he and Dominguez had also discussed increasing traffic enforcement beyond special details, ensuring officers are engaged in the practice while not responding to other calls.

Dominguez noted that, as of Oct. 1, motorists were required under state law to yield to pedestrians who signal to traffic and cross the road, even if they are not yet walking in a crosswalk.

We have done a lot of work in New Haven to be able to try to reduce the number of crashes, said Dominguez.

Recruitment drive

As of the end of the day Tuesday, the department had received 330 applications to join the force, Dominguez said.

The deadline to submit an application has been extended until Oct. 22, she said, as the department strives to bring in more than 500 potential candidates. Last year it garnered 489, she said.

Thats an attainable goal. A lot of people wait to the end  you need to get your birth certificate, you need to get some documents you cant find, said Dominguez. That last week, we usually do get a push.

Dominguez previously said the department has 319 officers on staff, but is budgeted for 406 positions.

Those interested in applying can do so by visiting the department or through PoliceApp.com.

Carjacking

Dominguez and Jacobson said an individual carjacked a vehicle in New Haven Tuesday, then, after crashing near Sargent Drive, walked onto Interstate 95 and carjacked an 18-wheeler soon after 5 p.m., closing the highway for a time.

The individual was arrested by state police after a retired New Haven police officer, stuck in traffic, got out of his vehicle to provide assistance, Jacobson said.

william.lambert@hearstmediact.com
Evan Vucci / Associated Press

HARTFORD  Multiple roads in the city will be closed for several hours Friday when President Joe Biden makes his stop in Hartford during his visit to Connecticut.

Biden is expected to make at least two stops in the state. The White House said earlier this week that the president will stop in Hartford to promote his Build Back Better Agenda and the importance of investing in child care to help working class families. Hell then travel to UConn Storrs to dedicate the opening of the Dodd Center for Human Rights with former U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd.
As a Winsted resident, I strongly support Melissa Bird who is running for town clerk. Melissa has served on the Winsted Board of Selectmen for six years and has worked in residential/commercial real estate and property management in Connecticut, New York City and the United Kingdom. She has also been an award-winning small-business owner, an active volunteer in town, an independent thinker as well as an excellent communicator and collaborator. She and her husband Chris chose Winsted as the ideal place to raise their family when they moved here from England in 2007. Most importantly, Melissa has the support of Sheila Sedlack, who has served Winsted for 21 years as town clerk and eight years as assistant town clerk. The town clerk is truly the face of a town and often the first person someone meets when they move to town. Melissa has the engaging, warm and friendly, compassionate personality as well as the required knowledge, skills and a strong sense of integrity and honesty needed to serve our community. Please vote Row A on Nov. 2.

Jeannette Brodeur
Wisconsin and Minnesota are now offering COVID-19 booster shots. The states are currently at a high-level of disease transmission and the health departments in both states continue to urge everyone who is not vaccinated to get the COVID-19 vaccine. All people are encouraged to add additional layers of protection including masking up indoors, staying home when feeling sick, avoiding large indoor gatherings and receiving a booster shot if eligible.

Here are five things you should know about the booster:

1. Who is eligible?

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services supports the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation to provide a Pfizer booster dose to certain populations who have received their first two doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

The DHS and Minnesota Department of Health recommend that the following populations should receive a booster dose:

People 65 years and older.

All residents in long-term care.

People ages 5064 years with certain underlying medical conditions.

The Minnesota Department of Health adds that individuals can get a Pfizer booster shot if they are:

People ages 18-49 years old with certain underlying medical conditions.

People ages 18-64 years old who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of their job or institutional settings, including front-line essential workers and health care workers.

2. When can I get it?

If you are eligible for the third series shot, you can receive it at least six months after having been administered the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. At this time, the Pfizer booster authorization only applies to people whose primary series was the Pfizer vaccine, the DHS says. People in the recommended groups who got the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine will likely need a booster shot in the near future. More data on the effectiveness and safety of Moderna and Johnson & Johnson booster shots are expected soon.

Additional information For additional information about booster doses, additional doses and help accessing your COV

3. Why should I get it?

Booster doses are intended to help people who are vaccinated maintain the highest possible level of immune system protection for as long as possible, Dr. Ryan Westergaard, chief medical officer for the DHS Bureau of Communicable Diseases, said in a news release. Its important to remember that all the authorized COVID-19 vaccines offer strong protection after the primary series. Getting every eligible person vaccinated continues to be our most important strategy for preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death.

4. Whats the difference between an additional shot and the booster shot?

A booster dose serves a different purpose than the additional dose recommended in early August for certain immunocompromised people, the DHS says.

Additional doses

These shots are recommended for people with certain medical conditions or who are receiving certain treatments leaving them moderately or severely immunocompromised. They may not have built a strong enough immune response after their initial vaccine.

Booster dose

This shot refers to another dose of a vaccine that is given to someone who built enough protection after their initial vaccination, but then that protection decreased over time  also referred to as waning immunity, the DHS says. Evidence suggests that immunity is waning over time for some people who were initially well protected by the vaccine. For those people, a booster dose will strengthen and extend their protection against infection, serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

5. Where can I get it?

Anywhere that is offering the Pfizer vaccine should be able to provide a booster shot, as the third dose is identical to the first two. Here are a few options:

Red Wing

Family Fare

Walmart

Walgreens

CVS Pharmacy

Lake City

Kenney Drug

Cannon Falls

Family Fare

Zumbrota

Hy-Vee

Hudson

Walmart

River Falls

Family Fresh Market

Freeman Drug

New Richmond

Family Fresh Market

Westfields Hospital and Clinic

Walmart

St. Croix County Health and Human Services

Find more locations at vaccines.gov.
Versatile actor Bhagyashree recently had a great time taking an active part in Ayodhya's Ram Leela. The actor who played the role of Sita in the mythological epic was elated to received appreciation from fans and followers on social media. To her surprise, the Maine Pyaar Kiya star received appreciation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who sent his wishes to the entire cast of the Ram Leela.

Bhagyashree had earlier shared pictures from the Ram Leela in Ayodhya and wrote, SIYA RAMCHANDRA KI JAI! Last night was blessed to be able to be in Ayodhya for Ramleela, as Sita Maiya! Unbelievable to be able to connect with 19 crore people worldwide watching this great epic streamed live. Being here during the auspicious time of #navratri was as perfect as it could be (sic). Bhagyashree, in her Sita avatar, was seen donning a red lehenga and heavy jewellery along with flower garlands. The actor felt honoured after PM Modi lauded the efforts of the cast and explained the significance of Ramayan.

PM Modi writes a letter to Bhagyashree

The letter roughly translated in English read,  It felt immense happiness to know about Ram Leela being staged in Ayodhya. The epic that transcribes truths triumph over evil was amazingly portrayed by great actors and artists. Ramayan is an integral part of our culture and the and the ideal personality of Lord Shri Ram gives us a new inspiration at every stage of life. The sublime message of collectivism and social harmony that we get from Ramayana will never end its relevance. Every character of Ramayana inspires us to take our actions and sacraments to the highest level."

The Ram Leela in Ayodhya usually hosts a live audience. However, due to the global pandemic, this year's stage show was streamed online and broadcasted on national television. Apart from this, the actor even shared pictures from her sightseeing in Ayodhya where she can be seen visiting some temples along with her husband.



Meanwhile, on the work front, Bhagyashree who got a breakthrough with the 1989 film Maine Pyaar Kiya, recently made her comeback to cinema with Kangana Ranaut starter Thalaivii. Bhagyashree played the role of Jayalalitha's mother, Sandhya. The multi-lingual film also marked her Tamil debut. Bhagyashree will next feature in Radhe Shyam, along with Prabhas and Pooja Hegde.

Image: Instagram/@Bhayashree.online/PTI
The crime branch of Mumbai Police has busted a gang of mobile thieves who sold stolen handsets to dealers in Bangladesh and Nepal by changing the IMEI, an official said on Thursday.

The arrested men were identified as `gang leader' Sameer Shaikh (35), Mohammad Waju Shaikh (29), Mohsin Abdul Shaikh (32), all residents of suburban Govandi, and Sunny Bhola Yadav (24), a resident of Mira Road area in Thane, he said.

All four were nabbed by a crime branch team from Hazrat Nizamuddin area in Delhi, he said.

The gang members would steal mobile phones or buy stolen phones from others, change their unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers and sent them to other states as well as Nepal and Bangladesh for resale, he said.

During a raid, Unit 6 of the crime branch recovered 248 smartphones valued at around Rs 42.94 lakh and laptop and other equipment worth Rs 1.29 lakh, said DCP Datta Nalawade (Detection -1).

The gang members changed their location very frequently. On October 11, the crime branch received a tip-off that they were in Delhi- Agra region and they were nabbed, he said.

The mobile phones which passed through their hands had been stolen from the jurisdiction of 13 police stations in Mumbai, mostly in the suburbs, DCP Nalawade said, adding that probe was on.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Washington, Oct 14 (PTI) India offers a spectrum of opportunities to investors and business firms, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told executives of top American companies, as she met and apprise them of various flagship programs of the Modi Government under Atma Nirbhar Bharat.

Sitharaman, 62, is currently in the American capital to attend the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

On the sidelines of the meeting of these two institutions, she has been meeting a host of top American CEOs with footprints in India and who have shown interest in seizing the investment opportunities there.

In her meeting with Amway CEO, Milind Pant, the focus of discussion ranged in the areas of research and development, manufacturing automation, innovation and nutrition segment, the ministry said.

Initiatives like National Monetization Pipeline recently launched the National Infrastructure Master Plan and a spectrum of opportunities at GIFT City in Gujarat was mentioned by the finance minister during her meeting.

The minister underlined the presence and performance of the company in India since 1998 and its keenness to invest in the coming years.

During her meeting with B Marc Allen, Chief Strategy Officer of Boeing, the discussion was broadly in the areas of skilling, research and development, manufacturing automation, innovation and the aerospace sector.

She underlined Boeings collaboration in Make In India and Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiatives and the interest of the company to invest in the coming years.

During her meeting with Stanley Erck, CEO of Novavax, Sitharaman discussed important Indian initiatives towards healthcare reforms like research and development in medical science, health and well-being and the growing opportunities at GIFT City in Gujarat.

She underlined the companys interest to invest in India in the coming years.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Washington, Oct 14 (PTI) Members of the influential US India Business Council in their meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Wednesday praised Indias reform trajectory and exuded confidence in the growing Indian economy.

We praised her reform trajectory and discussed new opportunities to strengthen commercial ties between the US and India, USIBC said after they along with CII hosted the visiting finance minister for an interactive session.

Business leaders thanked the minister in laying down the vision for future growth and congratulated the Indian Government in steering the economy during the COVID19 pandemic, the Finance Ministry said.

Participating business leaders also expressed keen interest in scaling up their investments in India, it said.

Prominent among those who attended the meeting were Milind Pant, Amway CEO; Vivek Lall, Chief Executive of General Atomics; Octavio Simoes, president and CEO of Tellurian; Chris Ripley, president and CEO of Sinclair Broadcasting Group and S V Anchan chairman of Safesea Group.

The meeting was attended by CEOs and business leaders from insurance, private equity, technology, energy and pharma sectors amongst others.

Indias Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, also addressed the meeting that was presided over by USIBC president Nisha Desai Biswal.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Clarifying the intent of the Ministry of Home Affairs' (MHA) order on enhancing BSF's operational mandate, the Border Security Forces on Thursday, issued a statement that the amendment established uniformity. The BSF added that as per the new amendment, BSF can operate with improved operational effectiveness in curbing trans-border crime and to an extent of 50 kms from the International Boundary within the mentioned states. Congress, TMC have vehemently opposed the new mandate calling it an infringement on state powers.

BSF: 'New mandate establishes uniformity'

"The amendment effected on 11th October, 2021 establishes uniformity in defining the area within which Border Security Force can operate as per its charter of duties and execution of its Role and Task of border guarding in its areas of deployment. This will also enable improved operational effectiveness in curbing trans-border crime and to an extent of 50 kms from the International Boundary within the states of States of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, West Bengal and Assam, running along the borders of India," state the BSF.

Centre amends BSF act

On Wednesday, the Centre amended the BSF Act to authorise the force to undertake search, seizure and arrest within a larger 50 kms stretch, instead of the existing 15 kms, from the international border in Punjab, West Bengal and Assam. In Gujarat, that shares border with Pakistan, the same limit has been reduced from 80 kms to 50 kms while in Rajasthan the limit has been kept unchanged at 50 kms. Rajasthan and Punjab also share fronts with Pakistan while Assam has an international border with Bangladesh. However, in five northeastern states - Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Manipur - the guarding organisation's jurisdiction has been reduced to 60 kms from 80 kms.

According to the notification, an officer of the rank corresponding to the lowest ranking member of the BSF has been empowered under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) to excise and discharge powers and duties without a warrant or order from a Magistrate. Now, the officers have been empowered to arrest the suspect or any person against whom a complaint has been made or reliable information has been received. The BSF can also conduct a search at a place entered by a suspect.

Opposition slams

Bristling at this overlapping of powers, Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi called it a 'direct attack on federalism' and urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to roll back the 'irrational' decision. On the other hand, ex-CM Capt Amarinder Singh stated that the BSF's enhanced presence only makes India stronger. 'BSFs enhanced presence & powers will only make us stronger. Lets not drag central armed forces into politics, tweeted the ex-CM.
Following the resumption of export of COVID vaccines under the 'Vaccine Maitri' initiative taken by the Government of India, India has sent 10 crore vaccine doses each to Nepal, Myanmar, Iran, and Bangladesh, government sources informed.

India in this round has emphasised the exports of COVID vaccines along with initial supplies to the neighbouring nations. Earlier this year, the government had frozen the 'Vaccine Maitri' initiative owing to the devastating effects of the lethal COVID second wave.

India-made-vaccines in demand

Indigenous vaccines produced in India are in huge demand, especially in the neighbourhood. The export was put to a halt so that maximum people in the country staying at home could be vaccinated. Meanwhile, India had increased its vaccination production while expediting its vaccination drives, which led to more than 95 crore Indians being administered the first dose of the COVID vaccine.

The government had last month announced that it will resume the export of vaccines as the pandemic situation in the country was under control. During this gap of nearly five months, China entered the field and supplied a massive number of Sinapharm vaccines in the region. However, the efficacy of the Chinese vaccine was always in question, and people have had more trust in Made-in-India vaccines.

MEA spokesperson confirms export of vaccine

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Friday affirmed the government's decision to first send the supplies to the neighbouring countries. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi said recently at the UN General Assembly that India will resume supply of coronavirus vaccines. We have decided to start with the neighbourhood," Bagchi said. "Vaccines have already gone to Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Iran. We are constantly monitoring and reviewing the situation," he said.

The MEA spokesperson said that the decision on further supplies will be based on India's production and demand. "We will decide on further supplies based on our production and demand," he said.

Meanwhile, India's decision to reopen the export of vaccines has been hailed by the International Community. Quad, the US, and countries of the European Union appreciated India's move. The move is considered as a significant boost to the world in general and South Asia in particular.

(With Inputs from ANI)

Image: ANI, Shutterstock
Coronavirus vaccines have been sent to Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Iran according to the government's decision to resume their supplies, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the government has decided to send the supplies to the neighbourhood initially.

India, the world's largest producer of vaccines overall, suspended exports of COVID-19 vaccines in April to focus on inoculating its own population following a sudden spike in infections.

Last month, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that India will resume the supplies abroad.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi said recently at the UN General Assembly that India will resume supply of coronavirus vaccines. We have decided to start with the neighbourhood," Bagchi said.

"As far as I know, vaccines have already gone to Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Iran. We are constantly monitoring and reviewing the situation," he said.

Bagchi said the decision on further supplies will be based on India's production and demand.

"We will decide on further supplies based on our production and demand," he said.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi asserted that India has been holding boundary negotiations with China like Bhutan has since 1984. The statement holds relevance amid heightened tensions between Indian troops and PLA at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh.

Further, Bagchi, while addressing a press conference on callous statements by Beijing over internal matters of India, and Bhutan-China's MoU, said that India has been holding boundary negotiations with China.

"We have noted the signing of the MoU between Bhutan and China. You are aware Bhutan and China have been holding boundary negotiations since 1984. India has been similarly holding boundary negotiations with China," MEA spokesperson said.

Referring to MEA's reply to China's objections, Bagchi said that tensions along the border and LAC are unilateral decisions made by China. He 'hoped' that China will fully comply with bilateral relations and contribute to solving the LAC situation.

"We have released a detailed press release. LAC situation is because of unilateral decisions taken by China. We hope China will fully comply with bilateral relations and will contribute to solving the LAC situation. In foreign ministers' meeting of both countries, they have agreed to solve the conflicted region," the MEA spokesperson said.

MEA dismisses China's opposition to VP Naidu's visit to Arunachal Pradesh

Responding to China's usual hogwash and provocative statements, the MEA dismissed any ambiguity in relation to Arunachal Pradesh's status in the country. In addition, the MEA urged Beijing to 'work towards early resolution of the remaining issues along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh' rather than 'trying to link unrelated issues'.

The reply holds relevance as the Xi Jinping-led administration was said to have 'firmly opposed' Vice President Vekaiah Naidu's visit to Arunachal Pradesh on October 9.

Dismissing China's self-made locus in internal interests and matters of India, Bagchi earler said that Beijing's objection to the visit of an Indian leader to one of the Indian states (Arunachal Pradesh) was beyond the 'understanding of Indian people'.

Notably, the MEA spokesperson countered China's self-imposed face-off at Line of Actual Control (LAC) and its 'unilateral attempts' to alter the notional demarcation line between two sovereign Asian countries.

"Further, as we have mentioned earlier, the current situation along the LAC in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas has been caused by unilateral attempts of the Chinese side to alter the status quo in violation of the bilateral agreements."

"Therefore, we expect the Chinese side to work towards early resolution of the remaining issues along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh while fully abiding by bilateral agreements and protocols rather than trying to link unrelated issues," India responded to China.

'We will not bow down': Railways Minister Ashwini Vasihnaw on China

Slamming China for raising frivolous objections to Vice President Venkaiah Naidu's visit to Arunachal Pradesh on October 9, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw affirmed that under the leadership of PM Modi, the spirit of not bowing down has been inculcated.

"PM Modi has made it clear. We will discuss by maintaining Eye-To-Eye Contact. Will not bow down," Ashwini Vaishnav said while speaking to the media.
West Bengal BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari, who is the leader of the Opposition in the state, has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the ongoing communal tension in Bangladesh. Several incidents of communal violence in Bangladesh were reported on Wednesday, where goons reportedly vandalised the Durga Pandals and Durga Temples.

The West Bengal LoP has urged PM Modi in a written letter to take necessary and urgent steps to provide relief to the Sanatani People or the people belonging to the Hindu community in neighbouring Bangladesh. He has said that PM Modis urgent intervention is required as several Durga Pandals and temples were vandalised on Wednesday.

Suvendu Adhikari urges PM Modi to take necessary action on Vandalism of Durga Pandals in Bangladesh

Taking to Twitter, Suvendu Adhikari had expressed his anguish on the incident and said, Vandalising temples and Durga Puja pandals in Cumilla district, Coxs Bazar & Noakhali in Bangladesh; following "conspiratorial rumours" spread through social media is disheartening. Desecrating idols of Maa Durga at will is an orchestrated attack on the Sanatani Bengali community.

Vandalising temples and Durga Puja pandals in Cumilla district, Coxs Bazar & Noakhali in Bangladesh; following "conspiratorial rumours" spread through social media is disheartening.

Desecrating idols of Maa Durga at will is an orchestrated attack on Sanatani Bengali community.  Suvendu Adhikari    (@SuvenduWB) October 14, 2021

He asserted that the desecration of idols of Durga Maa and vandalism of temples of minority Sanatani Bengali' community is an orchestrated attack and asked PM Modi to take up necessary actions on the issue. Sharing the letter, in another tweet, he urged PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar to take up the matter diplomatically with the Bangladeshi authorities.

Demanding a stern response, in the letter he wrote, This time the religious fanatics took to the streets to vandalize several Durga Puja pandals and various temples also. Presently the condition of 'Sanatani People living in Bangladesh is very miserable. Many relatives of 'Sanatani People' di Bangladesh who crossed over in past to West Bengal to escape the inhuman atrocities of the past have settled down in West Bengal. They are making frantic calls to stand in support of the victims ie the Sanatani People' community of Bangladesh.

I urge Hon'ble PM @narendramodi ji, Hon'ble HM @AmitShah ji, Hon'ble EAM @DrSJaishankar ji & Hon'ble Governor of WB @jdhankhar1 ji to take up this painful & shameful issue with the Bangladeshi authorities diplomatically, & support the Sanatani Bengalis in this times of distress. pic.twitter.com/2k5r1quwla  Suvendu Adhikari    (@SuvenduWB) October 14, 2021

Communal Violence erupt in Bangladesh, Several Temples & Durga Pandals vandalised

As per reports, several Maa Durga idols & pandals were vandalized in Bangladeshs Chandpur's Hajiganj, Chattogram's Banshkhali, Chapainawabganj's Shibganj and Cox Bazar's Pekua region. Following this, violence ensued in these regions, where religiously inflamed groups attacked the places of worship of Hindus after a social media rumour went viral. In the incident, three people have been killed and many have been injured, local media reports suggest.

As per the latest reports, the Bangladeshi Police has arrested 43 people in connection with the issue and search for more culprits is ongoing. As per DIG Anwar Hossain, the incident was part of a plan to incite tensions.

Hindus of Bangladesh are facing the worst kind of persecution. Musl!ms are attacking Durga Puja across Bangladesh. No response from India - a Hindu Majority State. pic.twitter.com/CXqlfeIhcK  Upword (@upword_) October 14, 2021

Taking to Twitter, the Bangladeshi Hindu Unity Council expressed their anguish and wrote, We cannot publish in a tweet what has happened in the last 24 hours. The Hindus of Bangladesh saw the real faces of some people. We don't know what will happen in the future. But the Hindus of Bangladesh will never forget Durga Puja in 2021.

We cannot publish in a tweet what has happened in the last 24 hours. The Hindus of Bangladesh saw the real faces of some people. We don't know what will happen in the future. But the Hindus of Bangladesh will never forget Durga Puja in 2021.#SaveBangladeshiHindus  Bangladesh Hindu Unity Council (@UnityCouncilBD) October 14, 2021

They added, Dear PM Sheikh Hasina, Hindus will not worship if the Muslims of Bangladesh dont want it. But at least save the Hindus. The attack is still going on. Plz, send Army. We want Bangladesh Army in Puja Mandapas .

Dear Prime Minister @albd1971 . Hindus will not worship if the Muslims of Bangladesh dont want it. But at least save the Hindus. The attack is still going on. Plz send Army. We want Bangladesh Army in Puja Mandapas .  Bangladesh Hindu Unity Council (@UnityCouncilBD) October 14, 2021

Image: Twitter/ANI
In an exclusive conversation with Republic TV, former Army Chief JJ Singh reacted to the statements made by Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday and added that India is on the right path. Extending support to Shah, the ex-Army Chief (Retd) said that it is right to say that the nation will retaliate. Addressing an audience in Goa, the Home Minister asserted that India carried out surgical strikes for the first time under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and during the time of former Union Minister Manohar Parrikar. Shah indicated that India will carry out surgical strikes again if required.

The Army veteran further added that India is a peace loving country but if needed it knows how to reply.

"We are a peace loving country, we did not initiate any aggressive actions against our neighbours but we are subjected to this kind of plans for the other side, particularly Pakistan. So there is a need to give them a strong message once again and that message would be to smash the terrorists on this side as well as the other side of the border," added former Army Chief.

Gen JJ Singh says India cannot let the guard down

"I think we have ought to be clear that we are to be on the guard of those who is in the western border of Pakistan and Northern border of China. No scope to keep our guard down ever. It's a challenge that we are taking in an admirable way, our forces are doing a commendable job always. I think we are going to respond not because the people or media wants it immediately but it has to be done in a careful way and in a professional manner, this operation needs to be conducted. I think we are on the right path," mentioned ex-Indian Army Chief.

'Have to be militarily strong' warns the Indian Army's former Chief

"If any country wants to live peacefully then there is no guarantee that the adversities will allow you to do that. So you have to be militarily strong and the steps our govt is taking to strengthen our forces that would help us to do better against adventures by Pakistan or China," concluded General JJ Singh (Retd).

In the end, the former Army Chief mentioned that Pakistan is already dealing with enough problems, including terrorism and as far as India is concerned then there is no urge to precipitate any conflict but 'if needed we will hit hard'.



Image: PTI/Twitter/@GeneralJJSingh
While addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) virtual conference on the Role of Women in Armed Forced, on October 14, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that women will be eligible to join the country's premier tri-service pre-commissioning training institute, the National Defence Academy (NDA), commencing in 2022. Additionally, Singh stated that the induction of women in Military Police commenced in 2020, which led to the presence of women in the rank and file of the Army.

"I am happy to share with you that from next year, women shall be able to join our premier tri-service pre-commissioning training institute, the National Defence Academy," the Defence Minister said at SCO meet.

SCO meet on Role of Women in Armed Forces

The international webinar in video conference mode was hosted by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), and it was conducted in two sessions. The first session on 'Historical Perspective of Women's Roles in Combat Operations' was chaired by Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Medical) Lt General Madhuri Kanitkar. Apart from India, speakers from China, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan participated in the conclave.

"Women will excel in the sphere like they excel in every other sphere," Rajnath Singh said.

The Central government has recognised women as essential and proud members of the Indian Armed and Defence Forces and the potential they bring about.

Supreme Court allows admission of women in NDA

On August 18, breaking the glass ceiling that endured for 65 years, the Supreme Court declared women and females in the country eligible to take the National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance test. While ordering so, the top court had held that women should not be denied their basic right, followed by the Centre's affirmation that a notification allowing women candidates to appear for the NDA examination would be released thereafter. Breaking shackles of gender discrimination, the top court acknowledged the inequality in the elite situation and came down heavily on the army's mindset in maintaining equal opportunities for empowerment of all genders. "This is a policy made on gender discrimination. We expect the army and the government to take a more constructive view of the matter," the SC stated.

The petition, filed by lawyer Kush Kalra, sought equal opportunity for women in the country in the Indian Army and the Indian Naval Academy as well. Throwing open the doors of the defence service training institute of the Indian Armed forces to women cadets, a division bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Hrishikesh Roy passed an interim order to give effect to the observations of the Supreme Court.

Subsequently, on September 7, the Centre told the Top Court that it will allow inducting women candidates into NDA; thus, paving way for induction in Permanent Commission. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati had said that the decision was taken by the Centre in consultation with the Armed Forces.

Image: PTI
Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament (MP) from the Berhampur constituency in West Bengal Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Thursday came down heavily on the Centre's decision to extend the BSF's jurisdiction to a 50km range along the International Border (IB) in West Bengal, Assam, and Punjab. Chowdhury said that it is a "brazen infringement upon the territory of states."

Chowdhury moreover warned Home Minister Amit Shah of potential repercussions in the backdrop of the step taken. The expansion of the BSF area of jurisdiction up to 50km from the border of some states amounts to the brazen infringement upon the territory of states. HMO India, you should not indulge any Chherkhani else will face the consequences, Chowdhury said.

CM Channi censures Centre's decision, calls it 'direct attack on federalism'

Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Charanjit Singh Channi had on Wednesday criticised the decision taken by the Ministry of Home to extend the BSF's jurisdiction while giving them powers to conduct searches, arrest suspects and make seizures in-depth inside the state. Channi said, "it is a direct attack on federalism".

The Punjab CM asked Union Home Minister Amit Shah to immediately revoke the "irrational" decision.

On the other hand, former Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh stated that the BSF's enhanced presence only makes India stronger. 'BSFs enhanced presence & powers will only make us stronger. Lets not drag central armed forces into politics, tweeted the ex-CM.

BSF's Jurisdiction along Borders In Assam, Bengal, and Punjab extended

In what may be considered as a move towards 'zero tolerance' against terror activities and inter-border crimes, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday allowed the Border Security Forces (BSF) in West Bengal, Punjab, and Assam to extend their area of jurisdiction subsequently giving them powers to conduct searches, arrest suspects and make seizures in-depth inside these states

As per the fresh order, the BSF - which was only authorised to take action up to 15 kilometres in the states of Punjab, West Bengal, and Assam - has now been authorised to take steps up to an area of 50 kilometres inside the Indian territory from the International Border (IB) along India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders without any hurdle or further permission either from the Centre or the state governments. Section 139 of the Border Security Force Act, 1968, empowers the Centre to modify and amend the area and extent of the BSF's operational mandate, as and when needed according to the situation.

The BSF guards an area of 4,097km of the India-Bangladesh border and 3,323km of the India-Pakistan border along with added responsibility of combatting Left Wing Extremism in Chhatisgarh and Odisha. The force is also given the charge to boost the feeling of security among people living along the borders, thereby preventing trans-border crimes, trespassing inside or from the territory of India, thus curbing smuggling or any other illegal activities.

The BSF is now empowered under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) to exercise and discharge the powers and duties without an order from a Magistrate and a warrant. An officer in the force is now authorised to arrest an individual connected with a cognisable offense, or against whom a reasonable complaint has been made, or credible information has been received. Also, the BSF has been authorised to search for a place entered by a person sought to be arrested.

Image: PTI
On Wednesday, Uganda Health Ministry has informed that the country is on alert after the Ebola case was reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng told reporters that they have heightened their surveillance on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), reported Xinhua. The minister further informed that they have increased the surveillance after a case of Ebola was reported in Congo on 6 October.

Jane Ruth Aceng told reporters that the authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo were tracking 100 contacts that came in contact with the confirmed Ebola case. The Uganda Health Minister underscored that they have ramped up their surveillance on the borders, focusing on the people arriving from DRC to Uganda. As per the Xinhua report, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo share borders, with people living on borders crossing without any restrictions. As the Ebola has resurfaced in Congo, the country has decided to increase their surveillance on the border with Congo.

Ebola case reported in Democratic Republic of Congo

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a new Ebola case was confirmed in North Kivu province just five months after the epidemic was declared over on May 3, 2021. The Goma branch of the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) had confirmed Ebola in samples taken from a two-year-old child. The child succumbed to the disease after suffering from Ebola-like symptoms on 6 October, the WHO said in a statement. After the new case of Ebola was reported in North Kivu, the health authorities have started vaccination against the disease in the province, WHO said in a statement.

Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, in the statement, informed that the organisation is supporting the health authorities in the country to investigate the new case of Ebola. Moeti in the statement said, "WHO is supporting health authorities to investigate the new Ebola case." Moeti added, "North Kivu has been battered by Ebola outbreaks during the past few years, but this has built up local expertise and community awareness, paving the way for a fast-moving response." According to the World Health Organisation, between 2018 to 2020. The Ebola outbreak in Congo is the second-largest in the world.

#Ebola vaccination just began in #DRCs North Kivu Province where a case was confirmed on 8 October.



People at high risk, including contacts of the confirmed case will be vaccinated as health authorities move to curb the spread of the virus. https://t.co/r4H80MJAnQ  WHO African Region (@WHOAFRO) October 13, 2021

The #DRC Ministry of Health just announced that a new case of Ebola has been detected in North Kivu Province, where a previous outbreak was declared over 3 May 2021. @WHO is working with health authorities to investigate the case.  WHO African Region (@WHOAFRO) October 8, 2021

(Image: Twitter/@JaneRuth_Aceng)
Prices for a litre of diesel in France on Wednesday skyrocketed to an average 1.66 (nearly Rs 145) at the pumps breaking a 2-year record since France's iconic 'Yellow Vests movement. The diesel price spike was followed by the exorbitant hike in the prices of household gas. This was the first time in several years that the European nation's citizens witnessed the expense of the fuel go up dramatically, local press reported, Last week, diesel was priced at 1.5354 (Rs 133) on average per litre, but has shot up by 28 percent increase, data from the French Ministry of Ecological Transition has revealed.

As the overall fuel costs spiked in France, the cost of petrol also witnessed a steep rise in recent weeks. Though the cost 1.6332 it is yet to surpass the record of 1.6664 set in 2012.

Global market variation hikes fuel price despite tax rise cancellation

During the COVID-19 pandemic peak time in May 2020, fuel prices tumbled to 1.16 for diesel and 1.23 for petrol. The low cost was attributed to the global economy coming to a halt all of a sudden. But the removal of lockdown in countries worldwide including France, and economic recovery has put several EU nations under strain. Were at $83 per barrel. Two weeks ago, we were at $70 the barrel, economist Philippe Chalmin told BFMTV. Thats twice as high as it was a year ago, he stressed in his televised remarks. Frances current fuel prices are significantly higher than the record prices in 2018 that sparked the Gilets Jaunes protests nationwide. Following the protests, the French government scrapped the planned fuel tax rises, but the global market variation spiked the cost of fuel by an estimated 60 per cent of the price that the French consumers earlier paid.

France's high diesel and petrol prices are also being influenced by the international market's changing footprint, such as China has been using petrol to produce electricity slashing the country's dependency on foreign resources.

It takes an average of eleven working days to observe 90% of the transmission of cost variation to prices and the total repercussion to fuel prices takes about twenty working days, the report of the Ministry of Ecological Transition stated on Wednesday. A study from la Banque de France meanwhile said: It takes on average 11 working days for 90% of the variation in costs to be transmitted to the overall price, and the total impact on the price of fuel takes around 20 working days to come through.
A court case of four Egyptian security service employees who were suspected of murdering an Italian student researcher, Giulio Regeni, is about to begin in Rome from Thursday onwards. The case is about to be on trial after five and a half years when the mutilated body of Regeni was discovered in a ditch near a Cairo Road in the year 2016. Regeni's parents will attend the court case in Rome, hoping to learn more about the circumstances surrounding his death.

As per the Guardian, General Tariq Saber, Colonel Aser Ibrahim, Captain Hesham Helmi, and Major Magdi Abd al-Sharif are accused of the "aggravated kidnapping" of Regeni, whereas Sharif is also convicted for plotting to execute the murder. In Italy, kidnapping may result in a term of up to eight years in prison, but Sharif might face life imprisonment.

Egypt's security forces go on trial for Italian student's murder

As Egypt has refused to accept the court case in Rome and by the end of last year terminated its own investigation into the Regeni murder stating insufficient evidence', so, the four alleged perpetrators will stand in prosecution in absentia. Furthermore, Egyptian officials had tried to put obstacles in the Italian investigation by fabricating bizarre accounts about the murder, including a failed drug transaction, a robbery, as well as a gay passion crime. Egyptian court officials and interior ministries have also failed to provide information about the four men's addresses, preventing Italy from formally notifying the accused that they are on trial, the Guardian reported.

However, Italian authorities had claimed that the murder of Regeni was carried out by Egypt's National Security Service (NSA). the authorities further claimed that Regeni was under observation for several weeks before his death, and was identified as a spy by a Cairo Street trade unionist. According to Rome prosecutors, Regeni was stomped, punched, slashed, scorched with red-hot items, and battered with sticks before dying.

The Regeni murder incident has strained relations between Italy and Egypt, an alliance which needed in order to fight against immigrant smuggling and terrorism in the Mediterranean. Regeni's body was discovered several days after he vanished in January 2016.

Regeni Murder: His mother struggled to identify his disfigured body

Giulio Regeni was last spotted at a Cairo metro station, where he was conducting research for his PhD thesis at Cambridge University on union activity among street sellers. His mother subsequently stated that his body had been disfigured to the point where she could only identify his son from the tip of his nose. According to campaigners and rights groups, the torture marks looked similar to those left by rampant abuse in Egyptian institutions.

(Image: AP)


A Sulfur dioxide cloud from the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano, on the Spanish island of La Palma, has come to Portugal on October 13, according to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA). "The intrusion of sulfur dioxide is flying above 3000 meters in altitude, not yet affecting the concentrations of this gas on the surface and should remain until October 15," the IPMA said, Xinhua reported. According to atmospheric monitoring from the European Union's earth observation program Copernicus, there is also a significant amount of volcanic ash flowing eastwards due to strong winds, although sulfur dioxide values are below the risk threshold.

According to the IPMA, at 6,000 metres altitude, the maximum concentration of the gas should reach 46 micrograms per kg, which is harmful when inhaled. Hence, Portuguese experts declare that they would continue to constantly monitor the situation's evolution. On September 19, the Cumbre Vieja volcano erupted, destroying 656 hectares (6.56 square kilometres) and evacuating more than 6,000 people from the impacted districts, which had 20 earthquakes in the previous hours.

180 tremors detected on La Palma

Earlier on October 9, buildings surrounding the La Palma volcano on the Spanish island were covered by rivers of lava, with flashes of lightning adding to the drama of the red-hot eruption. At least four buildings in the community of Callejon de la Gata were destroyed by the magma. On October 9, there were 37 seismic movements, the greatest of which measured 4.1, according to the Spanish National Geological Institute. More than 800 buildings have been damaged, and 6,000 people have been forced to flee their homes on the island as a result of the eruption. The La Palma volcano's molten lava continues to wreak havoc. The main flow of lava had broken into two paths, each streaming down to the Atlantic Ocean.

Since 10:00 am on October 6, the National Geographic Institute (IGN) has recorded 180 earth tremors in or around the Cumbre Vieja eruption zone; 56 of them have been felt and reported by island residents. When the molten rock from Cumbre Vieja reaches the ocean, it chemically interacts with the saltwater to produce hydrochloric acid at 1,200 degrees Celsius. On October 13, researchers estimated that a plume from the ocean released the equivalent of 43.2 tonnes of poisonous gas into the atmosphere.

(With inputs from Xinhua)

(Image: Pixabay)
The governments of Bhutan and China on Thursday signed the Memorandum of Understanding on the three-step roadmap for expediting the Bhutan-China Boundary negotiations. The memorandum was signed by the foreign affairs representatives of both countries. The foreign minister of Bhutan, H.E. Lyonpo Tandi Dorji and the assistant minister of foreign affairs of China, H.E. Wu Jianghao signed the MoU after a long online discussion. The MoU has put an end to the ongoing border negotiations between the two nations.



Foreign Minister of Bhutan, Lyonpo Tandi Dorji, and Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Wu Jianghao signed an MoU on the three-step roadmap for expediting the Bhutan-China boundary negotiations: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bhutan pic.twitter.com/3YUHgmyHjT  ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2021

After the virtual discussion of the foreign ministry officials from both countries, the memorandum of Understanding between the Royal Government of Bhutan and the Government of the Peoples Republic of China on the Three-Step Roadmap for Expediting the Bhutan-China Boundary Negotiations was signed on October 14, Bhutanese Foreign Ministry said in a press release.

Memorandum of Understanding signed between Bhutan & China

The disagreement over the two countries' borders has raged on for decades, but it has finally been resolved following multiple rounds of diplomatic talks. The dispute has reached the settlement stage after twenty-four rounds of diplomatic boundary talks. Bhutan and China have been negotiating on their border since 1984, and there have been twenty-four rounds of boundary talks and ten rounds of expert group meetings between the two countries.

Bhutan-China negotiated on border dispute since 1984

The 1988 Official Joint statement on the 'Guiding Principles for the settlement of the Boundary and the 1998 Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace, Tranquility,' and the Status Quo in the Bhutan-China Border Areas directed the negotiations, which were conducted in a spirit of understanding and cooperation, the presser said. Earlier, the two sides agreed on a Three-Step Roadmap during the 10th Expert Group Meeting in Kunming in April this year, which is built on the 1988 Guiding Principles and assisted to speed the boundary negotiations.

The Memorandum of Understanding on the Three-Step Roadmap will give the Boundary Talks a fresh momentum, the Bhutanese government asserted. The adoption of this Roadmap in a spirit of kindness, respect, and cooperation is expected to result in successful boundary negotiations that are acceptable to both parties. The two sides will exchange the Memorandum of Understanding through diplomatic channels soon.

Image: MoFA, Bhutan
As many as three people were killed while 60 others suffered injuries in multiple cases of communal violence during the Durga Puja festivities in Bangladesh's Chandpur Hajiganj Upazila.

As per reports, the conflict erupted on Wednesday when devotees were celebrating Durga Puja, the most celebrated religious festival of the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Earlier in Cumilia, at least 50 people were left injured as a group of hardliners clashed with the police in Nanua Dighirpar area over rumours of a communal incident.

The miscreants flocked in numbers at the Mandap area around 9 AM after a video went viral on Social Media. Eventually, law enforcement agencies arrived at the mandap to bring the situation under control.

Temples attacked, set on fire

Later at 10 AM, the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police in the district held a meeting with the local Hindu community and others. In the meantime, several factions under different religious associations gathered in Nanua Dighirpar. As per Daily Star, locals and police said that the mob attacked the mandap around 10:30 AM.

Police and the government confirmed that three cases of attacks were reported from Banshkhali's Chambal area, Kali Mandir municipality, and Karnaphuli Upazila. In Kurigram's Ulipur Upazila, destruction of several temples was reported while one was set on fire.

Administration imposes Section 144

The administration imposed Section 144 in Hajiganj following the violence and deployed eight platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to bring the situation under control. The administration in Chattogran deployed eight platoons of the BGB in six upazilas of the district last night after several temples of the Hindu community were reportedly attacked in Banshkhali and Karnaphuli. While two platoons of the BGB have been deployed in Hathazari and Banshkhali upazilas each, one each is deployed in Patiya, Sitakunda, Fatikchhari, and Chandanish upazilas of the district.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Hindu Unity Council said, "We cannot publish in a tweet what has happened in the last 24 hours. The Hindus of Bangladesh saw the real faces of some people. We don't know what will happen in the future. But the Hindus of Bangladesh will never forget Durga Puja in 2021."

Inputs: ANI

Image: REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Thursday, 14 October suspended operations in Kabul after the Taliban threatened to slash the ticket prices. Republic Media Network sources have revealed that one Pakistani official was held for hours at gunpoint in Kabul by the Taliban members. Notably, the PIA staff was only set free after the Pakistani embassy in Kabul intervened. Additionally, multiple incidents of the airlines staff being threatened were reported.

Separately, CNN reported that the PIA suspended operations due to heavy-handedness. The media outlet added that it was PIAs country representative in Afghanistan who was held on gunpoint for several hours on accusations of abetting people from leaving the war-ravaged nation.

PIA spokesperson Abdullah Khan told the media outlet that it was tough for PIA to fly into Kabul against all odds adding that the decision to keep flying into Kabul was taken on purely humanitarian grounds. PIA suspension of its flights from Kabul came after just this week, Afghanistans Aviation Minister without any prior notice reduced 50% manifest from a flight on which people were already in the process of checking in.

This further resulted in 176 people being sent back home and causing nearly half a million-dollar loss to the Pakistani airline. Earlier, the Taliban had warned the PIA as well as the Afghan carrier Kam Air that Afghan operations risked being suspended unless they agreed to the reduction in ticket prices that were spiking away from the reach of Afghans.

While PIA was one of the few airlines operating in the war-torn country after the Taliban took over in August, the tickets for its flights were reportedly selling for prices as high as $2,500. The Afghan transport ministry in the Taliban government had previously said in a statement that prices on the route from Kabul to the Pakistani capital Islamabad should be adjusted to correspond with the conditions of a ticket before the victory of the Islamic Emirate" or the flights would be stopped.

Notably, the flights between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been significantly restricted since Kabul airport was reopened last month following the chaotic evacuation missions for tens and thousands of foreign nationals in the wake of the Taliban takeover on 15 August.

IMAGE: ANI/AP
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday warned against the threat of extremism from Afghanistan after the takeover of the country by the Taliban.

"A number of international terrorist groups affiliated with ISIS continue to operate in the country," Putin said at a meeting with heads of intelligence from countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), which is dominated by Russia.

"We can't rule out that the terrorists could attempt to destabilise the situation in nearby countries, including CIS countries, or even attempt direct expansion," he told them, via videolink.

The head of Russia's foreign intelligence service, Sergei Naryshkin, warned during the meeting that the US intended to increase its presence in Central Asia.

"Washington is not only planning, but already fulfilling its destructive plans," he said.

It was the 17th meeting of the intelligence chiefs of the CIS, a regional intergovernmental organization composed of post-Soviet states.

The conference in Moscow was attended by intelligence officials from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.

IMAGE: AP

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Punjab Dy CM Says 'No Justifiable Reason' For Centre To Extend BSF Jurisdiction In State

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has attacked the Centre after it empowered the Border Security Force (BSF) to extend their area of jurisdiction in the state. Randhawa said that the reasons to unilaterally change the existing arrangements by the Government of India with regards to the BSF cannot be justified.

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BKU's Rakesh Tikait Says Farmer Protests 'Will Continue' Unless MoS Ajay Mishra Is Sacked

Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait on Wednesday demanded the arrest of MoS Ajay Mishra in connection to the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case and said that the Union minister should be removed from the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Cabinet. Further talking about the police action against his son, Ashish Mishra, Rakesh Tikait alleged that it was a "red carpet arrest" and that he was given a bouquet during the interrogation.

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'Sharad Pawar Couldn't Complete 5-yr CM Term': Fadnavis Hits Back At NCP Chief Over Jibe

On Wednesday, NCP chief Sharad Pawar took a dig at BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis over his remark that he still feels as if he is the Maharashtra Chief Minister. Addressing the party cadre in Navi Mumbai on Tuesday, Fadnavis observed, "I feel that I am the CM even today. You (BJP leaders) did not let me feel the absence of (this post). Finally, the position that a person occupies is not important. What he does is important. In the last two years, I have not stayed home even for one day and dedicated myself to the service of the people".

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Navjot Sidhu Rules Out 'Compromise' Ahead Of Key Congress Meet, Claims 'merit Ignored'

A day ahead of his meeting with Punjab AICC in-charge Harish Rawat and Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal, Navjot Singh Sidhu reiterated that he will not compromise on his stance. After Sidhu stepped down as the Punjab Congress president on September 28, he has been seeking the ouster of Punjab's Advocate General Amar Preet Singh Deol and DGP Iqbal Preet Singh Sahota. While his resignation hasn't been accepted yet, new CM Charanjit Singh Channi hasn't accepted this demand.

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Israel Says Iran Can't Acquire Nuclear Weapon, Warns Of 'other Options' If Diplomacy Fails

Israeli Foreign minister Yair Lapid, on 13 October, said that Iran could not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon, as negotiations on the JCPOA deal continue to be in limbo. Addressing a press conference in Washington, the zionist leader also spoke of other options to combat the Iranian threat if diplomacy fails. Lapid, who is in the US capital for a three-day official visit, said that his trip was centred around the alternate options, but stopped short of revealing further details.

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Congress Slams BSF Mandate Enhancement In Punjab; Claims 'Transgressing Into State Rights'

Taking umbrage to the Ministry of Home Affairs' (MHA) order enhancing the BSF's operational mandate in border states, Congress MP Manish Tewari & Randeep Surjewala vehemently opposed it on Wednesday. Citing that the order will institutionalise policing paradigm by BSF without taking police under consideration. Advising newly appointed CM Charanjit Singh Channi to oppose it, he said that the new order gave sweeping powers to the BSF.

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Dubai: Jebel Ali's New Hindu Temple 50% Complete, To Open For Visits By Mid-2022

The construction of a Hindu Temple at Dubai's Jebel Ali is 50% complete and will reportedly be open to the public by Dussehra next year. "Today, almost 52% of the construction has been completed," Raju Shroff, an Indian businessman and one of the trustees of the Sindhi Guru Darbar Temple was quoted by Khaleej Times as saying."The columns on the facade and interior were inspired by the traditional columns of the Somnath Temple in Gujarat, India. The main Shikhar dome is inspired by the Nagara style of the Hindu temple architecture found predominantly in North India," he added.

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TS Singh Deo Likely To Replace Bhupesh Baghel As CM After Nov 1; CWC To Take Final Call

Bhupesh Baghel is likely to step down as the Chhattisgarh CM after November 1 and might be replaced by TS Singh Deo, sources in the state Health Minister's camp told Republic TV. The infighting in the Congress' state unit has been attributed to Deo's insistence that he should be made the CM as per the rotational formula. Deo met AICC Chhattisgarh in-charge PL Punia at a hotel in Raipur for one hour and discussed the possibility of a change of guard in the state, sources revealed.

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Punjab 2022: Kejriwal Promises Free Power, VAT Refund, End To 'red Tapism' To Businessmen

Unveiling yet another slew of promises for the people of Punjab, AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal, on Wednesday, vowed 24x7 power supply to businessmen and traders. Addressing a public meeting in Jalandhar, the Delhi CM announced ten promises aimed at the business community - uninterrupted power, elimination of red-tapism, VAT refund, infrastructure, no additional charge, ending 'gunda' tax, better partnership, promoting MSME, peace in Punjab. AAP faces a weakened Congress and a resurgent Akali Dal for the Punjab polls in February 2022.

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Pentagon Lacks Data On COVID Vaccine Status Of DoD Staff As Nov 22 Deadline Nears

Months after the US Department of Defense (DoD) mandated COVID-19 vaccination for its service members, the data regarding those still unvaccinated and those fully jabbed against the novel COVID-19 is still lacking, CNN reported. This comes ahead of the looming November 22 deadline for civilian federal government workers to get vaccinated. The jab status of hundreds of thousands of US DoDs civilian employees and the active duty service members have not been revealed. Although, the US Department of Defense stated that inoculations among the service members have made significant progress over recent months with an estimated 90 per cent of fully or partially vaccinated with one dose among the workforce of more than 765,000.

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As a devastating energy crisis continues to grip European markets, the Russian Federation denied accusations of using energy as a political weapon. Russia, which accounts for at least 41 percent of EUs gas supplies, was earlier accused of deliberately holding back supplies and exacerbating the situation. But on October 13, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the claims stating that complete rubbish and politically motivated tittle-tattle".

Since January, the wholesale prices of gas have surged by 250 per cent across the European continent, prompting leaders to mull a potential purchase of strategic gas reserves. While increasing domestic and industrial demands have played a major role in sending the fuel prices to astronomical highs, it is Moscows limited supply. On Wednesday, Putin pinned the blame of the crisis back on Europe, reckoning that it was them who failed to pump sufficient volumes of gas in storage following last years winters. Talking about Russian supplies, he said that Gazprom was already supplying at its maximum capacity. But he added that there wasnt any refusal from the Russian side and that they could surge supplies on request.

Europe to combat crisis

Since the spike, many countries, including Spain, Germany and France, have taken individual steps to combat the energy crisis. While Spain has capped the energy prices, France has promised a one-time payment of up to 100 to people battered with the gigantic energy bills. Recently, Europes energy ministers joined forces to establish a plan to reduce their dependence on foreign gas and purchase supplies as a part of a larger effort to combat Russias stake in highly coveted resources. As Moscow continues to surge gas prices, the 27 member bloc is set to purchase strategic gas reserves. It is worth mentioning that 41 per cent of the bloc's gas comes from Russia, which was recently asked to pump more of it to the bloc.

Meanwhile, the UK government is planning to back energy-intensive industries financially to keep the sector on track, the BBC reported on Tuesday. According to the report, the Department for Business has demanded the Prime Minister to offer a relief package to encourage energy-intensive industries. The significant development came after Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng asked the government Treasury to finance the industries hit by rising energy costs. According to BBC, the proposals include loans worth hundreds of millions of pounds.

Image: AP
Recognizing that the situation in Afghanistan is difficult, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on October 13 that battle-hardened terrorists are entering the nation from Syria and Iraq. He made the statements at a virtual summit of ex-Soviet security service leaders, according to Khaama Press.

Putin was alluding to the Taliban's failure to take Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists seriously. The former isn't considered a significant danger to Afghanistan's de-facto government because ISIS-K lacks international or regional support, according to Khaama Press.

On October 8, a devastating blast swept through the Sayed Abas Mosque in Kunduz, northern Afghanistan, as locals gathered for a Friday prayer. The incident claimed the lives of over 100 people and injured many others. The tragic attack on the Shia mosque was claimed by Islamic State Khorasan, often known as ISIS-K. It was the group's bloodiest attack since a suicide bombing at Kabul's international airport killed over 170 civilians and 13 US personnel on August 26.

According to Putin, the group may destabilise the situation in neighbouring nations and possibly seek direct expansion. He further added that members of terrorist groups are exploiting political uncertainty in Afghanistan to migrate into neighbouring ex-Soviet nations as refugees, Khaama Press reported.

While Moscow has expressed cautious optimism about the new Taliban leadership in Kabul, it is anxious about instability spreading to Central Asia, where it has military outposts. Following the Taliban's takeover, Russia conducted military training with ex-Soviet nations Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, where it has a military base. Afghanistan's border is shared by both countries.

World economy depends on US, says Putin

The entire world economy is dependent on the state of the US economy, and Russia is interested in the absence of leaps there, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"The United States is the largest economy in the world, very high-tech. The entire world economy depends on the condition of the American economy, and we are objectively interested in the absence of unrest, leaps there, but this does not depend on us," Putin stated this in an interview with CNBC that was posted on the Kremlin's website.

He stated that Moscow is actively monitoring events, assessing them, and taking the appropriate steps to protect its long-term interests.

(With inputs from agencies)

Image: AP
The United Nations urged all parties on Wednesday to enable unhindered and long-term humanitarian assistance access to Northern Ethiopia while describing the situation in that region is as "unpredictable and volatile." According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the most impacted regions are in the Tigray, Amhara, and Afar divisions. The supply of humanitarian aid into Tigray is severely restricted. The Semera-Abala-Mekelle corridor is the sole way in for delivering the supply.

As per a humanitarian office, 211 trucks bringing humanitarian goods reached Tigray between October 6 to 12, compared to 80 vehicles a week before. Citing OCHAs press release, ANI reported, While the increased number of trucks is a positive development, this is still insufficient compared to the needs. Since July 12, just 897 trucks have reached Tigray, accounting for roughly 14% of the total humanitarian need, OCHA informed, further repeating that 100 trucks are needed daily in this situation.

The @UN has no political agenda in Ethiopia. Our agenda is just one: to support the Ethiopian people - Tigrayans, Amharas, Afars, Somalis, that have suffered so much, @antonioguterres tells reporters following meeting at Security Council.



Read more here: https://t.co/ptO3hHgtU1 pic.twitter.com/Bx0RbsulEI  UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) October 6, 2021

Humanitarian aid access to Northern Ethiopia

OCHA also revealed that there have been no fuel supplies to Tigray since the end of July. However, ten fuel tankers sitting in Semera, Afar, have got official clearance to travel to Tigray, and OCHA anticipates that they will be able to join the next convoy. Although the trucks have been given permission to enter, yet, the OCHA has stated that medicines cannot enter the Tigray region.

According to the office, Because of the depletion or severe shortages of fuel, currency, and other resources, many UN as well as nonprofit organisations have drastically curtailed or stopped down initiatives. With existing and limited resources, some organisations have continued to address some of the most pressing needs in the Tigray region, OCHA said. Last week, over 146,000 individuals got food assistance. However, on a weekly basis, at least 870,000 individuals require food assistance. Within a six-week period, the partners must serve 5.2 million individuals.

Furthermore, last week, emergency water was provided by truck to around 143,000 individuals, down from nearly 193,000 people a week before, as per the humanitarians. OCHA stated that now, Humanitarian organisations are ramping up their efforts in the Afar area to the east of Tigray and Amhara to the south. Since the beginning of August, they have provided food aid to about 639,000 individuals in Amhara's reachable districts and approximately 72,000 internally displaced persons in Afar.

Meanwhile, when speaking to the UN Security Council on October 6, UN Secretary-general Antonio Guterres had discussed the rising needs in the north as a result of the violence in Tigray. In the midst of the huge crisis in the region, the UN chief emphasised that all efforts should be concentrated on preserving lives and preventing a catastrophic humanitarian disaster. Further, on Thursday, September 30th, UN chief Antonio Guterres voiced his dismay at the Ethiopian government's expulsion of seven of his top employees. As per a press release, Guterres stated that the UN was dedicated to assisting the Ethiopian citizens and that the organisation was working with the government in the hope that the impacted personnel may continue their vital job.

(Image: AP)
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris welcomed Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley to Washington for talks on a range of issues Wednesday, including the ongoing pandemic and the climate crisis.

"I'd like to thank on behalf of, not just Barbados, but the Caribbean community, the donations made by the government and people of the United States of America with respect to the vaccines," said Mottley.

"This battle is real for us in the Caribbean," Mottley said, stressing the need for vaccine equity.

"We run the risk, as has happened with Delta and the other mutations, of other mutations coming to bear," she said.

The Barbadian prime minister also looked ahead to the United Nations climate change conference in Scotland at the end of the month, saying, "as we go to Glasgow, there is a distinct risk, regrettably, that the world might not make the 1.5 degrees that we need to survive in the region."

Representatives of more than 200 countries will gather for the conference, known as COP26, from Oct. 31 to Nov. 12.

The UN Secretary General has three main goals for the conference, which is designed to ratchet up the Paris accord: Pledges that amount to a 45% cut in carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, rich countries living up to their long-unfilled promises of $100 billion a year for poor countries to deal with climate change, and half that money going to adapting to warming.

IMAGE: AP

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Israeli Foreign minister Yair Lapid, on October 13, said that Iran could not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon, as negotiations on the JCPOA deal continue to be in limbo. Addressing a press conference in Washington, the zionist leader also spoke of other options to combat the Iranian threat if diplomacy fails. Lapid, who is in the US capital for a three-day official visit, said that his trip was centred around the alternate options, but stopped short of revealing further details.

Other options are going to be on the table if diplomacy fails, Lapid told reporters speaking alongside his American and Emirati counterparts-Antony Blinken and Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as per Israel Times. Blinken, who has clearly demanded Tehran to return to full compliance, said that they will continue to look at every option to deal with the challenge that is posed by Iran. We believe that diplomacy is the best way to do that, but it takes two to engage in diplomacy.

We have a lot to talk about: Iran, expanding the circle of normalization, and regional challenges. But before all of that, I think its important to dedicate a moment to discussing the strength and depth of the relationship between our two countries. pic.twitter.com/jRMtkqb3DK    - Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) October 13, 2021

'Iran cannot acquire nuclear weopons'

The negotiations on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or Iran nuclear deal has been on hiatus since June but more recently both sides have hinted at its possible revival. On Wednesday, Blinken stressed that all parties involved in the deal have agreed that Iran cannot be allowed to acquire a nuclear arsenal. Asserting that time was running short, he added that they were getting closer to a point at which returning to compliance with the JCPOA will not in and of itself recapture the benefits of the JCPOA. Under the deal, Tehran is obliged to scale back its nuclear or uranium enrichment program in exchange for promises of economic relief by the US and other parties.

Today, I met with Israeli Foreign Minister @yairlapid and welcomed him on his first official visit to Washington. We continued our conversations about the importance of the U.S.-Israel bilateral relationship and enhanced regional cooperation. pic.twitter.com/wPcHr7djKv  Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) October 13, 2021

Last week, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that diplomacy is the best path to curb the expansion of Iranian Nuclear Programmes, reiterating President Joe Bidens preference for negotiations over retaliatory actions. His remarks came as he hosted his Israeli counterpart Dr Eyal Hulata and a "high-level Israeli delegation" in the White House. It is imperative to note that both the countries have jointly formed the US-Israel Strategic Group to counter Iran. The deal, signed in 2015 between Iran and other major world powers, including the United States, France, Britain, China, Russia, and Germany (P5+1), saw Washington lifting economic sanctions against Tehran.

(Image: Yair Lapid/Twitter)
The United States does not support efforts to normalize relations with the government of President Bashar Assad or lift sanctions imposed on Damascus until there is progress in the political process in the war-torn country, the U.S. secretary of state said Wednesday.

Antony Blinken's comments come as some Arab countries recently began improving relations with Syria. Assad and King Abdullah II of Jordan spoke over the phone last week for the first time since Syrias conflict began in March 2011. Syrias defense minister last month visited Jordan and met with Jordanian military officials.

Syria was also invited to take part in the Dubais Expo 2020, the first worlds fair in the Middle East. Crisis-hit Lebanon is working on getting electricity from Jordan through Syria and a 10-year old deal to transport Egyptian natural gas through Jordan and Syria to Lebanon was also revived in September.

Blinken spoke during a joint news conference in Washington with the foreign ministers of Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

Arab and Western countries blamed Assad for the deadly crackdown on the uprising that erupted in 2011, and supported the opposition in early days of the conflict. Syria's civil war has killed more than 350,000 people and displaced millions.

The tide of the war changed in late 2015, when Russia threw its military weight behind Assad. Still, Syria is struggling with sanctions imposed by the United States and many Western nations.

What weve not done and we do not intend to do is to express any support for efforts to normalize relations or rehabilitate Mr. Assad or lift a single sanction on Syria or change our positions to oppose the reconstruction of Syria, Blinken said in Washington when asked whether the U.S. endorses that some Arab countries are resuming normal ties with Assads government.

He said this policy will not change until there is irreversible progress toward a political solution, which we believe is necessary and vital.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Villagers say the compensation offered by the government is not fair because it does not compare to what they are losing.

Hundreds of Cambodian families on Thursday refused compensation for their land from a Chinese-owned resort developer, the latest wrinkle in a decade-long land dispute, the villagers told RFA.

The Union Development Group (UDG) is building the U.S. $3.8 billion Dara Sakor project including a seaport, resorts, and casinos in Cambodias southwestern Koh Kong province.

The company was last year sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act for alleged land grabs, rights abuses, and corruption.

Authorities scheduled Thursday and Friday as days when the villagers would accept compensation for their land and put an end to the 10-year dispute, but some of villagers called the compensation scheme unfair.

Villagers have now been divided into three groups according to how affected they are by the developer, Koh Kong Provincial Deputy Governor Sok Sothy said at a meeting with the villagers and the Ministry of Land Management on Oct. 11.

The first group of 247 families would get U.S. $9,000, half a hectare (1 hectare = 2.47 acres) of land for a house and three hectares of land for farming. The second group of 255 families would get two hectares of farming land, and the third group of 831 families would get one hectare.

Under the compensation scheme, the villagers would receive new allotments of land by lottery.

The lottery for group three was held on Thursday, but only 327 of the 831 families accepted the offered compensation.

Sam Thy, a villager from group three, told RFAs Khmer Service that his family was among those who had refused to accept the deal, saying authorities had forced them to agree without a discussion with the villagers and with representatives of NGOs present.

He said that $8,000 per hectare would be a fair price for his nine hectares of land, but is being given only a single hectare by lottery instead.

Another villager, Tith Tem, 63, told RFA she has 60 hectares of land, but the authorities are only giving her one hectare.

This is very unjust, and I cannot accept it, she said, adding that many families in her village have been working and living on their land since the 1980s.

Tith Tem urged the government to provide proper compensation.

We want a transparency. The land I can get is not even half of what I lost. We cant accept it. We will protest, she said.

RFA attempted to reach Deputy Governor Sok Sothy for comment, but he was not available Thursday. He earlier told local media that provincial authorities will continue with their offers and the villagers have the right not to accept it.

Controversial project

UDGs investment in the area has caused lost income to the villagers for the past 10 years according to Hour In, the Koh Kong provincial coordinator for the Cambodian rights group LICADHO.

The authorities should consider the scope of what the villagers are losing, Hour In told RFA.

The villagers are now saying that if the authorities cannot afford to resolve the issue in accordance with their requests, they should allow them to return to their properties, he said.

The Dara Sakor project has been mired in controversy ever since UDGs parent company, Tianjin Wanlong Group, was granted a 99-year lease to 90,000 acres along 20 percent of Cambodias coastline in May 2008.

The lease was handed to Tianjin Wanlong without an open bidding process and has provided the company with more than triple the size of any concession allowed under Cambodias land law.

UDG soon began clearing large swathes of forest from the Botum Sakor National Park, which was included as part of the land lease, and forced hundreds of families to relocate. Many have yet to receive the compensation they were promised as part of the deal 12 years ago.

China has stepped in to wield significant influence in Cambodia in recent years as relations between Phnom Penh and Western governments have cooled amid concerns over the countrys human rights situation and political environment following a broad crackdown on the political opposition in 2017.

Chinese investment has meanwhile flowed into Cambodia, but Cambodians regularly chafe at what they call unscrupulous business practices and unbecoming behavior by Chinese businessmen and residents.

Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
Talks are under way to include Britain as an observer alongside Australia and Japan, the Philippine military chief says.

Gen. Jose Faustino (right), the Philippine military chief, shakes hands with Adm. John Acquilino, commander of the US military's Indo-Pacific Command, before the start of a meeting in Manila, Oct. 14, 2021.

The United Kingdom may be participating as an observer as the Philippines and United States look to resume full-scale joint military exercises next year after they were disrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak, senior Filipino and American military officials indicated Thursday.

Last month, the U.K. along with the U.S. and Australia agreed to a trilateral military pact widely seen as being aimed at blunting Chinas military might and expansionism in the contested South China Sea.

Balikatan, a Filipino word that means shoulder to shoulder, is an annual, large-scale bilateral exercise between the U.S. and the Philippines, long-time defense allies. It was canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic, but a series of drills on a much smaller scale were staged this year.

If and when the drills resume at full scale in 2022, the United Kingdom will likely send a small contingent to observe and join Australia and Japan  which have attended as observer-nations in recent years  on the sidelines, said Gen. Jose Faustino Jr., the Philippines top military officer.

I think there are ongoing talks of the U.K. participating as an observer for Balikatan 2022, that will be next year, Faustino told reporters after meeting in Manila on Thursday with Adm. John Aquilino, head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

Troops from Britain, Australia, and Japan would only attend the exercise under observer status because Manila does not have a military agreement with those three countries that is similar to its 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States.

It helps the nations who have not participated in these larger complex events understand the intricacies, the commitments, the preparation in conducting these events, Aquilino said, referring to the role of observer nations.

Faustino spoke to reporters after he and Aquilino presided over a meeting of the Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board.

We will go full-scale Balikatan next year, the state-run Philippine News Agency (PNA) quoted the commander of the Philippine armed forces as saying.

I believe we will look to renew and get back to a full-scale event, and we will both look for opportunities to increase the complexity, the scope all the way to look towards new partners participating in the future, Aquilino said, according to PNA.

AUKUS agreement

The announcement to potentially include a British military contingent as an observer in the next Balikatan came weeks after the signing of the Australia-U.K.-U.S. defense agreement, which is otherwise known as AUKUS.

Security analysts say the partnership would help Australia develop nuclear submarines and help deter Chinas aggressive military posturing in the South China Sea.

The Philippines, one of the claimant countries in the disputed waterway, has expressed its backing for AUKUS, but neighbors Indonesia and Malaysia have voiced concerns about this new military development close to their shores.

The AUKUS agreement, Aquilino said, is an agreement among allies to further increase the capability of the undersea environment to maintain the peace, stability, and security in the region.

This region is extremely important. We have just seen multiple EU nations deployed to the region, and the AUKUS agreement will ensure that security is maintained throughout the region, he said.

While all countries enjoy the freedom of navigation, the AUKUS agreement would help to maintain a rules-based international order, said the top American military commander in the region.

The Philippines acknowledges the right of every country to develop their defense capabilities, Faustino said, but he emphasized that everyone must adhere to the law.

During the meeting, both sides also discussed the possibility of allowing temporary U.S. bases in the Philippines, a former American colony, Faustino indicated. The U.S. military could use three Philippine bases  one on the main Philippine island of Luzon and one in the southern Mindanao region  as forward operating bases to store its equipment, Faustino said.

There is no final list of what the probable sites will be, but we are looking at different areas, and we are considering, of course, how it will be beneficial to our armed forces and to the United States Armed Forces also, the Filipino military chief said.

Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.
Tens of thousands of people have left Hong Kong in recent weeks amid a citywide crackdown on dissent, a new emphasis on patriotic propaganda in the education system and the jailing or disqualification of most of its political opposition.



The city recorded more than 72,000 net departures of its permanent residents via the international airport from July 1 to Oct. 13, according to daily figures from the city's immigration department posted to the local financial information service Webb-Site.



While the net departure figures come at a time when a 21-day COVID-19 quarantine is in place for new arrivals, they continue a trend seen in the government's population statistics for the first half of 2021, which recorded a fall of nearly 90,000 in the city's permanent population.



In the biggest decline in the city's population since records began in 1961, Hong Kong saw a net outflow of 89,200 residents in the first half of the year, leading to a 1.2 percent drop in the city's population, the Census and Statistics Department reported in August.



While Hong Kong and Chinese officials have sought to play down the scale of the exodus, brushing aside the impact on the city's economic and professional life, state media organization CRNTT did acknowledge a link between the ongoing exodus from Hong Kong and a draconian national security law imposed on the city by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from July 1, 2020.



Many of those leaving are heading to the U.K. under a visa-to-citizenship route for British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders and their families.



Nearly 65,000 Hong Kong residents submitted an application for the visa in the first five months following its launch, with more than 70 percent approved by the end of June, the Home Office reported in September.



An estimated 5.4 million Hong Kong citizens are eligible to apply for a BNO visa. The U.K. government has estimated that 300,000 people will take up the offer in the first five years of the scheme.



Seeking employment



A survey of their employment situation by the advocacy group Hongkongers in Britain (HKB) found that while 70 percent have at least a first degree and more than 10 years' work experience, many say they are applying to blue-collar jobs including transportation and hospitality, where vacancies are currently high in the wake of Brexit and the pandemic.



So far, just one in three have secured a job, in a process that takes up to three months, but sent no more than 10 applications before they were successful, a labor survey by HKB found.



"The recent Hong Kong arrivals are in general a mature and agile workforce that is ready to potentially add/bring high value to the U.K. labor market and economy," the report found, adding that they are "quite ready to fill in job vacancies not from their original work sectors."



"Many of the early arrivals are middle-class parents with children ... [who] saw the greatest need to leave Hong Kong as soon as possible (due to the political suppression of freedoms and education)," the report said.



Half identified the language barrier as an obstacle to finding work, while nearly 54 percent cited different workplace cultures, it said.



"Some of them are willing to take any job with vacancies, but the problem is that they have become over-qualified in the job market, especially for some larger employers," survey author R. Yeung told RFA. "Over-qualified job applicants don't even get to interview ... because employers feel that they are just looking for stepping stones and will leave soon."



HKB spokesman Julian Chan called on the British government to speed up the application process for National Insurance Numbers (NINO) and to provide clear guidelines to employers, chambers of commerce and other recruitment agencies to make sure they don't turn down Hong Kong applicants because they are unfamiliar with their visa type.



"The intervention measures we recommend require the cooperation of relevant government departments, employers, recruiters, and citizen groups concerned with employment and immigration," Chan said. "These measures should be implemented at the national, regional and regional levels to allow Hong Kong people to better integrate into the British employment market."



Heading to Taiwan



Hongkongers are also heading for the democratic island of Taiwan, prompting the authorities there to consider relaxing visa restrictions for those fleeing their hometown.



According to the latest figures released by the Taiwan immigration department, 10,813 Hong Kong residents were approved to travel to Taiwan in 2020, with residency permits issued to 1,576.



More than 6,000 Hongkongers traveled to Taiwan between January and August 2021, with residency permits issued to 1,162 of them.



Taiwanese premier Su Tseng-chang said "appropriate" measures would be used to help Hongkongers arriving in the country, while further changes could be up for consideration.



Su was responding to a report in Taiwan's Liberty Times newspaper claiming that the authorities are moving to relax restrictions on what people can do after they arrive.



"If they can relax some of the qualifications and restriction, I think it will be a huge help to many of our friends," ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmaker Liu Shih-fang told RFA. "There should be inter-ministerial coordination [to make that happen]."



Fellow DPP lawmaker Hung Shen-han agreed, saying the system has room for improvement.



"But I think the most important thing is our original intention [in welcoming Hongkongers], which is that Taiwan support the core democratic values of the international community," Hung said. "We have to help each other."



Bookseller Lam Wing-kei, who fled to Taiwan after being arrested in mainland China for selling political titles in Hong Kong, warned that applications should still be scrutinized for political leanings, however.



"It should also depend on the person's background and their reasons for applying to come to Taiwan," Lam said. "For example, they may be strongly pro-democracy, and made some contribution [to pro-democracy activism], or have taken part in the Hong Kong protest movement."



He said failure to screen applicants could result in infiltration by agents of the CCP.



On Oct. 6, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam vowed to extend a citywide crackdown on anyone trying to "destabilize" the city and oppose China, with new laws in the pipeline targeting the media and online service providers, as well as expanded definitions of "espionage" and "terrorism."



The national security law, which took effect on July 1, 2020, ushered in an ongoing and citywide crackdown on all forms of public dissent and political opposition, with election rules changed to ensure only pro-CCP candidates can run and dozens of former opposition lawmakers now behind bars on "subversion" charges.



Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
The Chin National Front said it learned of the plans from two recent military defectors.

Myanmars military is preparing a major offensive against the Chin National Front (CNF) in Chin state, a representative of the ethnic armed organization (EAO) said Wednesday, prompting a local rights group to warn that such an operation would have a devastating effect on the region.

Details of the military plan, which is believed to target CNF headquarters in Chins Thantlang township, were revealed amid reports of fresh clashes between junta troops and the Kokang Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) in northern Shan state that critically injured six civiliansincluding a toddler and a pregnant womanand forced hundreds to flee for safety.

Speaking to RFAs Myanmar Service, CNF spokesman Salai Htet Ni said the junta is sending tanks and reinforcements in several convoys to Thantlang, where an attack helicopter was seen in the sky on Tuesday, confirming information about the operation that the EAO obtained from military defectors.

He said the offensive had likely been planned in response to the CNFs support for the shadow National Unity Government (NUG), which on Sept. 7 declared a nationwide state of emergency and called for open rebellion against junta rule, prompting an escalation of attacks on military targets by various allied pro-democracy Peoples Defense Force (PDF) militias and EAOs.

The CNF is, in fact, the first ethnic armed group to reach an agreement with NUG, Salai Htet Ni said.

Now that NUG and its political ideology are in line with ours, the military is putting pressure on us more than ever, both militarily and politically.

Myanmars military overthrew the democratically elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government on Feb. 1, claiming the party had stolen the countrys November 2020 ballot through voter fraud.

The junta has yet to provide evidence of its claims and has violently repressed anti-coup protests, killing at least 1,170 people and arresting 7,240 others, according to the Bangkok-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP).

Salai Htet Ni noted that Dr. Salai Lian Hmung Sakhong, a leader of the CNF, also serves as the NUG Federal Union Affairs Minister and that the CNF has provided military training to both the local branch of the PDF and the Chin Defense Force (CDF), an armed group formed to combat Myanmars military in the western state.

According to the spokesman, the CNF obtained a copy of secret plans for the attack on Thantlang as well as extensive details concerning other operations in Chin state from a sergeant clerk named Tin Lian Biak and a driver from the militarys Hakha Tactical Commandboth of whom had defected and joined the countrys anti-junta Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) on Oct. 9.

Joint forces targeted

Salai Htet Ni said he believes that the military is preparing to launch a full-scale offensive against all three of the armed groups because they had joined forces.

On Sept. 11, the CNF and the CDF seized a military base in Thantlangs Longle village, near Myanmars border with India. According to the CNF, 12 junta soldiers were killed, while only six CNF and CDF fighters were wounded in the raid.

Days later, on Sept. 18, clashes between the junta and CNF/CDF joint forces forced nearly 10,000 people to flee Thantlang. According to residents, several homes in the township were burnt to the ground, while a number of civilians were injured and a local pastor was shot dead during the fighting.

Meanwhile, the military and the CNF clashed Wednesday near Falam township, the spokesman said, although details of the fighting were not immediately available.

Salai Za Op Lin, deputy executive director of the Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO), said that the information provided by Tin Lian Biak suggests that the residents of Chin state are at grave risk of danger.

The sergeant who defected to the CDM movement brought a lot of documents with him, including secret information about how they would launch the attacks and what weapons they would use, he said.

It looks likely that they are preparing a major military operation focused on Chin state.

Salai Za Op Lin did not provide any details about the documents Tin Lian Biak delivered to the CNF but said that five members of the mans familyincluding his motherwere arrested by the military on Monday in connection with his case.

Military spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun had yet to comment on reports of troop reinforcements and the intelligence documents obtained by the CNF as of Wednesday.

Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) fighters in an undated photo. MNDAA Civilian casualties in Shan state

Meanwhile, residents of Northern Shan states Mong Koe sub-township told RFA that at least six civiliansincluding a two-year-old girl and a pregnant womanwere critically injured in fresh fighting between junta troops and the MNDAA near Ywa Thit in No. 6 ward on Tuesday.

According to the father of the injured toddler, junta forces attacked MNDAA troops with heavy artillery from a hilltop above Ywa Thit, damaging homes and wounding his daughter, as well as two men and three women in the area.

The clash started in the lower part of our village. After that the two sides exchanged heavy fire, said the man, who spoke on condition of anonymity, citing fear of reprisal.

We dont know where the shell came from as we did not dare to go out. My daughter is still conscious, but I dont know if her brain was affected. She will be taken to Mandalay Hospital for treatment.

A relative of one of the wounded, who declined to be named for security reasons, said that altogether three of the injured were transferred from Muse Hospital to Mandalay Hospital on Wednesday afternoon.

The young girl who was sent to Mandalay has regained consciousnessshe understood what we were saying but she could not respond, the relative said.

The fighting displaced 74 families consisting of at least 410 people from Mong Koe, residents said, adding that most of them are currently sheltering near Myanmars border with China.

They said Chinese authorities have been using loudspeakers to warn refugees not to approach the border fence.

A spokesman for the MNDAA told RFA that details of the fighting were not immediately clear.

Attempts by RFA to contact junta spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun for comment on the clashes in Chin and Northern Shan states went unanswered Wednesday.

Refugee numbers climb

Fighting between the military and the MNDAA resumed in early August in Mong Koe and Pangsai sub-townships. According to reports from both sides, at least 10 people have been killed or wounded in the clashes so far.

Including the more than 400 people who fled Tuesdays fighting, there are now nearly 3,000 people displaced by fighting in Mong Koe township alone.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in September that more than 120,000 people have been displaced by fighting since May 21 in Kayah and southeastern Shan states, as well as tens of thousands in Chin, Kachin, and Karen states, as well as Magway and Sagaing regions.

In late August, OCHA announced that the number of people who need humanitarian aid in Myanmar had increased to nearly two million since the military coup. Those displaced by the recent fighting join more than 500,000 refugees from decades of conflict between the military and EAOs who were already counted as IDPs at the end of 2020, according to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Center, a Norwegian NGO.

Reported by RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
The announcement comes after the regional bloc envoy was not allowed to meet jailed Burmese leaders earlier this week.

Demonstrators call for democracy in Myanmar as they take part in a rally outside the Association of Southeast Asian Nations secretariat building in Jakarta, Indonesia, April 24, 2021.

Southeast Asian foreign ministers will hold an emergency meeting Friday to discuss barring the Burmese junta chief from an upcoming ASEAN summit, Indonesias ambassador to the regional bloc said Thursday.

News of the meeting came after the Burmese junta spokesman confirmed that Erywan Yusof, the special envoy from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, had postponed a trip to Myanmar scheduled for earlier this week.

The Tuesday trip was postponed because Myanmars military leadership did not allow Erywan to meet with all parties, including deposed National League for Democracy (NLD) leader Aung San Suu Kyi, said Ade Padmo Sarwono, Indonesias ASEAN envoy.

The meeting will be closed and limited to discussing the issue of Myanmar, especially information obtained from special envoy Dato Erywan, Ade told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service, when asked if the bloc had decided on Min Aung Hlaings attendance at the Oct. 26 to 28 ASEAN summit.

He said Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmars junta chief, should not be invited to the ASEAN summit because the bloc does not recognize the junta administration.

Ambassador Ade declined to comment on whether the diplomat appointed by the Burmese junta as foreign minister would attend Fridays meeting.

Myanmars military, led by Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, toppled the elected NLD government on Feb. 1, claiming that last years polls were rigged. Since the coup, Burmese security forces have killed close to 1,170 people, mostly anti-coup protesters.

Last week, the ASEAN special envoy told reporters the junta had backtracked on a five-point consensus agreed to by Min Aung Hlaing when he and other ASEAN leaders met in Jakarta on April 24.

Fridays unscheduled meeting to discuss the participation of Min Aung Hlaing was initiated by ASEAN chair Brunei, Ade said.

Until now, Myanmar military-appointed officials have participated in all ASEAN sub-meetings since the coup and splashed photographs of these virtual gatherings on state media and social media.

Myanmar, which became part of the 10-member ASEAN in 1997, has been in a similar position vis-a-vis the bloc before.

It was to take over the revolving chairmanship of ASEAN in 2006 when the country was under military junta rule. But it was persuaded to give the position to the Philippines after Western countries threatened to boycott ASEAN meetings.

NLD denies juntas claim

Meanwhile, the junta did not comment on this weeks upcoming meeting, but after news broke about it on Friday, the foreign ministry posted a statement on Facebook.

Detailing the chronology of its interactions with the ASEAN envoy, the statement essentially said that the envoys Myanmar visit did not take place because the ministry did not agree to certain requests from the envoy.

Myanmar has demonstrated flexibility in any possible ways and means to facilitate the special envoys visit to Myanmar, the statement said.

As Myanmar has been prioritizing peace and tranquility in the country, some requests which go beyond the permission of existing laws will be difficult to be accommodated. In this respect, the special envoy and international community need to show some understanding on such a situation.

Earlier, junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun told Radio Free Asia, a BenarNews sister entity, that the envoy could meet members of all parties who did not face trial, including NLD members.

He said Myanmars junta-appointed election commission had invited all major parties for the meeting on Oct. 12, but U. Bo Oo, a senior NLD leader, took issue with that assertion.

I have not heard that the National League for Democracy (NLD) has been invited yet, the vice-chairman of an NLD township committee told RFA.

Without referring to the trip or its cancellation, the ASEAN envoy had issued a statement Tuesday saying he reiterates his commitment to making a visit to Myanmar, and to be accepted have access to all parties concerned in order to fulfil his role as mandated in the five-point consensus.

The fifth point of that consensus says: The special envoy and delegation shall visit Myanmar to meet with all parties concerned.

In Washington on Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated that the Burmese regime must be accountable to ASEANs five-point consensus.

In a telephone call with Erywan in his capacity as Bruneis second foreign minister, Blinken reaffirmed the need to facilitate a meaningful visit by Foreign Minister II Erywan to Burma to include engagements with all stakeholders.

Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations attend a meeting in Jakarta to discuss the Myanmar crisis, April 24, 2021. [Handout Indonesian Presidential Palace via AFP]

ASEAN leaders may need to step in

Three ASEAN members may well assent to disinviting the Burmese coup leader from the regional summit later this month, based on recent comments by their top diplomats.

On Thursday, Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin said ASEANs credibility would be in question if it let the junta leader and representatives attend any more ASEAN meetings.

Well, we can continue with this keeping  them [Myanmar junta] at a distance, but  if we do, if we relent in any way, our credibility as a real regional organization disappears, Locsin said in a conversation on Friday with the Lowy Institute, an Australian think-tank.

If ASEAN doesnt prevent junta representatives from attending the meeting, were a bunch of guys who always agree with each other on the worthless things, Locsin said.

Malaysias and Indonesias foreign ministers indicated last week that Min Aung Hlaing should not attend the ASEAN summit.

However, ASEAN takes decisions based on consensus, so keeping the junta leader out of the summit would be a significant bridge for ASEAN to cross, said Thomas Daniel, an analyst at Malaysias Institute of Strategic and International Studies.

Member states that have stubbornly clung to the convenience of non-interference, preventing a more effective response to the violence that followed the coup, are likely to continue to do all they can to keep the status quo, Daniel told BenarNews.

Another analyst, Aaron Connelly, from the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said foreign ministers alone may not be able to decide on barring Min Aung Hlaing.

The [member-countries] leaders may need to step in and come to a solution, particularly the Sultan [of Brunei] as ASEAN chair, Connelly said on Twitter.

Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.
Authorities in northwestern Chinas Xinjiang region have implemented comprehensive coronavirus prevention measures and a mandatory lockdown of residents in Ghulja in response to a new outbreak during a peak tourism period, prompting concern by Uyghurs that their families will find it harder to make ends meet.

Locals in Ghulja (in Chinese, Yining), a city in far northern Xinjiang near Kazakhstan, have taken to social media to express their concern about the COVID-19 measures inflicting more hardship on them given that many families have already been devastated by the impact of Chinas system of internment camps that have deprived them of their breadwinners.

Though over 70 percent of Chinas population of 1.4 billion people has been fully vaccinated, the country is struggling to contain sporadic outbreaks of the highly contagious Delta variant of the virus.

Health officials in Ghulja began conducting citywide nucleic-acid testing, a type of diagnostic test that directly detects the virus, in early October after two asymptomatic infections were found in Qorghas (Huocheng), about 90 kilometers (56 miles) west of Ghulja, Chinas state-run Global Times reported.

Officials closed Ghuljas expressway on Oct. 3 and suspended rail travel and flights, advising travelers to wait inside hotels until they were tested, the report said. They also have imposed an indefinite lockdown on city residents.

The move came amid Chinas Golden Week public holiday from Oct. 1 to Oct. 7 during which hundreds of millions of people were expected to travel domestically. Many Chinese remained at home, however, because government officials advised against unnecessary travel and gatherings to prevent further COVID-19 virus outbreaks.

Health authorities in Ghulja told RFA that they are monitoring the situation but that they could not disclose the number of people infected with the virus as they had done at the beginning of 2020.

It can't be reported, one official told RFA.

Chinese media outlets meanwhile are reporting on the situation not based on medical information, but rather according to the directives of the ruling Communist Partys Propaganda Department.

Be brave, my people of Ghulja

Measures implemented during the health crisis in Xinjiang have affected the regions 12 million Uyghurs more than they have the Han Chinese who live there, Uyghur sources told RFA.

The Han Chinese population in Xinjiang enjoys the special protection of the Chinese state, they said, though Uyghur families face daily financial hardship trying to eke out a living with many adults now held in internment camps.

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.

With the vast majority of the workforce now in camps and prisons, residents who need laborers for maintenance and building work have expressed apprehension that the indefinite COVID-19 lockdown will make their lives even more difficult.

Be brave, my people of Ghulja, who have been trapped in their homes since October 3rd.  Especially the businesspeople who depend on daily income. Be patient, there is wisdom in everything, wrote one Uygur resident on social media.

Residents in Ghuljas Khorgos Mazar, Jelilyuzi, Onyar, and Dongmazar districts told RFA by phone that their doors have been locked from the outside and they have been trapped in their homes for at least a week.

The doors are locked, sealed, and we are sitting at home without leaving, said one resident.

Because authorities have ordered no information about the situation to be released during the lockdown, most residents said that the sudden imposition of stay-at-home orders has made it impossible for them to go out and shop for food.

The inability of most residents to move around, or even to go outside into their front yards and backyards, indicates the severity of the restrictions, they said.

Residents also complained that the unexpected lockdown has barred them from going to work and from accessing routine medical care.

Threats of training centers

The head of one 10-family unit  a social structure set up by Chinese authorities in early 2017 to maintain control over Uyghurs by making one person responsible for each group  said that the strict implementation of lockdown rules, along with a warning that those who violate the rules would be taken to training centers, have terrorized local residents.

If we lack food, we need to go get food, but now we cant do this because its breaking the rules, he said.

One village Communist Party secretary in Ghulja said officials told residents not to leave their homes.

We have told them that they should know that if they violate the rules, we will hand them over to the authorities, and the authorities will send them to training, he said.

Because of the lockdown, a pensioner in the Ghulja village of Qash had been unable to take two cows with an unidentified disease to a veterinary hospital or to call a veterinarian.

He told me his two cows are dead, said head of the 10-family unit. They would have been saved if a veterinarian could have come.

Instead, the two pedigree cows, which were the pensioner's main source of income to provide for the 12 children of his three sons detained in internment camps, died in the cowshed, he said.

Other Uyghur families, especially those who have had to rely on charity and community donations, said they now facing food shortages and possible starvation under the lockdown.

A Jelilyuzi district resident, who is facing a food shortage, told RFA that there were many more people in the community like him who were in the same situation.

Instead of eating three meals a day, we now eat only one meal a day, he said. There are many others like us in this neighborhood.

Reported by Shohret Hoshur for RFAs Uyghur Service. Translated by the Uyghur Service. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
In a push to resume talks to revive the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, the European Unions envoy charged with coordinating the negotiations met with Iranian officials in Tehran on October 14, as the blocs foreign policy chief Josep Borrell was in Washington to discuss the matter with his U.S. counterpart.



The nuclear accord, which offered Tehran the lifting of some international sanctions in exchange for a ramping down of its nuclear enrichment program under strict UN supervision, was left in tatters after the United States unilaterally pulled out of the pact in 2018.



The administration of then-President Donald Trump started reimposing crippling sanctions on Iran, while Tehran has progressively rolled back its own commitments to the deal.



Indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran, via intermediaries from other parties to the accord -- Britain, China, France, Germany, and Russia -- began in Vienna in April, but the talks were suspended following the June election of hard-dline Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.



Amid mounting pressure from EU countries and the United States for a swift resumption of talks, visiting EU chief negotiator Enrique Mora met with Iranian deputy foreign minister Ali Bagheri, who in charge of the nuclear file for Iran.



"I will raise the urgency" of resuming the talks, Mora tweeted before his arrival in Tehran.



Bagheri tweeted that the meeting would include talks about the "removal of cruel sanctions."



The EU spokesman on foreign affairs said Mora was in Iran underlining the "urgency of resuming discussions," adding: "We are awaiting the Iranians' response."



Peter Stano also said that Borrell was in Washington to discuss the nuclear accord with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who the previous day warned of "other options" if diplomacy fails.



"A meeting will be called if all parties are in agreement and are all ready," Stano said, adding that there is an urgent need to resume discussions very soon."



U.S. President Joe Biden, who took office in January, has signaled a willingness to return to the nuclear deal, which was designed to prevent Iran from building a nuclear bomb. Tehran insists its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only.



Iranian officials have repeatedly said they were ready to resume talks "soon," but no date has yet been announced.



On October 13, Blinken expressed hope for the success of talks with Iran, but warned that "the runway that we have left to do that is getting shorter and shorter."



As his visiting Israeli counterpart, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, reserved the right to use force against Iran, Blinken told reporters: "We are prepared to turn to other options if Iran doesn't change course."



He did not elaborate.



Tehran warned Israel in a letter to the UN Security Council chief on October 14 against any miscalculation or military adventure targeting Iran and its nuclear program."



In the letter published by the semiofficial Tasnim news agency, Iran's ambassador to the UN Majid Takht Ravanchi accused Israel of taking its "provocative and adventurous threats...to alarming levels."



Israel has been engaged in a shadow war with Iran, targeting its military sites in Syria and carrying out a sabotage campaign against its nuclear program.

With reporting by AFP and dpa
Armenia accused Azerbaijan of serious human rights violations as the two Caucasus states who fought a six-week war last year faced off at the UN court in The Hague on October 14.

Armenian representative Yeghishe Kirakosian made the accusation as a hearing opened at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) into a request by Armenia for judges to impose urgent interim measures to prevent Azerbaijan breaching an international convention to stamp out ethnic discrimination.

The case stems from last year's war over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh that left more than 6,600 people dead. The region is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but had been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces since the end of a separatist war the early 1990s.

Kirakosian said Armenia wasn't asking the court to rule on the root causes of the war, but seeks to prevent and remedy the cycle of violence and hatred perpetrated against ethnic Armenians."

Addressing the court, Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov rejected Armenia's "inaccurate picture" and defended his country's actions in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Azerbaijan also has filed a similar case alleging discrimination against its citizens by Armenia and also has requested the world court to impose interim measures.

Hearings in the Azerbaijan case are scheduled to start on October 25. Rulings on both requests will likely be issued in coming weeks.

Both nations' cases alleging breaches of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination will likely take years to reach their conclusion at the ICJ.

Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognized as being part of Azerbaijan, but the entire territory and seven surrounding districts were controlled by ethnic Armenian forces from the end of a separatist war in 1994 until last year's war.

The two sides have skirmished regularly over the years.

Internationally mediated negotiations under the auspices of the OSCE involving the so-called Minsk Group co-chaired by Russia, the United States, and France, have been unable to produce a lasting settlement of the conflict.

In September 2020, Azerbaijan launched a military offensive that resulted in Baku regaining control of the seven surrounding districts, and a significant chunk of Nagorno-Karabakh itself.

The conflict ended when Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian signed a Russia-brokered cease-fire agreement that granted Azerbaijan control over parts of Nagorno-Karabakh as well as adjacent territories occupied by Armenians.

Armenia says more than 3,700 Armenians and Nagorno-Karabakh residents died in the war. Azerbaijan said it lost 2,900 people.

Late on October 14, Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry said one of its soldiers was killed by sniper fire from Armenian forces located in territory under the control of Russian troops deployed in the area as part of a peace accord.



The ministry said it had called on a joint Russian-Turkish monitoring mission based in Azerbaijan to investigate.



There was no immediate comments from Armenian officials.

With reporting by AP, AFP, and dpa
TBILISI -- Thousands of people have gathered in the center of the Georgian capital demanding the release of jailed former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, whose detention earlier this month deepened a protracted political crisis in the South Caucasus country.



Shouting slogans such as Free Misha and waving national flags, the protesters filled Tbilisis Freedom Square and the citys main thoroughfare, Rustaveli Avenue, in the evening of October 14.



Busloads of riot police were deployed outside the parliament building ahead of the demonstration, according to footage aired on television.



The 53-year-old Saakashvili declared a hunger strike following his arrest on October 1 and incarceration in the city of Rustavi, hours after he announced he had returned to Georgia following an eight-year absence.



Saakashvili was convicted in absentia in 2018 and had lived in Ukraine in recent years.



In an address read out by his lawyer Nika Gvaramia to the protesters, Saakashvili said he had come back to Georgia to contribute to the struggle of the Georgian people against poverty, corruption, injustice, destruction.



He also called for the government linked to billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, to be "defeated" and for Georgia to return to its pro-Western path.

Ahead of the demonstration, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili told journalists that "inmate Saakashvili's sole goal is to stir up destabilisation and upheaval in the country."



The rally ended without reported incident after the participants sang the Georgian national anthem on Freedom Square.



Last month, Saakashvili announced plans to fly home for the October 2 nationwide local elections despite facing prison, claiming he wanted to help "save the country," amid political turmoil triggered last year after opposition parties said elections won by Georgian Dream were rigged.



In this month's vote, Georgia's main opposition force -- the United National Movement (ENM) that Saakashvili founded -- was outpolled decisively by Georgian Dream.



However, the party's mayoral candidates failed to surpass the required 50 percent threshold in the key cities of Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Poti, and Rustavi and runoffs are scheduled for October 30.



Georgia's president from 2004 to 2013, Saakashvili was sentenced in 2018 to a total of nine years in prison in absentia after being convicted of abuse of power in two separate cases. The ex-president has rejected all charges as politically motivated.



Saakashvili's doctor, Nikoloz Kipshidze, said on October 10 he needed to be transferred to hospital as his condition was worsening.



The Justice Ministry later said that Saakashvilis health condition is satisfactory.

With reporting by AFP and Civil.ge
The United States and Israel say they are exploring a Plan B for dealing with Iran if Tehran does not return in good faith to negotiations to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal.



Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said discussions between their two countries had begun on "other options" should Iran reject an offer to come back into compliance with the agreement if the United States rejoins. They did not elaborate on what the options might be.



"We will look at every option to deal with the challenge posed by Iran," Blinken said on October 13 at a joint news conference at the State Department with Lapid and United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed.



The three-way talks were held to try to expand on the so-called Abraham Accords, agreements that were signed under the Trump administration to normalize relations between Israel and the U.A.E. and other Arab states.



Then-President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed tough economic sanctions on Iran. President Joe Biden has signaled a willingness to return to the deal if Tehran returns to full compliance.



Blinken said on October 13 that "time is running short" for Iran to return to compliance with the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), but declined to give a date at which it would be too late.



"We are getting close to a point at which returning to compliance with the JCPOA will not in and of itself recapture the benefits of the JCPOA and that's because Iran has been using this time to advance its nuclear program in a variety of ways," Blinken said.



Lapid was more blunt, repeating Israel's warnings that it will act with military force if necessary to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.



"There are moments when nations must use force to protect the world from evil," he said. "If a terror regime is going to acquire a nuclear weapon we must act. We must make clear that the civilized world won't allow it. If the Iranians don't believe the world is serious about stopping them, they will race to the bomb."

Rob Malley, the U.S. special envoy for Iran, said Washington was ready to consider "all options" if Iran is unwilling to return to compliance with the deal.



"We will be prepared to adjust to a different reality in which we have to deal with all options to address Iran's nuclear program if it's not prepared to come back into the constraints," Malley said on October 13 in a virtual appearance at a Washington think tank.



"There is every possibility that Iran will choose a different path, and we need to coordinate with Israel and other partners in the region," he added.



The State Department said Malley would travel to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia from October 15-21 to coordinate with Persian Gulf allies.



Iran has hinted that it's ready to return to indirect negotiations with the United States in Vienna but has not committed to a date. The talks between Iran and the remaining parties to the agreement -- Britain, China, France, Germany, and Russia -- have been on hold since a June election in Iran that brought to power hard-line cleric Ebrahim Raisi.



Raisi has stressed the need for sanctions to be lifted through diplomatic means amid concerns that his negotiating team could make new demands. Iran has long denied any ambition to acquire nuclear weapons.



Enrique Mora, the top European diplomat coordinating the international talks to revive the deal, is traveling to Iran on October 14 to push for a resumption of the talks.



Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani, who is expected to lead Iran's new negotiating team, confirmed that he would meet Mora.

With reporting by AP and Reuters
North Macedonia received support in its bid to begin European Union membership talks from Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia, a day after Bulgaria said it planned to continue to exercise its veto to block the small Western Balkan nation.

The foreign ministers of the three countries on May 22 voiced support for North Macedonia, along with small neighbor Albania, to start talks with the EU, saying that separate bilateral issues should not block enlargement into the region.

Bulgaria on May 21 said it did not plan to lift its veto on long-delayed accession talks between North Macedonia and the EU over a language and history dispute with its neighbor.

Bulgaria, which joined the EU in 2007, wants Skopje to acknowledge that both its identity and language have Bulgarian roots.

Skopje has long insisted Macedonian is a distinct South Slavic language that forms part of the country's culture and national identity, while Sofia says Macedonian is a regional dialect of Bulgarian.

Unanimity is required from all EU member for the adoption of the negotiating framework.

Austrias Alexander Schallenberg, the Czech Republic's Jakub Kulhanek, and Slovenias Anze Logar arrived in Skopje to offer their backing for EU accession talks, scheduled to start in June.

The three will travel to EU hopeful Albania on May 23.

Kulhanek said it is not fair for an EU member nation to condition the process on a bilateral issue.

This is a crucial time, and we cannot allow [the process] to be stuck with such demands, he said.

Many in the West have urged the EU to speed ascension talks, seeing membership in the bloc as a way to counter Russian and Chinese efforts to gain influence in the region.

European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi and Portuguese Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva, whose country holds the EU's rotating presidency, visited North Macedonia after talks in Sofia.

Zoran Zaev, North Macedonias prime minister, on May 21 said the two EU officials presented a proposal that he said provided a good basis for resolving his countrys dispute with Bulgaria.

Skopje, which first applied for EU membership in 2004, received a positive assessment from the European Commission in 2005.

Macedonia settled a nearly three decade-long dispute with neighboring Greece over the countrys name, leading it to change it to North Macedonia. Athens considers the name Macedonia to refer to one of its regions.

Western Balkan nations Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, and Bosnia-Herzegovina are at various steps in their quests to enter into membership talks with the EU.

With reporting by RFE/RLs Bulgarian and Balkan services, and AP
CHISINAU -- "The legislative elections in Moldova were well-organized," said Russian lawmaker Yaroslav Nilov, who headed the election-monitoring mission of the Commonwealth of Independent State (CIS) during Moldova's July 11 vote. "From the point of view of voting procedures, the observers had no doubt about the legitimacy of the results."

It was one of the vanishingly rare occasions when the assessments of Russian and Western election monitors about a vote in the former Soviet Union were in nearly complete accord.

The elections marked a historic victory for the pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), for the first time in Moldova's post-Soviet history giving a single center-right party a solid majority in the 101-seat legislature.



That win, coupled with PAS founder Maia Sandu's resounding victory over Socialist incumbent Igor Dodon in the presidential election last November, has given the impoverished country "the most pro-EU government in Moldova's history," which could "open the door for reform," according to U.S. think tank Stratfor.



The flip side of this result: Significant defeats for the country's pro-Moscow political forces, particularly Dodon -- who has expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin and met with him several times -- and the Socialists.

Far from signaling a decline in Moscow's interest in Moldova, however, analysts say that, when it comes to Russia's role and interests, the elections were evidence of the Kremlin's dissatisfaction with Dodon and its desire to influence Moldova without assuming responsibility for the economy of Europe's poorest country.

'Blocking Stake'



Vladimir Socor, an analyst with the Jamestown Foundation think tank in Washington, says a big hint regarding Moscow's thinking can be found by looking at the voting in the pro-Russian breakaway region of Transdniester.



"The very low turnout of voters on the left bank of the Dniester River is part of Russia's general policy toward these elections," Socor told RFE/RL's Moldovan Service. "Namely, Russia did not want the Socialist Party to win these elections. Russia did not want the Socialist Party to win the 2020 presidential election either."

"Russia did not make the slightest effort, and it is not the first time," Socor added. "Russia did not make an effort either in the 2016 presidential election or in the 2020 presidential election. Russia did not mobilize voters in Transdniester, nor did it mobilize Russian politicians to support the Socialist Party."



Socor adds that Russia's strategy in Moldova has evolved into seeking "a blocking stake" in the country's politics, rather than trying to corner a controlling interest by "ensuring the victory of pro-Russian forces."



There are indications that Dodon has become a spent political force in Moldova, says analyst Igor Botan, director of the Chisinau-based Association for Participatory Democracy think tank. He argues that Dodon's shift away from traditional socialism toward a Putin-like brand of amorphous, pragmatic conservatism has alienated much of his party's traditional electorate.

"The Socialist Party, once it embraced the ideology of conservatism, was no longer a left-wing party," Botan said. "As for the Communist Party, which claims to be a Marxist party, big questions remain. We remember that, when they were in power, the Communist Party launched the idea of the liberal revolution in Moldova. There are big problems here in terms of consolidating what we conventionally call 'the left.'"



He adds that, in 2002, Communist President Vladimir Voronin signed a decree that initiated Moldova's European integration process and culminated with Moldova's EU Association Agreement in 2014. During the election campaign, Voronin surprisingly pushed the idea of a constitutional amendment enshrining Moldova's European integration strategy.

"This shows that the segment identified as 'the left,' in fact, has no ideological or geopolitical pivot that could make us confident of this political force as the opposition in parliament," Botan said.



The nascent Civic Congress movement, founded in 2019, attempted unsuccessfully to pick up the mantle of the left and failed to win any seats in the new parliament.



Vadim Pristrinciuc, a former lawmaker and director of the Chisinau-based Institute for Strategic Studies, adds that Dodon undermined his own support in the ethnic Turkish region of Gagauzia, which is traditionally staunchly pro-Russian and fearful that pro-European politicians are plotting to unite Moldova with Romania.

"Dodon and the Socialist Party made very specific promises to Gagauzia and didn't follow through," Pristrinciuc said, citing issues related to autonomy and economic development. "In Gagauzia it is better not to promise anything than to promise and not deliver."



"We must admit that it is a collapse for Igor Dodon as a political leader," analyst Botan summarized.

'Inveterate Loser'



From Moscow's point of view, Socor says, after setbacks in the 2019 legislative elections and the loss of the 2020 presidential ballot, "Dodon is an inveterate loser."



At the same time, the once stark divide between Moldova's pro-Russian and pro-European electorates has become much vaguer as the generation that lived under the Soviet Union has become less influential.



"The profile of the electorate has changed," Pristrinciuc said, "and based on that I don't think they are still willing to bet on purely pro-Russian parties. They will flirt with pro-European ideas."



And the pro-European PAS must contend with the fact that much of its electorate expects the government -- while combating corruption and implementing systemic reforms -- to maintain good relations with Moscow.



While searching for a new, more viable political force to back in Moldova and maintaining its powerful grip over breakaway Transdniester, Moscow will likely "demonstrate a maximum openness for constructive relations with the new government and President Maia Sandu -- at least at the beginning," Socor said.



And that initial impulse toward "maximum openness" appears to be mutual, according to a statement by PAS leaders.



"We said from the beginning that we did not enter politics to be against anyone," PAS legislator Virgiliu Paslariuc told RFE/RL on July 14. "We want to work together with everyone." He added that relations with Russia will be based on "pragmatism."



Socor argues that Moscow does not want to take primary responsibility for Moldova's "economic maintenance" and is unwilling to further exacerbate relations with the West over the tiny country during Russia's own legislative election year and in view of the "complicated" situation in Ukraine.



"Moldova is not of strategic interest to Russia," he said. "Russia has a gradual agenda, and Moldova is not a priority at this time. Russia wants to keep Moldova in a gray area with a so-called multi-vector or balanced foreign policy."

Written by Robert Coalson based on reporting from Chisinau by Valentina Ursu and Vasile Botnaru of RFE/RL's Moldovan Service. RFE/RL's Russian Service also contributed to this report.
A Russian court has imposed one year of restrictions on the freedom of movement on Anastasia Vasilyeva, the head of the Alliance of Doctors labor union, who used to treat jailed Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, after finding her guilty of breaching COVID-19 safety rules.

Vasilyeva was prosecuted for urging people earlier this year to join a protest against Navalny's imprisonment that authorities said was illegal due to COVID-19 safety restrictions.

In March, the Alliance of Doctors was placed on the state's controversial "foreign agents" list, which has been used to stymie monitoring groups and the media, to disqualify prominent opposition candidates, to drive opposition leaders to flee the country, and to restrict access to volunteers and fundraising for any person or group placed on it.

Vasilyeva treated Navalny in 2017 for an injury to his right eye after he was targeted by Kremlin supporters, and voiced support for him after the opposition leader's arrest earlier this year.

But she publicly broke ties with the Kremlin critic's exiled associates last month as the authorities stepped up a crackdown against them.

In a Facebook post on September 16, Vasilyeva accused Navalny's now-defunct Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) of leaving her and her team without any support after "using" them, saying that Navalny associates Leonid Volkov, Ivan Zhdanov, and Maria Pevchikh, who currently live outside of Russia, "are ruining everything that we once created."

Vasilyeva's post sparked a heated reaction online, with many believing that she was forced to make the statement on the eve of parliamentary elections as the Kremlin-backed ruling party, United Russia, which has seen its support slump, looked to retain power.

Vasilyeva, who famously played her piano while police ransacked her apartment in January during a crackdown over the past year against Navalny and his allies, had been under increasing pressure from the authorities.

Some compared Vasilyeva's situation with that of Belarusian blogger Raman Pratasevich, once a critic of his country's strongman leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka and his crackdown on the opposition.

Pratasevich was arrested along with his girlfriend in Minsk on May 23 after Belarusian authorities forced their Ryanair flight from Athens to Vilnius to land in the Belarusian capital. He later changed his public stance and views on the political situation in Belarus, a move many opposition leaders say appeared to be made under duress.

The beginning of the year marked Navalny's return to Russia following treatment in Germany for a nerve-agent poisoning he claims was carried out by Russian security agents at Putin's behest.

Navalny was arrested and subsequently sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison for a parole violation on a charge that he denounces as politically motivated.

Thousands of Russians were detained during nationwide protests calling for his release and later the FBK and his network of regional offices were shut down as "extremist" organizations.

With reporting by Reuters and TASS
Imprisoned Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny says his supporters who have left Russia in the face of growing repression can continue their efforts to oppose the Russian government from abroad.



"We have not emigrated but have been forced to temporarily change the location of our office," Navalny wrote in a letter to his employees and associates published by the Latvia-based independent news site Meduza on October 13.



Navalny urged his supporters not to think about what harm may come to him when they publish materials and investigations.



"Publish. Be careful. Work without looking back. We are not negotiating with the hostage-taking terrorists," Navalny said in the letter.



Navalny said that leading members of his organizations, including Ivan Zhdanov and Leonid Volkov, who are among several Navalny associates who have fled the country this year, had rebuilt the infrastructure of his groups abroad.



He thanked Volkov and Zhdanov along with Lyubov Sobol, Maria Pevchikh, and others for being able to preserve the infrastructure of his team under pressure. He also asked supporters who were forced to leave Russia not to think that they are "foreign opposition" but to continue working for the good of the country.



"It is not yet clear what kind of animal we will become, but definitely beautiful. And fast. And brave. And with sharp teeth," Navalny said.



Navalny's letter also gave a renewed assessment of his voting system's success in the September parliamentary elections, which he said "gouged" the United Russia party.



But Navalny also admitted that the Russian authorities used every opportunity to stop his Smart Voting strategy, and they "basically succeeded." However, he said the Russian leadership will pay a great price for this.

Navalny is one of the most prominent opponents of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He was arrested in Moscow in January after returning from Germany, where he was treated for a near-fatal nerve-agent poisoning.



He and his supporters say the poisoning was carried out by Federal Security Service (FSB) operatives at the behest of Putin in retribution for Navalny's political activities. The Kremlin has denied any role in the incident.



In February, Navalny was convicted of violating the terms of a suspended sentence related to an embezzlement case that he has called politically motivated. The remainder of Navalny's suspended sentence, 2 1/2 years, was then replaced with a real prison term.



A Moscow court in June declared Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) political network "extremist," but its members pledged to continue their efforts to campaign for change and expose corruption in the upper echelons of power.



The Moscow City Court ruling prevents people associated with the FBK from and his collection of regional political offices from seeking public office.



Putin, meanwhile, on October 13 said that Navalny and other opposition figures were being held in prison for breaking laws, not for their political activities.



"They have been repeatedly forgiven for their violations of the law, but at some point there had to be consequences," Putin told international attendees at Russian Energy Week.

With reporting by dpa and Meduza
The head of the Russian sovereign fund that has backed development of Sputnik V says Russia is ready to provide up to 300 million doses of the vaccine to the COVAX initiative, the UN-backed program designed to share vaccines more evenly around the world.



That's despite the lack of World Health Organization (WHO) approval of Sputnik V and production issues that are drawing concerns worldwide.



Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO Kirill Dmitriyev and the WHO had different views on October 13 on when the Russian vaccine would get the WHO's stamp of approval, which is required before the vaccine can be used in the COVAX program.



Dmitriyev said the Russian vaccine will be made available to COVAX once it is approved by the WHO. He expects the approval to come in the next two months.



"We believe that we can supply COVAX around 200 million doses a year --200 to 300 million," Dmitriyev said in an interview with the AP. "We just need the WHO approval to work with COVAX."



But Mariangela Simao, the WHO's assistant director-general for access to health products, wouldn't make any commitment to a timetable.



She said the approval process for Sputnik V was currently on hold, and once the legal procedures are sorted out, "we will reopen the assessment, which includes the submission of the data in the dossier...and resuming the inspections in the sites in Russia."



The timeline will depend on when the WHO gets the legal procedures done and then it will be able to assess what would be the next step and how long it will take, Simao said at a briefing in Geneva.



Sputnik V is already being used in 70 countries around the world. Some government officials, particularly in Latin America, have expressed concerns they aren't getting the vaccine's second shot in time to properly inoculate their people.

Also on October 13, the WHO says the number of global coronavirus cases fell in the last week, continuing a downward trend that began in late August.



The agency said there were about 2.8 million new cases and 46,000 confirmed deaths in the last week, a drop of 7 percent and 10 percent respectively. Europe reported a 7 percent rise in cases, while all other world regions reported a decrease.



WHO says Europe also had the biggest rise in deaths in the previous week, with 11 percent more COVID-19 deaths. WHO says the highest numbers of new cases in Europe were reported in Britain, Turkey, and Russia.

With reporting by AP and Reuters
The Russian Justice Ministry has designated a human rights organization in the Far Eastern region of Yakutia a foreign agent," as the authorities continue to tighten their grip on civil society across the country.



The nongovernmental group Yakutia - Our Opinion appeared on the list of "foreign media agents on October 14, bringing the number of people and organizations on the register to 86.



The head of the organization, Stepan Petrov, was designated in August. He has written about corruption in Yakutia and called for a criminal investigation into the activities of the regions head, Aisen Nikolaev.



Being labeled as a foreign agent obligates individual journalists and media organizations to register with authorities and label their content with an intrusive disclaimer, with criminal fines for not doing so.



That has led to several media organizations shutting down as they lose revenues from spooked advertisers.



The designation also restricts other media from citing a foreign agent organization without including a disclaimer.



Hours after the editor in chief of Russia's best-known independent newspapers won the Nobel Peace Prize on October 14, the Justice Ministry designated a dozen new journalists and media organizations, including five RFE/RL journalists, in what RFE/RL President Jamie Fly called just the latest attempt to silence independent media in Russia.
When news emerged on October 12 that Sergei Zuyev, rector of the prestigious Moscow School of Social and Economic Sciences  known as Shaninka -- had been detained in connection with a fraud investigation against a former education official, the arrest was quickly framed by critics as the latest salvo in the Kremlins ongoing crackdown against dissent.

This is complete trash, tweeted Lyubov Sobol, an exiled aide to jailed opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, alleging that law enforcement officials were targeting the school to facilitate corruption. Hands off Shaninka!

Zuyevs blood pressure exceeded 200, and the 67-year-old was suffering from acute hypertension when he was taken from a Moscow hospital late in the evening of October 11 and placed under arrest, a friend later wrote on Facebook.

Zuyev had been the head of Shaninka for more than a decade.

The school is one of four Russian universities that have launched highly regarded U.S.-style liberal arts programs and have helped pave the way for the model to spread in a country where education continues to be heavily influenced by staid Soviet-era practices and hampered by inadequate funding.

In a statement, Russias Interior Ministry said Zuyevs arrest was tied to an ongoing probe into Marina Rakova, a former deputy education minister who was detained last week on charges of embezzlement.

The ministry alleged that Rakova had lobbied for the redirection of state grants toward an educational foundation that was meant to finance projects at Shaninka under Zuyevs oversight but misused the funds.

Zuyev, who was placed under house arrest on October 13, denies the charges.

His supporters have rallied to his cause, alleging that he fell victim to a criminal case that was opportunistically used to target a plucky school that some officials see as an incubator of dissent. On October 12, Zuyevs pregnant daughter, Daria, held a picket outside the police headquarters in Moscow, holding a poster that read: Release Sergei Zuyev. No to fabricated cases.

In addition, more than 200 of the university's students havesigned an open letter in Zuyev's defense.

A New, Ruthless Campaign?

Aleksandr Arkhangelsky, a professor at Moscows Higher School of Economics (HSE) who said he has known Zuyev for a quarter of a century, said the veteran pedagogue had been used as collateral after previously resisting officials attempts to shut Shaninka down.

He fell between the millstones of a criminal case [against Rakova],he told RFE/RLs Russian Service. They were simply looking for an excuse to rope her into a criminal case. And the easiest way was to point to a grant and say it wasnt used.

But recent developments surrounding another liberal arts program, the countrys oldest, have prompted fears that the moves against Zuyev augur a new, more ruthless campaign against Shaninka and Russian liberal arts education in general.

On June 21, less than two weeks before students at Smolny College in St. Petersburg gathered for their graduation ceremony, the Russian Prosecutor-General's Office declared Bard College -- Smolnys partner institution in the United States -- an "undesirable" organization representing "a threat to the foundations of Russia's constitutional order." Any involvement with the school suddenly became a potential crime.

This is simply a coordinated campaign of pressure against Shaninka, opposition politician Yulia Galyamina told RFE/RLs Russian Service about Zuyevs arrest. Russia has few remaining intellectual centers where modern forms of humanitarian study are blooming. And its clear that none of the people in power today needs them."

The Moscow School of Social and Economic Sciences was founded in 1995 by Polish-born British sociologist Teodor Shanin, who opened the school with funding from the Open Society Institute, a nongovernmental organization created and funded by billionaire George Soros. The schools graduates have gone on to join prestigious foreign universities and take high-status jobs in the Russian public and private sectors.

But the university has faced pressure just like Smolny, HSE, and other outspoken institutions in Russia. In June 2018, it was stripped of its license as a university, with officials citing vague reasons for the move but critics alleging that the university was being targeted for its liberal stance. The license was reinstated in 2020, returning to Shaninka the right to issue state-recognized diplomas.

Everyone in academia should be aware that there are no protected people, said Arkhangelsky, warning of a new purge. Its not enough to be obedient  you have to be absolutely loyal. But even that wont save you. They can take away anyone they want.

With reporting by Lyubov Chizhova of RFE/RLs Russian Service
Jailed Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, a group of Afghan women, and a jailed Bolivian opposition politician are the final three candidates for the European Parliament's top human rights prize.



The announcement of the shortlisted finalists for this year's Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought was made on October 14 in Brussels by David McAllister, chairman of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee.



McAllister said the nomination of the 12 Afghan women was "a strong signal of support for safeguarding women's rights and fundamental rights and those who defend them not only in Afghanistan but also worldwide."



The Afghan women include: Shaharzad Akbar, Mary Akrami, Zarifa Ghafari, Palwasha Hassan, Freshta Karim, Sahraa Karimi, Metra Mehran, Horia Mosadiq, Sima Samar, Habiba Sarabi, and Anisa Shaheed.



McAllister said the nomination of Navalny "recognizes and underscores the efforts of a courageous individual to stand up for democratic governance, the rule of law, civic freedoms, and the fight against corruption."

Navalny was jailed in January after returning to Russia from Germany, where he was treated for a poisoning he said was ordered by the Kremlin, a charge Moscow denies.



Navalny was subsequently sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison on a parole violation charge that he denounces as politically motivated.



The third and final candidate shortlisted for the Sakharov Prize is Jeanine Anez, a jailed Bolivian opposition politician.



The winner is due to be announced on October 21, with the award ceremony scheduled to take place in Strasbourg on December 15.



The 50,000-euro ($58,000) Sakharov prize, which recognizes human rights activists and dissidents around the world, is awarded annually in memory of Soviet scientist and dissident Andrei Sakharov.



Last year, the prize was awarded to Belarus's democratic opposition, which staged weeks of protests against Alyaksandr Lukashenka following a disputed presidential election that the strongman claimed to have won, but which the opposition and the West said was heavily rigged in his favor.
SOMBOR, Serbia -- For providing migrants with a place to sleep at his hostel in Sombor in northwestern Serbia, Sinisa Sevo has been labeled a traitor by Serbian right-wing extremists and targeted with death threats on social media.

His photo and those of five others, plus personal data, were included on posters that were plastered across the city of some 80,000 by the far-right group Peoples Patrol, which accused the six of profiting by illegally providing accommodation to migrants.

This is a small town. And when someone labels you like that, it matters, Sevo told RFE/RLs Balkan Service.

Police say they are investigating, but in the meantime, Sevo has been forced to shut down his hostel.

Serbia currently accommodates some 5,000 refugees and migrants, according to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR. The country is on the so-called Balkan route that is used by migrants and refugees escaping conflict, hardship, and persecution.

The number of migrants illegally entering the European Union by crossing the Western Balkans has almost doubled this year, EU border agency Frontex said in August, with the majority coming from Syria and Afghanistan.

In Sombor, not far from the border with EU members Croatia and Hungary, refugees and migrants are housed in a state-run center that is unable to cope with the numbers. Private hostels, like those run by Sevo, have stepped up to fill the gap, something right-wing extremists dont like. They have marched in Sombor and other Serbian cities over the past year and carried out other actions, including confronting and threatening migrants, fueling fears and prejudices amid an already tense situation, observers say.

People mostly from the Middle East and Asia have stayed at his hostel over the last year, Sino said.

Onslaught Of Hatred

On October 9, posters including the photos and data of those accused by Peoples Patrol of profiting from the migrant crisis appeared across Sombor. On social media, the right-wing extremist group spread the same accusations.

"Sombor citizens, these are your neighbors who illegally rent out accommodation to migrants, the group wrote on its Facebook page, which has more than 43,000 followers.

That triggered an onslaught of hatred, says Sevo.

There have been comments like, Hang them from trees, Sevo recounted.

Others called those targeted traitors who "should be expelled from the country with the migrants.

Sevo said his concerns grew after his wife began to receive threatening messages on social media as well.

At first, I didnt take it seriously, but after a while I began to worry, especially about my family, he said.

On October 12, those singled out on the posters filed a report --including details of the threats they had received on social media -- with police, who said their complaint would be forwarded to local prosecutors.

Now we are waiting to see whether the prosecutors will take action, Sevo said.

The Serbian Interior Ministry confirmed to RFE/RL that such a report had been received by police in Sombor and that it would be forwarded to the prosecutors office for further proceedings.

A day after the posters appeared, Peoples Patrol organized a demonstration, with chants of We dont want migrants heard as a few dozen protesters marched through the streets of Sombor.

The right-wing activists are escalating an already tense situation in the city, where many migrants are forced to sleep in parks and elsewhere because of the shortage of accommodations.

"They are literally harassing them (refugees) They are literally looking for a reason to attack them," says Sevo.

His hostel and others providing shelter to migrants have been closed by police amid the pressure from the right-wing activists, and for violating Serbian law.

Fertile Ground For Extremists

Under Serbian legislation, only migrants who have formally applied for asylum can legally be provided with private accommodation. Hoping to reach the EU, most migrants do not apply in Serbia.

The authorities needed to take firm action to counter the campaign launched in Sombor by Peoples Patrol, opined Rados Djurovic, a member of the Belgrade-based NGO Center for Protection and Assistance to Asylum Seekers.

"Such expressions of prejudice, even hatred, are illegal and must be prosecuted," Djurovic said.

Poor communication between officials running migrant centers and the local populations where such facilities are located has fueled fears and prejudices, ratcheting up tensions, Djurovic said.

Serbia has 20 refugee centers  including the one in Sombor  that are managed by the Serbian Commissariat for Refugees and Migration.

That agencys mismanagement of those centers, according to Djurovic, has created a critical mass of problems that are fertile ground for extremist parties and movements that operate by stoking fear and prejudice.

Djurovic said the refugee agency's mismanagement has meant that as many as 1,000 migrants mill about the refugee center, unable to find shelter. In turn, Djurovic continues, they are preyed on by those offering to smuggle them out of Serbia at exorbitant prices.

The Commissariat for Refugees and Migration did not immediately respond to RFE/RL's request for comment on the situation in Sombor.

The so-called Peoples Patrols date back to 2020, when they first appeared in several Serbian cities, organizing anti-migrant protests and other actions, some of which they have shared on social media networks.

Damjan Knezevic, who identifies himself as a leader of the group, posted a video to social media in February 2020 showing a group of hooded men confronting what appears to be a group of migrants and refugees in downtown Belgrade, telling them they would "have a problem" if Serb women and men were attacked.

Although the Serbian Interior Ministry later confirmed to RFE/RL that police had forwarded details of the incident to prosecutors, the Prosecutors Office of Serbia did not respond to requests for comment from RFE/RL.

RFE/RL senior correspondent Tony Wesolowsky contributed to this report.
Near SHAYMAK, Tajikistan -- In a remote stretch of land near the Wakhan Corridor not far from Tajikistans mountainous border with northeastern Afghanistan, China's regional ambitions are adjusting to a new reality on the ground.

Next to an old Soviet outpost and believed to have existed for at least five years, a collection of strategically located buildings and lookout towers controlled by Chinese troops are part of Beijing's nascent but growing hard-power footprint in the region focused on security in neighboring Afghanistan.

Though both the Chinese and Tajik governments officially deny the existence of the base and Chinese personnel, a visit by an RFE/RL source near the compound and the surrounding area saw Beijings first military footprint in Central Asia in full swing as it finds itself at a crossroads following the Talibans August takeover of Afghanistan.

Through interviews with current and former officials in Afghanistan and Tajikistan, details provided by people living near Chinas unofficial military base, expert analysis, and observations by an RFE/RL source in the area, an image emerges of a rising China slowly shifting its role into security matters in the region.

But that image is one that Beijing finds increasingly complicated.

China is navigating increasingly strained ties between the Tajik government and the Taliban and searching for a way to cooperate with Afghanistan's new Taliban regime in order to protect its regional interests, particularly targeting Uyghur extremists in Afghanistan, which Beijing has blamed for attacks in its western Xinjiang Province and still views as a threat.

"The situation in Afghanistan is awkward for China," Haiyun Ma, an associate professor at Frostburg State University who studies Beijings relations with countries in Central and South Asia, told RFE/RL. "You have a Taliban regime that has ties to terrorists, including Uyghur [extremist] groups, but Beijing is exploring how much it can work together [with it]."

Details about the Chinese military site, such as its funding and ownership, are unclear, as is the exact nature of Chinas mission along the Tajik-Afghan border.

But local residents describe regular sightings of military drones flying overhead and the presence of surveillance equipment. While RFE/RL could not independently corroborate which country operates the drones, their use points to a growing monitoring role at the facilities.

Two locals who had visited the facilities on multiple occasions and spoke to RFE/RL under condition of anonymity said the site consisted of Chinese, Afghan, and Tajik personnel and that an arrangement allowed for information to be gathered and shared among all three parties.

But the Talibans return to power in Kabul has disrupted this cooperation, according to a Tajik government source who spoke to RFE/RL on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to the media.

According to the official, the Afghan contingent has not been replaced since the fall of the Western-backed government in Kabul on August 15. Afghan troops had previously rotated out every two months, he said, but the facilities now only consist of Chinese and Tajik personnel.

This presents another wrinkle for Beijing as it looks to solidify its presence in Tajikistan and adjust to the shifting situation in Afghanistan, particularly how willing and able the Taliban is to cooperate on counterterrorism.

Beijing has forged a pragmatic and, at times, tense working relationship with the Taliban over the decades, and RFE/RL reported earlier this month -- citing Afghan and Tajik military sources -- that the Taliban relocated Uyghur fighters from an area near Afghanistan's 76-kilometer border with China.

China has moved to expand its military links to the region as well, conducting bilateral military exercises with Central Asian countries bordering Afghanistan and forming in 2001 the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) -- a Beijing-led security bloc that also includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, India, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

China also funded and trained an Afghan brigade that operated in the Wakhan Corridor, according to a 2018 report by Hong Kong's South China Morning Post, a report that Beijing denied, saying it had not built a training camp and there will be "no Chinese military personnel on Afghan soil."

"China sees counterterrorism as an effective way to address its concerns and expand its influence in Central Asia," said Ma.

China's stepped-up security presence is driven in part by a desire to protect its investments and by Beijing's view that Central Asia can act as a bulwark against extremism in Xinjiang -- where the Chinese government has imprisoned more than 1 million Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and other Muslim minorities in internment camps.

The Chinese government has faced severe international criticism for human rights abuses in Xinjiang and some Western parliaments have accused the camp system as amounting to genocide, but Beijing has justified its crackdown as necessary in order to curb Islamist extremism in the area.

The militants are believed to be members of the Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP) -- a Uyghur extremist group that Beijing blames for unrest in Xinjiang and refers to by its former name, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM).

The Taliban allowed Uyghur fighters to operate in Afghanistan during its rule in the 1990s and is believed to still have links to them. China has demanded on multiple occasions that the Taliban cut any ties with the militants.

But while the reported relocation marked a sign of coordination between the Taliban and Beijing, it is unclear if the group will hand over the fighters to Chinese authorities, an official in Tajikistan's state border services, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told RFE/RL.

"The question is whether China can expect the Taliban to be a reliable partner," said Ma. "The Talibans ideology means there will be limits on what it is willing to do to work with Beijing."

Outpost On Chinas Western Frontier

While the Chinese deployment in Tajikistan represents a strategic and symbolic step by Beijing toward playing a bigger part in the region's security matters, it is a modest presence in a remote area located more than 132 kilometers from Murghab, the nearest town, which has a population of about 4,000.

But the unofficial base is part of a wider expansion of Chinese economic and political influence across Central and South Asia in recent years under the guise of President Xi Jinpings signature, multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative, of which the Tajik government has become an enthusiastic partner.

China has moved to expand its military links to the region as well, conducting bilateral military exercises with Central Asian countries bordering Afghanistan and forming in 2001 the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) -- a Beijing-led security bloc that also includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, India, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

China also funded and trained an Afghan brigade that operated in the Wakhan Corridor, according to a 2018 report by Hong Kong's South China Morning Post, a report that Beijing denied, saying it had not built a training camp and there will be "no Chinese military personnel on Afghan soil."

"China sees counterterrorism as an effective way to address its concerns and expand its influence in Central Asia," said Ma.

China's stepped-up security presence is driven in part by a desire to protect its investments and by Beijing's view that Central Asia can act as a bulwark against extremism in Xinjiang -- where the Chinese government has imprisoned more than 1 million Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and other Muslim minorities in internment camps.

The Chinese government has faced severe international criticism for human rights abuses in Xinjiang and some Western parliaments have accused the camp system as amounting to genocide, but Beijing has justified its crackdown as necessary in order to curb Islamist extremism in the area.

This focus on Xinjiang is reflected in the deployment in Tajikistan.

A 2019 Washington Post report found that Chinese personnel at the base were distinct from the People's Liberation Army, Chinas main military force, and were instead paramilitary units, likely from the People's Armed Police.

That paramilitary unit has conducted drills in recent years with Central Asian militaries and hosted officers at its training academies. The People's Armed Police has also played a prominent role in the repression of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang.

Concerns over the porous borders of Afghanistan and Tajikistan also led to a secret agreement between both countries and Beijing that The Wall Street Journal reported in 2019 granted China the right to repair or expand 30 to 40 preexisting outposts on the Tajik side of the border.

The alleged agreements have led to Chinese personnel replacing their Tajik counterparts along lengthy sections of the Tajik-Afghan border where they patrol on their own, according to the report. A Tajik official confirmed this account to RFE/RL.

"The overall numbers of Uyghur fighters [are] small, and China has exaggerated them, [but] Afghanistan now has the potential to become a magnet and safe haven for jihadi groups of all stripes," Daniel Markey, a former State Department official and expert on South Asia at the U.S. Institute of Peace, told RFE/RL. "China has legitimate reasons to want to better seal up its land border."

China's 'War On Terror'

Chinese military strategists and policymakers have long been anxious about the potential threats of extremism in the Middle East and Central Asia spreading to China.

In a 2014 speech by President Xi to the country's communist leadership -- obtained as part of a leak of documents by The New York Times in 2019 -- the Chinese leader warned that conflict in Afghanistan and Syria could directly affect Xinjiang and amplify risks for China.

Uyghur militants had traveled to and fought in both countries, Xi said, and could return to western China as experienced fighters to push for their cause of an independent homeland that they call East Turkestan.

"After the United States pulls troops out of Afghanistan, terrorist organizations positioned on the frontiers of Afghanistan and Pakistan may quickly infiltrate Central Asia," the Chinese leader said. "East Turkestans terrorists -- who have received real war training in Syria and Afghanistan -- could at any time launch terrorist attacks in Xinjiang," he claimed.

It was these concerns that led to Beijing taking up its current foothold in Tajikistan, Edward Lemon, an expert on Central Asia at Texas A&M University, told RFE/RL.

"The building of the facility in Tajikistan was directly linked to the perception by the Chinese government that the border between Tajikistan and China was a weak spot through which Uyghur militants based in Afghanistan could pass," he said.

For decades, Beijing has moved to suppress all forms of Uyghur resistance to its rule. Muslim ethnic minorities make up the majority of Xinjiangs population of 25 million, with Uyghurs -- who speak a Turkic language and have long faced discrimination and restrictions on their cultural and religious activities -- the largest among them.

The push for an independent homeland has long been a nonviolent political cause for many Uyghurs in China and abroad, but that desire coupled with repression against the ethnic group has also fueled a more extreme movement willing to carry out anti-Chinese violence over the years.

In the 1990s, ETIM, a Uyghur militant group fighting to separate from China, emerged in Afghanistan and received protection from the Taliban.

Beijing later courted and negotiated with the Taliban leadership to cut ties with the group and, similar to now, former Taliban leader Mullah Omar relocated the fighters and restrained the militants' activities. But they stopped short of expelling ETIM or handing them over to Chinese authorities.

Beijing accused ETIM of helping to orchestrate attacks inside China, but little was heard from the group throughout the 2000s, especially after its leader was killed in 2003. That was until the group calling itself TIP issued a video in 2008 in which it threatened to attack China during that year's Summer Olympics, held in Beijing. TIP said it was a successor to ETIM, although China continues to call it by the older name.

TIP has grown because of Syria, where thousands of Uyghurs who left China are believed to have gone since 2014, adding to fears that they could relocate to Afghanistan or other areas neighboring Chinas western border.

While Western officials and analysts question the ability of Uyghur militants to carry out significant attacks inside China, a surge in anti-government incidents in Xinjiang -- including 2009 ethnic riots and a May 2014 attack on an outdoor market that killed 39 people -- helped fuel Beijings current crackdown on Uyghurs.

At home, this took the form of a "peoples war" on terrorism, which escalated into the current camp system in Xinjiang. Abroad, this led to an extended campaign to target, surveil, intimidate, and extradite Uyghurs of all backgrounds around the world.

Research published in June by the Uyghur Human Rights Project and the Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs suggests at least 395 Uyghurs have been deported, extradited, or rendered back to China since 1997, though the true figure could be higher.

Complicated Partners

Militant threats remain the focus of China's unofficial presence in Tajikistan, but the facilities and Beijing's counterterrorism agenda are also linked to the country's complicated geopolitical relationship with Russia, as well as the current tense relationship between the Taliban and the Tajik government.

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia has maintained its edge as Central Asias main security guarantor and sees the region as part of its traditional sphere of influence, even while the Kremlin has come to accept China's economic supremacy.

Moscow maintains a 7,000-troop military base outside of Dushanbe, the Tajik capital, and has begun to reinforce its security footprint in the country with tanks and heavy weaponry following the Taliban's return to power.

Wary of provoking Moscow, Beijing moved cautiously as it expanded its presence in Tajikistan.

In 2017, the Development Research Center, an influential Beijing-based think tank linked to Chinas cabinet, hosted a handful of prominent Russian researchers to probe their reactions to a Chinese security deployment in Tajikistan.

Alexander Gabuev, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Moscow Center, was one of the participants. He told RFE/RL that the private meeting was focused on explaining China's motivations for such a presence and that its purpose was for logistics and monitoring rather than a formal military base.

"It was mostly about sensing where the Kremlin's red lines would be on certain issues and what Moscow could or couldn't tolerate from China in Tajikistan," Gabuev said, noting that the participants were asked whether the use of private mercenaries or official Chinese personnel would be more tolerable for Russia.

Both China and Russia have concerns about instability spreading from Afghanistan and of the country becoming a staging ground for terrorist groups, but the arrival of Chinese servicemen in Central Asia was initially an unwelcome development for the Kremlin, Gabuev said.

"[The base] was an unpleasant surprise for Russia, but Moscow understands quite well that the Chinese military presence will be limited to Tajikistan," he said. "[The Kremlin] doesnt want a broader Chinese expansion across the region, but since China is already there they will look to cooperate."

China and Russia have thus far looked to solidify their defenses around Afghanistan and have cautiously engaged with the Taliban, but swelling tension between Kabul and Dushanbe could also further complicate Beijing's ambitions in the region.

Emomali Rahmon, Tajikistans autocratic president, has accused the Taliban of carrying out "terrible violence" against the Afghan people and said he will not recognize a Taliban government that fails to reflect the ethnic diversity of Afghanistan. Dushanbe has also hosted several exiled politicians and former officials from the Afghan government that was ousted by the Taliban in August.

These acts have led to a spiraling row between the two sides and raised the possibility of cross-border violence. An official in Dushanbe raised the alarm when he said ethnic Tajiks from Afghanistan who had fought with the Taliban were planning to cross over into Tajikistan and were amassing weaponry, RFE/RL reported.

This led to Salam Hanafi, the Taliban's acting deputy prime minister, to warn Tajikistan not to interfere in Afghanistan's domestic affairs, saying that "every action has a reaction."

The escalation has already prompted the Kremlin to react, with Moscow saying Russia is ready to protect Tajikistan in the event of any incursions from neighboring Afghanistan.

The outbreak of fighting between the two sides remains low at the moment, says Lemon, but the added tensions are an unwelcome development for Beijing.

"This could put [China] in a difficult situation if fighting came near where Chinese troops are stationed," he said.

Preparing For A New Era

A suicide bombing on October 8 at the Gozar-e Sayed Abad Mosque in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz killed at least 50 people and injured more than 140 others in the deadliest attack since U.S.-led international forces withdrew from the country.

The attack was claimed by Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), the Afghan affiliate of the terrorist group that remains violently opposed to Taliban rule.

The Amaq News Agency, the group's official propaganda organ, also claimed that the attacker was a Uyghur militant who joined the group and carried out the bombing because the Taliban was working with China to "expel and oust [Uyghurs]" from Afghanistan.

While the bomber's identity has not been independently confirmed, the development gets to the heart of what many analysts say is a central challenge for China as it focuses on counterterrorism in the new Afghanistan.

The base in Tajikistan and the thrust of Beijings efforts have concentrated on securing Chinese borders and preventing militants from staging attacks inside the country. But with targeting China itself becoming more difficult, many militants have shifted their focus to Chinese targets spread out across Central and South Asia.

Kyrgyzstan's state security service said that a 2016 suicide bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Bishkek was carried out by an Uyghur militant from TIP and was financed by Al-Qaedas Nusra Front. Islamic State, meanwhile, took credit for kidnapping and killing two Chinese teachers in Pakistan in 2017.

Pakistan, which is home to nearly $60 billion worth of Chinese investment into infrastructure through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), also saw a series of violent assaults from different groups against Chinese workers in July and August, including two bombings and a gun attack.

The Kunduz bombing and the spate of attacks across the region highlight the growing array of militant groups targeting Chinese interests and the difficult path ahead for Beijing as it pushes the Taliban to cooperate with its counterterrorism efforts, which are narrowly focused on Uyghur fighters.

According to Ma, if at the urging of China the Taliban targets Uyghur militants too hard, they could begin to "feel threatened and look to partner potentially with other groups, like [IS-K]."

"If you press the Taliban too hard to cooperate, you can undermine their legitimacy and they will have less control over these [fighters], said Ma. "This is a central dilemma for China."

Written and reported by Reid Standish in Prague with reporting by RFE/RL's Tajik Service in Tajikistan.
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Rocky Mount, NC (27804)

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Rutland, VT (05701)

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However, if an enterprise does not show recovery, this support comes at a risk, affecting the process of reducing the bad debt ratio.

Bad debt increase

At the beginning of 2020, the State Bank of Vietnam issued Directive 01/CT-NHNN on the implementation of key tasks in the banking sector. In this, the NPL ratio on the balance sheet should come below 2%; the ratio of bad debts on the balance sheet of credit institutions, and bad debts sold to Vietnam Asset Management Company (VAMC), and debts that have implemented debt classification measures to be less than 3%.

However, as per the report to the National Assembly, by the end of the year, the State Bank of Vietnam stated that the sudden negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic made the goal of reducing the overall bad debt ratio below the 3% mark to be moved to 2021. Specifically, data from the State Bank showed that in 2016, the on-balance bad debt ratio of the whole banking system was 2.46%, in 2017 it decreased to 1.99%, in 2018 it was 1.91%, in 2019 it was 1,63% and in 2020 it was 1.76%. If including debts sold to VAMC, but not yet resolved, and potential bad debts, in 2016 it was 10.58%, in 2017 it was 7.36%, in 2018 it was 5.85%, in 2019 it was 4.43%, and in 2020 it was 3.81%.

However, the transition plan to reduce the bad debt ratio to 3% this year is not expected to be completed due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. In a recent forecast, Maybank Kim Eng. stated said that the bad debt ratio of the whole system will increase to 7%, based on a conservative estimate of loans in industries that are heavily affected by the Covid-19 pandemic such as transportation, tourism, and consumer finance.

On 29 September, at the discussion session on the socio-economic situation of the National Assembly Economic Committee, Mr. Nguyen Kim Anh, Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam, said that the State Bank had carefully planned and reported to the Government the situation that bad debt would increase sharply in the near future. The ratio of on-balance sheet bad debt and potential bad debt at the end of 2021 is expected at 7.1% to 7.7%. This is the expected result when banks have implemented debt restructuring and debt deferral according to Circulars 01, 03, and 14.

These figures are remarkable because previously in May, the State Bank had forecast that until the end of this year, on-balance sheet bad debt ratio and off-balance sheet bad debt ratio, unresolved debt sold to VAMC, and potential debt becoming bad debt of credit institutions, are estimated to move from 1.54% to 1.91% and from 3.43% to 3.84%. Looking at the data, we can see that in mid-2021, a negative signal about bad debt had also appeared, when some banks recorded a sharp increase in Group 4 and Group 5 debt. Compared to earlier, this time, the bad debt arising is a force majeure.

Monitor structural debt

Increasing bad debt requires solutions. This time, even though bad debts are rising, the solution is no different than before. The only difference is that the State Bank has a mechanism for credit institutions to extend the time for making risk provision, allowing banks to make additional deductions for three years to have resources to deal with bad debts, at least 30% in 2021, 60% annually in 2022 and 100% by 2023. In addition, the State Bank is also proposing to develop a Law on Bad Debt Handling based on Resolution 42 on piloting bad debt settlement of credit institutions to support the debt settlement mechanism.

Allowing provision within three years helps commercial banks reduce pressure to continue supporting the economy, but the bank will have to spend a lot of resources on this bad debt. According to estimates by Dr. Can Van Luc and the BIDV Training and Research Institute, with the implementation of the provisions of Circular 14, the profit of the banking industry in 2021 is estimated to decrease by VND 3,400 bn and must increase the DPRR by VND 70,000 bn, at the same time increase the pressure of additional provisioning for DPRR in the period 2021 to 2023.

The above figure puts great pressure, but in a recent document, the State Bank of Vietnam encourages banks to set aside 100% of the provision for DPRR, specifically, to make additional deductions for debts restructuring and maintaining the debt group as prescribed in Circular 01/2020/TT-NHNN in 2021. A few joint-stock commercial banks have fully made provision for the whole debt balance to be restructured, instead of stretching over a period of three 3 years.

However, this number is not much and is expected to be difficult to comply with on a large scale, because credit activities are currently taking place very slowly after the outbreak of the fourth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Many businesses are facing the risk of very large bad debts, and commercial banks cannot lend large amounts. Therefore, the ability to meet the provision of 100% of the amount of DPRR as encouraged by the State Bank of Vietnam is very difficult because it will erode on the bank's profit.

This fact shows that the management agency is very much concerned with the bad debt situation, and wants to accelerate the bad debt ratio to 3% as planned. Dr. Nguyen Tri Hieu said, that according to the data, the bad debt situation has improved, and some banks have a high Non Performing Loan (NPL) coverage ratio, while some banks reached 200% to 300%.

However, reality is not so positive, and the risk of bad debt still lurks, because the State Bank does not transfer debt groups. Risks will occur when banks only track debt on books, and not in reality. The policy of allowing debt repayment terms to be restructured and the debt group remain unchanged is good in the current context, but the nature of bad debt is still bad. If not handled effectively, bad debts will still prove to be very risky in the future.

Thien Minh
Danvers, MA (01923)

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A COVID-19 vaccine could be available for kids ages 5-11 as soon as next month, news that will likely bring relief to many parents whose youngsters are now packed into classrooms while the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus remains largely uncontained in the U.S.



Pfizer and BioNTech asked the FDA last week to approve their COVID vaccine for use in kids in that age range, making them the first COVID vaccine manufacturers to do so.



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 Tweet late last week.



In response, the FDA scheduled a tentative meeting of an advisory committee meeting for Oct. 26 in which regulators could approve the request by Pfizer and BioNTech.



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, Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock said in a statement.



If the FDA approves the request, it will likely be kicked up to the CDC, whose recommendations are usually the federal governments last word on vaccine policy. If the CDC also gives the request the green light, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine could begin being administered to children ages 5-11 next month.



Based on the companies previous research, the vaccine is expected to be administered in two shots 21 days apart. The dosage will also be lower  about 1/3 of the adult dosage  since children naturally show a stronger immune response to vaccines compared to adults.



The companies conducted trials using this method on 2,268 children between ages 5 and 11 earlier this year. Data from the trials showed that the vaccine was safe, well tolerated, and showed robust neutralizing antibody responses, the companies said in a statement.



We are pleased to be able to submit data to regulatory authorities for this group of school-aged children before the start of the winter season, Dr. Ugur Sahin, the CEO of BioNTech, said in the statement. The safety profile and immunogenicity data in children aged 5 to 11 years vaccinated at a lower dose are consistent with those we have observed with our vaccine in other older populations at a higher dose.



Pfizer and BioNTech have been the first to reach each milestone in the race to get the country vaccinated. The FDA approved the groups vaccine for use as a booster shot last month. The FDA is set to consider approval of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines for booster use later this week.



Moderna is currently in the middle of its clinical trials for children ages 5-11. In July, the company expanded the size of its trials to include roughly 12,000 children under 12 amid worries that shots may trigger rare heart side effects in kids. The company expects to submit data for the 5-11 age group to the FDA later this year.



Johnson & Johnson has not yet begun testing its vaccine for use in kids between 5 and 11.



Children rarely become severely ill from COVID, but the delta variant  thought to be twice as contagious as previous strains  has led to increased infections in kids. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that more than 6 million children have contracted the disease since the onset of the pandemic, with more than 750,000 new child cases coming between September and October of this year.



The overall infection rate in the U.S. is declining, sparking hope that the surge caused by the delta variant is waning. But public health experts worry that colder weather could result in increased transmission.



At a Wednesday media briefing, Dr. Frank Bell of Pediatric Infectious Disease at Swedish Medical Center said he wants to remind parents that while its exciting to have kids back in school, its important to remember to do everything possible to keep them safe in the classroom.
King County officials are calling the recent spike in gun violence "alarming" after a new report found the total amount of fatal shootings in the first nine months of the year has surpassed the amount for all of 2020.

The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office released their quarterly shots fired report on Wednesday, finding that 356 people have been victims of gun violence since the beginning of the year in King County. There have been a total of 1,036 shots fired incidents in King County, up 48% from the historical four-year average.

The number of fatal shooting victims (73) was up 71% compared to the last four years, while the number of nonfatal shooting victims (283) was up 77% over the same period. Compared to just last year, there have been 14 more fatal shooting victims and 86 more nonfatal shooting victims so far in 2021. The report does not include suicides, confirmed self-inflicted shootings or officer-involved shootings in the county.

King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office

"We've already exceeded the historic records of gun violence that we saw last year in 2020," said King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg in a news conference Wednesday. "More homicides, more nonfatal shootings and more shots fired incidents in the first three quarters of 2021 than we saw all of 2020, and 2020 outpaced the previous three years."

A breakdown of race and age demographics found that a majority of the shooting victims were males between the ages of 18-24. The report also found that 50% of all shooting victims, both fatal and nonfatal, were Black.

The rise in gun violence in King County mirrors national trends in other major cities, and local officials are saying that there is no simple solution given the amount of societal factors at play.

"It's no coincidence that this is happening during a time of great economic and social struggle in our country because of the pandemic and recession," said King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay. "It's clear that there is a strong correlation between the areas most impacted by gun violence and how under resourced, disinvested from and how many low-income residents live there."

King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office

Zahilay has advocated for a more holistic approach to violence intervention, including more investments in community-based diversion programs. Other county officials like Councilmember Regan Dunn have floated legislation to reestablish the gang unit within the King County Sheriff's Office to address the escalating gun violence. However, Satterberg said Wednesday that while some of the shootings among young people were retaliatory, they were not seeing rigid gang structures.

Both the city and the county have made significant community investments this year to reduce gun violence. Earlier in the summer, Seattle leaders announced a $2 million investment in the King County Regional Peacekeepers Collective, a new pilot program that uses a public health approach to help disrupt the cycle of gun violence in communities. Following a series of deadly shootings in White Center, Pioneer Square and Seattle's Central District in June, King County Executive Dow Constantine also proposed new budget amendments to allocate $1.47 million in investments to prevent gun violence.

Organizations involved in the Peacekeepers Collective include Choose 180, Community Passageways and Harborview Medical Center. And people working within those organizations say that the county cannot prosecute or police itself out of this current gun violence epidemic, and instead needs to focus on changing people's living conditions.

"Prosecution, policing and programing are all stopgaps [to gun violence,]" said Sean Goode, executive director of Choose 180. "They are simply a pause for us as a collective community to figure out what our priorities are and begin to change the material conditions that contribute to the very types of violence that we're seeing in our community today."
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All BART employees will have to get vaccinated by Dec. 13 or risk being fired under a mandate approved by the agencys Board of Directors.

BARTs leadership will have to bargain over the mandates details with its labor unions, including what exemptions to include. But Thursdays decision, passed on a 8-1 vote, was the result of an impasse for the Bay Areas regional rail agency: Vaccination rates have stagnated since mid-September despite financial incentives and repeated efforts to encourage employees to get the shots.

According to the agency, 833 of BARTs 4,000-plus employees remain unvaccinated. Some of those workers spoke out against the mandate at Thursdays meeting and asked the board to give employees the option of weekly testing as a substitute for vaccination.

The requirement comes at a pivotal time for BART, which has seen ridership steadily come back, particularly on weekends, as pandemic restrictions have been lifted and vaccine rates increase across the region. Many members of the Board of Directors who supported setting an employee vaccine requirement described it as the best way to protect the riding public and ensure rail service remains uninterrupted in the long run.

Some of the states largest transit agencies, such as Muni in San Francisco and the L.A. Metro service, already have vaccination mandates in place, and the BART boards decision could influence other transit agencies to follow suit with similar requirements for their employees.

We really want to see as many people get vaccinated as possible and keep you all as part of our family, said board Vice President Rebecca Saltzman, who introduced the measure.

BARTs requirement comes as the Bay Areas transit agencies have struggled to encourage their workforces to get vaccinated. BART offered two paid vacation days to employees who got vaccinated by mid-September and has given workers flexibility to take paid time off work to get vaccinated.

But employee vaccination rates have remained at about 79% since the agencys incentive deadline. Frontline workers and the agencys police department make up a sizable share of the unvaccinated group, though just how much was not immediately clear Thursday.

More public agencies have embraced employee mandates, and the requirements have been successful in the Bay Area. Hundreds of San Francisco employees who work in high-risk settings rushed to get vaccinated ahead of a Sept. 30 deadline.

San Franciscos mandate has also demonstrated that small segments of its workforce have been unmoved by the requirement. Nearly 120 San Francisco police officers, about 5% of all sworn officers, remain unvaccinated, Police Chief Bill Scott said Wednesday.

While BARTs employee vaccine mandate passed, a similar proposal for AC Transit failed to gain approval Wednesday night when the East Bay agencys Board of Directors deadlocked on a 3-3 vote. Board Director Jean Walsh, who introduced the measure, said it came after repeated efforts to encourage and educate workers to get vaccinated.

Similar to BART, AC Transit had set up multiple on-site vaccine clinics and offered financial incentives  $100 to get vaccinated, at one point  as well as paid time off for employees to get vaccinated.

About 41% of AC Transits roughly 2,000 operators have been vaccinated, according to an agency staff report.

The agency has tried hard to use the carrot approach, Walsh said. With vaccine rates plateauing, we need to take more stronger measures to get those numbers up, she said, adding that AC Transit was not likely to revisit an employee vaccine mandate by the end of the year.

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.

Vaccine mandates could put transit agencies in a precarious situation if hesitant employees dont get vaccinated by their agencys deadlines. Several of the regions transit agencies have lower vaccination rates among transit operators and frontline workers crucial to sustaining services, compared with their office staff.

In San Francisco, more than 300 of the Municipal Transportation Agencys operators remain unvaccinated, and the agency is bracing for possible service reductions if those unvaccinated workers are fired after the citys Nov. 1 deadline.

If the board opts for the termination option, it is unrealistic to think BART can continue to run at full service if any significant number of employees are fired, Keith Garcia, president of the BART Police Officers Association, wrote the BART Board of Directors.

Some BART employees against the vaccine requirement urged the agencys Board of Directors to reverse course. Those who called in to Thursdays meeting said employees should have the freedom to choose whether to get vaccinated. Some said BART workers shouldnt be forced to get vaccinated if the public isnt required to get vaccinated to ride BART.

John Arantes, president of SEIU 1021s BART chapter, shared Garcias concerns about the mandates potential to disrupt services if unvaccinated workers are fired after the Dec. 13 deadline. BART should have held firm on its strategy to encourage vaccinations rather than require them, he said.

It would be a shame to now take the extreme position to mandate that the workforce be vaccinated and force them to make the choice between losing their jobs or give up their right to freedom of choice without a government entity, like the governor or the (Federal Transit Administration) making COVID vaccines mandatory for transportation workers, Arantes said.

Ricardo Cano is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ricardo.cano@sfchronicle.com
SACRAMENTO  Anti-abortion activists have sued to overturn a new California law that restricts protests outside vaccination sites, just days after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the measure despite warnings from First Amendment experts that it would violate free speech rights.

The lawsuit, filed Sunday in the U.S. District Court in San Jose, argues that the state went too far in trying to protect people from harassment as they get vaccinated. Buffer zones for demonstrations established under the law, according to the complaint, unfairly burden and deny free speech in public spaces.

This is such a broad attack, said attorney Michael Millen, who sued on behalf of anti-abortion activists Teresita Aubin of Santa Clara, David Brownfield of Salinas and Wynette Sills, director of Californians for Life. I really feel this is a solution thats looking for a problem.

The defendants, who say they are suffering irreparable injury from the law, are also seeking to have their legal costs covered. A representative for Attorney General Rob Bonta, who was named in the lawsuit, said he would review the complaint and respond as appropriate in court.

SB742, which Newsom signed last Friday without comment, made it illegal to approach anyone within 100 feet of entering or exiting a hospital, doctors office, pharmacy or other location offering vaccines for the purpose of harassing, intimidating or preventing them from obtaining medical services.

The law, which took effect immediately, prohibits protesters from getting within 30 feet of people or vehicles inside that buffer zone to pass out leaflets, display a sign or provide counsel. It also forbids making threats and obstructing access to a vaccination site. Violations would be a misdemeanor punishable by a $1,000 fine or up to six months in jail.

Sen. Richard Pan, a Democrat and physician from Sacramento who has clashed with activists for years over mandatory immunization legislation, introduced the bill this spring, after protests briefly shut down a mass coronavirus vaccination site at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Pan contends that the law is necessary to protect patients and health care workers against increasingly extreme anti-vaccine groups.

This is just another obstructionist tactic from the anti-vax extremists, Pan said in a statement. We wont stop fighting for safe access to life-saving vaccines.

But some free speech advocates sympathetic to his cause had urged Newsom to veto the bill as it sat on his desk last month. In a letter to the governor, ACLU California Action wrote that the measure has unfortunately been presented to you with fatal flaws that will almost certainly cause it to be struck down as unconstitutional.

Newsoms office declined to answer questions about why he signed the bill, citing the pending litigation.

David Snyder, executive director of the First Amendment Coalition, a nonprofit organization that promotes free speech and government transparency, said the law is full of legally questionable provisions, including the far-reaching definition of harassment and the sheer number of places covered as vaccination sites.

Although he supports the underlying goal of helping people get vaccinated without trouble, Snyder said, it takes off the table a disturbingly large swath of expressive activity.

An exemption for lawful picketing arising out of a labor dispute, added to the bill less than a week before it passed the Legislature in September, could ultimately be its downfall.

While the government is legally allowed to restrict the time, manner or place of a protest, it cannot discriminate based on content. The U.S. Supreme Court has twice struck down laws that drew a distinction between labor picketing and other demonstrations.

It very clearly carves out a favored type of speech, Snyder said. Thats a real red flag from a First Amendment perspective.

Pan did not respond to questions about the exemption for labor picketing.

Snyder said the 30-foot buffer zone, which the law states is necessary to protect Californians against the spread of airborne infectious diseases, could also prove problematic.

The Supreme Court has allowed narrow protective barriers around demonstrations; in 2000, it upheld a Colorado law requiring protesters within 100 feet of a health care facility to obtain consent before approaching within 8 feet of a person to counsel or hand them materials, ruling that the distance nevertheless allowed for communication. But it has since struck down other protections that go further, including in 2014, when it overturned a Massachusetts law creating a 35-foot buffer zone around abortion clinics.

Millen, the attorney who filed suit, said California has not proved that interference with vaccinations is a problem widespread enough to justify restrictions so sweeping that they could block all manner of unrelated expression.

Under the law, he said, abortion opponents who want to talk to patients visiting a Planned Parenthood clinic that also happens to provide vaccines would have to yell from 30 feet away, asking people to come closer so they could share their beliefs or hand out literature.

Thats not how you do interpersonal communication, especially on issues that you want to have a deeper conversation about, Millen said. That is extremely antisocial behavior.

Alexei Koseff is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: alexei.koseff@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @akoseff
SACRAMENTO, Calif.  Gavin Newsom put Californias health care industry on notice when he was a candidate for governor, vowing in 2018 to go after the insurance companies, doctors and hospitals that leave many Californians struggling with enormous medical bills and rising insurance premiums.

He pledged to lead Californias single-payer movement, a high-stakes liberal dream that would eliminate private health insurance and slash how much providers are paid. The tough rhetoric continued after he was elected, when Newsom told insurers to do their damn job to improve mental health treatment or face fines, and he vowed to cut the health care industrys soaring revenues.

Weve got to get serious about reducing health care costs, the first-term Democrat said in January 2020 as he unveiled his proposal to establish an Office of Health Care Affordability that would do the unthinkable in a system powered by profits: set caps on health care spending and require doctors and hospitals to work for less money. We mean business.

Industry leaders were rattled. But rather than mobilize a full-throttle defense to sink Newsoms effort to regulate them, they have used their political clout and close ties with the governor to devise a friendlier alternative that doctors, hospitals and insurance companies could live with.

When Newsom ultimately drafted legislation for the office, he took an idea health care executives had pitched and made it his own: Instead of capping prices or cutting revenues, he would allow industry spending to grow  but with limits.

Political infighting killed the legislation this year, but it is expected to come back in January and spark one of next years blockbuster health care battles.

Theyre fearful of what might happen to them, and theyre trying to protect their interests because theyre threatened, David Panush, a veteran Sacramento health policy consultant, said about health care industry players. They know theres blood in the water and the sharks are coming.

If Newsoms plan to rein in health care spending succeeds, it could provide him some political cover as he campaigns for reelection next year, giving him a major health care win even as he sidesteps progressive demands such as creating a single-payer system.

But it could also cement the power of an industry that continues to wield immense influence  negotiating behind the scenes to protect its massive revenues and secure exemptions and side deals in exchange for its support.

Amy Osborne / Special to The Chronicle

Every time we try to do something to reduce health care costs, it meets with huge opposition, said state Assembly member Jim Wood (D-Santa Rosa), head of the Assembly Health Committee who is working closely with the Newsom administration on this proposal.

Industry power players have only pushed back harder as lawmakers have tried to take them on, Wood said. Anybody or anything that disrupts the status quo is met with huge resistance and huge resources to fight it, he said.

When Newsom took office in 2019, he knew public sentiment was turning against the health care industry. On average, health care costs were around $11,600 per person that year, up from $4,600 in 1999, according to federal data. In California, hospitals account for the biggest share of spending, nearly one-third, while 20% of health care dollars goes to doctors.

California consumers are demanding action, with 82% of state residents saying its extremely or very important for the governor and legislature to make health care more affordable, according to a 2021 poll from the California Health Care Foundation.

Much of Newsoms tough talk on industry spending came early in his term. Were going to create specific cost targets for all sectors to achieve, and we are going to assess penalties if they dont achieve those targets, Newsom said in January 2020. If that didnt wake up members of the system, I dont know what will.

Newsoms wake-up call came on the heels of tense legislative debates on bills that would have empowered the state to set health care prices and created a single-payer system. The measures gained surprising momentum but ultimately buckled under opposition from health care giants.

Then the covid-19 crisis hit and propelled the recall effort to oust him from office  and the wake-up call was met with a slap of the snooze button. The governor and his health industry allies nestled closer. Just as he needed them to be the states front line of defense, they needed him to keep hospitals from overflowing, to secure protective gear and to push vaccinations.

Health care titans became regular fixtures in Newsoms orbit. His calendars, obtained by KHN, show that doctors, hospitals and health insurance leaders have routinely received access to the governor.

Carmela Coyle, head of the California Hospital Association, stood beside Newsom at the state emergency operations center in the early days of the covid crisis, and Paul Markovich, CEO of Blue Shield of California, obtained a lucrative no-bid state vaccination contract to implement Newsoms vaccination effort.

Newsom did not respond to questions about the industrys influence, but spokesperson Alex Stack said his proposal to regulate health care spending is a priority for this administration, and we look forward to continuing to work on this issue to get it done.

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Doctors and Blue Shield have given Newsom millions of dollars to support his political career over many years, including a $20 million donation in September 2020 from Blue Shield for his homelessness initiatives.

The recall effort earlier this year only solidified Newsoms relationship with health care executives. Industry groups wrote checks to the California Democratic Party, which fought to keep Newsom in office. It received $1 million each from Blue Shield and the hospital lobby and $875,000 from the doctors lobby, according to state campaign finance records.

Though Newsom vowed to go after industry, he hasnt aggressively taken it on, and health care executives and lobbyists continue to wield their influence as they shape the debate over the Office of Health Care Affordability.

That could put Newsom in a political bind as he runs for reelection  first in the June 2022 primary and then the November general election  because he will face intense opposing political pressure from liberal Democrats who want him to keep his campaign promise and adopt single-payer.

Health and political experts say Newsom can help alleviate that pressure by adopting a strict law going after spiraling health care spending.

But it wont be easy. After powerful industry leaders joined forces with organized labor and consumer advocates to propose a plan to the governor, they jammed negotiations with their demands, splintering the coalition and killing the effort this year.

With battle lines drawn, industry groups are poised for a major fight next year as Newsom and state Democratic lawmakers muscle through legislation. Their primary goal will be to protect their interests, said Mark Peterson, a professor of public policy, political science and law at UCLA.

Theres no question this industry has power. The real question is what they do with it, Peterson said. Theyre getting wins, and important ones.

Angela Hart and Samantha Young write for KHN (Kaiser Health News), a national newsroom that provides in-depth coverage of health issues as part of KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation).
As the countrys national parks confront record crowds, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, home to the Presidio, Marin Headlands and Stinson Beach, has been looking to introduce parking fees to ease the higher cost of operations.

Not everyone is happy about this. Members of Congress, powerful dog advocates and about 900 letter-writers are among those fighting the proposal, which calls for a $3-an-hour or $10-a-day parking fee at eight sites in San Francisco and Marin County. The sites, where parking has long been free, include such locally popular play spots as Baker Beach, China Beach, Lands End and Rodeo Beach.

On Thursday afternoon, in an unexpected turn, GGNRA officials told The Chronicle they were reconsidering their proposal in light of the feedback and would hold off on charging for parking in at least some of the spots. Which ones remains to be seen.

Opponents have argued the new expense would make it harder for people to visit GGNRA, raising questions about access and equity that have surfaced at numerous national parks as the need for fresh air and open space has expanded with the pandemic.

Its a terrible time to raise fees like this, said Rep. Jared Huffman, whose Northern California congressional district includes part of the park. During the pandemic, I think weve really gained a new appreciation for how access to the outdoors and these public places is so critical. Surely we ought to be able to find a way to keep these places accessible without pricing people out.

But for GGNRA and many national parks, having more visitors has created some intractable problems, including traffic congestion, wear on natural and historical landscapes, and strain on ranger staff, maintenance crews and emergency responders. Between 2010 and 2019, annual visits to all national parks rose from 281 million to 328 million, a surge that has given park administrators little choice but to get creative about dealing with the impacts.

Some parks, such as Glacier National Park in Montana and Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, have started limiting entry by setting up visitor quotas and requiring reservations for parts of the parks.

Yosemite similarly required advanced ticketing over much of the past two years, mostly to account for reduced staffing during the pandemic, though park officials havent ruled out a permanent reservation policy for crowd control in the future.

Other parks, such as Acadia National Park in Maine and Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee, have turned to parking fees, either to help regulate attendance or cover rising costs  or both.

At GGNRA, park officials say parking fees would generate at least $300,000 a year per site to help keep operations and facilities in line with visitation. Eighty percent of the new money would be spent within the park, with the balance going to Washington to be distributed across the park system.

GGNRA is not only one of the most popular parks in the National Park Service, drawing more than 15 million people some years, but it operates much differently. Because its a medley of sites scattered about San Francisco, Marin and San Mateo counties, it doesnt  nor could it  collect entrance fees at a central gate like many parks do. Parking fees offer an alternative.

We already knew that we had crushing visitation, but the pandemic has made it that much more apparent, said park spokesman Charlie Strickfaden. We wouldnt be doing our job if we didnt look at new ways to improve our facilities.

Like at many parks, attendance at GGNRA actually dipped last year, but only because some hot spots  including Alcatraz Island and Muir Woods  closed with shelter-in-place orders. Areas that remained open saw huge spikes in traffic, park officials say, and these numbers are expected to remain high.

We know that once theyve found us, theyll come back, Strickfaden said. We want them to come back.

On top of rising operating expenses, GGNRA has seen a dip in revenue with COVID. Franchise fees from businesses in the park have dropped, as have proceeds at visitor centers and campgrounds  a loss of more than $11 million over two years, according to park officials. The parks financial partner, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, has also struggled. The $25 million that is allotted to GGNRA annually by Congress is no longer sufficient, officials say.

Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

The parking fees that were originally proposed were for Stinson Beach, Rodeo Beach and the Northwest Commuter Lot near the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County and Baker Beach, China Beach, Sutro Heights, Lands End Lookout and the Navy Memorial in San Francisco. Additionally, GGNRA is considering charging up to $16 for after-hours tours of the Point Bonita Lighthouse.

The fee plan, released over the summer and tentatively scheduled to begin late next year, follows another proposal unveiled last spring for new or higher parking fees at four sites in the Presidio as well as adding or boosting camping fees in the Marin Headlands.

A public comment period that ended last month on the newest proposal generated about 1,000 comments, most in opposition, according to GGNRA.

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The Crissy Field Dog Group was among the critics. The organization, among the dog advocacy groups that carefully track GGNRA policy, cites a handful of concerns, including the possibility that visitors will seek to avoid the new fees and park their cars in nearby neighborhoods or go to other places that are free, creating problems elsewhere.

If youre a dog walker, where are you going to go now if you have to pay to go to Baker Beach? You go to Crissy Field. Thats going to cause congestion, traffic and safety issues, said Martha Walters, the groups chair. I guarantee you that neighbors in San Francisco and Marin County are going to be very upset with this, and for good reason.

Scott Tye, vice chair of the Surfrider Foundation chapter in Marin County, noted that even surfers, particularly those looking to save a few bucks, would be hurt by the proposal.

You know that Golden Gate (National Recreation Area) likes to say theres public transit, he said. But you just cant take a surfboard on a bus.

Rep. Jackie Speier, whose district also includes the park, joined Rep. Huffman in highlighting access challenges in a letter criticizing the fees, which was sent this month to GGNRA Superintendent Laura Joss.

The uptick in visitors and visitor impacts across the National Park Service is one of the top concerns of the National Parks Conservation Association, an advocacy for the park system.

Its not all the parks, but many of the parks have a serious problem with overcrowding and its impacting the quality of experience people are having, said Neal Desai, a senior program director with the association.

While the group hasnt taken a position on GGNRAs fee proposal, the organization says parks need to take action to address growing attendance and Congress needs to make sure theres money to do that.

The Great American Outdoors Act, enacted during the Trump administration, has begun providing hundreds of millions of dollars to pay for deferred maintenance at national parks. The program, however, does little to help with day-to-day operations.

Parks have not had the money they need to operate, Desai said. COVID spotlighted a big problem, but the issue has been around a while. We need to make sure these parks are adequately funded, and GGNRA absolutely needs more money.

Kurtis Alexander is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kurtisalexander
When Oscar Grant was shot and killed by a BART police officer, Jessica Ramos was only 5. But she said she still remembers wondering why police would kill an innocent man.

Now 18, Ramos said she doesnt want more police, despite a surge in homicides in Oakland. She doesnt support Mayor Libby Schaafs decision to invite the California Highway Patrol to help enforce traffic.

Having so many different types of police makes me feel unsafe, she said.

Her parents feel differently.

Ricardo and Alma Ramos, 48 and 56, respectively, want more police presence in the city. They say violent crime has gotten out of control. She said shes scared to go to work. He said hes thinking about leaving the state.

The disagreement playing out in the Ramos household reflects how pro- and anti-police feelings often split along generational lines. Younger residents are more likely to argue against adding more officers, while older residents are more likely to push for more law enforcement, according to a city survey and interviews with experts. That generational divide is just one more fault line as Oakland struggles with its approach to stem homicides and shootings, and as the community debates what law enforcements role should be.

A city survey conducted in December and January interviewed 1,862 randomly selected residents about how Oakland should address budget shortfalls and whether they support police cuts. Residents under the age of 50 across various races were more likely to support cuts to police to balance the citys budget than residents older than 50. (The survey also found that more residents said homelessness and housing were their top concerns than those who saw crime and violence as the biggest problems.)

The survey showed that Oakland residents feelings on police are complex. More than a third were uncertain about their feelings or held mixed views on police funding and service levels, and theres support for violence prevention programs.

One reason for the generational divide is the vastly different experience young people have with police, said Shawn Ginwright, a professor of Africana Studies at San Francisco State University.

Young people have always been seen as a target for police, and young people experience it that way, Ginwright said. You dont see the police policing the elderly. ... It makes sense that young people experience the police in a very different way.

Older generations closely associate public safety with the police, Ginwright said.

Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

Older people across races generally tend to believe that policing is a critical public good, said Michael Fortner, an associate professor of government at Claremont McKenna College who has studied the generational divide around policing nationally. They have more investments in things that would cause them to want more police, like property, and are fearful of their own personal safety, he said.

By contrast, many young people think the problem is police are racist, and policing is brutal, but we as a society can find ways to make policing more safe and fairer, Fortner said. That tends to be the divide.

They also are more likely to view crime as an outgrowth of systemic racism and societal issues that need to be addressed directly, experts said.

Young Black people generally dont support more police because theyve experienced over-policing and racist policing, Fortner said. Young people across races tend not to support more law enforcement in part because of videos of police brutality they have seen on television and social media, Fortner said.

Oakland city leaders are trying balance the competing priorities by keeping police budgets steady while adding prevention measures. Sometimes theyve wavered. The City Council voted in June against a fifth police academy to bolster the police ranks before bowing to pressure and voting in September to fund an additional police academy, reversing its earlier decision.

In an interview with The Chronicle shortly after she announced that she was asking Gov. Gavin Newsom to send the CHP, Schaaf pointed to the city survey and the generational divide reflected in it.

There is this question of who wants what, Schaaf told The Chronicle, referring to different age groups. We have a diverse community with a diversity of opinions, particularly about policing and law enforcement. I am trying to honor all of them.

Sabrina Sellers/Special to The Chronicle

One of the activists pushing for more police is Carl Chan, president of the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, whos 62 and has been outspoken about how seniors in his community want more officers because they feel vulnerable after a number of attacks and robberies.

Chan said the extra CHP officers have helped public safety. The CHP deployed six officers to enforce traffic throughout the city every weekend for three weeks in September, though no details on arrests or citations were yet available, the CHP said.

Ive been talking to merchants and the people, he said. With police presence, its better now.

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Ke Lam, a program and facility manager at the Asian Prisoner Support Committee, an Oakland nonprofit, spoke out against Chans insistence on CHP help. Lam, 45, said calls for more police versus social services to help people only fosters fear and could harm Black and brown communities.

In the Ramos household in Oakland, theres little sign of the debate settling.

Jessica Ramos said social media is a big reason that she feels differently than her parents  a view backed up by research.

Social media has helped shape young peoples ideology, said Jack Glaser, a professor of public policy at UC Berkeleys Goldman School of Public Policy.

Also, the ascent of Black Lives Matter is a much larger share of the lived experience of younger people than it is for older people, Glaser said.

Alma Ramos said her experience has left her fearful of crime. She said she has witnessed thefts at the Walgreens in Oakland where she works. Often it takes police hours to arrive.

Its scary, she said, adding that she supports more police as long as they respond quickly.

Jessicas father, Ricardo Ramos, said he believes residents dont respect the police.

If I was a criminal, Id love it here in Oakland, he said, because I can get away with anything.

Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani
The 2021 calendar year is already the second biggest year on record for wildfires in California. As of Oct. 6, nearly 2.5 million acres burned in more than 7,800 fires across the state this year, with new and old blazes powered by dangerous conditions still igniting and spreading, according to Cal Fire data.

But despite historically dry conditions, this years fire season hasnt been quite as destructive as last years record-shattering season. In 2020, 4 million acres had burned in 8,700 fires by Oct. 6.

However, 2021s edge over 2020  at least so far  is hardly evidence of improving climate conditions. Both years far surpassed the average of 1.2 million acres burned in the previous five years.

Its still possible that 2021 will see more large fires and surpass 2020, as new and old blazes are still igniting and spreading all across Californias historically dry environment. Three of the top 20 largest wildfires in state history happened between October and December, including the Thomas Fire of 2017, which burned more than 281,000 acres.

Issac Sanchez, battalion chief of Cal Fire communications, and other fire experts say its difficult to point to a single reason for fewer acres burning under similar conditions, as so many factors can influence fire growth.

No two fires are exactly the same. The number of variables that impact fire behavior and potential fire growth are up to chance sometimes, Sanchez said.

What he and other experts know with confidence, though, is that one the factors that made the 2020 fire season particularly disastrous was a surge of dry lightning storms that triggered a series of more than 20 fires in just one month. Cal Fire would later call this the 2020 Fire siege.

The August siege was an absolute kick in the teeth, Sanchez said. A catastrophic event to that scale has not happened this year  yet, he added. This year is not over.

The fires in 2020 were also particularly destructive, destroying more than 10,000 structures by this time last year, compared with about 3,600 this year, according to preliminary data from Cal Fire. Last year was not the most destructive fire year in terms of the number of structures destroyed  it was 2018, when the Camp Fire alone destroyed more than 18,000.

Climate data shows that conditions in California were no more favorable this year than last. Cumulative rainfall between January and September this year totaled less than an inch, compared with last years 1.6, while the average temperature was about a degree higher. The Palmer Drought Severity Index, which researchers, including federal agencies, use to measure dryness, shows that 2021 was also even drier than 2020.

Based on these conditions, Cal Fire prepared accordingly, including bringing on seasonal firefighters earlier than years before, Sanchez said. Typically, they are brought in May or June; this year, they started in March and April.

Its the driest its ever been, the battalion chief said.

Despite fewer acres burned than 2020 so far, this year has already had a number of massive fires. The Dixie Fire has burned close to a million acres, and the Caldor Fire also came very close to burning South Lake Tahoe, if not for years of fire prevention activities that took place and the suppression practices that utilized them.

I think we have hit an inflection point, said Brandon Collins, a fire science researcher at the UC Berkeley Stephens Lab . I think were changing to a more exponential increase.

In other words, millions of acres burned in wildfires each year could be the norm, and years like 2019, when an extraordinary amount of precipitation contributed to just about 260,000 acres being burned across the state, are the outliers.

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So it was surprising that the year-to-date total of acres burned in 2021 was so much lower than last years, Collins said. What stood out to him as one of the biggest differences between the two years fire seasons was the lightning.

The scale and characteristics of the dry lightning storms, which are one of the leading causes of wildfires, in 2020 were astounding, he said. An Aug. 15 storm in the central and northern part of the state produced more than 15,000 lightning strikes, igniting multiple fires, according to a Cal Fire report.

Thats something I dont think weve really seen before, Collins said.

Thats not to say there wasnt significant lightning activity this year, the fire researcher said. For instance, last month, more than 3,000 lightning strikes were recorded within a 24-hour period in Northern and Central California. But its not just about the number of strikes, but if they will actually lead to ignition, he added.

Some of it is, frankly, just luck, Collins said. Or a lack thereof.

Collins cautioned that though we are nearing the close of the year, the end of the fire season has yet to be declared. This time of the year tends to be the driest, he and Sanchez of Cal Fire both said, and thus particularly dangerous and fire-prone.

Sanchez said the last several years have been an eye-opener for firefighters and the public alike.

As bad as last year was, were not done with this year yet, he said. We as an agency and industry in the state have not let our guard down. We need the public to adopt that same mentality with us. It can be daunting for the public to stay engaged but its critically important that they do that.

Yoohyun Jung is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: yoohyun.jung@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @yoohyun_jung
Smoke from the Alisal Fire blazing in Santa Barbara County was expected to drift into the Bay Area on Friday with the help of shifting winds, meteorologists said.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations High-Resolution Rapid Refresh model, which forecasts smoke activity among other conditions, projected that smoke from the Southern California wildfire would shift northward first across the Central Coast and then the Bay Area on Friday, said Roger Gass, a meteorologist with the National Weather Services Bay Area office.

Most of the smoke was expected to stay aloft, or above the surface, which means Bay Area residents should expect to see hazy skies instead of crystal clear skies, Gass said. The Santa Lucia Range near the Big Sur coast was expected to see the most impact from the smoke, Gass said.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District told The Chronicle that, as of Thursday afternoon, the agency was not planning on issuing an air quality advisory for Friday. Air district spokesperson Kristine Roselius said officials were closely monitoring the conditions, adding that wildfire smoke is very unpredictable.

Just shifts in wind or fire behavior can cause impacts on short notice, so we do watch this around the clock, and if there are any impacts, we will issue an air quality advisory if necessary, Roselius said.

Meteorologists with the National Weather Service didnt expect significant impacts from the smoke, Gass said.

Smoke and hazy conditions were expected to linger on Friday and Saturday, but on Sunday a cold front is forecast to move through the region and push out the smoke, Gass said.

Gass said smoke drifting into the region is not uncommon, even from a wildfire blazing hundreds of miles away, adding that smoke movement is dependent on the direction of the wind and where the smoke is oriented.

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The Alisal Fire has burned 16,901 acres and was 41% contained as of Friday, fire officials said.

Lauren Hernandez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: lauren.hernandez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByLHernandez
An employee at Dry Creek Vineyard, one of the most famous wineries in Healdsburgs Dry Creek Valley, died on Tuesday while working, the winery has confirmed.

Californias Division of Occupational Safety and Health is investigating the incident, a representative from the states Department of Industrial Relations said. Cal/OSHA was notified of a work-related fatality involving an employee of Dry Creek Vineyard Inc., the representative wrote in an email. According to the outside source, a worker was found near a fermentation tank and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The winerys management said they strongly believe the death of Salvador Plaza-Centeno, a seasonal harvest worker, was not work-related. The Press Democrat reported the news first.

He was hunched over a tank performing a routine procedure, and co-workers noticed he was having a medical emergency, said Sara Rathbun, Dry Creek Vineyards director of marketing and communications. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. on Tuesday, she said.

Further information about the incident and investigation was not yet available. Cal/OSHA receives limited information from an initial report, the Department of Industrial Relations representative said. Now they are looking into exactly how the incident occurred.

This year marked Plaza-Centenos second harvest season working with Dry Creek Vineyard. The 61-year-old Windsor resident was a very hard worker, very well respected and very well liked, said Rathbun.

Citing privacy concerns, she would not disclose any information about Plaza-Centenos medical condition.

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Its not unheard of for winery workers to die near fermentation tanks. In 2011, a winery worker in Napa died after falling into a tank at Ancien Wines. A similar incident occurred at a famous winery in Spain in 2014.

Historically, when medical problems occur at a winery during harvest season, one of the primary suspects is usually carbon dioxide. That gas, a byproduct of fermentation, can cause a person to become unconscious if they come in contact with large volumes of it. Sometimes that can occur if a person sticks their head into a tank of fermenting wine quickly.

Nicol Cadet, owner of Nicola Health & Safety, a company that provides safety training to winery employees but is not involved in this case, said she recommends doing this work outdoors. She also advises clients to always keep their heads back from the opening of a tank.

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Plaza-Centeno was not inside a wine tank, Rathbun said, but rather standing over it, which is consistent with the information that Cal/OSHA received. He was outdoors, performing a pumpover, in which a worker uses a pump to move fermenting grape juice from the bottom of a tank to the top, thereby mixing up the grape juice with its skins and seeds. Its a standard practice, performed multiple times per day during harvest season at most wineries.

Dry Creek Vineyard, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, is best known for its Sauvignon Blanc  or Fume Blanc, a synonym that the winery prefers to use  which can be found in stores and restaurants throughout the country. Owner Kim Stare Wallace runs the business now, having taken over from her father, the founder David Stare.

For Plaza-Centenos colleagues, its been a pretty traumatic couple of days, said Rathbun.

Esther Mobley is The San Francisco Chronicles wine critic. Email: emobley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Esther_mobley Instagram: @esthermob
On Friday, two very delicious Bay Area whiskeys will be released in an unusual sort of way  and if you're a craft whiskey nerd with some discretionary spending money, they're worth seeking out.

The whiskeys come from two of our region's top distilleries, Spirit Works in Sebastopol (195 bottles, $80 each) and St. George in Alameda (250 bottles, $150 each). The distilleries themselves won't be selling these new bottlings, however. Instead, they'll be sold through a new Vermont company called Lost Lantern, which is trying to replicate in the U.S. a business model familiar in the Scotch whiskey industry known as independent bottling.

It's a simple concept: The independent bottler buys whiskey from a distillery, then bottles it under its own label. Sometimes, not always, the bottler will take some creative license and blend some whiskeys together to create a new taste, but the bottler isn't doing any of the actual distilling. The model helps small, regional distilleries bring their products to a national audience; allows them to release unique, experimental spirits; and, ideally, helps customers sift through a sea of newly available craft whiskeys by curating a small selection of what the independent bottler considers to be the best.

To wine insiders, this may sound similar to what the wine industry refers to as a negociant, which can describe someone who buys finished wine and then bottles it under a new label. Unlike some wine negociants, however, Lost Lantern's co-founders, Adam Polonski and Nora Ganley-Roper, say they want to be completely transparent about who produced the whiskey and share every detail possible about how it was made. "We never want people to think that we distilled anything ourselves," says Polonski. (Disclaimer: Polonski is a former colleague of mine. He was an editor at Whiskey Advocate when I worked at Wine Spectator; the two magazines share a parent company.)

The company is not the only one trying this. Businesses such as Barrell Craft and Pursuit Spirits have likeminded goals, though they don't always disclose the name of every distillery whose whiskey they use. And the model is of course borrowed from Scotland.

The goal, Polonski says, is for Lost Lantern to be "a discovery mechanism." That's more important to the current state of craft whiskey than one might initially assume. Of the country's roughly 2,000 craft distilleries, Polonski says, 90% opened within the last decade. He and Ganley-Roper saw an opportunity to help these small producers widen their reach, since most of the distilleries are small, selling only to their local area without the ability to find distribution on a national level.

That was a big part of the appeal for Ashby Marshall, the co-founder and head distiller at Spirit Works, whose products are sold in only six states. "That is the number one challenge  getting distribution," Marshall says. She confirms that the field, even locally, has gotten crowded: When she and her husband opened Spirit Works nine years ago, there was one other distillery in Sonoma County, she says; now there are 15.

Moreover, Polonski and Ganley-Roper saw an opportunity to help customers figure out which of these upstart whiskeys were actually worth buying. "It's really important to us that if someone discovers a distillery through us, they are consistently making excellent whiskey that we can vouch for," says Ganley-Roper. Specifically, they look for whiskeys that express a sense of what they call "regionality," a tie-in to their place. That could mean a range of things  using local grain, or taking advantage of higher boiling points in a high-altitude area. They also hope to shed light on the diverse styles of American whiskey beyond the most familiar type, bourbon.

Of course, many Bay Area drinkers already know that St. George and Spirit Works produce consistently excellent products. That's where the third prong of the Lost Lantern pitch comes in: The whiskeys they release are single casks  innovative one-offs, not otherwise sold commercially.

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In the case of St. George, that means a single malt whiskey distilled from beer. It's extremely light in color, with aromas that seem to recall a balanced, hoppy ale  grass, flowers, citrus, even a hint of cereal milk. There are deep, malty flavors but also piney and herbal flavors, which are profiles I often get from other St. George spirits like gin.

The Spirit Works specimen, meanwhile, is a bold, spicy, elegant rye. I get notes of mocha, cocoa powder and blackberries. The spiciness of the rye itself really comes through, which struck me as a fitting parallel to wines made in the distillery's surrounding Wine Country towns  the focus is on the raw materials, whether that's grape or grain, rather than on the imprint of the oak barrels.

For Marshall, the advantage of working with an independent bottler like Lost Lantern isn't just getting their nationwide distribution muscle. She also likes the idea because she hopes it can bring greater awareness to craft spirits as a whole, whether they come from Spirit Works or St. George or any of the other producers that Lost Lantern works with like Iowa's Cedar Ridge or Ohio's Watershed.

"The more people are interested in craft spirits, the more there's opportunity for craft spirits to get better recognition as opposed to the bigger brands," Marshall says.

The Spirit Works and St. George whiskeys will be part of a five-bottle release that goes live on Friday, Oct. 15 at 9 a.m. Pacific at lostlanternwhiskey.com.
Marin County is the only California county with a moderate level of coronavirus transmission, as defined by the CDC. Another at-home COVID rapid test kit will soon be on the way to store shelves, welcome news in the Bay Area, where the tests have been hard to find. Even as California COVID case rates decline, health experts cautioned the hard times may not be over. When San Francisco and Marin County loosen their mask mandates on Friday, fully vaccinated people in some public spaces will face new decisions about whether to drop their face coverings.

Resources on COVID-19 and Californias reopening: For detailed maps and new city-by-city Bay Area data, check The Chronicles Coronavirus Tracker. To get regular updates on our coverage, sign up for our coronavirus newsletter.

Latest updates:

More than 600 Contra Costa County workers granted religious exemptions: Of the 617 Contra Costa County workers who requested a religious exemption, 601 of those were granted, the county said. The county employs more than 10,000 people.

Key FDA panel endorses Moderna boosters for seniors, others at risk: An influential committee that advises the Food and Drug Administration voted unanimously to support authorizing a Moderna booster for people 65 and older, people 18 to 64 at high risk for severe disease, and people 18 to 64 who live or work in settings that put them at high risk of exposure. The same groups were authorized for Pfizer boosters last month. Read the story here.

FDA to weigh in on Merck's COVID-19 pill in December: The Food and Drug Administration will ask its outside experts to meet in late November to scrutinize Mercks pill to treat COVID-19, the Associated Press reports. The Nov. 30 meeting means U.S. regulators likely wont issue a decision on the drug until December, signaling that the agency will conduct a detailed review of the experimental treatments safety and effectiveness. If authorized, Mercks drug is likely the first pill to treat COVID-19.

Contra Costa County to lift mask rules for vaccinated people in offices, gyms: Contra Costa County will join Marin County and San Francisco in lifting mask requirements in certain settings where everyone is known to be fully vaccinated. The change takes effect Nov. 1. Read more here.

Judge partially blocks California vaccination mandate for prison employees: A Kern County judge issued a temporary restraining order that prevents enforcement of the vaccination mandate for unionized guards, the Associated Press reports. The mandate is due to take effect Friday, and it will still apply to other workers at prisons that have health care facilities. The mandate is aimed at preventing another coronavirus outbreak like one that killed 28 inmates and a correctional officer at San Quentin State Prison last year. The California Correctional Peace Officers Association opposes the measure.

California surpasses 70,000 COVID-19 deaths: The state's coronavirus death toll reached 70,010 people on Thursday, based on The Chronicle's tracker, even as many counties in the state shows signs of emerging from the summer surge driven by the delta variant. California is now one of three states in the country that has improved to the substantial transmission category, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control. The rest of the states are in the high category.

FDA booster authorization for Moderna, J&J vaccines could come this week: While the millions of Americans who got the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine have been able to start getting booster shots since federal regulators authorized them last month, millions more who got the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines have been waiting to hear if and when they too can get boosters. Answers could be coming this week. Read the full story here.

Marin County, now with moderate transmission, might be able to lift mask mandate in three weeks: Marin County is the only county in California with a moderate level of coronavirus transmission, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The county became the first in the Bay Area to advance into the category, depicted as yellow on the agencys color-coded map, following the summer surge driven by the highly transmissible delta variant. Read the full story here.

New at-home rapid COVID test will soon hit Bay Area stores. Here's what we know about FlowFlex: Another at-home COVID rapid testing kit will soon be on the way to store shelves, made by a California company  welcome news in the Bay Area, where the tests have been hard to find amid a nationwide supply crunch. Read the full story here.

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.

S.F. mayor jokes about mask controversy while appearing maskless at North Beach club: Mayor London Breed once again appeared maskless inside a San Francisco venue on Tuesday, during an appearance at the newly renovated Club Fugazi in the citys North Beach neighborhood. Just so you know, I checked with the director of the Department of Public Health, and he said I could speak without my mask on, Breed said during her introduction of the show Dear San Francisco. During her unannounced appearance, the mayor added, 83% of San Francisco is vaccinated. Thats why were here. According to city data, only 75% of the citys residents are fully vaccinated. The rest of the audience remained masked inside the club, per city rules, because no food or drink was being served. Attendees were also required to show proof of vaccination for entry.

No link between Sonoma teen's death and COVID-19 vaccine: The death of a 15-year-old Santa Rosa boy who died within 48 hours after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine in June is unrelated to getting the shot, Sonoma County officials said Wednesday during a COVID-19 briefing. After an investigation by the county health department and officials from the California Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it was determined that the boy died from a heart attack. "The only correlation between the vaccination and the death was the timing," said Paul Gullixson, the county's communications manager, emphasizing that the vaccines are safe and effective. "This was a very rare and tragic and complicated case."

Only 25% of Marin County residents 65 and older who received the Pfizer vaccine have gotten boosters: Just 25% of Marin County residents 65 and older who are eligible for a Pfizer booster shot have gotten one, public health officer Dr. Matt Willis told county supervisors Tuesday. Health officials are urging older residents to get boosters because they are at higher risk for post-vaccination infection, and have set a goal to increase booster uptake in this group to 50% by Nov. 12. Currently, 77% of breakthrough hospitalizations in the county  20 out of 26 people  are people over 65. This substantiates what weve seen nationally, that unique vulnerability based on age, Willis said.

Southern California ports will double operations under Biden plan: As pandemic-related supply chain issues continue to cause bottlenecks at the worlds ports, the Biden administration is stepping in to help alleviate some of the pressure. Vice President Kamala Harris, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and National Economic Council Director Brian Deese met with operators at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach  as well as representatives from Target, Walmart and Home Depot  on Wednesday to help facilitate 24/7 operations, according to a White House memo.
Marin County is the only county in California that has a moderate level of coronavirus transmission, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

On Wednesday, the county became the first in the Bay Area to advance into the category, depicted as yellow on the agencys color-coded map, following the summer surge driven by the highly transmissible delta variant.

If Marin County remains in the moderate transmission category for more than three weeks, it will almost certainly meet the criteria set by Bay Area health officials last week to lift the indoor mask mandate in public settings for vaccinated people.

Seven of the nine other Bay Area counties remain in the substantial transmission category, labeled orange on the map. Napa County is the lone holdout in the region stuck in the worst high transmission category, which is red.

California as a whole is now in the substantial category, along with Alabama and Florida. The rest of the states are in the high category.

Marin is one of the only counties in the U.S. with moderate transmission that is part of a major metro area.

Marin County reported a seven-day average of 5.5 new cases per 100,000 residents per day on Wednesday, down from a peak of 22 per 100,000 in August. Hospitalizations have fallen in October.

Were seeing steady declines coming off that fourth wave that peaked in early August, Dr. Matt Willis, the countys health officer, told supervisors Tuesday.

In terms of potentially lifting the countywide indoor mask mandate, the guidance from Bay Area counties  including Marin  specifies that the mask rules can be pulled back once counties reach three benchmarks: showing that the virus is not widely circulating; that hospitals arent overfull with COVID patients; and that vaccination rates are high.

Only Marin County has hit a key 80% vaccination benchmark. Other Bay Area counties, where vaccination rates vary from about 66% to 75%, do not expect to hit that goal for several months.

On Friday, Oct. 15, Marin  like San Francisco  has said that people can remove their masks in gyms, offices, college classrooms and a few other settings where the same crowd of 100 people or fewer gather regularly, provided all attendees are fully vaccinated and no children under 12 are present. But many other settings  such as restaurants, bars and other public indoor places  must wait for the broader countywide rollback that hinges on low case rates and higher vaccination numbers.

For those that are concerned that we may not be prepared yet to lift that additional local restriction, its important to recognize that Marin County, by virtue of having some of the highest vaccination rates, is a highly protected county. It also has some of the (lowest) case rates in the nation, Willis said. So if anyone can do it, we can.

By contrast, Sonoma County officials said during a briefing Wednesday that the earliest the ban could be lifted there was early January.

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.

Willis said health officials are urging older residents to get boosters because they are at higher risk for post-vaccination infection. The county has set a goal to increase booster uptake in this group to 50% by Nov. 12.

Currently, 77% of breakthrough hospitalizations in the county  20 out of 26 people  are people over 65.

This substantiates what weve seen nationally, that unique vulnerability based on age, Willis said.

Chronicle staff writer Catherine Ho contributed to this report.

Aidin Vaziri is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: avaziri@sfchronicle.com
For three decades Fernando Marti has been among the progressive political activists demonstrating outside the homes of families facing evictions.

The sometimes raucous anti-eviction protests  often featuring Aztec dancers and burning white sage to chase away bad juju  are a staple of the citys leftist political community. Theyre a way to shame landlords, expand movements, and build momentum for new laws and policies that protect tenants.

They were protesting at the displacement of artists during the live-work loft craze in the dot-com boom of the 1990s, and the rash of tenancy-in-common conversions of the early 2000s. There were protests against a 2013 eviction of the family of 80-year-old Poon Heung Lee at Jackson and Larkin streets, and a few years later to save the home of 100-year-old Iris Canada at Page and Steiner streets.

There is the question of saving someones home and then there are the policies and laws needed to address the problem, said Marti. (The rallies) put a face on it.

So on Tuesday morning when Marti joined about 75 demonstrators on 23rd Street in Noe Valley to protest an eviction, it was both familiar and very different. Thats because this time the family being evicted was his own, and the faces giving meaning to the tale of displacement were that of Marti, wife Michelle Foy and their 12-year-old son, Carmelo.

Its a very strange thing to be fighting for your own home, said Marti, who is an architect and co-director of the Council of Community Housing Organizations.

The case is significant because it is one of a handful of eviction cases that a San Francisco Superior County judge is allowing to go forward, despite a San Francisco city ordinance that extends the pandemic moratorium, according to tenant attorneys.

J.K. Dineen / The Chronicle

In April 2019 the Foy-Marti household, which has lived at 3868 23rd St. since 1998, received the first eviction notice from the property owners, the Omran family, who had bought the two-unit building the previous year. The eviction was an owner-move-in or OMI eviction, which allows property owners to get rid of tenants if a family member intends to move into the vacated apartment.

The original eviction was thrown out because of a technicality, and then the pandemic hit, along with an eviction moratorium. In April of this year, the family was hit with a second notice.

Marti and his attorney say that while the state ban on no-fault evictions expired at the end of September, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors extended it through the end of the year. Because of that, they argue that the latest attempt to oust the family is illegal and that San Francisco Superior Court Judge Charles Haines violated the law by allowing the Noe Valley eviction to proceed.

The demonstration Tuesday was attended by Supervisors Dean Preston, Myrna Melgar and Hillary Ronen, as well as Tom Temprano, an aide to Supervisor Rafael Mandelman.

The entire effort to drive this family from their home violates the laws we have passed in San Francisco, said Preston. This eviction is illegal.

Haines, a judge presiding over housing court, didnt return a call seeking comment. Ora Prochovnick, director of litigation at the Eviction Defense Collaborative, said the courts rulings on whether the citys eviction ban is valid have been somewhat inconsistent in recent weeks. In some cases, Haines has allowed evictions to proceed only if the tenancy violates health and safety provisions; some OMI cases have been allowed to move forward, while others have not.

Judge Haines has a lot of power to make these kind of decisions, she said.

She said that eviction cases have been more of a trickle than a flood, perhaps because a lot of landlords and attorneys acknowledge that the moratorium exists.

San Francisco Apartment Association Executive Director Janan New said the citys eviction moratorium remains in effect through the end of the year and that members of her organization are aware of that. I have not heard of any evictions going forward, she said.

Marti said the Omran family owns at least four other properties in San Francisco, as well as a home in Marin County, so the notion that they need the unit for a family member seems unlikely. Ashley Klein, attorney for the property owners, did not return a call seeking comment. Nor did Christopher Omran, a representative for the family.

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.

Prochovnick said that so far none of the evictions has reached a final judgment, the last step before the sheriffs deputies show up. Once that happens, Prochovnick or one of the citys other nonprofit tenant attorneys will file an appeal.

Meanwhile, Marti and his family, who pay $1,600 a month for the unit, have no choice but to bring attention to their plight while challenging the legal decision to let the case go forward. Marti and Peter Cohen are leaving their positions as co-directors at the Council of Community Housing Organizations in April, and so Marti is facing an uncertain future on both his housing and employment. Foy works as a finance director for the Chinese Progressive Association.

Since 1998, the apartment at 3868 23rd St. has been a nerve center of progressive politics and the arts. Its a studio for Marti, a printmaker and poet. Many roommates have circulated through over the 23 years. Melgar recalled countless hours geeking out over wine in the apartment on housing policy and tenant protections.

Its where many love affairs, great ideas and political campaigns were born, said Melgar, who spends holidays with the Foy-Marti family.

At the rally Tuesday, Supervisor Dean Preston said, Its unbelievably stressful to face eviction.

Thank you for doing this, for fighting in such a public way. Its not easy to do, he told the family. Nobody should be in the position you are in.

Carmelo Foy-Marti, who took the morning off middle school to join the demonstration, called the situation very unjust and not right.

This eviction is awful, but we will push through it, he said. To be kicked out from this house Ive lived in all my life is very hard.

J.K. Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jdineen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfjkdineen
More than 180 employees in the police, fire and sheriffs departments remained unvaccinated as the deadline for these and some other city workers to get shots passed midnight Wednesday.

The city will put these employees, who include firefighters, police officers and sheriffs deputies, on paid leave and send them through a process that could result in termination. San Francisco leaders, standing by the need for a vaccine mandate to get out of the pandemic, have said theyre prepared to shift staffing and continue providing critical services.

Across the country and the world, thousands of people continue to die from COVID-19. Sadly, this includes employees of the city and county of San Francisco, Mawuli Tugbenyoh, spokesperson for the Department of Human Resources, said in a statement Thursday. To protect the health and safety of members of the public as well as employees, the city issued its vaccination policy.

Although some first responders are still holding out, nearly all employees in the fire, sheriff and police departments  almost 97%  have complied with the mandate. Thats a higher percentage than the 75% vaccination rate among residents of the city, which is itself one of the most vaccinated places in the country. Meanwhile, police forces in other cities, including Los Angeles, have shown greater resistance to vaccination.

San Franciscos employee vaccine mandate, the first and one of the strictest in the nation, has stirred some opposition, especially from law enforcement unions. Employees from nine departments who intermittently or occasionally work in high-risk settings had until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday to be fully vaccinated  meaning 14 days had passed since their last vaccine shot.

Workers in high-risk settings including hospitals, nursing homes and homeless shelters already faced a mandate on Sept. 30, while the rest of the citys 35,000 workers must get their shots by Nov. 1.

Departments employing first responders were among the largest in the group affected by Wednesdays deadline  and some of those with the highest rates of unvaccinated employees.

As of Thursday afternoon, 76 sworn police officers  or 3.5% of all officers  remained unvaccinated. A additional 32 non-sworn employees also have not received shots.

Those numbers dropped from early Wednesday evening, when Police Chief Bill Scott said 118 officers and 31 non-sworn employees remained unvaccinated, on trend with a decline in recent weeks.

The Police Department has 2,832 employees, including 2,113 officers. Most, but not all, needed to get vaccinated by Oct. 13.

The Sheriffs Department reported a 3.8% unvaccinated rate, with 39 out of 1,014 staff not fully vaccinated.

In the Fire Department, 35 employees  or 2% of 1,738  have not gotten shots.

Of the departments affected by Wednesdays mandate deadline, the Adult Probation Department had the highest rate of unvaccinated staff at 5%, but that only accounted for eight people. The other departments had higher vaccination rates.

According to the citys Human Resources Department, employees who havent gotten vaccinated will now receive notices that they can no longer do their jobs. They will be put on paid leave until a hearing, in which employees have a chance to appeal. If denied, they will be let go.

For fire and police department employees, that hearing will take place before the police or fire commissions. The commissions will recommend discipline, which could include firing, to the police and fire chiefs, who will then make a final decision about the employees future.

Employees can apply for medical or religious exemptions. The city has so far received approximately 800 exemption requests from city workers, which it is reviewing as quickly as possible with priority given to employees who have earlier deadlines for vaccination.

As of Wednesday, 260 of those requests came from police, sheriff and fire departments, Tugbenyoh said. The number has likely changed, although he could not provide an exact count Thursday.

Even if an employee gets an exemption, the city will still determine whether or not the exempted employee can be reasonably accommodated to still do their work. If the city doesnt believe the employee can, the person could still lose their job.

The Police Department is prepared for the possibility of operating without the unvaccinated employees. Two weeks ago, Scott said in an email that the department would shuffle staffing to fill patrol spots vacated by unvaccinated employees to continue providing crucial services without them.

But Scott also stressed earlier in the year that the department was already 18% below recommended staffing levels when asking supervisors for more funding. The city budget did increase police spending over the next two years, with plans to hire 135 officers, although police academies take time.

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.

Tracy McCray, vice president of the San Francisco Police Officers Association and lieutenant in charge of the robbery unit, said Thursday she was especially concerned about losing officers on the streets, with major events including Giants games and the Outside Lands music festival coming up.

McCray said shes already received goodbye emails from seven or eight colleagues resigned to the fact that they will lose their jobs because theyre not vaccinated.

Its a time when we really cant afford to lose anyone, she said. Its just really harsh, its my way or the highway.

She said some people who are choosing not to get vaccinated are from communities of color with historical concerns about medical discrimination, or might be allergic to whats in the vaccine.

Scientific data shows that the vaccines are safe and effective against preventing severe COVID-19 and death. Allergic reactions have occurred in approximately 2 to 5 people per million vaccinated in the U.S., according to the CDC.

Because of law enforcement officers level of engagement with the public, they are at risk to contract and die from COVID-19. The disease has been the leading cause of death for officers across the country since the pandemic began, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page. San Francisco has not lost any officers.

Around 160 officers have been infected, McCray said. She had not heard of any instances where officers, taking precautions to wear masks and get tested, spread the virus to the public, although she said officers have been exposed to and infected by members of the public.

We still continue to go out and do our job, she said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Mallory Moench is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @mallorymoench
Amid a dramatic increase in fatal drug overdoses, several supervisors and advocates are pressuring Mayor London Breed to replicate the citys urgency around the pandemic and declare the drug crisis a local health emergency  just as she did for the coronavirus.

The motivation behind the declaration would be twofold. The supervisors and advocates believe it would increase attention paid to the crisis and also create more incentive for the mayor to flout federal and state laws to open a site where people can use drugs in a supervised setting.

A spokesperson for Breed said its unclear how such a declaration  which would be largely symbolic  could practically allow us to do anything we cannot already do today.

Breed, who has been working on opening a safe consumption site for several years, has also said in the past that she is hesitant to do so without federal and state approval.

But those pushing for the move say San Francisco must take dramatic action to curb the drug epidemic, which last year killed more than twice as many people in the city as COVID-19.

It sends a message that San Francisco is doing this for the health of our residents, said Gary McCoy, director of policy and affairs for HealthRight 360, a residential drug treatment program. It is absolutely an emergency.

The call for the local health emergency and the safe consumption site comes as San Francisco grapples with a soaring death toll from overdoses, mostly due to fentanyl, an extremely powerful opioid. More than 700 people died of an overdose last year  a city record. This year is on track to be just as deadly.

Amid the surge, Breed committed $13.2 million for new and expanded overdose prevention programs this year, such as new street outreach teams, increased distribution of overdose reversal drug Narcan and hundreds of new treatment beds. But its not clear that will be enough.

This is not an issue that San Francisco is going to be able to combat alone, Breed said at a news conference last month. This is an issue that were going to have to continue to work with our state representatives to try and get the job done.

Supervisor Matt Haney  who represents the Tenderloin and SoMa, two neighborhoods most affected by the epidemic  created a resolution that calls on the mayor to declare a local health emergency on overdoses and buck state and federal law to immediately open a safe consumption site. A board committee passed the resolution on Thursday, which will now go to the full Board for a vote.

During the hearing, Haney said there is moral urgency to open safe consumption sites because they help save lives. Alex Kral, with nonprofit research institute RTI International, shared studies that such sites reduced hospitalizations for drug users and reduced the number of needles on the streets. Safe sites also had no impact on or even reduced crime in the surrounding area compared to similar neighborhoods.

Nearly a dozen public commenters called on the city to open a site.

When you have two people dying a day on our streets from preventable deaths, what more will it take for it to become a public health emergency? said Paul Harkin, former director of harm reduction services with Tenderloin non-profit GLIDE.

Resolutions are nonbinding. If it passes, Breed would have no obligation to follow either recommendation.

If this isnt a local emergency, where we are seeing over 700 people die, and multiple people die every day in our city, then I dont know what is, said Haney, who recently announced his campaign for state Assembly. This is every bit as much a public health emergency for our city as COVID-19.

During the current pandemic-related local health emergency, San Francisco has been able to compel city employees to work as disaster service workers and also tweak local laws to allow restaurants to quickly open parklets for outdoor dining.

When asked what a local emergency around overdoses could specifically do, John Cote, a spokesperson for City Attorney Dennis Herrera, declined to discuss the matter on the record. In an email the next day, he said that the local emergency does not allow the city to suspend or ignore applicable state and federal laws.

McCoy said an emergency declaration would simply be a symbolic move that would put the City Attorney on notice to defend (a safe consumption site) at all costs. He said he believes it could put the city on steadier legal ground around the sites, which public health experts widely agree are one of the most effective tools for reversing the overdose trend.

The mayor has long supported opening a safe consumption site in San Francisco, once the city gets state or federal approval. But efforts on both fronts have so far been unsuccessful.

Breed has said previously that opening a safe consumption site without approval could put nurses, caseworkers and other public health officials at legal risk.

Herrera, who is leaving office Oct. 31, has warned previous mayoral administrations and the Board of Supervisors that they could be held criminally liable under federal drug statutes if they move ahead with the sites.

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.

It is unclear how the incoming city attorney David Chiu will handle the issue. Chiu, currently an Assembly member, co-sponsored state legislation by Sen. Scott Wiener that would legalize such sites.

While its important the state removes the legal barriers around opening such sites, Wiener said he understands why local officials may not want to wait.

Were in a state of emergency, and people are dying, he said. So I have no problem with the city moving forward on its own.

Other San Francisco mayors have defied state and federal law to enact policies they support. Mayor Frank Jordan authorized the countrys first needle exchange in 1993, and Mayor Gavin Newsom issued marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2004.

About 100 safe consumption sites exist around the world, including in Canada, Australia, Switzerland and France. Rhode Island approved a pilot program for the countrys first safe consumption sites in July.

In California, efforts to change the state law have hit several hurdles over the past few years. The most recent setback came this summer, when lawmakers said they would wait to act on the legislation until next year.

Meanwhile, on the federal level, its unclear where the Biden administration stands. The current administration is expected to be much more amenable to the idea than Donald Trumps administration, which threatened 20 years in prison, hefty fines and forfeiture of the property used in the criminal activity in any city that opened an injection site.

Still, several advocates said San Francisco needs to do everything it can to increase the attention and urgency around the crisis.

The urgency is so high that the city should be taking every action that it can, said Laura Thomas, director of harm reduction policy at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. We cant afford to wait until the state Legislature and federal government to get their act together on this.

Chronicle staff writer Mallory Moench contributed reporting.

Trisha Thadani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tthadani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TrishaThadani
Next week could bring near-record rainfall to the Bay Area, but the prognosis for the coming rainy season is that it will be drier than average  for the second year in a row.

A La Nina weather pattern has already developed in the tropical Pacific Ocean and will last through a second consecutive winter, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Climate Prediction Center announced Thursday.

With the state in a drought and vegetation parched, said Roger Gass, a National Weather Service meteorologist for the Bay Area, the outlook is not promising.

We do not want to go into another year of dry conditions, he said, but a La Nina means the likelihood is greater.

Known as a double dip, back-to-back La Nina rainy seasons are not uncommon, according to climate scientists.

But it is a foreboding forecast for the West, and particularly California, which relies on wet winters to fill reservoirs and turn the forests and mountains green. With the state in drought and wildfires still burning across the state, Californians are eager for precipitation.

And some may arrive in the coming week. A small amount of rain may sprinkle parts of the Bay Area on Sunday, Gass said. But a possibility of widespread precipitation  perhaps as much as 2 inches in parts of the Bay Area and elsewhere in Northern California  could arrive toward the middle and end of next week.

The forecast could bring one, if not a series, of storm fronts in seven to 10 days that will bring some significant rainfall to the Bay Area, Gass said.

That would be good news for firefighters battling blazes across the state, including the Alisal Fire, which ignited on Monday in coastal Santa Barbara County, jumping and closing Highway 101 and growing to more than 16,000 acres by Thursday morning. It was 41% contained Friday.

The one thing were really watching for right now is widespread rainfall in the Bay Area that would reduce our risk of wildfire, Gass said. If that doesnt happen, we could end up with red flag warnings and winds that could spread fires.

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.

A La Nina winter is bad news for Southern California, almost certainly meaning little rain, said Tom Di Liberto, a climatologist with NOAA, but its less definitive for the Bay Area.

La Ninas tend to steer more rainstorms to the Pacific Northwest, while El Ninos push more storms to the south. Since the Bay Area sits in between, the impact of a La Nina on the Bay Area and Northern California is less predictable, Di Liberto said.

The Bay Area can get a range of outcomes, not necessarily dry nor necessarily wet, he said. Its not the same outcome for the entirety of the state.

Even with the La Nina forecast, Gass said, the possibility of an atmospheric river delivering a series of soggy storms  and flash flood and flood dangers  to the Bay Area remains.

National Weather Service officials plan to release their precipitation and temperature forecasts for the coming winter on Oct. 21. According to their La Nina announcement Thursday, the dry weather pattern is expected to last through early spring 2022.

Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuan
A century-old redwood  Californias most revered tree  lies dead on the forest floor.

Its trunk has been sawed into two large sections, a message scrawled on its stump in red marker: STOP. Beneath, the stumps diameter is recorded: 55 inches, about the height of a 10-year-old child. Lower still, in smaller letters, another message: This is not fire prevention.

Surrounding this tree are other redwoods that have been felled or girdled, meaning large swaths of their bark have been carved away from their trunks. More redwoods are marked blue  they too are slated for a timber harvest. Dead foliage and piles of branches abound.

The wounded and dead trees look like casualties left behind on a battlefield. And in a way, thats what they are.

Welcome to Jackson Demonstration State Forest, a 48,652-acre forest managed by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Although its little-known outside the coastal Northern California county of Mendocino, Jackson has become ground zero in an escalating war over the management of redwoods on public land, with catastrophic wildfires and global climate change necessitating urgency and raising the stakes.

Ashley Harrell

Back in April, activists began protesting the timber harvest plan at the Caspar 500 site within Jackson. Theyve been doing tree-sits and blocking the logging operations throughout the forest since.

But forestry academics and professionals are largely in favor of redwood timber harvests. For decades, the harvests have paid for the upkeep of a public forest with three stated objectives: demonstrating best practices to private timberland owners, hosting research and providing recreational opportunities. The research going on in Jackson, which regularly involves cutting large redwoods, has become more important than ever, they say.

The self-titled forest defenders, including local activists, environmental advocacy groups and the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, want a moratorium on logging and for all stakeholders to sit down and re-evaluate redwood harvests. From their perspective, forest managers are prioritizing and participating in the timber industry instead of environmental conservation.

You can't fight over fallen trees, says Michelle McMillan, media representative for a direct action group called the Mama Tree Network, which has thwarted multiple logging attempts over the past six months. We want to change the long-term management of this forest.

The debate can feel complicated, but this much is clear: Jackson contains some of the most important second-growth redwood stands in the world. And this time, they arent going down without a fight.

Ashley Harrell

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The logging of redwoods in Jackson and the controversy it incites arent new, but this round comes as the state faces catastrophic wildfires brought on by global climate change. As the state agency tasked with both fire protection and managing forests, Cal Fires responsibilities have significantly increased as new priorities have come to the fore.

Last year, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order directing state agencies to develop nature-based solutions for addressing climate change by sequestering carbon, creating wildlife habitat and benefiting all Californians, particularly those in disadvantaged communities. Since the announcement, Cal Fire has contracted timber companies to harvest large, second-growth redwoods in six areas of the forest. These timber harvest plans are part of its mandate to manage the land, which traces back to the 1940s.

Logging on this land stretches still further back to the mid-1800s, when white settlers seized it from the Coast Yuki and Northern Pomo tribes, who had called the land home for thousands of years. After the land came under the ownership of Caspar Lumber Company, loggers clear-cut nearly all of the old-growth forest. When the company sold the land to California in 1947, regulations on forest practices were in their infancy, and loggers paid little attention to post-harvest recovery.

Today, Jackson remains a self-funded program supported largely with proceeds from redwood timber harvests. They have given us the timberland with the mission to manage it sustainably, including the economics, says state forests program manager Kevin Conway.

Ashley Harrell

Of the states nine demonstration forests, Jackson is by far the largest, covering more than twice as many acres as all of the others combined. Although redwoods dominate Jackson, it also contains Douglas firs, tanoaks and other trees. There are some old-growth areas, Conway says, along with second-growth areas where Cal Fire is trying to develop the forest or re-establish optimal forest structure. There are also denser areas along watersheds, areas set aside for scientific research and areas of unevenly aged forests, a strategy for maximizing timber productivity.

In the fiscal year 2019/20, Cal Fire brought in $6.7 million in revenue from timber sales in this forest, according to the agencys most recent annual report. Redwood timber accounted for 55% of the wood sold and 95% of the revenue. The forest supports 160 local timber industry jobs and supplies Mendocino County with about $250,000 a year in taxes, according to Cal Fire, and recreational users and travelers spend about $35,000 a year on vehicle and camp fees.

As part of each contract for timber harvesting, logging companies also agree to perform maintenance projects, decommissioning a road here, building a trail there. The forests costs and revenues are roughly equivalent, Conway says, its upkeep largely outsourced.

If you ask forestry academics and foresters, this model is ideal. Removing large redwoods serves to improve the structure of the forest from a timber productivity standpoint, which is in line with the forests objectives, they argue, and redwood removal is also a component of many experiments. Because Cal Fire regulates private timberlands, they say, such research is important to understand the impacts of timberland management on the environment.

Ashley Harrell

The research that comes from Jackson helps landowners and forest managers make better decisions to help steward Californias forests, says Yana Valachovic, an extension agent with the University of California Cooperative Extension program. Those landowners provide numerous resources that benefit everyone, including things like clean water, clean air, pollination and wildlife habitat.  Without places for research and innovation, guidance on forest management would stagnate.

For Humboldt State University forestry professor Pascal Berrill, who has been conducting research in Jackson for the past two decades, the aftermath of recent logging should be thought of in the same way as a bad  but necessary  haircut.

Its going to grow back within a couple of years and everything is going to go back to normal, Berrill says. In fact, your hair is going to be healthier because you trimmed the split ends.

For Jacksons forest defenders, however, the continued logging of large redwoods on public land, in the face of climate change, is preposterous. They point to losses in sequestered carbon, wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities, and while they do see value in scientific research, they arent impressed with the studies coming out of Jackson.

Ashley Harrell

Unfortunately most of the research that takes place in Jackson is specifically geared towards the logging industry, which is not, I would say climate-relevant research, says climate scientist John OBrien, a researcher with the National Center for Atmospheric Research and resident of Mendocino. There's a lot of opportunity to do what I would consider far more relevant research towards repairing our ecosystems that were devastated over the last 150 years.

At a time when nearly everyone can agree that research is paramount, there are indicators that the studies out of Jackson havent always proven useful. In a May 20 letter addressed to the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, Marc Jameson  Jacksons manager from 1997 to 2009  criticized the forests research program.

Historically, research in the forestry realm has been spotty and disjointed in my view, he writes. Very good work has been done, but it is difficult to assimilate it into a larger forest management picture. Although there are a few long-term projects and abundant short-term ones, he writes, obstacles with budget, staffing stability and flaws in experiment setup have resulted in projects being largely abandoned after a period of time.

It didnt help that during much of Jamesons tenure, the forest was hamstrung by a series of lawsuits over logging.

Ashley Harrell

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The first person to take issue with redwood logging in Jackson was a software company owner named Vince Taylor. After moving into a house near the state forest in 1990, he set out on a hike.

I went like 100 feet or so and I came into this patch of just total annihilation, he says. It was all logs and brush and everything lying there that was hard to get through.  I said to myself: this shouldn't be.

When Taylor retired a few years later, he began investigating Jacksons management, and in 1995, he joined in the first-ever protest against logging in the forest. Nothing came of it, and in fact, Taylor says Cal Fire started taking more trees than before.

After a couple of citizen advisory groups formed but were ignored, Taylor started filing lawsuits, which were effective for many years in delaying logging projects.

In the mid-2000s, a new Cal Fire director came in and another advisory group formed. The group spent more than two years on a new management plan, but the Board of Forestry made changes that undermined the plan and removed binding language, Taylor says.

Ashley Harrell

A huge part of the report was on setting up a really world-class research forest in Jackson, Taylor says. The Board of Forestry completely gutted all of the recommendations and turned it over to their internal people at [Jackson Demonstration State Forest] to run the research program. So it went right back to what it always had been.

As time went on, the battle became more pitched as the reality of climate change set in. Studies showed that redwoods  especially coast redwoods  store more carbon than any other trees in the world. Catastrophic wildfires began tearing through the state like never before.

When the redwoods started hitting the ground in Jackson this year, a new generation of activists sprang into action. A high-school senior stayed for nine days in a tree-sit. Then, nonprofit directors, community group leaders and outdoor enthusiasts took turns as forest defenders. Locals marched in protests, while bolder activists walked right into active logging sites and placed their bodies in close proximity to chainsaws.

Ashley Harrell

In speaking with the press, activists began zeroing in on two main issues concerning forest management in a time of climate change: fire safety and carbon sequestration.

The best way to safeguard forests from catastrophic fires, nearly all fire ecologists agree, is prescribed burns. Although Cal Fire has regularly burned slash piles from management activity, Jackson has only seen one controlled burn, which took place last spring, state forest program manager Conway wrote in an email.

There is a lack of resources to plan and conduct prescribed burns, he added, but foresters are researching future burns within timber harvest plans.

For OBrien, thats unacceptable. You have 50,000 acres of one state-owned piece of land and they do no prescribed fire. And this is our firefighting agency, he says. They suppressed fire here for 100 and some odd years  the undergrowth is just dense.

Ashley Harrell

Removing large redwoods exacerbates the problem, OBrien says, because then more sunlight hits the forest floor, allowing underbrush and small trees to proliferate. Thats good if youre maximizing the productivity of a timberland, but ultimately, it leaves the landscape more fire prone, OBrien says.

The other cost to felling large trees is carbon sequestration. While standing, redwoods absorb carbon from the air and store it away in their wood, preventing it from escaping into the atmosphere. But if they burn down or decay or are chopped into short-lasting wood products, the carbon goes right back to warming the planet.

Out of all the trees on Earth, coast redwoods store by far the most carbon, and that includes trees in both old-growth and secondary forests. Because secondary forests can accumulate more biomass annually than old-growth forests, some supporters of the timber industry have made the argument that well-managed timberland can sequester more carbon than old-growth forests.

This is false, according to Humboldt State University forest ecology professor Steve Sillett, the first scientist to ever enter an old-growth redwood canopy.

Save the Redwoods League

First of all, old-growth forests have much more total biomass, which takes centuries to accumulate, Sillett wrote in an email to SFGATE. Secondly, there are two different kinds of wood in redwoods: a more durable, decay-resistant kind called heartwood, and a less resilient wood called sapwood.

The annual rate of heartwood accumulation is highest in primary forests, making these the carbon sequestration champions! Sillett wrote.

Although the professor acknowledges that massive areas of new redwood forests would need to be planted across the world for them to have a global effect, this does not mean we shouldnt bother restoring tall redwood forests in California, he wrote. We certainly should, and I hope this happens at [Jackson].

Cal Fires Conway points out that far more redwoods are being grown than cut in Jackson, and that the goal in some areas is to re-establish old-growth. Still, he says that Cal Fire could do better with quantifying the forests carbon storage and sharing that information with the public.

Activists point out that in all but the most recent timber harvest plans, Cal Fire used the language of a climate-change denier: For now, the consensus is that temperature within the earths atmosphere is increasing, the agency writes, although exactly how and to what extent human activity plays a role in global climate change appears to be unknown.

Ashley Harrell

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There are three ways of making changes to how much logging takes place in Jackson. The first is at the level of the Jackson Demonstration State Forest Advisory Group, a Cal Fire advisory body of seven that was created to represent all of the interest groups with a stake in Jackson. They have backgrounds in the timber industry, recreation, forestry, biology and conservation.

The group fields public commentary about the forest and must approve every timber harvest plan. And while some plans are delayed or altered, eventually all are approved. In some cases, hundreds of comments in opposition to the plans have been ignored.

They have a very limited mandate, Mendocino Trail Stewards President Chad Swimmer says of the group. They can say, This timber harvest plan doesnt fit the management plan. But they cant say, The public doesnt want this, so you shouldnt do it.

The second way of enacting change in Jackson is through a revision of the management plan, which becomes possible every 10 years. The next revision is scheduled for 2026.

The third avenue is through legislative action. But lawmakers have thus far steered clear of the hot button issue. Michael Hunter, the tribal chair for the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, collected signatures from dozens of tribes and tribal councils, then wrote to politicians including California state Sen. Mike McGuire, Assemblymember Jim Wood, U.S. Congressman Jared Huffman and California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot.

Paul Kitagaki Jr./Associated Press

Hunter is calling for a moratorium on logging in Jackson. And in step with a national reckoning over stolen Indigenous land, the Pomo tribe  who for centuries gathered food, medicinal plants and materials for woven baskets in the forest  want to co-manage it.

That's where our people lived until they were pushed out of the redwoods, Hunter says. And we have many, many of our archaeological sites there that are supposed to be protected. But [Cal Fire] doesnt protect them.

McGuire and Huffman have not responded, Hunter says. But Wood wrote back.

The circumstances that existed when the demonstration forest concept was created have changed, Wood wrote in the letter shared with SFGATE. We are in a climate crisis.

While Wood agreed that it was time to re-examine the way California manages demonstration forests, he said that a new strategy would need to meet conservation goals but also overcome many hurdles, including significant opposition, which will require a tremendous amount of time and effort. For this reason, I am unable to take on this issue."

On Sept. 23, Crowfoot showed up at a California Tribal Chairpersons meeting in which Hunter gave a presentation calling for political intervention in Jackson. Crowfoot spoke about the importance of demonstration forest research and incorrectly stated that there are 12 demonstration forests in California (there are nine). But the most surprising thing he said was this:

Its my clear understanding that there is no timber harvest happening right now. No logging happening. And I commit to a responsible government-to-government consultation thats honest, thats direct, that incorporates all tribal perspectives that want to be involved before timber harvest resumes.

On Sept. 24, activists learned that more logging was underway in Jackson. On Oct. 4, Hunter and a direct action team interrupted a project at Soda Creek and captured the heated confrontation on video.

You are trespassing, a voice calls out over a loudspeaker as they enter the area. A logger who identifies himself as a safety officer tells Hunter he isnt authorized to be there, that its a hazardous area with active logging happening.

Im at the Jackson Demonstration State Forest, Hunter says to the camera. This is a state forest. I aint trespassing. This is more my fking land than these fks land. St. Acting like its their land.

He walks around, filming cleared areas of the forest and piles of downed logs, then circles back to those felling timber. More heated words are exchanged and a siren goes off. A logger cranks up a chainsaw and holds it to a tree while Hunter stands several feet away in the footage. What the fk! Hunter yells.

Hey, Mr. Crowfoot, he says, again addressing the camera, I thought you said they werent logging. You told all the tribes they werent logging. I got your proof right now, Crowfoot.

Eventually the loggers realize Hunter and the other activists arent backing down and they cannot safely continue their work. The loggers pack their equipment and go.

Ashley Harrell

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With the forests revenue source in doubt, some Cal Fire employees have been wondering whether they need to start looking for new positions, says Conway. The budget reserve is only about a year of operating revenue, he adds, meaning that plans to add recreational facilities and commence new research projects are mired in uncertainty. At several partially logged sites, numerous downed trees, branches and other fuels remain fire hazards.

Up to this point, news of the conflict at Jackson has largely remained behind the redwood curtain, as those in Mendocino County refer to their secluded coastline. But as the consequences of climate change in California grow increasingly dire, the fate of these redwoods  and the need to reach a consensus on managing the precious resource  has become more important than ever.

In all of California, there are just 345,000 acres of coast redwoods set aside for conservation in parks and reserves and on private land. In other words, if logging ceased in Jackson, its redwoods would comprise more than 12% of all the protected coast redwoods in the state.

Back at Caspar 500  down the trail from the site where the trees lie dead on the forest floor  theres a magnificent redwood stretching toward the sky. At its base, someone has affixed a small sign with bright and colorful letters.

Think of the future, it says.

Editors note: This article was updated at 10:36 a.m., Oct. 14, to clarify that old-growth is a descriptor of forests rather than individual trees, and that second-growth forests can accumulate more biomass than old-growth forests annually.
The 47-year-old woman accused of throwing drunken sex parties for young teenagers in Los Gatos, Calif., is being held at a jail in Boise, Idaho, the Ada County Sheriff's Office reported in a news release.

Detectives with the sheriff's office are concerned Shannon Bruga, who is also known as Shannon O'Connor, may have also been holding parties where O'Connor allegedly encouraged teens to have sex in Idaho as well as California.

When detectives arrived Saturday morning at her home on Wyatt Earp Drive in the Boise suburb of Star, there were 10 underage boys and two girls at her home  most of whom spent the night there, the sheriffs office said in the news release. Investigators called the parents of those teens before releasing them.

In California, Bruga is charged with 39 criminal counts, including felony child abuse, sexual assault, and providing alcohol to minors, the Santa Clara County District Attorneys Office said. She faces incarceration if she is convicted.

Bruga allegedly "bought vodka and Fireball whiskey, provided condoms, and discouraged the teens from telling their parents about the parties or calling for help when one of them passed out in their own vomit," the statement of facts alleged.

She also allegedly lured teens to her house in the middle of the night over SnapChat and text, and warned them not to disclose the parties or she could go to jail, a press release from the Santa Clara County District Attorneys Office said.

The parties held from 2020 to earlier this year were mainly attended by 14- and 15-year-olds, the office said.

The Ada County Sheriff's Office said it began investigating Bruga this summer after a local family alerted the office that Burga was relocating to the Treasure Valley, the area that encompasses the cities of Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Eagle, Star, Kuna, Caldwell, and Middleton.

The family told the sheriff they connected with Bruga on the Internet and met her in Boise last spring when Bruga started her search for a new home in Idaho, the news release said.

When the family learned about the parties and sexual abuse investigation in California, they tried to cut ties with her and they told police she started harassing them.
The conversation started with Brussels sprouts.

Mark Hall was not fond of Duane Mitchell's appetizer selection.

"That sounds awful. No, thank you," Hall joked.

Soon, the icebreaker that got the two strangers chatting at the bar of a Gainesville, Fla., restaurant earlier this month turned into an over three-hour-long conversation about coronavirus vaccines.

"What do you think about the vaccine?" Hall asked after Mitchell disclosed that he was a researcher studying human diseases at the University of Florida.

Mitchell replied that he believed in the vaccine and that he had been vaccinated. But Hall had no plans to get the shot. Hall said he had done extensive research about the vaccines, but plenty of his questions remained unanswered.

"It was a back and forth," Mitchell, 50, told The Washington Post. "It was clear that he was skeptical, but he kept asking questions."

By the end of the dinner, the men exchanged numbers, and Hall cracked one more joke. He'd get the vaccine - but only if Mitchell gave it to him, the physician told The Post. To Mitchell's surprise, Hall followed through and texted him to schedule his appointment at the university's clinic. Five days after their chance meeting, Hall received his first shot.

"I couldn't believe it," Mitchell told The Post. " . . . After the encounter I said, 'I don't know if he's ever going to actually call and follow through, but maybe he'll get the vaccine where he is, maybe down the road the opportunity will come up.' It seemed like our conversation made a difference."

Hall did not immediately respond to an interview request from The Post late Tuesday.

Although more than 187.7 million people have been fully vaccinated in the United States - more than half of the country's population - millions of Americans have yet to get immunized. Many remain skeptical about the vaccines' effectiveness despite public health experts' assurances that they are safe and reduce the chances of developing severe covid-19 symptoms. Some have changed their minds, while others have remained adamantly against the vaccine even on their deathbeds.

Hall had been skeptical about the coronavirus vaccine since the early stages of the pandemic. Although his wife got vaccinated, Hall had decided against it.

"I've been against the shot since the shot was even born," the Ocala, Fla., resident said in a University of Florida video. "Timelines weren't adding up for me. It seemed like the perfect storm."

When the Food and Drug Administration began approving the vaccines for emergency use, Hall was still not convinced. "It seemed like the information was forever changing. . . . I've stayed up dark, dark nights looking into information."

So when Mitchell sat beside him at the restaurant earlier this month, Hall wanted to know what the doctor thought.

"I literally just started bombarding him with questions," Hall said.

What did Mitchell know about the vaccines? What were the pros and cons? Was the information his friends shared on Facebook and TikTok reliable?

Mitchell answered the questions one after another over his steak and salad. By the time both men paid their bills, he offered Hall the option to schedule his vaccine appointment at the university's clinic.

"He's like, 'So, have I convinced you to maybe get your vaccine?'" Hall recounted in the video posted by UF. "I made a joke. I said, 'If you give it to me, I'll take it.'"

"Done. We'll figure out a way," he remembered Mitchell saying.

In reality, Mitchell had no expectations of Hall following through. So when Hall texted three days later to schedule his vaccine, the physician was overjoyed.

"It was his decision obviously, but to just have been able to play a small part in helping him come to that decision was really gratifying," he told The Post.

Mitchell stood feet away from Hall as he watched him get his first shot. The two men have stayed in touch, Mitchell said.
Bobby Gayle Jr., a California resident, is relying on his friends, family and faith after he was shot seven times in what police are investigating as a possible hate crime.

A part of the violence that Friday night was captured in surveillance footage obtained by sister station KCRA. Bobby, a cement mason, was preparing to do some work with a friend when a driver going backward almost hit them, Bobby's brother Marlon Gayle said.

"My brother threw his hands up, was like, 'Hey, man, slow down. What's going on, like slow down,'" Marlon said, "And the guy got out his truck, parked his truck, got out, and he started saying the N-word and just started shooting."

Bobby was seen on the right of the video holding his hands up as a gunman on the left shoots. Marlon said two of the shots hit Bobby in his face.

Even though he was injured in the shooting, Bobby managed to call for his brother, Marlon recalled and played a voicemail that said, "Marlon, I've been shot. Pray for me. I swear to God. Please. In the name of Jesus. Hallelujah."

Sirens could be heard in the background of the voicemail. Bobby was also able to call 911 for help.

Despite the gunman shouting racial comments, the family has held firm on their beliefs, using that as a source of strength while Bobby recovers.

"We believe in love. We believe in forgiveness, but at the same time, white supremacy, hatred, bigotry, and all of that  we stand against that," Marlon said.

Police said Bobby, 45, is expected to survive his injuries. Even though Bobby was hit several times, Marlon said none of the bullets pierced any major arteries.

The department is asking the public's help in finding the man, pictured in the surveillance footage.

"We take these types of crimes very seriously and so we're investigating it to the fullest. We have some detectives assigned to it, as well as an officer that's assigned to the FBI task force," assistant police Chief Jim Chraska said.



Watch the video above for the full story.
An Alaska GOP lawmaker banned from flying on the state's leading airline for refusing to wear a mask, and therefore unable to travel to and from the state capital, has now tested positive for the coronavirus, she said.

State Sen. Lora Reinbold, a Republican representing an Anchorage suburb, wrote on Facebook on Tuesday night that it was her "turn to battle Covid head on."

"Game on! Who do you think is going to win?" Reinbold wrote of her infection. "When I defeat it, I will tell you my recipe."

Another Republican state senator, David Wilson of Wasilla also tested positive this week and is quarantining at home. State Sen. Click Bishop, a Republican representing Fairbanks, is feeling ill, but tested negative for the virus, according to the Anchorage Daily News.

Reinbold, a vocal critic of vaccine and mask mandates, was banned indefinitely by Alaska Airlines in the spring after she clashed with staff over the airline mask mandate issued by federal transportation officials. After Delta Air Lines stopped its service from her district to Juneau last month, Alaska Airlines was left as the only commercial carrier that flies between the two cities from now through the end of the year.

As a result, Reinbold was excused from attending floor votes for the rest of the year.

The Transportation Security Administration requires all air travelers to wear face coverings on flights, during boarding and deplaning, and while in the airport. Alaska Airlines banned Reinbold from its flights on April 24, the company told The Washington Post last month.

"Since then, a review did happen and the suspension was upheld," the company said in an emailed statement.

Reinbold did not immediately respond to a request for comment early Thursday. She wrote on Facebook that she was using a variety of products to help treat her infection, including vitamins and a Vicks steamer.

The GOP lawmaker said she was also taking ivermectin - an anti-parasitic medication that's been promoted by prominent conservative media figures and politicians, and some physicians, as an effective treatment for covid-19. There is a lack of scientific evidence showing benefits of the drug for that purpose, and the Food and Drug Administration and other public health agencies have emphasized that ivermectin is not authorized for treating covid-19.

"I am blessed to have gotten Ivirmectin the 'de-covider,' " she wrote. "My Vicks steamer has been a God send!"

The news comes as the nationwide back and forth over coronavirus mandates in schools, hospitals and businesses continues at a time when companies have been firing people for not getting vaccinated.

Some groups have pushed back against mandates. In Chicago, the city's police union has urged officers to "hold the line" over the city's vaccine mandate and ignore a deadline to report their vaccination status.

The debate has also played out in the courts. A federal judge in New York ruled Tuesday that the state could not impose vaccine mandates on health-care workers unless employers were allowed to consider religious exemption requests.

Alaska, like much of the country, has seen infection numbers decline after a summer surge fueled by the highly transmissible delta variant. The state is averaging more than 860 new daily infections, according to data tracked by The Post. More than 200 people in Alaska are hospitalized for covid-19, a slight uptick compared to the previous seven-day average.

More than 51%of the state is fully vaccinated - a rate that trails the national rate of 56.6%.

Reinbold has been a vocal opponent of mandates since early in the pandemic. She has used committee hearings to criticize Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy's pandemic rules and promotes misinformation about masking and vaccines on her Facebook page.

She refused to don a mask in the legislature, instead wearing a clear shield over her face, and unsuccessfully fought the mask mandate at the state Capitol. Reinbold recently showed up to an Anchorage Assembly meeting to oppose a proposed citywide mask ordinance.

Her actions have turned her into something of a pariah among her fellow legislators. In the spring, lawmakers voted to remove her as chair of the judiciary committee after the governor accused her of spreading misinformation about the virus, the Daily News reported. She was also briefly banned from most of the building for refusing to follow mask rules.

Dunleavy accused her of misrepresenting the state's pandemic response in a February letter.

Her dispute with Alaska Airlines began last fall, when she posted a Facebook screed calling airline workers "mask bullies" for telling her to wear her face covering.

In April, a police officer responded to an Alaska Airlines terminal in Juneau where Reinbold was bickering with employees. Shortly after, the airline banned her "for her continued refusal to comply with employee instruction regarding the current mask policy," the airline said in a statement to The Washington Post.

Though it's not impossible to travel by car from Anchorage to Juneau, Reinbold said the trip is roughly 800 miles and takes two days of travel. It also includes a five-hour ferry connection.

State Senate President Peter Micciche, R, said the absence of Reinbold and the two other Republican legislators has contributed to the chamber's inability to hammer out negotiations on a dividend fund linked to the state budget, the Daily News reported.

Despite her illness, Reinbold has continued speaking out against mandates on social media this week. She also vowed to get better.

"I plan to keep my promise to stay OUT of the hospital," she wrote. "Some of them seem like scary places these days."
Gov. Ned Lamont said Wednesday scores of Connecticut employees in executive branch agencies have been suspended without pay after failing to show they had either been vaccinated or would submit to weekly COVID testing.

The exact number of employees who have been suspended or fired over the order remained unclear. The governor had warned that state employees had until Tuesday to comply with the mandate.

Lamont said Tuesday that 28 probationary employees with less than six months on the job had been terminated as of last Friday.

I dont have any current number from what I told you yesterday except were continuing to put people out on unpaid leave if they wont get vaccinated or test, Lamont said Wednesday at an unrelated event in Hartford. He estimated the number in the scores.

On Wednesday, the state reported 240 new COVID cases statewide, with a daily positivity rate of 1.52 percent. Hospitalizations for the virus were up by a net of 11 patients, bringing the statewide total to 245.

The governors COVID vaccination mandate, announced in August, also includes school staff and workers at child care facilities. But Lamont indicated Wednesday he would not extend that mandate to eligible schoolchildren because none of the federally authorized vaccines have received the Food and Drug Administrations full approval for children.

The FDA has approved Pfizer-BioNTechs vaccine for adults, but administration of the vaccine for children as young as 12 is still being done under an emergency use authorization. The agency is expected to meet to discuss expanding the use of the vaccine to children as young as 5 by the end of October.

Certainly not at this point, I mean its only emergency use, so I think thats a long way off, the governor said Wednesday.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced this month his state will require students to be vaccinated in order to attend school once the vaccines meet full FDA approval for their age groups. Many colleges and universities already required students to have been vaccinated for the fall term.

Federal officials on Wednesday also released data allowing the public to see the percentage of vaccinated staff at individual nursing homes. During the early wave of the pandemic, deaths among nursing home patients and other assisted living facilities due to COVID-19 comprised a staggering amount of the states deaths. Staff and patients at nursing homes were among the very first recipients of vaccines in the state late last year.

Social Services Commissioner Dr. Deidre Gifford applauded the move in a statement Wednesday. As our federal partners note, this will help people make informed decisions when choosing a nursing home for themselves or a loved one, she said.

Lamont ordered staff at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities to be vaccinated by Sept. 7, a deadline that was later extended to Sept. 27 after a health care workers union asked for more time to prevent staffing shortages.
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)

A woman died in a hit-and-run collision near San Francisco City Hall early Thursday morning, police said.

The collision was reported at 1:05 a.m. in the area of Van Ness Avenue and McAllister Street. The victim, a woman in her 30s whose name hasn't been released, was taken to a hospital and died there.

The driver didn't stay at the scene following the collision and remains at large. San Francisco police have not released a description of the driver and only described the vehicle as a SUV.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Police Department's tip line at (415) 575-4444 or to send a tip by text message to TIP411 with "SFPD" at the start of the message.

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A peculiar prank going viral on TikTok has besieged a Bay Area Buffalo Wild Wings.

The video, posted by a TikTok user named @caturin3, commands any TikTok user who sees it to ring up a Buffalo Wild Wings in San Jose to order beans.

Call this buffalo wild wings and ask for just beans they get soooo mad," the video reads, posting the phone number to a Buffalo Wild Wings in San Jose.

It already has amassed over 1.6 million likes and 7 million views on the platform as of Thursday, bolstered by people commenting on whether the prank has successfully worked or not.

It's to the point, commenters on the video remarked, that this Buffalo Wild Wings location has turned off its phones due to the onslaught of calls it's received. (A call to the location made by SFGATE was disconnected after one dial tone.)

And now, the prank has likely extended to other Buffalo Wild Wings across the United States, as TikTok users claimed to call up their local Buffalo Wild Wings for the same bit.

Yelp has also enabled its "unusual activity alert" for this location, which takes place whenever "people come to this page to post their views on the news."

The gag has existed since at least February 2020, when one prankster on YouTube by the name of Jesus Christ claimed they "called everyday for two months asking for beans and now they just hang up or get really mad." Reviews on TripAdvisor for the location have also been bombarded with bean trolls since February of this year, with more than half the location's reviews making bean jokes.

It's oddly reminiscent of a TikTok meme conducted through McDonald's drive-thrus when a promotional meal for the rapper Travis Scott dropped last year. In this prank, a driver blasts the song "Sicko Mode" through speakers in lieu of ordering a meal; hundreds of pranksters partook in the joke for TikTok notoriety.

Inspire Brands, the parent corporation of Buffalo Wild Wings, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from SFGATE.
One after another, the Waymo vehicles piled up on the end of an otherwise sleepy intersection in San Franciscos Inner Richmond neighborhood.

The cars lurched to a stop as if confused by the sign obstructing their path, while emanating a strange, mechanical humming sound. Then, they made a U-turn and reversed, heading south on 15th Avenue toward California Street where theyd come from.

A video shared by KPIX on Thursday morning shows the Waymo cars performing the repetitive (and admittedly funny) dance, which has had residents of the neighborhood feeling puzzled for weeks. The incident also caught Elon Musk's attention.

There are some days where it can be up to 50 [cars], resident Jennifer King told KPIX. We have talked to the drivers, who dont have much to say other than the car is programmed and theyre just doing their job.

The autonomous white SUVs emblazoned with a blue-and-green W are ubiquitous in the neighborhood and across San Francisco as they collect traffic data and other road mapping information, though it's uncommon to see so many of them get stuck at once. That said, the cause of the traffic jam is pretty straightforward.

We continually adjust to dynamic San Francisco road rules. In this case, cars traveling North of California on 15th Ave have to take a u-turn due to the presence of Slow Streets signage on Lake, a spokesperson for Waymo told SFGATE in a statement. So, the Waymo Driver was obeying the same road rules that any car is required to follow."

The stretch of Lake Street between 2nd and 28th Avenue was approved as a permanent Slow Street by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agencys Board of Directors on Aug. 3. Cars are only permitted to drive down a Slow Street for less than one block before reaching their destination.

Amanda Bartlett/SFGATE

By noon on Thursday, the hubbub appeared to be over. Just a couple of moving trucks obstructed the intersection, and there wasnt a single Waymo vehicle in sight  until about 10 minutes later, when I spotted one of the cars driving west along California Street, though it did not attempt to turn right on 15th Avenue.

Waymo said it was currently limiting cars on the street.
Smoke from the Alisal Fire burning in Santa Barbara County is forecast to drift into the San Francisco Bay Area Friday due to a shift in winds.

Weather models that project smoke movement indicate concentrations will be light.

"We're going to see winds above the surface shift to a southerly direction, and that's what will bring the smoke down," said Roger Gass, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Bay Area office. "It will initially bring the smoke toward the Central Coast in Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito County."

Gass said the smoke will push into the Santa Clara Valley and eventually the greater San Francisco Bay Area on Friday afternoon.

"Most folks will notice a haze up in the sky," he explained. "We're expecting it to stay mostly aloft and not reach the surface."

Gass noted that an exception is the mountains along the Big Sur Coast, which are likely to see higher concentrations and smoke closer to the ground.

The Alisal Fire broke out amid high winds in Santa Barbara County Monday, threatening homes and ranches and closing a stretch of Highway 101 in western Santa Barbara County.

At one point, the fire jumped the four-lane highway and reached a beach. The closure has forced motorists to take a circuitous detour on smaller routes.

Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP

The highway could remain shut until the weekend, said Andrew Madsen, a spokesman for the U.S. Forest Service.

Firefighters working in steep, rugged terrain got help from more than a dozen water-dropping air tankers and helicopters that returned to the skies amid calmer daytime winds. But changing winds could keep aircraft grounded, said Los Padres National Forest Fire Chief Jim Harris.

As the winds shift, it's the most dangerous time, and critical time, of the fire, because the fire will change direction on us, Harris said.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Sharon, PA (16146)

Today

Light snow this morning. Then remaining cloudy this afternoon. High around 40F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 80%. Snow accumulations less than one inch..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 27F. Winds light and variable.
Contributed photo

U.S. Navy Musician 3rd Class Rachael Dobosz of Shelton, who is assigned to the Navy Band Great Lakes from the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO), recently played the flute during a performance at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Hospital during the recent Minneapolis Navy Week earlier this month.

Navy Week focuses a variety of outreach assets, equipment and personnel on a single city for a week-long series of events. During a Navy Week, 75 to 100 outreach events are occur in participation with corporate, civic, government, education, media, veterans, community service and diversity organizations throughout the city.
(BPT) - Tis the season to go shopping. Whether online or in stores, you probably have a list and are checking it twice as you cross off to-do
Reports from the Telugu media houses say that Samantha Ruth Prabhu has signed her first Bollywood film and an official announcement will be out very soon.

However, Samantha hasn't confirmed these reports yet. After officially announcing her separation from Naga Chaitanya, Samantha hasn't updated much about her films on social media.



Sources say that Samantha has been getting a lot of offers from Bollywood after her fantastic performance in The Family Man 2 but only now, the actress has decided to experiment more in unexplored territories.

On the work front, Samantha has completed shooting for her fantasy romantic drama Shakuntalam and in Tamil, she has the romantic comedy Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal with Vijay Sethupathi and Nayanthara. She is also in talks with a few Telugu producers for her next.

Text: MOVIEBUZZ

Images: Samantha on Instagram
Fierce fighting continues in Yemen, including in Marib, Shabwah and Al Bayda governorates, where clashes have escalated over recent weeks, which is having an increasingly devastating impact on civilians, said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

United Nations, Oct 14 (IANS) The UN has voiced serious concerns over the impact of continued fighting in Yemen on civilians.

Nearly 10,000 people were displaced in Marib in September, the highest rate recorded in the governorate in a single month so far this year, it said.

The UN is particularly concerned about the situation in Al Abdiyah District in the southwest of Marib.

The district, home to an estimated 35,000 people, including many who had found refuge there after fleeing the conflict in neighbouring areas, has been encircled by Houthi forces since late September, it said.

The UN urges all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, including ensuring the protection of civilians and providing safe passage for those fleeing conflict areas.

The world body also called on the parties to facilitate safe, timely and sustained humanitarian access to all affected areas of Yemen, including in Marib, Shabwah and Al Bayda, said OCHA.

The humanitarian crisis in Yemen remains the worst in the world.

Nearly four years of conflict and severe economic decline are driving the country to the brink of famine and exacerbating needs in all sectors.

An estimated 80 per cent of the population, 24 million people, require some form of humanitarian or protection assistance, including 14.3 million who are in acute need, said the OCHA.

Severity of needs is deepening, with the number of people in acute need a staggering 27 per cent higher than last year.

Two-thirds of all districts in the country are already pre-famine, and one-third face a convergence of multiple acute vulnerabilities.

--IANS

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A Sydney primary school has asked parents to make sure their children do not watch the popular Netflix series Squid Game, which depicts extreme violence and gore, because students are mimicking the games in the playground.

Similar warnings have been issued by schools in Perth, the United States, Britain, Asia and Europe about the South Korean show, which involves debt-ridden contestants playing life-or-death versions of playground games such as red light, green light.

In Squid Game, contestants risk death to win cash prizes Credit:Netlfix

Only small numbers of children are attending school in Sydney, but tens of thousands will return to classrooms over the next two weeks after 16 weeks of remote learning, during which many have had extensive and unsupervised access to screens.

Linda Wickham, the principal of Dulwich Hill Public School in Sydneys inner west, wrote to parents on Thursday saying children as young as six and seven have acknowledged they have watched the series, which is rated MA for mature adults.
People in NSW can now add their digital vaccination certificate to their Service NSW app, as the state approaches its second stage of reopening.

The integration will mean people can show venue staff their vaccination status when they check-in.

The technology is being rolled out across the state following a trial in regional clubs, aged-care facilities and taxi services.

This is an extra digital service to make life easier for the businesses and customers of NSW as we open back up, Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello said.
The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) has cancelled a planned online forum featuring senior Taliban representatives after a community backlash.

The federation, which describes itself as the peak group representing Muslims in Australia, organised the event for Saturday to discuss the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan  the Talibans official name for their country  and the Muslim diaspora.

A post promoting the event with two Taliban representatives.

The forum, which advertised a stellar panel of speakers, was intended to discuss the future of Afghanistan and our role regardless of whether we are in favour or against recent developments, according to a promotional social media post.

AFIC president Rateb Jneid said the purpose of the event was to allow distinguished individuals to interview representatives of the regime in Afghanistan in the hope of obtaining assurances for the human rights of minorities, the rights of women to employment and education, and to dissuade Australians from travelling to the region with any wrongful intent.
A reintroduction of death duties is again recommended. This should not be considered until something is done about family trusts. Otherwise, we will go back to the system where salary and wage earners pay death duties on the family home while the rich and self-employed pay next to nothing as their assets are legally owned by the trustee and not by them. Lynette Gerathy, Haberfield I am about to retire having paid income tax all my life and 10 per cent GST since it was introduced (Definitive moves that would make tax system fairer, October 14). Now it seems as a prospective retiree with no income I can look forward to lower income tax rate (you beauty - thatll help me a lot!) plus an increase in GST, so I end up paying more tax in retirement. Fair? Hardly. Geoffrey Anderson, Richmond Reintroducing death duties and increasing GST in order to cut taxes on ordinary workers? Looks very much like robbing Peter to pay Paul. Inverted logic to say the least. Werent we reassured, at the outset, that the GST rate would never exceed 10 per cent? Pasquale Vartuli, Wahroonga The wealthy support an increase to the GST as they can afford it but pensioners cannot. Most tax reforms have been made to favour the wealthy. The rich have too many loopholes to avoid paying tax and wealth itself is not taxed. Time to adjust the tax scale and introduce a flat tax on income generated from investments outside income tax, and remove all tax avoidance loopholes. Barry OConnell, Old Toongabbie Is it not time that religious institutions and businesses pay tax? If we want to avoid the path of predatory capitalism then a more equitable and inclusive tax reform is required now. Roz Townsend, Bathurst

The elephant in the room is negative gearing of investment property. Its abolition would improve tax income and, possibly, improve accessibility to the housing market for young families. Doug Vorbach, Carlton VAD: drugs dont work for all Dr Gavin Pattullo is a pain specialist: even he was unable to save his wife from taking her own life (Some hard facts on assisted dying, October 14). Thats because after 14 years of treatments that destroyed her lungs, a cruel death by asphyxiation lay ahead. Imagine her desperate and lonely planning because she could not involve her loved ones. A voluntary assisted dying law would offer support, dignity and love. It would change everything. Sue Young, Bensville Its a shame it takes people having to share their most personal stories for others to acknowledge that not every patient can be helped by palliative care. The mostly faith-based arguments of a few should not bias politicians and the community against a compassionate assisted dying law designed for the small number of patients (rich or poor) whose pain cannot be relieved by modern medicine despite best intentions of the best palliative care specialists. Brett Ditchfield, Forster If only those who the voluntary assisted dying bill was designed to help could enter the debate. If only they could sit at their computers and write a letter to the editor telling us how, despite the miracle drugs that remove all pain and keep their brains active, no one has come up with a device that can obliterate the emotions, humiliation and embarrassment, so that next time the nurse comes to clean them up they wont feel so bad. If only they hadnt lost the ability to communicate to us and their doctors their dying wishes. Max Fischer, Wollongong

Oncologist Philip Yuiles argument is only valid if he can clearly demonstrate that for 100 per cent of the time, 100 per cent of dying patients have their chronic pain managed with 100 per cent effectiveness (Letters, October 14). If he cannot do that, then his argument condemns some terminally patients to unnecessary and untold suffering. Ron Owens, Smiths Lake I think there has been too little focus on the word voluntary in the VAD debate. Those opposed to VAD do not have to request VAD. It isnt compulsory. Peter Pitt, Potts Point Just go the whole hog Its a shame we cant just have a general election and save a dollar or two (Premier rocked by a fourth byelection, October 14). We may need one after these byelections anyway. Such is the price of democracy. Lyn Savage, Coogee Yet another Coalition MP resigns from the NSW government. Why dont these people want to work with our shiny new state Premier? Rob Phillips, North Epping

Is it too much to ask our elected representatives that they should serve their full term? John Amy, Carss Park Building system is cracked We have been informed of yet another development with cracks and possibly dangerous to occupants with the purchasers having to prove defective construction at their cost (Cracked apartment tower ruled safe despite collapse warning, October 14 ). How many more failed developments will it take for this government to admit that private inspection and certification and a self-certification system has failed? It was obvious from the start, that a system where the developer pays directly for the private certifier would be detrimental to the community. It is time for the control of building inspections is returned to local government which can come under the scrutiny of ICAC, and residents concerns can be addressed by their elected representatives. Brian McDonald, Willoughby

Speaker too good for words As an occasional viewer of Parliamentary Question Time, I agree with Niki Savvas observation that the departure of Tony Smith from the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives will leave a gaping hole (Parliaments honourable man, October 14). Unlike his predecessor, who established a low bar for performance, Smith did his job with integrity. Maurice Critchley, Kenthurst Smith surely deserves the honour of one of the best for more than a generation. His control of the House, using a vast toolbox of tricks such as voice nuance, tone shifts, pausing, timing, tension-breaking wit, an infrequent but well-aimed sharp tongue, and compelling body language, was a vision to behold. Vanessa Tennent, Oatley Akin to a lion tamer, Smith had a strong and powerful beast to keep under control, and he did so while still allowing it to perform. In his own words, you need to be fair, consistent and predictable. He was, and he will be sorely missed.

Eoin Johnston, Alstonville

Noisy when it suits I see the government is considering boosting free speech at universities (Tudge flags further free speech measures as sacked climate sceptic loses High Court case, October 14). Hopefully it will extend its largesse to the public sector where speaking out about problems or anything embarrassing to your political masters is generally fairly career limiting. Then theres the same governments attacks on the so-called bias of the ABC - not much enthusiasm for free speech there.

John Dengate, Avalon Buoyed by futuristic vision The state governments gradual decommissioning of Sydneys iconic Manly ferry fleet opens a door instead of closing one shut (Queenscliff cuts its way to the quay for the last time, October 14). The commendable commitment to renewable energy sources offers a potential key to unlocking the Freshwater fleets uncertain future. With some imagination and ingenuity, these beautiful double-ender ferries could be offered a new life. Replace old dirty technology with something sustainable, quiet and clean. Cleveland Rose, Dee Why

Spot of bother Instead of the outdated the dog ate my homework excuse it is now better to claim that the dog hit the delete key or chewed up the memory stick (Letters, October 14). Kenneth Graham, Newington The cat swallowed my mouse might be an option. Doug Walker, Baulkham Hills The whole truth Your correspondent must live in another world (Letters, October 14). Mine is full of greys. We can argue about what is truth or what is correct till the cows come home. But what is a non-genuinely held belief? Surely, all our beliefs are genuinely held, unless one is a pathological liar. Reductionism does not help debate. But perhaps mine is a wrong opinion. Ashley Berry, Toolijooa

There is no such thing as a wrong opinion, your correspondent asserts as fact. Maybe so, but not all opinions are equal. Those that are based on reason, logic or lived experience have far more weight than those that are not. Des Mulcahy, Orange Dragon heart The towering Norm Provan represented everything that was great about the St George Dragons in their record 11 straight premierships (Rugby league Immortal Norm Provan dies aged 89, smh.com.au, October 14). Never before, never again. RIP Norm Provan. Michael Fischer, Coogee The digital view Online comment from one of the stories that attracted the most reader feedback yesterday on smh.com.au

Perrottet hears the future coming and jumps on board

From Good Smeagol: So far so good but its still early days. His commitment to the 50 per cent emissions target by 2030 is a stand-out for me. This weeks green hydrogen announcement show its not just a number.
If this weeks jailing of two well-heeled Demons fans for finagling their way into Western Australia to attend the AFL grand final says something about the lunacy that footy engenders, what might it say to future historians about the nature of Australias federation?

It is 120 years since the colonies allegedly put aside their petty differences and agreed to join a single nation.

The Tom Roberts painting of the Duke of Cornwall and York (later King George V) opening the first Federal Parliament.

Yet try to cross some of your own nations state borders right now and you risk a stretch in the slammer  as the two Melbourne-mad boofheads discovered after their elaborate cheating  or exposure to ritual shaming, as innocent furniture removalists, among others, have learnt.

Trying to keep up with the different rules and attitudes in different states is, of course, dizzying.
A growing number of nurses and police officers have applied to challenge their employers COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

On Thursday, Health Minister Yvette DAth said the Nurses Professional Association of Queensland had applied to the Supreme Court requesting to have the mandatory vaccination of health workers overturned, on grounds that it was unlawful.

Queensland nurses and police officers have challenged vaccine mandates in the Supreme Court on Thursday.

The application, on behalf of a Metro North nurse Leesa Daphne Porter, said the directive by Queensland Health Director-General John Wakefield that all staff must be fully vaccinated by the end of October, imposed and will continue to impose on employee contracts and that such terms were beyond the scope of powers.

In an affidavit signed by Jack McGuire, NPAQs Assistant General Secretary, he said he was not aware that any of their members were consulted in regards to the vaccine.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has claimed vindication over her plan for the children stance as her language over border restrictions lightens from her hardline protection mantra.

Last month the Premier sparked fury from some federal Coalition counterparts, the state opposition, and many people seeking clarity over when they may be able to return to the state, when she demanded research on the vulnerability of children to COVID-19 and suggested under-12s be included in domestic reopening considerations.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk warned members of the community who had not yet had their first dose of a COVID vaccine weve done all we can to keep you safe. Credit:Matt Dennien

Medical evidence suggested children were likely to suffer only mild illness from the Delta strain of COVID-19.

But after the Therapeutic Goods Administration announced it had opened the door to a fast-tracked approval process for Pfizer to apply to extend the use of its vaccine to children aged between five and 11 on Wednesday, Ms Palaszczuk suggested she had been vindicated.
Schools have been told to treat face masks like part of the uniform and teachers will wear full protective gear to supervise some students sitting VCE exams as Victoria prepares for the staged return of students to face-to-face learning this month.

Education Minister James Merlino said enforcing indoor mask-wearing for all students in year 3 and above would be hard, but it would help keep children at school. Masks are recommended, not mandated, for children in prep to grade 2.

We know this is hard across the board, particularly with little ones, but it is a requirement, he said on Thursday.

Mr Merlino said the government had supplied operational guidelines to schools giving support to principals on how to implement the mandate.
Many businesses have dreaded turning away unvaccinated customers but for John King, manning the gates at the Warrnambool Racing Club on Thursday was a straightforward affair.

If they are not double vaccinated they are not getting in, he said.

John King met punters at the gates on Thursday. Credit:James Mepham

Warrnambool is the first racing club in Victoria to have spectators at the track since July, with 300 double vaccinated or medically exempt attendees allowed in for what was set up as a trial for hosting events in the vaccine economy.

Mr King, who has been gatekeeper at the club for the past eight years, was centre of attention as punters flooded in.
Three men have appeared before a Melbourne court after allegedly helming one of Australias biggest money laundering syndicates, which is accused of purchasing the identities of hundreds of foreign students on the dark web to wash cash and move tens of millions of dollars offshore.

Police allege the ring laundered at least $62 million of cash using the dormant bank accounts of 250 students who have returned to China after studying in Australia.

A court sketch of Wayne Wang appearing before Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday afternoon. Credit:Mollie McPherson

After a year-long investigation code-named Taipan, criminal proceeds squad detectives raided six homes, searched storage facilities and arrested five men and a woman. They seized more than $2 million at one house, illicit tobacco and four luxury cars.

Alleged syndicate members, Boliang Liu, 34, from Burwood, Tao Zhou, 38, from Box Hill and Wei Wang, 32, from Blackburn, were arrested during raids on Thursday and appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday afternoon.
Coronavirus outbreaks in First Nations communities that led to thousands of new cases and 10 deaths were entirely predictable and state governments must urgently plan to prevent further emergencies, Indigenous leader Pat Turner says.

A Senate COVID-19 committee heard on Thursday vaccination rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remained up to 26 percentage points behind the national average but had accelerated over the past month after the Commonwealth increased the focus on those communities.

Vaccines were sent to the wrong Walgett clinic, forcing the first Pfizer clinic to be cancelled two weeks before the outbreak. Credit:Kate Geraghty

Indigenous people had fared relatively well throughout the pandemic, chief executive of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) Pat Turner said, but that was brought undone by the rampant spread of the virus through regional NSW.

In the past three months, infections have now risen to over 4500 cases, with 500 people hospitalised and 10 people dying, most of whom have been less than 60 years of age, she told the inquiry.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce says an extension of the multibillion-dollar Melbourne to Brisbane inland rail project to Gladstone can be booked in as a federal election promise to potentially unlock significant coal resources in the Surat Basin.

As the junior Coalition partner haggles over the federal governments long-term emission targets ahead of next months United Nations summit in Glasgow, the Nationals leader said the $3 billion, 500-kilometre route that would transport thermal coal from Toowoomba to Gladstone was a logical addition to the project.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce says an extension of the inland rail project to Gladstone can be booked in as a federal election promise. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The link has been ruled out in a series of government feasibility studies but the commitment is viewed within the Nationals as critical to holding on to the Queensland seat of Flynn, which will be vacated by long-time MP Ken ODowd at the next election. Labor has hopes it can win the seat back after a decade, despite an 8.6 per cent margin to the Liberal-National Party.

Advocates for the Gladstone extension argue it would drive investment in the regions coal resources and help transport exports from existing mines to Gladstone as an alternative to current freight through suburban Brisbane for export via the Port of Brisbane.
With only a fortnight to go before the curtain rises on the United Nations climate conference in Glasgow, Prime Minister Scott Morrison runs the risk of outsourcing Australias policy to the National Party.

It now seems that a meeting of the 21 Nationals MPs and Senators on Sunday will decide whether Australia will endorse stronger emissions reduction targets to bring us in line with our allies and comparable countries.

These parliamentarians should not have a veto over whether Australia endorses a target of net zero emissions by 2050, which is the absolute minimum Mr Morrison needs if he is to show his face at Glasgow, and whether Australia updates Tony Abbotts weak interim 2030 target of 26 to 28 per cent below 2005 levels.

Yet, the Nationals are divided on this issue, and they do not speak for the majority. Party leader Barnaby Joyce is refusing to state his position because he says if he did he would just get a size nine up his backside.

Inside the party room, some Nationals, such as Senator Matt Canavan, reject any targets and the whole idea of renewable energy or global warming.
News Corp Global chief executive Robert Thomson will face questions about the companys net zero climate campaign in Australia and his meeting with Prime Minister Scott Morrison in New York last month when he appears before a Senate inquiry into media diversity next week.

Mr Thomson is scheduled to given evidence at a Senate hearing next Friday after News Corp chairman Lachlan Murdoch knocked back a request by the communications committee to appear last month.

News Corp global CEO Robert Thomson will give evidence to the Senates media diversity inquiry next week. Credit:Reuters

The committee will have serious questions for Mr Thomson about the organisation culture and business model that News Corp employs both in Australia and around the world given evidence we have heard about the treatment of women, the use of their platforms for character assassination of individuals and the COVID disinformation shared on Sky News that resulted in the broadcaster being banned from YouTube, Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young, the committees chair, said.

She said the committee would also question the US-based executive about the companys Mission Zero campaign series being run in its Australian metro tabloids, including The Daily Telegraph and The Herald Sun.
Sydneysiders will not be able to travel to the regions until at least October 25, with the state government expected to announce it will hold back this freedom amid concerns about lower vaccination rates in some communities.

Travel to and from regional NSW was among the next raft of freedoms to be granted after the state hits its 80 per cent vaccination milestone, which is likely to occur this weekend.

Premier Dominic Perrottet on Thursday. Credit:Louise Kennerley

However, the freedom to travel is expected to be delayed for at least another week, following a meeting of the states COVID-19 and economic recovery committee on Thursday.

It would be the second time regional travel rights have been held back, having already been postponed from the 70 per cent reopening date.
A serial fraudster jailed for swindling $42,000 from family and friends by claiming she was dying has pleaded guilty to lying to the government to get paid a disability pension.

Hanna Maree Dickinson, 26, appeared briefly via audio-video link from prison to plead guilty to one charge laid by federal prosecutors that between January 2014 and October 2018 she misled the government to obtain a disability pension.

Cancer conwoman Hanna Dickinson.

Charge sheets did not detail the total value of her fraud but it was not the first time Dickinson faced charges over deception offences.

Dickinson was jailed in 2018 after she told her parents and friends she was gravely ill with leiomyosarcoma and not responding to treatment at the Epworth and Peter MacCallum hospitals and needed money for overseas trips for treatment.
The whole act appears to be an act of terror, said Hans Sverre Sjoevold, head of Norways domestic intelligence service, known as the PST. Loading We do not know what the motivation of the perpetrator is, Sjoevold said in English. We have to wait for the outcome of the investigation. He said the suspect was known to security services, but the agency said the terror threat level for Norway remained unchanged at moderate. Regional Police Chief Ole Saeverud described the man as a Muslim convert and said there earlier had been worries of the man having been radicalised, but he did not elaborate or say why he was previously flagged or what authorities did in response.

Norwegian media reported the suspect had a conviction for burglary and drug possession and last year a court granted a restraining order for him to stay away from his parents for six months after threatening to kill one of them. Svane Mathiassen told broadcaster NRK the suspect will be examined by forensic psychiatric experts, which is not unusual in such serious cases. Regional prosecutor Ann Iren Svane Mathiassen, told The Associated Press that after his arrest, the attacker clearly described what he had done. He admitted killing the five people. She said the bow and arrows were only one part of his arsenal. Police have not said what else he used, but Voldseth told the AP that when he ran toward the sound of screams, he saw a woman being stabbed by a man with some kind of weapon. Voldseth said he recognised the attacker, saying he lived nearby and usually walks with his head down and headphones on.

Espen Andersen Braathen, a 37-year-old Danish citizen. Credit:AP I have only spoken to him a few times, but I have had the impression he might be a person with problems, he said. Mass killings are rare in low-crime Norway, and the attack recalled the countrys worst peacetime slaughter a decade ago, when a right-wing domestic extremist killed 77 people with a bomb, a rifle and a pistol. Memorials were held in July on the 10th anniversary of those slayings. People have experienced that their safe local environment suddenly became a dangerous place, King Harald V said. It shakes us all when horrible things happen near us, when you least expect it, in the middle of everyday life on the open street.

New Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere called the attack horrific. Dozens of people saw the killings. Erik Benum, who lives on the same road as the supermarket that was attacked, told AP he saw shop workers taking shelter in doorways. Police cordon off one of the sites where a man killed several people in Kongsberg, Norway. Credit:AP I saw them hiding in the corner. Then I went to see what was happening, and I saw the police moving in with a shield and rifles. It was a very strange sight, Benum said. Police, along with reinforcements from elsewhere, flooded into Kongsberg and blocked several roads. The blue lights of emergency vehicles and spotlights from a helicopter illuminated the scene.

On Thursday morning, the whole town was eerily quiet, Benum said. People are sad and shocked, he said. Flags were lowered to half-mast and residents placed flowers, candles and stuffed animals around a makeshift memorial in a central square. Kongsbergs mayor Kari Anne Sand described the last 24 hours as a nightmare. The town was attacked last night and five people died. I think most of the inhabitants are in quite a shock that such a thing could happen here. This is a quiet town, a quiet municipality, she said, adding that health and social services officials are working to care for those who need assistance.
La Palma: Around 300 more people fled their homes early on Thursday as flows of molten rock pouring from the Cumbre Vieja volcano threatened to engulf another area on the Spanish island of La Palma.

Emergency crews gave people living between the towns of Tazacorte and La Laguna a few hours to collect their belongings and pets and go to a meeting point.

Military police clear black ash from volcano as it continues to erupt lava behind a church on the Canary island of La Palma, Spain on Wednesday. Credit:

During the morning, a 4.5 magnitude earthquake rocked the island, the Spanish National Geographic Institute said - the strongest of 100 quakes that have hit the eruption zone over the past 24 hours.

Tremors have been recorded almost constantly since before the eruption.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Independent Member of Parliament Christophe Emmanuel on Wednesday once again questioned when the actual reconstruction work of the Princess Juliana International Airport will begin. The MP noted that the end of the year is approaching along with another peak season and PJIA is still showing the world the same face it has been showing for four years following Hurricane Irma of 2017.

He also said he is still awaiting a response from the Minister of TEATT to a letter he sent since August 15 seeking an update on any potential delays at PJIA, considering an ongoing situation in the Netherlands between Schiphol International and contractor Ballast Nedam. As usual, this government never answers official letters sent to it seeking information about relevant matters. The Minister of TEATT mentioned keys being handed over to signal the start of real work, but the country is still waiting, the MP said.

We see images of people toasting champagne, videos of what the airport terminal should look like, we see several vacancy ads and pending dates for several services that have yet to be put on the bid as part of the work at the airport. What we are not seeing is any meaningful and serious reconstruction work taking place and we dont know if the airport is still on schedule, the MP said.

The government has settled into a comfort zone of simply not caring about providing information about anything. Accountability is through the window and the rest of us have to just sit back and wait without any updates or explanation. We used to have an airport to be proud of, now it seems like we are just accepting this nonchalant approach to our most strategic port. Where is the urgency? the MP asked.

In the week of August 27, 2021, several media outlets in the Netherlands reported on the significant financial losses of Schiphol International Airport in the first half of 2021 due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Included in these reports are the delays Schiphol is now faced with on the construction of a new wing at the airport due to conflicts with contractor Ballast Nedam.

The reports specifically mentioned rising costs and shortage of building materials. Dutch media has reported that the issue between Schiphol and Ballast Nedam could result in a legal dispute between the two.

As Schiphol is heavily involved at the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) and as Ballast Nedam has recently been awarded the bid for the re-construction of PJIA, I obviously have my concerns and would appreciate if the Minister would answer a few questions so that we are clearly moving forward, MP Emmanuel said.

The MP is seeking answers to the following question:

1. Has Schiphol or Ballast Nedam informed PJIA of any consequences for the re-construction of PJIA due to the reported dispute between Schiphol and Ballast Nedam? If yes, please elaborate.

2. Has Schiphol or Ballast Nedam informed PJIA of any cost overruns for the re-construction of PJIA due to an increase of material cost? If yes, please indicate how much cost overrun can be expected?

3. Has Schiphol or Ballast Nedam informed PJIA of any delays in the re-construction of PJIA due to a shortage of material? If yes, please indicate the length of this delay.

4. Please explain if there is any clause in the re-construction contract of PJIA that indemnifies PJIA from additional costs related to third-party disputes and delays.

5. If a legal dispute develops between Schiphol and Ballast Nedam, how will this affect the re-construction of PJIA?

6. Please indicate if the re-construction is on schedule and if not, why not?

Lastly Minister, in the event that PJIA does not have any information regarding the aforementioned questions or if they have not been briefed by Schiphol or Ballast Nedam, I hereby also request that you insist that PJIA reaches out to both Schiphol and Ballast Nedam with the questions in order to provide you with the answers. You can in turn inform my person and Parliament accordingly, MP Emmanuel concluded.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Participants and stakeholders have hailed the IGT Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp as an appropriate model approach towards bridging the digital divide in education and filling the technological skills gap in the job market within the Caribbean.



The camp, which was hosted in August through a partnership between International Game Technology (IGT) and Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI), saw 36 Caribbean youth being trained in coding and robotics over two weeks. Commenting on the findings of the camp, Mr. Brendan Hames, Regional Director of IGT Caribbean, stated that calls for more of the virtual tech camp have grown louder from students and supervisors of the IGT After School Advantage (ASA) Programme across the Caribbean.



The responses from students in our ASA centres have been overwhelming. Those who participated want more and those who were not a part of this pilot programme have signaled great interest to be included next time, Mr. Hames said.



The 36 youngsters who participated in the pilot programme were from Barbados, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Maarten, and Trinidad & Tobago. IGT is now tasked with the duty of expanding the virtual training to all beneficiaries at its 38 ASA computer centres throughout the English-speaking Caribbean.



Mr. Hames noted that there is a need for more advanced Information & Technology (IT) education for Caribbean youth, especially those from socially and financially challenged backgrounds.



The common feedback from our ASA supervisors is that the tech camp provided students with valuable IT skills which have the potential to address the huge disparity in IT education and virtual learning between students from the Caribbean and those from first-world territories.



He continued, Many youths in the region are far behind in basic computer literacy. There are socio-economic variables that account for this, and it has also set the regions youth at a disadvantage in the learning and employment arenas. The IGT ASA programme was established to tackle the issue of the digital divide among youth. This latest initiative has become a manifest necessity in the region especially now that the pandemic has left educators and students resorting to virtual learning.



The IGT ASA programme is the flagship philanthropic initiative of the gaming technology firm. Since 2011, IGT, through its ASA programme, has established high-tech computer facilities in lower-income communities and nonprofit organizations which cater to at-risk youth in the Caribbean.



Kaodi McGaw, Senior Project Manager at MGI who led the virtual training, noted that the IGT Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp was a groundbreaking partnership in the right direction.



We administered a survey at the end of the camp and the dominant feedback from the students was that they felt they had gained practical IT skills and learned about new career options, Miss McGaw stated.



She further noted, Their major project was to code and create their websites, which they did successfully. The IGT Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp is a blueprint that can be used to position them and other Caribbean youth to tap into high-demand careers in the IT field.



In the survey referred to by Miss McGaw, 90.9 percent of the participants mentioned that they learned at least one new IT skill. Another 54.5 percent indicated that the camp helped them to identify new interests or future career options. Those interests and career options include engineering, marine operations, robotic engineering, web development and programming. About 86 percent of the students said that they would like to enroll again. Seventy-three percent rated their introductory coding and robotics learning experience as excellent and the other 27 percent as good.



MGI Director Dr. Parris Lyew-Ayee Jr. noted that the findings are encouraging for nurturing digital and technological awareness within the Caribbean.



The camp sets a standard methodology for nurturing and harnessing digital awareness and technological skills in the Caribbean. This is something that we can build on to improve students performance in IT learning. This curriculum was designed specifically for Caribbean youth with expert advice from Education Development Specialist Mrs. Nalini Ramsawak-Jodha from UWIs St. Augustine campus. Once we continue to extend this kind of training to students, we will create a host of inventors and leaders, qualified to fill numerous skills gaps existing on the technological job market.



The IGT Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp is the latest initiative of the IGT After School Advantage Programme. Among its standout features were its virtual mode of delivery and its extensive reach  occurring simultaneously in several Caribbean countries. These features made room for students to learn the value of teamwork and networking.



With the standard now set and calls received for more digital training, IGT plans to make its virtual tech camp bigger and better in the upcoming years.
~ Says excitement and eagerness high for festival ~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) has launched the schedule of events for Carnival 2022 with an eagerness to contribute to a recovering economy and rebuilding the countrys cultural development through all facets of Carnival. If all goes as planned, Carnival 2022 will be St. Maartens largest economic stimulator since the festival was last held in 2019, directly influencing the business, travel, and cultural sectors.

It will be held against a COVID-19 backdrop for which the SCDF has simultaneously launched an extensive Carnival COVID-19 Safety Plan that calls for full vaccination or negative PCR tests (see related story). The plan builds on SCDFs existing COVID safety plan and is largely based on the successful templates of international festivals that have restarted during the pandemic.

After a two-year hiatus, Carnival 2022 will span 19 days, starting with the opening of Carnival Village on April 16 and closing with the burning of King Momo on May 3. If the March pre-Carnival events are counted, the entire festival spans 24 days.

The schedule features 11 locally-themed events in Carnival Village, 6 international shows, and three parades. The promoters of the staple shows of Carnival have all confirmed their concerts for Carnival 2022. These are the Night of the Hit Makers, Caribbean Flag Fest, One Love Reggae Concert, Bacchanal Sunday, Noche Latina and Soulful Company.

Out of an abundance of caution and choosing to focus on events it can control in terms of its safety plan and other COVID protocols in Carnival Village, the SCDF has decided not to host any jump-ups and Jouvert for Carnival 2022. The only road events that will be held are the Children and Grand Carnival Parades, for which certain approved protocols will be attached.

As much as we love our Jouvert, under the circumstances, there is no responsible manner for us to host an event that draws 25,000 people to the road, uncontrolled. That is not a tenable situation. We can have protocols for parades in discussion with troupe leaders and we can control an enclosed open-air venue like Carnival Village where our protocols and safety plan will be strictly enforced. Besides, we have events scheduled in the Village that will, to an extent, replace that feeling of the road anyway, President of the SCDF Alston Lourens said.

He went on to mention how excited the foundation is to host the local events once again. We have our pageants back, two years of Calypso material, parade revelers have the energy to let out, we will see a lot of our local bands on stage, a steel-pan show, a Breakfast Fete, our Village cooking competition the Cook-UP and our local specialty drink competition the Cock-Up. We miss these events that bring our people and our culture together, he said.

Lourens used the opportunity to stress that Carnival 2022 offers St. Maarten a wonderful and historic opportunity to lead the way as the largest Carnival in the North Eastern Caribbean that can be showcased as a positive example of how a festival can be held in a safe and responsible manner. This message, he said, was also relayed to Minister of TEATT Roger Lawrence when the SCDF met with the Minister to present its plans. To assist our tourism product and the overall economy this is the re-start weve been waiting for as well, Lourens said.

There are competing festivals around us that cannot start because of the structure of their respective events. We have one significant advantage over them and its called Carnival Village. For years we have been bragging about the uniqueness of having an open-air, enclosed venue where everything is held. Now, it offers us the opportunity to enforce a sound COVID safety plan that is all-encompassing. Other festivals do not have this and thus cannot contribute to their economies the way they would like. We can and we are fully prepared to put on quite a cultural event for residents and visitors alike, Lourens said.

Lourens said the foundation has been meticulous in putting together the schedule and has been communicating with its major corporate partners about Carnival preparations. As usual, there are still several stakeholders' meetings that will be held in the months leading up to Carnival. He said the foundation has been inundated with calls from around the Caribbean and the world about St. Maartens Carnival, with people looking to travel to St. Maarten in the absence of other competing major festivals.

We should never underestimate the importance of Carnival to the local vendor, the taxi driver, the small and medium hotel properties, food wholesalers and retailers, songwriters, musicians, DJs, costume makers, makeup-artists, bartenders, sound and light engineers, printing companies, beverage companies and more. Carnival moves every sector and after two years of non-activity, all of our partners and the economy of our country are ready to move again, Lourens concluded.
Robert Syphax, passed away Thursday, November 18, 2021 in Somerset, Kentucky. Arrangements are pending and will be announced later by Pulaski Funeral Home. Pulaski Funeral Home is Honored to assist the family with arrangements.
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.
As President Joe Biden plans a trip to Connecticut Friday, with appearances in Hartford and at UConn's Storrs campus, we can't help but wonder: will he make any stops for ice cream?

The President's love of the frozen dessert is well-documented.

"My name is Joe Biden, and I love ice cream," he announced during a 2016 trip to the headquarters of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams in Columbus, Ohio. Five years later, in honor of his inauguration, founder Jeni Britton Bauer created a "White House Chocolate Chip" flavor, with crunch chocolate flakes and chocolate-covered waffle cone pieces in a vanilla base.

In Hartford, Biden will promote his Build Back Better Agenda and the importance of investing in child care to help working class families, the White House said. He will then travel to Storrs to dedicate the opening of the Dodd Center for Human Rights with former U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd.

Connecticut is "one of the luckiest states" when it comes to classic ice cream, according to a Food & Wine magazine writer who recently canvassed the country searching for the best scoops in the United States.

David Landsel, who chose Bantam-based Arethusa Farm as Connecticut's best, said the decision was a tough call, noting the Nutmeg State's "small-town mom-and-pop operations" as well as "destination-worthy farmstead creameries." Connecticut has no shortage of these farmstead creameries, many of which reside on farms that have been in local families for several generations.

Should the President have time to stop for a cone, we've put together five suggestions for sweet treats in the area.

UConn Dairy Bar Storrs The UConn Dairy Bar in Storrs on July 14, 2021. Lisa Nichols The President won't have to go far for a scoop once he's at the university. The UConn Dairy Bar is an iconic stop on campus, selling ice cream and cheeses crafted with milk from the Department of Animal Science's milking cows. Flavors rotate regularly, and the Dairy Bar has been promoting its fall menu, with a maple walnut toffee sundae and a pumpkin espresso milkshake. We would be thrilled, UConn spokeswoman Stephanie Reitz said.



And if the president wanted takeout? Hes flying in and out on a helicopter so he might not want to tarry while the rotors spin. I think we could work something out, Reitz said. If he wants to take UConn Dairy Bar ice cream with him to the White House, we will accommodate that.



The marquee flavor is Husky Tracks  vanilla ice cream with chunks of Reeses peanut butter cups and fudge swirl  but Biden is said to be a chocolate chip fan. No problem, Reitz said. Her own favorite is the banana chocolate chip. UConn Dairy Bar is at 17 Manter Road, Suite 4263.

Shady Glen Manchester View this post on Instagram A post shared by 2 Girls 2 Cones (@2girls2cones) Shady Glen is known for its unusual cheeseburger, but the ice cream at this retro Manchester diner is not to be missed. The chocolate chip flavor (coincidentally, the President's favorite) was named the best frozen dessert in Connecticut by Food Network Magazine several years ago. Seasonal flavors like pumpkin and eggnog join the list around the holidays. Shady Glen is at 840 Middle Turnpike East, 860-649-4245.

Arethusa Farm Dairy West Hartford Coconut chip and sour cherry ice cream from Arethusa Farm Dairy in Bantam on July 15, 2021. Lisa Nichols Arethusa Farm is home to Connecticut's best ice cream, according to Food & Wine. The magazine recently rounded up the top ice cream spots in every state, choosing the Bantam-headquartered farm dairy for its "plush, high-butterfat ice creams in pleasingly classic New England flavors like rum raisin and coffee, made with some of the best milk and cream in the state." Arethusa also has a farm dairy store with ice cream in New Haven. Arethusa Farm Dairy is at 975 Farmington Ave.
Ashtabula, OH (44004)

Today

Snow showers this morning. Peeks of sunshine later. High 41F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 100%..

Tonight

Mainly cloudy. Low 31F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Published: 14 October 2021

Share of pupils studying English continued growing in lower grades of comprehensive school

According to Statistics Finland, studying English in grades 1 to 6 increased in 2020 compared with the previous year. A total of 93 per cent of pupils in grades 1 to 6 studied English. The share of pupils studying English in grades 1 to 6 increased by 10 percentage points from the previous year. Almost all students in grades 7 to 9 studied English. The share of those studying Spanish and German went up in grades 7 to 9, while the share of those studying French and Russian remained almost unchanged.

Studying languages in comprehensive school grades 7 to 9 in 2008 to 2020, percentage of pupils

Data on studying Spanish as from 2011

The data on subject choices were produced for the first time mainly based on the KOSKI database maintained by the Finnish National Agency for Education. Due to the data collection change, the data are based on languages completed by comprehensive education pupils by the end of the school year in the school year 2020/2021, while previously the data collection inquired about the language choices made by pupils in autumn. The language selection data of basic education for adults are based on the languages studied by adult completers of basic education in 2020.

Eighteen per cent of pupils in grades 1 to 6 and 92 per cent of pupils in grades 7 to 9 studied Swedish as a foreign language. German was studied by ten per cent and French by five per cent of the pupils attending grades 7 to 9, mainly as an optional or elective foreign language. Altogether 98 per cent of those who had completed the curriculum in basic education for adults studied English.

A total of 364,461 pupils completed grades 1 to 6, of whom 186,424 were boys and 178,037 girls. The number of pupils having completed grades 7 to 9 was 179,635, of whom 91,969 were boys and 87,666 girls. Altogether 1,299 completed basic education for adults.

Source: Education. Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Vesa Hamalainen 029 551 2594, koulutustilastot@stat.fi

Head of Department in charge: Hannele Orjala

Updated 14.10.2021

Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Subject choices of students [e-publication].

ISSN=1799-1056. Subject choices of completers of upper secondary general school education 2020. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 19.11.2021].

Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/ava/2020/01/ava_2020_01_2021-10-14_tie_001_en.html
A more recent publication of this set of statistics is available. Latest publication: Turnover of trade 2021, September

Published: 14 October 2021

Turnover in trade grew by 7.3 per cent in August

According to Statistics Finland, turnover in total trade adjusted for working days grew by 7.3 per cent in August from August 2020. Over the same period, the working day adjusted volume of sales in total trade, from which the impact of prices has been eliminated, increased by 0.8 per cent. Turnover increased in all industries of trade.

Annual change in working day adjusted turnover and sales volume in total trade (G), %

Retail trade industries are growing steadily in August

In retail trade, working day adjusted turnover rose in August in total by 4.9 per cent and sales volume by 3.4 per cent. The growth in turnover was fairly even in different retail trade industries. Among retail trade industries, department store trade grew most, as turnover went up by 5.8 per cent and sales volume by 5.5 per cent. Turnover in daily consumer goods trade rose by 3.3 per cent and sales volume by 1.1 per cent from August 2020. Turnover in specialised store trade grew by 5.2 per and sales volume by 3.7 per cent year-on-year.

Turnover in the trade industry with the biggest turnover, wholesale trade, grew in August by 9.4 per cent and sales volume fell by 1.3 per cent year-on-year. The more favourable development in turnover than in sales volume in wholesale trade is explained by risen prices especially of processed petroleum products.

In August, working day adjusted turnover in motor vehicle trade increased by 5.8 per cent and sales volume by 3.2 per cent from one year back.

Annual change in working day adjusted turnover and sales volume in industries of trade, August 2021, % (TOL 2008)

Seasonally adjusted turnover and sales volume declined from the previous month

Seasonally adjusted turnover in total trade fell by 0.3 per cent in August from July. Seasonally adjusted sales volume went down by 0.8 per cent over the same period. In July, turnover fell by 0.2 per cent and sales volume by 0.8 per cent from the month before.

Change in seasonally adjusted turnover and sales volume in total trade (G) from the previous month, %

Trend of turnover and sales volume in total trade

The calculation of indices of turnover of trade is based on the Tax Administrations data on self-assessed taxes, which are supplemented with Statistics Finlands sales inquiry. The volume index of sales is calculated by removing the effect of price changes from the value index series.

The factors caused by the variation in the number of weekdays are taken into account in adjustment for working days. This means taking into consideration the lengths of months, different weekdays and holidays. In addition, seasonal variation is eliminated from seasonally adjusted series, on account of which it makes sense to compare observations of two successive months as well.

The data for the latest month are preliminary and they may become significantly revised particularly on more detailed industry levels in coming months.

New tables for the turnover of trade

Statistics Finland starts publishing data on revisions to the turnover and sales volume data of trade industries in the StatFin database service. The published data allow better monitoring of the relevance of industry-specific change percentages. More about this under Changes in these statistics .

Source: Turnover of trade, Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Lauri Pullinen 029 551 3043, Mauri Niiniaho 029 551 3409, kauppa.suhdanne@stat.fi

Head of Department in charge: Katri Kaaja

Publication in pdf-format (291.9 kB)

Updated 14.10.2021

Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Turnover of trade [e-publication].

ISSN=1799-0939. August 2021. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 19.11.2021].

Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/klv/2021/08/klv_2021_08_2021-10-14_tie_002_en.html
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Acting Prime Minister Florin Citu said that at the current moment quarantining the Capital is not under consideration and highlighted that the authorities have other measures in mind to limit the spread of the SARS-CoV-2, pointing out that he had a discussion with the interim health minister aimed at requiring the green certificate for any economic activity.

He was asked at the Victoria Governmental Palace whether the authorities were planning on quarantining the Capital, due to the high COVID-19 notification rate.

"No, at the current moment, not. We are not taking this measure. You saw that last year, as well, there had been this discussion about quarantining Bucharest and it didn't work, nonetheless we are considering other measures meant to prevent the spreading of the virus. One thing we discussed with Mr Health Minister was that of mandating or requiring the green certificate for all activities we have in Romania, for any activity we get in contact with other people, to have this green certificate for economic activities. If we still desire to have an open economy, I believe it is a measure that would help a lot. We haven't discussed yet about reducing the open hours during the weekend, this hasn't been discussed, but we are looking at all the measures. I think that using the green certificate for any economic activity is an important step and we are considering this," Citu said after the Government meeting on Thursday.

The acting PM pointed out he wants the measure on the green certificate introduced as soon as possible and enforced in hypermarkets as well, Agerpres informs.
Romania was the world's 6th by number of exhibitors at the Expo Real 2021 international trade fair for property and investment held in Munich October 11 - 13, said the Romanian - German Chamber of Commerce and Industry AHK Romania, which organized for the ninth consecutive time Romania's joint pavilion at the prestigious event.

Displaying their offer at Romania's booth were representatives of local authorities seeking investors interested in locations in our country, as well as private sector investors specializing in the development of industrial parks, integrated logistics services, design and architecture, civil engineering and industrial activities.

The exhibitors were AFI Europe, Alma Consulting SRL, the Buzau municipality, Ceetrus, the Iasi municipality, Siret Industrial and Technological Park, Olympian Parks, the Resita municipality, Rec Partners, Hotspot Workhub, Sagului Logistic Center, Speedwell, WDP Development Romania SRL, as well as two trade-specific associations: the Romanian Association of Real Estate Investors and Bucharest Real Estate Club.

"The Romanian pavilion was very well positioned in the first of the five halls of the fair, and the Romanian projects enjoyed high interest. The exhibitors at the Romanian joint booth had meetings throughout the three days of the fair," the release states.

AHK Romania is the official representation of the German economy and also the largest bilateral Chamber of Commerce in Romania. Founded in 2002, AHK joins over 550 member firms, providing companies an important platform for networking, information and experience exchanges. Through its services and through the events it organizes, AHK Romania actively supports the entry of German companies on the Romanian market and is also a partner of Romanian companies interested in the German market.
A new batch of 303,030 doses of vaccine from Pfizer BioNTech will arrive in the country on Thursday, the National Coordinating Committee for Vaccination Activities against COVID-19 (CNCAV) informs.

The vaccines will be delivered by air and will arrive at Otopeni Airport on Thursday.

Transport to storage centers is provided by the producing company, including by land. The vaccines are transported in optimal conditions, in special containers, with carbonic ice and sealed foil, CNCAV specified.Doses will be distributed as follows:* Bucharest National Storage Center - 186,030 doses;* Brasov Regional Storage Center - 117,000 doses.To date, Romania has received 13,071,689 doses of vaccine produced by Pfizer, and 8,330,820 have already been used to immunize the population.
A new batch of 355,200 doses of the Moderna vaccine will reach Romania on Friday, informs the National Coordinating Committee for Vaccination Activities against COVID-19 (CNCAV).

The transport is provided by the manufacturing company, and the vaccine doses will be brought to Bucharest by land.

The doses will be deposited at the National Company "Unifarm" SA, and in the next period they will be distributed to the existing regional centres at the national level.

To date, 2,472,000 Moderna doses have been received, and 764,315 have already been used to immunize the population, Agerpres informs.
Minister of National Defense Nicolae Ciuca participated on Thursday in the Distinguished Visitors Day of the 'Cetatea 2021' military exercise, an event organized at the headquarters of the Communications and IT Command in Bucharest.

This year, the exercise takes place between October 4 and 15 at several locations in the country, with the participation of the Romanian Army's communications, IT and cyber defense structures, of the national defense system's structures and of a detachment from the Republic of Moldova, the National Defense Ministry said in a release.

According to the cited source, the objective of the exercise is to ensure the communications, IT and cyber defense services for the execution of the command and control of the participating structures. The activities are conducted according to a fictitious scenario that allows the testing of the ability to monitor, detect and respond to cyber attacks by using both technical capabilities and cyber security incident management and response procedures.

"During these exercises we can see the results of the work of the Army's communications and IT engineers and technicians, an effort to which the cyber defense component has added lately. What we could remark in the last 3 - 5 years is highly pleasing, there is an obvious positive evolution, the modernization level of the technical developments implemented by IT&C military experts in everything command and control solutions meets our long time expectations, especially given the fact that we committed to specific standards when we joined NATO. What I saw today at the 'Cetatea' exercise gives me satisfaction also because I saw the enthusiasm and, particularly, the dedication and passion the military engineers and technicians have put into finding solutions for everything related to the difficult aspects of the Romanian Forces' command, control and IT architecture," Defense Minister Ciuca said, as cited in the release.

'Cetatea' is a technical exercise for the training of IT&C military structures for planning and providing the necessary specialized support for the exchange of strategic, operational and tactical information in a federalized work environment and a hostile cyberspace.
The first patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in critical state are being transferred, on Thursday, to Hungary.

According to the Health Ministry, it is about 8 patients from ICUs in Bucharest and 2 from Timisoara, in stable condition, which are transportable and require specialty medical assistance in an intensive care unit.

The ministry mentions that of the 10 patients five will go to the Szeged University Center and the other five in the Debrecen University Center.

"We thank our neighbors for collaboration and support. It's an absolutely natural gesture, of European solidarity, which we should enjoy. We too, in our turn, granted support to other states when we had the possibility. In Hungary we will transfer 50 patients in grave situation, in several stages, to the university centers of Szeged and Debrecen," said Cseke Attila, the caretaker Health Minister, quoted in the release.

The transfer of patients from the border area will be done overland, and the transfer of patients from Bucharest is done both by land and by air. The patients will be monitored throughout the trip by complex medical crews. Furthermore, personnel from Romania was sent to the medical units of the two university centers to ensure the support necessary for these operations.

Romania started last week discussions with the Hungarian authorities in view of transferring several grave COVID patients to the neighboring country for treatment.
The Acting Minister of Health, Cseke Attila, had a phone call on Thursday with Stella Kyriakides, the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, the European Commission's official offering the Commission's support to our country's health system.

According to the Ministry of Health, the two officials discussed topics of interest for consolidating the response and resilience of the EU to the health crisis determined by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Stella Kyriakides, the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, has offered the support of the European Commission for the Romanian health system," the quoted source specifies.

The Acting Minister of Health, Cseke Attila, informed the European Commissioner about the epidemiological situation nationwide, but also about the existing problems in supplying hospitals with medicine and in increasing the necessary capacity to ensure medical assistance in ICU sections for patients with SARS-CoV-2.
Romania has lost 4.7 million euros this year meant for the settlement of RT PCR and rapid antigen tests to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection, interim Prime Minister Florin Citu said on Thursday, claiming that the reason was the fact that the former Minister of Health Ioana Mihaila did not hasten the signing of the financing contract.

According to the Prime Minister, the European Commission has launched a funding line for Member States to ensure access to COVID green certificates under the ESI funding instrument and applications have been requested.

He told a press conference that the Ministry of Health submitted an application to obtain funds on July 2, which was analyzed by the European Commission and approved the amount of 4.7 million euros for the settlement of 88,350 PCR and 89,760 rapid antigen tests, Agerpres informs.

"The settlement, reimbursement of the tests can be done only in conjunction with the issuance of green certificates for applicants for the period June - October 2021. Regarding the signing of the financing agreement we mention the following: it was sent for internal approval in the first half of August, the Legal Department discussed several times with the then Minister about the need to sign it urgently, and the agreement was returned to the Legal Department without being approved on September 7. So this money was lost because the Minister at the time did not follow the entire procedure,S said Citu, at the end of the Government meeting.
The People's Movement Party (PMP, non-parliamentary) requests President Klaus Iohannis urgently summon the Supreme Council for the Country's Defence (CSAT) for the critical situation the health crisis has reached.

"There is need for an urgent plan as fast as possible to be implemented by a Committee formed mainly of medics. The Government has already proven it cannot manage this crisis, and now this caretaker government has even fewer constitutional means of action," the PMP emphasizes, in a release sent on Thursday to AGERPRES.

PMP believes a solution would be for "Romania to request help from other states for medical staff specialized in ICU units."

"Additionally, it's mandatory to resume the vaccination campaign, and implicitly to intensify vaccination caravans, with more attention of the authorities on combating anti-pandemic and anti-vaccine propaganda. It's clear that we are in a much more critical point when every three minutes a person dies due to the coronavirus, medics are fighting without resources in the hell in hospitals, the morgues are full, hospitals gave way under pandemic pressure. Romania requested NATO support and the European Civil Defense Mechanism was activated, there is urgent need for firm measures to help the healthcare system," mentions the People's Movement Party, which sent two members to the European Parliament at the last European elections.
President Klaus Iohannis's official visit to the Republic of Latvia, which was supposed to take place on Friday and Saturday, has been postponed due to the Latvian President testing positive for COVID-19 on Thursday.

"The official visit of President of Romania Klaus Iohannis to the Republic of Latvia, which was scheduled for October 15 - 16, has been postponed due to the President of Latvia having been confirmed with SARS-CoV2," the Presidential Administration confirmed for AGERPRES.

According to Latvian media, President Egils Levits was found positive for COVID-19 after his return from an inter-governmental forum in Sweden the day before. Subsequently, the Latvian President took a PCR test, which also confirmed the SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The Latvian head of state was to meet on Thursday with his Estonian counterpart Alar Karis, and on Friday with President Klaus Iohannis. Egils Levits personally called President Iohannis to explain the situation and postpone the visit.
A Romanian Air Force C-27J Spartan aircraft configured for medical missions took off on Thursday around 19:30 from Bucharest's 90th Airlift Base, headed for Timisoara with three SARS-CoV-2 patients in serious condition on board, the National Defense Ministry said.

The patients were taken to the airport by ambulances of the Mobile Emergency Resuscitation and Extrication Service - SMURD and the Bucharest-Ilfov Ambulance Service, and are being monitored during the flight by a team of SMURD medical specialists.

Also on Thursday, a Romanian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft flew five SARS-CoV-2 patients to Oradea.

The two humanitarian transport missions take place as the first 10 critically ill Romanian Covid-19 patients - 8 coming from Bucharest emergency wards, and two from Timisoara - are being transferred to Hungary on Thursday, five to the Szeged University Center and the other five to the Debrecen University Center.
USR (Save Romania Union) will come to Parliament, at the beginning of next week, with a government approved by the Political Committee of this party, in case the negotiations with PNL (National Liberal Party), UDMR (Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania) and the minorities for the rebuilding of the governing coalition will fail, the leader of the USR Deputies, Ionut Mosteanu, said on Thursday.

"We convened the Political Committee for Sunday afternoon. The Political Committee is the statutory body of USR, which decides if we enter the government or not, so it also approves the governing programme and decides the list of ministers. The number one priority of the Prime Minister-designate, Dacian Ciolos, is to rebuild the governing coalition with PNL, UDMR and with the support of the national minorities group in the Romanian Parliament. This is our priority, this is his priority. We have been saying this countless of times, for over a month. However, if negotiations fail, if discussions fail in the following days, we are going to make our next move. Prime Minister-designate Dacian Ciolos has a mandate from the President of Romania to form a government and will come with this government before Parliament. (...) If these negotiations fail, we will come before Parliament with a government approved by the Political Committee, a list of ministers and a programme approved by the Political Committee at the beginning of next week," said Ionut Mosteanu.

He called on the PNL to show responsibility.

He also specified that a new meeting of Prime Minister-designate Dacian Ciolos and the leaders of PNL, UDMR and of the national minorities will take place on Friday, Agerpres informs.
If you love Louise Pennys mysteries and wonder why she has stepped away from Three Pines and into the unfamiliar area of international terrorism, dont worry. Shes got this.

On the other hand, if you know Hillary Rodham Clinton as the former secretary of state and one-time presidential candidate and wonder why she thought she could write a novel, again, dont worry. Shes got Louise Penny.

Penny and Clinton make a perfect team for State of Terror, a cant-put-it-down thriller in which a U.S. secretary of state new on the job faces a devastating worldwide crisis.

The two women are real-life friends, brought together in part by Clintons enjoyment of Pennys Inspector Gamache mysteries, set in a charming village in Quebec but as cerebral as they are cozy. A publisher suggested the collaboration, similar to the one Clintons husband, former President Bill Clinton, has with mega-author James Patterson, which so far has turned out two thrillers.

The plot Penny and Clinton hashed out is the stuff of nightmares, but hardly far-fetched. Bombs explode on buses in three cities in Europe, heinous acts that are just the tip of the terrorist iceberg, glimpses of much, much worse to come. An opening quote about nuclear weaponry is a hint.
It is a noble enterprise, albeit one that is challenging and maybe impossible for a restaurant critic  or anyone else, for that matter  to evaluate as successful (or not). That would be the case at any time, but especially so now, in the stubborn second year of this pandemic, when not everyone is comfortable breaking bread in public again and restaurant labor is such a fraught topic.

Have a Cow Cattle Co. certainly looks and feels like a place where a community will enjoy gathering. Part of a recently constructed building, the restaurant features ample seating and retail shelves surrounding a central counter and coffee bar where you place your order. There is also an expansive patio, partly covered. The concept  a cafe and urban farm store in the St. Pierres description  might remind you of the original Winslows Home (now Winslows Table) in University City.

Beef from the St. Pierres Owensville farm is the featured ingredient in the kitchen overseen by Tom Shuman. Burgers are available as a 5- or 8-ounce patty, and both are a welcome respite from the unavoidable smashed burger. Ordered medium-rare, the burgers deliver a compelling contrast between flame-broiled char and primal, blood-red juiciness. If that alone isnt savory enough for you, the Whole Farm tops it with bacon and a sunny-side-up egg as well as your choice of cheese.
Tony Messenger Tony Messenger is the metro columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Tony Messenger 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

Linda Dickerson-Bell remembers the moment when the judge polled the members of the jury, one by one, to verify the unanimous verdict they had reached.

It was January 2002. Dickerson-Bell was 30, and this was her first time on a jury. Yes, she said. Yes, she voted to convict Michael Politte of lighting his mother on fire and killing her when he was 14 years old.

I cried, she says. I was so upset. It wasnt the right thing to do. I wept out loud when they polled the jury. It just didnt seem right.

Nearly 20 years later, shes trying to do something about what she says was the most monumental mistake of her life. On Wednesday, attorneys for Politte filed a petition for habeas corpus with the Missouri Supreme Court, arguing that he is innocent of the crime and that he was convicted on evidence that the state knew then, and knows now, was false.

Prosecutors argued in Polittes trial that his tennis shoes were soaked with gasoline, the accelerant used to cause the fire where he lived with his mother and two sisters in a trailer outside Potosi. But advances in forensic testing  made before the trial began  recognized that many tennis shoes contain materials that test similar to gasoline. Prosecutors never retested Polittes shoes before trial.
I have received an investigation packet from the Highway Patrol, and it is currently under review in my office, Ellison, the prosecutor, told the Post-Dispatch.

He said he received the packet on or about Sept. 10.

Ellison said he knew Perkins personally.

Asked about that being a conflict of interest, Ellison said, I do intend to contact a  someone to take this as a special prosecutor case. Ultimately if there is a charging decision, I dont plan on making that decision myself.

He said he would probably hand the case off in the next couple of weeks at the very latest.

I could ask somebody at the attorney generals office if they could look at it or I could ask another county prosecutor to look at it, Ellison said.

Perkins on Tuesday posted a picture with himself, Attorney General Eric Schmitt and two other state lawmakers, Reps. Bennie Cook and Bill Hardwick, on Facebook.

Just had BBQ tonight way down in Pulaski County tonight, Perkins said in the online post. Representative Bill Hardwick hosted Representative Bennie Cook, Attorney General Eric Schmitt and I.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY  A St. Louis County woman is facing federal charges accusing her of arranging the murder of her fiance a decade ago.

Victoria R. Williams, 63, was charged by complaint in U.S. District Court in St. Louis last month with conspiracy to commit a murder for hire resulting in death.

Williams lawyer did not return messages seeking comment Thursday.

In an affidavit, an FBI special agent says Williams arranged the Oct. 5, 2011, murder of Charles Harris in hopes of receiving insurance money.

She would eventually receive a total of $400,000 and paid $110,000 to the wife of the man who helped her arrange the murder, the affidavit says.

The affidavit says Harris was fatally shot in the head and shoulder in his home in the 10500 block of Langford Drive in unincorporated St. Louis County near Castle Point.

Harris sold suits out of his home, and investigators believe he thought his killer was a customer. Williams communicated both before and after the murder with the men involved, the affidavit says. The Post-Dispatch is not naming them because they have not been charged.
Were pretty shocked to hear about this, said Byron Clemens, spokesman for the local chapter of the American Federation of Teachers, AFT St. Louis Local 420. He praised DESE for taking quick action to remove the affected website, but cautioned, We dont know if anybodys been harmed yet.

A serious flaw

Though no private information was clearly visible nor searchable on any of the web pages, the newspaper found that teachers Social Security numbers were contained in the HTML source code of the pages involved.

The newspaper asked Shaji Khan, a cybersecurity professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, to confirm the findings. He called the vulnerability a serious flaw.

We have known about this type of flaw for at least 10-12 years, if not more, Khan wrote in an email. The fact that this type of vulnerability is still present in the DESE web application is mind boggling!

Khan urged the state to perform a thorough audit to ensure no other web applications contain similar vulnerabilities.

According to McGowin, such an audit had begun Tuesday and was still underway at noon Wednesday. She said that as far as she was aware, no other instances of the flaw had been identified.
The Berninghaus painting and two others, by Frederick Oakes Sylvester, who was art director at SLPS Central High in the early 1900s and also was showcased at the Worlds Fair, will be transferred to the historical societys permanent collection.

Sylvesters two pieces, one as large as a chalkboard, depict Mississippi River bluffs.

The artworks will be cataloged and digitized by the historical society for its online collection, which is open to the public for research.

I hope to see them one day go on exhibit, Felton said. Having these pieces by Sylvester and Berninghaus really enrich our fine art collection, build on the strength we have in local and regional artwork and add depth to representation of the incredible artists that were working here around the turn of the century.

Their artwork hung on the walls of St. Louis schools designed by revered architect William B. Ittner. Ittners schools are known for their natural lighting, open spaces, high ceilings and intricate brick exteriors. Art collectors in St. Louis donated pieces to the district, which also once had a budget for artwork.
No private information was clearly visible. The Social Security numbers for school teachers, administrators and counselors were present in the HTML source code of the publicly available pages involved.

The newspaper reported the flaw to DESE on Tuesday and waited to publish any report until the information was removed from the state website.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released statements Wednesday describing a Post-Dispatch journalist as a hacker.

On Thursday, Parson said the individual who alerted DESE was attempting to embarrass the state and sell headlines for their news outlet.

The governor continued, We will not let this crime against Missouri teachers go unpunished. And we refuse to let them be a pawn in the news outlets political vendetta. Not only are we going to hold this individual accountable, but we will also be holding accountable all those who aided this individual and the media corporation that employs them.

Parson, who has often tangled with the states media outlets over coverage he dislikes, did not take any questions at the news conference. He also didnt respond to questions that were yelled at him as he retreated into his office.
Among the candidates supported by the Action St. Louis Power Project was Mayor Tishaura O. Jones; the organization reported spending about $26,000 earlier this year on her successful campaign for the office.

The project also backed Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner, some progressive candidates for alderman and a successful statewide ballot proposition to expand Medicaid coverage.

The commission said the election-related spending was on canvassing, phone banks, printing, mailing, sample ballots and staff expenses.

The state commission also said theres no evidence that Action St. Louis Inc., a separate nonprofit set up under another section of the tax code, intervened in election campaigns for candidates after it registered as a Missouri nonprofit corporation in July 2020.

Liz Ziegler, the commissions executive director, said the panel is barred by law from disclosing who filed the complaint. Action St. Louis officials could not be reached for comment.

The commission said Action St. Louis, when it was previously part of the national Movement Voter Project, a 501(c)(4) organization, filed two reports in 2019 indicating it spent more than $500 in support of multiple candidates
CHICAGO  One of Americas leading pig slaughterhouses is running faster than ever as meatpackers hustle to keep pork in grocery stores during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plant worker Hector Ixquier says its time to slow down.

Ixquier said he sought medical treatment in January for tendons he strained in his right arm while draining blood from pigs in a Seaboard Foods pork plant in Guymon, Oklahoma.

The 30-year-old immigrant from Guatemala said he requested a transfer to the position piercing jugular veins about five months ago, after an increase in slaughtering speeds made it too tiring to do his previous job: wrestling chains around pigs hind legs before they are killed.

His new job is also physically taxing, and a doctor recommended rest and avoiding certain tasks at work, Ixquier said in an interview. Im thankful for the opportunity, he said of the new gig, but its still too fast.

Seaboard, the second-biggest U.S. pig producer after Smithfield Foods, sped up its Guymon operations last year after the U.S. government removed limits on pork plant line speeds in late 2019. It was the first plant to operate under the new rule, which was intended to allow processors to produce meat more quickly.
In early 2021 a Chinese firm revealed a new supersonic cruise missile called HD-1. It uses a novel solid-fuel ram jet to achieve speeds of 750 to 1,200 meters a second to hit targets up to 300 kilometers distant. This propulsion system is lighter and more compact than existing ramjet systems. HD-1 can be programmed to fly as high as 15,000 meters (48,000 feet) or as low as ten meters (30 feet) for use against surface ships. The one-ton HD-1 is 8.3-meterss (27 feet) long, 375mm in diameter and can carry a warhead weighing 240 kg (530 pounds) to 400 kg (800 pounds). The heavier warhead reduces range and speed and would be used for ground targets. The standard HD-1 is described as a carrier-killer although it would require several HD-1 to disable or destroy a large carrier. One HD-1 could disable a smaller warship like corvettes, frigates or destroyers. Multiple HD-1s can be carried by a TEL (Transporter Erector launcher) vehicle or launched from aircraft or ships. HD-1 is also half the price of its main rival, the Indo-Russian BrahMos. The HD-1 is being offered to whoever can pay for it, while BrahMos sales are restricted to nations considered friendly by India.

Since 2006 India has been delivering the PJ-10 BrahMos missile to its armed forces. BrahMos is a 2.5 to 4-ton missile with a range of 300 kilometers and a 250 kg (550 pound) warhead. Perhaps the most striking characteristic of the BrahMos is its high speed, literally faster (at up to 1,000 meters per second) than a rifle bullet. BrahMos was a joint Russian-Indian project and both countries offer the PJ-10 BrahMos cruise missile to export customers. PJ-10 can be launched from a truck or from an aircraft ship or submarine. The maximum speed of 3,000 kilometers an hour makes it harder to intercept, and means it takes five minutes or less to reach its target. The air launched version weighs 2.5 tons, the others, three tons or more because of the need for a booster rocket to get it into the air. The nine-meter (29 foot) long, 700mm diameter missile is an upgraded version of the Russian SS-NX-26 (Yakhont) missile, which was in development when the Cold War ended in 1991. Lacking money to finish development and begin production, the Russian manufacturer made a deal with India to finish the job. India put up most of the $240 million needed to finally complete two decades of development. The PJ-10 is built in Russia, with India as the initial customer. Several countries, including China and Iran, expressed interest in the weapon but were discouraged by the price because each PJ-10 cost about $2.3 million. China was eventually banned from buying BrahMos because of increased hostilities with India. In 2019 major upgrades to BrahMos were announced. First there is a new propulsion system that extends range to 450 kilometers and increases speed by 25 percent. There is also an upgraded terminal (short range) guidance system that will ensure the missile hits the right target when there are several in the vicinity. It was also revealed that work was under way to design a lighter (1.5 ton) and cheaper version of BrahMos. The model will not be available until 2023 at the earliest while HD-1 is shipping now.
Iran is reviving its accusations that northern neighbor Azerbaijan is cooperating with Turkey and Israel to launch covert attacks against Iran. This is an old accusation that is being revived in part because Turkey and Israel have been working on improving their diplomatic, economic and military relationships. At the same time the Turks have been increasingly hostile to Iran and that includes ignoring Iranian requests during the recent war between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Turkey sent advisors, armed UAVs and Syrian mercenaries to help the Azeris score their first victory over Armenia in a three-decade long territorial feud. Iran was also unhappy with the fact that the Azeris gave credit to the many Israeli weapons they had purchased over the last decade. This included the Israeli Barak 8 anti-aircraft system which intercepted a number of Russian ballistic missiles fired at Azerbaijan by the Armenians. One of those ballistic missiles was an Iskander, a recent Russian design that was supposed to be more difficult to detect and intercept. Iran is also angry about how its campaign in Syria is proceeding and how unhelpful, or even hostile, their allies Turkey and Russia have been.

Turkey, Iran and Azerbaijan have other reasons to prefer dealing with Israel rather than Iran. About a quarter of Iran's population is Azeri (a Turkic people). Two centuries ago Russia and Iran ended up dividing control of Azeri population in the area. For a while after World War I, and after 1991 (dissolution of the Soviet Union), the Russian Azeris were independent. While the Iranian Azeris are generally loyal to Iran, they are still Turks and speak a different language than the ethnic Iranians. Seeing Azerbaijan allying itself with Israel, for whatever reason, does not sit well with Iran. But there's not a lot Iran can do about it. Iran was not able to provide the weapons or other military assistance the Azeris needed to overcome the Armenians, so the Israelis were called in, and later Turkey as well. The Azeris have proved to be good allies. They have detected and destroyed Iran sponsored terrorism efforts, like one that was planning to attack Israelis in Azerbaijan. Iran was believed behind this plot, and Azerbaijan did not appreciate it. Azerbaijan has bought several billion dollars worth of Israeli weapons over the last fifteen years.

Christian Armenia and Moslem Azerbaijan both belonged to the Soviet Union until 1991.Russia has managed to maintain good relations with both countries since they left the Soviet Union and those good relations survived the recent war between the 2020 Azerbaijan-Armenia war. Another casualty of that war was any good will left between Iran and Azerbaijan.

Since 2018 Israel and Russia have been trying to negotiate a deal to prevent a war between Iran and Israel over Iranian plans to establish bases in Syria and organize anti-Israeli forces for a final battle with Israel. For Israel any long term Iranian presence in Syria is intolerable. Russia believed it could work out such a deal but many Israelis were skeptical and Iran declared that such a deal was not possible. When it comes to opposing Iran, Israel always had some very public backing from Russia despite the fact that this put Russia at odds with their two other allies in Syria. The Russians see the Israelis as a more powerful and reliable ally than the Turks or Iranians. Russia is also backing the Kurds in Syria and that is causing problems with Turkey. Despite their problems with Russia, Turkey does agree with Russia on the need to improve relations with Israel, even if it comes at the expense of Iran.

In Gaza the Iranian support for Hamas is cited by Egyptian negotiators as the main reason Hamas is not serious in their renewed efforts to negotiate a ceasefire. At the same time Iran has transferred more Hamas personnel to join a new effort to carry out terror attacks inside Israel as well as recruit a larger force to carry out larger attacks on Israel. At the moment Iran does not trust Hezbollah with those tasks because Hezbollah has major problems most Lebanese over all the problems they have caused in Lebanon since Hezbollah became an extension of the Iranian al Quds force in the 1980s. Quds supports pro-Iran Islamic terrorists in foreign countries. Al Quds considers Hezbollah their greatest success but more and more Lebanese, Syrians and other Arabs in the region see Quds and Hezbollah as a deadly curse created by Iran. Over a hundred-thousand Palestinians settled in Lebanon after the creation of Israel in 1948 and proved to be more of a problem than Israel ever was. Palestinian violence was one reason for the fifteen-year long 1975-90 Lebanese civil war and most of them were expelled from Lebanon by the end of the civil war.

Neighboring Jordan suffered similar problems. Currently a majority of Jordanians consider themselves Palestinian, or at least descended from Palestinian refugees. While the Palestinian majority may not like the monarchy, they know that the Bedouins, who have lived in the area for centuries, would respond violently to any uprising against a Bedouin king. That has happened often enough since the 1960s to convince most Jordanians that, while you can shout nasty things at the king, don't take a shot at him. That said, the current king of Jordan, and his late father, went out of their way to be nice to their Palestinian citizens, as long as there was no violence against the government. The occasional violation of this understanding is met with a swift and sometimes violent response. Nevertheless, Jordan has long had to be careful with how it deals with the Palestinians. In 1970, the government expelled over 20,000 thousand Palestinian militants and their supporters, who sought to overthrow the monarchy. This event came to be known by Palestinians as "Black September". Thousands of the militants were killed. In 2001, the Hamas leadership was ordered to leave, for security reasons. Hamas efforts to revive anti-Israel terror operations in Jordan have failed so often that Iran is seen as the last place Palestinian, or any other kind of Islamic terrorist, can set up operations.

October 13, 2021: In central Syria (Homs province) Israeli airstrikes hit the T4 airbase for the second time this week. The targets were the same Iranian training areas and weapons warehouses. One Syrian soldier was killed and four wounded. The attacks were launched from jets flying over the area where the borders of Iraqi, Syria and Jordan meet. Air-to-surface missiles are used and some are intercepted by Syrian S-200 SAMs (Surface-to-Air missiles) that have less success against Israeli fighters that are equipped with countermeasures and pilots who know how to avoid the SAMs. The T4 airbase, hear the ancient ruins of Palmyra, has been hit at least three times a year since 2018. T4 is the largest airbase in Syria and Iran has constantly built new structures for storing weapons and housing personnel, usually to replace buildings destroyed by the air strikes. T4 is where Iran moved its UAV operations in 2018 after its original UAV base in Syria was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike.

October 8, 2021: In central Syria (Homs province) Israeli airstrikes again hit the T4 airbase, with several explosions heard inside the base. There were two dead and several wounded. Israeli warplanes launch air-ground missiles while still in Israel or just across the Syrian border in areas not covered by Syrian air defenses.

In eastern Syria (Deir Ezzor province) another airstrike hit Iranian weapons storage sites outside Al Bukamal City, which is on the Euphrates River and a few hours by road, to a border crossing into Iraq. The attacking aircraft could not be identified but were believed to be Israeli UAVs and part of a campaign to cripple Iranian efforts to build up a large force in Syria that would be capable of launching thousands of guided and unguided rockets into Israel. There have been several airstrikes like this in 2021 and Israel is the chief suspect because of their frequent airstrikes against Iranian targets throughout Syria

September 29, 2021: In the West Bank another Palestinian attacked police with a knife, but was shot dead before she could stab anyone.

September 26, 2021: In the West Bank a Palestinian Islamic terrorist belonging to Islamic Jihad was shot dead as he was firing a submachine gun at soldiers. There were four other Islamic terrorists killed that day as Israeli police and soldiers carried out raids on locations used by Palestinian Islamic terror groups.

In Iran there were several explosions at a ballistic missile factory outside Tehran. Commercial satellite photos showed extensive damage to one of the large buildings. There were some dead and wounded. There have been explosions in facilities like this outside Tehran. One in 2011 was blamed on mishandling explosives. Israel did not take credit for either of these explosions but Iran noted that similar incidents inside Iran that Israel did take credit for were often made to look like accidents.

September 24, 2021 : In northern Iraq (Erbil, the capital of the Kurdish north) a reconciliation with Israel conference was held. The main speaker was the female Director of Research at the Iraq Ministry of Culture, who urged several hundred like-minded Arab, Kurd, Sunni and Shia Iraqis, including some tribal leaders, to support efforts to have Iraq join the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan and normalize diplomatic and economic relations with Israel.

September 18, 2021: Israel announced that it was not attacking Iranian tankers delivering oil products to Syria because most of it is sent to Lebanon where Iran is blamed for the collapse of the economy and inability of the Lebanese government to pay for oil imports. Technically some of these tankers are owned by members of Hezbollah and some of the recent shipments went directly to Lebanon. Shipments were sent to Syria because Iran was trying to revive Hezbollah power in Lebanon by sending several illegal oil shipments to Syria rather than Lebanon because Syria is already under sanctions and Lebanon is not, at least not yet. Iran hopes to change that, in order to make Lebanon easier to control because Hezbollah already controls many of the black market and outlaw enterprises in Lebanon. Iranian interference in Lebanon did help achieve a negotiated end to the 1975-90 civil war. This involved Saudi Arabia and other Sunni Arab states, cooperating with Iran. This settlement came with a catch that meant the civil war had not ended but just paused while Iran expanded Hezbollah power via cash and weapons. Hezbollah soon became a state within a state by controlling large portions of southern Lebanon and acquiring veto power over the elected Lebanese government. Iran also acquired Syria as an ally in the 1980s and got away with having Syrian troops part of the peacekeeper force that occupied much of Lebanon to prevent the civil war from restarting. Most Lebanese saw the Syrian troops as an occupation force that was there to protect black market and drug smuggling operations that enriched Hezbollah and Syria at the expense of most Lebanese. Over the decades the Lebanese government sought to reduce the Iranian influence and illegal Hezbollah control of the south. Iran helped Hezbollah exploit the complex and often corrupt factional politics of Lebanon, which had a population where no one was a majority. Christians were the majority after World War II but that changed as Palestinians moved in as refugees and formed armed militias that became a threat to Lebanese as well as Israel, which until the last decade was generally considered the enemy by most Moslems in the region. That began to change in the 21st century when more and more Arab states realized that Israel was more valuable as an ally than the target of violence that always ended up hurting the Arab attackers much more than the Israeli defenders. The Israelis were also the most effective nation in the region against the growing Iranian threat. Iran and Hezbollah are seen as the cause, and chief beneficiary of the recent collapse of the Lebanese economy and continued political chaos. The non-Shia majority in Lebanon realize that the fuel shipments to Lebanon are not free but do fill an immediate need because the Lebanese currency is worthless and the economy unable to function. With control of the black market for fuel, Hezbollah and Iran can expand their power, as they did in Syria until 2011 when the non-Shia majority rebelled.

Because of all this Iran cannot call on Hezbollah to carry out any sort of major military operation against Israel. First, Hezbollah must deal with local problems because most Lebanese want Hezbollah gone and getting Lebanon involved in another war with Israel might see Hezbollah fighting Israel and Lebanese at the same time. Iran wants to destroy one enemy at a time. Iran hopes a major war with Israel will result in more popular support from all Moslems in the region. Thats more of a gamble than a sure thing as Iran has replaced Israel as the designated enemy.

The Iranian solution has been to gradually transfer Hamas members from Gaza to southern Lebanon to work for a Hezbollah construction brigade. The Hamas men were there to prepare for attacks on Israel and to take control of Hezbollah missiles stored in local homes and businesses. The construction brigade builds the basement rocket storage bunkers along with adjacent firing positions outside the structure but also underground. Hezbollah leaders were angry when Iran told them that these Hamas personnel would take control of these rockets in wartime and wartime would occur when Iran decided to have Hamas launch massive rocket attacks, which would not include Hezbollah rockets in southern Lebanon. When this arrangement became widely known the majority of Lebanese had another reason to oppose Iran, and Lebanese who belonged to Hezbollah.
FILE PHOTO: A representation of cryptocurrency Bitcoin is seen in this illustration taken August 6, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

(This Oct 13 story corrects name to Mao Shixing in penultimate paragraph)

HONG KONG (Reuters) - The United States has overtaken China to account for the largest share of the world's bitcoin mining, data published on Wednesday by Britain's Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance showed.

The figures demonstrate the impact of a crackdown on bitcoin trading and mining launched by China's State Council, or cabinet, in late May, which devastated the industry and caused miners to shut up shop or move overseas.

China's share of the power of computers connected to the global bitcoin network, known as the "hash rate", had fallen to zero by July from 44% in May, and as much as 75% in 2019, the data showed.

Miners elsewhere have taken up the slack, with mining rig manufacturers shifting their attention to North America and Central Asia and larger Chinese miners moving as well, though this process is fraught with logistical difficulties.

As a result, the United States now accounts for the largest share of mining, some 35.4% of the global hash rate as of the end of August, followed by Kazakhstan and Russia, the data showed.

Bitcoin is created or "mined" by high-powered computers, usually at data centres in different parts of the world, which compete to solve complex mathematical puzzles in a process that makes intensive use of electricity.

Russia's low energy costs and cool climate enabled some companies using surplus electricity to benefit from bitcoin's surging prices earlier this year, but concerns are growing about illegal mining.

In a letter to the government in Moscow in late September, Igor Kobzev, governor of Russia's Irkutsk region, pointed to "avalanche-like growth" of energy tariffs, blaming underground cryptocurrency mining.

"(The situation) is further worsened by the ban on mining imposed by the Chinese authorities and the relocation of a significant amount of equipment to the Irkutsk region," Kobzev said in the letter, according to a report by the Vedomosti daily on Wednesday.

Authorities elsewhere are more tolerant or even welcoming of bitcoin mining, while Chinese authorities announced even tougher rules for bitcoin mining and trading last month.

"Our current focus is accelerating the construction of compliant mining farms in North America and Europe," a representative for mining rig maker Ebang International Holdings told Reuters after the latest crackdown.

But industry players remain bruised.

"As a veteran who witnessed the industry's birth in China, I feel the situation today is lamentable," said Mao Shixing, founder of F2Pool, once the world's biggest bitcoin mining pool, and co-founder of Cobo, a Singapore-headquartered crypto asset manager and custodian.

"China is losing its share of computing power ... the industry's centre of gravity is shifting to the United States," he said, speaking before the Cambridge data was published.

(Reporting by Alun John in Hong Kong, Samuel Shen in Shanghai, Aakriti Bhalla in Bengaluru, and Alexander Marrow in Moscow; Editing by Jason Neely, Mark Potter and Jan Harvey)
TORONTO, Ontario, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via InvestorWire -- Clearmind Medicine Inc. (CSE: CMND) (FSE: CWY0) (Clearmind or the "Company"), a psychedelic medicine biotech company focused on the discovery and development of novel psychedelic-derived therapeutics to solve widespread and undertreated health problems, today announces that professors Wim van den Brink and Gabriele Fischer have joined the Companys scientific advisory board.

Professor van den Brink, M.D., Ph.D., is a professor of addiction psychiatry at the Academic Medical Center of the University of Amsterdam and a recognized expert in the neurobiology and pharmacological treatment of substance use disorders and behavioral addictions. His work has garnered several prestigious awards, and his influence extends across policy and academics. He holds leadership positions on a myriad of professional committees and organizations, is a sought-after keynote speaker, has co-authored close to 800 peer-reviewed papers, and currently serves on the editorial boards of seven scientific journals in the fields of psychiatry and addiction.

Professor Gabriele Fischer, M.D., is a professor of addiction research and treatment, medical director of the Addiction Clinic at the Department of Psychiatry & Psychotherapy at the Medical University of Vienna, and has acted as principle or cooperating investigator on international epidemiological clinical and psychopharmacological studies in the field of substance use disorder and nonsubstance-related addictions. She is an influential thought leader in the treatment of addiction and is a long-standing consultant for many global organizations, including the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODOC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Parliament. A prominent author and speaker, Fischer has given over 400 scientific presentations, authored over 150 peer-reviewed publications, and is involved in editorial and reviewing work for many international medical journals.

Adi Zuloff-Shani, Ph.D., CEO of Clearmind, commented on the appointments: Professor van den Brink and professor Fischer have both made substantial contributions to the field of substance abuse and related behaviors, advancing the way we understand and treat addiction. There are few scientists in the world with their breadth of knowledge and experience, and we are delighted to welcome them to our scientific advisory board.

About Professor Wim van den Brink, M.D., Ph.D.

Professor van den Brink is professor of addiction psychiatry at the Academic Medical Center of the University of Amsterdam and a recognized expert in the neurobiology and pharmacological treatment of substance use disorders and related comorbidities and behavioral addictions. He is president of the International Collaboration on ADHD and Substance Abuse, a member of the scientific advisory board Swiss Research Institute Public Health & Addiction and chair of the ZonMW program on mental health research.

His work has garnered numerous awards, including the Marie Curie Award for Neuroimaging of the Neurotoxicity of Ecstasy; Lifetime Achievement Award for Science from the Netherlands Association of Psychiatry; Honorable Member of the Spanish Society for Dual disorders; European Addiction Research Award from the European Federation of Addiction Societies (EUFAS); and, most recently, Doctor et Professor Honoris Causa at the Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest.

His influence extends across policy and academics and includes chairing the workgroups that developed the Dutch treatment guidelines for alcohol use disorders, opiate addiction and drugs other than opioids; the Scientific Program Committee of European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP); the advisory board Netherland Dialectical Behavioral Treatment; Netherlands National Quality Committee on Mental Health; and executive board Mainline Harm-Reduction.

A prolific writer, he is the co-author of more than 600 international peer-reviewed scientific papers. Until recently, he was an associate editor of Drug and Alcohol Dependence and chief editor of European Addiction Research and remains a member of the editorial boards of seven other psychiatric/addiction scientific journals.

Professor van den Brink received his medical degree from the Free University in Amsterdam and earned his Ph.D. at The State University of Groningen. During his tenure at the University of Amsterdam, he served as senior researcher, Dept. of Psychiatry; assistant professor of psychiatry; and professor of addiction psychiatry. He was also a Fellow Psychiatric Epidemiology at Columbia University in New York.

About Professor Gabriele Fischer

Professor Gabriele Fischer is a professor for psychiatry  addiction research and treatment; medical director of the Addiction Clinic, Department of Psychiatry & Psychotherapy at the Medical University of Vienna, a research facility and treatment center for patients with substance use disorders and nonsubstance dependence (e.g., pathological gamblers); and leader of the Universitys Center for Public Health Addiction in Public Health project.

Professor Fischer has acted as principle or cooperating investigator on projects in the EU, the U.S. and Afghanistan regarding investigations on alternatives to coercive sanctions in patients with substance use disorders. Her work is typically focused on eliciting the views of key stakeholders from both health/welfare and justice sectors and advocates for early intervention, with an eye to not only increase the patients quality of life but also reduce societal costs.

Professor Fischer is a prominent author and speaker with more than 140 peer-reviewed publications and 400 presentations and is a member of multiple international scientific associations. Most noteworthy, she is a long-standing consultant for several international and national groups, including the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODOC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Parliament. She is a member of the Scientific Board for Quality Control and Quality Management in Medicine and of the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug addiction (EMCDDA), member of the General Medical Council in Austria, founding board member of Women for Women: Health Policy in Focus, and commission director of the Austrian Ombudsman Board dedicated to improving human rights in vulnerable populations.

About Clearmind Medicine Inc.

Clearmind is a psychedelic pharmaceutical biotech company focused on the discovery and development of novel psychedelic-derived therapeutics to solve widespread and underserved health problems, including alcohol use disorder. Its primary objective is to research and develop psychedelic-based compounds and attempt to commercialize them as regulated medicines, foods or supplements.

The Companys intellectual portfolio currently consists of two patent families. The first, "Binge Behavior Regulators," has been granted in the U.S., Europe, China and India, with pending divisional applications in Europe and the U.S. The second, Alcohol Beverage Substitute, has been approved for a European patent, with pending applications in the U.S., China and India. The Company intends to seek additional patents for its compounds whenever warranted and will remain opportunistic regarding the acquisition of additional intellectual property to build its portfolio.

Shares of Clearmind are listed for trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "CMND" and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol CWY0.

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations,

Email: invest@clearmindmedicine.com

Telephone: (778) 400-5347

General Inquiries,

Info@Clearmindmedicine.com

www.Clearmindmedicine.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

This news release may contain forward-looking statements and information based on current expectations. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Such statements include submission of the relevant documentation within the required timeframe to the satisfaction of the relevant regulators and raising sufficient financing to complete the Company's business strategy. There is no certainty that any of these events will occur. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be correct. We assume no responsibility to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.

Investing into early-stage companies inherently carries a high degree of risk, and investment into securities of the Company shall be considered highly speculative.

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 province in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities issued, or to be issued, under the Private Placement have not been, and will not 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 registration requirements.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the CSE) nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Wire Service Contact

InvestorWire (IW)

Los Angeles, California

www.InvestorWire.com

212.418.1217 Office

Editor@InvestorWire.com






HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Oct. 12, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Erdene Resource Development Corporation (TSX: ERD | MSE: ERDN) (Erdene or the Company) is pleased to announce the closure of an over-subscribed private placement offering of Common Shares on the Mongolia Stock Exchange (MSE) for gross proceeds of approximately US$5 million from 1,867 institutional and private Mongolian investors.

Quotes from the Company and the MSE

We are very pleased to add to our substantial Mongolian investor base with the closure of this MSE financing, said Peter Akerley, Erdenes President and CEO. During my recent visit to Mongolia I met with many of our stakeholders. I would like to thank our long-time shareholders for their continued support and welcome our new shareholders to an exciting period in Erdenes growth. Funds from the offering will be used for construction of our high-grade, open-pit Bayan Khundii Gold Project and to continue exploration in our Khundii Gold District.

We would like to congratulate Erdene on its successful Mongolian Stock Exchange offering, said Altai Khangai, CEO of the MSE. As the first Company to have cross-listed on the Mongolian and Toronto Stock Exchanges, Erdene has demonstrated the important role that local capital markets play in financing mineral developments in Mongolia.

Offering Terms

Pursuant to the offering, the Company issued 17,484,662 common shares at a price of MNT815 (C$0.36) per share for gross proceeds of approximately US$5 million. The offering was led by BDSec SC JSC, with Mandal Capital Markets SC and Tavan Bogd Capital SC acting as co-underwriters. The Common Shares were issued under a prospectus prepared pursuant to Mongolian laws. The Company paid a cash commission of 7% of the gross proceeds to the underwriters of the offering. The offering was oversubscribed by 46%, however, the Company limited the issuance to 17,484,662 shares, which were distributed to subscribers pro-rata.

Erdene intends to use the net proceeds of the offering for the continued development of its 100%-owned Bayan Khundii Gold Project, the delineation of the recent Ulaan and Dark Horse gold discoveries, additional exploration activities within the Khundii Gold District, and for working capital and general corporate purposes.

About Erdene

Erdene Resource Development Corp. is a Canada-based resource company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious and base metals in underexplored and highly prospective Mongolia. The Company has interests in three mining licenses and two exploration licenses in Southwest Mongolia, where exploration success has led to the discovery and definition of the Khundii Gold District. Erdene Resource Development Corp. is listed on the Toronto and the Mongolian stock exchanges. Further information is available at www.erdene.com. Important information may be disseminated exclusively via the website; investors should consult the site to access this information.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information regarding Erdene contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements may include estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, guidance, or other statements that are not statements of fact. Although Erdene believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Erdene cautions that actual performance will be affected by a number of factors, most of which are beyond its control, and that future events and results may vary substantially from what Erdene currently foresees. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the ability to obtain required third party approvals, market prices, exploitation, and exploration results, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. The forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The information contained herein is stated as of the current date and is subject to change after that date. The Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

NO REGULATORY AUTHORITY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENTS OF THIS RELEASE

Erdene Contact Information

Peter C. Akerley, President and CEO, or Robert Jenkins, CFO

Source: Erdene Resource Development Corporation
New York, NY, Oct. 12, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Moderna, VIA and Benchling have each won a 2021 Tell Award from the Swiss authorities, recognizing their significant foreign direct investments (FDI) in Switzerland, reports Daniel Bangser, Trade Commissioner of Switzerland. They join more than 50 American companies  such as Biogen, Google, and PepsiCo  that have already won this prestigious award named for legendary Swiss folk hero William Tell.

Ambassador Markus Borlin, Consul General of Switzerland in New York, and Mr. Nicolas Descoeudres, Consul General of Switzerland in San Francisco, will host private ceremonies for each company and present the awards to their leadership teams.

Ambassador Borlin notes we are delighted to honor these exceptional companies, each of which has made a very important contribution to the Swiss economy. They exemplify the kinds of fast growing companies that choose to establish a base in Switzerland for its world-leading talent, infrastructure and innovation.

About the 2021 Tell Award winners

Moderna opened an EMEA headquarters in Basel in 2020, where they now also manage the international manufacturing supply chain. In addition, the company signed a 10-year strategic collaboration agreement with Swiss company Lonza to manufacture Modernas COVID19 Vaccine at its plants in Switzerland and abroad.

VIA, a provider of AI for data privacy, data integration, and data analysis, is committed to accelerating Switzerlands clean energy goals with its new office at Switzerland Innovation Park Central in Zug. Along with R&D partner Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, VIA won funding in 2020 from the Swiss Federal Office of Energy.

Benchling, a leading provider of R&D cloud software to the biotechnology industry, established its EMEA headquarters earlier this year in Zurich. Heralded as a Next Billion-Dollar Company by Forbes, Benchling has ramped up quickly in Europe and expects continued growth and investment in the region.

Strong business relationship

The US and Switzerland have a long, solid business history. Switzerland proudly ranks among the top 10 countries globally as both a destination for FDI from the US and a source of FDI into the US, ahead of many larger economies.

Tell Awards is a program of Switzerland Global Enterprise, the national trade and investment promotion agency, and its US arm Swiss Business Hub USA which helps companies evaluate Switzerland and establish operations.

Expanding to Europe? Contact www.s-ge.com/en/sbhFollow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Attachment

Daniel Bangser Swiss Business Hub USA +1 917 289 9932 daniel.bangser@eda.admin.ch

Source: Swiss Business Hub USA
FILE PHOTO: Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) questions Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Federal Reserve Chairman Powell during a Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee hearing on the CARES Act, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington,

By Aditya Kalra and Steve Stecklow

NEW DELHI (Reuters) -U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren called for breaking up Amazon.com Inc and Indian retailers demanded a government probe of the company after a Reuters investigation showed the e-commerce giant had copied products and rigged search results in India.

The Reuters report https://t.co/PiVEqAgjY6, reviewing thousands of internal Amazon documents, found that the U.S. company ran a systematic campaign of creating knockoffs and manipulating search results to boost its own private brands in India, one of the companys largest growth markets.

Wednesday's report showed that, at least in India, manipulating search results to favour Amazons products, as well as copying other sellers goods, were part of a formal strategy at Amazon  and that at least two senior executives had reviewed it.

The Reuters investigation drew bipartisan criticism of Amazon from U.S. lawmakers.

Linking to the story on Twitter https://twitter.com/SenWarren/status/1448397325047566341 and Facebook, Warren, a long-time critic of Amazon, said "these documents show what we feared about Amazons monopoly power  that the company is willing and able to rig its platform to benefit its bottom line while stiffing small businesses and entrepreneurs."

"This is one of the many reasons we need to break it up," she said.

Warren, a prominent Democrat, advocated the breakup of Amazon and other tech giants in 2019 when she was running for president. Since then, as a senator from Massachusetts, she has continued to apply pressure on companies like Amazon.

Ken Buck, a Republican on the House of Representatives antitrust subcommittee, also shared the story on social media, saying https://twitter.com/RepKenBuck/status/1448304840640237571, "These documents prove Amazon engages in anticompetitive practices such as rigging search results and self-preferencing their own products over competitors."

"More concerning, it contradicts what Jeff Bezos told Congress," the Colorado lawmaker said. "Amazon and Bezos must be held accountable."

Asked for comment on the reactions, Amazon issued a statement similar to one it provided for the Reuters investigation.

"These allegations are incorrect and unsubstantiated," it said. "We display search results based on relevance to the customers, irrespective of whether such products are private brands offered by sellers or not."

Amazon said it "strictly prohibits the use or sharing of non-public, seller-specific data with sellers, including with sellers of private brands," and investigates reports of its employees acting contrary to that policy.

The company did not comment on the criticisms by U.S. lawmakers or Indian retailers.

INDIA RETAILERS, START-UPS CONCERNED

In sworn testimony before the subcommittee last year, Amazon founder Bezos said the company prohibits its employees from using data on individual sellers to help its private-label business. In 2019 another Amazon executive testified that the company does not use such data to create its own private-label products or alter its search results to favour them.

The Amazon documents reviewed by Reuters showed how the company's private-brands team in India secretly exploited internal data from its India unit to copy products sold by other companies, then offered them on its platform.

The company promoted sales of its private brands like AmazonBasics by rigging search results on its platform in India so that its products would appear, as one 2016 strategy report put it, in the first 2 or three  search results.

A group representing millions of India's brick-and-mortar retailers said on Thursday the country's government must launch an investigation into Amazon.

"Amazon is causing a great disadvantage to the small manufacturers. They are eating the cake that is not meant for them," Praveen Khandelwal of the Confederation of All India Traders told Reuters. The group says it represents 80 million retail stores in the country.

Indian retailers say foreign e-commerce businesses like Amazon and Walmart Inc's Flipkart indulge in unfair business practices that hurt smaller firms, allegations the companies deny.

The Alliance of Digital India Foundation, a nonprofit representing some of Indias biggest startups, said the practices detailed in the Reuters report were "highly deplorable", calling into question "the credibility of Amazon as a good faith operator in the Indian startup ecosystem".

In a blog post https://blog.adif.in/p/adif-amazon-reuters-ecommerce-fair-markets, the group urged the Indian government to take action against Amazons predatory playbook of copying, rigging and killing Indian brands.

A top official in the economic wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological parent of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis ruling party, urged consumers to shun the company on Thursday.

"I call upon people of this country to #boycottAmazon, Ashwani Mahajan, co-convenor of Swadeshi Jagran Manch, said on Twitter https://twitter.com/ashwani_mahajan/status/1448525157476175879?s=20.

(Reporting by Aditya Kalra in New Delhi and Steve Stecklow in London; Editing by William Mallard)
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Outschool announced today a $110M Series D raise with a $3B valuation for its K-12 education marketplace. The Series D funding comes less than a year after a $75M Series C raise in April 2021. The latest round of funding is led by previous investor Tiger Global Management and adds BOND. Additional participants in the round include Lightspeed Ventures, Union Square Ventures, Reach Capital, Coatue, FundersClub and SV Angel. The funding provides Outschool with additional resources to fulfill its mission to positively impact society by inspiring a love of learning in children across the world.

Outschool is an innovative education platform that offers a variety of engaging, small-group classes online. Unlike traditional classes or passive videos, Outschool gives kids the unique opportunity to explore their interests in-depth with interactive classes taught via live video by experienced, independent teachers and organizations.

Named by Fast Company as one of the Most Innovative Companies in 2021 and by Inc. Magazine's Inc. 5000 as this year's fastest growing education company, Outschool has expanded its offering domestically and globally. Previously only available as a teaching opportunity to teachers in the United States and Canada, when the pandemic hit, the company grew its offerings dramatically. Outschool offered an opportunity for teachers worldwide to earn extra income, allowing independent educators in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and the UK to engage thousands of kids looking for time-zone-friendly classes while schools were largely shut down. Despite the marked uncertainty around Covid-19 and emerging variants, Outschool's latest funding round demonstrates confidence in the company's long-term potential in a dynamic global education environment.

"Outschool's online learning provides parents and students with a high-quality, convenient and affordable form of after-school enrichment and supplemental learning," said Evan Feinberg, Partner, Tiger Global. "Offering small, customized classes taught online and in real time, Outschool has emerged as an industry leader, and we are excited to partner with them as they expand."

Although schools across the United States went back to in-person classes this fall, Outschool continues to attract new learners, especially for ongoing classes. This latest round of funding will be used to fuel Outschool's global expansion and ramp up new product offerings for schools and parents seeking alternatives to engage children in a love of learning.

"Outschool engages and inspires learning through a large variety of classes and subjects so kids can dive deeper into their favorite interests. We have seen firsthand how the small-group format encourages social interaction and builds friendships while also allowing for a deeper understanding of subject matter. Recently, we launched Outschool Pods based purely on demand from both teachers and families to have more opportunities for on-going organized, academic classes in small group settings. We will continue to innovate our product based on the needs of our community," said Amir Nathoo, CEO of Outschool. "I couldn't be prouder of the achievements of our team from the past year and a half. Now we recognize the real work begins as we scale up and realize the platform's great potential to inspire learners across the world."

Classes on Outschool range from one-time classes, to ongoing social groups, one-on-one tutoring, week-long camps, and ongoing courses. Classes are offered across all subjects, and for learners ranging from age 3 to 18. For families with a financial need, their nonprofit arm Outschool.org provides access to unique classes and camps. Outschool.org has donated over $3M to schools, after school programs and families in need since its inception in April 2020.

For more information about Outschool or to join the team, visit Outschool.com.

About Outschool

Outschool offers live online education experiences that connect real-life teachers with learners in small-group settings to explore everything from Minecraft, Pokemon and Cooking to Chemistry, Algebra and Literature. With over 100,000 online classes offered by teachers to learners around the globe, Outschool helps supplement what is often missing from a more traditional education. Outschool's mission is to inspire kids to love learning by making education fun, social and self-directed. Classes on Outschool range from one-time enrichment lessons to semester-long core courses and weekly social clubs. Classes are offered across all subjects, and learners range from age 3 to 18. More information can be found at Outschool.com.

Media Contact:Kristen Marion321411@email4pr.com 623-308-2638

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PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Integral Molecular, a founding member of Philadelphia's biotech community, celebrates its 20th anniversary as a leader in antibody discovery and virology. With a mission to develop and apply innovative technologies that advance therapeutic discovery, the company has recently been at the forefront of Pennsylvania's contribution to the fight against COVID-19.

"Integral Molecular is a long-time leader of Philadelphia's biotech community and we are thrilled to see the company's continued progress and expansion in our city," said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney while celebrating this milestone. He additionally applauded the company's hard work and contribution to vaccine research.

Integral Molecular was co-founded by Drs. Benjamin Doranz, Sharon Willis and Joseph Rucker who share a long history that began as trainees at the University of Pennsylvania. Still working together, they steer the company into its third decade and actively shape its scientific direction.

"We started the company with a few interesting ideas and a small incubator space at the University City Science Center in Philadelphia," said Benjamin Doranz, CEO of Integral Molecular. Twenty years later, we are just as passionate about science and creating solutions, but now with the creativity of a larger team and over 400 customers around the world."

"Integral Molecular is proudly committed to the local community," said Sharon Willis, Vice-President. "We have an outstanding team of dedicated people with a desire to make a difference, and cultivate the next generation of scientists, including many from our immediate neighborhood." Integral Molecular works with students, artists, and workforce development initiatives in West Philadelphia. This includes the University City Science Center's BioArt residency program, BULB lab basics program, FirstHand STEM program, and Wistar Institute's Biomedical Technician Training Program.

With two research facilities in University City, Integral Molecular is actively planning its next expansion in Philadelphia's uCity Square.

About Integral MolecularIntegral Molecular (integralmolecular.com) is the industry leader in developing and applying innovative technologies that advance the discovery of therapeutics against difficult protein targets. With 20 years of experience focused on membrane proteins and antibodies, Integral Molecular's technologies have been integrated into the drug discovery pipelines of over 400 biotech and pharmaceutical companies to help discover new therapies for cancer, diabetes, autoimmune disorders and viral threats such as SARS-CoV-2, Ebola, Zika, and dengue viruses.

Press Contact:Integral Molecular, Inc.Soma Banik, PhD, Director of Communications 215-966-6061info@integralmolecular.com www.integralmolecular.com

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ATLANTA, Oct. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tristar Acquisition I Corp. (the "Company"), today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 20,000,000 units at a price of $10.00 per unit. The units are expected to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trade under the ticker symbol "TRIS.U" beginning tomorrow. Each unit consists of one share of the Company's Class A common stock and one-half of one redeemable warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one share of Class A common stock at a price of $11.50 per share. Once the securities comprising the units begin separate trading, the Company expects that its Class A common stock and warrants will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols ''TRIS'' and ''TRIS.WS,'' respectively.

The Company was formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses. The Company's efforts to identify a prospective target business will not be limited to a particular industry or geographic region, although it intends to focus on businesses related to telecommunications, technology, or related businesses. Navigation Capital Partners, Inc. is a member of the Company's sponsor group. Additionally, Cable One, Inc. (NYSE: CABO) will be a strategic investor, and has agreed to purchase 9.9% of the units in the offering, subject to allocation by the underwriters.

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC is acting as sole book-running manager and Loop Capital Markets LLC is acting as co-manager. The Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to 3,000,000 additional units at the initial public offering price to cover over-allotments, if any.

The public offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. When available, copies of the prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained from Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, 500 West 33rd Street, New York, NY 10001, Attn: Equity Syndicate Department, at 800-326-5897, or emailing a request to cmclientsupport@wellsfargo.com.

A registration statement relating to the securities became effective on October 13, 2021. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

The offering is expected to close on October 18, 2021, subject to customary closing conditions.

Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements," including with respect to the proposed initial public offering and the anticipated use of the net proceeds thereof. No assurance can be given that the offering discussed above will be completed on the terms described, or at all, or that the net proceeds of the offering will be used as indicated. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company's registration statement and preliminary prospectus for the Company's offering filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Copies of these documents are available on the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

About Tristar Acquisition I Corp. Tristar Acquisition I Corp. is a special purpose acquisition company ("SPAC") focused on the telecommunications industry, and is seeking to partner with a company that unlocks opportunity at the intersection of connectivity and telecom infrastructure, while addressing the urgent need for network improvement and expansion. The Company aims to effect a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, recapitalization, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities in the telecommunications space. Tristar is led by Billy Mounger, who brings more than 35 years of industry experience building and leading wireless and telecommunication companies. The Tristar management team and board combines extensive telecom industry experience with deep expertise in mergers and acquisitions. For more information, visit tristaracq.com.

Contact: Prosek Partners Amalia Lytle / Aidan O'Connor / Alex Jorgensen Tristar@prosek.com

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Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller called for accountability from senior military and civilian leaders for failures in Afghanistan, in a video he posted on social media platforms. (U.S. Marine Corps)

A Marine officer who filmed a viral video calling out senior military and civilian leaders for failures in Afghanistan resigned his commission effective immediately in a new 10-minute video Sunday and threatened to bring the whole [expletive] system down.

Lt. Col. Stu Scheller was dismissed Friday from command of the Advanced Infantry Training Battalion at Camp Lejeune, N.C., over the original video. In the new one, he claims he is not currently under investigation and that he likely would be allowed to ride out his remaining three years until retirement if he chose to stay silent.

I dont think thats the path Im on, he says in the video, shot inside an abandoned school bus in eastern North Carolina. Im resigning my commission as a United States Marine, effective now  [and] I am forfeiting my retirement, all entitlements. I dont want a single dollar.

He then suggests that senior military leaders would need the money for jobs and security after what he intends to do, though he does not provide further details.

The Marine Corps is taking appropriate action to ensure the safety and well-being of LtCol Scheller and his family, said service spokesman Capt. Sam Stephenson in an emailed statement. As this is a developing situation, we cannot comment further at this time.

In his original video, posted on social media hours after a blast in Kabul killed 13 U.S. troops, Scheller appeared in uniform and criticized the Marine Corps commandant, defense secretary and other senior defense officials.

That nearly 5-minute clip had been viewed about 1 million times on Facebook and LinkedIn combined as of Sunday and touched a nerve within the military and veterans community.

Some have praised his courage to challenge the brass at the risk of his career, and others criticized him for grandstanding or sowing dissent.

Blatantly using rank does cross a line, said Jim Golby, a 20-year Army veteran and adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security who focuses on civil-military relations. A battalion commander just doesnt have all the info that senior military (or civilian) leaders do.

Golby hoped someone would convince Scheller to seek mental health treatment and get out of the spotlight quickly, he said. I find it very sad and misguided.

Its not clear what new consequences he could face, but Golby said the Corps will need to be careful not to cement him as a martyr among those who would use him divisively.

Hes been celebrated by some on the right to further demonize my husband and justify the vitriol he endured, Rachel Vindman, wife of retired Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, said in a tweet Sunday.

I like you and I like Jim so I'll sit this one out because he has been celebrated by the crazies who are using it as an opportunity to further demonize my husband and justify the vitriol he endured. Once wasn't enough for him, he had to lean in all the way.  Rachel Vindman (@natsechobbyist) August 29, 2021

Alexander Vindman is a former Ukraine expert for the National Security Council who testified in President Donald Trumps first impeachment case.

Scheller did not immediately respond to an inquiry asking for clarification of his plans.

Marine spokesman Maj. Jim Stenger said Friday that social media is not the place to air disagreements with the chain of command, saying it was an emotional time for a lot of Marines who should seek counseling or talk to their comrades.

Eleven Marines, a soldier and a Navy corpsman were killed in the attack on Kabuls airport Thursday, which was claimed by the Islamic State group. Over 160 Afghans were killed, two officials told The Associated Press on Friday. Scores of others were wounded, along with at least 18 U.S. troops.

Scheller had a personal relationship with one of the slain Marines, he said Thursday, though he did not say who because next of kin of the fallen had not yet all been notified.

In his new video, he tells those offering to send him money to instead give to the families of the fallen. He thanks both his supporters and critics but singles out a remark by retired Marine Col. Thomas K. Hobbs, who he said he knew personally and loved like a father.

If Scheller was truly honorable, he would have resigned his commission in protest after stating what he did, Hobbs wrote in a comment on one of Schellers LinkedIn posts.

Scheller repeatedly quotes from that remark, protesting that he is honorable and announcing his resignation in response to it. The video does not appear to be a resignation in a formal sense, though he says he plans to follow whatever the services legal requirements are.

But he also says that if senior leaders would have simply said yes, mistakes were made in Afghanistan, he would have gone back to rank-and-file and given up his quest. He believes such an admission would help those struggling with PTSD and other issues more than any other message, he said.

Praising the ordinary grunts who go outside the wire, get blown up, bring their Marine back and then go back out there the next day, Scheller says they deserve accountability.

While some of his critics have suggested hes positioning himself for a political career, hes vague about his plans. But he suggests he may need backing from rich philanthropists and blue collar workers.

Follow me, and we will bring the whole [expletive] system down, he says. Were just getting started.
Buy Photo Okinawa wells outside Marine Corps Air Station Futenma and Kadena Air Base have been flagged for elevated levels of synthetic organic acids in recent years. (Stars and Stripes)

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa  The Marine Corps said it was unable to find the source of toxins reportedly discovered last year in the drinking water of a community adjacent to a Marine base on Okinawa, according to a statement Thursday.

High levels of the contaminants PFOS and PFOA were detected June 22, 2020, in groundwater tests at four wells in Kin town, just outside Camp Hansen, a Kin spokesman told Stars and Stripes by phone Thursday.

Local officials planned to announce the test results in fiscal 2022, which begins in April. However, the findings were released Oct. 1 after a town council member mentioned them at a public meeting.

Marine Corps Installations Pacific is aware of reports that the town of Kin identified elevated levels of PFOS and PFOA in several off-base wells used to supply drinking water to off-base areas, Marine Corps Installations Pacific spokesman Lt. Col. Matthew Hilton wrote in a statement Thursday. After a preliminary investigation we have been unable to identify any possible on-base sources that would explain these elevated levels.

The Marine Corps shares the concern of locals regarding the pollution, Hilton wrote. The service is cooperating with local authorities to identify the pollutions source.

The service came under fire from Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki and other local officials on Aug. 26 after Marine Corps Air Station Futenma released an undisclosed amount of treated wastewater containing the toxic compounds into the public wastewater system.

Wells around MCAS Futenma in Ginowan and Kadena Air Base have been flagged for elevated levels of the synthetic organic acids in recent years.

PFOS and PFOA are found in firefighting foam, aircraft grease, water-repellant materials and fluorine chemicals. Studies involving lab animals show exposure to PFOA increases the risk of certain tumors of the liver, testicles, breasts and pancreas, according to the American Cancer Society. Studies involving humans and PFOA are so far inconclusive.

Kin tested nine wells in June 2020, eight just outside Camp Hansen, the town spokesman said. Four wells tested in excess of Japans provisional safe drinking water standard of 0.05 micrograms per liter.

The highest was 0.41 micrograms per liter and came from a well right outside the base, the spokesman said. The towns tap water, which is a mixture of groundwater from the wells and water from a dam managed by Okinawa prefecture, tested at 0.07 micrograms per liter that same day.

Approximately 2,300 residents were recipients of the tainted water, the Asahi newspaper reported Oct. 5.

The town planned to monitor the water and release its findings next year, the spokesman said.

We are currently requesting an on-site inspection, he said.

A spokesman from the Okinawa prefectures Department of Public Health and Medical Care said it was unaware of the test results until August. Kin town is not obligated to report results to the prefecture.

It is difficult to conclude that it is from the base, a prefectural spokesman from military base affairs said Thursday. We only know [the well] is near the base.

A spokesman from the Okinawa Defense Bureau, which represents Japans Ministry of Defense, said it has not yet been proven that the U.S. military is responsible.

The bureau spokesman declined to comment on what he called a local government investigation.

Its customary in Japan for some government officials to speak to the media on condition of anonymity.
A sailor receives his first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine early this year at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan. (Quinton Lee/U.S. Navy)

WASHINGTON  The Navy has established a special command to process separations for sailors who refuse the coronavirus vaccine after the upcoming deadline for inoculations, the service said in a statement Thursday.

Active-duty sailors who are not fully vaccinated against the coronavirus after Nov. 28 without a pending or approved exemption request will be forced out of the Navy for failing to obey a lawful order, according to the statement. For Navy Reserve sailors, the deadline is Dec. 28.

The Pentagon does not consider a person fully vaccinated until two weeks after the last shot in the series, meaning the final day to meet the deadline is Nov. 14. Two available vaccines  by Moderna and Pfizer  require two shots. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is administered in a single dose.

Sailors who continue refusing the shot after the deadline will have their case sent to the Navys newly established COVID Consolidate Disposition Authority, which Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. John B. Nowell Jr. established to ensure a fair and consistent process for separation determinations, according to the Navy.

COVID-19 is the name of the disease the coronavirus causes.

Those separated only for vaccine refusal will receive no lower than a general discharge under honorable conditions, the service said in its statement. This type of discharge could result in the loss of some veterans benefits.

About 94% of active-duty sailors have been fully immunized and 99% have received at least one dose, according to the Navys weekly coronavirus update on Wednesday.

The service said the vaccine helps sailors execute their mission at all times, in places throughout the world, including where vaccination rates are low and disease transmission is high.

Immunizations are of paramount importance to protecting the health of the force and the warfighting readiness of the fleet, the Navy said in the statement.

The CCDA has the authority to remove a refusing sailors warfare qualifications, additional qualification designations and Navy enlisted classifications or sub-specialties, according to the statement.

The CCDA may also seek recoupment of applicable bonuses, special and incentive pays, and the cost of training and education for service members refusing the vaccine, the service said in the statement.

In August the Pentagon mandated the vaccine for all troops. The service branches were each given authority to establish their own deadlines and processes for removal, and the Navy is the first of the five to release its detailed separation process.

The Navys separation process will not wait for the vaccination deadline. Administrative actions may begin as soon as a sailor meets the services definition of refusing the vaccine, which is one who received a lawful order to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, is not or will not be fully vaccinated on the date required by the order and does not have a pending or approved exemption request, according to the Navy.

Effective immediately  commands shall not allow sailors refusing the vaccine to promote or advance, reenlist or execute orders, with the exception of separation orders, until the CCDA has completed disposition of their case, the Navy said in the statement. Transfer orders may be cancelled by Navy Personnel Command.

Further, beginning Thursday, officers and enlisted sailors in senior leadership who refuse the vaccine will be notified immediately in writing that they have five days to either begin a vaccination series or request an exemption before being relieved and have detachment for cause initiated, according to the Navy.

Senior leadership roles are those that are members of command triads and those key staff positions, including any flag officer or flag officer select, according to the statement.

Additionally, commanding officers and officers in charge are now allowed to temporarily reassign sailors who refuse the vaccine, regardless of exemption status, based on operational readiness or mission requirements.

However, sailors who refuse must first receive counseling on the vaccine to ensure they know the facts about its safety, efficacy and need. Should they still refuse, the service members supervisor must submit a special evaluation or fitness report and document their failure to comply with the order to receive the shot, the Navy said.

Commands must then report the sailor refusing the vaccine to Navy Personnel Command, which oversees the coronavirus disposition authority, according to the statement.

There is still time to apply for a vaccine exemption for religious or medical reasons. Additionally, sailors who start terminal leave on or before the vaccine deadlines are administratively exempted from vaccine requirements, according to the statement.

Since the start of the pandemic, 164 sailors, Navy personnel and other members of the Navy family have died from the coronavirus  far exceeding the combined total of all other health or mishap related injuries and deaths over the same time period, according to the statement. At least 144 were unvaccinated and the vaccination status of the 20 others was unknown.
Thailand's main COVID task force approved a plan to end quarantine for vaccinated travelers from some countries starting next month in a bid to revive its struggling tourism sector ahead of the year-end holiday season.

Air travelers from the U.S., U.K, China, Germany and Singapore will be exempted from quarantine on arrival starting Nov. 1, Taweesilp Visanuyothin, a spokesman for the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration, said at a briefing on Thursday.

The panel's approval was less than the 10 nations targeted by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha earlier this week but it may add more countries to the list after due diligence, Taweesilp said.

The panel also shortened a night curfew by two hours to between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. starting Oct. 16, while reducing the number of provinces deemed at the highest risk of COVID to 23 from 29. But the panel retained Bangkok, a gateway for tourists, in the highest-risk category because of the high number of new cases.

The nod for quarantine-free tourism follows Prayuth's announcement Monday that Thailand could "not miss the opportunity to entice some of the year-end travelers during the next few months to support the many millions of people" in the tourism and related industries. The number of active cases has fallen to about 100,000 from a peak of more than 210,000 in August, allowing the tourism- and trade-reliant nation to permit more economic activities.

Thailand's vaccinations have picked up the pace in recent months with almost 50% of the population receiving at least one dose, while more than a third received two doses. The government is all set to exceed its target of inoculating 70% of the residents by the end of the year, according to Prayuth.

The country is also set to expand its reopening program, modeled after the "Phuket Sandbox," to cover 17 provinces with high inoculation rates including Bangkok from Nov. 1. Vaccinated travelers from countries not included in the quarantine-free list who arrive in these regions won't have to isolate themselves, provided that they don't travel to other parts of Thailand for at least one week.

Flag carrier Thai Airways International Pcl said on Thursday that it has adjusted flight schedules to support the government's plan to allow quarantine-free travel ahead of the year-end holiday season, with more flights scheduled from Jan. 1 for destinations including Munich, Milan and several Indian cities.
Retired Marine Sgt. Jon Barton is featured in a video about noise-induced hearing loss produced by the Hearing Health Foundation. The video was created by the Hollywood studio responsible for hits like Transparent and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel to mark this Octobers National Protect Your Hearing Month.

We often hear about the devastating injuries sustained by soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq. Their suffering is profound and should be a bigger part of our national consciousness. We Americans should also talk about the most common disabilities experienced by veterans  hearing loss and tinnitus. These are less visible but insidious conditions that can seriously upend every aspect of veterans lives: their overall physical and psychological wellness, along with social interactions, even work performance.

I know. My hearing was damaged during two combat tours as a Marine infantryman, and later as a Light Armored Reconnaissance vehicle commander, from 2001 to 2011.

One in four of 18 million veterans had a service-related disability in 2018, and according to the June 2020 National Health Statistics Report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, hearing loss and tinnitus are among the top disabilities. Veterans hearing loss and tinnitus (a symptom commonly described as a ringing in the ears, but it also can sound like roaring, clicking, hissing or buzzing) are largely attributed to high exposure to loud noise with most recent veterans particularly affected by roadside bombs and other improvised explosives.

The respected, nonpartisan Cost of War Project based at Brown University estimates that about 3 million veterans served in Iraq and Afghanistan, either in direct combat deployment or support roles. With hearing loss among the most common service-related disabilities, the numbers of veterans affected may be in the hundreds of thousands.

Of course, I am proud to have served my country and recognize that the hearing loss I suffered does not approach other severe wounds of combat. My hearing was damaged when the pressure from a rocket propelled grenade aimed at a building where we were bivouacked pierced my eardrum, and the loss was compounded by countless firefights and riding in noisy armored vehicles as a platoon commander.

When I entered basic training in 2001 I was issued earplugs, but they were faulty. Shortly before my first deployment to Iraq in 2003 I received 3M earplugs that kept falling out; these are the focus of a current class-action lawsuit. I am a plaintiff in the lawsuit, though I have not been deposed and have no direct involvement yet with the case. Advocating for better hearing protection has become a personal cause.

Today I am a consultant in Hollywood on films and video games about combat and war and, as I did in Afghanistan and Iraq, I relax by kicking back and playing video games. Because my hearing is impaired I tend to crank up the volume to hear better  but it never occurred to me until watching a short video called  Grenades  that I was adding insult to injury and probably making my hearing loss worse.

Hearing loss is a constant struggle for me, both physically draining and psychologically frustrating. People have to yell to get my attention even if Im in the next room. I hear ringing in my ears that cause dizziness and headaches. I cant hear certain frequencies, which makes listening to music difficult. I dont talk on the phone unless I use earbuds, otherwise I cant hear what the other person is saying. I find myself talking much louder than I should or need to in social settings. I cant hear TV unless I blast the volume so loud others cant tolerate it.

Today for my work, I use expensive, custom-fit electronic in-ear voice-activated earplugs, clip-on ear, and/or advanced frequency-activated, helmet-integrated over-ear headsets. I train actors in using this cutting-edge ear protection equipment on set because I feel life can imitate art, and if military leaders see these used in action movies, then perhaps theyll push to get them in their military units. It has always upset me that I never had these devices on the battlefield, so in the wars I create, I want to make sure everyone has the best.

Im aware that hearing damage has broader health ramifications. Most concerning to me is the link between untreated hearing damage and cognitive decline. Difficulty hearing also puts stress on the heart by releasing fight or flight hormones. While I have not had these problems, Id be a fool if I didnt worry about the future.

I am not alone. Every veteran out of many dozens I know has some degree of hearing loss. Many of my older vet friends wear hearing aids because their hearing has become worse over the years. Because of this, I have become an advocate and am always telling fellow vets and everyone else to protect their hearing from loud noise and get their ears checked twice a year.

In training we were taught to use hearing protection, or ear-pro in military terms. We used protection religiously in training, and earplugs were mandatory on almost all live-fire training ranges. But the militarys operational practices during combat are far less restrictive than in training. Basically, ear-pro is optional in war.

The bigger issue was not having access to more advanced ear-pro technology that pilots, tank drivers, flight line crew, mechanics and others did have. Some of that technology is making its way into the Infantry and other fighting units. However, it has taken until this year for combat ground units to finally get full over-the ear-combination communication and ear-pro equipment.

In my time in the Corps I only ever witnessed step-change technology in ear-pro twice: The first time was right before combat deployments in 2003, where we switched out our little OD green flimsy stick plugs to new cutting edge long and short double-sided combat plugs. They turned out to be just as flimsy, and just as impossible to fight in. Five years later when I left the infantry and became a vehicle commander I was issued my first CVC helmet. This amazing piece of kit had high-speed noise-canceling headphones build right in, and it was a game-changer.

Unfortunately, going from grunts to the Iron Horse made me aware of how bad we had it on the ground side regarding ear-pro. On my first training op at Camp Pendleton, Calif., as a VC, I took my CVC off and immediately became aware of the noise damage your ears could get riding inside an armored vehicle unprotected. With my helmet on I was able to communicate safely and effectively with my crewmen while all around us roared a vicious, unrelenting and unbearable cacophony. But seated right behind me on the troop benches were my infantry brothers, who could only communicate with hand signals and were driven nearly mad by the noise onslaught to their ears for hours.

As a Marine, I fully understand that noise in the battlespace is just another part of the fog of war, but that was the first time I began to wonder why had we spent so many years with little sticks in our ears during combat when technology existed that could have helped us be more effective warfighters.

I encourage the military to standardize the best hearing and communications equipment; create a more rigid policy for its use; offer better education about the importance of hearing protection; make biennial or annual hearing tests mandatory (instead of every six years), and teach soldiers how to evaluate their own hearing, with an open path to bringing it up the chain of command.

There is always room for every branch of the military to do better on protecting the well-being and health of its soldiers. I hope my experience and that of others will help bring about new policies and practices to do that.

Jon Barton, a retired U.S. Marine sergeant, is a military technical consultant to Hollywood productions on war and combat. He is the author of nine screenplays and six books of military science fiction.
Buy Photo North and South Korean soldiers face off at the Joint Security inside the Demilitarized Zone, May 24, 2017. (Aaron Kidd/Stars and Stripes)

South Korean government officials confirmed they were holding discussions with the United States about formally ending the Korean War, just a few months before a new administration will preside over the country.

South Korean Ambassador to the U.S. Lee Soo Hyuck brought up the subject Wednesday while briefing Korean lawmakers at the embassy in Washington, D.C., telling them that senior U.S. officials were approaching the issue seriously and understands its rational purposefulness.

The U.S. and South Korea technically remain at war with North Korea after the signing of an armistice agreement following the 1950-53 Korean War.

National Security Office director Suh Hoon also traveled to Washington this week for high-level talks with U.S. officials. South Koreas top national security official told reporters he planned to broach the topic of ending the war with Jake Sullivan, President Joe Bidens national security adviser.

We think it is time for consultations ... and to check inter-Korean relations or North Korea-U.S. relations at least once, Suh told reporters at the airport Monday.

South Koreas interest in putting a ceremonial end to the war has peaked in recent weeks. President Moon Jae-in, who has long supported the issue during his tenure, urged the signatories of the armistice agreement to come together and declare that the war on the Korean Peninsula is over, in a speech before the United Nations General Assembly last month.

"When the parties involved in the Korean War stand together and proclaim an end to the war, I believe we can make irreversible progress in denuclearization and usher in an era of complete peace," he said in reference to the U.S., North Korea, South Korea and China.

Kim Yo Jong, the North Korean leaders sister and a high-ranking official within the ruling party, described the idea as interesting and good.

We have discussed the end of war declaration ... which can be the beginning of the establishment of a system to ensure peace on the Korean Peninsula, she said in a statement issued last month by the state-run Korean Central News Agency.

A formal end to the Korean War would mark a major political victory for Moon and the ruling Democratic Party. The president, who is limited to a single five-year term under Korean law, will step down in March.

However, an analyst on the Korean Peninsula raised some concerns over the issue.

A step towards the direction of ending the Korean War could spell a dramatic change in regional dynamics, Soo Kim, a policy analyst for Rand Corp. and an adjunct instructor at American University, told Stars and Stripes in an email Thursday. Its a short-lived political success  and even that is questionable.

Soo Kim said an end-of-war declaration would mark the first of many strategic victories for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, whose regime frequently rails against the stationing of U.S. troops in South Korea.

It will lay the groundwork for a peace declaration, not to mention challenge the grounds for the presence of U.S. troops on the peninsula and the U.S.-South Korean alliance, she said.

Stars and Stripes reporter Yoo Kyong Chang contributed to this report.
The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson and guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain are joined by warships from India, Australia and Japan during the annual Malabar exercise in the Bay of Bengal, Oct. 12, 2021. (Russell Lindsey/U.S. Navy)

Naval forces from the United States, India, Australia and Japan kicked off the second phase of Exercise Malabar in the Bay of Bengal this week with an armada led by the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson.

The annual exercise is a chance for the countries to share tactics and procedures to better prepare for operating together under any contingency.

The first portion of the exercise took place in the Philippine Sea in late August. The second began on Monday.

The four nations have increased their cooperation through participation in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad. Its stated purpose is to promote a free-and-open Indo-Pacific, but it is essentially a means of countering Chinas growing economic, political and military influence in the region.

President Joe Biden hosted the first Quad Leaders Summit at the White House in September. Adm. Mike Gilday, chief of naval operations, is meeting with senior naval leaders in India this week.

During an online news conference with Indian media Tuesday, Gilday said the Malabar exercise could expand to include, for example, Great Britain.

In the future, that exercise may expand, he said. I think its up to our partners in the Quad to discuss it. Remember that like-minded allies and partners are working together.

In late September, Australia, the United Kingdom and United States announced a newly formed security partnership, dubbed AUKUS, which would deliver a fleet of nuclear-propelled submarines to Australia as a first step.

The Royal Navy carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth and its strike group deployed to the Pacific late this summer and has been operating on and off with U.S. and Japanese vessels.

The second phase of Malabar includes anti-submarine warfare training target exercise, cross-deck helicopter operations, a surface gunnery drill and replenishments-at-sea.

Vessels participating from the Carl Vinson strike group are the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain, the guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale, Carrier Air Wing 2 and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, the Navy said.

The Indian Navy has brought the guided-missile destroyer INS Ranvijay, multirole stealth frigate INS Satpura and a P-8I maritime patrol and reconnaissance plane.

Japan is participating with the helicopter carrier JS Kaga and the destroyer JS Murasame.

Australia is operating the frigate HMAS Ballarat and the tanker HMAS Sirius.

Close cooperation with key partners with India, Japan, and the United States fosters our professional mariner relationships and enhance our interoperability, Cmdr. Antony Pisani, commander of the Ballarat, said in the news release.

Interoperability is a military buzzword that means the ability of one countrys armed forces to use another countrys training methods and military equipment.

Wyatt Olson
Cmdr. Chris Gahl stands aboard the USS Barry as the guided-missile destroyer passes through the Taiwan Strait late last year. (Molly Crawford/U.S. Navy)

A trio of military affairs analysts disagree on the best U.S. response to a recent Chinese military exercise that appeared to be a dress rehearsal for an invasion of Taiwan.

One said the United States should demonstrate how it would respond to a Chinese move against Taiwan, while another said a defensive exercise is more appropriate. The third suggested countering Chinas moves that way would show weakness.

David Johnson, a former Army officer now with the Center for Advanced Defense Studies in Washington, D.C., said U.S. forces should conduct counter-exercises that simulate reinforcing Taiwan in the face of Chinese aggression.

The most effective deterrent would be counter-exercises, he said Wednesday in an email to Stars and Stripes.

Johnsons suggestion came the same day that Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office said recent beach-storming drills by Chinese troops were absolutely just actions.

Speaking at a regular news briefing in Beijing, Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for the office, said the exercises were aimed at interference by external forces colluding with Taiwans ruling Democratic Progressive Party, Reuters news agency reported.

In a separate demonstration, nearly 150 Chinese warplanes flew into Taiwans air defense identification zone over a four-day period beginning Oct. 1.

China is testing the resolve of regional powers to resist reunification of the island, Johnson, a retired lieutenant colonel, wrote in his email.

The Chinese regularly conduct exercises for geo-political signaling, he said, adding that an amphibious assault is an extremely complex and expensive operation.

Even if completely choreographed and without resistance, a well-executed exercise is a major indicator of intent and capability, Johnson said.

This exercise likely signals the intention to ensure that Taiwan does not seek independence, he said.

A counter-exercise by the U.S. military should simulate the repositioning of forces and logistics that would reinforce any target of regional aggression, Johnson said.

New Zealand-based security expert Paul Buchanan agreed, up to a point.

U.S. officials should weigh the risk of provocation against the benefits of showing China the negative consequences of an attack on Taiwan, he said in a phone interview Thursday.

An exercise that involves potentially offensive weapons or includes allies such as Japan could be perceived as a threat to the mainland, Buchanan said.

A defensive demonstration of capability and resolve is probably the best way to go should the option be exercised, he said.

That might involve mine-laying drills in international waters leading to Chinese ports

Showing a blue water interdiction and disruption capability sends a serious message, Buchanan said.

Any exercise should convey the potential economic and political downside as well as the military costs of an invasion, he added.

However, Jeff Kingston, director of Asian Studies at Temple University Japan, in an email Thursday said a counter-drill would be counterproductive.

There has been a lot of posturing on all sides that has recently escalated tensions and it would be a good time to not ratchet that up further, he said.

Polling conducted by think tank Intelligentsia Taipei last month showed six in 10 Taiwanese dont think there will be a war with China in the next decade, with only 18% of those polled expecting one, the South China Morning Post reported Oct. 1.

Instead of defense of Taiwan exercises, it might be better to go low key and dial down the rhetoric and saber-rattling, Kingston said. By overreacting, the risk is dancing to [Chinese President Xi Jinpings] tune, a sign of weakness rather than strength.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko listens to World Health organization Director for Europe Hans Kluge during their meeting in Minsk, Belarus, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. (Maxim Guchek/AP)

Russian minister visits Belarus, discusses media conditions

KYIV, Ukraine  Russia's foreign minister said he discussed the Russian media situation in Belarus during a visit to the country on Thursday following the arrest of a journalist who worked for a top Russian newspaper.

Hienadz Mazheyka, a Belarusian reporter for Russian daily Komsomolskaya Pravda, was arrested this month after writing about an apartment shootout in Minsk that killed two people  an opposition supporter and an officer of the KGB, Belarus' state security service.

Mazheyka's report about the shootings in the capital of Belarus, quoted a friend describing the dead opposition supporter in a positive light. The journalist faces up to 12 years in prison on charges of inciting social strife and insulting authorities.

Belarusian authorities described the opposition supporter as a "dangerous criminal" and alleged he fatally shot one KGB officer before others fired in return and killed him. The authorities have arrested more than 200 people who posted social media comments about the incident.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during a visit to Belarus on Thursday that he discussed the Russian media situation in the country and they have a "shared understanding of the need to create maximally comfortable conditions for the Russian media in Belarus and the Belarusian media in Russia," Lavrov said without elaborating.

Komsomolskaya Pravda responded to Mazheyka's arrest by shutting down its branch in Belarus. Russian officials have voiced regret about the situation, but stopped short of criticizing authorities in Belarus, which has close political, economic and military ties with Russia.

Russia has strongly backed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who unleashed a fierce crackdown on the opposition and independent media after months of massive protests.

More than 35,000 people have been arrested and thousands beaten by police for protesting Lukashenko's election to a sixth term in an August 2020 vote that the opposition and the West have denounced as a sham.

Moscow's loans and political support have helped Lukashenko shore up his rule amid the demonstrations and Western sanctions.

As part of the clampdown, Belarusian authorities have shut down the biggest independent media outlets, blocked access to popular news sites and targeted journalists with raids and detentions.

A total of 28 journalists in Belarus, including Mazheyka, are currently behind bars, either already convicted and sentenced or awaiting trial.
Airmen from the 336th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., prepare their F-15E Strike Eagles for training with the Greek air force at Larissa Air Base, Greece, Oct. 11, 2021. The U.S. will gain greater access to an array of Greek military bases under a revised defense cooperation deal between the countries. (Andrew Layton/U.S. Air Force)

The United States will gain greater access to Greek military bases under an updated defense cooperation deal between the countries, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday as he called Greece a pillar of stability in the region.

The Pentagon has stepped up military activities in Greece over the past several years, seeking a stronger position in an area where Russia has expanded naval operations and maintains a base of operations in nearby Syria.

Blinken and Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias signed off on the plan after talks in Washington, where the two diplomats touted increasingly close ties between the NATO allies.

This update will allow the agreement to remain in force indefinitely and enables U.S. forces in Greece to train and operate from additional locations, Blinken said. We are strengthening our defense cooperation today.

Blinken didnt detail which additional bases American forces would operate from in Greece.

However, the Greek newspaper Kathimerini reported that the deal would allow for expansions at military sites in Alexandroupoli, Larissa, Stefanovikio and Souda Bay, where the U.S. Navy has long maintained a presence.

In a screenshot from Twitter, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, right, and his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias sign the renewal of the U.S.-Greece Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement after talks in Washington, Oct. 14, 2021. (Twitter/State Department)

And Greek news agency Proto Thema reported that U.S. troops will have access to a firing range at Litochoro.

Greek officials had been pressing to include Skyros, a strategic Aegean Sea island in the vicinity of Turkey and the Black Sea, in the deal.

It was unclear Thursday whether the U.S. also will have access to military locations on Skyros. However, such a move could be viewed negatively by fellow NATO member Turkey.

The update to the bilateral agreement comes as both the U.S. and Greece deal with worsening relations with Turkey.

Athens and Ankara have been locked in a territorial dispute in the Aegean Sea and also are at odds over energy rights in the eastern Mediterranean.

U.S. ties with Turkey have been under pressure for several years over a range of disputes, including the countrys deepening connection with Moscow and Ankaras decision to purchase a Russian air defense system that is incompatible with NATO weaponry. The U.S. responded by blocking Turkeys plans to acquire the U.S. F-35 fighter jet.

John Vandiver
This screenshot of an Idaho U.S. senators now-deleted Twitter birthday greeting to the U.S. Navy on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021, features a photo of a Chinese-made warship. (Twitter)

A U.S. senators birthday greeting Wednesday to the U.S. Navy on Twitter turned out to be anything but happy after commenters noticed the photo of a ship accompanying the tweet was not one of the Navys.

For 246 years, the @USNavy has answered the call to defend America from threats abroad so we can remain safe at home, Sen. James Risch, an Idaho Republican, wrote. Today, we celebrate them.

Below the message was the U.S. Navy logo over a somewhat shaded photo of a large, gray vessel.

Not a U.S. ship, Dave Brown, defense editor at Politico, tweeted back. Appears to be a Pattani-class offshore patrol vessel belonging to the Royal Thai Navy, which means in it was built by China.

Risch sits on the Select Committee on Intelligence and is the ranking member of the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Purely a staff level oversight when creating a graphic, which was pulled down when the error came to our attention, said Marty Cozza, a spokesman for the senator, in an email to Stars and Stripes.

The photo and Rischs message were removed later in the day but not before taking some heat from the twitterverse.

Is it really that hard for Congressional staff or consultants to Google photos of US ships? a commenter by the handle of hammach asked. This seems to be a frequent occurrence.

This screenshot of an Idaho U.S. senators now-deleted Twitter birthday greeting to the U.S. Navy on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021, features a photo of a Chinese-made warship. (Twitter)

Well, perhaps not frequent but certainly not rare.

In October 2019, Rep. Brian Mast, a Florida Republican, posted a similar birthday greeting to the U.S. Navy that was accompanied by a photo of the Russian battlecruiser Pyotr Velikiy.

Commenters brutalized the tweet before the lawmakers office deleted it.

On Wednesday, Brown apparently continued to scour Twitter for errant Navy birthday greetings. He later retweeted a message and photo that had been posted by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

That's a Kirov-class Russian battlecruiser, Brown wrote.
Participants in a pro-Trump mob take over the inaugural stage at the Capitol on Jan. 6. (Ricky Carioti/The Washington POst)

WASHINGTON  A federal judge Thursday postponed the lead trial of accused Oath Keepers associates charged in the Jan. 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol from January to April, conceding that continuing delays in the government's disclosure of a mountain of growing evidence made a trial this winter impossible.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta of Washington said he was "not close" to barring federal prosecutors from introducing new evidence but ordered them next week to set a self-imposed deadline for the effective end of their investigation into the case.

"I can't order the government to stop collecting relevant evidence," Mehta said, but at the same time defendants have constitutional and statutory rights to a speedy trial.

"What I really want to know is ... when is this information going to become available?" Mehta said. "And I mean all of it. Not just a small piece of it. I mean all of it. And that's something ... every judge on this court wants to know, and every defendant wants to know."

The trial delay was expected but provides the latest example of how an unprecedented amount of video and social media evidence from the Capitol breach probe, along with problems getting electronic evidence to defendants at the District of Columbia jail is blowing up trial calendars that have already been backlogged for months because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"It's not just Jan. 6 defendants subject to these conditions, it's any detainee in this jail," Mehta made clear, adding, "We are in constant communication with the [District] Department of Corrections on these issues, in particular getting access to defense counsel and access to discovery."

For example, Maryland defendants Willis Pierre Lewis and Brittany Jones were set to begin a federal trial Monday in Washington on child sex trafficking charges after being jailed since 2019.

But two weeks ago, a judge delayed the trial again to May, saying that "the total inability and incompetence of the officials of the District of Columbia Department of Corrections ... to support this Court's efforts has made it impossible."

"Time after time, counsel reported difficulty in meeting or speaking to their clients within the jail," both defendants and witnesses for federal prosecutors, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth wrote in granting the trial delay.

An attorney for Kenneth Harrelson, an accused Oath Keepers member from Florida set for the first trial and detained at the District jail, raised similar complaints Thursday.

"Under the conditions they're living under, it's nearly impossible to prepare for trial," attorney Bradford Geyer of New Jersey said.

One factor in the Oath Keepers case is that the investigation remains ongoing, while the first defendants were charged Jan. 18.

Carmen Hernandez, attorney for charged Ohio militia member Donovan Crowl, said at the hearing that just last week, prosecutors for the first time turned over 14 additional chats on the Signal encrypted messaging app, "which the government claims includes evidence of planning and vital information to this case."

Hernandez said the government has referred to 29 people under investigation, and that she knew the identity of eight.

"And some of the parties being investigated are key people. Person 1 is the head of the Oath Keepers," the attorney said, referring to Stewart Rhodes as he is described in court filings by prosecutors.

The government has charged 18 alleged associates of the extremist anti-government group in a single indictment on counts, including conspiracy and aiding and abetting the obstruction of Congress as it met to confirm President Biden's 2020 election win, felonies punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Two have pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with investigators in prosecution deals, with the rest pleading not guilty. Other accused associates have been charged or admitted guilt in free-standing cases.

Plea papers show defendants admitting to allegations that they were among a group that forced entry through the Capitol's East Rotunda doors after marching single file in a stack up the steps wearing camouflage vests, helmets, goggles and Oath Keepers insignia. They acknowledged some brought rifles to Washington that were stashed beforehand at a Ballston hotel in case a "Quick Reaction Force" was needed.

Meanwhile, the FBI continues its work. Last month, for example, Kellye SoRelle, an attorney for the Oath Keepers who was with Rhodes outside the Capitol on Jan. 6, said the FBI seized an iPhone from her, and a related search warrant stated that investigators are continuing to probe whether Rhodes's associates conspired to subvert the election results or violate seditious-conspiracy laws.

On Sept. 30, authorities arrested a 23rd accused Oath Keepers member, former Tampa, Republican congressional candidate and Green Beret Jeremy Brown. Brown  not accused in the larger conspiracy case  was charged only with trespassing and possession of unregistered weapons, and has pleaded not guilty.

In court filings, prosecutors alleged the Oath Keepers group came to Washington at the urging of Rhodes, and asserted that Rhodes began discussing plans to keep President Donald Trump in the White House by force as early as Nov. 9. Prosecutors allege he exchanged dozens of encrypted messages, phone calls and other communications with members of the "stack" group before and during the riot.

Rhodes and SoRelle have not been charged and are not accused of wrongdoing. Rhodes has accused prosecutors of trying to manufacture a nonexistent conspiracy, saying there was no planning or direction to break into the Capitol.
The tomb is traditionally guarded day and night by the sentinels of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, which is also known as The Old Guard. Those soldiers are known for conducting the solemn changing of the guard ceremony, which attracts thousands of cemetery visitors each year. (David A. Frech/Navy)

WASHINGTON  For the first time in a century, visitors may walk along the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Plaza, an honor typically reserved for soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, Arlington National Cemetery announced Thursday.

The event  designed to allow the public to lay flowers before the Tomb of the Unknowns  will happen from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 9 and 10 to commemorate the monuments 100thanniversary on Veterans Day, according to the cemeterys website.

The tomb is traditionally guarded day and night by the sentinels of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, which is also known as The Old Guard. Those soldiers are known for conducting the solemn changing of the guard ceremony, which attracts thousands of cemetery visitors each year.

The tomb honors unidentified and missing troops and was created to hold the body an unknown soldier from World War I. Another two unknown troops from World War II and the Korean War were later interred at the site, according to the cemetery.

A third from the Vietnam War was buried there in 1984, but he was exhumed in 1988 after DNA testing identified him as Air Force 1stLt. Michael Joseph Blassie.

The Tomb has served as the heart of Arlington National Cemetery. It is a peoples memorial that inspires reflection on service, valor, sacrifice and mourning, the cemeterys executive director Karen Durham-Aguilera said in a statement.

As a sacred memorial site and the grave of three unknown American service members, the Tomb connects visitors with the legacy of the U.S. armed forces throughout the nations history, she added.

The event is free, but participants must register in advance at https://anctomb100.eventbrite.com, according to the cemetery. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own flowers to lay at the tomb, but complimentary roses, gerbera daisies and sunflowers will be available.

Caitlin Doornbos Caitlin Doornbos covers the Pentagon for Stars and Stripes after covering the Navys 7th Fleet as Stripes Indo-Pacific correspondent at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan. Previously, she worked as a crime reporter in Lawrence, Kan., and Orlando, Fla., where she was part of the Orlando Sentinel team that placed as finalist for the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for breaking news. Caitlin has a Bachelor of Science in journalism from the University of Kansas and masters degree in defense and strategic studies from the University of Texas at El Paso.
(Tribune News Service)  The first Afghan refugee arrived in the Quad-Cities Wednesday night.

The young male in his 20s left everything behind to move to a place he's never been  where he has no job, no family and no friends. At least not yet.

World Relief Quad Cities, the non-profit refugee settlement agency at 1852 16th St., in Moline, will help the Afghan man get settled, make sure he has food, clothing and a place to stay. They also will show him around town, how to navigate the city bus system and provide financial, emotional, cultural and spiritual support services.

"The Afghans will be a new population here," Laura Fontaine, World Relief Quad Cities director said. "I would love to see Afghans welcomed and to establish their families here."

The young man will be the first of 175 Afghan refugees expected to arrive in the coming months to the Illinois Quad-Cities. Fontaine said World Relief originally planned to accept 150 Afghans, but once more funding came in, that number rose to 175.

"I knew we could count on foundations and our donors to help support a new population," Fontaine said. "With advocacy at the state and federal level, we've been able to ensure they can get all the benefits that our refugees get as well. Gov. (JB) Pritzker has asked all resettlement agencies to increase numbers to show we are a welcoming state.

"We always need volunteers; we always need funding, especially with a new population coming to our community. Donations go directly back to our clients. We help with housing, medical bills, medical care and employment services."

U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Moline, helped obtain much of the funding Fontaine spoke about. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Bustos helped secure $6.3 billion in funding for communities and agencies helping Afghan refugees following the downfall of the Afghan government after U.S. troops withdrew in August.

Bustos met with Fontaine Wednesday afternoon to discuss the Afghan refugee resettlement program.

"I think what could make this go the best possible (way) is if our community stands up and is helpful and welcoming," Bustos said. "If you see somebody that looks new to our community or see them out and about, be welcoming. This is what our country was built on; people who came from all over the world and settled in this country. That's what makes us a strong community."

Bustos said she visited Afghanistan in 2014, where she observed the situation on the ground and met with American military personnel and members of the Afghan Parliament.

Fontaine said the United States is trying to resettle all Afghan refugees currently staying on U.S. military bases by January. She said refugees must live in the United States for two years before they can have a change of status, meaning they can apply for asylum or as victims of human trafficking or torture.

Fontaine said there are only two or three Afghan families currently living in the Quad-Cities and that World Relief will depend on them to assist with language interpretation and cultural integration.

Bustos followed Fontaine through the World Relief office, past shelves filled with dozens of quilts, blankets and bedding; bookcases stacked high with children's books, and into a back room stocked with toiletries, cleaning supplies, shelves of dishes, glassware and random donated furniture  all ready to fill the homes of arriving refugees.

Fontaine was eager to greet the Afghan man at the airport Wednesday night, along with World Relief social workers and an interpreter.

"It is one of the most emotional and beautiful things to watch our refugee families come out and welcome them with open arms and know they are beginning their life here in the Quad-Cities," she said. "It's special; we are part of their history and they're becoming part of our family."

Fontaine said the young Afghan man has "no U.S. connection. There is no family here for him; World Relief will be his first family."

(c)2021 Quad City Times, Davenport, Iowa

Visit Quad City Times, Davenport, Iowa at http://www.qctimes.com

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U.S. Army 1st Lt. James E. Wright, 25, of Parkton, N.C., killed during World War II, was accounted for July 9, 2021. (Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency)

LUMBER BRIDGE, N.C. (Tribune News Service)  "He is home. He is back in the land he fought to save, a country he carried in his heart while valiantly serving in a land that was not his own, liberating people he did not know."

Those were the words spoken Tuesday afternoon by U.S. Army Chaplain Lt. Col. Douglas Alan Windley at the funeral service of U.S. Army 1st Lt. James Earl "Dick" Wright. The soldier was killed in action in 1944 while gathering bodies of wounded soldiers during World War II by the Moselle River near Dornot in France.

He was born in Parkton on Oct. 16, 1918, and was a member of Lumber Bridge Baptist Church and the Parkton National Guard. Wright grew up in the Lumber Bridge area.

A little more than 77 years later, he was honored for his service and buried in his hometown.

Wright was first listed missing Sept. 10, 1944, and declared "non-recoverable" by the American Graves Registration Command in 1951.

He was recorded on the Walls of the Missing at the Lorraine American Cemetery in France where his remains, while unidentified, were buried. He was officially accounted for on July 9, according to an announcement by the Department of Defense Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting Agency on Sept. 24. To identify Wright, DPAA scientists used DNA, and dental and anthropological analyses.

"Lt. Wright is home. We reunite him to the American soil upon which his house still stands. The soil he once played on as a child and walked on as an adult," Windley said.

Several people attended the funeral service at Oakdale Cemetery in Lumber Bridge including Robeson County Commissioner John Cummings. In addition, some community members could be seen watching the funeral procession from the roadside of N.C. 20, and from their front porches and yards. Some Lumber Bridge residents even waved flags as the procession passed.

Several veterans walked in front of the funeral procession.

"This was definitely an honor, not only to be here, but to participate," said Clifton Bell Jr., commander of Rufus McLaughlin American Legion Post 177.

"You know, it's sad when we lose a fellow comrade, but we know in war, there is gonna be death," he added.

The service was also special to Reggie Sawyer, a retired member of the U.S. Marine Corps.

"For me, it's laying one of our heroes to rest," said Sawyer, who also serves as senior vice commandant of Shawn Knisley Detachment Marine Corps League.

Sawyer also said it was an honor to represent veterans that couldn't attend the service.

Members of the North Carolina National Guard presented flags to members of Wright's family including Diana Merkt, his niece. The NCNG also played taps, presented the rifle volley, and facilitated the Folding of the Flag during the service.

Merkt is the daughter of Wright's last living sibling, 100-year-old Florida resident Elizabeth Wright Harper, who could not attend the service.

"It's one of those things that you just can't describe," Merkt told The Robesonian after the service.

However, it was an emotional experience, she said.

During the funeral service, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Sidney Brookman read aloud the last letter her great-grand uncle wrote to his late wife Margaret before his death. Prior to the service, Brookman escorted Wright's remains from Nebraska to North Carolina. He arrived in Fayetteville on Friday.

Brookman called the service a "beautiful" experience and said she was honored to bring Wright home. She also was grateful to help share his story and witness the support shown by Lumber Bridge community members in attendance of the funeral service.

"It's been incredible," she said.

Also during the ceremony, a proclamation by Gov. Roy Cooper was read aloud that designates Oct. 8 as 1st Lt. James E. Wright Day across the state.

(c)2021 The Robesonian (Lumberton, N.C.)

Visit The Robesonian (Lumberton, N.C.) at www.robesonian.com

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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.
Experts say it is not quite time to let down our guard, but the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic is continuing to improve in the state of Florida
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.
A sensor on Pictons foreshore picks up about the same amount of sulphur dioxide in the air as a sensor does outside the Port of Tauranga.

In fact, it often picks up more sulphur dioxide, a gas that occurs naturally in volcanoes. It also comes from burning coal or diesel.

Port Marlborough exported about 770,000 tonnes of logs last year from Shakespeare Bay, near Picton. Last year, the Port of Tauranga exported 6.3 million tonnes of logs. In that sense, its about eight times larger than Port Marlborough.

So why the similar levels of the harmful gas? Likely the thick clouds of white smoke blowing onto Picton from the inter-island ferries.

That's according to a new study, which basically echoes what residents have been saying for years.

The study was presented to the Marlborough District Councils environment committee last week, prompting councillors to call for an airshed in Picton, so its air quality could be monitored long-term. Marlboroughs only existing airshed was in Blenheim.

The council decided to run a 14-month study to see what significant pollutants of concern were blowing around Picton after residents became increasingly worried that the fumes from visiting ships were badly affecting their health.

It set up three sensors  one on the foreshore, one on the main road into town, and one at the local high school  to track sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and air pollution.

Picton residents have for years worried about the effects of shipping emissions on their health. CREDIT: SCOTT HAMMOND/STUFF/SUPPLIED.

Each pollutant could cause human health problems ranging from shortness of breath and coughing to asthma attacks, bronchitis, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, or premature death.

The risk was higher among vulnerable people such as children, asthmatics or the sick. The study ran from July 2019 to August 2020.

The worst offender was found to be sulphur dioxide.

The team of air scientists analysing the data said the foreshore looked to have higher sulphur dioxide levels on average than New Zealands largest port, in Tauranga. However, the ports did have different recording devices, weather patterns, types of visiting vessels, and traffic levels.

The consistently higher baseline in the foreshore data is most likely associated with the regular ferry movements as opposed to freight vessels which remain alongside for longer periods, the report said.

World-wide studies had shown that shipping emissions impacted the air quality of adjacent coastal areas, adversely affecting the local environment and human health, the scientists said.

It is not only while the ferry is at its berth that emissions occur, but also while it is arriving and leaving. Exhaust emissions can be clearly visible along Queen Charlotte Sound for some considerable time after a ferry has left its berth and is travelling towards Wellington, similarly when ferries arrive in the [Marlborough] Sounds from Wellington.

Council environmental scientist Sarah Brand said it was interesting to see a similar sulphur dioxide pattern, given Tauranga's port was substantially bigger than Pictons port.

Interislander executive general manager Walter Rushbrook said KiwiRail welcomed the findings, and were working to enure its ferries reduced any impact on Pictons air quality.

He said KiwiRail was in the process of switching its Interislander ferries to cleaner-burning diesel oil, while it waited on its larger, greener ferries to be built and delivered.

The new diesel oil would reduce sulphur emissions.

Longer-term, the Interislander is bringing in two new ferries, one in 2025 and one in 2026. These ferries will reduce the Interislanders emissions by 40 per cent overall compared to existing vessels and eliminate emissions while in port when they will run on battery or shore power, Rushbrook said.

Bluebridge was approached for comment.

The report showed the amount of sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere stayed mostly within safe breathing levels through spring and summer, before suddenly skyrocketing in May last year on the foreshore and on the main road into town.

This led to multiple breaches of New Zealands air quality laws. By the end of the study, Picton had come close to or gone over the limit once every five days.

Scientists were unsure what had caused the steep increase going into winter, but Brand thought it indicated that scores of Picton residents were still using coal to heat their homes. The council did not know how many homes in Picton had coal burners.

Results also showed that nitrogen dioxide  an emission produced from fossil fuels  was stronger around the foreshore than on the main road into town, which scientists said was unexpected, because it was exposed to less traffic.

Scientists found light winds could blow pollution particles from the ferry terminal up to two kilometres away. The red area (around the terminal) indicates a high concentration of pollution particles. CREDIT: NIWA/SUPPLIED.

The emissions were particularly high in summer  not enough to crack public health guidelines, but close enough for scientists to conclude this could happen in the future.

A possible explanation for the summer increase is the increase in use of local boats powered by diesel fuel in the harbour immediately adjacent to the foreshore site, and there is a fuel wharf in the area. However, further investigation would be required to confirm this hypothesis.

Each of the senors also logged a jump in pollution at the end of spring, around the same time that wattle and pine trees began dropping their pollen, which carpeted the town yellow.

Brand told councillors last week that the study proved Picton was in danger of breaching national air quality laws for pollution particles, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.

There needs to be more work done on the sources of the contaminants, how they behave, how they move around.

Several councillors were surprised by the findings. Councillor Gerald Hope said the study indicated that something needed to be done sooner rather than later.

If not for the wind, we'd probably have more complaints.
The government says a new $730 million fund will help iwi build more than a thousand new houses.

The programme - called Whai Kainga, Whai Oranga - combines money announced in this year's budget with $350 million from the Maori Infrastructure Fund.

Associate housing minister Peeni Henare says it will allow about 1,000 new homes to be built, as well as repairs to be made to 700.

In a statement, Henare says iwi-led developments were key to helping address the supply of houses

"Maori were clear that they wanted the government to create space for Maori-led local solutions - especially when it came to delivering housing at scale," Henare says.

Maori have the lowest homeownership rates in the country, and the gap is widening as the crisis grows more acute.

Applications for the fund open next week (20 October), through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Te Puni Kokiri.

Maori development minister Willie Jackson, in the same statement, said it will invest in both small-scale projects including papakainga, and larger iwi-led developments.

No deadline was given for when the government expected the houses to be built.

- RNZ
Its a milestone worth making a fuss about.

Nearly 80 years after she joined Police, trailblazer Marie Storey has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Last week, Marie  one of the stars of Polices 2016 celebrations of the 75th anniversary of women in Police  was guest of honour at a lunch of her fellow members of Wellington Retired Police Members Club at the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC).

She was presented with a bouquet by Recruit Katie Lyttle, of Wing 348 - the youngest female recruit currently at the RNZPC - on her own 21st birthday.

Marie was inspired to join Police when her police officer father came home one day in August 1941 and told her he had seen history being made with the swearing-in of the first intake of women.

She was one of 14 women who entered training in 1943 in the third intake. She was posted to Wellington Central, where she was attached to the detective branch.

Her career only lasted a few years as she had to leave to marry, as was the requirement in those days.

Deputy Commissioner Tania Kura presented Marie with a corsage and paid tribute to the pioneering women who did so much to forge policing as a worthwhile career for later generations joining  such as her own in 1987 and Katies in 2021.

The changes across policing in that time have been significant, she says.

The shame for you is that you had to leave to marry  I still had to leave to ask permission to marry in 1990

For me I have to say a whole load of thank-yous for someone like me to be able to achieve, we needed you here to pave the way for us.

Marie was accompanied at the lunch by her grandson-in-law Tony Musha and friend and neighbour Constable Jan Leathem.

She admitts she had woken up concerned in case no one showed up. She neednt have worried  the event was at its Covid-19 Alert Level 2 capacity of 50, with the aroha in the room as real a presence as the magnificent cake.

Club President JJ Taylor says it was a great turnout, and significant to see tributes paid by generations of Police represented by our highest serving female constabulary member and the youngest female recruit on-site.

Marie certainly understood the significance of New Zealand Police honouring her in this way, he says.

He says although her police career was short, it was a highlight for her  and former members of Police are always regarded as such, no matter what other occupations they have held.

Marie is a wonderful woman - bright, alert and still very independent.

She has been a keen committed member of the Wellington Retired Police Members Club for many years. She was granted life membership in recognition of her work for the club.

When she speaks, members listen. We wish her many happy returns.

-Ten One Magazine.
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A push for Kiwis all over the country to roll up their sleeves and take their shot is happening this weekend.

An eight-hour Vaxathon will be broadcast this Super Saturday between 12-8pm on Three, Maori Television and Hahanas Facebook page.

The national day of action, staged as a retro-style televised vaxathon similar to the telethons of yesteryear, will feature plenty of Kiwiana at the centre of a country-wide push to surge Covid-19 vaccination rates.

This weekend, New Zealanders are being encouraged to head along to their nearest vaccination sites and receive their first or second doses.

The speed-up in vaccination rates has been prompted by the rising number of cases from the Delta outbreak that started in August.

A live vaccine scoreboard will showcase the best performing towns and regions, with a spirit of competition evident.

Vaccinations will be available throughout the day and into the night on Saturday across GP clinics, pharmacies, marae, churches, mosques, community centres, workplaces and drive-thru centres.

As of Tuesday, 80 per cent of New Zealands population aged 12 or over are at least partially vaccinated, and 56 per cent are double-dosed.

The Vaxathon will feature celebrities, health professionals and surprise guests as well as real-time vaccination data providing progress updates on each region.

Everyone across the motu has a role to play to protect New Zealand by getting vaccinated, says Ministry of Health Covid-19 vaccine and immunisation programme group manager of Equity, Tamati Sheppard-Wipiiti. Were calling for a massive collective effort to make this happen.

By far the biggest and most powerful weapon we have is vaccination, so we really need everyone from our whanau, families and communities to step up and play their part.

The Vaxathon is just one of the ways were reaching out, with vaccine clinics also open right across Aotearoa all day and into the evening as part of the nationwide push, so its never been easier to get your shot.

Western Bay of Plenty mayor Garry Webber is urging residents to get vaccinated as quickly as possible.

When it's knocking on your door like this you have no option but prevention, says Webber.

Tauranga MP Simon Bridges says there are two key things that are important.

We really need to focus on vaccination and increasing our ICU capacity, says Bridges.

Tauranga has seemingly dodged four bullets in recent months, after the Rio de la Plata shipping container cases, the infected Auckland truck driver, the recent positive wastewater tests, and the weak positive case in Katikati - all of which underscore the delicate nature of the regions Covid-19 vulnerability.

With vaccination rates in the Bay of Plenty currently below the national average per 1000 for both first and second doses, and among the lowest in the nation for Maori uptake, the potential impact of a Covid-19 outbreak in the region is clear.

Covid is spreading and the Delta variant is something of an inevitability, says Bridges. The numbers of ICU beds around the North Island havent increased at all since the first lockdown 15 months ago in 2020.

Tauranga has one ICU bed for every 33,261 people. That figure is roughly three beds per 100,000, below the national average of 4.6 beds per 100,000.

If Tauranga ICU and HDU beds are taken up with people who are fighting Covid-19, this impacts on other high need patients.

Work is currently underway at Tauranga Hospital to re-purpose a section of an orthopaedic ward to provide more space for treating Covid-19 cases should the need arise. This work will take six-to-eight weeks to complete.

I urge people to get vaccinated, says Bridges. We will, at some point, get to that sharp end of the conversation where a family member of someone we know dies, and vaccination will protect both you and others. Go out and do it today.

Delta is going to spread. Its spread like wildfire everywhere else in the world. Were not going to stop it. It comes down to vaccination.

Coromandel MP Scott Simpson is also urging his constituents to get vaccinated.

The reality is this Delta variant is probably going to be coming to a community near us all very soon, says Simpson.

The Coromandel MP, who lives in Thames, received his first vaccination just over six weeks ago and had his second one last week. The Coromandel electorate extends south and includes Katikati, Omokoroa and north of the Te Puna Stream.

My advice is to get tested if youre showing any signs of symptoms or have been to a place which is a location of interest, and get vaccinated, says Simpson.

New Zealands first-ever Vaxathon will be a celebration of the hard work communities are continuing to put in to ensure more people across the country are vaccinated.

Maori Television CEO Shane Taurima says a new record for Maori vaccinations was set earlier this week with more than 10,000 doses given, and the Vaxathon will help push these numbers even higher.

To book a vaccination, go to: bookmyvaccine.nz or call: 0800 28 29 26.

Vaccination locations on Saturday:

Mount Maunganui  Pop-up vaccination clinic and free ice cream at the beach volleyball at Mount Main Beach, 9am to 5pm

Tauranga  Free coffee vouchers and vaccinations at Life Pharmacy Devonport Road, 9am to 5pm  Grab a coffee and get your shot at The Doctors Tauranga, 8.30am to 3.30pm

Bethlehem  Walk-in vaccinations at Ngati Kahu Hauora, 9am to 12noon

Greerton  Walk-in vaccinations at Chadwick Healthcare in Greerton, 8.30am to 4pm

Welcome Bay  Community BBQ and walk-in vaccinations at Welcome Bay Community Centre, 11.30am to 3pm

Omokoroa  Free BBQ for everyone who gets vaccinated at Omokoroa Medical Centre, Omokoroa, 8am to 2pm

Te Puke  Walk-in vaccinations at Poutiri Wellness Centre  10.00am  12.30pm

Katikati  Community BBQ and walk-in vaccination clinic at Katikati RSA, 10am to 3pm

Whakatane  Community BBQ pitstop and walk-in vaccinations with free burgers, ice cream and spot prizes at 11 Quay Street, 8am to 6pm  Walk-in vaccinations and free hangi at Te Puna Ora o Mataatua, 92 King Street, 10am to 3pm  Coffee and cafe vouchers for those who get their shot at Unichem Total Health Pharmacy, 252 The Strand, 9.30am to 4pm  Walk-in vaccinations with free coffee vouchers and Kiki Cookie pies at The Drs Phoenix,  09.30am  4.30pm

Ohope  Coffee vouchers and BBQ for those who get vaccinated at Ohope Medical Centre, 262 Pohutukawa Avenue, 9am to 12noon

Opotiki  Walk-in vaccinations with free kai and a $10 pledge towards every vaccinated person's nominated school, kura, marae or the Eastern Bay hospice at Opotiki Health Centre, 32A King Street, 10am  12.30pm and 2pm  4.30pm

Kawerau  Walk-in vaccinations with free kai and ice cream.  Kawerau Town Hall, 9am to 3pm

Edgecumbe  Chez Louis pizza for everyone who gets their shot! At Edgecumbe Pharmacy, Riverslea Mall, 9am to 12pm  Free chocolate for those who get vaccinated at Riverslea Medical Centre, Riverslea Mall, 8am to 12pm

Also 5th Ave Family Doctors, Mount Medical Centre, The Doctors Bayfair, Te Puke Medical Centre, The Drs Papamoa, and The Drs Phoenix will also be open for patients with booked appointments.

Walk-in vaccination hours have been extended at the Mount Maunganui, Tauranga and Whakatane BOPDHB vaccination clinics:
The Bay of Plenty District Health Board is encouraging residents to ensure they get both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine amid a disparity in the first and second dose rates in the region.

The message comes ahead of the Super Saturday mass vaccination event tomorrow, with pop-ups like one at the Merivale Community Centre this weekend hoping to bring the vaccination to at-risk populations.

This weeks update of vaccination rates per DHB across the nation saw the Bay of Plenty drop to the lowest rung of the ladder in regards to second doses of the Pfizer shot.

At 51.6 per cent double vaccinated, the Bay of Plenty slipped below Lakes (51.9 per cent), Taranaki (51.9 per cent) and Northland (52.6 per cent) when the weekly DHB figures were announced at the start of the week.

However, the BOPDHB still has higher first dose rates, at 77.3 per cent, than all of those aforementioned DHBs as well as Tairawhiti (71.3 per cent), West Coast (73.6 per cent) and Whanganui (74.4 per cent).

Whilst that is encouraging, the BOPDHBs Covid-19 incident controller Trevor Richardson is encouraging people to ensure they are double vaccinated.

All doses of the Covid-19 Pfizer vaccine are important, and the vaccine rollout is a key focus for the Bay of Plenty DHB, says Trevor.

Two doses of the vaccine provide a high degree of protection against infection so its important we all get both doses.

As for the reason between the disparity in national standings regarding first dose and second doses in the Bay of Plenty, Trevor suggests it is unlikely to be due to a regional difference to the national standard regarding advice over the gap between doses.

The Bay of Plenty DHB adopted the standard six-week gap between doses for all new vaccination bookings in August, in line with the Ministry of Health.

Prior to this, the standard gap was three weeks between doses.

The BOPDHB is encouraging events across the region this Saturday to help boost vaccination rates including in high-risk areas.

Merivale in Tauranga is one such location.

A Super Saturday vaccination event at Merivale Community Centre is planned for this Saturday from 11am.

The pop-up clinic is a collaborative work from the community and the DHB. A BBQ and smoothies will be provided on site to encourage people to attend.

Labour List MP Jan Tinetti will be at a pop-up event in Merivale as the BOPDHB aims to improve vaccination rates. Photo. Daniel Hines/SunLive.

Labour List MP Jan Tinetti, the former principal at Merivale School, is backing the Super Saturday vaccination drive and will be present at the Merivale pop-up.

Our goal is to get the vaccine to people, before Delta reaches them  but it will require a combined effort from all of us to make it happen, she says.

New Zealanders have consistently shown over the last year that theyre willing to pitch in as part of our team of five million and confront the Covid-19 challenge head-on.

We need to continue to channel that energy into our big push to get Kiwis vaccinated.

Trevor is also backing the incentive, explaining how this is the perfect chance to be fully vaccinated in time for Christmas.

The Bay of Plenty DHB is focused on giving people who havent yet taken up the offer of vaccination a range of opportunities to get their shot, he says.

Convenience is key and, to support this, weve established many sites around the Bay which take walk-ins, where people dont need to book an appointment. Whatever it takes, well be doing our best to create as many vaccination opportunities as possible to ensure everyone in the Bay has the chance to get vaccinated.

Summer is just eight weeks away and we all want to enjoy the best of summer in the Bay. If you get your first shot now, youll be fully vaccinated in time for Christmas with your whanau.

This Super Saturday, check www.bopdhb.health.nz/super-saturday to find out whats happening near you. To find your nearest vaccination clinic, visit www.healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19-vaccination/bay-of-plenty/.

People can find trusted information about the vaccine at www.covid19.govt.nz/vaccine.
Malaga diver missing after a military training exercise in Huesca Army sergeant Mario Quiros Ruiz disappeared in the early hours of 12 October

An Army sergeant from Malaga, Mario Quiros Ruiz, has been reported missing since the early morning of 12 October, when he was taking part in a diving practice exercise in the El Grado reservoir in Huesca, a military spokesperson has confirmed.

The non-commissioned officer, a native of Malaga and a resident of Melilla, disappeared "during a scheduled exercise for assault divers said the spokesperson, who stressed that a search for the soldier is still continuing in the Aragon region town.

Sergeant Quiros, who would turn 23 years old this Friday, 15 October, was assigned to the Engineer Regiment No. 8, belonging to the General Command of Melilla, and according to the military spokesperson the family have been informed.

During the diving courses, participants receive technical, physical and tactical training to prepare them for missions in peacetime and in combat situations.
Spectacular drone images of Malaga province landmarks go viral The shots were captured by Belgian photographer Wouter Blomme, while he was on holiday on the Costa del Sol

Malaga Cathedral as seen from directly above. / WOUTER BLOMME / Hoog Fotografie

A Belgian photographer, holidaying on the Costa del Sol, has captured some amazing drone images of Malaga province landmarks that have since gone viral on social media.

Wouter Blomme took advantage of his visit at the beginning of August to snap a spectacular overhead shots of Malaga Cathedral, Muelle Uno and even Rondas famous gorge and bullring.

Blomme, who lives in Belgium, is the creator of Hoog Fotografie, a drone aerial photography company.

"The one of the cathedral was the last one I did, said the photographer who also captured the streets of the Jewish quarter of Malaga.

The shot of the cathedral roof is a reminder of the serious problem of leaks that the building suffers from, and a roof repair that will cost in the region of seven million euros.
Spanish PM sees no respite in sight for erupting volcano on La Palma Pedro Sanchez has made his fourth visit to the island in less than a month as another 66 earthquakes were registered this Wednesday

Thursday, 14 October 2021, 10:09

The end of the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano is still some way off it appears. On the 25th day of activity, neither Spain's prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, nor the president of the Canary Islands, Victor Angel Torres, believe that the crater is close to extinction. In fact, on Wednesday, almost all the indicators reflected a high intensity of emissions and a greater explosiveness was observed.

Sanchez, said he saw no sign that the Cumbre Vieja was remitting. "It is the fourth visit that I have made to the island of La Palma, and unfortunately it will not be the last," he said. For now, the volcanic rocks are still red-hot and little can be done to rebuild the island, except to provide emergency accommodation for those evacuated and the PM asked locals for "patience".

At present, three lava streams remain active: a first runs along the north face, which is losing strength in relation to the one to the south, which is advancing at 50 metres per hour.

Magnitude 4.4 earthquake

On Wednesday, experts from Spains National Geographic Institute detected about 66 earthquakes in the region, one of which had a magnitude of 4.4 in the town of Mazo, although the depth of the seismic movements ranged from 12 and the 37 kilometres, something that reassures the experts.

The volume of tephra (the solid material thrown into the air by the volcano) is estimated between 8 and 9 million cubic metres since the start of the eruption.

The emission of sulphur dioxide, one of the best indicators to measure the virulence of the volcano, was estimated at 17,700 tonnes per day during the middle of the afternoon, a value higher than the previous days. To mark the end of volcanic activity, these gases would have to be reduced to a figure of about 100 tonnes. As a consequence, the plume of gases and ash rises over three kilometres in height above the area.

The technical director of the Canary Islands Volcanic Emergency Plan (Pevolca), Miguel Angel Morcuende, said that the front, which on Tuesday forced the evacuation of some 800 residents of the La Laguna neighbourhood, in Los Llanos de Aridane, advances very slowly. According to Morcuende, there is a possibility that it "will stop and not move again". However, the destruction is now irreparable and the northern lava flow has swept away almost the entire Callejon de la Gata industrial park leaving only an avocado packing plant and part of a scrapyard.

"Safe island"

Morcuende highlighted that the area affected by the volcano represents only 8 per cent of the island's surface. "This must be highlighted because it is a safe island," he said.

The territory won from the sea by the lava, has not grown much in the last hours, although it is acquiring a greater depth. The lava delta covers an area of 35 hectares and is some 75 metres deep, a fact that makes it very unlikely that the platform will fracture, as was first feared.
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BSM and KIMFT promote Korean seafarers for global shipping trades

Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Korea Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technologies (KIMFT), a maritime education and research institute operated by the government of South Korea.

Within the framework of the Global Employment Project for Young Korean Seafarers BSM and KIMFT will cooperate to boost careers at sea in a multinational and multicultural work environment by jointly creating highly competent and passionate maritime manpower. The strategic collaboration between BSM and KIMFT marks the first step in recognition of the mutual interests in the field of seafarers' entry to the global shipping market and aims to promote the career development and training of young Korean seafarers. Eva Rodriguez, Director HR Marine at BSM says, Our partnership with KIMFT is in line with our aim to secure the most competent seafarers for a sustainable future. It will offer great opportunities to young Korean officers within our highly diversified fleet. Eun-kyu Jang, Director of Education at KIMFT says, The signing of this MoU symbolizes a partnership which we believe will lead to excellent job opportunities for competent Korean seafarers in the years ahead. As one of the leading countries in the world shipping industry, Korea has endeavoured to nurture highly skilled marine officers through various academic routes for the past 70 years. With the support from the government, a number of national maritime universities, maritime high schools, and vocational institutions have yearly produced more than 2,000 deck and engineering officers who are fully charged to commence their career at sea.




CMES Shipping holds meeting on model construction of NEW VISION

CMES Shipping held a meeting for summarizing the results of model construction of NEW VISION, and to explore the possibilities in working out and further promoting of the Hailiao Spirit, while making arrangements for the next step.

Chaired by Cao Hong, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, the Meeting was attended by Xie Chunlin, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Wang Yongxin, President and Director of CMES Shipping. Xie Chunlin stressed that the Meeting was designated to further arrange and promote the construction of the CMES model. All organizations should make persistent efforts and empower corporate development during the process. It is hoped that CMES to adhere to the objectives and establish a long-acting mechanism for such model, with its core competitive edge to be created by aligning with first-class peers. Also, a people-oriented approach should be adopted to create a favorable atmosphere for serving the same purpose. Meanwhile, CMES should strive to make constant breakthroughs and achievements and vigorously contribute to the high-quality development of the shipping business of China Merchants Group (CMG), by taking the opportunities brought by the inclusion of the Hailiao Spirit, a more-specialized mechanism for operation process, into the list of "benchmark projects" shortlisted by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC). Wang Yongxin stated that, the mechanism should be developed to establish benchmarks that can be referenced to, achievable, replicated, followed, learned, marketable and optimizable. CMES should combine and empower the targets of being a "benchmark enterprise" and all the "benchmark projects" by utilizing all the resources within the organization, and set up benchmark standards, specify learning models, and identify the gap and direction by following the SMART principle. A sound mechanism should be created to catch up with outstanding models, give full play to its leading roles, and offer trainings according to job duties. Besides, the capabilities and skills that are needed in such model building should be strengthened through continuous learning. The report on building the Hailiao Spirit has been addressed by the Administration Department and the work of all organizations in the previous phase has been highly appreciated. Vice President Yan Wushan has then made explanation on the Work Plan of CMES for Constantly and Deeply Promoting Model Construction of the Hailiao Spirit. The Steering and Working Groups as well as all subsidiaries have also elaborated their opinions.




Horisont Energi with Koole Terminals on development of ammonia terminal and storage facility

Horisont Energi and Koole Terminals B.V. (Koole Terminals), a leading independent liquid bulk storage company, announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the development of a terminal and storage facility at the Port of Rotterdam.

According to the agreement, Horisont Energi and Koole Terminals will explore the establishment of a strategic and collaborative relationship for storage of ammonia produced and shipped from Norway to Rotterdam. The agreement will also cover technical and commercial conceptual models for storage of ammonia products, services solutions and technologies for further distribution, to meet forecast demand in Northwest Europe. Koole Terminals has a storage capacity of over 4.1 million cubic meters and is connected to several transport modalities (i.e. ship, truck, rail and pipeline) with direct pipeline connections to core clients. Im excited to announce this agreement. As Horisont Energi and our partners work towards developing Europes first world-scale clean ammonia project, it is essential to establish relationships with key storage, handling and transport partners in the region, to ensure our clean ammonia can reach all potential clients. Bjrgulf Haukelidster Eidesen, CEO of Horisont Energi. Horisont Energi recently announced a cooperation agreement with Equinor and Var Energi, the two largest offshore oil and gas producers in the Barents Sea region, on the joint development of the Barents Blue project, Europes first large-scale production facility for blue ammonia. The Barents Blue project is based on using natural gas, clean water and renewable energy to produce clean ammonia, which is a key industrial gas used globally in the fertilizer and chemical sector and is a very efficient hydrogen carrier, making it one of the most promising fuels for decarbonization of parts of the maritime sector. During the production process at the Barents Blue ammonia plant, more than 99 percent of the CO2 will be captured and permanently stored in the offshore Polaris reservoir below the seabed offshore Finnmark. Koole Terminals will play an important role in facilitating and supporting the distribution of ammonia from the Barents Blue production plant in Hammerfest, Northern Norway. We are eager to work with Horisont Energi to materialize their European distribution hub for blue ammonia. We consider ammonia as one of the important future liquid energy carriers, and as such this project fits very well with Kooles sustainable energy strategy. John Kraakman, CEO of Koole Terminals.




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DIY: Puddle lamps install on my Hyundai Creta Installing puddle lamps on my 1st generation Creta

It was near the end of the year 2019 and the 2nd birthday of Blaze (my 1st generation Creta petrol AT) was coming up. I wanted to upgrade his talents and started looking at possibilities. For the last few months, I was looking for puddle lamps for my Creta as I often go car camping and have to park at nondescript places in the dark. I did not want to install them under the ORVMs as I have reserved that space for 360-degree cameras which I intend to install in the future. I also did not want to install them under the chassis as I do not like exposing wires and lights to the elements. My priorities were reliability and easy replaceability. In this regard, I had 3 options in no particular order.



My 1st option was to go for flat 12v LED strips which would be attached to the underside of the doors and would draw power directly from the door lock wiring or the power window wiring. I did not choose this as I was uncomfortable with the idea of electrical wires and unsheathed LEDs being exposed to the elements as there isn't enough clearance within the area of the door protected by the weather seal.



My 2nd option was to go for 12v projector-based logo lights but I did not choose this as this would involve drilling a hole on the lower portion of the inner plastic portions of the door. I am very apprehensive about irreversible changes to my Creta.



The 3rd option and my choice was a set of 4 projector-based LED logo lights which are attachable to the lower inside portions of the doors via double-sided adhesive tapes and are able to be powered by a set of 3 AAA sized 1.5v batteries each. These can be turned on and off manually and can also be activated or deactivated by the absence or presence, respectively, of the small neodymium magnets that come with the lights.



Since Aliexpress was easily accessible (those were the days but alas, no more ), naturally I veered that way primarily due to its huge variety and unbeatable prices. I got the lights from Aliexpress on sale for INR 141 each with shipping.



Installation was a breeze. I cleaned the suitable areas with a cleaning and degreasing solution. Then I attached the lights to the doors with the double-sided adhesive tapes that came with the lights. Next, I aligned the magnets with the lights and attached them to the door sills (with the aforementioned double-sided adhesive tapes) within the areas protected by the weather seals. I had already got 12 numbers of rechargeable AAA sized 1.2v NiMH batteries which I installed in the light housing. The intent here was to be able to recharge the batteries with a USB charger in the car as and when necessary. This is because it is often difficult to find AAA batteries in nondescript areas of India. Moreover, such rechargeable batteries have a higher tolerance to heat when compared to the regular "leakproof" ones and I did not want leaking corrosive batteries in my car. This aspect was very important considering the fact that the interior temperatures of a car parked directly under the Sun often cross 100 degrees centigrade during the summer months in many places of India.



The LED projector-based logo light installed on the driver's door





The rectangular neodymium magnet on/near the door sill





Next, we removed the logo films and sealed the thus exposed areas with black adhesive tape. Needless to say, the whole setup still works like a charm even after 2 years. We have only had to recharge the batteries once as per our usage during this time. Here is what the light output looks like before and after removing the "Hyundai branded" logo film.









I hope that you liked reading this. Wishing you happy and safe drives ahead It was near the end of the year 2019 and the 2nd birthday of Blaze (my 1st generation Creta petrol AT) was coming up. I wanted to upgrade his talents and started looking at possibilities. For the last few months, I was looking for puddle lamps for my Creta as I often go car camping and have to park at nondescript places in the dark. I did not want to install them under the ORVMs as I have reserved that space for 360-degree cameras which I intend to install in the future. I also did not want to install them under the chassis as I do not like exposing wires and lights to the elements. My priorities were reliability and easy replaceability. In this regard, I had 3 options in no particular order.My 1st option was to go for flat 12v LED strips which would be attached to the underside of the doors and would draw power directly from the door lock wiring or the power window wiring. I did not choose this as I was uncomfortable with the idea of electrical wires and unsheathed LEDs being exposed to the elements as there isn't enough clearance within the area of the door protected by the weather seal.My 2nd option was to go for 12v projector-based logo lights but I did not choose this as this would involve drilling a hole on the lower portion of the inner plastic portions of the door. I am very apprehensive about irreversible changes to my Creta.The 3rd option and my choice was a set of 4 projector-based LED logo lights which are attachable to the lower inside portions of the doors via double-sided adhesive tapes and are able to be powered by a set of 3 AAA sized 1.5v batteries each. These can be turned on and off manually and can also be activated or deactivated by the absence or presence, respectively, of the small neodymium magnets that come with the lights.Since Aliexpress was easily accessible (those were the days but alas, no more), naturally I veered that way primarily due to its huge variety and unbeatable prices. I got the lights from Aliexpress on sale for INR 141 each with shipping.Installation was a breeze. I cleaned the suitable areas with a cleaning and degreasing solution. Then I attached the lights to the doors with the double-sided adhesive tapes that came with the lights. Next, I aligned the magnets with the lights and attached them to the door sills (with the aforementioned double-sided adhesive tapes) within the areas protected by the weather seals. I had already got 12 numbers of rechargeable AAA sized 1.2v NiMH batteries which I installed in the light housing. The intent here was to be able to recharge the batteries with a USB charger in the car as and when necessary. This is because it is often difficult to find AAA batteries in nondescript areas of India. Moreover, such rechargeable batteries have a higher tolerance to heat when compared to the regular "leakproof" ones and I did not want leaking corrosive batteries in my car. This aspect was very important considering the fact that the interior temperatures of a car parked directly under the Sun often cross 100 degrees centigrade during the summer months in many places of India.Next, we removed the logo films and sealed the thus exposed areas with black adhesive tape. Needless to say, the whole setup still works like a charm even after 2 years. We have only had to recharge the batteries once as per our usage during this time. Here is what the light output looks like before and after removing the "Hyundai branded" logo film.I hope that you liked reading this. Wishing you happy and safe drives ahead Last edited by Chhanda Das : 13th October 2021 at 13:25 .
KPS Distinguished - BHPian



Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 2,615 Thanked: 9,579 Times

View My Garage





Re: Daimler Tales - 1947 Daimler DB18 Luxury Saloon



Like most old British cars, the DB18 comes with Semaphores. The look wonderful and they are quite precious. For people who see this for the first time, in their excitement, they tend to manually push it back. This could severely compromise the functioning of the semaphores.





These do not flash







In the modern world, most road users in modern vehicles, cannot be expected to be aware of semaphores. Most road users are used to seeing flashers in the front and rear. In the early mornings or late evenings when still dark, the need for indicators is even more acute, as two wheeler are zipping around you.



I decided to install indicators, so as to improve the road safety my fellow road users and also myself. After much thought, I decided on the KTM Duke 390 flashers, as they are LED and also very sleek. These bright flashers could be easily integrated into the bumper.



Christopher has done a great job of integrating this on the bumper. Picture of the rear fitting













As you can see in the front, from far, you can hardly make out the flasher unit





The LED Flashers are quite bright. The picture shows the flasher working





I have not integrated this to the semaphores, as I wanted them to flash and at the same time I will preserve the semaphores too.



These connections can be easily removed, should the car be required to go for any judging competition.



Cheers



KPS When you have someone as wonderful as Christopher, it is quite easy to execute one's plan.Like most old British cars, the DB18 comes with Semaphores. The look wonderful and they are quite precious. For people who see this for the first time, in their excitement, they tend to manually push it back. This could severely compromise the functioning of the semaphores.These do not flashIn the modern world, most road users in modern vehicles, cannot be expected to be aware of semaphores. Most road users are used to seeing flashers in the front and rear. In the early mornings or late evenings when still dark, the need for indicators is even more acute, as two wheeler are zipping around you.I decided to install indicators, so as to improve the road safety my fellow road users and also myself. After much thought, I decided on the KTM Duke 390 flashers, as they are LED and also very sleek. These bright flashers could be easily integrated into the bumper.Christopher has done a great job of integrating this on the bumper. Picture of the rear fittingAs you can see in the front, from far, you can hardly make out the flasher unitThe LED Flashers are quite bright. The picture shows the flasher workingI have not integrated this to the semaphores, as I wanted them to flash and at the same time I will preserve the semaphores too.These connections can be easily removed, should the car be required to go for any judging competition.CheersKPS
Staff Writer

My name is Cameron Rhinehardt, and I am a second-year studying communications with minors in journalism and English. I joined Technician as a correspondent in the fall of 2021. I plan to graduate in the spring of 2023.
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VMware Workstation 16 Player is a free upgrade for all VMware Workstation 15 Player users. It includes the following updates:

Support for new guest operating systems: Windows 10 19H2 Debian 10.0/10.1 Debian 9.11 Oracle Linux 8.0 SLE 15 SP1 FreeBSD 12.0 PhotonOS 3.0

Jumbo frame support: Virtual networks can now be configured with MTU sizes of up to 9000 bytes.

Open VM Tools is the default VMware Tools for applicable Linux virtual machine

Previous release notes:

This release of VMware Workstation Player is a free upgrade for all VMware Workstation 15 Player users.

Support has been added for the following host operating systems:

Windows 10, version 1809

Windows Server 2019

Support has been added for the following guest operating systems:

Windows 10, version 1809

Windows Server, version 1809

Windows Server 2019

This release contains bug fixes and security updates:

Important Fixes

This release of VMware Workstation Player addresses the following issue:

VMware Workstation Player contains an integer overflow vulnerability in the virtual network devices which may allow a guest to execute code on the host. The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures project (cve.mitre.org) has assigned the identifier CVE-2018-6983 to this issue. See VMSA-2018-0030 for further information.

This release of VMware Workstation Player is a free upgrade for all VMware Workstation 15 Player users.

Support has been added for the following operating systems as both host and guest. Ubuntu 18.10 Fedora 29 RHEL 7.6

This release contains bug fixes and security updates.

Important Fixes:

This release of VMware Workstation Player addresses the following issue:

VMware Workstation Player has an uninitialized stack memory usage vulnerability in the vmxnet3 virtual network adapter that might allow a guest to execute code on the host. The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures project (cve.mitre.org) has assigned the identifier CVE-2018-6981 to this issue.

Previous release notes:

Windows 10 2018 Spring Creators Update (Version 1803) as host and guest

Ubuntu 18.04 support as host and guest

VMware Workstation Player provides the following support for Windows 10 Creators Update:

Run Windows 10 Creators Update as a virtual machine

Run Windows 10 Creators Update as a host operating system

Windows 10 Creators Update Auto Detect and Easy Install

Unity support for Windows 10

New Guest operating systems support

Support has been added for the following operating systems:

Ubuntu 17.04

Fedora 26

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Debian 9.1

Oracle Linux 7.4

SLE 12 SP3

OpenSUSE 42.3

New CPU enablement

Intel Skylake and AMD Ryzen CPU support is enabled.

Virtual NVMe support

Workstation 14 Player introduces a new virtual NVMe storage controller. NVMe devices require virtual hardware version 13 / ESXi 6.5 compatibility and later.

Secure Boot

Workstation 14 Player introduces Secure Boot support for Virtual Machines to ensure only trusted code is loaded by the UEFI firmware prior to the OS "handoff" process.

Network Latency simulation

With new Network Latency Simulation feature, you can simulate a specific network environment along with existing network speed and packet loss simulator.

Native OVF support

With improved OVF/OVA support, Workstation Player provides an effortless walkthrough to deploy the VMware VCSA (vCenter Server Appliance) OVA package for testing and experimentation within Workstation. VCSA6.0 and 6.5 are supported.

New GTK+ 3 based UI for Linux
What just happened? For the first time, the US has surpassed China to become the global crypto mining leader. It follows months of cryptocurrency clampdowns by the Asian nation, which has led to miners and mining companies moving to more welcoming locations.

Despite the Chinese government's obvious dislike of crypto, the country has long been responsible for the majority of the global bitcoin hash ratepartly because of its cheaper electricitytaking a 75% share in September 2019. But this year has seen China push down harder on the industry than ever before: a big crackdown back in May resulted in miners closing down their businesses; authorities started shutting down more operations in June; and China recently declared all crypto transactions illegal.

According to figures published by the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, the new crackdowns have seen China's share drop by 60% in just a few months. Now, it stands at zero.

Image credit: Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance

China's loss is other countries' gain. The US share of the global BTC hash rash jumped from 17% in April to a world-leading 35.4% share in July. Second-place Kazakhstan went from 8% to 18%, while third-place Russia is on 11% after being at 6.8% three months earlier. Canada is fourth with a 9.6% share, having been on just 3% in April.

"The whole narrative of China controls bitcoin is now completely destroyed," Boaz Sobrado, a London-based fintech data analyst, told CNBC.

The migration of crypto miners from China has resulted in increased power demands for the countries taking them in. A single Bitcoin transaction, including the resources needed to mine the coin and to verify the transaction, can total upwards of 1,700 kilowatt hours (kWh). One mining company bought a Pennsylvania power plant that produces enough power for 1,800 Bitcoin miners, with output increases planned to support more than 20,000 miners by 2022.

In other crypto news, Intel this week confirmed that its first Arc graphics card series, Alchemist, would have no Nvidia LHR-style mining limiter. We also heard that new software is able to circumvent team green's limiter by dual mining crypto.

The rising interest in mining and increasing coin values are impacting graphics card prices and availability, though Nvidia is still rumored to be releasing more products in January, which seems strange considering people can't even find or afford its current offerings. But it's expected that Ethereum's move from a proof-of-work (PoW) model to proof-of-stake (PoS) will help ameliorate the situation.

Image credit: TimeShops
What just happened? Microsoft recently announced that the China-localized version of LinkedIn will shut down after seven years of continuous operation. The news came four months after human-right activists, academics and journalists reported that their LinkedIn profiles were blocked in China, preventing them from accessing their accounts.

LinkedIn was launched in China back in 2014, featuring a localized version of the app that abides by the requirements of the Chinese government. The LinkedIn Chinese app worked as expected for seven years straight, helping many Chinese folks find jobs. However, the social part of the app was found troublesome by the Chinese government.

In March of 2021, China advised LinkedIn (read Microsoft) it had 30 days to "better regulate" the content presented by the platform, but judging by the outcome, it seems not much was done to improve the situation. A few months after, certain users started receiving notifications informing them that their profiles were blocked because they held illicit content.

Today, LinkedIn announced it would replace the standard app with a new one called InJobs. This app would solely focus on "helping China-based professionals find jobs in China and Chinese companies find quality candidates," avoiding any potential social issues it may cause. Scheduled to launch later this year, the new InJobs app won't feature social media functionalities like a feed or the ability to share posts and articles.

LinkedIn's ban isn't the first time Microsoft had to meet the requirements presented by China. In 2016, Microsoft released a unique Windows 10 variant featuring "more management and security controls" exclusive to China.

Besides Microsoft, many other big tech companies have had their services shut down in China, mostly due to the Chinese government censorship rules. These include Facebook and Twitter in 2009 and Google in 2010. In 2021, the messaging app Signal and social audio app Clubhouse were also blocked.

With LinkedIn out of China, Amazon's review system and Github are the only foreign platforms allowed to host user-generated content in the country. However, considering how things are going with China battling tech companies by cracking down on gaming and cryptocurrencies, we wouldn't be surprised to see this operation extended to other areas.

Images credit: Greg Bulla, Souvik Banerjee
A hot potato: Executives at Facebook do not like that a significant number of recent leaks have exposed the company's activities. Several controversies have put the social platform under a negative light. Most of the information has come from documents landing in pressrooms and multiple whistleblowers going public with damaging allegations of potentially illegal activity.

Facebook is probably one of the most notorious companies when it comes to respecting people's privacy. Plenty of examples exist showing the company's controversial stance, including Cambridge Analytica, WhatsApp forced data sharing, and its efforts to spy on encrypted data without breaking encryption.

Ironically, recent internal leaks, primarily from a whistleblower, have the social media giant battening down the hatches. Now, Facebook is making efforts to stem leaks by making particularly "sensitive" internal groups private. This internal policy change has already leaked to the press, adding to the situational irony.

The New York Times notes that before whistleblower Frances Haugen spoke out about controversial Facebook policies and issues, it had a relatively open workplace culture. Employees were encouraged to share their ideas on various matters involving the company. This relaxed atmosphere is how Haugen allegedly obtained documents, including internal research on the mental effects of social media on teens, policies allowing "VIPs" to break the rules, and other sensitive issues.

I provided detailed documentation regarding potential criminal violations to a U.S. law enforcement agency. My understanding is that the investigation is still ongoing.



I just didn't choose to blast it across the front pages.



Why does that make me less of a whistleblower? https://t.co/tizQwetrsN  Sophie Zhang (@szhang_ds) October 10, 2021

It's worth noting that a former Facebook data scientist came out earlier this week saying that she has filed a criminal complaint against the company with the SEC. She has previously leaked information regarding how Facebook handles misinformation.

Employees and execs readily shared much of this information on Facebook's internal messaging platform "Workplace." The company is now closing off access to specific groups within Workplace and removing employees from them "whose work isn't related to safety and security."

"As everyone is likely aware, we've seen an increase in the number of Integrity-related leaks in recent months," the company informed employees in a memo obtained by The NY Times. "These leaks aren't representative of the nuances and complexities involved in our work and are often taken out of context, leading to our work being mischaracterized externally. Sensitive Integrity discussions will happen in closed, curated forums in the future."

Facebook is no stranger to regulatory investigations. The company was the subject of a Federal Trade Commission privacy probe in 2018 that resulted in a $5 billion fine. The recent leaking of internal mental health research led to Facebook putting an "Instagram for Kids" app on hold, which prompted Congress to demand the project be abandoned entirely. Congress then ordered execs from Facebook and Instagram to testify on the matter.
In context: Amid an antitrust investigation against Apple by EU regulators, as well as the discussion subsequently generated around the topic, the iPhone maker has published a 31-page report defending why its iOS ecosystem is limited to the App Store. The tech giant attempts to justify its refusal of allowing app sideloading onto their smartphones by highlighting how Android has been heavily exploited by malware.

Apple's report, "Building a Trusted Ecosystem for Millions of Apps -- A threat analysis of sideloading," stresses that supporting sideloading via direct downloads and third-party app stores would "cripple" the privacy and security protections of the iPhone, which would expose users to "serious security risks."

"iPhone is a highly personal device where users store some of their most sensitive and personal information. This means that maintaining security and privacy on the iOS ecosystem is of critical importance to users," Apple said. "However, some are demanding that Apple support the distribution of apps outside of the App Store, through direct downloads or third-party app stores, a process also referred to as "sideloading."

The European Commission's antitrust charges against Apple claim the company broke EU competition rules pertaining to policies associated with the App Store. The case was triggered due to a complaint from music streaming service Spotify.

In an effort to alleviate concerns surrounding the monopoly Apple has established over iOS, it stressed security problems are rampant for Android as Google's operating system allows sideloading. Specifically, Apple points out how "over the past four years, Android devices were found to have 15 to 47 times more malware infections than iPhone."

Another statistic used in the report was that nearly six million attacks per month were detected by a large security firm on its clients Android mobile devices. If Apple were forced to support sideloading, it said cyber criminals would inevitably target iPhone users through harmful apps. Users would also have less information about apps up front, Apple states, as external app stores would not "be required to provide the information displayed on the App Store product pages and privacy labels."

Some may consider Apple brings up a valid point when factoring in how Android malware has become a prominent security issue for the OS. For example, a trojan that was found on 200 malicious apps on both the Google Play Store and third-party app stores infected millions of devices, extracting tens of millions of dollars from victims. Because of the open platform Android is based on, security firm Eset asserts that its more "interesting" to cybercriminals than iOS.

However, others may counter by showing that it's in Apple's best financial interest to reject sideloading -- Apple generates tens of billions of dollars from the 30 percent cut it takes from developers on the app store for both the initial payment for paid apps, on top of in-app purchases. It could be set to enjoy that sizable slice of revenue for at least a few more years due to an appeal in its Epic Games lawsuit.
In brief: Smartphone vendors have been in a constant state of flux as it relates to shipments over the past several quarters. But when it comes to revenue and profit, Apple has firmly established itself as the market leader.

Counterpoint Research in its latest market report has charted manufacturers progress in shipments, revenue and profit since the first quarter of 2019. Since that time, major players have jockeyed for position in terms of shipment share. In all but one quarter, Samsung finished on top, but the battle for second place and beyond was very fluid.

Looking at revenue share and operating profit, however, we see that Apple has been able to maintain a safe distance from its competitors at the top of the list.

In Q2 2021, Apple managed to capture 75 percent of the overall handset market operating profit and 40 percent of revenue despite accounting for just 13 percent of global handset shipments. As Counterpoint highlights, thats still lower than its peak in Q4 2020 when Apple grabbed 86 percent of the profit and half of all revenue.

In terms of profit, Samsung has consistently held the number two spot behind Apple. Such has also been the case in terms of revenue, save for two quarters when Huawei trumped Samsung for second place.

Speaking of Huawei, the companys fall following US sanctions is clearly illustrated in all three categories. This helped open the doors for other Chinese smartphone makers to make a move including Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo.

Image credit fauxels
Embrace the new economy, your riches and fame await.

In this era of influencers and social media superstars, more and more people are looking at ways to cash in on vlogging. The opportunities to make a fortune, or at least make a nice side hustle, are available to those that have a story to tell and the savvy to do it.

Unfortunately, with as many people doing it these days, the competition is fierce. No more will a vlog recorded with your cell phone stand out. The vlogger will need to deliver professional level quality videos otherwise they risk being looked over.

This presents a challenge. You can invest in the more expensive platforms like Adobe After Effects or Premiere Pro, or you can look at some free video editors that could fit your needs.

We will look at a few that might be in the running for best free vlog editor.

VideoProc Vlogger

Usually when you hear free software editors, you prepare yourself for something almost like the old Microsoft Movie Maker. A couple nice functions here or there that will give you the ability to do some nice transitions, splice and cut, and if you are lucky add some music.

That could not be further from the truth with VideoProc Vlogger. When we unpacked this platform, we handed it to our video guy (we gave him some coffee and a nice project). We asked him to create a series of YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook vlogs. Though normally an Adobe guy, he was over the moon after trying this.

As free vlog editing software it performs more like its paid counterparts. VideoProc Vlogger covered all the bases. Whether it was handling nice video effects, delivering audio effects that are movie quality, or giving you a multitude of output formats for your creation, this could almost claim to be the best free vlog editor on the market.

Here are just a few of the basic features that are available to help you be the best TikTok, YouTube, or Facebook vlog influencer out there:

 Supports a wide range of editing tools: cut, merge, crop, rotate, split, keyframe, overlays, timeline, edit frame-by-frame, etc.

 Preset plenty of transitions, filters, effects, titles and subtitles

 Add music, sound effect, edit video to the beat, adjust tone

 Green screen/Chroma key

 Customize output video format, aspect ratio, frame rate

 Save edited video with original quality

 Support GPU hardware acceleration to boost encoding

 No in-app purchase

 Truly watermark-free

Going into further detail, the following features make the esteemed software significantly different from its rivals:

Motion: The VideoProc Vlogger is a smart software which can understand camera movements very well. This could be further utilized to help you choose from 28 motion presets or create your own movements.

The smart software makes sure that no matter what aspect ratio you use, the object would remain in frame.

Speed: Controlling the speed while editing a video is a very complicated matter. Merely slow motion and fast motion aren't sufficient as effects. VideoProc Vlogger allows 14 effects including those which make possible variable speeds through different moments in your video.

Audio: VideoProc Vlogger's audio editor allows you to edit the whole of the audio or part of it using the 14 presets. Alternatively, if you are an advanced user, you could choose options from the software's vast range of audio editing tools.

Other than this, you could use the three intelligent features Audio Onset, Audio Beat, and Audio silence to automatically detect abrupt sounds, rhythmic music, and silent parts in your audio strip. An ad-on to this are the 12 built-in audio filters.

Color: Color speaks a lot about the tone of the video. It can change the whole perspective at times. VideoProc Vlogger allows HSL editing which means you could focus on changing the Hue, Saturation, and Luminance while adjusting the color background in your video.

Like we said, this platform took us by surprise, we would expect such quality out of the more expensive paid platforms, but the VideoProc Vlogger people really knocked it out of the park for this one. Sounds cool? Check the editing tutorials to get hands on with VideoProc Vlogger today, you can easily make amazing vlogs like a pro.

Lightworks

Lightworks is no stranger to the world of the vlog editor for YouTube. It feels much like Adobe Premiere Pro. It offers a little bit for everyone. For the beginner, it offers hints and tips to up your editing game. For the expert, it really allows you to open it up and test your boundaries.

The idea that you can automatically export your creations to social media platforms, is a definite plus.

Here are a few features of lightworks.

 Plenty of free audio/video effects

 You can post directly to Vimeo and YouTube

 Can support multiple files

The biggest drawback we found in Lightworks is that all the really good features that would make it go from an okay platform to the Best free vlog editor are not free. The free version is okay if you are playing around, but to do anything with it, you have to shell out big bucks.

VSDC

VSDC is an ambitious platform that tries hard to be a free version of Adobe Premiere Pro. Unfortunately, it tries too hard.

And in that regard it falls flat.

Do not get us wrong, in respect to being a video editing platform, it does a good job. But it does not do a good enough job to be anywhere near being able to claim the spot as Best free vlog editor. The learning curve is pretty steep for many of its features. It is confusing to some degree.

It is not all bad, it offers:

 Plenty of transition effects

 Image filters that are easy to use

 Easy to share to multiple social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Vimeo

Its major drawback is that VSDC is only available for Windows. Plus, the hardware acceleration and some advanced editing features are only available in the paid version.

DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve was like a work of art when we first fired it up. The interface was a dream to work with. It was easy to learn, which for the vlog editor for YouTube can be a huge plus giving the vlogger more time to be creative and less time worrying about the ins and outs of learning the software.

Unfortunately, Resolve is not friendly to people on a single screen. This platform was obviously intended for dual monitors. This even becomes more painfully obvious when you are on a laptop. (Something we wager that most vloggers will be using)

But, it does have some pretty good features:

 Timeline is designed to allow for quick navigation and editing

 Trim interface give you the control to edit every last detail

 Built in feature to auto-sync audio and video automatically

iMovie

No list of the Best free vlog editor software would be complete without at least a mention of iMovie. Built for iOS, it is definitely a product worthy of the Apple name. If you are searching for inspiration for your next vlog, iMovie can help with a lot of themes ready to go.

Like many of Apple's products, it is built with creativity in mind>

Here are a few things that you can expect from iMovie:

 You can edit both audio and video clips

 Work on multiple projects at the same time

 Scores of video transitions and effects

Our biggest complaint is that you will need a system with a lot of space, iMovie is a space hog. In addition, it's only available for MacOS.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : NAGA)

Thanks to the Internet, information on just about any topic is readily available, and it's easier to obtain than ever before. Many questions can be answered with a quick google search, and there are millions of videos, blog posts, or other kinds of media explaining just about any topic in detail. And finance isn't an exception to that.

In January 2021, there were more than 4.6 billion active Internet users globally, which is equal to around 60 percent of the global population. And more than 92 percent (over 4.3 billion) of these users accessed the Internet via mobile devices.

This interconnectedness played a major role in many developments regarding all facets of life. A world without the Internet is unimaginable, and life is becoming increasingly digital. With mobile devices being everywhere and social media platforms, like Instagram, Reddit, or YouTube, being more popular than ever, advertising has also evolved to thrive in this online environment.

The rise of social media influencers

Social media influencers are amassing hundreds of thousands, or even tens of millions, of followers, and they are using their reach to advertise for products or companies in front of their audiences. According to a survey that was conducted in 2019, around 50 percent of global Internet users are between 18 and 34 years old.

Further, another survey, which was conducted by Pew Research Center, showed that 99 percent of U.S. adults aged 18 to 29 use the Internet. People in this age range are likely to have expendable income as well as enough free time to consume information and content about new topics that intrigue them.

Additionally, the fact that information is so readily available massively increases the accessibility of topics like finance. Recently, with the big discussion about GameStop shares and the media attention that Reddit generated with its posts, a lot of young people started to get interested in investing.

However, most of these younger "investors" aren't really investors in the traditional sense, and many of them don't know a lot about shares, financial markets, or economics. To make up for that, these young investors look around for sources of information.

And, just like they would with any other segment, they keep an eye on social media platforms and the relevant influencers, who are into their new "hobby" (investing). With more people starting to follow these finance influencers, their reach is increasing, which helps attract even more new followers. Consequently, the reach of finance influencers is rapidly growing.

Creating value

In the end, the question is how these finance influencers use their reach. Do they only use it for their own, personal gain or do they decide to use their knowledge and reach to have a positive impact on their followers? One great example of a finance influencer who is using his position for the benefit of his community is Flo Pharell.

Flo Pharell is a German finance influencer with more than 34,000 followers on Instagram and over 70,000 followers on YouTube. He shares valuable knowledge and insights about trading and traveling on social media. In September 2021, Flo Pharell partnered up with NAGA, which is a leading international social trading platform, to start the "Community Depot" project.

The social trading platform NAGA offers many features, but one of its most interesting ones is the ability to copy the trades of someone else. For example, Flo Pharell is describing his tactics and talking about all his trades on NAGA, and he is also releasing content about it on social media, which makes it perfect for beginners who are looking to gain knowledge.

However, most importantly, since Flo Pharell posts everything to his social media, his followers can just hop on over to NAGA and copy his trades. This means that they can directly benefit from his expertise and knowledge in the finance field. Through this, he already created almost $70.000 worth of profits for his 800 copy traders in only a few weeks.

Closing thoughts

Considering that they exist solely because of their following, influencers should definitely seek out to have a positive impact on their communities. In the case of finance influencers, using a social trading platform like NAGA to share knowledge and enable followers to directly benefit by copying trades is an easy way to create value.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Pixabay/PhotoMIX-Company) Apple AirPods

Apple is pushing for more health features on its devices, and now it is reported that the tech giant wants to add health benefits to its AirPods.

The tech giant wants the AirPods to be used beyond listening to music and taking calls. A new report claims that the company is exploring new health and wellness features for its future wireless earbuds.

Apple Wants Health Features on AirPods

According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple is currently doing research and studying the potential for its device to take a bigger role in monitoring the user's health.

While the new features are not expected to be available until 2022, three main features are currently being tested.

The AirPods is being tested to check the user's temperature, monitor their posture, and serve as a hearing aid or hearing enhancement.

Also Read: Apple Watch Series 7: Worth the Upgrade for Health Features? ECG, Sensor, SpO2, Fall Detection, and MORE

The first two features are straightforward, as the tech giant could update the accelerometers already built-in to current AirPods to more accurately track the user's body position and posture, while new temperature sensors would make it simple to get accurate readings of the user's core temperature for inside their ear.

However, the more complicated task will be getting the device certified as a hearing aid, as the current regulations in the United States require medically-approved hearing aids to be sold by licensed hearing specialists.

Although, there is upcoming legislation that will change the restrictions, and it may go into effect next year, according to 9to5Mac.

Also, the current AirPods have five-hour battery life. It is unlikely that future devices would give the kind of all-day battery life that people with hearing loss would need from a dedicated hearing aid, which means Apple may be forced to focus more on giving enhanced hearing capabilities instead.

While the idea of expanding the device's duties outside music may seem impossible, expanded health features have turned into a fast-growing trend among device makers.

Bose has been granted Food and Drug Administration or FDA clearance for its SoundControl Hearing Aids.

Amazfit has already made earbuds that can track the user's posture and heart rate with its Powerbuds Pro.

Even Samsung is currently exploring the same feature. Samsung's head audio engineer Han-Gil Moon told Gizmodo that in the future, the company hopes to leverage artificial intelligence to improve the voice detection and ambient sound-enhancing capabilities on wireless earbuds.

Apple on Health Features

Given the success of the Apple Watch, which has succeeded due to its wide range of health and fitness tracking features, it is clear that Apple is looking to expand those capabilities to more devices, including the iPhone.

Apple is even expected to get more health features in 2022, including blood glucose tracking.

The iPhone is being evaluated to see if it can detect certain patterns related to mental health and cognitive impairment.

Earlier this year, Apple launched the iOS 15 update, and it gives the users the ability to share their data with their family members and doctors and get insights into the health trends of their friends and family.

Also, the new tools in iOS 15 can be used to identify and understand the changes in a user's health data.

Related Article: iOS 15 Update: Apple's Health App to Have New Food Tracking Feature; Eligible Devices and Other Major Details

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Written by Sophie Webster

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Pexels/Pixabay) laser treatment

A laser treatment offered to menopausal women is a sham or fake therapy, researchers say. The treatment is said to be risky and does not rejuvenate the vagina as it claims.

Laser Treatment Has No Benefits

The researchers tested the laser treatment to check if it might ease vaginal dryness and painful sex connected to menopause. The National Health Service of NHS stated that the therapy should only be used for research.

Some private clinics in the United Kingdom and the United States still continue to offer it.

Sexual Gratification

The laser treatment, also called laser rejuvenation, involves a probe inserted into the vagina to heat and change the surrounding tissue.

Clinics claim that laser treatment can begin the body's healing process by injuring the tissue and that it can increase natural lubrication and restore sexual gratification, according to BBC.

Also Read: Napalm Girl' To Get Laser Treatment For Scars 43 Years After Strike In Vietnam

The treatment can be completed within an hour, but it is not risk-free. The US regulator has stated that it is concerned that women will be harmed by the procedure.

Some women who have had the treatment said they experienced burns and scarring, according to MedPage.

The research is posted in the Journal of the American Medical Association. It is one of the largest studies to criticize the therapy and point out its lack of evidence.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence or NICE has been calling for this type of work to know if the therapy is safe and can be recommended for wider use.

The researchers gathered 85 women to receive either a placebo procedure, where the probe was inserted, but the needed dose of the energy is not delivered or the laser treatment.

No serious side-effects were recorded, but during the follow-up after a year, there was no difference between the two groups in terms of symptom improvement.

Another editorial in JAMA likened the laser therapy to the recent vaginal-mesh scare when some women were harmed by a procedure that was halted due to safety concerns.

The research authors of Dr. Marisa Adelman and Dr. Ingrid Nygaard said the widespread clinical use of vaginal laser therapy, followed by reports of adverse events and US Food and Drug Administration or FDA warnings, is alarming.

The researchers said that after a rush to market vaginal mesh products for the management of pelvic organ prolapse before the completion of rigorous randomized trials, the products are no longer available in the US.

Although marketing before the availability of evidence shows efficacy and safety may be linked with short-term profits for clinics, this approach closes any window of opportunity to learn what women benefit from the treatment, as well as those at increased risk for harm.

Laser treatments treat numerous conditions that use a beam of light on the affected area. In 2018, it was reported that Thailand offered laser treatments to men who wanted their private area whitened.

Vaginal Dryness

British Menopause Society spokesman Tim Hillard, a consultant gynecologist, said that this is the study they are waiting for. It is one of the biggest randomized trials and is not industry-funded.

Hillard added that the research proves that it is important that doctors only offer this therapy in clinical trials to get more evidence. He also said that new treatments for menopause symptoms were needed and worth researching.

Related Article: Light Therapy Speeding Up Burn Wound Healing | Experiment Shows Effectivity with Laser Therapy

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Written by Sophie Webster

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Image from Unsplash Website) COVID-19 Vaccine Record QR App Reported as Glitchy on Apple Devices | Scanning for Immunization Record Not Working

A number of Albertans that have already received a third dose otherwise known as a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, have just reported that the new app scan on their own immunization record in QR code form did not work. The problem was identified to be on the Apple device version as compared to the Android version.

AB COVID Records Verifier

According to the story by GlobalNews, for users that had received the third dose within their last two weeks, the Android version would be successful in scanning the AB COVID Records Verifier. The Apple users, however, would come up as an "X" despite the third shot.

A certain Alberta Health spokesperson confirmed to the news outlet Global News that the current issue was just affecting the Apple version of the app. Alberta Health currently expects the app to update really soon with the current issue resolved.

COVID-19 Vaccination Records

As of the moment, it was noted that Albertas can still show their paper as well as electronic records whenever they are accessing businesses and venues that are participating in this known Restrictions Exemption Program. These include those that were obtained through Alberta.ca/CovidRecords, MyHealth Records, or even paper records that were obtained during their vaccine appointment.

The transition to the official vaccine records with QR codes as the only valid proof of vaccination takes effect on November 15, 2021. The transition period would also allow Alberta Health to address any particular technical issues as they start to arise.

COVID-19 Alberta Health

The official AB COVID Records Verifier had quietly made its appearance on the Google Play as well as Apple App Store just recently before the whole Alberta government introduced it during a news conference. Alberta had confirmed a whopping 652 new cases of COVID-19 out of about a massive 8,620 tests taken.

There were reportedly 38 new deaths that were related to COVID-19. This is while they occurred over the previous six days. They were then reported to Alberta Health in the last 24 hours, according to Dr. Deena Hinshaw.

Read Also: Children Vaccine Shots Likely To Arrive by November, But Government Officials Say It Would Be Difficult

Alberta COVID Stats

The last time that a lot of deaths were reported in just one day was on January 12, 2021. Alberta's total death toll from COVID-19 currently stands at 2,901. There were a reported 1,027 people located in the hospital with COVID-19 where 236 of them were being treated in ICU.

Of the total 236 in ICU, 91% remain unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, according to Hinshaw. As of the moment, there are currently 14,218 active cases of COVID-19 stretched across the province. As of the moment, a COVID-19 vaccine is being developed for kids aged 5 to 11.

Alberta's very own chief medical officer of health reminded everyone that they all have the ability to take a number of small actions every single day that would benefit their communities. A COVID outbreak in schools is now forcing students to move to remote learning.

Related Article: 3D Vaccine Patch Now in Development! Needles No Longer Need-Giving Patients Painless Immunization

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Written by Urian B.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Facebook has pledged itself to protect the rights of Journalists and Activists in the platform, as the social media company is treating them as public figures in the platform. While it is unknown to all, Facebook has a journalist program that identifies the user as a member of the media that upholds truth and facts to be shared with the public.

Facebook to Protect Journalists and Activists Rights

A Facebook representative and spokesperson has commented on this issue (via Reuters) and has said that journalists and activists would have better protection via social media. These people are considered to be "involuntary" public figures as they do not choose to be figures, but only to report on the truth.

Despite the world going on a better future with journalism being easily accessible and that it brings more information for people to absorb, it is still a dangerous world out there for these people that speak up.

Read Also: Facebook and Google-Backed Tech Group Sets Up Panel for Misinformation Complaints

Activists are also a part of this, especially those with a massive cause that they fight for, something that has uplifted society's interest and unity in going against those that do wrong in the real world. Social media has become one of the top platforms for activism, so much that it is effective and widespread.

Facebook's Journalist Program

The big blue social media company is known to have launched a "journalist rights" protection on the platform, which would help all that are under the program for all their activities on the News Feed.

This would mean that they would have almost the same rights or protections as those who are known to be politicians or those widely considered to be public figures.

Journalist Rights, as Public Figures

Facebook has faced an age-old industry problem before, and it is because of censorship during a time where war is still a massive threat, with Palestinian Journalists being taken their rights away from them by reporting public facts.

Censorship was and still is one of the top threats against Journalism in general, especially as it prevents people from conveying the whole truths or focus of the subject. The act against journalism is a massive threat to the public, especially as they can perceive a report wrongly and have it misinterpreted due to censorship.

Journalists have rights as public figures because they mostly report on public matters that people deserve to know, and it should not only be for the positive ones that glorify corporations.

Also, it is an art that people practice, bringing only factual information for everyone's knowledge, giving them the status as one of the public figures that go on every day to deliver truth and information.

Related Article: Facebook: 3-Tier System for Banning Groups, Pages, and MORE Appears Online as 4,000 Names Leak

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Written by Isaiah Richard

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is ready to launch its 12-year-long mission known as Lucy.

The Lucy spacecraft is set to launch on October 16 from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

The Lucy mission will help scientists understand how the solar system came to be through asteroids known as the Trojans. Specifically, the mission will focus on the Trojan asteroids orbiting before or after the planet Jupiter.

Despite its October 16 launch, the Lucy mission will have to wait until August 2027 to make its first Trojan asteroid flyby. The last flyby is scheduled to take place in March 2033.

NASA's Lucy Mission Is Ready To Launch

NASA's Lucy asteroid mission is ready to launch on October 16 at 5:34 a.m. EDT. The spacecraft will be aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. The launch will take place in Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

According to a report by Space, it is not ideal to delay the launch of the spacecraft to the next day. "The spacecraft's Sunday (Oct. 17) opportunity offers just a 50% chance of cooperative weather as tall cumulus clouds and rain showers threaten," the report explains.

October 18 would be a slightly better choice should the October 16 launch date not push through as the day "offers 60% odds of favorable weather for launch due to lingering showers and winds."

Once it has been launched to space, the Lucy spacecraft is scheduled to conduct two flybys of our planet in order to adjust its trajectory.

Related Article: NASA's Lucy Mission Progresses to Spacecraft Assembly to Assess Trojan Asterioids

What Is the Lucy Mission?

The Lucy mission is a 12-year-long mission that will focus on studying the asteroids that "orbit ahead of or behind Jupiter," according to the Space report. The mission aims to help scientists understand better how the solar system came to be.

The mission will focus on eight different asteroids. Most of which are classified as Trojan asteroids, which are described as asteroids that are "trapped in gravitationally stable points of a planet's orbit."

Lucy is scheduled to make its first asteroid flyby in April 2025. The spacecraft will swing by a main-belt asteroid known as the Donaldjohanson. Its first Trojan asteroid flyby will take place in August 2027 while the last one is set to take place in March 2033.

How To Watch the Launch

The Lucy mission is a daring yet exciting mission not just for scientists but for those who are interested in space exploration. If you are interested in catching the launch of the spacecraft live, you will be able to do so.

According to a separate report by Space, the live coverage of the Lucy mission launch is set to start at 5 a.m. EDT.

The live launch coverage of the Lucy mission will be available on NASA Television, the NASA app, and NASA's different social media channels. The launch can also be streamed via the Space website.

Also Read: Lockheed Martin Spacecraft Set to Go on a 12-Year Journey to Study Trojan Asteroids Near Jupiter

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Written by Isabella James

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Russia was not invited to the White House's big meeting that tackled fighting ransomware. The meeting was reportedly done with ministers and officials from 30 different nations and the European Union to discuss how to fight ransomware and other cyber threats.

United States Did Not Invite Russia to White House-Led Group

According to the story by ZDNet, the whole two-day series of meetings now seeks to find an answer towards ransomware. This reportedly follows calls coming from the United States president to hold certain Russia-based ransomware gangs accountable for their own file-encrypting attacks. Instead of turning a blind eye to them, this is as long as they don't actually attack Russian organizations.

Russia was not invited to the White House-led group. In June 2021, the U.S. president told the Russian president that 16 different U.S. critical infrastructure entities should remain off-limits from ransomware attackers operating from Russia. The whole aim of the talk is to figure out an international approach to disrupt and even ultimately stop certain ransomware attacks.

Russia and U.S. Discussions

In two days of this virtual talk, India is said to lead discussions regarding resilience, while Australia is currently focused on how to disrupt certain cyberattacks. The U.K.'s own contribution focused on virtual currency, and Germany is discussing diplomacy.

Other countries are involved, including France, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, Ireland, Ukraine, Israel, and South Africa. Although Russian officials were not president, a White House spokesperson noted that the U.S. is in ongoing discussions with Russia through the U.S.-Kremlin Experts Group.

White House Fuel Distribution

This was reportedly led by the White House and was established by both presidents of the U.S. and Russia. One of the most disruptive ransomware attacks on U.S. infrastructure was against the Colonial Pipeline. This is what halted fuel distribution on the U.S. east coast for a whole week in May 2021.

The company has reportedly paid the equivalent of a whopping $4.4 million in bitcoin for the decryption tool provided by the attackers. The FBI blamed the massive Colonial attack on DarkSide. The colonial pipeline ransomware attack reportedly gave fear of a gas shortage of 100GB worth of data.

Read Also: Apple Releases New Security Research Report Making Its Case Against Sideloading Apps

DarkSide Ransomware Gang

The group went offline shortly after but reportedly resurfaced in June 2021. This is according to FireEye's incident response unit known as Mandiant. DarkSide is currently one of a number of ransomware gangs that are operating as a service provider. This would allow other criminal gangs to use its very own software to extort certain targets.

Others, which include Revil, steal data as well as threaten to leak it online if the said ransom was not paid. The other major threat that the U.S. president has raised concerns regarding nation-state cyber attackers. The cyber attack on the largest fuel pipeline caused the U.S. to declare a state of emergency.

Related Article: Australia Ransomware Action Plan Sees to Collect Data from Compromised Organizations and Requires Them to Report

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Written by Urian B.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Facebook wants to explore teaching AI models to understand the world in the eyes of a human. The social media giant announced that its Ego4D project would help them understand the challenges differently.

Facebook Ego4D For AI Training

According to the recent report by CNBC, Facebook aims to merge AI in solving the challenges from the point of view of a human. The next-gen AI model could have an "egocentric perception" of its surroundings by honing the artificial intelligence system through captured video footage.

For the part of the social media firm, the team managed to amass over 2,200 hours of first-person clips involving more than 700 participants. Moreover, the Ego4D project joined various universities and researchers from nine countries.

Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States, India, Italy, and Japan are the locations where the video footage is captured. Facebook said that it is also preparing to expand the program to other nations, including Rwanda and Colombia.

To make the data collection possible from a first-person POV, the Facebook Reality Labs utilized the Vuzix Blade smart glasses to garner even an extra 400 hours of the data.

Facebook Explains What Ego4D Does

The company's lead research scientist, Kristen Grauman, said that the modern vision systems are different from the usual human perception. To clarify that, she said that there is a need for AI models to interact with the world.

Furthermore, Grauman added that the system should shift to a paradigm that will show the first-person viewpoint. This would also tackle training the artificial intelligence models as to how the daily tasks work in the context of human experience.

Facebook's Ego4D is also a good way for researchers to improve AI. By doing this, they would establish refined systems in building chatbots, self-driving cars, and other AI-related technologies.

Venture Beat was mentioned in its report on Thursday, Oct. 14. that the problem with AI relies on its potential bias, this is a common flaw that many tech firms experience in the field of artificial intelligence.

Facebook researchers admitted that the Ego4D dataset exposes some biases, according to the same source.

In April, faulty face recognition resulted in the wrongful arrest of the suspect. In addition, Zoom's virtual background could show bias to people with dark skin. This also applies to the automatic photo-cropping feature of Twitter.

There's also an AI Project SEER, which sparked concerns among people about their privacy on Instagram. The said program is believed to train AI systems.

Read Also: HowToStopFacebook.Org Website Launched by Advocacy Groups Against Facebook

Facebook Ego4D Benchmarks

Grauman said that the benchmarks of tasks are at the same level of significance as the data collection. For this part, the AI model is geared toward the egocentric perception where people do interactions with others and non-living things.

The five benchmarks in the Ego4D consist of social interaction, hand-object interaction, audiovisual diarization, episodic memory, and forecasting.

Sometime in May, the company introduced Dynaboard and Dynascore for AI model benchmarks. Facebook said that these components depend on the "fairness" metrics of the systems.

Below is a video explaining more about Ego4D.

Related Article: Facebook AI System, DINO, Can Segment Images and Videos, Making it Easier to Distinguish Fake and Real Images

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Written by Joseph Henry

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
DeFi and cryptocurrencies are still attracting new consumers in the United States and other parts of the globe. Right now, BitCoin, Ethereum, and other blockchain tokens are still having their values rising and falling unpredictably.

Related Article: Russia Uninvited to White House Big Meeting About Fighting Ransomware | 30 Nations and the EU Present

Despite this, many individuals, businesses, and other companies are still taking the risk to invest in their preferred crypto coins. However, security experts now warned that the rising markets of crypto and DeFi are making the U.S. the biggest ransomware target.

Chainalysis, a blockchain data platform that specifically helps cryptocurrency businesses, financial institutions, as well as government agencies engage in the rising block network, conducted a new study.

"North America is the second-largest cryptocurrency economy we study, having received over $750 billion in cryptocurrency between July 2021 and June 2020," said the blockchain data platform via its official blog post.

DeFi, Crypto Put US At Risk of More Ransomware Attacks?

Chainalysis' latest study revealed that North America is not the largest ransomware target. The platform explained that between June 2020 and July, the U.S. region's crypto transactions cover around 18.4% of the world's cryptocurrency activities.

Also Read: Olympus Hit by Cyberattack Forcing Company to Shut Down IT Systems in US, Canada, and Latin America

However, this is also when North America was targeted by various hackers, who were allegedly linked to Russia. These ransomware groups include Phoenix Cryptolocker, Doppelpaymer, Netwalker, Egregor, and more.

Involved cybersecurity experts explained that North America is now the main target because it almost paid more than twice in cryptocurrency compared to consumers in Western Europe.

As of the moment, ransomware attackers are now expanding to target more countries. In other news, Australia now wants to collect data from compromised organizations as part of its anti-ransomware initiative.

On the other hand, Ukraine arrested the ransomware gang responsible for attacking hundreds of firms in North America and Europe.

Microsoft Windows Also in Trouble

According to National Cybersecurity Today's latest report, another ransomware study revealed that 95% of more than 80 million ransomware attacks are now aimed at Microsoft's Windows.

VirusTotal, a Google-owned database, is specifically the one that conducted the security research. Vicente Diaz, one of the leading researchers of VirusTotal, explained that the targeted Windows users are residing in China, Singapore, India, Kazakhstan, Iran, U.K., and the Philippines.

For more news updates about ransomware attacks and other international security threats, 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.
Nvidia recently warned consumers that its drivers could be pulled out from GeForce GTX 600 and 700 models. Now, the giant American multinational tech firm confirmed that its latest driver no longer supports Windows 8.1, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

Related Article: D-Wave Plans to Venture Into Quantum Computing Realm Gate-Based Systems | Problems with QUBO?

Aside from this, the giant computer component creator also announced that the newest Game Ready driver is not available in Kepler GPUs.

This would certainly disappoint many consumers since the latest Nvidia driver brings optimized support for many popular games. These include "Baldur's Gate 3," the "Crysis Remastered" trilogy, as well as "Back 4 Blood."

To give you more idea, here are the affected Kepler-based Nvidia GPUs that would no longer have the advanced Game Ready driver version.

Affected Nvidia GPUs Based on Kepler Architecture

According to PC Gamer's latest report, Nvidia released a new list of the affected GPU cards. Here are the exact models:

Also Read: Microsoft Windows June 24: New OS To Be Unveiled At Month's End for PCs-Will it Be Windows 11?

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 Ti

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 Ti

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 (192-bit)

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 Ti OEM

NVIDIA GeForce GT 740

NVIDIA GeForce GT 730

NVIDIA GeForce GT 720

NVIDIA GeForce GT 710

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 Ti Boost

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 645

NVIDIA GeForce GT 640

NVIDIA GeForce GT 635

NVIDIA GeForce GT 630

Based on the latest Nvidia unsupported GPU list, consumers who rely on GTX 750 and GTX 750 Ti can still use the Nvidia Game Ready driver.

On the other hand, the giant tech developer explained that Kepler-based cards would still work fine since they'll have security updates. However, consumers can only have them until September 2024.

Windows 11 To Have DLSS-Supported Nvidia Driver

The Verge reported that Windows 11 would soon have a new Nvidia display driver. This would certainly excite many players since the new model would have the so-called DLSS feature or Deep Learning Super Sampling.

On the other hand, this new Nvidia driver would also support up to 28 games. This means that the Nvidia-supported DLSS titles are now more than 100, which is considered an essential company enhancement.

For more news updates about Nvidia and other related stories, 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.
(Photo : Pixabay/PhotoMIX-Company) LinkedIn app

Microsoft announced on Oct. 14 that it would shut down the local version of LinkedIn in China. This is after the country expanded its censorship of the internet.

Microsoft to Shut Down LinkedIn in China

LinkedIn was the last social network that the United States operated in China. The Asian country is known to have some of the strictest censorship rules in the world.

Social media platforms and websites such as Facebook and Twitter have been permanently blocked in the country, while Google seized its operations in 2010, according to The Verge.

Microsoft stated that it would shut down LinkedIn because of the challenging operating environment and the compliance requirements in China.

The company will launch a job search site in the country that does not have the social media features of LinkedIn.

Also Read: Crypto Mining Proposed To Be Added to China's 'Negative List,' Prohibiting Foreign, Chinese Investors

The news comes after an internet regulator from China told LinkedIn back in March to moderate its content. The company was given 30 days to fix its interface, according to The Wall Street Journal.

In September, the company blocked several US journalists in China, stating that it blocked them because of their profiles' prohibited content.

Researchers' profiles and academics have been blocked on the social media platform in China in the past couple of months.

LinkedIn was first introduced in China back in 2014. However, it had limited features so that it would adhere to the strict internet laws in the country.

The new social media site, called InJobs, will not have a social feed, and it will not allow users to share articles or share posts.

The data from research firm Statista shows that China is LinkedIn's third-largest market. In July, Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, said that the social media platform contributes $10 billion in annual revenue.

Microsoft bought LinkedIn in 2016 for a total of $26.2 billion.

China's Strict Internet Policy

Since 2009, Facebook and Twitter have been blocked in China, and Google was forced to move its operations from China to Hong Kong in 2010.

Meanwhile, Microsoft has cleaned the search results on Bing and offered a customized version of Windows 10 in the country.

However, the Chinese government has launched a crackdown on numerous tech companies, especially those under gaming, cryptocurrency, and ride-sharing.

This caused Microsoft to reevaluate its LinkedIn operations. Apple, on the other hand, still operates in the country without any constraints.

China banned cryptocurrency in the country earlier this week, particularly Bitcoin mining. Mining needs massive computing power, which uses massive amounts of electricity and contributes to global emissions.

According to BBC, Bitcoin consumes 0.45% of the electricity production in the world. The mining distribution will affect the energy sources used to mine Bitcoins, and it may be either renewables or fossil fuels.

China is also very strict with gaming. The country has barred online gamers who are minors from playing on weekdays.

The Chinese government also limited the playtime of minors to three hours on weekends in their attempt to combat gaming addiction among children.

Related Article: China Summons Gaming Giants, Tencent, NetEase, to Remove Violent, 'Money-Worship' Content

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Written by Sophie Webster

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The first exoplanet to survive a star's death has been captured by the Keck Observatory, a two-telescope astronomical observatory located in the United States.

"Here we report the non-detection of a main-sequence lens star in the microlensing event MOA-2010-BLG-477Lb12 using near-infrared observations from the Keck Observatory," said the involved space experts.

The new exoplanet study was conducted in collaboration with the California Institute of Technology, as well as the University of California.

On the other hand, the scientists' work was supported by the endowed Warren Chair in Astronomy, the University of Tasmania, as well as ARC grant DP200101909.

How Might This Exoplanet Survivor Help Astronomers?

The new study titled "A Jovian analogue orbiting a white dwarf star" was published in the Nature journal on Oct. 13. According to Wion's latest report, the findings offered by the new space research could help astronomers know what would happen to Earth once the Sun dies.

Also Read: Astrobiologist Claims Space Viruses Could Exist in Other Exoplanets! Could They Infect Astronomers?

As of the moment, many studies explained that once the Sun lost its life, it would become a burnt remnant of a white dwarf. After that, it will slowly fade and become a black hole.

On the other hand, David Bennet, the latest exoplanet study's co-author, explained that Earth would not be as lucky as the first exoplanet to survive a star's death if the Sun dies.

Aside from this, various space agencies are also discovering new planets outside the solar system that could also help NASA's experts and other astronomers solve the universe's mystery.

In other news, a NASA-supported team discovered new Earth-like exoplanets. On the other hand, NASA TESS Satellite also identified some hidden exoplanets in a new planetary system.

How the Exoplanet Survived?

Involved astronomers explained that the newly discovered exoplanet was able to survive since it is around 2.8 AU from its host star.

This means that it is around 148 million kilometers from the dying heavenly body. They added that if the planet was as close as Earth during its star's death, it would be destroyed just like other planets.

On the other hand, researchers also found out that the exoplanet and its star were formed simultaneously.

For more news updates about exoplanets and other heavenly bodies, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: An Exoplanet With Three Suns Was Just Discovered

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Pixabay/PhotoMIX-Company) Nintendo OLED console

Nintendo's pricier and newer Switch console did not hit the numbers that it was expected to despite its pre-orders selling out in minutes.

This is a surprising result due to low-level supply stemming from chip shortages. This is a surprising result due to low-level supply stemming from chip shortages.

Nintendo Switch's Low Sales

The OLED edition of the console was released worldwide on Oct. 8 for $350. In the domestic market, the company sold 138, 409 units, according to Kotaku.

Meanwhile, the weekend sales of the original Switch console hit 330,637 units in 2017. The sales of Switch Lite hit 177,936 units in 2019.

The numbers are a massive blow to Nintendo, whose shares have dipped more than 20% earlier this year while its competitors like Sony have increased.

The new console has a more vibrant display as it has a 7-inch OLED screen with a flexible stand. It has more storage space, better speakers, and a built-in internet cable port, according to Japan Times.

Nintendo takes pride on the console's OLED screen, despite the reports of burn-ins.

With its wider display, it makes playing games and watching Netflix on your Nintendo Switch console so much better.

Also Read: How To Access Facebook, Twitter, And YouTube On Your Nintendo Switch Even Without A Browser

Even without a widely expected graphics chip upgrade, the new console has been a trending topic on social media in major markets like the United States and Japan, where early impressions have been very positive.

Serkan Toto, an industry consultant, said that the new OLED model would become more popular than the two previous models. They expect that the existing owners of the consoles would upgrade from older units to the newer ones or add another one to their households.

When it comes to offering unique products, Nintendo and Tesla are similar, and both have a rabid fan base.

Nintendo's Inventory Issues

The popularity of the new Switch is causing inventory problems for Nintendo's Kyoto headquarters.

On the one hand, Nintendo finds it difficult to produce enough OLED units to meet the demand. Japanese retailers implementing lottery draws to know who can purchase one.

That includes the company's own flagship store in the Shibuya district of Tokyo. The thin supply of the new console is expected to extend until early 2022, according to an official from Nintendo.

Nintendo's production is divided between the upgraded new console, the $300 original console, and the $200 Switch Lite console. This shows that the company did not anticipate the OLED console outselling the others by a massive margin.

Before the OLED's launch, investors expressed concern about the console because it did not show any impressive upgrade from the original unit. It is also leading to a potential issue of a large inventory of unsold Switch consoles.

Famitsu's figures show that both the original Switch and Switch Lite sales are on a consistent downward trajectory this year.

Unlike last year, which was affected by the pandemic, the two consoles are available in ample supply everywhere.

Switch was launched four years ago and has since sold more than 90 million units.

The console looks ready to sustain momentum with its newest model, while the original one requires a price cut in order to sell, according to Bloomberg.

A spokesman from Nintendo said that the company has no plans to reduce the prices of the console.

The company cut the standard model price in September because of the change in Europe's currency exchange rate.

Related Article: All-Time Best Memory Cards For Nintendo Switch: How to Change Your SD Card and How to Transfer Downloaded Games to it

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Written by Sophie Webster

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The Sadness, from director Rob Jabbaz, is not for the faint of heart, but many have said its a must-see, and its screening at this weekends Telluride Horror Show. (Courtesy image)
Changes to The Messenger'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.
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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 week after six women filed a lawsuit accusing LSU of failing to properly investigate complaints of sexual misconduct against a former graduate student from France, LSU has removed the chair of the Department of French Studies, who is named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

Adelaide Russo, the department chair, has been removed "effective immediately," according to an email that LSU College of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean Troy Blanchard sent to colleagues, obtained by The Advocate | The Times-Picayune. Russo remains a professor at LSU but is on sabbatical.

Russo repeatedly defended former graduate student Edouard d'Espalungue d'Arros and allowed him to work directly with undergraduate students despite d'Espalungue being arrested in 2018 and later charged with third-degree rape, according to the lawsuit.

+6 An LSU French grad student was charged with rape, suspended for assault. Here's how he got away. She spent two and a half years wondering if she made the right decision after the night that had come to eclipse the happier parts of her life.

Blanchard wrote that leadership from the Office of Academic Affairs, LSU Human Resources and the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX recommended Russo's removal. LSU confirmed the authenticity of his email.

"I share the leadership's concerns and the position of department chair is an at-will administrative appointment," Blanchard wrote. "Her term as department chair will conclude effective immediately. Please move forward with the department's governance procedures for selecting a department chair."

The removal is the first major move that LSU has taken in response to reports that officials both at LSU and in the criminal justice system failed to prevent d'Espalungue from sexually assaulting and harassing several women, despite repeated complaints about him. At least seven women  six connected to LSU  have reported that d'Espalungue raped, groped or sexually harassed them.

D'Espalungue was arrested in 2018 after a UL Lafayette student reported that he raped her on a religious retreat near Alexandria. But after he bonded out of jail, he returned to LSU, and the criminal case in Rapides Parish stalled. Grand jury proceedings were rescheduled three times.

+4 LSU president responds to reports alleging former French grad student was sexual predator LSU President William Tate IV responded Friday to reports that the university  among several other institutions  failed to protect students 

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Within weeks of his arrest, women in the LSU French department also started complaining about him, according to the lawsuit. One graduate student reported that she told Russo she was uncomfortable about the way that d'Espalungue spoke about her body and her marital status, but Russo told her she should accept the comments as compliments, the lawsuit says.

A professor also told Blanchard within a month of d'Espalungue's arrest that four students had complained he had sexually harassed them, and that the students described dEspalungue as very aggressive. She said Russo was dismissive.

In November 2018, dEspalungue and Russo met with an associate dean who told them that d'Espalungue should not be in the classroom, the lawsuit says. They both said he was "not leading anything on campus," but he emailed undergraduates about a film screening the same day.

On Dec. 15, 2018, the professor emailed LSU's Title IX office to complain that Russo had told staffers that dEspalungue "is innocent before asking if we have concerns or issues feeling comfortable.

+4 Despite new law requiring it, LSU and police have not signed agreement over sexual assault Six months ago, as lawmakers pushed for answers from LSU officials amid a sexual assault scandal roiling the flagship campus, several vented f

Complaints about Russo and d'Espalungue continued at LSU through 2019 and 2020, while he launched an LSU-backed American Journal of French Studies. In April 2019, he presided over an awards ceremony for high school essay contestants for the journal immediately after a Department of French Studies awards ceremony that Russo presided over, the lawsuit says.

On Sept. 8, 2020, a student reported to LSU that d'Espalungue raped her after they went on a picnic together. She received a rape kit and LSU ultimately suspended dEspalungue for a year over her case, but did not mete out any additional punishments based on several other complaints filed against him.

His late 2020 suspension from LSU was never communicated to the UL Lafayette student whose criminal rape case against him in Rapides Parish was still pending at the time. Shortly after, dEspalanuge petitioned a Rapides Parish judge to visit his home in France over the 2020 holidays. The Rapides Parish District Attorney's Office did not object to the request, and the judge agreed to it.

DEspalungue has never returned to the U.S., despite being indicted earlier this year and charged with third-degree rape.
Police arrested Baton Rouge rapper Boosie Badazz, also known as Lil Boosie, in Atlanta on accusations of property damage at a concert, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The rapper, whose real name is Torrence Hatch, is accused of inciting violence and destroying property at the "Legendz of the Streetz" show on Oct. 1. It featured 2Chainz, Rick Ross, Jeezy and Gucci Mane.

Officers were called to the State Farm Arena around 12:40 a.m. after receiving a report of vandalism, Altlanta police spokesperson Officer Anthony Grant told the AJC. After damaging the set, Hatch left the stage and continued to destroy more property belonging to the arena.

+7 Fraternities, rapper Boosie boost COVID vaccine efforts on Baton Rouge college campuses Vaccines may be optional at LSU, but theyre the price of admission for students who want to party on campus for rush week.

According to TMZ, the rapper performed on stage for two minutes before a fight broke out on stage. A man from the DJ booth came down and started swinging at another man on stage for an unknown reason.

Chaos ensued and event managers called off the show.

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Police said no injuries were reported, but several pieces of property, ranging from production equipment to tables and tents were destroyed.

The rapper was booked into the Fulton County Jail Monday around 9:45 p.m. He was released less than 24 hours later on bond.

Hatch was charged with 2nd degree criminal damage to property, inciting a riot and disorderly conduct property and criminal trespass.

Hatch's next court date has not been set, Fulton County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Tracy Flanagan told the AJC.
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Shell plans to begin layoffs for nearly 700 workers in March at its Convent oil refinery, which it expects to fully shut down in August.

The Louisiana subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell, Equilon Enterprises LLC, previously had announced layoffs but has now filed an official notice with the Louisiana Workforce Commission outlining its plans.

Shell looks to lay off all 698 workers at the refinery, 340 of whom are represented by a union, according to the letter.

The company is still offering a voluntary severance program for some workers at its Norco refinery near New Orleans, opening the possibility of placing some workers there and at a chemical plant in Geismar that it operates. The Norco plant is unionized; the Geismar plant is not. To make room for some of the laid-off workers, early retirement and buyouts would be key.

The United Steelworkers union negotiated with the company about severance packages for laid-off union members in early November. The union contract won't expire until 2022.

"Negotiations went well," said Marty Poche, the USW representative for Local Union 13-750. "We have been working together to try and provide placement for as many of those affected employees. Hopefully we will be able to do so."

It was not immediately clear how many jobs might be available. That process is expected to begin during first-quarter 2021.

"Most of those folks will be working through most of next year to safely shut down, decommission and preserve the facility," Poche said.

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The company began the shutdown process in mid-November, when some of the 400 contractors who worked on the site left.

Shell sought to sell the refinery, which processes more than 211,100 barrels of crude oil each day, but has not found a buyer. The Shell Convent refinery has not been profitable for several years, even before the decline in demand for gasoline prompted by travel restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic.

The company is in the process of consolidating its refinery portfolio and investing in a more integrated petrochemical complex instead. It looks to produce more biofuels, hydrogen and synthetic fuels as Shell positions itself for a transition to a low-carbon future because customers are asking for lower carbon products.

Two other oil refineries in Louisiana are laying off workers as the profit margin for producing gasoline and jet fuel has tanked in recent months: Krotz Springs and Calcasieu Refining Co.

+4 Shell decides to shutter the Convent oil refinery; hundreds of jobs lost After failing to find a buyer for its refinery in Convent, Shell is shutting down the plant, which employs 700 company workers and 400 contrac

+7 Shell Convent refinery shutdown: 5 things you should know about what happened, lost jobs, more WHAT HAPPENED?: After failing to find a buyer for its refinery in Convent, Shell is shutting down the plant. The shutdown process is expected 

A staggering 'uppercut': Shell refinery closure to cost St. James $24M in taxes per year Jim Mitchell, a top St. James Parish public school official, says Shell Oil Co.'s decision this week to close its Convent refinery is akin to 
WHAT HAPPENED?: After failing to find a buyer for its refinery in Convent, Shell is shutting down the plant. The shutdown process is expected to begin in mid-November. The company will still try to sell the idled refinery.

JOBS AFFECTED: The refinery employs 700 Shell workers and 400 contract workers.

THEIR FATE: Workers are being offered alternative opportunities within the company or help to find new jobs outside the company. To free up some jobs for those displaced by the shutdown in Convent, Shell is offering a "selective voluntary severance program" to workers at Shell's Norco refinery near New Orleans.

+4 Shell decides to shutter the Convent oil refinery; hundreds of jobs lost After failing to find a buyer for its refinery in Convent, Shell is shutting down the plant, which employs 700 company workers and 400 contrac

PROXIMITY: Shell's Convent refinery sits midway between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, straddling Ascension and St. James parishes.

OVERALL STRATEGY: Shell is consolidating its assets from 14 sites into six energy and chemical parks. The survivors include the Norco refinery near New Orleans, in conjunction with Shell's chemical complex in Geismar. The goal is for the refineries to be more integrated with the chemical complexes and produce more biofuels, hydrogen and synthetic fuels as Shell positions itself for a transition to a low-carbon future because customers are asking for lower carbon products.
A young man and a teenager were indicted Thursday in the Memorial Day slaying of a toddler, a teen and another young man at a Baton Rouge apartment pool.

David Williams, 19, and Ledarrius Coleman, 16, both of the 6900 block of Ernest Morgan Road in St. Francisville, were charged with second-degree murder in the shooting deaths of Reginald Thomas, 20, Dewayne Dunn Jr., 16, and JaTyri Brown, 1.

Williams and Coleman, who was 15 at the time of the killings, are the alleged gunmen. Police said they are brothers.

Two gunmen arrested in Memorial Day shooting that killed three, including infant girl, BRPD says The two alleged gunmen in a Memorial Day shooting that killed three people  including a toddler  were arrested Thursday morning in the Baton

An East Baton Rouge Parish grand jury also considered second-degree murder charges against Christopher A. Stovall, 23, of Baton Rouge, and a 15-year-old from Baker, but the panel pretermitted the charges  meaning it neither indicted nor cleared them.

The grand jury could reconsider those or other charges if additional evidence is brought before the panel in the future.

"We look forward to receiving more information and developing additional evidence as this matter proceeds through the system," East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore III said.

Another man, Kaleb Trejohn Turner, 20, was recently booked on second-degree murder charges in the case. His charges were not brought before the grand jury Thursday but will "in the near future," Moore said.

Latoya Coleman, the mother of Williams and Coleman, was booked previously as an accessory after the fact to murder. Arrest documents say she helped her sons escape to Texas after the killings by booking them a hotel room.

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In triple homicide that killed toddler, shooters' mother helped them escape to Texas, BRPD says The mother of two suspects sought in a Memorial Day triple homicide that left a toddler dead helped her sons flee by booking them a hotel room

The shooting took place on May 31 at the Fairway View Apartments on College Drive. Residents were hanging out by the swimming pool at the complex when shots rang out.

When officers arrived minutes later, just before 8 p.m., they found Thomas, Dunn and Brown suffering from several gunshot wounds.

Detectives later learned that a handful of gunmen crashed the poolside gathering and approached the two male victims. A brief struggle ensued, and the suspects began shooting Dunn and Thomas, who both died then and there.

JaTyri, who was playing nearby, was struck by a stray bullet. She died a short time later in a nearby hospital just a few months shy of her second birthday.

New details emerge on shooting at College Drive apartment that killed three, including toddler Residents of the Fairway View Apartments on College Drive were having a relaxing Memorial Day evening, swimming and barbecuing with some guest

Moore said he respects the grand jury's diligence in a "very complicated and emotional case."

A group that included Williams and Ledarrius Coleman allegedly stole assault-style rifles from Dunn and Thomas after they were gunned down, according to police reports. Video surveillance shows the suspects leaving the scene in a car belonging to a woman living at the complex who has cooperated with investigators.

Williams and Coleman's case has been assigned to state District Judge Fred Crifasi.
From rural Louisiana towns to the State Capitol, officials and residents have often met a budding solar energy boom with concern or outrage.

But St. Helena Parish seems ready to embrace it.

San Francisco-based company Ecoplexus on Tuesday pitched parish leaders on plans to build a utility-scale solar plant on a stretch of open land near Pine Grove, some 40 miles north of Baton Rouge. Utility-scale means solar panel farms big enough to contribute to the commercial power grid.

A reeling Louisiana oil and gas industry anticipates another setback: Loss of federal subsidies Federal subsidies for fossil fuels are expected to be pulled back while more investment goes toward clean energy and water, with a hefty porti

Similar plans in nearby parishes stirred varying amounts of controversy this year, fueled by residents worries about solar panels' size, visual aesthetics and potential impacts on agriculture. But St. Helena Parish officials see solar plants as a chance to add tax revenue without the pitfalls of other, sometimes-messier development.

Im impressed. I would like to see them bring that here, said Frank E. Johnson, president of St. Helenas police jury, after Tuesdays presentation. They said this wont create many permanent jobs, and thats a factor. But Id rather have the revenue for the parish. We need that.

'I thought we were an oil and gas state': Solar developments in Louisiana draw increased scrutiny Two years ago, when regulators gave Entergy Louisiana the green light to buy power from a new utility-scale solar plant in West Baton Rouge Pa

Just how much energy the plant would add to the grid, and how much revenue it could generate for St. Helena, aren't clear; the project is well in the future, said Scott Yarbrough, an Ecoplexus consultant who made Tuesdays presentation to the police jury.

Any new industry could be a boon to job-strapped St. Helena, the least-populated parish in the Baton Rouge region, with just over 10,000 residents.

Local leaders regularly bemoan young workers departing the pine-forested rural parish for more bustling areas. A solar plant could help build the parish's tax base and add some short-term jobs on top, they say.

Massive, controversial solar project near Lake Charles offers peek into Louisiana's energy future Next to a vast expanse of pasture where cows graze outside Lake Charles, John Denison talks about a project sparking a collision of past, pres

Its likely to be a win-win for the parish, said Willie Morgan, a police juryman from the parishs third ward.

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The Pine Grove plant would have a life of 30 to 35 years. But it wouldnt create many jobs over the long term.

Building the plant, though, will require around 300 part-time workers. Ecoplexus will hold local job fairs for those positions and for a few long-term maintenance jobs the plant will need once its up and running, Yarbrough promised the police jury.

Solar projects discussed elsewhere in the Baton Rouge area, some of them just miles from the proposed Pine Grove location, raised questions and concerns among residents.

+5 Letting the sun shine in: How state's solar power prospects shifting to business, other projects As the Mall of Louisianas thousands of customers traverse its 1.5 million square feet of retail space on any given weekend, something is quie

A pair of projects proposed in Tangipahoa Parish led farmers to worry the projects would harm the cultivability of rural land and leak chemicals into the soil  things renewable energy experts assured them wont happen.

Officials there debated how to regulate the plants, which local ordinances didn't cover.

While state legislators clashed over state-level solar farm rules, the Tangipahoa Parish Council ordered a moratorium on new development and spent weeks building its own ordinance.

In St. Helena, local leaders' support for the Ecoplexus plant could portend an easier path for that project  and for future solar developments, which are well-suited to the parish's rolling hills and open fields.

Solar makes sense for an area trying to usher in development while avoiding the pitfalls of big commercial and residential projects, said Morgan. Those can heighten traffic and exacerbate flooding risk.

Its not a landfill, or a garbage dump, or a truck stop, or a subdivision, Morgan said. "Its neat and clean, and theres no heavy truck traffic in and out.
My Friend Fox begins in a residential mental health facility. Anyone who has visited such a place, or been admitted to one, must wonder why their physical environment needs to be quite so bleak. I have one white sheet covering a blue plastic mattress that farts if you sit down too quickly. Everett daubs her canvas with these bright blotches of misery: even her mattress is a form of discomfort. She is enclosed rather than held: within this chemical straitjacket I am the final tiny babushka.

You get the impression that here is a writer accustomed to observing the world while herself being largely overlooked. The result is more profound than many accounts of debilitating mental illness. Even in its darkest moments, of which there are many, My Friend Fox is somehow uplifting. The book holds the reader tenderly by the hand whilst at the same time looking you dead in the eye.

Heidi Everett has an exquisite turn of phrase. Reading this book for a second time, I was often caught short by the sheer poise of her sentences and paragraphs. She drops a disconcerting word at the perfect moment but never expects it to do more than its job. She probes raw emotion without ever needing to be shrill or histrionic.

The description of mealtime in a psych ward is scarcely human. Is the cuisine, if you can call it that, in such places made deliberately worse than other hospitals as a kind of incentive for people to get well? I have no idea. Surely if you want people to be comfortable within the human community, the place to start is treating them as humans. Everett does not find healing so much as she learns to play the system well enough to get released. Mental illness, lets not forget, is seldom evidence of a lack of either intelligence or self-awareness.

Credit:

Everett shares the personal story (quite a few circles round the sun) that brought her to the brink. It is not a diagnosis. Part of the power of this book is that it doesnt settle for explanations and spends precious little time on the technical terms that have blanketed the author. Her story is a series of confusions, a list of places where Everett does not so much live as where she does not quite fit in. There is a deep emotional homelessness in this book.

Her family came from a small rural community in south Wales and emigrated to Australia, eventually landing in the struggling Melbourne suburb of Doveton. Everett observes wryly that there wasnt a dove in sight. She was bullied at school. Then a rare turn of financial luck enabled her to have a small horse, Bobbi. Later there will be a dog, Tigger. On many occasions, a bond with nature is the most significant and life-giving connection in Everetts life.

This is where the fox comes in. Some of Everetts writing sent me back to the American poet Mary Oliver (1935-2018) who chose a solitary life in which nature became a kind of primary community. She wrote a number of poems about foxes, creatures that are surely real and, at the same time, point her imagination beyond the real.
A tornado has torn roofs off homes and damaged properties across Armidale in northern NSW, and has become the second tornado to hit the state in two weeks.

The unprecedented weather event hit the regional city at about 10pm on Thursday, State Emergency Services spokesman David Rankin said.

A powerful storm cell hit NSW on Thursday. Credit:Nick Moir

The service received about 130 calls for assistance and Mr Rankin said it was lucky no one was seriously injured.

There was significant damage to properties right across the city of Armidale, it was extremely fortunate that there were no serious injuries, he said.
The identities of three people remain undisclosed after they died when the sedan they were in veered onto the wrong side of a Gold Coast road, hit a street light and rebounded into the path of a truck.

Emergency services were called to Brisbane Road in Arundel just after noon on Thursday in response to reports of a collision involving a black sedan and a semi-trailer towing a boat.

Police investigations suggested the black sedan was heading east when it crossed the median strip onto the opposite side of the road and hit a street light.

The sedan rebounded back onto the road and crashed head-on into the westbound semi-trailer.
Residents of south-east Queensland woke to relentless rain on Thursday but supercell storms carrying giant hail and tornadoes have been forecast to come.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the heaviest overnight falls were recorded in Brisbane and the Scenic Rim near the NSW border, with almost 100 millimetres in 24 hours.

From 9am Wednesday to 9am Thursday, Brisbane recorded 51 millimetres, the Gold Coast Seaway had 37mm, Alexandra Hills in Redland City got 49mm, but Nambour on the Sunshine Coast had five millimetres.

In the same period, Lytton received 85mm, Wynnum saw 93mm, Leslie Harrison Dam in Tingalpa recorded 84mm, Rochedale South had 87mm and Spring Mountain in Ipswich got 69mm.
An anti-lockdown protester accused of lighting a phone tower on fire because it carried 5G allegedly told police he dug a large hole in his backyard to imprison Premier Daniel Andrews.

Police accuse carpenter Nathan Glover, 44, of deliberately setting a Mount Eliza Telstra phone tower on fire that was about 1.5 kilometres from his home, about 2.20am last Thursday.

Nathan Glover has been charged after setting fire to a 5G phone tower. Credit:A Current Affair

The fire destroyed the tower and the damage is estimated to have cost more than $1 million.

A police prosecutor told the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday evening that Mr Glover answered a September call-out in a chat group on encrypted messaging app Telegram called Hoodlums of Melbourne Special Ops.
A serial fraudster who fleeced family and friends by lying that she had cancer has had her prison time extended for submitting a phony reference to a magistrate.

Hanna Dickinson swindled $41,770 from family and friends in 2013-14 by claiming she was gravely ill with leiomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer, and then maintained that lie in false documents she used to defraud the federal government of $100,230 in disability support payments between 2014 and 2018.

Hanna Dickinson is in prison for fraud offences.

Dickinson claimed she needed the money to travel overseas for life-saving treatment, but splurged it on holidays to south-east Asia and pursued a party lifestyle of alcohol and drugs.

She was jailed for one year in November last year for defrauding the government and was due for release next month, but her past caught up with her again on Thursday, when she was sentenced to another four months in prison, which means the 28-year-old will stay locked up into next year.
However, he said he understood the international travellers would have to test negative for COVID-19 before they came to Australia, as well as be fully vaccinated. Theyll have to comply with the permit systems that apply in the Victorian circumstance. The NSW government have just announced this as I understand it. Were yet to see the details; we dont know beyond the media release what the particular circumstances are. Well have a good look at it. Im sure other states will be facing exactly the same issue. But what NSW do is a matter for NSW.

Victorias 2179 new coronavirus cases reported on Friday came from 73,942 COVID-19 tests. The number of new cases was 118 fewer than the national daily case record of 2297 Victoria set on Thursday. At Fridays COVID-19 update it was revealed the latest people to die with the virus were three men aged in their 80s  from Brimbank, Darebin and Boroondara  two women in their 80s  from Hume and Moreland  and a woman in her 50s from Moonee Valley. Construction on the Mickleham quarantine facility on Thursday. Credit:Joe Armao More than 38,752 Victorians received a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at a state-run clinic on Thursday. Victoria now has 21,324 active coronavirus cases. Mr Foley said there were 695 people in the states hospitals with COVID-19. Of those, 157 were in intensive care, and 101 were on a ventilator.

With a further 34 cases recorded in the region, Milduras week-long lockdown  which started at midnight last Friday  was extended by an additional seven days. Indeed, given the complexities of that outbreak across cross-border communities ... [the] local public health unit, the local health services [need time to] bring this into a more manageable situation, Mr Foley said. The breakdown on Fridays COVID case numbers Victoria recorded 2179 new COVID-19 cases on Friday. Heres the breakdown of where they were recorded: In Melbournes northern suburbs, 585 cases;

In the western suburbs, 669 cases;

In the south-eastern suburbs, 616 cases;

In the eastern suburbs, 100 cases;

In regional Victoria 193 cases, including: 26 in Shepparton; 28 in Greater Geelong; 21 in Latrobe; 20 in Baw Baw; and, 34 in Mildura;

An additional 16 cases. Under the new border arrangements announced on Friday, travellers entering Victoria from red zones who arent fully vaccinated will still be required to quarantine for 14 days.

Children under the age of 12 who are not eligible to get vaccinated will travel under a parents permit and the requirements will be determined by that adults vaccination status. People coming from orange zones will no longer be required to get tested for COVID-19 and isolate until they receive a negative result. Victorian COVID-19 response commander Jeroen Weimar said 88 per cent of Victorian residents aged 16 and over had received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 63 per cent were fully vaccinated. Seventy per cent of those aged 12 to 15 have had their first dose. A COVID-19 vaccine mandate came into effect for all authorised Victorian workers on Friday, with about 1.25 million people now required to be vaccinated with a first dose to keep attending their workplaces.

Those who are yet to have their first jab can continue working if they prove they have a booking to receive their first dose by October 22, which is next Friday. The deadline for a first dose does not apply to workers who were already subject to a vaccine mandate in place under the Chief Health Officers directions before October 1. This group includes construction, health and aged care workers, and teachers. All authorised workers must have their second jab by November 26 to keep attending their workplaces. No dodging vaccine mandate: Foley Mr Foley said public health orders mandating vaccinations for the states authorised workers would be in place for a substantial period of time, well into 2022.

He said those who refused to get vaccinated because they expected the mandate would soon ease were taking a huge and foolish risk if they thought the expiration of these current orders will see that obligation mysteriously vanish. Loading We have to deliver those booster shots. We have to continue to make sure that as we open up internationally, we have in place restrictions and safeguards ... that return us to the kind of lifestyle that we had, as close as possible [to] pre-pandemic, but it has to be done safely, Mr Foley said. The key to that safety is being double-dose vaccinated. If you choose to place yourself outside of that system, then you have to be prepared to wear the consequences of your actions. Mr Foley explained businesses that failed to comply with the vaccination mandate for authorised workers faced fines, saying it was largely up to employers to sight and manage their staff members proof of vaccinations.

Etto Pasta Bar co-owner Dave Ansett said most of his 50-odd staff members  who are spread across several restaurants  were double-dosed as of Friday, with only a couple yet to get their second jab. He started having the conversation about mandatory vaccinations with his employees months ago, in anticipation of a government announcement. Etto Pasta Bar founders Stephane Meyer (left) and Dave Ansett. At that stage, out of the 50 staff, we probably had six staff who were somewhere between a little anxious and very anxious about it, Mr Ansett said. At the point where the government actually mandated it, all but two of those staff had already been and [received] their first vaccination.

Loading Mr Ansett said he and his business partner pushed the message that it was the responsibility of all staff members to keep their customers and each other safe, reasoning the government was likely to take the decision out of businesses hands, as eventuated. It was actually really valuable to have that in the toolkit because then its not just about us, its about if you want to work in hospitality, then this is the lie of the land, he said. Mr Ansett thought some business owners who did not like having tough conversations with their employees might struggle with the mandate. Looking ahead, he was concerned about how his employees would turn away unvaccinated and potentially abusive customers. We got supplied with posters to put up in our window saying all of our staff are vaccinated, and weve made a decision not to put them up because we think itll make our business a target, he said.

Authorities announced on Thursday that, from 11.59pm, the ACT would be downgraded from a red zone to an orange zone under Victorias traffic light travel permit system. The change is in line with lockdown lifting in the territory, and means people in the ACT who are not residents of Victoria are now allowed to come into the state. It also means Victorian residents returning from the territory no longer have to quarantine for 14 days. Residents and non-residents alike must isolate upon arriving in Victoria, get tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours of arriving, and stay isolated until they return a negative test result. Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed Victoria remained on track to follow its road map out of lockdown next week, despite the new national record for daily case numbers on Thursday.
Federal Labor MP Anthony Byrne has quit as deputy chair of Parliaments powerful intelligence and security committee amid scrutiny over his admission of branch stacking during an anti-corruption inquiry.

Mr Byrne, the member for Holt, told Victorias Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission earlier this week he had paid for other peoples party memberships as he turned whistleblower on what he described as a larger scheme of branch stacking led by former powerbroker Adem Somyurek.

Labor MP Anthony Byrne has quit the powerful federal intelligence and security committee. Credit:Alex Eddinghausen

He told the hearing the Labor Party was completely out of control and he had witnessed events he did not think he would ever see in the modern ALP.

On Tuesday, Commissioner Robert Redlich praised Mr Byrnes candour, especially when it was against his own interests.
The first COVID-19 self-testing kits have been approved for use in Australia by the medical regulator, adding another layer of public health protection as the country begins to open up.

Three rapid antigen test kits will be able to be supplied around the country from November 1 after they were approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration on Thursday.

People will be able to use the tests at home to see if they have COVID-19

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the approval would help support the national plan for reopening.

We expect that more rapid antigen tests for self-testing will be approved over the coming weeks, he said.
A parliamentary inquiry investigating the closure of a food company accused of infecting an elderly woman with listeria has found government officials didnt deliberately omit evidence.

The slug gate inquiry into Dandenong-based catering company I Cook Foods has returned five recommendations, including that body cameras are worn during food-safety inspections and that the department ensures food is always tested in listeria investigations.

The slug the caterer claims was planted in his kitchen as part of a targeted attack.

The inquiry was reopened in June following media reports that the Health Department was warned 86-year-old Jean Painter, who died while a patient at Knox Private Hospital, may not have eaten food from I Cook Foods just hours before it shut it down in February 2019.

Signing off on the shutdown, Brett Sutton, who at the time was acting chief health officer, said the infection was linked to sandwiches provided by I Cook Foods.
Texas A&M University became one of the recipients for the 2021 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award for the third year in a row.
The 2021 College Station City Council candidates forum was held on Wednesday, Oct. 13 and was hosted in conjunction with the Texas A&M SGA Student Senate.
A member of the Florida National Guard talks to a driver as he monitors vehicles entering a testing site for COVID-19 during the new coronavirus pandemic, Tuesday, June 30, 2020, in Miami Beach, Fla.
Purdue Pharma, which helped revolutionize the prescription painkiller business with its drug OxyContin, is proposing a path to emerge from bankruptcy that calls for it to be transformed into a public trust funneling profits into the fight against the nation's intractable opioid crisis.
Associate Editor

Brent Addleman is an Associate Editor and a veteran journalist with more than 25 years of experience. He has served as editor of newspapers in Pennsylvania and Texas, and has also worked at newspapers in Delaware, Maryland, New York, and Kentucky.
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Nyamekye Daniel has been a journalist for five years. She was the managing editor for the South Florida Media Network and a staff writer for The Miami Times. Daniel's work has also appeared in the Sun-Sentinel, Miami Herald and The New York Times.
People look over the current South Carolina Senate districts at a public meeting by a Senate subcommittee on redistricting Wednesday, July 28, 2021, in Sumter, S.C.
Marty Boyer checks underneath his sports utility vehicle in the parking lot where a catalytic converter was recently stolen off another SUV he owns.
Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon, right, with an unidentified bodyguard left, reads a prayer to protesters at the state Capitol in Cheyenne on Monday, April 20, 2020. The crowd of about 100 people were protesting school and business shutdowns to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
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A John Deere tractor is displayed at Belkorp Ag in Santa Rosa, California, on May 20, 2016. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

10,000 John Deere Workers Go On Strike After Rejecting Contract

About 10,000 unionized workers at the agriculture equipment maker Deere & Company went on strike in the early hours of Thursday morning, saying that the company failed to present a contract proposal that met the United Auto Workers (UAW) union members demands and needs.

Our members at John Deere strike for the ability to earn a decent living, retire with dignity, and establish fair work rules, Chuck Browning, vice president and director of the unions agricultural department, said in a statement. We stay committed to bargaining until our members goals are achieved.

The union had warned that its members would go on strike if a deal hadnt been reached by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday. The vast majority of the union rejected a contract offer earlier this week that would have delivered 5 percent raises to some workers and 6 percent raises to others.

Workers pushed back against the proposed deal, saying that it failed to sufficiently raise salaries, denied new employees a traditional pension, and failed to make sufficient improvements to the companys incentive program.

Thirty-five years have passed since the last major Deere strike, but workers were emboldened to demand more this year after working long hours throughout the pandemic and because companies are facing worker shortages.

Weve never had the deck stacked in our advantage the way it is now, Chris Laursen, a worker at a John Deere plant in Ottumwa, Iowa, told the The New York Times.

The company is reaping such rewards, but were fighting over crumbs here, he said, citing the companys profitability. According to The NY Times, the company, which makes the John Deere brand of tractors, is on track to set a record profit of nearly $6 billion this fiscal year.

Laursen separately told the Des Moines Register that he thought a strike was imminent and could make a significant difference.

The whole nations going to be watching us, Laursen said. If we take a stand here for ourselves, our families, for basic human prosperity, its going to make a difference for the whole manufacturing industry. Lets do it. Lets not be intimidated.

UAW President Ray Curry said in a statement that the almost 1 million UAW retirees and active members stand in solidarity with the striking UAW members at John Deere.

The contracts under negotiation covered 14 Deere plants across the United States, including seven in Iowa, four in Illinois, and one each in Kansas, Colorado, and Georgia.

The Epoch Times has contacted Deere & Company for comment.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
2 RV Encampment Fires Leave Venice Residents Concerned for Neighborhood Safety

LOS ANGELESResidents saw two recreational vehicle fires within the span of one week, leading to concerns about fire safety amid the homeless encampments and RVs permanently parked in their neighborhoods.

Twenty-five LA Fire Department (LAFD) personnel responded to a call about a structure fire on Lincoln Boulevard on the evening of Oct. 9.

The firefighters found a burning RV that had been parked on Lincoln Boulevard and Rose Avenue. They promptly put out the fire and ensured it didnt spread to the Whole Foods Market nearby.

LA Sanitation Department spokesperson Elena Stern told The Epoch Times that the department cleared the remaining burned debris from the fire and washed the street with a power washer on Oct. 13.

In the early morning hours of Oct. 12, eight LAFD members responded to another fire that broke out in an RV located at the 15800 block of the Pacific Coast Highway.

Streets along Venice Beach, particularly Lincoln Boulevard and Rose Avenue, have become populated in recent years by homeless encampments and people living in RVs, which are permanently parked along the streets.

Residents of Venice Beach expressed frustration with the homeless encampments and RVs lining the streets of their neighborhood, pointing to the incident as evidence that RVs and encampments pose fire and safety hazards to the neighborhood.

Soledad Ursua, a member of the Venice Neighborhood Council, told podcast host John Phillips on Oct. 12 that homeless RVs have lined nearly every street in the 3 1/2-mile wide Venice area for 18 months.

Ursua said on her street, there are about 20 RVs parked on either side who have been there since February 2020.

We used to have [the RVs] moved every Monday with street sweeping, so they had to move for a little while, but what happened was, with COVID, the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] guidance has been completely misused, Ursua said, referring to the citys pause of homeless cleanups due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Ursua, many of these encampments and RVs are only dozens of feet away from Venices Bridge Home shelter, which was built by Councilman Mike Bonin, whose District 11 includes Venice Beach. Ursua is a proponent of the campaign to recall Bonin.

When the city began developing a bridge housing shelter, which helps the homeless transition to permanent housing, in 2018, Bonins website promised that The Bridge Home initiative dedicates money in the city budget to pay for additional sanitation resources to clean up the sites of former encampments.

Im confused why would there would be so many [RVs] near the Bridge housing. I thought the deal was, if you let Mike Bonin build this Bridge housing, theyre going to clear out any encampments around the Bridge housing, Ursua said.

Other residents, such as Peggy Lee Kennedy, an activist with the Venice Justice Committee, argue that the Bridge Home shelter doesnt suit every homeless persons needs, as many prefer to live in tents, RVs, and structures that provide more privacy and autonomy.

Shelters are not great for everybody; it could be a really traumatizing experience. We need permanent solutions  you cant just throw shelter at people, expect it to workits not working.  Instead, the city is warehousing mentally ill people in jail, and the ones on the street, were criminalizing. Its a thing you have to address. Its a major thing we have to address to do the right thing for people who have major mental health issues and are homeless, Kennedy told The Epoch Times in a previous interview.

Venice Beach Whole Foods didnt respond to a request for comment by press time.
Arkansas Governor Allows Bill Requiring Vaccine Opt-Outs to Become Law

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Oct. 13 allowed a new law to go into effect that will allow employees to opt-out of vaccine mandates by proving they have acquired immunity to the CCP virus or by submitting a negative COVID-19 test.

The bill became law without Hutchinsons signature under a provision in Arkansas law which makes bills awaiting a governors signature to become law after five days. Governors have previously used this legal mechanism to express their disapproval of certain legislation, according to The Associated Press.

I am opposed to the current mandate by the Biden administration, but the solution is not to place additional mandates on employers at the state government level, Hutchinson said on Wednesday, according to The Associated Press.

The solution is not to put employers in a squeeze play between state and federal law, the Arkansas governor said, according to The Hill. Employers need the freedom to protect their employees and their customers, and government should not interfere with that freedom through mandates.

President Joe Biden directed the federal government to adopt a rule requiring private companies with more than 100 employees to vaccinate their workforce.

The language of the Arkansas bill (pdf) says that it was created to address the federal vaccine mandate. The law requires employers who impose vaccine mandates to create a process for exemption requests.

Hutchinson said the amount of time before the opt-out law takes effect gives the state more time to weigh its impact on businesses and for any court challenges to be filed.

But he also called the proposal unnecessary and counterproductive.

The debate on these bills has been harmful to our goal of increasing vaccination rates in Arkansas, he told reporters.

All but a few private and government vaccine mandates in the United States allow exemptions for people who have natural immunity to the virus, even though studies show that such immunity is both durable and robust.

Republicans in other states have also taken steps to block or undercut Bidens mandate. In neighboring Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order barring private companies or other entities from requiring vaccines. Calls for special legislative sessions to counter vaccine requirements have also been heard in Wyoming, Kansas, and South Dakota.

The new state law doesnt include any penalties or fines for businesses that dont comply. Companies that dont comply with the federal order could face fines of up to $13,600 per violation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A traffic light is seen near the headquarters of China Evergrande Group in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China on Sept. 26, 2021. (Aly Song/Reuters File Photo)

As Evergrande Default Looms, What Legal Options Do Offshore Creditors Have?

LONDON/HONG KONGWith China Evergrande Groups default deadline drawing closer, offshore bond investors in the property developer are pondering their legal options to safeguard their investments.

Below are some factors at play as offshore investors, with some $20 billion of Evergrande debt outstanding, gear up to deal with the potential fallout from what could become Chinas biggest ever corporate default:

Do Evergrandes Offshore Bonds Carry Any Guarantee From Issuer?

Chinese legal rules prevent mainland-incorporated parent companies from guaranteeing their subsidiaries offshore debt without going through a registration and approval process.

To work around this, offshore corporate bonds, in many cases, are issued by Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and feature a so-called keepwell structure.

The way many market participants worked around the lack of a guarantee was by using keepwell deeds  an undertaking to bondholders, and the offshore SPV which issues the debt, that the parent will make sure the SPV maintains a positive net worth and remains solvent.

The keepwell structure emerged in 2012-2013, according to Fitch, which cited data estimating that in 2020 more than 16%, or nearly $100 billion, of outstanding offshore bonds issued by Chinese corporates contained keepwell structures.

Is the Keepwell Structure Legally Enforceable?

Chinese courts are widely seen to have broad discretion to refuse to enforce a keepwell, based on public interest.

The fundamental question in front of investors is whether the keepwell agreement is enforceable and what difference that may make in the recovery process should the group default, said Matthew Chow at S&P Global Ratings.

Test cases for this structure have been few and far between.

Chow points to the case of Peking University Founder Group Co Ltd, where court-appointed administrators ruled last year that they would not recognise the keepwell deeds of the groups defaulted offshore bonds.

But in a separate case, an offshore bondholder in CEFC Shanghai International Group Limited (CEFC), who filed a claim in Hong Kong against the company for breach of the keepwell deed, secured a default judgment in its favour.

This decision was upheld last November on the grounds that enforcement would not be contrary to public interest, law firm Ashurst says. But it notes that a decision could have been different if proceedings had been contested.

A police officer is seen at the lobby of the Evergrande Center building in Shanghai on September 24, 2021. (HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images)

What are the Other Options?

Given how entrenched Evergrande is in Chinas economy, some analysts voiced doubts over how enthusiastic Chinese courts would be to facilitate a payout to foreign creditors, potentially to the detriment of domestic ones.

David Billington, a restructuring partner at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, said creditors might have some other options.

Instead of enforcing the keepwell itself, the bondholders could put the offshore issuer company into liquidation or other insolvency process, Billington said.

This would essentially mean the creditors take over the SPV that issued the bonds through a liquidator, who then would pursue the vehicles claims against the Chinese parent company.

Such a move could improve the optics for the Chinese court, Billington said.

Instead of giving a judgment requiring a payment directly to a bunch of foreign creditors, the Chinese court would just be upholding a promise that a mainland parent gave to its subsidiary, which it failed to perform on.

However, the nature of the issuers and the invisible hand of authorities can prove a stumbling block, said Karl Clowry, restructuring partner at Addleshaw Goddard in London.

Evergrande is almost like a quasi-sovereign debt restructuring in that the significant stakeholders and the authorities are no doubt dictating what should be done, although with the sponsor still in place, he said.

The hand of the government and authorities is never far away.

What are the Chances Of Offshore Bondholders Making Cash Recovery?

Chinese restructurings are often complicated and not easily standardised, according to S&P. However, when it comes to dollar-bond defaults, out-of-court restructurings are common and allow creditors some leeway to strike a deal different to the one agreed with domestic creditors and on different timelines.

Tewoo Group completed an exchange and tender offer for its four U.S.-dollar bonds in December 2019 while the firms onshore in-court debt restructuring was approved around a year later.

Even going through an in-court restructuring doesnt make always for comfortable reading when it comes to cash recovery rates  which depend on a multitude of factors from asset quality to equity ownership and complexity of the group structure.

Based on a review of nearly 50 defaulters going through in-court restructurings, S&P found investors saw an average recovery of 23.7%.

Everyone is watching to see how this plays out, said a Hong Kong-based lawyer at a major western law firm. The result of this could impact the way restructurings are done here in the future.

By Karin Strohecker and Scott Murdoch
Australian Health Minister Confident Pfizer Will Be Approved for Children Aged 5 to 12

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine could soon be given double green light approval for use in Australian children aged 5 to 12.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said the drug regulatory body, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) had given Pfizer provisional determination, allowing the company to speed up their application.

I think their application is likely to come in the coming weeks, Hunt said on Oct 13. So then it has to, because were dealing with safety and effectiveness for children, make sure that its a thorough assessment.

Hunt spoke to the head of Pfizer Australia, who indicated that they would be making an application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first, a path companies often take.

For the vaccine to be approved for children, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) also needs to give a green light in their health advice.

Syringes of the Pfizer-BioNTech at a Covid-19 vaccination centre in the city of Sale, on October 5, 2021. (Fadel Senna/AFP/Getty Images)

When asked if the government would override ATAGI advice if it deemed it unnecessary for childrena decision similar to that of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) who overrode its vaccine advisory panel on booster shotsHunt said he was confident the medical advice would align.

I respectfully wont countenance a hypothetical, Ill set out the process, Hunt said. From our perspective, that we have, in my view, the best medical regulator and the best advisory group in the world.

Other countries may understandably choose to debate that. But theyve aligned their advice, theyve worked successfully together, and I would expect that to be the case.

But Hunt was very confident that the vaccine will be given the double green light by both the TGA and ATAGI, and that the the government would follow through.

If they provide a green light, then we provide the vaccine, he said.

ATAGI Co-Chair Allen Cheng said approval for the vaccine was not guaranteed as COVID-19 posed little danger to this age group, meaning vaccines would need to meet a higher standard regarding its potential side effects.

When we are thinking about 80-year-olds, where the danger of COVID-19 is really obvious, [about] a third of people die, Cheng told The Sun-Herald. When we are looking at kids, who rarely go to hospital and as a rule dont die from COVID, then thats sort of a different equation.

Pfizer submitted data for its vaccine trial in children aged 5 and over to the U.S. FDA in late September. The company said the results showed a favourable safety profile and showed robust neutralising antibody responses in children.
Members of Taliban political office Abdul Latif Mansoor (L), Shahabuddin Delawar (C) and Suhail Shaheen attend a news conference in Moscow, Russia, on July 9, 2021. (Tatyana Makeyeva/Reuters)

Australian Islamic Council Cancels Online Event Featuring Taliban Representatives

The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) has cancelled a planned event after it attracted criticism for providing a platform for senior Taliban representatives to speak in Australia to Muslim youth.

The online forum was titled The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and Diaspora Muslims, and was billed as a stellar panel of speakers discussing the future of Afghanistan and our role, regardless of whether we are in favour or against recent developments.

Suhail Shaheen who has been the Talibans spokesperson since U.S. troops withdrew from Afghanistan in August, was advertised as being on the panel. Another Taliban representative, Sayed Abdul Basir Sabiri, was also listed.

Federal Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews, in a statement, encouraged the AFIC event organisers to reconsider the planned event.

I encourage the organisers to think deeply about their event, and reflect on how much hurt it would cause veterans, Australian Afghans, ethnic Hazaras, and the women of Afghanistanall of whom have suffered under the Talibanfor it to go ahead as reported this morning, she said in a statement.

After the Daily Telegraph reported on the event, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet also said he was deeply concerned about it.

There will be a lot of people today who have served in Afghanistan, who have had loved ones lost fighting in Afghanistan, who will be deeply shocked and sad to see that report today, he said.

Following the criticism and concerns expressed in the community, the AFIC cancelled the event on Thursday.

AFIC said in a statement that the event had sought to interview representatives of the Taliban in the hope of obtaining assurances for the human rights of minorities, the rights of women to employment and education and to dissuade Australians from travelling to the region with any wrongful intent.

AFIC President Dr. Rateb Jneid said, This event was not convened to legitimise any group or to offend any group, it was purely to obtain the afore stated assurances.

In view of the developments, I have taken the executive decision to cancel the event.
Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne speaks at a news conference with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China Nov. 8, 2018. (Reuters/Thomas Peter/Pool)

Australias China Policy Has Become Increasingly Partisan

Analysis

The bipartisan consensus around fostering a strong trade partnership with China while maintaining a robust military alliance with the United States has broken down as Washington moves to challenge an increasingly aggressive China.

Labor leaders believe Australia is too quick to line up against its primary trade partner with Shadow Foreign Minister Penny Wong, saying in Perth that she believed the government had mishandled Australias China relationship.

I dont think Mr Morrison appears to understand how much of WAs prosperity and contribution to the national economy has been as a consequence of our exports to the region, including China, Wong told the Western Australian. I fear sometimes what happens with Mr Morrison and some of his ministers is that they want to amp up domestic politics, which makes a challenging relationship even more difficult.

Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong speaking at the Australian Labor Party (ALP) National Conference at the Revesby Workers Club in Sydney on March 30, 2021. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)

Older Labor party statesmen such as former Prime Minister Paul Keating and former Foreign Minister Bob Carr have also been scathing on Australia supporting the United States in the Indo-Pacific.

Meanwhile, WA Premier Mark McGowan recently attended an event with the Chinese Consul where he suggested that the federal government did not fully appreciate the benefit of Australias China relationship.

It has been a large part of the economic success and the cultural success of our state and our country for 50 years, and in particular over the last two years, McGowan said.

The breakdown in the consensus on China follows perceived changes in CCP aggression and behaviour, with many within the Coalition no longer considering the former relationship with Beijing tenable.

We will never trade away our sovereignty or our values, Assistant Minister for Defence Andrew Hastie told The Epoch Times in an email.

The issues with Australia that the Chinese Communist Party set out  like our free press, sovereign investment decisions, our advocacy on human rights issues like Xinjiangwe will never compromise on.

Hastie, a former captain in Australias special forces before entering politics, is very clear on what the Chinese regime is doing that most concerns him.

Andrew Hastie, Liberal MP, speaks at the Australian Parliament in May 2018. (Commonwealth of Australia)

I am deeply concerned about any actions, including recent air incursions into Taiwans air defence zone, that might threaten peace and the rule of law in our region, he said. The resolution of differences over Taiwan and other regional issues must be achieved peacefully through dialogue and without the threat or use of force or coercion.

However, without bipartisan consensus, there is a risk that Australias foreign policy could become increasingly incoherent.

In 2019, for example, Victorian Labor Premier Daniel Andrews dismayed the federal government after he signed up for Chinas Belt and Road initiative. Not only was this viewed by the Coalition as contrary to the national interest, but it also risked multiple foreign policies operating in Australia simultaneously.

This is why the Morrison Government put legislation in place to ensure our national interest is protected and to take foreign policy decisions out of the hands of state Premiers like Mr McGowan, Hastie said.

Further solidifying the stance against the Chinese regime has been the Australian public increasingly poor opinion of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The latest Lowy Institute Poll shows Australians opinion of the CCP to be at an all-time low, with over 90% of the population viewing Chinas system of government and military expansion with hostility.

This photo, taken on Jan. 4, 2021, shows Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers taking part in military training at the Pamir Mountains in Kashgar, northwestern Chinas Xinjiang region. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

The diplomatic stoush has also silenced Australias most prominent pro-China voices from the business sector. However, as Xi Jinping freezes out Australian products and cracks down on entrepreneurs at home, corporate leaders are being actively encouraged to diversify their markets.

Meanwhile, support for the US alliance remains consistently high, even as the risk of major military confrontation in the region increases.

As to the accusations from the opposition that the Morrison government failed to adeptly navigate the increasing complexities with China, Hastie strongly refutes this.

As the Prime Minister has said, there is no Australian obstacle to direct dialogue with the Chinese Communist Party Government at a political levelbut that is not an opportunity that they have taken up, he said.
Governor of the Bank of Canada Tiff Macklem speaks during a videoconference event with the Council on Foreign Relations at the Bank of Canada in Ottawa on Oct. 7, 2021. (The Canadian Press/Justin Tang)

Bank of Canada Moving Ahead on Preparing a Digital Currency

The Bank of Canada is hiring a product architect as it continues to move forward with its contingency plan for a central bank digital currency (CBDC), leading some to speculate about the potential consequences.

A digital currency is a hot topic south of the border, as the U.S. public awaits the imminent release of a Federal Reserve paper on its own CBDC. While the idea may be new to Americans, the Bank of Canada has been issuing reports on the concept since November 2016.

A year ago, the bank co-authored a report with six other central banks and the Bank of International Settlements to establish foundational principles and core features of a CBDC. In February 2021, the bank published three CBDC proposals: one from the University of Calgary, another from McGill University, and a joint University of Toronto and York University submission.

In an email to The Epoch Times, Bank of Canada spokesman Alex Paterson said the proposals were made to stimulate thought.

[T]he proposed designs are not intended to be adopted by the Bank. Rather, the Bank will use these reports to inform its thinking and advance public conversation on a central bank digital currency design, Paterson wrote.

Bank leadership has consistently said its only trying to be prepared and a digital currency is not a sure thing. Governor Tiff Macklem told the media in April that the decision ultimately lies with the finance minister, adding, if we were to issue a digital currency, we wouldnt stop printing cash.

Still, the bank is taking steps toward bringing a product to market. In August, it issued a job posting for a product architect for a program of major social significance to design a contingent system for a central bank digital currency (CBDC), which can be thought of as a banknote, but in digital form.

According to the posting, part of the job would be to craft a coherent product architecture and design that will be a fit at a national scale and adaptable for decades.

Potential Sweeping Changes to Banking

According to Universite du Quebec a Montreal economist Steven Ambler, a CBDC would have broad implications.

Central banks could potentially compete unfairly with commercial banks by offering higher rates of interest or charging smaller fees and use seigniorage revenueultimately our tax dollarsto subsidize this unfair competition, Ambler said in an interview.

Commercial banks would be forced to rely less on deposits for their financing, potentially making them behave more like investment banks.

Seigniorage refers to the interest earned on a bank note minus the cost of producing, distributing, and replacing that note.

Should central banks take on more liabilities as a result of issuing the CBDC, Ambler says they would have to acquire more assets. This would either involve assuming a greater portion of government debt or taking an active role in the economy, like the Federal Reserve has done in the United States.

He noted, however, that central banks tend to be wary of digital currencies and what could happen if demand for their national currency disappeared in favour of something elsesome cryptocurrency or some version of a stablecointhis would involve a loss in monetary control.

Concerns About Privacy and Control

Chinas central bank has issued its own digital currency, which state-run Global Times said will help challenge U.S. dollar hegemony. Meanwhile, it has banned bitcoin. In April, hedge fund manager Kyle Bass told NTD Television, an affiliated network of The Epoch Times, that the move is a means of controlling the Chinese people domestically but could one day also be used against foreign investors.

If you think [Chinese leader Xi Jinping] is a terrible ruler, all of sudden, your global social credit score gets whacked and the Chinese can actually stop your ability to spend the money, Bass said.

This is a way they can export their digital authoritarianism around the world, and its something that we must stop.

Some believe Western countries will get left behind if they dont have a domestic version of Chinas digital yuan, but others disagree. In a recent interview with Kitco News, Canadian businessman and entrepreneur Kevin OLeary downplayed the development.

What person outside of China would ever put that on their balance sheet? That thing as far as I am concerned is toxic waste. I wouldnt touch it and so I would never impute any value to it. I dont like having a single individual in a foreign government deciding who can own it, who cannot, and having a track on it because that blockchain is going to let them know that I own it. No thanks, O Leary said.

[We will] still be talking about this 20 years from now. I think whats more likely to happen is that they [the U.S. Federal Reserve] will regulate issuers of stablecoins as banks.

Although Ambler believes a desire to be able to monitor peoples transactions more closely is part of the motivation for a CBDC, he doubts any democratic government would or could ban bitcoin or physical cash.

I personally think ways of escaping surveillance and control will exist, and if governments try to become too authoritarian, I think they wont be able to, although  one of the things that COVID has taught me is that people have a very high demand for safetyeven at the expense of individual rights and freedoms, he said.

Sweden, one of the countries where digital payments are increasing the fastest, has an option of inserting a tiny computer chip under the skin of the hand, which can be used for certain transactions. So far around 3,000 Swedes have had a microchip implanted.
Ships wait to be offloaded at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach on Jan. 12, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Biden: Port of LA to Open 24/7 to Ease Record Backlog

LOS ANGELESPresident Joe Biden announced on Oct. 13 that the Port of Los Angeles will begin operating around the clock to ease a historic backlog of goods parked offshorebrought on by the pandemicbut cautioned that all chinks in the chain of providing goods to U.S. consumers would additionally need to step up operations.

Along with Bidens announcement, White House officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris, met virtually with local port industry executives on Oct. 13 to discuss the need to recruit and retain more long-haul truck drivers, a shortage of which has exacerbated the backlog.

Americans are noticing how hard it is to buy things and how hard it is to get a range of things, from a toaster to sneakers to bicycles to bedroom furniture, Biden said, announcing the changes.

The Port of Los Angeles, which transfers containers from ships to delivery trucks, will now operate 24/7nearly doubling its operations. A similar plan is already in effect at the Port of Long Beach.

The two ports are responsible for about 40 percent of all imports into the United States.

Ships wait to be offloaded at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach on Jan. 12, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

According to Biden, with the additional nightly hours added to port operations, the goal is to process and unload 3,500 more containers each week.

But with the holiday season fast approachingand some retailers reporting a lack of inventorysome wondered why the action wasnt taken sooner.

I think the Biden Administration looked at the low-hanging fruit, and finally took action, said Sal Mercogliano, a professor of maritime industry policy at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy out of New York. The move is better late than never  [but] should have been addressed sooner than this.

Reports of backlogged goods at the ports began as COVID-19 took hold in the United States as consumers hunkered down in their homes and increased their online shopping habits.

Mercogliano predicted that even with Oct. 13s actions, the ports of Southern California probably wouldnt be cleared until the New Year.

But he said, getting all the parties involved in clearing the backlog was a step in the right direction.

You cant just address one end of the supply chain, he said. Everything must be done simultaneously, including not only addressing the current shortage of truck drivers, but increasing operations of receiving retailers as well.

Ships wait to enter the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles off of Alamitos Bay on Oct. 13, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Already, some major shippers and retailersincluding Walmart, FedEx, UPS, Samsung, Home Depot, and Targethave agreed to speed up operations, which will help clear cargo out of the ports and free up more space on the docks.

The ports are on track to handle a record 20 million container units this year, said Noel Hacegaba, deputy executive director of the Port of Long Beach, up about 15 percent compared to last year and 25 percent from 2019.

If you go to a hardware store and you want to buy an appliance, there is a six-to eight-month delay, Hacegaba told The Epoch Times. When the supply chain stops, the economy stops.

Although the pandemic has eased, Port of Los Angeles spokesperson Phillip Sanfield said the buying surge has not.

This is the busiest year any Western Hemisphere port has had, Sanfield told The Epoch Times.

Local officials welcomed Bidens announcement.

This is big and overdue, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn wrote on Twitter in response to the announcement. Ive urged the port to operate 24/7 for years so we could move cargo off-peak. The sheer number of cargo ships waiting outside our ports cant be good for our environment or our economy. This move will relieve the congestion and create jobs.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said the city was happy to do its part in helping clear the unprecedented jam.

President Biden has called on us to help lead the nation out of this economic crisis, and we are answering that call by committing to operate our port 24 hours a day, he said.
Bipartisan Group of US Senators to Introduce Bill to Rein In Big Tech

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), chair of the Senate Judiciary subcommittee on antitrust, and Judiciary Committee ranking member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) say they will introduce an antitrust bill aimed to control discriminatory Big Tech practices.

As dominant digital platformssome of the biggest companies our world has ever seenincreasingly give preference to their own products and services, we must put policies in place to ensure small businesses and entrepreneurs still have the opportunity to succeed in the digital marketplace, Klobuchar said in an Oct. 14 statement.

The American Innovation and Choice Online Act, which is similar to a bill introduced earlier this year by House Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust Chairman David Cicilline (D-R.I.), would make it illegal for large online tech companies to engage in discriminatory behavior, including disadvantaging rivals.

Cicillines bill and a bill by Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) were advanced by the House Judiciary Committee in June.

Once these bills are signed into law, they will help ensure lower prices and greater choice for consumers, higher wages for workers, and more opportunities for small businesses to get ahead. I look forward to continuing to work in a bipartisan fashion to get the job done and send these bills to President Bidens desk, Cicilline said in a June statement.

Klobuchar and Grassleys Senate bill would have dramatic implications for companies such as Google, Apple, and Amazon, which have been suspected of positioning their own products above their competitors in order to generate higher profits. Third-party businesses on Amazon have suspected the company positions its own similar private label products over theirs.

The giant tech companies have denied any wrongdoing.

A coalition of 32 attorneys general from around the nation have urged Congress to make improvements to the nations antitrust laws. They sent a letter (pdf) to the House and Senate Judiciary committees in September to voice their support for such measures.

These include provisions to further enhance consumer protections from unlawful and irresponsible mergers and business practices as well as necessary improvements to ensure that competition and innovation are not stifled. In addition, we urge Congress to include in the legislation a provision confirming that the states are sovereigns that stand on equal footing with federal enforcers under federal antitrust law, the letter stated.

As Congress considers how best to improve antitrust law, we encourage the House and Senate to prioritize protecting competition and innovation.

There also has been opposition to such a measure.

This bill, which has emerged from the House Judiciary Committee, seeks to turn the largest online services in the United States from the ever-evolving firms they are today into ossified infrastructure, no more innovative than the local water utility. Right off the bat, the bill is anti-competitive, not to mention ahistorical, wrote Patrick Hedger, vice president of policy at Taxpayers Protection Alliance.

In addition, a group of tech businesses sent a letter (pdf) to the committees, opposing the measure.

At a time when voters are looking to Congress to address the countrys most pressing challenges, it seems hard to believe that Congress is instead on the verge of banning Amazon Prime and Amazon Basics; banning the preinstallation of iMessage and FaceTime on iPhones; and banning Google from including Google Maps in its search results, wrote the group of 15 tech businesses, including Americans for Prosperity, Chamber of Progress, Computer and Communications Industry Association, and Competitive Enterprise Institute.

Co-sponsors of the bill include Democratic Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), John Kennedy (R-La.), and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.).
Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews, Health Minister, Martin Foley and Victorian COVID-19 Testing Commander, Jeroen Weimar arrive at the daily press conference on July 27, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Borders Opening as Victorian COVID-19 Cases Surge To A National High

Victoria has plans to reduce restrictions as COVID-19 cases hit a new national high of 2297 new cases and 11 deaths.

State Premier Daniel Andrews announced that given the states vaccination target of 70 percent is projected to be met ahead of target, on Oct 22 rather than Oct 26, health restrictions may be reduced one week earlier, once vaccination targets are met.

Further, although the states new cases have set a new record, these numbers are still within the model used to assess COVID-19 risk.

Once were open, sometime next weekbecause were going to be hitting 70 percent sometime next weekthe case numbers become a lot less relevant, Andrews stated.

Except for the people who are unvaccinated, who end up getting it, will be linked and will directly contribute to the number of people who end up in hospital.

Victorians Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton has also confirmed on ABC radio that there are plans to adjust and reduce lockdown restrictions once 70 percent of Victorians are fully vaccinated.

Under Victorias COVID-19 roadmap, home visits were set to be banned until 80 percent of its over-16s were fully vaccinated.

However, under the suggested revision, the ban on home visits will be lifted, opening up opportunities to visit friends and family as well as to conduct home renovations.

Were acutely aware of home gatherings leading to spikes, and that was definitely a feature of (the AFL) grand final. They were people that didnt normally come together.

Its different for families. If we can limit numbers if we think the epidemiology looks okay, (Im) absolutely open to that as well.

Sutton said an announcement could be expected as early as this weekend on possible changes to the home visit ban.

The reality is our seasonal flu, year-on-year, causes an estimated 3000 excess deaths in Australia, he said.

Thats what we live with every year with flu. So we need to minimise to the fullest extent possible the deaths that we can.

I think were very likely to be heading down from here, he said on Sky News, but it will be a bit of bumpy day-to-day numbers ride.

Currently, 87.6 percent of over-16s have received their first dose, with 62 percent fully vaccinated.
San Diego Supervisor Responds to Accusations of Islamophobia Over Terrorism Comments

A San Diego County supervisor recently responded to accusations by the Council of American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) that he made vile Islamophobic smears in an attempt to exclude the organization from a local task force to resettle refugees from Afghanistan.

District 2 Supervisor Joel Anderson, a former state senator, denied the allegations, pointing out he criticized CAIRand not all Islamic groupsfor having connections with terrorist groups.

My statements on Tuesday were targeted at one specific organization, CAIR, for its shameful history of radical ties, Anderson said in a written statement.

CAIR does not represent all Muslims in America. I have heard from victims in my district who fled their home countries due to persecution and they dont feel safe working with CAIR, he said. I support the many reputable American Muslim residents and organizations in Southern California currently engaged in the resettlement of Afghan evacuees.

American veterans support the rescue and resettlement missions for refugees, many who risked their lives to fight against terrorist organizations, including the Taliban, to promote freedom and peace, Anderson said.

Thats why I wrote a letter (pdf) to President Biden urging his assistance with evacuations from Afghanistan, and why I wrote the board letter (pdf) requesting the County prepare a welcome for the Afghans expected to resettle in my district, Anderson said.

Anderson previously said the Afghan community in his district doesnt trust the organization because it has known ties to terrorist groups.

Any organization that has any affiliation with terrorism in the Middle East cannot be part of that group, so CAIR would be excluded. I just want to be absolutely clear about that, Anderson said at an Oct. 5 Board of Supervisors meeting.

Anderson introduced a board agenda item proposing that the county ask for federal funding to prepare for the arrival of Afghan refugees with a comprehensive response plan.

San Diego County is expected to be a popular resettlement destination because of its existing Afghan American community. Currently, there are more than 2,000 Afghan Americans living in his district, Anderson said.

He suggested the county ask President Joe Biden to spend the $9.5 billion in Afghanistan government assets frozen by the U.S. Treasury Department to help offset the costs of resettling tens of thousands of Afghan refugees headed to the United States in massive airlifts and rescue operations.

District 3 Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer proposed an amendment to Andersons motion to create a task force led by the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency. Anderson said he would support the amendment if CAIR and any terrorist group connected with the organization were excluded.

A report titled Confronting Fear, about Islamophobia in the United States released by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), is seen at its headquarters in Washington, on June 20, 2016. (Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)

CAIR is a polarizing group, especially in the Iranian American community, Anderson said.

When I divested our public pensions from Iran, I ran into this issue. In that community, either people are 100 percent for it, or 100 percent against it. Its not helpful, Anderson said.

And, if you look at the connections from the Treasury Department listand I havent looked at it recentlywe included groups that were affiliated with them, so there is plenty of funding coming from that organization going to Hezbollah. And so, for the Iranian community, this was a super big issue, and in order to get their support I had to make that exclusion, so Im hypersensitive to it, he said.

Anderson wanted to make it absolutely clear that I am not inviting that into my district because I will be in a recall, he said.

However, Supervisor Nathan Fletcher from District 4 suggested that excluding certain groups from the task force is beyond the scope of the county.

I understand, but as a county, I dont think we can get in the business of designating terrorist organizations, said Fletcher, board chairman.

While Lawson-Remer said she supported excluding any organizations with links to terrorism, she backed off from the idea when Anderson suggested any groups connected to CAIR should also be excluded from the task force.

Im not comfortable with giving that level of discretion to county staff. I think its really important that we stick with the Treasury Departments designations of what are terrorist organizations, she said.

Lonnie Eldridge, head legal counsel, pointed out the county can go off of an objective known list, such as the Treasury Department.

The board approved the motion with amendments to exclude agencies listed by the Treasury Departments as terrorist-affiliated organizations on a 4-1 vote. Anderson dissented because CAIR and its affiliate groups werent specifically excluded from the task force.

CAIR Seeks Reprimand

CAIR issued an Oct. 7 statement criticizing Anderson for his comments.

We were appalled to hear that supervisor Anderson regurgitated vile Islamophobic smears to target the nations largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization that has a decades-long history of defending the civil and religious rights of all Americans, said Tazheen Nizam, CAIR San Diego associate executive director.

Anderson needs to apologize for his false and irresponsible comments and the board needs to issue an official reprimand for his Islamophobic actions, she said.

The smears will undermine the Afghan refugee resettlement process and could endanger CAIR staff, Nizam said. She also cited attacks on a synagogue and mosque in San Diego County, stating these attacks are often the result of ignorance, hatred and demonizing rhetoric such as that advanced by Supervisor Anderson.

CAIR Connections

In 2009, U.S. District Court Judge Jorge Solis ruled (pdf) the government has produced ample evidence to establish the associations of CAIR, ISNA, NAIT, with NAIT, the Islamic Association for Palestine, and with Hamas.

Influence Watch reports that in 1994, a year before the U.S. listed Hamas as a foreign terrorist organization, two individuals working for a Hamas offshoot, the Islamic Association for Palestine (IAP), founded CAIR to promote the Hamas agenda in America and is a known front for the Muslim Brotherhood.

According to an article published in the Jerusalem Post in 2019, CAIR has a long history of affiliation with Hamas and Hezbollah. It was reportedly a co-conspirator in the largest terrorist financing case in US history, which went unindicted.

In 2014, the National Review published an article asking, Is CAIR a Terror Group? with the subhead, A prominent Arab government thinks so, referring to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The article stated that on Nov. 15, 2014, the UAEs ministerial cabinet listed CAIR as one of 83 proscribed terrorist organizations, up there with the Taliban, al-Qaeda, and ISIS.
Can Chinas Economy Survive the Nearshoring Trend?

Companies are moving their manufacturing out of China to countries much closer to their markets

Commentary

The negative news about the Chinese economy seems to flow from a bottomless well these days. As if the ongoing Evergrande default and the looming shadow of debt crisis werent enough for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to worry about, the world now finds itself in the worst supply chain crisis in modern history.

The Bloom Is Off the China Rose

The fact that the Chinese regime is the source of the crisis isnt lost on the world, eithernor is Beijings despicable role in the pandemic and its callous attitude toward countries heavily afflicted by the CCP virus, the pathogen that causes COVID-19.

These and other challenges are the reasons why foreign manufacturers are finding China much less desirable than they used to. As a result, nearshoring has become a major trend in the world, and Chinas economy will take a hit from this trend. In short, nearshoring refers to companies that are moving their manufacturing to countries much closer to their main markets.

Theres little wonder as to why companies are doing this.

China isnt the country that it used to be. That can be said of many nations today, but from a manufacturing perspective, the climate in Chinabusiness and politicalis rapidly deteriorating. Fundamental trade elements such as product supply chains that originate in China continue to be disrupted by pandemic-induced labor shortages and scarcer resources, among other reasons.

In a telling response to worsening conditions, Guangdong province, the largest manufacturing region in the country, has lowered foreign investment barriers in an effort to attract more multinational corporate manufacturing. How much such policies will stem the nearshoring tide isnt known, but it does show that Beijing knows which way the wind blows.

A China-made Tesla Model 3 electric vehicle is seen ahead of the Guangzhou auto show in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China, on Nov. 21, 2019. (Yilei Sun/Reuters)

Rising Costs and Falling Margins

Gone are the days when a U.S. or European company could dramatically increase profit margins simply by moving their manufacturing operations to China, as opposed to other countries. Huge profits were possible when the CCP helped tens of thousands of foreign firms take advantage of slave labor wages.

But today, Chinas labor costs are among the highestif not the highestin the region. Vietnam is more competitive in terms of labor costs than China and is trying to expand its manufacturing capacity. Mexicos labor costs are lower as well, and U.S. manufacturers would avoid the expense and risk of overseas shipping.

Thats a big deal, because shipping costs are going through the roof. A year ago, it cost about $2,000 to ship a container of goods from China to the United States. Today, that price is at least $12,000, if not higher. And lately, shipping costs from China are up tenfold. Rising fuel costs and product scarcity will likely reinforce that trend.

Some economists predict that the supply chain problems will be a relatively short-term situation, lasting perhaps a year or two. That may be the case, but its doubtful that theyll recover in a way similar to how they were pre-pandemic.

Long Term Damage to the Chinese Economy

All of these confluent factors are driving the Chinese economy into the red, despite the inflated gross domestic product (GDP) reports. For example, with a savings rate of 34 percent, Chinese consumers arent spending their money. Theyre saving more in 2021 than they did in 2020. The gross savings rate is more than 45 percent.

Where then, is the real growth in the economy? Its much less than reported by the CCP. More to the point, the collapse of Chinas debt-laden real estate development sector isnt a sign of a healthy economy, but rather, of a failing one.

The reality is that the impact of nearshoring is likely to be much more damaging to Chinas economy because it involves a long-term trend. Companies dont leave a manufacturing base such as China on a whim or due to short-term headwinds. Moving manufacturing operations from one country into another is expensive and takes years of planning. They do so only after concluding that changes in conditions at that manufacturing base are declining in fundamental ways and will therefore have an extended negative impact on the future earnings and even the viability of their companies.

Chinas Loss Is Others Gain

On the plus side of the nearshoring trend, countries such as Vietnam, Poland, Turkey, and Mexico are benefitting from Chinas loss. The benefits range from lower labor costs and quicker time to market to minimal shipping risks and costs.

A worker wearing a face mask works at the Maxport factory in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Sept. 21, 2021. (Nhac Nguyen/AFP via Getty Images)

Vietnam, of course, is gaining a manufacturing business for the Asia-Pacific market, while Turkey is becoming the manufacturing base of choice for the Middle East and North African market. Poland is becoming the new manufacturing base for European-based companies serving the European market. Mexico is proving to be a welcome manufacturing base for U.S. manufacturers and others.

Whats becoming quite clear is that the effect of European, Asian, and U.S. companies nearshoring will be felt in the near term by China, as well as in the medium or even longer-term. Thats because the CCP will face an almost immediate slowdown in GDP, as well as stiff unemployment challenges. After all, manufacturing jobs and money tend to go away when manufacturers leave a country.

Nearshoring: The Beginning of the End for the CCP?

Firms leaving China for nearshoring and the resultant unemployment crisis may well aggravate an already growing civil unrest problem stemming from the Evergrande debacle and other failures. Adding those stresses of investment loss with the other problems mentioned above could also trigger a deep recession or even depression in China.

These two economic crises dont bode well for the health of Chinas economy, nor that of the CCP. Keep in mind that economic growth and full employment are the twin pillars justifying the rule of the CCPpromises that it made to the countrys 1.4 billion citizens after the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989.

If economic stagnation and extended unemployment persist, could a significant part of the Chinese people conclude that the CCP is no longer able to justify itself as the rightful ruler of China?

Perhaps. However, how soon such a conclusion may come about, if it comes about at all, remains to be seen.

But one certainty thats already here is the nearshoring trend. Its gaining speed and volume as the worlds manufacturers flee China, taking jobs and money with them. As the trend grows, the CCP may find itself facing much bigger problems from a much larger part of the citizenry tomorrow than it does today.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland speaks to the media during a funding announcement in Fredericton, New Brunswick on July 23, 2021. (The Canadian Press/Stephen MacGillivray)

Canada to Delay Its Digital Services Tax for OECDs Global Corporate Tax

The Canadian government will postpone and possibly scrap its digital services tax on Big Tech after signing a global pact with 135 other countries to overhaul the way large multinational companies are taxed.

The agreement, reached by members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on Oct. 8, imposes a global minimum corporate tax of 15 percent on big multinational companies starting in 2023.

The deal requires the largest and most profitable multinational enterprisesthose with global sales of about $28.7 billion a year and over 10 percent profitabilityto pay a fair share of tax in countries where they operate, regardless of whether they have a physical presence there.

But the condition is that participating countriesincluding Canadaare required to remove all Digital Services Taxes and other relevant similar measures with respect to all companies, and to commit not to introduce such measures in the future, according to a statement by OECD on Oct. 8.

This means Canadas Digital Services Tax (DST) which is slated to commence on Jan. 1, 2022, will be affected, as the pact forbids members from imposing such taxes till the end of 2023, or until the new deal comes into force.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said that the federal government would postpone the implementation of the DST, but would still proceed to finalize the legislation of the tax, in keeping with Budget 2021.

The DST would be imposed as of January 1, 2024, but only if the treaty implementing the tax regime under this global agreement has not come into force, Freeland said in a statement on Oct. 8.

She stressed should the Canadian tax be implemented eventually, Big Tech would have to retroactively pay their due.

In that event, the DST would be payable as of 2024 in respect of revenues earned as of January 1, 2022, she said.

Canadas DST was first announced in the Fall Economic Statement 2020 and later confirmed by the federal government in Budget 2021.

The DST was designed to tax business models that rely on digital technology such as social media, search engines and intermediation platforms that engage with their users. Unlike traditional businesses, these businesses earn revenues through their users participation, advertisement, content and data, and are not limited to any physical locations.
Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital is seen in Baytown, Texas on June 22, 2021. (Francois Picard/AFP via Getty Images)

Houston Hospital Employees Fired for Refusing to Get Vaccine Demand Their Jobs Back

Around 150 former Houston Methodist employees who were terminated or resigned over the firms COVID-19 vaccine mandate are demanding their jobs back.

Attorney Jared Woodfill, whos representing dozens of health care workers in several lawsuits against Houston Methodist, said those employees should get their jobs back following Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts recent executive order barring any entity in the state from imposing vaccine mandates.

Gov. Abbott says very clearly, Whereas countless Texans fear losing their livelihoods because they object to receiving a COVID-19 vaccination for reasons of personal conscience,' Woodfill wrote in a letter to the hospital system this week. That applies to every plaintiff that I represent and every plaintiff that Methodist hospital thought it was appropriate to fire.

Based on the order, employees who were terminated from their Houston Methodist jobs should immediately be reinstated to their former positions, Woodfill wrote in the Oct. 12 letter.

After Abbotts order earlier this week, Houston Methodist CEO Marc Boom said he was deeply disappointed in the governors order that tries to prohibit such mandates, according to local media.

We are proud of our employees and physicians, who are 100 percent compliant with our vaccine policy, Boom said.

Boom, who hasnt yet addressed Woodfills letter and request, asserted that the hospitals policywhich was implemented earlier in 2021was put into place before Abbotts order was issued.

We are grateful we mandated the vaccine early, so the order will not have an immediate impact on us, he said. We are reviewing the order now and its possible implications.

The CEO said he hopes that other major Texas hospital systems, including Baylor College of Medicine and Memorial Hermann, will implement their COVID-19 vaccine mandates after Abbotts order.

But according to Abbotts Oct. 11 order, no entity or institution in Texas can force workers or customers to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination who objects to such vaccination for any reason of personal conscience, based on a religious belief, or for medical reasons, including prior recovery from COVID-19. Abbott also stipulated that the vaccine is effective and safe, but should remain voluntary and never forced.

The governors order appears to clash with an announcement from President Joe Biden in September that would mandate vaccinations for health care workers who are employed at Medicare- or Medicaid-funded facilities, federal workers, and federal contractors. Previously, Abbott, a Republican, has criticized Bidens announcement and said it would trigger workforce chaos.

In July, 178 employees were suspended or resigned from Houston Methodist after declining to get the vaccine. Several weeks later, about 150 more employees either resigned or were terminated.

A lawsuit that was filed by plaintiffs represented by Woodfill was rejected by a judge earlier in 2021. Woodfill said he would appeal.

COVID-19 is the illness caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.

Representatives for Houston Methodist didnt respond by press time to a request for comment on Woodfills letter.
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 President John Catanzara speaks to reporters at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse in Chicago on Aug. 10, 2021. (Ashlee Rezin/Chicago Sun-Times via AP)

Chicago Police Union Head Calls on Members to Defy Vaccine Mandate

The head of the Chicago police officers union on Tuesday called on its members to refuse to comply with the citys COVID-19 vaccine mandate, which is set to take effect on Friday.

Do not fill out the portal information, Chicago Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara said in a video to officers posted on YouTube. Ive made my status very clear as far as the vaccine, but I do not believe the city has the authority to mandate that to anybodylet alone that information about your medical history.

According to Catanzara, the police union is preparing a lawsuit against the city if Mayor Lori Lightfoots administration attempts to enforce the mandate, which requires city workers to report their vaccine status by Friday or be placed on a no-pay status.

Its safe to say that the city of Chicago will have a police force at 50 percent or less for this weekend coming up, Catanzara said.

The Epoch Times has contacted Lightfoots office for comment.

I can guarantee you that no-pay status will not last more than 30 days, Catanzara said on Tuesday. Theres no way theyre going to be able to sustain a police department workforce at 50 percent capacity or less for more than seven days without something budging.

This is very clearly not a job action, he added, not a call for a strike.

The police union head in his video instructs members to file for exemptions to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine but to not enter that information into the citys vaccine portal.

Responding to Cantanzaras video during a press briefing on Wednesday, Lightfoot accused him of spreading false information, dismissing most of his statements as untrue or patently false.

What were focused on is making sure that we maximize the opportunity to create a very safe workplace, Lightfoot told reporters. The data is very clear. It is unfortunate that the FOP leadership has chosen to put out a counter narrative. But the fact of the matter is, if you are not vaccinated, you are playing with your life, the life of your family, the life of your colleagues, and members of the public.

Shortly after Lightfoot announced the measures in August, Catanzara compared the requirement to how Nazis told their victims the gas chambers were showers.

This aint Nazi [expletive] Germany  Step into the [expletive] showers, the pills wont hurt you, he told the Chicago Sun-Times, before quickly apologizing for his choice of words, saying he was not trying to link vaccinations to what happened during the Holocaust.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has maintained that the known benefits of the COVID-19 vaccinations outweigh the known and potential risks.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The headquarters of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China is pictured in Beijing on Feb. 10, 2018. (Jason Lee/Reuters)

China Launches Anti-Graft Campaign in Finance Sector Amid Economic Woes

As Chinas economy grapples with debt-saddled Evergrande and a worsening power crisis, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is tightening its anti-corruption efforts against state-owned banking and insurance institutions.

Beginning on Oct. 10, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) dispatched special teams to 25 state-backed organizations in the financial sector for roughly two-month inspections, according to a series of statements on its official website.

Inspections are political supervision, Zhao Leji, head of the CCPs anti-corruption body, openly said at the meeting on Sept. 26 for mobilizing and deploying teams for the new round of inspections, state-backed news agency Xinhua reported.

Inspectors will thoroughly examine any political deviations among party leaders of each organization, urging them to strengthen the partys leadership over financial work, Zhao said.

The 25 financial institutions that are under scrutiny include the countrys banking and insurance regulators, stock exchanges, major state-owned banks, and asset management and insurance companies in which the state owns a majority of shares.

On Monday, the CCDI said the former chairman and party head at Changan Bank, based in the northwestern province of Shaanxi, had been expelled from the party and public office due to corruption.

Beijing News, a state-run media outlet reported on Monday that the partys anti-corruption agency had launched investigations into nearly 30 senior party cadres in the financial sector for various misdeeds this year.

The announcements came as the embattled property giant Evergrande missed its third round of bond coupon payments, intensifying fears of a broader crisis.

Evergrande, which owns 1,300 projects in more than 280 cities, wrestles with more than $300 billion in debt. Investors are on high alert as they worry the possible default could be another Lehman momentthe idea that the crisis in one large company could send shockwaves around the world. When the Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy in 2008, it had a contagion effect on other major financial institutions, triggering the United States worst economic disaster since the Great Depression and a global market meltdown.

Meanwhile, more than half of Chinas provinces are in the midst of a growing power supply crunch that has disrupted the daily lives of tens of millions of people, crippled industrial output, and wreaked havoc on global supply chains.

The power shortage, brought by a tight coal supply and Beijings restrictive policies on energy consumption, has piled further pressures on the countrys economy.

As a result, Nomura, Goldman Sachs, and Fitch have revised down their projections for Chinese economic growth this year.

In recent months, Chinese regulators have taken aim at sectors ranging from technology to education and property, targeting some of the biggest firms in the country like Alibaba Group and Tencent Holdings.

Reuters, Eva Fu, and Annie Wu contributed to this report.
Two Chinese SU-30 fighter jets take off from an unspecified location to fly a patrol over the South China Sea, in this file photo. (Jin Danhua/Xinhua via AP)

Chinas Escalating Military Pressure on Taiwan Poses Challenge to Democracies Everywhere: Experts

What began earlier this month as a routine display of cross-strait harassment resulted in a record-breaking 149 Chinese warplanes transgressing into Taiwans air defense identification zone (ADIZ) over the course of four consecutive days, sparking international alarm and outrage.

The incursions, including one incident in which 56 aircraft entered the ADIZ in a single day, were derided by the White House as destabilizing and provocative.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP), meanwhile, said that the incursions were necessary to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity over the island, which Beijing claims as its own.

The events marked a new low in cross-strait relations. Experts, however, believe that the show of force is not a signal of imminent attack, but a complex display meant to simultaneously intimidate Taiwan, undermine the islands international relationships, and solidify Xi Jinpings standing within the Chinese Communist Party and its military, the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA).

Intimidation or Weakness?

John Dotson, deputy director of Washington-based non profit Global Taiwan Institute, told The Epoch Times that the incursions were an intimidation tactic and part of a grander strategy by Beijing to coerce the international community away from the defense of Taiwan.

The flights into Taiwans ADIZ are part of a larger intimidation campaign that is also being conducted in the realms of diplomacy and propaganda, Dotson said in an email, as seen in Xi Jinpings Oct. 9th speech, which condemned Taiwans government and reasserted the inevitability of Taiwans unification with China.

Shortly after the incursions, the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) also conducted amphibious assault drills across the Taiwan Strait, and CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping delivered a speech calling for the reunification of Taiwan with mainland China.

The PLA Daily, Chinas official military newspaper, followed up with an article that said that the PLA would crush any attempts to separate Taiwan from the mainland, though Taiwan has been self-governed since 1949.

Former U.S. Under Secretary of State Keith Krach told The Epoch Times in an email that the rapid escalation of air incursions was designed to simultaneously intimidate the people of Taiwan into abandoning democratic forms of governance and to undermine the islands relationship with the United States following the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban.

As the highest-ranking U.S. diplomat to visit Taiwan in four decades, I know what its like to be greeted by 40 Chinese fighters and bombers, Krach said, referring to his three-day visit to the island last September, during which the regime sent aircraft over the ADIZ on two of those days.

The escalation of these intrusions is meant to [firstly] intimidate the Taiwanese people, who cherish their democracy, into giving up the will to stand their ground. [And secondly], test the will of the U.S. and free world after Chinese state media openly mocked Taiwan for relying on the US for its defense after the Afghanistan crisis.

Dotson and Krach also said that the incursions belied the current weakness of Xis position in Beijing, following months of attempts to tighten his personal control over the CCP and PLA, a floundering real estate market, and growing energy crisis.

Intimidation tactics against Taiwan also serve Xi Jinpings purposes for shoring up his own position within the Communist Party, Dotson said. Ultimately, thats a more important factor than any of the justifications cited by Beijing.

Krach said, With the brewing domestic real estate and energy crisis, Xi is weaker than he wants the world to believe and hes overplaying his hand.

Tyrants cant persuade, so they bully, especially when their own deck of cards is weaker than they want others to think, he added.

Fatigue is the Real Threat

Despite PLA saber-rattling, Dotson and Krach believed that an invasion of Taiwan was not imminent, though an attempted assault could be likely in the coming years.

I believe that the leaders of the Chinese Communist Party see that trends in Taiwan are not running their way, and are losing patience with hopes that Taiwan will submit to voluntary annexation, Dotson said. It is plausible, and a growing danger, that the PRC [Peoples Republic of China] might undertake an amphibious invasion against Taiwan within the coming decade.

But, I think it more likely that we will see an escalating campaign of gray zone intimidation tactics, perhaps ultimately leading to efforts to block shipping in and out of Taiwan ports, and flights in or out of Taiwans airports.

For his part, Krach believed that China could still be deterred from all-out conflict provided the United States and its allies remained steadfast in their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

General Secretary Xi sees the annexation of Taiwan as a crowning jewel in his legacy, Krach said. That certainly makes the China-Taiwan tensions more combustible.

If the free world stands with Taiwan, in both the diplomatic and economic realms, Xi and the CCP leadership will get the message that a military invasion will bring about their political demise.

Continued PLA incursions into Taiwans ADIZ nevertheless present a real threat to the people and military of Taiwan. Each such incursion requires the Taiwan military to scramble fighters and respond in kind, and this constant strain on material and psychological resources has led to something of a crisis fatigue on the island.

The need to constantly launch air patrols to escort PLA aircraft will produce multiple forms of strain on Taiwans air force: to include pilot fatigue, increased wear on airframes, and increased fuel and maintenance budgets, Dotson said. It will also cut into training time.

There is the risk of psychological fatigue over time, Krach said, as these provocative PRC military flights become routine. This presents an increased risk of tactical surprise if one of these sorties were to turn into an actual attack, or direct flight over the island.

Indeed, such strain has already proven fatal at times. There were at least four aircraft crashes in Taiwan last year, including one that killed Taiwans top military officer.

Still, Krach expressed a belief that the people of Taiwan would continue to express resiliency in the face of adversity.

I have unwavering belief in the strength of the Taiwanese people and confidence that Taiwans leaders and citizens will stand their ground and know theyll have support from plenty of friends, Krach said.

The Future of Freedom at Stake

Following the incursions earlier this month, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen swore that the self-governed island would defend itself and its free and democratic way of life from CCP aggression.

That appeal to the continued dominance of democratic values was not a simple talking point. To hear Dotson tell it, it is a statement of what is truly at stake in the current standoff between Taiwan and the CCP.

These growing tensions surrounding Taiwan are genuinely very dangerous, Dotson said. As has been accurately pointed out in recent statements by President Tsai Ing-wen and other senior Taiwan officials, the growing stand-off over Taiwan is a struggle between expansive authoritarianism and democracy, and the outcome will have tremendous repercussions for the decades ahead.

Taiwan is critically important, Dotson added. If the United States were to stand back while a democratic state was annexed by force, it would present an enormous blow to both U.S. moral authority and the cohesion of the U.S.-led alliance systems in Asia and Europe.

In addition to wearing down the hearts and minds of the people of Taiwan, Krach noted that the recent uptick in ADIZ incursions is also an effort to champion the CCPs sovereignty-based authoritarianism and to erode the influence of the United States democratic and international multilateralism abroad.

The reasons for this, according to Krach, go beyond mere jockeying for influence, and extend to a deep-seated fear among the CCPs elite concerning the influence that free peoples in democratic states can wield. Taiwan specifically, he said, represents a vision of a future that is wholly incompatible with communist repression.

What I have come to know in my 40-year career as a businessman and later as a diplomat, is that Taiwan is an indispensable partner in advancing freedom, and shows the power of free markets and democracy as a counterweight to authoritarian states, Krach said.

Taiwan is a testament to the Chinese mainland that democracy and human rights are possible for them too.
Men ride bicycles past construction sites near the headquarters of China's Evergrande Group in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China on Sept. 26, 2021. (Aly Song/Reuters)

Chinese Developers Glum as Evergrande Crisis Could Burst Housing Bubble

Troubles in Chinas property sector are beginning to surface after more developers joined Evergrandes debacle and are also struggling to pay their debts.

If Evergrande goes down like this, then I believe this is the domino, said a Taiwan-based financial expert, as the housing bubble is pushing the property giant to the brink of collapse.

Shares of Chinese real estate firms took a dive in Shanghai stock trading on Oct. 14 as a sub-index tracking shares of Chinese property developers ended the day down 3.9 percent, while the broad index slipped 0.5 percent. Figures show property shares have fallen nearly 20 percent this year.

Broader financial stress may emerge, the International Monetary Fund said in an October report, if the situation of Evergrande turns for the worse.

The worlds most indebted developer has been seeking to sell billions of its assets, including its Hong Kong headquarters, battling a cash crunch that could swamp the company. Evergrande agreed to sell its stake in Shengjing Bank to a state-owned company for $1.5 billionjust a tiny relief in its $300 billion in liabilities.

With hundreds of projects suspended throughout China, Evergrande has just missed the third round of interest payments on its international bonds this week.

The gap between the high debt and stock market value is too large, Taiwanese economic scholar Xie Jinhe said during a Chinese language program on NTD, an affiliate of The Epoch Times, on Oct. 12. Shares of Evergrande on the Hong Kong stock market have plunged 80 percent so far this year.

[The] China-popped real estate bubble has triggered the Evergrande impact, said Xie.

As the housing bubble grew in China over the past decades, the once stunning Chinese property market saw home buyers pouring hard-earned savings into one apartment after another. Some estimate Chinas $5 trillion property sector accounts for around one-quarter of its economy.

From Beijing to Shanghai to Shenzhen, some of the house price to income ratio has reached 50 to 60 times.  Everyone is highly leveraged with large loans, according to Xie.

Vulnerability

Chinas Evergrande crisis, and its possible domino effect, spotlighted the vulnerability of the housing sector. Debt pressures now extend far beyond what is workable.

Chinese property developers have $556 million worth of high-yield dollar bond coupons due this month, nearly $1.6 billion due before year-end, and Refinitiv data shows at least $92 billion worth of such maturities next year.

On Thursday, Rating agency Fitch downgraded property developer Modern Land to C from B. With $1.35 billion of bonds outstanding, the Beijing-headquartered company is seeking an extension of a bond due in three months to avoid a possible default.

A day earlier, S&P Global Ratings downgraded another two leading Chinese property firms, warning of further cuts.

Fantasia Holdings Group, a minor rival for Evergrande with $415 million stock market value, has a 30-times-higher debt of nearly $13 billion. Last week, the mid-sized developer missed paying $206 million worth of debt.

More recently, Shanghai-based homebuilder Sinic Holdings said in an announcement (pdf) on Oct. 11 that it would be unable to repay a $250 million dollar bond due Oct. 18.

We have to pay close attention to the adjustment of the real estate bubble in China this time, said Xie. If there is a major drop, the Chinese economy could be set back for 10 or 20 years.

Reuters contributed to this report.
A health worker shows a box containing a bottle of ivermectin in Cali, Colombia, on July 21, 2020. (Luis Robayo/AFP via Getty Images)

CNNs Dr. Sanjay Gupta Admits Network Shouldnt Have Called Ivermectin a Horse Dewormer

A CNN medical doctor on a podcast released this week acknowledged the network should not have referred to ivermectin as a horse dewormer when reporting on Joe Rogan using it after contracting COVID-19.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta appeared on Rogans podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience. During the discussion, Rogan brought up CNNs coverage, which included calling ivermectin a horse dewormer.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

After Gupta said he was glad Rogan recovered, Rogan responded, Youre probably the only one at CNN whos glad. The rest of them are all lying about me taking horse medication.

He added, Theyre lying at your network about people taking human drugs versus drugs for veterinary.

Ivermectin is used to treat animals but theres a separate form of the drug that humans take for parasitic infections. Researchers who helped develop it won the Nobel Prize in 2015.

The Food and Drug Administration and other health authorities have warned against using the animal treatment version but a number of Americans have used the other form and have said its effective in treating COVID-19, as have Indian researchers, though studies have produced mixed results. Some poison control centers have reported an escalation in calls concerning ivermectin after its promotion as a COVID-19 treatment.

Rogan said he was taking ivermectin and other drugs to treat COVID-19 after testing positive last month and that he recovered in a matter of days.

Calling it a horse dewormer is not the most flattering thing, I get that, Gupta said on the podcast.

Its a lie, Rogan said. Its a lie on a news network  and its a lie that theyre conscious of. Its not a mistake. Theyre unfavorably framing it as veterinary medicine.

Joe rogan is seen in a file photograph in Newark, N.J., on April 18, 2015. (Alex Trautwig/Getty Images)

Rogan said he was prescribed the drug by a doctor.

Does it bother you that the network you work for out and out lied, just outright lied, about me taking horse dewormer? Rogan asked, prompting the doctor to say, They shouldnt have said that.

Gupta said he did not know why CNN used the description and that he should have asked before appearing on the podcast. He was not sure it was defamatory; Rogan has threatened to sue CNN over its coverage.

A CNN spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

CNNs Don Lemon, though, pushed back on Rogans comments on his show late Wednesday.

It is not a lie to say that [ivermectin] is used as a horse de-wormer. I think thats important. And it is not approved for COVID, he said.

Gupta, appearing on the program, said Lemon was correct about it not receiving approval as a COVID-19 treatment, though offlabel use is possible. Theres still a few ongoing clinical trials around ivermectin but, for the most part, if you look at the data, there is no evidence that it really works here.

The monoclonal antibodies Rogan took likely helped the podcaster improve, Gupta added.

The three-hour conversation between Gupta and Rogan covered a number of other topics as well, including COVID-19 vaccination. Rogan noted that he has antibodies from recovering from the disease but Gupta pushed him to get vaccinated anyway, pointing to studies that indicate people who recovered still get a boost from a vaccine.

Gupta also referenced a controversial Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study that concluded people with natural immunity, or antibodies from recovery, are more likely to contract COVID-19 when compared to vaccinated persons. Other research, including a large-scale real-world study from Israel, found natural immunity was superior to vaccination.

Gupta, in an article penned after the podcast, lamented that he didnt appear successful in convincing Rogan to get a vaccine. He did not mention his admission on the ivermectin matter.
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)

Critical Race Advocacy Group Targets Diverse Group of CRT Critics

Contrary to the angry white male stereotype of opponents of critical race theory (CRT), a strategic plan from a prominent CRT advocacy group showcases a very diverse group of frontline spokespeople who are pushing back against the Marxism-rooted ideology.

Christopher Rufo, an author and filmmaker known for exposing the infiltration of CRT into public education, on Wednesday shared on Twitter presentation slides he obtained from African American Policy Forum (AAPF). The group was founded by Columbia University professor Kimberle Crenshaw, who invented the concept of intersectionality and is widely attributed with coining the term Critical Race Theory.

The AAFP slides in question, which Rufo described as part of a plan to mobilize left-wing media and K-12 teachers in defense of CRT, appears to document individuals and organizations who laid the infrastructure for a war on racial justice.

One of the slides, titled The Frontline Spokespeople, features a group of six social justice critics, namely brown University professor Glenn Loury; author James Lindsay, the co-author of the woke papers that were accepted as legitimate scientific studies; Cornell University professor William Jacobson, who runs a website tracking the presence of CRT in American classrooms; columnist Wesley Yang; veteran journalist Asra Nomani; and Columbia University professor John McWhorter.

The group, as Rufo noted, has a rather diverse demographic in terms of gender and ethnicity. Loury and McWhorter are celebrated black intellectuals, with Loury being the first black tenured professor of economics in the history of Harvard University. Nomani and Yang are from immigrant families. Nomani moved with her Muslim parents from India to the United States at the age of four, while Yang is the child of Korean War refugees.

Its truly a work of art that the white conservative activists driving fear of critical race theory include two black guys, an Asian guy, and an Indian woman, wrote Rufo. Its amazing how fast multiracial whiteness is growing.

The AAPF operates a series of programs to teach CRT, including CRT Summer School, a 5-day virtual event that allows participants to share and develop strategies and practices to expand multiracial democracy and justice.

While some pro-CRT advocates and politicians argue that the CRT is an academic framework not meant to be taught at K-12 level, groups like AAPF promote the ideology among K-12 educators in the hope that they incorporate the concepts and practices into their teaching and policymaking.

Join fellow teachers, journalists, labor unions, parent groups, students, researchers, DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) practitioners, faith-based organizers, and others in this multidisciplinary exploration of CRT to help shape a movement for a robust multiracial democracy, its website reads.
The eight-meter-high (26-foot-high) "Pillar of Shame" by Danish sculptor Jens Galschiot to pay tribute to the victims of the Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing on June 4, 1989, is seen before it is set to be removed at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) in Hong Kong, China, on Oct. 12, 2021. (Tyrone Siu/Reuters)

Danish Sculptor Condemns HK Universitys Order to Remove His Commemorative Statue of Tiananmen Massacre

HONG KONGThe Danish sculptor of a statue that commemorates pro-democracy protesters killed during Chinas Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989 has accused a leading Hong Kong university of mafia style tactics over its order to have it removed.

Jens Galschiot loaned the eight-meter-high (26-foot-high), two-tonne (2.2-ton) copper sculpture called Pillar of Shame to a local civil society group, the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China, in perpetuity.

After the group disbanded last month with some members accused of national security offenses, the University of Hong Kong sent a letter to the alliance last week requesting it remove the statue from the campus by 5 p.m. (0900 GMT) on Wednesday.

These people are in jail. And they say within four days you should take it down, Galschiot told Reuters via Zoom, referring to some of the groups members who are in prison over pro-democracy protests in 2019.

So I think this is a warning, that we want to destroy this sculpture if you dont pull it down. So this is a kind of mafia. I am really shocked.

The University of Hong Kong said in an email response to Reuters it was still seeking legal advice regarding the management of the sculpture and was working with related parties to handle the matter in a legal and reasonable manner.

Taboo Topic

The sculpture has been on display at the university for more than two decades, and is one of the few remaining public symbols of the massacre in and around Beijings Tiananmen Square more than 30 years ago that is a taboo topic in mainland China, where it cannot be publicly commemorated.

The statue, which Galschiot estimates is worth around 1.2 million euros ($1.4 million), depicts dozens of torn and twisted bodies that symbolize those killed.

The Chinese communist regime has never provided a full account of the 1989 massacre. The death toll given by officials days later was about 300, most of them soldiers, but rights groups and witnesses say thousands of people may have been killed.

Galschiot said he had contacted the university to explain that he is the owner of the statue and to offer to help with what he described as a complicated operation to move it.

This is my property, so if they destroy it, then we will take action. I think there is still some legal system in place in Hong Kong to protect private property, he said.

The statue was still in the university campus by the time the deadline for its removal passed on Wednesday, with most of the global financial center closed due to a typhoon.

($1 = 0.8657 euros)

By Aleksander Solum
Police work near a site after a man killed several people, in Kongsberg, Norway, on Oct. 14, 2021. (Terje Bendiksby/NTB via AP)

Deadly Norway Attack Appears to Be Act of Terrorism: Police

A Danish man who killed five people and injured two others by bow and arrow in a series of attacks in a town in Norway on Oct. 13 was placed under investigation for suspected terrorism.

We are investigating this, among other things, to clarify whether it is an act of terrorism, regional Police Chief Ole Bredrup Saeverud said at an Oct. 14 press conference. It will probably take some time before it can be finally clarified.

The assessment related to motive is a bit complicated. But it is natural to go back and see what information we have on the person from earlier, and then we see that there has been a concern related to radicalization in the past, which we think it is natural to be open about without being able to explain the details of it now.

Five people were killed in the Oct. 13 attackfour women and one man between the ages of 50 and 70in Kongsberg, a small town of about 28,000 people southwest of Oslo.

Both injured victims are hospitalized in intensive care. They include an off-duty police officer who was inside a supermarket, one of the locations of the rampage. Their condition wasnt immediately known.

Police walk at the scene after an attack in Kongsberg, Norway, on Oct. 13, 2021. (Hakon Mosvold Larsen/NTB Scanpix via AP)

The attack was the deadliest in the Nordic country since 2011. Anders Behring Breivik, a domestic terrorist, was later found sane and guilty in 2012 for murdering 77 people.

Police said the suspect, a 37-year-old Danish national whose name is currently unclear, is a Muslim convert who was previously flagged as having been radicalized. Norways national security agency said his actions currently appear to be an act of terrorism.

The man was first confronted by police officers at about 6:15 p.m. local time, but he managed to escape. He was eventually arrested about 30 minutes later.

Saeverud said investigators believe the suspect started the series of murders after he managed to escape police, and that the victims were likely killed between the suspect being first approached and him being arrested about 30 minutes later.

Chief of Police Ole Bredrup Saeverud talks during a press conference in Tonsberg, Norway, on Oct. 14, 2021. (Terje Pedersen/NTB via AP)

From what we know now, it is reasonably clear that some, probably everyone, was killed after the police were in contact with the perpetrator, the police chief said.

Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg said at a news conference that the attacks coming from Kongsberg tonight are horrifying.

I understand that many people are afraid, but its important to emphasize that the police are now in control, she said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

From NTD News
Texas Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, one of the five Texas House Democrats who have tested positive for COVID-19, is seen on Capitol Hill with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) (C) in Washington, on July 13, 2021. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Democrats Introduce Bills to Abolish, Reform Debt Ceiling

News Analysis

Frustrated over Republicans stonewalling their efforts to raise the debt ceiling, Democrats in the House have introduced two measures that would abolish the debt ceiling or significantly reform it by placing it largely out of Congresss jurisdiction.

The legislation, which was introduced by Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), contains two separate approaches to the debt ceiling.

Option A: Abolish the Debt Ceiling Altogether

The first of the two brief bills contains only two lines. The first is A bill to repeal the debt ceiling, and the second declares any standing law relating to the debt ceiling repealed.

For much of U.S. history, no such thing as a debt limit existed, but it slowly came about as a congressional assertion of authority over the president.

Before 1917, Congress could approve individual loans or individual methods to be used by the Treasury, but often lending and spending were left to the presidents discretion.

After the nation became involved in World War I, Congress issued its first blanket debt limit with the Second Liberty Bond Act, which limited the debts that the Treasury could incur to $15 billion. Given the presidents large financial discretion, the bill was intended to limit how much then-President Woodrow Wilson could borrow to finance the war.

Aside from a few scattered bills approved by Congress to cap the aggregate debt limit that the president could borrow, the president continued to exercise largely unilateral control of state finances until the 1970s.

In the 1970s, the revelations surrounding the Watergate scandal led Congress to look deeper into the states finances, culminating in a reassertion of authority with the Budget Act of 1974.

The bill introduced annual itemized budgets passed by Congress, the budget reconciliation process, and limited the public debt to amounts approved by Congress. Since then, Congress has had unilateral authority to set borrowing limits on the president and the Treasury.

With the legislation, federal spending and revenues became a legislative prerogative rather than an executive one. Since then, the original oversight purpose of the bill has become obfuscated by largely party-line splits over raising the debt ceiling.

Members of both parties have often used the debt ceiling as a mechanism to play political hardball. In 2006, Democrats in the Senateincluding then-Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) and now-Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.)almost unanimously voted against raising the debt ceiling. Republicans have used the same move since then, most notably in 2011 and 2013 under President Barack Obama.

Despite this history of hardball, the move does give Congress the ability to extract concessions from the president, or to make a symbolic gesture of protest against the current administration. Democrats 2006 rebellion came as just such a protest vote. During Obamas tenure, Republicans were able to use the mechanism to obtain a concession from Obama to cut spending.

Now, Boyles bill would abolish the debt ceiling altogether, leaving no limits on how much debt the United States can incur. If the measure were approved, neither the president nor Congress could place limits on the maximum acceptable national debt without repealing Boyles bill.

Some Democrats are supportive of the bills goal.

Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Ky.) told his colleagues on the House floor that the debt ceiling should be eliminated altogether. Reps. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), David Trone (D-Md.), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), and Earl Blumenhauer (D-Ore.) signed on as co-sponsors of the bill. Despite expressing support for the bill, Yarmuth hasnt signed on as a co-sponsor.

Option B: Give Treasury Secretary Power to Raise Debt Limit

The second option would once again restore the power to raise the debt limit to the executive branch. The option is put forward in Boyles second proposal, called The Debt Ceiling Reform Act.

If approved, the public debt would be treated as being equal to such greater dollar amount as the Secretary of the Treasury may periodically determine. In brief, the bill would allow the Secretary of the Treasurycurrently Biden-appointed Janet Yellento unilaterally raise or lower the debt ceiling.

As an appointee of the president, that would return the power to the executive branch and give the president significant influence over the debt limit.

Due to its constitutional power over federal spending, revenues, and debt, Boyles bill would allow Congress to keep some influence over the debt limit.

The bill says that the decision of the Treasury secretary to raise or lower the debt ceiling can be overridden by a subsequently enacted law. This would give Congress the ability to maintain oversight, but actually executing such oversight would be difficult.

Currently, Congress can use parliamentary maneuvers to approve legislation to raise the debt ceiling along a party-line vote. In 2006, Republicans raised the debt ceiling along party lines; Schumer has indicated that Democrats plan to do the same to raise the current debt ceiling.

But bills to override the Treasury secretarys debt ceiling decision wouldnt be able to use the same maneuvers in the Senate, where 60 votes are required to begin debate on a bill before it can be passed by a simple majority. Historically, members of the Senate have voted to raise the debt ceiling when the president is a member of their party, while efforts not to raise the debt ceiling have arisen from the opposition party.

Members of the presidents party are likely to continue to be hesitant to override the decision of his Treasury appointee, and to deny the 60 votes needed for any legislative efforts to do so. Without a supermajority of resistance to the decision in the upper chamber, overriding the Treasury secretarys decision will be a challenge.

This proposal also has shown to be more popular among the Democratic caucus than the first.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has indicated that she supports Boyles second proposal, telling a reporter, I think it has merit.

The second bill also has significantly more co-sponsors, with a total of 16: Reps. Coleman, Espaillat, Evans, and Blumenhauer joined Boyle as co-sponsors again; Reps. John Yarmuth, Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Susan Wild (D-Pa.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Mike Levin (D-Calif.), Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.), Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Bill Foster (D-Ill.), Nikema Williams (D-Ga.), and Donald Beyer (D-Va.) also signed onto the bill.

Democrats have insisted that reforms of the debt ceiling are necessary to avert crises in the future.

Boyles proposals represent the first effort at cementing his partys demands into law, but will likely face resistance in the Senate, where Republicans have unanimously refused to raise the debt limit, if Pelosi passes either in a House vote.

Both bills are currently tied up in the House Ways and Means Committee.
Despite Added Funding, School Counselors in NYC Remain in Short Supply, Officials Say

While additional dollars have been infused into school systems in New Yorks most recent statewide budget, the appropriations still are not meeting critical needs for schools in the states largest city, officials said at a recent Senate hearing.

When former Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed New Yorks 2021-22 budget this spring, the spending plan included increased contributions to public education, fortified through $12 billion in federal COVID-19 relief funding.

Additionally, the current budget includes a 7.6 percent, or $1.4 billion, increase to foundational aid, the statewide formula used for funding school districts.

With a half-year into the states current budget, members of the New York Senate Committee on Education recently took testimony from school officials throughout the New York City area and heard a range of concerns  including a lack of guidance counselors  as the 2021-22 school year has gotten underway.

In testimony delivered to the Senate panel at the Oct. 5 hearing, Meisha Porter, chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, said the agency has earmarked $80 million into social and emotional learning through an effort that includes the hiring of 600 new social workers, social psychologists and family support workers.

We want all our students to see themselves in their curriculum, their classrooms and their schools, Porter said. It is in this spirit that we will implement a dual-pronged approach, which will address social-emotional learning and academics.

But a number of other representatives within the New York City school system offered a different take on the working conditions for the people hired to look after the well-being of students in schools across the five boroughs.

Claire Green-Forde, executive director of the New York City chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, said the school system does not offer adequate support to the staffers filling the positions.

Despite the noted education, experience and training needed to be a social worker, many school-based social workers are either not supervised or inadequately supervised as they report to someone in the school with no mental health training or experience, Green-Forde said.

She added, Many have to complete professional development on their own time and cost, to maintain their license since the limited professional development opportunities in their schools do not address their professional needs.

Marjorie Miller, president of the New York State School Counselor Association, said the additional funding comes at a critical time as mental health remains a front-and-center concern amid the pandemic.

But in her testimony, Miller said there has been  and continues to be  a disproportionate number of professional resources across the state.

Too often, school counselors are not available to students of color and students from low-income families, Miller said. Data shows that New York is a state where, generally, we have a good ratio of counselors at the secondary level, but there is unequal access to counselors, depending on the school district, school or geographic area.

In New York City, Miller said some schools this year have continued functioning without dedicated counselors  a scenario that drew concern from Senators sitting on the panel.

That is utterly incomprehensible and unacceptable, said state Sen. John Liu, D-Queens, who chairs the committee.

Liu and other legislator on the panel said they were committed to looking deeper into how more resources could be allocated to the citys schools to help with social and emotional learning.

Other concerns raised at the recent extensive Senate hearing, which was held in New York City, included class sizes and a perceived lack of input from school officials on broader issues under Mayor Bill de Blasios oversight.

By Dave Fidlin
Did Michelangelo Destroy His Sculpture The Deposition?

A major restoration reveals a bit more about the myth of the 'Bandini Pieta'

Its the middle of the 16th century. Sparks fly every which way as Michelangelo, at around 75 years old, furiously carves Christ, Nicodemus, the Virgin Mary, and St. Mary Magdalene into a piece of marble over 7 feet tall.

Michelangelo rendered Christ as he had just fallen from the cross. Theres a palpable dynamic energy to the piece titled The Deposition that makes one almost hold ones breath as the three surrounding figures all attempt to steady Christs lifeless body. Nicodemus towers compassionately over the composition, trying to prop up Christ while seemingly allowing the Virgin Mary to bid her son farewell. Christs right arm wraps around a rather diminutive St. Mary Magdalene.

Before restoration: The Deposition, also known as the Bandini Pieta, by Michelangelo. Museo dellOpera del Duomo, Florence, Italy. (Alena Fialova/Courtesy of Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore)

Christs head slumps toward his mother, or perhaps she pulls him close as he sits on one of her knees. One can imagine her whispering farewell in his ear.

The piece is one of Michelangelos last sculptures, a farewell sculpture of sorts, and was intended to be part of Michelangelos tomb. Poignantly, Nicodemus, who purportedly carried Christ to his tomb, is Michelangelos self-portrait.

A conservator cleans Nicodemus, who Michelangelo carved in his own image. (Claudio Giovannin/Courtesy of Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore)

Perhaps this is how Michelangelo wanted us to remember him. Nicodemus looks down at Christ with such tenderness and devotion, maybe reflecting Michelangelos faith as a devout Catholic, and also the realization that he will soon join him.

Michelangelo never finished The Deposition, and the sculpture never made it to his tomb. For years, many experts believed that Michelangelo, in a fit of rage and frustration, partially destroyed the sculpture with his hammer; Christs left arm is broken and his left leg is missing. A recently completed restoration of the sculpture has revealed more of what might have actually happened.

Michelangelos 3 Pieta Sculptures

Michelangelo created three Pieta sculptures in his life. The most well-known is the Vatican Pieta that he created as a young artist. For that work, many thought he rendered Mary too young to have an adult child. On hearing this, Michelangelo simply said she appeared youthful because sin ages a person.

In his old age, Michelangelo started sculpting The Deposition along with the Rondanini Pieta (now in Milan). During that time, he was also the architect of St. Peters Basilica in Rome, one of his most challenging projects. He likely spent countless hours carving the pieces, snatching small pockets of time while overseeing the works at St. Peters.

Its important to note that The Deposition is not Michelangelos alone. He gave the unfinished work to his servant Antonio da Casteldurante, who entrusted it to the sculptor Tiberio Calcagni to repair. Calcagni died before he finished his repairs. Art historian and friend of Michelangelo, Giorgio Vasari commented that the sculpture was better off for Calcagnis death: Calcagni finished St. Mary Magdalene, making her smaller, and he badly repaired Christs broken arm, as well as adding additional marble pieces to the work.

Antonio sold the work to the banker Francesco Bandini, hence the reason The Deposition is commonly called the Bandini Pieta. After some changes of hands, Cosimo III de Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, bought the work in 1671. The sculpture was moved to Florence, where it spent nearly 50 years in the crypt of San Lorenzo Church (St. Lawrence Church), and then over 250 years in Florence Cathedral. In 1981, it was moved to the Museo dellOpera del Duomo (Museum of Works at the Duomo), where its been ever since.

A Revealing Conservation

Despite its being one of Michelangelos famous works, and other than Calcagnis repairs some 470 years ago, The Deposition has had only routine conservation treatments, such as cleaning and general maintenance.

The major restoration efforts have made a striking difference. The American-based nonprofit Friends of Florence Foundation funded the restoration work, and the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore (Work of St. Mary of the Flower) commissioned and directed the restoration, which began in 2019.

A conservator carefully cleans the Bandini Pieta, one of Michelangelos unfinished sculptures. (Claudio Giovannin/Courtesy of Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore)

All the signs of an aging monument have been removed, thanks to the conservation efforts led by Paola Rosa and Emanuela Peiretti, alongside in-house and outside experts. Conservators used cotton wool soaked in deionized water, which was sometimes heated, to remove the grime. Scalpels were carefully applied to areas that had stubborn dirt.

Now, the sculpture has lost its amber tint to reveal splendid white marble. Gone is the plaster residue left from a cast taken in 1882. Gone is the wax coating that conservators had hoped would protect the work from drying out after the cast had been taken. Gone are the centuries-old deposits of dust and wax. The grime marred exquisitely carved details such as the drapery folds and sculptural reliefs.

After restoration: The Deposition, also known as the Bandini Pieta, by Michelangelo. Museo dellOpera del Duomo, Florence, Italy. (Alena Fialova/Courtesy of Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore)

As part of the conservation effort, experts tested the marble and discovered that it was mined in Seravezza in Tuscany, from a quarry once owned by the preeminent Medici family. Experts previously believed that it was made of Carrara marble, the Tuscan quarry Michelangelo is famously associated with.

Michelangelo had concerns about the quality of marble mined at Seravezza. He had used Seravezza marble for the facade of St. Lawrence Church in Florence, as directed by Giovanni di Lorenzo de Medici (who later became Pope Leo X). The artist found that it appeared pure on the surface but was prone to minute cracks and sudden veining, which were difficult to detect.

Did Michelangelo Destroy The Deposition?

Conservators detected none of Michelangelos destructive hammer blows on the piece, but those could have been erased by someone later. That part of the story is inconclusive.

Analysis of The Deposition marble, however, confirmed that the block was flawed. The marble was riddled with inclusions of pyrite, commonly known as fools gold, which caused dramatic sparks to fly when struck with a chisel. Numerous minute cracks were found on the back and front of the sculptures base, leading experts to conclude that Michelangelo may have had to stop working on The Deposition.

Michelangelo may not have destroyed his work after all, but it makes for a good story.

Visitors to the Museum of Works at the Duomo (Museo dellOpera del Duomo) have until March 30, 2022, to view The Deposition up close, in the same workshop space where it was restored. To find out more, visit Duomo.Firenze.it
The U.S. Department of Justice is seen in Washington on June 11, 2021. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

DOJ Launches Probe of Alleged Child Abuse at Texas Juvenile Detention Centers

The Department of Justice on Oct. 13 announced the launch of a statewide investigation into allegations of physical and sexual abuse of children at five correctional centers run by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

Our investigation will focus on whether there is a pattern or practice of physical or sexual abuse of children in Texass secure facilities, U.S. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, Kristen Clarke, said in remarks announcing the investigation. We will also investigate whether there is a pattern or practice of harm as a result of the excessive use of chemical restraints, excessive use of isolation, or a lack of adequate mental health services.

At least 11 staff members of juvenile facilities across Texas have been arrested over the course of several years for sexually abusing children in their care. There are also reports of staff members paying children with drugs and cash to assault other children.

There are also reports of staff members use of excessive force on children, including kicking, body-slamming, and choking children to the point of unconsciousness, Clarke said.

The department will also be looking into reports of inadequate mental health care provided to the children at the facilities. Reports of self-harm by children at juvenile detention centers more than doubled in 2019 compared to the year before, Clark noted.

No matter who they areor what theyve doneour states kids deserve safe environments, Acting U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham of the Northern District of Texas said in a statement. We cannot expect juvenile offenders to thrive later in life if they emerge from confinement traumatized by sexual abuse, excessive force, or incessant isolation.

The DOJs Civil Rights Divisions Special Litigation Section is running the investigation in cooperation with the four U.S. attorneys offices in the Lone Star State.

In a statement emailed to The Epoch Times, Camille Cain, the executive director of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, said the agency will fully cooperate with the investigation.

We all share the same goals for the youth in our care: providing for their safety, their effective rehabilitation, and the best chance for them to lead productive, fulfilling lives, Cain said. That has been the agencys mission since I joined TJJD, and it remains our constant focus.

The Justice Departments prior investigations into the juvenile justice systems in other states have helped address systemic issues. In Meridian, Mississippi, the department found that the local police department was arresting children for minor offenses in school without probable cause.

In South Carolina, investigators found that the state failed to keep children reasonably safe from harm caused by punitive and excessive isolation, as well as harm inflicted by other children, Clarke said.
Emotions Run High as Texas Border Residents Feel Abandoned, Fear for Their Lives

BRACKETTVILLE, TexasLocals fed up with groups of illegal immigrants trespassing on their land and breaking into their homes and vehicles attended a town hall meeting to share their frustration with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and his staff on Oct. 11.

The first questions from the audience reflected the boiling point many have reached and the prevailing feeling that theyre being left to fend for themselves: Can we shoot back if shot at from Mexico? When can a property owner use force?

If youre in imminent danger, I think the answer is probably yes, said Joshua Reno, Paxtons deputy attorney general for criminal justice, in response to the first question.

You still have the same rights to defend yourself. This is a really difficult question, though.  The consequences, I think, are something thats going to be very direwere talking about shooting across the border to another country.

As for using force against intruders, Reno said theres a myriad of scenarios, but when it comes down to it, you can defend yourself with the equal amount of force thats being used against youthats the easiest way to put it.

Brent Webster, first assistant attorney general to Paxton, put it more succinctly: If someones invading your home, you have a right to defend your home with deadly force. I want to be clear about that.

The town hall occurred just weeks after nearly 15,000 mostly Haitian illegal immigrants entered the United States and camped out under an international bridge in Del Rio, 30 minutes down the road. More than 12,400 of the Haitians were subsequently released into the United States, according to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

During that time, Border Patrol highway checkpoints in the area were closed and Texas state troopers were pulled off the roads to beef up law enforcement numbers under the bridge.

Kinney County, in which Brackettville sits, shares 16 miles of international border with Mexico, and its a main thoroughfare for human smugglingby foot, train, or by vehiclefrom the border to San Antonio.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has arrested more than 1,100 illegal aliens trespassing in Kinney County in the past several months, according to Kinney County Sheriff Brad Coe.

In early October, state troopers stopped a human smuggling attempt in Kinney County that involved four cars and included a Syrian driver who was carrying a Glock 19 and five magazines. The Syrian had a green card and was subsequently released by Border Patrol, but will likely face state charges brought by the DPS, Coe said.

A Cuban national with a green card who was residing in Houston was stopped and arrested on Oct. 13 while driving four illegal immigrants from Mexico, Coe said.

Pushing for Action

At the town hall, several audience members were clearly dissatisfied with hearing that they may have to wait until after the 2022 midterm elections for the possibility of tightened border security. Many had attended a town hall meeting in May that covered the same issues, and by all accounts, illegal immigration and cross-border crime have escalated over the past five months.

We dont have time for an election. We really dont. We have time to act, said Uvalde rancher Mike Miller. We want to live in our homes with no fear. Theyre coming with weapons, and the Zeta cartel is running our border right now.

Ray Zavadil, who has been in Kinney County looking at private security options for ranchers, said: Weve got three weeks before the [next] 60,000 hit the border. Which means if we dont get something done in two weeks, theres not going to be a Kinney County.

Zavadil implored Paxtons team to defend Coe if he uses militia members along the border, should the state deny him the use of Texas National Guard troops.

In its latest local disaster declaration, filed on Oct. 6, Kinney County requests Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to immediately deploy 2,000 state military personnel to Kinney County to repel an invasion and protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Texas.

Coe said he spoke to the governors office on Oct. 13 and doesnt expect any National Guard troops in Kinney County, but 1,500 personnel are being deployed to the border cities of Eagle Pass and Del Rio.

Were getting zero. So that tells me if they block off Del Rio and they block off Eagle Pass, where are they coming? In between. The point of least resistance, Coe told The Epoch Times. Kinney County sits between Del Rio and Eagle Pass.

Meanwhile, Coe said hes preparing to meet with Zavadil to sign an agreement to allow a defensive security force to come in and set up camp in the county and work the ranches for illegal activity. Hes hoping to get donations to help offset the cost through the countys new border security website.

Well try to get them deputized or something to get the ball rolling because the governors not going to help us, Coe said, adding that some legal issues need to be ironed out first. Hes hoping for around 600 volunteers, but expects 100 to start.

Its going to be a combined effortwell get intel from DPS, get intel from Border Patrol where the biggest groups are coming through, which cameras are seeing the most activityand get them set up in those areas, Coe said. And then well start processing them [illegal aliens], charging them, and see what happens.

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly named Ray Zavadil. The Epoch Times regrets the error.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg during a television live cross at Parliament House on March 16, 2021, in Canberra, Australia. (Sam Mooy/Getty Images)

Extraordinary State Authority Must End as Australians Learn to Live With COVID-19: Treasurer

Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the extraordinary powers given to state premiers during COVID-19 should slowly diminish as the economy bounces back and life returns to normal.

The pandemics been pretty unusual in the sense its elevated the role of premiers to a prominence, I suspect, they havent had for decades, Frydenberg told The Australian Financial Review.

Its been a bit confusing for the public because they normally look to the federal government to make the big decisions that affect their lives; whether its tax policy, or national security policy, or borders.

Many state premiers and chief health officers, who have emergency powers under the Biosecurity Security Act 2015 to impose public health orders, have also been very willing to announce snap lockdowns in response to single-digit cases.

Suddenly, youve got a state premier who tells you whether you can have a picnic with friends, whether you can go to a funeral of loved ones, or whether you can travel more than 10 kilometres from your home, Frydenberg said.

Thats an extraordinary level of power states have received by virtue of the public health orders. Im hoping we get back to the old ways after this pandemic  when that authority ebbs away because it wont be needed.

Frydenberg hoped a return to normal would come about as Australians learn to live with the virus.

A person takes in the work of artist Richard Bell at the MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art Australia) in Sydney, Australia, on Oct. 12, 2021. (Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

The comments by Frydenberg come after Australian workers against mandatory vaccinations last week mounted a nationwide strike in dozens of cities across the country as deadlines loom for workers across various sectors to be vaccinated.

Efforts among Australians to resist lockdowns and vaccine mandates continue among organizations such as National Education United and Reignite Democracy Australia.

Telegram groups have also become a hub for Australians to coordinate and share their efforts and resources, including by sending letters, signing petitions, launching lawsuits, and organizing peaceful demonstrations.

Meanwhile, Australia is committed to a national roadmap to reopening, where restrictions are lifted at 70 and 80 percent vaccination thresholds in each state.

However, extended lockdowns in Australias two most populous states have dented the national economy, with Treasury forecasting a contraction of potentially 3 percent or more.

Delta has been a game-changer, Frydenberg told the Citi Australia and New Zealand Investment Conference. That being said, there is now light at the end of the tunnel.

Frydenberg also said the strong vaccination rates throughout the country had put the economy in a strong position ahead of the new year.

I am confident that the Australian economy will bounce back strongly, he said. Labour market strength, household consumption, and the housing market will be strong throughout the rest of the year.

Mimi Nguyen Ly contributed to this report.
The Nordic countrieswhich include Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Icelandhave either partially or completely suspended the use of the Moderna vaccine over concerns of potential heart inflammation.

Meanwhile, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott recently issued a new executive order, which banned vaccine mandates throughout the entire state.

Likewise, in New York, a federal judge just ruled in favor of 17 health care workers who were objecting to taking the vaccine on religious grounds.

And lastly, despite the non-stop coverage of COVID-19 by the media over the past year and a half, a new Gallup poll found that 92 percent of Americans overestimate the hospitalization rate of those who are unvaccinated.

Resources:

 AMAC:

https://ept.ms/3bzYr8f

 Texas:

https://ept.ms/3BAQRoa

https://ept.ms/3AyJVGU

 Nordic Countries:

https://ept.ms/3vhEqeM

 CDC meeting:

https://ept.ms/3mPMZts

 Gallup Survey:

https://ept.ms/3p1YHUq

https://ept.ms/3BRpfes

 NYT Correction:

https://ept.ms/3iZr9CA

 NY Gifted kids:

https://ept.ms/3aDBRKt

 NY Mandate:

https://ept.ms/3iZJcbG

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Dr. Anthony Fauci is seen at a hearing at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, on July 20, 2021. (Stefani Reynolds/Pool via Reuters)

Fauci Responds to Pilots Concerns That COVID Vaccines May Cause Adverse Side Effects

White House COVID-19 adviser Anthony Fauci responded to questions and concerns that the COVID-19 vaccine may trigger adverse health reactions among pilots.

On Oct. 8, a Southwest Airlines pilots union filed a lawsuit against the firm to block the airlines vaccine mandate. Southwests pilots union, as well as other pilots unions, has warned that vaccines could impact their ability to do their jobs or get medical clearance, citing federal health data suggesting a link between the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines and myocarditis or other health concerns.

When asked on Oct. 13 about the pilots concerns, Fauci said that right now on the basis of literally hundreds and hundreds of millions of vaccinations that weve had, the safety of these vaccines have been clearly established.

When you look at immediate reactogenicity, thats what the airlines are talking about, about not having a person fly for, I believe, 24 to 48 hours after because we do know that it is not uncommon to get a sore arm or to maybe get a low-grade fever or some aches that almost invariably diminish and dissipate over a period of a couple of days, he said, without mentioning reports of myocarditis.

Earlier this month, several Nordic countries suspended usage of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccineone of the most commonly used shots in the United Statesin certain younger age groups. Those countries cited for the decision data suggesting an elevated risk of side effects such as heart inflammation or inflammation of the heart sac, although they stressed that those impacts are rare.

Fauci, who was speaking during a virtual COVID-19 event, said that the long-term effects are really actually non-existent for individuals who took the vaccines.

One, I guess, can theoretically say, Im concerned about a long-term effect, the fact of the safety and the follow-up over a considerable period of time, over a year as so many individuals, we have not really seen that. So we dont really see any true basis in that concern, he said. Fauci didnt elaborate on whether vaccine mandates should be imposed on commercial airline pilots.

But the pilots unions have argued that COVID-19 vaccines pose a unique risk to pilots because any adverse reaction to the dose could affect an individuals ability to clear the medical requirements that are needed to fly an airplane.

Allied Pilots Association President Eric Ferguson, in a letter (pdf) to the White House and Congress, requested that the Biden administration rescind its vaccine mandate for commercial airlines pilots.

Some pilots, the group stated, are unable to undergo vaccination for documented medical reasons, while others are reluctant to get vaccinated based upon concerns about the potential for career-ending side effects.

To ensure commercial aviations ongoing viability by avoiding a scenario in which airlines are forced to either offer unpaid leaves of absence or, worse, implement mass terminations of unvaccinated pilots, it is essential that an alternate means of compliance with the Executive Order be made available for professional pilots, he warned in the letter, dated Sept. 24.
FDA Panel Unanimously Recommends Authorization of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Booster

A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel voted unanimously on Oct. 14 to recommend that the agency allow millions of Americans to get a booster shot of Modernas COVID-19 vaccine.

The 190 vote came after hours of discussions and presentations in an all-virtual meeting.

Moderna officials presented data from clinical trials, including a small trial that studied the safety and effectiveness of a booster shot, as did officials from Israel, one of the first countries in the world to start giving booster shots, and the FDA, which performed an analysis of Modernas data but didnt support or oppose the companys application for an emergency use authorization expansion.

The FDA can overrule the panels recommendations but rarely does so. If the recommendation is approved, anyone aged 65 and older will be able to get a Moderna booster shot if theyve received the primary two doses of the Moderna series. People between the ages of 18 and 64 who are deemed at high risk of severe COVID-19 or whose frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 puts them at high risk of serious complications of COVID-19 will also have access to the booster shot.

SARS-CoV-2 is another name for the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, which causes COVID-19.

The boosters would be a 50 microgram dose for people at least six months after theyve received their second dose, which is itself typically administered one month after the initial dose.

The primary two-dose series is 100 micrograms each.

Moderna said its small trial, consisting of just 171 people who got the regular primary series and a half-dose booster, showed a smaller amount could still bolster protection against CCP virus infection.

Officials discussed how data from other trials signal that the vaccine is still holding up well against severe disease, but that theres been plummeting effectiveness against infection, particularly after the Delta variant became dominant in the United States.

Some panel members struck a skeptical tone on widespread boosters, pointing to the small number of people who got another shot and were studied and highlighting how some populations, including young, healthy people, dont seem to need another shot.

Im not wild about a bunch of 20-year-olds going out and getting a booster dose, unless theyre at increased risk of either exposure or severe outcome, Dr. Mark Sawyer, professor of clinical pediatrics at the University of CaliforniaSan Diego School of Medicine and a temporary panel voting member, said before the vote.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory panel will ultimately make the decision on who should get a Moderna booster, Sawyer said, though its in danger of being overruled by the agencys head, as happened with Pfizers additional shot.

There was discussion about amending the third piece of the recommendation, but a number of members brushed aside the talk, in part because of a desire to match the recommendation the same panel gave for a booster for Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine in September. No one dissented.

We already approved it for Pfizer. I dont see how we can possibly not approve it for Moderna and not have most U.S. folks be completely confused. I know thats not part of what were supposed to think about, but I think its a pragmatic issue, said Dr. Stanley Perlman, a temporary voting member and a professor in the University of Iowas Departments of Microbiology and Immunology.

Dr. Cody Meissner, a professor of pediatrics at the Tufts University School of Medicine and a panel member, twice asked for evidence that people can be at high risk for serious complications based on their work. Dr. Doran Fink, an FDA official, said there was no specific data, but that theres concern about so-called long COVID, or alleged problems that stem from COVID-19 and are seen even after somebody stops testing positive for the disease.

Meissner endorsed the recommendations, but warned the panel against voting for evidence-free language.

If we cant defend these recommendations based on evidence, its going to further complicate getting this vaccine into every single adult American, and thats really what we want to do, Meissner said.

Dr. James Hildreth, president and CEO of Meharry Medical College and a temporary voting member (pdf), challenged Meissner, saying that the only evidence he needed for the occupational risk advice was that minorities are more likely to have underlying conditions, putting them at higher risk of severe cases of COVID-19.

Perlman said the piece was important because the United States cant afford to have health care workers test positive for COVID-19, because that means theyll have to miss work, even if theyre not showing symptoms.

Many spoke in favor of advising the FDA to widen the emergency use authorization again, after previously allowing people with weak immune systems to get a third dose of the vaccine. They said the fact that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are similar means that data regarding Pfizer booster shots, including virtually all the information from Israel, informed their decision, as did the millions of Americans who have already gotten the third shot.

We need boosters in some populations, Sawyer said.

Dr. Patrick Moore, a temporary voting member and a professor at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, said his vote was based on more of a gut feeling than serious data.

The data itself is not strong but it is certainly going in a direction that is supportable of this vote, Moore said.

Panel members are set to meet again on Oct. 15 to consider whether to advise the FDA to expand authorization for Johnson & Johnsons vaccine.
Film Review: The Last Duel: Director Ridley Scott Recounts a True Medieval Scandal

R | 2h 32min | Action, Drama, History | 15 October 2021 (USA)

Based on the 2004 novel The Last Duel: A True Story of Trial by Combat in Medieval France by Eric Jager, The Last Duel is overflowing with virtually every filmmaking tool found in director Ridley Scotts formidable creative wheelhouse. Youll notice nods to his debut effort The Duellists, as well as Legend, Thelma and Louise, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, and American Gangster.

Keeping the Violence in Check

Always the thinking persons action filmmaker, Scott is a master of presenting violence and gore without being gratuitous, and it always propels the narrative. In addition to the extended titular sequence which bookends the film, Scott includes a handful of battle scenes which hold nothing back. Soldiers suffer gruesome deaths which are in line with the period (the middle of The Hundred Years War) when everything takes place.

In one particularly unsettling scene depicting multiple beheadings of civilians, Scott shows immense restraint by shooting from a long distance and having all but one of the actual deaths taking place off-screen.

Far from taking place off-screen is an assault similar to one Scott included in Thelma and Louiseone many viewers would consider far more shocking and disquieting than any amount of gore or bloodletting and it provides the film with its main plot.

Peripheral war scenes aside, the story is set mostly in 1386 involving a he said, she said crime and its aftermath. The main characters are two high ranking French officers (Matt Damon as Jean de Carrouges and Adam Driver as Jacques Le Gris), Jeans wife Marguerite (Jodie Comer, Free Guy) and Count Pierre dAlencon (Ben Affleck), a blonde politician and power-broker who evidently was the Hugh Hefner of his time.

Matt Damon as Jean de Carrouges plays the wronged husband. (Patrick Redmond / 20th Century Studios)

While Jean was away at war, Jacques went to his home and sexually assaulted Marguerite. In private, Jacques admits to this and claims it was consensual (or at least, whatever consensual meant at the time). When he describes the event to his ally Pierre, the latter tells him to forever deny it ever happened.

When Marguerite tells Jean what Jacques did, he first questions her honesty and when halfway convinced shes being truthful, interprets it as an insult delivered from his once best friend. Marguerites recollection of what occurred never changes, even under the threat of being burned alive.

The Truth Through Different Eyes

In manner not unlike that employed in Go (1999), Hero (2002), and Predestination (2014)all excellent moviesThe Last Duel borrows a great deal structurally from the 1950 Akira Kurosawa masterpiece Rashomon. In Rashomon, a crime is described by multiple witnesses and all of their stories contain wildly conflicting accounts while also sharing identical, often incidental details.

The screenwriters for The Last Duel use this storytelling blueprint as a springboard and give it a new, welcomed wrinkle. Rather than a typical full-on, three-way collaboration for the duration (a situation which often results in a watered-down, blurry mish-mash), the first two chapters (not to be confused as typical narrative acts) were penned by Damon and Affleck in their first writing collaboration since Good Will Hunting in 1997 (which won the pair Oscars for Best Original Screenplay).

Adam Driver as the charming but backstabbing Jacques Le Gris. (Patrick Redmond / 20th Century Studios)

The first act (and purposefully the least revealing) is from Jeans perspective. Portrayed throughout as a dedicated defender of France, hes not well-liked and is a near-broke widower. Due his connections, hes introduced to Marguerite, whom he marries with the understanding that he will receive a handsome dowry. Although he doesnt get everything he was promised, hes somewhat content.

Act two is Jacquess version. As outwardly endearing as Jean is abrasive, Jacques is also learned, relatively erudite and comes with a breezy charm that makes him practically irresistible to every woman he meets. This appeal is slowly eroded by Pierre whose ham-handed opinion regarding everything, especially women, is toxic and Machiavellian to the nth power.

The Final Act Is Best

The third (and by far the best) actthat from Marguerites point of viewwas penned by Nicole Holofcener, an acclaimed filmmaker in her own right and best known for Walking and Talking, Can You Ever Forgive Me?, and Enough Said. The idea of turning over the screenwriting duties to a female to present events from a female perspective was, if not brilliant, certainly logical. While she includes passages included in the first two chapters, Holofceners takeand equally important, Scotts choice of camera positioningleaves little doubt of what actually happened.

Not to remotely discount the abhorrent sexual assault facet of the story, the twisted treatment of the truth, the concept of women as property, the perception of misplaced honor and insult, and the misinterpretation or misunderstanding of the facts is what rules this movie. Toss in the concept that truth and justice could be determined by which guy could kill the other in battle under the guise of Gods will isnt just dated, its as if they were all still living in caves without a concept of God.

Imagine yourself as Marguerite. If your politically-arranged husbandone who kind of, sort of believes you, yet is more concerned with his reputation than your safety and honordies in a battle with an outwardly superior foe that you know raped you, you will be burned alive.

Let that sink in for a minute.

Jeans wife Marguerite (Jodie Comer) has the most compelling story. (Patrick Redmond / 20th Century Studios)

The filmmakers ultimate achievement isnt presenting a story you will like but one you will appreciate. It is in presenting the concept believe half of what you see and none of what you hear.

It also makes clear that one can be unlikeable yet honorable and evil can be buried just below the surface of beguiling charm.

The Last Duel

Director: Ridley Scott

Stars: Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Jodie Comer, Ben Affleck, Zeljko Ivanek, Harriet Walter

Running Time: 2 hours, 32 minutes

MPAA Rating: R

Release Date: Oct. 15, 2021

Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Firefighter Adopts Cat Rescued from Burning Shelter: I Signed Papers Right Then and There

A story of love has risen from the ashes of a devastating fire at a Florida animal shelter. One of the firefighters who responded to the emergency went home with more than his call of duty served: he adopted one of the survivors.

The Pet Alliance of Greater Orlandos Conroy Road shelter premises went up in flames on the night of Sept. 15. As soon as the building became safe to enter, staffers battled through the night to save as many cats and dogs as possible.

Orlando native and Orange County firefighter Brett Maneri, 22, arrived with his crew to help after the fire was extinguished, personally pulling three surviving cats from the building. And a tabby cat named Mia stole his heart.

Orange County firefighter Brett Maneri with Mia. (Courtesy of Brett Maneri)

Our purpose was fire watch, to make sure the fire didnt rekindle and to check for hot spots and the extent of the damage, Maneri told The Epoch Times. As we were in there with our thermal imaging camera, looking for hot spots, I found a cat hiding behind a computer monitor in one of the rooms.

Maneri grabbed the cat and took her outside, as the role of first responders evolved into a search and recovery effort.

My crew and I split up to search for other animals, he said. One of my crew members moved a cat condo, found Mia in a cage under all of the rubble and debris, and took her outside to get help. I saw Mia as they were taking her outside, and saw that she was petrified.

Maneri said the entire experience was heartbreaking, crediting the group effort of shelter staffers and first responders for making the immense rescue possible. This was a group effort, he said. Without my crew and everyone else who responded to the scene, none of this would have been possible.

Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando. (Screenshot/Google Maps)

Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando said in a statement that 45 cats and 26 dogs were brought to safety that night. Tragically, 17 cats died from smoke inhalation in the fire that decimated their premises.

The fire started in the shelters public clinic, and is suspected to have been electrical, according to the statement.

Mia, alongside other survivors, was taken to Pet Alliances Sanford site. But Maneri, who has been an Orange County firefighter for almost two years, had already fallen head over heels; after clocking off work the day after the fire, he drove to get her.

A long-time fosterer who grew up volunteering for Florida Boxer Rescue, Maneri was delighted to find that Mia had been medically cleared to go home.

I signed the papers right then and there, said Maneri, who has other rescued cats and dogs at home.

Since joining the Maneri household, Mia is recovering and adjusting well to her new home and surroundings.

She has some bruising on her lower back that is still tender, said Maneri. She definitely is a lover, and loves to cuddle and lay down on top of you when youre sitting and watching TV on the couch, or going to bed.

As Maneri settles in to life with his new furry pal, his plea to the public is to donate to Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando in their time of greatest need.

Mia and one of Maneris pet dogs. (Courtesy of Brett Maneri)

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California is experiencing a homeless crisis exacerbated by a drug epidemic.

My guest is Tom Wolf, a former homeless drug addict, who was arrested six times before getting sober. Now he is a recovery advocate.

He talks about the rampant drug dealing among the homeless encampments and how to help the people living on the street break free from addiction and go back to normal life.

California Insider is an Epoch Times show available on YouTube, Rumble, Youmaker, and The Epoch Times website. It also airs on cable on NTD America. Find out where you can watch us on TV.

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Former NSA Chief Calls for Allied Radar to Defend Against Cyber Criminals

'We have to attribute who's doing it and make them pay a price right now'

Former director of the United States National Security Agency (NSA), Keith Alexander, has called upon the United States, Australia, and other allies to operate under a unified cyber defence radar to defend against international cyber attackers and protect critical infrastructure.

Speaking at an Australian Strategic Policy Institute webinar alongside the head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), Alexander stated that cyber defence was vital in the modern era given the potential ease of attack from remote locations.

Cyber is going to be hugely important for our future, Alexander said. Its the one area where adversaries can attack Australia and the United States without trying to cross the oceans.

In particular, Alexander suggested a radar-like mechanism that would allow organisations to report cyber attacks to a centralised location visible by the cyber security departments of both governments and private organisations.

National Security Agency headquarters in Fort Meade, Maryland, United States. (National Security Agency/Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons)

We need an event generator that shows events that are hitting companies at network speed, that can be anonymised, pushed up to the cloud, and create a radar picture so you can now see all the companies where these types of events are hitting.

Imagine if we built a radar picture for cyber that covered not only what impacts Australia, but what impacts other countries, and we could share in real time threats that are hitting our countries and protect from that, Alexander said.

Alexander highlighted that a rising threat of cyber actors was becoming increasingly difficult to face, especially without cooperation from vulnerable industries.

I think the biggest problem that I faced in government, and that we face today, is governmentsnot just ours, but yours as wellcant see attacks on the private sector. Yet the government is responsible for defending the private sector, Alexander said.

Cyber incidents have flourished in Australia and globally, with a worryingly growing number of attacks on vital infrastructure across government, hospitals, food producers, communications, media, and educational institutions. In all, Australia has received a 13 percent jump in cyber crime in the last 12 months, with the ACSC receiving a report on average once every eight minutes.

While some of these include independent ransomware attackers, others include state-based actorssuch as the Russia-linked SolarWinds attack, and the China-linked Microsoft email server attack.

The SolarWinds logo is seen outside its headquarters in Austin, Texas on Dec. 18, 2020. (Sergio Flores/Reuters)

However, regardless of source, Alexander argued that almost none had been brought to justice with repercussions often limited solely to verbal condemnation.

We have to attribute whos doing it and make them pay a price right now, Alexander said. The ransomware guys, and Russia, predominantly get off pretty much free.

Imagine if we indicted [them] and put their picture up and said thats the guy,' Alexander said. And if we can, we will arrest you. You cant move out of Russia, youre gonna have to stay there for the rest of your life  we got you, we know who you are.

Typically, governments have been incapable of cooperating with private organisations to the extent necessary to address cyber threats.

However, this is set to change in Australia with the proposed Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2020 (pdf) that seeks to fortify Australias critical infrastructure against cyber attacks by mandating incident reporting for organisations.

While receiving largely positive feedback, an inquiry into the bill drew angered responses from big tech operating data warehousesmeaning they too would become subject to laws which, in some instances, could see the government install their own cyber security software on their systems.

Head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre Abigail Bradshaw. (Australian Cyber Security Centre)

ACSC Head Abigail Bradshaw pointed to occurrences worldwide that had targeted critical infrastructuresuch as hacks of the United States Colonial Pipeline and JBS meatworkshighlighting the importance of the reporting mechanism.

Bradshaw said that while an optional reporting system was already in place, more government involvement through a mandatory system would be necessary to identify future threats.

The threat against critical infrastructure is real, Bradshaw said.

We analysed that at least a quarter of those attacks which were recorded relate to entities which we would regard as critical infrastructure. Thats a scary statistic. Its more scary when we know that the instances of attacks are severely underreported.

We are in hand-to-hand combat with the bad guys every day. We know what they look like, probably because weve seen them before. We can establish patterns  and we draw those patterns together and use the full range of our intelligence capabilities to make assessments as to who might be next.
New York police cars are seen in New York City on Jan. 14, 2021. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Former NYPD Officer Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Meth, Date Rape Drug: DOJ

A former New York City Police Department (NYPD) police officer has pleaded guilty to charges of trafficking methamphetamine and date rape drugs.

John Cicero, 39, from Bronxville, on Wednesday, admitted to distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) in Westchester County and New York City, the Department of Justice announced.

The former police officer served with the NYPD for two years between 2008 and 2010. He resigned after pleading guilty to the assault of a man on Jan. 5, 2010, and was punished with 400 hours of community service, although prosecutors had asked for a 60-day jail sentence.

As he admitted today, over several years, Cicero was a leader of a drug trafficking ring, and he was personally responsible for moving over three kilograms [6.6 lbs] of methamphetamine and 750 liters [198 gallons] of GBL, and importing narcotics from overseas, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement, noting that Cicero was once sworn to protect the public.

According to court documents, beginning in at least 2017 and lasting until his arrest in February last year, Cicero and his co-conspirators stockpiled and sold liters of GBL and kilograms of methamphetamine in apartments, hotel rooms, and storage units in the heart of midtown Manhattan, and a residence in Bronxville, New York.

On multiple occasions, Cicero brokered large-scale narcotics transactions over recorded prison calls with an inmate who was in New York State custody at the time, court papers state. GBL sent from China to Ciceros address in New York was also seized in 2017 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, prosecutors wrote.

Cicero as part of his guilty plea has stipulated that he was an organizer, leader, manager, or supervisor in the criminal activity. He faces a prison sentence of up to 40 years if convicted.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 10, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas.

As a former police officer, sworn to protect others, Mr. Cicero has seen firsthand the harm these drugs do to our society which makes the charges announced today even more egregious, FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said in a statement at the time of Ciceros arrest last February.

He now faces the same grim reality criminals he once locked up dida long prison sentence, this time in a federal jail cell.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman added at the time: Methamphetamine devastates communities and GBL spreads danger all over the Southern District of New York, which is why the defendants face serious federal charges.
(L-R) President of the European Council Charles Michel, U.S. President Joe Biden, Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga, British PM Boris Johnson, and Italian PM Mario Draghi pose for the Leaders official welcome and family photo during the G-7 Summit in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, on June 11, 2021. (Leon Neal/WPA Pool/Getty Images)

G-7 Finance Officials Endorse Policy Principles for Central Bank Digital Currencies

G-7 finance officials endorsed 13 public policy principles for central bank digital currencies (CBDC) on Oct. 13, noting that while electronic cash could support inclusion and innovation in an increasingly digital economy, the currencies also raise important questions regarding policy and regulation.

The G-7 countries consist of Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan.

The group met in Washington during the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank under the leadership of British finance minister Rishi Sunak, where they discussed CBDCs potentially being used as a digital form of central bank money alongside physical notes and coins.

Innovation in digital money and payments has the potential to bring significant benefits but also raises considerable public policy and regulatory issues, the G-7 finance ministers and central bankers said in a joint statement issued on Oct. 13.

Strong international coordination and cooperation on these issues helps to ensure that public and private sector innovation will deliver domestic and cross-border benefits while being safe for users and the wider financial system.

G-7 central banks and finance ministries are currently exploring how digital innovation can maintain access to and promote the use of CBDCs, noting that if issued as a form of central bank money, they could act as both a liquid, safe settlement asset and as an anchor for the payments system.

The group noted that CBDCs could prove to be integral for central banks in the future and that the design of any such currency must be capable of accommodating future payment needs.

The 13 principles laid out by G-7 officials focus on everything from competition to transparency to environmental issues relating to digital coins.

Officials noted that any CBDC should be designed in a way that supports the fulfillment of public policy objectives and, more importantly, does not harm the central banks monetary and financial stability.

They stated that the G-7s values for the international monetary system should guide the design and operation of any CBDC, namely observance of the rule of law, sound economic governance, and appropriate transparency.

Regarding data privacy, officials called for rigorous standards of privacy and accountability, as well as transparency with how information will be secured and used, to ensure that the digital currency can be trusted.

Officials also endorsed operational resilience and cybersecurity, noting that any CBDC ecosystem must be secure and resilient to cyber, fraud, and other operational risks.

Bitcoin mining at BitFarms in Saint Hyacinthe, Quebec, on March 19, 2018. (Lars Hagberg/AFP/Getty Images)

G-7 leaders pointed to competition, noting that CBDCs have to coexist with existing means of payments, and they should operate in an open, secure, resilient, transparent, and competitive environment that promotes choice and diversity in payment options.

With regards to the principle of illicit finance, leaders stated that any CBDCs will have to carefully integrate the need for faster and more accessible, safer, and cheaper payments, and there has to be a commitment to alleviate their use in facilitating any crime.

In an effort to tackle energy and environmental issues, officials said that the energy usage of any CBDC infrastructure needs to be as efficient as possible to support the international communitys shared commitments to transition to a so-called net-zero economy.

Bitcoin miners in particular have been facing growing scrutiny over the environmental impact of the process of mining the digital currency, which refers to the competitive process of mathematical computation through which the virtual currency is rewarded.

Bitcoin miners utilize warehouses of computers to solve computational problems to verify transactions, update, and maintain the bitcoin blockchain. In effect, the miners keep the bitcoin blockchain updated, and in turn, are compensated with new blocks of bitcoin. However, critics say the process consumes high levels of electricity.

CBDCs need to be designed in such a way that they avoid risks of harm to the international monetary and financial system, including the monetary sovereignty and financial stability of other countries, officials said.

The 13 principles are meant to support and inform global policy deliberations amid a rise in the use and innovation of digital currencies.

No G-7 authority has as of yet decided to issue a CBDC, and careful consideration of the potential policy implications will continue, the statement said.

In August, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said he is highly skeptical about the need for the U.S. central bank to develop a digital currency.

In remarks delivered to the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, Waller pointed to potential costs and risks such as competition with commercial banks and cybersecurity concerns.

While CBDCs continue to generate enormous interest in the United States and other countries, I remain skeptical that a Federal Reserve CBDC would solve any major problem confronting the U.S. payment system, Waller said.

Reuters contributed to this report.
In this screenshot from video, Henry County Superior Court Judge Brian Amero is seen during a hearing on June 21, 2021. (Henry County via NTD)

Georgia Judge Dismisses Fulton County 2020 Ballot Review Case

A judge in Georgia on Oct. 13 threw out a lawsuit from an election integrity group after state investigators said there was no evidence backing allegations of falsified ballots being included in the 2020 election count in Fulton County.

Henry County Superior Court Chief Judge Brian Amero said petitioners, including election watchdog Garland Favorito, didnt have proper standing to pursue their case.

Favorito and others had obtained scanned images of ballots and had an expert testify that there were discrepancies between the ballot count and that put forth by Secretary of State Brad Raffenspergers risk-limiting audit. They asked to review the actual ballots.

Amero agreed to unseal the ballots but postponed the review after Fulton County filed a motion to dismiss. The judge agreed, but let the case proceed against a group of individuals. That ultimately led to the decision on Oct. 13, where the judge said the petitioners lacked standing to proceed against those persons.

Even if the Court construes the allegations in petitioners pleadings, including their attached affidavits and exhibits, in the light most favorable to them, the Court is constrained to conclude that petitioners lack standing to pursue their state equal protection and state due process claims, Amero wrote (pdf).

Regardless of the veracity of the allegations offered, petitioners have failed to allege a particularized injury, he said.

The decision came a day after investigators with the office of Raffensperger, a Republican, said they hadnt found evidence substantiating election fraud claims after following up on affidavits filed in the case.

In a statement to news outlets, Favorito said he planned to appeal the order.

All citizens of Georgia have a right to know whether or not counterfeit ballots were injected into the Fulton Co. election results, how many were injected, where they came from, and how we can prevent it from happening again in future elections, he said.

Raffensperger told The Epoch Times in an email: The day after my investigators debunked several election conspiracy theories, the courts dismissed the last November 2020 election lawsuit. I have said time and time again that though no election is perfect, and Fulton County is case in point, the allegations of widespread fraud were nothing more than conspiracy theories and innuendo. We need to start looking forward not back. Case dismissed.
People gather to protest Houston Methodist Hospital system's rule of firing any employee who is not immunized by June 7, 2021, at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital in Baytown, Texas. (Yi-Chin Lee/Houston Chronicle via AP)

GoFundMe Takes Down $180,000 Fundraiser for Nurse Seeking to Overturn Vaccine Mandate

GoFundMe has said it took down a campaign worth more than $180,000 that was started by a nurse who sought to overturn a Texas hospital systems COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

The campaign was created by Jennifer Bridges, a former registered nurse at Houston Methodist hospital who was fired along with hundreds of other staff members earlier this year after refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

When our team initially reviewed the fundraiser, it was within our terms of service as the funds were for legal fees to fight vaccine mandates, Heidi Hagberg, a spokesperson for GoFundMe, said in a statement to news outlets this week. The fundraiser has since been updated to include misinformation which violates our terms of service.

Hagberg didnt elaborate on the nature of the alleged misinformation. The Epoch Times has contacted GoFundMe and Bridges for comment.

GoFundMe also stated that it has taken down hundreds of other fundraisers that allegedly contained misinformation related to vaccines.

Earlier this year, Bridges told Fox News that because she already contracted COVID-19, she doesnt need to get the vaccine. Several studies have shown that a prior COVID-19 infection provides long-lasting and robust protection against the virus, and one Israeli research paper released about a month ago found that natural immunity confers greater protection than the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Bridges also confirmed to the Epoch Times in June that she was fired by Houston Methodist, which was one of the first hospital systems to mandate vaccines in the United States.

We worked so hard last year, she said at the time. I mean, we were there through thick and thin when we had no help  it was horrible. And these people that are putting forth these rules right now for us and kicking us to the curb, they werent there. They werent even in the building to be seen for months. They were staying at home while we were doing all the work.

A spokesperson for Houston Methodist at the time described some of Bridges comments as false.

Our leaders have supported our employees every step of the way, the spokesperson said over the summer. We greatly appreciate what all of our dedicated employees have done for our patients, and our leaders have been by their side since the beginning.

A lawsuit that was filed by Bridges and a number of other healthcare workers against Houston Methodist was dismissed by a judge in June. Their attorneys, who have argued that mandatory vaccines violate the Nuremberg Code against medical experimentation, have appealed the judges decision.

Last year, GoFundMe courted controversy when it took down fundraising pages for Kyle Rittenhouse, a teenager who was charged in a shooting during widespread riots and unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Gov. Newsom Signs Cultural Marxist Bills

Commentary

The California Legislature passed 836 bills this year, of which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed 770. Thats 92 percent. He vetoed only 66, or 8 percent. Thats about average for governors in recent years.

Its also a reason the Legislature ought to return to part-time status, as it was before the 1970s. Texas still maintains a part-time legislature meeting every other year. Its success is shown by how, with the 2020 U.S. Census, it gained two congressional seats as California lost one.

Although high taxes and regulations are the major reasons businesses and citizens are leaving California, another factor is dealing with the irrationality of the government. The state often just doesnt make sense. Its guaranteed to make even less sense in the future.

That has been a theme of the series of articles Ive written on the bills this year, of which this will be the fourth and last. The theme of this article is cultural Marxism.

One could write a dozen articles a week on the bills and only get part of the way through by the end of the year. Gov. Gavin Newsom was right, although in an ironic way he didnt intend, when he said on Oct. 9 while signing his last batch of bills, What were doing here in California is unprecedented in both nature and scale.

My previous three articles are here, here, and here.

AB 338: Fr. Juniper Serra Statue Replacement

Assembly Bill 338 is by Assembly member James C. Ramos (D-Highland). The bill concerns what to do after vandals tore down the statue of Fr. Juniper Serra on the grounds of the state Capitol on July 4, 2020. The bill replaces it with a statue of Native Americans, so that, in the bills language, the devastating impact of the mission period, and Father Serras role in that devastation, [will] be recognized and acknowledged.

Critics said the action is an affront to the states more than 10 million Catholics. Bishop Jaime Soto of Sacramento said that, although the Native Americans suffered during that period, Serra worked to protect the dignity of native peoples. His holiness as a missionary should not be measured by his own failures to stop the exploitation or even his own personal faults.

Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez and San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone added in a Wall Street Journal article, No serious historian has ever made such outrageous claims about Serra or the mission system, the network of 21 communities that Franciscans established along the California coast to evangelize native people.

The Legislature easily could have both restored the Serra statue and erected a new statue on the Capitol grounds to the Native Americans, adding to the 12 memorials already there. The Serra vandalism also comes after the statue of Christopher Columbus was removed from the Capitol Rotunda in June 2020.

All this is pure, unadulterated cultural Marxism. Its shoving history down Orwells Memory Hole and erecting a false narrative to advance a socialist agenda.

AB 1084: Gender-Neutral Toy Sections

Assembly Bill 1084 is by Assembly member Evan Low (D-Campbell). It requires stores with more than 500 employees that sell toys to add a gender-neutral section or area, to be labeled at the discretion of the retailer, in which a reasonable selection of the items and toys for children that it sells shall be displayed, regardless of whether they have been traditionally marketed for either girls or for boys.

Low seems not to have noticed how children tend to wander around stores and find whatever toys they want to cajole their parents into buying.

The clueless legislator explained: Part of it is to make sure if youre a young girl that you can find a police car, fire truck, a periodic table or a dinosaur. And then similarly, if youre a boy, if youre more artistic and want to play with glitter, why not? Why should you feel the stigma of saying, Oh, this should be shamed and going to a different location?

Aside from the cultural Marxist coercion element, the bill has other problems.

Notice the vagueness, which could lead to the prosecutions even of the most vigilant retailers: gender neutral  section or area  discretion of the retailer  reasonable selection  regardless of whether. This is going to be a field day for lawyers.

AB 1084 will also increase costs by an unknown amount for retailers, for lawyers to figure it out, and for employees to implement it by erecting new areas of the store with new labels. The bill will also scare off parents from such stores, sending even more business online, where such restrictions dont apply. Many jobs will be killed.

The bill has received national attention and is another reason the state is such a laughingstock.

AB 101: Cultural Marxist Ethnic Studies

Assembly Bill 101 is by Assembly member Jose Medina (D-Riverside). It mandates the completion of a one-semester course in ethnic studies  including for pupils enrolled in a charter school.

In an explanation on his website oddly titled I am Ethnic Studies! Medina stated: AB 101 is necessary to ensure all students develop a foundational and accurate understanding of United States history. We are poised to lead the nation in education equity for all students. And become the first state to require ethnic studies as a high school graduation requirement.

Critics signing a joint letter opposing the bill included Parents Defending Education, the AMCHA Initiative (anti-Semitism watchdog), the California Association of Scholars, the National Association of Scholars, the San Diego Asian Americans for Equality, and the Silicon Valley Chinese Association Foundation.

The letter (pdf) stated that the imposed curriculum would be firmly rooted in the highly politicized and controversial version of the discipline known as Critical Ethnic Studies. The discipline is firmly rooted in neo-Marxist ideologies that divide society into oppressed and oppressor groups based primarily on race, and, as part of its disciplinary mission, uses the classroom to indoctrinate students into narrow political beliefs and political activism. Pursuing a narrow political framework in education is divisive, discriminatory and inflammatory.

AB 101 also dilutes the value of charter schools, which were created specifically to avoid most of the mandates of the labyrinthine state Education Code. The code already runs to 4,058 pages, according to the March edition sold on Amazon. The 2022 edition will run many pages longer.

The bill tosses another problem to local school boards, which already are grappling with critical race theory (CRT), as The Epoch Times has been covering.

Ive talked to several young couples with children about this mandate and CRT. They say its yet another impetus to get their kids out of California to a more sensible state.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
California Governor Gavin Newsom discusses the state's plan for homelessness inniciatives in Los Angeles, Calif., on Sept. 29, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Gov. Newsom Vetoes Bill That Sought to Promote More Diverse California State Workers

By Andrew Sheeler

From The Sacramento Bee

SACRAMENTO, Calif.California Gov. Gavin Newsom last week vetoed legislation that would have required the California Department of Human Resources to develop employee upward mobility goals that would factor in race, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, and physical and mental disabilities.

Assembly Bill 105, authored by Assemblyman Chris Holden, D-Pasadena, was intended to give women and minority state job candidates a better opportunity to navigate the states civil service system.

The bill also would have required that state boards and commissions have at least one board member or commissioner from an underrepresented community.

In his veto letter, the Democratic governor acknowledged that the goals of the legislation were laudable, but that elements of the bill conflict with existing constitutional requirements, labor agreements, and current data collection efforts. Therefore, it may have unintended consequences that warrant further consideration.

One of the constitutional requirements that may have conflicted with AB 105 was Proposition 209, the 1996 ballot measure that bans the state from using race, sex or ethnicity in public employment.

California voters in 2020 upheld that ban when they rejected Proposition 16, which would have overturned Prop. 209 and reinstated affirmative action in the state.

Newsom also pointed to initiatives in his own administration that he said advance diversity in the government workforce.

The goal of this initiative is to implement policies that promote a diverse and inclusive workforce reflective of California, ensure a respectful workplace free of harassment, and address gender and racial pay gaps in the state workforce, Newsom wrote in his veto message.

The governor called on Holden to collaborate with his administration to address those concerns, and said that some of what the bill was intended to achieve could be accomplished through next years budget process.

In an interview with The Sacramento Bee, Holden said that he was disappointed with the governors veto, but that he will take it in the spirit of which he wrote it.

Holden said he plans to introduce legislation next year to address at least some of what AB 105 would have done.

We think that we can come back next year with a more laser-focused bill, even though I think this one was right on point, he said.

(c)2021 The Sacramento Bee (Sacramento, Calif.)

Visit The Sacramento Bee (Sacramento, Calif.) at www.sacbee.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A medical worker is seen at the Martissant Hospital, in Martissant, Haiti, on May 31, 2021. (Photo by Valerie Baeriswyl/AFP via Getty Images)

Haiti to Send Back US-Donated Moderna Vaccines

By Jim Wyss

From Bloomberg News

Haiti, which has one of the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates in the Western Hemisphere, will be returning thousands of unused doses donated by the U.S. to keep them from expiring.

The COVAX Facility, which provides free and subsidized vaccines to the poorest nations, confirmed in an emailed statement on Wednesday that the doses returned by Haiti will be redeployed elsewhere to minimize any potential wastage.

Hundreds of thousands of doses expiring in November will be sent to COVAX with the understanding that Haiti will receive a new batch in the future, Le Nouvelliste newspaper reported, citing health ministry officials. The exact number of vaccines being sent back was not confirmed by the government or the COVAX Facility.

The U.S. donated 500,000 doses of the Moderna Inc. vaccine to Haiti in July through COVAXan abbreviation for COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access. According to Haitis health ministry, fewer than 66,800 doses have been administered and only 20,354 people in the Caribbean nation of 11.4 million are fully vaccinated.

The country has reported 22,731 cases and 649 deaths due to COVID-19 since the pandemic began. Calls to the ministry seeking comment were not immediately returned.

The news is another blow to Haiti, which was the last country in the Americas to begin offering vaccines and one of only six in the hemisphere that have vaccinated less than 20 percent of their population. The others are Jamaica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The poorest nation in the hemisphere, Haiti is reeling in the wake of the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July and a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in August.

Gang violence, natural disasters, fuel shortages, and vaccine hesitancy are all making it difficult to roll out vaccines in Haiti, said Ciro Ugarte, the director of health emergencies at the Pan American Health Organization.

The socio-political situation continues to be tense in Haiti and that is having a negative impact, he said on Wednesday in a video news conference.

2021 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Harrisburg Proposes Racial Equity Plan to Rebuild Pools With $13 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced a plan on Oct. 14 to completely rebuild the citys two aging public swimming pools, with $13 million in American Rescue Plan funds.

Our pools were built in the aftermath of the racial unrest in Harrisburg in 1968, Papenfuse said during a press conference at the Hall Manor Pool. It was a recommendation of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission that we build these facilities as a matter of racial equity and social justice.

The pools have served the city well over the past 50 years but they are beyond their useful life, the mayor said. They leak and its a struggle to keep them in operation.

The American Rescue Plan funds are a one-time fund designed to help people who need help the most, Papenfuse said. This is a perfect use for those funds in part because this is an opportunity for youth recreation and family activities. The two pool facilities are located on low-income Housing Authority properties in the city.

The pools play an important role in serving a community disproportionately and deeply affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Whether it is providing recreational opportunities for our youth, summer jobs for our residents, or safe spaces for families, we need them now more than ever.

Harrisburg received $23.5 million in American Rescue Plan funds received earlier this year. Papenfuss said reconstructing the pool centers is a public safety issue.

If you give people positive activities to do and safer places to be, were going to have a safer, better Harrisburg for everyone.

Harrisburg conducted a pool study about five years ago. Before he was mayor, Papenfuse said, the pools had been closed.

We brought them back with duct tape and everything that we had on hand, Papenfuse said. The study showed the pools needed millions in repairs and the city didnt have the funds.

About a year ago, they looked again at what it would take to bring the pools up to date.

The difference now is, we have the money sitting in the citys bank account, Papenfuse said. The city has a time frame to spend that money and it coincides perfectly with the construction of the pools.

But first, the plan requires approval from city lawmakers. Pending the City Councils approval during the budget process later this year, construction would begin in 2022, with one pool being renovated at a time over three years to ensure continual use.

Admission will be free for Harrisburg city residents throughout the construction period and for at least the first year, once the new pools open.

We want access available to all of our residentsregardless of their financial situation, Papenfuse said.

Harrisburg is surveying city residents to see what kind of features they want, such as slides, sprayers, and aquatic climbing walls.

We did get 50 years out of these pools and with this, we can get 50 more years, Papenfuse said.

He hinted at a soon-to-be-announced plan for the rest of the rescue plan money, including a guaranteed income program that Papenfuse said will be launched in the coming weeks.
Students pass in front of Harvard's Widener Library in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Oct. 10, 2003. (William B. Plowman/Getty Images)

Harvard Moves Chinese Language Program From Beijing to Taiwan

Harvard Universitys summer Chinese immersion courses that had been taught at the Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) will be now held at National Taiwan University as of next Summer.

Prof. Jennifer L. Liu, director of the Chinese language program at Harvard, said the program decided to move to Taipei due to an apparent lack of friendliness from the Beijing host institution, reported The Harvard Crimson.

According to the report, the BLCU added restrictions on visiting American students and there had been a deterioration of accommodation conditions for students, resulting in Harvard moving the program to Taiwan and cooperating with National Taiwan University.

Liu said that in recent years, she has often encountered difficulties in obtaining classrooms and dormitories for Harvards students.

The professor added that she suspects the Beijing universitys change in manners may be the result of the Chinese regimes altering attitude towards the United States. Tensions between the two countries have intensified in recent years.

As U.S. Independence Day occurs during the course, Harvard students in Beijing used to hold a small party where they and their teachers would eat pizza and sing the American national anthem to celebrate. However starting in 2019, Liu said, We were told that our students were not allowed to sing, to celebrate.

BLCU did not respond to the Chinese language Epoch Times request for comment.

Liu confirmed a name change for the summer program, from Harvard Beijing Academy to Harvard Taipei Academy.

She said she believes the combination of the traditional and the modern makes Taiwan an exciting place to learn the Chinese language and culture.

No matter where the program is located, we are very confident that [students] will get the most out of it, she said.

The summer program takes place from June to August each year, with about 80 students completing a full year of Chinese study within a few weeks.

Chen Ting contributed to the report.
Hotel Laguna Reopens Lobby, Restaurants After 4-Year Restoration

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif.After going through four years of renovations, Hotel Laguna has officially reopened its lobby and a new restaurant during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 12, celebrating the first step in the restoration of the 1930s building.

Mo Honarkar, the founder of Laguna Beach Co., the company that has a 99-year lease on the hotel, said the company did its best to ensure the iconic history of the hotel was preserved through the renovations.

We have worked diligently to honor this unique location by putting tremendous care and attention into every detail of this renovation. We are extremely excited for Laguna residents to visit the property and experience it for themselves. We aim to make the city proud, and I am confident they will not be disappointed, Honarkar said in a statement.

Theres nowhere in the world quite like Laguna Beach, or like Hotel Laguna.

During the ceremony, Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen cut a red ribbon, and Honarkar received congratulatory plaques from Rep. Michelle Steel, Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, and Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett.

The renovations feature a new lobby area filled with artwork, as well as Larsen, a new restaurant named after the original Laguna Beach Greeter Eiler Larsen, who greeted cars and passersby in the city from the 1940s to the 1970s when he passed away.

Larsen also lived at Hotel Laguna and used to dine at the restaurant.

Larsen will be run by Michelin five-star winning chef Craig Strong and will feature what he calls Laguna Beach-style foods, such as burgers and salads.

There will also be a new Japanese restaurant, called Fin, which will serve local seafood and other imported delicacies, according to Laguna Beach Co.

The four-year-long renovations didnt come without their own set of problems, though.

The hotel originally closed in late 2017 after operators dealt with lease disputes in court, and renovations received four different stop-work orders for alleged unpermitted construction, though the renovations were allowed to continue after city inspectors determined city requirements were being met.

Additionally, a Laguna Beach closed city council meeting on June 29 regarding Hotel Laguna renovations received a probe by the Orange County District Attorneys Office alleging the council violated the Brown Acta law that ensures public access to city meetingsby failing to properly list the scope of the meeting, as well as by Councilman George Weiss for disclosing closed session information to the public.

Honarkar is also considering remodeling its 62 hotel rooms, although they must wait to bring proposals to city and state officials for approval prior to starting construction.
How Western Social Media Can Do More Than Just Pay Lip Service to Uphold Freedom of Speech

Commentary

Twitters recent banning of accounts critical of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is deplorable. But it also forces us to really start considering how Western social media and Big Tech companies can defend freedom of speech, instead of being used as tools against us by authoritarian states such as the Chinese regime.

The issue of tech-based freedom of speech platforms, and the damage they can do to free societies if left entirely unregulated, isnt exactly a new one. In recent years, however, it has become even more troublesome, as authoritarian states have taken to using Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and even LinkedIn to wage disinformation campaigns, affect elections, split, divide society, and cause havoc in general.

When called upon to take proper action against authoritarian states that undermine free societies, the tech companies have had a rather consistent defensenamely that their platforms will ultimately bring greater freedom of speech, therefore, they shouldnt be forced to take action. While it seems like an honorable argument, its a hollow and ignorant one, especially at this point in time.

The prospect of making more money is what prevents Big Tech companies from taking any real action against such states. Mark Zuckerberg has tried to woo the Chinese regime by asking CCP leader Xi Jinping to name his unborn child back in 2015 and by jogging in a heavily polluted Beijingthese are images that no public relations campaign will ever be able to counter. It showed Zuckerbergs real allegiance to the CCP, and it certainly wasnt in support of freedom of speech.

Mark Zuckerberg (2nd-right) and the overseas representatives of the China Development Forum applaud the arrival of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during a meeting in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, on March 21, 2016. (Kenzaburo Fukuhara/ Pool/Getty Images)

These arguments, thoroughly debunked, are no different than when monarchists argue for keeping a monarchy because it brings undefined economic benefits, which has never actually been proven, or when business lobby groups argue against actions that counter Beijings economic and trade violations because they believe that free trade will somehow lead to democracy, freedom of speech, and rule of law in China. We know that the latter belief is hollow and false, but it keeps on repeating until some part of us just accepts it.

Dealing with fake news and disinformation within our societies will certainly be a long and difficult march. But when it comes to dealing with China, Russia, and other authoritarian or neo-totalitarian states that use our own tools of freedom of speech against us, the solution is actually really simple.

Take Twitter, for example. If a state blocks its peoples access to Twitter, then block the states access to the social media platform, including government officials. This should apply to the Chinese regime, as it has officially blocked Twitter in mainland China. However, some citizens have been able to circumvent the great firewall, and major Chinese companies can access Twitter through a government-approved VPN.

Such a policy wouldnt even have to touch upon the thorny issue of what can or cant be said on such platforms. Instead, it would zero in on one simple question: Does the state using the platform allow its own people the same access? If not, then its out: access for access.

Not only would this policy add real pressure on authoritarian states to open up access to such tools for their peoples, but it would severely limit their abilities to use others to sow disinformation in the United States, affect outcomes in elections in the UK, or try to split and divide the EU.

Safeguard Defenders has campaigned against Chinas state broadcasters CGTN and CCTV, and has seen them taken off the air in several countries. For China, its a loss of prestige. But in reality, Beijings disinformation work is almost entirely carried out on social media, with few viewers of its stale news shows on TV. In fact, after CGTNs license was revoked in the UK, an informant told Safeguard Defenders that the media company replaced its social media first policy with a social media only policy. It knows what really matters.

An access for access policy would be straightforward, fair, predictable, open, and, as a bonus, rather easily applicable. No dictatorship could cry wolf, because, with such an open and fair policy, the outcome would be entirely on them.

Give those who block freedom for its people a simple choice, and leave that choice to them.

My greatest surprise is that as an option and as a way forward, it isnt even discussed. It seems, somehow, to be out of bounds, outside of peoples imaginations. Considering the resources needed in combatting bots, in seeking pedophiles, and in seeking those committing cyber crimes online, implementing such a policy would be easy in comparison.

Improving the management of disinformation online is going to be a long and epic struggle, and no one has all the answers at this time. However, there are areas that are black and white, and while we ponder the larger issues of disinformation, its a good place to start.

Its time for our social media giants to take some actual steps to defend and promote freedom of speech, instead of merely giving us empty gestures.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Students of PYLU School District hold up signs as parents gather to express their concerns over vaccine mandates for students at the Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District building in Placentia, Calif., on Oct. 12, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Hundreds of Parents, Students Flock to California School Board Meeting to Oppose Vaccine Mandate

Hundreds of parents and students gathered at a recent Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) board meeting to voice their opposition to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

The crowd began to arrive during the school boards 6 p.m. scheduled closed session before the 7 p.m. public meeting, during which they shared their concerns about California Gov. Gavin Newsoms mandated coronavirus vaccinations for all eligible students in the state.

Friday, after the governors announcement that he will mandate the COVID vaccine for all school children, our district sent an email saying what that would look like when the time comes, Kristen Mortensen of Placentia told The Epoch Times.

Since then, hundreds of parents with and without the shot have come together to fight for medical choice. This is way too new to be injecting 100 percent of our kids, and we need to have a choice.

On Oct. 1, Newsom announced that students would be required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 for in-person learning starting the term following FDA full approval of the vaccine for their age group.

The FDA expanded emergency use authorization (EUA) of the Pfizer vaccine on May 10 to include children age 12 through 15 years of age, amending their previous Dec. 11, 2020, EUA for vaccinations for ages 16 and older.

With the majority of California school districts reporting at least 95 percent of students back in classrooms, Newsom directed the California Department of Public Health to take steps to add the COVID-19 vaccine to other vaccinations required for in-person school attendance, which include vaccinations for measles, mumps, and rubella.

Todays action allows for a younger population to be protected from COVID-19, bringing us closer to returning to a sense of normalcy and to ending the pandemic, Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock said in a statement.

Parents and guardians can rest assured that the agency undertook a rigorous and thorough review of all available data, as we have with all of our COVID-19 vaccine emergency use authorizations.

According to the governors office, the vaccine requirement is expected to apply to students in grades 7 through 12 starting July 1, 2022.

Parents gather to express their concerns over vaccine mandates for students at the Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District building in Placentia, Calif., on Oct. 12, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Parents Voice Their Concerns

At the PYLUSD board meeting, the majority of parents expressed concerns over the vaccine mandate.

This is something that you guys can do as far as vaccine mandates goits a mandate for you guys but you dont have to enforce it, a father of a student said during the public comment session.

Give us a way out because the answer is no.

Other parents pleaded with the school board members to fight for their right to have the choice to vaccinate their children.

This isnt a pro-vaccine or an anti-vaccine stand. This is about freedom of choice and parental rights in our children, said Mike, a father of two children within the district.

Not just me, not just the people in this room, but the majority of his community draws the line at this mandate.

What happened to my body my choice? Oh, it didnt fit your narrative anymore, said another concerned parent.

My child doesnt have his own choice. Im his parent and I will protect him. His body is my choice and theyre not getting this jab!

Students within the district also spoke to district board members about their concerns.

Im a junior now and COVID started my freshman year. Im wanting to know that I will be able to graduate my senior year without this vaccine, said Vanessa, a student within the district.

I feel like this is really unnecessary to be able to not go to school just because I dont want to take a vaccine that is not even proven to work.

Parents gather to express their concerns over vaccine mandates for students at the Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District building in Placentia, Calif., on Oct. 12, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Parents outside the meeting also spoke to The Epoch Times about their views.

Im here to stand up for my childrens rights and all kids in our district in our county. They do not deserve to be injected with something that has no long-term studies yet, said Rick, a father of two students within the district.

Speaking today, this is for their freedom, and their kids freedom and rights.

Becky, a grandmother in the city of Placentia, expressed similar concerns.

Im here basically to support my grandkids because I do not want them injected with anything that has no long-term data behind it that supports it yet, Becky told The Epoch Times.

Outside the boardroom, a taco cart was set up near the line to enter the building, and red T-shirts stating Ill Pull Them were sold for $5.

The meeting room was filled to capacity, along with every parking spot available within the parking area of the school district building.

I do not agree with our freedoms being taken away. Mandatory is such a threatening word for people, said Kristin of Yorba Linda, mother of 11.

I just feel that we dont co-parent with the government, and thats my stand.

Many families attending the event said theyre confident school board officials have the power to reverse mandatory vaccinations for students attending any of the 34 schools in PYLUSD.

Im here because I feel like its really important to fight for freedom, especially for the kids and the next generations, said Renee of Yorba Linda.

I feel like if we dont stop this now, the kids after us wont have a choice.  My daughter is a freshman and shes having the time of her life, and I dont want to pull her out and homeschool her, but I absolutely will if this passes.

To date, PYLUSD has seen a decrease of more than 1,500 students since coronavirus regulations began in March 2020. The district currently has approximately 24,000 students enrolled.
Illinois Healthcare Workers Protest Against COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

EVANSTON, Ill.It was David Smiths first protest, and he never thought it would be against the hospital system where he had risked his own life to save others.

A 34-year veteran medical professional, Smith served AIDS patients in the 90s, swine flu patients in 2009, and COVID-19 patients in the last two years. He caught COVID-19 last July, endured six weeks of headache and high blood pressure, and reported back to work at NorthShore University HealthSystem in May because they asked him for help, he said.

I help people. Its my job, Smith told The Epoch Times.

In August, NorthShore ordered 17,000 employees and contractors at all six hospitals to get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by Oct. 31; non-vaccinated workers or workers whose exemptions are denied are to be suspended on Nov. 1 and fired on Dec. 1, according to an internal memo obtained by The Epoch Times.

Smith submitted a religious exemption request detailing how his religious faith did not support the COVID-19 vaccine. Based on his own medical experience and research, he also believes the antibodies in his body will better protect him against COVID-19 than a vaccination.

But his request was denied with little explanation. He called a head doctor many times to seek explanation but was told repeatedly to just get the shot. I want to leave this job on my terms, not theirs. Ive never protested before, I never spoke out before. But its about time I say something, Smith told The Epoch Times.

David Smith stands at a protest against against NorthShore University HealthSystems vaccine mandate outside Evanston Hospital in Evanston, Ill., on Oct. 12, 2021. (Cara Ding/The Epoch Times)

Lauren Gioia, an operating room nurse at NorthShores Highland Park Hospital, also had her religious exemption request denied in late September. NorthShore provided her with a single-sentence explanation: The information you have provided does not meet evidence-based criteria to preclude from receiving COVID-19 vaccine.

The Epoch Times reached out to ask NorthShore to explain its exemption review process and provide data on system-wide exemption requests. NorthShore replied on Oct. 13 through its senior public relations director, Jim Anthony, saying that the vaccines have proven to be safe and effective against COVID-related hospitalization and death. To date, the vast majority of our team members have been vaccinated.

Of NorthShore employees, 92 percent were vaccinated for COVID-19 by Oct. 7, according to an internal memo obtained by The Epoch Times. NorthShore stated on an Aug. 16 memo that its goal is 100 percent vaccination by Oct. 31.

Lauren Gioia stands in a protest against NorthShore University HealthSystems vaccine mandate outside Evanston Hospital in Evanston, Ill., on Oct. 12, 2021. (Cara Ding/The Epoch Times)

Besides religious reasons, Gioia also doesnt think there are enough studies on the long-term effects for her to trust the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. She said she has spent at least 200 hours reading medical studies and watching expert videos to educate herself on the vaccine.

Gioia also has firsthand knowledge about its adverse reactions, she said. One of her nurse friends was blinded for 30 minutes after getting a COVID-19 vaccine shot, and another 25-year-old high school friend developed Bells palsy within 24 hours of getting it.

Im not anti-vaccine. I am opposed to this COVID shot mandate, and the fact that theyre not honoring exemptions, Gioia told The Epoch Times at the protest. If we dont stand up now, where does this stop?

Kathryn Roman, one of the organizers of the Medical Freedom Rally, stands in protest against NorthShore University HealthSystems vaccine mandate outside Evanston Hospital in Evanston, Ill., on Oct. 12, 2021. (Cara Ding/The Epoch Times)

In pursuant to NorthShores policy, Gioia submitted an appeal within three days of denial by an attorney. If an appeal is denied by NorthShore, that decision can only be challenged through legal action.

In fact, 14 employees have sent a public letter through non-profit law firm Liberty Council to NorthShore saying they will do just that if their repeals are denied. The letter demands that NorthShore must grant the religious exemption requests of the 14 employees and all other similarly situated employees, or face litigation.

Harry Mihet, chief litigation counsel at Liberty Council, told The Epoch Times that he thinks NorthShores denials of religious exemptions are illegal on many fronts.

For one, Mihet said the Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act prohibits NorthShore from firing employees who decline a COVID-19 vaccine based on their conscience or religious belief. Secondly, he said under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, NorthShore has no legal authority to judge the validity or reasonableness of any employees sincerely held religious belief.

Mihet also cited a 1990 U.S. Supreme Court opinion on Washington v. Harper in the demand letter to NorthShore, which reads, The forcible injection of medication into a nonconsenting persons body represents a substantial interference with that persons liberty.

NorthShore responded to Liberty Council that they would review its religious exemption process and asked to delay legal action until Oct. 18, Mihet told The Epoch Times.
Illegal immigrants cross the Rio Grande between Del Rio, Texs, (far side) and Acuna, Mexico. Some are crossing back to Mexico to avoid deportation from the United States, in Acuna, on Sept. 20, 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Immigration: How the Biden Administration Is Violating the Constitution

Commentary

Critics of President Joe Bidens non-defense of the southern border have emphasized his constitutional duty to take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed (U.S. Constitution, Article II, Section 3).

This is a good point, but it has some weaknesses. The duty to take Care is inherently discretionary, rendering it unlikely that the courts would enforce it. Almost certainly, a take Care lawsuit would be held not justiciable.

Some have suggested impeachment for failure to take Care, but that wouldnt work, either. Remember that a linchpin of President Donald J. Trumps successful impeachment defense was that conviction requires proof of a serious crime. Any Republican efforts to backpedal from that position would be met with public derision.

Moreover, that position is the correct one. The Constitutions grounds for impeachment are Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and [high] Misdemeanors (Article II, Section 4). The first three are all serious crimes, and new research findings tell us that the phrase high misdemeanors signifies heinous crimes not meriting the death penalty (pdf). Mere neglect of duty, no matter how egregious, isnt a high misdemeanor unless it meets traditional standards of criminality.

But there is another constitutional provision relevant to the Biden administrations conductless noticed, but just as important. Its Article IV, Section 4:

The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.

This provision is known as the guarantee clause.

What the Guarantee Clause Does

The guarantee clause both imposes obligations and implicitly grants the federal government power to meet those obligations. Although constitutional law courses often underplay the guarantee clause, it is one of the Constitutions most important provisions. It stabilizes the Union, its the chief source of the federal power of national defense, and sometimes authorizes military action without a declaration of warall facts lost on many constitutional writers.

The guarantee clause imposes three specific obligations on The United Stateswhich, in this context, means the U.S. government. They are: to guarantee every state a republican form of government; to protect every state from invasion; and when a state requests help, to protect that state against domestic violence.

Republican Form of Government

The obligation to ensure that states are republican enables the federal government to stabilize the Union by preventing states from slipping into monarchy or anarchy.

Many people think republican means excluding direct democracy in favor of wholly representative institutions. That is incorrect: Its a myth derived from a political dispute in the 1840s. Founding-era records show that a republican form of government is one that follows the rule of law and is ultimately responsible to the citizenry rather than to a monarch (pdf).

The republican form of government portion of the guarantee clause isnt relevant to the present crisis. None of our states are monarchies or anarchies. The crisis is the Biden administrations flagrant disregard for the rule of law.

Invasion

The guarantee clauses second obligation is to protect states against invasion. The Founding-era record confirms that, as the Constitution uses the term, invasion doesnt mean an incursion by a pandemic or by killer bees. It means a human invasion from a foreign country.

Nowadays, we usually think of an invasion as a military operation. But the Constitution sometimes uses words differently than we do. To determine the Constitutions true meaning, you often must examine Founding-era sources. For example, scholars and Supreme Court justices commonly consult 18th-century dictionaries (pdf) for guidance on how to understand the Constitutions words and phrases.

Those dictionaries tell us that invasion frequently referred to incursions other than military attacks. Thus, Nathan Baileys 1783 English dictionary described it as a descent upon a country, an [sic] usurpation, or encroachment. (Founding-era dictionaries usually separated alternative definitions by punctuation alone, rather than by numbers.) Bailey defined usurpation as a taking wrongfully to ones own use that which belongs to another. No actual violence was necessary.

Usurpation and encroachment certainly describe what illegal immigrants are doing at the border.

Here is the entry for the word invasion in Francis Allens 1765 dictionary: the entrance or attack of an enemy on the possessions or dominions of another; an encroachment, or unlawful attack of the rights of another. The latter two definitions clearly describe what is happening at the border today.

Similarly, in Frederick Barlows compilation (17721773), to invade meant to enter into a country in a warlike manner. To attack; to assail or assault. To make the first attack. To seize on like an enemy. To encroach.

Whether or not swarms of illegal immigrants are actually attacking, assailing, or assaulting, they certainly are encroaching.

In defining invade and invasion, some 18th-century lexicographers added the adjective hostile. Thomas Sheridans 1789 dictionary defined invasion as hostile entrance upon the rights or possessions of another, hostile encroachment. The compilations by John Ash (1775) and William Perry (1789) also inserted hostile, as did Samuel Johnsons much-celebrated dictionary (multiple editions; first published in 1756).

However, in 18th-century usage, hostile didnt necessarily imply a military-style attack. It often meant adverse to or without permission. Johnson, for instance, gave three definitions of hostile: (1) adverse, (2) opposite, and (3) suitable to an enemy. Only the last sounds anything like a military operation. The entry in Ashs dictionary was similar.

This nonmilitary use survives in the law of adverse possession of land. When the courts say an adverse possessors use of land must be hostile, they dont mean the possessor must march in with ensigns spread. They mean only that he must take possession without the permission of the title owner.

Heres the point: The current situation at the southern borderboth massive and apparently coordinatedis an invasion as the Constitution uses the term. Bidens failure to stop it is a violation of the guarantee clause.

Domestic Violence

The third obligation imposed by the guarantee clause is to protect the states against domestic violence when formally requested to do so. Although illegal immigrants have committed a fair amount of violence, none of the state legislatures has demanded protection under this portion of the guarantee clause. If a state does so, that will trigger another presidential obligation.

However, in view of the administrations flagrant authoritarianism, states may well be wary about asking for federal troops to come into their territory.

Are These Obligations Enforceable?

The Supreme Court has held that issues pertaining to the republican form of government are for congressional determination, not for the judiciary. Such cases are nonjusticiable. However, for the other two obligations, the case for court review is much better. If a state sues the federal government for failing to defend it against invasion or domestic violence, then there are two adverse partiesstate and federal governmenteach strongly motivated to present the judges with the information they need to decide the case. This is an important criterion for justiciability.

Even if the courts refuse jurisdiction, a state making a formal charge thereby presents its case to the court of public opinion: We are being invaded. We have asked for help. The president is obligated to provide it but refuses to do so. Hold him accountable.

All the states on the southern border should make those formal charges. Loud and clear.

Robert G. Natelson, a former constitutional law professor and senior fellow in constitutional jurisprudence at the Independence Institute in Denver, has published a leading scholarly article on the guarantee clause (pdf), wrote the entry on the guarantee clause in the Heritage Guide to the Constitution, and is the author of The Original Constitution: What It Actually Said and Meant (3rd ed., 2015).

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
An Indian paramilitary soldier guards as a Kashmiris walk at a busy market in Srinagar, Kashmir, on Oct. 11, 2021. (Mukhtar Khan/AP Photo)

Indian Troops Kill 5 Suspected Militants in Kashmir Fighting

SRINAGAR, IndiaGovernment forces killed five suspected militants in two clashes in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Tuesday, police said, a day after rebels killed five army soldiers in a gunfight in the disputed region.

The first clash erupted following a raid by soldiers and counterinsurgency police in the Imamsahab area of southern Shopian district, police said. Troops cordoned off the area late Monday leading to a gunbattle after militants refused to surrender, police said. Three militants were killed in the ensuing fight early Tuesday, police said.

Residents said troops blasted one civilian house with explosives during the fighting, a common tactic by Indian troops in Kashmir.

In a separate clash on Tuesday, two suspected militants were killed inside an apple orchard during a counterinsurgency operation in the village of Feeripora, also in the southern Shopian district, police said.

On Monday, five Indian soldiers were killed in the deadliest gun battle with militants this year in a forested area of southern Surankote district. Lt. Col. Devender Anand, an Indian army spokesman, said troops continued with search operations in the area on Tuesday.

The uptick in violence comes amid a sweeping crackdown by government forces in the Kashmir Valley following a string of targeted killings in the regions main city of Srinagar last week. Police detained over 700 people for questioning after suspected militants shot and killed a prominent Kashmiri Hindu chemist, two schoolteachers of the Hindu and Sikh faiths, and a Hindu street food vendor from Indias eastern state of Bihar.

Police in a statement said one of the slain militants on Tuesday was involved in the killing of the street food vendor.

India and Pakistan claim the divided territory of Kashmir in its entirety.

Rebels in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir have been fighting New Delhis rule since 1989. Most Muslim Kashmiris support the rebel goal of uniting the territory, either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country.

India insists the Kashmir militancy is Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Pakistan denies the charge, and most Kashmiris consider it a legitimate freedom struggle. Tens of thousands of civilians, rebels, and government forces have been killed in the conflict.
General view of the Walney Extension offshore wind farm operated by Orsted off the coast of Blackpool, Britain, on Sept. 5, 2018. (Phil Noble/File Photo/Reuters)

Interior Secretary Haaland Tells Wind Industry Wind Turbines May Soon Line US Coasts

Speaking at a wind industry conference held by the American Clean Power Association, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced plans by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to arrange seven offshore lease sales along the U.S. coastlines by 2025, in line with the Biden administrations executive order, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, which directed the Secretary of the Interior to [double] offshore wind by 2030.

The proposed sites would include the coast of northern and central California, the coast of Oregon, the Gulf of Mexico, the Carolina Long Bay, the Central Atlantic, the New York Bight, and the Gulf of Maine.

The American Clean Power Conference at which Secretary Haaland spoke also featured remarks from Sen. Ed Markey (D.-Mass.) and various wind industry insiders, and was sponsored by GE Renewable Energy, Siemens Gamesa, Shell, Vineyard Wind, and other firms with a financial stake in wind power.

The Interior Department is laying out an ambitious roadmap as we advance the Administrations plans to confront climate change, create good-paying jobs, and accelerate the nations transition to a cleaner energy future, Secretary Haaland said. Together, we will meet our clean energy goals while addressing the needs of other ocean users and potentially impacted communities.

In their press release on the announcement, BOEM claimed it would use the best available science as well as knowledge from ocean users and other stakeholders to minimize conflict with existing uses and marine life while realizing the goal of adding another 30 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2030.

Yet some people, including WindAction Group director Lisa Linowes, argue that BOEM and other government agencies have not done enough to address the potential environmental impacts of wind energy projects along the countrys coasts.

In an email exchange with The Epoch Times, Linowes highlighted a lawsuit against Vineyard Winds 800-megawatt wind energy project along Marthas Vineyard.

The lawsuit alleges that BOEM and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Marine Fisheries (NOAA/Fisheries) have not done enough to protect the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale from being harmed by the project.

Offshore wind projects can also hinder commercial fishing, potentially violating the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of 1953.

While the Trump administrations Interior Department released a memo in December 2020 asserting that the Act prevents offshore wind projects that unreasonably interfere with fishing, the Biden administration reversed that opinion in April 2021.

The Secretarys obligations to provide for the protection of the environment, the prevention of waste, the protection of national security interests of the United States, and the fair return to the United States may weigh in favor of Secretarial actions to maximize low-emission and renewable electrical generation from offshore wind facilities, but, in some circumstances, the siting and operation of those facilities may not optimally provide for other reasonable uses of the exclusive economic zone, writes Robert Anderson, principal deputy solicitor of the Department of the Interior, whose publications as a law professor include research aimed at protecting offshore areas from oil and gas leasing.

Linowes said, The Biden [administration] is playing fast and loose with our laws in order to ram through an offshore wind industry. This is certain to produce more lawsuits and ultimately turn the public against these projects. The number of people living along the east coast that oppose these projects is growing rapidly.

The risks to birds and bats are real. Fifteen miles off shore is not very far, Linowes added.

Asked what it will do to ensure its turbine capacity is not harmful to ocean life, bird populations, and fishermen, a DOI spokesperson told The Epoch Times via email that BOEM continues to work with the fishing community, other federal agencies, Tribes, industry, conservation organizations, and other key ocean users and stakeholders to ensure that offshore energy development and the BOEM regulatory review process is informed by the data and information they provide, as well as the best available science and knowledge.

But Linowes voiced skepticism about the agency and industrys commitment to working with fishermen and other stakeholders, stating that those groups failed to achieve agreement with Vineyard Wind and other projects off the coasts of NJ and NY.

Asked about who would clean up old wind turbines and associated infrastructure, the DOI spokesperson responded that lessees are responsible for the decommissioning of proposed projects at the end of their lease. This includes the removal or decommissioning of all facilities, projects, cables, and obstructions.

On Twitter, Haalands remarks were met with enthusiasm by some.

This has to be my favorite announcement to come out of #OffshoreWind21 so far! Many thanks to Secretary Deb Haaland for taking the trip. This has many implications for the #NewYork area, especially as regards #ports #infrastructure and electrical transmission, said David Brezler, who describes himself on LinkedIn as a data analytics and project management professional currently working on offshore wind and other renewable energy projects.

Others responded to the announcement by pointing out wind energys reliability and cost issues.

While Bidens Department of Energy has claimed that 30 gigawatts of additional wind power would power 10 million homes, intermittent power sources such as wind also require backup from natural gas or other reliable electricity sources when wind is not blowing, adding what are known as load balancing costs.

In Germany, where wind power has rapidly expanded, energy prices for household consumers have risen to the highest in the European Union (EU), and are expected to spike this winter, in line with projections for the United States.

Germanys dependence on foreign energy sources, including Russia and other geopolitical rivals, is also high; in 2019, Germany relied on imports for 71 percent of its energy supply according to the Energy Information Administration, a slight decline from 2000, according to Deutsche Bank.

Wind farms cant combat climate change. Only fraudsters claim, and idiots believe such nonsense. All wind farms do is rip off ratepayers with pointlessly expensive and unreliable electricity, said Steve Milloy, proprietor of JunkScience.com, who served on President Trumps Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) transition team.
Used vials of the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and AstraZeneca coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines are pictured at the Skane University Hospital vaccination centre in Malmo, Sweden, on Feb. 17, 2021. (Sweden Out via Reuters)

Judge Denies Request by Anonymous Minnesota Health Care Workers to Block Vaccine Mandate

A federal judge has rejected a request anonymously filed by a group of 188 workers to block their employers COVID-19 vaccination mandates.

Following a nearly three-hour hearing, U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel on Tuesday said that those behind the lawsuit would have to reveal their identities to their employers, who are named as defendants in this case.

The lawsuit named some 20 health institutions across Minnesota as defendants, including the Mayo Clinic, Regions Hospital, and University of Minnesota Physicians. An attorney representing the workers told Star Tribune that his clients wished to remain anonymous because of pressure on getting vaccinated.

Youre talking about people who held the hand of people dying of COVID, he told Minnesota Public Radio. These folks risked their lives to help these patients and now theyre being terminated because their religious beliefs wont allow them to take the vaccine? Its really sad.

While Brasel didnt dismiss the complaint altogether, she denied the workers request for a temporary injunction, which would have prevented the health care providers involved in the suit from enforcing their vaccination policies.

The Minnesota lawsuit came shortly after the Biden administration required COVID-19 vaccination of all staff within facilities that receive Medicare and Medicaid fundinga decision expected to affect more than 17 million Americans working at hospital, nursing homes, and other institutions participating in the government-funded programs.

In the complaint (pdf), the Minnesota health care workers said that their employers, in an alleged attempt to increase inoculation statistics to entitle them to more money in federal subsidies, were enforcing the vaccination requirements on all employees, including those with religious objections and COVID-19 survivors who have natural immunity.

Plaintiffs employers are placing a substantial burden on their employees not to practice their religious-based objection to the COVID-19 vaccination or live under the threat of having their religious exemption withdrawn at any time, the complaint read.

The complaint also described how health care workers were once celebrated as heroes, but are now chastised and ridiculed as anti-vaxxers or worse.

The same front line health care workers hailed as heroes by the media for treating patients before vaccines were available, and even for months after the vaccines became available, including the Plaintiff employees herein, are now vilified by the media as pariahs who must be set apart from society until they are shamed, threatened, or now mandated into vaccinating, it stated.

In a similar lawsuit, a group of 51 health care employees in Detroit, Michigan, sued the Henry Ford Health System, seeking a temporary restraining order to stop the hospital systems COVID-19 vaccination requirements. The plaintiffs, who called the vaccine requirement a violation of their autonomy and constitutional right to reject unwanted medical treatment, dropped the case before a court hearing was scheduled.
Artur Pawlowski speaks at a freedom rally in Edmonton on March 20, 2021, as part of a global protest against COVID-19 restrictions. (Courtesy of Artur Pawlowski)

Judge Orders Calgary Pastor to Note Majority View on COVID-19 Measures When Preaching

Artur and Dawid Pawlowski and cafe owner Christopher Scott fined and put on probation, ordered to issue disclaimers if speaking against pandemic restrictions

An Alberta pastor, his brother, and a cafe owner have been ordered by a judge to include the views of the majority of medical experts whenever they speak against COVID-19 vaccines and restrictions.

Pastor Artur Pawlowski of Street Church Ministries, his brother Dawid Pawlowski, and Whistle Stop Cafe owner Christopher Scott were fined and put on probation on Oct. 13 after they were found guilty of contempt in June for defying Albertas COVID-19 public health rules.

If the three men choose to continue preaching to supporters against pandemic measures they must first express a disclaimersaying their views are contrary to current health orders and the majority of medical expertsif they want to avoid further charges, ruled Albertas Court of Queens Bench Justice Adam Germain.

As he handed down his sentence on Oct. 13, Germain made suggestions for the wording the men could use in their address to supporters.

I am aware that the views I am expressing to you may not be held by medical experts  the majority of medical experts favour social distancing  vaccine programs, Germain suggested to the three men, according to CBC News.

The men were convicted of contempt in June after court orders allowed Alberta Health Services (AHS) and police to arrest and charge those who advertised gatherings that would breach health restrictions.

The Pawlowski brothers had been holding church services that violated the rules on masking and physical distancing. Scott was arrested at the end of an anti-lockdown rally at his cafe, which had earlier been closed by health officials.

Germain said the three mens defiance of health rules and their public posturing has contributed negatively during the pandemic because it encouraged others to doubt the legitimacy of the pandemic and disobey the health orders assigned to protect them.

But Germain said he would not put them in jail in order to prevent their further notoriety, saying the Pawlowski brothers had turned their arrests on a highway on May 9 into a spectacle.

Instead, he handed Artur a $23,000 fine and 18 months of probation while Dawid must pay $10,000 and serve 10 months probation. The brothers will also have to pay for the legal costs AHS accrued in the case, which is estimated to exceed $20,000.

Germain ordered Scott to pay $20,000 in fines and costs of nearly $11,000 and serve 18 months probation.

During their probation periods, the men must fulfill 120 hours of community service and must stay in Alberta unless receiving approval to leave the province.

After the sentencing, Artur said Germains ruling not only infringes on his rights but also his faith and convictions.

Basically what the judge is saying is that I cannot be a pastor for 18 months. I have to give up my rights. I have to give up my convictions. I have to give up my faith, and I cannot participate in anything that I believe in, he said in an interview with Rebel News.

The pastor, who holds a different view from the majority of medical experts, said the script given to him by Germain is effectively asking him to lie.

Every time I open my mouth to the public, I have to lie to the public, stating that vaccinations are saving lives, that masks work, that doctors and scientists are all for the restrictions.

Arturs lawyer Sarah Miller says they will appeal Germains ruling, but shes uncertain whether an appeal will be granted.

I would hope that it would be, considering the significant amount of fines and costs that have been awarded and the significant impact on his liberty, she told Rebel News on Oct. 13.

Miller added that the compelled speech condition ordered by Germain is bizarre.

We all know what the majority point of view is. You have to be living under a rock at this point not to know what public health orders and AHS says, you know, requirement[s] and requests for vaccines and that whole push exists. We know that discourse exists, she said.

The lawyer argued that the need for Artur to caveat on everything he says thats contrary to the mainstream view, amounts to suppression of expression.

Its certainly going to be an aspect of our consideration with appeal, she said.

With files from The Canadian Press
LAPD Officer Shot and Wounded; Possible Suspect in Custody

LOS ANGELESA Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer was shot and wounded on Oct. 14 in plain clothes while driving to work, authorities said.

The LAPD officer was shot around 5 a.m. in south Los Angeles, near Central Avenue and 28th Street, next to the police station.

The officer was on his way to work, LAPD Assistant Chief Robert Marino told reporters.

He was in his plain clothes, in his plain vehicle. There is no indication that he had been targeted at this point.

Marino said a male juvenile who was in possession of a handgun was detained in the immediate area.

According to Fox11, the teen in custody is 14 years old.

As he crossed the intersection, he  realizes the glass in his vehicle is shattered, Marino said.

At that point, he feels a sharp pain to the back of his head. He realizes hes been shot. At that point, he continues and drives to the Newton Area police station.

The officer apparently suffered a graze wound to the back of his head, Marino said.

The officer got out of his vehicle and ran across the street to a Los Angeles Fire Department Station, Marino said.

Paramedics treated him and took him to Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center, Marino said.

Im happy to report that hes in stable conditionhe is not seriously injuredand that he will be fine, Marino said. Hes currently with his family and his fellow officers.

The officers name was not released.

Investigators were working to determine if any other suspects were involved in the crime.

Marino said the motive for the shooting was not known.
An airport worker in support of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) leaves a flower at an altar as they protest and call on California Gov. Gavin Newsom to support vaccine priority for essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Feb. 4, 2021. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)

Leader of Californias Largest Labor Union Quits After Tax, Embezzlement Charges

The executive director of Californias largest labor union has resigned from her post after the state charged her and her husband with embezzlement, tax fraud, perjury, and failure to pay unemployment insurance taxes.

Then-Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California Executive Director Alma Hernandez and her husband, Jose Moscoso, were charged in a seven-page felony complaint filed with the Sacramento County Superior Court earlier this month. Hernandez had held the position since 2016. The charges, which came about as a result of a multiagency investigation led by Californias Tax Recovery in the Underground Economy Task Force, were made public this week by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat.

SEIU represents more than 700,000 workers across California. Hernandez campaigned to defeat the September recall effort against Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. Her organization reportedly donated upward of $6 million to the anti-recall campaign. Newsom easily won the vote.

The union is also a major player in the Capitol, pushing for policies such as a $15 minimum wage, The Sacramento Bee reported. It represents local government employees, state workers, in-home caregivers, lecturers, janitors, and health and care professionals, among others.

In announcing the criminal proceeding on Oct. 13, Bonta defended the role of labor unions.

Labor unions are an integral part of what makes California strong. Unions are working people standing together to demand fair wages, quality healthcare, a safe work environment, and the ability to retire with dignity, he said in a statement.

Working people deserve leaders they can depend on to help them achieve these goals at the bargaining table and through political advocacy, but also leaders they can trust. When there is reason to believe trust has been broken and crimes have been committed, we have an ethical duty to investigatewe owe that to the people of California.

The California Department of Justices Bureau of Investigation began probing the married couples finances after the Fair Political Practices Commission alleged following an investigation that Hernandez had embezzled $4,500 from an SEIU California-sponsored political action committee, or PAC. Its also alleged that she declared on a form that the PAC paid $11,700 to her husband for food vendor services that she knew hadnt been provided.

The California Franchise Tax Board alleges that Hernandez and Moscoso underreported their income by $1.4 million from 2014 to 2019. The Employment Development Department also claims that Moscosos air duct cleaning business failed to report and remit taxes on employees wages from 2017 to 2020 and that he paid employees under the table.

The complaint also included a so-called white-collar crime enhancement that would force the couple to serve time in state prison if convicted.

Family spokesperson Mari Hernandez told The Sacramento Bee that Hernandez quit her job so that she could focus on legal issues facing her family.

Those who know her know she has devoted her entire working life to the cause of justice and dignity for working people, especially those without power, privilege, or papers, she said.

Timothy Snowball, California litigator for the Freedom Foundation, which has been critical of public-sector unions, said malfeasance in labor unions is commonplace.

Timothy Snowball, California litigator for Freedom Foundation (courtesy Timothy Snowball)

This kind of corruption at the highest echelons of leadership of SEIU California or any other union, comes as no surprise unfortunately, according to Snowball.

Weve been documenting and spending time for years explaining to public employees about this type of corruption, he told The Epoch Times.

So the way this works is public employees show up at their jobs the first day, and like many jobs, youre handed a pile of paperwork to fill out.

That paperwork typically contains union membership cards, according to Snowball.

A lot of times they dont even explain what these cards are, he said. Sometimes, theyll send in union representatives to strongarm people into signing these things. They find them, and then they have money taken out every paycheck to unions like SEIU California, who then take that money and spend it on political causes that those members very well may oppose.

And when people find out about this, they go, Oh, my gosh. I had no idea youre going to be spending this on fighting the recall or anything else. And hey, I dont want my money spent that way. And the union winds up saying, Sorry, you signed this card. You didnt read the fine print, and now youre out luck. And its absolutely outrageous.

Steve Smith, a spokesman for the California Labor Federation, implied that criticism now being leveled at SEIU wasnt sincere.

These charges provide fuel to union opponents, Smith told The Sacramento Bee, but stated that every union leader in the state takes the responsibility of being a good steward of members funds very seriously.

The way we fight back against politically motivated attacks is by continuing to show what a strong, unified labor movement accomplishes for working people, he said.
Los Angeles DAs Union Alleges Gascon Appointed Unqualified Outsiders

LOS ANGELESThe Los Angeles County deputy district attorneys union filed a lawsuit to prevent District Attorney George Gascon from allegedly hiring more political supporters as unqualified prosecutors.

The union is also asking that Gascons office not take any action to deny eligibility to candidates that have applied for open prosecutor positions while appeals are being heard to challenge Gascons hiring earlier this year of former longtime Deputy Public Defenders Alisa Blair, Tiffiny Blacknell, and Shelan Joseph.

In hiring Blair, Blacknell and Joseph, Gascon violated numerous Civil Service rules which implement the County Charters mandate of merit system of employment, designed to create a productive, efficient, stable and representative county workforce that is free of political patronage, influence or reward, the petition states.

A representative from the District Attorneys Office was unable to comment at this time due to pending litigation.

The union, Association of Deputy District Attorneys (ADDA), brought the petition Oct. 12 in Los Angeles Superior Court against Gascon and the District Attorneys Office.

Blair, Blacknell, and Joseph were hired for prosecutor positions without taking and passing competitive exams as required by Civil Service rules and the County Charter, the petition states.

The ADDA has filed about 11 appeals with the Los Angeles County Civil Service Commission on behalf of its members who were on valid promotion eligibility lists and who were passed over for promotions for which they were qualified by Gascons unlawful appointment of the unqualified Blair, Blacknell and Joseph to those positions, the petition states.

The union believes that Gascon intends to appoint additional deputy public defenders and members of the Alternate Public Defenders office to positions in the next few weeks, the petition states.
Marine Lt. Col. Scheller Pleads Guilty, Renews Calls for Accountability

Marine Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller pleaded guilty Oct. 14 to all charges against him at a special court-martial trial related to his criticisms about how senior military officials handled the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, although he didnt backpedal from his calls for accountability.

Schellers punishment has yet to be finalized. U.S. Marine Corps Judge Glen Hines accepted his plea agreement and stipulation of facts, and witnesses testified about Schellers character to inform his sentencing decision.

Scheller spoke just before this articles publication, and The Epoch Times obtained a copy of his written testimony. Closing arguments are still scheduled before Hines renders his punishment.

According to the written testimony, Scheller apologized for the unprofessional nature of some of his comments, but he still criticized senior leadership for failing to accept accountability for the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal.

I believe the General officers have demonstrated that they are unable or unwilling to hold themselves accountable. As a result, I believe fundamental change needs to occur in the military, he said. I am being held accountable for my actions. The General officers should be held accountable for their failures.

Scheller also criticized the Marine Corps for apparently leaking confidential records about him to Task and Purpose.

I was painted as a violent extremist, fascist, and the journalist even made a connection to Hitler. Obviously, you can understand that I was very angry following the article, he said. After everything Ive been through, I feel its reasonable to conclude that the Marine Corps and Task and Purpose were working together in an effort to smear my name.

The Marine further pointed out that he hasnt been charged with making false statements because everything I have said is true.

If the Marine Corps could have charged me with it, they would have, he said.

According to a person familiar with the matter, the maximum punishment Scheller faces is a letter of reprimand. He also faces a potential general discharge under honorable conditions, which can reduce the number of benefits available to him.

The Epoch Times also obtained the stipulation of facts accepted by Hines. The document specifies the statements that put Scheller in hot water with his superiors, as well as Schellers reasons for pleading guilty.

The first charge stems from an Aug. 26 video he posted criticizing leaders for abandoning Bagram Air Base.

Potentially, all of those people did die in vain if we dont have senior leaders that own up and raise their hand and say we did not do this well in the end, Scheller said.

Scheller also pleaded guilty to charges related to his continued social media messages made after officials placed restrictions on posting.

You recently banned all unit social media pages so that you could centralize the message. Because, Im assuming, you think Marine leaders arent capable of passing a message in line with your intent, Scheller admitted to saying on Aug. 31. Your problem right now is that I am moving faster than you. Im outmaneuvering you.

According to the stipulation of facts, Scheller received a lawful order on Sept. 17 to refrain from posting on social media. But Scheller admitted to posting on Sept. 25 and 26, including saying, Im ready for jail.

My actions compromised my character as a gentleman because they were contemptuous towards the Secretary of the Navy and/or otherwise did not comport with the expectations of an officer, Scheller said, according to the stipulation of facts.

My actions were serious misbehavior, as opposed to just merely inappropriate or merely in poor taste, he said.

Scheller, who was thrown into the brig on Sept. 27, was released on Oct. 5.

He could have faced up to eight years imprisonment, forfeiture of all his pay and allowances, and dismissal from the servicebut the parties reached an agreement for him to stand before a special court-martial, which is the militarys version of a civilian misdemeanor court.

Scheller said in his written testimony that he tried to submit a resignation in lieu of trial while he was in the brig, but his command rejected the offer.

They wanted a conviction of guilt, he said. Thus, I obviously signed a deal to plead guilty to a litany of charges at special court-martial, which brings us to today.

Numerous lawmakers and Schellers family have spoken out against what they view to be political persecution against the Marine veteran.

This confinement appears to be simply for messaging, retribution, and convenience in flagrant violation of R.C.M. [Rule for Court Martial]: a person should not be confined as a mere matter of convenience, reads a Sept. 29 letter from 35 members of Congress calling for Schellers release.

He is an American war hero. He has fought for his men and women that follow him. Hes fought on the battlefield for them. I believe he has risked his life for his fellow service people and Americans. He is now risking his livelihood for them. He saw a misjustice happening at the top, and he felt that they should be held accountable for it, Cathy Scheller, Schellers mother, told NTDs The Nation Speaks.

Schellers father, Stu Scheller Sr., said support from fellow Americans will greatly help his son. The Marine Corps will win the battle.

But America is going to help Stuart win the war, he said.
Mariachi Sol de Mexico Is Bringing a Taste of Mexico to Orange County

Authentic Mexican cuisine and live mariachi music merge in Tustin, California, with the grand opening of Casa del Sol Cocina Mexicana on Oct. 21.

Jose Hernandez, Grammy Awards nominee and mariachi musician, is welcoming the county and Southern California residents to indulge in Mexican dishes and drinks offered at his new restaurant located in a popular shopping center, the District at Tustin Legacy.

Were going to see a lot of family tradition when it comes to food, that has been down from my mother from the state of Jalisco, Hernandez told The Epoch Times. What makes it really special is Casa del Sol is going to be our official home.

Hernandezs Mexican cuisine originates from his family in Jalisco, Mexico, and has been passed down for generations.

Hernandez and his family have been residents of Orange County for nearly 23 years and were drawn into Tustin by a desire for a restaurant to bring diversity to the area.

Guests can expect to hear live stage music from Fridays through Sundays with a quartet playing throughout the week. They can anticipate special guest performances on the weekend.

Additionally, historical outfits worn by famous performers Jose Alfredo Jimenez, Vincente Fernandez, Jenni Rivera, Amalia Mendoza, and Vikki Carr will also be on display.

Reservations for opening night can be made at casadelsoloc.com.
The ticker symbol and trading information for LinkedIn Corp. is displayed on a screen at the post where it's traded, before the start of trading, on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York on June 13, 2016. (Brendan McDermid/Reuters)

Microsoft to Shut Down LinkedIn in China Amid Censorship Criticism

Microsoft is abandoning its local version of LinkedIn in China, a move that would close off the last major U.S.-owned networking platform remaining in the country.

In 2014, LinkedIn entered mainland China, a country known for its highly restrictive censorship practices set by the Chinese Communist Party. The platform now boasts about 53 million local users, or roughly 7 percent of its global total.

But the professional networking site has recently drawn growing criticism over its move to block the profiles of researchers and others whose work involves China.

In an Oct, 14 statement, LinkedIn said that it made the decision to discontinue the seven-year venture upon facing a significantly more challenging operating environment and greater compliance requirements in China.

In its place, LinkedIn stated that it will set up a new job search application later this year called InJobs without a social feed or post-sharing features.

While weve found success in helping Chinese members find jobs and economic opportunity, we have not found that same level of success in the more social aspects of sharing and staying informed, the statement reads.

China has some of the strictest control over the internet. Twitter and Facebook were banned from the country more than a decade ago. Google exited in 2010, four years after launching a self-censored search engine there.

LinkedIn has made a number of controversial moves since its entry into the Chinese market that critics have deemed as appeasement to Beijing. That includes blocking coverage about the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, eliminating the presence of a Tiananmen activist, and freezing the account of a China critic after he called the Chinese regime a repressive dictatorship and the state media propaganda mouthpieces.

Scrutiny over the platforms censorship practices has intensified since June. On the morning of June 3, the eve of the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, staff members from The Epoch Times based in the United States, Sweden, Turkey, and elsewhere were informed by the company that their profiles would be hidden in China.

A redacted LinkedIn message received by employees of The Epoch Times on June 3, 2021. (Screenshot via LinkedIn)

More journalists and researchers received similar messages over the following months. Affected users were also told that their accounts in China could be restored if they agreed to remove unspecified content.

Questioned by The Epoch Times at the time, the company said that due to local legal requirements within China, the profiles and activity of some LinkedIn members associated with certain publishing organizations are not visible within China at this time.

The company also pointed to a 2014 statement from its former CEO Jeff Weiner, who argued that despite LinkedIns support for freedom of expression, its absence from China would deny Chinese users the opportunity to pursue and realize the economic opportunities, dreams, and rights most important to them.

Between January and December last year, LinkedIn received a total of 42 requests from the Chinese authorities to take down content, of which it acted on 38, the company said.

The fresh wave of censorship by the platform has caught the attention of U.S. lawmakers.

LinkedIns willingness to carry water for the Chinese regime raises questions about how Microsoft became the only technology company with significant access to the Chinese market, Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) wrote in a Sept. 24 letter.
Independent MP Alex Greenwich with Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen and MP Penny Sharpe at a press conference at NSW Parliament in Sydney, Australia, on Sept. 26, 2019. (Brook Mitchell/Getty Images)

MP Kicks Off Debate to Bring Euthanasia to Last Remaining Australian State

Independent member of Parliament Alex Greenwich has introduced a bill that will kick off debate around legalising euthanasia in Australias most populous state, New South Wales (NSW).

Currently, NSW is the only state in the countrybarring the territoriesthat has not legalised the practice.

Greenwich, who represents the state-level electorate of Sydneya progressive-leaning districtintroduced the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021 on Oct. 14, saying it would give dying individuals the choice, comfort, dignity, and respect that they deserve.

The MP was also responsible for introducing laws that saw abortion legalised in NSW in 2019.

Without the option of voluntary assisted dying, people who receive bad news about their terminal prognosis live in fear and sadly the rate of death by suicide among people who are terminally ill is high, according to Greenwichs second reading speech.

The Bill has 28 co-sponsors from across the political spectrum.

(Sabine van Erp/Pixabay)

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and Leader of the Opposition Chris Minns will not support the Bill but will allow a conscience vote.

I think in many ways that its a poor indictment of society that many people feel they have to end their lives in this way, Perrottet said, noting he had asked the state treasury to look at opportunities to invest more in palliative care.

Its incredibly important as people come to the end of their lives, they are given the care and support they deserve, he said.

Greenwich said he was supportive of more funding for palliative care, but said the Bill was not designed for them but for those enduring intolerable suffering.

Shayne Higson, vice president of Dying with Dignity, said the laws would give people across NSW the option of dying peacefully instead of suffering.

My mum suffered terribly at the end stage of an aggressive brain cancer. She pleaded with me to end her life but there was nothing that I could do, she said.

She noted that since the last vote failed in 2017 over 17,000 individuals have contacted their local members of Parliament asking them to support legalising euthanasia.

Three MPs from the conservative-leaning Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers Party will support the Bill, saying their regionally based constituents were supportive of voluntary assisted dying.

Barwon is probably a conservative electorate but that being said a lot of people have relayed their own stories of loved ones who were terminally ill, having to watch them die a painful and awful death, Roy Butler, state MP for Barwon told The Guardian.

Western Australian (WA) MP Nick Goiran, who opposed legalising euthanasia during the states vote in 2019, said the success of euthanasia advocates stemmed from their overly emotive arguments.

Where we lose out is on the battle of emotion. The proponents of assisted suicide and euthanasia have several compelling emotional stories. And so, whether its right or wrong. The simple reality is emotional stories always have a greater weight than facts, he told The Epoch Times.

Goiran maintained that in a discussion on the facts around euthanasia there was no contest.

Our list of facts are enormous and case studies and so forth, whereas our opponents have got very little, he added.

Goiran noted that local MPs at the time of WAs euthanasia vote were struck by political paralysis when confronted with pressure from the media to support euthanasia.

They resorted to the (excuse), Ive got to represent my community. Instead of taking a leadership approach and saying, As a leader in our community, I have a responsibility to educate myself on all the facts, come to a conclusion, and explain it to my community, he added.
Near-Death Rhino Poached for His Horns Has Happy Ending After Siring Calf: Deserves to Live

WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS GRAPHIC CONTENT.

A poached rhino saved in an amazing rescue following the life-threatening attack has sired a calf.

Workers at Saving the Survivors, an organization dedicated to looking after injured wildlife victims of poaching, rescued the rhino, named Seha, after being left for dead in 2016.

Seha came across a group of poachers who brutally attacked him, leaving the severely wounded rhino without his horn and fighting for his life.

Fortunately, the organizationfounded by Dr. Johan Maraisrescued Seha and brought him back to a secure facility where they treated him. And now, five years after the attack, Seha has sired a calf called Daniel.

Seha the rhino who was rescued by the Saving the Survivors organization in 2016. (Courtesy of Caters News)

Baby rhino Daniel with his mother, one of the female rhinos rescued by the organization. (Courtesy of Caters News)

Dorota Ladosz, a veterinary assistant at the organization, said that Sehawhich is short for Sehawukele, meaning have mercy on us in the Zulu language of Southern Africabegan his long journey of treatments and recovery at the organization after poachers attacked him.

Sehas life started in the way of most baby rhinos. He was born onto a large private game reserve in the North-West province of South Africa, Dorota said.

As a young bull rhino, he was ready to leave his mother and find a place of his own. He established a territory and patrolled it.

Then in October 2016, he came across a challenge he had not faced before.

(Courtesy of Caters News)

(Courtesy of Caters News)

Dorota said: A group of poachers armed with weapons that very few rhinos have faced and survived.

They hacked into his head, intent on getting every last piece of horn, so valuable that on the black market its called grey gold.

The poachers ripped the horns out of his head, gouging out his facial bones and exposing his sinuses. Stripped of his identity and dignity, Seha was left lying in a pool of his own blood.

He was taken to a secure facility where Dr. Marais began his treatments. And Dr. Marais never gives up.

(Courtesy of Caters News)

(Courtesy of Caters News)

Dorota said that Daniel the baby rhino was born from one of the females that Seha met after being released. The mother rhino, named Lucky, is also a survivor of poaching.

Saving the Survivors has partnered with Baby Rhino Rescue, an organization working to save rhinos from extinction, to raise funds to move the rhinos to a new home.

The good news is that a well secured reserve, complete with armed guards and an anti-poaching unit, has been found, Dorota said.

We need your help in transporting him to his new home and in providing care for him. We have also found two female rhinos who are of prime reproductive age that we need to purchase, with your help.

Please join Baby Rhino Rescue in supporting a true superhero.

Seha needs and deserves to live out his life in the wild, patrolling his territory and breeding as a normal wild rhino. Lets get Seha into the wild again.

Seha with one of the other rescued rhinos. (Courtesy of Caters News)

Epoch Times staff contributed to this report.

Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Epoch Inspired newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter
Nearly 1M LA County Households Reported Food Insecurity During Pandemic: Report

LOS ANGELESNearly 1 million Los Angeles County households reported being food insecure during the pandemic, and among the most impacted residents were single parents, according to a report released Thursday by Los Angeles City Controller Ron Galperin for World Food Day.

According to Galperin, food banks reported serving 10 times more working and low-income families during the COVID-19 pandemic, and levels in October 2021 remain higher than they did before March 2020. The highest portion of impacted residents included people who were unemployed, single parents, and low-income minority women.

It is unacceptable for any child in Los Angeles to go to bed hungry and for families to lack easy access to quality, healthy food, Galperin said.

There are resources available to help people in need find free and low-cost meals, but policymakers must use data to create meaningful programs that address the root causes of food insecurity now and in the years to come. We need more thoughtful, comprehensive, and collaborative solutions from the city and county to truly address this public health crisis.

While life is beginning to look more normal for some, many people in our community are still working to recover from the pandemic and related economic fallout, said Michael Flood, president and CEO of the L.A. Regiona Food Bank. Even before the pandemic, the need in our community was high, but by working together, we can dramatically alleviate food insecurity in L.A. County.

Galperin released a map with the 1,800 food banks and distribution centers available throughout the state, and people can search by address to find ones closest to their locations. People can also find resources for government aid programs, food delivery programs, community fridges, and groups that assist specific segments of the population, such as seniors and illegal immigrants.

This invaluable resource connects those in need with emergency services, while also providing information about organizations like MAZON working to end hunger through vitally needed policy change. COVID-19 has clearly shined a spotlight on the gaping holes in our nationsand our

cityssafety net, and this moment requires thoughtful, urgent and compassionate leadership at all levels of government, said Abby Leibman, president and CEO of MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger.

People can access the map at lacontroller.org/data-stories-and-maps/food-insecurity.
Jars of Nescafe Gold coffee by Nestle are pictured in the supermarket of Nestle headquarters in Vevey, Switzerland, on Feb. 13, 2020. (Pierre Albouy/Reuters)

Nestle Revamps Geographic Structure, Makes New Board Appointments

ZURICHNestle is overhauling its geographic structure, the worlds largest food company said on Wednesday, creating new zones for North America and for Greater China.

The maker of Nescafe instant coffee and KitKat chocolate bars also said it was changing its executive board to align with the new structure, which takes effect from January.

Company veteran Chris Johnson, now head of Nestles Asia, Oceania and sub-Saharan Africa zone (AOA), will retire from the executive board and be replaced by Remy Ejel, current head of Nestles Middle East and North Africa business.

Steve Presley, chairman and CEO Nestle USA, will join the executive board as CEO Zone North America, Nestles biggest market with annual sales of 24.7 billion Swiss francs ($26.59 billion).

David Zhang, CEO of Nestles food seasoning business Totole and business executive officer for food in Greater China, will join the board as the head of the Greater China business.

With the new zone structure, we will significantly sharpen our geographic focus to drive sustained profitable growth everywhere we operate, Nestle CEO Mark Schneider said in a statement.

This move will bring us closer to consumers and customers, unlock new business opportunities and enable us to be even more agile in a fast-moving consumer environment.

The new five geographic zone structure does not include Nestle Health Science and its capsule coffee operation Nespresso, which are managed globally.

Long-standing area executives Laurent Friexe will lead the newly formed Latin America business, while Marco Settembri will lead Zone Europe. Nestle will report sales numbers of the new Zone structure for the first time on April 21.

Jon Cox, an analyst at Kepler Cheuvreux, said the changes were sensible because of the enormous size of Nestles business, which had been previously divided into three zones globally.

It makes sense to break out North America with the U.S. as its biggest market, and China, which is a strategically important region, Cox said.

By John Revill
A 3D printed oil pump jack is seen in front of displayed OPEC logo in this illustration picture on April 14, 2020. (Dado Ruvic/Illustration/Reuters)

Oil Market Still Faces Uncertainties Due to COVID-19, OPEC Chief Says

MOSCOWThe oil market continues to face uncertainties stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo told reporters on the sidelines of an energy forum in Moscow on Thursday.

The market is taking its course in accordance with supply and demand fundamentals. But we must admit there are external factors that are influencing the evolution of the market, he said.

OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo attends a session of Kazakhstan Energy Week in Nur-Sultan, Kazakstan on Sept. 26, 2019. (Mariya Gordeyeva/Reuters)

Regarding how COVID-19 is creating uncertainty Barkindo pointed to responses by the governments as the various variants, mutations emerge and how the world is able to upscale the vaccination rates in particular in developing countries.
In this image taken from video by Taiwan's EBC, fire and smoke pour out from a building in Kaohsiung, in southern Taiwan on Oct. 14, 2021. (EBC via AP)

Overnight Building Blaze in Taiwan Raged for Hours, 46 dead

An overnight fire in a residential building in southern Taiwan has killed 46 people and injured 41, the authorities said on Oct. 14.

The fire broke out at the 40-year-old, mixed-use building in Kaohsiungs Yancheng district at 3 a.m. Thursday, and was extinguished four hours later.

The exact cause of the fire is unclear. Local police said at the press conference that they are reviewing surveillance footage and havent ruled out any human factors.

Pictures published by Taiwans official media Central News Agency (CNA) showed flame and smoke billowed from the lower floors of the 13-story building as firefighters tried to douse the flame from the street and aerial platforms.

A fire department statement described the fire as extremely fierce and said several floors had been destroyed.

Most of the buildings residents are senior citizens, and piles of debris blocked firefighters access to many areas, complicating rescue efforts, Fire Chief Li Ching-hsiu told CNA.

The fire likely started from the ground floor, Li said. The buildings first six floors were previously designated for commercial use but are now unoccupied.

In this image taken from video by Taiwans EBC, firefighters shoot water into a building that caught fire in Kaohsiung, in southern Taiwan on Oct. 14, 2021. (EBC via AP)

The number of fatalities rose steadily during the day on Thursday as rescue workers searched the building. By late afternoon, the Kaohsiung fire department said at least 32 people were sent straight to the morgue. Another 14 people among the 55 who were taken to hospital showed no sign of life later. In Taiwan, official confirmation of death is made at the hospital.

The death toll is only second to a 1995 fire that killed 64 at a nightclub in Taichung, Taiwans third-largest city.

The authorities said hundreds of survivors had been sent to hotels.

Taiwans President Tsai Ing-wen, in a Facebook post, expressed her deepest condolences to those affected by the blaze.

Associate Press contributed to the report.
A nurse prepares a syringe with the Moderna vaccine in Boston, Mass., on Dec. 24, 2020. (Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images)

People in Israel and Bahrain Risk Losing Vaccination Status If They Dont Get Booster Shot

Residents of Israel and Bahrain who are eligible for COVID-19 vaccine booster shots and dont get them risk losing their vaccination status granting them access to everything from restaurants to shopping malls.

Israel was the first country to make a booster shot a requirement for Green Pass digital vaccination passports, which allow individuals to enter everything from hotels, cinemas, gyms, and restaurants, to places of worship.

Under new guidelines issued on Oct. 3, the validity of the previous Green Pass was shortened, and any pass issued prior to this date was made void.

According to a government advisory, the Green Pass will now only be available to people who can prove they have had a booster shot of a government-approved COVID-19 vaccine after their previous two doses expired after six months, or have recovered from the disease.

People who have recovered from COVID-19 once or twice and have not been vaccinated are eligible for a pass valid for up to six months from the date of the last certificate of recovery under a different set of guidelines. Those whove recovered but have received only one vaccine dose before or after recovery are eligible for a Green Pass valid through the end of March 2022.

Those who have received only one dose arent eligible for a Green Pass, even if they test positive on a serologic test after vaccination. It hasnt been confirmed whether further booster shots will be needed in the future for an individual to be considered fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, those who have been vaccinated or who have recovered outside of Israel may or may not be eligible for a Green Pass depending on the number of doses of the vaccine that they have received and on the results of serologic and PCR tests in Israel.

People who decide not to get a booster shot are still able to enter venues with a negative PCR or antigenic test taken 24 hours prior, according to a statement by Israels Ministry of Health Deputy Director-General Dr. Asher Salmon.

Israels new system replaces its previous system that required just two shots to become eligible for a Green Pass.

We believe everyone should be getting a third shot. We are basically telling people that if they have not already done so, they are not fully vaccinated, Salmon said.

The new policy prompted scores of protesters to take to Israeli streets in demonstrations around the country as more than 2 million people risk losing their vaccination passports.

Israel isnt the only country to take a hardline approach to vaccination passports, as Bahrain has also changed the vaccination status of those eligible for a booster shot on Oct. 4.

As of that date, individuals who are eligible for a booster shot will see their vaccination status lowered from the Green Shield to the Yellow Shield on the kingdoms digital vaccine passport, the BeAware mobile application, if they dont receive a booster shot.

Previously, individuals were considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose and were given Green Shield status, meaning they were able to enter shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas, and other indoor services.

The topic of booster shots has left health professionals and experts divided.

On Oct. 12, scientists at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said they werent taking a stance on a proposal to authorize booster shots of Modernas vaccine after the company noted waning effectiveness against COVID-19 infection.

FDA staff said the vaccine and the two others cleared for use in the United States are still holding up well against severe disease.

Meanwhile, U.S. drug regulators on Oct. 13 said a second shot of Johnson & Johnsons COVID-19 vaccine could bolster peoples protection against the disease, but they didnt have enough time to independently analyze the data the company submitted.

Both Johnson & Johnson and Moderna are asking regulators to allow boosters for their vaccines following the FDAs clearance of a Pfizer booster for tens of millions of Americans.
Security personnel stand in front of China's Banking Regulatory Commission in Beijing, China, on Aug. 6, 2018, after Chinese police aggressively quashed a planned protest against losses sustained by peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms. (GREG BAKER/AFP via Getty Images)

Property Buyers in China Protest As Bank Embezzles Money

A Chinese bank had embezzled the supervisory funds belonging to the buyers of a real estate project in China. Hundreds of buyers launched a protest on Oct. 7.

The bank being accused of embezzlement is the Ningbo branch of the China-based Ping An Bank.

The local government has been asked to solve the problem of this unfinished real estate project, called Languang Yongjingwan, located in Chinas Hangzhou Bay New Zone in Zhejiang Province.

Money Gone

According to the Administration Measures for the Proceeds from Pre-sales of Newly-built Commodity Buildings issued by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the establishment of supervisory funds is to prevent developers from running away with the money of property buyers.

After the property buyer signs a purchase contract with the developers, the payment for the purchase of the property will be credited to a banks supervisory account. In that case, the developers cannot use that money directly.

On Oct. 9, a property buyer called Mr. Li told the Chinese language edition of The Epoch Times that due to the suspension of the real estate project, the houses will not be delivered to their buyers as scheduled on Sept. 30.

As a result, buyers of these properties had gone to government agencies at different levels to claim their rights, after which they learned from officials at the Bureau of Housing and Urban-Rural Development that some $10.85 million of their supervisory funds had been embezzled by Ping An Bank.

The bank has been deprived of the right to supervise any real estate projects in Hangzhou Bay New Zone for the next three year as punishment, authorities have said.

We only know that they have taken our money away. As for their next step, we have no idea, Li said, indicating that there is only $4.65 million left in the account for supervisory funds.

Which regulations did the bank follow? Whatever the regulations may be, the bank should not have sacrificed the livelihood of these property buyers.

Mass Protest

Given that the employees of the sales department of this real estate project have all left and theres only one security guard still there, the helpless property buyers came to the Ningbo branch of Ping An Bank on Oct. 7, shouting slogans and holding banners to defend their rights.

Starting from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m., there were about 400 to 500 property buyers at the scene, said Ms. Liu, a property buyer participating in the protest.

The local government sent a specialized police vehicle and bus to the scene. Dozens of regular and specialized police were also seen standing in front of Ping An Bank to prevent the protesters from entering the building.

Two conflicts broke out during the hours-long protest, according to Liu. The first was when the Ping An Bank sent personnel to take banners off the protesters; the second when two protesters were targeted by police for allegedly shouting slogans too loudly.

Its indeed not easy for ordinary people like us to buy a home. Having spent our own money, we still got treated this way. Theres really nothing else I can say, Liu said.

Response

Negotiations between Ping An Bank, local authorities, and property buyers was held at the sales center of the real estate project on Oct. 9.

We were told that the project will resume on Oct. 30, though the specific date is still subject to the construction site, Li said.

Since the subject of money was not mentioned, the government must have colluded with the bank, of which the personnel simply said that they will fully cooperate with the resumption of the project and gave some six guarantees, Li added, believing that the government and the bank already had a private conversation in advance.

The government also said that its impossible to make something out of nothing. What shall we do? Mr. Li said, expressing his lack of confidence in the completion of the project.

According to the protesters, Languang Yongjingwan has a total of more than 70 buildings, including 18 small high-rise apartments and other villa-style buildings.

Li said that purchasers of the high-rise apartments were all workers in Ningbo city, including himself, whose job it is to carry boxes. Most of the buyers have borrowed either the savings of their parents or money from their relatives and friends to purchase the properties.

Its really hard. While waiting for the home I bought, I am also renting a property outside. Since I have no real estate certificate, I cannot enroll my kid at school, Li said.

Having asked the media to voice their appeal, these property buyers now hope that the government can effectively solve this problem for them.

Pseudonyms were given for security reason.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is seen during a press conference at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in Brisbane, Australia, Aug. 11, 2021. (AAP Image/Darren England)

Queensland Health Encouraging 7,000 Health Staff Who Missed October Deadline to Get Vaccinated

The Queensland governments health department is working to encourage the about 7,000 staff who missed the state mandated Oct. 1 deadline to get their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

A Queensland Health spokesperson told The Courier Mail that they are working through about 1,900 applications for exemptions from Queensland Health and Hospital Services staff who dont want to be vaccinated.

After attempting to encourage staff to be vaccinated, the spokesperson said Queensland Health would work with these staff to explore alternative options to keep them and our workplaces safe.

We are currently working through the exemptions process and staff will be notified of outcome of their exemption once this is complete, the spokesperson said.

That said, the vast majority of the states health work forceabout 108,000 out of 115,000 have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to The Courier Mail.

The unvaccinated health staff now are reportedly being forced to take leave or be subject to increased COVID-19 testing and increase the level of PPE worn at patient facilities.

Almost 71 percent of eligible Queenslanders had received one dose of a vaccine and 54.1 percent were fully vaccinated by Tuesday, but Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is concerned about coverage outside the southeast.

She urged unvaccinated Queenslanders to get a first dose by mid-November with those who do get the jab by then due for a second dose in early December.

We are seeing our vaccination rates increase in Queensland, but there are parts of Queensland in regional communities in central Queensland, out at northwest, up in the northern parts of our state, indigenous communities, that we need to make sure are protected, Palaszczuk told parliament on Thursday.

So now we need a huge drive, Ive said the next six weeks are critical, for Queenslanders to get that first dose.

The premiers warning comes after she hinted on Wednesday night that Nov. 17 was seen as a cut-off date for people to get their first jab.

Weve done all we can to keep you safebut this next step is up to you, Palaszczuk wrote on Twitter.

We cannot protect you if you wont protect yourself.

I need you to get vaccinated and I need you to get it now.

It takes five weeks from the first dose to be completely vaccinated.

Five weeks from today in the 17th of November  thats getting very close to Christmas.

AAP contributed to this report.
SC Businesses Will Not Hear From Gov. McMaster Over COVID Vaccine Mandates, He Says

By Joseph Bustos

From The State

COLUMBIA, S.C.South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said Tuesday he doesnt want the government to get in-between businesses and their employees when it comes to whether private companies should be allowed to require COVID-19 vaccines.

McMasters comments came after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order in his state on Monday banning vaccine mandates in the state. The order also prevents private businesses from issuing vaccine mandates for its employees or customers.

I think Gov. Abbott is a very experienced leader in Texas, but in our state, we didnt tell our businesses what to do, and were not going to tell them what not to do, McMaster said Tuesday while speaking to reporters at the State House.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, McMaster has aimed to keep businesses open while also avoiding statewide mask mandates.

McMaster has pushed back against the Biden administrations planned vaccine mandate for hospital workers, federal contractors, and businesses with more than 100 employees that would affect about 100 million Americans announced by President Joe Biden last month.

McMaster, who has been vaccinated, has said people should get the information about vaccines and make decisions for themselves.

2021 The State. Visit at thestate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Picture of Hikvision cameras in an electronic mall in Beijing on May 24, 2019. (Fred Dufour/AFP via Getty Images)

Security Vulnerability in Chinese Surveillance Cameras Raises Concerns in Europe

A critical vulnerability found in surveillance cameras from Chinese firm Hikvisionwhich are used extensively in Europeadded to previous concerns about the companys data practices, according to an Oct. 6 report from Politico. Hikvision is controlled by a Chinese military-industrial group and has been accused of collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in violating human rights against Uyghurs.

Watchful IP, an anonymous security researcher, discovered a high number of Hikvision cameras software have a security vulnerability which permits an attacker to gain full control of [a] device, according to a report published on Sept. 18.

This is the highest level of critical vulnerability, reads the report. Given the deployment of these cameras at sensitive sites potentially even critical infrastructure is at risk.

IPVM, a research group, says the vulnerability could affect 100 million cameras globally, reported Politico. Most affected models are recent ones, though this vulnerability can be traced back to at least some 2016 models, according to Watchful IP.

Hikvision has been the main provider of surveillance systems and cameras in Europe, according to Politico. For instance, Spanish airport operator AENA recently hired Hikvision as a supplier of 175 cameras distributed over dozens of airports, which includes Madrid-Barajas and El Prat in Barcelona.

Though Hikvision admitted to the vulnerability and made new software available to repair it, concerns about data privacy were not alleviated.

According to Hikvisions 2020 Annual Report (pdf), the companys actual controller is a Chinese military-industrial group called China Electronics Technology Group Ltd. (CETC). CETC is also Chinas largest electronics defense contractor.

Chinese military-industrial groups are forced to comply with the CCP, even if it asks companies to hand over data. Hikvision is monitored by a party committee and has many CCP representatives within the company. In addition, the companys official website stated the CCPs activities in the firm, which have the purpose of upholding and improving the CCPs leadership.

The CCP can then use data to monitor the population, according to Lord Alan West, former British security minister. At a debate in the House of Commons, he stated China uses facial recognition and they use this information on a grand scale to control their population.

The systems gather a lot of personal data, Audrey Fritz, a researcher at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, told Politico. The primary concern is that it doesnt stay within the country, that its not bound to the laws and regulations of your country  Because of [Chinas] laws and regulation that Chinese companies are required to hand over to government authorities, that becomes the concern.

Because of these concerns, European contracts with Hikvision prompted opposition from some authorities.

Europe should be cautious to allow foreign powers too much control over systems, warning of possibilities to attack us on where it might be very sensitive, Alex Voss, member of the European Parliament, told Politico.

Hikvision has also been accused of collaborating with the CCPs persecution of religious minorities in Xinjiang.

In 2019, the Trump administration blacklisted Hikvision among 27 other entities. These Chinese companies had been implicated in human rights violations and abuses in the implementation of Chinas campaign of repression, mass arbitrary detention, and high-technology surveillance against Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and other members of Muslim minority groups, according to the Department of Commerce.

Chinas treatment of Uyghurs has been designated as a genocide by both the previous and current U.S. administration, the parliaments from Canada, The Netherlands, Lithuania, Belgium, Czech Republic, and the United Kingdom, along with international legal experts and scholars.

According to the Norwegian Council of Ethics (pdf), Hikvisions surveillance cameras are spread across Xinjiang, particularly near mosques and labor camps, reported Politico.
A police officer is seen at the lobby of the Evergrande Center building in Shanghai on Sept. 24, 2021. (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images)

Six Evergrande Executives Fined for Early Redemption of Investments

Six executives who redeemed Evergrande wealth investment products in advance have returned all the money they received to the designated accounts of Evergrande Wealth, China Evergrande Group announced on the homepage of its official website on Oct. 9; the Group also said the six have been held accountable and punished.

Previously, Evergrande Group said in a statement on Sept. 18 that six executives redeemed 12 investment products in advance from May 1 to Sept. 7. All of them are high-level executives at the headquarters or the Groups provincial branches.

The announcement on Sept. 18 also claimed that Evergrande would strictly follow the published repayment plan and that Evergrandes middle-level and higher-level employees must stick to their posts.

Evergrande Group released an announcement on Sept. 30 introducing the situation of the redemption of Evergrande Wealth: Evergrande Financial Wealth Management (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. has completed the payment of the first 10 percent on Sept. 30. Relevant funds have been issued to investors respective accounts.

However, the Chinese state media Economic Observer said that Evergrandes payment was different from the Groups announcement.

According to the article, investors went to the designated repayment site of Evergrandes Junrui Sales Office in Guangzhou three times from Sept. 21 to 23. There were no staff on site. Two notices were posted near the door: Wealth management in-kind cashing is suspended. For details, please pay attention to the WeChat account and SMS notices. Under that notice was written: Please do not gather for pandemic prevention and control.

Some employees of Evergrande revealed that the repayment site at Guangzhou Evergrande Junrui Sales Office only opened for one day on Sept. 19, and then closed saying it was necessary for COVID-19 pandemic prevention. They said this is not only true for Guangzhou, but also for cash points in 27 provinces and cities across the country where there are currently no staff on site.

Regarding Evergrandes proposed payment of in-kind assets, a staff member of the Housing and Urban Development department said that sales of existing houses which already have housing certificates can be transferred immediately.

In addition, several major shareholders of Evergrande Group have sold their stakes in the company.

Zhongyu Group Co., LTD. issued a profit warning on Oct. 7, informing that on Oct.5 it had all its shares in Evergrande New Energy Auto. 32.18 million shares were sold at an average price of HK $3.89 ($0.51) per share, followed by 10 million shares at an average price of HK $3.35 ($0.44) per share.

The profit warning also said that Zhongyu would also face significant losses on its Evergrande Notes (senior notes issued by Evergrande). Unrealized losses are expected to be $135 million and $296 million as of Sept. 30 in respect of the fair value changes of the Evergrande Notes and Evergrande Auto shares for the six months ended Sept. 30, respectively.

Italian Horse International Holdings ltd. also issued a profit warning on Oct. 6. The company sold its 3 million shares in Evergrande on Oct. 4. As a result, the group recorded a net realized loss of approximately HK $79.1 million ($10.283 million) for the fiscal year from the date of sale to Dec. 31, 2021. However, the group ended up with an overall net positive cash return of approximately HK $71.3 million ($9.269 million) on its investment in Evergrande.

Chinese Estates Group announced on Oct. 6 its intention to be completely privatized and delisted from the Hong Kong stock market. The Group announced on Sept. 23 that it had sold a total of 108.9 million shares of Evergrande between Aug. 30 and Sept. 21. Excluding transaction costs, the average sale price for each share sold by Chinese Estates Group was about HK $2.26 ($0.29), for a total of about HK $246.5 million ($31.689 million).
Slow and Steady: Rodney Scott on Going Whole Hog

The legendary pitmaster and restaurateur shares the secrets to whole-hog barbecueand making sure that every day is a good day

The first step of cooking a whole hog, says Rodney Scott, is to get you some patience. Because youre gonna need it.

Scott would know. The James Beard Award-winning pitmaster, owner of Rodney Scotts BBQ in Charleston, Birmingham, and Atlanta, has been perfecting the art of whole-hog barbecue for nearly four decadessince he cooked his first at age 11.

Its going to take you about 12 hours. You cant rush it, Scott said. There are no shortcuts, from burning the hardwood down into coals; to repeatedly shoveling them under the 180-pound pig to maintain the right heat; to flipping the whole hog overa two-man feat of strength and finesse; to crisping the skin and finishing it off. (There are tricks, however, like learning to judge the right temperature by the rhythm of the fat dripping onto the coals.)

Scott learned how to cook his hogs from his late father. He grew up in the small town of Hemingway, South Carolina, in a family whose philosophy he defines in a word: work. While his friends went to parties, he was picking tobacco on the family farm, minding the store, or helping his father cook hogs for their barbecue business.

His hard work has since paid off, but not without heartbreakhe became estranged from his father when he left home to open his own place. Scott detailed his rocky journey in a cookbook memoir, Rodney Scotts World of BBQ, released in March 2021.

Hes not shy about sharing secretsincluding recipes for his famed sauce and dry rubbut the real secret ingredient he credits for his success lies outside of the barbecue pit: his optimism.

I constantly repeat Every day is a good day. I just refuse to have a bad day, Scott said. I try to find the best of every bad moment. If youre alive, youve got an opportunity.

Be patient, approach everything calmly, give it a minute to understand it, and see how to make it to the next step.

His rules for life echo his rules for the pit. While that hog is cooking, you take a deep breath and say, OK, all right, take it easy, enjoy the moment, Scott said. You set the pace, you set the tone. And you try to pass that energy off with every ounce of pork that you serve.

Meet the Chef

Name: Rodney Scott

Age: 49

Lives: Charleston, S.C.

The perfect BBQ plate: Chicken, pulled pork, pork skins, ribs, baked beans, and mac and cheese

And to drink: Sweet tea

Culinary heroes: My mom and Anthony Bourdain

Best part of the job: Meeting new people, creating new memories, and informing people that every day is a good day.
Afghan people who were transported from Islamabad walk after disembarking a plane, at the Torrejon military base in Spain on Oct. 11, 2021. (Manu Fernandez/AP Photo)

Spain Evacuates 160 More Afghans via Pakistan

MADRIDSpains defense ministry has completed the evacuation of another 160 Afghans who had initially been left behind following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.

The new group joins the 83 people Spain flew into an air base near Madrid on Monday.

The defense ministry said that the mission was able to extract the Afghan workers and families via Pakistan before they were flown to Spain.

Afghan people who were transported from Islamabad walk after disembarking a plane, at the Torrejon military base in Spain on Oct. 11, 2021. (Manu Fernandez/AP Photo)

Spain launched the mission to evacuate workers who hadnt been able to leave Afghanistan during the airlift operation in August when it pulled out about 2,200 Spaniards and Afghans via Kabuls airport.

Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister Jose Albares visited both Pakistan and Qatar last month to ask for their assistance in extracting more Afghan workers.
The Alliance of Big Government, Big Business, and Woke Dogma

'Companies relentlessly criticize the United States for social injustice,' says Vivek Ramaswamy, author of 'Woke Inc.'

In an interview with Jan Jekielek on American Thought Leaders, Vivek Ramaswamy outlined the unholy alliance of big government, corporations, and woke dogma. He also addressed the ongoing intrusion of communist China into the United States through its promotion of wokeism. Ramaswamy is the founder of several successful companies, including Roivant Sciences, a biopharmaceutical company, and author of a new book, Woke Inc.: Inside Corporate Americas Social Justice Scam.

Here are excerpts from this important interview:

Mr. Jekielek: You make a pretty interesting case, and in some ways, its kind of counterintuitive. You basically say that stakeholder capitalism is supposed to create accountability, but it actually does the exact opposite and empowers Americas enemies in the process. Incredible.

Vivek Ramaswamy. (Courtesy of Vivek Ramaswamy)

Mr. Ramaswamy: Its counterintuitive because stakeholder capitalism is the philosophy that a business ought to serve not just its shareholders, by pursuing profit, but also ought to serve other societal interests, including those of not only employees, but other societal stakeholders, ranging from minority communities to the climate. Now on the face of it, that sounds pretty benign.

But the argument I make in the book is, first of all, its actually a violation of American democracy to concentrate in the hands of a small group of investors and executives the power to not only decide what products get voted to the top, but also what ideas get voted to the top. And thats the role our democracy plays, where everyones voice and vote count equally.

Mr. Jekielek: Its actually quite fascinating to learn some companies do have the Chinese regime as a major stakeholder, but dont really disclose that very much and instead focus on all the much prettier-looking stakeholders here in America.

Vivek Ramaswamy. (Courtesy of Vivek Ramaswamy)

Mr. Ramaswamy: The great policy error over the last 30 years in the United States was thinking that we could use capitalism as a vector to spread democracy abroad, that we could export Big Macs and Happy Meals and think it would somehow spread democracy in places like China.

What weve learned over the last 30 years is that China has actually turned that model on its head. Instead of using our money to get them to be more like us, theyve now used their money to get us to be more like them. Theyve sent back Disney movies and Nike sneakers as Trojan horses to advance their values.

Ill tell you what I mean. Companies relentlessly criticize the United States for social injustice, as the woke brand of stakeholder capitalism or what we call woke capitalism does. Nike criticizes racial injustice. Disney criticizes injustices ranging from transphobia to states policy on abortions.

As these companies criticize the United States, they also dont say a peep about actual human rights abuses in China, such as whats happening in Xinjiang Province today, where over a million Uyghurs are enslaved in concentration camps and subjected to forced sterilization in some of the worst human rights abuses committed by a major nation since the Third Reich in Germany. These companies dont say a peep about it.

Mr. Jekielek: Vivek, frankly, I have the same worry, deeply. Theres a famous quote: The issue is not the issue. The issue is the revolution. Weve heard this a lot. In all of these Marxian systems that weve seen over the years, the issue is the revolution. The division is actually a major part of the purpose of the ideology, even if many of the people participating in it dont fully realize thats the case.

Mr. Ramaswamy: Youre spot on. I heard a really dark joke, but it reveals the way in which foreign actors have recognized that very fact, to be able to divide us from within. I talked earlier on the show about how China is using wokeism. By the way, they even have a Chinese word for wokeismbaizuo. Theyre using that to divide us, using that as a chink in our armor to divide us from within by getting corporations to criticize injustice here without saying a peep about injustice over there and deflecting accountability for their human rights abuses.

The joke was that, lets say that Mao Zedong suddenly wakes up from the dead and returns to China in his second coming, and hes talking to a farmer in the countryside. He asks the farmer, Oh, do we have a food shortage? Do we have enough food for our people? And the farmer first tells him, Oh, yes, the food shortage ended a long time ago. Now we have so much food. We have too much food that our people are actually starting to get sick from diabetes.

And Mao Zedong goes, Oh, OK, very good. Very good. But werent we supposed to produce more steel than Britain within a few decades? This is something that Mao Zedong actually laid out as part of his central plan as well. And they said, Actually, even one of our provinces today alone produces more steel than all of the United Kingdom put together.

And he says, OK, very good, very good. But most importantly, what about the Cultural Revolution led by the proletariat in the field? How is that going? To that, the modern Chinese farmer says, Oh, we dont do that anymore. We outsourced that to America.

Theres something dark in that joke, but that actually reflects the essence of whats going on. Ironically, communist China has embraced our capitalist worldview, the American pursuit of excellence, and the inner American animal to be No. 1. Theyve now imported that as their own and have exported their modern wokeism, which is really the avatar of the old school Chinese communismthe Red Guard was effectively sent over here to undermine us from within.

And Im sorry to say its working masterfully for them. This becomes the beginning of the end of American greatness and the American empire, unless were able to actually turn that around and harness and rediscover our own culture of excellence, our own culture of the unapologetic pursuit of excellence through our system of free enterprise, and through our democracy in ways that require seeing past the superficial demands of the woke movement.

Mr. Jekielek: As we finish up here, you actually have a very interesting idea about how to create a common U.S. identity again, and this is through civic engagement. You argue for mandatory civic engagement. I find that a pretty fascinating idea.

Vivek Ramaswamy. (Courtesy of Vivek Ramaswamy)

Mr. Ramaswamy: One of the ways I talk about doing that is weaving civic service into education. For example, taking the institution of summer break itself, you dont have to change a thing about life structure. You dont have to change a thing about infringing on the liberty of free adults, because taking children to school is already mandatory. But lets weave into school the component of civic service, of actually serving your country.

Our civic duties ought to be shared equally. Thats something we can instill starting at a young age that builds solidarity around the idea of a shared American identity, rather than a fractious group identity, which is the woke way.

Reviving that shared Americanism and that shared American identity dilutes the woke agenda to irrelevance.

This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity by Jeff Minick
The Long Road Ahead for NSW Property Tax Reform

Commentary

Dominic Perrottets elevation from treasurer to Premier of New South Wales (NSW) has brought attention back to his long-term plan to replace the stamp duty on property transactions with an annual tax on land value.

Perrottet wants to make his mark as a reformer, and this is one key reform idea he developed as treasurer that is more likely to progress now that he is premierbut the idea has a long way to travel and many obstacles to overcome before it becomes policy.

There isnt even a firm proposal from the government yet. They are still working on that.

There is wide agreement among economists that a small annual tax on property value is more efficient than a much larger tax on property transactions.

A transactions tax can strongly distort peoples decisions on buying and selling, whereas an annual tax on property value, if well designed, will have no such effect.

Moreover, because stamp duty is assessed according to a graduated scale and the brackets have not been adjusted for rising values, the severity of stamp duty has increased massively over the decades through bracket creep.

Governments could have made adjustments to duty rates and brackets to offset this creep, but they have preferred to rake in the burgeoning revenue.

If someone faces a one-off stamp duty of, say, four percent on a property purchase, it will affect their decision on whether to stay put or move, and some will choose not to move and perhaps to renovate instead.

But if they face, say, a 0.25 percent annual tax on property value wherever they live in NSW, it will have no effect on their decision and they and the economy will benefit from this neutrality. That, at least, is the theory.

Thus, a shift from transactions to value taxation would enhance household mobility and productivity, and lower the cost of purchasing a home, which is particularly important to first home buyers.

An auctioneer counts down a bid during an auction of a residential property in Sydney, Australia, on May 8, 2021. (Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

An annual tax on value is also a more stable source of revenue for state governments.

Stamp duty revenue is notoriously volatile as it is driven by volatility in both prices and transaction volumes, which tend to reinforce each other. Such volatility makes budgeting more difficult, as governments are tempted to lock in more expenditure when revenue is booming, leaving a structural deficit when the boom passes.

However, the transition from stamp duty to a property value tax raises many thorny issues.

It is politically risky because an annual tax on value is more visible than a one-off tax paid only at the time of purchase and often rolled into the overall purchase cost.

The annual tax is a recurrent burden paid out of disposable income, like council rates, whereas stamp duty is more like a capital cost that gets factored in to the overall cost of purchasing a property.

There is already a land value tax in NSW. Although it does not apply to the principal place of residence, it has always been one of the most politically sensitive taxes and that is why its application has been limited to investment and commercial property.

The transition from stamp duty to value taxation also raises the question of double taxation. Recently purchase properties that have been subject to stamp duty would become subject to the property value tax as well.

Perrottets plan is designed to address these issues. Although the details are still being worked out, in broad terms the idea is to give property buyers the choice between paying stamp duty and having their newly acquired property subject to the new annual value tax.

But once a property moves from the stamp duty regime to the value tax regime, it would remain there forever.

Thus, for many years, there would remain a mix of stamp duty and annual value tax. You might have opted for the annual tax when you bought your home, but your neighbour doesnt pay it because they opted to pay stamp duty, or they bought their house years before the choice became available.

New homes line a street in the Sydney suburb of Moorebank in Australia on May 26, 2017. (Jason Reed/Reuters)

This system of two tax regimes existing side by side for many years may introduce new distortions to the property market.

It would also be very costly to government revenue for many yearsa consideration that will weigh more heavily on the NSW government now that the COVID-19 pandemic has blown a very large hole in its budgets and driven debt to previously unthinkable levels.

Perrottet would like the federal government to provide financial assistance to facilitate the reform, but Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has said the state is on its own.

The impact on pensioners raises another issue; once they started paying the annual value tax, there would be pressure for compensation in higher pensions, which would be a cost to the federal government.

Other states and territories have shown little interest in joining the NSW reform push, although the Australian Capital Territory is several years into its own 20-year phased transition under which stamp duty rates are being gradually reduced while value tax is being gradually increased.

Stamp duty on property transactions is one of the glaring deficiencies of a tax system in need of reform and Perrottet is to be commended for tacking the issue.

But the obstacles are significant, and if change is on its way it is still a long way off.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
A cargo ship moves toward the Bayonne Bridge as it heads into port in Bayonne, N.J., on Oct. 13, 2021. The breakdown in global supply chains foretells a big change coming, says John Mills. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

The US Is Sorting Itself Into Red and Blue America

Commentary

Even if youre watching Fox News, the former broadcast media of choice for conservatives, the absence of reporting about Nov. 3, 2020, feels like an alternate universe.

In my world of national security, its a similar and parallel alt-reality. The theme of Beltway-centric defense journals is to fawn over the current administration and treat the Kabul disaster as the modern equivalent of the Berlin Airlift (Im listening right now to an Army general speak of the Kabul airlift with praise at a defense forum), mock anyone who dares question the electoral legitimacy of President Joe Biden, focus on Russia (with minuscule capabilities), and tangentially address China (pushing World War III with an invasion of Taiwan) as a minor afterthought.

CNN and other legacy media can browbeat, mock, and dismiss those who question the outcome of the election all they want. Whether these doubters are right or wrong, the media is ignoring the views and feelings of a growing percentage of our country.

Right or wrongand with a growing passionAmericans are pushing for forensic reviews of the election beyond Maricopa County in Arizona, overwhelming Biden at public appearances, and demanding accountability across the nation.

The Freedom Flu

Apparently, the legacy media doesnt get it. A complete rebellion by the majority has broken out. The Freedom Flu of Southwest pilots and others is the equivalent of the bombardment of Fort Sumter in 1861 that formalized the start of the first American Civil War.

Americans wont shut up, sit down, get vaccinated, and do what they are told by an administration that is increasingly authoritarian, as demonstrated by an attorney general who now threatens to unleash the FBI on parents who dare to voice their opinions at school board meetings.

Support for Biden has collapsed in a historic fashion. The blueness of Virginia is in play with the governors race. Some Americans are fighting back where they stand, but the flight of many from blue to red states also is now undeniable.

Red and Blue in Stark Contrast

I travel regularly, and the contrast between red and blue states is remarkable and distinct. Its almost like Bosnia, where the Serb side was depopulated, gray, and devoid of life while the Bosnian side was full of life, markets were swarming, and reconstruction was everywhere.

As we traveled from Virginia to Washington state and back, the red states were humming, the blue states were static. Indiana freeways and highways were bumper-to-bumper with 18 wheelers. Washington state was locked down and boarded up, with the left-behind hoi polloi masked up, huddled in their decaying hovels, and fearful of Trumps return.

Want to get your car washed or home repaired in Seattle? Join the others and stand in line for days or weeks. Some pointed with pride to their filthy and moss-covered cars as part of the religion of Big Government and Environmentalism. There was a stunning disparity in signs of support for Donald Trump versus the current president during the cross-continent tripit wasnt even close.

Ive been to Florida and Texas multiple times. The evidence of growth is a spike in home prices. The population and economies are booming. The beginnings of a red United States are forming, as these two states now are challenging the aggregate population of legacy (and shrinking) California and New York at roughly 60 million.

The totalitarian behavior of blue states is driving away productive activity, opportunities, and the populace. We changed our Christmas vacation plans from going to Hawaii to be with relatives to going to South Carolina; its just too difficult working a trip to Hawaii. The Hawaiian tourist mirage has collapsed, but Hawaiians are similarly up in arms against the repression they face.

Red America needs a land bridge from coast to coast, and then a new America can operate, separate from legacy America, which has chosen to suffocate itself. Some counties in West Coast states are talking secession and re-alignment, which just might proffer that land bridge through the Columbia River or northern (or very southern) California. Hawaii may go its own way or align with red once they shake the shackles of their one-party rule.

Who Collapses First?

Supply chain struggles are the defining issue thats causing the downfall of globalism and the rise of populism. The historic and stunning spectacle of a growing number of vessels off of Los Angeles is whats known in the intelligence community as an intelligence indicatorpay special attention, as something very big, significant, and game-changing is going on.

It takes decades of training and experience to spot these trends. Mere mortals and Legacy Media may give it a big ho-hum, but the tipping point has been reached. Theres no going back to globalismthe system has collapsed.

Chinas miracle is now being exposed as a modern Potemkin village. Blue America is becoming stark, gray, and lifeless. China cant intern their tech oligarchs fast enough, and the rising demonstration of military intent toward Taiwan is hopefully a final gasp by the Chinese Communist Party and never fully plays out.

The question is, who collapses first? Legacy America or China? My assessment is, as bad as it is here, China will go down first. But likely legacy America will collapse also. At that time, red America can help resurrect all of America.

We can only pray for a peaceful path through this impending journey.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak in London on Sept. 14, 2021. (May James/Reuters)

UK Chancellor Confident Shops Will Have Good Amount of Christmas Presents

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak assured Britons on Thursday that a good amount of Christmas presents will be available amid concerns that supply chain issues may lead to empty shelves.

Retailers have been urging people to buy their Christmas gifts early after a shipping company decided to divert their freight from the port of Felixstowe due to backlogs at the port, while logistic bosses said people didnt need to worry about Christmas over short-term fluctuations as the global supply chain is pretty robust.

Speaking to the BBC in Washington after meeting with finance ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) nations, the chancellor said the governments are doing absolutely everything they can to mitigate some of these challenges.

They are global in nature so we cant fix every single problem but I feel confident there will be good provision of goods for everybody, Sunak said.

Im confident there will be a good amount of Christmas presents available for everyone to buy.

The G7 ministers have agreed during the meeting to work more closely to solve the supply chain issues.

Ports in the United States have also been dealing with backlogs of goods recently, with U.S. President Joe Biden announcing on Wednesday that the port of Los Angeles would begin operating around the clock, weeks after the Port of Long Beach made a similar move.

Danish shipping giant Maersk told The Financial Times on Tuesday that the port of Felixstowe was among two or three worst-hit terminals in the world as shortages of heavy goods vehicle drivers in the UK meant it takes longer to move cargo out of the ports.

Sunak chaired a meeting of finance ministers on Wednesday as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank convene in the U.S. capital.

The Treasury said Sunak told the meeting of the importance of global co-operation to ensure that supply chains are more resilient as the world emerges from the pandemic.

Speaking after the meeting, Sunak said, Supply chain issues are being felt globally, and finance leaders from around the globe must collaborate to address our shared challenges.

Today we have collectively agreed to work closely over the coming monthsand together we will build a strong and resilient recovery, he said.

Helen Dickinson, head of the British Retail Consortium, which represents the sector, said a recent poll of chief executives found that three out of five plan price rises later this year due to soaring supply chain costs.

Speaking during a visit to a Sheffield steel plant, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the government shouldve crafted a plan months ago to deal with these problems.

PA contributed to this report.
A member of Insulate Britain reads a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson before attempting to hand it in at 10 Downing Street, London, on Oct. 14, 2021. (Aaron Chown/PA)

UK Climate Campaigner Temporarily Suspends Traffic-Blocking Protests

The climate campaign group that staged more than a dozen of sittings on UK motorways and major roads in the past month said they are suspending their protests for 10 days.

In an open letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday, Insulate Britain said it will suspend its campaign until Oct. 25, the week ahead of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conferenceotherwise known as the COP26in Glasgow, Scotland.

Biff Whipster, a retail worker from Canterbury who attempted to hand the letter into Downing Street on Thursday, said the group wants to give the government a bit of breathing space so they dont feel under pressure.

So were saying, weve made our point, weve made our voices heard, lets have a 10-day pause and we will continue if there is not a meaningful statement or trustworthy statement from Mr. Johnson about what actions hes taking, Whipster told the PA news agency.

Then we will recommence blocking roads, blocking motorways, and breaking court injunctions.

A member of Insulate Britain attempts to hand in a letter for Prime Minister Boris Johnson at 10 Downing Street, London, on Oct. 14, 2021. (Aaron Chown/PA)

Whipster apologised for causing disruptions but insisted they had to, painting a bleak picture of no food on the shelves and no jobs as the end of the current trajectory.

The activist also said he was willing to go to prison and lose his house over the protests.

Police officers guarding No. 10 Downing Street declined to take the letter, stating they do not take letters on behalf of the prime minister.

After the failed attempt to hand the letter in person, the protesters told media outlets outside Downing Street that they had emailed a copy of the letter to Johnson and will post the physical copy to the prime minister.

Insulate Britain, an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion, has been demanding that the government insulate all homes across the UK by 2030 to cut carbon emissions.

After the group repeatedly shut down motorways, the government secured a number of injunctions that threatened imprisonment, fines, or asset seizure, hoping to prevent further disruptions, but without success.

Insulate Britain has blocked the M25 on several occasions. (Steve Parsons/PA)

On Wednesday morning, angry drivers at the junction of St Clements Way and London Road blasted their horns, ripped banners out of the hands of demonstrators, and repeatedly dragged protestors off the road.

The group has said some motorists thanked them for their protests.

A survey result published last week by YouGov suggested that the opposition toward the actions of Insulate Britain had surged by 13 percent as a result of their three-week protests.

The government has said it will draft amendments to the Police, Crime, Sentencing, and Courts Bill, bringing in prison terms and unlimited fines for people who interfere with the operation of key infrastructures.

Alexander Zhang contributed to this report.
UK Police Commissioner Resigns Over Comments About Murdered Woman

A British police commissioner resigned on Thursday over his comment about the murder of a woman in the hands of a then-serving police officer.

Philip Allott, the resigned police, fire, and crime commissioner (PCC) for North Yorkshire who was accused of victim-blaming, apologised again for his comment, saying he misspoke and was devastated by the impact of his words.

Allott has been under pressure to resign since Oct. 1, when he said in a media interview that women need to be streetwise about when they can be arrested and when they cant be arrested, and that Sarah Everarda 33-year-old woman who was raped and murdered by a then-serving Metropolitan police officer after he fake-arrested hernever should have submitted to the arrest.

Allott tendered his resignation in an open letter to the chief executive of Selby District Council and police area returning officer. An acting PCC will be chosen from his staff until a by-election is held for the 74,400 role.

At an online public meeting of the North Yorkshire Fire and Crime panel on Thursday morning, all 11 members gave Allott a vote of no confidence, although it did not have the power to fire him.

He told the meeting he wanted to fight on, but issued a statement later saying he was doing the honourable thing and stepping down.

After the vote, it became clear that fighting on would be exceptionally difficult, if it is possible at all, Allott said in the statement.

There are women and girls in York and North Yorkshire today suffering at the hands of men. Victims and the groups who support them need to be heard. They cannot be heard if the airwaves are filled with discussion about my future, he said.

Allott said he was resigning to restore confidence in the office, which he believes will be almost impossible for him to do.

He has also apologised for his comments shortly after making them, saying he realised they had been insensitive.

In a now-deleted tweet from the same day, Allott said nobody is blaming the victim.

What I am saying is that we need to inform women far better of their rights, something I intend to action here in North Yorkshire ASAP, he wrote.

Before Everards murderer48-year-old Wayne Couzenswas convicted on Sept. 30, the court heard that Everard had been to a friends house for dinner at the height of the early 2021 lockdown made her more vulnerable to and more likely to submit to an accusation that she had breached the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus regulations.

More than 1,000 complaints were made after Allotts remarks.

PA contributed to this report.
Chow Hang-tung of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China speaks at a press conference in Hong Kong on Sept. 5, 2021. (Bertha Wang/AFP via Getty Images)

UN Human Rights Experts Call on Hong Kong Government to Repeal National Security Law

Four independent United Nations human rights experts are calling on the Hong Kong government to drop the Beijing-imposed national security law, saying the legislation is fundamentally incompatible with international norms.

The experts urged the Government to urgently repeal and independently review the National Security Law to ensure it is both human rights and international law compliant, the four rapporteurs said in a statement on Oct. 12.

They pointed to a case involving Chow Hang-tung, a prominent barrister and former vice chair of the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, a local advocacy group known for organizing the annual vigil in Hong Kong commemorating victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre.

Chow and three other leaders of the Alliance were arrested on Sept. 8 after they refused to cooperate in a national security investigation, in which the advocacy group was accused of being a foreign agent.

A day later, Chow was charged with incitement to subversion under the national security law. The same charge was also slapped on two other Alliance leaders, Lee Cheuk-yan and Albert Ho, who have been serving sentences for their roles in unauthorized assemblies in 2019.

Beijing imposed the national security law on Hong Kong last summer, criminalizing the vaguely defined crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces, with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Since then, dozens of the citys pro-democracy opposition leaders have now either fled overseas, are facing prosecution, or are in jail.

Chow was denied bail on Sept. 10, and she pleaded not guilty to the incitement charge early this month.

Terrorism and sedition charges are being improperly used to stifle the exercise of fundamental rights, which are protected under international law, including freedom of expression and opinion, freedom of peaceful assembly, and the right to participate in public affairs, the experts stated.

International rights groups have expressed similar concerns about the impact of the national security law in Hong Kong. In June, Amnesty International stated that the law has created a human rights emergency in the city. In the same month, Reporters Without Borders declared that the law has put the citys press freedom in grave danger.

The U.S. government has sanctioned more than a dozen Chinese and Hong Kong officials for their roles in suppressing democracy in Hong Kong.

The four experts also warned the Hong Kong government not to so easily file subversion and terrorism charges against individuals.

These labels should not be applied to offences that do not meet the thresholds provided for in existing international standards, the experts stated.

The cheapening of the seriousness of terrorist acts and sedition offences, when Governments improperly use them to justify quelling domestic dissent, limiting protests and curbing criticism by civil society and human rights defenders, is deeply troubling.

Finally, the experts questioned how organizations in Hong Kong could be accused of being foreign agents under the national security law for simply receiving funds from foreign political groups.

Such regulatory measures, by imposing undue restrictions on funding and punishing recipients of foreign funding, infringe on the right to freedom of association as well as other human rights, the experts stated.

They urged the Hong Kong government to make sure that organizations in the city can seek, receive, and use funding from foreign or international sources, without undue impediments.

In response to the rapporteurs statement, the Hong Kong Department of Justice defended the national security law in a statement on Oct. 13, saying the law was in line with the international practice of safeguarding national security.

The four rapporteurs included Fionnuala Ni Aolain, special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights while countering terrorism, and Irene Khan, special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of expression.

There needs to be a reinvigoration of an independent judiciary in Hong Kong, a pause in applying this law, and a fundamental reconsideration of its use, the experts concluded.
Job seekers look over job opening fliers at a WorkSource exhibit in this file photo. (David McNew/Getty Images)

Unemployment Claims Fall to Lowest Level Since Beginning of COVID-19 Pandemic Last Year

Initial jobless claims dropped below 300,000 for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, when lockdowns were commonplace, according to a report released by the Labor Department on Oct. 14.

The claims, which analysts often tie to layoffs, decreased to 293,000 last week, as compared with 329,000 a week earlier, the agency stated. The four-week moving average for unemployment claims fell to 334,250the lowest since March 2020.

Overall, approximately 3.6 million people were receiving some sort of jobless benefits during the last week of September.

Before the pandemic, weekly unemployment claims usually lingered at about 200,000 to 250,000.

The federal government reported on Oct. 8 that nonfarm payrolls increased by only 194,000 jobs in September, the fewest in nine months. The cooling in employment growth is mostly due to a dearth of workers, as well as skills mismatches, with government data showing on Oct. 12 that there were 10.4 million job openings at the end of August.

Labor shortages associated with the COVID-19 pandemic are also prevalent in other economies. With COVID-19 infections driven by the Delta variant declining and schools fully reopened for in-person learning, theres hope that more Americans will rejoin the labor force.

Employers are trying to figure out how to attract job seekers, and its challenging, AnnElizabeth Konkel, an economist with the job website Indeed, told The Wall Street Journal.

Data show that Americans are quitting their jobs at record levels. According to the Labor Department in a report this week, approximately 4.3 million workers quit their jobs in August, which is the highest on record tracing back to 2000.

Workers who voluntarily quit their jobs arent eligible for unemployment benefits. Workers quitting their jobs means that employers may not need to lay off other employeeswhich would then drive down unemployment claims.

The historically high rates at which Americans are quitting their jobs is a sign of worker confidence in the job market.

The quits report released by the Labor Department earlier this week shows employers and workers were anxious about the rising Delta COVID-19 wave two months ago, Robert Frick, corporate economist at the Navy Federal Credit Union, stated in a note obtained by several news outlets.

Workers quit, especially in retail, at a record rate to avoid exposure to possible infection. Job openings dropped, especially in leisure and hospitality, as travel dropped markedly due to Delta, Frick wrote.

The labor crunch could diminish even more in the coming months after the expiration of expanded unemployment benefits in early September.

The scarcity of labor has triggered bottlenecks in the global supply chain, as there are fewer employees to ship goods to markets and produce raw materials.

Reuters contributed to this report.
U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai speaks during a hearing with the House Ways and Means committee at Capitol Hill in Washington, on May 13, 2021. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

US-China Trade Talks: No Change in Foreseeable Future

China demands easier trade terms, but offers nothing in return

News Analysis

The story of the U.S.-China trade dispute has remained the same for the past two decades and promised to continue into the future.

For too long, Chinas lack of adherence to global trading norms has undercut the prosperity of Americans, said U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai.

The United States and China held high-level trade talks over the weekend, the results of which are that China is demanding a relaxation of U.S. trade and investment restrictions, while offering nothing in return.

Before speaking with Vice Premier Liu He, Tai explained that the United States wants China to end its state support for Chinese companies, forcing Beijing to play by the same rules as everyone else. Tai said that she would speak openly with the Chinese officials, warning them that the United States would take all steps necessary to protect Americans from Beijings mercantilism.

The United States currently has investment and trade restrictions on 900 entities, which China wants lifted. Additionally, the United States is weighing a Section 301 investigation into unfair government subsidies, which could lead to more tariffs.

In a TV interview, Ambassador Qin Gang said that restrictions, based on national security, were unfair. He then threatened that if the United States did not do as China demanded, there would be serious consequences.

According to Tai, Chinas history of market-distorting behavior dates back to their entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001. Relatively free access to the U.S. and other overseas markets without restrictions, combined with state-support and a lack of accountability have allowed China to dominate global markets in steel and solar panels. Furthermore, China is working toward dominating markets for advanced technology, semiconductors, and raw materials.

As for the Phase One trade deal signed with former President Donald Trump, China has only purchased about 50 percent of the volume of U.S. imports it had agreed to. Qin refuted allegations that Chinese imports have not lived up to the agreement, saying that China had taken tangible steps toward compliance.

Qin Gang is at a press brief in Beijing, China, on Dec. 25, 2013. (CNS/AFP via Getty Images)

In addition to unfair trade practices, the Chinese regime has been skirting international norms, to capitalize on U.S. investment markets. As a result, the United States has banned new IPOs of Chinese companies, and is requiring those already listed in the United States to comply with audit and disclosure requirements, or face delisting.

The restrictions on Chinese IPOs come as a result of numerous Chinese companies listing on American exchanges, through shell companies, particularly in the Cayman Islands. Under the new rules, Chinese companies would be required to disclose the fact that American investors are putting their money into a shadow, off-shore shell company, rather than the actual named company in China. For years, Chinese tech companies have used variable interest entities (VIEs) off-shore shell-companies to skirt Beijings regulations, prohibiting foreigners from owning shares of Chinese tech companies.

The U.S. investors do not own the actual companies they believe they do and if the shares failed to pay a dividend or disappeared completely, there would be no legal recourse in China, as VIEs are illegal under Chinese law. To protect U.S. investors, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Gary Gensler is requiring disclosure regarding offshore issuers associated with China-based operating companies before allowing them to register.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has said that it may pass a law, prohibiting the overseas listing of Chinese telecom companies, including listings done through an offshore company. This could disqualify trillions of dollars of Chinese shares from their U.S. listings, wiping out many U.S. investors.

The CCP opposes any U.S. restrictions on Chinese companies, but lack of disclosure is a problem that the CCP could easily remedy. Under CCP law, Chinese companies are not permitted to subject themselves to U.S. audits. U.S. lawmakers have proposed a law called No IPOs for Unaccountable Actors Act, which would prohibit Chinese companies that fail to meet disclosure requirements from listing in the United States. Chris Iacovella, chief executive at the American Securities Association, supports this legislation, calling for an end to the CCPs access to the U.S. capital markets.

Another similar legislation, called Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, would empower regulators to more quickly delist non-compliant Chinese companies. The current legislation allows Chinese companies three years to comply, before being delisted. The new legislation would cut that to two. Among other disclosures, regulators are calling for Chinese companies to disclose to what extent the CCP controls their decision making.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo confirmed that the CCP is not living up to its commitments under the Phase One trade agreement, and is preventing state-owned/controlled airlines from buying tens of billions of dollars worth of planes from U.S. manufacturer, Boeing Co. Additionally, one of the largest complaints by the United States has been state support, subsidies, and soft loans, which the CCP grants to favored companies. These are clear examples of state-led unfair non-market practices. U.S. companies, exposed to market forces and having to raise their own capital and needing to earn a profit, cannot compete with state-owned, state-controlled, and state-sponsored Chinese companies that can undercut them in price.

Apart from trade, Qin expressed the CCPs anger at the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency setting up a China Mission Centera move which Qin called a most serious miscalculation. He also accused the United States of beginning a new cold war with China.

After the meeting between Tai and Liu, numerous reports claimed that China negotiated the removal of the tariffs, although it was unclear what, if anything, Beijing offered in exchange. Tai said that it appeared to her that China had no plans to make meaningful changes, which should mean that the tariffs and restrictions will remain.

Legislation and possible investigations are underway, which could further restrict Chinese access to U.S. markets for both trade and investment. Beijing is outraged, but has taken no steps to address grievances. Tai said that she was against decoupling from China, and instead prefers recoupling under new, fairer rules. It seems, if that is possible, it will be a long way in the future.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
A Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) chemist checks confiscated pills containing fentanyl at the DEA Northeast Regional Laboratory in New York on Oct. 8, 2019. (Don Emmert/AFP via Getty Images)

US Drug Overdose Deaths Reached Record High of 96,000 in First 12 Months of Pandemic: CDC

Deaths from drug overdose in the United States jumped nearly 30 percent in a 12-month period ending in March 2021, according to provisional data released on Wednesday.

The United States saw a record high of 96,779 reported drug overdose deaths, an increase of 29.6 percent in the period of a year from March 2020coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic according to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics.

The CDC notes that its figures are provisional as drug overdose deaths require lengthy investigation to be recorded. The latest figures come after the federal agency recorded a 29.7 percent rise in reported drug overdose deaths between February 2020 and February 2021.

All but three states saw a jump in reported overdose deaths in the 12-month period ending in March 2021, with Vermont recording the largest increase85.1 percent. New Hampshire, New Jersey and South Dakota saw their number of overdose deaths fall in that timeframe. The largest decline was seen in South Dakota, at 16.3 percent.

The death numbers are based on death records received and processed by the National Center for Health Statistics from 50 states and the District of Columbia.

It is important to remember that behind these devastating numbers are families, friends, and community members who are grieving the loss of loved ones, Regina LaBelle, acting director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, told CNN.

The CDC data showed that opioids accounted for the highest number of reported drug overdose deaths in that time frame. The spike also appears to be driven by a jump in the use of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that has long been blamed for an escalating overdose death rate in the United States.

Fentanyl is most often manufactured in Mexico using chemicals supplied from China, and mixed with other narcotics to increase potency, as well as pressed into counterfeit pain pills commonly known as Mexican oxys.

In the past, fentanyl had mainly been mixed with heroin to boost the drugs potency, but now its often pressed into small blue tablets and stamped with M30 to closely match the color and markings of prescription oxycodone pills. Buyers may be unaware the pills contain fentanyl, of which a 2 mg dose can be fatal.

According to a U.S.China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) report published in August, China remains the primary source of illicit fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances being trafficked into the United States, despite the Chinese regime banning fentanyl and its analogs in 2019.

Last month, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) warned the public of a significant nationwide surge in potentially lethal counterfeit prescription pillsthe first time a nationwide alert has been issued on the matter in six years.

The DEA said in its rare public safety alert on Sept. 27 that more than 9.5 million counterfeit pills had been seized so far in 2021more than the total seized in the previous two years.

The newly-released figures from the CDC covers the timeframe when lockdowns were implemented across the United States as part of efforts to curb the transmission of COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.

A study published in June found that shelter-in-place mandates, or lockdowns, failed to save lives during the pandemic. While fewer people may have died from COVID-19 because of such orders, deaths came in higher from drug overdoses, murders, and unintentional injuries, researchers said.

Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.
US Officially Rejoins UN Human Rights Council 3 Years After Trump Pullout

The United States is returning to the United Nations Human Rights Council more than three years after Trump administration quit the 47-member body that it had branded a protector of human rights abusers.

The U.N. General Assembly on Oct. 14 elected the United States as one of 18 new members to the Geneva-based council in an uncontested ballot. The United States received 168 votes for a three-year term beginning on Jan. 1 next year, the second lowest after Eritrea, which got 144 votes.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in New York Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Washington would initially focus on what we can accomplish in situations of dire need, such as in Afghanistan, Burma, China, Ethiopia, Syria, and Yemen.

Our goals are clear: stand with human rights defenders and speak out against violations and abuses of human rights, she said in a statement, adding that the United States would also oppose the councils disproportionate attention on Israel.

Then-President Donald Trump pulled out of U.N. rights body in 2018, saying it had failed to live up to its name, citing China, Cuba, and Venezuela as some of the worst rights abusers sitting on the council.

China, which gained a second consecutive term last October by a narrow margin, has been leveraging the platform to expand influence, observers and researchers say.

Jiang Duan, minister at Chinas mission to the U.N. in Geneva, was appointed last April to a five-member panel on the human rights council that helps select the bodys independent investigators, despite the regimes track record of oppression.

Pro-democracy Hong Kong singer Denise Ho addresses the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on July 8, 2019. (Fabrice Cofferini/AFP/Getty Images)

In July 2019, Beijings delegation twice interrupted a speech by Denise Ho, a Hong Kong singer and prominent pro-democracy activist banned in mainland China, as she urged the council to speak up on the territorys autonomy.

Announcing the U.S. bid to return to the body in February, Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged the councils flaws, but argued that improving the Council and advancing its critical work is best done with a seat at the table.

U.N. Watch, a U.N.-accredited non-profit, deemed only five out of the 18 new member countries as fit to join the council. With Thursdays U.N. election results, the caucus of democracies has sunk to just under a third of the total membership, it said.

The U.S. has promised to work on reforming the councils membership, methods and agendathis will be a tall order, Hillel Neuer, the groups executive director, said in a statement ahead of the election. When the UNs highest human rights body becomes a case of the foxes guarding the henhouse, the worlds victims suffer.

Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, decried the U.S. decision to rejoin the council as a disgrace.

The United States should not be lending its legitimacy to a body that includes perpetrators of human rights abuses like China, Venezuela, and Cuba, the senator said in a statement. The Biden Administration will pat itself on the back for rejoining this flawed body. However, it will have done so without securing any necessary reforms, while failing to support human rights around the world.

Questioned about Washingtons reform plans at the human rights council, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that the United States will press against the election of countries with egregious human rights records.

It is, of course, grossly inappropriate for such countries to be represented on the Human Rights Council, he said in a Thursday press briefing without mentioning any specific names.

Price added that were gratified today that we will become a member of the council.

We would have no influence were we standing on the outside, he told reporters.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies remotely via videoconference in this screengrab made from video during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on Nov. 17, 2020. (U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee via Reuters)

US Senator Asks Facebook CEO to Retain Documents Linked to Testimony

WASHINGTONSenate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell on Tuesday called on Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg to preserve all documents related to a testimony last week from company whistleblower Frances Haugen.

The testimony  raises significant concerns about whether Facebook has misled the public, federal regulators, and this committee, said Cantwell, a Democrat. This committee will continue its oversight and work to pursue legislation to protect consumers privacy, improve data security, and strengthen federal enforcement to address the digital harms that are the subject of these hearings.

She asked Facebook to preserve and retain internal Facebook research referenced by Haugen and Facebooks evaluation of the research; ranking or composition systems; experiments or recommendations to change those ranking systems and the impact of Facebooks platforms on children and teenagers under the age of 18.

Facebook spokesman Andy Stone said in response the company has absolutely no commercial incentive, no moral incentive, no company-wide incentive to do anything other than to try to give the maximum number of people as much of a positive experience as possible on Facebook.

Cantwells letter cited the potential danger that social media platforms pose for spreading divisive content was demonstrated, with horrifying consequences, by the role the Facebook platform played in fomenting ethnic violence against the Rohingya.

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) heads toward the Senate Chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 21, 2020. (Somodevilla/Getty Images)

She added the role of Facebooks platform in the Rohingya tragedy illustrates the horrible consequences that failing to effectively limit the spread of divisive content on social media platforms can have in inflicting public harm.

Last month, a U.S. judge ordered Facebook to release records of accounts connected to anti-Rohingya violence in Burma (also known as Myanmar) that the social media giant had shut down, rejecting its argument about protecting privacy as rich with irony.

Last week, the Commerce Committee harshly criticized Facebook, accusing Zuckerberg of pushing for higher profits while being cavalier about user safety, and demanded regulators investigate whistleblower accusations that the social media company harms childrens mental health and stokes divisions.

Zuckerberg defended the company, saying the accusations were at odds with Facebooks goals.

Haugen called for transparency about how Facebook entices users to keep scrolling, creating ample opportunity for advertisers to reach them.

Haugen, a former product manager on Facebooks civic misinformation team, left the nearly $1 trillion company with tens of thousands of confidential documents.

By David Shepardson
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews (right) speaks during question time in the Legislative Assembly at the Parliament of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia, on Sept. 7, 2021. (AAP Image/James Ross)

Vaccine Mandate For Victorian Politicians Passes Lower House of Australian State Parliament

COVID-19 vaccines will soon become mandatory for all staff and members of Parliament in Victoria after a motion passed the lower house with overwhelming support and just one dissenting vote.

Victorias state government is hoping to impose the vaccine mandate under its emergency powers, which will force all staff and politicians to receive one dose of the vaccine by Oct. 15or have an appointment for a vaccination booked before Oct. 22while their second dose must be booked before Nov. 26.

MPs not vaccinated will be suspended from entering the grounds of Parliament until the second sitting day of the 2022 parliamentary year. In the meantime, they will need to work remotely.

Three MPs are likely to be affected and shut out of Parliament until next year.

The motion received support from both major parties, Labor and Liberal, as well as the Nationals, Greens, and Independent MP Suzanna Sheed.

The Liberal Partys Louse Staley and Tim Read of the Greens raised concerns with freedom of speech and the right to consent to healthcare but still fell behind the motion.

Only MP Neil Angus, the Liberal for Forest Hill, opposed the motion and voted against it. He has also chosen not to receive the vaccine.

Leader of the Opposition Matthey Guy said he could not force the 60-year-old to get a medical procedure.

I have certainly had a personal conversation with him no doubt about that. But Im not about berating people. When it comes to vaccinations, my point of view is clear, educate people, Guy told reporters on Oct. 14.

He has the right in the Liberal Party rules to disagree with this party if you follow certain processes. Hes done all of that. Dont agree with this point of view, clearly, but Parliament will make that determination, and youll have to live with that parliamentary consequence, he said.

The motion will now go to the upper house, where it will meet with opposition from two Liberal Democrat MPs David Limbrick and Tim Quilty. Both have vowed not to hand over their vaccine passports if the motion passes and have called the move profoundly undemocratic.

Were not doing this for our own personal reasons because were both fully vaccinated, but we believe that the human rights of Victorians to voluntarily choose medical procedures is a fundamental right that we need to defend, Limbrick told reporters.

The issue of vaccine mandates has sparked ongoing protest and unrest in the capital Melbourne. In late September, demonstrations escalated over several days in the city after construction workers began protesting against vaccine mandates in the building sector.

Police and authorities have been criticised for their heavy-handed response, which has seen questionable tactics deployed against protestors or those deemed to be breaching public health orders.

As a result, two members of the Victoria Police have resigned publicly in recent days, concerned with the breach of human rights of Victorians under government-mandated health orders.
Cook your foraged finds into simple sautees, creamy risottos, and warming soups and stews for the season. (Jennifer McGruther)

Wild Mushroom Soup

Mushrooms have a deep savory flavor that blends beautifully with thyme and cream. If you cant find wild mushrooms, you can use cultivated mushrooms. The trick is to use a variety of them, which gives the soup its best flavor.

Serves 6

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 medium shallot, coarsely chopped

3 ribs celery, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup dry white wine

1 1/2 pounds wild mushrooms, coarsely chopped

2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves

2 teaspoons fine sea salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

3 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

Warm a Dutch oven on the stove over medium heat, then add the butter and olive oil. Cook until the butter melts and begins to froth.

Toss in the shallot and celery, sauteing them in the hot fat until they soften and become fragrant, about 4 minutes. Deglaze the pan by stirring in the white wine, then stir in the mushrooms. Sprinkle them with thyme, salt, and pepper. Stirring occasionally, let the mushrooms cook with the shallot and onions until they soften and release their liquid, about 3 minutes further.

Pour in the broth, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. As soon as the pot reaches a boil, turn down the heat to medium-low and simmer until the mushrooms are completely soft and cooked through, about 15 more minutes.

Turn off the heat, and stir in the cream. Then blend with an immersion blender until smooth. Ladle into bowls and serve right away, or transfer to the fridge to keep for up to 3 days.

This recipe originally appeared at NourishedKitchen.com and is reprinted by permission of the author.
Star Trek actor William Shatner (right) smiles as Planet Labs co-founder Chris Boshuizen looks on during a media availability on the landing pad of Blue Origins New Shepard after they flew into space, near Van Horn, Texas, on Oct. 13, 2021. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

William Shatner, 90, Becomes Oldest Person to Enter Space

Star Trek hero William Shatner became the worlds oldest person to travel to space on Wednesday as he reached the final frontier alongside a crew from Blue Origin.

The four-person team launched from remote Van Horn, Texas, on board the Jeff Bezos-funded spacecraft. The brief flight allowed the Hollywood science fiction star to make his lifelong dream of flying to space a reality.

Known as Captain James T. Kirk to millions of Star Trek fans, many supporters watched the live feed of the space mission as the shuttle reached the fringe of space before landing via a capsule parachute.

At Blue Origin, we are motivated by the dreamers that inspire us and the builders who turn those dreams into reality. Todays crew represented both dreamers and builders. We had the honor of flying our very own Audrey Powers, Vice President of New Shepard Operations, who fulfilled a lifelong dream to go to space and has been an integral part of building New Shepard.

Our two customers, Chris Boshuizen and Glen de Vries, have built their own successful ventures and have now realized their own dreams of space travel. And, as everyone knows, William Shatner has played an important role in describing and imagining the wonders of universe and inspired many of us to pursue a career in the space industry, Blue Origin CEO Bob Smith said in a statement following the successful flight.

This flight was another step forward in flying astronauts safely and often. Its an incredible team and we are just getting started, Smith added.

The space flight was initially scheduled for Tuesday. The schedule was changed to Wednesday following weather concerns.

Blue Origins New Shepard rocket launches, carrying passengers William Shatner, Chris Boshuizen, Audrey Powers, and Glen de Vries from its spaceport near Van Horn, Texas, on Oct. 13, 2021. (LM Otero/AP Photo)

Ive heard about space for a long time now. Im taking the opportunity to see it for myself. What a miracle, Shatner said in a statement prior to the flight.

It was unbelievable. The little thingsthe weightlessbut to see the blue color (of the sky) whip by you and now youre staring into blackness, Shatner said following the flight.

It was so moving. This experience did something unbelievable, he said in an emotional video.

Shatner also shared about his experience in a Twitter post following the space flight.

I do not know what I may appear to the world, but to myself, I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, diverting myself in now & then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me, he said.

I do not know what I may appear to the world, but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, diverting myself in now & then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me. pic.twitter.com/ZY2Ka8ij7z  William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) October 13, 2021

Blue Origin has additional plans to expand space tourism in the days ahead. The companys website includes the opportunity to explore options to join future flights.
William Shatner talks with Jeff Bezos about his experience after exiting the Blue Origin capsule near Van Horn, Texas, on Oct. 13, 2021. (Blue Origin via AP)

William Shatner Moved to Tears After Trip to Space: I Hope I Never Recover From This

The 90-year-old became the oldest person to travel to outer space

Life has officially imitated art as Star Trek star William Shatner launched into space alongside Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos on Oct. 13.

Shatner and Bezos were joined by Glen de Vries and Chris Boshuizen, both paying space tourism customers, and Audrey Powers, who serves as Blue Origins vice president of mission and flight operations.

At 90 years old, Shatner officially became the oldest person to travel to space as he took off in the New Shepard rocket ship, the same one that Bezos rode in when he made history earlier this summer.

Related: William Shatner to Go to Space

Upon exiting the capsule hatch at landing, Shatner was moved to tears by the overwhelming emotion and sense of profoundness he experienced when reaching space.

What you have done, everybody in the world needs to do this, he told Bezos. Everybody in the world needs to see [this].

Shatner continued: What you have given me is the most profound experience  I hope I never recover from this  Im so filled with emotion about what just happened. Its extraordinary, extraordinary. I hope I can maintain what I feel now. I dont want to lose it. Its so much larger than me and life  I am overwhelmed. I had no idea  it would be so important for everyone to have that experience.

Related: Bezos Takes Space Battle Against Musk to Court, Musk Slams Bezos Technology
Lugging gallon jugs of water, migrants thread their way along footpaths just north of the Mexico/Arizona border. The numbers of illegal immigrants who have perished trying to cross the southern Arizona desert has reached an historic high this year. (Don Bartletti/Los Angeles Times)

Words and Pictures

Commentary

Britains Home Office says more than 12,500 migrants have broken the law to get into the UK so far this year. Compare this to the nearly 200,000 migrants who have crossed the nearly nonexistent southern border just in July of this year. The count is estimated by the overwhelmed U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a name that is almost contradictory given the Biden administrations refusal to enforce the law and secure the border. It helps that Britain has a natural channel separating it from the continent, while our border resembles Swiss cheese.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, how many words are necessary to express alarm when one looks at the dozens of stacked columns of steel worth $100 million dollars lying at the border? This is material that was supposed to finish a portion of the wall to reduce the flow and discourage new migrants from coming. In another spiteful move, the Biden administration has canceled all contracts with companies selected during the Trump years to build the wall. Thats taxpayer money going to waste.

No one should consider this invasion a happenstance. If these were soldiers coming into the country from other nations, presumably even this administration might do something about it. These are soldiers of another kind, who are untested for COVID-19, harming our economy by sucking up benefits, bringing crime and in some cases possible terrorism.

The Center for Immigration Studies (CIS.org) makes a point I have not seen elsewhere. It contends that several countries, supposedly allies of the United States, are complicit in enhancing the migrant flow:  the United States has never seen fit to publicly acknowledge that Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica are doing this to the American people. The American public hardly knows of it. Nor has the United States sought to diplomatically leverage any of the governments to instead disrupt, slow, or outright halt the flows of people long before they reach Mexico. This strange state of tolerance and American public ignorance, even during the Trump administration, endures, despite the fact that all three of these nations are ideally positioned as trail-route bottlenecks where new U.S. strategies can significantly attenuate the problem if all involved simply acknowledge that it is happening and there is a political will to press for a solution.

Heres what one federal law says about immigration (8 U.S. Code  1325): Any alien who (1) enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers, or (2) eludes examination or inspection by immigration officers, or (3) attempts to enter or obtains entry to the United States by a willfully false or misleading representation or the willful concealment of a material fact, shall, for the first commission of any such offense, be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both, and, for a subsequent commission of any such offense, be fined under title 18, or imprisoned not more than 2 years, or both.

Is this not what is happening at the border? Did not the president (and his attorney general) take an oath to uphold the laws of the United States?

As CNN reported in 2019, Joe Biden once spoke about jailing employers who hire illegals, said sanctuary cities shouldnt be allowed to violate federal law, and argued a fence was needed to stop tons of drugs coming into the country from corrupt Mexico. Nothing has changed in the last two years, except Bidens position.

If you are watching the right TV channels, you are seeing how a country is destroyed. Historydepending on who writes itwill rightly blame President Biden.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Xi Jinping Destroys Private Media Ownership; Former FBI Agent Details New Arrest of Nuclear Engineer

Chinese leader Xi Jinping continues clamping down on various sectors in China. The newest victims are banks and news outlets. All it takes to destroy them is one proposal. We bring you up to date on what the Chinese Communist Party is doing to their own arms and legs, as well as what it means for the future of private ownership in China.

Then, we switch gears and discuss Johnathan Toebbe, a nuclear engineer who tried to sell U.S. nuclear secrets to a fake foreign power, which turned out to be an FBI agent in disguise. How did that play out? I asked Marc Ruskin, a former undercover agent for the FBI with 27 years of experience in the bureau. His book, The Pretender, details the exact scenarios we see in movies and television in real life.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen testifies during a Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee hearing on the CARES Act, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington on Sept. 28, 2021. (Kevin Dietsch/Pool via Reuters)

Yellen Calls for Strong Action to Boost Data Integrity at IMF, World Bank

WASHINGTONU.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Thursday called for strong action by international financial institutions to boost accountability, protect data integrity, and prevent misconduct in the wake of a World Bank data-rigging scandal.

Yellen, in a statement to the steering committee of the International Monetary Fund, also called for moves by international financial institutions to enhance their internal systems for whistleblowing and whistleblower protections.

She said the United States would monitor developments closely and evaluate any new facts and findings should they become available.
A class-action grievance was filed against Danbury-based Nuvance Health, which operates four Connecticut hospitals, for its denial of many religious exemption requests to the companys COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

The complaint was filed on Sept. 8, about three weeks after the vaccination mandate was announced by the company, Connecticut Health Care Associates union representative Jessica Ellul said.

Ellul, CHCAs secretary and treasurer, is also an employee at Danbury Hospital and one of the union members who requested a religious exemption.

Nuvance operates Norwalk, Danbury, New Milford and Sharon hospitals, as well as three other hospitals in New York. Connecticut Health Care Associates District 1199 represents about 1,600 workers at Norwalk, Danbury and New Milford hospitals, Ellul said.

A lot filed for exemption and it was denied. Others filed for deferral and it was denied, Ellul said.

None of the CHCA members employed by Nuvance had religious exemption requests approved, according to Ellul, and no alternatives such as weekly testing were given.

Exemption has to be interactive process, and not one single employee was contacted to discuss accommodations, Ellul said. I dont doubt some people put religious exemptions as desperation. Im scared of the vaccine, let me try to get out of it this way. A lot did legitimately file, and if they (Nuvance) didnt think it was good enough, they didnt approve it.

In the grievance, the union claims Nuvance violated the non-discrimination clause of the employee contract because of the way the company handled the exemption/deferral submissions and the approval/denial, among other reasons, Ellul said.

Grievances are not filed in court and are between the union and an employer. Grievances involving more than two employees are considered class-action, Ellul said.

As CHCA represents four Nuvance units, four separate but identical complaints were filed.

On Monday, the hospital announced 98 percent of its staff and workers complied with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

On Thursday, Nuvance Health spokeswoman Andrea Rynn said the vaccination rate was now more than 98 percent. Rynn additionally acknowledged the class-action grievances.

We are aware of this grievance and will give it every consideration, Rynn said. It is important to note that we had a very robust process in place for addressing requested accommodations.

In a Nuvance Health medical exemption denial letter obtained by Hearst Connecticut Media, the request was denied because it would cause undue hardship to the organization.

Your role interacts with patients regularly, and therefore will not allow you to meet social distancing requirements as an unvaccinated person, the letter read.

The crux of the complaint lies in the wording claiming an inability for unvaccinated employees to socially distance, Ellul said.

I understand if someone files for medical exemption and a doctor fills it out, an employer cant deny that, she said. But they have employees who either have to defer the vaccine to a later date or are exempt in general and theyre working at bedsides.

Norwalk Hospital technician Jermaine Brown said she was placed on unpaid administrative leave on Oct. 1 after filing for religious exemption on Aug. 26 and receiving a rejection letter on Sept. 1.

Brown was given until Oct. 15 to get at least the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

I dont believe only 2 percent of Nuvance employees were out on leave, Brown said. I believe that number is much bigger because we were already dealing with a staffing crisis for months and Nuvance was not fast enough to make sure we were going to have an adequate amount of staff come the Oct. 1 deadline.

abigail.brone@hearstmediact.com
EDWARDSVILLE - While District 7 is reporting more applicants since the last board meeting, a continued shortage of substitute teachers is forcing for a plan in case of staff shortages in the upcoming months.

The main concern discussed during Tuesdays meeting was Fridays as the district moves into the holidays where, historically, there tends to be an increase in staff absences.

The trend in teacher absences on Fridays, along with the small pool of subs, has resulted in the district moving staff and administration around to fill gaps normally filled by substitute teachers. These shifts raise several concerns, including the integrity of education as well as what will happen in building-level district emergencies if several members of the administration are serving as substitutes in primary classrooms. There is currently a list of district staff to refer to for substitutions to ensure no building is operating at too low administration. However, if the statistics continue on the current trend of absences, there may not be enough staff to cover the upcoming months.

The four options Superintendent Patrick Shelton presented were to do nothing and see what happens, develop a plan for emergency days when staff seems to be short, remove the 3rd, 10th, and 17th Fridays in December and add them as snow days at the end of the year or consider a remote plan to increase the substitute teacher pool.

I would just like to say, none of these are good plans, Shelton said.

The options were discussed at length, but no action was taken during the workshop meetings.

An emergency plan will be created with the hope that it will not be used. More details will be made available as a plan is developed.

During the workshop meeting, the board of education also discussed the possibility of obtaining technology devices for primary school students in the district.

Currently, the district is in the process of obtaining devices for all middle school students by the start of the next school year. The addition of primary school student devices is a possibility due to a second round of funding that the district may receive.

In August, the district applied to the first round of Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF). The fund would provide $400 per device for 1,800 middle school devices and $400 per device for 1,800 intermediate school devices. The application for the second round of ECF was due on Wednesday, which the district applied for to not pass up the opportunity for funding.

In September, the board of education approved the purchasing of middle school devices for $1.024 million.

If the first round of ECF funding is approved, the district will receive $720,000 for 1,800 middle school devices and $720,000 for 1,800 intermediate school devices.

If the second round of ECF funding is approved, the district will then receive $720,000 for 1,800 primary school devices. The total district obligation would then be $912,000 for all devices.

President John McDole said other districts have been seeing good results from their own applications. Next fall would be the roll-out for these devices if the funding is approved.

The board of education also discussed updates in the Strategic Planning Process. The November community input meeting was changed to December 8 due to scheduling issues. Those who have not signed up for a goal team but are still interested are still able. To do so, contact District 7.

Shelton said of the roughly 150 people in attendance at the last community engagement meeting, 92 people signed up for goal teams. With around 36 individuals in the steering committees also in attendance, that was the majority of attendees. Those who have signed up for goal teams should expect to be contacted by their goal team leader within the next few weeks.
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Montreal lawyer files safeguard order to avoid collapse of healthcare system

Montreal lawyer, Natalia Manole filed a safeguard order in Superior Court to challenge the decree for mandatory vaccinations for health care workers. The government decree is set to take effect on October 15th. It will force all health-care workers who are not fully vaccinated to be suspended without pay. The decree does not take into account whether or not the health care workers affected by it have direct or indirect contact with patients. It applies to all workers, including doctors, family physicians with up to 1000 patients, psychiatrists, secretaries, cleaning staff, paramedics and PABs.

The decree is against public interest as it will cause a shortage. It violates the rights of health care workers and will interfere with their profesional obligation to treat their patients, Me.Manole told The Suburban in an exclusive interview. Health-care workers unions and opposition parties have called on the government to extend the deadline as the application of the decree at this stage may cause the health-care system to collapse due to lack of of personnel.

As of last Thursday, the system was set to lose 15,000 workers who are not adequately vaccinated, despite pressures applied by the government. The provincial government said it wont budge and the deadline still stands. This decree is without precedent and it will cause more harm than the good intended and there is no urgency for its application, Manole said.

Me. Manole received hundreds of declarations from health care workers denouncing the tragic situation of the healthcare system and the collapse to come should the government move forward with the decree. She received nearly one hundred additional declarations just over the past weekend and they continue to come in according to Manole almost non-stop day and night.

As reported throughout the pandemic by The Suburban, the current shortage has many healthcare workers under strain, working unusually long hours, often times skipping meals, with thousands of burn-outs reported and many multi-tasking in more than one department. There are nurses who now need to care for patients and complete additional tasks like cleaning the floors, so letting go of staff in a shortage will mean in some cases for example, no patient care and no one to clean the floor, Manole said. Everyday more and more patients will not be tended to. Surgeries and medical care will be delayed. I want the judge to visualize these consequences, this tragedy and to suspend the decree. There is a reasonable and more efficient alternative which is mandatory testing, as studies indicate that vaccinated persons can still carry and transmit the virus.
Our View: A life sentence should be just that
Things to do in the Attleboro area and beyond
ALTON  Aldermen will wait to vote on a proposed homeless awareness event.

At their committee of the whole meeting Monday, aldermen decided to lay over a resolution to close Lincoln Square on Nov. 11 for a sleep out fundraising event.

The event, being hosted by Warming Centers of Alton, would allow participants to sign up and spend a night outside as a way to bring awareness to those experiencing homelessness in the community. The event would start at 6 p.m. and last until the next morning.

Kathleen Koszak, a representative for the group, spoke before the council Wednesday to explain the events importance.

The event is to bring awareness to those in our city who dont have the option of coming into their own bed, Koszak said. We had the idea of the Lincoln Square because of the visibility.

The event will also have public speakers talk about homelessness in Alton.

The resolution will be discussed again at the citys next committee of the whole meeting.

Also on Wednesday, aldermen chose to not approve the closure of Logan Street to facilitate the Alton High School Homecoming Game because the event has been canceled.

Aldermen also approved an ordinance to rezone 1401 Washington Ave. from C-2 (General Commercial District) to R-2 (Single-Family Residential). Two ordinances, regarding another rezoning and amending the number of liquor licenses, were layed over until the next meeting.
EDWARDSVILLE  An Edwardsville man was charged Thursday with possession of a weapon and ammunition by a felon.

Kiante P. Ball, 32, of Edwardsville, was charged Oct. 13 with two counts of unlawful possession of weapons by a felon, both enhanced Class 3 felonies.

The case was presented by the Edwardsville Police Department.

According to court documents, on Oct. 11 Ball allegedly was found to have a Glock 19 handgun and ammunition in his residence. He has a 2013 St. Charles County, Missouri, conviction for unlawful delivery of a controlled substance which makes him ineligible to possess weapons or ammunition.

Bail was set at $75,000.

Other felony charges filed Oct. 13 by the Madison County States Attorneys Office include:

 Djaun L. Thorpe, 25, of Madison, was charged with unlawful possession of a stolen firearm, a Class 2 felony; and aggravated unlawful use of weapons, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Alton Police Department. On Oct. 11 Thorpe allegedly was found to have a Ruger 9mm handgun reported stolen and carrying it without a valid Firearm Owners Identification Card or concealed carry permit. Bail was set at $50,000.

 Bryan E. Stanton, 29, of Alton, was charged with aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony, and domestic battery (second subsequent offense), a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Alton Police Department. On Oct. 12 Stanton allegedly strangled a household or family member and threw a baby bottle at the victim, causing injury. He has a 2018 Madison County conviction for domestic battery. Bail was set at $50,000.

 Trenton L. Turner, 35, of Madison, was charged with aggravated battery, a Class 2 felony. The case was presented by the Madison County Sheriffs Department. On Oct. 12 Turner allegedly grabbed a Madison County sheriffs deputy by the leg. Bail was set at $50,000.

 Kohl S. Pizzini, 19, of Edwardsville, was charged with aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Edwardsville Police Department. On Oct. 12 Pizzini allegedly was driving a 2004 Chevrolet when he attempted to flee from an Edwardsville police officer, disobeying two or more traffic control devices. Bail was set at $15,000.
SPRINGFIELD  A new report says staffing shortages at Illinois nursing homes have reached crisis proportions and that people of color are most at risk of suffering the consequences.

Thats because those individuals are more likely to live in understaffed facilities or in ward rooms with three or four beds per room, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services report notes. During the COVID-19 pandemic when Black and brown Medicaid patients in nursing homes were 40 percent more likely to die of the disease than white patients.

The DCFS report calls for a dramatic overhaul in how Medicaid reimburses nursing homes to reward those that improve staffing levels and quality of care.

This is not a report that can sit on a shelf and collect dust, Kelly Cunningham, DHFSs deputy director for long-term care, told a legislative panel Wednesday. The need to take action is now. The issues were dealing with are urgent. Continuation of the status quo is not acceptable. And we must hold long-term care providers across Illinois to a higher standard.

DCFS proposes a $345 million increase in nursing home reimbursement rates, with increases tied to a facilitys staffing and other quality and safety improvements. The money would come from a combination of streamlining billing procedures and an increase in a tax the state levies on each nursing facility occupied bed in the state, a pool of money that also draws additional federal Medicaid reimbursements.

That would translate to an average payment rate increase of about 13 percent; the amount for any given facility would vary. Funding increases would be based on a formula that also takes a facilitys profit margin into account so profitable nursing homes that do not adequately staff their facilities would not see their reimbursements increase on par with those that do.

The report states Illinois spends billions of dollars each year on nursing facility care for roughly 45,000 Medicaid patients, but the state consistently ranks last in the nation for staffing as measured by the national Staff Time and Resource Intensity Verification Project. Illinois accounts for 47 of the 100 most understaffed facilities in the nation when comparing staffing levels against target levels.

Andy Allison, DHFSs deputy director for strategic planning and analytics, said those shortages had tragic consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said increased funding alone will not solve the staffing shortage in nursing homes. He said the industry itself also needs to make fundamental changes to address workforce challenges.

We are in an urgent race to strengthen that labor market  not to capture them, but to entice them to stay in the serving profession that theyve chosen, he said. And one of the ways to do that is to make it more of a profession, to give it a pay scale, to allow for promotion, to provide a payoff to staying with it, which is actually one of the principal policy objectives that HFS, the department, has had for years, which is consistency of the relationship between a staff and the residents that they serve.

Matt Pickering, executive director of the Health Care Council of Illinois which represents for-profit nursing homes, criticized the plan for reinforcing what he called a punitive relationship. He called for an across-the-board rate increase, especially for those with high percentages of low-income residents.

These facilities face the most challenges to providing care due to the state paying among the lowest Medicaid reimbursement rates in the country, he said. We must prioritize quality health care for low-income residents and not jeopardize the stability of our long-term system.
EDWARDSVILLE  Opening statements in the trial of George Lacey, one of three men accused of killing a Collinsville man in 2020, were made Wednesday.

Lacey, 26, of the 1100 block of Cherokee Street, Collinsville, was charged with four counts of first-degree murder, all Class M felonies; armed robbery and home invasion, both Class X felonies; and unlawful possession of weapons by a felon, a Class 2 felony, in the killing of Darian A. Woods, 23, also of Collinsville.
ALTON  The YWCA of Alton, 304 E. 3rd St., will be hosting two free womens self defense classes on Wednesday, Oct. 27.

Classes will consist of scenario-based self-defense, as well as ABC Self-Defense. The class will be led by Johnny Hatten of Piasa Martial Arts accompanied by two female black belts.
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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The contrast between the performance of the big US commercial banks and High Street lenders could not be greater.

Bank earnings are soaring in the US. Morgan Stanley reported a 38 per cent rise in the third quarter, Bank of America a 64 per cent jump, Citibank a 48 per cent leap and Wells Fargo a 60 per cent rise, in spite of regulatory clashes.

The stand-out performances this autumn were driven by special factors, notably the extraordinary volume of bids and deals which has driven up investment banking fee income.

US powerhouses: Morgan Stanley reported a 38 per cent rise in the third quarter, Bank of America a 64 per cent jump, Citibank a 48 per cent leap and Wells Fargo a 60 per cent rise

Similarly to their British counterparts, the US banks have been allowed to write back provisions for bad debts taken at the start of Covid-19.

In the US, banks are enjoying a profits bonanza and financial sector share prices in New York have surged.

In London, the income of banks is sadly depleted and stock market valuations perennially disappointing.

It is extraordinary to think that 13 years have passed since the Lehman collapse helped trigger the great financial crisis.

Yet one of the nations biggest banks, Natwest, formerly RBS, is still 55 per cent in government hands, largely because of a stagnant share price.

The answer to this puzzle cannot simply be attributed to more advanced technology or greater entrepreneurship in the US.

In retrospect, some of the decisions taken in Britain to redress the gung-ho era of the noughties went too far, and government overreacted to the outcry over casino banking.

The UK may have been the first of the advanced economies to prop up the banks using government equity, but has never been comfortable unwinding its holdings.

Successive governments have lived in fear of being seen to have sold the taxpayer short.

The reality is that if the Treasury had been less risk-averse and willing to sell at a loss, it could have collected extra billions in corporation tax.

In Whitehalls determination to punish the banks for their misdeeds, the lenders have been required to hold huge amounts of capital.

That inhibited their ability to make loans, which, in turn, has been reflected in some sluggish, even flat-lining economic growth.

What made this even worse was the ring-fencing which resulted from the Banking Commission and Lib Dem influence in the coalition government.

There were two distortions. It required even more capital because consumer and investment banking needed separate equity cushions and it effectively drove the UK banks off the field of play in investment banking, leaving most of the spoils to American counterparts.

Only Barclays was able to escape the worst of all this because of its Middle East rescue, without strings, and because former chief executive Bob Diamond scooped up the best of Lehman for a song before he was shown the door over Libor manipulation by former Bank of England governor Lord King.

British banks may be safer than they were before the crisis but with the exception of Barclays, and to a certain extent HSBC, they have become low performing utilities offering modest returns.

Banking may have become safer in the UK but it has also become less fit for lending purpose, risk averse and even boring.

Junk bonds

The implosion at Chinese property group Evergrande has not proved to be a Lehman moment as some feared. Most of the losses have so far been contained in China and Hong Kong.

HSBC, which is a big mortgage and property lender across the region, has been reducing its Evergrande exposures for two years and when the balloon went up had less than $1million on its books.

UK fund manager Ashmore has not been so lucky. Assets under management have shrunk by 1.5billion, largely because of setbacks in emerging markets. Clients pulled out 729,000 from its funds.

At the core of its outflows, in a year when markets soared, was exposure to Chinese real estate, with Ashmore estimated by Bloomberg to have been holding 292million of Evergrande bonds at the end of June.

Not quite Lehman. But not all property holdings are as safe as houses.

Can do

Ikea didnt become the ubiquitous furniture giant it is by sitting on its hands and whingeing.

Beset by supply chain disruptions, it is seeking to beat the crisis by leasing ships, buying containers and re-directing goods among warehouses to speed up deliveries.

It is re-steering and rerouting, says boss Jesper Brodin. Lessons there for some of the UK trade and industry groups pestering Whitehall for help.
Qinetiq has become the latest business to complain of supply chain chaos, warning that one of its projects could see costs balloon by up to 15million.

The defence company said its profits for the six months to September were in line with expectations, and that it had raked in 700million of new orders  25 per cent more than the same time last year.

But for the full year, it said profitability would be at the lower end of its expectations due to the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and Covid-19 delays in receiving materials and components.

Supply woes: Qinetiq said said profitability for the full year would be at the lower end of its expectations

Firms from toy makers to car manufacturers have had their businesses turned upside down by the pandemic's effect on supply chains.

Added to that, the pick-up in manufacturing since Covid restrictions lifted has led to a shortage of some materials.

Qinetiq, which makes robots used to defuse explosives as well as technology for fighter jets and other military devices, said in its trading update: 'We are experiencing technical and supply chain issues on a large complex programme, which, if unmitigated, could result in the need for a one-off write down to our short-term guidance.

'We are working closely with our customer and are making progress, jointly with our supply chain, towards recovery of the programme and mitigating this risk to less than 15million.'
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A 37-year-old Danish citizen is suspected of killing five people with a bow-and-arrow and other weapons in the Norwegian town of Kongsberg in a rare incident of mass killing in Norway, police said on Thursday.

Two people, including an off-duty police officer, were wounded in the Wednesday evening attacks, which took place in different locations in the town, 68 km (42 miles) southwest of the capital, Oslo.

The man, who was held in custody, had cooperated with police and implicated himself in the attacks, although he has not yet entered a plea.

He is admitting to the facts of the case, police attorney Ann Iren Svane Mathiassen told news agency NTB.

Well have to see if he also pleads guilty, she later told private broadcaster TV2.

The man was believed to have been acting alone, police said. They said nothing about a possible motive.

This very serious situation is of course making a deep impression on Kongsberg and those who live here, district police chief Oeyvind Aas said in a statement.

The death toll was the worst of any attack in Norway since 2011, when far-right extremist Anders Behring Breivik killed 77 people, most of them teenagers at a youth camp.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was shocked and saddened by the news. My thoughts are with the victims loved ones and all the people of Norway at this very difficult moment, he said in a tweet.

The police said they were giving information on the mans nationality after rumours swirled on social media about people not linked to the attacks.

Norways incoming prime minister, Jonas Gahr Stoere, who is due to take power on Thursday after winning a general election last month, said he had been kept informed by the outgoing government.

What weve learned from Kongsberg bears witness of a gruesome and brutal act, Stoere said in a statement to news agency NTB.

The attacks went on for more than half an hour over a large area of Kongsberg, including at a Coop Extra grocery store, the Aftenposten newspaper cited police as saying.

A woman living near the store said she had heard alarms as she was walking home.

I saw a group of police officers, including one who held several arrows in his hand, the woman, Marit Hoefle, told the newspaper.

Investigators are considering whether the attacks amounted to an act of terrorism and said they would give more details of the incident later on Thursday.

Police were interrogating the suspect and he was cooperating, his defence lawyer said.

He is cooperating and is giving detailed statements regarding this event, lawyer Fredrik Neumann told public broadcaster NRK.

Images from one of the crime scenes showed an arrow that appeared to be stuck in the wall of a wood-panelled building.

About 28,000 people live in the Kongsberg municipality.

Following the attacks, the police directorate said it had ordered officers nationwide to carry firearms. Norwegian police are normally unarmed but officers have access to guns when needed.

SOURCE: REUTERS
The European Unions executive summoned envoys from member states Poland, Lithuania and Latvia on Thursday over the fate of migrants stuck on their border with Belarus.

Im very concerned about reports of people including children stuck in forests in dire situation at external EU borders with Belarus, European Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said in demanding a meeting with the three national ambassadors to EU hub Brussels.

The three countries have reported sharp increases in the number of migrants from Africa and the Middle East crossing into the soil from Belarus in recent months.

The EU blames Belarus for deliberately orchestrating the flow to put pressure on the bloc in retaliation for sanctions it had slapped on Minsk over human rights abuses.

SOURCE: REUTERS
A man using a bow and arrow killed several people and wounded others in attacks in the Norwegian town of Kongsberg on Wednesday, local police said.

The man has been apprehended  from the information we now have, this person carried out these actions alone, police chief Oeyvind Aas told reporters.

Several people have been injured and several are dead, Aas said. He declined to comment on the number of casualties.

The attacks took place over a large area of Kongsberg, a municipality of about 28,000 people in southeastern Norway, 68 km (42 miles) from the capital, Oslo.

Following the attacks, the police directorate said it had immediately ordered officers nationwide to carry firearms. Norwegian police are normally unarmed but officers have access to guns and rifles when needed.

This is an extra precaution. The police have no indication so far that there is a change in the national threat level, the directorate said in a statement.

Norways minister of justice and public security, Monica Maeland, has received updates on the attacks and was closely monitoring the situation, the ministry said.

SOURCE: REUTERS
The latest in New York politics This article was featured in the Capitol Confidential newsletter. Sign up here to get it each morning.

Gov. Kathy Hochul this week offered the first formal apology to nursing home advocates who have been seeking for the state to recognize the issues they and their loved ones have gone through during the coronavirus pandemic. (TU)

Federal officials intend to open the countrys land borders with Canada and Mexico to vaccinated travelers in early November, which was welcomed by regional and state officials Wednesday. (TU)
HUDSON  Nurses and other staff members at Columbia Memorial Health described the hospital reaching a "crisis point" as the ratio of staff to patients drops to alarming levels with the COVID-19 pandemic still raging.

Staff described emotional and physical burnout as they take on a number of patients that disallows the degree of care they felt their patients deserved.

Colleen Daley, a registered nurse working at the Columbia Memorial Health (CMH) mental health unit, said there were only two nurses working the day shift on the unit about half the time, leaving each to care for 11 patients.

Traditionally, there are three nurses in the unit, Daley said, and the number of mental health workers in the unit has also dropped. This has forced staff to prioritize care between patients.

You may have someone with high blood pressure, and its just kind of high, but you really want to address it, but you have to prioritize, she said. So I put it on the back burner until I can get over there. Youre always afraid youre going to miss something  youre always afraid youre going to miss that little symptom because you dont have that five minutes.

Three other nurses and staff members working in different sections of the hospital, who spoke under the condition of anonymity to protect their careers, said the ratio of patients to nurses has traditionally been 4-1, but has risen to between 6-1 and 8-1 in recent weeks.

Many of the issues assailing the hospital are being felt regionally and even nationally as businesses struggle to find workers and employees at hospitals burn out. Late last month, Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple issued an advisory warning of long wait times at Albany Medical Center, telling the Times Union ambulances had to wait up to two hours outside the hospital before they were able to offload patients.

CMH spokesman Bill Van Slyke said national and state trends were causing the problems at the hospital, and that the largest contributor to the issue was the huge increase in the number of people seeking care at CMH and its satellite rapid care clinics.

Van Slyke refused to discuss nurse-to-patient ratios at CMH and would not give the number of nurses currently employed at the hospital.

In CMH's mental health unit, where many patients are dealing with severe psychological illnesses, the short staffing made it difficult to give the degree of care necessary in these complex cases, Daley said.

It just takes away from that extra time to sit and talk to patients about coping skills and things like that, she said. It becomes more of a  I dont want to say assembly line  but you have to do what you have to do first. You cant do those extras, like sitting with a patient if theyre crying.

Daley is scheduled for 12.5 hour shifts but has lately been mandated to stay for a full 16 hours at a time.

Workers described the short staffing as having a spiraling effect, as staff burn out because of the workload and quit, leaving the remaining staff with even more work.

A nurse who requested anonymity to protect their job said the hospital has been having staffing shortages for years, but the situation had reached crisis levels in the last few weeks.

We are bare-bones staff right now, they said.

A shortage of secretaries and personal care assistants (PCAs) in this nurse's unit meant nurses had to take on these jobs, they said.

I dont know how much longer the few of us that are left are going to last, they said. My floor has never been able to retain staff and now its just completely dysfunctional  theres absolutely no functioning left.

The worker shortage also hit housekeeping, staff members said  an important position during the pandemic, when they are tasked with controlling contagion.

Under normal times, five to six housekeepers work over the weekend, but the number has recently fallen to two, according to staff members.

The shortage of staff has spread down to the emergency room, which is experiencing long wait times, including a five-hour wait last Thursday.

The shortage has forced Columbia Memorial Health to float workers from its satellite clinics to the main hospital, resulting in the Copake clinic closing to in-person visits and only providing telehealth services.

Many staff members caught COVID-19 while working at the hospital, including Daley, who said she caught it during last winters surge, when her entire unit needed to be cleared of patients after the virus spread through the population.

Van Slyke said staffing issues at hospitals were a national problem stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and a lack of workers. Traveling nurses, who could otherwise be hired as temporary employees, were at hospitals in the pandemic's epicenter in the Deep South, where hospitals were offering absurd sums for hourly workers.

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"But all of those factors are really in the background," Van Slyke said, "What's really driving the moment is a historic increase in volume."

CMH saw a 30 percent increase in patient volume this September compared to historic numbers, according to Van Slyke.

Only a minority of the increase was due to COVID-19 admissions, Van Slyke said, and the hospital could only speculate as to why so many more people were being hospitalized, with Van Slyke theorizing it was due to people with health issues putting off routine medical care due to fear of catching the virus.

Staff at CMH in recent weeks have been reaching out to Hudson Mayor Kamal Johnson, who said he had received dozens of calls.

Johnson has reached out to U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado and state representatives on the issue, he said.

I told them all, basically, we need to get together, because this hospital serves the entire county  and as the weather gets colder, we're going see an uptick in hospitalizations, and things can get pretty bad for the community, he said.

Johnson met with the union representing CMH health care workers last week, he said, and put together a list of requests to the hospitals management.

State Assemblywoman Didi Barrett, whose district includes CMH, said she had been discussing staff shortages with Johnson, but the issue was bigger than Columbia Memorial Health, with businesses and nonprofits around her district in need of workers.

It concerns me that, throughout the region, we're seeing a diminishment of services, she said.

State Sen. Daphne Jordan said the issue was not unique to CMH.

"I have Saratoga Hospital in my district as well, and they're having a job fair tomorrow, because they need more staff too  it's tough all around," she said.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said late last month she was willing to declare a state of emergency allowing out-of-state medical professionals to work in understaffed New York hospitals, and would consider deploying medically trained National Guardsmen to help.

Jordan disagreed with deploying the Guard.

"They're not trained the way our nurses and our people in the medical profession are trained," she said.
VALATIE - Following a nearly three-year hiatus, the Valatie Falls Hydro power plant last week started once again generating electricity.

The plant was closed for almost three years, said John Doran, who purchased the facility from a company that had planned to use the plant to generate power for a cryptocurrency mining operation but never did.

Doran operates PlugIn Stations Online, which sells and installs electric vehicle charging stations across the Northeast.

He purchased the dormant plant in April 2020. It generates continuous hydroelectric power of 160 kilowatts, relatively small, but he is selling the power into the grid through National Grid.

Eventually, he plans to feed the power into the village of Valatie, as well as for local electric vehicle charging stations.

Doran worked with former owners Fred and Bob Munch, and Clevenstine Engineering.

Its unclear why the previous buyers of the plant, a Las Vegas-based investment firm, didnt run the facility.

Cryptocurrency miners use high-powered purpose-built computers to unlock the complex mathematical formulas that create cryptocurrency, or on-line money such as Bitcoin. The cryptocurrency can be sold for real dollars.

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Crypto mining has become controversial with environmentalists because of the high levels of electricity needed to power the computers. Miners are constantly on the lookout for sources of low-cost power.

Last year, for instance, a natural gas power plant in the Finger Lakes community of Dresden, Greenridge Generation, installed a crypto mining operation at the facility. That way, they are able to use their own power to run their computers.

And three years ago, a number of cryptocurrency miners set up shop in Plattsburgh, to take advantage of they citys low-cost power thanks to an allotment from the quasi-public hydroelectric dams that operate in northern New York. Cryptocurrency miners also operate in the Buffalo area, which has access to low cost hydropower as well.
NEW YORK  A loyalist of imprisoned NXIVM leader Keith Raniere somehow gained access to court-restricted evidence in Ranieres case as well as sexually explicit photos of a victim, federal prosecutors told a judge Thursday.

In a letter to Senior U.S. District Judge Nicholas Garaufis, prosecutors said they learned that Suneel Chakravorty, an associate of Raniere who supports the convicted sex trafficker known as Vanguard, possessed a computer hard drive that was part of the pre-trial evidence in Ranieres case  and planned to use it on Ranieres behalf.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanya Hajjar said it was a possible violation of an order by the judge, who prohibited Ranieres defense attorneys from disclosing the evidence, known as discovery material, to anyone outside the defense team.

The government understands that Mr. Chakravorty (who is not an attorney) purports to have drafted a motion on Ranieres behalf based on materials from the hard drive, Hajjar told the judge.

The prosecutor said Chakravorty may also have disclosed or discussed protected discovery material to and with other individuals not subject to the protective order.

The government has also received information that Mr. Chakravorty is also in possession of sexually explicit photographs of a victim identified as a Jane Doe in the indictment," Hajjar added. "These photographs were not produced as discovery in this case because they were never in the governments possession.

Chakravorty, who has not been charged, told the Times Union in an emailed statement: "I dont have a copy of the hard drive or any discovery material containing nudity."

Raniere, 61, formerly of Halfmoon, co-founded NXIVM, also known as Executive Success Programs, a purported personal growth organization based in Colonie, in 1998. Arrested in 2018 in Mexico and convicted a year later, he is serving 120 years in federal prison. A jury convicted Raniere of all charges, including sex trafficking, forced labor conspiracy and racketeering charges with underlying acts of possessing child pornography, extortion and identity theft.

Hajjar said Ranieres attorneys, Marc Fernich and Jeffrey H. Lichtman, said they did not provide Chakravorty with any discovery materials.

As the court is aware, much of the discovery material in this case is sensitive and contains personally identifying information regarding individuals other than the defendants, Hajjar said.

She asked the judge to direct all of Ranieres attorneys, past and present, to provide a list of people they shared the evidence with and ask that they send it back.

On Thursday, the judge ordered all past and present attorneys for Raniere to give sworn declarations of all people who would have been covered by the protected order during the course of the case. Garaufis directed the attorneys to "specifically whether they have provided any material described... including a copy of a hard drive, to Mr. Raniere, to Suneel Chakravorty, or to any person not entitled to such material under the protective order" no later than Oct. 25.

At trial, Raniere was represented by attorneys Marc Agnifilo, Paul DerOhannesian, Teny Geragos and Danielle Smith. His appellate attorneys have included Steven Alan Metcalf, Joseph McBride, Martin Tankleff and Jennifer Bonjean.

Chakravorty, 31, of Brooklyn, a computer tech and software consultant, told the Times Union he was looking into whether Raniere was guilty of abusing a Mexican woman who, evidence at Raniere's trial showed, Raniere had been having sex with since she was 15. He said he suspects something was not quite right about the government's presentation of the evidence at trial -- and that he has talked several times with Raniere on the phone about the matter.

"Raniere may very likely be guilty of abusing Jane Doe when she was 15," Chakravorty said. "If I find that Raniere abused this girl, Ill throw him over like rotten stinking fish, but what troubles me also is that forensic evidence suggests the FBI tampered with the photographs. Ill be issuing my findings on the subject soon."

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Chakravorty, formerly of Florida, was part of a group of NXIVM diehards involved in Make Justice Blind, which they describe as an effort to hold judges and prosecutors accountable. The organization had a page on its website devoted to Raniere's case.

The website is no longer accessible. A message stated it is expired. A Facebook page remains.

On April 8, 2020, while inside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, Raniere told Chakravorty: "I'll be in here for the rest of my life if we don't do something... (A)nd the rest of my life might not be that long considering the way things are in here, you know, once I get to a destination point -- because I'll go to a pen."

"Yeah," Chakravorty answered.

"So ... what we have to do also is get scrutiny on this judge, get some pundit who is willing to speak out about what this judge is saying, which is crazy, and the judge needs to know he's being watched," Raniere responded.

"Yeah," Chakravorty responded.

"By someone who is wise," Raniere said.

"Yeah," Chakravorty said.

The "judge" reference to Garaufis was later included in the sentencing recommendation memo that prosecutors sent to the judge.
SCHENECTADY  Two people police say were involved in the robbery of a Broadway bank Thursday morning were arrested later in the day after police said they tracked them to a home in the city.

Patrolman Patrick Irwin, a city police spokesman, said officers went to the Key Bank at 1708 Broadway after receiving a call about a masked woman who had entered the business shortly before 9:45 a.m. and slipped a bank teller a note demanding money.
SCHENECTADY  A decades-old legal battle over funding public schools in New York has officially come to an end.

A coalition of public education stakeholders  which includes several Schenectady parents  signed an agreement with the state Wednesday to settle a seven-year lawsuit over unpaid foundation aid.

The agreement is contingent on the state paying approximately $4.2 billion in owed school aid over three years, with the first installment already included in the 2021-2022 state budget.

Gov. Kathy Hochul in a press conference Wednesday pledged that owed foundation aid will be included in state budgets going forward  a departure from the Cuomo administration, which for years challenged demands for the money to be restored.

"Every single New Yorker deserves a quality education to succeed in our state, and public schools are a vital component of that opportunity for our children's upward mobility," Hochul said in a statement. "This settlement closes a long chapter of inequity, and demonstrates my administration's commitment to wiping the slate clean and fully funding public education using a responsive model that takes districts' unique needs into account."

The New Yorkers for Students Educational Rights (NYSER) coalition  represented by pro bono counsel  sued the state in 2014 to compel it to fully fund the foundation aid formula, a school funding system established as the result of a court ruling after an advocacy group, the Campaign for Fiscal Equity, sued the state.

The landmark state Court of Appeals ruling declared the states public school funding inadequate and unconstitutional. At that time, the state committed to increasing school funding by $5.5 billion statewide over four years. But the 2008 financial crisis derailed the full implementation of the plan. The formula was frozen for three consecutive years starting in 2009-10 and was minimally increased in years that followed.

The 2014 lawsuit focused primarily on Schenectady and New York City school districts. After lengthy pre-trial and discovery proceedings, the case was moving toward a trial.

Last spring, the state Legislature, fully controlled by Democrats for the first time in decades, enacted legislation to pay a third of the owed aid during the current 2021-2022 fiscal year and outlined a non-binding plan to pay out the long-promised funds over three years.

The agreement requires the state to appropriate an additional $1.4 billion for schools in the upcoming 2022-2023 budget.

If the state honors its commitments, the case will be dismissed. If not, the plaintiffs will be able to continue the litigation and seek an expedited trial to secure the promised funding.

Jamaica Miles, a Schenectady plaintiff, activist and school board member, said the settlement offers assurance that the Legislature will honor its word to fully fund

schools.

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Our children have suffered without the required funding," she said. "We must not wait any longer.

Advocacy groups lauded the decision Wednesday, calling it a victory for educational equity that will significantly close the opportunity gap for Black, brown and low-income students.

"Today marks the beginning of a new and long-overdue chapter in the fight for education justice in New York," Alliance for Quality Education (AQE) Executive Director Jasmine Gripper said. "Gov. Kathy Hochul's decision to settle the lawsuit on the condition that New York State fully phases in Foundation Aid by 2024 is a momentous shift in a fight that parents and community members have been waging for decades, and one that signals the governor's commitment to equity for New York's students."

Michael Rebell, co-counsel for the plaintiffs, said the agreement will be an enforcement mechanism to ensure that the state lives up to its promise, but the fight for educational equity is far from over.

Unequal funding has been a blight on education in New York State since DeWitt Clinton was governor. We still have a great deal of work to do," he said. "But this was a big first step."

Next, the state must update and improve the foundation aid formula, which is based on outdated metrics from 15 years ago, he said.

Jay Worona, deputy executive director of the New York State School Boards Association, said "Our members and the millions of school children throughout the state who they represent deeply appreciate the great effort and many long hours that the law firms and attorneys who represent NYSER have devoted to this case on a pro bono basis.
Fights on school grounds and poor working conditions are contributing to widespread burnout among educators at two urban Capital Region districts that last year saw their programs decimated by pandemic-related cuts.

In Schenectady and Albany public schools, which combined enroll about 18,000 students, teachers say they are taking on extra shifts as many positions remain unfilled. At the same time, they are dealing with a spike in behavioral issues from students.

At an Oct. 6 board meeting, Chris Ognibene, a 21-year veteran social studies teacher at Schenectady High School, said the start of the school year has been marked by "violent incident after violent incident."

"Our days are exhausted, we don't have time to plan ... the life is being sucked out of our staff and nothing is being done about it ... in 21 years, I've never been more scared for the safety of my staff," Ognibene said.

He described a recent incident in which a Black colleague was threatened with harm and called the "n-word" when he asked students to put their masks on. Ognibene asked the board to take "bold action" and allow teachers to instruct students remotely one day each week.

Other events have made headlines. A Schenectady parent told the Daily Gazette his son was assaulted at the high school twice in one day. The Gazette reported that on Sept. 20, two women, ages 19 and 20, entered the same high school building and beat up a 15-year-old student.

In Albany, school officials have implored parents to talk to their children about appropriate behavior in the wake of multiple incidents, including fights caught on camera and vandalism.

On Friday, North Albany Middle School was closed and reverted to remote instruction as police investigated a tip that a student was planning to enter the building with a gun and begin shooting.

Albany Public School Teachers Association President Laura Franz said educators are rattled by recent violence in the community, including the incident at North Albany Middle School and a mass shooting near the district's Tony Clement Center for Education on Saturday that killed a man and injured six others.

"It's very disconcerting to see that we have boarded-up windows and there are bullet holes in our buildings," she said. "That does not make anyone feel OK about going to work ... it then has a trickle-down effect to what our students and their families are feeling ... these are very traumatic events."

Franz said a shortage of critical staff, from teachers to security monitors, behavior specialists and school psychologists, has taken a toll on morale.

"The teachers really aren't OK right now; it's really stressful," she said. "The kids not being in school for close to two years now; adjusting to their social-emotional needs ... we really have to think differently."

All districts in the region are struggling to hire custodial, food service, and transportation workers this year, but the situation has reached a crisis level for higher-need districts worst hit by the pandemic.

Budget uncertainty and conflicting messages from the state about education aid compelled both the Albany and Schenectady districts to lay off hundreds of teachers and staff ahead of the 2020-2021 school year.

By May 2021, the state confirmed that withheld education funds would be restored and public schools were approved for an unprecedented influx of state aid and federal pandemic grants. Laid-off employees in Albany and Schenectady were recalled, but many had already retired or moved on to other jobs, union officials said.

"There's no doubt in my mind that the interim decisions that happened last year, we are living with that this year," Schenectady Federation of Teachers President Juliet Benaquisto said.

The paraprofessional workforce took the biggest hit last year, with more than 238 individuals losing their jobs, she said.

"That really impacts the organization, because those folks are working side-by-side with students," she said. "In a perfect world," the district would be able to offer higher salaries to match the competitive employment market.

In both districts, most secondary students and more than 50 percent of elementary students had been out of school for more than a year, which school leaders say has fueled the bad behavior.

"Having less structure and feeling less connected to school and the greater community have resulted in many young people feeling isolated, angry and frightened," Albany Superintendent Kaweeda Adams said in a letter to parents posted to the district website earlier this month. "We see this manifest itself in a variety of ways as students work to manage their emotions, respond to challenges, struggle with appropriate conflict resolution, and adjust to numerous protocols and procedures that have been implemented over the past 18 months."

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Schenectady school officials say they are strictly enforcing the code of conduct and reworking high school schedules to ensure fewer classroom transitions, which contribute to in-school violence.

"The conflicts don't typically start in the building," Schenectady Superintendent Anibal Soler, Jr. said. "They start online, they start in the neighborhood or community park, but they manifest here."

The high school has also ramped up safety measures and only seniors are permitted to leave the building during lunch break. The district is looking to fill numerous positions, particularly on the high school level, he said.

"Everyone in the organization from our teachers to our custodial staff has been working really hard to keep our doors open," Soler said.

It's Soler's first year as superintendent and union leaders say he has been collaborative and responsive to safety concerns raised  something they haven't seen from past administrations.

Across the region, staffing issues are compounded by a severe shortage of substitute teachers and strict quarantine requirements for any employee with COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of vaccination status.

The staffing challenges are also impacting some elementary students. At an Oct. 7 Albany board meeting, four Thomas O'Brien Academy of Science and Technology (TOAST) teachers described "freezing" classrooms, inadequate food for students and dirty facilities that have made learning difficult.

"Garbage cans have gone unemptied, bathrooms go unstocked with soap, towels, and toilet paper and floors go unmopped. This leads to foul smells and critters," their written statement reads.

The quality of lunches has declined and portions have shrunk. Many days, there is no vegetarian option in the cafeteria prompting students who don't eat meat to go hungry.

"Our students deserve better ... for many of our students, breakfast and lunch are the two consistent meals they get each day," the teachers said.

Albany district spokesman Ron Lesko said labor shortages and ongoing construction are partially to blame for the maintenance and cafeteria challenges at TOAST and that the district is working with union leaders on a strategy to recruit temporary workers to alleviate these problems. He noted that school meals, while not optimal due to supply chain and staffing issues, are complete and meet federal nutrition standards.

The building's old HVAC system does not allow heating and cooling to occur simultaneously, but the school turned the heating mode on last week, Lesko said.
ALBANY  Stonyfield Organic is pledging to pickup a "meaningful number" of the 89 small organic dairy farms in the Northeast that Horizon Organic, through its corporation Danone, had announced in August would have their contracts terminated in a year.

The cancellations for the organic farms, more than half of them in upstate New York, has created a potential crisis that experts contends could need government intervention.

Stonyfield's decision to help out at least some of the farms is the latest move in a series of responses to an outcry of concern and support from lawmakers, the federal and state departments of agriculture and regional players.

"We have to keep them alive. It's too important," Stonyfield Organic co-founder Gary Hirshberg told the Times Union.

It is the first time Stonyfield is picking up products from additional dairy farms, beyond the amount of dairy it needs to meet its current demand, according to the business. Horizon Organic, through its corporation Danone, previously said by giving the dairy farms a one-year extension, beyond its contractual obligation, it was helping the farms out.

Dairy farmers interviewed by the Times Union repeatedly declined to speak on the record for fear of retribution from Danone and other major dairy industry players. Farmers and industry experts have indicated there's a lack of market for the milk with Danone's departure from the North Country and the greater Capital Region. Stonyfield's entry into the situation was unexpected.

"There's no question we're going to have to create demand for this milk," Hirshberg said. "It's not just simply about picking it up."

Hirshberg, the dairy community and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have also been discussing whether the typical milk product could be transitioned to a product for yogurt or cheese markets, which in New York have been rising at similar rates to the decline in overall milk consumption.

The USDA convened a task force to address the issue raised by Danone's departure from 89 farms, which it has attributed to a cost-saving measure for costs to ship milk.

Experts have pointed to an organic livestock rule about transitioning herds as a vital element, too. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer sent a letter to USDA calling for the closure of a "loophole" that is driving corporations to get their milk from the Midwest over the Northeast. Schumer also sent a letter to Danone this month demanding answers.

Under the rules, it takes three years to transition livestock to organic. It can be difficult to transition them back if they are switched to conventional dairy, experts said.

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"If we lose them and we have growing demand (in organic dairy), we're in the soup," Hirshberg said. The organic milk industry is seeing gains, while conventional industry is seeing declines. "These are models. These are critical links to supply."

The state Department of Agriculture "supports any businesses interested in assisting any of our dairy family farms, particularly those affected by the Danone situation," spokeswoman Jola Szubielski said. "We continue to have daily conversations with our partners at the USDA and other states, as well as many processors, and the impacted farms, with a goal of strengthening the dairy industry in New York state."

There are also discussions to create a pledge system from suppliers, like supermarkets, or consumers to commit to buying and selling milk that is farmed with certain standards  many of which overlap with the region's climate goals, especially compared to more large-scale, conventional dairy.

"We're going to need city stakeholder in that gigantic milk market to step up," Hirshberg said about New York City milk consumers and suppliers.

While North Country and Capital Region lawmakers have been vocal about the issue that is plaguing upstate dairy, city lawmakers, often the most vocal about climate change, have been relatively silent.

"It's a climate issue," Hirshberg said. "If' we're going to keep Manhattan on the right side of sea level, organic is going to have to be a growing part of how we get our food."
Catholic Funeral Liturgy for Mary Casuccio will be at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church on November 23, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Interment follows at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Domico Funeral Home.
PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., Oct. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Marcus Schabacker, MD, PhD, president and chief executive officer of ECRI, an independent nonprofit organization that improves the safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness of healthcare, has been honored by the Philadelphia Business Journal with a Leaders in Healthcare 2021 Award. This award recognizes Schabacker for making an indelible impact in ensuring patient safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The award recognizes Schabacker for making an indelible impact in ensuring patient safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Schabacker took important steps in early 2020 to prepare the healthcare community for what would become a global pandemic. He established the ECRI COVID-19 Resource Center with free and shareable information on emergency preparedness, infection prevention, and medical treatments, processes, and practices. Leading healthcare authorities endorsed the site spurring nearly half a million page views by people worldwide seeking emergency preparedness checklists, personal protective equipment (PPE) supplier lists, infection control best practices, and clinical evidence assessments.

ECRI's COVID-19 Resource Center currently includes more than 350 publicly available resources, lab webcast recordings, and clinical guidelines. The most recent guidance addresses vaccine safety and global health equity and an evidence review supporting the effectiveness of masks, as part of an infection control bundle, for children in schools.

"As we learned more about the virus, the treatments, protocol, and processes changed. ECRI monitored and communicated these developments, debunking myths and providing evidence-based strategies for managing equipment shortages, medication safety issues, and mental health concerns," says Schabacker.

Throughout the pandemic, Schabacker has been interviewed extensively by national news outlets. His leadership enabled ECRI, a respected patient safety organization, to step to the forefront in developing evidence-based guidance that empowered providers with the information they required to meet worker and patient needs during unprecedented challenges.

"I am proud of how ECRI came together to create the COVID-19 Resource Center which became a 'go-to' source of trustworthy guidance worldwide. Beyond that, I am incredibly proud of how our employees quickly transitioned to an all-virtual work environment, and seamlessly provided trusted evidence-based assurance to our members and the public during a time of fear and uncertainty," adds Schabacker.

Schabacker joined ECRI in January 2018, as the nonprofit organization's third CEO in its 53-year history. ECRI is headquartered in Plymouth Meeting, PA, with international offices in the United Kingdom, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates. Schabacker is a board-certified anesthesiologist and intensive care specialist with more than 35 years of healthcare experience in complex global environments, and more than 20 years of senior leadership responsibilities serving the medical device and pharmaceutical industries.

For more information about Marcus Schabacker and ECRI's role in guiding the healthcare community and the public with evidence-based guidance, download the ECRI COVID-19 Journey.

The Philadelphia Business Journal is hosting the Healthcare Leaders for 2021 Awards Ceremony virtually on October 14; all honorees will be featured Special Section in the Philadelphia Business Journal on October 15.

For more information, visit www.ecri.org, e-mail communications@ecri.org, or call (610) 825-6000, ext. 5891.

Social Sharing

Philadelphia Business Journal honors @SchabackerECRI, CEO of @ECRI_Org with Leaders in Healthcare 2021 Award

About ECRI

ECRI is an independent, nonprofit organization improving the safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness of care across all healthcare settings. With a focus on patient safety, evidence-based medicine, and health technology decision solutions, ECRI is respected and trusted by healthcare leaders and agencies worldwide. Over the past fifty years, ECRI has built its reputation on integrity and disciplined rigor, with an unwavering commitment to independence and strict conflict-of-interest rules.

ECRI is the only organization worldwide to conduct independent medical device evaluations, with labs located in North America and Asia Pacific. ECRI is designated an Evidence-based Practice Center by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. ECRI and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices PSO is a federally certified Patient Safety Organization as designated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) formally became an ECRI Affiliate in 2020.

Visit www.ecri.org and follow @ECRI_Org

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SOURCE ECRI
October 14, 2021





Advancements in information technology (IT) alongside the ever-evolving internet have changed the way brokers, agents, and lenders do business. Unfortunately, its one industry that has been slower to adopt than others. Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, more real estate companies have had to adapt faster than ever before.







PropTech is the latest buzzword on the IT scene. Similar to the recently adopted use of FinTech in terms of IT in the finance industry, PropTech is meant to discuss anything related to technology in property management or the real estate industry.

With innovative advancements in PropTech, people have completely changed the way they are buying, selling, and renting properties. Not to mention how property managers are maintaining their units and working with their tenants.

So how exactly has the world of IT impacted the real estate industry?

Major websites such as Realtor.com, Avail, Zillow, and Apartments.com have completely revamped how the real estate industry is using the power of big data across its platforms. From basic demographic data down to expansive buying and selling trends within specific regions, these companies are becoming the main sources of information where realtors and investors are getting their housing market information. But big data is going well beyond that.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning have made significant headway in terms of property searches such as if you are interested in buying a home with a private pool in Scottsdale, Arizona. According to Forbes, newer advancements are showing that AI can take it one step further by recommending more hyper-focused properties based on a persons preferences, personality traits, and values.

And thats not all. Virtual reality is taking real estate to the next level. With advanced technology in augmented reality, realtors will soon be able to send their clients through the homes virtually.

This takes away the need for the visitor to physically be on location  especially if they are located in a different part of the world and cant easily visit the property. Its also an incredible selling asset for realtors who are looking to sell properties that arent yet built. They can create pseudo digital versions for potential buyers to view before they are even created.

However, these advances are still in the works. So when you take the COVID-19 global pandemic into consideration, you have significantly more to consider. There was a huge amount that needed to change in order to successfully provide open houses or individual tours along with setting up the final walk-throughs and closings on home sales.

All of these had to be done while maintaining social distancing during the initial lockdown. Realty companies had to pursue technology in a way that many people hadnt considered before.

Snapdocs, Inc. recently announced that they have officially launched Closing Quality Control, a solution that uses patented technology to eliminate errors in mortgage closings that can all be done remotely. Errors in closing documents have been one of the biggest issues in real estate and end up being one of the most time-consuming to fix.

On average, 60 percent of closing documents contain errors, whether they are incomplete, unsigned, or contain incorrect closing information. Through Snapdocs use of technology, they have been able to create a platform that provides error-free closing documents entirely online. This also saves a substantial amount of time with every party involved, as it usually ends up being a slow back-and-forth process.

On the other side of the spectrum, you have borrowers that are struggling to save after the pandemic for a downpayment on a home. The housing market, especially since the pandemic, has become incredibly competitive for buyers with high demand and a significantly low supply.

This means more buyers are having to pay substantially more than the market value. The higher the price, the higher the downpayment. However, the United States is still undergoing a significant unemployment crisis at about 5.2% according to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report.

Thanks to technological advances by California Regional Multiple Listings Service (CRMLS), more people are able to discover resources that provide down payment assistance programs. As the nations largest and most recognized subscriber-based multiple listing services, CRMLS is now using its web-based services to aid homebuyers across the country.

While yes, these listings previously existed, if it werent for the use of CRMLS technology, significantly fewer people would be given the help they need to afford a home in this major time of crisis.

Aside from technological advances through big data and AI, the thriving world of technology in social media has also changed the way real estate agents and companies are running their businesses and building their brands.

Companies like Brand Caffeine are taking social media for the real estate industry to the next level. As a branding agency in New York City, they recently stated they are working with some of the top brokers throughout the city to grow their following and turn their content into viral content.

Liv Schreiber of Brand Caffeine was once a real estate agent but has since shifted by becoming a marketing guru for real estate agents around the globe. She now works with major brokers such as Brown Harris Stevens and Warburg Realty to curate unique content that generates million-dollar sales. By developing unique content, she is able to not only grow their following but change the entire game of social media marketing for real estate agents everywhere.

"Brands and influencers use unmatched individuality and UGC [user-generated] content to reel in customers, said Schreiber, Why should real estate be any different?"

There is so much more to PropTech that is changing the real estate industry every single day. Through the use of drones, 5G internet, and smart devices, we can only begin to see the world of possibilities.

As time continues, so will the industry. Hopefully, realtors wont be slow to adapt to the ever-changing world of PropTech.
[October 14, 2021] Alcon Celebrates World Sight Day 2021 in Communities Worldwide with Programs for Improved Access to Eye Care

Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC), the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, today celebrates World Sight Day 2021 by taking action in communities across the globe to raise awareness of blindness and vision impairment as global public health issues. Celebrated annually in October, World Sight Day is coordinated by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). This year's theme, #LoveYourEyes, is all about being aware of your own eye health and the importance of regular, comprehensive eye exams for you and your loved ones. As a steadfast advocate for eye health around the world, Alcon, through its two charitable foundations (Alcon Cares and Alcon Foundation), continues to provide support to people in communities around the world who are experiencing eye health issues including, cataracts, refractive errors, corneal blindness and more. "Our eyes are one of our most important and intricate organs. Yet, they're often not at the top of the list in terms of people's healthcare priorities," said David J. Endicott, Chief Executive Officer, Alcon. "Just imagine if one day you could no longer see your loved ones or participate in your favorite activities because of a preventable eye disease. Alcon is committed to educating people around the world about the importance of regular eye care as well as directly supporting access to eye care through the Alcon Foundation and Alcon Cares, in order to help people see brilliantly." Alcon and its associates are further recognizing World Sight Day by supporting and participating in initiatives that promote eye health awareness and quality eye care worldwide, such as: EYElliance , a multi-sector coalition that aims to increase access to eyeglasses at scale, and its National Eye Health Initiative in Liberia is hosting a webinar moderated by Alcon U.S. Vision Care General Manager Sean Clark for Alcon associates worldwide, discussing the organization's progress and learnings in the country, as well as plans to expand its impact by partnering with the Clinton Health Access Initiative.

, a multi-sector coalition that aims to increase access to eyeglasses at scale, and its National Eye Health Initiative in Liberia is hosting a webinar moderated by Alcon U.S. Vision Care General Manager Sean Clark for Alcon associates worldwide, discussing the organization's progress and learnings in the country, as well as plans to expand its impact by partnering with the Clinton Health Access Initiative. The Steps for Sight Challenge invites 2,020 Alcon associates from across the globe to take 5,000 steps on World Sight Day to raise a total of $25,000 for eye care organizations, including Orbis and VisionSpring.

invites 2,020 Alcon associates from across the globe to take 5,000 steps on World Sight Day to raise a total of $25,000 for eye care organizations, including Orbis and VisionSpring. Alcon Geneva associates will focus the day on learning more about eye health, including onsite vision screenings with one of Alcon's in-house Swiss-registered optometrists. They will also participate in learning sessions about Alcon's sight-enhancing surgical equipment and vision care products.

associates will focus the day on learning more about eye health, including onsite vision screenings with one of Alcon's in-house Swiss-registered optometrists. They will also participate in learning sessions about Alcon's sight-enhancing surgical equipment and vision care products. Alcon's Children's Vision Program , where Alcon associates and partners are delivering free, custom prescription eyeglasses to nearly 200 Texas students who participated in recent vision care screenings and exams hosted at school as part of this year's program.

, where Alcon associates and partners are delivering free, custom prescription eyeglasses to nearly 200 Texas students who participated in recent vision care screenings and exams hosted at school as part of this year's program. Alcon the Fireworks was held on the evening of October 10 in Inai City, Chiba Prefecture, in honor of Japan Sight Day. The fireworks event was held to educate people about the "20-20-20 rule" (look at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes when using a digital device).*1 While digital devices and digital content have enriched our lives, there are concerns about the impact of prolonged use of digital devices on eye health, including eye strain and myopia. It is recommended that we all follow the "20-20-20 rule" when using digital devices.*1



Continued partnership with Fort Worth Independent School District with the Children's Vision Program to provide students from low-income families with vital eye care services, including screenings, exams and eyeglasses.

Participation with VisionSpring in India to provide low-income families with accessible, affordable and culturally appropriate optical services to enable them to return to work, receive an education and live safer, longer lives.

Partnership with Kentucky College of Optometry to deliver eye care services to impoverished communities within the U.S. where there are high rates of vision loss due to lack of access to eye care services.

Long-time partnership with Mercy Ships, providing patients in sub-Saharan Africa who have limited-to-no access to healthcare with quality eye care services.

Virtual and hands-on learning and mentoring with Orbis, an international non-profit aimed at fighting blindness, to train teams of eye care professionals in communities with the greatest need to help save people's sight. For more information on Alcon's commitment to expanding global eye care access during World Sight Day and beyond visit alcon.com/about-us/corporate-social-responsibility.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: "anticipate," "intend," "commitment," "look forward," "maintain," "plan," "goal," "seek," "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "will" and similar references to future periods. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties and risks that are difficult to predict. Some of these factors are discussed in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Form 20-F. In particular, our expectations could be affected by uncertainties regarding the success of our separation and spin-off from Novartis. Should one or more of these uncertainties or risks materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of its filing, and we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. References

*1 American Academy of Ophthalmology (American Academy of Ophthalmology)

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/computer-usage About Alcon

Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning more than seven decades, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people's lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 23,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with eye care professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at www.alcon.com. Alcon Foundation

For more than 50 years, Alcon has partnered with non-profit organizations that help advance eye health, skills transfer, education and access to quality eye care around the world. The Alcon Foundation awards grants to qualified, U.S.-based tax-exempt public 501(c)(3) charities that provide high-quality programs, training and community services with well-defined goals to enhance sight and improve the lives of people who otherwise would not have access to proper eye care. For more information, visit https://www.alcon.com/about-us/corporate-responsibility/eye-care-everyone. Connect with us on

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[October 14, 2021] Amwell's Converge Virtual Care Platform Hailed as Best New Application in Telehealth

Amwell (NYSE: AMWL), a national telehealth leader, today announced the general availability of Converge for EHRs, adding built in EHR integration capabilities to the Converge platform, alongside the standalone Amwell Now on Converge, which has been deployed in over 40 health systems. Converge is designed to offer a scalable, simple and unified digital care delivery experience across the care continuum. The announcement comes as Amwell's Converge Platform is named Best New Application in Telehealth by UCSF, a Tech Top 50 by the Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council (MassTLC), and is called out as a driver behind Amwell being named Chilmark Research's Flagship Vendor in Omnichannel Functionality. "We are thrilled to see both the industry and our clients responding so favorably to Converge, underscoring broad recognition for our latest platform's ability to uniquely provide a single, integrated, scalable and dependable platform that combines physical, virtual, and automated care delivery," said Ido Schoenberg, Chairman and co-CEO, Amwell. "As leaders call for a more streamlined and systemized digital healthcare infrastructure enabled through platform consolidation, these award wins and the general availability of Converge not only illustrate strong momentum for our company, but also bring us one step closer to delivering on our mission to enable greater access to more efficient, more affordable, higher quality care." According to a recent survey from Amwell and HIMSS Analytics, 77 percent of hospital and health system leaders want to move toward a single, secure, and fully integrated virtual care platform, and 75 percent of payers say that access to virtual care data and insights through a single digital platform would streamline member experiences, improve patient outcomes, and support the development of innovative models of care coordination and delivery. The Converge Platformis designed to deliver the integrated and unified experience that healthcare leaders are after, providing one complete patient picture that connects and integrates to the entire healthcare ecosystem with a single code base and open architecture, that is simpler and easier to use than ever before.



Amwell has received positive feedback from clients using the Converge Platform following a strong initial rollout. "Converge makes delivering virtual care quicker and easier. It's a reliable and stable platform that's well integrated and enables a seamless virtual handoff between staff and providers, said Michael Williams, Vice President and Chief Information Officer at LMH Health. "The impact extends to our care team as well. One of our family practice providers called the new platform 'easy-peasy, lemon squeezy'. We are always trying to make life easier for our care teams so when you have a provider saying this, it goes a long way."

"Converge has provided our clinics with a virtual visit platform designed for healthcare which integrates with the electronic health record for an enhanced patient and clinician experience. We are pleased to partner with Amwell to deliver virtual visits to our patients at the moment this care is needed," said Deb Muro, Chief Information Officer at El Camino Health. As a result of the impact Converge is having on the healthcare industry, the Platform has now been recognized with the following awards: New Application in Telehealth from the UCSF Health Awards , the premier health tech industry awards. Amwell was recognized for its innovative and scalable telehealth platform scoring high on quality, safety, EHR integrations, cost and convenience.

, the premier health tech industry awards. Amwell was recognized for its innovative and scalable telehealth platform scoring high on quality, safety, EHR integrations, cost and convenience. Flagship Vendor in Omnichannel Functionality by Chilmark Research , which examined Virtual Care Management overall. Amwell received high marks for strength within the market and is the leader in extensibility and engagement, with Converge being called out for its strength as an omnichannel platform.

, which examined Virtual Care Management overall. Amwell received high marks for strength within the market and is the leader in extensibility and engagement, with Converge being called out for its strength as an omnichannel platform. Tech Top 50 Honoree by MassTLC which recognizes the companies, individuals and innovations transforming the Massachusetts technology landscape. Amwell was recognized for its launch and impact of the Converge Platform. To learn more about Amwell's Converge Platform and how it can help your organization, visit: https://business.amwell.com/solution-overview/. About Amwell Amwell is a leading telehealth platform in the United States and globally, connecting and enabling providers, insurers, patients, and innovators to deliver greater access to more affordable, higher quality care. Amwell believes that digital care delivery will transform healthcare. The Company offers a single, comprehensive platform to support all telehealth needs from urgent to acute and post-acute care, as well as chronic care management and healthy living. With over a decade of experience, Amwell powers telehealth solutions for over 2,000 hospitals and 55 health plan partners with over 36,000 employers, covering over 80 million lives. For more information, please visit https://business.amwell.com/. American Well, Amwell, Converge and Carepoint are registered trademarks or trademarks of American Well Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements about us and our industry that involve substantial risks and uncertainties and are based on our beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to us. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding our future results of operations, financial condition, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "will," or "would," or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements represent our beliefs and assumptions only as of the date of this release. These statements, and related risks, uncertainties, factors and assumptions, include, but are not limited to: weak growth and increased volatility in the telehealth market; inability to adapt to rapid technological changes; increased competition from existing and potential new participants in the healthcare industry; changes in healthcare laws, regulations or trends and our ability to operate in the heavily regulated healthcare industry; our ability to comply with federal and state privacy regulations; the significant liability that could result from a cybersecurity breach; and other factors described under 'Risk Factors' in our Form 10-K filed with the SEC (News - Alert) on March 26, 2021. These risks are not exhaustive. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. Further information on factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated by our forward-looking statements is included in the reports we have filed or will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings, when available, are available on the investor relations section of our website at investors.amwell.com and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005310/en/

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[October 14, 2021] Axonify Releases Annual Global State of Frontline Work Experience Study

WATERLOO, ON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Axonify, a leader in frontline employee training, today announced results from its annual Global State of Frontline Work Experience Study conducted in July/August 2021 by global market research firm Arlington Research. Highlighting the drivers of the Great Resignation for frontline workers, this year's survey revealed that nearly 50 percent of frontline workers are preparing to leave their current jobs citing burnout as the top reason (58%). Conducted in the US, UK and Australia, the survey engaged over 2,500 frontline employees from a range of industries including retail, grocery, finance, banking, insurance and professional sales to learn more about the experience of working on the frontlines through the COVID-19 pandemic. "Everyone is talking about the future of work, but too many of these conversations focus solely on the corporate employee experience and don't consider the frontline. The time has come to rethink the frontline work experience," said Carol Leaman, CEO of Axonify. "Successful companies realize that frontline workers are the face of their brand. We need to emphasize the importance of this group's experience to ensure they are supported and provided with equitable opportunities so they can advance their careers - and serve as brand ambassadors." The key takeaways from the report include: More Pay Doesn't Justify Poor Conditions While many frontline employees report pay as a motivator to stay at a company (49%), compensation doesn't even make the top three resignation factors. Frontline workers aren't just looking for better pay, they're looking for better conditions when they are overworked and burned out. Almost half of frontline employees reported they're planning to leave their current jobs, with Gen Z most eager to leave (63%).

When frontline employees were asked why they're planning to resign, over half of respondents cited feeling burned out at work (58%), followed by a lack of appreciation from management and/or peers (53%), and a lack of interest in daily work (52%), with poor compensation (52%) coming in fourth.

When looking at the different industries, retail workers reported burnout (63%) as being a more important motivating factor for resigning compared to compensation (50%). How can employers prevent frontline employees from jumping ship? Compensation matters, but employees say they also want more flexible scheduling (44%), more apreciation (42%) and more positive relationships at work (42%).



Room for Improvement Regarding Equity on the Frontlines While an increased spotlight on social justice has motivated organizations to rethink their approach to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB), the report shows employers still have a long way to go. Based on the 2021 findings, three key areas of equity disparity on the frontline emerged: gender, work location and job status.

Gender: There is a clear gender gap in the frontline work experience. Employees that identify as male reported higher satisfaction with their compensation (70%) compared to employees that identify as female (60%).

These same employees reported greater satisfaction on issues like manager trust (72% vs 62%), pandemic support (78% vs 70%) and career development (69% vs 59%). Frontline vs. Corporate: The data also revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic has expanded the existing disparity gap between corporate and frontline workers. Office workers were much more satisfied (86%) with their support as compared to store/branch employees (67%).

Similarly, more than 8 out of 10 office workers were happy with everyday work (81%), but less than two-thirds of store/branch employees felt the same (64%). Job Status: Full-time employees reported higher job satisfaction compared to part-time workers. Just a little less than two-thirds of part-time workers (vs 80% of full-time workers) were satisfied with the support provided by their employers during the pandemic

Half of part-time workers trust their manager to consider employee wellbeing when making decisions vs 72% for full-time workers Added Leaman, "Fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace shouldn't even be a question. Every single person deserves the opportunity to do and be their best at work. And not only is it the right thing to do, but focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is also a strong business strategy. Yet, employers with frontline employees still have considerable room for improvement in this area." Frontline Workers Crave Career and Skill Development Opportunities Although billed as a corporate imperative, frontline training tends to take a backseat due to access and turnover. Retail associates, grocery workers, contact center agents and delivery drivers are difficult to reach with traditional courses and training programs. And heavy turnover in frontline roles often makes training less of a priority. Based on this year's findings, internal skill development remains inconsistent but is in demand. Over one third of employees say they only receive training during big job changes like transfers and promotions (36%) and nearly one-quarter reported rarely or never receiving additional training (20%).

When employees were asked about access to skill development, less than half indicated having access to developing their career advancement skills like management and leadership even though more than one-third had requested it.

Training and skills development is even bleaker in retail and grocery with only half of retail workers and less than two-thirds of grocery workers getting the opportunity to take on new responsibilities and advance their careers. Training can be a motivator to help combat burnout. When frontline employees were asked what would motivate them to stay at a company, one third said more career advancement opportunities (34%) and access to more training and skill development (32%). Study Methodology

Findings from the 2021 Global State of Frontline Work Experience Study were derived from a survey conducted by Arlington Research gathered between July 22, 2021 and August 2, 2021, surveying 2,564 respondents from the USA, UK, and Australia. At the time of the survey, respondents held frontline roles in grocery, retail, finance, banking, insurance or professional sales for companies with more than 1,000 employees. Download the full 2021 Global State of Frontline Work Experience Study here. About Axonify

Axonify is the modern training and communications solution for frontline employees that actually works. Why does it work so well? Because the experience is fun, fast, personalized and designed to make critical information stick. And employees love it83% of users log in 2-3 times a week, which translates into meaningful behavior change that drives business results. More than 200+ customers in 155+ countries around the world, including Walmart, Bloomingdale's, Levi's and Merck, trust Axonify to fuel their people's performance to keep pace with their business. Founded in 2011, Axonify is headquartered in Waterloo, ON Canada. For more information, please visit http://www.axonify.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1658721/Axonify_Logo.jpg SOURCE Axonify

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[October 14, 2021] BNP Paribas Launches Cortex ATS in the US

BNP Paribas today announced the launch of its Cortex ATS platform in the US, enabling the bank to offer a full range of solutions and services to its quantitative and fundamental investor clients globally. The Cortex ATS platform will provide BNP Paribas clients access to a non-displayed liquidity venue accessible from all execution channels. The ATS platform builds on the bank's existing Cortex platform across equities, FX, rates, and listed derivatives. Recent Cortex Equities platform enhancements include new data center and exchange connectivity as well as new quantitative research driven upgrades to smart order routing logic and algorithmic trading strategies. As a world-class equity execution platform, Cortex Equities forms the core of a broader equity execution services offering for high-touch, portfolio, electronic trading and exchange-traded fund (ETF) execution. BNP Paribas' highly experienced coverage team will utilize the state-of-the-art technology and advanced analytics to deliver best execution to clients. In addition, the integrated execution services model will provide a unique, client-focused execution experience and consistency across all channels. "Cortex Equities will now provide our institutional equity clients a best-in-class execution technology and service offering tailored to meet the needs of their individual portfolio implementation demands for a broad array of investment strategies," said Brian Fagen, Head of Execution Services for the Americas at BNP Paribas. "As a result, our new and innovative equities execution offering will help strengthen our partnerships with global clients." Cortex Equities is a critical part of the bank's efforts to strengthen its holistic equities offering. BNP Paribas has completed the acquisition of 100% of Exane, raising its stake from the 50% previously held during a successful 17-year partnership. Leveraging Exane's expertise in cash equities (execution and research) and derivatives, the transaction wll further strengthen and widen the range of equity and derivatives services BNP Paribas can offer to institutional investors and corporates globally. This, together with the migration of Deutsche Bank's Global Prime Finance and Electronic Equities business to BNP Paribas, will position the bank as a leading provider in Global Equities.



"This is an important step in our ambition to be a top global prime broker and to strengthen our equities complex with a holistic offering in this key asset class," said Ashley Wilson, Global Head of Prime Services at BNP Paribas. "Ultimately, the strength of our equities capabilities will allow us to continue to be a true partner to our clients across all regions." In addition, the Cortex ATS launch is a key milestone in the migration of Deutsche Bank's Global Prime Finance and Electronic Equities platform to BNP Paribas. In 2019, BNP Paribas and Deutsche Bank signed and announced an agreement to transfer technology and key staff from Deutsche Bank's Global Prime Finance and Electronic Equities business to BNP Paribas. The global migration is well underway and has entered its final phase. It is expected to complete by end of 2021.

About BNP Paribas BNP Paribas is the European Union's leading bank and key player in international banking. It operates in 68 countries and has more than 193,000 employees, including nearly 148,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main fields of activity: Retail Banking for the Group's retail-banking networks and several specialized businesses including BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval ; Investment & Protection Services for savings, investment and protection solutions ; and Corporate & Institutional Banking, focused on corporate and institutional clients. Based on its strong diversified and integrated model, the Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realize their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance. In Europe, BNP Paribas has four domestic markets: Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg. The Group is rolling out its integrated retail-banking model across several Mediterranean countries, Turkey, Eastern Europe as well as via a large network in the western part of the United States. As a key player in international banking, the Group has leading platforms and business lines in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific. BNP Paribas has implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility approach in all its activities, enabling it to contribute to the construction of a sustainable future, while ensuring the Group's performance and stability. About BNP Paribas in the USA BNP Paribas has built a strong and diversified presence in the United States to support its client base. The bank employs close to 14,000 people and has had a presence in the USA since the late 1800s. Bank of the West serves over 2 million individuals and small & businesses through a network of around 600 branches and business centers. Large corporate and institutional clients are serviced by BNP Paribas' Corporate & Institutional Banking franchise that has a presence in the main US cities, in addition to a global reach through a network of offices in EMEA and APAC. The bank also offers asset management services through BNP Paribas Asset Management as well as Real Estate and Fleet Services through partnerships. For more information please see www.usa.bnpparibas.com/en/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005632/en/

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[October 14, 2021] Fiverr's Fall 2021 Small Business Needs Index Reveals Importance of Retail Adapting to Hybrid Models

Fiverr International Ltd. (NYSE: FVRR), the company that is changing how the world works together, today released its Fall 2021 Small Business Needs Index, which analyzes data from the millions of searches across the platform. The data and search trends prove that the hybrid operating models business adapted throughout the pandemic are here to stay. Businesses are taking advantage of both online and offline channels and making them work together to better serve customers' needs. To do this, they are using innovative technologies and seeking out new ways to engage with their clients. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005117/en/ Fall 2021 Small Business Needs Index (Graphic: Business Wire) "Small businesses around the world are welcoming their customers back, and some, welcoming customers for the first time ever. However, because of the digital transformation that took place during the pandemic, the ways that they are engaging with them are new and different," said Hila Klein, COO of Fiverr. "They're using innovative technologies and services to interact digitally, while working to create safe in-person experiences as well. As hybrid approaches towards business operations become the new norm, Fiverr's global network of freelance talent can help businesses ensure they are set up for success." The following services and technologies are the top trending searches on Fiverr, globally, over the last six months. Global Data Shopify Sales Funnel ; 235% Increase in search

; Amazon PPC Campaign ; 171% Increase

; Online Course Content ; 166% Increase

; Klaviyo ;

; Kajabi ; 135% Increase

; Landscape Design ; 100% Increase

; GoHighLevel ; 94% Increase

; Google (News - Alert) Maps ; 94% Increase

; Google Adwords ; 93% Increase

; Facebook Page Creation; 90% Increase



here. In the United States, we see businesses continuing to invest in hybrid operating models. They are using tools like Canva (79% increase in search) to take advantage of online design templates for social media, websites, and mobile, but offline, for marketing materials like fliers. Restaurants are connecting with professionals to overhaul their websites and ensure their connectivity to QR codes for digital menu access (57% increase in search for Restaurant Menu Design). Ecommerce remains top of mind, with businesses enhancing SEO for Shopify stores (45% increase in search for SEO Shopify).

Fiverr's Small Business Needs Index analyzes search data across the platform to identify services that have seen significant increases in search over the past six months. These search terms allow Fiverr to predict what's important, what's trending and what's next for small businesses so they can stay on top of trends and implement new technologies. The Index also breaks down the top trending services searched for businesses in Australia, Germany, Israel, the Netherlands, Spain, and the U.K. A country-by-country breakdown is viewable here. About Fiverr Fiverr's mission is to change how the world works together. Since 2010, the Fiverr platform has been at the forefront of the future of work connecting businesses of all sizes with skilled freelancers offering digital services in more than 500 categories, across 9 verticals including graphic design, digital marketing, programming, video and animation. In the twelve months ended June 30, 2021, 4.0 million customers bought a wide range of services from freelancers across more than 160 countries. We invite you to become part of the future of work by visiting us at fiverr.com, read our blog and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005117/en/

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[October 14, 2021] Global Energy Prize holds award ceremony for its laureates from Greece, Italy, Russia and USA

MOSCOW, Oct. 14, 2021 /CNW/ -- The Global Energy Association's gala ceremony took place in Moscow at the Russian Energy Week forum. Owing to Covid restrictions, the gala prize award ceremony for 2020 was postponed until 2021. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak presented the prizes to the 2020 and 2021

Global Energy Prize laureates. The ceremony was chaired by the President of the Global Energy

Association, Sergey Brilev. Here are the names of the 2021 laureates. Zinfer Ismagilov (Russia) was a laureate in the "Conventional Energy" nomination for his

contribution to the chemistry of carbon materials, heterogeneous catalysis, and climate action. Suleyman Allakhverdiev (Russia) was a laureate in the "Non-convetional energy" nomination







in the design of artificial photosynthesis systems, a cycle of scientific works in the field of

bioenergy and hydrogen energy. Yi Cui (USA) was a laureate in the "New ways of energy application" nomination for his

exceptional contributions in nanomaterials design, synthesis and characterisation for energy and

the environment, particularly for transformational innovations in battery science.

Here are the names of the 2020 laureates. Carlo Rubbia (Italy) was a laureate in the "Conventional Energy" nomination for the promotion

of sustainability of energy use in the field of nuclear waste and natural gas pyrolysis. Peidong Yang (USA) was a laureate in the "Non-Conventional Energy" nomination for

pioneering invention of nanoparticle-based solar cell and artificial photosynthesis. Nikolaos Hatziargyriou (Greece) was a laureate in the "New Ways of Energy Application"

nomination for his contribution to the stability of power grid systems by pioneering smart and

microgrid systems by using artificial intelligence. "In today's world, energy is one of the foundations of socio-economic development," Alexander

Novak said in his address during the ceremony. "And that is why scientific discoveries in this field affect the future path to be taken in the development of out entire civilisation. It is in this regard that the Global Energy Prize is becoming a landmark event which reflects not just the future of the fuel and energy complex, but humankind as a whole." View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-energy-prize-holds-award-ceremony-for-its-laureates-from-greece-italy-russia-and-usa-301399885.html SOURCE The Global Energy Association

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[October 14, 2021] HISUN Motors Canada Appoints LendCare as Preferred Lender

TORONTO, Oct. 14, 2021 /CNW/ - LendCare Capital Inc., a leading Canadian finance and technology company, and wholly owned subsidiary of goeasy Ltd. (TSX: GSY), today announced a preferred lending partnership with newly-launched HISUN Motors Canada, providing financial flexibility for powersports enthusiasts who demand high quality vehicles for their all-terrain adventure experiences. "As we welcome HISUN into the thriving Canadian powersports market, we're confident that LendCare will power HISUN vehicle sales across the country", said Ali Metel, CEO, LendCare Capital Inc. "HISUN has been recognized as one of the largest global powersports providers, consistently matching innovative product designs with consumer demand, and LendCare will play an integral role in driving new revenue for their dealers coast-to-coast". "Competing in the Canadian powersports marketplace is a key component of HISUN's long-term growth strategy", said Joe Tranter, General Manager, Hisun Motors Canada. "The new partnership with LendCare perfectly aligns with the evolution of our expansion plans, with over 60 dealers in Canada or over 300 in North America currently selling our vehicles. We look forward to fully integrating LendCare into our national sales operations". LendCare, one of Canada's largest powersport lenders, is leveraging FrontLine, its proprietary financing technology, which allows Canadians to apply for financing from anywhee in real-time.



About LendCare Capital Inc. LendCare Capital Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of goeasy Ltd. (TSX: GSY), is a Canadian point-of-sale consumer finance and technology company, which enables over 6,000 businesses to increase their revenue by providing full credit spectrum financing at the point-of-sale. For over a decade, LendCare has cleared a path to providing fast, reliable, and affordable financing options for the powersports, automotive, retail, home improvement and health sectors, while processing over $6 billion in loan applications to date. With a dedicated team of finance experts and well-established partnerships with merchants, dealerships, and brokers, LendCare bridges the gap between credit score and customers living their best life.

Stay Connected to LendCare

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/lendcare

Instagram: instagram.com/lendcarecanada

Facebook: facebook.com/LendCareCanada

Twitter: twitter.com/LendCareCanada

Website: lendcare.ca About HISUN Motors Canada For over 30 years, HISUN Motors has provided quality and revolutionary all-terrain vehicles for some of the biggest names in the powersports industry. Now, HISUN Motors is focused on expanding their success into the Canadian Market with the official launch of HISUN Motors Canada Corp., a subsidiary of HISUN Motors Corp., USA. With the addition of a new Distribution Center in Stoney Creek, Ontario, HISUN is excited about growing with the Canadian Market. Dedicated to delivering a complete line of unique and versatile UTVs and ATVs, with a common focus of surpassing industry expectations, HISUNS' mission is to fuel enthusiasts worldwide with innovative products that propel the industry. Stay Connected to HISUN Motors Canada

Instagram: instagram.com/hisuncanada

Facebook: facebook.com/hisuncanada

Twitter: twitter.com/hisuncanada

Website: hisunmotorscorp.ca SOURCE LendCare

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[October 14, 2021] Keystone Honors Peel & Holland and Riddle Insurance National Agency of the Year

Keystone Insurers Group (Keystone) awarded Peel & Holland and Riddle Insurance (Peel & Holland/Riddle), headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, its highest honor - National Agency of the Year - during Keystone's annual National Conference. Keystone President and CEO David E. Boedker, Sr. made the announcement along with Peel & Holland President Roy Riley and Riddle Insurance President Skip McGaw. The award recognizes the agency that best exemplifies Keystone's mission: "Independence works better together." Criteria include demonstrating a commitment to growing through leadership mentoring, engaging in technology advancements, employing best practices to improve operations, and developing new income streams to strengthen business diversity. Peel & Holland/Riddle was one of 12 state winners nominated for the honor. The other eleven nominees, all of which are Keystone 'State Agencies of the Year,' included: GA - Lee, Hill & Johnston Insurors (Statesboro, www.lhjins.com)

IL - Joseph M. Wiedemann & Sons (Arlington Heights, www.jmwsons.com)

IN - Beatty Insurance (Seymour, www.beattyinsurance.com)

MI - Nulty Insurance (Alpena, www.nulty.com)

MO - Midwest Risk Partners (St. Louis, https://midwestriskpartners.com)

NC - Jones Insurance Agency (Garner, www.jones-insurance.com)

OH - Huesman-Schmid Insurance Agency (Cincinnati, www.huesmanschmid.com)

PA - Deibler, Straub, and Troutman (Elizabethville, www.dstinsurance.com)

TN - Robins Insurance (Nashville, https://robinsins.com/)

VA - Brown Insurance (Blacksburg, www.LLBrown.net)

WI - Family Insurance Center (Seymour, www.familyinsctr.com)



"It is my honor to congratulate Peel & Holland as Keystone's 2021 National Agency of the Year," stated David E. Boedker, Sr., Chief Executive Officer of Keystone. "Keystone is proud to collaborate with the very best independent agents and brokers in the country, and Peel & Holland has demonstrated their commitment to the industry and their clients. Since becoming part of the Keystone family, they have leveraged all that we have to offer and have flourished. We believe the best is yet to come!"

About Peel & Holland, Inc. - Peel & Holland Inc. provides insurance services to businesses, individuals, employees, and public entities across 36 states. Established in 1924, Peel & Holland continues to build on a legacy of developing lasting relationships with clients they serve and within the communities where they do business. The company is headquartered in Benton, Kentucky with offices also located in Paducah, Murray, Mayfield, and Franklin. The company is recognized as an industry leader having been named one of Kentucky's "Best Places to Work" in 2018 - 2021, and as a Top 100 in the nation "Best Practices Agency" by the Independent Insurance Agents of America. For more information, visit www.peelholland.com. About Riddle Insurance - Riddle Insurance is a privately-held independent insurance agency providing insurance products and services to businesses, individuals, employees, and public entities. Since 1918, Riddle Insurance has focused on family values and continues to build trust-based relationships with their clients, many across multiple generations. Riddle Insurance serves clients of all sizes across a wide variety of industries, having expertise in helping the agri-business and local farming community as well as serving the needs of contractors and the construction industry. The company is based in Madisonville, Kentucky. For more information or to contact a member of our team, visit www.riddleins.com. About Keystone Insurers Group (Keystone) -- Keystone started in 1983 when four independent insurance agencies teamed up to pool their experience and expertise. This small group believed that agencies could be stronger and more successful if they linked arms - a passion and spirit that continues. Growing to almost 300 independent agency partners in 17 states, Keystone provides its agents with a community of like-minded agencies, industry expertise and access to specialized products for their clients. Keystone is ranked number four on Insurance Journal's 2021 list of Top 20 Property/Casualty Agency Partnerships. For more information, go to www.keystoneinsgrp.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005742/en/

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[October 14, 2021] Lazard to Announce Third-Quarter and Nine-Month 2021 Results

Lazard Ltd (NYSE: LAZ) will announce its third-quarter and nine-month 2021 results in a press release to be issued Friday morning, October 29, 2021. The press release will be available on Lazard's website at: www.lazard.com. Lazard will host a conference call at 8:00 a.m. EDT on October 29, 2021, to discuss the company's financial results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2021. The conference call can be accessed via a live audio webcast available through Lazard's Investor Relations website at www.lazard.com, or by dialing 1 (800) 367-2403 (toll-free, U.S. and Canada) or +1 (334) 777-6978 (outside of the U.S. and Canada), 15 minutes prior to the start of the call.



A replay of the conference call will be available by 10:00 a.m. EDT on October 29, 2021, via the Lazard Investor Relations website, www.lazard.com, or by dialing 1 (888) 203-1112 (toll-free, U.S. and Canada) or +1 (719) 457-0820 (outside of the U.S. and Canada). The replay access code is: 2407222. ??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-EPE

LAZ-CPE View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014006061/en/

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[October 12, 2021] Saudi Arabian Lighting Market to Surpass $3,577 Million by 2030, says P&S Intelligence

NEW YORK, Oct. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Saudi Arabian lighting market value is expected to rise from $1,350.0 million in 2020 to $3,577.0 million by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.2% from 2020 to 2030. The major factors fueling the expansion of the market are the surging use of LEDs, soaring popularity of smart homes, and launch of smart city projects. Electricity consumption is expected to rise by over 50% in Saudi Arabia in the next two decades, thus massively pushing up the demand for energy-efficient lights. As per the International Energy Agency (IEA), smart lighting systems can reduce energy consumption by 35%. Moreover, as conventional lights account for around 5% of the greenhouse gas emissions, the growing adoption of LEDs is propelling the Saudi Arabian lighting market. Get the sample pages of this report at: https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/saudi-arabia-lighting-market/report-sample



Key Findings of Saudi Arabia Lighting Market Report Fixtures contributed the higher revenue to the Saudi Arabian lighting market in the past, under the component segment, due to their low maintenance costs and improved performance.

Wireless lights are predicted to demonstrate the faster growth in the Saudi Arabian lighting market in the coming years, within the technology segment. These lights eliminate the requirement for wires, thereby facilitating the easy installation and removal of the lights from the system.

Voice controls and other smart features in lighting products are trending in the kingdom, in part due to the government's efforts to make the homes here smarter.

Rampant construction under the Saudi Vision 2030 is one of the key factors driving the demand for lights. The government aims to reduce its dependence on oil and gas, which is why it is undertaking rampant infrastructure development in the industrial, orporate, tourism, education, and other sectors.

Alfanar Group launched the latest collection of cables and wires, switch and junction boxes, distribution boards, switches and sockets, lighting products, and service boxes at the IEE Conference in April 2019 .



Browse Detailed Report on Saudi Arabian Lighting Market Trend Analysis, Opportunities and Growth Forecast to 2030





The COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp fall in the growth rate of the Saudi Arabian lighting market, with many manufacturing facilities and logistics organizations complaining of operational disruptions owing to the imposition of lockdowns and restrictions on the movement of people and goods. In addition, many industrial and commercial projects were postponed, thereby driving down the lighting demand. Al Nasser Group, NVC International Holdings Limited, Huda Lighting, LEDVANCE GmbH, Al AbdulKarim Holding, Signify N.V., National Lighting Company, Alfanar Group, Zumtobel Group AG, OPPLE Lighting Co. Ltd., TRILUX GmbH & Co. KG, and CINMAR Lighting Systems are some of the major players in the Saudi Arabian lighting market. Saudi Arabian Lighting Market Report Coverage Component Fixture

Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL)



Light-emitting diode (LED)



Organic-light emitting diode (OLED)



High-intensity discharge (HID)



Plasma

Control

Sensors



Microprocessors & controllers



Dimmers & switches



Wireless transmitters & receivers



Ballasts & LED drivers Technology Wired

Building automation control network (BACnet)



Digital addressable lighting interface (DALI)



Power line control (PLC)



Proprietary Control

Wireless

EnoCean



ZigBee



Bluetooth



Wi-Fi



Radio Frequency (RF) Application Residential

Commercial

Industrial

Outdoor

Automotive Browse Related Reports LED Lighting Market Outlook - Asia-Pacific (APAC) region deployed the largest number of LED lights in the recent past, owing to the deep penetration of LED lighting systems in the residential sectors of India, South Korea, and China.



Outdoor Lighting Market Outlook - Outdoor lighting market revenue to increase from $10.7 billion in 2019 to $23.8 billion by 2030, at a 7.3% CAGR between 2020 and 2030. Lights are not only used for illuminating dark areas, but also for aesthetic and security purposes.



Horticulture Lighting Market Outlook - Europe led the horticulture lighting market in the past and it is expected to retain its dominance in the coming years as well. This is because the region is the highest producer and exporter of vegetables, fruits, and flowers. About P&S Intelligence P&S Intelligence is a provider of market research and consulting services catering to the market information needs of burgeoning industries across the world. Providing the plinth of market intelligence, P&S as an enterprising research and consulting company, believes in providing thorough landscape analyses on the ever-changing market scenario, to empower companies to make informed decisions and base their business strategies with astuteness. Contact:

Prajneesh Kumar

P&S Intelligence

Phone: +1-347-960-6455

Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.com

Web: https://www.psmarketresearch.com

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[October 14, 2021] Two Chinese Designs Won the Gold Award in 2021 Design Intelligence Award.

SHAOXING, China, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Shaoxing-2021 Design Intelligence Award, supported by the People's Government of Zhejiang Province, hosted by China Academy of Art, co-organized by Higher Education Teaching Steering Branch in Industrial Design of the Ministry of Education, was held its awards ceremony in Oriental Milan International Fashion Center, Keqiao, Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province on the evening of October 12. Awarded entries from 4 major categories were announced, including 2 Chinese works of Movable "Huo-Yan" Product Series and Centralized Fume Exhaust System, standing out from 7815 entries and winning the Gold Award and 1 million bonus (around 145,000 dollars). The Gold Award entry Movable "Huo-Yan" Product Series is constitute of nucleic acid detection laboratory and quarantine ward. It can be stored and folded easily to quickly respond to the needs of epidemic outbreak. Te judges commented that it can unfold vehicle-box laboratory automatically in 1 minute and build nucleic acid detection laboratory and quarantine ward in 20 minutes, which supports the needs of covid testing for millions of people. It's designed for the epidemic, but it rather providing a fast, accurate and comprehensive medical solution for a wider social public health safety and treatment.



Gold Award work Centralized Fume Exhaust System is an urban fume solution based on intelligent cloud platform 3.0, AI algorithm, which links central fume machine and terminal a achieve centralized emission. According to the judges, the work has renovated the traditional fume exhaust system from the fume exhaust of individual kitchen to the air purification of community system. The central intelligent cloud platform reaches 99.5% of purification efficiency through real-time supervision and centralized treatment. The design comes from but beyond daily life. It is a green technology innovation in the kitchen electricity industry, and also an intelligent life system innovation based on smart city. After the comprehensive consideration of online preliminary evaluation and onsite final evaluation by 49 domestic and foreign judges, a total of 327 works were successfully shortlisted, including 30 qualified entries as top award candidates, which will also be exhibited in Zhejiang Exhibition Hall from Sept. 22nd to Oct. 14th. and some will be exhibited in Special Exhibition from Oct. 1st to Oct. 21st in Keqiao, Shaoxing.

Design Intelligence Award Committee

Enjoy Yao

yaoyunzhui@di-award.org SOURCE Design Intelligence Award Committee

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UJET Walks Away Victorious in the 2021 TITAN Business Awards' Second Season

UJET, Inc., the world's first and only CCaaS 3.0 cloud contact center provider, announced today that it has been recognized in two categories by the 2021 TITAN Business Awards, Season 2. UJET has been awarded Gold for both Most Innovative Company of the Year and Technical Innovation of the Year in the United States. This announcement comes on the heels of two other achievements within the contact center industry for UJET:

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005247/en/







The establishment of TITAN Awards has been an aspiration for IAA to honor and commemorate achievements and recognize expertise in every aspect of business. "We praise the phenomenal Titan-like accomplishments of a wide range of organizations, from all sectors, and their strong determination to achieve greater heights," said Kenjo Ong, CEO of IAA. "Holding on through hardships and hassles, we intend to uplift and encourage all businesses, being the advocate of integrity for all corporate professionals across the globe."

2021 TITAN Business Awards Grand Jury Panel

Despite their hectic schedules of managing their own business, the jury panel of the 2021 TITAN Business Awards still came through and provided valuable evaluations and insights to these astounding business entries of Season 2. These amazing individuals are well respected in their respective fields, from organizations, such as: Marie O'Riordan (PR, EML), Belinda Jane Dolan (Clariti Group), Santiago Villegas (1903 Public Relations), Roland Bagen (Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)), Jessica Tiller (Pugh & Tiller PR), Oscar Solano Brenes ( Porter Novelli (News - Alert) ), Kevin Yu (SideChef Inc.), Bilal Awan (PsycReality), Tyler DeLarm (Chargeback Gurus), Jan Jaszberenyi (Deutsche Telekom Services Europe Slovakia), Graham Kelly (Originate Pte. Ltd), Thanasis Papapostolou (AIP Consulting Ltd), to list a few.

Exceptional Entrepreneurial and Organizational Participations

Throughout this season alone, TITAN Business Awards received entries from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Finland, Germany, Switzerland, Brazil, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, to name a few, and more than 500 entries were nominated. However, only the Titans of the industry emerged victorious, via high standards of evaluations.

To view UJET's winning entries for the 2021 TITAN Business Awards' Second Season, please click the following links:

About UJET

UJET is the world's first and only cloud contact center platform for smartphone era CX. By modernizing digital and in-app experiences, UJET unifies the enterprise brand experience across sales, marketing, and support, eliminating the frustration of channel switching between voice, digital, and self-service for consumers. Offering unsurpassed resiliency and the flexibility to deploy across leading public cloud infrastructures, UJET powers the world's largest elastic CCaaS tenant at up to 22,000 agents globally and is trusted by innovative, customer-centric enterprises like Instacart, Turo, Wag!, and Atom Tickets to intelligently orchestrate predictive, contextual, conversational customer experiences.

Learn more at www.ujet.cx and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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[October 14, 2021] UNFI to Expand Grocery Order and Delivery Service for Independent Retailers with DoorDash Relationship

United Natural Foods, Inc. (NYSE: UNFI), today announced it has entered into a reseller agreement with DoorDash (NYSE: DASH), the nation's leading last-mile logistics platform, to bring on-demand grocery delivery solutions to independent retailers nationwide through the DoorDash marketplace. UNFI's arrangement with DoorDash will give local grocers the opportunity to leverage the DoorDash platform to build an ecommerce and delivery offering that meets the needs of their customer base while enabling UNFI to expand its end-to-end and last-mile-delivery services to its suite of eCommerce solutions for retailers of all sizes. With grocery delivery through DoorDash, consumers can order their groceries and essentials on DoorDash's marketplace app and website with no time slot, queues, or minimum order size required. "Our relationship with DoorDash will make it easier for independent retailers to offer online grocery ordering and delivery. We know demand for this functionality continues to be very strong, and to remain competitive retailers need solutions that offer simple installation and avoid extra labor costs," says Matt Whitney, UNFI's Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer. "As the leading last-mile logistics company, DoorDash already has the extensive logistics network in place for grocers to leverage." This agreement aims to help independent grocery retailers grow their businesses, attract new shoppers and retain their current customer base with the ability to service more online customers inhard-to-reach areas. The combination of increased convenience and a wider delivery area should drive greater loyalty and increased basket size among online shoppers.



"We are excited to work with UNFI to empower local grocers to build an e-commerce and delivery offering that will give customers access to robust local grocery selection on the DoorDash app," said Fuad Hannon, Vice President of New Verticals at DoorDash. "We are proud to play a part in helping local grocers grow their businesses and helping consumers access convenient, on-demand grocery delivery from their local neighborhoods." UNFI Professional Services offers the most comprehensive suite of services for independent retailers in the market today. With over 150 customizable solutions, UNFI Professional Services helps independent grocery retailers succeed by saving them money and simplifying their operations. Services offered range from eCommerce solutions to pricing support and store remodels, allowing retailers to keep pace with the changing landscape of grocery and stay focused on what matters most: their competition and their customers.

About United Natural Foods UNFI is North America's premier food wholesaler delivering the widest variety of products to customer locations throughout North America including natural product superstores, independent retailers, conventional supermarket chains, ecommerce retailers and food service customers. By providing this deeper 'full-store' selection and compelling brands for every aisle, UNFI is uniquely positioned to deliver great food, more choices and fresh thinking to customers everywhere. Today, UNFI is the largest publicly traded grocery distributor in the United States. To learn more about how UNFI is Fueling the Future of Food, visit www.unfi.com. About DoorDash DoorDash is a technology company that connects consumers with their favorite local and national businesses in more than 7,000 cities across the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan. Founded in 2013, DoorDash enables local businesses to address consumers' expectations of ease and immediacy and thrive in today's convenience economy. By building the last-mile logistics infrastructure for local commerce, DoorDash is bringing communities closer, one doorstep at a time. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005226/en/

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[October 13, 2021] TSRgrow Expands GROWHub, A Solution for Smarter Growing

WARWICK, R.I., Oct. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- TSRgrow is excited to announce the recent expansion of their lighting control, power and environmental control and monitoring platform, GROWHub. GROWHub is a cultivator's autopilot solution that allows you to manage, track and control your cultivation environment. GROWHub provides real time and historical data to help monitor, control, and analyze past and present grow cycles. With GROWHub you'll always have the data to be in the KNOW. GROWHub maintains all data & analytics, allowing cultivators to compare past & present grow cycles to optimize production, resource, and cost savings. GROWHub is the future of horticulture adaptive technology. Incorporating GROWPod sensors throughout the grow room, TSRgrow's GROWHub environmental monitoring software can detect fluctuations in temperature, humidity, CO2, and other crucial environmental parameters. Adaptive monitoring allows growers to proactively recognize the development of problems and make necessary adjustments in the grow room. An environmentally conscious system that minimizes resource usage and improves crop health, GROWHub maintains all data and analytics, allowing cultivators to compare past and present grow cycles to optimize production, resource, and cost savings. GROWHub seamlessly integrates TSRgrow's advanced LED lighting with TGHV remote power server technology and environmental monitoring. Growers can create custom light zones for increased ontrol over crop varieties, adjust intensity and monitor power levels in each room within their cultivation facility, and implement calendar-based scheduling for optimal yields and control over plants' grow cycles. Alerts, notes and alarms on variables such as light levels, CO2, temperature, VPD and EC, allow growers to mitigate problems before they become catastrophes while maintaining streamlined operating costs and performance. GMP (General Manufacturing Practice) standards and changing regulations will continue to create uncertainty for long term operations. With GROWHub you can plan for the future and be ready for changing industry regulations all while keeping the records and recipes that will drive profitability, quality and sustainability.



"It's the smartest way to grow," says Gary Arnold, VP of Sales and Marketing at TSRgrow, "as real time and historical data will keep you in peak performance from crop to crop while maintaining GMP tracking and reporting for compliance to SOPs and changing regulations." To see GROWHub in action, visit TSRgrow in Las Vegas at MJBizCon at booth C-6232 on October 20th-22nd 2021.

About TSRgrow TSRgrow is a leading solution provider to the horticulture industry. For over twelve years, this Rhode Island based company has offered horticultural TOTALgrow Solutions, best-in-class advanced LED lighting, and industry support to help cultivators achieve the ideal balance of energy and profitability. Developed in cooperation with university and industry leaders, TSRgrow's industry leading advanced LED lighting solutions integrate remote power servers and adaptive light monitoring and control software that is engineered to maximize yields and grow the highest quality crops. Lowest cost to operate targets to maximize energy efficiency, using TSRgrow's Lighting as a Platform (LaaP) architecture with remote power servers, environmental monitoring, and lighting management solutions. TSRgrow provides end-to-end consulting and essential support services to cultivators. From site planning, design, HVACD, construction, financing and equipment, TSRgrow does more than design and manufacture advanced LED lighting solutions and adaptive software, they also provide integrated capabilities for a TOTALgrow Solution. For more information, please contact Gail Farias, Marketing Manager, TSRgrow, at gail.farias@tsrgrow.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tsrgrow-expands-growhub-a-solution-for-smarter-growing-301399749.html SOURCE TSRgrow

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[October 13, 2021] VIPS ALERT: Vipshop Holdings Ltd. Investors with Substantial Losses Have Opportunity to Lead Class Action Lawsuit

Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Vipshop Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: VIPS) shares contemporaneously with Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Morgan Stanley's allegedly unlawful trades from March 22, 2021 through and including March 29, 2021 (the "Class Period") have until December 13, 2021 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the Vipshop class action lawsuit. The Vipshop class action lawsuit charges Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Vipshop class action lawsuit was commenced on October 12, 2021 in the Southern District of New York and is captioned Tan v. Goldman Sachs Group Inc., No. 21-cv-08413. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Vipshop class action lawsuit, please provide your information by clicking here. You can also contact attorney J.C. Sanchez of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at jsanchez@rgrdlaw.com. Lead plaintiff motions for the Vipshop class action lawsuit must be filed with the court no later than December 13, 2021.



CASE ALLEGATIONS: The Vipshop class action lawsuit alleges that Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley sold Vipshop shares to public shareholders after confidentially learning that Archegos Capital Management ("Archegos"), a family office with $10 billion under management, failed (or was likely to fail) to meet a margin call, requiring it to fully liquidate its position in Vipshop. The Vipshop class action lawsuit further alleges that Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley avoided billions in losses by trading on this alleged material non-public information. As further alleged by the Vipshop class action lawsuit, according to subsequent media reports, defendants unloaded large block trades consisting of shares of Archegos' doomed bets, including billions worth of Vipshop securities, late Thursday, March 25, 2021, before the Archegos story reached the public, sending Vipshop's stock into a complete tailspin. THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased Vipshop shares during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the Vipshop class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the Vipshop class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the Vipshop class action lawsuit. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery of the Vipshop class action lawsuit is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER RUDMAN & DOWD LLP: With 200 lawyers in 9 offices nationwide, Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is the largest U.S. law firm representing investors in securities class actions. Robbins Geller attorneys have obtained many of the largest shareholder recoveries in history, including the largest securities class action recovery ever - $7.2 billion - in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. The 2020 ISS Securities Class Action Services Top 50 Report ranked Robbins Geller first for recovering $1.6 billion for investors last year, more than double the amount recovered by any other securities plaintiffs' firm. Please visit http://www.rgrdlaw.com for more information. Attorney advertising.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

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[October 13, 2021] Aicadium and SambaNova join forces to bring innovative end-to-end hardware and software AI solution to Singapore

SINGAPORE and PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Aicadium, a global technology company founded by Temasek dedicated to creating and scaling AI solutions, and SambaNova, the company building the industry's most advanced software, hardware, and services to run AI applications, today announced a partnership to bring SambaNova's advanced AI hardware to Singapore. In conjunction with Aicadium's AI platform, the solution is available for companies in Singapore seeking to deploy machine learning applications such as natural language processing, computer vision, recommendation, and more.



"Partnering with Aicadium to deliver advanced AI solutions to enterprises and organisations in Singapore pushes SambaNova closer to our goal of enabling global access to AI," said Marshall Choy, Vice President Product for SambaNova. "Businesses around the world are under pressure to adopt and accelerate AI initiatives. With Aicadium's expertise and our best-in-class AI computation, we are accelerating machine learning and AI adoption throughout the region together." SambaNova's Dataflow-as-a-Service utilising DataScale is a completely integrated software and hardware platform delivering unrivaled performance, accuracy, scale, and ease of use built on SambaNova's Reconfigurable Dataflow Architecture (RDA). SambaNova DataScale software-defined-hardware approach is optimised from algorithms to silicon, delivers efficiency, and is built with a highly flexible and scalable architecture. DataScale can scale seamlessly from one to hundreds of systems to meet the demands of modern AI computing. "Until now, the reality for small companies has been that they have to use transfer learning to benefit from very complex deep learning algorithms," said Dr. Rainer Burkhardt, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Aicadium. "With SambaNova's capabilities training deep neural networks from scratch combined with Aicadium's AI platform and access to large datasets, we can really make a difference solving common issues such as high-resolution images for visual analytics problems and accelerated processing seeds."



Launched earlier this year, Aicadium is Temasek's global AI centre of excellence to empower companies to achieve better business outcomes through the adoption and delivery of AI technologies and solutions. It aims to partner with enterprises seeking to develop and scale end-to-end AI solutions to improve business outcomes. The firm leverages its global team of data scientists and engineers, a repeatable and scalable process, and a platform of AI algorithms, models, and tools to help clients achieve operational AI within their organisations. "This exciting partnership with SambaNova exemplifies the collective strength and capabilities of the Temasek ecosystem, connecting firms within our portfolio and beyond to deliver better business outcomes," said Dr. Michael Zeller, Head of AI Strategy & Solutions at Temasek, and Board member of Aicadium.





The partnership enables end-users in industry, government, and higher education to benefit from complete AI solutions to solve their most urgent problems by utilising extensible AI platform services, locally hosted in Singapore and available throughout the ASEAN region and beyond. About Aicadium

Aicadium is a global technology company dedicated to creating and scaling AI solutions by leveraging deep expertise and a common machine learning platform. As Temasek's global centre of excellence in Artificial Intelligence, we partner with companies to build and operationalise impactful AI solutions across a wide variety of industries and use cases. Our team includes expert data scientists, software engineers, and AI business leaders in Singapore and San Diego, CA. As a team, we place the highest priority on the responsible adoption, development, and delivery of AI technologies and solutions, with the goal of delivering improved business outcomes that usher in a more resilient and inclusive world. For more information, visit the company website: https://aicadium.ai/ About SambaNova Systems

SambaNova Systems is an AI innovation company that empowers organisations to deploy best-in-class solutions for natural language processing, computer vision, recommendation systems, and AI for science with confidence. SambaNova's flagship offering, Dataflow-as-a-Service, helps organisations rapidly deploy AI in days, unlocking new revenue and boosting operational efficiency. SambaNova's DataScale is an integrated software and hardware system using Reconfigurable Dataflow Architecture (RDA), along with open standards and user interfaces. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, SambaNova Systems was founded in 2017 by industry luminaries, hardware, and software design experts from Sun/Oracle and Stanford University. Investors include SoftBank Vision Fund 2, funds and accounts managed by BlackRock, Intel Capital, GV, Walden International, Temasek, GIC, Redline Capital, Atlantic Bridge Ventures, Celeste, and several others. For more information, please visit us at sambanova.ai or contact us at info@sambanova.ai . Follow SambaNova Systems on LinkedIn . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aicadium-and-sambanova-join-forces-to-bring-innovative-end-to-end-hardware-and-software-ai-solution-to-singapore-301399891.html SOURCE Aicadium

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[October 13, 2021] Business Information Market to accelerate at a CAGR of 5.35% from 2021 to 2025| Bloomberg LP and Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd. among key vendors|Technavio

NEW YORK, Oct. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The business information market is expected to grow by USD 43.60 bn from 2021 to 2025. Technavio's latest market research report estimates that the market will progress at a CAGR of 5.35%. This report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, the latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. Download a Free Sample Report to explore growth opportunities in the business information market. The business information market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. To leverage the current opportunities, market vendors must strengthen their foothold in the fast-growing segments while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. Business Information Market 2021-2025: Segmentation End-user

BFSI



Healthcare And Life Sciences



Manufacturing



Retail



Others

Geography

North America



Europe



APAC



South America



MEA Read Our Free Sample Report for more information on various segments of the business information market. Business Information Market 2021-2025: Vendor Analysis and Scope To help businesses improve their market position, the business information market provides a detailed analysis of around 25 vendors operating in the market. Some of these vendors include Bloomberg LP, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd., Equifax Inc., Ernst & Young Global Ltd., Experian Plc, KPMG International Ltd., PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, RELX Plc, Thomson Reuters Corp., and Wolters Kluwer NV. The report also covers the following areas: Business Information Market size

Business Information Market trends

Business Information Market industry analysis Factors such as adapting enterprise business strategies to changing customer preferences and business information serving as a risk management and reduction tool will offer immense growth opportunities. However, the threat of data misappropriation and theft will hamper the market growth. Get lifetime access to our Technavio Insights. Subscribe now to our most popular "Lite Plan" billed annually at USD 3000. View 3 reports monthly and Download 3 Reports Annually! Business Information Market 2021-2025: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2021-2025

Detailed information on factors that will assist business information market growth during the next five years

Estimation of the business information market size and its contribution to the parent market

Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

The growth of the business information market

Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors

Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of business information market vendors Related Reports: IT Services Market: The IT services market has been segmented by service (IT consulting and other services, internet services and infrastructure, and data processing and outsources services) and geography (APAC, North America , Europe , South America , and MEA). Download Free Sample Report Now

The IT services market has been segmented by service (IT consulting and other services, internet services and infrastructure, and data processing and outsources services) and geography (APAC, , , , and MEA). Document Outsourcing Market: The document outsourcing market has been segmented by outsourcing services (onsite contracted services, statement printing services, and DPO services) and geography ( North America , Europe , APAC, South America , and MEA). Download Free Sample Report Now







Business Information Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2020 Forecast period 2021-2025 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 5.35% Market growth 2021-2025 USD 43.60 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 6.07 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and MEA Performing market contribution North America at 41% Key consumer countries US, China, UK, Germany, and Japan Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Companies profiled Bloomberg LP, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd., Equifax Inc., Ernst & Young Global Ltd., Experian Plc, KPMG International Ltd., PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, RELX Plc, Thomson Reuters Corp., and Wolters Kluwer NV Market Dynamics Parent market analysis, market growth inducers and obstacles, fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and future consumer dynamics, market condition analysis for the forecast period Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

Download Latest Free Sample Report for additional highlights on the business information market. About Us

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

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UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: media@technavio.com

Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/business-information-market-to-accelerate-at-a-cagr-of-5-35-from-2021-to-2025-bloomberg-lp-and-deloitte-touche-tohmatsu-ltd-among-key-vendorstechnavio-301398682.html SOURCE Technavio

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[October 13, 2021] Greater Bank Wins Silver at the 2021 Intranet and Digital Workplace Awards with its Intranet Built on the Elcom Digital Employee Experience Platform

SYDNEY, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Elcom Technology (Elcom), a leading Digital Employee Experience Platform, is pleased to announce their client, Greater Bank, an Australian customer-owned bank and mutual financial institution, has won a Silver Award in the 2021 Step Two Intranet & Digital Workplace Awards. The global awards recognise outstanding contributions to the fields of intranets and digital workplaces, honouring remarkable solutions that deliver business value to their organisations and then share them with the wider community. Greater Bank has been awarded Silver in the "Intranet Essentials" category. Built on the Elcom Digital Employee Experience Platform, the intranet features interactive social functionality, an engaging home page for news content, sophisticated search and a navigation architecture that supports the way employees work. A judge from the Step Two Awards comments, "The approach to develop the intranet checked all the right boxes, from establishing governance and auditing content to all of the steps involved in ensuring good, user-centred design. The branding and personality are infused with energy and a contagious positivity, unexpected for a bank. This intranet also captures an important but often overlooked focus: that a positive employee experience... translates to a positive customer experience." The impact of Greater Bank's new intranet, EVI, to the business has been significant and over 94% of staff are active users. Greater Bank are able to provide an engaging and personalised employee portal that houses a significant volume of information in an appealing interface. From employee toolkits through to the latest travel advice, the intranet design and implementation has made it easier to serve customers effectively. A spokesperson from Greater Bank explains, "The Elcom team worked hard to achieve a solution for us, and their support since has been excellent. EVI has become a trusted and go-to resource for the organisation, helping build on our open and transparent culturewhile enabling employees to continue serving customers. In this changing landscape, it is a key platform for driving employee and customer success."



Elcom's Customer Solutions Director, Josh Anstey, adds, "We designed the Elcom Digital Employee Experience Platform to make it easy for employees to connect with each other, with valuable resources and with the organisation, in an engaging and personalised way. It is great to see this come to life with the Greater Bank Intranet. We are proud to have partnered with the team at Greater Bank to support their distributed workforce and shift to a hybrid working model." Key components of the Greater Bank intranet include:

Resource hub. EVI is a valuable support and reference point, particularly for frontline employees who serve customers in branches and for all employees to stay up to date with the pandemic. They can either drill down through well-designed menus and browse the meaningful hierarchy and categorisation, or simply search for it.

EVI is a valuable support and reference point, particularly for frontline employees who serve customers in branches and for all employees to stay up to date with the pandemic. They can either drill down through well-designed menus and browse the meaningful hierarchy and categorisation, or simply search for it. Mandatory reads. Greater Bank can now track if employees have read or watched important communications. For example, all employees who work at the head office were required to watch a video, read Covid guidelines and acknowledge they understand the new requirements by clicking the acknowledge button. Managers were notified of their employees who had not completed this task.

Greater Bank can now track if employees have read or watched important communications. For example, all employees who work at the head office were required to watch a video, read Covid guidelines and acknowledge they understand the new requirements by clicking the acknowledge button. Managers were notified of their employees who had not completed this task. Personalisation. Decluttering the interface and personalising the intranet experience optimises the experience for employees. Content which isn't of use to a group such as in store branch staff is 'hidden' from view and search results. News items and stories are targeted to frontline or office employees. The main social feed on the homepage is an amalgamation of private and public social groups an employee is a member of.

Decluttering the interface and personalising the intranet experience optimises the experience for employees. Content which isn't of use to a group such as in store branch staff is 'hidden' from view and search results. News items and stories are targeted to frontline or office employees. The main social feed on the homepage is an amalgamation of private and public social groups an employee is a member of. Enterprise search. The powerful search makes use of taxonomies and metadata and includes federated search integration so that content produced and distributed by their eDM platform can also be searched and included in the main search results.

The powerful search makes use of taxonomies and metadata and includes federated search integration so that content produced and distributed by their eDM platform can also be searched and included in the main search results. Staff directory. The directory makes it easy to find any employee's contact information including group information such as 'Managers' which is built from Payroll system and maintained with Active Directory synchronisation to the intranet.

The directory makes it easy to find any employee's contact information including group information such as 'Managers' which is built from Payroll system and maintained with Active Directory synchronisation to the intranet. Social collaboration. Employees can engage with each other, share knowledge and post questions to colleagues. For example, frontline employees use social to reach out to other branches for assistance with processes. About Greater Bank Established over 75 years ago, Greater Bank ( www.greater.com.au ) is an Australian customer-owned bank and mutual financial institution. In a highly consolidated and competitive environment, the focus on the 270,000-strong customer base is the top priority for Greater Bank. This focus has led to the achievement of multiple 'outstanding customer service' awards. About Elcom Elcom ( www.elcom.com.au ) partners with organisations to build meaningful and productive intranets and digital workplaces that empower staff to perform their best, anywhere and on any device. Elcom's out of the box intranet built on the Elcom Digital Employee Experience Platform comprises over 100 modules of functionality, together with multiple third-party connectors that can easily be activated depending on an organisation's requirements. The platform can also be extended for portals (board portal, client portal, member portal and supplier portal), and has a built-in learning management system for online training, eLearning, staff onboarding and compliance. Elcom is used by organisations across all industries including Austrade, Inner West Council, Ascham School, Kia Motors Australia, Forty Winks and Clayton Utz. SOURCE Elcom Technology

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[October 13, 2021] Nativex Launches TikTok Incentive Program, Providing up to $10,000 Ad Credits for TikTok Ad Campaigns

GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nativex , a leading mobile-first advertising platform dedicated to driving ROI, today announced it will be providing new and existing clients with up to $10,000 in TikTok ad credits as part of its collaboration with TikTok For Business. If you are new to TikTok For Business, you can use XMP to run TikTok campaigns (not limited to Spark Ads) and enjoy the ad credits when you reach the spending requirements highlighted in the table above. If you are not new to TikTok For Business, please sign up for an XMP account and run Spark Ads using the XMP platform; once you meet the spending requirements, you will receive your ad credits. Spark Ads by TikTok For Business are a new way for brands and advertisers to boost their TikTok campaigns in fun, authentic, and engaging ways. Designed to generate engagement, Spark Ads are a great way to maximize your TikTok campaign ROI and are now supported by the XMP platform. Sign up: Sign up for XMP by Nativex Create your TikTok For Business account Run TikTok's Spark Ads using the XMP platform





This promotion is time-limited and scheduled to run between October 11th and November 9th. All ad credits will be added directly to your TikTok For Business ad account one week after the offer ends. Ad credits will expire within 2 weeks of receiving them. The XMP by Nativex platform offers a streamlined approach to achieving results on TikTok. Through the XMP platform, users can create, distribute, and manage all workflows associated with their campaigns. Users have total transparency into the creative content of a given campaign and can fully automate creative and campaign management across TikTok and other major advertising platforms. Additionally, features such as batch and template-based ad creation allow advertisers to scale campaigns quickly and easily. XMP by Nativex is an Official Marketing Partner of TikTok For Business. About Nativex Nativex is dedicated to driving ROI and growth for all sectors of business in a digital and mobile-first world. Nativex enables marketers to create strong, sustainable growth through universal access to digital channels across China and the rest of the world. In addition to this, Nativex offers all the integrated tools needed for marketers to thrive and create a meaningful impact on their audiences. Part of Mobvista, Nativex has a global presence with 16 offices worldwide. Learn more at www.nativex.com. SOURCE Nativex

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[October 14, 2021] Survey: MNOs want clearer views of network performance, user experience to generate new 5G revenues

MNOs say better service assurance and analytics are needed to meet SLA demands QUEBEC CITY, Oct. 14, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - While 88% of mobile network operators (MNOs) are set to deploy 5G standalone (SA) in the next two years, many are still searching for the tools that will enable these networks to generate revenues from enterprises and industry. This is according to joint research findings from Heavy Reading and EXFO Inc., the communications industry's test, monitoring and analytics experts. EXFO worked with Heavy Reading to conduct a survey of MNOs across North America and Europe to understand their approach to 5G SA and the revenue opportunity it presents. Nearly half (49%) of MNOs are planning to deploy 5G SA within the next year, while a further 39% will deploy 5G SA within one to two years. The main drivers for deploying 5G SA are to support enhanced consumer offerings such as virtual reality, augmented reality and mobile gaming; accelerate time to market for new services; and offer network slice-based services. While 76% of MNOs believe service assurance will be necessary to sell advanced 5G services ad meet stringent service level agreements (SLAs), operations teams don't have real-time visibility into how outages and degradations impact customerswhether they are humans or "machines" (critical, latency-sensitive applications and devices like emergency services or factory floor robots). 65% of MNOs say that this lack of actionable insight is preventing them from automating networks and fault resolution, which are essential to meeting demanding performance expectations in enterprise applications.



Specifically, most MNOs said they need a range of new tools and capabilities to generate revenues from 5G services: 86% say they need real-time network, service and quality of experience intelligence

85% say they need to be able to monitor per-service and per-device performance.

81% say they need AI-driven anomaly and fault detection, as well as root cause analysis.

82% say they need monitoring of end-to-end network slices. "The opportunity to generate revenues from 5G SA lies in automated networks, which means service providers must deliver on enterprise service level agreements. This survey with Heavy Reading reinforces what we hear regularly from our customers: mobile network operators want greater service assurance and analytics to deliver actionable insights into network performance and user experience," said Philippe Morin, CEO at EXFO. "This is where EXFO's unique, adaptive approach to service assurance comes into play. By taking a source-agnostic approach to data collection and analytics, combined with a fully cloud-native architecture, our service assurance platform integrates with legacy and new 5G systems to provide a unified, end-to-end view of customer experience, device and network performance."

About EXFO

EXFO develops smarter test, monitoring and analytics solutions for the global communications industry. We are trusted advisers to fixed and mobile network operators, hyperscalers and leaders in the manufacturing, development and research sector. They count on us to deliver superior visibility and insights into network performance, service reliability and user experience. Building on our 35 years of innovation, EXFO's unique blend of equipment, software and services enable faster, more confident transformations related to 5G, cloud-native and fiber optic networks. SOURCE EXFO Inc.

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[October 14, 2021] Adocia's Partner Tonghua Dongbao Receives Clearance to Start Ultra-Rapid Insulin BioChaperone Lispro Phase 3 Trial to Treat Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes in China

This Phase 3 clinical program will enroll over 1,300 people with diabetes and is expected to be pivotal for product registration in China

First patient in the study will trigger a milestone payment to Adocia

BC Lispro addresses the Chinese prandial insulin market which is approx. $1.4bn today with double-digit growth LYON, France, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Adocia (Euronext Paris: FR0011184241  ADOC), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on diabetes treatments and other metabolic diseases with innovative formulations of proteins and peptides, announced today that its partner Tonghua Dongbao Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (Shanghai:600867) received clearance from the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) to conduct the Phase 3 clinical trial of BioChaperone Lispro, an Ultra-Rapid Insulin for the treatment of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The first patient enrolled in the program will trigger a milestone payment to Adocia. We are delighted to enter into the Phase 3 program for one of the two products licensed to Tonghua Dongbao, the domestic insulin leader in China," commented Gerard Soula, President & CEO of Adocia. Adocia out-licensed BC Lispro to Tonghua Dongbao who is responsible for clinical development, manufacturing, product registration and future commercial operations in China and other Asian territories. The total amount perceived for this agreement could reach $45m (including $10m upfront payment) and double-digit royalties on sales. In parallel, Adocia is looking for other commercial partners in the US and in Europe for BC Lispro. Dr. Chunsheng Leng, CEO of Tonghua Dongbao said, This is an exciting time for us. Based on the strong positive Phase 1 clinical trial results in Europe, delivered by our partner Adocia, we have been able to apply for and now receive CDE clearance to initiate this Phase 3 program. These studies will be run in parallel with the ongoing Phase 1 trial and will greatly shorten our clinical study time. We hope that BC Lispro, this new generation insulin product, will bring a great value for people with diabetes in China, plus the rest of the world. Previous BC Lispro clinical studies demonstrated improved glycemic control compared to Humalog (Eli Lilly and Company) characterized by less hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia in meal tests. Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia are responsible for long-term complications associated with diabetes. BC Lispro has demonstrated good tolerance similar to the standard of care, Humalog and Novolog. The primary objective of the Phase 3 program is to demonstrate the non-inferiority of BC Lispro on HbA1c reduction from baseline vs. Humalog ; the secondary objective is superiority of BC Lispro on post-prandial glycemic control. I would like to warmly thank our partner Tonghua Dongbao for this fruitful collaboration, leading BC Lispro - the next generation insulin product - to Chinese people with diabetes which represent 1 in 4 in the World, said Olivier Soula, Deputy CEO of Adocia, This is a great milestone for Adocia, proving our abilities to develop our products through latest stages together with partners and paving the way to bring this product worldwide. In China, the prandial market represents $1.4bn. The fast-acting insulin market segment is the fastest growing with 16% YoY in 2019 (iQVia, May 2021). About BioChaperone Lispro BioChaperone Lispro (BC Lispro) is an ultra-rapid prandial insulin cntaining insulin lispro and Adocias proprietary technology BioChaperone. The BioChaperone excipient ensures a faster absorption of insulin. BC Lispro has demonstrated a faster action profile and improved performance compared to insulin analog lispro (Humalog, Eli Lilly) and insulin analog aspart (Novolog, Novo Nordisk), in nine Phase 1 & 2 studies in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, administered either by syringes or insulin pumps.



In a study using insulin pumps, BioChaperone Lispro showed a significantly faster-off effect compared to the Novo Nordisk Ultra-Rapid Insulin Fiasp and similar ultra-rapid onset of action. For more information on BC Lispro, visit our website: https://www.adocia.com/products/biochaperone-ultra-fast-analog-insulin/

About Adocia & Tonghua Dongbao partnership Adocias partner Tonghua Dongbao is one of the leading insulin providers in Asia. Being a domestic player in diabetes innovation, Tonghua Dongbao is well positioned in the Ultra-Rapid Insulin market. Over one in four diabetic patients in the world is in China. In 2018, Adocia and partner Tonghua Dongbao signed a strategic alliance to develop and commercialize BC Lispro in China and other Asian territories. Tonghua Dongbao also supplies insulin lispro and insulin glargine to Adocia for the worldwide market, except China. This supply allows Adocia to progress its own BC Lispro and BC Combo programs and expand its partnership opportunities. Adocia retains development rights for BC Lispro in many territories such as (but not limited to) : the USA, Europe, Japan and Latin America. BC Lispro is ready for out-licensing in these territories. About Adocia Adocia is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that specializes in the development of innovative formulations of therapeutic proteins and peptides for the treatment of diabetes and metabolic diseases. In the diabetes field, Adocias portfolio of injectable treatments is among the largest and most differentiated of the industry, featuring six clinical-stage products and several pre-clinical products. The proprietary BioChaperone technological platform is designed to enhance the effectiveness and/or safety of therapeutic proteins while making them easier for patients to use. Adocia customizes BioChaperone to each protein for a given application. Adocias clinical pipeline includes five novel insulin formulations for the treatment of diabetes: two ultra-rapid formulations of insulin analog lispro (BioChaperone Lispro U100 and U200), a combination of basal insulin glargine and rapid acting insulin lispro (BioChaperone Combo) and two combinations of a prandial insulin with amylin analog pramlintide (M1Pram and BioChaperone LisPram). The clinical pipeline also includes an aqueous formulation of human glucagon (BioChaperone Glucagon) for the treatment of hypoglycemia. Adocia preclinical pipeline includes bi-hormonal combinations for diabetes treatment: a combination of rapid acting insulin analogs and pramlintide (BioChaperone AsPram), a combination of insulin glargine with GLP-1 receptor agonists (BioChaperone Glargine Liraglutide). In addition, there are two bi-hormonal products for the treatment of obesity: a combination of glucagon and exenatide (BioChaperone GluExe) and a combination of pramlintide and exenatide (PramExe). Adocia recently added a preclinical program to its pipeline with a cell therapy initiative focused on the development of a hydrogel scaffold for use in people with type 1 diabetes. The first patent application supporting this program has been filed. Contact Adocia Adocia

Gerard Soula

CEO

contactinvestisseurs@adocia.com

Ph: +33 4 72 610 610

www.adocia.com MC Services AG

Adocia Press Relations Europe

Raimund Gabriel

Managing Partner

adocia@mc-services.eu

Ph: +49 89 210 228 0 The Ruth Group

Adocia Investor Relations USA

Brett Mermelstein

Senior Account Executive

bmermelstein@theruthgroup.com

Ph.: +1 267 639 0721



Disclaimer This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Adocia and its business. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that Adocia considers as being reasonable. However, there can be no guarantee that the estimates contained in such forward-looking statements will be achieved, as such estimates are subject to numerous risks including those which are set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Universal Registration Document that was filed with the French Autorite des marches financiers on April 20, 2021 (a copy of which is available at www.adocia.com), in particular uncertainties that are linked to research and development, future clinical data, analyses, and the evolution of the economic context, the financial markets and the markets in which Adocia operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks not yet known to Adocia or not considered as material by Adocia as of this day. The occurrence of all or part of such risks could cause that actual results, financial conditions, performances, or achievements of Adocia be materially different from those mentioned in the forward-looking statements. This press release and the information contained herein do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy Adocias shares in any jurisdiction.



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[October 14, 2021] Intra-Asia e-commerce growth potential: A silver lining for Covid-hit region

SINGAPORE, Oct. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Asia already holds the lion's share of the global e-commerce market. Still, its potential for intra-region growth  with economies recovering and income levels rising  makes the region the one to watch beyond Covid-19. During the pandemic, lockdowns and movement restrictions sparked a surge in e-commerce as consumers and businesses turned to online channels in droves for their purchases. Unprecedented growth in shipment volume and express deliveries around the world followed, according to Ken Lee, CEO, DHL Express Asia Pacific. "The speed of growth surprised us initially, but we knew that it was the most natural response, given how e-commerce can efficiently meet market demands for goods that are suddenly facing supply shortages," said Lee. For the full multimedia release, click here: https://www.prnasia.com/mnr/DHL_202110.shtml But e-commerce within the region still lags. Overcoming obstacles from red tape to unfamiliarity with adjacent markets, should unlock significant opportunities for sellers. For now, however, there is more than enough activity to keep sellers busy. Despite disruptions to mobility caused by the pandemic, global trade and data flow started to recover toward the end of last year, according to an update in the DHL Global Connectedness Index 2020 . Moreover, as in-person contact shifte into the online world, international internet traffic, phone calls and, most notably, e-commerce received a timely boost.



Within Asia, in particular, e-commerce has skyrocketed. Now accounting for almost half of DHL Express' revenue in APEC, intra-Asia e-commerce still has a long runway for growth. "Intermediate and finished goods are still largely assembled and manufactured here, but they are now also being shipped within and consumed in Asia," said Lee. As the region's spending power gradually recovers from the pandemic, further cross-border e-commerce penetration, supported by efficient cross-border logistics solutions, will play a key role in the regional economic recovery.

The state of e-commerce The high hopes for intra-Asia e-commerce to flourish are not unfounded. Recent research by DHL Express highlighted the strong growth of the global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce market, which is expected to grow from US$12.2 trillion (10.26 trillion) in 2019 to reach US$20.9 trillion (17.6 trillion) in 2027. "Many Asia manufacturers are in the B2B space and are only just getting into e-commerce. There are plenty of opportunities for early adopters to benefit especially in this region where many of these businesses are based," said Lee on the bright future for the sector. Growth in the business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce sector is, likewise, progressing at breakneck speed, with the pandemic being a key driver. The global B2C e-commerce market, valued at US$3.67 trillion (3.09 trillion) in 2020 , is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7 percent from 2021 to 2028. The development is unsurprising since the foundations for this meteoric growth were laid way before the Covid-19 pandemic. The entry barriers to e-commerce have been lowered significantly over the years with advances in technology helping to overcome the digital divide. "Obstacles such as smartphone ownership and internet access are fast disappearing. During the pandemic, for instance, we saw how quickly some individuals seized the opportunity to get on e-commerce marketplaces such as eBay, Etsy, and Amazon to sell their goods," said Lee. Yet, with improvements in the uptake of e-commerce, cross-border trade through online and e-commerce channels still lags in Asia compared to other regions. Each geography and country face unique challenges, such as the lack of spending power or the need to pay taxes to import foreign goods in some countries. For the latter, Lee believes a potential long-term solution should start with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). "For Asia to buy more within Asia, the ASEAN bloc could look into preferential tax treaties for ASEAN nations, given it has one of the fastest-growing incomes driven by a large middle-class growth in Indonesia." This, alongside the gradual reopening of the region's economies from Covid-19, could provide the impetus and new opportunities for businesses to pursue cross-border e-commerce within Asia, shared Lee. Why logistics is key In the near term, however, the logistics sector is best placed to render support to e-commerce businesses to unlock the potential of the large, untapped e-commerce market within Asia. "Sometimes, all they need is a nudge to get started. What we've done is work with partners in the regional e-commerce ecosystem to simplify the process for our customers to jump on the e-commerce bandwagon," said Lee. Like the restrictions imposed in different countries during the pandemic, the rules and regulations governing cross-border e-commerce imports across the region are also constantly changing, making it tough for businesses to maintain compliance. "For instance, many countries are updating their customs codes to accommodate the increase of personal imports. We help sellers by regularly updating our shipping tools with the necessary features and functionalities that support these changes, so our customers are not caught unaware," said Lee. Cross-border e-commerce within Asia is expected to gather pace, and most logistics providers are prepared for an upswing in activity. For DHL Express, improvements are already underway to ensure convenient, seamless deliveries for customers. "We will soon launch a new solution to help sellers manage KYC documentation requirements (government-recognized identity proof) imposed by customs in different countries, all while keeping to privacy standards and regulatory processes," said Lee. The removal of trade and customs complexities will not only empower sellers to focus on their core business, but will also augment the intra-Asia e-commerce experience for a post-Covid-19 future. For more information, please visit: DHL's B2B E-commerce Guide

How does DHL Express Tackle Sanctions

Watch the video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_7getY3v8s SOURCE DHL Express

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[October 14, 2021] Xylem Calls on Water Sector to Join "Race to Zero" Emissions Commitment

Global water technology company, Xylem (NYSE:XYL), today called on water sector leaders and organizations to join a global sustainability push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to water systems and water management. The encouragement comes after last month's announcement that Xylem had formalized its commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions across its value chain before 2050*. Attention to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the water sector is increasing in the run-up to COP26 - the UN Climate Change Conference - being held in November. Water use and management accounts for up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, today. Xylem is collaborating with a consortium of partners including the UNFCCC High Level Climate Action Champions, CDP, Water UK, the US Water Alliance, the International Water Association, GIZ and others to help water utilities commit to reducing GHG emissions. "Water and climate crises go hand-in-hand," said Claudia Toussaint, Xylem's Chief Sustainability Officer. "We are a sector of sustainability stewards, and approaches exist, today, to dramatically reduce emissions from water systems -- especially using highly efficient, advanced digital technologies. Together, we can make a meaningful contribution to containing climate change. We hope every part of the sector joins us, so we're all part of the solution." "The science of climate change is clear ad the evidence hard to ignore. The time for business-as-usual approaches to managing water is over. Applying new approaches to managing water, we could make significant reductions of water's GHG footprint," said Cate Lamb, CDP's Global Director for Water Security, and the UNFCCC COP26 High Level Action Champions Lead for Water. "Today, many of these solutions remain largely untapped, but we are seeing growing momentum. We hope to see more and more players across the water value chain set ambitious targets to reduce their emissions. This commitment from Xylem is mirrored by utilities and other water operators stepping up in the water sector's 'Race to Zero.'"



The United Kingdom's water sector, through the industry group Water UK, recently published a sector-wide 'route map' to demonstrate how utilities across the country will achieve net zero on operational emissions by 2030. The Race to Zero is a global campaign, under the banner of the UNFCCC, rallying support from businesses, cities, and regions to take rigorous and immediate action to halve global emissions by 2030 and promote sustainable growth.

The water sector's Race to Zero is an international collaboration of partners promoting the vision of delivering net zero water service for the world's homes and businesses. The campaign is encouraging water utilities, worldwide, to commit to their own net-zero targets. Utilities and water sector companies that have made net-zero commitments will be highlighted at the Water & Climate Pavilion at next month's COP26 meetings, in Glasgow. *Last month, Xylem announced commitments to Science-Based Target (News - Alert) aligned to a 1.5oC reduction by 2030 (Scope 1, 2 and 3) and Net Zero emissions (Scope 1, 2 and 3) before 2050. About Xylem Xylem (XYL) is a leading global water technology company committed to solving critical water and infrastructure challenges with innovation. Our more than 16,000 diverse employees delivered revenue of $4.88 billion in 2020. We are creating a more sustainable world by enabling our customers to optimize water and resource management, and helping communities in more than 150 countries become water-secure. Join us at www.xylem.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005448/en/

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[October 14, 2021] Pathway Raises $1.3 Million to Scale its AI-Powered Medical Knowledge Platform

In a context where the COVID pandemic has generated an unprecedented volume of evolving clinical guidelines and revealed vulnerabilities within information dissemination systems, medical knowledge startup Pathway Medical has announced it raised $1.3 million ($CAD 1.6 million) to scale its clinical decision support platform. Investors include Panache Ventures, Amplify Capital, Desjardins Venture Capital, BoxOne Ventures, and Formentera Capital. The funding round also included participation from veteran healthcare entrepreneurs Dr. Josh Landy (ICU physician and cofounder of Figure 1), Cherif Habib (CEO of Dialogue, TSE: CARE), and emergency physician entrepreneurs Dr. Julien Martel, Dr. Louis Charbonneau and Dr. Alexandre Tratch, co-founders of DXA, an AI-powered medical triage startup that was acquired by Dialogue in 2018. The Pathway mobile app, which is currently available directly to healthcare professionals on the Apple App Store and soon on the Google Play Store, uses natural language processing and machine learning to provide evidence-based answers to clinical questions for the diagnosis and treatment of patients. The company also revealed that it has released an enterprise version of its clinical decision support technology.



"We are thankful for our investors' continued support in our efforts to democratize medical knowledge and advance evidence-based care," stated Pathway cofounder and CEO Jonathan Hershon St-Jean. "This investment will help us scale our operations and expand the functionality of our software to support additional use cases. Most notably, we're augmenting our platform to help hospitals disseminate their own guidelines and pathways more efficiently." In an environment where more than 95 new medical studies are being published every hour, Pathway wants to alleviate the burden of information overload on clinicians, which leads many doctors to depression and burnout according to a JAMA Network Open study. The recent explosion in medical knowledge means that a general practitioner would now need to read 21 hours a day to keep up with primary care literature alone. Pathway solves this problem with interactive "pathways" that guide healthcare professionals step-by-step to diagnostic approaches and treatments based on sound evidence. With 33 medical specialties, more than 1,000 guidelines, and more than 45,000 graded recommendations, Pathway offers one of the most robust structured knowledge bases available today.

Dr. Jonathan Afilalo, a cardiologist and associate professor in the Department of Medicine at McGill University, believes that "Pathway fills an unmet need for clinicians to have easy, user-friendly access to clinical guideline recommendations." He adds, "The status quo alternative, which involves jumping through hoops to find guidelines and distill their essential message, is clearly suboptimal." By seamlessly integrating into a healthcare professional's daily workflow, and by leveraging the power of machine learning technology, Pathway increases the speed of delivering reliable evidence-based care. "The complexity of providing evidence-based care is increasing along with the accelerating pace of information generation and consensus development in the medical community," stated Pathway Medical co-founder and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Louis Mullie. "Clinical tools that were built from the digitization of the medical textbook are ill-equipped to keep physicians informed and up to date today. This contributes to the fact that physicians have the highest rate of burnout, depression, and suicide of any profession. Healthcare professionals love Pathway because we understand their needs, and reduce cognitive load by delivering concise, quality clinical guidance in an efficient, easy manner." "Amplify Capital is excited to add Pathway to our portfolio. Pathway is another perfect example of an impact investment that solves for rapid democratization of access to quality health care to populations that need it most. Pathway's machine learning platform offers a unique proprietary decision-support product that can improve health outcomes quickly and at scale. Jonathan and his team are poised to grow the Company rapidly and we're excited to support them to achieve their growth goals." - Kathryn Wortsman, Managing Partner, Amplify Capital Typically, Pathway cuts down the time it takes for a healthcare professional to make an evidence-based decision from minutes to seconds. With a net promoter score of 69, which is higher than Amazon and Netflix, Pathway has a very enthusiastic user base of clinicians in over 180 countries and across 33 medical specialties relying on the app for efficient, evidence-based decision making. About Pathway Medical Pathway Medical Inc. is a Canadian company serving healthcare professionals in over 180 countries, and was founded by technology and healthcare entrepreneurs Jonathan Hershon St-Jean, Dr. Louis Mullie and Christophe Marois. The company's global team of 24 employees, 70% of which are non-male and/or people of color, works remotely across 12 countries. Stay connected and follow Pathway Medical at @pathwaymedical. Twitter (News - Alert) : https://twitter.com/pathwaymedical

Facebook (News - Alert) : https://www.facebook.com/pathwaymedical

LinkedIn (News - Alert) : https://www.linkedin.com/company/pathwaymedical/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pathwaymedical/ For more information: www.pathway.md View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005312/en/

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[October 14, 2021] Epson and Usain Bolt sign European partnership to promote cartridge-free printing

HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, England, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Epson has announced a partnership with Usain Bolt, the world's fastest man. Eight-time Olympic gold medallist, and widely considered to be the greatest sprinter of all time, Usain will be the face of a major awareness building campaign for Epson's cartridge-free EcoTank printers. Usain will star alongside Epson's EcoTank in a TV Advertising campaign starting later this week in UK and Germany, as well as appearing on billboards, online in website banner ads, on Point-of-Sale in major retail outlets and on social media throughout the rest of the region. Usain will demonstrate in his own light-hearted way that with Epson's EcoTank printers, you can literally "Just Fill and Chill" for up to three years of cartridge-free no-hassle printing[1]. Over 60 million EcoTank high-capacity ink tank printers have sold worldwide since their launch in 2010, saving customers up to 90% on printing costs[2]. The printers come with high yield ink bottles instead of cartridges. Epson has recently refreshed its award-winning range of EcoTank printers enabling busy households and small offices to enjoy hassle-free printing at an ultra-low-cost per page. All Epson's new EcoTank printers feature its Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology so you can enjoy also reduced energy consumption with less need for replacement parts. Commenting on the partnership, Yoshiro Nagafusa, President of Epson Europe, said:"Usain is the perfect partner for us! He is one of the most recognisable people in the world and his engaging character will help bring our low-cost printing solutions to life in a fun, memorable and engaging way. With more of us working from home than ever before, and modern family life getting busier, now is exactly the right time to raise even more awareness of our EcoTank printers and the cost saving benefits they deliver."



Usain Bolt said: "I'm delighted to be working with Epson to help spread the word about EcoTank printers. I only partner with brands that I believe can make a real difference. EcoTank printers remove many of the frustrations that exist around printing with cartridges so anything that can help make life a little bit easier has got to be a good thing. But it's about much more than that! We share many of the same values such as building better futures. For Epson, that's all about building trust through its products, products that help communities grow and prosper. And for me it's about inspiring others to follow their dreams, regardless of how big or small they may be." For a look at the new TV Commercial, and to see some of the extra footage filmed during the shoot, take a look at our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/EpsonEurope.

1. Based on print volume of 100 A4 pages per month and the lowest yield produced from the included set of inks.

2. Based on Epson calculations, the average cost per page saving and the average number of inkjet cartridges required to print the same number of pages as the Epson EcoTank "101" and "103" ink bottles. Comparison between the average yield (A4 prints of ISO/IEC 24711) of EcoTank "101" and "103" bottle series and the genuine consumables (IDC, Hardcopy Peripherals Consumables Tracker, 2020 shipments, published Q1 2021) used within the 25 best-selling consumer A4 inkjet cartridge printers below 100 (exc. tax) in Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Turkey (IDC, Quarterly Hardcopy Peripherals Tracker, 2020 shipments, published Q1 2021). Cost per page calculated by dividing the relevant bottle/cartridge sales revenue and the total yield by the unit sales. About Epson Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to co-creating sustainability and enriching communities by leveraging its efficient, compact, and precision technologies and digital technologies to connect people, things, and information. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson will become carbon negative and eliminate use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of around JPY 1 trillion.

global.epson.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660368/Epson_Usain_Bolt.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/epson-and-usain-bolt-sign-european-partnership-to-promote-cartridge-free-printing-301400191.html SOURCE Epson Europe

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[October 14, 2021] Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Enhances its Campus Network with H3C's Wi-Fi 6

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Client's Testimony "We work hand-in-hand with cloud and network equipment solution providers like H3C in providing a conducive online learning environment for our students and staff. To provide economical and quality education to the community, we are glad that H3C has been actively supporting us in this digital transformation journey. As a result of this, our university has been operating smoothly for the past 18 months with minimal interruption." Ir. Prof. Dr. Yow Ho Kwang

Vice President of Internationalisation and Academic Development

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) As the pandemic hit, like many other educational institutions, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) had to shift their physical lectures to online lectures. Offering up to 121 academic programmes to more than 21,000 students locally and internationally, the usage of remote online lectures has brought a tremendous increase in data traffic to the University's internal cloud server. To cater for this huge surge in data traffic, UTAR has increased their internet bandwidth capacity with H3C as its internet service provider and also upgraded its internal cloud server and network switches facility with the help of H3C. UTAR first reached out to H3C in 2020 in search of improving and upgrading its campus network and wireless system as the COVID-19 pandemic has urged them to take another step in their digitisation transformation process. In May 2021, UTAR acquired and deployed H3C's products and solutions on one of their campuses, the UTAR Kampar campus. On 23 September 2021, H3C signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UTAR, further elevating their partnership while propelling Malaysia's digital economy forward in the education industry. H3C has started strategic cooperation with UTAR to share its expertise and joint development of research, as well as facilitating exchanges of ideas and facilities. H3C has also provided a campus network, Wi-Fi 6 solution and Cloudnet solution to UTAR using the latest public cloud management platform to monitor and manage their network devices. In addition, one of H3C's partners, Extreme Broadband Sdn Bhd, a local internet service provider, has provided broadband internet service to UTAR. Wi-Fi 6 campus network provides seamless connectivity for UTAR students Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman is a leading not-for-profit private university in Malaysia which was established under the UTAR Education Foundation and registered under the Malaysian Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996. As one of the top universities in Malaysia, they provide affordable quality education to the community, ranging from Foundation, Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes. Advancing into thedigital future, UTAR has acquired H3C's Future-Ready Wi-Fi 6, specifically designed to meet the challenges of the current and future wireless network users. It has helped UTAR to ensure they deliver seamless wireless connectivity to their faculty and students to conduct or attend daily online classes. The Wi-Fi 6 Solution is one of the fastest Wi-Fi 6 in the market which H3C is proud of. It delivers the highest performance with the highest single-client wireless throughput, representing the fastest Wi-Fi connection speed that has been tested by The Tolly Group, world-leading testers.



Besides that, H3C's Wi-Fi 6 integrates cutting-edge technologies such as AI, Big Data, Cloud, freeing networks with accurate, smart and simple operations and maintenance. It is also IoT-ready for multiple IoT protocols with flexible IoT expansion which reduces construction costs and simplifies O&M. Often used in densely packed lecture halls, electronic classrooms and large-scale campuses, H3C's Wi-Fi 6 campus network with Software-Defined Radio Frequency ensures a signal wherever you go, making it the best solution in supporting UTAR's digital transformation journey. Cloud empowerment contributes to a simplified network management

Another widely implemented solution by UTAR is H3C's Cloudnet Solution, cloud-based unified wireless and wired networking management service. This management tool provides a simplified yet scalable management for UTAR as the University is shifting its classes to online. With their data stored safely in the cloud, it is more secured and visible, with the management of OpEx optimized OMs. The Cloudnet platform adopts an advanced full-containerization solution and a fully distributed deployment architecture design. Based on this, the computing resources can be adaptively adjusted and allocated according to UTAR's business characteristics, and achieve the flexible expansion and user-unaware business iterative. Cloudnet empowers the University's network through U-Center unified operation and maintenance cloud, enabling minimal network deployment at the same time achieving minute-level deployment, with zero on-site operation and maintenance. By managing and monitoring multiple network services, the platform breaks the data barriers between services caused by isolated and vertical service deployment, shortening the time spent for UTAR's internal operation to go online. Moreover, AI empowerment enables minimal network operation and maintenance, intelligent network optimization, fault prediction, and provides the University with an excellent user experience. With the use of Cloudnet to empower the Campus's network management, it enhances UTAR's business innovation through strong data operation capabilities. Ultimately, improving the effectiveness of its campus operations. H3C's Cloudnet Solution is a new generation network solution for the digital transformation for enterprises like UTAR by providing them simple network deployment, ultimate network experience and strong value-added services. H3C's WA6622 speeds up UTAR's network infrastructure 10 times faster The network infrastructure for the UTAR Kampar campus has been in place for more than 14 years with the network backbone capacity supporting up to 1Gbps connection. After the COVID-19 outbreak, Malaysia has imposed a nationwide lockdown, forcing the faculty members and university students to work or study remotely from home. The impact of the pandemic has resulted in UTAR's current capacity to no longer support the high amount of network needed for bandwidth-intensive activities such as online courses and video conferences. To increase the bandwidth and speed of the network infrastructure, H3C has provided UTAR with its latest generation wireless access points, WA6622, for a stable networking experience. The product has assisted the University to upgrade its connectivity from 1Gbps to 10Gbps, aiding lecturers to stream online classes without interruptions. Lecturers can also forward assignment files to their students without the need to worry about the file size or internet speed. On the other hand, students can experience real-time online lectures while also receiving or downloading assignments at any time and at anywhere. H3C WA6622 access points have dual-radio 802.11ax technology standards. They provide a transmission speed of at least two times faster than 802.11ac products. This makes the product suitable for high-density access scenarios, such as university campuses, e-schoolbag applications, and stadiums. The high throughput and low latency of the WA6622 with built-in antennas also support multi-rate uplink ports with a maximum speed of 5Gbps or 10Gbps. They are compact in appearance and support both wall mounting and ceiling mounting. High confidence in digitalizing UTAR campus by providing professional support Ever since the pandemic started, many educational institutions had to undergo digital transformation to meet the needs of online education and adapt to the COVID-19 situation. It is the same for universities like UTAR which has started digital transformation many years ago and has made continuous improvements to its digitization efforts every year. Affirming H3C's role in this partnership, Ir. Professor Dr. Ewe Hong Tat, President and CEO of UTAR said, "With H3C coming on board, we are confident that we will be able to digitalise our campus operations to adapt to Malaysia's rapidly changing economy and cater for the fast-moving ICT changes." UTAR has made impressive strides in establishing a strong reputation as a comprehensive university with the dedication to achieving excellence in teaching and research. In addition, H3C will work with UTAR to implement the talent enablement programmes, including training certification programmes, H3C network laboratory and also internship training programmes. H3C would like to shape the future of talents to understand the world of the digital economy as the company believes that innovation, digitalisation and collaboration will light up the future. H3C takes customer-oriented as its core mission, focusing on fully supporting customers' business innovation, and strives to contribute the most to the continuous development and value enhancement of its customers. SOURCE H3C

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[October 14, 2021]

Kiosk News from the Industry Group and the Kiosk Manufacturer Association (KMA)

DENVER, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- October news from the Industry Group and Kiosk Association. InfoComm (AVIXA) is the biggest digital signage AV show in the U.S. KMA is official media partner. See a list of exhibitors and information . We have rated this as a "green light" for safety given the safety protocols exceed the recommended CDC guidelines.

October 27-29 is the date and yes we have free passes. Contact craig@catareno.com for more info.

Our ADA and Accessibility committee is holding a general conference call later this month (28th) at 11am to discuss accessibility and self-service. There is limited space so contact us early as possible and Nicky will get back to you. Contact info is craig@catareno.com or call 720-324-1837 (Denver MT). KMA works closely with the U.S. Access Board and has relationships with entities such as the National Federation of the Blind and the RNIB. Key resources in the past include NCR and LG.

NRF in New York in January -- preparations are underway for our booth. We will be showcasing accessibility in multiple form factors and in the POS space.

News This Month







For more information contact Craig Keefner, 720-324-1837 or craig@catareno.com or you can visit Kiosk Industry

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0315s2p-kioskma-300dpi.jpg

This release was issued through Send2Press, a unit of Neotrope. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.Send2Press.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kiosk-news-from-the-industry-group-and-the-kiosk-manufacturer-association-kma-301399909.html

SOURCE Kiosk Manufacturer Association
[October 14, 2021] Once-in-a-decade discovery made by international cyber security company built by former spies

Blackswan = unexpected, tough to detect, easy to exploit, set of seven 0-days found in one week, present in every Windows version since 2007 puts billions of users at risk OTTAWA,?ON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Field Effect, a global cyber security company, has released details of their discovery of seven 0-day vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows software and operating systems. The six privilege escalations and one info leak put billions of Windows users at risk. Dubbed collectively as "Blackswan" by Field Effect due to the unexpected find, the quantity, and the detection challenge, these bugs have amazingly existed in Windows since the 2007 release of Windows Vista. Such an extensive discovery is extremely rare, and Field Effect estimates that nearly every Windows computer in the world is vulnerable if unpatched, potentially impacting businesses worldwide. Matt Holland, Founder, CEO, and CTO of Field Effect, says all seven of these vulnerabilities add to a perfect attack scenario and would be easy to utilize as part of a ransomware or nation-state attack chain against businesses of any size and type. "The Blackswan 0-days are absolute gold for cyber criminals," said Holland. "If found, they would be very effective from an attacker's perspective because they are extremely hard to detect, provide access to the deepest layers of the operating system, and can be exploited with 99% reliability. This makes it absolutely critical to keep systems patched and put advanced security measures in place, especially for those businesses that rely on Windows every day." The company, an innovator in managed detection and response (MDR), discovered the vulnerabilities in late April 2021, responsibly disclosing?its research findings to Microsoft in early May 2021, with proof of concepts and full working exploits. In its Patch Tuesday updates on July 13, 2021 and September 14, 2021, Microsoft ssued patches for?the first vulnerability, CVE-2021-34514, and the next five vulnerabilities, including CVE-2021-38628, CVE-2021-38629, and CVE-2021-38638. Patches for the seventh vulnerability CVE-2021-26442 were released on October 12, 2021.



All the Blackswan vulnerabilities were discovered within one week by Field Effect's security services team, while doing research on the company's Covalence MDR platform. A vulnerability in the Advanced Local Procedure Call (ALPC) component of the Windows kernel ntoskrnl.exe caught their eye  something that was exploitable if triggered in an unexpected way. Upon further investigation, a series of vulnerabilities were found that had similar characteristics. As Holland explains, the unexpected discovery deserves the moniker "Blackswan" for several reasons. "We weren't actively threat hunting and certainly didn't expect to find seven 0-days that could be easily weaponized with only a single week's effort. What makes these particularly unique is how easily we found them and how long they remained undiscovered in Windows."

Through its extensive experience with offensive tradecraft techniques, incident response, and intelligence background, Field Effect is continually innovating to expand its Covalence MDR platform to stay ahead of the constantly evolving threat landscape. This commitment to product growth is backed by ongoing, significant investment in research and development, with more than 50% of the company's revenues invested into technology. "Our Blackswan discovery reveals just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the amazing calibre of cyber security talent at Field Effect and our commitment to ensuring our customers and partners are protected," said Holland. "It also underscores the importance for businesses to be diligent with cyber security and invest in a powerful managed security service that effectively detects and blocks threats well before they become serious risks." For more detail about Field Effect's Blackswan vulnerability discovery, read the Field Effect technical blog and view the video discussing the findings. Additional Resources: Microsoft Security Report: Patches for CVE-2021-34514 and CVE-2021-38628, CVE-2021-38629, CVE-2021-38638, CVE-2021-26442. Best practices guide for patch management. Information about Field Effect's Covalence MDR platform and customer use cases can be found on our Resources Page. About Field Effect Field Effect believes businesses of all sizes deserve powerful cyber security solutions to protect them. The company's threat monitoring and protection, incident response, security training, and consulting services are the result of years?of?research and development?by?the brightest talents in the cyber security industry.?For more?information, visit fieldeffect.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/once-in-a-decade-discovery-made-by-international-cyber-security-company-built-by-former-spies-301400051.html SOURCE Field Effect

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[October 14, 2021] RingCentral Reveals Platform Innovations that Help Every Organization to Embrace Hybrid Work

RingCentral, Inc. (NYSE:RNG), a leading provider of global enterprise cloud communications, video meetings, collaboration, and contact center solutions, today announced new capabilities that will help organizations to bring together their preferred apps and services with a cloud-based business communications platform. The result is a solution customized to the specific needs of a company and its people working in a hybrid world. Making it easy to connect their preferred apps and services, these new enhancements include helping developers to build with RingCentral's (News - Alert) platform, as well as announcing a range of new Independent Software Vendor (ISV) partnerships. "In a hybrid world, customers want to integrate their existing apps and services with their business communications platform. This helps them to run and grow their business while empowering their people to work from anywhere," said Nat Natarajan, executive vice president of Products and Engineering at RingCentral. "This is why we've built an open platform that makes it easy to integrate existing and new apps with our messaging, phone, and video capabilities all built on the cloud. We are helping customers to build customized workflows for their end users, helping them to effectively work from anywhere." New APIs IT organizations and users want to break down the different silos of data which require apps to integrate with one another, providing a unified experience for users. In order to do so organizations are spending millions of dollars to create custom solutions and differentiate their offerings. At RingCentral, we are focused on building a composable enterprise that enables organizations to integrate and create apps that work the way they want. RingCentral provides customers with three different ways to access its open platform. These include: No Code - Fastest, feature rich, pre-built apps, accessible via the RingCentral App Gallery

Low Code - Balanced flexibility for developers, minimum coding, such as embeddable widgets

Pro Code - Maximum flexibility, SDK support, over 500 APIs across products The new APIs RingCentral is announcing today include Call performance analytics and Audit trail. According to Zeus Kerravala (News - Alert) of ZK Research, "A wide range of application vendors have invested in low code and no code API platforms to enable the next generation composable enterprise. This enables organizations to innovate and adapt quickly to changing business needs through the assembly and combination of packaged business capabilities. With RingCentral's latest communications APIs, organizations have the ability to create customized solutions, tailored to the rapidly evolving user demands." Call performance analytics API (public beta): The call performance API, currently in public beta, enables users to gather detailed calling and communications dta to build a comprehensive analytics report, which can be tailored and customized to suit their needs. The API enables users to ensure proper capacity planning against call volume, optimal call handling with vital call stats such as answering time and holds, lastly centralized insights to sync data to external tools and merge with Business Intelligence for a complete understanding of calls.



Audit trail API (public beta): With the audit trail API, users have access to enterprise functionality to track system configuration changes and successful or failed logins to determine any breakages that need to be addressed. Users have the ability to query and sync log records your way and perform compliance and anomaly detection. New Integrations

Last quarter RingCentral announced RingCentral Add-ins, which brings the applications users depend on into the RingCentral App, giving them a rich, embedded experience. From streamlining signatures to capturing engineering tasks, customers can have an interactive app experience directly within their messaging app, without toggling between multiple screens and applications. RingCentral Add-ins is experiencing rapid momentum and has new integrations ready for customers in Q4 with applications such as: Akazio, Bugsnag, GitHub, JIRA, and Trello. Also coming in Q4 is a new customer agent and sales integration with Hubspot, where users can quickly click to dial, view call disposition, automatically log calls and more without having to leave their Hubspot environment. Learn more in our RingCentral app gallery New ISV partners RingCentral now has several new partners who have joined the company's ISV program. Through RingCentral's ISV partner program, the company extends offerings to partners by offering them lead retrievals, co-selling opportunities, internal team education, and customer awareness. As a result of expanding the opportunities offered through the ISV partner program, ISVs are applying to join RingCentral's ISV program. The new ISV partners who have joined the program include Akazio, Chili Piper, Enable.us, Keeper, Kustomer, and Liquid Voice. The RingCentral Open Platform continues to gain momentum with 60,000 developers and 6,500 and growing custom applications built on the open platform. For more information visit, https://www.ringcentral.com/open_platform.html About RingCentral RingCentral, Inc. (NYSE: RNG) is a leading provider of business cloud communications and contact center solutions based on its powerful Message Video Phone??(MVP) global platform. More flexible and cost effective than legacy on-premises PBX (News - Alert) and video conferencing systems that it replaces, RingCentral empowers modern mobile and distributed workforces to communicate, collaborate, and connect via any mode, any device, and any location. RingCentral offers three key products in its portfolio including RingCentral MVP, a Unified Communications (News - Alert) as a Service (UCaaS) platform including team messaging, video meetings, and cloud phone system; RingCentral Video, ?the company's video meetings solution with team messaging that enables Smart Video Meetings; and RingCentral cloud Contact Center solutions. RingCentral's open platform integrates with leading third-party business applications and enables customers to easily customize business workflows. RingCentral is headquartered in Belmont, California, and has offices around the world.  2021 RingCentral, Inc. All rights reserved. RingCentral, Message Video Phone (News - Alert) , MVP, RingCentral MVP, Smart Video Meetings, RingCentral Video, and the RingCentral logo are trademarks of RingCentral, Inc. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005292/en/

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[October 14, 2021] Automotive Seat Manufacturers Find Sweet Spot with Synthetic Leather, J.D. Power Finds

Although overall seat satisfaction among owners of vehicles with synthetic leather seating may be marginally lower than those with genuine leather, the benefits of using synthetic materials to replicate real leather go beyond that of feel, according to the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Seat Quality and Satisfaction Study,SM released today. The durability of synthetic leather is on par with genuine leather yet offers the added benefits of optimal cleanability while reducing costs for car manufacturers and consumers alike. "This year's study shows that leather alternatives have evolved to a point where they can be used without sacrificing the consumer experience, and actually offer some unique benefits" said Brent Gruber, senior director of global automotive quality at J.D. Power. "With a heightened sense of awareness to surface cleanliness due to COVID-19, synthetic leather seats lend themselves well to cleanability, but it is ultimately about providing benefits which address notable industry challenges such as providing durability, soil resistance and, most importantly, cost-effectiveness. Our study shows that synthetic leather out-performs cloth seating in select areas while offering benefits similar to those of leather." Seat quality is measured by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP 100) during the first 90 days of ownership, with a lower score reflecting higher quality. See the rank charts at http://www.jdpower.com/pr-id/2021096.



The 2021 U.S. Seat Quality and Satisfaction Study is based on responses from 110,827 purchasers and lessees of new 2021 model-year vehicles who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study was fielded from February through July 2021. For more information about the U.S. Seat Quality Satisfaction Study, visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/automotive/us-seat-quality-and-satisfaction-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 company's business offerings, visit JDPower.com/business. The J.D. Power auto shopping tool can be found at JDPower.com. About J.D. Power and Advertising/Promotional Rules: http://www.jdpower.com/business/about-us/press-release-info View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005420/en/

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[October 14, 2021] Wells Fargo Reports Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Wells Fargo (News - Alert) & Company (NYSE: WFC) has released its third quarter 2021 financial results. The financial results are available online at https://www.wellsfargo.com/about/investor-relations/quarterly-earnings/ and on a Form 8-K filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission ( SEC (News - Alert) ) on Oct. 14, 2021, and available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005571/en/ External view of a Wells Fargo building with a glass front and individuals walking by on the sidewalk. (Photo: Wells Fargo) Conference call The company will host a live conference call on Thursday, Oct. 14, at 11:30 a.m. Eastern time. You may listento the call by dialing 1-877-918-2317 (U.S. and Canada) or 312-470-7164 (international/U.S. toll) 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/U.S. toll) 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/20211014005571/en/

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[October 14, 2021] ATSG Earns Cisco Advanced Customer Experience (CX) Specialization Recognizing Excellence in Delivering Highest Level of Support

NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ATSG, a leading, tech-enabled managed services and solutions company, today announced it has earned the Cisco Advanced Customer Experience (CX) Specialization certification, placing the company among an elite group of only twenty-two Cisco technology partners in the United States. The Cisco Advanced Customer Experience (CX) Specialization recognizes ATSG and its rediSuccess program for driving client success, outcomes, and benefits in building a sustainable lifecycle practice that benefits its clients in a variety of enterprise sizes and industries, including healthcare providers, retailers, state and local government, financial services, legal services, and others. "ATSG continuously strives to provide our clients with the highest level of service by adopting and enhancing industry best practices," said April Paresi, Senior Vice President, Client Services, ATSG. "Our achievement of Cisco's Advanced Customer Experience Specialization certification is a testament to the commitment we have to our clients' success across the entire spectrum of their digital transformation journey. Drawing on its decades of IT Service Management and Client Intimacy expertise enables ATSG to ensure the adoption, results, and overall value required for optimal experiences throughout every step of the business engagement lifecycle." The ATSG rediSuccess program has been purpose-built to define and deliver a successful customer journey, from inception to ongoing, multidimensional service delivery, to match a client's specific goals and objectives. ATSG rediSuccess identifies business outcomes and roadmaps in the early stages of an engagement. The Advanced Customer Experience (CX) team then develops a tailor-made, innovatie customer journey that tracks, measures, and continually improves process, with benefits ranging from design & planning, to implementation & deployment, through operations & optimization.



ATSG's achievement underscores its ability to provide innovative technology services that target real business drivers and ensure a delighted consumer from both an IT organizational and End-User perspective. This program shortens time-to-value, sets proper expectations, aligns shared accountability, and pre-defines the steps necessary for success. This elite designation was attained following a rigorous audit, conducted by Cisco and a third-party auditor, which validates ATSG's Customer Success methodology across people, processes, technologies, tools, and platforms. The Cisco Advanced Customer Experience (CX) Specialization recognizes ATSG's ability to:

Streamline the Onboarding Process

Increase Solution Adoption

Enhance the Customer Experience

Predict and Prevent Disillusionment

Drive Multiservice Expansion

Foster Customer Advocacy About ATSG

ATSG is a global tech-enabled managed services and solutions company focused on innovative solutions to enhance today's digital enterprise and end-user experiences. ATSG provides Intelligent IT through Technology Solutions as a Service (TSaaS) to a variety of customers; leveraging an offerings portfolio of rediTech, rediManage, rediCloud, and rediSecure, which delivers reliable, elastic, dynamic infrastructure, collaboration, applications, as well as world-class IT operations. ATSG is a privately held company headquartered in Manhattan, New York. For more information on ATSG, please visit us on the web at www.atsg.net, like us on LinkedIn, follow us on Twitter or become a fan on our Facebook page. #AboutATSG ATSG is a portfolio company of RunTide Capital, a private equity firm focused on building tech-enabled growth companies. Press Contact:

Elizabeth Kubycheck

ekubycheck@atsg.net View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/atsg-earns-cisco-advanced-customer-experience-cx-specialization-recognizing-excellence-in-delivering-highest-level-of-support-301399841.html SOURCE ATSG

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[October 14, 2021] Datumcon to Showcase the Power of Video Analytics in Transforming Businesses at its Ai Everything x GITEX Debut

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- At Ai Everything x GITEX Global, Datumcon, a specialized artificial intelligence (AI) and data science company based out of the UAE and Saudi Arabia, aims to highlight the benefits of AI-enabled video analytics to governments and businesses across the region. Established in 2018, this dynamic start-up provides globally competitive AI solutions developed by the field's foremost talents to address the region's growing demand for advanced technology solutions. With this being Datumcon's first independent participation at the event, the start-up is eager to showcase its range of AI applications across its 100 square meter stand. Under the theme 'Eyeing the Future, Seizing Opportunities,' visitors at Ai Everything will have the chance to immerse themselves in a range of Datumcon's solutions and use cases designed to empower businesses with actionable insights that drive tangible outcomes. A key highlight will be INSIGHT AI, the company's proprietary computer vision software. The intelligent AI-enabled video analytics solution detects and extracts objects and features from real-time and recorded video streams and images to enable swift decision making. Beyond substantially improving levels of security, the software's capabilities really stand out when it comes to automation of supervision and surveillance tasks. At the heart of Datumcon's display is its impressive 'Command and Control Center' where it will highlight use cases that inclue port management, health, safety & environment (HSE), as well as law enforcement. Elevating innovation to another level will be an onsite demonstration of a 'Brain-wave Reader,' a high bandwidth brain-machine interface capable of reading a person's brainwaves and transforming them into visual representations.



Commenting on their participation, Cesar Andres Lopez, Chief Executive Officer, Datumcon, said: "We are thrilled to showcase our exciting range of AI applications at our first solo presence at Ai Everything x GITEX Global. Our team is eager to engage with the event's attendees and keen to showcase how we can address their unique needs, help them generate new value, and drive their competitive advantage at a time of profound change across all industries." Across its stand, Datumcon will also spotlight several interactive demos underlining INSIGHT AI's features and capabilities through real-time video streaming, demonstrating facial recognition, emotions, gender, age and pose estimation, object detection, as well as unique people counting.

Present at the stand will also be Datumcon's technology partners - SUSE, Gigabyte, Aerosmart, Axis, IDIS. To experience the many ways in which Datumcon is helping organizations 'Eye the Future and Seize Opportunities,' visit the dynamic start-up at DWTC, Hall 8, Stand B35. About Datumcon Datumcon (Datum Consultants) is a specialized, Gulf-based, artificial intelligence (AI) and data science company. Established in 2018, the dynamic startup brings impactful solutions to life by developing customized neural networks that cater to organizations' most complex automation requirements. Datumcon provides globally competitive, industry-agnostic AI solutions developed by the field's foremost talents to address the region's growing demand for advanced technology solutions. Its command of deep-learning models and ability to manage complex data science projects make it the partner of choice for businesses seeking to harness the transformational capabilities of AI. The company possesses expert knowledge in leveraging Computer Vision in the detection, monitoring, supervision, and inspection processes. As a trusted advisor to its customers, Datumcon also offers consultancy services in AI algorithms, modeling, data science, and Big Data projects. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/datumcon-to-showcase-the-power-of-video-analytics-in-transforming-businesses-at-its-ai-everything-x-gitex-debut-301400296.html SOURCE Datumcon

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[October 14, 2021] PGIM Private Capital Invests $65.0M in ED&F Man Capital Markets US Holdings, Inc.

PGIM Private Capital provided a $65.0M Senior Secured Credit Facility consisting of a $50.0M Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan and a $15.0M committed Delayed Draw Term Loan to ED&F Man Capital Markets US Holdings, Inc., a global financial brokerage business. PGIM Private Capital is a leading source of private debt for public and private companies and is the private capital arm of PGIM, the $1.4 trillion global investment management business of Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU). "We are pleased to provide funding to ED&F Man Capital Markets to provide strategic financing for the business as they pursue the next phase of growth. Our experience with similar financings in this sector introduced us to the opportunity to work with the Firm's management team, forming a strong, direct partnership. Our relationship-oriented approach is reflected in the Firm's mission centered on integrity, trust, client care and astute risk management," said PJ LaFemina, Vice President of PGIM Private Capital's Direct Lending group. Christopher J Smith, Global CEO of ED&F Man Capital Markets, said:

"Our partnership with PGIM Private Capital's Direct Lending group is built on a relationship whose foundations go back over many years. The provision of $65m of strategic financing will enable us to leverage the significant opportunities we see as a leading provider in global capital markets operating at the heart of the financial services ecosystem. Our Firm has a resilient and proven track record, a highly executable strategy, and clear vision for the future This facility will enable us to develop and achieve our financial and strategic goals." Matthew Harvey, Managing Director and Head of PGIM Private Capital's Direct ending group, said:





"We look forward to supporting ED&F Man Capital Markets' strategic journey and working closely with their leadership team. Our Direct Lending strategy is based on close, long-term relationships with strong management teams, which was reflected through the Firm's outstanding leadership. Our thorough understanding and experience with financing strategies and flexible structures enabled us to provide a valuable solution as ED&F Man Capital Markets further invests in their business." - Ends -

About ED&F Man Capital Markets ED&F Man Capital Markets was founded in 2012, and today operates at the heart of the financial services ecosystem and is a leading provider in global capital markets

It has a global presence across the world's major financial centres

It has a diverse range of asset classes resulting in a highly resilient business which offers a 'one stop shop' offering an unrivalled breadth of products and services: futures & options, metals, fixed income, equities, energy, and foreign exchange Further information is available at http://www.edfmancapital.com About PGIM Private Capital

PGIM Private Capital manages more than $20 billion in outside non-affiliated assets through its Institutional Asset Management unit and Alternative Investments unit, comprised of Direct Lending, PGIM Capital Partners and PGIM Energy Partners mezzanine funds. PGIM Private Capital manages a $100.2 billion portfolio of private placements and mezzanine investments through its regional office network (Atlanta; Chicago; Dallas; Frankfurt, Germany; London; Los Angeles; Madrid; Mexico City; Milan; Minneapolis; Newark, New Jersey; New York; Paris; San Francisco and Sydney) and purchases up to $13 billion annually in predominantly senior debt and junior capital. All data as of June 30, 2021. For more information, please visit pgimprivatecapital.com. About PGIM

PGIM, the global asset management business of Prudential Financial, Inc. (PFI) (NYSE: PRU). With offices in 16 countries, PGIM's businesses offer a range of investment solutions for retail and institutional investors around the world across a broad range of asset classes, including public fixed income, private fixed income, fundamental equity, quantitative equity, real estate and alternatives. For more information about PGIM, visit pgim.com. Prudential Financial, Inc. (PFI) of the United States is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential plc, incorporated in the United Kingdom, or with Prudential Assurance Company, a subsidiary of M&G plc, incorporated in the United Kingdom. For more information please visit news.prudential.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005591/en/

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[October 14, 2021] FEops HEARTguide Authorized by FDA for Unprecedented LAAo Planning Capabilities

FEops today announced that it received De Novo authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for FEops HEARTguide pre-operative planning of left atrial appendage occlusion with the Boston Scientific WATCHMAN device*. FEops HEARTguide will enable physicians to virtually model clinical scenarios with different implant positions and sizes of the WATCHMAN device helping the heart team to select the optimal size and position for every individual patient. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005139/en/ "The pre-operative insight provided by FEops HEARTguide is powerful and can help me to optimize decision making for selecting optimal device size and position," said Dr Jacqueline Saw, Vancouver General Hospital, Canada. "FEops HEARTguide is an intuitive platform I can use to discuss cases with the entire heart team to streamline my pre-op planning workflow." "FDA authorization of FEops HEARTguide is a significant milestone as this is the first Interventional Cardiovascular Implant Simulation Software Device cleared on the US market," said Peter Mortier, PhD, co-founder and CTO of FEops. "Research on this technology began more than 10 years ago. We have continued to evelop it with the goal of helping healthcare professionals identify the most appropriate treatment strategy for each patient precisely, safely and efficiently. This De Novo clearance is only a first step, and we are already preparing for FDA 510(k) submissions for FEops HEARTguide LAAo workflow with Abbott's Amplatzer Amulet (News - Alert)  device and Boston Scientific's WATCHMAN FLX device."



*The Owner/Operator Number for this Registration is: 10082838 and the listing number: DEN200030. FEops HEARTguide is a one-in-its-kind procedure planning platform for structural heart interventions that provides physicians with unique insights to evaluate device sizing and positioning pre-operatively. The platform uses digital twin technology based on patient-specific virtual replicas of the heart. Besides the recent FDA clearance to enter the US market with its LAAo workflow with WATCHMAN, FEops HEARTguide is also commercially available in the European Union, UK, Canada and Australia for its TAVI and LAAo workflows.

About FEops HEARTguide FEops HEARTguideTM cloud-based procedure planning environment uses digital twin technology to provide clinicians and medical device manufacturers with first-ever insights into the interaction between transcatheter structural heart devices and specific patient anatomy - pre-operatively. Additionally, this includes also a range of quality controlled, validated and AI-enabled** anatomical analyses. Such insights have the power to help ultimately to improve clinical outcomes in real-world hospital settings, as well as to accelerate research and development of novel device-based solutions. ** Currently available only in the European Union, UK, Canada and Australia for its TAVI and LAAo workflows. About FEops Privately held FEops, headquartered in Gent, Belgium, is a digital health player offering cloud-based procedure planning solutions in the structural heart space combining digital twin and AI technologies. In September 2017, FEops announced that it closed a 6 million euros financing, led by Valiance, and joined by existing investors Capricorn Partners and PMV. In December 2019, FEops has been awarded a grant of Euro 3.2 million from the European Innovation Council (EIC) accelerator programme. www.feops.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005139/en/

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[October 14, 2021] HP Threat Research Shows Attackers Exploiting Zero-Day Vulnerability Before Enterprises Can Patch

PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) today released its latest global HP Wolf Security Threat Insights Report, providing analysis of real-world cybersecurity attacks. By isolating threats that have evaded detection tools and made it to user endpoints, HP Wolf Security has a unique insight into the latest techniques being used by cybercriminals. The HP Wolf Security threat research team found evidence that cybercriminals are mobilizing quickly to weaponize new zero-day vulnerabilities. Exploits of the zero-day CVE-2021-404441  a remote code execution vulnerability that enables exploitation of the MSHTML browser engine using Microsoft Office documents  were first captured by HP on September 8, a week before the patch was issued on September 14. By September 10  just three days after the initial threat bulletin  the HP threat research team saw scripts designed to automate the creation of this exploit being shared on GitHub. Unless patched, the exploit enables attackers to compromise endpoints with very little user interaction. It uses a malicious archive file, which deploys malware via an Office document. Users dont have to open the file or enable any macros, viewing it in File Explorers preview pane is enough to initiate the attack, which a user often will not know has happened. Once the device is compromised, attackers can install backdoors to systems, which could be sold on to ransomware groups. Other notable threats isolated by the HP Wolf Security threat insight team include: Rise in cybercriminals using legitimate Cloud and web providers to host malware : A recent GuLoader campaign was hosting the Remcos Remote Access Trojan (RAT) on major platforms like OneDrive to evade intrusion detection systems and pass whitelisting tests. HP Wolf Security also discovered multiple malware families being hosted on gaming social media platforms like Discord.

: A recent GuLoader campaign was hosting the Remcos Remote Access Trojan (RAT) on major platforms like OneDrive to evade intrusion detection systems and pass whitelisting tests. HP Wolf Security also discovered multiple malware families being hosted on gaming social media platforms like Discord. JavaScript malware slipping past detection tools: A campaign spreading various JavaScript RATs spread via malicious email attachments. JavaScript downloaders have a lower detection rate than Office downloaders or binaries. RATs are increasingly common as attackers aim to steal credentials for business accounts or crypto wallets.

A campaign spreading various JavaScript RATs spread via malicious email attachments. JavaScript downloaders have a lower detection rate than Office downloaders or binaries. RATs are increasingly common as attackers aim to steal credentials for business accounts or crypto wallets. Targeted campaign found posing as the Ugandan National Social Security fund: Attackers used typosquatting  using a spoofed web address similar to an official domain name  to lure targets to a site that downloads a malicious Word document. This uses macros to run a PowerShell script that blocks security logging and evades the Windows Antimalware Scan Interface feature.

Attackers used typosquatting  using a spoofed web address similar to an official domain name  to lure targets to a site that downloads a malicious Word document. This uses macros to run a PowerShell script that blocks security logging and evades the Windows Antimalware Scan Interface feature. Switching to HTA files spreads malware in a single click: The Trickbot Trojan is now being delivered via HTA (HTML application) files, which deploy the malware as soon as the attachment or achive file containing it is opened. As an uncommon file type, malicious HTA files are less likely to be spotted by detection tools. The average time for a business to apply, test and fully deploy patches with the proper checks is 97 days, giving cybercriminals an opportunity to exploit this window of vulnerability. While only highly capable hackers could exploit this vulnerability at first, automated scripts have lowered the bar for entry, making this type of attack accessible to less knowledgeable and resourced threat actors. This increases the risk to businesses substantially, as zero-day exploits are commoditized and made available to the mass market in venues like underground forums, explains Alex Holland, Senior Malware Analyst, HP Wolf Security threat research team, HP Inc. Such novel exploits tend to be effective at evading detection tools because signatures may be imperfect and become obsolete quickly as the understanding of the scope of an exploit changes. We expect threat actors to adopt CVE-2021-40444 as part of their arsenals, and potentially even replace common exploits used to gain initial access to systems today, such as those exploiting Equation Editor.







We are also seeing major platforms like OneDrive allowing hackers to conduct flash in the pan attacks. While malware hosted on such platforms are generally taken down quickly, this does not deter attackers because they can often achieve their objective of delivering malware in the few hours the links are live, Holland continues. Some threat actors are changing the script or file type they are using every few months. Malicious JavaScript and HTA files are nothing new, but they are still landing in employee inboxes, putting the enterprise at risk. One campaign deployed Vengeance Justice Worm, which can spread to other systems and USB drives.



The findings are based on data from the millions of endpoints running HP Wolf Security. HP Wolf Security tracks malware by opening risky tasks in isolated, micro Virtual Machines (micro VMs) to understand and capture the full infection chain, helping to mitigate threats that have slipped past other security tools. This has let customers click on over 10 billion email attachments, web pages, and downloads with no reported breaches2. By better understanding the behavior of malware in the wild, HP Wolf Security researchers and engineers can bolster endpoint security protection and overall system resilience.





Key findings in the report include: 12% of email malware isolated had bypassed at least one gateway scanner

89% of malware detected was delivered via email, while web downloads were responsible for 11%, and other vectors like removable storage devices for less than 1%

The most common attachments used to deliver malware were archive files (38%  up from 17.26% last quarter), Word documents (23%), spreadsheets (17%), and executable files (16%)

The top five most common phishing lures were related to business transactions such as order, payment, new, quotation and request

The report found 12% of malware captured was previously unknown3

We cant keep relying on detection alone. The threat landscape is too dynamic and, as we can see from the analysis of threats captured in our VMs, attackers are increasingly adept at evading detection, comments Dr. Ian Pratt, Global Head of Security for Personal Systems, HP Inc. Organizations must take a layered approach to endpoint security, following zero trust principles to contain and isolate the most common attack vectors like email, browsers, and downloads. This will eliminate the attack surface for whole classes of threats, while giving organizations the breathing room needed to coordinate patch cycles securely without disrupting services.



About the data This data was gathered within HP Wolf Security customer virtual-machines from July - September 2021.



About HP

HP Inc. creates technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere. Through our product and service portfolio of personal systems, printers, and 3D printing solutions, we engineer experiences that amaze. More information about HP Inc. is available at http://www.hp.com .



About HP Wolf Security

From the maker of the worlds most secure PCs4 and Printers5, HP Wolf Security is a new breed6 of endpoint security. HPs portfolio of hardware-enforced security and endpoint-focused security services are designed to help organizations safeguard PCs, printers, and people from circling cyber predators. HP Wolf Security provides comprehensive endpoint protection and resiliency that starts at the hardware level and extends across software and services. Media Contact Vanessa Godsal, HP Inc.

vgodsal@hp.com Copyright 2021 HP Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein. _______________

1 Microsoft credited security researchers Rick Cole (MSTIC), Dhanesh Kizhakkinan of Mandiant, Haifei Li of EXPMON, and Bryce Abdo of Mandiant for discovering the zero-day vulnerability.

2 Assumptions based on HP internal analysis of customer reported insights and installed base.

3 Based on first-seen in the wild data from multiple antivirus engines.

4 Based on HPs unique and comprehensive security capabilities at no additional cost among vendors on HP Elite PCs with Windows and 8th Gen and higher Intel processors or AMD Ryzen 4000 processors and higher; HP ProDesk 600 G6 with Intel 10th Gen and higher processors; and HP ProBook 600 with AMD Ryzen 4000 or Intel 11th Gen processors and higher.

5 HPs most advanced embedded security features are available on HP Enterprise and HP Managed devices with HP FutureSmart firmware 4.5 or above. Claim based on HP review of 2021 published features of competitive in-class printers. Only HP offers a combination of security features to automatically detect, stop, and recover from attacks with a self-healing reboot, in alignment with NIST SP 800-193 guidelines for device cyber resiliency. For a list of compatible products, visit: hp.com/go/PrintersThatProtect. For more information, visit: hp.com/go/PrinterSecurityClaims.

6 HP Security is now HP Wolf Security. Security features vary by platform, please see product data sheet for details.



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[October 14, 2021] Security as a Service Market worth $23.8 billion by 2026 - Exclusive Report by MarketsandMarkets

CHICAGO, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a research report "Security as a Service Market by Component (Solution and Service), Application (Network Security, Endpoint Security, Application Security, and Cloud), Organization Size (SMEs, Large Enterprises), Vertical, and Region - Global Forecast to 2026", published by MarketsandMarkets, the global Security as a Service Market size is expected to grow from USD 12.4 billion in 2021 to USD 23.8 billion by 2026, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.8% during the forecast period. The key growth driver of the security as a service market are mandates to follow regulatory and data protection laws, increase in demand for cloud-based security solutions among SMEs, and high cost and risks in managing on-premises security solutions. Browse in-depth TOC on "Security as a Service Market" 412  Tables

48  Figures

330  Pages Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=132531603 The application security segment is expected to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period Application security solutions and services enable enterprises to secure their business-sensitive applications through greater visibility, control, and the use of existing security solutions, such as Identity and Access Management (IAM), web filtering, and application whitelisting. These enable the security of enterprise applications and software codes from external and internal threats, including web attacks, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), site scraping, and frauds. Business-sensitive applications are one of the primary targets of attackers, as they carry information about critical assets, as well as processes that are followed by an enterprise. Cloud-based application security solutions and services are providing cost-effective and scalability functionality to customers, which is thereby inducing high growth in this market. The BFSI vertical is expected to maintain the leading position in terms of revenue generation during the forecast period Increased instances of spyware/keylogger, Trojans, viruses, ransomware, and other malware in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) vertical are driving the adoption of security as a service solutions. The BFSI vertical is also a major target for cybercriminals, as it holds sensitive information of employees, customers, assets, offices, branches, and operations. Furthermore, with stricter regulations and increasing instances of frauds and cyber-attacks, the need for real-time detection and protection from advanced threat ad brand protection is driving the growth of the security as a service market in the BFSI vertical.



The Identity and Access Management (IAM) segment to account for the highest market share in 2021 Security and vulnerability management is the procedure in which vulnerabilities in IT are identified and the risks of these vulnerabilities are assessed. It is a proactive approach to secure sensitive data by eliminating the weaknesses of network security, which include contingent cyber threats, such as dormant malware attacks and other advanced invasion techniques. The process consists of checking and identifying risks, along with mitigation and patching of the unwanted software program.

Businesses rely on the solution to quickly assess and prioritize the vulnerabilities, along with scanning the network asset information, security configuration, and threat intelligence. With the increasing instances of cyber-attacks, the Internet of Things (IoT) and connected device vulnerabilities and growing pressure from cybersecurity regulations, the SIEM segment is expected to garner the highest revenue during the forecast period. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=132531603 North America is expected to account for the largest market size during the forecast period North America is expected to account for the largest market size in the overall security as a service market during the forecast period. The increase in the number of IoT& connected devices, and vulnerabilities associated with them are some of the factors driving the adoption of security as a service. The presence of many security as a service vendors, as well as widespread awareness about these solutions would continue to account for the region's highest market share during the forecast period. The Major Players of Security as a Service Market comprises major solution providers, such as Trend Micro (Japan), IBM (US), Microsoft (US), Zscaler (US), McAfee (US), Forcepoint (US), Sophos (UK), Clearswift (UK), Alert Logic (US), Cygilant (US), Barracuda Networks (US), Panda Security (Spain), Cisco (US), Fortinet (US), Radware (China), NortonLifeLock (US), Mindsight (US), Sentinel Technologies (US), Happiest Minds (India), Okta (US), Proofpoint (US), Qualys (US), Kaspersky Lab (US), Stratejm (Canada), and HackerOne (US). The study includes an in-depth competitive analysis of the key players in the security as a service market, along with their company profiles, recent developments, and key market strategies. Browse Adjacent Markets: Information and Security Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Cybersecurity Market with Covid-19 Impact Analysis by Component (Software, Hardware, and Services), Software (IAM, Encryption, APT, Firewall), Security Type, Deployment Mode, Organization Size, Vertical, and Region - Global Forecast to 2026 Security Information and Event Management Market by Component, Application, Deployment Mode, Organization Size, Vertical (Information, Finance and Insurance, Healthcare and Social Assistance, Utilities), and Region - Global Forecast to 2025 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model  GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra

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[October 14, 2021] Coin Cloud and Dumpling Mafia Release Limited Edition NFTs

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coin Cloud , the worlds largest and fastest-growing digital currency machine (DCM) operator, today announced a new collaboration with the Dumpling Mafia, to release two sets of limited edition Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) digital collectibles in various designs by artist Narrator ( @__narrator__ on Instagram). The NFTs will be released at a VIP media launch party on Monday, October 18, 2021, at Ms Chi Cafe in Culver City, California.

Narrator is a native Angeleno who began drawing as a child and painting graffiti and murals as a teen before studying Fine Art at Santa Monica City College. Inspirations for his work range from the Masters to current stars like Banksy, Kaws and Murakami. The Dumpling Mafia was born in 2017 when Chef Chung, along with friends Andy Wang and Caryl Chinn, went on a dumpling crawl in the San Gabriel Valley. As they ate and posted food photos at several stops, they coined the hashtag #DumplingMafia. Over the years, and many dim sum lunches, their social media followers have repeatedly asked how to join the Dumpling Mafia. Now they can purchase a rare Dumpling Mafia NFT, which grants instant access into the movement. NFTs can build community and generate revenue and buzz for independent creators, said Dumpling Mafia Co-founder Andy Wang. Given all the struggles and pivots chefs have endured in the last year, we hope to use this event as a launching pad that will empower other chefs and restaurants to engage in the burgeoning NFT marketplace. Custom designed by Narrator specifically for this partnership, the NFTs feature his signature whimsical style depicting happy dumplings and baby pig dragons  because Chungs Chinese zodiac sign is the Dragon and her husbands is the Pig. The launch will take place at Ms Chi, her progressive Chinese-American restaurant that just celebrated its third anniversary. After appearing on two seasons of Bravos Top Chef, ncluding season 14 when Chung was named runner-up, she opened the restaurant as a showcase for dishes including her signature Cheeseburger Dumplings.



Innovation is so important for a chef in 2021, Chung said. I specialize in Chinese American cooking and Im proud to be part of a movement of chefs who are redefining what Chinese food is. New-school dumplings like my cheeseburger dumpling are a great way to tell this new story. So are NFT dumplings. The selection will include 88 unique Dumpling Mafia Bosses character NFTs and 888 Dumpling Mafia membership cards with at least five different designs. The NFTs will be available for purchase exclusively at Coin Clouds website .

This is the type of drawing that appeals to everyone from foodies to cartoon lovers to urban art connoisseurs, and caters to fans of Chef Shirley as well as Narrator, said Chris McAlary, CEO of Coin Cloud. That combination translates perfectly into NFT collectibles. Coin Clouds mission is Bringing Digital Currency to All. The companys nationwide network of DCMs enables customers to quickly and easily buy and sell over 40 digital assets with cash. The machines provide financial services options to the unbanked and underbanked while appealing to both digital currency beginners and experienced investors. Coin Cloud DCMs offer Bitcoin (BTC) and over 40 other digital currency options, like Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), Ethereum (ETH), Uniswap (UNI) and a range of stablecoins and DeFi tokens. The company also has a non-custodial wallet app designed to work seamlessly with Coin Cloud DCMs. This free mobile app gives users the power to completely control and manage their Bitcoin, Ethereum and stablecoins, as well as store, buy, sell, send or receive digital currency from anywhere in the world. The locations of all Coin Cloud DCMs can be found at www.Coin.Cloud/dcms , and new installs are added to the map locator daily. For more information on Coin Cloud, visit www.Coin.Cloud or follow Coin Cloud on Twitter at @CoinCloudDCM . About Coin Cloud:

Coin Cloud is the industry-leading digital currency machine (DCM) company founded in 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. With over 4,000 locations nationwide, Coin Cloud operates the world's largest and fastest-growing network of 100% two-way DCMs, the next generation of the Bitcoin ATM. Coin Cloud is the only national operator that empowers you to quickly and easily buy and sell 40+ virtual currencies at every location. You can find your nearest Coin Cloud DCM at www.Coin.Cloud/dcms Press Contacts:

Steve Stratz

Relevanz Public Relations for Coin Cloud

206.300.9134

steve@relevanzpr.com Caryl P. Chinn

Caryl Chinn Culinary Consulting

917.767.2623

caryls@carylchinn.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c8e9863f-ab60-4fe3-a42a-2cdb4ccd84c6



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[October 14, 2021] Once again Nuvoco brings Durga Puja to Devotees with Virtual Pandal Hopping

A 360-degree walkthrough to top 50 Durga Puja pandals from West Bengal and 10 overseas KOLKATA, India, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Following up on its incredibly popular initiative from last year, leading building materials company Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd., is back with its virtual Durga Puja pandal hopping experience for devotees, commencing from October 11, 2021. With COVID-19 restrictions still in effect, this online experience allows people to virtually 'visit' the famous pandals in Kolkata. Devotees can log on to https://nuvocopandalhopping.com/ for a 360-degree walkthrough of the top 30 Durga Puja pandals in the city as well as a captivating image gallery of 20 pandals from other parts of West Bengal and 10 overseas venues. They will be able to witness the pomp and glory, prayer services, magnificent idols, spellbinding artistic displays, and popular lightings of these venues in real time. The website is available in both English and Bengali languages. Every year lakhs of devotees congregate in Kolkata to celebrate Durga Puja. The usual practice is to move from one site to another to see the different idols, pandals, and art on display. However, after the successful online celebration last year and continued COVID-19 restrictions on the entry of people to puja venues, Nuvoco once again brings the virtual pandal hopping experience that will allow devotees to experience their favorite festive activity virtually. From the grand facade of the lavish pandalsto the most intricate detailing of the artistry  everything will be viewable, literally at your fingertips.



This year, Nuvoco has hiked up the scale of its celebration and spending by providing a 360-degree walkthrough to the top Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata and elsewhere chosen as per most-visited and popular pandals in the last few years. The company will be running a branding campaign at the pandals for 'Best Dressed' and 'Best Pandals'. The viewers will get a chance to vote for their favorite Pandal and the top 3 pandals with the most votes will be awarded with ?40K, ?30K, and ?20K. The company has also arranged free e-pass for the vaccinated users. Sharing her views on the platform, Ms. Madhumita Basu, Chief Marketing, Innovation and Strategy Officer, said, "As a leading cement company in the East, we feel a deep connection with the people and its culture. Durga Puja has always been a special time for us and given that this is our major market offering leading brands like Concreto, Double Bull, and Duraguard WaterSeal, it gives us an opportunity to connect with our customers through this virtual pandal hopping initiative. It proved to be a great success on its launch as people from all over the world logged in to witness the puja ceremonies in real-time. During these times of COVID, such initiatives help in ensuring the safety of people and helping devotees to visit the pandal while avoiding any mass congregation."

About Nuvoco Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd. is a leading manufacturer and retailer of building materials in India with a vision to build a safer, smarter and more sustainable world. The company started operations in India in 1999 via acquisitions, and since then it has emerged as one of the major players in India. Today it offers a diversified business portfolio under three business segments, namely, Cement, Ready-Mix Concrete (RMX) and Modern Building Materials (MBM). Nuvoco is one of the top cement manufacturers in India, and the leading player in the East following the acquisition of Nu Vista Limited (formerly Emami Cement Limited); offering high performance, premium, blended cement variants like Concreto, Duraguard, Nirmax and Infracem. Its MBM product range, under the Zero M brand, comprises construction chemicals, wall fill solutions, and cover blocks. Nuvoco's RMX business has a pan-India presence offering specialised products like Artiste and InstaMix being proud contributors to landmark projects like Lodha World One, Amritsar Entry Gate, and the Metros (Delhi, Jaipur, Noida and Mumbai). Through its NABL-accredited Construction Development and Innovation Centre (CDIC) based in Mumbai, Nuvoco identifies latent gaps in the industry and offers customised solutions to its customers. Guided by the enduring principles of safety for its employees and responsibility for the community and environment; the company is charting its course to shape a new world. (www.nuvoco.com)

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[October 14, 2021] Ramsey Solutions Gives Teachers Free Access to Student Loan Documentary 'Borrowed Future,' Premiering Today

To educate and empower the next generation about alternatives to student loans, Ramsey Solutions is offering every teacher in the U.S. free access to the documentary "Borrowed Future: How Student Loans Are Killing the American Dream," produced by Dave Ramsey. Teachers can go to borrowedfuture.com for more information. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005195/en/ Teachers get free access to the new documentary, "Borrowed Future," produced by Dave Ramsey. Go to borrowedfuture.com for mor information. (Graphic: Business Wire)



"Borrowed Future" premieres today, Oct. 14, 2021, on Amazon Prime Video, Apple (News - Alert) TV and Google Play. The film uncovers the dark side of the student loan industry and exposes how it's built to work against borrowers.

"It's ironic to me that the dumbest decisions we make as a society are related to education, of all things," said Dave Ramsey, host of "The Ramsey Show," CEO of Ramsey Solutions, and executive producer of "Borrowed Future." "Student loans are not the only way to get a degree. Young people need to know all their options instead of settling for student loans because it's 'normal.' Normal is broke." The main subjects of the documentary are college graduates who owe between $9,000 and $1 million in student loans, a debt-free college graduate, and high school students who haven't yet questioned the norm of student loans-until now. "Borrowed Future" is directed by David DiCicco and features experts such as Seth Godin, Dave Ramsey, Seth Frotman, Kristina Ellis, Dr. John Delony and Anthony ONeal, as well as the CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, Mike Rowe. For more information about "Borrowed Future," go to borrowedfuture.com. About Ramsey Solutions Ramsey Solutions is committed to empowering people in the areas of money, business, leadership and personal development, using biblically based, commonsense principles and education. Every day, Ramsey Solutions reaches millions with nationally syndicated radio shows and columns, No. 1 national bestselling books, products and courses, and industry-renowned podcasts and video channels. Ramsey Solutions' world-class speakers and authors give inspiration, practical advice and hope to audiences across the country. Ramsey Solutions and its team of more than 1,000 are dedicated to doing work that matters. For more information, visit ramseysolutions.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005195/en/

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[October 14, 2021] My Alarm Center Announces Plans to Expand Eastern Region with the Promotion of James Harper to Regional Vice President of Sales

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- My Alarm Center ("Company"), a leading provider in residential home security, announced its plans to expand East Coast operations with the announcement of a new leader today. James Harper, previously Director of Sales at Alarm Monitoring Services of Atlanta ("AMSA Security"), the Company's brand located in Atlanta, GA, has been promoted to Regional Vice President of Sales, Eastern Region. Harper joined the Company in August 2017 as Field Training Manager at AMSA Security. In his four years with the Company, Harper has held progressively responsible roles within the organization and has been recognized for his success in operationalizing and growing AMSA's sales force while consistently beating sales targets and setting new benchmarks for the team. In his new role, Harper will continue reporting to Darren Goodman, Senior Vice President of Sales at My Alarm Center. As Regional Vice President, Eastern Region, Harper will oversee sales teams for the Company's East Coast brands, AMSA Security and My Alarm Center. Harper's role will be critical in accelerating growth through streamlining sales operations, providing first-class customer service, and driving new customer acquisition. By aligning the organization up and down the east coast, the Company will seek to grow its base in its existing markets PA, NJ, DE, MD, and GA, and quickly expand its footprint into surrounding areas. Harper will be tasked with scaling the teams immediately to support the growing operation while remaining dedicated to fostering customer engagement, nurturing existing business partnerships, and seekig additional strategic partnerships to support the Company's strategic goals.



Darren Goodman, Senior Vice President of Sales at My Alarm Center, commented on Harper's promotion, "James has a keen ability to inspire our sales organization to have a healthy disregard for the impossible. His ability to balance organic organizational growth with a change mindset while creating a culture of engagement, fun, and executional excellence is unparalleled." Harper has over nine years of security industry experience and 15 years of leadership experience that he will bring to his new role. Before joining AMSA Security, Harper held the position of Regional Inventory manager at MasTec, working with AT&T Digital Life Home Security. Harper has a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Xavier University of Louisiana.

About My Alarm Center

My Alarm Center is a leading provider of security and smart home automation to residential and small business customers throughout the United States. With a primary focus on providing best-in-class security and alarm monitoring, My Alarm Center offers a range of services to help protect customers. In addition to intrusion, fire and carbon monoxide protection, My Alarm Center delivers smart home integration, expanding security services to a total lifestyle solutionand keeping customers connected to home and family from anywhere. Ranked as the 7th largest residential security provider in the United States, the My Alarm Center family of brands includes, Alarm Capital Alliance (ACA), the acquisition vehicle of the Company, Hawk Security Services in Texas, ACS Security in Los Angeles, Alarm Monitoring Service Of Atlanta (AMSA), and My Alarm Center in WA, PA, NJ, and DE. For more information, visit myalarmcenter.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/my-alarm-center-announces-plans-to-expand-eastern-region-with-the-promotion-of-james-harper-to-regional-vice-president-of-sales-301400410.html SOURCE My Alarm Center

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[October 14, 2021] Yearn Finance Integrates Fantom Blockchain into DeFi Platform

New York, NY, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the crypto world, NFTs may be getting all of the attention, but the Decentralized Finance sector has been keeping pace with explosive growth of its own. According to blockchain statistics aggregator Defillama.com, the total value locked (TVL) in cryptocurrency-based financial services is $210.5B. This number represents almost 1000% growth since January 1 this year, when TVL hovered near $21.4B.

The DeFi space is evolving as quickly as it is growing. In the many social media posts and announcements that circulate daily, one recent tweet, in particular, offers hints at what we might expect in the future. On October 7, 2021, the popular DeFi protocol Yearn Finance tweeted an announcement reading: Today, we go multichain with the launch of Iron Bank Fantom and the first Fantom vaults. To date, Yearn has offered services solely on the Ethereum blockchain. The addition of Fantom both signals a broader movement in DeFi towards next-generation blockchain protocols and validates Fantom as a leader in the space. It is notable that the renowned Andre Cronje is both the founder of Yearn and a member of the Fantm core team. Cronje is a luminary in DeFi and has played an important role in bringing Fantom to where it is today. With a TVL of $5.31B (at time of writing), Yearn becomes the second major DeFi protocol to integrate Fantom this year, the first being CURVE, which holds the top spot among all projects with a TVL of $15.96B.



DeFi protocols turn to Fantom with good reason. Foremost, it is by far the fastest blockchain in the industry. Transactions on the Fantom network complete in approximately 1 second, with consistently low transaction fees. This, combined with Fantoms EVM compatibility, has drawn numerous developers to the rapidly growing blockchain. The platform has moved from strength to strength this year, and the numbers prove it: as of October 8, 2021, there are 861,489 unique wallet addresses on the network, versus 113,326 at the beginning of June. Since September 1, the network has averaged 1.10M daily transactions, surpassing Ethereum on certain days. Through even periods of much higher than average traffic, network performance has remained constant with no sign of slowdown or spikes in gas fees.

On the ecosystem side, projects have been proliferating. To cite just two examples: The Fantom Foundation itself recently launched Artion, a commission-free NFT platform that is rapidly attracting artists and buyers eager to take advantage of minimal minting fees and low transaction costs. On October 5, the anticipated DeFi lending platform Geist launched and, in three days, posted an astounding $11.5B in TVL. This activity on Fantom has attracted broad attention. In September 2021, Fireblocks, the leading provider of institutional crypto custody services, integrated Fantom to make FTM available to its 500+ customers, including banks, hedge funds, lending desks, and other financial institutions. More recently, in October, data-analytics provider Nansen integrated Fantom into their platform, giving investors and crypto analysts unparalleled visibility into money flows across the Fantom network. The Fantom Foundation has hinted at much more to come, including a major remap of the Fantom wallet to help users access opportunities across the DeFi space and a groundbreaking Ethereum-Fantom NFT bridge. Clearly, Fantom is a project to watch in the months ahead. Media Contact:



Simone Pomposi

Fantom Foundation

pr@fantom.foundation

https://fantom.foundation



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[October 14, 2021] Staples Canada unveils its next generation of the working and learning store in Toronto's Corktown neighbourhood

New location blends unparalleled retail experience, state-of-the-art technology, Staples Studio location and continued investment in community RICHMOND HILL, ON, Oct. 14, 2021 /CNW/ - Staples Canada is bringing its newest working and learning store to Toronto's Corktown neighbourhood. On October 16, the retailer will open the doors to its latest concept store at 517 Richmond Street East. The new location blends elements of the community with technology and various features that help enable the future of working and learning. "As the Working and Learning Company, we know that how, and where, we work is changing by the week," said David Boone, Chief Executive Officer, Staples Canada. "Our new brand defining store in Corktown doesn't just reflect another location for us, it has been meticulously designed to enable Torontonians in the future of working and learning by equipping them with best-in-class advice, tools, services and experiences." In addition to offering the latest technology products, work-from-anywhere essentials, clean, safe and well solutions, and business services through Solutionshop, the store introduces the sixth Staples Studio location marking a continued investment in coworking spaces. As a first, this Staples Studio location features a second-floor patio with a stage, which can be booked for future Spotlight talks and community events. Other highlights of the new elevated experience at Staples Corktown include: Mos Mos Coffee : Brew the perfect coffee experience and get your caffeine fix while shopping in-store.

: Brew the perfect coffee experience and get your caffeine fix while shopping in-store. Solutionshop : Assisting locals with enhanced services that include tech services, graphic design, marketingsolutions, shipping, print services and much more.

: Assisting locals with enhanced services that include tech services, graphic design, marketingsolutions, shipping, print services and much more. Murals by Local Artists: The Corktown Store is flanked with murals from Pascal Paquette and Zuna Amir , bringing joy and wonder to the in-store experience, making a creative mark on the Corktown community and supporting local artists.

The Corktown Store is flanked with murals from and , bringing joy and wonder to the in-store experience, making a creative mark on the Corktown community and supporting local artists. Technology throughout: The store will feature an interactive workspace experience, including a six-foot touchscreen that can help customers build an effective work from anywhere space in their homes.



Staples Canada supports charitable organizations and programs that encourage education, build entrepreneurship, and preserve the environment, to help communities work, learn and grow together. "Community is more important now than ever before, and we value the role we play in the communities we serve through our network of 300+ stores across Canada," said Boone. "While our new store is exciting, we're equally excited to give back to the community that we've been a part of since our Front Street store opened in 1993."

The Corktown Store is Staples Canada's first 100% Bullfrog Powered store  Bullfrog's electricity comes exclusively from wind and hydro facilities that have been certified as low impact by Environment Canada under its EcoLogo program.

first Bullfrog's electricity comes exclusively from wind and hydro facilities that have been certified as low impact by Environment Canada under its EcoLogo program. At the October 16 grand opening event, Staples Canada will donate $5,000 to charity partner MAP to Even the Odds and help eliminate inequities in the Corktown community.

grand opening event, and help eliminate inequities in the Corktown community. Staples Canada will donate $5,000 worth of technology and school supplies to community school, Market Lane Public School , located on The Esplanade.

, located on The Esplanade. Coinciding with Small Business Month in Canada , Staples Canada will work with six local small businesses and entrepreneurs to provide $1,000 in Solutionshop services to support the growth of their business. This process will be profiled on The Working and Learning Blog on staples.ca, as well as through Staples Canada's social channels. Torontonians are encouraged to join Staples Canada for the grand opening of its new Corktown store on October 16 at 9 a.m. The first 100 customers will receive gift cards valued at up to $100 and a 10 per cent store-wide discount on most products. From October 17 to November 16, customers will receive $10 off in-store purchases of $75 or more, as well as additional in-store offers. About Staples Canada

Staples Canada is The Working and Learning Company. With a focus on community, inspiration and services, the privately-owned company is committed to being a dynamic, inspiring partner to customers who visit its 300+ locations and staples.ca. The company has two brands that support business customers, Staples Preferred for small businesses and Staples Professional for medium to large-sized enterprises, as well as five co-working facilities in Toronto, Kelowna, Oakville and Ottawa under the banner Staples Studio. Staples Canada is a proud partner of MAP through its Even the Odds campaign, which aims to tackle inequities in communities across Canada and helps make a future that's fair for everyone. Visit staples.ca for more information or get social with @StaplesCanada on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. SOURCE Staples Canada ULC

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[October 14, 2021] OpenX and Merkle Partner to Create New Path to Activate Audiences Across the Open Web with Speed, Scale, and Precision

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- OpenX, a leading global omnichannel exchange, today announced it has partnered with Merkle, a leading technology-enabled, data-driven customer experience management (CXM) company, to enable seamless audience activation across the open web for any audience built with Merkle's proprietary identity solution, Merkury. To achieve this, OpenX mapped the Merkury ID to its own OpenAudience identity graph, matching the identity solution to all of OpenX's publisher inventory across display, mobile, and connected TV. OpenX is fully integrated into the Merkury buyer interface, and the integrated solution provides increased reach to advertisers, with access to over 170 million IDs to find their audience segments among this scaled group of consumers across the entire OpenX exchange. To execute a campaign, marketers select the specific publishers on which they want their ads to run [either a single publisher or a multi-publisher private marketplace (PMP)], set up different line items with different levels of targeting, and then generate a single Deal ID that can be executed through their DSP of choice. Deal IDs can be generated in minutes, and all campaigns are run without any disruption to the traditional programmatic workflow. Ben & Jerry's was the first advertiser to test the new integration, setting up a campaign to reach their audience of in-market ice cream consumer prospects. The video campaign ran across a multi-publisher PMP on desktop, mobile web, and mobile app  providing Ben & Jerry's scalability, ease of deal management, and transparent reporting. "Marketers are increasingly investing resources into building audiences through solutions like Merkury, but creating the audience is only half the battle," said Brian Murphy, SVP of Buyer Development at OpenX. "They also need to be able to match and activate their audiences at scae, and they need an easy and efficient way to do it. Creating PMPs for every publisher is simply too time intensive and inefficient."



Added Murphy: "We have spent the past few years architecting our technology to make audience activation as turnkey as possible, and with our combination of scale, ease of use, and high match rates, we're now confident that OpenX is the single best supply side partner for any marketer." "We are always looking for ways to improve ease of activation, and our partnership with OpenX provides a new way for our clients to run on multiple premium publishers in a single Deal ID across devices and with increased precision," said Gerry Bavaro, chief strategy officer, Merkury, at Merkle.

As a part of the larger partnership between OpenX and Merkle, the two companies are speaking together on a panel at Advertising Week New York , on Monday, October 18, 2021, at 11am ET. Titled "Addressability + Scale: A conversation with Merkle" the panel will feature senior executives from both companies discussing how they are working together, examples of marketers successfully activating 1P data today, what challenges still need to be overcome and much more. For more information visit: https://advertisingweek.com/event/awnewyork2021 About OpenX

OpenX is a pioneering leader in advertising technology, helping create a world where the open web thrives. The company powers people-based marketing on the open web by enabling marketers to reach their target audience across OpenX's global network of publishers. OpenX works with more than 30,000 advertisers across every screen and device, reaching nearly one billion consumers  including a quarter billion unique consumers in the US  and processing more than one trillion transactions globally each day. About Merkle

Merkle is a leading data-driven customer experience management (CXM) company that specializes in the delivery of unique, personalized customer experiences across platforms and devices. For more than 30 years, Fortune 1000 companies and leading nonprofit organizations have partnered with Merkle to maximize the value of their customer portfolios. The company's heritage in data, technology, and analytics forms the foundation for its unmatched skills in understanding consumer insights that drive hyper-personalized marketing strategies. Its combined strengths in performance media, customer experience, customer relationship management, loyalty, and enterprise marketing technology drive improved marketing results and competitive advantage. With 12,000 employees, Merkle is headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, with 50+ additional offices throughout the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. Merkle is a dentsu company. For more information, contact Merkle at 1-877-9-Merkle or visit www.merkleinc.com. Media Contact: press@openx.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/openx-and-merkle-partner-to-create-new-path-to-activate-audiences-across-the-open-web-with-speed-scale-and-precision-301399989.html SOURCE OpenX Technologies, Inc.

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[October 14, 2021] Reliable Robotics Raises $100 Million to Expand Access to More Places With Remotely Piloted Cargo Operations

Reliable Robotics, a leader in automated aircraft systems, announced today a $100 million Series C funding round led by Coatue Management. Coatue joins past investors Lightspeed Venture Partners, Eclipse Ventures, Teamworthy Ventures and Pathbreaker Ventures to bring total fundraising over $133 million. With its innovative airframe independent technology, Reliable's Remotely Operated Aircraft System is designed to expand safe, flexible and efficient air transportation service to more locations. The capital raised enables the company to scale its team to support its first aircraft certification program and expedite the launch of commercial cargo operations. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005341/en/ "We believe Reliable Robotics is a leader in aircraft automation for commercial aviation," said Jaimin Rangwalla, a Senior Managing Director at Coatue. "We were impressed by the team's clear vision, measured certification progress and track record of industry achievement. We are proud and excited to support Reliable's goal to be the first to deliver FAA-certified, remotely piloted systems to market." Reliable Robotics is positioned to unlock access to thousands of underutilized regional and municipal airports in all corners of the country, greatly expanding air transportation options for cargo and eventually passengers. The company's technology handles all phases of flight including taxi, takeoff, landing and parking, while licensed pilots remotely supervise each flight from a control center. The system has the capability to autoland on smaller airstrips in rural or remote areas without requiring expensive infrastructure to be installed and maintained. "Automated aircraft present a massive opportunity to transform the cargo industry over the next several years," said Jeff Drees, former Co-owner and Chief Commercial Officer of Ameriflight, the largest regional air cargo carrier in the world. "Remotely piloted cargo delivery provides a huge advantage with low cost, anytime, anywhere flights that increase aircraft utilization and availability." Drees recently joined Reliable Robotics to build its airline subsidiary nd deliver cargo services while preparing for the adoption and scaling of remotely operated aircraft.



Reliable Robotics has made substantial progress in key development areas throughout its phased approach to certification, deepening its regulatory experience with ongoing engagement with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). As part of this work, the company has received key authorizations from the FAA for the flight of experimental unmanned aircraft. In 2019, Reliable demonstrated remote operation of a large commercial aircraft over a metropolitan area, marking an aviation first for a private company in the United States. Additionally, the company announced a partnership with NASA as part of the Advanced Air Mobility National Campaign to further real-world flight testing of its system. "We appreciate our public-private partnership with the FAA and NASA as we work to integrate our Remotely Operated Aircraft System into the airspace. We intend to bring unprecedented safety and reliability to today's commercial aircraft," said Robert Rose, Co-founder and CEO of Reliable Robotics. "Close collaboration with our public institutions, strong backing from visionary investors and keen interest within the cargo industry further accelerates our mission to expand everyone's access to air transportation."

Planned expansion of the company's aircraft program to additional, larger airframes will further demonstrate the versatility of its system. The company also intends to support emerging electric and hybrid electric platforms and eventually passenger aircraft. Since emerging from stealth last year, Reliable Robotics has grown substantially. The company has more than doubled in size, attracting a diverse group of engineers with expertise in aviation, autonomy and other mission and safety-critical domains. To learn more about how the team built its system, watch Reliable Robotics: Automated Aviation. About Reliable Robotics Reliable Robotics launched in 2017 to bring certified autonomous vehicles to commercial aviation as soon as possible. The company's automation system enables remote operation of any aircraft type and expands access to more locations. Reliable's vision is to transform the way we move goods and people around the planet with safer, more convenient and more affordable air transportation. The company is headquartered in Mountain View, CA (News - Alert) and has a distributed global workforce. Learn more and see job openings at https://reliable.co Connect on LinkedIn | YouTube | Twitter About Coatue Management Coatue is one of the largest technology investment platforms in the world with more than $45 billion in assets under management. Our dedicated team of engineers and data scientists work closely with investment professionals to add value to founders and executive teams in our portfolio. With venture, growth and public funds, we back entrepreneurs from around the globe and at every stage of growth. Some of our private investments have included Airtable, Ant Financial, Anaplan, ByteDance, Chime, Databricks, DoorDash, Instacart, Meituan, Snap, Snowflake and Spotify (News - Alert) . Reliable Robotics Corporation and its respective logos are trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of the company. Other products and company names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005341/en/

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Altria to Host Webcast of 2021 Third-Quarter Results

Altria Group, Inc. (Altria) (NYSE: MO) will host a live audio webcast on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss its 2021 third-quarter business results. Altria will issue a press release containing its business results at approximately 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time the same day. The webcast can be accessed at altria.com.

During the webcast, Billy Gifford, Altria's Chief Executive Officer, and Sal Mancuso, Altria's Chief Financial Officer, will discuss the Company's 2021 third-quarter businss results and answer questions from the investment community and news media.







The webcast will be in a listen-only mode. Pre-event registration is necessary; directions are posted at www.altria.com/webcasts. An archived copy of the webcast will be available on altria.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005728/en/
[October 14, 2021] ChowNow Announces Anna Tauzin As Senior Director Of Industry Relations & Community Affairs

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ChowNow, the platform powering online ordering and marketing for independent restaurants, today announced Anna Tauzin as Senior Director of Industry Relations and Community Affairs. Tauzin joins ChowNow from the Texas Restaurant Association during a time of exciting growth and expansion for ChowNow's team and its initiatives to help local restaurants thrive. Prior to joining ChowNow, Tauzin served as the Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer for the Texas Restaurant Association and before that, Head of Innovation at the National Restaurant Association. Tauzin was part of the team that created the 2021 Texas bill to legislate third-party delivery services. In her new role, Tauzin will build a team that will oversee public relations, ChowNow's advisory councils, partnerships with trade associations and industry coalitions, and ChowNow's representation at industry events, as well as continue to foster the company's relationships with elected officials across the country. Tauzin brings more than a decade of experience working with restaurants and their communities with a focus on education, partnerships, and connecting restaurants with technology to sustain business development. At ChowNow, she will harness her deep knowledge of the restaurant industry to help the company build the most impactful technology and programs to support the company's restaurant partners as they build and scale online operations. "Anna has built a career on driving innovation and advocating for restaurants," said hris Webb, CEO of ChowNow. "Having her on our team to continue pushing the boundaries of what success looks like for restaurants is both huge for ChowNow and for all the restaurants on our platform."



"Having spent more than a decade working with restaurants and their technology partners, I know that ChowNow is one of the few companies out there with a true, honorable interest in helping independent restaurants thrive," said Tauzin. "I am thrilled to be joining a mission-driven company that works together with restaurants to build sustainable online ordering solutions at a time when this source of revenue continues to be critical to their bottom line." Tauzin serves on the advisory board for SXSW Interactive, an influential global conference and networking event in Austin, and is a board member for the Austin chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier.

Since 2011, ChowNow has continued to expand and innovate its product offering to provide restaurant partners with a range of digital tools and services that can be tailored to meet their specific needs, from building branded websites and apps to providing marketing support and valuable customer data analytics. The company recently announced the launch of the Order Better Network, the industry's first product to connect restaurants to more than a dozen diverse websites, mobile apps, and search engines for delivery and takeout, including major internet, social and hospitality brands. ChowNow's 20,000+ restaurant partners now have the opportunity to easily set up online storefronts on websites like Google, OpenTable, Yelp, and Tripadvisor, giving them access to millions of new customers. About ChowNow

ChowNow helps over 20,000 local restaurants across North America sustainably grow their delivery and take-out business and connect directly with customers in their communities. Founded in 2011 by Chris Webb, CEO, and Eric Jaffe, COO, the company offers restaurants a range of digital tools and services, marketing support, and access to valuable customer data. From the beginning, ChowNow has been committed to a fair, transparent, and respectful relationship with its restaurant partners. Headquartered in Los Angeles, ChowNow has processed over 150 million online orders to date. For more information, visit chownow.com. Contact:

Phoebe Ng

412-728-2907

phoebe@beccapr.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chownow-announces-anna-tauzin-as-senior-director-of-industry-relations--community-affairs-301400061.html SOURCE ChowNow

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[October 14, 2021] A $15.6 Billion Global Opportunity for DC Distribution Network by 2026 - New Research from StrategyR

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A new market study published by Global Industry Analysts Inc., (GIA) the premier market research company, today released its report titled "DC Distribution Network - Global Market Trajectory & Analytics" . The report presents fresh perspectives on opportunities and challenges in a significantly transformed post COVID-19 marketplace. FACTS AT A GLANCE

Edition: 8; Released: October 2021

Executive Pool: 17513

Companies: 30 - Players covered include ABB Ltd.; AcBel Polytech, Inc.; Allis Electric Co., Ltd.; Cincon Electronics Co., Ltd.; Cosel Co., Ltd.; Critical Power Supplies Ltd; Eaton Corporation PLC; Emerson Network Power; EnSync Energy Systems; Johnson Controls, Inc.; Leadtrend Technology Corporation; P-Duke Technology Co., Ltd.; Robert Bosch GmbH; Secheron SA; Siemens AG; Spang Power Electronics and Others.

Coverage: All major geographies and key segments

Segments: Segment (DC Distribution Network)

Geographies: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific; Rest of World. 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 DC Distribution Network Market to Reach US$15.6 Billion by the Year 2026

DC power is emerging to become a standard for electricity distribution infrastructure in several applications, and is likely to take the place of AC. The presence of DC distribution network in a number of low-to-high voltage applications is among the major drivers of the direct current distribution market. Moreover, factors such as the growing renewable energy sector, compatibility of DC distribution with battery storage devices, and the advantages of DC distribution over AC distribution, including power sharing between power systems with varied frequencies, are expected to drive growth of the market. The DC distribution network is an important aspect for the future ofsmart grids. As such, the popularity of flexible DC distribution network in the power industry is due to its higher reliability, reduced energy losses, and lower construction and integration costs. The increase in the number of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), is also anticipated to boost market prospects. Further, there are also initiatives focused on improved energy access and telecom towers in the developing regions, by building new DC distribution networks in areas where an incumbent AC infrastructure is not present.



Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the global market for DC Distribution Network estimated at US$10.9 Billion in the year 2020, is projected to reach a revised size of US$15.6 Billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 6.2% over the analysis period. The rising demand for electricity and the growing share of renewable energy in the overall generation mix coupled with rapidly aging infrastructure are driving need to increase investments into power grid infrastructure, which will present potential for growth in the DC distribution network market. However, the market faces some common challenges that include an innovation gap in the service of electricity in the medium voltage level in the range of 240V to 400V that is required for several microgrids as well as building-scale nanogrids; open grid architectures that could enable integration of the growing diversity of resources that are being plugged increasingly into retail power grids; and a lack of standards. The U.S. Market is Estimated at $2.3 Billion in 2021, While China is Forecast to Reach $3.4 Billion by 2026

The DC Distribution Network market in the U.S. is estimated at US$2.3 Billion in the year 2021. The country currently accounts for a 19.8% share in the global market. China, the world's second largest economy, is forecast to reach an estimated market size of US$3.4 Billion in the year 2026 trailing a CAGR of 7.2% through the analysis period. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at 4.3% and 4.6% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 5.1% CAGR while Rest of European market (as defined in the study) will reach US$3.7 Billion by the end of the analysis period. DC distribution systems feature the potential to make power available to greater number of applications and larger areas and meet the increasing need for power in the Asia Pacific region. Other major trends driving Asia Pacific's DC distribution network market include the mismatch between demand location and renewable source, growing demand for DC-dependent infrastructure, and higher distribution efficiency of DC distribution network. More

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Info411@strategyr.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-15-6-billion-global-opportunity-for-dc-distribution-network-by-2026---new-research-from-strategyr-301400253.html SOURCE Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

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[October 14, 2021] Second Global Inclusive Growth Summit Launches New Programs to Fight Increasing Inequality

Top business, government and civil society leaders will gather today for the second Global Inclusive Growth Summit, co-hosted by the Aspen Institute and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. Key participants at the "Rebuilding for All" summit will announce commitments of more than $54 million across 10 new programs that will take action to help build inclusive and sustainable economies in communities around the world. These new commitments include efforts to support housing stability and build financial infrastructure in marginalized communities; investing in companies that support the resiliency of unsecured workers in India; and working to reduce bias in the data and algorithms that financial services institutions use in the U.S. Select summit participants have been supported in the development of their programs through a partnership with the Clinton Global Initiative ( CGI (News - Alert) ), an initiative of the Clinton Foundation. The COVID-19 pandemic has both accelerated the shift to a digital economy, and exacerbated inequality around the world. Here in the United States, the pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on Black, Latino, and Native American communities - with wide disparities on both the health and financial effects of the pandemic. It is critical that public, private and civic sector leaders work together to address these longstanding disparities and advance solutions to help create a more inclusive economic recovery. Today's sessions covered three thematic areas: People, Planet & Prosperity: Creating Growth that Sustains; The Global Agenda for Financial Security; and TechTonic Shifts: Putting Technology to Work for the Common Good. Global leaders shared their perspectives on "rebuilding for all", as well as the risk of not acting: Vice President Kamala Harris, transcript remarks "When we harness our collective innovation and determination, we maximize our impact. Take the business community, for instance. There are employers across our nation that are leading the way on gender equality. They are committed to pay transparency, intentional in hiring and promoting, thoughtful in ensuring, flexibility and predictability. And studies have shown that they are seeing higher equity returns, increased profit margins, and greater productivity. So, here is my on-going challenge to business leaders, foundation leaders, and non-profit leaders across our country: think about what more you can do to remove barriers to opportunity within your own businesses and organizations. To make those businesses and organizations as inclusive as they are strong. And then, please do it. Because we need your help to build an economy that works for women and for all. In this moment of transformation, I believe that change is possible if we make it together. So, let's get to work." Bill Clinton, 42nd President of the United States; Founder and Board Chair, Clinton Foundation "As the COVID-19 pandemic has painfully reminded us, far too many people have been left out and left behind for far too long. We have both a rare opportunity and a moral imperative to bring people together from across sectors and around the world, to build economies that give every person the chance to succeed. The investments being announced today will support both the immediate needs of the workforce and set up our economies for long-term inclusive growth and prosperity." Raphael Bostic, President & CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta "I think it's really important that everyone understand that systemic racism and indeed any structure or institution that restricts opportunity based on a person's skin color or their family connections or any of those sorts of things is an economic issue because it constrains the access to opportunity and it really limits the ability of people and communities of achieving their full potential. And if they don't achieve their full potential, we all lose because we have smaller economies than we should, and we have less resilient economies than we should. At the Atlanta Fed, we are committed to ensuring the economy works for everyone and to creating a foundation upon which all individuals, communities and businesses can thrive." 10 partners launch 10 new programs with a singular focus: impact Programs focused on driving financial inclusion for individuals: Mobility Capital Finance , Mastercard, and the City of Birmingham will jointly develop, launch, and manage Birmingham's financial services infrastructure program to help 50,000 underbanked and unbanked residents in marginalized communities.

, Mastercard, and the City of Birmingham will jointly develop, launch, and manage Birmingham's financial services infrastructure program to help 50,000 underbanked and unbanked residents in marginalized communities. JPMorgan Chase will commit $8.4 million to improve household stability as part of the firm's $400 million five-year commitment to close the housing affordability gap for Black, Hispanic and Latino households. These commitments and policy solutions are part of the firm's $30 billion commitment to advance racial equity and help drive an inclusive economic recovery.

will commit $8.4 million to improve household stability as part of the firm's $400 million five-year commitment to close the housing affordability gap for Black, Hispanic and Latino households. These commitments and policy solutions are part of the firm's $30 billion commitment to advance racial equity and help drive an inclusive economic recovery. Prudential is building on the impact of its decade-long partnership with the Aspen Institute with a pledge of $11 million over five years to together establish "Equity Re-imagined" to improve job quality, empower people to build financial security, and amplify wealth creation opportunities for historically underserved communities. Solutions to help small businesses scale: STRIVE COMMUNITY will launch a $1 million Innovation Fund to build, test, or enhance solutions that support small business growth.

will launch a $1 million Innovation Fund to build, test, or enhance solutions that support small business growth. GRAB, Southeast Asia's leading super-app, announced a regional partnership with Mastercard's Center for Inclusive Growth, to provide millions of informal workers and small businesses on the Grab platform access to digital upskilling opportunities to create more pathways and income opportunities for them. Initiatives to better equip the workforce of tomorrow: Mastercard and Microsoft (News - Alert) will link workers to training providers and employers; unlocking access to capital for small businesses; reducing bias in the financial services industry by identifying and mitigating bias in data and algorithms used by financial services providers.

will link workers to training providers and employers; unlocking access to capital for small businesses; reducing bias in the financial services industry by identifying and mitigating bias in data and algorithms used by financial services providers. AARP , in parnership with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the World Economic Forum, will identify and share multigenerational, inclusive workforce practices among international member companies to enable expansion of those practices in diverse industries.

, in parnership with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the World Economic Forum, will identify and share multigenerational, inclusive workforce practices among international member companies to enable expansion of those practices in diverse industries. Acumen, with initial support of the Target (News - Alert) Foundation, will develop an accelerator for a cohort of early-stage companies focused on promoting green jobs and circular models that aim to drive sustainable and equitable economic growth in India and provide seed capital to select early-stage companies on their path to scale.



access to capital: Beyond The Billion will secure pledges from venture funds and limited partner investors as part of their goal to unlock $10 billion in venture capital to be invested in a diverse group of women founders. In addition, Senator Chris Coons called for the creation of a new Presidential Financial Inclusion Commission at the Department of the Treasury tasked with creating a national, interagency financial inclusion strategy. The Commission would build on the Biden Administration's work to create a more equitable economy. In addition to working across federal agencies, the Commission will bring in a diverse set of leaders with relevant experience in the nonprofit and private sectors to produce a federal strategy for improving the financial well-being of American households.

And finally, CARE and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth announced progress on a commitment made at the 2019 Global Inclusive Growth Summit. In 2019, a new partnership was announced that included a $5.26 million grant to support 3.9 million small businesses in Pakistan, Peru and Vietnam, where large segments of unserved small businesses are ready for investment.

Today, CARE USA will announce that the program has so far reached over 1 million entrepreneurs and their communities across the three countries. "As the global economy begins to recover, the necessity of creating inclusive and sustainable growth has never been greater," said Mike Froman, vice chairman of Mastercard. "Today's Global Inclusive Growth Summit shines a spotlight on the kind of partnerships, digital technology and bold commitments that are needed to substantively move the needle towards a more equitable society. In order to tackle the scale of global challenges we face, we cannot go it alone. We will need partners across public, private and civic sectors to come together, expand pathways to the middle class and help people and small businesses thrive and grow." "When we launched the Global Inclusive Growth Partnership in 2019, economic inequity was already an immediate challenge. Few could have predicted just how fundamental the work of inclusive growth would become, however, over the past 18 months. As the global economy recovers from a devastating pandemic, we must act with renewed urgency to build a more equitable society," said Dan Porterfield, President and CEO of the Aspen Institute. "The commitments announced at the summit today, within this framework, have the potential to transform the lives of people, families, and communities around the world. Each sector-including business, governments, and nonprofits-has an opportunity and a responsibility to put these solutions into practice." Quotes from Global Inclusive Growth Summit Commitment Partners "As people live, learn, and earn longer, AARP is committed to working with businesses to help them reap the benefits of a multigenerational workforce where people can continue to work for as long as they need or want to," said AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins. "Research shows that age-diverse workforces have a positive effect on employee engagement, productivity and the bottom line. It is heartening to see that business leaders around the world recognize this value, even as we've been concerned the pandemic could fuel ageism." "The effects of the climate crisis - resource depletion, urbanization, and pollution - are exacerbating problems for the informal, migrant workforce in India. We know there are social entrepreneurs building companies that can address the needs of India's informal workforce and mitigate the irrevocable impacts of climate change. In the spirit of collaboration and putting people and the planet first, we hope to leverage our collective resources through this program and create greener and more equitable growth in India in partnership with others who share these goals," shares Yasmina Zaidman, Chief Partnerships Officer at Acumen. "Investing in women is just good business. We've learned from our journey that to truly fuel women-led innovation, we need to address the entire supply chain of capital, and this is why we're excited to work with limited partner investors - from some of the largest pensions, endowments, foundations to families to diversify and advance the global venture ecosystem," Shelly Porges and Sarah Chen, Co-Founders, Beyond The Billion. "Access to safe, affordable housing is key to building wealth but out of reach for far too many families," said Heather Higginbottom, President, JPMorgan Chase PolicyCenter and Co-Head of Global Philanthropy. "Today's announcement will help promote immediate housing stability for underserved households and is one step toward our goal of addressing barriers to affordable housing and homeownership, especially for Black, Latino and Hispanic families." "MoCaFi is committed to the movement for economic justice. We are proud to partner with companies and organizations that assist us in creating sustainable financial pathways for marginalized communities, and our program in Birmingham matches our initiatives with the visionary leadership of Mayor Woodfin. This program will serve as a model for the country and how technology can bring productive financial solutions to the most vulnerable residents and neighborhoods. MoCaFi is honored that the Clinton Global Initiative and the Aspen Institute have recognized this collaboration and our dedication to providing economic mobility to all Americans," said Wole Coaxum, Founder and CEO, MoCaFi "Mobility Capital Finance, Inc." "Prudential is committed to closing the financial divide as an urgent moral and business imperative," said Lata Reddy, senior vice president of Inclusive Solutions at Prudential Financial and chair of The Prudential Foundation. "For the past 11 years, the Aspen Institute has been a key partner to us in driving innovation, narrative change, and policies that bring financial stability to historically underserved communities. Through Equity Re-imagined, our new $11 million partnership with Aspen, together we will reimagine the future of work, wealth and capitalism." Launched in October 2019 with an inaugural summit, the Global Inclusive Growth Partnership (GIGP) combines the expertise and networks of both the Aspen Institute and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth to address systemic issues across a range of topics including financial security, the future of workers and portable benefits, growing micro and small businesses, and commercially sustainable social impact. CGI provided assistance to select summit participants in developing the programs announced today. Over the years, CGI and its successors have brought together leaders from across sectors to improve the lives of more than 430 million people in 180 countries worldwide. To watch the summit live today, you can register here and watch it here. Replays of the summit can be viewed at www.globalinclusivegrowthsummit.com beginning Friday, Oct. 15th. About the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth advances equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world. The Center leverages the company's core assets and competencies, including data insights, expertise and technology, while administering the philanthropic Mastercard Impact Fund, to produce independent research, scale global programs and empower a community of thinkers, leaders and doers on the front lines of inclusive growth. About the Aspen Institute

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most important challenges facing the United States and the world. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Institute has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, and an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org. About the Clinton Foundation

Building on a lifetime of public service, President Clinton established the Clinton Foundation on the simple belief that everyone deserves a chance to succeed, everyone has a responsibility to act, and we all do better when we work together. For nearly two decades, those values have energized the work of the Foundation in overcoming complex challenges and improving the lives of people across the United States and around the world. As an operating foundation, we work on issues directly or with strategic partners from the business, government, and nonprofit sectors to create economic opportunity, improve public health, and inspire civic engagement and service. Our programs are designed to make a real difference today while serving as proven models for tomorrow. The goal of every effort is to use available resources to get better results faster - at the lowest possible cost. We firmly believe that when diverse groups of people bring resources together in the spirit of true cooperation, transformative ideas will emerge to drive life-changing action. Learn more at http://www.clintonfoundation.org, on Facebook (News - Alert) at Facebook.com/ClintonFoundation, and on Twitter (News - Alert) @ClintonFdn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005750/en/

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[October 14, 2021] Commitment and Collaboration Helped Drive Timely Cloud Implementation of Insurity's Policy Decisions Evolution for Columbia Insurance Group

Insurity, a leading provider of cloud-based software for property and casualty (P&C) carriers, brokers, and MGAs today announced that Columbia Insurance Group has successfully completed its migration to Insurity's Policy Decisions Evolution across all lines of business. The migration's speed is attributed to the collaboration between Insurity and Columbia, and overall commitment to deliver value quickly to Columbia's 150,000 policyholders. Columbia Insurance Group is a P&C carrier serving customers across 19 states in the Midwest and Southeast. They were looking to update their core systems across all lines of business while maintaining a low total cost of ownership. As a long-time customer with Insurity, the Policy Decisions Evolution's proven platform was the immediate choice. Thanks to the combined efforts from both Columbia and Insurity, the cloud implementation was completed on time. Policy Decisions Evolution will allow Columbia to build streamlined screens for agents, enhance customization, and enable APIs to seamlessly feed in third-party data for faster, more accurate quoting. "We were pleased to collaborate with Insurity, our policy system partner for over 20 years, on this migration to Policy Decisions Evolution," said Scott Mackey, SVP, Chief Undrwriting Officer at Columbia Insurance Group. "With any implementation, it's business critical to get up and running on time. There was a real sense of commitment from Insurity to come in and meet our deadline. I can't say enough about the Insurity team's dedication to working closely with the Columbia business and IT teams to ensure this was the smoothest, quickest migration we've ever had."



"At the heart of every Insurity implementation is collaboration," said Roy Wood, Chief Customer Officer of Insurity. "Columbia's on-time cloud implementation of Policy Decisions Evolution will not only serve to build Columbia's roadmap for future growth but is evidence of Insurity's commitment to smooth and seamless migrations. The quicker we can get Columbia up and running, the more value it brings to their policyholders and agents." 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 Columbia Insurance Group Founded in 1874, Columbia Insurance Group began as a home mutual group, insuring homeowners against fire. Columbia is rated A- "Excellent" by A.M. Best and focuses on servicing agent customers through advisory services and cutting-edge technology. Columbia has 150,000 policyholders and 19 states and provides a variety of commercial, personal and farm coverages. Learn more about Columbia at www.colinsgrp.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005753/en/

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[October 14, 2021] PTOP IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE NEW AMENDMENT TO SEC RULE 15C-211

Cambridge, MA, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Peer To Peer Network a.k.a MobiCard, Inc. (OTC Pink: PTOP) - September 28th marked the date that the SEC had set for companies to be in compliance with the new amendment to rule 15c2-11 or else be delisted to the Expert Market. Peer To Peer Network (PTOP) is proud to have rose to the occasion and is now in compliance with the new amended rule. PTOPs OTC stop sign has been removed and replaced with a yield sign signaling Limited Information status. OTC has requested a few minor changes to PTOPs disclosure reports and PTOP is in the process of complying. PTOP CEO Joshua Sodaitis expects to be in a position to have all of these amendments completed and ready to turn in next week. PTOP is pursuing Pink Current status. No one really understands what went on behind the scenes to be in compliance with the SEC amendment so that we would not be delisted. It was a lot of work. PTOP had stopped reporting financials in 2015 and had a lot of management turnover prior to my arrival so creating financial statements for this time period was a huge effort. Prior to now I had assumed our accountant would handle it all, but I quickly learned it was up to me. It gave me the opportunity to really understand our financial statements, and this has been a very helpful outcome. Our securities attorney was fantastic, at one point we spent 2 hours+ on the phone on a Sunday afternoon figuring out the finalization of the supporting documentation for the financials and the correct disclosure document information. I personally was waking up at 6am and was working until after 1:30am for 2 weeks in order to complete the disclosure documents for 9/30/2019& 9/30/2020 joint annual report, 12/31/2020 quarterly report, 3/31/2021 quarterly report and 6/30/2021 quarterly report. My wife was literally bringing me Macaroni & Cheese in my home office for a week straight because I wasnt even breaking for dinner. Figuring out the financials from the delinquent history, length of time, multiple former CEOs & CFOs lack of supporting documentation during their time was a daunting task. We should all feel a sigh of relief this goal of complying with the new regulations was accomplished. I will continue to rise to the occasion to complete strategic objectives, add value to the company, and perform for shareholders. I am focused on gaining us the coveted Pink Current status among other goals commented CEO Mr. Sodaitis. If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. 2 CEOs & 2 CFOs later I got it done joked CEO Mr. Sodaitis. We anticipate being Pink Current very soon, Mr. Sodaitis continued. Pink Current status has more benefits than being Pink Limited Information status. For starters gaining Pink Current status will enable more brokerage firms that will deposit your shares and allow you to trade them. One shareholder commented that he had recently unrestricted his shares but was told he could not deposit them with his brokerage firm until PTOP has Pink Current status. With Pink Current status we can speculate tat it will also bring in more new buyers to the stock in the open market, as trading would be allowed in varying blue sky law states that otherwise wouldnt allow buyers of the stock. PTOP would expect higher volume for the stock and more interested buyers with a Pink Current Status. You can see a list of the benefits of being Pink Current status here: Over-the-Counter (OTC) Stocks - What They Are & Why You Should Invest (moneycrashers.com)



PTOP plans to file for DWAC eligibility as soon as the Pink Current status is effected and will then look to file a Reg A offering with the SEC to add even more value to the company. PTOP is also in the final testing phase of the apps to resubmit to their respective stores and will announce soon when we submit the apps. PTOP plans to have the new improved apps listed in both the Google Play Store & Apple Store soon. This coming weekend will wrap up the final testing before submission to their respective stores.

I am super excited for PTOP. For the past few years, I have been cleaning up the company and building intellectual property and assets. If you look at our balance sheet we have some impressive technology assets, an increasing intellectual property portfolio, including our domain names, trademarks, and patents. I am excited to get the financial standing of this company in order to reflect the value we always knew we should have, and then rise to newer highs. I made a promise when I first joined the board of the company to shareholders, and I was committed to see it through to the end. I am extremely proud to announce that I am keeping my promises. The expansion phase will be super exciting, and I consider that the fun part of the job. I cant wait until we are making announcements on growing our user base and then monetizing our apps. This might be the best opportunity for investors to get involved in our stock as the hardest work has been completed, and the new phase of the company (GROWTH PHASE) is coming soon concluded Mr. Sodaitis. Contact Info: Joshua Sodaitis, Chairman & CEO MobiCard, Inc.

45 Prospect Street Cambridge, MA 02139

Phone: 1-617-651-2460

Email: info@freemobicard.com ABOUT: Peer to Peer Network aka MobiCard is the 1st of its kind digital contact/business card. It will greatly facilitate the ability of individuals and businesses to share information and more effectively expand their visibility and brand awareness. Mobicard is a combination of powerful mobile apps and desktop apps with wide ranging capabilities, including linking video's, user websites, all forms of contact information, and all of each user's social media links into one consolidated source. It is more than just a digital business card; it's a "dynamic digital footprint." A subscriber can custom create their business card to include a company logo, profile photo, contact details, website, audio messaging, social media links and multi-media content. The platform sharing and alert system enables users to share their card via text/SMS, e-mail, and global social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.. The system provides the user instant text alerts when their card is opened or shared to third party referrals all while building an invaluable database of contact leads. Safe Harbor Statement: This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company invokes the protections of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements regarding our expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, financing plans, business strategies, products and services, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management for future operations, as well as statements that include words such as "anticipate," "if," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "could," "should," "will," and other similar expressions are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, or achievements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include those set forth in our filings at www.sec.gov . The company is no longer a fully reporting SEC filing company. We are under no obligation to (and expressly disclaim any such obligation to) update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.



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[October 14, 2021] University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies Teams Up With Circuit Stream to Offer XR Courses

Circuit Stream, an online provider of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) courses, and the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (UofT SCS (News - Alert) ) announce an partnership that brings AR/VR development courses to Ontario. The collaboration marks the first time courses for developing immersive technology are available from a post-secondary institution in the province. The XR (encompassing both AR/VR) industry is forecasted to grow by 25.13% in 2021 and reach $296.9 billion in global market size by 2024. Education opportunities will help meet industry growth and prepare students for the demands of the field. The new UfT SCS XR Development with Unity program will offer Circuit Stream's XR courses as part of the School of Continuing Studies. Throughout the course, students will gain practical experience with the Unity 3D platform by building seven XR projects.



When completed, students will earn a Certificate of Completion from the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies, an XR Developer digital badge from Circuit Stream, and have the opportunity to earn a Certificate from Unity. The partnership offers students three separate courses:

XR Development : A 10-week live online course that provides an introduction to the fundamentals of creating XR applications with Unity.

: A 10-week live online course that provides an introduction to the fundamentals of creating XR applications with Unity. XR Design : A 10-week live online course that explores the best practices to design and prototype intuitive, usable, and human-centered experiences for XR.

: A 10-week live online course that explores the best practices to design and prototype intuitive, usable, and human-centered experiences for XR. C# Scripting: A 4-week course that teaches C#, the core programming language of Unity. The courses are beginner friendly and no previous experience is required. "Virtual and augmented reality have captured the imaginations of people around the world. We are excited to partner with the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies and to empower students with skills to create the next generation of VR and AR experiences," says Circuit Stream Co-Founder, Lou Pushelberg. Students of the XR courses include professionals from companies like Nike, Shopify, Facebook, and Google (News - Alert) , and many of Circuit Stream's graduates have transitioned roles to various technology companies. The next course begins on November 16, 2021, with registration closing on November 8, 2021. Learn more here. About Circuit Stream: Circuit Stream is the industry leader in providing virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) education. Established in 2015, the company has trained over 40,000 people through courses, workshops, and online resources. The company is a recognized expert in teaching Unity ($NYSE: U) and providing certifications in XR design and development to individuals and companies globally. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005762/en/

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[October 14, 2021] Benetech Receives Support from Lavelle Fund for the Blind to Bridge Education to Employment Gap in India

PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Benetech, the leading software for social good nonprofit, today announced the launch of a digital literacy pilot in India to address the employment gap for people with visual impairments. The program, supported by the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, will help launch the digital transformation of 10 schools for the blind across India. By equipping the schools with the technology and training that they need to provide a digital-first experience, students not only get a quality education but also gain the digital literacy skills that are vital for employment and independent participation in society. Most schools for the blind and visually impaired in India rely on braille textbooks for education, said Dr. Homiyar Mobedji, Bookshare Asia and Africa Program Manager. While braille is important, if students graduate only able to read and write in braille, they are not well equipped to work or live in mainstream society. By providing these schools with the technology and knowledge to give students a digital-first education, we are empowering students to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, build careers, and live independently. India has an estimated 62 million blind and visually impaired residents, the highest population in the world. To pursue a return on our mission to empower people to live fulfilling, independent, and productive lives, we are looking for opportunities to drive lasting impact, said Susan Olivo, Executive Director of the Lavelle Fund for the Blind. This pilots emphasis on transforming education systems will not only create opportunities for the students enrolled in the schools today but for students for generations to come. A core component to this digital transformation strategy is Benetechs Bookshare initiative, an accessible ebook library for people with visual impairments and other reading barriers. Bookshare povides texts in digital accessible formats, including electronic braille, large print, and audio. Funding for this pilot will enable the addition of numerous, locally relevant titles to Bookshare Indias collection of accessible books. Currently, Benetech has over 700,000 titles available in India, in multiple local Indian languages, including all materials for 12 state primary and secondary school curricula.



The Lavelle Fund for the blind, which supports projects in the greater New York area as well as globally, has played an integral role in expanding Bookshares impact in both the US and India. The Lavelle fund was an early backer of Bookshare, supporting an outreach campaign for visually impaired students in New York, which ultimately paved the way for Benetechs first major award from the US Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs, which enables Benetech to operate at scale in the United States. Other Bookshare programs that the organization has funded have included prototyping Bookshares MP3 format, and outreach and membership support for visually impaired adults in New York. The huge momentum that we are seeing in India, is a testament to the continued support that weve received from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, said Brad Turner, Vice President and General Manager of Global Education and Literacy at Bookshare. Their partnership enabled Benetech to establish a strong Bookshare team in India who have built relationships with important local organizations, developed a collection of culturally relevant books in local languages, and conduct membership outreach and training. In the past 5 years, library membership has more than doubled to empower 20,000 members. As our work continues, we only expect that growth to accelerate.

To learn more about Benetechs inclusive education work in India and beyond, visit www.benetech.org/impact About Benetech Benetech is a nonprofit dedicated to reducing social and economic inequity in partnership with the communities that we serve through software for social good. Benetechs initiatives are transforming how students, jobseekers, and older adults across the globe read, learn, and work. Benetech believes that access to information is a human right, and no person should encounter barriers to education, literacy, or employment due to differences or disability. Visit www.benetech.org About the Lavelle Fund for the Blind

The Lavelle Fund is a charitable grant-making foundation dedicated primarily to supporting programs that help individuals who are blind or visually impaired live independent and productive lives. The Lavelle Fund primarily concentrates its giving in the areas of Medical Eye Care, Vision Rehabilitation & Resources, and Education. Visit www.lavellefund.org



communications@benetech.org

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[October 14, 2021] Brown-Forman Joins RE100 Global Initiative

Brown-Forman Corporation, one of the largest American-owned global spirits and wine companies, is joining RE100, a global environmental initiative, and committing to 100% renewable electricity by 2030. RE100 is an initiative run by The Climate Group, a global non-profit that focuses on activities against climate change, in partnership with the CDP, a global non-profit that drives companies and governments to disclose and manage their environmental impacts. A total of 267 companies have joined the initiative worldwide. In September, Brown-Forman announced their long-term Global Sustainability Goals that serve as a roadmap in advancing sustainability, reducing the company's environmental footprint, and increasing its positive impact on the community and environment. By joining RE100, Brown-Forman is taking another climate action step to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. "We recognize the risks climate change poses to our business and our communities, and we want to mitigate our impact. Combining our past investments in solar at Sonoma-Cutrer, along with our recent investments in a wind power purchase agreement and solar power at the Jack Daniel Distillery, we believe we are taking the necessary steps along the journey to 100% renewable energy," said Alex Alvarez, Chief Production and Sustainability Officer, Brown-Forman. Sam Kimmins, Head of RE100 at Climate Group said: "We are delighted to welcome Brown-Forman to RE100. By committing to 100% renewable electricity by 2030, Brown-Forman joins over 300 of the world's leadin businesses committed to driving market change. This sends a powerful message that renewable electricity makes good business sense, and we encourage others to follow".



Brown-Forman has been on a steady path of integrating sustainability more deeply into the business through its production facilities and collaboration with its partners. As part of its overall commitment to strong environmental practices, Brown-Forman holds itself accountable to global aspirations like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The baseline for Brown-Forman's Sustainability Goals come from the 2019-2020 fiscal year and reporting will follow the company's fiscal year financial reporting. For detailed information on the commitments, reporting against them, and a video sharing the story of our commitments, please visit brown-forman.com/sustainability.

For over 150 years, Brown-Forman Corporation has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel's Tennessee RTDs, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Apple (News - Alert) , Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel's Single Barrel, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Coopers' Craft, GlenDronach, Benriach, Glenglassaugh, Slane, Herradura, el Jimador, New Mix, Korbel, Sonoma-Cutrer, Finlandia, Chambord, and Fords Gin. Brown-Forman's brands are supported by approximately 4,700 employees and sold in more than 170 countries worldwide. For more information about the company, please visit http://www.brown-forman.com/. RE100 is a global initiative bringing together the world's most influential businesses committed to 100% renewable power. Led by international non-profit the Climate Group in partnership with CDP, the group has a total revenue of over US$6.6 trillion and operates in a diverse range of sectors. Together, they send a powerful signal to policymakers and investors to accelerate the transition to a clean economy. #RE100 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005788/en/

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[October 14, 2021] New Study from StrategyR Highlights a $16.2 Million Global Market for Integrated Gate-commutated Thyristors (IGCT) by 2026

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A new market study published by Global Industry Analysts Inc., (GIA) the premier market research company, today released its report titled "Integrated Gate-commutated Thyristors (IGCT) - Global Market Trajectory & Analytics". The report presents fresh perspectives on opportunities and challenges in a significantly transformed post COVID-19 marketplace.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Edition: 6; Released: April 2021

Executive Pool: 674

Companies: 42 - Players covered include ABB Group; Infineon Technologies AG; Mitsubishi Electric Corporation; ON Semiconductor Corporation; Tianjin Century Electronics Co., Ltd. and Others.

Coverage: All major geographies and key segments

Segments: End-Use (Drives, Traction, Converter, Other End-Uses); Segment (Asymmetric IGCT, Reverse Blocking IGCT, Reverse Conducting IGCT))

Geographies: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific; Rest of World.

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 Integrated Gate-commutated Thyristors (IGCT) Market to Reach $16.2 Million by 2026

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the global market for Integrated Gate-commutated Thyristors (IGCT) estimated at US$11.6 Million in the year 2020, is projected to rach a revised size of US$16.2 Million by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 5.5% over the analysis period. Asymmetric IGCT, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is projected to record a 5.3% CAGR and reach US$11.1 Million 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 Reverse Blocking IGCT segment is readjusted to a revised 6.1% CAGR for the next 7-year period.





The U.S. Market is Estimated at $3.7 Million in 2021, While China is Forecast to Reach $2.9 Million by 2026

The Integrated Gate-commutated Thyristors (IGCT) market in the U.S. is estimated at US$3.7 Million in the year 2021. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$2.9 Million by the year 2026 trailing a CAGR of 5.2% over the analysis period. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at 5.2% and 4.4% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 4.6% CAGR.



Reverse Conducting IGCT) Segment to Reach US$1.7 Million by the year 2026

In the global Reverse Conducting IGCT) segment, USA, Canada, Japan, China and Europe will drive the 5.6% CAGR estimated for this segment. These regional markets accounting for a combined market size of US$978.6 Thousand in the year 2020 will reach a projected size of US$1.4 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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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:

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Director, Corporate Communications

Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

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Email: ZA@StrategyR.com

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Info411@strategyr.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-study-from-strategyr-highlights-a-16-2-million-global-market-for-integrated-gate-commutated-thyristors-igct-by-2026--301398997.html SOURCE Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

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[October 14, 2021]

Fuelled Engaged by SanLing Energy Ltd. to Facilitate Online Heavy Equipment Disposition

CALGARY, AB, Oct. 14, 2021 /CNW/ - Today, Fuelled Consignment, a Fuelled Family of Companies brand, and a leading online equipment marketplace, announced an agreement with SanLing Energy Ltd. ("SanLing"). This agreement will allow Fuelled to help value and act as the exclusive sales agent for SanLing's surplus oil and gas equipment. Per this agreement Fuelled is working with PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. LIT, in its capacity as Court Appointed Receiver of SanLing, on the divestiture of heavy equipment located in Canada. "Our platform and marketplace have grown tremendously over the past three years, and we again look forward to working with the Receiver while we deliver an unparalleled customer experience to our online buyers around the world," said Ajay Singh, VP of Fuelled.

Fuelled is working with PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. LIT, in its capacity as Court Appointed Receiver of SanLing

SanLing's Fuelled Certified Equipment is posted at www.fuelled.com/sanling

Recognition as Top Growing Canadian Companies

For the second year in a row Fuelled was listed on the Globe and Mail's 2021 Report on Business ranking of Canada's Top Growing Companies. "While 2020 had its challenges, we are happy to be included alongside this group of innovative and fast-growing companies," commented Raj Singh, President of Fuelled. "I would like to thank our customers around the world who choose Fuelled and also our team who work tirelessly to deliver the best possible customer experience to both our buyers and sellers."







Canada's Top Growing Companies ranks Canadian companies on three-year revenue growth. Fuelled earned its spot with three-year growth of 182%.

Operational Update

As a strategic initiative in 2021, Fuelled has focused on providing a more comprehensive sales experience to its buyers and sellers. "To heighten the customer experience, we have taken control of the complete value chain of a transaction," said Raj Singh. "Just like Amazon, our customers can now point, click and buy without worrying about the logistics involved in disconnecting, disassembling and transporting heavy equipment. We now offer logistics on almost every transaction and have delivered equipment to over 200 companies on 6 continents, further proving out our model of selling heavy equipment online."

Notable recent transactions with distance between seller and the new location of equipment:

14,000km - Gas separation equipment sold online and shipped from Canada to Nigeria

to 5,000km - Water treatment equipment sold online and shipped from Alberta to Quebec

to 3,000km - Gas filtration equipment sold online and shipped from Canada to USA

to 2,500km - Construction equipment sold online and shipped via truck and barge from Saskatchewan to British Columbia

to 1,200km - Power generation equipment sold online and shipped from USA to Canada

Fuelled, also notably, supplied several workforce camps and logistics to a European based company with mining operations in the USA. This further bolsters Fuelled's strategy to operate across industry verticals and to provide more environmentally conscious equipment solutions to the world.

In the coming weeks The Fuelled Family of Companies will be releasing new versions of the Fuelled and ARMOUREE platforms as well as a modernized and reliable mobile app.

About Fuelled

The Fuelled Family of Companies uses technology and platforms to manage, sell and disrupt. The Calgary-based technology company operates multiple online platforms, a logistics business and a modern, data-driven appraisal business. Fuelled has been listed as one of the Top Growing Companies in Canada in 2020 and 2021. Fuelled launched in 2013.

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SOURCE Fuelled
[October 14, 2021] InterGen Data Announces New Client: Spectrum Healthcare Solutions

InterGen Data, Inc., a leading provider of Life Event Data, analytics, and predictive modeling, has signed Spectrum (News - Alert) Health Solutions "Spectrum" as a new client. Spectrum will utilize InterGen Data's predictive data to analyze and identify when their patients are likely to have Chronic Illnesses occur, what they might be, and how much they are projected to cost. Spectrum will further use InterGen's data to help them assess new patient populations as they expand their services into new geographies. "We are really excited about this partnership because we will be delivering a first to the marketplace, artificial intelligence-based solution that will help our practitioners educate people on the risk of how critical illnesses and comorbidities can impact their need for our services," said Spectrum Health Solutions CEO Stan Thomas. "As an in-home care provider, we know that Life Events affect the entire family. No one is ever really prepared, but this data will allow us to help educate our patients," Thomas further explained. "By 2030, the CDC estimates that 74 million Baby Boomers will be over the age of 65. This means that there will be a huge uptick in Critical Illness needs and costs," said InterGen Data Founder and CEO Robert J. Kirk. "This 'Silver Tsunami' is will not only reshape the health care system forever, but it will have tremendous impact on how wealth is managed and de-cumulated," Kirk further stated. "Simply put, there aren't enough nurses, experienced or not, to manage the volume of people who will need any level of medical care," said Stan Thomas. "No matter how you try to do the math, the US isn't properly prepared, but with the help of InterGen Data's predictive modeling, we feel that we will be better able to help those most likely to need additional healthcare," Thomas further stated. - - - U.S. Care Statistics - - - The American HealthCare Association (ACHA) and the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) there are 28,900 assisted living communities with nearly 1 million licensed beds in the US

The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), a non-profit organization focusing on national health issues, states that there are 15,327 total number of certified nursing facilities that have approximately 1.7 million licensed beds.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) states that the U.S. is projected to experience a shortage of Registered Nurses (RN's) that is expected to intensify as Baby Boomers age and the need for health care grows

The Nurse Journal states that data from The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) depicts Washington, Dallas, Los Angeles, Houston, and New York City have the lowest local concentrations of nurse employment vs. national nurse employment.



About InterGen Data, Inc. InterGen Data, Inc. (InterGen Data) was founded by the financial services industry veteran Robert J. Kirk in December 2017. InterGen Data is an award winning Life Event Data provider that uses the latest in predictive modeling techniques and patent pending proprietary algorithms that identify when someone is likely to have an important life event occur, what that event could be, and how much of a economic impact that it would have on their financial journey. They supply this data to banks, financial services, and insurance companies.

More information can be found at https://www.intergendata.com/. About Spectrum Healthcare Solutions Spectrum Health Solutions was formed in 2017 primarily to service the under served market of patients at home. Its vision is to "Change the face of healthcare at home". Spectrum primarily services patients from 18 years of age to death. Currently Spectrum services patients in the Texas and Oklahoma market, with plans to expand into Florida, Illinois and California in the near future. It is a health care company that sees patients at home and uses technology to improve the care given and the company's bottom line. Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain or refer to forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give expectations or forecasts of the future using terms such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," "will," "potential," "look to," and other terms tied to future periods. Results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and expectations. They involve risks and uncertainties, including the "Risk Factors" MetLife, Inc. describes in its U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company has no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statement. Parts of this news release may include additional information on forward-looking statements. This news release may also contain measures that are not calculated based on accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005412/en/

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Egan-Jones Releases Risk Commentary - A Rapidly Developing Crisis

Egan-Jones Ratings Company releases its latest Risk Commentary issue entitled "A Rapidly Developing Crisis".

In the commentary, Egan-Jones discusses the impact that global warming currently has on both our environment and the economy. The firm considers challenges within the Texas energy crisis and the rise in coal rates, while also addressing potential solutions to avoid dangerous impacts.

Click here to view the issue.

About Egan-Jones Ratings Company

Egan-Jones is recognized as a market leader in private placemet ratings 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. Click here to view sample private placement transactions.







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/20211014005915/en/
[October 14, 2021] Alacriti and Alkami Announce Partnership to Bring Unified Money Movement Services to Credit Unions and Banks

Alacriti, a fintech company specializing in payments and money movement solutions, has partnered with leading digital banking solutions provider Alkami to deliver modern, frictionless digital payments and money movement services to credit unions and banks. Through this strategic partnership, Alacriti has integrated its Loan Payment platform, part of Orbipay Unified Money Movement Services, into the Alkami Digital Platform, powering seamless experiences to credit union members and bank customers. "This partnership brings the power of our highly customizable digital payments and money movement technology to the banking ecosystem through Alkami's userbase. Together, Alkami and Alacriti will enable banks and credit unions to quickly and seamlessly deliver modern, intuitive digital loan payments across multiple payment channels. Alacriti's Unified Money Movement Services include: A2A transfers, P2P payents, bill pay, disbursements, and real-time payments," stated Manish Gurukula, Alacriti CEO.



Alkami's Co-Founder and Chief Strategy & Sales Officer Stephen Bohanon said, "We're excited to offer Alacriti's Orbipay Loan Payment Services to our new and existing banking and credit union customers. In addition, Alacriti's real-time money movement platform is fully integrated with the Alkami Platform, enabling a fast, cost-effective path to delivery and a future-proof foundation for innovation. This partnership further supports our focus on accelerating digital transformation to drive growth for our client community." About Alacriti

Alacriti is a leading financial technology company with a comprehensive money movement and payments services platform, dedicated to helping clients accelerate their digital transformation. Built on a flexible, cloud-native framework, Alacriti's array of solutions allow clients to deliver the money movement experiences and payments innovation that today's users demand, while seamlessly integrating with their internal infrastructures. To learn more about Alacriti or to request a demo, visit alacriti.com About Alkami Alkami Technology, Inc. is a leading cloud-based digital banking solutions provider for financial institutions in the United States that enables clients to grow confidently, adapt quickly and build thriving digital communities. The Alkami Platform is the digital banking and fraud mitigation platform of choice for over 260 financial institutions. Alkami's investments have resulted in a premium platform that has enabled it to replace older, larger and better-funded incumbents and provide clients with world-class experiences reflecting their individual digital strategies. To learn more about Alkami or to request a demo, visit alkami.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005820/en/

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[October 14, 2021] Todos Medical to Conduct Webinar Highlighting the cPass SARS-COV-2 Neutralizing Antibody Test for AMDA, The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine, on October 22, 2021 at 12:00 PM EDT



Dr. Jorge Leone, Chief Scientific Officer of Todos Medical, and Sean Taylor, North American FAS Manager of Genscript, will discuss the importance of the cPass SARS-COV-2 neutralizing antibody test as a New Paradigm for Measuring Immunity in a Pre- and Post-Vaccination Era AMDAs 5,500 members work in skilled nursing facilities, long-term care and assisted living communities, CCRCs, home care, hospice, PACE programs, and other settings New York, NY, and Tel Aviv, ISRAEL, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- Todos Medical, Ltd. (Todos Medical) (OTCQB: TOMDF), a comprehensive medical diagnostics and related solutions company, announced today that its Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Jorge Leone, and Sean Taylor, North American FAS Manager of GenScript, will conduct a webinar discussing the importance of the cPass SARS-COV-2 neutralizing antibody test as a New Paradigm for Measuring Immunity in a Pre- and Post-Vaccination Era for members of AMDA  The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (AMDA). Raising the awareness in the medical community of the importance of measuring COVID immunity through cPass, the only emergency use authorized neutralizing antibody test, is a critical part of our marketing efforts for Todos and our Provista Laboratory, said Jorge Leon, PhD and Chief Scientific Officer at Todos Medical. AMDAs membership needs to understand the importance of measuring immunity in order to make informed medical choices, especially in the most at-risk populations. We look forward to this exchange of ideas and the opportunity to expand our reach for providing cPass testing at Provista to this distinguished medical community. This talk will explore the key questions associated with how neutralizing antibody testing can provide biomarker-based answers to quantify a key marker of immunity for those previously infected with COVID and those who are vaccinated to determine whether 1) an immune response occurred, and 2) how long it is lasting in order to help physicians make key determinations about when booster shots may be needed. Increasing evidence supports the correlation between neutralizing antibody titers and protection from this dangerous virus. Recent studies show that less than 40% of immunocompromised and less than 70% of elderly (over 80 years of age) people who are fully vaccinated elicit these protective antibodies. AMDA is the only medical specialty society representing the community of over 50,000 medical directors, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other practitioners working in the various post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) settings. The Societys 5,500 members work in skilled nursing facilities, long-term care and assisted living communities, CCRCs, home care, hospice, PACE programs, and other settings. The Society has two affiliate organizations. The American Board of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine runs a certification program for medical directors in PALTC, credentialing Certified Medical Directors (CMDs). The Foundation for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine oversees awards, community outreach, education, and research with the mission to advance the quality of life for persons in PALTC through inspiring, educating, and recognizing future and current health care professionals. The webinar will take place on Friday, October 22, 2021 at 12 PM EDT and will be live broadcast on Todos Medicals YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWsJLl1iB9qlZUSicQ9e-Mg. Presenters Dr. Jorge Leon, Chief Scientific Officer for Todos Medical, is internationally recognized for his pioneering work in molecular diagnostics. Dr. Leon holds a h.D. in cellular and molecular biology from New York University and completed his postdoctoral studies at the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg and Columbia University in NYC. Dr. Leons subsequent academic research at Columbia University focused on developing monoclonal antibody-based tumor marker assays and radio-immuno imaging devices, which are currently in wide use. In the early 1990s, Dr. Jorge Leon played an integral role in establishing and leading the molecular diagnostics laboratories at Quest Diagnostics. As Director of Molecular Diagnostics, Senior Director of Biotechnology Development, and Vice President of Applied Genomics, Dr. Leon spent twelve years developing Quests molecular diagnostics strategy, which is now the worlds largest molecular diagnostics service laboratory. In 2003, Dr. Leon founded Leomics Associates, Inc. a consulting firm committed to helping prestigious, successful companies and academic institutions develop molecular diagnostics and personalized medicine in the United States and globally. Dr. Jorge Leon and his experienced team specializes in identifying breakthrough opportunities and industry trends, and helps start-up businesses, academic centers and established companies successfully build and commercialize innovative business strategies, product pipelines, and test menus.



Sean Taylor holds a Ph.D. and an MBA from McGill University and has spent the past ten years publishing articles, providing seminars, workshops and training videos to help the global scientific community achieve excellent data from western blotting, qPCR and digital PCR experiments. He has managed teams of Field Application Scientists (FAS) in Canada for over a decade who have helped thousands of scientists achieve their research goals. In his current role as North American FAS Manager for GenScript, he leads a dedicated team to continue the tradition of providing pertinent and timely information to help the scientific community overcome research hurdles to accelerate the production of high quality, publishable data, cost-effectively. For more information, please visit www.todosmedical.com. For more information on the Companys CLIA/CAP certified lab Provista Diagnostics, Inc. please visit www.provistadx.com.

About Todos Medical Ltd. Founded in Rehovot, Israel with offices in New York City, Todos Medical Ltd. (OTCQB: TOMDF) engineers life-saving diagnostic solutions for the early detection of a variety of cancers. In 2021, Todos completed the acquisition of U.S.-based medical diagnostics company Provista Diagnostics, Inc. to gain rights to its Alpharetta, Georgia-based CLIA/CAP certified lab currently performing PCR COVID testing and Provista's proprietary commercial-stage Videssa breast cancer blood test. The Company's state-of-the-art and patented Todos Biochemical Infrared Analyses (TBIA) is a proprietary cancer-screening technology using peripheral blood analysis that deploys deep examination into cancer's influence on the immune system, looking for biochemical changes in blood mononuclear cells and plasma. Todos' two internally-developed cancer-screening tests, TMB-1 and TMB-2, have received a CE mark in Europe. Todos is focused on the commercialization of Videssa and will bring the TBIA tests to market thereafter. Todos has entered into a joint venture with NLC Pharma targeting diagnostic and testing solutions to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The Joint-Venture is pursuing the development of diagnostic tests targeting the 3CL protease, as well as 3CL protease inhibitors that target a fundamental reproductive mechanism of coronaviruses. The Companys proprietary therapeutic candidate Tollovir is currently in a Phase 2 clinical trial to treat hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Israel, and is preparing to initiate Phase 2/3 clinical trials for both hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients in Israel. Todos is also developing blood tests for the early detection of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. The Lymphocyte Proliferation Test (LymPro Test) is a diagnostic blood test that determines the ability of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and monocytes to withstand an exogenous mitogenic stimulation that induces them to enter the cell cycle. It is believed that certain diseases, most notably Alzheimer's disease, are the result of compromised cellular machinery that leads to aberrant cell cycle re-entry by neurons, which then leads to apoptosis. LymPro is unique in the use of peripheral blood lymphocytes as a surrogate for neuronal cell function, suggesting a common relationship between PBLs and neurons in the brain. Todos is also distributing certain (COVID-19) testing materials and supplies to CLIA-certified labs in the United States. The products cover multiple suppliers of PCR testing kits, extraction kits, automation materials and supplies, as well as COVID-19 antibody and antigen testing kits. For more information, please visit https://www.todosmedical.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 clinical development programs and clinical trials. 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 the risks and uncertainties related to the progress, timing, cost, and results of clinical trials and product development programs; difficulties or delays in obtaining regulatory approval or patent protection for product candidates; competition from other biotechnology companies; and our ability to obtain additional funding required to conduct our research, development and commercialization activities. In addition, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements: changes in technology and market requirements; delays or obstacles in launching our clinical trials; changes in legislation; inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications; lack of validation of our technology as we progress further and lack of acceptance of our methods by the scientific community; inability to retain or attract key employees whose knowledge is essential to the development of our products; unforeseen scientific difficulties that may develop with our process; greater cost of final product than anticipated; loss of market share and pressure on pricing resulting from competition; and laboratory results that do not translate to equally good results in real settings, all of which could cause the actual results or performance to differ materially from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by law, Todos Medical does not undertake any 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. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting Todos Medical, please refer to its reports filed from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Todos Corporate and Investor Contact: Richard Galterio Todos Medical 732-642-7770 rich.g@todosmedical.com



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[October 14, 2021] Transmit Security Honored by Goldman Sachs for Entrepreneurship

Transmit Security, the Identity Experience company, today announced that Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) has recognized President and Co-Founder Rakesh Loonkar as one of the 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs of 2021 at its Builders + Innovators Summit in Healdsburg, California. Goldman Sachs selected Loonkar as one of 100 entrepreneurs from multiple industries to be honored at the two-day event. Rakesh is the President and Co-Founder of Transmit Security where he leads and inspires the sales team, services, support and pre-sales engineering. As an active voice, pioneer and mentor in the cyber industry, Rakesh has personally invested in many promising cybersecurity startups, which have evolved into industry leaders such as Palo Alto Networks, Trusteer and ZScaler. Previously, Rakesh founded OneSecure (acquired by Juniper Networks (News - Alert) ) and co-founded Trusteer (acquired by IBM). "I am honored to be recognized by Goldman Sachs. This award is truly meant for theentire Transmit Security team who work tirelessly to provide our customers and the world with the best identity experiences possible by helping customers eliminate passwords. It is very gratifying to see a company like Goldman Sachs recognize our hard work," said Rakesh Loonkar, President and Co-Founder of Transmit Security.



"Innovation doesn't happen just anywhere; it thrives where there's a wide range of thoughts and perspectives," said David M. Solomon, Chairman & CEO of Goldman Sachs. "One of our great strengths is our ability to bring together people from different walks of life and to spark conversations today that will lead to breakthroughs tomorrow. The leaders we've chosen to highlight at our Builders + Innovators Summit are truly remarkable, and we are pleased to recognize Rakesh Loonkar as one of this year's most intriguing entrepreneurs." In addition to honoring 100 entrepreneurs, the summit consists of general sessions and clinics led by seasoned entrepreneurs, academics and business leaders as well as resident scholars.

About Transmit Security Transmit Security is on a mission to revolutionize the identity experience market. From onboarding to authentication to smart authorization for both customers and workforce across every channel, our technology reduces all forms of identity attrition and saves enterprises substantial costs. Around the world, large enterprises are standardizing on Transmit Security to introduce innovative digital identity journeys. Customers include six of the seven largest financial institutions in the U.S, two of the largest merchants in the U.S., and many financial organizations, merchants and online service providers in Europe, Asia and Latin America. For more information, please visit www.transmitsecurity.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005920/en/

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[October 14, 2021] Illinois American Water Offers Inclusion and Diversity Grants

Illinois American Water announced that applications are now being accepted for the company's new Inclusion and Diversity Grant Program. With the launch of this pilot program, Illinois American Water will dedicate funding to community organizations for the purpose of advancing inclusion and diversity related initiatives. "Over the last several years, Illinois American Water has championed many important inclusion and diversity efforts to support meaningful change across the communities we serve," said Justin Ladner, president of Illinois American Water. "Investing in community organizations who are working to make Illinois a more fair and friendly place to live, work and play benefits us all. Inclusion and Diversity makes us a better company and allows us to better serve our customers across Illinois. This grant program seeks to expand that mission." The program will provide financial assistance to organizations seeking to develop and implement programs, training or community-related projects that aim to promote and foster inclusion and diversity in the community. The maximum grant amount is $2,500. To qualify for a grant, the organization, project or event must: Be located within Illinois American Water's service area.

Be a new, innovative community initiative or serve as a significant expansion to an existing program.

Promote inclusion and diversity in the community the organization serves.

Have 501(c)(3) designation or be a government agency (including public schools). Ladner added, "American Water's culture embraces that we are all beautifully different, and our efforts with this new grant program, along with the company's recently released inaugural Diversity & Inclusion Report, are an extension of the value we place on being an inclusive compan reflective of the diverse communities we serve."



Illinois American Water's Annual Supplier Diversity report filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission can also be viewed here. Individuals are not eligible to receive grants. Only nonprofit organizations within Illinois American Water's service territory are eligible to receive funding. DEADLINE TO APPLY IS NOVEMBER 8, 2021. Applications must be received by Monday, November 8, 2021, via email to karen.cotton@amwater.com. Qualified applicants can find application materials here.

About Illinois American Water - Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a customer service center in Alton and a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville. With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to 15 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Illinois American Water Ranked Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Large Water Utilities in the Midwest for Two Years in a Row. For J.D. Power 2021 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005972/en/

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[October 14, 2021] JPMorgan Chase Committing $8.4 Million to Improve Household Stability for Black, Hispanic and Latino and Other Underserved Households

JPMorgan Chase today announced six organizations to receive philanthropic capital as part of the firm's $400 million five-year commitment to improve housing affordability and stability for Black, Hispanic and Latino and other underserved households. These commitments and policy solutions are part of the firm's $30 billion commitment to advance racial equity and help drive an inclusive economic recovery. JPMorgan Chase Institute research has shown almost one in four renters experienced a greater than 10 percent drop in total income during the pandemic, even after accounting for government support, but did not have a forbearance safety net like homeowners, creating economic vulnerabilities for both renters and landlords. Through JPMorgan Chase's commitments, six organizations will design and test innovative models to improve household stability with the goal of expanding successful models across the U.S. This includes eviction prevention support, rental assistance, access to legal services and resources for small landlords. "Access to safe, affordable housing is key to building wealth but out of reach for far too many families," said Heather Higginbottom, President, JPMorgan Chase PolicyCenter and Co-Head of Global Philanthropy. "Today's announcement will help promote immediate housing stability for underserved households and is one step toward our goal of addressing barriers to affordable housing and homeownership, especially for Black, Latino and Hispanic families." Organizations receiving philanthropic capital: Community Justice Project (Miami, FL) At least 31% of Florida renters could be at risk of eviction by the end of the year.1 With JPMorgan Chase's $1.6 million three-year investment, Community Justice Project (CJP) will implement a community lawyering model supporting grassroots organizations and tenant-led campaigns to help stop evictions and improve conditions for renters. CJP aims to expand this model beyond Miami-Dade to eight other counties across Florida. Community Legal Services (Philadelphia, PA) During the pandemic, Philadelphia landlords filed to evict 4,500 tenants, disproportionately impacting Black, Latino and Hispanic communities, and the number of filings is expected to significantly increase as COVID-related tenant protections expire.2 With JPMorgan Chase's $1.5 million three-year investment, Community Legal Services will expand its program design and build capacity to alter the eviction landscape in Philadelphia by combining the following three initiatives: eviction alternatives, right to counsel and eviction record screening protections. The COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project (Colorado) At least 25% of renters in Colorado could be at risk of eviction by the end of year.3 With JPMorgan Chase's $1.3 million two-year investment, The COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project will support eviction prevention through a strategic model that provides tenants with resources for household stability such as rental assistance, negotiation services, legal services and rehousing placements. Equal Justice Wors (Richmond, VA)



Five of the top ten cities with the highest eviction rates in the United States are located in the Commonwealth of Virginia.4 With JPMorgan Chase's $1.5 million three-year investment, Equal Justice Works will bring together a group of lawyers and community organizers ('Fellows') as part of its Housing Justice Program to increase access to high-quality legal services and tenant resources for low-income Black, Latino and Hispanic households and residents of public housing. Housing Justice Program Fellows will also engage in high impact litigation to support practices that protect the rights of tenants across Virginia. Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (Chicago, IL)

In Illinois, 22% of Black renters and 17% of Hispanic and Latino renters are behind on their rent, compared to 9% of white renters.5 With JPMorgan Chase's $1 million three-year investment, Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS Chicago) will provide rental assistance and counseling to around 675 households. NHS Chicago will also support small-unit landlords through rental and mortgage assistance, housing mediation services, renter relocation grants, post-purchase counseling, financial assessments and foreclosure prevention support. Texas Housers (Houston, TX) In Texas, more than 800,000 low-income renter households compete for around 244,000 rental units that are affordable and available to them.6 With JPMorgan Chase's $1.5 million three-year investment, Texas Housers will provide low-income tenants in Texas with access to resources and advice to help secure rental assistance and long-term affordable housing. This includes helping tenants understand government emergency rental assistance programs and how to protect their homes when facing eviction. The investment will also fund Texas Housers's work to support and expand a statewide collaboration of tenants and supporters engaged in research and policy discussions to increase the supply of affordable rental housing and secure essential tenant protections at the state and local level. Advancing Data Driven Policy Solutions Recently, the JPMorgan Chase PolicyCenter released data-driven policy recommendations to improve household stability weakened by the pandemic. These recommendations mirror the work of the organizations receiving philanthropic commitments. For example, the firm is supporting policies that: Implement fair eviction standards to help ensure stability and improve outcomes for tenants and landlords;

Reduce preventable evictions by establishing eviction diversion programs, applying eviction principles, such as right to counsel, that protect tenants from unlawful eviction and helping ensure a balanced and predictable eviction process;

Expand access to homelessness and eviction prevention programs, as well as legal assistance services that help renters navigate their housing options and rights, emergency shelter, and rapid re-housing; and

Standardize the collection and tracking, of state and local level eviction data to better inform policy decisions. To learn more about how JPMorgan Chase is working to advance racial equity and help bridge the racial wealth gap, visit www.jpmorganchase.com/racialequity. About JPMorgan Chase JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading financial services firm based in the United States of America ("U.S."), with operations worldwide. JPMorgan Chase had $3.8 trillion in assets and $290.0 billion in stockholders' equity as of September 30, 2021. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing and asset management. Under the J.P. Morgan and Chase brands, the Firm serves millions of customers in the U.S., and many of the world's most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients globally. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com. 1https://www.aspeninstitute.org/blog-posts/the-covid-19-eviction-crisis-an-estimated-30-40-million-people-in-america-are-at-risk/

2 https://www.courts.phila.gov/

3 https://www.aspeninstitute.org/blog-posts/the-covid-19-eviction-crisis-an-estimated-30-40-million-people-in-america-are-at-risk/

4 https://evictionlab.org/rankings/#/evictions?r=United%20States&a=0&d=evictionRate&lang=en

5 https://www.census.gov/data/experimental-data-products/household-pulse-survey.html

6 https://reports.nlihc.org/gap/2019/tx View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014005975/en/

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[October 14, 2021] AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of MAPFRE U.S.A. Corp's Main Insurance Subsidiaries

AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of "a" (Excellent) of The Commerce Insurance Company (Webster, MA), the lead property/casualty member of the MAPFRE U.S.A. Group (MAPFRE U.S.A. Group), and the group's remaining intercompany pooling members. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. See below for a list of the intercompany pooling members. The MAPFRE U.S.A. Group is owned by MAPFRE U.S.A. Corp., whose ultimate parent is Spain-based Fundacion MAPFRE (MAPFRE). The ratings reflect the group's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its marginal operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. The ratings also reflect the implicit and explicit support provided by its intermediate parent company, MAPFRE S.A. The MAPFRE U.S.A. Group's balance sheet strength reflects the group's strongest risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), which is partially offset by adverse loss reserving trends and elevated underwriting leverage measures, which compare unfavorably with the composite averages. The group reported slight surplus growth over the current five-year period, largely driven by operating earnings and capital gains (realized and unrealized) and offset by sizable stockholder dividend payments to the group's parent. Operating performance over the most recent five-year period has been volatile but improving, as the group's five-year average return on revenue and return on equity lags industry averages by a sizable margin. The group's operating results have been impacted negatively by underwriting losses, which were primarily driven by adverse loss reserve development and weather-related losses. However, the group's operating and underwriting results improved in 2019 and 2020 and have continued to improve in first-half 2021. AM Best views the group's business profil as neutral, largely due to its local market expertise, MAPFRE U.S.A./Commerce brand-name recognition in several states, broad distribution networks and marketing activities throughout the various subsidiaries. ERM is considered appropriate for the group's size and complexity of its underwriting, investment and other risks, based on its framework and controls.



The ratings also benefit from the group's role and strategic importance to MAPFRE S.A. The MAPFRE U.S.A. Group is integrated into the operations and management of the group and carries the MAPFRE name commercially. MAPFRE S.A. also provides support to the group through reinsurance, staffing of senior leadership positions and ERM guidance. The FSR of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICRs of "a" (Excellent) have been affirmed with stable outlooks for The Commerce Insurance Company and the following MAPFRE U.S.A. Group intercompany pooling members:

Citation Insurance Company

Commerce West Insurance Company

American Commerce Insurance Company

MAPFRE Insurance Company of Florida

MAPFRE Insurance Company 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/20211014006006/en/

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[October 14, 2021] IBCAP announces $26 million lawsuit against Desi TV/Live TV and its owners

DENVER, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The International Broadcaster Coalition Against Piracy (IBCAP) has announced another member lawsuit, this one filed today in a federal court in New York against South Asian pirate video services branded as Desi TV and Live TV. Consistent with similar lawsuits coordinated by IBCAP, this case also includes claims against a seller of the illegal services -- a dealer in Brooklyn, NY known as 786 Wireless and its owner, Rana Afzal.

Sending a clear message to those who ignore IBCAPs copyright infringement notices, this lawsuit follows a long string of copyright cases coordinated by IBCAP and filed by IBCAP members against pirate services and their resellers, most of which have already resulted in significant damage awards and either a removal of IBCAP protected channels, or a shutdown of the services entirely. In addition, lawsuits filed this year and awaiting decision against other South Asian pirates include Chitram TV for more than $31 million and MyIndianTV for more than $26 million in damages plus injunctive relief. The lawsuit filed today was brought by IBCAP member DISH Network and alleges that the operators of the Desi TV and Live TV services engaged in direct copyright infringement by transmitting South Asian channels and content airing on those channels without authorization to users in the United States. The complaint also alleges that a retailer selling the services, 786 Wireless, is liable for secondary copyright infringement for encouraging and materially contributing to the direct infringement by, among other things, facilitating access to the copyrighted works and creating the audience for the infringement. Importantly, the complaint alleges that the defendants actions were willful and malicious for ignoring IBCAPs notices of infringement. The complaint also seeks an injunction against the defendants, and ther hosting companies and CDNs, that would prohibit the continued transmission of the channels at issue and that would prohibit any retailers from selling the infringing IPTV services.



This latest case reiterates that IBCAP and its members will not tolerate piracy and will take action against illegal IPTV services and their dealers who ignore our take down notices, said Chris Kuelling, executive director of IBCAP. Dealers of these illegal IPTV services need to realize that they are risking their entire business by being involved, and it simply is not worth taking that risk. As with prior lawsuits coordinated by IBCAP, NAGRA provided significant investigatory and technical assistance to prepare the evidence necessary to support the case.

As a long-term partner of IBCAP, NAGRA is proud to have provided intelligence and evidence to support this lawsuit against South Asian pirate video services, said Jean-Philippe Plantevin, VP anti-piracy services at NAGRA. For decades, NAGRA has been committed to helping the industry protect its considerable investment in content production and distribution. Piracy is a problem that has to be met with a defined strategy, the best anti-piracy tools available, and the full engagement of key stakeholders. We are proud to support this latest case, and we will continue to work with IBCAP on similar cases in the future. A copy of the complaint can be found here. About International Broadcast Coalition Against Piracy (IBCAP) International Broadcast Coalition Against Piracy, Inc. is a coalition of leading international broadcasters and distributors representing more than 140 television channels from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and South America. IBCAP is the largest anti-piracy organization focused on multicultural content. The non-profit organization proactively monitors and identifies unauthorized video services, collects evidence, and assists with legal actions and criminal investigations against organizations and individuals engaging in pirate activities. IBCAP coordinates with government agencies and law enforcement both in the US and abroad, reports suspected infringers to the appropriate authorities, initiates investigations, and promotes the prosecution of persons or companies who participate in the illegal distribution of its members video content. More information is available at www.IBCAP.org. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. IBCAP Media Contact: media@IBCAP.org

or

VisiTech PR for IBCAP:

IBCAP@VisiTechPR.com

+1-720-295-6107



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[October 14, 2021] CieloIT Announces Strategic Partnership with Perfect Gym

LUBBOCK, Texas, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CieloIT has announced a strategic partnership with European-based gym management software company, Perfect Gym, with offices in London, Warsaw, Moscow, and Melbourn. This partnership adds to the many managed services offerings CieloIT has as the hybrid fitness approach of online and in-person interaction rises across the country. CieloIT continues to make strategic investments in technology and partnerships that benefit our client partners According to an article by CNBC, traffic at gyms nationwide was back to 83% of January 2020 levels, and down just 6% from the same period in 2019. Jefferiesanalyst Randy Konik said, "We believe that people will employ a hybrid approach, using the plethora of digital concepts and traditional gym experience. Gyms that champion this model will emerge as winners in years to come."



This hybrid fitness approach is one CieloIT is thrilled to present to customers enabled by the Perfect Gym software. Perfect Gym CSO Peter Croft states, "Moving forward, we expect to see a shift from facilities being a place of choice to providers being brands of choice for an empowered consumer. Perfect Gym's all in one solution gives forward thinking brands the tools to support their members' health and fitness success, both within and outside of the facility." "CieloIT continues to make strategic investments in technology and partnerships that benefit our client partners in the fitness industry," said Imre Szenttornyay, CieloIT President. "We are strategically aligning ourselves with Perfect Gym as part of our SmartFranchiseTM methodology to support brands that lead with a hybrid fitness delivery model, as interest in this workout approach has been accelerating."

"We're in the US to win. Perfect Gym has the most advanced fitness membership management platform and CieloIT provides excellent IT support to the fitness industry. Together we're here to snag customers who are tired of the current options and want to upgrade to a technologically advanced platform," Perfect Gym CEO Sebastian Szalachowski said. About CieloIT

Established in 2017, CieloIT is an award-winning managed services provider and systems integrator specializing in multi-unit franchises. CieloIT offers turn-key project management, implementation, and support services with customized, automated workflows to address business operational needs. CieloIT is a proven technology partner helping businesses scale and grow profitably. About Perfect Gym

Founded in 2014 by Jacek Szlendak and Sebastian Szalachowski, Perfect Gym's membership management software forms the hub of all activity in over 1,000 fitness facilities in over 60 countries. Perfect Gym's powerful all-in-one platform covers all of the functions of a fitness facility including club membership management, product point of sale and stock management, sales and marketing automation, and machine learning-driven business intelligence. It gives customers a way to interface with your facility through a kiosk, online portal, and mobile app. The platform sits at the centre of an ecosystem of integrations so that payments, access control devices, and machine data can all be connected to one central data warehouse that emperors you to create personal interactions with your club members. Contact: Briana Vela

Marketing Director

bvela@cgholdings.com

(806) 410-1304 ext. 134

4747 S. Loop 289, Suite 210

Lubbock, TX 79424 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cieloit-announces-strategic-partnership-with-perfect-gym-301400813.html SOURCE CieloIT

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Pepperdine Graziadio Business School Announces the 2021 List of Most Fundable Companies

Today, the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School revealed its list of 16 Most Fundable Companies during its virtual showcase event, presented by the Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship. Among its startup recognitions were FLX Solutions, Inc., Gales, Inc., and PB Analytics, Inc. (d/b/a Rixon Technology), all of which received a Platinum designation, the highest recognition attainable.

More than 3,300 early-stage US companies across all 50 states participated in the Most Fundable Companies initiative, which is a free resource to assist startups in securing capital to accelerate meaningful innovation across industries and communities. The companies on the fourth annual list are located across the US and come from a variety of industries including energy, healthcare technology, and consumer products.

"The Most Fundable Companies event recognizes promising companies who have gone through rigorous financial vetting and scrutiny from world-renowned experts," said Deryck J. van Rensburg, dean of the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. "This list of companies should be on the radar for funders who are looking for what's new and what's next."

The Most Fundable Companies showcase featured a keynote discussion led by Jamie Siminoff, the founder and chief inventor of Ring. He was joined by an impressive lineup of speakers including Cary Singleton and Landon Phillips from the Singleton Foundation, G. Louis Graziadio III from the George and Reva Graziadio Foundation, Vince Monteparte from Sway Ventures, James Casparie from the Venture Alliance, and Guy Baker from Wealth Teams Alliance and BTA Advisory Group.

The Most Fundable Companies are evaluated on several company variables including financial projections, market opportunity, intellectual property, competitive advantage in their market, and the strength of the management team expertise. Each of these variables is then used to generate objective and customized feedback and scoring to improve readiness for funding. The Pepperdine Graziadio Business School's Most Fundable Companies is powered by the Venture Alliance.

To learn more about the winners and vote for your favorite startups now through November 1, visit the 2021 Most Fundable Companies webpage.

Pepperdine Graziadio 2021 Most Fundable Companies List (alphabetically listed by category)

Platinum:

FLX Solutions, Inc. (Bethlehem, PA)

FLX Solutions is pioneering functional robotics with FLX BOT, a patented, highly intelligent, human-operated, miniaturized service robot that operates in spaces that humans cannot easily access.

Gales, Inc. (San Diego, CA (News - Alert) )

Gales provides Smart PPE Footwear for healthcare to better protect against exposure and spread of infectious diseases via antimicrobial, waterproof, easy-to-clean shoes with 24-hour comfort and support.

PB Analytics, Inc., d/b/a Rixon Technology (Phoenix, AZ)

Rixon Technology transforms data through a cloud-native platform, which reduces compliance costs, nullifies impacts of breaches, and gives data owners control of personal data.

Gold:

Neowe Research & Development, Inc. (Doral, FL)

Neowe Research & Development is a connected medical device company launching their first product, Ouipan, a patented smart bedpan intended to reduce healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes.

SFA Therapeutics, Inc. (Jenkintown, PA)





SFA Therapeutics is a clinical-stage novel immunomodulatory platform creating safe oral drugs to treat psoriasis, liver diseases, and HCC, the most common liver cancer.

Sips by, LLC (Austin, TX)

Sips By makes discovering great tea fun, personalized, and affordable via the only multi-brand, personalized, monthly tea subscription service, the Sips by Box (News - Alert) .

Silver:

Amplified Sciences, Inc. (West Lafayette, IN)

Amplified Sciences is developing a portfolio of diagnostic assays for early detection of disease. The lead assay in development targets early detection of undiagnosed pancreatic cancers.

Arx Nimbus, LLC (Chicago, IL)

Arx Nimbus' Thrivaca risk analytics platform produces detailed valuations of digital risk and the top sources of current carrying cost, for enterprises, underwriters, and brokers.

Blue Frontier, LLC (Parkland, FL)

Blue Frontier has reinvented air conditioning with patented technology that consumes 90 percent less energy and eliminates peak electricity demand using a thermal battery. Their ACs are deployed as virtual power plants under a HaaS model.

Event Cadence, Inc. (Brooklyn, NY)

Cadence is a SaaS (News - Alert) events and modern workplace platform changing the way companies engage with their employees, customers, and communities.

PillowSheets, Inc. (Atlanta, GA)

PillowSheets manufacturers award-winning, patented, FDA-approved sheets that integrate a pillow system, eliminates loose bedding, offers total body support, and revolutionizes the bedding industry.

Veriskin, Inc. (San Diego, CA)

Veriskin is developing a novel method and FDA-designated breakthrough device for non-invasive, objective, and low-cost skin cancer diagnostics.

Bronze:

Advanced Image Robotics, Inc. (La Jolla, CA)

Advanced Image Robotics is a cloud-native video production platform that makes the camera-to-viewer workflow radically less expensive, simpler, and more sophisticated for the $247B OTT livestreaming market.

Jaxon, Inc. (Boston, MA)

Jaxon is a training data platform minimizing the need for costly manual data labeling used in artificial intelligence machine learning via cutting-edge algorithms and supporting techniques.

Leben & Cerne Co. d/b/a XrossWorld (Los Angeles, CA)

XrossWorld is SaaS for companies to efficiently and cost-effectively create, launch, and manage full-cycle micro-influencer marketing campaigns on-demand.

Telebionix, Inc. (Moorpark, CA)

Telebionix is introducing Remosense, a smart medical and biomarker sensing device enabling efficient and effective remote tracking and sharing of health data and telehealth delivery.

Disclaimers: The Pepperdine Graziadio Most Fundable Companies List does not represent an offer to sell securities. It does not constitute investment advice, nor is it an endorsement of any product or service. Pepperdine University is not a broker-dealer and does not perform services provided by a broker-dealer, including but not limited to any financial or investment advising.

About Most Fundable Companies

The Most Fundable Companies List is an annual program hosted by the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School aimed to promote startup business development by providing pathways for startup funding and inspiring entrepreneurial spirit across the nation. More than 3,300 companies across all 50 states applied for the 2021 program. In August 2021, Pepperdine Graziadio announced the Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship as title sponsor of the 2021 Most Fundable Companies Showcase.

The Most Fundable Companies program was launched by the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School in 2018 as a free resource to help entrepreneurs assess their readiness for private investment. All startups that complete the program's pre-screen and qualifier surveys receive a customized report with feedback on how to structure and position their business to improve investment opportunities. The Most Fundable Companies List winners receive national exposure and publication.

The Pepperdine Graziadio Business School's Most Fundable Companies Showcase presented by the Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship took place on October 14, 2021, virtually at Pepperdine University.

About Pepperdine University Graziadio Business School

For more than 50 years, the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School has challenged individuals to think boldly and drive meaningful change within their industries and communities. Dedicated to developing Best for the World Leaders, the Graziadio School offers a comprehensive range of MBA, MS, executive, and doctoral degree programs grounded in integrity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The Graziadio School advances experiential learning through small classes with distinguished faculty that stimulate critical thinking and meaningful connection, inspiring students and working professionals to realize their greatest potential as values-centered leaders. Follow Pepperdine Graziadio on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014006084/en/
[October 14, 2021] Media Invited to Naming of Ellington Field Hangar after Astronaut John Young

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA will honor astronaut John Young by naming the hangar at Ellington Field in Houston that holds NASA's T-38 astronaut training jets, and media are invited to attend the ceremony at 11 a.m. CDT Tuesday, Oct. 19, at Ellington Field. Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche and NASA Astronaut Suni Williams will be available for interviews immediately after the event. To participate, news media must contact the Johnson newsroom at 281-483-5111 or jsccommu@mail.nasa.gov by 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 18. Young was considered a paragon of the astronaut corps, a pioneer who walked on the Moon during Apollo 16 and commanded the first space shuttle mission, and continued to serve the agency as a champion of technical excellence and spaceflight safety. NASA astronauts regularly train for spaceflight in the T-38 jets housed in the Ellington Field hangar, so naming the facility for the accomplished pilot was considered fitting. Young began his impressive career at NASA in 1962, when he was selected from among hundreds of young pilots to join NASA's second astronaut class, known as the "New Nine." He was the first person to launch into space six times from Earth, and seven times counting his lunar liftoff. His first flight was mission in 1965 with Gus Grissom on Gemini 3, the first Gemini mision with humans aboard. This was a complete end-to-end test of the Gemini spacecraft, during which Grissom accomplished the first manual change of altitude and orbital plane, and Young was the first person to operate a computer on a human-rated spacecraft.



In 1966, he commanded Gemini 10 and on his third flight in1969, Young was command module pilot of Apollo 10. Mission commander Tom Stafford and lunar module pilot Gene Cernan orbited the Moon, completed a lunar-orbit undocking and rendezvous with the lunar module, and tracked proposed lunar landing sites. In 1972, Young walked on the Moon on his fourth space flight, Apollo 16, and served as mission commander with command module pilot Ken Mattingly and lunar module pilot Charlie Duke. Young and Duke set up scientific equipment and explored the lunar highlands at Descartes. They collected 200 pounds of rocks and drove over 16 miles in the lunar rover on three separate geology traverses.

In 1981, Young's fifth flight was as spacecraft commander of STS-1, the first flight of the space shuttle with Bob Crippen as pilot. The 54 1/2 hour, 36-orbit mission verified space shuttle systems performance during launch, on orbit, and entry. Space Shuttle Columbia was the first human spaceship tested during ascent, on orbit, and entry without the benefit of previous uncrewed missions. Columbia also was the first winged reentry vehicle to return from space, weighing about 98 tons as Young landed it on the dry lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base, California. In 1983, Young's sixth flight was as commander of STS-9, the first Spacelab mission, Nov. 28-Dec. 8, 1983, with Pilot Brewster Shaw, Mission Specialists Bob Parker and Owen Garriott, and Payload Specialists Byron Lichtenberg of the U.S., and Ulf Merbold of West Germany. For 10 days the six-person crew worked 12-hour shifts around the clock, performing more than 70 experiments in the fields of atmospheric physics, Earth observations, space plasma physics, astronomy and solar physics, materials processing, and life sciences. Former astronaut and Johnson director Mike Coats will join Wyche and Williams in making remarks for the dedication. For Young's biography, visit: www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/young_john.pdf For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/media-invited-to-naming-of-ellington-field-hangar-after-astronaut-john-young-301400861.html SOURCE NASA

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[October 14, 2021] Global Technology Talent Solutions Leader Pledges to Plant 5,000 Trees Around the World

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Collabera is excited to announce a new partnership with One Tree Planted, a non-profit organization focused on global reforestation. The sustainability effort is designed to advance an eco-friendlier presence for Collabera across the globe. As a charitable environmental leader, One Tree Planted has doubled the number of trees planted each year since being founded in 2014, In 2020 alone they planted 10 million trees. Their projects have helped restore and protect habitats for wildlife  while creating job opportunities and rebuilding communities. Now Collabera and One Tree Planted are working together to promote environmental awareness and create healthier global climates. The joint program includes projects targeted at individual, local, and global impact. At the community level, Collabera is funding the planting of 1,100 fruit trees in the Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh Indian regions  promoting sustainable biodiversity, community, and soil and erosion control impacts throughout the Villages of Palwal. Additionally, plans include building two new nurseries in communities where the fruit trees will beplanted to economize transportation costs and improve sapling acclimatization. As a global initiative, Collabera will be eliminating paper business cards for employees by transitioning to a digital alternative. To celebrate this significant change, Collabera has committed to plant an additional 500 trees to countervail the number of business cards printed over the past 25 years. Collabera will also be showing our gratitude for our enterprise clients by planting one tree per candidate hired in 2021.



Collabera plans to implement additional sustainability goals going forward. Karthik Krishnamurthy, Collabera's Chief Executive Officer, has put an emphasis on the importance of operating as an eco-friendly business, a priority that will gain momentum in the coming months. On the partnership with One Tree Planted, KK elaborated, "We are thrilled to join with One Tree Planted to advance reforestation across the globe. The importance of establishing and supporting environmentally conscious efforts is critical. We are proud to do our part and encourage others to consider what they can do to protect our planet." Collabera will continue to adopt eco-friendly operations and employee programs to help minimize any negative effects on the environment. The company advocates that "together we can make a greater impact across the globe as we work towards reducing our carbon footprint."

About Collabera Collabera's comprehensive technology and talent solutions enable organizations to drive growth. While our clients' success is at the center of everything we do, so is our ability to ensure that they are always future ready. Collabera works with 59% of the Fortune 100 companies across Banking, Financial Services, Technology, Communication Services and Healthcare Life Sciences industries. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, NJ, Collabera has over 17,000 professionals across 10 countries, 60 offices and 3 global delivery centers.



CONTACT:

Aleesa Talmadge

aleesa.talmadge@collabera.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-technology-talent-solutions-leader-pledges-to-plant-5-000-trees-around-the-world-301400928.html SOURCE Collabera

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The fight against homelessness in Kansas City has taken a tragic turn this week and urban core leaders are discouraged by continued silence from 12th & Oak.



First let's share a bit more background and what we know about the killing so far . . .



Here's a great round-up . . .

KCPD investigating after man is fatally shot near Independence & The Paseo KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- The Kansas City Police Department is investigating yet another homicide. According to the police, it happened in the area of Independence and The Paseo just before 2 p.m. When officers arrived, they found a man who had been shot. He was taken to a local hospital where he was declared deceased.

Since this report we've heard that authorities are having a hard time IDing the body.

What's worse is that investigators are confronting silence amongst the denizens of the camp for fear of reprisals.

Again, it's worth noting that we reported the toxic threat of this camp earlier in the year along with a less than enthusiastic response from the city manager.

Those concerns were confirmed by a commendable KCUR follow-up.

Throughout this year we've also noted that crime near homeless camps and housing efforts has spiked.

Let's not forget that homeless motel housing effort was also plagued by crime.



Neighborhood leaders also report that earlier this Summer a denizen of the homeless camp was the victim of a horrific stabbing incident . . . His throat was cut and the poor guy bled up and down Independence Ave. before emergency services arrived.

On the record . . .



A nearby institution warned of an EXISTENTIAL threat because the homeless situation in this part of town has spiraled out of control.



In the aftermath of this week's homeless camp homicide, one of the first replies sent our way confirms the premise of this post . . .



Folks in Columbus Park and Northeast raised numerous concerns about these camps *months* ago. This is what happens when your response to any effort to hold the city and the "unhoused" accountable is "oKaY bOoMeR!!1!"

After months of outcry about the camp the only significant change has been city hall offering signage to protect illicit campers.



Accordingly . . .

We reached out to trusted Kansas City leaders and here's a scathing response directed at Mayor Q and city hall . . .

"Our neighborhoods have been forsaken by this administration. Tell me one thing Mayor Quinton Lucas has accomplished in his term? Even his advocacy for the homeless has now backfired. He has created this dangerous situation - A culture of criminality at homeless camps. They have become criminal training schools where drugs, sex assault and property crime are rampant. It's a travesty that the mayor's activism for the homeless has done nothing but make this crisis even worse . . . Especially when there's PPE money that could be directed to reputable organizations with a history of helping the homeless. Meanwhile, the "solutions" from city hall clearly aren't working . . . Mayor Q has thrown a few scraps to the homeless camps and burdened neighborhoods with a threat that's just getting worse."



And so the countdown begins . . .



HOW LONG WILL MAYOR Q AND CITY HALL ALLOW A TOXIC AND NOW DEADLY HOMELESS CAMP TO PERSIST?!?



Sadly, despite advocacy which insists "Kansas City is kind and supports the homeless" . . . It took some poor guy getting killed to spark change and garner attention from the current administration.

Developing . . .


So it turns out the that free money won't help locals acquire so many needful things for the holidays as the global economy sputters without workers.

To be fair . . .

This kinda seems like a highly questionable news trend and a way to inspire gullible consumers to starting buying early.

The truly skilled Kansas City horrible boyfriends & husbands can find suitable gifts for the whole family with one Christmas eve trip to CVS.

And so . . .

Junk delayed from the far East might not actually be the end of the world for those of us who know the true meaning of Christmas  Which might or might not be drinking whilst crying under the glow of holiday lights.



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news links . . .

Kansas City warehouses wait for goods, deliveries as supply-chain woes continue Warehouses can be part of the supply-chain problem. Many, especially around southern California right now, don't have the space or the staff to move products to the rest of the country. In liberty, Missouri, warehouse employees are feeling the pain from recent supply-chain problems. Forklifts fill the floor of Scarbrough International's warehouse, the beeps echo through the building.

Supply-chain issues continue to plague local Kansas City area schools trying to feed students Supply chain issues are making it hard for some local Kansas City area school districts to feed their students.They've been dealing with missed food shipments and vendors backing out of contracts. Those in charge of nutrition are now jumping through hoops to make sure children don't go hungry.In the Hickman Mills School District, schools supply all three meals to students in need.

U.S. supply chain too snarled for Biden Christmas fix, experts say WASHINGTON, Oct 14 (Reuters) - President Joe Biden is pushing to ease supply shortages and tame rising prices in time for Christmas, but unsnarling U.S. supply lines could take far longer, experts told Reuters. Biden brought together powerbrokers from ports, unions and big business on Wednesday to address shipping, labor and warehousing pain in the U.S.

Amateur hour: Pete Buttigieg's inexperience exposed as supply chain breaks down Three years ago, the only people who'd ever heard of were likely to be residents of South Bend, Ind., the town of 103,000 people where he served as mayor. South Bend is home to Notre Dame University. It has a bus station with a fleet of 60 buses, a small train station and a small regional airport.

Developing . . .
This week Kansas City has suffered another triple shooting and two more homicides.

Accordingly, in this collection of local crime links we share ALLEGED misdeeds, police action, court cases and all manner of info to help keep locals safe.

Check the www.TonysKansasCity.com collection . . .



Trial date set for accused Indian Creek Trail serial killer KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The trial against an accused serial killer will proceed after attorneys involved the case said they were comfortable moving forward. With that decision, a Jackson County judge scheduled Frederick Scott's murder trial to begin on Sept. 6, 2022. Jury selection is expected to begin Sept. 1.

The FBI ruled this 17-year cold case in Kansas a homicide, but still no answers for Alonzo Brooks' family Maria Ramirez thinks about her son Alonzo Brooks every day. "I'll go outside and - little things, you know - it just could be the wind, and I think that's him messing my hair," Ramirez said. Brooks was living with his mom in Gardner, Kansas, in 2004, when he went with friends to a house party in La Cygne, about an hour away.

Relatives react to grand jury's decision not to indict man in a deadly double shooting following dispute over firewood PLATTE COUNTY, MO (KCTV) -- Family members of two men shot and killed during a dispute about firewood in February are upset that a grand jury declined to indict the man who shot them. The grand jury "found no crime had been committed in the shooting." The deadly shooting happened on Feb.

Family of 2 men killed over firewood in Parkville disgusted after no charges filed PARKVILLE, Mo. - Family members of two men killed in a double shooting in Parkville are expressing their disgust after a Platte County grand jury declined to charge a man. The deaths raised eyebrows back in February when investigators shared that the conflict started over the sale of firewood.

18-year-old shot Wednesday night after argument in Grandview parking lot, police say An 18-year-old was shot and injured Wednesday evening in Grandview following an argument among family and friends in an apartment complex parking lot, according to police. The shooting occurred around 6:15 p.m. to the 5900 block of 136th Street, Sgt. Dean Van Winkle, a police spokesman, said in a statement.

Independence PD says sibling shot, killed older brother in Saturday accidental shooting KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Independence Police Department has released new information Wednesday about Saturday's accidental shooting that killed an 8-year-old boy. IPD Public Information Officer Jack Taylor said in an email to KSHB 41 News that a younger sibling of the 8-year-old boy found an unsecured firearm in the residence in the 1200 block of North Liberty Street.

FBI renews call for tips in effort to solve 2019 bank robbery in KCMO KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- The FBI is sharing information about an unsolved bank robbery from 2019 in the hopes that they will receive additional tips and information. The robbery happened at North American Savings Bank around 4:40 p.m. on Oct. 28 of that year. The branch is located at 7012 NW Barry Road.

2 charged in connection with double homicide from March that ended in fiery crash JACKSON COUNTY, MO (KCTV) -- Two Kansas City men have been charged in connection with fatal shootings that happened in March, which left two other men dead. According to the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office, 20-year-old Earl L. Dunn III and 24-year-old Vontez G.

Federal judge strikes down MO rule that marijuana companies must be owned by state residents A federal judge has struck down Missouri's requirement that a majority of the owners of companies that dispense, grow or manufacture marijuana must be state residents. U.S. District Judge Nanette Laughrey last week ordered a permanent injunction against the residency requirement. She had issued a temporary injunction against the rule in June.

Independence man pleads guilty in conspiracy to distribute 250kg of meth in KC KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- A man from Independence has pleaded guilty in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to distribute over 250 kilograms of meth in the metro. Noah Frazier, 39, pleaded guilty to two charges. One count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Attorney claims 'stand your ground' law applies in 2018 case where Florida woman shot husband A local mom could spend the rest of her life in jail after deputies say she shot and killed her husband. But her attorneys, and a domestic violence advocate, said she was scared for her life after years of abuse and was forced to stand her ground.

Body of Lenexa man not seen since Oct. 2 located in KCMO; no 'foul play' suspected KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- According to the authorities, the body of a missing Lenexa man was located in KCMO on Tuesday. According to the Lenexa Police Department, Che Butterfield's body was located in Kansas City, Missouri on Oct. 12.

MISSING: 12-year-old boy last seen Wednesday morning (NEXSTAR) - A woman who went viral with the hilarious story of her "worst first date" is now claiming that a "drove" of other women have come forward with stories of a strikingly similar - and awful - first dates, perhaps with the very same romantically-challenged bachelor.

Missouri Gov. Parson launches criminal investigation into St. Louis newspaper KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said Thursday morning he is asking state investigators to look into the actions of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that revealed the state's computer system made accessing social security numbers of teachers readily available.

Developing . . .


Blame the plague, Prez Biden or the rigors of one of the toughest jobs in Kansas City . . . There's simply no denying that the Kansas City bus system is a hot mess right now.

To wit . . .



JUST AS MANY TKC READERS PREDICTED . . . FREE BUS RIDES SPARKED FAIL FOR THE KANSAS CITY BUS SYSTEM!!!

We could point to macroeconomic policy that most readers wouldn't understand (Don't worry, we don't either). . .

Suffice it to say . . .

Common sense tells us that giving away something for free diminishes its value.

Or at least that's what all of the strippers I've tried to "date" keep telling me.



And so . . .

The blame for this bus crisis should be directed back at 12th & Oak.



Here's the word . . .



"The bus route service interruptions are also credited to an increase in COVID-19 cases and quarantines, retirements among drivers. The agency is working to update riders to unexpected and daily through alerts."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news link . . .
2021 seems to be the year of the triple shooting as another spate of gunfire echoed through the urban core.

Even worse, this barrage of bullets rang out and terrified denizens of the 18th & Vine jazz district this afternoon . . .

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news link . . .

Kansas City police investigating triple shooting Wednesday on Truman Road JUNCTION CITY, Kan. -- An abused 4-year-old German shepherd rescued in 2018 from an animal shelter in Junction City, Kansas is now being recognized as the 2021 Detector Dog Case of the Year, after she sniffed out 95 pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop.

KCPD: Triple shooting at Truman Road and Montgall Avenue KCPD has confirmed a shooting near Truman Road and Montgall Ave. at 2704 East Truman Road. Police confirm one person was shot and suffered a non-life threatening injury, another victim is in critical condition and a third was grazed by a bullet.The address comes up as a business, but the dispatchers could not confirm that or provide any other details.According to KMBC crew at the scene a silver SUV appears to be where the victims were.

Three injured in shooting near Prospect and Truman KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- KCPD has confirmed a triple shooting in the area of Prospect and Truman Wednesday afternoon. According to police, the incident happened just before 4 p.m. on Wednesday. One person sustained life-threatening injuries. The other two victims' injuries were described as non-life-threatening.

Police investigate triple shooting in Kansas City, Missouri KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Three people were injured in a shooting in Kansas City, Missouri, on Wednesday afternoon. According to the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department, the shooting happened near Prospect Avenue and Truman Road at around 4 p.m. One of the victims suffered life-threatening injures and the two others suffered non-life threatening injures.

Developing . . .
A quick bit of follow-up . . .

Today an activist protest group has seemingly abandoned their support of Mayor Q.

Here's a look at their raised fist protest just moments ago . . .



A bold statement from the group and a peek at their livesteam . . .



Mayor Qs developer slush fund is the Same Old Sh*T

They're reading the riot act to city hall as they demand for a "housing trust fund" that threatens to bankrupt many small time property owners renting space.

Still, here's a perspective sent our way that hopes to garner a bit of understanding from this blog community of free thinkers . . .



The Freebie Question



Working people getting freebee's goes back to Ronald Reagan's first campaign speech where he mentions "welfare queens driving Cadilacs".



Libertarian thought has hit a wall during COVID 19. Joe Rogan beat the vaccination route because he was rich.



Libertarians kicking working people to the curb is racist.



That's ok because Libertarians barely get out of their bubble. (Face it, The Record Bar has that Traditional KC Sleaze Factor.)



The Question is "how come Libertarians are Ok with socialism for the rich and racism against the poor"?



Every working person's sh*tty Kansas City job is making 500.00 per week for Wall Street as long as they've been working (Socialism for the rich).



Don't think the rich are ever going to let the average Libertarian into the club is all I'm saying.

Developing . . .


This week KC Tenants organized and advocated for mobile home residents forced out by the new jail.



Here's the money line for a scenario that will likely play out like a bad country song . . .



Many mobile homes residents are demanding that the timeline is pushed back to June 2022.

The county says they'll help renters with the move with up to $10,000 and owners with up to $20,000, but for many, that's not enough money.



"Throwing taxpayer money around everywhere until it goes back to the taxpayer, I'm not happy with it at all," said another resident.



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news links . . .

Heart Village mobile homes residents demand more money, time from Jackson County Jackson County residents in the Heart Village mobile homes are demanding more help from county leaders, after being forced to leave and make room for a new Jackson County jail. Residents met with Jackson County legislators, and KC Tenants at a public meeting to discuss the next steps.

Heart Mobile Village residents demand more money, more time as move-out date inches closer KANSAS CITY, Mo. - About 100 families at Heart Mobile Village are racing against the clock to find a new home before Jackson County takes over the land for a new jail. After first learning in July they would have to pack their things and leave, the county announced it would give residents at least $10,000 to assist with relocation expenses.

Developing . . .
A couple of days ago Missouri journalists desperately tried to get people interested in Jeff City staffing moves.



Per ushe . . . Nobody cared.

Accordingly, we share a tidbit that might've been unnoticed that's far more interesting . . .



THE MISSOURI GUV ONCE SPORTED A PR0N STACHE!!!



A bit of schmaltzy content repurposed . . .



The governor posted multiple photos on Facebook along with a caption that said in part, It is an honor and privilege to be the 57th Governor and alongside one exceptional First Lady.

That's sweet but of course we have to ruin it . . . The pr0n stache was the most interesting thing about shout out.



Take a peek via www.TonysKansasCity.com news link . . .
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Wow sounds amazing but do be aware much of what you want to do will need booking in advance or will need some flexibility on your part to arrange once you get somewhere, so you may not achieve what you want with a week here and a week there. Obviously you need to keep up to date with the covid tests needed to enter each country, and for several there may be a test required for exit too. There may also be requirements to download certain apps to store your covid status. I presume you are aware of the FCDO advice on regions in Ethiopia and relative risks there, and it is up to you to ensure you have a minimum level of cover for that - Battleface and High Risk Voyager will cover travel from the UK against FCDO advice at a cost.

I could easily spend 2 months in SA (I could easily spend far, far longer). Even the Western Cape from Cape Town and into the Cape fold mountains has huge diversity, you won't 'cover' everything so concentrate on what is important to you.

The Kruger NP area can be the most budget-friendly way to see typical African wildlife, by self-driving in the national park, but also caters to every budget to very high-end 5* lodges and everything in between. But you need to book ahead to either stay in the park or a private reserve lodge and work out transport etc. So the 'best' approach for you depends on both budget and time. I would avoid the Christmas-New Year weeks in the National Park because it gets busy but in the adjacent private reserves it is not a problem.

An option, rather than flying to Kruger for a few days and then on to Victoria Falls, you can do a safari from VFA at most budget levels - either as day trips into Chobe riverfront from Kasane or Victoria Falls (i.e. stya in Botswana or in Zimbabwe, but be aware of testing requirements) or drive-in or fly-in safaris in Hwange NP (Zimbabwe) or further afield (either in Zimbabwe or Botswana), it all depends on your budget. But do note once the rains start, usually from November/December the wildlife viewing can tail-off at the Chobe riverfront because animals can find water away from the river.

E.g. gorilla trekking and hiking Kilimanjaro require permits, pre-covid they could book up 12 months ahead, so that is the first thing I would investigate - availability and logistics of a travel / tour company. You can e.g. travel around Uganda by shared minibus, but it takes time. Assuming you want to be guided / driven then you need to make those enquiries asap. It takes a day travel to get to Bwindi from Kampala, and another day to transfer to Murchison Falls; I would highly recommend a stop at Kibale NP and obtain a permit for chimpanzee habituation experience there. Similarly to tour into the Serengeti area, ideally enquire asap, costs and timing depend on whether you fly in or are driven in, it's big distances, and the 'best' way to do it really depends on budget.
Flu season is here and the Trumbull Health Department reminds residents about the importance of receiving a flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone six-months of age and older.

Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses and prevent flurelated hospitalizations. It takes two weeks after receiving the flu vaccine for your body to build immunity against the flu. Dont wait to get vaccinated. Visit one of the Health Departments vaccination clinics before peak flu season.
As part of City Week celebrations in San Fernando, the Nalis West Indian Reference Library was launched at Harris Promenade today.

It signals the library's partial move back to Library Corner since its relocation six years ago. The Library will open to the public in less than a month.
DSAES News

October 13, 2021

Kyle Mutz has been named director of the Justin Dart, Jr. Student Accessibility Center. Prior to joining the University of Houston, Mutz was the director of the Disability Resource Center at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, for seven years.

As director of the Dart Center, Mutz will oversee a growing department in the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services. The Dart Center serves students who need accommodations or other support services for temporary or permanent health impairments, physical disabilities, mental health disabilities, and/or learning disabilities. Any student that is experiencing an access issue on campus that is related to a disability is encouraged to visit the Dart center for additional information.

The number of students who have sought accommodations through the Dart Center in the past few years has more than doubled, and the Center has begun transforming its space and adding staff to better serve this growing UH student population.

Mutz finds some shared experience with the Dart Centers students and the disability community. Growing up with a disability myself, I know how important and critical accessibility is for people, Mutz said. Creating inclusive and supportive environments benefits everyone on campus.

Mutz received both his bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Arizona, and has spent his career advocating, working for and mentoring those in the disability community. He is also a former U.S. National Paralympic Team member; a member of the professional disability organization for higher education, AHEAD; enjoys community service; and regularly does public speaking engagements and presentations on disability and accessibility issues.

Mutz said hes very excited to work with an outstanding staff and team at the Dart Center.

The new Dart Center will focus on empowering students with disabilities with knowledge, excellent services, supportive academic environments, and work to engage the campus community to build a foundation on inclusive environments for everyone at the University of Houston, Mutz said.

Mutz replaces Cheryl Spadaccia, who retired this past summer after several years as director of the Center. Prior to Mutzs arrival, the Dart Center changed its name from the Center for Students with DisABILITIES after a student-led campaign.

We are extremely excited to have Kyle join us and lead the re-energizing of our Dart Center, said Suzy Harrington, assistant vice president for student affairs  health and well-being. He is highly qualified and highly recommended. In the few weeks he has been here, he has already made a strong positive impact with our students and staff.
Over the past day, October 13, ten ceasefire violations by Russian-occupation troops were recorded in the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) in eastern Ukraine.

The enemy fired small arms near Shumy (41km north of Donetsk); hand-held antitank grenade launchers  on Ukrainian positions outside Popasna (69km west of Luhansk); hand-held antitank grenade launchers and small arms  in the area of Katerynivka (64km west of Luhansk); 82mm mortars, small arms, and grenade launchers of different systems  towards Marinka (23km south-west of Donetsk); grenade machine guns, heavy machine guns, small arms  near Prychepylivka (50km north-west of Luhansk); small arms and grenade launchers of different systems  outside Vodiane in the Sea of Azov area and Novooleksandrivka (65km west of Luhansk); grenade machine guns and small arms  on Ukrainian positions near Novotroitske (36km south-west of Donetsk). Russian-occupation troops launched two attacks, using grenade machine guns and small arms, towards Novotoshkivske (53km west of Luhansk), the press center of JFO Headquarters posted on Facebook.

One Joint Forces serviceman was wounded in the enemy shelling.

As of 07:00, October 14, no ceasefire violations were recorded.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated the Ukrainian military on the Day of Defenders and Defendresses of Ukraine and thanked them for their conscientious performance of military, service and civilian duty, courage, heroism and self-sacrifice.

As Ukrinform reports, the congratulations were published on the website of the Head of State.

"In these difficult years for Ukraine, you daily perform the feat, defending the native land from the Russian aggressor with weapons in your hands," Zelensky stressed.

According to the President, this national holiday encapsulated the deep historical traditions of Ukrainians and is inextricably linked with the Intercession of the Theotokos and the Day of the Ukrainian Cossacks.

On behalf of the Ukrainian people, the President thanked all the defenders and defendresses of Ukraine for conscientious performance of military, service and civilian duty, courage, heroism and self-sacrifice.

"We bow low to the blessed memory of the fallen and commemorate all those who died in different times of national history in the struggle for freedom and independence of the Ukrainian state," he underscored.

According to the Head of State, our faith, truth and victory as symbols of the Intercession of the Theotokos have always helped us to withstand the fight against enemies and continue to inspire us to victory.

"Let the indomitable and unconquered Cossack spirit of the defenders of the Ukrainian land of all generations be forever an inexhaustible source of inspiration for us to build present-day strong Ukraine," Zelensky stressed.

As reported, the Day of Defenders and Defendresses of Ukraine is a public holiday celebrated on October 14. It was officially established on October 14, 2014, by a presidential decree entitled The Day of Defender of Ukraine. On July 12, 2021, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine renamed the holiday into the Day of Defenders and Defendresses of Ukraine.

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The partnership of the California National Guard, USA, with the Ukrainian military structures has never been stronger and gets stronger every single day.

Ive been involved in partnership [with Ukraine] since 1993 and it has never been stronger. It gets stronger every single day, Major General David Baldwin, Adjutant General of the California National Guard, said in an exclusive comment to Ukrinform in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday.

Major General Baldwin underscored that the California National Guard worked closely with the Ukrainian side. We learn from each other, and we have become more than just partners, its becoming more like a family relationship, Baldwin noted.

Commenting on the progress of the Ukrainian Armed Forces towards NATO standards, the U.S. General said that the Armed Forces of Ukraine got better and better every day.

The leadership continues to work very hard to meet or exceed those [NATO] standards. We are very proud of our partnership with them and we are very impressed by the progress that they are making, the Adjutant General of the California National Guard said.

Major General Baldwin laid flowers at the memorial installation unveiled at Ukraine House in Washington, D.C. to mark the Day of Defenders and Defendresses of Ukraine.

Ukrainians are literally on the front lines of defending freedom on behalf of the citizens of the entire world  not just of Ukraine and the United States. And the sacrifice the Ukrainian service members and ordinary people are making every day to stand up to Russian aggression is not forgotten by those of us in America, he said.

According to Major General Baldwin, the installation at Ukraine House is important as it continues to remind all of us that there are threats around the world and that together we can defeat them.

The California National Guard has been cooperating with Ukraine in the security and defense area since 1993. Since the beginning of the armed aggression against Ukraine in 2014, this cooperation has intensified significantly.

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On the Day of Defenders and Defendresses of Ukraine, President Zelensky took part in the ceremony of honoring the memory of those fallen for Ukraine.

The event took place at Mykhailivska Square in Kyiv, Ukrinform reports citing the Presidents press service.

The President laid flowers at the Wall of Remembrance.

A minute of silence was observed, after which the military band performed the National Anthem.

Soldiers of honor guard performed six-volley salute.

The ceremony was attended by Verkhovna Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, Minister of Defense Andriy Taran, Head of the Presidents Office Andriy Yermak, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksiy Danilov, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Valery Zaluzhny, Deputy Head of the Presidents Office Roman Mashovets.

Zelensky was shown samples of modern weapons and military equipment.

On October 13, a specialized exhibition "Digital Future of the Army" opened at Mykhailivska Square.

As reported, the Day of Defenders and Defendresses of Ukraine is a public holiday celebrated on October 14. It was officially established on October 14, 2014, by a presidential decree entitled The Day of Defender of Ukraine. On July 12, 2021, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine renamed the holiday into the Day of Defenders and Defendresses of Ukraine.

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Published Oct. 13, 2021

Gov. John Bel Edwards gives ULM Student Government Association President Lauren Fee a Shot for $100 gift card during a visit to the campus COVID-19 vaccine and testing clinic Tuesday. The governor made a stop at the university to give gift cards to students, and members of the public, receiving their first vaccine, and to visit with President Ron Berry.

Siddarth Gaulee/ULM Photo Services

The Louisiana Department of Health and Louisiana National Guard offers the free COVID-19 vaccine and testing clinics from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday in the SUB.

To encourage the COVID-19 vaccine, Gov. John Bel Edwards visited the University of Louisiana Monroe Tuesday, where he gave Shot for $100 gift cards to students and members of the community receiving their first dose of the vaccine.

Nothing is more important than giving the Shot for $100 cards to the students, said Edwards, who was pleased with the number of students at the vaccine clinic in the Student Union Building.

After meeting with students, the governor visited President Ron Berry and congratulated him on his investiture on Oct. 1.

We are honored to host the governor and thank him for his leadership during these challenging times with COVID-19, Berry said. Gov. Edwards is a strong supporter of Higher Education and has provided us one of the best budgets in years.

Michael Crenshaw, a ULM Hawkseeker and accounting major who is already vaccinated, came to meet the governor and compliment Edwards on his TikTok account.

Its really cool to see that level of engagement, Crenshaw said. The governor uses TikTok to promote vaccines. To meet him was an opportunity I could not pass up.

The Louisiana Department of Health and Louisiana National Guard offers the free COVID-19 vaccine and testing clinics from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday in the SUB.
| By Alex Likowski

Our campus is very engaged, very committed. And I have been impressed with the expertise and the talent on campus, specifically as it relates to equity, diversity, and inclusion, University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Chief Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer and Vice President Diane Forbes Berthoud, PhD, MA, told the virtual audience of the Oct. 7 edition of Virtual Face to Face with President Bruce Jarrell. What I certainly think is an opportunity, which is why I know my position and the office has been created, is around cohesion.

Forbes Berthoud, who started her work at UMB only three months prior, added that she has already had an opportunity to meet with many members of the faculty and staff and has begun the process of assessing many of the Universitys programs and practices. Theres an opportunity to think about collective effort and how we can act more collaboratively in what we do related to equity, diversity, and inclusion, she explained. For all the programs and activities there are, as a strategist and analyst myself, I would invite us to ask, To what end? What do these programs and activities produce? What are those goals? And have we assessed and have we met those goals? 

One area that has been the subject of much discussion is the recruitment and retention of a diverse faculty. You talk about being thoughtful about the recruitment, and yet when you have a medical center and sick patients to care for, it gets very difficult to get a broad panel if my neurosurgeon left and I now have a big blank spot in my neurosurgery program and cant take care of these patients, said program host and UMB President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS. Do you have any experience for how you get diverse applicants for some of these very hard-to-find and yet urgent-to-recruit kinds of positions?

It is a challenge. And there is underrepresentation in the fields as well as the positions that you mention, Forbes Berthoud responded. We have to ask ourselves as an institution, How important are these priorities to us? Because theres a way in which  kind of like exercising or not or doing particularly healthy things for our body  we pay now, or we pay bigger. And what I mean by that is that without taking the time for a diverse panel, without taking the time to do the kinds of recruiting and pipeline-building and development, we lose the value of what were doing here and then we have a climate thats not as productive, not as inclusive, and people dont see themselves represented.

In the second half of the hourlong program, Jarrell and Forbes Berthoud answered questions from the virtual audience on a wide array of topics, such as the impact of a less-diverse faculty on mentoring minority students, impediments to promotion and job growth, re-examining UMBs history, and much more. Watch the entire discussion at the link at the top of this page.
| By Mary Therese Phelan

The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) celebrated the next phase of its Pharmapreneurship initiative on Oct. 4 by cutting the ribbon to open its new Pharmapreneurs Farm and announcing a new endowed professor in pharmapreneurship.

University of Maryland School of Pharmacy Dean Natalie Eddington and University of Maryland, Baltimore President Bruce E. Jarrell cut the ribbon on the new Pharmapreneurs' Farm.

I am so pleased that you are here with us today  some in person and some virtually  to join me in finally cutting the ribbon to officially open our Pharmapreneurs Farm and to announce our newly appointed Felix Gyi Professor in Pharmapreneurship, said Natalie D. Eddington, PhD, FAAPS, FCP, dean and professor, as she welcomed attendees to the celebration. The event, held in the Ellen H. Yankellow Grand Atrium in Pharmacy Hall, was also livestreamed.

The Pharmapreneurs Farm was envisioned in 2018 as a dedicated space for faculty, staff, and students to collaborate, nurture, and develop their pharmapreneurial ideas. Its prominent location is a visible reminder to all who enter Pharmacy Hall of the importance the school places on cultivating and growing the next generation of pharmapreneurs and cutting-edge ideas for pharmacys role in entrepreneurship, Eddington said.

In 2017, UMSOP launched its pharmapreneurship initiative, which outlines the schools commitment to supporting and best positioning faculty and students to achieve their career aspirations and address the nations health care, research, policy, and societal needs. The innovative initiative is used to advance pharmacy education, scientific discovery, patient care, and community engagement across the state of Maryland and beyond.

The Farm, which was made possible by donor support, is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that allows for presentations and demonstrations both in person and virtually and is designed with collaboration in mind. It was completed in spring 2020 but sat empty due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, with UMB and the School of Pharmacy having returned to in-person activities, Im excited to officially cut the ribbon and open the Farm for everyone to see and use it, said Eddington, who was joined by University of Maryland, Baltimore President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, in snipping the red ribbon with oversized scissors.

The Farm is one example of how UMSOP continued to push forward during a global public health crisis, Eddington said.

Despite the challenges presented by the ongoing pandemic, our communitys support has allowed the School of Pharmacy to persevere over the last 18 months, she said, noting that during the pandemic, the school created a robust online learning environment, expanded enrollment in its MS and PhD programs to reach more students, and played a leading role in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines on campus and in the community.

And we continued our vital patient care programs and research initiatives under extremely difficult circumstances and guidelines, none of which would be possible without our collective pharmapreneurial mindset, a mindset which is actively encouraged and cultivated at the school, she continued. In the last four years, the school has established partnerships with other leading entrepreneurial institutions to increase programmatic and mentorship opportunities for its faculty, staff, and students, Eddington added.

In addition to the opening of the Farm, the ceremony included the naming of the Felix Gyi Endowed Memorial Professor in Pharmapreneurship. As recipient of the honor, Magaly Rodriguez de Bittner, PharmD, BCPS, CDE, FAPhA, professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, and associate dean for clinical services and practice transformation, will lead all pharmapreneurial activities at the school, providing focus, direction, and support for the groundbreaking initiative.

UMSOP alumnus Mary Therese (Terry) Gyi, BSP 83, PharmD 06, and her daughter, Rebecca T. Gyi-Hovis, MD, made a $1 million gift to the school to endow the Felix A. Khin-Maung-Gyi, BSP 83, PharmD, MBA, Endowed Memorial Professorship in Pharmapreneurship in honor of their late husband and father. The founder of Chesapeake Research Review, and a pharmapreneur, Khin-Maung-Gyi passed away in 2014.

Magaly brings a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm to this role, Eddington said. Later in the afternoon, Rodriguez de Bittner delivered the inaugural Gyi Professor Lecture and outlined her vision for the future of pharmapreneurship.

The professorship follows the Gyi familys gift of $750,000 in 2019 to fund the Felix A. Khin-Maung-Gyi Memorial Scholarship for Pharmapreneurship, which provides one full year of tuition for a student pharmacist who has demonstrated a commitment to entrepreneurship. This years scholarship recipient, Sean Kim, a third-year PharmD student enrolled in the pharmapreneurship pathway and president of the schools Student Government Association, spoke at the ceremony.

When applying to pharmacy schools, one of the most impressive things about the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy was the number of pathways, dual-degree programs, and unique courses available to students, Kim said. Of which, what interested me the most was the pharmapreneurship pathway because it combines traditional pharmacy education with the skill sets and tools used by innovative entrepreneurs.

My fellow students and I look forward to utilizing the Pharmapreneurs Farm to collaborate on our research projects that will hopefully change the way health care is delivered, said Kim, who along with two other students is creating a business based on an online application meant to make resolving health problems easier for international travelers.
A refugee family talks to UNHCR staff providing assistance in Tripoli, Libya.  UNHCR/Mohamed Alalem

When Libyan forces swept through Tripolis Gergaresh neighbourhood earlier this month in a security crackdown, 17-year-old Eritrean mechanic Hamza* was caught up in the dragnet.

Arrested at his home, he was among thousands of migrants and asylum-seekers crammed into Al Mabani detention centre in unsanitary conditions, before managing to escape with others.

It was extremely crowded  thousands of people were there. There was no washroom and food was very scarce. It was dire. Because of this, people decided to escape, he says.

The youngster is now among a large crowd of refugees and asylum-seekers gathered outside a Community Day Centre run by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in the Libyan capital. Some have been directly affected by the recent security crackdown, having lost their homes and belongings or they have recently escaped from detention. Others have crowded in front of the CDC in the hope that they will be prioritised for evacuation or resettlement.

We didnt have anywhere to go to. We couldnt go back to Gergaresh. Theres no place to go, says Hamza.

Daily life has always been very challenging for asylum-seekers and refugees in Libya, which has been roiled by war and political turmoil for the past decade, and hit hard in the COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of a national asylum law means they are considered to be illegal migrants and are liable to arrest, detention and abuse.

But nothing prepared them for the events of this month. In the widespread crackdown launched on 1 October in Hai Alandalus municipality  which includes Gergaresh  security forces demolished unfinished and makeshift houses sheltering asylum-seekers and migrants. At least seven people were reportedly killed during the operation in the following days. This week, a Sudanese asylum-seeker was killed on the streets of Tripoli, after being beaten and shot.

Wherever you move there are checkpoints. We fear being arrested again and put in detention."

Many vulnerable asylum-seekers and refugees have lost their homes, possessions and livelihoods in the ongoing crackdown, and say they now have no safe place to go in Tripoli.

Wherever you move there are checkpoints, says Hamza, who has been unable to return to his job as a mechanic. We fear being arrested again and put in detention. Movement is very difficult, he said.

Maha*, a 21-year-old Sudanese asylum-seeker, was briefly held at Al Mabani detention centre and has joined others in front of the UNHCRs Community Day Centre. Its dangerous to move. Im afraid Ill be arrested again, she says.

UNHCR and partners at the centre initially provided emergency cash or prepaid cards, food and hygiene kits to urgent cases, but were forced to temporarily suspend CDC operations amid escalating tensions as large crowds of people gathered outside the building.

Some of the most vulnerable are provided with assistance through outreach activities in locations where shelter has been found. At one urban location in Tripoli this week, asylum-seekers were provided with food parcels, cash assistance and replacements for lost UNHCR documentation.

This food will help me for a while and Ill share it with others, says Hamza.

Emergency cash assistance is helping to meet some basic needs, but asylum-seekers whose homes were demolished say average rents have now more than doubled, and options are limited as many landlords are frightened to rent to foreigners.

Under UNHCRs caregiver programme, temporary shelter was provided by other asylum-seekers to some of the most vulnerable, including single mothers, unaccompanied children or people with medical issues. But many caregivers and community volunteers were themselves caught up in the raids, displaced or put in detention, while others simply struggle to meet the surging needs.

Today, we are almost 30 in my house, and we are doing our best to provide food to everyone, but were running out of money and supplies, said Fatima*, a Sudanese asylum-seeker and caregiver. Initially sheltering three people, she has now taken in another 21 people, including five children.

Many vulnerable families reached out to us begging for shelter. Im hosting many Eritreans who escaped from detention. One of them has been crying for days, unable to eat, drink, or even sleep. Guards at the detention centre began shooting at them and killed one of his friends, she said.

"We are doing our best to provide food to everyone, but were running out of money and supplies."

UNHCR is calling for the release of refugees and migrants and an end to arbitrary detention, as well as respect for their human rights and dignity at all times. However, amid the anguish and turmoil, long-term solutions are urgently needed.

Humanitarian flights out of Libya provide a vital lifeline to the most vulnerable. But for much of this year, they were suspended by the Libyan authorities, despite UNHCR repeatedly urging for their resumption.

The suspension has meant that some resettlement countries have informed UNHCR that they can no longer receive submissions from Libya this year. This will result in the loss of 162 places on direct resettlement flights and could jeopardize nearly 1,000 places through the Emergency Transit Mechanism, which provides vital respite in Rwanda and Niger for vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers while long-term alternatives are sought.

There is a long list of desperate people who have already been selected for the flights.

Without these solutions, many asylum-seekers are left with no alternative but to risk all on dangerous sea journeys across the Mediterranean or to remain in Libya and be exposed to accute risks of abuse, exploitation or destitution.

With additional reporting by Tarik Argaz and Caroline Gluck in Tunis.

*Asylum seekers names changed for protection reasons.
Iranian refugee Armin and his father Abouzar Soltani spent 553 days in a closed camp on the Hungary-Serbia border.  UNHCR/Abouzar Soltani

In a metal container with one small window looking out onto barbed wire, Abouzar Soltani is painting a picture of a fish while his 10-year-old son Armin sits close by. A knock comes on the wall and a guard shouts: Why dont you go back to Serbia? Why dont you go back to Iran?

Fortunately, this is not the so-called transit zone on Hungarys southern border where Armin spent two birthdays in a closed camp and his father made a short film called Fish to keep the boys spirits up.

Now living freely in Hungary, the Iranian father and son are playing themselves in a theatre production about the experiences of refugees.

I am so glad that through this play I can finally tell our story to the Hungarian public, says Abouzar, 39, an amateur artist and former hospital PR manager from the city of Isfahan.

And their story is an extraordinary one.

When the European Court of Justice ruled in May 2020 that keeping asylum-seekers in Hungarys two border transit zones constituted unlawful detention, Abouzar and Armin were moved to an open centre for asylum-seekers. From there they could have gone on to other countries, as many former detainees did. Yet, they chose to stay in Hungary, the country that had kept them confined and, as Abouzar put it, feeling like fish in an aquarium. Why?

This was the question that intrigued Martin Boross, the director of the play, Kolonia (Colony). For some mysterious reason, they chose to stay, he says. The audience must wait to find out.

The play is staged by the Stereo Akt theatre company in an old tobacco factory in Budapest that housed refugees from the civil war in Greece between 1949 and 1966. The then Communist Hungarian government welcomed them with open arms.

Kolonia weaves the story of the Greek refugees with that of Abouzar and Armin and leaves the audience to decide whether there might be parallels.

Hungarian society thinks back with nostalgia and romanticism to the way we welcomed the Greek refugees, says Martin. But more recently, we locked refugees up in the transit zone.

Abouzar Soltani and his son, Armin, at the "transit zone" on Hungary's southern border in December 2018.  UNHCR/Abouzar Soltani

Armin, now 12, and his father have been granted refugee status and live in the western Hungarian city of Gyor.  UNHCR/Zsolt Balla

The father and son chose to remain in Hungary after receiving help from Hungarian Christians, the Hungarian Helsinki Committee and UNHCR staff.  UNHCR/Zsolt Balla

In the first scene of the play, people smugglers try to sell Abouzar various sea and land routes to escape religious persecution in Iran. Abouzar tells the audience: I read a lot in the newspapers about how people drowned at sea, so already back in Iran I decided we would go by land.

The smuggler tells him that the land route to Austria will take four days. In reality, the journey from Turkey took weeks and Abouzar and Armin spent two years in Serbia waiting to enter Hungary legally.

On stage, the scene shifts to the Hungarian border, where folk dancers in national costumes stamp and sing threateningly. A panel of singing officials ask Abouzar absurd questions and blow on buzzers when he gets them wrong. Then we see the father and son in the 6 by 2-metre container, in the transit zone.

Shortly after entering Hungary in December 2018, Abouzars asylum application was rejected, and he and Armin were transferred to a high security area of the transit zone where they were repeatedly told they should go back to Serbia or Iran. The boy clung to his favourite Sponge Bob toy, which we see in the play.

Abouzar tells the audience: The Hungarian government called the transit zone a camp, but it was a prison really. Walls, fences, barbed wire, and police officers everywhere. No grass, no trees; just stone, concrete and metal.

In total, they spent 553 days there.

Throughout the play, we see Abouzar adding more touches to his painting of the fish. The three-minute film he made on his mobile phone tells the story of an aquarium fish that eventually reaches the ocean. And indeed, the film went on to be shown at film festivals in Budapest and Bratislava.

"[The film] was primarily made to keep my son's dreams alive"



A movie shot by a father and son, who are stuck in detention on the Hungarian-Serbian border, has premiered at human rights festivals in Europe



[tap to expand] https://t.co/leVqgZa0Fk pic.twitter.com/HBTIQR75CK  BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) November 21, 2019

The fish also symbolizes Abouzars deep Christian faith. He tells the audience: The Bible says you have to forgive. The moment when Christ is crucified, he says: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. Now, when I think back to my path, this sentence comes to mind.

Abouzar describes how his suffering made him more tolerant. The greater the pressure, the closer it brought us with others [in the zone]. I began to be grateful to live with Afghans, Kurds and Iraqis, against whom I had been prejudiced before. In the eyes of God, we are all equal.

The play ends with the news that Abouzar and Armin have been recognized as refugees and they join a circle of Greek former refugees, dancing joyfully together.

"Finally, we can breathe."

Supported by the Baptist church, Abouzar and Armin now live in a flat in the western city of Gyor, close to the refugee centre where they went after leaving the transit zone. Armin, now 12, is going to school.

Abouzar speaks of a sense of rebirth. A normal room, with normal height and windows. When we were released, I stretched out my arms to feel the space. Finally, we can breathe.

The question remains why they chose to stay after their harrowing experience in Hungary.

One reason, says Abouzar, was the help they received when they were at their lowest point, from Hungarian Christians, local NGO the Hungarian Helsinki Committee and staff from the office of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Szeged who visited them.

They showed us that Hungary has another face.

And although the transit zone stole a year-and-a-half of his young sons life, Abouzar is inclined to see his time there as redemptive.

Opinions expressed in external content do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR.
Large events in Washington state will soon require proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test
Walla Walla's Bi-Mart on Plaza Way, Friday, Oct. 1, 2021. The employee-owned company announced Thursday, Sept. 30, that Walgreens will be purchasing Bi-Mart's pharmacy operations, including patient prescription files and inventory, for its 56 locations across Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
Chuck Sams, a former interim executive director of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, goes before the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee on Oct. 19, 2021, for a hearing on his nomination as director of the National Parks Service.
Sonora, CA (95370)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. High around 65F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

A few clouds from time to time. Low 39F. 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
The M88 Recovery Vehicle helped remove Saddam Husseins statue during the 2003 Invasion of Iraq.

When a tank gets disabled in combat, the U.S. military calls on the M88 Recovery Vehicle.

When the M88 gets stuck, the U.S. military calls Union Pacific.

UP recently shipped the military vehicle that pulled down the statue of Saddam Hussein during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, continuing the railroads long legacy of supporting the U.S. armed forces.

The destruction of the statue was shown across the world and symbolized the fall of Husseins government.

The historical significance of this shipment is extremely rewarding, said Haley Warner, manager, Loup Logistics.

Loup Logistics, a UP subsidiary, played a major role in shipping the oversized item, providing a first and final mile solution for the 140,000-pound M88A2 HERCULES.

The Military Surface Deployment & Distribution Command, a component of the U.S. Army, solicited bids to move the historic vehicle from Blount Island, Florida, to the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona.

Lonnie Ortez, manager, Marketing and Sales, handles all military movements for UP. He knew with Loup Logistics vast transload network, it would be a great opportunity to assist.

It was a seamless move from the time Union Pacific received the car at the interchange to final placement at the museum by Loup, Ortez said. This shipment would not have been possible without the diligent collaboration between Union Pacific and Loup Logistics to ensure mission success.

The M88A2 HERCULES is known as a workhorse, capable of lifting, winching and towing some of the militarys heaviest vehicles without assistance  and in some of the toughest terrains.

It will be on display at the Tucson Military Vehicle Museum in 2022. The museum is part of the Arizona Aerospace Foundation, which operates the Pima Air and Space Museum.
WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th October, 2021) US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman in a meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk discussed the treatment of American businesses in Russia and the latter's investments to combat climate change, the Department of State said on Thursday.

"Deputy Secretary Sherman and Under Secretary ( for Economic Affairs Jose) Fernandez urged Russia to ensure fair treatment for US companies in its marketplace and to resolve US concerns about Russia's trade and investment climate" the State Department said in a press release.

The release added that Overchuk also met separately with US Special Representative for Climate John Kerry on Thursday.
Algiers, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Oct, 2021 ) :An Algerian border guard was killed and two wounded on Wednesday evening when a bomb went off near the Moroccan border, the defence ministry said Thursday.

The home-made device exploded as they passed during a patrol to "secure the borders and tackle organised crime", it said in a statement.

The blast happened at 8:45pm (1945 GMT) Wednesday in the Deglen district of Tlemcen province, it said.

"All the necessary security measures were taken to seal off the area and clarify the causes and circumstances of this terrorist act," the ministry said.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune offered his condolences to the family of the guard who was killed, in a tweet.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Braslia, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Oct, 2021 ) :Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has confirmed he will not get vaccinated against Covid-19, having previously said he would be the "last Brazilian" to do so.

The far-right leader has generated controversy over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and for initially downplaying the seriousness of the virus, despite catching it himself.

"I've decided not to get vaccinated. I'm looking at new studies, I already have the highest immunization, why would I get vaccinated?" the 66-year-old said late Tuesday night in an interview with Jovem Pan radio.

"It would be the same as betting 10 reais on the lottery to win two. It doesn't make sense." A coronavirus skeptic, Bolsonaro previously claimed the Pfizer vaccine could turn people into crocodiles due to secondary effects.

Since contracting Covid-19 in July 2020, Bolsonaro has repeatedly claimed that tests have shown he has a large number of antibodies to fight the virus and thus does not need to be vaccinated, something experts dispute.

Bolsonaro is also strongly opposed to the health passes, given to those that are vaccinated, required by some large Brazilian cities in order to access certain public spaces.

"For me, freedom comes before everything else. If a citizen doesn't want to get vaccinated, that's his right and that's the end of it," Bolsonaro told Jovem Pan.

Almost 100 million of Brazil's 213 million population are entirely vaccinated against Covid-19, while another 50 million have had one dose.

Last week, the country surpassed 600,000 deaths from Covid-19, the second-worst death toll in the world after the United States.

Bolsonaro's refusal to get vaccinated has also solicited criticism from abroad, notably in September when he traveled to New York for the UN General Assembly.

While there, he was photographed standing in a street eating pizza, something Brazilian press attributed to his being unable to enter restaurants due to being unvaccinated.
Geneva, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Oct, 2021 ) :The World Health Organization unveiled Wednesday a team of scientists it wants to investigate new pathogens and preventing future pandemics -- plus reviving the stalled probe into Covid-19's origins.

The group of 26 experts will be charged with producing a new global framework for studies into the origins of emerging pathogens of epidemic and pandemic potential -- and their remit includes SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19 disease.

Besides the Covid-19 crisis, a growing number of high-risk pathogens have appeared or reappeared in recent years, including MERS, bird flu viruses, Lassa, Marburg and Ebola.

The WHO announced earlier this year that it would set up a Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO).

"The emergence of new viruses with the potential to spark epidemics and pandemics is a fact of nature, and while SARS-CoV-2 is the latest such virus, it will not be the last," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

"Understanding where new pathogens come from is essential for preventing future outbreaks." - 'Rapid advice' - The 26 members that the WHO has put forward were chosen from a field of more than 700 applications and are drawn from a range of scientific disciplines.

And the team the WHO has named is subject to a two-week public consultation.

They include Christian Drosten, the head of Berlin's Institute of Virology; Yungui Yang of the Beijing Institute of Genomics; Jean-Claude Manuguerra of France's Institut Pasteur; and Inger Damon from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Several of the experts were on the joint WHO-China scientific mission investigating the origins of Covid-19: Vladimir Dedkov, Farag Elmoubasher, Thea Fischer, Marion Koopmans, Hung Nguyen and John Watson.

The terms of reference say the group must give the WHO an independent evaluation of all available scientific and technical findings from global studies on the origins of Covid-19.

It must also advise the UN health agency on developing, monitoring and supporting the next series of studies into the origins of the virus.

That could include "rapid advice" on the WHO's operational plans to implement the next series of studies into the pandemic's origins, and advice on additional studies.

- Lab leak theory - The pandemic has killed more than 4.85 million people and battered the global economy since the virus was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019.

After much delay, a WHO team of international experts went to Wuhan in January 2021 to produce a first phase report, written in conjunction with their Chinese counterparts.

Their March report drew no firm conclusions, but ranked four hypotheses.

Most probable was that the virus jumped from bats to humans via an intermediate animal, it said. It judged a leak from the Wuhan virology laboratories was "extremely unlikely".

However, the investigation faced criticism for lacking transparency and access, and for not evaluating the lab-leak theory more deeply.

In August, China rejected the WHO's calls for a renewed probe on the ground into the origins of Covid-19.

- No time to waste - Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's technical lead on Covid-19, said SAGO would urgently assess what was now known, what still remained unknown, and what rapidly needed to be done.

"I anticipate that the SAGO... will recommend further studies in China and potentially elsewhere," she told journalists.

"There's no time to waste in this." Michael Ryan, the WHO's emergencies director, said it may be the "last chance to understand the origins of this virus" in a collegiate manner.

Earlier Wednesday, Chen Xu, China's ambassador to the UN in Geneva, told the UN correspondents' association that SAGO's work should not be "politicised".

"If we are going to send teams to any other places, I believe it's not to China because we have received international teams twice already," he said.

"It's time to send teams to other places."
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ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Oct, 2021 ) :Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday describing Balochistan's human resource as country's real asset, said the government was taking measures on priority basis to include the Baloch youth in national mainstream.

Development of Balochistan was among the government's foremost priorities he said and mentioned that a historic package was announced for the province.

The prime minister was talking to Chief Minister Balochistan Jam Kamal, who called on him here.

During the meeting, the prime minister was apprised of the progress of ongoing development projects under the Balochistan Package.
More than half of the 236 million people who have recovered from Covid-19 worldwide since December 2019 will experience post-Covid symptoms -- more commonly known as long Covid up to six months after recovering, according to a large study

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Oct, 2021 ) :More than half of the 236 million people who have recovered from Covid-19 worldwide since December 2019 will experience post-Covid symptoms -- more commonly known as long Covid up to six months after recovering, according to a large study.

The lingering Covid symptoms majorly include tiredness, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, sore joints and loss of taste or smell.

A research team from Pennsylvania State University in the US examined 57 global studies involving 250,351 unvaccinated patients who recovered from Covid-19 from December 2019 through March 2021, Medical Daily reported .

The findings showed that adults, as well as children, can experience several adverse health issues for six months or longer after recovering from Covid-19.

Generally, these complications affected a patient's general well-being, their mobility or organ systems, while overall, one in two survivors experienced long-term Covid manifestations.

More than half of all patients reported weight loss, fatigue, fever or pain, roughly one in five survivors experienced a decrease in mobility.

Nearly one in four survivors experienced difficulty concentrating, and one in three patients were diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorders.

Six in ten survivors had chest imaging abnormality and more than a quarter of patients had difficulty in breathing.

Chest pain and palpitations were also among the commonly reported conditions and nearly one in five patients experienced hair loss or rashes.

Digestive issues such as stomach pain, lack of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting were also among the commonly reported conditions, the study showed.

"One's battle with Covid doesn't end with recovery from the acute infection. Vaccination is our best ally to prevent getting sick from Covid-19 and to reduce the chance of long-Covid even in the presence of a breakthrough infection," said co-lead investigator Dr Paddy Sentongo, assistant professor at the Penn State Center for Neural Engineering.

While the mechanisms behind these lingering symptoms in survivors are not fully understood, the researchers believe that an immune-system overdrive triggered by the virus, lingering infection, reinfection or an increased production of auto antibodies (antibodies directed at their own tissues), may be the reason.

According to the researchers, early intervention will be critical for improving the quality of life for many Covid-19 survivors as in the years ahead, health care providers will likely see an influx of patients with psychiatric and cognitive problems, such as depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder, who were otherwise healthy before their Covid-19 infection.
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Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Communication Dr. Shahbaz Gill on Thursday said Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) always did politics to get personal benefits and make assets

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Oct, 2021 ) :Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Communication Dr. Shahbaz Gill on Thursday said Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) always did politics to get personal benefits and make assets.

In response to the statement of PML-N leader Khawaja Asif, he said PML-N also utilized politics for political gains.

He said the Sharif family has also monopoly in sugar industry like other industrial sector. Even farmers demanding payment for their sugarcane outside Sharif family mills were baton-charged, he added.

Gill said incompetent Mian Sahib did not bother to public any sugar reports. Incompetent League provided Rs 29 billion subsidy to sugar industry during its five year tenure, he added.

He said Prime Minister Imran Khan had ordered forensic investigation into sugar subsidy issue for first time.
LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Oct, 2021 ) :Punjab Minister for Law and Cooperatives Raja Basharat Thursday chaired a meeting of the provincial committee for the transition plan of Local Governments (LGs) at the Civil Secretariat here and stressed early implementation of the transition plan.

Secretary Local Government Noorul Amin Mengal gave a briefing on various aspects of the transition plan. Provincial Minister for Prosecution Chaudhry Zaheer-ud-Din and officers concerned were also present.

The meeting reviewed implementation of the local government transition plan in the light of the Supreme Court decision. The secretary local government said that implementation of the transition plan had been started as per the orders of the Supreme Court.

He assured the meeting that all matters would be resolved smoothly in a phased manner.

Raja Basharat ordered for preparing an inventory of assets, vehicles, and the staff already shifted to local governments under Punjab Local Government Act 2019. He also asked for swift removal of obstacles in the way of implementing the transition plan. Raja said that former mayors of Lahore and Multan metropolitan had also been made members of the committee for effective implementation of the plan.

The provincial minister directed the local government department and local government administrators to extend all assistance to implement the transition plan as soon as possible across the province.
The European Union will not accept London's demands for an alternative arbitrator to settle post-Brexit disputes involving Northern Ireland, Dublin said Thursday after the EU offered other concessions

London, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Oct, 2021 ) :The European Union will not accept London's demands for an alternative arbitrator to settle post-Brexit disputes involving Northern Ireland, Dublin said Thursday after the EU offered other concessions.

The EU put forward a host of proposals on Wednesday, including reduced customs checks and paperwork on British products intended for Northern Ireland, in a bid to solve problems caused by the Brexit deal signed last year.

But there was no movement on what Britain says is one of its red lines: the role of the EU's European Court of Justice (ECJ) as arbiter in any post-Brexit disputes involving the province.

"There should not be a role for the ECJ in any part of the UK, including Northern Ireland," British Health Secretary Sajid Javid told Sky news on Thursday, calling it "one of the most important issues".

But when asked by Britain's Times Radio if the EU would consider an alternative arbitration system, Ireland's European Affairs Minister Thomas Byrne said: "No, I don't think so.

"It is not a question of the European Court of Justice having any sovereignty over Britain or any part of Britain.

"It is simply the fact that the European Court of Justice arbitrates on the single market of the European Union, in which Northern Ireland has been allowed to remain," he added.

A team of EU negotiators on Wednesday delivered the plans to London a day after the UK's Brexit minister David Frost said the current deal -- known as the Northern Ireland Protocol -- should be ripped up.

"We are looking forward to engaging earnestly and intensively with the UK government, in the interest of all communities in Northern Ireland," said European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic.

- 'Starting point' - The UK said it would look at the proposals "seriously and constructively" and called on both sides to engage in "intensive talks" rapidly.

"We need to find a solution which all sides can get behind for the future, which safeguards the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, and which puts the UK-EU relationship on a stronger footing," a UK spokesperson added.

Designing the protocol was a major source of friction in Britain's drawn-out divorce from the EU after it voted to leave the bloc in 2016.

Both sides say they want to preserve peace and stability by avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland, which is split between EU-member the Republic of Ireland and the UK province.

To achieve this, Northern Ireland was given unique status as a member of both the UK and the EU single market.

This required new checkpoints at ports to prevent goods from England, Scotland and Wales getting into the EU over the Irish border.

But unionists in Northern Ireland have rioted over the implementation of the protocol, which they say intensifies the push by republicans for a united Ireland following the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement.

Jeffrey Donaldson, head of Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, said the latest EU proposals were a "starting point" but fell "far short of the fundamental change needed".

To ease the frictions, the EU released four texts to address complaints of constrained medicine supplies, overzealous food safety checks and too much paperwork.

Taken together, the solutions would create an "express lane" for the movement of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, the EU said.

But looming over the talks is Article 16 of the protocol -- which gives either side the right to suspend parts of the trading arrangement in exceptional circumstances.

Britain has threatened to use that provision by early November if the EU does not redraw the protocol.
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India's main religious festival season is back in full swing with huge noisy crowds thronging markets and fairs for the first time in two years, barely six months after a devastating Covid-19 surge

Kolkata, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Oct, 2021 ) :India's main religious festival season is back in full swing with huge noisy crowds thronging markets and fairs for the first time in two years, barely six months after a devastating Covid-19 surge.

The coronavirus is still claiming over 200 lives daily in the nation of 1.3 billion people but that is down sharply from the 4,000 fatalities in April and May.

India's peak holiday season includes Durga Puja, Dussehra and Diwali -- major Hindu festivals celebrated with noise, colour and exuberance across the country.

In Kolkata on Thursday, crowds flocked colourful "pandals", temporary structures where idols of the Hindu goddess Durga are installed during the festivities.

The spectators jostled for a glimpse of a 145-feet (44-metre) high pandal designed as a replica of Dubai's Burj Khalifa skyscraper, complete with a dazzling laser show.

Traffic police in the West Bengal state's capital used loudspeakers to remind people about physical distancing, but in vain, although many people wore masks.

"It's festival time so people will come and people will enjoy. Now there are no restrictions, the government has allowed us (to celebrate) so we are enjoying out here," Aradhana Gupta told AFP.

Another reveller Riya Tai rued how she could not celebrate the festival last year when strict virus restrictions were in place.

"I am feeling happy (this time) although the crowd is excessive. I am sweating like hell but still I am enjoying it," she said, amid the beating of drums and Bollywood music blaring from speakers.

The neighbouring states of Bihar and Assam have also witnessed huge festival crowds as have the western states of Maharashtra and Gujarat.

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government kicked off a campaign dubbed "Mission 100 Days", with fears that the long festive season could see a resurgence of Covid-19.

"We are asking states to be extra vigilant during the next 100 days, and ensure that Covid-appropriate behaviour is observed," a government official was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times newspaper.

"Only then we will be able to save the country from an expected surge in cases."Community health expert Rajib Dasgupta said "India's vulnerability potentially lies in a very high proportion of partially immunised persons," he told AFP.
The issue of deployment of the United States military to fight terrorism in Uzbekistan is not on agenda and is not being discussed, Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov said on Thursday

MINSK (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 14th October, 2021) The issue of deployment of the United States military to fight terrorism in Uzbekistan is not on agenda and is not being discussed, Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov said on Thursday.

Politico has reported that Pentagon officials plan to discuss the issue of deployment of US counter-terrorist forces in Uzbekistan in October.

"This question is not on the agenda and is not discussed," the minister told reporters.
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 14th October, 2021) More than 260 militants have been disarmed in the Central African Republic (CAR) over the past week, the United Nations mission to the country (MINUSCA) said on Wednesday.

"From October 4-11, 262 militants, mostly from the FPRC (Popular Front for the Rebirth of Central African Republic), AB/Mokom, MPC (Central African Patriotic Movement) and UPC (Union for Peace in the CAR) were disarmed and demobilized," the MINUSCA tweeted.

The car has been in political turmoil since the general election in December 2020, when opponents of President Faustin Archange Touadera, who managed to stay in office for the second term, accused him of electoral fraud. Armed clashes between government forces and rebel groups broke out throughout the country, with insurgents attacking civilians, including humanitarian employees.
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BUENOS AIRES (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 13th October, 2021) Paraguay will begin COVID-19 vaccination of children aged six and over, as well as certain categories of citizens with a booster vaccine dose, before 2022, Health Minister Julio Borba said on Wednesday.

"We will begin to provide the third dose of vaccine to citizens over 50 years of age with low immunity, and to health personnel. By the end of the year, it is planned to extend vaccination to children over six years old. We want to do this by the end of the year," Borba said at a summit of ministers at the presidential palace.

Paraguay will also start vaccination of adolescents aged 12 and 17 without comorbidities, the minister added.

The number of registered COVID-19 cases in Paraguay for the entire period of the pandemic is estimated to be 460,244, with 16,207 deaths. The daily number of cases is currently decreasing, with an average of 22 new infections per day, representing 1% of the peak reported on May 27.

Paraguay has administered at least 4,836,914 doses of COVID-19 vaccines, which means about 34% of the country's population has been vaccinated.
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 14th October, 2021) The joint Russian-Chinese naval exercises Maritime Interaction-2021 have begun in the Sea of Japan, the press service of the Russian air defense forces for the Pacific fleet said on Thursday.

"A joint Russian-Chinese naval exercise Maritime Interaction 2021 is being held in the Sea of Japan from October 14 to 17," the statement said.

The crews of Russian and Chinese ships will work out joint tactical maneuvering, anti-mine support of detachments, conduct artillery fire at sea targets, search for and block a mock enemy submarine in the designated area, according to the Russian military.

The joint exercises of Russia and China were first held in August 2005. Since 2012, the specialized naval exercises Maritime Interaction have been held annually, with the aim of strengthening the combat capability of Russia and China to jointly counter threats at sea. In 2020, the exercises were not held due to restrictive measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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BELGRADE (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 14th October, 2021) Serbian Interior Minister Aleksandar Vulin says Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti was responsible for the recent skirmishes in the northern region of the self-proclaimed republic, the Serbian ministry said on Thursday.

On Wednesday, local Serbian population clashed with Kosovo police in the city of Mitrovica after law enforcement officers launched an anti-smuggling operation, raiding pharmacies and stores. As a result, several people were injured, and Kosovo authorities deployed special police units to control the situation.

"(Kosovo Prime Minister) Kurti and his supporters are to blame for everything that is going on in Kosovo," Vulin said in a statement.

The Serbian authorities have held talks with different Kosovar Albanian leaders, who all took responsibility for their actions, with the exception of Kurti, the minister noted.

"Kurti cares neither about Kosovar Albanians, nor Serbs. These Kosovar Albanian special forces could all have been killed yesterday, not to mention how many Serbs could have been murdered, but this does not bother him," Vulin said, adding that a Serbian protester was shot and severely wounded in yesterday's clashes.

The condition of the shot Serb was stable and he was receiving intensive treatment, the city's Clinical Hospital Center told Sputnik earlier on Thursday. Following the protests, a total of 10 Serbs were admitted to the hospital with injuries, and two of them were hospitalized.
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MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 14th October, 2021) Japan and South Korea are preparing for a phone conversation between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Yonhap news agency reported on Thursday, citing a senior official in the presidency.

The parties have not yet reached a final agreement on the timeframe of the talks, according to the news.

"Telephone conversation will be possible either today or tomorrow if the two nations agree," the official was quoted as saying by Yonhap.

Earlier this month, the South Korean leader congratulated Kishida on assuming the office of the prime minister of Japan.

Relations between the two countries remain tense amid several territorial disputes and other unresolved issues, including reparations for victims of forced labor during Japan's colonization of Korea in 1910-1945, as well as the disputed Dokdo Islands, known as Takeshima in Japan.
BEIRUT (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 14th October, 2021) The Syrian air defense forces are repelling Israeli air attacks south of the ancient city of Palmyra, the Syrian state television reported.

According to the SANA news agency, the attacks are carried out from the airspace around the US-controlled At Tanf military base.
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Taiwan will not start a war with mainland China but will defend itself if Beijing takes hostile actions against it first, Taiwanese Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said on Thursday

BEIJING (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 14th October, 2021) Taiwan will not start a war with mainland China but will defend itself if Beijing takes hostile actions against it first, Taiwanese Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said on Thursday.

Last week, the minister said that mainland China may consider mounting a full-scale invasion of the island by 2025. The statement came after Beijing sent nearly 150 military aircraft into Taiwan's air defense zone since October 1.

"The Republic of China (Taiwan) will definitely not start a war (against mainland China) but if the other side starts to act, they will have to take a fight," Chiu was quoted as saying in the parliament by the Central news Agency.

Any actions by Taiwan may be used as pretext for mainland China to launch hostilities, so Taipei will restrain itself from provoking a conflict or start a war, the minister noted.

Commenting on the drills near the border with Taiwan, China's Taiwan Affairs Office said earlier this week that Beijing's military exercises are aimed at guarding its national sovereignty and preventing foreign interference in the relations between the mainland and the island.

Taiwan has been governed independently from mainland China since 1949. Beijing views the island as its province, while Taiwan  a territory with its own democratically elected government  maintains that it is an autonomous country and has political and economic relations with several other nations that recognize its sovereignty.
WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th October, 2021) US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said on Thursday she had a productive meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk and that the Biden administration will continue to seek a stable relationship with Russia.

"Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksey Overchuk and I had a productive meeting today," Sherman wrote on Twitter. "The United States will continue to work for a stable and predictable relationship with Russia while calling for more robust action on climate and to ensure European energy security."
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WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 14th October, 2021) The US Department of Justice said on Wednesday it opened an investigation into alleged abuses at five juvenile detention centers in the state of Texas.

"The Justice Department announced today that it has opened a statewide investigation into the conditions in the five secure juvenile correctional facilities run by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department," a press release read.

The investigation will examine whether the state government of Texas protects children from physical and sexual abuse by staff and other residents at the detention centers, as well as excessive use of chemical restraints and excessive use of isolation, the release said.

The investigation will also look into whether Texas provides adequate mental health care to juveniles at the detention centers.

The release noted that the Justice Department has not reached any conclusions regarding the allegations in this investigation.
WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 14th October, 2021) The United States and Russia have held another round of talks on issues related to the implementation of the New START Treaty in Geneva, the Department of State said on Thursday.

"The Nineteenth Session of the Bilateral Consultative Commission under the US-Russia New START Treaty was held in Geneva October 5-14, 2021," the State Department said in a press release.

"The US and Russian delegations continued the discussion of practical issues related to the implementation of the treaty."
WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 14th October, 2021) The United States intends to resume evacuation flights from Afghanistan by the end of this year, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing a State Department official.

A specific date to resume the flights is still unclear, with the State Department working on travel documentation for US citizens and Afghan visa applicants who wish to enter the United States, the official noted.

Getting permissions to fly over third countries, as well as agreements with the Taliban (designated terrorist in Russia) and foreign authorities are also needed, they added.
New Paper Questions Meaningfulness of PFAS Drinking Water Regulations

Does regulating per-and polyfluoralkyl substances represent a meaningful

opportunity for health risk reduction?

With governments at all levels setting new policy for clean drinking water, a recently released peer-reviewed analysis provides a method for policymakers to evaluate regulatory levels and assess and compare meaningfulness in terms of protecting public health.

The open access paper, authored by Katherine Alfredo, PhD, assistant professor in civil and environmental engineering at the University of South Florida (USF), and Chad Seidel, PhD and Amlan Ghosh, PhD, of Corona Environmental Consulting, finds that regulatory levels for PFOA and PFOS alone will not achieve a national meaningful health risk reduction compared to previous regulatory determinations. Prior to joining USF Alfredo worked as a Research Program Manager at a large public water utility.

Most people do not know that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys established drinking water contaminant regulations must meet a qualitative meaningful opportunity threshold in health risk reduction. However, this leaves quantitative contaminant levels being ruled in the sole judgement of the EPA administrator - which is not a quantitative measure.

In the journal article published by AWWA Water Science, Alfredo and her co-authors use a Relative Health Indicator (RHI) metric to calculate gains in health risk reductions by regulating contaminants at certain thresholds. This metric was originally developed in 2014 as part of a Water Research Foundation project (#4310) and was applied as a regulatory evaluation tool by Alfredo, Seidel, and Ghosh in an earlier 2017 paper. The novelty of the metric is that it creates a single scale upon which all contaminants can be compared. Alfredo and co-authors intend for this scale to help policy makers understand the impact of a regulation and to ensure that health risk reduction and not emotions or media frenzies are driving contaminant levels.

To further highlight the public interest in this topic, a recent episode of John Olivers Last Week Tonight show focused on the harmful effects of PFAS on human health, but it did not place it within the context of drinking water regulations. In this most recent paper, they use the metric to evaluate the health risk reduction gained by the new PFAS regulation, potentially helping policy makers form more effective drinking water policy in the future.

Alfredos publication is very timely and places her well within the conversation of what will certainly become a national debate over safe drinking water regulations.
USM joins Mississippi universities, Army to commercialize technologies

Fri, 07/10/2020 - 10:18am

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is participating in a partnership created to support the commercialization of advanced technologies invented at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), headquartered in Vicksburg.

Mississippis research institutionsincluding USM, Jackson State University, Mississippi State University, and The University of Mississippi, which makes up the Mississippi Research Consortium (MRC)  recently joined ERDCWERX, a DEFENSEWERX innovation hub and government partner of the ERDC, to identify promising industry sectors and companies for potential licensure of ERDC technologies. The USM team is currently completing a market assessment for a unique biopolymer invented at ERDC.

We are excited to partner with the other MRC research institutions in the state to assist ERDCWERX in understanding the market potential of four of ERDCs technologies, USM team leader and Office of Technology Development Director Dr. Brian Cuevas said. This collaboration is an example of potential benefits of aligning the innovation capabilities across the state with a common goal of translating advanced technology into products and high-paying jobs, which is key in creating a more resilient, knowledge-based economy in Mississippi.

Government patents often have value and applicability not only for military, but also for commercial use, said ERDCWERX Director Paul Sumrall. Market assessment is a type of ERDCWERX innovation project that involves evaluation of ERDC patented technologies for market potential as well as commercialization strategies.

The current Chair of the MRC, Dr. Joseph Whittaker, said, There are significant levels of synergy between the goals of ERDCWERX and those of the MRC institutions. Our partnership highlights not only the complementary scientific expertise and technical capabilities available within the MRC institutions, but also reflects the expertise and valuable contributions of our institutional Tech Transfer Directors. The MRC is looking forward to future expanded engagement with ERDCWERX in advancing tech transfer and commercialization capabilities throughout Mississippi and nationwide.

As a partnership intermediary, ERDCWERX supports technology transfer, innovation, and workforce development across the ERDC enterprise and extends ERDCs reach through government, industry, and academic collaborations.

The ERDC has a long-standing relationship with Mississippi's research universities. Bringing ERDCWERX into this relationship will help enhance the connection with the goal of achieving greater results and increasing opportunities for collaboration and technology transfer, said Bartley Durst, director of the Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory at the ERDC.

ERDC has over 50 patents at any given time and is authorized to license its intellectual property to private industry and other entities. A complete list of technologies invented by ERDC researchers can be accessed at https://www.erdc.usace.army.mil/Business-With-Us/PatentsAvailableforLicensing/

ERDCWERX encourages those who would like to learn more about market assessment and tech challenge opportunities launched in conjunction with the ERDC to join the ecosystem at www.erdcwerx.org/contact.
Submitted PhotoMembers of the Azalea City Civic Club donates $13,500 to the Greater Valdosta United Way. The contribution was made possible due to the ACCC's event, the 2021 Taste of Georgia.
Note: This is the fifth installment in a multi-part series covering the history of Lincoln in commemoration of the towns 150th anniversary.
Three seminarians kidnapped from their Seminary in the diocese of Kafanchan, Kaduna, in Nigerias northern region have regained their freedom after spending nearly two days in the hands of their abductors.

By Vatican News staff writer

Three Catholic seminarians who were abducted on Monday night from the Christ the King Major Seminary, Fayit Fadan Kagoma, in Nigerias Kaduna state have been released.

Confirming their release in a statement on Wednesday, the Chancellor of Kafanchan diocese, Fr. Emmanuel Uchechukwu Okolo announced that barely 48 hours after their kidnap, our beloved brothers were released by their abductors.

Fr. Okolo expressed gratitude to all those who have offered prayers and entreaties for the quick release of our Seminarians and others who are still in the dens of their kidnappers in the statement.

He also invited priests to celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving to God on Thursday for the quick and safe release of the seminarians.

Kidnapped from the Seminary

The three seminarians, who were pursuing their studies in Theology were abducted from the Seminarys chapel on 11 October during an attack by unknown armed persons.

Six seminarians suffered varying degrees of injuries during the attack and were taken to a hospital in Kafanchan for medical attention. The injured were treated and have been discharged after being confirmed to be stable.

Christ the King Seminary is domiciled within the St. Albert Institute where the seminarians receive academic formation. The Seminary houses more than 130 seminarians preparing for the Catholic priesthood and their formators.

Kidnappings in Nigeria have increased in frequency in recent times and have been a source of concern for the countrys government. In several instances, the kidnappers demand ransoms in exchange for the release of the persons in their custody. The situation has prompted several Church leaders to make repeated appeals to government to prioritize the security of its citizens.
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U.S. investors who own a minority stake in Chinese company Renren are poised to receive 300 million dollars in settlements to resolve claims against the firms controlling shareholders and other defendants. The company has been accused of corporate misconduct. This is one of the largest cash settlements in the history of American shareholder derivative litigation and now has to be approved by New York Supreme Court Justice Andrew Borrok.

This is an extraordinary result by any measure. It is very rare to settle a case for more than the damages that we originally pleaded. Yet indeed, from the vantage point of minority shareholders, we have recovered more for them in this direct pay settlement than the damage claim we set forth in the complaint, William Reid IV, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said in a statement. Reid had estimated Renrens original liability to be around 240 million dollars.

The lawsuit originated from Renrens 2011 initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange. The company was a major social media player in China at the time, and investors paid nearly 800 million dollars to acquire American Depositary Shares (ADS) in the company.

Over time, the companys user engagement declined, as did its profits. Led by CEO and board chair Joseph Chen, the controlling shareholders of Renren had other plans for the millions raised through the IPO. The funds were mostly invested in startups rather than in Renren.

A gamble of nearly 250 million dollars was made on Social Finance, a peer-to-peer lending platform known as SoFi. The platform was diversifying from student loan deals to mortgages and personal lending. As a result of such bets, Renrens balance sheet had over 810 million dollars in long-term investments by the end of 2015.

Chen eventually decided to spin off a new private firm, which would be under his control, and hold Renrens shares in other companies. Renren itself would be left with a failing social media platform and a few car dealerships that were also not very profitable. In 2018, the Renren boards special committee approved the spinoff proposal.

The decision immediately triggered a reaction from shareholders in the U.S., who filed a lawsuit in New York accusing the company of cheating them. Lawyers from the company argued that shareholders had no right to sue in New York.

However, Judge Borrok disagreed. He pointed out that SoFi had operations in New York, meaning that Renrens business spinoff could not be completed without gaining the approval of regulators in the state. Moreover, minority shareholders were required to take their cash-out payments from the spinoff deal through bank accounts in New York.

U.S. shareholders succeeded in convincing Borrock about how the committee that approved the spinoff was a sham. An internal report had valued Renrens investment holding at over 1 billion dollars rather than the 500 million dollar valuation proposed by the companys board.

Renren finally decided to reach a settlement with its shareholders. The 300 million dollar settlement will be directly turned over to minority shareholders. Renrens share value surged 45 percent on Oct. 8, with the companys market capitalization reaching 576 million dollars.
Nations of the G-7 and G-20 have come together to hash out a global tax deal that would drastically change international tax rules. The deal aims for a 15 percent global minimum tax among other changes to combat tax evasion and tax havens that have disadvantaged certain countries.

Global tax deal

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has struck a global deal to ensure that Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) will be subject to a minimum 15% tax rate from 2023. This would force MNEs to pay the taxes wherever they operate, not just at their headquarters.

Representing more than 90 percent of global gross domestic product (GDP), around 140 countries and jurisdictions agreed to sign the deal.

The agreement finally panned out after years of fruitless negotiations and has been the focus of finance ministers who wanted a reversal on a decades-long race to the bottom of corporate tax rates, which have made companies rely on low-tax jurisdictions and has prevented countries from obtaining the money needed for improvements and healthcare.

The deal also applies to digital areas, forcing technological enterprises like Amazon and Facebook to pay taxes wherever and however their products are sold. This would help spread out the 125 billion dollars in profits from home countries of the 100 most profitable firms in the world.

Many details have not yet come to light, as a timeline has not been set for existing digital services taxes to change or remain the same.

International tax [policy making] is a complex issue, but the arcane language of todays agreement belies how simple and sweeping the stakes are, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said. When this deal is enacted, Americans will find the global economy a much easier place to land a job, earn a living, or scale a business.

Agreement to join

On Oct. 8, the Republic of Ireland decided to join the agreement, despite arguments and claims that its previous tax rate of 12.5 percent would help attract businesses to a smaller economy. On that same day, Hungary and Estonia also entered the agreement, while Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka held off.



In joining this agreement, we must remember that there are 140 countries involved in this process and many have had to make compromises, said Paschal Donohoe, Irelands Finance Minister, according to RTE. But I also believe that the agreement [the] government has agreed to sign up to today is balanced and represents a fair compromise reflecting the interests and input of the many countries involved in the negotiations.

As reported by RTE, the Irish Department of Finance estimated that the move would decrease Irelands tax take by 2 billion euros (2.3 billion dollars) a year. The Irish Times also released a poll, which showed the majority of Irish voters were not on board with modifying the countrys policy.

Assurance was given, as the deal was updated from a minimum corporate tax rate of at least 15% to just 15%, indicating that the rate would not be increased in the future. Hungary also hesitated to join the agreement but changed its mind when a long implementation period was agreed upon.

French finance minister Bruno Le Maire said that the political and financial consequences of the deal should not be overlooked, calling the agreement historical. He emphasized the importance of the deal to raise funds to combat the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

No Teeth

Despite widespread support for the deal, some countries have voiced their disagreement. Some wished for higher tax rates, claiming their interests were ignored in favor of richer nations. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have also criticized the deal for its exemptions, with campaign group Oxfam saying it has no teeth.

At the last minute a colossal 10-year grace period was slapped onto the global corporate tax of 15%, and additional loopholes leave it with practically no teeth, said Oxfam tax policy lead Susana Ruiz.

The U.S. Congress would have to pass legislation for the tax deal, which could prove difficult since Republicans oppose the deal and have threatened to block it in Congress. According to Reuters, the Senate must achieve a two-thirds majority (67 votes) to pass. The Democrats control only 50 seats out of 100 in the Senate.

As the U.S. government works to pass the agreement, European governments are also pushing for similar legislation. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the agreement is a once-in-a-generation accomplishment for economic diplomacy, praising countries that already joined the arrangement.
On Oct. 14, fire swept through a partially abandoned 13-story tower in the southern Taiwanese port city of Kaohsiung claiming at least 46 lives and injuring dozens of others. The blaze is being described as Taiwans deadliest fire in more than two decades, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The fire erupted just before 3 a.m. on Thursday prompting the citys fire department to dispatch more than 60 fire trucks.

The building, which was a mixed commercial and residential tower, is said to have been home to around 120 households, many of the residents being elderly and disabled.

A resident in the area said he heard an explosion at approximately 2:40 a.m. and then saw the building erupt into flames as witnesses frantically attempted to alert residents by yelling while motorists honked their horns.

Hsu Ming-yuan, a resident who lives near the building, told the Washington Post that he witnessed smoke coming from the first floor of the building and didnt think it was serious until a few hours later when he witnessed massive flames engulfing the structure.

Videos of the fire surfaced on social media shortly after the blaze ignited depicting first responders aggressively tackling the blaze and rescuing residents while family members waited on the streets seeking information concerning their relatives.

At least 14 people dead, and 51 injured after MASSIVE fire in Taiwan pic.twitter.com/lvuQHxNtln  Mark Slapinski (@MarkSlapinski) October 14, 2021

The cause of the fire, which burned for more than four hours before being extinguished, is still under investigation.

Taiwans Central News Agency (CNA) said that police have not ruled out the possibility of arson and that four people were taken into custody for questioning but were not yet considered suspects.

Due to the extremely fierce fire, many floors were severely scorched, the fire department said, adding that clutter piled up inside of the building impeded rescue operations and provided fuel for the blaze.

KAOHSIUNG, TAIWAN  OCT. 14: A firefighter searches for victims from a residential building in the wake of a fire on Oct. 14, 2021 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. (Image: Lam Yik Fei/Getty Images)

Thirty-two people were declared dead on the scene and many others died after being sent to the hospital, local authorities stated.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, wrote in a social media post, We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and hope that the injured will recover soon.

The blaze is Taiwans deadliest since a fire broke out in a restaurant in the city of Taichung in 1995 that killed 64 people.
International aid groups are calling on Burkina Faso's government to let them help register the country's internally displaced people. The Norwegian Refugee Council says the government is taking weeks to register IDPs for food and other aid, forcing some back into dangerous areas.

In a statement released Monday, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said government authorities are taking weeks to register IDPs, like these 500 or so who until recently stayed at a school in the town of Ouahigouya.

The NRC say they could carry out the registration process, which is essential before aid can be distributed to IDPs within a week, and implored the government to quote, Let us step in and support.

Rasmata Ouedraogo, who was living in the school, fled her village of Nongo with her young son after a terrorist attack.

She says they were wearing army uniforms, so it was difficult to know if they were terrorists. She had to hide herself for two days in her house.

She says she arrived in Ouahigouya around two months ago, and so far, her family has received one hundred dollars in aid payments.

The first thing we need is food for us and our children, and then some clothes, among other things, she told VOA.

The community leader of the IDPs says this month students will return to their studies, so the schools owner has asked the IDPs to move out. Local authorities sent them to a site outside of the town where access to food and services is difficult.

At the very beginning, we were able to have some cereal like maize and millet plus $100 for each family, but that was two to three months ago, he says. He added that some people arrived more recently, and those people have not gotten any food so far.

Many of the IDPs who stayed at the school say they are unsure of whether theyve been registered or not, but say none of them are receiving enough aid. Tom Peyre-Costa is from the Norwegian Refugee Council.

Authorities really lack the capacity to count and register newly displaced people, and meanwhile aid organizations are not allowed to intervene. So, this is what we are asking for today. We need more flexibility, he said.

In a tense press conference Monday, Laurence Marchal Ilboudo, the minister of humanitarian affairs said this when asked why offers of assistance from aid groups were being turned down.

You asked why we don't make it easier for the partners if they can do it better than the locals," he said. "But why them? Because they have the resources? Because they have the machines? Our nation has the expertise to do it. Why don't we make use of this material expertise so that the locals can do it themselves?

As the school now lies empty, waiting for the students to return, the IDPs who resided there remain in need of help.
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The worlds most famous starship captain takes the trek of a lifetime. Plus, new software makes possible virtual trips through the universe, and a mining company in Greenland offers a potentially planet-saving alternative to aluminum. VOAs Arash Arabasadi brings us the Week in Space.
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President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced a plan to clear the backlog of container ships off the coast of Southern California by launching 24-hour operations at the port of Los Angeles. Mike OSullivan reports. Camera: Roy Kim
At least five people were killed and 16 wounded as shots were fired during a protest by Iran-backed Hezbollah supporters against Tarek Bitar, the judge investigating the 2020 Beirut Port blast. Explosions were also heard Thursday as tensions over the politically charged case push Lebanon into another crisis. The Lebanese army is searching for the gunmen.

Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi pointed to a worrying development, saying many of the casualties from the eruption of gunfire in Beirut were by snipers from the buildings. This is a very dangerous sign, Mawlawi told reporters. No one can take this.

Joseph Bahout, who directs the Issam Fares Institute at the American University of Beirut and lives near the scene of the shootings, told VOA that the bursts of gunfire and the wail of ambulance sirens made him feel like he was reliving scenes from Lebanons civil war of 1975 to1990.

Today, its probably a very explosive situation. The country is now on the verge of maybe something very grave if really what we hear so far is confirmed  that there are snipers on the rooftops shooting at both parties protesting in the streets. This could really resemble the start of 75 in Lebanon," Bahout said.

At a nearby school, teachers instructed children to lie face down on the ground with their hands on their heads, a witness told Reuters.

Bahout warned that the violence, which broke out in an area dividing Christian and Shiite Muslim neighborhoods  a former front line of the 1975-90 civil war  could sideline the probe into last years catastrophic Beirut port blast that left more than 200 dead and destroyed vast parts of the capital.

We are on the very slippery terrain and my fear is that the issue of the port inquiry will become soon one of many other crises in the country. This question will become very concealed and secondary compared to what is happening this morning in the streets: the clashes, the firing, the sniping. Increasing the debate will shift to what happened this morning. Who started the shooting? Who shot whom? I fear the issue of the port will soon be in a way submerged and maybe put aside, Bahout said.

Judge Bitar has faced enormous pressure from former ministers linked to Hezbollah, Lebanons powerbroker, and from its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, who accuse him of singling out their political allies for questioning in the probe. They have been trying to stop his investigation into the August 4, 2020, Beirut port blast, one of the biggest non-nuclear explosions in history. Reports said a huge quantity of ammonium nitrate  commonly used to make fertilizer or bombs  was left unsafely stored there for years.

Families of the port blast victims have warned against replacing or intimidating Bitar, no matter how high the threat level, telling officials to keep [their] hands off the judiciary.

Analyst Bahout says Prime Minister Najib Mikati's new government now faces a fresh sectarian challenge on top of trying to rescue the country from economic collapse and an energy crisis.

Some political leaders say that an international investigation into the blast may be needed because Hezbollah is threatened by a probe pointing at it.
U.S. President Joe Biden is welcoming his first African leader to the White House on Thursday as he hosts talks with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The White House said the meeting would include discussion of democracy and human rights issues, as well security, accelerating economic growth and addressing climate change.

Biden and Kenyatta will also talk about the need to bring transparency and accountability to domestic and international financial systems, the White House said.

That is expected to include revelations about the offshore holdings of Kenyatta and his family. The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists said in recent reports about the Pandora Papers that Kenyattas family had stowed away about $30 million in offshore wealth. There is no evidence that the Kenyatta family stole any state assets.

When asked Wednesday about the push for transparency and the Pandora Papers revelations, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden has been quite vocal as you all know about the inequalities in the international financial system.

"That doesn't mean we don't meet with people you have disagreements on," Psaki said. "We have a range of interests in working with Kenya and working with them on issues in Africa, in the region, and that will be the primary focus."

Thursdays meeting also comes as conflict and a humanitarian crisis continue to unfold in Kenyas neighbor, Ethiopia.

Kenyatta told reporters Tuesday at the United Nations that the warring sides in Ethiopia need to reach a political resolution, because we do not believe that there is any military solution.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, and Reuters.
U.S. President Joe Biden plans to meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican later this month, the White House said Thursday.

They will discuss working together on efforts grounded in respect for fundamental human dignity, including ending the COVID-19 pandemic, tackling the climate crisis, and caring for the poor, the White House said in a statement. The statement said first lady Jill Biden will also take part in the audience with the pope.

The meeting on Oct. 29 comes on the eve of a two-day summit of G20 leaders in Rome. Biden hopes to reach agreement at the meeting on a global minimum corporate income tax rate of 15% to help ensure businesses dont continue to avoid taxation, according to the Reuters news agency, which cited a White House official.

Biden will then attend the United Nations climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland on Nov. 1-2, when the official said the president would announce key actions.

Biden, the second Roman Catholic president after John F. Kennedy, meets with the pope as some Catholic bishops in the U.S. have admonished Biden for his support of abortion rights.

Bidens pending visit to Europe will mark the second foreign trip of his presidency. Biden attended a European Union summit in Brussels in June and later met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Geneva.

Some information for this report came from the Associated Press and Reuters.
U.S. President Joe Biden said Thursday the country is heading in the "right direction" in controlling the coronavirus pandemic, while staunchly defending vaccination mandates that he and numerous large corporations are imposing.

About 66 million Americans remain unvaccinated, down from 100 million in July, Biden said at the White House.

"We're headed in the right direction," Biden said, "but we can't let up now. Please get vaccinated. That's how we put this pandemic behind us."

Across the country, rates of cases, hospitalizations and deaths are decreasing. Last week, the average number of daily cases was 86,000, down 15,000 from the week before. Johns Hopkins University said 200 fewer Americans are dying per day compared to earlier in the latest COVID-19 surge, but that 1,500 were still dying daily.

Numerous conservative Republican opponents of the Democratic president, including two possible 2024 presidential foes, Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, have assailed Biden's support for vaccination mandates as an infringement on the freedom of people to make their own health care decisions.

But Biden said, "The mounting data shows that vaccine mandates work."

"Let's be clear," he said, "vaccine mandates should not be another issue that divides us."

Biden has ordered all U.S. businesses with 100 employees or more to require that their workers get vaccinated or be tested frequently for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, although his mandate is weeks away from being implemented and enforced.

In addition, Biden has ordered the U.S. armed forces to get vaccinated, along with the 2.5 million people in the federal civilian work force. However, there has been some opposition among service members and a lawsuit has been filed in an attempt to block the mandate for the federal bureaucracy.

Numerous large businesses and some municipal school districts have imposed their own vaccination or face mask mandates, often colliding with the no-mandate directives handed down by the Republican governors.

The governors have mostly been vaccinated themselves and told their constituents they should get inoculated to prevent the spread of the virus while still adamantly voicing their opposition to any kind of mandates, including those by large corporations headquartered in their states.

Nearly 188 million Americans out of a population of 332 million have been fully vaccinated, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with nearly 9 million people also having gotten booster shots.

More than 716,000 people in the U.S. have died after contracting the virus over the last 19 months and nearly 90,000 new cases are being recorded daily, although both the number of new deaths and new cases have been receding now for a month.


At least six people were killed and 20 others were wounded Thursday as gunfire erupted in Lebanons capital amid protests against a judge investigating last years deadly port blast.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati called for calm to be restored and urged people not to be dragged into civil strife. The army warned it would open fire against anyone shooting live rounds.

It was not immediately clear what triggered Thursdays violence.

Supporters of the militant group Hezbollah and its allies had gathered near the Palace of Justice in Beirut to rally against Judge Tarek Bitar. The groups have demanded his removal, accusing him of conducting a politicized investigation singling out certain officials.

Hezbollah and the allied Shiite Amal Movement blamed the attack on the Lebanese Forces (LF), a Christian political party.

The LF denied involvement and said Hezbollah incitement against the judge led to the violence.

Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi said all the people killed were from one side, suggesting they were Shiites.

In a statement, U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka stressed the need for Lebanons leaders to prioritize the interests of its citizens amid the unrest.

Lifting Lebanon out of its current crisis and moving forward on reforms requires the efficient functioning of the states legislative, executive and judicial institutions Wronecka said.

Now is the time for all sides to support judicial independence in the interest of the people, she added.

The August 2020 explosion involving improperly stored ammonium nitrate at a Beirut port warehouse killed more than 200 people and injured thousands more while destroying parts of surrounding neighborhoods.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, AFP and Reuters.
At least four people were killed and 20 others wounded Thursday as gunfire erupted in Lebanons capital amid protests against a judge investigating last years deadly port blast.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati called for calm to be restored and urged people not to be dragged into civil strife. The army warned it would open fire against anyone shooting live rounds.

It was not immediately clear what triggered Thursdays violence.

Supporters of the militant group Hezbollah and its allies had gathered near the Palace of Justice in Beirut to rally against Judge Tarek Bitar. The groups have demanded his removal, accusing him of conducting a politicized investigation singling out certain officials.

The August 2020 explosion involving improperly stored ammonium nitrate at a port warehouse killed more than 200 people and injured thousands more while destroying parts of surrounding neighborhoods.

Some information for this report came from the Associated Press, AFP and Reuters
U.S. health advisers said Thursday that some Americans who received Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine at least six months ago should get a half-dose booster to rev up protection against the coronavirus.

The panel of outside advisers to the Food and Drug Administration voted unanimously to recommend a booster shot for seniors, as well as younger adults with other health problems, jobs or living situations that put them at increased risk from COVID-19.

The recommendation is non-binding but it's a key step toward expanding the U.S. booster campaign to millions more Americans. Many people who got their initial Pfizer shots at least six months ago are getting a booster after the FDA authorized their use last month  and those are the same high-risk groups that FDA's advisers said should get a Moderna booster.

But there's no evidence that it's time to open booster doses of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine to everybody, the panel stressed  despite initial Biden administration plans to eventually do that.

The coronavirus still is mostly a threat to unvaccinated people  while the vaccinated have strong protection against severe illness or death from COVID-19.

"I don't really see a need for a 'let it rip' campaign for everyone," said Dr. Michael Kurilla of the National Institutes of Health.

As for the dose, initial Moderna vaccination consists of two 100-microgram shots. But Moderna says a single 50-microgram shot should be enough for a booster.

The agency convened its experts to weigh in on who should get boosters and when for those who received the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson shots earlier this year. The panel will discuss J&J on Friday.

The FDA will use its advisers' recommendations in making final decisions for boosters from both companies. Assuming a positive decision, there's still another hurdle: Next week, a panel convened by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will offer more specifics on who should get one.

Scientists divided

Many U.S. scientists remain divided about exactly who needs boosters and their purpose  whether they're needed mostly for people at risk of severe disease or whether they should be used to try to reduce milder infections, too.

The FDA panel wrestled with whether Moderna presented enough evidence backing its low-dose booster.

As the delta variant surged in July and August, a Moderna study found people who were more recently vaccinated had a 36% lower rate of breakthrough infections compared with those vaccinated longer ago.

Another study of 344 people found a six-month booster shot restored virus-fighting antibodies to levels thought to be protective  and that included large jumps in antibodies able to target the delta variant. But that was a small study, and only about half of those people got the exact series of doses that would be offered under a Moderna booster campaign.

"The data itself is not strong but it is certainly going in the direction that is supportive of this vote," said Dr. Patrick Moore of the University of Pittsburgh.

And several advisers worried that boosting with a lower dose might cost people some of the potential benefit of a full-strength third shot.

"That may actually have a tremendous impact on the durability," Kurilla said.

Booster data

Moderna said it chose the lower-dose booster because it triggered fewer uncomfortable shot reactions such as fever and achiness and also leaves more vaccine available for the global supply.

One very rare side effect of both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines is heart inflammation, particularly among young men soon after the second dose  and one lingering question is whether another dose could spark more cases. Moderna's booster study wasn't large enough to spot such a rare risk.

But Israel began offering Pfizer boosters sooner than the U.S. and to more of its population. Thursday, Dr. Sharon Alroy-Preis of Israel's health ministry told the FDA panel that after 3.7 million booster doses administered, there's no sign the extra shot is any riskier.

Because the Moderna vaccine is similar, the FDA's advisers found that data reassuring.

While Pfizer's boosters are only for certain high-risk groups of Americans, Israeli officials credit wider booster use in their country to stemming the delta surge.

"There is no question in my mind that the break of the curve was due to the booster dose," Alroy-Preis said in response to FDA advisers who noted that other countries have seen a lowering of delta cases without widespread booster use.

But FDA's advisers also highlighted one confusing issue: People with severely weakened immune systems already can get a third full dose of the Moderna vaccine soon after the initial vaccinations  so a lingering question is whether they should be eligible for a booster, too, which would be their fourth dose.


The organizer of Hong Kongs now-banned Tiananmen Massacre vigil has missed a deadline to remove a statue on the campus of the University of Hong Kong that commemorates the victims of a bloody end to Chinas 1989 pro-democracy movement.

The university set a Wednesday deadline for the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China (HK Alliance) to remove what is reportedly the last artwork on Chinese soil commemorating weeks of events at Tiananmen Square.

Members of the group, which was forced to disband last month rather than face charges under the National Security Law, had requested an extension citing the difficulty of removing the Pillar of Shame under typhoon conditions. It remains unclear what will happen next.

Created by Danish artist Jens Galschit in 1997, the Pillar of Shame was given to the HK Alliance, a pro-democracy organization established in 1989 to support the student protest in Tiananmen Square. The group was perhaps best known for organizing an annual vigil on June 4 until the gathering was banned in 2020.

According to the South China Morning Post, the university said the move was based on its assessment of legal risks in light of [HK Alliances] dissolution.

Many Hong Kong institutions are taking proactive steps to avoid drawing Beijings attention, which is focused on eliminating what it perceives to be challenges to its authority. An artwork commemorating a massacre that provoked international condemnation exemplifies what Beijing and the ruling Chinese Communist Party want to erase from Hong Kong and its memory of pro-democracy protests in 2019.

The HKU order for the artworks removal the latest move to limit civil society in Hong Kong under the new security law. The former British colony reverted to China in 1997 under a One Country, Two Systems framework meant to ensure that the territory would enjoy a degree of autonomy and basic freedoms for 50 years.

With the removal deadline passed, HKU said Wednesday that the university is still seeking legal advice and working with related parties to handle the matter in a legal and reasonable manner.

Legal affair

The international law firm, Mayer Brown LLP, which represented the university, sent out a notice on October 8 to the disbanded HK Alliance, saying the statue needed to be removed before 5 p.m. October 13, 2021, or it would be deemed abandoned.

Since the Pillar of Shame was ordered removed, nearly 30 NGOs have signed an open letter to the law firm asking Mayer Brown to rescind their agreement to represent the University of Hong Kong in removing the statue.

The sculpture has been at the University of Hong Kong campus for over 20 years. For the Mayer Brown law firm to demand that it be removed after all these years when there had been no objections from the university officials nor from the student body in the past, shows that Mayer Brown has violated its stated mission to make a positive difference in the lives of citizens in Hong Kong, said the NGOs letter.

Mayer Brown published a statement after George Floyd, a Black man, died on May 25, 2020, while in the custody of a white policeman in Minneapolis, Minnesota. At the time, Mayer Brown, which was founded in Chicago, stressed the firms social responsibility.

At Mayer Brown, our core values are grounded in the principle that every individual -- each and every individual -- is equally worthy of respect and appreciation, the statement said. We recognize the value that diversity and inclusion bring to our business and to our communities and we have a corresponding responsibility to speak up when our core values are undermined.

In a statement provided to VOA Mandarin on October 12, Mayer Brown said that they were asked to provide service on a specific real estate matter for its long-term client, the University of Hong Kong.

Our role as outside counsel is to help our clients understand and comply with current law. Our legal advice is not intended as commentary on current or historical events, the law firm said.

Campus landmark

The 8-meter-tall statue, which has been an HKU landmark for 24 years, depicts 50 bodies twisted together in agony to commemorate events of June 4, 1989, when the People's Liberation Army cleared pro-democracy protesters from Beijing's Tiananmen Square. Estimates of the number killed range from hundreds to thousands.

Galschit said on his website the torn and twisted bodies of the sculpture symbolize the degradation, devaluation and lack of respect for the individual, and that the goal of the art project is to remind us of a shameful event which must never reoccur.

The artist loaned Pillar of Shame to the HK Alliance in part because of its organizing role with the Tiananmen vigil. The groups onetime secretary, Richard Tsoi, recalled when they received the artwork from the Danish artist in 1997.

Of course, we didnt have the space for such a large statue. The students at the University of Hong Kong had a referendum and requested the school authorities to find a space for the statue, and the school had responded positively, he told VOA in a phone interview, adding that the University of Hong Kong has long been involved with the statues upkeep.

Tsoi said the statue is of great significance to the implementation of the One Country, Two Systems agreement.

In the past 20 years, the Pillar of Shame has been placed in public areas, which shows that Hong Kong still enjoys a high level of freedom after its return to China in 1997, he said. Its a vital symbol for the One country, Two Systems framework.

Avoiding damage

Galschit told VOA Mandarin that he has employed a lawyer to represent his interests. He said hes happy to see that the University didnt take any abrupt action before the deadline.

He told VOA via phone on Wednesday that it is not easy to move a sculpture of this size. The artist cautioned that a quick removal could possibly damage the artwork permanently.

If the statue must be removed from Hong Kong, he told VOA Mandarin, he thinks he would need to oversee the dismantling. If they let someone who doesn't really know how to handle that to take it down, then they would break it, he said.

Galschit told VOA Mandarin that he would prefer to see the statue remain in Hong Kong.

This is really the story of Hong Kong, he said. Its an example to show that Hong Kong is different from China. Its a free place where you can talk, you can speak, and you can have a monument about the Tiananmen crackdown.

If they take it down and put it away from Hong Kong, its a really sad situation because this is a symbol for Hong Kong being the only free part of China, he added.

Gao Feng contributed to this report.
Days after talks to resolve a 17-month military standoff between India and China stalled, the Asian rivals are involved in a new war of words over a recent visit by the Indian vice president to Arunachal Pradesh, a state in eastern India claimed by China.

The exchanges indicate deepening tensions between the two countries, which have bolstered troops massively along disputed stretches of their Himalayan border according to security experts.

After Beijing raised objections to Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidus visit over the weekend to the remote Himalayan state, India reacted sharply, calling Arunachal Pradesh an integral and inalienable part of India.

Indian leaders routinely travel to the state of Arunachal Pradesh as they do to any other states of India. Objecting to the visit of Indian leaders to a state of India does not stand to reason and understanding of the Indian people, " Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

Earlier on Wednesday Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing that China firmly opposed the visit of the Indian leader and called on New Delhi to stop taking actions that would complicate and expand the boundary issue.

He urged India to respect Chinas concerns and take real actions to maintain peace and stability in border areas.

Arunachal Pradesh lies in eastern India, away from Ladakh in the western Himalayas where troops from both sides have been locked in a faceoff. But security analysts have warned that it could also become a flashpoint -- its status has long been a disputed matter, with Beijing claiming it as a part of south Tibet.

This is not the first time that China has raised objections to the visit of an Indian leader to Arunachal Pradesh. In 2017 it also denounced a trip by Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, to the region.

China voiced objections to the Naidus visit two days after the two countries hardened their postures following a breakdown in negotiations between their military commanders that aim at disengaging the tens of thousands of troops massed by them in Ladakh.

Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that the situation in Ladakh has been caused by unilateral attempts of the Chinese side to alter the status quo in violation of the bilateral agreements.

"We expect the Chinese side to work towards early resolution of the remaining issues along the LAC [the Line of Actual Control, the de facto border between the two countries] in Eastern Ladakh while fully abiding by bilateral agreements and protocols rather than trying to link unrelated issues, he said, a reference to Chinas comment on the Indias leader visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

Both sides have blamed each other for the stalemate in their talks, with China saying that India made unreasonable and unrealistic demands, while India had said that the Chinese side was not agreeable to its constructive suggestions.

In an editorial after the breakdown in their negotiations, The Indian Express newspaper pointed to the increasing trust deficit between the two countries and said that the challenge for India is to keep pushing China for a broader resolution of the boundary question via talks and equip the military better to stand guard at the LAC.

Last week, Indias army chief, M.M. Naravane, said that the large-scale buildup of troops and infrastructure by the Chinese along the border means that they are there to stay and added that if they are there to stay, we are there to stay too.
People who got Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine as a first shot had a stronger immune response when they boosted it with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, a study by the National Institutes of Health showed Wednesday.

The study, which is preliminary and hasn't been peer reviewed, is the latest challenge to J&J's efforts to use its COVID-19 vaccine as a booster in the United States.

The study, which included more than 450 adults who received initial shots from Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson, showed that "mixing and matching" booster shots of different types is safe in adults. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are based on messenger RNA, while J&J's uses viral vector technology.

The finding comes as an advisory group to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration prepares to meet later this week to discuss the merits of a booster shot for Moderna and J&J vaccines.

FDA officials on Wednesday said J&J's regulatory submission for its booster raised red flags such as small sample sizes and data based on tests that had not been validated.

U.S. health officials have been under pressure to offer advice on booster doses of the J&J and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines since the White House announced in August that it planned to roll out boosters, beginning last month, for most adults.

The NIH study contrasted the safety and immune responses of volunteers who were boosted with the same shot used in their initial vaccination with those of volunteers who received a different type of shot as a booster.

Mixing and matching doses for a booster produced side effects like those seen in primary inoculations and raised no significant safety concerns, the study said.

The study of the three COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States showed that using different types of shots as boosters generally appeared to produce a comparable or higher antibody response than using the same type.

The trial took place in 10 U.S. cities and used a total of nine combinations of initial shots and boosters.

Mixing booster doses "may offer immunological advantages to optimize the breadth and longevity of protection achieved with currently available vaccines," researchers wrote in the study.
A 4.5-magnitude earthquake struck the Spanish island of La Palma overnight Thursday, officials said, the strongest recorded since the islands Cumbre Vieja volcano began erupting last month.

Spains National Geographic Institute reports the earthquake was one of as many as 100 that shook the island in the past 24 hours. Earthquakes have been a regular feature of the volcanic eruption that began on the island September 19 and shows no signs of stopping soon.

Meanwhile, the Canary Islands Security and Emergencies Department has ordered 300 more residents to evacuate from Tazacorte and La Laguna as the lava flow advances closer to those towns.

The eruption has forced more than 6,000 to abandon their homes on the island.

More than 1,500 buildings and more than 600 hectares of land on the western side of the island have been destroyed by lava flows

The La Palma government said the flow from three rivers of molten rock has broadened to more than 1.7 kilometers.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited the Island Wednesday and said the government is considering additional aid for the island residents and its industries, which have been disrupted if not devastated by the eruption.

The government has already approved about $250 million in assistance.

La Palma is part of the Canary Islands archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
Immigration advocates say a new security framework between the United States and Mexico largely sidesteps thorny migratory issues at a time of near-record arrivals at the two nations common border.



The framework, unveiled during Secretary of State Antony Blinkens trip to Mexico City late last week, focuses on strategies to combat drug trafficking, illicit firearms and money laundering while addressing the extradition of criminals, among other security topics.



Blinken, accompanied by two other U.S. Cabinet members, met with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and top Mexican officials. Lopez Obrador hailed a new phase in bilateral relations while Blinken said the two nations will work as equal partners in defining and tightening shared security priorities.



While the agreement aims to address human trafficking and other criminal offenses, it does not lay out a plan to deal with thousands of asylum-seekers arriving daily at the U.S.-Mexico border.



Immigration advocates welcomed the agreement, which is aimed at replacing the Merida Initiative, a 2008 pact to fight drug trafficking and organized crime, but said they wished more attention had been given to migration.



Oscar Chacon is the executive director of Alianza Americas, a U.S.-based migrant advocacy network.

Speaking with VOA, Chacon said, The relationship with Mexico definitely has multiple implications above and beyond matters of migratory flows.

But with that said and given how much of a high profile the issue of migration [has], I think it is, at the very least, unwise not to tackle issues of migration in a meeting like that.



Chacon said he hoped to hear more on migratory issues from Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who accompanied Blinken to Mexico City.



Mexican and U.S. officials have said in the past that migration should not be necessarily the place to begin the conversation about the relationship between the two countries. [But] the fact of the matter is that it is a central issue. If you don't want to acknowledge that, that's an act of negligence, Chacon said.



Immigration did come up at least on the periphery of Blinkens trip.



"U.S. immigration law, of course, remains in effect. We're continuing to work very closely with Mexico to promote a safe, orderly and humane process along the shared border, and to address the myriad challenges of irregular migration," the secretary of state said in Mexico.



Attention was refocused on migration to the U.S.-Mexico border last month when thousands of Haitian asylum seekers gathered at the border town of Del Rio, Texas.



Over the last year, hundreds of thousands of people, largely from Central and South America and the Caribbean, have traveled through Mexico to reach the U.S. southern border seeking humanitarian relief.



The Biden administration maintains U.S.-Mexico consultation and cooperation on migration is already in place and robust, and therefore did not need to be a focus of the new framework stemming from what has been termed the High-Level Security Dialogue (HLSD) between the two nations.



We already have a strong partnership with Mexico on migration with ongoing, frequent engagement, including at extremely high levels, a State Department spokesperson wrote in an email to VOA. We are working with Mexico on the root causes of irregular migration and the humane management of borders and ports to ensure the safety of migrants and the security of the U.S. southern border. While some aspects of border security cooperation under the HLSD will have an impact on migration, a new channel of engagement was unnecessary.

The Biden administration has pledged to tackle the root causes of mass migration to Americas borders by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions in Central American nations and elsewhere.



Republicans contend the administration caused the border crisis by undoing many of the hardline immigration policies of former President Donald Trump. Among the ills for which they blame Biden is a spike in drug trafficking across the U.S.-Mexico border at a time of surging drug overdose deaths in the United States.

Drug overdoses, however, have been on the rise in the U.S. since 2019.

Trump was in office from January 2017 until January 2021.



Reacting to Blinkens Mexico City trip, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted, Biden Mexico policy reaching new records. Record illegal immigration, record overdose deaths in the United States, record homicides in Mexico. They say we must get to root cause. I agree. Root cause = Biden Administration weakness.




Attention asteroid aficionados: NASA is set to launch a series of spacecraft to visit and even bash some of the solar system's most enticing space rocks.

The robotic trailblazer named Lucy is up first, blasting off this weekend on a 12-year cruise to swarms of asteroids out near Jupiter  unexplored time capsules from the dawn of the solar system. And yes, there will be diamonds in the sky with Lucy, on one of its science instruments, as well as lyrics from other Beatles' songs.

NASA is targeting the predawn hours of Saturday for liftoff.

Barely a month later, an impactor spacecraft named Dart will give chase to a double-asteroid closer to home. The mission will end with Dart ramming the main asteroid's moonlet to change its orbit, a test that could one day save Earth from an incoming rock.

Next summer, a spacecraft will launch to a rare metal world  a nickel and iron asteroid that might be the exposed core of a once-upon-a-time planet. A pair of smaller companion craft  the size of suitcases  will peel away to another set of double asteroids.

And in 2023, a space capsule will parachute into the Utah desert with NASA's first samples of an asteroid, collected last year by the excavating robot Osiris-Rex. The samples are from Bennu, a rubble and boulder-strewn rock that could endanger Earth a couple of centuries from now.

"Each one of those asteroids we're visiting tells our story ... the story of us, the story of the solar system," said NASA's chief of science missions, Thomas Zurbuchen.

There's nothing better for understanding how our solar system formed 4.6 billion years ago, said Lucy's principal scientist, Hal Levison of Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado. "They're the fossils of planet formation."

China and Russia are teaming up for an asteroid mission later this decade. The United Arab Emirates is also planning an asteroid stop in the coming years.

Advances in tech and design are behind this flurry of asteroid missions, as well as the growing interest in asteroids and the danger they pose to Earth. All it takes is looking at the moon and the impact craters created by asteroids and meteorites to realize the threat, Zurbuchen said.

The asteroid-smacking Dart spacecraft  set to launch November 24  promises to be a dramatic exercise in planetary defense. If all goes well, the high-speed smashup will occur next fall just 11 million kilometers (7 million miles) away, within full view of ground telescopes.

The much longer $981 million Lucy mission  the first to Jupiter's so-called Trojan entourage  is targeting an unprecedented eight asteroids.

Lucy aims to sweep past seven of the countless Trojan asteroids that precede and trail Jupiter in the giant gas planet's path around the sun. Thousands of these dark reddish or gray rocks have been detected, with many thousands more likely lurking in the two clusters. Trapped in place by the gravitational forces of Jupiter and the sun, the Trojans are believed to be the cosmic leftovers from when the outer planets were forming.

"That's what makes the Trojans special. If these ideas of ours are right, they formed throughout the outer solar system and are now at one location where we can go and study them," Levison said.

Before encountering the Trojans, Lucy will zip past a smaller, more ordinary object in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Scientists consider this 2025 flyby a dress rehearsal.

Three flybys of Earth will be needed as gravity slingshots in order for Lucy to reach both of Jupiter's Trojan swarms by the time the mission is set to end in 2033.

The spacecraft will be so far from the sun  as much as 850 million kilometers (530 million miles) distant  that massive solar panels are needed to provide enough power. Each of Lucy's twin circular wings stretches 7 meters (24 feet) across, dwarfing the spacecraft tucked in the middle like the body of a moth.

Lucy intends to pass within 965 kilometers (600 miles) of each targeted asteroid.

"Every one of those flybys needs to be near perfection," Zurbuchen said.

The seven Trojans range in size from a 64-kilometer (40-mile) asteroid and its 1-kilometer (half-mile) moonlet to a hefty specimen exceeding 100 kilometers (62 miles). That's the beauty of studying these rocks named after heroes of Greek mythology's Trojan War and, more recently, modern Olympic athletes. Any differences among them will have occurred during their formation, Levison said, offering clues about their origins.

Unlike so many NASA missions, including the upcoming Dart, short for Double Asteroid Redirection Test, Lucy is not an acronym. The spacecraft is named after the fossilized remains of an early human ancestor discovered in Ethiopia in 1974; the 3.2-million-year-old female got her name from the 1967 Beatles song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.

"The Lucy fossil really transformed our understanding of human evolution, and that's what we want to do is transform our understanding of solar system evolution by looking at all these different objects," said Southwest Research Institute's Cathy Olkin, the deputy principal scientist who proposed the spacecraft's name.

One of its science instruments actually has a disc of lab-grown diamond totaling 6.7 carats.

And there's another connection to the Fab Four. A plaque attached to the spacecraft includes lines from songs they wrote, along with quotes from other luminaries. From a John Lennon single: "We all shine on ... like the moon and the stars and the sun."


The World Health Organization's endorsement of the worlds first malaria vaccine marks a major advance against the mosquito-borne illness, which kills some 265,000 children in Africa annually.

Bitrus Yusuf pours syrup into a measuring cup to give to his three-year-old daughter and grandson who are sick with malaria.

He said the mosquito-borne parasite that causes the illness is all too common at this Abuja camp for internally displaced people where they live.

"We went to bed, all was well, everybody was well," Yusuf said. "But toward midnight I heard him shivering. As I touched his body (it was) very hot, so I woke him up."

The World Health Organization said some 94% of malaria cases and deaths worldwide occur in Africa, and that Nigeria accounts for a quarter of the fatalities. The U.N. agency said children under the age of five and pregnant women are the most affected.

Last week, the global health body announced its approval for the rollout of the world's first malaria vaccine, Mosquirix. The vaccine, made by the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline, has been in development for more than three decades.

The WHO said Mosquirix could potentially change the course of public health history.

Walter Kazadi Mulombo is the WHO representative in Nigeria.

You know before the vaccine could be introduced in the country, it has to be cleared by NAFDAC for the case of Nigeria and there are steps to be taken for the country to approve the vaccine so that introduction can start, Mulombo said.

NAFDAC refers to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control in Nigeria.

During a large-scale pilot program that began in 2019, some 2.3 million doses of the vaccine were administered to children in Malawi, Kenya and Ghana.

The WHO said when rolled out, the vaccine could help prevent up to four in 10 cases of malaria.

But Mulombo warns there could be supply problems at first.

"There may be some supply issues so it may not be in the quantity we require to reach all those that we need to reach," Mulombo said. "But we understand that GSK, the manufacturer, is working already with some African countries to decentralize production.

Abuja Primary Health Board official, Ndaeyo Iwot, said the new vaccine does not eliminate the need for taking other malaria preventive measures.

"If you don't combine it with sleeping under insecticide treated nets and also taking care of your environment, where the vectors can breed, then you're more likely to continue to have the scourge of malaria in this country, Iwot said.

GlaxoSmithKline said it will manufacture about 15 million doses of the vaccine yearly, but experts say at least 50 to 100 million doses are needed every year in areas with moderate to high transmission.

In the meantime, Nigerian parents like Yusuf said they are hoping to get their children vaccinated as soon as possible.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Thursday suspended flights to Afghanistans capital, Kabul, over what the state-run carrier alleged was heavy-handed interference by the neighboring countrys ruling Taliban.

The suspension came on the same day a Taliban Transport Ministry statement warned it will stop PIA flight operations between Islamabad and the Afghan capital unless the airline reduces ticket prices to the levels that existed before mid-August, when the Islamist group took control of the country.

The statement also ordered Afghan airlines Kam Air to reduce fares on the Kabul-Islamabad route to previous levels or face a halt to their flight operations.

We have suspended our flights (between Islamabad and Kabul) indefinitely, PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan told VOA on Thursday.

The decision has been taken due to an inappropriate behavior by the local (Taliban) administration and inadequate conditions for flight operations, Khan said.

He explained that PIA was flying charter flights out of Kabul on purely humanitarian grounds, and it was the only international airline linking the Afghan capital through Pakistan to the rest of the world.

Information has been conveyed to PIA and Kam Air private company to reduce the fare on the Kabul-Islamabad route to the level prior to the victory of the Islamic Emirate. If the airlines do not agree to this proposal, their operations on the route will be stopped, the Taliban said in the statement.

Both PIA and Kam Air operate chartered flights with high fares, citing high insurance costs as the reason for not resuming commercial operations.

PIA had been flying regular commercial flights between Islamabad and Kabul until the Taliban takeover of the country in August, and passengers were being charged up to $200 for a return ticket.

With most international airlines no longer flying to Afghanistan, PIA-chartered flights out of Kabul are charging $1,500 for a one-way ticket to Islamabad.

PIA officials have complained that their staff in Kabul have faced last-minute changes in regulations and flight permissions and "highly intimidating behavior" from Taliban commanders. They alleged the airlines country representative had been held at gunpoint for hours at one point and was freed only after the Pakistan Embassy intervened.

Taliban officials have not yet commented on the allegations leveled by PIA officials.

The United Nations, while responding to the suspension of PIA flights, stressed the need for the Kabul airport to function smoothly.

"Look, it's critical that Kabul airport and other airports in Afghanistan be running up to international standards, that international airlines feel comfortable to operate there," U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York.

Pakistans ambassador to Kabul, Mansoor Ahmed Khan, said his government has approached the Taliban to urge them to take cognizance of the ground realities for operation of airlines in the current challenging situation & the rationale for prevailing fares due to insurance costs.

He underlined the importance of flight operations for facilitating movement of people between the two countries, hoping the Afghan side will address the matter soon.

VOAs United Nations correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this report.


France has threatened to retaliate against Britain in yet another post-Brexit dispute, this time over fishing rights in what the British call the English Channel and the French refer to as La Manche, the narrow arm of the Atlantic Ocean separating England's southern coast from the northern shores of France.

French government spokesman Gabriel Attal said Wednesday retaliation could begin by the end of next week.

France is fuming at the British government's refusal to allow more French boats to fish in its territorial waters near Britain's Channel Isles. Britain has issued 325 fishing licenses but declined 125 applications from French fishermen who say they also have been trawling those waters in recent years. Under the terms of the trade deal struck last year by Britain with the European Union as it exited the bloc, they should be granted access too, the fishermen say.

An exasperated French government has threatened a dramatic escalation in the dispute and warned it is considering cutting or reducing electricity supplies to the Channel Islands and the British mainland, which gets 7% of its power from France.

The dispute over French trawlers accessing waters off Britain's Channel Islands prompted British Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier this year to dispatch Royal Navy vessels to patrol the area with France responding by sending patrol ships to protect French trawlers.

On Tuesday French Prime Minister Jean Castex said his government was ready to review all bilateral cooperation with Britain, and French President Emmanuel Macron has been pressing the EU to consider wider reprisals.

Speaking in France's National Assembly Castex called on the EU to get tougher with Britain and said Brussels should "do more." He added, "We will refer the matter to the arbitration panel of the agreement to lead the British to respect their word [and] we will question all the conditions for the more global implementation of the agreements concluded under the aegis of the European Union, but also, if necessary, the bilateral cooperation that we have with the United Kingdom," he said.

But Brussels appears reluctant to get deeply involved in the fishing dispute, although officially it is backing Paris and has berated the British.

Dueling

France's Europe Minister Clement Beaune has outlined some possible reprisals, including slapping tariffs on British fish exports. "Britons need us to sell their products, including from fishing, they need us for their energy, for their financial services and for their research centres," Beaune said last week. "All of this gives us pressure points. We have the means to modulate the degree of our cooperation, to reduce it, if Britain does not implement the agreement," he added.

In the grander scheme of things, a dispute over 125 fishing licenses would seem a minor matter that should not derail relations between European neighbors, but the two governments have been dueling angrily for months and the clash over post-Brexit fishing is adding venom to an already poisonous relationship.

Diplomats on both sides describe Anglo-French relations as "dreadful" and acknowledge they have never been as bad in their professional lifetimes. They say for a comparison you would have to go back to the 1960s. That was when French President Gen. Charles de Gaulle kept slamming the door on British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan's efforts to get France's backing for Britain to join the then-European Community. Macmillan was reduced to tears of frustration after one meeting with De Gaulle.

But at least the two statesmen met face-to-face. The British say they have been trying to arrange sit-down talks for months between Johnson and Macron. Their French counterparts say they doubt a sit-down between the two leaders would accomplish anything.

Other historians cite as a comparison the 1890s when Britain and France were locked in rivalry in a scramble for African colonies. That competition eventually ended when the two signed in 1904 the Entente Cordiale, a set of agreements that marked a significant improvement in Anglo-French relations.

But there are few prospects of a new Entente Cordiale. Some former British diplomats agree there is little point in a Johnson-Macron face-to-face. "The bilateral rows are more numerous and more public than at any time since the major rift over Iraq in 2003. Some level of trust has to be rebuilt before a summit would be worthwhile," tweeted Peter Rickets, a retired senior diplomat and former chairman of Britain's Joint Intelligence Committee under Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Post-Brexit friction

Since formally departing the EU more than year ago  and in the years of ill-tempered negotiations between Brussels and London leading up to Brexit  hardly a week has gone by without the British and French sniping at each other, a squabbling that has been amplified by Britain's notoriously Francophobe tabloid press and France's equally patriotic media.

In his New Year address in January, Macron assured Britain that France would remain a "friend and ally" despite Brexit, but he slammed the British decision to leave the bloc as one born from "lies and false promises."

This year alone the two countries have clashed cross-Channel migration with London accusing French authorities of not doing enough to stop migrants and asylum-seekers  more than 10,000 this year so far  crossing La Manche in dinghies and small boats. The French have accused Britain of not having paid money it promised to help French authorities police their coastline to prevent migrants from trying to cross the Channel.

The countries have clashed also over supplies of the COVID vaccine made by AstraZeneca, a British-Swedish company, with the French left fuming at the Johnson government's frequent readiness to compare the speed of the vaccine rollout earlier in the year in Britain with the much slower inoculation programs in France and the rest of Europe.

British ministers this week accused France of having stolen  earlier this year - five million coronavirus vaccine doses manufactured in Holland but destined for Britain. They say Macron worked with EU chiefs to divert the large batch of Oxford/AstraZeneca jabs to France. British government officials told Britain's The Sun newspaper that the diversion was "outrageous" and could have cost lives, if Britain had not managed to secure Pfizer vaccines.

And the two governments have bickered over Australia's decision last month to abandon a $66 billion deal to buy 12 French diesel-electric submarines and to purchase instead at least eight much more sophisticated nuclear-powered attack boats from Britain and America.

France's defense minister cancelled scheduled talks with her British counterpart as the submarine row reverberated and amid accusations from Paris that Britain had been "opportunistic" and underhanded. Johnson responded blithely by saying in Franglais, "I just think it's time for some of our dearest friends around the world to prenez un grip [get a grip] about all this and donnez-moi un break [give me a break]."

With next year's French presidential election looming and the British prime minister under mounting economic pressure, both Macron and Johnson have domestic political reasons to prolong the duel, fear some political commentators. "French President Emmanuel Macron faces a tough and unpredictable election in six months' time, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is looking for distractions and scapegoats as reality starts to contradict his cheerful bluster about a plucky, triumphant, stand-alone Brexit Britain," John Lichfield, a former foreign editor of Britain's Independent newspaper, noted in a commentary for the Politico.eu news site.

"Both countries are obsessed with each other, for different reasons, and often with silly outcomes," tweeted Jonathan Eyal, an associate director of the Royal United Services Institute, a London defense think tank.

Ten EU member states including Germany, Italy, Spain and Belgium have joined the French in signing a joint statement that calls on Britain to abide by the terms of the Brexit trade agreement and to ensure "continuity" for French fishing fleets. But the joint statement also called for a negotiated solution and avoided any mention of retaliation.

Privately, EU officials say they are determined to ensure the Anglo-French fishing dispute does not escalate and are playing down the prospect of the bloc as a whole agreeing to retaliatory action. Their priority is on resolving a bigger dispute between the EU and Britain over Northern Ireland.
Victoria state has Thursday reported 2,297 new local COVID-19 cases -- the highest number of daily infections recorded by any Australian state or territory since the pandemic began. But as infections surge, authorities hope to lift a lockdown in Melbourne within days when vaccination rates reach 70%.

A 107-day lockdown in Sydney, the New South Wales state capital, was lifted on Monday.

Neighboring Victoria state has record COVID-19 case numbers, however, but epidemiologist Catherine Bennett said she believes vaccinations will soon bring the outbreak under control.

While we might see cases go up as we have those freedoms start to come into effect this week in New South Wales, Victoria, probably, in a week or two, we are now seeing that we can do that safely, she said. Thats everything.

Health authorities in Victoria do not think case numbers have peaked, but they say vaccination rates are rapidly increasing. They say they are on track to soon cancel stay-at-home orders in the state capital, Melbourne.

A lockdown in the national capital, Canberra, will end later on Thursday.

Lockdowns in Australia are being lifted as inoculation rates hit 70%, and further restrictions on domestic and international travel and the size of gatherings will end when they reach 80%. For now, though, the freedoms apply only to the fully vaccinated.

Nationally, about 69% of Australians have received two vaccine doses.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said the Pfizer drug could soon be approved for Australian children ages 5-11.

It offers additional support and protection for parents and families, he said. It is coming at an earlier time than we had previously expected, so I am very, very pleased about that.

Australias Northern Territory has announced some of the worlds toughest vaccine mandates. Shop workers, hairdressers and other workers must be inoculated by Christmas Eve or face dismissal.

The Northern Territory has a population of about 250,000 people. It has recorded about 200 coronavirus cases and zero deaths since the pandemic began but authorities believe it is only a matter of time before more infections are detected as Australia gradually reopens.

The territorys chief minister, Michael Gunner, said the tough vaccine measures are needed.

If you work in retail or in a supermarket, you need to get the jab, he said. If you are behind the counter at the bank, if you are a receptionist or positions like that, you need to get the jab. If you are a barber, a hairdresser, a beauty therapist, you need to get the jab. All these workers and many, many more directly interact with members of the public. That means you are frontline workers in our economy. That means you must be vaccinated.

Australia has recorded 131,380 COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began; 1,461 people have died.
Russian health officials Thursday reported a record number of COVID-19 deaths - 986  for the third consecutive day, while also reporting a record 31,299 new confirmed infections.

The number of new cases breaks a record set last December, and marks the first time Russia has officially reported more than 30,000 cases in a single day. The nation has repeatedly set records for deaths while new infections have surged for much of the past month.

Russian officials have blamed the rise in infections on the nation's sluggish vaccination program.

The Health Ministry reports this week that barely one-third of Russias population of 146 million has been fully inoculated, despite the fact the nation was quick to roll out its Sputnik vaccine early this year.

According to the Reuters news agency, President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday urged newly elected lawmakers to actively support efforts to vaccinate more of the population. The government, however, has been reluctant to impose vaccine mandates.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Monday it was up to regional authorities to establish such rules.

Some information for this report came from the Associated Press and Reuters.
On October 14, 2017, a truck bomb exploded at a busy intersection in Mogadishu, killing 587 people and almost 1,000 more. Four years later, the scars of the attack are still seen and felt in the Somali capital.

Today the intersection is known as the October 14 junction, and a monument marks the spot where the bomb blew apart buildings and ended so many lives.

Most of the buildings at the former Soobe Junction have been rebuilt, but four years later some lots are still covered in rubble, a reminder of the destruction the blast caused.

The blast also ripped apart hundreds of families who lost relatives and friends. Fahma Hassan Yusuf says she lost her close friend Ayan Mohamed, who was an important pillar in her family, adding that Mohameds body, together with another friend, was discovered later. She says Ayan informed her about imminent security threat in the city one week before the attack in order to stay indoors but unfortunately lost her own life.

Stationery shop owner Hassan Abdullahi is a resilient man who was wounded in the blast. Despite the horror he experienced, he is now back at his renovated shop.

He recalls that it was an unexpected painful day when he was admitted to the hospital for three weeks after sustaining a neck injury. He said he now is happy to be back conducting his business at the same location where hundreds died four years ago.

No one claimed responsibility for the horrific attack, but the government blamed it on the militant group al-Shabab.

In February 2018, a Somali military court convicted 23-year-old Hassan Adan Isak for leading the al-Shabab unit said to have carried out the attack. He was executed that October. Another man was sentenced to death in absentia.

A statement Thursday from the presidents office appealed to citizens to support efforts by security agencies to help eradicate terrorist activities.
Even by the standards of South Koreas often ruthless politics, the countrys presidential election, which is nearing the end of its primary phase, has caused many political pundits in Seoul to cringe.

The campaign, which will culminate in a final March vote, has been marked by high-profile corruption allegations, embarrassing gaffes, and salacious personal attacks, some involving the sex lives and religious practices of leading candidates.

South Korea, which emerged from a military dictatorship in the 1980s, is no stranger to cutthroat politics. It can often feel like a zero-sum game; all four of South Koreas living former presidents have been convicted of crimes, many after their political rivals took power.

However, its been a while since an election cycle felt so petty, lamented Kim Su-min, a veteran South Korean political observer.

At least the candidates used to keep their dignity, he told VOA. Now it's just a huge mess.

A sample of the drama:

Conservative candidate Yoon Seok-youl, a former chief prosecutor, has been dogged by accusations he relies on shamanism and superstition. During a recent television debate, he was forced to deny meeting with an unlicensed religious medical practitioner who specializes in anal acupuncture. But while doing so, he wound up defending the teachings of a long-bearded mystic who claims he can travel between dimensions.

At another debate earlier this year, outspoken provincial governor Lee Jae-myung, who has claimed the nomination of the liberal Democratic Party, offered to pull down his pants after a rival brought up old allegations of an extramarital affair with a well-known actress who had described what she said was a distinctive mole on the candidate's genitals.

Both candidates have also been accused by their political rivals of involvement in a pair of wider corruption scandals. Yoon, the former chief prosecutor, faces suspicions he ordered a subordinate to prepare criminal complaints against pro-government figures on behalf of the opposition party ahead of a crucial election last year. Lee faces questions of whether he knew or was involved in a snowballing real estate corruption scandal that took place during his time as mayor of a town on the outskirts of Seoul.

Both men deny the allegations, and neither has been formally charged with wrongdoing. But the stories have dominated domestic news coverage, drowning out issues such as skyrocketing housing prices, high youth unemployment, and a pandemic-induced economic slowdown. Meanwhile, some of the quieter, experienced candidates who appeal to centrists have fallen out of the race.

The campaign feels so bleak that one editorial writer for the prominent, left-leaning Hankyoreh newspaper declared this the golden era of bad guys running for president.

Not new

As chaotic as the presidential race may sound, its arguably no fiercer than in the past.

Former President Park Geun-hye, the daughter of South Koreas military dictator Park Chung-hee, remains jailed following her 2017 impeachment and subsequent conviction involving a massive influence-peddling operation.

Ex-president Roh Moo-hyun was also the focus of a corruption investigation that ended prematurely after he jumped off a cliff to his death in 2009.

Kim Dae-jung, another former president, was globally revered for his lifelong democracy activism but was frequently accused at home of being a communist.

So how did it get this way? Experts cite a combination of factors, some which plague democracies worldwide and others that are unique to South Korea.

Complicated media history

A major reason for South Koreas political turbulence is the ease with which unsubstantiated rumors are allowed to spread in domestic media. Understanding that dynamic requires looking at South Korea's complicated history.

Most of South Koreas biggest newspapers have links to chaebols  powerful, family-run conglomerates that were the driving force behind rapid economic growth under the postwar U.S.-backed military dictatorship.

During the military rule, South Korean newspapers frequently accused public figures of being communists without evidence, said Erik Mobrand, Korea policy chair and senior political scientist at the Rand Corp., a California-based research organization.

It was kind of McCarthyism all the time, Mobrand told VOA.

As South Korea embraced democracy, many of its institutions underwent significant reforms. But the countrys major media outlets were an exception in many ways, said Mobrand.

The major news agencies are now able to publish stories with accusations that dont have terribly good grounding, he said.

With such lax editorial standards, it is often hard to distinguish between what is genuine wrongdoing and what is a media-driven political attack. That helps explain why South Koreans consistently report among the lowest levels of trust in domestic media anywhere in the world.

There are some real scandals, but there are also things where there is very little underneath it, but where the media has helped to turn an accusation into a scandal," Mobrand said.

The press is very noisy for better and for worse in Seoul, and trying to read through it is really tricky business, he added.

Information explosion

The situation has been further complicated by social media, which has fractured the media landscape and sharpened political divides.

As in many democracies, the information explosion has often allowed the loudest and most divisive voices to emerge at the top, pointed out Seong Han-yong, the Hankyoreh writer.

As an example of this phenomenon, Seong cited former Republican U.S. President Donald Trumps victory over his Democratic challenger, Hillary Clinton, in the 2016 U.S. election campaign.

Since the information revolution of the 21st century, voters have come to prioritize feelings over facts, and political spin doctors can operationalize outrage to galvanize the vote, Seong said.

The old boys' club

There is also a generational factor at play in South Korea, which ranks low in international comparisons of gender equality.

Of the 22 candidates who ran in the primary election as members of South Koreas two largest political parties, only one was female. Of the men, their average age was 63.

That may help explain some of the candidates comments that appear out of touch, said Ramon Pacheco-Pardo, a Korea specialist at King's College London.

The older generation is very male-dominated, and frankly some of them haven't moved with the times, he said.

Lesser of two evils?

It may also help explain why every leading candidate in South Koreas election is very unpopular, according to approval ratings compiled by Gallup Korea.

Lee, the main liberal party nominee, has an approval rating of 34%.

On the conservative side, Yoon, the former chief prosecutor, comes in at just 30%. His main rival, politician Hong Joon-pyo, fares worse, at 28%.

When these candidates face off against each other, people will be forced to choose between who they dislike the least, said Kim Su-min, the political pundit. It will be a very dark moment.
A South Sudan women's rights activist has been named one of three winners of an award given by Amnesty International USA recognizing women who the group says "protect the dignity, liberties and lives of women and children in crisis regions."

Riya William Yuyada, executive director of Crown the Women-South Sudan, was honored for her commitment to womens safety, equality and empowerment in South Sudan.

Named for an Italian-born American human rights activist who spent years defending women unfairly persecuted by oppressive governments, the annual Ginetta Sagan Award comes with a grant of $20,000.

Norma Andrade, a human rights defender in Mexico who works with mothers of slain daughters, and Naw Knyaw Paw, who helps displaced women and girls in Thai refugee camps, were co-winners, Amnesty told VOA.

Yuyada told South Sudan in Focus that she accepted the award on behalf of women and girl activists in South Sudan.

I feel excited, and I must say it is not just an award recognizing Riya for her outstanding work toward the fight for womens rights, but also an award for all the South Sudan women who are working hard for better [conditions] and all the girls and women that I work with, Yuyada told VOA.

Crown the Women-South Sudan has carried out mentorships in 10 schools in Juba to inspire girls to stay focused in school and to promote girls' education.

The largest group of out-of-school children in South Sudan are girls, according to the UNICEF. Poverty, child marriage, and cultural and religious beliefs hinder girls' education.

Yuyadas group also links older South Sudanese women as mentors with younger women struggling to overcome challenges.

Yuyada plans to use some of the $20,000 award money to build a healing center for survivors of rape and other gender-based violence in South Sudan.

My dream has always been to have a healing studio or healing center for survivors of sexual violence, especially survivors of rape," she said. "So, I will acquire a piece of land with it and then see what follows next."

Yuyada said the recognition from the award will pave the way for her to connect with the two other women who have won the Sagan award.

We are three this year uniquely, so I believe this award is going to help me tap into the network of Sagans family ... to amplify further issues on women and girls human rights here in South Sudan and [across] the continent, Yuyada said.
Preliminary results of a clinical study suggest that people who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine may get better protection from a booster shot from either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

A study conducted by the U.S. National Institutes of Health found that those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine had a more than 76-fold rise in their antibody levels after receiving a Moderna booster, compared with a 35-fold rise in their antibody levels after receiving a Pfizer booster shot.

Researchers say those who received a second Johnson & Johnson shot saw only a fourfold rise in their antibody levels.

The revelations come as an advisory panel of the Food and Drug Administration begins two days of meetings Thursday on whether to recommend booster shots of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and the two-dose Moderna vaccine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has already cleared booster doses of the two-dose Pfizer vaccine for certain people starting at six months after their last shot.

A related study conducted by researchers at Imperial College London found evidence of so-called breakthrough infections more than three months after full vaccination.

The scientists found that COVID-19 infections were three to four times higher among unvaccinated people than those who had received two shots, based on random samples of more than 100,000 swabs. The study revealed that infection rates dropped from 1.76 percent in the vaccinated to just 0.35 percent three months after the second dose, but rose again over one-half of one percent between three and six months after the second shot.

The International Federation of Red Cross is praising the tiny Pacific nation of Palau with the worlds highest percentage of people fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. The IFRC cited government figures showing 99% of the archipelagos population over 12 years of age has had two shots of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

Another Pacific island nation with nearly all of its population fully inoculated includes the Cook Islands with 96%, while Fiji has 96% of its eligible population having received one dose.

By comparison, less than 10% of the Solomon Islands 650,000 citizens and Kiribatis 100,000 residents are vaccinated, while less than 1% of the population of Papua New Guinea is fully vaccinated, according to figures released on the website Our World in Data figures.
One Syrian soldier was killed and three others were wounded in an Israeli air attack on Syria's Palmyra area in the province of Homs on Wednesday evening, the Syrian Defense Ministry said.

The attack took place at 23:34 local time (2034 GMT) and targeted a communications tower and caused some material losses, the Defense Ministry added in a short statement on its Facebook page.

The incident came days after Syrian state media reported that Syrian air defenses intercepted an Israeli missile attack above the Homs countryside, wounding six Syrian soldiers and causing some material damage.

Israel has for several years been mounting attacks on what it has described as Iranian-linked targets in Syria, where Tehran-backed forces, including Lebanon's Hezbollah, have put down a presence since deploying to help President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian conflict that erupted in 2011.
China wants to invest billions of dollars in Afghanistan if the Taliban guarantee security for their workers and their assets. This, according to the Talibans acting Deputy Minister of Information and Culture Zabihullah Mujahid, who also said his government is ready to deliver.

In a television interview with VOAs Ayesha Tanzeem in Kabul, Mujahid responded to questions about the Talibans negotiations with the United States and others, Afghanistans faltering economy, womens rights, and the threat to Afghanistans security after multiple high-profile attacks by the Islamic State in Afghanistan.

The international community has strongly criticized the Taliban for not fulfilling pledges to respect womens rights and the rights of minorities, and for not including enough members from other ethnic groups in the Cabinet.

The Taliban continues to ban girls in grades 6-11 from attending school, while boys are being allowed to continue their education.

The Taliban Cabinet is all-male and its members are drawn mainly from Afghanistans dominant Pashtun ethnic group.

And while the Taliban have announced amnesty for everyone from the previous government, including those in the security forces or intelligence agencies, a recent Amnesty report says Taliban forces unlawfully killed 13 ethnic Hazaras, including a 17-year-old girl. The report said most of those killed included Afghan security forces who had surrendered to the Taliban.

Below is a transcript of Ayesha Tanzeems interview with Mujahid. It has been edited for accuracy and brevity.

AYESHA TANZEEM: Let me start with security. Daesh (Islamic State) has managed two big attacks in Kabul and numerous small attacks in other provinces. How and why is it managing to do that?

ZABIHULLAH MUJAHID: Daesh is not a major problem for us. It doesnt have a significant presence in Afghanistan and needs to hide itself. Still, it manages to carry out some activities like the explosion in Kunduz. But the Islamic Emirate (Taliban name for its own government) are after them.Our forces are trying to find the groups roots. In the last week and a half, we have arrested several people belonging to IS, and have destroyed several of their safe houses. We have neutralized several of their attacks. The reason why Daesh has gained momentum is that when the Taliban broke open many of the jails during the takeover, the IS facilitators in those jails also escaped. That has helped them, but we have vowed to eliminate their presence from Afghanistan.

AYESHA TANZEEM: The suicide attacker in Kunduz was Uyghur. Has China expressed concern to you about that? What has China said to you since the attack?

ZABIHULLAH MUJAHID: We have not talked to any country about this issue. All Daesh operatives are Afghans. There is no foreigner among them."

AYESHA TANZEEM: Let me now turn to economy. Afghanistans economy is not doing well. What is your plan to save the economy?

ZABIHULLAH MUJAHID: The economic situation is returning to normalcy. We have collected and are still collecting national resources. Our traders are ready for investment. Work on major projects, including road construction, is going on. We are close to signing agreements of exploration (of minerals) with some countries.

AYESHA TANZEEM: In your negotiations with the U.S., what are you hoping for? How soon do you hope the U.S. can unfreeze your money, and what are you willing to offer them in return?

ZABIHULLAH MUJAHID: Freezing Afghanistans assets is an injustice toward the people of Afghanistan. We are negotiating with the Americans. We are also negotiating with other countries and the international banks to release this money because it belongs to the Afghan people. This is the Afghan peoples bread and butter and releasing this money is crucial to solving the economic problems of the Afghan population.

AYESHA TANZEEM: One of the things the U.S. has asked for publicly is for you to open secondary schools for girls, and the Taliban also promised education for women. These schools are already segregated. What are you waiting for? Why are you not opening these schools?

ZABIHULLAH MUJAHID: So far, America has not put any demands clearly on the table. They only express concern about womens rights and human rights. And we assure them that we will respect these rights but as per Islamic rules and law. So far, we are formulating that policy. We dont say girls should not go to school. We are consulting to formulate a plan and hope to resolve this issue shortly.

AYESHA TANZEEM: So can you explain this plan to me? The plan for girls education? How will it be different from whats happening now?

ZABIHULLAH MUJAHID: "There will only be a procedural change. A plan is being worked out on how to keep women safe, including during travel to schools and work, and providing them a responsible environment in the schools so that they are physically safe and mentally satisfied.

AYESHA TANZEEM: The Taliban have said they will allow women to work in Afghanistan but under Islamic law. But theres a lot of confusion among Afghan women on what is Islamic in your definition. So, for example, me sitting here interviewing you, do you think its Islamic?

ZABIHULLAH MUJAHID: It is for the Islamic scholars to decide the rules for women and teach them how to work or continue their education. We are waiting for the scholars to gather and consult on this issue and then inform the government of their decision.

AYESHA TANZEEM: A lot of educated Afghans have left the country. Some people say that Afghanistan does not have enough skilled people left behind to run a country. How will you manage?

ZABIHULLAH MUJAHID: We are trying to place skilled personnel in departments that need specialized expertise. For example, in health, we would like a minister who is also a doctor. In trade, we would want a minister who is a trader. In banking we want a minister who has a doctorate in banking. We are paying similar attention to other departments. And most of the people working in these departments are the same who were working there previously.

AYESHA TANZEEM: You have expressed interest in China coming to Afghanistan and investing money. What is it that the Taliban want China to do?

ZABIHULLAH MUJAHID: China is a neighbor and has a strong economy. We are trying to develop trade and economic relations with them. However, although we want China to have trade and investment with us, we will not tolerate any interference in our internal affairs.

AYESHA TANZEEM: "When you talk to Chinese diplomats, what is it that they want in Afghanistan? What is it that they want from you? And what is it that they want to do in Afghanistan?

ZABIHULLAH MUJAHID: They want security for their workers and those who invest here (Afghanistan). They are interested in investment in some sectors in Afghanistan and want to negotiate the details. One of the projects is Mes Aynak (the site of one of Afghanistans largest copper mines which also holds ancient Buddhist ruins), which is one of the important areas where they want to invest billions of dollars and Afghanistan also needs this. We have promised them security for their investment and assets.

AYESHA TANZEEM: Why has Sheikh Hibatullah (Taliban chief Hibatullah Akhundzada) not appeared in public? Especially since given the Talibans history of hiding its founder Mullah Omars death for 2-3 years, Hibatullahs absence is giving rise to rumors he may not be alive.

ZABIHULLAH MUJAHID: He will appear. So far, our government is in its infancy. From a security point of view as well, his guards do not allow him to be too public. He is alive, active, and giving orders to his followers and in the coming days he will appear in public.

AYESHA TANZEEM: The Taliban promised an inclusive government. The world is saying your Cabinet is not inclusive. So, what is your definition of inclusivity and when will the Taliban Cabinet be inclusive?

ZABIHULLAH MUJAHID: All Afghans from any ethnicity should participate in the government. For this, we have a proposal. We have people of various ethnicities in our Cabinet. They are participating in the governance of the country. The government is still in the process of formation. All these issues will be resolved.
Turkey hosted leaders of Afghanistan's Taliban government for the first time Thursday, repeating its advice to the Islamist group on the need to form an inclusive government in the war-torn South Asian nation and to ensure Afghan female participation in education as well as public life.



After Thursday's meeting with the visitors, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told a televised news conference in Ankara that the Taliban asked for humanitarian aid and the continuation of Turkish investment in Afghanistan.



Taliban acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and his delegation arrived in Turkey for the talks following meetings in Qatar this week with envoys from the United States and European diplomats. In those discussions, Muttaqi warned that attempts to pressure his government through sanctions would undermine the security of not only Afghanistan but the world in general and spark an exodus of Afghan economic migrants.



"We have told the international community about the importance of engagement with the Taliban administration. In fact, recognition and engagement are two different things," Cavusoglu said.



The Taliban have been seeking international legitimacy for their male-only Cabinet in Kabul since returning to power two months ago after waging an insurgency against the Western-backed Afghan government for 20 years. Several members of the Taliban Cabinet have been blacklisted by the United Nations.

Cavusoglu said that in talks with the Taliban delegates, the Turkish side underscored the importance of Afghan girls' education and women's employment in business life.



While boys were allowed last month to return to secondary school, the hardline movement has not permitted girls at the same level to resume their education, insisting that it must put in place a "safe learning environment" before female students could return.



Taliban acting Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi wrote on his Twitter feed that the wide-ranging discussions with officials in Ankara covered bilateral diplomatic ties, humanitarian aid, Afghan refugees and resumption of Turkish commercial flights to Afghanistan.



Washington has frozen nearly $10 billion in Afghan assets  parked mainly in the U.S. Federal Reserve  since the Taliban took over the country. The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have also halted financial assistance and lending programs for Kabul, citing human rights concerns under the Taliban rule.



The U.S. and other Western countries have been pressing the Taliban to keep their promises to form an inclusive Afghan government, protect human rights (especially those of women), fight terrorism and not restrict freedom of expression.



However, critics say freezing Afghan assets could trigger an economic meltdown that could worsen the growing humanitarian crisis facing the country.

The United Nations has warned that about 1 million Afghan children are at risk of starvation and more than 18 million people need urgent humanitarian assistance. A deepening drought and the approaching harsh winter are only going to make matters worse, the U.N. says.



U.N. officials told reporters in New York on Thursday that they are working to scale up assistance to reach Afghans in need.



The World Food Program last month reached 4 million people with food and nutrition assistance across all 34 Afghan provinces, three times the number it reached in August, said U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric



The head of WFP, David Beasley, stressed that if international aid did not flow as soon as possible, it would be catastrophic, and that this was a war on hunger.

Margaret Besheer contributed to this report.


The United States is donating 17 million doses of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine to the African Union, bringing the total American donation to the continent to 67 million doses.

The U.S. previously donated 50 million doses to the AU, which has 55 member states, including some of the worlds poorest nations. The new tranche of 17 million will be delivered to the African Union in the coming weeks, the White House said in a statement Thursday.

We're continuing our shared fight against COVID, Biden said Thursday, during a meeting with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta. The United States, we've donated 2.8 million doses of vaccine to Kenya as part of 50 million doses we've donated to the African Union. And I'm proud to announce that today, that we're making additional, historic, one-time donation and 17 more million doses of the J&J vaccine to the AU.

Kenyatta said the United States has done its best to step up, in terms of not only helping Kenya, but with the African continent, in general, with regard to access to vaccines.

The White House said it chose the one-dose vaccine for its unique advantages.

(The) J&J vaccine is in high demand and short supply in Africa and elsewhere around the world, the White House said. Single-dose administration, long shelf life and easy cold chain make this vaccine an asset to global vaccine programs.

That vaccine has not been as popular in the U.S. as its two-dose counterparts.

Any new vaccines are likely to be welcomed, after the World Health Organization said Thursday that its assessment found that six out of seven COVID-19 infections are not being detected on the African continent. WHO estimates there are 59 million cases in Africa  far more than the reported number of cases, which stands at 8 million.

But health advocates say more needs to be done.

Speed matters as we fight this pandemic, and Africa urgently needs more doses to stem the overwhelming impacts of COVID-19. This donation is another example of U.S. leadership on the global response and is a step in the right direction in closing the vaccine access gap, said Sarah Swinehart, senior communications director for North America at the ONE Campaign, a group that advocates to address extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa.

As we continue to work towards the goal of getting 70% of the world vaccinated, all wealthy countries must be bolder and more ambitious. This will require more doses and more money to get those doses into arms.

The White House has countered criticism over its push for already vaccinated Americans to receive boosters when many people across the planet have yet to receive a single dose.

With this donation, the U.S. will be giving away over half of the J&J vaccines purchased by the U.S. for its domestic program, it said in Thursdays statement.

The announcement coincided with Bidens first face-to-face meeting with an African leader. Kenyatta met with Biden in the Oval Office to discuss a range of topics, including democracy and human rights issues, as well security, accelerating economic growth and addressing climate change.
The United States is poised to return to a seat on the U.N. Human Rights Council, after the former Trump administration withdrew from the controversial body in 2018.

On Thursday, the U.N. General Assembly will vote for 18 new members to join the 47-member council. The United States is among the candidates that need a simple majority of votes to secure a seat. However, none of the states faces any competition within its regional group, leaving the results mostly a foregone conclusion.

There are a mix of countries seeking seats, including Argentina, India, Lithuania, Qatar and Somalia. Some candidates are more controversial than others because of their own human rights track records.

"The absence of competition in this year's Human Rights Council vote makes a mockery of the word 'election,'" said Louis Charbonneau, U.N. director at Human Rights Watch. "Electing serious rights abusers like Cameroon, Eritrea and the United Arab Emirates sends a terrible signal that U.N. member states aren't serious about the council's fundamental mission to protect human rights."

Charbonneau urged states not to vote for unqualified candidates.

Countries that join the council are expected to "uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights" both at home and abroad.

Imperfect body

The council has a mixed reputation. Diplomats say it has produced some important and strong reports on war crimes in places like Syria, and spotlights domestic abuses in North Korea, Iran and Myanmar, among others. But it is also frequently criticized for its focus on Israel and the inclusion among its members of several countries with poor rights records of their own, like China, Russia and Pakistan.

The Human Rights Council was created in 2006 to replace the dysfunctional U.N. Human Rights Commission, which was disbanded. The administration of former U.S. President George W. Bush opted against seeking membership, and the United States did not join until 2009 when the administration of then-President Barack Obama said it sought to improve the council by working from within it. Washington withdrew in 2018 under the Trump administration.


The United States is set to return to the United Nations Human Rights Council in January, reversing the former Trump administration's withdrawal from the controversial body in 2018.

"The United States stands ready to work with partners and allies to help lead the world toward a more peaceful, prosperous future, grounded in respect for human dignity," U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement after the vote. "Together, we will stand up for the rights of all, including women and girls, members of LGBTQI+ communities, members of ethnic and religious minorities, those living with disabilities, and members of other marginalized groups."

Washington secured 168 votes, far more than the simple majority of 97 needed. Even so, only Eritrea, with 144 votes, polled lower among the 18 countries elected to the council.

U.S. envoy Linda Thomas-Greenfield said returning to the council fulfills Biden's campaign pledge to rejoin the body to ensure it lives up to its mandate.

"We will use every tool at our disposal, from introducing resolutions and amendments to wielding our vote when needed," she said in a statement. "Our goals are clear: stand with human rights defenders and speak out against violations and abuses of human rights."

One of the main criticisms of the Human Rights Council is that some of those rights abusers are members of the body, a criticism Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged.

"The council provides a forum where we can have open discussions about ways we and our partners can improve," he said. "At the same time, it also suffers from serious flaws, including disproportionate attention on Israel and the membership of several states with egregious human rights records."

Blinken said states must push back against attempts "to subvert the ideals upon which the Human Rights Council was founded."

Domestically, the administration's decision to rejoin the council drew political pushback.

"The United States should not be lending its legitimacy to a body that includes perpetrators of human rights abuses like China, Venezuela and Cuba," said U.S. Senator Jim Risch, the senior Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. "Additionally, the council continues to disproportionately spend the majority of its time and attention persecuting our ally, Israel."

The council's focus on Israel's treatment of the Palestinians was one of the main reasons the Trump administration withdrew in 2018.

Uncontested vote

Eighteen countries ran for 18 available seats on the 47-member Geneva-based council, making the outcome a foregone conclusion and garnering some criticism.

"Today's Human Rights Council vote, devoid of competition, makes a mockery of the word 'election,'" said Louis Charbonneau, U.N. director at Human Rights Watch. "Allowing serial rights abusers like UAE (United Arab Emirates), Cameroon and Eritrea to waltz onto the council to join other serious abusers like China and Russia sends the wrong signal about the U.N.'s top rights body."

The newly elected members are: Benin, Gambia, Cameroon, Somalia and Eritrea from Africa; India, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates from the Asia-Pacific region; Lithuania and Montenegro from Eastern Europe; Paraguay, Argentina and Honduras from Latin America and the Caribbean; Finland, Luxembourg and the United States from the group known as Western Europe and Others.

They will take up their seats January 1, starting their three-year terms.

Imperfect body

Countries that join the council are expected to uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights both at home and abroad.

Washingtons human rights record also came in for some domestic criticism.

The United States' uncontested election to the Human Rights Council doesn't change the fact that we lag far behind on our international human rights obligations, said Jamil Dakwar, director of the American Civil Liberties Union human rights program. From ending mass incarceration to dismantling systemic racism to protecting immigrants rights, the Biden administration must take bold action to advance human rights and racial justice at home and abroad.

By rejoining the Human Rights Council, the U.S. will have an opportunity to demonstrate just how serious the Biden administration is about making human rights central to its domestic and foreign policies, HRWs Charbonneau said. With a lot of missteps so far, they should use their time on the council to promote human rights among friends and foes alike.

The council has a mixed reputation. Diplomats say it has produced some important and strong reports on war crimes in places like Syria, and spotlights domestic abuses in North Korea, Iran and Myanmar, among others. But it also is frequently criticized for its focus on Israel and the inclusion among its members of several countries with poor rights records of their own, like China, Russia and Pakistan.

The Human Rights Council was created in 2006 to replace the dysfunctional U.N. Human Rights Commission, which was disbanded. The administration of former U.S. President George W. Bush opted against seeking membership, and the United States did not join until 2009 when the administration of then-President Barack Obama said it sought to improve the council by working from within it. Washington withdrew again in 2018 under the Trump administration.
The outcome of Uzbekistans October 24 presidential election is not in doubt, but that doesnt mean no one is paying attention.

U.S. officials will be closely watching for hints to the future of Afghanistans northern neighbor and key energy provider as President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stands for a second  and under the current constitution final  term, according to Carnegie Endowment analyst Paul Stronski.

Little more than token resistance is expected from four rival candidates  the National Revival Democratic Partys Alisher Kadirov, the Peoples Democratic Partys Maqsuda Vorisova, the Justice Social Democratic Partys Bahrom Abduhalimov, and the Ecological Partys Narzullo Oblomurodov.

Mirziyoyev will win, in large part because the opposition isnt able to organize  and there is no credible alternative, Stronski said.

But that has done little to dampen the interest in Washington, which has stepped up its diplomatic engagement with Tashkent, including a high-profile visit this month by Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who focused on Afghanistan while calling for continued reforms, transparency, and accountability.

Just days earlier, Washington was visited by an Uzbek parliamentary delegation led by Senator Sodiq Safoyev, who told U.S policy makers, lawmakers, and experts that the elections will be free and fair.

Safoyev admitted there is no real opposition to Mirziyoyevs re-election but argued the public is more critically minded than in the past and that voters are making their wishes known. Just look at the posts and debates on Uzbek social media, he said.

Dilorom Fayzieva, who chairs the Uzbek legislatures International Affairs Committee, accompanied Safoyev to Washington. In an interview, she told VOA that the developed democracies should not expect faster progress from a former Soviet republic that is now emerging from decades of strict authoritarian rule, including 27 years under the late president, Islam Karimov.

It took America over 200 years; we are at the beginning of a long, challenging road, she said. But we are confident about this path and system, and the people of Uzbekistan dont want to reverse the course.

Some Americans are also giving the cautiously reformist Mirziyoyev the benefit of the doubt, at least for now. Among them is John Herbst, Americas ambassador in Tashkent in the early 2000s and now with the Atlantic Council.

Washington is encouraged by what's happened over the past five years. Thats a sensible way to look at things, he said, adding that the election matters less than what happens next.

Stronski said a telltale indication will be whether Mirziyoyev stands down at the end of his second term, as the constitution requires, or tries to change the governing blueprint so he can seek a third term. My hunch tells me the former is more likely. That will indicate whether his reforms represent authoritarian modernization or real opening, he said.

Nevertheless, he added, allegations of corruption remain troubling: the players have shifted but some of Uzbekistans deep governance problems have not.

Both analysts agree that the recent exchange of visits reflects a growing U.S. interest in Uzbekistan as a potential ally in Central Asia following the withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Washington sees Uzbekistan as a leader to help manage issues in the region, Herbst said.

Rich in natural gas, oil and coal, Uzbekistan is the key energy provider to Afghanistan, which is desperately strapped for cash and facing the prospect of electricity shortages over the coming winter. The main challenge for the West, the analysts say, is to leverage Tashkents influence to push the Taliban to establish an inclusive government and respect human rights.

As for the election itself, Herbst has modest expectations for a slightly freer and fairer contest than in the past. There's a new, more open spirit reflected in this election, he said. But old institutions are used to old ways. So, we can take some satisfaction in greater openness, but this is a long road.

The Organization of Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is sending a full observer mission to monitor voting through its Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. Its initial conclusion is that despite more vibrancy, there is no competition among the candidates.

Herbst said he believes Tashkent will take their presence seriously, but whether the OSCE validates the elections as free and fair is a separate question. Let's keep an open mind even amid doubts.

Herbst used to define Uzbekistan under Karimov as a harsh authoritarian regime, but I would not refer to it that way now. Harsh authoritarian regimes have institutions that don't disappear overnight. They change, but at a pace that leaves some people impatient.

The analyst is open-minded about the Uzbek authorities claim that the main reason two political groups were refused the right to compete in the election was because they had not secured enough signatures from supporters to qualify to become full-fledged parties.

I can understand why people are skeptical given the long authoritarian tradition in the country, Herbst said, but I don't rule out the possibility that they just didn't meet the requirement.

But other observers see this failure as a missed opportunity for meaningful reform. Human Rights Watchs Hugh Williamson urges Washington to set clear expectations for Mirziyoyevs second term.

Despite important reforms, including to human rights, Uzbekistan remains deeply authoritarian, he told VOA. The authorities refusal to allow opposition or independent candidates, along with recent backsliding in media freedom, are indications of this.

Herbst acknowledged that the government might have done more to help the opposition parties get registered. But, he said, then people would say, Well, these guys must be in cahoots with the authorities."

Herbst sees more voices in Uzbekistans public space today and hopes the regime will continue to allow more of them. I'm not saying there's zero repression, but by and large, they're not being repressed and that's a large step forward.

He also urged patience. Anyone who believes Uzbekistan is going to turn into a democracy overnight doesn't understand the country and the way the world works, said Herbst.

But Williamson notes Uzbekistans own ambitious goals, including respect for international human rights norms and lifting living standards.

To achieve these goals, Uzbekistan would need to step away decisively from its authoritarian past," said the rights advocate. "The U.S. should endorse these aims and calibrate its support based on Tashkents readiness to meaningfully improve human rights conditions for people in Uzbekistan.

Will Washington continue supporting Mirziyoyev after his reelection?

To Herbst, that is a question of recognizing that Mirziyoyev has been reelected in a process as good as can be expected at this moment in Uzbekistan's history.

"Since he's not taking the country back to the dark ages, he's someone we should work with, and we have other issues of importance that argue for working with Tashkent," said the ambassador. I just hope the Biden administration understands that even as we get out of Afghanistan, we have an interest in significant engagement with Uzbekistan and other countries of Central Asia.

That is exactly what members of the Congressional Uzbekistan Caucus have pushed for. Recent visits to Tashkent by eight Republicans and Democrats are seen by Uzbekistan as strong indications of American support.
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield returned to public service earlier this year when President Joe Biden nominated her to be the representative of the United States to the United Nations.

The veteran diplomat had a 35-year career with the U.S. foreign service that included major roles in U.S. policy toward sub-Saharan Africa as well as management leadership positions within the State Department. She also served as ambassador to Liberia and had foreign postings in Kenya, Gambia and Nigeria.

Thomas-Greenfield spoke in July at a U.S.-Africa Business Summit panel moderated by Hayde Adams, the host of VOAs Straight Talk Africa. She answered questions about U.S. policy toward Africa, how countries in the region are recovering from the pandemic, and why women should play a central role in that effort.

Her comments have been edited for clarity and brevity.

VOA: Earlier this year, you acknowledged that Africa has many challenges: COVID-19, of course, poverty, terrorism, amongst many others. But you also said that the Biden administration understands that it needs to focus on the opportunities on the continent and not just the challenges. What are the greatest opportunities that the United States sees on the African continent today?

Linda Thomas-Greenfield: Before COVID-19 hit Africa, African economies were some of the fastest-growing economies in the world. And somewhere between six out of 10 of the top fastest-growing countries were on the continent of Africa. I see many opportunities for these countries now to build back better, as we have said here in the United States, and they can build back better with more equitable growth, with more diversity, with more market-based transparent practices and with a focus on climate smart futures. And also, I have to add, with a focus on equity for women who have been key players in the marketplace on the continent of Africa.

So let me start with climate change. Climate change is a challenge for all of us all over the globe. But it also presents a tremendous opportunity to create well-paying jobs on the continent of Africa as the world transitions to renewable energies and develops transformational technologies that can help countries reduce emissions and also adapt to climate change. We're committed to making sure, for example that developing countries can build back greener through public climate financing. Africa, with a population of 1.3 billion people with a median age of 19 ... Africa's youth are probably one of its greatest resources. There's a tendency to see youth, for example as a problem. But for the continent of Africa, youth are an opportunity, and they are an opportunity that the continent needs to take advantage of.

VOA: Many African nations are currently experiencing their worst surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths since this pandemic began and it's all largely driven by the delta variant. What are the most worrying pandemic trends that you are seeing on the continent right now? And what is your assessment of the way African governments have responded to these twin health and economic crises?

Thomas-Greenfield: This pandemic has really had a devastating impact on the economies of African countries, and as we reflect back on the last 18 months, I have to say that many of the actions that were taken by African leaders to confront COVID-19 early on have saved countless lives. Many of these countries shut down. Many of them had already had experiences dealing with pandemic-like conditions when some of them had to deal with Ebola.

But the situation continued to get worse and particularly as African countries were not able to access the COVID vaccines once these vaccines came on board. And they were not prepared, for example, with the challenges to their very weak health care systems, the countries began to falter. And with this new delta variant out there, I think the situation is going to get even worse. You may know President (Joe) Biden has just announced and pledged that the United States will be the world's arsenal of vaccines. I love that phrase. And we're working as fast as we can to get shots in arms, not just here in the United States but through COVAX (a worldwide initiative aimed at equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines directed by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and the World Health Organization) to get as many vaccines out to the continent of Africa as possible, as well as through bilateral donations of vaccines. And so we see that we're not just fighting the disease, we're fighting to secure decades of development progress that the pandemic could unwind.

VOA: Given the opportunities for the U.S. on the African continent and beyond the COVAX commitments, what is America willing to do to ensure that Africa is not left behind as economies all over the world try to recover?

Thomas-Greenfield: We have tremendous programs that work with young people, that are working with women, that are working with finance ministries to support their development agendas through not just USAID (the U.S. Agency for International Development), but also through DFC (the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation), through our engagements with the World Bank and the IMF (International Monetary Fund) to ensure that these countries get the injections into their economy.

VOA: International institutions and civil society organizations are sounding the alarm that all the hard-won progress on gender equality and women's empowerment is now at risk of being eviscerated. Can you help us understand what is at risk for women right now, especially those on the African continent? And do you think that any setbacks that we encounter now can be overcome in our lifetime?

Thomas-Greenfield: We have to do everything possible to ensure that whatever experiences women have right now in Africa, that we find a way to turn those around. There's a lot at risk, but it's not just for women and girls, it's for their entire families because we know that when women are empowered, they empower their families, they empower their communities, they empower their countries.

We have to work with these countries to ensure that the pandemic and the alarming numbers of women worldwide who have been forced to choose between their jobs and their family and their health and their businesses, that they have adequate support to move forward. But what we've seen, and I think what has been so devastating is the impact. Early on, I saw statistics that indicated that child marriages are going up, that the rape of girls ... sexual exploitation of girls ... school-age girls, because they're not in school, that those numbers have gone up significantly, that people are taking advantage of women and girls in these circumstances.  We've seen that COVID-19 does seem to be reversing decades of hard-won gains for girls, including access to education.  And so that is something that we have to work to address, to not only get vaccines out but to get girls back into the classroom.

VOA: The safety of women and education of girls probably (are) among the most heartbreaking consequences and heartbreaking stories of the groups that have been affected by this pandemic. The United Nations policy brief on the impact of COVID-19 on women says across the globe, women earn less, they save less, they hold less-secure jobs, and are more likely to be employed in the informal sector. And in some African countries, there are no fiscal relief packages or social safety nets like we see in the United States and in other countries in the West or any other sort of benefits to help mitigate the devastating impacts of this pandemic on women's lives and their livelihoods. In your view what do African governments stand to gain by including women in their economic recovery strategies, and what do they stand to lose if they don't?

Thomas-Greenfield: I think countries are now, leaders are now more conscious of the importance of having women engage in their country's development plan. Because again, and I say this over and over and over again, when we invest in women they invest back in their families, they invest in their communities, and they invest in their countries. And in many of these countries, they represent 50% of the population. You cannot ignore 50% of your nation and think that your country is going to grow. So these countries are losing significantly if they don't include women in their development plans, if they don't include women in their investment efforts. They're losing out on what these women might contribute to their countries. We've seen all across the continent of Africa, successful, women-run businesses. And we see the success that women have had in building their communities through civil society activity. But we've also seen that they've been impacted by the virus much more than other parts of the population and we need, for that reason, to make sure we give them more attention than we might have otherwise given women, as we start to build these economies.

VOA: You're a longtime champion of gender equality. ... There's a generation in Africa of well-educated but unemployed youth. They're struggling through unprecedented and uncertain times. They've been called the Pandemic Generation. What immediate investments can governments, business and the international community at large make in Africa's youth, especially its girls? What kind of investments can be made today that will prepare them and build resilience for whatever crisis might come next?

Thomas-Greenfield: When you consider the fact that the median age on the continent of Africa is 19, we started with that. And then you have countries like Niger, where the median age is 15. If we don't focus on young people, we're ignoring a country. Half of the population under the age of 19, so it was for that reason I am most proud of the work that I did, and the (U.S. President Barack) Obama administration did on supporting young people across the continent of Africa.

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) will be paying dividends on the continent of Africa long after I'm gone from here. And it is something that we all have to make sure that we continue to invest in. Invest in mentoring young people, encouraging young people, supporting the leadership of young people in government, in business, in civil society, in education.  We want them to be leaders in their community. We want them to be leaders in their businesses. We want to be leaders in their churches, in their schools. And they will start building the next generation of leaders on the continent. And that's where Africa's future is.

VOA: Madam Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, thank you so much for your time and for being here with me I really, really do appreciate it.

Thomas-Greenfield: Well thank you very much. And again, I know Africa's future is bright because I know that there are so many young people out there who are building that future one brick at a time. And we're going to see the results of their work in the future.
The Voice of America won two awards at the 2021 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards.

Winning a gold award in the Human Interest category was the VOA Mandarin Service video story From China With Love: An Adoption Story, about a Michigan family that adopted from China three children with developmental disabilities  two of the children were born without eyes.

The film shows how the family used music therapy to help the children overcome their challenges.

VOA Spanish took a silver award in the Special Report category for the video story Walking Without Borders (Pasos sin Fronteras), which documented Venezuelan refugees' journey to Colombia, where they were greeted with generosity.

Six other VOA stories were finalists.

"Congratulations to our winners, as well as our finalists on this tremendous recognition," said acting VOA Director Yolanda Lopez. "It is really gratifying that the New York Festivals grand jury members voted these two powerful stories into its very top categories."

The awards were announced Tuesday during a virtual award ceremony.

The New York Festivals TV & Film Awards recognizes content in all lengths and forms from more than 50 countries, according to its website. Other winners represented included Netflix, BBC and the Discovery Channel.


For decades, the United States military has benefited from having air superiority over its enemies in all its conflicts around the world. The Pentagon's multibillion-dollar investment in advanced warplanes, weapons systems, satellites and aircraft carriers has made air power a central part of America's global projection of military might.

However, China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is rapidly modernizing, and military leaders and analysts say that Washington may no longer be able to always rely on its air superiority.

Speaking at an Air Force Association conference last month, General Charles Brown Jr., chief of staff of the Air Force, said the PLA had what he called "the largest aviation forces in the Pacific" and had developed them "underneath our nose." Brown predicted China could overcome U.S. air superiority by 2035.

At the same event, Lieutenant General S. Clinton Hinote, a deputy chief of staff, warned that the U.S. was not keeping pace with China's advancements. "In a few important areas, we're behind  tonight. This is not a tomorrow problem. This is a today."

Hinote told reporters that as somebody who was aware of the evidence at all classification levels, he believed that China had caught up with the U.S. air power advancements, and he warned "the light is blinking red."

Showing its might

Last week, China sent almost 150 warplanes, including its most advanced J-16 fighter jets and H-6 bombers, into Taiwan's air defense identification zone, or ADIZ, in a complex demonstration of its military might.

"They're putting together packages of fighter aircraft, the J-16 in particular, flown in large numbers. And that's a relatively new capability," said Eric Heginbotham, a principal research scientist at MIT's Center for International Studies. "They're putting complete packages together. They're also sending anti-submarine warfare aircraft up. So, they're showing a lot."

According to an article published on the U.S. Air Force's official website, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall mentioned China 27 times in his closely watched address to the AFA conference last month. In comparison, he mentioned Russia once and Afghanistan three times. Kendall, the top civilian leader of the USAF, also pledged in August to develop more leading technologies that "scare China."

Emboldened by China's newly gained air might, Wang Wei, a senior PLA air force official, responded last month to Kendall's "scare China" comment by inviting the USAF to meet in the sky: "A foreign colleague claimed recently to make the Chinese Air Force feel scared. Well, as long as you are not scared, let us meet in the cloud!"

Where USAF superiority may end

China's flights near Taiwan last week demonstrate the improving capabilities of the PLAAF. Cristina Garafola, an associate policy researcher at the RAND Corporation, wrote in an email to VOA that when combined with China ground-based air defense forces, "these growing capabilities will increase the complexity of operations in the air domain in the Indo-Pacific."

Timothy Heath, a senior defense researcher at the RAND Corporation, said that while the PLAAF still lags the USAF in technological capabilities and warfighting prowess, its large numbers of land-based fighters pose a threat to any U.S. effort to intervene in a fight over Taiwan.

He told VOA that because of its proximity to Taiwan, the PLA can use many complementary weapons, such as surface-to-air missiles and anti-ship ballistic missiles, to attack U.S. carriers, air bases and aircraft. "This counter-intervention capability could help even the odds for the PLA air force in a major fight near Taiwan."

Analysts also said distance would be a factor in any air warfare in the Pacific. Taiwan is just 161 kilometers from China's coast, compared with more than 700 kilometers from U.S. airbases in Okinawa, Japan, and more than 2,700 kilometers from Guam.

"The U.S. may gain short-term control of the air over Taiwan, but it's too distant to do this for more than short time periods, such as an hour or two," Peter Layton, a visiting fellow at Griffith Asia Institute in Brisbane, Australia, told VOA.

In an interview last month with Air Force Times, Kendall said it was an assumption that the U.S. was the dominant power. "We're the dominant military power until you get within about 1,000 miles (1,610 kilometers) of China, and that starts to change," he said.

According to Heginbotham of MIT, a specialist in Asian security issues, less than 15% of U.S. air inventories are in the western Pacific, and the U.S. does not have all its aircraft flying around the clock. "The difference is probably that China can challenge you at their superiority locally and for certain periods of time." he said in a telephone interview with VOA.

Calling China an "apex peer adversary" with vast capabilities in electromagnetic spectrum operations, General Mark Kelly, the commander of Air Combat Command, said last month that the USAF could lose such a fight. He noted that China has already claimed parts of the South China Sea "without firing a shot."

Supremacy and superiority

Over the years, several studies have found that America may be on track to lose its air superiority over China.

In 2015, a study at the California-based RAND Corporation think tank, of which Heginbotham was the lead author, found that while the U.S. still maintained unparalleled air-to-air capabilities, "continuous improvements to Chinese air capabilities make it increasingly difficult for the United States to achieve air superiority within a politically and operationally effective time frame, especially in a scenario close to the Chinese mainland."

A 2016 Department of Defense study on the same subject noted that emerging integrated and networked air-to-air, surface-to-air capabilities "threaten the Air Force's ability to provide air superiority at the times and places required in the highly contested operational environments of 2030 and beyond."

"The 2016 USAF air superiority study was adamant that the U.S. was on track to lose air superiority in fighting distant wars," Layton told VOA. "The USAF has equipment modernization programs to help address this, like the B-21 and Next Generation Air Dominance fighter, but these are unlikely to make a real difference until the 2030s."

Layton argued in a blog post that the USAF's way of thinking about projecting air power had changed over the years since the Cold War. When Washington saw itself as the world's lone superpower, the common term was "air supremacy." Now, when the air threat is manageable at certain times and places, the objective is "air superiority."
Opposition Movement for Democratic Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa, says his formation has a clear plan for the smooth transfer of power if the party wins the 2023 presidential election.

In an exclusive interview Chamisa told VOA Zimbabwe Service that they also have solid social and economic plans for transforming Zimbabwe, which has over the years recorded stagnant growth.

Chamisa said, We have a very solid and clear plan for the future of our country, for the future of Zimbabwe and the people of Zimbabwe. We have a jobs plan, we have a reconstruction plan, we have a resuscitation of agriculture plan, smart agriculture policy. You are aware that we have a social services plan for education and health in particular and also our social security net for our pensioners and we have always emphasized that going forward that plan is going to be refurbished and also renovated for purposes of making sure that its speaking to the dictates or circumstances of this day, the changes that have taken place.

In terms of the political strategy to make sure that there is power transfer in this country, again, we have said we are very solid in terms of what needs to be done, what needs to be done for purposes of power transfer, for purposes of winning the election with a big margin, with a landslide, we will win the next election with a landslide and thats why our opposition, our opponents, our competitors are quacking in their boots.

Chamisa said President Emmerson Mnangagwas government, which is accused of allegedly blocking the opposition politicians public meetings and rallies nationwide, said the ruling party clearly knows that it will be defeated by the opposition in the 2023 elections.

Thats why our colleague Mr. (Emmerson) Mnangagwa in particular is panicking and so scared of an election. Hes running scared. Why? Because we are strong. Why? Because we have remained very solid and uncheckable. So, yes, we have got a governance plan, a policy plan and a strategic plan to make sure that there is power transfer but what we are not going to do is to reveal our source of the plan as I indicated earlier on Im not Samson. We are not going to be like Samson who gave all the secrets of his claims 

Asked to respond to presidential spokesperson George Charambas recent remarks that Zimbabwes liberation war veterans of the 1960s wont allow him to govern the country, Chamisa said the people of Zimbabwe have the final say on running the southern African nation.

Look he is not a war veteran. Mr. Charamba is not a war veteran, hes also not the spokesperson of the war veterans, hes not even the spokesperson of the army neither is he a spokesperson of the people of Zimbabwe. It is the people of Zimbabwe who are the ultimate umpire of who should govern them. The authority to govern, the authority and mandate to lead is not derived from an individual or from a group, it is derived from the people of Zimbabwe collectively expressing their will through a ballot box.

Chamisa said Charamba does not represent the people of Zimbabwe.

We are not worried about what Mr. Charamba would say. Those are signs of a screaming and dying horse. They know that their days are numbered, they know that the writing is on the wall, they know that they will not win an election in this country and what they are now relying on are threats, violence, intimidation or claims that people will not surrender power  They have lost the support of the people. So, we are not worried about what Charamba or some of those people are saying.

The war veterans support us, the state institutions know their constitutional mandate. They will allow the will of the people to prevail because they are guarantors of the peoples will, they are guarantors of what comes out of the ballot. So, we are not worried, we are not shaken, yes they can make noise but at the end of the day the people of Zimbabwe are speaking, have spoken and they will speak again and we know we have the will of the people on our side. The people have spoken, history is on our side, the people are on our side and God is in it.

Charamba was not available for comment as he was not responding to calls on his mobile phone. Zanu PFs Patrick Chinamasa this week said protesters in Masvingo, who barred Chamisa from visiting the Chief Charumbira area, did not want to be addressed by a person like him. The suspected Zanu PF supporters, carrying anti-sanctions placards, stoned Chamisas advance team, resulting in some of the MDC Alliance activists sustaining some injuries.

Story transcribed and edited by Gibbs Dube
User reports estimate the perceived ground shaking intensity according to the MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity) scale

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Pili (17.8 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / complex motion difficult to describe : This is my first time to experience a strong earthquake,i felt so scared | 7 users found this interesting.

Canaman, Bicol (2.1 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : The 1st happened around 10pm thursday here, after an hour there were 2 after shocks with a gap of around 30 mins. Can somebody explain the possible cause of these quakes here. | 3 users found this interesting.

Naga city, camarines sur (3.6 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 5-10 s : I was at the lower part of my bunk bed everything shook so hard I thought. It was really noticeable and it lasted quite long | 5 users found this interesting.

Naga City, Camarines Sur, Bicol (3.6 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s : I was sitting on the bed. There was a loud bang coming from the ground followed by the strong shaking. I can see the fridge swaying sideways almost in all directions. I even though it would fall. It was very long. | 2 users found this interesting.

Camaligan, Camarines Sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : The earthquake has sound and its the strongest earthquake ive ever felt ive beeb so scared | 3 users found this interesting.

Naga city (6.7 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / simple rolling (tilting sideways along one direction) / 2-5 s : Just big pound that could could crash 1 house | 3 users found this interesting.

Naga City, Camarines Sur, Bicol (4.5 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 20-30 s : scary | 2 users found this interesting.

Tigaon, Province of Camarines Sur, Bicol (28.7 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) : Lying on bed | 2 users found this interesting.

Camaligan / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating : So many Aftershocks succeeding after this first earthquake as of my count it's been 8 times already I felt the earthquake | One user found this interesting.

Naga city / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 5-10 s : I was lying preparing to sleep and it suddenly shook | 2 users found this interesting.

Pili, Camarines Sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 1-2 s : I first felt as if something had hit our roof and suddenly the ground moved violently as if our house was being destroyed. | 2 users found this interesting.

Naga City / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single vertical bump / 2-5 s : Short light shaking at first. Then a heavy strong bump like an explosion a few seconds after. | 2 users found this interesting.

Naga, Philippines / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s : There were sounds coming from the ground. There was strong vibrations or shaking and the electricity cables outside were visibly shaking too. | 2 users found this interesting.

NAGA CITY / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s : the ground is rumbling | 2 users found this interesting.

Naga City, Camarines Sur (4.8 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Swaying of house. Magnitude 4. | 2 users found this interesting.

San fernando, Camarines sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : It felt like a rattling and shaking motion | One user found this interesting.

Buhi / not felt / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Light shaking | One user found this interesting.

Naga City / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : This was one of the strongest earthquakes weve felt in such a long time. The rattling was intense. | One user found this interesting.

naga city / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : scary | One user found this interesting.

Naga (10.3 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 10-15 s : 2nd floor of our house | One user found this interesting.

Naga city / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : I thought it's the end of the world | One user found this interesting.

Naga city / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Afraid | One user found this interesting.

Canaman (2.4 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : It felt like something exploded then the shaking happened | One user found this interesting.

Canaman Camarines Sur (0.7 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Sitting, with sounds and strong shaking | One user found this interesting.

Milaor, Camarines Sur, Philippines (6.4 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single vertical bump / 5-10 s : Watching tv when we suddenly felt the shaking | One user found this interesting.

Naga City, Camarines Sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : I was watching lecture videos when the earthquake started rattling my windows and the doors. | One user found this interesting.

Pasacao / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Very short duration but strong vibration and beep rumbling sound. | One user found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app Moderate shaking with a loudy shake noise

Moderate shaking with a loudy shake noise / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Naga City Camarines Sur (4.8 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Strong One | One user found this interesting.

Canaman (1.8 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : I was laying down on my bed when the earthquake happened. It lasted 5 or more seconds and was mostly vibrations and weak shaking. | One user found this interesting.

Lourdes, Camarines Sur, Bicol (35 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Naga City, Camarines Sur, Bicol (6.8 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Palestina, Camarines Sur, Bicol (10.3 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Calabanga, Camarines Sur, Bicol (5.6 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Baksalan, Camarines Sur, Bicol (11.7 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Curry, Camarines Sur, Bicol (15.1 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Nahilo ako pagkatapos

Naga City, Camarines Sur, Bicol (4.5 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : light shaking

Baliuag Nuevo, Camarines Sur, Bicol (13.1 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : i felt the ground shake and so did the table beside me

San Vincente, Camarines Sur, Bicol (30.4 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating It's very shaky (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating

Naga City, Camarines Sur (5.1 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single lateral shake / 20-30 s : We're at the dining area and the refrigerator moves like shaking.

Mambulo, Province of Camarines Sur, Bicol (12.6 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s

Canaman, Bicol (0.7 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Resting in bed. Suddenly I felt our house is shaking for few seconds

Naga City, Camarines Sur, Bicol (4.2 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Ang akala namin may dumaan na trailer truck.

Camaligan, Bicol (3.4 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Baliuag Nuevo, Camarines Sur, Bicol (14.1 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s

Canaman, Bicol (0.4 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Moderate shaking

Naga city (11.1 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s : I am on my bed just waiting for the earth quake to stop

Tigaon, Province of Camarines Sur, Bicol (27.8 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : My tv was fall

Canaman, Bicol (1 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 5-10 s : the flat lang is Like a wave

Naga City (9.8 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s : I was lying at the bed, we suddenly felt it, all of us in our house.

Tigaon, Province of Camarines Sur, Bicol (34.4 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Libmanan / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Nakakatakot saka nakakalula. Lalo na gabi nangyari

Calabanga camarines sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 2-5 s : Moderate shaking but can be felt by everyone in the house it's like the shakes can wake you up from a deep sleep.

31 Unit C sampaguita st. Naga city subdividion. Tr / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Disturb

Caranan, Pasacao, Camarines Sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Light shaking

Border of Pili Camarines Sur and Milaor Camarines / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe : Light to moderate shaking with very loud sound.

Calabanga / not felt / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 2-5 s

Naga City / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Fear worry

Pamplona, Brgy Del Rosario / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 1-2 s : 5 tremors over 24 hours, last was this morning at sunup. The first two during the night, you could hear the sound of it coming and then as it passed, like a doppler effect. They lasted 1-3 seconds,Bed shaking, THe rumble seemed to pass West to East, with

Calabanga / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Naga City Pacol (8.7 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s

9.9 km E of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s

Baliwag / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / very short : barely noticeable shake

Naga City / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 5-10 s : Loud rumbling then shaking

naga city,camsu / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : i got so nervous,first ever to experience that kind since the 70's...there was a loud sound up on roof,as if a boulder was thrown,then d house shook....

NAGA CITY CARARAYAN / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : It feels like there's a huge thing that fell on our roof. The house is freaking for short period of time.

Camarines Sur / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / vibration and rolling / 1-2 s : I feel nervous

Ragay / not felt

Nabua Cam Sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s : IN 10:08 PM WE JUST COOKING A MANI AND WE JUST FEEL THE SHAKE ITS NOT "MALAKAS KUNTI LANG YUNG PAG GALAW PERO NUNG 1:09 OR 1:08 AM NG MADALING ARAW LUMINDOL NG MALAKAS PARANG SECOND ATTCK HINDI NYO PO ALAM NA NAG LINDOL PO NG DALAWANG BESES SA ISANG GABI/

Camsur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating : Scared

SAN FERNANDO / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Calauag, Naga City / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single vertical bump / 5-10 s : At first I thought something like a block of cement fell on our roof then one big rumble was felt like an underground thunder. I ran to the room to pick up my daughter sleeping and quickly ran outside.

Naga / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 20-30 s : front and back, left and right earthquake motion ... somewhat like a trailer truck's engine is about to start for a duration of 30 sec

Taguig City / not felt : Tulog Ako

San Fernando Camarines sur / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : I am very shock and scary

Naga city / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s

St Vincent St, Calauag, Naga City / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / 20-30 s : It makes us scared and the anxiety it brought to us. huhuhu

Legazpi (84.6 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : Split second shock

Milaor Camarines Sur / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / 5-10 s : I felt so nervous at that moments, for the very first time in my history of leaving in this earth I felt I'am in an actual movie of 2012 its scary :(

Pili, Camarines Sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Naga city / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe

Naga City (8.9 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 10-15 s : The quake started like something was coming out from the ground. There were several quakes afterwards (which woke me up). They could be aftershocks but they occurred 2 hours after the strongest quake, so I'm not sure. Roof and windows vibrated and I felt

Pili, Camarines Sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Calabanga / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Like a passing train beside the house

Cararayan naga city (8.9 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : I was afraid at first but i didnt panic when i realize its an earthquake

Naga City / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

NABUA, Camarines Sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Strong swing movement

Naga city / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Pili, camarines sur / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s

san roque camaligan camarines sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vertical swinging (up and down) / very short

Taguig / not felt

Libmanan / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Ojeda st dinaga naga city / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Ocampo Camarines Sur (25.2 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : moderate shaking

Cagayan de Oro City / not felt

Banlic, Cabuyao, Laguna / not felt : Nothing i didn't feel the earthquake here at my position!

Nag City cam. Sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) : I was felt frightened...

NAGA CITY (9.4 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Magsaysay naga camarines sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Creepy it was 4th times vibrates and shaking so creepy nd jow its raining ao hard

Naga City / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Canaman cam sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s : Im shocked,nervous thinking it wud be worse..thinking it wud be like the tragedy earthquake in bohol

Naga city / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Naga City / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : This is the strongest earthquake I experince

San Fernando (10 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 20-30 s

Naga City / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Libmanan / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Pili (13.1 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

NAGA CITY / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Camarines sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / very short

Magarao, Camarines Sur (4.6 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Initially thought something exploded nearby since there was a loud sound that lasted for about five seconds and then gone. Went outside and found no fire or any sort disturbance but observed the air is now filled with dust.

Bula (24.4 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Kaba

Naga City / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Naga city camarines sur / not felt / single vertical bump

NAGA CITY / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s

Pili, Camarines Sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Naga City Camarines Sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 5-10 s : strong earthquake for about 4-5 times at least .and atleast 4 light shaking

San Jose PILI Camarines Sur / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating

pacol naga city / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : weak shaking

Naga City / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Bula, Camarines Sur (22.2 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Very dizzy.

Concepcion grande naga city / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s

Naga City / not felt / vibration and rolling / 5-10 s : Roof sheets are making noise. Though no items inside the house are swaying. I just felt that the floor is trembling.

Naga city / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s

Naga City / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Naga City / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Cabusao, Camarines Sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vertical swinging (up and down) : Moderate shaking

Nabua / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s

Canaman, Camarines Sur / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Loud rumbling in the ground and strong shaking afterwards

TIGAON / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s

Anayan Pili Camarines Sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / very short : Awakened by the quake!

Naga city / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / vibration and rolling / 20-30 s

Naga City / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s

Naga city cam sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Very much afraid for my two toodlers! Shaking even after 10mins.

Naga City / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / very short : light shaking

Naga City (2.8 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging : I was im my room with my younger brother, it was around 10pm and i suddenly felt the loudy shake noise.. thought that it was just something on our roof but nah.nThat was like the most significant strong earthquake i have ever felt! And at around 1 exactly

NAGA CITY / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : I felt as if there was a car running and high speed and passing through a rough roads.

Pamplona / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : I was already in bed and watching some TV when it happened. It felt like the bed was being possesed or something. My bedroom windows creaked scarily and the glass of water beside me nearly toppled off my bedside table.

San Jose Pili Cam Sur Philippines (14 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Rumbling and vibrating like a very huge truck passing by. Like strong wind sound (no wind) coming from N direction, rumbling under my feet then going S.

Tibgao ,Canaman , Camarines Sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Moderate shaking ......,.....................

Naga City / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 10-15 s

BOMBON (5.3 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling / 10-15 s

Pacol, Naga / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Naga City (5.3 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : 3x earthquake 1am from Naga

Naga City concepcion Grande / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : After 10:08, there is an aftershock at 1:30 and 1:40 a.m October 15.

Naga city / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s : It was strong and long duration of time

Penafrancia Avenue, Naga City, Camarines Sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : It was a rattling and vibrating shaking with an estimated 2-5 seconds. It has a very disturbing sound like it's coming from somewhere deep down. It's actually much different from all the other earthquakes I've experienced until now. What makes me worry is

Naga City, Camarines Sur / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Camaligan, Camarines sur / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : I felt cold, like the hand of death gripped my left kidney just before I urinated a tiny amount. A looming sensation of impending doom eerily hung in the air along with my dirty laundry as I cried a tiny tear. Manananggal shook the earth announcing her re

CALABANGA / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Naga city / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Calabanga cam sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : F*cked up

Naga City / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Canaman / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : It was a bit strong. I felt afraid when the earthquake happened since it was repeated 3x.

Naga City (8.8 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 1-2 s : 3x of sudden jolt, it was quick like 2-5 sec. The 1st one was like a big quick jolt, 2nd is mild jolt then big quick jolt again. The interval for the 3rd one took a 2 min interval. I'm not sure.

Naga city / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Magarao / not felt / 5-10 s : I just finished taking a pee and as I walk towards my bedroom, I suddenly heard a vibrating sound, I almost thought it was thunder or a huge truck passing in front of our house. Suddenly, everything was shaking and I felt nauseous and shocked at the same

Calabanga / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s

Naga City Camarines Sur (3.3 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Baras Canaman Camarines Sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Pili (13.8 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Gainza, Camarines Sur (5.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s : the first earthquake was followed by another series of aftershock; and bruh I feel so terrified that my knees wobbled sheezz

Naga City / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s : We are very scared.

RJ Village, Haring, Canaman (2.8 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 30-60 s

San francisco Magarao / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Felt like a bomb was detonated nearby.

Canaman / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 15-20 s : Everytime kukulog nagshashake ang ground..

NAGA CITY / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

naga city, camarines sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Calabanga / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / single vertical bump / 10-15 s : Scared.

naga city / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single lateral shake / 10-15 s

San Vicente milaor camarines sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Minalabac, Camarines Sur (12.8 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s : Objects on my shelf fell

naga city / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : strongest yet in 24 years - the 2 aftershocks were equally strong - the rumbling sound was alarming

Calabanga / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s

Pili camarines sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating : Moderate

Calabanga / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 15-20 s

Sagnay, Camarines Sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s

Naga city / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s : None

naga city / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : 3 quakes, from 10 minutes ago. at 3 minute intervals, average

Pili, Camarines Sur, Bicol / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

NAGA CITY CAMARINES SUR / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Ala una 2x na siyang yumayanig

Magarao, Camarines Sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 1-2 s

Quezon city / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / very short : Slight shake brief once only

naga city / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

San Antonio Poblacion Calabanga Camarines Sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : its like at first a huge construction equipment passing our road then suddenly a grumbling vibration sound. first time to experience this kind of earthquake. that the ordinary one we always experienced. WE experience this multiple times after

ABELLA STREET, NAGA CITY / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Strong but quick shake that would make soneone who's standing dizzy

Pili / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Tigaon, Camarines Sur 4420 / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : it's like we are being drilled downearth

Naga city / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

SANTICON POLANGUI ALBAY (52.5 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : I'm at my bed and my bed suddenly keep on shaking I thought my cat just banging may bed but there's no pet inside my room so I searched online and I found out that theres an earthquake and it followed another shake aroung 1 AM

pili camarines sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s

Naga city / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s

Sagrada baao

Nabua / not felt / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Tabaco / Weak shaking (MMI III) : I think it is the aftershock

Naga city / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Legazpi City (83.7 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s : It also happened again 10-15mins ago.

Naga city / Weak shaking (MMI III) / vibration and rolling / 5-10 s : Reapted just now 1:24 am

bicol (7 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : light shaking

Tabaco City / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s : Sudden shock

Camaligan, Camarines Sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Pili / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Barangay Carolina Naga City Camarines Sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Pili Cam Sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 5-10 s : My First Time Experience Earthquake Is Today

Magsaysay Naga City / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s

Naga city / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / both vertical and horizontal swinging : we are on work when suddenly the shaking starts, my co-team mates are all terrified by the tremor ,it's like the ceiling are going to be broke, and it's like the floor are going to open.

LUZON, PHILIPPINES / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 10-15 s

Magarao (2.1 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s : Let's be safe. Keep safe.

Siembre Bombon / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : We experience the earthquake here around 10pm and we thought it was just a cats playing in our roof then suddenly a strong shake coming from North west 326 We suddenly stop laughing because of what happen

Pili, Camarines Sir (16.3 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single vertical bump / 5-10 s : I almost faint bruhhhh. I literally jumed off a double decker bed to get out!

Naga City / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 5-10 s

Bombon / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : I was sitting at table and felt I might fall off chair. Pictures on wall moved and some ornaments fell on shelves. I felt a bit disoriented after but it was the worst I have experienced.

Naga City / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Naga city / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 2-5 s

Naga city. Villacaceres hotel / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Strong earthquake with rumbling sound. It was scary.

Camarines Sur, Naga City / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : I felt scared because it's very strong and it's the first time it happened again after so many years here in Naga City, Camarines Sur. I felt like end of the world has started.

Naga City, Cam. Sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex rolling (tilting in multiple directions) / 2-5 s : Fear and dizzy

Naga City / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 10-15 s

Camaligan / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s

RJ Village, Haring, Canaman (2.8 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 30-60 s

camella subdivision, del rosario, naga city (9 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : we felt the whole house shake.. i heard what sounded like the plumbing pipes rattle..

Victoria / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s

Naga City (4.9 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Light shaking at first, followed by a short duration of strong sideward shaking before it came to a stop.

Naga City / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s

Iriga city / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 2-5 s

Milaor / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vertical swinging (up and down)

Baao camarines sur / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : I got nervous cause so far this earthquake felt so strong

Naga City / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s : The ground starts to grumble first before the wave of earthquake start

San Jose, Camarines Sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 10-15 s

Naga city / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling / 1-2 s : Felt it was rolling and the glaaa doors Were shaking vigorously

Canaman, Camarines Sur / Strong shaking (MMI VI)

NAGA CITY / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Afraid and my body was shaking

Naga City Camarines Sur Bicol region / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : We were so scared. Our house was shaking

Calauag nagay City / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Haring, Canaman, Camarines Sur / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / complex motion difficult to describe / 20-30 s : Strong shaking. Nagsitakbuhan kami pababa ng bahay. Yung mga cabinet namin sa dining bumukas yung ibang baso nahulog. Yung mga wineglass namin sa cabinet nagsitumbahan. Yung mga aso sa labas panay tahol.

Naga City / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Del Rosario, Naga City (8.5 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Naga / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / very short : Stressful

Naga City / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s

Tarosanan, Camaligan, Camarines Sur / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / both vertical and horizontal swinging

Naga City / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Camaligan, Camarines Sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s : Clearly felt at the second floor.

Canaman Camarines Sur / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s

Camarines sur (10.2 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe

Naga City camarines sur / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / 2-5 s : Afraid and nervous

Libmanan / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Pili Camarines sur (7.2 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 5-10 s

NAGA CITY camarines sur / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 5-10 s : Nervous and afraid

Pili (11.7 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 10-15 s : Woke up and the bed was shaking

6.8 km ESE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 10-15 s

Pili Camarines Sur Philippines (15.2 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 20-30 s : felt indoors and things inside the room fell out. I couldn't walk steady and it has a creepy sound

Naga City / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Naga city, camarines sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s

9.2 km ESE of epicenter [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II)

Canaman, Camarines Sur (1.5 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Light Shaking, vibration/rattling with sound underground, moving of liquids on glass but no spills

Caroyroyan Pili Camarines Sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex rolling (tilting in multiple directions) / 10-15 s : Light shaking. I was laying on my bed when suddenly I felt something shaking. It was so strong. And maybe it's a reverse earthquake. Where landmass bump into one another.

Naga City / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / both vertical and horizontal swinging

San felipe Naga city / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Pacol, Naga City / Weak shaking (MMI III) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s : Its like there is a tank driving nearby

Naga / Strong shaking (MMI VI)

milaor camarines sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Nabua cam Sur / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Calabanga, Camarines Sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Naga City, Camarines Sur (4.3 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 5-10 s

Camaligan, Camarines Sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

BULA (29.6 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating

Naga City, Camarines Sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Naga city (27.8 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single lateral shake / 5-10 s

Pili Camarines Sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : Moderate shaking

Naga City / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : i felt as if the ground will open. and the roof will fall.

abella, naga city ,camarines sure / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex rolling (tilting in multiple directions) / 10-15 s : objest fell from the shelves

Naga city / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 1-2 s

cabusao camarines sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 10-15 s

Bombon (5.6 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single vertical bump / 10-15 s : Small shake first then very heavy movement one time

NABUA / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Calabanga / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

RJ Village, Haring, Canaman (2.8 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 30-60 s

Sipocot / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s : Scared medyo malakas

Naga city / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s : Sudden quake but intense

Iriga City / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 2-5 s

Naga city (5.2 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling / 15-20 s

Naga city / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

camaligan camarines sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

polangui / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s

San Isidro, Baao, Camarines Sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Canaman, Camarines Sur / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s

Naga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines (6.3 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Naga City / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s (reported through our app / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

naga city, Camarines Sur Philippines (1.8 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV)

6.1 km SE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 15-20 s

Naga City (3 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Naga city / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Naga City / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : it shaked

Naga City / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / single vertical bump (reported through our app / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / single vertical bump

Pili camarines sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / very short (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / very short

36.6 km WNW of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Lupi, Camarines Sur

Pamplona / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s I was at the top bunk and suddenly it start shaking all of my family members felt it. (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s

Iriga City (35.8 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 20-30 s

Naga City, Camarines Sur (7.8 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Intense shake magnitude 5 i think

Pili cam sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Pasacao, Camarines sur (20 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / very short

4.7 km SSE of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 5-10 s : Strong but short duration

Naga City (9.4 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Bombon, camarines sur (5.6 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Quick and intense

Bula Camarines Sur (28.4 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 5-10 s : Daniel nakasandal all as pader namin habang nag cecellphone ramdam namin ang lindol

Iriga City (35.8 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 5-10 s

Pili (11.4 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s

12 km WNW of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s
User reports estimate the perceived ground shaking intensity according to the MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity) scale

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Pasacao / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 20-30 s Fairly strong for about 20 seconds, the room was swaying and the inner wall cracked. This was actually a fairly scary earthquake. | 8 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 20-30 s

Naga city (6.1 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) : It's like an explotion rather than a quake. It just comes with a roaring thunder like sound. | 3 users found this interesting.

naga city (7.2 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Its like there is a rolling stone under the ground and the glass windows, its like they are going to break. the feeling is like someone shaking your house.

TABACO CITY (72.5 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s : I was working on my computer when I felt movement from below my feet. It wasn't strong but I felt it.

Buhi (46.1 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : I'm lying on the bed watching anime on my phone when my bed and the cabinet started shaking. It was shaking harder than I've experienced before to the point that the cabinet doors are rattling and the bed feels like there's someone under my bed shaking it

Nabua, Camarines Sur, Bicol (37.9 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 5-10 s : It shake my bed | One user found this interesting.

Naga city / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : A 4.2 hit near us, it was rumbling and shaking everything like you can hear the earth move. Very scary. Aftershocks were the same, almost the same strength and feeling.

Magarao, Cam. Sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s : I was at my bedroom when suddenly I heard noises from the ceiling. I thought it was just comming from thunder but when my bed starts to shake, I immediately get up and goes to sala(open space). The earthquake I've felt was the strongest compared to my pas

San fernando camarines sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : It is a lighy shaking only. While we were sleeping it woke us. And I hear this vibrating sound and it happened 3 times. Around 10 and 2x around 1.

Baao camarines sur bicol / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s : i was paying in my laptop and all the sudden my bed was shaking i thought it was my brother this happend after the recent earthquake that happend 3 hours ago

Naga City, Camella Heights / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 5-10 s : The first one lasted about 5-10 seconds and then after a short span of seconds came another aftershock with a few seconds of vibration then came another one.

Naga city, camarines sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / very short : There is a thunderous sound. It happened 3x for the past 5hrs. The first quake moves up and down. And rest are all sideways. Even the people who are already asleep in our building woke up from the sudden movement of the ground

Sipocot / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Its for the fourth time since the earthquake started. at 2:23am it did happen again | One user found this interesting.

Concepcion Grande Naga city 4400 Cam Sur Philippin / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 10-15 s : I felt worried for my family | One user found this interesting.

at my desk.. 2nd floor house (10.7 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 1-2 s : strong but short shaking.. brief rumbling sound like thunder

Planza Sanfernando Camarinesur (12.6 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s : I can feel and hear the earthquake seconds before it happens so I was scared

Goa, Camarines Sur (4.7 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / simple rolling (tilting sideways along one direction) / 5-10 s : Dizzy, and scared at the same time because the earthquake yesterday is a bit strong than the other.

aleeping (234.2 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt : not felt

Naga city (7.7 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Camaligan (5.2 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Calabanga (11.8 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling / 5-10 s

Pili, camarines sur (18.7 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s

Palestina, Camarines Sur, Bicol (9.9 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s

Bagacay, Camarines Sur, Bicol (16.6 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Palestina, Pili, Camarines Sur (11.9 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Moderate shaking

San Vincente, Camarines Sur, Bicol (29.3 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) Aftershock is crazy (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Baksalan, Camarines Sur, Bicol (7.8 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s : All things in the house are shaking

Pamukid, San Fernando (12.9 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Pawili, Province of Camarines Sur, Bicol (21 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s : moderate shaking. felt like the shake is stronger

Naga City (6.5 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Two times aftershocks , vibrating lasted about 5 secs. At bed while sleeping suddenly felt

BUHI (45.8 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Bacacay, Albay, Bicol (80.9 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 5-10 s

Legazpi city (86.4 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 15-20 s : I was half asleep when I awoke to the earthquake and my fan shaking a little bit.

Bula (32.1 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single lateral shake / very short (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single lateral shake / very short

San Fernando, Camarines Sur, Bicol (11.2 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s

Naga City (10.8 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : It was a quick shake

Magarao, Camarines Sur, Bicol (6.5 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Iriga (39.2 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 1-2 minutes : At first it was really strong and as the time goes by it became weak

Del Rosario, Naga City (12.4 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / very short : Another aftershock similar to the one a couple of minutes ago, but even weaker.

san jose, pili, camarines sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging

Naga City / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Canaman, Camarines Sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 2-5 s : Strong quake, rumbling noises

Naga City / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Naga City, Camarines Sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Caroyroyan Pili Camarines Sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

In my house / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging

del rosario / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Pili / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Legazpi City, Albay / not felt

Nags / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Naga city / not felt / rattling, vibrating

Naga City, Sanfelipe / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s : The bed shook a few times, woke up all the neighbourhood.

Calauag, Naga City / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Naga city / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Naga city / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating : I wasn't fazed- i slept through it LMAO

Bato camarines sur / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 1-2 s

Naga City, camarines sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 10-15 s : it was like the whole house was shaking

Naga City / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Moderate but frequent

Naga City / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 1-2 s

Naga City / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

PAMPLONA / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : From time to time there is an after shock

bombon camarines sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : 3 times, from maybe 10 pm till 2 am

Naga city / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 5-10 s : Shaking

Naga city / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating : Nerving

Naga City Camarines Sur 4400 / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Still feels like shaking and I can hear the ground vibrating

Naga City, Camarines Sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 5-10 s

maga city / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Naga city / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Naga City / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s

NAGA CITY / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging : Scary

Camaligan, Camarines Sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Nabua / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Pili camarines sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Naga City / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s

Pasacao, Camarines Sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Iriga City, Camarines Sur / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Bagumbayan Sur Naga City / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s

Naga city..bikol / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 15-20 s

Home / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Naga City, Camarines Sur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Everything just started vibrating and you can hear all of the furniture rattling

Naga city / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Weak shaking

cabusao / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 5-10 s

Caroyroyan Pili Camarines Sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex rolling (tilting in multiple directions) / 5-10 s

Naga / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Naga City / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s : It was scary. I think it was magnitude 3.9

Nabua, Cam.Sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 20-30 s

San Francisco Ocampo Camarines Sur / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Naga City / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s

Baao / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 20-30 s

Libmanan, Camarines Sur / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s

Naga / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Naga City, Camarines Sur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 10-15 s
Morristown, VT (05661)

Today

Mainly cloudy with snow showers around this morning. High 37F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 40%..

Tonight

Considerable clouds this evening. Some decrease in clouds late. Low 23F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Morristown, VT (05661)

Today

Cloudy with snow showers mainly during the morning. High 37F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 40%..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy. Low 23F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Stowe, VT (05672)

Today

Cloudy with snow showers mainly during the morning. High 38F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 50%..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low around 25F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
One person was killed in a Wednesday afternoon wreck in Madison County.

The Madison County Sheriffs Office reported a wreck involving a motorcycle and another vehicle on Steger Road between Moores Mill Road and Hwy. 231.

The sheriffs office conformed the fatality and said Alabama State Troopers are investigating the incident.
What do you see?

A game trail cam pointing into the woods behind a home near Hazel Green High School in Madison County captured the image of a cat earlier this month.

The question is: What species is it?

And lots of folks on social media are weighing-in with their thoughts. Some believe its a mountain lion.

WAAY 31 took the photo to state wildlife biologists to get their expert opinions Friday.

Biologists believe the grainy image is 100 percent that of a bobcat, a common wild cat found throughout Alabama.

Bobcats are often mistaken for cougars, also called pumas and mountain lions, but there has not been a verified, reliable sighting of a cougar in Alabama in more than 70 years.

But that hasnt stopped the legend of the Alabama cougar from staying alive and well.

We get a lot of questions every week about big cats in Alabama," Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division Conservation Outreach Coordinator Marianne Hudson told WAAY 31 Friday.

Emails and calls come into the states wildlife office from people across Alabama who swear they captured proof of a cougar in the wild.

People are quite often used to seeing things that are certain size in a certain shape from a certain distance which gives them a perspective and were not perspective is skewed you can easily give an illusion that the animals larger or smaller than other than it actually is," Hudson said.

Cougars once roamed across most of the Western Hemisphere, but the last cougar thought to be in Alabama was killed in 1956 in Tuscaloosa County, according to officials.

The big cat is presumed to be extinct east of the Mississippi River, except for a small, protected population in extreme southwestern Florida.

We invite people to send us their pictures of tracks for even droppings from these animals," Hudson said.

Feral cats are also behind most cases of mistaken identity, they look similar in some lighting situations and when it's hard to compare the size with the surrounding objects.

An important note here: its illegal to privately own a cougar as a pet in Alabama, other big cats like tigers and African lions are legal and people are not required to register those with the state.

We learned about this story from a viewer just like you. We always welcome your news tips, and we always work to get you answers. You can email us: newsroom@waaytv.com
After an alarming number of pregnant women being admitted with Covid-19 at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, doctors are urging other expectant moms to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

WAAY-31 spoke with doctors about the big picture and why it is so important to get vaccinated. Two doctors at UAB said if you get admitted to the hospital with Covid while pregnant, you're running the risk of serious issues for you and your baby.

Dr. Jodie Dionne, associate director of UAB Global Health in the Center for Women's Reproductive Health, said many may feel that being young, healthy and having no comorbidity beyond pregnancy could lead individuals to postpone getting the vaccine.

But in August, UAB saw nearly 40 pregnant patients admitted with Covid, forcing some to make some tough decisions.

"We saw outcomes including pre-term birth, and this was not necessarily spontaneous pre-term birth but really indicated pre-term birth," said Dr. Akila Subramaniam, associate professor in UAB's Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

Subramanium said the good outweighs the bad when it comes to getting the vaccine, especially if you're pregnant. Not only are the antibodies keeping you healthy, they also help the baby while in the womb and after birth.

The data is still being worked out on how long the vaccine helps the baby after birth, but both doctors said it's vital to get vaccinated regardless. Right now, Alabama has a vaccination rate of only 43%, nowhere near herd immunity.

"Forty percent is OK  it's better than 30%, where we were  but anyone who thinks this pandemic is over, or the delta variant decreasing means we're out of the woods  I wish that was the case, but it's unfortunately not the case," said Dionne.
Flu season is here, and although last year cases of the flu were at an all-time low, officials are not expecting that trend to carry through this year.

The anticipated demand for the flu shot this year is much lower than health officials would like. In fact, community turnout for the vaccine was so low last year, the Huntsville Hospital Fever & Flu clinic won't be offering the flu shot this year.

Over in Marshall County, they experienced this same lack of demand during their yearly drive-thru flu shot clinic on Wednesday.

"This year we only did 175 doses, which is way less than our normal that we do," says Sara Shelton, the clinic supervisor at the Marshall County Health Department.

Shelton says this year's flu shot clinic had the lowest turnout she's seen since she's been with the health department.

"In the last 7 years it's the lowest that I remember," says Shelton.

Health officials like Shelton are concerned by the low vaccination rate, as they are already starting to see flu cases.

"We're already seeing cases of it this year, I don't know to what level that will rise," says Dr. Roger Smalligan with UAB Huntsville Regional Medical Campus.

"I think we're a little worried about the flu season given the lack of flu this year, is it going to be worse? I think that's possible," says Jeff Samz, the CEO of Huntsville Hospital.

But there is a way to reduce the spread.

Dr. Ali Hassoun with Huntsville Hospital says, "the flu vaccine has been, over the years, the best preventive method to reduce cases of flu."

Dr. Hassoun says there's only so much the hospital can do to prepare for a flu outbreak.

"Even if we're prepared it's going to be hard, it's going to be tough, and we really want the community to help us to reduce hospitals getting full," says Dr. Hassoun.

Although you can't get the flu shot at the Fever & Flu clinic, most local pharmacies like Walgreens, CVC and Publix have the shot.

Dr. Hassoun says now is the time to get vaccinated as it takes about 3 to 4 weeks to become effective, and peak flu season starts mid November.
STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP)  Norwegian police say several people have been killed and others injured by a man armed with a bow and arrow near the Norwegian capital, Oslo.

They say the suspected attacker has been arrested.

There are several injured and also dead, police chief in the town Kongsberg, yvind Aas, said at a press conference on Wednesday night, according to Norwegian broadcaster NRK.

No details were immediately available on the numbers of dead and injured.

According to police, the suspected perpetrator walked around the city shooting at people with a bow and arrows.

He was arrested and an investigation is underway into the motive of the attack.
If you're selling things on places like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, you could be targeted as a potential victim of identity theft.

WAAY 31 dug into a scam involving a Google Voice account and how it's tied to identity theft. Omekia McNeal said that she's been contacted five times this month from someone playing the role of a concerned customer.

Scammers are using Google Voice to target sellers Scammers are using Google Voice to target sellers

In reality, she said, they were trying to scam her.

One of them was telling me, you know, theres a lot of scams and different things going on, on the internet, and they just wanted to make sure I was real," she said.

McNeal said she was messaging people she thought were potential customers on Facebook Marketplace, but they were actually scammers. She said they kept trying to confirm she was real by sending her a code through Google Voice.

"They kept saying, Well, for me, to make me feel comfortable, is that Im going to send you a code on your phone and then you just give me that code,'" she said.

However, McNeal noticed it said not to share the code with anyone.

"I was like, But it says here, 'Do not give the code out to anybody,'" said McNeal. "They went into a mode of trying to convince me. They werent hearing that.

Giving the code to the scammers would have made it so they could create an account in her name, potentially steal her identity and scam others.

McNeal said it's a shame people spend this much time trying to steal instead of actually making something of themselves.

"As much time youre taking to try and take from someone else illegally, you could use those skills to be able to build your own," she said. "Like, thats a skill. It takes time, effort and planning to being able to come up with some of the outlandish stuff that you see today.

Elizabeth Garcia, president of the Better Business Bureau of North Alabama, said if you already have a Google Voice account, it could be linked to several things.

It could be tied to your personal information, certainly, but also be tied to ... one of your credit card numbers," Garcia said. "So, they could get a lot of information from that if theyre savvy enough to get that information. Then, they will sell that information online. ... Theres so much that could be had simply by sharing that piece of information.

If you've experienced this and have given the code to someone, contact the Identity Theft Resource Center here.
Drake State and Calhoun community colleges are partnering on "GOAL," or Greater Opportunities for Adult Learners.

The program is designed to help just about any adult who is looking to further their education or get their GED.

Students may not look like your typical college student, but their desire to learn is clear.

"I enjoy every day that I get to spend here," said Mayra Benuela, a student in GOAL.

Benuela is originally from Venezuela, but love brought her to the United States. She studied here and learned English as a second language, one of the class options available through GOAL.

The program also helps students prepare for the workforce.

"We have a pre-apprenticeship program that gives them six different pathways that they might be able to step out into the workforce utilizing," said Mindi Russell, the program director.

On Thursday, WAAY 31 got a glimpse of the Ready to Work class. In the class, students learn communication skills that will help them with their dream job interview.

"It makes them a more viable candidate for the industry they're interested in," Russell said.

The Ready to Work class is Benuela's next step after completing her ESL course. She said she wants to be able "to look at the person, communicate directly."

Meanwhile, another student, Phil Batchelor, has different reasons for being in the program.

"I wanted to come back and update my skills," said Batchelor. "I took the MSSC (Manufacturing Skill Standards Council), the Ready to Work and digital literacy."

Batchelor said he received a college degree years ago but wanted to brush up on his knowledge after manufacturing hubs made Huntsville home.

"I really wanted to work where they made the cars, because when I was growing up, it was mainly up north," said Batchelor.

Batchelor and Benuela are different adults with different aspirations, but they're both leaving the GOAL program as employable candidates.

"Their next step is to get out into the workforce or connect within a pathway, then we take them down the road that they're most interested in," said Russell.

Coordinators through Drake State and Calhoun will work hand in hand with adults to pinpoint classes students should take. The program is free, and Russell said they're looking for more adults to join.

For more information, click here.
Skamokawa News

VEHICLE CHECK--We went through a lot of road work around here this past summer. Many folks were dealing with chipped or broken windshields, but those kinds of issues are readily seen and most likely taken care of rather quickly. What some don't see are the running lights, brake or signal lights or headlights that may have gotten dinged by some of those flying rocks. I have seen multiple vehicles lately that have lights that are no longer working, so with more hours of our day being dark, it would be wise of us to do a "walk around" our vehicles to make sure all of our lights and signals are still working.

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from Oct. 14-20 are Heidi Heywood, Lindsey Brown, Dixie Anderson, Randy Kuhn, Aron Havens, Alexzandria Watkins, Kimberlee Watkins, Beckie Wolcott, Sami Olsen, Samantha Johnson, Stephanie Johnson, Mike Phelan, Davey Hoven, Alyssa Robert, Justin Robert, Emily Elliott, Brianne Helms, Kevin Gilligan, Curt Moore, Jennifer Kyle, Hunter Baldwin and Debbie Huber Chamberlain.

Those celebrating anniversaries this week are Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Reid, Mr. and Mrs. R.J. Brown, Dave and Rhonda Heiner, Brian and Linda Elliott, Jeff and Shelley Hedges and Matthew and Lori Kyle. Here's wishing all of you the very best on your special days.

FOS AUCTION CORRECTION--The Friends of Skamokawa began their online auction last Saturday but part of the information was left off the original poster that was circulated. You have until Saturday, Oct. 23 at 5 p.m. to bid, so good luck winning that special something that you want! Lori Cagle sent this particular site to check out: https://www.32auctions.com/FOS2021 but I was also sent this one: http://www.32auctions.com/fos2021 so I hope one of those works for you!

BOOK SALE--Just a heads up for all you lovers of books, as it's time for you to head to the Cathlamet Library this Friday or Saturday for their big Book Sale! On Friday, the sale will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. and on Saturday it will take place from 12 to 4. With the library having to curb their usual hours of business due to the pandemic, it would be great to see them be able to raise some funds during this time, so if you love books, now is the time to help yourself and the library. Happy reading, everybody!

BINGO--The Sons of Norway will open the doors to the Norse Hall on Puget Island this Saturday evening, Oct. 16, for some more of that fun you've been missing and those cash prizes too! The doors on the lower level of the hall will be open at 5:30 p.m., with games beginning at 6 p.m .; masks are required. As before, the cost of cards is $5 each.

GRANGE SALE--Skamokawa Grange #425 held a sale at their hall last Saturday and with everything still set up and so many new things added, it only made sense to go ahead and hold another one. Come to 18 Fairgrounds Road in Skamokawa from 9 to 3 and check out all the treasures they have; the hall is located near the south entrance to the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds.

SILVER BUCKLE ENDS--While you're down here at the Grange's sale, you might want to hop over to the fairgrounds and take in the last part in their Silver Buckle Series which has to do with horses and all those riders who have been taking part in various horse riding challenges. This will be the day they pass out all those awards for the top riders/horses in their various categories. So, if you love horses, head this way this Saturday!

There will also be a big sale going on in the Youth Building, so it's definitely a good day to come down and shop around.

GET WELL--We've been asked to keep Signe Backman and Morris Evans in our thoughts as they deal with some serious health issues, so we certainly want to send our heartiest "Get Well" wishes to both of them at this time. Also, former resident Frank Corbin has a good friend who could use some more thoughts and prayers coming his way, so please include Tom Crowson in your prayers.

LIONS CLUB FOOD DRIVE--October 30 will be a busy day with multiple activities going on, and one of them is the Lions Club Food Drive. I hope you can wrangle up some items that will help make a family a little fuller, especially with the big Thanksgiving holiday coming up next month. I was told that there is a need for protein items, so we hope you'll keep those kinds of items in mind when donating. Any and all items are more than welcome however, so if it's edible, there will certainly be someone who is in need of it.

ALSO THAT DAY--As I said, Oct. 30 is going to be a busy day, but don't forget to come down here to the fairgrounds for the Halloween Carnival beginning at 4 p.m. and ending at 7 p.m.

There is also the "Howloween Doggie Parade" at Erickson Park in Cathlamet earlier that day at 1 p.m. This is a fund raiser for the Wahkiakum Animal Advocate Group, so they will be accepting donations & pet food so they can continue to help rescue and take care of the many animals that are in need of help around here.

The Trunk or Treat & Parade event will be held the day before, Oct. 29, at the high school from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

NOW THRU DEC. FUND RAISING--The Skamokawa Fire Dept. is holding a "GoFundMe" event on Facebook. They are raising money for the annual Toy Drive for Christmas to be able to give to the kids in need this year. They are also joined by several groups, like the other Fire Depts., EMS, the food banks, Star Program, WAAG and the Sheriff's department and they will all be out and about and taking part in the parade this year. Actually, there will be two parade dates this year, where the fire trucks will travel around to various areas and will be stopping to collect things along the way. So, keep these dates on your calendar: For the west end, they will be coming through Grays River on Dec. 10 at 5 p.m., and then on Sunday, Dec. 12 at 1 p.m., they will be doing a longer one with several stops here on the East side of KM: Skamokawa at Vista Park, the Elochoman for a stop at Monroe Acres, Wahkiakum High School, over to Puget Island with a stop at the Norse Hall and then coming back and ending the parade and doing the final pick up of all donations at the Elochoman Slough Marina. You will have several places where you can see them and bring your donations to help out this great cause. All your food, toys and monetary donations will truly be put to good use and make someone's holiday a whole lot happier!

If you happen to be one of the "old-fashioned" people, like me, who doesn't do all the online things, and you can't meet at any of the parade/donation sites but would still like to make a cash donation, I'm pretty sure they would still accept a check that you can mail via the USPS. Mail your donation to the Skamokawa Fire Dept., P.O. Box 145, Skamokawa, WA 98647 and you can make a notation on it that it is to go for this particular fund raising event if that's how you want it to be spent.

They also hold their fire meetings on Thursday evenings, and most likely, you could drop off a check or other things there if you happen to be going by around 7 p.m. If you're new here, they would gladly welcome you to join the department as well, so stopping by then and checking it all out would be great.

DEADLINES--If you'll be hosting a community event next year, be sure to get it listed on the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce calendar by Dec. 1. This is a great way to let people know what's going on throughout the year. This particular calendar is for actual events and not just regular meetings, as those can be listed through this paper under "The Eagle Calendar." If you're having a fund raising dinner or a festival or a parade, etc., be sure to contact the Chamber at 360-795-9996.

DID YOU KNOW?--We just celebrated "Indigenous People's Day" and I was totally amazed to learn about a brave and courageous Native American woman named Marie Dorion of the Ioway tribe that you've probably never heard about, but truly should have. Reading part of her story was a real eye-opener and it's absolutely amazing that this brave woman endured such hardships to cross our country, mostly on foot, and wound up being the first woman to do so and settle in what is now known as the state of Oregon, and she did it while she was pregnant with two small children already, one of which she carried on her back, and endured frigid conditions as well as being half-starved to death and giving birth alone. Did I mention she was just 21 and the only woman on the three thousand mile trip?! I am also appalled that I have never ever heard of her, as really everyone should know her name as readily as they know who Pocahontas was.

Many locals may have known Della Quigley back in the day, and you probably even know many of her family members today, but like me, you probably never knew who Della's grandmother was, but yep, you guessed it, it was "Marie Dorion; The Most Badass Woman in Oregon History" according to "That Oregon Life." Her story was brought to life in a book called, "Astoria" written by Washington Irving, but over time has somehow gotten lost and forgotten, which is truly sad given our local connection. I hope you get a chance to read her total story and learn how she had also come to be called "The Madonna of the Oregon Trail," as her long, treacherous journey here to the west coast was truly remarkable.

There is a memorial stone for Marie Dorion at the St. Louis Catholic Church in St. Louis, Oregon, near the place where she was laid to rest and we hope that this wonderful native woman's story will be brought to light once again so that she regains the respect and admiration that she so deserves as well as to be remembered for generations to come. I'd like to thank Stephanie Prestegard for bringing this story to light, as Della Quigley just so happens to be her great grandmother, which makes her one of the many local descendants of Marie Dorion.
Student loan forgiveness program can help public workers pay off what they owe
Alitalia lands - for good - as ITA takes off.

Alitalia will take its last flight on Thursday evening before passing the baton to Italy's new national airline, ITA, which begins operations on Friday.

The final flight, from Rome to Cagliari, brings to an end a colourful 74-year history between Italy and the troubled flag carrier.

It is a sad, bitter day for Alitalia employees, most of whom will not be re-hired by ITA when takes off on Friday, or in the years ahead.

Today is also an emotional day for many Italians who saw the now bankrupt airline and its iconic 'A' tail-wing logo as a symbol of national pride.

A brief history of Alitalia

The story began on 16 September 1946, a year after the war, when Alitalia was established as Aerolinee Italiane Internazionali, funded by the Italian government and British European Airways (BEA) in a 60/40 share arrangement.

The airline launched operations on 5 May 1947, with an inaugural flight from Turin to Catania and Rome.

Alitalia soon expanded to countries around Europe, while its first flight intercontinental flights launched in 1948, between Milan and South America.

On 31 October 1957 Alitalia merged with Linee Aeree Italiane and took on the name of Alitalia  Linee Aeree Italiane.

Alitalia air hostess in the 1960s

However it remained known by its popular name - a combination of the Italian words for wings and Italy ("ali" and "Italia").

Alitalia was ready for Rome's 1960 Olympics and the newly-opened Fiumicino airport where it had a base.

By 1960 it was carrying one million passengers and became the first European airline to move fully into the jet era.

Alitalia had green, white and red uniforms designed by Giorgio Armani and it was the first airline in the world to carry a pope, with a papal aircraft known as Shepherd One.

From its initial 10,000 passengers in 1947, Alitalia was carrying 25 million passengers annually by the 1990s.

Popes flew with Alitalia

The state-owned airline struggled with profitability but was always bailed out by the government.

This financial support stopped in 2006 when the EU called an end to the practice, leaving the airline struggling.

Over subsequent years Alitalia went through various failed investment deals as it attempted to cut costs, all in the face of looming bankruptcy and union strikes.

Photo: Simone Previdi / Shutterstock.com.

The airline continued to receive bailouts from the Italian government in the form of emergency loans, in violation of EU rules, with the final sting in the tail being the coronavirus pandemic and Italy's lockdowns.

The airline ceased selling tickets on 25 August 2021, pending the launch of ITA (Italia Trasporto Aereo (ITA) on 15 October.

The post-Alitalia era

ITA, which is fully owned by the Italian government, will start off with a fleet of 52 planes, with the number of aircraft rising to 105 by the end of 2025.

The new flag carrier will inherit only part of Alitalia's flight slots, obtaining 85 per cent of Alitalia slots at Milan's Linate airport and 43 per cent of slots at Fiumicino in Rome.

As for the 11,000 employees of Alitalia, 2,800 will be employed in ITA's aviation unit this year, possibly rising to 5,750 in 2025 if the company wins the tender for Alitalias ground handling and maintenance divisions.

ITA will initially serve 44 destinations when it begins operations tomorrow, with this number set to rise to 74 by 2025.
Mozzarella knocks camembert off the soft cheese throne in France.

French appetites may be changing when it comes to soft cheese, with Italian mozzarella outselling camembert for the first time.

The Made in Italy dairy product has ousted the typical Normandy cheese as the best-selling in France, reports Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

Mozzarella upseated camembert, France's long-undisputed king of cheese, according to sales figures from January to September 2021.

The news was reported by French newspaper Le Figaro, citing data from the Syndicat Normand des Fabricants de Camemberts (SNFC) which revealed that from the start of this year until 11 September, there were 29,230 tons of Camembert sold in France compared to 33,170 tons of mozzarella.

The SNFC president Farbrice Collier told Le Figaro that for the first time, "the camembert sales curve, which is falling steadily by 3 per cent annually, has dropped below that of mozzarella sales, which records an annual growth of 5 per cent."

Collier explains that while both products are considered soft cheeses, camembert has a stronger taste and is more suitable for cutting boards and dishes, consumed in restaurants or in more formal home meals.

Mozzarella on the other hand is fresher and more versatile - it can be used in cooking or on pizza - and is suitable for dishes that are quick to prepare as well as being considered more trendy.

Collier says that in the 1980s France produced "180,000 tons of Camembert, part of which was exported, twice as much as today."

This is compared to the success of mozzarella, the most exported Italian cheese in the world, with more than 107,000 tons of exports in 2020 according to data from dairy industry association Assolatte.
Italy's Green Pass rules will affect 23 million workers from Friday.

The Italian government's plan to require all workers in Italy to have a covid Green Pass has met a hurdle as dockers at the north-eastern port of Trieste threaten to stop all work on Friday when the new rules come into force.

"If the Green Pass obligation in the workplace is not withdrawn, activity in the port of Trieste will come to a halt" - the dockers' spokesman Stefano Puzzer told Huffington Post - adding that similar actions would spread to "Genoa and almost all ports" in Italy.

From Friday the Green Pass - a certificate showing that people have been vaccinated, tested negative or recovered from covid-19 - will be compulsory for all workers, in both the public and private sectors, in a move affecting around 23 million people.

Puzzer said that in Trieste "40 per cent of the dockers are not vaccinated, but 850 workers out of a thousand joined the protest", adding that "economic damage, if there is any, will be caused by the stubbornness of the Italian government alone by maintaining this criminal measure."

Under the government's Green Pass system, unvaccinated workers can still go to work but only if they undergo a 15 covid test every 48 hours, at their own expense.

The Huffington Post reports that the interior ministry made a concession, in order to keep the port's essential activities in operation, by offering dockers free coronavirus tests until 31 December, when the measure is due to expire.

However the Trieste workers refused the offer, calling instead for the Green Pass obligation to be dropped.

Labour minister Andrea Orlando also opposed the idea of free tests, reports Huffington Post, saying it reduced the incentive to get vaccinated.

The situation in Trieste presents a headache for the government as it faces a resurgence in the protest movement against the Green Pass.

From 15 October, those who go to work without the health certificate risk fines of between 600 and 1,500.

Details about the Green Pass can be found - in Italian - on the Certificazione Verde website while for official information about the covid-19 situation in Italy - in English - see the health ministry website.

Photo credit: Yahoo
The closure of immigration offices during the pandemic, along with restrictions imposed by the Trump administration, caused the number of family-preference green cards to plunge in 2020. As a result, 122,000 additional employment-based green cards became available. That should have been good news for workers in the green-card queue, some of whom have lived in the U.S. legally for decades. But U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services was unprepared to handle the surge in demand. Despite a late push by the Biden administration, the agency fell well short of awarding the full quota by the Sept. 30 deadline. If Congress doesnt act, those unused green cards will be lost for good.
In fact, it generated $1.23 billion of revenue, which was up 40% from last year and 35% ahead of the forecast. Its peers also beat their own more generous forecasts in equities: Morgan Stanley was 19% ahead, Bank of America Corp. 14.5%, and on Wednesday JPMorgan Chase & Co. was 20% ahead of estimates. Goldman Sachs reports on Friday; if it doesnt beat its predicted revenue growth of almost 7.5% for equities that might end up being the biggest shock of the week.
The committee called Mary Lincolns friend Henry Wikoff, known as the Chevalier, whom historians agree was the leaker. Dissatisfied with the Chevaliers refusal to disclose his source, the committee asked the full House to find him in contempt, which it promptly did.(1) The sergeant-at-arms was ordered to hold him in close custody until he shall purge himself of said contempt. Wikoff was locked up in what historians tell us was a storeroom in the Capitol basement, although the editors of the Herald, which employed Wikoff, reported that he was held in a dungeon where he slept on a iron rack.(2)
Its time for signatory countries to update their initial pledges to help achieve the Paris goals. These promises are called NDCs -- Nationally Determined Contributions -- and most date back to 2016, when the Paris Agreement took effect. It was clear that initial commitments wouldnt be enough, so countries agreed to come back in 2020 with enhanced NDCs. But many countries havent yet submitted their new plans, including China and India, some of the worlds biggest emitters. They have promised to do so before the meeting. Part of the problem is that rich countries havent delivered on their decade-old pledge to mobilize $100 billion a year to help poor countries deal with the hazards of climate change, such as storms, floods and rising sea levels. Countries such as Bangladesh and Indonesia say they cant raise their emissions ambition without more cash from developed countries.
It is not enough for Brussels technocrats to want to be the adults in the room at a time when the Brexiters are whipping up public opinion and eyeing divergence from data-protection rules. At some point the U.K.s bluff is going to have to be called. Leo Varadkar, Irelands deputy prime minister, is taking a stab at this: On Wednesday, he leaped on tweets by Johnsons former aide Dominic Cummings supporting the idea that the U.K.s aim was to go back on trade terms the moment they were signed. The message must go out to all countries around the world that this is a British government that doesnt necessarily keep its word, he told RTE. If that means contingency planning for a tariff war, so be it.
Concentration in the shipping industry is being blamed for dulling some of the competitive spirit that could have provided adjustments to swiftly changing demand. In 2017, about a dozen container lines that control 80% of the global market formed three main alliances to share ships, cooperate on routes and limit excess capacity, an arrangement that has been likened to an oligopoly. Big companies typically lock in their shipping costs with long-term contracts. But in the pandemic, manufacturers reeling from shortages of key components and higher raw material costs have been forced into bidding wars to get space on vessels. Thats prompted exporters to raise prices or cancel shipments altogether. Some of the carriers  a mix of publicly traded, privately held and government-backed firms mostly based in Asia and Europe  have enjoyed some of their highest-ever profits, including the worlds largest container line, Copenhagen-based A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S. Analysts estimate that the industry may see a windfall of more than $100 billion in 2021.
One premise of Brexit was that the U.K. could make better trade deals for itself if no longer bound by the EUs. We hear that were first in line to do a great free trade deal with the United States, Johnson told reporters in January 2017, visiting the U.S. as Donald Trump was preparing to take office. (Johnson at the time was U.K. foreign secretary.) One of the U.S. Republican senators he met with, Bob Corker, echoed that idea, saying a U.S.-U.K. deal would be our priority. Trump was an early supporter of Brexit and, as president, promised a fantastic and big trade deal with Johnson. For Trump, this was an early opportunity to repudiate his predecessor, Barack Obama, who had warned ahead of Britains 2016 Brexit referendum that the U.K. would be at the back of the queue for a trade deal if it decided to leave the EU.
So Sweden has had middling success in battling Covid-19. Given how much more successful its Nordic neighbors have been, and the fact that it entered 2020 with such built-in advantages as a very healthy populace and among the worlds highest percentages of people who (1) live by themselves and (2) can work from home, that has to be seen as something of a disappointment. But Swedens approach of few forced shutdowns of schools and businesses and lots of reliance on personal responsibility does seem to have worked better than the U.K.s careening back and forth between strict lockdowns and paying people to eat in restaurants, or the cacophony of different policies followed by state and local governments in the U.S.
When a report is finally prepared  likely at the end of the year  almost 12 months will have passed since TSMCs announcement that relieving the auto-chip shortage was its top priority and that it was shifting capacity to handle it. Whatever information the U.S. government can glean from these surveys  which will be absent the truly sensitive client information that companies shall refuse to provide  could have already been ascertained from industry groups or a handful of sell-side research reports. For example, that automotive accounts for just 4% of TSMCs sales, and has barely changed in three years, is public information released with each earnings report.
The presidents role is to set things in motion. He has the right to name the prime minister, and theres no deadline for that. Once the new premier is named, he or she has a month to win a confidence motion in parliament, and if that fails, Zeman has a second pick. Again, there is no deadline, and he may prolong the process for months, as hes done in the past. The latest example was in 2018, when he kept Babiss first cabinet in office for half a year after losing a confidence vote. Even though Babiss party is still the biggest single force in the legislature, power now rests with anti-Babis groups holding the majority in the new parliament. They can paralyze any government they arent part of, and they appear determined to oust the billionaire leader who has dominated the countrys politics for seven years.
Job growth has sharply weakened over the past several months, but its not  mostly  due to a lack of hiring. Instead, what were seeing is an unprecedented amount of churn in the job market. This is a painful experience for employers but it also sets the stage for a reversal of trends that have dominated the U.S. labor market since the dot-com crash in 2000.
Allie Burns is the engaging main character of 1979. She grew up in a Scottish mining village, got herself to Cambridge, and after a couple of years of what we might now call internships, has landed a reporting job on a tabloid called the Daily Clarion. (Allie tells us that the Clarions motto is:  One adult in two in Scotland reads the Clarion. The wags in the office added, the other one cannae read. ) Alienated from her parents and tolerated as an outsider in the newsroom because of her gender and reserved temperament, Allie is grateful when fate throws her together with a young colleague, Danny Sullivan, on the train to Glasgow. Both are returning from celebrating the Scots new year celebration of Hogmanay with their respective families. (One of the treats of McDermids novels has always been these quick doses of Scottish culture and dialect.)
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In recent weeks, Peters has said that she hired a consultant to make copies of Dominion hard drives before and after the trusted build, claiming that doing so was necessary to ensure that the trusted build did not erase files needed to fully investigate the 2020 election. But when the trusted build took place in May, she introduced Wood to state officials as an administrative assistant in her office and allowed him access to elections rooms that are supposed to be restricted to employees who have undergone background checks, Robison wrote.
In Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you can walk along the edges of the two plates  your legs, in effect, straddling Europe and America. The park is technically getting ever bigger  at the approximate rate of one inch per year  as the Eurasian and North American plates move apart. Testimony to this movement is the magma that has risen to the surface as the continents spread  to create the parks lava fields seen today. Though no volcano has recently erupted in Thingvellir, they are not considered extinct. And though generally too minor to be felt, earthquakes continue.
Falcicchio, when asked, declined to respond to the criticism, citing an upcoming court hearing on whether the city issued the demolition permits properly. But Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D), who supported the legislation to push the development forward, said it needs to progress after seven years of reviews and litigation that is about stalling, obstructing, delaying the project.
What I really want to know is . . . when is this information going to become available? Mehta said. And I mean all of it. Not just a small piece of it. I mean all of it. And thats something . . . every judge on this court wants to know, and every defendant wants to know.
Hetle testified that the neighborhood spat had spiraled out of control in the months before the slaying and that he believed Prather wanted to hurt him. Hetle told the jury that Prather threatened him on numerous occasions, including once when he had a knife, and had stalked him as he walked his dog.
The first alleged assault occurred May 28 at Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn, according to the Loudoun County Sheriffs Office. In a Wednesday statement that followed growing focus on the incident on social media and news reports, the sheriffs office said one of its school resource officers was notified of the alleged assault the same day and an investigation was quickly started. Officials said it was conducted over several weeks by the sheriffs offices Special Victims Unit.
"This, Mr. Youngkin, is not a game," Northam said. "When political candidates purposely reject facts and the truth and fan the flames of conspiracy, all in pursuit of power, they are taking very, very dangerous steps. If you want to lead this state, Mr. Youngkin, you need to make a choice. You can be part of our democratic institutions or you can use falsehoods to try to destroy them, but you can't do both."
The nearly unanimous vote by the U.N. General Assembly that same year giving Britain six months to leave the archipelago  and resulting in all official U.N. maps being changed to make Diego Garcia and the rest of the islands part of Mauritius  was the result of an inappropriate use of the ICJ opinion, said the spokesperson, who declined to be identified.
The indictment Thursday included an exchange between Forkner and a colleague that took place after Forkner had taken the Max on a simulated test flight in November 2016. In that simulation, the automated MCAS system engaged at a much lower speed than Forkner and Boeing told the FAA it would. That meant it would kick in more frequently, requiring expensive simulator training for cost-conscious airlines.
Though Russia was not involved in the meeting, White House officials note that they have a separate channel to engage directly with Moscow on the issue. There have been several meetings to date through that channel in which experts had frank and professional exchanges to convey Washingtons expectation that Russia would crack down on ransomware criminals, a senior administration official said this week.
Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller, a combat veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, testified that he knew he was defying orders and that his life began spiraling down after he posted his first video in August. He said his wife left him, fellow Marine officers turned their backs on him and the Marine Corps opened an investigation into his actions. Scheller said he continued posting after receiving positive feedback from backers, including elected officials.
Blinken also noted what he described as the councils serious flaws, citing, as the previous administration did in 2018, the organizations attention to Israel and its membership. Experts have said countries such as China have used their seats on the council to advance their own vision of human rights or fend off criticism of their own actions.
The Lutheran Church has apologized and promised to investigate how Hafenmayers remains ended up in the same plot as Friedlaenders. The church said that people can sponsor the maintenance of historic gravesites at the cemetery and in exchange get buried on those sites when they die.
Nicholas Bloom, an economist at Stanford University, had been studying working-from-home arrangements for years before corporate America sent its white-collar employees home in droves in March 2020. In a paper published in 2015, for example, he and three co-authors explored what happened when workers at a Shanghai travel company were randomly selected into a work-from-home program: It turned out they were 13 percent more productive. Then suddenly, last year, his niche academic focus was thrust to the center of every business discussion. After fielding numerous calls from executives and reporters to discuss his older work, he said, it became clear that it would be helpful to get contemporaneous data. Working with colleagues including Jose Maria Barrero, of Mexicos Autonomous Institute of Technology, and Steven J. Davis, of the University of Chicago, he began a fresh set of studies exploring how the pandemic was reshaping working and living arrangements. He discussed that work recently, in a conversation edited for length and clarity.
Bannon, Meadows, Patel and Scavino are considered key witnesses by panel members as they investigate the Trump administrations efforts to overturn election results and interfere with the transfer of power. The decision to give Meadows and Patel more time to comply with subpoenas sent out last month indicates at least a minimal level of cooperation between the committee and two of Trumps former advisers. Whether Scavino will cooperate remains an open question, but he was perhaps Trumps most loyal aide and remains close to the former president.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson carries an American flag outside the Glynn County Courthouse in Brunswick, Ga., on Thursday. (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

Closing arguments are expected Monday morning after 10 days of witness testimony.
It also creates this whole additional level of flexibility for the ruling party to manufacture results that they want to see, said Harvey. We dont really get to see as observers whats going on under the hood. We just know that some votes were changed.
Instead of the pressure being on them, and the onus and responsibility of reforms being on them, they are dragging the country to sectarian games that they know how to play so well, he said. He described the clashes as a win-win situation for both groups because they can use this to mobilize their constituencies behind them, and in the lead-up to parliamentary elections.
Ward family one of 50 to have mortgages paid off in full by Tunnel to Towers
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Aussie stocks finished stronger for a second week in a row as travel and aviation stocks lifted on news New South Wales was axing home quarantine requirements for the fully vaccinated.

The ASX 200 finished Fridays session up 0.7 per cent to 7362, putting the index 1.2 per cent higher for the week. The bourse has rebounded slightly from a rocky September to sit 2.5 per cent higher for October so far.

The market see-sawed throughout the week with investors anxious about the economic conditions in the US and whether congress could broker a deal to lift the nations debt ceiling.

The ASX200 finished the week in the black. Credit:Louie Douvis

By Thursday those worries were forgotten, with President Joe Biden signing off on a bill to raise the debt limit, pushing off further decision-making on the issue until December.

Chief executive of equities research firm Kalkine, Kunal Sawhney, said by Friday local investors were upbeat on positive company earnings news coming out of the US.

As expected, materials and energy stocks are leading the pack amid an uptick in base metals, oil, and gold prices, he said.

A part of the credit also goes to easing restrictions in Sydney and Melbourne, which has revived hopes of sooner economic recovery from the pandemic-induced slowdown.

New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet confirmed on Friday that home or hotel quarantine for double-vaccinated travellers arriving in the state would not be required from November 1.

The announcement saw Qantas accelerate its restart of international flights by two weeks. Shares in the airline finished the session up 2 per cent, with the stock getting an early boost on news it had sold 14 hectares of land held at Mascot for $802 million to a consortium led by property group LOGOS.

The travel and aviation sectors also benefited from the reopening news: Webjet was 4.1 per cent higher to $6.43, Flight Centre gained 3.8 per cent to $22.56, and Regional Express Holdings (REX) finished Fridays session ahead 6.1 per cent to $1.56.

Challenges still weighed on some stocks despite optimism about the tastes of freedom to come, however. Rio Tinto finished the day 0.9 per cent lower to $99.60 after a quarterly update saw it downgrade guidance.

Technology stocks ended up doing the heavy lifting on this weeks market gains, with the index finishing up 1.4 per cent for the session led by Afterpay, up 1.8 per cent to $122.78. Just like last week, the dip in US 10-year treasury yields helped local stocks throughout Thursday and Fridays session.
Australia will need a surge in renewable power and a dramatic shift to electric cars to meet a call from the United Nations to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, as Prime Minister Scott Morrison tries to quell fresh fears from the Nationals over a deal on climate change.

A new analysis shows the federal government will have to deepen its carbon cuts to 47 per cent by 2030 to meet the goal set on Tuesday for nations attending a UN climate summit that begins on November 1, stepping up demands on Mr Morrison while he considers whether to go.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says advanced economies have to pledge faster action. Credit:AP

But senior Nationals ministers are warning against stronger action on climate ahead of a party room meeting this Sunday, despite assurances from Energy Minister Angus Taylor that industries such as mining and gas will not suffer in the policy to be revealed next week.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made it clear forecasts would not be enough to meet the new obligation on leaders at the summit in Glasgow next month, saying advanced economies had to pledge faster action.
Officials in the Department of Defence told their superiors they were left distressed and mystified by Peter Duttons ban of special morning teas to mark an annual day in support of LGBTQI colleagues, with one staff member saying it had cemented their decision to quit.

Defence employees spoke out about feeling immediate disappointment and shame and of being slightly disturbed by the tone deaf decision to stop the events celebrating the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).

Emails reveal staff felt shame after Defence Minister Peter Dutton banned IDAHOBIT celebrations, claiming we are not pursuing a woke agenda. Credit:

The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age in May revealed that the Defence Minister had ordered his department and serving military personnel to stop events with particular clothes in celebration after Defence held morning teas where staff wore rainbow clothing to mark IDAHOBIT.

Mr Dutton told Defence Force Chief Angus Campbell and secretary Greg Moriarty to issue a note ending such events, saying he would never tolerate discrimination but would not pursue a woke agenda either.
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Retired U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Dana Bowman parachuted from a helicopter, bringing with him a large American flag as he landed on the Weatherford Christian School field Tuesday, Nov. 9 for a special ceremony in honor of Veterans Day.
The 6th, 7th, and 8th graders at Owensboro Middle School, are seeking everyone's loose change for a friendly competition.

Right before Fall Break, students at Owensboro Middle School finished reading the book "A Long Walk to Water" This book tells the story of Salva Dut, one of the thousands of "lost boys" who had to flee Sudan during their civil war. Salva Dut was able to seek refuge in the United States after years of treacherous conditions in South Sudan and began his project "Water for South Sudan". His nonprofit company builds wells for villages in Africa who do not have access to clean water, and the students want to be apart of that.

"I think it was an eye opener for them, that people still today, have to live with these types of issues," says Magen Gray, 7th Grade English Teacher

Now, a coin drive is underway between each grade at OMS, from now until Christmas break. Each grade level will be competing to see who can collect the most money, in hopes to raise $500.

7th grader, Macey Kahn says, "its kinda sad knowing they don't have as much as we do, and we're so grateful, and not everyone has that"

To donate, contact : magen.gray@owensboro.kyschools.us
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GUILFORD, CT (WFSB)  A West Haven man is facing charges, accused of murdering his wife back in July.

Police had identified 45-year-old Robert Faison as a suspect in the death of his wife, 42-year-old Lindsey Hopkins in July.

Death of woman in Guilford ruled a homicide State and local police are investigating a death at a condo complex in Guilford.

He was found at a homeless shelter in New York City in August and was brought back to Connecticut.

Police ultimately arrested him on Thursday and charged him with murder.

Hopkins was found dead on July 22 inside a home on Mohawk Trail.

She was found with injuries to her head and neck. Her death was ruled a homicide.

Court records show Hopkins was going through a divorce this year, but it was dismissed.

This was the first murder in Guilford in more than 20 years.

Faison is being held on a $2 million bond.
Regional Surveillance Officer, Cairo, Egypt

Organization: World Health Organization (WHO)

Country: Egypt

City: Cairo

Office: WHO EMRO Cairo

Grade: P-5

Closing date: Monday, 1 November 2021

Regional Surveillance Officer

( 2105081 )

Grade : P5

Contractual Arrangement : Fixed-term appointment

Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days) : 2 years (extension is subject to the need of the function, availability of funding and satisfactory performance of the incumbent)

Job Posting: Oct 11, 2021, 1:30:20 PM

The prevention and control of Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) is one of the strategic priority areas for the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO). Additionally, implementing the United Nation Political Declaration (UNPD) of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on NCDs of 2011, 2014 and 2018 and the following regional framework for action, endorsed by Member States with its progress indicators (EM/RC59/R.2 and EM/RC60/R.4), updated in 2018 EM/RC66.

NCD surveillance is one of the three pillars of the Global Strategy for the prevention and control of NCDs, endorsed by the 53rd WHA and the subsequent WHO Global Action Plan for the prevention and control of NCDs 2013-2020, with its global monitoring framework (GMF) for NCDs that includes 9 global voluntary targets for achievement by 2025, extended till 2030, and following SDG agenda on NCD target 3.4; on reduction premature mortality from NCDs by one third in 2030 through prevention and treatment and promotion of mental health and well-being, along with targets to address NCDs risk factors.

NCS is responsible for providing advice, as well as technical and programmatic support and guidance to Member States in collaboration with WHO headquarters, WHO Country Offices and partners in the following areas of work:

provide technical support to national level agencies for the implementation of the different NCD related surveys.

monitor NCDs and their determinants: outcomes; mortality and morbidity (with focus on Cancer surveillance), exposure to risk factors and monitoring national system response (capacity assessment) and health care system response (with focus on primary care level.

support integration of NCD surveillance into existing health information system.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent will perform the following duties:

Support Member States through policy analysis and development of appropriate frameworks to set national targets and indicators for NCDs, NCD epidemiologic situation and projected trends to implement the commitments of the UNDP and the updated regional framework for action on NCDs.

Provide overall coordination on technical advisory services on policies and strategies relating to the subject matter through policy- and situation analysis and the development and/or dissemination of frameworks and guidelines.

Work in collaboration with colleagues at all levels in WHO and external partners and collaborators to facilitate the implementation of joint action plans for strengthening the NCD surveillance systems.

Oversee the performance of NCD surveillance systems and programmes in countries.

Build partnerships and collaborate with appropriate technical networks, institutions, universities and WHO Collaborating Centers for developing appropriate training courses for national capacity building to scale up NCD surveillance system and align it with global standards and WHO guides.

Lead and strengthen coordination and agreements with global and regional partners in the area of surveillance and extending of global technical support to country level implementation of different NCD related surveys. This includes CDC, GCC, LAS, SISRIC and many others.

Foster collaboration and coordinate efforts with international partners and donor agencies to mobilize resources and facilitate effective utilization of resources for projects and new initiatives for strengthening NCD surveillance.

Design and disseminate standard procedures, guidelines and tools to direct the implementation of the WHO comprehensive framework for NCD in countries.

Coordinate developing and monitoring workplan and budget including resource mobilization for the NCD surveillance work programme and follow up on the implementation of planned activities.

Coordinate the design of frameworks and guidelines for the Member States and their institutions through the preparation of technical reports, discussion papers and technical studies based on research and analytical work on the situation of NCD surveillance in Member States or across the region.

Coordinate and lead capacity building initiatives related to implementation of related international standards and norms in the assigned area(s).

Lead and coordinate the information seminars and workshops and awareness/advocacy campaigns and promote WHOs position.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential : Advanced University degree (Masters degree) in Medicine, Public Health, biostatistics or epidemiology.

Desirable: Post-graduate qualifications in the field of NCDs.

Experience

Essential : At least 10 years of combined relevant experience at the national and international levels in building and /or strengthening one or more components of NCD Surveillance Systems, either at the program management or activities levels.

Desirable: Experience in supporting low- and middle-income countries in strengthening one or more components of national NCD surveillance.

Skills

Expert knowledge of NCDs and their major risk factors and related WHO objectives and priorities and of the theories and principles of public health surveillance systems and methods.

In-depth knowledge of the concepts and practices of NCD surveillance covering the areas of NCD mortality, NCD morbidity monitoring (through cancer registries, for example) and risk factor surveillance.

Demonstrated competence in NCD surveillance including, but not limited to, data collection, interpretation, analysis and use to inform policy.

Advanced communication skills, both verbal and writing.

Sound judgment and decision-making skills to identify the key issues in a complex situation and finds solutions to problems and takes decisions with an eye to the impact on stakeholders and counterparts and on the Organization. cviey7I-Dh7qKS

Knowledge of epidemiology, biostatistics, or related subject.

Knowledge of NCD risk factor surveillance and tobacco surveillance.

Up-to-date knowledge of the latest trends and approaches with respect to public health surveillance systems.

WHO Competencies

The Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model can be found at https://intranet.who.int/homes/pml/documents/enhanced who global competency model_february 2015.pdf

Teamwork.

Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences.

Communication.

Ensuring the effective use of resources.

Driving the Organizations Position in Health Leadership.

Creating an empowering and motivating environment.

Use of Language Skills

Essential : Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of Arabic.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 89,837 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 2628 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.

Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply on-line through Stellis. For assessment of your application, please ensure that: 1 -Your profile on Stellis is properly completed and updated; 2- All required details regarding your qualifications, education, training and experience are provided; 3- Your experience records are entered with elaboration on tasks performed at the time.

Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

A written test may be used as a form of screening.

In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

For information on WHOs operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link: http://www.who.int/employment/en/. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.

Link to the organizations job offer: https://unjobs.org/vacancies/1633974580586
Legal Consultant, Kingston, Jamaica

Organization: United Nations Environment Programme

Country: Jamaica

City: Kingston

Office: UNEP-CEP

Closing date: Tuesday, 19 October 2021

Posting Title: Legal Consultant

Department/Office: United Nations Environment Programme

Duty Station: KINGSTON

Posting Period: 04 October 2021 - 19 October 2021

Job Opening Number: 21-United Nations Environment Programme-165460-Consultant

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Result of Service

The objective of the Consultancy is to develop the technical and legal content of the draft Regulation for the implementation of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) in the Dominican Republic, including five of its Annexes, namely, Annex I: Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Oil, Annex II: Regulations for the Control of Pollution by Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk, Annex III: Prevention of Pollution by Harmful Substances Carried by Sea in Packaged Form, Annex IV: Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships, and Annex V: Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships.

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

One (1) year

Duties and

Responsibilities

Organisation Setting: The United Nations Environment programme (UNEP) is the United Nations systems designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional levels. lts mandate is to coordinate the development of global consensus on environmental issues by keeping the environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action.

The UNEP Caribbean Environment Programme and Cartagena Convention Secretariat will implement project activities in the Wider Caribbean focused on marine biodiversity, marine pollution and public awareness under the ACP MEA Phase III Programme. The programme Capacity-building related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA) in African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Countries Phase III (ACP MEA) is a joint partnership between the European Union, the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, United Nations Environment Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The programme aims to build capacity in 79 countries in Africa, Caribbean, and the Pacific to support them in fulfilling their obligations as parties to Multilateral Environmental Agreements to tackle the environmental issues they face.

The purpose of this third phase of the ACP MEAs programme is to enhance the mainstreaming and implementation of MEAs related to biodiversity and chemicals and waste, with a focus on the mainstreaming of biodiversity in agriculture, the management of chemicals and waste (including hazardous pesticides), the reinforcement of compliance and enforcement measures and the strengthening of the implementation of Regional Seas conventions in ACP countries. It will also address ocean governance by supporting the implementation of Regional Seas conventions as regional MEAs, and assist countries that are Parties to MEAs to support decision-making, develop appropriate policies and legislation, as well as monitoring tools, where needed. It will also aim to mobilise non-Party countries to join existing treaties and begin the implementation process.

Under Component 2.1 of the project, the Secretariat of the Cartagena Convention is supporting Contracting Parties in the review, drafting and / or updating of their national policy, legislation and / or regulations for the ratification and / or implementation of the relevant conventions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), including the MARPOL Convention. The purpose of this consultancy is to provide technical support to the Government of the Dominican Republic as a Contracting Party to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) for effective implementation of Annexes I, II, III, IV and V of the Convention.

Roles and Responsibilities: The Consultant will be expected to carry out the following duties:

Facilitate the drafting of a Regulation for the implementation of the MARPOL Convention in the Dominican Republic,

Engage in ongoing discussions with institutions for supporting the implementation process;

Analyze the draft proposals relating to regulations and their implementation and recommend improvements from a technical and legal perspective;

Review the interrelation of the MARPOL Conventions Annexes to integrate them into the text of the draft Regulation;

Provide assistance to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in the final review of the consolidated draft Regulation of the MARPOL Convention;

Conduct a diagnostic of the existing internal procedures of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in order to supports its role in the eventual implementation of the Regulation;

Propose solutions and recommendations for effective implementation of the new Regulation based on the diagnostic analysis of internal procedures.

The consultant will report to the UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of the Dominican Republic. Payment will be made by UNEP upon the successful completion and delivery of outputs.

Qualifications/special skills

Skills: - Ability to provide sound legal advice on the implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements.

Excellent analytical and organizational skills. cvArZ2M Dh7qKS

Knowledge of environmental issues related to the protection and management of ocean resources.

Good understanding of national policies, regulations and the application of obligations under international conventions.

Good writing skills.

Ability to multi-task and work under pressure.

Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.

Academic Qualifications: - A Bachelors degree in Law, or other relevant discipline.

A Masters degree in Maritime Law or a similar field of study would be an asset.

Academic training in shipping operations or related subject is desirable.

Experience: - Minimum 5 years of work experience in international law and maritime affairs.

Previous experience working with a drafting group to develop Regulations on maritime issues.

Proven experience working on the implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements, preferably in the Dominican Republic.

Experience working with national institutions and stakeholders in the Dominican Republic involved in monitoring and ensuring compliance with obligations under Treaties, International Conventions and/or other relevant legal instruments under international law;

Language: - English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, proficiency in oral and written English and Spanish (mother tongue) is required.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS BANK ACCOUNTS.

Link to the organizations job offer: https://unjobs.org/vacancies/1633475187020
Willmar, MN (56201)

Today

Cloudy skies early will become partly cloudy later in the day. High 44F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early will become overcast later during the night. Low 28F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
Winchester, VA (22601)

Today

Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High 42F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 24F. Winds light and variable.
DENPASAR, Indonesia (AP)  The Indonesian resort island of Bali reopened for international travelers to visit its shops and white-sand beaches for the first time in more than a year Thursday  if they're vaccinated, test negative, hail from certain countries, quarantine and heed restrictions in public.

An airport worker walks at the arrival hall of International Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali, Indonesia, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. The Indonesian resort island of Bali welcomed international travelers to its shops and white-sand beaches for the first time in more than a year Thursday - if they're vaccinated, test negative, hail from certain countries, quarantine and heed restrictions in public. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

DENPASAR, Indonesia (AP)  The Indonesian resort island of Bali reopened for international travelers to visit its shops and white-sand beaches for the first time in more than a year Thursday  if they're vaccinated, test negative, hail from certain countries, quarantine and heed restrictions in public.

However, foreign visitors may be slow to arrive. No international flights to Bali were scheduled on the first day of the reopening and a tourism official forecast travel would pick up in November.

Balis airport will welcome new foreign arrivals from 19 countries that meet World Health Organizations criteria such as having their COVID-19 cases under control, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, the government minister who leads the COVID-19 response in Java and Bali, said in a statement late Wednesday.

He said all international flight passengers must have proof theyve been vaccinated two times, test negative for the coronavirus upon arrival in Bali and undergo a 5-day quarantine at designated hotels at their own expense. They'll also have to follow stringent rules at hotels, in restaurants and on beaches.

We have to do this with caution because we need to stay alert, Pandjaitan said.

President Joko Widodo credited Balis high vaccination rate for the decision to reopen. The countrys COVID-19 caseload has also declined considerably; Indonesia has had around 1,000 cases a day in the past week after peaking around 56,000 daily in July.

Flight information screens are blank at International Ngurah Rai Airport before its reopening in Bali, Indonesia, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. The Indonesian resort island of Bali welcomed international travelers to its shops and white-sand beaches for the first time in more than a year Thursday - if they're vaccinated, test negative, hail from certain countries, quarantine and heed restrictions in public. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Tourism is the main source of income on the idyllic island of the gods that is home to more than 4 million people, who are mainly Hindu in the mostly Muslim archipelago nation. Bali's tourist areas were deserted two decades ago after visitors were scared off by deadly terror attacks that targeted foreigners, but the island has worked to overcome that image.

More than 6 million foreigners arrived in Bali each year prior to the pandemic.

Foreign tourist arrivals dropped six-fold from 6.2 million in 2019 to only 1 million in 2020, while 92,000 people employed in tourism lost their jobs and the average room occupancy rate of classified hotels in Bali was below 20%. Statistics Indonesia data showed the islands economy contracted 9.31% year-on-year last year.

After closing the island to all visitors early in the pandemic, Bali reopened to Indonesians from other parts of the country in the middle of last year. That helped the islands gross domestic product grow a modest 2.83% in the second quarter this year, ending five consecutive quarters of contraction.

The July surge, fueled by the delta variant, again totally emptied the island's normally bustling beaches and streets. Authorities restricted public activities, closed the airport and shuttered all shops, bars, sit-down restaurants, tourist attraction spots and many other places on the island. It reopened to domestic travelers in August.

Sang Putu Wibawa, the general manager at Balis Tandjung Sari Hotel, said only two of its 40 rooms were occupied on average and he hoped the reopening would help the occupancy rate back to normal.

We have been waiting for this moment for so long, he said. This outbreak has hammered the local economy ... we are very excited to welcome foreign guests by observing health protocols.

Widodo said deciding to reopen Bali was based on its high vaccination rate as well as wanting to revive its economy. He said more than 80% of the Bali population has been fully vaccinated.

Based on this situation, I am optimistic and we have decided to reopen international flights to Bali, Widodo wrote in his official Instagram on Saturday.

Overall, 59.4 million of Indonesias 270 million people are fully vaccinated and another 43.2 million are partially vaccinated. Indonesia has confirmed more than 4.2 million cases and 142,811 deaths from COVID-19, the most in Southeast Asia.

Tourists from 19 countries are now able to visit the Bali and Riau islands provinces  Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Italy, France, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Poland, Hungary, and Norway.

The tight timing is one reasons tourists were not immediately arriving, said Putu Astawa, head of the Bali Tourism Office

Airlines need time to schedule flights to Bali, while tourists need time to arrange travel documents such as tickets, insurance and virus tests as well as their five-day quarantine accommodations.

He predicted new visitors would start coming in early November.

____

Associated Press writers Niniek Karmini and Edna Tarigan in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed to this report.
HERNANDARIAS, Paraguay (AP)  The gigantic Itaipu hydroelectric dam straddling the Brazil-Paraguay border on the vast Parana River, is feeling the heat of Brazils worst drought in nine decades.

The Friendship Bridge spans over the Parana river along the border of Brazil, right, with Paraguay, left, Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. The gigantic Itaipu hydroelectric dam straddling the Brazil-Paraguay border is feeling the heat of Brazils worst drought in nine decades, with power output at its lowest level since 1994. (AP Photo/Emilio Sanabria)

HERNANDARIAS, Paraguay (AP)  The gigantic Itaipu hydroelectric dam straddling the Brazil-Paraguay border on the vast Parana River, is feeling the heat of Brazils worst drought in nine decades.

Sometimes described as one of the world's seven modern wonders, Itaipu's banks, usually lush and green, have turned rocky and bare.

According to Itaipus website, 2020 was one of the driest years in the plants history, with power output at its lowest level since 1994, a decade after it was inaugurated and when it had less capacity than now.

Production this year will be even lower, by about 15%, said Hugo Zarate, the plant's superintendent.

We do not expect the crisis of lack of water to be solved before 2022. We will start the year in a rather complicated situation, Zarate told The Associated Press.

That's devastating for a country where hydroelectric generation accounts for about two-thirds of total installed capacity, and experts are warning of possible electricity shortages in coming months.

President Jair Bolsonaro last month said hydroelectric dam reservoirs were at the limit of the limit, and called for Brazilians to turn off a lamp, take cold showers and stop using elevators when possible.

Lawmakers have even discussed bringing back daylight saving time.

Crops have withered while energy costs and food prices are soaring. Zarate noted that the lack of rain impacts navigation, it impacts fishing, and it impacts tourism."

The Parana River which feeds the Itaipu plant is one of the main commercial waterways in South America, going through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. It has reached its lowest level in nearly 80 years. Ships on the river have had to reduce their tonnage to keep navigating.

Reduced water levels are part of natural cycles. But experts have warned human activity is affecting global weather patterns, leading to more frequent extreme events such as severe droughts and floods.

A recent study showed that Brazil, the country with the most freshwater resources on the planet, has lost 15% of its surface water since 1991.

___

AP reporter Diane Jeantet reported from Rio de Janeiro.
OTTAWA - Omni Conversion Technologies Inc. has named Jonathan Lundy as its new chief executive and former Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz to the company's board of directors.

Stephen Poloz arrives before a press conference on economic support for Canadians impacted by COVID-19, at West Block on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

OTTAWA - Omni Conversion Technologies Inc. has named Jonathan Lundy as its new chief executive and former Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz to the company's board of directors.

The company also announced Daniel Kammen, Peter Fraser and Carmen Vierula have joined Omni CT chairman Rod Bryden, who had also been CEO, on the board.

Ottawa-based Omni CT is working to convert municipal garbage and industrial and commercial waste into usable fuel.

Lundy joins OMNI CT from BWXT where he was the vice-president of strategy and business services. He previously was interim CEO and chief transition officer at Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd.

Kammen is a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and an expert in renewable energy, while Fraser is co-chief investment officer of West Face Capital Inc.

Vierula is a former chief financial officer at the Bank of Canada.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 14, 2021.
SALEM, Ore. (AP)  A county in southern Oregon says it is so overwhelmed by an increase in the number and size of illegal marijuana farms that it declared a state of emergency Wednesday, appealing to the governor and the Legislature's leaders for help.

SALEM, Ore. (AP)  A county in southern Oregon says it is so overwhelmed by an increase in the number and size of illegal marijuana farms that it declared a state of emergency Wednesday, appealing to the governor and the Legislature's leaders for help.

The Jackson County Board of Commissioners said law enforcement officers and county and state regulators and code enforcers are overwhelmed and warned of an imminent threat to the public health and safety of our citizens from the illegal production of cannabis in our county.

FILE  In this April 14, 2016, file photo, investigators load marijuana plants onto a Colorado National Guard truck outside a suspected illegal grow operation in north Denver. A county in southern Oregon says it is so overwhelmed by an increase in the number and size of illegal marijuana farms that it declared a state of emergency Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021, appealing to the governor and the Legislature's leaders for help. (AP Photo/P. Solomon Banda, File)

Illegal marijuana grows have been a persistent problem throughout the West, even in states like California that have legalized pot. A megadrought across the West has created urgency, though, as illegal growers steal water, depriving legal users including farmers and homeowners of the increasingly precious resource.

Jackson County strongly requests your assistance to address this emergency, the commissioners said in a letter to Gov. Kate Brown, Senate President Peter Courtney and House Speaker Tina Kotek.

Only four Oregon Water Resources Department full-time employees handle complaints and perform all of their other duties in Jackson County and neighboring Josephine County, the commissioners said.

Josephine County has also been hurt by illegal grows that have drained creeks and siphoned off groundwater. Josephine County Sheriff Dave Daniel believes there are hundreds of illegal operations in his county alone. One with 72,000 marijuana plants that was drawing water from the Illinois River was raided after a dying person who worked there was dropped off in a nearby village.

Oregon voters made producing, processing, selling and using recreational marijuana legal in a ballot measure in 2014. Pot businesses must be registered by the state, which enforces compliance with rules. But some growers and processers remain outside the law, joined by a recent influx of outsiders in Jackson and Josephine counties who seek large profits by selling on the black market outside of Oregon while avoiding state taxes and regulations.

The illegal marijuana farms are often posing as legal hemp farms, the commissioners noted. The Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission recently reported that nearly 50% of registered hemp farms inspected in the state are illegally growing marijuana, with a THC content  the compound that gives cannabis its high  greater than legal limits.

About 25% of registered hemp farms refused entry to inspectors, the state agencies said. In busts of illegal marijuana grows, sheriff's deputies have often seized firearms.

By September of this year, the Jackson County Code Enforcement Division initiated almost 700 cases of code violations related to marijuana production or processing, more than double the number in all of 2016, the commissioners said in their emergency declaration.

Reacting to the commissioner's letter, Brown's spokesman, Charles Boyle, said the governor takes these concerns very seriously.

He noted that after the Legislature passed a bill this year that shifted how the state regulates the hemp industry and was aimed at curbing illegal production of cannabis, Brown created a multi-agency team to implement the legislation.

She also authorized doubling the size of cannabis law enforcement grants in the region and directed the Oregon State Police to dedicate additional resources.

The message is clear  Oregon is not open for business to illegal cannabis grows," Boyle said. "These are criminal enterprises that deplete water resources while our state is in drought, hold their workforce in inhumane conditions and severely harm our legal cannabis marketplace.

For her part, Kotek's spokesman Danny Moran said her office is reviewing the issues raised by Jackson County Commission Chair Rick Dyer and Commissioners Dave Dotterrer and Colleen Roberts and "looks forward to further conversations about the best path forward.

The commissioners said their code enforcement staff needs to triple to nine officers; more officers are needed to adjudicate the volume of citations; the sheriff's office needs 34 more staffers, including 18 detectives; and the state Water Resources Department needs three more full-time staff dedicated solely to investigating water-related complaints.

To reach those levels, the commissioners asked for additional state employees, state funding for the county to hire employees and contractors and for a repeal of a prohibition on local taxes on registered, legal marijuana businesses.
DENVER (AP)  Bradley Bunn had a request after being arrested for building four pipe bombs he intended to use against any officers who tried to seize his guns: He wanted to meet with the federal prosecutor leading the case against him, a member of the Navy Reserve.

DENVER (AP)  Bradley Bunn had a request after being arrested for building four pipe bombs he intended to use against any officers who tried to seize his guns: He wanted to meet with the federal prosecutor leading the case against him, a member of the Navy Reserve.

The 55-year-old Army veteran told U.S. District Judge Christine Arguello during his sentencing hearing Wednesday that he wanted to hear from someone with a similar military background on how he could take responsibility for what he had done. FBI agents also joined the meeting, and Bunn said he realized those men, who also had backgrounds and training similar to his, were the very people his bombs could have hurt.

I thank God every day. I thank God every day that I didn't hurt anyone, Bunn told Arguello during an emotional statement in which he apologized several times.

Arguello sentenced Bunn to about 17 months imprisonment  the time he has already spent in custody since being arrested May 1, 2020, as he prepared to go to an armed protest of pandemic restrictions. She also gave Bunn three years of supervised release, during which he will be barred from associating with members of anti-government groups or visiting their social media or websites. His devices will be subject to searches by the official supervising him.

Bunn's attorney, Lisa Polansky, said her client's actions were absolutely despicable and acknowledged he had been radicalized.

According to court filings, Bunn visited extremist, right-wing websites, and a defense expert suspected he identified with the Oath Keepers, a far-right militia group. The expert, psychiatrist Doris Gundersen, also said that, in discussing his belief that the government would try to forcibly take his guns, Bunn mentioned the killing of Duncan Lemp in a 2020 police raid. Lemp is considered a martyr of the loosely-knit boogaloo anti-government movement.

The judge said she was initially inclined to give Bunn at least some prison time  prosecutors were seeking between 30 and 37 months  but noted Bunn and Polansky, a former military lawyer, had made a compelling case. Polansky argued that a line can be drawn from Bunn's combat experience in Iraq to his declining mental health and delusional thinking, aggravated by long-term use of a prescription stimulant, that she claims led him to create the bombs. Staying out of prison will allow Bunn to get mental health treatment through Veterans Affairs, Polansky said after the hearing.

I do believe that the person who did those things is not the true you, Arguello told Bunn.

FBI agents searched Bunn's home in Loveland, 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Denver, after two people reported that Bunn had made statements online about his willingness to harm law enforcement, Arguello said, confirming for the first time how Bunn came to the authorities' attention. He told a friend the bombs were powerful enough to turn a shielded breach team into manageable sized parts, federal prosecutors said.

While Bunn's military service was laudable, his training and experience from it, reflected in his language about how to stop a law enforcement team from raiding his house, could be a threat too, Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Holloway said.

If that knowledge is used to intimidate, to scare, to kill here in the United States, it is something that is dangerous as well, he said.

The number of current or former military members arrested for crimes considered ideologically motivated is relatively small. But it has grown in recent years, from an average of nearly seven a year from 1990 to 2010 to 16 per year from 2010 until now, excluding those arrested during the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol breach, said Elizabeth Yates, a senior researcher on domestic radicalization at the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism. Anti-government beliefs are the most common ideology among them, followed by white supremacy, she said.

According to defense filings, Bunn served in Iraq at the height of the war there in 2003 and 2004, and his platoon was ambushed while making its way back to Al-Hawijah. A homemade bomb exploded, and Bunn suffered hearing loss and a suspected head injury.

Bunn was diagnosed with early onset PTSD and major depression in 2005. He reported experiencing vivid flashbacks and panic attacks and being hypervigilant in public and private, among other symptoms. His marriage began to fall apart. He later lost custody of his four children, last seeing them in 2014.

Bunn showed some improvement through treatment provided by the VA but had anger issues that led to a disruptive behavior flag being put on his record for a time, court documents said.

In 2016, he started talking to a therapist about his belief that he could exorcise evil spirits, an idea he would become preoccupied with.

In 2017, a treatment provider noted Bunn was paranoid and possibly delusional." A mental health team soon became concerned about his continued use of the prescription drug Adderall and the possibility it was precipitating psychosis.

In August 2019, when a doctor told Bunn he would need to be evaluated every three months to continue receiving Adderall, a stimulant, Bunn left treatment.

He was not being treated when he was arrested. Afterward, he stopped taking Adderall, which Bunn said took about eight months to leave his system.

Bunn told Arguello that after his meeting with the prosecutor and FBI agents, he went back to jail and cried out to God for help, saying he realized he had gone off the rails." He said God answered him quickly with a Bible verse about wisdom and peacemakers.

After a life of warfare, He taught me peace," Bunn said. "When I am released, whenever that is, I'll continue on that path.
MOSCOW (AP)  Russia on Thursday recorded the highest daily numbers of coronavirus infections and deaths since the start of the pandemic, a rapidly surging toll that has severely strained the nation's health care system.

Medical workers carry a patient suspected of having coronavirus on a stretcher at a hospital in Kommunarka, outside Moscow, Russia, Monday, Oct. 11, 2021. Russia's daily coronavirus infections and deaths are hovering near all-time highs amid a laggard vaccination rate and the Kremlin's reluctance to toughen restrictions. Russia's state coronavirus task force reported 29,409 new confirmed cases Monday. That's the highest number since the start of the year and just slightly lower than the pandemic record reached in December. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

MOSCOW (AP)  Russia on Thursday recorded the highest daily numbers of coronavirus infections and deaths since the start of the pandemic, a rapidly surging toll that has severely strained the nation's health care system.

The government's coronavirus task force reported 31,299 new confirmed coronavirus cases and 986 deaths in the last 24 hours.

The country has repeatedly marked record daily death tolls over the past few weeks as infections surged amid a slow vaccination rate and lax enforcement of measures to protect against the coronavirus.

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said Tuesday that about 43 million Russians, or just about 29% of the countrys nearly 146 million people, were fully vaccinated.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has emphasized the need to speed up the vaccination rate, but he also has cautioned against forcing people to get vaccine shots.

Medical workers carry a patient suspected of having coronavirus on a stretcher at a hospital in Kommunarka, outside Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. Russia hit another record of daily coronavirus deaths Tuesday as the country struggled with a rapid surge of infections and lagging vaccination rates, but authorities have been adamant that there would be no new national lockdown. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

Despite the mounting toll, the Kremlin has also ruled out a new nationwide lockdown like the one during the first months of the pandemic, which badly crippled the economy and dented Putins ratings, while delegating the power to enforce coronavirus restrictions to regional authorities.

Asked if there is a level of contagion that would force the Kremlin to impose a lockdown, Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that each of Russia's 85 regions will make a decision depending on the situation.

He noted that the country's health care system has the resources and experience needed to cope with an influx of COVID-19 patients, adding that it would allow authorities to avoid lockdowns for as long as the health care infrastructure isn't overwhelmed and remains in a working condition.

Ambulances stand in line to deliver patients suspected of having coronavirus to a hospital in Kommunarka, outside Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. Russia hit another record of daily coronavirus deaths Tuesday as the country struggled with a rapid surge of infections and lagging vaccination rates, but authorities have been adamant that there would be no new national lockdown. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

When the situation approaches a critical point where a regional health care system becomes unable to treat incoming patients the authorities may make the relevant decisions, Peskov said in a conference call with reporters.

Some Russian regions already have restricted attendance at large public events and limited access to theaters, restaurants and other places. But life remains largely normal in Moscow, St. Petersburg and many other Russian cities with unrestrained access to restaurants, cafes, nightclubs and other venues.

If we dont take measures to restrict social communications resulting in growing infections, we will face rising contagion, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko warned Thursday.

Crows sit on grave crosses in the section of a cemetery reserved for coronavirus victims in Kolpino, outside St. Petersburg, Russia, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. Russia hit another record of daily coronavirus deaths Tuesday as the country struggled with a rapid surge of infections and lagging vaccination rates, but authorities have been adamant that there would be no new national lockdown. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

Murashko said that more than 1.1 million COVID-19 patients are currently being treated at hospitals and at their homes, adding that the number is putting a high load on the nations health care system.

He noted that 42% of Russians older than 65 received the shots, adding that the proportion in the most vulnerable category of the population was clearly insufficient.

Amid the growing strain on the health care system, authorities have offered retired medics who were vaccinated to return to work, Murashko said.

Overall, Russias coronavirus task force has registered nearly 7.9 million confirmed cases and 220,315 deaths  the highest death toll in Europe. The official record ranks Russia as the fifth-hardest-hit nation in the world following the United States, Brazil, India and Mexico.

However, the state statistics agency Rosstat, which also counts deaths where the virus wasnt considered the main cause, has reported a much higher toll of pandemic deaths  about 418,000 deaths of people with COVID-19 as of August. If that higher number is used, Russia would be the fourth hardest-hit nation in the world, surging past Mexico.

___

Follow APs coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic
MADRID (AP)  A 4.5-magnitude earthquake shook La Palma in Spain's Canary Islands in what was the strongest recorded temblor since volcanic eruptions began 26 days ago, authorities said Thursday.

Military Emergency Unit personal clear black ash from volcano as it continues to erupt lava behind a church on the Canary island of La Palma, Spain on Wednesday Oct. 13, 2021. A new lava stream from an erupting volcano threatened to engulf another neighborhood on its way toward the Atlantic Ocean. Island authorities have ordered the evacuation of around 800 people from a section of the coastal town on Tuesday after the lava took a new course and put their homes in its probable path of destruction. (AP Photo/Saul Santos)

MADRID (AP)  A 4.5-magnitude earthquake shook La Palma in Spain's Canary Islands in what was the strongest recorded temblor since volcanic eruptions began 26 days ago, authorities said Thursday.

The quake was one of around 60 recorded overnight, Spains National Geographic Institute said, as the Cumbre Vieja volcano continued to spew fiery rivers of lava that are destroying everything in their path and dumping molten rock into the Atlantic Ocean.

A volcano continues to erupt lava behind a shrine on the Canary island of La Palma, Spain on Wednesday Oct. 13, 2021. A new lava stream from an erupting volcano threatened to engulf another neighborhood on its way toward the Atlantic Ocean. Island authorities have ordered the evacuation of around 800 people from a section of the coastal town on Tuesday after the lava took a new course and put their homes in its probable path of destruction. (AP Photo/Saul Santos)

The lava has partially or completely destroyed more than 1,600 buildings, about half of them houses, officials said, though prompt evacuations have so far prevented any deaths. Around 7,000 people have had to abandon their homes, 300 of them Thursday.

This is definitely the most serious eruption in Europe of the past 100 years, Canary Islands President Angel Victor Torres said.

The only good news is that...so far, nobody has been hurt, he said.

Lava from a volcano flows destroying a banana plantation on the Canary island of La Palma, Spain, on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. A new river of lava has belched out from the La Palma volcano, spreading more destruction on the Atlantic Ocean island where molten rock streams have already engulfed over 1,000 buildings. The partial collapse of the volcanic cone has sent a new lava stream heading toward the western shore of the island. (AP Photo/Daniel Roca)

The flow from three rivers of molten rock broadened to almost 1.8 kilometers (just over a mile), the La Palma government said, but their advance has slowed to a crawl.

Hard, black lava now covers 674 hectares (1,665 acres) on the western side of the island, authorities said, though most of la Palma is unaffected.

Authorities advised locals against traveling by car because volcanic ash was ankle-deep in some places. The volcano's plume was 2,600 meters (about 8,500 feet) high as of Thursday.

La Palma is part of Spains Canary Islands, an Atlantic Ocean archipelago off northwest Africa whose economy depends on tourism and the cultivation of the Canary plantain.
A property in Transcona is being eyed to create a village of tiny homes for unsheltered veterans.

A property in Transcona is being eyed to create a village of tiny homes for unsheltered veterans.

The Homes for Heroes Foundation wants to buy two acres of city land just north of Transcona Boulevard and west of the Transcona Library, where it hopes to build 20 tiny homes and a resource centre. That site would offer short-term housing and on-site counselling, with the ultimate goal of helping its residents secure stable jobs and permanent homes.

"We actually have the ability to end the issue of veteran homelessness in the City of Winnipeg," said David Howard, the foundations chief executive officer.

Howard said such villages are either under construction, or have already proven successful, in many other Canadian cities.

"There are more than 200 veterans living on the streets of Winnipeg. These are those that stood up and stood on guard for our country," he said.

The program aims to provide individual supports to veterans to help them readjust to civilian life, which can include everything from financial advice to mental health counselling to addictions treatment. The groups website notes it can take several months or years before an individual veteran is ready to leave the village.

Howard said hes spent years attempting to secure a site to add the supportive housing project in Winnipeg. On Wednesday, Howard told the property and development committee that it took multiple attempts to secure meetings with Mayor Brian Bowman and other council members, including one trip to Winnipeg that he made just to speak with the mayor at a public event.

"I have been working to try to get land in Winnipeg for the last three years. We seem to get blocked at every corner," he said.

In an email, a spokesperson for the mayor said his office is aware of two emails from the foundation, which were quickly handled.

"Both emails were promptly forwarded to the public service for outreach and response," wrote Jeremy Davis.

As the city attempts to ban homeless camps from being set up under bridges and seeks ways to prevent vulnerable people from sleeping in bus shelters, Coun. Kevin Klein said theres a clear, immediate need for the project.

"This really comes at an opportune time, given that we have to address where (vulnerable people can) go and this certainly will help 200 of our homeless people. This should have been done three years ago," said Klein.

Howard said his organization would buy the land for market value and has secured $4 million to build the tiny home village. Once the land is purchased, he said construction could be completed within 18 months.

During Wednesdays property and development meeting, city staff warned that there is one potential conflict with previous plans for the site, which is part of a large property at 1500 Plessis Rd. Officials said part of the land may be needed for the future East of the Red Recreation Plex, for which plans have not yet been completed.

The committee ordered a report on declaring the land surplus to free it up for the potential sale.

But Coun. Cindy Gilroy told her colleagues she does not support sacrificing recreation space.

Gilroy suggested the tiny home proposal itself could offer a model for additional housing projects in the city.

"This could be actually something that could work for a lot of different groups in our homeless population right now," she said.

Any land sale would require full council approval.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga
Another doctor is leaving Winnipegs health-care system out of frustration with Manitobas troubled sector reforms, while calling on Shared Health executives to resign.

Another doctor is leaving Winnipegs health-care system out of frustration with Manitobas troubled sector reforms, while calling on Shared Health executives to resign.

"Its been this phenomenally sluggish, constipated change process. I see my colleagues morale and its horrible," Dr. Sandor Demeter told the Free Press.

"Were also going to be in a staffing crisis at some point in the near future."

Demeter announced his resignation from Health Sciences Centres nuclear medicine department in a Monday blog post, writing its really Shared Health leaders who should be the ones leaving their jobs.

"Our health-care system is certainly broken now, and Shared Health leadership should be held accountable to fix it, or step aside and let someone else do it," he wrote.

The Winnipeg hospital hired Demeter in 2002, and praised him in 2005 for his work in bringing positron emission tomography to Manitoba. That cutting-edge technology scans patients for information on issues such as cancer, beyond what typical CT and MRI scans can provide.

Yet the machine isnt able to do its main job of detecting cancers early, owing to understaffing that has created a month-long wait for access, he said.

Someone with early cancer should get a scan immediately, so a followup scan a month later can suggest whether they have received an appropriate chemotherapy regimen, Demeter said Wednesday in an interview.

He blamed the backlog on "a dysfunctional bureaucratic quagmire" that predated the Progressive Conservatives forming government in 2016. However, he claimed it only got worse with "cut-to-the-bone fiscal austerity" since the 2018 formation of Shared Health.

Manitobas chaotic reforms have been unlike anything hes seen working in three other provinces, Demeter said.

"There are so many obvious issues that are impacting staff morale, that are not part of any standard change-management process," he said.

"Weve gone through this period of really erosion management, where they cut health-care spending to the bone and they only deal with big cracks that appear in an exceptional crisis mode."

Demeter said he left his job because of cost-cutting, combined with a lack of clear direction over health-care reforms, which he stressed arent a bad idea but have been poorly implemented.

For example, provincial policies delayed the replacement of an aging scanning machine, which was ultimately installed in a less-than-optimal site within HSC in order to save costs, he said.

Shared Health said it didnt have enough time Wednesday to respond to the doctors comments.

The Liberals brought up the blog post in the legislature Wednesday, arguing multiple resignations speak to a serious problem in Manitoba hospitals.

In recent weeks, the Free Press has reported on both a neurosurgeon and a neurologist opting to leave Manitoba over frustrations with the provinces management of the health system.

"Doctors and nurses are leaving health care, because the PCs have made it impossible to work there," Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont said, arguing the issue stems from cutbacks.

Interim Premier Kelvin Goertzen responded that the issue is related to Ottawas insufficient health transfers, adding the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority has ramped up its efforts to recruit specialists.

"We know that when it comes to specialists theres always been a challenge in terms of recruitment and retaining specialists in the medical system," Goertzen told the legislature.

"Its not just a Manitoba challenge; its a national problem."

The issue goes beyond funding, Demeter said, adding that a lack of clear planning in everything from consolidating emergency rooms to designing the leadership structure within Shared Health has led colleagues to quit.

Its not just their workload; the staff float around for years without a clear sense of what their department or supervisor will look like in a few months, and throw in the towel, he said.

"This story is a microcosm of the bigger picture."

Demeter pointed to three- and four-year vacancies within HSCs diagnostics section, leaving staff to do multiple jobs in hopes of advancing to leadership roles that havent been created because theres still no departmental plan.

He has given six months notice to his department that hell leave HSC in December. Demeter will continue teaching radiology and health policy at the University of Manitoba, and hopes to continue other clinical roles within the WRHA, if the province doesnt freeze him out for speaking up.

"I wanted to express how sad it feels to go through this, and Im not going to be able to make positive changes internally," he said. "It was far too frustrating and stressful to carry on."

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
The City of Winnipeg is one step closer to banning some medical cannabis growth within homes, after hearing the change would greatly improve quality of life in many neighbourhoods.

The City of Winnipeg is one step closer to banning some medical cannabis growth within homes, after hearing the change would greatly improve quality of life in many neighbourhoods.

"With these amendments, Winnipeg residents will be assured that their children can go to school, to daycare and to the playground without worrying about a blanket of marijuana effluent covering the area in which they play They will be assured that theyll be able to enjoy their own yards without being subjected to the stench of a grow op," Carmen Nedohin told councils property and development committee on Wednesday.

Nedohin is one of many Winnipeggers who have lobbied the city for months to crack down on medical cannabis growth, which the residents say has become the sole use of some homes in their communities.

The committee unanimously approved a proposal for city staff to create bylaw changes for people who are "designated" to grow cannabis on someone elses behalf, which Health Canada permits. The changes would restrict that type of cannabis growth to indoor facilities in manufacturing zones and ban the practice from residential areas, pending council approval.

Such growers would be required to obtain a valid business licence, meet set standards for air filtration and locate a minimum distance away from homes, schools, public parks and playgrounds.

The licensing requirement would allow the city to inspect the facilities and issue fines to violators, as well as suspend or revoke licences.

Those who grow their own cannabis for personal medical use would be exempt.

"Designated" growers can currently produce cannabis for up to four separate registrations at one location, which some say resulted in hundreds of plants being grown in a single home. Nedohin said nearly 600 cannabis plants were once grown next door to her home, which is adjacent to a park, playground and school.

"The stench was so bad that not only could we not enjoy our own backyard we couldnt use our HVAC because the smell was coming in through the fresh air intake that way," she said.

Nedohin said she expects the proposed changes would go a long way to reducing odour.

Residents said they worried homes in which marijuana is grown might have overtaxed electrical panels, increased fire risk, and attract more crime than a standard home.

Some councillors fear the new bylaws wont go far enough to address those issues.

Coun. Ross Eadie said hes still concerned some personal medical prescriptions allow too much marijuana to be grown in one home.

"The amounts are huge now," said Eadie.

The Mynarski councillor also wants city staff to ask that Health Canada set a limit on the number of pot plants that can be grown in a single home. Hed like city staff to set filtration and exhaust system standards for all homes that grow cannabis.

Councils property and development chairperson believes the current proposal is poised to address residents concerns, though she does expect the rules could require frequent updates.

"Well probably need to see what more we can do to regulate it, (making) sure were not impeding on peoples (health-care) rights," said Coun. Cindy Gilroy.

If council approves the current proposal, bylaw amendments could be ready for a council vote in about six months.

Joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga
The owner of a construction company being sued by the City of Winnipeg over the downtown police headquarters project was unable to get a separate city levy refunded Wednesday.

The owner of a construction company being sued by the City of Winnipeg over the downtown police headquarters project was unable to get a separate city levy refunded Wednesday.

The city charged a $35,000 empty building fee for a property at 2233 McGillivray Blvd., which a civic report connects to Armik Babakhanians.

Babakhanians also owns Caspian Construction, one of several companies and individuals being sued by the city over fraud allegations linked to the Winnipeg Police Service headquarters project, which the city claims led it to be overcharged.

The allegations have not been proven in court.

Pam Anderson, speaking on behalf of the company, told councils property and development committee the buildings owners have had trouble finding tenants since COVID-19 hit.

"The pandemic hit and our two tenants backed out. So 10 months into the pandemic, the City of Winnipeg imposed the empty building fee," Anderson told the committee Wednesday.

The building has been used for storage, which does not qualify it as being occupied, she said.

The City of Winnipegs empty building fee is charged on structures left vacant after five or more annual inspections.

The committee voted to deny the refund, keeping the charge in place.
A random attack on a 97-year-old woman has left some living downtown feeling unsafe leaving their homes.

A random attack on a 97-year-old woman has left some living downtown feeling unsafe leaving their homes.

The woman was seated on a bench outside the Kiwanis Chateau senior rental property at 430 Webb Place, just off Vaughan Street, last week when she was kicked in the upper body during an unprovoked mid-day assault, said a nearby resident.

"Its kind of shocking... although Ive heard of that kind of stuff before," said Norma, who did not want her last name made public. "I always feel nervous coming out, especially at night  but this happened during the day."

Winnipeg police said Wednesday the incident happened around 4 p.m. on Oct. 4. The woman was sent to hospital and treated for her injuries.

Rudy Wayne Elliott, 24, was arrested Oct. 12 on the 300 block of Agnes Street, and is in custody facing a charge of assault causing bodily harm.

The accused and the victim did not know each other, officials said.

This sort of event is shocking, but not entirely uncommon, Winnipeg Police Service Const. Claude Chancy said.

"We do often see attacks on members of a community that are unprovoked, some with reason, some with completely no reason whatsoever," he said.

"It is something we do look out for."

Chancy said he couldnt speak to the question if random attacks targeting seniors were on the rise.

"I think that any time we have an unprovoked attack on any member of our of our society, it's always shocking. It's even more shocking in a case like this one where you've got a 97-year-old female in an unprovoked attack," he said.

Norma said she would like to see an increased presence of grassroots neighbourhood watch organizations in downtown Winnipeg since police rarely respond to violent incidents in her neighbourhood.

"I really think our justice system leaves a lot to be desired," she said.

malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: malakabas_
Premier Kelvin Goertzen is headed to Thompson and Churchill to speak with business and community leaders about revitalizing the economy.

Premier Kelvin Goertzen is headed to Thompson and Churchill to speak with business and community leaders about revitalizing the economy.

"We want to hear from local leaders and community members about the challenges they face, and how we as a government can help position them for recovery and strong economic growth," said Goertzen.

"With its rich natural resources, vast territory and incredible wildlife, northern Manitoba plays an important role in our provinces tourism industry, which is a key contributor to our provincial economy."

A small group of foreign diplomats and tourism professionals will be part of the tour in Churchill, including the Winnipeg-based consul generals of the United States and Iceland.

"As an international attraction, Churchill has been particularly impacted by the travel restrictions during the pandemic. As people from around the world begin to safely travel again, we are eager to promote Churchill and northern Manitoba as a unique tourism destination and help build on our province's brand as the polar bear capital of the world," said Goertzen.

In Thompson, Goertzen will meet with elected officials, First Nations leaders and industry members to discuss economic challenges and opportunities related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thirteen years after Brian Sinclair died due to neglect, negligence and racism in a Winnipeg hospital emergency room, an investigation has concluded another Indigenous person died in a Canadian hospital for the exact same reasons.

Opinion

Thirteen years after Brian Sinclair died due to neglect, negligence and racism in a Winnipeg hospital emergency room, an investigation has concluded another Indigenous person died in a Canadian hospital for the exact same reasons.

On Oct. 1, coroner Gehane Kamel released her report into the Sept. 28, 2020, death of Joyce Echaquan, a 37-year old Atikamekw woman, in a Quebec health-care facility.

"From the first minute she entered the hospital, a label was placed on Ms. Echaquan," Kamel stated.

On Sept. 26, 2020, Echaquan checked into a hospital in Joliette, Que., complaining of a heart condition. Medical staff quickly classified the mother of seven as suffering from opium withdrawal, even as her complaints suggested something else.

They later administered her morphine, even as she worried about her allergies.

As she writhed in agony, staff ridiculed her, telling her she was only good for sex.

"Are you done acting stupid?" one asked.

"You made some bad choices, my dear," another added. "What are your children going to think, seeing you like this?"

Echaquan, who livestreamed the horrific experience via her cellphone, died soon after of a pulmonary oedema  something that could have been prevented.

Asked if it would have made a difference if Echaquan was "white," Kamel responded: "I think so."

Unlike the "official" inquest into Sinclairs death Sept. 21, 2008  which refused to look at racism as a cause and featured then-Manitoba chief medical examiner Dr. Thambirajah Balachandra claiming Snow White "would have got the same treatment under the same circumstances"  Kamels report was clear in pointing out the cause: systemic racism.

Kamels main recommendation: for the Quebec government and Premier Francois Legault to acknowledge systemic racism exists.

Legault, who admitted Echaquan did experience racism during her time in care, responded to Kamel by continuing to deny systemic racism exists in Quebec.

Speaking like a Grade 10 student writing a term paper, Legault stated: "(The dictionary) defines systemic as: relative to a system in its entirety.' For me, a system is something that comes from above. Take, for example, the health-care system. Is there something from on high that is communicated everywhere in the health system that says: 'Be discriminatory in your treatment of Indigenous people?' Its evident for me, the answer is no."

Of course, nowhere in the Quebec health-care system does it say to take care of Snow White, but I am 100 per cent certain she would never be told shes stupid and only good for sex, or die while waiting 34 hours for help like Sinclair did.

Legault clearly has no idea  or doesnt want to have an idea  what systemic racism is.

Its the normalization of the dehumanization of a group of people based on their race.

Its clear to everyone Quebec has a problem with racism in all of its systems, and this doesnt start with Bill 21  the law that forbids some civil servants (teachers, police officers among them) from wearing religious symbols at work.

It goes back to then-premier Jacques Parizeaus accusation of the "ethnic vote" in the 1995 Quebec referendum.

Before that, Quebecs racism existed in the abhorrent violence during the 1990 crisis at Oka and the century of events that led to that moment.

The problem with systemic racism in Quebec, Manitoba or anywhere else in Canada is not the evidence of it but the denial of its obvious conclusion.

Or, as Kamel states of her report: "It is unacceptable that large sections of our society deny such a well-documented reality."

The death of Joyce Echaquan wasnt caused by a couple of "bad apples" but the racism in the system that trained, hired and maintained the employment of those who taunted a patient as she lay dying.

Or, in the case of Brian Sinclair, the fact he wasnt considered a human by virtually anyone in the Health Sciences Centre emergency room.

There arent any bad apples in the federal governments continual discrimination against First Nations children on reserves, charges legislators have been found guilty of numerous times by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal and the Trudeau government refuses to pay compensation for. If these children were "white," they would have their money by now.

The main problem Canada needs to face  beyond the fact this countrys leaders seem to want to deny or ignore systemic racism exists  is racism is getting very expensive.

Sinclairs family sued for $1.6 million (a case that is ongoing).

Echaquans family is expected to sue for multiples of that amount.

The question is perhaps not how long it will take for Canadians to do the right thing but be shown the affordable thing: to accept systemic racism exists and eradicate policies and processes that create doctors, nurses and health administrators that discriminate against Indigenous and other racialized peoples.

Money is something even Snow White could understand.

Racism comes with a price for all.

niigaan.sinclair@freepress.mb.ca
Brian Pallister may be gone from office, but Manitoba's former premier scored a win Wednesday when the Manitoba Court of Appeal upheld the wage freeze bill introduced by his government.

Brian Pallister may be gone from office, but Manitoba's former premier scored a win Wednesday when the Manitoba Court of Appeal upheld the wage freeze bill introduced by his government.

The three-judge panel issued a unanimous decision supporting the government, saying there was no "substantial" interference in collective bargaining that would amount to an infringement of freedom of association.

Critics say it's a "Pyrrhic victory" for the provincial government, and that freezing wages and cutting spending has left Manitoba with a hollowed-out civil service and lower-paying institutions that can't attract and retain health-care workers and professors.

"We were shocked and a bit disappointed by this ruling," said Manitoba Federation of Labour president Kevin Rebeck.

"We're considering all our options, including the real possibility of appealing this to the Supreme Court," he said late Wednesday, noting they have 60 days to decide.

MIKE SUDOMA / FREE PRESS FILES "We're considering all our options, including the real possibility of appealing this to the Supreme Court," Manitoba Federation of Labour president Kevin Rebeck said late Wednesday.

A coalition of 28 unions with the Manitoba Federation of Labour took the Progressive Conservative government to court after it passed  but never proclaimed into law  Bill 28 (the Public Services Sustainability Act) in 2017. It argued the measure was needed to help curb the deficit.

It set wage caps of 0 per cent, 0 per cent, 0.75 per cent and one per cent over a four-year period for the public service, and included both unionized and non-unionized employees, amounting to almost 20 per cent of Manitoba's workforce. The province didn't enact the law but used it to try to get unions to settle for a wage freeze.

Last year, a Court of Queen's Bench judge ruled the act was "draconian" and violated the right of 120,000 public-sector union members to meaningful collective bargaining. The government appealed the decision and won Wednesday.

When asked if the government would consider legislating a wage freeze for public-sector employees now that it has the Court of Appeal's blessing, Finance Minister Scott Fielding didn't rule it out, but he took a more conciliatory tone than Pallister, who had championed wage restraint.

"Our focus would be to continue discussions at the bargaining table as opposed to the legislation, but we're happy with the constitutionality that was upheld by the appeals court," he said.

JOHN WOODS / CANADIAN PRESS FILES "We want to look forwards as opposed to backwards," Manitoba Finance Minister Scott Fielding said.

Fielding said the Progressive Conservative government was left with "a mess" by the NDP but had balanced the budget prior to the pandemic. The costs associated with COVID-19 left Manitoba with a $2.1-billion deficit that, as of the first quarter this fiscal year, is down to $1.5 billion, Fielding said. "Money is tight (but) we need to put all the money we can towards fighting the pandemic and making sure Manitobans are protected," Fielding said.

"We want to look forwards as opposed to backwards."

So does the president of the Manitoba Federation of Labour.

"Moving forward, not backward would be a good move and to do that at the bargaining table and build agreements that employers and workers can agree on is the best way to move forward. That has everyone buying into it, that allows people to move forward and not fall behind," said Rebeck.

"We really do hope with Pallister gone, his anti-union ways can be gone with him, and that we can forge a new relationship. I don't say this often, but I agree with the finance minister."

"We really do hope with Pallister gone, his antiunion ways can be gone with him, and that we can forge a new relationship. I don't say this often, but I agree with the finance minister."  Kevin Rebeck

Fielding said the government's "preference is always to work things out at the bargaining table. That's the process that we've engaged in for the most part as a government. We've seen some success on that, recently." The province and the Manitoba Nurses Union reached a tentative deal last week after nurses worked for more than four years without a collective agreement.

Nurses Union president Darlene Jackson called Wednesday's appeal court ruling "terrible news." The union, which represents 12,000 nurses, belongs to the Partnership to Defend Public Services, led by the Manitoba Federation of Labour.

"We believe strongly and why we started this court case  was to defend free and fair collective bargaining," Rebeck said. Since then, it's come to mean much more that, he said.

"This government's austerity measures  just leaving people without contracts for years upon years, while this has all been fought in court  have resulted in a lot of challenges, especially during a pandemic where we see health-care needs and nurse shortages happening," said Rebeck. "To be able to attract and retain people means freezing wages shouldn't be a real option," the labour leader said.

"It's a Pyrrhic victory for this government."  Liberal leader Dougald Lamont

"It's a Pyrrhic victory for this government," said Liberal leader Dougald Lamont.

The Court of Appeal may have ruled it was constitutional for the province to freeze wages but "we're living with the consequences of this," he said. "It's devastating for our universities and it's devastating for our health-care system."

The 53-page decision said that "while courts have a duty to ensure that laws enacted by legislatures are constitutional, it is important that they give legislatures reasonable room to manoeuvre in appropriate circumstances."

It cited case law stating that the role of the courts "is to protect against incursions on fundamental values, not to second-guess policy decisions."

In 2009, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that New Brunswick's Expenditure Restraint Act was constitutional. On Wednesday, the Manitoba Court of Appeal said this province's wage restraint legislation is similar and also constitutional. It is "broad-based and time limited" and "didn't preclude a meaningful collective bargaining process from occurring on other important workplace matters."

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca
A Manitoba Court of Appeal judge has reinforced a 2020 ruling that found the provincial government substantially interfered with contract negotiations five years ago between the University of Manitoba and the union that represents its academics.

A Manitoba Court of Appeal judge has reinforced a 2020 ruling that found the provincial government "substantially interfered" with contract negotiations five years ago between the University of Manitoba and the union that represents its academics.

In an appeal decision published Wednesday, a three-judge panel sided with the province in overturning a Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench ruling that deemed the 2017 wage freeze legislation, the Public Services Sustainability Act unconstitutional.

Chief Justice Richard Chartier and his colleagues, however, upheld a judges conclusion that the province violated professors, instructors and academic librarians rights to freedom of association, when it secretly handed their employer a salary mandate in 2016.

"Manitobas conduct not only significantly disrupted the balance between the U of M and UMFA, but also significantly damaged their relationship, thereby seriously undermining what had been a meaningful and productive process of good faith collective bargaining," Chartier wrote in his decision.

The judge countered the provinces argument that a mandate was simply provided to the university late in its bargaining process.

Per the decision, the province got involved in the matter in October 2016 after learning the university had put forward a proposal to have academics wages increase by seven per cent over four years.

It was then the province directed U of M to bargain for a one-year agreement with a zero per cent hike because it was concerned the offer would create a bad precedent, wrote Chartier, adding Manitoba ordered the university not to disclose to the union where the mandate had come from.

Although the university disagreed with the mandate, given the parties had engaged in more than 20 bargaining sessions, the decision states administration abided by the mandate because it was told there would be "financial consequences" if it did not follow through.

The union, which represents 1,200 employees, launched a three-week-long strike when it was informed of the mandate during mediation.

The association, which says wages have been frozen since 2016, is holding another strike vote this weekend. Members claim the provincial government is still interfering in contract talks, which has worsened recruitment and retention problems at U of M.

"The PC government needs to learn from the mistakes of the past, stop interfering in our bargaining, and let us come to a free and fair deal," said Orvie Dingwall, president of the faculty association, in a prepared release on the latest ruling.

A university spokesperson indicated Thursday the administration continues to bargain in good faith and has put forward a new proposal that recognizes its commitment to making faculty salaries more competitive with comparable universities.

Myrrhanda Novak, executive director of public affairs at U of M, said the school has proposed a four-year contract with annual increases of one per cent, one per cent, 1.25 per cent, and 1.25 per cent, in addition to structural changes to enhance pay scales for new employees.

maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @macintoshmaggie
The University of Manitobas current head of computer science is sounding an alarm about the ongoing crisis in his department that has led to unsustainable staff workloads and hundreds of students unable to get into classes.

The University of Manitobas current head of computer science is sounding an alarm about the "ongoing crisis" in his department that has led to unsustainable staff workloads and hundreds of students unable to get into classes.

Against a backdrop of contentious bargaining talks, James Young wrote to his union president to outline his concerns, including an explosion in enrolment, faculty exodus and hiring issues  as both a professor and acting head of computer science.

"The department of computer science is facing a crisis, and both our faculty and our (more than) 1,000 undergraduate students are suffering. We are no longer able to even come close to meeting local industry demands," he wrote in a recent letter to Orvie Dingwall, president of the faculty association.

Ballooning workloads and low wages, which are not competitive with market rates or other comprehensive universities, are causing problems that have only escalated during the last decade, according to the letter obtained by the Free Press.

Young referred a request for comment to his employers public affairs department.

In his letter, Young indicated there are currently 28.5 faculty members in his department, which translates into a students-to-faculty ratio of approximately 37  a figure that is more than double the second-highest ratio of 13 in biological sciences.

Given required course wait lists are often larger than class sizes, he said hundreds of students cannot progress in their degree programs. He noted three colleagues have left the department this year to work at other institutions that offer better pay and smaller workloads.

"We continue to lose more people than we are able to hire," wrote Young, adding there have been six failed searches since 2012 and three currently underway have yielded few applications.

He has made an appeal to the union to both advocate for better baseline pay across the board and market supplements  an additional sum paid to instructors that acknowledges they could be making more money if they worked in their field outside a university  to address staffing problems in computer science.

There has been no shortage of tension surrounding bargaining priorities inside the union this year. Ultimately, the union has come to the table with a $10-million pitch that includes increasing all salaries, boosting starter wages and making a baseline increase to address wage freezes in recent years.

Dingwall said Wednesday that bargaining is at an impasse since administration continues to cite the fact it cannot budge from its $1-million offer because of a mandate. A strike vote is scheduled for this weekend.

The union president, who was flanked by union colleagues and representatives from both the provincial NDP and Manitoba Liberals, hosted a press conference to criticize the province for interfering with the process. While the province claims a mandate is not unusual, owing to its role as a steward of public funds, Dingwall said strict government mandates prescribed since 2016 have hindered recruitment and retention.

She said every faculty is struggling with staffing, and the recruitment of Indigenous scholars continues to be a challenge because wages are the lowest of all comparable English-speaking post-secondary schools in Canada.

"When we dont properly fund our universities, students go elsewhere  so does research and innovation," she said.

In a statement, Myrrhanda Novak, U of Ms executive director of public affairs, said the university is committed to addressing faculty recruitment and retention. Novak said the school has made a proposal to continue market supplements and adjust salary scales to bring them in line with other institutions.

maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @macintoshmaggie
Leaders of local cultural communities want Manitobas largest school division to celebrate its multicultural classrooms by officially recognizing heritage months throughout the academic year.

Leaders of local cultural communities want Manitobas largest school division to celebrate its multicultural classrooms by officially recognizing heritage months throughout the academic year.

"The most effective way to deal with differences, racism and so on, is really by talking and meeting with each other, and thats a concept we should be promoting, I think, in all schools," said Art Miki, director of the Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba and a member of the Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba.

Miki is among the community leaders who recently spoke in favour of a motion to have the Winnipeg School Division build on its current cultural programming to endorse all heritage and history months and weeks that are proclaimed by the province.

Raising awareness about various heritage months would build understanding between students from different communities and help marginalized students learn more about their own history, culture and language, he added.

Earlier this month, trustee Jennifer Chen, who represents families in Ward 6 of WSD, put forward a motion to have the division recognize events including Islamic History Month (October), Black History Month (February), Sikh Heritage Month (April), Asian Heritage Month (May), Filipino Heritage Month (June), and Somali Heritage Week (June 25 to July 1).

Chens motion, which was tabled at a board meeting Oct. 4, also called on schools to encourage involvement in both the planning of and participation in activities that celebrate the above events.

"By taking a simple step, by recognizing heritage months, it encourages our students and all school communities to feel safe and included and welcome to celebrate their culture," Chen said, adding she wants to promote the hard work students and staff already do annually to organize cultural events at schools in central Winnipeg.

The divisions most recent student demographic report, which draws on 2016 census data and was compiled in 2019-20, indicates 34 per cent of its population identifies as a visible minority.

A total of 16 per cent of division households speak a home language other than English, with the two most popular being Tagalog and Punjabi.

Per the report, English, Filipino, First Nations, German, Canadian, Ukrainian, East Indian, Polish, Metis, Scottish, and Irish are the most common ethnic origins of students.

Chen said she hopes the division will start to post about the respective events on its website and social media channels, and send bulletins about the celebrations to all staff members to encourage them to plan and organize cultural activities at school.

Jennifer Chieh Ho of the Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba and Felicia Masenu, programs director of the Bilal Community and Family Centre, have endorsed the move.

The motion was referred to the WSD boards policy and program committee for further discussion. No turnaround timeline has been set.

maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @macintoshmaggie
Opinion

Brazilians wont choose their next president until October 2022. Neither far-right populist incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro nor his presumed challenger, leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (known as Lula), have even announced their candidacies. Yet electoral tensions in Latin Americas regional powerhouse are already exploding.

Dubbed the "Trump of the Tropics" given his affinity for the former U.S. president, Bolsonaro said in July that he may not accept the 2022 outcome based on claims of potential voter fraud. By August, Bolsonaro went even further by declaring, "I have three alternatives for my future: being arrested, killed or victory." During a Sept. 7 independence day rally in Brazils capital, his loyalists encouraged Bolsonaro to ensure his stay in office by launching a coup and executing opposition supporters by firing squad.

The domestic stakes are well apparent  Brazil is suffering the worlds second deadliest COVID-19 outbreak, with more than 600,000 deaths and counting. But Brazils next election outcome also matters for the wider world, given it could significantly help or hinder global efforts to rein in runaway climate change.

Elected in 2018 with 55 per cent of the vote, Bolsonaro came to office as a law-and-order candidate vowing to stamp out crime and corruption. Instead, his tenure has been marked by legislative power grabs, persecution of opponents in the media and civil society, and the disastrous handling of COVID-19, including a procurement scandal in which senior government officials allegedly profited off vaccines.

Polls indicate support for the former army captain has been whittled down to a fervent base comprising about a quarter of the electorate  a mix of evangelical Christians, gun owners, ranchers, agribusiness tycoons and conservative economic elites, with the backing of Brazils military.

Internationally, though, Bolsonaro is mostly associated with one thing: rampant destruction of the Amazon. His shredding of environmental regulations and de-funding of Brazils environmental agency has enabled the slash-and-burn of huge tracts of rainforest to boost beef and soybean production and increase access for logging and mining activities.

Deforestation in the Amazon hit a 12-year high in 2020, as Bolsonaros hands-off approach to enforcement of environmental laws has in essence decriminalized the plundering of several immensely biodiverse ecosystems. Evidence of the resulting damage has been dismissed as "lies"  even though its so extensive that a study published in March found the Amazon has crossed a tipping point at which it is now emitting more carbon dioxide than it is absorbing.

Dogged by global outrage and cratering popularity, Bolsonaro has lately tried to reinvent himself as an environmental ally, including during a speech on Sept. 21 to the UN General Assembly.

Brazilian soldiers were deployed in July on a two-month mission to root out illegal mining activity in the Amazon, while hundreds of conservation officers have been hired in recent months. Firefighting budgets have also been doubled ahead of a wildfire season which, due to ongoing drought and deforestation, experts fear could be among Brazils worst in memory.

At U.S. President Joe Bidens climate summit in April, Bolsonaro also pledged Brazil would achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and end illegal deforestation of the Amazon within a decade  if only foreign countries will give his government an additional US$ 10 billion per year.

Home to 60 per cent of the worlds largest rainforest, Brazil is uniquely positioned to embrace the urgently needed and symbolically powerful role of a developing world nation leading efforts to halt deforestation, which is responsible for about one tenth of global greenhouse gas emissions. But this will never happen under Bolsonaro.

If re-elected, Bolsonaro may continue with incremental improvements on his environmental actions  but only under the right combination of intense international pressure, scrutiny and financial assistance.

His challenger Lula, however, has been has been credited for presiding over the bulk of efforts that led to an 80 per cent decline in deforestation within Brazil between 2005-2012. A political legend among Brazils working class, Lula has his own checkered history and was jailed in 2018 on corruption charges before his conviction was overturned by a supreme court judge in March.

Polls since have regularly suggested he would beat Bolsonaro in a head-to-head vote by around 10 per cent.

It would be a fitting turn of events next October if  30 years after the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro first put climate concerns on the global agenda  Brazilians rejected a leader turning the country into an environmental pariah. But if the pandemic has shown anything, its that a lot can happen in 12 months.

Kyle Hiebert is a Winnipeg-based researcher and analyst, and former deputy editor of the Africa Conflict Monitor.
Manitobas surgical and diagnostic backlog is worse than it was four months ago, as the number of delayed procedures has swollen to 10 per cent of the provinces population.

Manitobas surgical and diagnostic backlog is worse than it was four months ago, as the number of delayed procedures has swollen to 10 per cent of the provinces population.

"The window of opportunity between the third and fourth pandemic waves has been lost, and there is a significant risk that surgeries will be further disrupted in the weeks ahead," a report from Doctors Manitoba says.

The associations head says patients are getting sicker because of delayed procedures, and doctors are scrambling to find ways to alleviate people's pain.

"Physicians are tired of seeing their patients waiting and suffering," said Dr. Kristjan Thompson. "Our patience is wearing thin, and Manitobans deserve to see more progress."

Doctors Manitoba normally takes a collaborative tone by avoiding direct criticism of the province, but its report, released Thursday, said there had been "little concrete progress to address the backlog" during the summer.

Shared Health said it has intentionally tackled the issue slowly, to preserve ICU capacity. Health Minister Audrey Gordon said the government has been proactive in contracting out surgeries to cut down the backlog.

In its report, Doctors Manitoba said the backlog, which was 110,000 procedures in June, currently sits at 130,000 procedures  about one-tenth of Manitoba's 1.38 million population, though some patients may be waiting for more than one procedure.

The group cobbled together its numbers from Manitoba Health data shared with federal bodies, Shared Healths public statements and estimates from physicians who make referrals.

The group warns that delayed care will exacerbate patients' medical concerns. It said the backlog will continue to grow.

Thompson said hes seen patients experience heart failure while waiting for bypass or valve surgery; some physicians believe their patients have died because they were forced to wait too long for care.

"No one should have to die unnecessarily, waiting for a surgery," he said.

Doctors Manitoba chalks up the problem to surging COVID-19 hospital admissions, a lack of nurses and technologists, and a hospital system staffed so tightly before the pandemic that it buckled under even marginal increases in patients.

As a result, Manitoba was the only province that significantly lost surgical capacity in the second wave, with a percentage drop in procedures that was four times worse than any other province.

In recent years, Manitoba has undertaken a chaotic reorganization of health services, and last spring it was forced to turn to the military to help out in hospital wards. It has been the only province that has sent ICU patients to other jurisdictions to be treated.

Thompson said fixing the problem will require not just an increase in government spending, but also adequate staffing.

"At the crux of it, we're seeing a very tenuous and critical health human-resource shortage," he said.

The Manitoba Nurses Union said a new nursing contract should help alleviate the nagging problem.

"Investment in health care is more important now than ever to ensure Manitobans receive the care they deserve," said union president Darlene Jackson.

"There is still much work to be done, to get Manitobas health-care system back to where it ought to be."

Gordon responded by saying her government welcomes the damning report.

"It's through partnerships and collaboration, and open and honest dialogue that we will be able to move forward, in terms of addressing the surgical backlog," she said.

In March, the PC government promised to spend $50 million to deal with the backlogs; as of Thursday the government says it has allocated $13.7 million.

Gordon said that money has been spent on five contracts to have public and private medical companies provide 8,300 key surgeries, from cancer treatment to cataract removal.

"We certainly haven't been delaying in any way, in terms of addressing the surgical backlog," she said, noting that all hospitals except HSC and St. Boniface have returned to full surgical staffing.

Doctors Manitoba said it wants the province to set a target date to clear the backlog. Gordon said that will come as part of a special task force that is still being formed.

Shared Health said it has gradually phased in surgery teams because so many Manitobans have been in intensive care.

"Efforts to increase surgical capacity to pre-COVID levels following the third wave have been slow and carefully considered, to ensure appropriate support remained in our ICUs," wrote Shared Health spokesman Kevin Engstrom.

He said administrators are working to recruit and redeploy staff to make up for those who have retired or quit.

The province publishes monthly data on wait times and volumes, but Doctors Manitoba wants monthly updates on the backlog. Engstrom said its hard to quantify how many non-urgent surgeries have been delayed, as some havent even been scheduled, while some patients have delayed seeking treatment.

Doctors Manitoba found he province has slightly improved its diagnostic imaging backlog, due to clearing a logjam of 5,472 CT-scans by August  yet the current wait time for those scans is now triple what it was before the pandemic.

The union for diagnostic workers called that smoke and mirrors.

"We don't have enough technologists in the system, never mind to keep up with the demand right now, but to make headway," said Bob Moroz, head of the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals.

Since the spring, the need has only gone up for ultrasounds, MRI scans and myocardial perfusion tests. As of August, Manitobans were waiting 18 to 20 weeks for those three tests. The province is still below its capacity for mammograms and diagnostic endoscopies.

"It's unconscionable that we're making people wait this long, without putting our minds to a proper solution, with the right number of people to do this work," said Moroz, who asked to meet with ministers back in June.

"We've seen nothing that even resembles a human-resources plan."

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
OTTAWA  The decision by an Elections Canada staffer not to put candidates names in alphabetical order caused a week-long delay in determining the winner of a west Winnipeg riding, and almost sparked an expensive recount.

OTTAWA  The decision by an Elections Canada staffer not to put candidates names in alphabetical order caused a week-long delay in determining the winner of a west Winnipeg riding, and almost sparked an expensive recount.

"It was torture; I wouldn't wish that on anyone," said Conservative MP Marty Morantz, who was re-elected last month in the riding of CharleswoodSt. JamesAssiniboiaHeadingley.

Morantz won by 460 votes, though the original tally had him placed ahead of Liberal candidate Doug Eyolfson by just 24  a margin so tight it would have required a judge to review all 45,573 ballots.

JOHN WOODS/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES At one point, when adjusting for errors, it appeared Liberal Doug Eyolfson had won the federal seat.

Elections Canada confirmed the issue flagged by the Conservative and Liberal campaigns, both of whom stressed they are not contesting the final result or trying to disparage poll workers.

"Both of us had a tough week, trying to figure it out," said Paul Brault, a veteran campaigner who oversaw Eyolfsons run.

The issue emerged on election night, Sept. 20, when Morantzs campaign staff tabulated a lead of more than 400 votes based on polls observed by scrutineers, yet Elections Canada reported a much tighter margin.

The next day, Elections Canada started counting the special ballots. The agency had decided to tally the mail-in and drop-off ballots separately, to account for the time needed to verify nobody voted twice.

Elections Canada had its validation meeting with the two campaigns, which is meant to sort out any mistakes, a week after the vote. By that point, three of the ridings 170 polls had errors.

The agency spotted the first two issues.

One had been reported by phone as poll No. 65 but was understood as No. 605, which meant the wrong results were entered into a spreadsheet, shifting the result by 900 votes. Another, poll No. 11, was miscounted by a handful of votes.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES The decision by an Elections Canada staffer not to put candidates names in alphabetical order caused a week-long delay in determining the winner of a west Winnipeg riding.

At one point, when adjusting for those errors, it appeared Eyolfson had won the federal seat.

Elections Canada spokesman Matthew McKenna confirmed to the Free Press the agency brought those two errors into the validation meeting, when it learned of a third problem: the Liberal and Tory campaigns had noticed one poll had jumbled numbers.

Instead of listing the candidates results by their last name alphabetically, the tally used by the returning office followed a different order, and the numbers were incorrectly typed into a spreadsheet, with Morantz receiving the number of the NDP candidates votes, instead of his own.

At that meeting, both campaigns were able to see the envelopes summarizing the ballot counts but werent authorized to go through the individual ballots. Neither campaign suspected anything nefarious in how the ballots had been tallied.

"It's 17 million ballots (nationally) cast and counted all by hand; I guess there is bound to be mistakes," Morantz said.

McKenna said errors do occur on election night, when poll workers are phoning in results to staff who write down answers and tabulate results.

"You hate to just say it's human error, but at the end of the day that's what it comes down to."  Elections Canada spokesman Matthew McKenna

He said thats in order to provide preliminary results on election night, while the agency does a formal tally afterwards, and allows campaigns to also jot down their own counts as results come in.

The switch-up with the order of candidates might thus be a result of an Elections Canada worker using one of the blank papers provided to parties to jot down tallies, instead of the printed-out pages for poll workers to record initial results.

"You hate to just say it's human error, but at the end of the day that's what it comes down to," McKenna said. "That's exactly why the validation process exists."

Morantz and Brault suggested Elections Canada might want to revisit its procedures, to avoid the chance of a costly judicial recount in a future election.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES "It's 17 million ballots (nationally) cast and counted all by hand; I guess there is bound to be mistakes," Conservative MP Marty Morantz said.

"If they hadn't caught that in that meeting, we probably would still be counting now," Morantz said. "If I had to guess, it came down to a matter of properly training staff."

Brault said running an election is a "monumental feat" and mistakes are meant to be caught in validation meetings, but he also hoped the agency can find ways to avoid a repeat.

"I certainly don't want to blame people, but I do believe there is a process that needs to be looked at."

McKenna could not speak to the specifics of the riding, but said in general Elections Canada analyzes every facet of an election, starting with the statutory report due three months after the vote.

"Part of our follow-up to any election is to take a couple steps back once it's over and to review how things went, and see what process changes we make," he said.

"If it looks like there's need for a change, that's certainly something we would consider."

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
KONGSBERG, Norway (AP)  The bow-and-arrow rampage by a man who killed five people in a small town near Norway's capital appeared to be a terrorist act, authorities said Thursday, a bizarre and shocking attack in a Scandinavian country where violent crime is rare.

An arrow is seen in a wall after an attack in Kongsberg, Norway, Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. Several people have been killed and others injured by a man armed with a bow and arrow in a town west of the Norwegian capital, Oslo. (Hakon Mosvold Larsen/NTB via AP)

KONGSBERG, Norway (AP)  The bow-and-arrow rampage by a man who killed five people in a small town near Norway's capital appeared to be a terrorist act, authorities said Thursday, a bizarre and shocking attack in a Scandinavian country where violent crime is rare.

Police identified the attacker as Espen Andersen Braathen, a 37-year-old Danish citizen, who was arrested on the street Wednesday night about a half-hour after authorities were alerted.

They said he used the bow and arrow and possibly other weapons to randomly target people at a supermarket and other locations in Kongsberg, a town of about 26,000 where he lived.

Chief of Police Ole Bredrup Saeverud talks during a press conference in Tonsberg, Norway, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. Police in Norway are holding a 37-year-old man from Denmark suspected in a bow-and-arrow attack in a small town that killed five people and wounded two others. (Terje Pedersen/NTB via AP)

Witnesses said their quiet neighborhood of wooden houses and birch trees was turned into a scene of terrifying cries and turmoil.

"The screaming was so intense and horrifying there was never any doubt something very serious was going on," said Kurt Einar Voldseth, who had returned home from an errand when he heard the commotion. "I can only describe it as a death scream, and it burned into my mind."

Four women and a man between the ages of 50 and 70 were killed, and three other people were wounded, police said.

Andersen Braathen is being held on preliminary charges and will face a custody hearing Friday. Police said they believe he acted alone.

Police search for evidence outside the Coop store in after a man killed several people, in Kongsberg, Norway, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. Police in Norway are holding a 37-year-old man from Denmark suspected in a bow-and-arrow attack in a small town that killed five people and wounded two others. (Terje Pedersen/NTB via AP)

"The whole act appears to be an act of terror," said Hans Sverre Sjoevold, head of Norway's domestic intelligence service, known as the PST.

"We do not know what the motivation of the perpetrator is," Sjoevold said in English. "We have to wait for the outcome of the investigation."

He said the suspect was known to the PST, but he declined to elaborate. The agency said the terror threat level for Norway remained unchanged at "moderate."

Regional Police Chief Ole B. Saeverud described the man as a Muslim convert and said there "earlier had been worries of the man having been radicalized," but he did not elaborate or say why he was previously flagged or what authorities did in response.

Flowers and candles were left after a man killed several people, in Kongsberg, Norway, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. Police in Norway are holding a 37-year-old man from Denmark suspected in a bow-and-arrow attack in a small town that killed five people and wounded two others. (Terje Pedersen/NTB via AP)

Norwegian media reported the suspect had a conviction for burglary and drug possession, and last year a court granted a restraining order for him to stay away from his parents for six months after threatening to kill one of them.

Svane Mathiassen told broadcaster NRK the suspect will be examined by forensic psychiatric experts, which is "not unusual in such serious cases."

Police were alerted to a man shooting arrows about 6:15 p.m. Regional prosecutor Ann Iren Svane Mathiassen, told The Associated Press that after his arrest, the attacker "clearly described what he had done. He admitted killing the five people."

She said the bow and arrows were just part of his arsenal. Police have not said what else he used, but Voldseth told the AP that when he ran toward the sound of screams, he saw a woman being stabbed by a man with some kind of weapon.

Police work near a site after a man killed several people, in Kongsberg, Norway, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. Police in Norway are holding a 37-year-old man from Denmark suspected in a bow-and-arrow attack in a small town that killed five people and wounded two others. (Terje Bendiksby/NTB via AP)

Voldseth said he recognized the attacker, saying he lived nearby and "usually walks with his head down and headphones on."

"I have only spoken to him a few times, but I have had the impression he might be a person with problems," he said.

Mass killings are rare in low-crime Norway, and the attack recalled the country's worst peacetime slaughter a decade ago, when a right-wing domestic extremist killed 77 people with a bomb, a rifle and a pistol. Memorials were held in July on the 10th anniversary of those slayings.

People have "experienced that their safe local environment suddenly became a dangerous place," King Harald V said. "It shakes us all when horrible things happen near us, when you least expect it, in the middle of everyday life on the open street."

Police cordon off one of the sites where a man killed several people on Wednesday afternoon, in Kongsberg, Norway, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. The bow-and-arrow rampage by a man who killed five people in a small town near Norway's capital appeared to be a terrorist act, authorities said Thursday, a bizarre and shocking attack in a Scandinavian country where violent crime is rare. Police identified the attacker as Espen Andersen Braathen, a 37-year-old Danish citizen, who was arrested on the street Wednesday night. (AP Photo/Pal Nordseth)

New Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere called the attack "horrific."

Dozens of people saw the killings. Erik Benum, who lives on the same road as the supermarket that was attacked, told AP he saw shop workers taking shelter in doorways.

"I saw them hiding in the corner. Then I went to see what was happening, and I saw the police moving in with a shield and rifles. It was a very strange sight," Benum said.

Police, along with reinforcements from elsewhere, flooded into Kongsberg and blocked several roads. The blue lights of emergency vehicles and spotlights from a helicopter illuminated the scene.

An arrow is seen in the wall after an attack in Kongsberg, Norway, Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. Several people have been killed and others injured by a man armed with a bow and arrow in a town west of the Norwegian capital, Oslo. (Terje Bendiksby/NTB Scanpix via AP)

On Thursday morning, the whole town was eerily quiet, Benum said.

"People are sad and shocked," he said.

Flags were lowered to half-staff, and residents placed flowers, candles and stuffed animals around a makeshift memorial in a central square.

Mayor Kari Anne Sand described the last 24 hours as a "nightmare."

"The town was attacked last night and five people died. I think most of the inhabitants are in quite a shock that such a thing could happen here. This is a quiet town, a quiet municipality," she said, adding that health and social services officials are working to care for those who need assistance.

The main church in Kongsberg also was open for those needing comfort.

"I dont think anyone expects to have these kinds of experiences. But nobody could imagine this could happen here in our little town," the Rev. Reidar Aasboe told the AP.

___

Olsen reported from Copenhagen, Denmark, and Lewis from London.
KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan (AP)  A building fire that raged out of control for hours overnight in a major city in southern Taiwan left 46 people dead and at least 41 others injured, authorities said Thursday.

In this image taken from video by Taiwan's EBC, firefighters battle a blaze at a building in Kaohsiung, in southern Taiwan on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. A fire engulfed a 13-story building overnight in southern Taiwan, the islands semi-official Central News Agency reported Thursday. (EBC via AP )

KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan (AP)  A building fire that raged out of control for hours overnight in a major city in southern Taiwan left 46 people dead and at least 41 others injured, authorities said Thursday.

Flames and smoke billowed from the lower floors of the 13-story building as firefighters tried to douse the blaze from the street and aerial platforms in the city of Kaohsiung. A fire department statement described the fire, which started about 3 a.m., as extremely fierce and said several floors had been destroyed.

The death toll rose steadily during the day as rescue workers searched the combined commercial and residential building. By late afternoon, authorities said 32 bodies had been sent to the morgue, while a further 14 people who showed no signs of life were among 55 taken to the hospital. In Taiwan, official confirmation of a death is made at the hospital.

After daybreak, firefighters could be seen spraying water into the middle floors of the still smoldering building from high aerial platforms. One woman, who was not identified, said on Taiwanese TV that her 60-to-70 year old parents were still inside.

The buildings age and piles of debris blocking access to many areas complicated search and rescue efforts, officials said, according to Taiwan's Central News Agency.

In this image taken from video by Taiwan's EBC, firefighters battle a blaze at a building in Kaohsiung, in southern Taiwan on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. The fire engulfed a 13-story building overnight in southern Taiwan, the island's semi-official Central News Agency reported Thursday. (EBC via AP )

Many of the residents of the 40-year-old building were elderly and lived alone in apartments as small as 13 square meters (140 square feet), local media said. The building had 120 residential units on the upper floors, as well as a closed movie theater, abandoned restaurants and karaoke clubs below them, the Central News Agency said.

Fire extinguishers had been installed last month, but only three per floor because the residents could not afford to pay more, the United Daily News, a major newspaper, reported.

The fire appeared to have started on the ground floor, Taiwanese media said.

The United Daily News said that investigators were focusing on a first-floor tea shop whose owner reportedly fought with his girlfriend earlier on Wednesday. They had not ruled out arson, the newspaper said.

A 1995 fire at a nightclub in Taichung, Taiwans third-largest city, killed 64 people in the countrys deadliest such disaster in recent times.
Zunker reiterated likely characteristics of the suspect before and after the stabbing, such as a sharp increase in drug or alcohol use and may have become increasingly angry and violent around that time, as well as changing their appearance, abruptly missing work or leaving the area without an explanation.

The suspect could have had a new injury and there most likely would have been blood that transferred to their clothing, Zunker said.

Meister added that no one should have fear in visiting the park. Zunker said authorities felt assured of no danger to the public because to his knowledge, no act as violent as the stabbing of Schmutzer had happened at the park before and hasnt happened in the year since his death.

Zunker said authorities believe the person who stabbed Schmutzer did not know him and that the person may have literally bumped into him.

The authorities have faith in the crime lab, Zunker said. He added that the progression of science has proven someone will be arrested, even if it takes time.
The U.S. military has sent "gender and protection advisors" to Fort McCoy to handle domestic abuse, child care emergencies and the upcoming winter for the thousands of Afghan refugees still housed at the army base.

The advisors hope to address gender-specific needs of the nearly 13,000 men, women, boys and girls at Fort McCoy and eight other U.S. military installations since the Afghan government fell to the Taliban in August, the military said in a statement. Gender advisors for the Department of Defense were created by a 2018 law that mandates the U.S. military to address the gender needs of people and minorities in war and conflict zones.

We realized that this is a perfect kind of deployment, said in the statement Sharon Feist, the chief gender advisor for the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. What better place to help women and children and different gender needs than at U.S. installations hosting Afghan evacuees.
Wisconsin utility regulators have awarded nearly $100 million in federal pandemic relief money to fund broadband expansion projects expected to bring high-speed internet access to more than 29,000 homes and businesses.

The Public Service Commission selected 83 projects from 242 applications seeking more than $440 million in public funding.

The grant awards, the largest in state history, more than double the $73.6 million in broadband funding the state has provided over the past eight years, including $48 million set aside in the last two-year budget.

Gov. Tony Evers allocated $100 million of the roughly $2.5 billion in federal relief awarded to Wisconsin through the American Rescue Plan Act for broadband expansion, one of his administrations top priorities.

Evers also included $200 million for broadband expansion in his last two-year budget proposal, though Republicans in the Legislature instead approved borrowing $125 million.
A Friesland man has been charged in a sexual assault case that police say goes back to 2015. Cash bond in the case was set at $10,000.

Daniel J. Graves, 39, Friesland, has been arrested for repeated sexual assault of a child, a class C felony.

At his initial appearance on Oct. 8, Columbia County Judge Troy Cross set Graves bond at $10,000 with standard felony conditions and no unsupervised contact with any female under the age of 18.

On Tuesday, Graves posted his cash bond and was released from custody.

According to the criminal complaint, Columbia County Sheriff Det. Sgt. Emily Leland observed an interview with a 12 year-old girl referred to as victim 1 at the Columbia County Department of Human Services offices. The victim said that Graves touches her while they are watching TV and while she is sleeping.

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The victim said it first happened when she was in second grade. The victim said Graves would make her touch his penis and forced her to perform sex acts prior to trick or treating at Halloween.

The complaint outlines a number of other incidents with the victim and Graves in the village of Rio and the Village of Friesland.

The victim said this has happened maybe 20 times.
Lemberger told the officer a buddy was driving his vehicle and was now at Hookers Resort. Reimer said the story was implausible because the officer had been coming from that direction and if someone was walking from there Reimer would have seen them.

Reimer asks questions about the buddy and Lemberger stated his name was John, but was unable to give a last name or phone number.

The complaint states a second witness was at the Lemberger residence. He told Reimer he had been driving the car and that Lemberger was not driving. But that witness later told Reimer he was lying because he did not want Lemberger to get in trouble.

Lemberger refused take the field sobriety test and was arrested for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Court records show Lemberger has been convicted of OWI five times before going back to 1992. He was also convicted twice in 2004, in 2014 and most recently in 2016.

Reimer also found that Lemberger is required by law to have an ignition interlock device installed in his car, which Reimer reported the vehicle did not have the IID installed. Reimer also reported that Lembergers license was never reinstated following the 2016 conviction.

Lemberger is scheduled to be back in court in December in front of Judge Cross.

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A national group that brings conservative speakers to colleges moved an event with Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, of Texas, which had been scheduled to take place on the UW-Madison campus Wednesday evening, off campus because it disagreed with the universitys indoor mask mandate.

UW-Madison officials, however, shared emails that show the group had agreed to follow the universitys COVID-19 health protocols as a condition to rent space in Memorial Union.

The free event was described as a live recording of Verdict with Ted Cruz, a podcast by Cruz and conservative political commentator Michael Knowles. It was hosted by the UW-Madison chapter of Young Americas Foundation, also known as YAF, a national group led by former Republican Gov. Scott Walker that promotes conservative ideas among young people.

Conservative media and politicians have often targeted college campuses in the nations culture wars, focusing on free-speech clashes, debates over diversity and instances where they perceive right-leaning speakers to not be afforded the same respect as liberal speakers.
I zeroed in on a volunteer who looked so much like a younger version of my grandma; I wanted to give her a hug. Yeah, she would say, in that same lilting singsong way. The woman described what could have been my great-grandmothers childhood as she pointed to the black cast iron cooking stove, described heating bathwater, and living in a crowded single room with bedrooms in lofts above. She also pointed out how women often added beauty to the home through rosemaling or designing quilts. When she explained that Norwegians rarely seasoned their foods, something Id never heard before, it helped explain why Ive never been a fan of strong or hot seasonings. How fascinating.

A volunteer working the bellows in the blacksmiths building looked so much like my uncle and Per Moen, a relative I met in Norway; I had to ask his name and whether hed been back to the home country. Twenty-one times, he said. Its in ones blood, you know.
Photographing ghosts in space

Photographing a black hole in space, 55 million light years from Earth, seems an impossible task but scientists went to unprecedented lengths to achieve this.

Black holes are probably some of the most mysterious, scary and fascinating phenomena in space. These dark lords of the cosmos have the power to give birth to or destroy stars  or even prevent them from forming. Being invisible, they pose a challenge to find, and an even bigger challenge to photograph.

A multinational team of 300 scientists put their minds together to find their way around the problem: how do you photograph an object that is 55 million light years away, that you are not even able to see?

The team included Wits Professor Roger Deane, South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO)/National Research Foundation Chair in Radio Astronomy in the School of Physics and Wits/SARAO postdoctoral fellow, Dr Iniyan Natarajan  the only two scientists from Africa that were part of the collaboration.

Black holes are regions of spacetime where gravity is so strong that nothing can escape from them  even light. The gravity is so strong because large amounts of matter is squeezed into a tiny space, creating an extremely dense body. This can happen when a star is dying, or is found at the dense centre of a galaxy.

Mathematical mysteries

As the gravity is so strong, black holes emit no light. They have been mathematical mysteries since Albert Einstein published his theory of general relativity. According to this theory, a sufficiently compact mass can deform spacetime to form a black hole.

Black holes remained mere mathematical theories until the early 1970s. Then, several researchers independent of each other, identified the first black hole called Cygnus X-1, that is located about 6 070 light years from Earth.

Over the past three decades it has become clear that black holes are not some fantastical interesting, exotic thought, but they actually influence the growth of our galaxies dramatically.

If a black hole gets all violent and angry, it can shut off all star formation in its galaxy. But it can also trigger some star formation, says Deane.

Research has shown that there is a clear correlation between the mass of a central black hole and the speed at which stars and gas move around within the galaxy.

As black holes cannot be seen, scientists study the behaviour of objects  such as stars  around them to locate them. Each galaxy has a supermassive black hole at its centre. The one in our galaxy  the Milky Way  has a black hole called Sagittarius A*. It has a mass equal to about four million suns and could fit a few billion earths in its space.

In their attempt to capture the first ever image of a black hole, the group of scientists that collaborated to form the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) focused their attention on a black hole, called M87*. This black hole sits in a galaxy about 55 million light years from Earth.

The team selected it because of its enormous mass and its relative proximity on cosmic scales. This combination gives it one of the largest black hole shadow sizes in the sky. M87* is 300 million times more massive than the first black hole discovered, Cygnus X-1. It is also 6.5 billion times the mass of our sun, and roughly the same size as our solar system.

Telescope as big as Earth

The sheer size of M87* demanded an imaging system that has never been seen before. The team virtually connected an array of eight telescopes, situated at very dry sites around the earth, to create the EHT.

The telescopes were able to synchronise their recorded data and exploit the rotation of the Earth. By stitching together the data streams caught by the telescopes, the EHT formed a virtual telescope that could be equated to the size of Earth.

The sharpness of the images [that] a network of antennas can make is determined by two things, how far apart they are, and the wavelength of light they are tuned to. So while the Square Kilometre Array in the Karoo will make images of similar sharpness to the Hubble Space Telescope, the EHT sees details 1 000 times finer by placing antennas across the globe and capturing light waves barely one millimetre in size, says Deane.

The synchronisation of the telescopes had to be so precise that atomic clocks were used. Each telescope produced about 350 terabytes of data per day, which was then fed into specialised supercomputers to synthesise the data streams. EHT members then used the data to reconstruct the image with purpose-built algorithms.

The resulting EHT achieved mind-boggling resolution. It would be the equivalent of the ability to read a newspaper in Cairo, while sitting in Johannesburg, says Deane.

In creating the actual image of M87*, the scientists decided to focus not on the black hole itself, but on capturing its shadow. They did this by imaging the halo-like ring of hot material that encircles M87* as light is bent around it or disappears into it.

The problem is that the shadow feature or the deficit of light caused by M87* is so small against the sky it is basically like trying to photograph a doughnut on the moon.

Making history

On 10 April 2019, the EHT collaboration released the first ever image of M87*. The image shows a large dark spot in the centre of a ring of light. It could be said that the image captured is 55 million years old  almost as old as the oldest dinosaurs  as that is the time that it would have taken the light to travel to Earth, for us to witness it.

In March this year, the EHT team went a step further, and announced that they had once again taken an image of M87*, this time catching the black hole as it appears in polarised light.

This image will help to understand how magnetic fields behave around black holes and help explain the mysterious jets associated with these galactic objects.

For Deane, studying black holes is just one of many projects that he is involved in that examines the bigger picture of the evolution of galaxies.

One day these mystery objects might even assist in humankinds great quest to find life in the universe.

The radiation from a black hole could break down any complex life, and that may give us a sense of where best to look, says Deane.
Op-ed: Judgment shows how problematic views around consent in rape cases persists

Head of the Gender Justice programme, Sheena Swemmer, takes us through legal definitions of rape and consent and their misapplication in a high court judgment

[This op-ed was published by the Daily Maverick under the title Foreplay judgment shows how problematic judicial views around consent in rape cases persists]

On 8 October 2021, Acting Judge Ngcukaitobi and Judge Gqamana handed down judgment in an appeal against a conviction of rape, in the Eastern Cape High Court. The appeal was successful and the judges found that the previous sentence of 7 years incarceration for rape was unduly harsh, ignores interests of society, and induces a sense of shock.

Unfortunately, the judges seem to be wrong about the interests of society pertaining to the sentence handed down to the accused, as societys sense of shock seems now to be centred around the judges rationale for overturning the Grahamstown Regional Magistrates Courts decision. Civil society organisations such as the International Commission of Jurists  Africa quickly tweeted that ICJ Africa is appalled to see Acting Judge Ngcukaitobi has ruled in favour of the appellant in Coko v S, where appellant argued that the foreplay he had with his ex-girlfriend indicated she had tacitly consented to sex. Lawyers for Human Rights similarly replied: We are disappointed in this judgment and consent to one sexual act can never imply consent to all sexual acts.

The case dealt with a young woman who reported her former partner ignored her explicit wishes not to engage in penetrative sexual intercourse and raped her. The accused admitted in evidence before the court that sexual intercourse was not part of the plans for the evening and that the woman has previously discussed with him that she did not feel ready for intercourse. Yet, he admitted to the court that due to the foreplay and the body language of the Complainant, he believed that she was a willing participant.

The judges set out the various times the victim both tacitly and actively said no, such as when the accused took off her pants and she said no, I dont want to have sex with you and when he penetrated her and she said that she was crying and trying to push him off of her. Yet [h]e wouldnt stop and he just carried on shoving it in and out and kept saying sorry in my ear.

Despite the evidence that the victim did not consent to intercourse with the accused and consistently objected to his advances, the judges instead find that during the alleged rape the Complainant was an equally active participant, she was not merely passive and based this inference on the fact that the victim kissed the Appellant back and had no objection to him taking off her clothes. The judges make another assertion that there was no rape as no threats or force were used to coerce the Complainant.

Two issues emerge from this problematic judgment. They both centre around South Africas prevalence of a rape culture and thus rape stereotypes. The first is that a woman must be threatened or forced in order for a rape to be considered as legitimate. This is explicitly absent from our laws on sexual offences, the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Act. Here, the definition of rape does not require any type of force or threat and instead requires intention on the part of the accused and a lack of consent from the victim. Threats and force can and often are absent from many rape cases. Even the Act acknowledges this fact and establishes that there may not be consent if there is an abuse of power or authority; where a sexual act is committed under false pretences; where a person is unconscious; or where a child is under 12 years of age, in an altered state of consciousness or has a mentally disability.

The second issue that emerges from this judgment is the idea that if one consents to one type of sexual encounter, then one consents to everything. This is not part of our law either. The Act establishes instead that there can be a lack of consent where someone agrees to one form of sexual act and then another, which they did not consent to, occurs. There is no basis in our law to support the judges arguments that consenting to kissing or having your clothes removed necessarily implies consent to intercourse.

In a society such as South Africa, which is plagued with gender-based violence, it is both alarming and legally dangerous to have a judgment such as this. In light of this judgment and the problematic precedent that it sets  that when one consents to one form of sexual activity this can then be understood as consenting to all forms  we must call upon the National Prosecuting Authority to appeal. Our laws and judgments must not fall prey to the stereotypes around rape and the effects of rape culture if we aim to see a country with decreasing rates of gender-based violence.

Sheena Swemmer is the head of the Gender Justice programme at the Centre for Applied Legal Studies, Wits University
UTICA, N.Y. -- A man and a woman, both from Rome, are accused of stealing tools and appliances from Lowes on Horatio Street in Utica last week.

Utica police say 32-year-old Alfredo Capoccetta and 44-year-old Crystal Smothers put tools, vacuums and air conditioners in a cart and walked out of the store with them without paying.

The two are charged with felony fourth-degree grand larceny.

Based on the charges, the stolen property was worth between $1,000 and $3,000.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand wants school districts to know they can use federal pandemic relief funding to address bus driver shortages.

In 2020, more than $13 billion in CARES Act funding was set aside for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund. Gillibrand says many districts dont know they can use these funds to hire and retain bus drivers, and wants the U.S. Department of Education to issue clear guidance identifying this as an allowable use of the funding.

Gillibrand sent a letter to Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona urging him to release updated guidance.

New York schools are facing a 15 - 20% bus driver shortage, causing issues with transportation to and from school. It also contributed to Rome schools going remote last week when there was a cluster of cases among the drivers, but not enough employees to cover all of the daily routes.

Gillibrand is hoping to spread the word about the option to use federal funding in hopes that school districts find a way to use the money to address the shortages.

The good news is that there are federal funds available to school districts to help them recruit and retain school bus drivers; unfortunately, there has not been clear guidance from the Department of Education on this allowable use, Gillibrand said. I am calling on the Department of Education to issue clear guidance letting states and school districts know that they can use this critical funding Congress has provided to address the school bus driver shortage and ease the burden on our schools and families.

Local bus companies, like First Student in Rome, are offering up to $3,000 sign-on bonuses for bus drivers and an hourly wage of $20 - $22.50, but are yet to fill all of the positions.

Below is the full letter Gillibrand sent to Cardona:
ROME, N.Y. -- The Rome YMCA closed unexpectedly Thursday afternoon after a small fire broke out in a workout room.

YMCA Director Bruce Hairston says there were only a few people in the building when the fire started in a light fixture, which was likely caused by the wiring.

Hairston says flames were falling from the light onto the equipment, and the staff tried to put it out before pulling the alarm.

He started putting the fire out on the floor part because he didn't think the extinguisher would reach the top part. The director of maintenance and I went up there, grabbed a couple extinguishers; pulled the fire alarm when we realized it was something we couldn't manage, said Hairston.

He said eventually the workers shot the fire extinguisher as high as they could and put out the fire.

Its not yet clear if the YMCA will reopen Friday because of the low air quality in parts of the building due to the fire.
Alex Murdaugh, a once-prominent South Carolina attorney embroiled in scandals including alleged life insurance fraud, was arrested Thursday in Florida on suspicion of misappropriating settlement funds in connection with the 2018 death of his family's longtime housekeeper, authorities said.

The arrest represents just the latest legal and personal challenge for Murdaugh, who survived being shot in the head in September and, authorities said, then admitted the shooting was a conspiracy with a former client to kill him as part of a fraud scheme so his only surviving son could collect an insurance payout.

Authorities have said several other investigations related to the Murdaugh family are underway, including into the June deaths of Murdaugh's wife and other son, who were gunned down at their family estate in Islandton.

Murdaugh, who'd been out on bond in the insurance fraud case, was arrested Thursday upon his release from a drug rehabilitation facility in Orlando. He faces two fresh felony counts of obtaining property by false pretenses, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said.

"Today is merely one more step in a long process for justice for the many victims in these investigations," SLED Chief Mark Keel said.

"(Agents) will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of those who were victimized by Alex Murdaugh and others. As I have said previously, we are committed to following the facts wherever they may lead us and we will not stop until justice is served."

Murdaugh was being held at Florida's Orange County correctional facility, and will remain there until a hearing on extradition to South Carolina, SLED said.

Murdaugh's attorneys released a statement saying he is expected to be transported to South Carolina's Beaufort County, where he will appear in court for a bond hearing Friday on the latest charges.

"Alex intends to fully cooperate with this investigation, as he has with the investigation into the murder of his wife and son," a statement from Murdaugh's attorneys Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin reads. "He deeply regrets that his actions have distracted from the efforts to solve their murders."

Murdaugh had been arrested September 16 in connection with the allegations regarding his shooting. In that case, Murdaugh was charged with insurance fraud, conspiracy to commit insurance fraud and with filing a false police report.

Harpootlian had said the June deaths of Murdaugh's wife, Margaret, and son, Paul -- which authorities have not solved -- exacerbated an opioid addiction that put Murdaugh in dire financial straits, leading him to hire a former client to kill him so his surviving son could collect about $10 million in life insurance.

Murdaugh was released on $20,000 bond in South Carolina in mid-September, and his attorneys told a judge he'd be staying at an out-of-state rehabilitation center to be treated for the opioid addiction.

The day before Alex Murdaugh was shot in the head, Murdaugh resigned from his law firm after allegations he had "misappropriated funds," the firm said. The firm has since sued him to recover money it alleges he stole from clients.

Also, the investigation into the June deaths of Margaret and Paul Murdaugh spurred SLED to open investigations into a couple other deaths in recent years, including the death of the housekeeper, Gloria Satterfield.

The investigations have gripped South Carolina's Lowcountry, where the Murdaughs have been a prominent family for decades. Three members held the office of 14th Circuit solicitor for 87 years, ending with Murdaugh's father, who left office in 2005.

The housekeeper's death, and the settlement

SLED announced in mid-September it was opening a criminal investigation into Satterfield's death based on a request from the Hampton County coroner highlighting inconsistencies in the ruling of her manner of death, as well as other information gathered during other investigations involving Murdaugh.

Satterfield, who worked for the Murdaughs for 25 years, died following what was described as a "trip and fall" accident at the Murdaugh home in 2018, said Eric Bland, an attorney for Satterfield's estate.

In its request to SLED, the coroner's office wrote Satterfield's death was "not reported to the coroner at the time, nor was an autopsy performed." Her death certificate notes the manner of death was "natural," which the coroner wrote was "inconsistent with injuries sustained in a trip and fall accident."

After Satterfield died, a $500,000 wrongful death claim was filed against Murdaugh on behalf of her estate, Bland told CNN. The estate has not received any of the money owed as the result of a 2018 civil settlement, according to Bland.

In September, Bland filed a lawsuit against Murdaugh on behalf of Satterfield's estate seeking the money they say they are due.

Bland released a statement Thursday on behalf of Satterfield's children -- Tony Satterfield and Brian Harriott -- in relation to Murdaugh's arrest.

"Today is a bittersweet day for the Satterfield and Harriott Families," Bland's statement read. "The families and their attorneys are proud of how our justice system has conducted itself since the family had the courage to file its initial lawsuit ... no one is above the law."

Man accused of shooting Murdaugh claims innocence

The South Carolina man who authorities say shot Murdaugh in an alleged suicide-for-hire scheme told "48 Hours" on CBS he is innocent.

Curtis Smith, 61, said the only thing he is guilty of is "trusting too much."

Murdaugh and his legal team claimed Smith shot Murdaugh in the head on a roadway on September 4. Murdaugh told authorities he conspired with Smith, a former client, to kill him as part of a fraud scheme so that his only surviving son could collect a $10 million life insurance payout.

Murdaugh's attorneys have accused Smith of taking advantage of Murdaugh's mental illness and addiction to opioids, CNN has reported.

Smith, however, told CBS Murdaugh called him on September 4, saying he needed help. Smith said he considered Murdaugh like a brother, CBS reported, and did not think twice about meeting him on a rural country road.

"Mr. Smith followed Mr. Murdaugh to Old Salkehatchie Road and shot Mr. Murdaugh as he stood in the roadway," a probable cause affidavit said.

Smith told CBS that Murdaugh emerged from his car with a weapon.

"He said, 'Yeah, you got to take care of this.' And I said, 'I can't do it.' And he turned his head and I grabbed his arm and put it behind his head and took the gun from him," Smith said.

Smith said the gun then went off and then he disposed of the weapon, CBS reported.

"Yeah, he wanted me to kill him," Smith said. "Yeah. Ain't happening."

Smith said he felt "mad, scared all at one time" as he drove away.

Smith said in the CBS interview he did not shoot Murdaugh. He also said he is not Murdaugh's drug dealer -- which is how Murdaugh's lawyers have characterized him.

CNN has reached out to Murdaugh's attorney for comment.

Smith was arrested for his alleged involvement in the incident in mid-September. He faces charges including assisted suicide, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, pointing and presenting a firearm, insurance fraud and conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, according to SLED.

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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI)  Tenants at a West Lafayette apartment complex say they're living in unsafe conditions. WLFI spoke with two of them and they showed us damage they said is impacting their health.

One of the problems? A single apartment complex has more than four dozen owners.

"When I moved in, it had an odor," said tenant Sharifah Thomas.

Thomas thought she was smelling pet odor from former tenants when she moved into her unit at Waterfront Apartments in West Lafayette about two years ago.

"I didn't see any black mold at the time, but they paint over it to cover it up," said Thomas.

However, it wasn't long before she found mold and reported it to her landlord.

"They came out and all they did was paint over it," Thomas explained.

Thomas said her washing machine was also leaking, and her dryer and dishwasher weren't working properly. She said despite telling management, things continued to get worse, even after she got the Department of Child Services involved.

"Me and the DCS lady went over there together and asked him politely, 'Hey, is there a way you can put her into another apartment until you fix what's wrong with hers?" said Thomas.

Thomas said her health and her three childrens' are deteriorating and now she uses oxygen to help her breathe at night.

"We're coughing," she said. "We constantly have headaches, congestion. So, it's not healthy."

Jaleel Jones is in a similar situation.

He, his brother, and cousin moved into a unit in the same building in August. Jones said his initial unit had to be changed.

"They never showed us the place or anything like that," said Jones. "They just told us to have everything paid by August 13 and be ready to move in."

He noticed problems immediately.

"The mold was terrible, first of all, and the floors were caving in pretty bad," Jones explained.

Jones' unit is owned by a different landlord, and he said despite cleaning and complaints, the mold keeps coming back.

"They didn't do anything about the mold or anything like that. They said they couldn't," said Jones. "They said everybody reports on that. So, they can't really help us with that."

It's the same situation with his floors.

"They said if they fix it once, it would happen again," said Jones. "So, there would be no point in fixing it."

Jones said his cousin is starting to have health problems.

"Throat problems, coughing real bad," he explained. "He lost his voice."

West Lafayette Building Commissioner Chad Spitznagle said the complex passed its four-year inspection in late 2020. He said things can get tricky when it comes to dealing with tenants and landlords.

Spitznagle said due to a state law passed last year, the city can't be involved in any aspect of the landlord-tenant relationship.

"We have to walk that fine line on, 'Are we getting ourselves in trouble with the Indiana code on getting involved in a contract," said Spitznagle.

He said one of the problems could be that the complex has multiple landlords.

"With 57 owners down there, it can be difficult to get a hold of multiple people and management teams to make corrections because one unit could be affecting another," said Spitznagle.

Thomas said the state department of health was able to do an air quality test. According to the results from her landlord, Gary Lane, there was not an issue with mold.

However, there was high humidity levels noted and stains on the ceiling. It encouraged the building owner to inspect the upstairs apartment for leaks.

Thomas said she tried to leave, but couldn't find an affordable apartment in her children's school district.

"Here I am," Thomas said. "I'm still here. I had nowhere else to go. So, I had to re-sign a lease."

Jones is locked into a contract as well until next August. He said he's hoping something can be done soon.

"They have to do something about this, said Jones. "We've talked to multiple people out here. It's terrible, and they haven't done nothing."

But even if that happens...

"I promise we won't be leasing again here," Jones added. "Definitely not."

Thomas' landlord, Gary Lane, refused an on-camera interview with WLFI, however, he said he wasn't told about the issues.

Thomas sent an email Thursday asking maintenance once again to fix the problems.

We reached out to B and K Management for comment about Jones' apartment. They have not returned our call.
The Indiana attorney general Todd Rokita announced Thursday afternoon that his office is filing a lawsuit against an Indiana company over allegations that it acted as a gateway into the United States for robocall scammers from India, the Philippines and Singapore.

An Indiana company is accused of being part of an international robo-calling operation is Startel Communications

Rokita says the company acted as a gateway into the United States for robocallers in India, the Philippines, and Singapore. He says the callers made more than four-point-eight million scam calls to Hoosiers and hundreds of millions to other states.

The scams included computer support scams and Amazon subscription scams. The suit includes two California companies.

Rokita said the suit also includes two California companies  Piratel LLC, which routed 3.1 million of the robocalls, and VoIP Essential LLC, which routed 1.5 million of the robocalls. Both companies knew Startel was sending robocalls, and they were each paid more than $100,000 to look the other way.

Attorney General Rokita offers the following tips to avoid scams and unwanted calls:
CARROLL COUNTY, Indiana (WLFI) - Carroll Consolidated schools approved their budget for the 2022 school year and their master teachers contract.

The school board will be raising starting salaries for new teachers to $40,000 a year.

However, they are also making sure teachers that have worked for the school corporation for several years are being taken care of as well.

They will raise salaries for those teachers based on their years of experience and time with the district.

Loyalty stipends will also be given out.

Teachers, who have been with the corporation for 5 to 9 years, will be given a $1,000 stipend.

Teachers with 10 to 24 years of experience with the corporation will be given $3,000, and teachers, who have taught at Carroll Consolidated for 25 years or longer, will be given $5,000 dollars.

Keith Thackery, the Superintendent at Carroll Consolidated Schools, says the raises for teachers are dependent on one thing.

"When you read the details of the contract it is based on that we are maintaining an average adm of 1,030 students for the spring of 2022 and the fall of 2022," said Thackery.

The number of students enrolled determines how much funding a district receives.

If the corporation loses a student.. they lose $6,000 dollars of funding.

Right now, the school corporation has a total of 1,057 students enrolled.
TIPPECANOE COUNTY (WLFI) - The Tippecanoe School Corporation voted unanimously on Oct. 13 to ratify its teacher's master contract at it's board meeting.

As news 18 has previously reported, the contract will start teachers at around $44,000 in the first year and then nearly $46,000 in the second year. The Indiana state budget requires teachers to be paid at least $40,000 per year.

School corporations have two years to comply to the mandate.

TSC reached the agreement with it's teacher union the Tippecanoe Education Association. While salaries will increase, benefits will remain mostly same.

Superintendent Scott Hanback says the new contract will help keep the school corporation competitive.

"I think this contract went a very long way in being able to attract from a much larger area, and be able to retain those teachers too," Hanback said.

"We need to attract and retain the best and the brightest teachers. Certainly when you talk about workforce shortages and staffing shortages, that's true among the teacher ranks as well."
A square dancing competition kicked off in Haidian Park in Beijing's Haidian District on Monday. [For China Daily]

A square dancing competition kicked off in Haidian Park in Beijing's Haidian District on Monday, attracting more than 300 dance lovers of different ages to strut their stuff at the event.

Performances reflecting people's positive attitudes towards life, their determination to embrace a better future as well as their love for the country have been staged by contestants.

Chen Jing, director of the culture and tourism bureau of Haidian District, says that the district has launched a project that aims to cultivate around 100 square dancing teams and carry out popular square dancing performances in the following three years.

"We will strongly support the development of local dance troupes and ensure our residents enjoy a colorful cultural life," she added.

A square dancing competition kicked off in Haidian Park in Beijing's Haidian District on Monday, attracting more than 300 dance lovers of different ages to strut their stuff at the event. [For China Daily]

A square dancing competition kicked off in Haidian Park in Beijing's Haidian District on Monday, attracting more than 300 dance lovers of different ages to strut their stuff at the event. [For China Daily]

(Source: chinadaily.com.cn)
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with German Chancellor Angela Merkel via video link in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 13, 2021. [Xinhua/Li Xueren]

BEIJING, Oct. 13 (Xinhua)  Chinese President Xi Jinping met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel via video link on Wednesday. They reviewed the development of China-German and China-EU relations in recent years in a friendly atmosphere and had an in-depth exchange of views over relevant issues.

Hailing Merkel's contribution to promoting China-German and China-EU relations during her tenure, Xi said that "for making acquaintances, the most valuable thing is mutual understanding, and for people to have mutual understanding, the key lies in knowing what is on each other's mind."

"This saying is not only a good illustration of our in-depth exchanges over the years, but also reflects the important experience in maintaining the smooth and sound development of China-German relations over the past 16 years," Xi added.

As the Chinese people put a premium on friendship, said Xi, China will not forget old friends and will always keep the door open for Merkel, voicing the hope that Merkel will continue supporting the development of China-German and China-EU relations.

The Chinese president said they have had multiple in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations, major international and regional issues and state governance, among other topics, which have advanced bilateral ties and ensured collaboration between the two countries in responding to global challenges.

In a spirit of mutually beneficial cooperation, China and Germany have achieved win-win results by giving play to the complementarity of the two countries' economies. The sound development of China and Germany have also contributed more to the global economy, Xi said.

"This has demonstrated that countries can avoid the zero-sum game and achieve mutually beneficial results on a win-win basis, and this should be the main tone that the two sides should adhere to in bilateral ties," said Xi.

Noting that 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, Xi said that keeping bilateral ties on the right course is of crucial importance.

"China always views its relationship with Germany from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is ready to maintain high-level exchanges with the German side, promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, tap the potential for cooperation in traditional fields, while exploring new areas of pragmatic cooperation in energy transition and the green and digital economy, among other areas, to further advance bilateral ties," said Xi.

Xi pointed out that pursuing peace and development is the common aspiration of China and the EU, saying that both sides advocate safeguarding multilateralism, support trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and believe that the common interests of China and the EU far outweigh contradictions and differences.

Noting that this is a critical period for the global fight against COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic recovery, Xi said that China and the EU, as two important forces in the world, have a responsibility to strengthen cooperation and work together to deal with global problems in the face of increasing global challenges and rising instability and uncertainty.

He said the two sides should view China-EU relations from a broader perspective, understand each other objectively and comprehensively, and handle differences rationally, peacefully and constructively.

"It is hoped that the EU can insist on independence, truly safeguard its own interests and the unity of the international community, and work together with China and other countries to resolve the issues of peace and development," Xi said.

For her part, Merkel said she remembered all the exchanges she had with Xi over the past more than 10 years, and they had candid and in-depth discussions on issues of common concern, which have enhanced mutual understanding and promoted the sound development of Germany-China relations and EU-China cooperation.

During her tenure as German chancellor, China has achieved rapid development and has shown great potential, Merkel said, adding that she believes the EU should develop its relations with China independently.

"I believe that EU-China relations can overcome various complicated issues and continue to develop," she said.

Germany appreciates China's efforts to cope with climate change and protect biodiversity, stands ready to work with China to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and continues to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation to jointly cope with global challenges, Merkel said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with German Chancellor Angela Merkel via video link in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 13, 2021. [Xinhua/Liu Bin] Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with German Chancellor Angela Merkel via video link in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 13, 2021. [Xinhua/Liu Bin]

(Source: Xinhua)
The United States has approximately 5,300 universities and colleges, including about 4,500 institutions that offer higher education. Texas, New York, California, and Pennsylvania are the four states with the highest number of universities. The US universities offer over two million courses under their 4-year and 2-year institution programs. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are about 20 million students in US colleges. Although Harvard University, Stanford University, and the University of Chicago are some of the countrys top universities, they are not the largest higher education institutions by student enrolment. Below are the US largest universities by enrolment as of 2020/21.

1. University Of Central Florida - 71,948 students

UCF College of Medicine in Orlando, Florida, located on the University's Health Sciences Campus in the Lake Nona neighborhood of Orlando. Editorial credit: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock.com

The University of Central Florida (UCF) is the US's largest public university by student enrolment, with 71,948 students enrolled in the various courses as of the Fall 2020 semester. Founded on June 10, 1963 and nicknamed the Golden Knights, the university is located in Orlando, Orange County, Florida. It is one of the 12 public universities in the state that forms the State University System of Florida. About 85% of the students (61,456) are undergraduates, and 10,000 are professional and graduate students. The universitys enrolment has increased by about 114%, from 33,453 in 2000 to over 71,000 in 2021. Currently, female students account for 55% of the total enrolment.

2. Texas A&M University - 71,109 students

The Academic Building at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas. Editorial credit: ShengYing Lin / Shutterstock.com

Texas A&M University, one of the founders of the Texas A&M University System, educates 71,109 students as of 2021. The university hosts students from 124 foreign countries and all 50 US states. However, Texas residents are the majority, accounting for about 85% of the total student enrolment. This public land-grant research university was founded in 1876 as Agriculture and Mechanical College of Texas and was the states first public college. A&M is best-known for veterinary medicine. However, it also offers programs in engineering, business, and education. The main campus is located in College Station, Texas, and spans over 21 square kilometers, making it one of the US' ten largest campuses.

3. Ohio State University - 61,369 students

University Hall on the campus of The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Editorial credit: Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com

With a student enrollment of about 61,369 at the Columbus Campus, the Ohio State University is definitely one of the countrys largest universities. The OSU is a Public Ivy and one of the best public universities in US, boasting over 7,310 academic staff and 27,158 administrative staff. This public land-grant research school was founded in 1870 as Ohios 9th university under the name "Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College, focusing on mechanical and agricultural disciplines. The Ohio General Assembly changed the schools name to Ohio State University" in 1878 and broadened its scope.

4. Florida International University - 58,928 students

Aerial view of the Florida International University, South Campus, Miami, Florida. Editorial credit: Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock.com

Florida International University is Floridas second-largest higher education institution after the University of Central Florida and the countrys 4th largest university by student enrolment. Founded in 1965, the university has grown to become the largest public research university in South Florida by enrolment. As of the 2020-21 academic year, the Florida International University has enrolled 58,928 students in its main campus and other regional centers. The main campus, which accounts for about 87% of the universitys total student enrollment, is located in the University Park, Miami, while the Biscayne Bay Campus is in North Miami. Undergraduate students account for about 71% of the total enrolment.

5. University Of Florida - 57,841 students

Students walk outside on the Quad lawn of the University of Florida college campus in Gainesville, Florida. Editorial credit: Leigh Trail / Shutterstock.com

The University of Florida is a member of the State University System of Florida and is considered as the 5th best university in the United States, according to the US News & World Report, 2021. It is Floridas third-largest university by student enrolment after University of Central Florida and Florida International University, with 57,841 students. The majority of the students (about 67%) are undergraduate students, 28% are graduate and professional students, and about 5% of the student population are unclassified. Out of the total student population, some 4,000 are undertaking their studies through the online system. The UF was founded in 1853 and has been operating in the City of Gainesville since 1906.

6. The University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign - 56,299 students

Students walk and sit outside on Quad lawn of University of Illinois college campus in Urbana-Champaign. Editorial credit: Leigh Trail / Shutterstock.com

University of Illinois is a public land-grant research university in Urbana and Champaign and a founder member of the University of Illinois System. Educating about 56,299 students, it is the countrys 6th largest public university by student enrollment. The university admits students from all 50 US states and over 100 foreign countries. There are over 10,000 international students, most of which are Mainland Chinese. About 55% of the total students at the university are male, and 45% are female. Founded in 1867, the U of I, Illinois is a Public Ivy offering over 250 undergraduate and graduate programs.

7. Georgia State University - 53,737 students

Georgia State University Campus. Editorial credit: Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock.com

Georgia State University (GSU) is a public research university located in Atlanta, Georgia, and a member of the University System of Georgia. It is the US 7th largest public university by student population, with about 53,737 undergraduate and graduate students. Of the total number of students, about 33,000 are enrolled at the main campus in downtown Atlanta. The University of Georgia offers more than 250 graduate and undergraduate degree programs in more than 100 fields. The GSU was established in 1913 and nicknamed Panthers.

8. Arizona State University - 52,386 students

A student on a bicycle rides past Victorian-style Old Main, one of the original Normal School buildings, built in 1898, on Arizona State University Tempe campus. Editorial credit: PICTOR PICTURE COMPANY / Shutterstock.com

Arizona State University (ASU) is a public research university with four campuses within the Phoenix metropolitan area. Established in 1885, the university is part of the Universities Research Association, offering over 300 undergraduate degree programs and 400 certificate and graduate programs. Although ASU has enrolled over 150,000 students, only about 56,400 students study at the Tempe Campus (main campus). Approximately 11,360 students study at the Phoenix Downtown campus, 5,200 at the polytechnic campus, and 54,000 attending online classes. The university has a rich faculty, comprising Pulitzer Prize winners, Nobel laureates, National Academy of Science members, and MacArthur Fellows.

9. University Of Minnesota-Twin Cities - 52,017 students

Tate Laboratory on the campus of the University of Minnesota. Editorial credit: Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com

The University of Minnesota is a public land-grant research university located in the twin cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Established in 1851, the Twin Cities Campus is the University of Minnesota systems largest and oldest university campus and comprises grounds in the two cities. It is the countrys 9th largest main campus by student enrollment, with 52,017 students. The Twin Cities campus has over 300 education, research, and outreach institutes and centers. The majority of the students (63%) who have enrolled at the University of Minnesota are Minnesota residents.

10. The University Of Texas At Austin - 51,832 students

College students at the University of Texas at Austin. Editorial credit: stock_photo_world / Shutterstock.com

About 51,832 students have enrolled for their higher education at the University of Texas at Austin, making it the 10th largest university by student population. Established on September 15, 1883, UT Austin has the countrys 7th largest academic museum, capable of holding more than nine million volumes. The majority of the students who have enrolled at the university are ethnically whites (39%), followed by Hispanic Americans (23%), and Asian Americans (20%). The university has students from over 120 foreign countries and all 50 states.
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Minneapolis, MN - NAI Legacy is pleased to announce that they have closed on the 1031 syndication of a Net Leased Kid Zone Early Learning Center (Kid Zone) located in Hopkins, Minnesota. NAI Legacy organized the property ownership under a Delaware Statutory Trust, which is a popular legal structure that can be used to hold investment real estate assets. The DST structure allows multiple investors to directly invest in beneficial shares of the Trust. This legal structure provides investors with added flexibility over traditional ownership, and the DST qualifies for 1031 treatment. As a DST Sponsor of the Kid Zone property, NAI Legacy helped provide four investors, from Minnesota and Wyoming with 1031 Exchange Solutions.

The property was also designated as an Opportunity Zone with the purpose of spurring economic development via property improvements. NAI Legacy and Kid Zone have begun property renovations to convert the vacant medical clinic into a more suitable space for early learners. A Minnesota investor, who wished to remain unnamed, commented "This offering was an interesting tax solution for me. It dually deferred my taxes but also is located in an Opportunity Zone, so property improvements will greatly appreciate the value of the property and hopefully provide a significant return after my holding period. This offering was exciting to me because of the unique tax incentives."

This is another one of NAI Legacy's successful DST Syndications within the last month. Along with Kid Zone, NAI Legacy fully syndicated RH | Minneapolis, and Silverstar Car Wash. Each unique property allows for passive ownership with professional management. Michael Houge, NAI Legacy's Managing Director, said, "We were able to syndicate this deal very rapidly, in part because the market is so hot right now, and there is an increasing need for property investments to solve tax related problems. Kid Zone is a prime example of our ability to provide our clients with tax-advantaged property solutions."

About NAI Legacy

Coupling the latest technology with a traditional emphasis on customer service, the NAI Legacy team provides strategic guidance, administrative support and brokerage services for properties totaling nearly 2,500,000 square feet. With business lines including property management, traditional sales and leasing services, and 1031 tax-deferred exchange solutions, NAI Legacy is adept at navigating all aspects of quality commercial real estate assignments.

For more information on tax-strategies, contact one of our team members found on www.nailegacy.com.

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Chirk based organisation celebrates 1 million business milestone

A Chirk based organisation has marked a 1 million business milestone.

Reclaim Tax Wales, at Brynkinalt Business Centre in Chirk, spoke of the achievement during a visit by Wrexham Mayor Cllr Ronnie Prince, Leader of Wrexham Council Cllr Mark Pritchard and Lead Member for Economic Development and Regeneration Cllr Terry Evans.

The visit was in recognition of the Chirk based tax relief company exceeding 1m in client tax benefit in their first year of trading  including 21 business in the Wrexham area.

Earlier this year Reclaim Tax UK expanded into Wales, with the new office in Chirk dedicated to Reclaim Tax Wales.

Managing director of Reclaim Tax Wales, Joshua Davies said: It was a pleasure to welcome The Mayor of Wrexham, Wrexham Council Leader Mark Pritchard and Lead Councillor for Economic Development Terry Evans to our Wrexham office, to celebrate the business exceeding 1 Million in client tax benefit in our first year of trading.

The support shown by the local authorities, communities, and businesses within North Wales since opening our office in January has been incredible, and long may it continue.

Our main objective is to ensure Welsh businesses are aware of the specialist tax legislations available to them.

We look forward to welcoming back the Mayor and Council Leaders when we hit 5 Million in client benefit.

With over 10 years experience Reclaim Tax Wales are experts in specialist areas of tax relief, including Capital Allowances, Research & Development, Remediation of Contaminated Land and the Patent Box.

Wrexham Mayor, Cllr Ronnie Prince said: It was nice to meet Joshua, Chris and Darren at Reclaim Tax Wales and hear about how their business works, and how it can help other businesses. 

Leader of Wrexham Council, Cllr Mark Pritchard said: Id like to congratulate the business on this milestone and wish Joshua, Chris and Darren the best of luck in growing Reclaim Tax Wales over the coming years.

Lead Member for Economic Development and Regeneration Cllr Terry Evans said: Its great to hear of a financial business choosing Wrexham and indeed Chirk as its home base.
Dramatic drone footage helps high-flying Wrexham orchestra celebrate major milestone

Dramatic drone footage shot high above Llangollen will be projected on three giant screens during the world premiere of a new piece of music to celebrate the 10th anniversary of a flagship orchestra.

Wrexham and St Asaph-based NEW Sinfonia was established in 2011 by two talented brothers, Robert and Jonathan Guy, who will be marking the orchestras birthday with a series of 10 performances, Ten4Ten on the weekend of November 26-28.

Events are planned at St Giles Parish Church in Wrexham and at the towns award winning community arts hub Ty Pawb.

Among the highlights will be the first of the orchestras new Great Sound Exhibition performances at St Giles Church, funded by the Arts Council of Wales and in partnership with Disability Arts Cymru.

The drone images will be projected onto the massive transparent screens  the largest of which will be the central screen standing eight metres high and six metres wide. It will be flanked by two slightly smaller screens.

Jonathan Guy has written new music for the concert called Where Light Meets Dark while the footage was filmed by Llangollen-based visual artist Ant Dickinson who spent much of lockdown flying the drone above the Dee Valley.

Audiences will be able to see through the screen as the orchestra is playing but at times we will be able to transmit associated digital images and films on it which will intrinsically link up with the music being played. We want to immerse peoples senses in the music, said Jonathon.

The 10-year milestone follows hot on the heels of momentous developments for the orchestra which recently became a registered charity with a board of trustees appointed

It has also launched a re-designed and updated website, on which it has put out a call for patrons and supporters to help it achieve a three-year strategy to take the orchestra successfully into the mid-2020s.

NEW Sinfonia is also the resident orchestra of the North Wales International Music Festival which has been able to return to St Asaph Cathedral this year with a hybrid event featuring online concerts as well.

The brothers, who have both also forged successful individual careers, say they are enormously proud of what the 40-strong orchestra has accomplished over the past decade, and it has far exceeded the original expectations.

Robert is now based in Manchester where he is Director of the University of Manchesters elite undergraduate conducting programme, Head of Choral Programmes and Director of Ensembles.

He said: Its incredible really when we reflect on how NEW Sinfonia has developed. I sometimes have to pinch myself to make sure Ive not dreamed it all.

Were so proud of all our fellow musicians and hugely thankful to everyone who has supported us over the last ten years.

We started as a relatively young orchestra simply with the aim of providing an outlet for talented young musicians from around North Wales to get together and perform great music together. But its phenomenal how weve grown beyond that as individuals and as an orchestra.

Many of our members are now much in demand for their instrumental skills and they play with renowned orchestras worldwide. But amazingly they still come back home to NEW Sinfonia when we have a concert on. They make strenuous efforts to get here and play together no matter what.

Were a close-knit musical family and now we all want to nurture and help develop the next generation of young North Wales classical musicians. We want to offer them a chance to perform with a full orchestra, just like we had that chance.

Jonathan added: As an orchestra weve had outstanding opportunities and we now want to enable other young musicians to have similar opportunities in their up-and-coming careers. A big goal is to engage more with the communities in which we work, to inspire people to listen to and enjoy more classical music in all its many forms.

We are also keen to introduce family friendly events into our repertoire, concerts where parents can come along with their young children.

Among the new trustees is Ruth Evans is Head of Artistic Planning and Participation at the National Youth Choirs Great Britain.

She said: What NEW Sinfonia has achieved is remarkable especially when you consider that they were such a young orchestra when starting out.

But in a way I am not surprised, Rob and Jon are both brilliant musicians with so much natural musical talent. Theyre passionate about what they do.

They are both committed to making the orchestra a vital part of the community where it has its roots.

They reach out and bring classical music to some people who may never have heard it before, and they are fervent believers in the power music has to improve peoples well-being.

More than ever, I think, they have proven this during recent lockdowns when they have worked so hard to keep music alive and relevant, despite the constraints of social distancing and so many closed venues.

There are great plans ahead and were all truly excited to see how much more NEW Sinfonia develops over the next 10 years.

For full details about the 10th anniversary concerts programme visit the NEW Sinfonia website at: www.newsinfonia.org.uk
Sixth Senedd officially opens: You represent the interests of Wales and its people, make laws for Wales, and hold the Welsh Government to account

The Queen paid tribute to the people of Wales at the Official Opening of the Sixth Senedd today.

The kindness shown in communities all over Wales during the hardest days of the COVID-19 Pandemic was celebrated at the Official Opening of the Senedd, with COVID Community Champions  people who went out of their way to help or raise a smile in their communities over the past 18 months  attending.

The event was attended by the Queen, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, who met some of the community heroes in the Senedd.

The event featured both virtual and live performances, which highlighted the importance of peoples voices in shaping democracy in Wales and represented the hopes and aspirations for the next Senedd term.

Addressing newly elected Members of the Senedd, the Queen said: We all owe a debt of gratitude to those who have risen so magnificently to the challenges of the last 18 months  from key workers to volunteers, who have done so much to serve their communities. They are shining examples of the spirit for which the Welsh people are so renowned, that I have personally encountered so many times.

It is a source of pleasure that both The Prince of Wales and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have lived in Wales and experienced its very special sense of community.

The Welsh people have much to be proud of and over the next five years, I am sure you will continue to be inspired by their indomitable spirit, as you represent the interests of Wales and its people, make laws for Wales, and hold the Welsh Government to account.

Llywydd of the Senedd, Elin Jones MS said: Our work as a Senedd for the next term will undoubtedly focus on recovering from the covid pandemic. But there will also be many other challenges and opportunities  from playing a leading role in tackling climate change to promoting equality and fairness for all in Wales.

Let our sixth Senedd be productive and innovative, and let us respect, at all times, each other as members and all the people we represent.

First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford MS said: We come together for the formal opening of this sixth Senedd in the shadow of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which has created so much sadness for so many families. Our thoughts today are with all of them.

As we look beyond the pandemic, we recognise that we still have many challenges ahead but also many opportunities for a brighter future.

We will use all our powers to promote prosperity, equality and wellbeing for everyone in Wales. And to turn ourselves to those other crises of our times  climate change and the loss of nature and biodiversity.

A central part of the ceremony is the delivery of the mace to the debating chamber, to be placed in its sconce to signal that the Senedd is in session.

The role of Mace-bearer, who carried the important symbolic part of the ceremony, was taken by Shaz Khan a member of the Senedd security team. Shaz was born in Cardiff but moved to Pakistan at a very young age before returning to Wales. Shazs background is in catering, a trained chef, he used to work in the kitchen before becoming a security officer at the Senedd.

Shaz Khan said: What an honour, I cant describe it. Its such an honour for me, from my very humble beginnings. And to be working with the Welsh Parliament itself, Im very passionate about it.

Ive got relatives in Canada and Australia who will be watching on telly, Ive been telling everybody!

You kind of feel nervous, but at the same time, very, very proud to be part of something like this. Im excited because the mace-bearers role includes leading the procession of Members of the Senedd into the building and to lead the Royal Party to the chamber where the opening ceremony will take place.

The mace is a gift to the Senedd from the Parliament of New South Wales in Australia, and was presented on 1 March 2006 at the Official Opening.
GOODLETTSVILLE, TN (WSMV) - Metro Police are following leads after a man was found dead in a van in a church parking lot near Goodlettsville on Tuesday night.

The Nashville Fire Department responded to a call for a vehicle on fire in the parking lot of Parkway Baptist Church, 505 Cunniff Parkway, at 8:40 p.m. Firefighters discovered the body in the Dodge Grand Caravan after the families were extinguished.

I heard some noise when I was sitting at home last night, said Bobby, who lives in the neighborhood near the church. I came out looking and the fire department was out here putting a fair out on a van sitting out there in the parking lot.

Bobby and other neighbors in the area were shocked to hear what had happened in an area they described as a quiet neighborhood.

It was strange because you dont usually hear stuff like that going on around here, Bobby said. Its usually quiet around here. You usually dont have any disturbance.

Metro Police are describing the incident as an apparent murder of a man.

I mean you got dead bodies in cars. That would concern anybody, especially when you got small kids around. You dont know whats next, Bobby said. The parking lot has become a haven for different stupid stuff. I dont know whats going on with that. They try to leave it open for people so the neighborhood can enjoy the parking lot.

Rev. Matt Megginson, the senior pastor at Parkway Baptist, said the vehicle was left in the front parking lot of the church on Tuesday evening. Neighbors notified the church that the vehicle was on fire and the authorities were informed.

The vehicle is not connected to our church, and none of our church members were involved in the incident in any way, Megginson said in a statement. We are cooperating with local authorities and aiding their investigation in every way possible. Our prayers go up for everyone that may have been impacted by this incident.

Its like theyre just disrespecting the church grounds. I dont understand whats wrong with people, Bobby said. What really can you do about it unless you want to close up the church parking lot and thats unfair to all the neighbors and the kids that have been around here all these years using it without no problems.

The victim has not been identified. Metro Police said further examination of the body will take place Wednesday at the Medical Examiners Office.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.
The Tennessee Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee stands in solidarity with parents, educators, and all workers striking on October 15 against unsafe conditions in schools in the United Kingdom and globally due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Parents and teachers all over the world must join together to fight the herd immunity strategy of the ruling elite which is killing thousands of people every day.

As reported by the World Socialist Web Site, 164 children have died in the two months since schools in the US fully reopened for in-person learning. This amounts to an average of three school-aged children dying every day. Cases of COVID-19 are at or exceeding the numbers infected during the winter surge in the US, with upwards of 2,000 people dying from the virus every day.

Despite the numbers of sick and dying, some state governors and legislatures in the South are doing away with state-mandated mitigation protocols in schools. Individual school districts are left to make their own decisions about what protections, if any, will be made available in schools to protect children, teachers, support personnel, and bus drivers. This has led to the politicization of the health and safety of our children. Individual families are taking school districts to court in order to protect children with special needs. Federal judges have ruled in favor of mask mandates in schools, but only the largest school districts have brought these cases to court.

Students in a Nashville classroom. (Image credit: Metro Nashville Public Schools)

While schools are reopening and record cases of COVID-19 are flooding hospitals across the country, the teachers unions have remained silent about the mass death caused by the virus. Union leaders join the chorus of the Democratic Party to reopen schools safely even though material proof that this is not possible is amply provided on a daily basis.

To add insult to injury, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten held a public town hall with members of Open Schools USA, an organization that vehemently opposes masking in schools and the vaccination of children against COVID-19, and which seeks to defund public schools by siphoning off public money into private and charter schools. Not only is the president of the nations second largest teachers union unwilling to advocate for safe working conditions for her members, but she is legitimizing a right-wing, anti-scientific organization which would happily put public school teachers out of work and further endanger millions of children.

Recent experiences, including the October 1 global school strike initiated by British parent Lisa Diaz, have shown that the only way forward in the fight to end the pandemic is through the independent mobilization of the working class internationally. Diaz launched this strike without the support of any unions, another indication that the international working class must organize itself independently of these corrupt bureaucracies.

In New Zealand, Singapore and throughout the Asia-Pacific, governments have capitulated to the demands of the capitalists for an end to lock-downs and a complete reopening of their countries. Despite the success these nations have had at eliminating COVID-19 by employing lock-downs, mass testing, contact tracing and other measures, they have now embraced the herd immunity strategy that is endangering our children and families in the US, the UK and worldwide.

Though the battle for safety is being fought over masks and vaccines in many regions, these mitigation measures alone will not end the cycle of illness and death from COVID-19. In fact, mitigation protocols divorced from a broader strategy which aims to eradicate COVID-19 globally will only prolong the pandemic, allowing the virus to mutate into potentially more transmissible and vaccine-resistant variants. We must demand an end to this catastrophe through global eradication measures.

The October 1 and October 15 school strikes are setting the standard for rank-and-file action against the murderous policies of the elites globally. The Tennessee Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee fully supports the October 15 global school strike. We applaud the courage of parents, educators, and health care workers who risk censure and fines in order to demand an end to the cruel herd immunity experiment being perpetrated on children in schools and the society at large.

We must all take action and continue to build the movement for the eradication of COVID-19. Register for the October 24 event, How to end the pandemic: The case for eradication, an international webinar organized by the WSWS and the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees. Sign up today to start or join a rank-and-file committee in your area!
French President Emmanuel Macrons recent restriction of visa access from the Maghreb, combined with his insulting of the anti-colonial struggle of the Algerian people, are aimed at legitimizing French colonialism and inciting neo-fascist chauvinism. His actions have provoked a major diplomatic crisis with Algeria and the recall by Algiers of the Algerian ambassador to France.

A statement from the Algerian presidency in response to Macrons comments said: Following the undeniable remarks that several French sources have attributed by name to the President of the French Republic, Algeria expresses its categorical rejection of the inadmissible interference in its internal affairs that constitute the said remarks. This is the second time Algiers has recalled its ambassador to Paris since May 2020, after the broadcast on the France5 television station of a documentary on the Hirak, the mass protest movement against the Algerian military regime that began in February 2019.

A family watches French President Emmanuel Macron's televised speech, Monday April 13, 2020, in Lyon, central France. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)

This diplomatic crisis began on September 29. French government spokesman Gabriel Attal announced on Europe1 that the granting of visas by France would be tightened within a few weeks for nationals of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, who refuse to issue the consular passes required for the return of immigrants turned away from France. The visa restriction, which blocks the movement of people wanting to travel to France to see their families, affects millions of people of North African origin in France itself.

In 2018, the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies reported that there were 1.9 million immigrants from the Maghreb in the country, as well as 2.4 million direct descendants born in France to at least one parent from the Maghreb, in addition to the grandchildren of immigrants from the Maghreb, estimated at 821,000 in 2011. This makes a total of 5.1 million people of North African origin in France.

The French ambassador to Algeria, Francois Gouyette, was summoned to the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and notified of a formal protest by the Algerian government following a unilateral decision by the French government affecting the quality and fluidity of the movement of Algerian nationals to France, according to a statement from the ministry.

On September 30, receiving a delegation of 18 young French people of North African origin, dual nationals and some Algerians, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the the post-1962 Algerian nation was built on a memory rent. This was a reference to the heroic and bloody struggle of the Algerian people against the French colonial regime during the Algerian war (1954-1962).

Calling Algeria a politico-military system that was built on this memory rent, Macron attacked an official history that had been totally rewritten, and which according to him is not based on truths but on a discourse based on a hatred of France. He questioned the historic legitimacy of Algeria: Was there an Algerian nation before the French colonization? Thats the question I am fascinated at the ability of Turkey to completely forget the role it played in Algeria and the domination it exercised.

Four days later, Algiers recalled its ambassador to France for consultation and closed its airspace to French military aircraft. In 2013, French airplanes had permission to fly over Algerian territory to fight the war in the Sahel launched with the French intervention in Mali, with which Algeria shares a 1,300-kilometre desert border.

Cynically, Macron reacted to this Franco-Algerian crisis by claiming that he wished there could be an appeasement.

But he then defended his earlier statements, saying: I have the utmost respect for the Algerian people, and I have really cordial relations with President Tebboune. But we have started a work, with the report that we asked [historian] Benjamin Stora to do  with the French and Franco-Algerian youth, and I will continue this work. There will inevitably be other tensions. These are only stories of wounds. The problem is that many people are irreconcilable toward one another. But we are all together in the same country, and therefore we must have a national project that embraces us.

Stora had been personally commissioned by Macron in July 2020 to prepare a report on the memories of colonization and the Algerian people.

The provocations of Macron and his government against Algeria are a warning to workers both in France and the southern shore of the Mediterranean. In fact, it is Macron who is totally rewriting history through his statements, seeking to cover up the crimes committed by French imperialism in the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as the crimes already committed or in preparation in Frances neocolonial wars in the 21st century.

Contrary to Macrons arrogant assertions about Algerian society before French colonization and even before Ottoman rule, there were various forms of statehood in this territory of the central Maghreb, according to historian Gilles Manceron. Manceron adds: The fact that Algerian national sentiment only became generalized at the time of the war is a reality. But this is like the feeling of belonging to the French nation, which only really took hold after the Revolution.

French domination of Algeria was reactionary and criminal. France colonized Algeria and the whole of the Maghreb, making its inhabitants second-class citizens, repressed under the discriminatory provisions of the Indigenous Code. During the war for independence, French imperialism tortured and killed en masse, crimes reminiscent of those committed in occupied France a decade earlier by the Vichy collaborationist regime.

Out of 10 million Algerians, France detained 3 million in internment camps and killed half a million. Twenty-five thousand French soldiers died during the war and over 60,000 were wounded. In addition, the French special forces and police assassinated political leaders and pro-independence demonstrators in mainland France. Paris nevertheless suffered a humiliating defeat in the war, in the face of the courage of the Algerian workers and oppressed.

Macrons statements underscore the nature of the political forces that Macron is nurturing as he pursues a policy of spreading the coronavirus, waging neo-colonial war in the Sahel, and violently repressing strikes inside France.

They underscore his alignment with the extreme right-wing circles who are openly nostalgic for French Algeria. The same forces played a central role in the 1958 putsch that brought General Charles De Gaulle to power and established the Fifth Republic. These pro-French Algeria forces sought to change French policy through attacks and an attempted coup detat after De Gaulle decided to negotiate Algerian independence with the Algerian National Liberation Front.

Now, against the backdrop of rising working class anger at the criminal management of the coronavirus pandemic by the state, the political descendants of this milieu are openly waving the threat of a coup detat, in the form of a letter written by retired generals close to the family of retired General Pierre de Villiers. Macrons calculations of their electoral influence in the 2022 presidential elections are no doubt connected to his decision to provoke a crisis with Algiers.

This crisis underlines that the struggle against the establishment of a police regime in France oppressing workers in France as well as in Africa requires the international unification of the working class on both sides of the Mediterranean in a struggle for socialism.
The Australian government and the Labor Party opposition have maintained a stony silence on a Yahoo News investigation which revealed late last month that the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Trump administration discussed plans to kidnap or even assassinate Julian Assange in 2017, when he was a political refugee in Ecuadors London embassy.

In the weeks since the explosive claims were made, they have not been addressed by Prime Minister Scott Morrison or Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese. Nor have any senior government or shadow ministers issued a statement on the claims, which were made on the basis of anonymous comments from more than 30 former US intelligence and government officials.

Julian Assange being dragged out of the Ecuadorean embassy in London, April 2019

The silence would be extraordinary, if it did not conform to a protracted pattern of essentially pretending that Assange does not exist. Credible information is now on the public record that the top levels of the US government and state apparatus conspired to illegally murder an internationally-renowned Australian citizen and journalist.

Were the government involved one of those in the crosshairs of the Western imperialist powers, such as Russia, China or Iran, and not Australias closest military and strategic ally, the response would have been very different.

This is not a hypothetical question. Over the past 14 months, the Australian government has issued at least two statements condemning the Russian governments treatment of extreme right-wing dissident Alexei Navalny, even though he has no connection to Australia whatsoever.

The official silence is motivated by several factors. In the first instance, the Yahoo News revelations completely refute any suggestion that the current US attempt to extradite Assange from Britain and prosecute him under the Espionage Act, is a lawful undertaking. The Australian government, with the support of Labor, has repeatedly upheld the sanctity of the British and US legal systems, as justification for its refusal to intervene in defence of Assange.

Now, however, it is clear that the US government is persecuting Assange for his journalism. The plans to assassinate him were a response to WikiLeaks exposures of mass CIA spying operations. And it is undeniable that Assange faces the threat of death if extradited, given that the US government was considering killing him, even before he was on American soil.

To the extent that it has made any comment, however, the Australian government has continued to mouth banalities about ensuring Assanges due process and humane treatment, even as it has become irrefutable that the US campaign against WikiLeaks is a frontal assault on these core legal and democratic principles.

Contacted after the Yahoo News report was released, a spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) told Guardian Australia: Minister Payne has raised the situation of Mr Assange with her US and UK counterparts, most recently with US Secretary of State [Antony] Blinken on 15 September.

Payne supposedly conveyed Australias expectations that Mr Assange is entitled to due process, humane and fair treatment, access to proper medical and other care, and access to his legal team.

The same Guardian article hinted at another reason for the stony official response to the CIA revelations in Australia. It reported that DFAT did not answer whether the US had ever briefed or consulted the Australian government on the reported option of the CIA kidnapping or killing Assange.

Malcolm Turnbull, who was prime minister throughout 2017 when the plans were reportedly afoot, told the Guardian that the first I heard about the plot was when it was reported in the media last month.

It is scarcely credible, however, that no branch of the Australian government or its intelligence agencies were aware of the US discussions targeting Assange. The two countries have the closest ties as decades-long military allies and key partners in the US-led Five Eyes intelligence network.

The Australian state, moreover, has played an active role in the campaign against WikiLeaks from the outset, and the US preparations for extreme measures against Assange were strongly hinted at in public.

The issue, of whether any branch of the Australian state was apprised of or involved in a plot to murder an Australian journalist, has been buried in the official press.

In one exception that proves the rule, Bernard Keane of Crikey wrote: The most obvious question for the Australian government is whether the CIA discussed with Australian intelligence officials its plans to abduct or murder an Australian citizen, or whether Trump administration figures alerted the Turnbull government at a political level. He noted: The extent of Australian knowledge of the plans for Assange is likely never to be clarified because Australias intelligence agencies are able to operate behind a bipartisan wall of secrecy.

Recent history, however, is suggestive. In 2010, WikiLeaks published US army war logs from Iraq and Afghanistan, exposing the criminal, neo-colonial occupations of both countries, and hundreds of thousands of American embassy cables, revealing the daily intrigues of imperialist diplomacy.

As senior US politicians responded by denouncing Assange as a terrorist, then Labor Party Prime Minister Julia Gillard falsely labelled the WikiLeaks publications as an act of illegality. She pledged that the Australian intelligence agencies would assist their US counterparts in the campaign against Assange and WikiLeaks.

In 2011, Assange claimed the Labor government was providing information about WikiLeaks and its Australian employees to other governments. On an episode of the Australian Broadcasting Corporations Q&A program, he asked Gillard: When will you come clean about precisely what information you have supplied to foreign powers about Australian citizens working or affiliated with WikiLeaks? The Labor PM denied the allegation.

In early 2017, as the CIA was discussing active measures against Assange, its then director Mike Pompeo delivered a public speech defining WikiLeaks as a non-state hostile intelligence service. The novel distinction, which was accompanied by denunciations of Assange as a demon, was clearly aimed at stripping him and WikiLeaks of core democratic protections, and placing them in a pseudo-legal category equivalent to terrorists. This can hardly have been lost on the Australian government.

Current Prime Minister Scott Morrison was installed in a party-room coup in August, 2018. He immediately deepened relations with the Trump administration, including Mike Pompeo, who by that point had become US secretary of state.

Official documents, obtained under a freedom of information request by lawyer Kellie Tranter, detail a January, 2019, visit to Assange by DFAT officials. Assange told them that the CIA was heavily involved in the US government campaign to pressure Ecuador to throw him out of its London embassy, and that he was a subject of pervasive spying. Three months later, these efforts resulted in the illegal termination of Assanges asylum, and his arrest by British police. Morrison responded by declaring that Assange had to face the music, while senior Labor parliamentarians shared a tweet slandering him as a Russian agent.

Ever since, the Australian government and Labor have rejected calls to defend Assange as a persecuted Australian citizen and journalist.

The CIA revelations have broad implications, in as much as dozens or even hundreds of people were potentially subjected to illegal spying and targeting. The Yahoo News report stated that the CIA discussions extended to assassinating Europe-based WikiLeaks members and to that end developing pattern of life surveillance on them.

A group of 26 prominent Australian journalists, lawyers, academics, and activists who visited Assange in the Ecuadorian Embassy have written to the Morrison government, demanding to know whether they were spied upon or placed on speculative kill lists. They wrote: We also believe we have a right to know whether the Australian government was informed or consented to our communications and movements being tracked. To date, no reply has been reported.

The Australian ruling elites support for the campaign against Assange is inextricably tied to its support for US-led wars and military preparations, including the current build-up and threats directed against China. At the same time, Australian governments, no less than their counterparts abroad, are carrying out sweeping attacks on democratic rights, directed against whistleblowers, journalists, and above all, mounting social and political opposition from the working class.

The non-response to the CIA revelations, and the record of consecutive governments, demonstrates that Assanges freedom will not be secured through plaintive appeals to the Australian authorities to intervene. They will only act, if compelled to do so by a mass political movement, demanding Assanges liberty as part of a fight for all of the democratic and social rights of the working class.
Nurses at a demonstration in Berlin in August 2021 [Source: WSWS Media]

On 7 October, Germanys Verdi trade union ended the almost month-long strike by nursing staff at Europes biggest university hospital, the Charite in Berlin.

A contract is due to be negotiated within five weeks based on a vaguely formulated document whose key points include a few cosmetic improvements for workers. In ending the strike, Verdi is deliberately sabotaging the ongoing strike by workers at the Vivantes hospital group.

The agreement was welcomed effusively by both the union and Charite management. Verdi negotiator Melanie Guba described the agreement as a big step and milestone of relief for Charite health workers. Verdi had demanded the establishment of minimum staffing regulations, less intense workloads and improved training conditions. These issues were now being addressed based on this result, the union official said.

This is the contract that now settles everything satisfactorily, declared Verdi representative Dana Lutzkendorf at an appearance with the Charite management. Carla Eysel, Charite board member for personnel and nursing, was also very pleased with the result and referred to the ultimate contract as a milestone.

The political parties that control the Berlin Senate (a coalition of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens and the Left Party) also expressed their pleasure at the end of the strike.

Franziska Giffey (SPD), whose party is largely to blame for the disastrous conditions in the citys state-owned hospitals, called the result a very positive signal. Even Berlins neo-liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP) had nothing but praise for the agreement.

In fact, the key points of the contract thus far revealed make clear that it will neither lessen the overworking of nursing staff nor increase the quality of patient care.

According to the agreement, 700 additional nursing staff are to be hired over a period of three years. Even the 1,200 extra staff originally demanded by Verdi would have been insufficient to guarantee adequate care. Now this demand has been reduced by almost half and extended over a period of three years, during which the demands on nursing staff will certainly increase much further.

Moreover, the joint statement by Verdi and the Charite does not refer to full-time positions, but only employees. Currently, many employees have just part-time positions. And even if this provision were to be fulfilled over the extended period of time laid down in the agreement, it would amount to a mere drop in the ocean.

Another key point refers to so-called stress points. For every five understaffed shifts that are worked, health care employees are to be awarded one point, which can be converted into eight hours of free time to compensate for the additional stress.

However, workers will receive a maximum of only five days off per year, and the measure is more likely to entrench permanent overworking rather than end it. When a nurse works double (to compensate for an absent colleague), he or she will receive less than two hours of free time in exchange. This means that understaffing will remain much more profitable than employing the prescribed number of nurses.

Given the reality of unbroken overwork, limiting the scheme to five days means it is unlikely to be used to any significant extent. Already, most nurses have a huge backlog of overtime that can hardly be reduced due to lack of staff.

Another point to be included in the contract is staffing ratios. So far, staffing ratios of 1:1 for intensive care units, 1:10 for regular day duty and 1:17 for night duty have been mentioned. Whether these ratios will be reflected in the contract is questionable. On the other hand, it is already common practice to ignore agreed staffing ratios, sometimes for weeks.

Other points concern the use of trainees, the possibility of sabbatical years and changes to duty scheduling. No concrete information on these issues is available, and, as usual, the contract negotiations are taking place behind closed doors.

Workers should not be misled by the vague and totally insufficient promises of improvements. In 2016, Verdi hoodwinked Charite workers and agreed a deal on health protection and minimum staffingagain dubbed historic by the union. The deal ended a series of strikes and protests.

At the time, Verdi negotiator Meike Jager, who is also deputy chairperson of the supervisory board of Vivantes and a member of the supervisory board of the private Rhon-Klinken, declared fulsomely: At last we have succeeded in putting a stop to job cuts, especially in nursing, by limiting any further deterioration in minimum staffing levels with binding benchmarks.

In fact, the agreement was not worth the paper it was written on. Since then, the situation has become increasingly dire, with nursing staff overwhelmed with extra work. Verdi was able to force staff at Europes largest university hospital to keep quiet for a short time with its vile manoeuvre, but the latest contract is to be valid for three years so as to make sure that further strikes will be illegal over that period of time.

Since the beginning of the strikes at the Charite and Vivantes clinics, Verdi has been working towards a quick agreement with management but has confronted enormous anger and militancy on the part of health workers. Now the union wants to use the end of the strike at Charite to weaken the industrial action of Vivantes workers and quickly close down their strike as well.

Vivantes nursing staff have been on strike since 9 September, demanding improved working conditions, while employees at the companys subsidiaries are demanding better wages. The joint strike at the two big hospital groups in the German capital has demonstrated the power of workers and made clear they face the same problems. Last Tuesday, workers at the Asklepios health clinics in Brandenburg also voted for an indefinite strike to secure wage raises.

The strike at Vivantes is continuing and more than 2,000 people, including many nurses, protested in Berlin on Saturday for more staff and better working conditions. The protesters marched from the Urban Clinic in Neukolln to Willy Brandt House, headquarters of the SPD.

Verdi representative Susanne Feldkotter cynically justified the ending of the strike at the Charite to the newspaper Neues Deutschland with the words: One strike less means we have more strength for the other industrial action. In reality, Verdi is now working flat out to sell out the Vivantes strike and ensure the perpetuation of the existing miserable working conditions and poor wages.

At Vivantes, no agreement has been reached to date due to the groups unscrupulous management, which, even under conditions of the coronavirus pandemic, has made offers that would result in worse conditions for the workers.

Verdi announced plans to suspend the strike at the Vivantes subsidiaries on Thursday, arguing that contract negotiations would resume on that day. This agreement was reached under the auspices of former SPD state premier Matthias Platzeck. Verdi and the Berlin SPD chose Platzeck as moderator after he was appointed as mediator at Charite-Facility-Management (CFM) at the beginning of the year and was instrumental in pushing through a miserable agreement against workers there.

The threatened sell-out at the Charite and Vivantes clinics once again highlights the treacherous role of the trade unions. Health workers must build independent action committees which they control, rather than the highly paid Verdi functionaries. This is the only way to expand the struggle for decent wages and good working conditions.
On the eve of a midnight strike deadline for 10,100 John Deere workers Wednesday evening, workers at auto parts maker Dana Inc. expressed their support for joint action with workers at the agricultural equipment maker. The strike deadline was announced by the United Auto Workers last week after Deere workers voted down a sellout contract, which would have included the elimination of pensions for new hires, by a 90 percent margin.

Dana auto parts workers in the United States voted down a sellout contract of their own by a similar margin more than a month ago, but the UAW and the United Steelworkers (USW) are keeping workers on the job on a day-to-day contract extension, working for 12 hours and seven days a week in many cases. Talks between the unions and Dana management have been dragged out for weeks, giving the company time to stockpile parts and complete the changeover to producing parts for next years vehicle models.

I know what youre going through, a tenured production worker at Fort Wayne stated. Requests arent being met. We need more unity; we need to take hold of workers destiny. We need to let companies know were not scared of them. Dana walked out of the negotiations. You need to be 10 times stronger. We need all Dana plants and Deere to cease production.

I remember PATCO. [The] whole system needs to be changed top to bottom. Corruption [in the union] is ridiculous  its in your face like its normal. As long as these officials are sucking up to the company were screwed every time. They have boats and yachts, theyre not even workers. Theyre all for the companies.

Union officials are like outside contractors. The tactics like erasing votes and the other trickery has to stop. Wages havent been going up for a decade, but all other things are going up. The amount of bribes is so great that you cant get a foothold in the union.

Im on board for workers taking control of negotiations [and] getting rid of union [bureaucrats]. We need solidarity with other plants in [the] auto industry and elsewhere. This will make a statement to the companies. Theres an old saying strength in numbers, we need everyone on board.

A tier worker spoke to the World Socialist Web Site, Stick together. There are more of us than them. We all have to stick together.

When asked what he thought about the negotiations between Dana and the unions, one Fort Wayne worker responded, What negotiations? Its a farce. A big ol bunch of BS. Were supposed to hear about the negotiations when the committee comes back Monday or Tuesday. Honestly, I dont know what to think until they bring back the contract. They [the USW] expect us to sign, honestly? I dont think its going to be anything better than the last one they brought back.

[The first contract] was definitely crap! another worker said. The only good thing on that was giving everyone the same point system. ... Everything else was worse.

She continued, Theres no updates on COVID due to no information by the union. No one knows anything about the contract. Its likely they will try to split the vote times for plants. It will be turned down like the Deere contract. Two weeks ago on Friday, the third shift workers didnt even see the USW proposal. Im not alone with the suspicion of the union. Im telling everyone to vote no.

Workers at Dana have formed the Dana Workers Rank-and-File Committee (DWRFC) to fight for their own interests. In order to reverse the decades of attacks on workers, the DWRFC is appealing to workers across the auto industry and in the working class internationally to establish lines of communication to fight for a common strategy.

To join the DWRFC, email them at danawrfc@gmail.com or text (248) 6020936.
On Sunday, October 24, The World Socialist Web Site will host an online event featuring a panel of scientists, to explain how COVID-19 can be eradicated and the pandemic finally brought to an end. We urge all those concerned about the situation in Florida to register today.

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The Florida Education Association revealed this week, in its Safe Schools Report, an appalling increase in COVID-19 deaths and infections among educators and students in the state compared to the same period last year.

According to the data, the number of Florida children who have died from COVID-19 currently stands at 24 compared to 10 last year. The number of active educator coronavirus deaths has already more than doubled from 46 last year to a staggering 102 thus far. The victims include teachers, bus drivers, custodians and school nurses.

Students sit in an Algebra class at Barbara Coleman Senior High School on the first day of school, in Miami Lakes, Florida on August 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Floridas harrowing growth of school-related cases and fatalities, along with quarantines and forced school closings, are the products of the abandonment of online instruction and resumption of in-person classroom learning, which has been spearheaded by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, the Democratic Party and the educators unions.

Additional information in the report testifies to the dangerous spread of the virus in schools. The number of confirmed Florida students and educators who have tested positive during the pandemic grew from 116,881 in 2020-2021 to 165,638 today. The number of full closings of school campuses has risen from 21 to 31. Meanwhile, the number of staff and students in quarantine for both respective school years rose 209 times, from 1,235 last year to 258,481 so far this year.

Among those who have tragically succumbed to the virus is Greg Myers, a 64-year-old former support teacher from Crestview High School in Okaloosa County. Myers died last week after battling with COVID-19 complications for several weeks and being hospitalized in an intensive care unit (ICU).

In mid-September, 24-year-old DAnthony Dorsey, a marine biology teacher at Auburndale High School in Polk County died due to complications from the disease. Shortly before Dorseys death, his mother sent a message to WFLA News urging elected officials to reverse their stance on mask mandates in schools, which Governor Ron DeSantis and the Republican-controlled legislature have prohibited.

His mother said Dorsey had no comorbidities and had been a long-time athlete. Hes young and healthy and look what happened, she said. While the article on Dorseys death states it is not known whether he contracted the virus at school, his mother believes his illness was the result of returning to the classroom. Just within the first week of school, he got sick, she recalled. So the likelihood that he contracted it at school or through the meeting of the parents or students is what were leaning towards because he has not been anywhere.

COVID-19 has taken a particularly devastating toll on school staff in Polk County, with the region making up nearly a quarter of the states educator deaths. The FEAs report added seven more Polk County Public Schools employees that have died from COVID-19 this past month, bringing the total to at least 16 known deaths from the virus since school began August 10.

Despite the grim uptick in deaths, district officials have obstinately rebuffed calls for even a mask mandate on campuses. Like every local union in the state, the Polk County Education Association has not lifted a finger to mobilize educators to fight the homicidal mask policies, let alone shut down the campuses altogether and halt the spread of the disease.

These damning fatality numbers are being released at a time when school districts are abandoning even the most basic public health protocols to monitor the spread of the disease. Many of Floridas school districts have disabled their public dashboards for tracking campus-related pandemic statistics. Moreover, with most local areas refusing to track the disease, the numbers presented in the FEA report are certainly an underestimate. The report itself admits the actual number of confirmed cases for students and staff is significantly higher, pointing to lax restrictions and the removal of district dashboards.

In addition to the rise of infections, the pandemic has had indirect effects on the schools, with many facing enormous crises compounded by years of neglect and dilapidated infrastructure. Shortages of teachers, which were already at record levels before the pandemic, have worsened since the start of this school year, with vacancies for teachers surging by more than 5,000. The shortage is fueled by the unwillingness of educators to risk their lives to work in unsafe workplaces.

Florida is also experiencing an acute bus driver shortage. A report by the Associated Press in early August revealed the states 20 largest districts were having trouble filling bus driver openings, forcing some drivers to handle extra routes.

The absence of reporting is not only limited to various school districts but has been emblematic of the entire state health departments response to the recent resurgence of the virus. The Florida Department of Health (FDH) stopped reporting daily county deaths to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in early June. Shortly thereafter, the FDH halted its weekly reporting for counties, with the CDCs map of county-level COVID-19 deaths showing blanks for each of the states 67 counties.

The move by the school districts to remove dashboards has been an integral part of the back-to-school agenda thats been facilitated by the FEA. The union has faithfully toed the line of its affiliates, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and National Education Association (NEA), with both promoting the lie that schools can be reopened safely with inadequate and rapidly dwindling mitigation measures. In fact, more than 100 educators and four dozen children have lost their lives in less than three months, with the unions standing not only unopposed, but actually supportive, of the continuation of in-person education.

The union bureaucrats for these corrupt organizations, such as Randi Weingarten, whose official salary is roughly $500,000, have devoted all their efforts toward fulfilling the demands of President Joe Biden that schools be reopened regardless of the impact on children and educators. Acting in the interests of Wall Street and the corporations, the Biden White House and unions moved to fully reopen schools this fall in order to herd students into unsafe classrooms so that as many parents as possible can return to work and pump out profits.

Both at the statewide and nationwide level, the trade unions have done everything possible to encourage the ruling-classs desire for herd immunity, which means normalizing mass transmission of the virus in order to save the economy, i.e., enlarge the fortunes of the super-rich. Important in this strategy has been using the teachers unions as an instrument for suppressing and clamping down on the opposition among educators to this murderous policy.

On September 30, the AFT co-hosted a town hall meeting with the far-right parents group Open Schools USA. The event gave a platform to an array of pseudoscientists who oppose COVID-19 vaccinations, advocate the removal of mask mandates and all mitigation measures in schools, with the notion that infecting all children with COVID-19 will help develop herd immunity for the virus.

One of the peddlers of this unscientific and fatal perspective was Jay Bhattacharya, a co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration (GBD) which called for herd immunity through the infection of all young people. Bhattacharya is also an acolyte of DeSantis and heaped praise on the governor for his opposition to lockdowns and mitigation measures.

Last April, Bhattacharya and other public health experts participated in a roundtable held by DeSantis, which attacked social media platforms for removing anti-scientific conspiracy theories related to the pandemic. He railed against the notion that downplaying a virus amounted to misinformation and called the promulgation of murderous herd immunity conceptions an open exchange of ideas.

The hypocrisy and cynicism of the FEA is placed on full display in the introductory, and short, summary of its Safe Schools Report which places all the blame for the disaster facing the schools on DeSantis.

The FEA report issues token criticisms of DeSantis, describing him as a bully who is centrally responsible for the crises taking place in the states schools. It cites his governments withholding of funding for public emergency response and his constant threats to seize funding for schools that implement mask mandates.

However, the unions have done nothing to oppose the attacks on educators led by DeSantis and the state governments Board of Education. The Board voted unanimously last week to penalize eight school districts for requiring mask-wearing in schools. Penalties for mask mandates will include withholding the salaries for school board members and stripping funding from districts.

Due to their commitment to keep classrooms open in the face of mass death, the unions refuse to call any strike action or walkouts to wage a struggle to save lives. Instead of organizing opposition, however, the report resorts to platitudes such as calling out bad behavior. The report ends with a feckless and worthless appeal for teachers to email DeSantis.

The explosion of cases and deaths among educators and children resulting from the reopening of schools clearly exposes the FEA and the major national unions as accomplices of the far-right and drive for profits by the ruling elites. The overwhelming opposition among educators to this brutal policy finds no expression through the unions, which represent the interests of capitalism and not their memberships.

A mood of militancy is growing, however, among parents, educators and students in the US and internationally for a fighting strategy to end the pandemic. On October 1, a global school strike was initiated by British parent Lisa Diaz and was greeted with a significant international response, with calls for a second global school strike being held on Friday, October 15. Educators and parents have formed rank-and-file committees internationally in opposition to the deadly reopening of schools. Affiliated with the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC), these committees are fighting to close schools and nonessential workplaces as part of a broader strategy aimed at eradicating COVID-19.

The IWA-RFC urges all educators, parents and workers who seek to end the pandemic and save lives to register to attend and take part in the upcoming October 24 webinar hosted by the IWA-RFC and the WSWS, How to end the pandemic: The case for eradication. Over the coming week, rank-and-file committee meetings will be held across the US to build interest in the upcoming webinar and give expression to a fighting strategy for ending the pandemic.
The lesson drawn by the ruling class from the neo-colonial plundering of Afghanistan is: even more rearmament and war! The militaristic spectacle in the German capital on Wednesday left no doubt about that.

German soldiers marching with torches in front of the Reichstag building during the Groer Zapfenstreich ("Grand Tattoo") military ceremony

The political and military elites spent almost the entire day publicly paying tribute to the German armys (Bundeswehr) 20 years of service and glorifying war, combat and soldierhood as if the German crimes in two world wars never occurred.

The official program began in the early afternoon with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Bundeswehr memorial in the Bendlerblock complex of the Ministry of Defence. In the afternoon, the central closing roll call at the end of the Afghanistan mission was held, followed by speeches by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (Social Democrats) and Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (Christian Democrats). The highlight was a torchlight parade at Republic Square in the evening.

The scenery was eerie and reminiscent of the darkest times in German history. Hundreds of armed soldiers with steel helmets and torches marched in front of the spacious, cordoned off Reichstag building to celebrate the Grand Zapfenstreich, or grand tattoo, the most important ceremonial act executed by the German federal armed forces. Further torchbearers, the so-called pearl necklaces, lined the stairs of the Reichstag building. Military orders and military music rang out through the night.

No military ceremony could make the tradition of the German army and its war missions clearer. The Grand Zapfenstreichreplete with torches and the playing of Tapshas its roots in Prussian militarism. It was celebrated in the Prussian army, the German army of the German Empire and the Reichswehr of the Weimar Republic before it reached its climax in the Wehrmacht of the Third Reich. Today, it is being used to further promote the return of German militarism.

The spectacle was followed by all major media outlets and broadcast live on the ARD public television channel in prime time. Commentators explained changes that had been made to the organization of the Zapfenstreich. On the pedestal in front of which the soldiers marched, there were not, as usual, high-ranking state representatives or retiring generals, but two soldiers who were supposed to represent the more than 90,000 German soldiers who served in Afghanistan.

The message was clear and was repeated like a mantra: German soldiers fight and fall for their country and must therefore be appreciated and honoured by society.

In fact, German troops waged a bloody imperialist war in the resource-rich and geo-strategically important country from the start. The operation not only had fatal consequences for the German army (59 soldiers dead in total) but above all for the local civilian population, which was not even mentioned in the official propaganda.

On the contrary, the same politicians and military personnel who are responsible for the crimes and debacle in Afghanistan are going on the offensive and demanding an even higher number of casualties in future conflicts.

How far are we really ready to go to strengthen, protect and defend our values and achievements? With what means and accepting what costs and sacrifices? asked Kramp-Karrenbauer in her speech. Then she added menacingly, We have to answer this question. The answers to that are the best memories we can have of those who were left behind on this mission.

She went on to plead for militarization to be pushed further, both at home and abroad, remarking, Afghanistan must continue to change us. It was necessary to equip those who are now deployed even better, and those who will be deployed in the future, to prepare them even better. It is important to better answer the question of the association between politics and the army and also to keep the operations alive at the heart [of society], not to push them away, not to give the feeling to those who are willing to put their necks on the line as if they are to blame and nobody in Germany cares about them.

Steinmeier, who as foreign minister played a key role in the return of German militarism, made a similar statement. He assured the army that the next federal government would accelerate and escalate Germanys return to an aggressive foreign and great power policy. Soldiers: Germany deserves a security policy that draws lessons from twenty years of Afghanistan. This is a task that extends well beyond these weeksit is a task for a new federal government and the new federal parliament, which will be constituted this month, he declared.

The fall of Kabul is a turning point that is forcing Germany to rethink our responsibility in the world, our possibilities and its limits in a new and self-critical manner, the head of state added. However, resignation and withdrawal would be the wrong lesson, he declared. After all, Germany is not an island but has, as the most populous country in the European Union and the fourth largest economy in the world, ... weight in this world.

The message could not be clearer. The correct lesson from Afghanistan is to enforce the imperialist interests of Germany more effectively in the future. We have to expand our capabilities and better network our instrumentsdiplomatically, militarily, civilly, humanitarian, development and economic policy, explained Steinmeier. And we have to become stronger in our capabilities, also in the military. It is right that Germany in these unstable times  invests more in its defence. The Bundeswehr requires good equipment and functioning structures because our country needs a functioning Bundeswehr, he stated.

In a well-worn cynical manner, Steinmeier tried to sell the call for rearmament and great power politics as an answer to the Nazi crimes in World War II. Yes, we know about the heavy burden of our historyand nobody knows it better than the soldiers of the Bundeswehr, he said. Knowing about places like Babyn Yar  the site of massacres in Ukraine carried out by Nazi forces during its campaign against the Soviet Unionand about events there and in other places, especially in Eastern Europe, reminds us: The Wehrmacht under the Nazis did not establish any tradition that we can refer to.

Steinmeier and the ruling class have a problem. It is now evident that the German elites are drawing on their fascistic traditions and reacting to the deep crisis of capitalism and the explosive conflicts between the great powers with militarism, war and fascism as they did in the 1930s. This is underscored not only by the Berlin commemoration and the war speeches by Steinmeier and Kramp-Karrenbauer but also by the entire foreign and domestic political developments in recent years.

As foreign minister, Steinmeier made an open pact with fascist forces in Ukraine as early as 2014. During the putsch in Ukraine, which was supported by Berlin, he received Oleg Tyagnybok, the leader of the fascist Svoboda party, which until then had mainly acted as an ally of Germanys neo-Nazi NPD, at the German embassy in Kiev. Tyagnybok refers positively to Nazi collaborators who were involved in the mass murder of thousands of Ukrainian Jews, including in the Babyn Yar massacre.

In Germany, the established parties made the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) the official opposition party in parliament, integrated the right-wing extremists into the political system and systematically pursued their agenda. This is currently shown by the essentially fascist Profits before Life policy in response to the pandemic, which has already cost the lives of more than 94,000 people in Germany alone.

At the same time, right-wing terror networks operate largely unmolested in the police, secret services and the army. Just a few days ago, right-wing extremist networks in the guard battalion that provided troops for the Zapfenstreich formation on Wednesday became known.

All these developments and pictures of German soldiers marching in the middle of Berlin with weapons and torches have further fuelled the deeply rooted opposition to militarism and fascism among the population. Outrage erupted on social media over the event. Users repeatedly drew parallels to the Third Reich and castigated German militarism.

This opposition needs clear political leadership and perspective. The Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (SGP, Socialist Equality Party) fights for the building of an anti-war movement of the German and international working class, which aims to abolish the root of war and fascismcapitalismand to replace it with a global socialist society.
Teachers and students across Greece carried out a 24-hour strike on Monday. In the capital Athens, some 10,000 teachers, students and parents took to the streets to protest recent attacks on public education and the lack of protection from the coronavirus in the schools.

Thousands joined rallies and strikes in other cities as well, making Mondays strike the biggest mobilization of educators and students in several years. The mounting resistance in Greece coincides with growing protests against the deadly herd immunity policies of governments worldwide, such as the October 15 global school strike organized by parents in the United Kingdom.

Thousands of teachers and students demonstrate in front of Parliament in Athens on October 11th [source: WSWS Media]

According to Greek teachers associations, about 70 percent of teachers and educators nationwide responded to the strike call. In the Attica region, which includes the capital, public sector employees also stopped work for three hours. The one-day strike followed school occupations by students throughout Greece two weeks ago.

The protests are directed against new laws passed by the right-wing New Democracy (ND) government, which will lead to a further erosion of the public education system. In the summer, Parliament passed a law for a new evaluation system in schools, which has met with massive resistance from teachers. The government responded with a frontal attack on the right to strike.

When teachers unions called for a strike against the evaluation system two weeks ago, Education Minister Niki Kerameos (ND) filed a lawsuit that was upheld by a court ruling. The strike was banned as illegal on the grounds that it was directed against a law that had already been passed. The unions appealed and announced a new strike, against which Kerameos again took legal action.

The OLME (secondary) and DOE (elementary) teachers unions organized the strikes in response to enormous opposition and seething anger among teachers and students. But the unions goals are diametrically opposed to those of the strikers. While the latter want to expand their struggle and turn it against the government, the unions are trying to control and ultimately suppress the resistance.

The leader of OLME, Theodoros Tsouchlas, is a member of the ruling ND party and its trade union wing, DAKE. Last autumn, in an interview with far-right journalist and ND deputy Konstantinos Bogdanos, he asserted that OLMEs main goal was to enable school openings during the pandemic and to curb school occupations.

Throughout the year-and-a-half of the pandemic, the teachers unions were partly responsible for the unsafe reopening of the schools. Tellingly, they have not even raised demands for coronavirus protective measures in the current strike, even though concerns about infections spreading in schools are omnipresent among teachers.

The demonstrators gathered Monday in front of the Athens Court of Appeals, where the unions appeal was being heard. They marched from there to the Parliament building in Syntagma Square and joined with the protesting students.

Teachers' rally in front of the Court of Appeals in Athens [Source: WSWS Media]

The World Socialist Web Site spoke with teachers and students about the background to the strike and the situation in the schools, which reopened for full face-to-face classes in mid-September despite rising infection levels.

Vasia Chioti, a primary school teacher in Athens, said, The new evaluation system that they want to impose on us aims to categorize schools and divide them into different speeds. The government wants to introduce corporate structures in schools and oblige them to seek funding for school operations themselves. Its really a privatization of public education.

Vasia Chioti, elementary school teacher in Athens [source: WSWS Media]

She noted that many parents were at the demonstration because they feared they would have to pay for private schools for their children in the future.

We are against all these measures because all childrenno matter what class position they come frommust have the same rights and access to education, Vasia stressed.

She said the teachers also objected to the lack of coronavirus protection. No basic measures were actually taken at all against the pandemic, she told the WSWS, such as reducing the number of students in classes. On the contrary, the whole responsibility is shifted onto the teachers. But with 25 children in a classroom of 40 square metres, you cant maintain even the most rudimentary distancing. She noted that as an English teacher, she worked with different grade levels and therefore came into contact with about 200 students in the course of a week.

The government says, If you can, take separate breaks. But you cant do that at all because teachers working hours are very limited. Or the kids are supposed to come in from different doors, but those arent even available.

She pointed out that since there was not yet an approved vaccine for elementary school children, they were especially at risk. We are very worried about how the winter will turn out, she said.

Overall, she said, the social situation was catastrophic: Greece, after all, has been in crisis since 2010, and with the pandemic, the consequences will be even worse. In the last two years, many people did not have a job and prices increased sharply. At the same time, in the crisis, some get richer and others get poorer. Thats how it works in capitalism.

Participation in the strike among her colleagues was extremely high, she said, because their situation is already precarious. Even before the pandemic, she noted, teachers salaries were cut. Almost a third of educators in Greece are substitute teachers and have been for over 10 years. They are usually hired in September and fired in June. These are flexible work arrangements.

Tasos Kosmas, who teaches computer science at a school in the southern Athens district of Nea Smyrni, warned: Under the pretext of the pandemic, they have found a new trick, which is to hire substitute teachers for only three months to fill in gaps during the pandemic. Its a pretext, of course. They want to implement the flexible work contracts that already exist in Spain and Portugal.

Tasos Kosmas, computer science teacher in Athens [Photo: WSWS]

Non-tenured teachers get about 700 euros a month, Tasos said. He has a permanent position. But I dont even net 1,000 euros despite all my university degrees, he said. Rent costs about 500 euros, electricity has become more expensive, food tooits just not enough.

Many teachers had to give private lessons on top of their regular job to make ends meet, he notes. Prices in our supermarkets are even higher than in Germany and France. And, after all, we have 10 years of austerity memoranda behind us.

In Greece, all of the establishment partiesND, the social-democratic Pasok (now Kinal) and the pseudo-left Syrizahave enforced the austerity dictates of the European Union, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund, laid down by the so-called memoranda.

Tasos said he feared that with the new law on evaluation would come the privatization of education through the back door and that schools would be turned into a mouthpiece of government.

He also criticized the unsafe hygiene conditions, saying, There was no division of school classes to minimize the coronavirus danger. Its a class system. They dont want real education, they want to use the schools as a repository for children, where they are kept so the parents can go to work. Thats their goal, nothing else.

Like everywhere else in the world, schools in Greece are in a dilapidated state and have enormous technical and material deficiencies. When remote learning was instituted last year, he said, about 20 percent of students were excluded because they had no internet or technical equipment. The government provided almost no support and teachers had to use their own tech devices.

My school requested 40 tablets and only got 10, he said. In the province, the internet and infrastructure are even worse.

Hundreds of students also gathered in Syntagma Square, including Angelos, who held up a banner with his classmates reading, We are not a cost, we are the future.

Angelos (in the middle) with his classmates in Syntagma Square in Athens. The banner reads: "We are not costs, we are the future" [Source: WSWS Media]

The students are calling for the repeal of new regulations on Greeces Central Baccalaureate exams and higher university admission hurdles, which have led to 40,000 young people being excluded from universities this year.

Speaking to the WSWS, Angelos explained, We want a school that educates us universally and where we dont just get skills so that we can be cheap labour in the future for the rest of our lives. We want everyone to have free and open access to public education.

He, too, is angry about the lack of protection in schools. We have 25 students in a small classroom, he said. We can't maintain any distancing at all. Our school building is very old. Although weve been asking for free mass testing since last year, there hasnt been any up to now.

The new 50 percent plus 1 rule, which means that a class is not closed until more than half of the students are sick, is particularly dangerous, he said. Even if a classmate sitting next to you gets infected, theyre just supposed to take a test. Theres no protection at all. We already have a huge number of COVID deaths and people seriously ill. This has to stop.

That is why Angelos and his classmates recently occupied the school and organized school assemblies to plan their participation in the strike. He stressed: The governments priority is the corporations, not the schools and the majority of the population. A lot of money has been given to a few who only want to make profits. When they support the corporate bosses and not the employees, or when they introduce bills in the middle of the pandemic to buy military equipment instead of investing the money in public education, we see what their orientation is.

Angelos considers the governments crackdown on the protests a coordinated attempt to contain the students struggle. He said, The government is trying to stop the strike by means of the court cases. With this, they want to terrorize us.

The teacher Tasos had a similar view. He said, With these attacks, they want to suppress the resistance. I have been to other educators demonstrations in the last two years and they used tear gas and water cannons without any reason. They dont want anyone to resist their policies.

That was why they poured millions of euros into the mainstream media to make them report in a way that was loyal to the government, he said. But they dont understand that they are making it worse. Because we inform ourselves through the internet, which is still free.

New Democracy has lost enormous support due to its disastrous coronavirus policies, he said. With over 15,000 dead, Greece has one of the worst records in the EU. This will come back to them like a boomerang. They are telling us that this is the new normal. They want us all to get the virus.

He himself was infected in July, he said, because there were no protective measures in place. But the pandemic must not be the new normal.

Tasos is trying to network, especially with his colleagues and on the internet. There must be mass struggles. We need good information for the people, but with our own media, because the mass media have turned into media for mass deception.

In his view, Syriza and the other parties in Greece were following roughly the same policies as the government. Thats why we need to build something that really represents the people, he stressed. But often the strikes are controlled. Very few organizations are for the workers. Most act as mouthpieces for their respective governments. Weve seen that in all occupations, and thats why participation in demonstrations and strikes has decreased.

But today, he said, masses had taken to the streets. Every profession is suffering under this government, everyone is angry. But those at the top dont want everyone to unite; they're trying to control us.

He said the pandemic openly revealed the decline of capitalism. The system has to changeincluding the mode of production and the way we treat the environment. Everything is oriented only to profit. We and our children will pay for destroying our planet.

The World Socialist Web Site and the International Committee of the Fourth International call on all teachers, students and workers in Greece to build rank-and-file committees for safe education and safe workplaces, and to organize independently of the unions and establishment parties.

In May, the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) was launched to link workers protests worldwide and fight for a strategy to eradicate the virus.

We urge readers to contact us and register for the WSWS and IWA-RFC online webinar on October 24, titled How to end the pandemic: The case for eradication.
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) has set a strike day for Sunday night for 60,000 movie and television production workers if the union does not reach a deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the union announced on Wednesday.

The setting of the strike date is being presented as a negotiating tactic by IATSE. The pace of bargaining doesnt reflect any sense of urgency, union President Matthew Loeb said. Without an end date, we could keep talking forever. Our members deserve to have their basic needs addressed now. The AMPTP responded to the strike deadline by holding out hope for a deal stating, There are five whole days left to reach a deal, and the studios will continue to negotiate in good faith in an effort to reach an agreement for a new contract that will keep the industry working.

North Shore Music Theatre stagehands and theatre techs on the picket line, Beverly, MA.(Source: Twitter/@IATSE)

There can be no doubt that the union, which has kept its members on the job since the August 1 without a contract, will now work furiously through the end of the week to come up with some deal which they can use to avert a strike. But sentiment for a strike is overwhelming among the workers, who voted by 98.6 percent to authorize job action earlier this month.

The IATSE union only called a strike authorization vote months after the contract expired and even had allowed a pause in negotiations in order to implement less stringent COVID-19 protocols so that management could ramp up production while exposing workers to infection. Moreover, the union is seeking a 10-hour turnaround time between shifts, in defiance of workers demands for a maximum 12-hour workday, as well as 54-hour weekends which would not eliminate the hated Fraturdays, or working on Friday until early Saturday morning

Workers expressed frustration with the five-day delay. Its time to poop or get off the pot. This has been going on since MAY. Were going to be seen as all bark and no bite. Lets do this. Lets do it now, one worker said on social media. The worker was admonished by a union Facebook page administrator, whose comment was made to keep this kind of conversation off of social media. Several such attempts at gagging expressions of opposition from workers have been made on the IATSE Facebook page in recent days.

Another worker retorted, Good to know we warned them. Wtf guys this is not how it is supposed to work. They had their chance and failed so now we give them a warning and time to button up whatever needs to be buttoned. Jesus Loeb could you be more bought out. The point of this is to get what we want. Who are you working for? Because right now its not us.

Another said, Should pull the trigger now. Stop giving them time to overload those already pushed to the brink.

One worker posted the following to the IATSE Facebook page, Lets strike!!!! They are working us like dogs right now and come holidays they wont even care if we are striking. What the hell are we doing??!!

Another said, I am a IATSE union member. I dont agree with what is going on either. Double up crews working around the clock, 7 days a week. Im currently not working one of those shows. I just worry about everyone who is.

There has been no communication from the union to the membership on even basic questions on strike pay, such as whether there will be any, when it will kick in or how much it will be. In reference to questions on the unions Facebook page, union bureaucrats told people to go to the union hall or call them. Workers responded by saying they had emailed and repeatedly tried calling, but there was no reply. One commentator summed up the attitude of IATSE with the words, You are on your own.

Jonas Loeb, IATSE communications director, attempted unsuccessfully to redbait the World Socialist Web Site, whose articles on the struggle have been widely read by IATSE workers. Would love for reporters like this to actually call me before they publish literal nonsense. If we are forced to strike beware, WSWS is known to show up and harass workers for not being communists.

A worker responded, Nonsense? I wouldnt call it that. Whats nonsense is that were going to work 12-14 hours a day with 10-hour turn arounds and call it a win.

The film and TV production workers, who form the numerically largest part of a growing strike wave across the United States, are in a powerful position and can win their demands. To do this, however, they must begin preparing now to take the conduct of a strike out of the hands of the IATSE union and develop their own independent initiatives through the building of a network of rank-and-file strike committees.
French soldiers of the 126th Infantry Regiment and Malian soldiers, March 17, 2016. (Wikimedia Commons)

In a statement made last Friday to the Russian news service RIA Novosti, Malian Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga accused the French government of secretly arming Islamist terrorists to maintain the conflict in the country and justify the French military occupation.

Maigas statement, about which the French press has maintained a deafening silence, is an indictment of the French state and its NATO allies. Two French presidents, Francois Hollande of the Socialist Party and Macron, and their allies have been waging war in Mali since 2013. Yet Maiga, installed in power by the Malian army that enjoys the support of Paris, accuses them of using criminal methods to justify a bloody war in his country.

Moreover, the same Islamist terror networks have committed attacks in Paris and across Europe, which Hollande and Macron used to justify a state of emergency and conduct a violent crackdown on strikes and yellow vests in France. Maigas accusation compromises all the official justifications for this reactionary offensive against the working class in Europe.

Maiga blamed French forces that arrived at the beginning of the war in Kidal, in the north of the country, where several militias hostile to the central Malian power in Bamako were active. France created an enclave in Mali, it formed and trained a terrorist organization in Kidal, he said, adding: Having arrived in Kidal in 2013 during the offensive against the armed groups in the northern regions, France prohibited the Malian army from returning to Kidal.

He continued: Ansar Dine, the leader of an international terrorist organization, a branch of Al Qaeda in Malithe French took his two deputies to form another organization The Malian government so far does not have authority over the region of Kidal. However, it was France that created this enclave, a zone of armed groups trained by French officers. We have proof of this.

To back up his accusations against Paris, Maiga recalled that the war in Mali started from conflicts between militias that fled Libya after the war waged against that country by Paris, London and Washington in 2011 in alliance with Al Qaeda. You know, the terrorists first came from Libya, he said. Who destroyed the Libyan state? It was the French government with its allies.

Maiga also responded to Macrons threats to slow the withdrawal of French troops and the arrival of Russian forces requested by the Malian regime. Macron had said he wanted France to withdraw (its) military bases as soon as possible, but then claimed that this withdrawal would require a total transformation of Malian state policy: This implies a return of a strong state and investment projects, so that young people do not turn, as soon as the terrorist groups return, to the worst.

Calling this comment blackmail, Maiga said, This blackmail cannot weaken our determination to protect our territory, our country. This blackmail will not be a reason to stop cooperation with reliable partners like Russia If we conclude an agreement with Russia, practice shows that it is a reliable partner. We are a sovereign state and that gives us the right to cooperate with any state in the interest of our people. This is our only goal!

Maigas accusations against Paris are not simply based on information from the Malian state, but also on the words of senior French officials. Indeed, the former French ambassador to Mali and Senegal, Nicolas Normand, had already criticized the war in MaliOperation Serval and then Operation Barkhanein 2019, in terms that support Maigas accusations on several points.

Normand highlighted the power granted by Paris to militias and especially to the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), linked to various Al Qaeda networks including Ansar Dine. Interviewed by Radio France Internationale, Normand had said that Operation Serval sought

to prevent the various jihadist groups gathered together from surging southward  toward Bamako. The problem is that France then thought it was distinguishing between good and bad armed groups. Some were perceived as political, and others were perceived as terrorist. And the French army went looking for this groupit was the MNLA at the timethese Tuareg separatists, from a particular tribe that was a minority among the Tuaregs themselves, the Ifoghas It was given the town of Kidal. And then, subsequently, there were the Algiers agreements, which put these separatists on a kind of pedestal, on a par with the state, so to speak.

Normand coolly described the class strategy of French imperialism to win the loyalty of the most privileged social strata in northern Mali.

Calling the Tuareg nationalist rebellion in Azawad a defense of the feudal privileges of a minority of Tuaregs in the Kidal region, he pointed to the inter-Tuareg rivalries The Imghad group was pro-Bamako, [and sought] to resist the feudal power of the Ifoghas nobility, which was separatist in large part in order to resist democratizationthe power of numbers, and the equality of status between the nobles and the third estate.

This strategy, while it may have paid off for a time in forging links between Paris and Tuareg elites, became an obstacle to Paris attempts to dictate an end to the conflict. In the face of rising opposition to the French war from the Malian population, Normand argues, it left Paris allied with a small, privileged elite that also had an interest in maintaining the conflict. Referring to the Algiers accords signed in 2015 with Paris support, Normand said:

The problem with the Algiers agreement is that the signatories were given a very advantageous status and all sorts of material benefits.  In addition, the outcome of the agreement is disarmament and elections. And this minority Ifoghas nobility has no interest in elections. Because at that time, they would undoubtedly be swept away by the non-Ifoghas majority In Kidal, the Ifoghas are in the minority, and they have all the power now.

Normand argued that Paris should strengthen its control over northern Mali by sponsoring negotiations among Tuaregs. He cited Ghana, a successful example, where traditional chiefs have retained some local powers, land and legal [authority] So, we can learn from that.

In reality, the wars in Libya and Mali were and are dirty wars, conducted behind the backs of the French by a financial aristocracy seeking to oppress Africans by dividing them, in order to better rule. They have gone hand in hand with the construction of a police state in France itself, attacking social rightslabor codes, pension and unemployment entitlementsin order to exploit workers in France, and responds to popular opposition with police repression.

French troops must leave Mali and Africa, and Maigas accusations must be investigated to establish Pariss responsibility for terrorist actions. The essential precondition for this is the building of an international political movement in the working class, uniting the workers of Africa and Europe in a struggle against imperialism and war and for socialism.
The University of Bristol has sacked political sociology Professor David Miller with immediate effect, primarily on the basis of allegations that his criticisms of US militarism and Israels oppression of the Palestinian people were offensive.

David Miller (credit: @Support_Miller)

This dangerous attack on freedom of speech and academic freedom follows a vicious, two-year-long campaign for his dismissal by pro-Zionist lobby groups and MPs.

The university admitted that a Queens Counsel (QC) lawyer had found that the comments Miller allegedly made did not constitute unlawful speech. It therefore sought to justify its decision by claiming that Millers dismissal was prompted by its duty of care to students and the wider community, following a disciplinary hearing that concluded he did not meet the standards of behaviour we expect from our staff.

Such sanctimonious statements express the wholesale erosion of democratic principles and mechanisms within academia and British capitalist society, including the protection of freedom of expression in higher education institutions in the 1986 Education Act.

The universities routinely ignore the duty of care to their students as they herd them back to the campuses and in-person learning even as cases of COVID-19 among young people continue to rise.

If the right to criticise the policies and actions of Israel or any other ally of Washington and London contravenes the duty of care to students and the wider community, what other views can be outlawed and suppressed? Opposition to policies restricting the spread of the coronavirus? Or to imperialist war? Criticism and questioning of the demonization of Muslims and migrants? Or the war on terrorism and humanitarian intervention pretexts used to justify predatory military intervention in the Middle East and elsewhere based on lies?

Professor Miller is well known for his research on Islamophobia, state and corporate lobbying, propaganda and spin. He founded and directed the non-profit company Public Interest Investigations that runs Spinwatch and Powerbase and has co-authored and edited books including Bad News for Labour: Antisemitism, the Party and Public Belief; What is Islamophobia? Racism, Social Movements and the State; The Israel Lobby and the European Union; and The Britain Israel Communications and Research Centre. Giving Peace a Chance?

Miller has received support from hundreds of academics at the University of Bristol and elsewhere and from students in the UK and internationally, as well as from Jews and Muslims. He has said he will challenge the decision through the universitys procedures and, if unsuccessful, will take the case to an employment tribunal.

The sacking of such a senior academic is aimed at intimidating the political left and overturning basic democratic rights. It is one expression of the poisonous and repressive atmosphere whipped up to silence opposition to British preparations for potentially catastrophic US-led wars against China or other perceived threats to Washingtons global hegemony. Millers case follows similar tactics used against other academics: Joseph Massad, Steven Salaita, Cornel West, Marc Lamont Hill, Sami al-Arian and Norman Finkelstein in the US, as well as Tim Anderson in Australia and Farid Hafez in Austria.

Professor Millers research earned him the hatred of the pro-Israel lobby, the most ardent militarists in both the Conservative and Labour Parties, and the Israeli government, which after Jeremy Corbyn became leader of the Labour Party in 2015 whipped up a hysterical campaign accusing him and other left-wing members of anti-Semitism. A Blairite cabal, with links to Israeli lobby groups such as the Community Security Trust (CST) and the Britain Israel Communications and Research Centre (BICOM), justified the mass expulsion of Corbyns supporters and then Corbyn himself using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism.

The IHRA definition equates criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism, most notoriously in its list of examples of anti-Semitism that include describing the establishment of Israel as a racist endeavour. Israels own nation-state law passed in 2018 defines Israel as a nation-state for the Jews alone, declaring, The right to exercise national self-determination in the State of Israel is unique to the Jewish people.

The World Socialist Web Site (WSWS) and the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) raised the alarm over the significance of this right-wing campaign, writing in 2016, A political amalgam has been established that equates any criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism, with the aim of charging the entire left with this crimeon the basis that all Jews identify with the state of Israel. Any criticism of the historical actions of the Zionist movement, and, above all, any equation of Israels brutal treatment of Palestinians with that suffered by Jews under fascism, is outlawed.

In subsequent articles, the WSWS warned that the strident accusations of anti-Semitism are aimed at shifting the domestic and foreign policy not just of Labour, but of the entire British political establishment sharply to the right.

This right-wing offensive had no historical legitimacy or popular support. It was the spearhead for a state-orchestrated conspiracy, led by the Blairites acting with the Conservative Party, the media, the military and intelligence establishment and the Israel lobby. This cabal sought to extend their campaign to local authorities and the universities with same methods. Last year, then Conservative Education Secretary Gavin Williamson wrote to the universities threatening to withhold funding if they failed to adopt the IHRA definition.

The campaign to force the university to sack Miller began in 2019 after he cited the Zionist movement as one of five sources of Islamophobia in a lecture on the subject and showed a diagram linking various Jewish organisations in Britain to Zionist lobbying. The Community Security Trust lobbied Bristol to censor him, while the Union of Jewish Students (UJS) pushed to have Miller fired. The universitys Jewish Students Society (JSoc) claimed that Millers identification of Israeli lobbying efforts was akin to the anti-Semitic trope that Jews wield a covert influence on political affairs. The university initially rejected their complaint on the basis that his lecture could not be considered as anti-Semitic because it did not contain any material that was hostile to Jews.

JSoc launched a campaign claiming they felt unsafe and unprotected on campus. The Jewish Chronicle, Jewish Board of Deputies and Rupert Murdochs Times newspaper also leapt into the fray, while 100 parliamentarians wrote to the university accusing the professor of inciting hatred against Jewish students and anti-Semitic conspiracy fantasy. The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) began a legal suit against the university, claiming it had both breached its duty of care to its students and was liable in its own right, for unlawful conduct in breach of the Equality Act.

In March, the university announced that it had launched the investigation that has now concocted a flimsy pretext for Millers sacking.

That the anti-Semitism witch-hunt of the left has reached such an advanced stage is devastating proof of how Corbyns political cowardice has demobilised the working class and young people and given the right-wing its head. The WSWS explained how Corbyn refused his popular mandate to drive the Blairites from the Labour Party and instead used all his political authority among workers to preserve the control of the right-wing, opposing all popular moves to expel them while insisting on party unity.

It was this which enabled the Blairites to pursue their plans to remove the Corbynites, centred on the anti-Semitism witch-hunting of his leading allies, including former Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, black Jewish activist Jackie Walker, Marc Wadsworth, Chris Williamson MP, and countless rank-and-file members. They then retook control of the party following the electoral disaster of December 2019.

The defence of fundamental democratic rights necessitates the independent mobilisation of the working class and young people, in opposition to social inequality and the drive to war. The demand must be raised for the reinstatement of Professor Miller and a halt to all attacks on academic and intellectual freedom.
Today, New Zealands Labour Party-led government reported 71 new infections linked to the Auckland outbreak of COVID-19, bringing the total known active cases to 617. The highly-infectious Delta variant has entered the Waikato and Northland regions, which are in lockdown, and experts have warned it will likely spread further across the country.

The outbreak has nearly tripled in size over the past three weeks, after the government reduced restrictions in Auckland from a strict level 4 lockdown to level 3. This allowed up to 300,000 people to return to work.

Linda Petrenko, teacher and owner of the Small Kauri Education Centre in Auckland. (Source: Facebook)

Early childhood centres and schools were reopened for small groups of children. Yesterdays new cases included one early childhood teacher. The government has not named the centre affected, saying the risk is limited to 11 close contacts.

Experts have pleaded with the government to reinstate a level 4 lockdown in Auckland. Epidemiologist Dr Amanda Kvalsvig told the Science Media Centre that level 4 was the best and probably only chance of reversing these highly-concerning trends in Auckland, and that failing to act decisively will have severe consequences for population health and wellbeing. Only 49 percent of the population is vaccinated, which increases the risks.

On October 4, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced a transition away from New Zealands elimination strategy, which aimed to reduce COVID-19 cases to zero, and has limited total deaths from the virus to just 28. As in other countries, big business has urged the government to remove public health restrictions, so it can return to making full profits.

During a tense press conference yesterday, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins declared that a move back to level 4 in Auckland was not being considered. He also admitted that we are likely to see quite significant growth in the number of cases in coming days and weeks.

One reporter pointed out that experts, who warned that reopening early childhood education (ECE) would put people at risk, have been proven correct. Hipkins responded dismissively, saying: Almost anything, at this point, is a risk. He insisted that centres had to reopen to alleviate pressures, without elaborating.

The governments actions have provoked widespread concern and opposition among ECE teachers. One post in the Teachers Advocacy Group on Facebook said: When is this madness going to stop? It is not safe for all parties involved for ECE centres to be open at L3 when there are community cases. Why is our government choosing to ignore epidemiologist advice warning that infection cannot be controlled in the early childhood and school environment?

Another teacher wrote: Protecting our youngest citizens when restrictions are relaxed and we accept COVID as part of our lives really worries me. Im glad 5 12-year-olds look like they will be offered vaccines soon, but so worried about the young children in my centre and my grandchildren. COVID has not been around long enough for us to know how even mild cases affect children over their lifetime.

Jay Fowles, a teacher in Hamilton, told the World Socialist Web Site that the claim from the Ministry of Education (MoE) and Ministry of Health that ECE centres can open safely in level 3, where community cases are still present, is completely untrue. Children are sensory learners and no amount of cleaning will counteract the number of things that children put in their mouths.

She added that illnesses were common in ECE settings and kaiako [teachers] are being put under pressure to make a call on whether symptoms shown by children are from a virus or allergies. From experience, and reading what other kaiako are saying, there can be pressure to choose the latter to avoid upsetting parents.

An Auckland-based teacher, Caroline (not her real name), told the WSWS that the MoE had advised teachers that children with symptoms similar to COVID-19 would not necessarily need to be sent home, because it might be hay fever.

We really feel like were not protected, she said. Caroline added that scientists, including epidemiologist Michael Baker and microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles, had criticised the easing of public health restrictions, and Dr. Mike Bedford and researcher Susan Bates had specifically warned about the risks in ECEs.

If theyre coming out publicly and saying, Im really uncomfortable with this, that makes me uncomfortable, Caroline stated. She noted that the ministry had issued advice about cleaning in ECEs, but this would do little to stop the virus spreading: We have a baby whos teething, whos dribbling. You clean, they dribble. They also bit another teacher, because thats what they do.

Caroline also questioned official claims that the virus poses a low risk to children. In the United States, she pointed out, theyve seen paediatric hospitalisations go up, theyre starting to see long-COVID in children. Statistics were being used in a spin-doctorish way to justify putting us back on the firing line so that the economy can get going again.

While Caroline praised her own employer, she commented that teachers as a whole felt they were treated as expendable baby-sitters. We are so dispensable and so undervalued.

Although many Auckland centres have reopened, others have chosen to remain shut for health and safety reasons. This includes the Small Kauri Education Centre in Mangere Bridge, South Auckland, an area hit hard by COVID-19. Linda Petrenko, a teacher with more than 40 years experience and the owner of the centre, told the WSWS that the nearby supermarket and service station were locations where the virus had been transmitted.

Highlighting the risks of illnesses spreading rapidly in ECEs, Petrenko said before Auckland went into lockdown on August 18, about 93 percent of children and all teachers at her centre had become ill during a nationwide outbreak of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).

She explained that COVID-19 vaccine mandates for teachers were not sufficient. My whole team is vaccinated, but if your parent body is not vaccinated, then why would you say it is safe to reopen? She added that children can catch the virus, even from someone who is vaccinated, and spread it to unvaccinated people.

Based on comments by teachers on social media, Petrenko believed there are a lot of teachers working in situations where theyre being placed at risk Ive been operating for 18 or 19 years and I havent been driven by it being a business or making a profit; Im an educationalist. Some early childhood businesses cut wages during the lockdown, despite being highly profitable and claiming wage subsidies from the government. The Ministry of Business and the Ministry of Education should know about those things, and theyre doing nothing about it, Petrenko said.

According to Stuff, a survey by the NZEI Te Riu Roa union of 340 teachers found that 20 percent had their pay cut to 80 percent under level 3 restrictions, and 13 percent had pay reduced below 80 percent. Fifteen percent said they were forced to use annual leave, which violates the law.

The unions, however, have refused to launch any campaign against the dangerous lowering of restrictions in Auckland, and the push to reopen schools, ECEs and businesses, while the Delta virus continues to spread out of control.
Parents and Educators from Australia and New Zealand have sent in messages of support for the global school strike being held on October 15.

The strike was called by Lisa Diaz, a parent of two in the United Kingdom and a member of the SafeEdforAll (Safe Education for All) campaign group. This followed the first global school strike held on October 1, which was supported by the WSWS and won international support from parents, educators and workers.

On October 9, Diaz announced a second strike on Twitter, as the pandemic continues to ravage children and students internationally.

In Australia and New Zealand, the governments who had previously been held up as models for successfully eliminating the virus are now adopting the homicidal herd immunity policies, like that in the UK and the US, demanding the population needs to learn to live with the virus.

In the Australian states of New South Wales and Victoria, the Liberal and Labor state governments are accelerating the reopening of the schools, while COVID-19 case numbers, hospitalisation and death rates continue to grow.

Victoria, Australias second most populous state, recorded 2,297 cases today, the highest number of cases recorded in any Australian state since the pandemic began. The Andrews Labor government has made clear it remains committed to the staged reopening of schools, already begun and set to for completion by November 5.

The SEP in Australia, the SEG in New Zealand and the Committee for Public Education (CFPE) stand with teachers, parents, students and many others in opposing this reckless and dangerous reopening agenda. They are urging teachers, school workers, students and working families to form and join rank-and-file action safety committees to fight for a scientifically based program for the eradication of the virus across the globe.

****

Mike, a parent and university lecturer, told the WSWS, As a university educator in Australia, I urge the widest possible international support for the strike initiated by Lisa Diaz. This is a critical step forward in developing a mass movement of the working class worldwide against the homicidal reopening drive by the corporate elite to push working people and their children back into unsafe schools and workplaces, in order to generate profits for the billionaires.

Mike and his family

My concern is all the greater because many of my students in western and southwestern Sydney have been infected, even while the campus has been closed, and I have school- and preschool-aged grandchildren. I support the call issued by the World Socialist Web Site and health experts for a global fight to eradicate the COVID-19 virus as the only way to protect the lives of children and working people.

Campbell, a secondary school teacher and member of the CFPE, said, I fully support the October 15 strike called by Lisa Diaz and UK parents. The abject indifference of governments and unions to working people and their children is criminal. Forcing students to return to school to face death or suffer the debilitating effects of long Covid is reprehensible by any standards. Demanding of parents, that not doing so represents a criminal action is absurd.

Campbell

Globally, parents, educators and health care workers who are also experiencing the disdain of the financial elites drive for profit, need to unite behind a united and common action. This includes moving away from the unions who are actively supporting the government dictates in driving us back into deadly workplaces, and setting up independent committees to protect the health and safety of our children and their parents.

Carolyn, a university lecturer said: I know many parents and teachers here in Australia are deeply worried about the return to school while the Delta variant is still circulating in the community. I watch with sadness and anger as unvaccinated children are put into harms way for the sake of profit.

Carolyn

The school strikes initiated by Lisa Diaz are resonating with so many parents globally. As with climate change this is a global problem and needs a global solution. Only by taking matters into their own hands can workers, parents, teachers effect change. Bravo to all those who are standing up for our future. I, and many others, stand with you.

A statement from Evrim, a Masters student and International Youth and Students for Social Equality member in Melbourne, said: The #SchoolStrike2021 is an important initiative to take the health and lives of students, teachers, parents and the broader community out of the hands of the profit-interested capitalist class. Students and youth in every country, of every age, and at every level should get involved and show their support!

Evrim

Jak, an early childhood educator from New Zealand, wrote a statement of support. It said: As Covid continues to spread around Auckland, and is inching towards the rest of the nation, we only have to look at what is happening here and overseas to realise that somehow children have become collateral damage in this pandemic. Parents are told its safe to go to school, to early learning centres, children dont spread the virus, children may only get a mild dose, teachers will have protocols in place, yet as many parents in the UK can attest to, children are getting sick, they are being hospitalised and they can and do spread it!

In Aotearoa New Zealand we recognise children as taonga, as right holders, they are our future, yet somehow in a pandemic situation those that make the decisions from the safety of their offices are prepared to play Russian roulette with our most precious treasures, our future citizens. Until there is more extensive research, until we can fully understand the effects of long Covid on our younger generation, we cannot and should not sit back and just accept that its a risk worth taking, because it simply just isnt.

Rachel, a teacher from New Zealand, wrote of the parents strike, Excellent! Standing up for their childrens lives. This is organised outside of the unions and educational organisations that have stood aside to follow Boris Johnsons decree to let the bodies pile high in their 1000s. This strike deserves the full support of NZ teachers and parents.

Early childhood teachers forced back to work in Alert Level 3 settings, where the most rigorous attempts at infection control are powerless to stop an airborne virus, could do well to follow this strike action. I will be sending another video of support to these brave people who are taking action to save lives and tell their govt no, we wont learn to live with this virus we wont send our kids into unsafe schools.

Colleen from the regional city of Shepparton in Victoria, Australia, told the WSWS, As a grandparent in Australia, whose children are refusing to send their children back to school until they are fully vaccinated, I am 100% behind Lisas call for action and the October 15th strike. Schools are not safe workplaces.

Colleen

Susan, another Victorian educator said, I strongly support Lisa Diaz and the October 15 school strike from Victoria, Australia. Too many students are suffering from long Covid and are dying in the UK. Victoria is following this reckless policy of opening schools as our cases climb and school closures increase with limited numbers attending. Our kids are losing their parents and grandparents and even their lives to this preventable disease. Enough is enough. Keep our kids safe!

Follow Lisa Diaz on Twitter: @Sandyboots2020. Send messages of support for Fridays strike to the WSWS here. Messages of solidarity on Twitter should be sent using the hashtag #SchoolStrike2021 and should tag the World Socialist Web Site (@WSWS_Updates).
President Joe Biden announced Wednesday that the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, California, which handle 40 percent of US imports, would begin operating on a 24/7 basis, in an effort to expedite the movement of freight and overcome the supply chain crisis that threatens both the operation of US factories and the availability of goods for US consumers.

Biden was flanked by transportation and warehousing industry officials and leaders of the Teamsters and International Longshore and Warehouse Union, as well as the AFL-CIO when he made the announcement. The use of the White House symbolized the intervention by the federal government in the privately owned shipping and warehouse industries, which has no precedent except for the issuance of strikebreaking injunctions under the Taft-Hartley Act.

Containers are stacked at the Port of Los Angeles in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

The immediate concern of the Biden administration is that the supply chain crisis will force more shutdowns of US factories, as well as drying up the supply of goods for sale by retailers in November and December, the Thanksgiving to Christmas period which is the most lucrative.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, speaking to CBS News Tuesday, warned that the supply chain was very stressed and that close to 100 ships were docked off Southern California waiting to unload. But she sought to downplay the immediate impact on consumers.

There may be isolated shortages of goods and services in the coming months. But there is an ample supply of goods. And I think theres no reason for consumers to panic about the absence of goods that theyre going want to acquire at Christmas, she said.

The bottleneck at the Port of Los Angeles is only the most visible demonstration of a more far-ranging crisis in the shipping of goods, mainly from East Asia to the US market. The cargo ships, most of them loaded with thousands of 20-foot containers, are anchored off Los Angeles and Long Beach waiting their turn to dock and unload at the two ports.

The Port of Long Beach carried out a test of the 24/7 operation three weeks ago at a single terminal. The pilot program is now being extended to both ports and every dock, increasing the number of hours of operation from 112 at each port16 hours a day, seven days a weekto 168 hours, with round-the-clock loading and unloading of cargo.

Neither the White House, the Port of Los Angeles, the shipping companies nor the ILWU has outlined what the conditions of labor will be during the longer operations. Contrary to initial press reports, there is no ban on 24/7 operations in the ILWU contract, but employers have declined to pay workers overtime rates for additional hours worked each day and on weekends.

The ILWU contract provides for two eight-hour shifts daily, with voluntary two-hour overtime at the end of each shift, plus a five-hour owl shift each night, starting at 3:00 a.m. All overtime work, as well as the owl shift and weekend work, is paid at premium rates, so employers have refused to schedule work at those times.

The union has not yet made public whether the overtime rates for additional hours worked will still apply with the new 24/7 schedule, only announcing that ILWU members will work all the additional hours on a voluntary basis. But given the record of the ILWU, in particular, and of the corporatist trade unions as a whole, the worst is to be expected.

ILWU President Willie Adams and Teamsters President James R. Hoffa appeared at the White House to listen approvingly to Bidens remarks, along with Suzanne Clark, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Jim McKenna, president and CEO of the Pacific Maritime Association; Chris Spear, president and CEO of the American Trucking Association; and Ian Jefferies, president and CEO of the American Association of Railroads.

Joining them were representatives of two of the most notorious anti-union companies in the United States, John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart U.S., and Dr. Udo Lange, president and CEO of FedEx Logistics. There is little or no difference between the wages and conditions at these nonunion companies and their unionized competitors, which make use of the unions as labor police to discipline workers and enforce the dictates of the companies.

One of the main issues arising in the ongoing workers struggles at Volvo, Dana Inc. and John Deere is the drive of the employers, with the full support of the UAW and USW unions, to compel workers to labor as long as 84 hours a week for months at a time, conditions of exploitation that hark back to the 19th century. This is what is now in store for longshore and warehouse workers.

The crisis on the docks has been greatly exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, which has had a devastating effect on the longshore workforce, killing at least 20 members of the ILWU, according to the unions own count, undoubtedly a gross underestimation.

Despite the emphasis on 24/7 working, the main bottleneck at the docks is not the hours worked by longshoremen. It is the comparatively antiquated character of the equipment used by US ports, as well as the organization of the entire shipping process, compared to their Asian and European counterparts.

According to one industry journal, it takes only 24 seconds to load a container at the port of Ningbo, one of Chinas largest and most modern facilities. The corresponding figure at Los Angeles-Long Beach is 48 seconds, twice as long.

The port of Rotterdam, in the Netherlands, the largest in Europe, operates with a centrally computerized plan of operations that tracks every container and every ship. US ports, by contrast, are divided up by rival shipping lines and freight companies, leading to what one analyst called an orchestra with 50 first-violins and no conductor. There are constant mismatches between trucks and containers, resulting in long delays in operations.

In addition, the main warehousing complexes for many large retailers are not connected by rail to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Containers for Amazon, for example, must be picked up individually by trucks and hauled 75 miles east to its central warehouse.

One industry analyst, speaking to the Financial Times, explained the backlog in the Asia to America traffic as follows: You have these highly efficient ports sending these big ships in waves because of these COVID lockdowns.  Theyre unloading these huge ships  to ports that are one-third as efficient. At the end of the day they have to do a better job of getting containers out of the ports.

The White House proudly announced the commitment of six major companies to join the ports in 24/7 working, including sending trucks to pick up 3,500 extra containers each night of the week. Unfortunately, this amounts to barely half a ship, meaning that it would take more than three months to clear the backlog off Los Angeles-Long Beach, let alone process new shipments.

In the final analysis, the supply chain crisis is a demonstration of the crisis and decay of American capitalism and its relative decline in comparison to its foreign rivals, both in Asia and Europe. The ruling class, acting through the Biden administration, seeks to offset this crisis through the intensified exploitation of the working class, in which it has the full support of the corporatist unions.
Following the mass international support received for the October 1 school strike against the spread of COVID-19 among children, British parent Lisa Diaz, a member of the SafeEdforAll group who called the initial strike, has called another for this Friday, October 15. The strike has already received support from the UK and throughout the world from educators, parents, doctors, and workers.

As Lisa stated in an interview with the World Socialist Web Site, Were in a situation now where one in every 14 Secondary school children have COVID. Yet the vaccination programme for 1217-year-olds is being stalled. Those that have been vaccinated in this age group are the exception, and its being continuously delayed. COVID is ripping through the schools, and I think they have a deliberate plan now to get children infected. So thats why I proposed another strike, this coming Friday, October 15.

In the UK, at least 94 children have died from COVID-19, while in the United States at least 164 children were killed by the virus in the past two months, the direct product of the unsafe reopening of schools for fully in-person learning.

A major theme in the school strikes is the need for a truly international and scientific strategy to end the pandemic. This will be addressed in great detail in the upcoming October 24 webinar, How to end the pandemic: The case for eradication. Hosted by the WSWS and the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committee (IWA-RFC), it will feature a distinguished panel of scientists and epidemiologists. Readers should sign up here .

The WSWS has received statements of support from educators, parents and workers across the US in support of the October 15 school strike. Michael, a parent of two children in San Luis Obispo, California, participated in the October 1 strike and said, Im ready for another! Our boys are doing school at home. Its a huge sacrifice but my wife and I agree the alternative is gruesome: increasing spread, and with it, more cases, hospitalizations and deaths (vaccines or no vaccines). Worse yet, accelerating the emergence of a potentially worse or even cataclysmic mutation. Not a bet I want to make at all, and certainly not with my childrens lives!

He added, Endemicity is a policy of capitulation, one that shortens human life expectancy globally, but is highly profitable for a corrupt few in power. Weve tolerated corruption far too long, watching it infiltrate, take over and destroy all our democratic institutions. So-called political authorities wont ever bite the hand that feeds them, preferring to label our mourning as acceptable casualties.

Ric, who just retired from teaching in Los Angeles Unified School District after 25 years, stated, I support the October 15th school strike. Schools are known vectors for the transmission of COVID. It is nearly impossible for young children to socially distance. Many school districts do not require masks because of Republican laws. Students should not be sacrificed for the profits of the ruling class.

Elizabeth, a registered nurse in California, made a powerful video on Twitter in which she stated, in part: Ive been a registered nurse for 12 years, Ive worked in a hospital for 12 of those years in a med-surge unit in the city of Long Beach, California.  The reason I have gone live is because I support Lisa Diaz who is calling for another school strike on October 15 and Im in very very big support of this. We should be doing this all over the worldin the US, UK and other countries.

Elizabeth Castillo, California nurse

She added, We can no longer accept herd immunity, the learn to live with it strategy that was started under Trump and continued under Biden, the Johnson administration, and other ruling class administrations across the world. This is just to get people back to work, children back in school, for profits, for money, for the capitalist ruling class. The working class should no longer accept this murderous policy.

Many children have become infected with COVID in the past few months, more than the previous surge, hundreds of thousands of children have been infected because of the reopenings of schools, many have died, and many will suffer Long COVID symptoms.

This is unacceptable. We should be uniting here in the US and all over the world. We outnumber the ruling classand we do have power. And we just need to take back our power from the ruling class and the union bureaucrats, who are working with the ruling class to put down any opposition from the working class and keep us under control. And we should no longer accept this, we should be forming rank-and-file committees in our workplaces and we should be in charge of what we need and what we do in our work places, because obviously the ruling class and the union bureaucrats have no concern for the working class.

Elizabeth referred to the unions role in the reopening of schools in the US, stating AFT [American Federation of Teachers] president Randi Weingarten has traveled the US to support the reopening of schools under the auspices of the Biden administration, and has also worked with right -wing organization [Open Schools USA], doctors who are anti-vaxxers, anti-maskers, to force children and teachers back into unsafe schools such as Texas and Florida, which arent following any guidelines whatsoever, and have forced children back into unsafe learning conditions. And here in California also there has been a lot of children who have been infected, a lot of school outbreaks, and we cannot accept this anymore.

We need to unite and put an end to this, end the suffering the working class and poor are going through right now. I hope that working class people will be supporting Lisas call for a school strike on October 15.  Lets give all the support we can to the working class and put an end to this horrible, horrible pandemic.

DJK Freeman, a teacher in Tennessee, told the WSWS, I stand with the parents, educators, and health care workers in the UK as they strike against the murderous policy to open schools amidst the ongoing global pandemic. The October 15th school strike is leading the way for workers all over the world to stand up and demand health and safety before profits.

We must not accept the words of the ruling class that we must learn to live with COVID. Workers know all too well there is no living with this viruswe will be lucky to survive it! Right now, over 730,000 are already dead from the virus in the US; globally the number of deaths is approaching 5 million.

The ruling class promotes the homicidal strategy of herd immunity because it will not forsake its profits for the lives of our children. The working class must take our health and safety into our own hands and demand the closure of schools and non-essential businesses until COVID-19 is eradicated. I am grateful for the courage of UK parents, educators, and health care workers for leading the way on October 15th!

Texas teacher Michael Hull told the WSWS, Why is it that when six people out of millions developed blood clots from the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, everyone stopped using them, yet no matter how many teachers, students, staff, and parents die or suffer disabilities from being exposed to coronavirus in the classroom, we continue to force everyone into face-to-face instruction? Well, because a faulty vaccine hinders profit, whereas dead teachers are expendable to the ruling class. As long as the subsidized daycare that schools provide continues to allow workers to keep churning out profits, no amount of death and suffering will be considered intolerable to them.

Michael Hull, Texas teacher

We cant put our faith in politicians and union bureaucrats to save us from the system that they built and they sustain for their own benefit. If we do, it will go on as it has for years, extracting wealth, transferring it to the top, and utterly demolishing our world. Its completely unsustainable.

Throughout history, change that benefited the average person typically never came from the top down, but rather the ground up. The world desperately needs a tough, bold, and genuine labor movement that serves workers interests; one that doesnt make excuses and grovel at the feet of the establishment, begging for scraps; one thats willing to do what it takes to dismantle the capitalist death machine.

On behalf of the Texas Educators Rand-and-File Safety Committee, I extend my solidarity to the workers making the necessary steps toward that end.

We urge the widest support for the school strike. Follow Lisa Diaz on Twitter: @Sandyboots2020. Send messages of support for Fridays strike to the WSWS here. Messages of solidarity on Twitter should be sent using the hashtag #SchoolStrike2021 and should tag the World Socialist Web Site (@WSWS_Updates).

All those participating in the school strike should attend the October 24 webinar How to end the Pandemic: The case for Eradication called by the World Socialist Web Site and the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees.
On October 12, three months after nearly 250,000 teachers began their online education strike for decent salaries, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse again rejected their demands in a meeting with union leaders.

Rajapakse has promised to pay just one-third of the teachers salary demands and in two stagesthe first in January 2022 and the second in 2023. The union leadership, which did not oppose this during the meeting, said they would announce their decision the following day, after a lengthy discussion among themselves.

Joint teachers protest outside Colombo Secretariat on July 23 [WSWS Media]

While the unions had been hoping to end the strike with false claims of some kind of a victory, they were compelled to announce, amid massive opposition by teachers to any sellout, that the industrial action will continue.

The government is moving to prematurely reopen schools on October 21, following months-long closures because of COVID-19. The teachers unions are desperately appealing for a resolution of the salary issue before then.

These developments confirm that the ongoing industrial action of 250,000 government schoolteachers and principals across the countrythe longest strike in Sri Lanka in recent timeshas reached a critical juncture.

For the past three months, teachers have witnessed consistent refusals by the government to grant a salary increase. The Rajapakse government has responded to every discussion with the unions by declaring it cannot meet teachers demands because the economy has collapsed as result of the pandemic. Government representatives have warned teachers not to ask for a pound of flesh like Shylock.

In parliament last week, Education Minister Dinesh Gunawardene said the ongoing teachers salary crisis would be resolved in the 2022 budget but he was not ready to make the mistake of revealing budget secrets by informing the House of the salary increments to be given to teachers and principals.

Rajapakses response to union officials on Tuesday, however, makes clear what the budget secrets about teachers salaries are. This years Appropriation Bill, indicates that the 2022 budget allocation for education will be just 1 billion rupees (about $US5 million) higher than in 2021, not enough to fulfil the governments so-called salary increase promise.

Instead of addressing teachers demands, President Rajapakse is actively working with pro-government trade unions to force a shutdown of the strike. On October 6, Murutthettuwe Ananda, a pro-government Buddhist monk and leader of the Public Service United Nurses Union (PSUNU), held an all-party conference as teachers held nationwide protests in pursuit of their demands.

Ananda told the conference that he had been contacted by the Sri Lankan president and prime minister and advised to intervene in teachers problems. The sole aim of this intervention, of course, was to break up the teachers strike. This was revealed when Ananda urged teachers two days ago to report for duty on the 21st, without hindering governments preparation to bring childrens education back to normal.

Along with these manoeuvres, the government has unleashed repressive measures against teachers. Dozens of teachers have been arrested at previous protests and some have been summoned to the Criminal Investigation Department and to give statements.

Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekara has also threatened to suppress the teachers strike in the way we destroyed terrorism. He declared that the governments response to teachers was too mild and promised severe action in the future. The government and mainstream media are also attempting to whip up public hostility against teachers, declaring that their wage demands are unjustified during the pandemic and falsely claiming that the education of children has collapsed because of the strike.

Despite the ongoing witch-hunting and government threats, the alliance of teachers and principals unions, which includes the Ceylon Teachers Union, the Ceylon Teachers Service Union led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and the Frontline Socialist Party-controlled United Teachers Service Union, continues to hold discussions with government authorities, desperately seeking any sort of concession in order to end the strike.

From the outset, the alliance agreed with the prime ministers statement that teachers demands could not be met straight away because of the economy. They then accepted the governments proposed paltry wage risejust one third of teachers demandand asked that it be paid in one instalment, in an attempt to appease teachers.

Over the past 24 years, successive Sri Lankan governments, including the current Rajapakse regime, aided and abetted by the unions, have rejected teachers wage demands. As a result, teachers are now among the lowest-paid public sector workers in Sri Lanka, and just as they did in the past two and half decades, the unions are preparing another betrayal.

Although the teachers are fighting for a decent living salary, their struggle brings them into conflict with the governments attempts to impose the burden of the worsening economic crisis onto the working class and the oppressed. The Sri Lankan finance minister has directed all ministries to slash expenditure, including no salary incentives for employees and the hiring of new recruits. The government is overseeing massive increases in the prices of essential commodities.

The ongoing teachers strike, along with walkouts and protests by health workers over the slashing of a pandemic-related monthly allowance, demonstrations by petroleum workers against overtime payment cuts, and upcoming action by the masses against the unaffordable cost of living are part of a growing movement of the working people against government austerity.

Colombos escalating social assault on the working class is in line with the actions of governments all around the world accompanied by a turn to autocratic forms of rule. The Rajapakse governments imposition of a state of emergency and essential service orders are part of its moves towards a presidential dictatorship based on the military and the promotion of fascistic forces.

The Teacher-Student-Parent Safety Committee (TSPSC), which was established under the political guidance of the Sri Lankan Socialist Equality Party (SEP), is the only organisation which has explained that the way for teachers to win their demands is to rally the rest of the working class in struggle against the governments entire big-business program.

This analysis has been proven correct, time and time again. Bankrupt claims by the trade unions that the government can be pressured into granting teachers demands have come to nothing over the past three months.

As the TSPSC statement explained on July 26:

The struggle against Colombos attacks, and the defence of living and social rights, require a political struggle against the government and the entire capitalist system. The unions are utterly hostile to such a fight. Teachers cannot allow their strike to remain under the control of the unions. They must take their struggle into their own hands. We urge teachers to build independent Teacher-Student-Parent Safety Committees at every school, to rally parents, students and other sections of the working class, as well as the oppressed, to defend free education.

On this basis, the TSPSC initiated discussions among teachers, gave voice to their opposition on the World Socialist Web Site, recruited advanced layers to the TSPSC and held an online public meeting attended by a significant number of striking teachers.

In contrast to the unions, which downplay the real dangers of government-prepared repression, the TSPSC issued a statement condemning the government attacks and called on other workers to defend the teachers struggle. In line with this, TSPSC members participated in Health Action Committee meetings to discuss the necessity for such a united struggle.

A united movement of the working class must advancenot with the aim of pressuring governments to win concessionsbut on the perspective of mobilising the working class to overthrow the capitalist system and establish a workers and peasants government to implement socialist policies as a part of the struggle for socialism in South Asia and internationally.
US Postal Service vehicles sit in a parking lot of a facility where authorities said a postal employee fatally shot two workers before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021 in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Adrian Sainz)

Two US Postal Service (USPS) workers were killed Tuesday in Memphis, Tennessee after a third postal worker opened fire on them. According to authorities, the shooter then took their own life.

The shooting occurred at the East Lamar Carrier Annex in the predominantly-working class Orange Mound neighborhood in southeast Memphis. The FBI and the US Postal Inspection Service are investigating, along with city authorities and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. At the time of this writing, the identity of the shooter has not been made public.

The victims have been identified as 37-year-old Demetria Dortch and James Wilson, a longtime USPS manager. In comments made to the local Fox News affiliate, Dortchs father described her as a hardworking young lady, always has been, adding, She was a good mother to all of her kids.

A family member of Wilson, Roxanne Rogers, spoke to Memphis Commercial Appeal, saying, He was a good man. An outstanding man. He was a humble soul, one of the nicest supervising managers you could ever wish there was.

He treated nobody different. He treated everybody the same. He had compassion for people. If you had a problem, hed work it out for you. He was a post office family person.

The shooting is only the latest in a string of recent shootings in Tennessee. On August 3, a warehouse worker in Nashville wounded three employees before turning the weapon on himself. Then, on September 23, a gunman opened fire in a Collierville Kroger grocery store, located roughly 30 minutes from Memphis, killing two and wounding 14. Days later, a 13-year-old student at a Memphis school was shot and wounded by another student.

While the possible motivations for Tuesdays slayings remain unknown, it is an undeniable fact that postal workers represent one of the most overworked and underpaid professions in the US, thanks to decades of Democratic- and Republican-led attacks, with the goal of privatizing the worlds largest mail carrier service. Exacerbating the already brutal conditions of these workers is the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 10,000 postal workers infected and at least 83 having lost their lives as of late last year.

A report published on August 31 by the non-profit Center for Public Integrity (CPI) found that hundreds of post offices around the country have withheld pay from hourly workers for years. In a press release detailing the report, the CPI writes, From 2010 to 2019, at least 250 managers in 60 post offices were caught changing mail carriers time cards to show them working fewer hours, resulting in unpaid wages, according to a batch of arbitration award summaries obtained by Public Integrity for cases filed by one of the three major postal unions.

ProPublica reported last year that the USPS, over the past decade, had fired or pressured to leave 44,000 workers with work-related injuries. In addition, analyzing US Labor Department data, ProPublica found that postal workers, while representing only a fifth of the federal workforce, suffered about half of all federal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2019.

On a national level, there have been a total 35,040 instances of gun violence from all causes this year, according to Gun Violence Archive. Of those, 462 are classified as murder/suicides incidents. It is impossible to comprehend such figures outside of an examination of the decay of the capitalist system itself, in particular the enormous rise in social inequality in the United States. The only viable solution to ending the epidemic of gun violence is the socialist transformation of world society, replacing the drive for profit with a system that is organized to meet the needs of humanity.
This is the fourth and final part in a series of articles devoted to the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival (September 918). The first part was posted September 21, the second on September 28 and the third on October 5.

If there is a spate of films about Nazism and the Holocaust at present, it is not simply that artists and others remain determined to bring out the truth about one of the most terrible episodes in human history. The new films are clearly a response as well to the rise and threat of the far right, in Germany, the US and elsewhere. These works are as much a warning about the future as they are an effort to shed light on the past. To what extent they dig deeply enough into the traumatic phenomena, despite their undoubted sincerity and artistic seriousness, remains an issue.

Three MinutesA Lengthening

Three MinutesA Lengthening is a moving tribute to a town and a population destroyed by fascist barbarism. As a child, David Kurtz emigrated from Poland with his family to the US. In 1938, now living in Brooklyn, he returned to Europe for a sightseeing trip and visited the place of his birth, Nasielsk, some 35 miles north of Warsaw. He bought a 16mm camera specifically for the European jaunt.

In 2009, Kurtzs grandson, Glenn Kurtz, came upon old family films in his parents house in Florida and found the footage shot by his grandfather decades before. The younger Kurtz published a book based on this experience, Three Minutes in Poland: Discovering a Lost World in a 1938 Family Film.

The director of Three MinutesA Lengthening, Bianca Stigter, explains that some 80 years later, David Kurtzs ordinary pictures, most of them in colour, have become something extraordinary. They are the only moving images that remain of Nasielsk prior to the Second World War. Almost all the people we see were murdered in the Holocaust. Of the 3,000 Jewish inhabitants of the town in 1938, less than 100 were alive by the end of World War II.

Stigter explains that for this film essay I examined the footage in the fullest detail, to see what the celluloid would yield to viewers almost a century later. The footage is treated as an archaeological artefact to gain entrance to the past. The filmmakers document the effort, first of all, simply to identify the town and then to determine the identities, if possible, of any of those who were filmed.

After establishing the location, Nasielsk, remarkably, Glenn Kurtz was able (in 2012) to track down seven survivors from this lost town. One of them, Maurice Chandler, who appears in the 1938 footage as a 13-year-old boy, was living in Detroit.

Three Minutes, narrated by Helena Bonham Carter, also includes a harrowing first-hand account, hidden for the duration of the war, of the fate of Nasielsks Jewish population. In December 1939, they were rounded up in the town square and sent by train to Treblinka where nearly all of them died. One Nasielsk inhabitant escaped to the Soviet Union, but upon returning at the end of the war, found no family members left alive.

Anne Frank

Where is Anne Frank

Where is Anne Frank, directed by Ari Folmanbest known for his remarkable Waltz With Bashir (2008)and commissioned by the Anne Frank Fonds Basel, is another moving, disturbing work. Anne Frank, the young Jewish girl who hid from the Nazis in Amsterdam during World War II, addressed her famous diary to Kitty, an imaginary friend. Folmans film, which took eight years to create, brings Kitty to life and places her in contemporary Amsterdam.

The girl is unaware that 75 years have gone by and convinced that if she is alive, Anne must be too. The film, as the official synopsis explains, tells the story of Kittys quest across contemporary Europe to find her beloved friend. Armed with the precious Diary [which she has stolen] and with help from her friend Peter, who runs a secret shelter for undocumented refugees, Kitty follows Annes traces, from the Annex [where the Frank family hid] to her tragic end in the Holocaust.

Various themes emerge, directed primarily toward the present, including the refugee crisis in Europe. Folmans film points to the existence of an Anne Frank Hospital, an Anne Frank Bridge, an Anne Frank Theater, etc., but asks: where and how well is the essence of her story understood? A character argues, Everyone knows who she is, but no one talks about what happened to her.

Folman creates an African girl, Awa, a refugee, whose family faces persecution in the present-day Netherlands. Kitty finally holds the Diary as a hostage, demanding the African familys freedom and freedom for all refugees. She tells a crowd over a bullhorn, Anne didnt write her diary to have schools  named after her, but to keep people from harm.

In an interview, Folman explained that Kitty, a child of our times, began as Annes imaginary friend, basically. But in the movie she is building a bridge between the past and the present. As she ventures out into the world, she meets young people such as herself who are in dangermaybe because they have to flee from war zones. That reminds Kitty of Anne and the fact that Anne did not have an opportunity to flee during her relatively short time in hiding. This experience turns Kitty into an activist.

The director further explained that the conception of the film was altered by the eruption of the refugee crisis. As the flight of refugees from war zones to Europe reached an apex in 2018 and 2019, I rewrote the script  The second part originally dealt with girls in war zones. I then went over those sections and focused on children fleeing from war zones to seek safety in Europe.

The movie, Folman also observed, is the first to tell the story of Anne Frank entirely in drawings. We are talking about 159,000 individual drawings that have been created in 15 countries. The results are striking.

Another dramatic animated film, Charlotte (directed by Eric Warin and Tahir Rana), recounts the life and tragic fate of Charlotte Salomon (19171943), a young German-Jewish artist born into a wealthy but troubled family in Berlin.

Charlotte has grand ambitions as a painter. Hitlers rise to power in 1933 ends her dreams and puts her life in danger.

Anti-Semitic laws and Nazi violence, as the films production notes explain, force Charlotte out of school and later spur her to leave for the South of France, where, despite relative and temporary safety, life for Charlotte becomes increasingly difficult. Struggling to comprehendand come to terms withboth a traumatic past and present, she sets out to paint her autobiography. Within 18 months, Charlotte completes nearly a thousand gouaches depicting the lives of everyone near and dear to her.

As though the general political circumstances were not frightful enough, Charlotte (voiced by Keira Knightley) also apparently suffered sexual abuse from her grandfather in the midst of their attempted escape from Nazi persecution. The story is nightmarish, ending with her death at 26 in Auschwitz. Out of it all, Salomon produced fascinating, obsessive works of art.

Terence Davies Benediction

Benediction

The gifted British filmmaker Terence Davies (The Long Day Closes, House of Mirth, Of Time and the City, The Deep Blue Sea) has a new, complex film, Benediction, about the mostly tortured life of poet Siegfried Sassoon (18861967), best known for his anti-war poems and stance during World War I.

Sassoon (played as a young man by Jack Lowden) is decorated for bravery on the Western Front during the imperialist slaughter of 191418, but develops a deep hatred of the conflict and those conducting it.

In July 1917, he issues his Finished with the War: A Soldiers Declaration, which reads in part, I am making this statement as an act of wilful defiance of military authority because I believe that the war is being deliberately prolonged by those who have the power to end it. I am a soldier, convinced that I am acting on behalf of soldiers. I believe that the war upon which I entered as a war of defence and liberation has now become a war of aggression and conquest. 

I have seen and endured the sufferings of the troops and I can no longer be a party to prolong these sufferings for ends which I believe to be evil and unjust.

For his courageous act, Sassoon is shipped off to a mental hospital in Scotland where he is treated by a psychiatrist for shell shock. At the hospital, he encounters and influences fellow anti-war poet Wilfred Owen (Matthew Tennyson). Owen dies in northern France only one week before the signing of the armistice in November 1918.

Following the war, Sassoon, somewhat at loose ends, enters into and exits a series of mostly unhappy relationships with men. His most unfortunate partner is actor, composer and wit, Ivor Novello, played by Jeremy Irvine as a dreadful, thoroughly selfish swine. Seeking sexual and societal normalcy and desiring to be a father, Sassoon marries Hester Gatty (Kate Phillips), and they know a few presumably short-lived moments of happiness.

Late in life, Sassoon (now the gifted Peter Capaldi), bitter and sullen, cut off from almost everyone, converts to Roman Catholicism in his desperation for salvation or contentment. He struggles to have a relationship with his son (Richard Goulding). He has meanwhile made his unfortunate wife (Gemma Jones) miserable.

Davies has commented that Sassoon was always searching for redemption. None of us can find redemption in other people or in other things. You have to find it yourself. At the end of his life, I think he was actually quite unfulfilled. That touched me enormously.  I think he wanted to feel worthy. Worthy of what, I dont know.

As for Sassoons writing, Davies commented, I think the war poetry endures. Some of that later poetry is heartbreaking and deals with loneliness and very often its conveyed in just two stanzas. Theyre wonderful because theyre diluted down to the bare essentials.

Benediction is certainly worth seeing, and a more successful portrait of an artist than Davies previous effort in regard to 19th century American poet Emily Dickinson, A Quiet Passion (2016).

Mothering Sunday (directed by Eva Husson from a 2016 novella by Graham Swift) takes place in the aftermath of World War I, but the war does not play the dominant role it should.

Mothering Sunday

A house maid and foundling, Jane Fairchild (Odessa Young), spends the morning of Mothers Day 1924 with her secret lover, Paul Sheringham (Josh OConnor), the son of a wealthy family. He is engaged to be married to another woman, a childhood friend and daughter of his parents friends. Paul is the only surviving son of three prominent families in the district. The other five have all died in the war.

Mr. and Mrs. Niven (Colin Firth and Olivia Colman), Janes employers, have lost both their boys. Mrs. Niven is shattered almost to the point of madness. Her husband attempts to carry on, going through the social motions. Firths is the most convincing and touching performance in the film.

Unhappily, the script focuses on Jane and her musings about love, her future, writing (she will turn out to be a renowned author later in life) and so on. In the absence of her employers, Jane wanders around the large manor house in the nude for what seems like hours, supposedly in an act of liberation.

Eva Husson, the director, congratulates herself on the opportunity to bring to the big screen the story of a Doris Lessing-esque writer. To explore the fragility and power of sex, love and the impact it has on a creative female artist. That five young men, and millions of others, have died horribly in a Great Power struggle for global domination counts for nothing against those titanic issues.

In fairness, in addition to the self-conscious, self-involved sequences, there are some tougher, more compelling ones.

The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (Will Sharpe) features Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role, as the eccentric Victorian artist and specialist in anthropomorphized cats and kittens, who lived from 1860 to 1939.

Wain aspires to be a polymath. In addition to painting and illustrating, he strives to demonstrate that electricity is the key to lifes secrets, composes an opera (not well apparently) and boxes (not well either), among other activities.

Obviously an immensely talented and hyper-sensitive individual, at the age of 20, Wain finds himself, on his fathers death, obliged to support his mother and five younger sisters, none of whom ever marry. The burden proves too great for him. His is not the only mental instability in the family. One of his sisters is institutionalized.

Wain has the great good fortune to hire a governess for his very youngest sisters, Emily Richardson (Claire Foy), and fall in love with the fascinating creature (10 years older than him), despite the bitter opposition of his disapproving, status-conscious sister Caroline (Andrea Riseborough), the second oldest child.

Wain and Emily know a stretch of genuine bliss. The artist is madly in love with her. Sadly, Emily develops breast cancer and dies only three years into their marriage. (Cumberbatch and Foy make an appealing combination.)

Wain knows great success as an illustrator. His cats become the rage in England in the 1880s and beyond (he even travels to New York in 1907where he drew comic strips for the Hearst organization). Unfortunately, he has no business sense, not holding on to the rights of his work, for example. The family knows recurring economic and emotional insecurity.

In later life, Wain suffers mental disintegration, becoming violent on occasion. His impoverished sisters have him committed to the pauper ward of a mental hospital. When his circumstances become publicized, H.G. Wells and other prominent figures appeal to the public, and eventually the artist is transferred to much more comfortable facilities. He spends the final 15 years of his life in relative peace, continuing to draw cats, although now in bright and almost hallucinatory colors and patterns.

Cumberbatch explains that Wain appealed to him as a quiet man in a very loud era, just crafting away doing his work, getting really lost in the demands on him and struggling with his grief, his life circumstances and this sort of snowball of pressure on him.  I felt for him; I think that was something that we all carried very deeply as a creative group. The affection and the sympathy make themselves felt.

Concluded
The Rank-and-File Committee for Safe Education in Turkey fully supports the October 15 global school strike call by British parent Lisa Diaz. We call on educators, parents and students to join this strike and send messages of support against the continuation of in-person education in unsafe schools during the pandemic.

Lisa, a mother of two and a member of the SafeEdForAll group, called for her first parents strike on October 1. These courageous initiatives by Lisa reflect the concerns and opposition of hundreds of millions of parents, teachers and students around the world and deserve widespread support.

As in the rest of the world, the pandemic rages in Turkey. After schools reopened completely to in-person education on September 6, the number of daily cases increased from 20,000 to over 30,000. Turkey ranks among the top five countries in the world with the most new cases per day. About 200 people die every day from this preventable disease. While 66,000 people have officially lost their lives due to the pandemic in Turkey to date, it is estimated that excess deathsreflecting numbers of people dying due to the pandemicare approaching 200,000.

Children wearing face masks for protection against the coronavirus, walk in Kugulu public garden, in Ankara, Turkey, Wednesday, May 13, 2020. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

Unsurprisingly, the reopening of schools in unsafe conditions so that parents can return to work to generate profits for companies has caused an explosion of cases among young people.

Health Minister Fahrettin Koca admitted this last month, stating, With schools staying open for the last three weeks, the number of cases between the ages of 0-17 has doubled. Our average [number of] active cases is currently 400,000. A quarter of them are in the 0-17 age group. Previously it was 10-11 percent. One of the tragedies caused by this policy was the death of a 17-year-old high school student in Kutahya last week.

According to a statement of the Student-Parents Association last week, at least 153,000 students have been quarantined since schools reopened in September. According to data collected by the education union Egitim Sen, hundreds of classrooms are quarantined each week, while thousands of students and teachers have tested positive for COVID-19.

Many infected children go undetected, as there is no free and widespread testing in schools. The Health Ministry has taken the governments de facto herd immunity policy one step further, slashing the mandatory quarantine period of students from 10 days to 5 days. Children who are asymptomatic will be able to return to school if they have a COVID-19 test after the fifth day of isolation and the test is negative.

The teacher and classroom shortage is rampant. The lack of even the most basic sanitary supplies, proper air conditioning and staff in schools where class sizes are often over 30 accelerates the spread of the virus. It is untrue to claim that other measures such as masking can stop the spread of COVID-19 in these conditions. In fact, as scientists made clear, schools cannot be reopened safely unless zero cases are reached!

Despite this proven fact, all the capitalist political parties and the trade unions advocate keeping schools open no matter how many teachers, parents and children get sick or die.

However, social opposition among workers, parents and students is growing against this deadly policy; the ground is being prepared for a united global struggle of the international working class, the only force capable of fighting and halting the pandemic.

The Rank-and-File Committee for Safe Education, composed of educators, parents and students, advocates the only scientific strategy against the pandemic: global eradication. It is imperative that nonessential workplaces and schools be closed until zero cases are reached, together with masking, mass vaccination, widespread testing, contact tracing and isolation of infected persons and other public health measures. There must be full income support for all workers affected by these measures.

We call on all educators, parents and students who agree with this perspective to join the global school strike on October 15 and join us in the fight for an eradication strategy.

Follow Lisa Diaz on Twitter: @Sandyboots2020. Send messages of support for Fridays strike to the our committee here. Messages of solidarity on Twitter should be sent using the hashtag #SchoolStrike2021 and should tag the Rank-and-File Committee for Safe Education in Turkey (@tabankomiteleri).
When Airbus announced plans to cease production of its A380 aircraft back in 2019, heartbroken aviation fans found solace in the fact that the superjumbo wasn't set to stop flying anytime soon.

Production on this much-loved aircraft was due to continue for another couple years, and plenty of airlines had active A380s in their fleet.

But fast forward a year, and the A380's hefty size and steep operational costs had no place in the pandemic's minimal, cost-efficient international flight schedules.

Thanks to Covid-19, most of the world's A380 fleet were grounded.

Lufthansa's decision to park its A380 turned into the German carrier permanently retiring the superjumbos. The last A380 emblazoned with Air France livery took its final flight. It was increasingly unclear whether the A380 would survive the shutdown.

But while the A380s days are undoubtedly numbered, some airlines have announced plans to get the aircraft back in the air. Singapore Airlines will be reinstating the A380 on November 2021 flights to London, the same month British Airways will be flying superjumbos from the UK to Europe.

If you're still hoping to experience the A380's memorably spacious interior and quiet inflight experience before the plane's a thing of the past, here's our round-up of airline A380 routes to check out.

Singapore Airlines

The A380's first ever commercial voyage back in 2007 was via Singapore Airlines, traveling from Singapore to Sydney.

Pre-pandemic, Singapore Airlines had 17 A380s. They were all grounded when Covid-19 hit, and in November 2020 the airline announced plans to cut its superjumbo fleet down to 12.

Now Singapore Airlines has revealed plans to return some of its A380s to the skies.

Singapore Airlines told CNN Travel that from November 18, A380s will be flying one of the airline's three nonstop Singapore to London services, as Singapore introduces quarantine-free travel for certain vaccinated travelers.

Siva Govindasamy, Singapore Airlines' global public affairs head said that Singapore Airlines' recognizes the A380s enduring appeal for passengers, and that's partly why the airline's returning the aircraft to rotation.

"The A380 is a wonderful aircraft," he said. "Some people just book the A380 specifically to fly on it."

Govindasamy added that it makes economic sense to return the A380 to the London to Singapore path, as the aircraft's seat density lends itself well to routes where airport slots are limited.

The decision is also part of Singapore Airlines' "premium positioning," as Govindasamy puts it.

"From a brand perspective, the A380 really ticks a lot of boxes for us operating it," he said.

As for reinstating the A380 for destinations beyond London, Govindasamy said Singapore Airlines is currently considering other routes that could be well served by the superjumbo.

"We'll continue to monitor this very closely over the next couple of weeks and months before making that decision," he said, adding that returning the A380 to its original Singapore to Sydney route is something the airline "will not say no to."

On October 18, Singapore Airlines' also confirmed to CNN Travel plans to deploy the A380 on select flights from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from November 2021. It is believed that this 60 minute flight will be the shortest A380 passenger flight currently in operation.

Nine of Singapore Airlines' A380s have undergone a refit and three are in the makeover process. Travelers splashing out on first class on the reinstated London to Singapore route will be able to enjoy the airline's swanky suites.

Choice route: London to Singapore -- be one of the first to experience the return of Singapore Airlines' A380s

British Airways

After months of transatlantic travel restrictions, the US/UK travel corridor is set to reopen in November and BA is upping its flight schedule accordingly.

The British flag carrier has confirmed the superjumbo will be part of this opening line up, with plans to initially bring back four of its 12 grounded A380s.

Travelers will be able to enjoy the aircraft's comfortable interior en route to Los Angeles and Miami this winter, as well as cruising from London to Dubai come December.

But before the superjumbos ferry British travelers on long-awaited jaunts to the US, they'll first hop across the English Channel on some short-haul flights "to allow for crew familiarization," according to a BA statement.

It's not every day you travel from London to Europe on a double-decker plane, so avgeeks will be desperately trying to secure seats on these one-off flights.

Trying to book on these routes is guesswork for now, as BA has yet to confirm which short-haul flights will be operating the A380.

Choice route: London to Los Angeles -- the perfect winter break, and what a way to return to transatlantic travel

Emirates

The largest operator of the A380 is Emirates. When Emirates' latest superjumbo joins its fleet later this year, the Dubai-based airline will be home to 118 A380s.

The airline announced in September 2021 plans to deploy the A380 to 27 cities by the end of November 2021. Travelers will be able to travel on board Emirates' A380 to destinations including Amsterdam, Sao Paulo and Zurich.

On board Emirates' A380s are swanky lounges and private suites, and premium travelers can even shower on board thanks to the A380 Shower Spa.

The route to keep tabs on is Dubai to Auckland -- the Airbus A380's size and comfort makes it ideal for long-haul journeys, and pre-pandemic, Dubai to Auckland was the longest Airbus A380 non-stop route. Emirates' aircraft cover 14,193 kilometers over the course of this 10-hour journey.

For now, superjumbo fans could check out Emirates' newest A380 flight path from Dubai to Istanbul, launched on October 1. Emirates is the first airline to fly superjumbos to and from Istanbul.

Choice route: Dubai to Istanbul -- a first for the A380 and an opportunity to get back on a superjumbo this year.

Qatar Airways

Back in Spring 2021, Qatar Airways' CEO Akbar Al Baker told Simple Flying purchasing 10 A380s was the airline's "biggest mistake."

This statement left many worried for the superjumbo's future at Qatar Airways, but as international travel increases, the landscape seems to be changing.

According to the airline's online schedule, Qatar Airways has plans to operate A380s between Doha and London Heathrow, and Doha and Paris Charles de Gaulle, from December 2021.

A Qatar Airways spokesperson declined to comment on the A380's return to service and the airline's future plans for the aircraft.

Choice route: Doha to Paris -- A380s were assembled in France, so returning on a superjumbo to where it all began seems appropriate

Qantas

Qantas has 12 A380s in its fleet, and they originally weren't estimated to return to service until 2023. However in August 2021, the Aussie airline confirmed that five of its A380s would recommence flying sooner than expected.

Superjumbos are set to operate Qantas' Sydney-Los Angeles route from July 2022, and from November 2022 they should be crisscrossing between Sydney and London via Singapore.

"The A380s work well on these long-haul routes when there's sufficient demand, and the high vaccination rates in both markets would underpin this," read a Qantas statement.

While two of Qantas' A380s are set to be retired, the remaining 10 should all be back in service with newly fitted interiors by early 2024, according to the airline's statement, which said timing would be "dependent on how quickly the market recovers."

Announcing the 2022 A380 return, Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the decision was made because the UK and US were "key markets for Qantas" before the pandemic, and seem to be recovering well.

"We expect travel demand on these routes to be strong enough for the A380," he added.

"The A380 is a great aircraft that our passengers love. The 10 aircraft we're bringing back will have all-new interiors and we expect them to be part of our fleet for many years to come," said Joyce.

Choice route: Los Angeles to Sydney -- return to Australia in style

Korean Air

Pre-pandemic, Korean Air's 10 A380s were "mainly used on long-haul routes with high traffic volume," a Korean Air spokesperson told CNN Travel.

While Korean Air's A380s aren't currently flying to New York's JFK Airport or Paris' Charles de Gaulle, two of the aircraft's former haunts, the Korean Air spoksperson confirmed that the airline is currently operating the A380 from Incheon to China's Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport once a week.

Guangzhou is also a hub for China Southern Airlines, which has five A380s. The Chinese airline is currently flying superjumbos between Melbourne and Guangzhou weekly, as well as on some flights to and from Los Angeles, according to FlightAware.com.

Korean Air is in the middle of merging with Asiana Airlines, an airline with six A380s of its own.

The Korean Air spokesperson pointed CNN Travel to a recent interview with FlightGlobal in which Korean Air's Chairman Walter Cho said "the A380s will be leaving Korean Air's fleet within five years."

Korean Air's A380s days might be numbered, but they're still around for now.

Choice route: Incheon to Guangzhou -- experience Korean Air's A380s while you can

All Nippon Airways

Japanese airline All Nippon Airways (ANA) premiered its first A380 in 2019. Another superjumbo followed a couple months later, and from October 16, ANA will have three A380s in its fleet when a third "Flying Honu" joins its line-up.

All Nippon Airways' A380s are perhaps the world's most distinctive superjumbos, each painted in vibrant hues to resemble Hawaiian sea turtles, a nod to their flight route from Tokyo Narita, Japan to Honolulu, Hawaii. "Honu" is a term used for sea turtles in Hawaii.

An All Nippon Airways spokesperson told CNN Travel that while its A380s aren't currently flying to Hawaii on a regular basis -- there's a Boeing 747 doing that route right now -- the airline is "looking for opportunities to fly the A380 on the Narita - Honolulu route on limited peak season days." In August, an All Nippon Airways' A380 flew from Narita to Honolulu on two roundtrips.

ANA's A380s have also been flying domestic charter flights -- so-called "flights to nowhere" -- and they've been used as pop-up restaurants.

The next ANA A380 charter flight will take place on October 30, flying from Narita to Shimojishima, while Tokyo locals can book into the A380 pop-up restaurants in October and November.

ANA told CNN Travel it's "closely monitoring demand as well as immigration guidelines and public health measures implemented by the respective government" in order to work out when the A380 can return on a more regular basis.

Choice route: Tokyo to Honolulu -- keep an eye out for any announcements and head to Hawaii in the jazziest A380 around

Top image credit: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images

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Sixty years ago, the world saw the face of evil.

Sixty years ago, in an internationally broadcast trial, millions of people around the world watched as a man -- a monster, really, despite his human form and slight frame -- sat in a courtroom in the newly-formed nation of Israel.

The defendant: the notorious Nazi Adolf Eichmann, widely known as the "Architect of the Holocaust," stood charged with unimaginable crimes against humanity -- the murder of millions. Eichmann's dry, technical title -- translated roughly as the chief Nazi "logistics coordinator" -- conveyed his mechanical approach to his work but belied the horror of it all. The "logistics" which Eichmann "coordinated" were the systematic rounding up and deportation of millions of Jews and others to their deaths in Nazi concentration camps.

American forces captured Eichmann at the end of World War II, but he escaped from a prison camp in 1946. He remained in hiding while an international manhunt ensued. Years after Eichmann's escape, Israeli intelligence agents dramatically abducted and captured him in Argentina in 1960 (as depicted in several books and movies, including "The House on Garibaldi Street" in 1975 and "Operation Finale" in 2018). Israeli forces smuggled Eichmann out of Argentina and transported him to Jerusalem for trial.

The trial began in April 1961. For several months, the world watched on television as Israeli prosecutors and investigators methodically laid out the proof of Eichmann's crimes. During the trial, Eichmann sat inside a bulletproof glass box, an iconic image of a power-mad, genocidal mastermind forced to confront his own wicked actions.

At the end of the trial, a three-judge panel found Eichmann guilty of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other offenses, and sentenced him to death. He appealed to the Israeli Supreme Court, which upheld the verdict and sentence. Eichmann was executed by hanging on June 1, 1962.

While the Eichmann trial is now firmly part of world history, the lessons still resonate today. Hatred based on race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and ethnicity sadly remains a potent and growing threat in the United States and elsewhere. We need to remember the Eichmann trial for what it can teach us about our collective past -- and future.

The prosecutor

Two of the men who tried Eichmann survive today: prosecutor Gabriel Bach and investigator Michael Goldmann-Gilead. Both men live in Israel, in their mid-90s, surrounded by warm, loving families. Sixty years after the Eichmann trial, they spoke with me about their roles in one of the monumental criminal cases in world history.

Bach, now 94, recalls a childhood spent repeatedly fleeing just ahead of the Nazis. He attended the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, and sat close enough to Adolf Hitler to see him turn away in disgust when American sprinter Jesse Owens won the gold medal. Bach's family left Germany for the Netherlands in 1938, just weeks before Kristallnacht -- the infamous night when Nazis killed dozens of German Jews, arrested some 30,000 Jewish men, destroyed thousands of Jewish businesses and burned or otherwise damaged more than 1,000 synagogues.

His family fled the Netherlands one month before the Nazis invaded in 1940. Bach, then a young teenager, and his family settled in the territory that would later become Israel. He was bar mitzvahed during that trip, while on board the ship Patria -- which, on its next journey, was sunk by a bomb, claiming the lives of more than 250 people. As Bach put it, he and his family were "always sort of just one step ahead."

Bach eventually became a lawyer in Israel, and he was tapped to serve as one of the three prosecutors responsible for trying Eichmann on the worldwide stage. (Bach later would go on to serve as a justice on the Israeli Supreme Court). Despite the passage of time, Bach's memories of the trial remain clear. He vividly recalls the testimony of one survivor, Martin Foldi, who was transported in a cattle car from Hungary to Auschwitz in 1944 with his wife, son, and daughter. Upon arrival, a Nazi guard signaled for Foldi to go right and instructed his wife, son and daughter to go left.

When Foldi looked up just after being separated from his family, he could no longer see his wife or son in the distance as they moved ahead in their line. But, Bach recalls, Foldi testified he had recently bought a bright red coat for his daughter, who was then two and a half years old. Foldi saw "that little red dot getting smaller and smaller -- this is how my family disappeared from my life."

In a trial filled with testimony about unimaginable horrors, Bach said the testimony about the red coat was the "only minute of the trial ... I suddenly couldn't utter a sound." Keenly aware that the judges were waiting for him to continue, he pretended to shuffle papers on his desk to buy himself a moment to gain his composure.

Bach rejects efforts to soften the reality around the horrific crimes committed by Eichmann. Eichmann and his court-appointed attorney maintained during the trial that he was just following his superiors' orders. Hannah Arendt, who covered the trial for The New Yorker, famously wrote in her book "Eichmann in Jerusalem" that Eichmann embodied the "banality of evil." Arendt argued, "Eichmann was not Iago and not Macbeth ... Except for an extraordinary diligence in looking out for his personal advancement, he had no motives at all ... He merely, to put the matter colloquially, never realized what he was doing."

Bach flatly calls Arendt's conclusion "rubbish." Displaying the methodical care of a skilled prosecutor, Bach explains that after the Holocaust (but before his trial), Eichmann said that he regretted not having done more to kill Jews. He cites numerous examples where Eichmann took affirmative steps to prevent any Jewish person from being spared or shown mercy.

Bach proudly notes that, despite the intense emotion and publicity surrounding the case, Eichmann was tried in accordance with rule of law and principles of fairness. With his vast experience as prosecutor, defense attorney and judge during his career, he recalls with pride that "we wanted to handle this case like we handled any other case." Bach understood that, with history on the line, "it was important for history's sake that every point of legal decency had to be followed."

The investigator

Unlike Bach, Goldmann-Gilead was unable to escape the Nazis as they expanded their control over Europe in the 1930s and 1940s. When Goldmann-Gilead was a teenager in 1942, his mother and sister were "deported" by the Nazis on a railcar to the Belzec extermination camp. He never saw them again.

Goldmann-Gilead lived through the ultimate of horrors. As a teenager, he was caught trying to hide books about railroad construction to keep them from falling into Nazi hands. A SS officer then called Goldmann-Gilead out to a public square in view of his friends and neighbors, and lashed him over 80 times. Goldmann-Gilead himself passed out during the brutal beating; he only learned the number of lashes later from his friends who stood by, horrified, counting.

Goldmann-Gilead then survived multiple concentration camps, including the most notorious one of all, Auschwitz. The Nazis branded Goldmann-Gilead's forearm with his prisoner number: 161135. He still bears his tattoo today, with a sort of defiant pride. In an iconic image, Goldmann-Gilead is seen, years later, sitting at the prosecution table during the Eichmann trial, with his shirt-sleeve rolled up to reveal a muscular forearm bearing the tattoo branded on him by the Nazis years before.

Sixty years after the trial, Goldmann-Gilead told me he vividly recalls his face-to-face interrogation of the Nazi's chief architect of death and destruction. "When he opened his mouth -- I cannot forget this -- when he opened his mouth, I saw the doors of the crematorium open," Goldmann-Gilead says.

At one point during the trial, the prosecution team was struggling to authenticate a document that appeared to reflect the transport of Jewish prisoners to the Nazi extermination camps. Goldmann-Gilead realized that his own prisoner number, permanently branded on his arm, was among the numbers listed.

After the Israeli court found Eichmann guilty and sentenced him to death, Goldmann-Gilead was one of the few people chosen to witness Eichmann's execution. Eichmann's body was cremated, and the ashes were given to Goldmann-Gilead, who was instructed to scatter them at sea. Goldmann-Gilead told me he recalls noticing just how small the quantity of ashes were from one person, compared to the mountain of human ashes he was forced to shovel, many years before, from outside the crematorium at the Birkenau concentration camp.

Goldmann-Gilead and a few others boarded a boat in the Mediterranean Sea. He then took the container with Eichmann's ashes and poured them out. Goldmann-Gilead recalled that afterward he "stood quietly at the edge of the boat and I thought quietly to myself about my parents, my family, and those who did not have the privilege to see one of the greatest murderers brought to justice."

The memory of the Holocaast

My grandfather, Lazar Nuchem Honig, was a Polish Jew born in 1911. (I am named after him; my full name, Eliezer, is a variation on his first name). Lazar survived the Holocaust, in part because he was the right age (he was old enough to be put to work but young enough to endure), because he was useful (he was a furrier who could make warm hats the Nazis valued), and because of pure happenstance. Allied forces liberated him from the Sachsenhausen concentration camp in 1945. My family still has a makeshift refugee passport of sorts that he was issued after the war. Across the front, just over his photograph, is a stamp that reads "Liberated by Allies."

Like so many Jews who survived the Holocaust, my grandfather had nothing to go back to. Most of his family had been murdered, he had no home or formal education, and he found himself a refugee in Europe. He eventually emigrated to Sweden, where he met my grandmother, Gusta Zagorski. She, too, had survived the concentration camps and she, too, had lost nearly her entire family to the Nazi genocide. Toward the end of the war, she survived the infamous "Death March" to the interior of Germany, and she was liberated from Bergen-Belsen, another notorious Nazi concentration camp.

My grandfather died in 1960 from cancer. I never met him, and even my father, who was 10 years old at the time, has mostly fleeting memories. But my grandmother lived until 2008, and I knew her well. (She would have turned 100 just this past June). She was fiery, brilliant, stubborn, blunt, funny, difficult and deeply traumatized.

Many Holocaust survivors have spoken or written poignantly of their experiences. That was not my grandmother's way. She never brought it up. The few times my brothers or I would try to get her to talk about it, she'd respond with a wave of the hand and a dismissive remark along the lines of, "I lived through it once; why would I do it again?"

She had a large group photograph of herself with her extended family taken when she was about 12 or 13 years old in Poland. I once asked her to tell me what happened to the people in the photograph. She started by saying "Most of them, killed." She then pointed to specific people pictured: "This one, dead. This one, dead. I don't know what happened with this one. That one, killed."

Like I said: she was blunt. Once, I spent an entire summer day driving her from her home in South Jersey to my grandfather's gravesite, about four hours roundtrip. Again, I tried to pry into her memories of the Holocaust. All she said was that it all felt like a nightmare, she didn't want to re-live it, but she remembered being liberated at the end by people wearing red crosses on their jackets.

My grandparents had two sons, nine grandchildren (including my two brothers and me), and seven great-grandchildren (so far). My grandmother knew her grandchildren well, and she met one of those great grandchildren, my son, several times. I remember her doting on him, stroking his chubby arm and hovering over him to protect him.

Just days before my grandmother passed away, when we all knew what was coming, she met another great-grandchild, my daughter, who was a baby at the time. My grandmother had almost no strength left, and she could barely open her eyes -- but she managed to force herself awake to take in her first great-granddaughter. I believe my grandmother passed on a piece of her fiery spirit to my daughter in those final few moments.

Bach and Goldmann-Gilead understood in 1961 that they carried a massive, perhaps impossible, responsibility: to serve justice on one of history's most treacherous mass murderers. In the six decades since, the legacy of the Eichmann trial, and the work of Bach and Goldmann-Gilead and many others who have since passed on, has only grown. The images of the trial are indelible: Eichmann in the glass box, Goldmann-Gilead quietly but defiantly displaying the Auschwitz prisoner number tattoo on his forearm, Bach's examination of the man who last saw his daughter as a shrinking spot of red on the horizon.

Bach and Goldmann-Gilead were, in a sense, just doing their jobs, in the noblest tradition of any prosecutor or law enforcement agent. Their day-to-day courtroom work reminds me in many respects of the work I did as a prosecutor, many decades later: debriefing witnesses, preparing documents, arguing evidentiary points in court, delivering opening and closing arguments.

But Bach and Goldmann-Gilead also knew, six decades ago, that they were fighting for justice for millions of people. Some of those people, just a miniscule fraction, were my own family members -- my grandparents who miraculously survived, and many other family members who didn't.

The lessons from the Eichmann trial resonate today. In 2015, a racist shooter murdered nine black worshippers in a church in Charleston, South Carolina. In 2017, White supremacists chanted "Jews will not replace us" and invoked racist symbols and slogans in Charlottesville. In 2018, a gunman killed 11 Jewish worshippers inside the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. At the January 6 Capitol insurrection, rioters wore neo-Nazi gear, including a shirt emblazoned with "Camp Auschwitz." In the last few months, a member of Congress has carelessly made nonsensical, ignorant public remarks that trivialize and mischaracterize the true horror of the Holocaust. And, just last week, barracks at Auschwitz were defaced with anti-Semitic graffiti and Holocaust-denying slogans.

Goldmann-Gilead told me, "With the death of Eichmann, the murderous ideology of nationalist socialism was not scattered. It is still existing ... in the form of hatred, hatred that is dangerous. And we must be on guard so that catastrophes do not repeat themselves."

Goldmann-Gilead is a living reminder that, in his own words, "We must educate the new generation not to hate, and to avoid such hatred. Otherwise, our struggle against such evil will be in vain."

Video for this piece written by Gena Somra and Elie Honig; produced by Gena Somra, Farhad Shadravan and Elie Honig; and edited by Farhad Shadravan and Andre Murphy

Text edited by Yaffa Fredrick

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TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett says he still supports Hard Rock's bid to operate a casino in Vigo County. That's even after reviewing all four proposals that were sent to the Indiana Gaming Commission.

Next month, the gaming commission will likely select which company will operate the casino in Terre Haute.

Bennett told us he'd like to see Hard Rock win. Local businessman Greg Gibson is tied to the project.

In their proposals to the gaming commission, Hard Rock and two other companies said they plan to build on the city's eastside.

Bennett said he's ready to see development on this become a reality.

"Obviously, our preference is to continue to work with Greg Gibson's local option with Hard Rock. That's the partnership they propose. We feel that is the best fit for our community because there's a local owner involved in that," Bennett said,

Learn more about all four proposals here.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTHI) - Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has filed a lawsuit against alleged robocall scammers.

The company being sued is operated out of Evansville.

Rokita says Startel Communication LLC made more than 4.8 million calls to Hoosiers. That's in addition to hundreds of millions of calls to other states.

The investigation started with a few customer complaints and took more than a year to complete.

Rokita said there were several scam operations, including Social Security, legal action, computer support, Apple support, and Amazon subscription scams.

Some of the ways you can protect yourself include:
Unless you follow politics, or Pennsylvania, or Pennsylvania politics pretty closely, you likely skipped over Wednesday's announcement by state Attorney General Josh Shapiro that he is running for governor in 2022.

You shouldn't, mostly because Shapiro's candidacy -- and the broader Pennsylvania gubernatorial election -- could well have profound consequences on the 2024 election and its aftermath.

Shapiro is almost certain to be the Democratic nominee, as he has cleared the field and been endorsed by term-limited Gov. Tom Wolf (D).

The Republican primary is more crowded, but the leading candidate -- former Rep. Lou Barletta -- was one of the earliest supporters of Donald Trump in Congress and was encouraged to make a bid for Senate in 2018 by the former President. (Barletta lost that race.) Barletta has said he supports a statewide recount of the 2020 vote, a proposal Trump backs despite zero evidence of widespread voter fraud.

So the choice for Pennsylvania voters next November could well come down to Shapiro, who fought subpoenas for voters' personal information in the state, and Barletta, a close Trump ally and believer in the lie that the 2020 election was stolen.

The choice they make could determine what happens in Pennsylvania in 2024 -- assuming Trump is on the ballot again.

Remember that Pennsylvania has been one of the most closely contested states in the country over the last two presidential elections; Trump beat Hillary Clinton by fewer than 45,000 votes in 2016 and Joe Biden edged Trump by just over 80,000 (out of almost 7 million cast) last November.

A Gov. Barletta might be willing to do Trump's bidding when it comes to alleged problems with mail-in ballots or whatever else the former President cooks up between now and then.

A Gov. Shapiro almost certainly would not accede to Trump's demands on the vote count.

"As governor, I'll continue to stand up to the attacks on our democracy," Shapiro said in his announcement. "We'll strengthen voter intimidation laws, improve the mail-in ballot process, and make sure every single eligible voter can make their voice heard."

The Point : Who the governor of Pennsylvania is when the 2024 election rolls around matters hugely in light of Trump's demonstrated record of trying to lean on elected officiaIs in swing states to change the vote in order to help his chances of winning -- both the state and the White House.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story named the wrong presidential candidate as the winner of Pennsylvania in 2016 and by the wrong number of votes. Donald Trump won Pennsylvania that year by fewer than 45,000 votes.

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PHENIX CITY, Ala. (AP)  A Georgia sheriffs deputy was shot and wounded in Alabama while driving to work, and news outlets report a suspect is in custody.

Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman says someone pulled up in a vehicle beside a car driven by a Muscogee County deputy at an intersection in Phenix City, Alabama, and opened fire early Thursday.

He says one of the multiple shots struck the officer in the back.

The sheriff says the deputy is expected to survive but was taken into surgery.

The shooter surrendered to authorities and was arrested.

Police didnt release the name of the alleged gunman or the deputy who was injured.
TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) - A Pontotoc man pleaded guilty to drug trafficking.

John Blankenship was one of three individuals arrested in the spring for allegedly moving methamphetamine through several counties in north Mississippi.

Law enforcement officers seized 23 pounds of meth, eight guns and eight vehicles in the investigation.

Read More - 23 pounds of meth seized in joint investigation

Federal prosecutors took over the case in June.

They've charged Blankenship with four charges to include drugs and firearms.

On Thursday, Oct. 14, he pleaded guilty to distributing methamphetamine in north Mississippi for two years.

He faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WTVA) - The Tuscaloosa Police Department says a University of Alabama student has been safely located in Starkville, Mississippi.

Thats according to a report from the online news outlet Patch.com.

John Lombardo, 21, was reported missing in Tuscaloosa on Wednesday, Oct. 13.

He was reportedly located near the Mississippi State University campus on Thursday.

Lombardo told police officers he was there to visit a friend.

His mother claimed she had not heard from her son since a phone call around 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12.

His roommate also reported him missing around 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, claiming Lombardo had not been seen since the previous day.
JACKSON, Miss. (AP)  A man has been sentenced to prison for his role in the fatal shooting of a Mississippi pastor while he was unlocking his church for worship services.

Morgan Quinn on Tuesday received 40 years with 10 years suspended and five years of supervised probation in the death of Anthony Longino.



Morgan Quinn was arrested for the 2019 murder of Anthony Longino. Source: WLBT-TV. Morgan Quinn was arrested for the 2019 murder of Anthony Longino. Source: WLBT-TV.

His capital murder charge was reduced to second-degree murder and aggravated assault.

Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Tomie Green also sentenced him to 20 years for the aggravated assault charge, which hell serve concurrently.

Quinn was 19 when he and three others were involved in Longinos January 2019 killing at New Bethany Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson.
Amanda Shoultz said she spent most of the past year trying to lose weight after noticing that her stomach kept getting bigger.

"I started working out more. I was dieting more and, oddly enough, I was losing weight but I was gaining inches in my stomach," Shoultz, 29, told "Good Morning America." "For the longest time, I thought, 'Oh, I just must gain weight in my stomach.'"

When Shoultz, of Dallas, Texas, went to her annual checkup with her primary care physician in February, she said she was shocked at the number she saw on the scale.

"I remember telling her, 'The next time you see me I'm going to be 10 pounds lighter,'" said Shoultz. "I just assumed it was my fault. That I had done something wrong."

Shoultz's blood work from her doctor's appointment came back normal, so she said she kept changing her diet to see if she had an allergy that was causing her stomach to bloat.

"I gave up all dairy products because I thought it was a lactose allergy, and nothing changed. Then I gave up gluten. I love bread but I was willing to do anything," she said. "That didn't work so then I gave up meat. None of that helped."

PHOTO: Amanda Shoultz, 29, of Dallas, is pictured with a friend prior to being diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in her stomach. (Courtesy Amanda Shoultz)

Shoultz said she did not feel any pain beyond the discomfort of her stomach getting so much bigger than usual.

By August, nearly eight months after first noticing the growth, Shoultz was referred to a gastroenterologist by a colleague at Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital, where she works in public relations.

"By the time I saw my GI [gastroenterologist] doctor, my stomach was hard as a rock," she said. "My mom said you could have punched me in my stomach and broken your hand it was so hard."

MORE: Woman carries twins for her twin sister who can't be pregnant due to rare condition: 'It was an easy decision

After several tests that did not find anything definitively wrong, Shoultz underwent a CT scan in late September.

Story continues

MORE: Woman carries twins for her twin sister who can't be pregnant due to rare condition: 'It was an easy decision

"About four hours later, I got a call from my doctor who told me I had a 33-centimeter tumor in my abdomen," she recalled. "And within two days of that, I was already meeting with the surgeon."

PHOTO: Amanda Shoultz, 29, of Dallas, underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from her stomach. (Courtesy Amanda Shoultz)

Doctors discovered that Shoultz's tumor was cancerous. She was diagnosed with liposarcoma, a rare form of tumor that, in most cases, does not present any symptoms until the tumor grows large and invades other organs or tissues, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

In Shoultz's case, the tumor had formed around her right kidney and adrenal gland, but she experienced no symptoms to indicate that cancer was growing inside her.

"I'm 29 and otherwise perfectly healthy," she said. "I had no other symptoms other than my stomach."

On Sept. 27, Shoultz underwent a two-hour surgery to remove the tumor, which doctors discovered upon removal weighed 17 pounds.

PHOTO: Amanda Shoultz, 29, of Dallas, is pictured before and after surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from her stomach. (Courtesy Amanda Shoultz)

Doctors also had to remove Shoultz's right kidney and part of her adrenal gland. Because the cancer had not spread to other parts of her body, she did not have to undergo further treatment, like chemotherapy or radiation.

"Once I left the hospital, my stomach was back to normal," said Shoultz. "Now I'm just eating all the food that I missed when I gave it up for a year in order to put some weight back on."

PHOTO: Amanda Shoultz, 29, of Dallas, is pictured following surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. (Courtesy Amanda Shoultz)

Shoultz said she is sharing her story publicly because she wants other people, particularly women, to know the importance of knowing and listening to their own bodies.

"I knew that something was wrong because I've always had a hard time gaining weight," said Shoultz. "When I was getting so large in my abdomen and I couldn't control it, that's when I knew something was off."

"We preach it at the hospital, don't die of doubt," she said. "No one else is going to need to fight for you, so fight for yourself and find a care team that is going to care for you through the journey."

It's a message echoed by Dr. Robert Mennel, an oncologist with Texas Oncology at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, who is treating Shoultz.

MORE: New treatments bring hope for those with triple-negative breast cancer

"There is a whole group of these sarcomas that tend to occur in younger people and a lot of times they have symptoms that are sort of very nondescript symptoms," he said. "If somebody comes in and they have some abdominal discomfort and it's somebody who's in their 20s or so, most physicians think that's probably not much and it will pass."

"We can't do scans on everybody, but if you really feel that something is wrong, just be persistent to get this evaluated," added Mennel. "And make sure you're going to somebody who has experience and really knows what they're doing."

"The takeaway would be that if you feel that something is not correct, see a physician or health care provider to let them evaluate it," he said. "And if you really feel that they're not evaluating it, or if you really feel that something's wrong, pursue your desire to get it looked at and worked up."

Woman who struggled for months with weight gain diagnosed with 17-pound cancerous tumor originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
Faye Orton (right) and husband Ben experienced a 'silent' miscarriage after a successful round of IVF. (Supplied)

Faye and Ben Orton could hardly believe their eyes. After only one round of IVF - and with only one embryo viable for implantation  the couple found themselves staring at a tiny flicker of a heartbeat on a monitor.

"Ben saw it first and I could see the tears forming in his eyes," says Faye, 37, a primary school teacher. "The sonographer confirmed I was six weeks pregnant and the heartbeat was strong. We knew there were still risks but she said that our chance of miscarriage was less than six per cent and discharged us. On the way home, Ben and I kept saying to each other: We cant believe how lucky we are."

Read more: New Zealand introduced bereavement leave for miscarriages  should the UK follow suit?

The couple, from York, who have been married for nearly a year, were delighted. Two weeks later however, they had another scan - this time, the news was bleak. "Id had pregnancy symptoms such as being exhausted and having tender breasts since the first scan," says Faye. "But one morning, I woke up and theyd all gone. Ben and I were on a short break in Scotland and I said to him: I cant even explain whats wrong, but it feels different. I started Googling: Do your pregnancy symptoms disappear overnight? but as Id suffered no bleeding or pain, Ben felt that everything was alright. But he suggested a private scan while we were in Scotland, just to reassure me.

"When the gel was put on my stomach, the probe went on and there was this awkward silence as we watched the screen together. After what seemed like a long time, the lady said: Im sorry, I cant find a heartbeat. I burst out crying and looked at Ben, wondering if he would cry too. But he kept it completely together, staying strong for me and holding my hand. As the nurse did the paperwork, the image from the screen was still there, on the monitor right next to us and I just wanted to run out of the room. Our world came crashing down and I couldnt stop sobbing."

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Faye and Ben Orton's baby scan. The couple are sharing the story of their miscarriage for Baby Loss Awareness Week. (Supplied)

Faye and Ben Orton are one of many couples who have experienced a miscarriage. (Supplied)

Sadly, Faye had become one of thousands of women who have a miscarriage every year. According to the charity The Miscarriage Association, more than one in five pregnancies ends this way, probably around a quarter of a million in the UK each year.

But Faye experienced no symptoms. Now, during Baby Loss Awareness Week (Oct 9-15) she wants to make more women aware of missed (or silent) miscarriage where the baby has died or not developed but has not been physically miscarried. In many cases, there has been no sign that anything was wrong, so the news comes as a complete shock.

"I had no idea that there was such a thing as missed miscarriage and expected that Id feel at least some symptoms, but there was nothing apart from the fact that my pregnancy symptoms seemed to disappear," says Faye. "When we visited our fertility clinic for the miscarriage to be confirmed, they did actually find a very faint heartbeat but said the embryo had stopped developing and there was no chance it would survive. But it made me cling to hope. I felt like I was carrying something living inside me and I didnt want to let go of it. Every time I went to the toilet I thought: Is there going to be blood? I just wasnt ready for it to come out because I felt I needed to protect it."

Read more: Myleene Klass reveals heartbreaking experience of losing baby while hosting radio show

At 10 weeks, the doctors confirmed there was no heartbeat yet still Faye didnt miscarry naturally. She had to take medication, causing her to bleed. "By then, psychologically, I wanted to get it over with," she says. "Within three hours of taking the tablets, I was in pain and bleeding but by the Monday, I was back in the classroom teaching. Five days later however, I was bleeding again and this time the embryo came out. I even saved it up in toilet paper to show Ben. It sounds weird but seeing it gave us some kind of closure."

The couple say they hope to try again in the future but say that on an emotional level, the scars are still there. "Id never liken it to a stillbirth or a miscarriage after several weeks because the pain of that must be unbearable but I also think that women who suffer early or missed miscarriages also grieve," she says. "Ben is struggling with the loss too. Even from the moment it was transferred into me, we dared to let ourselves hope and I felt like I had to protect it and that I failed. We will try again but for now I just hope our story can help other couples feel not as alone."

Watch: Myleene Klass on miscarriage
Hunter Biden with some of his artwork. Elizabeth Weinberg/Trunk Archive

The Obama White House ethics chief Walter Shaub addressed Hunter Biden's art sales.

He described them as a potential "vehicle for funneling cash to the first family" in exchange for influence.

The White House had dismissed questions about the art sales, and defended an arrangement to keep buyers' identities secret.

Walter Shaub, who served as ethics chief in Barack Obama's administration, has criticized the President Joe Biden's White House for dismissing questions about Hunter Biden's lucrative art sales.

Hunter Biden, the president's son, is facing scrutiny for selling his paintings for between $75,000 and $500,000 apiece at a private New York gallery. Biden is not known as an artist and is not critically acclaimed, prompting questions abut the high price tags.

The White House has entered into an unusual arrangement with the gallery, whereby Hunter Biden is shielded by the gallery from knowing the identity of the buyers. The idea is that the arrangement will stop buyers from using their purchases to secure influence with the White House.

Shaub, who served as the head of Obama's Office of Government Ethics, argued that this arrangement was ineffective because there are loopholes whereby Hunter Biden could become aware of the identity of buyers.

He also said that because buyers' identities are not made public, it shields the sales from scrutiny, further muddying the transparency of the arrangement.

At a Wednesday press briefing, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki brushed aside a reporter's questions on the arrangement, saying "there's lots going on in the world" as she sought to switch topics.

Shaub took issue with the response in a lengthy series of tweets.

"These are legitimate questions. It's disappointing to hear [Psaki] send a message that the WH thinks the public has no right to ask about ethics," he said.

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"After the last 4 years, these questions have never been more important," he said, referring to former President Donald Trump's administration. "I know this isn't a popular opinion, but this stuff matters."

He said there were serious flaws with the arrangement, and "no ethics program in the world that can be built around the head of state's staff working with a dealer to keep the public in the dark about the identities of individuals who pay vast sums to the leader's family member for subjectively priced items of no intrinsic value."

Walter Shaub. Mark Wilson/Getty Images

Shaub went on to allege double standards in the Biden White House, highlighting Joe Biden's campaign pledge to end the allegations of corruption that hung over the Trump White House.

"If this were Trump, Xi or Putin, you'd have no doubt whatsoever that this creates a vehicle for funneling cash to the first family in exchange for access or favors," Shaub wrote, referring to the Chinese and Russian presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin.

"It doesn't matter that Trump was worse. What matters is that this sets a low bar for ethics. It embraces the mentality that 'if it's legal, it's fine to do.'"

The White House, Hunter Biden's attorney, and Hunter Biden's gallery did not immediately comment to Insider's request for comment on Shaub's remarks.

Hunter Biden has long faced criticism, especially from Republicans, for seemingly seeking to profit from his father's political status with his work for the Ukrainian gas firm Burisma and lobbying work in China.

Last month Insider's Mattathias Schwartz reported that Hunter Biden had sought $2 million for helping to release assets in Libya frozen by the Obama administration, in which his father served as vice president.

His drug addiction and business dealings were also the subject of controversy during the 2020 presidential campaign, when material said to be from an abandoned laptop were published by the New York Post.

Biden said he started painting to work through his addiction and other issues in his personal life.

Read the original article on Business Insider
STOCKHOLM (AP)  Swedish prosecutors issued an international search warrant on Tuesday for a tenant in an apartment building in Sweden's second-largest city after an explosion and a fire left 16 people injured last month.

The man is suspected of attempted murder, arson and general destruction, authorities said in a statement, adding that he should be extradited to Sweden if arrested. Investigators, however, aren't certain the man is abroad.

Authorities in Sweden haven't named the suspect, who is a man in his 50s. Swedish media said he was born in Poland.

In the early hours of Sept. 28, an apartment building in Goteborg was hit by a powerful explosion. Ensuing blazes spread to several apartments and hundreds of residents were evacuated. Four of the injured are in serious condition and at least 140 apartments were damaged.

Swedish radio quoted an unnamed neighbor as saying the suspect had a lot of chemicals, either in the apartment or in the basement, given the smell.

The property owner had been trying to evict the man and his mother from their apartment in the building, according to the Aftonbladet newspaper. Several Swedish media said an eviction was planned for the day the explosion occurred.

Aftonbladet said police had already charged the man with several offenses a week before the blast. The paper also reported that after not being allowed to see his mother at a nursing home because of pandemic restrictions, the suspect harassed several people, including the owner of the building.
Oct. 13Correction appended

Private prisons came under fire at a Tuesday legislative hearing, with several lawmakers arguing the profit motive doesn't belong in operations to house, punish and rehabilitate inmates.

The state already aims to take over three of New Mexico's five private prisons, leaving the contractors with a greatly reduced role at these facilities. But some members of the interim Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee want all the state's prisons to be entirely in public hands as soon as possible.

The call for the state to eliminate privately run facilities became more pointed when discussion turned to contracts that required companies to be paid at a minimum occupancy rate  typically 80 percent  even as decreasing incarcerations in recent years are causing inmate populations to drop below that level.

State Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, D-Albuquerque, said prisons' main goals should be to act as a deterrent for crime, protect the public from dangerous offenders and rehabilitate inmates whenever possible  and that private contractors appear to have a different priority.

"I don't think these goals are consistent with the goal of profit," Sedillo Lopez said.

Sedillo Lopez said the data presented to the committee focused on how private prisons save dollars, as if that's the only important policy consideration. But she would like an estimate of intangible costs to a community in having those prisons paying their employees less and providing fewer benefits, as well as skimping on rehabilitation programs.

Charles Sallee, a committee fiscal analyst, said public and private prisons would be found lacking in rehabilitation. But private prisons would inject less money into a community in the form of employee health care and pension dollars, Sallee said.

The state is scheduled to take over at the Guadalupe County Correctional Facility in Santa Rosa and the Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center near Grants on Nov. 1. In 2019, it took control of the Northeast New Mexico Detention Facility in Clayton.

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The trend is a far different than the path New Mexico followed decades ago, when it began housing inmates at privately operated facilities. At the time, it was hailed by supporters as a way to efficiently house inmates and perhaps limit the problems New Mexico experienced before and after the deadly and horrific riot at the Penitentiary of New Mexico south of Santa Fe, where 33 died in February 1980.

When it begins overseeing the Santa Rosa and Northwest prisons, only 24.5 percent of the state's prison beds will be under the auspices of private operators.

The committee's fiscal analysts said private prisons are run more efficiently than public facilities, partly because their lower staff-to-inmate ratios enable them to hire fewer people.

The transition of three prisons back to state control alone cost $4.1 million in 2022 and $6.1 million in 2023. After that, they will tack on $10 million in yearly costs.

Margaret Brown Vega of AVID, a volunteer group that visits immigrant detainees at the Otero County Processing Center, wants to push it a step further.

The state should close private prisons and then impose a blanket ban on all such prisons, including those used by federal agencies, Brown Vega said.

Private contractors who can no longer house inmates will instead house immigrant detainees to fill the void, she said.

"The sole concern of these facilities is filling beds," Brown Vega said.

Sedillo Lopez said she didn't think the state has the authority to deny federal authorities prison space.

Nathan Craig, another AVID volunteer, said several states, such as Illinois and California, have instituted across-the-board bans on private prisons that include federal ones.

The federal government might challenge such a ban, Craig said, but there are precedents for it.

State Corrections Secretary Alisha Tafoya Lucero said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham aims to reduce the state's use of private prisons. But eliminating them entirely is not practical and could have a severe effect on communities where people depend on those prison jobs, she said.

"I think the conversation is not as simple as 'Let's just close the doors,' " Tafoya Lucero said.

Rep. Eliseo Alcon, D-Milan, echoed those sentiments.

"Whether we like it or not, people are going to be incarcerated," Alcon said. "We cannot just shut down facilities because we don't like who is running the facility."

Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly identified the committee present for Tuesday's legislative hearing. It was the interim Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee, not the Legislative Finance Committee.

Follow Daniel J. Chacon on Twitter @danieljchacon.
Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller Jr. walks to the courtroom on Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville NC, surrounded by his legal team and family, on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. Scheller is being court-martialed following his public comments in August and September that criticized the American withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Good afternoon, OnPolitics readers!

The House Select Committee investigating the Capitol attack on Jan. 6 has been issuing subpoenas to officials from the Trump administration.

The committee will now begin criminal contempt proceedings against Steve Bannon, citing the former Trump strategist's refusal to cooperate with the panel's subpoena requests at the direction of the former president.

"Mr. Bannon has declined to cooperate with the Select Committee and is instead hiding behind the former Presidents insufficient, blanket, and vague statements regarding privileges he has purported to invoke," committee chairman Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., said Thursday. "We reject his position entirely ... so we must move forward with proceedings to refer Mr. Bannon for criminal contempt."

Trump's lawyers have directed witnesses not to cooperate with congressional investigators, invoking executive privilege. But the Biden administration has rejected the former president's attempt to withhold documents from the investigating panel.

It's Amy with today's top stories.

Marine officer who criticized US Afghanistan withdrawal pleads guilty

Marine Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller pleaded guilty this morning to all six charges and specifications levied against him by the military following his public comments that bashed the final American withdrawal in August of combat forces from Afghanistan.

As part of his plea agreement, Scheller waived his right to a jury trial.

Prior to the court-martial, Scheller attorney Tim Parlatore told the news media Scheller accepted responsibility for his actions and the main issue remaining was a decision on what would be an appropriate punishment.

Why is he being tried? Scheller is in court because he posted a video while in uniform on Aug. 26 demanding accountability from military leaders over the withdrawal from Afghanistan after 11 Marines, a Navy corpsman and a Fort Bragg Army soldier were killed in Kabul. The following day, Scheller was relieved of his command of the Advanced Infantry Training Battalion at Camp Lejeunes Camp Geiger.

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In the video, which has more than one million views on Facebook, Scheller made it evident he was willing to risk his position as battalion commander, retirement and family stability to speak his mind.

Real quick: stories you need to read

Biden to meet the Pope: President Joe Biden will meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Oct. 29. The meeting comes amid a debate over whether the nations second Catholic president should receive communion because of his support for abortion rights.

Kerry on UN talks: U.S. climate envoy John Kerry is tempering expectations for a U.N. climate summit sometimes billed as make-or-break for the Earths future, conceding next months talks likely will end with nations still short of the target of cuts in coal and petroleum emissions that are needed to stave off increasingly devastating levels of global warming.

Beirut clashes leave 6 dead: Armed clashes erupted Thursday in Beirut during a protest organized by the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and its allies against the lead judge probing last year's blast in the city's port.

4 police died by suicide after the Capitol riot; it's the reason their names won't be memorialized

When Congress approved millions in aid for the battered U.S. Capitol Police Department this year, lawmakers included a health facility to be named for a beloved officer, Howard Liebengood, who died three days after the riot Jan. 6.

Yet as families and colleagues from across the nation gather Thursday to honor fallen officers at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, Liebengood's name and the three others who died by suicide after Jan. 6 will not be eligible for engraving on the marbleized limestone regarded as sacred ground for U.S. law enforcement.

For years, officers' families and mental health advocates have sought to call attention to glaring inequities in how law enforcement and the country respond when police take their own lives in close proximity to their involvement in traumatic events.

Official police policy: The national memorial and the federal Public Safety Officers' Benefits program do not recognize suicides as "line-of-duty" deaths, a designation that not only memorializes officers' service but provides hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and other assistance to survivors.

More than 700 officers, including corrections officers, have taken their own lives since 2018, including 115 this year, according to Blue H.E.L.P, a group that has tracked and honored officers lost to suicide since 2016. The numbers have remained fairly steady each year at slightly more than 170, except for a spike to 238 in 2019.

"The defining standard for a line-of-duty death should be when police officers die as a result of events that occurred during the performance of duty," said Jim Pasco, executive director of the National Fraternal Order of Police, the nation's largest officer union. "The standard should not be how the officer died."

Did you know? President Dwight D. Eisenhower was born on this day in 1890 in Denison, Texas.  Amy

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: OnPolitics:Marine pleads guilty after Facebook criticism on Afghanistan
The White House has been consulting with the oil industry to seek a remedy for rising gasoline prices as surging inflation threatens to tarnish the economic recovery, according to three people familiar with the discussions.

The latest outreach to the oil industry is an awkward shift for the Biden administration, which has pledged to move the country away from fossil fuels and has drawn criticism from the industry and Republicans for pausing lease sales of federal land for oil and gas development.

But President Joe Biden faces mounting political pressure to curb rising prices that have lifted the average per gallon price of gasoline to $3.28, more than $1 above the year-ago level, as crude oil prices hit 7-year highs this week above $80 a barrel. That pain at the pump comes as the U.S. consumer price index jumped 5.4 percent in September, matching a 13-year high and driven partly by troubled supply chains  creating another political headache for Biden heading into the 2022 election season.

Much of the rise in energy costs is beyond the White Houses control and has been attributed to rebounding demand as the economy snaps back from the pandemic as well as an uptick in China's energy consumption, market analysts said. U.S. oil production has also slipped compared to record output before the pandemic, and oil companies that were hit hard by the plunging demand then have been slow to drill new wells. The OPEC oil cartel is also being careful about opening its spigots too loosely after oil prices tumbled during the pandemic.

The Biden administration has requested OPEC increase its exports, but has few other options for bringing prices down. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said last week that the administration was considering releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, a move that is usually reserved for supply disruptions.

Oil industry officials and experts said the White House team had experience in renewable energy markets, but relatively few people with detailed knowledge of oil markets  the problem of the moment.

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Senior staff is preoccupied with trying to identify options to bring down oil prices, which they believe are driving [the] inflation uptick, said Stephen Brown, a longtime energy lobbyist and current strategist with RBJ Strategies. Some producers will talk to them, but it is also not like they have a lot of friends in this sector.

One lobbying source described a Tuesday night meeting of White House officials focused on rising oil and gasoline prices. A White House spokesman declined to comment on the meeting or outreach to the oil industry. One other person said the meeting included senior staff and did not necessarily involve Cabinet members.

The White House is rushing to show it's trying to tame high inflation, which has already prompted the Federal Reserve to signal it will reduce its pace of bond purchases that are designed to keep longer-term interest rates low. Biden and his team are targeting bottlenecks in the supply chain that have strained inventories and contributed to higher prices. On Wednesday, he announced the Port of Los Angeles would begin operating 24 hours a day and that major companies including UPS and FedEx would also extend their working hours.

"I want to be clear, this is across the board commitment to going to 24/7, he said in remarks from the White House. This is a big first step in speeding up the movement of materials and goods through our supply chain. But now we need the rest of the private sector chain to step up as well.

Some in the oil industry are using the rise in fuel prices to push back against the Democratic promises to raise costs for oil and gas drilling on public lands.

To ensure we have a stable and affordable supply of energy here in the United States, the Biden Administration should support the domestic production of oil and natural gas, ensure the continued production on federal land, work with the industry on sensible and smart methane regulations, and stop calling for higher taxes on the American oil and gas industry, Anne Bradbury, chief executive of trade association American Exploration and Production Council, said in a statement.

Biden came into office promising to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and renewables such as solar and wind power. But the White House has made overtures to the oil and gas industry, such as White House climate adviser Gina McCarthy's meeting with members of the American Petroleum Institute. And despite the pause in oil and gas lease sales, the Interior Department has outpaced the Trump administration in approving new permits to drill on public land.

Still, the industry is smarting over the administration's call for OPEC to increase oil production, saying it sounded hypocritical given its stance on the auctions for new parcels of public land to drill. Industry officials also complain they have not received nearly the amount of attention they enjoyed under President Donald Trump or even President Barack Obama.

Amid the pandemic-related global supply chain problems, extreme weather events and Chinas strong demand for oil and natural gas, administration officials have been leaning more frequently on the industry for advice, sources said.

A person at one oil company active in offshore drilling said the administration had reached out to them last month wanting specifically to know how to keep gasoline production on track after Hurricane Ida forced companies to shut in oil production in the Gulf of Mexico.

Despite the overtures, the federal government has few levers to pull to ward off higher oil prices, market analysts said. Companies have to rehire the truck drivers and other employees they let go when fuel demand cratered last year as the pandemic kept people at home.

Andrew Lipow, head of Houston-based oil market consulting firm Lipow Oil Associates, said the increase in pump prices is a direct result of oil companies finally heeding investors calls to slow production and tighten their spending. Investors had fled the sector in the years leading into the pandemic as companies racked up debt to produce an ever-increasing number of barrels.

Years ago they drilled like crazy and made no money, Lipow said. This time around they need to show returns to inventors and theyre increasing their dividends instead of sending more rigs to the oil fields.
If you watch enough old movies, you know that there are two types of bank robberies. The fir
After canceling the Doggies and Divas benefit last year because of you-know-what, the event is back in animated mode on Saturday, Oct. 30, in April Sound Country Club Lakeside Room, 1000 April Sound Blvd.

And since the dinner and fashion show is from 5 to 9 in the evening, animal lovers who work weekdays will be able to make merry as well.

To change a phrase from George Orwells Animal Farm, four legs good; so are two legs, especially when multiple little four legs need help. Thats what SPCA PETS SNAP of Montgomery County does.

It now has 501 c 3 nonprofit status so contributions are largely tax deductible, according to founder Marie Underdown, who also noted that PETSNAP, an animal rescue organization, has a no-kill policy for adoptable pets, and its workers are unpaid volunteers.

The event theme again this year is Pooches and Patriots, she said. Our special models are Montgomery County Search and Rescue Team members.

Models will don fashions from Als Formal Wear and Deja Vu Beautiful Consignments, with first responders escorting lady models. Marie noted that Clothing for doggie models will be from God.

Maddie Eckstom, an ICU nurse, will escort models.

In addition to the dinner that April Sound Club provides, silent and live auctions are planned, plus a Chow Hounds restaurant raffle, and cash bar for those who wish to imbibe.

The live auction offers appealing items that include a loaded wine wagon, and a weekend condo rental for eight on Lake Conroe, a two-hour luncheon boat cruise, and a margarita and music party for 20.

Auctioneer this year is Bruce Sellers, affable resident and The Couriers community scribe from Bentwater. He and his wife are ardent supporters of humane animal care. Inclusive cost for the evening is $65 per person, excluding the cash bar. Reservations are required.

Some others who are working diligently for this fundraiser are Diane Deaton, Betsy Himmel, Reg Symons, Toni Sellers, Kenya Pace and Terri Grassbaugh.

To purchase online visit www.spcaofmc.com, or mail checks made out to SPCA to 2511 Sand Shore Drive, Conroe, 77304. Credit cards are accepted online. More information is available at marie.a.underdown@lonestar.edu.

Heres a reminder that tomorrow, Oct. 16, is the occasion for helping Faith Fighting Cancer during a special shopping spree at Judy Burks Hello Beautiful, an upscale ladies fashion boutique at 3915 West Davis in Conroe. A raffle is part of the days offerings at the Power-of Pink Shop-a-thon.

A portion of the days sales receipts goes to the nonprofit group that offers financial and emotional support for Montgomery County residents stricken by cancer and their families. All funds raised stay right here in Montgomery County. Those unable to shop tomorrow may contribute all this week by mentioning the name of the charity. Faith Fighting Cancer, a 501 c 3 nonprofit, also is known for its annual Christmas fundraiser coming in December.

The Conroe Symphony Orchestra came back clear as symbols last Saturday eve. The concert that opened this season was in state-of-the-art auditorium of Lake Creek High School, newest school in the Montgomery District.

The audience was mesmerized by guest conductor Myles Nardinger, who is pursuing an advanced music degree from Moores School of Music at the University of Houston. However, some declared that he may already possess everything he needs to succeed.

Tall and slim, with dark longish hair, and wearing very formal tails, he looked every bit the part. All the accomplished CSO musicians seemed to play with enthusiasm anew, having missed performing during the pandemic almost as much as the audience missed hearing them.

Nardinger began with the national anthem, as crowds have grown to expect. He continued the program with an ingenious choice of purely classical pieces, and just enough modern classics to satisfy the most fastidious listener. Choices from Rogers and Hammerstein as well as a bit of the Beatles added perfect embellishments to Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, even Coplands dances from Rodeo.

Nardinger also will conduct the CSO Christmas concert in Willis High School Performing Arts Center. It will be Saturday afternoon Dec. 18 beginning at 2 p.m. The concert date was changed from a previously announced one.

Before the concert began Judge Kathleen Hamilton, president of the CSO Board of Directors, read a touching remembrance listing CSO supporters who are deceased since the 2020 season.

Next up for Friends of CSO is a membership event. Rather than a tea as in the past, this is a Mix and Mingle afternoon at the Madeley Art Gallery in downtown Conroe. Socializing and a perusal of beautiful art pieces in several media offer a lovely afternoon with like-minded arts lovers, enhanced by soft music from some orchestra members and finger foods.

Its scheduled for Oct. 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. with more information forthcoming. Those who support the Friends of CSO will be offered an opportunity to renew membership, or join either on a lifetime or annual basis. Annual memberships continue from October 1 until September 30 of next year. Call 936-760-2144 or visit ConroeSymphonyOrchestra.org.

Tonight at 8 in downtown Conroes Owen Theatre, The Players Theatre Company opens Rope, best remembered as a Hitchcock movie based on a 1929 play that was in turn based on an actual murder. Its a dark thriller about two student roommates who think their intellect is so superior that they can get away with a perfect crime. So they decide to murder a friend, hide the body in their apartment and then host a dinner party as further proof of their cleverness.

Although dark, the story is full of intrigue and suspense. The Hitchcock film released in 1948 kept an audience totally absorbed even though it knew who the killers were almost from the beginning. Rather like a Columbo tale.

Hitchcock hailed his film as an experiment in long, unbroken camera takes set in one room throughout. It starred James Stewart in what I judged to be his best film when I watched in on cable; John Dahl, Farley Granger, and others.

Rope runs weekends through Oct. 30 with matinees on Sundays and possibly some Saturdays. Reserve at 936-539-4090.

Peggie Miller may be reached at pegmiller01@gmail.com.
After 22 weeks in solitary confinement, a former U.S. Senator and member of the Confederate cabinet was released by his Yankee captors and allowed to go home to Texas.

John Henninger Reagan was born in 1818 in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in eastern Tennessee. As a boy, he worked alongside his father at a tannery and on the family farm. After the death of his mother in 1831, what little time there had been for learning was taken up by the heavy burden of caring for five younger siblings.

No matter what the obstacles Reagan held onto his dream of getting an education. He paid for two years at a private academy by hiring out as a day laborer on nearby farms. By 1838 his brothers and sisters were old enough to look after themselves making it possible for their big brother to leave home with a clear conscience.

Reagan managed a plantation outside Natchez before moving west to the newly independent Republic of Texas. His arrival in 1839 coincided with the so-called Cherokee War that was in truth the violent eviction of that peaceful tribe. The newcomer took part in the climactic battle that ended with the death of Sam Houstons surrogate father, Chief Bowles, and the forced departure of the leaderless Indians.

Reagan had his own close call a short time later. Caught out in the open by a blue norther, he lost consciousness but somehow stayed in the saddle. His horse carried him to Rip Fords camp, where the famous frontiersman saved the Tennesseans life by dunking him clothes and all in a tub of water and slowly warming the room.

For three years, Reagan did whatever it took to keep body and soul together. He farmed a little, surveyed a lot and on occasion acted as a scout. All the while he was making friends, enough to be elected the first county judge of Henderson County and the next year to a seat in the second state legislature. Then in 1852 he won a special election to fill a vacancy on the district bench in Palestine, which he made his permanent home.

By the mid-1850s, Reagan was a rising star in the Democratic Party. He rode the wave of his growing popularity to the U.S. Congress in 1857 as the representative from the eastern district of Texas.

The storm clouds of secession and possible war were gathering over the nations capital, when the first-term congressman came to town full of optimism and what he thought were fresh ideas. But the Texan could not make himself heard over the deafening slavery debate.

Two frustrating years later, Reagan had to ask the voters for a second term. His campaign turned into a balancing act as he supported fire-breathing secessionist Hardin Runnels for governor over Unionist Sam Houston while presenting himself as a moderate in favor of preserving the Union at all costs.

When Houston and Reagan trounced their opponents, the congressmans hope for the future was renewed. But John Browns attack on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry forced him to accept the inevitability of the North-South split with all its consequences.

With the breakup of the Union a certainty following the election of Lincoln, Reagan resigned his seat in congress and returned to Texas in time to attend the secession convention and await further developments.

After Texas officially withdrew from the Union and joined the Confederacy, Reagan offered his services in whatever capacity the southern president saw fit. He patiently waited his turn as Jefferson Davis filled his cabinet with lesser men whose qualifications did not hold a candle to the Texans.

Davis finally offered Reagan the one remaining and least desirable position - postmaster general. He accepted without a word of complaint and within months had the smoothest functioning department in the entire government.

When Davis fled Richmond at the end of the war, only Texas governor Francis R. Lubbock and Reagan cast their lots with the fugitive president. Union pursuers caught up with them in Georgia and sent Reagan to a military prison in Boston harbor.

Articles and editorials in the northern press opened the captives eyes to the bitter and vindictive hostility of the winning side. In an August 1865 open letter to his fellow Texans, he counseled calm and cooperation and argued against continued resistance.

Upon his return a few months later, Reagan was shocked and disappointed by the reaction to his appeal. Most Texans condemned his wise advice as cowardly appeasement driving him into seclusion on his Palestine farm.

The post-war occupation and Reconstruction rule changed public opinion in the outcasts favor. Hailed as the Old Roman, a tribute to his wisdom, Reagan was elected to his old seat in congress and in 1887 to the senate. At the behest of Gov. Jim Hogg, he resigned halfway through his term to establish and chair the railroad commission.

John Reagan had just finished his epic autobiography, when he died of pneumonia in 1905 at the age of 85. Historian Ben Procter ranked him as one of the four greatest Texans of the 19th century along with Houston, Austin and Hogg.

Read all about the early years of the oil frenzy in Texas Boomtowns: A History of Blood and Oil Order your copy for $24 by mailing a check to Bartee Haile, P.O. Box 130011, Spring, TX 77393.
What she may have lacked in stature, Mary-Lou Fitch made up for in heart, service to others and her love of The Woodlands.

A pint-sized powerhouse at five foot, she was involved in many organizations across the county including Meals on Wheels, New Danville, Habitat for Humanity, The Woodlands Pavilion Partners Wine Dinner, Cypress Woodlands Junior Forum, National Charity League The Woodlands, CASA, Toys for Tots and Teens and The Montgomery County Republican Womens Club and more.

Now those involved with these organization are celebrating the live of Fitch after her death on Oct. 2 in The Woodlands. She was 76.

Throughout her life, she had a passion for helping others and she especially had a heart for children, according to her daughter Marlies Fitch Ledbetter. They family has been so touched by the many messages and calls theyve received from those who were impacted by their moms good works.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Mary-Lou Fitch - The Woodlands 2019 Hometown Hero

She always told her oldest daughter, Marlies, theres no reason why anyone should go without in this area.

And since her arrival in The Woodlands in 1987 she made it her goal to make sure they didnt as she served on boards, volunteered and help chair fundraisers, helped form new groups and more.

She wasnt just a leader but was in the nitty-gritty of everything, Ledbetter said, calling her mom a hustler who made sure every last detail was right in her volunteer work.

Mary-Lou was always such a joy to be around and her selfless giving to all of the organizations in this area was so inspiring, said Lindsay Miller who worked with Fitch at CASA events. She was always willing to do anything to help me with the CASA gala, like taking a playhouse and making it feel like a home with tiny childrens furniture and flowers (that she donated), and even down to the small things like painting and glittering letters for decor. She will be greatly missed.

Fitch was born Maria-Louisa Knapp Kohler (Marlies) Dec. 22, 1944 in Berne, Czechoslovakia.

According to her daughter, her mothers family was pushed out of Czechoslovakia by a Russian invasion and her birth father was killed. In their fleeing, family heirlooms were sewn into the bedding of her mothers baby carriage and coats and jackets.

She went on to be raised by her mother and Friedrich Baye of Germany before coming to the United States in 1958 following World War II. She became a citizen of the United States in 1962.

As a girl, she had always wanted to play piano. But a piano did not fit in their apartment, so her father bought her an accordion.

In a 2019 article in The Villager, Fitch said her parents were big on giving back to the community.

One of her first acts of community service started at age 10 when she learned to play the accordion and would play at nursing homes and community centers.

Several years later we moved to upstate New York. I continued with my volunteering, became a lifeguard and always helped. I always wanted to do something for other people. I graduated from college in upstate New York and met my husband, Gary, who was just getting ready to go to Vietnam, she said in the 2019 article.

In 1986, the family moved to The Woodlands when Gary Fitchs aviation company was bought by Enron. They built a house in Grogans Point and her leadership continued with the creation of the Grogans Point Residents Association which she held the role as president several times and beautification of the neighborhood.

They came to The Woodlands with their first two daughters  Marlies and Melissa  then she gave birth to identical twins at 44 years old  Monica and Michelle. She began working with Interfaith of The Woodlands by chance, where her daughters attended day care, specifically with the food pantry.

This lead to 33 years of giving to The Woodlands community needs including more than 30 years with Montgomery County Youth Services.

She also helped form many organizations and events within The Woodlands including Class Act Productions, Montgomery County Womens Council of Organizations, The Woodlands Holiday Home Tour and The Woodlands Orchestra.

Along the way she became friends with many of the original residents of The Woodlands  including George and Cynthia Mitchell.

Fitch was honored with the First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Award, Woman of Distinction multiple times, Houston Humanitarian Award, The Woodlands Hometown Hero Award in 2019 and many others.

Ledbetter said when her mom was named a Hometown Hero she felt like that was the pinnacle of her career of volunteering.

I always felt the need to give back. I can help other people. People dont see it, but theres a lot of need, she said in the 2019 article. (There is) a lot of children who are hurting, and theres poverty. You want to give as much as you can. My children also all do their volunteering now, and Im so proud of them.

She lived life with a motto that she had for a long time  Be not afraid of going slowly. Be afraid of standing still.

When you have nothing to do, call some of these nonprofit organizations and give a hand. Theres always need. Always, Fitch said in 2019.

She is survived by her husband, Gary, her daughters Marlies, Melissa, Monica and Michelle, and her grandchildren Sadie, 13, Mason, 11, Allison, 9, Mikayla, 6, Colton, 6, Haylen, 4 and Weston, 2.

A celebration of life will be conducted at The Woodlands Methodist Church off Lake Woodlands at 11 a.m. on Nov. 12 followed by a reception at The Butler House on Gosling Road.

shernandez@hcnonline.com
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Home sales in Hungary fell 7% year-on-year to 11,807 in September, as more Hungarians than usual went on vacation, listed real estate broker Duna House said in a monthly report released this week, according to business daily Vilaggazdasag.

September home sales were down by 11.5% from the same month in 2019.



Home sales in January-September increased 20% year-on-year to 117,004, up 1.3% from the same period of 2019, Duna House said.



If the housing market is active in the fall, then home sales could be around 150,000 in 2021, around 15% higher than in 2020, Duna House predicted.
YORK  Agriculture is the heart of Nebraska. As the states leading industry, the impact goes far beyond the food supply, providing jobs, significantly contributing to the states economy and touching the lives of citizens every day.

This past week, Nebraska Extension in York and Polk Counties hosted the third annual Ag Fest at the York County Fairgrounds for all the fourth grade students in both counties.

The goal of the field day experience was to introduce students from diverse backgrounds to the basic concepts of ag production and the significance of agriculture in Nebraska. Students were immersed in agriculture through 25-minute, interactive sessions regarding a number of ag-related topics. The festival sessions looked at topics such as the production of beef, poultry, dairy, sheep/wool, corn and soybeans, as well as agricultural technology.

The fourth graders attending this annual fall event were from York Elementary, Emmanuel-Faith Lutheran, St. Joseph Catholic School, Heartland, Cross County, Osceola and Shelby-Rising City.

Tanya Crawford, extension educator, said 213 kids participated this year.

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I wanted to write a letter to my community, my home, York. Can you help? About two months ago, President Biden made a debacle out of the retreat from Afghanistan. The decisions he made left many people dead, many still stranded, but some families were able to make it out alive. Many of these Afghan families are people that helped us out, in partnership, while the US was in Afghanistan, often risking their own lives. Having grown up in Nebraska, let alone America, I have been truly blessed. I find it hard to imagine what many of these people are going through: the fear, the torment, leaving family members behind, the feeling that giving their baby to a strange soldier gives them a better chance at survival. All of this, to start a new life in a country where they dont speak the language, with nothing but the clothes on their back to start over. Theyve left their homes, their cars, their jobs, their childhood memories, everything. Honestly, it breaks my heart.

There are a few groups in Lincoln and Omaha that work with refugees when they arrive, to try and get them set up with what minimal assistance there is. A few families have started to arrive, but hundreds more are expected shortly. As a community, are their ways we can step-up and help? One of the biggest immediate needs will be housing. Like everywhere, housing is in short supply. Do you know of anyone that has any availability: apartments, houses, rooms at their house, etc? Besides a physical place to live, these groups are looking for donations of household items, furniture, clothing, money, cars, etc. and locations to store these items until people arrive. Currently York College PBL and the York Girl Scouts have already started raising donations for families when they arrive in Lincoln. Im sure there are others that have been doing what they can to help too. I thank you for your commitment to your fellow man.
New Delhi: French multinational information technology services and consulting company, Capgemini, has opened various vacancies for fresh engineering and MCA pass outs. The bumper hiring by the IT major is for the Pooled Campus drive.

Candidates planning to land a job at Capgemini can register at the official company website. The last date of registration is October 15, 2021. The hiring assessments will be conducted from the second week of October.

"Post successful completion of our hiring process, you will be groomed through an intense 8-10 weeks of the central training program of Capgemini. Our Training 2.0 model offers best in class and unique learning experience and unleashes the potential in you," Capgemini said in a statement.

"The nature of work and careers are changing fast  the right skills are equally essential along with academic qualifications. If you have the passion, the right skill, and the aptitude to work with new technologies, then Capgemini is the place to get the future you want in your career," the company added in its statement. Also Read: SBI Mega E-auction: Now, buy properties at lower prices, check how to submit bid

Capgemini job qualification:

Only registered candidates will be able to write the assessment tests. However, the company has set eligibility criteria on who can apply for the job. Here are the eligibility criteria:

- Candidates should graduate in 2021.

- Eligible applicants should have studied MCA or BE/Btech.

- Candidates should also have an aggregate score of more than 50%.

- ME/MTech students can also apply for the job at Capgemini, provided that they are from IT, Information Science, and Computer Science backgrounds.

For those uninitiated, Capgemini is global IT services company that employees more than 2,90,000 employees in about 50 countries. More than 1.5 lakh Capgemini employees are currently working in India at 13 locations. Also Read: SBI Annuity Deposit Scheme: Invest a lump sum in this scheme and earn fixed monthly income, check details here

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#mute
New Delhi: A court of special Chief Judicial Magistrate (custom) on Wednesday issued summons to Netflix directors and producer for prima- facie defaming Sahara India and its chief Subrata Roy in the documentary series 'Bad Boys Billionaires India'.

The summon was issued to Netflix director Abhisekh Nag, documentary director Nick Read and producer Reva Sharma for the documentary series released on Netflix last year.

Judge Sunil Kumar has directed the three to appear before the court on November 15 to stand trial in the case for committing offences under IPC Sections 500 (defamation), 501 (printing or engraving matter to be defamatory) and 502 (sale of printed or engraved substance containing defamatory matter).

The court passed the order on a complaint case moved by Sahara India and its employees.

From perusal of complaint and statements of witnesses, Ghulam Zeeshan and Bhuvnesh Mani Tripathi, prima facie offences of defamation are made out against the three accused, the court said in its order.

Filing the case, the complainant alleged that the accused prepared and released the said documentary series on Netflix on October 5, 2020 in most defamatory manner to tarnish image of Sahara and its chief.

The complaint stated, A bare look of the documentary indicates that in the lust of making the documentary spicier and rhetoric, all the accused willfully connived and attempted to portray the chairman of Sahara Group in bad taste, without there being any material evidence against him.

The witnesses stated that the documentary was prepared only to gain commercial benefit and hence the Netflix spiced up the documentary portraying bad image of Subrato Roy and Sahara India, which is not only objectionable but defamatory also.

After considering the entire material on record, the court found that the accused persons seem to have committed offences of defamation and hence they have to be summoned for facing trial.

Sahara had opposed the documentary from the very beginning and tried hard to convey Netflix not to release it on its web portal but the same was released. Aggrieved, the group and its employees moved the court. Also Read: From PAN card, PF, Mediclaim to ITR filing --Check out 8 services where you need to furnish Aadhaar card details

Sahara also filed a suit for Rs 500 crore damages against Netflix in Kolkata and the concerned court in has issued notices to Netflix for its response. The group also intends to increase the amount of damages, said a Sahara press release. Also Read: Zee Digital Auto Awards 2021: 5 cars nominated for Car of the Year
New Delhi: The festive month of October begins with Sharad Navratri, which this year started on 7th, coinciding with Durga Puja on 11th and finally culminates with Vijayadashami or Dussehra on 15th respectively.

Dussehra is celebrated as the victory of good over evil and how Ravana was killed by the virtuous Lord Rama.

Vijayadashami 2021 Muhurat:

Vijayadashami on Friday, October 15, 2021

Vijay Muhurat - 02:02 PM to 02:47 PM

Duration - 00 Hours 46 Mins

Bengal Vijayadashami on Friday, October 15, 2021

Aparahna Puja Time - 01:16 PM to 03:33 PM

Duration - 02 Hours 18 Mins

Dashami Tithi Begins - 06:52 PM on Oct 14, 2021

Dashami Tithi Ends - 06:02 PM on Oct 15, 2021

Shravana Nakshatra Begins - 09:36 AM on Oct 14, 2021

Shravana Nakshatra Ends - 09:16 AM on Oct 15, 2021

(as per drikpanchang.com)

Much like the legend associated with Dussehra related to Ramayana, it is believed that on Vijayadashami, Maa Durga killed the ferocious demon Mahishasura and saved the world. It marks the last day of Durga Puja which is widely celebrated by Bengalis across the globe.

In Nepal, Dussehra is a major festival, known as Dashain.

SIGNIFICANCE OF DUSSEHRA:

On this festival, life-size effigies of Ravana, his son Meghnath and brother Kumbhakarana are burnt to symbolise the victory of good over evil.

Kids are told the tale of the mighty Lord Rama and how he killed Ravana in order to rescue his wife, goddess Sita. Lord Rama was accompanied by his brother Laxmana, Lord Hanuman and his army of Vanars (monkeys).

The festival is a constant reminder that no matter what happens in life, how dark things get and how much evil seems to be succeeding, in the end, goodness and righteousness always win.

Celebrate Dussehra with the thought that truth shall always win the war against evil.

Here's wishing Happy Dussehra and Vijayadashami to all!
New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has exposed the exploitative model of governance that the BJP has imposed upon the MCD. AAP MLA Atishi said that all the contractual teachers of South MCD have not received their salaries since April 2020 and nor are their contracts being renewed.

The situation has become so bad that two teachers committed suicide due to depression, he said, adding that these people appealed to the Delhi government for help and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has assured help to all the teachers.

AAP SDMC Leader of Opposition Prem Chauhan, however, said that the Mayor says that this time more than one lakh admissions have been done but who will teach these children when you do not have teachers?

Issuing a statement on Wednesday, senior AAP leader and MLA Atishi said, "there are around 550 contractual teachers in South Delhi Municipal Corporation. These contractual teachers have not received their salaries since April 2020. Now the situation has become such that 2 teachers have committed suicide due to depression which is unfortunate and shameful. The BJP does not have staff to take online classes, but at the same time neither the contract of these teachers is being renewed nor are they being given salaries".

Atishi further said, "all the teachers met the AAP South MCD Leader of Opposition Prem Chauhan after feeling helpless. They later came, and met me, and today with our support these people also met the Deputy Chief Minister. They put forth their problems that and told him how these people have been working in MCD for 15 years, but when the difficult times of COVID came, the South MCD did not give them any attention. These people kept waiting for hours in front of the mayors office. But they didn't hear them. MCD made them run from pillar to post but still, they have not received their salary from April 2020 till today".

According to Atishi, "So today these people came to meet Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia to request that the Delhi government should help them. They have understood that South MCD is not going to help them. The Deputy Chief Minister has said that he will go to the depths of the issue and figure out whether they can be helped through the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan since all the people are associated with South MCD. He said that he will explore all ways in which they can be helped."

Throwing light on this issue, AAP's Leader of Opposition of South Delhi Municipal Corporation Prem Chauhan said, "when South MCD Mayor Mukesh Suryan refused to solve the problem of teachers, the chairman of the education committee was also present back then. He himself knew what the problem was with the teachers and how it could be solved. But South MCD does not want to help these people. Until recently, all teachers were being paid salaries. But now these people do not want to pay salary. They do not want to help these teachers in any way."

Prem Chauhan said, "for about 15-20 years these people are working in MCD. But now suddenly during Corona, when they needed money the most, MCD refused to help them. Now the mayor says that this time more than one lakh admissions have been done. But we fail to understand that who will teach the new admissions they have made when they do not have teachers."

He further said, "the number of teachers is too huge. But when the mayor refused to help, these people came to me. Being the Leader of Opposition, I felt that I should help them. Therefore, taking the initiative as my responsibility, I got them to meet with the Delhi government. After which today they had a conversation with Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia Ji. He has assured help to the teachers. He has said that since these people are not employees of the Delhi government, these people are directly related to South MCD, so the Delhi government cannot help directly. However, the Delhi government has helped in paying the salaries of all the teachers. Apart from this, the Deputy CM has said that we will do whatever help is possible from us under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan."

Chauhan added that "after the assurance of the Deputy Chief Minister, now we hope that all the teachers will get help. But this responsibility was of South Delhi Municipal Corporation. In which they have completely failed."

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New Delhi: The central government has planned a special spectacle for the moment when India would touch the milestone of administering 100 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday (October 14) said that announcements will be made on airplanes, ships, metros and at railway stations to mark the moment.

The milestone is expected to be achieved by October 18 or 19, he said.

After 100 crore doses (milestone) is achieved, we will go in mission mode to ensure that those who have taken their first dose take their second dose too to ensure they are protected against COVID-19," he said at the launch of a coffee table book on COVID warriors.

The total vaccine doses administered in the country crossed 97 crores on Thursday with 73 per cent of all adults having administered the first dose and 30 per cent having received both doses.

The nation is rapidly approaching the 100 crore vaccination mark! 97 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses administered to date. Keep it up India, let us fight corona, Mandaviya tweeted.

Mandaviya said that Spicejet will wrap planes with posters of one billion vaccine with images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and healthcare workers on the day the target of 100 crore doses is achieved.

The coffee table book pays tribute to the ambulance driver, who without waiting for the last rites of his loved ones to be completed, rushed to resume his duties.

From eight states, 13 COVID warriors, including doctors, ambulance drivers, volunteers and other healthcare staffers have been identified as 'Sentinels of the Soil'.

He launched 13 videos on COVID-19 warriors and a coffee table, published by the health ministry, to pay tributes to them.

"As the vaccination drive picked up in India, the challenge was not only demographic but topographic too. The credit goes to the team of healthcare and frontline workers who took it upon themselves to ensure that everyone was covered. It was not an easy task as deep-rooted hesitancy had to be overcome and rampant myths about vaccination had to be countered," Mandaviya said.

The book salutes the doctors and nurses in a remote tribal area, who worked tirelessly to overcome the entrenched hesitancy against vaccination in his community, so that science could prevail over superstition.

Also Read: India resumes COVID-19 vaccine export to Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Iran

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New Delhi: An encounter broke out between militants and Armed Forces in Nar Khas forest area of Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch district on Thursday (October 14, 2021).

The PRO Defence, Jammu said that one junior commissioned officer (JCO) and one soldier were critically injured in the ongoing encounter.

One JCO and one soldier have been critically injured during a counter-terrorist operation in Nar Khas forest area, Mendhar sub-division, District Poonch, said PRO Defence, Jammu.

One JCO and one soldier have been critically injured during a counter-terrorist operation in Nar Khas forest area, Mendhar sub-division, District Poonch: PRO Defence, Jammu  ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2021

Defence Ministy spokesman, Lt Col Devender Anand said, "In an ongoing counter-terrorist operation in general area Nar Khas Forest, Mendhar Sub Division, District Poonch, there has been exchange of fire between army troops and terrorists during evening hours.

"During the ensuing exchange of fire, one JCO and one soldier have been critically injured. The operations are under progress, he added.

According to IANS reports, the army started a cordon and search operation involving several villages adjacent to Dhera Ki Gali in Surankote area.

Thursday`s operation was started by the army three days after five soldiers, including a JCO, were killed by terrorists in the same area.

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New Delhi: Even as the opposition-ruled states Punjab and West Bengal slammed the Centres move to extend the Border Security Forces (BSF) operational jurisdiction, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the decision.

He said that the move will strengthen national security and national interest.

Assam welcomes the extension of BSFs operational jurisdiction. In coordination with state police, this move will serve as a strong deterrent for defeating cross border smuggling and illegal infiltration. It strengths national security and national interest, said Sarma in a tweet.

Assam welcomes extension of BSFs operational jurisdiction. In coordination with State police, this move will serve as a strong deterrent for defeating cross border smuggling & illegal infiltration. It will strengthen national security & national interest. @AmitShah @HMOIndia  Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) October 14, 2021

Notably, the Centre has issued a notification extending the jurisdiction of the BSF to a 50-kilometre belt along the international border in Punjab, West Bengal and Assam.

Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi condemned the decision calling it a "direct attack on federalism". He urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to immediately roll back this irrational decision.

"I strongly condemn the GoI`s unilateral decision to give additional powers to BSF within the 50 km belt running along the international borders, which is a direct attack on federalism. I urge the Union Home Minister @AmitShah to immediately roll back this irrational decision," tweeted Channi.

TMC MP Sougata Roy also called the Centres move an attack on the federal structure. He said that BSF is not that efficient an agency that should be given this increase in jurisdiction.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has said it earlier also that BSF jawans harass and beat up villagers around the bordering areas. Now, these atrocities will increase further. Also, BSF is known to be hand-in-glove with the smugglers, Roy said.

There are civil agencies and state government who can take appropriate action and carry out an investigation. There is no need for BSF jawans to enter hinterland, he added.

Leader of the Indian National Congress in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Chowdhury also slammed the decision stating that it is a "brazen infringement upon the territory of states". Targetting Amit Shah, Chowdhary said, "You should not indulge any tinkering else will face the consequences".

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Kolkata: Hitting out at the Centre over its decision to extend the jurisdiction of the BSF, the Trinamool Congress on Thursday (October 14, 2021) said it was an "infringement" on the rights of the state and an attack on the federal structure of the country.

The Centre has amended the BSF Act to authorise the force to undertake search, seizure and arrest within a larger 50 km stretch, instead of the existing 15 km, from the international border in Punjab, West Bengal and Assam.

Demanding its withdrawal, the TMC claimed the decision was taken without consulting the West Bengal government.

"We oppose this decision. This is an infringement on the rights of the state. What was the sudden need to enhance the BSF's jurisdiction without informing the state government?" TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said.

"If the BSF has to conduct any search, they can always do it along with the state police. This has been the practice for years. It is an attack on the federal structure," he added.

Senior TMC MP Sougata Roy alleged that the BSF doesn't have a good track record on human rights in border villages.

"The Centre and Home Minister Amit Shah are trying to weaken the states. BSF doesn't have a good track record when it comes to human rights in border villages," he said.

State Congress president Adhir Chowdhury warned the Union Home Ministry of "consequences" over the move.

"The expansion of #BSF area of jurisdiction upto 50 km from border of some states amounts to brazen infringement upon the territory of states. @HMOIndia (Home Ministry), you should not indulge any 'Chherkhani' (meddling) else will face the consequences," he said in a tweet.

The state BJP slammed the TMC for its criticism, saying that its opposition to the changes is aimed at appeasing its vote bank.

"The TMC government has failed to check cross-border infiltration and smuggling. The TMC's opposition is aimed at appeasing its vote bank," said Sayantan Basu, the BJP's state general secretary.

The Union Home Ministry issued a notification in this context on October 11, amending a July 2014 enabling provision for the BSF personnel and officers while they operate in the border areas.

BSF officials said the amendment will help them in effectively curbing trans-border crimes and the new amendment brings in "uniformity" for its operations in the borders states of Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Assam where it can now operate within 50 km area from the border.

In Gujarat, which shares border with Pakistan, the same limit has been reduced from 80 km to 50 km, while in Rajasthan, it has been kept unchanged at 50 km.

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Mumbai: The opposition BJP in Maharashtra on Thursday said the Shiv Sena-led MVA government was solely responsible for shortage of coal which has affected power generation at thermal plants in the state.

State BJP chief spokesperson Keshav Upadhye alleged that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government's "irresponsible" steps were to blame for the coal shortage.

Upadhye said, Coal India Ltd on March 9 this year had asked all thermal power plants to lift and stock sufficient coal. A letter was sent to state-based plants including those located at Bhusaval, Koradi (near Nagpur) and Chandrapur. However, power generation utility MahaGenco on March 21 informed Coal India that the state's electricity requirement has gone down."

He targeted state Energy Minister Nitin Raut over the power issue. The state energy minister has been consistently saying that power consumption has increased because of the COVID-19 lockdown. However, he informs Coal India that power requirement has gone down. It exposes the double standard of the MVA government, Upadhye said.

Coal India accounts for over 80 per cent of the domestic coal output. The central PSU is the largest coal-producing company in the world.

Earlier this week, Raut had said Maharashtra is facing a shortage of 3,500 to 4,000 MW of electricity supply and blamed "mismanagement and lack of planning" on part Coal India for the situation.

The Maharashtra government's irresponsible working style could lead us to face an acute shortage of power generation, Upadhye said. He said Raut had earlier claimed that power consumption has increased in the state because most people have been working from home due to the pandemic.

Asked about a video purportedly showing an NCP MLA climbing on a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Hingoli district, Upadhye said his act was unacceptable. The NCP MLA Raju Navaghare was seen climbing on a horse statue to Shivaji Maharaj to garland it. This is highly unacceptable and insulting to the icon of our state, he said. There has been no action or even comment from the NCP or the Shiv Sena, who otherwise boast about following the path of the late Maratha king, Upadhye said.

The BJP spokesperson also hit out at NCP president Sharad Pawar, whose party is a key constituent of the ruling MVA, saying he has no time for the farmers of Maharashtra.

Sharad Pawar has time to comment on what happened to farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri (in Uttar Pradesh), but ignores the fact that over 2,000 farmers have committed suicide in Maharashtra. He has no time for the Maharashtra farmers who are allegedly ending their life due to crisis in the agriculture sector, he said.

Also Read: Coal shortage due to rains, says Union Minister Pralhad Joshi

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New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on his Goa visit expressed confidence that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would win "absolute majority" in the Goa Assembly elections due in February next year. The Union Home Minister on Thursday (October 14, 2021), while referring to the benefits of "double engine" of BJP governments, in Goa and at the Centre, said that his party will form the government in the state once again.

"BJP will form the next government in the state with absolute majority...There is still time for elections. But I am appealing to the people of Goa to make up their mind to elect the BJP government in the state under the leadership of Narendra Modi at the Centre," Shah said.

"This double engine government will help to continue the development of the state," he added.

Amit Shah made these claims while addressing a gathering, after laying the foundation stone for the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) at Dharbandora village in South Goa. He also said that chartered flights will start arriving in the tourism-dependent state from November 15.

"I am happy to announce that chartered tourists will start flying in the state after that," he said.

#WATCH | "Another important step was surgical strike under PM Modi & former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. We sent out a message that one should not disrupt India's borders...There was a time when talks happened, but now is the time to reciprocate," says Home Min Amit Shah pic.twitter.com/BrMFUfzLRT  ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2021

The Union Home Minister also hailed the Pramod Sawant-led Goa government for covering the entire eligible population in the state with the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, he appealed to it to complete the process of second dose vaccination at the earliest.

The next year's Assembly elections is going to be a multi-party affair as apart from the ruling BJP, opposition Congress, several regional forces, including the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC), Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Maharashtra's ruling party Shiv Sena have decided to contest the polls for the 40-member House.

In the 2017 Goa Assembly polls, the Congress had emerged as the single largest party by winning 17 seats in the 40-member House. However, the BJP, which had bagged 13 seats, acted swiftly by joining hands with some regional parties and came to power.

(With PTI inputs)

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New Delhi: A day before his meet, Navjot Singh Sidhu on Wednesday (October 13) shared a video where he can be seen talking about various Punjab-related issues. He thanked the Congress high command for "facilitating" him while asserting there "can never be compromises".

Weeks after tendering his resignation as the Punjab Congress chief, Sidhu on Thursday will meet party general secretary KC Venugopal and Punjab incharge Harish Rawat.

Rawat had informed earlier that Sidhu will meet them to discuss the "organisational matters" of Punjab Congress. "Navjot Singh Sidhu, President Punjab Congress will be meeting me and KC Venugopal for discussion on certain organisational matters pertaining to Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee at Venugopal`s office (in Delhi) on October 14, the former Uttarakhand Chief Minister tweeted on Tuesday.

Sidhu said in the video, "I have 'ishq' with Punjab. What is the meaning of 'Ishq'? People think it is something physical. No..... It breaks away from all relationships and this is the kind of my 'Ishq' for Punjab. Those who understand my 'Ishq' for Punjab will never level any allegations against me.

"You should be facilitated and which is done by the high command. I will always be grateful to them. But how to move forward by making compromises? This system stands up like a monster and bites you," he said.

Taking an unveiled dig, Sidhu added, "Everywhere my merit was ignored. In politics 5 can be made 50 and 50 can be turned into zero.

This will be Sidhus first official meeting with the Congress central leadership after he stepped down from the post of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) chief. Sidhu, who was made the Punjab Congress chief in July much to the displeasure of then CM Amarinder Singh, had questioned the appointments of director general of police, state's advocate general and tainted leaders.

(With agency inputs)

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New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Thursday (October 14, 2021) said that it will release the date sheet for the first term board exams for classes 10 and 12 on October 18. The students will be able to check the date sheet at the official website of the central board- cbse.nic.in or cbseacademic.nic.in, once released.

The CBSE Class 10, 12 term-I exams are to be held in November-December 2021. The central board also revealed that it will have multiple-choice questions (MCQ) covering only the first half of the rationalised syllabus.

Term-1 board exams for Classes 10, 12 to be conducted offline; date-sheet to be announced on October 18. Term-1 board exams for Classes 10, 12 to be objective-type tests of 90-minute duration, said CBSE.

Term-1 board exams for Classes 10, 12 to be conducted offline; date-sheet to be announced on October 18: CBSE  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 14, 2021

Term-1 board exams for Classes 10, 12 to be objective-type tests of 90-minute duration: CBSE  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 14, 2021

CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj said, "After the conduct of the term-1 exams, the results in the form of the marks scored will be declared. No student will be placed in the pass, compartment and essential repeat categories after the first term. The final results will be announced after the first and the second-term examinations."

"Practical exams or internal assessment will be completed in schools before the first-term exams are over. The marks allotted will be 50 per cent of the total marks and mentioned in the syllabus. The schools will be informed separately about the full scheme so that they can make the necessary preparations," he added.

The CBSE is offering 114 subjects in Class 12 and 75 subjects in Class 10.

"The CBSE has to conduct the examinations for a total of 189 subjects. If the tests are conducted for all the subjects, the entire duration of the examinations would be about 40-45 days. Therefore, to avoid learning loss of students, the CBSE has decided that the subjects offered by it will be divided into two parts -- major subjects and minor subjects," Bhardwaj said.

"As the major subjects are offered by almost all the affiliated schools, the exams for these subjects will be conducted by fixing a date-sheet, as done earlier. Regarding the minor subjects, the CBSE will make groups of schools offering these subjects and thus, more than one paper would be conducted by the board in the schools on a day," he added.

Bhardwaj further said the second-term examination would be conducted in March-April, 2022 and whether it will be objective or subjective-type will depend on the Covid situation in the country.

(With PTI inputs)

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New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi on Thursday (October 14, 2021).

The Congress leader enquired about the health of the former prime minister. Rahul Gandhi also wished Dr Manmohan Singh a speedy recovery.

Dr Manmohan Singh was admitted to AIIMS, Delhi yesterday after he complained of fever and weakness.

Earlier today Prime Minister Narendra Modi also wished for the speedy recovery of the former PM. PM Modi tweeted, "I pray for the good health and speedy recovery of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji."

Earlier today, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also visited the former prime minister. Additionally, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also prayed for the speedy recovery of Singh.

The eighty-nine-year-old Congress leader had complained of weakness and is stable and under the observation of doctors, hospital sources said.

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New Delhi: The final approval for Bharat Biotech`s Covaxin for children aged 2-18 years is under experts opinion and evaluation, stated Government sources on Thursday.

Earlier on Tuesday, official sources had said that the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) has given a recommendation to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for the use of Bharat Biotech`s COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin, for the beneficiaries aged between 2-18 years.

Sources had told ANI today that after evaluation of the data, the final approval will be given by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).

Bharat Biotech in an official statement had said they are waiting for further approvals from drug regulators.

This is one of the first worldwide approval for COVID-19 vaccines for the age group of beneficiaries belonging to 2-18 years.

Bharat Biotech had submitted data from clinical trials in the 2-18 years age group for Covaxin (BBV152) to CDSCO. The data has been thoroughly reviewed by the CDSCO and Subject Experts Committee (SEC) and have provided their positive recommendations, the vaccine maker said.

The Subject expert committee on COVID-19 examined the data on Monday.

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New Delhi: Imagine that India is attacked by China or Pakistan and the army has to take permission from the state government to reach the border. What will happen if the state through which it has to pass refuses to give this permission? Today an attempt is being made to create a similar situation in India. The Central Government has increased the powers of the Border Security Force (BSF) in three borders states. But the state governments of Punjab and West Bengal are opposing it.

Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary on Thursday (October 14) discussed the tussle between the Centre and states over the new orders extending power to BSF.

According to a new notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs, in border states Punjab, West Bengal and Assam, the BSF will be able to conduct search, raid and arrest within 50 km of the border.

These are the states which share borders with countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar, where there are frequent reports of infiltration by terrorists, smuggling of drugs and smuggling of weapons.

No matter what, there should ideally be no politics when it comes to the security of the country. But in our country, the exact opposite is happening. The issue is related to national security and yet a certain section and political parties of our country having sympathy for terrorists are doing politics on this issue.

Of the three states, only Assam has a BJP government, while there is Congress government in Punjab and Trinamool Congress in West Bengal. Perhaps, this is the reason why most of the oppositions are taking place in these two states.

The governments of Punjab and West Bengal have termed this decision unconstitutional. Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi said that under the Indian Constitution, law and order is a matter of the state government, not of the Centre. He said that increasing the jurisdiction of BSF will hurt the federal structure.

However, these claims are not true. There are many such border states in the country where BSF works within a radius of 50 km from the border.

Under section 139(1) of the BSF Act, 1968, the Border Security Force is empowered to arrest within its jurisdiction any person who is involved in, or against whom a complaint is made. Even the lowest rank officer of the security forces can take action under the CrPC i.e. Code of Criminal Procedure without the order and warrant of the Magistrate. Where the jurisdiction of BSF ends, the responsibility of security lies with the state police.

Suppose a terrorist from Pakistan is infiltrating India but the BSF has the authority to act only up to 15 km and this terrorist enters India after crossing this area in a single night. In such a situation the BSF will not be able to take any action against them. The matter will go to the state government and instead of swift action, there are chances that politics would be played over it.

The reason West Bengal and Punjab governments are troubled by the Centres move is that they are more concerned about their minority vote bank instead of national security.

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New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday (October 14) said that women will be able to join the National Defence Academy (NDA) from next year.

Speaking at a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) seminar on Role of Women in the Armed Forces, he highlighted the importance of womens entry into the defence services.

I am happy to share with you that from next year, women shall be able to join our premier tri-service pre-commissioning training institute, the National Defence Academy, said Singh.

The induction of women in Military Police has commenced last year, marking a major milestone wherein women are inducted in the rank and file of Army, he said.

"Women are now being accepted for permanent commission and shall be commanding Army units and battalions in the near future," he added.

Notably, last month, in a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court allowed women to take the NDA exam scheduled for September 5th this year. The Supreme Court also came down heavily on the Indian Army for not allowing women to take part in NDA exams, Sainik Schools and other military institutions.

Singh also hailed former Prime Minister Indira Gandhis role during the 1971 war.

India's former prime minister Indira Gandhi not only led the country for a number of years, she also did so during the times of war, said Singh.

He also recalled Rani Laxmi Bai as one of the most revered and respected women who took up arms to protect their country and the rights of the people.

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New Delhi: Punjab Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu on Thursday (October 14, 2021) met senior party leaders at the AICC headquarters and said he has full faith in the leadership of party chief Sonia Gandhi and any decision taken by her will be acceptable.

Sidhu met AICC general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal and party general secretary incharge of Punjab affairs Harish Rawat at the party headquarters.

The meeting lasted around an hour after which Sidhu said any decision taken by the Gandhis would be in the interest of the party and Punjab.

"I have already expressed my concerns to the party high command and I am sure any decision that will be taken by the Congress president would be in the best interest of the party and Punjab," he told reporters after the meeting.

"I have full faith in the leadership," he said.

"Navjot Sidhu has been asked to work as Punjab Congress president and set up the organisation structure and strengthen it," said Rawat after the meeting.

Sidhu had recently resigned as Punjab Congress president but the decision to accept his resignation is yet to be taken.

Sources said a final decision on his resignation will come by Friday.

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New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday (October 14, 2021) said that it has sent coronavirus vaccines to Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Iran according to the government's decision to resume their supplies.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the government has decided to send the supplies to the neighbourhood initially.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi said recently at the UN General Assembly that India will resume supply of coronavirus vaccines. We have decided to start with the neighbourhood," Bagchi said.

"As far as I know, vaccines have already gone to Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Iran. We are constantly monitoring and reviewing the situation," he said.

Bagchi said the decision on further supplies will be based on India's production and demand.

"We will decide on further supplies based on our production and demand," he said.

Earlier, India was the world's largest producer of vaccines overall. The country had suspended exports of COVID-19 vaccines in April to focus on inoculating its own population following a sudden spike in infections in the second wave of COVID-19.

Last month, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that India will resume the supplies abroad.

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New Delhi: The Kerala government on Wednesday (October 13) said that Below Poverty Line (BPL) dependent families whose kin died due to COVID-19 will receive Rs 5,000 per month for three years as additional assistance.

The call was taken at a Cabinet meeting where it was decided the additional relief would be made available only to BPL dependents of the deceased.

Further, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said this financial assistance will also be provided to BPL families of those who might succumb to coronavirus in the coming days, PTI reported.

This additional relief would not make such families ineligible to receive other relief packages under social welfare, welfare funds or pensions. Besides that, families settled here of those who died outside the state or country would also be eligible for the benefit and while including them in BPL category, income of the deceased would not be taken into account, the state government said in a release.

However, if there is a government employee or income tax payer in such families, then they would be ineligible for the new relief package and village officers have been directed to ensure such persons are not there when deciding the applications seeking the additional assistance, the CM added.

The Kerala CM asked the dependents to submit the applications in a simple one-page form, for which the District Collectors and Revenue authorities concerned have been assigned to carry out the necessary steps.

The CM stated that this additional financial relief would be funded from Chief Minister's Disaster Relief Fund. The relief package of Rs 5,000 per month will be paid as a direct benefit transfer from the first month of payment till the next three years and the funds for the same would be taken from the Chief Minister's Disaster Relief Fund till the required amount is allocated in the budget.

Meanwhile, Kerala reported 11,079 new coronavirus cases and 123 fatalities, which pushed the total caseload to 48,20,698 and the death toll to 26,571. Kerala has been witnessing a decline in the daily fresh cases after crossing the 30,000-mark in August.

(With agency inputs)

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New Delhi: The Maharashtra government has decided to reopen colleges and universities from October 20 with certain riders.

Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Minister Uday Samant said on Wednesday (October 13) that students can attend colleges and universities given that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

"All the non-agricultural colleges, state-run universities, deemed universities, self-financed universities and colleges affiliated to them can start holding physical classes from October 20. The teaching as well as non-teaching staff should complete their vaccination on priority," PTI quoted Samant as saying.

He added that students must have taken both COVID-19 jabs to attend physical classes and urged unvaccinated students to take the vaccine on priority. "Only the students who have taken both the doses can attend the classes. Those students who are yet to complete their vaccination against COVID-19 should get it on priority by coordinating with their respective colleges, the minister told reporters.

It is yet to be decided that how many students would attend a class. Samant said a call would be taken after discussing the matter with the local authorities empowered under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Every university should issue the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to the colleges affiliated to it, he further said.

On the issue of reopening hostels, Samant informed, Those students who need to stay at the hostel will be intimated by their college administration. The colleges are supposed to discuss the issue with the officials of higher and technical education officials regarding the opening of hostels for students.

The government is also planning to submit a proposal allowing college-going students to board local trains in Mumbai and neighbouring areas before the state chief secretary soon, he stated.

Earlier, the Maharashtra government had resumed schools for standard 5 to 12 students on October 4 after being closed for over one-and-a-half years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maharashtra logged 2,219 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, which took its total infections to 65,83,896, as per the state health department. With 49 fatalities, the death toll climbed to 1,39,670.

(With agency inputs)

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Srinagar: After the recent killings of civilians in Kashmir Valley, the members of the majority community of Muslims have come forward to support the minorities. Special announcements are being made from the mosques to assure the minority community that they stand with them.

The Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir Nasir Ul Islam visited the families and also assured them on behalf of the majority community that they should feel safe and nothing will hamper the social fabric of Kashmir valley. The Grand Mufti also demanded a quick investigation in these cases so that the culprits are put behind the bars and the real motive is unearthed.

I went to see the families, I gave them assurance that I represent 1.5 crore Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir and we want them to stay here and feel safe. I think a full investigation should be done in these cases. The culprits need to be arrested and we would know the motive of these killings. Islam doesnt allow the killing of anyone, said Mufti Nasir Ul Islam.

The minority communities  Hindus and Sikhs - have appreciated the efforts that are made by the Muslim community. Around 10 mosques in the Srinagar city have made announcements after the prayers assuring the minority community to feel safe.

The minority community now wants them to make these announcements after the Friday prayers as well. A Kashmir Pandit Sanjay Tickoo said that this time no migration has taken place and whoever has left will be coming back soon.

It's a welcome statement and I have made an appeal to all masjid committees too. It should be announced in every mosque in the valley so that it will reach the larger masses. So far nine mosques in the city have announced these assurances to minorities in the vicinity. It has opened the space for minorities to be less afraid. It's a good step. My appeal is to the Grand Mufti is that on Friday, they must announce in mosques through loudspeakers to make minorities feel safe. It will ease our tension. After these announcements were made I feel better and safer, said Sanjay Tickoo.

The Sikh community in the valley has also thanked the Muslim community for the help and assurances.

The majority community came forward at the time of Chittisinghpura. We have a strong brotherhood with the majority community but people across the border dont want that. Muslims have been coming to Supinder Kaurs house since the incident. The locals here are not communal at all. We will all fight it together. I got a number of calls from the majority community and I got a call from Mirwaiz Umar Farooq as well as Mufti Nasir and the Chamber of Commerce, said Jagmohan Raina, Sikh leader of APNI Party.

The efforts are on by all communities living in Kashmir valley to save Kashmiriyat. The Kashmiris don't want a repeat of the '90s and are making sure this time that the social fabric of the valley is not affected.

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver a video address at an event organised by the Defence Ministry to dedicate seven new defence companies to the nation on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami on Friday, the PMO said on Thursday.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and representatives from the defence industry associations will be present on the occasion.

Referring to the seven new defence companies, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said the government has decided to convert Ordnance Factory Board from a department into seven fully government-owned corporate entities as a measure to improve self-reliance in the country's defence preparedness.

This move will bring about enhanced functional autonomy and efficiency and will unleash new growth potential and innovation, it said.

The seven new defence companies that have been incorporated are Munitions India Limited (MIL), Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVANI), Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWE India), Troop Comforts Limited (TCL), Yantra India Limited (YIL), India Optel Limited (IOL) and Gliders India Limited (GIL), the PMO said.

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (October 14, 2021) wished his predecessor Manmohan Singh a speedy recovery. The former Prime Minister was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi on Wednesday evening after he complained of weakness following a fever.

PM Modi tweeted, "I pray for the good health and speedy recovery of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji."

I pray for the good health and speedy recovery of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 14, 2021

Earlier, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya visited the former prime minister and enquired about his health from the doctors treating him.

In a tweet in Hindi, Mandaviya said that he met former prime minister Manmohan Singh at AIIMS, New Delhi and enquired about his health. The health minister wished Manmohan Singh a speedy recovery.

The 89-year-old Congress vetran leader was admitted to a private ward of the cardioneuro centre of AIIMS and is under the care of a team of cardiologists led by Dr Nitish Naik.

"Singh's condition is stable," a doctor at the hospital said. Manmohan Singh had a fever on Monday and had recovered, but turned weak and was on fluids.

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New Delhi: Congress leader Randeep Surjewala on Thursday slammed the Centre over its decision to increase Border Security Force (BSF) jurisdiction in Punjab, West Bengal and Assam. Surjewala called the Centre's decision "unilateral" claiming it was meant to deflect attention from the movement of heroin through Gujarats Adani Port this year.

Taking to Twitter, Surjewala claimed a chronology, referring first to two drug consignments  a 25,000 kg shipment that reportedly passed through the Adani Port in June and a 3,000 kg shipment captured at the same port in September.

"The Chronology-  25,000 Kgs of Heroin Drugs came through Adani Port, Gujarat on 9/6/2021.  3,000 Kgs of Heroin Drugs caught at Adani Port, Gujarat on 13/9/2021. BSF jurisdiction unilaterally increased from 15 Kms to 50 Kms in Punjab. Federalism Dead, Conspiracy Clear," his tweet read.

The Chronology-  25,000 Kgs of Heroin Drugs came through Adani Port, Gujarat on 9/6/2021.  3,000 Kgs of Heroin Drugs caught at Adani Port, Gujarat on 13/9/2021.  BSF jurisdiction unilaterally increased from 15 Kms to 50 Kms in Punjab. Federalism Dead, Conspiracy Clear.  Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) October 14, 2021

The criticism comes after a decision by the Home Ministry increasing the BSF jurisdiction in three states  Punjab, Bengal, and Assam  will now include all areas within 50 km of the international border. Previously BSF jurisdiction was up to 15 km from the border.

Notably, the jurisdiction of BSF in Gujarat has been reduced from 80 km to 50 km, while for the five northeastern states, for Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Rajasthan the radius area of 50 km remains unchanged.

The new order means the BSF can carry out searches and make arrests within a wider area.

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Chennai: The DMK-led Tamil Nadu government on Thursday (October 14) ordered further relaxations in the COVID-19 restrictions in view of the festive season and in order to facilitate the reopening of schools for children.

Based on a meeting with a committee of experts, the state government has announced that all places of worship that were closed for devotees on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays will now open throughout the week.

The government also decided to allow the reopening of playschools, nursery schools (LKG, UKG), and Anganwadis from November 1. The school authorities will have to ensure the caretakers, workers are fully vaccinated.

As per an earlier communication from the government, in-person classes for students of classes 1 to 8 would also commence from November 1.

According to the fresh orders, all stores, hotels, other services that were allowed to function till 10 pm will be allowed to function till 11 pm. Tuition centres, government and private job fairs etc. can also function from Thursday onwards.

On Sundays, beaches will be open to the public. 100 persons can take part in weddings and 50 persons in funerals.

However, the ban on political, social, cultural events will continue.

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New Delhi: Shares of Tata Motors on Wednesday jumped over 19 per cent after the company said it will raise USD 1 billion (Rs 7,500 crore) in its passenger electric vehicle (EV) business from TPG Rise Climate at a valuation of up to USD 9.1 billion.

The stock zoomed 19.29 per cent to its 52-week high of Rs 502 on BSE.

It jumped 19.49 per cent to its 52-week high of Rs 502.90 on NSE.

The fund will be used to partly fund investment of USD 2 billion (over Rs 16,000 crore) in the next five years by a new subsidiary of the company for expanding its EV business, including launching of 10 EV models.

Tata Motors Ltd (TML) and TPG Rise Climate, the dedicated climate investing strategy of private investment firm TPG, have entered into a binding agreement, under which the latter along with its co-investor ADQ, will invest in a subsidiary of Tata Motors that will be newly incorporated, the company said in a statement on Tuesday.

TPG Rise Climate along with co-investors shall invest Rs 7,500 crore in compulsory convertible instruments to secure between 11-15 per cent stake in this company translating to an equity valuation of up to USD 9.1 billion, it added.

ADQ is a strategic partner of Abu Dhabi's government and is one of the region's largest holding companies with direct and indirect investments in more than 90 companies locally and internationally.

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New Delhi: Actress-model Nora Fatehi has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate in Rs 200 crore worth money laundering case, reportedly. According to ANI, Nora was spotted outside the ED office.

ANI tweeted: Actor & dancer Nora Fatehi reaches the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office to join the investigation in connection with the conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar case

Delhi: Actor & dancer Nora Fatehi reaches the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office to join the investigation in connection with the conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar case pic.twitter.com/c3t5YEMEaA  ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2021

Reportedly, it is in connection with conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar who is accused in an alleged multi-crore extortion racket.

Actress Jacqueline Fernandez will also join the probe. ANI tweeted:

Actor Jacqueline Fernandez to join the investigation in connection with the Sukesh Chandrashekhar case. She will appear before Enforcement Directorate in Delhi, tomorrow: Sources  ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2021

According to a report in News18.com, earlier, Jacqueline Fernandez was also probed by the agency as a witness in the Rs. 200 Crore money laundering case. The ED examined her in New Delhi and recorded her statement under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Jacqueline's questioning lasted for about 5 hours.

More details are awaited.
New Delhi: Support for Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan from the Bollywood film fraternity, ever since their son Aryan Khan was arrested by Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) early this month, has only got stronger. Actress Preity Zinta, who is known to be a good friend of Shah Rukh, was seen visiting his residence Mannat on Thursday.

Her visit to Shah Rukh and Gauri comes in the aftermath of NDPS court reserving its order on Aryan's bail petition till October 20. Photographers spotted her car arriving at Shah Rukh's residence today. The actress was spotted sitting on the back seat of the car, but her face was not very much clear. Check photos:

Preity has worked with Shah Rukh Khan in films like 'Dil Se', 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna', 'Veer Zara', 'Kal Ho Na Ho', 'Om Shanti Om'.

On Wednesday, Salman Khan was spotted visiting Shah Rukh Khan to extend his support to the actor. Salman is the first celebrity from the tinsel town to visit Shah Rukh after Aryan Khan's arrest. Since then, he has visited his 'Karan Johar' co-star multiple times.

Earlier in the day, in a huge setback to Aryan Khan, a Mumbai special NDPS court reserved its order on his and other co-accused's bail applications until October 20, even as the NCB virtually labelled him a 'junkie' regularly consuming drugs.

With this, Aryan, the son of Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan, and other accused - Arbaaz Merchant and Munmun Dhamecha will remain in judicial custody at the Arthur Road Central Jail and the Byculla Women's jail for the next five days on account of public holidays over the next few days.

A day after alleging that Aryan Khan was prima facie involved in 'illicit drug trafficking, procuring and distribution of contraband', and having links with some international persons, the NCB said he was a 'regular consumer' of drugs.

It said that although no drugs were recovered from him, Aryan Khan was in 'conscious possession' of the contraband as he is linked with Merchant, from whom 6 gms charas was found and Aachit Kumar from whom 2.6 gms ganja was recovered.

A day after alleging that Aryan Khan was prima facie involved in "illicit drug trafficking, procuring and distribution of contraband", and having links with some international persons, the NCB said he was a "regular consumer" of drugs.

It said that though no drugs were recovered from him, Aryan Khan was in 'conscious possession' of the contraband as he is linked with Merchant, from whom 6 gms charas was found and Aachit Kumar from whom 2.6 gms ganja was recovered. Special Judge Patil also hinted that he would examine the allegedly incriminatory chats.

Aryan Khan's lawyer, senior advocate Amit Desai rubbished the allegations as baseless and argued that there was no drug recovery from him, nor did he have cash so he had no plans to purchase drugs, nor was he going to sell or consume them.

The NCB, while opposing the bail plea, said that Aryan Khan had been consuming drugs for a few years now and was in touch with some persons who appear to be a part of an international drug network for procurement of drugs. Further probe is on with regard to the financial transactions done abroad, the agency said.
New Delhi: Superstar Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan's bail hearing will continue today as it was adjourned by the sessions court on October 13, 2021. Meanwhile, fate of this star kid along with other accused in cruise party drugs case remains on tenterhooks.

Amid Aryan Khan drugs case controversy and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) statements hogging headlines, actress Rhea Chakraborty dropped a cryptic post on her Instagram recently. She shared a thoughtful quote without naming or tagging anyone. Take a look:

Incidentally, last year, the NCB had arrested Rhea and her brother Showik Chakraborty in a drugs case related to late actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death. The actress was lodged in Mumbai's Byculla Jail for more than a month.

In fact, Rhea's lawyer Satish Maneshinde is Aryan's counsel in the rave party case.

On the work front, Rhea Chakraborty was last seen in 'Chehre', a film starring Amitabh Bachchan and Emraan Hashmi which was released sometime back. 'Chehre' is directed by Rumy Jaffery and also stars Emraan Hashmi who plays a business tycoon with a complicated past.

Meanwhile, the sessions court will continue hearing the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Anil C Singh oppose the bail plea today.

The NCB on October 2, 2021 evening raided a cruise ship that was going from Mumbai to Goa and made a seizure of 13 grams of Cocaine, 5 grams of MD, 21 grams of Charas and 22 pills of MDMA and 1.33 lakhs in cash. Aryan Khan was also present on the cruise ship and was detained along with seven others Arbaz Seth Merchant, Munmun Dhamecha, Vikrant Chhoker, Ismeet Singh, Nupur Sarika, Gomit Chopra and Mohak Jaswal by the officials.

The next day he and Arbaz Merchant and Munmun Dhamecha were arrested. No recovery of drugs was made from Aryan personally.
New Delhi: The 'Bhoot Police' actor Saif Ali Khan recently spoke about the change he's noticed in his elder son Taimur Ali Khan with Kareena Kapoor after the birth of his youngest Jehangir Ali Khan.

In a conversation with a leading daily, Saif divulged that Taimur had transformed into a more responsible child after Jeh's birth since he's not the younger one anymore. He also joked about how he's afraid that the two brothers are going to disrupt their peaceful and quiet lives.

He told Hindustan Times, "There is definitely a change in Taimur he was the younger one and now he isnt anymore. He is interested in zombies and armies and he makes his brother laugh a lot and usually (with) loud things. I think we are going to have our hands full. I am quite frightened as to where the peace and quiet portion is going to go with two boys."

The actor also opened up on his experience with the first lockdown and enjoying downtime with his family.

"The first lockdown was like that. We are luckily very sorted people. My family is quite balanced, we have lovely children here. We can cook and listen music and read books and be okay like that also, but we much prefer our normal lives working, and balancing it ourselves," he revealed.

Saif Ali Khan recently starred in the horror-comedy 'Bhoot Police' which is streaming on Amazon Prime. He will next be seen in 'Bunty Aur Babli 2' alongside Rani Mukerji.
New Delhi: The very stunning Samantha Ruth Prabhu has an ocean of fan following who care about her. More so, after they were left heartbroken with Sam and Naga Chaitanya's separation news. The former couple announced split a few days back on social media by sharing identical posts.

Samantha was recently seen first time in public and she had her two pets along. She basically took them to a Vet's clinic and got papped. Although Sam was following COVID-19 protocol and wearing mask, fans were quick to recognise her.

Take a look at photos which went viral on social media.

Announcing separation, ChaySam (as they were fondly called by fans) wrote in a joint statement shared on social media: To all our well-wishers. After much deliberation and thought Chay and I have decided to part ways as husband and wife to pursue our own paths. We are fortunate to have a friendship of over a decade that was the very core of our relationship which we believe will always hold a special bond between us.

We request our fans , well wishers and the media to support us during this difficult time and give us the privacy we need to move on. Thanking you for your support.

For the unversed, the rumours of ChaySam divorce (their fans call them that) gained ground after Sam dropped Akkineni (her surname) from social media handles.

Samantha and Naga Chaitanya met on the set of Gautham Menon's Ye Maaya Chesave in 2010 and dated for a while. The couple tied the knot in Goa on October 6, 2017, followed by a Christian wedding on October 7, 2017, respectively.

On the work front, she made her digital debut with Manoj Bajpayee starrer 'The Family Man Season 2' which earned her immense love and appreciation. She even bagged the Best Actress (Series) award for her performance as Raji in The Family Man Season 2 at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2021.

Naga's film Love Story with Sai Pallavi was released on September 30, 2021.
New Delhi: Planning to invest in property at discounted rates? If yes, then we have good news for you! The State Bank of India (SBI) is planning to conduct an electronic auction for mortgage properties that include both commercial and residential spaces. The electronic auction of the properties will take place on October 25 as part of the SBI mega e-auction.

"Your next big investment opportunity is here! Join us during the e-auction and place your best bid," SBI said in a Tweet.

Investors planning to invest their money could use the opportunity to bid for homes, plots, commercial shops and more at prices cheaper than market rates. The properties that are put on a bid by SBI are actually mortgage properties of defaulters

Heres how you can bid for properties:

Step 1: Log in to the official portal by using your registered credentials or register as a new user.

Step 2: After accepting the terms and conditions, select the Participate' button.

Step 3: Upload the documents required for submitting the bids. These documents include KYC docs, EMD details and First Rate Quote.

Step 4: After uploading all the documents, bidders will have to submit the Quote Price which can be either equal to greater than the reserved value of the property on sale.

Step 5: Now, click on the 'submit button.

Step 6: Verify all the details again before clicking on the 'final submit button to submit your bid for the property.

We at SBI are very transparent when putting immovable properties, mortgaged with the Bank / attached by Court order to auction, by furnishing all the relevant details that can make it an attractive proposition for bidders to participate in the auctions, Indias largest state-owned bank said. Also Read: Tata Punch to launch on October 18, check upcoming SUV's price, features, booking details

We also incorporate all relevant details and state whether the same is freehold or leasehold, give its measurement, location etc., including other relevant details in the public notices issued for auctioning. The details of such properties put up for e-auctions may be accessed through the links provided in the advertisement. There is designated contact person also for auction at the Branches whom prospective Buyers may approach to for any clarification regarding the auction process and the property he /she is interested in and may inspect the properties of their interest," the bank added. Also Read: Kia Sonet First Anniversary Edition launched in India: Check price, specs and other details

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#mute
Chennai: Popular netizens, political analysts and common people in Tamil Nadu have raised questions at Chief Minister MK Stalin for meeting some Youtubers and Social media influencers who gained popularity by making vulgar, hate-mongering and abusive content particularly targeted at women.

According to the social media influencers, they had met the Chief Minister for handing over a cheque of Rs 23 lakhs, funds which they had crowdsourced for an oxygen plant at a government hospital.

Netizens lashed out at the vulgar content that they had been propagating on social media, in order to earn money and gain popularity. Several users shared videos of a particular duo who had unabashedly made videos that poked fun and laughter at heinous crimes like gang rape, abuse of women, incest etc. While these videos have been deleted from youtube, many of these offensive clips are still doing the rounds.

Most of their videos had direct references to male and female genitalia in the most vulgar manner possible and had used extremely lewd language that cant be presented in print.

Sharing a picture of the meeting with Youtubers and influencers, activist and lawyer Kasturi Shankar had questioned if it was an attempt to recruit new-gen theepori arumugams (a reference to a controversial and vulgar speaker who had made speeches against a Woman Chief Minister). She added that it was obvious that the Chief Minister doesnt really know some of those YouTubers. It is one thing for DMK to promote rubbish, quite another for the state CM to do it read a portion of Kasturi's tweet.

Is this CM Stalin's effort to appear updated and media savvy? Or is it a recruitment for new-gen theepori arumugams?

It is obvious @mkstalin doesn't really know some of these guys. It is one thing for DMK to promote rubbish, quite another for the state CM to do it. pic.twitter.com/8kSReT8cP4  Kasturi Shankar (@KasthuriShankar) October 14, 2021

An ousted journalist with a dubious reputation, who is presently a Youtuber with a reputation for hate-mongering had also met the Chief Minister and presented a book with a cover that showed the map of India burning in a fire-altar.

The book is titled Veda fanatic India, referring to the ancient Indian religious texts that are composed in Sanskrit. The Vedas, (which mean knowledge in English)) are a compilation of four scriptures, which are the oldest scriptures in Hinduism.

The cover of the book featured a hate caricature targeted at the Brahmin community, which the DMK and its leaders have also made hate speeches against.

Referring to the picture of the Youtuber who presented the controversial book to the Chief Minister, Sumanth C Raman had asked if no one in the Chief Ministers office screened what books are presented to MK Stalin.

Does no one in the CM Office screen what books are presented to @mkstalin ? This thread... https://t.co/LElXJuuBZw  Sumanth Raman (@sumanthraman) October 13, 2021

An anonymous Twitter user that goes by the name Reality Check India had lamented that such books continued to be written in Tamil Nadu and in the Tamil language.

Forget for a moment that a CM of a major state which in a modern democracy can even accept such a hate book with a cover like this. That even such books continue to be written in a nook of the world - in Tamil. pic.twitter.com/eGKSNtyvQR  Reality Check India (@realitycheckind) October 13, 2021

Certain users had pointed out that the YouTubers were the ones who spoke the truth and asked questions. They also defended the YouTubers saying they were donating for a noble cause and questioned if Kasturi Shankar had done anything similar.

To this, the actor responded and asked how gang rape jokes and lewd and abusive language were connected with the truth. "Would the Chief Minister pose with (notorious terrorists such as) Bin Laden and Dawood Ibrahim, if they donated money? Posing with anyone and everyone who gives money may be normal for you, but it is not so for me" read her tweet in Tamil.

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New Delhi: Fans have been singing high praises of Shamita Shetty after witnessing her soft side on the latest episode of Bigg Boss 15. In the episode, Shamita had destroyed Miesha Iyer's footwear which left Miesha distraught and in pain.

The reality show star confided in Pratik Sehajpal and revealed that she doesn't have any family to send her essentials to the Bigg Boss home as both her parents had passed away.

It appears Shamita wasn't aware of this fact and asked Pratik to explain why Miesha was upset and what she meant by the previous statement.

Pratik explained to Shamita that Miesha had lost both her parents. This revelation brought tears to Shamita's eyes and she asked Pratik to call her in as she wanted to offer her a pair of shoes from her collection.

Shamita tells her, "I'm so sorry I didn't know. Please choose one pair of sandals, whichever colour you like."

Miesha says, "I'll take it when I want it because I'm not allowed right now. And I'm sure my shoes are not as expensive as yours."

Take a look at their conversation:

Nice people are often misunderstood, people find ill intentions in their deeds, it's ironic how people will never appreciate her for her humbleness but will always target her for being a Shetty, Even Miesha is sweet <3#ShamitaShetty #BB15 #BiggBoss15 #MieshaIyer pic.twitter.com/DSyFLERdyT  BIGG BOSS live feeds (@BB_live_feeds) October 13, 2021

Fans were quite smitten by her act of kindness and so was her rumoured beau Raqesh Bapat as he took to Twitter to praise her.

In the previous episode of Bigg Boss 15, Pratik broke down after Jay Bhanushali hurls abuses at him while defending himself for Shamita's bruises.

Pratik, who got an emotional breakdown, is seen hurting himself and crying inconsolably. Karan, Shamita and Vishal were seen trying to console him, however, Pratik said that he is ready to walk out of the show as he can't stand abuses on his mother.

Last week, Sahil Shroff was evicted from the house and now there are 15 contestants competing to win the trophy.
New Delhi: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Lakhimpur Kheri violence incident on Thursday arrived at the site along with security forces. A total of eight people including three farmers had died in the violence on October 3.

The SIT recreated the crime scene in the presence of four accused, including Union Minister`s son Ashish Mishra and his friend Ankit Das, gunman Latif and driver Shekhar Bharti. The entire area, where the October 3 incident took place was cordoned off.

The accused were asked questions about their presence on the spot. The SIT arranged for three SUVs and also dummies to recreate how the speeding vehicles mowed down farmers on that fateful day. The SIT cross-checked the statements of the four people in the case.

#WATCH Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Lakhimpur Kheri to recreate the crime scene pic.twitter.com/T6ffwrN2z4  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 14, 2021

During this exercise, the team of Forensic Science Laboratory, Lucknow was also present along with the SIT. The Rapid Action Force (RAF) has also been deployed along with the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) on the spot.

Meanwhile, a Congress delegation on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to President Ram Nath Kovind demanding an independent judicial investigation by a Commission comprising of two sitting judges of the Supreme Court of India or the High Court.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Beijing: China is preparing to send three astronauts to live on its space station for six months a new milestone for a program that has advanced rapidly in recent years.

It will be China's longest-ever crewed space mission and set a record for the most time spent in space by Chinese astronauts. The Shenzhou-13 spaceship is expected to be launched into space on a Long March-2F rocket early Saturday morning from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on the edge of the Gobi Desert in northwestern China.

The first crew who served a 90-day mission aboard the main Tianhe core module of the space station returned in mid-September.

The new crew has two veterans of space travel. Pilot Zhai Zhigang, 55, performed China's first spacewalk. Wang Yaping, 41 and the only woman on the mission, carried out experiments and led a science class in real-time while traveling on one of China's earlier experimental space stations. Ye Guangfu, 41, will be traveling into space for the first time.

The mission is expected to continue the work of the initial crew, who conducted two spacewalks, deployed a 10-meter (33-foot) mechanical arm, and held a video call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

China Manned Space Agency Deputy Director Lin Xiqiang said the rocket was fueled and ready to fly. All systems conducting the Shenzhou-13 mission have undergone a comprehensive rehearsal. The flight crew is in good condition and our pre-launch preparations are in order," Lin said at a Thursday briefing.

The crew's scheduled activities include up to three spacewalks to install equipment in preparation for expanding the station, verifying living conditions in the module and conducting experiments in space medicine and other areas, Lin said.

China's military, which runs the space program, has released few details but says it will send multiple crews to the station over the next two years to make it fully functional. Shenzhou-13 will be the fifth mission, including un-crewed trips to deliver supplies.

When completed with the addition of two more modules named Mengtian and Wentian the station will weigh about 66 tons, a fraction of the size of the International Space Station, which launched its first module in 1998 and will weigh around 450 tons when completed.

China was excluded from the International Space Station largely due to U.S. Objections over the Chinese program's secretive nature and close military ties. It made plans to build its own space stations in the early 1990s and had two experimental modules before starting on the permanent station.

U.S. Law requires congressional approval for contact between the American and Chinese space programs, but China is cooperating with space experts from countries including France, Sweden, Russia and Italy.

China has sent 14 astronauts into space since 2003, when it became only the third country after the former Soviet Union and the United States to do so on its own.

Along with its crewed missions, China has expanded its work on lunar and Mars exploration, including placing a rover on the little-explored far side of the Moon and returning lunar rocks to Earth for the first time since the 1970s.

China this year also landed its Tianwen-1 space probe on Mars, whose accompanying Zhurong rover has been exploring for evidence of life on the red planet.

Other programs call for collecting soil from an asteroid and bring back additional lunar samples. China has also expressed an aspiration to land people on the moon and possibly build a scientific base there, although no timeline has been proposed for such projects. A highly secretive space plane is also reportedly under development
Dhaka: At least three people were killed and 60 injured including journalists, police and common people, in the communal violence during Durga Puja celebrations in Chandpur`s Hajiganj upazila.

The incident occurred on Wednesday (October 13, 2021) when the Hindu devotees were celebrating Durga Puja, the greatest religious festival of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, reported Dhaka Tribune.

Earlier in Cumilla, at least 50 people were injured as a group of religious extremists clashed with law enforcers in Nanua Dighirpar area over reports of "demeaning the Holy Quran" at a Puja Mandap, reported Daily Star.

The religious extremists started rushing to the Mandap area around 9 am after a video went viral on social media. Members of law enforcement agencies arrived within a very short time at the mandap where Hindu devotees were celebrating Durga Puja, said police.

To quell the situation, the deputy commissioner and superintendent of police in the district held a meeting with the local Hindu community and others around 10 am, reported the Daily Star.

By then, several groups under banners of different Muslim religious organisations gathered in Nanua Dighirpar. As the meeting was ongoing, the mob attacked the mandap around 10:30 am, said locals and police, reported Daily Star. Police and administration sources confirmed three incidents of attack in Banshkhali`s Chambal area, Kali Mandir municipality and Karnaphuli upazila.

ALSO READ | Durga Puja 2021: Breathtaking photos of celebrations amid COVID-19 pandemic protocol

In Kurigram`s Ulipur upazila, several temples were vandalised and one was even set on fire.

Authorities imposed Section 144 in Hajiganj following the violence and deployed eight platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to restore law and order situation.

The administration in Chattogram deployed eight BGB platoons in six upazilas of the district last night, after several temples of the Hindu community were reportedly attacked in Banshkhali and Karnaphuli upazilas, reported Daily Star.

Sources at the local administration said two platoons of BGB troops have been deployed in Hathazari and Banshkhali upazilas each, one each in Patiya, Sitakunda, Fatikchhari and Chandanish upazilas of the district.

Meanwhile, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has warned that those involved in the Cumilla incident will be brought to justice and no offender will be spared.

"It`s an act of an evil communal force, and those who attack Hindu temples won`t be spared either, even if they belong to any party," Obaidul Quader said while addressing the Mahastami (8th day) of Durga Puja at KIB premises in the capital on Wednesday evening.

He said a united resistance has to be built against those who want to destroy the communal harmony in the country before the national election, reported Dhaka Tribune.

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GENEVA: The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday its newly formed advisory group on dangerous pathogens may be "our last chance" to determine the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and and urged China to provide data from early cases.

The first human cases of COVID-19 were reported in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019. China has repeatedly dismissed theories that the virus leaked from one of its laboratories and has said no more visits are needed.

A WHO-led team spent four weeks in and around Wuhan earlier this year with Chinese scientists, and said in a joint report in March that the virus had probably been transmitted from bats to humans through another animal but further research was needed.

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said that the investigation was hampered by a dearth of raw data pertaining to the first days of the outbreak`s spread and has called for lab audits.

The WHO on Wednesday named the 26 proposed members of its Scientific Advisory Group on the Origins of Novel Pathogens. They include Marion Koopmans, Thea Fischer, Hung Nguyen and Chinese animal health expert Yang Yungui, who took part in the joint investigation in Wuhan.

DOZENS OF STUDIES NEEDED

Maria van Kerkhove, WHO technical lead on COVID-19, voiced hope that there would be further WHO-led international missions to China which would engage the country`s cooperation.

She told a news conference that "more than three dozen recommended studies" must still to be carried out to determine how the virus crossed from the animal species to humans.

Reported Chinese testing for antibodies in Wuhan residents in 2019 will be "absolutely critical" to understanding the virus`s origins, van Kerkhove said.

The WHO, in an editorial in the journal Science, said that detailed investigations of the earliest known and suspected cases in China prior to December 2019 were still needed, including analyses of stored blood samples from 2019 in Wuhan and retrospective searches of hospital and mortality data for earlier cases.

Labs in the area where the first reports of human infections emerged in Wuhan must be a focus, as ruling out an accident requires sufficient evidence, it said.

Mike Ryan, WHO`s top emergency expert, said the new panel may be the last chance to establish the origin of SARS-CoV-2, "a virus that has stopped our whole world".

The WHO was seeking to "take a step back, create an environment where we can again look at the scientific issues", he said. "This is our best chance, and it may be our last chance to understand the origins of this virus."

Chen Xu, China`s ambassador to the UN in Geneva, told a separate news conference the conclusions of the joint study were "quite clear," adding that as international teams had been sent to China twice already, "it is time to send teams to other places."

"I do believe that if we are going to continue with the scientific research I think it should be a joint effort based on science not by the intelligence agencies," Chen said. "So if we are going to talk about anything, we are doing the whole business with the framework of SAGO".